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The Spartan Guard.
The people of Eden had not been altogether ecstatic about their future.
The High Kings speech was broadcast across the entire planet.
They were told that they were now part of the Imperium of man and that they would serve ancient Terra in its never-ending crusade to make the universe mans rightful domain.
That had been met with cheers.
In honour of such a momentous and joyous reunion with the old world the senate had decreed that the high city be renamed Luicians Falls after all it was he who had allowed the path of the Emperor to come here unmolested and it seemed appropriate with the beautiful waterfalls that cascaded behind the city itself.
They were told that the Emperor liked this world for the simple fact that she was the exact twin of Terra before the wars stripped away her oceans and left her a shadow of her former self.
They were awed by the revelation.
They were informed that the space marines that had come with the Emperor and his brothers were going to be sons of Eden. Warriors that would come from Eden would refill the ranks of those that fell and they had loved it.
When he told them that the cult of Mortari was to be no more the cheers stopped. With a heavy heart he told them that it was the Emperors will that there be no gods, he had said that there was no such thing as deities and that the worship of such had led to wars and death.
The monastery would now become the headquarters of the Spartan Guard and any worship of the old father of Eden was to be no more.
He knew they would do as he asked but they would not like it and he did not blame them. It has made sense what his father has said but as he looked out over the sea of faces before him he became well aware that the people of Eden did not like having to give up the idea of a god.
He ordered that the temples be turned into places of education and that the old festivals be slowly scaled down. He would allow the summer and winter festival as well as mischief night and gift giving day.
The Emperors representative from Terra frowned at the Primarch as he stepped down
“You have something to say to me?” Lucian curtly demanded.
The dark robed adept cleared his throat “Festivals are a sign of religion my lord…”
“They have been in Eden’s traditions for more years then you have breathed Terran” Lucian snarled
“you are asking them to forsake their religion for the glory of empire. I am allowing them to keep the old traditions”
He glared hard at the adept who paled and bowed his head, it was not a good thing to try and assert ones self over an Astartes and it was a worse thing to try and exert your authority over a Primarch
“do not presume to tell me what to tell my people oh and in response to the request from the Mechanicum the answer is no. I will share whatever technology my own people find and have but I am not having them polluting my world like they have done their own and like Terra has become…”
“The Mechanicum will not like that lord” The Adept interrupted.
Lucian narrowed his eyes “if you will let me finish, I will not allow them to pollute Eden with their chemicals and toxicity however there is a world in this system that may offer the Mechanicum more.
There were old rumours of a civilisation there that died out they supposedly used technology far beyond what we have here. They may set up shop there. No one lives on that world anymore and it is not of use for colonisation so let them have that!”
The Adept bowed his head “I am sure the Mechanicum will find that most satisfactory Lord”
“I don’t care if they do or they do not, they can take it or leave it but that is my final word on it.”
With that he walked away leaving the adept in no mistake as to the Lord of Eden’s thoughts about the will of strangers.
Konrad stood upon the Cliffs of Affirmation admiring the beauty before him. His world was shrouded in constant darkness had a dark and dangerous beauty about it. Death stalked her every street and mountain region.
He was the night of Nostramo and for years he had fought to bring justice to his world which he had done and from Nostramos more violent gangs he had recruited his Night Lords.
Now as he stood on the cliffs he appreciated his brothers’ world and why it was that he was adamant that no pollution scared his world like it had done Terra.
“Lord”
He turned as Sarina regaled in her armour as the Warrior Sister Commander of the Sisterhood of Mortari approached him and went down on one knee.
He bid her to stand and she did so immediately. She was quite lovely as mortal women went and her scars from her battles in the ring served to give her a warriors’ pride. She was built like an Amazon of old Terran mythology but that did not detract from the fact that was a beautiful woman.
Her red hair made her tanned complexion stand out more and in her black armour she did indeed look like a woman of death.
“Have you kept your old name?” He asked, “I thought the Emperor said no reference to the old god of this world.”
Sarina motioned to the mausoleum behind him “Our warrior queen named us lord and our King has allowed us to keep the name to honour her.”
Curze turned to look at the building,
It was white marble with pillars of black and the rims etched in gold. The relief’s showed a great griffon carrying the warrior queen to her after life. It was indeed the resting place of a queen.
“Was she queen before my brothers ascension?” He asked.
Sarina lowered her gaze to the floor, unable to look the Primarch in the eyes and deciding that if she looked at the ground she would be able to answer his questions without weeping before him like some child.
