TO BE KING

[Dominion]

I enjoy writing occasionally and since I’ve been excited about finally putting a story behind my chapter of space marines I decided to start writing a short story for them. Its basically the unique position a chapter master is in and how he handles his position. This is a work in progress so any help on the way is welcome any and all criticism welcome.

 

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...howtopic=195503

 

 

TO BE KING

By Ethan Laughing

 

It was in the middle of the night and finally the sun began to retreat over the jagged metal and stone horizon, the smoke from the bowels of industry still bellowing out as if to signal the suns defeat. There was no sight of human life though it was evident by the cityscape and groaning ground that it was built upon. There was movement in the skies as transports zoomed toward their destinations intersecting each other through the web of buildings. The dusk was settling and it would last for nearly four hours before it would finally cover the planet in cool darkness, the twin moons of Gridion would then kiss the sky for 24 hours before they had to say good bye.

 

The inhabitants of Gridion whisper to their children fondly the story of Gridion and the twin sisters. Gridion a strong man built of steel and stone, vowed to protect the children of terra through the harshness of mother night. As time went by and Mother night refused to leave, Gridion had gotten lonely and one day as he stood vigil over the children of terra he gazed up at the twin sisters, seeing their beauty he seduced them. Not able to choose one or the other he took them both, with that decision he ripped his own heart in two and gave the sisters each a piece. Mother night seeing this looked down upon Gridion with scorn for his inability to choose one and so she left leaving him to be dealt with by Father Ignition.

 

Father Ignition brought the sacred fire to Gridion to light his way to the righteous path. Upon returning he learned about Gridions tryst with his daughters, angered he confronted Gridion about it, burning with great anger father ignition gave him an ultimatum. Choose one of his daughters or die without either, Gridion chose death, Father ignition struck him down with a spear of fire. Made of stone and steel Gridion could never truly die, his remains a monument to his own life, because of this Father Ignition would watch over Gridions body for 6 days and then he would go back home for a day to let mother night speak to her daughters, the twin sisters would refuse to listen to their mother and instead they would spend the day kissing Gridions wounds.

 

It is this tale that brought back ancient memories to Lord Grimshaw as he stood at the edge of the balcony, it was the tallest point in the fortress monastery, a good view to watch the sun finally diving across the sky. The giant of a man stood still leaning over the rail in deep thought the dark orange and brown of dusk reflecting off his aquiline features and short dark brown hair. The robed Chapter serfs stood at attention, waiting to be commanded, living to serve and wanting to serve their lord.

 

Grimshaw thought back to all the sunsets he had witnessed over the centuries and none were ever quite as beautiful or held any more meaning for him than this one did. This was the one sunset once every week, the only sunset that was always waiting for him. Lord Grimshaw fancied that he had fallen in love with the sunset the daughter of Gridion and the twin sisters, chuckling to himself at the thought, the affair had been going on for over two and a half centuries. After another moment of contemplation he looked over at the sky once more before leaving.

 

Lord Grimshaw stalked across the stone floors of the Chapter Fortress heading steadily towards the central chamber. In the central chamber is where the council when assembled would meet otherwise acted as the throne room for Gridions Supreme Judge and the Grief Wardens Chapter Lord. The chapters symbol a jagged dream catcher was emblazoned on the central floor and upon the tabards that decorated the walls of the room. Center in the room was the holo projector that helped layout battle plans in a fast visual way and also served as a communication device to the fleet that stood in wait up in space..

 

The plain grey robes that Grimshaw wore was bland compared to the decorative feel that the central chamber had. The chapter serfs jogging alongside their master as Grimshaw walked speedily into the central chamber. Before the sunset had started word was sent to Grimshaw that the people of Gridion called for him to perform his duties as supreme judge in an urgent matter that would not wait. Grimshaw was Supreme Judge as the people liked to call it, but despite the title change it still meant his word was law, Grimshaw was King.

 

Passing by the holo projector Grimshaw went and sat in the most centered chair, his throne though not decorated as such was left plain so as to not attract the attention of his station amongst his brethren. In being the supreme Judge of a people it would take great wisdom and respect, this title could only be earned, ever since the world was chosen as their home world there wouldn’t, no there couldn’t be any man greater for the job than the chapter Lord. Taking the moment to sigh he then looked to his left and said smoothly in a voice that belied his age and authority “Summon them.” a chapter serf left immediately.

 

Returning not too long after that at the head of a small crowd of people the serf stopped the crowd in the central chamber and bowed down to Grimshaw, raising his hand to rise the chapter serf took his place again in the shadows behind him waiting to be called again. The crowd of people silent and respective of the room they where in some still had an aura of awe and reverence over the size and presence of the giant of a man that would be Judging them. A thin man with a regal air stepped forward from the group having been in this position before he wasn’t afraid or nervous.

 

The mans name was Destrid and he had served as liaison between the people and the Supreme judge for over a century now. Having impressed upon the previous Lord his competence and honour the chapter had ordered he’d be given regenerative treatments so that he could serve the chapter as long as possible. He bowed to the thrown and spoke calmly “may we begin the proceedings, Supreme Judge?” Destrid clad in his dress uniform that was all white waited to be addressed not daring to move an inch unless given the word. A little perturbed at the need for this judgement Lord Grimshaw waited for a bit before answering “we may begin…”

[Midgard]

Interesting, and the introduction was very well done, a good way to draw the reader in.