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Chapter 52

Adelram walked down the steps of the church he did not know what to think or what else to say. Adelram thought on Asriel, Noxus called him Beleth he wondered what exactly happened during the point he died up to now. Overall he knows his father is involved in this.
Adelram scowled at the thought of his father talking to those two, thinking upon it fear began clenching his hearts. If his father turned to those two what does his father think of him? Adelram scanned the now silent battlefield. Bodies of loyalists and those who followed chaos littered the grand plaza. Those who are not of the emperor's children their faces are agape in pure terror. If Adelram stares at the faces of his warband it's like they are sleeping.

Adelram walked down searching for Marthas, he would know what to say. Adelram looked in the direction of where he last saw him. Adelram walked about until he saw a mist leaving a body. Adelram ran over to it and he was right the mist is coming from Marthas weapon.
His armour is cracked in several sections and his eyes are closed. Adelram reached down and shook him. Marthas groaned slightly, Adelram shook him again. Until eventually he sat up. Marthas rubbed his eyes "am I dead...?" Adelram shook his head "No. Up you get we need to talk."
Adelram sat on the steps of the church with Marthas staring at the dead bodies he explained what Asriel and Noxus just told him. Marthas stroked his chin "they are telling the truth." Adelram frowned "really? I-" Marthas shook his head "think about it we were lambs being lead into a slaughter." Marthas chuckled "I thought you be happy that Asriel is alive."

Adelram rubbed his neck and sighed "I was until he destroyed the gem." Marthas interjected "fake gem you mean?" Adelram grit his teeth "fine, a fake, useless gem." Marthas gripped his weapon tightly "I more concerned with his memory loss and the name change." Adelram shrugged "he is useless now anyway.. everything that was useful and good about him is gone." Marthas frowned at Adelram "is that what you think?" Marthas gestured his hands over the dead "if Noxus and Asriel did not do this we would not be alive having this discussion. Or are you too afraid to admit you failed?"

Adelram wiped his hands down his face this is why he sometimes hates talking with Marthas. He is blunt but at times it's needed. Adelram sighed "things were going well.. raiding two worlds successfully and then this.." Marthas nodded "yes but at times we will fail and it's how we deal with that failure is what matters. You cannot become the best without it."Adelram could not see Marthas wishes to ask Adelram something "what is it Marthas?" Marthas breathed in then out "I will take Asriel off your hands if you don't want him." Adelram clenched one of his hands "he is mine Marthas." Marthas leaned back slightly "I wonder about that..." Adelram raised his eyebrow "what do you mean?"

Marthas rested his weapons across his lap "I believe that y- our father took everything away from Asriel. As a lesson of sorts." Adelram narrowed his eyes "A lesson!? what sort of lesson!?" Marthas crossed his arms "sometimes you don't realise the value of something until you lose it."
Adelram scowled "I did not lose anything of worth!" Marthas sighed "so you are denying the use your father see's in Asriel?" Adelram was about to mouth a response but looked down. Adelram looked to his beaten armour. Marthas continued "I have known him for a long time, Asriel is the sort of person you can rely on. He will give his all to us and if something threatens us he will deal with it."

Adelram squinted his eyes Lily said something similar he began thinking back if he did not push him away and embraced the task he was doing with Noxus this may have not happened. Adelram clenched his eyes shut and now Asriel literally broke himself on the anvil to ensure they survived.
Adelram laughed "so his name is Beleth now.. well that's what Noxus calls him.." Marthas stroked his chin "I doubt you will force him to change his name back I assume that is the new name your father gave him so your hands are tied. Everything you done to him was taken away. Still the core of who he is has not changed."

Adelram looked over to Marthas "core?" Marthas nodded "He still pushed to save us even though he did not even know us. Think of it this way Adelram this is a fresh start." Adelram mouthed Marthas' words "fresh start.." Adelram sighed as he got to his feet "Marthas go wake the rest of the warband. Loot what you can from the dead have it gathered and taken to the ship. I need to think."

Marthas stood up and nodded "very well." Marthas walked down the stairs towards his sleeping brothers. All that are now alive due to Asriel's and Noxus' actions. Adelram creased his brow in frustration.

Beleth stood with Noxus at a table in the church playing regicide, Beleth found the board and pieces in another room. He had no idea how to play the game but he felt the great need to do so. The problem is that not being able to see the board made it difficult.
Noxus went through all the board positions and pieces, he also said that he would move the pieces for him if he called out the position he wanted to move it to. Beleth was quite surprised how dexterous Noxus is with his new form. They were half through the game until Noxus started to grumble "you are throwing away your pawns so your king can attack! Who does that!" Beleth frowned "hey it's how I play."

Beleth could hear Noxus moving his queen to checkmate his king. Beleth smiled "I wish to use my knight to take the piece you just moved." Noxus grunted "your knight ca- wait a minute?" Beleth frowned "you did not notice the knights protecting the king? I thought I was the blind one?"
Noxus scowled "I was distracted with how you were throwing away your pawns!" Beleth was about to speak until he felt light footsteps Beleth brow furrowed "who is that Noxus?" Noxus sighed "it's her.." Beleth tilted his head slightly "her who?" Noxus responded in annoyance "what do you want Isira?"
Beleth felt Isira walking over to the table, he heard her laughing "so you are blind!? I can't believe it! Wait until Isabella hears this!" Noxus shouted "Beleth and I are playing a game! Go away!" Beleth raised his hand "what is it Isira? what do you want?" Isira chuckled "so did you say my name because Noxus just said it? Also Beleth? That is your name now?" Beleth nodded "yes I largely don't remember anyone and Beleth is my name. I also just found out Adelram's name as he left the church."

Beleth sensed Isira leaning on the table "so you don't even remember Luke then? I am quite suprised he survived that I wonder what his history is." Beleth casually shrugged "don't know who he is and I don't care." Beleth then sensed a small tap on the table Isira said "well... I saw our Lord walking around the city he did not seem that upset with me or Isabella. He found Isabella wandering the streets he ordered her to get ready to return to the ship. Still he refused to mention a word about you I think you have fallen completely out of favour.. I wonder what he would do?"
Beleth scratched his cheek "dunno, I can't die easily anyway the great one saw to that. I mean Adelram already threw me around the church." Beleth heard Isira responding in surprise "great one? what do you mean?" Noxus scowled "he means my father."

Beleth felt the vibration vanishing as Isira got up from the table "impossible..I.." Beleth frowned "you know.. you are slightly annoying me. Adelram can hate me if he wants that won't change how I feel and what I need to do within this warband." Isira began laughing harshly "the warband most likely want your head! They will press Adelram to kill you. Save for equipment there are no slaves to be had. Save those touched by the dark prince everyone is dead!"

Beleth rubbed his neck "Adelram won't do it I have faith in him." Beleth heard Isira scowling "then you don't know him! he spared you for now but just wait.." Beleth held his hands together "I don't remember the time I spent with Adelram but his father said this to me. "I chose you because out of all the humans he surrounds himself with you are the best. The one who's vision is clear who constantly holds fast to their desire, I can rely on you to stand by my son's side and let no one tell you otherwise.""

As Beleth said those words Isira's laughter died on her lips "he.. really said that? To you?" Beleth nodded "yes just before he tore my intestines out." Noxus chuckled "he really did that?" Beleth frowned "yes.. since where I was I could not exactly die he increased my resilience so I would not expire or fall apart after each lesson." Beleth recalled that he has done far worse that was the least painful one.

Beleth folded his arms "so Isira are you done gloating?" Beleth could hear her biting her lip "we shall see what he does." Beleth then felt Isira walking away each step still light. Beleth looked back to the board "It's your turn." Noxus sighed "I conceade you took my queen. I was hindging my strategy on the queen taking your king."

Beleth laughed "so it's my win!" Noxus grunted "your first win. Let's go again." Beleth smiled as he heard Noxus putting pieces back in it's original positions.

Belaris followed Rafael who is now walking away from the church, Belaris walked up to Rafael "we are not going to the church?" Rafael shook his head "no. we are leaving I can no longer sense the gem but I do sense roaming heretics. We don't have the forces to take all of them on." Belaris clenched his hand "we cou-" Rafael tapped the haft of his staff on the ground "I understand inquisitor but look around you, everyone is dead and if our cruiser was not warded all the serfs would of died. The serfs are reporting that no life signs can even be detected on imperium ships surrounding them."

Belaris sighed "very well." Rafael nodded "we are almost at the evacuation point." The grey knights and Belaris with his acolytes reached an open area. A sliver thunderhawk was waiting for them. The bay door was open. As they walked on Belars could not help but feel failure he ground his teeth in anger he failed completely and utterly. Rafael spoke calmly to Belaris "it is failure inquisitor but we will punish the heretics for committing such an action. We recoup and return when we are ready."

Belaris nodded slowly "yes, we will make sure they pay." The thunderhawk bay door closed as they set off to the grey knight cruiser.

Part 2 epilogue incoming!

Part 2 Epilouge

Adelram walked with Asriel to his room it was odd watching him walk with his head cast down slightly. Adelram hated staring at his milky white eyes. Many in the warband wanted him to kill Asriel. Even if he raised the point they are alive because of him. Their need for fresh slaves were overwhelming their senses.

Adelram gripped the object he was going to give to Asriel, Adelram held what Marthas said at the forefront of his mind. This is a fresh start. Adelram reached the door he opened it and gestured inside "You first." Asriel slowly walked in. Asriel looked around "hmm quite spacious...wait... something is on the desk." Adelram walked into the room the door closed behind him.

Adelram watched Asriel stare at the stack of books on the desk. They contained recorded journal entries over the century and finally Asriel unhooked his personal journal from his body. Asriel stared at it, Adelram felt his hand reaching forward he wondered what he was thinking. Asriel is blind he can't read the words he has written, or write new ones. Adelram suddenly found himself thinking that it all of this started with him reading his journal his hand edged closer to Asriel until Asriel called out "stop!"
Adelram froze, Asriel spoke softly "I am not a broken thing that needs comfort." Adelram reached back "so what will you do with all of them?" Asriel shrugged "thinking of burning them." Asriel's free hand lit up, Adelram shouted "stop!" Asriel froze the flame in his hand dying "why? I can't read it. I can't write anything in them. What's the point keeping it?"

Adelram did not know why he shouted for him to stop, Adelram felt his hand shaking the one that bore the object he is going to give to Asriel. The same hand that was shaking just like when he died. Adelram remembered when he stuffed Asriel in a cage without thinking. He belittled and hated him when he found Asriel again on Zatos. Finally he dies comes back even with his memory gone he is still there waiting ready to serve him. It's a vicious cycle he pushes in his own way but no matter what Asriel is always there when he is needed.
Asriel held his journal in his hand "what is it? You don't want me to burn it?" Adelram prepared the object in his hand. Adelram nodded slowly "before you do, I want to give you something, also introductions are in order." Adelram watched Asirel raise his eyebrow, Adelram walked over "I am Adelram the Lord of Sin and you are?"

Adelram watched Asriel furrow his brow, Adelram wanted to hear what name he would say he spoke slowly "My name is Beleth my lord." Adelram's hearts sank when he said it for some reason they twisted in a knot. Adelram took in a deep breath "I see, so Beleth I wish to recognise the exploits you did on the surface."

Beleth stepped back slightly he looked away "it's nothing don't worry about it. I don't need a reward." Adelram shook his head "no, thinking about it what happened on Athor was failure on my part. I would not be standing here if it was not for what you and Noxus did on the surface." Adelram walked foward and opened his palm he looked at the object he preared it was a pin shaped in the symbol of their legion. Adelram attached it to his cloak.

Adelram watched Beleth touch it gently he felt the symbol and rubbed it gently in his hand. He covered his hand over his eyes tears began rolling down his cheeks "dammit! why am I crying!?" Adelram saw this perhaps, just perhaps Asriel still exists a small fragment is still there. Adelram placed his hands behind his back "you will serve me but there is a requirement."

Beleth wiped the tears away from his eyes "what?" Adelram nodded slowly "from now on as long as you wear that symbol, just call me Adelram. You can refer to me in a casual manner where ever within your mind in front of my brothers." Beleth nodded slowly "yes Adelram."
Adelram could not help but smile slightly "Beleth are you still going to burn the books?" Beleth tightened his grip on his journal "may I ask a favour?" Adelram inclined his head "what is it?" Beleth held his journal out "can.. can you read it to me?"
Adelram was almost thrown off guard by his request, Adelram reached for the journal he grasped it. He slowly took it from his hand opening the first page, the very first entries from before he was taken by the warband it is still there. Adelram closed the journal he could see Beleth is waiting for his answer.

Adelram thought to smile but remembered he was blind, Adelram knelt down slightly "Beleth touch my face." Beleth slowly reached for Adelram's face, he then smiled "I shall, a better place to read it would be my chambers. Come." Adelram rose as Beleth's hand left his face. Adelram turned to the exit his room, Beleth's door opened Adelram turned his head slightly to him "Come Beleth, time is being lost." Beleth nodded while smiling his tears finally drying as he left the room with him.

Part 2 done!

fething fantastic man and the ending had me in tears! Was sooo hoping adelram would read to asriel maybe Ariel can get a tape recorder in the future haha!


So Is this it** for the Lord of sin?

 Dayknight wrote:

fething fantastic man and the ending had me in tears! Was sooo hoping adelram would read to asriel maybe Ariel can get a tape recorder in the future haha!


So Is this is for the Lord of sin?

Glad you enjoyed it, trust me I was thinking heavily on how to handle the reunion and the epilogue.

Nope. I am enjoying it too much more is coming. I am not working on my AOS story until malign portents stuff comes out Death lore is pretty bare bones in a sense.

Honestly at first this was just meant to be a short story for my warband but I just kept it going(a mate said I should) one thing that stuck with me when I first started to write it when people talk of the god dedicated champions in the lore they speak of Arhiman, Typhus and Kharn fondly people never mention Lucius. They have bad traits and good traits but they enjoy them as characters. When it comes to Lucius? All people have is scorn and overall and talk about how much they hate him.(I personally like Lucius but I feel I am the minority) I am getting to the feeling with Josh Reynolds Fabius series people have far more interest in Fabius than Lucius.

So to write Adelram as a character I wanted people to feel invested in him but also show he is still you know a prick at times. Adelram has to a hard time admitting he is wrong or when he messed up which normally Asriel now Beleth points out in his own way with various consequences coming forward. Plus being a chaos space marine and a follower of slaanesh I mean he is still evil well I hope people view Beleth and Adelram as evil psychopaths. Anyway more is coming soonTM(I have to plan the general story of the next book).

Book 3 Lord of Corruption

Prolouge

Tape 1

Beleth: right this is just a practice recording. I had Caius whip me together a device also Adelram shifts slightly whenever I tell him that I am no longer attempting to record anything. His steps turn extremely light when he get's upset when it comes to me. When I told him I am doing these tape recordings they returned to normal. Adelram often tries not to show how he feels but with how I am? I know when he is not being honest with himself. Now anyway where should I start?

Since killing everyone on Athor along with Noxus and I saving the warband. I had several attempts on my life problem is that it's quite hard to sneak up on someone that knows you are coming since power armour is a dead giveaway. It took Adelram actually maiming an Astartes for it to stop. Still when he read my journal to me I found that I was quite an interesting individual also somewhat naive at the same time. One interesting note is my "friendship" with Marthas. It's quite odd that even now I get on well with him.

Noxus and I still play regicide from time to time and he told me he had a slave paint the door of his room. Honestly I found it amusing he said the words were "Father spoke to me first." The nice thing about it is that he is no longer chained to the wall they resized his door so he can leave when he wants. Now onto Luke? He was quite shocked at all the lies surrounding him and since he was not with the warband there was a bedlam to claim him as a slave. He was fortunate that the ship captain Lily took a liking to him, something about finding a proper husband at last. Luke does state I taught him a few things he is an interesting individual I still wonder how he survived on Athor.

To move on soon as he was claimed by Lily Adelram made everyone back off to their displeasure. Isira still act's like she is important and.. she is annoying not much else to say there. Isabella is still making attempts to court me which is.. frustrating. Plus the added fact Sitri is attempting the same thing but she is far more aggressive.

Naberius is preaching to me about how wonderful Lord Fulgrim is and I don't need him to tell me such a thing. I already know he is. What else... oh yes! Camila and Adelram are still messing up with the music they are attempting to create. Adelram is considering to add more intsruments to the song issue is finding people who play an instrument.

Onto my friend Marthas he is still abusing the Astartes that go to the temple many flock there like sheep but since Athor he had me... well.. "help". The help is largely using me as a gating process if they can't injure me they can't join plus fixing extreme injuries. Now Silas? Silas does not exactly like talking to me for some reason, since Adelram gave me the pin he avoids talking to me at all. Something about me not being worthy to have it, honestly I have a fun idea on how to deal with him!

Finally Jedrick? Jedrick is well..? He shouts a lot, orders the cultists forces around puts them through insane training regimes all of the normal stuff according to my Journal. Until I met him personally and he saw my fangs. The first thing he wanted is a comparison he literally held my mouth open. After a moment he walked away grunting.

Sooo that it for the first tape! Hmm I can get used to doing this...


Tape 2


Beleth:Ok... tape 2 I am in the temple I wanted to record what it is like for Astartes living here and training here.

[sounds of screams. broken limbs and the clashing of blades]

Beleth:Sounds pretty interesting! well.. I think I found one he seems to be checking over his sword.

[sound of footsteps]

Beleth:Hello! Random Astartes number 2! I want to ask a few things...

Random Astartes 2: Are you mocking me!? Leave me!

Beleth:Well.. yes a little.. I just want to know how you find Marthas' training and how you find it living here!

[sounds of large footsteps walking away]

Beleth:See just what a minute! Fine... you can break Silas' guard if shift slightly to the left and do a feint.

[footsteps stop]

Random Astartes 2:Wait? Really?

Beleth:Well... that's just one part of how to do it... Sooo do you want to answer my question?

Random Astartes 2: The training is hard but the pain experienced is a lesson. I found I have made progress in my blade work compared to fighting those that follow Jedrick.

[high pitched scream]

Beleth:Oh! He just got his arm hacked off! See you!

Random Astartes 2: Wait! You were going to explain how to break his guard!

[sounds of foosteps]

Beleth:Random Astartes 4! Please how do you feel right now with your arm removed! Did you see it coming!?

[sounds of grunting and panting]

Randrom Astartes 4:Hurry up and heal me you fool! Stop standing around with that thing!

Beleth:Well... if I heal it right away you won't reflect on how you got your arm chopped off. Lord Fulgrim said expreincing pain is wine for the soul.

Random Astartes 4:I do need you to tell me that! Also don't speak about my father! You are not worthy!

Beleth:well... he spoke to me and not to you so...

Random Astartes 5:You should listen to the human... you are slow and weak!

Random Astartes 4:Shut up! I would of..

[sounds of heavy footsteps and soft singing]

Beleth:Oh Marthas! Hey!

Marthas:So what is going on here?

Random Astartes 4:Adelram's pet is not healing my arm!

Marthas:How did it get chopped off?

Random Astartes 4: erm...

Marthas:Beleth don't heal his wound for another hour. Ballard you will continue to pratice.

Random Astartes 4: I will get you for this human...

Marthas:Make that two hours.

Ballard:[sigh]

Tape 3

[sounds of music, screams and the wailing of souls]

Adelram:Yes! I almost!

[sound of missed note]

Adelram: Dammit!

[sounds of a smashed table]

Camila:I think we made a lot of progress!

Adelram: I think I need another instrument but what...? Beleth are you recording this?

Beleth:Erm, yes.

Adelram:Give me the tape...

Beleth:I almost still have an hour left!

[sounds of small scuffle]


Tape 4

Beleth:[sigh]there goes a wasted tape...

Adelram:I will be keeping this with me for now. Also I want you here at every session

Beleth:Every single one?

Adelram:Yes.

Beleth:[sigh]

[ship alarm sound begins to ring]

Adelram:[laughs] Finally! We found one! Get everyone ready!

Beleth:Right! I think everyone will finally forget Athor after this.

Also I am going to try and make chapters longer in Book 3

sorry I wish to apologise the first chapter of book 3 is going to be delayed somewhat. I have learned of the power of google docs and I am at work going over the last two books and updating them.

I was reading the first one on the train and then I saw so many errors and stuff I wanted to change etc. A mate told me of google docs and what it can do and I went.

So far I have been doing everything in word pad. >_<

Chapter 1

Salvador trotted to his master's room his weapon has been serviced and as always now comes the moment of dread. He wondered if his master would beat him this time perhaps he might have found a flaw with his work, or he is in grip of the nails that pound his mind. Salvador stopped he wondered how his sister Fatima is doing since being taken from their world and enslaved she has taken well to the masters. She has embraced the warrior cult and has finally been given a weapon to take into battle, yet Salvador could never be like her. Fatima always adapts and looks forward despite the situation. It's how they survived before they were enslaved when their parents died Fatima pushed him to street perform with his cello, and she ran odd jobs in turn to keep food on the table.

Salvador continued walking, he remembered the attack vividly the crumbling buildings, screams of civilians he recalled when the world eaters hacked apart any of the soldiers that got in their way. The space marines soon arrived, but they stood no chance. When he saw the space marines dying all hope left him but not Fatima.
.
When his master looked to kill him, Fatima picked up a pipe to attack him he beat her with ease but perhaps it was that action that got him to spare their lives. What surprised Salvador most of all when he was enslaved is how... organised the World Eaters are. Every person enslaved is forced to learn a trade or become a fighter. Shockingly even breeding is heavily regulated the world eaters are aware of their state and the possible accidents that can occur. In other words at times they accidently or even intentionally kill those who serve them Salvadore was lucky that his master only tends to hit him when irritated.

Salvadore thought on how life is on the ship since learning to service his master’s weapon he came to realise every task all joy and for-fulfilment is sucked away all you have is your task, your work and you will complete it on pain of death. On this ship every person is a cog in a machine, it has to be this way since the masters find it hard to function correctly. Those who have been lost to the nails completely are chained to walls. When battle comes they are sedated and awoken on the landing points.

As Salvador's feet clacked on the metal floor of the ship his mind always drifts to this aberration, this mutation. When his legs changed to that of a beast and his feet turned to hooves Fatima thought that this should be the time he should join the cult. She pressed him that perhaps it's the favour of k- no the blood god or a sign from him.

Salvador shook his head he mumbled “don't think of his name. Remember the headaches.” he sighed as he continued to walk to his master's room. His master Tarben Headtaker. His master also thought that the change would stop making him a coward that he should take after his sister. Salvador held the weapon tightly the chain axe his master used to murder and take the heads of the innocent. At times Salvador wondered if they would be saved, it was a small hope one that he held when he is in his room by himself he mutters small prayers to the god-emperor. He did not know why he kept doing this perhaps it did not happen yet because he does not hear the words of mutants.

Salvador sighed he stopped in front of a door, his hand slowly drifted to the button to open it. As he pressed the button the light chimed green and the door slid open. As Salvador walked in the thick smell of blood and old meat hit his nose if he gagged it would cause his master's displeasure. Salvador looked around the room his heart skipping a beat he could see his master's shrine to the blood god, made of the skulls he has taken in battle.

The skull on top of the shrine is always replaced by a stronger opponent his master says that the blood god prefers the skulls of the strong to be offered. Salvador continued to scan the room until laying his eyes on his master's chair he tends try to sleep when the nails are not aggravating him and even then he tells him he has dreams. Dreams of running across a field of skulls, killing and spilling the blood of the enemies of the blood god.

Still wait elated Salvador more is that his master is not present he quickly looked to the weapon stand and placed his chain axe upon it. He quickly moved to leave he wanted to avoid coming face to face with him.

As Salvador re-entered the hallway he began quickly walking to his room yet even though a sense of relief gripped his heart it turned to dread as he saw two people walking towards him. He gulped “Farah.., Dayton.. I was just heading back to my room.”
Farah and Dayton were cult commanders within the warrior cult. Both wore makeshift armour and wore chains with the rune of the blood god dangling from it. Salvador tried to keep his gaze cast away from it, looking at the rune sometimes causes a headache or a nosebleed. Both Farah and Dayton wielded close combat weapons, when looking at their features Farah's hair is greasy and her skin is fair. Dayton if you could see his skin tone is dark his helmet fixed into a scowl obscured his features.

Farah grinned “so tell me little coward your big sister is not here to protect you. How about we have a little talk?” Dayton snickered as Farah grinned “aye! The weak have no place with the world eaters how about we have a discussion so you can become a real man?” Salvador found his breathing has begun to slow the cult warriors like picking on the workers or in other words beating them up since those who do not fight are deemed weak.

Those who are weak have no place, fighting and killing for the blood god is his true demand his main want. The cult also teaches that the followers that they should find ways to make workers strong so they can truly follow the blood god. Salvador whimpered slightly he thought he could get by today without any bruises, he clenched his eyes shut as the fist came his way and the pain began. Salvador rubbed his eyes and arms, it's clear that he most likely has a black eye, his eye stung with pain. Salvador held his tears back to cry is almost a death sentence on the ship, Salvador cast his head downwards as he trotted back to his room until he bumped into something hard. Salvador fell to his bottom as he heard a grunt from whatever he bumped into.

Salvador looked up to see it is his master and his sister, looking at them his sister looks cross and his master? With his helmet it always looked like he is in a state of anger and fury. Salvador found it hard still looking at his master. The armour the colour of blood and gore, his second weapon his blade stained with dry blood and the skull on his belt. Salvador swore that at times within the black eyes of the skull he saw a red light. His master gave a chilling chuckle “tell me Fatima is your coward of a brother still getting beat up?” Salvador looked to Fatima her fair skin has some grime, and her brown hair is also tied back. Since joining the warrior cult and rising in the ranks rapidly her eyes have turned red, she also gained a stinging glare.

Salvador hated looking at the black rune of the blood god on her forehead she told him that she did not actually tattoo it to Salvador's shock. Fatima walked forward and knelt down still holding her frown. Salvador watched as his sister hit him across the head “how many times do I have to tell you to defend yourself!? Weakness is a cancer on this ship!”

Fatima rose sighing in annoyance “Khorne gave you those feet for a reason, but all you use it for is running away! That's all you do! Run!” Salvador grit his teeth he knew since his legs changed he could run faster than normal. What his master and sister want is for him to run into combat faster. Salvador looked away “yes Fatima..”

Fatima removed her blade and smacked it on the wall startling Salvador “you say yes but I know you! I know you are just going to sit in your room! Twiddle your thumbs away! Now Get up!” Salvador got to his feet as he did so Fatima slapped him across the head again. Fatima looked at Salvador's face fully and spat at the ground “look at your face! Pathetic!”
Salvador cast his head down slightly until he heard the footsteps of his master coming forward “you have made your point Fatima. Now slave be glad that your sister is doing this today instead of me. You would get far more than a hit across the head, now has my weapon been serviced?” Salvador nodded slowly his master shouted at him “Don't you have a tongue slave!? I asked you a question!” Salvador stammered “Y-yes master! It has been c-completed! Your weapon is waiting for you in y-your chambers!”

His master nodded “good, if I found you have done something incorrectly...” Salvador gulped “I checked it over several times before bringing it to your room..” Fatima shook her head “at least you can do something.” His master looked down to Fatima “enough of dealing with your brother we should discuss your advancement...” His master and Fatima then walked by him without another word.

Salvador waited in place he waited until their footsteps turned distant before he started to walk back to his room. Salvador made his way to the door, the worker block was grimey to walk in and the lights flickered they was also no power to his door oddly enough he had to pull it open manually only warriors had rooms where the door opens by itself. Salvador pulled and slowly the door came open as he stepped into his room he turned around to close the door.

Salvador walked into his small room, what greeted him was his desk bearing his tools and his old bed. Salvador sat down on his poor iron bed, the mattress was hard and uncomfortable to sleep on. Salvador opened his hands as tears began to roll down his cheeks he wanted this to end. He wished deep down that someone, anyone would save him. Salvador smothered his face with his hands, and he wept.

As, Salvador cried he heard a sound it grew in intensity until he heard shouts outside of his room that they are being attacked. Salvador could not believe it he wondered what was happening a strange emotion gripped him an emotion he thought to push away he felt hope. Salvador slowly walked to his door and placed his ear to the door he could hear other slaves moving to their rooms and locking their doors.

He then heard the marching of feet if he listened carefully he could hear the voices of the cult warriors that they are being attacked. Salvador's hearts sank when he heard the name of the group who is attacking them. The emperor's children.

Salvador began hyperventilating his sister told him stories of them spoken by their priests Fatima hoped perhaps by telling him some of their stories and teachings it would make him join. In the end the opposite occurred, what Salvador understood is that they are a hated enemy of the world eater legion disgusting dengerates that commit unspeakable violations upon those they capture. Fatima even pressed further it's better to die fighting them than to be captured. Salvador began panicking he looked around his room wondering what he should do. If he left his room now the cult warriors will put him at the front as fodder.

Salvador looked to his bed he ran over and pulled his cover down slightly to obscure the gap under his bed. He then bent down and hid underneath it covering his mouth. Salvador waited and waited for what felt like an age. He heard sound of the ship groaning and twisting after several minutes came gunshots and the sounds of people dying afterwards came the horrific screams, people begging for the enemy to end their lives. He heard voices ordering to try to take as many people alive as possible. Then from a room next to him he heard soft gun shots and several people collapsing to the ground.

Salvador grit his teeth when he heard that Salvador thought of his desk and the tools he uses to service his master's weapon. He could, perhaps..? Salvador shook his head he did not have the fortitude to do it.

Salvador began crying again he had to keep quiet they might pass by, he took small breaths he found his heart rate has begun to steady until his door opened. Salvador heard footsteps entering his room one is clearing wearing power armour, another seemed like they were wearing no shoes at all.

Salvador held his breath as they spoke the person that spoke first their voice seemed soft and gentle at the same time even though it came through a helmet “Beleth you said someone is in here?” Salvador heard bare footsteps moving around the room the other person spoke his voice was similar but more firm “yes Adelram, somewhere in here.”
The person Salvador knows to be Adelram said “I see considering how you see, where are they?” Salvador then heard a chuckle coming from Beleth “well... they are under the bed.” Salvador then felt someone grabbing his leg and pulling him out from under the bed, Salvador screamed.

Salvador walked the halls of the ship the alarm still chiming, the person he knows to be Beleth held a blade at his neck. When Salvador looks at him he is wearing no shoes around his ankles are spiked leather straps, he is wearing black three-quarter length trousers along with a carapace vest. What stood out most of all was the gauntlet, skull helmet and black cloak that moved unnaturally.

Salvador tried not to make eye contact with the Astartes known as Adelram yet for some reason his eyes drift to him wondering how an Astartes can have such a soft voice. Compared to his master he sounds like an angel his armour looked maintained along with the lush black robe and the pink and black colouring of his armour is also pristine. What kept Salvador in check were the stories he heard from Fatima in that context this Adelram, must look horrific under the armour. Beleth looked to him “why did you hide under a bed?” Salvador stammered “i-i don't know.” tears rolled down Salvador's cheeks.


Beleth shrugged “Adelram, this is the last section right?” Adelram nodded “yes Jedrick is making a final sweep. This young man here is the last slave in this section, we are making our way to the docking bay.” Salvador wondered if he should run he might be able to possibly run away, he did not want to know what they are planning to do with him.
They walked until in the distance he saw a familiar Astartes his master, a mix of fear and happiness gripped Salvador. His master walked forward “I am Tarben! Tarben Headtaker exalte-” As his master was shouting out his title Beleth and Adelram entered a discussion “Beleth I will handle this.” Beleth shook his head “Adelram, I think I can beat him, you worked hard finding this ship.”

