In the gnarled, blackened trees around the clearing, Khornates hung from the thickest branches – the telltale sign of a Templar incursion into Desraki lands.
In the midst of the clearing, people had been gathered, mostly humans, but of many races. They wore many scars and fresh injuries, not from battles, but from the harsh treatment of their masters. Those same masters who now hung dead in the trees.
Upon his disc of Tzeentch, Vardeshir the Solemn stood, in his regal full plate armour of Gold, his fine scarlet cloak softly falling behind him. Ceremoniously, he opened his arms towards the ragged group of people gathered before him, and Hope washed over the former slaves as he thus began to speak, a calm, sonorous voice, as if reciting a prayer.
“Rejoice! For the end of your toil at the Khornates’ behest has come.”
The executed Redcloaks, their officers, and the Fyreslayer mercenaries swayed slightly in the wind.
“Rejoice! For the end of your despair is here.”
Shattered chains and tools littered the floor.
“Rejoice! For His Golden Wings banish the darkness.”
The Golden Wings at his back burst into Flames, shining brightly into the twilight, encompassing them all.
“Let this be the Reign of Hope!”
The downtrodden cheered, and he could see bent backs straighten, weak hands turn to fists, and dull eyes inflame.
They would have cheered at anything, of course. Such was the Power of Hope.
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The liberated horde of slaves had joined the march of the Templars. A Holy Fire burned in their hearts, one of Hope and of Vengeance, and the Templars of Our Burning Saviour did everything to fan the Flames.
They had been given the choice of leaving, sure, but of course, this had not been a sensible option for most of them, except for those few truly indoctrinated into Desraki beliefs.
A scouting expedition of Templar Skyfire archers had had a secondary objective after those had left.
Vardeshir the Solemn was certain the others of this kind could, again, be identified and separated with the help of an inquisitor.
The rest of them, yes. They would join the Flames that would burn the Drench.
