CHAPTER TWO

AT THE TIME OF THE GOLDEN AGE

( Part I )

Mids-800s.M30.

Throneworld of Terra

On the surface of the Himalazians mountains stood a Palace that towered above a world. A world, where for thousands of years was devastated by war, and fear. Where tyrants, and barbarians lords terrorized the lands, and where humanity had to endure everlasting pain. Though the world was devastated, a new hope arose from the plains of the battlefields. A man, who would unite humanity into one banner, and where he would rise into becoming known as the Master of Mankind. Under his rule humanity would thrive, and where fear had once been placed into the hearts of men. Courage had emerged, and was soon embraced by It. As the Unification War continued, the people realized that the Creed their ruler had put, was for them to be able to see Reason, and to move into the path that would follow into Progress, into the future.

At the closing days of the war, a group of artisan masters had united into building one structure that would match no other. The Imperial Palace, the heartbeat of humanity, and the home of the Emperor of Mankind. Its magnificence stood over the peaks of the mountains, and its beauty couldn't be compared to any other palace In the Galaxy.

For It was beautiful, a euphoric vision of gold and silver. Its thousands of minarets, towers, and spires rise from the Imperial Palace and breach Terra's ever thinning clouds. A symbol of peace that had finally reigned over Terra, and Its ruler decided to expand the Unification of Humanity further, to the endless corners of the Galaxy. But the Master of Mankind couldn't do it alone, he needed Generals to command armies, and he needed them to be far superior than a regular mortal, with superhuman abilities. Such was the project that had been undertaken from the start of the Unification War.

The Primarch Project, where the Emperor crafted 20 individual superhuman genomes using his own arcane perpetual genetic code. A project that was a success, and where 20 of his sons were finally born. But it was short lived, as the ruinous powers intervened, resulting in the scattering of his sons throughout the galaxy. For years the Emperor would dedicate in rediscovering his lost sons, and would soon enact the one final stage of his plans, with the aid of his sons, and their Legions.

Imperial Palace

As Years passed, few of his sons had been rediscovered, and to their Rejoice to reunite with their father, they pledged their undying loyalty to him. One of whom was walking down one of many corridors of the Imperial Palace, turning on every corner, and walking with furrosity on each step he took. His expression was well hidden, though his emotions were filled with rage. As the Primarch continued to walk down the path, he noticed how often he would attract the gaze of certain groups of humans. Some wore white robes, while others wore red robes with mechanical features. A passing servant had taken his chance on looking upon the tall figure, though his curious eyes had soon been replaced with fear. Refusing to glance again at the Primarch's piercing eyes, the servant scuttled away. The tall man in question scowled at the behaviour from everyone he passed by. Though he couldn't blame them as he was Intimidating as ever.

Yearning to find a quiet place to settle for the day, he turned one last corner, and headed to the one place he knew he could distract his mind from that infuriating discussion he had moments ago.

As he continued down the path, he could hear the echoing sound of metal jiggling along his chest. The weight of the necklace became ever more heavier as the years passed, as did his guilt over the unsuccessful finding of his dear sister. Although he wasn't able to find her, he theorized that his sister might be on a different planet, and reaching her would take immense years of work. While at the same time, the ideal of space travel was not one the greatest technological advancements he had at that time, but not for long.

Before he knew It, the Primarch was able to reunite with his true maker, his true Father, The Emperor of Mankind. The memory was still fresh to him, how he had climbed Mount Telephus, and how his Father awaited him at the top, and where their conversation had followed.

Flashback

"I am the Emperor of Terra and of all mankind" said the man, now speaking out loud. His voice was calm and full of the promise of great things. "You are Perturabo".

"I am, I am. You know me". His father laid a hand on his shoulder.

"You are as dauntless as I intended you to be" The Emperor looked out over the world, as if he could see the smallest detail from their lofty vantage.

"And you have achieved much" His smile broadened with delight.

"I see a world at peace, filled with mighty castles and marvellous devices. We have much to talk of, and I can teach you a great deal" His Father's eyes were now filled with curiosity, and a small hint of sadness "But I also sense a great deal of pain" Perturabo's eyes widened.

"I-I" The grip of his father's hand was tightened around his shoulder.

"I sense a great connection between the two of you" The Emperor smiled, but was quickly replaced by a serious expression.

"But your road will be hard, but few are worthy of It. I have many tasks for you, the Indefatigable, the indomitable, the unrelenting. I promise you that when the time comes, when order Is brought throughout the Galaxy. I will tell you of her whereabouts. Until then, will you offer your allegiance, my Son. Will you become my Lord of Iron"

With great joy the Primarch shouted "I want nothing more! I swear that I shall serve you faithfully".

