The Lure of Pleasure and Pain

The Lure of Pleasure and Pain
Part 1: The Betrayal At Erigon XIV


Chapter 1: The Retreat at Drayden City


The blasted ruins of what was once Drayden City burned in the distance. Plumes of noxious black smoke rose from the towering infernos throughout the once picturesque city, almost seeming to dance into the smouldering, choking sky above. All around lay the dead and dying, the corrupted and the helpless. But they were all beyond help now. Those not yet dead would pray for death before the night was over. The dead truly were the lucky ones.


The wounded and prisoners would feed the disgusting depravity of the pleasure demons and their minions, a fate surely worse than death. Those taken to feed the depravities of Slannesh would undoubtedly succumb to the temptations of the vile chaos god. What the chaos legions of the demonically possessed traitor, Countess Ragnathorne, could salvage from their frenzy of unbridled destruction, they would take either by the willingness of their victims or more likely the shear savagery of violation and torment.


Drayden had been a tiny city of no more than a hundred thousand souls. It had no chance of defending itself once the chaos legions fell upon the defenders. Within an hour they had entered the city and slain or captured at least half of its defenders. Tens of thousands of citizens were rounded up and enslaved, an entire city at the mercy of the foulest of Slannesh’s minions.


Any who showed resistance were publicly tortured, defiled or executed. The rest joined the seemingly endless lines of chained and bound slaves. Now all were pleasure slaves of the demonic forces, a diabolical and disgusting end for any who had the misfortune to suffer at the hands of these fiends.


Lieutenant Chelandra watched through her night scope. At two miles away she figured she was far enough away to stop and take one last look at the place she had called home for the past twenty four years. She had been a lieutenant in the Special Forces battalion ‘The Crimson Wraiths.’


The problem was, the unit had been taken away to help the emperor’s imperial forces on Erigon VI, the capital planet of this star system. Erigon XIV was considered nothing more than an outpost and was expendable. They had left her only 30 Wraiths out of the six hundred and fifty strong unit. She silently cursed her commanders’ for allowing the planets forces to be taken when they were most needed on their homeworld. She remained convinced that had the whole unit been present, they could have mounted a better defence.


The Wraiths were not the only unit to be removed. Four regiments of planetary guard, over twelve thousand troops had been taken along with the Wraiths, as well as seventy percent of their armoured brigades and artillery, leaving nothing more than a token force to fight the massed hordes of the invading Slannesh onslaught.


Around fifty percent of the one hundred thousand inhabitants of the small planet’s only city had managed to flee on board space transports sent by the capital planet. But only the wealthy and influential escaped. Unless they could afford the exorbitant price of their fare, there was no way they were getting off the planet.


Another thirty thousand or so had fled into the surrounding countryside. But beyond the terra- formed area around the city there was little chance of survival. Only for a distance of about fifty miles in each direction, beyond that the rest of the land was swamp, woodland, mountain and jungle.


The native inhabitants of Erigon XIV, the Jhalabari, were a savage breed, cannibals and head hunters. They mixed primitive traditional culture with modern small arms weaponry. They were numerous, far more so than the occupants of the city and it’s outlying settlements. And they would prove to be a considerable problem for any survivors if the demon hordes drove them into the wilderness. They would be trapped between two equally vile and ruthless enemies.


Chelandra picked what appeared to be a demonic officer or leader out of the crowd of grotesque and deformed beasts. Her sights were good even beyond this distance; such was the technology of modern warfare. She could have taken him out easily, but it would have revealed her presence. And one small victory was not worth the price her people would have to pay for her foolish bravado.


She had gathered around her what troops she could muster. They had still had to fight to escape from the encirclement of the city. But they had managed to concentrate all firepower in a half mile radius which completely obliterated the opposition in that area.

The demons had been too much under the influence of battle frenzy to notice as the column pushed and fought its way out of the city. Of the three thousand five hundred troops the colonel had gathered around her, only one thousand two hundred had made it to their present location. They had managed to send supply trucks ahead of the attack. They had waited as planned if the troops could not hold the city.


Of the six thousand civilians who had fought alongside them, only one thousand nine hundred remained, most were too slow and easily captured, at which point they had surrendered. ‘Damn fools’ Chelandra thought, no way would she allow herself to be taken by these foul creatures.


She would sooner blow her own brains out than be taken as one of their slaves. She shivered at the thought of what atrocities would be inflicted on her people. She vowed revenge for this wrong that had been done to them, but now was not the time for heroics. First they had to figure out how they were going to safely transport and hide more than three thousand people. All were armed and capable of fighting; even the children had been instructed in the use of side arms. But it would not be enough to stop the demons, it would never be enough.


