Idol Effect

"You are basking in their gaze, Yarrick."

The Inquisitor's icy poker face revealed an unmistakable look of envy, with jealous flames hidden in his eyes.

He saluted, turned, and left.

His movements were crisp and decisive. The Inquisitor gave Yarrick no chance to react.

Kor'sarro Khan and Chapter Master Colvin approached. "He didn't threaten you, did he?" Kor'sarro Khan asked.

"No, my lords." Yarrick saluted the two of them, though they did not seem to stand on ceremony. They merely nodded to him amiably.

They had spoken up for Yarrick because of Lin Fan. During their time working together in the T'au Empire, Lin Fan had often told them stories of heroes.

The name Yarrick had left a particularly deep impression on them. To accomplish feats that even Space Marines could not achieve with a mortal body was worthy of both their respect.

And since Lin Fan's intentions were The Emperor's intentions, The Emperor must surely have been quietly supporting Yarrick's actions all along.

"For The Emperor." Kor'sarro Khan and Chapter Master Colvin saluted and departed.

Yarrick returned the gesture with an Aquila Salute.

Now, the Inquisitor's words were the only thing on his mind.

He had indeed lived for too long... far too long. And he had become far too strong as well.

Take Armageddon, for example. When Yarrick had gone there to recruit soldiers, he discovered that Governor Domisilon had been dead for a very long time.

After making inquiries and reviewing the records, Yarrick learned that the gangster emperor born in the lower levels of that hive city had ultimately died during a meeting.

There had been no conspiracy behind his death. Domisilon had simply grown too old. He picked up a document, yawned as though he were sleepy, closed his eyes, and died in his chair.