Greetings! Finally, a new chapter is up and I hope the wait was worth it. So, I have heard some concerns that the story's plot revolves heavily around the original plot and I understand the concerns. It is not my intention for the story to be a pure carbon copy. The last plot similarity will be the siege of Italica. I already have an idea of what the OC plot will be and antagonists that will go up against the 10,000. I plan on adding more 40k factions into the Gate and soon characters from the Gate to enter the Throneworld. Researching the Gate universe has been a challenge. I have been reading the light novels, but it is quite disappointing the author does not go into detail about the Falmart world and culture. Rather than the modern world reacting to the fantasy world's culture, it's the opposite. I have heard there is another Gate anime expanding the lore called Gate: Weigh Anchor, alas it is only another light novel not available online. So, much of the lore's culture will have creative freedom.
Some have also expressed some concerns about why the Imperium of Man will ever be peaceful when they have known 10,000 years of war. I get it especially with the Adeptus Custodes butchering the mortal armies without any effort. But if I write a story just about conquest, the story will be hella short. Writing about an overpowered faction killing everything with no challenge will get boring quite fast. With the story revolving around peace, it will add some interesting dynamics to make the story more interesting. Don't worry there will still be purges in the name of the Emperor!
High above the smoggy clouds, a small atmospheric lander was on its final approach on a landing pad. Mechanical ski legs emerged from the belly of the craft before the atmospheric craft landed. Plumes of smoke blew out of the ship's exhaust as the side door slid up vertically and a set of stairs unfolded. A small robed woman quickly climbed down the set of stairs where a giant Golden sentinel waited outside.
The Custodian was clad in his full wargear with his Guardian Spear in hand. He nodded his head in acknowledgment of the small woman as she bowed her head to him in respect.
"Welcome to the Tower of Hegemon, Chancellor." His voice sounded harsh through his vox grill.
"I came as soon as I could," Jek said. " The Captain-General has summoned me regar-."
"We know." He snapped as he turned around sharply by his heel towards the door. "He is waiting"
She could never get used to being looked down upon by the Golden sentinels as she practically jogged to keep up with his quick strides. The trip towards the Captain-General's chamber was silent as her Golden escort did not say much regarding why she was summoned to Tower of Hegemon, the main Adeptus Custodes' command center within the inner palace, nor would he share any news beyond the Gate. Only the sound of his heavy footsteps pounded loudly against the smooth hard rock floor, the sound of his armour purring in a rhythm, and the sound of Jek's footsteps clopping loudly behind the golden sentinel.
Finally, she was close to hearing news of Trajan Valoris's intentions. Ever since the Captain-General mobilized the Dread Host, he remained quiet despite receiving many inquiry messages from the High Lords and Astra Militarum Regiment Commanders. It was quite rare for a large golden host to wage war outside of the Imperial palace or even outside of Terra. Perhaps with the repeal of the Edict of Restraint, a formal amendment that forbids a large number of the 10,000 from leaving off-world, the Custodes were free to wage any war that was a direct threat to the throne. It was also curious that several golden sentinels stood guarding the mysterious Gate on Terra, forbidding anyone but their kind from entering. Several of the High Lords wish to enter with their own faction, wondering what kind of spoils of war they might find in this primitive world. Yet, to challenge the Adeptus Custodes was dangerous and suicide as going against the Golden Guardians would be going against the Emperor. She had so many questions and she hoped Valoris would answer them.
By the time they reached a large set of black metal doors with golden highlights, she had to pant for air loudly while wiping the sweat off her brow. She had never jogged that long before as she tried to keep up with the quiet Custodian and she did not dare to tell him to slow down. If Tryon was still Chancellor of the Senatorum Imperialis, his weak heart would have given out for running this much. She quickly stood straight up as the Golden warrior slowly opened one of the large sets of doors for her before closing it behind her back leaving her alone.
The chamber was a large circular space. with dimly lit with hundreds of candles lighting the interior either on large obsidian floor candlesticks or on servitor skulls. The dimly lit marble walls surrounding the chamber were carved exquisitely of hundreds of friezes telling tales of the ancient campaigns the Legio Custodes participated in as well as telling tales of the Emperor unifying Terra during the earlier years of Unification. There were many atlases of giant carved pillars sculpted in the form of past Captain-Generals clad in full war gear with their helms off, flanking the doors leading to the end of the room. The floors were made of milky white marble with a leading red carpet from the golden doors to a large circular table where several Imperial officials including Trajan Valoris were sitting on tall stone chairs conversing with each other.
As soon as Jek was walking closer to the round table, the officials stopped talking and nodded their heads in acknowledgment to her. She knew each one of the officials present. There was the old Lord Militant of the Segmentum Solar, Luitwin Sepp still looking as old as ever as he leaned heavily against the armrest. He looked even more exhausted since the last time she saw him. Next to the Lord Militant was Kadak Mir, Paternoval envoy of the Navigators, and a High Lord of Terra as well. Unlike Sepp, Mir was a much younger man probably in his late 40s. He wore an extravagant maroon-dyed robe with many extravagant pieces of jewelry around his neck, fingers, and chest. He wore a thick hood over his bald head to cover his third eye. On the other side of the table was a red-robed martian. The Marian was Magos Omicron, a representative on behalf of the Fabricator General. The martian was the second-largest individual underneath the Captain-General. He had an abnormal curved upper back protruding underneath his robe like a hunchback. His eyes were like insects as they glowed green underneath his red hood. His mouth was replaced with a hard brass vox grill. Everything once human about him was replaced with cold metal making him look more of a monster than a man. Captain Garadon was the next official present as a holo-projection. Currently, in battle, the Captain of the Imperial Fist 3rd-Company was projected as a blue hologram. The image was grainy and the projector had difficulty projecting his large frame as his upper half was displayed only. The last official in the room was Trajan Valoris himself. He was clad in his pristine gold armour with his red cloak hung magnificently behind his back. He was helmless showing off that cold stone look all Custodians were known for and that snow-white beard and hair of his.
"Chancellor." Valoris greeted cooly. "Welcome."
"I hope I did not miss anything important," Jek said apologetically as she sat in her seat.
"Now that everyone is here, this meeting has now convened." He said. " We are all gathered here regarding the mysterious Gate. It is time that put aside the cultist uprising that has been plaguing the Throne World and addresses this matter."
"As stated in my numerous reports," Sepp said, "my request for reinforcements has been denied by the Lord Commander Militant. All available regiments and resources are mobilized to support the Indomitus Crusade."
"My Battle-Brothers have fortified the Hab-Sector." Captain Garadon growled calmly. "The possibility of another assault in the Throne Capital is nil. The greater threat however is in the Western Secundus. More Enforcers and Arbites are joining the Cults thus more heavy weapons are strengthening their numbers."
"We are currently monitoring all munitions in the Western Secundus, Captain Garadon." Sepp said assuringly. "You have my word that the rebels will have no more munitions to feed their weapons."
The Captain of the 3rd Company stared at the old militant with judging eyes as if he knew the bureaucrats would not fulfill their promise. He nodded his head at the militant and said nothing more.
"Magos Omicron," Valoris addressed, "What can you tell about the structure?"
The magos wheezed through his vox grill before speaking. "The structure of the anomaly is perplexing. The materials used to make the anomaly are metamorphic rocks composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals and sedimentary rock formations. There are no signs of any Xeno or heretical technology within the anomaly. It is hypothesized the Gate appeared from the taint of the Warp as it radiates high levels of etheric energy."
"How is that possible? The Throne World has been warded by millions of priests sanctifying the land. It should be impossible for any warp entity to spawn on the planet." Jek said skeptically.
"And yet The Great Enemy has sacked the Lion's Gate. We can all agree on the notion that the security of the Throne World is not impenetrable." Valoris begrudgingly said.
The Imperial Fist clenched his fist in his empty seat, still furious that he was not here to defend the world from the demonic forces.
