Chapter 5 - Homecoming
The next day found Anthony, Mary Rose, Amy, and Sasha waiting at a military base in London on Earth. They were awaiting the transport Sharpe had arranged for their transport to Oslo, and all involved were excited. Actually, Amy, Mary, and Sasha were excited...Anthony was nervous.
Anthony was unsure regarding what to expect upon arriving at the Clan homestead, as well as what was to be expected of him. What made him even more nervous was the fact that, technically, he was going to be meeting individuals who are family that he didn't even know he had.
Sharpe watched as Anthony paced nervously inside the hanger the entire group was in. He then went up to Anthony and asked, "Are you alright, Mr. Bault?"
"I will be as soon as the butterflies leave," Anthony answered. "Man...I thought I was nervous when I first entered the worlds of Arcadia, but this...anticipation is getting to me."
Sharpe nodded in understanding. "You should be able to relax on the plane. We managed to arrange some special transportation for your group, so you should be comfortable, at least."
"I hope you didn't go overboard," Anthony remarked. "I may be the current Gamemaster, but no way do I want to be treated like a VIP."
"Well...that might be difficult. You see, as we were arranging the transport...someone requested special treatment for you..."
Anthony looked towards Sharpe with a nervous look and said, "What do you mean?"
Sharpe nodded towards the exit as a plane was approaching the runway. "See for yourself."
The entire group, carrying whatever luggage they had, filed out onto the waiting area as the plane taxied into position. As the plane approached, Anthony's eyes widened as he saw what plane it was.
"AIR FORCE ONE?!?!?!?" Anthony cried out. "No way...NO WAY do I deserve THIS level of treatment!!! Who ordered this?!?"
"The President himself, Mr. Bault," Sharpe answered. "His way of saying thanks for bringing the worlds of Arcadia together."
As Sharpe led the group onto the plane, Anthony shook his head in disbelief and then looked up into the heavens. "Can't you just make things simple for me for once?" he asked, addressing the heavens, and then went on into the plane.
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The flight was uneventful for the most part. Mary and Sasha were talking about what they were expecting to see upon arrival. Anthony was just staring out of the window, watching the cloudscapes go by. As for Amy, she had fallen asleep from the drone of the engines and was currently using one of Anthony's legs as a pillow. Anthony wondered what it was with Amy and flying that made her lethargic.
"Anthony," Mary said, interrupting Anthony's thoughts, "do you need me to wake up Amy?"
"No, she's fine," Anthony replied, "though you may need to find out what causes flights to make her fall asleep like that."
Mary giggled slightly at that comment. "Well, I don't think her practicing her psionics helped much. She was talking with me telepathically as we had breakfast this morning."
"I see..." Anthony said, then turned back towards the window.
Both Mary and Sasha noticed Anthony's withdrawn attitude. "Is something wrong, Anthony?" Sasha asked.
Anthony sighed and said, "I guess I'm just little nervous...both from the fact that I'll be meeting family I didn't know I had until now, and because I'm wondering who they chose to be my students."
"What are you afraid of?" Mary asked. "I'm sure they chose people who are willing to learn..."
"Yes, but are they willing to become Gamemasters is the problem. Also, I don't know Norwegian, so there might be a language barrier involved..."
"That won't be a problem," a voice said from another part of the plane. It came from Alison Trasin, a Norwegian translator assigned to Anthony's group. "It turns out the current Patriarch of the Larson Clan is fluent in English, in fact, he was born in the States before becoming the Clan Patriarch."
Anthony turned towards Alison and asked, "What about the students?"
"Not sure. When Major Sharpe made the arrangements, he was told your students would be arriving later tonight so you would meet them yourself."
"Great..." Anthony said. "More surprises...why can't anything be easy for me?"
Sasha looked at Anthony and said, "You're not in a line of work to have anything come easy, Anthony."
Anthony nodded in understanding and looked back out of the window. He then frowned inwardly and thought to himself, "So why am I asking these students to join in on this line of work?"
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After touching down in Oslo, the group had to take a van up to where the Larson Clan homestead was located. Thankfully, the group was warmly dressed, since the van was going up into a mountainous region and the temperature was steadily dropping as they drove up.