“That is the resting place of Queen Elisha My Lord. She was Lucians wife”
“Wife?” the lord of the Night Lords head snapped round. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and then returned his gaze to the tomb “wife” he whispered.
“You sound surprised lord, do you not have a mate?”
Curze shook his head and sat himself upon a rock
“We Primarchs were not sired in the old way Sarina, not in the way that you were. We were made from the Emperors own DNA each of us having some of our fathers powers within us.
We are created in his image but we have no mother and we have no need for female companionship of that sort. It is not a necessity as it is to mortal men and women”
“I see”
He beckoned her to sit down beside him which she did being close to him terrified her but also made her thrill inside that he had allowed her to talk with him on such a personal level she was overwhelmed by the honour.
“Did you seek me out for a reason?” Curze asked.
“I have been asked by my lord to be your guide and to answer whatever questions you may have about our world lord”
He nodded a little and drew in a deep breath “so tell me about yourself how did you come to be in my brothers trusted circle.”
Sarina felt her pride soar honoured that one like him so reminiscent of her own master in his ways would take an interest in her.
“I was the daughter of a loyal army commander to the old High King Andreas whom the Tyrant murdered and usurped the throne. I refused to take his nephew to my bed and killed him, my punishment was the killing ring”
“I’m sorry the killing ring what it that?”
”A gladiatorial ring where the Tyrant sent all those he believed a threat to his rule and those he wanted dead. Men, women and children” He heard the sorrow in her voice
“Helana and I were from the same breed, her mother was a senator who died and she was placed in the ring and made to watch her father being gutted.
We trained together and became good friends so when Lucian was put into the ring we wondered if this was the youth our old legends spoke off.
When he came into the ring at first he was like a 16 year old, within half a year he was a man so we all believed that he was Mortari in mortal form. Well as mortal as a god can get”
Konrad smirked dryly
“he brought us all together and we fought as one in the ring for the amusement of the Tyrant.
We couldn’t believe that this giant was looking out for us. The Tyrant trued to have him murdered a few times even tried poisoning him he just shrugged it off like he had a bad stomach”
The Primarch nodded understandingly
“Our enhanced physiology allows us to shrug off ailments that would otherwise kill a normal human. We heal and we survive to fight another day. We are immortal we do no not age but we will die one day.”
“The Emperor? Is he immortal too?”
Konrad nodded “The Emperor is probably the only true immortal amongst us. I know so little about my father but what I do know is when he was a young man Terra was in Antiquity. That’s why he liked the choice of name of Lucians Legion he told me that he had fought alongside the original Spartans once.”
“They were real?” Sarina asked “I mean I only ever heard stories I barely believed that Terra was real until a few days ago.”
“Oh they were real” Konrad sat forward “Ancient Greece was a series of petty warring states but they were the centre of the ancient world of learning and the mother of democracy.
My father said. Sparta was a state ruled by warriors and their women were as respected as the men for their warrior prowess for it was said that only Spartan women gave birth to Spartan warriors.”
“Our culture has always had equal rights lord. We have had many a warrior queen worthy of the annuls of the gods halls… I mean…”
“Hush child I am not going to strike you down for your beliefs they will take some time to heal.” He assured her and motioned once more to the tomb “so was she a prisoner?”
“She was the Tyrants niece the daughter of his sister whom he murdered when she dared suggest that Lucian be set free into exile for the Tyrant could not beat him so he had her killed and Elisha decided that enough was enough.
She came from the Southlands renowned for their warrior and hunting skills and she was beautiful dark skinned and an inspiration to us. She came to the killing ring with her inner guard and offered her help to my lord. We could see there was an attraction there and as top gladiator he had his pick of women whenever he wanted but she stirred him.
All through the war she kept him grounded when his battle rage threatened to overwhelm him she calmed him down and made him see sense of a situation.
She formed our two sisterhoods the Sisterhood of Mortari and the Daughters of Eden we were her Praetorian as Anteaus Demetrius Nikoli and Seranus were his praetorian”
“I believe those four young men have been chosen to be full Astartes” Konrad told her
“I also have it on good authority that yourself and your cadre of warriors will also be enhanced although not to our extent”
”I went for mine a few days ago lord” She told him.
