A Shadow Among the Righteous: The Unseen Journey of Erebus
The sacred texts were his playground, a labyrinth of knowledge, wisdom, and power. To Erebus, religion was not a matter of faith but a tool, a delicate instrument to fulfill his grandiose ambitions. This young man, not yet known by the name that would echo through the cosmos, was drawn to the opulent lifestyle of the High priests, their cunning and greed a tantalizing promise of what he could become.
Erebus’ parents, oblivious to his relentless pursuit of knowledge, could not comprehend the lengths their son was willing to go for his studies. Instead, they idolized another young man, his religious devotion boldly displayed in the litany texts inscribed on his shaved head. This was the model they desired for their son.
Yet Erebus was not one to be defined by the expectations of others. His ambition led him down a dark path, his first victim being the pious seminarian. The young man’s life was snuffed out, his belongings stolen, his identity erased. Erebus, now donning this borrowed name, left his hometown, a secret hidden even from the gods. He learned to protect his true name, imitating the demons who kept theirs hidden, even before he knew of their existence.
This monstrous act, a tragedy in any other circumstance, was a source of empowerment for Erebus. He disposed of the body, shaved his head, and copied the litany texts onto his own face. Armed with the stolen documents of his victim, he gained access to the Vades Seminary and a chance at the education he craved.
Erebus’ interest lay not in theology but in power. He was fascinated by the ability of the churchmen to command the attention of thousands, to move them to action with a single word. This was the power he sought, the power of persuasion that brought with it real authority.
His studies at the seminary brought a change in Erebus. The religious texts he once scorned became meaningful. He began to believe in the words he preached, spending nights in the church library, studying the texts of the Covenant. It was during these solitary nights that he first felt the presence of entities observing him, four reflections in the altar mirror that hinted at his part in the grand scheme of eternity.
However, change was on the horizon. News of a massive army led by the Golden Prophet reached the seminary. This prophet intended to overthrow the old gods and reshape the world. The hierarchs of the Covenant, fearing the loss of their wealth, increased their sacrifices and repented their sins, but Erebus knew it was futile.
The appearance of Lorgar, the Golden Prophet, in the capital did not fill Erebus with joy or despair. He saw Lorgar as another piece on the cosmic chessboard, a potential ally or foe to be studied. The Golden Prophet’s new faith toppled the Church of the Covenant, but it did not erase it entirely. The most steadfast fanatics, including Erebus, continued to secretly worship the old truth.
A new chapter was beginning in the life of Erebus, one that would lead him down a path of power, ambition, and betrayal in the vast cosmos of Warhammer 40,000. And we’ll delve deeper into this journey in the next part of our series. Stay tuned, and until then, keep exploring the labyrinth of lore that this universe has to offer.
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