“I think it would be more correct to say that mass movements are powerful, and therefore have the potential to do great damage or good. The United States mobilized in a way that could be called a mass movement to fight the Second World War–and so did the Japanese. Were those mass movements good or bad? Both nations felt justified in what they did, and the rights and wrongs depend on which side you are on.”
― Jared Taylor
Tombs along with the other demon guards were stationed around the throne room watching as a scout reported his findings to Lord Eldest. Who sat upon his throne scowling, obviously, he did not like what he was hearing? What made the situation strange is seeing the angel in full plated gold armor standing by Eldest’s right. As if he were an advisor.
“The Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm is indeed active milord.”
The scout was saying. A second level demon only five feet tall.
“Many Harkuns have been seen flying around the pyramid, and they have begun to extend the range of their patrols. I was almost spotted several times.”
“I do not care about your safety! What else do you have?”
Eldest snapped in demand.
“Yes, milord. Other demons have also been spotted, like that green demoness with four wings. She was seen leaving the pyramid.”
This caught Eldest’s attention.
“You mean to tell me that Balca was seen leaving the Crystal Pyramid?”
The scout nodded in confirmation.
“Sometime later, Lady Malice was seen leaving the pyramid as well.”
At the mention of Malice’s name, Eldest shot up straight in his throne. His eyes wide with disbelief and confusion. Sir Judah Kiefer did not miss the expression.
“What, what is it? What do you know about those two she-demons?”
` The angel’s demands graded on Eldest’s nerves, but he could not deny the representative of Romanto.
“Malice was the succubus I had enslaved to me for a thousand years. Balca on the other hand was captured right along with the greater she-devil known as Tabitha.”
Sir Kiefer was quick to put two and two together.
“And now both she-demons have been seen leaving the Crystal Pyramid. Which means that the greater she-devil who had escaped to Avalon is the new Mistress of the Crystal Pyramid.”
The angel sounded incredulous.
“So, it seems.”
Eldest replied simply. Sir Kiefer was thinking hard, he had never met this greater she-devil. Her strength is largely unknown. If she had the power to reawaken the Crystal Pyramid, then she is more than a greater she-devil. She tricked Eldest into bringing her inside his domain. It’s obvious now, she and Malice were working together for a long time. They fooled Eldest; he did not have a tighter leash on the succubus. And to make matters worse, he was out maneuvered by this new Devil Queen. The only question is, are we dealing with Olana or a new upstart? Eldest had similar thoughts. Malice and Tabitha must have been working together for some time. Malice was spying on me for her mistress, but how did they get messages back and forth between them. Eldest huffed in frustration. When they were ready to act, Malice sent Zula to make contact with Tabitha. They had it all planned out. Tabitha would pretend to get captured so she could enter my fortress. Then, they would escape my dungeons and use my realm gate. Even the marilith was a part of their plans. All so that Tabitha could gain access to the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm. But is she Olana reborn and back from the dead, or is she a new Devil Queen with great power?
“Is that all?”
Eldest demanded with a growl.
“Some of the Harkuns have been doing maintenance on machines we are unfamiliar with. They look like weapons emplacements, but we are unsure. Getting closer is not a possibility.”
Eldest did not like that bit of news, and neither did Sir Kiefer. The Demon Lord of Lust waved his hand dismissively at the scout.
“Go, get me more information—”
But the angel cut him off, and Tombs took note of this. He also took note of Eldest’s reaction.
“No, the time for reconnaissance is over. The time to take action has arrived. Eldest, mobilize your forces. We march upon the Crystal Pyramid.”
“Are you mad!?”
Eldest demanded, his eyes almost popping out with disbelief.
“The Crystal Pyramid is a fortress; it has never been penetrated. Even before its shutdown, it was attacked countless times over the ages. When it was finally brought down, it was through treachery.”
“That was when the pyramid was fully functional. It has only been reawakened for a few days, it will take much longer for it to be fully powered. Which means we have a brief window to attack, a very brief window. Now it is the time to attack before this Tabitha can marshal the full power of the Crystal Pyramid.”
“Have you forgotten the Harkuns. Even after Olana was dead, they still fought. They were a nightmare to deal with. Even without the full might of the Crystal Pyramid, the Harkuns were still too deadly a foe to finish off. Even if the Crystal Pyramid is not fully powered, the Harkuns will still be able to access the fortress’s defenses. Not to mention the fact that we have to deal with either a reborn Olana, or a new Devil Queen.”
Tombs watched in amazement as the Lord of Lust and an angel of Romanto argued back and forth. I’m no longer convince that Eldest is the master, Tombs thought about that for a moment and then said. Eldest may not have been the master this whole time. He acts too much like a servant to the Romantian angel. Tombs thought about other things, things he had not thought about before. But seeing the angel and Eldest interact, he is starting to question how Asmodeus really lost his mantel.
“Damn you Kiefer! So be it! Tombs!”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Gather our forces and send a message to Davindor. I’m going to need some of his demons for this venture.”
Eldest turned to the angel and snapped.
“Are you happy!?”
In response, the angel demanded.
