Idrineth balked at the blatant threat the Commorraghite had uttered to the Seer council.
There were 9 of them, the most accomplished Farseers, and by extension psykers, of their respective age groups. Yet, he dared threaten harm to all of them.
Shock turned to rage, and he felt his blood pressure rise, reddening his face and the tips of his ears. But, as he opened his mouth to shout, he felt a chill run across his chest. It spread like a flash frost freezing a field of grass. Someone else's psychic touch was overriding his control over his clothing.
Instinctively, he reached out to reestablish control. But, even as he reheated the frozen sections, the chill wrapped around his collar. Then it disappeared, as a thin fiber of Wraithbone detached itself from the rest of his clothing. The circle of Wraithbone fiber closed around his neck, passing through skin and bone like a hotwire through butter.
*Phssshh
Blood spurted out, launching Idrineth's head like cork from a champagne bottle.
In that moment, as if the sound of spraying blood was the bang of a starting pistol, Filimerthex sprang.
He lunged towards Mehlendri who was reaching for something in her left sleeve. The other Farseers summoned their staves or blades from racks on the walls. Meanwhile, the Autarch's lips puckered as if to go in for a kiss, then he blew through them, whistling.
Tiny spikes of Wraithbone jutted inwards within the table, cracking the gravitic generators holding the knowledge crystals Filimerthex and Milithea had left in their grip. All four were slammed together, completing a fragmented rune that had been broken up between the three crystals Filimerthex had left. The rune detonated, sending crystal shards everywhere like a fragmentation grenade.
The flash of light and sound stunned the Farseers on the opposite side of the table. Their eyes and ears were fixated on Filimerthex who was behind the explosion. Then the wave of shards struck them all.
Crystals fragments peppered the room, injuring everyone except Mehlendri. A pre-prepared psychic shield surrounded her. Even the Autarch was harmed by the shards as one ruptured his right eye, while two others scarred the bridge of his nose and cheek.
But, despite bleeding from one eye and two painful looking cuts, the Autarch only grinned as he closed upon Mehlendri.
His left hand pushed through Mehlendri's shield. Weakened by deflecting the crystal shards of his make-shift bomb, it let his hand through, allowing it to close around her right wrist. Her fingers stretched towards the handle of the hidden Witchblade in her left sleeve. But, they went limp as a sharpened thumbnail punctured the skin and severed the tendons.
The Autarch did not stop there. He was now moving past Mehlendri, bending her arm backwards, and forcing her to follow him. The two moved around the other, as if performing some twisted tango. Even then, Filimerthex made sure to keep Mehlendri between him and the Farseers on his side of the table.
But, as they spun, Filimerthex's other arm wrapped around her neck like a boa constrictor. Long nails bit into her cheeks and chin as if they were fangs. Then he pulled, just as one uses a piece of string wrapped around a top to send it spinning. Mehlendri's neck snapped, turning 270 degrees before going limp as the rest of her body.
However, the killing was not done. The arm that had wrapped around her neck, snaked into the sleeve that hid her Witchblade, and tore it free from the straps that held it to her forearm. Three times the Autarch stabbed her; through the heart, the right lung, and the base of the skull. Then he threw the body he had killed four times over his shoulder at Ulrissor, followed by her Witchblade.
The 3rd eldest Farseer caught Mehlendri's corpse, then narrowly avoided impalement through the face by the Witchblade. While he was distracted, Filimerthex set to work on the 2nd eldest Tyrios.
Tyrios lashed out with his bladed staff. Commonsense would have caused the Commorraghite to fall back. To move forward was to impale himself upon Tyrios's weapon. Yet, with a mad grin, Filimerthex rushed forward. The curved blade of Tyrios's staff entered right between his ribs, puncturing his heart. Still, the Autarch continued forwards, pushing the blade right through his body until Tyrios was in arm's reach. With both hands holding the staff, Tyrios could do nothing but stare in shock as Filimerthex's sharpened nail punctured his jugular; sending blood spraying across the walls. The abused nail tore off Filimerthex's thumb as he pulled his hand away from the Farseer's neck, so he could grab Tyrios's now anemic body by the shoulders. With a vicious yank, he forced Tyrios to bend over where the Autarch's knee shot up to shatter the Farseer's ribcage. Bone shards punctured the Farseer's organs. Then the hands grabbing the shoulders reached up to grip the dying man's skull from both sides. Filimerthex forced Tyrios to look upwards, exposing the weakest part of the skull to him. With a well placed strike using his forehead, Filimerthex collapsed Tyrios's nasal cavity. Bone shards were forced upwards into the brain.
