Just realized that the previous posting was corrupted, my apologies for not catching that mistake soon, thank you to those who commented in the reviews. Also a heads up that I don't have a real uploading schedule, as I plan to post once I am two chapters ahead of what I aim to upload. Thanks for your patience.
Chapter 2: Amongst the Stars
I suppose I cannot entirely fault those like Lorgar for mistaking our father for a deity, when I first met him, for as ashamed I am to admit it, I briefly wondered if he was a god, before dismissing the notion. He was most certainly a being of flesh and bone, and the fomori's gods refused or were unable to "lower themselves" to take physical forms. I admit meeting my father was overwhelming in a sense, being near him was like being in the presence of psychic sun, radiating an aura of authority and certainty that I had never felt before. In truth, I doubt there has been nor ever will be one like my father to sail the stars again, it was easy even then to catch glimpses of his true nature. The height of humanity's evolution and potential made flesh and blood. I knew then I would have to ensure I earned his favor, else I would lose everything sacrificed to take back Arcadia. I did not enter my father's waiting embrace, instead I looked him in the eyes, and ignored the idea to probe his mind, knowing even then that I was outmatched.
"You call yourself Emperor," I asked calmly in the old trader's tongue, "Yet Arcadia has suffered under the those who claimed themselves as its ruler. Each of those monarchs were nothing but slaves to powers they couldn't truly understand." I nodded my head to the side, pointing out scorched earth that had once been a beautiful valley of the Highlands. The Emperor seemed to recognize the language and seemed impressed briefly, before sighing and taking in the sight I pointed out to him.
"I do not doubt that, my son," he nodded, "Many of our people across the stars have suffered similar fates, not even humanity's birth world was spared. It deeply grieved me, to see our people's greatness squandered and diminished so harshly." I could tell even without entering his mind, that he was truthful, I could literally feel the honest regret in his words.
"Yet you call yourself king of kings," I countered, "Adorn yourself in a vision of ancient myth, and will say you are different." He did not ask how I knew he would claim such a thing, rather I felt he respected me all the more for it, it was an odd sensation.
"Mankind's history is littered with leaders who believed themselves superior or different from others," he admitted, "But not all have watched our species grow, as its silent guardian throughout its development. I have, and intend to not let the failures of the past repeat themselves." He suddenly outstretched a hand towards the sky, aimed towards the brilliance of the sun, as if he could fit the burning light in the palm of his hand, and on some level I believed it could have.
"I liberated ancient Terra from anarchy through unity," he continued, "And now I seek to reunite all of our people, to bring them into the fold of an interstellar imperium that will elevate the human race to its true potential. I will tear down old internal prejudices, do away with the segregation of dogmatic religious beliefs, and bring about a new Age of Enlightenment across the stars." I felt my pulse quicken at his words, his passion was infectious, and I had never even once considered the worlds beyond Arcadia's sky, yet here I was holding onto every word the Emperor spoke about them. Many have already noted how great my father's prowess for war, diplomacy, and establishing order, but I fear many will skip over his burning passion which encompasses the dream that is the Imperium of Man.
When he speaks of his dream of what he envisions the Imperium becoming, he does not need to use his psychic gifts as the audible conviction and passion he places into every word, is more than enough to sway most minds. All this from my first meeting with a man who speaks like a dreamer but carries himself with waking determination, and I was almost instantly swayed to his side. Until he recited his Imperial Truth, and asked if I would follow it unquestionably.
"I can agree with the spirit of your truth." I told him flatly, and registered a slight raise in his brows, he was surprised by my answer. Again, another sign that despite his immense power, that he was still mortal.
"The spirit of the truth?" He repeated almost sounding amused by my response, and I could feel a tension manifest between us. In that moment I recognized the true threat the Custodes presented, never mind their weapons and armor, just one's skill for battle was nearly equal to my own, and the Emperor had brought twenty five of them. Yet even then, I easily realized that the Emperor himself was even more deadly a foe, perhaps greater than even the fomori king I once struggled to banish years ago. Then there was the technology they used, whatever powered the Emperor's armor sent subtle yet annoying vibration through my teeth, and that all paled in comparison to the threat of their guns. I believe it surpassed the technology of the Selie and Unselie Fia alike, those strangely beautiful travelers of the stars and the spaces in between.
