Path of the Outcast

by Gav Thorpe

  Maensith nodded once and Aradryan fired the laser cannons. In the spherical display at the centre of the chamber, the human shuttle exploded into a ball of fire and gas, utterly obliterated.

  ‘Make shift to the webway, as swift as you can,’ Maensith declared, transmitting her message to the rest of the fleet. ‘The leash is off, and wolves must hunt!’

  Theft

  The Forge of Vaul – At the heart of the galaxy lies the Forge of Vaul, where the stars and planets and nebulae were brought into being upon the anvil of the Smith God. Here, the hottest furnaces of the oldest stars burn to fuel the fires of the Forge. Starmetal and sunbronze are the materials with which Vaul worked, and mighty were the artefacts he created. It was here that Vaul was chained by Khaine to labour in atonement for freeing Isha and Kurnus, and it was in the Forge of Vaul that the Godslayer, the Sword of Khaine, deadliest weapon in all the worlds, was created. When Khaine was torn apart in the duel between She Who Thirsts and the Lord of War, it is said that the Widowmaker flew from his hand and returned to the place of its birth. It waits there now, biding the long aeons until a hand worthy of wielding it pulls it from the anvil in which it rests.

  Following their departure from Daethronin, the Azure Flame, now under the joint command of Maensith and Aradryan, found great sport and spoils across the star systems of the Winter Gulf. Having been held back by their agreements with De’vaque, some of the captains of the Azure Flame delighted in targeting ships coming to and from the Imperial commander’s star system. It was not only around Daethronin that the pirates made their presence felt. From Eldaseth to Taerinnin, a stretch of nearly three thousand light years, the Azure Flame swooped upon lone merchant ships and isolated outposts, dared the guns of convoy escorts and the cannons of orbital platforms.

  Aradryan earned himself a reputation amongst the corsairs as a brazen, daring adventurer. He could barely believe the transformation in himself, from the weak-willed, terrified ranger who had cowered at the approach of a diminutive orkoid, to the carefree and courageous pirate prince he had become. Despite Aradryan’s popularity amongst most of the Azure Flame fleet, there were some aboard the Fae Taeruth who were not so indulgent. Chief amongst his critics was Taelisieth, who missed no opportunity to raise objections and doubts about Aradryan’s leadership, decisions and motives with Maensith. Such an argument came to a head aboard the Fae Taeruth as the three eldar discussed an upcoming raid on a convoy mustering point.

  The three of them were in the observation gallery, surrounded by the glowing fabric of the webway shimmering beyond the window interfaces. Aradryan saw a curving wall of purple and blue held aloft by white columns that burned with ember-like runes. The Fae Taeruth had travelled this part of the Winter Gulf frequently, and Aradryan had dubbed this particular weave of tunnels the Golden Gate due to its proximity to a number of warp routes used frequently by the human Imperium. There were rich pickings indeed to be had, if one did not mind risking the Imperial Navy patrols.

  ‘It is too reckless, for little reward,’ protested Taelisieth. ‘We have already drawn too much attention to ourselves in this area, we need to move on.’

  ‘But the convoy staging area is nearby, in Laesithanan,’ replied Aradryan. ‘It is ripe for us. Darson De’vaque spoke of it before his departure.’

  ‘The more dangerous, the better for you,’ snarled Taelisieth. ‘I know what drives you, Aradryan. This system, it will be well-guarded, and you want to spite the humans by taking their ships from under their noses. It is not worth the risk; not for your further aggrandisement.’

  ‘My aggrandisement?’ laughed Aradryan. He turned to Maensith, laying a hand on her arm. ‘Who was it that led the attack at Niemesh? It was me! Who saw the opportunity to outwit that battlecruiser commander at Caelosis? Me! If it was not for my wit, this fleet would have seen half as much action.’

  ‘And the Laethrin and Naeghli Atun would both still be with us,’ countered Taelisieth. ‘Yrithain never lost a single ship, and you have lost two in less than a hundred cycles. The captains follow you still because they are excited, but their patience will wear thin soon enough. This convoy, it carries nothing of importance – weapons for some human warzone far away. Without De’vaque to take them, what use are they? Will you find another corrupt Imperial governor willing to trade for them? And for what?’

