“It is you, isn't it?” Raven asked, looking straight at me. “May
I come in?”
I have to admit, seeing him there took me by surprise. I don't know
what I had been expecting, but it wasn't him. I could feel my mouth
hanging open with surprise, then realisation slowly dawned, and with
it a sense of mild relief. I pulled the door open feeling a smile
settle on my face.
“Yes, of course, of course it's me,” I said, “Do come in.”
Raven stepped forward, into the hallway, shaking himself a little as
he did. He was about to say something more when Oak's voice filled
the hall. “Hold it right there,” he commanded, “Don't take
another step.”
“I beg your pardon?” Raven asked, still looking at me.
“I said stop right there,” Oak said, standing in the living room
doorway. He was holding a twig or branch of some kind, which he was
pointing at Raven. “Do not move another muscle.”