The van eventually reached what looked like a private mansion on a plateau overlooking several of the mountains. Anthony was amazed at the size of the building, as well as the expanse of property that was fenced off for it. The gate to the property had the crest of the Larson Clan displayed, and Alison had to speak in Norwegian to the gate guard stationed just outside. When the gate opened, the van drove up to the front of the building.
As the group exited the van, Anthony could do nothing but look around at the wide expanse of land that was the clan grounds. The cool and crisp mountain air also seemed to intoxicate him as he looked around.
"It all began here..." Anthony thought to himself. "My...and Arcadia's history." He continued to look around in awe as the rest of the group unloaded the van.
Amy was about to walk up to him, but Mary stopped her. "Let him be," Mary said. "He's getting used to a home he didn't know he had." Amy nodded in understanding, and couldn't help but sense both enthrallment and awe coming from her teacher.
When the group finished unloading the truck, the door to the Clan home opened, causing Anthony to turn around. Out walked an elderly man followed by two middle aged men who appeared to be housekeepers. He appeared to be in his late sixties, and his gaze seem fixated on Anthony, who in turn was staring back. Soon, the elderly man walked up to Anthony.
"Anthony Bault?" the man asked. Anthony nodded and the man immediately grabbed Anthony's hand and shook it warmly. "Olaf Larson, Patriarch of the Clan. It is truly an honor to meet the man who brought honor to the Clan!"
"Thank you, Patriarch," Anthony said, "but, there's no need for the accolades. It was my pleasure to represent the Clan in this manner."
"Of course, I understand," Olaf replied, and then turned towards the housekeepers. "Please take the luggage up to the guest rooms. I'll lead our guests up later." As the housekeepers collected the luggage, Olaf turned back towards Anthony. "So, why don't you introduce me to your guests, Anthony? I see we even have visitors from Mobius as well."
"Of course, Patriarch. First, I believe you know Alison Trasin."
"Yes, of course...she was the one who spoke to me earlier."
Anthony then walked up to Sasha. "This is Sasha Prower. Cousin to Tails and one of my telepathics students, as well as Descendant to Magi Reynard Prower as I am to Sir Eric."
"An honor to meet the leader of Arcadia's most well known family," Sasha said, shaking the hand of Olaf.
"A pleasure, Madam Prower," Olaf replied.
Anthony then stepped towards Mary and Amy. "I believe you know Amy Rose, and the elder hedgehog here is her mother, Mary."
"An honor, Patriarch," Mary said as she shook Olaf's hand.
Anthony then continued. "Amy is also one of my students, as well as my apprentice."
"Apprentice?" Olaf replied. "Well, you must be honored then, Amy."
Amy blushed slightly as she shook Olaf's hand. "Yes, sir...um, Patriarch."
"Oh please, none of the formalities with me. Just call me Olaf."
Amy giggled slightly. "Well, you are definitely of he same family line as Anthony. Anthony doesn't like being called Gamemaster."
"Understandable, I guess," Olaf replied. "Come, I'll show you where you are staying..."
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Olaf led the group to two rooms on an upper floor of the building. He motioned towards one room where four beds were prepared. "Alison, Mary, Sasha, and Amy? This is where you will be staying. I'll let you decide how you want to be arranged. Anthony?" Olaf then motioned towards another room which had three beds prepared and had Anthony's duffel on one of them. "You'll be staying in here. You'll be sharing with two others who will be arriving later tonight."
"Ah...by any chance are these my two students?" Anthony asked.
"Yes, indeed," Olaf answered. "In fact, I've arranged a special dinner tonight so you can meet with them as well as meet the other elders of the Clan."
"Elders?" Anthony asked, showing his uncertainty of the clan's structure.
"Well, as you might have guessed, there are many families within the Larson Clan. The elders are essentially the heads of those families."
"I see..." Anthony said.
"In fact, while your friends get settled, I was hoping to show you around the clan home," Olaf explained, then turned towards the rest of the group. "After you all get settled, you can just ask any of the housekeepers to show you where the various facilities are located."
"Can't they come with?" Anthony asked. "I'm sure they want to learn about the clan Sir Eric belonged to."