They had salvaged one hundred and eighty six light troop transports, thirty two heavy tanks, eighty four light tanks and one hundred and eight various pieces of artillery and auxiliary weaponry. It sounded impressive enough but it was nothing compared to the hundreds of heavily armed killing machines that drove through their beloved city. Added to that were one hundred and fifty large heavy duty trucks, filled with supplies, water and ammunition, as well as tents and other items needed for what could be a long time out in the wilderness.


There were also two detachments of scout troops, thirty six all terrain bikes, along with fourteen heavily armed land scout buggies. The second detachment was twenty land speeders, along with thirty mobile gun platforms. Again it appeared impressive but it still amounted to a rag tag leaderless rabble that had just been routed and forced to watch as their people were enslaved and their city razed to the ground. They watched as between ten to twenty thousand of their people were led away and watched helplessly as the demons’ warped transport ships began to drop out of orbit to collect their prizes.


Chelandra wondered what was expected of her. The Colonel had fallen as they had attempted the escape, as had all of the remaining captains. The only remaining captain was in a state of shell shock, and lay dying in one of the medical trucks from excessive wounds that had no chance of ever healing. The military elite had long since been moved to the capital world leaving the colonel to attempt the futile defence.


There were three other lieutenants remaining with the survivors. Alaric Thrandarl, the oldest and most combat hardened of any who had escaped. He sat watching the carnage through his own rifle sights. He knew he was the most senior officer remaining and hated the thought of leading. He was a combat engineer and once a tank commander, but he had never led a force of this size. And did not cherish the thought of doing so now. He looked from his sight and glanced across at the elegant looking young woman crouching not ten feet from him.


She was less than half his age and yet seemed infinitely more capable. She appeared almost ignorant of their terrible predicament. He admired and envied her. He had watched her fight like one of the demons themselves during their escape. He had lost count at fifty the amount of enemy she had personally taken down. He had watched in awe as the young woman had fought without mercy, without regard for her own safety and who had gone back on numerous occasions to help fallen comrades. She was indeed remarkable, and yet she was still so young. Could they really entrust the only organised survivors of Drayden to her care, was it right of him to neglect his own duties and ask this woman to do what he should be doing himself. He didn’t know but knew she would take command if asked.


Ronarin Shaldevir was an officer and gentleman. He was the son of a wealthy merchant family who had bought him his place in the military. He thought it was his right to lead, but also knew he was despised by almost everyone in his command. And neither did he wish to go up against the ‘she devil’ herself, Chelandra Merridayne. The troops loved her. She was the darling of the Wraiths and a decorated war hero. He knew that he could not compete, only back her against his hated rival, Solomesh Zane.


Solomesh Zane was the real problem among the survivors. He carried himself with an air of authority that far outweighed his few achievements. He was arrogant and self obsessed. He would not allow the girl whelp to take what was rightfully his. He had earned his place, and he would take it, by force if necessary.


Solomesh was a tall and stocky man, he stood an impressive six foot four inches tall, and weighed over three hundred pounds. But at 46 he was also nearly twice Chelandra’s age.


He bounded across the wooden glade to Alaric’s position. His face a mass of scars and open wounds from the battle they had just fought.


“Alaric, I am assuming command. We can no longer wait here for our enemy to find us, we must keep moving.”


“It is not your place to appoint yourself our commander Solomesh. There are four of us here of equal rank, we shall put it to a vote.”


“This is not a democratic process Alaric. I know what you seek to do. You wish to give your responsibility to this little girl. Well I will not be led by some female child who has no experience of war.”


Chelandra continued her observation of the city. She seemed either completely ignoring or uncaring of the argument across from her. Ronarin walked across to join the argument. He hated Solomesh and would do anything to upstage the loutish bully.


“Solomesh, it is as Alaric has said, you do not command here. We will put this to a vote.”


“I will not be led by this little she-bitch. I have daughters older than her. Am I now to take orders from this child?”


Chelandra looked up from her scope, a look of amusement on her face. She regarded the look of distaste on the big man’s face as she almost laughed at him.


“Do you seek to mock me child.” Asked the enraged lieutenant.


“I do not need to mock you Solomesh. You are quite capable of making a fool of yourself on your own.” She continued smiling, almost goading him into reacting.


Solomesh went for his power sword. But before he had even reached the hilt, Chelandra had drawn her blade and held it in front of his throat. She saw the sudden fear in his eyes, and with that, lost even the little respect she had for the pathetic fool.


