The 1ST EVER Installment of MAGMA LORD!

MAGMA LORD

 

 

I

 

            From the command bridge of the battle-barge Ignis et Sangui, Brother-Librarian Horrin saw the planet's features taking shape: the rockcrete spires of the single hive city's towering buildings; the gaping, hundred-thousand square mile hole in the ground known as the "Crater"; and most memorable of all, the Mountain of the Lords, the volcanic behemoth that dominates almost a third of planet's surface.

            Home at last.

            Horrin descended the stairs of the bridge, passing by the astropath psykers wired into the ship's Machine Spirit.            As he walked down the corridor to the main hangar bay, Horrin's giant form made a resonating boom with each of his armored footsteps. His eight foot tall frame towered over the over the occasional serf that hurried by. His regal blue armor, accented with crimson and black, shone in the hallway lamps.

            The Librarian was weary. It is true that all Space Marines undergo extensive physical training and genetic modification and that all Librarians possess extremely potent minds and psychic abilities. Nevertheless, it was all Horrin could do to hide his fatigue.

            He was not so much physically tired - the Apothecary had tended well to the arm wound Horrin had received from an exceptionally large Ork Nob. Rather, it was Horrin's mental state that was taking a toll on him. He felt an ever-present, ominous feeling pressing against his mind. He had experienced only once the psychic presence of the Tyranid Hive Mind, but this was different. He could not put his finger on it exactly.

            The mechanically distorted voice of a servitor crackled over the speakers and interrupted his train of thought. Attention. Five minutes until the first of the Thunderhawks are clear for departure to the surface.

            At long last, Horrin thought to himself. I can see the Chapter House again.

            Horrin reached the hangar and passed through the giant door. Inside he saw the servitors already loading his materials into his personal Thunderhawk gunship. There was also a small cluster of his fellow Battle-Brothers gathered around a dormant Rhino armored transport. Horrin recognized them all

            Brothers Astion, Paxon, Vastius, and Sabian were in a heated debate over something or another. Horrin could have used his psychic abilities to catch their words, but he personally frowned upon using his powers on his fellow marines. Also, the Techmarine Fortis may have been listening to the others' conversation but appeared focused on performing ritual blessings over the Rhino's Machine Spirit.

            Horrin came closer so he could hear but still kept his distance to stay out of sight.

            "But we live to die! That is our purpose," Sabian was saying. "Every one of us understood this when we took our oaths. We are war!"

            "Of course Sabian, but we must not throw our lives away without purpose. To die in battle in the name of the Chapter and Emperor is honorable, but not if there is no purpose." This husky voice belonged to Paxon.

            "Of course, but that's exactly my point!" Sabian's temper was rising now, but he did well to hide it. "There are always enemies of the Emperor. So as long as we die fighting them, is there ever an instance in which there is no meaning to our deaths?"

            The Vastius nodded his consent but replied, "This is so. Nevertheless, I would still like to have some moment of respite to meditate and train. I feel it is possible give our lives needlessly if we are not at our top shape."

            "Aye, and you shall get that rare peace, Brother Vastius." Horrin stepped out from the dimness of his hiding place.

            "Ah! Brother-Librarian!" Vastius and his comrades whirled around in surprise. Fortis, however, simply chuckled under his breath. His Servo-skulls must have warned him of Horrin's presence. "You startled me."

            "No need for alarm. It is only me," Horrin replied with a tired smile. "Are the rest of you as eager as Vastius to return to the Chapter House?"

            The marines nodded at him, though Horrin could notice that Sabian was the least enthusiastic in his response, as if his thoughts were elsewhere. Horrin did not address the matter, though.

            "Mmm. It has been a long campaign. I'm sure that Aquien is already preparing the prayers and eulogies for our fallen brothers." At the mention of their dead comrades, the other four Astartes bowed their heads.

            A Chapter serf then approached Horrin.

            "My Lord Librarian, your Thunderhawk awaits you. The servitors have finished loading your materials."

            "Thank you," Horrin replied with a nod. "Let the pilot know I'll be their momentarily."

            During this interruption, the other marines had begun to disperse. Now, only Sabian and Paxon remained. Horrin caught him before he too left.

            "Brother Sabian? A moment please."

            "Yes Brother-Librarian?"

            "Tell me. Am I correct in presuming that you wish to be dispatched again?"

            Sabian knew that the Librarian was searching within him, using his abilities to peer into his mind and soul. Nevertheless, Sabian made an attempt to give an excuse.

