A bit of a quicker chapter than I normally write, but I also just finished writing one I think is longer than the previous one. I hope you guys enjoy this little deviation in the formula of following the chronological to tell the stories of the humans that Arwyn came to truly respect in the Great Crusade.
Chapter 7: Oath of a Knight and Hunter
Forgive me for the sudden, disruption in the proper flow in the timeline that I have thus far stuck to in telling my tale during the early years of the Great Crusade, but I have just received tragic news that grieves me so, and I have come to realize that I have focused too intently on the efforts and battles of my legion. While I intend no offense to my genesons, I ask that you keep in mind that our Imperium was not created solely by the efforts of the Space Marine Legions, there can be no doubt that the Legions contributed largely to how effectively we have proceeded, but I cannot ignore the efforts of those I have recognized, and even allowed to bare the sigil of my legion. To that end I hope you will forgive this indulgence, allowing me a momentary break from my truths and thoughts of my brothers, and join me in reminiscing in the memory of one of the greatest mortal men that I have had the distinct honor of fighting alongside.
According to the edicts of both Imperial and Mechanicum laws, the existence of self aware Artificial Intelligences capable of improving themselves pose an unprecedented danger to the safety of the human race. While I do not necessarily disagree with the edict, I find it ironic that this law does not apply to the more complex machine spirits houses in the Mechanicum's larger works. Despite that, I must admit I do have an appreciation for the Cult's impressive work with void ships, and astounded by their machine Knights. At times I find myself wondering why the Mechanicum persisted with Titans, when they could have used their resources to create legions of Knights, but from my understanding finding proper Knight pilots was intensely difficult. I have met many representatives from numerous Knight Houses, but in my opinion all pale in comparison to Ser Gilfred de Lu Lafayette of House Charlemagne, pilot of the Chavanical Honor. To this day, I have not met a more selfless example of Imperial nobility than he, as he treated any he came across with respect and kindness regardless of their social standing. Believe me when I say that such a thing is rare amongst the members of Knight Houses, even those that are praised by my brothers, I believe that are only a handful who carry themselves in such a manner.
It was 836 M.30 when the forces of my legion encountered House Charlemagne during its forward push into the fringes of the Ultima Segmentum, and they were charged with the protection of the Tailos Belt, a star system of four habitable worlds, including their ancestral homeworld. When we first made contact the House nobility were in the midst of repelling an invasion of Orks, only a small portion of their forces had deployed to the aid of Tailos IV, the rich agricultural center in system, and I think it quite obvious why cleaning the surface of such a world was vital to the survival of the Belt. I deployed alongside the companies within the 1st Host to Tailos IV, and added our forces to House Charlemagne's in the defense of the planet, while I entrusted the rest of my forces with the remaining warzones in the system. While Ser Lafayette was not the assigned leader of his House's forces, he treated the campaign as if he were protecting his homeworld of Tailos Prime, and the lives of the agri-farmers as if they were his own kin. I can remember the first time I caught sight of Gilfred's Knight as if it were only yesterday.
The planet was once a beautiful example of lush and bountiful farm lands, I could tell that even from the burning fields that became visible as the dropship descended to the surface. Its once peaceful skies were now choked by smoke, anti-air fire, and crudely crafted flying machines piloted by greenskin savages. Leading a strike force formed from the ranks of the first five Hosts, our boots pounded into an already shaking ground and we added the roars of our guns to the deafening symphony of brutal war. A tide of vermillion and silver clashed intensely against a tide of sickly green and scrap metal, inhuman roars accented the clashes of war, and blood splashed zealously across the once fertile ground that soon would sadly burn to ensure the death of the Ork spores. Piles of dirt were blasted up into the air as the ground was struck by the long ranged weapons of the Knights that were protecting the planetary capital, a small space port which was now a final bastion of defense. Their aim was careful enough to avoid striking any of my legion's forces, but I felt a disappointed bitterness towards their unwillingness to stride out and destroy the invaders. I caught sight of two lumbering, clumsily constructed Ork walkers, outfitted with far too many guns that any sane smith would equip, and they were advancing towards the frontline. Then a series of booming quakes erupted behind us, with a quick twist of my head I gaze upon a sight that would make any mortal man quake in fear, thundering towards the battle line was a thirty five foot tall bipedal machine clad in purple and gold plating, with a roaring griffon painted on its pauldrons, its Reaper patterned chainsword overwhelmed the already deafening music of war.
