The black Aquila Shuttle landed on the main embarkation deck of the Vengeful Spirit, and Nimrod led Santiago Bergkamp, lord of the 5th Legion, and Chief Chaplain Pat down onto the flight deck.
First Company Captain Ezekyle Abaddon and the Primarch's Attendant Maloghurst led the honor guard in formation to receive them.
"Lord Nimrod." After the two greeted the Primarch together, Maloghurst spoke.
"The Warmaster is waiting for you in the reception chamber." Beneath Maloghurst's neck, a golden seal clasped his cloak in place.
Nimrod's eyes narrowed. Though Maloghurst addressed him as "you," his head was held high, and he deliberately emphasized the authority of the "Warmaster."
Maloghurst was known among the "Luna Wolves" as The Twisted, all because he possessed a clever mind, abundant experience, and meticulous thoughts. He saw every detail and undercurrent within the Expeditionary Fleet with perfect clarity.
Abaddon and the others could gallop across the battlefield, but Maloghurst was the man Horus relied on in politics. In private settings outside the Council of Four Kings, he offered counsel.
His every word and deed represented Horus's attitude.
A show of force? Nimrod nodded and said nothing.
Chief Chaplain Pat's eyes glowed gold, and he was just about to bristle when the voice of the Black Emperor's "Majesty" suddenly sounded in his mind.
"Stay calm."
He clenched his staff and suppressed his anger. Heretic!
Abaddon curiously sized up the Star Lord. He knew that this first psychic artisan of the "Shadow of Order" had made his greatest contribution by overseeing the restoration of the Carium Gate, and because he was stationed in that star region, he could reach various war zones quickly.
But aside from that, he had no battle record famed throughout the Imperium.
Not Howard Fender, not Bukayo Arshavin, not even Sanchez. Abaddon thought regretfully.