Chapter
4 – Angels From Heaven or Hell?
Unsure of whether there was a cohort of
Black Templars on the planet trying to continue to halt the blood rituals or
not, Nabu aired on the side of caution insisting that the pilot land the
thunderhawk in the remaining open lands on Lastrati. This was to be a quiet
inquiry, similar to that of their brothers in the Alpha Legion, until the host
could establish links and connect with the various leaders of the major
cities. The Thunderhawk had only just left the hangar bay and begun
its descent to the planet’s surface, as the pilot navigated through the air
space looking for an appropriate place to land and deliver the war host
contained within. The war host of fates reach were few in number, but strong in
will and devout to the cause ahead of them, nothing would stop them in their
pursuit of enlightenment. Nabu had two squads of astartes to support him in his
cause as well as Erra and his chosen few with their plasma technology. Although
Erra had his chosen few, Nabu valued the devotion of each of his brothers, each
will fulfil the hosts desire in service not just to the word but to their
master and lord. “Brothers we ready for battle, we swear our oath of moment to
this time, we shall seek enlightenment of this world and remove the taint of
the emperor from this planet”
“By your word, it will be done” clucked the
astartes
* *
*
The engines had stopped roaring, that was
the indication to the host that they were ready to seek enlightenment on this
world. “brothers be ready, we start out pilgrimage on this world”
As the astartes began to leave the
Thunderhawk gunship a tactical array appeared on the internal display of Nabu’s
helmet, a location was identified roughly three miles north of their landing
pad. It was a small settlement that outlied on one of the cities, this would be
the first time that they Word Bearers would make contact with the people’s of
this planet, did he hope that they would provide some answers for him…
With no vehicles, except the thunderhawk,
the Word Bearers made their way on foot towards the settlement, the vox was
clear and silent, no astartes need mutter a word when following their Apostle,
for he would lead the way to the destination. A private hail was received over
the vox, it was from the Fleet Commander aboard the Fates Effect. “My Lord, I
have had confirmation from the leaders of the first city, they are on their way
to meet you in the settlement. The other leaders have yet to confirm their
attendance, this may be to not alert the local imperial forces of your
presence”
“Thank you Adanu, What is the status of the
ground forces?”
“According to the leaders it is mainly
Imperial Guard but there is word of a group of Black Templars residing in one
of the cities, keeping an eye out for heretics”
“How have these supposed leaders remained
for so long then?
“That my lord you will have to ask them
yourselves…”
The vox link cut out as Erra’s voice came
over another channel. “We are close to the outskirts of the settlement my Lord,
it looks more like an outlying hive city than what I had expected”
“Do not let your eyes deceive you Erra.
This world holds true to its origins, I expect that most of the hives are
located underground. Worry not, I am sure our arrival will be expected and
welcomed”
The astartes had not yet drawn their
weapons on this planet, but were being cautious as they approached the outer
edge of the city. A small group of men armed with laspistols and shotguns were
waiting, they had not yet seen them due to the lack of augmented sight provided
by the Astartes suit of armour. “Hostiles Ahead” barked a marine
“They are not hostile, they are awaiting
the angels” replied Nabu
“Calm yourselves, their weaponary is
primitive anyhow…it would not be able to harm an Astartes” chimed Erra.
“Arrogance will pay you no heed Erra, we
may be strong but we are not immortal”
The astartes continued to pace forward
towards the city, finally the humans had noticed them. They were ushering the
astartes into the city through what seemed like a disused exit of the city,
although no official boundary seemed to be apparent in the minds of Nabu. Small
hab cities like this were common place, areas of mass poverty, each full of
gangers and crimes that were policed by the local militia. This city however
seemed devoid of any rule, the city was in ruins and was more than likely to be
abandoned, save for a few that could not bare to leave. An opportune location
to meet thought Nabu, their hosts had thought this through.
As the bulky astartes walked the ruined
city, constantly surveying their surroundings ensuring that their was to be no
foul play, they could not help but notice the distinct smell and plague that
seemed to have ravaged this city.