"Do we at least know the rough location where this mysterious planet is located?" She asked
The Magos stared at her with his cold insectile eyes. "Negative. Our Augur arrays on the surface have been scanning the stars for many rotations and none of the celestial bodies are in our database. We will need to send a probe in orbit for a more accurate assessment.
"The Magos is correct," Paternoval said softly. "None of our Alpha navigators that entered this new world could find the Astronomicon beyond the planet system. His Golden Radiance shines too bright through the Gate for us to see clearly through the void."
Jek sat in her chair tapping her knee impatiently underneath the table. Unlike the other members of the Council, she had nothing to provide. "What does the Lord Commander have to say regarding the security of the Throne World? Has he sent any word of interest?"
"Lord Guilliman has shared his concerns of the matter and wants to be informed of any new developments. Alas, since this threat has been neutralized, he will not intervene." The Captain-General said.
"So, it seems the possibility of sending a fleet to this world is out of the question," Sepp said as he closed his eyes. He felt his burdened shoulders just got a bit heavier knowing as the Commander of the Astra Militarum, it was his responsibility to mobilize his men into the Gate for an invasion. "The only access to this world is through the Anomaly."
"We all must endure in service to the Throne," Valoris said as if feeling Sepp's weariness. "But you may rest at ease, Lord Militant. Your services are not required as of yet."
The assembled High Lords all stared at the Captain-General in confusion. They all assumed action was the most predictable course the Imperium should take. To reject the Astra Militarum's service was unthinkable.
"After some time to think over this topic, I have decided the best course of action will be to parley with the inhabitants."
The Captain-General parlaying with uncivilized inhabitants? This was unprecedented for the most powerful member in the Imperium's inner circle to suggest peace with a primitive world when the Imperial Warmachine could just steamroll them.
Valoris raised his hand quickly in anticipation to silence the Councilmembers' barrage of questions. "I have several reasons why we must parley with these primitives not because of sympathy but because of militarily basis. First, I am not blind to the current state of the Throne World. Chaos cults remain infesting His domain like common insects and the Noctis Aeterna seem to embolden them. We now know sending void ships to pacify this world is impossible and we cannot fight a two-front battle with the little resources we have. This brings me to my second argument. It is better to bring a world under compliance peacefully rather than by force with the said resources we currently have. To conqueror, a world will require manpower and resources to police the populace to maintain compliance. Lastly, there is the issue with the anomaly. Someone or something has brought this structure into the most 'sanctified' planet in the entire Imperium. If we do send our troops and resources for colonization, what makes you think this entity will simply close the doors and maroon our men to their exiled fate? Until we know for certain that the doors can remain open indefinitely, I will only allow certain groups into the world."
The magos suddenly blurted out a jargon of code through his vox grill while his insectoid eyes flickered. "The Fabricator General understands these arguments and he wishes to pursue an expedition. In return, he is willing to mobilize his entire skitarii detachment that is stationed in his flagship and escort flotilla for security. Our Fabricator General is generous to willingly donate thousands of servitors to excavate the land and to build a permanent foothold preventing any more threats to the venerable Throne World."
"What kind of expedition is the Adeptus Mechanicus pursuing?" The Custodian asked. Despite knowing the answer, it was a question that still needed to be asked.
"An expedition to search for the possible discovery of STC fragments and extract natural resources. Both endeavors will enrich the Imperium and the Mechanicus."
There was a pause as the Captain-General thought deeply of the Mechanicus's offer. "Your offer will be under consideration, Magos Omicron."
The Magos bowed his head hearing Valori's response. It was not the best response he heard, but the probability of full rejection was low. Unlike the current Astra Militarum situation, servitors and Skitarri were expendable even if the Gate suddenly closed. Recruitment to replace skitarii or servitors was readily available in forge worlds or if needed the civilian population.
"If peace is the only viable option, who will lead the peace talks?" Jek asked
"My Emissaries shall be responsible to negotiate with the inhabitants and bring them under compliance."
"If I may ask, my Lord, why are you leading the negotiations? Surely any other officials representing the Imperial Government can achieve the world fall under compliance. This task is beneath you."
"I have my reasons, Chancellor." He said as if that solved everything. "There are no better negotiators I can trust than my Custodians. We will keep the peace, but you must end this uprising plaguing His domain."
Thirty-seven days. It has been thirty-seven days since the Coalition Army failed to repel the invaders from taking the sacred Alnus Hill. To the Empire's surprise, the invaders did not advance deep within the Saderan's territory and take over the capital but instead fortified the hill. According to reports from both scouts and villagers, the invaders were cutting down hundreds of trees from the nearby forest and excavating tons of dirt at an exponential rate. It was not certain how accurate the reports were, but the scouts and villagers swore the yellow giants were building a formidable castle. Eventually, any life around the sacred hill was nonexistent replaced with only steel, asphalt, and concrete as Alnus was now a formidable fortress with high watchtowers, pillboxes, zigzagging trench lines, anti-infantry mines, and heavy combat servitors patrolling the perimeter. It was clear to the Saderan Empire's horror the invaders plan to stay in this world permanently.
In the Throne chamber, Emperor Molt Sol Augustus sighed tiredly as he dropped the latest report of Alnus Hill. He leaned back on his seat and rubbed his aching head. His trusted retainer, Marcus, stood by his Emperor's side quietly as his Emperor absorbed the news.
"So, it appears they are here to stay." Molt at last said.
"Yes, according to the latest intelligence. So far they have not made any moves yet beyond Alnus Hill. Any news beyond that I am afraid is incomplete. None of our riders dared to fly over the Hills."
" Is there any other news you wish to share, Marcus?"
"Yes… it is about Scorched Earth policy, my Lord. It appears the policy was too effective in starving off the remnants of the Coalition armies as the policy has disrupted the public's current food supply. Without the local farmers' crops and livestock, I am afraid food riots and public resentment are inevitable.
When word got out that the Coalition army failed to repel the Golden Invaders, Molt immediately enacted the policy of Scorched Earth Policy. He ordered all farms and livestock near the Hills must be destroyed in order to prevent the enemy seizure. However, his true intention was to starve the survivors of the Coalition Army and further weaken his vassal states' military from ever rebelling against the weakened Empire. This was his plan from the start to send his allies on a suicide mission in order to keep his influence throughout the realm.
"The people must endure," Molt said simply. "Clearly, word must have already gotten out that we are being invaded by a hostile force. We simply cannot tackle all of these issues at once."
"And another thing, My Lord. It's Marquis Casel…word has it he is beginning to gather followers petitioning your abdication."
Molt smirked. "So, he has finally shown his true colors. Send word to the Oprichinina to arrest the treasonous bastard for sedition. I can't wait to see the look on the man's face when he is dragged to the execution block.
"Easier said than done, I am afraid, My Lord. If you arrest this man now, you may incite a rebellion. The Senator has been gaining popularity both in the House and the people. Arresting him now might be the catalyst to incite a civil war."
"Do you truly believe our Empire is that weak, Marcus?" The Emperor chimed as he knew he still had strong influence with the military faction in the House of Senators and the backing of the remaining legions.
"It is my duty to counsel you, Emperor. The last time your predecessor unleashed the infamous secret police towards the public, his throat was slit in his sleep from a paranoid follower.
At the entrance of the royal chambers, a herald slammed his staff on the marble floor announcing a visitor's wish to enter.
"Her Royal Highness Pina Co lada." He announced.
"We shall discuss this later, Marcus." Molt said before the chamber doors swung open and the young princess bristly walked inside.
As the leader of the Rose-Order Knights, she wore light, white armour with gold trimmings that slightly exposed her cleavage, heavy shoulder guards, a skirt, knee guards, and armored heels. It was not the most practical set of protection, but the Knights have always been ceremonial soldiers rather than front-line combatants so there was no need for such protection. Despite being a royal member, what made her stand out was her crimson hair almost like a rose, which was a rare natural phenotype in Falmart.
