The Saga of House Valor
The Seige Of Sola IV
It was another war, in another world, in a galaxy of nothing but eternal war. Where the anvil of war was beaten by the chorus of conflict, in an epic orchestra of explosions and the cries of untold deaths. This was the battle fought upon the world of Sola IV, an Agri world designated by the Imperial Admistratum as a class 4 production world, one which while not imperative for the Imperium at large, would provide much benefit in the long run. The planet pushed to the very back of most administrations mind, as it was far on the western fringe, one of the closest to the uncharted regions of space, away from any other worlds of use, and thusly an acceptable loss. However, this particular world harbored a dark secret, and those whom had once claimed this world as their own saw their number become increasingly infected with the taint of corruption. That horrible fate which was a blight on the shining worlds of the eternal Emperor, and devoured humanity wherever it could. It had happened, on this world there was a cult of the Chaos God Nurgle; the father of bile, the bringer of death and disease. Though the majority of the world remained steadfast loyalty to their Emperor, a horrific disease was set upon them the likes of which had not been accounted for in the records of that world. A disease that forcibly bent the will and spirit of the infected to turn on their fellows and hunt them down, like rabid beasts, their bodies terribly mutated and deformed as the Daemons of Nurgle marched forth. Though the PDF forces managed to bravely stem the tide, it would be not long before they were overwhelmed. So the call was sent, and received by an Imperitor class frigate, as well as several Transport Ships within the system of Imperial Guard who were en-route from the recruitment of local worlds, where their tithes had been collected. They were more than willing to accept the call to arms, and so responded quickly as they began their arduous trip through the Warp to reach their destination. However, it would take days if not months for them to appear, and by then the world would have been surely destroyed, all loyalists with it. Had it not been for the one ship that was close enough that they could respond within the Solar week. This was the ship, The Royal Adros, the current home of the Imperial Knight House, Valor.
Sent adrift for nearly three years, those of House Valor were all what many would consider Freeblades. They had no home world to which they could return to, for it had been destroyed due to a massive calamity within its core, and thus wandered the vastness of space. Their home had to be abandoned, and much to disdain of the houses High Lord, Sir Reginal, not all of his subjects managed to escape alive. Only the closest of his court and their territories managed to make it to the ship in time. Before the planet imploded. All of their sacred Knights stored carefully within the main hanger bay of the massive cruiser. However, only barely enough were salvaged to outfit all of his Court members, a handful of the Armiger class knights saved as well, but devoid of bondsmen. His own suit, his prized Knight Castellian, The Oathsworn, on board as well. They were a proud house who were renowned for their mastery of the Castellen Knights, and all of his court members also held ownership of these precious machines. However, they were left without the capacity to build more, and as a House that separated itself from the Mechanicus, they had no means of quickly repairing or a hope of building new suits. For all intents, they were essentially Freeblades now, set adrift within the emptiness of space. The people they managed to save, all 10 thousand of them, all the subjects that they had left. Many of whom were mere commoners, and not equipped to survive out in space. He and his court did their best to adapt them to this new life, but many did not take well, and they barely managed to survive their first warp jump. Still, Sir Reginal deigned hope that he and his people could rebuild. Their house was still alive, and as long as he was their High Lord, he would see to it that they found a new home for him and his own to prosper. A new Knight world for House Valor, where they would rebuild and begin anew. They would find new ways to procure new Knights, more people, and a home for those displaced with him. He and his knights would protect all under the watchful glow of the Emperors light, the innocent and the sanctity of humanity. This had to wait however, for he received a distress signal from the planet Sola IV, and as long as there was even but one member, none of House Valor would turn down an Imperial plea for help.
His head of state, Baron Viktor walked into the room Sir Reginal had deemed for himself. At the far back of the ship, secluded from the majority of the crew and all else. Baron Viktor had wanted to speak, but found that he could only watch in worry as he saw Sir Reginal stare out into the void. Through the ornate window that peered out into the back of the ship. Sir Reginal was repeatedly asked, pleaded with, to take the room within the center of the ship, where the rest of his court had decided to stay. Away from immediate danger, such as these windows into the outside realm of darkness. One hit to it, and all inside would be thrust out, and many feared that Sir Reginal would be killed by such an event. They refused to lose their leader. Sir Reginal was amused by this, as he was happy to know how much his fellows cared of him. However, he would not move because he refused to be in comfort until his people had a world to call their own once more. When they could return to the simple lifestyle they had held before they were summoned onto this behemoth of metal.
