Henry stumbled out of his closet and onto his bed. Laying on his bed, feeling queasy, he wondered if this was how the Pevensie children felt when exiting the forest into the wardrobe.
Slowly he rose and looked out his bedroom window, the sight of downtown Austin and the hum of the city grounded him. After rinsing his face, he went to the kitchen to grab a quick drink. Henry stood in his kitchen, his mind still racing after the surreal experiences at the Twilight Family's manor. As he sipped his drink, the weight of joining the family fully settled in his thoughts.
Emerging from the kitchen with a clearer mind, Henry's thoughts began to shift from the overwhelming revelations at the manor to the more immediate concerns of his life: his girlfriend, job, settlements, and now graduate school. It was a balance he’d learn to navigate.
As he made his way back to his bedroom, the contrast between the quiet, familiar confines of his home and the grandeur of the Twilight Family's manor struck him. Here, in his own space, he was just Henry, a man with a life that, until recently, had seemed quite ordinary. But in Heaven's Gate, he was Thaddeus, a figure of importance and responsibility.
Recycling his can, he returned to his bedroom. Laying in the FIVR capsule, Henry braced himself and teleported to the world of Heaven’s Gate. When he opened his eyes, he was lying on his bed. Thaddeus took a moment to gather his thoughts. In this world, he had a responsibility, a duty to lead and protect. The challenges he faced in this world were different from those on Earth, but they were no less real to him. With each passing day, the line between Henry and Thaddeus blurred a little more, merging into a single narrative of a man living two very different, yet interconnected, lives.
Sitting up in the bed, Thaddeus remembered when he crafted the frame. This bed, Thaddeus thought, had been his save point for a while. Only now did he realize, there was no such thing as a save point. The time dilation was just the different orbits of Earth and this planet. Now that he thought about it, Thaddeus didn’t even know the name of this planet.
‘This is the planet Borealis Prime. Located in a galaxy too distant for your astronomers to have named,’ Alfred informed him.
Surprised to hear Alfred’s voice, he asked, “Alfred, what are you?”
‘You can consider me a courtier to the gods. I am tasked to observe, report, and send messages.’
‘Why couldn’t I reach out to you on Xenia?’ Thaddeus asked curiously.
‘Xenia is restricted to a sole courtier. The gods may permit and restrict access across their realm as they please. Only on Borealis Prime are all courtiers permitted.’
“That’s interesting, can you tell me about the planet’s primordial energy,” asked Thaddeus.
‘That is restricted information, to learn more you must investigate on your own?’
“I felt better being ignorant than I do now. And now I learn you have a repository of restricted information makes me even more cautious.” Thaddeus said, making his way downstairs.
As Thaddeus stepped outside and made his way across the bridge leading into the New Town District, he was met with a piercing cold that seemed to claw at his skin. The brisk air bit sharply at any exposed flesh, sending shivers down his spine. Thankfully, his bear-skin cloak wrapped around him served as a sturdy bulwark against the frigid onslaught. Its thick, luxurious fur provided a welcome warmth that insulated him from the icy grip of the winter air. The cloak enveloped him in a cocoon of heat, shielding his body from the harsh, wintry elements as he traversed the frost-laden bridge.
As he walked Woodhaerst’s cobbled streets, the air was thick with a mixture of concern and relief. His unexpected four-day absence had sent ripples of worry through both Woodhaerst and Ironwood. However, he noticed relief on his citizens' faces as he made his way toward the central square. As he walked, some city dwellers greeted him, and others introduced themselves. From the number of unknown faces he saw, it appeared more refugees arrived.
Entering the Cathedral of Demeter, he saw Priestess Thera praying at the altar. Her piety looked sincere as he silently communed. Thaddeus admired her blind devotion. Although, now that Demeter and learned gods were real, maybe he should be more pious too. It would hurt after all.
Priestess Thera's chastising interrupted his thoughts, “I have a good mind, to smack you with my cane for disappearing for four days. You should thank Brand and Vakdraen for calming people in your absence. You a truly blessed to have such a capable group of Mayors and council members. I would have been angrier, if not for Demeter informing me you completed your mission.”
