Kamar-Taj

The hooded man lowered his hood, revealing a head of black hair. He held out his hand. "Let's get acquainted. I'm Kaecilius."

Kaecilius? Ryan froze at the name. He pushed down his thoughts and shook the man's hand.

After a brief shake, they let go.

Ryan introduced himself, then invited Kaecilius to get some flatbread nearby.

Once they had the flatbread, Ryan gave Kaecilius a piece and took a bite of his own.

It tasted every bit as good as it looked—crisp and delicious.

Kaecilius took a bite, then led Ryan toward Kamar-Taj.

As they walked, Ryan recalled what he knew about Kaecilius.

He was a powerful Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj and a villain in Doctor Strange's original story. For now, though, he did not seem to have become a villain yet.

They wound through the streets until they reached a closed wooden door.

The brown door looked utterly ordinary.

Kaecilius led Ryan through it into a room furnished in an antique style.

Several people in monk's robes sat inside.

Before Ryan could figure out what to do next, Kaecilius explained that his mentor was away, so he would arrange for Ryan to study Magic at Kamar-Taj.

Then Kaecilius slipped a ring-like object onto his finger and pulled at the empty air before him. A burning circle appeared in front of Ryan.

Kaecilius introduced it. "This is Magic: a Portal."

Ryan watched the fiery circle expand. Through it, he could see a place entirely different from the room.

Kaecilius motioned with his head and led Ryan through.

Once they were both inside, Ryan looked around. The scene was nothing like the room they had left.

They appeared to be in a Sanctum built of stone, and the air was unusually fresh. Ryan looked back and saw the fiery circle shrink