“If you wish to challenge me Solomesh, then do so. And we will take part in your little pissing contest, just to see who can die first.”


“I, I, I do not wish to challenge you Chelandra, forgive my words. They were uncalled for.”


“You are all too quick to hand over command. I have been watching the colonel’s body through my scopes, she yet lives. I do not know for how long, but once night falls I intend to go back and retrieve her body. If there is any chance she may survive, then I will find a way to get her back to us.”


“We can not wait here any longer Chelandra. Solomesh is right on that point. If you go and we wait you risk all of us. But I know you will not be dissuaded, so we must choose who will lead in you absence.” Alaric said as he looked around at the other men.


“We didn’t have the first vote to see if I would lead.” Chelandra protested.


“We all know you are the most capable of us Chelandra. We do not need a vote for that.”


“Then I vote for you Alaric, command well in my absence.”


“I too vote for Alaric. He has the most combat experience of the three of us.” Added Ronarin, rather reluctantly, although he enjoyed looking at the expression on his rival’s face.


“Bah, damn you fools. This is a conspiracy to prevent me leading. Have it your way. I will go back to my men.” With that Solomesh stormed off, back to his platoon of honour guard. Only twenty three remained, but they were good men, just very poorly led.


“Good riddance. You will both have to watch your backs for his treachery. Make sure you work closely together because he will do everything in his power to undermine you.”


“Don’t worry Chelandra. We can handle that pompous fool. Did you have a destination in mind? Because I can’t think of anywhere that will give us a hundred percent cover from their spy ships.”


“I know of a place, the Wraith’s often used it during our combat exercises. We kept it secret for just such a time as this; make your way to the town of Beredos. And wait for me there. If I haven’t returned within the day, then speak to my sergeant, he knows of the place I speak. Do not divulge the information to Solomesh, I don’t trust him, he would undoubtedly sell us all out to the enemy to save his own hide. If he jeopardises our security then you must execute him.”


Ronarin smiles at the prospect. “Oh I would like that very much Chelandra, very much indeed.”


“You will need one of the vehicles Chelandra. We shall leave a vehicle and crew behind for you.”


“No, that won’t be necessary Alaric. I want to take a look inside the city. I’m sure to find something intact, and besides you need all the firepower at your disposal not waiting for me on my fool’s errand.”


“Chelandra, we need you to come back, don’t go off on one of your crusades. The colonel is unlikely to make it. She would never expect you to go back for her, let the dead rest Chelandra.”


“She’s not dead Alaric. I don’t leave anyone behind if a can help them. We need her now more than ever. You know you can lead Alaric. You’re just reluctant to do so. I must do this, surely you can see that.”


“She is right Alaric, if there’s a chance the colonel still lives. Then she should be rescued, I will accompany you if you wish Chelandra.”


“Thanks for the offer, but I don’t want there to be just one of you to deal with Solomesh. He will seize power if he can, that’s why you need to work together.”


“As you wish, though I can see your point. We cannot afford to be divided if we are to survive.”


“Good, it is decided then, I will leave once I am prepared. I will rest until nightfall, after I’ve checked what equipment I need.”


“You should at least take someone with you, even if it’s just to play nurse to the colonel.”


“I suppose your right. I’ll take one of the Wraiths. Most of them have some medical training. Remember Alaric; don’t wait for me under any circumstances. The sergeant and several of the corporals know the location of the place I was talking about. Speak to them and be on your way, I will find a way to get back.”


“I don’t doubt it Chelandra, I prey the emperor himself watches over you.”


“Your not going to get all emotional on me are you Alaric.”


“No but you could give an old man a hug. Just to remind me what it will be like to hold my own daughters if we ever reach Erigon VI.”


“Ok, I think I probably need to remind myself my brothers and sisters are waiting for me as well. I’m all they’ve got now our parents are dead.”


She walks forward and hugs the tall older man. they had been friends for some time now, he had been a close friend of her father’s and had promised to keep her safe. But she had proven herself as capable as much as any man or woman could ever do. He no longer felt obligated to watch over her like some fledgling rookie. Just as a friend and as the daughter of a close and dearly departed friend.


With that she turned and began checking her equipment, no emotion, no thoughts beyond her task. It was the only way she could remain focussed.


Chelandra walked over to her platoon. All thirty had made it out alive. Like the rest of the Wraiths they were the best trained troops on the entire planet and she felt honoured to lead them. She crouched down and they gathered around. Almost like it was rehearsed, she looked at them one after the other, eighteen men and twelve women. All fine warriors, and personal friends. How could she choose which one would risk their lives for a colonel that may now be dead?


