Empire of Blood by Richard A Knaak

Author:Richard A Knaak [Knaak, Richard A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780786961870
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2011-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

Haab, governor of Mito, considered himself a pragmatic creature. He had followed Hotak loyally during the Night of Blood and for his loyalty had gained control of the third largest region—until Ambeon, that is—in all the imperium. Haab had strictly performed his duties as he felt Hotak would have preferred, maintaining an iron grip on the large colony.

When Hotak fell victim to an accident, the slim-snouted Haab had quickly lined up behind Ardnor. He had even joined the Forerunner faith to which the new emperor belonged. Of course, his conversion had been more expedient than religious. As a member of the faithful, the colonial governor could better handle the Protectors sent to strengthen Ardnor’s rule. Haab found the officers of the order obnoxious and overzealous, but they did keep order—at least until now.

The ebony-armored figure stalked into his official chambers. “I’ve come, Brother Haab.”

As was his habit when he was either in thought or irritated, the governor tapped his fingers over and over on the desktop. This particular Protector insisted on calling him by his religious title instead of his proper governmental one. “I am greatly disappointed in your brethren, Brother Malkovius. There was another disturbance in the central square today.”

Malkovius removed his helmet, revealing the shorn mane of his order. His eyes displayed the red tinge around the edges that was an increasingly familiar sign of the real fanatics among the Protectors.

Malkovius shrugged. “There were some who thought their apportioned supplies were wanting. They believed they were due more, despite the gift that is taxed each citizen for their expected pledge to the temple. We were forced to arrest five radicals.”

“Two of whom are now dead.”

“They resisted arrest.”

Haab snorted. The deaths of enemies of the throne never bothered him, but other behavior of the Protectors did. His fingers went tap-tap on the desk. “I have reports that indicate the situation almost spilled over into a riot.”

The Protector’s eyes blazed. “We maintained order. Punishments will be meted out to the sector involved.”

“This is becoming too frequent. Worse, productivity is slowing. We’re going to be hard-pressed to meet the throne’s goals, Brother Malkovius. Goals I’ve not had difficulty meeting in the past, I might add.”

For the first time, the armored figure betrayed emotion: anxiety. Failing the throne meant not only failing Ardnor—which would be terrible enough—but also the temple. Clearly, Malkovius did not wish to fail the Lady Nephera.

“Order must be restored,” the Protector insisted. “Disciplinary action is vital when people fail their duty to the imperium.”

The governor tapped his fingers, considering “You may need further assistance. I’ll withdraw half the legionaries from the outposts and place them under your command. They’ve been idling for months, waiting on the movements of the rebels, but according to all reports there is no longer any imminent threat.”

“I am grateful, Brother Haab! Those who guide us have spoken wisdom in your ears—”

“Yes, yes! I’ll see to it. If—” Haab paused to recall the legion commander’s name. She had been a thorn in his side since Hotak’s death and was clearly not enamored with the Protectors.

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