RWBY 40k – Salem, Immortal Empress of the Imperium.
[Opening 2 – Height of the Great Crusade].
[Theme – Got Mit Uns].
The opening began with Salem, dressed in her Remnant's outfits weeping in front of Ozma's body, with the staff on her hands in the horizontal. The camera approaches the emerald before coming back. Salem dressed in her Empress outfit, with now a much calmer face who quickly put the staff in a glass container in her room. Then she walked to the door of her room while the camera turns to the window displaying the whole Imperial Palace.
The title appears in the sun, it's named: "Salem, Mistress of the Inquisition – The Height of the Great Crusade".
Spent the night in formation. To the battle we march in the dawn. We were ready to die for our Emperor. On the battlefields of the Milky Way.
The opening shows the marks of the Imperium extending to the far reaches of the Galaxy, the next cut shows Horus with his legion charging toward to a Ork Warband. As he fights, his armour becomes more and more green along with his Legion to finally truly green with a golden laurel wealth on his head.
Fire at will. Aim for their artillery. Counter attack. Thunder of guns.
Rogal Dorn and Perturabo are on the walls of a Hive City, directing the plans to defend against a Horde of Greenskins. Then a cut shows them in company with Fulgrim and Konrad Curze for a Compliance mission. After that, a celebration shows them feasting, without Konrad Curze who is behind a wall, holding his head as his thoughts shows a Galaxy in flames.
Emperor with us! As we all stand united. All together, Emperor with us!
Magnus is shown fighting with his Thousand Sons but also Horus, Alpharius, Omegon, Rogal Dorn, Fulgrim, Edelgard and Roboute against a big horde of golems made of precious stones. But then, all turned to the sky, displaying two silhouettes hidden by the sun.
From the old world's demise. See an Imperium rise. From Terra reaching far, here we are!
A city is shown in flames with Lorgar Aurelian accompanied by Erebus and Kor Phaeron with all the Words Bearers, knelled against their will facing the Emperor. In another cut, Lorgar faced a woman and surrounded by people who has the chaos symbols on their bodies while Kor Phaeron and Erebus. The woman invites the Primarch to go inside of a cavern, and by the whispers of both Kor Phaeron and Erebus, Lorgar entered the cavern. When he comes back, he was smirking as he found a new faith to devote himself in.
On beginning of the 31th Millenium. We filled Xenos with fear. Twenty Legions attacked on that day. Several xeno races they broke.
The next scene shows the Dark Angels beginning their crusade against Xenos allied with Humans. And so, Lion El'Jonson is fighting. But his face was darkened, reminding himself of another moment of arguing with his mother Salem. She pointed a statue of Ozma while facing Lion with disappointment and disapprobation. Behind the wall, Lorgar observed him as he already decided what purpose he could give to him.
Astartes charge! Follow the banner! After the Emperor! Freedom we bring! Emperor is with us! As we all stand united. All together, Emperor with us!
Horus and Sanguinius are fighting against a Xeno species whose appearance are close to the humans. These two cooperating as the closest brothers they are. But as Sanguinius fights, a silhouette is lingering behind his shadow, observing him menacingly.
From the old world's demise. See an Imperium rise! From Terra reaching far! Here we are!
A great assemble of Primarchs are facing a gigantic procession. Fulgrim, Horus, Rogal Dorn, Perturabo, Jaghatai Khan, Angron, Magnus, Mortarion and Sanguinius are present. Salem is on the shoulder of Horus observing the procession. In another cut, Horus is crowned with the golden laurel, under the applause of the other Primarchs.
Breaking their lines. Thousands of Astartes. Charge for their Emperor. Legend Arise!
As an assault is leaded by Salem against Drukhari who is try to take slaves with them. Salem encounters Eldrad Ulthran who is fighting with his forces. The two faces as a possible talk are about to unfold. The next scene, Fulgrim exited a temple with a sword who is perfectly made, radiating a purple ominous power. Edelgard was looking at the blade with suspicion.
Emperor with us! As we all stand united. All together, Emperor with us! Emperor with us! As we all stand united. All together, Emperor with us! Emperor with us! As we all stand united. All together, Emperor with us!
A crowd is assembled inside of a room, with Primarchs debating each other about an important thing. But especially, Magnus and Mortarion opposed each other in vehement manner. Under the eyes of a worried Salem.
From the old world's demise. See an Imperium rise. From Terra reaching far. Here we are!
Horus is inside of a planet with Abaddon. He faced an old man on a throne and without a word. He killed with an electric magic ball. He turned toward a new Chapter Captain who has managed to break inside of the throne room before him and giving him a salute of respect.
From the old world's demise. See an Imperium rise. From Terra reaching far. Here we are!
Salem sited on the Emperor's throne, then looked at the sky with anticipation and curiosity. As she is slowly surrounded by her sons who looks in the stars altogether. Without forgetting her granddaughters.
Ep 74: Defence of Caraxon.
969.M30. Caraxon System. South of the Galaxy.
Lion El'Jonson is facing a new statue who has been placed inside of his vessel, the Invincible Reason. Still shining from its novelty inside of the private room of the Primarch.
It was a statue of marble of Ozma, the former lover of Salem but especially the knight who has saved his mother in the past. The statue was very big, almost 5 meters in height. A giant replica of the staff that Alpharius and Omegon has found on this ice planet is in on the left hand of the statue.
At this moment, a Chapter-Commander arrived to his side. It was Belath, the most zealous chief of the Dark Angels.
Belath: "What a beautiful statue."
Lion El'Jonson: "Yes, as a knight, I have to give the homage he deserves. Since my mother, the Empress has revealed the story of her youth. I cannot ignore this call anymore. From now on, I will do the war in the name of Ozma, the Green Knight."