“What happened here?” questioned Nabu, as
he walked behind the humans
“The great plague. No-one really comes here
anymore, it was told that a great being appeared before this world and infected
it with a evil virus, from which only the strong would survive”
“And how many did?”
“None…”
The response played on his mind for a
moment before continuing his line of questioning “And what of the great plague
now?”
“It is said that some still bare the burden
of the plague, but for the most part it is believed to have died out. It is
said that this city is cursed and that it will return one day to wreak it
vengeance, hence why no-one really lives here”
“Such a pleasant tale, a city damned and
people flock away”
It was not much more than a five minute
walk before they had reached their destination, a large cathedral like
structure that despite the rest of the city was intact, they began their walk
up the marble stairway to the lording arched doorway that was appearing in
front of them. The men that had lead them to their destination, briefly nealt
before the temple before entering through its gate, Nabu although surprised by
the apparent ritual enjoyed seeing such devotion. Maybe this world will hold the answers I seek. Nabu continued up
the stairs, turned to face his brothers “Erra, stay with the host and set up a
perimeter. If anything trys to interrupt us, show it the power of our word”
“Yes My Lord” and with that Erra began to
co-ordintate his brother astartes to take up different positions within the
city to ensure that they were not interrupted. Satisfied that his will was
being done, Nabu turned back and entered the temple.
For a human place of devotion Nabu was
impressed with its grandeur, what appeared to be black marble lined the temple,
although there was patches of what appeared to be toxic waste was placed
sporadically around the temple. He walked down the central gangway through the
sets of pews located either side of him to see a group of four young men and an
elderly gentleman sitting atop an Emerald Throne. “Welcome Angel” barked the
old man.
Nabu stopped halfway down the great hallway,
the echo from the man indicating that he was close enough to have the
conversation he desired.
“Why do you call me an Angel? And who do I
address in this glorious monument?”
“You may call me Grimalus, I am the leader
of one of the four cults on this world”
“Cults?”
“There are four ways to show your devotion
on this world Angel. Plague, Pleasure, Sorecey and Bloodshed. I lead those that
believe the Great Plague will return and that we are the chosen strong few that
will remain on this planet, triumphing above all others. I was but a boy when
the curse struck and now I am living proof of the possibilities of our people.”
As he finished his tale, he revealed various boils that seemed to ooze a green
liquid.
“You seem ill of health Grimalus, not much
longer for this plain are you?”
Grimalus brought a smerk across his face as
he regarded the giant figure in red and gold. “I have been on this world for
over two hundred years, I am not cursed but blessed by the great plague. I
stand alone atop the world with this blessing”
“So what do you have to tell me of this
world? How can you enlighten me in the ways of the supposed plague?”
“Supposed plague?” scoffed the old man, “You
will see what we see, through my words I will enlighten you and you will look
for our word to guide you. The great plague provides us with resilience to our enemies, we may be few in number but
we are not affected by simple illness. We shrug off wounds that would kill
mortal men outright…”
“As you see old man, we are not mortal men”
“But you can still fall ill as we do, shed
blood in the light of war…By following our faith and aiding in the sacrifice to
the great plague you will be rewarded”
“I will not decide yet , bearer of the
plague. I seek information from all councils before the decision is rendered.”
“Be it your will, but you will find that
the other leaders will only meet you within their grounds. This is a temple of plague,
not of sorcery or pleasure. You will need to venture further to establish your
pathway Angel”
“Then so it will be.”
Interruped by a Erra on the vox, “My Lord, There
is a small Imperial force approaching our postion. It numbers no more than
twenty-five humans. Shall we engage?”
“Await my arrival Erra” whispered Nabu through
the vox channel, acutely aware that he was still engaged in conversation with
the old man. “It seems that the local militia have been alerted to our
presence. We must deal with this problem before our awareness is brought to
those of more importance on this world”
“Then we shall all depart. We shall leave
and return to our city. Make us aware of your decision shortly…we welcome the
worship of angels to our cause”
“We shall see…” responded Nabu as he turned
and left for the gates at the front of the temple to re join his host.
<-STAGE GAME WITH IG ->
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