Lorgar had once believed his will to be incomparably firm. He could give his life for the great vision of the primordial truth.
But when that deadly ritual dagger pierced his body and devoured the Primarch's formidable life force, he understood.
"I cannot die yet. I have not lived to see the day Horus is consumed by his own weakness and falls."
"Though the gods did not choose me, once Horus dies, They will have no better choice."
"Horus cannot defeat the Emperor."
In an instant, Lorgar's mind came up with countless reasons for himself. His body knelt halfway to the ground, his upper body leaning against Argel Tal's embrace. This was his most beloved son, and now he was also the one who had nearly killed him.
Bitter emotions churned violently within the great Word Bearer, corroding his heart and soul. That pain surpassed even the wound caused by the ritual dagger piercing his chest.
In a lightning-flash of memories, he wondered when he and his sons had begun to grow apart, to the point that they had become so disappointed in him that they betrayed him.
Layak, Argel Tal—Lorgar had long been mentally prepared for Erebus's betrayal, so he was not overly surprised.
Although Argel Tal had betrayed him and nearly caused his death, Lorgar still did not wish to see Erebus stab his proudest son in the back.
Whatever else could be said of Lorgar, the great Word Bearer truly cared deeply for his sons.
He would even often sit with his sons and discuss doctrine, exploring the primordial truth of the universe as equals and studying their respective beliefs.
Of course, all of that came to an end on this day. They could never return to how things had been.
"I went to such lengths to