“If you never tell anyone the truth about yourself, eventually you start to forget.”
― Cassandra Clare
A tower of golden flames seven feet high appeared just several feet away to Nidus’s left. The young wizard jumped back in alarm, fearing that he had angered the Devil Queen.
“Not to worry Nidus Kane Dupree. This is a special kind of fire, if you truly wish to serve me as my warlock. Then, you must prove yourself.”
“I do not understand. What is this golden flame Lady Tabitha?”
“Nidus, in the past when I chose a warlock. I would test their sincerity, this golden fire will test your character down to your very soul. This golden flame also possesses a portion of my power, it you prove true. Then, and only then will you be worthy of being my warlock. But if you are false, then these golden flames will burn your very soul down to the core. If you truly wish to be my warlock, then step into the fire. There is no rush, take your time. I will not lie to you Nidus, it will be painful. But if you can prove yourself, then you will gain a power on par with even the Chief Wizard of Camelot.”
Nidus was only standing a few short feet from the pillar of golden fire. He could feel the heat, but it was not unbearable. But Nidus was afraid, if he failed Tabitha’s test then that would be it. His quest for justice and vengeance will end here. He did not want to step into the fire, but he could not go back either. Nidus took in a deep breath before thinking. There cannot be great rewards if you do not risk great failure. With no more hesitation, Nidus stepped into the golden fire.
Balocustos watched as his master stepped into the tower of golden flames. He heard his master’s scream of agony and knew that his very soul was burning. Olana is not being brutal, this is how she chooses her warlocks. Testing the soul of their character…mmmm. An effective way of making certain the loyalty of your perspective warlock. Although painful, I know the character of my master. He will succeed. The screaming had now stopped, but Nidus was still alive. He was still standing but bent over in pain. Yet, his robes and flesh remained unburnt or marred.
The golden flames did not burn Nidus’s flesh, they burned his very soul. He could not hold back his cries of pain. The fire licked and struck at the very core of his soul. Judging him, taking his past and analyzing it, studying his character, and the very core of his being. Slowly, Nidus began to straighten as the fire began to intertwine around his body. The pain lessened more and more, and finally, Nidus stood straight looking at Tabitha with eyes of golden fire. Tabitha smiled and flapped her wings with excitement.
“The golden flames have judge you worthy of becoming my warlock Nidus Kane Dupree. Will you swear your fealty to me?”
In reply, Nidus went down on one knee and said.
“I will swear to serve you Devil Queen Olana. You can have my body and soul, they are yours.”
With the memories of Olana to guide her. Tabitha knew what she needed to do to bind Nidus to her. Tabitha poured her spirit into Nidus who was still on fire, and the moment she did this. Nidus’s mind was filled with the thoughts and emotions of the Devil Queen. Tabitha felt Nidus’s emotions after possessing his body. She could feel his survivor’s guilt, he blamed himself for living. While his mother and the rest died. He has made it his mission to bring down the Holy Church of Romanto. That is why he has attended the School of Merlin. He needs power in order to achieve his goal, but he soon realized that his power would not be enough.
Tabitha felt his regret and anger, but he did not have a lust for revenge. No, Nidus seeks to bring down the church because he knows that the Holy Church of Romanto is evil. Despite what the Romantians preach to others, they have committed atrocities against many not of their faith. Tabitha felt all his emotions, it would be so easy to control him. He was so willing, if it were another devil with bad intentions. Nidus would be in a world of trouble, but he came to her.
“It is okay Nidus, you are not alone anymore. I am with you now, and you are mine. I take care of what is mine, and together we will get justice for the wrongs that have been done to us. Receive my mark and accept my power, with them you are now my warlock.”
Tabitha’s aura was so overwhelming, so powerful, and so full of warmth that he fell unconsicous. Slowly opening his eyes, Nidus discovered that he was looking up at the branches and leaves of trees. He also realized that he was laying down on his back on the grassy ground. Nidus gradually got back to his feet, and that was when he realized that he was alone. The circle of fire was gone, and so was Tabitha.
“You were only out for thirty minutes master.”
Nidus turned around to see Balocustos walking out of the shadows between two trees.
“To answer your unspoken question.”
The demon finished simply. Balocustos smiled.
“Take a look at your right hand.”
Nidus did as he said and saw a…scar in the palm of his hand. That wasn’t there before, he thought as he examined the scar. It was well healed, as if he had it for many years. The scar traced out the face of…Tabitha.
“It is called the Mark of Olana, given to her shamans and warlocks. This is proof that you belong to Lady Olana, the scar is magical. You can hide it and reveal it to others at your will.”
Nidus thought this made sense, as he studied the scar. Nidus could feel the presence of Tabitha within his mind, she was in the background, not the forefront. Lady Tabitha is a part of me, now and until the day I die. We are linked. If I wanted to, I could reach out and touch her mind. Even summon her back to this world, and more importantly. I can feel that my magical powers have increased a hundred folds. Yet, there is still room to grow stronger.
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“Master, Lady Olana left you this list and some instruction.”
Nidus took the folded parchment from Balocustos.
“Is it a letter from Lady Tabitha?”
“A letter and a list of items she would like you to obtain.”
Nidus read the letter and scanned the list of items.
“This looks more like a grocery list.”
He said in bewilderment.
“It is exactly that master. Olana will be having a swearing ceremony, and her Harkuns desire food and drink. None of which are in the Nether Realm. It shall be a celebration marking the return of Olana and the rebirth of the Crystal Empire.”
“So, my first task for the most powerful devil in all the Nether Realm is to do a shopping chore.”
