“Knowledge is power. Power to do evil...or power to do good. Power itself is not evil. So, knowledge itself is not evil.”
― Veronica Roth, Allegiant
It happened without warning, one moment Tabitha was sound asleep. The next, she jumped out of bed suddenly. Stood ramrod straight and arched her back to the crystal ceiling gritting her teeth in both pain and ecstasy. A surge of magical power flowed through her entire body. It was so strong, multi-colored streaks could be seen flowing up and down the surface of her red skin. Instinctively, Tabitha knew the same process was happening to the Crystal Pyramid. The same multi-colored streaks were going up and down on the crystal surface of the pyramid. The fortress has finally reached full power, and the magic was rushing through both her and the pyramid.
Since, she was intimately linked with the Crystal Pyramid, Tabitha gained strength from the ancient fortress. As quick as it had occurred, the magic in both Tabitha and the pyramid settled down and stabilized. After a few moments, she felt…unbelievable. The magic coursing through her veins was like a drug that gave her an incredible high. Better than any marijuana she ever smoked in her early human teens. She could feel her strength at more than 200 percent, and she could feel that the Crystal Pyramid was fully powered. In an instant, Tabitha sent a telepathic call through her link with Sudan and Nord. Both answered at the same time.
“Yes, Lady Olana?”
Their voices sounded excited. It was obvious that they too could feel that the Crystal Pyramid was now self-sufficient.
“Prepare the hunting parties. I will reconnect the Crystal Pyramid to the Great Pyramid of Avalon. Then Tutoron, and Centron, and all the other pyramids we are able to reconnect to.”
“It shall be done my Lady.”
They both said before Tabitha canceled the link. Next, she contacted Serene. Her first shaman on Avalon.
“Yes, my Lady?”
Serene greeted.
“Dear Serene, make ready your people. In 30 minutes, the Great Pyramid of Avalon will reawaken. Once again, the Harkuns will fly over the lands of the Arcadians.”
“It will be done my Lady. We shall be ready.”
Serene said, and Tabitha could hear her excitement. Tabitha bid her farewell for now.
………………………………..
Overseer Brother Commander Chevon Tinsdale felt uneasy, something felt wrong. Although, he has been having these feelings for the past few days. Today, the unease was stronger somehow.
“Sergeant! Prepare the troops, we’ll be heading out. Things may not be as they should.”
The sergeant saluted with a hand over his heart, he wore the liveries of a soldier in the Holy Church of Romanto. As the sergeant left to carry out his orders, Chevon belted his sword and hefted up his heater shield. He made sure to put out the smoldering campfire. For the past 6 months, Chevon has led his regiment on patrols in the Shattered Lands. Making certain the Arcadians abide by the terms of the agreement their ancestors had made three centuries before. The Arcadians despised their Romantian Overlords, but Chevon and his fellow overseers can never let up on their vigil. The Arcadians were like their mounts the saber cats. You had to keep your boot on their necks, ease the pressure for a bit and they will jump up and take a bite out of you. Does this have to do with something the Arcadians are planning? Yesterday, tribes had gathered here, a mile away from the Great Pyramid of Avalon. Chevon and the other overseers had watched them, but they did not know what the meeting was all about. Such a gathering of tribes was never a good thing. Yet, the tribes had went their separate ways. Camping at different spots around the pyramid. If they are planning to rebel, we’ll just have to put them in their places once again. Chevon thought with a smile.
Ten minutes later, Chevon was leading a patrol through the woods near one of the Arcadian tribes’ camping grounds. The Vales tribes if he was not mistaken. Some weeks back, he had received a message from Priest Bartholomew about War Leader Sandra Vales being dragged to the Nether Realm by a greater she-devil. Bartholomew feared the Vales tribes would take this knowledge badly, and he was right to fear. The Vales tribe is one of the more powerful tribes and highly respected by the other tribes. If a rebellion was to spark in the Shattered Lands, it would begin with the Vales tribe.
Chevon and his troops were blinded by a bright flash of blue light. It took half a minute for him to regain his sight, and what he saw shook him to the core. The red-brownish surface of the Great Pyramid of Avalon was a lit with blue light. Not only that but sections of the pyramid were shifting, creating openings. Chevon’s mouth opened wide as he saw demons flying out of the openings of the pyramid. Some were humanoids in shape. Others had a feline quality to them. What in the world…? Chevon cut off that thought and snapped his attention towards the low-level priest ten feet to his left.
“Quickly, send a message to the church. Tell them what is happening here and to send reinforcements.”
Without a word the priest nodded and began to chant a holy spell. Chevon knew that man was casting a wind spell that would take the message straight to the church. If it was strong enough, the spell would take half a day to deliver the message to the Archbishops. But before the man could finish the final chanting of the spell. An arrow appeared in his throat, preventing the priest from uttering another syllable.