She walked with confidence before kneeling before her father. " Your Majesty." She greeted her father in respect.
"What brings you to my Chambers so early in the morning, Daughter?" His tone was flat with no hint of enthusiasm seeing his kin.
"I have heard the Coalition has failed and the enemy has taken the sacred hill from our people and I am deeply distressed why we remain stagnant. Why have we not acted and mobilized an attack?"
"Now is not the time to think of another counterattack, your Highness. We must rethink our strategy facing these invaders and consolidate our forces and rebuild our forces." Marcus said assuringly."
"Consolidate?!" She snapped harshly. "Will we just stay behind our walls while the invaders ravage our land?"
"And what do you propose if we should not huddle behind our walls, Pina?" Molt asked with amusement. "How about this? Since you are so enthusiastic to defend our borders why don't you and your Order be mobilized to the front lines and help gather intelligence of the enemy."
She felt the sudden excitement rising in her gut hearing the deployment. "You are sending me out?"
"Of course. You have always been so vocal to send your knights to prove that you are more than just colour guards."
She bowed her head. "I will not fail you, Father."
Marcus couldn't help but frown as he felt cold sweat trickling down his temple. He couldn't believe the Emperor was willing to send his daughter out on the field knowing the dangers that lies ahead.
Deep in the Imperial Palace, Valoris was in the office reading a data slate. He wore a simple red creamy robe rather than his gilded armor. It was common for Custodians to wear a simple robe when they were not needed to defend the palace. In his private office, Trajan Valoris's personal chamber was quite large, able to accommodate 20 ordinary humans with a large red carpet with gold trimmings that lead from the doors to his desk. Many of his great deeds and accomplishments were written on thick woven banners displayed proudly on the walls. As the Emperor's own champion known in hundreds of names carved in his armour, only a fraction of his many deeds were displayed. Several war trophies he obtained from memorable campaigns were also displayed on marble pedestals floating in status fields.
There was a gentle knock on the great doors before they swung open. A small thrall entered the great office and bowed his head. "Captain-General, Lord Valther has arrived."
He turned off the data slate and nodded his head in acknowledgment. " Send him in."
The Thrall bowed his head once more and quickly retreated back into the great hallway. A few seconds later, a Custodian clad in a white robe entered the office. The Custodian was young compared to several millennium-year-old Captain-General as he was recently accepted into the rank of a Warden. His skin was fair and golden, which was a common genetic trait of his Pan-Asiatic descendants. His hair was short and dark brown it was practically black and his eyes were chestnut brown.
"Captain-General." Valther respectfully bowed to his elected liege.
"Please, take a seat," Valoris said as he gestured an open hand to a wooden chair suited for a trans-human.
Once Valther sat down, the Captain-General brushed his data-sate to the side and grabbed a crystal decanter full of red wine from the edge of his table and poured a glass of the rich red alcohol for his Warden and for himself.
"Drink?" Valoris asked as he handed the glass full of wine to the Warden.
"This is fine wine." Valther smiled as he sniffed the wine's rich aroma before taking a sip. "It has been years since I drank one with grapes grown from the soil. Must you hog it all for yourself, Captain-General?" He chuckled.
"One of the few last blessings given to me by the Lord Commander before he left off-world."
"Ah, I thought I knew the flavor. Say what you will of the Ultramarines, but they do know how to make good wine."
"Both Custodians laughed quietly before they taped each other's glasses and drank their beverage. Once the common banter died down, Valoris could finally continue his discussion.
"Has anything new transpired in your Chamber?"
The Warden gently placed his near-empty glass to the side before shaking his head. "We have not heard our Master's voice nor has he given us a new vision. I suspect our Emperor has already said his peace with his last living 'son.'"
The Emissaries Imperatus was a notable Shield Host that was quite unique in comparison with others like the notorious Dread Host. Besides the main task as the Emperor's personal messengers, they claim to hear His voice or receive a vision in a dream. Dreams are an omen in their order because a Custodian does not dream after being inducted into the ranks as the Emperor's personal Sentinel. To receive a dream meant their Master was conveying a cryptic message to his companions. Receiving these dreams meant that the Emissaries received fewer duties protecting the Throne in order to band together and discuss these cryptic messages. Interpreting these dreams could also be achieved through mediation. They were encouraged to stimulate their minds with activities like painting, playing music, writing poetry, or even reading if it helped to understand what their Master was conveying in their dreams. Some members in the Ten Thousand outside of the Host have expressed criticism towards the Emissaries for their constant inactivity believing they should be more productive defending The Master of Mankind than doing such leisure activities.
"Pity," Valoris said. With all that is happening, it will give us ease if he sends us another vision."
The veteran Custodian then set aside his empty glass before folding his fingers together on the desk. "Do you know why I requested your presence?"
" My skills are required as an emissary, Captain-General."
"Yes."
"But you are not sending me to be part of the Indomitus Crusade."
Valoris nodded his head as he opened one of his desk drawers and grabbed a rolled-up scroll with his seal stamped on it and handed it to his subordinate.
"Your primary mission is written on this parcel of paper. Take your Shield Company through the Anomaly and bring these people to peaceful compliance.
"Timeframe?"
"I will leave it under your judgment, Valther. We are not particularly in a rush, but the sooner the matter is concluded, the sooner this burden will be off our hands. Secondary mission: observation and surveillance. While you bring this civilization under compliance, I want you to explore and investigate this world. Find out who or what is responsible for opening this anomaly into His Domain.
Valther bowed his head once he heard the full detail of his mission. "As you command."
Valoris nodded his head, satisfied with his Warden's answer. "This concludes our meeting. I look forward to reading your report, Shield-Captain."
Pina was walking briskly through the many palace corridors with her two companions trying to match her quick strides. Her two companions were her personal page named Hamilton Uno Ror and a middle-aged knight named Gray Co Aldo. Hamilton was a younger member of the Rose Order, petite, wore identical armour, shoulder-length brown hair with a blue headband, and a circlet. Despite her petite appearance and age, she was a fiercely loyal companion towards Pina who would do anything for Her Highness's safety and well-being. Grey was one of the founders of the Rose-order of Knights alongside Pina, who trained the first generation of nobles to become warriors. He was an old veteran and despite nearing retirement, he still decided to stay by Her Highness's side and counsel her whenever she was in doubt.
"Your Highness, please slow down!" Hamilton pleaded as she had a hard time keeping up with Pina's quick strides.
"Gray, are you sure he is here?" Pina asked curtly while she ignored her page's comment.
"Follow your nose and you will find him." He joked.
Despite the old veteran's humorous comment, he was not wrong. There was a grotesque odor wafting into Pina's nose which became even stronger the deeper she walked in the smell led to a white door in the far end of the corridor. With her hand over her nose as an attempt to mask the terrible odor, she knocked on the door.
Hearing no reaction behind the door, she knocked on the door even harder. She began to tap on the floor with the toe of her shoe while contemplating whether or not she should break the door down. Fortunately, she heard someone shuffle loudly behind the door.
"Who's there?" The resident groaned tiredly.
"It is Her Highness Pina Co Lada." Gray shouted sternly. "Open the door and greet Her properly or I will break the door and drag you out myself."
There was a short hesitation, but the man slowly opened the door and the potency of the smell made everyone scrunch their nose in disgust. Behind the door was the once-proud Viceroy, Herm Fule Maio. The man was now a husk of his former self. Instead of wearing lavish jewelry and pristine armour, he wore just a simple, dirty robe. It was clear he had not changed out of those robes nor bathed in days. His eyes were baggy for days without sleep and his breath smelled of alcohol and weed pipe.
"Your Highness." He bowed his head in respect.
"May I come in? I wish to discuss with you-your experiences on the previous campaign."
