Orders from the Emperor
It took seven standard months for the Second, Third, Ninth and Twelfth Companies of the Storm Eagles to join the First at the Imperial depot along with the White Scars. Time was spent between brothers who had not seen each other in years, in celebration and constant, harsh regimented training.
Though anticipation was buzzing amongst the gathered Companies, there was a certain awkwardness too. None could help but notice that the Storm Lord had been absent. He had appeared briefly to welcome the arrival of each Company Captain, before disappearing into his quarters, where he had remained for the most part.
It was not good for morale, mused Asghar. Thorondor had been one of the most gregarious Primarchs; always amongst his warriors, his presence like a beacon of hope that motivated the warriors of the Second Legion and the mortal crew.
Now they all felt rather neglected.
With Asghar are Gwaine, Azan, Adalgrim, Razek, Gunnar, Mika Vukona and Te Rangi. They had gathered at Asghar's request to provide updates on the combat readiness of their respective Companies and the Eleventh Legion.
"Do we have any new orders?" asked Azan once they were done.
"Our orders are to maintain position," answered Asghar. "But I have been authorised to divulge this much: the Luna Wolves and the Iron Warriors are en route to join us."
There was a murmur among the gathered warriors at the news.
"The strength of four Legions?" said Razek, Captain of the Third Company. "Must be some serious campaign we're slated for."
Asghar nodded. "Multiple worlds, multiple terrains; enemy formidable enough that we need to be prepared for anything."
"Xenos?" asked Azan.
It was Gwaine who answered. "A human-xenos empire."
There was a grim silence at this. The fate of the humans who had consorted with aliens largely depended on how deep the taint went.
"Forgive me if this sounds foolish, but Lord Thorondor is aware of this?" asked Adalgrim, the giant half-Astartes grandfatherly figure who served as Captain of the Ninth Company.
Gwaine nodded. Asghar knew what was going through the Lightning Rider's mind. The First Captain had also regretted the great loss of human lives due to Imperial purification. But it had been their duty, and heavy as it was, Asghar had moved on.
But it was clear from the uneasy expression on Gwaine's face, the Storm Lord had not.
"How is he?" asked Adalgrim, concern in his voice. It was a question Asghar also wanted answered.
To his frustration however, Gwaine could only shake his head helplessly. "I can't say; I couldn't get the chance to talk to him. Not when he's locked himself in his quarters."
"This is Lord Thorondor we are speaking of," said Razek. "He is strong."
Concerned that such talk might filter down to the rank and file, Asghar decided to put a stop to it. "Enough of this. The orders I have given you come from Lord Thorondor. That will be enough."
The other Captains acknowledged the dismissal and took their leave; Azan left with Vukona.
Adalgrim however, stayed behind.
"How is he, though?" asked the ancient warrior quietly.
"I really can't say, Master." answered Gwaine.
Adalgrim frowned. "Gwaine, I was there when Torwald first brought you and Thorondor into the Iron Roost. I taught you both, I watched you two grow up. No one here knows Thorondor like you do."
"That was another time, another life, Master," answered Gwaine. "Times have changed."
Though a Captain, everyone in the Second Legion referred to Adalgrim by the old Tempestan title of Master, even Thorondor. It was a sign of respect to the old warrior who had served Thorondor for as long as Gwaine had. That he had once served as a teacher to Thorondor and Gwaine inspired awe in many of the younger warriors.
"I'm sure the Primarch is just fine, Master," assured Asghar, but Adalgrim did not look so certain.
"Forgive me, First Captain, but certainly you of all people could see that the Storm Lord is not as he used to be," he said. "I think the Great Crusade is taking its toll."
"He is our Primarch," said Asghar. "This is what he was made for."
Adalgrim sighed. "Perhaps that's just it. You see Thorondor as a Primarch. But there are days when I remember the rain-soaked boys Torwald brought into the Iron Roost." He smiled fondly at Gwaine. "And let me say, in all the years I've known him, Thorondor has never shut himself away, no matter how hard the battle ahead may be."
"What are you saying, Master?" asked Gwaine.
"Perhaps the battles that lies ahead are getting harder...too hard," stated Adalgrim simply.