“I have no right to ask you this. It could be a one way mission right into the hands of the enemy. I, no, I cannot ask, I’m sorry.”


“Lieutenant Merridayne, we would here your request. Let us decide if what you propose is worth the risk, please, we would hear you.” The sergeant stated. His obvious respect for his officer was plain to see.


“The colonel was still alive the last time I looked. I intend to go back into the city under cover of darkness. I need only one volunteer, preferably a combat medic. We will scout the city and locate transport. If we find survivors, then we will bring back whoever we can. But our enemy remain, so it will be extremely dangerous. I will not ask anyone to join me. I am prepared to do this myself, but if there are any volunteers, then raise your hands.”


As she expected everyone’s hand was raised, “Then drop your hand if you have less than five years medical training.”


Only three hands remained. Her closest friend, Allisha Jorrell a sniper and field medic, she was the obvious choice. But not if Chelandra had anything to do with it. She could never put her dear friend in the firing line if she didn’t have to be there. Erevarn Kyell was the platoon’s doctor, and the best combat medic she had ever seen, but he was also too valuable to the survivors to be lost on this mission. This left only Yuris Khasani, the newest member of the platoon. He was a young man, even younger than herself, fresh from medical school. He was expendable and the only choice she was willing to make. She didn’t like to think of any of her people as expendable, but warfare only cared about hard truths. And this unfortunately was one of them. He could keep the colonel alive if she still lived, and that is all she needed him for.


“Yuris, get your equipment ready, we travel light, so take only what you need to help keep the colonel alive. And your weapon, though the emperor help us if we actually have to use them. But at least we can use them on ourselves.”


Yuris paled at the thought. But he wanted to prove his worth, he didn’t like the thought of going back into the city, but he would do as requested.


“Yes Lieutenant. I will prepare immediately.”


“Once you’re ready meet me over by the tree line. At the place I was talking to Lieutenant Alaric.”


“Yes Lieutenant.” Yuris saluted and turned to gather his gear.


“Sergeant Trisalyis. You are to provide Lieutenants Alaric and Ronarin with a personal escort and bodyguard. It is vitally important that you keep them alive if you are attacked. Be wary of Lieutenant Solomesh, he does not have the interests of the survivors as his first priority. Be aware that he may try to seize command from Alaric, I do not trust him or his motives for wanting command.”


“Then why don’t we just frag his ass.” Asked corporal Jendith.


“Jendith, if you haven’t got anything useful to say, keep your mouth shut.” Replied the sergeant.


“We have agreed that if he compromises the safety of the survivors, he will be executed. Do not hesitate in this order, if Alaric or Ronarin call it.”


Jendith and some of the others smile, there seems to be no disagreement at all.


“We will do as ordered Lieutenant. You have no need to worry we will keep them safe if it is within our power to do so.”


“Then I leave you to prepare for your journey. Allisha I would speak to you alone please.”


The rest wandered off and began to gather their belongings together. Some go straight to the three waiting troop carriers, imperial rhinos, excellent light and fast transports used for battlefield deployment and transportation. All three were marked with the blood red eye and crimson tears of the Wraith’s logo. Along with their jungle camouflage, as were most of the vehicles that had managed to escape.


Allisha was small woman, five foot six inches tall, but the best shot in the battalion and a fine field medic. Her shoulder length blonde hair was tied back into ponytail, revealing an exquisite bone structure. Had she been six inches taller she would have been more suited to modelling than warfare, but it still wouldn’t have changed her mind, she loved what she did and being part of the best trained unit on the planet was something she felt proud of. She walked over to her lifelong friend and held out her hands.


Chelandra gathered her in her arms and hugged her close. She pulled back slightly and kissed her face. Allisha returned the kiss and they held each other for several minutes before pulling away.


“I want you to give this to my family Allisha. I intend to get it back from you when I return with the colonel. But if I don’t make it back, they should know I was thinking of them. It also gives them everything I and my parents own; they will need it if I fall.”


“This is not like you Chelandra; you have to come back, for them, for me, and for yourself. Don’t take any chances, we need you to lead us Chelandra. No one else here has your capability to see us through this, you must return.”


“Look at our homes Allisha, they lie in ruins or burn, what is left will be occupied by our enemies. The colonel fell inside the city, I don’t rate my chances highly, but I must try, if I do not, then I have failed her. If I do not return then I have failed all of you. So I must return with the colonel. But I am also realistic, it won’t be easy, they aren’t just going to let me walk in there.”


“It is not your responsibility to save everyone Chelandra. I don’t see anyone else taking the same risks you are willing to take.”