Maoi was about to open his mouth to decline her offer, but looking at the intimidating Veteran's stone-cold face made him reconsider. He opened his door and parted way to allow Pina to enter. Before the Princess entered Maio's chambers, she had her two companions wait outside believing that a private conversation would make him feel more comfortable.
It was not a surprise to Pina that Maio's dilapidated chambers mirrored his physical appearance. Much priceless pottery and jewelry were broken into many fragments all over the marble floor, chairs were evidently thrown and laid a good few meters from their stations, curtains were ripped off from their brackets, and countless amounts of broken liquor bottles and goblets were piled in random heaps.
The broken man stumbled from side to side as he walked through his ramshackle chamber still intoxicated. He was a shell who didn't care about his physical self as he walked through the floor full of broken glasses and porcelain with old bandaged feet. He picked one of the thrown chairs and helped it back up for his guest. She quietly sat on the chair while he lay on a small couch lighting a pipe.
He drew in his lit pipe and gently puffed out a white cloud in front of Pina's face. Now she knew where that dreadful odor the smelt earlier came from. She could tell how dependent Maoi was on narcotics as some life in his face returned.
"How may I be of service to you, 'Your Highness?'' There was some mockery in his tone while addressing her title. Seems like the narcotics have brought back his old misogynistic self like Prince Zolzal.
"The Emperor has given me the authority to mobilize the Rose Order."
"What?!" Maoi asked with shock. He was once a Knight of the Order and he knew well the Order was made up of young women from noble families stationed as color guards. He only joined the Knights in order to accelerate his political career.
"This is our opportunity to prove ourselves we are more than just beautiful nobles in armour."
"You will all die." He snorted as he puffed out another grotesque smoke.
"What makes you so certain of that?"
"Don't be full of hubris, Princess. That's the first mistake both us and the Coalition made."
"That is why I am here. I want to know what we are up against and strategize more efficient tactics."
"Haven't you heard my experiences in the Senate house? I said my peace and they are true: 300 Golden Giants attacked us and we failed to defend the damned hills'' He choked upon his words as he relieved his humiliating experiences with the Senators when the Emperor asked for his account of the battle to defend Alnus Hill. Reliving those cruel memories made him huff another draft of his pipe even more.
Pina leaned forward seeing the broken man trying his hardest not to weep in front of her. "Maoi, I need you to focus."
He threw his smoke pipe on the floor with frustration and quickly stood on his feet. "What else do you want from me?!"
Pina quickly straightened her back not expected from the violent outburst.
"Why does everyone want me to recount those damn memories? It's all I ever see!" He sobbed.
"See what?" She asked hesitantly.
"Their red eyes." He grunted loudly as he rubbed his palms against his eyes violently. Slowly, he lifted his hands off and Pina could see his eyes were glowing red from weeping and the earlier abuse. She could see the hysteria in his shaky pupils ready to consume his fragile brain at any moment. "Their eyes pierce in my soul and I could still see them even when I close my eyes. No matter how much I drink or how much I smoke this damn pipe all I could ever hear is Mudra's dying screams!"
The young princess sighed in annoyance knowing their timely visit was coming to an end. Rather than hearing valuable information, all she heard was a broken man's ramble. She was hoping what kind of wargear they had, what kind of battle formation they established in response to theirs, their leader, culture, or anything she might hear that might have some merit to make this trip worthwhile. She was well indoctrinated to the belief of the Saderan's military superiority and the idea such a small army decimated 200,000 soldiers was unthinkable. Clearly, they must have some sort of magic or numbers to go up against the Empire's finest.
"Can you tell me how you escaped?" She asked as she grabbed a used bottle of wine which still had some liquor and poured a glass for her host. She hoped the incentive to drink will help ease his nerves.
The husk of the once-proud Viceroy eagerly grabbed the cup and gulped mouth full of wine. He burped loudly and threw the empty glass to the side before nodding his head. "We…Mudra and I," he corrected, "decided to…run the moment the enemy decimated our entire cavalry and broke into our first lines. There was no way to coordinate an attack when the men begins to waver and flee from battle. We galloped with all haste to the forest hoping the thick brush would dissuade them from chasing us. Just as we were about to enter the forest, we were being chased by a Golden rider."
"A rider?"
"It was fast…the mount I mean. There was no beast he was riding on and yet he flew across the Earth as if riding a wyvern mount."
"What happened next?" She asked intriguingly.
"He…" Maoi gulped loudly as he closed his eyes. He furrowed his eyebrows as he relived the memory. "Mudra was jousted off his mount with a lance through the chest. God the screams… I never would have thought a dying man's breath would sound so agonizing."
"And the rider just let you go?"
"Well…I'm still alive, aren't I? I guess so." He wiped his teary eyes with his arms.
"Curious." Pina said softly as she leaned back on her seat recounting the man's story.``
"What? You don't believe me?" He was baffled by her response.
"Don't you find it strange that a supposed powerful army that showed no restraint butchering our men spared you? Why didn't the rider pursue you?"
"I…I don't know! Maybe I was lucky and the forest was too small for him to squeeze through or the giant has a lame mind and has forgotten all about me"
So many questions were going through her head like why did they spare him or why have they not made any attempt to go beyond the Sacred Hills. They clearly have the military muscle to know nothing in this land could oppose them, so why build a wall?
Satisfied with all the information she had, she quickly stood up. "Well, thank you, Viceroy, for sharing with me your account. I will not be disturbing you any longer."
"I…I am no longer a Viceroy, Princess." He slowly stood up with a grim look on his face.
She looked at him quite shocked at the news.
"The Senate has appointed a different noble to temporarily take my place as Viceroy while I recover from my...illness. Soon, once I recover I have been given the important task to be sent to the mountain outpost in the far edge of our Empire." He emphasized the distance greatly. "You know where this leads, Princess. I am being replaced and to further stop humiliating the military faction in the Senate, I am banished to a remote area far away from the capital."
She gave him a small assuring smile and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You are always welcome back in the Rose Order."
"Why?" He choked. "I have always viewed the Order with disdain and treated you and the noblewomen unfairly as equal statesmen."
"Have you forgotten the reason why I created the Rose -Order of Knights? It is an organization to give the voiceless and the ignored a chance to prove themselves they are willing to defend the Empire with a sword in their hands."
"No-no-no-no. I will only dishonor the organization. I-I-I I am a coward who fled from battle. I won't tarnish your kindness, Princess."
"Ride with me, Maoi. Ride with me to battle and prove you are not a coward to those senators. Show them you still have fire in your heart."
He smiled lightly as he gently pulled her hand off his shoulder. "Perhaps if I sober up I will reconsider your proposal."
"You are an honorable man, Maoi, and an excellent patriot. Do not forget that." She said as she turned away and headed towards the door.
"Pina."
She stopped and looked back over her shoulder.
"Forgive me for being a thorn on your side for all these years. I have been blinded by the lust of political power, I used your honorable Order as a political stepping stone rather than fighting for the Order's beliefs. I can see clearly that I made a mistake following Prince Zorzal than you."
"More reasons why you are worthy to return the Rose Order." She smiled before leaving the bed chambers.
Once outside Pina began to tell her two companions the conversation she had with the ex Viceroy. As she went over their conversation, she and her party quickly headed towards the Royal Stables.
"Where is Norma?" Pina asked over her shoulder.
"He should be at the stables waiting for you, Your Highness," Gray answered.
"Good. Hamilton, grab supplies for us, we ride out immediately."
"Now?" Hamilton asked in awe. "That will not be enough time to mobilize all the Knights."
"We do not need all of them, Hamilton. Speed is at the essence and so the four of us will do."
"You have a plan then?" Gray asked.
"Which is the closest Imperial City next to Alnus Hill?"
"The closest city is Italica." Hamilton verified. "Clan Formal was Lord of City."
"Was?" Pina asked in puzzlement.
"He participated in the defense against the invaders," Hamilton reported. "He is missing, but is presumed dead…along with 1,500 of his men."