"Yes, but there are also some things I'd like to show you privately," Olaf explained. "Besides...I'm sure your friends are tired after the trip. I saw young Amy yawning earlier." Amy blushed at this statement.
"Yeah, well, she doesn't travel well..." Anthony explained. "Well, let me get something first, and then we can go." Anthony walked towards his duffel and extracted a package from it, which he then gave to Olaf. "A gift for the Clan," Anthony explained. "This package has copies of the histories of the Companions' campaign, written by the four surviving Companions. It has the missing part of your Clan's history...Sir Eric's adventures in Arcadia. It also has a book of prophecies written by Sir Eric himself before he died."
"Ah, excellent," Olaf replied. "This will definitely go well with where I plan to take you first. Shall we go?"
Anthony nodded and followed Olaf downstairs as the rest of the group entered their room.
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Anthony was led to the outside of a room that had two large double doors. Olaf then began to explain. "This is our heritage room. It contains records of the families within the clan, as well as historical artifacts and the crests of the families within the clan. Let's walk inside..."
Olaf opened the doors to reveal a large room filled with books, artifacts, and several banners which had family crests printed on them. Anthony was amazed and thought to himself, "Wow, the Clan must have a richer history than I first thought."
His thoughts were interrupted by Olaf. "We actually recently renovated this room to make room for a new addition. Take a look near the end of the room."
Anthony did so, and his eyes widened when he saw what was there...
Two statues were situated near the end of the room, each with a banner with a family crest situated above them. The statue on the left was that of Sir Eric and had the Larson crest above it. But it was the statue on the right which caught his attention...
It was a statue of him, dressed in the Armor of the Gamemaster as if he was drawing on the Descendancy Power and looking forward as if looking towards a foe. The banner above it featured a red shield with an upside down, yellow colored, V shaped field. There were also two blackbirds on the upper portion and another blackbird below the V. This was the Bault family crest.
Anthony could do nothing but stare at the display, and then he noticed an inscription etched into the marble platform the statues were on which read "The Gamemasters of Arcadia - The Finest of the Larson Clan". His name and Sir Eric's were also etched near the bases of the statues as well.
Anthony was stunned by this display, and turned towards Olaf. "Patriarch, I...I can't accept this honor..."
"Anthony..." Olaf said, interrupting Anthony. "I know how you feel about accolades, but this room is not for the public's eyes. This is the Clan's private tribute to the man who first helped form Arcadia...and to the man who brought Arcadia back together. Also, it is our private way of saying thanks to you for bringing honor and renown to the Larson Clan, as well as our way of welcoming you officially to the Larson Clan."
"You mean...the Bault family is now officially considered part of the Larson Clan?"
"Of course," Olaf explained. "Since you are descended from a member of the clan, you are a member as well. In fact, we have even invited the one who is to be the elder of the Bault family to the dinner tonight as well."
Anthony gave a confused gaze and asked, "Who?"
"You will see later tonight," Olaf explained, placing the package Anthony gave him on a small desk. "Come, there is much else I would like to show you..."
Anthony nodded in understanding and followed Olaf out of the room, giving a second glance towards his statue as he left.
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Sasha, Amy, Mary were being given a general tour of the clan home by one of the staff, Alison coming along and providing translations for the three Mobians. Amy seemed to be the most interested by the clan home, and listened with great interest at everything that was being said. Mary noticed this and smiled.
"Anthony will be glad to know you're so interested about his family's history, Amy," Mary said, addressing her daughter as they walked down one of the many hallways.
Amy blushed slightly before answering. "I guess I'm just curious. I mean...Sir Eric did help form Arcadia...and his descendant helped reunite it. Of course...Anthony did a lot more..."
Mary placed an arm around her daughter and hugged her closely. "I know...especially considering what's he's done for you. I'm grateful for that..."
Amy nodded, and then had a curious look on her face as she turned towards her mom. "Mom? Suppose...Anthony did adopt me. Would the Clan have accepted me?"
Mary smiled warmly towards Amy and said, "I'm sure they would have. From the way at least two of its members act, I don't think they would've refused you."
Amy nodded in understanding, and drew herself into her mother's embrace as they continued to walk.