As if it were guided by a psychic hand, the Gallant patterned Knight only crushed the Ork's under its titanic feet, it unleashed two ironstorm missiles towards a single walker, the impacts rocked the accursed metal monster off center, but failed to destroy the alien creation. The other walker unleashed a world shaking volley from its myriad of haphazardly attached guns, and slammed against the Knight's Ion shield, which illuminated to life, only to fail a moment later. This failed to even put a hitch in the Knight's stride, as it was shortly upon its attacker, chainsword roared louder and faster, before cleaving into the walker's hide, and with its massive thunderstrike gauntlet it gripped tightly around its pig-like head. I saw that the other walker was correcting itself, quickly I ordered the five landed Predator tanks and three Fire Raptor gunships to focus their fire on the recovering alien engine. Soon the screaming of missiles and the whistling ammunition slammed into the Ork Walker, the detonation blew away chunks of its armor and destroyed many of its guns. Meanwhile the Gallant Knight slew the first of the Ork machines, and then quickly finished off the other before it could return fire upon my forces. We pushed forward with even greater fury, breaching past the first line of Ork, stabbing, slashing, and shooting down anything that was not human, before finally the greenskins began retreating. They were running scared, and we did not let up our assault.
"Join us noble Knights!" I bellowed into their vox link, "Join we Bale Hounds in cutting down these green cowards, and retake your world!" For a moment, silence was the only answer I received, but before I could condemn their hesitance there was a crackle across the vox.
"I shall charge with you," a voice answered, "Ser Gelfred de Le Lafayette of House Charlemagne, will assist in your efforts in returning the world to its proper hands. Will you honor me with your name, noble lord?" I smiled, in all those years, I could count a single hand the number of times I had been called a noble lord, and somehow I knew with unwavering certainty that I was speaking to the Gallant pilot. I turned towards the towering Knight, and locked my helmeted gaze upon it.
"I am Arwyn Clay," I introduced clearly, "Primarch of the IInd Legiones Astartes, son and warrior of the Emperor of the Imperium of Mankind. And the honor is mine, Ser Knight." Eventually, the others in Gelfred's deployment joined our efforts in scouring the Orks from the surface of the planet, but before that I allowed him command of our tank units, with support from our gunships. Together, we led my forces in an overwhelming surge of Imperial might that saw the majority of the Ork forces broken and slaughtered them. When his fellows finally joined us in the pursuit of remaining Orks, the enemy had splintered into smaller battle groups, defending what crude encampments they cobbled together, and they did not withstand the full might of a single assault before being burned to death. When the last of the greenskins perished, there was no time to celebrate, with assistance from the Imperial Army and House Charlemagne's standing militia began purging the planet free of the curse of the Ork spores. The apothecaries collected the proginoids from the fallen, the techmarines tended to the armored vehicles, while the rank legion brothers added their might to the purging effort, and I walked alone towards the Gallant Knight that now bore an impressive number of fresh battle scars.
"Impressive, is it not?" A familiar voice called out from above, so I gazed upward and found myself looking upon Gelfred de Le Lafayette, who was a young man from a first glance, he was just leaving the control of his Knight, descending upon a tethered hook. His hair was naturally bright blond, eyes a deep shimmering green, prominent cheekbones, an impressively regal jawline and in my eyes was the physical incarnation of the ideal appearance of Imperial nobility. Yet there was a lighthearted playfulness in his smile, gazing upon his soul was like looking at an unyielding light that braved against the darkness of the galaxy, obligations and practices of his station.
"Aye, tis a mighty weapon indeed," I replied, "Yet rarely have I seen one piloted with reckless gallantry." He gently laughed, clearly catching and enjoying my blatant jest.
"And I have never seen such mighty warriors," he quipped before adopting a mocking tone, "At least not outside a noble house, of course."
"I am surprised there weren't more of you," I said honestly, "I would figure the sanctity of this world would've been a great priority?" He lost the jovial glint in his eyes for the briefest moments, before donning a forced yet convincing smile.
"The master of the house had utter confidence in our abilities," he boasted, "For they believed that I would turn the tide, you simply arrived before I could use my secret weapon." Through the gift, I knew he was bluffing, but I could tell that he did so only to mask the shame he felt towards his own. Before I could form a response, an older male noble accompanied by two others near Gelfred's age, a man and woman respectively, approached us, and the older man's voice was graveled by age yet gently boomed with authority.
