“If your opponent is better armed and has longer reach, then surprise is your only ally. And then you'd better hope he's half asleep.”

― Sherwood Smith, Crown Duel

“. . . what matters in combat is adaptability, boldness and maintaining a cool exterior, whilst penetrating your enemy's soul with an icy cold stare

- Diary of A Combat Fiend”

― Soke Behzad Ahmadi & Denise Itchikawa, Dirty Fighting : Lethal Okinawan Karate

Tabitha has learned a valuable lesson, she thought about it for six days as the demons who worked for Eldest escorted them back to the Courts. The greater demon known as Tombs, she had heard one of the magic caster demons call him by name. Is a smart one, Tabitha knew that she was stronger than all these demons. She knew she was faster and more powerful, but Tabitha also knew that despite her strength she could still be taken down. Tabitha knew that but yet she was still captured along with her new friends. This Tombs guy knew what he was doing. He knew he could not defeat me in a fight, no matter how many demons he had brought with him. No…Tabitha then looked at all the demons in robes, they were the magic users and from their auras, they are powerful and skilled.

Instead, Tombs used his soldier greater demons to keep me busy. Then, he used the magic users to trap me in this blasted cage. Tabitha flicked one of the gold bars with a talon, and there was a small ping from the impact. Several of the greater demons and one of the magic users snapped their attention towards the greater she-devil. But when Tabitha did nothing more than frown at the bars, they ignored her but not really. They were all using their senses to monitor the devil, after all, devils are clever and tricky. They would not underestimate her, for if she manages to escape Eldest would skin them alive and nail them to the wall in his dungeon.

Tabitha shook her head impressed with the magical makeup of the cage. While I was fighting Tombs, the magic users were monitoring my magical particles. Once they had the frequency, they matched this cage to my magical essence and trapped me in it. But two can play that game, they may have analyzed my essence, but I can analyze this cage. Tabitha flicked the same bar once again causing that pinging sound. The demons looked at her once again and then went back to what they were doing. They all failed to notice that the sound of the bar that Tabitha flicked had a slightly different pitch to it. Tabitha smiled, it had already begun.

Twenty minutes later, Tabitha was taking in the landscape as they were flying over it. That is when she saw it, in the distance she saw a black jagged line on the desert landscape of the Nether Realm. It was long very long, in fact, it went from one end of the horizon to the other. The line seems to have no end. As they got closer, Tabitha realized that the black line was not completely black. There were streaks of silver all over the line, what light there is in the Nether Realm glinted off the surface. It was then Tabitha realized the squally black and silver line was a river.

“I thought there wasn’t any water in the Nether Realm except for the snow atop the Frost Back Mountains. How is there a river here without drying up in this heat?”

Balca was the closest, tied up and being carried by one of the greater demons. So, she answered.

“Oh yeah, that’s the Rivers Styx.”

Tabitha turned to look at her in surprise.

“The Rivers Styx? As in the Rivers Styx in the underworld.”

Balca shrugged.

“Yep. The Nether Realm is the underworld to some mortals. And the Rivers Styx runs through it, some say the Rivers Styx is as infinite as the Nether Realm, never-ending.”

“But there is a destination? Does Hades the God of the Dead, the God of the Underworld. Does he live in the Nether Realm?”

Tabitha waited for Balca’s answer, and her eyes widen when Balca nodded.

“Yeah, met him a couple of times. Once in a while, I’ll hitch a ride with Charon, and he would take me to Hades. I think Hade’s realm is in some type of pocket dimension in the Nether Realm. I have no idea on how that works though.”

Balca went silent contemplating pocket dimensions in realms and how they work. Tabitha was thinking as well. Hades, the Greek God of the Underworld exists. He is real. Does that mean all the gods of Greek Mythology are real? They actually exist? I need to reevaluate what is true and what is myth and legend. What is fact and what is fiction. I am a devil, and I know angels are real. I may not be Alice, but I have dropped all the way down the rabbit hole. As they flew over the Rivers Styx, Tabitha asked.

“Balca, what would happen if someone touched the Rivers Styx?”

