‘Your teachings persist, my lord,’ said Ventris modestly. ‘We strive to be more than warriors, but wise men also who would rule fairly, for the good of the greatest number.’

‘Yet the day when my sons shall set aside their weapons seems impossible now,’ the primarch replied. ‘That was always my intention. After the Great Crusade, you were all to become administrators and statesmen!’ He laughed again. ‘It seems so naive. Look at this.’ He gestured to the baleful light of the Pit smeared by the dusty air.

An explosion rumbled out from the hills where the walls had closed the valley. A slope collapsed, leaving a blank stone cliff. Before the detritus had finished rolling out from the base, servitor excavators were clearing the rubble, and scaffolds being wheeled into position for the artisans who would carve the bedrock into statues.

‘How are your Primaris brothers faring?’ said Guilliman, returning to matters of war.

‘They are a wonder, my lord, and Lord Calgar sends his personal thanks that you provided them to us so quickly. Ultramar is stronger for their presence, in battle and in other ways. Wherever they go, they bring great heart to our warriors. Whether they are Ultramarines, reinforcements for other Chapters or new Primaris foundings, they are your sons at heart. Some of them remember the days when you walked among us – to hear some of their stories is remarkable. Additionally, their presence has helped with several cases of dissension from the planetary commanders of Greater Ultramar. They speak so eloquently of the ancient days, and of the unity of the old Ultramar, that several governments saw that their opposition to reunification was not to the taste of their peoples. Peaceful means do not elude us in all disputed cases.’

‘This is a war. All weapons are valid, Captain Ventris. Propaganda is one, and what I have done is still propaganda, even if it is the truth.’

‘Your frankness is a credit.’

‘There have been too many lies,’ said Guilliman.

‘And this work here, my lord, this is also a weapon?’

‘A triumph is a statement. I ape the exultation of Horus at Ullanor maybe, but such displays are important. This crusade is over. It should be disbanded properly. We have no lasting victory – the Imperium teeters on the brink still – but I will make the Indomitus Crusade seem like one.’ Guilliman turned back to the plain being rapidly transformed to gleaming martial ground. ‘I know why you have come to me, captain. I cannot return home, not yet. The Indomitus Crusade must be ended in good order, its constituent parts divided and commanded well. I cannot hasten through this process. The people of the galaxy cannot see me running home the moment Ultramar is in danger.