Marsh Silas II: Bloody Platoon

Chapter 46

Marsh Silas walked down the aisle of the empty chapel. The simple, wooden pews were empty. No priest was present and no Sororitas of the Orders Fenestrus or Madriga toiled within the walls. Incense burned in golden chalices and flames snapped in enormous braziers beneath the column. Sunlight shone through the armaglass windows, dazzling the interior with a myriad of colors. Bright blues, deep purples, fiery oranges, alluring maroons, bloody crimson, emerald green—he passed through these lights all the way to the offering table.

Behind it was the altar, a massive, golden Aquila. Each wing was longer than he was tall. Above it was a clear, armaglass dome which allowed golden, late afternoon sunlight to highlight the figurine. Making the Sign of the Aquila, Marsh Silas knelt in front of it.

"Emperor, I humbly ask You to convey a message to some of my dear, departed ones. To Afdin, let him know that the business has been set right. It may be some time, but my words and those of others shall weave together to portray the truth. Some of your kin still draw breath and their freedom has been won. Tell him thank you, and that I am grateful he trusted me."

Marsh's smile fell. "Tell Lilias...tell my love, that her legacy is in my hands and I will not fail her. Tell her I wish she were still here. I'd give everything to bring her back so she might create the change she wanted. She loved the Imperium and every single person in it. Lilias wanted to raise a whole new generation, so they might inherit a better Imperium and make it so themselves."

He wiped the tears running down his face and quickly resumed his posture. This time, he opened his eyes and looked up at the top of the altar. "My Emperor, You hold sway in all things. It feels cruel that You had to take her away. But, if You did, surely that means You need her more than myself. For what purpose, I know not, but I suppose that's not important for me to know just yet." He smiled a little at this. "Just, tell her I love her so much. Her name is always on my tongue and her image is never far from my mind. Make sure to tell her, please, that it won't be a distraction." He laughed a little more and his gaze fell. "Yes, tell her I love her and that it was too soon. The Imperium deserved her even if I did not."

Drawing breath, he regained his composure. "My Lord, I know I ask for too much already, far too much for such an insignificant speck such as I. But if I might ask one last favor, will you pass something on to my dear friend Barlocke?"

"You can tell me yourself."

From behind the Aquila came Barlocke's visage. He propped one hand against the marble base of the statue and smirked. "Hello, Silvanus."

Marsh Silas slowly stood up and folded his arms across his chest.

"I thought the fragment might have left me for good."

"Oh, a few harsh words and a dour face could not send me running," said the ghost, nonchalantly examining his fingers. He threw back a lock of his dark hair and approached Marsh. "So, you've laid the foundation for your future, have you?"

"The immediate one, at least."

"It's risky. But it just so happens, I prefer risky,," Barlocke murmured coyly. Marsh slid his hand into the specter's and squeezed it. It was strange to feel his palm as if he were still living, to have that warmth cupped in his own grasp. Yet, he found it comforting too.

"It must be done. You laid down your life for me, if you would recall."

Barlocke's dark eyes twinkled, then he sharply looked away.

"Well, I invested a great deal in you," he grunted with a shrug. "Couldn't let such an investment go to waste. I'd be a fool."

"You were a fool to choose me in the first place," Marsh said, letting go of his hand. Together, they stared at the glittering statue. "You know, Barlocke, I think—"