“Well, if a demon fell into the river, they would lose their memories for a while. But if a mortal fell into the river, both their body and soul would burn up. It’s like acid to mortals but a thousand times worse.”

“I see.”

Tabitha replied. she was surprised to see the three demons she had first met since coming to the Nether Realm were here. But in hindsight, it should not have been so surprising. They are bounty hunters, after all, giving up on their prize would not be their first choice. After their run-in with her, they had gone back to the Courts for reinforcements. They were smart, all the demons Tabitha had met so far including Balca are smart. Tabitha had to be smart too, smarter than her enemies. When she was human, she was smart enough to avoid the church for a while. In the end, the church had power and resources. Now, Tabitha had power but not resources, not yet anyway.

If she wants to maintain her independence and freedom, she is going to have to convince Eldest and any other Nether Lord that she Tabitha is a new power in the Nether Realm. About an hour later, Tabitha saw the outlines of buildings, tall buildings too. That must be the Courts, the girls did say the Courts was a combination of cities, towns, and villages all put together in a mixing pot of a megalopolis. Eldest’s Palace of Lust is deep in the Courts, deep in the center of power with the other Nether Lords. Thirty minutes later, the group flew over small buildings on the outskirts of the Courts. A few more minutes, and they were flying between skyscrapers. Tabitha did not move her head around looking at everything like a tourist. She had no doubt that the demons all around them were taking note of her reactions. She did not want to give Eldest any ammunition.

Tabitha shifted her eyes instead; she saw thousands upon thousands of demons going about their business-like regular people. It was a bizarre experience, almost normal reminding Tabitha of how New York City use to be before the conquest. She had seen old videos her father kept; they were illegal according to the church. But her father wanted Tabitha to learn what the world was like before the Holy Church of Romanto changed everything. They flew over businesses and market districts; they flew over sports arenas where Tabitha could not believe her eyes. An actual football game was being played, and it was not a game any human could have played. She watched as heavy-set demons charged into each other at the line of scrimmage. The cracks and breaking of bones were audible, even from so far up she could hear it. The demonic crowd went wild, and Tabitha had never seen such a diversity of demonic shapes and forms that made up the fans.

Demons in flight or on the ground saw the giant golden cage being escorted by demons to the center of the Courts. Tabitha saw them pointing and speaking to each other, probably wondering who the prisoner was. Talin, Balca, and Zula were tied up and held by greater demons who are so big that the girls were not noticed by other demons. But Tabitha in a twenty-by-twenty foot gold cage was visible for all to see. Every demon that saw her knew right away what she is, a devil captured by demons. But which demon lord would have the temerity to risk the wrath of one of the devils? Tabitha would make sure that Eldest regretted ever holding her against her will.

As they got closer to the center of the Courts, the buildings grew in number and more condensed. Tabitha through her surprise saw vehicles on the roads throughout the cities and towns. Why would demons need cars or trucks when they have wings? Maybe they’re transporting products and goods to different areas in the Courts. One thing is clear, these demons are advance if they use technologies like sporting arenas and vehicles. They seem more civilized and less barbaric. Tabitha thought about her words, come to think of it. Zula did say that most demons in the Nether Realm were once humans, and most demons use to live on earth or one of the earthly realms. Talin and Balco confirmed this, then that means over the centuries. The humans turned demons built and replicated their surroundings from their time or era on earth. If they are to be demons for all eternity, why not make your situation as comfortable as possible.

When Tabitha saw the Palace of Lust, her mouth dropped in disbelief and incredulity. You have got to be kidding me. Has this Demon Lord Eldest ever heard the word subtilty? I mean even NASA wouldn’t have any trouble finding the Palace of Lust. An idiot could find that building. Hell, the only one who would not be able to tell that this is the Palace of Lust is a blind man. Tabitha took in the gaudy display of nude statues of different species, the blazing red, the dark velvet, and the black surface of the palace structure that seems like a beacon for all to see. Eldest it seems was not shy in flaunting his status of Demon Lord of Lust. Tabitha was not looking forward to meeting Eldest, but she was a greater she-devil damnit. She would neither bend nor break to anyone, never again.