“Good.” He cleared his throat and picked up the wine bottle that he had brought with him but as yet had remained untouched
“Would you like some, I assure you, you will find it different now you have had your enhancements”
She thanked him as he poured her a goblet and bid her continue
“when the war ended Elisha and Lucian were wed and we had such hopes with a father like Lucian the children would be our future”
Konrad shook his head a little “Sarina, there would not have been children from such a union and if there were then they would not live long. Our physiology is so different to normal humans it would not be wise. I do not doubt that some of my other brothers have experienced women like Russ or maybe Angron but none of us ever took a wife, as much as he loved her there would have been no children”
Sarina was silent for a moment and took a sip of wine, surprised at the clarity of taste that ran along her pallet. She had drunk this wine for many years and yet she never could appreciate it fully until now. She took in what the master of the Night Lords had just said saddened that there would never be another like Lucian in their world.
“Shortly after their official coronation here Elisha was poisoned by her uncles followers and she died in much agony. Oh my lord was so angry he tore into the traitors city with his bare hands he tore the temples down and he killed like he had never killed before until all that was left was the children and he had them taken to the monastery he was not going to be a murderer of children.
But when he was alone we heard such a cry of rage, grief and anger that we thought he was going to go mad but we dare not intrude upon his grief for to do so would have been a desecration of his own personal loss” She looked at the tomb of her dead queen
“He has never took an interest in another woman since”
Konrad nodded “She must have been a remarkable warrior”
“Yes lord” Sarina cleared her throat “I am told that you specialise in night attacks”
“Yes I come from a world of eternal night, why?”
“My cadre specialise in night attacks, during the war we utilised our skills against the tyrants scouts and guards I was wondering if perhaps you would do us the honour of passing some of your knowledge on to us and, maybe pointing out where we could improve ourselves for when our lord leaves Eden we will be the ones who will protect our world”
The master of the Night Lords, the man that was called Konrad Curze who was known by another name, the Night Haunter was a man who was touched by little, he had seen too much darkness to let light touch his world but here and in this moment he was touched by not only her story of paradise being
so brutally reclaimed but that this young woman would ask him to teach her warriors some things.
“Sarina, I would be honoured to teach your sisters some things” the Primarch gave a rare smile “and you may even be able to teach me a few things”
Lorgar and Angron listened as Konrad related the story that Sarina had told him later that night. Angron had been disinterested until the story of the killing ring came up and how it was left alone as a place of the dead.
“I think it is time we tested our little brother” He finally spoke “I want to see how strong he really is or if laying with a woman has made him weak”
“Weak?” Lorgar shook his head “I doubt that still I would like to see how strong he is”
“Then as a former gladiator yourself Angron perhaps a spell in this ring will answer your questions on him” Konrad idly mused.
Angron liked the sound of that idea “Arrange it”
Lucian walked into the killing ring and folded his arms across his broad chest. The seats were filled to capacity not only with his Spartan Guard but warriors in the armour of the Word Bearers, Night Lords and World Eaters also attended. He had received the summons from the one called Khan asking that he meet Angron here in the killing ring.
Lorgar and Konrad stepped out with the Red Angel. Lucian eyed them suspiciously.
“Brother, this ring has a bloody history as we were informed by your very honest and humble warriors who fought and bled here” Lorgar quietly spoke
“but it is time that this place become what it was originally meant to be, a training ground for not only the future of your Legion but the army that will be raised here to follow in the glorious footsteps of the parent warriors and maybe sports to test the mettle of your people”
“And how do you propose I wipe away the murders that were committed here in the name of glory?” Lucian coldly asked.
Konrad detected the tone and knew that it was not lost on either of his brothers. He didn’t suppose he could blame him for the feelings he must have experienced the reunion joyful as it had been at first had turned into a nightmare for him. He had to tell the populace that all they had been raised to believe in was now obsolete.
Konrad moved forwards and inclined is head a little “Allow me to stand in your corner Lucian and Lorgar will stand by Angron to ensure the gladiator rules are adhered to”
Lucian said nothing and the Night Lord moved beside him. Lorgar stepped back and to the right of Angron leaving the two warriors in the middle of the ring.
They circled each other warily, like wolves ready to strike, but looking for weakness to exploit. Neither took their eyes from the other and Lucian did not take a weapon, out of respect for his actions Angron refused his mighty axes, liking the idea of hand-to-hand combat.
He rushed forward with a speed that belied his sheer bulk but Lucian ducked at the last moment and in a move that allowed him to carry the Red Angels momentum lifted him off his feet by his shoulder and threw him over his head and onto the sand of the ring.
