Venenum Filios Chapter 17

"I don't understand," the words hung there for all to hear, everybody silently agreeing with the sentiment. Again Sergeant Zeax spoke, "How could this happen?"

Toran heard the mummers of agreement among the assembly and saw the confusion on every face. Before his eyes the surviving Sergeants of Third Company were standing around in knots, trying to understand what he was telling them. They were alone, meeting in a secluded gully, the rest of the Astartes being kept busy by the remainder of the Command Squad, save Furion who was standing with him in this dire time.

Once Toran had woken up he had known that this could not be kept secret, that word would get out one way or another. Some would have advised keeping the truth to himself, making up some story but he would not bear that. He seen where such paths led before, the previous betrayal of his friend Halis Paur had been covered-up by order from on-high and he could not help but wonder how that had contributed to this Mylos' bitter treason.

Toran drew in a breath and said, "Mylos claimed to have been acting under orders, that his attempt to kill me was part of a larger plot."

From the crowd Sergeant Lorath asked, "Who would order such a thing and why? What possible motivation could anyone have to kill a Battle-Captain?"

Sergeant Furion said, "The Emperor-worshippers among the Storm Heralds."

Lorath looked stunned and said, "What's that got to do with anything?"

Sergeant Matheus raised his voice and said, "The Masters of the Chapter fight among themselves, we all know it to be true. The Emperor-worship is the flag they wave but in truth it is really about power, who has it and who doesn't. Chapter Master Gorgall is too moderate, too rational and too secular for some, they want him ousted and removing his followers is big step in that direction."

"Lessall," spat Zeax, "We're talking about Chief Apothecary Lessall aren't we?"

From the back of the group a voice cried out, "Don't forget High Chaplain Samect, those two are as thick as thieves."

Toran was surprised that this was such common knowledge and he wasn't the only one. Lorath was looking about in stunned amazement and said loudly, "Does everybody but me know about this? Am I seriously the only one who didn't know this was going on?!"

"It seems so," replied Furion.

Zeax broke in to say, "This is important news so I have to ask… why aren't Wrethan and Memnos here?"

Toran swallowed nervously for he had left the Chaplain and Apothecary examining Mylos' body, telling them nothing. Mylos' accusations had been deep and grievous, who could know how true they were.

Toran drew in a breath and said, "I needed to talk to you first before they find out the truth."

"Probably for the best," Matheus said, "This conflict stems from the Apothecaries and Chaplains, who knows where their loyalties lie."

Zeax said, "Better not get them involved, we don't want to tip Lessall and Samect off, so we should all agree on the same story. That Mylos was acting strange for a while, that the Phage drove him mad and he went rabid. If we all say the same thing it will sound true."

"What of his squad?" asked Matheus, "They lack a sergeant now."

Toran nodded and said, "I can promote one of his men, but who among them can be trusted. We need to examine their beliefs first."

Furion rubbed his chin and said, "So what are we going to do about this?"

Lorath was angered by the revelation and spat, "Lessall sent an assassin into our ranks, we go home to storm his lair and cut off his head!"

Matheus shook his head and said, "We can't do that, we have no proof."

"Proof," Lorath barked, "Who needs proof?"

"The other Captains will," Toran declared, "Gorgall commands little love among them, if we make wild accusations they will say it is we who are the heretics.

"All we have are the deluded ramblings of one mad Brother," Furion explained, "Without damning evidence this will split the Storm Heralds in two. Fourth Captain Jossat is firmly in Lessall's camp and I have my doubts about Fifth Captain Tygra too, the rest… I don't know where they stand. If we act rashly then they will be the ones to condemn us, we must have incontrovertible proof before acting."

"So what do you propose?" asked Lorath.

"Keep this to ourselves," declared Matheus, "Gather our resources and prepare. Say nothing to Wrethan or Memnos but be alert for further treachery."

"Wait for them to make the first move," Lorath snarled, "That sounds like the advice of cowardice."

"It is prudence," Furion stated, "We can't plan a response without allies, without knowing who outside the Company we can trust."

"Plot upon plot, machination upon machination," stated Zeax looking doubtful, "We are all dancing around the real question here. Was Mylos working alone or was he part of a larger conspiracy in the Company? Our Brotherhood has been built upon lies and nothing we thought we knew has survived this treachery. Are there even now more knives being sharpened behind other backs, are there more assassins among us, just waiting to strike? I can speak for my squad but I do not know the rest. Where do anyone's true loyalties lie, who here can we trust?"

Dark looks flashed across every face at that and Toran saw the doubt spreading. Every man was wondering the same thing, were they surrounded by friends or enemies? Was a friendly face hiding murderous intent? He could practically see the misgivings and suspicion stirring in every heart, everyone was wondering who they could trust. Would the man standing next to him abandon them in mid-battle, would they sneak up behind a supposed comrade with a knife in the dark?

