T A L O N
Searing 59, 122 Steel
Time: 9:37 AM
Uberfallenlicht Chapter Headquarters
The Legion Hall of the Fallen Light Raiders was as impressive as he might have imagined. The architecture was in southern Imperial styles, adding to the gothic grandeur of the building. He recalled clearly how Baudric had once spoke so proudly of what he and his brethren did. It was not unlike what the Sky Guard did in service to Kalzasi. The quest to hunt down demons that preyed upon the unsuspecting and defenseless was a cause that he could get behind.
When the Emperor had given him his marching orders, making it known what Talon was supposed to do, he had immediately begun planning the expedition in his head. While Baudric was in Kalzasi as far as he knew, the chapter of knights had come to his mind as he had begun assessing who might best be suited to join him on the venture. With no other clear familiarity in the empire, he saw no reason to not approach them. He had sent a message to the Chapter as soon as the thought passed through his head to expect his visit in order to assess their capabilities. If he was to succeed, he would need the best they had to offer. The response he had received back had been sent by the Primarch of the Chapter himself, promising a display of the best and brightest knights that the Fallen Light Raiders could provide. Talon silently wondered how they would measure up to the warriors he had seen throughout his life.
He walked up the pathway to the Chapter House flanked by two of the Palace Legionnaire’s. Their raven wings and dark armor were a sharp contrast to the silver of Talon’s eagle wings and the platinum and gold armor that he wore. As he approached the large doors to the Chapter House, they opened. The heavy wooden doors groaned, causing the inner lobby of the manor house to echo. The interior was decorated with the accolades of the Chapter. He could see trophies from the knight’s past exploits and even memorials dedicated to past members who had fallen. The chapter colors hung proudly and Talon could not help but study the things that were around him.
“Inform the Primarch that the Hand of the Emperor has arrived.” The Palace Legionnaire beside him spoke to the front hall attendant who jumped into action in order to quickly fetch the Head of the Chapter. Talon was still coming to grips with his own role and the dynamics of how it played in the hierarchy of Imperial politics. Thus far he had not truly tested the waters and acted only where he saw a need to. His purpose was clear enough to him and he had little reason to deviate from executing it. However, from what he gathered he was an entity unto himself who answered directly to the Emperor and no other. Neither the Inquisition nor the Imperial Legion held command over him and that had certainly caused a few waves from what he could tell. He had not yet had the opportunity to discern who was pleased, who was furious and who was stunned by it.
It was as he was waiting, that he heard a voice that, at first, he thought he misheard. A voice shouting what sounded like drill commands. It was deep and powerful but it held an air of familiarity to it. He was momentarily confused but when he heard the voice again, he was moving before he had truly registered the fact that he was walking. The Palace Legionnaire’s remained, knowing that Talon would go where he pleased in most instances. They would lead the Primarch to him.
Talon followed the voice until he was stepping into a spacious training yard. Avialae and even others, all of whom were impressively built and wielding training weaponry, stood going through training drills. Among them, however, Talon recognized a single Avialae. He was momentarily shocked into stillness. He towered over practically everyone there. The impressive Orkhan Avialae was impossible to mistake.
“Baudric?”
