Chapter 34: Chapter 29
(MC POV)
Although it only takes us half an hour to get back to the surface, thanks to the precise map what we found on the surface was not predictable.
The being was waiting for us at the entrance. A very old being.
Erlking was patiently waiting for us.
[Image here]
The white eyes with ordinary teeth matched well with the long white beard that descended along the almost skeletal face. Large stag's antlers protruded from the skull, along with the skull decorated crown in the middle, giving the creature before us a malevolent look.
Erlking literally means Elf King in Old German. The real name could easily be Aeldari King. But according to old European folklore and myth, the Erlking is a sinister elf that lingers in the forest. He stalks children who stay too long in the forest and kills them with a single touch.
If he really is an Eldar, I would not be surprised in general, because in the person of the Fair-Folk and similar legends, they haunted the Terra in the Paleo and Neolithic ages. Some were benevolent if you can call them that because they would perform "miracles" or bestow boons for the same reasons we play with pets or watch wild animals. But most were not benevolent and treated humanity as prey to mutilate and torture.
I stop and look straight at him for a few minutes and there is dead silence between us. Leman is scratching his blond hair a lot, this silence is as boring to him as I am and he probably feels the need to break something. Unfortunately, I'm not at all interested in fighting for him right now.
Erlking watches me for a few more minutes before taking a few more steps towards me.
"I came to negotiate," Erlking said and stopped a few meters away from me.
His sentences caused Leman to relax in frustration and lower his fighting stance. Now he looked at me with his sad dog eyes and looked is like a sad doggie begging for something.
I just smiled sweetly at his frustration and moved a few of my fingers and nodded my head giving the body message 'Fighting is unnecessary right now' with my body language.
"In whose name?" I asked turning my head towards Erliking and looking at him seriously.
"On behalf of the entire Fenrisian pantheon," Erlking replied, "The rest of the pantheon, which includes Morkai, The Wolf of the Red Moon, Ghost Wolf, Thengir the Wolf-King, and other lesser members of the pantheon."
That's a lot of wolves. Fenris really is the home of wolves.
Morkai if I'm not mistaken is a Deathwolf mix of Hades and Cerberus and has two heads, and after being defeated in canon by Leman Russ he now guards the 'lowest hall of the dead'. The Erlking is known as the lord of force and death. The Red Moon Wolf is the Grim Reaper and the embodiment of Death in Fenrisian folklore. Appeared on the moon Fenris during Warzone Fenris.
In fact, most of the symbols of the Great Space Wolf Companies are associated with the mythical wolves of their world, which are believed to exist as lesser Warp entities. Accordingly, all symbols used by the Wolf Lords and their Great Bands are drawn from Fenrisian mythology. I also know there are a few symbols that aren't wolves but they rank lower in the pantheon because of that.
"If you came to swear in their name, where are they?" I asked Erlking.
"They couldn't come," replied Erlking, "We are facing an attack from the Four. All the members of the pantheon stayed to strengthen the Underverse, but they gave me part of their narrative so I could swear on their behalf."
That explains everything. Due to my timeline changes and Jumpchain choices , Chaos has been strengthened and is now trying to devour everything to gain more power in preparation for a confrontation with me.
"What is the Underverse?" Leman suddenly asked with confusion in his voice.
"It's hard to describe but i will try" I began explaining to him "The Underverse can best be described as part of the Warp, much like the Realm of Chaos. There are many similar places in the Warp, some artificial but most formed completely naturally due to the nature of the Warp to spawn and devour gods , daemons, another mythological creature, and a new realms. The Underverse has always been there, rather than being formed from the belief of Fenris. In the same way as the gates on Moloch, there are certain points in matter where the veil is particularly weak and where Warp regions can merge with the Materium. Underverse is a place further cemented into the Warp due to thousands of years of belief on Fenris mixed with the original Norse beliefs of Old Terra.
"I see," Leman said. His loss of interest could be heard in his voice.
"Hahahha" a laugh was heard from the Erlking's mouth "Morkai was right when he told me that you are a smartass by nature. Do you have any theory about my nature".
"I have a couple of theories" I snapped at him "The first theory is very simple you are either a Warp entity created from human faith or a similar entity.
"And the other theories," Erlking amusedly insisted I continue.
"The other theory is simpler your true identity is Leman Russ or at least some version of him in countless universes. You are one of the versions that managed to unlock his full power by becoming a Wulfen! Russ, you rule exactly the same type of hall befitting a Primarch and you can command the Wuffen" I replied amused.
"And do you have another theory to share?" Erliking was still amused and I did not sense that he was disturbed in any way.
On the other hand, Leman became agitated and his gaze shifted between me and Erlking. A few movements of my legs tell him to relax freely.
"My third and final theory is that you are a surviving fragment of Kurnous, an Aeldari God of the Hunt that ended up stranded on Fenris," I answered and breathed a sigh of relief.
Erlking was still amused and did not lose the smile on his face. I did not feel any disturbance and could not sense any truth.
