Epilogue 1: The Next Generation of House Valor

Life went very well for House Valor. Their world prospered and the allies that they had made advanced them beyond what they had hoped. All of the noble Knights that made up Reginald's court able to at last settle down and establish their families once more. The production of new knight suits already on their way, and the procurement of bondsmen to take the ranks of the Armigars and Helvrines already underway. Lord Hector was a valuable asset for he taught many of the new pilots and inducted them into the ways of House Valor. He found himself a world that he could reside and do good, and he ensured every candidate was ready for any battle they would soon face. Lord Hektor even managed to learn and recall all of the traditions held by House Valor and take them as his own. Their new world separated into the many districts for each Lord, headed by the members of Reginald's court. He had tried to get Lord Hektor to take on a district of his own, but he refused, content to be merely a teacher. For that reason Reginald had constructed a large school in the new capital, the district where he presided, that was where all the young knights would come and train to become valued members of their families and further the honor of House Valor. It was a good thing as well, for they produced more Knights than they had ever dreamed of, the industrial capabilities of the Dark Anvils forges beyond even their calculations. Soon, they would have enough Knights to send legions if such was required. The only noble family of House Valor not here on this world, on the moon which housed the Dark Age ship, as its trusted protectors and guardians. The forges which created all off their new suits also on that moon, a useful misdirection that denied too many questions of why it was so heavily defended. His most trusted knight, Lord Varus sure to take excellent care of it.

Reginald was happy with how far his house had come. And he was yet more anticipatory for what his son's legacy would be. Joshua, his and Violas first born. He would be the one to take up the title of High lord one day. His newborn sister, Rosaria, would be the regent which stood beside him. It was a bright future indeed.

Reginald looked out from the balcony of his estate. The tower it was far into the sky as it overlooked the entire city below it, the city of Providence, named such for it was nothing less than destiny that they managed to claim this world. The school at its heart, sectioned off by roads that lead out to every other district. Several small forges besides it, which housed some of the techpriests which maintained the knights. Attached at the back an entire barracks and building of operation devoted to the regiment of the Faceless Legion which served as the schools protectors. Lord Hektor's residence in the tower which overlooked the School. It truly was a beautiful sight, though no more than the family he had with him.

He looked back to Viola who cradled their daughter in her arms as she rocked back and forth on a wooden chair. Though she seemed far softer now, she had hardly changed from the woman Reginald had first known. A strong ruler she was, and she conducted herself even better than he did on occasion.

"It is truly a beautiful sight."

Viola nuzzled her daughter in her arms, as the little girl reached out for her. Adorable she was, and Viola couldn't help but play in to the infant's giggles. Such moments were rare compared to the usual routine of maintaining order and settling disputes with her usual style. Many of the Nobles would tremble before her lest they did something foolish and she caught them, but this little infant in her arms knew nothing of that. She was wonderfully naïve of such things, and Viola adored that in her. Though one day she hoped her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

"Yes it is. I have to say, I have gotten rather use to this position of mine."

Reginal grinned.

"I am glad to hear that, my Lady. And what have we on the schedule today?"

Viola hummed between her words as she looked at her daughter. To think she would be here now, holding one so fragile as gently as this. Ha! She would have never given it a thought before, but here she was. The power she had now more worthwhile than any she had before, not stuck aboard a ship that hopped from one hell to another for a living. Here she had control of things, and the amusement she had with her crew now extended to an entire world. It was far more reserved as well, and the people she had around were those she could consider equal. She didn't regret leaving the Inquisition once, and that she found something greater in her family was still astonishing to her. Her righteous fury changed, from those who dared threaten the Imperium to those who dared threaten them. Ah, speaking of…

"Actually, there was that Inquisitor who had gotten a bit nosy as of late. He is in the kitchen. Don't worry though, I made sure to poison him thoroughly before I came here. I am sure we won't be getting such visitors again soon either, his ship mysteriously warping away without a trace."

Reginald was thankful she kept her edge. They rarely were contacted by the Imperium at large, and even at that it was from signals far too old to have been recent.

"Good. Then how about we go out, a venture to the school to see its progress?"

Viola stood from the chair, still gently holding her daughter in her arms, swaddled in a fine red cloth.

"That would be quite nice I think. Will be fun to tease the other nobles."

Reginald walked over to her and hugged her tightly.

"Then let's go get Joshua. I believe he was training with Emile in the main hall."

