‘The agents of Chaos ever appeal to the weak,’ said Calgar. ‘Only weak men would threaten the lives of their own families with devices of mass destruction in order to secure peaceful negotiation. You are my reply to their request, Julio. Their demands are ridiculous. There can be no increase in rations. There can be no slowing of recruitment. The privations of the people of Macragge are done with the aim of stopping the enemy they unwittingly invite within.’

‘The ringleader is a master of the Juventia,’ said Ney. ‘He has a whole troop of them in there. He has poisoned their young ears.’ Ney spoke like a man who had never been a child. He was dispassionate, rational to a fault, even for an Ultramarine.

‘This is not their fault. I look forward to making an example of their leader,’ said Julio.

‘It disappoints me that our countrymen should put on such a poor showing,’ said Calgar. ‘No matter their age and whether they are opposed to us or not. When this is over, call the local Juventia troop masters to the capital.’

‘They will all be screened thoroughly, my lord,’ said Ney.

‘For betrayal, yes,’ said Calgar. ‘But I want them all re-educated or replaced. This uprising is shamefully executed. The Juventia syllabus needs revision. More drill, less history. The Juventia are the last line of defence for Macragge, and the first place we go to for recruits. How could they stop an ork with this debacle? They are supposed to be young warriors.’

‘My lord,’ said Ney.

Calgar tapped his gauntlet fingers against his leg. ‘When you lead the assault, Julio, do not kill the boys,’ he added. ‘Most will be before the age of majority. Bring as many in alive as you can. We will make examples of the leaders and the adults, and all the rest of the appalling dregs unhappy enough with their lot in life to listen to the whispers of obvious enemy agents, but the youth must be spared and given the chance to redeem themselves. If the lies of the great enemy seem more appealing than reality of life in Ultramar, and we are seen to be merciless, then we will encourage more to flock to the same foolish cause. Activists, indeed. Locate the device. Purge the leaders.’

‘As you wish, my lord,’ said Julio. ‘Vigilator Optimare Calleduus of the Vigil Opertii assures me they can handle this threat without our help. He insists on speaking with you.’

‘He is here still?’ said Calgar irritably.

‘He has been waiting to see you for over an hour,’ said Julio. ‘I did say he was insistent.’