Phosis T'kar, Temple Master of the Pyrae Cult, swept his gaze over the ranks of Archia-pattern Castellax Robots.
The Castellax-Axe Robots of the Thousand Sons Legion were all manufactured by the Forge World Zhao-Arkhad, bound to them by pact.
The greatest difference between the Archia-pattern and other models was that the Pyrae Cult's psyker artisans had embedded Psychic Resonance Crystals at crucial points in the Energy Core and power conduits, while engraving shining Pyrae runes upon their steel bodies.
Flames burned in his eyes as he looked toward Chief Librarian Hathor Maat.
"Where are we going?"
"The Fifteenth Infantry Assault Regiment under Captain Sokhem Visara has established a defensive line on the northern side, one kilometer east of Skhemis Hill."
Phosis T'kar raised his hand, about to point west toward Visara's line. But Hathor said,
"I have ordered the activation of Tizca's Warp Gate network."
"With them, we will gain an advantage on the local battlefield."
The flames in Phosis T'kar's eyes receded as he issued an order to Phakus.
"Open the Warp Gates!"
"By your command, Temple Master." Phakus strode toward the spiral passage and descended.
Phosis T'kar elevated himself to the fourth level of Magnus's Mindset, drawing part of his consciousness from his mind and hurling it into body after body made of flame, Psyker Crystals, and steel.
At a single thought from him, the hydraulic fiber bundles within fourteen statue-like Archia-pattern Castellax Robots trembled in unison, driving their piston-like feet forward.
The other members of the Pyrae Cult also activated their psionic energy. Most could control only one or two, and even the strongest could control no more than five.
Thud, thud, thud—
Hathor followed Phosis T'kar down the winding passage and turned into the second level.
Hathor looked over the shimmering gateway wreathed in flame, large