"You forget yourself, Master," said Asghar sternly. "Lord Thorondor has served the Imperium and the Emperor for far longer than anyone save Lord Lupercal and the Wolf King. He has never shirked his duty, no matter how difficult they may be."
"And you know better than I the sort of decisions the Storm Lord has had to make," reminded Adalgrim gently. "Such decisions can haunt a man; and no matter how superhuman he may be, Thorondor is still a man. He is still human at his core. It is a terrible burden he bears, though he has borne it admirably."
Asghar frowned as pondered Adalgrim's words. As First Captain, Asghar was privy to the various statistics of the Great Crusade: ammunition spent, fuel consumption, casualties.
Purge casualties.
In the past decade alone, by Thorondor's orders following Imperial decree, the Storm Eagles had purged billions of humans deemed beyond the light of the Imperial Truth. Mutants, xenos-collaborators, religious stalwarts, artificial intelligence creators...all had been purged by the Second Legion. It was a grim task, but it was the duty of the Legions, and should be carried out without question, Asghar believed.
Asghar had never stopped to think that the Storm Lord may not feel the same way. But if what Adalgrim was saying was true, then it would mean a Primarch, especially one long heralded as one of the Emperor's finest sons, did not see eye to eye with the Master of Mankind. As the Primarchs were beings of magnitude beneath only the Emperor, it was natural that they would be headstrong, and disagreements between each other and the Emperor was expected; Asghar knew about the Storm Lord's misgivings on some of the Emperor's policies. But always, Thorondor had done his duty.
That his misgivings could have caused such a change…
Asghar did not want to contemplate it.
"We all know of our lord's love and compassion for humanity," said Asghar slowly. "It is something we should all strive to emulate. But the Emperor's decrees are absolute, no matter how harsh it may be. It is for the greater good."
Gwaine and Adalgrim said nothing to that, but the looks on their faces caused a deep sense of unease in Asghar.
II II II
It would be another full standard month before the Luna Wolves fleet translated into realspace; a collection of pearl-white ships that glowed almost as brightly as the gathered White Scars ships. The colours contrasted greatly with deep ocean blue of the Storm Eagles fleet.
The two largest ships from both fleets, the Vengeful Spirit and the Eternal Storm moved within hailing distance of each other. The sight of the two capital ships together, the apex predators of their respective fleets, was breathtaking.
Aboard the embarkation deck of the Eternal Storm however, an even more remarkable sight was taking place.
The elite of the present Storm Eagle Companies were arrayed in perfect formation, their blue armour glinting in the light. At their head were the veterans from the First and Second Companies, each warrior an accomplished hero in his own right. Standing beside the veterans were the best of the Storm Riders, the best of the elite. Alongside them were the keshig, the elite personal guard of Jaghatai Khan, their armour shining a brilliant white in contrast to the Storm Eagles' blue, as still as statues.
The Khagan himself stood beside the Storm Lord; both Primarchs were in their finest wargear. Both had their eyes on the shuttle landing on the embarkation deck, preparing to offload its passengers.
A squad of Astartes clad in the mammoth Terminator Power armour disembarked, taking up position on either side of the shuttle's ramp. Their armour was black, marking them out as the elite of the Luna Wolves' First Company: the Justaerin, the favoured squad of Luna Wolves First Captain Ezekyle Abaddon.
Following the Terminators were four Captains, three in the pearl-white and one in the same black Terminator power armour as the Justaerin. This was the Mournival, the four Captains who served as Horus's closest advisors. Thorondor knew their faces and their names: the quiet but quick-witted Horus Aximand, also called Little Horus for his uncanny resemblance to his Primarch; the light-hearted Tarik Torgaddon, always quick to provide jokes for any situation, most of them bad. The handsome warrior marching beside them was Hastur Sejanus, whom Thorondor considered to be the best of the Mournival because of his even temper, restraint and thoughtful insight. The warrior in the giant black Terminator power armour was Ezekyle Abaddon, the First Captain of the Luna Wolves, and one of the most renowned warriors throughout the Imperium. He was a legend in his own right, almost comparable to the Primarchs themselves.
