Nemesis

The troops around the palace were so disorganized Secundus would have
swarn they were guided by Chaos. Above the obstacles, snarls, and
masses of men he could make out the central tower of the Cardinal's
palace rising over the grounds. It was still standing despite the
blast that had shaken it hours earlier. Troops of the 24th Hibernia
in their bright red coats shuffled out of the way of the Land Raider
as it eased up the road. He could see the flush of victory in their
faces, and many met his eye, saluting up to him in his perch in the
tank's copola. Secundus returned a gesture of blessing to them as
the moved past, and most smiled and nodded. Secundus could only
smile in return.
Rumour had it that their General, Moltke, had lost a hand in the
explosion at the palace saving one of his men when the void bomb had
gone off. That act was representative of what he had heard of the
Hibernian's spirit. The guardsmen had acquitted themselves admirably
in the preceding days of battle, and stood their ground despite
punishing losses. Their perseverance had paid off, and they had
returned the favour to the heretics here on the Palace grounds.
They finally broke free of the press, and Secundus could make out the
third company's banner flying over the gates to what appeared to be a
small garden. "Bring us up to those gates Brother Peres," he said to
his driver, who occupied the forward copola. Secundus could make out
Peres' nod, and the tanks surged forward in a smooth brust of
acceleration. Secundus pulled himself clear of the hatch, and as the
tank ground to a halt before the gate he jumped to the ground. His
bodyguard poured out of the Raider's hatches to join him. Brother
Wayan was on sentry, eyes alert and gaze steady. He saluted as
Secundus landed, "It is good to see you sir, brothers."
"And you Wayan, all is well?" Secundus said.
"Well enough for now, Emperor willing. The Captain is expecting you."
"Thank you brother, Emperor keep you." Secundus and his men strode
into the garden. Inside he found a place of beauty, trees gracefully
arranged, paths that carefully curved among the verbage, and many
varieties of flowers all clearly arranged to complement the overall
design. He was pleased to see his brothers had set up their
encampment with an eye to conserving the garden, gear and men
carefully placed where they could do the least damage. After several
greetings and conversations with his brothers he made his way to the
center of the garden, where a gazebo overlooked it in its entirety.
Hector had set up his command post there, and monitors and
communications equipment were clustered under the roof. The
captain's bodyguard surrounded the structure. They parted to allow
Secundus access, and Secundus returned the favour by gesturing his
guards to remain outside the gazebo.
Secundus found Hector the far edge of the gazebo, hands gripping the
rail, gazing at the palace walls. He stepped beside Hector and
placed his armoured hands gently on the rail. The chaplain could see
the rail under Hector's gloves was crushed, and as Secundus followed
Hector's gaze he could see the garden under the palace wall was
shattered and torn. "Unfortunate that war should affect a place of
beauty so."
Hector didn't move, but spoke softly, "House Red's mole mortars."
Secundus could see the corners of Hector's mouth turn down. He hoped
it was a sign of displeasure at the damage as opposed to disdain for
it. "Ah, but then what should I expect from their sort."
Hector said nothing for a moment, but his grip eased. "It is not
over."
"Only for now. Paris is sweeping the city with the other two
companies. Some lackeys will be found, but for now Blodsburg is
secure. You have done well."
"Not well enough. If I had arrived sooner fewer would have escaped."
Secundus grabbed Hector and spun him so they were facing. He could
see Hector's eyes widen and teeth bare, "Damn it," he shouted, "You
have crushed the enemy at every turn, and their every word and act
show they hold for you a full measure of fear." Hector's hands came
up, wrestling with Secundus' grip, and the chaplain felt his hold
slipping, "Emperor curse you, get a hold of yourself."
Hector gave a low snarl and broke free, and Secundus stumbled
backwards. From their sheaths Hector's lighting claws sprang forth,
shimmering.
Seucundus knew he only had an instant, "What would your brother
think!" he shouted.
Hector sagged, and the fire went out in his eyes. He spoke
quietly, "You bastard."
Secundus ignored the insult, "You have to keep control Hector, the
Emperor needs you, your men need you." Secundus paused, "I need
you. You are right, this is not over. Emperor knows if it ever will
be."
Hector said nothing, but nodded briefly.
"We also must beware our allies, I have received disturbing
intelligence."
"What is that?"
"Brother Dane saw Achilles reveal an Inquisitorial seal."
Hector face brightened in an instant, and he laughed."
Secundus shook his head, "I'm glad you find this amusing."
Hector was smiling as he spoke, "You have no idea brother. The high
and mighty Raven Guard captain whoring for the Inquisition, imagine
that."
Secundus smiled briefly, "I hadn't looked at it that way.
Nevertheless, be on your guard."
"Fear not Brother. Am I not at all times the soul of discretion?"
Secundus shook his head and smiled again, "Be wary, Hector, this is
no laughing matter."
"Fear not."
Secundus hoped Hector really did understand. "I also want you to be
embarked by nightfall, there is no use in leaving ourselves exposed."
Hector cocked his head, "And what will I use for a ship?"
"The prize ship is yours. Name it what you will."
The captain paused, but only briefly, "She will be known as the
Nemesis."
Korvus 17:43, 9 February 2008 (UTC) Nicholas Cioran
Category: Agrippa Fiction
Category: Nicholas Cioran