Ruthven Sykes was second in command of the Order of Ancient Mysteries, a mystical organisation created by Roderick Burgess. Around 1926, Sykes starts an affair with Magus's mistress Ethel Cripps and finally, in November of 1930 they flee to San Francisco leaving the order and taking with them many of its treasures, including Dream's helm, ruby and pouch of sand and £200,000 in cash.
 
In December of 1930, he swaps Dream's helm for a protection amulet with the demon Choronzon, this amulet keeps him safe from Burgess and his many attempts to kill him magically. Six years later, in 1936, Ethen