Angron got to his feet and allowed the smile to cross his face. To the watching World Eaters their lord and gene sire was going to enjoy this and they began to chant his name to give him the power of his sons love.
The Spartan Guard native and Terran began to chant the name of their Primarch and the atmosphere began to build.
The two Primarchs attacked each other in moves that were only seen in the training rings of the World Eaters ships. Angron gave no quarter and to the watching Khan it brought back some painful memories of the day he had to try and calm his lord so that he would accept his new position.
This giant red warrior sent Lucian flying through the air and to the watching Spartan Guard who had fought beside their Primarch in this very ring, who had never known defeat was now being beaten senseless.
Angron picked him up by his neck and was about to hurl him across the ring once more when Lucian brought his mighty oak tree width arms crashing down on Angrons shoulders causing the Red Angel, the War Hound to cry out in pure pain.
Lucian was dropped to the floor and he drew in deep ragged breaths as Angron staggered back a little to clear his head.
The Primarch of the World Eaters nodded to himself, now he had a fight on his hands.
They traded blows that would have killed a mortal and seriously wounded a Space Marine. Neither gained significant advantage and the roar of the watching marines was testament to such a battle.
The sun passed over the sky as Angron was hurled in a great arc across the length of the ring only to land on his feet like a cat. When darkness fell Lucian was hurled to the ground and about to be stomped on when he caught Angrons foot and threw him backwards giving him room to move.
Both men traded blows that shook the very ground like a great earthquake and the approving delighted roars of the watching Astartes could be heard like a mighty thunderclap.
As Night fell the battle continued and as dawn rose up both the Night Haunter and Prophet of Colchis decided that enough was enough, there would be no victor this day and in truth they had not expected there to have been.
Lorgar approached the heavy breathing Angron and nodded once at him. Angron was reluctant to allow this to end but the means had been served. Lucian snarled a little but was halted by Konrads hand firmly on his chest.
“It is done brother, you have not only cleansed this place but proved to one who is untrusting that you are a worthy battle brother”
Angron moved Lorgar aside and came before Lucian; even the Night Haunter stepped back a little from the towering vessel of rage,
“Cut the rope with me Lucian and together we shall shed our blood and take worlds in the name of our Legions and the glory of man” Angron growled.
Khan stared in shock at his masters’ words and glanced at the Astartes beside him, Anteaus the First Captain of the Spartan Guard had thoroughly enjoyed the sceptical.
“What did your lord say brother captain?”
“He has asked him to be one with him” Khan replied
“It will mean our Legions will be bound to defend each other if needed we will be brothers in spirit and blood not just ideology. The rope denotes victory and defeat red for victory and black for defeat, my sire was the only one of his brothers and sisters that had a complete red rope with no black twists”
Anteaus nodded “I like that idea”
Lucian nodded and held Angrons hand in the grip of warriors. His arm was raised into the air and Angrons voice boomed out.
“I have read the legends of this world and where they originated from on long distant ancient terra, warriors that do not know the shame of defeat who would rather die then be taken prisoners.
My war hounds and I will join together in battle should you require our assistance without hesitation for gladiators stick together.” His voice deepened
“Stand Spartan Guard, World Eaters, Word Bearers and Night Lords and acknowledge the High King of Eden who shall forever be known as The Spartan! My brother”
Lorgar turned to Konrad as the assembled marines roared their affirmation at the World Eaters Lords worlds.
“Who would have thought it”?
“What?” Konrad frowned a little
“Angron can be quite eloquent when he chooses to be”
Konrad chuckled “Aye Lorgar that he can, he senses a kindred spirit and we also would take our new brother to our heats. For when he meets the others he will need our experience to deal with the more…. pompous attitudes of some”
Lorgar nodded and patting Konrads shoulder they joined their two brothers in the centre of the ring.
“Brothers sons let it be known that the Word Bearers of Colchis and the Night Lords of Nostramo are also proud to call the Spartan and his guard brothers.” Lorgar orated and silence fell.
“There will be battles to fight together and alone but remember warriors if we stand together nothing will ever defeat us! None will stand in our way. The battles that you Eden born men and women of this world fought here will continue out there and, although you may never see your Home world again know that you take her to the stars and fill her with pride, sons of the Emperor we are but you are our sons and our future!”
Konrad added his voice “So go with your arms and come home with your shields…or on them”
The Spartan Guard not only swayed by Angron and Lorgar took Curze to their hearts as he respected their motto and Lucian found three brothers that he would trust until his dying die.
