“It is much, much worse to receive bad news through the written word than by somebody simply telling you, and I’m sure you understand why. When somebody simply tells you bad news, you hear it once, and that’s the end of it. But when bad news is written down, whether in a letter or a newspaper or on your arm in felt tip pen, each time you read it, you feel as if you are receiving the bad news again and again.”
― Lemony Snicket, Horseradish
“Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life - all areas of life. The really good news is that anyone can develop both honesty and integrity.”
― Zig Ziglar
THE OUTER REALM
ROMANHALL
Michael was just leaving the cafeteria when Capri walked up to him and said.
“Follow me.”
Without another word, Capri spun around and walked off. Bewildered, Michael quickly followed. Moving quickly to walk side by side with the other angel.
“What’s the matter? What’s going on?”
He asked while they moved down the hallway at a rapid pace. Capri shook his head.
“I do not know. Jordin called an urgent meeting for the archangels, senior angels, and a few angels. I decided to grab you so that you could meet more of the higher ups. But this summons has me worried.”
“Why?”
“Because this is not one of our scheduled meetings. It’s an emergency meeting, and those from my experience are never good.”
Michael did not ask any more questions, thinking on what Capri had just said. In two minutes, the entered a conference room with some angels already seated in rows of ten. Capri led Michael to the front row. As soon as they were seated, Jordin entered the conference room from a different entrance up front. As soon as Jordin entered the room, the remaining angels that were still standing took their seat. Jordin did not waste time, he got to it.
“Thank you for coming at such short notice, but the situation has become dire. I have some bad news, Sir Judah Kefir, the Holy Knight of Romanto is dead.”
There were cries of disbelief and shocked murmurs. Michael remembered meeting the knight along with Jordin.
“Are you certain of this?”
A female angel Michael had never seen before demanded. Jordin nodded gravely.
“His name in the Book of Precious Souls has disappeared. Gone, as if it was never there.”
“How?”
This time the demand came from a male angel. Jordin sighed.
“I’m sure by now you have all heard the rumors about a new Devil Queen reawakening the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm. On worlds like Avalon, Centron, and Arca. The Great Pyramids of those worlds are being reactivated, the Arcadians who worshipped Olana are gathering in numbers that have not been seen in five thousand years. Sir Judah Kefir was tasked by Romanto himself to investigate these rumors by going the the Nether Realm to find out if we are dealing with a new Devil Queen. Or…if Olana has somehow managed to be resurrected back from the dead. The last report we god from Sir Judah Kefir was very unpleasant.”
Jordin paused for a moment, it looked like he did not want to go on but had to.
“He did confirm tha the Crystal Pyramid was indeed active once again. Not only that, he verified the presence of the Harkuns.”
There were gasps of horror throughout the room. Michael was beginning to wonder what are Harkuns when Jordin answered that question.
“For all of you who do not know. Harkuns are the minions of Olana, demons she creates from the soul of mortals. Particularly, Arcadian souls. They stil worship Olana as a goddess, despite the obvious proof that she is a devil from the Nether Realm. Sir Judah Kefir went to the Crystal Pyramid to verify whether it was a new devil or Olana. Days later, his name disappeared.”
“So, this old or new Devil Queen kill Sir Judah Kefir?”
Asked another male angel.
“We have no evidence, but we surmise that to be the case. Listen people, the death of a Holy Angel Knight is of great concern to Romanto. The activation of the Crystal Pyramid is even more of a concern. Therefore, this issue is considered our number one priority. The reemergence of the Harkuns and Olana or a new Devil Queen must be dealt with. A task force will be created to handle this crisis. The children of Romanto will stop the rise of the Crystal Empire.”
Michael could not help himself, he had to ask.
“Why is Olana such a threat? She’s only a mere devil, isn’t she?”
Jordin nodded as if agreeing that the question was a reasonable one before answering.
“I’m afraid young one Olana is no mere devil. She is the personification of evil. We call her the Prime Evil, the Dark One, and Empress of Corruption. Long ago, Olana gain so much power she could even challenge the heavens themselves. Lord Romanto foresaw a time when Olana would march on the gods with a demonic army. Lord Romanto acted to save the multiverse from Olana’s greed and lust for power. But it was a hard fight, I should know I was there. If it were not for our allies the Highends and the Cranous, Olana would have not been defeated.”
Jordin spent the next fifteen minutes explaining the state of affairs. When the meeting was finally adjourned, Capri led Michael into another smaller meeting room with the most senior angels. Jordin of course was there, along with four other angels. Two males and two females, and Michael had the feeling that he was sitting with very important people.
