Today I shall post a continuing series of Warhammer fan-fiction I've been working on, for The Mad Nomads Warhammer Community I'm a part of. It's a sort of origin story as to why I ended up in the Mad Nomads Space Marine Penal Chapter. A now for a little about them. They started out as a Blood Angels Death Company led by Chaplain Nomad Darmadeus, who was then tasked by radical elements of the Inquisition to shepherd condemned, excommunicated, or even traitorous Adeptus Astartes, so that they could earn their redemption in the eyes of The Emperor through their death. This series chronicles my character's story previous to his incarceration to The Mad Nomads Penal Chapter. Thus, begins the adventure.
In my many centuries in service to Russ and the Allfather I have slain many a foe. From heretics and alien beasts, to the demonic tides that rippled forth from the Warp. Never once have I questioned my place or my purpose in safeguarding the legacy of the Wolves. Never have I found myself in free thought while surrounded by the Empyrean as I made my way back to Fenris. The trials faced and roots planted as I stood resolute in my mission were nothing compared to failure. This ghostly, and incomprehensible word I have yet to know, slowly drilling its way into my skull as I must indeed report my failings. Failings not only to my Chapter, but to the Great Wolf himself; in that I could not find potential recruits for him. As always I stood resolute against the obstinate nature of the Valhallans, and arrogantly thought I could sway a number of them to join us in campaigns, for we shared a common bond of enduring our respective planets nature.
"These Valhallans would serve us greatly, for we share the bond of survival on our rugged worlds." Great Wolf Logan Grimnar lectured me. "Their resolute and steadfastness against even the greatest of odds would suit us well and I expect no less than success from you Ulfhedinn Panzerlied. For if you strike out again, I must then think on the appropriate course for one who has been so entrusted with our future."
The words a constant ringing in the ears as the cacophony of that failure drills its way further into my head. Those damn Valhallans, honorable and stoic warriors to the last, could not find themselves to be parted from their comrades. Even to be one of the Angels of Death, their dogged determination to remain home secretly impressed me. Would that the Imperium was made up of such conviction and tenacity in the face of greater obstacles, we would have reached beyond our current edges of space. The Eye would be nothing but a mere skirmish among battlefleets and battalions as they scoured the Great Enemy from existence. There I go again, the individualistic nature of my pre post-human form. I might have made a good Valhallan as I made a decent Fenrisian given my nature for thinking outside of the acceptable standard. I was supposed to be beyond such things now, I am of the Vlka Fenryka and should no longer be concerned with mortal failings; yet that drilling doubt gnaws at me.
"Arriving at Fenris shortly Wolf Priest" the Captain told me.
Nodding I make my way to my quarters to prepare myself, as best as I can, for the eventual clash that will face me, of a Great Wolf's wrath.
The Aett. Home for myself, and Heaven from the eyes of my youth. Bastion of my brothers and honored battlefield against our hated nemesis, Thousand Sons, and the ilk of rebels, and that of the Inquistition. Landing I disembark and am greeted by a select few of the Wolf Guard to escort me to my meeting. Word of my return empty handed quickly spread, and as such the shame of my failure once again to my Chapter; though none dared speak of such to me openly save for only the Great Wolf and a few Wolf Lords. Even the Wolf Guard being the best of us, treated me with honor despite the contempt they tried to hide from me. Making my way to the Grand Annulus to meet with the Great Wolf Logan Grimnar, I steady my nerves and sharpen my wit on centuries of experience of success over insurmountable odds. The room is empty, save for myself and the Great Wolf standing at the representation of our Great Companies.
"Word of yet another failure Wolf Priest, yet another mar on the Saga of your very storied life. For all of its merits, it cannot be complete without failures and they are many."
"The Valhallans are indeed as great as you say, though unfortunately as stubborn as a Fenrisian Mammoth. They could not be swayed to join us, as they valued their comradeship over being an Adeptus Astartes."
"It would have been a great asset, as your zeal often provides a way for even the most obstinate to see reason, yet they bested you?" the Great Wolf scoffed. "You sought redemption among us, for your previous failures, you thought to regain your honor. There is no longer honor to be had here, not anymore for this is now your fate."
I follow his gaze as he rests his eyesight on that of the blackened name stone of the lost 13th Great Company. The drill of doubt now replaced with complete and utter failure, for now there is no mark left to mar my history; for my history is so soot ridden that I believe I will no longer exist in Saga or Song.
"I can see your dread, even under the helmet of your station. You are not to be discarded so easily, for you still have worth, and may yet redeem yourself in the eyes of Russ and the Allfather, even among your brothers you may still find honor yet to be gained."
He nods toward a corner and a hulking Marine in blackened Terminator plate marches forth to the center of the room.
"Let me introduce to you your new Lord. This is Chapter Master and High Chaplain Nomad Darmadeus of the Mad Nomads, a Death Company somewhat like the Deathwatch where they accept those disgraced from various other Chapters. He has heard of your zeal, and many centuries of ferocity, and has recruited a number of those fallen from among us. There they serve to regain a shred of honor, so you may yet find yourself among familiar brothers once more. Chapter Master Darmadeus, I'll leave him to you now."
The hulking Terminator walks forth to me and peers into my own skull helm.
"You have quite the reputation Wolf Priest Ulfhedinn Panzerlied, and one with such zeal and service as you will be a welcome addition. Though I must tell you, your station will no longer do. You may remember where you came from, and what you've accomplished, but all who join us start again from the from the lowest rank to the highest office, and must earn their place, their honor and their respect among new brothers. Go and prepare yourself, don your simple attire as you leave all vestiges of the Vlka Fenryka behind except for your Saga, which is still being written. This is but a new chapter."
With a nod I remove myself from the Grand Annulus, and make my way to my old chambers. Becoming bare once again in the eyes of Russ and the Allfather, like some newborn pup, I stare at their visage and depart. Thinking on the countless engagements, the task of instilling the deeds and virtues of the Vlka Fenryka into those who are chosen from the Fenrisians; thinking that I too, have been chosen, in a way, to become something else. All I have left, is my memory of this place, my memory of the countless brothers fallen, and those I have saved from themselves and from the enemy. I make my way to the spaceport and meet the Chapter Master Nomad Darmadeus, not once looking back in some form of nostalgia. I only look forward, no longer does the cacophony of doubt drill its way into my mind; the fire and zeal inside of my beating hearts musters, for I now face certain death, but a death to regain my honor among brothers both old and new.