“AMBUSH!!”
Chevon yelled drawing his sword from its sheath, as the priest fell to the grassy floor still clutching his throat with both hands. Chevon manage to get his shield around his forearm and blocked another arrow from striking his face. Chevon’s shout was too late, as the priest was the first to die. In all directions, arrows rained down on Chevon’s regiment. All around him, men and women were screaming in surprise and pain. Somehow, with a bit of luck, Chevon managed to avoid getting struck with arrows. Yet, his troubles were not over. Without warning the arrows stopped, and what was left were 300 or more Romantians injured or dying. Chevon did not have long to wait when he heard the war cries of Arcadians all around them.
“CIRCLE!!”
Chevon yelled out the order to what was left for his regiment. The Romantian soldiers formed a circle two rows deep, with Chevon and several of his surviving officers at the center. The few priests that were still alive cast magic at the charging Arcadians, but the shamans deflected or blocked the spells. Then the last of the priests went down from either arrows or spells cast by the shamans. The charging Arcadians hit the circle like a stampede, and the circle of steel broke. The ambush was so sudden, and the storm of arrows took them by surprise. So that, when the Romantians had formed the circle. They had lost so many of their comrades by then, their morale and courage were low. Allowing the Arcadians to break through the circle in one quick rush and getting among the Romantians.
Instead of fighting as one large unit, the Romantians found themselves fighting as individuals or in groups of twos and threes. Against an opponent who has made war their artform, the servants of Romanto had little chance in a fair fight. Chevon blocked the axe strike with his shield and tried to counter with a sword thrust. But the massive seven-foot-tall wall that was a burly Arcadian male sidestepped the thrust and batted the sword aside with the haft of his axe. This maneuver caused Chevon to lose his balance, fortunately for him. The Arcadian could not bring the blade of his axe around to take advantage. Instead, the Arcadian kicked Chevon in the ribs. Sending the commander flying backwards several feet. Chevon landed on his back hard knocking the wind out of him, but he had no time to recover. Immediately rolling to his left, the blade of the axe came crashing down with a loud thud on the earth.
Chevon quickly got back to his feet, but the Arcadian had already recovered his axe. The two dueled while all around them the battle raged. Chevon did not need to look to know that they were losing. It was only a matter of time. The Arcadian managed to hook his axe on the side of Chevon’s shield. With a massive pull, the Arcadian wrestled the shield away and tossed it. Chevon had no choice but to let go if he did not want his left arm to be torn from its socket. The move however has exposed the Arcadians left flank, and Chevon did not hesitate. He lunged, bringing his sword around faster than you could blink. Just before his sword bit into flesh, Chevon saw the Arcadian smile and knew it was a trap. The Arcadian had intentionally revealed this left side for attack, and Chevon could do nothing to halt his momentum. The burly Arcadian was too quick on his feet, he sidestepped and twisted out of the way of Chevon’s sword swing. The last thing Chevon saw was a massive fist before everything went black.
Slowly and with a massive headache, Chevon returned to consciousness to find a most displeasing scene. His wrists were bound in manacles and chained to other prisoners. It was a soldier from his regiment and looking all around him. Chevon was sad to see that only several hundred of his people remained. The rest were dead and striped of all their weapons and valuables.
“What happened?”
Chevon asked the soldiers on either side of him, the one to his right answered.
“We were overrun by the Arcadians, luckily, they accepted our surrender. We had no choice, they outnumbered us and had the element of surprise. They were prepared.”
Chevon had to admit that the man had a point, for the Arcadians to do this successfully. They must have been planning this for weeks, and we didn’t even know it. Not a whisper of their rebellion.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“On your feet you sons of whores!”
Chevon’s thoughts were cut off by the insulted bellow of an Arcadian.
“Come on, get up, get up!”
The Arcadian demanded as he kicked a few of the prisoners. Chevon got to his feet with the rest of his fellow Romantians, he had almost lost his balance a few times, but managed to stand in the end. When they all were back on their feet, the Arcadians bellowed.
“MARCH!!!”
The columns of prisoners began to move their feet, marching towards the Great Pyramid of Avalon. Which was now active, evidence of blue light emanating from the pyramid itself. Even from a mile away, Chevon could feel the magical aura radiating from the pyramid. He did not like the feeling of this aura, it came from something foreign. Something powerful and ancient.
………………………………..
30 MINUTES BEFORE THE AMBUSH
Tabitha teleported into the staging area, appearing as a towering flame of red and orange. The staging area was a large room on the main level of the Crystal Pyramid, it is a circular room with a dozen rectangular archways placed in a circle. The main entrance stood between two of the archways, and the room itself can accommodate hundreds if not thousands of Harkuns and demon saber cats. Tabitha learned from the pyramid that this room is called the Realm Room and all the archways are realm gates.
“This place is incredible.”