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After his personal tour was ended, Anthony was led into what looked like a sitting room, and Olaf offered Anthony a chair as he instructed one of the staff to get something.
"So, Anthony," Olaf asked as he sat down, "what do you think of what I have showed you?"
Anthony shook his head in disbelief and said, "Incredible...I had no idea that my family had such a history. I have to admit...I was afraid at first at what I would see here..."
"And now?"
Anthony sat back in his chair and looked around at his surroundings. "I feel like...I'm home."
Olaf smiled as a member of his staff brought in a bottle of a spirit with a couple of glasses. Olaf filled both glasses and offered one to Anthony. "Then...allow me to propose a toast, Anthony. To the Larson Clan's and to Arcadia's future."
The two clansmen clinked their glasses in toast, and Anthony smiled as he began to get used to his second home. He smiled even more when he sensed someone watching the toast. He turned towards the entrance to the room and saw Mary, Amy, Sasha, and Alison being led in.
After Olaf dismissed the staff person who was giving them the tour, he spoke to the ladies. "So...what do you think of the clan's home?"
"It's truly spectacular," Sasha said. "I never really expected to see Sir Eric's homeland for real. I feel kind of out of place staying here...even if it is just for a couple of nights."
"Oh, come now," Olaf said, trying to make Sasha more comfortable. "This house may have a history, but it is still a home...and you are guests of the clan, so your should feel at home."
Amy noticed the look on Anthony's face as Olaf and Sasha talked and asked, "Anthony, are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine..." Anthony answered. "I'm still a little anxious about tonight...with all the clan elders coming and all..."
"Just think of them as family you haven't seen for a long time, Anthony," Olaf said. "Besides, I'm sure your two students will be just as excited to meet you."
"That reminds me, Olaf..." Anthony said. "What can you tell me about my two students?"
After offering the Mobians seats, Olaf began to explain. "I'm sure you'll like them a lot, Anthony. Actually...they are both from your home state..."
Anthony was surprised at that. "Really? They're Minnesotans?"
"Indeed. One of them is also my grandniece. Her name is Jenna Larson. She is currently studying in Stockholm on an exchange student program, but has arranged some time off from her studies so she can learn under you."
"What about the other?" Anthony said.
"His name is Lars Olson. He actually lives in the Shakopee area in Minnesota and is a bit of a Minnesota Vikings fan..."
"I like him already..." Anthony said, smiling a bit.
"Then you will find this even more interesting," Olaf said, continuing. "Not only is he a Viking fan...he happens to BE a Viking!"
"Huh? He's one of the players?"
"Not quite...he actually descends from Viking bloodlines as well as Sir Eric's. In fact, though this isn't confirmed...he is believed to be related to Eric the Red."
Anthony could only stare in amazement at that revelation. "Whoa...I definitely can't wait to meet them!"
"Well, you'll definitely have plenty of time to get to know them tonight," Olaf said, standing up. "In the meantime, all of you make yourselves at home at ask any of the staff if you need anything. I have to go see to the dinner tonight, so, if you'll excuse me..."
As Olaf left the sitting room, the three Mobians present looked towards Anthony and began to talk. "So, Anthony," Mary said, starting the conversation, "what did the Patriarch have to say to you?"
"Not much..." Anthony answered. "He mostly showed me around the grounds, including one room which is used to hold records with the clan's history."
"Really?" Amy asked. "Do you think he would let us see?"
"Well...it's one of those areas that kind of off limits to all but clan members I'm afraid..." Anthony explained.
"Oh..." Amy said, a bit disappointed. "I understand. Still...it should be exciting seeing your two students."
"Especially considering the fact they will technically be mine and Amy's 'classmates', am I correct?" Sasha asked.
"Indeed..." Anthony said, then laid back in his chair, apparently in thought. "Still...I am a bit worried..."
"What's wrong?" Mary asked.
"Well...I'm just wondering how these two students are going to handle being Gamemasters. I mean...they may need to be called upon to fight if needed."
"I'm sure they'll be up to the challenge, Anthony," Mary said. "Besides, they probably wouldn't have accepted if they didn't think they could handle what was involved."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then turned towards the window to look out at the clan grounds as the ladies talked about what they should wear for the dinner...