"I believe that is enough of your posturing, Ser Gelfred," he reprimanded, "We do not need our potential new allies thinking that our house is all talk and no claw." I resisted the urge to correct the elder, as in truth Gelfred was the only representative of his noble House that was able to convince me that they had "claws" as he had put it. While this elder held back the full fury of his Knights, Gelfred had disobeyed and met the foe face to face, in his own manner. He and he alone risked not only damage to his Knight, but his own life to see this world free of the Ork invaders. While I had no taste for placating allies with unwarranted praise, I had begun to learn when best to hold my tongue, and this was such a moment.
"And you lord of House Charlemagne," I asked with neutrality, "What is your name?" The older man gave a gentle bow of respect before introducing himself, as if he was trying to illustrate the regal nature of his existence.
"I am Baron Mathais LaRue Gustave," he introduced, "Lord of the seventh circle of blades, and first cousin to Seneschal Charlotte Joan de lu Charlemange, blessing upon her reign as Knight Queen."
"I am Primarch Arwyn Clay," I replied, "Lord of the Bale Hounds Legion, and second son of the Emperor of the Imperium of Mankind." He seemed both puzzled and amused when I titled myself as Primarch, as he likely believed it to be a title that had been created for me, and while he was not entirely wrong, it irritated me that he would so openly insult me. Perhaps, that is another flaw shared amongst my brothers and I, while we are declared to be greater than any single human, we are just as easily insulted as any man, yet we are especially proud of our title as Primarchs. As if we believe that it grants us some greater degree of respect from all walks of human life. Yet, I feel justified in this particular instance, as unlike this Knight Baron, I was willing to risk everything to reclaim the most obviously vital world within the Belt.
"Tell me, we have never seen any like your soldiers or yourself," Mathais began, "What are you?" I smiled slightly, and broke my gaze with the elder man, looking at my sons who were going about their vital after battle duties.
"I am a Primarch," I explained, "Forged from the genome of the Emperor, the apex of humanity in all regards, and the uniter of ancient Terra. My warriors are Legiones Astartes, the Emperor's Space Marines, who were molded from my own genetics, and tasked with reuniting the lost kingdoms of humanity across the stars into Humanity's first secular interstellar empire." I could sense that the Baron had become tense and wary by the final part of my declaration, and forgive me, but I could not resist seeing him squirm a bit under the next part.
"My legion alone has reclaimed hundreds of worlds," I grinned, "And I believe that the other nineteen legions and their Primarchs have done even more than us." That changed not only the Baron's posture, but also the attitude of the other two young nobles. Previously, they had mirrored their elder in his amusement when I introduced myself, but now they failed to hide their distress caused by my words. Likely they feared that their worlds were our next form of conquest, but despite how delicious it would have been to sow even further fear into them, I had come under the banner of peace.
"The Emperor has entrusted me to be his emissary to this system," I continued, "Not only to help you destroy the green tide of the Orks that thrashed at your doors, but to offer invitation to join the Imperium of Man, as many other noble Houses have before you."
"Other Houses have survived?" Gelfred asked in honest bewilderment and excitement.
"As does ancient Mars, aye," I answered, "House Taranis was the first to pledge their service to the Imperium and its virtues."
"What are those virtues, m'lord?" Asked the female following the Baron, having recovered enough of her composure to present herself in a more dignified manner.
"That humanity suffers not under alien oppression," I answered, "That we break free of the shackles of superstition, pointless segregation, and internal prejudices. That we unite under the powers of scientific progress, pragmatism, and rational thought." I was then invited to their homeworld where I could state my case before their House's court, which I must admit was impressive. Within their castle was a chamber large enough to house two Space Marine companies, and held the many lines of the bloodlines of their noble house. Its interior was an almost perfect blend of traditional decor and advanced technologies such as hololithic projectors and data recorders. The focal point of attention was their Queen's throne, which was raised high above five other thrones, each bearing a sigil of the founder of their line, and it was clear that the regent had five ladies and lords to answer to. Later I would come to learn the names of all ten, the Gustaves, Lafayettes, Durendals, Bonapartes, and the Volitares, each of whom had earned their rightful place in court.
After making my introduction, I would once more explain our purpose in the system to their regent, who was far younger and more beautiful than I had expected. Queen Charlotte VI was an athletic woman in her third decade of life, yet her blonde hair had naturally begun turning platinum, due largely to the stress of governing four worlds along with her knightly duties. Her pilot suit had been designed to be both practical and ceremonial, and her shining hair had been woven into dazzle into braided loops tied back to prevent any impediment to her vision. It was evident from a casual glance that she had not cowards during the invasion of the Belt, as her hair had crudely been put back into its proper form, and there was evident fatigue in her seated posture.
