Simply because this is so short, I'm going ahead and posting it as well.
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Part II: Something
In the middle of what had once been a great room, a blue portal swirled from the center of a circular device. It was very old, with the surrounding structure square. Ancient symbols dotted the structure, in an equally old and powerful language.
Suddenly, with a great heave, a man, dressed in extravagant robes, was thrust from the device, into the air, then landed on the hard floor nearby. He groaned, but raised his head. Cat-like eyes took in his surroundings.
"Welcome back."
The feminine words, even spoken in sarcasm, nevertheless caught his attention.
With a grunt, he collapsed.
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I'll post the next chapter soon.