The people of Eden had not been altogether ecstatic about their future.
The High Kings speech was broadcast across the entire planet.
They were told that they were now part of the Imperium of man and that they would serve ancient Terra in its never-ending crusade to make the universe mans rightful domain.
That had been met with cheers.
In honour of such a momentous and joyous reunion with the old world the senate had decreed that the high city be renamed Luicians Falls after all it was he who had allowed the path of the Emperor to come here unmolested and it seemed appropriate with the beautiful waterfalls that cascaded behind the city itself.
They were told that the Emperor liked this world for the simple fact that she was the exact twin of Terra before the wars stripped away her oceans and left her a shadow of her former self.
They were awed by the revelation.
They were informed that the space marines that had come with the Emperor and his brothers were going to be sons of Eden. Warriors that would come from Eden would refill the ranks of those that fell and they had loved it.
When he told them that the cult of Mortari was to be no more the cheers stopped. With a heavy heart he told them that it was the Emperors will that there be no gods, he had said that there was no such thing as deities and that the worship of such had led to wars and death.
The monastery would now become the headquarters of the Spartan Guard and any worship of the old father of Eden was to be no more.
He knew they would do as he asked but they would not like it and he did not blame them. It has made sense what his father has said but as he looked out over the sea of faces before him he became well aware that the people of Eden did not like having to give up the idea of a god.
He ordered that the temples be turned into places of education and that the old festivals be slowly scaled down. He would allow the summer and winter festival as well as mischief night and gift giving day.
The Emperors representative from Terra frowned at the Primarch as he stepped down
“You have something to say to me?” Lucian curtly demanded.
The dark robed adept cleared his throat “Festivals are a sign of religion my lord…”
“They have been in Eden’s traditions for more years then you have breathed Terran” Lucian snarled
“you are asking them to forsake their religion for the glory of empire. I am allowing them to keep the old traditions”
He glared hard at the adept who paled and bowed his head, it was not a good thing to try and assert ones self over an Astartes and it was a worse thing to try and exert your authority over a Primarch
“do not presume to tell me what to tell my people oh and in response to the request from the Mechanicum the answer is no. I will share whatever technology my own people find and have but I am not having them polluting my world like they have done their own and like Terra has become…”
“The Mechanicum will not like that lord” The Adept interrupted.
Lucian narrowed his eyes “if you will let me finish, I will not allow them to pollute Eden with their chemicals and toxicity however there is a world in this system that may offer the Mechanicum more.
There were old rumours of a civilisation there that died out they supposedly used technology far beyond what we have here. They may set up shop there. No one lives on that world anymore and it is not of use for colonisation so let them have that!”
The Adept bowed his head “I am sure the Mechanicum will find that most satisfactory Lord”
“I don’t care if they do or they do not, they can take it or leave it but that is my final word on it.”
With that he walked away leaving the adept in no mistake as to the Lord of Eden’s thoughts about the will of strangers.
Konrad stood upon the Cliffs of Affirmation admiring the beauty before him. His world was shrouded in constant darkness had a dark and dangerous beauty about it. Death stalked her every street and mountain region.
He was the night of Nostramo and for years he had fought to bring justice to his world which he had done and from Nostramos more violent gangs he had recruited his Night Lords.
Now as he stood on the cliffs he appreciated his brothers’ world and why it was that he was adamant that no pollution scared his world like it had done Terra.
“Lord”
He turned as Sarina regaled in her armour as the Warrior Sister Commander of the Sisterhood of Mortari approached him and went down on one knee.
He bid her to stand and she did so immediately. She was quite lovely as mortal women went and her scars from her battles in the ring served to give her a warriors’ pride. She was built like an Amazon of old Terran mythology but that did not detract from the fact that was a beautiful woman.
Her red hair made her tanned complexion stand out more and in her black armour she did indeed look like a woman of death.
“Have you kept your old name?” He asked, “I thought the Emperor said no reference to the old god of this world.”
Sarina motioned to the mausoleum behind him “Our warrior queen named us lord and our King has allowed us to keep the name to honour her.”
Curze turned to look at the building,
It was white marble with pillars of black and the rims etched in gold. The relief’s showed a great griffon carrying the warrior queen to her after life. It was indeed the resting place of a queen.
“Was she queen before my brothers ascension?” He asked.
Sarina lowered her gaze to the floor, unable to look the Primarch in the eyes and deciding that if she looked at the ground she would be able to answer his questions without weeping before him like some child.