"You have the thanks of House Charlemagne," she declared with authority, "However I find interesting you have not knelt in respect to the Queen of the Griffins, and instead bring an unsolicited invitation of supplication to another's crown." Aside from the exhaustion and caution in her eyes, she betrayed no other emotion, and I suspected she was performing what her House expected of her.
"With respect your majesty," I answered, "What I bring is not subjection, but a beneficial trade. In exchange for your House's sworn oath to the Imperium along with suitable candidates for piloting a Titan, you will not only be given a share in the wealth of our resources, but also protection of our military forces and reconnect with the Mechanicum of Mars. Never again will you have to face foes such as the Orks by yourselves." I could sense that there were still members unsatisfied with my words, and for many it was simply because I suggested that there was a higher authority than their House, others simply did not trust me. Luckily the Queen was in neither category, I could sense a slight relief that was reminiscent of Gelfred's when I had first told him, yet she was still wary. However, I cannot fault her for that, her decisions affected the lives of four planets worth of lives, and I would have thought less of her for rushing to join. Speaking of Gelfred, I was surprised to notice that stood behind the enthroned lord of his line, acting as an honor guard I believed, only later would I learn that he had been summoned to advise his lord personally.
"Your offer is tempting Primarch," Charlotte admitted, "Perhaps even too good to be considered true. What guarantee do I have that your Imperium will honor your promises?" I could feel a slight irritation take root in the sons who had joined me as an honor guard, while I appreciate their high opinion of me, I wished that they could see the matter as the Queen did. I found no fault in her desire for assurance, and had already an idea that would hopefully satisfy her entire House.
"What if I entered the custody of your esteemed House until the relief fleet arrives?" I offered, "I'll surrender both my armor and weapons, and submit fully to your House's authority." Instantly I felt a defiance spread throughout my sons, and some notions of malice emanate from the souls of a handful of the gathered nobles.
"My Primarch with respect we cannot allow you to do this." One of my sons said quietly, and using my silent voice I spoke to them all, but refrained from adding my will to the words to avoid them becoming commands.
"My sons," I sent out, "Paragon Commander Slan is fully capable of leading the Legion in my place. He's done so before, and he can do so again, not to mention I doubt there is anything that they can do to truly harm me while I await for the relief fleet."
"At least allow one of us to remain with you, father." One replied mentally.
"I believe that won't be necessary." Finally the Queen broke the audible silence that had fallen over the court chamber.
"Presuming I agree to this Ser Clay," Charlotte began, "How would you suggest my family oversee your stay upon our world?"
"I believe Ser Gelfred Lafayette would be a fine overseer," I suggested, "After witnessing him in combat, I feel that he would be an appropriate choice." I felt understanding blossom within my sons, as they too had shared in my instant respect for the noble from his actions on the battlefield. The lord of the Lafayettes seemed surprised by my recommendation of being under his honor guard's authority, but his shock was subtle compared to the other nobles. Charlotte approved my proposition, and my sons departed with orders to send a message to Imperial High Command that I was waiting for the relief fleet with House Charlemagne. I was hardly surprised when Morrigan was brought planetside, and insisted on joining me in my stay in the House's custody.
I feel that I must further explain my rationale for submitting myself to the noble House's authority, and allowing my legion's forces to depart without me. Firstly, the presence of my genesons would do little but forcibly remind the nobles and their people of the Imperial's might, and could have led to unnecessary hostility to develop between us. Secondly, if the general of a superior militarized force is willing to entrust themselves to the mercy of another's power, their offers for peaceful cooperation is seen as genuine, and also provides the other party a feeling of control. I am not my father, nor am I Roboute, both of whom would have been able to elegantly convince the nobility that the offer was true, but I lack such natural talent, nor did I desire to influence them through the gift. I also wished to respect the accord between the Imperium, Mechanicum, and the Knight Houses, which would have been impossible if I tried to force them to my will. Besides, I was confident that the relief fleet would arrive swiftly enough for me to return to my legion's forces, and short of a Knight's weapons there was little that could harm me in the House's possession.