Sir Reginal smiled, the bags under his eyes evident of his lack of sleep.
"What is it Viktor?"
Viktor bowed as was custom when addressed by the High Lord.
"I just came to inform you that we will arrive within the hour. We managed to communicate with the loyalist forces on the surface. It seems, that they are more than thankful for our aide."
Reginal smiled as he turned to him.
"Good. Then let us get all of the court together, and we shall perform our rights and dawn our armor. I want us to be ready for combat immediately as we enter the sector."
Viktor frowned.
"High Lord, forgive my rudeness, but remember that this vessel is filled with our people. Many of whom have not had any need to fight off daemons. I do not believe it is a safe risk to land our ship…"
Sir Reginal took a deep breath. Perhaps in his eagerness for combat, to sway his mind away from the troubles of his House, he did not think of his people. Viktor was right. They would not be able to help, nor even be subject anywhere near the surface until the corruption was cleansed. But he needed a means to get down, and soon.
He clenched his fist.
"Contact them again. We will remain in orbit, however we will require a transport vessel to ferry me and my court to the surface where we are needed."
Viktor obliged, though he knew how much it hurt Reginal to suffer his pride. He was not one to easily ask help of others, but he understood that they weren't able to do everything. At times, they needed to rely on someone else, no matter how much it infuriated him. Viktor was glad that his High Lord managed to stall back his pride for his people, despite the pain it gave him. He only prayed to the Emperor that they would find a new world for them to start over. But until then, he had his orders and needed them fulfilled, so he made his way towards the communications bay. Lord Reginal followed behind, a stoic expression upon his face, ready to exude confidence to all who saw him.
Reginal was pained dearly by his Houses increasing need for help from others. Especially this damned vessel, gifted to them by a priest of the Omnisiah. Likely in the hopes he would cower to them for help, and offer them fealty. But no, House Valor would only serve fealty to the Emperor himself, and act as they saw fit. Not to the whims of the Mechanicus, on call as if servants themselves.
Soon they made it to the main bridge of the ship, where on the main front display the planet below them was visible. Bright flashes visible along the planet's surface, as what Viktor and Reginal could only assume were explosions on a cataclysmic scale.
The astropaths and other bridge crew scoured the deck as they began to receive messages and input data into the goliath that was their ship. Viktor made his way to the captain, a young and meek fellow named Phoebus, who had only just been raised to the status of captain. A weak willed man, but competent enough for Reginal to allow him his station. If they survived to find a new world, perhaps he would deem it fit to elevate him to the status of Noble. Perhaps then, he would at least remain within House Valors fold, in case the need for such a ship ever rose again.
His attention was pulled as the screen opened into a Vox connection, with a beautiful woman dressed in all black attire behind the camera. Though the insignia on the hat she wore slightly troubled him. It was the I of the Imperial Inquisition.
"Well, it seems we have managed to acquire some impressive help. I have to admit, I did not expect an entire Knight House to come to the aid of a single planet."
Reginal stood straight, not willing to bow before anyone, and rolled his shoulders.
"And I did not expect such a world to have an Inquisitor upon it. Tell me, why are you there?"
The woman rose an eyebrow.
"Certainly, you aren't assuming anything are you? I promise you, I do not take kindly to passive aggressive comments."
Reginal stayed firm. He knew that wherever the Inquisition followed, there was almost certainly troubles beyond mere incursions. He knew because of the long quest he had undertook before he became the lord of his House, when he was under the imperial retinue of an Inquisitor.
"We are always ready to help protect humanity wherever it needs to be. I simply wish to know the whole scope of this conflict."
The Inquisitor smiled.
"I like you. You have a strong spirit, and a keen mind. Unlike many, others, I have had to deal with in the past. Very well. It is simple. This world is a lost cause. I managed to procure the remainder of the loyalist forces within a single city, which I will indicate to you on this transmission frequency. Of course, we will need major assistance in protecting the site where they are to be escorted off world. I ask that you and your Knights assist us in this. I also hope that you be willing to shelter all those whom we rescue. As I was just informed, I will also procure you landing craft large enough for you and your knights to be brought down."