“Tombs, you can’t deliver me back to Eldest. Please don’t bring me back.”

The voice belonged to Zula who was pleading with Tombs, the greater demon in obsidian armor.

“I am truly sorry Lady Zula, but I cannot disobey Lord Eldest. I wish I could, but I can’t, he is the Lord of Lust and we are bound to him.”

“But he is a brute, a savage, a bastard, he is not fit to be the Demon Lord of Lust. Even you can see that!”

Tombs did not rebuke Zula’s words, instead, he said.

“You will be brought to Lord Eldest as soon as we reach the palace. I am truly sorry, but I have no choice.”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

To Tabitha’s highly sensitive ears, Tombs sounded regretful at following the orders of his master. The more Tabitha learns about Eldest, the more she realizes that this Demon Lord needs to be taken down. They did not enter the palace at ground level, instead, a large door opened a hundred feet at the center of the main structure. Large enough for the entire group to fly in with their captives. Tabitha was surprised to see that they were in what could only be called a hangar bay. Yeah, these demons are very advance technology wise. A Nosferatu butler looking demon dressed in black was waiting for them as they landed.

“Commander Tombs, Lord Eldest is waiting in his throne room. I see you have his daughter and captured the greater she-devil. I also see two she-demons, our Lord will be pleased with your success.”

“Neelan, it was all thanks to our trackers. Razor and his party did an excellent job.”

Neelan snared at Tombs words, and when he looked at Razor and friends. His snare grew even wider.

“Yes…I’m certain that Lord Eldest will reward them handsomely.”

Tabitha did not like this vampire looking demon butler, there is something shady about him. Neelan without another word spun around and began walking. Tombs and the others had no choice but to follow, the magic users were still using their spells to levitate Tabitha’s golden cage. She hovered a few inches off the ground and as if the outside of the palace expressed Eldest’s lust. The interior was a blinding cascade of murals depicting orgies, and statues in various carnal positions.

“I’ll tell you one thing.”

Tabitha began.

“A virgin would not remain a virgin for one night in this place.”

Balca began to laugh at Tabitha’s remark, and she was loud about it. Balca laughed so hard that tears ran down her cheeks, everyone turned to look at her strange behavior. Tabitha did not think her joke was that funny, but she shrugged as if to say whatever.

“Ah man, a virgin wouldn’t remain a virgin in this place for one night.”

Balca said after finally getting herself back under control.

“I knew sticking with you was going to be fun. Now I’m definitely glad we met.”

Zula looked at the green demoness with utter disbelief, and then she looked at Talin who shrugged as if to say that’s how she is. At last, they reached the gold and silver double doors of the throne room. The doors opened silently of their own accord, they walked through the doors and beheld Eldest sitting on his throne carved of naked bodies. Succubi laying at his feet, and one particular succubus to his right laying upon cushions of pillows in a silver sleeveless dress. She looks familiar, Tabitha thought. She had noticed the succubus had eyes the color of gold. Similar to Zula’s eyes but a shade brighter. But they both have the same alabaster skin complexion. But her horns were white while Zula’s were black, and instead of platinum blonde hair. This succubus has silver-white hair, and her wings are black like Zula but feathered not bat-like. Tabitha knew then that this is Zula’s mother.

Razor thought the throne room had more guards than the last time he was here. The she-devil may be in a golden cage designed to keep her in check, but Eldest still has enough sense to take precautions. The group stopped twenty feet before the dark grey throne, the cage was at last placed on the ground and all the demons bowed before Eldest. Even the three rogue demons and Tabitha saw Eldest as the Demon Lord leaned forward with a triumphant smile on his face. Eldest had a handsome face with straight black hair and a small beard. But his black eyes were cold as they stared at her with undisguised hunger, but what Tabitha noticed are the collars around the succubi’s necks. All of them silver except for Zula’s mother, she wore gold. Slave collars, Tabitha’s mind provided the answer in an instant. She could see the magical auras around all the collars.

“Commander Tombs, not only did you bring back my wayward daughter. Not only did you capture the greater she-devil, but you have brought me, two new females. Excellent.”

