Enkidu took exactly one-tenth of a second to accept Telax's overture.
Based on Telax's tone, the rift between the Warband Leader and the Training Master was wide enough to sail a Strike Cruiser through. In the fractured brotherhoods of Chaos, such cracks almost always led to a knife in the back. By showing this degree of "favor," Telax was clearly attempting to pull Enkidu into his orbit.
If the warband fractured, chaos would follow—and chaos was Enkidu's best chance at escape. Whether he ended up living as a hermit on so backwater world or taking the Blackshield's oath in the Deathwatch, his options would open up exponentially.
But first, he had to play the part. He began to weave a lie with the threads of ancient history.
"Noctis, Lord. It was once called Noctis, a jewel in the void. I grew up there, and I watched it burn," Enkidu said, a faint, practiced lancholy clouding his features. "As for my na... you may call Aeternus Komnenos."
"Komnenos... an ancient lineage, indeed."
Telax's eyes flickered. He vaguely recalled that when the Phoenix conquered the world of Byzantos, many of the local nobility bore that na. During the Great Crusade, he might have cared enough to verify the genealogy; now, he only cared about what this recruit could do for him.
"I will allow you to keep your na in my presence, and I shall grant you certain... privileges," Telax said, tapping the Aeldari skull on his armrest. "But tell : what can you do for in return?"
Enkidu wasn't surprised. Pure altruism didn't exist in a Chaos warband. Value-based transactions were far more reliable than begging for a tyrant's rcy.
"I can do a great deal, Lord," Enkidu said, squaring his shoulders. His expression shifted from humble to haughty in an instant. "I have already been managing the temperants of the other recruits. If you wish, I can ensure their absolute loyalty is directed toward you. Furthermore, if you have tasks that are beneath your personal attention but vital nonetheless, we are your blades. You need only wait for the results."
Telax gave a dismissive snort. He knew the boy was looking out for himself, but he didn't believe a re initiate had the spine to defy him. And even if they tried to revolt, he had more than enough power to crush them like insects.
"I don't expect you to work for free, whelp. Na your price."
A small smile touched Enkidu's lips before he masked it.
"The price is low. Better quarters. Real food. More free ti. And equipnt—we need Scout-grade carapace and proper weaponry beyond these rusted knives. Finally, a personal request: it is beneath my dignity to handle every nial chore myself. I require servants to maintain our lives and our gear."
Telax tilted his chin, gesturing for the female officer, Adelina, to take note. The recruit's blatant elitism actually pleased him.
It was like a reflection of the old days: noble-born, quick to learn, eloquent, and possessed of a sharp mind for administration. For a mont, Telax felt like a true Sergeant again, looking over a batch of aspirants who might actually win so glory for the Legion.
"I agree. But you must prove your worth, or every scrap of this investnt will be reclaid from your flayed hide."
The newly "promoted" initiate stood taller, his chin raised with a flicker of eager ambition. "Then, Lord, shall we discuss our first task? Eradicating the followers of the False Priest?"
"Yes. Your first true test." Telax grinned, revealing rows of serrated teeth. "If I find a single soul still whispering prayers to that corpse after you are done, I will peel the skin from your bones and hang it as the latest masterpiece in the hall."
To ensure the initiate's heart remained cold, Telax added a final barb.
"I know you and your brothers were raised in that superstition. But there is no going back. Once you have breathed the air of this ship for a single minute, the Hounds of the Inquisition will hunt you like carrion-flies. They will bleed you for every drop of information before turning you into ash."
"Think on it. You and your families gave everything to that idol. You sang his hymns. Yet when your precious Noctis was screaming in its death throes, what did the Skeleton on the Throne do? Nothing. He is a dead god. Only the True Gods—the supre Prince of Pleasure—can grant you the power you crave."
Enkidu wasn't moved by the theology, but he nodded anyway. If he failed, he wouldn't resist the execution; he'd rather die quickly than live as a failure in this universe.
After ten minutes of private instruction, Enkidu returned to the barracks. He was t with frantic concern, which turned into hushed cheers when he explained that they had not only avoided punishnt but had secured a massive upgrade in their lifestyle.
"Director Adelina," Enkidu turned to the officer. "Give them three minutes to pack, then take them to the new quarters."
"As you command, my Lord," the one-eyed officer replied, standing stiffly at attention.
The recruits didn't even need thirty seconds. They were ready to move before she could finish her sentence.
Telax's new arrangents were a world away from the moldy pits of the lower decks. The new rooms were located in the upper spires, each recruit receiving a private suite with its own sanitation facilities. Even Enkidu, who liked to think he was hard to impress, felt a jolt of genuine surprise.
The room was vast and opulent. Pillars carved from solid onyx supported a vaulted, rib-arched ceiling of guntal grey. The floors were black serpentine stone, and pearl-white walls were draped with tapestries of Tyrian purple.
He explored the suite: a private bedroom, a bath, an armory, and a lavishly appointed receiving room for guests. There was even a separate room for servants. Each suite was close to the others for security, but completely self-contained.
Telax is a paranoid bastard, Enkidu thought. He wants us comfortable but isolated.
He turned back to the officer. "I am satisfied. However, I need to hear the opinions of my brothers. Also, the slave Paul served us well in the pits; I want him transferred here to continue his service."
"Paul?" Adelina's brow furrowed in confusion for a mont before she regained her composure. "As you wish, my Lord."
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