An Uneasy Truce

**An Uneasy Truce**

***Dramatis Personae***
**Order of the Holy Flame**

* *Silvia Oshone - Canoness-Commander, leader of Imperial Forces on Kantus IV*
* *Livia Vun - Palatine, Silvia's second-in-command*
* *Hallaeny - Flame-tender, Silvia's adjutant*

**Craftworld Keil-Xin**

* *Koranth - Ranger*
* *Jehoara - Autarch, commander of the Keil-Xin Warhost*

## The Convent

Silvia Oshone sat back in her chair as the woman before her finished speaking.
"You are absolutely sure of this, Sister Superior? What you say could be construed as heretical."

The woman before her nodded without breaking eye contact. "Yes, Canoness, I swear by the Sacred Hearth and with the God-Emperor as my witness that my report is the truth as I saw it."

"I see. Thank you for your honesty, Feronikka. You may return to your duties. Dismissed."

The woman snapped straighter, saluted with the sign of the aquila and exited, closing the door behind her. The young woman acting as her attaché finished scribbling on her parchment shortly after. Silvia rubbed her forehead gently and sighed.

"Any others, Hallaeny?"

"No, ma'am. That was the last report. It has been corroborated by PDF Captain Cororarn, though he will be unavailable for questioning."
Oshone arced an eyebrow. "Why?"

"He was executed by Commissar Dakail. Apparently Cororarn spoke too highly of the eldar when he was being debriefed; said he 'owed the xenos one'."

"I see." Oshone winced as the situation was described. Cororarn had been one of the few PDF officers she found reliable. "That will be all for now, Hallaeny. I wish some time to myself."

"Yes, ma'am. I will return before ten-bell." The young woman bowed and departed. Silvia got up and walked with Hallaeny to the door, locking it once she was alone. She then walked to the window and gazed out. Her office afforded her a commanding view of the courtyard. From there she could see groups of Flamekeepers in melee drill, others marching in formation or standing for inspection. As she sank into thought a the air grew chill and the candles all went out. Her focus returning, Oshone sensed a presence and reached for her plasma pistol only to find it absent.

"You will not need it, Canoness. I mean you no harm." said a sibilant voice from behind. Oshone turned sharply. A lithe figure stepped out of the shadows, light bending as he swept a cameleoline cloak behind his back to reveal a body free of obvious weaponry. His face while having a passing resemblence of a human, was almost elongated with raised cheekbones and tipped ears.  *'Eldar!'*  Questions whirled through Oshone's mind: how did they get in here? How long have they been there? She forced that to the back of her thoughts.

"You dare befoul this place of worship with your presence, alien...", the Canoness took a deep breath in and out.

Koranth gave an easy smile, his charm calming. "Koranth, if you please." He gave a slightly exaggerated bow.

"How do I befoul this place so? I do not commit heresy. And from what your late captain reported, I should think the hostility would be stilted." Casually, with no apparent concern, he walked around the room, studying it from every angle.

Silvia narrowed her eyes, certain there was mockery behind the question.

"The Creed teaches us: Only the human form is pure. Trust not the alien. Your mere existence is an affront!" She paced around the desk, partly to ensure she isn't trapped in a corner, but also to get near her sword which is on the desk. "But I have received reports of eldar saving human lives; including those of my sisters. Because of this, I will hear what you have to say."

Koranth's smile faltered, pain filling his blue eyes. His voice was soft with sadness.

"Trust not the alien, because of the crimes of the rest of our kind. The rest of us suffer for their dishonourable actions."

With a sigh, he pulled back his hood and ran his hands through his dirty blonde hair.

"Yes, we saved your sisters. How could we not? We defend innocence wherever we find it, whether the faction in question trusts us or not. I don't expect you to be friends with me. Your biases are much too strong. But you need help here, and Keil-Xin wants to provide it. It would pain us to no end to see you destroyed. Without our help, we have foreseen only defeat for you."

Without looking back, Koranth threw a vial at the sword on the desk, knocking it away. Then, with speed too fast for a human to follow, he lunged at the sword, grabbed it, and threw it away. "And don't think I didn't notice why you went over there. Can't we have a conversation like civilized beings, and not bloodthirsty daemons?"

