The fighting had briefly ended. Cold starlight pierced the heavy clouds of war over the Xana Star Cluster, illuminating the immense constructs that hung above the Forge World's orbit like mountains of steel.
Five Legion flagships, like five metal stars forcibly anchored in the void, silently proclaimed the terrifying might the Imperium of Man had brought to bear here.
The Law of Faith, the Unyielding Truth, the Conqueror, the Soul of the Sea of Sand, and the Endurance—the five Legion flagships stood here.
This was also the first time Lion El'Jonson, Lord of Caliban, had seen this brother named Lorgar, and his warship, with his own eyes.
The Unyielding Truth's transport swept through the void like a silent hawk, docking precisely on the Law of Faith's hangar deck, which was as magnificent as the entrance to a temple.
The hatch slid open, and Lion El'Jonson stepped out, tall and imposing in his ornate, dark green Power Armour. Corswain followed close behind like his most steadfast shadow.
Lion El'Jonson's eyes swept swiftly over every corner of the hangar like the keenest probes.
Vast murals depicting humanity's epic history and the Emperor's achievements covered the towering vaults. Soft, steady illumination came from concealed light strips and floating luminous crystals, while the air carried a mingled scent of incense, ancient books, and meticulously filtered recycled air.
This was more like a mobile temple than a warship.
His gaze settled on the welcoming party ahead. At its head stood Lorgar.
The Lord of the Word Bearers wore a plain grey robe beneath grey Power Armour inlaid with scriptures and symbolic emblems. His expression was calm, his eyes deep, and his lips held a gentle yet distant smile that seemed never to change.
Beside him stood the more heavily built Hercules, loyally stationed at his