Salvador in horror looked to Beleth he seemed like a normal human how could he take on an Astartes? Adelram shook his head “no-” Beleth interrupted “fine there is a way to settle this.” Adelram sighed “why are we doing this?” Beleth responded “well.. to decide who kills the world eater.” Salvador watched as Beleth and Adelram made a fist gesture they shook their fist three times before making a gesture. Beleth made two fingers moving them slightly and Adelram made a fist. Adelram chuckled "so I will kill him..I am quite sure you wanted to impress me by killing him yes?" Beleth scowled slightly as his head turned to him "You. slave what hand gesture is he making?" Adelram laughed "so you doubt that I beat you?" Salvador shook his head in confusion "h-h-he made a f-fist." Beleth gave a heavy sigh at his answer. Salvador then heard his master's gruff voice piercing his mind "You dare ignore me!? Are you mocking me!?"

Adelram walked towards his master drawing his blade and he readied himself it ignited with purple fire. His master drew his chain axe and charged Adelram. As his master attacked Adelram with a downward slash, Adelram casually parried his strike and planted his blade into his throat. Adelram hissed "burn!" Salvador watched as his master is consumed by purple fire he screamed, Salvador thought he would never see or hear the day of his master screaming in agony. Adelram removed his blade as his master slumped to the floor dead. Salvador looked at his dead master a sense of happiness gripped him until he remembered that a cultist warrior of the emperor's children held a blade at his neck.

Adelram walked back shrugging “did not take too long, now let's make our way to the docking bay area.” Beleth nodded while grumbling “I could've killed him...” Salvador wondered why they both are so casual with each other. Salvador thought of his sister and his now dead master, he still expected her to call him master or lord. Plus she never talks to him in such a casual manner.

The only respect his master gives her is that he calls her by name instead of slave. Salvador found his train of thought breaking as they began walking again towards the docking bay. As they entered the docking bay he saw workers along with cultist warriors huddled and sat down together in a group their hands were bound. Beleth and Adelram bought him to towards the group, Adelram then bound his hands with spiked manacles. Salvador then felt himself being pushed into the group, Salvador looked around the docking bay as Astartes and cultists have guns trained on them. Salvador could see Adelram and Beleth are in discussion until an Astartes who wore bore a horned helmet along with a fur pelt wrapped at his waist came out of the hall with a head.

The cultist warriors shouted "he has the head of the leader! How!?" Salvador could see all the cultist warriors are now in discussion. Some whispered that the Astartes bearing the head must be the leader of those who attacked them. Salvador has never seen the leader of the war band his whole world on this ship were the cultist warriors who beat him up, his sister and now his dead master. As Salvador thought of his sister he looked around the crowd wondering if she is here or was killed in battle. He prayed that she was alive he would not know what to do if she died, Salvador panicked until he heard screaming. Out of the darkness of the corridor came a hooded Astartes pulling someone by a chained manacle around their neck it was his sister screaming that she will kill them. Her hands were also bound. the Astartes pulled her by the chain roughly dragging her towards him and then pushing her into the crowd and conveniently right into him.

Salvador held Fatima as she roughly struggled in his arms she even tried to hit him it took him calling her name to calm her down “Fatima! Fatima! It's me Salvador!” Fatima slowly stopped trying to hit him and looked at him the fury draining from her face “Salvador...?” Salvador nodded “yes it is me...” Fatima looked to the guns trained on them she frowned “where is our master?" Salvador did not know how to answer that in whether a regretful or hateful manner so instead he tried to speak in the flattest tone possible "dead. he is dead Fatima."

Fatima nodded slowly "I see who killed him?" Salvador slowly pointed to the Astartes known as Adelram, Fatima frowned "I see, did he fight gloriously to the end?" Salvador slowly answered he lied "yes." Salvador wondered how Fatima could care for their master the only good thing that has come out of this attack is that he is dead. As he lied he could see Fatima nodding in satisfaction. Salvador gave the strongest smile he could muster he then looked around to those gathered by the emperor's children many of the workers are crying and the cultist warriors are just spitting curses.

Salvador then heard footsteps approaching them, It was Adelram he spread out his arms “greetings slaves! I am Adelram leader of this host!” Salvador's eyes shot wide with the shock that he is the leader of their group, Adelram continued speaking “You have been gathered since you are receiving a new honour! Instead of serving the dogs of the blood god you will be put work in my host! Or… serving the needs of your new master! You will slave for us with smiles on your faces! You will die for us grinning as your life slips away under our toil!”

Adelram lowered his hands as Salvador heard the docking bay hatch doors being linked with the emperor's children ship.

As the ships locked together the door opened and even more Astartes came out they were surrounded and escorted unto the ship. Salvador felt Fatima holding his red shirt tightly looking at her face she was biting her lip slightly. This is the first time Salvador has ever seen Fatima afraid. As they were escorted onto the ship the aroma that assaulted Salvador's nose it was not the smell of oil, blood and piss that he has known on the world eater ship. The aroma of the emperor's children ship was sweet and easy on the nose Salvador wanted to breathe in it more. Salvador looked to his sister her face is screwed into disgust she spat "this ship smells disgusting. Horrid even, it suits the degenerates."

All of them were gathered in the centre of the emperor's children docking bay, Salvadore began staring at people working in the docking bay they looked well kept compared to those on the world eater ship. As the emperor's children's forces came through the docking bay hatch door they surrounded them and trained their guns on them.

Salvador watched as the last Astartes came through the docking bay hatch door it closed and began unlinking itself from the world eater ship. Salvador's heart was skipping beats as now he has possibly transferred into another hell a worse hell than the one before.

Adelram then walked in front of them he removed his helmet and glancing up his visage shocked Salvador. It was not the horrors that Fatima told him of but something entirely different. Staring at Adelram's face he felt a strange hope that possibly the stories might just be stories. As Adelram began to speak he felt weak in the knee's "Now let's see..." his sister hit him in the arm and hissed quietly "Salvador don't let his face fool you! He is a true monster! How they are underneath is the opposite of what you see before you!"
The sting of his sister hitting him bought him back to reality he watched Adelram stroking his chin as he said "right I will be checking each of them!" As Adelram said those words a collective groan of annoyance erupted from the emperor's children Astartes. The Astartes wearing the horned helmet and pelt walked towards Adelram "Adelram, why not just ask them!? Or read their minds!?" Adelram turned "Jedrick, for one they could lie and two forcibly reading their minds could cause damage."

Salvador watched Jedrick shake his head "fine, fine. Do what you need to do." Adelram grasped Jedrick's shoulder pad "since you killed the leader I will let you take one extra." Jedrick who now became jubilant said "Ok! Fine take as much time as you need!" Jedrick walked away whistling.

Salvador watched as Adelram began taking the hands of the slaves and cultist warriors staring at them for a few moments moving to each of them one by one. Until he eventually reached him, Fatima stood in his way and he simply pushed her aside, she hit the ground with a thud. Salvador began shaking in fear he felt the need to run but remembered the guns being trained on him still being this close to Adelram the leader of this warband Salvador caught a noseful of Adelram's musk it is intoxicating. Adelram grabbed his hands and looked down at them.

Adelram began mouthing something he looked at him his black eyes piercing him "these hands... hmm.." Salvador's mouth trembled until he asked "have you played an instrument before?" His voice was so gentle for some reason Salvador could not help but answer "y-yes, in the past before..." Adelram nodded "before the dogs of khorne took you and put you to work? Not realising your talent? Now can you tell me which instrument you played?"

Salvador nodded slowly "a-a cello, I used to play a cello." Adelram removed his hands and began stroking his chin "I see.." Adelram picked Fatima up from her feet and checked her hands he frowned and eventually moved to the next until he visited every single person. Adelram went back to his original position and pointed "you!" Salvador jumped slightly "m-me?" Adelram nodded "come forward."

Salvador trotted forward he gulped, Adelram then did something that felt wrong he smiled such a smile made it feel like he could trust him "what is your name?" Salvador spoke "m-my name is Salvador." Adelram nodded "you will serve me from now on." Salvador's eyes went wide he began shaking in fear tears ran down his cheeks he imagined since he is the leader he must be far worse compared to everyone else.

As his sister said underneath he is the opposite of how he looks, Adelram turned his head slightly "Beleth! Escort Salvador to my chambers!" Beleth walked over he gestured to follow him “come follow me” Salvador followed Beleth before he left the docking bay area Salvador looked to his sister for possibly the last time, Fatima’s face is filled with pure hatred and fury it looked almost daemonic as she gazed at Adelram.

Salvador walked with Beleth in silence until Beleth spoke "you are very lucky Salvador." Salvador looked up "am I? Really? He is going to torture me isn't he?" Beleth shook his head "no. you are going to help with his music you are fortunate as I said." Salvador's mouth hanged slightly it's been ages since he last played but he was in disbelief "really? you must be lying? So those stories aren't true then?"

Beleth stopped suddenly and removed his helmet, he clipped it to his belt and turned around what Salvador saw is a face that looked slighter older than he is along with milky white blue eyes.

Salvador mouthed slowly "you are blind?" Salvador swore again he may of accidentally offended him Beleth nodded "yes I am blind." Salvador begin thinking perhaps he could run away hide on the ship, Beleth then shook his head "don't get the idea of running I can easily hunt you down, your strange feet are a dead give away.”

Salvador looked to his hooves "I did not choose to become like this..." Beleth shrugged "in this life you have far more choices than you did with the imperium." Salvador could not help but frown life was hard back home but it was preferable than being here enslaved to Astartes.


Salvador moved back to the old topic "On the stories among the cultist warriors there is talk of the emperor's children they.. do things.." Salvador cursed his curiosity got the better of him he hoped that he has not accidentally insulted Beleth's master. Salvador’s hands began to quiver in fear.

Salvador watched Beleth cock his head slightly "hmm.. well about the stories they are true." Salvador's mouth fell agape, Beleth waved his hand " I know you are making a face. The stories are true but as I said you are lucky the things you heard about is going to happen to everyone else not deemed useful. Anyway the pain inflicted on them will be good for them they will soon enjoy it."

Salvador became horrified at Beleth’s words how could people enjoy torture? Considering Beleth said the stories are true Salvador thought on his sister, her words that the emperor’s children put up a facade “S-so all I am doing is helping with his music?" Beleth nods, his nose then twitches he leans in and sniffs Salvador to his surprise. Beleth then holds his nose slightly "when was the last time you bathed? " Salvador blinked “erm, I don’t know.. I can’t remember...” Beleth sighed “enough speaking follow me.” .

They continued to walk until Beleth stopped in front of a room and pressed the button to open the door, as they walked in the room was far more larger than his old one there was a double bed and shower along with a desk which also bore a mirror. Beleth moved to his hands and undid his bindings, Salvador flexed his hands "so what now?"

Beleth frowned "now take off your clothes and go bathe before I take you to Adelram's chambers." Salvador froze "while you are here?" Beleth nodded "Yes, I will prepare clothes that are sitting in the desk." Salvador rubbed his arm "erm.." Beleth sighed "I am blind I can't see anything hurry up!"

Salvadore jumped he took several paces to the shower he took off his clothes he felt uncomfortable Beleth can't stare since he can't see but it felt.. strange. As Salvador walked into the shower he turned it on as the warm water hit his face it stang the bruise around his eye he winced. He then grabbed the soap he started to cry for some reason. Something so small as a shower was breaking him up inside, it felt like he was washing away all the grime and hardship he felt while living on the world eater ship. Even with the water stinging his face it felt good, right even.

As the Salvador finished and turned off the water, he could see Beleth leaning at the side of the door waiting head cast down slightly and on the bed were fresh clothes. Black shorts along with a black t-shirt with undergarments. Salvador put them on it felt.. fresh clean even. For some reason Salvador smiled. Salvador approached Beleth who leaned away from the door he smiled "doesn't that feel better?" Salvador looked to his skin which was now pristine it smelled nice as well.

Salvador nodded slowly, Beleth crossed his arms "you were wincing in the shower is something wrong?" Salvador looked down slightly "no, everything is fine." Beleth frowned "stop lying, I can tell, your heart spiked when you said that. Plus your feet shifted." Salvador rubbed his neck "before the attack I was beat up, my eye was bruised." Salvadore watched Beleth nod he gave a gentle smile which threw Salvador off guard "which eye is it?" Salvadore raised his eyebrow "it's around my right eye." Beleth moved his bare hand to his eye he traced his finger around it and removed it.

After a moment the pain was gone to Salvadore's shock he looked at the mirror on the desk the bruising was gone also. Salvadore turned to Beleth as he turned to the door "your welcome." Beleth gestured with his hand "Adelram is most likely in his chambers by now, Come." The door opened and Beleth exited the room Salvador followed.

As they left the room Salvadore touched his eye again it did not hurt at all he looked to Beleth's back. Salvador knew in that instance that he must be a witch like Adelram. Salvador heard tales of witches the things they can do, the curses, spells and the power to twist your mind. Beleth spoke breaking Salvadore's thoughts "so how do you feel?" Salvadore raised his eyebrow at the question, he can't lie he would know when he is lying so he mumbled "I feel..better."

Salvador clenched his chest that was the truth he could muster yet he felt slightly conflicted he was still afraid that they would torture him. Plus both of them are witches, yet Beleth gave him clean clothes and along with the shower, in his mind perhaps just maybe it won't be as bad as the stories make them out to be. They eventually stopped at double doors, Beleth opened them slowly and they walked in.

As Salvador entered the room his heart sank all the stories are actually true, crying slaves chained to the walls, the silks covering the room and the skulls that weeped. Salvador wondered if he was going to be chained to the wall as well, he saw Adelram sitting at a chair drinking wine casually like nothing is going on. Beleth walked over, Salvador slowly followed. One thing that surprised him is that Beleth is not bowing "Adelram he is here." Adelram placed his wine glass on the table and rose from his chair "you are late what happened?"
Beleth shrugged "he stank so I made him take a shower, gave him some clothes." Adelram nodded he then smiled at Salvador he tried not to make eye contact trying to remember his sister's words. Adelram walked over and grabbed his shoulders "what luck to find one such as you! Your cello is being prepared so your name is Salvador yes?" Salvador nodded "y-yes, erm.."

Adelram nodded "when you are here in this chamber with me, call me Adelram." Salvador held up his hands slightly "b-but I just met you! It would be disrespectful!" Adelram leaned back shaking his head “what is disrespectful is what the world eaters did to you. Brutes don't understand the finer things in life I personally blame their primarch at times I wonder what they would be like without the nails." As Adelram said those words Salvador thought the same thing what they would be like without the nails? Would his old master treat him the same way? Would he be stern like his Sister?

Salvador shook his head it no longer matters thinking about him now he is stuck with Adelram. Adelram crossed his arms "a new cello is being prepared for you." Salvador blinked "a new cello? really?" Adelram nodded "yes, we have various craftsmen on the ship with the skills to make one. How long I searched for someone but it seems that these days the imperium prefers everyone to be in factories over learning or building a talent." Salvador held his hands tightly as Adelram spoke one of the main joys of his life might actually be coming back. Adelram shifted his gaze to Beleth "please take him back to the room where he cleaned up I am sure he would like to rest, that room will be Salvador's quarters from now on."

Beleth nodded "very well, Salvador come with me." Salvador perked up the shock of gaining a cello back left him awestruck "y-yes Beleth!" Salvador followed Beleth out of Adelram's chambers the sounds of the people chained in his room ringing in his ears. As he left Salvador wondered even further Adelram seemed kind yet what he saw in the chambers contrasted it.

Salvador looked to Beleth he acted so casual he wondered how that could occur he was about to open his mouth until Beleth spoke "you wish to ask a question? Ask." Salvador gulped he tapped his fingers together nervously "so..what is your relationship with Lord Adelram?" Beleth stopped, Salvador cursed under his breath he must of said something he shoundl't "I am sorry Beleth! I forgot my place!" Salvador bowed slightly, Beleth chuckled in response "It's fine Salvador, now your question?" Beleth began tapping his chin with his finger.

Salvador raised his head he was shocked that he was going to answer, Beleth lowered his hand he turned to Salvador "If I have to put it into words? An abusive relationship but with benefits." Salvador blinked he heard tales of what the emperor's children and their tastes.. "Is i-" Beleth interjected "no it's not that. nothing like that both Adelram and I have up and downs but it works out. We suffer but that's what it's like being with a family at times right? It's how you deal with suffering and grow from it." Salvador mouthed slowly "family..? Really..?"

Beleth nodded "that's how I see it other's may not but I don't really care. It's the one thing me and my old self agree upon." Salvador raised his eyebrow "old self?" Beleth gestured "enough questions for now, let's press on." They continued to walk the halls until they reached a familiar door. Salvador looked at it "is this really my room?" Beleth nodded "yes it is." Salvador rubbed his arm "it's safe to sleep here also?" Beleth stroked his chin "you were claimed by the leader by the warband no would dare touch you. Plus the upper levels are far safer compared to the lower levels of the ship." Beleth moved to open the door, they walked in.

Standing within the room Salvador could not believe it is now his, Beleth smiled "get some rest I expect Adelram would like to start practicing soon." Salvador nodded while smiling as he thought on the cello his mind drifted to his sister as Beleth turned away to leave he called out "wait!" Beleth stopped "what is it?"

Salvador bit his lip "c-could you find my sister? She is important to me..." Beleth fell silent, Salvador wondered if this is the extent of his.. kindness. Salvador wanted to hit himself he had to remember they are still the emperor's children legion. Salvador watched Beleth scratch the back of his head "fine, do you have a description? I will ask around." Salvador's smiled "thank you! She has brown hair, fair skin, piercing red eyes! Also that.. mark on her forehead..the mark of the blood god." Beleth nodded taking in the information "won't be hard finding someone like that. I will see what I can do, now get some rest." Salvador nodded while grinning, Beleth gave a small smirk before leaving the room.

Salvador looked to the bed he slowly climbed on, the softness as the sheets caressed his skin it has been an age since he slept in a good bed. The bed is even far better compared to the one on his home planet. The sheer sense of comfort that the bed is providing brought tears to his eyes they fluttered as he drifted to sleep.

Well Adeleram got a new pet. Let’s see how this one turns out!

Chapter 2

Beleth leaned back on Salvador’s door waiting for him to slip into slumber, he placed his finger on his temple focusing opening up his senses. He could detect Salvador is now resting on his bed his breathing has steadied. Beleth smiled “must be sleeping..” Beleth thought on Salvador’s request, he asked to find his sister thinking on her description she must be a cultist of the world eaters. Beleth scratched his head wondering why he took such a request going by his journal Salvador seems… similar to his old self. Beleth sighed as he stood upright he began walking back to to Adelram’s chambers, at first walking the halls of the ship was difficult but he learned where everything is in time. What helped is that each part of the ship bore a certain vibration or sound which aids him in finding places, Noxus abode bares a sort of clicking sound and the vibrations rumble heavily. While the temple is quick and light due to the constant clashing of blades. After a time Beleth took to wearing no shoes because he found wearing them obscured his vision somewhat.

What Beleth found most interesting is that Adelram’s chambers is the loudest out of many areas of the ship. The sheer sound of the wailing of souls and the thundering waves that are released from his chambers still surprises him. Beleth’s mind drifted to the recent raid upon the world eater ship many of the Astartes in the warband were grinning ear to ear when Adelram announced the purpose of it plus many took joy in killing followers of the blood god especially those of the world eater legion. Beleth did wonder why the world eaters implanted such a device within themselves when Adelram told him of the nails he could not think of any practical value to it.

Beleth shrugged “oh well, let the followers of the blood god mutilate their minds perhaps he prefers blunt instruments.” Beleth walked slowly eventually reaching the doors of Adelram’s chamber he pushed the doors open and walked in. The sound of slaves greeted him, their pain, agony and pleasure always puts a smile on his face.

Beleth could sense Adelram is sitting on his chair, drinking wine as always. Beleth walked forward as he approached he could detect a empty chair near the table. Beleth looked to it “you wish me to sit?” Adelram’s voice came to his ear gently “yes, you also worked hard as well.” Beleth frowned “I only killed a few cultists you wouldn't let me kill the world eater.” Beleth sat down on the chair, he moved his hand to his belt and pulled out the recording device he removed a tape from his belt and inserted it. He pressed the button to activate the recording and placed it on the table he spoke “tape 5.”

Beleth heard Adelram taking a gulp of wine “so you have taken a liking to using that device?” Beleth nodded “I have sometimes I listen to old recordings its.. enjoyable.” Beleth noticed that Adelram is mumbling slightly as the device started record then the chime came from the device. Each chime meant an hour has started, Beleth counted three in total going by old tapes. Beleth could hear Adelram flexing the gauntlet of his power armour slightly Beleth gave a sad smile it’s clear to him that whenever he uses the device causes him to recall the events of Athor. Beleth spoke trying to move the conversation back to the world eater “were you afraid I could not kill him?”

Adelram took a few moments to respond the flexing stopped he chuckled “you should not underestimate them he could of killed you.” Beleth crossed his arms in annoyance “you killed him pretty easily, I heard how you casually parried his strike, then you stabbed him through the throat.” Adelram tapped the table with his finger “then I incinerated him how did you enjoy the howls of a world eater dying?” Beleth grinned “I enjoyed it alot.”

Beleth picked up Adelram is now leaning back in his chair “So, Adelram as things are now are you satisfied?” Beleth waited for his response he seemed to be considering his answer carefully that is what Beleth thought. Adelram finally sighed “no, I am not satisfied with what I have, still developing the music is going rather well it seems the warp reacts well to it. Even so things are back on track. Slaves now fill the ship and morale is up. ” Beleth thought about the piano he rubbed his hands together. “So do you enjoy playing the piano then? I do wonder why you decided to start playing it.” Adelram took another sip of wine “I... well my brothers and even my father took to music so..” Beleth frowned he is dodging the issue to his annoyance and now Beleth is wondering if he decided to start playing the piano for the right reasons. Beleth decided he has to be plain with him he can't beat around the bush “so how do you feel about your father speaking to me or Noxus? Are you okay with that? Have you moved passed it?”

Beleth heard Adelram shifting, the vibration emitting from his feet increasing if Beleth listened carefully he can also hear the slow grinding of teeth “Beleth, I am fine it’s okay.” Beleth shook his head “you are lying I can tell.” Adelram tutted in clear annoyance he then sighed “did he mentioned anything about me? When you spent… time with him. Did he say anything?”

Beleth cast his head upwards slightly “yes.” Beleth smiled as Adelram sat up right the chair grinding with the movement of his power armour “really!?” Beleth nodded “indeed he did do you want to know?” Beleth waited again he wondered what expression Adelram is making at the moment since losing his sight Beleth had to think about facial expressions of those he is talking to.

Beleth kept waiting until it eventually turned to minutes Adelram spoke after a moment more “don’t tell me. I changed my mind I want to hear it from himself.” Beleth smiled at Adelram’s decision, Beleth tried not to think of what his father said about him. He pushed it back since Adelram is a psyker he might pick up his surface thoughts.

Beleth leaned back in the chair “I see, I want to ask something else.” Beleth could now tell Adelram is taking several sips of wine from his glass “what?” Beleth frowned “you are still weak.” As Beleth said those words he heard the glass slamming on the table Adelram spoke firmly “how can you say that!? Since Zatos I have grown in power! You sa-heard how I dispatched the world eater with ease!” Beleth moved the fingers of his gauntlet “I see, but how did you fare against the new weapons? The Primaris space marines on Athor?”

Beleth continued the onslaught his voice flat “on Athor I counted there were only about two squads, what would it be like facing a company worth of them? As you are now? You will lose.” Beleth knew that this might be the first time Adelram heard their names he guessed that Adelram is likely fuming at the moment. Beleth begun to feel a small drop in temperature Beleth traced his finger across the table he felt a small amount of rime building “you would of died. All of you would of been crushed. If you faced a psyker? I doubt you would leave that encounter alive.” Beleth heard Adelram breathing in then out heavily, at the corner of the room a slave began screaming more loudly gasping “n-n-no please!” Then a pop and the stench of blood mixed with the aroma of the chamber. Adelram spoke calmly “what of the other legions? How are they dealing with this threat?”

Beleth nodded “they are doing well actually other emperor’s children warbands are fighting them sd well.” Adelram scowled “so what am I doing wrong!? What makes me different from them!?” Beleth gestured to the slaves chained in the room “for one start following your strength more.” Adelram responded confused “strength? What strength is that?” Beleth smiled “look to your title the Lord of sin. Focus on bringing ruination and corruption to those you come across. The dark prince enjoys more than anything is when people abandoned virtue for their wants.”

Beleth understood that Adelram has embraced the dark prince he swells with his favour but he needs more. On this path more is always needed. More than anything the higher you rise the gods can easily take away from you. Since he is now in the limelight things will get harder from here, Beleth heard Adelram moving his arms to cross them “I have done that.” Beleth shook his head “to those you deem important in whatever work you are doing or to those who live on the upper levels.”

Adelram sighed in annoyance “so..I should be corrupting the slaves? The refuse? Why should I waste my time with them?” Beleth shook his head “the slaves fear you when they should be begging for your attention. They should be on their knees for you to use them, you have the tools to do it but you are not using them properly.” Beleth got up from his chair “Salvador spoke of the stories he heard about the emperor’s children legion, they are true all of them. Your father showed me such and confirming this with Salvador he shuddered in fear yet even so he is not entirely correct.”

Beleth detected Adelram is now rising “what do you mean he is not entirely correct?” Beleth walked over to the piano he pressed a key “the people on the ships of the third legion don’t fear what is done to them. They embrace it, it excites them they wait in the shadows when their masters will visit them again. Tell me look upon the slaves you chained in this room look at their faces. I feel them moving in fear not joy in being in your presence.”

Beleth felt Adelram’s footsteps each one heavy until he finally stood next to him he grabbed his shoulder “I.. see, let me think on this Beleth.” Beleth frowned it’s most likely he is going to discard his advice or think on it too much. Adelram should act not think. He should always be looking forward seeking the next thing, corrupting, devastating worlds and places if he wants to gain his wish. Beleth stroked his chin thinking Marthas would most likely tell him to focus on perfecting himself martially or to focus on warfare completely. The issue is that the dark prince requires more from a lord of a warband, Marthas is wise going by his journal entries and talking with him at length but he is limited he understands this after meeting Lord Fulgrim.

Beleth rubbed his neck another issue is that Adelram trusts him and enjoys hearing his words but in the end he is still human. He needs to hear it from an Astartes, from one of his brothers to confirm his words to remove all doubt. Beleth sighed “very well, I will let you think on it.” Adelram released his grip from his shoulder. Beleth walked back to the table and stopped the recording. Beleth turned in Adelram’s direction “I should be going I have stuff to do.” As Asriel placed the device in his belt he walked past Adelram who asked “what are you going to do?” Beleth shrugged “going to ask around for someone.” Beleth folded his arms “are you really going to think on what I said?” Beleth waited for the movement, that light vibration the shifting when he wants to avoid or lie about a subject and he felt it, Beleth tried not to frown as Adelram said “I will don’t worry Beleth.” Beleth chuckled “Alright… I see. I will be going.”

Beleth walked out of Adelram’s chambers leaving him to “think” on his words.

Jedrick sat on his chair he had the ship's craftsmen remake his old chair. Jedrick inspected it in detail he wanted it exactly how it was before. Jedrick then watched their cultist’s testing the new meat that was added to their lot, Abraham is putting the world eater cultists through their paces he claimed many of them after Adelram picked out a slave. Jedrick understood that the world eater cultists can fight the issue is they should be fighting properly. The world eaters taught them savagery to maul the enemy into submission Jedrick wanted to make soldiers, warriors out of them.

The new space they use for training is far larger compared to the old ship, Jedrick looked around there is a small armoury as Caius’ serfs got to work tinkering away at equipment. The rings and pits where cultists and Astartes fight and boast to determine who is the best or to fight over rivalries. The smell of sweat and alcohol mixed with the aroma of the ship. Jedrick grinned at the sniffing out the alcohol since Isira bought her contact Jimmy to the ship he has set up a bar in the ship he is a good mixer he puts things together that can even intoxicate Astartes. Deliveries are made regularly Jedrick personally requested it, Jedrick had a taste for wine but he much prefered ale or beer at the end of the day. Drinking the ale makes him think of his old home oddly enough even if his love for his home is gone. As Jedrick thought of of fenris Jedrick shook his head “too late for that, things are better now though..”

Jedrick shifted his gaze to the Astartes dueling and sparring laughing, pointing lauding victories over others. Jedrick grumbled “there is no joy for me…” Since Marthas has set up his “temple” Jedrick can see clearly their numbers are bleeding he can understand why even if he hated it. Marthas offers to refine them hone them to be the best they can be. Since the battle of Athor that number shot up considering what Marthas has also done to Sebastian.

Jedrick can clearly see the improvement in everyone who joins Marthas but he has found that all the joy that is had in fighting is drained away sucked out of them the longer they stay there. Jedrick rested his face on his fist “I need to find my glorious death..” Jedrick grumbled the gaping maw within his gut grew worse day by day even killing the leader of the world eater warband did not even sate him. What Jedrick found funny most of all is on Athor when standing over Adelram’s body and the flames from the terminator hit him. He screamed yet he was happy, there is joy in the possible moment that he would be judged to be worthy, to be carried to the palace.

Jedrick narrowed his eyes “when is it the time for me to go? Still…” Jedrick wondered how Adelram would handle things without him being there. In the past how they pulled each other out of situations but now? Jedrick mind drifted to Asriel..no Beleth in a way it was not Marthas that took his place but a human.

Jedrick laughed slightly “a human of all things.. I can’t deny it I even took a shine to him in the past.” Jedrick scratched his head all his thoughts are jumbled. Jedrick heard the doors of his abode opening he shifted his eye to see who entered it is Beleth. Jedrick could not help but frown slightly he wondered why he came here.

Jedrick guessed perhaps he is getting used to the ship still considering he can’t see but watching him as he walks its like he hasn’t lost his eyesight at all even if his head is cast down slightly. Jedrick raised his eyebrow as Beleth walked towards him, Jedrick sat up right “what is it?” Beleth gave a soft smile “I want to talk.”

Jedrick sighed “what about? If you want to talk you have Marthas he is good at that.” Beleth shook his head “but he won’t give me what I need plus I am looking for someone.” Jedrick folded his arms he grew curious “let’s start with the first thing, tell me what do you want to talk about?”

Beleth began tapping his fingers together “about Adelram.” Jedrick raised his eyebrow “as I said before Marthas does the talking. I am not interested.” Jedrick watched Beleth clench his hands “it’s important.” Jedrick snarled slightly it if it was any other human he would punish them for demanding his time but if he feels this is important…

Jedrick got up from his seat sighing heavily he gestured to a door at the end of the room “follow me.”

Tarkhan wielded his dao even when the power field is not activated the blade could easily cut steel, the combat servitor trudged towards him, many of the limbs were missing even so this did not slow it down. As the servitor struck with two of it’s blades one on each limb, Tarkhan effortlessly parried and removed both with two quick slashes. As the servitor staggered back Tarkhan stepped forward, he flicked his dao out like lightning the strike went for the servitor’s neck causing it’s head to topple from its body. The servitor’s head rolled on the floor it’s mouth agape spilling the words. “error...error... “

The body of the servitor fell slack, Tarkhan sheathed his blade and then removed his helmet “I don’t feel any better…” Tarkhan sighed “I should be with my brotherhood, not here with..” Tarkhan shook his head in annoyance the Great Khan along with the khan’s of the brotherhoods agreed it would be a good idea to place veterans with the new primaris brotherhoods. It was a joyous day to see a primarch return and the forces he bought with him helped the white scars since they bled over the long centuries of warfare. Tarkhan walked to a bench, he sat down and wiped his hand over his bald head his squad were eager to get to know their new brothers but there was a problem.

A problem he felt he could not voice, as he was thinking the doors of the training room slid open. Tarkhan looked towards the door it is Batu the stormseer of the brotherhood another who was moved to the primaris company. Batu walked over grinning as he passed the unmoving servitor his long black moustache pinched upwards at the motion. His dark eyes did not radiate the power of the storms gazing at the pools of his eyes calmed many a warrior down along with his words. Batu held his hands behind his back as he approached “practising still?” Tarkhan looked away “yes.”

