‘True,’ said Felix. ‘And our cause is the finest of all. We have lived and trained together. We are closer than any mixed brotherhood that has ever been. We have known the glory of combat and the tedium of waiting side by side. We have become friends, despite our differences. Each of us is part of a unit of many brothers of many kindreds, and we will take the friendships we have forged with us to our new Chapters. We will be the sinew that binds the bones of the Imperium together, transcending old boundaries.’ Felix turned to the Fenrisian. ‘Our bonds can never be sundered. You, Bjarni, are born of Fenris and are enhanced with the essence of the Primarch Leman Russ, different and strange to my own heritage, but you will always be my brother, no matter what colours you wear or what name the Chapter you belong to bears.’

‘This is troubling, Brother Felix,’ Bjarni said thoughtfully. He was quick to rage and quick to laugh, but Bjarni had a deeper side that he hid most of the time. ‘I yearned to return to Fenris and fight alongside the Rout. Can I ever truly call myself a son of Russ if I do not?’

The last of the Primaris Space Marines were filtering into the room, exchanging quick whispers to update the newcomers. Felix handed the remainder of the scrips to Sarkis, who handed them out.

‘There are many Primaris Space Marines wearing the livery of the Vlka Fenryka, brother,’ said Felix. ‘You will be welcomed by them, even if Russ’ warrior-sons of the older breed remain aloof. And you will always be welcomed by me.’

‘How will the lords of ice take it, though? Will I be forever lost without a home, brotherless, unable to return to Fenris?’

‘You have too large a personality to ever be without friends,’ said Aldred. ‘I will fight any warrior who says otherwise.’ Bjarni and he slapped hands together and gripped them tightly.

‘And you will never be without brothers, either,’ said Justinian, getting to his feet. ‘Not while one of us still lives.’

Justinian had looked at his own orders with perfect equanimity. He had been assigned to the Novamarines stationed in Ultramar – still the realm of the primarch, but the Novamarines were not the Ultramarines. Felix tried to guess Justinian’s thoughts, but he could not. When he chose, the man was a fortress, his feelings hidden behind fair walls.