"We can set Lorgar's situation aside for now."
Just then, Horus spoke.
His voice was quiet, yet it swiftly silenced everyone in the Four Kings Council.
All their unease, speculation, and arguments were crushed to dust in an instant.
They bowed their heads slightly, drawing their eyes away from the star chart over which they had been arguing and turning them obediently toward the Throne.
No one dared utter another word. Even their breathing grew deliberately softer, lest they disturb the Warmaster's thoughts.
At that moment, a figure bearing the insignia of the Raven Guard Legion entered the Lupercal Court.
Without being announced, he simply appeared in the shadows cast by the doorway, then silently coalesced into human form.
He wore Raven Guard armor, but it had clearly been reassembled and patched, like the hide of a dead bird of prey stitched onto another body.
Deep shadows shrouded his face, obscuring his features. Only his eyes reflected a faint light that did not belong to any normal living being.
He entered with steps so light they were almost soundless. To those watching, he seemed like a wisp of shadow slowly gliding through the light.
"Sharrowkyn, you're here," Horus said evenly.
"Warmaster." Sharrowkyn nodded in acknowledgment.
"From this moment onward, you will lead your troops into Segmentum Solar and strike at its defenses whenever an opportunity presents itself."
"You need not achieve any strategic objectives, seize any critical positions, or establish contact with any outside forces."
"You need only slip behind enemy lines, tear apart their supply routes, disrupt their deployments, and keep their attention firmly fixed on the shadows at their backs."
"Force Dorn to divert troops to deal with those omnipresent covert attacks. Shroud Terra in an unseen fear. You can do this."
"Understood, Warmaster." Sharrowkyn asked no questions