Batu sat down next to him the charms and bones adorning his him armour rattling “I see, are you still upset?” Tarkhan shook his head “no I am not. I am fine.” Batu poured his gaze over the ruined servitor “they are our brothers Tarkhan.” Tarkhan clenched his hands “I know they are.” Tarkhan thought on the Khan who lead this new brotherhood the primaris space marine Ganzorig-Khan he is brave and puts himself out for his allies and brothers. Still he is not.. Batu spoke “of Chogoris”

Tarkhan stopped clenching his hands when Batu finally aired his thoughts “yes, many of the primaris that Roboute Guilliman has bought with him are not of our world I have dealt with that. Many of them were in awe when they came to our world and the took to learning everything about us.” Batu nodded “yet there is another issue isn’t there?”

Tarkhan rose his face stony “no there isn’t” Batu chuckled “ah I know you, perhaps you think that being placed here as obscured your path to becoming a Khan.” Tarkhan bit his lip slightly he is a veteran of several campaigns, his dao has taken the heads of xenos and traitors. Since being place here in the jian brotherhood fighting has been…. empty.

Batu rose from the bench and clasped his pauldron“you no longer laugh while killing.” Tarkhan looked down “yes that is the case, I am fine Batu I will do my duty. Ganzorig is my Khan.” Tarkhan frowned he tried to control his emotions he did not like radiating this feeling, still to a stormseer like Batu how he feels must be plain as day to him. Batu shook his head “you frown while you are fighting, you frown when you speak with your brothers and you are still frowning when you speak with me.” Tarkhan tried to smile Batu was the one that recruited him they got on well, and he was there still when he was moved to the eagle brotherhood after scout training.

Kor’sarro-Khan handpicked both him and Batu along with his squad to accompany the new primaris brotherhood. Many khan’s among the brotherhoods are hand picking squads and veterans to aid and advise the new primaris brotherhoods. Tarkhan looked down to himself the fluids from the servitor glistening on his white mark VIII armour he forced a smile “do not worry Batu, I will try.”

Batu removed his hand from his pauldron, he nodded “that is all I ask Tarkhan.” Batu walked towards the door to leave he turned his head slightly as he reached the door “don’t let it consume you. Get to know them you will see that you might have something in common.” Batu left the room without another word, Tarkhan looked at the servitor “something in common… very well.”

Jedrick walked with Beleth down the hall to his personal quarters he barely used it but he got the feeling he wanted to talk about something important considering it’s about Adelram. Jedrick looked back slightly his gaze fell down to the pin Beleth is wearing on his cloak the symbol of the emperor’s children. In passing conversation he heard many of the Astartes among his number grumbling or cursing about it he wondered how Marthas’ lot felt about it considering how they view themselves as the “elite” of the warband. Jedrick snickered slightly he watched them fight he could take many of them on with ease. Jedrick stopped at a double door he pressed the button to open the door. They slid open, he walked into his room pelts lined the wall, weapons are scattered on the desk and floor. Even chairs and tables are randomly scattered in the room. Jedrick looked to beleth who stepped over and walked around each object that is in his way.

Jedrick cleared away the weapons in the middle of the room and pulled up two chairs facing each other. Jedrick sat down sighing heavily, while Beleth sat down silently he pulled out a device and inserted a tape he spoke into it “Jedrick tape 1.” the device beeped.

Jedrick raised his eyebrow “I gave my best story ages ago.” Beleth shook his head “I am not looking for your story but recording what you think. To reflect on how I should approach..” Jedrick leaned back on his chair “Adelram? I guess you found something wrong with him?” Beleth nodded “yes.”

Jedrick scratched his head “I thought Marthas fixed him already? I don’t have much else to add.” Beleth grasped the device in his hand “you have known him the longest, as you walk, how you talk I feel you understand how to follow the dark prince more than anyone on the ship at the moment.” Jedrick laughed “what makes you think that? Marthas is the priest!”

Beleth cocked his head slightly “having my old journal read to me I realised something before Adelram embraced slaanesh you did not force it. It was like you knew it was going to happen at some point, you did not push the point either yet just being in your presence now I can feel your soul swelling up.”

Jedrick digested what Beleth is telling him, word has it that he met the lord of the third considering the stories he wondered what he did to Beleth “what do you mean swelling up?” Beleth rubbed his neck “even when I am blind I can still use witch sight if I focus it I can see coloured balls moving around when I look at you. Your soul is expanding growing compared to everyone else.”

Jedrick frowned “I see, so you putting the two together made you come to the conclusion I understand the dark prince the best?” Jedrick shrugged “honestly I have no hidden secret you must know what I seek I don’t do much else.” Beleth’s brow furrowed “yet you must have an opinion on the path you are walking or what you think of people around you. Can we start there?”

Jedrick sighed “fine what do you want to know first then?” Beleth tapped his chin “how do you truly feel about the temple? Their numbers are growing by the day.” Jedrick grimaced he shook his head at the fact Beleth is striking deep right away “how I feel about it? It’s a place where people want to hone themselves but…” Beleth blinked “but what?”

Jedrick bought his hands together “they are honing themselves but in whose image? You see Beleth everyone’s image or picture of perfection is different. Is Marthas perfect? Is his teachings perfect? No.” Jedrick could see Beleth’s face lighting up “I see.. That makes sense.”

Jedrick oddly felt good about saying it out loud he continued “you see, there are only two perfect things in this galaxy the lord Phoenician himself and the dark prince. To claim to understand it and that you know of the “true” way is in itself foolish.” Beleth grinned “I see, so you feel what Marthas is doing is wrong then?”

Jedrick shook his head in disagreement “to be clear Marthas’ path is not wrong in a sense but to believe it’s largely the only path or closest to the truest path is a mistake. Since I know many among them are going to hit a roadblock and they will wonder.. What should I do next? How can I perfect myself further? They will deviate and they will wander right back to the blocked road again.”

Beleth folded his arms he nodded “right, so what would you do different then? If you feel this way?” Jedrick shrugged “over the long years, plus the events of cadia, Zatos and now Athor it was an eye opener for me. At this point I don’t really care anymore.”

Beleth raised his eyebrow in confusion “you don’t care anymore? Can you explain?” Jedrick mumbled he sighed “it’s more the case I know what I want I don’t need anyone telling me how to do it. How I get there is on me, so the joy and pain of walking that path is mine.” Jedrick grinned “I know many left to visit or join Marthas because they cannot handle the abyss that the dark prince creates within our bodies.”

Beleth unfolded his arms “I see what you mean, when helping Marthas many of those who I fight are desperate to get in.” Jedrick nodded “indeed, in the end all it will be for them is just another experience, the abyss will come back in greater cascades. The need to feel, the need to do more. I know of one person who is most likely feeling said effects at this moment.”

Beleth was about to speak until Jedrick pulled up his hand to stop, he rose from his chair and bought over a small table it was dusty from not being in use. Jedrick barely ever visited his quarters it was more of a storage area for old weapons and pelts. Jedrick set the table in front of Beleth. Beleth placed his recording device on the table.

Jedrick looked to his desk and walked over he opened the drawer he searched through it eventually finding two bottles of ale. Jedrick set one down on the table and tore off the lid with his hand, he handed it to Beleth who sniffed it “is it safe to drink?” Jedrick tore off the lid of his own bottle “it’s normal ale I don’t drink it to get drunk. I drink this one for other reasons.” Beleth sniffed it one more time before taking a sip.

Jedrick held his bottle and sat down he looked at the bubbles within the bottle he thought on fenris, the brothers he betrayed and searched within himself. He searched for a small ounce of conflict he found none just the mawing unending abyss that exists within his gut. When he drinks for a moment it feels like it’s being filled the ale crashing moving downwards eventually hitting his gut. After a second the abyss comes back the hunger. Jedrick looked up to beleth “now where was I? You had a question.”

Beleth nodded “so who is this person?” Jedrick grinned “to me it’s obvious it’s Silas. Think on it he is perhaps almost as good as me now. Still in his mind, he feels he is the best out of everyone on the ship he leads the terminators he wears the suit with pride showing that he is above everyone else.”

Jedrick inclined his ale to Beleth his brow twitching slightly “looking at those milky white eyes of yours how your brow twitches slightly you know that is the case. Now think on it if he was the best why didn’t the phoenician use him as his instrument on Athor? You may have not seen it but whenever he walks past Noxus’ door his mood sours. Silas always grumbles “why did he speak to him! The cripple!” I personally feel what Noxus put on his door is amusing. Noxus deserves that considering the work both of you did on Athor.”

Beleth drank some of the ale wiping away the foam around his mouth nodding in agreement “I can see that, also he gets cross whenever he looks at my pin.” Jedrick nodded “indeed, you wearing that is a reminder of Athor. People were up in arms over not being able to get any slaves to the point I suspect they sought to kill you.”Beleth grinned “but they didn’t.” Jedrick smiled back “indeed, but I tell you this almost all of them were of the temple.” Beleth raised his eyebrow “really? Now that I think about it… their footsteps were.. measured.” Jedrick took a swig of ale “aye, think of it from their perspective how hard they train, fight and the Phoenician turns to someone they view as a cripple? And a human. Me? And those that remain with me? We largely don’t care.”

Jedrick leaned back “you see Beleth, I have my goal a glorious end I still haven’t met it but even so I wonder. When it comes what will happen to my brother and now that I speak of it? Think about it? I am afraid.”

Jedrick can see by Beleth’s facial expression that he is taking in all the information, compiling it, picking out each detail Beleth said “what are you afraid of? You don’t seem like the sort of person to feel fear since you are seeking death.” Jedrick looked at the bubbles of his ale again his mind drifting to the years of standing with Adelram their ups and their downs “I fear what Marthas and his ilk will do to him or how they will try to change him.”

Jedrick felt the room change, the temperature rising he stared at Beleth the darkness around him coiling yet his face is neutral “Jedrick, do you speak of betrayal?” Jedrick scratched his cheek “hmm perhaps, but before you go mental listen. It’s clear that Adelram value’s Marthas’ counsel but in the end if he wishes the Pheoncian’s attention in my opinion he should disregard him.”

Beleth cocked his head slightly “well, if he did not speak to him I guess he would not believe our story of what occured on Athor.” Jedrick sighed “if he needs someone to tell him to believe something then this warband is going to fail. He should know what he wants if something makes sense then he should follow it through. If he fails he should acknowledge it without someone needing to tell him.”

Jedrick laughed “let me tell you something Beleth, I am happy he now knows what he wants and striving towards it. My problem is that he is not enjoying it even failures is something new to enjoy. He does what he does because he seeks to attention of the Pheoncian but let me tell you something.”

Beleth blinked and raised his eyebrow “what?” Jedrick drained a great amount of ale from his bottle “I feel he is doing it wrong.” Jedrick watched Beleth’s face light up in surprise “what is he doing wrong?” Jedrick snickered he guessed that Beleth wanted him to say to push harder plunge yourself deep into the abyss “he stopped practising being an apothecary because he is likely thinking if he delves into the power of the warp it will get him closer to the Phoenician speaking to him. He thinks causing untold suffering will get him to move to look. I know him he is not doing this for enjoyment as he stuffed the meat of humans down his throat. While we ate with smiles on our faces he was not smiling like everyone else, people simply look at how much he ate. He is not finding joy in what he is doing to get the Pheoncian’s attention. He is desperate so very desperate in every action he does. I don’t know the mind of our goddess but what I think? I think she enjoys watching his desperation hence why she keeps piling his favour on him but eventually? She will get bored and he will fall so far..”

Jedrick can see Beleth’s mouth falling agape he then moved to stroking his chin thinking carefully. Jedrick smiled “I shall go further that music nonsense he is doing in his room? Do you think he is doing it because he enjoys it? Or perhaps it’s because his legion used to do it in the past so he is playing catch up? The paintings he did on the other planet we raided? Plus the statue on Zatos?” Jedrick grumbled “I enjoy what he does so does the warband but is his heart really in it? What do you think?”

Beleth slowly removed his hand from his chin “I see what you mean, your perspective has made many things more clearer Jedrick.” Jedrick nodded “so I gave you my thoughts what do you aim to do with it?” Beleth licked his lips “can you talk to Adelram? Tell him what you told me?”

Jedrick took another swig of ale “no.” Beleth grasped the arms of his chair tightly “why!? I am sure if it’s you..” Jedrick shook his head “oh yes he would listen to me but in my opinion he should figure it out himself. Each person is walking their own path to perfection it’s easy to show where it starts but the the path itself? It is so complex that it’s incredibly hard to guide anyone on it.”

Beleth leaned back, Jedrick can see a form of sadness playing across his features Jedrick smiled softly “look I will say this as long as you are around I feel that Adelram will be okay.” Jedrick looked at his drink thinking what will be his end. What will be the thing to send him away. Deep down he is relishing the moment that it happens he looked up to Beleth “I want you to visit me more often.”

Beleth raised his eyebrow “really?” Jedrick nodded “yes I just want to say a few things. I doubt it can be done in one tape.” Jedrick drained the contents of his drink completely he placed the bottle on the table “it’s a favour you don’t have to do it. Considering Adelram put that pin on you, I can’t exactly treat you like a slave can I?”

Beleth backed the rest of his drink and placed the bottle on the table “alright. I will, on the second thing.. I am looking for someone.” Jedrick folded his arms “who?” Beleth scratched his head “a woman, rather young, red eyes, brown hair, her most distinguishing feature is the rune of the blood god on her forehead. Since you took a great amount of the world eater cultist’s I assumed she would be here.”

Jedrick mumbled thinking on the information he has watched the cultists at length there is no one like that but..”I think I know where she is.” Beleth smiled “wonderful! Do you know where?” Jedrick nodded “when we were taking slaves, I recall a woman was dragged by the hair kicking and screaming by Marthas’ temple folk, she fits the description of the person you are looking for. Still I have one problem.” Beleth cocked his head slightly in confusion “what?” Jedrick shook his head in annoyance “how can you find someone when you can’t see?” Beleth smiled “I now know where she is, I know where to look, trust me I will have someone point her out.” Jedrick leaned back in his chair “right then good luck with that.”

Beleth got up to leave, he made his way to the door Jedrick watched him pull the door open just before he left he said “Beleth, don’t speak a word of what I said to Adelram.” Beleth turned his head back slightly “very well.” as he walked out of the door.

Jedrick, now left by himself he looked at the empty bottles suddenly he felt like he needed another drink.

lliu wrote:
Well Adeleram got a new pet. Let’s see how this one turns out!

Oh yeah I forgot to respond to this. On Salvador? Mwhahahahahahahaha *cough* mwhahahahaha!

Chapter 3

Salvador got up from his bed he yawned stretching his arms, he rubbed his eyes and blinked for once he does not feel tired. He does not feel the ache on his body after sleeping on a bad bed or fear pumping in his heart. Salvador looked around his new room, all the basic necessities are actually there he dropped on the bed smiling slightly “perhaps, just maybe this won’t be so bad?” Salvador was about to close his eyes until he heard a knock on his door, Salvador jolted up a familiar fear crept back in his heart. Salvador slowly got off his bed and walked slowly to the door he wondered if it is Beleth. Salvador smiled “perhaps he found my sister!” Salvador pressed the button to open his door it slid open. He saw a woman with rather long hair and wearing a long dress.

What is most distinct to Salvador is that she held a violin she smiled “you are Salvador yes?” Salvador nodded slowly “yes I am, who are you?” The woman held her gentle smile “I am Camila, I am here to escort you to Lord Adelram’s chambers.” Salvador looked at Camila in surprise she looked… innocent but as Fatima said whatever a person looks like it’s the opposite underneath. Camila stepped into the room and looked around “are you liking your new room?” Salvador rubbed his arm nervously “yes, it’s nice.” Camila nodded “good, I heard the things the world eaters do to those who serve them.” Salvador could not help but tap his fingers together he is still nervous he wondered if Camila knows of the stories that surround the emperor’s children.

Camila turned to him still smiling, she then made a small frown “before we go. How about you present yourself better?” Salvador raised his eyebrow “present myself better? What do you mean?” Camila placed her instrument on the bed and walked over to the desk she gestured to Salvador to come over “please come here.” Salvador walked slowly to the desk he looked at the mirror his olive skin is no longer grimy, his short brown hair looked clean and is no longer filled with grease. His green eyes, when he looks at them he felt a small surge of hope for some reason. Camila opened the drawer and picked out a comb she began combing his hair.

Salvador stepped back to Camila’s confusion “what’s wrong Salvador?” Salvador shook his head it’s his instinct he wondered if they are trying to draw him in. Salvador held to his sister’s words “it’s nothing, I am sorry I am just not used to it.” Camila nodded “it’s fine I know how you feel.” Salvador squinted his eyes slightly “how I feel? What do you mean?”

Camila gave a gentle smile for some reason it calmed Salvador down it felt like he could trust her. Camila put the comb on the desk “you are scared, you wonder what they are going to do to you. I thought the same, when Adelram took me from my unit. I was scared but I could not stop following him. He was.. kind to me he saw what I wanted to do and let me do it.” Salvador clenched his hands he can understand that he appears kind but the image of his chambers won’t leave his mind “what of his chambers? The chained people?” Camila cocked her head slightly confused “what of them?” Salvador saw that clear confusion the callousness played across her features. Salvador shook his head “they are suffering, in pain if Adelram is kind what of them?”

Salvador felt he is skirting dangerous territory, Camila touched her lip she began thinking she then gave a small shrug “the imperium does the same, plus many in those chambers refuse the kindness of the masters.” Salvador blinked he recalled his home he did not recall people being chained on tortured to death “I-” Camila interrupted him “I know what you are going to saw but it’s true, to the imperium your life means nothing yes you had no choice of what happened to you. Still the imperium would kill you tear you apart just for being on the world eater ship. If an inquisitor found you? They will tear you to pieces your screams echoing in whatever torture chamber they will hold you in.”

Salvador began thinking when their parents died Fatima pushed him to street perform for money back then he was about 14 years old, now he is 18. He recalled that Fatima told him they have to try hard to avoid being put into a factory they had to earn enough money to keep their place. Salvador heard bad things about working in such a place, the conditions the taskmasters to keep you working. Salvador guessed that it would be similar to working for the Astartes of the world eaters.

Salvador scratched his head “I am sorry if I offended you.” Camila inclined her head “it’s nothing don’t worry about it.” Salvador walked back to the mirror he rubbed his head “erm.” Camila picked up the comb “It’s okay let’s continue where we left off.” Camila continued to comb his hair slowly his short hair became neat, Salvador began thinking of Beleth “Camila, do you know where Beleth is?”

Camila stopped “oh I passed by him, he said he had stuff to do and that I should pick you up.” Salvador wondered if that means he found his sister he smiled “so Camila what do you think of Beleth?” To Salvador he seemed kind just like Camila but also stern just like how his sister was before she turned to the cult of the blood god.

Camila placed the comb down in front of her she stared at the mirror “out of everyone on the ship he gives the most to us and to him. You will understand the longer you stay here.” Salvador.” Salvador looked at the mirror also he looked at himself clean, pristine, he remembered when Beleth made him bathe he answered his questions and did not treat him harshly like he thought he would. Salvador recalled that he views everyone here like family of a sort he does not completely understand but slowly Salvador feels he is starting to get it.

Salvador made a thin smile “I think I get it.” Camila nodded “I see, anyway we should get going we should not make Lord Adelram wait.” Camila picked up her violin and made her way to the door, Salvador followed after her.

Fatima stood with the other slaves that belonged to Ballard she watched her new “master” Ballard train, she watched all the degenerates train in this so called “temple.”

Fatima could not help but curl her lip in disgust, to Fatima each movement there is too much passion and each stroke told her that they fought for the wrong reasons, they trained for the wrong reasons. Fatima touched her bandage, Ballard forced her to wear it he found the rune of Kharnath, the blood father and lord khorne to be disgusting to look at. Fatima then looked to her arm thinking of how he puts her into place. She pulled up the cuff of her robe sleeve revealing fresh scars and small bloodied cuts. Fatima frowned since she was dragged away by Ballard he took to cutting her in his spare time one to teach her obedience and whenever he felt slighted he would cut her.

Fatima cast her head down and hissed under her breath “the only thing disgusting here is..” Fatima’s thoughts trailed off she suddenly thought of Salvador her little brother. Fatima raised her head and narrowed her eyes at the emperor’s children’s Astartes. Considering Salvador has been taken by the supposed leader he is most likely dead by now or worse. Fatima clenched her hands in anger, the fury in her heart building “if they did something…” Fatima heard a clang and the sound of someone cursing, she looked up to see Ballard has knocked away the weapon cleanly from his opponent. Ballard sheathed his blade and walked away from his opponent as he cursed. Ballard walked towards them the slaves bowed, Fatima stood upright crossing her arms, as she looked at Ballard her stomach wrenches the black colouring of his armour mixed with waves of pink and purple. His Helmet is also pink it also had painted vines crossing it that were also purple in colouration.

Ballard stood before her “slave, bow as I approach.” Fatima held her place, Ballard shook his head the servo’s of his power armour winding at the motion. To Fatima the sound was clean compared to hearing her old master move. Ballard roughly grabbed her arm, Fatima tried to struggle to push him away he did not even notice it, Ballard unsheathed his combat knife and with a quick motion made a slice across her arm.

Fatima grit her teeth the cut was a lot deeper this time she clenched her jaw down she did not want to give him the satisfaction of screaming. Ballard scoffed in annoyance he brought down the tip of his combat knife close to her skin and inserted it he twisted slowly and finally Fatima screamed. Ballard chuckled “dogs need to be disciplined when they misbehave. I suspect my cousins don’t discipline their dogs.” Ballard removed his blade and roughly shoved her to the ground.

Fatima held her arm, blood dribbling down and the soreness of the injuries caused her to clench her eyes shut. She heard the footsteps of her new “master” moving away until he bellowed a challenge to another Astartes and the clashing of weapons started anew. Fatima felt someone helping her up she opened her eyes slowly to see another robed slave looking at her in pity. Their face is covered in scars he looked about the same age as Salvador her younger brother.

The slave spoke “it will get worse the more you resist.” Fatima scowled “I am not weak like the rest of you!” Fatima pushed him back and staggered to her feet. Fatima frowned “the god I belong to demands strength from his followers.” The slave bought his finger to his lips “ssh! don’t mention him here if you want to keep your tongue!” Fatima held her injured arm she spoke quietly “why don’t you fight back!? If-”

The slave shook his head and lowered his voice “don’t you think everyone thinks that!? Look at all the slaves here! Heads hanged low! We have no strength! We can’t fight Astartes! It’s better to bare it and live with what we have..” Fatima moved in close “In your eyes I see someone that seeks strength and freedom. I see it everyone’s eyes but they had no one to guide it. To live like this? It Is not living they treat all of us like animals to be used as they wished.”

Fatima could see a small shimmer in the eyes of the young man he reached out his hand “Adam.” Fatima slowly grasped it “Fatima.” The pain from her arm slowly drifted away as she grasped the hand of Adam perhaps the blood god allowed this for a reason. Just maybe she was not killed because khorne has a plan for her Fatima nodded “Adam, I am sure there are many who feel the same way. My old masters taught us that there are many ways to take down Astartes, you just need the right tools to do so.” Adam bit his lip “how can you be so brave? You know if the masters catch wind..”

Fatima let go of Adam’s hand “I rather die than live like this! They most likely tore apart my little brother!” Adam cast his vision down slightly “my younger sister was like you, until the Masters laughed and cut her to pieces they bled her like a pig and used her blood for their drinks.” Fatima shook her head “does your heart not beat for vengeance!? To serve the monsters who degraded your sister!?” It frustrated Fatima that they can easily accept their situation if she could find some way to link up with the cult members they could figure something out. Fatima grasped Adam’s arm tightly “if a chance came to get vengeance would you take it?” Adam looked at her his brown eyes turned dark for with despair for a moment, Fatima frowned as she slowly let go of his arm his eyes shimmered again as he grabbed her hand “if I could.. If such a chance came.. I would. I am sure many others would take such a chance.” Fatima grinned she felt a strange heat on her forehead that sensation whenever she takes skulls or wins the approval of Khrone. “Adam, be patient.” She leaned in close and whispered “the blood god will provide.”

For a fraction of a second Fatima thought she saw Adam’s eyes flicker with a red glow, just for a for a second. Adam nodded slowly to her exclamation, Fatima returned a toothy grin as she thought to herself “the red tide will come..”

Salvador stood with Camila in front of Adelram’s chambers doors, Camila pushed them open. They both entered, Salvador felt queasy he tried hard not to stare at those chained to the walls. Adelram was there sitting on his chair but next to him there is a large brown case with wheels attached to it. Adelram rose from his chair and gave him a smile, it caused Salvador to wince slightly. He followed Camila as they stood before Adelram. Camila bowed, Salvador quickly followed suit. Salvador made sure to rise as Camila did, Camila then stepped to the right letting Adelram come forward.

Adelram grasped Salvador’s shoulders the musk filled his nostrils again it made it hard to think. Adelram spoke “I have something prepared for you.” Adelram moved aside and gestured to the case. “Go, open it. It’s my gift to you.”

Salvador slowly walked forward, he looked at the lock and flicked it open. Salvador pulled the lid of the case open revealing a finely made cello. The wood of the instrument shined slightly, the strings were.. perfect. Salvador looked at the bow that came with the cello, the metal holding it together shone a brilliant gold along with the wood that is in the same condition as the cello. A tear ran down Salvador’s cheek “it’s amazing.. it’s far better compared to my old one.” Adelram bought over a small chair “show me what you can do with it.” Salvador looked at Adelram he nodded he grasped the cello and bow he sat down. Adelram wheeled away the case to one side and walked back to him watching, waiting for him to play.

Salvador held the instrument remembering the correct sitting position. Salvador held the bow and placed it to the strings of the cello. Salvador tried to block out the sounds of the chained people in the room the sheer weight of the cello in his hands consumed his thoughts the need to play after such a long time he let that need consume him. Salvador began playing he played an old piece that he used to play on the side street back home. Salvador let the sound fill his ears as he played the moaning and crying of the people gathered in the room drained away. He remembered the faces of the people who watched him play, clapping handing him thrones and offering him praises.

Salvador closed his eyes simply letting his hands do the work, he remembered his sister her face beaming with happiness her signature smile playing across her face. Fatima was there whenever she had the time to watch him play. Salvador thought of his sister holding that image close to his chest after a moment the image vanished she changed instead of her old smile he saw Fatima scowling in pure fury, the rune of the blood god blazing on her forehead.

The bow veered off course slightly making a sharp sound, Salvador opened his eyes Camila is now standing with Adelram tears in his eyes “that was beautiful”, looking at Adelram his face is a fixture of sheer awe. Salvador bowed his head “I-I am sorry I made a mistake.” Adelram walked forward and looked down to Salvador “it’s fine, I assume it’s been some time since you last played?” Salvador raised his head slowly “yes, it’s been some time I was just thinking of something..” Adelram raised his eyebrow “thinking of what?” Salvador cast his gaze away slightly wondering if he should speak of his concerns, Adelram then held his chin his black eyes bore into him he felt a strange sensation running through his mind as Adelram said “what is it? Tell me.” Salvador for some reason felt compelled to speak “it’s my sister. I am worried about her.” Adelram removed his hand he stroked his chin thinking for a moment “I see.” As Adelram stroked his chin, Salvador heard the chamber doors opening. Adelram lowered his hand “Beleth what is it?”, Salvador heart jumped he wondered if he found her.

Beleth approached “I came bearing news for Salvador.” Adelram looked to Salvador and then Beleth “I assume it’s his sister?” Beleth nodded “indeed.” Salvador held the cello tightly Adelram stared at him “Beleth, retrieve Salvador’s sister.” Adelram then reached for the cello and bow, Salvador offered no resistance as he took it away.

Adelram placed both items back within the case he turned to face Salvador and Beleth “I can see your sister means much to you hence I will allow you to be with her.” Salvador’s’ eyes went wide he shot up from the chair “really!? Thank you! Thank you my lord!” Salvador bowed. As he rose he could see Beleth frowning as he folded his arms “she belongs to one of your brothers, how should I handle that?” Adelram smiled softly “it’s on my orders, if they refuse, you know what to do.” Beleth inclined his head “very well.” Beleth turned to Salvador “come, we are going to retrieve your sister.” Salvador nodded he looked back to Camila to see she is still crying. Salvador could not help but frown he never knew he was that good. Beleth gestured for him to follow “come, stop wasting time.”, Salvador nodded and trotted after Beleth.

Salvador followed Beleth he felt excited “so you found her really?” Beleth nodded “yes, an Astartes from the temple took her. I will have you point her out they should still be there at the moment.” Salvador smiled “thank you…” Salvador could see a small grin lining Beleth’s features “No problem, I assume you will become more focused when you can assure the safety of your sister.”

Salvador thought back to the piece he played before as he thought of his sister he made a mistake. Perhaps once she is safe he would have peace of mind, eventually they reached a set of double doors. Beleth pushed them open a surge of pink mist erupted from the door as Beleth opened them. Beleth walked inside, Salvador followed as they entered, Salvador saw a great hall with two statues and Astartes duelling. Their blades clashes again and again, To Salvador he had no interest in violence but it looked oddly mesmerising for some reason. Beleth nodded “now Salvador can you see your sister?” Salvador looked around he saw humans wearing black robes and near the west wall he saw her, his sister Fatima she is now wearing a black robe along with a headband.

Salvador could see that she in discussion with someone wearing similar clothing along with a hood. Salvador tapped Beleth’s shoulder “I know where she is, follow me to the western wall.” Beleth smiled “lead the way.” Salvador nodded he walked over for some reason it turned into a jog and then a run. Tears were welling up in his eyes he ran over to Fatima who finally looked at him in shock. Salvador ran at Fatima and embraced her tightly to her surprise “Salvador what are you doing!?” Salvador looked at Fatima a heavy frown lined her features, Salvador stepped back “sorry, I was just so happy to see you.” Salvador could see Fatima looking to her acquaintance who nodded “this might work to your advantage.” Salvador raised his eyebrow “advantage?” Fatima shook her head “don’t worry about it. Now what are you doing here?”

Salvador nodded “I-we came to take you away from here.” Fatima raised her eyebrow “take me where?” Salvador could see Fatima looking over his shoulder “who is that?” Salvador turned to see Beleth is now before them he frowned “you run quite fast, do you know that?” Salvador looked down to his legs then up again “sorry.” Beleth smiled “it’s fine, I assume this is your sister?” Fatima stepped back slightly, Salvador shook his head “it’s fine Fatima, this one is okay.” Fatima finally stepped forward folding her arms “I see.”

Beleth nodded “right it’s time to go.” As Beleth was about to turn an Astartes Approached all the robed people that surrounded them bowed apart from Fatima, the Astartes sighed “must I discipline you again?” Beleth looked up to the Astartes “Ballard right?” The Astartes sneered “you.” Beleth nodded “indeed it’s me, per Adelram’s orders I am taking Fatima off you.” Salvador looked to Beleth and the Astartes Ballard, a small dribble of sweat went down his brow “Be-” Beleth held up his hand cutting Salvador off “I shall repeat, Adelram wants Fatima.”

Ballard shook his head “she is my slave, she belongs to me. Adelram already picked his out, he could of taken more but he settled with that ugly thing” Ballard pointed at Salvador. Beleth casually shrugged “he is the lord of this warband he can easily overrule such decisions.” Fatima whispered to Salvador “is your new “friend” mad?” Salvador gulped but he oddly felt confident “no, he knows what he is doing.”

Salvador could see Ballard is moving his hand to his sheathed blade “she is mine, as I said. Mine to do with as I will.” As Ballard now grasped the handle of his blade. A horrific grin played across Beleth’s features to Salvador’s horror his eyes turned black like the void of space and three inky tears fell down each eye. Beleth spoke with venom in his voice “you seek to disobey our lord? You want to fight over this? One young woman?” Salvador could see darkness is pooling at his feet a strange cold crawled over his skin as the darkness surged out of Beleth. Even the fur that covered his legs could not keep out the unnatural cold. Beleth’s cloak was now also moving like a mad beast swiping at the floor making gashes. Ballard slowly moved his hand away from the grip of his blade he turned away scowling “take her.”

