NOW LIVE! Today's the day you meet your new best friend. You don’t have to leave Wolfy behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' your companions level up with you!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 5440264" data-attributes="member: 3285">The Windthrope Legacy - PrologueSEVERNFORD, ENGLAND--Windthrope Manor was a Gothic Revival-style building of stone and wood. Sharp-peaked roofs, delicately scrolled wood trim and tall, narrow windows decorated with leaded glass gave the manor a gingerbread house appearance. The garage—a converted carriage house—stood well behind the house.“This is it?” asked Guppy in disbelief.  They had stolen a car and abandoned it, hiking their way to the manor so they could not be easily followed.  “This is our new home?”Jim-Bean slapped Guppy on the back.  “Don't get too used to it.  It's temporary until we can find another place less conspicuous."“Does it even have electricity?”Jim-Bean snorted. “Yes. Just not up to your twenty-first century standards.”“I didn’t see any power lines on the way over,” said Hammer.“That’s because the Manor isn’t connected to any outside water, sewer, or power lines,” said Jim-Bean, quickening his step. “Fireplaces and a coal furnace provide heat. Petrol-fueled generators produce electricity. A well supplies water. There have been septic tanks since the end of the Second World War.”“What about phones?” asked Archive. “Telephone lines do connect the manor to Severnford,” said Jim-Bean, “but don’t expect much in the way of cell phone service.  We’re about as off the grid as you can get.  This is a safe house, PISCES-style.”“Won’t they find out about it then?” asked Hammer.  Jim-Bean shrugged.  “It should be safe for a little while. Section H is PISCES historical intelligence department, responsible for research and investigation of ancient sites, artifacts, and historical events.  PISCES was never too fond of our division so we have quite a few things off official records.  And those records are typed in actual typewriters and filed in actual drawers somewhere.”Guppy shook his head.  “No wonder PISCES doesn’t know anything about what you do.”Before Jim-Bean could knock the gothic door swung open.  A small, serious gentleman with sharp features, spectacles, and a black tuxedo was at the door."Master Windthrope," he said.  "Good to see you back sir.""Jenkins." Jim-Bean said dourly. "I'm back."The interior of the building was as charming as the exterior with more delicate woodwork and beautiful stonework. All interior doors slid back into walls instead of opening on hinges. Many of the large rooms on the first and second floors had functioning fireplaces.  Most of the furniture was original and, therefore, antique."We've kept things just as you left it years ago." Albert Jenkins peered down his spectacles at the Jim-Bean's companions.  "Shall Mrs. Jenkins prepare dinner for four this evening sir?"Jim-Bean handed his coat over to Jenkins without looking at him.  "That'll be fine.""Oh dear, I'd know those thundering footfalls anywhere!" shouted a high-pitched woman from across the manor. "Don't make a scene, mother," chastised Jenkins, but it was too late.Elizabeth Jenkins swept into the room, a plump woman with round features and rosy cheeks. "It is you, I knew it would be!  Master Windthrope is home!  I shall arrange a feast!" Her eyes twinkled.  Hammer thought he detected tears. After a few seconds of choked praise, she swept back out in the room shouting about preparations. Jenkins cleared his throat.  "You'll have to forgive the missus, sir.  She's very sentimental."Jim-Bean looked coldly at Jenkins. He was just another reminder of the fragility of the world.  "Yeah, sure.""I didn't know Jim-Bean was Batman," whispered Guppy.</blockquote>

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