Chapter 35: Comprehension

Behind a man is always a reason of why he bares arms. It's what makes men human. But to those who have nothing to fight for and simply fights perpetually has long lost his humanity.

- Captain James Ozboro, Cardinal-class Cruiser Righteous Sons Imperial Navy

Rodemman ran on muddied ground as he struggled to keep up with his speeding eldar companion. His breath came in ragged puffs as the rain continued to send chills down to his insides. It didn't help that his armor was practically shredded to oblivion, leaving much of his body well exposed to the elements. Guarding his face with his arms, he barreled through the foliage covered path. Lightning would occasionally illuminate where he was going but for the most part, he was literally running blindly and was using Uelesh as a beacon through it all.

"Uelesh, where are we going? Shouldn't we contact command for extraction?" The guardsman asked before dodging a healthy tree branch sparing him from what could've been a painful slap to the face.

"For now, we head to the east. There should be an outpost there where we can find shelter then we'll do so once we reach it. By now, the orks would've lost us when we changed directions by the river earlier so that should be one less problem for us." Uelesh replied but was barely audible with the continued splashes of water upon the ground and the raging winds that bellowed to his ear.

Confused, he tried to remember the map that Roliter had forced him to memorize but was hard pressed to do so. His attention however was shoved back to reality in a rather painful way. While he was attempting visualized the lay of the land, he managed to trip himself on a rock sticking out of the ground sending him to collide onto Uelesh. Without warning, he found himself pressed to her body and soon they were rolling down a grassy slope. His protective instincts were triggered as he held her tightly and using himself to cushion the impacts.

As if karma came back to bite him for his carelessness, something sharp stung his right arm causing him to wince and let out a muffled cry. After several meters of tumbling down on the said slope, the two halted to a stop on stable ground. Rodemman's eyes were wide open as he stared into her helmet's yellow eyes. She lay sprawled below him and despite that they wore their armor or in his case, what little of his flak remained, he still felt unbearably conscious with their position. Panting with hands planted on each side to support him, he watched silently as her chest rise and fall. He was not sure whether or not she was having the same dilemma as he was given that her helmet was better at concealing one's face. Still, his burning face was as clear as day. His rational self, ordered him to move but for unknown reasons, he felt powerless and was unable to break a trance.

"I...uhhh...this is..." He heard himself stammer out insensible words.

Before he could even break away, the ground rumbled and large spider webs began to spread on where they were. Fueled by adrenaline, he once again enveloped Uelesh into a protective embrace earning a high pitched yelp from her. A moment later, the earth where they lay caved in thus plunging them into a seemingly endless pit. The sudden loss of land forced out an indignant scream from the veteran guardsman.

Why is my luck so bad!? Rodemman began questioning himself.

Uelesh's hold on him tightened which caused him to do the same as they plummeted. The guardsman found himself clenching his eyes shut despite the protests of his mind to open them and assess the situation. Wind rushed to his ears as they continued to fall.

He felt his back impact into something hard before a sense of weightlessness and bone chilling cold rushed to consume his body. His eyes snapped open and realized that they had fallen into an underground pool. His helmet somehow managed to be removed from his head and was now dangling behind him with the straps starting to choke him. Uelesh was already unfastening it and had it removed in less than a second then discarded hers as well. Now free from the chokehold of his helmet, both swam towards the surface.

The two gasped as they exploded from the surface, filling their lungs with precious air once again. Glancing upwards, Rodemman gawked at how high they fell. He was essentially looking up to at least a three to four level building in terms of height. Tall natural formed walls led up to the opening above them. Squinting as his eyes adjusted, he could vaguely see the jagged surface of the walls and several possible handholds. The storm still raged on as hinted by the intense rain that was now pouring into the chasm but with the lack of the winds. They could probably climb out but would be difficult and perilous given that the walls would probably be slippery due to the rain and moss if his eyes were correct to locate the numerous areas with dense green substance on it. Not to mention, the fact that there was barely any light to help them climb if they chose was something to consider as well. It was worse than earlier when they were fleeing from the orks. His teeth began to chatter when a hand rested on his shoulder.

"Staying here is unwise, let's dry ourselves over there." Uelesh said with quivering voice.

He could see her point out towards his left but failed to see whatever was in the said area. He looked at her in a silent question which was answered by a deadpanned expression.

"There's land over there." She replied nonchalantly.