“How long will it take to gather your full might?”
Eldest held back a snarl before saying.
“A few days, and before you ask. Traveling to the Crystal Pyramid with an army will take days, even with jump portals.”
“We need to hurry. The longer we wait, the closer the Crystal Pyramid comes to being fully powered. If that happens, then taking down the Devil Queen and her Harkuns will be nigh on impossible.”
“I am fully aware of that. Now, leave me. I have work to do.”
The angel looked like he wanted to say more but decided not to push the issue any further. In a flash of golden light, the angel disappeared. Eldest cursed as he blinked his eyes, trying to get rid of the spots caused by the angel’s teleportation magic. Tombs left the throne room to carry out his Lord’s orders. All the while, he was thinking hard. Things were changing, but were they for good or ill?
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………………………………..
Several hours later, Tombs was walking down a hallway. He had an important meeting to get to with representatives from Davindor. Luckily, the meeting was 45 minutes away. Plenty of time to prepare for—
“Hello Tombs, busy as usual I see.”
Tombs froze in his tracks, he knew that voice. But he can’t be here, he should be in his cell down in the dungeons. Tombs slowly turned to face the owner of that voice. A six-foot-tall demon wearing a blue toga walked out of the shadow of a pillar. Tombs recognized the demon’s blonde curly hair and beard. With black horns that looked like polished obsidian and bat-like wings. The demon had a well-defined body that would cause females of any species to go wild with lust. Asmodeus stood before Tombs in all his glory, free from his prison.
“Lord Asmodeus.”
It was all Tombs could say, he had no other words for his old master.
“Tombs, I know what you’re thinking. How am I here and not in my cell? That is a question I will answer at a later date. For now, I would have you serve me once again. Or is your loyalty to Eldest?”
In answer, Tombs knelt on one knee before the true Lord of Lust.
“My Lord Asmodeus, I could do nothing to aid you. Eldest had already struck and taken your mantle. He gave me a choice, to serve him or die. I chose to serve, if that is a betrayal then you have every right to strike me down.”
“Now, now my old friend. No need for all of that. I understand completely, we both were outmaneuvered, and you had to do what you had to do. But, now is the time to affirm your loyalty to me.”
“My Lord, I am yours to command. What is your will?”
Asmodeus smiled, Tombs was always his most loyal servant. Even after all this time, he would serve the one true Demon Lord of Lust.
“It makes me happy to hear those words from you my friend. For now, keep carrying out Eldest’s orders. I am well aware of the situation. Olana has returned, and she is angry. You should have suspected by now, ever since that angel of Romanto came to…advice Eldest.”
Asmodeus made quotation signs with his fingers.
“Eldest and a few other demons had a hand in eliminating the Mistress of the Crystal Pyramid. Olana will first move on them here in the Nether Realm, and then she will turn her eyes towards Romanto. You understand what this means Tombs?”
Tombs nodded, he did understand. Although, he was not around at the time of Olana’s death. He did hear plenty of stories, and all of them said the same thing. The reason why Romanto slew Olana was out of fear, the stories say Olana had the power of a goddess. They say she even had divine powers of the heavens, enough to challenge the gods.
“There will be a war between heaven and hell. The multiverse with be shaken, and many things will change.”
Asmodeus nodded in agreement at Tombs’s words. He also added his own theory.
“Not only that, wars will erupt between mortals and gods. Worlds will burn in fury and ruin, and many will have to choose a side. I have made my choice, and it is not with Eldest’s master. Now, Tombs go about your business. I believe you have a meeting to get to. Don’t worry, I’ll contact you when the time is right.”
Tombs did not have to say anything, he just nodded and walked down the corridor without looking back. He already knew Asmodeus had disappeared, things are changing. Faster than I thought they would, Tombs thought as he entered the conference room with the waiting representatives of Davindor.
Asmodeus returned to his cell, the clone that was sitting in his chair and reading his book did not move. Except to turn a page, pretending to read. The clone looked exactly like Asmodeus, only it was a complete empty shell. With no will of its own, but a clone can be programed to perform uncomplicated tasks. Asmodeus waved his hand at the clone, and it unraveled like a gift basket. Returning to Asmodeus’s body since he was the creator. Asmodeus sat in his chair taking up the book, everything was going according to his calculations. Soon, I will reclaim my mantle. The corners of the demon’s lips curled upwards.
………………………………..
AVALON REALM
THE SHATTERED LANDS
Scarf, Chief of the Vales Tribe stood in the great halls as the other chiefs from various tribes entered through the stone doors. The great hall was inside of a stone brick building built centuries before by their ancestors. The building is large enough to seat a thousand people, and it is only a mile away from the Great Pyramid of Avalon. Scarf’s son Strike stood at his right, and Selene his daughter stood at his left. There were no other tribesmen from the Vales tribe with them. When there are gatherings like these, each chief is granted two attendants. One shaman and one warrior, and it could be family members or other tribesmen. At the center of the great hall was a small fire pit, but this was not the only source of light. Along the walls and pillars were lit torches, the great hall was well illuminated.
“Has everything been arranged?”