Filimerthex dropped the now completely dead Farseer, then pulled the bladed staff out of his body. Blood sputtered out for a moment, before stopping unnaturally. Simultaneously, the capillaries in Filimerthex's remaining eye and nose burst. His blood was now moving according to his psychic commands instead of the damaged organic pump in his chest.
Yet, even with a bloodshot eye and red rivulets running down his cheek and lips from a bleeding nose and ruined right orbit, the Commorraghite smiled at the rest of them as he twirled the bladed staff in his hand.
Idrineth blinked, back from the future that had yet to happen, and stared at the turned back of the Autarch.
"What are you?" He hissed, remembering the almost serene smile on Filimerthex's face as he killed them all.
"I am an Aeldari from before there was an empire." The Autarch answered without looking at him. "I remember when we still fought Krorks and not Orks. All my other brothers and sisters stopped being Aeldari long ago out of boredom or glory. But, most of all, I am the Autarch of Iyanden and servant to the Craftworld and its mission."
"Do you think killing all of us will complete your coup?" Tyrios growled.
In a few seconds, the Autarch had dispatched the oldest and most experienced psykers without a weapon or any major psychic spells. What's more, despite having seen a vision of their own murder, they knew that was not the end. Even if they had seen through one set of traps, there were other methods of murder the Autarch had yet to reveal. Not to mention, some of his other preparations were already immutable. The nail file the Autarch had been using hadn't shown up in that vision, and the make-shift bomb was still placed in the center of the table.
Tyrios acknowledged that Filimerthex could kill all of them. Even if they saw it happening in the future, there was no immediate way to prevent it. The blade had been pressed against their throat without their noticing. Hence, he spoke of what would happen after the killing.
"The government of Iyanden is neither democratically decided, nor old enough to be indisputable." Filimerthex countered calmly. "Many may disagree with what I do, but noncompliance is not the same as rejection. I will be fine if even only a third or less of the Guardians take my side. As long as those that leave me have doubts as to whether it is worth it to kill those that they served beside, I can claim Iyanden as my own with just 9 murders."
He raised his hand with 5 fingers outstretched.
"To elaborate, a coup is successful if one holds 5 things. The military, the offices of political power, legitimacy, the economy, and the vox populi. I am already the Autarch of Iyanden. The Guardians will remain under my control, even if their numbers dwindle. If you were alive, there might be some movement to rally around you to maintain the legitimacy you have. However, with you dead, no one but me has any political standing that has been tentatively acknowledged by all aboard Iyanden. Any other who tries to make a new post will find themselves to not only be my enemy, but the enemy of every other ambitious Eldar behind them."
The Autarch lowered three of his fingers. He had just explained their interconnection as well as making it apparent who would have control over them.
"Iyanden no longer has a true economy, much like the Core Worlds. We have no need for anything, only wants. But, the Spirit Stones change this. The currency of salvation is a much sought after thing. Naturally, I would be the only one in charge of this, with you gone."
He lowered another finger, leaving only one.
"The vox populi is the most difficult part for me, but it is not as problematic as you would imagine." He gestured to the airlock style set of doors that was the only opening to the Seer council chamber. "Nobody knows what goes on in here, and as the only survivor my word is all they will have as to why Iyanden's political structure becomes like that of Biel-Tan."
"It will not last long." Tyrios snarled. "You are but one man, no matter how vile or insidious you may be. Kill us, and another shall come for you in time. That's the only fate for all those who preach that might makes right."