In the Emperor I saw a familiar drive to liberate people from the slavery of the fomori gods, but while we both wished bring down their worship, I would elevate the importance of community and individuality with spiritual practices, whereas he would pursue those ideals through facts and logic. On paper, it was an admirable pursuit, but in practice I know that humans longed for more than what was physically before them, and even I desired such things. Had he been a being of pure cold iron logic, he would have likely crushed my spirit for disagreeing, but he was a man, and he likely could be negotiated with. All this I came to realize in the span of two gentle heart beats, and put on my most humbled expression.
"My name is Arwyn Clay, Emperor," I introduced with a slight bow, "I command Arcadia's protectors, the Wild Hunt, I welcome you and yours to our world, and invite you to join us back to Castle Annwn as our honored guests." The offer catches his attention, but there is nearly a swelling pride in his eyes when I mention Annwn, perhaps he was happy to see me be recognized as a leader amongst my people. At the moment, Celvyn was back on his feet and observing my conversation, with a mixture of awe and concern on his features.
"We accept your hospitality," he smiled gently, "I do not see any transports amongst your forces, allow us to carry your forces the distance." I could tell some part of him wished for me to join him in transit, but I could not help but also see the display of strength the gesture doubled as. Being escorted back into my own castle surrounded by forgein golden giants, it would be like being made prisoner in our own fortress, and too many of my followers would not stomach an insult.
"On behalf of my huntsmen," I replied, "I will accept, but you must wait for Derwydd Issacs to send word to Annwn's defenders. They rarely are welcoming towards the uninvited." I let the gift bleed the force of my conviction into the statement, emphasizing the importance and how non negotiable the declaration was. I saw minor twitches from the Custodes around us, but the Emperor was unphased by my use of the gift, making more certain that his power greatly dwarfed mine.
"I see no communication device on his person."
"He has no need of it," I explained calmly, "His talent with the gift allows him to commune over vast distances."
"A psycker." I hear one of the Custodes mutter, with evident minor displeasure, and could not help but feel confused. While the term was unfamiliar to me, I assumed that it was the Terran word for a shaman, but that was not what puzzled me. Certainly, the Emperor's guardians must have known that he possessed the gift, such was the only explanation for the radiance from his soul, or his golden halo. So why did they seem to disapprove of others with the gift? To this day I have been left to my own speculations, and not all of them paint the Custodes in a favorable light. Regardless, after Celyvn sent word to Annwn, my huntsmen gathered into the golden flyers provided by my father's forces. I politely insisted on the wounded joining the Emperor and myself in a transport, I did not yet fully trust these armored giants, let alone with the lives of those who soldiered my cause.
During the flight, the Emperor spent that short time explaining the basics of his Great Crusade and my own inception, that I was one of twenty sons, and how he had engineered twenty legions of warriors based on our genetic records. He informed me that with a simple scan of my genetics, the identity of my sons' legion would be confirmed, and that I would lead them across the stars. I tried my best to suppress the unwelcomed wonder I felt imagining such a scene, but I suspect my father sensed it. Then he listed the names of those alien species who threatened the prosperity of humanity, and he did not bother hiding his open disgust at pronouncing their names. I am still unsure if everything he did then was a tactic to win me over to his side, he spoke openly with the passion for his dream, and unashamed of the hatred he bore for those he perceived as threats to that dream. In a sense, I felt like a lesser reflection of the golden giant beside me, but still I felt all I had achieved on Arcadia was threatened by his arrival. I would not, could not allow such a thing to happen unopposed.
When we arrived at Annwn, we landed outside the main gate, greeted by armed huntsmen standing at ease, and I could feel the awe they felt at the sight of the Emperor and his forces. My officers were gathered at the opening of the gate, but behind them were my wives, each dressed in their finest clothes and I smirked. I introduced him to my officers, and one by one I was impressed to watch the Emperor ingratiate himself to each of them. He commended them on the stress of war visible on their forms, and assisting me in reclaiming Arcadia from hostile forces. Then we approached my three wives, I recognized the nervousness they each masked behind their own assured authority on our castle grounds, and they each gave a dignified curtsy to the towering man. I felt my father's genuine surprise break through his guarded mind, when they introduced themselves as my brides, and I wore a gentle smile. Clearly marriage had not been something he expected of me, not that I could rightly blame him.
