Once introductions were complete, the Lord and his enchanting daughter led Gordon and the others on an abbreviated tour of the manor and the grounds.

“You may, of course, explore and discover whithersoever it pleases you at your leisure,” said Lord Uhelbar to no one in particular. “But there a few rooms that will be indispensable during your stay. Bedrooms, kitchen, and such.” He motioned with a wave of his hand and ascended the wide stairs behind him. The group followed.

The guest rooms were situated quite close to the foyer, all things considered. Each guest claimed a room; Gordon was last to choose and picked one that overlooked the front garden and had an extra large hot-water bottle.

The walls in the manor were dark stone and water dripped somewhere out of sight. Gordon...

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