Mr Drake and My Lady Silver

Tales of Aylfenhame, 4

Grieving for a long-dead sister, Ilsevel is elated to learn that her twin may yet have survived — and angry, for at the centre of this decades-old tale is the traitor Wodebean. A cheat he may be, but he holds the key to her sister’s life, and Ilsevel will travel the length and breadth of England to find him. But can she do it alone?

Son of a disgruntled baker, Phineas Drake slaves away his days in his father’s pastry shop, dreaming of a better life. Delivering plum-cakes in the dark of a winter’s dawn, he sees a mysterious lady darting through the snow — alone, and in trouble. What can he do but follow?

Caught up in the chaos of Ilsevel’s quest, Phineas is far out of his depth — or is he? For the baker’s boy is clever, and fiercely loyal. Already a force to be reckoned with, My Lady Silver’s nigh-on unstoppable with Phineas at her side. And she’ll need to be, for her quest will take her deep into the lawless depths of the Hollow Hills...