We held a feast in honor of my huntsmen's victory over the fomori, along with the destruction of the final Gate on Arcadia, and despite inviting our new guests, the Custodes silently refused to eat, instead they took positions throughout the castle. I swear if I had not seen them fight earlier that day, I would have thought they were statues presented as offerings instead of breathing instruments of war. Before the feast could begin in full, I offered a large cup of spirits to the Emperor, explaining that it was customary for allies to share in the drinking of spirits together. From the corner of my eye, I saw the naked impassive face of a Custodes, and a flicker of disapproval in his gaze. In that moment, I believed the Custodes endured a joyless brotherhood and obligation, and sadly very little has changed my thought on said matter.
During the feast, I led the Emperor to a private chamber that served as our war room, and did not even bother asking the Custode following him to wait outside, it would have been awkwardly one-sided. There I negotiated my conditions for willingly joining the Emperor's Great Crusade, the most important aspect was that only those of Arcadian birth could govern the lives of the planet, it was surprisingly the easiest condition granted. When we approached the Imperial Truth, I spoke plainly, explaining that I agree with the spirit of the Truth's message, that there are no gods worthy of mankind's worship, but believed that denying the existence of the soul would ultimately weaken us. I had reestablished an old totem belief system, the totems took the form of ancient and Arcadian animals, each embodying an aspect of humanity, they were not worshipped but respected. Needless to say, we negotiated for the next several hours, and only twice the Custode demanded that I speak to the Emperor with greater respect, I had not even yelled at him. In the end we came to an agreeable accord, officially I would support the Imperial Truth, but I would take command and lead my legion against worlds tainted by the fomori, or Chaos as he labeled them. In exchange I was to be educated personally by one named Malcador, his most trusted adviser and closest friend. To even allude to the nature of Chaos to my legionaries from Terra, I was charged with teaching them the rites, rituals, and songs, but none of my knowledge would be allowed to be shared amongst my brothers or human subordinates.
While I did not enjoy the idea of deceiving my distant brothers, I disliked the idea of losing my autonomy, fighting ineffectively, or allowing all the sacrifices of my huntsmen to be for nothing. The clans would be allowed to continue as they were, albeit they would become the main population for the future recruitment of my legion. Some group called the Cult Mechanicum of Mars wanted to secure mining rights to the surrounding asteroid belts, and Arcadia's moon. I was reluctant to allow such a thing until the Emperor promised me the right to claim worlds my legion liberated as recruitment worlds, at the very least I had the chance to protect those chaos had nearly consumed. He continued to assure me that not all worlds within his Imperium would be changed too drastically, and told me of Fenris, the frozen homeworld of my brother Leman Russ, the Wolf King, and how it was still a tribal culture. He even permitted my wives, a select few huntsmen to join me, and a few officers to undergo the Astartes implantation procedure. He then asked for my input on the plans to reconstruct Annwn to become a Legiones Astartes fortress, which would be under the supervision of my Huntsmen and a detachment of his Custodes while we departed for Terra.
My wives were both thrilled and terrified by the idea of leaving for another world, but wished to accompany me. Celvyn practically demanded I join him, though it amused me that he thought I would not ask him to join, but I would not allow him to risk the surgery. I listed those amongst my officers I believed would make ideal Space Marines, and I hoped they could assist me in retraining my legion. My entire life had just changed completely in a single day, and a part of me feared I would never again see the sapphire skies of beautiful Arcadia, or that if I did ever return I would be unrecognizable to my people. That night I did not sleep or join my father, instead I entered the thick forest a few miles southeast, bare of protective wear or weapons, only the blue green and grey plaid kilt of my mother's clan.
