“The modern habit of doing ceremonial things unceremoniously is no proof of humility; rather it proves the offender's inability to forget himself in the rite, and his readiness to spoil for everyone else the proper pleasure of ritual.”

― C.S. Lewis

“The real ceremony begins where the formal one ends, when we take up a new way, our minds and hearts filled with the vision of earth that holds us within it, in compassionate relationship to and with our world.”

― Linda Hogan

Sandra along with her sister, brother, and parents walked through the realm gate of the Great Pyramid of Avalon and found themselves inside the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm. But Sandra and her family were not the only guests in the Realm Room. Other Arcadians from other worlds were already in there conversing with each other. Sandra looked around almost confused at the share number of so many Arcadians not of her native world. Arcadians and Harkuns mingled about, talking and laughing. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation. Serene, grabbed Sandra’s arm and waved at someone on the other side of the Realm Room. Sandra spotted an Arcadian man waving back, he was dressed in robes of maroon and emerald. The man walked over towards them, and Sandra had to admit he looked good. With smooth black hair, a prominent nose, and dark brown eyes. Sandra could tell right away that he was a shaman like her sister.

“Ah, shaman Serene. We finally meet in the flesh.”

That man greeted with a smile, and Serene returned the gesture.

“Sandra, let me introduce you to Gig Head Shaman of the Dehorn Tribe of Elonis. We met in the astral plane during the council meeting of shamans.”

“Don’t forget, I’m also one of Olana’s newer shamans.”

Gig chuckled, and Serene motioned to her sister and brother.

“This is my sister, War Leader Sandra, and my brother, Head Warrior Strike.”

Serene then pointed to her parents, who were conversing with Nord.

“Those are my parents, Chief Scarf and Lady Yonda.”

“It is good to meet you Gig.”

Sandra said.

“Yes, this is a special occasion.”

Strike said, looking all around the Realm Room. Taking in the crystal surfaces, and the floating spheres of white light. Seeing Strike’s wide-eyed amazement Gig said.

“I know, this place is incredible, and we haven’t even seen the whole pyramid.”

“I used to listen to stories of Olana and her Crystal Pyramid. I thought them only fairy tales, for children to imagine a better way of life than the one we had. Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself standing in Lady Olana’s fortress.”

Strike said the words with genuine wonder. Gig nodded in agreement.

“I too shared the same feelings, I think every Arcadian on every world wanted to believe in Olana. But, never imagined her to be real. And now, we are about to attend Lady Olana’s swearing ceremony. We along with the Harkuns of legend will swear oaths of fealty to the new reborn Devil Queen. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, this day will be spoken of for generations to come. Along with the names of those who will participate in the ceremony.”

Gig was about to say more when a look of surprise came over his face. Another portal had opened in the realm gate. Sandra and her siblings had their backs to the realm gate, so they did not see who Gig was staring at.

“In the name of the Lady. Who is that, and why is an Arthurian wizard here?”

The siblings turned around to see a young man in robes of blue and grey, but he was not alone. A demon in a fine all black tailored suit stood next to the man. Sandra and Serene were not the only Arcadians staring at the wizard, who stared back at all the Arcadians.

“Good evening. When does the ceremony begin?”

“Who are you?”

Sandra heard her father demand, and she was curious as well. In response, the man bowed slightly before replying.

“Forgive my rudeness. My name is Nidus Kane Dupree, I am Lady Olana’s warlock.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Oh, so you’re the wizard from Camelot Lady Olana turned into her new warlock.”

Sandra declared with realization. Now, the attentions of the Arcadians turned on Sandra.

“A new warlock?”

One of them asked in disbelief.

“How did that happen?”

Another queried. Sandra shrugged.

“A few days after the battle outside Camelot. Come to think of it, you look familiar Warlock Nidus.”

“Yes, you may not remember but I was part of the warrior wizard regiment that took on Lady Olana outside of Camelot. That was the day I saw our Lady’s power and strength, and that was before she grew even stronger. I had my demon…”

Nidus motioned to the tall suit wearing demon by his side who bowed slightly to the Arcadians.

“…Balocustos seek out Lady Olana and request a meeting. I thought it might take him weeks or months to find her, but to my surprise it only took him a couple of days. To my relief, Olana agreed to meet with me. I offered to serve her in body and soul for all of my life. She tested me, she tested my honesty and my resolve, and I passed her test. Now, here I am.”

Nidus held out his arms by his sides to say ‘hey, this is me. Love it or leave it.’

“Wow, that was…ballsy.”

Serene stated, and Sandra chuckled at her sister’s comment. Then there was a bell chime, and everyone looked around having never heard a sound like that indoors. The sound resonated from the crystal walls themselves, then Sudan appeared along with two Harkuns by her side. Everyone, Harkuns, Arcadians, one human, and a demon all looked to Sudan who was at the door leading out of the Realm Room.

