First Sword Trexian looked with satisfaction at the dwelling in front of him. The Demons may have been corrupt and wicked – as all enemies of the Holy Light were – but they were indeed fine builders.

Behind the First Sword, the Abbots who had earned the privilege of fighting alongside him moved across the estate to secure their leader's prize. The Grand Vicar's bold plan had been a stunning success. The Demons were barely putting up a fight, and across this foul pit they called home, The Sword Abbotts were quickly dispatching their black souls to the endless rapture of EverDark.

Trexian looked down upon the Demon he had killed in single combat. If nothing else, the creature had demonstrated bravery that the First Sword found almost respectable. He picked up the Demon's blade and placed the sling around his shoulder.

Looting of the Dead was forbidden by the Enlightened Apostate as the 12th sin of disgrace, but Trexian's purpose was to send this demonic blade to the Grand Vicar as proof that the Crusaders had triumphed in battle so far this cycle.

The Line of Faithful service that Trexian would earn on this Crusade would be enough of a reward.

His personal Hieromonk of Communication approached from the left.

After spreading his wings, the man made his report, "A'ya First Sword. The Dwelling is secured and purged of the remaining Demons. We will begin setting up our calling equipment in short cycles. And with your permission, may I compliment you on your victory in single battle."

Trexian nodded and spread his wings in return for the respect he had just been given, "May we all have the fortune to join the Blessed Illumination in such a way. This one may be a Demon, but he fought with courage I would not have expected from enemies of the Faithful. See that his body is treated with respect. What news from the rest of the planet?"

The Hieromonk held up his calling pad to continue his report, "Minimal opposition so far. The Demons appear to have scattered from their holes rather than face us in open battle. Cowards to the end-"

Trexian cut him off with a sharp cuff to his right wing, "They may be Demons, Hieromonk, but more than that, they are our enemies. The Cycle that you underestimate your enemy will be the same Cycle that he sends your light to EverDark. Now stop prostrating and give me the report I asked you for".

"Forgiveness, First Sword. I spoke out of turn, the sin of the 79th misguidance. If you wish it, I will give myself to the Templars and face a Steel Whip for my foolish words". replied the Hieromonk, bowing and closing his wings in sorrow.

"The Steel Whip is for failures. Something we are not. You will be, however, if the next words you speak are not that report I am still waiting for!" said the First Sword sharply.

The Hieromonk raised his calling pad, "All of our assigned targets have been neutralized, First Sword. Our Abbots are fully landed now. We will have this planet secured in fifteen half-cycles. Fully purging the Demons may take longer. My reports indicate that they have fled to the wilderness".

It was of no consequence. The Demons had been brushed aside like a rotten piece of Brightleaf. They could run and hide in the trees as much as they wanted. The First Sword knew it would only be a matter of Cycles to complete their purging from this new Dominion of the Faithful.

He walked further towards the dwelling and issued the orders to the rest of the men, "Inform the Engines that the Deacons may join us to set up their device. We'll need it in place soon. The rest of you, continue the operation to secure this area. The Demons are to be given no quarter. Kill them all".

"A'ya First Sword. We stand guard for the Faithful!" the men replied as they moved off to complete their tasks.

Your Faith shall be rewarded in the Blessed Illumination, Trexian thought to himself.

Trexian took a last look at the demonic blade before it disappeared to the Engines of War above. It was an exquisitely crafted weapon if nothing else.

And he vowed to the Light yet again that this would only be the first of many treasures that the First Sword would bring to the Congregation.