“I know, but it would help all of us if the colonel was returned to us. She is far better at this than I am, I’m a soldier Allisha, not a politician or diplomat. I know my strengths and leading whatever it is we have here is not one of them. I would sooner be out there facing our enemies than rationing food and settling disputes. So I’m doing it for myself as well.”


“Just be safe Chelandra. None of us wish to lose you. I don’t wish to lose you.”


She looked deep into her friend’s eyes. She had only seen that kind of look from her lovers before, and wondered if Allisha felt about her the same as she felt about Allisha. but now was no time for romantic revelations. She kissed the woman’s head and walked away, still trying to remain emotionless but it seemed much harder now.


Allisha walked back towards her unit, but unlike Chelandra she was not as good at hiding her feelings. Tears ran down her face at the thought she may never see her friend again. Even the normally tactless Jendith let it go as he saw the distress on her face. He walked over and offered a shoulder to cry on, to her and his surprise she took it. They had never been close, but situations like this had the habit of forging unlikely alliances and new friendships.


The forest seemed like a hive of activity, nightfall was only several hours away. And they had to prepare to move hundreds of vehicles and over three thousand people across a distance of several hundred miles without being seen. It wasn’t going to be easy.


The remote outpost town of Beredos was a small settlement of about two thousand people. It was the closest location Chelandra could think of that was well out of the way of any major roads or trade routes. Mostly occupied by those on the fringe of society, bounty hunters, trackers, hunters, criminals, as well as the long suffering residents. She believed there were several platoons of planetary guard stationed there. So perhaps they had a lieutenant, though it was usually considered punishment to be stationed so far from the capital city.


From Beredos they could drive into the mountains and locate the ancient hidden imperial base that the Wraith’s had found by chance several decades ago. They had kept the location secret; it contained archives of old imperial forces stationed here before there were any settlers. They had spoken of vicious and deadly creatures, tribes of deranged primitive humans who attacked them on sight and refused any attempt at negotiation. It spoke of how they had driven the tribes back into the present day wilderness. And how they had slain or captured the strange creatures that roamed the land. When the terra formers had moved in, the imperial troops were removed. And planetary guard replaced them. But she had never heard from anyone, of the existence of the base until the Wraith’s had found it.


The base sprawled for several miles underground. It had housed an entire division of imperial guard once. So was more than large enough to accommodate the survivors, and possibly the vehicles they had salvaged. She would not know until she made her way there.


Chelandra had to think about the wisdom of going back into a city swarming with enemy forces. To rescue someone that could already be dead. And if not, who might be captured at any moment. Yuris walked over to her as she watched her city burn. “Lieutenant, I have everything I will need. What would you have me do?”


“Get some rest Yuris. We have a couple of hours before nightfall. We may as well at least try to rest before we go back in there.”


“I’ll try lieutenant. But knowing I’m going back into that hell hole isn’t going to make me want to sleep very much.”


“Try not to worry Yuris. We aren’t going in there with the intention of fighting. Just to collect the colonel’s body or help her escape if she still lives.”


“And what if we find survivors. I know you lieutenant. You’ll want to save everyone you can.”


“Once we have the colonel it’s our priority to get her out alive. Or should that be your priority. If I have to stay in the city to help free other survivors then I will.”


“I can’t just leave you in there lieutenant.”


“You will do as you’re ordered Yuris. This is what I do Yuris, everything I have learned over the past 24 years has been to prepare me for what’s happening now. I work best when I’m alone and don’t have to watch out for the safety of others. If I can find a way to make life difficult for our enemy, then I will try to do it. If I can save other survivors without compromising myself, then I will do it. Your only concern is to get the colonel out in one piece and get her to Beredos. If she is no longer alive, you must get back to Lieutenant Alaric with the news, do you understand.”


“Yes lieutenant. I understand.”


“I’ve just had a thought, get me some detonators and explosive charges. If the armoury is still intact, I don’t want it falling into the hands of the enemy. I would sooner destroy it than allow that to happen.”


“I’m not even sure you intend to leave lieutenant. I think you’ll fight to the last, it’s a shame, you’re the best officer we have.”


“I won’t take unnecessary risks Yuris. But this is important. It might even take some of them out with it.”


“You know they’ll have placed captured civilians inside the armoury lieutenant. If it’s destroyed they’ll be killed as well.”


“Are you saying death is less preferable to being at the mercy of those things. I would welcome it rather than be captured.”


“As would I lieutenant. I just wanted you to know that everything has a price with their kind.”


“You speak as though you know of them.”


