“Life is like a game of chess. To win you have to make a move. Knowing which move to make comes with IN-SIGHT and knowledge, and by learning the lessons that are accumulated along the way.

We become each and every piece within the game called life!”

― Allan Rufus, The Master's Sacred Knowledge

“It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.”

― William Ernest Henley, Echoes of Life and Death;

Before Razor could say a word, Balocustos moved. He went down on one knee and bowed.

“Forgive my rudeness, I am Balocustos and I have sought you out by the request of my master.”

Tabitha’s expression did not change, however, on the inside she was thinking. He sought me out on the orders of his master? Who is his master, and have I met him?

“Do I know this master of yours Balocustos?”

The demon in the fine tailored suit stood to his feet and spoke.

“My master is a wizard in Avalon.”

Tabitha raised her eyebrows at that.

“Then I assume I must have met your master during battle. Because the only wizards I know belonged to Camelot.”

Balocustos nodded.

“Yes, my Lady, my master was so impressed with your power and strength. He requests to meet with you, he has a proposal which would benefit both of you.”

Before Tabitha could respond to the request. Zula cut in.

“Wait a minute, Lady Olana. Before you contemplate whether to meet a mortal wizard on Avalon. How about we take care of some unfinished business.”

Zula’s gaze went straight to the three rogue demons, and Tabitha followed suit. Both females’ eyes were not too friendly. Razor immediately went down on one knee, and his friends followed his example.

“Lady Olana and Lady Zula, I know we have wronged you. I know you have no reason to forgive our transgression. But we have our own offers to bring to the table.”

Again, Zula spoke up.

“You delivered us to that bastard Eldest without a second thought. What? You think we don’t know about the bounties on your heads.”

The three rogue demons were startled at that; Zula sneered at them with contempt.

“How does it feel to be hunted, huh?”

Tabitha raised a hand towards Zula, and the succubus immediately went silent. But she still glared at the rogues.

“We are all fully aware of the bounties Eldest has placed on your heads. And, as of two days ago. We are aware of the bounties Davindor has placed on all your heads.”

Tabitha’s words shocked even Balocustos who thought. She was able to gather such intelligence in a short period of time. No wonder my master seeks an audience with her. She would make a formidable ally. Tabitha continued to speak and Balocustos listened closely.

“As Zula has mentioned, the hunters have now become the hunted. Now, you are here seeking my protection. Am I wrong?”

Razor sighed and shook his head. Tabitha asked the follow up question.

“Then, tell me. Give me one reason why I should extend my hand of protection to you when you had delivered us to Eldest?”

“Two words.”

Razor said.

“And those words would be?”

Tabitha asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Fifteen thousand.”

Razor answered simply.

“And what is the significant of fifteen thousand?”

Tabitha demanded.

“We can provide you fifteen thousand rogue demons. All of them are willing to swear fealty to you, and to provide and gather information from not just the Courts. But intel on every demon city, town, and village throughout the Nether Realm.”

Razor looked straight into Tabitha’s eyes as he continued.

“We rogue demons have been treated like vermin by the Nether Lords. We’ve been lied to, tricked, and cheated. Now, those are no excuses for what we did to you. Our only defense is that it was not personal. After we were cheated by Eldest, we tried to get back our own little vengeance.”

Razor motioned his head towards Kasca before saying.

“You don’t have to forgive us; I would not expect that. But we do need your protection. We are willing to pledge eternal loyalty to you, and to bring fifteen thousand more rogues to your cause. We ask for your protection against your enemies as well as ours.”

Razor went silent and remained on one knee. He waited to hear Olana’s verdict. Tabitha thought about his words and sighed before saying.

“It is true that without your aid, Kasca would have found it difficult to enter the Palace of Lust. Thus, allowing her to aid me at the right moment. However, you did bring Zula back to a place that was never a home but a prison.”

Tabitha addressed Zula.

“The decision is yours. Truth be told, this hurt you more than me. You and your mother were affected the most by their actions.”

