Rae van Daleon – The Roots of the Storm
by Lea von Löwenstein
Chapter 30: The Emperor’s Justice
The roar of the Valkyrie’s engines shattered the uneasy quiet of the Scola. Rae and her team stood by the window of their chamber, watching as the massive craft descended into the courtyard. The air vibrated with the sound, and bright floodlights illuminated the stone walls, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly.
The ramp lowered with a mechanical hiss, revealing a squad of stormtroopers in carapace armor, their movements precise and intimidating. At their head was a woman clad in the black and crimson of the Ordo Hereticus. Her long coat bore the unmistakable Aquila of the Imperium, and a rosarius glinted at her throat. In one hand, she carried a power sword, its edge humming faintly with restrained energy. Her other hand gripped a data-slate.
Inquisitor Elira Kael.
She strode forward with an air of absolute authority, her cold gaze scanning the assembled novices and instructors. Rae felt a chill run down her spine as Kael’s voice rang out, commanding and unyielding.
“I am Inquisitor Elira Kael, servant of the Emperor’s will and bearer of His holy light. This facility is under investigation for heretical activity. Anyone found harboring or abetting corruption will face immediate judgment.”
The instructors exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to challenge her.
The Summons
The Inquisitor’s gaze swept over the crowd, sharp as a blade. Her stormtroopers moved swiftly, securing key locations and corralling the novices. Kael raised her data-slate, her expression unreadable.
“One of you called us here,” she announced, her voice slicing through the air. “Step forward.”
Rae’s heart pounded. She glanced at Alric, who stood rigid, his face pale but resolute. Slowly, he stepped forward, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender.
“It was me,” he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “I sent the message.”
Kael’s piercing gaze fixed on him, studying him for a moment before she nodded. “You will explain yourself.”
Alric hesitated, then glanced at Rae. She stepped forward, her voice calm and clear. “Inquisitor Kael, we’ve uncovered something in the lower levels of the Scola. A Chaos cult. They’re performing rituals, summoning… things. They’ve taken students, sacrificed them.”
Kael’s eyes narrowed. “And you did not report this to your instructors?”
“They’re hiding something,” Rae replied. “The disappearances, the secrecy—it’s all connected. We couldn’t trust them.”
Kael studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “Very well. You will lead us.”
The Bargain
Before the team could react, Kael continued, her voice measured but firm. “Understand this: by calling the Inquisition, you have placed yourselves under my authority. You will aid us in rooting out this corruption, and in return, you will be granted the protection of the Holy Inquisition.”
Her gaze hardened. “But should you falter, should you show even the slightest sign of corruption or deceit, you will face judgment alongside the heretics. Do you accept these terms?”
Rae exchanged glances with her team. Celestine’s jaw tightened, Marcus’s expression was grim, and Soren looked as though he might faint. Tyren nodded subtly, signaling his agreement.
Rae stepped forward. “We accept.”
Kael nodded once, her expression unreadable. “Good. Prepare yourselves. We move immediately.”
Into the Depths
The group descended into the tunnels, the stormtroopers moving in disciplined formation behind them. Their flamers cast a flickering light on the walls, revealing the rusted pipes and faded symbols that marked the path. Rae led the way, her flashlight cutting through the darkness.
The air grew colder as they descended, and the hum of machinery faded into an eerie silence. Rae could feel the weight of Kael’s gaze on her back, but she forced herself to stay focused.
“Inquisitor,” Tyren said, his voice low. “The areas ahead are… different. They’ve been infested. The cultists use them for their rituals.”
Kael didn’t respond immediately, her eyes scanning the surroundings. “You will take us as far as the door,” she said finally. “Beyond that, my stormtroopers will handle it.”
Rae nodded, her heart pounding as they approached the bloodstained door. The faint glow of the runes etched into its surface sent a chill through her. She stopped, gesturing for the others to do the same.
“This is it,” she said quietly. “Beyond here, the corruption is worse.”
Kael stepped forward, her power sword humming softly as she raised it. “This door… it bears the mark of Chaos. It will not stand against the Emperor’s wrath.”
She motioned to one of the stormtroopers, who approached with a melta charge. The device was placed against the door, its dull hum growing louder as it activated.
Rae and her team stepped back, shielding their eyes as the charge detonated. The door buckled, molten metal dripping onto the floor as the corrupted passage beyond was revealed.
A Glimpse into Darkness
The air beyond the door was thick and oppressive, carrying the stench of decay and burnt blood. The faint sound of chanting echoed from deeper within, a guttural, inhuman melody that set Rae’s teeth on edge.
Kael stepped forward, her sword raised. “The light of the Emperor shines even here. Move.”
Her stormtroopers advanced, their flamers igniting with a roar. The passage was bathed in light as they pushed forward, purging the taint with holy fire.
Rae and her team lingered at the threshold, their eyes fixed on the burning corridor. Kael turned back to them, her expression unreadable.
“You have done well to bring this to my attention,” she said. “But your role is not finished. You will remain here until we have eradicated this filth. Should we require your knowledge, you will be summoned.”
Rae nodded, her voice steady. “We’ll be ready.”
As Kael and her forces disappeared into the depths, Rae turned to her team, her heart heavy. The Inquisition was here, and the fight against the darkness had begun. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