Belath: "I was shocked when I learned this story from you. That a simple human has saved the Empress back on Holy Terra, from a cruel king obsessed by the rare beauty of the Empress when our birthplace was a radioactive desert."
Lion El'Jonson: "Like she said, everything comes from Terra."
Belath: "Yes, I know."
Lion El'Jonson: "Hm… We will soon arrive to Caraxon, to make our first Crusade in the name of Ozma. With Perturabo and Rogal Dorn of course…"
Belath: "I have to go now…"
Lion El'Jonson: "Hm… you are dismissed."
The Chapter-Commander bow before leaving the private room. The Primarch now alone looked at the statue before going to a painting.
This painting is representing Ozma fighting against the Cruel King himself, sending his magic from his staff against the staff of the king himself.
Lion El'Jonson takes the painting out, revealing a small safe. He opens it and takes out a small book. A book old of a century.
The cover has a title named: "The Memories of the Green Knight".
He knew this book too well; it was a copy of a book that Salem has written many times for her sons. It was a book who contained the past conversations of Ozma and Salem, written exactly like Salem heard and saw in a past that she has reminded too well.
He has read the book many times before, but he never gets tired of it. Because it was the only memory aside from the staff mentioning the existence of this ancient knight who has changed the destiny of Humanity for the best.
This book contained all the moments that the Empress partake with her Knight, from the most heroic moments, to the most intimate ones. Even if it was written, Lion El'Jonson could see in his mind the moments that his mother could felt like true happiness before the sickness who has taken the knight in the abyss, the beginning of a chain of events that made to his own existence. He could only feel a tinge of spite that it was because of the wrath of the God of Light that the Imperium and himself came in existence as it is now. But like his own brothers, he brushes aside these spiteful thoughts. It was not the time to get toxic after all.
He opened the pages of the book and arrived to a chapter who has been a source of resolve for him.
Chapter 34: The Cause of Ozma's Death.
Me and Ozma has arrived inside of a mountain that who has rumours of an evil energy felt from the local lords.
This mountain was isolated from the rest of this region, because the Grimm were numerous in addition to have no ores. The mountain was abandoned, only known to be completely isolated and fuelled by old tales of Grimms inhabiting it.
But, since a moment, a dark veil was growing inside of this mountain. It was the powerful magicians of the local courts surrounding the mountain who has felt it.
A dark presence, chaotic, incoherent, profound, terrifying, terrible…
Something that drawn the attention of the Grimms in the area and beyond, only to not be seen again.
This evil presence has arranged the local lords who has saw the Grimm sightings and attack diminish drastically on their lands. But with the presence growing and growing. The magicians have contacted us to see what is happening.
As we advanced toward the mountain, we have saw something unreal. The sky was green, the air was foul and smelly, the ground was filled with plants who are sick and crooked.
We couldn't know what was happening and our fear was growing inside of our hearts.
When we arrived inside of the mountains, we finally realised what we were facing.
It was a cult, with 8 arrows coming from a circle. A cult filled with people, whose flesh was ever-expanding, ever rotting. Adults, children, old people, all of them were abominations coming from the craziest nightmares.
They asked us to join the flesh, to embrace the arms of the Great Patriarch. I have already decided that they should disappear from the face of the Earth. But Ozma was hesitant, after all, he didn't want to kill innocents, especially when they do nothing terrible for now. Ozma was always a man who gentleness and care were unequalled.
But after much insistence on the fact that as a Knight, he has to kill to protect. He reluctantly accepted my pleas and we destroyed the cult and everyone inside of it.
Their presence has disappeared from the mountains, the Grimms massively repopulate the area in the next days. For the first time, I was grateful that these monsters clean the place from the foul smell that I could never forget.
But as I realised now by writing these lines, I was facing for the first time, the Cultists of the Chaos. These people of my world have renounced their very existence due to the Brother Gods to be drown of these repulsive Chaos Gods.
I have also realised unconsciously in this very distant past that despite all of the power they possess, the Brother Gods has limits and despite their efforts, very little cracks are still existent and calamities always managed to go inside of it.
Third, I have realised too late that Ozma, despite precautions by putting on protections our noses and mouths. He has caught this unreal disease. When he began to feel really sick, I consulted doctors and magicians but none of them could understand what was happening to him. He became emaciated, with tumours on his skin and in insides. His felt an incredible amount of pain. Then, he becomes unrecognizable as the tumours expanded everywhere. He was literally rotting in three dimensions.
I tried to heal him with all my might and desperation. But his health became critical, he agonised and died. By this unknown disease. It's still painful today.
This is way latter by Malcador that it was certainly a deadly disease like many others made by the Chaos God, Nurgle, who was responsible for making diseases known to devastate entire civilisations. At this moment, I have realised that the Chaos Gods were much more dangerous than I thought. If they could successfully infiltrate our world Remnant, then none of us is safe.
We have to be on guard, always because the Chaos Gods are watching.
Lion El'Jonson could see that this tale from his mother, her saviour who died by a surreal disease that no one could stop. After all, he faced other sorts of horrors back in Caliban but coming out of the Eye, this tear in real space so coming from the same culprits.
He closed the book, now he fed his thirst of resolve, now ready to stop the advance of the Sultan.
In the Caraxon System, two gigantic fleets are hovering above the planet.
One who is dark grey while the other is yellow. And under them, there is a huge palace decorated in classic way like the rest of the constructions of the metropolis.
But inside, a dispute could be heard. It was Rogal Dorn and Perturabo are arguing about the plan.
Rogal Dorn: "We should draw the Sultan's army to the armoury world of Caratis and exhaust them in a mastered siege."
