**Author's note: Part of this gigantic long-awaited Lian-centric chapter was originally going to be placed somewhere around the Nubua storyline, but I couldn't find a good place to put it. Thank you to everyone for reading!**
The hidden chapel was a small place of solemn tranquility, and an island of quiet contemplation in Evna's sea of noise and sin. Rare incenses suffused the air, and dim sconces with gold candelabras offered pale illumination within this sacred space. The candlelight was warm, and reflected with beauty off the stunningly beautiful stained glass windows that depicted Imperial saints, important personages, and various inspiring scenes and battles. These windows did not face outside, however, and were lit from behind by glass lamps burning clean oil.
At approximately ten meters wide by twenty long, "Angel's Respite" was merely the size of a small church that would exist in a sparsely populated rural population of ordinary humans. In another time, this chapel served as a church for the human population of Evna to celebrate their faith in the God-Emperor. And in another time, it was not entirely encased and hidden within the construction of two larger buildings, but greeted the sun each morning with every worship service. The cloistered chapel had a different purpose now.
Existing as one of the first structures built in Evna, Angel's Respite was a humble church that offered a place for simple folk to give praise to the Emperor. Working class builders, farmers, and other laborers were its primary traffic, but all were welcome. Over time, the city of Evna grew large and wealthy around the small church. Towering casinos, resorts, and other grander structures began to loom over Angel's Respite like threatening gargoyles over an oasis of purity.
One night, a mysterious fire swept through Evna, burning the church and much of the neighborhood to ruin. This blaze also burned the nearby Imperial Embassy completely to the ground, but sections of Angel's Respite managed to survive. Blessedly, the chapel's solid stone walls and most of its stained glass windows remained intact. This fire was seen in a superstitious light, and the locals then rejected their once beloved place of worship. The damaged remains of the burnt property were slated for auction a short time later since the monks who resided there lacked the funding to rebuild. The Sinclair family eagerly began bidding, seeing the property as an excellent investment for further development. Unexpectedly, a group of mysterious men of large stature arrived, and began to also bid on the property as they stood wordlessly in grey shrouds at the back of the auction hall.
The large strangers came to an understanding with the Sinclair family after a short recess of the auction, and the giants were permitted to continue bidding, which they did persistently. These men won the auction for the property with the burned chapel, and almost immediately, they began to rebuild and secure the building with their servants. After a generous arrangement with the Sinclairs, the property and the chapel would now exist inside two buildings that would be built entirely around them, and accessible only from secret doorways in hidden places. The idea was reportedly peculiar to the architect and the builders, who then shrugged and took large monetary bonuses as they began construction. After the buildings surrounding Angel's Respite were complete, and the now-rebuilt chapel entirely hidden, a terrible accident befell the builders and the architect during a celebration of their completed work. The blueprints of their unusual project were also lost in the fire. It was all very tragic.
And unfortunately very necessary, Lian thought as he kneeled before the stained glass image of a winged Imperial saint wielding a mighty sword, leading a group of brave guardsmen on a charge. It was a shame that those innocent people had to die, but the Fallen had been told that the families of these workers were provided for through various anonymous charities. Secrecy was necessary at any cost. For this outpost of Fallen to exist, minimal people needed to know that Angel's Respite existed.
This hidden space was modest, but secure. Thirteen Fallen Dark Angels called this frontier world their permanent place of residence as they went about their various errands in this region, living in and around this cloistered chapel. Other more transient Fallen Angels were welcomed as they visited this world, and various code phrases were given to them to ensure secrecy of their passage. Visiting Brothers were offered new equipment if needed, nursed back to health if injured, and given news concerning the general state of their renegade group. Its secrecy was well protected, and through fifteen hundred years, Angel's Respite remained safe.
Very few knew of this outpost, and the Fallen worked hard to keep it that way. These few included the Sinclairs, a powerful and ruthless family operating in many sectors in Evna, Magos Nimmie Amee of the Tower of Reason, and the rarely-seen and enigmatic Planetary Governor, Lady Langwidere, a woman of dark rumors. An uneasy truce of secrecy was held between these dubious parties, but all parties remained civil. The Fallen always received advance warnings of official Imperial activity. Even the Tech-priests of the Tower of Reason did not quite know who these shadowy cloaked giants were exactly, as they were instructed to remain ignorant and to not speak of them when they were rarely witnessed. The Tower Master herself, in a quirk of fate, carried a forbidden interest in interdimensional Travelers, and on rare occasions, the Fallen of Angel's Respite and the lead Magos of the Tower of Reason would meet and share information. In her graciousness, she instructed her adepts to ignore any reports of shrouded giants in a show of trust. It was an excellent arrangement.
Aside from these individuals, Lian knew of one other party that knew of Angel's Respite. This person was, from what rumors he had heard, a solitary Word Bearer (nicknamed "Word Bear", oddly enough) who had a bad reputation. This unusually charismatic Chaos Marine operated an occult bookstore and curiosity shop in downtown Evna. Lian had never actually seen him during his visits to Evna. All he knew was that Word Bear was very unpleasant, and that no one enjoyed speaking of him.
Fallen Angel Lian was currently wearing a plain black set of fatigues and a new white shroud as he meditated in the quiet space here, contemplating the universe and his place within it. He had been told that there would be an important ceremony that required his attendance this evening, and it was advised of him to stay within Angel's Respite. The Fallen moved to another stained glass window that depicted a gold figure falling through some sort of ellipse in the sky, and into the arms of dark-armored marines in white shrouds. He bowed his head and continued his meditations.