Ever since I was young I had always been calmed by the majesty of the forests, Arcadia's wild life remained mostly unmolested and I had no desire to truly change such a thing. Natures' resilience against all, including the clans and sorcerer kings, had always struck me as the most beautifully poetic lesson I had ever learned. To live any sort of life in the universe required one to adapt to their surroundings, and I truly believed that Arcadia was alive in some sense. I had seen wild animals join battles in their forests, killing the army of the sorcerer kings, and ignoring huntsmen completely. Those memories still bring a smile to my face, but in that moment I was brought back to the present by the gentle crashing of a running river. I cannot say for certain if I had reached the water unconsciously, or if I had been guided while lost in my musings. Despite that, I knelt before the river, cupped both hands and dipped them beneath its surface, it was cold yet gentle, and somehow felt cleaner than the running waters of Castle Annwn. I basked in the aftermath of the water, until I heard the gentle padding of a beast's paws.
Approaching me from the left was a tall, thin night colored furred, emerald eyed, canine-like figure with a shimmering ruby-like growth resting between its brows. A Cu Sith, the most sacred and mysterious animal of Arcadia, according to the old wisdom the Cu Sith were not only the first guardians of Arcadia, but had been the protectors and tutor of the Wild Hunt's founding derwydds. As the Cu Sith have innate mystical gifts that allowed them to travel freely around Arcadia, and were immune to the corruption of the chaotic realm. To catch sight of one was a rarity, to be approached by one was believed to be blessed by Arcadia itself, and until that night I had only ever seen depictions of them, nearly believing they were nothing more than a myth. Now one approached me at a time I was arguably at my most vulnerable, and despite the primal power I felt echoing from its soul, I was not afraid. It stopped within arms reach of me, lowered its head before dropping something from its mouth, and then calmly drank from the river. Slowly, I turned my head towards the side, curious as to what the Cu Sith had offered me, and when I saw it my eyes widened in shock.
There sitting atop the grass, its normally light blue skin unblemished, was a shining Anam Gem. It is one of the rarest of precious stones that could be found on Arcadia, and held some mystical properties that made it easier for one to channel their own gifts. I had come across some in the possession of others before, but this one was nearly the size of a normal man's fist, and somehow the little light danced off its shimmering skin, making it look as if it were alive. I looked quickly to the Cu Sith, but it was still drinking and paid me little mind, as if it were enjoying a reward for a job well done. Hesitantly I took the gem into my grasp, without even calling upon my gifts I felt, not a powerful surge but a noticeable jolt of strength resonating throughout my soul. The best way to describe the result was like a suit of plate armor had been placed around my soul, yet it did not constrain it, guarded but free at the same time. Such a thing is the ultimate goal of all derwydds of Arcadia, to safeguard our souls against incomprehensible evils while still daring to harness our gifts with tempered discipline.
As I left the sway of my revelry, I noticed the Cu Sith was no longer beside me, but sitting across the river bank, its eyes locked in me. The faint scent of mystic energies lingered in the air, but I did not detect the sickening sweetness from the tainted or fomori, and I let out a tensely held breath I was previously unaware of. For a moment, I could not help but feel that Arcadia itself was encouraging me forward, despite such a thing flying in the face of empirical logic, yet it did not stop me from believing it. Even with the advancements that I knew awaited my understanding, there was an unshakable certainty that they would only be able to explain so much, for the realm of souls defied most logic as if it chose to constantly defy science and mathematics. Even as I left the forest that night, I knew that the gem could serve not only as a touchstone for me, but it would be able to remind me of the power of the human soul.
Nothing the Emperor could have told me, would have properly prepared me nor my entourage for the sensations we felt taking our first steps on our first void ship. It was like walking throughout the hollowed out body of some great beast, with organs delicately removed leaving only its bones to give it structure. The Bucephalus, was the ship's name as I was later informed by one of its human crewmen, and sadly that was the only helpful interaction between myself and the crew. Too many of them treated me with awe and reverence, simply for being the Emperor's son, while I did not even truly like the hero worship I earned on Arcadia, but at least that had been earned. It felt too much like an unwarranted gift, and truly disturbed me. What great deeds did they believe I had achieved outside my homeworld, that the Emperor and my brothers had not accomplished? They likely knew nothing of the Fomori I had wrestled control of Arcadia from, and they likely never would. It was irritating and had I joined my father alone back to Terra, I would have focused too much on the frustrating discomfort, thankfully though I was not alone. Celvyn joined me in my meditations, my beautiful wives had me take in the majesty of the galaxy through the reinforced portholes, and a few Custodians were willing to spar with me.
