[M.D. Holloway]

The chill of the night blanketed the estate. A northerly breeze picked up the cold moist air and tumbled it through the manor carelessly and without cessation. Manfred was doing all he could to latch the windows shut that Baron Elkton demanded to be opened during the day. For any other, the task would have taken but moments yet Manfred had the misfortune of being born with hands that consisted of fingers no larger than his smallest toe. He had seven on each hand. His feet were an entirely other matter.