Aboard the Shadow of the Emperor, the flagship of the Raven Guard, the bridge lights were always dim.
Corvus Corax preferred this shadowy state.
His coal-black hair fell freely. The light played across his black, iris-less eyes.
"Kaneus, do you think the situation is beyond repair?"
The Consul considered for a few seconds. "Father, I am sorry to say, I believe it is."
Kaneus glanced at Chief Librarian Balsar Kurthuri. "Irogbuan questions every order I give. He believes I am carrying out your plan to purge the Terrans."
"I can't even give them direct orders anymore. They ask Kirine before deciding whether to obey."
"Kirine is more of a Consul than I am." Corax's alabaster skin grew even paler.
"You are suggesting we exile them?"
Balsar's black eyes dimmed. He knew the Consul's words had sealed the fate of most of the Legion's Terrans, including Nerat.
Their gene-father's command style, like his tactical doctrine, relied on trusting his commanders.
This was born from the Deliverance uprising. During a global rebellion, no one, not even a Primarch, could be everywhere at once. He had to trust the commanders he appointed.
And having entrusted the Terrans to Kaneus, he would trust his judgment absolutely.
'This is for the best. Just like Arkhas, Nerat can leave and serve my Lord fully.'
As Balsar pondered, Corax had made his decision.
"So be it. Order them to assemble and form an Expedition Fleet."
His gaze swept over the galactic west, where Horus was campaigning, and the galactic south, where the Raven Guard were stationed.
"Their destination: the galactic northeast."
"As for the Deliverance-born... include those who are cruel and ruthless."
Corax looked at the Chief Librarian. "Terrans like Rushal and Sukunu, who have integrated, will remain in their posts. But the Librarians are to keep an eye on them."
Alastor Rushal, Captain of the 89th Company, had been the first to master the Triple-Shadow path Corax had conceived, especially its art of concealment, surpassed only by Corax himself.
Sukunu, though less militarily gifted than Rushal, truly understood his philosophy, and was a potential candidate for Consul.
"As you command," Balsar bowed.
Corax's black eyes gleamed. "Prepare the Darkwing."
"I am going to see the Warmaster."
The Darkwing was only detected by the augur matrix when it came within twenty thousand kilometers of the Vengeful Spirit and deactivated its quantum field suppressor.
As Corax stepped down the ramp, he saw Ezekyle Abaddon and the Justaerin Terminators waiting, weapons ready.
Abaddon, his topknot high, eyed him warily.
"Lord Corax, your unexpected visit..."
"Abaddon, you are not in a position to question me," Corax interrupted coldly.
"Or is the Warmaster no longer Horus, but you?"
Abaddon's expression darkened, his gaze fixed on Corax.
Usually, Corax was restrained in his dissatisfaction. Today, he was brutal.
"Follow me. The Warmaster awaits you."
Corax followed Abaddon, walking calmly among them, studying their Tartaros-pattern Terminator armor.
Horus had always been a proponent of Terminator armor. His Legion, along with the Iron Warriors and the Shadows of Order, had the most Tartaros suits.
Corax noted that, according to intelligence, the Shadows of Order's Tartaros numbers were still slowly increasing, but their proportion was declining.
The numbers of Saturnine and Cataphractii patterns were rising rapidly, while Tartaros was only fielded in large numbers by the Eleventh Chapter, with several Terminator squads in every company.
'My supply of Terminator and Mark IV armor is limited by Horus's restrictions. I'll have to find my own way.'
'It's time to research our own power armor.'
Though Kiavahr's output was less than mature Forge Worlds like Lucius, it possessed many unique Dark Age technologies that had not been shared with Mars.
As Corax followed Abaddon into the reception hall, the doors slid open. His gaze swept over Horus's companions.
Sanguinius and Lorgar Aurelian.
Horus strode to the door, greeting Corax with a smile.
"Corax, my brother, welcome."
"We put down the Akum-Sothos rebellion in five months. You and your Legion played a vital role."
Corax's last shred of respect for Horus evaporated. "You pride yourself on such a hollow victory?"
Horus frowned, suppressing his anger. "We restored a hundred worlds to full function, supporting the Great Crusade. Is that not cause for celebration?"
Corax shook his head. "Your achievement was bought with the blood of Raven Guards who should not have been sacrificed."
"I am here to announce my decision."
"The 19th Legion will no longer serve under the direct command of the Warmaster. We will not fight alongside the 16th Legion again."
"The Raven Guard will determine its own future."
Drip, drip, drip...
The clock ticked. The silence that followed was deafening.
Corax's declaration was a thunderbolt in their minds, shattering the fragile harmony between the Primarchs.
Abaddon and Maloghurst were stunned, then filled with fury.
Maloghurst stepped before Corax. "The Emperor granted the Warmaster authority over all Legions..."
Corax raised his claws. "Stay away from me. If our father has an issue, let him tell me himself."
Sanguinius stepped between them. "If this is about the Gate Forty-two, I believe there has been a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding?" Corax scoffed.
"There is no misunderstanding." He turned to leave.
Horus raised a hand, stopping Abaddon and Maloghurst.
His expression was dark as he watched Corax's retreating back.
Lorgar watched Corax leave, then looked at Horus.
'Horus's approach is still too crude. It has only deepened the rift with Corax.'
'He is the Warmaster, but he has many opponents. I cannot place all my hopes on him alone.'
'Nareth and Magnus both wield immense power. Nareth is perceptive; he may also know the Primordial Truth...'
Lorgar resolved to reach out to Nareth. At the same time, Corax returned to the Shadow of the Emperor.
He gave his orders, then went to his private quarters. The shadows enveloped him.
Time passed. He heard familiar footsteps.
He knew who it was. Only one person would seek him out now.
Ever since she had pulled him from the ice, they had been inseparable.
No one knew him better.
The door slid open. Ephrenia appeared.
"My Lord, you should have spoken to me before making such a decision."
"You have so much to deal with."
Ephrenia met Corax's gaze. "Nothing is more important than the decision you just made."
"Do you think I made a mistake? Which one?" Corax asked.
"Neither. It was wise to cut away the dead limb before the Legion fractured. Even if it means we become the smallest Legion." Ephrenia agreed with his decision.
"Indeed. We don't need those who cannot follow our philosophy," Corax said.
"And without the Warmaster sending us to die, we don't need so many warriors."
"True," Ephrenia nodded. "But there could have been a better way."
"You should not have stormed into his flagship and defied his authority directly."
Now Corax understood Ephrenia's concern. A memory surfaced:
Ephrenia's slender form, carefully holding him, shivering with cold. Her warmth, like a sister's embrace, had dispelled the chill.
He smiled. "No matter our differences, he wouldn't dare strike me. He's not Russ or Angron, who only know how to solve problems with their fists."
"And you know, I'm used to slipping into the enemy's command center alone..."
Seeing the deep worry in her eyes, he stopped.
"Ephrenia, I promise you, I won't do it again."
....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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