Angel's Respite was part of a cult known as "The Great Brotherhood of Light", which concentrated on the study of the secret lore of interdimensional Travelers. This mysterious Brotherhood existed as a splinter group within the organization of Fallen Angels, with many Fallen not even knowing of its existence. "Travelers" were known to be souls not native to this reality, and who had the power to rework fate and resist corruption. "Inheritors" (or sometimes, "Revelators") were Travelers that had been chosen by God for a special purpose to be great heroes and leaders of humankind. Travelers were rare, but Inheritors were vanishingly scarce, and nigh mythical. The last Inheritor to visit them was said to be currently immobile on the Golden Throne of Terra. If these interdimensional beings could be discovered, they could be used as incredible weapons, powerful enough to tip the scales of fate, and bring hope to hopeless situations. To this desperate cloister of Fallen Dark Angels wishing to be forgiven in the eyes of the Imperium, finding and utilizing a Traveler was indeed an attractive goal. Finding an Inheritor, however, was thought to be almost impossible.
While many Fallen Angels knew of such miraculous creatures through myth or hearsay, not many actually focused on hunting for such beings. Angel's Respite was entirely devoted to the search for more Travelers and Plane Walker lore, but ultimately, the chapel welcomed all Fallen so long as they were not connected to Chaos, Brotherhood or not.
The Great Brotherhood of Light spanned the entire galaxy in their search for evidence of these rare interdimensional beings. In the last ten years, their efforts had redoubled, as a rare group of covertly placed Brotherhood agents had been able to enact a phase-shifting ritual using the Tuchala, Oroborus, and Plagueheart Warp engines. Hopefully, this action would thin the veil between realities enough to allow these strange spirits through, summoning them from their heaven-reality. Their goal was to pull a Traveler down from heaven that could be used as a weapon to bend fate itself.
With absolute joy, it was confirmed that the Warp engines had facilitated the summoning of at least one Traveler. One excited Brother remarked that this Plane Walker could even be an Inheritor, considering the extraordinarily turbulent state of the Warp afterward. The difficult part was now hunting for wherever these individuals could be before someone else got to them. An estimate was given that at least one Traveler of strength (and possibly more) had passed through somewhere in the Ghoul Stars. Many baseline humans were covertly examined through both esoteric and mundane means as the Fallen searched for exceptional individuals that seemed "lost" in this reality. In their search, it was said that even Planetary Governor Langwidere's advisor Grigori had been recently examined as a potential Traveler, but this investigation was swiftly called off when Lian and his small crew had arrived.
With breathless excitement, Lian had signaled to them that he had discovered an Inheritor!
The Inheritor was a woman, Lian thought with a grin. It had been believed that Inheritors could only be men, but no one knew who made this rule, or when it had been written. This Inheritor was a perpetual woman who was (at the present time) a relatively normal female human psyker with a temper and an anxious temperament. What differentiated her from ordinary women was that she was often wreathed in an incredible gold aura, one that had been said to surround the God-Emperor when he walked the galaxy. Lian had first thought that she was a rare sensei with that unusual aura, not even considering that she could be a Traveler. When he had witnessed her on the golden throne of the Divine Retribution, an inner sense then spoke to him this glorious truth, and soon, she had even confirmed it to him!
Admittedly, she wasn't exactly what the Brotherhood had in mind, but she had been fully linked to a transformative piece of incredible archaeotech that would transfigure her into what they needed as a leader in time. All they needed to do was to wait. Lian considered it his job now to protect her as this occurred, and he had even begun to notice small changes in her physical form as she grew stronger. The Inheritor's Warp shadow grew heavier, and her presence more fearsome as she consumed souls, but currently, she was the size of a typical mortal woman. He had heard tales of the God-Emperor himself towering far over his warriors (and even his Primarchs), and briefly wondered if eventually he'd be looking up to speak to her instead of down. Would she really become that tall? Would she create twenty daughters instead of sons? The future was very exciting now, and deep within him, his intuition confirmed that she was who she was!
Lian held a small amount of psychic acumen, and he had been told that he would be rated a "Xi" level psyker if properly tested by the Imperium, which was not enough to properly train into a substantial skill. But, this meant that the Fallen would very rarely experience visions of probable futures, which both worried and excited him when it happened. His visions weren't always accurate, but they sometimes manifested truthfully, so he kept a small journal of his experiences when able.
His most profound visions in his recent memories were those of the Inheritor herself. In his visions, she was taller than any of his Brothers. Lian had witnessed the Inheritor fighting Black Legionnaires with twin silver swords of holy fire, her Corona as bright as the sun as she cut down maddened heretics in a whir of light. In one particularly striking vision, received when the Emperor Himself had possessed her, Lian beheld the Inheritor as she wore gold power armor as she stood before the vile Lord of the Black Legion himself, Abaddon the Despoiler. Tall, entirely white-haired, and a nova of supernatural holy power, the Inheritor was seen fearlessly daring the Despoiler to fight her, actually mocking him as he circled her! He prayed that this was a true vision, and that the expression he had seen on the Despoiler's face was indeed indicative of his fear. Lian's soul clung to a single line he had witnessed her roaring at the infamous beast, which he remembered well!
"You will die just as your worthless failure of a Primarch died: Weeping in terror and regret just before I obliterate your soul from existence!"
Lian found himself grinning as he walked over to a wooden table covered in short candles, each one representing a Brother currently affiliated with this outpost, or with recent business here. With happiness, he saw that the candle that represented him was burning bright and strong. The Fallen even spied that someone had replaced it with a new, taller candle within the last few hours. He was indubitably proud of his strong Brothers! They had brought hope back to humankind!