"Then that will be the first city we will inspect." She said confidently. "Soon, the invaders will mobilize and we need to be ready to defend our country."
"It will be a four-day journey on a horse," Gray added. "Three days if you push it. So, I suggest we pack light."
Meanwhile, back at the dilapidated bed-chambers, Maoi was looking through his wardrobe trying to find his old armour he wore when he was still part of the Order. He sighed with relief when he found the old breastplate. He couldn't believe he didn't throw away this junk the moment he became a Viceroy. Satisfied that he found the entire set, he decided to don it. Without a servant or squire to help dress him, it felt like an eternity to seal the leather straps by himself. His armor, like all-male Order Knights, was unlike their female counterparts which dull metal grey, bulky, and practical to protect from lethal blows against a blade or a projectile. . He tied his sword belt around his waist and tucked his ornate close helm with bright white plumes in his arm.
He couldn't help but look at the cracked mirror to see how silly he looked. Chuckling at himself thinking how on earth would this heavy, bulk armour be any sort of good protection against the Golden Death, the cheery mood slowly died down thinking about what Pina will go up against. He began to regret not trying to discourage her from going to the Hills. He knew she would die the moment she left the safety of the capital.
He began to walk to the balcony while crushing the many fragments of glass and ceramics beneath his boots. He lived quite high up in the Imperial Palace with a breathtaking view of the city below and the green valley horizon at the distance. The cool breeze brushed against his face and he took a deep breath.
"Beautiful." Maoi smiled as he watched a pair of birds fly across the sky chirping happily. This was the first time he ever stepped foot into the outdoors in weeks.
Across the horizon, he could have sworn he saw a small group of riders leaving the capital riding on the main road with a red-haired rider at the lead. It was a pity he thought that she would forfeit her life so readily despite hundreds of thousands of men dying before her so swiftly. Perhaps that is why she was the bravest among her peers while he was nothing more than a coward. He breathed in the cool air one last and gently placed his ornate closed helm on the marble rail. Without any hesitation, Maoi quickly climbed on top of the rail and jumped off the balcony towards his death. In his mind, he knew it was a matter of time before the Golden Death came to the Capital and no matter how well defended the walls were, everyone in their path would be dead. Why wait for the inevitable when he has the choice to end it all. Lastly, with his death, he will not make Pina's Knights a laughing stock and be shamed if he ever returned to the Order. The Rose Order of Knights should be remembered in history for their last acts of heroism before the Golden Tide sweeps them away. For the first time in months, he no longer heard the screams of his dying comrades nor the visions of the red eyes plaguing his mind. He smiled warmly as he was finally at peace.
Splat.
Deep in the tower of Hegemon, Valther clad in full plate while wielding the large Castellan Axe, a formidable and yet brutish weapon in comparison with the elegant Guardian Spear. A thick crimson cape was draped over his shoulders and back. He walked towards one of the many hangers he and his kind used to find transport. In the hangar, three other Emissaries hand-picked by Valther were waiting for him.
There was Gaius, a Custodian once a Golden rider of the Kataphraktoi, now a member of the Emissaries. He was a quiet individual even for one of his kind who talks only when it feels necessary. All Custodes are treated equally, but the Shield-Captain brought him into his Order to help tutor him to become more "social" towards others rather than be a shadow behind the mortals. What good is an Emissary if he does not adapt and converse with others? If he had a choice, he would have stayed as a Vertus Praetor. He felt free flying high in the air since he viewed his jetbike as an extension of his body. If he was an eagle then the Golden Palace was his cage. Only when he dreamt of the Emperor did he sacrifice his position as a rider and became part of the Emissary fellowship.
Next to Gaius was a Vexillus Praetor named Thucydides. He was the oldest member in the Order who had seen all the members present grow from aspirants to Custodians. Being an ancient his duty protecting the Master of Mankind would soon come to an end. His hair was grey with age, his face had more scars on his skin than wrinkles and recently a scar blinding one of his eyes. He recently lost his eye from participating in the Battle of the Lion's Gate when a stray bloodletter's blade stabbed him through his helm. The Apothecaries have urged him to allow them to implant a bionic eye, but the ancient Custodian refused it, believing his injury will remind him to be ever vigilant.
The last member was Nero, the youngest member in the Order. He was like the rising sun while Thucydides was like the fading dusk. A century of service to the throne and he was Valther's most challenging student in the art of diplomacy. The young Custodian was hotblooded who'd rather fight in the training cages than mediate with the rest of the Emissaries Imperatus. He and other like-minded Custodians believed they should have a more active role defending their Master rather than isolating themselves behind the Great Walls. But, when he saw a vision of his Master in his dreams, he lost his chance to participate in the Indomitus Crusade and he forced himself to meditate with the Emissaries.
The Three Emissaries respectfully bowed their heads to their Shield Captain.
"We have our mission," Valther said to his Shield Company as they all boarded the Cronus Grav-Carrier.
The Grav-Carrier was an ancient machine used by the Legio-Custodes during the Great-Crusade. The journey into the world will require rapid transport and something more nimble than a Land-Raider. Slowly, the golden vehicle roared to life as the grav-plates activated and the vehicle began to hover in the air. Once the Machine-Spirit fully awakened, the transport flew out the hanger and headed towards the Hab-Block where the Gate was located
In the Grav-Carrier, the Emissaries all stood around a circular table with the main lumens off. Only the soft green light of the hololith projector illuminated the interior. The hololith projected a map of the land the Vertus Praetor scouted.
"There are over 25 separate kingdoms Shield-Captain Zephyr has recorded near the claimed hills," Thucydides said to the group.
"Must we waste our breath?" Nero grumbled. "There are too many strongholds we must travel."
Gaius simply nodded his head in agreement.
"We do not need to talk to them all, brothers. My intention is here." Valther pointed at the hololith and the map began to highlight a city. "By rough translation, the city is called 'Italica'".
"Why not their capital?" Nero asked. "Are we not tasked by the Captain-General to parley with their leaders?"
"25 capitals translates to 25 leaders we must parley with. We do not know if all of them are responsible or just the most powerful kingdom lead the attack." The Shield Captain argued."Besides, we just recently mastered their language and still know little of it."
"It is enough for them to understand their way of life is coming to an end."
"To master a language, one must learn its culture, "Valther said before turning off the hololith projector. "To know one's culture parleying will be possible."
The road on the isolated Hab-blocks was empty as thousands of civilians were forced out of their homes in order to keep traffic low for the military convoys. The marble Gate that suddenly appeared on Terra was hidden in a large man-made dome. Built by the Imperial Fists, the dome was erected to defend the throne world from another possible invasion. The dome had several layers of redundant defense systems from automated cannons, heavy flamers, and deadly chemical weapons. The giant metal doors of the Gate were also clamped open with various industrial hinges and grips forcing the door to either remain open indefinitely or theoretically to close them. Thousands of parches of papers with holy texts were stamped on the doors to ward off any malicious psychic energy coming from the mystical structure.
Slowly, the grav-carrier entered the dome and journeyed into the land of Falmart. Thus, began their mission.
Italica, a mid-size market city located in between the Saderan Capital and Alnus Hill, was a strategically vital city for commerce and food. It is one of the few major cities that produces large scale agricultural products that fed the citizens of the Empire. Vast wheat fields stretched far across the horizon and the air always smelled of flour and earth. Located at the edge of the capital's border, it was also a hotspot for trading making the city quite wealthy. With the importance of Italica's produce, it was the only place spared by Emperor Molt's scorched Earth policy for if the city's crops died then thousands of his citizens would go hungry. The city was boxed in fortified mason walls equipped to deal with long-term sieges. The city homes had an architecture similar to that of half-timbered houses all compacted tightly together with brick roads in between.