Of course, if it came to legendary warriors, then the Second Legion wasn't lacking either, thought Thorondor, his smile widening slightly as he could sense Asghar tensing at the sight of Abaddon. His own First Captain had an uneasy relationship with Abaddon; Asghar found him too hot-headed and mercurial, too eager to answer the bloodlust burning in his hearts to be an effective leader. Abaddon, Thorondor knew, found Asghar too restrained and measured in his approach to war. Oil and water they may be, but the two First Captains had worked together reasonably well in the past, and Thorondor expected it to be no different this time around.
Following behind the Mournival, came Horus. The Primarch of the Luna Wolves had a wide smile on his face as he strode towards his brothers, the Mournival parting before him respectfully.
Thorondor met him with a heartfelt embrace, their chest-plates banging together.
"Thor," greeted Horus so quietly so that only they could hear. "It is always good to see you."
"And you, Horus," returned Thorondor and he meant it. Despite the melancholy he had been feeling in recent years, it always eased his heart a little to see his brothers, especially Horus.
"How have you been?" asked Horus, taking a step back to look at Thorondor.
"Much better," answered Thorondor sincerely. He thought he saw a slight flicker of unease mingled with relief in Horus's eyes, but then Horus clapped him on the shoulder and turned to greet Jaghatai.
"Come my brothers," said Horus. "We have much to discuss."
II II II
The three Primarchs retired to Thorondor's quarters, leaving Gwaine, Asghar, Azan and Vukona with the Mournival. After pleasantries were exchanged, Sejanus led the talk to more official matters.
"Lupercal has brought some new tech from the Emperor," he said. "He has authorised me to inform you that Terminator Power Armour, enough for six squads will be made available to the Storm Eagles. You should train with them, get the feel of it."
"Why so formal, Hastur?" asked Gwaine with a smile.
Sejanus laughed, the officious air about him vanishing immediately. "Sorry Gwaine, sort of a habit. But in all seriousness, you do need to get used to these Terminator armours."
"Only enough for six squads?" asked Asghar.
"It takes considerable time and resources to make them," answered Little Horus. "Most other Legions still don't have them."
"Given the Storm Eagles' service record, the Emperor feels it is right that your Legion be equipped with them," said Sejanus.
"It's very heavy and slows you down, but I hear it's almost indestructible," commented Asghar, looking up at Abaddon, towering over the others in his own Terminator armour. "Is the trade-off worth it?"
"It can shrug off just about anything," answered Abaddon in his growling voice. "And with enough training you can move pretty fast in them."
Asghar turned to Gwaine, his eyebrow raised questioningly.
The Lightning Rider shook his head. "It's too heavy, we can't ride our Eagles in them. The Storm Riders won't have any use for them."
"It's customary for the First Captain and his elite to use the armour," said Sejanus.
Asghar looked up at Abaddon appraisingly. Beside the Luna Wolves First Captain, Tarik Torgaddon grinned widely.
"Go on, Asghar, give it a try! Just look at it! It makes you as tall as a Primarch, as tough as a Dreadnought, and as scary as Ezekyle here! Although, he's pretty scary without it. Actually, he might be scarier…"
The Mournival laughed, even Aximand and Abaddon. Gwaine chuckled, Azan gave a rare smile and the corners of Vukona's mouth twitched. Asghar smiled.
"Go on then, Asghar," said Abaddon. "I'll give you a few pointers."
Though he said it with a smile, Asghar could see the challenge in Abaddon's eyes. His pride demanded he answer it.
"Thank you, Abaddon," said Asghar. "I'm sure it will be a valuable experience."
II II II
Horus had asked Thorondor and Jaghatai for a full debrief on the Giant's Land campaign, which was odd since Thorondor had already sent his report. Nevertheless, the Storm Lord dutifully recounted the details of the campaign.
"It was a difficult decision," said Horus once Thorondor had finished. "But you did well, as father expected. Both of you."
Both Thorondor and Jaghatai inclined their heads in response.
"Now about the upcoming campaign...have all your required forces been made ready…"
The three Primarchs spent the next hour discussing their armies' disposition and battle-readiness and the general strategy.
"What about Perturabo?" asked Thorondor once they were finished. "We have to account for the Iron Warriors as well."