However, they were reluctant when I asked to be given a spear to face them, and was at a loss for words when they suggested dueling for points. The idea of sparing for sport, it insulted something deep within me, as though I had many memorable moments during the heat of war, but I have always seen it as a necessity, not a luxurious pass time. Instead, I suggest we fight until surrender or incapacitation, as was the standard for warriors of the Wild Hunt. Sadly, I could only truly test myself either against mystically controlled statues or the accursed fomori hordes.
"Primarch Arwyn," the first Custode spoke, "Do you wish for me to remove my armor before our bout?" I had recently been informed of the benefits provided by Imperial power armor, but had presumed my father's companions cared little for me, so I could not tell if the offer was made out of respect or polite spite. I had no such armor nor would I receive any until we reached the Sol System, and had been told the measuring for the fitting would take hours. I was clad only in my kilt and pelts, yet I did not fear for my safety, instead I was excited by the prospect. Understand that I developed to full maturity quicker than the average human, and so I had only a scant few years to enjoy partnered combat training before I developed beyond anyone's natural abilities. I smiled honestly.
"No," I answered, "No, I want to gauge and learn the standards expected of me." I spun the deactivated unfinished guardian spear provided to me, its weight was unusual, and I wondered briefly how much heavier it would have been loaded. I gave it a few more experimental swings, followed by thrusts, and made adjustments in the strength I expended, my stance, and my grip. I did this until the weapon became a bit more comfortable to me, then felt minor flares of surprise eek out of my opponent and our onlookers' souls. I noted them, but I paid them no more thought.
"Now then," I grinned, "Shall we begin?" The shield brother wasted no time, leaping forth faster than any man I had ever seen before, yet I had faced fomori and the Fia alike, and was accustomed to such unnatural speed. Instinctively, I raised my guard, but was unprepared for the unbridled strength he struck with, that I nearly lost my grip. He must have noticed, because with a blur of movement, he swung up the end of his spear and thrusted it into my stomach, and for the first time I felt the wind be knocked out of me. I felt my skin bruise, then I twisted my spear, knocking his spear away before he could continue the assault, and stayed on the defensive while my breathing returned to normal. The training deck became a stage for the echoing clashes of our depowered weapons, it felt as if more and more souls gathered to spectate us, and for the first time against another human being, I felt concern for my well-being. I was well aware that the Custodes armor enhanced his already superior physical capabilities, but this shocked me as it was not merely that he had the speed of the Fia, but that he swung with the force of a crumbling mountain. It was also thrilling, to know that I could be put purely on the defensive against one of humanity's birth, and relieving as it meant I could grow beyond my current level of prowess. Momentarily, I wondered how many lives could I shelter with such physical capabilities, but the thought was dismissed as I began to notice something in the Custodian's fighting style. After every four swings, there was a small hitch before he either repeated the combination or followed it with a thrust, and then a plan formed in my head.
"I suggest you yield Primarch," he told me flatly, "I have no wish to wound you." I waited to block his fourth strike, when it came I reached out with one hand then gripped his spear and tugged him towards me, due to such an unexpected move, I managed to catch him off balance, pulling him closer. Then I swung the end of my spear towards his temple, he barely blocked it, but that was fine, as I then swung myself around, behind him before delivering a powerful shove into his body. Once again, I managed to put him off balance, then followed with a series of my own swipes and thrusts, earning the first solid hits I landed on him. As we continued I slowly noticed that I was beginning to match his augmented speed, to the point I no longer had to solely rely on throwing off his balance to go on the offensive or land another blow. Sweat formed a shining coat on my skin, and I felt the pleasant burn of my muscles being pushed past their limits.
We became a blurring whirlwind of clashing blades, occasionally a cringing echo of ruined armor broke through the chorus of blades, and more than once did bodily fluids splash to the floor. I ended the bout, after locking his blade to the ground, before knocking his feet out, and aimed my spear to his throat before he realized he had been knocked prone.
