Erna Althinna's Story

Slightly behind The Litany Of Valor, and slightly above it, a Sundavr Followed the Marshal's ship. The Sundavr gave no imprint, no signal, and could not be detected by anything other than the naked eye. It was designed to be the perfect stealth ship, the magitek and spell forumlae used to achieve this known only by the shipwrights who build them, and the Sol Dura.

The Sundavr could only hold thirty soldiers, being a small frigate sized vessel. It's crew maintained their distance from the other vessel, while a group of Oryan's checked their equipment and otherwise prepared themselves. One of them addressed the others.

"Remember, Our task is to infiltrate and observe. Under no circumstances are you to be discovered, or engage." Erna Althinna stated to her people. "We have no reason, nor desire, to cause undue problems or incident.

Hours after the Litany of Valor and the Sundavr emerged from the warp, several ships of a deep charcoal color with a fiery orange trim would follow; golden plates and symbolism everywhere in true Sisters' fashion. Enough Imperial Army ships (no doubt on lease) to prove a massive threat, and many Pilgrimage Transports well protected among them. Canoness Selais, currently aboard the apparent flagship, narrowed her eyes as the Litany of Valor came into view.

"So... There they are. The blasphemers shall meet only with unflinching justice, and the heretics, the cleansing fire of absolution. The mutants and traitors will be washed clean of their ultimate sin... That of their existence. Open a channel and hail their vessel; coming to their senses may convince the Emperor to pardon them this one time."

So it was that the Litany of Valor would receive the attempt of communications.

"Marshal Renanalanus, we have detected multiple ships emerging from Warp Drive. It appears to be the sisters and they are hailing us. What are your orders?" One of the Initiates spoke. "Open up communications. If they wish to speak then we shall oblige them." With that said he would allow them to speak with him.

"This is Marshal Renanalanus of the Black Templars. It is a honor to meet your acquaintance sisters." He spoke giving a deep bow. Of course they could not see him do such a thing.

"Canoness Selais... You too."

The Canoness wasted no time starting the negotiations, a hidden fervor in her calm and assessing voice.

"My commendations go to your Chapter, Marshal; their undertakings to do the Emperor an ultimate service is a virtue I can respect. The Ecclesiarchy's response to the attempts was one of a proud nature, something to be idealized. The fury of their righteous anger was soon to follow, though, and your Chapter's actions have proven that the celebrations were not to be. In your efforts to service the Emperor through the reliance of an alliance with foul xenos, you have betrayed the Imperium and subjected the whole to the cause of another, dethroning the Emperor in an ultimate act of heresy."

She paused to let the significance sink in.

"The purifying fire of our weapons and the strength of our unyielding faith will see to it that your sins are purged. If the Emperor is willing, you may yet be forgiven, but a swift surrender to our Order will be needed. If you refuse, then so be it Marshal, I will personally strike your entire traitorous Chapter down as I have done to the Orks, the Necrons, the Eldar, and the forces of Chaos. Through our actions, the Tyranid hives were purged of the blasphemous beings, and the Dark Eldar cults all but eradicated. The last few of you that flee deep into the abyss of this universe will be found by myself and my companions; our pursuit unending in the Emperor's name."

She was fired up now, barely remaining cool.

"My holy fury, and that of my sisters, was devastating to the all we faced before, and to you we'd be no different. An inspiration to behold, all for the Imperium to experience! The terror you seek to induce alongside corrupted xenos has caused a wave of devotion to spread to us all. Praise be to the Emperor! Our sacred Order, a powerful and unmatched boon to the Ecclesiarchy, if not the Imperium as a whole, will see your surrender and submission! Or we will see the entire Chapter cleansed in a field of holy fire the likes no one has ever witnessed before!"