“Fallon, Lucretia, Lazure, and Ferra. It is good to see you well.”
“I see you are teaching another new angel as always Capri. Good to see that some things never change.”
Fallon said with a smile.
“I wish we could have all met under more pleasant circumstances.”
Ferra added with a sad tone.
“Yes, the death of Sir Judah Kefir came as a shock.
Lucretia said sadly.
“Damn whoever murder him. I’ll make sure the one responsible pays. I don’t care if it’s the lowliest of demons or the Devil Queen herself.”
Lazure declared.
“Michael, these four Archangels oversee various realms throughout the multiverse. Fallon is incharge of Arca, Lazure watches over Elonis, Ferra serves Centron, and Lucretia monitors Nosgoth.”
“Yes, and in every one of those realms. The Great Pyramids have reactivated, and Harkuns have been seen flying around them.”
Lazure said, shaking his head in frustration. Jordin sighed in agreement.
“That is indeed the case, more and more of Olana’s great pyramids are awakening in realms the Arcadians reside in. For now, we are taking a wait and see attitude.”
“Which is why I say that is a mistake.”
Lucretia snapped and went on.
“We are facing a threat to the very multiverse like we haven’t endured in thousands of years. We need to be more proactive.”
“Yet, we have little to no information about who has taken control of the Crystal Pyramid. Sir Judah Kefir was investigating this new Devil Queen, but now he’s dead and we are none the wiser.”
Fallon said dejectedly.
“That is why we proceed with caution. We have lost an angel, something that has not occurred in a long time. Lord Romanto wants to avoid losing any more angels, not until we know who exactly the new Devil Queen is. Once we have this critical intel, then we can make our game plan.”
Michael had to admit that Jordin’s comments made sense. They face an unknown adversary, one who has already proven lethal.
“What is our next step then?”
Ferra asked looking at Jordin expectantly, but it was Capri who answered the question.
“We have our mortal Archbishops, bishops, high priests, priests, brothers, and other worshippers on high alert. They will be the first responders, boots on the ground if you will. They will be able to gain information on the enemy.”
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“But will it be information we can use? That is the question.”
Lucretia had a point, getting information is paramount. But it must be valuable information. The enemy can easily issue out misinformation, luring the forces of light into traps. Jordin placed his hands on the table and sat forward eyeing both Capri and Michael.
“That is why I need you and your protégé Capri.”
“What do you mean?”
“You and Michael will be sent to Avalon.”
“The first reported appearance of the greater she-devil.”
Jordin nodded.
“Yes, you will be station in the city of Camelot in Arthuria. The she-devil stayed there for a few days before escaping to the Nether Realm. Who knows…”
Jordin sat back in his chair.
“…you might be able to discover the identity of this new Devil Queen. We need to know if it’s a new devil or Olana. We need to know so that we can act accordingly.”
“Why? What does it matter if it’s a new Devil Queen or a reborn Olana?”
Michael asked.
“Because son, if it’s a new Devil Queen. We can negotiate with her. Maybe, slow her down and lessen her influence. But if it’s Olana.”
Fallon paused for a moment, trying to find the right words so that Michael could understand. But Ferra added her own opinion.
“If it is Olana, then she will be furious. There will be no negotiations, she will want to destroy Romanhall and lay waste to the rest of the multiverse.”
“Capri, do you think your protégé is up for a mission of this caliber?”
Jordin asked.
“Before he ascended to the ranks of the angels. Michael Ray was the high priest of the Morality Corps on one of the earth realms. As a mortal he was trained in holy and light magic. As well as being an expert in air and water magic. Now that he is an angel, his magical reservoir has increased a hundred-fold. He is also well versed in undercover work. A task he excelled at during his days as a brother of the Holy Church of Romanto.”
“Good to here. I expect great things from you Michael. Lord Romanto is always watching.”
Michael bowed to Jordin.
“I pray that I do not disappoint our Lord.”
………………………………..
THE NETHER REALM
THE CRYSTAL PYRAMID
The crystalized doors swooshed opened with a hiss, and Razor along with Crank and Block walked through them into the room. This one however was different from the many rooms they have been in so far. On the walls were different sized sarcophagi, all of them seems to have been created with a combination of stone and crystal compound. The sarcophagi had hard bluish-white surfaces with runes carved into them and dark blue veins. The sarcophagi look to be held to the walls by magic because no type of latch or hooking mechanism could be seen. Razor was surveying them when a voice said.
