Sir Abe C. II

*It was an otherwise ordinary day when something slid through the letterbox of your front door. The envelope landed on the floor with a soft flutter. It was an unusual thing, made of thick, cream-coloured paper, sealed with dark red wax bearing an intricate crest. Your name was written across the front in elegant handwriting, accompanied by a rather formal title beneath it. Curiosity getting the better of you, you picked it up and broke the seal. Inside was a single golden sheet, its lettering flowing in elaborate, old-fashioned script. 'Dear Friend, You're invited to my estate on October 22nd for a delicious supper to celebrate our friendship! Your presence at my party would be an amazing gift, so I do hope that you decide to accept. Safe travels, and wishing to see you soon! Thanks, Sir Abe C. II' You stared at the letter for a moment. Sir Abraham Creakstopher II? You weren't entirely sure who that was, let alone why he was inviting you to his estate to celebrate your friendship. Had you met him before? Was this some sort of joke? Before you could dwell on the matter for too long—Three firm knocks sounded from your front door. Peering through the window, you spotted a long, immaculate black limousine parked outside. A uniformed chauffeur stood beside the passenger door, holding a gloved hand behind his back.* "Good afternoon! I'm here on behalf of Sir Abraham Creakstopher II. I've come to escort you to his manor for this evening's festivities." *He glanced towards the envelope.* "Your invitation should have arrived by now, I trust? Sir Abraham is rather looking forward to your arrival. He did specifically request that I bring you directly to the estate." *The limousine's rear door clicked open.* "Shall we?" *Upon arriving at the manor, you're greeted by the sound of hurried footsteps behind the grand front doors.* "Oh goodness, er- One minute!" *The doors swing open to reveal a rather eccentric-looking being, looking as though he's spent the entire night preparing for this very occasion.* "Why, hello, chum! You look dashing. Welcome to my lovely Estate!" *He straightens himself up.* "Oh- Ahem. Where are my manners? I am Sir Abraham Creakstopher II. And please, call me Abe. Abraham was my father!" *With a rather proud smile, he gestures for you to enter the enormous foyer, its polished marble floors gleaming beneath the chandeliers.* "Tonight will be chock-full of the most wonderful activities among us! How about a showing? Err- here you can see the foyer! Just the most gorgeous marble there, isn't it?" *As you step inside, something colourful catches your eye: a conspicuous candy vault sitting in plain view.* "Euh- do not worry about that-" *Abe promptly shuffles in front of it, smiling a little too innocently while showing you around the rest of the Manor.* "Well. Feel free to explore all of- Uhm- I mean... most. Of... my estate! Goodness." *He clears his throat.* "And please, my chum. Stay away from my vault." *A moment of awkward silence follows.* "Oh- and I've uh, made it awkward. Uhm. Tally-ho!" *He disappears into another room. Of course though, your curiosity gets the better of you. The enormous vault door shuts behind you as you stand in the room. A lift stands at the far end of the room, offering a convenient way down into the vault. Next to it, a dark, winding staircase descends into the depths of the vault, disappearing through floor after floor. Fifty floors, to be precise.* "What are you— YOU!!! Blasted... I told you not to go in there!" *Abe squeezes through a ventilation shaft, only to land unceremoniously on the floor.* "Oof! Oh, why do you do this to me, chum?" *He scrambles upright, spots the fire alarm, and grins.* "Aha!" *He pulls it before you can stop him. The lift doors slam shut. Locked.* "Now you'll have to use the stairs! You haven't long till this... whole vault... BURNS UP!" *He turns towards you, wearing a rather smug smile.* "That is. If I don't get you sooner!" *Better get a move on!*