"I understand the implications of what I have done sister. However I am the mastermind behind all of this, the rest of my chapter holds no responsibility for this. My title was already stripped away, I was presumed dead in the warp and thus was no longer a Black Templar. I only wear the armors of my former chapter and the brothers near me are the same. What I am doing is for the future of the Imperium, a future where we can regain our lost glory and destroy the xeno that plagues our worlds day after day. I have let a xeno presence in the throne room yes, I have entered the throne room yes, the Emperor will no longer be the Emperor yes, but I will not try to convince you of my loyal intentions. If we are heretics in your eyes fine, we may die like one but our actions will be remembered throughout the chapters as one of the most loyal actions. For this I shall not surrender, this mission of mine is for the future of the Imperium Of Man and I will fight for what is right. I know that if I surrender now, our mission is as good as over." Renanalanus replied. They were outnumbered and facing the armies of the Ecclesiarchy, but they were not going down easily. Their faith burned hotter than the sisters weapons, their will was at a full time high. And of course only one of the captains had to survive to he had to make it so that he seemed to be the only one responsible for this mess.

"Your mission does not end on your surrender, but this alliance most foul will no longer taint us, and the Emperor can resume his rightful place at the very top. Whatever you seek to accomplish can be done without betraying the virtues of the Imperium. You have one more chance to appease us and give yourself up. If you refuse it, then I will have no choice but to begin with the cleansing."

The Canoness sounded serious enough in her steadfastness.

"I know what would happen to me and my brothers if we were to surrender sister. Betraying the Imperium is a grave charge that would put us in a fate worse than death for us. What we are trying to do is save the future of the Imperium, we rather be declared heritics than watch the Imperium fall in a few more years. This means we have nothing left to discuss then...Renagade Marshal Renalus out." With his talk over the ship would then power up weapons and shield while engaging warp drive, the ship then turned around and began to retreat.. They knew they would not win but at the very least they could have a chance at escape, ship or not. Trying to hide on a planet would put everyone around them at risk, they had to keep moving and re-positioning to avoid them at this point.

In the deepest, Darkest Recesses of the void of space there was a collection of vessels unlike any other in the known universe. These were the nomadic world ships of Istalri Nianya, these were the cities and housings of the greatest civilization to ever exist.

At the center most of these was the glorious city ship of Du Tenor, a vessel the size of a yellow sun, so large that it had it's own atmosphere, it's own gravity, and produced it's own light. The Shining World of Istalri Nianya was orbited by many other world ships, and their glory was great, like a collection of gems that surround a glorious scepter.

A grand military force orbited the collected worlds, Du Kuldr Goroth, The Golden Moutains, the Fleet of warships that made up the great naval force of Istalri Nianya. Among these ships was Du Daerta Abr Kvekvya, The spear of Lightning, the flagship of the Kuldar Goroth. At it's head, upon the bridge, stood none other than the Sol'Dura Minayle Sorunna, who stood upon the helm with a peaceful smile upon her face.

And she had every right to smile, for today was a grand day, a festival was being held upon Du Tenor, honoring her father and her people, reminding them of all they had sacrificed to achieve the greatness they now enjoy.

the Sol'Dura turned to another upon the ship and said "Tell me, Oryan. In all the travels you have had across the wide waters that we sail, have you ever seen a greater world than ours? Have you ever seen a more beautiful place?"

Beside her, with a sullen look on her face, stood Ayanna Shadowleaf, who yawned. "Beauty is a lost concept on me, your highness. We are soldiers, and we do not see something as beautiful unless it has a purpose."

Minayle sighed and nodded. "Yes... Very spartan of you."

Nevertheless Minayle was joyful and happy, for her city was safe, her people were at peace, and there was little, indeed she thought, nothing, that could change that.

"Marshal, we have evaded our Sisters for the time being with our warp jump. However we will not be able to evade them forever, we shall try to find a planet to hide you on until our plan to revive the Emperor is complete and he clears your name. We maay work with hates xeno, but I have faith we shall regain our lost pride. We are now leaving warpspace in 3...2...1..." One of the marines of the Black Templars chapter spoke up.