At the southern city walls, two city guards were on their routine patrol on the wall. They both looked exhausted as they kept fighting the urge to sleep. Ever since Colt Fornal left the city with all of his troops, the remaining guards were run by a skeleton crew responsible to keep the peace in the city while protecting the city from any threats. One of the guards yawned loudly while he lazily stared across the horizon. Soon, the sun would rise and their evening patrol was coming to an end. He could already feel the straw mattress and taste that bowl of porridge once he heads back to the barracks for rest. The other one was huddling next to a small lit cauldron for warmth, clearly not interested in following his duties.
"Hey! Get back to your post." The tired guard whispered harshly hoping no one but him could hear. "If the Captain catches you again not at your post, he will lash us both!"
"I'm bloody cold! Leave me be. If I can't stop my teeth from clicking, I swear they will fall off."
The guard wanted to protest but he heard the familiar groan of a wooden wagon being pulled growing louder and louder with each passing second. "Hey! I think someone is coming." He gripped his spear and peered into the darkness trying to find the cart.
The guard that was trying to stay warm sighed tiredly and returned to his post with his spear in hand. "I don't see anything."
"Listen. Can't you hear that?"
"I'm not falling for that again." The man groaned tiredly while he leaned his spear back against the edge and returned rubbing his cold hands together near the weak flame.
"I'm telling you-I do hear something out there. It sounds like carts being pulled"
The freezing guard clenched his fist ready to smack the living daylight out of his partner, but then he heard the familiar sound of wheels as well. "I-wait. Yeah, I hear that."
He quickly grabbed his neglected spear in both hands. "Declare yourself!" The guard shouted loudly into the darkness.
Slowly, the sun was rising across the horizon and finally, the sentries on the walls could finally see who was making all that commotion. At first, their reaction was bewilderment to horror when they realized it was not just a wagon pulling up to the main gates but a caravan of refugees all rushing for safety.
"Get the Captain, now!" The Guard shouted.
It was mid-morning and a young girl was sleeping soundly in bed. For a small child, she slept on a large bed in a foreign bed-chamber. The chamber was vast with many relics a child wouldn't be interested in like bottles of alcohol, jewelry, a vast collection of musty old books, and priceless art pieces.
There was a loud knock on the chamber's doors before they swung open. Several maids entered the chambers opening up the curtains and allowing the morning sun to shine through. The little girl groaned softly, feeling the warm ray of the sunlight shining on her face. She tossed in her bed and rolled over on the other side to shade her face from the light.
"It is time to get up, M'lady." said an old maid as she grabbed the edges of the girl's blanket and pulled it off. "I'm not going to heat up your breakfast again if you plan on staying in bed.
The sleepy child shivered for a bit as she felt the cool morning air touch her skin. The morning air slowly sapped away of her drowsiness and she begrudgingly sat up rubbing her eyes.
"That's a good Lady." The maid said as she helped her little Mistress to sit up and lean against the headboard.
"What's my schedule today?" The girl asked the elderly maid tiredly.
"You are to meet with Master Ptolemy for your morning arithmetics, Master Plutarch for your afternoon writing and philosophy, and you will meet with the head commerce guild for late lunch."
She frowned hearing the latter part of her schedule. "Why must I meet with the commerce guild?"
"It is most likely they will request to raise the prices on goods again."
"Is it that bad?"
"The price for a loaf of bread cost three times more than the original price and the commerce guild still argues to increase the price of their goods."
The Young Lady began to feel anxious as she had no knowledge of economics and the thought of being in a room with greedy traders trying to fight for every copper coin made her feel sick
"Enough of this dreary talk." The maid said assuringly seeing the young Lady feel overwhelmed with such a task. She then stared at two demi-human maids who were tending the curtains. "You two, I want you to help dress Lady Formal and take her to the dining hall for her breakfast."
The two maids bowed their heads and reached for the young girl's clothes from the wardrobe.
The elderly maid then maternally rubbed Myui's cheek as a way to help her ease the growing burden on the child's shoulders. "You are the Countess of the Italica, Myui. You must not show any weakness outside these walls."
"I know, Kaine." The girl said as she slipped out of her bed and headed towards the dressing room. "There are many aristocrats outside of the city that want my Clan's title and land. I must safeguard my family's interests." Myui said those same words over and over to remind herself that she was no longer a child and must accept the many important adult responsibilities if she planned on keeping her family's titles.
Once she was dressed out of her pajamas, the demi-human maids guided her to the dining hall for their lady's breakfast. Today's menu was oatmeal with grounded nutmeg, a glass of milk, and a small plate of fruits. The young Lady ate quietly by herself in an empty hall full of empty chairs. The only ones keeping her company in this empty hall were a pair of maids standing quietly behind their Lady in respect for her privacy. She was the last living heir in Italica as her Mother died when she was young, and she had not received any news from her Father in weeks. She had two older siblings, but they were married off to other noble houses.
Outside of the dining halls, an old veteran was limping towards the door to meet the young lady of the City. The man wore a red quilted armour a bit too small for his large frame. His long grey hair was tied behind his head with grey sideburns covering his flabby cheeks.
Just as he was about to knock on the door he was stopped by Kaine.
"What brings you here in such a rush, Sir Greggory?" She asked sternly as stood between him and the door.
"I must see the Young Countess." Said the old Captain.
"Leave the young girl alone, Sir." She snapped. " Any news can wait after her morning meal."
"Do I need to remind you of my duties, Kaine? Are you going to interfere with my duties from protecting the Countess?"
There was a silent pause as the old head maid thought about what she would do next, but she parted ways for him. The city's borders were not her responsibility so she had no choice but to let him in.
She knocked on the door softly before swinging it open widely. Her harsh expression was quickly hidden in a gentle facade. "My, Lady. The City's Captain wishes to speak with you."
"Countess." The old man slowly kneeled before the young girl in great reverence.
Myui nodded her head before wiping her lips with a white napkin. "Sir Greggory, it is good to see that you are still in good health."
"I am most honored to hear you care for my well-being."
"What brings you here, good Sir? Has something dire happened in the city?"
"It pains me to ruin your morning, My Lady, but I bring dire news outside of the city walls."
"Are we being attacked?" Khaine asked with a concerned tone.
"By the Grace of the Gods we are not. But a large column of refugees is at the Southern Gates. They demand entry."
"How do you know they are refugees, Captain?" Khaine asked skeptically.
The old veteran snorted. "When you experience dozens of battles, you know the fear in people's eyes. These people are running from something and they seek shelter."
"If these people are outside our walls why are our gates closed?" Myui asked
Greggory cleared his throat in preparation for telling some ill rules. "We are still at war, my Lady. It is protocol to close all main entrances from any external threats until the war has concluded. It is for the people's safety."
"But…is it not my duty as Lord of this City to give shelter for all my serfs during such a crisis?"
"Yes, that is correct, but we do not have accommodations for all of them. It has been another dry year and we are barely making ends meet with this year's harvest. We don't have food or housing for them all. "
"You are thinking beyond your station, Sir Greggory," Khaine said sternly. "That is for Lady Formal to decide."
"If I am thinking beyond my station then what about you?" He retorted. " A maid should be tending her Lady's domain; not just some sort of military advisor."
"Enough," Myui said softly. "We shouldn't be fighting with each other." She slowly stood up.
"Countess?"
"I wish to be on the Southern Walls and see the people for myself."
"I strongly urge you to reconsider."
"Sir Greggory, I am my father's successor and Lord of this City. I will go to the Southern Walls." Her tone was soft but stern. She was not used to giving people order's using her lawful authority, but she had the resolve to help those that are in need.
The old captain couldn't argue anymore to his Lady's wishes and reluctantly bowed his head in respect for her wishes.
Khaine couldn't help but feel proud of how much young Myui has grown ever since word came the Saderan's army was massacred and no word of Lord Formal's appearance.