Silvia barely managed to suppress a look of disgust or a roll of the eyes. His melodrama was obviously an attempt to appear less of a threat. And there it was: 'we have foreseen only defeat for you'. The attempt to weaken her resolve; to make his people seem like saviours. The sound of the vial hitting the desk or the sword sliding across its surface did not seem to catch the attention of the guards' right outside. Silvia raises her voice slightly, hoping they will hear her. "My Sisters have won every engagement with these monsters. Through faith, fire and bolter we have slain their champions, culled their hordes and brought ruin to all these traitors have corrupted. You invade our holiest site on this world merely to tell me we will lose without your aid. Why should I believe you?" Her lip curls at the insult the notion proffers.

Koranth raised his eyes to heaven.

"I see you're a tough one. I know what you think. You think I just put on a show with my feelings."

His eyes hardened with hatred, it flowed so fiercely that a human would find itself subsumed by such passion.

"The other Aeldari have corrupted everything, and they have been a thorn in our side. And thanks to them, people like you frown on us with contempt as cheaters and promise breakers. And that makes our job of helping you harder." Koranth paused, musing silently to himself. "As for why you should believe me, you should believe me because it is the truth."

He shrugged. "If you don't believe me, go ahead into your slaughter. At the very least, I can say I tried and thus have a clear conscience as you die pointlessly. But we have foreseen the coming storm. What you have faced up until now have been but advance forces. The real siege is about to begin, and you cannot hope to stop it. Neither can this Craftwrold alone. We would need your help." Koranth paused, his expression torn with indecision. Then, with a resigned sigh, he raised one eyebrow at the attractive woman before him. "Do you want to know why this planet and your faction hold such importance to us?"

The Canoness calmly took a seat, keeping both hands above the table as she digested what Koranth said. While there was the usual barely-concealed arrogance typical of the eldar race in his words, there was also what felt like a hint of truth and *maybe* just a little desperation. While the Flamekeepers had fought with valour and faith unfailing thus far, it *did* feel like everything up until now had been a prelude. The traitors landing, the fear and hopelessness spreading, even the blasphemous summoning ritual and the archdaemon's arrival. Her own near-death at its hands flashed before Silvia's eyes. Only the blessed mantle of Saint Ophelia had spared her life. While it would not have been a poor death and she could have gone to the Emperor's side gladly, her own end would not have helped win the war. And the daemons at the Triumph of Martyrs... those were surely only the first wave. Yet stopping them had been nothing short of a miracle.

"Why is that, Koranth? Why do you view us and this sacred world with such import?"

Koranth suddenly frowned, his mind uncertain about what to do. There was something about this human...something he couldn't quite place. Something that made him want to be truthful and openly honest with her. But yet, at the same time, he wasn't certain he could answer that question. How would Jehoara react if he gave away the Craftworld's secrets? Were they really his secrets to give? But yet, that pull towards her was strong, something he did not understand. He looked at her, unease growing within him. She had a dangerous effect on him, one he didn't comprehend properly. Plus, she did not fully seem like one willing to trust. If she heard the reasons, how would she react? Would they be welcome, or would this be a trap? Koranth shuffled uncomfortably.

"I'm not sure that I'm allowed to tell you...but...I..." He could get no further, the conflict within him being too strong. Would this truly be the right decision?

Letting out a slow sigh she didn't realise she had been holding in, Silvia sat back. She had not expected the xenos to give a straight-forward answer but to duck a question he had openly invited... she shook her head slightly. And this Koranth dared to wonder why nobody trusted his kind.

"Very well, Koranth. We shall accept your... 'help'. Though I would advise you keep your distance where possible. Most of my sisters are not as amenable to the presence of non-humans as I. I would also advise you leave by whatever covert means you used to gain entry, lest you be killed on sight. But before you leave, let me tell you something in the spirit of co-operation because *I* am capable of honesty:" Silvia stood and fixed the ranger with as intense a glare as she could muster. "I swear by Saint Sophia and the God-Emperor that your craftworld will remember this planet only as a mausoleum for its people, should you betray us."

Koranth seemed to be conflicted, and he began to shudder. It seemed as though he was seeing a ghost from his past. His face was paled with sorrow, and tears flowed from his eyes. Sobs began to rack his body, and he seemed to crumple into himself. He stood there, dead to the world, lost in the phantom of old. He managed to croak out an answer. "We have interest in you for this reason. You will be critical to this area. The fate of many rests in your hands, the defeat of the Emporer or the salvation of Humanity. You also hold in your hands the key to survival. This world has something of great importance to our kind, and we trust you to guard it for us. We cannot let you fail, or countless innocent lives will be lost. And our mission will be over and we will be unable to save others like you." He held himself, sinking to the ground. "We will not go back on our promise. We will leave when this is over, and we will try to stay on the flanks." His voice was hoarse, and he remained on the ground, sobbing with an aching heart. He had just done what he shouldn't have, but he couldn't help himself. Why did it hurt so much? The past...the memory that haunted him...her...

