“We usually learn from debates that we seldom learn from debates.”

― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

“My King, you can’t be serious?!”

Sir Wayne protested, and he was not the only one.

“Your Majesty, don’t tell me you are foolish enough to trust a Nether Lord?!?

Xander demanded, his tone was borderline on the disrespectful. King Adrian ignored them, he had eyes only for the she-devil. Adrian had to admit; the greater she-devil was lovely to look at despite her origins. Her red skin complexion brought out her gold and silver eyes, and her gold armor went well with her red flowing skirt. There were slits on both sides of the skirt showing off the she-devils slender but strong legs and a bit of her thighs. And her obsidian hair reflected the sunlight, King Adrian thought she would look human without the blue horns, wings, and tail.

The she-devil waved a hand, and King Adrian tensed for an attack and so did his people. But no attack came, instead, between the she-devil and the King. Two mud-like forms emerged from the ground and shaped themselves into two thrones of stone and rock. The she-devil’s of course was much bigger than the King’s, and she sat in her throne. Then gestured for King Adrian who sheathed Excalibur and took his seat too. Dogan was watching the proceedings with great interest, he was at the ready to assist his king just in case. That was earth creation magic, I’ve never heard of a devil being able to use creation magic before. Who is this she-devil? Dogan would love to know more about her, and maybe some of his questions would be answered if King Adrian was given a chance to ask. Dogan was not just watching the she-devil, he also had an eye on the Romantians too.

Finally settled, King Adrian was the first to speak.

“Before we begin, may I have your name? Calling you the greater she-devil seems so impersonal.”

“Certainly, you may call me Tabitha.”

Tabitha said with a smile, the King nodded and spoke.

“Well Tabitha, my next question is simple. Why do you seek to destroy Camelot and gather its magical particles?”

Tabitha raised a slender eyebrow at that, as if taken by surprise at the question. Dogan took note of the reaction and so did Sandra. King Adrian too marked it but showed no reaction at spotting the she-devil’s gesture. Tabitha slowly and deliberately turned her head towards the Bishop General, when she made eye contact with the man. She said in a sarcastic voice.

“Is that what the Romantians told you? They spun you a tale of me coming to Camelot to destroy it and gather the city’s magical particles. No doubt in a bid to gain power to rule in the Nether Realm.”

Tabitha said all this without taking her gaze from the Bishop General who was sweating.

“Yes.”

King Adrian responded and continued.

“I was told you came to Camelot to gather my city’s power to increase yours in the Nether Realm. Do you claim this is not so?”

Tabitha finally faced the King once again and sighed.

“Your Majesty, no doubt you’ve been taught at a young age that demons and devils are the greatest evil in the universe.”

Tabitha paused and waited, when the King nodded his agreement then she went on.

“Mortals believe they know all they need to know about demons and devils. The truth is, most of your assumptions are based on legends, myths, fear, and interactions with demons and devils. We may live longer, and we may have powers that rival the gods, but we are not so different from you. Yes, we are a whole different species. Yet, we have the same desires and emotions. Like you there are good and bad among us. It is foolish to believe that all demons and devils are evil.”

“Yet, history and the actions of your kind have taught us differently.”

The King retorted; he was not aggressive just making an argument. Tabitha nodded and replied.

“True, there have been demons and devils who have caused harm to mortals before. There will always be those who will cause trouble in the future. But the same can be said for mortals. There have been mortals in the past who have caused greater harm than even the vilest of devils.”

King Adrian nodded in agreement; Tabitha had a point. There have been indeed men and women who have killed thousands or millions in their pursuit of power and conquest. He had fought a few of these individuals, come to think of it. The Romantians have killed millions to further their religion and power, all in the name of order and justice of course.

“Your argument is sound, and your reasoning is well thought out. But there is just one undeniable fact that goes against what you say.”

Tabitha narrowed her eyes at the King’s words.

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“And what might that be your Majesty?”

“You are here, and your minions are doing something at the base of the hill. Is it a ritual? A method for you to gather magical particles?”

Tabitha nodded; the King did have a point about her being here in Camelot. It lent credence to the Romantians’ claims of her wanting to destroy the city.

“Before I answer your questions, may I ask one of my own?”

The King nodded and gestured for Tabitha to proceed.

“Did the Romantians happen to mention where I entered your world.”

“Yes, through a small village church.”

“Did they say how I managed to get passed their holy wards?”

The King thought about it and then shook his head.

“No, they did not know. It vexed them to learn that their defenses were so easily penetrated.”

Tabitha smiled saying.

“Of course, they did. Allow me your Majesty to tell you a story of my time in the Nether Realm. I promise you, once I finished my tale you will understand why the Romantians are so desperate to slay me.”

“Very well, please begin.”

So, Tabitha began her story. She told the King of meeting Zula and how they fled from her lecherous father. Of meeting Balca, Talin, and Kasca. She told the King of their capture by Eldest’s forces, and of her escape from his palace. At this, Xander spoke up.