Reginal was taken aback. It was very rare for Inquisitors, from his experience, to actively seek the salvation or protection of Imperial citizens. At least, in such small scales as this. Normally they would be found un-savable and offered the Emperors mercy through the use of exterminatus. Still, he would not refuse. Not while there were still those who required his assistance.
"Very well. But might I ask about… any Psykers. I will not allow such taint to even set foot upon this ship. Though I tolerate the Astropaths for guidance, I will not risk anything else. My people have no experience with such abhumans, and such would only cause chaos upon this vessal."
The Inquisitor frowned.
"Do not worry. I will be sure to cleanse the remaining loyalist forces of any of that fowl ilk. I promise you, no Psyker will be allowed upon your vessel."
Reginal took a deep breath, unflinching as he watched her.
"Then it is settled. Me and my court shall head to the designated location as soon as possible. May the Emperor guide you, Lady Inquisitor."
She smiled.
"May he guide us all. And for our sakes, do not be late."
At that the connection was severed, and Reginal was ready to commit himself and his forces. So, without another word he made his way through the ship, and into the docking bay. A trip that nearly took him an entire hour. The bay a room wide as a castles foray, where his holy machine stood in the center alongside its brethren. The machine spirit within seemed to call out to him, for it was ready for war. His fellow knights, his court of friends and trusted companions, lined up before him, as they donned their armor. His second in command, Lord Varus bowed before him.
"High Lord… we are ready for our glory. The transport ships have just arrived. Are you ready to join us?"
Reginal nodded.
"Yes, I am. Thank you, Varus. All knights, to your armor! Today we march out to war. For House Valor! For the Emperor!"
All of his court beat their chest with a determined fist.
"For House Valor! For the Emperor!"
It was then a flurry of commotion, as all of the serfs and the Sacristans dedicated to each suit began the holy rights of activation for each Knight. Reginal was led to his Gallant, The Oathsworn. It was named thusly for its long lineage of battle; for once it was committed to a battle, to an Oath of help, it would never betray that. His father died in battle, but the machine continued in his absence, driven by the mighty spirit within. It was an honor to wield such a machine as this, and he knew that it would stay with him if it meant total destruction.
He felt the cold armor plates of its hull as he was raised on a lift to his Throne Mechanicum. The lift stopped, and he jumped off, into his machines open cockpit. There, he sat down on his seat as his suits sole Sacristan, Damion, prepared all of its systems. Which clicked one by one onto his suit. The feeling of control over his armor flowed through his veins more and more with each step completed, his knight ready in anticipation of the battle ahead. The very systems which made up the metal body like the veins that made up him. The many parts that made its construction familiar to him as if second nature, extensions of his very body and soul.
Finally it was time, for the last step; the donning of the Throne Mechanicum. A process that had long lost its fear, for Reginal had done it so many times, he even began to long for its touch. Slowly, it was donned over his head and over his face as his consciousness faded out into the machine. Within what felt like a blink, the machine roared to life, the cockpit was closed, and The Oathesworn began to move out of its hold. All of the sensors and visual data ran through Reginals mind as he moved himself forward. There was barely a difference between his own flesh and the machine now, as he felt every fiber of its being. He turned to see his court had all donned their suits, the empty Armigars left dormant on the other end of the bay. Locked into place by massive metal clamps. They had no bondsmen for which to fill, for they were the newest suits they had managed to produce, before their world was shattered. But it mattered not. In time, they too would find suitable pilots. Until then, he and his court would be more than enough to fulfill any task before them. Through his vox, he chanted.
"It is time, for House Valor to take to the stage of battle once more! For we will rain in force, and our enemies shall be bathed in their blood, we are House Valor, and their time has come! Come brothers, come sisters, it is time for us to bring the Emperors mercy, deliver our justice, and defend our oath to protect mankind!"
It was then, that the massive ships which were brought to carry them docked into the sides of the room. Their mighty doors opened to reveal empty slots for the knights to enter through, and so with vivid anticipation, Reginal and his knights marched with the triumphant pounds of their Knights, and loaded themselves onto each available craft. In total, there were thirty knights, all of whom had belonged to Reginals high court. Once, they were all rulers of their own territory within their world, but now they were all the knights that remained.