  ‘We will be taking prisoners,’ said Aradryan, earning himself sharp looks from both Maensith and Taelisieth. He enjoyed their surprise, but suppressed his smile. ‘It is just an idea of mine, but hear me out. It is only a matter of time before the Crimson Talon seek revenge on Maensith, now that Khiadysis is bound to have told them of her whereabouts.’

  ‘You think to pay them off with prisoners?’ said Maensith.

  ‘I am sure we could find an intermediary at Khai-dazaar who will be able to negotiate on our behalf,’ said Aradryan. ‘I know that it might not be easy, but it is worth considering.’

  Maensith’s face showed that she was considering the idea, and at some length. Her expression changed subtly from doubt to interest to thoughtfulness, and back again several times as she weighed up the possibilities. Her gaze fell upon Aradryan and they locked eyes, sharing a moment of common purpose and understanding. The hint of a smile twitched the corners of Maensith’s mouth.

  ‘And the rest of the fleet, what do they gain from this attack?’ said Taelisieth, holding out his hands.

  ‘By which you mean the rest of the crew,’ said Aradryan, breaking his stare from Maensith’s bewitching gaze to turn it upon Taelisieth. The lieutenant did not blink to show any sign of shame at the accusation.

  ‘All get equal share that is the rule. I have no use for clumsy humans, do you? If you wish to offer a love gift to our captain, feel free to do so with your own share, but do not empty our pockets for your gesture.’

  ‘I would have thought you owed our captain a little more respect and loyalty, considering all that she has given you, and how far she has carried you,’ said Aradryan.

  Taelisieth snapped to his feet, eyes wide with anger.

  ‘Carried me?’ he shouted. ‘You have been nothing but a chain around our necks since your arrival, Aradryan of Alaitoc. If you are so magnificent, perhaps you would deign to repeat your performance of De’vaque’s court?’

  One hand on the hilt of his sword, Taelisieth stepped back and gestured for Aradryan to rise. Aradryan was about to comply, filled with indignation, but Taelisieth continued his tirade and gave Aradryan pause to reconsider drawing his weapon.

  ‘It is one thing to puncture a sluggish lump of a human, it is quite another challenge to match your sword against one of our kind. Do you dare that?’

  ‘My skill at arms is not the subject of debate,’ Aradryan said slowly, keeping his gaze fixed on Taelisieth’s sword hand. The moment the pirate looked to draw his weapon Aradryan was ready to leap aside. His words were spoken calmly, trying to defuse the irate lieutenant’s mood. ‘If it is my leadership you doubt, then give us an alternative.’

  ‘Have you a more profitable suggestion, perhaps?’ said Maensith. ‘One that is better than this convoy?’

  ‘The Gallows Stars, near Khebuin, where anasoloi traders make a dash from the Indiras Gap to reach the safety of the Naeirth cluster.’ Taelisieth said the words quickly, as if he had been rehearsing them repeatedly. ‘We can be there in three cycles, and back with a prize within ten.’

  ‘Lone anasoloi traders?’ Aradryan’s laugh was sharp and short. ‘What challenge is that?’

  ‘Easy pickings, captain,’ insisted Taelisieth. He took his hand from his sword and knelt on one knee beside Maensith, eyes fixed earnestly on her face. ‘Think of what they might be carrying – Cthellan spheres, cudbear hides or perhaps even Anasaloi devil-wyrds. All can be bargained at great profit at Khai-dazaar. We are corsairs, not Commorraghan arena fighters. We do not need a challenge to prosper or prove ourselves.’

  Maensith stroked her chin and looked between Aradryan and Maensith. Aradryan gave
her hand an encouraging squeeze, but she drew it away and stood up.

  ‘We shall see who is the better leader, not by deciding here but by a test in truth,’ said the captain. She smoothed her long black robe with pale fingers and smiled thinly. ‘My cherished Aradryan, I shall leave you in command of the Fae Taeruth. Taelisieth and I will transfer to the Haenamor, under his command. Whichever of the other ships’ captains you can persuade to your cause will accompany each endeavour. In ten cycles’ time we will return to the Cradle of Moons to see who is worthy of commanding the Azure Flame with me.’

  ‘And what happens to the loser?’ asked Taelisieth.

  ‘What do you suggest?’ Maensith asked.

