The Wayward Son

Seiras and Sylea walked in relative silence for a few minutes as they made their way to his corner hideout in the slave chamber. Much to his surprise however, several of the Cadians were quick to come intercept him along the way. No doubt news of new arrivals had alerted them to investigate. Among them included Commissar Kavka and Major Medina. The Ogryn Khrem was with them as well. The librarian wasn't surprised to see Major Medina and a few others holding the looted splinter rifles from the dead trueborn. Despite the fact that it was heresy to use a xenos weapon, Seiras was the last person in the galaxy who would shun such an action.

Having firearms no doubt made them much safer in this hostile slave chamber. Though having an Ogryn helped a lot in that regard as well. Major Medina addressed Seiras urgently, "You return, my lord. Why did those dark eldar take you away and why did they send you back?"

Seiras was silent for a moment as he looked them over. He shook his head, "I'll explain in private. Follow me over here. There is much I need to discuss with you and your men."

"Are those…guardsmen?" Sylea asked surprised, "do you know them, Seiras?"

The Blood Raven nodded, "Yes…come with me. I'll explain over there."

The Cadian officer tilted her head at Seiras curiously as she looked over at the concealed dark corner that Seiras was gesturing towards. She nodded a moment later and jerked her head signaling for the others to follow. Luckily, they were almost there and didn't have to endure too much awkward silence.

As they entered the dark area, Commissar Kavka spoke up, "It's rather dark in this area. Is this where you were staying the last time you were in here?"

"Yes, it's out of sight and earshot. You might find it hard to see for a bit, but your eyes should adjust to the darkness in a minute or so," Seiras replied as he turned around.

Despite the darkness, Seiras was curious to see several flashlights turn on that a few of the guardsmen had for some reason. They shined on him and Sylea primarily as they progressed further into the corner. Major Medina looked at Sylea briefly before speaking, "Who is this woman with you? She has a fleur de lis. Is she a Sister of Battle?"

"I'm Sylea Goldfeather ma'am. Hospitaller of the Order of the Dawn. I hail from the shrine world Persephone," the sororita introduced herself.

"A hospitaller? How fortunate. We could use a physician. All of our medics and nurses are dead. You're a welcome sight," Major Medina said respectfully.

"Why are you in Lord Seiras' company sister and what exactly are you wearing?" Commissar Kavka asked rather bluntly.

"Forgive my lewd appearance commissar…the eldar find amusement in making me dress like this," Sylea explained vaguely.

Major Medina's eyes widened, "Have they…" she couldn't finish her question.

"Yes…" she answered with a downcast stare.

The commissar exchanged several looks with nearby guardsmen who all look appalled. One of the female guardsmen cringed as she spoke up, "So that's where they were taking the Major then?"

"Over my dead body…" Kavka hissed angrily.

"You have my apologies for asking such a personal question, sister. We don't hold that against you…we've all been subjected to great tragedies in this accursed place," Medina sighed.

"I appreciate your empathy, but I would prefer not to speak of it," Sylea bowed her head respectfully.

Deciding to redirect the attention off of Sylea, Seiras spoke up, "She is the personal slave of Archon Faelan's consort. A Lhamaean by the name of Maeralya. She sent Sylea down here with me for some unknown reason. I assume they intend to gather information about what I'm doing while she's here. I'm entrusted to keep her safe."

"That is rather odd…you're allowing her to follow you even knowing that she's a potential spy?" the commissar said shocked.

The librarian nodded, "I am indeed."

The Cadians seemed to quickly realize that Seiras was warning them to not say anything about their escape plans just yet. Sylea noticed as well and wasted no time trying to alleviate the tension, "I am not here to intentionally spy on you or anything like that. Though Lord Seiras brought up a good point that Maeralya will likely try to torture me for information later. She won't be able to get it from me. Only the haemonculus can and she's too busy to care I imagine."

"Even if we kept you out of the loop, the Dark Eldar would still get suspicious of us," Kavka pointed out.

Seiras nodded, "I'm aware of that as well…but considering this turn of events, it would seem the Archon's court already suspects something in here. It's not a major concern right now, however. They're preparing for a war with another Kabal and the archon's only current priority is mobilizing and recruiting. That aside, I have a favor to ask…will you watch over Sylea for now? I have things I need to do and people to talk to in this slave chamber. Starting with Major medina here."

"We should speak in private then. Duncan, would you and the others mind bringing her back to our area for now?" Major Medina asked.

The man nodded without hesitation, "Of course major. Do you need an escort with you still?"

Major Medina glanced up at Seiras before shaking her head, "No, I'm certain Lord Seiras will be adequate enough to watch my back for now. I can also take care of myself."

"You heard the major, get back to our hideout," Kavka ordered the others.

He then focused on Seiras intensely, "Keep her safe, space marine."

"I will…keep Sylea safe as well," the librarian replied.

Sylea looked a bit worried about being separated from Seiras, but he gave her an assuring nod before speaking, "The Cadians will keep you safe in here Sylea. Just wait with them until I come back, alright?"

Seiras was relieved at how compliant the sororita was and even more so by her foresight to not mention Sorellia unnecessarily.

After everyone else was gone minus Seiras and Major Medina, the Astartes spoke grimly, "I apologize for what I'm about to ask of you major…it is an inexcusable heresy that would have us both executed under normal circumstances. It's also puts a heavy burden on you and your men as well."

The Cadian officer looked at him concerned, "I heard an Eldar Craftworlder came down here with you two as well. I assume it has something to do with that?"

"Yes and no. I've already spoken to several Craftworlder exarchs in here about potentially escaping. They originally approached me and spoke of a plan to commandeer a ship out of Commorragh. I mentioned before that we would need their help to navigate the webway. We need to help them free their aspect warriors first if we're to have any hope of fighting our way to a ship," Seiras began.

The woman's eyes got wide with disbelief, "W-what?! I…I imagined you were possibly considering a few eldar, but you're telling me that I have to risk my own men's lives to free their warriors? That's preposterous and counterproductive. They would literally just use us as sacrifices."

"I know…but I met their farseer before I came here. Her craftworld rescued me from the Pride of the Emperor…the daemon primarch Fulgrim's flagship," Seiras explained.

"A daemon primarch?! You fought against one of the Emperor's fallen sons?" Arika gasped.

Seiras sighed, "I'll explain the story to you another time. Maybe when we're on a ship out of this place. That doesn't really matter compared to the aftermath. They had no reason to save my life and I believe their farseer actually knew I was going to end up here. She likely foresaw that I could free her kin here."