Toran realised that Mylos' treachery had done far more than strike at his Captain; he had demolished the heart and soul of Third Company. This was the true danger that came from within. Nobody could fight like this; they could not wage war side by side if they did not trust the Brother standing next to them. Honour, trust, loyalty these were the cement that held a Company together, that separated the Loyal Space Marines from their fallen kin in the Traitor Legions. But doubt, suspicion, paranoia, these could destroy a Company far more thoroughly than any foe.

Right now Third Company was nothing but a collection of wary and divided individuals, no better than the filth of Chaos. This was his fault, Toran realised, he was the Captain here but he had allowed this situation to come to pass. He should have done better and he was responsible for breaking up the Company. Would his Brothers ever trust him again… should they?

"This is all my fault," said Toran sadly into the silence, drawing startled stares from all assembled.

"Captain," Matheus said, "You cannot blame yourself for Mylos' perfidy."

"Yes, I can," Toran said sadly, "I have led you poorly, I should have seen Mylos' rancour earlier; I should have dealt with it. If anyone is to blame here it is me. I have proved unworthy of Third Company's leadership and must be held accountable."

He drew his blade, the Sword of Thiel and threw it point first at the ground; it hit squarely on and stood there like a flag waiting to be picked up. Everybody stared at it in mute incomprehension then Toran declared, "This mistrust and doubt will destroy us, it had destroyed us. Third Company has already been ripped apart by suspicion and I am to blame. If there is any man here who thinks that I am to blame let him pick up the sword, if he thinks that Lessall is right and I deserve to die then let him strike me down. I shall not resist, I have failed you and I await your judgement."

Silence fell and all looked about, each Sergeant looking at his Brethren wondering who would be the first to speak. Every Brother was examining his own thoughts, his stance and wondering who among their kin they could trust. If they spoke out would they isolate themselves, expose their loyalties to those who were plotting against them? It was a moment of doubt and dismay, divided loyalties and hidden intent.

Then the silence was broken by the crump of a heavy boot, it was Sergeant Furion and he boldly stepped before the assembly and declared, "I am Furion, you all know me, you know what I stand for. I hold to the principles the Storm Heralds were founded upon: loyalty, integrity, humble service and the protection of the Emperor's realm. I have known each of you and I know that you too hold these virtues dear to your hearts, yet now suspicion and doubt gnaw at us all. Well I for one will not have it! Here I am and here I place my flag: I stand with Third Company, I stand with Captain Toran. Any man who raises his hand to him shall have to face me first!"

Toran was both stunned and humbled by the declaration, never had he been prouder or more grateful to have the stalwart Brother Furion by his side. The look of shock spread across the assembly, for all knew Furion to be a pillar of strength, both morally and physically. He was respected and admired, even by those who were new to the Company. No one could doubt his righteousness and to oppose him was to cast oneself into doubt.

Suddenly another voice arose from the crowd, it was Sergeant Matheus and he stepped up declaring, "Furion is right and I am ashamed to have not been the first to say it. We are not the ones who have cast aside the Storm Herald's principles; it is Lessall and Samect who have strayed from the path. Remember our credo: We are the Emperor's Storm, we are His wrath… not ours, HIS. Those usurpers have forgotten that, they seek not the Emperor's service, they seek only self-aggrandisement. I will not be counted among such devious curs; I will stand with those I trust: Third Company and Captain Toran."

This was followed by Zeax who stepped up and cried, "I am Third Company, to the core!"

Not to be outdone Lorath shouted, "I am with Captain Toran!"

As if a damn broke suddenly all the Sergeants were shouting as one, each of them proclaiming his allegiance loudly and praising the Captain. Toran felt his hearts soar at the sight, at the renewed Brotherhood and trust the Sergeants were showing to him. He was humbled to be surrounded by such heroes, Marines whose integrity and valour was beyond doubt. He was ashamed to have ever doubted them, to have thought that they would turn upon him. In that moment all thoughts of mistrust and division were cast aside, each Brother knowing that the man next to him was truly his comrade in arms. Third Company was renewed in Brotherhood and loyalty, reborn in the love between Brothers. Toran realised that these were the Marines he trusted above all and Toran swore to himself that he would never fail them, never lead them astray.

Over the cheering Furion shouted, "Third Company is with you Captain, now pick up that sword and lead us well."

Toran couldn't help but smile and he picked up the Sword of Thiel then rammed it home in its scabbard. He looked over the assembled Space Marine and proclaimed, "My Brothers, my kin. You do me too much honour; it is you who deserve the praise here. I may lead you but it is you who are the heart and soul of Third Company. Henceforth none shall look upon us and doubt our fealty; we are one now and evermore!"

The clamour reduced slightly as the Sergeants settled down, filled with the joy of unity and restored trust. Toran drew in a breath and declared, "We shall return home and join with Chapter Master Gorgall to save the Storm Heralds from ourselves. But first we have the little matter of the Phage to deal with, so let us redouble our efforts. We will find a cure to this affliction then return home. Now to your duties, Third Company and let nothing stand against us."