  ‘Winning will be reward enough,’ said Aradryan. ‘Taelisieth’s shame will be sufficient punishment for the wrongs he has spoken against me.’

  ‘And I will see you humbled, for my part,’ said Taelisieth. ‘Should I bring back the larger prize, you will never set foot again on the command deck of a ship.’

  ‘So be it,’ said Maensith as she strode from the room, leaving Aradryan alone with Taelisieth. The lieutenant smiled coldly.

  ‘You have gone too far this time, Aradryan.’ Standing up, Taelisieth patted Aradryan on the shoulder in condescending fashion. ‘This is exactly what I wanted. Without Maensith and me to protect you from your rash impulses, I do not expect you to return. It is a shame that we might lose the Fae Taeruth, but at least you will have a grand tomb for your corpse.’

  ‘If I lose the Fae Taeruth, I will gladly step aside for you,’ said Aradryan. He ran a finger down Taelisieth’s cheek and winked. ‘Have fun popping anasolois for cudbear hides. When I have finished humiliating you in front of the whole fleet, you can wrap yourself up in them for comfort.’

  Three ships of the Azure Flame slid from the webway not far behind the cluster of human ships gathering in high orbit over the fifth world of the system. Alongside Aradryan on the Fae Taeruth were Naestro, under the leadership of Kharias Elthirin, and Namianis aboard the Kaeden Durith. With the three most powerful ships of the Azure Flame under his command, Aradryan was confident that the gaggle of merchantmen would be little threat.

  Though he longed to prove himself against a foe more challenging, the initial sensor sweeps indicated only a single warship to protect the flotilla; by its size it would be outgunned by the eldar cruisers.

  ‘I came looking for sport, but it appears we shall have little of that,’ Aradryan said, turning to smile at his second-in-command, Laellin. She nodded but said nothing, her focus set on the gunnery panel. Aradryan allowed a sliver of his consciousness to slip into the Fae Taeruth’s matrix. It was an empowering feeling, to be at the heart of so many systems. Beforehand he had only interfaced with the piloting networks, but now he had access to every component of the cruiser. His thoughts touched briefly upon those manning the various stations around the command hall, acknowledging them one by one.

  Establishing a contact with Aerissan at the sensor controls, Aradryan felt for a moment as though he looked through the Fae Taeruth’s eyes. It was a bewildering experience, momentary but intoxicating. Aerissan guided Aradryan’s attention to the scanner readings. The warship they had detected was attached to one of the cargo ships, although its plasma reactor, weapons and shields showed a spike in energy output as they were brought up to full strength.

  With a thought of thanks to Aerissan, Aradryan slipped from the sensory banks into the communications suite. Immediately his holo-image appeared in the control chambers of the other two ships, while the slightly translucent ghosts of Kharias and Namianis materialised on the deck of the Fae Taeruth.

  ‘Morai-heg has seen fit to spin us a rich thread, my friends,’ declared Aradryan. ‘Eight ships to be plundered and only a single worthy adversary to protect them. We shall split, so that the escort cannot protect the fleet from one direction. Avoid engaging the enemy, for as small as it is, I expect this guard dog’s bite to be fierce. There is no need to be hasty, we can pick off the prizes in turn, after all.’

  As the Azure Flame closed in, the freighter commanders tried to make a run for freedom. There was no coherent plan as cargo haulers, gas carriers, bulk transporters and superlifters split from each other in a flurry of blazing plasma trails, falling back on the ancient survival instinct of the herd: the predators cannot catch us all. The human warship broke its docking and turned towards the incoming eldar ships, forcing the Naestro to break away her attack, but leaving the Fae Taeruth and Kaeden Durith a clear run into the heart of the spreading flotilla.

  As the Fae Taeruth overhauled the closest ship, Laellin targeted its aft sections with the starboard lasers, scoring a flurry of hits across its engine housings.

  ‘Careful,’ warned Aradryan, focusing the scanner sphere on the stricken ship. ‘These human ships have fragile plasma drives. We do not wish to detonate our prize, do we?’

  The Kaeden Durith swept ahead, gravity nets extending towards the crippled freighter. Aradryan did not mind the audacity of Namianis in taking the first prize; his goal was the much larger vessel at the heart of the convoy. The enemy warship was staying close to the biggest freighter, and three other ships of the convoy had decided that the guns of the light cruiser were a better defence than open space. They were wrong, Aradryan told himself in triumph. There was no way a single ship could protect every vessel in the convoy, especially against much swifter foes.