“That is the resting place of Queen Elisha My Lord. She was Lucians wife”
“Wife?” the lord of the Night Lords head snapped round. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and then returned his gaze to the tomb “wife” he whispered.
“You sound surprised lord, do you not have a mate?”
Curze shook his head and sat himself upon a rock
“We Primarchs were not sired in the old way Sarina, not in the way that you were. We were made from the Emperors own DNA each of us having some of our fathers powers within us.
We are created in his image but we have no mother and we have no need for female companionship of that sort. It is not a necessity as it is to mortal men and women”
“I see”
He beckoned her to sit down beside him which she did being close to him terrified her but also made her thrill inside that he had allowed her to talk with him on such a personal level she was overwhelmed by the honour.
“Did you seek me out for a reason?” Curze asked.
“I have been asked by my lord to be your guide and to answer whatever questions you may have about our world lord”
He nodded a little and drew in a deep breath “so tell me about yourself how did you come to be in my brothers trusted circle.”
Sarina felt her pride soar honoured that one like him so reminiscent of her own master in his ways would take an interest in her.
“I was the daughter of a loyal army commander to the old High King Andreas whom the Tyrant murdered and usurped the throne. I refused to take his nephew to my bed and killed him, my punishment was the killing ring”
“I’m sorry the killing ring what it that?”
”A gladiatorial ring where the Tyrant sent all those he believed a threat to his rule and those he wanted dead. Men, women and children” He heard the sorrow in her voice
“Helana and I were from the same breed, her mother was a senator who died and she was placed in the ring and made to watch her father being gutted.
We trained together and became good friends so when Lucian was put into the ring we wondered if this was the youth our old legends spoke off.
When he came into the ring at first he was like a 16 year old, within half a year he was a man so we all believed that he was Mortari in mortal form. Well as mortal as a god can get”
Konrad smirked dryly
“he brought us all together and we fought as one in the ring for the amusement of the Tyrant.
We couldn’t believe that this giant was looking out for us. The Tyrant trued to have him murdered a few times even tried poisoning him he just shrugged it off like he had a bad stomach”
The Primarch nodded understandingly
“Our enhanced physiology allows us to shrug off ailments that would otherwise kill a normal human. We heal and we survive to fight another day. We are immortal we do no not age but we will die one day.”
“The Emperor? Is he immortal too?”
Konrad nodded “The Emperor is probably the only true immortal amongst us. I know so little about my father but what I do know is when he was a young man Terra was in Antiquity. That’s why he liked the choice of name of Lucians Legion he told me that he had fought alongside the original Spartans once.”
“They were real?” Sarina asked “I mean I only ever heard stories I barely believed that Terra was real until a few days ago.”
“Oh they were real” Konrad sat forward “Ancient Greece was a series of petty warring states but they were the centre of the ancient world of learning and the mother of democracy.
My father said. Sparta was a state ruled by warriors and their women were as respected as the men for their warrior prowess for it was said that only Spartan women gave birth to Spartan warriors.”
“Our culture has always had equal rights lord. We have had many a warrior queen worthy of the annuls of the gods halls… I mean…”
“Hush child I am not going to strike you down for your beliefs they will take some time to heal.” He assured her and motioned once more to the tomb “so was she a prisoner?”
“She was the Tyrants niece the daughter of his sister whom he murdered when she dared suggest that Lucian be set free into exile for the Tyrant could not beat him so he had her killed and Elisha decided that enough was enough.
She came from the Southlands renowned for their warrior and hunting skills and she was beautiful dark skinned and an inspiration to us. She came to the killing ring with her inner guard and offered her help to my lord. We could see there was an attraction there and as top gladiator he had his pick of women whenever he wanted but she stirred him.
All through the war she kept him grounded when his battle rage threatened to overwhelm him she calmed him down and made him see sense of a situation.
She formed our two sisterhoods the Sisterhood of Mortari and the Daughters of Eden we were her Praetorian as Anteaus Demetrius Nikoli and Seranus were his praetorian”
“I believe those four young men have been chosen to be full Astartes” Konrad told her
“I also have it on good authority that yourself and your cadre of warriors will also be enhanced although not to our extent”
”I went for mine a few days ago lord” She told him.