"If I don't get results, then you are correct." Filimerthex shrugged. "However, I have already described the plan for the salvation of Iyanden, and all it needs are my old siblings as well as my old home." There was a short chuckle as the Autarch turned away from Mehlendri, looking each Farseer in the face. "Even if every single Eldar on this Craftworld refuses to help me when gathering the Spirit Stones, I do not need to press them into unwilling service. The lower classes of Commorragh will provide ample labor, and my siblings can sing the golden Wraithbone necessary to buy their services."
"Then what do you want?" Ulrissor asked. "Power? A return to the Aeldari's former glory?"
"No." Filimerthex shrugged. "All I want is a place my granddaughter can live in peace and relative happiness." A sigh exited his lips before he continued. "It is just an unfortunate reality that this galaxy is a cruel place with cruel rules and crueler rulers, no matter who they are." He paused for a moment, letting his words sink into each of those who heard them. Slowly, their raw hostility mellowed into a bitter distaste and begrudging acknowledgment. He told the truth here. They could tell it from his tone, and the psychic emanations coming from his mind. Emotions were leaking from his soul, and they could tell his granddaughter truly was the only motivation for him.
"But…" Filimerthex continued. "Remember this. I am ready to do anything for this, whether it be to kill anyone who stands in my way or deceive everyone who is of some use to me."
Filimerthex raised his hand, and pulled the three knowledge crystals he had placed in the middle of the table into pockets beneath his robe.
"Now, look into the future, Farseers. Look into the effect of my actions. Tell me what you see, and whether it leads to a lesser or greater end."
"And so I have asked for your service." Filimerthex said with a smile.
He was in his work chambers with two of the Guardians; Seridin and the woman who had first found the Wraithbone arrow Nydriwin. He had just told them of his plan, and the sacrifice necessary to begin bargaining with Commorragh.
"I have served under you as all the other Guardians for over a hundred years." Seridin said as both he and Nydriwin saluted the Autarch. "Although brief, I have learned much from you. I was prepared to give my life for the Craftworld the day I became a Guardian. To die in the gladiatorial arenas of Commorragh or fighting against the Orks and Mon-keigh, it makes no difference. If Iyanden needs my body and blood, I shall give it."
"If my soul buys the salvation for the Eldar of Iyanden and beyond, then my eternal suffering is a small price to pay for the salvation of the many." Nydriwin added on.
"The Craftworld and all aboard her shall be eternally grateful for your service." Filimerthex answered as he returned their salute. "However, I do not sacrifice those under me in vain. Although the sentiment is appreciated, neither Craftworld Iyanden nor Commorragh shall need your soul."
He motioned for the two Guardians to stand at ease, but both had frozen at his last words. There were not many activities associated with Commorragh that didn't involve death. But, those that didn't were usually more depraved in a moral sense.
"I… see…" Seridin replied tersely as Nydriwin grimaced. "If that is what will be necessary, we will sacrifice our pride as well."
"I do not know what exactly you are thinking…" Filimerthex sighed as he pulled out several knowledge crystals. "But I can guess what you are imagining. Rest assured, I have made preparations for that as well."
Pulling out two small holo-projector, the Autarch placed them in front of the Guardians along with the knowledge crystals he had pulled out earlier.
"Don't attempt to take in the entire case reference and statute guide psychically." He warned as he pointed at a few of the crystals. "The examples listed there are rather unpleasant. Unless you want to regurgitate everything you eat for the next couple of weeks, I would keep your psychic senses relegated to the index and search function of the crystals."
"What are these, Autarch?" Nydriwin asked. For a life and death mission to Commorragh, the objects seemed rather out of place.
"These are your contracts for indentured servitude." Filimerthex said as he picked up two of the crystals. "I've put in all the basics such as food restrictions, visitation rights, protections of your pride and person. However, if there is anything else you wish to add, feel free to add it to the crystal. If you're unsure of the necessary wording, just make a footnote or comment on the section you think is most appropriate. We can review your additions in a couple weeks when I return."
Filimerthex placed the knowledge crystals containing the contracts, and several thousand pages worth of legal clauses written in the most confounding matter appeared.
