378 What Lurks In The Blight

"As you will have noticed," Lady Raina began, "the Blight is rarely spoken of in the Imperium. Though rumors abound, real knowledge of the Blight is reserved for those who've faced it themselves."

"So we've heard," Kaleesh said. "We were told that it is a privilege that has to be earned."

"That's what the church would have you believe." The Lady gave a cheerless laugh and shook her head. "It's all nonsense. The truth is that if word spread too far, too few would volunteer to throw away their lives so easily. And so, the church obscures the truth with tales of honor and bravery."

Arran gave her an inquisitive look. "It's that bad?"

"It's worse," she replied in a bitter tone. "I myself have lost two sons to the Blight, and if the third had his way, he would meet the same fate all too soon."

"You've lost two sons?" Arran looked at her uneasily. "I'm sorry to—"