As the young girl was resolved to head outside, Khaine called out two maids to follow their young mistress: Persia and Deliliah. Persia was a catgirl maid and Delilah was a warrior bunny. Despite both being beautiful demi-humans, looks were quite deceiving. They were once deadly warriors before becoming maids armed with inhuman strength, speed, and daggers strapped to their thighs underneath their skirts. These two females alone were enough to protect their mistress from any harm outside of the Keep. With such protection, the old maid could feel more at ease that no harm will ever come to the Countess.
With the help of riding a horse, the journey to the southern walls was quite quick with the two demi-humans easily following the trotting horse in their long uniform. By the time Myui rushed towards the stairs, she could see dozens of guards all staring over the walls armed with spears and mounting several of the wall ballistae. She couldn't help but gasp in shock seeing what seemed like hundreds of refugees blobbed up in a ball around the shut gates. The noise was thunderous as hundreds of voices all cried, screamed, shouted, and wailed to let them in. A small group of angry refugees all banged on the gates demanding to be allowed in. Mothers and Fathers raised their infants high in the sky pleading the guards on the walls to let their children in. Dozens were on their knees crying and praying for mercy at the guards. Several refugees even tried to climb walls despite the guards warning them to cease their attempts of climbing. Any man that managed to climb a few feet of the walls was quickly knocked to the ground after a few warning shots from the tower archers. Across the horizon, Myui could see several more stragglers and caravans still coming to the city all seeking the same goal.
"By the Gods!" Persia gasped in shock seeing so many over the walls.
The Countess finally understood Greggory's comment of not letting them all inside. How can she house all of these people when buying food was already so costly. Feeding these refugees and the residents was impossible.
"Now you understand, my Lady? The East and West gates all report a similar number of people demanding entry." The old captain asked softly as he was sympathetic to his Lady's growing burden. " I have only 160 guards patrolling the city walls and keeping public order. Your father took all of our abled men with him. "
There was silence as the young Countess was staring over the walls deciding on the fate of these people she may or may not condemn to die. Hearing no response, Greggory continued his argument. He kept on stressing how he does not have enough men to keep public order if these people were allowed in or the space to shelter everyone, but all those comments were filtered out of Myui's ears as she finally made a decision.
"Is it possible to send the village chiefs or representatives into our Gates?"
"The chiefs?"
"I want to hear what they have to say before I decide on the idea of abandoning the people. Maybe they can give us insight into what they are running from."
Sir Greggory and the maids were astonished hearing their young leader suggesting a decent proposition. Seeing that his young Lord was steadfast in helping these people, the old veteran bowed his head and quickly assembled a small group of guards to accompany him.
A half an hour went by as the old man and his group had to leave through the northern gate fearing that opening up any of the crowded entrances would incite the crowd to go berserk and rush inside before the village chiefs could enter. He returned to the Southern Wall with 10 leaders representing on behalf of the giant column of refugees outside of the city walls.
"This is all I can manage to find before the crowd found out about the Northern Gate and attempted to rush through."
The leaders were all elderly males with several so old they needed to be carried on the backs of soldiers or a member of their village to be quickly sent to the young Countess. While the village chiefs were all trying their best to bow in respect to Myui, the little Lady was twirling her thumbs nervously. This was her first formal meeting and as the only child present, it was quite intimidating. Fortunately, her head maid was by her side and she acted as a mediator if the young Lady was stumbling on her words. Each of the village chiefs pleaded the Lady of Italica for shelter for it was the closest Imperial city. They had wounded, children, and elderly in wagon caravans outside of the city walls and they would not last another week of hard march.
"Um…" Myui hesitated and Delilah leaned forward to assist her young mistress. The little girl whispered into her long bunny ear.
"Why have you all run from your homes?" Delilah voiced her Lady's comment to the Chiefs. Her voice was loud and authoritative which made the closest villager wince in surprise.
One of the Village Chiefs leaned heavily on his staff as he tried to get up. "We were attacked."
"From the outworld invaders?"
He shook his head. "No. We were attacked by thieves and marauders."
"So many?" Myui was staggered seeing so many villages destroyed.
"This is concerning, My Lady," Greggory said sternly. "Multiple villages sacked in such a short period of time means this is no small band. We are either dealing with multiple bands of marauders or one large group"
Another elderly priest wept loudly as he collapsed on his knees. "We were not sacked, My Lady, but we were butchered. They came to our village early in the morning while many of my people were still asleep. They burned their homes and killed those that managed to flee from their burning abodes. They took none of my slain's valuables with them. Those that managed to hide were spared with the grace of the gods. I had 200 members in my village and only 48 are left seeking refuge. Please have mercy on us, Lady Myui." The old man pleaded as he prostrated himself. The rest of the village chiefs all prostrated as well begging for mercy at the little child.
"Has this happened to all of your villages?" She asked the rest of the elderly guests and each one quietly nodded their heads in shame or buried their faces on the floor to hide their weepings faces from her. "I see…" She looked over her back contemplating what she should do while staring at the refugees over the walls.
"Sir Greggory."
"Countess." He said curtly.
"Why are our guards not patrolling our lands? She demanded. "This land was safe when my Father was Lord of Italica. How did this happen so suddenly?"
"I have no guards to spare patrolling our lands, Lady Formal. A handful of riders would not be enough to stop this wave of crime."
"We have abandoned our people!" She stomped angrily.
"It is not your fault, Lady Formal." The Captain said assuringly.
"I have made my decision, open the ga-" She stopped as she heard a roar across the distance. The roar was growing louder and louder to the point the people pleading for entry all stopped crying as they all wondered the same thing. Across the wheat field horizon, everyone saw a plume of dust thrown up in the air as something large and fast was heading towards the city walls. As the mysterious creature or thing zoomed closer to the city walls, the people began to panic and slammed their fists against the gate for entry.
Sir Greggory immediately unsheathed his sword and barked orders as the guards got ready to attack.
He then stared at Myui's two maids. " Take the Countess back into the keep!"
The maids both ignored the old man's harsh tone as all that mattered was their young lady's safety. Despite her maids trying to pull her to safety, Myui was curious what lurked underneath that dust. Several Guards then pushed the village chiefs back down the steps as only military personnel was allowed on top.
"Wait." She protested. "Open the Gates. Save our people!"
"And let that thing enter the city and slaughter our residence? No, Countess." The captain shook his head.
She wanted to scream at him for refusing her order. The last thing she wanted to hear was the sound of dying wails and screams as the mysterious creature killed the refugees. The roar was getting louder and louder as she was dragged back down the steps, the refugees' screams suddenly stopped. The Maids and Myui halted mid descent as they wondered what was happening over the walls. Seeing her maids distracted, she managed to pull their grip from her shoulders and ran back up the steps to the top.
"My Lady!" Persia shouted as she tried to catch her mistress. "It is unsafe."
On the top of the walls, Myui prepared herself mentally fearing that the creature must have suddenly slaughtered all the refugees below with a single swipe of it's monstrous claws or bite of its teeth. To her amazement none of the villagers were dead. They all just stood in a mixture of petrified fear, awe, and curiosity. Even when she stared at Sir Greggory's face, his reaction was similar; eyes wide, slack jaw, and mind unable to process whether he should continue to admire the thing or to attack it.
"By the Gods." He said while exhaling loudly.
The thing that blew dust in the air was just several meters away from the wall. As the ball of dust dissipated to her amazement it was not actually a beast, but more of a flying golden carriage. The carriage was monstrously large and yet it was sleek and not boxy like a wooden wagon, it had no wheels as it hovered just a few meters above the surface. She knew it was not some sort of demonic creature because it has no distinguishing features like eyes, a muzzle, or claws. The thing was priceless as the thought of selling such a golden bounty would fill her city's coffer a hundred times over.