"You trust the words of some eldar witch? How do you know this plan of hers involves any of us humans surviving? I've heard horror stories about what happens to people that work with Eldar. They always leave you high and dry. They'd sacrifice billions of human lives to save one of their own." Medina scoffed.

"I don't fully trust anyone or anything in this place to be honest…but the exarchs I spoke with have some measure of trust for me since I know their farseer. As I told you before…if they try to betray us, I'll kill them," Seiras responded.

"This all seems a little too convenient for them. What exactly did these exarchs tell you? What's their plan anyways?" Major Medina asked seriously.

Before Seiras could answer, an Aeldari voice sounded nearby, "We told him that we needed his help to escape and I encouraged him to recruit potential combatants in this slave chamber."

'I suspected one of them would show up, but not this soon…' Seiras thought as he glanced over and spotted Ashera nearby.

Major Medina immediately pointed her splinter rifle at the exarch with urgency, "Who are you?! How did you sneak up on us?!"

"Her name is Ashera…she's a Fire Dragon Exarch," Seiras answered for the Cadian as he placed his hand over the rifle and lowered it.

"You…you already made a deal with them before talking to us, didn't you?!" Major Medina gawked in disbelief at Seiras as the revelation dawned on her.

Ashera nodded her head, "He did indeed…but I would advise you to be rational for a moment and put aside our racial contempt of one another for the time being. None of us are escaping on our own here. You suspect deception from us, but we are also taking a great risk by enlisting the aid of monkeigh. You're clumsy and slow…easily a liability to plan that demands perfect precision and execution. Plus there's no guarantee you won't try to betray us either."

"Explain this plan of yours then. If it involves you getting my people killed while you escape, then forget it!" Medina growled.

"People will die in this escape…yours and ours. There is no avoiding that. However, I don't intend to abandon any potential ally in here so long as they're useful. Seiras himself is already an invaluable asset…and you being trained Imperial Guardsmen, I assume you have some sliver of competency in you, yes?" Ashera sassed.

"So what's this great plan then…" Medina said with unenthusiastic sarcasm.

"Seiras and I are going to break into the pleasure spire to free our aspect warriors and guardians in captivity there. Others will be orchestrating a capture of the armoury to reequip our forces. Until the aspect warriors are freed, the other exarchs will need capable fighters to defend them and help clear a path to the foundry. From there we can board a docked frigate. Honestly, we already have the capability to do this now, but not without freeing our people. We're counting on Seiras to create a large distraction so the Kabalites and wyches don't immediately secure any escape routes. This will create a much larger window for us to rescue all of our kin…and as many of yours that can keep up," Ashera explained.

"I get it…so we're all just fodder to keep them occupied while you leave us high and dry to die! I'll be damned before I agree to something like that!" Medina hissed.

"That's why we're splitting up. Tallath and Atharen will be depending on your support and I will be depending on Seiras. The space marine also intends to recruit Tau to help in the escape as well. I believe he's spoken with one of the groups in here about it," Ashera continued.

"Tau?! Just how many xenos do you intend on trusting with this plan, Lord Seiras?" Medina said disbelievingly.

The librarian sighed, "More than I'd care to…but we don't really have a choice. Their long-range firepower will be useful for taking out scourges once we approach the foundry. Plus Kroot Warriors would do well in melee combat."

"So let's just say this plan goes perfectly…then what? We're on this ship and we go where exactly?" the woman asked skeptically.

"Only an Eldar can accurately navigate the webway. We would navigate out of Commorragh and return to Iybraesil through the most direct webway route. From there we can shepherd you to your respective destinations. Since Farseer Iruna is likely still in the Justicar Sub-Sector, we would deliver your kind there along with Seiras," Ashera explained.

'How does she know Iruna was in the Justicar Sub-sector? Hmm…maybe she found out I was captured on Corun?' Seiras thought suspiciously.

Medina crossed her arms, "So we'd be completely at your mercy? This sounds like a horrible idea."

"Then by all means remain in Commorragh. Once they're tired of raping and torturing you, the wyches will just butcher you in the arena…or maybe the haemonculus will turn you into an experiment. It matters not. Unfortunately, should you refuse this offer, we're going to have to kill you to keep it a secret," Ashera threatened.

"What?!" the officer shouted as her eyes shot towards the librarian, "you're going to let them kill us if we refuse?!"

"You're not killing anyone, Ashera…it's their decision to make. Regardless of what they decide, I am fully committed to escaping by any means necessary or any heresy required." Seiras stated.

Ashera smirked at the librarian, "Somehow I doubt they'll refuse if you're all in with us."

"How can a space marine just accept this?! I want to live too, Lord Seiras, but is tarnishing our honour and being branded as heretics really worth escaping? Not only that, but we have no leverage here. They could just execute us at their craftworld for all we know. Is this really what you want to do?" Medina pleaded.

Seiras shook his head, "This isn't about me…or you. Our personal well-being is a luxury that comes second. I have a much more important mission at stake here and I will march into damnation to see it fulfilled."

"If I may ask, Seiras…what is your mission?" Ashera interjected.

"You will find out when we escape. I think it's the other reason Iruna set me on this path…" Seiras answered vaguely.

"I trust the farseer's vision then and you are quite wise to as well. Now…do you consent to this alliance, Arika Medina?" Ashera asked the Cadian woman. She seemed a bit alarmed that the eldar knew her name but didn't comment on it.

Arika Medina begrudgingly sighed in acceptance, "I hate this plan…but I suppose it's better than just festering in this xenos hell. Even if we're branded heretics, I'd rather die to an Imperial bolter round than in this place."

"Then it's settled…we're allies now. I expect you can explain the situation to your guardsmen, yes?" Ashera asked.

Arika nodded, "They're not going to like it, but I'm only agreeing to this insanity because Lord Seiras is involved. Promise me you'll kill them all if they betray us, my lord…"

"You have my word on that," the librarian responded.

"We have no intention of betraying anyone. Though I won't hesitate to leave people behind if they can't follow our plan or keep up," Ashera added.

"Just how many aspect warriors are you two going to be freeing exactly?" Medina wondered.

"Assuming they're all still alive there, about one hundred guardians and two hundred aspect warriors or so," Ashera answered.

Arika crossed her arms, "Well I suppose it's worth recruiting those PDF soldiers to help us after all. I don't like the idea of being outnumbered on a ship with them."

"Bring whoever you want…but don't waste time trying to save everyone. Non-combatants are very unlikely to make it," Ashera scoffed.

"Duly noted…" Arika replied as she sent a death glare at the fire dragon exarch.