“That is a lie! We do not traffic with Demon Lords or their ilk!”

Tabitha did not respond to the Bishop General’s denial; she just gave King Adrian a look that said. Oh please, do you truly believe the Romantians would not use every available advantage. Tabitha continued her story as if there were no interruptions. She told the King of interrogating the priest Albedo Zaan and learning of the arrangement they had with the Demon Lord chasing them. Again, the Bishop General protested the church’s innocence, and again Tabitha ignored him. She told of traveling to the Dark Forest, discovering the ruins of a temple and the tomb where the Cambion twins were imprisoned. Freeing the twins and learning of a realm gate not too far from Camelot. A realm gate leading to an abandon fortress far away from the Courts.

“So, you are here to use the realm gate.”

The King finally spoke after Tabitha’s story had finally reached the present time.

“Yes, if I were to be killed now. I would simply end up back in the Nether Realm in the exact place I entered in Avalon.”

King Adrian nodded in understanding if what Tabitha said was true. She would return to the Palace of Lust, right in the heart of Eldest’s power. If she was telling the truth, the Romantians have been dealing with a Demon Lord for a long time. Since they had a realm gate connected to the Palace of Lust. King Adrian was in a dangerous position; he had a strong feeling that Tabitha was not telling him everything. But what she has told him possess the ring of truth, and the Romantians have lied to him. But he could not side with Tabitha if he did that. The Romantians would call him a devil worshipper and launch one of their holy wars at his kingdom. But there was another way out of this, he could allow the she-devil to escape while at the same time pretending to try and stop her.

“Tabitha, what do you want?”

“Simple, allow me and mine to use the realm gate. Your city is in no danger, I did not come here to harm your people. I came here to use the realm gate which I have been told was here long before Camelot. We can part ways here and now, I have not killed any of your people. You have attacked me, and I have merely defended myself.”

King Adrian thought about her words, and they were true. Tabitha must have arrived here days before the Romantians. If there is indeed a realm gate underneath that hill, she and her minions would have used it to return to the Nether Realm with no one the wiser. If the Romantians had not alerted him to her presence, then this entire battle would not have occurred. But King Adrian could not risk a war with the Romantians, not yet.

“Your tale was intriguing, a very entertaining story. For all I know you could be telling the truth.”

“But?”

Tabitha inquired.

“But I am King of Camelot. I have a duty to ensure the safety of my people. Without proof I’m afraid I cannot simply take your word for it.”

“How do you suggest we solve this problem then your Majesty?”

Adrian sighed.

“If you are willing, my wizard has the ability to hold you in custody. Allow my investigators to verify your story. If what you say is true, then you will be released. If not…well, some other means will have to be decided upon.”

Tabitha had been watching the King’s every expression that is why she knew that the King believed her. But she could also see that siding with her would not be well received by the rest of the world. The Romantians could and would use it against him, and Tabitha knew how that would play out. Tabitha decided to play along with the King.

“Your proposal sounds very reasonable your Majesty. Except there is one issue I cannot agree with.”

“And what might that be?”

“For me to be taken into custody, I would not have to only trust your integrity. I would have to trust the honor of the Romantians. I will tell you this now your Majesty, I will never put myself in a position where the Romantians can take advantage of me. I will never trust the Romantians.”

“Then Tabitha we have come to an impasse. I cannot afford to let you do as you please for the sake of my people. And you will not submit to being taken into custody, then there is only one way to settle our disagreement.”

Tabitha smiled at the King and nodded her head in agreement.

“Oh well, I was hoping to leave without any more incidents. It seems things will not go my way.”

King Adrian stood to his feet and drew Excalibur slowly.

“I’m afraid this is where our parley ends.”

Tabitha stood to her impressive 15-foot height, waving her hand she dispelled the two earth thrones she had conjured in a matter of seconds. They melted away like candle wax.

“Yes, the parley has ended. Only battle will settle this.”

Tabitha began to emit a powerful magical aura from her entire body. It could be felt by all in the vicinity.

“By all the gods, such power. Was she holding back all this time?”

Adrian heard Sir Wayne’s words and knew the First Knight was correct. Tabitha was holding back all this time. Is she unleashing her full might in the face of Excalibur? If so, then I will need help.

“Dogan my friend, I will need your assistance in this.”

“Of course, your Majesty, as always I am at your service.”

The Chief Wizard of Camelot stood by his King’s side, and he too began to emanate his own magical aura.

“The rest of you stand back! Dogan and I will handle this Nether Lord!”

The King gave his command and Sir Wayne nodded.

“You heard your King! Do not interfere, we would only get in their way!”

Not even the Bishop General would disobey, and Sandra wanted to watch this battle too. This was something that has never happened before. A devil from the Nether Realm going up against the wielder of Excalibur and one of the most powerful wizards in all of Avalon. Sandra smiled in anticipation; this would be a battle that no one would ever forget.