The primarch came to a halt and addressed his people.

‘I have returned,’ he said. Only that.

Marneus Calgar walked down a sodden carpet to meet his master. The empty presence of the Silent Sisterhood dragged at his soul, but he ignored it. Behind him marched Space Marines carrying the banners of all ten Ultramarine companies, Andron Ney at their head proudly bearing the Chapter standard.

Guilliman halted. Calgar knelt and bowed his head.

‘My lord,’ he said, speaking loudly over the rising wind. ‘We rejoice to see you home again.’

‘Rise, lord defender,’ said Guilliman.

Calgar raised his face. He wore no helmet. Rain streamed off grey hair and around his bionic eye. He got to his feet, and he and Guilliman clasped their huge gauntlets together. Guilliman looked upon the Chapter Master with the genuine affection of a father for his son.

‘We can only apologise for the weather,’ said Calgar.

‘And I can only apologise for the lateness of the hour,’ said Guilliman. ‘I desired to speak with you all as quickly as I could.’ He looked upwards. ‘Fear not the storm. This is a cleansing rain, and all Macragge’s moods are to be treasured.’ He returned his gaze to Calgar’s face. ‘Ultramar is under threat, and there is much we must do. I believe you know most of my followers here. These others are Sister-Commander Bellas and Sister-Commander Aphone of the Sisters of Silence.’ The two women bowed, their proud topknots straggling in the rain, streaks of water running over their shaved scalps. ‘And Tribune Maldovar Colquan of the Heiratokoi leads this delegation from the Adeptus Custodes.’

Calgar bowed. ‘It is an honour to stand before someone who personally serves the Emperor.’

‘I serve whether I am away from the Imperial Palace or within it,’ said the tribune, a retort to an insult that had not been delivered. His voice was unfriendly through his voxmitter.

‘This is Captain Decimus Felix, my equerry.’ The primarch indicated the tall Primaris Space Marine. He wore the badges of an Ultramarines captain, though he had no company colours on his pauldron rims. Calgar would have been shocked if a Chapter Master had added an extra officer to the Chapter like this, in direct contravention of the Codex Astartes, but Guilliman was the primarch and could do as he pleased.

Guilliman proceeded to introduce his retinue of human aides and potentates, finally indicating the priest. ‘And this is Militant-Apostolic Mathieu. He is newly appointed to the role. The incumbent died not long ago,’ explained Guilliman.

‘Chapter Master,’ said the priest. He blinked rain from the corners of his eyes and smiled. ‘The blessings of the Emperor be upon you.’

‘Militant-apostolic,’ said Calgar.