The Law of Faith
Lower Assault Preparation Deck
There was none of the bridge's precision or Holographic Projection's shimmering light here, only steel, machine oil, condensing steam, and the oppressive scent of war on the verge of eruption.
The vast space could have accommodated a small vessel, but now it was filled with a forest of steel in deep gray and gold.
Two hundred elite warriors of the Word Bearers stood in solemn formation. They wore not standard Power Armour, but heavier Cataphractii Terminator armour, radiating a sacred, oppressive presence.
Every suit had endured the fires of war. Fine scratches and shell craters covered the ceramite surfaces, yet they had been polished to a gleam, their golden Holy Word insignia and Imperial Aquilas shining beneath the deck's cold white lights.
They stood silently like two hundred mobile icons cast from faith and steel. Only the occasional glimmer behind their helmet lenses betrayed that they were living killing machines.
Chainswords, power hammers, Power Axes, Heavy Bolters, Autocannons, and other weapons were held firmly in their hands or rested against magnetic locks, emitting a low energy hum, ready to activate at any moment.
On the flanks and ahead of this steel formation stood five even larger Contemptor Dreadnoughts, like mobile fortresses.
Their ancient Shells bore records of still older campaigns and sacred prayers. Heavy weapon systems—Multi-meltas, Assault Cannons, Power Klaws, and Missile Launchers—had finished warming up, while their internal Cogitator cores rumbled quietly.
They were living legends of the Legion, witnesses to history and its continuation. Now they would be the first hammer to tear through the enemy's steel and flesh.
At the very front of the assault formation stood Orpheus, Chapter Master Seras's most trusted Adjutant.
He, too, wore Cataphractii Terminator armour, though its design was more ornate than that of