Introductions

Sitting on the most comfortable padded chair he had ever known, Tyler gazed at his surroundings, a distinct sense of unreality spiking through his mind.

I am having a very strange morning.  He thought, his eyes climbing up the towering marble pillars in the Grand Hall.  Bright sunlight was filtered through intricate stained glass windows, filling the hall with a magical glow.

Keeping a neutral expression on his face, Tyler fought his rising panic as he began to think this was not a dream.  He looked toward a man who was in the middle of a speech.  A speech about Tyler.  There were shining symbols fluttering around his head.

I should probably start listening.

Adopting a look of rapt attention, Tyler turned back to the man's speech.

"...the dreaded beasts.  But now that we have summoned the prophecized hero, he will bring peace and justice to our kingdom!" The bearded man bellowed to the large dining crowd.  The man swung his arm dramatically towards Tyler, and those in the dining hall gave out a thunderous applause.

Of course I only pay attention right at the end.  Did he say "prophecized hero"?  

Tyler raised his hand in a wave and gave a small smile to the crowd.  He didn't imagine he could feel anything approaching calm in this situation, but he knew he would have felt better if he wasn't sat in a gilded chair being applauded in his gym shorts and an old t-shirt.

Despite Tyler's lackluster response, the crowd's cheers redoubled at his reaction.  The bearded man took his cue, announcing the beginning of the feast and the diners set to the food with abandon.

Diners? These are not simply diners.  These must be nobles or something.  That or I have been kidnapped by the greatest cosplay group in the world.  

The people who sat at the large wooden tables were dressed in the most elaborate and obviously well-made clothing Tyler had ever seen in person.  There was no noble who was not bedecked in immaculate furs, fine cloth, and shining jewelry.  Even the serving staff's uniforms were leagues ahead in presentability compared to Tyler's outfit.  

Pajamas, really.

Tyler's panic eased slightly as he saw the bearded man turn and give him a grandfatherly smile.  The man made his way towards Tyler, taking up the empty seat beside him.  Before Tyler could say anything, the man spoke in a hushed voice.

"I would wager you have a lot of questions, Champion.  Let me introduce myself properly.  I am Archmagus Whitewind, I lead the Royal Magi Society here.  I apologize for the... abrupt nature of your summoning, nothing seems to have gone according to schedule today."

Tyler's heart sank.  Nothing in Whitewind's statement sounded particularly bad, it was just that he said it at all.  That he talked.

No denying it now. Tyler admitted to himself, despair building in his chest.

Up until now, Tyler believed it could have still been some grand ultra-realistic dream.  Seeing Whitewind's face up close, hearing him talk, noticing the minute details of his face, it confirmed to Tyler that this was indeed real.  And if this is real, that means he is no longer on Earth, which meant he was likely stuck here.  Without his little ones.

"My cats..." Tyler heard himself mutter, stopping the Archmagus from continuing.

"Excuse me?" Whitewind replied. "Did you say cats?"

Tyler cleared his throat, "Yes, my cats.  You brought me here, did you bring my cats?"

The Archmagus looked concerned.  "The bounds of the summoning spell were designed to convey the prophecized hero and his noble household to our realm.  Something may have gone wrong, or the living intention of the spell sought to only bring the humans in your household."

Whitewind's face became more concerned, but he suddenly looked away, as if ashamed to ask something.

"My apologies, Champion, if this is a rude question, but, did our summoning spell have some failure, or do you truly have no retinue? No household or supporters?"

Retinue? Household? I have two cats, a studio apartment, and too much debt.

Tyler was about to say as much as a joke to ease some of his tension, but he froze as he looked into Whitewind's eyes.  A feeling in his gut told Tyler that levity was not the answer for this situation.  That feeling started in his gut and washed over him in a cold wave of understanding.  

His mind began to piece together what he had only half-listened to in his earlier panic.  These people thought he was their chosen one, their savior.  Something had gone wrong with their summoning spell and they obviously expected some gallant hero arriving with a small army to help them.

A thought crystallized in Tyler's mind as he truly took in this situation.

These people are going to kill me if I don't play this right.

Sitting up straighter, Tyler gazed into Whitewind's eyes, trying to project confidence.

"Your spell went flawlessly." Tyler stated.

Can't hurt to flatter, right?

"None of my retainers or staff would have been any use to you." He continued.

Technically not a lie, I'm an honest guy.

"I am all that your land requires to bring peace and justice." Tyler finished, lifting his chin with an air of haughtiness.

I'm kind of an honest guy, at times.

Tyler didn't know if that would work, but he guessed it did by the relieved expression on Whitewind's face.

"That is reassuring to hear, Champion." Whitewind says, tension leaving his shoulders as he leaned back into his chair.  "...some had their doubts about my skills you know.  They said it wouldn't work, that it was a waste of time and resources."

Before Tyler could come up with an appropriate response, the Archmagus waved a hand as if to dismiss his last words, and continued.

"Enough about that, where are my manners?  I apologize for my rudeness, Champion, but I have not yet asked for your na-"

"What does his name matter if he will be no use to us?"  A sharp but quiet voice interjected, and Tyler heard the sound of armored boots come from behind him.