Not too mention, the time I spent with Gelfred was more enjoyable than I could have expected, often we would play regicide, or trade war stories. While Gelfred was a young man by the standards of normal humans, he had been taught what was expected of him from an extremely early age, and had slaved away to earn his position in piloting a Knight Gallant. He also shared with me the history of his House, and the many wars they had waged in defense of the territory throughout the dark of Old Night. While I was extremely grateful for such lore, I believe he was more enraptured by the tales of the wars I waged for the Imperium, and the world's we had saved from the control of hostile aliens or tyrannical overlords. I could tell that he was not merely excited by the prospect of glory, but that there was more to the galaxy than simply protecting what belonged to his House. He reminded me of a descriptor of the ancient Knights before the tragedy of Old Night, eager for the promise of exploration throughout the stars, but prepared to fight and die for the rest of the species.
To my utter surprise, the Emperor himself accompanied the relief fleet, and he honored every promise that I had made. I will not lie, I did not expect him to join the fleet this far out, but later I would come to learn he joined somehow knowing that the path to Ultramar would be cleared. Yet again a reminder that my father is humanity's greatest psycker, he reads the roads of possibility and navigates them with incredible ease, it is both impressive and frightening at the same time. I was also provided a rare opportunity to witness my father's great charisma at work, as he earned the hearts of every lord and lady of House Charlemagne, and watched the younger nobles draw ceremonial swords only to kneel before the Emperor, swearing themselves to the Great Crusade. All except one, Gelfred, instead he drew his blade and knelt to me, swearing an oath to fight alongside my forces, to bring down any who would oppress humanity, and safeguard the Imperium's growing borders with his life. To my own knowledge I had yet to hear of any of my brothers receiving the sworn oath of a member of a Knight House, and while I will not be embarrassed if it turns out that I am wrong, I felt incredibly honored to be the first Primarch to receive such an oath.
I had no way of knowing that Gelfred would not only honor his oath, but save the lives of my genesons countless times, putting himself and his Knight in danger in equal measure. From what whispers I received, he made few friends in the Mechanicum with how often he risked the sanctity of his knight's machine spirit, despite the fact that both Gelfred and his machine spirit despised inaction while the helpless were slaughtered by enemies. Once, he helped a Devastator Company of the 5th Host destroy a hostile war hound class titan piloted by AI constructs of a group calling themselves the Illuminated Dynasties. Gelfred made himself an irresistible target for the enemy titan, but used the dense urban environment as cover and ambush points, and led it to a trap that would pin the enemy under detonated skyscrapers and hive spires. Which allowed my warriors to tear the titan apart with heavy weapons yet avoided a deadly explosive engine kill that would have swallowed them whole. Then he delivered the final, decapitating blow with a targeted barrage of missiles, and destroying the proud canine-like head of the war machine.
Gelfred had a simple philosophy that he followed until his death, some could say it was the cause, that while the weak may serve the strong, it was the obligation of the strong to protect them, and respect them when they become strong. He had used knight as a shield for refugee transports, against Ork artillery which eventually shattered his shields and mangled his Knight's skin, yet despite all odds he survived and his knight would still take to battle. Many of my sons named Lafayette the Undying Valor, a name I will passionately implore his house to mark upon his tombstone and into their hall of records. I am told he died on a world discovered by the forward exploratory of the 17th Host, against some previously unknown breed of men of iron, and apparently despite the halt of his heart he had continued to fight until the enemy had been crushed, and their slaves freed. His cockpit had been pierced by a metallic lance, penetrated his torso, and yet he persisted for hours more until his oath to my legion was fulfilled. To my knowledge I know of no other Imperial Knight who has achieved such a feat, and if his House will not provide his memory the honor it deserves, then I shall personally spread his legend amongst the stars, I will see Gelfred becomes a unique yet honored Arcadian name, and create a griffin totem to represent unyielding honor and duty.
Already I have granted the 17th Host permission to rename themselves the Griffin's Oathkeepers, and paint their battle barge in the colors of his Knight's skin. That an entire Host of my genesons choose to honor a human, let alone a Knight noble, instead of their fallen brothers does not bother me. It humbles me. That my sons, regardless of their world of origin, have taken to heart the lessons I have instilled in them, and not only see but recognize the greatness of the human spirit. I will see Gelfred's name carved into the Retribution's hall of heroes, along with the other honored dead of the legion, and should anyone question the merit of devoting such effort to one who did not wear my vermilion armor, then I will break their jaw. Now I must go, I swore to oversee the delivery of Gelfred's body and personal effects, and I must depart to join the cruiser housing his Knight's remains. We wage a war that cannot afford the absence of the Legion's flagship, and I plan to spend the journey forging a power spear for Gelfred's children to pass down the generations. Farewell for now.