Perturabo: "No. We launch an all-out offensive right in the three planets before reaching the core of the Sultanate of Giradba. We can profit of the situation because they are in a civil war. My spies said that they internally divided between three brothers who hates each other."
Rogal Dorn: "I don't know if this is a good idea. Spies from them have already assassinated some nobles of Caraxon. So, imagine if they could sabotage our fleet by targeting our generals while in the offensive."
Perturabo: "It won't be a problem."
Rogal Dorn: "It could lead to a disaster. We should provoke them to attack us."
Perturabo: "No. We will attack!"
Rogal Dorn: "We have to organise our defences!"
And so, the two Primarchs continues to argue and don't manage to agree on anything. The two First Captains of the two Legions looked at the scene with a slight tiredness.
Kydomor Forrix, the First Captain of the Iron Warriors with beside him, Sigismund, the First Captain of the Imperial Fists.
It has been several weeks that the two Primarchs are arguing and no plan has been designed yet. And the two Legions they are representing began to really becoming impatient.
Voice: "It's tiring, isn't it?"
The two Captains turned to the side and sees a familiar figure, it has a commander cloth, with a few strands of white hair coming out of it. His eyes were red with dark sclera.
Kydomor Forrix: "Silence human."
Sigismund: "We don't need your cynic attitude, Viraxes."
Viraxes Itvisco: "Why? I am trying to soften the atmosphere. After all, we are waiting and waiting and the Sultanate could attack at any moment despite they are at war against with Al-Jaera."
Kydomor Forrix: "What are you implying about our fathers?"
Viraxes Itvisco: "Nothing."
Kydomor Forrix: "Why this little dark turd is with us?"
Viraxes Itvisco: "Hey! I am right here!"
Sigismund: "Have a bit of respect. Viraxes is here to represent the Empress. He will observe the situation to report to her."
Kydomor Forrix: "Pff…"
He glared to the Lord Inquisitor before turning back to the Primarchs who are still arguing.
Then, a knock is heard from the door. One of the maids goes to the door and opens it. Revealing another maid with a parchment.
Maid: "Message for Viraxes Itvisco!"
The group inside of the room turns to the maid who brings the message to the Lord Inquisitor. He opens it and reads it. His smile becomes wide before looking to the two Primarchs.
Rogal Dorn: "What is happening?"
Viraxes Itvisco: "It's an order from the Empress herself. The Ist Primarch Lion El'Jonson will join the crusade and since none of you agree on the plan. He will be the one to plan it."
Perturabo: "What?!"
Rogal Dorn was silently stunned.
Viraxes Itvisco: "Yes, it's written right on it."
He approaches the table and gives it to Rogal Dorn who reads it, he was even more surprised before giving the message to Perturabo who reads it. Perturabo by reading it seems impassible but his frustration and anger was boiling inside.
Rogal Dorn: "I see…"
Perturabo: "Why she is always cutting the grass under our feet?!"
Rogal Dorn: "Because she has enough of us always arguing for nothing."
Perturabo grunted.
Another knock is heard on the door, a maid opens the door, revealing another maid with another message.
Maid: "Message for Viraxes Itvisco!"
Viraxes Itvisco: "A second one?"
Viraxes takes the message, opens it and reads it.
Viraxes Itvisco: "Oh…"
Rogal Dorn: "What is happening?"
Viraxes: "This is an urgent matter who regards only a Lord Inquisitor. If you excuse me, I leave you alone now."
He bows to the two Primarchs leaving the room.
Perturabo: "Grmbl…"
Rogal Dorn: "What do we do?"
Perturabo: "I am asking you questions?"
Rogal Dorn: "Drat…"
A few hours later, a barge containing Viraxes arrived toward a fortress far away from the capital city.
It was quite small fortress made of rock but also adamantium compared of the other duchy.
The barge posed and revealed Viraxes, but also his wife Alyxia, who is dressed inside a long cape, with her head only visible.
In front of them, there is a brown-haired man, dressed with rich clothes, aged in his 50s apparently. He has an implant on his left eye. He was accompanied by a woman aged in her early 50s, a man in his 30s with a brown-haired woman in her late 20s. Finally, there is a little boy aged in 5 years old.
Viraxes: "Lord Gibus Arion it seems?"
Gibus Arion: "Yes, it's me. Welcome to my humble castle Itvisco. This is my wife, Maud Arion. My son, Galarius Arion with his wife, Marido Arion. And my grandchild, Gariomi Arion."
Viraxes takes the hand of the Lady and kissed it.
Viraxes: "Honoured to meet you, my lady."
Maud Arion: "Thanks."
Viraxes: "This is my wife, Alyxia Itvisco."
Gibus Arion: "Hello."
Alyxia: "Hello."
Maud: "Hm… You are wearing very formal clothes."
Alyxia: "It's because my taste could not suit you, I have made an effort for this reception."
Maud: "I see…"
Gibus: "Now, let's go inside, shall we?"
The group entered inside of the fortress in question. After walking a little in the corridor, they arrived in front of a double door.
Gibus: "This is the living room. Lady Alyxia, it would suit you."
Alyxia: "What do you do?"
Gibus: "We have to discuss important matters with your husband."
Alyxia: "I see."
Viraxes: "It would take a long time. So, my respects Maud, I have to go with your husband."
Alyxia turned to Maud.
Alyxia: "I have many stories to tell you, my lady. I have travelled in many worlds."
Maud: "I would like to hear you."
She opens the double doors, accompanied by her family and Alyxia before entering. The two elder men goes on the other way in the corridors of the fortress.
