Corvas Corax found himself in a vast hall, where thousands of dials and gauges wound across the equipment.
His gaze passed over hundreds of robed servants and settled on the magnificent, bizarre structure at the center of the hall.
A massive seat was surrounded by sparking backwash and pulsing energy fields, and The Emperor sat upon it.
He wore golden armor, and lightning storms flashed across his furrowed brow.
A glittering drop of sweat fell from The Emperor's forehead and struck his taut jaw.
"Father, I am Corvas."
"Please answer my plea. My Legion has been bled almost dry, and the enemy's strength grows by the day."
Beneath his armor, the wounds branded into him by ninety-eight days of hell on Isstvan split open again, thick blood flowing.
For more than three hundred days, he had endured the pain in silence, all so he could stand before his father.
"The Raven Guard will fight for the Imperial Truth until the final moment. Though our strength is not what it once was, we will still fight for you to the last man."
"I ask for your guidance."
"My son." The Emperor's stellar golden eyes pierced Corax's soul.
He rose, and the armor on his body melted into golden threads, becoming a silver robe.
Scattered particles churned like smoke, forming invisible hovering steps.
Step by step, he walked down those stairs and came before Corax.
He raised a hand, pressing burning fingers to Corax's forehead.
Rolling energy surged into the primarch's body, sealing the pouring blood, mending fractured bones, and healing injured muscles and organs.
Corax sank to one knee again. "Father, I am sorry. I know your work is of immeasurable importance, but I must speak with you."
"Corvas, you have endured much to come this far."
The Emperor placed a