“My entire family were captured by them when they boarded an imperial transport bound for the capital planet. They left the ship a floating derelict in space, the marines who went in to make sure the ship was clear, found the images from the security system. I got to watch what they did to my family and to the other passengers, so I suppose I know what they are capable of.”


“I remember it, it was in the first week of the war. I’m sorry for your loss Yuris. I hadn’t realised.”


“I’ve come to terms with it as much as I’m ever likely to lieutenant. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want revenge against those bastards. I want them to pay, all of them.”


It wasn’t difficult for Chelandra to see the hatred in the young trooper’s eyes. She hoped it wouldn’t get in the way of his reasoning when they were in the city, but she also knew she had a fair amount of hatred for them herself, so she couldn’t really say anything.


Alaric walked over to where Chelandra stood. His battle weary face showing the decades of combat he had fought and survived. but he looked tired, weary of the killing, the slaughter, he looked more sad than angry. Drayden had been his home for fifty five years and now all that was left was in ruins. His family were scattered to emperor knows where. He was losing the will to carry on, but he would do so for now. Even if it was only to not disappoint Chelandra. But he was beginning to think what was it all for? Living like frightened rats. On the run from the worst kinds of hell spawn he had ever seen. But what choice did they have.


We are almost ready to move out Chelandra. Do you happen to know why your Wraith’s are following me around like I need protecting?”


“I asked them to act as your bodyguards Alaric. I know you can take care of yourself, but with Solomesh around, you’re going to have to watch your back, they can help you do it.”


“I know there’s no point in arguing with you Chelandra. But me and bodyguards, I’m a soldier not a politician, it just seems strange.”


“It’s only until we return Alaric. It’s not just for you. It’s for everyone here. If they lose you or Ronarin, he’s all they’ll have left. And I wouldn’t even trust him not to sell us out to the enemy if it was in his best interests.”


“He was a good soldier once Chelandra.”


“Then that makes him an even more tragic figure than he already is.”


Alaric seemed to nod in agreement. She wondered if they may have been friends once. Maybe that’s why he seems reluctant to criticise too much. But she decided not to ask, some things are better left unsaid.


The makeshift camp was now alive. Civilians were being herded to the waiting vehicles. Even if they have to ride on top of tanks and transports. It was still better than being left behind. There were enough vehicles to carry everyone, though no one should expect to travel in the least bit of comfort. Some things were just not possible.


Most of these people were used to the hard life anyway, anyone who would have complained at what was going on, was already on an imperial transport ship to the capital planet. She wasn’t sure what they expected to find. Every planet in the system had been attacked, but they did at least have imperial forces stationed there. And more arrived with each passing day, the forces of Slannesh would not have this system without a fight.


Everyone was being exceptionally careful not to draw attention to the woods they were using as cover. It had worked so far, but every minute spent here was another minute in which they could be discovered. Then all would be lost, she wished for nightfall so she could carry out her mission and so they could be on their way.


She lay down next to her equipment. Her bed roll she placed underneath her head, and then she slept. Yuris lay ten feet from her, he envied the fact she could just put all this out of her mind and sleep while he could do nothing but think of what lay ahead for the pair of them. In truth he was terrified, but he didn’t want to let her down, and he didn’t want to embarrass himself.


The vehicles began to fill with soldiers. There were few complete units left, so many who had lost their units joined others who were still in relatively combat ready states. Civilians filled the trucks where there was room. But most would be riding on the top of vehicles. It wasn’t ideal but necessary, everything was gathered, and they would leave nothing behind. It could be months before help arrived, so they needed everything they could carry.


Several hours passed and night fell over the woodlands that sheltered them from the hordes just two miles away. Alaric was actually amazed that they had not been pursued. But he had heard of the blood lust that these fiends suffered, rational thought was no longer possible in that state. They would be too busy sating their lust for pleasure and pain. That was more important to them than chasing a small band of survivors across the entire planet. Though he also knew it would happen at some point, they were in no rush now.


The fires still burnt brightly across the no-mans land they had managed to cross. He could see their patrols on the outskirts of the city. They were becoming organised at last, which was not good for Chelandra and Yuris. He wished she would rethink her plan, but knew he could not dissuade her.


He watched her as she slept. She seemed so at peace, which worried him. Had she become so used to the killing that it no longer worried her. That was indeed frightening he thought. No one should be content with this kind of life, he hated it, he wanted only to be reunited with his family and leave this life behind. He wished for something simpler, perhaps a farmer or merchant, anything but this.


Everyone was now in place, ready for the word to leave, everyone but Allisha. She walked over to where her friend lay, and knelt down. She laid a hand on Chelandra’s forehead, brushing aside her hair. Chelandra was awake instantly, she looked up and smiled when she saw Allisha.