"Well, with that matter resolved, it would be wise to contact those Tau again when you get a chance, Seiras." Ashera changed the subject.

Seiras looked away, "It won't be that easy…they want me to prove I'm trustworthy to them."

"I can help you with that matter. They're far more likely to take your offer seriously if I'm there with you," Ashera smirked.

"I suppose that's worth a try. By the way…where are the others at, Ashera?" the librarian asked the fire dragon curiously.

"They're working on something secret. It's the way we're going to break out of the slave chamber. That's all I can tell you about it for now. Also, the reason I'm here is because Tallath believed I was most suited for interacting with you," she answered.

"There's another matter that I need to bring to your attention, Ashera…Faelan sent Sorellia down here with us as well," the librarian said grimly.

"What?! Are you certain about this? I heard some slaves mention another Eldar was sent down, but is it actually her? Do you even know what she looks like?" Ashera asked.

He nodded, "It's her…trust me. Faelan keeps her on a leash usually and Maeralya likes to play mind games with her."

"Why would Faelan send her down here with you and that slave girl though?" Ashera wondered.

"I couldn't figure it out either…but I'm not so sure Sorellia wants anything to do with me. She left before I came down. I wanted your opinion on how to deal with her," he followed up.

"Before you came down? You came down afterwards?" Ashera asked.

Before Seiras could answer, Sorellia's voice sounded, "Get away from him, Ashera!"

The fire dragon looked shocked when she spotted Sorellia come running out of nowhere. The banshee grabbed her arm and attempted to drag her away. She looked terrified much to everyone's bewilderment.

"Sorellia?! I didn't even hear you coming…" Ashera gawked at her fellow exarch.

"Come! We have to get away from him!" Sorellia pleaded in vain. Unfortunately for her, Ashera was bigger and stronger and wasn't easily pulled.

The fire dragon grabbed Sorellia by her shoulders and spoke calmly, "Control yourself, Sorellia…we're in no danger right now."

"You can't trust him, Ashera! When we came here, the Incubi talked to him…they like him!" Sorellia squirmed and bellowed with a high-pitched voice.

Arika looked bewildered by the statement and by the howling banshee's behavior. She looked at Seiras confused, "Why is she acting like a scared child? And what is she talking about? What are incubi?"

"They're the archon's bodyguards," Seiras explained to the Cadian.

Ashera looked over at Seiras seriously, "What's she talking about? The incubi talk to you? They don't talk to anyone except the archon usually."

"It was Mairan and Tullarias!" Sorellia added.

"T-those two?! Is that why you came down separately then? Why did they talk to you?" Ashera asked the Blood Raven.

He took a deep breath before answering, "Faelan sent me with them to wipe out a noble family's spire. The Khestri Spire to be specific. While I was there, Duke Khestri's daughter Shiralyn offered to set me free if I helped her escape. I refused. Ever since then Mairan and Tullarias believe I'm trustworthy. They also warned me about staring at the solitaire during the harlequin reenactment of the Fall on our way here."

"I have no idea what any of that means, but it sounds weird…" Arika cut in.

"They let you watch the Fall with them? That's unusual…wait harlequins are here now?!" Ashera trailed off a bit shocked.

"They like him! I see it in their body language! We can't trust him! He's going to tell Faelan about your plan!" Sorellia ranted with illogical hysteria.

Ashera shook her head, "Why would he do that? Seiras intends to help us escape."

"No! He's going to betray you!" Sorellia began to break into tears now much to everyone's shock.

Arika shook her head, "I never thought I'd see the day an Eldar would cry…what the hell is wrong with her?"

"She's been subjected to a lot of torture and mental abuse. It's forced her to regress out of her warrior mindset. I'll explain another time if you care about the details," Seiras told the major.

The banshee slumped to her knees after giving up on pulling Ashera away. Seiras actually felt pity as he watched the tears stream down her face. It seems bizarre to him that both Eldar and humans had the ability to cry. Sometimes he saw similarities between their species when he didn't want to. Despite this observation, he thought it would be a good idea to intervene himself as he knelt down beside her.

Seiras placed a hand on Sorellia's shoulder to get her attention as he addressed her, "Sorellia…why would Faelan send you down here then?"

"DON'T TOUCH ME, MONKEIGH! It's all a trick! They're going to trick me again and you're in on it!" she hissed hatefully as she slapped his hand away.

'I wonder if this is even Sorellia? Could this be an imposter? I should ask her something only she would know,' Seiras thought briefly.

"Sorellia…remember when Maeralya made you massage my feet? I apologize for that," Seiras said distantly.

Ashera looked confused, "What are you talking about? What happened?"

The Astartes remained silent as he stared at the banshee. 'If that's the real Sorellia, she'll correct me, and if not then I know it's an imposter.'

"You…you're testing me? I never massaged your feet. Maeralya made you massage hers. You think I'm that solitaire?" Sorellia finally calmed down and responded.

"I had to be sure…listen, Sorellia, I want to escape this place. I'm going along with Faelan's nonsense for now until the opportunity arises. I know you hate me, but I've promised Ashera, Tallath, and Atharen that I would help free your aspect warriors and escape with them. Farseer Iruna sent me on this path…it's why she originally saved my life and why you can trust me," the librarian tried to talk reason into the banshee.

Sorellia's eyes lit up with relief and disbelief, "You know the farseer?! You know Iruna?!"

"Yes…and her daughter Irulan. Your craftworld Iybraesil saved me from Chaos space marines," he continued.

"Then…it's all an act? You're just deceiving the drukhari?" she asked hopefully.

"Of course I am…do you honestly think I intend to stay in this place and be some slave toy for the wych cult and an enforcer for the archon? I want to leave this place just as much as you do. None of this is a trick. Allow me to alleviate any doubts you may have," he said with reassuring confidence.

"Why didn't you leave with Shiralyn Khestri then?" Sorellia countered.

Seiras was silent for a long moment as he thought of an answer. Finally he sighed, "Because I'm not leaving here without my allies…and not before I complete a mission that's far more important than my own life."

"What mission?" she asked curiously.

"He hasn't even told us yet. In fact I wasn't even aware of it until today." Ashera spoke up.

The librarian shook his head, "There's something in Melisara's lab I have to get out of this place. It's worth more than a hundred forgeworlds. That's all I can tell you."

"I see…so you're going along with all of this for some rare artefact or something? Like one of your STC's? Is that what it is?" she asked.

"Something like that…do you trust me now? We could really use your help," Seiras suggested.

"I've heard Faelan mention numerous times that Melisara likes you…why?" Sorellia asked.

