The five of them sat together in a grand dining hall, enjoying a lavish dinner. At the head of the table sat the King and Queen. Beside the King stood the General and the Mage, while the Princess observed quietly.
The Mage rose from his seat.
Mage: "Welcome, my Heroes. This feast is held in your honor the greatest hospitality our kingdom can offer. This land is known as the Kingdom of Rivergate."
He began explaining the world they had been summoned into.
Rivergate was a human kingdom ruled by King Steve the Fifth. It was the only kingdom governed entirely by humans. Other races were permitted to trade and travel but were forbidden from settling. Rivergate occupied the entire western region of the continent and shared borders with Stormvale, Forestfall, and Brightshore.
Forestfall, the second kingdom, was an elven realm located at the heart of the continent. A vast forest rich in minerals, spices, and dungeons, it was the wealthiest and most influential kingdom. Due to its central location, Forestfall bordered all other kingdoms.
Stormvale, a dwarven kingdom to the north, was renowned for weapon forging and trade. It bordered Rivergate, Forestfall, and Moonreach.
Brightshore, situated in the south, was a neutral kingdom where all races lived together peacefully. It was the only kingdom with a powerful navy and a thriving fishing industry.
Wolfden, in the southeast, was home to beastfolk cat people, dog people, wolf people, and others. It was the only kingdom where slavery was strictly banned.
Lastly, Moonreach, a demon kingdom in the northeast, was ruled by the Demon Lord a being who sought to conquer the entire continent.
"This world is known as Mythra," the Mage continued. "It has three moons red, blue, and white."
He then explained the currency system copper, silver, gold, and platinum. Fifty copper equaled one silver, twenty five silver made one gold, and ten gold equaled one platinum. Prices varied from five copper for fruit to silver and gold for lodging, travel, clothing, and weapons.
Mage: "That concludes the basics you need to know about this world."
The heroes were visibly excited.
Max: "Guys, I can't wait to explore this place!"
Rey: "Yeah!"
Ben: "Totally!"
Snow: "We should head out tomorrow."
But suddenly, Eragon stood up.
Eragon: "That was impressive… but when can we go home? And what exactly do you want from us?"
The room fell silent.
The King looked toward the Mage.
Mage: "Thank you, Eragon, for being straightforward. The truth is we are weak. Humans are inferior in power compared to other races. Recently, the Demon King of Moonreach declared war on all kingdoms. Stormvale has fallen. Wolfden surrendered. Brightshore is barely surviving with Forestfall's support."
Max: "So… we're in the middle of a war?"
Mage: "Yes. As we speak, countless lives are being sacrificed."
Rey: "That's bullshit! Why should we clean up your mess?"
Snow: "Send us home. We don't want trouble."
Ben: "We're just normal students. No powers, This feels like a fantasy movie."
Tension filled the hall.
King: "Enough!"
Guards rushed forward, and the General drew his sword. The situation grew dangerous.
Max: "Enough. Sit down."
The others obeyed.
Max stepped forward, staring the King in the eyes.
Max: "You kidnapped us, Forced us into your war. A moment ago, we were in school now we're here."
King: "I know, I deserve your hatred. We never intended to force you. You may live peacefully as citizens. Land, a house, and five gold per month will be provided ."
Max: "Send us home."
King: "We cannot, We only know how to summon not return."
Max: "So we're trapped."
The King bowed his head.
King: "Forestfall has granted us five years. Five years to train you. After the war, each of you will receive your own domain, in any kingdom you desire. But only you can use the rings… only you can defeat the Demon Lord."
At the mention of the rings, Eragon stood.
Eragon: "What are these rings? Why only us?"
The atmosphere turned heavy.
The King looked toward the sky.
King: "The rings must be found… and earned. Only then can the Demon Lord be defeated."