After walking past the maids and butlers who bow in their presence, the duo arrived inside of the Lord's office before closing them from the rest of the world.
Gibus: "Now, we are alone…"
Viraxes: "Yes."
Gibus then drops his proper stance and attitude, taking a more sensible tone.
Gibus: "What my lady has orders to me?"
Viraxes: "The Empress has orders. How many troops?"
Gibus: "Of course. 40 Paladins, 100 Armigers. And mine, the Astorius who has a Dominus Class."
Viraxes: "Hm… I see. I will communicate them to the Empress immediately."
Gibus: "Of course, of course…"
Viraxes: "But I am curious… You have a reputation about being a quite stoic and effective noble. So, why this sudden change of mood?"
Gibus: "Oh… This is a secret."
Viraxes: "Wouldn't you trust an envoy of the Empress?"
Gibus: "Yes! Of course, I would. It's just… embarrassing."
Viraxes: "Why?"
Gibus: "Ahem."
He recomposed himself a little.
Gibus: "Because… I am madly in love with her since I met her in my youth."
Viraxes: "Oh…"
Gibus: "It goes back more than 30 years ago. I was just a little apprentice participating in the war against the Orks of Draen Empire. The Empress has assembled a coalition of Imperial Knights worlds to face the Gargants who were raging in the world of Teutonia. And… the providence made me the direct apprentice of the Empress herself."
Viraxes: "Oh, really?"
Gibus: "Absolutely… When I have saw her face, I was robbed."
Viraxes: "Hm… I understand, after all, she is charming and loving. I met her many times ago, so understand your love."
Gibus looks at him for a moment, quite astonished.
Gibus: "You met her too?"
Viraxes: "Yes. She is giving me crucial missions to execute. Because she knows that I have her trust."
Gibus lifted his eyebrow for a moment before continuing.
Gibus: "So, as I learned strategy and fighting capabilities. My love only grew to as the war continued on. Until, one year later. The Ork Empire of the Draen is completely pushed out from the system. And so, I have to go back to Caraxon. So, I decided to declare my flame to her. At least I could do that."
Viraxes: "And what happened?"
Gibus: "Well…"
(Note: I changed my manners to write after all this time, so don't slap me on the fingers).
30 years ago. Inside of the Infinite.
A younger Gibus is facing Salem, offering her some flowers. It Salem before she was married.
"Please! Accept my love!" Gibus exclaimed.
A silence falls inside of the room. Salem was astonished by this action. Then, she takes the flowers in her arms.
"I… I thank you for these flowers…" Salem said, a bit embarrassed.
Gibus eyes lights up with hope.
"Ahem… but there is a problem…" Salem said.
Gibus smile faded.
"What?" Gibus asked silently.
"It's not against you… I am someone who is already engaged." Salem said.
"Huh?!" Gibus exclaimed.
"You know that with my position. I cannot be engaged with a squire like you. Because of the reputation and all of that…" Salem said.
"I don't care about the gossip! Nobody will judge my love!" Gibus replied vehemently.
Salem eyed to the young knight, she could see the innocent and vibrant love in his eyes.
"My lady, nobody will stop my love. I am saying it now! Please believe me!" Gibus said.
He was getting despaired and Salem has to do something to not break him.
"Hm… Gibus. I cannot marry you. But you can do something for me." Salem said to the knight.
"Ah?" Gibus asked.
"If you are truly devoted to me. So, be my eyes and my ears in Caraxon. Report to the Inquisition all important things inside of this planet. I can act swiftly if something bad happen." Salem said.
She approached him and takes his hands before staring inside to his eyes.
"I cannot marry you because it could hurt us both. But… if you do that for me. I would like you so much more. Build a strong family. A strong duchy. Be a strong lord." Salem said.
"That… it's that you want… my lady?" Gibus stammered.
"If you do all of that while being my secret vassal. It would make me happy. Very happy." Salem said softly.
Then, she kissed him for a few seconds before separating herself from him.
"So, what do you think?" Salem asked him.
Gibus stay a moment, still shocked by this kiss. Then he looks to Salem before bending the knee. He kisses her hand.
"I will, I absolutely will my lady." Gibus said.
"Good… my dear knight. As long as you do all the things that I say to you. I will be happy." Salem said.
She rubs his head gently, while smiling proudly to her knight.
Returning to the present…
"And this is how you can face me right now. I'll do anything to my lady…" Gibus said with a heavy breath.
Viraxes looked at the lord in question.
"Oh… he has a weird obsession with the Empress. Too bad for him and fortunately for the Empress, he seems to be too gullible. He is another pawn in her game." Viraxes thought.
"Something is bothering you?" Gibus asked.
"I was thinking… how will you manage to destitute the king?" Viraxes said.
"Hm… Our king Basil is clearly the worst we have encountered. With his disastrous rule and strategy, the Sultanate of Giradba has gained the two planets of Caraxis and Caraxonia, the fiefdoms protecting our kingdom. The copious amount of war indemnities asked by the Sultanate nearly bankrupted the kingdom. The population is angry at the king. So, I will introduce to some associates when the time will come." Gibus said.
"Hm… I will see it." Viraxes responded.
"Now, I will give the strategic maps that you need to communicate with my friends." Gibus said.
"Of course…" Viraxes agreed.
A few moments later, Viraxes is inside of a private room. It was quite cozy; his wife was now wearing a local robe of Caraxon (Note: Take the Byzantium Style).
"How do you think about it?" Alyxia asked.
"You are magnificent." Viraxes responded.
Alyxia chuckled.
"Thanks… Now, what you will do now?" Alyxia asked.
"I will send a message to the Empress about our allies. I have the whole transcript that I written… and there." Viraxes said.