Reginal loaded alone, onto the last available transport, as the doors shut behind him. The chants and prayers of all the households' sacristans audible behind them. Reginals body pulsed with excitement, as it always did when he was within his armor. The Oathsworn had not seen combat for nearly two years, when his last quest had ended and he became High Lord. It grew impatient, and now was its chance to spill the blood of its enemies, in glorious combat once more.
Yet, the ride was more than dull as the transport ship detached with a loud click. It moved purposefully for hours, at the fasted speed it could yet muster, all the while Reginal was left in silence. The only surroundings those which The Oathsworns sensors could detect. The transport clearly a merchants vessel, repurposed to carry the weight of the Imperial Knights. Only a single railing along the high rise which ran along the length of the empty corridor, and to a small door at the end of the space. This vessel was less than worthy of The Oathsworns presence, but it was enough that it could deliver him to battle. And so he waited, the excitement in his heart outweighed all else.
On the planet's surface, the last remaining forces loyal to the Imperium were held up within the last city that was defendable. As an agri-world, there was little to no industrial or defensive structures in place, and so relied heavily upon the imports of weapons to maintain its PDF forces. The capital city of the planet, where the planetary governor once lived, damn his cowardice, was the only one which was protected efficiently. The rest of the world so sparse with enforcers that it was too easy for a cult to spread, with little to no resistance. The capital city protected by a large Void Field, which ran the length of its walls. The field powerful enough to protect all its inhabitants from the monstrosities that now prowled outside, the plague walkers unable to spread their filth. Unfortunately, it was poorly constructed and through the 'genius' of the governor who had it installed, its power source was located outside of the city limits. So as to cost less resources. Ha. Such foolishness was expected of many Planetary Governors, who seemed to forget about all of the troubles outside their world. Instead, they focused on how they could better their own worthless existence. Yet here he was now, crying and begging for mercy under the heel of Inquisitor Viola Vergis, as she pressed her heel tightly into the man's neck.
"It was truly incompetence which ruined this world. Yours. And now, all you can do is beg for release?"
The governor gasped for air. He had to find a way to breathe. But he was unable to move, the knives which pinned his arms and legs to the ground prevented him.
"It… wasn't my fault-these damned peasant-these peasants turned to the foul powers!"
Viola narrowed her eyes.
"Oh, then I suppose your greed for everything else blinded you from the clear signs? It began in small, easily ridden with sects, but from what I was told, you ignored all of these incursions. What was it? You were preoccupied with the market for xeno technology?"
The man's eyes grew wide, but he said nothing. It was already too late. He was more than dead now. He was damned. Viola removed her heel from his throat and walked out to the doorway of the man's office. She looked once back at the pathetic figure before her, pinned onto the floor.
"You will be left here to rot while the remainder of this world's populace whom are truly loyal, shall be evacuated. Once we depart, perhaps I will order exterminates immediately, or mayhap I will hold off. For long enough that those inhuman mutants find you and you learn the true meaning of death. Until then, I do not expect to see you alive again."
With that she walked outside, where the two space marines within her retinue waited. They were of the Oath Marines chapter, a rather reclusive sect of the Emperors Angels. She had found them adrift in an empty escape pod, years and years ago. It seemed, they had once scouted a Space Hulk, when it unfortunately warped away from their ship. It was lucky she found them, otherwise, they wouldn't have survived. Besides, the benefits that they offered her were numerous.
One of them, Brother Eli, looked at her.
"That was wholly unnecessary and a brutal waste of time."
Viola shook her head, adamant in her decision.
"No. Such incompetence cost the lives of almost an entire world. He deserves suffering before his death."
The other Space Marine, Brother Emile, shook his head.
"You are so kind, for an Inquisitor, when it comes to the Emperor's people. Yet when it comes time to deal with 'heresy' you become quite sadistic. I must admit to you, I am terribly conflicted by your actions."
Viola sighed. These Space Marines were unlike many she had come across before, more willing to talk than to fight, and ready to die doing so as well. In some ways they were a breath of fresh air, but in others, they caused many problems when it came to her work of cleansing the filth before her. Still, she was far more open to them than most of her brethren would have been. The Oath Marines were not well liked within the bowls of the Inquisition, the few that knew them of course. But Viola saw much use in them and their practices. Every human life mattered, no matter where it was, and it was all so tragic when they died before they could be of use to the Imperium at large. If humanity was destined to rule these stars, then every human life mattered, at least to some extent, and she would be sure it was used properly.
