At Khârn's side, a long-haired Astartes stepped out from the shadows. A faint smile rested on his extraordinarily handsome face, instinctively inspiring goodwill.
He wore power armor unlike the World Eaters' red-and-black scheme, adorned with countless ritual markings and honor badges. The enormous serrated sun on his shoulder guard seemed to radiate scorching light, illuminating the dark chamber.
The captain recognized him as a Word Bearers warrior.
"Argel Tal."
The Astartes called Argel Tal was unlike every World Eater or Word Bearer Lotara had ever met. His bearing was serene and elegant, and he exuded an aura that could only be called charisma.
He possessed neither the World Eaters' frenzied, bloodthirsty madness nor the Word Bearers' silent yet morbid sense of conviction.
He was a harmonious whole, a balance in which some power and humanity coexisted.
"I need greater strength to help my father defeat his stubborn enemies." Khârn unfastened his armor while the Word Bearers warrior stood beside him. He seemed to sigh, yet also to rejoice, as he drew upon his formidable psychic power.
A bone-chilling cold condensed within the chamber, and Lotara could not help shivering.
"Psychic power." The captain recognized the supernatural force that had suddenly appeared.
White frost silently spread across the floor, while Argel Tal's handsome features had somehow become strange.
Half his face turned into a hideous daemon's visage. The scarlet cloak behind him became solid, fleshy wings, and a blade formed of flesh and bone curled forth from his right hand.
"You need a companion. You need a little help," Argel Tal said.
His voice seemed to carry a natural echo. Another voice mingled with his own, another emotion mixed into his feelings, speaking in perfect unison with him.
"We are the Blessed Sons. The will of the Warp has become one