The next day found Anthony, Mary Rose, Amy, and Sasha waiting at a military base in London on Earth. They were awaiting the transport Sharpe had arranged for their transport to Oslo, and all involved were excited. Actually, Amy, Mary, and Sasha were excited...Anthony was nervous.
Anthony was unsure regarding what to expect upon arriving at the Clan homestead, as well as what was to be expected of him. What made him even more nervous was the fact that, technically, he was going to be meeting individuals who are family that he didn't even know he had.
Sharpe watched as Anthony paced nervously inside the hanger the entire group was in. He then went up to Anthony and asked, "Are you alright, Mr. Bault?"
"I will be as soon as the butterflies leave," Anthony answered. "Man...I thought I was nervous when I first entered the worlds of Arcadia, but this...anticipation is getting to me."
Sharpe nodded in understanding. "You should be able to relax on the plane. We managed to arrange some special transportation for your group, so you should be comfortable, at least."
"I hope you didn't go overboard," Anthony remarked. "I may be the current Gamemaster, but no way do I want to be treated like a VIP."
"Well...that might be difficult. You see, as we were arranging the transport...someone requested special treatment for you..."
Anthony looked towards Sharpe with a nervous look and said, "What do you mean?"
Sharpe nodded towards the exit as a plane was approaching the runway. "See for yourself."
The entire group, carrying whatever luggage they had, filed out onto the waiting area as the plane taxied into position. As the plane approached, Anthony's eyes widened as he saw what plane it was.
"AIR FORCE ONE?!?!?!?" Anthony cried out. "No way...NO WAY do I deserve THIS level of treatment!!! Who ordered this?!?"
"The President himself, Mr. Bault," Sharpe answered. "His way of saying thanks for bringing the worlds of Arcadia together."
As Sharpe led the group onto the plane, Anthony shook his head in disbelief and then looked up into the heavens. "Can't you just make things simple for me for once?" he asked, addressing the heavens, and then went on into the plane.
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The flight was uneventful for the most part. Mary and Sasha were talking about what they were expecting to see upon arrival. Anthony was just staring out of the window, watching the cloudscapes go by. As for Amy, she had fallen asleep from the drone of the engines and was currently using one of Anthony's legs as a pillow. Anthony wondered what it was with Amy and flying that made her lethargic.
"Anthony," Mary said, interrupting Anthony's thoughts, "do you need me to wake up Amy?"
"No, she's fine," Anthony replied, "though you may need to find out what causes flights to make her fall asleep like that."
Mary giggled slightly at that comment. "Well, I don't think her practicing her psionics helped much. She was talking with me telepathically as we had breakfast this morning."
"I see..." Anthony said, then turned back towards the window.
Both Mary and Sasha noticed Anthony's withdrawn attitude. "Is something wrong, Anthony?" Sasha asked.
Anthony sighed and said, "I guess I'm just little nervous...both from the fact that I'll be meeting family I didn't know I had until now, and because I'm wondering who they chose to be my students."
"What are you afraid of?" Mary asked. "I'm sure they chose people who are willing to learn..."
"Yes, but are they willing to become Gamemasters is the problem. Also, I don't know Norwegian, so there might be a language barrier involved..."
"That won't be a problem," a voice said from another part of the plane. It came from Alison Trasin, a Norwegian translator assigned to Anthony's group. "It turns out the current Patriarch of the Larson Clan is fluent in English, in fact, he was born in the States before becoming the Clan Patriarch."
Anthony turned towards Alison and asked, "What about the students?"
"Not sure. When Major Sharpe made the arrangements, he was told your students would be arriving later tonight so you would meet them yourself."
"Great..." Anthony said. "More surprises...why can't anything be easy for me?"
Sasha looked at Anthony and said, "You're not in a line of work to have anything come easy, Anthony."
Anthony nodded in understanding and looked back out of the window. He then frowned inwardly and thought to himself, "So why am I asking these students to join in on this line of work?"
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After touching down in Oslo, the group had to take a van up to where the Larson Clan homestead was located. Thankfully, the group was warmly dressed, since the van was going up into a mountainous region and the temperature was steadily dropping as they drove up.