Viola took a deep breath as they came to the balcony that overlooked the city. The Governors house was easily forty stories tall, and at the top of the tower like structure was the Void Shield generator. Below, all of the remaining loyal citizens stayed within the confines of the Governors compound. The remaining PDF forces stationed around the walls and besides the few vehicles that were afforded to them, four Leman Russes and a small dispatch of Tourox's, they had nothing else. That was why the news of an entire Knight House within the vicinity was nothing less than a gift by the Emperor himself. With them they could evacuate all of the civilians and PDF forces to the orbiting ship owned by the Knights. Though Knight Worlds were run in hierarchies, they all treated their people with respect and this assured her that the people here would be welcomed openly and integrated with little problem. They would still be of use. Especially given then likeness these people shared with Feudal worlds, as most worked on agriculture the length of their lives. The idea proposed by Eli, whom always had a systematic knowledge of every option he could fathom.
Eli held onto his bolter tightly.
"It is unfortunate that Nurgle was the one whom corrupted this world. Otherwise, perhaps the people of this world could have been rehabilitated..."
Viola closed her eyes.
"It astonishes me that you would say such a thing to an Inquisitor."
Eli chuckled, which sounded terrible through the Vox in in his helmet; like static grinded against metal.
"You are the most open Inquisitor I have ever met. I believe, you would be the only one openly welcomed in our chapter. You are still young, with so much to see, but still there is hope you have for the Imperium yet."
Viola bit her lip. She had yet to tell them the promise she made to the Lord of that Knight House. Not one Psyker would be allowed onto their ship, and in exchange all others would be afforded safety. Though she had ordered such things before, this time around, she felt an itch in her heart. Such things an Inquisitor had no need for-the sympathy of others. Still, these Oath Marines had affected her through their time as part of her retinue, and she knew they would not take such actions well.
She held onto the rails of the balcony.
"Eli, Emile, I must express to you something. Look down there. In the far left corner of the estate."
Eli and Emile obliged, and what they saw they did not like. Nearly forty people were lined against the wall, all of them of various ages. A small line of PDF soldiers before a group of them, rifles raised.
"Viola, what is the meaning of this?"
Viola took a deep breath. The Emperors work was never easy.
"Those people are all Psykers. The lord of the Knight House refused to take anyone, unless no Psyker would be allowed to enter. And you know full well, that I cannot accept any more psykers within my retinue, otherwise my colleagues would begin to grow suspicious and discover the other worlds which we redeemed. If they are killed here, then they won't suffer being left behind."
Eli shook his head as he breathed heavily underneath his helmet.
"Viola. You should have allowed one of us to speak to him. We can convince him the error in this. I refuse to let these people die."
Emile was much older than his brother, and he understood his anger. However, he was far more experienced with these dark matters. The cruelest lesson all Oath Marines had to accept, was that not everyone could be saved, not everyone could be reasoned with, and peace wasn't always won without violence.
"Eli. Think of this through the lens of the Knight House. They live on world's exempt of Psykers. How would their people react to such people entering into their society? It would not be rational, and likely they would be killed regardless in a witch hunt. We cannot deny them this request, because it is founded in reason. They are also completely adrift without a world to call their own. That means they are bound to space, and the more Psykers aboard a ship, the more likely demon incursions may occur. Viola chose the most painless option for these people."
Eli clenched his armored hand into a fist and slammed it onto the stone rail besides him, as it crumbled beneath him.
"But they are human too!"
Viola looked out to the sky as the merchant ships she requisitioned began their decent into the city. A single ship outside to the power source which fueled the Void Shield.
"I knew this would upset you. Both of you, but I am still an Inquisitor. I have to be able to make these decisions."
Emile walked up to Eli and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know this is hard for you Eli. But we are but two marines, in a galaxy so strife with war that we cannot solve everything the way we would want."
Eli looked away.
"I understand, Brother."
Viola closed her eyes, when she suddenly recalled something.
"There was a feudal world not far from here… is there not?"
Emile turned to her.
"Yes. What are you thinking Viola?"
The soldiers below raised their rifles as the Psykers all stayed along the walls.
Viola frowned.
"Perhaps if I bargained more they wouldn't have had to die."
Eli then recalled what she meant. If the Knight House needed a world, certainly they could make a deal in exchange for taking on these Psykers!