The smiling Fallen dutifully changed out any candles that were burning low. He noticed that two small black candles had been placed out for his deceased companions, Brother Boq and Brother Mariz. They were both brave warriors, and they would be remembered proudly. If only they could see him now, Lian thought with bittersweet sadness.
Lian's keen hearing then caught two Fallen happily talking about recent events as they walked down one of the hallways ringing the chapel. He had never heard their normally-gruff Librarian sound so light-hearted! Perhaps the universe really did possess hope once again? Maybe with their discovery of a living Inheritor, they really could receive forgiveness for their sins? Glory once again for all the loyal sons of the First Legion was a dream many of them contemplated.
But, how would they convince the rest of the Imperium of what they had discovered, anyway? Surely, this would not be easy.
The Fallen was actually surprised that his claims concerning the woman Inheritor were nearly instantly believed among his Brothers when he had informed them. Their foremost psyker, Librarian Rezel, had somehow easily confirmed the Inheritor's presence, and, with his ability, had also easily convinced every other Fallen on Evna of its veracity. It wasn't official yet, but Lian simply knew it to be true. Lian had also learned that this world had been experiencing vivid dreams of a gold eagle and a strange woman wreathed in light even before their arrival, which was convenient.
Taking him in, his Brothers were thrilled that their unlikely actions had borne fruit, and that the holy sword on Lian's back survived the destruction of Kolch. Unsurprisingly, they took the sacred weapon from him when he arrived, wrapping it blessed cloth. A young new Scout was apparently so moved by this weapon's presence that he broke down in tears, kneeling before the priceless sword and proclaiming that he was not fit to be in its presence. Lian smiled inwardly at this. He had been there once upon a time, he thought. And, not so long ago.
Lian was still a relatively young marine, and had only thirty years of service behind him. He had been taken from a remote Imperial world as a boy many decades ago when his world was under assault by a cruel band of xenos. His unfortunate feudal world, over the course of two weeks, had been experiencing a series of savage raids by a group of sadistic Drukhari. They had found the populace of Lian's world slow and tender, and his world's remote location made it unlikely that proper help from the Imperium could not be easily mustered in time to defend them. After the third raid of his village, the boy that would be known as Lian the Cowardly was caught by a Haemonculus as he desperately tried to defend his homestead with a primitive pistol. Instead of wishing to cause the delicious physical pain that human youth so often exuded, this particular Drukhari monster had decided to terrorize and tenderize him before consuming his flesh. His surviving mother was brought before him, and she was slowly tortured to death as the fiend flayed her alive before Lian's horrified eyes.
His meal was now thoroughly seasoned with fear, the fiend then finally set about preparing Lian's slow execution. It was explained to him in an almost fatherly tone that he would not be brought back to Commoragh, and that he should consider himself lucky for this. Their warband was thoroughly delighting in their current excursion to their planet, so these Drukhari were in no hurry to go home. The fiends decided to make a holiday of it, entertaining themselves by brutalizing the screaming locals and destroying everything of value because it was fun to do so. They assumed that no Imperial help was coming to this often-ignored world, so they simply enjoyed themselves here.
While no Imperial help arrived, another party eventually came to their aid.
He remembered them as angels flying down from the sky to the burning remains of their village, their strange metal crafts roaring through the burning trees like a firestorm. The Drukhari, now in a drugged up haze, simply laughed at what they thought of as hallucinations, still convinced that no Imperial aid was coming.
The first alien warrior actually stood before the charging Astartes and audibly mocked their white shrouds and dark armor. Lian remembered well the alien's laughter turning to screams when the flames met him, immolating the xenos and sending his soul to damnation.
The Haemonculous that had tortured Lian's mother to death put up more of a fight, dropping two of the strange armored men using weapons that emitted dark energy that was difficult to look at. Near the end of the battle, young Lian, in an act of desperate strength, managed to escape his bonds. In a blur of anguished fury, the Fallen remembered that he then picked up a woodcutter's axe dropped by one of the many dead men of his village.
The young boy's shouts distracted the Haemonculous, which gave the armored giants an opening to shoot the evil alien in the torso. Lian had madly rushed the fallen creature, and with all the might a severely traumatized ten year old farm boy could muster, he swung his axe straight into the face of the dying alien. Screaming, Lian swung his axe repeatedly, messily ending the life of the xenos that was responsible for so much agony. After a short time, the boy became exhausted, and fell onto his knees before the corpse. One of the giants then slowly approached him. To this day, even when all other memories of his past had faded into mist, he still remembered that giant.
He was slightly taller than the other armored warriors he fought with. When Lian had fully exhausted himself with hacking the xenos corpse to a red paste, he wearily looked up, tears in his eyes. Above, the giant who watched him did not wear a helmet like the others, only a small grin across a pale scarred face that was only halfway visible under a white shroud. Upon his back, an absolutely massive sword lay sheathed and unused. In the warrior's right hand, he held some kind of unfamiliar gun. Lian even remembered the smell of sulfur from that night.
The giant offered him a hand, and Lian took it.
His bravery and his ferocity was noticed, and he was taken away from his burning world, and after many trials, he became one of the mysterious warriors he had seen that night. After many years, Lian only remembered that night, and with crystal clarity. He didn't even the name of his planet, nor his mother's and father's names. To this day, he had always been curious on the strange marine who had stood above him as he vented his fury on the alien. His description, Lian discovered later, had described a legendary Fallen Angel, and he had only seen him that one night. Perhaps it had been a false memory, but that sword... There was no mistaking that sword.