Silvia sat there, silent as Koranth wept openly. His sorrow seemed so genuine - hard to believe the creature was a warrior with this lack of self-control. She did not think open disgust was appropriate right now though empathy for him would not be either. As he answered, emotion accentuating his accent even further, the woman's curiosity was piqued. There was something here. That was their angle: use precious human lives to protect this relic for them. That was a good start - now to see how far she could push her luck. "What is it we are supposed to be guarding for you? Where is it now?"

Koranth gave a watery smile. Now he understood what he felt for this *mon-keigh*. He shook his head at her. "We are not here to use human lives to protect this, no matter what you think. Otherwise, we would leave you to your conflict and find a way to save the planet that does not involve sacrificing our own lives." He came closer to her. "You guard the heart of our Craftworld, its old portal. As for where it is, it is here, at the pinnacle of your planet, but hidden and disguised." Then, tears began to flow again, passion overcoming him. He smiled the smile of one who had come to terms with his ghosts. He smiled as he cried. "Any other questions?"

Oshone's eyebrows flew towards her hairline. This xeno was a little too good at intuiting her thought processes. Was he some kind of witch? Had he touched her mind? 'Emperor preserve me!', Silvia thought.

She had been expecting some easy answer like a cache of soulstones or some sort of ancient ruins buried somewhere in an underhive but this? It would have to be considered later. Oshone tried to steady her thoughts - she did not dare push her luck any further. But there was one final question she needed answered: "Just one. How many of you are here?" Koranth shrugged. "What do you mean, how many? Do you mean how many coming to help, or how many in the Craftworld, or how many in this specific fleet?"

Koranth pretended to count on his fingers, all tears gone. "Well, there are about three war hosts coming to help. As for how many are here now...about three war hosts."

Oshone blinked. Six warhosts? A series of hivegang curses crossed her thoughts, though she did not utter them. "Can you give me a more-?" She broke off as a bell began to chime.

"That is ten-bell; I am expected. I *strongly* recommend you leave now. *Discreetly.*"

Koranth seemed to hesitate, unsure of what to do. Then, he pressed a special stone into her hand, a serious look on his face.

"Reach your mind into this stone and it will connect to mine. We'll be able to telepathically communicate this way. If there is any trouble, just call." Then he returned her weapons and seemed to vanish into the shadows, almost as though he had never been there.

The door opened as he vanished, admitting Hallaeny who noticed that the candles in the room were all out.

"Sorry milady, were you asleep?"

Oshone kept her face neutral. Part of her wondered if she had been and it was just a dream. But then she noticed a few spots of moisture on the floor: Koranth's tears.

"No.", Silvia said as she reholstered her pistol and attached her power sword back to her hip. "You're late; you said *before* ten-bell."
Hallaeny bowed in contrition as the Canoness-Commander strode past her. "I'm sorry, milady, I-"

"Be on-time in future, Hallaeny; now walk with me. You two: with me." the two Hearth Guards standing outside her office - as Oshone suspected - fell silently in-step behind their mistress and her attaché. Silvia donned her helmet.
*"We've been infiltrated: sound the alarum."*

## The Webway

Koranth returned to the Craftworld's war hosts. If they were to decimate the enemy entirely they had to time their assault carefully. There was no room for mistakes to be made - not with what was at stake in this war. Now, Storm Guardians and Aspect Warriors huddled together, waiting for the signal from the Farseers that would see them hurled into the bloodbath planned. In front of the Asuryani forces, Jehoara stood tense watch over the army. The plumage on his wings was colorful and massive, filling up much space. His armor was dark pink, with the exception of his Striking Scorpion wings. In his hand, he gripped Ashthwayl, the Groaning Cutter.

When Koranth went to his side, Jehoara jerked out a nod in greeting.

"So, was the mission successful?"

Koranth paused, pondering what he should say. He didn't want to get in deep trouble with this strict Autarch, but at the same time, he had to be honest enough to be believed. Otherwise, his deceit would be read in his body language. So he told the part truth.
"They will accept our help, though it would be advisable to stick to the flanks and edges where our contact with them would be more limited."

