Chapter 2

Once Varzoth woke up he was entering the castle, and the soldiers were knocking on the door. Varzoth jumped, and opened the door.

He smiled, “My bad, I fell asleep for the ride.”

The Soldiers nodded, “A young Demons such as yourself need sleep, it is perfectly fine.” The soldiers cleared a path for the boy, “Welcome to the path of importance.” Said one of the soldiers. Varzoth exited the carriage, and found himself in front of a grand city. With walls of stone, and towers of quartz. Varzoth grabbed his things and neared the city. One of the soldiers approached him, 

“I have been assigned to bring these straight to your room.” The soldier grabbed all of his things, and took them away.

Another soldier approached him, “Sir Varzoth, the Emperor would like to meet with you.” Said the soldier.

Varzoth nodded, and started walking. “Oh you could all just also call me Varz, you don’t need to say my full name.” The soldiers nodded, and went to their duties. Varzoth approached the city, and followed the soldiers escorting him to the Emperor. Once he entered the city it was vast, and bustling. Only the important lived here, and these people were the important. Each in their own ways of course, but they were all the same amount of value. Equal, but important as the Emperor said. Varzoth was led through the castle, the rooms were clean and polished. This was his new home, and it was beautiful. The soldiers stopped at a large doorway, and made a path for Varzoth to get through. Varzoth opened the doors just enough for him to get through, and when he did he saw a looming figure sitting in a large throne.

The figure rose, “Are you Varzoth Soulrender?” The figure asked,

Varzoth nodded, “Yes, and you're the Emperor. Malgorth the Dreadlord.”

The figure laughed, he was in the shadows and Varzoth couldn’t exactly see him. “Yes, I am. You know your knowledge don’t you?” The figure stepped out of the shadows, and showed his face. It was made of black and red scales, when most Demons just had red.

“I believe I do. That’s why I’ve come here, to be the Important and learn as much as I can.” Varzoth said,

“That is why most come here, and congratulations. You are now one of the Important, and you are going to be trained in the Heart Forge. One of the best ways to learn.” Said the Emperor, “I wanted to meet with my new colleague before he gets to his business.”

“Of course, um… I heard from some people there's a test of sorts, and that I have to show you magic.” Varzoth guessed,

“You really do know your stuff, yes there used to be a needed test to show your magic. I stopped that, the mages here aren’t as talented as they used to be.” The Emperor said.

“Well could I demonstrate? I think I might be a bit talented.” Varzoth asked, the Emperor waved his hand in approval. Varzoth shot blasts of fire, and created shields of flame. Seeming to please the Emperor.

“Ha ha ha, yes you are quite talented. You lack experience of course, but Xaloth will be the teacher and judge of that fact.” Said the Emperor, who enjoyed his performance! The Emperor of Romania had enjoyed his magic and spells, Varzoth was ecstatic. Suddenly a large clatter was heard from the hall, both the Emperor and Varzoth looked at the door. When they did, it opened, and Xaloth Forgekeeper came through the doors. This was insane! The Emperor, Forgekeeper, and him were all in the same room! This was insane!

“Is this the apprentice person?” Asked the Forgekeeper.

Varzoth nodded, and the Emperor nodded. “This is your apprentice, the next important.”

The Forgekeeper started clapping his hands, “It’s nice to meet you kid,” He held out his hand, which Varzoth took and shook. He tried to keep it, like an ok shake, not a crazy shake.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, you're the best forgekeeper there’s ever been. Especially with the upgrades you’ve made to keeping it safe, I’ve seen the blueprints they put in the papers. The mechanics are amazing!” Varzoth said,

“Oh, thanks. I didn’t think anyone actually read those things.” The Forgekeeper said,

“What? They were an incredible design, I read them every week!” Varzoth said, maybe a bit too loud.

“Well Xaloth, looks like you have a fan.” Said the Emperor, “Perfect start for the forge empire.”

Varzoth looked confused, “Forge empire?”

The Forgekeeper shook his head, “Not yet, but he will learn soon.”

The Emperor nodded, “Of course, but Varzoth you will learn all there is to learn about the Hearts forge. With time.” Said the Emperor, a bit strangely. He was the emperor though, so he couldn't argue with him.

“Of course.” Said Varzoth.

“For now, go. Set up your room, whatever you’d like. You can go wherever you want throughout the entire castle.” The Emperor said,

“Thank you my lord.” Varzoth bowed, and walked out of the room. He closed the doors, but before he left he heard The Emperor and The Forgekeeper saying something.

“He’s ready.”

Varzoth decided not to think about what was wrong with his new world, but to accept it. He went to his new lavished room, holding all of his luggage he’d brought with him. He grabbed multiple of the old blueprints that the Forgekeeper published, and started looking at how it worked and moved. Then he heard a noise from the room next to him, it was a loud bang. Varzoth immediately got up, and left his room. He went to the room next to him, and knocked on it.

“Hey, can you keep it down in there?” He asked,

A demon not much older than him appeared at the door, “Sorry, I was practicing for battle.” He looked at Varzoth, “Hey you're new here aren’t you?”

Varzoth nodded, “I’m the forgekeeper’s apprentice.”

The boy winced, “That sounds boring.”

“No, it's informative. I learn and one day I’ll become the keeper of the forge.” Varzoth said,

“Ha, you have got to be joking. That forge doesn’t need a keeper, it runs fine on its own. Demons are just paranoid.” Said the boy,

“Alright, who are you to talk exactly?” Asked Varzoth,

“I’m Karnyx Vargath, I’ve been an important for combat and tactics.” said the boy,

“Ok, then aren’t you practicing at the training area on the far side of the building?” Varzoth asked,

“There’s a training area over there?” Said Karnyx.

Varzoth sighed, and shut the door. He went back into his room, and studied more on the importance of the forge. He felt like there was something they weren’t telling him about the forge, but what weren’t they telling him?