In a fraction of a second, the darkness vanished and Beleth returned to normal “thank you “Lord” Ballard.” Fatima blinked “he is a witch!?” Salvador nodded “yeah, he is.” Fatima curled her lips into disgust “you should know better…” Salvador was about to speak until Beleth turned and approached them “let’s get going. We will be going to your room Salvador” Beleth turned away to the door. Salvador looked to Fatima who is now narrowing her eyes at Beleth as he walked away, Salvador held Fatima’s hand as he began walking. She resisted walking for a second looking back at the hooded figure. Fatima smiled to Salvador’s confusion “what are you smiling about?” Fatima chuckled “It’s nothing Salvador, let’s go.” Salvador left the hall with Fatima his mind swam with questions wondering what his sister was discussing with the person.

As they walked the halls of the ship Salvador watched Beleth’s back, for some reason after this he felt he could trust him even considering what he just saw before. Fatima kept up her frown, Salvador turned his head to her “what’s the matter?” Fatima spoke in a whisper “I am wondering what they did to you.” Salvador blinked “they didn’t do anything, to my surprise actually.” Fatima shook her head “they did, you smell like them it’s faint but it’s still there.” Salvador frowned “well, I would smell better considering I bathed.” Fatima clutched the arm of his t-shirt “no! That’s not it!”

Beleth stopped, Beleth turned to face a door “we are back.” Salvador looked to the door in surprise he was so caught up in the discussion with Fatima he did not realise they were back. Salvador wondered if Beleth picked up on the conversation, considering he has not said a word he guessed not. Beleth faced him “get some rest I will give both of you a proper tour of the ship later.” Salvador nodded “thank you.” Beleth smiled “No problem, well I have things to do.” Beleth walked away. Salvador pressed the button to open his door he walked in with Fatima.

Fatima finally let go of his hand and looked around the room as the door slid close she folded her arms her face stuck in a fixture of disgust “all of this is a trick.” Salvador raised his eyebrow “a trick? Seriously? We have a nice room to st-” Fatima clenched her hands in anger “think Salvador!” Fatima pointed at the bed “it’s a nice bed right? Yet even so it’s a vehicle for the hated serpent to worm its way into your heart! Everything about the upper layer and even this room is there to twist you completely! Even the very smell of the ship!”

Salvador wanted to hold his tongue but he couldn't “Beleth is not a bad person Fatima! He agreed to help me find you even before he was ordered by ou- his master!” Fatima shook her head in annoyance “you were about to say our? Right? They got to you that quickly?” Salvador looked away, Fatima sighed “see that’s what you do avoid run and always. Do you think our deceased masters were hard on us for no reason? They encourage strength! The will to rely on oneself! While these… these degenerates foster decadence and weakness!” Salvador began thinking of the chained humans in Adelram’s chambers “I-” Fatima interrupted “listen Salvador, all the kindness they are showing you is a lie. They don’t care for me they only came to get me to placate you. Here is the truth.”

Fatima rolled up the sleeves of her robe her arms were covered in cuts to Salvador’s horror “this is the truth my brother. This is the truth of your “kind” master.” Salvador held his hands together “perhaps.. It’s just him!? The Astartes you were with before..” Fatima creased her brow “you know that person I was talking to before? The one in the robes? His sister resisted them they bled her like a pig and used her blood in their beverages!” Salvador’s mouth quivered “they-” Fatima shouted “they would! Why don’t you believe me!? Your sister, your flesh and blood over them!” Salvador gripped his head “Okay! Okay! I understand Fatima..”

Fatima sighed she walked forward “listen little brother, for now just keep your head straight I will deal with this.” Salvador lowered his hands from his head “deal with it? How?” To Salvador’s surprise his sister smiled a smile he has not seen in years “Salvador, the blood father will provide…”

Silas trudged through the hall’s the ship making his way to his quarters, since donning the terminator armour and after the events of Athor he felt no need to go to the temple. He felt he was not making any more progress he could defeat any that challenged him and complete any challenge Marthas set before him. As Silas walked he passed by a familiar door, he can’t help looking at it to his annoyance. The chambers that belong to the cripple Noxus. He claims father spoke to him, he claims that he and the human saved them. Silas clenched his hand “I refuse to believe that father would go to those two! They must be lying!” Silas shook his head “I am the best, I am perfect compared to everyone else…”

Silas wondered if he should enter and aim to kill Noxus he sighed “Adelram wouldn't allow it…” Silas thought on Adelram, it was because of his order the warband was almost destroyed. Silas hissed “he should of listened to me.” Silas finally continued to walk down the hall trying to push back the words he saw on Noxus’ door. Silas saw an Astartes standing in the hallway it seemed like he is waiting for someone as he approached he could see it’s Marius. Silas narrowed his eyes “Mairus, what are you doing here?” Silas heard a low rumble emitting from the speaker then a low hum “a new song is starting? What do you mean?”

Silas never understood Marius he comes and goes, now that they have multiple means to get to the planet they no longer even see him in strategy meetings. Adelram has not even bothered calling him anymore since Silas guessed on the old ship he only appeared due to the thunderhawks were the only means of reaching planetside at the time. Marius released a loud screech it pierced Silas’ ears breaking his train of thought “a song of death, blood and misery?”

Marius nodded, he spoke normally to Silas’ shook his voice sounded smooth, almost gentle “I can hear, feel new notes being played by the dark prince a wonderful new string of notes echoing, reverberating. So much pain, hardship shall come..” Silas cocked his head slightly “why are you telling me this?” Marius released a strange sounding chuckle “the music beats against your soul, who will become beautiful by the end of this song? You? Or..” Silas growled in annoyance “enough Marius if you are not going to speak plainly leave me alone.” Silas began to walk forward past Marius he spoke again “even if you may lead by the end?” Silas stopped he turned around “what? Are you speaking of betrayal?” Mairus shook his head “is it betrayal if ordained? Be patient Silas.” Silas walked towards Mairus “be careful of such talk Marius, you betrayed Adelram before.”

Marius shrugged “I am not going to do anything, I am merely delivering a message.” Marius then released a long rumble from his speaker. Silas shook his head in annoyance he wondered why Marius can't just speak normally all the time “the song is beginning soon?” Marius nods and simply walks away vanishing into the darkness of the hall. Silas sighed but a part of him liked the fact he may lead. Silas looked to his blade grinning “it’s ordained? My star might be rising…”

Silas chuckled as he continued to walk back to his quarters.

Tarkhan flicked his dao out like a flash removing the head of a servitor, then twisted to the right and slashed again removing the head from a servitor looking to attack him. He looked at both servitors grinding to a halt. As the standard error phrase spilled from their lips. Tarkhan wondered how he should approach Ganzorig-Khan, Tarkhan knows he takes his counsel seriously but Batu told him to get to know him as a brother.

Tarkhan cleaned the ichor from his blade and sheathed it, the problem is that he is not much a talker or sociable either. Tarkhan sighed “what should I do?” Tarkhan then heard the doors opening and to his surprise it was his Khan, Ganzorig-Khan, he stepped into the room around the neck of his Mark X power armour he wore a necklace that bore the fangs of a chogorisian animal he hunted when he first came to the planet and he used it’s fur to fashion a cape. His helmet bore no tribal markings since he is not of Chogoris.

Ganzorig removed his helmet, his face colouration is fair, his hair is brown and cut short along with that he had piercing blue eyes. One thing that Tarkhan did like is that he had an eyes of the hunter. Tarkhan bowed “Khan.” Ganzorig nodded “rise, we are not on the battlefield I just came here to talk.” Tarkhan rose he wondered what he wanted to speak about.

Ganzorig looked to the servitor’s “so I heard you spend majority of your time slicing away at servitors?” Tarkhan looked to the twitching servitors and inclined his head “yes, I cannot be content with my current skill level if I stop I feel that my skill will decline.” Ganzorig smiled “never be content. The words of Jaghati Khan our primarch.” Tarkhan nodded “yes, we are warriors outriders the quick blade that cuts the heads off xeno’s and traitors we can never allow the blade to dull. Our feet should always be moving forward, never a backwards step.”

Ganzorig then placed his helmet back on his head he drew his dao “I see, I can understand that how about we practice together?” For some reason Tarkhan could not help but smile oddly enough it’s good to be tested by greater opponents and the things he heard of the Primaris class Astartes the size is clearly true since he stood a head taller than Tarkhan, Tarkhan wanted to see if the other stories are true. Tarkhan drew his dao “I am not going to hold back.” Ganzorig laughed slightly “I don’t expect you to.” Tarkhan charged forward and clashed with Ganzorig their dao’s danced in the air, Tarkhan can clearly see that Ganzorig had far more dexterity and strength behind his blows. Tarkhan chuckled in a long time he is enjoying himself for once. Tarkhan kept up his defence he wanted to feel out Ganzorig’s fighting style he made precise strikes they were measured, powerful. In that single instance Tarkhan knew the stories to be true he wondered how Ganzorig would fight after more experience.

Tarkhan grinned he shifted his guard slightly as another of Ganzorig strikes came down Tarkhan diverted the weight of his attack away leaving Ganzorig open, Tarkhan bought his blade close to Ganzorig’s neck. Ganzorig sighed “it seems that it is your win.” Tarkhan nodded “yes Khan but if it was an enemy you would be dead.” Tarkhan removed his blade and sheathed it, Ganzorig did the same. “you have the power and dexterity but technique, that is what wins fights.” Ganzorig inclined his head “I see what you did, you diverted the weight of my attack and used that opportunity to bring your blade to my neck.”

Tarkhan nodded “aye, still it was exciting sparring with you.” Tarkhan began thinking of Batu’s words “My khan, a request.” Ganzorig sheathed his blade “a request?” Tarkhan removed his helmet he smiled “yes, perhaps we could do this more often? Batu has said if you endeavour, fate will favour you. That is why we are here, why the khans sent us to join you.”

Ganzorig grasped his helmet and removed it also he smiled back “I would like that, please call me Ganzorig while we train.” Tarkhan placed his helmet back on, as the helmet clicked into place he felt a strange bond developing he wondered if he found something in common with Ganzorig “how about we go again?” Tarkhan unsheathed his blade and got into battle stance. Ganzorig held his smile as he placed his helmet back on and drew his dao and readied himself “the same trick won’t work again Tarkhan.”

Tarkhan laughed “I don’t expect it to.. Ganzorig.” Tarkhan charged forward as Ganzorig readied his guard.

Oh we’re getting some Khorne in the story. Cool to see the different gods’ impacts on the slaaneshi people.

lliu wrote:
Oh we’re getting some Khorne in the story. Cool to see the different gods’ impacts on the slaaneshi people.

Glad you are enjoying it! I had to read up on khorne via black crusade and other black library fiction and interestingly I found that world eaters are not frothing mad berserkers all the time. Reading the Lucius novel their ships are pretty much ran pure military since with the nails they can't do much.

Even Kharn is pretty calm and intelligent when not fighting.

A new chapter as we approach the new year!

Chapter 4

Jedrick tape 2

[sounds of objects moving]

Beleth:So why don’t you just clean your room?

[Jedrick grunts]

Jedrick:I barely use it, so what’s the point? Plus I roughly know where everything is anyway. Now sit down I will get the ale.

Beleth:So what do you want to talk about today?

[popping sound]

Jedrick:Here is yours, now... hmm I want to talk about more on what I seek.

Beleth:That you wish to die?

Jedrick:Yes, you see Beleth we will all eventually die that’s why so many pursue ascension on this path. Still I have no interest in such a thing.

Beleth:What makes you think it won’t happen? If it does that means you won’t have to die.

Jedrick:The thing is Beleth, I want to die. I want to see her palace to see the face of divinity.

Beleth:You might just get eaten by neverborn Jedrick.

Jedrick:Then so be it, but I think the dark prince will look and see what I wanted what I did to get it. I can tell she approves of what I am doing It’s why the abyss in my gut keeps growing day by day.

Beleth:They abyss in your gut?

Jedrick:You don’t feel it since I guess you are committing to your excess every waking moment.

Jedrick:Beleth, I can barely feel a thing, food does nothing, fighting does nothing it’s.. agony.

Beleth:You seem to be fine, some would take such a feeling to be disapproval.

[Jedrick Laughs]

Jedrick:Perhaps, but in my mind it keeps growing even now because she expects more. It’s only when fighting the greatest of opponents I feel whole. I feel aware, awake even. I dunno I have a good feeling that it is coming.

Beleth:That your death is coming?

Jedrick:Aye, Do you dream Beleth?

Beleth:Erm, not really.

Jedrick:I do, do you want to hear it?

Beleth:I am interested, what do you dream about?

Jedrick:Hmm, I saw lightning striking down upon the ship. It came like a flash, the electricity traced itself down the ship eventually reaching the reactors.

Beleth:That’s an interesting detailed dream.

Jedrick:It does not stop there, the image fades and I see it. My goal. The palace.

Beleth:Right, so it must be important.

Jedrick:Yes I feel that is the case. Anyway I am done for now. I want to drink in peace.

Beleth:Okay, we will talk again later.

Beleth walked to Salvador’s room Beleth wanted to take him to meet a few people. Salvador seems to be getting used to the ship after the tour the only concern is his sister Fatima. It’s clear she is marked out by the blood god. Her smell, how she walks and even talks. Salvador is important to Adelram that is clear enough, Beleth just hopes that his sister is not filling his head with nonsense.

He tried to ignore their conversation in the hallway, it’s right that his sister would distrust him if their positions were reversed he would do the same. She is dedicated to another god, marked out even and such people tend to be dangerous. Beleth wondered if the time comes to deal with Fatima how would Salvador react? It would affect his playing and in turn affect his master.

Beleth stroked his chin “let’s hope I don’t have to kill her..” As Beleth approached Salvador’s door it opened and someone stepped out. The footsteps were heavy, thick “Fatima..” Fatima faced Beleth “You. What do you want?” Beleth tried to appear friendly “I am here to pick up Salvador.” Beleth heard Fatima tutting “why? He recently just visited him..” Beleth shook his head “I am taking him out to socialize, instead of being stuck in his room for hours on end.” Beleth gleaned that Fatima is considering her response since she started to mumble, her feet movements told him she is hiding something. “So Fatima, where are you going?” Beleth felt a faint vibration, Fatima responded sighing at the same time “I am going to meet some people, I want to see if my people are doing okay.” Beleth narrowed his eyes slightly she is telling the truth but it’s clear there is something more going on.

Beleth nodded “right, is Salvador in the room then?” Beleth sensed Fatima walking towards him, she passed by “yes, he is in the room going over music sheets.” Beleth smiled “thank you.” Fatima sighed slightly before walking down the hall. Beleth approached the door and knocked after a moment the door slid open. Salvador spoke with a small measure of happiness in his voice “Beleth? What are you doing here?” Beleth grinned “I am here to take you out, meet a few people.” Beleth caught the sound of Salvador’s feet what he found interesting is that vibration from them were quite light still Beleth could tell he is nervous. “Go out? Go where?”

Beleth smiled “there is a bar on the ship.” As Beleth said those words he felt a small tug at his heart for some reason. The emotion was not pleasant, Beleth frowned slightly he shook his head. Beleth breathed in and the out slightly “so do you want to come?”

Beleth noticed that Salvador is still nervous, Beleth could understand why the emperor’s children and those who follow them bear a interesting reputation. Beleth felt Salvador walking out of the door of his room into the hallway brushing past him slightly, Beleth turned to face him “well?”

Salvador took a deep breath “s-sure, why not?” Beleth smiled “right follow me.” Beleth walked down the hall, Salvador followed him Beleth hoped this outing might make him more comfortable on the ship. Beleth walked in silence he wanted to strike up a conversation “so Salvador, how old are you?” Beleth heard his trotting softening somewhat “I am 18 Beleth, what about you? You look slightly older than me.” Beleth rubbed his neck he was not exactly sure how to answer the question “well, to be honest I am old enough to be your great grandfather.” Beleth picked up that Salvador has began walking more quickly in surprise as he said “Really!? How!?” Beleth tried to count how old he actually is according to his journal he has been alive for more than a century “hmm, about 120 give or take or slightly older.”

Salvador was now walking next to him “hmm, no wonder you seem so strong..” Beleth raised his eyebrow “I seem strong to you?” Beleth could tell by Salvador’s footsteps that he seems excited, Salvador stammered out his response “y-yeah! I mean how you got my sister back and all that. Plus standing up to an Astartes! Fatima sa-” Salvador fell silent, Beleth realised this might be his chance to get something out of him about his sister.

Beleth disliked doing this but it’s for Salvador’s sake “what did your sister say?” Beleth waited, there was a long silence for a moment until Salvador spoke quietly “she says, only the blood god knows the meaning of strength…” Beleth narrowed his eyes it would be obvious she would preach to him. Even in this current situation, Beleth knew just by how worried Salvador was for his sister in the past that he has to be careful with what he says next. “I see, but I don’t look to the blood god.”

As Beleth said those words another long silence came, when Salvador spoke next to Beleth it seemed that he is considering his words “I know, but from what I hear and see.. I am not sure to think.” Beleth smiled “It’s fine don’t worry about it Salvador just focus on your cello.” Mentioning the cello was the right thing to do. Salvador’s footsteps somewhat returned to normal. In the next few footsteps, Beleth felt a rumble under his feet it surged towards him in rapid increments. Then after a moment came the music, the pounding music. Approaching the bar has now caused Salvador’s footsteps to veer off, the nervousness came back in a giant cascade. Beleth grasped Salvador’s shoulder “relax Salvador.” Salvador stammered “o-okay.”

Beleth approached the door with Salvador and pushed it open, the full power of the music entered his ears. Beleth heard people talking, drinking and even Astartes are involved. Beleth sharpened his perception the people he is going to meet is sitting in the usual place. Beleth could not help but smile slightly he guessed they always picked the same table for his sake even though it’s not necessary.

Beleth grabbed Salvador’s wrist to his surprise, Beleth turned his head to him “I don’t want you getting lost in the crowd.” Salvador was silent but his breathing steadied along with his footsteps. To Beleth it seemed like he trusted him, Beleth walked towards the table. As he approached he heard his voice, the voice belonged to Abraham who lead the cultists for Jedrick. “so you made it!” Beleth nodded “yes, I also brought someone along.”

Beleth let go of Salvador’s wrist he gestured to him “this is Salvador he now serves Adelram, just like me.” Salvador stammered “p-pleased to meet you!” Another voice came, it belonged to Luke who is now partnered with the ship’s captain Lily “nice to meet you Salvador! Sit down with us!”

Beleth smiled as Salvador moved to the table to sit down he sat next to Luke, Beleth followed suit and sat next to Abraham. The tables were set in the middle of a circle like chair, as they sat Abraham shouted “drinks please!” Abraham grabbed Beleth’s shoulder “so, when the serving girl comes how about you work your magic? You know what do you call it? Compulsion?”

Beleth frowned “I am not going to use my powers so you can secure yourself a mate.” Abraham laughed “fine, not everyone can be like you or Luke. Soon as he got on the ship the captain was all over him and you? Two of the most beautiful women on the ship are fawning over you.” Luke interjected while sighing heavily “it’s not easy being with the captain Abraham!” Beleth sighed as well “both are annoying and according to rumors people don’t come back after they see one of them.” Beleth thought on Sitri she now has a room on the ship, Sitri pressed him to visit her but he knew better. After asking around Beleth found out that she draws men and women to her room and they never come back out. The sad fact is most normal people can’t resist her advances.

Beleth turned his head in Luke’s direction what he said concerned him slightly “not enjoying it? I have met her several times and going by my journal she is a nice person.” Luke tapped the table with his fingers, Beleth knew that it was him because of the direction of the vibration and he tends to do such a gesture when considering a response “no it’s not that Beleth, I mean she is wonderful she is nice, smart even and so sure of herself.”

Beleth nodded in understanding “you are not sure if you are good fit with her?” Luke stopped tapping the table “exactly! What do I have that makes me so interesting!?” Abraham chuckled “stop thinking about it too much, just enjoy the fact you have someone nice. Now Salvador?” Salvador jumped slightly nudging the table “yes?” Beleth guessed that Abraham is going to ask something inappropriate “Now salvador, You know a lot of the women here l-” Beleth slammed the table with his hand “really!? Are you going to ask him that!?” Abraham shifted slightly away from Beleth “come on Beleth, not everyone is serious like you! Think about it! He’s got a young face he would be the perfect wingman...” Luke sighed “are you that desperate?” Abraham grumbled “I could die in the next battle, I at least want my legacy to carry on or something.”

Beleth relaxed in his seat he looked over to Salvador “ignore him.” Salvador chuckled to Beleth’s surprise “It’s fine Beleth, It’s okay.” Beleth smiled at Salvador’s response perhaps bringing him here was a good idea. A part of Beleth wished he could see Salvador’s face at the moment but he had a good guess he was smiling.

Beleth caught footsteps approaching breaking his thoughts, Beleth assumed the drinks have arrived.

As the drinks were placed on the table the waitress spoke “I don’t recognise you.” Salvador jostled at the table “me? E-er I am new here..” Beleth felt Abraham tugging his coat he guessed his face is in a fixture of surprise and annoyance. The serving girl continued “yeah, how about we talk after I am done with work?” Salvador’s voice came out like a squeak “S-Sorry I got things to do…” the waitress sighed “alright, enjoy your drinks boys.” The waitress walked away, as her footsteps became distant Beleth could hear Abraham grumbling loudly “did you two see that?” Beleth frowned “no, I mean I can’t see after the all.” Abraham shifted in his seat “sorry..” Beleth smiled “don’t worry about it sometimes Lord Adelram, tries to pursue a means to restore my vision. I told him not to bother.”

Beleth could hear everyone has started to drink the joy around them draining away until Salvador spoke “why not? I mean don’t you want to see again?” Beleth clenched one of his hands “they way I lost it.. Is not exactly normal.” Luke placed his bottle on the table “I assume something happened on Athor, you could see fine before that. Plus you know.. From what I hear the name change. ”

Beleth nodded slowly “yeah, it happened on Athor.” Beleth never gave his vision much thought he could function fine without it. One thing he had to admit after talking about it in this moment a part of him wanted to see Adelram. To see him rise in the eyes of the dark prince he knows that Adelram finds it hard staring at him his reaction when he first visited room after Athor told him as such. Beleth frowned knowing Adelram he would still be thinking about it. Beleth shaked his head he grabbed his bottle and drank deeply pushing the thought away.

Beleth almost slammed the bottle on the table “let’s talk about something more cheerful shall we?” Everyone at the table agreed as they drank and talked of better things.

Adelram sat in his chambers thinking on the piece Salvador played. Just hearing each note showed Adelram that he is a natural. Adelram grinned “the things I could do.” Adelram looked over to the piano bringing the slaves in his room to the height of pain and torment along with the music causes the warp to react. At times he sees flashes of neverborn dancing in the air.

Adelram leaned back in his chair he took a glance at the slaves, whenever his eyes would meet theirs they would shudder in fear. Adelram thought on his conversation with Beleth, the fact that the slaves should love him and bask in his presence. Adelram sighed “they are just slaves, they exist to be used and discarded. Why waste time on them?” Adelram stared at one of the slaves, they wore dirty rags they look malnourished and they reeked of fear.

Adelram tutted in disgust, and dismissed the current thought dealing with slaves, his mind drifted to Beleth mainly he found it hard to stare at him since Athor. He imagined since giving the pin things would be better. Yet looking at him he is always reminded of failure, how he treated him and how many times he threw himself in the abyss due to covering for his failures. Adelram ground his teeth “that has to change. No more failures..”

As Adelram was thinking he heard a knock on his door, it slowly opened and he saw it is Isira holding a piece of paper. She walked towards him and bowed “My lord.” Adelram inclined his head “Isira, what is it?” Isira walked forward “you need to read this.” Adelram raised his eyebrow “last time I read a message we lost the ship and was thrown into the warp by my captain.”

Isira bit back her lip slightly “true, but I think this may interest you.” Isira handed the paper to Adelram. Adelram traced his eyes down the page.


Dear Adelram

I have heard tales of your exploits, your actions on Cadia and then Zatos. Even after that the exquisite pain and suffering you heaped upon the followers of the false emperor brings joy to my heart. Now why I am sending this message? Because I have chosen you to be a part of something.. greater. Slaves, equipment and the purest pleasures can be yours If you accept this invitation. You will even have the chance to join a gathering of the strongest lords of the emperor’s children. You do not have to answer right away I am quite aware that our brothers can be… unsavoury at times. If you do accept the location is the space station in the neighbouring sector the name of the station is Valira. Coordinates have been added to this message.

From your

Lord commander Primus Eidolon The Soul Severed


Adelram looked at the message he narrowed his eyes, he folded it and placed it in one of the pouches on his utility belt. Isira stared at him awaiting an answer, Adelram frowned “we are ignoring it.” Isira crossed her arms “why? Even with attacking the world eater ship we did not gather much slaves. Your brothers will burn through them quickly!” Adelram rose from his chair “I don’t trust him.” Isira shook her head “I understand but this could work to your benefit.” Adelram creased his brow “need I remind you again the last time we accepted such an invitation?” Isira folded her arms “yes, but this is from Eidolon rumors are that his warband is the largest and the most organised out of the emperor’s children.” Adelram scowled “just look at the message! He put your at the end. He acts like he is still my lord commander!”

Adelram narrowed his eyes at Isira “we are not going that’s the end of it.” Isira sighed she then bowed “very well my lord.” Isira turned to leave. As Isira left his chamber Adelram thought about the message again. The main problem is the fact in the past Eidolon wanted to purge him, Adelram guessed it’s due to his captain that did not thankfully occur.

Adelram then sat back into his chair scowling, the need for wine crawled into his system.

Tarkhan went over his form in the training room, he has found that he has started to smile again since he started to practice with Ganzorig he felt the joy as his blade moved through the air and watching Ganzorig improve was an odd delight to him. “I have to keep my skills sharp..” Said Tarkhan.

Tarkhan’s dao danced through the air, the blade moved through the air like a blur. Satisfied he sheathed his dao. Tarkhan nodded “now it’s time for the servitors” As he was about to turn to active them the door opened. Tarkhan faced the door to see that it is Batu. As always he is smiling ear to ear. He walked over each, Tarkhan removed his helmet “is something wrong Batu?” Batu clasped his pauldron while still grinning “I am just happy that you finally found common ground.” Tarkhan gave a small smile back “yes I did, fighting with him each of his blade strikes are controlled and strong.” Batu nodded “that is good, now if you would sit with me.” Tarkhan furrowed his brow “something is wrong isn’t there? I know you Batu.”

Batu’s smile left his features he sighed “yes, please sit I will explain.” Tarkhan followed Batu to the bench and sat down with him “so what is the problem Batu?” Batu face turned stern “we are being deployed to Califa. The planet is being attacked by traitors.” Tarkhan clenched his helmet in both hands “good, it would be nice to remove the heads from foul traitors.”

Batu narrowed his eyes at the servitor “you heard the saying that all souls bear imperfections Tarkhan?” Tarkhan inclined his head “yes I have, everyone tries to purge them in their own way.” Batu shook his head “but as you know the only one with a perfect soul according to the scriptures is the Khagan.” Tarkhan looked at the red eye lenses of his helmet and then back to Batu “what’s wrong with trying to be like him?”

Batu leaned in towards Tarkhan his face firm with conviction, Tarkhan has never seen Batu so serious before “Tarkhan, I have known you for a long time and at this moment I speak to you as a stormseer instead of a friend.” Tarkhan’s mouth oddly felt dry “yes, stormseer I am ready to listen. Please share with me your wisdom.” Batu breathed in and then out before speaking “stick to the side of our khan no matter what, if you do not your blade will break in the jaws of the wolf.”

Tarkhan inclined his head “yes stormseer.” Batu leaned back he smiled “thank you. I do not wish to lose a friend.” Tarkhan raised his eyebrow “lose? What do you mean? If it means I will die that is part of being a white scar. Our khan wields us as a blade until we break.” Batu frowned “sip from the cup do not drink wholly from it.” Tarkhan placed his helmet on the bench “I know many of the words of wisdom Batu, from you and the scriptures. I will not go too far. Do not worry.” Batu shook his head slowly “you read and absorb it but you don’t understand it. Hence why you are not Khan yet.”

Tarkhan clenched his hands “in what way am I not following it?” Batu frowned “you keep to yourself here. I am happy you have made progress with our Khan but what happens when he finally beats you? You should train, talk and keep each other’s company as brothers not as a foe to defeat.” Tarkhan cast his head downwards “I will think on your words stormseer.”

Batu bobbed his head “that is all I ask.” Batu got up from his seat he left the training room in silence. Tarkhan looked to the ground “am I going too far how? Also stick to his side?” Tarkhan shook his head in confusion as he reflected on the conversation with Batu.

Fatima approached the agreed meeting spot, Adam said he would gather possible sympathisers along with the items she requested and she has been in secret contact with some of her fellow followers of the blood god. Fatima grinned “lord khorne will look upon us..” Fatima took the stairs down a level the very state and smell of the ship changed to her surprise it actually smelt somewhat similar to the masters old ship. Just sniffing she could tell the touch of the dengerates was not truly felt so perhaps the slaves that live here could be rallied. The followers of the serpent only come down to replace the slaves they kill accidentally or purposely. As she walked the halls of the lower levels some people stared at her most likely sizing her up.

Fatima knew such tirade, she made appropriate facial expressions to ward off anyone who gets the possible idea to confront her. She continued walking for several minutes until she came to a door. She knocked 8 times a small hatch opened bloodshot eyes stared at her looking at such eyes Fatima knew that the person held the blood god close to their heart. The voice from door was gruff and hard “password?” Fatima nodded she whispered “the blood father guides the vengeful.” The hatch closed and she heard the flicking of locks. Fatima smiled she spread the password and knock to certain people and instructed Adam to do the same.

The door opened slightly and she stepped in, what greeted Fatima were several black robed people and armed cultist forces even some that wore the colours of the emperor’s children but those who bore scars and runes of their cult were in the majority. She could see Adam sitting the corner she walked over “so how did it go?” Adam looked up to Fatima “well, there are many representatives here in this room at the moment.” Adam pointed at one of the black robed people they were in discussion with a group of people “that is Nelisa, she represents the tech serfs who are unsatisfied with the current masters. With time she could smuggle gear.” Adam moved his hand to another “That is Leon, he represents the slaves who have had loved ones torn apart by the Astartes. There are many others representing groups here the master’s above largely look down on us and abuse us. Many are tired of it.”

Fatima smirked “this is good, very good. Trust me Adam vengeance will come.” Adam smiled “I hope so, perhaps my sister can finally rest.” Fatima smiled back “yes, many people would finally be able to rest after we punish the followers of the serpent.”“

Fatima scanned the room searching for two certain individuals after a second she saw Farah and Dayton she walked over to them and made the salute of the blood cult. The fist over one’s heart since the cult teaches that Khrone favours those who use their lives well “kharnath be with you brother and sister. How have you found living with weak and decadent fools?” Farah frowned “you are right on the decadent and weak. Me and Dayton along with many of the cult force are stuck with the human soldiers that worship the serpent. They talk of such useless things and they have no grit either.”

Dayton nodded “indeed, I imagine if both forces fought we would tear them to shreds. They look down upon us they call us mad dogs.” Fatima scowled in anger “they are the ones that act like dogs.” Dayton bobbed his head in agreement “agreed, now that we are gathered mind telling us why we are here?” Fatima smiled she walked to the middle of the room she looked at the people gathered “I am sure many of you heard whispers and they are true. You are wondering how we will achieve vengeance against the “masters” I know you fear them. You are terrified of them but they can be killed.” Fatima turned to Adam “do you have the items I requested?” Adam rose he opened his robe and handed her a portable welding gun used for ship repairs it is about the size of a autogun. Adam then gave Fatima several parts, which includes a larger muzzle and a power pack. Adam inclined his head and walked back to his spot.

Fatima placed the welding gun and parts on the ground she knelt down and went to work mixing the parts with the welding gun it took her several minutes, she also changed some of the wiring and inner workings of the tool. Nelis came forward staring at it “that’s.. quite dangerous.” Fatima look up to Nelisa she hard short black hair, her skin is also dark while staring Fatima gave a devilish grin “I know that’s the point. My deceased master Tabard showed me how to do it.” Fatima picked up the welding gun and held it in her hands “this can release a burst that would now punch through power armour.”