"D-do you yield?" I ask winded, my heart beat roaring in my ears, my every limb aching from the most intensive fighting I had ever engaged in, yet my soul sung with joy. I told myself that it was only the joy of adapting and overcoming a superior foe, and not battle lust. I could feel the minor frustration grunting from his soul, and see it in his eyes. I realize then he likely wished to humble me, and had not considered this outcome.
"I yield." He sighed sternly, and I untrained my spear before offering to help him up, again he was surprised. Right then I came to the conclusion that the brothers of the Custodians all believed my brother Primarchs and I to behave like spoiled princelings, and it would not be until years later that I would be sympathetic to such misconceptions. Fulgrim has an annoying habit of reminding without warning of his perfect brilliance, and Rogal seems incapable of believing that he could ever be wrong, yet at times I fear that flaw is common amongst us. At the time however, I felt insulted, and simply tried to hide it from my expression.
Later, I would be summoned to a chamber called a medicae, where I was met by many white clad humans who introduced themselves as doctors, and then after a minute I realized they were trained healers. I was about to excuse myself, as I was confused as to my purpose there, until the Emperor arrived. He explained that their instruments would confirm which of the twenty legions I was to take command of, and so I allowed the doctors to do their work. Shortly after they finished poking and prodding me with needles, they informed us that my genetics were a perfect match of the IInd Legion, named the Astral Wardens. The Emperor smiled as he told me of their physical and psychic might, and how flexible my sons were in battle. Apparently they had earned their moniker after reclaiming multiple spaceports without causing irreparable damage to the docks.
The remainder of the journey I spent learning both forms of Gothic, the baseline language of the Imperium, and although I was able to understand it better than those in my retinue, at the time there were some words and concepts that alluded me. Over time my grasp of both High and Low Gothic has improved greatly, but I simply refused to lose my Arcadian accent. I remember fondly how Ceri grumbled when I began stringing together clear sentences faster than her, and forbade me from learning any gothic songs before her, as she prided herself on her singing voice. I believed she wished to impress my Father and brothers with translated Arcadian songs, to this day I regret not asking her if that were the case.
Lowri was uncomfortable aboard the vessel, from the odd stares from the crew, the bland taste of the food, but she found the galaxy breathtakingly beautiful. Morrigan rarely left my side, watching me during my sparring sessions with the Custodes, and standing alongside me when I learned of my legion. Celvyn commented how diminished he felt when the ship made Warp Jumps, and together we discovered the source was a device called a Gellar Field generator. When we asked to be shown and informed how it worked, we were escorted to the engineerium deck where we were to meet with The Enginseer Salvitor. I wish I knew who to curse for not preparing us for our first encounter with adepts of the Machine Cult, as it horrified us both to our souls.
Enginseer Salvitor was biologically a male, but with his bionic limbs, fused metallic speaker mussel, ruby eye, and the strange tentacle-like attachment in his back, it was hard to register him as human. Both of us nearly called forth our gifts, until our escort explained the cult's beliefs, and while we ceased our actions, it did little to put us at ease. When he spoke, it was like nothing I had ever heard before, his voice was devoid of any warmth or emotion, it rang with a grating metallic vibration, and made Celvyn's spine stiff.
"You are one of the Primarchs." Salvitor stated, "Blessed offspring of the Omnissiah, this one welcomes you to this holy chamber of science." Even though it would not be months until I learned of how my father swayed the cult to his side, I recognized that they addressed him as this "Omnissiah." When I confronted him on the topic, he always assured me it was a necessity for the Imperium, and that despite their religious beliefs they still favored science and progress. It still felt too much like hypocrisy to me, but it does not change my allegiance to the Imperium's protection, so I allowed myself to drop the matter.
"You….are Salvitor?" I asked with uncertainty.
"Affirmative." He responded facing us, as his mechadenrite went about attending to various consuls, the sight only doubled the discomfort I felt. He spoke in low gothic, so I translated his words for Celvyn with my silent voice, so he would be able to follow the conversation.
"We are told that this…Gellar Field," I explained, "Is what allows this ship safe travel through the Warp. Is it also why our psychic gifts are suppressed." His single remaining human eye twitched slightly when I spoke of the gift, and I could not tell what emotion flared through Salvitor's mind, even with my gift his emotions were too blurred to decode.