He sends the communication to the astropath of his flagship.
"Now, we have to wait…" Viraxes said.
A long time after that, more inside of the Imperium.
Salem is inside of the Grüne Ebenen Sector, especially on Grüne Ebenen Erste.
She was facing the population of the capital; the city has changed a lot. Gone the dirty buildings and ugly of the past era. Now the capital was filled with buildings beautifully made with a mix of what could have been made in Terra but also the local buildings.
But also, a new flag has been raised above the former presidential palace. It was now named "Kaiserpfalz des Reiches Grüne Ebenen" or the Imperial Palace of the Empire of Grüne Ebenen. A gigantic crowd was filling the streets except the roads, guarded by the guards of Salem.
Salem was dressed in her Empress outfit, besides her there is Ottilia, now aged at five years old. She was dressed in a red and black robe, while her white-blonde hair is attached to a braid. She was surrounded by her Royal Eagles and the Sisters of Silence. On the side, there is a small group of people, dressed in rich military outfits.
Aligned in front of her from both sides where the soldiers of the planet, who has completely changed.
They were armed with Lazguns, dressed in a grey outfit and black boots. But the most recognizable thing about them where their pointed helmet.
Then a car arrived in front of the stairs, the door opened.
It revealed a man in his 50s, he was dressed in a blue uniform with black pants and boots. He is wearing a quite thick moustache.
He arrived climbed the stairs and arrived in front of Salem.
After a moment, she takes from a servant a medal. The man in question kneeled and Salem put it on him. Then the man stands up once again.
"Hans-Ferdinand of Grüne Ebenen, reformer of the former Republic and Prince of Grüne, the one and only kingdom and birthplace of the Grüne Ebenen society. For your deeds to have restored Grüne Ebenen society to a prosperous and balanced state. I shall crown you, Kaiser von Grüne Ebenen. May your family lead this place to a beautiful future!" Salem proclaimed.
He nodded and faced the group of men on the side. He makes a military salute and the generals salute them in return. The Kaiser turned then to his soldiers. He makes the salute and the soldiers of the lines gives him the salute.
The public then cheered for the Kaiser who saluted them.
"Es lebe der Kaiser! Es lebe der Kaiser! Ese lebe der Kaiser!" The public cheered on.
And so, a few moments later.
Salem was inside of the guest room. Ottilia was reading a book, while there are Ilil and Allarielle playing chess.
"Hm… My work on Grüne Ebenen has been done. Now with their resources but also strategic point. I can now fall back on them. Now, let's focuses on more… important things." Salem said.
"Checkmate." Ilil said.
"Oh, come on!" Allarielle whined.
"Okay, perfect timing. Now you will help me." Salem said.
"For what, miss Salem?" Ilil asked.
She goes to her suitcase and takes out a small ball. It was grey and perfectly smooth.
She posed it on the table. Ilil widened at this.
"Wait, it's that?" Ilil asked silently.
"Yes, my underling, Viraxes has found a small STC. But it's not any kind of STC. It seems by the runes that he read that he sends me. It seems it's an Aeldari treasure." Salem explained.
"Wait, what?!" Allarielle exclaimed.
The duo arrived in front of the table.
"So, you will traduce me what is about this treasure and I can access it." Salem said.
"And why we should do that?" Allarielle responded with a bit of spite.
"What is the problem right now?" Salem sighed.
"You are clearly trying to acquire the Aeldari technology for yourself and make humanity so powerful to completely destroy us Eldars!" Allarielle vehemently said.
"Wow, Allarielle, calm down!" Salem replied.
"Seriously?" Ilil asked, completed confused.
"Yes! You are doing it to dominate us!" Allarielle accused the Empress.
"Allarielle, listen for a moment." Salem calmly said.
"No, I won't-" Allarielle began.
"Listen to me, I said!" Salem said an authoritative tone.
Allarielle is intimidated and shuts up.
"Listen… I have to say that you have some nerve to declare that Humanity will destroy Eldars… when it was Eldar foolishness and depravity that condemned them in a state of almost extinction. Also, you forgot that the Imperium is already fighting against Xenos like Orks. And since your race didn't manage to fully destroy them. It won't be much a difference for us Humans. And finally, if I have to believe the stories of the past. The Aeldari Empire and the humans of the Age of Technology contacts were rare but cordial. So, no, I doubt that even if Mankind decides to exterminate every single race of the Galaxy. They will have no other to make concessions to the Aeldari for multiple reasons and this is the same for the way around." Salem explained more calmly.
"You will lead us to our final fall if you do that…" Allarielle said with a silent tone.
"No, it will be a rebirth for your race. It will just take a long time to see its fruition. Now, if someone can open this STC." Salem said.
Ilil takes the Aeldari STC and began to look at it.
"Hm… There is a problem." Ilil said.
"What kind of problem?" Salem asked in return.
"It says: 'Deeds must be done by the Phoenix, Blessings must be done by the Everqueen. Thus, the way will show itself to the Primordial Kingdom.' That's all could be read on it." Ilil said.
"Hm… what it means?" Salem asked herself.
"Wait can you say that again?" Allarielle asked.
"Hum… 'Deeds must be done by the Phoenix, Blessings must be done by the Everqueen. Thus, the way will show itself to the Primordial Kingdom.' This is what is this written." Ilil said.
"It reminds me of an old tale that my great-great-grandfather told me once. A very old tale coming back to the very beginning of the Aeldari existence." Allarielle said.
"Oh?" Ilil said.
"Tell me more, Allarielle." Salem said, fascinated.
"It was the tale of the Phoenix King. His name is remembered in the oldest families of the Eldar nobility. Including mine. His name was Aenarion, the Defender." Allarielle said.