"That evil haemonculus likes him?" Ashera perked up confused.

Seiras looked down as he answered, "Melisara is obsessed with the Emperor of Mankind and his gene-modding feats. She likes space marines as a geneticist and as an artist. I suppose she likes me personally because I'm open-minded about technology, research, and history. I asked her a lot of questions about Eldar and I suppose she admires my free-thinking ability as it's not very common to see in loyalist Astartes. Melisara did tell me what Meela was as well…"

"She did?" Sorellia perked up interested.

"Meela is a Sister of Silence. More specifically she was an Oblivion Knight pariah tasked with hunting down psykers on black ships. In case you don't know, the Sisters of Silence are all pariahs and they used to guard the Emperor of Mankind along with his Custodes," Seiras elaborated.

Sorellia seemed far more receptive and calm now as she stood up and took a step closer towards Seiras, "I would be lying if I said I wasn't impressed and surprised by your cunning. I didn't expect a space marine to think or act the way you do. You've been playing all of them then…ever since you got here."

'Including all of you…I'm not letting anyone here know I can understand Aeldari language. Even Melisara doesn't know…I think. No…she probably does actually. I should never discount Melisara's intelligence and awareness,' Seiras thought to himself.

"I have another question…why did you think I was the solitaire? How would you even know that they could shapeshift?" Sorellia asked.

"That's another thing that Mairan wanted to talk to me about…she warned me that the shadowseer or the solitaire could shapeshift and that I would be wise to not trust anyone without them proving it's truly them. She then told me to only obey the archon, Renfaeda, and the incubi afterwards," he lied.

"So you took my advice after all…you found a solitaire," Ashera mused.

Sorellia looked over at the fire dragon confused, "You told him to find one? Why?"

"Apparently Iruna told Seiras here that he should seek the company of a null. It would seem she was aware that harlequins would arrive here as well. Her vision guides us…we need to work together," Ashera responded.

"It would be unwise to trust the harlequins here. They're no friends of our craftworld. Her vision doesn't make sense," Sorellia stated.

"Do you have any idea which Masque it was, Sorellia?" Ashera asked hopefully.

The banshee shook her head, "Sadly no…I wasn't present at their performance. Maybe he can identify them."

Ashera glanced at Seiras, "Well?"

"Nobody ever mentioned what Masque they were, but I do know that Mokaela is the daughter of one of their troupe masters. She brought me to meet the harlequin troupe after their play. She introduced me to her father and their shadowseer. They seemed interested in me…which is certainly a bad thing. Renfaeda threatened them and was quick to ward them off. I remember their rune sigil if you would like me to show you," Seiras elaborated.

"Draw it for me…if you can," Ashera commanded as she handed him some type of ink stick. He had no idea why she was carrying an item like this around but didn't give it much thought beyond that as he took it. The librarian drew out the symbol on his palm and held it up for the two exarchs to look at shortly afterward.

Ashera looked pale and concerned upon seeing it, "That's…The Masque of the Veiled Path."

"Them?! Oh no…" Sorellia trailed off with a concerning expression.

"I take it you're not fond of that Masque?" Seiras confirmed with dread in his voice.

"You say you spoke to a shadowseer right? Was it a female? Can you identify anything else about them?" Ashera asked.

Seiras was silent for a moment before speaking, "It was a female from what I could tell. Other than the black holosuit, she had checkered green and yellow legging on one side, yellow gauntlets, and a mixture of blue and purple decorations on her suit. Her holosuit seemed unique because of the runic blue markings on it. She carried a staff with a face on it as well."

"A staff with a face? I've heard of that before…it's called Veilgazer. If this shadowseer carried that weapon, then it must be Sylandri Veilwalker," Ashera stated with widened eyes.

"If she's here, then I doubt the harlequins just came to perform a reenactment of the Fall," Sorellia gasped.

Seiras sighed, "I may regret asking this, but who is she exactly?"

"Sylandri Veilwalker is…a deceptive shadowseer to put it mildly. The Masque of the Veiled Path is notorious for duplicity even by Aeldari standards. This is most ominous…Tallath isn't going to like this development." Ashera said with a worried face.

"So much for a lucky break. What makes these guys worse than your average Eldar exactly?" Arika scoffed as she shook her head disapprovingly

"That Masque has no honour and they are very mysterious. We don't know much about them other than the unusual fact that they're well-liked by Asdrubael Vect and Commorragh nobility. We shouldn't walk blindly and hopeful here. It is wise to assume that they're here for some sinister purpose. Forget what I said about the solitaire, Seiras. If it's one from that Masque, you can't trust it," Ashera elaborated further.

"I already got a very bad feeling from just talking to them. Luckily for me, Renfaeda didn't like them very much and the archon's court is likely to keep them at bay," the librarian stated.

Ashera tilted her head, "Did they…say anything usual to you when you spoke to them?"

"Nothing worth mentioning…" Seiras framed the truth in a vague lie. In truth they didn't tell him anything other than he had a bright soul. Aenaria was the one who told him what they wanted.

"It would seem the incubi didn't think so if they warned you about trusting people. This is foreboding indeed," Sorellia said gloomily.

"For the purpose of identifying each other, we should come up with specialized greetings. From here on, if you see one of us Seiras, say: 'There you are, knife-ears.' We will respond with, 'I caught your terrible scent, monkeigh.' Then just to be safe, we'll blink three times. If we approach you, we'll say, 'There you are monkeigh.' You reply with, 'A displeasure as always.' Any responses other than that and we'll assume we're speaking to a doppelganger. If that's the case, go along with them, and warn others by implementing the word, 'joke' into a sentence. We'll have to change it periodically; in case they catch on, but it should manage this threat for now. Is that simple enough to remember?" Ashera asked as she looked between Seiras and Major Medina.

"Is all of that really necessary? This Eldar shadowseer can masquerade as one of us completely? How could she pretend to be Seiras? He's huge," Arika scoffed.

Ashera rolled her eyes, "The ignorance of your kind never ceases to amaze me. Surely you know that psykers are capable of illusions, yes?"

"Watch it, Eldar bitch! Just because I agreed to follow Seiras and work with you guys doesn't mean you get to talk down to me like I'm stupid. It was a valid point. I doubt anyone is going to pretend to be Seiras. If anything, he's the one they'd probably try to fool since he has the most power and freedom here," the Cadian woman shot back.

"She has a point…" Seiras agreed.

"Does she now? Well for the sake of being responsible here, I suggest we cover all the variables, regardless of their likelihood. Is that agreeable, Seiras?" Ashera said distastefully as she shot a leer at Arika.