The fates of the three rogues were now placed in Zula’s hands. The succubus wanted nothing more than to throw out the rogues and let them fend for themselves. But Zula had to think of the longer game. Five thousand years ago, Romanto killed Olana right here in the Crystal Pyramid at the height of her power. Now, Tabitha the reborn Olana has returned. She is powerful but her forces have been weakened over the centuries. Sooner or later Romanto will discover Olana’s return. When that happens, Romanto will use all his resources to kill Olana again. Before that occurs, Tabitha needs to build her power base. It must be as strong as possible. Zula looked at the three rogues and made a face. As much as I would want to get revenge on them. If they can provide fifteen thousand rogue demons to the Crystal Pyramid. In the end, it would benefit Tabitha. More bodies means the pyramid can make more magical particles. Zula made her decision.

“So be it, swear your fealty to Olana. You will gain her protection, so long as you can provide those fifteen thousand rogue demons. I will not forget, and I may never forgive. But I will not turn away those who will willingly serve Olana.”

Zula was done, she laid back in her cushion chair finished with the rogues. Malice gave her daughter an approving smile. Good Zula, you are thinking about the long game. I know you wanted revenge, but sometimes revenge is not always the smart play. Tabitha nodded her head in approval. She was proud of Zula’s decision.

“There you have it. Go, gather your fifteen thousand rogues, and bring them to me. They will swear their fealty to me, and you all will have my protection.”

Razor and the others sighed with relief. When Tabitha gave the decision to the young succubus, they all thought she would kick them out. Instead, she had allowed them to serve Olana. And Razor did not mind that at all. Again, he admired her curves.

“Thank you Lady Olana and Lady Zula. We promise, you will never regret it.”

The rogues got to their feet, but before leaving Razor said to Balocustos.

“Thank you for getting us out of the Courts. I hope everything works out for you.”

“You are most welcome.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The demon bowed and the rogues left for their journey back to the Badlands. Now, it was Balocustos’s turn.

“Now, where were we?”

Tabitha pretended to try and remember what Balocustos had told her before.

“Oh, yes. Your master wishes to make a proposal. One with mutually beneficial terms for both of us. Is that correct?”

“Indeed, my Lady, my master is called Nidus Kane Dupree. He is young, but his potential is limitless. Already, many consider him a very talented wizard.”

Tabitha thought about Balocustos’s words and asked herself. Why would such a talented young wizard seek me out? I feel know deception from this demon, but the same cannot be said for his master.

“Guys, what do you think?”

Tabitha wanted to get advice from her friends, she may be the Devil Queen Olana. But to herself, she was still 17 years old. Not surprisingly, Balca was the first to give her opinion.

“You should meet this wizard and listen to his proposal.”

“It couldn’t hurt.”

Talin agreed.

“If thisss wizzzard sssaw you at Camelot, it would be foolisssh of him to ssset a trap for you.”

Kasca added.

“Yeah, I mean none of them could touch you. And now, you are even more powerful than before.”

Nanina stated with evident pride.

“No matter how talented this wizard may be, I can’t see him trying to take on mother all by himself. You should meet this wizard and if it turns out to be a trap just destroy him.”

Lydia shrug. Malice and Zula also urged Tabitha to meet with Balocustos’s master.

“It is decided, I will meet your master and listen to his offer.”

Balocustos bowed before saying.

“Thank you, my Lady, that is all my master asks for. I shall make the arrangements for the meeting.”

………………………………..

Nidus was no longer in Camelot, he had been camping out in the woods for the past few days. Waiting for word of success or failure from Balocustos. It was nighttime with a cloudy sky, and deep in the woods it was very dark. Nidus was sitting next to his campfire when Balocustos contacted him through their master and servant link.

“Master I have good news.”

“Balocustos, it is good to hear from you. From the sound of your voice, I assume you have been successful?”

“Yes master, I have met with Tabitha and she has agreed to meet with you. But master, Tabitha is far more than a greater she-devil.”

“I guessed as much, from the way she handled herself against King Adrian and Wizard Dogan. So, is she an Archdevil, devil princess or higher?”

“She is the reborn Devil Queen Olana, Mistress of the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm.”

“Who is Olana? I have never heard of her before.”