Alaric regarded them curiously, trying not to invade their privacy but couldn’t resist looking anyway. Yuris turned his back, it wasn’t like he’d had any sleep anyway, everyone else was too busy and too anxious to care.


Chelandra took Allisha’s hand in her own, and kissed her fingers. She drew her down to meet her, she looked just for a moment into her eyes, and then kissed her. She had thought maybe she would pull away, but instead returned the kiss with a hunger that almost shocked Chelandra, finally Allisha pulled back.


“I’ve waited a long time for you to do that Chelandra. I was starting to think it was never going to happen.”


Chelandra seemed surprised. “I didn’t know you felt that way Allisha. I didn’t really know if I felt that way. We’ve always been so close. I don’t think I wanted to risk losing your friendship.”


“And now, what do we do now?”


“Now I know you feel the same way as I do. So when I return, we’ll have to talk about what this means.”


“Don’t go Chelandra. Nobody would think any worse of you, please. I know it’s selfish of me. But come with us, for me.”


“Allisha you know I would do almost anything for you. But I also have a duty to these people. I can think of nothing better than returning the colonel for our people. But you have given me a reason to return that I didn’t have before, I will see you again.”


Allisha unhooked a golden chain from around her neck and handed it to Chelandra. “As you know this belonged to my great grand mother. It’s been in our family for generations. I want you to promise you’ll return it to me, promise Chelandra.” She seemed almost in tears.


“I promise Allisha. Even if I achieve nothing else I promise to return it to you.” She placed the chain around her own neck and moved it under her stealth suit, so that it wasn’t showing.


“I’ve got to go now Chelandra. We’re moving out, please be safe.” She kissed her once again and walked back to the rhino transport, within minutes she has disappeared from view.


Alaric walked over and knelt beside her. “I had no idea you two were anything but friends Chelandra.”


“Neither did I. Until now.” She replied.


“I’ll keep an eye on her Chelandra. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure no harm comes to her.”


“Thank you Alaric. You’re a good friend.”


“Don’t mention it, it’s good to see you thinking about something other than your job. It makes me think you’re not passed hope.”


“You think I’m too serious about what I do?”


“No, I just think it’s replaced everything else in your life. If you get the chance you should take it. I’d hate to see you end up like Solomesh, with nothing but his hate to keep him going.”


“Maybe you’re right Alaric. I’d not really noticed what effect it was having on me.”


“You be careful Chelandra. That girl will be devastated if anything happens to you.”


“I know, I’m not planning on playing hero Alaric.”


“What exactly is it you think your doing by going back. You’re already a hero to these people Chelandra. They are in awe of you; you have nothing left to prove.”


“I’m doing what I think is right, nothing more.”


“Be safe Chelandra. For all our sakes be safe.” He lifts her to her feet and hugs her before walking away. She’d never thought him much of an emotional man before, but he had shown her a different side to him these past few hours.


She didn’t even look as the columns of vehicles began following the pathfinders through the woods. They were almost silent, if they managed to maintain this they would escape, she was relieved for them but not for herself. It would take some time for the woods to completely clear of all the survivors. It would be slow and laborious, but it would be safer than trying a mass rush.


She checked her equipment. The stealth suit first, the Wraiths relied on it for their protection. No heavy armour just near invisibility in the right terrain, woods and darkness helped immensely.


Her sniper rifle and night scopes she checked next. As well as spare clips and her weapon maintenance kit. Which conveniently clipped to her utility belt. The headset was a vital part of the kit, infra red, heat imaging, extended sight, anti flash, and communications directly to Alaric. As well as acting as a map of the planet and local area, it really was a vital piece of equipment.


The bio suit packed neatly into its holder which went alongside the maintenance kit on her belt. Her black bladed combat knife went in its fifteen inch sheath, down her right leg. She tied the sheath in its place to avoid it moving around.


The black power blade she placed in its scabbard and fastened it to her back, it was reminiscent of the ancient oriental blades of old. But the power blades could cut through metal like a knife through butter. It was essential when forced into close combat. She checked the scabbard to make sure it didn’t interfere with any other equipment.


The needler pistol was next. It fired a wide variety of ammunition types, perfect for silent missions and assassinations. And perfect for what she was about to do. She fastened it into place, the holster strapped to her left leg. Again she fastened the strap around her leg to prevent movement. The ammunition clips went into their various holders on the belt, ten clips in total for the pistol, they ranged from poison to bio disease, even explosive charges designed to kill silently. She just loved modern technology.