"I will be engaged in several diplomatic matters and therefore occupied, so this will be your homework for the next several weeks." The Autarch continued as he switched off the holo-projectors, before placing them and the knowledge crystals in their hands. "You are dismissed."
The two Guardians looked up and down at the materials the Autarch had handed to them awkwardly, then gave a salute which was returned giving them official permission to leave the room.
"This is not what I had in mind when I promised to serve Iyanden." Seridin grumbled as he walked down the corridor back to the barracks.
"At least the service asked of us is not as dark as we could dream." Nyrdiwin said dryly, already skimming through some of the knowledge crystals with the holo-projector set to the hand-held display size.
Mehlendri leaned on the railing of one of the balconies overlooking the garden domes. She was slouched over with her head resting on her crossed arms. Her eyes followed the Eldar of Iyanden below. Many were enjoying walks and frolics through the forests and flowers under simulated moonlight.
She was dressed in a simple white long-sleeved shirt and dress. It was her casual wear now that the Seer council had ended. All the necessary arrangements to begin discussions with Il-Kaithe as well as a few of their old client races were underway. Filimerthex's plan had been deemed to be safe enough in their visions. Thankfully, it was not a binary choice they saw before them. Several points down the road still allowed them to reverse course should another vision be seen. Thus, they had decided to tentatively try some of the Autarch's suggestions. Filimerthex himself was surprisingly agreeable to this outcome. He merely nodded his head at their decision to only follow some of his words.
"What did you let aboard Iyanden, Farseer?" Milethea had asked her as the council had dispersed. There was fear and doubt in her voice. They were following the path proposed by something she knew was not one of the Eldar, and that disturbed her.
"Something useful. That is all." That had been her answer.
Her ears twitched as a series of familiar footsteps approached from behind. But, she ignored them, remaining resolutely immovable on the railing even as Filimerthex emerged from behind her.
"Apologies, Farseer Mehlendri." He said as he walked up to the balcony railing. "As you should be well aware, our powers grow with age. As the oldest Farseer, I had to be sure you were dead. Three is usually enough times to kill a fully mature Aeldari, but four times was the minimum I thought necessary for you."
"Is that a compliment?" Mehlendri snorted, continuing to watch the people below. "In the end, what little preparations I had were used to your advantage." There was a slight pout to her voice; the childish irritation and vexation of one who had been outsmarted.
"Take that as a lesson then." Filimerthex chuckled. "Foresight only sees so much. One can be as deceitful, deceptive, and dishonest as they wish with or without it."
"Is everything a plan or plot for you?" Mehlendri sighed. She was used to foreseeing the future and trying to unravel the strings of fate. However, this Aeldari made the most innocuous actions the stepping stones for mass murder. He rescued humans from aliens and demons to kill even more humans with the Orks. Even an act as simple as sharpening a nail or a pat on the back could be the beginnings of butchery.
There was a momentary silence before Filimerthex replied. His voice was hollow, and when Mehlendri turned her head to look at him she saw his eyes were vacant. They were staring at nothing except perhaps some phantom vision deep in his memories.
"We faced things that made a mockery of reality in the ancient past. Our enemies were all but gods with quantum neurons that could consider both eventualities of a coin landing heads or tails at the same time."
"We faced a storm of our masters' making that devoured everything and everyone without joy or hate. Parasites, plagues, and predators of unknowable nature and unstoppable drive dipped between real and unreal at the same time."
"We faced old allies that rewrote the laws around them to fit what they felt was right. They were unstoppable brutes who fed on violence."
"We faced our own blood screaming Khaine's, Lilieath's, and a hundred other names for our gods as the actual deities tore at each other in the immaterium; mutilating our shared psyche."
Filimerthex shook his head, and his dilated pupils closed as he returned from the past.
"I plan and plot to keep all that I love safe, as well as make preparations so they hopefully do not have to plan and plot as I do." He sighed and swept a hand through his hair. "But the time has come for them to shed their childhood naivete, and for me to abandon my hopes and dreams. We are Aeldari, and there is no changing that."
