The Teachings of Vulkan

Written by Joseph Channon

It had been several hours since the training session had been completed, but for some reason as of yet unrevealed to him Turen had been asked to remain at the bolter ranges. As Turen was contemplating this situation he heard the heavy footsteps of one clad in Terminator armour approaching. Immediately he span around and stood to attention when he saw that the one in the armour was none other than Xidan Drachhus the chaplain of the 2^nd company, reputed to be one of the greatest chaplains in the chapter, rumour had that so serious was he that he had not smiled once in the last 2 decades.

“Greetings scout Turen” boomed Xidan.

“Hail to you lord Chaplain” replied Turen in the traditional manner.

“As you were, now there is a matter which I wish to speak to you of”

“Yes lord Chaplain?”

“Before I tell you I would ask you a few questions. Tell me, what has Vulkan taught you during your training?” asked Xidan.

“He has taught me to observe the opponent patiently before striking at his weakness, to be open to all the possibilities when choosing a path, to know when it is time to run and when it is time to fight. And most importantly of all that I shall never be alone in battle for the Emperor is always with me” quoted Turen.

“Very good young one” said Xidan “now tell me what you think of your brother scouts”

“They are all honourable warriors lord chaplain, they are courageous and skilled and one day we will all make fine additions to the Salamanders Chapter”

“I believe that the day is closer than you think. For it has come to the attention of our grand master Tu’Shan that the machirus system is about to be assailed by many evil forces. I myself have been assigned to lead a force to try and halt this assault, and I will have need of some scouts” explained Xidan.

“My lord! We should be honoured to fight with you” exclaimed Turen.

“Indeed you should” said Xidan “but upon you an even greater honour has been bestowed, as of this moment I proclaim you to be a fully fledged marine. As a servant of Vulkan, the Emperor and the Imperium I ask you to lead your brother scouts in the coming campaign. Do you accept?”

“With all my heart Lord Chaplain. I am honoured that you have chosen me” Turen exclaimed once his breath returned.

“Very well, Go and prepare your brethren, we shall be leaving in four hours time”.

“At once my lord” said Turen before disembarking to ready his men.

And as he watched Turen leave, Xidan smiled for the first time in many years.

“How much he reminds me of the young scout that I once was” thought Xidan before exiting the ranges.

Fiction