"I need the Lingguang family to deploy at least three Knights and no fewer than ten Armigers for this operation," Alex told Marna.
Marna's brow furrowed briefly but relaxed. Three Knights were nearly their full strength, but Alex's request, while not equal to his gifts, allowed the Lingguangs to repay some debt rather than just receive.
Marna nodded firmly. "I'll personally lead Margaret and Sophia, and our Armigers will earn their honor in this mission."
Satisfied, Alex inclined his head. "I know the Lingguang family hasn't recovered. Three Knights are a drop in the bucket for your revival, and you deserve more time. But a threat looms, forcing me to commit most of your forces. This could determine Rostov II's survival. If we succeed, I'll provide seven more Knights as a reward. If we fail…"
He paused, noting Marna's lack of excitement at the promise. "Rostov II may cease to exist."
In Warhammer, clarity could be risky, but Alex chose transparency about the Necron tomb. Unlike Chaos, Necrons were purely physical, requiring no secrecy.
"That serious?" Marna raised an eyebrow, expecting danger but not planetary annihilation.
The Lingguangs had already lost one domain. Having found refuge, were they to be uprooted again?
"An alien ruin lies beneath this planet. If we dismantle it, we'll gain much with no issue," Alex explained. "It's a Necron tomb. When they ruled the galaxy, humans weren't even apes. Sixty million years ago, they fought the Eldar for dominance and won. After they went dormant, the Eldar built their empire. This planet hosts one of their sleeping tombs. Imagine returning home to find serfs occupying your lands, digging up your ancestors' graves. We're doing the same—excavating their tomb to ensure they never wake."
Alex's words stirred Marna. He understood the task and its dangers.
For a Lingguang Knight, it was bearable.
"Our motto is 'Fear No Darkness.' Though diminished, we answer the Imperium's call," Marna said resolutely.
A towering Castellan Knight, silver-white armor gleaming gold in the sunset, moved like a mobile fortress.
Flanking it were two Questoris Knights—one armed with a rapid-fire battle cannon and reaper chainsword, the other with a thermal cannon and thunderstrike gauntlet.
Ten Armigers, paired in twos, fanned out in a search formation.
The Castellan's size rivaled a Scout Titan, each step shaking the earth.
From his Throne Mechanicum, Marna felt the emotions of past Lingguang generations, lamenting how long it had been since such a formation marched.
When their domain fell to Tyranids, the Lingguangs fought valiantly, nearly to the last, but lost everything.
Since then, they'd wandered, their serfs confined in alien metal "cages," their lords sacrificed save Marna, tasked with revival, the last High King's daughters, and one branch Knight.
This was their first notable military outing in ages—a chance to signal their return, though meager.
A Castellan, two Questoris, and ten Armigers were respectable, but Marna sighed at their diminished state.
"Inform the Governor: Lingguang's three Knights and ten Armigers have arrived," Marna broadcast via vox.
The reply came: "Welcome, Regent of Lingguang and your noble lady Knights. Proceed to my command post for a briefing with other forces."
"Marna, acknowledged. Advancing," he replied, ordering his Armigers to form up and march to the assigned camp.
Once the Knights were settled, Marna and Margaret entered Alex's command post.
Inside, Mechanicus Sages, Battle Sisters, defense force generals, and an Astartes stood ready—a formidable gathering that sent a shiver through Marna.
(End of Chapter)