Callinides System, Pride of the Emperor.
Fulgrim entered the Phoenix Gate and came to stand beside his Lord Commander.
Without listening to his sons' suggestions, he issued his orders directly.
"Eidolon will accompany me to the Iron Fist."
"Akurduana and Vespasian, each of you will lead a force to planets three and four and purge the Ork invaders."
Akurduana froze. Fulgrim turned toward him.
"The blade of the Palatine should not be bound by knowledge of courtly affairs. You should step onto the battlefield and behead the strongest Ork warriors."
Akurduana nodded and left the Phoenix Gate with Solomon Demeter.
Walking down the avenue, his gaze swept across the rows of colonnades.
"Solomon, I want you to keep an eye on Father and Vespasian."
Solomon paused. Three seconds later, he started walking again. "I understand."
Fulgrim approached the black iron doors of the Forge Hall aboard the Iron Fist, his flowing cloak stirring in the hot currents spilling from the furnaces.
The moment he passed through the doors, he paused briefly.
He knew that entering might mean setting foot upon a road that would part him from his closest brother.
But the Warmaster's great undertaking would succeed, and he could not miss this chance to move toward perfection.
He had already promised the Warmaster that he could deliver Ferrus to him without firing a single shot.
He and Ferrus shared a history and a brotherhood that even the forge could not melt away. Medusa's Gorgon could not fail to see the righteousness of the Warmaster's cause.
The veil of lies had already been lifted. He had a responsibility to expose Father's lies to his beloved Ferrus.
Fulgrim touched the Fireblade at his waist. The absence of the Blade of Laer made him uncomfortable.
But he needed to wear the weapon