"Aenarion…" Salem toughly said.
"I didn't know about him." Ilil said.
"Because despite what they say back in the Craftworlds. These idiots didn't bother to bring with them the oldest scriptures when the Fall happened… or these lowlifes from Commoragh has burned them because they deemed them insignificant for their disgusting practices. Or maybe the two at the same time, at my humble opinion" Allarielle said with a mix contempt and arrogance.
Salem sighed, brushing her thoughts about Allarielle speech.
"So, what about the tale?" Salem asked.
"It goes back when the Aeldaris were fighting alongside with the Krorks against the Necron Empire, directed by their King of the Kings, Szarekh, under the dominions of the C'tan, their malevolent gods. The Old Ones has disappeared since a long time ago and we were losing ground. But then, an exceptional Eldar appeared. He was named Aenarion. The legend said that he was blessed by the fire of Asuryan, the King and supreme god of the Eldars. He fought valiantly and managed to hold the Necrons and their masters back despite their superior numbers. The tale tells next that he married Astarielle, the Everqueen of the Eldars and they have two children together: Morelion and Yvraine. But at the time went on, the Necrons purged many Aeldari planets. Aenarion was furious about these massacres and takes on the Sword of Khaine. A mythic weapon that Khaine, the God of War has given to the Eldars in case of extreme need. A weapon who makes you overpowered but also completely bloodthirsty and enraged. With this sword, he destroyed many and many Necrons but at the cost of his spirit. At one moment, he fought in a legendary that everyone forgotten the name, four Phaerons at the same time. And he slayed them, making an entire army of Necrons in the system deactivate. But it was a victory at the cost of his very life. And so, the Phoenix in a last act, planted the sword in the planet who he has slayed the Necrons before dropping dead, whispering a prayer, that nobody could hear, even not the Farseers. Shortly after his death, the Szarekh turned his armies against the C'tan, the gods who has enslaved the Necrons. Before they disappear too. After that, the Aeldaris began their recover. Morelion didn't wanted the crown, only wanting to protect his sister, Yvraine, the new Everqueen. Because Astarielle, the precedent Everqueen has died of grief. This is the end of the tale." Allarielle counted the tale.
The duo was astonished to learn this story.
"Oh…" Salem said.
"I didn't learn about this story from the Farseer from my Craftworld. Maybe I didn't have the time to learn it…" Ilil said.
Allarielle takes the ball between her hands.
"Where have you found this treasure?" Allarielle asked Salem.
"My underling has found it on a deserted planet. His radar detected this little thing on a planet because this relic has some kind of strong response on the radar. He has searched for any building, any signs of life or even past life. But nothing at all. It was just a perfectly empty desertic planet. A mystery that even me, cannot resolve right now." Salem said.
"Oh…" Allarielle said.
Salem sighed and sited down; her expression was clearly worried on her face. Who confused the two Eldars.
"More the time is passing, more I am feeling small to be honest. Each year passing, I am realising how big the universe is. So much is happening, so much stories hidden in my back. It… it's terrifying me. It's that why that the Brothers wanted created Remnant in the first place? To protect it from the never-ending chaos in the universe? Or there is anything else related remotely on it?" Salem asked herself.
The silence falls inside of the room. Then Salem, takes the ball from Allarielle before looking at it. Contemplating this relic of a past that she didn't knew, that none of the humans knew, even that the Emperor couldn't knew.
Then, she goes to her suitcase and posed the ball inside of it.
"I… I don't know that to say next. I am lost…" Salem said.
A knock is heard from the door. Salem recomposed herself.
"Enter." Salem said with an authoritative tone.
The door opens and revealed a maid.
"It's a letter for your majesty." The maid said.
She bowed and extended the letter that Salem takes.
"Go now." Salem ordered.
The maid goes out of the room and closed the door behind.
Salem opens it and saw the message of Viraxes about his move. Salem smirked at it.
"Good… very good. Gibus will finally give me my wish. He will make me happy." She spoke.
Then she chuckled at she remembers how well she has gotten herself an ally by using his naïve love. Under the dumbfounded eyes of the two Eldars.
And so, a few days later in Caraxon.
A third fleet is above the planet meanwhile on the ground, Lion El'Jonson was now facing his two brothers Rogal Dorn and Perturabo inside of the room of discussion.
"Since you didn't bother to make a proper plan after all this bickering. This is my new plan: With my fleet, we are now outnumbering a great extent the entire Sultanate of Girabda by at least two men for one." Lion El'Jonson said.
"What is your plan then?" Perturabo coldly asked.
"I am coming right in. I will make a general assault on Caraxonia and Caraxis. With this diversion, Perturabo you will attack the west part of the Sultanate, where Al-Quero, the Elder Brother is located. Rogal Dorn, you will attack the north of the Sultanate, where Mahmoud, the youngest brother is hiding. We will cut the three necks of the hydra at the same time." Lion El'Jonson said.
"Wait, it wouldn't be a better way to just get rid of two brothers and the last has no other choice but to capitulate?" Perturabo asked.
"For me, only taking back Caraxonia and Caraxis and maybe one more will be sufficient. And we will let the three brothers destroying each other. After all, Selim, the Second Brother, is the most powerful of the two other sultans since Caraxonia and Caraxis are rich in resources. By taking back these lands, their forces will be equalised." Rogal Dorn said.
"No. We have to destroy them all, right now. So, they could never rise again." Lion El'Jonson responded.
"I don't agree. If we launch a massive attack. The three brothers would make a truce and will project the full forces of their armies combined to us. They are divided but still powerful." Perturabo said.
"Even if greed and power has made them separate, they are still brothers. And their blood could reunite them." Rogal Dorn added.