Nodding, he had her lead the way seeing that her eyesight was superior to his. Using Uelesh's white armor as a guide through the darkness, he managed to reach land and hauled himself upon the rocky surface. Gently, he allowed himself to lie down onto the ground. He expected it to be cool to the touch but found it oddly warm. He was thankful nonetheless as the warmth was absorbed by his aching muscles. Sighing at this small comfort, his eyes became heavy while his breathing settled to a favorable rhythm. His right arm became a pillow as he stared blankly at the ceiling of rock formations.

They seemed to be in an underground cave with most of it being submerged in water. The small rocky patch that they were on was, as far as he knew, the only suitable place to rest. He knew that the orks were probably searching for them but if lady luck had decided to be on their side for once, he may not have to worry about them. Still, it was if the rain had managed to fully erase their scent and their footprints on the ground. He scowled internally as too many 'ifs' began materializing in his mind. He knew that in hindsight, they had barely had any distance between them. But with the earlier events, his body can't seem to keep up.

Then the recent experience tore its way from the back of his head. He had never came as close to dying as he had. Back then, when he was assured that Uelesh was safe, he resigned himself to his fate. But now, it felt so wrong that he did. Something tugged at his heart when he imagined a lone Uelesh, soaked to the bone holding his corpse weeping. His memories were blury at best but he could faintly remember her already doing so when he was at death's door. Rodemman sighed. He had seen many suffer such fate be it the death of a family member, friend or lover, he was too accustomed to the sight of the living mourning as they held the often mutilated corpses of what was once a significant part of their life. He was not sure as to what the extent her mourning would be if he had died but the scenario presented itself a bittersweet taste to his mouth.

"Are you alright?" Uelesh asked him, looking down on him with an unreadable expression.

With half lidded eyes, he smiled at her as he gazed back at her.

"Yeah...just...tired." He replied nonchalantly with rapidly closing sights.

Maybe I'll just have a quick shut eye. Half of him wanted to move while the other simply wanted to recover from the fatigue that he was feeling.

But the internal war abruptly ended when he was violently yanked to his feet forcing him to be wide awake. Snapping his eyes open, he came face to face with an impassive Uelesh. He was unsure but his instincts yelled danger.

"I suggest that you refrain from sleeping with the orks still right at our doorstep." The eldar said before freeing her hold on his arms.

She then turned around and started examining the small patch of rock formation that they were on leaving him confused as to why she was doing so and why she seemed to be in a bad mood.

Planet: Agri-World of Kallidia

Location: Outskirts of the City of Haven, within the Luludilius dwelling.

985.M41

-Agri-World of Kallidia, eleven years prior-

"Women are complex beings. One moment they are all sunshine's and rainbows and the next, they are a raging Fenrisian blizzard." His father explained as he locked the tool shed.

Rodemman's eye twitched, unseen by his father. The young boy wondered how things made a sudden weird turn. One second they were talking about the upcoming harvest while storing the tools that they had purchased from the local blacksmith then the next thing he knew was that his father was once again having one of his numerous stories from his prime. But lately, Rodemman had noticed that his father's stories became frequent as well as his unnecessary advices. All of which pertains to either women or the responsibilities of a man.

"That's why when dealing with maidens, it is best to be patient, sensitive and have an open mind. It also helps to have a good memory of your actions to better speed things up when trying to ascertain whether you had committed a 'crime' or she is just having one of her days."

Looking behind him, mostly ignoring his father's ramblings, he stared at the sight of fields upon fields of crops bathed in the fiery glare of the setting sun. The sight had always brought a smile to him and it still never ceases to do so. Snapping his head back to face his father's back as he heard a cough, Rodemman began his reply.

"But dad, isn't it dangerous to have an open mind? Like what the saying says, an open mind-"

"Is like a fortress with its gates unbarred and unguarded." His father finished the well-known quote then moved to face him.

His face had the fatherly smile that he would always wear whenever he would correct him. There were times such as this that Rodemman would be corrected even if he thought himself to be right. And it was more than enough to confuse him as even when he was following the norm of imperium society, he would be given a tale or two on how wrong he was.

"Listen, son. Though it might be the very least helpful against the influence of Chaos, it is not as effective as many were led to believe."

A young Rodemman scratched the back of his head, unable to grasp why it wasn't 'effective'. But before he could even ask again, Rexinius was already leading the way towards their dwelling but not before hearing him muttering something that an inquisitor might deem heretical.

"That's why we are in a bloody war with beings that does not want one at all."

