‘What about the Administratum? Will others come for me?’

‘This is not strictly official Administratum business,’ she said. ‘I intercepted your little request before it could trigger any alerts or sanctions. No, this is me doing my family yet another favour.’

‘Then I’m free?’

‘Oh, yes,’ she said, nodding. ‘At least, free for the next thirty seconds or so. After that you will be arrested and incarcerated in a military prison. It’s for your own good, though. And mine obviously.’

She smiled again.

I just stared back, confused, hoping this was some parting jest. But her expression said otherwise.

‘Wait!’ I said. ‘What do you–’

‘Give my sister my best.’ She smiled as the image faded.

Moments later a hammering began at my door, the frame giving on the second strike.

Chapter twenty-nine

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

I had expected soldiers in blacked-out armour, working at the behest of some clandestine branch of the Imperium. I was almost disappointed to find the attackers wore the uniform of the 2208th Expeditionary Air Wing. I think I recognised two of them, but it was hard to say because, even as I raised my hands, a fist met my face, knocking me to the floor. When I tried to speak, a rifle butt slammed into my head.

They tried to drag me upright, but I was dazed and fell as my unsupported leg caved. My head still rang from the blows, but I heard muttering before hands seized me again, pulling me to my feet, my arms slung over their shoulders. I was half carried, half dragged down the corridor. I could hear Kikazar hovering behind me, no doubt recording the whole exchange. I worried they might take a shot at it, but they seemed unconcerned by the seer-skull. In fact, their conversation was focused not on me, but the aerial battle apparently ongoing. I swayed, almost losing consciousness as we reached the main staircase. As we descended my foot struck against the steps, agony searing through my leg. I screamed but they did not slow.

Outside, the sun was blinding, my eyes weakened by the confinement. With my arms pinned I could not shield my face, but neither could I make sense of much. Shadows seemed to duel overhead, though I could not tell if they were fighters or distant insects.

Not until the ork aircraft slammed into the château.

I caught a glimpse of it passing overhead, right before the impact shook the world and hurled me from my feet. My ears bled white noise, and I could see little through the dust. But despite the flames and smoke, I could just make out the remnants of a xenos fighter embedded in the château’s entrance.

One less greenskin in the air. That was technically a positive.