Secret War: Upon Blood Sands

Epilogue

It was raining when they began to leave the tower; the first time it'd rained for Emperor only knew how long. Attelus supposed it could be the rain that would wash away the blood and corruption of this world.

Attelus and Tathe led the survivors who agreed to leave toward the door; Dellenger was still unconscious, being carried on a stretcher. The fifty or so who chose to remain on Sarkeath watched on; most were local civilians, and almost all the Sovirithian soldiers were among them, but a few Elbyrans were there. Whether they stayed because of their hatred for Attelus, their disgust of the Eldar, or not wishing to leave their home, their world or a combination of them, Attelus understood. He didn't expect even half the number would agree to go that did, in all honesty.

Along with the rain, which had grown stronger and stronger over the last hour, the atmosphere was almost insufferably sombre; it weighed down Attelus' limbs like his bones were made from Adamantium rather than Wraithbone. He fought the urge to glance at the watchers as he walked. Attelus also wanted to look over his shoulder at Adelana as she walked just behind him; they had hardly spoken over the last couple of days unless it was necessary. Those words were cold, full of stammering and downcast gazes. Attelus couldn't help think in a few spare moments that she might've chosen to stay on Sarkeath and was relieved when she didn't. He had yet to work up the courage to suggest she stay with the organisation. He hoped he could gather strength to ask her on the trip back to the Calixis Sector.

Also, Kalakor had disappeared only a few hours after they'd spread out to search the tower; again, Emperor only knew where, although Attelus suspected that even He wouldn't know.

The foyer was now free of the corpses of the Resurrected, which allowed their free traversal and Attelus and Tathe opened the large double doors and stepped upon the Blood Sands.

Attelus couldn't help shivering as the rain ran down his neck and soaked his long hair, pasting it to his face and scalp almost instantly. It pattered off his black flak jacket and his grey syn-skin bodyglove and made his jeans cling to his bodygloved legs. He watched as the blood sands bound and bounced as the rain crashed against it. Almost like it was a sea of blood rather than a desert.

They began to ascend the hill, back the way they'd fought from two days ago. The bloodiest, most horrific fight Attelus had ever taken part in, and he suspected it was the same for the Imperial Guardsmen of the Elbyran contingent as well.

When they'd finally reached the peak of the hill, Attelus' micro-bead beeped, and he reached to accept the call.

'Hello?'

'It is. I wait for me.'

Attelus couldn't help freeze, which made Tathe look at him. Attelus nodded, so the Commissar raised his hand for a halt. Attelus turned and began back down the hill; the remaining soldiers and Adelana, Torris and Halsin moved out of his way.

Kalakor then emerged out of the tower, gazing up at them.

'Kalakor?' said Attelus. 'What are you doing?'

'I have been considering the story the she-psyker told and...it is incredible...hard to believe, but in my long lifetime I have encountered many strange occurrences, so I believe it. It is too insane not to be true if you understand me,' said the Space Marine.

'I do.'

'And after much evaluation, I think it might be best if I go with you...I have other missions, but this one seems too important not to make the priority. If you would allow me to join with you, of course.'

Attelus shrugged. 'I...I suppose so, but there's no guarantee Inquisitor Enandra will accept you.'

Kalakor had already begun up the hill while Attelus was in mid-sentence. 'That is a risk I am willing to take. I will fight alongside you and your fellow Throne Agents to defeat this Inquisitor Etuarq and bring him to justice!'