"Lavash."
Lavash Kallio heard the familiar call and turned around. "Lord Akurduana."
Akurduana stared at Lavash. "At the Venice Theater just now, you were the only one who did not lose yourself in the performance."
"I saw not the slightest trace of art in that indulgent display. Forgive my frankness, but Beleka Kinska's singing and Father's—ugly paintings—both disgusted me."
"The creatures that appeared afterward were even more disgusting and hideous."
"You do not agree with Father's actions?" Akurduana asked.
"I do not believe Father's rebellion was wrong. The Emperor once said that the Warp was nothing but illusion."
"But everything I witnessed just now and on Isstvan proves that his words were lies. The Imperium he built was not perfect either."
"I still revere Father. I will still follow in your footsteps and pursue perfect martial skill, but I will never fall as Eidolon and the others have."
The Palatine Blade looked at the sword champion with reverence.
After hearing Lavash's words, Akurduana fell silent for several seconds.
"Palatine swordsman, from this day onward, you are my personal guard."
Lavash's eyes flashed as he dropped to one knee.
"Thank you for your trust, my lord!"
Akurduana did not return to Isstvan V. He took Lavash with him and returned to his flagship.
After returning to his quarters, he drew the blade Thierry Viera had given him and rapidly struck the runes on the floor.
As the spreading spirituality illuminated one geometric pattern after another, the disgusting, greasy sensation left behind by the grand theater completely dissipated.
His repeated prayers seemed especially long.
Images of the Emperor's Children's mutations and unrestrained slaughter flashed through Akurduana's mind.
The Emperor's Children had fallen. Father had fallen as well.
He gathered his chaotic thoughts and prayed devoutly.
Only after the fifth prayer did black