Tabitha said studying the Realm Room for the first time. She may have learned about it by integrating with the Crystal Pyramid through the rod and throne. Yet, this is the first time she has been inside of the room bodily. Because Tabitha has mastered the Rod of Might, the Crystal Throne, and the Crystal Pyramid. She can send her essence into the rod, through the throne, and flow throughout the structure. Tabitha can literally be in more places at the same time inside, and by some extent outside the pyramid. She can see and hear everything, and if she so chooses. Tabitha can interact with anything or anyone inside the fortress.
“The Realm Room was built by you Milady. At the height of the Crystal Empire, every realm gate was operational. Every world with a great pyramid was connected to the Crystal Pyramid. This allowed the realm gates to open in those worlds, any realm gate can open a gateway to any great pyramid on any world. This method allowed for trade, the transportation of troops to other realms, and access to resources not available in the Nether Realm.”
Shaman Zen explained and Tabitha nodded saying.
“That makes sense.”
“You designed the system my Lady. Or your previous self-did long ago.”
Warrior General Ron stated, he and Sudan as well as a couple of dozen Harkuns stood in the room waiting for the realm gate to Avalon to open. There were also a dozen and a half demon saber cats in the room. Sandra stood next to Tabitha, she was excited to go back home.
“Okay, let’s get this show on the road.”
Tabitha moved her neck around cracking her vertebrae, and then raised her left hand to the green archway. Dark green runes carved into the archway flared to life, and in the middle a green portal opened revealing the other side a brown and reddish room. Lit by torches and candles on columns and walls. It was a large space, not as large as the Realm Room. But, large enough to hold multiple Harkuns and demon saber cats. Sandra smiled seeing her sister, mother, and father. As well as a few of her tribesmen, and there were other Arcadians from other tribes present too. Once the connection was made between the Crystal Pyramid and the Great Pyramid of Avalon. Tabitha simply strolled on through the realm gate and entered Avalon once again.
The moment Olana stepped through the realm gate and into their world. Serene went down on one knee, and the rest of the Arcadians in the room followed suit. Before Serene or anyone else could utter a word of greeting or praise. It was Olana who spoke first.
“Stand on your feet my Arcadians. The fact that you are here speaks highly of your devotion and loyalty to me.”
The Arcadians obeyed, and then Serene stepped forward with her arms open as if she were about to hug the she-devil.
“Lady Olana, we have obeyed and answered your call for a hunt. The Vales tribes, as well as the tribes of Wu Shu, Skull, Dark Hand, Black Rock, Long Spear, and Arrow Heart have answered your call. I am sorry to say that the other tribes are still traveling to the pyramid.”
Olana waved a hand in dismissal.
“Not to worry, they’ll be here soon enough.”
As Olana spoke, Harkuns and demon saber cats were coming through the realm gate behind her.
“Our stores are empty, my Harkuns will need days to hunt and stock up on supplies. Since they hunt from the sky, we have brought the demon saber cats. They shall be your mounts for the hunt. You Serene shall choose those among your tribe to accompany the Harkuns on the hunt. The shamans from other tribes shall choose those among their kinsmen as well. No more than five per tribe, we do not have that many mounts.”
Olana shrugged in apology.
“Sorry, Avalon is not the only realm where the Harkuns will hunt. So, I must save some demon saber cats for your kin on other worlds. But do not worry, the Harkuns will want to hunt more than once. Many among you will have ample opportunities to hunt with your ancestors. And, we will share the spoils of the hunt with all the tribes who participate.”
At hearing this, many of the young Arcadians showed their excitement. The older Arcadians and the leaders remained stoic but looked pleased. Olana smiled.
“Before the hunt begins, what of the overseers?”
It was Scarf who answered.
“Per your orders Lady, we have subdued most of the overseers. But casualties could not be avoided, we had hoped to capture them unawares. But most of the overseers seems to have sensed that something was wrong. They had many patrols near the pyramid, and when they saw that the pyramid was alive once again. We had to act before they could send messages by magical means. My son Strike and other Arcadian commanders had no choice but to act. Many were captured and are being brought to the base of the pyramid as we speak.”
“My Lady, what are we to do with them?”
The question came from Sing.
“Even if we have them imprisoned, the church will send troops if they don’t hear from the overseers at a certain scheduled time. It’s standard procedure for the Romantians.”
In answer, Olana chuckled.
“Not to worry, I will use the overseers for our benefit. By the time the Romantians discover what has occurred here. It will be too late.”
Olana walked past the Arcadians and headed for the pyramid’s exit. An arm wrapped around Serene’s shoulders, and she heard her sister’s voice.
“Isn’t she more amazing in the flesh?”
Sandra asked. Serene nodded in agreement and said.
“Amazing, better than any dream I ever had.”
Both women watched as Olana walked through the Arcadians who gave way to their goddess. Then Serene turned to her sister and said.