“Everyone.”

Sudan began.

“On behalf of Lady Olana, welcome to the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm. We the Harkuns shall lead you our guests to the throne room where the celebration shall begin. During the swearing ceremony, Lady Olana will be sitting on her throne. You may approach and swear your oaths of fealty to her at any time during the celebration. This can be done as individuals or in a group, it can be your choice. Now, there will be thousands of Harkuns, Arcadians, and other beings swearing oaths to Lady Olana. So, this ceremony will be going on for several days. Be at ease, we have plenty of food, drink, and rooms where you can rest and refresh yourselves. Does anyone have questions?”

Sudan waited for anybody to ask a question, and when no one said anything, she smiled and said.

“Alright then, let’s get this party started.”

………………………………..

The celebration of the swearing ceremony had begun as soon as Tabitha emerged on her Crystal Throne in flames of red and orange. Lydia and Nanina sat in similar but smaller chairs by their mother’s side as individuals and groups of Harkuns and Arcadians approached the Crystal Throne to swear oaths of fealty to the newly reborn Olana the Devil Queen. Talin was mingling with the guests, while Sandra and her family were making rounds throughout the throne room. Platters of food and blows of drinks were placed on tables at the center of the room for easy access. The first thing Tabitha did at the beginning of the swearing ceremony was to beckon Nidus forward to her side. Nidus stepped closer to the foot of her throne and waited.

“Warlock Nidus Kane Dupree, as you are my first warlock in five thousand years, sworn to me. I have a present for you.”

Tabitha held out her right hand and blue fire erupted as a shape appeared. Nidus studied the object and identified it as a blue book. But, not just any book.

“This grimoire will aid you with spells that are suited for a warlock.”

Tabitha levitated the book towards Nidus who took it with reverence. Opening the book, there was but one written page, one spell. The rest of the pages were blank, Nidus looked up at Tabitha with a question.

“When you’ve mastered the first spell, others will appear. More spells will keep appearing as your magical powers grow.”

Tabitha answered simply. Nidus nodded in understanding, he thanked her for the gift and stepped away from the Crystal Throne. From then on, others approached the throne and swore oaths of fealty to the new ruler of the Crystal Pyramid. In several hours, hundreds perhaps thousands sworn oaths of fealty to Tabitha. With each oath sworn a link was established between Tabitha and her new servants. Each connection increased Tabitha’s magical reservoir, increasing her strength and making her more powerful. The more powerful she became, the more the Crystal Pyramid increased in power as well. Because Olana’s rod connected Tabitha with the Crystal Pyramid, it created a channel from her to the fortress. In essence, both Tabitha and the Crystal Pyramid’s magical reservoir were growing in size and capacity.

For two days, the swearing ceremony went on. Tabitha never left the throne, being a devil, she needed no food or rest. However, being the ruler of the fortress. Servants from the kitchens provided Tabitha with small trays of food and cups of wine. Tabitha enjoyed the treats that the cooks made, and the wine was delicious. She was relaxed in her throne, sitting here for two days did not discomfort her at all. Her muscles did not atrophy, her bones were still loose and strong, and her entire body was stronger than ever. Thousands have already sworn to her, and she was overflowing with power. By this time, all of the Harkuns have sworn themselves to her. Tabitha may have gotten more power, but the same can be said for the Harkuns. The warrior Harkuns swelled with strength and newfound purpose.

The shaman Hakuns’ power grew as well, their spells went up a few levels making their magic even more potent. The last of the Arcadians were just about to finish swearing to Tabitha when the large double crystal doors on the other side of her throne room opened. Balca hovered through the doors followed by an assortment of demons. To be accurate the assorted demons walked through the doors, Balca like most of the time hovered above the floor. Her four wings blurred like hummingbird’s wings.

“Hey, I see the party’s still going!”

Balca said with a boisterous voice, waving a hand at Tabitha who had her eyes on the strange new demons. Having spent a large amount of time in the Nether Realm and having access to Olana’s memories. Tabitha could tell that many of these demons are imps, fiends, and a few major demons.

“Balca, I’m glad that you are back. From the looks of things, it seems that your business. Whatever it was has been successful.”

Nodding enthusiastically, Balca declared with arms spread wide and spinning in a circle.

“Yep, yep, yep. I got all my friends to agree to come and work for you. Of course, after I promised them room and board.”

Tabitha looked at Balca and then looked at the demons who followed her. They all had expectant looks of hope and enthusiasm, and then she returned her gaze back to Balca. The little green she-demon grinned at her.

“I see.”

Was all Tabitha could say for the moment.