The Banquet (standard:mystery, 3415 words)
Author: Hulsey	Added: Jul 22 2003	Views/Reads: 4020/2542	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
(I have edited this story and resubmitted it.) Fallon recieves a mysterious invite to a medieval banquet.

Following the long, winding driveway, I came across a magnificent
spectacle that was most pleasing to the eye. Langley castle in 
Northumberland was my destination, built in the fourteenth century the 
leaflet had said. I did not know quite what to expect after receiving 
an invitation from a mysterious host. The invite had been too tempting 
and had aroused my curiosity. 

“Congratulations,” the letter had begun. I looked over the letter with a
suspicious eye. Usually anything starting with congratulations meant 
dipping into your pocket, but this letter was different. 

You are invited to a grand evening at Langley Castle where King Henry
V111 has summoned you to his supreme banquet. I'm afraid the invitation 
is for you only, but your attendance will not go unrewarded. You may 
find this invitation rather forward, but all will be revealed on the 
evening. Costumes will be provided for the banquet; all that we require 
from you is your presence. I look forward to meeting your acquaintance. 
The evening will bring you your just rewards. 

The letter was not signed and I had no inkling who had sent it, but it
was enough to tempt me to the north east. The just rewards part had me 
hooked. The possibility of a long lost aunt or uncle wishing to leave 
me their fortune entered my greedy thoughts. How I could do with the 
money. 

Nobody would employ me after the events of the last year. At the age of
thirty-four, my life lay in tatters, disgraced and branded for 
something I was not guilty of. The additional letter I had received 
this morning had lifted my spirits. These two letters could possibly 
change my life and offer me financial security. Perhaps it would be a 
happy Christmas after all. 

I switched off the window wipers and peered through my windscreen at the
smattering of snow, viewing the splendid structure, with its white 
walls and numerous towers. I attempted to count the arched windows, but 
gave up at thirty. 

My battered old Escort looked so out of place in the presence of such
grandeur as I eyed the other plush vehicles. I exited my car and ran 
towards the main entrance. A doorman greeted me and took my invitation 
card before showing me to the welcoming panelled bar. 

The light-hearted conversations were evident and nobody seemed to notice
me. I ordered my expensive beer and shuffled over to the open fireplace 
where a roaring fire was most welcoming, considering the freezing 
conditions outside. 

My eyes scanned the lavishly decorated room, with umpteen portraits of
the castle occupying the wooden panelled walls. The Christmas music was 
playing gently as my eyes searched for a familiar face, but I was 
disappointed. 

"Mr Fallon," came a voice behind me. 

"Yes, I'm Fallon." 

I faced a short wiry fellow wearing a tuxedo. I immediately felt out of
place, and as his eyes looked me up and down I think he agreed with me. 
My blue suit was three years old, but I only ever wore it for occasions 
such as weddings. Shorty didn't seem too impressed. 

"I'm George. It is I who sent you the letter." 

Shorty resembled a weasel on heat. “George, I don't understand. Why've I
received this invitation?” 

"Why indeed. All will be revealed shortly... It adds a hint of mystery
to the occasion, don't you think?" 

"Yes, but..." 

"Let me introduce you to some of the guests." 

He ushered me over to three people who whispered amongst themselves. 



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