“Thank you Lord Eldest, but some of the credit must go to Razor, Crank, and Block. They did an excellent job in tracking down your daughter and her companions.”

Eldest waved a hand in dismissal.

“Yes, yes, they did a good job. They can go now; their services are no longer required.”

The rogue demons raised their heads in shock, Razor got to his feet.

“Now hold on their milord, we had an agreement. We did our jobs, we brought your little girl back and then some. We should be rewarded for our efforts.”

Eldest did not snap at Razor for his tone, instead, the Demon Lord sat back in his throne with a smile on his face.

“Oh, you think so do you rogue.”

“I know so, a deal is a deal.”

Razor replied, not backing down. Eldest still had that smile when he said.

“I see it differently rogue. I provide you demons both warriors and magic users. It was through their efforts that I have my daughter and three new females to add to my harem. But you did provide some assistance, as small as it was. So, I will reward you.”

Eldest paused and Razor waited to hear what he would say next. When Eldest finally spoke, Razor and his companions did not like what they heard.

“I reward you your continued existence, be grateful that I do not rip you to pieces and turn you into ashes scattering your remains to the nether winds. Now go, my mercy has limits.”

Razor wanted to curse Eldest for a fowl lying piece of filth who was dumber than stone and not fit to wear the mantle of the Demon Lord of Lust. But he knew, he just knew that if he said one word of protest. It would be over for him and his companions. It was not easy to kill a demon permanently, but it could be done with enough time, effort, and power. Crank and Block were about to say some words of their own. Although, they were behind Razor. He did not need to see them to know that they were about to speak. Sealing their doom. Before they could utter a word, Razor held up a hand to stop them.

Thankfully, they obeyed. Razor bowed to Eldest so low, it was a mockery. Then Razor slowly turned around and walked out of the throne room, his companions right behind him. The doors opened and closed, and silence dominated the throne room before Eldest broke it.

“Now that the trash is gone, Zula, it does my heart glad to see you safe and sound back in your home. Do you not have anything to say to your father?”

“This is not my home and you are not my father. This palace is a prison and you are nothing more than my donor. I was glad to leave this place behind, glad to have you out of my life. Even if it was for but a moment.”

In response, Eldest stretched out his right hand with open palm facing the ceiling.

“After all the years I protected you from the outside world.”

Eldest shook his head as if in sorrow, it was not convincing to Tabitha’s eyes.

“It pains me to hear such words from your lovely lips daughter. Although you have been gone for a few weeks, you think you know the outside world. Did that she-devil fill your head with stories?”

As Eldest chuckled in amusement, a golden collar appeared hovering in his hand.

“Do not worry daughter, now that you are back in my care. I will teach you that here in the Palace of Lust is the place where you belong and nowhere else.”

Eldest got up from his throne, Tabitha saw that he was a full 20-feet-tall. Five feet taller than her, but she has no doubt in her mind that she could take him if given the chance. As he walked over the succubi, the Demon Lord wore nothing more than golden chains around his neck and a brown leathery loincloth around his waist and thighs. He was an impressive demon specimen, but Tabitha could see and sense the evil in that perfect masculine body. Of course, all mortals would say ‘he’s a Demon Lord, of course, he’s evil’. But not all demons are evil, they were once human or elf or dwarf or something else. Like all kinds of people in different places, there is good and bad.

Eldest walked up to his daughter who was being held by one of his greater demons. Who held her still, Eldest smiled at her and not in a fatherly way?

“Trust me Zula, I do this for your own good.”

Zula tried to twist away from Eldest, but the greater demon held her fast. Eldest placed the open collar slowly around her neck. Tabitha heard the snap and lock of the gold collar as it sealed itself around Zula’s neck.

“Release her.”

The greater demon obeyed and let go of Zula, as soon as she was free the succubus launched herself at Eldest who simply said.

“Stop.”

Zula immediately halted in her tracks, she could not move. She glared at Eldest with pure hatred, the Demon Lord of Lust chuckled. Caressing a hand over Zula’s lovely cheek and spoke.

“Relax and stay right here. I will be finished soon.”

Finally, Eldest turned his attention to Tabitha who had not said a word since coming into the Demon Lord’s presence. Eldest was as tall as the golden cage surrounding Tabitha, he towered over her.

