"Humans are a menace and have no place in our society, especially this one! Her whole blood line is tainted" the crowd erupted into shouts and jeers.

Rebecca sat, eyes down, letting the hateful words wash over her. Ginette sat beside her companion Bartaclese, fuming. The Argwaar placed a furry green paw on her shoulder to restrain her from making this situation worse.

Bartaclese was a sight to see his olive green fur was matted up into long dreadlocks. Shimmering gemstones were woven into the long strips of hair. A top his feline head he wore a garish silver top hat.

"Madam let me handle this, I'm afraid your voice will not have any sway over them" his voice was soft and elegant, one refined to orate to the highest members of society. Rebecca always found Uncle Bart's voice soothing, he winked one massive eye at Rebecca and rose.

He turned sharply, a whirlwind of hair and gemstones. With a massive fist the smashed the table the adjudicators were sitting at. A THUNDEROUS BOOM was unleashed deafening all present.

"Oh boy" Rebecca chuckled to herself.

Bartaclese emitted a deafening screech, "HOW DARE YOU!! ALL OF YOU MIGHTY ADJUDICATORS!! HOW DARE YOU LOOK DOWN AT MY SWEET INNOCENT NIECE. HOW DARE YOU SLANDER HER. SHE IS THE VICTIM HERE!" Spittle was flying out of his mouth in all directions.

He demonstratively pantomimed calming himself down for effect.

The ostrich headed judge made a face, "victim? Hardly, she lured those poor boys promising solicitous acts so her pet demon could feast upon them!"

Bartaclese charged directly at the offending judge, "YOU SAY ONE MORE LIE ABOUT MY SWEET REBECCA AND I WILL FLAY THE FLESH OFF YOUR BONES. EAT IT, SHIT IT OUT AGAIN AND PUT IT BACK!!!" There was actual froth dripping from his maw.

The other judge interjected, "that sounds charming, now simmer down Bart ole boy. Nobody is casting aspersions upon your lovely niece...but the FACT still remains it was her pet that caused these deaths. Justice must be served, but alas the beast has absconded. So until it is found, your niece must suffer the penalty of the crime. 25 years in the slave colony in Pa'inah Su'teth" the crowd murmured at the mention of this vile place.

*****

Ten gruelling years have passed, ten years of her wasted youth here in these mines . Rebecca's callused hands ached, her back ached, her lungs were being ripped apart with each breath full of fine crystalline particulates.

But despite these hardships, her spirit didn't waver. she developed an iron resolve, determined that nothing the overseers would do could ever break her.

And her time here was not without advantages. She acquired knowledge of these crystals she mined; their properties, and how to use them to traverse between the realms. To exact revenge upon those who enslaved her.

She learned about the hidden ninth realm Umbraletellria and the powerful entity who resided there.

But more importantly was the allegiances forged in these mines. Miscreants, political opponents, rebels; from all over the 8 realms were sent here to be cowed.

One by one she seduced them with kindness, promises of power and revenge, and when need be, her body. Here in these mines she was building her armies. One by one they served their time and returned home to build networks and wait for a sign.

They all respected her, loved her, and even feared her. They all called her by one name:

The Sovereign