The flagship of the Luna Wolves
The Vengeful Spirit
In the middle decks of the vessel, a broad, specially reinforced deck had been designated as a dedicated training ground, where the Luna Wolves honed their skills, settled private disputes, or simply vented their excess energy.
At that moment, the low hum of power weapons and the sharp ring of clashing metal echoed through the training ground.
Loken, captain of the Tenth Company and a member of the Four Kings Council, stood with his back against the cold alloy wall, arms folded across his chest, silently watching the routine duel training underway.
His gaze was calm and intent, like a veteran studying a game of chess.
Neither combatant was a Luna Wolf. Both warriors wore dark grey power armour engraved with the patterns and holy words of the Word Bearers, along with the heraldry of Colchis.
Since their Primarch, Lorgar, had been promoted to Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force, his duties had required more frequent meetings and consultations with Warmaster Horus. The Word Bearers stationed aboard the Vengeful Spirit had consequently increased from a single, symbolic company to two full-strength battle companies, numbering two thousand warriors in total.
These Word Bearers Warriors had taken up residence aboard the flagship and heart of the Luna Wolves in the name of "military exchange" and "joint protection," becoming an increasingly familiar sight within the warship.
The permanent presence of two thousand warriors from another Legion aboard their most vital flagship had stirred subtle unease among the Luna Wolves' senior officers, particularly within the Four Kings Council, which represented the Legion's seat of power. Each member, however, had reacted differently.
Loken himself was relatively untroubled by the matter; he could even be said to have felt a measure of understanding.
He had privately met