It was the same sword that he had been ordered to use against the Chaos Champion by his new charge. Initially, Lian felt guilty even holding the sacred weapon, and it felt absolutely blasphemous to use in combat. He would never have touched it without a direct order from a respected superior, which was the Inheritor herself. It was supposed to remain sheathed at all times, only meant to be wielded by Lord Cypher, or his long-absent Primarch. Lian had then decided, after some meditation, that he had been given a test by the Inheritor. She wished him to display bravery, and to carry out his task with utter obedience, even if it went against his personal convictions. Accomplishing this, he then, in turn, had emerged victorious against a foe that normally would have been far too great for him to best in any other situation. Together, with the might of the strange being from heaven, they enacted True Death upon a Daemon Prince! The story he had told the Brothers present in this chapel when he arrived made their jaws drop, and many cheers were offered in his name.
His Brothers decided that they wished to meet with this woman, and tomorrow morning had been decided after an earlier meeting. Librarian Rezel had been positively broiling with excitement, and had also brought up the "Will we now see female Primarchs? Female Astartes? Will noble families offer their strong daughters to her?" chain of thought to a lively discussion over a meal. It was also argued that she was "Far too short" to be an Inheritor until Lian informed them all of her slowly increasing height and strength.
The mood had been a heady mix of subdued excitement and anticipation this evening, and Lian was looking forward to his future, whatever it would be. As the Fallen walked to another stained glass window, he heard the door open behind him.
Librarian Rezel and Master Foras now stood before Lian, who bowed in greeting to his respected superiors. Both of their faces were glittering with thinly veiled happiness. Both of them were oddly wearing their formal robes and their white shrouds, and Lian briefly wondered if he had missed an instruction earlier. His memory assured him that he had not. Librarian Rezel offered a telepathic, You're fine, to reassure him. Special meeting later, that's all.
Librarian Rezel was a shorter-than-average marine with sparse blond hair and a twisted grin. His features were somewhat aquiline, and Rezel had always reminded Lian of some kind of wise old rat. At that thought, Rezel turned to him and offered an amused grin. Damnation, he needed to be more careful with his thoughts!
It's no trouble, Brother Lian, Rezel quickly said to him in mind, his telepathic words filled with good humor. With your features, you've always resembled a frightened young lion to me. I do not take your observation personally. The Librarian smiled widely, displaying a flash of white teeth.
This made Lian briefly uncomfortable. He got the sense that both his superiors knew of something that was being kept from him, but he declined to entertain that thought further as Master Foras stepped forward.
Master Foras was a well seasoned warrior of strength and honor, and he was the current head the Angel's Respite cult of the Great Brotherhood of Light. Foras was over four hundred years old, and half his face was scarred from an engagement of his own fighting Drukhari. He was bald, and had serious brown eyes, one of which had been marked by a dramatic vertical scar down his brow and cheek. The veteran before him was actually a rare lucky escapee from Commoragh. Foras had returned to Angel's Respite suffering grave injuries during one of Lian's visits as a Neophyte. The Fallen still did not know the entire tale of how Foras escaped, and did not think of it as his place to ask. It made him legendary, and he found himself bowing once again to the respected older warrior.
"No need for that, Lian," Foras replied in a heavy, almost lupine growling voice. "This is a time for celebration, not obsequiousness. Rezel?" the Master made a short gesture to the Librarian who nodded in return.
Rezel began to speak to Lian with great pride: "It is with great happiness that we all agree with your discovery of not only a Traveler, but an Inheritor. Such a being has not walked our galaxy in over ten millennia. This is a time of great hope, not only for all Fallen, but for humankind. You have done us a great deed, and this action will be remembered for as long as Angel's Respite stands. Praises to you!"
"Thank you," Lian said in a humble voice. He genuinely didn't know what to say. He had just done what had been instructed of him.
"It is with great excitement that we will soon meet with this Inheritor woman in person. And soon, we will spread through the galaxy, speaking of the glories to come. Tomorrow, we wish to bless her as she travels her long and painful road to destiny," Master Foras said warmly.
Librarian Rezel nodded, and added, "Yes, and we also wish to see within the Divine Retribution. Could you, perhaps, arrange a visit for us when we anoint her tomorrow? Surely she will know that she can trust us with her divine power of Sight."
"I cannot promise you this, but I believe that I can," Lian cautiously replied.
"Very well. If she declines, that is acceptable as well. We wish to see within the Great Eagle that birthed our Emperor, but if the Inheritor deigns it so, we shall stay away," Librarian Rezel responded as he remained beaming. Both of Lian's Brothers appeared very pleased.
"I will request it of her when I see her once again, or I could communicate this request to her through vox. But, as I say, I cannot make a promise on that," Lian replied.
"Have you sworn an oath to her, Brother Lian?" Master Foras suddenly asked, slightly raising his voice.
Lian paused, and turned to Rezel. If there was any deception here, the Librarian could read it as easily as words on a scroll, so Lian simply said, "Yes. My words bind me, Master. She is the Inheritor, so I must do what is requested of me. I swore myself to her on the Lion Sword itself."
Unexpectedly, the Librarian turned to the Master, who briefly smiled with raised eyebrows. Lian had no idea what that meant, and hoped that he had not signed his death warrant for disloyalty. Frivolous swearing of oaths to unworthy humans was not seen in a good light. Luckily, she wasn't unworthy. Or truly human, he supposed.
"You worry too much, Lian," Rezel responded, maybe even reading his mind once again. "No one is upset with you. We simply wish to meet this Inheritor."
"This is true, Brother," Foras said with a good natured laugh. "We have some other issues within Evna that need attending to as well. Perhaps you can help us?"