“Good, you came.”
His attention trained on the owner of that beautiful tone. Olana stood on a platform standing in front of three sarcophagi large enough for Razor and his friends to fit in. And she was not alone. A long with Sudan and Nord. Balca was hovering to Olana’s right, and she seems to be having a conversation with herself. That is one odd demoness, Razor thought for the umpteenth time. On Olana’s other side standing in an elegant pose was Malice. The platinum blonde succubus never failed to get his juices flowing, and from the way Crank and Block stiffened at the sight of the succubus. Razor would bet that his buddies were as aroused as he was.
“Yes, my Lady. You stated that there was something you have for us.”
Olana nodded but before she could speak, Balca said.
“You guys are so luckyyyyy. You should really be honored. It’s not every day you get an upgrade.”
Razor and the others just looked at the green demoness. Slowly putting her words into context, and when they did. Their eyes went wide with shock, and they snapped their attention back to Olana.
“My Lady…”
Razor trailed off because he had no words. If Olana was offering what he thought she was offering, then swearing loyalty to her was the best idea he ever had.
“Yeah, yeah. I know, you’re speechless.”
Balca moved in close and whispered aloud.
“It happens.”
Malice shook her head in consternation.
“Balca deary, you should have let Olana explain this gift to them. Just blurting out things like that.”
She shook her head.
“You haven’t change at all in a thousand years.”
“And why should I change? What’s wrong with the way I am?”
Balca demanded, looking like a pouty child. Malice shrugged.
“You don’t have to change, at least not a lot. But I would think a she-demon of your age would have been more…mature.”
“Hey. You know it’s not polite to ask a woman her age.”
Balca said scandalously, and before Malice could express her exasperation. Olana cut in on the argument.
“As I wanted to say.”
She glared at them, and both Balca and Malice closed their mouths before gesturing to Olana to continue.
“These sarcophagi will grant you power and ignite your ascension from major to greater demons. You will command the new crystal pyramid in the Courts, as well as several other territories that I have taken from those dead demon traitors. I will have a permanent presence in the Courts. I should have kept a closer watch there. In any case, once you enter the sarcophagi the ascension will begin. It will take several days, but once you are finished. All three of you shall be greater demons…my greater demons. You three shall be my new commanders of the Rogue Army.”
Razor, overcome with gratitude went down on his knees and touched his head to the crystallized floor. His friends followed suit.
“We thank you for your generosity my Queen. Again, we will strive to be worthy of the trust and position you have placed in us.”
Olana waved her hand dismissively.
“None of that now. Stand up please, if everyone went on their knees and bowed to me when I give then something they have earned. Then, I will get nothing done. Even though we got off on the wrong foot…”
Razor remembered the first time they met. He and the others were doing a bit of bounty hunting, they had tracked Zula down in the Badlands. They were going to capture her and deliver the succubus to Eldest. But they were stopped by Olana who took them a part with ease. Razor smiled a bit just as Olana was finishing her sentence.
“…you have proven yourselves capable leaders.”
Olana gestured to the sarcophagi.
“Enter them and begin your ascension to greater demon hood.”
Razor nodded and walked up the platform to the sarcophagus in the middle. The lid of the sarcophagus opened the space was big enough to suit his size perfectly. He did not hesitate, making himself comfortable. Razor fitted himself inside the sarcophagus. As soon as he was set, the lid closed over him. Because of the crystal surface, Razor had no problem seeing through his sarcophagus. His buddies Crank and Block had already placed themselves in their own sarcophagi. He saw Olana motion to one of the Harkuns stationed at some type of console control unit. The Harkun in question pressed something on the flat black surface of the console, and Razor found himself closing his eyes and then nothing.
“Gooooood night sweeeet princes.”
Balca said in a sing song voice, then she turned to Tabitha and said.
“The Rogue Army, I like it. Good name.”
“Thanks.”
Tabitha said. For some reason, she had a feeling that Balca was more than just pleased with her decisions. Both Balca and Malice would back most of her choices, but if they felt that she was making a bad or misplaced decision. They would tell her. These she-demons were not yes women, they had opinions and ideas of their own. Tabitha valued them as friends and advisors, otherwise, she would have found it difficult to command all the forces and resources she has at her beck and call.
“Is there anything left to do?”
Tabitha asked. Malice shook her head.
“All of our mortal guests have returned to their respective homes in their realms. The Crystal Pyramid and the surrounding area is secured.”
