Vandire stood and ordered his guard to shoot him, claiming he had the Emperor’s protection. After some persuasion the officer took aim and fired!
Via our good friends at Lexicanum
Vandire had a vast network of spies that notified him of cults that were not under his control. One of these was a small cult of perhaps only five hundred members on the little known agri world of San Leor. Naturally, Vandire was furious at this; people were worshipping the Emperor in a way he didn’t control. But the more he heard the more he began to covet this knowledge. The sect was called the Daughters of the Emperor and was open only to women, who devoted themselves to the worship of the Emperor through inner purity. They studied the arts of war tirelessly and honed their skills throughout their entire lives. Vandire saw this as an opportunity, but didn’t say what for. He ordered a ship ready and announced he would be visiting the planet.
He took with him almost 100 soldiers and servants to San Leor. The mile-long procession weaved its way to the temple of the Daughters of the Emperor as Vandire’s agents moved ahead of him, forcing the population to line the streets and show respect. Those who resisted were executed as heretics, no matter whether they were or not. Even newly born babies and the aged were forced to go. The crowd were supplied with laurels and gifts to present to Vandire at gun point. Holo-vids of the proceedings were sent across the galaxy as propaganda to the masses.
When Vandire reached the temple, he found the gates barred against him and was informed by a young Daughter that he was not recognized by the cult. His servants, knowing Vandire’s temper, believed they were all doomed, but Vandire had expected this and ordered them to witness an example of the strength of the Emperor in him. With a small bodyguard, Vandire entered the temple and clutched his Rosarius while kneeling to the Emperor, praying for protection. He then stood and ordered one of his guards to shoot him. The officer refused at first, unwilling to endanger himself, but Vandire persuaded him that he had the Emperor’s protection. The officer loaded his laspistol and shot Vandire in the chest. There was a blinding flash of light and when it faded, Vandire was still standing, unhurt. As one the warriors in the temple fell on their knees to him. Later, Vandire boasted to his scribes that he assumed the Daughters would not have heard of a Rosarius and the conversion field it created.
The Daughters took oaths of fealty to Vandire and he elevated them to the position of Ecclesiarchal bodyguards, taking them back to Terra. From then on they were the bodyguards and closest companions to Vandire, and he renamed them the Brides of the Emperor. They were trained by the best soldiers of the Imperial Guard and given the most modern weaponry, and word of their dedication to Vandire spread throughout the Imperium. They would perform any action that their lord wanted, at any time.
Not only were the Brides Vandire’s bodyguard, but also his companions and servants. They tasted his food, fed him when he fell ill, nursed his frail body and entertained him with singing, dancing and other more exotic skills. Even though they were used in this way, they were still hardened fighters. When the Ecclesiarchy tried to assassinate Vandire, the Brides entered the meeting chamber of the traitorous Cardinals and locked the doors behind them; one hour later they emerged with the heads of every cardinal present.
As you may have figured out by now, the Brides eventually became the Sisters of Battle.
Find out more about the Daughters of the Emperor
About the Author: Rob Baer
