Calm before the storm

Written by Joseph Channon

The sunlight was creeping up along the western plain. Elleirala gazed down at the morning light. Compared to what she had seen in her vision the night before, it was almost too beautiful to look at.

Even now the dream still haunted her. She could still see the crumbling wraithbone towers, the once beautiful dwellings of her Craftworld lying in ruin, and unless she concentrated, she could still hear the chittering of the thousands of insect like creatures as they rampaged through her beloved home.

Most people could have comforted themselves with the thought that it was just a dream. However Elleirala was not like the others, she was a seer, and not just any seer but a Farseer.

This meant that the vision was a reality in the not so distant future. Fortunately, the nature of Elleirala’s power meant that she had not seen the definite future, only a possibility.

Because of this, a council of war had been called as soon as she had revealed what she had seen. In but a few hours a force had been gathered and travelled to the point at which the time line would divide.

One line would bring the Saim-Haim glory and salvation. The other did not bear thinking about.

Just then Elleirala’s contemplation was interrupted as a Jetbike approached.

On it rode R’Bann Swiftwing, the current chief of the Wild riders.

“Is this the place?” he asked abruptly.

“Indeed. In a few hours the Mon-keigh, the Orks and perhaps even the Dark kin will arrive to contest this world.” Replied Elleirala.

“And then what?” R’Bann asked whilst taking in the view. The morning light cast an interesting shadow on his scarred face, Elleirala had never found out how he had been damaged so, or why he had refused to have it treated.

“Then the great devourer will arrive. It will scatter what is left of the forces here and then move on to slake its thirst on Saim-Haim.”

“How do we stop it?” R’Bann asked.

“I do not know for certain yet.” She answered.

“Then let us pray that you find out soon.” R’Bann replied.

And with that he left. Elleirala presumed he wished to check the readiness of the troops.

“Indeed” she whispered “let us pray that I do.”

Fiction