"Good tirade. But I have already decided and you cannot do anything else about this." Lion El'Jonson said.
"Hum… Lord Lion El'Jonson?" Viraxes asked.
"What?" The knight turned to the Inquisitor.
"I present you Gibus Arion. He would lead the armies of the Imperial Knights on King Basil's behalf." Viraxes said while turning to Gibus, who bowed in front of him.
"This is honour to make this holy crusade against the Sultanate of Girabda." Gibus said.
"I see… I hope we will collaborate in this war." Lion El'Jonson said.
"Sorry my lord. But by special order of the Empress herself. I have to lead Gibus to a crucial mission for this war." Viraxes said.
The three Primarchs widened in astonishment.
"What?" Perturabo asked.
"A special mission?" Rogal Dorn asked next.
"What do you mean Viraxes? Explain yourself." Lion asked.
"It's impossible. It has to stay secret to avoid spies to heard it." Viraxes said.
"Spies?" Rogal Dorn said.
"This place is the most secure in the world." Perturabo replied.
Lion stayed silent; he couldn't believe what is happening.
"The secret behind this mission is the key to win this war." Viraxes simply replied.
"Hmph… she could say more about these kinds of missions. I know that the Empress takes her precautions. But still…" Perturabo said.
"These kinds of risks are inconsiderate." Rogal Dorn added.
Lion El'Jonson glared at Viraxes.
"Why she is doing this? She doesn't trust us, it's that it?" Lion asked coldly.
"Absolutely not. But the secret of this mission is important for the sake of the Crusade." Viraxes replied.
He approached the Lord Inquisitor.
"I don't like this response. Respond, what is this kind of mission is?" Lion asked with in more authoritarian tone.
"I cannot. This is out of your jurisdiction, lord Lion El'Jonson." Viraxes said.
"This is my crusade and for this reason you should tell what is this mission is." Lion replied coldly.
"Lion…" Rogal Dorn said.
"I cannot my lord. These are the orders of the Empress, her jurisdiction is higher and the importance of the mission is vital for this crusade." Viraxes simply said.
"No. I am the leader of this crusade and I order you to-" Lion tries to say.
"Lion!" Rogal Dorn called his brother.
"What?" Lion said while turning back to the Praetorian.
"Don't insist. If the Empress has a need to keep this mission secret. It has to be for a good reason." Rogal Dorn said.
"Her Inquisitors managed to win me some Crusades in the past. So, you have to trust them. If they can destroy or sabotage the enemies. It arranges me." Perturabo said.
Lion looked back at Viraxes before backing down.
"Hmph… Don't try to search my help if you lose." Lion El'Jonson coldly replied.
He turned back to go on the map of the systems. Viraxes has his eyebrow lifted, this is the first time that the Ist Primarch was so distrustful.
The next day…
The fleets are separating from the world of Caraxon.
As Lion El'Jonson is sited on his throne. He could see on the side of the windows, he could see the small fleet of the Caraxonians leaded by Gibus… no, by Viraxes. He glared at it with distrust.
Then, the Caraxonian fleet opened a warp portal and goes inside.
"We are ready to engaged." A crewmember said.
"Then, go." Lion said.
The warp portal is opened in front of the Ist Legion fleet. And Lion El'Jonson fleet goes inside of the warp portal.
A few hours later, the fleet of the Dark Angels exited the Warp Portal.
In front of them, there is a rock planet with a small fleet guarding it. It was the planet of Caraxonia.
The fleet of the Ist Legion arrived in front of the planet and the fleet seems to desperately assemble a line as they were surprised.
But the fleet of the Dark Angels started to send freebies against the fleet. And so, the Sultanate Fleet, surrounded and outnumbered was completely destroyed.
The fleet of the Ist Legion hovered above the planet.
The planet despite the fires from the canons, was now completely surrounded and the drop pods falls inside of the atmosphere.
Lion El'Jonson was observing the situation unfolding. His mind despite his efforts to focus on the battlefield down here, his mind was still wondering with this question.
Why?
Why his mother keeping secrets from him?
Why she doesn't trust her own sons?
All of these whys were swirling inside of his mind. With a mix of disappointment and irritation.
"My lord…" Belath asked the Primarch.
The latter goes out from his mind.
"What?" Lion El'Jonson asked.
"The population of the Caraxonia has revolted as we are talking. The troops of the Sultan Selim have suffered catastrophic defeats. It seems that they were unlawfully occupied by these armies." The Belath said.
"Hm… That's good. Let's see them." Lion El'Jonson said.
A few moments later, the Primarch arrived in the capital of the planet. The capital was a big city on the summit of a plateau.
The mob of the revolted Caraxonians was facing the Primarch and his guards.
They were holding the Sultan Selim hostage; it was a man aged in his 30s. He was recognizable by his turban decorated with a ruby. He was quite fat.
"So, this is the Sultan who has invaded the Caraxonian territories. You have been stupid enough to stay here." Lion El'Jonson said.
"Grmbl… I am giving you back Caraxonia and Caraxis. And I promise to not invade you ever again." The Sultan Selim said with annoyance.
"No. You are hereby destituted from your throne." Lion said.
"Tch… You have my two brothers and they are much more intelligent than me. Believe that." Selim said.
"Let's see about that… Bring the prisoner inside." Lion said.
The sultan is taken inside of the barge while some nobles of Caraxon comes out to meet the people.
Lion then sees a little girl, aged with 8 years old who approached him.
"Mister big man… You are so nice! This is my gift!" The girl said.
She gives an origami in form of a flower. Lion was surprised but then smile.