Nidus laughed; he did not see this coming. Balocustos nodded and shrugged, it was indeed a funny situation. The demon was looking forward to serving his master warlock who serves the ruler of the Nether Realm.
………………………………..
Tabitha had returned to the Crystal Pyramid, leaving Balocustos with the letter and list, and to watch over her new warlock. After arriving in the Nether Realm nearly a month ago, Tabitha had to adapt to the fact that she was a devil, and nothing would change that. Now, she must adjust to the fact that she was Olana back from the dead. That meant she had to accept her new reality, and she discovered that she was okay with that. Before arriving at the Crystal Pyramid, Tabitha and the others did not need to sleep. Even the Cambion twins being half human and half devil did not need to sleep. But the Crystal Pyramid was a bit different on that score. For the past few days, Tabitha has been studying the rod and the pyramid.
As the rod allows her to control the Crystal Pyramid to a great degree, the pyramid itself will be self-sufficient tomorrow. From now, the pyramid draws power from the five magical elements such as earth, fire, air, water, and spirit. Thanks to her activating the Crystal Pyramid with her rod and Crystal Throne. The Crystal Pyramid began drawing in magical particles of earth, fire, and air which are all abundant in the Nether Realm. Water however is practically nonexistent, but Olana had the wise decision to create an elemental portal to the realm of water. Spirit on the other hand can only be obtain by having people living inside the Crystal Pyramid.
So long as there are inhabitants inside the pyramid, the fortress will draw magical particles from every individual inside the structure. The magical drain is barely noticeable, the only side effect. It causes the people living inside the pyramid to fall asleep. Every demon will go to sleep to regain the magical particles they have donated to the pyramid. This method is not accidental, it was designed. Being the reborn Olana, Tabitha knew what the long dead Devil Queen had in mind. In order for her Harkuns to endure eternity, she wanted them to know sleep so that the burden of immortality would not become a curse for them. They could take a load off and relax, hell, the Crystal Pyramid has a day and night cycle. Even when they sleep, they still provide a small portion of magical particles to the Crystal Pyramid.
With this knowledge, Tabitha understood that the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm is one massive giant magical reservoir as well as a magical factory built by Olana. Which means the other great pyramids on the mortal realms are all magical reservoirs and factory for Olana and her followers. Since the great pyramids are all designed after the model of the Crystal Pyramid. Tabitha would have an unlimited supply of magical energy when she began reconnecting them to the Crystal Pyramid.
“From the way you look, I can tell you have successfully recruited your first warlock.”
The smooth sultry voice came from Malice.
“Yes, I can feel him in the back of my mind. If I wanted to, I could possess him no matter the distance or dimensions. But I will not do that, when I possessed him the first time, creating our link. I felt his sorrow and pain, as well as his hope for a better future. I also felt his deep devotion and trust in me. I will not betray those feelings…ever.”
Malice smiled; Tabitha is truly Olana.
“It is always a good idea to take care of those who belong to you. Keep them in your heart Tabitha, you will not regret it.”
Tabitha smiled and then looked around. Other than the regular guards stationed at strategic positions in the throne room. Only she and Malice were here.
“Where are the others?”
“The Cambion twins said they had some business to attend to on the other levels of the pyramid. Talin and Zula decided to relax in the baths and spa center now that they are working once again. Kasca is sparring with some of the Harkuns on the training grounds. Sandra is listening to stories from Sudan and some others.”
Malice rolled her eyes and shook her head with a grin.
“Harkuns and Arcadians just love telling tales of their heroics in long past battles. Anyway, Balca left the pyramid after you went to collect your new warlock.”
Tabitha blinked in surprise at that.
“Why?”
Was the only question she could ask. Malice shrugged.
“I’m not sure, but she said something about places to go, people to meet, and things to organize. Whatever she’s up to, I assume she’ll be back before your swearing ceremony.”
Tabitha shook her head, Balca was one strange duck. But so far, the little she-demon has never stirred her wrong.
“Alright then, I look forward to seeing Balca back here safe and sound.”
“Excellent, now I must take my leave.”
Malice bowed her head, and Tabitha narrowed her eyes in confusion.
“Malice, where are you going?”
“I too have some business to attend to. Now that you have taken control of the Crystal Pyramid. I know many demons who are unsatisfied with the state of affairs within the Courts. Other demon settlements cannot compare to the Courts. Only the Crystal Pyramid at the height of its power could rival the Courts. Besides, the more bodies you have within or around the pyramid. The stronger you will become, and the stronger you become, the more powerful the Crystal Empire will be.”
“Wow, alright then. Well, good luck on your task then.”
Was all Tabitha could say. She was feeling a little sad, some of her friends were leaving her to do their own thing. But that was okay, after all, they have helped her a lot. Since becoming a devil, Tabitha would have never imagined finding such good friends in a place like the Nether Realm. Malice waved her hand in good-bye, and test flapping her black feathered wings. Then, she took off. Her white silver dress flowing around her body like liquid silk. She flew through the opening doors of the balcony, and Tabitha watched until Malice disappeared beyond the horizon.
Tabitha sighed, tomorrow the Crystal Pyramid will be fully powered. I can then reconnect the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm to the Great Pyramids of Avalon, Arca, Tutoron, Centura, and many others. I think I’ll get some sleep now and be up early tomorrow. Being able to sleep again feels so good. Tabitha enjoyed the ability to sleep, it gave her a sense of being human again. A comforting thought after all she has been through. But now, she is a Devil Queen. The leader of others, and all looked upon her with hope in their hearts. Even her new warlock, Nidus Kane Dupree. Tomorrow is a new day, Tabitha thought as she entered her bed chambers.