Fatima could see many of the people in the room are in discussion she smiled and handed it to Nelisa “what do you think?” Nelisa looked at the weapon “I can make some improvements, make it more safer and more lethal.” Fatima grasped her shoulder “can you please work on that? Considering it’s welding guns no one should miss them.” Nelisa nodded and went back to her spot. Leon spoke up “right you have weapons, but what makes you lot different from the masters?” Dayton scowled at Leon “are you comparing us to them!? I shou-” Fatima held up her hand she removed her head band showing the mark of khorne on her forehead she pointed at it “what do you think of the mark of khorne Leon?” Staring at Leon his fair skin looked ruddy and weary. His brown hair is also lined with grease. Leon mumbled “I heard you lot are all mad. Mad with anger and rage. You seek nothing but war. What do you expect us to do? We are slaves! And they are space marines! We would be slaughtered!”

Fatima walked forward “see Leon I think differently to you. When Astartes sought to harm those I care about I charged them without fear in my heart. What this mark means to me is strength, strength in oneself. Ever since joining the blood cult my old master has not hit me once. He taught me things, to help me survive to grow strong. This galaxy is dark and unforgiving those who do not fight are swept away.” Leon looked down to what Fatima saw to be shame, Fatima could see everyone in the room is now listening to her. Fatima gestured to everyone in the room “think about it! If we do nothing what kind of lives will we live? Being beaten? Abused? I don’t want to live like that! I don’t want to die like that either! Since stepping on this ship I realised we have to fight or be forgotten! Kharnath remembers those who fight! He despises those who accept their place! I will never accept this situation! Never!”

Fatima felt the rune on her head burning “if we hesitate now, if we take a backwards step at this point then the degenerates win! These weapons will work! Look at them! Many of the Astartes on this ship forgo ranged weaponry!” Fatima pointed at the welding gun “imagine all the sla- no free people wielding such weapons! A tide of free people fighting and bleeding together! This is why Khorne the blood father demands war. War reveals what is within us!”

Fatima clenched her hands “yes we will bleed but all pain is temporary, but if we attain victory that will be forever with us!” Everyone in the room were nodding at Fatima’s words she smiled the fires within their hearts is being stoked. Fatima looked to Leon she can see he wants to fight for freedom, but it will take a final push she bore her eyes into him “Our fear should become fury, if we don’t rage against those that seek to harm us we will never be free and our families and friends will be twisted, changed or even tortured and killed...” Fatima walked back to the middle of the room, Fatima made the salute of the blood cult “brothers and sisters, we can either die with fear in our hearts or win with blood on our hands. Yes some of us may die but all we have left now thanks to those fools above is our lives. Even those who have nothing can give their lives that’s all we have and khorne favours those who use it well!”

Fatima looked around the room everyone was looking at her in silence, Adam walked forward and copied her salute Adam spoke his voice firm and full of confidence “my sister had the courage to stand up to them and lay down her life. It would shame her memory if I hanged back like coward. I am ready to give my life to this cause.”

Fatima watched all the blood cultist’s walking forward making the salute. Nelisa and the people she bought with her came forward also and made the salute. Fatima looked to Leon he clenched his eyes shut and walked forward tears started to dribble down his eyes he made the salute as well “they killed my wife, children and friends. They cast them aside like trash.” Leon breathed in and out “I want strength, to free myself and gain vengeance against those who killed the people I care for.”

Fatima smiled “if we all unite, Khorne will look upon us favourably, may he guide us to victory.” Everyone repeated her words “may he guide us to victory!” Fatima closed her eyes as the chant filled her ears as the rune on her head burned hot at the back of her mind she heard a guttural roar of approval.

Chapter 5

Jedrick Tape 3

Beleth:Right tape is starting, seats and drinks are ready…

Jedrick:Good, now what should we talk about today?

Beleth:How about we talk about your dream more?

Jedrick:Nope, I want to talk about something else

[Beleth sighs]

Jedrick:There is no point, still I have a good feeling on what or who is going to kill me. The issue is what happens after.

Beleth:After? What do you mean?

Jedrick:The question is who will fill the void I leave behind? It can’t be the Astartes of this ship.

Beleth:Why not? I am quite sure Silas could be the new exalted champion.

Jedrick:No not him, I want the person who replaces me to have Adelram’s back and Silas is far too self absorbed and a show off to replace me. Plus I hope that it is the one who kills me that takes my old place.

Beleth:Why would you want the person who kills you to take your place? I doubt Adelram would accept that

[Jedrick Laughs]

Jedrick:That’s where you come in.

Beleth:Me!? He won’t listen to me! That’s why I came to you in the first place! You know what why do you have to die!? You are important to him! Don’t you see that!?

[Jedrick grumbles]

Jedrick:You think that, you are simply not pressing him hard enough. Adelram will get mad but if you are speaking sense he will listen. Now why do I have to die? Because I want to you should know this. Yes I know I am important to him but what I want is far more important than our bond. Call it selfish? I don’t really care at some point he has to learn to live without me there.

Beleth:I see….

Jedrick:You see Beleth, when Adelram announced his desire on Zatos everything made sense to me. Adelram craves for people to trust him and he wants people to trust him in turn. He desires bonds he clings and holds unto people. Why does he surrounded himself and dotes on humans? Why does he go through such much trouble to corrupt those that interest him? Look at Sebastian if it was me I would plant an axe in his skull after Zatos. Beleth that need is ingrained into him even if he does not realise it.

Beleth:He craves bonds? I had.. No idea…

Jedrick:Yup, it’s not bad in itself he just needs to get the right people. I believe Marthas is not one of those right people. You are one of those right people there are three more according to my dream.

Beleth:You really don’t like Marthas all that much do you? Also, three more people? How do you know? So there is more to your dream? what did you see?

Jedrick:I don’t hate Marthas I just think his ideals is not in Adelram’s best interest that’s it. Now on the three people? Can’t say more I am not allowed, don’t want to displease the dark prince.

Beleth:What!? Seriously!? This might be important!

Jedrick:Of course it is, but it will be more interesting if I don’t say anything hence why I did not want to talk about the dream again. Beleth all I want is for you to save the one who will kill me that’s it. I will not say more on the matter.

[Beleth sighs]

Beleth:Alright, I will try.

Jedrick:That is all I ask, now I want to drink in peace leave me be.

Beleth:Right, thank you for your time.


Izel sat on his chair within his chambers, eldritch lights flickered and danced around the room they glew with a soft blue light. His room was lined with bookshelves filled with esoteric and dangerous knowledge. Parchments, scrolls and fetishes covered every inch of the walls.

His ship the seer of stars was cloaked the power worked by his serfs so he could work in peace without the imperium of rival warbands harrying or disturbing him. Izel pulled and moved the shining orbs that surrounded him since Athor they grew dark. In that darkness within each orb he sees or even feels a harrowing and disturbing future. The darkness that consumes the orbs is why he is in his chambers at work trying to divine it’s meaning. Staring into the orbs for a moment he thought he saw a figure it felt familiar for some reason “there is no way..” said Izel. He then sighed he wondered if it’s a test or it might be someone or something subverting the strands of fate. As he sat he heard a laughter, a chilling laughter that echoed in ones ear at most he could tell it’s female. As the laugh went on at the corner of his eye he saw someone but if he turned his head there is no one there.

Izel rose “who is there! Show yourself!” The laughter continued, Izel grabbed his helmet from the side desk and placed it upon his head. He scanned the room using the auto-senses trying to pick up anything his auto-senses detected nothing, Izel tutted “fine I shall use the other eye.” Izel opened his witch eye he saw blue fire tracing many of his writings and writhing pink and blue tentacles covered some of his books. Izel looked around and in the corner he saw a writhing cloud it is multicoloured. As he stared at it the laughter bounced in his mind. Izel raised one of his hands blue flame surged around it “I see you, show yourself now!”

The cloud moved towards Izel, it hovered in front of him it twisted and changed until a figure stood in front of him. Izel looked them up and down their gear is multicolored with blue,red and even yellow squares, they wore a hood along with a featureless mask. Just looking at the gear he knew right away who it was “What did I do to have a shadowseer visit me? I assume since a harlequin is visiting me I am within one of your stories?” The shadowseer laughed again, it oddly made Izel’s stomach turn the longer he kept hearing it. The shadowseer danced around Izel “a black and dark future you see fallen one. A future you wish to avert.” Izel narrowed his eyes in normal circumstances he would incinerate any xeno that would infiltrate his abode but the one here is important. He had a good feeling about it.

Izel folded his arms “yes, s-” The shadowseer stopped in front of Izel “you can get back to acquiring power to return your comrades. So you can finally bury your regret fallen one.” Izel clenched his hand the need to attack his “visitor” was increasing “yes, but I assume you are not here for that.”

The shadowseer inclined her head “indeed, a stage is being made to stop the true lord of sin from being born.” Izel raised his eyebrow he guessed he was involved considering the dark future still consumes the orbs. What confounded him is the fact that he manipulated the Lord of sin effortlessly on Athor until his human got in the way. He wondered what was so important about him and he seemed corrupted already “what do you mean to stop true lord of sin from being born?”

The shadowseer twirled her stave “The battle in the Barbos system was the start of the birthing process hence we sought to kill the lord of sin and his Mon-keigh servant. That stage, that play fell to pieces but the lord of sin danced to Athor. He would of met his end there his birth should've been aborted on Athor until his prized Mon-Keigh intervened.” Izel shook his head “what does that have to do with me?” The shadowseer laughed as she continued to twirl her stave “don’t disrupt this new stage mon-keigh. Leave things be and let fate run its course. Then the lord of sin won’t be born.”

Izel chuckled “what is so dangerous about him? He is not all that powerful! I could destroy him with ease! and he is easily manipulated. He is a fool!” The shadowseer stopped twirling her stave she tapped the head of it on her hand “if the lord of sin is born more titles should be added he will become the lord of corruption, the destroyer of virtue, scion of darkness and vice, The harvester of Aeldari….”

Izel scoffed “why should I listen to you!? I know your kind you are getting something out of this or perhaps you seek to manipulate me to serve your ends!” The shadowseer tilted her head to one side “do not disrupt the stage that has been set. See. Look.” The shadowseer moved her stave to the orbs that surrounded him they bent buckled. Izel stared at them it was like the darkness within them started to devour his mind. The vision turned far more bleaker than the one he saw. Izel could see the figure again. Izel looked closer at the orb he then saw himself being dragged down by the darkness consumed completely and utterly. The shadowseer moved her stave away and the orbs returned to normal. The same old empty darkness filled them.

Izel bit his lip slightly “if this involves me…” The shadowseer laughed “it will involve you if you disrupt the stage. Resist the urge to disrupt fate fallen one.” Izel narrowed his eyes “if you don’t want me disrupting your stage why not attempt to kill me?” The shadowseer began to dissipate “it’s simple there is a clear light. A perfect stage killing you could disrupt it. Moving against you can damage it...” Izel watched the shadowseer vanish, Izel sat back in his chair he mused on what he has just been told. One thing he knows for sure xeno’s especially the harlequins cannot be trusted. Izel guessed they sought to manoeuvre him if what the shadowseer showed him could be trusted then he must act in his own way. The adherents and followers of tzeentch are the true masters of fate, not the aeldari who play with small strings hoping to keep their dead race alive.

Izel opened his hand and concentrated from his palm a mirror like substance was generated he pushed it to the centre of his chamber. It slowly expanded until it turned into circle like mirror that blazed with a rainbow of colour. Izel leaned back in his chair he searched systems, sectors and planets for the thing that could end the Lord of sin. He searched for several minutes until minutes turned to hours. Izel stopped at one image a ship moving through the warp. Izel chuckled “I wonder what I could do with that…”

Salvador trotted away from Adelram’s chambers it’s been a few weeks he is getting used to the ship and he is spending far more time with Beleth. For once since he was taken from his home he is happy. Salvador frowned as he spoke out loud “perhaps Fatima is wrong..” Salvador walked to his room thinking on Fatima’s words that what Lord Adelram is doing is a lie. Everyday when he gets back to his room it’s another lecture from her, she presses him more and more as the days goes by. Part of Salvador could not believe that Adelram is far too kind, he has not hit him once he treats him well. He has good food to eat and a nice bed and now.. he finally has friends. He talked more with Luke he even met Lily his partner who also seems nice as well. Most of all Beleth watches out for his well-being. Thinking of Beleth he found him odd in a sense he is like Fatima but far more calm. Plus he speaks the truth in a sense he does not beat around the bush. Now when he speaks to Fatima he was not sure whether it’s his sister anymore these days she seems far more angry, restless even.

As Salvador reached his room door he pressed the button to open it and walked in. He saw Fatima sitting on the bed deep in thought. To Salvador seeing his sister in such a position was a surprise he walked over slowly “what are you thinking about?” Fatima turned her head to him and stared “I am thinking of how to free you.” Salvador raised his eyebrow “free me? What do you mean?” Fatima sat up from the bed sighing “look at yourself caught in the snakes trap. You don’t even realise it.” Salvador grew concerned his sister seemed calm, no fiery temper and no shouting either. Salvador tapped his fingers together nervously “Fatima, I thi-” Fatima held up her hand “don’t say anything Salvador I know what you are going to say and it’s a no. I won’t join them, I won’t get to know them and I hate everything they stand for.”

Fatima creased her brow “I came here and waited. I wanted to see you to resolve myself, to understand that I might have to do something for the sake of everyone else.” Salvador squinted his eyes in confusion “you have to do something for the sake of everyone else?” Fatima nodded, for a split second Salvador saw the face his sister before she joined the blood cult “indeed, my dear brother listen to me just once. Just this one time, don’t leave your room in the next few days. Starting from today, don’t leave your room.”

Salvador scratched the back of his head he wondered what Fatima is doing “what if I have to practice? What if they ask for for me?” Fatima walked forward and grabbed both of his shoulders “ignore their summons, block your door anything. Just stay here.” Salvador could see his sister is now almost pleading, Salvador nodded slowly “I will. I-” Fatima held his lips “enough speaking. Let your big sister do the work now.” Fatima let go of Salvador’s lips, she walked towards the room door she turned her head back “I am going out for something. Keep your promise.” Salvador nodded “okay.” Fatima nodded back and left the room. Salvador stood within his room in silence. He wondered what his sister is doing and considering how she almost begged to stay in his room, Salvador hoped she is not doing anything dangerous. Salvador felt anxious he felt a strange need to chase after her. Salvador paced the room she told him not to leave but her last conversation made him want to reach for the door.

Salvador sighed as he heard a knock, it was a soft knock. Salvador stared at the door he waited. His sister said to ignore those who come to his door he was about to move away until he heard another knock and a familiar voice “Salvador! It’s me Beleth!” Salvador flinched his mouth felt dry. He wondered just perhaps he could talk to Beleth of his concerns. For some reason in these past weeks he feel he could utterly trust him. Salvador watched the door as the knock came again he found himself slowly walking to the door. As he reached the door his finger hovered over the button to open it. Salvador closed his eyes as he pressed the button to open his door. Beleth is now in front of him smiling “Salvador, I am heading to the bar want to come?” Salvador shifted slightly in front of Beleth.

Beleth’s smile left his face he spoke firmly “something is wrong isn’t there?” Salvador jumped he cursed as he remembered that Beleth can pick up such things. Salvador’s shoulders went slack “yes, there is…” Beleth nodded “may I come in?” Salvador stepped aside to let Beleth in “yes, please come in.” Beleth walked into the room he walked towards the bed and sat down frowning “so tell me Beleth what’s the matter.”

Salvador rubbed his arm he wondered if he should tell Beleth, he remembered his sister’s words Adelram appears kind but perhaps Beleth might be different. Salvador took a breath “I am worried about my sister.” Beleth raised his eyebrow “oh? Why is that?” Salvador gripped his hands together sweat streaked his hands “these past few weeks Fatima seemed… far more aggressive and today? Now she is calm and speaking of finding resolve. She also talks of doing something for everyone’s sake.” Beleth’s eyes suddenly turned black a darkness consumed the entirety of his eyes “I see, I assume she is hiding something.” Salvador furrowed his brows “hiding something?” Beleth nodded he turned his head towards the wall “these past few weeks she has been coming and going from the lower levels. I thought nothing of it perhaps she wanted to be with those of the blood cult. The news you delivered to me makes me… concerned.”

Salvador gripped his hands more tightly he cursed, Salvador felt that perhaps telling Beleth might be a mistake. Beleth sat up from his bed the darkness drained from his eyes and returned to milky white “right we will go see what she is doing.” Salvador blinked “what?” Beleth scratched his head “she is not far, I can still feel her if I focus. We will follow her. Come.” Beleth walked to the door he pressed the button to open it, Beleth turned his head back “Come Salvador.” Beleth repeated. Salvador looked down “eer.” Beleth sighed in response “Salvador, she is your sister if she is doing something foolish you might be able to convince her to stop.” Salvador looked up “convince her?” Beleth nodded “yes, don’t worry I will be with you.” Salvador slowly walked to the door “right. I will come with you.”

As they both left the room Salvador watched Beleth’s back he could tell he seemed somewhat agitated. Salvador upped his pace to walk with Beleth “what if my sister is doing something foolish? What if I can’t convince her to stop?” Beleth continued to walk he spoke without looking at him “then she will be in dangerous territory Salvador.” Salvador gulped when he heard Beleth’s words “perhaps someone else convinced her to do something? May-” Beleth spoke firmly interrupting him he shook his head “your sister is smart Salvador. She is not exactly a follower either.” Salvador was about to say something else to retort but deep down he knew it to be true. His sister had a fiery passion she climbed the ranks of the blood cult quickly. Salvador still hoped she is not mixed up in anything bad. They both walked in silence as they took the steps down to the lower levels as they walked down it was like Salvador was greeted to another world. The ship started to look more like the world eaters ship and the smell stinged his nose. Salvador frowned “it smells..” Beleth grinned “disgusting right?”

Salvador nodded “yeah.” Beleth sighed “I have tried to convince Adelram to do something about it.” Salvador blinked in surprise “oh really? Is he going to renovate the lower levels?” Beleth chuckled “renovate? I wanted him to do that in a manner of speaking. Anyway let’s focus on the task at hand.” Salvador watched Beleth’s eyes turn black his head darted around like animal until he pointed. “That way, follow me Salvador.” Moving through the lower level Salvador found quite hard the smell it seemed so revolting he wondered how Beleth can stand it. As they passed through the corridors he saw people peeking out of rooms but as Beleth passed they quickly shut their doors. Salvador saw their fear clearly yet as he walked with Beleth Salvador found he felt no such fear. He felt secure, even safe around Beleth.

Salvador did not understand what other people saw that frightened them. They eventually reached a corridor Beleth stopped he looked around. “How odd, no one is here but..” Salvador watched Beleth walk to a door Salvador moved to follow but Beleth held up his hand “stay there Salvador.” Salvador froze, Beleth crept up to a door. Salvador watched Beleth place his ear to the door slowly, gently. Salvador could perceive that Beleth is listening for something. Several minutes passed and Beleth furrowed his brow. Salvador could see he is concerned about something and after a moment a large frown creased his features. He leaned back from the door silently. Salvador raised his eyebrow “wh-” Salvador blinked and suddenly Beleth was in front of him he held his finger to his lips “sssssh. Come” Beleth said quietly. Beleth moved his hand away and walked the other direction back to the steps.

Confused Salvador followed him, he wanted to ask questions but considering what Beleth just did he held his tongue. They walked in silence until they got back to the upper levels. Salvador nodded “ri-” Beleth quickly turned and placed his hand over his mouth “quiet Beleth, we will speak in my room.” Salvador nodded as Beleth removed his hand.

As they walked Salvador wondered what got Beleth so worked up, eventually they reached a door Beleth pressed a button and walked in. Salvador shook his head he was still confused as he walked into Beleth’s room. The doors closed, Salvador looked around and in surprise Beleth’s room is normal. No outlandish paintings, no multi coloured walls or chained slaves either.

Beleth turned the chair at his desk he faced it towards the bed and gestured to his bed with one of his hands “sit Salvador.” Salvador sat on the bed he rubbed his neck “so what is going on Beleth?” Beleth gave a heavy sigh “your sister is being very foolish.” Salvador raised his eyebrow “in what way?” Beleth creased his brow “your sister is fostering a rebellion and going by what I heard a great many people are involved.” Salvador’s heart jumped “w-what? Why would she do that!?”

Beleth shrugged “considering how she holds the blood god sacred it does not surprise me. In the end it doesn't matter anymore.” Salvador began sweating he clenched his hands “why? Perhaps we could convince her?” Beleth shook his head “your sister has made a grave mistake. She was taken to live in what some would call luxury and essentially spat in Adelram’s face. Plus the fact she is fostering a rebellion in the name of the blood god.” Salvador’s mouth quivered “you can’t do anything!? Please there must be some way to save her!”

Beleth frowned “it’s too late, what I heard it’s almost time for them to trigger it. We only have one duty Salvador.” Salvador bit his lip “what duty?” Beleth nodded “since you came to me with this. At most this will absolve you but you sister and those who support her? They will be killed or worse.” Salvador shot up from his bed “you are clos-” Beleth held up his hand “I am still human, honestly I personally don’t know how Adelram will react to this news.”

Salvador looked down “Beleth, what should I do?” Salvador turned his head slightly, Beleth rose from his chair “you have two choices. If you don’t come with me to report your sister then..” Salvador gulped “I am an enemy… right?” Beleth nodded “indeed. I personally don’t want you to die so please make the right decision. Come with me to Adelram’s chambers.”

Salvador looked to his hands they were shaking, sweat lined them his sister always looked out for him she was always there until she embraced the blood god. Salvador tried to search for any good memory since she joined the blood cult he searched and searched. Yet all he found was emptiness, fear. Oddly, Salvador to his confusion did not feel fear for Fatima’s life he felt the fear of losing his place here. This place that finally feels like a home of sorts. Salvador did not recall anyone good on the world eater ship even among the humans but since being taken and helping Adelram he felt a strange sense of purpose as he started to play his cello again. Salvador clinched his eyes shut, he breathed in and then out he opened his eyes and turned to Beleth. “I-I w-will go with you.” Beleth smiled “good now follow me.”

Salvador left the room with Beleth, Salvador wondered if he made the right decision.

Tarkhan walked the halls of the ship, they were preparing to dive into the sea of souls, for some reason since Batu spoke to him he found it hard to practice. His bladework felt off and even Ganzorig noticed as they sparred. Tarkhan frowned “I can’t concentrate, Batu said my sword will break in the jaws of the wolf..” Tarkhan shook his head, he normally practised his blade work to clear his mind but the fact that Batu feels he is drinking too much from the cup has him worried.

Tarkhan wondered why would practicing be a danger? He wondered what danger would be to hone yourself as weapon so you can take the heads of your enemy? Tarkhan looked to his dao he placed his hand to the handle and flicked his blade out making several quick movements in the air he sheathed his blade and grunted “I could do it quicker.. Far more quicker. I am distracted.” Tarkhan continued to walk until in the distance he saw his Khan, Ganzorig he stepped to the side and bowed “Khan.” Ganzorig stopped he smiled “greetings Tarkhan.” Tarkhan rose “and greetings to you khan.” Ganzorig placed his hand on Tarkhan’s pauldron “is something wrong Tarkhan?” Tarkhan shook his head “no, I am fine.”

Ganzorig shook his head “you are frowning you seem agitated, I can tell considering how much we spar.” Tarkhan sighed, Ganzorig knows his mannerism’s too well now “yes, something is wrong. Ganzorig raised his eyebrow “what is it?” Tarkhan felt the need to unburden himself he told Ganzorig of the wisdom Batu shared with him. Ganzorig removed his hand from his pauldron and stroked his chin “I see.. so that is why you seemed so unfocused.”

Ganzorig nodded “then you shall be my second.” Tarkhan’s eyes went wide “you already have one! Li-” Ganzorig cut him off “it would be foolish to ignore Batu’s wisdom. Do not worry my Lieutenant will keep his place this is advisory.” Tarkhan eyes went wide he bowed “I do not deserve it.” Ganzorig roughly lifted Tarkhan from his bow “enough bowing, you are my brother. Come let us talk more.” Tarkhan walked with Ganzorig they talked at length on different combat techniques and how to adequately prepare to fight the traitors. As they talked of the traitors, Tarkhan’s blood boiled he would enjoy the battle to come as he removes their heads from their shoulders.

As the ship moon dancer began to enter the warp they separated as they both decided to prepare privately for the war ahead. As Tarkhan walked back to the training room he felt oddly better after speaking to Ganzorig properly and being in his presence seemed to calm him down. Tarkhan moved his hand to his blade and flicked his blade out repeating the simple movements from before. As he sheathed his blade he smiled “that is much better.”

Tarkhan made his way back to the training room he looked at the repaired servitors he pressed the button at the end of the room to activate them. Tarkhan slowly put on his helmet while smiling “I will be the perfect weapon for my Khan. I will not let him down.” Tarkhan gripped the handle of his blade as the servitors charged towards him.

Fatima looked at everyone in the meeting room, everyone seemed ready, committed everyone craved victory and vengeance. Fatima could feel the gaze of the blood father upon her the roars of approval got louder and louder after every meeting. When she sleeps she see’s horned daemons leering at her in the dark waiting, waiting patiently for the tide of blood to come. Adam walked towards her “everyone wants to start now.” Fatima nodded “we will begin the operation in 24 hours, get the word out. Have everyone in position and ready with the weapons Nilsa has developed.” Fatima smiled since the first meeting slaves that bore anger in their hearts approached her or one of her many trusted associates. Their war of vengeance will be a tide that will drown the degenerates.

Adam then called her name breaking her reverie “Fatima, I will get the word out.” Fatima nodded “good. I just wanted to say Adam that we are doing the right thing.” Adam nodded “I know, many of the serfs on the upper levels are joining in as well.” Adam then looked away slightly, Fatima could see he wanted to ask something she folded her arms “what is it?” Adam sighed “what of your brother?”

Fatima frowned “I spoke to him. Do not worry I am resolved to do what is necessary if he does not listen to me.” Fatima sighed “after working with you Adam. Honestly I wish you were my brother.” Adam gave Fatima a thin smile “we are brother and sister under the blood father Fatima. Both our blood siblings have been stolen by the Astartes above.” Fatima nodded “indeed. Anyway it’s time to get ready.. One more speech.”

Fatima walked to the middle of the room she clapped to quieten everyone down. “Right, the time is coming brothers and sisters! I can hear lord khorne roaring for our victory! Prepare yourselves! Prepare your minds and hearts! Soon our war of vengeance will begin! The leaders will get out the keywords to begin our war! Those above will not suspect a thing! The degenerates are so blind with their perversions they won’t see the warriors of the blood father striking them down! Now my brothers and sisters in the next few hours our victory will come!”

Everyone pounded their fists in the air chanting “victory for the blood father! Victory for Khorne!” Fatima grinned her blood boiled for war in 24 for hours the eye of the blood god will fall upon the followers of the serpent and khorne will get his tally of skulls.

Since Malign portents came out I will begin working on my AOS story again. Also I am quite excited to write the next few chapters of this story.

Well this is about to get interesting. Look forward for what's to come!

Chapter 6

Salvador stood with Beleth at Adelram’s chamber doors, Salvador found he was shaking nervously he wondered how Adelram would react. He wondered what he will do. Beleth pushed the doors open he stepped inside. Salvador slowly followed. Salvador entered Adelram’s chambers with Beleth he could see Adelram is in discussion with two Astartes. One wore a hood and held spiked censer like weapon and the other wore terminator armour. Adelram sighed “look both you, we can’t trust him.” The terminator stepped forward “yet he has resources, connections and in this day and age we need such things.” Adelram shook his head “Silas need I remind you the last time we accepted an invitation?”

Salvador looked at the terminator Adelram referred him to as Silas. The hooded Astartes then spoke up “I am of a mind of Silas, this is not Abbadon this is a member of the third sending this message. I wonder why call for us when you have made up your mind? Unless you are not sure?” Adelram paced slightly he sighed heavily again “Yes... I can see the advantages, but I just have a bad feeling about it hence why I called you both.” Beleth watched the conversation taking place he walked forward interrupting the conversation “Adelram there is a problem.”

Adelram raised his eyebrow “problem? What sort of problem?” Beleth gestured “come Salvador.” Salvador jumped “y-yes” Salvador walked forward. Adelram stared at him “what is it?” Beleth nodded “speak Salvador.” Salvador gulped “my sister is doing something… bad.” Adelram folded his arms “bad? Like what?” Salvador’s mouth turned dry it was like ash lined his mouth “s-she i-is gathering people to revolt…” Salvador waited, he waited for the anger and to his shock Adelram simply sighed “really? Does she have a death wish?” Beleth furrowed his brow at Adelram “don’t you dare..” Adelram raised his eyebrow “dare what?”

Beleth shook his head in annoyance “you don’t see this as a problem do you?” Adelram shrugged “I do, but what can slaves do to us? What resources could they use to harm us? Honestly if this revolt occurs at least it will give my brothers something to do.” Silas almost shouted “It is a problem!” Adelram turned his head to Silas “how so?” Silas scowled “those who are deemed lesser is rising against their betters! Death should be visited upon them! Unending torment should be visited on the ring masters!” Marthas gestured to calm Silas down “yes this news is problematic but Adelram is right how can slaves be a threat? I assume slaves on the lower levels plot everyday to overthrow us.” Silas stomped his foot on the ground in anger “it does not matter whether they can or not! We should attack these people now for daring to even think such a thing!”

Adelram shook his head “enough of that,” He looked to Beleth “As Marthas said slaves plot everyday on the lower levels. To overthrow us to fight us. Even if it comes to that what can they do? You should relax a little” Beleth sighed “fine, fine think that way. If it turns out worse..” Adelram folded his arms he spoke firmly “it won’t.” Salvador could see Beleth biting his lip slightly he turned away, Salvador followed as they exited Adelram’s chambers with each step Salvador could tell that Beleth is incredibly angry. Beleth suddenly stopped in the hall to Salvador’s surprise “Salvador, from now you will stay in my room. Follow me.”

Salvador stammered “w-what? Why?” Beleth hissed “don’t argue. Please.” Salvador nodded “okay.” They walked back to Beleth’s room as they entered Salvador looked around “what are you going to do?” Beleth turned “prepare, I had a good feeling he would not view it as much of a problem. Most Astartes wouldn’t, what surprised me though is that Silas wants to deal with them now. Still what I did was more for you than anything else.” Salvador raised his eyebrow “more for me?” Beleth nodded “yes, because if something does happen and if this revolt is more than it appears Adelram won’t touch you because you came to him with the information.” Salvador blinked in surprise “you did that to save me?” Beleth nodded “indeed, now..” Beleth turned away and went under the bed and pulled out a large case.

Beleth picked up the case and placed it on his desk. He turned to Salvador “I want you to rest.” Salvador furrowed his brow “I am not tired though.” Beleth smiled “I know hence why I want you to rest.” Salvador felt a small sting in his mind, his eyes suddenly felt heavy “yeah, thinking about it. I feel tired.” Salvador rubbed his eyes. Beleth nodded “you can rest on my bed.” Salvador walked over to Beleth’s bed he needed to sleep, he felt the urge to lie down and close his eyes. Salvador crawled into Beleth’s bed before he shut his eyes he saw Beleth pulling out a giant crossbow from the case.

Salvador tried to keep his eyes open but he felt so tired, darkness began consuming his vision as he drifted to sleep.

Abraham rubbed his neck in frustration he wondered how he will explain to Jedrick that the cultists added to their number haven’t turned up for training today. Abraham looked around the other Astartes largely did not care to his surprise. But he knew, Jedrick is different he understands that much after joining and serving him. Plus he provides other niceties when training is done he largely let’s him do what he wants. Abraham sighed “maybe I should get a drink? I wonder if Beleth or even Luke will come? Abraham smiled “I got to get Beleth to bring Salvador, perhaps him being there might finally land me a partner?” Abraham chuckled to himself.

