Tell the messenger yes

You walk through the front gate and onto the grounds of your small estate. It's moderately comfy for an autumn evening. A slight breeze rustles through the dead leaves, occasionally stirring up vibrant hues of reds, yellows and oranges. Looking up the lane toward the house you notice a black carriage with gold trim, drawn by two black horses parked outside your front door.

As you enter your front door, you find a rather tall, regal looking man, dressed in purple and black, waiting inside the foyer. His flaming red ponytail falls down the back of his purple cape, and his piercing black eyes seem to look right through you. He rises from his seat and bows before you.

"You must be the messenger" you say with a smile.

He takes your hand in his and politely kisses it. "Yes, Lady Bernhardt. I am William Gates. Countess Vista and Count Millennium humbly request your attendance at Windows Hill Mansion for an All Hallow's Eve masquerade ball."

"I wondered who was inviting me" you say. "The letter was unsigned."

"Probably just an oversight on the Count's part. He's been so busy since his arrival."

"Well that's quite all right, and quite understandable. I'd love to come!"

"Very well, Lady Bernhardt." Gates smiles at you. "Now if you will be kind enough to sign the letter, I will return it to the Count and let him know to expect you."

"Certainly. Let me find something to write with..."

"No need" Gates interrupts you. "I have a quill and ink handy." He produces a small bottle, and a fresh, red quill.

"I've never seen a quill quite like this before" you say as you take it in your fingers.

"It's from a very young Cockatrice" replies Gates.

"Really? I would love to see one!"

"Be careful what you wish for, Lady Bernhardt" he says with a wry smile. "The Count has several creatures you might enjoy seeing."

"Then I shall definitely come!" You quickly scroll your name across the bottom of the parchment, then hand it to Gates. "Would you care to stay for dinner, Mr. Gates?"

"Perhaps another time, Lady" he says. "I have many errands to run, and much to do for the Count and Countess in the next two days. But I shall return to take you to the ball, if you wish."

"Thank you, kind sir" you say. "That will be most agreeable."

He bows and kisses your hand again. "Then I shall see you Friday evening around sunset."

"I look forward to it."

You see William Gates off as he walks out the door and climbs aboard the black carriage. The horses neigh as Gates shakes the reins. Then the carriage moves off down the lane into the ever deepening twilight. At least you have two days to pick out a costume. But what will you go as? The shop in the village is sure to have something suitable. Well, it looks like tomorrow is shopping day!

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Author's Note: Since many of us think of Bill Gates as being the devil or the antichrist, I thought it would be good fun to include him in a story about a demon. Sure, the character of William Gates is a lowly servant right now, but who's to say he won't turn out to be more than just Windows Messenger?