Baffled, Rodemman decided it to be wise to not bring it up. Silently, he followed behind his father. Looking up to his broad shoulders that had served the Imperium and later on, tirelessly served his family, he had longed to follow his footsteps. Whereas heroes were forever etched in legends, his father's deeds and sacrifices were forever be etched in his heart and mind. His eyes drifted to his nape where the image of a flaming sword pointing upwards was tattooed. Rexinius said that it was the crest of his platoon during his guardsman years, nonetheless whether it was true or not he still find it eye-catching.

The past faded and was replaced by the present as he stared at a particular boulder. It sat nearby just behind where he decided to lay down just minutes ago but what caught his eye was what was etched into it. Upon the sleek surface, a far contrast from its brethren was a flaming sword similar to that of his father's tattoo. The sight caused his breath to hitch.

What in the...does my father know about Fonral?

After a moment of thinking, he shook his head.

Is it just a coincidence? Or does he know something about this world? He pondered to himself.

No, that's impossible. He or mother never told me anything remotely about being near this planet or anything that describes it. But the possibility does exist...

Below the flaming sword were unknown symbols mixed with high gothic words that spanned for much of the boulder. The material itself on which it was written on was larger than him flanked by walls of jagged stones.

Behind him, the pouring of rain provided a white noise that aided him with his short recollection of times gone by. Again, the thought of his father knowing the existence of Fonral appeared at the forefront of his thoughts but disregarded it for the time being.

"Found something?"

Uelesh came out from behind almost startling him.

"Yes, it seems to be some sort of scripture." He replied.

She then leaned forward, her eyes narrowed as she examined his find.

"I am not that versed with your high gothic but from what I can see, it is mixed in with our old ruinic."

"Old ruinic?"

"It is our old language back when our Gods still guided us and long before Chaos wreaked havoc upon the materium. It is the foundation of our present day language. It is not often used as much has been lost during The Fall but some artifacts in which it was written on survived albeit damaged."

"I know how to read and speak it as much as the scholars in the capital." She added.

Rodemman nodded. "Then do you know what it is? I am also not that knowledgeable with our high gothic due to somewhat similar circumstances as your old ruinic but I can make out a few words."

Uelesh seemed to ponder as she stroked her angular chin. He watched her as her eyes roamed across the scripture.

"I am unsure as I have never thoroughly studied imperial high gothic but from what I can gather, it is a warning."

"To those who seek to venture into this sacred land, beware for danger lurks at every shadow..." She crossed her arms and with furrowed brows began to translate the writings.

She took a few steps forward then allowed her hand to roam on the unusual symbols. Her silver hair glowed faintly as if emanating power and matched with her graceful movements, it was more than enough to captivate the guardsman again. Her silver hair, albeit dripping wet, clung to her immaculate skin. Rodemman was hard pressed to wait for her next words. His heart pounded within him as his faced began to burn. Bowing slightly, mostly due to embarrassment, he smirked as he was reminded by words of a fellow Kallidian guardsman.

"For me, I would like a girl who has a heart of gold with a beauty to match it." Leonard, a private in Rodemman's squad said when the bottle's spin stopped and thus pointing to him.

It turned to a sad smile at the thought of the young and idealistic guardsman. He was one of the fresh recruits from their home world some four years ago, just a few weeks after Leona's turn to Chaos. The young man had only served in the regiment for several months but has managed to befriend Rodemman's entire squad not to mention his cranky sergeant. He fell in his first engagement when he sacrificed himself to save the daughter of Alexandria's ruling planetary governor. Till the end, he was as idealistic and ego driven guardsman as a newly recruited Rodemman was. It was probably one of the reasons why he felt some sense of brotherhood with the eighteen year old young man, specifically due to their similarities when he was a rookie and their standards to women. It was as if he was the younger brother that he never had but always wanted.

She definitely fits the part. Looking up to Uelesh, he said to himself quietly.

If Leonard was still alive, Rodemman would have told him that he had found what he was been searching for and would have won the bet that they had made prior to his death. It was then that he realized that the small spark of affection that he had developed for the eldar woman has become a flame that had warmed his exhausted soul. It was something that he had not thought to be feeling once again and for once since the betrayal at Alexandria, he accepted it instead of rejecting the idea.

"To those who are driven of impure intentions, be known that none shall find even a miniscule of safety within. Only death shall be your salvation for even the brightest of flames becomes lost and succumbs to its own madness."

"That's a bit ominous." Rodemman interjected with a soft voice and a short chuckle.

Despite the dark message, it did little to bring his now rising spirits down.