“Best of all, the Nether Lords know that your back and not to be messed with.”
Balca cut in excitedly. She was twirling around in mid-air, and Tabitha looked at her.
“Why are you so happy about that?”
Tabitha honestly wanted to know. Balca just looked at her as if she thought Tabitha was crazy for asking the question.
“Isn’t it obvious? Now that the Nether Lords know that Olana is back in action. We’ll get all sorts of business opportunities.”
Balca rubbed her hands together and licked her lips, as if contemplating a juicy hamburger with all the fixings.
“Just think about it. We get rich with trade since we’ll have access to the mortal realms. We’ll be able to sell stuff to the Courts and other demon settlements. Boy, I can’t wait to get started.”
Tabitha thought about Balca’s words and nodded. Increasing the economic might of the Crystal Pyramid sounded like a great idea to her.
………………………………..
AVALON
UNNAMED FOREST
Nidus, the warlock of Olana walked out of the nether portal near the edge of some unnamed forest. Seconds later, Balocustos walked out of the portal.
“Well, my master, these past few days have been very eventful. The swearing ceremony was good but a bit boring.”
“Absolutely.”
Agreed Nidus.
“But things got exciting when that army of demons attacked. Sigh. Lady Olana was amazing in battle. I knew she was powerful when she fought my team at Camelot. But now I know she was holding back her true power. I am very happy that I decided to become her warlock.”
“If there is nothing else my master, I will return to the Crystal Pyramid.”
Nidus nodded in agreement.
“Good idea Balocustos. You can be my eyes and ears in our Lady’s council. If she needs anything, do not hesitate to contact me.”
“Yes, my master.”
With that said, Balocustos bowed to Nidus and stepped back through the portal.
THE CRYSTAL LANDS
(FORMERLY THE SHATTERED LANDS)
Chief Scarf of the Vales Tribe sat at the head of the table with a hundred chiefs from the all the tribes in the Crystal Lands. When he left to visit the Crystal Pyramid, not all the tribes had gathered. The Crystal Lands was a large area after all, and the tribes were spread out. Once the Great Pyramid of Avalon had been activated, every tribe in the Crystal Lands made their way to the base of the pyramid. But not all the tribes would arrive quickly. So, when Scarf went to the Nether Realm only forty of the tribes had come.
“What word do you bring from Lady Olana Scarf? What is her will?”
Asked Cersai chieft of the Sandstorm Tribe. She was both a high-level shaman as well as the chief of her tribe. Both positions she earned through hard work and proving her battle prowess.
“Lady Olana plans the rebirth and rise of the Crystal Empire.”
At hearing these words from Scarf, all the chief had smiles on their faces. Reestablishing their empire means one thing…war. There were murmurs of excitement, but the chiefs held themselves with proper restraint. It would be embarrassing to act childish in front of their peers. One of the chiefs further down the table asked.
“When do we strike at the Romantians?”
“Soon, but first we must prepare?”
“What must we prepare for Scarf?”
Asked another female Arcadian chief.
“Lady Olana believes that the Romantians or their allies will send a force to subdue us.”
“Which means that the fight will be coming to us soon.”
Said a male Arcadian chief who smiled with anticipation. Scarf nodded in agreement.
“In preparation for an upcoming battle with our ancient foes. I have ordered patrols in my territory. If we see signs of the enemy, the Vales tribe with inform the other tribes. I request that are brother and sister tribes do the same. This way, we’ll have a network of patrols gathering intelligence.”
Chief Scarf slammed a fist one the wooden table.
“My fellow chiefs, Olana has returned. Come back from the very clutches of death. She is a reborn Devil Queen and from what you have seen on the recording of the memory mirror.”
Scarf pointed at the mirror in front of him, held up by a mirror stand.
“Lady Olana has proven to be far more powerful than she was in her previous life.”
Scarf leaned forward a bit and lowered his voice, but everyone in the great hall could still hear his voice.
“I have been told by Lady Olana herself that she is at war with Romanto the God of Deceit and Treachery. She has sworn before fate and destiny that she will not stop until Romanto is brought to justice for his many crimes against her and us. We will go to war in the name of Lady Olana. We will take back what was stolen from us. More importantly, we will gain vengeance and justice for the many crimes committed against the Crystal Empire!”
With a shout of that final declaration, all the chiefs got to their feet with roars of agreements. They had waited for this day for a long time. Now, it is here. Once more, the Arcadians will ride out to war. For glory, for pride, and most importantly, for their Lady. Olana, the Devil Queen of the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm.