Chapter I - The Vanishing of Butler Burns

Within the heart of an ageing manor house, a timber rocking chair swayed in a rhythmic pattern. Shadows stretched and recoiled with every creak, stirring whispers of the past. It belonged to Lord Horror Hill. Glowing embers swayed gracefully in the grate, and the open fireplace warmed the room, making it pleasantly heated. The blazing fire illuminated Lord Horror Hill's frail physiognomy as he got up and hobbled at an unhurried pace, focusing on the ornate glass window. He peered out of it, looking through his spyglass - examining Blood Hill Woods.

Horror Hill had been set up by Lord Gustav Horror Hill a very long time ago as a sort of care home for the abnormal in society. He had inherited the stately home from his father, who had unfortunately passed away when he was just thirty-eight. The manor house was large, nestled amidst the rolling hills, and stood as a powerful reminder of his father's character. The opulent interior, the neatly cut hedgerows, and the manicured gardens were carefully looked after through generations.

Blood Hill Woods - east of Horror Hill - was a dense wilderness of pine trees and foliage. The Horror Hill manor overlooked the forest, and Lord Horror Hill enjoyed marvelling at the beautiful view.

"Lord Horror Hill, do exceedingly excuse me of my interjection, but I would like to politely exclaim that we cannot find Butler Burns," blurted Sir Hollow Eyes frantically, gasping for breath.

Sir Hollow Eyes was a brave, courageous, but petite being who wore a jet-black suit. He had wide, bionic glass eyes that enabled him to see, but when taken out, were hollow sockets.

Thin arms protruded from his slender body, and because of his abnormal stature, it had allowed him to enter Horror Hill, where his peculiarities were concealed from the public eye like many of the other Horror Hillians. Although he looked unusual, he had great skills, such as problem solving, which was his forte.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Sir Hollow Eyes, what utter nonsense. I have never heard of such conspiracies. He can't have just miraculously vanished! Now restock the condiments and beverages in the food hall," Lord Horror Hill ordered forcefully, with his veins pulsating through his forehead, trying to look calm.

After a moment of silence, the two Horror Hillians simultaneously walked in different directions, both heading to different areas of the mansion.

As Sir Hollow Eyes was walking down the grand corridor, he spotted something. There, on the bottom of the skirting board, was a speck of what appeared to be a thick, red substance. He ran his finger across the liquid and quickly realized it was blood. For a moment, he considered taking it to the med bay for examination, but the thought was quickly dismissed. With a shake of his head, he continued his journey toward the food hall.