"Emile, she is right. There is a feudal world near here which is would be more than fit for this Knight House to claim. We can still save these people, and do more good for the imperium at large. A knight house in this sector would be perfect!"
Viola smiled.
"Then, I suggest you get down there and save as many as you can. Before they are all shot."
The sound of las fire sprang through the air, as below them twenty of the Psykers in the firing line were nothing more than stain on the wall behind them. Eli sprang to action quickly, as he rushed to the nearest lift, to get down the nearly forty floors, determined to save as many lives as possible. Emile only frowned behind his mask as he watched his Brother disappear into the confines of the tower. He was wise enough to understand Violas true intentions.
"Thank you for that. I know you planned on offering that world to the Knight House regardless. I'm sure even you know the benefits a Knight World on the far western fringe of the Imperium would do."
Viola straigtened her back, rolling her shoulders as she watched the transport ships.
"This is the very edge of the Imperium, the frontier. One of the farthest places away from the mayhem of the Imperium at large. Yet, that also means the peoples of this frontier are often forgotten about. That is why. But, I am sure you know that Eli needed a harsh dose of reality. So this will be a good lesson."
Emile stood beside her as he looked out at the world below through his helmet.
"I'm sure it will. But at least here, there is at some hope. Lest we manage to survive the oncoming incursion before us."
Viola nodded as she peered out at the gates of the city, where the walls began to crumble. Though the Void Shields managed to keep the majority of the corrupt forces outside, she knew that for the ships big enough to carry the people out, the generator would have to open at least momentarily. And in that moment, hell would be set upon them.
"Well, there is no use standing here. We give word that the operation is to begin at once!"
Emile nodded.
"Of course."
They both stared as the transports for the Knights finally landed and dropped of their cargo, the hulking behemoths both awe inspiring and a terrifying presence as they clambered out. The single transport that landed by the power source revealed the largest of all of them, with blaze heraldry covered in silver and white. Yet only one single Knight stepped out of that transport, and Viola grew worried because of it. That was the most important asset after all.
That Knight was High Lord Reginal, as he convinced his pilot to drop him off at that point. His fellows contacted him through his vox, however, he dissuaded any help. He alone would do this, as a symbol to all the terror of his household. Of course, in reality he knew that the most dangerous of all the locations for drop off was the power source. A large electrical cogitator surrounded by various metallic towers that strutted out like spires. Rested atop a small hill, with little but the small facility besides the electric spires. Hardly defensible. He knew that the might of the Knights was great, but they were not infallible. He was the strongest of his house, and he could defend it as well as ten knights, so he would hold out the longest.
The great doors of the transport opened up and light from the outside flooded the open corridor. The Oathsworn pulsed with excitement as he pushed its metal body out into the world before him. The dark color of its body stuck out in stark contrast to the world around, not used to such an environment so full of light. House Valor was special in that they primarily practiced battles within the dark, when most combatants would be at their weakest. So, they had simple color schemes on their knights painted primarily black and white colors so as to blend into the darkness. However, in the day and in the light, they welcomed challenge to come for them, and the black color of their armor made it clear as to where they were. His plasma cavalier was ready to go, the automated firing systems atop his chassis ready for the coming battle. He maneuvered the Knight so that is stood besides the building that housed the controls for the cogitator. From there, he only looked out into the fields that surrounded the city. A hoard of mutants beat outside the main gate, surrounded by the various Daemons of Nurgle. Several vehicles overcome with rot and putrid tentacles swarmed alongside them; the tainted remains of tanks, their crew no doubt long since forcefully merged inside. As the horde noticed his presence, many of them began their march towards him, and he stood ready. The transport took off soon after and made its way back towards the city, where it would begin the transport of civilians back to their ship.
The Oathesworn raised its primary weapons and soon, they were alight with the fire of plasma and judgment. His cannons fired in full force, and away from him the oncoming hoard was blasted by the hundreds. Thousands of bodies flew into the air from the strike of his autocannons, the plasma evaporated even more of them as their bodies burned into nothing.
A tank began its advance towards him and began to fire, but it was no use as a shell was caught by quick timing. Reginal moved so that his Ion Shield would slow it to a harmless crawl. A plasma bolt fired directly into its hull in response, and within moments, exploded into nothing but ash. Simply trotted over by the mutants who continued their run towards him.
