Mari stared around Alyn’s workshop. “Sion just used this to store general stuff. This is…” She turned around. “You are amazing.”

Alyn blushed. “I just like things how I like them,” he muttered.

“And this machine? It’s amazing,” Mari said as she stood in front of the complicated contraption. “I can’t imagine how you know where to start.”

“I like clockwork,” Alyn said. “And I get paid a lot for things like this. It keeps the bills paid until we get the work with the cars up and running.”

Mari looked at him thoughtfully. “You mean, Gryff and Leo get a way of earning decent money.” She nodded towards the machine. “This is your first love.”

Alyn hunched down. “I’ve got to look out for them,” he mumbled. “It’s the least I can do.”

“It’s more than most manage,” Mari said. “And you’re a good lad for looking out for your brothers.” She patted him on the shoulder. “Tell me about this machine.”

“It’s clockwork,” Alyn said. “I’ve always had a knack with clockwork. This is purely ornamental. You have ball bearings stored here and then when you wind it up…”

Mari only half listened as gazed at the wrought iron contraption in front of her. It was an intricate swirl of tracks, strung with exquisite, gothic filigree and poised to send hundreds of ball bearings smoothly around impossible twists and turns. “It’s beautiful.”

Alyn blushed harder. “Thank you, Mrs Hewson. I’ve finished testing and it’s ready to pack up. I always insist that the buyer arranges collection. There’s too much risk of damage if it’s badly transported, and I’m not taking the hit from that.” He looked shyly at Mari. “Would you like to see it work? I’ve got a few moments as I’m getting Tony and Daryl to give me a hand moving the machine.”

Mari checked the floor. “Of course it’s right over the trap door to the void,” she said. “There’s a small hatch on the outside as well, but I think that area has been overgrown with brambles. I’ve not had the heart to clear around there recently.”

Alyn hunched further. “We were hoping to pick the blackberries later,” he said.

“That’s a good idea,” Mari said. “If there’s enough to spare, I’ll make a bit of jam. Anyway, show me your contraption.”

Alyn straightened and started winding the clockwork. “All goblins have a knack for machinery,” he said. “These days, most of us work with cars, but I enjoy the iron work and it pays the bills easily enough. If you look on the table behind you, you can see the commission I had for a wedding. It didn’t take long, it’s guaranteed hand forged as I send a video of me working on the stuff, and it makes a nice memento for the couple.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Mari ran a finger over the elegant, wrought iron candlesticks, only an inch or two high with a neat holder for a dinner candle, twined with iron leaves and rose petals. “These are beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Alyn said with a shy smile, then pressed an ornate lever. “Watch this.”

Mari was mesmerised as the ball bearings were sent flying around the track, the clicking of the clockwork merging with the click of the ball bearings and as they ran, bouncing against bells, a tuneful tinkle interwove with the ticking. “That’s amazing!”

“There are people on the internet that get machines to play songs,” Alyn said. “But I’m not good with that sort of thing, just the mechanics.”

“There is no ‘just’ about this, young man,” Mari said. “This is an amazing creation and you should be proud of it.” She jumped as Tony and an equally large man walked in.

“Let it run down,” Tony said. “I’ve seen this before, but I never get tired of it.” He waved a hand at his companion. “This is Daryl.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Mari said.

“Thank you for the food,” Daryl said, keeping his deep voice quiet and respectful. “It’s very much appreciated.”

“I’m happy to help,” Mari said, edging closer to Alyn. “If people are going to be around for a while, I can work out some decent meals to suit.” She hesitated. “I mean, if someone can’t have gluten, for instance.”

Tony grinned wickedly. “Well, that depends,” he said.

Daryl slapped the back of Tony’s head – hard. “Don’t let him tease you, Mrs Hewson. The werewolves, boggarts, goblins and brownies will eat just the same as humans. The fae will eat anything with sugar. We’re just thankful that you’re feeding us.”

Tony’s smile was now apologetic. “And you’re a great cook.” He glanced sideways at Daryl. “If you ever think of cooking for, say a pack…” He winced as Daryl slapped him again.

Darryl watched the machine slow and then stop as the clockwork ran down. “That’s amazing. Let’s be careful how we move this.”

“It’s sturdy enough,” Alyn said. “I’ll just remove the bearings.”

“I’ll give you a hand,” Mari said.

It didn’t take long to collect the ball bearings and then came the moment of hefting the thing across the floor.

“Don’t drag it!” Alyn said. “But we can walk it over. If Daryl takes that corner…”

“We’ve got it,” Tony said. “You just keep it steady.”

“Perhaps you should move to the side of the room, Mrs Hewson,” Daryl said. “I’d hate for you to be hurt.”

“Those cheese scones are amazing,” Tony added and then ducked as Daryl went to slap him again.

“I’m very sorry for his manners,” Daryl growled. “I’ll have a word with him back at the den.”

Tony winced as he carefully placed his hands at the sturdiest part of the frame. “I’m sorry Mrs Hewson.”

“Okay, on three,” Daryl said.

Mari stepped back and watched in awe as the werewolves flexed their impressive muscles, moving the massive iron structure smoothly across the floor and gently placing it in the far corner.

“Well done,” Lord Maldwyn said as he strolled into the room. “Now, let us investigate this cellar.” He looked at the floor and then at Mari.

“It’s not easy to spot,” Mari said as she scurried over. “You press this corner down here, and then that releases the tile here, and then you can lift here.”

“Please, Mrs Hewson, you should return to the house,” Lord Maldwyn said. “I have a supply of torches to enable the search.”

“There’s a light switch on the left at the bottom of the steps,” Mari said. She backed towards the door. “You will be careful, won’t you? I mean, I don’t suppose that there’s anything down there, but…”

“We will be fine,” Lord Maldwyn said. “Now why don’t you make some more of your incomparable burnt butter biscuits while we have a quick look.”

Mari nodded, turned and scurried out of the workshop. She had a bad feeling about this.