  It was not long before the commander of the human escort came to the same conclusion and brought his ship onto a bearing that cut between the eldar and the ships trying to escape out-system. It was a wise move, forcing both the Fae Taeruth and Naestro to abort runs toward the fleeing vessels. However, it did mean that the cluster of four ships it had been protecting were now vulnerable.

  Despite the urge to plunge in for the kill, Aradryan held himself and the Naestro in check for the time being. There was something about the way the warship had suddenly abandoned its charges that made Aradryan suspicious. There was also the unanswered question of why it had been docked with the large cargo ship when the eldar had arrived.

  The four ships that had been left to their own protection were clustered together. They would be armed, no doubt, and although their weapons were little match for the holofields of the Fae Taeruth, in order to board their prize, the eldar would have to slow down, increasing the chances of being successfully targeted. There was safety in numbers for the moment, and though Aradryan desperately wanted the largest ship for himself, he remembered the mockery of Taelisieth. Only a fool would take on four vessels with a lone ship, no matter how poorly armed the more numerous vessels were. If he had wanted to destroy the cargo haulers, it would be easy enough, but he had to take them intact. Even more than that, Aradryan needed to capture as many of them as possible if he was to offer the kabal of the Crimson Talon sufficient pay-off to forget Maensith’s past indiscretions. Aradryan held his tempestuous mood in check and resolved that he would not be caught out by making rash decisions.

  Turning his attention back to the ships that had scattered, Aradryan used the infinity network to plot the intercept routes required to catch them. With the position taken up by the escort, there was a good chance that the portion of the convoy that had held together would be able to flee in-system before the Fae Taeruth could disable the scattering ships and return.

  With a grimace of frustration, Aradryan looked back and forth across the display globe, trying to decide between the two options. Then, as if Morai-heg had not granted him enough fortune, he saw the largest ship suddenly expelling a cloud of plasma from emergency exhausts along its starboard flank. Yawing violently away from its companions, the ship started to fall behind, its engines flaring and dying fitfully, leaving scattered blooms of expanding plasma in its wake.

  ‘That is our first prize!’ Aradryan declared in triumph.

  Chasing the running cargo haulers for a while longer, Aradryan drew the escort further and further out of position. When he was confident that he cou
ld outrun the warship back to the stuttering freighter, he ordered the Fae Taeruth to come about. Though the route back to the largest vessel was more circuitous, the higher speed of the eldar ship would give Aradryan plenty of time to affect an attack. To ensure that he and his crew were not disturbed, he ordered the Naestro to close towards weapons range of the human light cruiser, to dissuade the enemy captain from turning after the Fae Taeruth.

  It was soon clear that the strategy had worked. Sails glittering gold in the stellar winds, the Fae Taeruth sped towards her prey.

  Pulling along the starboard flank of the erratically powered freighter, the Fae Taeruth extended her gravity nets, binding herself to the larger ship. Half a dozen boarding tunnels latched on to the hull of the target vessel, high-powered lascutters in their tips melting through the outer shell to allow the boarding parties to dash aboard.

  Normally Aradryan would have been at the forefront of the attack, leading the corsairs into deadly combat. This time he would not take part in the hack and thrust of the fighting; he was a leader not a warrior now. The initial parties reported minimal resistance – a couple of dozen humans swept away by the impetus of the attack. Securing a foothold across several decks, the pirates brought on reinforcements, Aradryan moving across to the human ship with them.

  There were two main objectives – the control bridge and the storage holds. Dividing his force into three, Aradryan sent the greater part forwards to look for the captain and officers. Another descended the stairwells to the lower decks, seeking the cargo containers. Aradryan remained where he was, with twenty more pirates to guard the route back to the Fae Taeruth.

  Through the communications stud in his ear, Aradryan monitored the progress of the boarding parties. They were under instruction to take prisoners wherever possible and soon there was a steady flow of unconscious or wounded humans being brought back to the staging area. The attack was progressing smoothly, although no sign could be found of the ship’s captain; Aradryan knew things would go more smoothly if he could arrange an orderly surrender.