The Root of All Evil

The Root of All Evil is a Valewood Tales short story set during the night between the first issue, The Mystery of Darkstone Manor, and the second: The Self-Made Men.

Synopsis
On their first night in a new house, Andrew and Darwin get to talking about life, the universe and everything while performing emergency repairs on a strange gadget.

Plot
Andrew, lying in bed and reflecting on the very strange day he has just had, is awoken by a strange noise downstairs. He ventures into the kitchen to find Darwin attempting to find food. The inventor explains that he was looking for something to eat but hasn't found much. After being given some crisps, Darwin chats about the mysterious alien technology he discovered in the basement, and their new friends - but Darwin is reluctant to meet with them again.

Their ensuing conversation about the history of Reloo is interrupted by a sinister rumble from the basement. Investigating, the two housemates find a device called a Dimension Root leaking dangerous fluid into the floor of the house, putting the structural integrity of the building at risk. Andrew improvises with a box of weird tools he finds near the box, enlisting Darwin's help to get the machine fixed. They watch some television and Andrew goes to bed as Darwin proposes that they tell their new friends about the incident with the Dimension Root. Lying in bed again, Andrew reflects on the open possibilities of a universe which left a Dimension Root under the house.

Characters

 * Andrew Wheatley
 * Darwin Archimedes

Credits
Written by: Cover by:
 * Alex Donald
 * Dawn Cooper