He takes his fingers the origami before patting the head of the little girl. Then he turned back inside of the barge. Letting the people of Caraxonia to rebuilt their planet.
A few days later, the Ist Legion has invaded the system of Girabda. Caraxis has already revolted and joined back the kingdom of Caraxon, reestablishing the control of the System of Caraxon.
Lion has discovered that his plan suffered a major setback. The old Sultan Al-Quero and the youngest brother Mahmoud, were both attacked by Perturabo and Rogal Dorn.
But as Rogal Dorn and Perturabo has warned him. The two brothers ceased their civil war and cooperated each other to stop the armies of the Primarchs. Their counter-attack halted the advancements of the two Legions.
Their massive armies of the Imperial Knights, named the Janissaries has managed to inflict massive losses against the two other Legions. Even the remaining army of the Sultan Selim has managed to resist his offensive.
For interminable weeks, no one could move. And Lion El'Jonson has realised that he made an error but he couldn't go back. He prepared himself mentally for the remonstrance of his two brothers.
But then, in the 67th day of the war. He received news inside of the Invincible Reason.
It was the throne world of Al-Girabda, the knights leaded by Viraxes who managed to capture this strategic planet, who were the main link of the two Sultanate territories. And so, the two Sultans were cornered as their resources were stretched thin. And they surrendered.
When the three Primarchs were reunited on Al-Girabda, facing the three captured Sultans.
Al-Quero was recognizable by his wrinkled face and rich robes, making older than he is for a man aged in his 40s. Mahmoud was aged in his late 20s but his was still fierce.
"So, what do we do with them?" Rogal Dorn asked.
"Let's send them in Caraxon, as a warning to the population of the Sultanate." Perturabo.
"Hmph… Let's execute them." Lion said.
"What?!" Al-Quero exclaimed.
"We are ready to make so much concessions!" Mahmoud said.
"Not our life!" Selim begged.
"Tch… look at them, these humans now facing their destiny, trying to call our mercy." Lion El'Jonson said with disgust.
He takes out his sword but he is stopped by Rogal Dorn.
"No. I forbid you to that." Rogal Dorn said.
"Their population will see us as a Kingslayers and will make trouble for the Imperium. You have already messed up with your plans." Perturabo said.
"But what do you want to do with them?" Lion asked them.
The trio began to discuss and argue for the destiny of the three sultans. Rogal Dorn wanted to maintain them on the Imperium's behalf. Perturabo wanted them as hostage. While Lion wanted to execute them immediately.
Then, someone arrived inside of the room. It was Viraxes.
"Ahem, my lords." Viraxes asked the trio.
"Yes?" Lion faced the Inquisitor.
"The Empress wants the hostages to be handed to her." Viraxes said.
"What?" Lion asked.
"For what reason?" Rogal Dorn asked next.
"Since the disastrous campaign of the first Primarch. The Empress wants to bring the hostages to her lands in exile." Viraxes said.
"It's a message or a lie?" Lion asked with a cold voice.
"A direct order." Viraxes said by giving a transcript of the message to Lion.
He reads it and his face was forming a mix of disappointment and disgust.
"Hmph… why mother? Why are you doing this?" Lion asked himself.
"What we will become?" Selim asked.
"You will be hostage of the Immortal Empress Salem." Viraxes said.
"Tch… a woman on a throne? Don't make me laugh." Al-Quero said with a mix of mockery and disdain.
Viraxes punches the old Sultan in response. His fulgurant look on his red eyes glowed his disgust to the Sultan.
"Don't insult the Empress… Don't you even dare." Viraxes said.
"So, you will take the three Sultans has hostages?" Rogal Dorn asked.
"Of course. As the Empress ordered. Now excuse me, I have to leave." Viraxes said.
He flicked his fingers and the guards brought the three former Sultans outside of the room, the Primarchs obverse the scene, knowing they couldn't do anything against the orders of their own mother.
A week later, they returned on Caraxon and the Primarchs were surprised to see Gibus Arion on the throne of the King of Caraxon.
"What the…?" Lion asked himself.
"Hello, my lords." Gibus Arion.
"Why are you sited on the throne?" Lion asked.
"Isn't that obvious? I am the new king of Caraxon. Since our king Basil was a weak and incapable king. The nobles recognized me as their new king since I have made the bold move with the help of the Inquisitor Viraxes to attack the heart of the Sultanate. And now, I am favourable to have good relationships with the Imperium." Gibus Arion explained.
Lion El'Jonson was internally disgusted. Now he understands what is happening, his mother secret plan was to put Gibus Arion on the throne of Caraxon. Another pawn in her games of power inside of the Galaxy.
He realised more and more as the time passed that despite her motherly kindness. She didn't have the same kindness to her own people. Many times, she has manipulated, lied and cheated to expand her control and influence on the Galaxy. If the Emperor conquered, the Empress controlled. This is why the Imperium was so successful but it disgusts him to see these tactics.
Without another word, he turned his back. Who intrigued the new king.
"Why won't you stay in the planet for a moment? I have a banquet prepared for you, lord Lion El'Jonson, my crown is due for your action. This is my small payback." Gibus said.
"I don't need it. I am too humble to accept. Now, I have to go." Lion said.
"Really? But, I want too-" Gibus tries to say.
"No thanks. I have to go. Thanks for your assistance. You have my congratulations for your ascension." Lion said without any enthusiasm. Then he goes out of the throne room. Leaving Gibus confused.
And so, the Ist Legion leaves Caraxon, letting a recovering system of three knight worlds.
To be continued… Rematch.
In 971.M30, the XVth Legion, leaded by Magnus the Red was going on a new planet, a planet with a familiar ethereal presence. But then, Magnus realises that old foes are coming back to him.