"I-I don't know how long we will be here. But I will do what is asked of me," Lian replied.
"These are times of great possibility, for both ill and benefit of mankind. The Inheritor's metaphysical shadow is long, and many sensitive souls witnessed her arrival even before she flew above us. Many have had premonitions, and may come to the wrong conclusions, especially within the Imperium."
Rezel nodded in agreement. "Yes. This is a worry, and not only with the Imperium. Other alignments have seen her, and already, many wish to harm her, to snuff out the light that would spark a fiery rebirth of humanity. One particular party seems focused on eliminating the Inheritor right now. We are speaking of the Family of Liberty, which is also now becoming quite troublesome in general. Are you knowledgeable of them?"
"They are a secular charity group. Has something changed since my last visit?" Lian asked, concerned.
Rezel spoke again, "The Family of Liberty has been in Evna for many years, and long ago, it was simply a charity group, unaffiliated with religion. As of the recent formation of the Great Rift, the group has started exhibiting suspicious behaviors, with much of their strangeness inexplicably surrounding the Statue of Libertine outside of the city. Investigations have been ongoing for months. As of this afternoon, the Family has been confirmed as a Chaos cult through the Wheeler channels we are privy to. The Family sent a group after the Inheritor to murder her. As expected, all would-be assassins have now reportedly been eliminated. We expected the The Tower Master to act instantly from this brazen action, but something has stayed her hand."
Master Foras then added: "It appears that Planetary Governor Langwidere herself has interceded on behalf of the Family. She was spied in a meeting with Family of Liberty Matriarch Raula, and personal advisor Grigori speaking with great admiration on the cult. She was witnessed saying that there were 'Many fine people' in the Family. And so, Langwidere is strangely reluctant to give the order to Tower Master Magos Nimmie Amee to arrest and charge them under the Unsavory Public Display of Religion act."
"What is requested of me, Master?" Lian asked.
His two superiors glanced at one another, and Foras began to speak, "You have the close confidence of the Inheritor. It has been spoken of that Langwidere herself will be in rare attendance at the costume ball tomorrow, and that the woman you travel with has a rare invitation. We believe that the Governor will wish to seek the Inheritor out at the party, curious about her. The security around Langwidere is notoriously strong, and the Governor is not usually seen, but tomorrow night, she will be somewhat approachable. The Inheritor may even have access to her alone. The danger of this particular Chaos cult is quite severe, so our request is that you convince the Inheritor to persuade the Planetary Governor to dispatch the cult. Her predecessor was quite skilled at influencing minds, we all know. That would be our ideal outcome."
"And there is also an... alternative solution," Rezel added with a suggestive sniff. The alternative solution sounded contextually like an assassination, which, on this highly guarded Planetary Governor, would not be easy.
"As I am understanding, you are telling me to speak with the Inheritor in order to persuade her into bending the Planetary Governor's mind, and pushing Langwidere into acting against the cult?"
"Yes, Brother. But, if the Inheritor deems Langwidere too corrupt, let us just say that if there were an unfortunate accident that no tears would be shed. Without a head of state to authorize the arrest, Magos Amee could operate her Wheelers immediately. However, we'd still very much prefer no accidents. The Planetary Governor is the bastard daughter of someone very important, and any accidents would also bring the scrutiny of Holy Terra upon us. Langwidere must be persuaded and remain in power for now, if at all possible. We wish her line of thinking to be adjusted. If we can meet with the Inheritor in confidence to request this of her directly, all the better."
Lian thought about this for a moment. As he slowly digested this information, he realized that in order to get this information, the Fallen Angels here must have very high-level informants within the local government.
"You have an informant in the highest echelons of government here? Could not an accident have been arranged by such persons?" Lian wondered aloud, amazed.
The Master and the Librarian smiled knowingly at one another. "As we said, an accident might bring us unwanted scrutiny, and this is not our first desired outcome. We... we've had someone special calling Angel's Respite home for a short time as he passes through on his winding road through history. Concerned over this city, he has offered his services. Speaking of him, we need him for another matter as well this evening. Perhaps it is time for that as well?"
"Always so polite, Foras," a mellifluous baritone voice echoed out from behind Lian, who instantly spun around! Someone had been behind him this whole time? A shadow began to advance toward Lian as the newcomer continued speaking. "And yes, I happily gave my services, for keeping this independent world free of the rule of Chaos is an excellent goal. If Planetary Governor Langwidere's perspective could be changed, many problems would be solved, and our new Inheritor would be safer here during her visit."
In the shadows of a dark corner, an Astartes-sized form wearing a white shroud and black fatigues finally emerged. He had somehow managed to hide himself in the guttering shadows of the chapel well enough to even remain unseen through Lian's formidable senses. His half-seen face was familiar somehow. But, not as familiar as the majestic sword that hung behind him on his back. It was the very sword that he had wielded against Grikk'ahn!
The stranger in the white shroud advanced to him, and stopped an arm's length away.
"Brother Lian, it is with great honor that I introduce you to Lord Cypher," Master Foras said, a slight tremor in his voice as Lian instantly fell to his knees before the infamous Fallen Angel!
"Is this the brave young lion that destroyed Chaos Champion Grikk'ahn just as he tasted immortality on the cursed world of Nubua? And the lucky Brother who travels with the Inheritor?" Cypher said, a note of amusement in his voice. He lightly chuckled. "I should be bowing to you. Rise, my friend."
Lian stood, overwhelmed at meeting this legendary figure! "My Lord, I did not see you here!"