He nodded, "You both made good points. We'll maintain precautions on everyone. Also if I'm testing a human, I'll say, 'I was looking for you.' They can reply with, 'you found me, Seiras.' I half expect a doppelganger to call me Lord Seiras since most humans do. Train your men to not call me Lord, Major Medina."

"That'll be a chore in and of itself, but I will do as you command. This all a major headache…things were easier when we were just fighting daemons and orks. These Eldar have to make everything unnecessarily complicated," Arika sighed in annoyance.

"Actually I want a back up just in case…" Ashera added.

"Of for throne's sake, c'mon!" Arika facepalmed.

"Our backup greetings should be if one of us says, 'how are you?', we should say, 'ready.' We can use that in case we have any doubts. Now, can your simple human brains remember all of that?" Ashera crossed her arms.

Arika cracked a fist, "Yeah…we'll remember it. This is ridiculous."

"Sounds simple enough. We'll stick with that for now." Seiras nodded.

"Well I have a damn question. How can we be sure that the dark eldar won't torture this bitch or extract information from her later?" Arika pointed at Sorellia, "I mean it seems kind of reckless to trust her with all of this."

'Only Melisara can get information from her most likely. She won't tell Faelan anything,' Seiras thought with relief.

"I wouldn't really be too concerned about that for the time being. There's a big Kabal War that they're all mobilizing for. Faelan likely wants Sorellia to stay down here until it's over anyways. I imagine it's the same for Sylea," Seiras alleviated the concern.

"Point taken…though it is a future concern to pay attention too," Arika sighed.

"Hmm…that would be a perfect time to escape while they're all away," Ashera perked up.

Seiras shrugged, "Yeah well I'm being forced to go with them so you would have to do it without me."

"It is tempting, I won't lie…but even still all of the ships will likely be gone for this war. Rest assured that we won't leave without you, Seiras," Ashera replied.

"So what say you, Sorellia? Will you help us?" Seiras asked.

She looked away sadly, "I…I don't really think I could help much. I'm not much of a fighter anymore. I would gladly leave with you if all of this works out, but I…can't fight."

Ashera looked at Sorellia annoyed, "Remember who you are, Sorellia. You're an exarch of the howling banshee shrine. A warrior of Khaine and Asuryan. A champion of the Aeldari people. We're on the path of Khaine…you can't just forget that."

"Contrary to what you believe, Faelan and his incubi did break her of her aspect identity. This is the real Sorellia…not the exarch personality. She's regressed into whatever she was before being a howling banshee," Seiras explained.

Ashera crossed her arms, "You're far more knowledgeable on this than I expected. We had already suspected that, but it seems improbable."

Sorellia looked away shamefully, "He's right. I took the path of grief and the path of the artisan prior to the path of the warrior. I thought about taking the path of the mariner but was chosen to become an aspect warrior instead."

"You've been a howling banshee for centuries, Sorellia. Remember that part of yourself. That's who we need to escape. Crying or sculpting isn't going to do us any favors in here." Ashera scolded.

"She's obviously retained a lot of it subconsciously. She was able to track us and sneak up on us. Plus Faelan mentioned that Sorellia snaps sometimes and kills people. Her warrior identity is just repressed and shattered right now. I'm certain that if she was reunited with her armour, she would fully regain it," Seiras added.

Ashera rose a brow at the Blood Raven and smirked, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm starting to think you're the smartest human I've ever met. That is a noteworthy suggestion. You're quite knowledgeable for a monkeigh."

"Not all of us are stupid…that includes the guardsmen in here as well," he responded.

"Duly noted and accepted. I wasn't sure about it at first, but I'm glad we decided to enlist your aid. I see now why Farseer Iruna valued your life," Ashera grinned.

"Did an eldar just compliment you?! I didn't think that was possible. You certainly have a way with these xenos. Jeez, next thing I know you're going to start speaking their language too," Arika shook her head and laughed at the bizarre situation.

Sorellia and Ashera both exchanged silent looks before the latter spoke, "That's actually impossible. Our language is too complex for your species to even read…let alone speak or understand."

"Oh I'm sure it is. Just like your shit doesn't stink either," the Cadian countered.

"Eldar defecate crystals with no odor. It doesn't have a scent," Seiras couldn't help but state a fact.

"Oh for the Emperor's sake, just stop it already. I've had enough of them. I'm going back to my men. We're going to start recruiting the PDF soldiers in here. I'm not about to be outnumbered on our escape ship," Arika responded before walking off.

Seiras began to start following her before Ashera blocked him, "Wait, Seiras…there's something else we should discuss before you go."

The major stopped in her tracks and turned back, "Oh?"

"This is for his ears only…be on your way," Ashera dismissed her.

"I'm her escort in here," Seiras tried to get out of whatever Ashera wanted to tell him.

"She has a splinter rifle…she'll be fine. On your way now, like a good little Imperial girl," Ashera waved Arika away.

"I'll be fine Seiras…I can't tolerate these aliens as well as you can. Come find us at our clearing when you're done with crybaby and bitchface," the major sassed before leaving.

Ashera looked annoyed by the insult, but Sorellia had no reaction other than gloominess. No doubt she was used to being insulted on a daily basis by now.

Now alone with Ashera and Sorellia, the librarian glanced at the fire dragon with somber eyes, "Why do I get the feeling this is something I don't want to hear?"

"It's a concern that I only wish to share with you. It's about Sylandri Veilwalker. I have no doubts that she's the shadowseer whom you met earlier. Listen to me very carefully…Sylandri has a history of helping humans on occasion. No doubt she will be trying to offer you a better deal if you go with her. Her deal will likely sound very promising…but I would strongly advise that you do not accept. Unlike us, she has no reason not to betray you," Ashera began.

"What makes you think I'd be tempted to take any deal of hers? I know how harlequins are," Seiras replied.

Ashera's green eyes narrowed as she looked away, "From what I understand, she's charismatic. Sylandri is also very knowledgeable on the Imperium and its happenings. Her initial offer might benefit you greatly, but she plays the long game and will get the last laugh in the end. She cannot be trusted under any circumstances. Believe me when I say that she will seem like she's on your side. Be cautious and trust in Iruna's vision. I imagine these harlequins will try to dissuade you from our farseer's path."

'She wants to abduct me for this Black Library because I can control rubrics…whatever that means. Of course I'm not going to trust her. Then again, Aenaria didn't seem to like the idea of me walking Iruna's path either. She said I should go my own way. What's the right thing to do here?' Seiras pondered.

"I will keep that in mind. The plan won't fail…" Seiras said assuredly as he nodded in response.