The wall was silent as if every single mortal was hypnotized by the golden carriage's economical worth and beauty. Slowly, the carriage shifted 180 degrees as it presented its rear to the mortals. There was a large hiss and the whine of hydraulics as a golden ramp descended down slowly. The interior was dark but the city occupants and the refugees could see several large shapes moving out of the carriage. The occupants slowly descended out of the vehicle and the mortal refugees all gasped in awe as they instantly took a few steps back. The occupants all wore Golden Armour with conical helms with a vibrant red crest. Four of the armored figures stood outside of their carriage staring silently at the small mortals. Their red eyes pierced into the villagers' souls as if judging the weight of their sins. The head warrior in the host wore a vibrant red cap draped over his back and shoulders with a similar cloth draped over his waist. In his hand, he wielded a large black halberd wider than any man's arm lengths across. Behind him, a pair of similar warriors held auric shields tall as doors with a broadsword strapped to their waist. The blade of the broadsword was more like a slab of metal in the hands of a mortal for that was how ridiculously large the swords were. The last member had a similar sword strapped to his waist while his main hand held up a large double-headed eagle banner. The banner must've weighed a ton for it was an ornate slab of gold no mortal could ever imagine carrying to battle, and yet this titan held it with no effort. Around his waist, the auric warrior wore a thick white cloth with a matching white shoulder pauldron.
The lead warrior was the first to break the silence. His voice was too deep and harsh to be a human, which added that extra layer of fear to the mortals. "Greetings." He spoke in their native Falmart tongue.
"Declare yourself!" Sir Greggory shouted at the four titans.
The four conical helms all slowly stared up at the old veteran silently and their emotionless faces intimidated him greatly as he clenched his hilt ever so tightly.
"I am Valther." The lead warrior declared. "We of the Ten-Thousand have come as emissaries to spread the word of peace through these lands in the name of the Emperor of Mankind."
"Emperor of Mankind?" Myui thought as she repeated the man's word. Those thoughts spread like a virus as the guards and the refugees wonder who this mysterious Emperor was. She stared at the newcomers with awe as she admired the craftsmanship of their armour. She couldn't help but let her imaginations run wild as she wondered the land beyond the Gate must be a paradise
Sir Greggory snorted. "An emperor of mankind? Ha! Such hubris for a despot to pridefully titles himself as the ruler of all men. No man can ever rule an entire world. Why have you come to our city?"
The Emissaries showed no reaction after hearing such venom coming out of the old mortal's mouth. If they were their lesser cousins, the Astartes, they would have killed the man for his blasphemy.
"It is unwise to make enemies of us, old man when we come here with peaceful intentions."
"Since when do diplomats come armed?" The old mortal barked harshly once he felt his senses returning. "We have never seen your kind before! Have you come through the Gate?"
The lead warrior said nothing which made the old guard demand even more answers as archers began to notch their arrows and aimed their ballistae at the Golden Heralds. Despite more guards being stationed at the southern walls, the Custodes held their guard. Feeling the uneasy tension, the refugees began to hug the walls in case the guards fired their wooden projectiles at the Emissaries. The last thing they needed was being in the crossfire.
"May the Gods damn them," Greggory growled as the giants refused to answer him. "Archers, prepare to loose a warning volley. Countess Formal, do I have your permission to defend the wall?"
There was silence and the old veteran looked over his shoulder. "Countess?" Instead of seeing his young ruler, he found her missing and her maids frantically looking for her. The once alert maids were distracted seeing such auric titans, they didn't see Myui silently slip away.
"Countess?!" Delilah shouted as she pushed guards to the side believing she may be hiding between their legs.
Persia was in a panic as she pulled up her skirt and ran frantically across the wall for her Lady. "Myui!"
"How could you both lose her?" Greggory shouted. "Find Lady Formal!" He shouted at a guard.
The search was cut short as the main Southern Gate groaned loudly as the thick wooden doors swung open and Myui slowly walked refugees parted ways for the little girl to pass, mesmerized by the fact she was the only one brave enough to approach the giants willingly.
"My Lady! Get back, it is unsafe!"Delilah shouted as she crept over the edge of the wall preparing to leap over and scoop her mistress to safety."
Myui lifted her hand calmly to help diffuse the tension and nonverbally commanded her maid to remain quiet as she stood before the lead warrior. She gulped softly as she felt her hands tremor in anxiety. The one called Valther slowly tilted his head down as he stared at the little girl with curiosity. High on the wall, the scale of their size was misleading, but at ground level, she was barely tall enough to reach his knee guard. She did not dare to stare at his red-unblinking eyes fearing she might become petrified with fright.
On occasion, she could hear muted clicks from the emissaries behind Valther. Behind his back, his host was talking on a closed voxed channel as they discussed why they sent a little girl to them.
Hearing nothing from the Emissaries, she decided to diffuse the silence. "G-greetings" She bobbed a curtsy at him. She was so anxious that she nearly stumbled over as she tried to bend her knees.
More chirps could be heard.
"And who might you be?" He asked sternly as she winced hearing his amplified voice at such close proximity.
"I…I am Countess Myui Formal. I am the Head Lady of Italica."
There was a long pause as Valther didn't know how to react to this. "Is this some jest?" He sounded almost offended that the supposed leader of this city was a little girl.
She quickly shook her head. "N-n-no! This is no jest, noble Sir. I have inherited the title after hearing no word of my Father who participated in the battle for Alnus Hill."
"I am no knight, child." He coldly snapped.
"P-p-pardon?"
"You addressed me as 'Sir.' I swear no oath of fealty to any lord or king like some sort of vassal."
"I-I apologize. I only said it out of respect."
"So be it. Lord Valther is my proper title, use it." He corrected her harshly.
"It seems Mephistal might have gone overboard and killed all the abled men ruling this land." Nero snorted in a closed vox channel as he watched Myui trying to fight the urge not to cry in front of the Custodians while she was shaking in fear. "Now this land is ruled by old men and foolish children."
"We may have to put that into consideration if we are to reach the capital. Children are always the easiest to manipulate." Valther voxxed before pulling back his attention to the little girl.
"Is it true your intentions are peaceful?" She asked softly once she felt her courage return.
Her words, however, were too soft as he tilted his head slightly. "Speak up, child I cannot hear you."
She gulped loudly to moisten her dry throat. Every word coming out of his vox grill was ice as it made her spine tingle and her legs tremble underneath her dress. "Is it true that your intentions are peaceful? You are not here to conquer this city?" She asked louder.
"It depends on if those fools on your wall continue to provoke me when I am here to offer peace between our worlds. We could have burned this city weeks ago when we killed the fools that tried to invade our world if we had ever sought retribution."
She clenched on her skirt tightly in fear as she bowed her head in respect. So, these were the ones that killed her Father. Her heart began to pound faster and faster as she thought that one of these Golden titans might be the one responsible for killing her beloved Father. "The city is always open for those with peaceful intentions. May I be the first to humbly greet you in our city, Lord Valther." She chose her words carefully fearing that the slightest misinterpretation might provoke him.
There was a soft hiss of a seal being opened and Myui raised up her head. She gasped softly seeing the giant pull the great conical helm off. In her mind, he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. How could anyone that shined so brightly ever be a malevolent being? Such a title may have been exaggerated for an eleven-year-old's fantasies but she is positive her sentiments were shared by the female refugees and her maids. The more she stared at his face the more her face turned red. She only dared not to stare directly at his eyes for they were cold and void of any emotions and she feared her romantic fantasies would be crushed.
"Your family has taught you good manners, young Countess." His voice was much softer without his helm. He nodded his head in approval of her words. "I am humbled that a child is the only one brave enough to approach me as well as to greet an Emissary with the proper edicate."
She felt her heart pound with excitement as her anxiety was slowly disappearing relishing the success of her first negotiations as Lady of Italica. She gave him a small curtsy with more confidence. "Welcome to Italcia, Noble Lord." She proudly said as the main doors swung wide open once more. She and the column of refugees quickly stepped to the side allowing the titans and the magnificent carriage to enter unimpeded.