"My true nature is frankly irrelevant as my past no longer affects me" the Erlking replied to my silence.
"Regarding your oath" I began "Are you ready to swear. The Fenrisian pantheon will be bound to me in accordance with the eternal oath and you will be given full freedom as long as you do not go against my interests. Are you ready?".
"We are ready," the Erlking answered immediately.
I take a few more steps towards him and now we are facing each other.
"Put your hand on your heart and repeat after me," I order.
The Erlking put his hand over his heart.
"Will you swear that you and your pantheon will serve the Imperium faithfully and not betray it," I ask.
"Yes," the Erlking replied.
"Do you swear to serve faithfully in difficult times as well as in easy ones?" I ask.
"Yes," the Erlking replied.
"Do you swear allegiance to me and my grand vision?" I ask.
"Yes," the Erlking answered firmly.
"Finally Erlking do you and the entire Fenrisian Pantheon swear eternal loyalty and devotion to me?" I ask.
"Yes," the Erlking replied, finally answering in the affirmative.
"Your oath is accepted," I replied with a satisfied smile.
Through the entire process of oaths, I felt that every Warp beings connected to Fenris swore allegiance to me.
I just laughed. Fenris is finally mine.
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(A few days later)
Heavy snow was falling indiscriminately on the entire landscape as a huge procession made its way through the icy landscape. The Fenrisians, a people of brave warriors, showed their respect and faith in me because my visit to Fenris came officially to the ends and it is time for me to return because the leading of The Great Crusader requires my presence.
I walked at the head of the procession, surrounded by my most faithful Custodes and space marines from the Space Wolves. In my golden armor, the harsh winds didn't bother me at all, and my black hair stood out among the white flakes that fell around.
We arrived at the place where he was prepared
Bucephalus. The ship was bigger than any other spaceship, shining in the middle of the snowstorm. Thunder came from the depths of the ship, while golden light pulsed around it, creating a sense of strength and dignity.
I take the last few steps to the big door of the ship. Opening them, the blinding light from the interior briefly spills out.
Before boarding, I turn to those present:
"My dear Fenrisians, brave warriors of Fenris,
When I first set foot on Fenris, I felt your courage and pride. Your faith and loyalty touched me deeply, and your heroism was an inspiration to me. You accepted me as your God-Emperor, and I was honored to be part of your family.
But today, unfortunately, the moment has come when I say goodbye to you, my beloved people. This was an unforgettable period in my divine stay among you, filled with courage, pride and fearlessness that you showed at every moment. Watching you follow me to the king himself in such difficult weather conditions, I feel sincere pride in your determination.
But it's time for me to leave this planet. The task I had here is done, and duty calls me further. I must return to my divine duties and responsibilities. But know that I am leaving with immense gratitude towards you.
I would like to thank each and every one of you, every single Fenrisian who stands bravely. You gave me love, hospitality and loyalty during my visit. Your weapons testify to the strength you carry within you, to the courage that pulsates in your hearts. You are true warriors and your courage will always be a mirror of your people.
As I prepared to board my spaceship that would take me back to my home, my heart heavy. But please know, my dears, that the happiness I felt among you will remain engraved in my soul forever. Your dedication, strength and faithfulness were an inspiration to me in these moments. May your courage remain an unquenchable flame that will guide you through the next battles and challenges.
Let this farewell write a new story of courage and pride for the new Space Wolves of Fenris. May your voice be heard by every ends of the galaxy, may your name be carried across the universe as a symbol of strength and loyalty. You are a planet of brave warriors, a people that is not afraid to face challenges.
Hail, brave Fenrisians, may your life be filled with fortunately, love and pride" My voice passed over the stormy wind, but every tone was clear and warm. Everyone was overcome with emotion while listening to my words.
Finishing the speech, which was met with fanatical cheers, I entered the Bucephalus and the doors slowly closed, while the inside of the ship was illuminated by a mysterious golden light that brought a feeling of pure power.
When the ship's doors were closed, Bucephalus slowly rose above the icy mountains and disappeared into the clouds. Those present stood in silence, looking at the sky and feeling a mixture of sadness and pride.
Inside the ship, I continue towards my quarters.
Inside my quarters I remove most of my armor and put my sword away and the first thing I do is take a good swig of alcohol, sit back and relax in my large wooden chair, specially designed for my 14 foot frame. I really enjoyed this break from Great Crusade. Maybe one day I should take a whole year on the paradise planet just for myself without any duties or obligations. Maybe I should bring Malcador and Valdor as well, they both need some relaxation and rest.
I take another gulp and take off the little armor that is left on me and i relax even more in the chair.
As I continue to drink cup after cup, only one thought is in my mind 'It's good to be Emperor'.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
LordDrogon123
LordDrogon123 The names of some Fenrisian pantheon member are taken from Ben Counter's short story "12 Wolves". The chapter for the r-18 version arrives on Sunday and will feature a special parting gift from the MC for Lemi. As always, all comments, power stones and reviews are welcome.
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