"This is correct," he announced, "The gellar field device is truly a marvelous creation from Humanity's greatest Age of technology. Its inner workings emit an energy field that creates a protective barrier of the laws of reality, against the unpredictable hazards of the Immaterium. Such a barrier also temporarily reduces or eliminates the energies generated by those classified as psyckers."
"How does that work?" Celvyn asked in broken low gothic, and for an uncomfortable minute received only a cold look from the adept.
"That lore is privy only to the followers of the Machine God." Salvitor answered, "But provided you station, and ignorance of our laws, your query will not be documented on any proceedings." After that we politely dismissed ourselves, and when we returned to our assigned section of the ship, Calvyn spoke plainly.
"I believe those red clad are untrustworthy," he said in Arcadian, not wishing our conversation to be overheard by hidden ears, "How can they claim to worship this…science, and still believe that from it was born a god?" Nor do I understand why they would willingly replace their body with false bones." Though his thoughts mirrored my own, I could tell he was truly more distraught than I was, nor could I truly blame my brother, but like it or not the Cult were my father's allies.
"Calm yourself brother," I answered in Arcadian, "I agree that they are secretive, and contradictive, but they are forbidden from setting foot on our home without my permission. So long as they do not enforce their beliefs onto us, I doubt we shall have reason to worry about them." That was the first and only time I had ever lied to Celvyn, and it disturbed me how easily it came to me. The truth was I did not truly trust the Cult and even now I have difficulty looking at them without suspicion. I have told myself that I lied to him so that we could adapt better to our situation, yet sometimes I think it was to stop him from doing something reckless, it shames me to consider him in such low regard. For the remainder of our voyage we avoided the Engineerium, and developed a routine we followed until we finally reached Terra. The world of our species' birth.
My first meeting with Malcador the Sigilite was interesting to say the very least. After we landed at the Imperial palace, we were greeted by even more Custodian Guards, Imperial army, and a retinue of the Silent Sisters, whose anti-psychic auras I could feel from the exit ramp, were led by Malcador. On Arcadia we have such people these Nulls, Blanks, or Pariahs as the Imperium calls them, but to us we simply call them the Unseen. This is due to a small sect of the Wild Hunt that took and trained them to be deadly lone hunters or assassins as my brothers would label them. I had met a few before, although the first time was a truly jarring experience, it was the first time that my gifts had failed to notice a human. At that time I had nearly mistaken the Unseen as an agent of a cult, I was so certain that my instinctive disdain towards them, and the pain their presence caused me was all the reassurance I needed to attack. Thankfully, an elder had stopped me before I could seriously harm them.
I knew Malcador had been informed of our impending arrival, and felt a slight anger towards the Silent Sisterhood's presence, mind you it was not because of their disposition. Instead it was entirely because Malcador surely knew that a small number of psyckers had accompanied me, forget not that I myself was one, but he intentionally brought them along. As if he was sending a cold message, that Terra was their dominion and vastly different from the world I had grown up on. At the time, I did not recognize that the Sigillite was merely being cautious, as he had no way of knowing that those in my retinue had full mastery of their gifts. It would only be much later that I would learn how unique of an oddity such a thing was to encounter amongst the stars. Yet I was younger and more foolish then, so I only saw the insult towards my people, and struggled to hide it from onlookers.
"Welcome Primarch Arwyn and his honored guests," Malcador greeted with a slight bow, "I am Malcador the Sigillite, and on behalf of the Adeptus Terra I welcome you to the Imperial Palace." Even with the presence of the sisters I could still feel the power of his soul, and it struck me how impressive it was that such a fragile frame contained such immense power. While the Emperor easily outshone us both in terms of power, I had no doubt that Malcador had just as much experience as him, but was confident that in terms of psychic powers I was just barely stronger than him. Yet make no mistake, I still fear what would happen if I unwittingly earned the Sigillite's wrath, for it is not raw power alone that makes one dangerous, but their wisdom and knowledge tempering their power. I shudder to imagine what he has learned over his vast lifetime.
"Greetings Sigillite," I answered in accented low gothic, "We are honored to be had, and look forward to your hospitality."