Jehoara nodded, having expected this to be the answer. However, he could see the glimmer of something dangerous in the Ranger's eyes. He fixed a stern look at the Outcast.

"You didn't...get too involved, did you? I know how much Ashika's loss grated on you, and how it drove you to your path. You didn't...feel anything there, did you?"

His tone was accusatory, and Koranth shrank back in indignation.

"Of course not!" His voice was hot and snappy, but his eyes didn't sell the picture.

Jehoara could tell that he was lying. He had told her something, probably even given her something that he shouldn't have. 'At times like these', he thought, 'it would have paid to be a seer'. Then he would know what Koranth was hiding. But in this case, he knew better than to pursue the subject. The Ranger would give him nothing. So instead, Jehoara merely gave him an exasperated side glance. Then he waved for Koranth to join the rest of his group.

Once he was out of earshot, Koranth sighed. He had been sure that the Autarch was going to see through his false facade. As he joined his group of Outcasts, he thumbed his stone and whispered to her. "Stay safe."

## Epilogue

"-and what I want to know is how a Throne-damned *eldar* was able to waltz into my office WITHOUT ANYONE NOTICING!" Oshone said, her voice rising at the last second. Palatine Vun knelt before the desk alongside the Hearth Superior and ten of her sisters. Silvia gestured impatiently at them.

"Speak - I would hear what you have to say for yourselves. Were my Hearth Guard asleep at their posts? Have our Order's rites and responsibilities become so meaningless that you treat them with such little respect? ANSWER ME!"

The Hearth Superior spoke for her subordinates.

"My lady", she began, her voice cracking from emotion and lack of use. "We offer no excuses. We have failed in our duty to protect you." the woman took a breath and the guards collectively began to speak:
*"I am far from absolu-"*

**"NO!"** barked the Canoness, her expression thunderous. "I am not giving you the easy way out. There will be no new additions to the Repentia unless I deem it so. No, you will have to live with your failure. Livia, you will review and alter the patrol routines; double the number of Sisters on guard duty. Hearth Superior, two Hearth Guard are to be in my presence at all times from now on. You're dismissed. Livia, Hellaeny - stay."

The women stood and saluted. As they filed out, the Hearth Superior remained along with one other guard. Another two took positions on the opposite side of the doors which were closed.
"The eldar gave me a warning: more of the Archenemy will be here soon. He also gave me this." Silvia pulled the rune-stone from a pouch on her belt. "He said... it allows psychic communication." She grimaced in disgust. Vun's expression shows she shared the sentiment. "Xenos witchcraft. You should destroy it."
Silvia nodded. "I should... yet this may be the only way our forces have of coordinating against our common foe."
"Canoness..." Livia did not hide her scepticism.
"I know, my friend. What if destroying the stone is taken as a sign of hostility? The eldar are fickle in the extreme; their thoughts known only to them. What if severing the connection constitutes an act of war?" Silvia sighed.
Vun nodded. "As you say, Silvia. You know what has happened to Imperials who have trusted the eldar in the past. They have either been manipulated to wasted ends in pursuit of xenos goals or they have been found guilty of heresy."
The Canoness nodded, making the sign of the aquila against the prospect.
"You mistake me. I am not saying we trust these aliens in *any* capacity. I am saying we-"
She is interrupted when she hears Koranth's voice whisper in her head: *"Stay safe"*. Silvia blanches and sends the stone bouncing across the table to fall on the floor. The Palatine sees the action and looks at her superior with concern.
Silvia looks up, suppressing a shiver. "I heard the messenger's voice in my head just now - it caught me off-guard. I think it best we discuss this without that stone's presence."
Livia nodded her approval. "Of course, Canoness-Commander. The-"
Vun pauses as Silvia holds up a hand and turns her head. After a few seconds the alarum begins to sound and The Canoness' voice is heard through laud-hailers across the convent.

*"Gird yourselves for battle, my Sisters. The traitors' reinforcements have entered orbit. With the God-Emperor as our witness and Saint Sophia as our guardian, we shall destroy them as we have done the others. For Sophia and the Emperor!"*

Outside, other voices take up the call and the convent soon resounds with war cries and the marching of armoured boots. Silvia picks up the rune-stone as she leaves, praying she does not regret this decision. She does as Koranth suggested: she stares at the stone, visualising the image of ships in orbit and the warning  *'They come'* .