This continued, and The Oathsworn was happy, content in its slaughter of the filth before it. The excitement dissuaded any and all tinges of fear, as he focused solely on the battle before him. This was natural to him, a feeling he had longed for since the last time he had been within his Knight. On this day he would make his father proud, still a ghost within the confines of this titan. Always there by his side to guide him forward.
The Void Shield around the city soon opened for just a moment, as a single cruiser landed in the center of the citer, besides the Governors tower. This was the transport vessel that would evacuate most of the civilians and PDF forces. But it was too large to bypass the Void shield while it was active, and so had to be momentarily shut off. This was more than enough time for a large force of the oncoming servants of Nurgle to infiltrate the walls of the city, and into the hunting ground of his knights. May the Emperor be with them, he thought as he continued to decimate all the filth that approached him.
Within the walls of the city, all of the other Knights of House Valor, which were either Castellen or Paladin class, waited for the enemy forces which managed to slip within the moment the shield opened. When it did, all of the Knights opened fire with their massive weapons as the enemy forces ran headlong towards them. The sound of explosions and the fire of various weapons became all that was heard amongst the city, in a deafening mesh of war. The cries of the PDF and those within the confines of the Governors estate drowned out as they were pushed forward onto the cruiser. To be ferried out of their home, and into space. The PDF forces strung at the wall around the governors estate, with the will of the Imperial Guard despite the enemy that faced them.
Viola and Emile thought highly of these PDF forces, and as they stood within the estates courtyard, they were both wary of the battle outside. Many of these soldiers were the second generation of the guardsmen who colonized this world. But that was still not the same as being guardsmen. They were disciplined, and held their ranks, something woefully uncommon among many worlds, but still they had been in the comfort of a frontier world away from the brunt of the Imperium's problems.
Neither had heard from Eli either and both became worried that something had happened. However, they also knew they had to remain focused. Hundreds of civilians before them pushed forward into the many gaping doors onto the ship. Guards at every door to ensure no taint was allowed within. So far it moved along smoothly, and it seemed the Knights held off perfectly well. Much to the relief of Viola who was still on edge, as there was rarely a decisive victory in her experience. A PDF soldier from atop the wall cried down to them, a crack in his voice as the poor bastard attempted to stay sane.
"The Knights have taken care of the majority of the enemy forces lady Inquisitor! However there are a few which have broken past the main defense line."
Emile held up his bolter.
"Do no fear soldier. I shall not let them pass!"
He turned to Viola, who raised her own arch-pistol. An heirloom from an inquisitor she found deceased long ago. Emile had traveled long enough with her to know she intended on fighting with him, and rather than argue, he knew she was capable enough to hold her own. So he allowed her to follow as he made his way to the main gate of the governor's estate, where a dozen PDF soldiers stood. Las rifles in hand as they anxiously watched the metal doors. The two soldiers on the wall above began to fire.
"Here they come lads! Give em' the Emperor's mercy!"
The doors began to slam as the barricades placed along them shifted. Slowly but surely, it was bound to open, and as soon as a small crack opened, out came several nurglings, small daemons that looked a lot like grots, but far more ugly and covered in puss.
The nurglings smiled joyously as they raced towards the soldiers, arms open for embrace. A single bolter round was all that was required to dispatch them however. Emile showed his inhuman speed and fired in quick succession. From outside the hands of the mutated clawed through the gaping hole as the PDF slowly lost nerve. Viola fired her pistol into the air.
"Don't lose heart men! We will survive this, but only if you stay calm! Remember those still alive, those who we shall rescue on this day! We will not die, not here. By the Emperors mercy we will survive! Else I will be sure to extend it for you!"
The soldiers calmed, if only barely, and she knew it was only a temporary fix. To stand in the face of such horrors was not easy, especially for those whom never had to face them before. From outside, one of the Knights walked along the wall as they fired into the small hoard of mutants that clambered at the gate. Within seconds all that remained was blood and pieces, as it showered their remains in all directions. The PDF however were all too awestruck by these machines, and even Viola found herself motivated by ones mere presence. Though she had understood and known about the Knights, she never actually had the chance to see one, at least so close.
Emile only pushed on as he slammed the gate back shut with a charge from his shoulder
"We cannot let these gates fall! Hurry!"