“What is your name she-devil?”

Tabitha debated not telling Eldest her name, she did not want him saying it from his mouth. In the end, she decided to pick her battles.

“The names Tabitha.”

Eldest smiled.

“Well Tabitha, I am Eldest, Demon Lord of Lust. Your new master.”

Tabitha burst out laughing, Eldest narrowed his black eyes in displeasure. Finally, Tabitha said.

“You are not my master; I have no master. But if you believe otherwise, then open this cage and try to break me to your will.”

Unfortunately, Eldest did not accept her challenge. Tabitha knew he would not, but she wanted to goad him, to see what he would do. Eldest chuckled and stepped away from the cage.

“Oh, I will break you to my will, Tabitha, I have many ways to do that.”

Tabitha saw the lie easily, Eldest would not risk taking her on one on one. He may be a Demon Lord, but she is a devil, and Eldest could not come close to her in power. And they both knew it.

“For now, I will have you sent to the dungeons. To contemplate what I might have in store for you my dear.”

Eldest then turned his attention towards the two she-demons still being held by his greater demons.

“And what are your names my lovelies?”

“Well, I’m Balca and this is my business partner Talin. Nice place you got here.”

Eldest blinked at the chipper tone in the green demoness’s voice, and then he smiled.

“Yes, my palace is magnificent. Ever since I took ownership of it, I decorated the Palace of Lust with my own sense of style.”

Tabitha rolled her eyes at that statement but said nothing. Eldest continued.

“Sadly, I was only able to make one collar for my daughter.”

Eldest looked at Zula with fondness and then went on.

“But give me time, you two will have silver collars of your own. Until that happy time, you will stay with my daughter since I did not have proper accommodations prepared for you. You see, I was not expecting to add two more to my harem. And placing you in a dungeon cell seems to be a bit overboard.”

Tabitha got the message loud and clear, Eldest did not see Balca and Talin as threats. Tabitha knew right then and there that Eldest was indeed a fool, all demons are threats. Whether great or small no demon should be underestimated.

“Eldest.”

Tabitha called the Demon Lord’s name to get his attention. When Eldest looked at her, she said.

“I’ve been watching you, studying the way you move and the way you speak.”

“No doubt you like what you see.”

Eldest said with a smirk and Tabitha gave him a smirk of her own.

“I’ll admit it, you are pretty. And that is the only thing you are good at, looking pretty.”

Eldest’s face lost the grin, but Tabitha was not finished just yet.

“You are brutish, unsophisticated, uneducated, you think more with your nether region than your head. Your idea of style is gaudy and atrocious. How you ever became the Demon Lord of Lust is the greatest mystery in the Nether Realm. I can only assume that you had help. Whether it was someone here in the Nether Realm or some outside force is the question.”

Tabitha saw Eldest’s black eyes flash with fury and…fear? Could I have hit the mark on that last statement? He indeed, must have had outside help. But was it in the Nether Realm or was it someone outside the Nether Realm? Whatever the answer was, she would not get it any time soon. Eldest flared his nostrils and said with a growl.

“I will enjoy having you kneel before me, calling me master. And I will savor the moment when you are on your back with your legs spread before me.”

Tabitha gave Eldest a vicious grin before saying.

“I will enjoy gutting you like a fish. I will also savor the moment when I am ripping out your intestines and using them to foretell the future.”

Devil and Demon Lord stared at each other, giving off waves of intimidation. Eldest’s aura was raw and powerful, but even so, Tabitha’s share menace was overpowering. Despite the golden cage damping her magic, Eldest could not help but lower his gaze to hers. To avoid the shame of capitulating, Eldest turned his back to Tabitha saying.

“Take the greater she-devil down to the dungeons. Take my daughter and her two new companions to her chamber. I will deal with them at my pleasure.”

Eldest strode back to his throne with a confident stride and sat back down grabbing one of the succubi roughly and placing her on his lap. Tabitha did not say anything, she did not need too. Eldest knew who truly had the power here, and as they were carried away down to the dungeons. It was enough…for now.