Soon a Space Marine battle barge arrived next to the massive fleet, however the marines all knew who they were. They had faught a war with them after all. The fleet was massive, almost like they were preparing an invasion. Renalanus took off his helmet as he looked at the massive fleet. "By the Emperor...Prepare warp drive as quick as you can brothers. We will not be blown apart before our plan is finally realized." The marshal ordered as the marines on board went to work.

Unbeknownst to the Marshal Renalus Phorixx and his forces, the warping in of a vessel such as theres produced a sound that was unheard. But it was felt by the grand vessels of the Kuldar, and those vessels responded with an interested ire.

Minayle herself was called upon to address the situation, and she inspected the vessels that had so randomly barged into the area none would contemplate entering.

A moment of thought was all it took for her to decide upon a course of action. She deduced that the postion in which Du Tenor and the other worldships were was so remote, so far away from any and all other civilizations and habitable worlds, even the nearest star system was several life times away if one did not make a warp jump. This was no accident either, as such a remote location meant that few if any would ever seek to travel there, as there was no sign of life so far as anyone knew, then no one would deem it necessary to go to an empty place on the map, especially if everyone agreed that there was nothing there worth seeing. And so the only people who would even contemplate such a journey were those seeking to hide their existence from others. And as Istalri Nianya was a nation formed of exiles and banished peoples, so it was an accepting nation.

"Besides, they might have some interesting people with them" Minayle said, informing the helm to open a channel towards the ship.


On board the Space Marine Vessel, a spark of light would appear. This light would, with an effect like water pouring out from it in rays of brilliance, grow into an image of Sol'Dura Minayle herself, who would smile and ask "I seek the Konugr of this Goroth, let him come forth and proclaim his name."

"I do not know what a Konugr or Goroth is...However I am the Marshal of this ship. I am Marshal Renalanus Phorixx of the Black Templars of the Imperium Of Man under the watchful eye of the God Emperor Of Mankind. I remember who your people are, we have met and engaged in a battle. What do you wish of me?" Renalanus replied to the transmition. His fellow brothers were weary in trusting the warriors who have tried to invade a planet. Of course, they had no means of destroying a massive fleet of ships with just simple bolters and swords.

Minayle raised an eyebrow at the Marshal, before her eyes went wide as she noticed a faint image beside him, so hard to see that it may not have been there. She, however, could not have mistaken it even if she had tried. "Konugr Dura..." She said in a voice that was only just audible to Renalus. She then spoke up and said "You are the man in charge of your vessel, yes? Then I bid you welcome to the World ships of Istalri Nianya, and I insist you visit the palace upon Du Tenor."

In a slightly more ominous tone she said "My father will be most interested to speak with you."

Even as she spoke however, several of the massive vessels that comprised the fleet had taken position around the foreign vessel. Even if they could activate their warp now, they would be destroyed before they could pass through the portal. Very few options would remain to them.

Renalanus raised his eyebrow when Minayle offered him to visit their palace, he may have considered them holy warriors but he and his people were xenophobic especially his chapter who were very xenophobic. However he was curious about this offer, he was not like the Blood Ravens who would have taken this offer for knowledge, he was however curious why they would invite him out of all people to a palace.

Of course, the sight of the fleet taking position around their Battle Barge was a convincing reason enough to go with them. They would probably be fired upon if they tried to retreat. "I shall take up your offer to join you at the palace. Brothers, prepare to follow them." Renalanus replied however his brothers were very questioning about his decision. "Marshal, we will not question your orders...However to arrive on a xeno planet...the men will not be happy about your decision, however we have no real choice in this matter. We shall stop all attempts at warp drive and keep weapons powered down." The marine by his side saluted before walking off to give the order.

The Sol'Dura smiled at Renalus, before the lightform image faded away. Without further conversation she ordered her forces to begin traveling to Du Tenor.

Ayanna however was more interested in the Marshal than any other. "Well well well.... Heh, round two will be coming. Hope this doesn't throw too big a wrench in his plans." She muttered to herself, unheard by any others.