“Master, if the Nether Realm ever had a ruler, one true ruler. Olana would have fit that description. Eons ago, Olana built a fortress so powerful, none could penetrate its interior. It was the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm. From there, Olana established her rule. She created a race of warrior demons called Harkuns. They were feared throughout the multiverse, and she was worshipped by the Arcadians.”

“The Arcadians worshipped her!?”

Nidus sounded surprised at hearing this.

“Yes master, the Arcadians built the Great Pyramid of Avalon as well as many others on different worlds. Every pyramid in the mortal realms built by the Arcadians were once connected to the Crystal Pyramid in the Nether Realm. This enabled Olana and her Harkuns to enter the mortal realms without being summoned or conjured. With this method, Olana created the Crystal Empire and was the Empress. But that all changed five thousand years ago.”

“What happened five thousand years ago?”

Nidus asked, he was very curious and wanted to learn more.

“According to the Harkuns, Olana was murdered by Romanto himself. Through an act of treachery. I tried to learn more, but they would not go into further details. However, it happened, Romanto was the cause of The Fall. When Olana fell, so did the Crystal Empire.”

Nidus added the rest.

“This allowed the Romantians to conquer the Arcadians here on Avalon and other realms. Without Olana’s support, the Arcadians could not stand against the power of Romanto.”

“It is as you say master. As you can imagine, Olana has a very powerful grudge against Romanto and his church.”

“As do I Balocustos. I knew there was something about her, I just couldn’t identify what it was. Now I know, she and I have both been wronged by Romanto and his church. When can I meet her?”

“Now, if you wish master. All you have to do is summon me, and Olana will do the rest.”

Nidus wasted no time, he had a small campfire but that was enough to summon Balocustos. He did not need a pentagram or other materials. Nidus began to chant the ancient words of conjuring. The small campfire blazed to life and grew to 20-feet in height, casting more light throughout the campsite. Then the tower of fire formed to create a circle and looking through the circle of fire Nidus was not looking at the trees. No, he was looking into another dimension. Balocustos stepped out of the circle of fire and bowed to his master.

“It’s good to see you Balocustos.”

Nidus said with a smile. Yes, he may be a demon but Balocustos has never tried to harm him even once. It also helped that Nidus has treated Balocustos with respect and some affection. The Romantian priests may preach about all demons being evil, just waiting to eat your soul if given the chance. But Nidus has met other demons other than Balocustos, and his opinion on the matter is thus. Demons are just like people, some are good and some are bad.

“I am glad to see you well master.”

Balocustos said before stepping aside to make way. Nidus’s heart began to beat faster at seeing Tabitha no, Olana stepping through the circle of fire. She was still as impressive a sight to see as she was a week ago. Despite her 15-foot frame, her size did nothing to take away from her feminine beauty. The Devil Queen still wore the same armor and clothing when he faced her at Camelot with the other wizards. The only difference is the new item she wore on her belt. The object would be a staff to Nidus, but to the Devil Queen it is a rod of silver with fourteen jeweled rubies. Seven attached to each end of the rod. Nidus could sense the magical aura coming from it, the rod had the same aura as Tabitha. Both she and the rod are one in the same. She may be a Devil Queen, but by all the gods she’s the one of the most beautiful beings I have ever witness with my own two eyes. Olana studied the wizard, he was a handsome youth. Wearing black robes, she could tell that underneath them he had a fit body. He had a face which almost looked Russian, perhaps Slavic ancestry. His light hazel eyes and copper brown hair completed the look.

“So, you are Balocustos’s master, Wizard Nidus Kane Dupree.”

Nidus bowed low before this being of beauty and power, even now just feet away her aura was overwhelming. It took pure will just to keep standing and not fall to his knees. He had a feeling she would not be impressed with such show of weakness.

“Thank you for granting my request Lady Olana or is it Lady Tabitha? Which do you prefer?”

Tabitha shrugged nonchalantly.

“It doesn’t matter, they are both my names. So, you choose.”

Nidus cocked his head in thought.

“How about this. When we are in private or in the presence of those you trust. I will call you Tabitha, but when we are in public, I will address you as Lady Olana. Do you approve Tabitha?”

Again, Tabitha shrugged.

“It works for me, I see no reason not to use this method. Now, down to business. Your demon Balocustos tells me that you have an offer, one that would benefit me and you.”

