71st of Ash, 122 AS
Location: The Palace of Spires
As the sun began its rise over the horizon the darkness which had spread its tendrils across the the sky began to shrink inward, collecting and condensing into an orb that eclipsed the sun as it rose fully into the sky. Atop one of the highest towers in the Palace of Spires a man with a neatly trimmed beard and yellow eyes stood and watched with an impassive expression. In one hand he held a closed book with his thumb marking page, while in the other was a glass of dark liquid which he swirled absently as he watched the approach of a new dawn. Above him winged kathar flew out toward the city, their numbers so great that the air stirred a gust as they passed, whipping clothing and hair as if caught in a storm.
"As you commanded, your greatness, the preparations have been made."
The Emperor turned to look at the woman who knelt in the doorway to the balcony. Her dark hair was tied in a neat bun on top of her head, her clothing crisp and militaria in cut. Though her head was bowed he knew she wore her usual silver spectacles.
"Good." Was the simple reply that Emperor gave before looking back out over the city. It seemed calm, but he knew that great changes were coming. Taking a sip from his glass the man looked down at the book he held, the book with a silver cover with iron bands now unclasped. Flicking his wrist he opened to a page with text that seemed to float from the paper and twist even as he looked at the symbols etched in what looked like dried blood.
"How soon until the Knight Chapters return?"
"Three days. I have word from the Silver Edge Chapter that the Tranal region suffered heavily from the appearance of the shadow beasts. Other parts of Gelerand and Arlais gave similar reports. Arlais has mobilized its Imperial Command Units and has begun to reinfoce the fortresses near the Atinaw border. General Fedric has sent out an all hands request at the borders of Gelerand, and has begun conscripting men and women from smaller villages into the armed forced." The woman looked up at the Emperor, "Should we send reinforcements?"
"What of Dardouen?" The Emperor asked, still examining the page.
"We have not received reports from the Dutchy as of yet..." the woman said hesitantly, "But the Kathar assigned to Duke Beaumont says that the region around Valensier is relatively untouched."
With a snort the man snapped the book closed and looked down at the Capital City, "They have a large deposite of Dawnstone near the captial do they not? Have they continued to export as we commanded at the start of Ash?"
"Yes, but supplies have noticeably dwindled since the start of the eclipse..."
"As expected of that opportunist." He said with a sigh, "When the Chapters arrive send Golden Lions to aid Arlais. I would not expect the Atinaw forces to press our borders given the circumstance, but it is better to be cautious. Have Silver Edge remain in Tranal. They have the greatest mobility in the Legion, and will be an asset in clearing away the tides as this all progresses."
After taking another sip he continued, "Are the mines across the Veris River established?"
"Yes, and the Godric Mining Company has confirmed a previously unknown dragonshard has been uncovered after a cave-in opened a crater to the surface of the mine two days ago. The company is requesting compensation for the loss of lives, and asks to be sent another unit to help guard against the shadow beasts."
"Compensation?" The Emperor asked with a wan smile, "I suppose it could be considered a workplace accident. Very well, send them the usual amount and have the Legion send additional soldiers."
"As you command." The woman bowed her head and stood to leave.
"One more thing."
The woman paused and looked back, "Yes, your greatness?"
"Extend a missive to the people. Offer a reward for the finding of Dawnstone and this new dragonshard. Have the Primarchs of the Chapters also issue their own requests, with compensation included."
"As you command." With that the woman bowed and left the Emperor alone.
He stood in silence for several minutes, just looking at the city and the eclipsed sun in the sky. His glass sat on the balcony rail, forgotten.
"When dawn turns to dusk, and the stars extinguished in the night. He will stand as the herald of a new age. Beware the thing that lives in the twilight."
Stroking his beard the man looked down at the book in his hands, a fire in his eyes before he turned his back on the scenery. An age of change was upon them. What that meant for the world, was yet to be seen.
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