Abraham nodded “right, let me go visit Beleth.” As he was about to approach the door they opened a stream of people entered the hall. Abraham raised his eyebrow in confusion at first he thought it was the missing cultists but the amount people entering the hall was staggering. Abraham could also see Astartes rising from their seats in surprise staring around the hall again Abraham just realised how many of the people he actually knows is also missing. Abraham’s eyes went wide with realisation he swore as he quickly dashed for cover, the armed people surged the hall, Astartes drew their weapons power blades ignited with crackling blue energy. The intruders swarmed over cultists that were too slow to react they were beaten and stabbed to death with clubs, knives and swords. As cultists moved to their weapons the attackers riddled them with bullets from their autoguns.

Abraham examined them more closely many wore makeshift armour, but what surprised him most of all are the charms and paint that lined their gear. They were runes to the blood god, Abraham swore again as he poked out of cover he got his autogun ready and fired into the crowd. Many crumpled to the ground blood leaking from their wounds, the Astartes charged Blades whipping out slicing apart the attackers. Yet the Astartes were outnumbered, the Attackers jumped on top of them stabbing and hitting the weak points in their armour. The gorget, the back of the knees and arms. Abraham continued firing at those who approached he wondered how this could happen. How could such a large revolt take place. Abraham looked over to the Astartes again, blood leaked from their wounds as they threw off the humans that piled unto them. The crowd of attackers separated and several people holding welding guns came forward. The welding guns had wires crossing it’s frame, it also looked heavily modified.

They also wore better armour than the rest they ran close to the Astartes and fired a surge of deep blue flame came out of the weapon. Abraham heard something that he would never expect to hear from his masters, their screams of agony. The Astartes that was hit by the flame crumpled to the ground the pink on his armour scorched and his armour is clearly melted. upon seeing the dead Astartes the people assaulting them redoubled their attacks as they screamed praises to the blood god. The Astartes switched to attention and their blades moved like lightning upon seeing the threat.They hacked and diced apart anyone that tried to get close. As the bodies piled around them blood covered the floor. Abraham began to feel a headache as people died the smell in the room changed, the smell of blood permeated his nose along with a coppery taste in his mouth.

The attackers that wielded the welding guns approached the Astartes one at a time firing taking them down one by one. They also used those who surged the Astartes as cover plus the Astartes had to deal with those firing autoguns at them. The autoguns largely did nothing but it was a distraction Abraham can see that. Abraham poked out of cover and fired again, this time it drew their attention. Several of the attackers broke away and charged his position, Abraham poked out of the cover he gunned one down, as they crumpled to the floor Abraham could see they did not spare their fellow even a glance. One was closing in they screamed “for the blood cult! Blood for the blood god!” Abraham shook his head “you want to offer your blood!? Fine!”

Abraham fired his autogun again hitting the blood cultist in the head breaking their run, Abraham then fired several times in the body. They dropped to the ground blood leaking from their wounds.

Abraham looked around again the smell of blood and the coppery taste increased in intensity, the Astartes murdering the blood cultists caused the hall to appear like a charnel house. Abraham narrowed his eyes “what do they hope to gain?” As those words left Abraham’s lips an unnatural voice creased his mind the voice is firm and cold. It made Abraham shudder in fear as the voice said “blood for the blood god…” Abraham pointed his gun around frantically. The blood under the Astartes started to bubble and suddenly a sword shot out piercing the Astartes through the head. The Astartes sagged on the blade, Abraham stared at the sword it hurt Abraham’s eyes, the sword burned with an orange flame but the fire surrounding the weapon is clearly unnatural. Abraham looked down to the arm wielding the weapon he saw a muscled red hand gripping the blade, strange black spines covered the arm.

Watching the Astartes die the whole room froze, everyone stared at the weapon, until more red hands started to reach out of the pool of blood. Abraham hands were sweating, the smell of blood filled his nose. The words continued to echo in his mind the voice grew louder and louder “Blood for the blood god, Blood for the blood god, BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD.”

Out of the pile of dead bodies and from the pool of blood sprang out daemons, their skin is red and sizzled with fire, lashing purple tongues flicked out and each daemon had a crown of black horns. The daemons all bore burning swords that seemed to be at odds with the very air. The one Abraham assumed to be the leader of the daemons bore the rune of khorne on its forehead it screamed “Bloodletters! Kill for Khorne! Collect skulls for the blood god!” The daemons chanted as they pounced upon the Astartes, hacking and dicing them to pieces. The blood cult yelled and screamed with the daemons piling upon anyone wearing the colours of the emperor's children legion. Abraham watched this all unfold and even now he has found that he has stopped firing his gun. One bloodletter looked at him the one that bore the rune on it’s forehead, it looked at him with it’s burning red eyes it smiled “I will take your skull for khorne!”

Abraham’s mouth quivered, he was terrified he could not press down on the trigger his hands were shaking until he blinked and realised his gun slipped from his hands. The bloodletter roared and charged, Abraham tried to roll away but the bloodletter leaped towards him and impaled him on it’s sword. Abraham screamed “It h-hurts! I-it hurts! N-no!” The bloodletter bought him forward with his blade it spoke calmly even with the blade burning within him watching such a daemon speak calmly terrified him “your suffering will end. Suffering is not the way of the blood god. Die as a warrior. Know that as you die Katarnax offered you up to the blood god.” The bloodletter brought up it’s hand it burned with fire. Abraham tried to struggle but it simply caused more pain, the bloodletter placed it’s hand on his head.

Abraham felt his head burning he screamed and soon he felt nothing.

Katanax watched the human die his face burning away revealing the bleached bone he grinned “skulls for khorne…” He tore the skull from the head of the human and threw his body off his blade. He raised the skull high “Skulls for khorne! Skulls for Khorne!” the humans turned to him and chanted the same as they began collecting heads from the dead. Katarnax could feel the humans faith, their fury and drive for vengeance against the minions of the hated serpent.

Katarnax roared “True warriors are born in blood! Give more Blood to Khorne! Offer up their skulls!” Katarnax watched the warriors of khorne continue to collect heads and cut away at the remaining stragglers. He grinned he wondered if their leader has joined the fray? Once he comes they can take the head of the leader…

Katarnax walked forward leaving the corpse of the headless human “we must offer more skulls. more... “

Luke walked the halls of the ship Lily kicked him out of their room because she wanted a small gathering for women since the "guys" go out for drinks. She even has Jimmy serving and making cocktails. Luke sighed “comes with being captain…” Luke perked up after thinking about Jimmy “maybe I should visit Abraham then?” Luke smiled “yeah let’s do that!” Luke began whistling while he walked down the hall he was about to make a corner until he heard a gunshot. Luke quickly placed his back to the wall and drew his pistol. He poked his head around the corner he saw a large group of people surrounding several serfs. One was already dead they bore a bullet hole in the head. Luke picked out their weapons there were not that many people wielding guns, while majority held close combat weapons in the group. Luke then moved to their gear he spotted runes and charms covering their makeshift armour.

Luke narrowed his eyes he whispered “they look similar to the blood cultists…” Luke watched a serf cry out “please wait! Don’t kill me! I-I” The one Luke assumed to be the leader brought up to what appears to be a welding gun. Scars covered his face and arms he had the same rune that covered their gear was painted on his forehead “vengeance for my sister! Vengeance against all degenerates!”

He pressed the trigger a gout of deep blue flame consumed the serf, their scream echoed in the halls. Luke stopped watching the blood cultists he thought of Lily and the possible fact she might be in danger. He moved away from the wall slowly and went back the way he came.

As he got some distance he broke into a run he rushed down the halls as quickly as he can. As Luke made his way back to his room he pushed in the code numbers to open the door. With a click the door slid open he stepped in to see Elizabeth, Isira, Isabella, Camilla and Lily sitting around a table being served cocktails by Jimmy. When Luke entered Lily rose from her seat “Luke why are you here? I thou-” Lily stared at his gun “did something happen?”

Luke nodded “yes, we need to seal the room now!” Luke turned to the door he pushed several buttons to engage the locks. Lily came towards him “what’s wrong?” Luke shook his head “the blood cultists are revolting!” Isira turned her head laughing “they are mad, they must have a death wish. The Astartes will kill them.” Isabella nodded “yes, I don’t even see what the fuss is about…”

Luke shook his head “I don’t care! All I care about is keeping Lily safe!” Luke looked to Lily his words seemed to surprise her “never knew you were brave.” Luke cast his eyes down slightly “I have to be. I won’t be like him.” Lily raised her eyebrow “like him? Like him who?” Luke breathed in and then out “don’t worry about it! Are there guns in the room?” Lily nodded “yes in my chest over there.” Lily pointed at a chest at the back of the room. Luke ran over and opened it. He pulled out a autogun. As he turned to face the table Isira got up “I don’t see why you are fussing. This “revolt” will be over quickly.” Camila frowned “I think we should still stay here though. Just in case.”

Luke can see everyone is now staring at him even Jimmy “you don’t see this as a problem!?” Lily sighed “fine let me check.” Lily walked over to her chest of drawers she picked up a datapad. Luke raised his eyebrow “what are you doing?” Lily looked up “checking the cameras. I had them linked to my datapad.” Luke watched Lily press buttons on her datapad and after a moment her mouth hanged and she suddenly dropped her datapad.

Lily looked to Luke her mouth slightly agape, she then clapped her hands together “all of you grab a gun now!” Isabella scoffed “why? I thought we are meant to be relaxing?” Lily scowled “unless you want to be hacked to pieces by mad cultists and daemons you better get a damn weapon!”

Jimmy frowned “so I assume I won’t be serving cocktails anymore?” Isira smiled at Jimmy “it seems so dear.” Jimmy simply sighed. Luke looked to Lily “what do we do?” Lily stroked her chin “the door is sturdy and can even handle high temperatures, it’s the daemons I am worried about.”

Lily moved her hand away from her chin and nodded “Isira, can you ward the door?” Isira inclined her head “I can do that.” Lily smiled “right everyone grab a weapon, we will put together some makeshift cover.” Luke raised his eyebrow “what do we do after that?” Lily gave Luke a heavy sigh “we simply wait.”

Jedrick stood at Noxus’ door waiting for Beleth, what surprised him more than anything is that his communication was urgent and the fact he should be in full wargear. Jedrick tapped the floor with his foot “I wonder what got him so worked up?” Jedrick sighed as he thought on a previous communication sent by Adelram, he wanted to talk to him about meeting lord commander Eidolon.

Since he knew what was coming he simply ignored it. More than anything he knows that Adelram wants someone to convince him to go. As Jedrick waited for several more minutes he heard footsteps out of the darkness he saw Beleth carrying a crossbow he is also wearing his skull helmet. Jedrick raised his eyebrow “I assume this is not one of our talks?” Beleth shook his head “No, I actually think it has begun already. I can feel the warp bending and tearing.” Jedrick crossed his arms “what has begun?” Beleth moved to Noxus’ door “the revolt.” Jedrick sighed “let me guess? The blood cultists?” Beleth titled his head to one side “so you knew?” Jedrick grumbled, he did not know but he could see clearly those taken from the world eater ship chafed under their re-training. “I could see signs but I was not sure.”

Beleth nodded “I see, even so perhaps now Adelram will be convinced it’s a threat.” Jedrick creased his brow “let me guess, he thought they were not threat?” Beleth inclined his head “yup. Hence why I keep saying you should speak to him.” Jedrick looked away “whoever will replace me will do it.” Beleth punched the door in anger “why do you keep putting it off!? You think that Adelram will listen to the person who kills you!? Do you really think that!?” Jedrick watched the fury radiating from Beleth, he can understand why he is frustrated but in the end the dark princes hand was at work and he does not want to get in the way of that.

Jedrick shook his head “there is a reason, just bare it for now.” Beleth sighed as he punched in the code to open the large doors. As they slid open Jedrick followed Beleth inside. Entering the room he saw Caius and his serfs at work going over Noxus’ chasis. Noxus growled “why do you keep touching me! Leave me alone!”

Caius responded his voice monotone “we must prepare you, war is spilling across the ship.” Beleth walked towards Caius “Caius what are you doing here?” Caius turned around “As I said to Astartes Noxus I am preparing him.” Jedrick crossed his arms “you barely come here, you stick to your workshop what happened?” Caius released a screeching dirge of binary the screeching died away after several seconds his monotone voice returned as he said “my own serfs betrayed me. They attacked with crude welding guns. I had my servitors tie them up as I escaped with those loyal to me.”

Caius looked up to Noxus “I was going to rouse Astartes Noxus since the halls are crawling with those who scream to the blood god.” Jedrick furrowed his brow “the halls are crawling with them?” Beleth nodded “yup, it seems they are trying to avoid this place for now.” Jedrick looked up to Noxus who is still growling in anger “I can see why.”

Beleth walked up to Noxus “how about we kill some fools, for old time sake?” Noxus stepped forward “if it gets me away from him. I will.” Caius screeched “we must do all the canticles! You can’t just leave!” Noxus snorted “don’t care. Anyway I am itching to crush the followers of the blood god.” Jedrick looked to Beleth “so where are we going first?”

Beleth turned “we will go to Adelram’s chambers. I suspect the enemy wants his head.” Caius and Beleth moved out of the way as Noxus began moving to the door “enough talking I want to kill.” Jedrick grinned “aye, let’s get to that.” Jedrick removed his helmet from his belt and placed it upon his head. He drew his axe and dagger he looked over to Beleth “are you ready?”

Beleth readied his crossbow “yes, these blood cultists will rue the day they decided to do this.” Jedrick turned back to the doors grinning. The light above the doors chimed green as they slid open Noxus walked out. Jedrick followed along with Beleth. As they got back into the hall Jedrick pointed down the hall “let’s go the quickest route available.” Noxus singled a approval on his heads-up display and Beleth simply nodded.

Marthas crushed the head of another blood cultist with his weapon they swarmed around him like flies. He twisted his censer and flicked his censer in different directions all of the blood cultists looked like they were moving in slow motion. Even if this is the case he had to be observant several Astartes of the temple were taken down by the welding guns they wielded.

Marthas looked over to the other side of the hall, Silas along with the terminators treated the cultists as simply chaff as they swung their power weapons they died in droves. Silas grunted as he spoke through their communication channel “Adelram should of listened to me! You should of listened!” Marthas crushed the head of another cultist “I know, but this will be dealt with in time! They are only human!”

Marthas looked over to Sebastian to see how he is doing he killed cultists in silence with some of the chosen. Any cultist that approached them simply dropped to the ground as their weapons danced through the air. Marthas nodded "he is fine.." Marthas then heard a screaming blood cultist approaching him he turned and bought eligos down upon their head shattering it. Marthas smacked aside another enemy he stopped for a second after hearing a scream. The scream belonged to a terminator who was taken down by one of the welding guns, All those who wielded the welding guns began converging upon the terminators. Marthas grimaced “they are almost never ending…” Marthas looked to their room. The wooden doors were closed he shouted “Naberius! Sitri! What are you doing!”

As he spoke their names the doors swung open, two robed figures stepped out Sitri called out “sorry! We thought you can handle it!” She said mockingly. Marthas sighed “enough! Help us kill them!” Marthas sighed as he smacked aside a blood cultist their blood splattering on the ground. Marthas looked back to Naberius and Sitri they were both in discussion until Sitri shrugged, Naberius shouted “we will help!” Silas shouted “what use are those two!?” Marthas grinned “you shall see..” Silas grunted “see what!?”

Marthas watched Naberius and Sitri removed their robes, Naberius wore a long purple robe that bore no sleeves along with two golden armbands. Words of power and prayers to the dark prince covered his arms. Sitri removed her robes she wore a leather like corset along with tight leather trousers. She also wore no shoes. Marthas could see she had her sabre ready at her hip. Both Sitri and Naberius charged.

Naberius arms glew with purple fire as he released a wave of purple flame towards the doors incinerating many of the attacking cultists. Sitri danced into the crowd of people she drew her saber and activated it’s power field. As she moved through the crowd limbs and heads flew off bodies. As the cultists died to Marthas it was like the blood was following her movements whipping around in the air.

Marthas did not much hold much interest in art, but watching Sitri kill was beautiful to him. Each sword stroke was perfect, each movement of her body he did not see even a single mistake in her form. Even the blood cultists mouths were agape with her beauty along with her bladework.

Along with Sitri and Naberius they were finally pushing back, the tide of blood cultists were running thin. Marthas pointed his weapon “push forward!” The terminators along with the Astartes surged forward bashing and cutting aside any cultist that got close. As their blood soaked the floors, Marthas could see that their will is faltering he grinned. As the cultists fell back to the door he could see Naberius torturing those that were still alive, Silas crushed another with his boot and Sitri was holding a head.

Marthas raised his eyebrow as Sitri looked at the head like a lost lover she kissed it lovingly, which caused Marthas to furrow his brow “Sitri what are you doing?” Sitri removed her lips from the mouth of the head she looked at him blood covering her lips and gave him a smile “they say heads stay alive after a few seconds after you remove it. I wanted to taste his terror and despair before he dies…”

Marthas shrugged “very well, but remain focused.” Sitri nodded “don’t worry I am focused.” Marthas looked at the doors the cultists were simply standing there nervously. Silas snickered “they cry vengeance and scream for the blood but look! They are cowards! As fits lesser beings!” The Astartes cheered they were readying themselves to charge until Marthas heard a voice “blood for the blood god…” At once everyone froze Marthas guessed everyone heard it.

Marthas heard bubbling, and the smell of blood filled his nose and he began to taste ash in his mouth. Marthas looked to the ground the blood that soaked the floors were bubbling, Marthas bought his eyes to the door and near the entrance something shot out of the a blood. The blood sizzled against the large chariot like machine, what Marthas saw was a giant cannon being manned by two bloodletters that stood on a pedestal.

Marthas swore “get out of open ground! Get to cover!” The bloodletters on the cannon screamed “Skulls for Khorne!” The cannon fired a burning screaming skull it moved through the air and crashed into one of Silas’ terminators causing half of his body to be blown away. Silas bought up his twin-linked bolter and fired at the cannon. The bolter shells cracked into the chariot but it seem to not deter it. The cannon continued to fire a skull trailed straight to Ballard, Marthas shouted “Ballard get out of the way!” Ballard tried to duck but the skull caught him in mid-air as half of his body was blown away. Marthas, looked to the entrance as he ran to cover, the cultists were surging forward again. As Marthas moved to cover he ran through his head wondering how to take down such a beast. He looked over to see Silas along with his terminators laying down covering fire to distract the neverborn, so everyone can find safety.

Marthas ground his teeth while he thought he then heard a roaring beast and feet smashing upon the ground out the blood came three metal beats being mounted by bloodletters. The beasts released a great cry as the blood letters screamed “blood for the blood god! Kill the minions of the serpent!”

Marthas saw all of this and all he could do is simply swear.

Adelram got his gear ready, he could feel the warp twisting and distorting. Along with the cries of the neverborn belonging to the blood god. Adelram placed his helmet on cursing “I should of listened…” Adelram removed his blade from its sheath and made his way to the door. As he walked to the door he heard a slave shout out “where are you going!?” Adelram turned back in anger “You dare!” The chained slave smiled “I dare!”

Adelram strode to the slave power erupting from his body he grabbed their neck, and lifted them up “say that again..” The slave grinned while they cried tears of blood “I dare!” Then suddenly in the room all at once the slaves shouted “I dare!” Adelram dropped the slave in shock and stepped back “what? What is going on?” All the slaves spoke at once their voices distorting as they spoke “so many cries for vengeance. All I needed is a focal point.”

Adelram looked around all the slaves now had red eyes and cried tears of blood “so much hatred. Anger. The blood god heard it and sent me. He sent me to take your skull.” Adelram shook his head “so you listen to the cries of slaves? Pathetic.” The slaves chuckled “why shouldn’t the blood god listen? Their cries of anguish and rage were honest, Pure even. He even heard the ones in this very room. We are now here because the warriors on the ship have paid their tithe in blood.”

As Adelram listened to the neverborn’s words he recalled his conversation with Beleth, the slaves gave a guttral laugh “yes you should of listened to your slave. No.. not your slave his slave.” Adelram raised his eyebrow it was odd that he found a daemon of khorne speaking in such a calm manner but what confused him even more is the neverborn insinuated that Beleth does not belong to him.

Adelram hissed “what do you mean his slave?” The slaves smirked “I speak plainly, your slave exists and is only alive walking around by his will.” Adelram scowled, neverborn never speak plainly he sighed “fine, come and try and take my skull neverborn. I will send you back to your blood god.” All the slaves cocked their head to one side “a challenge? Very well let’s see if you can do it, come to me.”

All the slaves screamed, as they fell to their knees they began melting down into blood. As they chanted “blood for the blood god…” After a moment all that was left were their chains and out the blood came large daemonic dogs wearing collars with the rune of khorne dangling from them. All of them bore their teeth at Adelram. Adelram felt a small headache looking at them he shrugged “that’s it? Flesh hounds? Hmph.” Adelram readied his blade he gathered energy into his force sword to release a wave of energy at the neverborn. As he slashed sideways he felt a painful spike in his mind and no wave of energy came from his blade, just a small wave of light that fizzled in the air.

Adelram looked to his sword “what? What’s going on?” Adelram heard the voices of the slaves within his mind “you seek to use your cowardly power? Fight like a warrior minion of the serpent.” The flesh hounds snarled and charged at Adelram. Adelram speared one with his blade. The daemon yelped as Adelram threw the flesh hound aside as it burst into into ash and flame.

As Adelram killed one, two charged at him he slashed downwards killing one but the second bit into his leg piercing the ceramite of his power armour. The flesh hound bit deep causing Adelram to hiss in pain he stabbed his blade downwards killing the flesh hound. Adelram looked around the room as three more flesh hounds charged towards him. Adelram cursed, he looked at his leg, his wounds have began to heal but the bite into his armour was deep and if this keeps going it won’t be good. Adelram tried to call upon his psychic powers he tried to generate a ball of eldritch fire but it would simply sizzle in his hands and he would receive a piercing stab in his mind.

Adelram grimaced as he decided to charge at the three flesh hounds he stabbed one killing it, the second went for the leg that was damaged by the previous flesh hound and the third circled behind him. Adelram raised his blade to kill the one biting his leg but the third leaped and bit down on his pauldron throwing off his attack.

Adelram grit his teeth as the display within his helmet highlighted the damage. As the two hands went to work 4 came charging forward. One barreled into his chest knocking him over, while another hound moved to bite his other leg. Adelram looked around the room all of them were getting ready to attack. Adelram cursed “Dammit! So you get your dogs to fight me instead! Coward!” The slaves voices echoes in his mind "As I said you will come to me. Prove to me you are a warrior degenerate." A flesh hound began moving to his arm, Adelram grit his teeth as it bit down as it fangs sank into his arm. Adelram gasped in pain as the fangs pierced his skin.

Adelram then looked upwards to see a hound standing over him, blood dripping from it’s mouth and landing on the eye lenses of his helmet. Adelram began breathing rapidly as the hound opened its mouth revealing rows of long fangs. Adelram clenched his eyes shut then he heard his doors opening and a whistle sound in the air he heard the flesh hound yelping in pain. Adelram opened eyes the hound was gone, he felt the hounds removing their fangs from his body as he watched them charge to the door.

Adelram looked to the door he saw Beleth wielding a crossbow firing at the hounds. Out of the darkness came Jedrick laughing charging into the flesh hounds. He hewed through two hounds with his axe and killed another with his dagger. Beleth continued to fire at flesh hounds that approached Jedrick from his blind spots.

Adelram tried to get up, all the hounds moved from their positions and charged at Jedrick, Adelram called out “you can’t take them all on!” Jedrick laughed “I know that!” Adelram then heard stomping Noxus came through the doors smashing aside a flesh hound that was about to leap on Jedrick.

Noxus’ power scourge moved like a snake stabbing and piercing several hounds at once. Noxus grabbed a approaching hound and crushed it in his hand. Noxus sighed “the blood god sends it dogs? Pah! There is no fun in this!” Jedrick slashed two flesh hounds finally bringing silence to the room. He tapped his axe on Noxus chassis “hey we will get to the good stuff soon.” Noxus turned away “we better. I get tired if I get too bored.”

Adelram staggered to his feet “so you three came here first?” Beleth stepped forward “yes, I assume considering the nature of the blood god it was obvious that they tried to kill you.” Adelram folded his arms “so you have nothing else to say?” Beleth shook his head “No.”

Adelram sighed “y-” Beleth turned away “does not matter if I am right or not if you don’t listen. Now we just have to deal with the situation.” Adelram clenched his hands it felt somewhat odd when Beleth speaks to him in such a disrespectful manner. But looking around his chamber and the chains of the slaves lying in pools of blood he could not help but admit he was completely and utterly wrong again.

Adelram walked towards Jedrick “where is everyone else?” Jedrick shrugged “I assume Marthas, Sebastian and Silas are in the temple fighting.” Adelram nodded “what of Marius?” Jedrick sighed “you know he does his own thing.” Adelram sheathed his blade “I know but I doubt he could ignore the neverborn running around the ship.” Jedrick shrugged “I did not see him at the church on Athor considering how important of a battle that was as I said he does his own thing.”

Adelram shook his head he just hoped that he would appear now with his kakophoni, their prowess could easily push back the neverborn and rebels. Adelram looked into the darkness of the hall “right let us link up with Marthas then.” Everyone nodded, Noxus simply sighed “let us hope there is better sport in the temple…”

Don't underestimate

Chapter 7

Adelram ran down the hall with Jedrick, Beleth and Noxus. The nice thing about having Noxus with them majority of the blood cultists they run into ran in the other direction “still cowards..” said Adelram. Adelram looked back to Beleth thinking of his words from before, he thought perhaps if they captured “clean” slaves this might of not occurred. Adelram looked forward and shook his head “it does not matter now.. We have to deal with the situation.” Adelram made another corner he called out “we are approaching the temple get ready!” Everyone readied their weapons, as they made their way to the entrance it swarmed with blood cultists and neverborn. Noxus shouted “out of the way! Let me get close!” Adelram moved to the wall as Noxus charged forward crashing into the enemy reducing blood cultists to red mist.

A bloodletter tried to leap on Noxus and strike with it’s hellblade, Noxus smacked the bloodletter aside with his hand causing it to burst in blood and flame Noxus laughed “more! I need more!” Adelram raised his eyebrow and looked to Beleth “so since his upgrade he is always like this?” Beleth nodded “somewhat, I mean he could not feel anything before.” Jedrick chuckled “Adelram, just let him enjoy it.” Adelram stared at Noxus as he tore the enemy to pieces “perhaps we don’t need to do anything.” Said Adelram. Noxus’ power scourge darted in the air and impaled 4 daemons throwing them aside, they evaporated mid-air. Jedrick came forward “but where is the fun in that Adelram?” Adelram shrugged “didn’t you say to let him enjoy it?” Jedrick snickered “true.”

Adelram watched Noxus kill as as the corpses piled his chassis was drenched with the blood of the enemy. Adelram nodded compared to his old state Noxus is now far more brutal and his movements were like lightning, considering the fact he is a dreadnought. Adelram frowned as suddenly Noxus stopped killing and leaned forward unmoving. His power scourged draped to the ground and the fingers of his hand fell open.

Everyone in the hall froze, the blood cultists stepped back warily, Adelram raised his eyebrow “what happened?” Beleth came forward shaking his head “oh dear…” Adelram looked to Beleth “oh dear what?” Beleth clenched his crossbow “he is sleeping.” Adelram eyes shot to Noxus “what!? How!?” Jedrick shrugged “well looks like we got to step in.” Jedrick got his axe and dagger ready.

Adelram saw a bloodletter grin as he leaped into the air to attack Noxus suddenly Noxus hand shot upwards grabbing the Bloodletter in mid air. Noxus crushed the bloodletter in his hand leaving only ash and blood. The tendrils of his power scourge slithered and began dancing through the crowd.

Adelram breathed out a sigh of relief “we are lucky that he woke up.” Beleth shook his head “he is still sleeping I can hear it.” Adelram’s eyes shot to Beleth and then back to Noxus “he is still sleeping how is he still moving then!?” Jedrick laughed “he kills while sleepwalking? That’s amazing!” Adelram watched Noxus kill the enemy in silence what he could see is that Noxus is specifically aiming for the neverborn whittling their numbers down. As the neverborn died several blood cultists started to break from the group running away into the halls of the ship. As Noxus crushed the last bloodletter he turned and chased after those who ran away. Adelram called out “No! Come back! What are you doing!?” Jedrick tapped his axe on his pauldron “he is sleepwalking, he is not going to hear you.” Beleth readied his crossbow “yup, think of it this way he killed most of the neverborn.”

Adelram watched as Noxus vanished into the darkness of the hall his footsteps started to to become distant. Adelram sighed “maybe he will purge the upper levels as he chases them..” Adelram focused on the remaining blood cultists they took a step back as they noticed their daemon allies are now gone. Adelram flexed his hands “are you ready for your punishment slaves?” The Blood cultists fired their guns some moved to charge, Adelram smirked as he released a wave of purple mist, the blood cultists screamed as their bodies began to distort and twist. Adelram could see Jedrick was about to charge but stopped he sighed “you know, sometimes you just make things boring.” Adelram shrugged “not exactly in the mood to be honest. They dared to rebel.”

Adelram watched the blood cultists convulse and scream as the mist did its work. Watching them die was satisfying. As the last cultist toppled to the floor Adelram turned “how about we go in now?” Jedrick and Beleth nodded.

Marths charged forward, he darted to the side as a skull whizzed pass him, Marthas aimed for the beast being ridden by the Bloodletter. Several blood cultists tried to get in his way he whipped Eligos out in an arc taking off their heads. Marthas smashed aside a body as it toppled to the ground. The bloodletter cried “skulls for khorne!” The mechanical beast charged, Marthas readied himself he had to wait for the right moment. The beast roared and stomped towards him, as it inched closer and closer, Mathas got ready to swing Eligos. The beast opened it’s mouth small surges of flame erupted from it, Marthas narrowed his eyes he took a few steps forwards and swung his weapon.

The weapon crashed into the head of the beast caving it in, the mechanical beast fell to the ground. The bloodletter flew off the beast crashing unto the floor. It quickly got up snarling at Marthas. Marthas walked forward and brought up his weapon, the bloodletter moved to block. Marthas smashed through the neverborn’s guard, crushing it’s head.

The bloodletter crumpled to the floor, it’s body slowly broke down leaving only ash. Marthas looked to the beast as its body began to rust and crumble. Marthas took a breath of relief he then scanned the temple grounds, so many Astartes were dead surrounded by the corpses of the blood cultists. Marthas shook his head “this will cripple us…” He looked over to Sebastian and Silas stabbing and slashing away at one of the mechanical daemon beasts. While Naberius and Sitri were stemming the tide of blood cultists.

Marthas looked at the skull cannon it was getting ready to fire again, Marthas swore as gouts of flame spilled from the cannon in slow motion he saw the skull trailing towards him. Marthas ducked as the skull grazed passed his pauldron. Marthas hit the ground with a thud. Marthas slowly staggered to his feet as he was getting back up he heard the doors of the temple opening. Marthas looked towards the door and a familiar Astartes came forward he released a wave of purple flame incinerating several blood cultists at once. The skull canon turned as the bloodletters roared and snarled. Adelram hissed “get off my ship!” The skull canon fired it’s gun, Purple light erupted from Adelram's hand forming a shield, the flaming skull cracked against it exploding with a large gout of fire. Marthas watched the shield sizzled slightly, the shield then moved inwards towards Adelram. He gathered the energy of the shield together and released it at the skull cannon enveloping the skull cannon in a bright purple light.

Marthas had to cover his eyes the light was so bright even his augmented eyes could not handle it. Marthas heard the snarls of screams of the bloodletters as the light died away he all saw in their place was rusted pieces of metal and ash. Adelram walked towards him and out of the doors also came Beleth and Jedrick.