End of Flashback

Those words will forever be his eternal bond to his Lord Father. The man who would unite the Galaxy, and with the help of his Sons would bring order to It. However, Perturabo knew that this Crusade would not be like any other, conquering planets, and bringing them to the fold. Would be one of the greatest challenges they would face, and where blood would spill throughout a Thousands Worlds.

Before the Primarch could further analyze the concept of their Crusade. He finally stumbled upon a gate, and on each side of It were two warriors guarding It. He recognized them, not only did he meet them on Mount Telephus, but he saw them In every corner of the Imperial Palace. Standing Vigilant, their armor made by the finest craftsmanship, but only given to those who would prove worthy of It. Holding their Guardian Spears, both individuals didn't flinch when the Primarch was standing In front of them. They were like statues, and yet he could feel their gaze bearing on him. Their duty as the Adeptus Custodes was to guard the Imperial Palace, and to be the honor guard of the Emperor.

As he stepped forward, both Custodes moved, not to stop him or point their weapons at him, but to open the doors. As the gate opened, light flickered from the inside, and he could see a small glimpse of what lay on the other side. The great library, one of few places that he could spend his time for days. Forging, and Designing was one of many qualities he had, but to the pursuit of Knowledge was one of his most devoted passions. For without knowledge, darkness would only cloud the minds, and thoughts of men, something that few of his brothers ever viewed.

As he made his way inside, he saw the towering bookshelves filled with all the archives of all kinds of subjects, and all of them were from different eras. Scanning to see for any book that would interest him to read was but a difficult task. Since the day he had arrived on Terra, he hadn't wasted a moment sooner to read every archive there was In the Great Library. All of them, all 1.054.532 books, an immense number, and yet a number that he found to be an outrage of such a small scale. He knew that there were more archives In the Imperial Palace, but his Father forbade It from having them brought up. Fearing for the knowledge they could impact on his sons, and he couldn't argue with the Emperor. Knowledge Is Important, but only If one dreads carefully from passing the point of obsession.

As his gaze fell to one book he was interested in deciphering, he picked It up, made his way to a nearby table, and sat on a chair that could barely hold him. As he opened the book, he started flipping through the pages. For regular mortals they would have taken days to read a book such as the one he was reading, but for a Primarch, It was a totally different subject.

As he neared the end of the book, he noticed the feeling of a shadowy figure crawling from behind him, and to his irritation he knew who It was. As the figure neared him, he could feel the person's hands raised In the air, but before he could strike.

"There are two options" Perturabo said with a heavy tongue.

"Either I let you attack me, knowing that I can bash you, and throw you to the other side of the hall. Or I let this Immensely large book be my solution to counter strike" He said as he closed the book.

"What's It going to be?" He said as he turned to the Intruder.

"Magnus".

His Brother Magnus stood In front of him, wearing a white toga similar to his, and as always he had a large grin, and his eye gleamed with mischief. Between all of his brothers, he had the closest bonds with Magnus. For both of them had an understanding of the pursuit of Knowledge, and both had an immense respect for one another.

His brother raised his hands In the air, an indication of surrender.

"Apologizes Brother" Magnus said, still holding his wide grin.

"But In all fairness you always dwindled on those old books. Never taking a liking to talk to others, especially me" .

Perturabo groaned "Your constant childish behaviour for attention makes It harder to actually have a conversation with you, Brother" Magnus frowned.

"I am not childish. I only bring the appeal of delight whenever I see a dark shadowy figure trying to hide from the rest of his Siblings, Brother".

A staring contest started between the two. Though Magnus would flich every few seconds, staring at those Icy-Blue eyes was not a great deal of comfort. But It soon stopped as they both started to grin.

"I suppose you have finished your studies for today?" Perturabo asked, though he saw his Brother's eye roll.

"Finished" Magnus said with disdain "I have read every archive, and holographic projection for the 93rd time In this forsaken place" He waved his hands in the direction of a small pile of books gathered In a corner. Though small Is not the correct word to describe the mountainous stack of several thousands of books standing tall In the far corner.

Perturabo looked at his brother questionably.

"And?" He asked "That never stopped you from reading again, and again".

Magnus rolled his eye, again.

"It gets dull after some point, Besides" Magnus pointed his index finger to the book his Brother was holding.