The PDF snapped out of their stupor and rushed to help shut the door. Viola on the other hand looked to see a worrying amount of civilians left. Had she mis-calculated? At this rate, the ship would need two trips, and this was already as dangerous as it was. She had done the numbers within her head, and she knew well enough that they should have all been able to fit. Even if it was pressed shoulder to bloody shoulder. So what took them so long to load everyone? She didn't know, but she was going to.
So she made her way towards the ship, past civilians who moved out of her way, afraid of the aura that purveyed her, and towards the front of the crowd. The sounds of the fight outside as loud as ever, but the shield above them as strong as before, at the very least. So long as that single Knight outside the walls could hold out, they had a chance.
That single Knight by the power source did more than hold out. It thrived. The hill that surrounded it and the power source all but coated in the remains of the heretic. The smoldering hulls of nearly a hundred vehicles already along the hills base, and those were but the ones which had not been disintegrated into nothingness. But Reginal knew, there would eventually be even more than he and his knight could overcome. Still, he would not move. The Oathbreaker had its honor to uphold, and a name that it needed to live up to. He had committed himself to this post, and he would die before he broke that vow.
With a reflex, he supercharged his plasma cannon, and sprayed it forward all around the base of the hill, as the mutants all but faded away, the ground seared and molten. His autocannons alight with the fire of shells they unloaded everywhere in the distance. The Seigbreaker missile atop his chassis yet to be fired, as he waited for a worthy opponent to dedicate it to. The hill was surrounded very quickly however, after each wave, and more corrupted vehicles began their approach towards him. The hoard around the city and himself sure to grow much larger within the hour.
Though as hard as he tried, the hill became more, and more covered in the filth of nurgle. He fired, and as they approached him he stomped them into nothing, but he was being overrun. He opened up a vox to his favored knight, Lord Varus.
"My friend, I am being overrun and I cannot hold out forever."
Varus was quick to respond.
"I heard you high lord. I will gather the others and—"
Reginal stomped on another group of mutants as they attempted to reach the facility.
"No! You are not to leave those walls behind. I shall do all I can here, but your duty is to those within."
"Lord Reginal! You may very well die out there—"
The Oathbreaker brought to bear his plasma as he blasted a small group of tanks besides the hill.
"Yes, I very well may, but I will have upheld my oath! I expect you to do the same. And if I perish, I wish you to know that I want our house to prosper. We shall prosper. Whether I am there or not, maintain our house!"
Varus remained silent for all but a moment, but the sadness he felt was not lost on Reginal. Varnus then replied.
"I shall. But I wish that not to befall you today—"
A new vox channel opened, as an old and gruff voice boomed,
"And today it shall not!"
From the sky came another transport as a silver knight jumped down from the open doors behind it. It fell down onto the side of the hill with a mighty crash, splashing an entire wave of mutants away. There it used its massive hand to swipe away entire swathes of mutants. The heraldry above its chest of a wolf, the words 'Canis Rex' embroidered besides them. Reginal took this opportunity and began to fire at the other end of the hill. The vox still open with this new arrival, a freeblade from the looks of it, in a Preceptor class knight.
"From what house do you hail?"
The other knight responded in kind.
"I am Sir Hektor. The last of my house, now naught but a freeblade. I have come to your assistance on this day, ready to aide a fellow Knight in the battle against the ruinous powers."
Reginal fired his Volcano Lance as it sliced through a wave of mangled trucks that mutant's road aboard. The ground beneath soon nothing but red sludge.
"I thank you Sir Hektor. Your timing could not have been more perfect. Truly, a blessing from the Emperor himself."
Sir Hektor moved his Knight, Canis Rex, into position behind Reginal and placed himself back to back with a loud metal clang. From here on, they would stand side by side, dependent on the other, for if one fell, the other would certainly fall soon after. With his Las Impuslor, he targeted the nearby wave of daemons that stepped forward and fired a heated ball of plasma that tore through the huddled mass, nothing but the gore of remains and the smell of charred flesh remained. The once vibrant hill they fought upon torn into the mud of war, its life removed in place of craters and barren rock. Blood and mudd. Yet the warriors did not care, for they had a battle to be fought, and their lives at stake.
Sir Hektor swiped away a large mutant with his iron hand, as they splattered against the walls of the facility.
"Let us dispatch these monsters, shall we?"
Reginals autocannons fired at the mass of nurglings below him that sung the hymns of their accursed lord, and ripped them into fragments.
"Indeed."