Demeter warned him that the virtual world would change, that what was once shackled would soon be set free, and that to survive the end of the world he needed to find the Raven. If he accomplished this he would serve as her Warden and his settlements would become a beacon to her followers. However, the message is still a mystery.
All he knows is that the virtual world is a real planet. But he doesn’t know what or who is shackled and when they or it will be set free. Furthermore, he wasn’t sure what Ordo Raven had to do with surviving an apocalypse.
“Don’t overthink it. You don’t need all the answers now, you only need to know you’re on the right path. The goddess will reveal it all in due time,” said Priestess Thera offering him a hug.
Shortly into their conversation, Brand and Vakdraen along with their respective council members arrived. Convening a meeting in the cathedral, Thaddeus explained Demeter’s omen and his four-day quest in his home world. Thaddeus purposely kept the details vague, explaining a raven led him to a Phoenix
The sanctuary, usually a place of quiet contemplation and worship, buzzed with an unusual discussion after Thaddeus' explanation. Their voices echoed off the ancient stone walls, reaching every corner of the vast room. He answered each question with confidence. With their curiosity satiated, he decided now was the time to address the city.
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An hour later, Thaddeus stood on the second-floor balcony of the town hall. Looking out into the crowd, he began. “I understand that my absence caused concern, and for that, I apologize. But in these past days, I have gained crucial insights that are imperative for the future of our communities.”
He recounted Demeter's omen, carefully choosing his words to convey the gravity of the situation without inciting panic. “I don’t know what will come, but do know, we must be prepared, vigilant, and united.”
Thaddeus outlined his plans for anti-siege equipment of both Woodhaerst and Ironwood, storing resources, and establishing better communication networks with neighboring settlements.
“As your leader, I assure you that our cities will not only survive but thrive. We will be the beacon of hope and strength that Demeter foretold,” he declared, his voice resonant with conviction.
The crowd cheered, their initial apprehension giving way to a sense of solidarity and purpose. Thaddeus's words seemed to imbue them with a renewed determination to face whatever lay ahead.
Finally, Thaddeus named the new council appointments. He appointed individuals who were virtuous with good reputations.
The announcement concluded with a round of applause. He watched the crowd disperse. Leaving in small clusters the people discussed the strange omen from Demeter and his plan to add ballista on the battlements, build arrow slits into the walls, and murder holes in the gatehouses. Thaddeus could feel their eyes on him and see hopefully glazes in theirs. Looking at them, he wondered if his vibrant city would be bustling again come spring.
“I wasn’t worried, I knew you show up. “Figure things were busy at work,” Sabrina said walking onto the balcony and holding his hand.
“Yeah, busy,” he mumbled. “Besides, panicking the residents, did I miss anything?”
“Nope, Woodhaerst and Ironwood are as sleepy as ever,” she said before her mood changed. “Also, a large group of immigrants arrived, but unfortunately, 11 died after arriving. Priestess Thera couldn’t save them because they were too far gone from frostbite. Even though they’re NPCs it's still sad they died.”
Thaddeus wanted to tell her they weren’t real people, and this wasn’t a game. There were real people, and this was this planet. Instead, he just agreed, “Yeah it's sad.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. Brax is looking for you. He said he’d been summoned back to the Ursa Kingdom. Offered to let him stay in the manor, but he refused. He wanted to stay outside the city, so, I let him stay in the cabin. You should go see him, he looked sad,” Sabrina remembered.
Kissing Sabrina, Thaddeus raced to his grove. When he arrived, he saw Brax, smoking a pipe in a rocking chair. Not looking at Thaddeus he said, “Brat, I could smell you a mile away. You need to do a better job masking your scent. Have you forgotten everything already?”
“How could I forget the hell you put me through?” Thaddeus laughed.
“Well, that’s good. Keep practicing your skills. You never know when you might need them. I’m sure your girlfriend told you I must leave. The Ursa Royal Family is requesting war aid. I’m obliged to return, especially for the amount they're offering,” Brax laughed heartily. “But the reason I asked you here, was to give you my last lesson. Polymorph and sit beside me.”