The Marshals ship was escorted towards Du Tenor, a massive sprawling planet sized marvel of Archeticture. Halls and houses, palaces, streets, stairways and many, many other stone crafted city structures made up the entirety of the world ship, and it was filled with people. For the Xenophobic Space marines it would be a terrible thing, as there were thousands of different species, some that bore a resemblance to humans, some that were wholly inhuman in every way. And yet they all walked, talked, and worked alongside each other as brothers and sisters, as kith and kin.

That aside, those in the Marshals troop who were more of an engineering focused mind would marvel at the city itself, for the entire world seemed made of a shining metal that gave off a light that was brilliant and blinding, and yet they were not blinded by it. All this light seemed to pulse through the streets, like the holy blood fire of a god, and the city was it's body. If this were to be the case, then the central palace towards which they were being escorted, which stood tall at the peak of the world ship, over the clouds and reaching out towards the empty expanse all around them. This was the heart from which this brilliant holy light came from, that pulsed throughout the whole of the world ship. All around were marvels of amazing technology. Ships of wood and gold that sailed upon clouds, great winged dragons ridden by knights in burnished gleaming armor, and even vessels like those of the Imperium were to be found in the air around them.

Truly was Du Tenor a beacon to all life, for all life found sanctuary here, and here was it safe for all whom sought peace. As they descended towards the surface, the marshal and all his forces would be overcome with a sense of profound peace, the like of which they would never have felt in all their war worn lives. And then a whisper, so faint as to be mistaken for the wind, yet it's voice was undeniable, spoke to them.

"Rest easy, ye of faith and devotion. All your lives dedicated to one most worthy of your love and loyalty, all your lives fraught with peril and pain, with sacrifice and loss. For all your lives you have sailed in a storm of uncertainty and doubt, ever vying to lead your ship to war, so that your home would find peace and serenity at last. Welcome, children of man, to the eye of your storm."

"Though your trial is not over, and though your battle is not yet won, here you have found a moment of peace, a moment where you may stand in silence and let joy take your heart. Though your war is everlasting, while you are here you shall know that which you fight for, that which you stand for. Let your days here be filled with hope and happiness, so that you may face what comes next with renewed strength. As is your peoples way, Glory to the empire, and to the Emperor."

And as the voice faded, a childs laughter echoed in their minds, and an impression overcame them that they were but children, and a tall man stood over them, with his face hidden high above, and a warm smile was his expression, as he nodded at them in approval.

The Black Templar ship began to follow the Legion to Du Tenor, upon arriving the marines felt peaceful, however it was short lived once they saw all the...people. The population was almost entirely aliens, the marines did not like this one bit, however they dared not risk their unnecessary deaths. The tech priests on board the ship examined the city from afar, taking in every last detail.

Soon they heard a voice, a whisper. Something was talking to them all. Most of the Black Templars simply ignored the voice, they only needed the Emperors voice, not some xeno talking about peace. Renalanus remained quiet, he listened to the voice. He hoped that his fellow brothers back home would win the fight, they can never allow chaos to win lest the universe be put in mortal danger.

The escorting vessels would bring the black Templars to a sector in the city where various ships of many different makes and model landed, and took off. Multiple circles of bright light marked the landing platforms, which hovered in the air. Beneath these was a sprawling mass of store fronts and market tents where wares were sold and merchants shouted the song of trade.

The black templar ship was escorted to a platform set olfurther to the back, were a full retinue of golden armored soldiers stood in a display of might and authority. One among them wore armor of a more regal design, and appeared to be in command.

A circle of these waited for for the Templars to land in the middle of them.

The Space Marine Battle barge soon landed in the circle of the soldiers, once landed Renalanus and a retinue of vanguard Veterans left the ship near him. A total of ten were with him in the event the enemy tried something. The group soon left the ramp of the ship and stood at attention in a tight formation "Greetings Warriors! I am Marshal Renalanus of the Black Templars. I am pleased to meet your acquaintance!" The Space Marine called out with a minor bow of respect.