Ferrus Manus had originally thought he would see one of two scenes.
Rogal Dorn calmly arguing with their father, or their father standing to one side while Rogal Dorn relentlessly asked questions.
But the Iron Hands had never imagined he would witness this.
Rogal Dorn stood calmly outside the doors to their father's study.
What was going on?
Ferrus halted, his boots striking the floor with an unmistakable sound.
"Stone" calmly turned around and gave Ferrus a slight nod in greeting.
"What is going on?" Ferrus asked, his brow deeply furrowed.
"I cannot get in," Rogal Dorn replied evenly. "Father locked the door."
"I remember the study doors not having locks."
Dorn shook his head, his voice calm. "They do now—at least, the Adeptus Custodes behind the door have warned me repeatedly not to enter."
Silence hung over Gorgon for a moment before anger abruptly appeared on his face.
"Warned?"
"They are merely Father's guards. We are Father's sons! Even Constantin Valdor has never spoken to you like that—warned?! Wait here, Rogal!"
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to get my hammer."
Ferrus narrowed his eyes dangerously and answered calmly.
"Who knows whether Father is really inside? Who knows whether he truly gave that order? And if Father did give it, why would he not tell us the reason? He would not even tell Konrad?"
"And besides—"
He looked at the exquisitely carved gilded doors with suppressed fury and slowly shook his head. "We cannot even see him?"
"You are making a rather dangerous accusation," Dorn said after a long silence.
"This situation is dangerous enough already, Rogal! What could possibly be on Nostramo that would make the Adeptus Custodes deploy in full battle gear?"
"Gangs? Nobles? They cannot even establish orbital defenses. A few Storm Eagles could