Marthas turned to check on Silas and Sebastian, the mechanical beast is now to one side rusting away. The bloodletter is on the ground it tried to get up but Silas strode forward and crushed it with his boot as he snarled “disgusting creature!” Silas turned and trudged towards Marthas with Sebastian following him. Silas growled “look who comes now…” Marthas gestured “calm yourself Silas, I understand why you are upset.” Silas scowled “of course I am upset! If he listened to me on Athor, if all of you listened we would not be in this situation!” Marthas furrowed his brow “what does Athor have to do with this?”

Silas grumbled “think! If we followed what I said we would not have wandered into that trap! If we did not walk into that trap our father would not have had to intervene using.. Those two.” Marthas did not exactly like where this conversation is going but he fell into the trap of the gem also. He should of agreed with Silas Marthas nodded “you are right we should of listened. At times I wonder if we did something different this situation might not of occurred. We would not have to take slaves from a world eater ship.” Silas nodded “Exactly!” Marthas looked over to Sebastian “you have nothing to say on the matter?” Sebastian simply shrugged and turned away as he sheathed his blade. Marthas sighed “I should of known that would be his response…”

Marthas heard footsteps closing in towards him he turned to see Adelram is now approaching them with Beleth and Jedrick. Marthas could also see that Adelram’s entrance with the destruction of the neverborn have broke the blood cultists will. The Astartes that still lived along with Naberius and Sitri went to work cleaning them up. Adelram folded his arms “the rebels are still crawling across the ship. Come with me we have work to do.” Silas stepped forward he accusingly said “so you have nothing to say!?” Adelram lowered his arms “say what?” Silas growled “this revolt!” Adelram shook his head “what is there to say? It happened we just have to deal with it.” Marthas could see Silas is now gripping his blade tightly, Marthas walked over “Si-” Silas pushed him back “No! I will say my piece now!”

Silas pointed his blade at Adelram “this situation is your fault! Look!” Silas gestured to all the dead Astartes with his blade “this will cripple us!” Silas lowered his blade “you were delivered news of a revolt and almost 24 hours after that report this happens!” Silas shot the body of a dead blood cultist “we should of went to the lower levels and purged it! Those that followed the god of blood should of been expunged!”

Marthas tried to interject “if we did that we would have no slaves!” Adelram nodded “exactly! Let’s say we did that? You would have no slaves to use!” Silas stomped the ground “yet we would have Astartes still alive to attack a planet with! To get more! Think of how many has possibly died in this revolt!? How would we attack a world now!?” Marthas was about to say something but he bit back his retort.

Marthas finally stared at all the Astartes corpses he thought about it for a moment and his hearts sank, all his work is gone. All the warriors he tried to make perfect were now in pieces. Hacked or blown apart by daemons or melted due to the blood cultists weaponry. What twisted Marthas’ heart even more that all of this devastation and lost work was caused by a group of slaves on the lower levels plotting. Marthas looked to Adelram he turned around and spoke firmly “we can argue later Silas. For now we deal with the revolt.” Silas gave a heavy sigh “look at you dodging the argument. You know you are wrong.”

Marthas could see Adelram clenching his hand tightly before he walked to the door, Beleth and Jedrick followed. Naberius and Sitri walked over, Naberius asked “what would you have us do?” Marthas frowned “would you even do as I say if I ordered you to?” Sitri smiled “maybe..” Marthas nodded “secure the te-” Sitri pouted “Boring! I want to go with you and maybe..” Sitri looked over to Beleth. Marthas narrowed his eyes “no. not now focus.” Sitri sighed “fine.” Naberius coughed “how about we hunt down the blood cultists on the upper levels?” Marthas looked to the doors “very well.” Naberius inclined his head “Sitri, let’s go.” Sitri yawned “alright.”

They both casually walked to the doors, Marthas looked to Silas and Sebastian “let’s go.” Sebastian nodded, Marthas still felt anger radiating from Silas. Marthas called out his name “Silas? Let’s go.” Silas grunted as he called out “Terminators! On me!” The remaining terminators moved to Silas’ position. Marthas noticed all the gashes and dried blood on their armour. Plus the fact some of their number were missing.

Marthas sighed “let us hope this revolt ends soon.”

Adelram waited outside with Beleth and Jedrick. He wondered why he let Silas speak to him like that. The audacity, it was like he wanted.. Adelram mouthed slowly “he wanted to lead..” Adelram shook his head “there is no way.” Beleth came forward “what he said is true, but don’t let it get to you.” Adelram laughed “so even you think the same? Things were going so well and then this happens… Athor and now the revolt.”

Jedrick shrugged “bad stuff happens.” Adelram flicked to Jedrick “bad stuff happens!? This is.. This is…” Jedrick tutted “this is what? It is what is just enjoy the experience of killing slaves and the minions of khorne.” Adelram narrowed his eyes “what is there to enjoy about this!?” Jedrick shook his head “you still have a lot to learn then.”

Adelram walked towards Jedrick he felt a surge of anger “what is there to learn!? What is there to gain from this!? I walked a battlefield with nothing but my robe and basic weapons! I fought to gain this warband back! Now just a small few decisions is causing everything to slip away!” Jedrick shrugged “what do you want me to say? To tell you what to do? To be at your shadow whenever you mess up?”

Adelram narrowed his eyes “we were both in each other shadows whenever we fell. What caused that to change?” Jedrick looked away for a moment and then back to him “yes that was in the past but things…. Now change. If you think this is the worst thing that can occur? You have seen nothing. You know of spawns yes? The monstrosities of flesh and meat?”

Adelram nodded slowly “yes I-” Jedrick interrupted him “that can be your fate now that you lead.” Adelram shook his head “I am not looking to ascend though.” Jedrick sighed “it does not matter! The dark princes eye is on you! If you bore her she will cast you aside without a thought Adelram! Every moment of joy and pain, every excess should be to please her!” Adelram turned away “I am not looking to please her. I want to please him.”

Beleth finally joined the conversation “do you think you are pleasing him now Adelram?” Adelram turned to Beleth “you may have met him Beleth but I am his son. I have seen far more of him than you have.” Beleth chuckled “you mean his back right? Or looking up to him? While he passed you by?” Adelram hearts twisted fury built up within his body he turned and strode towards Beleth he picked him up by his cloak, As Adelram picked him up Beleth dropped his crossbow. Adelram hissed “watch what you say….” Adelram gripped Beleth. Adelram could see rime started to build on his armour. Beleth continued “but it’s true, you only grabbed me because you don’t want to admit it outright. I am quite sure your father loves your master more than you.”

Adelram’s eyes shot wide as he slammed Beleth on the wall, he heard a bone break “shut up Beleth.” Beleth coughed harshly “indeed, he loves the eternal one more than you. He loves the soul-severed more than you.” Adelram’s eye twitched he wondered why is Beleth talking in such a fashion. Why he is picking at his scars? Adelram slammed Beleth on the wall again as he spoke softly “Beleth, please be quiet.”

Beleth gasped “I know I am a tool, a mere tool but I can tell you. He loves Noxus more than you.” Adelram threw Beleth to the ground Adelram heard another bone cracking Beleth winced “that actually hurt…” Beleth coughed “I also wanted to add...compared to your brothers. You are doing little compared to them.” Adelram ground his teeth as he picked up Beleth from the ground “you said he spoke about me!? Why are you being like this!?” Beleth lifted his bloodied hand lifting his up his helmet slightly revealing his mouth he smiled “who said it was anything good?”

Adelram raised his fist in anger as he moved to strike Beleth’s face, he felt his arm being held back. Adelram looked behind him to see Jedrick holding wrist back “Adelram, enough.” Adelram hissed “he is mine I can do as I wish with him!” Jedrick shook his head “if you do that the significance of you giving him that pin loses its meaning. What I heard was the truth and you still don’t like hearing it.”

Adelram spat in anger “Don’t take his side! Don’t you dare!” Jedrick chuckled “can’t handle a human telling you how it is? You are just like Silas you deem humans to be lesser creatures no? You are thinking what does a human know of the Phoenician? He only used him as a tool no more than that! I know you brother. I can see you would be more than happy to be used by him right? I guess you think it’s unfair? Why does he use Noxus and Beleth and not you?”

Adelram relaxed his fist as he heard Jedrick’s words, Jedrick slowly let go he looked to Beleth who was now wearing his helmet. Adelram simply dropped Beleth to the ground, Adelram sighed “let us focus on dealing with the revolt.” Jedrick shook his head “there you are doing it again.” The lights in the hall flickered as Jedrick spoke “I am doing nothing Jedrick! Now let’s focus on dealing with the minions of the blood god!” Said Adelram.

Adelram exclaimed those words the doors of the temple opened as everyone walked out they stared at Beleth and then at him. Marthas came forward “did something happen?” Beleth staggered to his feet “no nothing happened.” Marthas slowly nodded “I see.” Adelram watched Beleth pick up his crossbow and dust his cloak like nothing happened. It still surprises him how fast he actually heals. Adelram spoke calmly “as I said we focus on the minions of the blood god. We will sort everything out after they are dealt it with.” Everyone nodded.

Adelram tried to smile but he couldn't “Good. Now let’s begin purging the upper levels.”

Fatima held her welding gun while she walked to the bridge, she gathered Adam, Farah, Dayton, Nilsa, Leon and bought some of the blood cultists for support. Adam walked beside her “why are we going to the bridge? The upper levels are not secured yet.” Fatima grinned “a piece of the blood father is calling us there. When his warriors came to us I heard it.” Adam nodded slowly “you mean the daemons right?” Fatima inclined her head “yes, he sees our war and also desires the skulls of the degenerates.”

Fatima looked forward since the warriors of khorne came, she started to hear a voice. It beckoned her it told her to go to the bridge. It’s voice was firm and cold but she could feel the underlying fury behind it. As they approached the bridge she could see guards. It was only a token defence. They poured their fire down the hall killing them with ease. Fatima and those that followed her stepped over their corpses, upon getting near to the door she could see it was locked. Fatima got her wielding gun ready and began making a door.

Dayton walked over “so what of your brother?” Fatima sighed “what about him?” Dayton pressed “if he turns-” Fatima interjected “he is against us. If he gets in my way I will kill him.” Dayton nodded “good.” Fatima finished her work of making a new door she kicked in the door, the metal slab fell forward.

Everyone on the bridge jerked upon their entrance. Two rose from their seats moving hands to weapons. Fatima pulled her pistol from her belt and shot both of them. Fatima walked the bridge “this bridge belongs to the blood cult of khorne! Move and you will die!” Fatima watched those on the bridge whimper she spat on the ground “all of you are weak! Pitiful! Growing fat on perversion and excess!”

Adam looked around “so Fatima what's next?” Fatima blinked, the voice said to come to the bridge. Fatima was about to speak until a headache assaulted her mind “kill the slaves to the serpent. Pour their blood on the ground and call them. Call the leader here.”

Fatima shook her head she looked at the people on the bridge “we kill everyone here.” Adam nodded “right everyone open fire!” Fatima got her pistol ready and fired upon those on the bridge. Some tried to hide or get away but their bullets found them. As bodies lined the bridge Fatima turned to Nilsa. “I want an open channel to the whole ship.” Nilsa nodded “right” Nilsa walked over to the command throne and pressed a few buttons on the screen.

After a moment she called Fatima over, Fatima looked at the screen “so what do I do?” Nilsa pointed to a button “just hold down that button and speak.” Fatima nodded she thought of what she wanted to say for a moment when she was finally ready she pushed the button and spoke. “Degenerates! You thought you were superior! Greater! But this revolt proved your weakness! While you bay and scream for every delight! True warriors and those who desired veganace and freedom rose! I call upon the leader! A true leader would not deny any challenge! I am here! The one who stoked the fires of vengeance, the one who lit the fire in the hearts of free people! I dare you to come! I dare you to prove that you are not a coward!”

Fatima released her finger from the button Farah whistled “that was nice.” Leon shook his head “you are calling the leader here? He is a witch!” Dayton grabbed Leon’s shoulder “why are you worried? Witches are cowards and no warrior of khorne will step back from a battle.”

Fatima nodded “aye, the one who speaks to me told me to do this for a reason.” Adam called out and pointed at the ground “Fatima look!” Fatima turned to face where Adam is pointing the blood of those slain on the bridge gathered in the centre of the room. Everyone stepped back the blood turned into a whirlpool and from the centre a voice came a familiar voice “everything is a place. Khorne is pleased with the blood that has been spilled…”

Fatima walked forward “so you are the one who spoke in my mind?” A cold laugh came from the whirlpool “yes, now for the final battle. I require one your lives.” Leon blinked “what? We have to die?” The voice hissed “you fear death?” Fatima held up her hand to quieten Leon “no, if you require one of us I volunteer.” Farah shook her head “you are our leader! Don’t give your life so easily!” Dayton nodded in agreement “this is a holy warrior of khorne you speak to but you need to think. We have plenty of people to offer.” Fatima shook her head “I started this. I will end it. What you recommend is cowardly.”

Adam came forward and gripped Fatima’s shoulder “let me do it, for my sister’s sake. I have a bone to pick with the Astartes on this ship.” Fatima looked to Adam “N-” Adam smiled as he pushed Fatima aside, she fell to the ground. “I know you, hence why I am taking the choice away from you. I know if we win you will lead us and I can see us becoming great. Perhaps feared by those who considered us lesser beings...” Fatima looked to Adam “Don’t do it st-” Adam smiled as he jumped into the whirlpool of blood. Fatima shook her head “damn it! Damn it! Why did he do that!”

The whirlpool slowly vanished as the blood returned to normal, Fatima got to her feet “what happened?” Nilsa came forward “I don’t know but stay back we don’t know what will happen.” Everyone watched the pool of blood for several seconds after a moment of waiting a hand shot up.

It grasped the floor like it was pulling itself up, Fatima smiled “greetings warriors of khorne.” As the daemon pulled itself fully from the pool of blood it stood over Fatima. Compared to the other daemons she has seen this one was a head taller and wore armour. The daemon grinned “greetings fellow warrior. I am Belzar you payed the tithe of blood so my cohort has come.”

Fatima nodded the daemon oddly sounded like Adam but his voice was mixed with the one that she heard in her mind “What of Adam, where is he?” Belzar pointed to his chest “here, his fury, his rage and anger. So pure… Now it is time for the final battle!” The daemon gripped his blade in both hands and stabbed down into the blood, Fatima watched more daemons appear they snapped and snarled at each other as they waved their blades about. Even large red dogs appeared they barked and sniffed the air.

Belzar cried out his voice reverberating in the room “my cohort to me! The final battle is upon us!”

Adelram ran towards the bridge he heard the announcement and this would be the chance to cut the head from the snake. This would be a simple journey but the issue is that hosts of daemons now crawled the halls of the ship and if he sent his mind forward he could sense something powerful the possible anchor that is holding the daemon forces to this plain.

Adelram looked to Jedrick “we are close to the final battle.” Jedrick nodded “indeed we are! I am quite excited actually!” Adelram bought his head to Beleth who ran in silence “you are aware his sister will be punished?” Beleth chuckled “of course I don’t expect anything less.” Adelram faced forward “good.”

Silas called from the back “neverborn incoming!” A stream of neverborn leaped on the terminators holding them down Silas shouted “Keep going! We hold them here!” Marthas turned to Sebastian “help them. I don’t want Silas dying.” Sebastian nodded and splintered from the group heading back to help Silas. Marthas panting said “what now?” Adelram continued to face forward “our objective hasn’t changed we are cutting the head from the snake. The focal point is on the bridge. I suspect the leader of the khornate cohort seeks my head hence the announcement.”

Adelram nodded “right when we enter bridge I suspect flesh hounds will be there. Target them first they stifle my powers.” Everyone inclined their heads in acknowledgement. They ran for a few more minutes and soon they came upon the bridge, the door was cut open. As they entered Adelram felt a headache he frowned as he saw the leaders of the revolt at the back with their guns ready and in the front were the neverborn.

Adelram could see in the middle was a bloodletter who was taller than the rest it wore armour along with wielding a mighty blade that burned with eldritch fire. The bloodletter grinned “we meet again… I am Belzar, Herald of Khorne!” Adelram drew his blade “I don’t care what your name is.” Adelram eyed the flesh hounds there were 4 that surrounded Belzar along with some bloodletters “everyone you know what to do. We take the ship back at the end of this battle!” said Adelram.

Adelram charged with Jedrick, Marthas and Beleth. Belzar roared as he pointed his blade “take their skulls for khorne!” Belzar charged at Adelram bullets began to fly on the bridge Balzar swept his blade in an arc, Adelram blocked the blow. From the corner of his eye he saw a flesh hound moving to charge it leaped at Adelram until it dropped mid air and crashed to the ground. A crossbow bolt is lodged in it’s head.

Adelram smirked “one down.” Belzar redoubled his attacks upon seeing the dead flesh hound “you seek to fight like a coward!” Adelram parried away his strike “no daemon I am just being smart.” Marthas called out “another is dead!” Adelram chuckled “2 left Belzar.” As Adelram crossed blades with Belzar he could see that surprisingly that Belzar considered his attacks he actually had technique.

Adelram kept up his guard waiting for the right moment, that moment when all the flesh hounds are dead. A human ran forward with a welding gun. Adelram heard a whistle pass his ear as a bolt crashed into the head of the human. Adelram felt odd when that happened he trusted Beleth, he trusted him to cover his back. Thinking on it he never fought together with Beleth as an equal. Adelram shook his head since part of him deep down he could not think that that he had to force that thought away. Jedrick's words from before bounced in his mind it caused his hearts to twist in the heat of battle. Adelram shook his head again he had to focus on the battle for now.

Adelram could hear the snarls and screams of bloodletters. Adelram grinned “not so easy to take my skull is it Belzar?” Belzar snarled “even if I don’t take your head. Your warband is crippled, broken. What can you attack if you have no army?” Adelram narrowed his eyes as he pushed back his strike “what that tells me is that you see your victory slipping away.” Adelram heard Jedrick shout out “the third is down one more!”

Belzar raged “you will die!” Adelram from the corner of his eye saw a flesh hound charging from the side. Arming for his leg, Adelram parried Belzar’s strike and turned to stab the approaching flesh hound through the head. Adelram laughed “there goes the last one!”

Adelram’s eyes blazed with power, he removed his combat knife from his belt, small pink wisps trailed on his armour. Adelram felt his nerves go on fire, he could hear every drop of blood, every scream and bullet as it crashed against ceramite. Belzar charged and attacked Adelram, he parried the strike with his dagger and like lightning his blade shot out as he impaled his blade through Belzar’s neck.

Belzar sagged on the blade, Adelram removed it and chopped off his head. Belzar’s body fell to the ground. Adelram looked around the daemons screamed in agony as their bodies began to disintegrate. Adelram looked to the corpse of Belzar it’s red skin melted away leaving a headless human. The humans arms is covered in scars.

Finally Adelram bought his gaze to the humans that lived the rebels, he saw the woman with the rune of khorne on her head. Adelram knew that must be Salvador’s sister he remembered seeing her with him when the slaves were brought to the ship. Adelram pointed his blade at them “on your knees slaves.” The woman roared “never! I will never bow to you!” Adelram frowned he released his power he focused on the humans before him they struggled but slowly they dropped to their knees.

Adelram sheathed his blade as they struggled to rise before him “all of you cost me so much…. If you think you will die quickly you are mistaken!” The woman laughed “It does not matter if you stopped me! I know if you move to torture me my brother will see you for what you are!” Beleth came forward “Fatima, you tried to push your brother into something he was not. He is happy here and you can’t accept that. Khorne turned you into a vehicle of hatred and war. He did not care for your revolt or the slaves need for freedom. All he wanted is war and blood. I hazard a guess if the neverborn killed Adelram it would kill everyone else on the ship.”

Fatima scowled “you lie! That’s what you snakes do! You lie! Even now!” Adelram grasped Beleth’s shoulder “she will not listen.” Beleth looked up “like someone else I know?” Adelram clutched Beleth’s shoulder tightly he did not even flinch “not now Beleth.” Beleth nodded “right, so what are you planning to do with them?” Jedrick and Marthas came forward. Marthas stomped to Fatima it was odd to Adelram to see Marthas so upset he pointed his weapon at Fatima “so this is the one who ruined my work? Majority of them are dead because of one foolish human!?”

Jedrick grasped Marthas pauldron “Adelram will punish them adequately don’t worry.” Marthas shook off Jedrick’s hand “they don’t understand the gravity of what they did! The training I put into them! The wisdom lost!” Adelram shouted “enough! Marthas! As Jedrick said I will punish them and don’t worry. I have something in mind.” Marthas lowered his weapon as he calmed down “very well.” Marthas turned to walk away “I am going to check on Silas and Sebastian.” Marthas left the room, Beleth looked up to him “Adelram what are you planning to do?” Adelram removed his helmet he smiled at Beleth “you will see…”

Salvador rubbed his eyes, he yawned he looked up to see Beleth sitting at his desk “Beleth what are you doing?” Beleth got up and faced him, Beleth smiled “I have come to get you.” Salvador scratched his head “get me for what?” Beleth folded his arms “Adelram wants to see you.” Upon hearing his name Salvador shot out of the bed “what for?” Beleth nodded “the revolt is over and he wishes to speak with you.” Salvador titled his head to one side “wait, the revolt happened? I slept through it?” Beleth inclined his head “yes. I barred and warded the room so you were safe.”

Beleth moved to the door “now come with me.” Beleth opened the door of his room and stepped out, Salvador followed. As Salvador entered the hall the smell of blood smashed into his nose it almost made him noxious he almost heaved. Salvador stammered “w-what happened?” Salvador could see serf’s pulling away corpses and others at work cleaning up the blood. Beleth flatly said “the rebellion took many lives. The warband is crippled at the moment.” Salvador’s eyes went wide “what? It was that bad?” Beleth nodded “yes, yes it was. Right now the ring leaders have been captured.”

Salvador almost felt happy “so my sister is alive? Is she okay?” Beleth did not answer his question. He spoke after a moment “Salvador you asked me if those stories with the emperor’s children are true? Correct?” Salvador nodded “yes. Now I am not exactly sure anymore.” Beleth sighed “you will see a story soon.” Salvador gulped as they made their way to Adelram’s chambers seeing more of the dead bodies he asked “what of Luke and Abraham?”

Beleth crossed his arms “Luke is alive, Abraham is dead he was killed by the rebels.” Salvador’s heart sank, he was happy that Luke is alive but hearing that Abraham is dead caused his heart to twist. Salvador shook his head “why did my sister do this Beleth? Why?” Beleth stopped and turned to Salvador “its simple, she is a servant of the blood god. Honestly she was far too good hence why she was marked. She would have never fit into the ship. So she tried to shift it to the blood god, she used freedom as an excuse.” Beleth continued walking, Salvador walked with him.

Salvador rubbed his arm he asked again as they finally reached Adelram’s chamber doors “Beleth, please tell me is my sister alive?” Beleth turned to Salvador “yes she is alive.” Beleth faced the doors and pushed them open, As the doors slid open Salvador did not feel happy hearing news what he felt is fear.

Salvador stepped into Adelram’s chambers with Beleth he saw Adelram standing in the middle of the room next to a wheel-able tray. The room was empty, they were no chained people until he looked to the left wall. He saw 5 chained people in rags, three of them he recognised. Beleth walked over “I bought him.” Adelram smiled at Salvador “good you are here!” Salvador slowly walked towards Adelram “yes I am here my lord.” Fatima scoffed “you call the one who has chained me. Tortured people my lord….” Salvador cast his eyes down he could not even look at her. Dayton roared “see he stands with the cowards!” Farah sneered “you are a snake like the rest of them!” Hearing their words his eyes began to water.

Adelram walked over and lifted his chin “don’t cry, you did nothing wrong.” Salvador sniffed “what? I..” Adelram shook his head “think of the life you lived on the world eater ship. Every dark and horrible moment. How does it compare being here? Were you happy?” Salvador’s mouth quivered looking at Adelram he could not help but trust him he nodded slowly “I am happy here..”

Adelram smiled “right, your own family, your own flesh and blood tried to destroy your happiness. She killed my brothers, she killed your friend with her actions and such actions have consequences. You understand that? Don’t you Salvador?” Salvador nodded slowly, Adelram continued “if you agreed with your sister, you would not tell Beleth of your concerns correct?” Salvador did not know what was happening as Adelram spoke to him he nodded slowly agreeing with him “y-yes” Salvador stammered. Adelram removed his hand “that is good. come over.” Adelram walked to the tray, Salvador followed, he could see Beleth folding his arms. He did not utter a word. As Salvador reached the tray he saw several torture tools. Salvador’s mouth went dry, Adelram looked to the tools and back to him “Salvador you are going to help me punish the ring leaders of the rebellion.”

Salvador’s eyes went wide “I-I c-can’t!” Adelram frowned “why can’t you? Why can’t you harm the people who sought to take away your happiness? They sought to kill me and Beleth. Along with Camila. Would you be happy with that?” Salvador began to cry again “N-No! B-But!” Beleth interjected “Fatima would of killed you if you came across her on the ship Salvador.” Salvador took a step back from the tray “s-she wouldn’t do that! She wouldn't!” Salvador looked to Fatima “there must be some mistake! Fatima it’s not true is it?” Fatima stared at him she looked away, all she gave him was silence. To Salvador’s shook, Adelram picked up a whip from the tray and walked over. Adelram tapped it in his hand “we will be using this a Cat o' nine tails. I think this tool will suffice.”

Adelram stopped next to Salvador and grasped his shoulder “Salvador, do you want to stay here?” Salvador looked down “I-I..” Adelram shook his head “don’t worry I understand you never did this before.” Adelram forced the cat o' nine tails into his hand. Adelram held his hand over his “Salvador don’t worry I will help you. We will start with the man on the far left.” Adelram walked Salvador over to the man, he weeped “I should've never got involved. I should've never got involved…”

Adelram raised his arm “like this Salvador.” Adelram forced his arm down slamming the cat o' nine tails upon the man. Blood splashed across Salvador’s face. Salvador panted “w-why?” Adelram gave a soft smile “this is partly a reward to you. After all you did report the rebellion with Beleth. Trust me by the end you will enjoy what you are doing to those who sought to destroy your happiness.” Adelram bought his hand up again and slammed it down upon the man more blood splashed across his face. Salvador began to hyperventilate he should smell blood but the old smell of the ship returned to his nostrils for some reason. The sweet comforting smell.

The man before him sagged to one side crying “p-please stop! It hurts! It hurts!” Salvador shook his head he tried to shut his eyes. Adelram hissed “open your eyes Salvador!” Salvador cried “I-I can’t!” Adelram then heard Adelram whisper in his ear “open your eyes Salvador. Salvador’s eyes shot open for some reason, Adelram raised his arm and bought it down again on the man this time flesh began tearing away. Adelram repeated the action again and again until finally the man lay in a pool of blood. Adelram gave Salvador a gentle smile, even if his face bore a small amount of blood Salvador slowly started to feel at ease. “Now, was that hard Salvador? Time for the next one.”

Adelram moved Salvador over to a woman, who spat at Adelram “you don’t remember when you took me! You ate my family!” Salvador watched Adelram frown as the spittle went down his breastplate he smiled again as he looked to Salvador “now Salvador, we will do this one a tad more slowly.” As Adelram moved his arm Salvador could tell there was less force, the same occurred, Salvador was drenched in blood as the barbed cat o' nine tails removed flesh. Salvador thought he would feel sick but no bile lined his throat, he felt comforted each time Adelram moved the whip.

When the woman finally died Adelram, removed his hand and pulled out a piece of cloth from his belt. Salvador felt the blood lining his face, it was oddly warm. Adelram placed the cloth near his face Salvador instinctively moved back, Adelram grinned “relax I am cleaning your face.” Adelram gently rubbed his face with the cloth clearing away the blood “it would not be good if you got blood in your eye.”

Adelram dropped the cloth on the ground, “Now for the next three? you will do yourself.” Salvador looked at the cat o' nine tails “w-what?” Adelram nodded “as I said you will do the next three yourself.” Adelram pointed at Dayton, Salvador face Dayton he scowled at him “look at you. Not even once you told him to stop. If I was unbound I would kill you.”

Salvador shook his head “I-I didn’t do anything wrong..” Dayton chuckled “cowards like to deny in such a way right? Me and Farah beat you up for a reason. Why can't you be like your sister? She understands the blood cult it got to the point she even allowed it to happen.” Salvador blinked he looked at Fatima and then back to Dayton “that’s not true is it? Fatima! It’s not true right!? You did not allow it to happen right? Every time they saw me they bruised my eye! Every time they passed me by they kicked me! Punched me! Tell me Fatima It’s a lie right!?” Salvador then looked at Fatima she held his gaze for a moment and looked away in silence.

Salvador cried her silence said everything, Salvador looked at Dayton grinning. Salvador remembered every painful moment he bought the whip up and then down with all his might. The whip cracked against Dayton’s face. Dayton gasped and yelped in pain. Salvador took in several breath’s doing that to Dayton felt good. Salvador whipped Dayton again and again blood splashed across his clothes and face until Dayton lied in a pool of blood flinching.

Salvador moved to Farah next she gave a sad smile “look at you, you think you are strong. All you are doing now is giving into weakness.” Salvador cracked the whip across Farah’s face each movement of the whip made it more easy. He did not need to force it he enjoyed bringing suffering to Dayton and now Farah. They made him suffer, they made living on the world eater ship hell and his sister was a part of it.

Salvador bought the whip down one more time on Farah the whip pulled away a large chunk of flesh. Farah screamed, Salvador kept whipping Farah even though she screamed. Dayton and Farah always ignored his and right now deep down Salvador finds he is starting to enjoy hearing her voice yelping in pain. Salvador stopped he panted to see Farah is now un-moving apart from a slight twitch. Adelram walked over, Salvador looked up “d-did I do something wrong?” Adelram shook his head “no, it was your right they caused you to suffer so you delivered it back to them. Did you enjoy it?” Salvador looked at the whip “I-I did.”

Adelram stroked his head “good, hold on that I am sure you will sleep better at night.” Adelram looked to Fatima “now the instigator, the one who wanted to destroy your happiness. Beleth will help with this one.” Beleth wheeled over the tray “Now Salvador pick.” Salvador picked up a strange wooden pole with two electric nobs at the end. Adelram smiled “cattle prod, good choice. Now go and punish your sister.”

Salvador looked to his sister he walked over slowly, tears rolled down his cheeks “it’s not true right? They must be lying right?” Fatima looked up to him she laughed “It’s true! I wanted you to be strong! I wanted you to be with me!” Salvador shook his head “but I hated them. I hated the blood cult. I hated what they did to you!” Fatima chuckled “they made me strong Salvador. Still watching you kill those who sought freedom from the degenerates showed me you are just like the rest of them. I know as I die that my brother is now dead.”

Fatima shook her head “I wonder why I tried to convince you? I should of killed you! My true brother gave his life to the cause! For the chance to kill that monster you call lord!” Salvador felt his love for his sister slowly dying crumbling, Salvador edged the cattle prod forward and pressed the button on the handle. Fatima jerked and screamed as her flesh burned, Salvador removed the prod and did it again each time as her flesh cooked instead of smelling the burning of meat a sweet aroma filled his nose. Salvador repeated the action again and again until Adelram shouted “stop Salvador!” Salvador jerked to attention the hand wielding the prod was shaking he slowly removed it from Fatima’s body.

Beleth walked over to Fatima his hand hovered over her, the burnt skin slid off and her wounds began to heal her eyes flicked open. She got to her knees “what? The pain is gone? What is going on? She looked around frantically what is going on!?” Adelram beckoned Salvador over “come here.” Salvador staggered forward Adelram pointed at the tray “pick another tool.” Salvador looked at the tray and picked up a strange ripping tool it bore four claws. Adelram nodded “good choice that tears away breast tissue. Now go use it on your sister.” Salvador slowly nodded, Fatima shook her head “Salvador! Think of what you are doing! Stop and think!”