Thaddeus did as told and transitioned into a giant brown bear. Walking to the second rocking chair, he sat down. The chair creaked under his body weight but held firm due to his master crafting skills.
Puffing out his pipeweed, he began the lesson. “I’m sure you are familiar with my stories of the Ursa Kingdom and its traditions. What you do not know are the major and minor families and your noble heritage.
We bearkin are descendants of the first bear, Ursa. He was a mighty warrior, we do not know where he came from, but we know he was the first. It was he who united all bearkin and taught us how to fight our enemies. It is because of him that we are feared warriors.
Through his strength and leadership, we became civilized. He freely offered guidance and wisdom to any who sought it. Unfortunately, his guiding light was cut short due to jealousy and petty squabbles from the other forest tribes. His allies killed him by stabbing him in the back. That is why we Bearkin have no allies but of our race.
It was due to this prestige and righteousness, that Demeter allowed him eternal rest in her sanctuary. On a clear night, like this, you can see him among the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from the stars.
The next king was his minor son Ursa. The boy king lived up to his father’s image. He was loyal and unwavering in his devotion to the tradition his father started. Unfortunately, he became a tyrant. Mad with power and fought to conquer the forest and subdue any bearkin who opposed him.
To stop the Mad Tyrant Ursa Minor, your ancestor Arctos Bearington, led a civil war. Arctos was a mighty Bearman. He is described as the bravest Bearman ever with an indomitable spirit. Victorius drove his axe through the tyrant's neck. To serve as a warning, she scattered his body upon the heavens. There he sits in the stars to warn us bearkin, power for power's sake is unvirtuous.
Arctos, The Mighty, did not want to serve as king. He was a warrior and thought the king ought to be a skilled bureaucrat. Instead, Arctos became the first warden of the forest. Your ancestor was nurturing and cared for all forest creatures equally. He safeguarded the forest from demonic and corrupt invaders. To his last breath, he embodied the essence of a true warrior. Consider it fate, that you are following the past your ancestor laid for you. If you look there in the sky, those stars, your ancestor looks down on you and all bearkin,” Brax pointed towards the night sky, where the stars twinkled brightly. He began to trace the outline of the constellations, their majestic forms coming to life.
The lore, Thaddeus felt moved. All thought he was half bearkin in this world, he was proud of his character creation.
“To have an ancestor of such acclaim is an honor for your family. Now let me tell you more about your family. Like your ancestor, the Bearington Family is renowned for their fierce loyalty and unwavering dedication to the protection of their kin. Still, to this day, they were formidable warriors who had defended the kingdom and forest. Despite their long history, you are but the fifth warden. Even for a halfing such as yourself, this is a prestigious honor. Your family may accept you, just because of the title.
Other than the Ursa royal family, and yours, there are four other major clans. The Bearstein Family are known as skilled bureaucrats and exceptional diplomats. It's thanks to them, that the bearkin maintain peace within the forest after the Mad Tyrant’s death. The Bjorn Family are deeply connected to the spirits of the forest. Many of our great priests and priestesses have come from that family. They are skilled in earth magic, and some possess the ability to commune with dyads and other forest spirits.
The Obearon Family are revered as scholars and sages, responsible for preserving and sharing the ancient teachings and rituals of the Bearkin. It is because of them we know our history. Finally, the Bearnhardt Family are exceptional craftsmen and artisans. Like you, they excel in creating intricate woodwork, and jewelry. If I remember correctly, and I usually do, your grandmother is a Bearnhardt, so it makes sense you’re a good crafter.
There are also six minor clans: Bearnabus, Bearnard, Bearingarius, Bearrett, Bearenger, and Orsen. But I’ll tell you about them another time,” Brax finished highlighting bearkin’s interconnectedness with nature, and how they seek guidance from the constellations, using them as a celestial moral compass to live their lives.
Thaddeus absorbed this new lore. He always enjoyed the lore in video games. But it was clear, Brax used the constellations to remind him warriors were mighty but honorable. He also understood the historical and familial honor of being a druid warrior. The role of being a warden resonated with him. Turning to Brax, he said, “I understand.”
“Good. Then my job here is done,” He said standing up. He looked at Thaddeus once more and started down the path.