'My plan at least. I really don't care where you guys end up, but I have to get Ferrus Manus back to the Imperium. Maybe later I should ask Melisara if she knows anything about this Sylandri Veilwalker. At least I know who the shadowseer is now,' the librarian mused mentally.

"Well with that all settled, we should go speak with these Tau," Ashera said as she began to leave.

"May I speak with Seiras in private before we go?" Sorellia asked her fellow exarch.

Ashera crossed her arms, "You couldn't wait to get away from him not too long ago. Why the sudden change?"

"It won't be long," the banshee added.

"Fine fine…I'll be waiting out in the light," Ashera sighed.

Once she was gone, Sorellia stared at Seiras awkwardly. She looked like she was afraid to say what was on her mind, but after a full minute, she finally spoke, "Thank you for not telling them about what we did…"

"Why would I tell them that? I'm not trying to lose my allies in here," he spoke quietly as he stared back at her.

"It was rather disgusting and certainly wrong…but just to be clear, I don't hate you for it." she said immediately afterward.

Bewilderment graced his features as he shook his head, "What?"

"We're both victims of depravity in this place. Though I am curious about something. Did you enjoy it?" Sorellia asked.

Seiras had no idea how to answer her question because in truth he actually didn't know. The idea of it was abhorrent to him, but the act itself wasn't wholly terrible. Plus he had already grown desensitized to it after his experience with Renfaeda.

"Why would you ask me something like that? Of course I didn't…I'm not some crazed animal wholly bound to my instincts, urges, and emotions. I tried to think about something else when it was happening." he replied after an awkward pause.

Sorellia frowned, "Every part of me knew it was immoral, but something about your innocence in the situation made me not hate it. You didn't rape me…and it wasn't your choice. I will keep that in mind whenever my emotions begin to swell. I am thankful that you have the maturity to see the situation for what it was and to not make it a delusional narrative. You're an interesting human and knowing that Iruna sent you here grants me much needed relief. I wasn't convinced until a moment ago, but I think I can trust you now. It's good to have an ally in Faelan's court."

The librarian looked away, "I would prefer that we never again speak of that act or think of it. You did what you had to do…as did I. This place twists our minds and makes us think things we shouldn't. Your aspect identity has been shattered and you're not thinking clearly. I'm walking the path of damnation to serve a greater good for humanity. So long as you remember your purpose and I remember mine, then we can walk away from this place without our souls or pride being permanently scarred."

"Well said, monkeigh…no, Seiras. I suppose you've earned that amount of my respect at least," she looked away.

"This probably goes without saying, but we should avoid talking to each other in front of the Drukhari once they call us back up there," Seiras changed the subject.

Sorellia nodded, "Indeed…"

"So, do you have any idea as to why Faelan would send you down here with us? My own theories seemed logical enough, but I feel as if there's more to it." Seiras asked hopefully.

The banshee shook her head, "I am uncertain. Ashera used to be up there with me, but they got bored of her a long while back. Perhaps they've finally lost interest in me as well. Or perhaps your theories about Faelan wanting to secure us in one place are true. I imagine he will keep this slave chamber in particular heavily locked down while the Kabal is away for battle. Despite my current state, he likely still believed I could stage some type of escape if left in the palace. This particular slave chamber is isolated over the bridge and past the haemonculus' lab. This is where all the highest profile slaves are kept."

"Do you know where the pleasure spire is? Ashera and I intend to break in there," Seiras asked.

Sorellia nodded, "Yes…it's in a private spire tower between the palace and the arena. Next time we go up, I'll point it out to you."

"Well let's not keep her waiting," Seiras nodded as he walked towards Ashera's location.

Sorellia followed briskly behind him. As they neared the light, the librarian stopped for a moment and looked at her, "You might want to find some more clothes."

"I was already working on that. Here's an undersuit Sorellia," Ashera offered as the duo approached the light.

"You already had one lying around?" Seiras wondered as he saw the fire dragon hand a folded up black skinsuit to the howling banshee.

Ashera nodded, "Yes, I brought it with me when I heard an Eldar had been sent here."

Seiras looked away from Sorellia as the banshee began to put on the skintight black body suit.

"You have my thanks, Seiras for calming Sorellia. I haven't seen her with that look in her eye since before we were captured. Your suggestion to reunite her with her armour was a good idea. I'm certain her aspect identity will come back in full once she dons her Howling Banshee armour."

'I got that idea from the incubi…but it's probably best I don't mention that,' he thought to himself.

"So won't it cause rumors if you two are seen walking with me in here? How do you intend to speak with these Tau?" the librarian asked.

"You go first, and we'll stealthily follow. Go on ahead, we'll be right behind you," the fire dragon gestured for him to start walking.

Without wasting a moment, Seiras departed. As he left, Sorellia was nearly finished dressing in her skintight suit now. The fire dragon exarch turned towards the banshee and tilted her head, "What did you speak to him about?"

"A personal matter involving Maeralya. It is resolved now, and I have no wish to share it with you," the banshee replied.

"As you wish then. I have a concern that I wanted to ask you about however. Why is Seiras aware of anything in Melisara's lab? I can't imagine he's spent much time in there looking around. Do you truly think he's after an STC?" Ashera asked.

Sorellia shrugged, "I have no idea, but I believe Melisara is a major threat to our escape. That agony circuit amp she built around Seiras' limiter collar is terribly cruel. He won't be much help unless we can get rid of it."

"I can remove it, but I need some tools to take care of that. If we have to help him retrieve this STC or whatever he's after in Melisara's lab, then I can steal the necessary tools to take it out. From there we can liberate the pleasure spire and regroup with the others at the armoury. Then we hijack a few raiders and fight our way into the foundry. If we can restore his psychic abilities, the commorrites have very little defenses against them. The only true threat we'll face is if Faelan catches wind of it too soon. That's why we're counting on Seiras to create a major distraction," Ashera explained.

"What could he possibly do that would divert the Kabal long enough for us to escape?" Sorellia wondered.

"I'm not sure, but he seems confident that he can find a way. We're not attempting an escape until then," the fire dragon explained.

Seiras, Further away

After a mostly uneventful stroll towards the Farsight Enclave Tau, Seiras finally arrived at his destination. The aliens seemed aware of him immediately as he walked up towards the entryway of their little walled off area.

He looked over them seriously as he spoke, "I am here to see Ambassador Kim'ria and the Shaper Harru."

Both individuals requested immediately came over towards Seiras when they saw him. The librarian looked them over for a moment to see if he could identify any doubt or concern in their expressions. It was harder to tell with Harru, but Kim'ria seemed anxious.