"Perturabo will be slightly delayed in joining us," answered Horus. "He has already sent ahead information on the force he is bringing."
Thorondor nodded. "It will be good to see him again. And it's been awhile since I fought with you. I hope you're prepared for the headaches I may or may not cause you. Unintentionally of course."
Horus chuckled. "It's rare that I hear anyone say that about Perturabo. And merciful Terra, I still have headaches from the last one."
Thorondor laughed ruefully. "I apologise. And Perturabo might be a little sour, but he has remarkable insight if you can get him to open up."
"I'll take your word for it," replied Horus. "But in any case, you may have to delay your reunion with him."
Thorondor and Jaghatai looked at Horus questioningly.
"Father asked me to pass these commands to you," continued Horus. He entered a series of codes into the hololith display, bringing up the image of a planet. Several small continents, mostly desert, 80% ocean.
"Human?" asked Thorondor.
Horus nodded. "Low level of technology, roughly corresponding to Terra's First Millenium Renaissance era."
Thorondor studied the hololith for a moment.
"With this level of technology, the world could be taken without Legion involvement, if military action were taken. Surely you don't need me for this?"
"That's not it, Thor," answered Horus. "Father believes...that another is here."
"Another? You mean...a Primarch?"
Horus nodded. "Father is certain. He's already en route, but it will be some time before he arrives. Given that our current position is much closer, father has asked that you lead a small force to make contact and prepare for his arrival."
Thorondor looked puzzled. "Why me? And what about the upcoming campaign?"
"I am needed as commander-in-chief for the campaign, and Jaghatai is too intimidating," answered Horus, smiling a little when the Khan snorted. "Asghar can lead the Storm Eagles in your absence. You've served father and the Imperium for longer than anyone except Russ and I. Father believes you'd be well-suited to this task."
Thorondor nodded. "Very well, if this is father's will. How soon should I leave?"
"As soon as possible."
"I'll give the orders to prepare at once." Thorondor turned to leave.
"Thor."
Thorondor paused, looking back at Horus. The Sixteenth Primarch was smiling.
"Bring the Eleventh Legion with you."
II II II
After Thorondor left the room, Jaghatai turned to Horus. "What's going on?"
"I beg your pardon?" asked Horus, keeping his voice light, but the Khan can see the wariness in his eyes.
"Sending Thorondor away from his Legion when we're on the eve of a huge campaign is ridiculous," said Jaghatai. "I know his commanders are capable, but from a strategic standpoint this is unwise."
"Recovering a Primarch is just as important as bringing worlds into Compliance," answered Horus evenly.
"Yes, but every time we have made contact with a lost brother, it has been with father," retorted Jaghatai. "Why send Thorondor ahead of father? Why the hurry to find this particular brother?"
"First of all, not always. Russ was the first to make contact with Thorondor, not father," Horus paused, looking at Jaghatai as though he was weighing his options. "Very well; since you were at Giant's Land with Thor. The truth is that our brother's recent campaigns have involved a great deal of purification. You know how Thor feels about this."
The Khan nodded. "And so? He has carried out his duties as expected."
"Yes, but he has always protested, as you know," answered Horus. "But lately, he has kept quiet. If that were all, we'd have thought he'd finally come to terms with what he must do."
"But?"
Horus hesitated, as though what he had to say was unpleasant. "But father has told me that there's a distance between them now. A coldness. Thor doesn't confide in father anymore. And we're worried."
"There's no doubt that the purifications are taking their toll on Thorondor," continued Horus. "And after the purge on Giant's Land, we're concerned that another campaign where purification will definitely have to happen might push him too far."
"Push him to what? Rebel?" asked Jaghatai with a snort. He meant it as a jest, but the silence from Horus told him that it was a serious consideration.
"Father is considering deploying Thorondor against xenos only, but for all the purifications, our brother also has a good record of bringing worlds into Compliance peacefully," said Horus. "It's not an easy decision."
"Horus, you don't honestly think that Thorondor would rebel, do you?" asked Jaghatai with disbelief.
"Of course not," answered Horus reassuringly. "And neither does father. But there's no doubt that he's under a lot of strain. At the very least, it's better to let him recuperate for now. Maybe this mission father set him may be just what our brother needs."