Grey Knights Aren't That Bad, Actually

The Grey Knights' gene-seed had been taken directly from the Emperor's own genetic samples, and their psychic talent ranked first among all Astartes in the Imperium.

They were strong—very strong. On any battlefield, the Grey Knights were among the Imperium's sharpest blades.

But so what?

Their opponents were the Adeptus Custodes.

The Adeptus Custodes—the Adeptus Custodes!

Most Primarchs would not dare claim to be more trusted by the Emperor than the Adeptus Custodes.

The Grey Knights squad leader fell silent for two seconds.

"The Emperor's will is supreme, but the edict we received came from the High Lords Council. By law, the Council's resolutions carry the same authority as the Emperor's will. If the Emperor has issued new instructions, then the High Lords Council should be notified, a pardon decree should be promulgated, and an amended edict should be issued. Until we receive an amended edict, we can only carry out the existing, explicitly issued order."

He emphasized "existing" and "explicitly issued."

He did not voice what he truly meant.

Was the Emperor going to shield traitors to the Imperium?

Did the Emperor dare announce to the entire Imperium that treason was not a crime?

Naturally, the Grey Knights captain did not say those words aloud. He could not question the Emperor in front of an Adeptus Custodes captain. That would be no different from having lived long enough.

But his meaning was all there in his words.

Only the Blood Knights had truly been brought before the High Lords Council and officially pardoned. Everyone knew treason was not a crime that could be pardoned. The Emperor had not directly submitted a pardon decree for the Lamenters to the High Lords Council, which meant there had been no pardon.

The Lamenters had committed treason. Everyone knew pardoning them could