As Franz led them deeper into the mansion, it struck Klaus how much the house was lacking. Very little furniture was anywhere, and clearly, no real attempt had been made to deal with any of the dust or dirt that had built up in the rooms over time.
“This is not exactly the kind of place I expected you to be staying,” Klaus said, “what with you being a visitor from another universe and all.”
“As an Arcane Pathfinder of the Empire, and one in service to the House Blacksword, I have access to a wide range of resources to draw from on an important mission,” Franz gestured around at the house as they made their way deeper inside. “This was relatively affordable as a result, and I liked the weight of history it emanates.”
“So where are we going?” Klaus asked.
“To get you changed, then right to the portal in the basement,” Franz responded without looking at him. “The sooner I can send you on your way, the sooner you get to the school and I can focus on my side of our deal to protect your family.”
Without another word, Franz directed him to a side door that opened into a massive guest bathroom. Sitting on a clothing rack near the shower was a set of clothing that was clearly meant for him. Quickly he took of his clothes and pulled on what Franz had left for him. First were some comfortable undergarments, albeit ones in a style he was unfamiliar with. Next followed a tunic and trousers made of some sort of cloth. Again, it was unfamiliar to him. After pulling on a thick leather jacket, he slid on a pair of sturdy boots that seemed to grip his feet a bit tight. Tightening the belt, he pulled on a patterned, forest-green cloak that had a hood. Taking a quick look in the mirror, Klaus couldn’t help the smile that came to his face. He looked like one of his RPG characters about to start a new campaign. His smile grew stiff at the thought, given the reality being a bit close to exactly that.
Stepping back into the hallway, Franz gave him a quick lookover before nodding approval. Beckoning Klaus to follow him, Franz led him deeper into the house.
As they passed through the massive kitchen, one of the woman survivors Klaus helped save from the Blood Eagles gang came in to place an empty plate in the sink. Seeing both of the men, she froze for a moment before relaxing.
“Oh, hello again, Klaus. Franz.”
“Kira, can you go get Eva and come to the basement? There is something I want you both to see before we talk about your future.”
“Uhh, sure.” Kira rushed from the room.
Klaus watched as the young woman left. She was wearing some heavier clothes and seemed a bit more at ease compared to the other day. “How are they doing?”
“Better than they were, but still a ways left to go,” Franz replied sadly as he led Klaus from the kitchen to a hallway that held a heavy door just beyond the room. When Franz reached for it, Klaus realized it was the way to the basement. “I am hopeful for them, however. It pains me to say, but this is not my first time saving people from circumstances like that.”
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Klaus followed closely behind Franz as they went down the stairs. Coming to the bottom, he saw the basement was empty except for a carved circle on the floor, which was surrounded by some strange-looking stones.
“Alright, that is the portal you will be going through soon. But first, there are some advice I want to give you,” Franz said seriously. “I’m telling you are this as Franz, not as an Arcane Pathfinder in the employ of House Blacksword. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Klaus nodded, though he did not completely. Was Franz going to tell him things his estranged family did not want him to know?
“When you pass through the portal you will be greeted by retainers of House Blacksword who will get you initiated into the System and escort you to the school you will be attending. I trust them both, and I believe you should too. When you get to the school, however,” Franz continued, holding up a finger in emphasis, “do not let your guard down. Friends and allies are important, but the grudges between the various factions and houses of nobility run deep and dark. The surest route to power and recognition is to get as strong as possible, as fast as possible. House Blacksword cares little for you right now, but the stronger you get the more likely they will treat you like a true asset. I leave it up to you to choose the best paths forward for your potential.”
“What do you mean, House Blacksword doesn’t care about me?”
“I can’t tell you more than that, unfortunately,” Franz winced slightly, but Klaus could not tell why. “Suffice to say, it is tied up in politics. Now, did you have any other questions?”
Klaus shook his head, “I was expecting you to tell me to work hard, honestly.”
Franz snorted a laugh.
“I’ve been observing you for some time now, boy. With all I’ve seen of you, I didn’t think I needed to waste the words. Just guard your back, and I think House Blacksword will be surprised what you are capable of doing.”
Light thumping steps came from the stairwell behind them as Kira and Eva made their way down into the basement. Each of the young women looked at Klaus and Franz before taking in the basement itself. Seeing nothing but the carving on the floor surrounded by stones, they immediately seemed to relax.
“Good, you both are here,” Franz greeted them. “We can get started then. The world as you know it is about to change. After you witness Klarion depart through the portal, we will talk about your futures.”
“What? Portal?” Eva asked. Kira shifted to be partly behind her.
“You’ll see in a moment,” Franz responded before turning back to Klaus. “Go ahead and step into the center of the circle.”
Klaus was not sure what he expected, but the act of stepping into the center of the circle caused nothing to happen. It wasn’t until Franz stepped around its perimeter, touching certain stones on the ground as he did so, that suddenly, the whole carving lit up with blue light. As the glow expanded to fill the basement, Eva and Kira gasped in shock. Franz stepped away from the circle and moved to stand next to the two young women.
“Remember what I said, Klarion,” Franz said, “and good luck. You’ll need it.”
Barely had Franz spoken when the circle beneath his feet flickered once, then surged in brightness. The surge emanated outwards to the edge of the circle, then climbed rapidly into the air until it reached the ceiling, leaving Klaus completely surrounded by light. Beyond the circle, Franz was saluting fist to chest and head bowed in Klaus’ direction while both women stood there staring in shock and awe as the world as they knew it permanently changed.
As the brightness swelled in intensity once more, the Arcane Pathfinder and the two women began to become distorted, almost as if Klaus was looking through a desert haze. A final flash of soundless thunder hit Klaus hard from all directions. Gravity swelled beneath his feet and above his head, giving him a feeling of being pulled in both directions at once.
Blue light turned to darkness as Klaus felt everything shift. Light returned all at once, and a forest appeared abruptly all around him. A wave of nausea hit soon after, and Klaus dropped to the ground, vomiting everywhere.