Argel Tal: From Hero to Horror – Part 8

Title: “Orfeo’s Lament: A Tale of Survival and Transformation in the Eye of Terror”

In the grim darkness of the far future, there are tales of blood and sacrifice, of courage and despair. One such tale features the valiant Space Marines of the “Orfeo’s Lament” and their harrowing journey through the treacherous realms of the Warp. For seven long months, these warriors found themselves adrift, their existence hanging by a thread as supplies dwindled and their ship was lost in the cosmic nightmare of the Warp.

In this dire hour, the surviving Space Marines resorted to unthinkable measures for survival. They consumed the desiccated bodies of their fallen comrades and the less fortunate crew members, in an attempt to quench their insatiable hunger. As the months wore on, only 37 warriors remained alive, their spirits battered, their bodies emaciated.

Yet, salvation came when the “Orfeo’s Lament” was picked up by the “De Profundis”. Before them stood Lorgar, their Primarch, who had been waiting for their return from the Eye of Terror. Though only seconds had passed in real space, for the surviving warriors, their ordeal had lasted an eternity.

In the aftermath of this harrowing journey, Captain Argel Tal found himself in the midst of an inner turmoil. He harbored doubts about unveiling the Truth he had discovered in the Eye of Terror, unsure if humanity was ready to face such harsh realities. Yet, he himself had undergone a transformation – subtle, yet profound. His conversations with Lorgar revealed a shift in his demeanor, a change that hinted at a darker presence within him.

Argel Tal was no longer just a warrior, he now housed another soul within his body. This entity, a manifestation of the Warp, had taken residence within him, its nature unknown and its intentions unclear. Yet, it promised a future where the Galaxy would be set ablaze, a time of great change for him and his fellow warriors.

The real test for Argel Tal was to wrest control of his body from this Neverborn entity, to maintain his sanity and preserve his sense of self. His encounters with this entity left him shaken, his memories of his journey into the Eye of Terror lost to him. Yet, he knew that the time of reckoning was near.

Following his transformation, Argel Tal found himself burdened with guilt. He had fought for a hundred years for what he now knew were false ideals, and the memories of the planets and populations exterminated for embracing the truths he now understood, haunted him. His perception of righteousness had been irrevocably altered, and he found himself questioning his place in an Imperium founded on deception.

His return from the Eye of Terror marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Serrated Sun Chapter. Argel Tal was appointed as the new Master, and the surviving warriors received the title of Gal Vorbak or “the Blessed Sons”. They donned red armor, a stark contrast against the grey Legion, the Serrated Sun emblazoned on their visors.

Argel Tal’s transformation was not unnoticed. His training with Custodian Aquillon revealed subtle changes in his actions and demeanor. While Aquillon suspected something amiss, he chose to believe Argel Tal’s explanation about the death of Vendatha, their fallen brother.

Thus, the saga of the “Orfeo’s Lament” serves as a grim reminder of the trials and tribulations faced by the Space Marines in their ceaseless battles. Their tale of survival and transformation in the Eye of Terror is a testament to their indomitable spirit and unwavering loyalty, even in the face of the harshest truths.

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