The van eventually reached what looked like a private mansion on a plateau overlooking several of the mountains. Anthony was amazed at the size of the building, as well as the expanse of property that was fenced off for it. The gate to the property had the crest of the Larson Clan displayed, and Alison had to speak in Norwegian to the gate guard stationed just outside. When the gate opened, the van drove up to the front of the building.
As the group exited the van, Anthony could do nothing but look around at the wide expanse of land that was the clan grounds. The cool and crisp mountain air also seemed to intoxicate him as he looked around.
"It all began here..." Anthony thought to himself. "My...and Arcadia's history." He continued to look around in awe as the rest of the group unloaded the van.
Amy was about to walk up to him, but Mary stopped her. "Let him be," Mary said. "He's getting used to a home he didn't know he had." Amy nodded in understanding, and couldn't help but sense both enthrallment and awe coming from her teacher.
When the group finished unloading the truck, the door to the Clan home opened, causing Anthony to turn around. Out walked an elderly man followed by two middle aged men who appeared to be housekeepers. He appeared to be in his late sixties, and his gaze seem fixated on Anthony, who in turn was staring back. Soon, the elderly man walked up to Anthony.
"Anthony Bault?" the man asked. Anthony nodded and the man immediately grabbed Anthony's hand and shook it warmly. "Olaf Larson, Patriarch of the Clan. It is truly an honor to meet the man who brought honor to the Clan!"
"Thank you, Patriarch," Anthony said, "but, there's no need for the accolades. It was my pleasure to represent the Clan in this manner."
"Of course, I understand," Olaf replied, and then turned towards the housekeepers. "Please take the luggage up to the guest rooms. I'll lead our guests up later." As the housekeepers collected the luggage, Olaf turned back towards Anthony. "So, why don't you introduce me to your guests, Anthony? I see we even have visitors from Mobius as well."
"Of course, Patriarch. First, I believe you know Alison Trasin."
"Yes, of course...she was the one who spoke to me earlier."
Anthony then walked up to Sasha. "This is Sasha Prower. Cousin to Tails and one of my telepathics students, as well as Descendant to Magi Reynard Prower as I am to Sir Eric."
"An honor to meet the leader of Arcadia's most well known family," Sasha said, shaking the hand of Olaf.
"A pleasure, Madam Prower," Olaf replied.
Anthony then stepped towards Mary and Amy. "I believe you know Amy Rose, and the elder hedgehog here is her mother, Mary."
"An honor, Patriarch," Mary said as she shook Olaf's hand.
Anthony then continued. "Amy is also one of my students, as well as my apprentice."
"Apprentice?" Olaf replied. "Well, you must be honored then, Amy."
Amy blushed slightly as she shook Olaf's hand. "Yes, sir...um, Patriarch."
"Oh please, none of the formalities with me. Just call me Olaf."
Amy giggled slightly. "Well, you are definitely of he same family line as Anthony. Anthony doesn't like being called Gamemaster."
"Understandable, I guess," Olaf replied. "Come, I'll show you where you are staying..."
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Olaf led the group to two rooms on an upper floor of the building. He motioned towards one room where four beds were prepared. "Alison, Mary, Sasha, and Amy? This is where you will be staying. I'll let you decide how you want to be arranged. Anthony?" Olaf then motioned towards another room which had three beds prepared and had Anthony's duffel on one of them. "You'll be staying in here. You'll be sharing with two others who will be arriving later tonight."
"Ah...by any chance are these my two students?" Anthony asked.
"Yes, indeed," Olaf answered. "In fact, I've arranged a special dinner tonight so you can meet with them as well as meet the other elders of the Clan."
"Elders?" Anthony asked, showing his uncertainty of the clan's structure.
"Well, as you might have guessed, there are many families within the Larson Clan. The elders are essentially the heads of those families."
"I see..." Anthony said.
"In fact, while your friends get settled, I was hoping to show you around the clan home," Olaf explained, then turned towards the rest of the group. "After you all get settled, you can just ask any of the housekeepers to show you where the various facilities are located."
"Can't they come with?" Anthony asked. "I'm sure they want to learn about the clan Sir Eric belonged to."