Salvador heard her voice but he no longer cared, she caused him misery, encouraged it and as Adelram said she tried to ruin his happiness here. Salvador snapped the claws of the weapon in his hand. In his heart he felt someone is guiding him it comforted him telling him he is doing the right thing. The person in front of him is not his sister so it’s okay to enjoy it. The one guiding him, she sang to him softly.

Adelram called out to Beleth “Beleth hold her while Salvador does his work!” Beleth nodded “very well.” Beleth held Fatima in place, Salvador stopped before Fatima, he opened the jaws of the weapon and placed it upon her chest the claws dug in. Salvador oddly felt hot he giggled “this, this is kinda fun.” Adelram walked over smiling “that’s it! Enjoy it Salvador!” Salvador nodded as he pulled back on the tool tearing away a piece of flesh. Fatima screamed, Salvador threw the meat to the side and readied the tool again.

Salvador could see fear in her eyes, complete and utter fear.

Salvador now stared at the woman in front of him she was an unrecognisable piece of meat his clothes and every inch of his body was covered in blood. Salvador looked to Adelram “Is that it?” Adelram nodded smiling “that is it. Your new life has truly begun. Beleth go take Salvador back to his room.” Beleth nodded, Beleth escorted Salvador to the door. Salvador stared at the woman and then to Beleth before leaving “when can we do that again?” Beleth shook his head “your sister’s rebellion got majority of the slaves killed Salvador.”

Salvador titled his head to one side in confusion “sister what are you talking about Beleth?” Beleth furrowed his brow “the sister you just punished.” Salvador shook his head “n-no, no, I am quite sure I had no sister. I mean I only have a brother. You are my brother right? Right? I don’t recall having a sister. The woman said in my heart that you are my brother. She is not lying right!? I mean why would she!? She is so nice...” Salvador could see Beleth looking away for a moment and then back to him he smiled “yes, Salvador I am indeed your brother.”

Salvador smiled back “oh good, the woman did not lie. So why are you taking me to my room?” Beleth shook his head he gave a sad smile “to clean you up dummy.” Salvador sniffed him himself he did not see what the problem was “fine if you say so.”

So...

lliu wrote:
Well this is about to get interesting. Look forward for what's to come!

Forgot to respond to this, I hope you like the development! Well I just kinda posted it but hey.

I swear, there’s more character development here than in movies or even books that are “good”.

lliu wrote:
I swear, there’s more character development here than in movies or even books that are “good”.

Oh really!? Thanks that means a lot to me. You see I want people to get invested in characters their struggles and perils.

With slaanesh I wanted to explore how far characters go to get what they want. The pits they will jump or fall into to get there. Your words mean alot thank you.

Another great book! Really has me on the edge of my seat so far! Your writing just gets better and better.


Btw when I complained about spoilers last time I thought you were gonna spoil stuff you hadn't wrote yet! You don't have to spoiler tag after you write the chapter! sorry for confusing you.

 Dayknight wrote:

Another great book! Really has me on the edge of my seat so far! Your writing just gets better and better.


Btw when I complained about spoilers last time I thought you were gonna spoil stuff you hadn't wrote yet! You don't have to spoiler tag after you write the chapter! sorry for confusing you.

Thanks! dear god when I look back on my first story I just want to cry. Still it's gotten to the point after work I just sit on my computer and type away. All my mates were pretty supportive that all it will take is practice I am really happy both of you are enjoying the story.

Also it's not the end of the story! It's just one part is sort of done to set them on the way to the real adventure!

On the tags? I see. D: You know as the guy writing it I try to avoid letting things slip but I might just keep tagging it just in case.

Haha yea I know the third book isn't done! Just liking what I'm reading so far. literally cam back before bed to see if you wrote another chapter. Damn you got me hooked again!

Chapter 8

Adelram stared at his now empty chamber, he sat in silence. Complete and utter silence the sounds of slaves no longer ring in the chamber, no cries, no weeping and no begging for freedom. He hated it, he despised the situation he was now in. Bringing his eyes over each empty spot, all that is left is stained blood and chains hanging from the wall. Adelram ground his teeth “all of because of slaves… pitiful slaves who.. Who..” he tried to justify for it. There is no other reason than the fact they captured world eater slaves. Adelram smiled “yes, if we took them from any other ship this would not have happened…” Adelram creased his brow in frustration upon uttering those words, “no… no it’s a excuse…” he stared at the wall where he chained the ring leaders they have been cleaned up but for some reason staring in that direction still angered him. They have been punished but there is more he could of done. Perhaps he should of tormented their souls? Tearing them apart piece by piece and feeding it to a neverborn.

Adelram sighed “what’s done is done.” He heard his door opening slowly he looked up to see it’s Beleth. He entered his now silent chamber “What is it Beleth?” Beleth smiled “do you want to talk?” Adelram raised his eyebrow “about what? What is there to talk about?” Beleth walked to the chair next to him he sat down leaning back “anything, how do you feel? What do you want to do?”

Adelram ran his hand through his hair, he felt weary, tired and annoyed he thought of what to say Beleth he is not here to annoy him. It’s clear he is concerned, Adelram sighed “so how is Salvador?” Beleth nodded “well, now he thinks I am his brother. You were quite heavy handed Adelram.” Adelram thought on what he made Salvador do, it was necessary he had to verify if Salvador was also touched by the blood god considering his mutation. More than anything it was a test of his loyalty to him. “you of all people knew it was necessary. I assume you bought him to report the rebellion to secure his life.”

Beleth chuckled “you figured it out, I knew it was necessary I merely wish you were like that with everyone to be honest.” Adelram clutched the arms of his chair “are you here to talk or vex me Beleth?” Beleth sat up “both, you should feel angry because you know you could of done something to prevent it.” Adelram slammed the arm of his chair causing a large dent in the gold chair arm “What could I have done!? You expect me to spend my time with each and every pitiful slave!?” He rose from the chair he gestured to all the empty spaces “why waste time on people I am going to use and kill!? What’s the point!?”

Beleth sat upright in the chair he folded his arms “they should view you as a demi-god, they should love you. Not fear you. The whole warp is open to you and you used to be an apothecary you have tools there but you are not using them properly.” Adelram clenched his hands “why am I even listening to you? You are also a slave!” Beleth shook his head laughing slightly he played with the pin in his hand “so you gave me this just to make yourself feel better? You view me as a mere slave when we are we talking so casually? If it was any other human you would kill them.”
Adelram narrowed his eyes he strode over to Beleth his eyes glowed with eldritch power “that can easily change Beleth…” Beleth shrugged “as I said in the church you can do what you want. Compared to him you hit like a child.” The power drained from Adelram’s eyes he tried to hold to Marthas words that this is a fresh start. Such thinking is crumbling at the very second “sometimes, I wonder what my father did to you. You… are not him.”

Beleth frowned “he died, he gave everything so you can stand here. Right now.” Adelram wiped his hand down his face “what do you mean? I read your journal to you. You know your past. Your history. What we did, what you thought of me!” Beleth held his frown “well as I said he is dead. Gone, torn away by the daemons that served your father. With that they also took my vision. What you want won’t come back.”

Beleth gestured to the piano “so tell me Adelram, why do you play the piano? Do you enjoy it?” Adelram looked at the piano and then back to Beleth “Don’t change the subject…” Beleth titled his head, he sighed and rose from the chair and stood before him “fine, what’s the problem? Why are you so upset with me?” he opened up his hands “what do you hate about me?” He stared up at him with his milky white eyes “do you hate looking at me?” Adelram stared at his eyes, his hearts twist he wondered in pain or anguish his very state is a edifice of his failures. Every inch of his body, even looking at him failure is etched into his mind. Beleth held his empty gaze at him expecting an answer. Adelram turned away “stop it.” Beleth chuckled “do you want me to say it?” Adelram shouted “shut up Asriel!” Saying his old name again, letting it pass his lips his hearts uncoiled slightly.

Adelram began panting, he felt his emotions boiling up he let it loose what he feels about the situation what he truly feels if he wants to know so much “Fine! You want to know!? I hate everything about you! Starting at you! Watching you walk eyes cast down! Every time I hear your new name it’s like something at the back of my mind is pricking! stabbing! Sometimes I wonder, perhaps? Perhaps I could fix him? Then failure won’t grasp my mind anymore.” he looked to his hands “I recall the you that was so respectful. Back then I press you to call me by my name and you slink back to referring to me formally. Even in your own head I assumed you barely referred me to by name.”

Adelram looked over to the piano “you know? I hate playing the Piano! I forced myself to eat the humans! I spent hours on painting I never could get into it! Yes at times I enjoy listening to Camilla play or even Salvador but that’s all it is. That is all it ever is!” Adelram gave a hoarse laugh “always the odd one out, always trying to fit other people’s expectations! Always! With all my might I try again and again and it never works out! The old you never expected anything. Augustus after Horus’ war did not expect anything from me and even Jedrick did not expect anything!” Adelram shut his eyes and clutched his hands “Beleth, don’t be like the rest on them. Please don’t…” Adelram said his name out loud. Again his hearts began twisting. Beleth laughed “finally progress…” Adelram’s eyes flicked open he went over to his chair, he grabbed it and threw it across the room. The large chair smashed into splinters, Adelram ran his hand through his mane of hair he steadied his breathing hearing him say those words. He finally knew what to do “right. I see.”

Adelram turned to face Beleth who is now raising his eyebrow “I see what?” Adelram walked over and grasped his shoulders “I will fix you.” Beleth’s mouth fell agape “w-what? What are you talking about? I am not broken!? There is nothing to fix!” Adelram squeezed slightly “when I gave you that pin, when I acknowledged some part of your sacrifices you cried. He still exists. You say he is dead and gone. I don’t think so.” Beleth turned his head away “n-no-” Adelram hissed “Silence!” Beleth clamped his mouth shut “Asriel, I let you speak. Again and again. This very conversation you made me realise something. I will figure something out just be patient please.”

Adelram moved his hands away from… his servant. His servant Asriel “first, we solve the situation with the warband. Then I will find a way to fix you.” Asriel’s eyes went wide he ground his teeth and pointed “Don’t you dare! I know what you are doing! You can’t do that! I am the one who is meant to save you! I am the one who should sacrifice! It’s not fair! You can’t do that now!”

Adelram watched Asriel’s tantrum saying his name again in his mind put him at ease as he stared at him he watched his face change to a fixature of horror “that’s not my name. I w-” Adelram narrowed his eyes “you won’t what? You won’t you let me do what Asriel? I am the lord of this warband. I can do what I want when I decide something it shall be done.” his eyes began to glow with a soft purple light “if anyone has a problem with what I do… then I will end them.” Asriel slunk back like a beaten creature “this isn’t right… this is not what he wants…” Adelram laughed “he? You refer to my father? How would I know what he wants if he never wants to talk to me? Plus you said he had nothing good to say about me… so what do I have to lose?” Asriel’s face became stuck in a fixature of confusion and horror he darted to the door without saying another word.

Adelram let Asriel leave, first he had to fix the situation with the warband. Then he will handle returning Asriel to normal. Adelram went to his pouch he pulled out Eidolon’s letter “no regrets… no more...”

Silas walked the halls of the upper levels, after the battle was over he checked upon his slaves and unlike many on the ship they are loyal. They know their place, they look to him as a pinnacle they can’t reach as it should be. Silas made a corner and in front of him stood two robed figures he scowled “you two, what do you want? Go bother Marthas.”

Naberius chuckled “oh dear don’t you want to know why we are here?” Sitri licked her lips “even if he is calling?” Silas raised his eyebrow “he? Who are you referring to?” Naberius shook his head “come now, think for a moment. What person do you prize above all else?” Silas’ eyes went wide “what!? You don’t mean!? How!?” Sitri grinned “why don’t you come with us?” Silas narrowed his eyes his father has used humans before and considering how both of them came to the warband is something he still found suspicious.

Silas mumbled “very well.” he then pointed his twin linked bolter at them “if this is a waste of my time..” Naberius grinned “It’s not trust me.” Silas nodded and lowered his weapon, he followed both of them. Walking the corridors, Naberius raised his hand and began weaving his sorcery. Silas furrowed his brow “what are you doing?” Sitri turned her head back grinning “we hid our meeting spot! Can’t let anyone wander into it.” Silas shook his head “I assume Adelram does not know about this? Sitri stuck her tongue out to him “who cares what he thinks? His will matters the most!”
Silas bought his finger close to the trigger of his gun at that gesture if it was anyone else he would of blown them apart. Even so he could not help but agree somewhat. If they are taking him to who he is thinking of then this must be important.

Naberius lowered his hands upon reaching a set of double doors. Naberius spoke in almost a hushed tone “gar’ill’mavu’iz!” The door clicked open, as the double doors opened it released a bellow of pink mist. Naberius “after you… my lord.” Silas grunted, he walked into the room it is a plain circular room and the only thing of note were the walls. Covering every inch were carved runes that exuded the pink mist. For some reason the mist somehow got through the filtration of his helmet. His eyes dilated Silas gasped slightly as his body seized up slightly. He shook his head “what is going on?”

Naberius and Sitri entered the room the doors closed behind them Naberius gestured to the runes “we have to create the right space to even talk to the the great one. Since he is so magnificent and powerful.” Naberius turned to Sitri “let us the begin.” Silas watched Naberius walk to left end of the circular room and Sitri to the far right. They began chanting, the words that spilled from their lips caused Silas’s skin to crawl. The runes began to glow with a raging pink light, from each rune a trail of fire moved to the centre of the room gathering into a giant orb of pink fire. Naberius and Sitri got to their knees “master.” they intoned. Silas’ mouth was dry “father?” Silas heard his voice, smooth as slik mixed with the wailing and cries of souls “my son…” Silas instantly dropped to his knee “My Lord.”

Silas cast his head downwards, he has no right to stare a perfection, even a fraction of it. Fulgrim’s voice entered his mind “you have grown so much, but you haven’t been provided the opportunity. A opportunity that is soon coming.” Silas’ mind raced of what he meant by opportunity. His father gave a chuckle “you know what you want. You want to lead no?” Silas blinked “yes.. He has..” Fulgrim finished his sentence “ruined you? You feel you could be better… more perfect but his mistakes is ruining you..” Silas licked his lips he wondered how he will take control, head still cast low he said “father, when will I have to kill him? He still has supporters…” Silas for some reason could tell Fulgrim is now smiling at least he thought so “you will have to do nothing. His death will come naturally. When the minions of the blood god entered your ship that showed me he is no longer worth preserving.”

Silas felt excited his hearts were jumping but he had to control himself, the unexpected can happen he asked “what of those two? Noxus and that… human.” Fulgrim spoke approvingly “good you see all paths and it’s right of you to ask. I spoke to Noxus while he slept during the attack and Beleth? Adelram has just rejected my gift. He spat in my face… that cannot be forgiven.” Silas felt the heat from the ball of fire increasing, his father spoke softly but he felt his anger his fury. The temperature in his power armour is rapidly increasing “Adelram wants so much from me, changing his human in a sense was my acknowledgement. Since he has rejected that… I will take it away. He will slowly crumble and die.” Silas bowed his head lower “I thank you for blessing me with your wisdom father.” the flames died down, Silas began to feel cool as the temperature levels in his armour dropped. “you should be thankful. Be patient my son your time will come, out of the dregs on the ship you are the one seeking the most elusive thing… perfection…” The flames evaporated. Leaving Silas in the dark room.

Silas rose he laughed “see! I am the perfect one!” Silas swept his eyes over the kneeling Sitri and Naberius “I assume you two serve me?” Naberius and Sitri rose. Sitri bowed “Indeed my lord. The great one supports your rule so shall we.” Silas could see that for once she is not speaking in a mocking manner. There was clear respect in her voice. Naberius smiled he inclined his head “as Sitri said we are yours.” Silas nodded “so what of Marthas then?” Naberius shrugged “we are his helpers, he of all people understood that we did not serve him.” Upon hearing Naberius and Stri's declaration of fealty, Silas stared up to the location where a fraction of his father addressed him “I need to be patient… then I will lead.”

Jedrick sat within his abode which is now completely empty, the ones that followed him took the brunt of the attack. Staring at the empty space did not bother him in the slightest everyone died it doesn't matter who killed them what is important is whether they enjoyed it. Since if they are within the halls being judged by the dark prince he will see whether they were meek or found joy in their final moments. Jedrick breathed in and then out “it’s coming… it’s close now.” Jedrick rose from his chair the abyss within his body started to subsided he began laughing maniacally “it’s coming! Please hurry!” He laughed his voice rebounding within the empty halls. The abyss came crashing back as the doors opened he scowled upon seeing the person entering “Sebastian… what the hell are you doing here?”

Sebastian walked in each step measured and controlled he grinned “silence…. I can hear them. Ahhh” Sebastian shook his head and bought his eyes to him grinning. Jedrick folded his arms “I asked you a question..” Sebastian ignored him as he walked towards him his face holding that mocking grin. Whether his attitude matched his facial expression is another matter altogether. Sebastian inclined his head “I was asked to come here.” Jedrick raised his eyebrow it’s clear Marthas would not bother to check up on him he is far more concerned on trying to rebuild his temple. Marthas narrowed his eyes “who asked you to come here?” Jedrick heard his doors opening again his next visitor surprised him “Marius?”

Marius walked towards him each motion is smooth and his power armour purred at each step “greetings..” Jedrick sighed “you are actually speaking normally so this must be important…” Marius gave a low whimsical chuckle “I merely gathered the people who can sense a part of her song, I wonder will you dance to it’s tune or diverge it?” Jedrick titled his head to one side slightly “song? I know what the dark prince wants of me, I do not know what she wants with you two.” Marius bought his hands together “so you can hear it..” Marius lazily looked over to Sebastian “you crave silence so you can hear the chattering within your mind. What do they say now Sebastian?” Sebastian mumbled “lightning will strike soon…”

Marius nodded “you are aware of your part after that?” Sebastian shook his head “Marthas helped me pick out their voices, all I know is that lightning will come to this ship and that my… usurpation of the warband was also ordained..” Marius rubbed his hands gently “I assume neither of you knows what comes after… especially you Jedrick.” Jedrick scoffed “I know what I want. I know what is coming. I am excited Marius I will not falter now.” he grinned baring his fangs “I waited so long Marius I won’t let you stop me if you are aiming to do so!” Marius inclined his head “I do not aim to stop you, but… you must do something before you head towards your part of the song.” Jedrick grumbled “I did not know you as a manipulator Marius. I do wonder sometimes since we got this ship you never fought with us. When the slaves rebelled I did not see you in sight either. I know you are seeking something I just don’t know what it is.”

Jedrick looked over to Sebastian “does it not concern you how quickly he went over to Adelram’s side Sebastian? After your defeat?” Sebastian bought his eyes over to Marius “at times it does concern me… you were so eager to join me at the time.” Jedrick could see marius blinking he began laughing, his laughter boomed in the hall causing chairs and even tables to shake. “You are concerned if I am going to betray him aren’t you?”

Jedrick nodded “of course I am. I know what sort of creature Sebastian is but before I go I want to ensure no one seeks to exploit him. Right now Marius you are starting to appear as a threat.” Jedrick moved his hand to his axe, Marius stared at his hand and then back up to him “very well… before I joined my troupe, the ones who followed me we drifted on a gunship following the song that the dark prince sings within our minds.” Marius bought up his hands up as almost in prayer “then we encountered him, the song swept around him like a lover, sometimes it tilts or veers off course but it would always stay with him.”

Jedrick eyes went wide with realisation “you have been plotting since they day we met you? Really!?” Marius inclined his head “the song is getting louder, but now it’s started to veer off course towards someone else. It’s almost like a tug of war right now hence why I observed and watched those who may of heard it. So now I come to you, seeing you I am certain which direction the dark prince wants it to go the song is not changing by her designs but by someone else.”

Jedrick folded his arms, he stared at Marius “so whatever you are doing is in his best interest?” Jedrick searched Marius’ features for any sign of duplicity, he sighed “right what do you want me to do?” Jedrick watched the meat around his speaker shift slightly he guessed that Marius is smiling “All I want is for you to die well, in these next few moments he will either start to wilt or begin the path to blossoming. The song has to reach its end.” As Marius finished his sentence the ship tannoy activated “we are going to dive into the sea of souls. Please be prepared for any unnatural occurrences.” Jedrick mumbled “that is the captain's voice… I wonder where we are going?” Marius walked closer “there is not much time, whatever you need to do. Do it now.” Jedrick shook his head sighing “right, right I will think of something. Don’t worry.” Marius nodded “that is all I ask.” Marius turned to Sebastian “we will talk some more please come with me.” Sebastian inclined his head “very well.” Marius and Sebastian walked away, watching them leave Jedrick wondered what he should do. Jedrick thought about it for a few seconds until an idea struck him “I know! Right let’s go see him!”

Jedrick made his way to leaving the hall, he hoped what he had in mind was enough to satisfy Marius.

Beleth sat at his desk he rummaged his hair in frustration “why is he being this way!? There is nothing to fix!? He made me better! Why is rejecting that!?” Beleth tried to think where he went wrong, Jedrick said he would listen to him but he is doing the opposite. Beleth tried to calm himself “perhaps he is just agitated after the rebellion? That must be it?” Beleth’s mind drifted to his journal the words of his former self. The self he viewed to be naive “why does he want that back? What does he see in him?” Beleth’s heart began to twist “he wants to restore me, he wants to restore my vision but it’s impossible…” Beleth clenched his hands “why does he want to do something that is impossible!?” Beleth froze as he heard a knock on his door, the footsteps outside his room caused him to raise his eyebrow “why is he..” Beleth got up from his desk he made his way over to his room door. As he opened the door he said “you are visiting me this time?”

Beleth went back to his desk and sat down, his visitor walked into the room “aye, I need a favour.” Beleth scratched the back of his head “what sort of favour Jedrick?” Jedrick paced the room “I need to borrow your recorder and a fresh tape, don’t worry I will give it back.” Beleth turned slightly “may I ask why?” Jedrick sighed “just let me borrow it.” Beleth had no idea what he wanted it for but after all their discussions he can see that Jedrick does not ask for things or speaks for no reason. Beleth went to his belt and pulled out his recorder he took and tape and placed one within it. He rose from his desk and walked over to Jedrick, Beleth gestured at a button “you press it to start the recording. You press it again to stop it.” Beleth handed his recorder over “you are going to give it back?” Beleth tried to catch any hint of a lie, Jedrick’s feet were firm there were no unnatural movements “I will don’t worry. I will” Beleth felt his recorder leaving his hands.

Jedrick then turned away from him and left his room. Beleth had no idea what he wanted it for but he had a feeling he would make good use of it. Beleth made his way back to his desk, he stopped he felt his chest constricting he began coughing harshly. His chest hurt it felt tight, Beleth covered his mouth.

As the cough subsided phlegm lined his hands and he tasted blood in his mouth. Beleth furrowed his brow “what? Maybe?” Beleth placed his hand on his forehead he tried to detect if there is anything wrong with his body. “Nothing, no cold or flu.” Beleth picked out a cloth from his belt and wiped his hands “perhaps it’s nothing?”

Beleth rubbed his chest slightly, the constricting sensation in his chest is subsiding he tapped it “perhaps it was just a bad cough?”

Izel stared at the orb, the emperor’s children ship as dived into the warp and the tool he is going to use to end them is also swimming the sea of souls. Izel bought his eyes over the ritual hall, his acolytes are in place along with his Astartes apprentices. The hall had all of them in a circle, his apprentices made the inner surrounding him and his acolytes made a circle surrounding his apprentices. The halls have been prepared the correct runes and words of power have been carved on every inch of the hall to generate enough power for the ritual. Izel raised his staff and began chanting. The warp started to bend around both ships after a moment his apprentices and acolytes joined his voice. The paths within the warp started to divert and change. Blue flame erupted from Izel’s staff, the flame splintered into small pieces making its way to each rune as the flame touched a rune it began to glow with a blue light.

Izel noted that the hard part is now coming, Izel grunted as he moved his staff bending the pathways in the warp for both ships to intersect. His nose began to bleed, tears of blood began to run down his eyes. This is why he added the acolytes to this ritual, the gods dislike those who seek to play with their dominion but he had power over such things, it’s the power tzeentch has given him.

One by one his acolytes started to burn out. bursting into blue flames, he wrenched his staff pushing the pathway for both ships to meet. They travelled unsuspecting of what is about to happen, Izel had to hold the pathway for a few moments. As they began nearing each other, Izel slammed the haft of his staff on the ground releasing a surge of blue energy at once both ships were pulled out of the warp facing each other. Izel stopped his chant, he rested on his staff slightly due to the draining effects of the ritual he grinned upon seeing the image “now, my puppets kill each other…”

Tarkhan stood at the side of Ganzorig’s command throne with Batu, they stared at the traitor ship that is now before them, Ganzorig shook his head “how did this happen? According to the navigator we have veered off course..” Tarkhan narrowed his eyes “does it matter? Traitors are before us.. We should take their heads.” Tarkhan looked at the traitor ship, the mix of colours mad colours hurt his eyes. Batu gestured to him “we have an objective, we can’t bleed ourselves dry upon them.” Tarkhan hissed “ou-” Batu shook his head “our duty is to get to Califa, the defenders are holding for as long as they can focus on the horizon. Not upon the base of the hill.”

Ganzorig inclined his head towards Batu “I agree with our stormseer, the issue is how are we going to get past?” Ganzorig looked down upon the serfs “I want an assessment on the traitor ship!” from the consoles a serf called out “it seems to be a modified apocalypse class battleship! Armed with a nova cannon! They out range us!” Ganzorig grumbled “how are we going to get past that?” Tarkhan watched the screen his eyes went wide as he saw the cannon charging up “they are firing!” Ganzorig looked at the screen “evasive maneuvers now!” Tarkhan felt the ship making a quick turn, Ganzorig shouted “ahead full!” Tarkhan gripped the bar as the ship moved, the moon dancer bore its name because it could easily maintain full speed even when making quick turns.

Tarkhan watched the traitor ship make a large turn as their nova cannon was about to fire “the cannon is off course? What are they doing?” Ganzorig raised his eyebrow “I don’t know…” As the moon dancer moved through the void, Ganzorig clutched the arm of his command throne in shock “oh no! We are right in front of it!” Tarkhan blinked “they predicted where we are going to go?”

The ship shook heavily as the nova cannon fired, the serf called out “void shields at 75 percent!” Batu shook his head “we mainly have macro cannons, we have to find some way past the ship to get to Califa.” Tarkhan stared at the nova cannon “such a large cannon must use its engines to steady itself and to aim. I have seen many used by the imperial navy.” Ganzorig narrowed his eyes at him “what do you aim to do?” Tarkhan nodded “if we can get close, a team can make a surgical strike at one the engine reactors. It will slow them down and affect their aiming. Using this chance you can prepare a warp jump and get back on track to our objective.” Batu eyes went wide upon hearing his plan “that is a one way trip! The team won’t come back!”

Tarkhan grinned “of course, it’s my plan so I will take volunteers from my squad.” Ganzorig frowned “I won’t allow it, there must be another way.” he said firmly. Tarkhan felt the ship shudder again a serf called “55 percent!” Tarkhan walked in front of Ganzorig “khan, we are your blade to cut the head from the enemy. Right now that traitor ship is blocking us from our hunt. We can’t risk weakening the company in a battle such as this!” Tarkhan bought his eyes to Batu and then back to Ganzorig he took a deep breath “Batu is right you must keep your eyes on the horizon. Sometimes decisions will cost the lives of our brothers but that comes with being a khan. As members of your brotherhood we will always stand ready to give it!” Tarkhan waited for Ganzorig’s response it’s only been a few hours since he gave him this position.

Tarkhan thought of Batu’s words to stay at his Khan’s side, Tarkhan guessed that maybe he had to be at his side for this very moment, if he did not try to get to know him they might of been destroyed by the traitor’s nova cannon. If he did not speak to him of his concerns he would not be standing on the bridge right now. Tarkhan waited for what felt like an age, Ganzorig finally inclined his head “get the volunteers from your squad to the boarding torpedoes. I will get you close to the ship.” Tarkhan bowed “yes Khan.” As he made his way off the bridge Batu grasped his pauldron “are you sure about this?” Tarkhan grabbed Batu’s hand he can see the clear worry lining his features “I am old friend. Perhaps I was meant to be here in this moment to get our Khan to where he needed to go.” Batu slowly moved his hand away from his pauldron he seemed unsure “perhaps Tarkhan, take as many of them down as you can.” Tarkhan grinned “of course I will do not worry Batu.”

Tarkhan left the bridge he put his helmet on, he opened his squad channel “this is Tarkhan, this is not an order but a request to brothers. I am making a surgical strike to the engine reactors of the enemy ship. Know that if you turn this down that I will not think any less of you, perhaps you feel your blade should be at the side of our Khan. But those who wish to come with me into the jaws of hell? Signal now and make your way to the boarding torpedoes!” Tarkhan watched the names of the 8 members that made his squad, one by one the lights next to their name chimed green. Tarkhan smiled as he stared at 8 green lights “those traitors will not know what hit them..”

Adelram stood with Lily on the bridge, he could see that the white scars are attempting to dodge the Nova cannon. Adelram looked up at the command throne, Lily was almost like a computer predicting exactly where they are going to go. While watching the ship what concerned him more than anything is how they crossed each other warp travel and be unpredictable at times but what is happening now felt.. Wrong to him. Lily frowned “their focus on speed means nothing, if you can predict where they will go it does not matter how fast they move.” Adelram nodded “for a battle barge it’s moving quite fast and smooth also but you took down far better captains haven’t you?” Lily grinned “of course. Just a few more shots their void shields will fall and then they will start taking hull damage.”

Adelram watched the screen, the white scar ship is starting to turn towards them he raised his eyebrow “what are they planning to do?” Lily shrugged “all they are doing is making them an easier target.” Adelram stroked his chin “I am not too sure about that…”

Ganzorig stared at his command throne screen, he could see Tarkhan and his squad are now in the boarding torpedoes “we have to time this well…” Ganzorig nodded he looked up at the bridge crew “I want all excess power diverted to engines!” the serfs shouted “yes captain!” Ganzorig watched on the screen as the power reactors began diverting the excess energy to the engines. Ganzorig smiled “first time using this isn’t it?” Batu nodded “enjoy it while it lasts Khan.” Ganzorig watched the traitor ship beginning to turn to face them he brought up the command to push the engines above their normal limits. The nice thing is about white scar ships, they are built to have far greater limits than normal imperial and even Astartes Variants.

Ganzorig watched a big red button appear on the command throne screen, he pressed it the ship turned dark for a moment, the lights shifted to red as a servitor announced “engines fully activated! Limits removed!” Serfs, prepared their belts Ganzorig imagined across the ship many are preparing to hold onto something.

Ganzorig stared at the screen as the countdown began the servitor echoed it “5…..4…...3…..2……..1…” as one left the lips of the servitor Ganzorig slammed back on his chair as the ship zoomed forward. Batu was holding onto the rail even in power armour he would of lost his footing if he did not prepare himself beforehand. The moon dancer surged forwards, as they were approaching the side of the traitor ship Ganzorig opened a communication channel with boarding torpedoes “we are launching them! Get ready!” Tarkhan’s voice echoed through the vox as always his voice holds conviction “launching!”

Ganzorig watched the torpedoes launch he smiled as they trailed in the void landing in the correct spot, as the moon dancer surged pass the traitor ship Ganzorig closed his eyes “watch your step brother, it’s down to you.”

Tarkhan felt his boarding torpedo shudder, he prepared his power armour to absorb the impact of crashing into the traitor ship. Tarkhan steadied his breathing he gripped his dao in its sheath. He waited until finally he felt the impact and then the heat of the melta guns making a hole, the torpedo door slid open. Tarkhan moved his way down and stepped upon the traitor ship.

Tarkhan did a head count all 8 of his squad is here, he could see the human followers of the traitors rushing for side arms. Tarkhan grinned as he placed his hand on the handle of his blade he gripped his sheath and drew his blade he shouted “laugh while killing!” Tarkhan charged, his squad readied their weapons.

The human traitors stood no chance, the bullets from their autoguns bounced from their armour as Tarkhan cut them down. Their blood trailing off his blade, with each movement and each cut.