Accept No Failure by Gav Thorpe

Author:Gav Thorpe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

He waits for them to arrive from their ship, an imposing figure of absolute authority as far as the battle brothers are concerned, unaware as they are of the debates and dichotomies that cause him such anguish on occasion. His mind is filled with dark thoughts and his mood is grim. Two of the newcomers – brothers Menthias and Dailon – disembark swiftly from the Thunderhawk and come to attention in front of the Grandmaster.

Belial eyes them patiently simultaneously disappointed by them and yet full of empathy. He is disappointed because they have disobeyed orders and witnessed the Fallen first hand. Sergeant Seraphial could perhaps have organized their deaths to maintain the close secrecy around knowledge of the traitors, but he has seen promise in the warriors and has chosen to spare them. Belial feels for them also because he knows what they do not, what they will learn soon. Myths and outright lies have been their diet up until now and their next meal will be the raw truth as unpalatable as grox tripe. He has known even the most mentally strong warriors to lose their courage, their purpose and duty when they have learned that much of what they fight to protect is a lie.

The third – Telamenos – descends after another minute has passed, his gaze casually appraising Belial as if we was at a briefing or report. Telamenos falls into place without so much as a word of apology. Such disrespect on meeting his new Grandmaster for the first time has to be confronted lest it lead to further laxity. Belial can see the latent arrogance that lingers behind their confident looks. They have been welcomed into the elite of the Chapter, why would they not be pleased with themselves?

Belial keeps his thoughts from his features as Telamenos comes to attention. The Grandmaster touches his fingers to his belt, a moment of self restraint, feeling the three large keys that are symbols of his Inner Circle duties. Until his hand finds the pommel of the Famed, sword of silence, one of the three Heavenfall Blades forged from meteoric stone in the Chapter’s ancient past. Belial allows his displeasure to show as he glances at Telamenos.

Belial: ‘You are tardy.’

Telamenos: ‘Brother Seraphial had parting words for me, Grandmaster.’

Belial: ‘Did I ask for explanation?’

Taken aback by the question Telamenos shakes his head in reply. Belial’s brow furrows deeply.

Belial: ‘Speak when spoken to.’

Telamenos considers this.

Telamenos: ‘No, Grandmaster. You did not ask for explanation.’

As the gunship takes off, dust and hot air wash over the 1st Company’s newest warriors. Telamenos’s eyes are locked on Belial seeking approval perhaps or fearing further condemnation.

Belial shifts his gaze to Dailon and then to Menthias. The latter is heavily bandaged, still recovering from the wounds suffered in their latest battle. Each of them is a fine warrior, their records speak as much. Yet they have come to the Deathwing under a cloud, disobeying orders and coming face to face with the Fallen, forcing brother Seraphial’s hand.

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