"We heard they took you away after you left us. I didn't think you were coming back," Kim'ria expressed a sigh of relief.

"I take it you've reached a decision by now, yes?" the librarian asked immediately.

"Unfortunately, we did not. Like I said before, I thought you weren't coming back. The fact that you're here is good to see, but we have not reached a consensus in your absence. If we were to entrust our lives with you and your other potential allies, how would you alleviate our doubts?" Kim'ria asked diplomatically.

'All this time and they just gave up on thinking the idea over because I was gone? How annoying,' Seiras thought briefly.

"I recruited Aeldari and Imperial Guardsmen to help in our escape as well. We've reached an understanding that we need each other's help," Seiras began.

"How can we be sure you're not lying about this? What can they do to even ensure our escape?" Harru asked.

Much to Seiras' relief, Ashera and Sorellia had finally caught up to him as they leapt down in front of the entrance and walked inside the walled off area. All of the Tau and Kroot went wide eyed at the sight of them and a few even looked hostile.

"These are the exarchs Ashera and Sorellia. They're two of four in this slave chamber now. I intend to help them free their aspect warriors in the pleasure spire. The other two plan on breaking into the armoury and securing it for us to reequip our escape force. They are going to need help covering it until the aspect warriors arrive. I've already convinced the Imperial Guardsmen in here to aid in that mission, but your fire warriors' long range firepower and your Kroot's close range combat skills would prove invaluable in securing the area much longer. Your weapons could take out scourges and the Kroot could fight off mandrakes, wyches, or anything else that would charge the fortification," Seiras explained.

Harru tilted his head and nodded, "I see…the fact that you would trust us enough to tell your plan before we even agreed is a good sign here. My Kroot could indeed hold a strong frontline. Though I must ask…how many people do you plan on saving and how large is our escape force? I will not leave civilians here to suffer if we have to ability to free them."

"We can't afford dead weight," Ashera spoke up for the first time there, "but I'll tell you the same thing I told the Cadian officer. We're primarily recruiting combatants and anyone valuable enough to protect. Obviously, your entire entourage here would be welcome to come along. However, the more civilians we involve and try to save, the more likely our escape is to fail. My advice is to save who you can, but don't get delusions of rescuing all the slaves here. Also, be prepared to accept the fact that there will be casualties on all sides." Ashera responded curtly.

"It's your decision to make, Harru…but if I may offer my advice, I believe that this alliance could be a perfect example of how our various empires could come together in a diplomatic crisis. I would very much support having a successful report like this for Commander Farsight. It would do well to strengthen our chances in a non-aggression pact with the Imperium and the Aeldari," Kim'ria spoke up with her political reasoning.

Harru nodded at her before staring at Seiras intensely, "I assume we're stealing a ship and that the Eldar will help navigate us out of this place. I have only one more question…what happens when we escape onto this ship? Where are we going?"

"We will return to Iybraesil which is our home craftworld. From there our aspect warriors will be returned and you will all be sent on the most direct webway path to your desired destinations. For Seiras, we will deliver him back to Corun where he was captured. Where would you like us to deliver you?" Ashera asked Harru.

"Return us to Commander Farsight. We will tell you exactly where he is only once we're safely out of this place," Harru nodded.

"You consent to this alliance then?" Seiras asked for confirmation.

Harru nodded, "You will have my blade…we will stand together as one or we will all die. May our alliance serve the Greater Good for us all."

"Excellent to hear. We will keep in touch with you," Ashera nodded before making her way for the exit.

As they walked outside, she and Sorellia both disappeared immediately. Seiras remained there for a moment as he looked them all over. He took a deep breath before speaking, "Archon Faelan will be mobilizing most of the Kabal for a war with a rival Kabal. I believe he intends to use me for it, so I won't be back for a while once I leave. Major Medina is in charge of the Guardsmen in here. She isn't fond of the idea of working with aliens, so be cautious when and if you have to interact with her."

"Would you be opposed to us recruiting additional allies of our own?" Harru asked.

Seiras sighed, "At this point, you might as well. Our escape party keeps getting larger and larger. We'll probably be a few hundred strong in combatants and have a few dozen noncombatants based on my estimates. More firepower will prove useful, but it'll also be easier to figure out where we are and to slow us down. Just keep in mind that not everyone is going to make it. Don't bring people just to die as fodder."

"I understand…we will likely recruit other Tau. More fire warriors will prove useful. However, the other Tau will have a difficult time following Farsight Enclave Tau like us. It will take some time to convince my fellow Kroot as well that this is the way," Harru replied.

"You'll have time, so do what you can. I'll keep in touch with you," Seiras waved briefly before making his departure.

Now making his way to the Cadians, he didn't take long to find Major Medina and her men gathered around talking somewhat privately. No doubt she had already briefed them a great deal since they looked either pissed, stressed, or worried.

As Seiras came up, Commissar Kavka addressed him, "Lord Seiras…I mean, Seiras approaches Major Medina."

'Good, she's already told them about that,' Seiras thought relieved.

"I just finished briefing them," the Cadian officer stated as Seiras stopped in front of her.

To her side, he saw Sylea sitting down. The sororita had some more modest clothing on now and looked relieved to see the librarian there.

"You told her as well?" Seiras asked as he looked at Sylea.

Major Medina nodded, "I figured we might as well since we told that other Eldar about it. Like you said…they probably won't have time to torture information out of them until after this Kabal War. That will likely be our window to break out. Sylea knows a great deal about how to navigate this place, and as a Hospitaller, I believe she's worth including."

"Her value was never in question. I had every intention of bringing her, though I was hesitant to tell her anything too soon. Maeralya, her master, purposely sent her down here likely to spy on me. I suppose it can't be helped. It's not an issue that we have to worry about right now. It just puts us under a time constraint," Seiras sighed.

"I am relieved to know that you plan on escaping though. Surely the Emperor blessed us with your arrival here," Sylea exclaimed.

"I would be Emperor knows where if he wasn't here, so I certainly agree with that sentiment," Arika nodded.

"Alright, well while I'm here, I might as well ask. Do any of you have concerns you wish for me to address? Speak freely…you won't be reprimanded for it," Seiras looked over the Cadians.

One of the sergeants raised his hand before speaking, "Umm, isn't this going to get us executed? If anyone finds out about this…not even a Deathwatch space marine could defend such treason."

"There's something priceless locked in the haemonculus' lab that will more than exonerate us all. Not even an inquisitor could punish us for retrieving it," Seiras spoke quietly.