“Good.” He cleared his throat and picked up the wine bottle that he had brought with him but as yet had remained untouched
“Would you like some, I assure you, you will find it different now you have had your enhancements”
She thanked him as he poured her a goblet and bid her continue
“when the war ended Elisha and Lucian were wed and we had such hopes with a father like Lucian the children would be our future”
Konrad shook his head a little “Sarina, there would not have been children from such a union and if there were then they would not live long. Our physiology is so different to normal humans it would not be wise. I do not doubt that some of my other brothers have experienced women like Russ or maybe Angron but none of us ever took a wife, as much as he loved her there would have been no children”
Sarina was silent for a moment and took a sip of wine, surprised at the clarity of taste that ran along her pallet. She had drunk this wine for many years and yet she never could appreciate it fully until now. She took in what the master of the Night Lords had just said saddened that there would never be another like Lucian in their world.
“Shortly after their official coronation here Elisha was poisoned by her uncles followers and she died in much agony. Oh my lord was so angry he tore into the traitors city with his bare hands he tore the temples down and he killed like he had never killed before until all that was left was the children and he had them taken to the monastery he was not going to be a murderer of children.
But when he was alone we heard such a cry of rage, grief and anger that we thought he was going to go mad but we dare not intrude upon his grief for to do so would have been a desecration of his own personal loss” She looked at the tomb of her dead queen
“He has never took an interest in another woman since”
Konrad nodded “She must have been a remarkable warrior”
“Yes lord” Sarina cleared her throat “I am told that you specialise in night attacks”
“Yes I come from a world of eternal night, why?”
“My cadre specialise in night attacks, during the war we utilised our skills against the tyrants scouts and guards I was wondering if perhaps you would do us the honour of passing some of your knowledge on to us and, maybe pointing out where we could improve ourselves for when our lord leaves Eden we will be the ones who will protect our world”
The master of the Night Lords, the man that was called Konrad Curze who was known by another name, the Night Haunter was a man who was touched by little, he had seen too much darkness to let light touch his world but here and in this moment he was touched by not only her story of paradise being
so brutally reclaimed but that this young woman would ask him to teach her warriors some things.
“Sarina, I would be honoured to teach your sisters some things” the Primarch gave a rare smile “and you may even be able to teach me a few things”
Lorgar and Angron listened as Konrad related the story that Sarina had told him later that night. Angron had been disinterested until the story of the killing ring came up and how it was left alone as a place of the dead.
“I think it is time we tested our little brother” He finally spoke “I want to see how strong he really is or if laying with a woman has made him weak”
“Weak?” Lorgar shook his head “I doubt that still I would like to see how strong he is”
“Then as a former gladiator yourself Angron perhaps a spell in this ring will answer your questions on him” Konrad idly mused.
Angron liked the sound of that idea “Arrange it”
Lucian walked into the killing ring and folded his arms across his broad chest. The seats were filled to capacity not only with his Spartan Guard but warriors in the armour of the Word Bearers, Night Lords and World Eaters also attended. He had received the summons from the one called Khan asking that he meet Angron here in the killing ring.
Lorgar and Konrad stepped out with the Red Angel. Lucian eyed them suspiciously.
“Brother, this ring has a bloody history as we were informed by your very honest and humble warriors who fought and bled here” Lorgar quietly spoke
“but it is time that this place become what it was originally meant to be, a training ground for not only the future of your Legion but the army that will be raised here to follow in the glorious footsteps of the parent warriors and maybe sports to test the mettle of your people”
“And how do you propose I wipe away the murders that were committed here in the name of glory?” Lucian coldly asked.
Konrad detected the tone and knew that it was not lost on either of his brothers. He didn’t suppose he could blame him for the feelings he must have experienced the reunion joyful as it had been at first had turned into a nightmare for him. He had to tell the populace that all they had been raised to believe in was now obsolete.
Konrad moved forwards and inclined is head a little “Allow me to stand in your corner Lucian and Lorgar will stand by Angron to ensure the gladiator rules are adhered to”
Lucian said nothing and the Night Lord moved beside him. Lorgar stepped back and to the right of Angron leaving the two warriors in the middle of the ring.
They circled each other warily, like wolves ready to strike, but looking for weakness to exploit. Neither took their eyes from the other and Lucian did not take a weapon, out of respect for his actions Angron refused his mighty axes, liking the idea of hand-to-hand combat.
He rushed forward with a speed that belied his sheer bulk but Lucian ducked at the last moment and in a move that allowed him to carry the Red Angels momentum lifted him off his feet by his shoulder and threw him over his head and onto the sand of the ring.