Scarf asked his son who nodded.
“Yes father, the lookouts have been stationed at strategic points in a five-kilometer radius. We will have ample warning if any overseers come to investigate.”
Scarf nodded his satisfaction. This was a risk, meeting like this with Romantian overseers all over the Shattered Lands. If they are discovered, the overseers would report their meeting to the Church Lands. If that happens, soldiers from the church would storm into Arcadian lands and no one wants that. When all the chiefs and their attendants were present, Scarf began the meeting.
“My brothers and sisters, I thank you for answering the call. I know you all have taken great risks to be here, but after this meeting you will agree that it was worth it.”
“Enough with the anticipation Scarf, tell us why we are here already.”
Chief Sing of the Wu Shu Tribe demanded, and all the other chiefs nodded their heads in agreement with the statement. Chief Sing was a large man, reaching almost eight feet in height. The man was pure muscle and not an ounce of fat. At 40 years of age, he was even stronger than before. Scarf bowed slightly in respect to the Wu Shu Chief and said.
“As you all know by now, 12 days ago. My daughter War Leader Sandra engaged in battle with a greater she-devil from the Nether Realm. She did what no one else managed to do. Sandra injured the she-devil, first by cutting off one of her horns. Then, she cut off her tail.”
Many of the Arcadians looked impressed at hearing this. Because of her skill as a War Leader, many men from different tribes had sought Sandra’s hand in marriage.
“The greater she-devil known as Tabitha strangely enough did not get angry. In fact, she was impressed with Sandra’s battle prowess. To make a longer story short, Tabitha defeated Sandra and dragged her back to the Nether Realm. Being a she-devil, naturally we thought the worse would be happening to my daughter. But, that is not the case.”
Scarf held up his hands as if to embrace the crowd.
“I can say with all certainty and happiness that my daughter is not only doing well. She is safer than when she was in her mother’s womb.”
“What do you mean by that? Tell us already.”
Another Arcadian chief demanded, Scarf did not know who.
“Alright, alright, but the best one to tell you the news is my other daughter. My Head Shaman, Serene.”
Scarf stepped aside to allow his daughter Serene the stage. She bowed before the assembled chiefs, warriors, and shamans.
“Brothers and sisters, my sister the War Leader Sandra was not taken by any she-devil. She was taken by…Olana.”
Serene paused to let that sink in. There were many expressions on the faces of the Arcadians. Some were in disbelief, others had a look of confusion, but more looked incredulous.
“Is this some kind of joke?”
Said a female Arcadian, she was Chief of the Skull Tribe, Serra. A fierce warrior who has more than earned her place as chief of her tribe.
“Olana is a myth, a story to tell children of the days of glory. And even if she did exist, she’s dead.”
“Those are the words of the Romantians that has taken our lands and filled our children’s head with lies. Olana has returned from the dead.”
Serene snapped, she paused and calmed herself before continuing.
“I swear as Head Shaman of the Vales Tribe, I met my sister while dream traveling. She took me to the Crystal Pyramid where I met the Harkuns and came face to face with the newly reborn Olana.”
Serene held out her right hand with palm facing forward for all to see her scar. The scar revealed the face of a she-devil.
“I swore fealty to Olana, and now I bare her mark. The Promise of Olana is being fulfilled. Tomorrow, the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm will reconnect with the Great Pyramid of Avalon. Olana and her Harkuns will walk the lands of the Arcadians again. The Harkuns will want to hunt and gather supplies for a swearing ceremony. They will celebrate the return of the Devil Queen, and we will contribute.”
The great hall was silent, after hearing Selene’s words. No one dared call her a liar, or delusional. They all grew up learning about the Promise of Olana. It is said that at the moment of her death, Olana promised that she would return. She would claim vengeance and justice for her people. They heard about the Promise of Olana since they were children, but many began to believe it a fairy tale. Now, they have heard that not only is the promise real. They are to host the Harkuns tomorrow, and the thought of that sounded too incredible.
“I want to believe you shaman Serene, but Olana was the past. How can we be sure that this she-devil is truly the Devil Queen Olana? The Goddess of the Arcadians? How can we be certain?”
Serene shrugged.
“Everything I told you is the truth, I can do no more. For now, we must be ready for tomorrow.”
“What about the overseers? How will we deal with them?”
“Killing them is out of the question.”
Serene said firmly and continued.
“It is better to keep them alive for now. Our Lady told me she has plans for them.”
The Arcadians at hearing this had pleased looks on their faces.
“Other than preparing for the arrival of Lady Olana. What else must we do?”
Chief Sing voiced the question. In response, Serene stepped aside. This time it was her brother Strike who took center stage.
“We will watch the overseers, keep tabs on their locations. If they show any signs of alerting the church of our activities. We will stop them by any means necessary. This is our land, it is time to take it back.”
Many of them nodded in agreement at Strike’s words. For the first time in a long time, they had a hope of success against the Romantians. If Olana was truly alive, they had a fighting chance against their enemy. The chiefs of all the tribes in the Shattered Lands agreed to prepare for the coming of Olana.