Rae van Daleon – The Roots of the Storm
by Lea von Löwenstein
Chapter 49: A Farewell from Kael
The Scola courtyard was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the towering walls. Rae stood near the gates, her team gathered behind her. The day’s drills were over, and the evening was unusually quiet—a rare moment of peace in a place built to forge warriors.
As the last rays of sunlight faded, Inquisitor Kael approached, her black cloak trailing behind her like a shadow. Her presence was as commanding as ever, and even Marcus straightened instinctively at her arrival.
Rae stepped forward, meeting Kael’s gaze. She could see the weight of authority in the Inquisitor’s eyes, the unrelenting burden of serving the Emperor. This wasn’t a casual encounter; it was something more.
“Van Daleon,” Kael began, her voice calm but carrying its usual edge. “I’ve come to say goodbye.”
The words hung in the air, catching Rae off guard. “Goodbye?” she echoed.
Kael nodded, her expression unreadable. “My work here is done. The Scola has been rebuilt, the corruption purged. It’s time for me to return to the field. There are other battles to fight, other shadows to chase.”
Rae’s throat tightened. She had come to see Kael not just as an authority figure, but as a symbol of strength and unyielding purpose—a reminder of what they were all striving to become. “I see,” she said quietly.
Kael’s gaze softened, just enough for Rae to notice. “You’ve come far, Rae. You and your team. When I first met you, you were just another novice—skilled, yes, but untested. Now, you’re something else. You’ve proven your strength, your resolve, and your loyalty.”
She paused, stepping closer. “But the galaxy doesn’t care about potential. It only cares about results. Remember that.”
A Moment of Recognition
Kael reached into her cloak and pulled out a small, polished emblem—the seal of the Ordo Hereticus, engraved with the Emperor’s Aquila. She held it out to Rae.
“This is not a gift,” Kael said firmly. “It’s a responsibility. A reminder of what you’ve seen, what you’ve fought for, and what you’ll continue to fight for. Carry it with you, not as a token, but as a vow.”
Rae hesitated for only a moment before taking the emblem, its weight heavier than its size suggested. “Thank you,” she said, her voice steady. “I won’t let you down.”
Kael’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. “See that you don’t.”
Parting Words
The Inquisitor turned to address Rae’s team, her gaze sweeping over each of them. “You’re a strong unit,” she said. “Stronger than most I’ve seen. But strength without unity is a weakness. Trust each other. Protect each other. And never lose sight of why you fight.”
Marcus straightened. “We won’t.”
Tyren nodded, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “We’ll be ready.”
Celestine smirked, though her tone carried sincerity. “We’re not exactly the quitting type.”
Kael’s attention returned to Rae. “The path you walk will only grow darker. There will be times when you question yourself, when the weight of your decisions feels unbearable. In those moments, remember this: the Emperor’s light shines brightest through those who carry it willingly.”
Rae nodded, her grip tightening on the Ordo Hereticus emblem. “I’ll remember.”
A Quiet Goodbye
Kael inclined her head slightly, an unspoken acknowledgment of the bond forged through shared trials. She turned and began to walk away, her cloak billowing behind her. As she reached the gates, she stopped and looked back one last time.
“Van Daleon,” she called. “When the time comes—and it will come—remember what you’ve learned here. And know that the Inquisition is watching.”
With that, she disappeared into the growing shadows, leaving Rae and her team standing in the fading light.
Resolve in the Shadows
Rae looked down at the emblem in her hand, its polished surface catching the last rays of sunlight. Her team gathered around her, their presence grounding her in the moment.
“She’s right,” Rae said softly, slipping the emblem into a pouch at her side. “The path ahead won’t be easy. But we’re ready.”
“For Talia,” Soren said quietly.
“For the Emperor,” Marcus added.
“For all of us,” Rae finished, her voice firm.
As the stars began to dot the night sky, the team stood together, their resolve unshaken. Kael was gone, but her lessons remained. And with them, the strength to face whatever came next.