            "In the Emperor's service, of course."

            "Vastius and Paxon spoke some wise words. You should be thankful for this momentary peace. Even if more of our brothers are still spreading the Emperor's light, do not feel selfish for having this respite."

            "I understand."

            "Take their words to heart. A strong mind is not the same as being headstrong. Do not rush the course of history." Then, with a lighter tone in his voice and even a slight smile, Horrin said, "Now if you will excuse me, I have to go home."

II

 

            In contrast to the hive city and its simply constructed buildings, the Magma Lords’ chapter house was highly decorated, adorned with bas-reliefs, murals and statues. However, in comparison to the chapter houses of more established, older chapters, the Magma Lords’ chapter house was rather small. This was in no small amount due to their relatively recent founding, not even a thousand years ago.

            As Horrin descended the ramp of the Thunderhawk, he walked with a quick gait straight to the Librarium. There he could finally resume his studies, examining the new artifacts, relics, and tomes brought back from this most recent campaign.

            The Librarium consisted of several subterranean levels directly beneath the chapter house. It was the home of thousands upon thousands of documents and artifacts. Chapter serfs and servitors were always busily shuffling about the great, torch-lit halls, but despite their constant movement, the Librarium remained a relatively quiet place.

            Because of the chapter's vague history, they held knowledge and learning as  key tenets and a way of life. Also, the Magma Lords had a strong suspicion of their lineage to Vulkan and his chapter the Salamanders, though there was not enough evidence to prove it.

            Horrin walked passed shelf after shelf of tomes, codices, and manuscripts until he reached his personal office. The dim study was sparsely furnished with a cot, a chair and two desks each piled with stacks of papers. Also there was a simple, gold Aquila mounted on the wall above the head of the cot. But something else was in the room that was not normally there.

            With his psychic mind, Horrin detected that he was not alone in the small room.

            "As elusive as always, Inquisitor"

            "As keen as ever, Brother-Librarian"

            Horrin turned his gaze to the figure leaning against the wall. For several moments, the two simply looked at each other, tense, but not flinching a muscle. At last, and almost simultaneously, the Librarian and Inquisitor broke out into the grins that only lifelong friends could share.

            "How are you, my old friend? By the Emperor it's good to see you again," Vekman said, embracing his friend.

            "Remus, it has indeed been far too long," Horrin replied as he returned the embrace. "Though I must admit, this visit comes as quite a surprise."

            "A surprise? Truly, as an Astartes Librarian I would have thought you would be impervious to surprises!" he jibed.

            Horrin's grin widened at the joke. He truly did need a chance to regroup his thoughts and rest his weary mind and body. "True enough, but not even mighty, all-knowing Horrin could foresee your next move, you fox. But tell me in earnest: to what purpose do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

            "Mmm. Your prudence has certainly not left you, old friend. I suppose we should address the matters I have brought." At this, Vekman's tone became noticeably more serious. "You see, I have come looking for certain truths."

            "Truths, my friend?"

            "Indeed. I deeply regret to be the one required to head this investigation--"

            "Investigation? Do you mean to say that my chapter is under the watch of the Inquisition? I was unaware of any causes for such action."

            Vekman paused to take a breath before starting again. "I deeply regret to be the one required to head this investigation," he repeated, "but my superiors found that I have the best knowledge of the Magma Lords chapter. It has come to the attention of the Inquisition that the Magma Lords have become increasingly active in their studying of relics and artifacts. Our most recent reports say that several squads from the Magma Lords Fifth Company have just returned from the traitor held world of Rorgatha VI. My friend, all I need is to see and document what you retrieved. Once I can prove you have no tainted or blasphemous artifacts, you and your chapter will have no marks against you."

            "Are you saying that there is currently a mark against us?"

            "Horrin, I know you are innocent. But my authorities cannot take my word by itself. They desire proof. Please. Let me see."

            Horrin stood silently for a moment. His eyes directed at the Inquisitor, but his focus was not there. His thoughts were elsewhere. Then, looking square at Vekman and with a note of firmness in his voice, he replied, "I cannot."

            "What?" asked Vekman, surprise appearing in his eyes.

            "I cannot show you our Librarium's contents."

            "If there is nothing to hide then what harm is there in letting me see? Please! Let me see!"

            "No!"

            "I do not want to do this, but if you don't show me your chapter's most recent finds you, leave me with no choice but to excommunicate you and the entire Magma Lords chapter! Now show me the relics!"