All her equipment was black anyway. But she took a small tube of black camo from her backpack to apply it to any part of her that wasn’t black, Yuris helped her with any places that were hard to reach. Or that she could not see. She didn’t want to risk using mirrors to apply the paint. She in turn helped Yuris prepare, his kit was identical to hers. Only he carried a black case in his backpack that carried a battlefield trauma kit, it would be needed for the colonel, the drugs would be vital to keep her alive.


She checked her supply of grenades next, small two inch long tubes packed with various loads, high explosives, armour piercing, smoke, poisonous gas, bio plague, four of each. She fastened them in their own belt above the utility belt. She wouldn’t normally have taken so much equipment, but she had no way of knowing how long she would be gone.


She checked her backpack for the rest of her equipment. Thermo blanket, two weeks rations, two canisters of water, foldable tent, and a small cooking stove, she debated on whether to leave the pack here and return for it. But if they couldn’t come back this way it would be lost, she would take it.


The stealth suit was capable of blocking out the wearers movement and sound. It was immune to heat imaging, and provided basic protection from small arms rounds, though it wasn’t really designed to stop anything more than pistol rounds.


She placed the detonators and charges in her backpack. Yuris had managed to scrounge some from Alaric’s unit. It added to her weight, but she considered it necessary. It was a good thing Special Forces equipment was all light weight, or she would have been struggling.


Once they were ready they double checked each other and prepared to leave. But would not go until the vehicles were clear and well on their way. She had acquired a pair of officer’s range finder binoculars from a fallen captain. She used them to check out the outskirts of the city, the colonel’s body had gone. She had either been moved or had moved inside a derelict building to hide herself. It didn’t change Chelandra’s plan, she still intended to enter the city.


An hour and twenty minutes later the clearing in the woods was completely empty. Other than the tire, track and foot prints, there was no sign that anyone was still here. Just Chelandra and Yuris remained. She would maintain communication silence, she didn’t want to risk it being traced. They really were on their own now.


She looked over at Yuris who was fiddling with a silenced bolt pistol, they were rare armaments used mostly by imperial assassins and special forces, she had used one before, but they were not standard issue for her unit, she was curious to know how he had obtained it.


“Yuris, where did you find that pistol?”


“It was a gift from my father. He served with the imperial guard decades ago. It was a gift to him from an imperial assassin when his unit saved him from being butchered by cultists.”


“I’m impressed Yuris. I hope you won’t need to use it.”


“Me to, I just want to get in there, grab the colonel and leave.” He fiddled some more with the shoulder holster. And placed six clips along the holsters belt, they were starting to look more like they were planning an assault.


“She’s either been moved. Or has found somewhere to hide. I hope it’s the latter for all our sakes.”


“This just keeps on getting better. Remind me to go back to medicine if we get through this lieutenant.” He smiled nervously. He wasn’t too sure of himself, which was definitely a good thing. She didn’t need some idiot who would get them both killed with his heroics. She was doing her best not to think about Allisha but couldn’t quite get her out of her mind. She wasn’t used to being disrupted, but it sure as hell gave her a reason to reach Beredos. She had to smile at the ridiculous circumstances.


They both put their headset visors into place. And then crouched down viewing their surroundings, heat signatures and all manner of weird shapes were visible through the visors. The headset kept an account of enemy locations. In its VDU display, this could be brought up at the touch of a button.


The city’s new occupants didn’t seem to be taking their duties too seriously. Most were distracted, or appeared to be. She didn’t even want to think what the distraction might be, it was too horrible to even imagine.


She wanted to avoid even the slightest contact with them. The perimeter guards looked mostly human or mutants. There were no demons or Slannesh marines on the perimeter, which she was greatly relieved about. They would be deep within the city, enjoying the spoils of their victory.


She counted about fifty guards in the one mile area directly from her to the nearest part of the city. That wasn’t many but they would probably have communications devices.


Yuris looked across at his lieutenant. She stood close to six feet tall. Her long black waist length hair was fastened down to her back, so as not to impede her in any way, she was undoubtedly beautiful he thought. But she carried the look of someone who had seen and done too much. As though she should have been able to claim several more decades of life, but he knew she was just a year older than himself.


Chelandra looked at Yuris. And could see the look on his face. He wasn’t admiring her looks; he pitied the fact that she had lost her youth to war and death. She had seen the look in the likes of Alaric and other veterans who it had taken decades of warfare to reach the point she was at now. It made her sad to think that’s how she appeared to other people. She managed a slight smile and then without word moved forward towards the city. Yuris followed behind her. Both silently prayed to the Emperor for protection.