The bridge of the Iron Blood welcomed back Perturabo, who had been absent from his flagship for a long time.
He sat high upon the throne, watching the Emperor's Child approach.
They were utterly different from Fulgrim's other sons, who wore smoke-like paint schemes and grotesque decorations such as flayed human skin.
"Akurduana, what warning did you speak of?"
Akurduana stared at the massive Warhammer resting beside Perturabo's knee.
It was Skull-Crusher, forged by his father and gifted to his dear friend Ferrus Manus.
"Lord Perturabo, Father ordered me to bring you before him. He will await you at the Heart of Hydra."
"Why would Fulgrim think I would be interested in any of his gaudy trinkets?"
"He said it is an ancient weapon that will decide the course of the war," Akurduana replied.
"I already have one. Didn't you see it?"
Akurduana recalled the colossal Fortress he had seen when the Aquila Shuttle passed through the void.
It was even larger than the Phalanx and an Abyss-class warship, comparable to the magnificent Fortress that had appeared in the Colonid Sector.
Perhaps it is not merely similar in appearance. There was originally more than one Black Fortress.
He thought of the conflict between Perturabo and Dorn.
"My lord, I saw it. It is even larger than the Phalanx."
"Not merely in size. Its firepower surpasses the Phalanx as well."
"What you bring is a request, not a warning."
Akurduana felt Perturabo's tone shift from interrogation to inquiry. Remembering the Black Emperor's oracle, he spoke.
"Fulgrim deceived you. He intends to use you to ascend into a Daemon Prince of the Chaos Gods."
"What?" Forrix and the other members of Trident roared, their hands reaching for the weapons at their waists.
Perturabo waved a hand. "Chaos Gods?"
"Leaving aside the fact