Imperial Reckoning: Humanity Return

Chapter 56: Secrets of the Great Crusade

The bridge of the Warmaster’s flagship was a scene of controlled chaos, as star systems were conquered and worlds brought to heel under the iron will of the Imperium. Warmaster Horia, a Primarch of unmatched skill and fervor, stood at the heart of it all, watching the unfolding campaign with a cold, calculating gaze. Her armor gleamed under the lights of the control panels, her stance resolute, embodying the Emperor's authority as she led the Great Crusade deeper into the wild expanses of the Terminus Systems.

The Crusade had accelerated with her at the helm. Her sisters, leading their own campaigns, expanded the reach of the Imperium with remarkable speed, but Horia had taken it upon herself to drive the Imperium’s forces into the most treacherous reaches, rooting out heresy, establishing outposts, and eliminating threats to humanity wherever they festered. It was a relentless march, one that pushed her forces to their limits, but it was necessary.

At her side, one of her closest advisors observed the march of the Crusade with the same focus: Erebus, a Space Marine from the Word Bearers Legion. He had proven valuable to her campaign, not only for his knowledge of strategy but for his mysterious insight into matters even Horia’s sisters would never question. Erebus had a way of pulling back the curtain, of hinting at the hidden truths behind the galaxy’s history, and Horia had grown to rely on his counsel — though she never fully trusted him.

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Their discussions had become routine, held in the quiet of Horia’s command chamber after long days on the bridge. Erebus, as usual, was eager to share the hidden knowledge that he seemed to collect as naturally as he breathed. And tonight, he sensed that she was ready to hear more.

“My Lord Warmaster,” he began as they reviewed the latest projections of the Crusade’s reach across the Terminus, “have you ever wondered why the galaxy’s history seems so… incomplete?”

Horia raised an eyebrow, her gaze piercing. “Explain yourself, Erebus.”

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “There are secrets within the galaxy — things the Emperor himself has chosen to conceal, even from his most trusted.” He paused, gauging her reaction. “For instance, did you know he has long been aware of an ancient race known as the Eldar?”

Horia’s expression hardened. She had no patience for mysteries where there should be none. “Eldar? I’ve never heard of them. What are they?”

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Erebus’s face. “The Eldar are ancient, predating even the Protheans. They once ruled over the stars with an empire that spanned the galaxy, their knowledge and power beyond anything humanity has yet achieved. But their strength was their undoing. Their own decadence destroyed them, giving birth to something… unspeakably dark.”

A chill crept over Horia as she held his gaze, but she kept her tone steady. “What is this darkness you speak of?”

Erebus hesitated, as if considering the risk of his words. “That… I cannot say. The Emperor himself struck it from the records. Whatever it was, it was a threat so grave that he believed it best left unmentioned.”

Horia's jaw tightened, a flash of anger in her eyes. The idea that the Emperor, her father, would hide such critical information from her was a difficult truth to accept. “The Emperor would not keep such knowledge from me. I am leading his Great Crusade — I am his Warmaster.”

Erebus regarded her carefully. “Perhaps that is why he concealed it, my lord. Knowledge is a double-edged sword.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “But if you desire, I can tell you more.”

“Then speak,” she demanded. “If you know something, do not make me ask twice.”

He cast a glance around, as if wary of eavesdroppers, before speaking in a tone that was almost reverent. “Have you heard of the Warp, Warmaster?”

Horia nodded, irritation creeping into her expression. “Yes, I know of the Warp. My brother, Lord Commander Jack Shepherd, wields its power.”

“Indeed,” Erebus said smoothly. “Your brother has an affinity for it. But there is much more to the Warp than even he may realize. It is not merely a realm of power; it is a place of living force. A dark undercurrent flows through it, shaping destinies, tempting souls.” His voice softened, almost a whisper. “The Emperor does not speak of the Warp’s true nature, for within it reside four ancient beings — entities of malevolence and chaos.”

Horia’s brow furrowed. “Four beings? And you claim they are evil?”

“They are the very essence of corruption,” Erebus murmured, awe flickering in his eyes. “They exist within the Warp and extend their influence subtly, altering the fates of individuals and entire civilizations. A flicker here, a nudge there, a twisting of events until an entire empire is set on a path of ruin.”

Horia regarded him skeptically. “You expect me to believe they can manipulate fate itself?”

Erebus inclined his head. “They can, and they do. These are not simple forces, my lord. They are the Chaos Gods. There are four of them — Khorne, the God of Slaughter; Tzeentch, the master of Deceit and Fate; Nurgle, lord of Decay and pestilence; and Slaanesh, the deity of Excess and Desire.” His voice was grim. “Their influence reaches even into the heart of the Imperium.”

Horia’s suspicion grew. “And how do you know all of this, Erebus?”

He met her gaze, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I have sought knowledge where others feared to look. There is much that the Emperor would keep hidden, but curiosity is a powerful motivator.” His expression grew contemplative. “Did you know, Warmaster, that you and your sisters were never meant to be women?”

Horia’s eyes widened, taken aback by the sudden and bizarre claim. “What nonsense is this?”

“Oh, it’s quite true,” Erebus continued, his voice as smooth as silk. “Your biology was altered — warped, if you will — by the Chaos Gods before they scattered you across the galaxy. They reshaped you to their liking, subverting the Emperor’s intentions.”

A shadow crossed her face. “And you claim they had the power to alter our forms?”

Erebus nodded solemnly. “I saw it with my own eyes. When the Chaos Gods seized you and your sisters, my legion, alongside the Cult Mechanicus, was tasked with purging any trace of their corruption from you. Their presence was unmistakable, even then.”

Horia’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You claim you discovered this in the stricken records, yet speak as though you were present when it happened.”

Erebus hesitated, but only briefly. “Perhaps I have said too much. These are things best left buried. The Emperor would not approve of my sharing this with you.”

Horia’s voice was cold and unyielding. “And yet you have. Remember, Erebus, that I am the Warmaster of this Crusade. If there are secrets being kept from me, I will uncover them. This is not over.”

A twisted smile spread across Erebus’s face as he turned toward the door. He paused at the threshold, casting her a final, sidelong glance. “When the time is right, Warmaster, we shall speak again.”

As he left, Horia was left alone with her thoughts, her mind spinning with questions and doubts. She had always believed in the Emperor’s vision, but now, seeds of doubt had been planted, seeds that could not easily be uprooted. Erebus’s words lingered in her mind, unsettling her as she returned her gaze to the stars. The Great Crusade was far from over, and she suspected that its true challenges had only just begun.