"That is quite excusable, Brother Lian. I am not seen unless I wish to be. I simply wished to observe you here to witness your character as you spent your time in contemplation this evening." The legendary marine turned to the Master, and nodded. "I find him more that suitable, Master Foras. Humility, loyalty, strength, and piety. He will represent us well. And, entirely undeserving of the moniker of 'Cowardly Lian'."
With slight confusion, Lian turned back to Foras and Rezel, who were widely grinning.
"And now, for the rest of this evening's events. For you, Brother Lian, need a bit of a promotion before you can proceed. Call them, Rezel," Foras instructed.
Rezel then lifted up his arm, and made a peculiar gesture with two fingers. The door of the chapel opened once again, and now, the entire current population of Angel's Respite began to file in.
What was happening? Lian turned, looking for an explanation between his superiors. All they did was smile.
As all the Astartes of Angel's Rest filled the chapel, Lian noticed that they were now all also wearing their formal robes, and their white shrouds.
"Shall we begin, esteemed Brothers?" Lord Cypher spoke to the room as he walked to stand before Lian, Foras and Rezel. All eleven other inhabitants behind the three then kneeled in one motion, and a moment later, even the Master and the Librarian kneeled! Lian turned around to face Cypher, who angled his jaw in an indication that he should probably kneel as well, which Lian swiftly did. "Brother Lian, your soul is brave and righteous. May your road lead you to glory," Cypher spoke to the room as he reached for the sword on his back. The legendary marine placed his hand gently around its hilt. He did not immediately unsheathe it, and now, the mood in here was of heavy excitement. Everyone in here was positively vibrating with emotion!
Gasps were heard as Cypher unsheathed the Lion Sword before him, and Lian somehow knew that more than one Brother in attendance had begun to weep. The sword was then slowly lowered to tap Lian's left shoulder. "Brother Lian, it is with great honor that I bestow upon you the specialized rank of Paladin and official Honor Guard of the Inheritor of Mankind. As the turning of the wheel proceeds, may humanity's future turn toward the light, and away from darkness." His right shoulder was touched, and Cypher then withdrew the blade, quickly sheathing it once again. "You will be given the power sword of Durendal, the sacred blade of the Great Brotherhood of Light. You are tasked with obeying the Inheritor without question, and you will defend the Inheritor to your death. Do you take this responsibility as your own?"
Lian could not speak, and actually could only nod, not even believing this was real. It was only when he heard Librarian Rezel's voice in his mind prodding him ...say that you accept, Lian. Recite the words... that Lian finally spoke.
"I accept this burden with humility and grace," Lian said, still almost too shocked to speak. His voice came out very small to his ears. "I will endure in my task. I bind myself under no less a penalty than that of having my left breast torn open, my hearts plucked out, and given as a prey to the wild beasts of the Warp."
"Then rise, Paladin Lian, for you are welcomed into your new task," Lord Cypher said as Paladin Lian stood, nearly completely overcome with emotion.
The rest of the hall stood, and began to cheer as the Scout, Wendel, appeared before him. He was holding a long sheathed power sword that laid atop a dark velvet pillow. The youngest of them kneeled before Lian, and offered the weapon to the new Paladin, who took it gratefully. Master Foras helpfully said, "It comes with a permit, too. You are free to carry it in Evna."
Unsheathe the blade now, and move it to your head in the blessing of confirmation, Rezel helpfully said to Lian's mind. Lian was grateful for Rezel's help right now, as he had suddenly forgotten his lessons within the Brotherhood's secret rites. The Fallen unsheathed the blessed blade from its dark metal scabbard, and held it aloft with both hands, its point toward the ceiling. Durendal was an emerald-embellished power sword of very fine craftsmanship, and its blade shimmered with a pale inner light, even while not electrified. He then tipped the blade back until its flat gently rested on his forehead. This gesture was a symbolic confirmation of the binding of sacred weapons to their wielders in the Great Brotherhood of Light.
Durendal had been in the vault since before he had even become an Astartes, and was only rarely removed for sacred rites now and again. Paladin Lian felt somehow guilty that the blade rested in his hands. How could he be worthy of such an incredible weapon? Durendal was his now!
"And with that, it is done! All hail Paladin Lian!"
Cheers began to call in the hallway as Lian sheathed his new blade, buckling it to his hip. It was long enough that the blade nearly fell to his ankles, so would probably need to be stored on his back. Lian still could not speak, but readily accepted the happy blessings of his Brothers.
The celebration was short lived as the new Paladin saw Rezel's smile drop, and then, whip toward the rear of the chapel.
"Rezel?" Master Foras asked nearby, concerned.
"We are being called," Rezel said, his eyes serious among the cheering Brothers.
"It can surely wait."
"No. I don't think it can," Rezel said, appearing slightly perturbed. "It comes from the Black Mirror. I believe it is Word Bear." The Librarian's face scowled as if smelling something rotten. He noticed Lian watching him, and quickly refreshed the new Paladin's memory: "Word Bear is a Word Bearer who owns a bookshop in town, and he often finds himself in the center of many scandals. It is best to stay away from him, but sometimes he actually has useful things to say."
"And this means that we have to take this call. Lian, Rezel, please come with me. The rest of you, occupy yourselves as best as you wish. Lord Cypher, as always, you go as you please."
The Brothers nearest to Lian turned, hearing what Foras had said. More than a few did not look happy to hear mention of Word Bear, and shook their heads wearily. The new Paladin even heard one Brother say, "Not him again!" under his breath. Cypher, seeing this uncomfortable new development, helpfully announced to the room the celebrations would be slightly delayed, but that everyone should stay nearby.