Viola chuckled to herself as she thought about Emile and Joshua training. Emile still did his best to remain the old Space Marine she knew, but he had grown to revel in his new life as well. He removed his armor and put it away, now wearing the garbs of the nobles. Viola allowed him to stay on as her retainer, and as a trusted ally to keep close at hand. After her son's birth, he was overjoyed, the most she had seen him in years. It was all fascinating really. But, Emile vowed to be the boy's teacher as he grew up, and she trusted his care to Emile fully. He was now ten, and he would soon be ready for his training as a Knight, Reginald having a new suit designed especially for him. She loved her son dearly, and she too was curious to see what any spawn of hers would manage to accomplish.


In the grand hall, Emile and the young Joshua stood across one another. Practice swords in hand, with small bladed designed only to cut the tip of the skin on the ends. Joshua breathed heavily as he slumped, staring on at his teacher. Emile could have easily killed him if he wasn't careful, but he was, and he was in full control of his movements. Especially unimpeded by his armor. Now dressed in a large woolen garb, green and lined by white fluff. His massive legs barely held by the leather which made up his pants. A large rope that he used as a belt around his waist, tied several times on its end. A green cloak over his shoulders that he only wore for practice, telling the young Joshua that he could finish if only he left a small cut on it. He was hard on the boy, much the same way he was with Eli, but this time around he could afford to have some leniency after all. He took to the young boy very quick too, seeing him as a grandson really.

"Come Joshua, is that all you have?"

Joshua took several deep breaths.

"I… I can keep going."

Emile grinned.

"Then come at me."

Joshua firmly gripped the practice sword tightly in his hands. He looked at Emile ahead of him, having thought of all the possibilities like he was taught. If there was a way to fight him, he would figure it out. He enjoyed his practice with Emile after all, and it mad his parents proud to see him do his best. He had a long legacy to live up to in his father and mother, something that really started to weigh on his shoulders, but he would do it.

Joshua ran ahead, holding the practice sword low to the ground as he let the edge run across the floor. Emile stood still, watching the young boy's movements carefully. He stepped to the side as Joshua threw a strike, waving his cloak out of reach. Joshua expected as much and intentionally skidded along the smooth stone floor as he made a turn with his hand. He nearly found himself behind Emile, but Emile knew that Joshua would have to resort to such tricks.

He stepped to the side, pulling the cloak with him as he took it off and whirled it around his fist. Then with his other hand he pulled the practice sword in his hands towards Joshua's face. Joshua knew that staying still was already out of the question and so he pushed himself back, allowing the floor to carry him a ways before he swung the practice sword in his hand as hard as he could at the cloth in Emile's hands. To Emile's surprise the little gambit worked, and a small piece was cut as the sword flew by. Clever, if risky, but clever. He couldn't help but laugh.

"Well played boy."

Joshua pushed himself off of the floor, exhausted from his training session today. He still had a whole lot of traditions and such to do though. But he was excited to see the new Imperial Knights that were being made. His father had told him that he was to be a knight one day, and not just any, but the strongest of all of them. He would lead a court of his own one day, and lead the entire world. He had yet to learn of the grander Imperium, and for the young boy, the world was something that was beyond even his scope. Though he knew of the other worlds which were tied to House Valor. He had to, his teacher Diana Richte just as strict as Emile was. That she was a retainer of his mother's didn't make things any easier. All he had to look forward to was his visit with some of the other nobles children, as was customary of the noble houses to ensure that House Valor maintained itself as a unified whole. He was still young though, and he had a whole lot left to learn.

"I… huff… hope I met your expectations."

Emile walked over to the boy, whom he towered over by a good many feet.

"You've improved. Surviving one ordeal however just means you'll have to survive another that's even more dire. I hope you're ready for the next phase of training."

Joshua sighed.

"O-Of course… Emile…"

From behind them came Reginald and Viola, little Rosaria sound asleep in her arms.

"Ah, done already I see."

Joshua was happy to see his parents as he stood as straight as he could manage. He had to remain proper after all.

"Not until Emile lets me leave…"

Emile gave out another hearty laugh, something he had done a lot since he put away his armor.

"You did well for today. I'm sure that your parents intend to take you to the school today after all."

Viola grinned.

"Still as perceptive as ever, Emile. Thank you for helping train our son."

Emile gave her a small nod of his head.

"It is my pleasure, Viola."

Joshua got excited to hear about the school. He had been waiting forever to get a chance. That was where he would spent much of his time once he came of age. And more importantly, it was where he would be bonded with his own knight.

"Were going to the school?"

Reginald knelt to reach his sons height.

"Yes. Today we're going to meet with Lord Hektor, who will be the one who guides you in your path to being a Knight."

Joshua couldn't wait.