Nidus took in a deep breath, this is the moment he has been hoping for. It’s now or never, Nidus thought before saying.

“Tabitha, you are the Devil Queen Olana reborn, returned back from the dead. You have reclaimed your mantle of power, your fortress the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm. But I imagine after five thousand years your forces have been decimated, and your resources are limited?”

“Yes, you would be correct.”

Tabitha did not see the point of hiding the state of her resources from this wizard. Nidus continued.

“Eventually, Romanto will discover that you are still alive. When that happens, the so-called God of Justice will spare no expense in trying to destroy you. Not because he tells everyone that you are the Prime Evil, because from where I’m standing you don’t look evil to me.”

Tabitha cocked her eyebrows at hearing those words from this young wizard. But she did not interrupt him.

“Tabitha, you need more servants, resources, and allies.”

“And you want to be one of those allies?”

Tabitha guessed but she was surprised when Nidus shook his head.

“No, I do not wish to be your ally.”

Then, Nidus went to one knee and looked Tabitha straight in the eyes.

“I wish to serve you, to be your agent in this world or any other. I will smite your enemies, spy for you, and perform any other service that you may require. I will give you my body and my very soul.”

Tabitha did not respond right away, her mind was in a whirlwind. Not for a moment did she think that this wizard would offer to serve as…as what? The word came to her in that moment, and Tabitha blurted it out.

“You want to become my warlock?”

Although Tabitha’s tone was one of disbelief, Nidus seems to have not notice it as he replied.

“Yes, as your warlock I would become more powerful and I would be able to serve you in a variety of ways.”

As Nidus was selling his case, Tabitha was analyzing a host of memories from her past as Olana. More specifically, it was about Olana’s warlocks. They were men and women from different walks of life. Many had their own reasons for wanting to be her warlocks, some sought vengeance, others justice, and more wanted the power to protect those closest to them. But all had one thing in common, they were all good people who saw no other way to fight the forces of darkness. Olana was very picky on who became her warlock, she would not suffer any power ego maniacs. So, she asked.

“Why? Why do you want this?”

Then she held up a finger.

“Be honest with me, I will know if you lie.”

Nidus was a bit taken aback by the question and her demand. To his knowledge most devils and demons would jump at the chance to gain a mortal warlock on this world. They would be salivating at the opportunity to possess a mortal soul. But it seems that Tabitha is not your typical she-devil. So, Nidus told her the truth.

“My mother was raped, she was only a teenager when my so-called father. Who is now an Archbishop of the Holy Church of Romanto, assaulted her? Then when he found out that she was pregnant with me, he had the nerve to demand that she abort the pregnancy. He did not want a scandal in his position at the church. My mother refused and ran away with her family and people. When I was still a child, my father caught up with us. The Romantians along with an angel from Romanhall massacred my family and my people. The only reason I am still alive is because we were ambushed on the border between the Church Lands, and the Arthurian Kingdom. A passing wizard saw what was happening and tried to help. He was a conjurer of great skill and summoned several demons. Unfortunately, he could not save my mother or her family or the rest of my people. But he did save me and took me in.”

Tabitha saw a single tear fall down Nidus’s right cheek as he told her his story.

“On my father’s orders, and with the help of an angel. Everyone I loved or knew were murdered, and the so-called God of Justice did nothing. He did not punish my father nor any of the soldiers who killed innocence. Soldiers who murdered children and raped and killed women. If that’s the kind of god my father worships, then I would see Romanto and all those who follow him fall. Romanto does not stand for truth, justice, or the light. He is corruption, lies, and deceit. All those who follow him do so out of greed and a lust for power. I seek justice, and yes, revenge. If those reasons make me unworthy to be your warlock. Then…to hell with you.”

Tabitha grinned; Nidus’s words sounded similar to a movie character she once watched a long time ago. She could not help it, she liked Nidus. If he could pass her test, then he would make a formidable warlock. Nidus waited for the Devil Queen’s response, he was as honest as he could be. But he thought he might have gone a little too far with his last statement. Tabitha is a devil, and one with great power. Power enough to challenge the very gods of the heavens. Finally, Tabitha did respond but not with words. She waved her right hand.