Angel's Respite had multiple rooms that surrounded the chapel that accounted for lodging, medical needs, and other essential living requirements. One room was devoted to remote communications, and it was filled with scrying mirrors set to speak with their various informants across the world of Tar Vigaz along with many other local planets in this general galactic area. The color of each mirror corresponded with the location and alignment of each informant. The most commonly used mirrors were the local Silver Mirrors, and the Emerald Mirrors, used to speak with both the Tower of Reason, and the Planetary Governor's holdings. A broken red mirror in a corner represented Kolch. The local Black Mirror of Evna was not commonly used, and pointed toward a Chaotic source that was only rarely contacted.
The three Fallen filed into the small room filled with scrying mirrors of various sizes and shapes. This room was small, and stood about three meters cubed. On each wall, many mirrors of differing shapes, sizes, and colors offered windows to different locations. To the far left, a large ovoid black mirror was flashing. The black frame of this mirror made it appear as if it were in the mouth of a grinning daemon.
"This is a bad omen if this source is contacting us presently," the Librarian spoke as he walked beside Foras into the small scrying room. Dim lights flickered above, and when they were all inside, the door closed behind them, sealing and soundproofing this room.
"Each of you position your shrouds to cover your faces. Word Bear knows us, but precautions are always wise."
The Fallen did as told. Lian pulled the collar of his shroud up until his jaw was covered, and with a tug, he pulled his hood down so it shadowed his features.
Master Foras then stood before the Black Mirror, and touched its surface. It began to swirl like a whirlpool of mercury. "All that is spoken of in here does not leave here. Remember that," the scarred veteran said gravely. The surface of the mirror then briefly shimmered, and soon, a figure came into focus.
It was an Astartes with well-groomed long black hair. He had lightly tanned skin, striking amber eyes, and a very sly smile. He reminded the new Paladin of some kind of evil feline with his unnerving expression. Wearing well-tailored grey robes, he stood before what appeared to be the interior of a dimly-lit bookshop.
Word Bear seemed to recognize Master Foras despite his shroud as he stood before the mirror, and Lian saw him smile and shake his head as he made a "tsk tsk" sound.
"Word Bear," Master Foras growled. Both Lian and Rezel stood behind the Master to his left and right.
"Old Foras! How lovely it is to see you again! It has been such a long time since we last spoke in person! One day, we should go out and catch up over wine instead of simply using these mirrors," Word Bear said with an oily smile. His amber eyes almost glowed. Word Bear's voice was deeply musical, malevolent, and somehow, almost soothing on the Paladin's ears. Immediately, Lian's intuition told him that this individual was definitely a Chaos Marine, despite his relatively unmutated appearance.
"Dralthus Phaeron. Still as greasy as a genestealer's afterbirth I see. Why do you call us this evening?"
"Such insults! Just call me Harry Smith, old timer. I'm retired from the whole Chaos Marine business. But, technically, I am far older than you. Time gets fickle when you frequent the places I've been!"
"I'm not humoring you, Dralthus," Master Foras barked at the screen, his patience clearly already wearing thin. "You have a reason to call us, and it is probably selfish, so tell me, out with it."
"Temper, temper, dear old Foras! Why so testy this evening? We're all hunted so mercilessly by the Imperium. All of us Brothers in the same ship drifting through the terrible dark, and all of us are desperate to keep the terrors away. Maybe I just wanted to see your smiling face? Maybe I just wanted to see how your little nest of cute little birdies is doing? I see you have a new one with you today. What is this little hatchling's name? I'm sad that I do not recognize him. Did he fall out of the nest of time during Caliban's little party, or did you make him?" Word Bear had his eye on Lian. The unblinking reddish gaze of this marine was extremely unnerving. Despite his relatively "normal" appearance, he had a dark aura of power that coiled around him like a serpent.
"His name is not your concern. Why did you call us?" Master Foras growled back at the mirror.
"Aww, Foras, I was just being friendly," Word Bear pouted, even putting a gloved black hand almost indulgently through his dark hair. "You've always been a good customer, so you get some free information from time to time. I'm calling to see if you've been reading the signs lately. And, I'm here to tell you that there's a Traveler in town. Capitol 'T' Traveler, mind you, if you follow my wake. I know your little cult follows that interest just as I do!"
No one answered, and that in an of itself was Word Bear's answer. "Ah, yes, so you do know! How utterly delightful! And how fun that it seems to be a woman! You know, what a coincidence that she stopped by my shop earlier. Poor dear was being chased by those wretched Family members. Those cultists are so dreadfully annoying."
"They were chasing her?" Lian spoke up, and Rezel turned to him.
"Why yes, little hatchling. I'm sure that all of you understand that Travelers tend to cause ripples in fate wherever they pass, and so they often attract trouble. It seems that the Family does not like her! Lucky for her and her white bird friend, I also don't like the Family, and they caused some property damage so I had to... correct them for that."
"Do you have anything more important to say, Dralthus?" Foras took a deep breath as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"Everything I say is important, silly Fallen Angel," Word Bear grinned. "As you know, I collect and deal in interdimensional artifacts and knowledge, the sort of bits and baubles that get lost between the cracks of the multiverse. The subject is utterly fascinating to me, and to you as well! Some of these artifacts, I find, can aid in my divination practices in order to see probable futures. Sometimes, I wonder if I gaze upon the footsteps of Tzeentch himself as he dances across all of creation?"
"Get to your point, and stop wasting our time here," Foras angrily replied.
"The point is that because I like you, I will simply say that now, I am planning on finally retiring my position here on Evna, and I am looking to depart this world. This decision was made after some light reading and a divination session after the special Traveler woman visited this afternoon, and I will advise to you that you should leave as well."