"Yes, but there are also some things I'd like to show you privately," Olaf explained. "Besides...I'm sure your friends are tired after the trip. I saw young Amy yawning earlier." Amy blushed at this statement.
"Yeah, well, she doesn't travel well..." Anthony explained. "Well, let me get something first, and then we can go." Anthony walked towards his duffel and extracted a package from it, which he then gave to Olaf. "A gift for the Clan," Anthony explained. "This package has copies of the histories of the Companions' campaign, written by the four surviving Companions. It has the missing part of your Clan's history...Sir Eric's adventures in Arcadia. It also has a book of prophecies written by Sir Eric himself before he died."
"Ah, excellent," Olaf replied. "This will definitely go well with where I plan to take you first. Shall we go?"
Anthony nodded and followed Olaf downstairs as the rest of the group entered their room.
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Anthony was led to the outside of a room that had two large double doors. Olaf then began to explain. "This is our heritage room. It contains records of the families within the clan, as well as historical artifacts and the crests of the families within the clan. Let's walk inside..."
Olaf opened the doors to reveal a large room filled with books, artifacts, and several banners which had family crests printed on them. Anthony was amazed and thought to himself, "Wow, the Clan must have a richer history than I first thought."
His thoughts were interrupted by Olaf. "We actually recently renovated this room to make room for a new addition. Take a look near the end of the room."
Anthony did so, and his eyes widened when he saw what was there...
Two statues were situated near the end of the room, each with a banner with a family crest situated above them. The statue on the left was that of Sir Eric and had the Larson crest above it. But it was the statue on the right which caught his attention...
It was a statue of him, dressed in the Armor of the Gamemaster as if he was drawing on the Descendancy Power and looking forward as if looking towards a foe. The banner above it featured a red shield with an upside down, yellow colored, V shaped field. There were also two blackbirds on the upper portion and another blackbird below the V. This was the Bault family crest.
Anthony could do nothing but stare at the display, and then he noticed an inscription etched into the marble platform the statues were on which read "The Gamemasters of Arcadia - The Finest of the Larson Clan". His name and Sir Eric's were also etched near the bases of the statues as well.
Anthony was stunned by this display, and turned towards Olaf. "Patriarch, I...I can't accept this honor..."
"Anthony..." Olaf said, interrupting Anthony. "I know how you feel about accolades, but this room is not for the public's eyes. This is the Clan's private tribute to the man who first helped form Arcadia...and to the man who brought Arcadia back together. Also, it is our private way of saying thanks to you for bringing honor and renown to the Larson Clan, as well as our way of welcoming you officially to the Larson Clan."
"You mean...the Bault family is now officially considered part of the Larson Clan?"
"Of course," Olaf explained. "Since you are descended from a member of the clan, you are a member as well. In fact, we have even invited the one who is to be the elder of the Bault family to the dinner tonight as well."
Anthony gave a confused gaze and asked, "Who?"
"You will see later tonight," Olaf explained, placing the package Anthony gave him on a small desk. "Come, there is much else I would like to show you..."
Anthony nodded in understanding and followed Olaf out of the room, giving a second glance towards his statue as he left.
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Sasha, Amy, Mary were being given a general tour of the clan home by one of the staff, Alison coming along and providing translations for the three Mobians. Amy seemed to be the most interested by the clan home, and listened with great interest at everything that was being said. Mary noticed this and smiled.
"Anthony will be glad to know you're so interested about his family's history, Amy," Mary said, addressing her daughter as they walked down one of the many hallways.
Amy blushed slightly before answering. "I guess I'm just curious. I mean...Sir Eric did help form Arcadia...and his descendant helped reunite it. Of course...Anthony did a lot more..."
Mary placed an arm around her daughter and hugged her closely. "I know...especially considering what's he's done for you. I'm grateful for that..."
Amy nodded, and then had a curious look on her face as she turned towards her mom. "Mom? Suppose...Anthony did adopt me. Would the Clan have accepted me?"
Mary smiled warmly towards Amy and said, "I'm sure they would have. From the way at least two of its members act, I don't think they would've refused you."
Amy nodded in understanding, and drew herself into her mother's embrace as they continued to walk.
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After his personal tour was ended, Anthony was led into what looked like a sitting room, and Olaf offered Anthony a chair as he instructed one of the staff to get something.