"I could always be of assistance when It comes to the topic of the Dark Age of Technology" He said with delight In his voice "I know of few events that happened, though-" Magnus stopped as he tried to find the correct words to say next "Father has forbidden the access to any kind Information associated with that Era. As to the reason I do not know" He said with disappointment.

Drifting to the thought of getting access to those archives, would bring him closer to the possible location of his dear lost sister. Before he could drift further down to his thoughts. He noticed the watery presence of hand, trying to access his mind, and with a quick glance, Perturabo narrowed his eyes at his Brother.

"Magnus" He warned, as he felt the disappearance of the hand trying to gain access to his memories.

"Apologies Brother, I couldn't hold myself from trying" He said as he raised his hands In surrender.

"One day brother" Perturabo warned.

"One day you have to tell me all about that necklace you're wearing. It's magnificent, almost as If made by Vulkan or Ferrus" Magnus grinned, as he ignored his Brother's warning, or glare.

Perturabo's anger reached Its limit "That was made by, me!" He yelled.

The hall Library must have heard him, for no sound was ever made afterwards. Only the opening, and closing doors of It's halls. The residents must have felt his sheer anger boiling right through them, as they scattered on about.

"N-Now Brother calm down, I meant no offense. I only theorized that the craftenship was made by none other than you" Magnus said, trying to calm his Brother's temper down.

Perturabo sighed, as he sat himself down, avoiding to look at his annoying Brother for he had enough dealing with his Siblings for today.

"Speaking of Vulkan, and Ferrus" Or so he thought. Magnus sat beside him crossing his legs, and looking at him with the same mischievous gleam as before.

"I sensed, and I heard" The Crimson King started, though Perturabo already knew where the conversation was going.

"That our dear beloved brother Ferrus got himself into a fight with one of our dear beloved brothers earlier In the day. I wonder who It was" Magnus said while scratching his chin.

Perturabo scowled "It Is no secret. That I, Vulkan, and Ferrus had always had our differences, and our own perspective of views, when dealing with the skills, and arts of craftsmanship".

"Indeed" Magnus said "We all have our abilities, our powers that makes us unique to any other being In the Galaxy. But In those abilities, also come flaws, Brother".

Magnus had gained his Brother's attention as he Intended.

"For Instance, Ferrus seeks perfection above all else In his work. However, even In perfection there are flaws that could impact the likelihood of those around. Your skills Brother, can not be matched with the same ferocity as our Brother Ferrus. But your Ideal of working on something to make It useful on others. Is also a flaw that could devastate those around you".

"My work" Perturabo said in a low voice "Is to make sure that each, and every creation I make Is put to use for the benefit of the Imperium!".

"Y-Yes Yes!" Magnus said quickly "And none can't argue with that Brother. You are as skillful as always...but!".

Perturabo was looking at him with a raised eyebrow, and Magnus knew If he didn't dread carefully In the next words he was about to say. He would be In trouble.

"Sometimes, It's best to use your skills for your own benefit, Perturabo. Your work Is marvelous, but few would appreciated In these times. I only say this for your benefit Brother, make your designs but to your own fascination, not for others".

Silence had fallen.

Perturabo looked at his Brother Magnus, with a mixture of confusion, rage, and yet relief. As he had heard those same words from a different member of his family.

Magnus saw his Brother sigh, before speaking to him In a calm voice.

"You are right" Perturabo said "I do value the artwork of making something useful, and to be looked upon with admiration. But my goal Is never to be admired, only to see the Impact It would have on the course of a battlefield, or even a human's daily life".

Magnus' eye widened as he realized what his Brother meant, before shaking his head slowly.

"If Vulkan heard that he would have crushed you In a bear hug" Magnus said with amusement In his voice.

"I only exploit the renovations that are needed to be had, for the benefit of the Imperium" He said with a mixture of amusement, and uneasiness. As the mere thought of being crushed by his Brother Vulkan was not one of many exploits he wanted to exprierence.

"Of course" Magnus said with a smile. As they both continued to talk, they didn't notice that the day passed. But that didn't bother them, for them It was another session of brotherly bonding. For both of them had little time left, and much to do when the final stage comes, on which both will face great many challenges, and where the Brothers will one day have to make a choice.

A/N

Greetings Everyone, I am back. I apologize for the long wait, but after I had finished my resits for college. I went straight ahead for a vacation with my parents. As such now I have returned, and I hope you liked this chapter.

Also, I am saddened because I don't know If you heard. Bruva Alfabusa and his team have stopped the continuation of TTS...for now. It Is a sad day (Goddammit GW) . For now we can only hope, and see (fingers crossed).