Even in the Grim-darkness, the faintest glimmer of light can illuminate the path to salvation.
The Main Story
- While in the Immaterium, Ruby's soul encounters a being that is heavily implied to be the Emperor of Mankind. Under the Emperor's gaze, a brilliant, golden light washes over Ruby's soul, causing her previous pain and sorrow to be washed away and be replaced with a sense of tranquility.
- Ismail is quick to vouch for Ruby despite the fact that she is considered an unsanctioned Psyker in the eyes of the Imperium after she saved his life.
- The first thing Ruby asks in her first meeting with the Colony's leadership, is if Ismail, the Guardsman she saved, is alright. Even being the 40k-verse and technically imprisoned by authorities, Ruby first thought was the well being of another.
- Ruby is quick to befriend the local guardsmen and Zahra the Pysker. The one named Qemal, big as Yatsuhashi, hugs Ruby for saving Ismail.
- Even after General Kastriot tells Ruby that the upcoming battle with the Orks is not her problem and even offers her a shuttle off-world, she still wants to help the Arbanian Janissaries defend Epidamnus.
- Despite going through a Crisis of Faith himself, Preacher Berossus still tries to aid a child whose mother is suffering seizures as a result of the Great Rift opening. Afterwards, when Ruby's Silver Eyes obliterate the daemons attacking the city and seemingly heals the woman who was suffering seizures, Berossus sees this as a miracle sent by the God-Emperor himselfnote , and with Tears of Joy reaffirms his faith and vows to never waver in his convictions again.Berossus: "Almighty Emperor, forgive this imperfect miscreant, whose sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, too deep to undo. Lord, I have betrayed you, by letting doubt and heresy cloud my mind; I have denied you, by not following your way; I have mocked you, by not believing in your power and your sacrifice. And yet, in your infinite love for mankind, you brought your holy light to banish the dark and protect all of us, including an unworthy being such as myself...Never again will my faith in you waver, and until the day I depart this mortal shell, I will not let your miracle go unsung and unremembered, so that your glory will be spread to all...This I swear, on my soul!"
- Despite everyone treating her like a saint and initially walking on eggshells around her, Ismail recalls Kastriot's words and realizes that despite everything that happened, she is still the same Ruby who is his friend. He instantly cheers her up by reminding them of their earlier competition during the Battle of Kanrillia, and for the first time since all this happened, Ruby laughs. Qemal then gives everyone a big hug.
- In the aftermath of the battle, Kastriot holds a funerary service for all the Arbanian Jannissaries that were slain during the conflict. Several pyres are erected for each of the squads to memorialize their fallen comrades. Kastriot personally invites Ruby to join them. What surprises Ruby the most is that instead of it being a somber affair, it is in fact filled with songs and stories of battles, past glories, and camaraderie. She realizes that the Arbanians are not mourning the deaths of their people, but celebrating their lives.
- During the ceremony, Ruby is personally invited to join each of the squad' pyres, including Ismail, Qemal, and Delimina's, and she is greeted and personally thanked by each and every soldier that she fought alongside and helped. While she is initially treated with all the reverence and awe afforded to her newly minted "Saint" status, eventually they all relax around her. During the whole ordeal, the Arbanians have all but accepted Ruby as one of their own.
Side-Stories
- Blake has created a Rebellion on the Hive World of Dromoros, and her relationship with her subordinates is very touching, as are some of their origins.
- Her de facto second-in-command, Ynok, is a Hernkyn Pioneer separated from his Kindred by the opening of the Great Rift, and serves as Blake's primary advisor and guide to the galaxy she's found herself in. He didn't have to do that, and could have gotten away with just laying low, but he chose to aid this intrepid and compassionate young woman who calls herself his friend.
- The Twins, Ilva and Venel, are a pair of young Unsanctioned Psykers who were being ganged up on when Blake rescued them. Since then, she has given them what training she can, and they call her "Master" and follow her orders without question.
- The Ogryn, Hurk, is just one big ball of sweetness and fun. Blake clearly values his contributions in both combat and keeping people's spirits up; telling him he did good when he found a bunch of blankets for the refugees in their camp(while also sending the twins to help him find his way in case he gets lost again, bless him).
