The Archangel of Pain

The message detailed that it would take the Emperor another week for him and the Primarch to reach Feluc. The one that he had found was the 3rd, who had taken the name Fulgrim. Besides that, Baldur wasn't given much info besides the fact that the 3rd Legion was given the name of the Emperor's Children and that Baldur would be charged with watching over Fulgrim until his Legion could grow to standard size and he learned the ways of war. 

'Hmm,' Baldur thought after receiving the message. 'Luckily, they will be here in 3 days and we can make the trade with the Drukhari.' 

Baldur had set up another trade with the Drukhari to get rid of his worst criminals. He would regularly discard of them this way to not only not have to pay the cost of having them imprisoned but also gain something extremely valuable. 

"We greet the king and queen!" the men and women on greeted the pair who walked down from their ramp. 

Baldur and Selene traveled to the space station that acted as their largest prison three days later and waited aboard it. The entire place was spotless and filled with the wails of the prisoners who knew their fate. These were not just criminals of Feluc but also prisoners that they had brought from planets that refused initial subjugation and were obstructing the process. These were mostly prominent leaders, dictators, religious figures, and high-ranking military figures. 

Many of the guards and the Astartes on the station would inform the prisoners about their fates when the time of the Drukhari's arrival was near, using the information to perform some light torture of the monsters that were holed up in there. Many would try to riot or commit suicide but they were all stopped without a single person dying.

They would not let them get off easily. In fact, many would end up drugged where they couldn't move their bodies but their minds worked perfectly, making them prisoners within their own bodies. All they could do was look at the large timer in that hung above the station which was the countdown to their new lives. 

Baldur and Selene did not have to wait long before a set of gates appeared in the void of space next to them where a large Drukhari ship emerged. The sleek design and numerous spikes made it obvious to all who it belonged to. 

The Drukhari ship docked with the station before the airlock was opened and Surasis Grief greeted Baldur with a smile and several Sorcerers under Baldur walked next to him. The Drukhari lacked the ability to sense Psykers so Baldur had to send some of his men with them in order to ensure that they did not miss out on any of them. Each Sorcerer he sent were normal humans, not wanting to allow the other Drukhari to know which faction that Surasis was dealing with exactly. 

"Young friend. It has been a few years since I have gotten to deal with you in person. And your lovely consort as well," the Achron said, glad that he met with Baldur. He was the only one who could authorize the deal that he wanted to make. 

"His wife!" Selene corrected him quickly to which Surasis quickly apologized, not willing to ruin the deal he wanted to make

"Apologies, Lady Selene. I meant no disrespect."

"Hmm," Selene hummed, not speaking of the matter further and turning to Baldur to let him know to continue

"Good to see you too," Baldur greeted back. "So how many do you have?"

"17, my king," one of the Sorcerers stated. Behind the Sorcerers and Surasis' court were a few dozen people. These were all the Psykers that they had found along with their families. Baldur was sure that if any Psykers were found and had family or close friends, they would be brought along in order to help the Psykers get used to their new environment and have less distrust in him. 

When Baldur heard this, he frowned. The deal was for the Drukhari to get 1,000 criminals for every Psyker they brought with an additional 100 for each family member. If Surasis was expecting to get their full prison with nearly 46,000 individuals.

Surasis seemed as if he sensed what Baldur was thinking so he looked at one of his consorts who stepped forward with a tray that had a single cube on it. The cube had several openings that revealed a glowing green light as well as countless runes. Baldur could feel the presence of Daemons coming from the objects so they gained his curiosity. 

"This is the Archangel of Pain, Lord Baldur. Something a famous Homunculus created before She was born and his soul was captured. It is a device that is capable of trapping Daemons that come from the Warp. And if such Daemons are released, they are immediately banished back to the Warp while also sending out a shriek that gives off a... delicious amount of pain," Surasis looked as if he would orgasm from the thought of the device, causing Baldur to scrunch his eyebrows. 

But the item was indeed something he found interesting. He knew how to bind Daemons that his people summoned but they would eventually escape if they were not under constant watch. Such a device could help him capture powerful Daemons and steal the power from the Ruinous powers. 

"Impressive. But just this for an object that is useless to the Drukhari?" Baldur said aloud, letting Surasis know he was interested but that it was not enough. Many of the prisoners heaved a sigh of relief when they heard his words, thinking that they would be spared the torment that awaited many of them. 

"Hmm. In addition to 100 Skyboards," Surasis threw out his latest offer. Although this was expensive, it was worth it. The people of Knight Worlds were resilient, more so than normal slaves. A single one was worth 10 slaves from another planet or as much as soldiers. Surasis was sure he could make up for the loss and even gain a profit if he was able to get Baldur's slaves. 

Skyboards were an impressive piece of technology that was meant for a single rider. They allowed one to move at incredibly fast speeds though they were too dangerous for many to use. Even for Baldur's Grey Knights, he would have to carefully select the riders of such devices. 

"Deal. The prisoners are now your slaves," Baldur agreed while Selene lifted the cube with her mind and caught it in her hands, looking over the device with eyes filled with curiosity. Many prisoners who were not sedated began to scream out, begging Baldur for mercy. 

'If we can replicate this...' Selene thought while looking over the device, glad to have uncovered a new item that could be used against the forces of Chaos. The average Daemon had grown stronger over the years that she and Baldur had fought them. It would not be noticeable to most but as those who fought them constantly, the Knights and Psykers of Feluc were sure of it. 

Something big was coming so they were preparing all that they could for whatever it was. 

The Sorcerers and Psykers that accompanied Sorasis followed behind Baldur and Selene while a new group of Sorcerers went with them to complete their duty until they would be replaced. The prisoners were brought onto the Drukhari ship, all kicking and screaming as the Drukhari requested for them to be given the antidotes to medication so that they could enjoy the ride more.