"So, Anthony," Olaf asked as he sat down, "what do you think of what I have showed you?"
Anthony shook his head in disbelief and said, "Incredible...I had no idea that my family had such a history. I have to admit...I was afraid at first at what I would see here..."
"And now?"
Anthony sat back in his chair and looked around at his surroundings. "I feel like...I'm home."
Olaf smiled as a member of his staff brought in a bottle of a spirit with a couple of glasses. Olaf filled both glasses and offered one to Anthony. "Then...allow me to propose a toast, Anthony. To the Larson Clan's and to Arcadia's future."
The two clansmen clinked their glasses in toast, and Anthony smiled as he began to get used to his second home. He smiled even more when he sensed someone watching the toast. He turned towards the entrance to the room and saw Mary, Amy, Sasha, and Alison being led in.
After Olaf dismissed the staff person who was giving them the tour, he spoke to the ladies. "So...what do you think of the clan's home?"
"It's truly spectacular," Sasha said. "I never really expected to see Sir Eric's homeland for real. I feel kind of out of place staying here...even if it is just for a couple of nights."
"Oh, come now," Olaf said, trying to make Sasha more comfortable. "This house may have a history, but it is still a home...and you are guests of the clan, so your should feel at home."
Amy noticed the look on Anthony's face as Olaf and Sasha talked and asked, "Anthony, are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine..." Anthony answered. "I'm still a little anxious about tonight...with all the clan elders coming and all..."
"Just think of them as family you haven't seen for a long time, Anthony," Olaf said. "Besides, I'm sure your two students will be just as excited to meet you."
"That reminds me, Olaf..." Anthony said. "What can you tell me about my two students?"
After offering the Mobians seats, Olaf began to explain. "I'm sure you'll like them a lot, Anthony. Actually...they are both from your home state..."
Anthony was surprised at that. "Really? They're Minnesotans?"
"Indeed. One of them is also my grandniece. Her name is Jenna Larson. She is currently studying in Stockholm on an exchange student program, but has arranged some time off from her studies so she can learn under you."
"What about the other?" Anthony said.
"His name is Lars Olson. He actually lives in the Shakopee area in Minnesota and is a bit of a Minnesota Vikings fan..."
"I like him already..." Anthony said, smiling a bit.
"Then you will find this even more interesting," Olaf said, continuing. "Not only is he a Viking fan...he happens to BE a Viking!"
"Huh? He's one of the players?"
"Not quite...he actually descends from Viking bloodlines as well as Sir Eric's. In fact, though this isn't confirmed...he is believed to be related to Eric the Red."
Anthony could only stare in amazement at that revelation. "Whoa...I definitely can't wait to meet them!"
"Well, you'll definitely have plenty of time to get to know them tonight," Olaf said, standing up. "In the meantime, all of you make yourselves at home at ask any of the staff if you need anything. I have to go see to the dinner tonight, so, if you'll excuse me..."
As Olaf left the sitting room, the three Mobians present looked towards Anthony and began to talk. "So, Anthony," Mary said, starting the conversation, "what did the Patriarch have to say to you?"
"Not much..." Anthony answered. "He mostly showed me around the grounds, including one room which is used to hold records with the clan's history."
"Really?" Amy asked. "Do you think he would let us see?"
"Well...it's one of those areas that kind of off limits to all but clan members I'm afraid..." Anthony explained.
"Oh..." Amy said, a bit disappointed. "I understand. Still...it should be exciting seeing your two students."
"Especially considering the fact they will technically be mine and Amy's 'classmates', am I correct?" Sasha asked.
"Indeed..." Anthony said, then laid back in his chair, apparently in thought. "Still...I am a bit worried..."
"What's wrong?" Mary asked.
"Well...I'm just wondering how these two students are going to handle being Gamemasters. I mean...they may need to be called upon to fight if needed."
"I'm sure they'll be up to the challenge, Anthony," Mary said. "Besides, they probably wouldn't have accepted if they didn't think they could handle what was involved."
Anthony nodded in understanding, and then turned towards the window to look out at the clan grounds as the ladies talked about what they should wear for the dinner...