Mehlendri stared at him for a moment, then asked, "What are you going to do to Iyandra?"
There was only one Eldar that mattered to Filimerthex, and she was the subject he was talking about. She was always the subject he talked about.
"I will teach her everything I know, including what happened to her mother after I have taught her everything else." A tired smile twisted his lips as he spoke. "Then, I will die. My purpose will have been served, and there is no more use for me." He turned towards Mehlendri, staring down at her face which rested on crossed arms. "Use my soul for the first live experiments with the Spirit Stones, but whatever you do, do not put me in the Infinity Circuit. I may retain my sanity now, but there's no knowing what happens when I become like my brothers and sisters as just a soul."
The words sounded noble. The words sounded self-sacrificial, but at their core they were only selfish. He would do what he wanted to do and leave Mehlendri to clean-up after everything was done.
"I hate you, Filimerthex." She said quietly. This Aeldari deceived her when they first met, used her convictions and empathy against her, and was antithetical to everything she believed.
Yet, he served Iyanden, and he served her well.
"Is that so?" Filimerthex shrugged. "I guess I would to." He chuckled to himself, then tousled Mehlendri's hair like he would have a little girl's. "Hate me all you want. I'm not going anywhere for another thousand or so years."
Mehlendri slapped away his hand but made no further comment. Their age gap was large enough that she really was a little girl in his eyes, and to be angry about that was to be immature. It was what it was.
"Did you think we were doing the right thing?" She asked quietly as she watched the Eldar of Iyanden in the garden.
"I didn't say anything until now." Filimerthex answered calmly.
"Do you think she thinks we were doing the right thing?"
"Who knows? There's no guarantee she's doing the right thing either. We can only do what we think is right. We are not puppets."
"Then why did you decide to change everything?"
Until now, he had been the mostly obedient Autarch of Iyanden. He followed the Seer council's orders, provided military insight when it was necessary, and trained the Guardians in the art of warfare.
Now, he was meddling in politics, economics, foreign relations, and the very path Iyanden was supposed to take.
"I don't know." Filimerthex admitted. "It might have been the look in her eye when she saw me. It might have been the message she left with the Psychomatons. It might have been the build-up of the past several decades, watching you Farseers become more puritanical and perfectionist." He sighed and scratched his head. "All I know is that I remembered what I am. I am evil, but even evil has its use."
Mehlendri snorted. It sounded like a boast, but it was a fact. A person who wasn't evil wouldn't slaughter 9 people over a disagreement. A person who wasn't evil wouldn't instigate a war between two alien races. A person who wasn't evil would have limits they wouldn't breach or taboos they wouldn't touch.
That was why Filimerthex was evil, and why he still had his uses.
"Do you want to stay the night?" Mehlendri suddenly said as she pushed off the balcony railing.
"Is that wise, Mehlendri?" Filimerthex asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not some naive maiden. I know what I'm asking." Mehlendri snorted as she put one hand on her waist.
Filimerthex only looked at her, neither accepting nor rejecting her. He was waiting for her to answer an unspoken question. 'Why?'
Mehlendri narrowed her eyes at Filimerthex, then sighed and turned away from him.
"I just want to break someone and to be broken by someone." She said quietly. "Someone to scapegoat, someone to hurt, someone to condemn me, someone to punish me." Her arms wrapped around herself, crossing over her breast as if to hold herself together. "Everything in my mind is a mess, and I can't tell the difference between right or wrong." Her face was turned away from Filimerthex, but her emotions were naked to him in the slight bend of her back and the tone of her voice. "I have had children, young souls. I raised them, watched them grow, watched them fall to temptation, and watched them disappear. Iyanden and all aboard her are the adopted children I could save. Don't let me lose them."
"Iyandra has many friends onboard." Filimerthex answered. "I will try my best."
"Then that is enough." There was a sniffle, then Mehlendri turned towards Filimerthex. "Coming?" She asked.
"As you wish." Filimerthex gave a nod and followed the Farseer back to her apartment.