Angron got to his feet and allowed the smile to cross his face. To the watching World Eaters their lord and gene sire was going to enjoy this and they began to chant his name to give him the power of his sons love.
The Spartan Guard native and Terran began to chant the name of their Primarch and the atmosphere began to build.
The two Primarchs attacked each other in moves that were only seen in the training rings of the World Eaters ships. Angron gave no quarter and to the watching Khan it brought back some painful memories of the day he had to try and calm his lord so that he would accept his new position.
This giant red warrior sent Lucian flying through the air and to the watching Spartan Guard who had fought beside their Primarch in this very ring, who had never known defeat was now being beaten senseless.
Angron picked him up by his neck and was about to hurl him across the ring once more when Lucian brought his mighty oak tree width arms crashing down on Angrons shoulders causing the Red Angel, the War Hound to cry out in pure pain.
Lucian was dropped to the floor and he drew in deep ragged breaths as Angron staggered back a little to clear his head.
The Primarch of the World Eaters nodded to himself, now he had a fight on his hands.
They traded blows that would have killed a mortal and seriously wounded a Space Marine. Neither gained significant advantage and the roar of the watching marines was testament to such a battle.
The sun passed over the sky as Angron was hurled in a great arc across the length of the ring only to land on his feet like a cat. When darkness fell Lucian was hurled to the ground and about to be stomped on when he caught Angrons foot and threw him backwards giving him room to move.
Both men traded blows that shook the very ground like a great earthquake and the approving delighted roars of the watching Astartes could be heard like a mighty thunderclap.
As Night fell the battle continued and as dawn rose up both the Night Haunter and Prophet of Colchis decided that enough was enough, there would be no victor this day and in truth they had not expected there to have been.
Lorgar approached the heavy breathing Angron and nodded once at him. Angron was reluctant to allow this to end but the means had been served. Lucian snarled a little but was halted by Konrads hand firmly on his chest.
“It is done brother, you have not only cleansed this place but proved to one who is untrusting that you are a worthy battle brother”
Angron moved Lorgar aside and came before Lucian; even the Night Haunter stepped back a little from the towering vessel of rage,
“Cut the rope with me Lucian and together we shall shed our blood and take worlds in the name of our Legions and the glory of man” Angron growled.
Khan stared in shock at his masters’ words and glanced at the Astartes beside him, Anteaus the First Captain of the Spartan Guard had thoroughly enjoyed the sceptical.
“What did your lord say brother captain?”
“He has asked him to be one with him” Khan replied
“It will mean our Legions will be bound to defend each other if needed we will be brothers in spirit and blood not just ideology. The rope denotes victory and defeat red for victory and black for defeat, my sire was the only one of his brothers and sisters that had a complete red rope with no black twists”
Anteaus nodded “I like that idea”
Lucian nodded and held Angrons hand in the grip of warriors. His arm was raised into the air and Angrons voice boomed out.
“I have read the legends of this world and where they originated from on long distant ancient terra, warriors that do not know the shame of defeat who would rather die then be taken prisoners.
My war hounds and I will join together in battle should you require our assistance without hesitation for gladiators stick together.” His voice deepened
“Stand Spartan Guard, World Eaters, Word Bearers and Night Lords and acknowledge the High King of Eden who shall forever be known as The Spartan! My brother”
Lorgar turned to Konrad as the assembled marines roared their affirmation at the World Eaters Lords worlds.
“Who would have thought it”?
“What?” Konrad frowned a little
“Angron can be quite eloquent when he chooses to be”
Konrad chuckled “Aye Lorgar that he can, he senses a kindred spirit and we also would take our new brother to our heats. For when he meets the others he will need our experience to deal with the more…. pompous attitudes of some”
Lorgar nodded and patting Konrads shoulder they joined their two brothers in the centre of the ring.
“Brothers sons let it be known that the Word Bearers of Colchis and the Night Lords of Nostramo are also proud to call the Spartan and his guard brothers.” Lorgar orated and silence fell.
“There will be battles to fight together and alone but remember warriors if we stand together nothing will ever defeat us! None will stand in our way. The battles that you Eden born men and women of this world fought here will continue out there and, although you may never see your Home world again know that you take her to the stars and fill her with pride, sons of the Emperor we are but you are our sons and our future!”
Konrad added his voice “So go with your arms and come home with your shields…or on them”
The Spartan Guard not only swayed by Angron and Lorgar took Curze to their hearts as he respected their motto and Lucian found three brothers that he would trust until his dying die.