“I’m glad your back, but it must have been amazing staying in the Crystal Pyramid. Exploring the legendary fortress and speaking with our ancestors.”
Sandra shook her head with a smile, as if she could not believe what she had experienced.
“I tell you sister, the legendary descriptions of the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm do not do it justice. But do not worry, you’ll experience it yourself soon.”
Before Serene could ask what Sandra meant, a female Harkun who looked similar to both her and Sandra said in a loud voice.
“Before the hunt can begin, witness how Lady Olana deal with your overseers!”
………………………………..
Overseer Brother Commander Chevon Tinsdale was shoved to his knees by one of his Arcadian captors near the entrance to the pyramid. He was bound by manacles and chains, as were the rest of his comrades. But he was not afraid, Romanto was with him and the others. The Arcadians were a godless people, they had no deity to shield them from the wrath of the God of Justice. As a blonde Arcadian was walking by, studying the prisoners. Chevon took this moment to say.
“If you release us now and repent, Lord Romanto will show you mercy. The church will show you mercy. If you continue this futile rebellion, then I’m afraid the Shattered Lands will be bathed in blood and fire.”
The Arcadian looked at Chevon but did not reveal any signs of fear or anger.
“You must know in the 300 years of our conquest, no Arcadian rebellion has ever succeeded.”
That is when he heard the sounds, the thudding of boots hitting stone marble. It was coming from the interior of the pyramid. All had their eyes on the entrance into the pyramid. The twenty-foot tall opening revealed only darkness beyond. But the sounds of heavy boots grew louder and louder. Getting closer and closer, until finally the owner of those boots revealed herself. Fear stabbed at the heart of Chevon when he saw a greater she-devil strode out of the pyramid. Clad in gold and crimson with a rod chained to her right hip by a belt.
“Dear Lord god Romanto.”
Chevon did not know whether the prayer came from him or someone else. It did not matter as the she-devil’s gaze ran over the captured Romantians. Her gold and silver eyes seem to flash brighter with excitement. Are we to be sacrificed to this horror of the Nether Realm? Chevon asked the question of himself inside his own thoughts, he was imagining the worse. Her beauty was both arousing and frightening at the same time. Finally, the she-devil spoke, her voice magically amplified so that all could hear.
“Romantians! The lands of the Arcadians are no longer yours to hold! As of this day, the occupation of the Holy Church of Romanto has come to an end! The Shattered Lands shall once again be known as the Crystal Lands! The Arcadians of Avalon shall be their own masters once again!”
The Arcadians raised their weapons up high, cheering at the words of this evil creature. Chevon could not take it anymore, he had to speak.
“The Shattered Lands have been conquered by the Holy Church of Romanto in the name of our God of Order and Justice! Who are you to go against the will of our Lord Romanto!”
The frightening eyes of the she-devil settled on Chevon, it was all he could do not to shrink in fear and cry like a child.
“Who am I?”
The she-devil said in a whisper that still carried forth over the masses. The she-devil gripped her rod and raised it high overhead. The ruby jewels on both ends of the rod glowed with multi-colored lights.
“Who do you think I am!?”
The she-devil demanded, and as the brightness of the rod grew in intensity. The Great Pyramid of Avalon glowed with bluish light, as if in response to the rod in the she-devil’s hand.
“It cannot be!”
Chevon heard the voice, it came from one of his Romantians but he did not know who.
“You cannot be Olana! Lord Romanto slew you five thousand years ago!”
The she-devil just grinned maliciously and said with evident glee.
“He did, five thousand years ago. Romanto killed me with the assistance of deceit and treachery. But I promised him I would return, and so I have. Yet, I am not ready for Romanto to know who rules the Crystal Pyramid. For now, he does not know if it’s me or a new Devil Queen. And all of you will help me buy more time.”
“We will never serve you Dark One!”
Chevon shouted his declaration, and his words were echoed by the others. Instead of getting angry, Olana just laughed and said.
“You make it sound as if I am giving you a choice in the matter.”
With the Rod of Olana still shining brightly, she pointed it at all the captured Romantians. Before Chevon could understand what Olana was trying to do? A cloudy fog fell over his mind, and all thoughts slipped away. He could think of nothing, nothing at all. It was like becoming a blank slate. But wait, there was a voice. A feminine voice, it was velvety smooth and rich with promise. The voice was saying something to him, Chevon did not listen with his ears. He listened with his mind, and at first, he could only hear a whisper. But then, after listening for a while, Chevon could hear what the voice was saying.
“Everything is fine, the Arcadians are continuing to obey the orders of the church. Ignore the she-devil and the pyramid. Continue with your daily routine, continue to send positive messages back to the Church Lands. Everything is fine, praise Romanto.”
Unaware what he was doing, Chevon nodded his agreement to the voice. Unaware that the other Romantians were doing the same thing.