Warhammer: The 11th Primarch - The Black Emperor

At the Primarch's villa, Nareth's gaze moved past the House of Drake Head, Barton, to the two black-armored warriors standing behind him on either side.

The two warriors in black armor had powerful builds, with broad, solid shoulders and legs like they had been hewn by axe and chisel.

Their weathered faces and necks were covered in pale scars.

Nareth could feel the aura of strength radiating from them, no weaker than that of the Fenrisians.

The chests of their armor were covered with medals awarded during the Unification Wars, and from that alone he could identify who they were.

He looked at Barton. "Barton, are they the Lucifer Blacks?"

The commander of the Solar Auxilia, Barton, replied respectfully, "Yes, my lord.

"Please allow me to introduce them."

Barton stepped aside to reveal the warrior standing to his left rear, dressed in black flak armor, his right eye replaced with an augmetic.

"Captain Theo. His swordsmanship is highly praised, even among the Lucifer Blacks."

Nareth's black eyes narrowed as he glanced at the power sword at Theo's waist.

Theo's swordsmanship should be close to the mortal limit.

He recalled that Captain Chayne of the Lucifer Blacks had superb swordsmanship, skilled enough to exchange several blows with Alpharius and even leave a sword wound on him.

Although, in reality, that "Alpharius" had actually been a line captain of the 20th Legion in disguise, a line captain's skill in the Legion era far surpassed that of a normal Astartes.

Barton then turned to his right, revealing another warrior whose arm had been replaced with a mechanical prosthetic, wearing a flak jacket.

"Shield Guard Laurent, he once blocked ten of Theo's strikes."

Nareth's eyes lingered on the ancient medals upon the two warriors' chests.

"The sacrifices the Lucifer Blacks made during the Unification Wars were immense. Your achievements are worthy of admiration."

Receiving praise from a Primarch, Theo and Laurent both felt honored and bowed slightly.

"My lord Primarch, thank you for your praise."

Nearly forty years old, Barton sighed. "My lord, precisely because of their great sacrifices, their numbers are now fewer than a hundred.

"Captain Theo commands only one warrior, Laurent."

"The once-mighty lions of the battlefield now serve as bodyguards for senior officers."

The two Lucifer Blacks wore complex expressions, filled with nostalgia for the past and sorrow for their present circumstances.

Nareth nodded slightly. He knew the Lucifer Blacks had never been rebuilt during the entire Great Crusade.

After the Horus Heresy, they had been re-formed as elite palace guards, often serving as bodyguards for the nobles of Terra and the High Lords.

Knowing both their current state and future fate, he could already guess the purpose of Theo and Laurent's visit, but he wanted them to say it themselves.

"What brings you here?"

Theo stepped forward and spoke.

"My lord, please grant us aid in rebuilding the Lucifer Blacks."

Nareth tapped a finger lightly on the armrest of his throne. "Why come to me for help? Hasn't the Sigillite aided you?"

Barton answered before Theo could.

"My lord, Lord Malcador is burdened with countless affairs and has no time for this matter."

He hesitated, then continued.

"Furthermore, while the Lucifer Black Guard are not particularly demanding in terms of equipment, each warrior's training time and resource requirements far exceed the Solar Auxilia standard."

Nareth nodded slightly. Now he understood why the Lucifer Blacks had not been rebuilt during the Great Crusade.

They were stronger than most auxilia, but required too much time to train, and were still weaker than the Astartes.

From Malcador's perspective, it was more efficient to train Astartes than to spend resources on the Lucifer Blacks, especially during a resource-draining Great Crusade.

"My lord, your worlds are prosperous, populous, and resource-rich. You can help the Lucifer Blacks regain their peak."

After Barton made his case, Theo and Laurent felt their hearts sink when the Primarch remained silent.

"Without them, who will protect you?"

Barton was moved that the Primarch was concerned for his safety. He straightened his back.

"My lord, I'm not so old that I can't hold a sword. The House Drake also has elite guards, though they are far from Theo and Laurent's level.

"Theo and Laurent are my bodyguards, but they are also my friends, my brothers in arms. We have fought side by side.

"I want to help them to restore the glory of the Lucifer Blacks!"

Theo and Laurent looked at Barton with gratitude. Nareth read the emotions on their faces and smiled.

"Barton, your safety is also important. In my forces, I have many warriors who have undergone partial augmentations."

Over 15,000 of the Vostoyan auxilia had received at least one surgical augmentation.

Rebuilding the Lucifer Blacks would also serve Nareth's purpose, allowing part of his auxilia to absorb the Guard's culture and training, producing better warriors.

"I will choose elite soldiers to serve as your bodyguards."

Tairava was relatively autonomous, but the House Drake was the largest fully Imperial-aligned noble house to side with the Primarch.

Most Terra-based factions to join Nareth so far had been military in nature. The Drakes had served in the armed forces for generations, with many members in the Solar Auxilia.

In his memory, the House Drake would continue to flourish even 10,000 years later, producing Lord Commanders of the Imperial Guard in every generation.

Even their sidelined branches would receive trade warrants, becoming Rogue Traders.

Assigning guards would not only protect Barton but also extend influence over the Drakes.

Nareth looked at the two black-armored warriors.

"You may recruit your first batch from the auxilia for a quick start.

"You may also select recruits from my worlds, outside Vostroya, your priority will be second only to my Legion.

"You will receive weapons and equipment resupplies. Every soldier will be equipped with carapace armor; captains and above will receive master-crafted power armor."

Theo and Laurent hadn't expected the Primarch not only to agree but also to grant them such privileges. They knelt on one knee.

"My lord, the Lucifer Blacks will swear eternal loyalty to you.

"Whatever your command, we will obey."

Nareth rose from his throne, stepped forward, and helped them up.

"There's no need for ceremony," he said, turning to his aide. "Arsena, take them away."

"Barton, you stay."

After the aide escorted Theo and Laurent out, Nareth addressed Barton.

"You should know my Legion already controls six star systems centered on Necromunda."

"My lord, I know, six chapters in a brilliant blitzkrieg."

Barton's eyes shone. He had pledged himself to Nareth because he admired the Primarch's speed and precision.

The Shadows of Order's strikes were less ferocious than the Luna Wolves', but they were more precise, more lethal, and brought lasting order to conquered worlds.

Compared to Horus, Barton admired Nareth more.

"Necromunda has a vast population but is underutilized. I need Solar Auxilia elites to go there and reform the old armies."

Nareth did not intend to leave the 4th Chapter there long-term; once Adams established order, he would redeploy the Death Lord.

"My lord, I will select retired elites from the House Drake and its vassals.

"They will bring their own top soldiers to Necromunda to forge a loyal, elite army for you."

As Nareth met with the many noble houses, elsewhere in the Disordered Lands, the Black Wolf began his cycle of nightmare and rebirth.

...

If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.

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