The three Fallen all briefly looked at one another. Master Foras dubiously asked, "You want to leave Tar Vigaz?"
Word Bear nodded.
"And you're looking for our help to depart?"
"I do not have a Warp-capable vessel here, as I am but a single bearer of words. I would speak to my Brothers, but they're just so terribly boring! My dear aging grandfather is always preoccupied with other stuffier interests, so asking him is rather tiresome. But, I will offer you this. I have a copy of a book that you may find extremely interesting. Perhaps I could be persuaded to share its knowledge with you?"
Word Bear held up a battered blue book that said, "The Wizard of Molech" in gold metallic script, displaying it proudly. The symbol of Tzeentch was displayed across the cover, marking the book as extremely dangerous. "This book, it comes from another dimension, and it has some unusual properties. It seems to be writing itself as time passes, and I find the things that it says vastly intriguing! If this somehow does not interest you, I have many other interdimensional artifacts within my possession that might catch your eye. I'm sure your little cult would find them absolutely fascinating. You know, on the subject, it is actually my suspicion that the woman I met might actually be an Inheritor? How delightful if true!"
"And how did you get to Inheritor instead of just Traveler?" Rezel cautiously inquired. Lian could tell the Librarian was very interested in what Word Bear was saying, but was trying to make it sound as if he wasn't.
Before Word Bear could answer, a faint scream could be heard from somewhere in his book shop. Lian could barely make out the words, "You have to let me out! They know I'm missing! You can't get away with this!"
"Do excuse that. I have company!" Dralthus said with a light-hearted laugh. "To answer your question, it is her halo. The gold Corona, I believe they call it. That distinctive burning gold light. Looks a bit like that pesky Astronomican. I haven't seen such light surrounding anyone in over ten thousand years! No one can replicate the quality of it! It brings back memories of simpler times for me. Actually, do you have any boys in your current possession that remember the good fun of the Great Crusade? I do! I even found myself getting nostalgic this afternoon! The last creature to wear a halo of such quality was over four meters tall and insulted my Primarch with such harshness that it caused him to lose his damn mind! He had such an incredible meltdown that he turned himself into a daemon!"
Foras did not seem impressed at all with anything that Word Bear was saying. Secretly, it was interesting to both Lian and Rezel, the new Paladin knew to stay silent. "Is this all, Dralthus?" Master Foras said.
"This meeting isn't going well, I take it?" Word Bear sighed melodramatically. "Oh, very well. Man to man, I will now advise you to get off this planet as soon as you can. That Inheritor is as destructive as her predecessor, driven by similar forces and internal fires. I do not foresee good things happening here soon. If you take me with you, I will offer a share of my artifacts collected over time. And I promise to be a very good boy on your ship." Word Bear then turned to wink playfully at Lian!
"No, Dralthus. We lost a Brother the last time we met you, so you've burned your bridges with us. You're lucky we even answered the call. You and your 'grandfather' are the foulest sort of heretics, and the galaxy would be better without the both of you."
"Oh, no! My feelings have been injured once again!" Word Bear tittered, not taking any of this personally. The faint scream sounded again in the background, followed by sounds of desperate crying. "My apologies on the loss of your precious lost lamb, but he tried to steal from me, and as you know, theft is illegal in Evna! I do admit that my grandfather is a bit difficult, but I still love him! He's family! And how about a thank you for my little warning on the impending apocalypse soon to fall upon us? You can use that spicy little Librarian there to divine my veracity. What was his name? Revel? Rezel, that's it!"
"Is this all?" Foras asked shortly, not thanking Word Bear.
"Yes, yes. And by the way, tell that little scamp Cypher I say hello! Goodnight, children!"
The transmission cut off. The mood inside this room had a chill that had nothing to do with temperature.
"How does he know what he knows?" Lian cautiously asked.
Foras clenched his fists before responding. "His collection. He told the truth. Some of the artifacts he has can be used for divinatory purposes. This includes information concerning Travelers."
"But about the Inheritor? How? What's going to happen to this world, Master? Are we in danger?"
"As it was said. Word Bear has a high talent for divination and the collection of artifacts that aid in it," Foras began cracking his knuckles nervously, which let Rezel and Lian know that it was now time to drop the questions. "We will discuss his warning to us later. Apocalyptic dreams have been filtering through the collective unconscious here, so he may be referencing that. I don't see it having any connection to this Inheritor, however."
Lian was bursting with curiosity, and turned toward Rezel as they left the room. Rezel actually spoke back to the Paladin in a reassuring psychic tone, Word Bear studies Travelers, and he makes use of many unsavory agents across this area of the galaxy hunting for knowledge. We suspect he has multiple clients that pay him for information, and that includes us. This is an open secret that Master Foras does not like discussing, but it is known through Angel's Respite.
Understood, Lian responded as they walked back out to the main chapel area. It appeared that there were multiple parties that were interested in Travelers, the Paladin thought with surprise. He supposed that it did somewhat make sense. Chaos Marines were bereft of morality, so one using his skills to become wealthy by indescriminantly selling rare knowledge and artifacts wasn't so far fetched.
The new Paladin found that he felt a strange psychic shiver, however, when he thought about the book Word Bear had proudly displayed. At that very moment, Lian had the strange sensation that someone was watching him...
...and across the city of Evna, Word Bear grinned as he closed the interdimensional book.
"Oh, little hatchling, you have no idea what you've stumbled upon!" Word Bear purred as he stroked his gloved fingers across the cover of the remarkable tome. He then sighed, and with a fond wistful look at all his beloved artifacts in the room, conceded to himself that it was probably time to start packing.