"Only the strongest of resolves and the purest of hearts will be able to navigate through." Uelesh continued without acknowledging his comment.

She then fell silent and after a few moments, shook her head.

"No use, I can't decipher the rest. Whoever wrote this must have an extensive knowledge of old ruinic and the only ones that I know of have long joined the infinity circuit of Yau'Le. Not to mention the manner of how this was made."

Uelesh once again touched the surface of the boulder with eyes clearly at awe.

"It is nothing like I have ever seen before."

Scratching his damp hair, Rodemman took his options into consideration. First was that they could wait out the storm within their small sanctuary and prison then hope that they could climb out. Second was that they could venture into whatever was behind the boulder but the main problem with this was how would they be able to access it. Surely even Uelesh, an eldar was not strong enough to lift it even with his help. Unsure what to take, he asked for Uelesh's opinion. She raised a finger and was about to speak when unrefined growls echoed within the walls of the underground cave.

The guardsman's and the light warrior's eyes widened at the rapidly approaching noise of a group of orks. And from what he could hear, their numbers were probably more than what they could normally handle and given their lack of weapons, he reluctantly made a decision.

"It looks like we have no choice." Uelesh smiled apologetically then turned to face the boulder once again.

"Alright, how do we open this thing?" Rodemman asked as he retrieved his concealed knife on his right boot.

It was by no means an effective weapon but having a blade in his hands reassured him nonetheless. Even if it was twice his thumb in length, he hoped that the newly forged blade made of the eldar wraithbone would hold up to its name of being stronger than a guardsman's bayonet.

"From what I know, this sort of locations usually has a hidden switch or panel to open it. Search for anything that seems to be out if place." Uelesh ordered and the two scrambled to find the contraption that would open the pathway.

"Are you certain?" Rodemman cringed when the words left his mouth as he began his search.

"Yes, I was a part of a group that searched for old relics back in my banshee days. Those were the last days before I left our armed forces." She replied and the two fell into their silent search.

But even as they had scoured the nearby area, they still had not found any indication of how to open it. An ork war horn resonated within the underground caves forcing the two to cease their efforts and look at the source. Rodemman's heart fell at the sight of a lone ork. It was bear chested and only had a rusted sword by it hip. The threat was not presented by the lone ork itself but by his capabilities to rally more of its kin to its location thus spelling out their end.

The storm had intensified as well adding the threat of drowning as the water levels began to rise.

"Ti'sh nish kuf! They're here. We have to make haste!" Uelesh yelled and began patting the walls to their left.

"Frakking warp! Why can't anybody just use some sort of voice command to open it?" He complained as he did the same thing to the right wall.

"And do tell what sort of passcode will you use if you are to construct an underground dungeon?" The eldar retorted which would've amused Rodemman if not only an ork warband appearing above them with their crude weapons pointed at them.

"I don't know!" He screamed back, ducking before a bullet passed where his head was.

A volley from the orks made itself known as bullets ricocheted and embedded itself into nearby land and water creating a deathtrap for the two. One wrong step and they could lose an arm or worse, death. Luckily, the torrential rain seemed to have lessened their visibility and thus their accuracy dropped. They ducked their heads to avoid being shot in the head by the orks' attacks. They were running out of time as bullets as assaulted them from the heavens while water clawed its way to them from below.

Worse comes to worse, Rodemman might need to pull some miraculous stunt once again but he doubt that with his lack of knowledge with controlling his powers that he would ensure both their safety. But when it truly came down to it, his main objective was to protect Uelesh. It was an order that he had made for himself, one that was born both out of principle and due to something more akin to his heart telling him to do so.

"Damn it! If it's a passcode why didn't they make it something like...open sesame!" He yelled in frustration as he took shelter behind a wall of rock that was slowly crumbling away.

As if on cue, the flaming sword began to glow that shone through the chaos like a beacon of hope. Rodemman couldn't believe that a word from his childhood memories was actually their ticket to safety. The sword's outline had a golden hue while the flames were silver. Slowly, the etched symbols gleamed pale white. The boulder split in half before sliding open like a pressurized door would. Dumbfounded, Rodemman found his jaws fall at the sudden idiocy that had just presented itself. He was only brought back from his stupor when an ork round sliced through the air in front of him and embedded itself to the wall where his hand lay in support, barely missing it.

"Are you ser-oi!" Before he could even finish his complaints, he was pulled through the void.

The gates slammed shut behind them thus pushing them into a realm of eternal darkness.