The men and women all perked up fascinated. Major Medina looked at him intensely, "Is it truly an STC, my lord?"

"It's even more valuable…that's all I can say for now. Trust me when I say that I would pay any price to bring it back to the Imperium," Seiras stated strongly.

The Cadians seemed a bit excited about the news now as their eyes lit up. Commissar Kavka crossed his arms, "While I do not doubt your honesty, Seiras, what could possibly be more valuable than an STC? Why is this plan worth sacrificing all of our morals over? What the hell is in there?"

"Yes…I can understand you not telling the Eldar, but you can tell us. What's in that lab that's worth a hundred forgeworlds?" Arika asked anxiously.

Seiras paused for a moment as he contemplated whether it was a good idea to tell the truth or not.

'I'm asking a lot of these men and women. The least I can do is give them some measure of hope. Granted I don't even know if I can resurrect Ferrus Manus yet so is truly wise to tell them? No…I should tell them. They're going to find out sooner or later anyways. This will at least ensure they believe me when I say we won't be executed as heretics,' Seiras thought over the situation.

"The haemonculus Melisara keeps the primarch Ferrus Manus in a stasis pod. In case you're unaware he's the primarch of the former 10th legion, the Iron Hands…and he is venerated on Mars by the Mechanicus. I imagine a primarch's word carries more weight than an inquisitor's. That is how I'm justifying that we can return to duty without being executed for all of this," Seiras told the truth.

He didn't bother explaining the whole clone thing to them as it was something even he barely understood. So long as he could resurrect Ferrus Manus, they didn't really need to know about that part.

Arika's jaw dropped, "The Patron Saint of Iron and son of the Emperor, Ferrus Manus?! I…I thought he died in the Horus Heresy."

"You intend to rescue one of the Emperor's holy sons? That explains why a space marine is able to endure this place so docilly," Sylea remarked with amazement.

"The haemonculus resurrected him to use for some sinister purpose. We have to free him. The aid of a primarch is needed now more than ever since Cadia has fallen," Seiras responded.

"The Ultramarine Primarch has also returned to Terra to lead the Imperium. Lord Guilliman would exonerate us of all sins if we rescued another of the Emperor's sons," Kavka remarked approvingly.

'I heard rumors when we were on Titan that Guilliman had returned, but I didn't think they were actually real. Nobody at the Watch Station mentioned anything about it before we joined Atia's task force. Granted I didn't know about Cadia either. Is that why Fulgrim asked about Macragge's Honour before the fleet battle? He already knew about it. Well if we bring Ferrus Manus back to Lord Guilliman, then we might be able to muster a large enough crusade fleet to quell the black crusade. This is crazy…I wonder what Lord Guilliman will think about this,' Seiras thought to himself.

"Trust me when I say that is the only reason I'm tolerating these xenos in here. Our own lives are irrelevant in comparison to what we could do for the Imperium if we succeed. Remember that when doubt starts to creep in. This is worth more than our pride, our honour, and our lives" Seiras lectured as he looked between the commissar and the major.

The commissar crossed both hands over his chest to make the aquila symbol, "We will gladly see this righteous mission fulfilled. I had my doubts about you initially, but I wholly support this endeavor my lord. You have my full loyalty and I will take pride in being a part of this."

"To rescue a primarch…we would do Cadia a great justice with such an act. I will not question your intentions again, my lord. The 127th Cadian Regiment is fully yours to command from here on out," Major Medina stated strongly.

"You're sacrificing your own honour and pride for this holy endeavor…I never once thought ill of you, my lord, but now I admire you as a true martyr of mankind. This…this makes all of it worth it in the end," Sylea expressed a bit dramatically as she seemed to be reflecting on her own pointless suffering there.

'I guess telling them was the right decision. Hopefully it doesn't backfire on me, but that should help in quelling any doubts they may have had about me. I'm fortunate that Melisara is on my side, but I will have to deal with Maeralya at some point,' the librarian thought seriously.

Before anyone could say another word, the sound of the Slave Chamber's elevator descending caught their attention. Seiras quickly looked over them, "For your own sake, you shouldn't be seen with me. I'm going to investigate the arrival."

"We will continue our recruiting. I will personally interview and discern which of these PDF maggots are worth trusting. May the God-Emperor be with you, space marine," Duncan Kavka saluted.

"May he watch over us all," Seiras nodded before stealthily making his way towards the elevator lift.

After a short but quick sneak, he watched the elevator come to a stop. About nine individuals were on it currently much to his interest.

They included Nelfaera, Mokaela, Kaerith, and all of Renfaeda's other bloodbrides. The wych pack also had Mairan and Tullarias with them surprisingly.

'What in holy Terra are they all doing here like that?' Seiras thought concerned.

Making himself known, he took a step forward and addressed them, "You're back sooner than I expected."

"There he is! That makes this way easier! You're such a good boy, Seiras!" Mokaela chirped approvingly.

The incubi seemed disgusted by having to share the same space as these wyches but maintained a poised discipline, nonetheless. Seiras walked over towards them now and spoke with confusion, "What do you require of me?"

"Well actually…Nelfaera asked Faelan for some high-profile backup so that she could go into the streets of Commorragh and recruit the local Reaver and Hellion gangs for the war. He suggested that she bring you as well as his two klaivexes to keep an eye on you. When I heard about it, I volunteered to go as well," Mokaela explained.

"Why would he suggest me? I've only been in here for a short time. I thought he wanted me down here for the time being?" Seiras shook his head.

"Well Faelan's weird so who knows what his intentions are. Granted your skyboard stunts and our arena fights have been all over the undernet lately. The gangs might take a liking to you, and you're certainly capable of sending a message in case we have to kill anyone hahaha! Look on the bright side Seiras, you get to come hang out with us in mid-commorragh! Won't that be fun?!" Mokaela exclaimed with more excitement than necessary.

He glanced over at Nelfaera now, "You approve of this?"

The syren swallowed her pride astonishingly as she made eye contact, "It is what Faelan suggested and I won't say no to him. Mokaela speaks truly…the hellions in particular will be more interested in our recruitment if they see you with us."

"Well let's get this over with then," Seiras nodded as he stepped on the elevator with them.

As the elevator began to ascend, Mairan spoke to him, "Where did Sorellia go?"

"I don't know...she was gone when I came down," he answered.

"Unsurprisingly..." Mairan nodded as she faced forward again.

'She didn't even bother asking about Sylea. I guess they don't really care what happens to her in here. Why do I get the feeling this is going to be an incredibly awkward and unpleasant trip?' the librarian thought as dread seeped in.