‘It has been somewhat challenging,’ I said. ‘She is… I’m not sure how best to phrase it.’

‘Wilful? Obstinate? Foul-mouthed?’ he offered with a wry smile.

‘I would prefer not to say.’

He laughed, his voice rich and sweet as molasses. ‘I know her flaws. I will hardly condemn you for recognising such.’

‘I was just surprised how different she was. From both you and Commissar von Shard.’

‘Well, families are like that,’ he said with a shrug. ‘She always had a rebellious spark. For a time it concerned me. I was worried she might not graduate from the schola progenium.’

His tone was casual, but I had no doubt that the penalty for those who failed the programme was considerably more severe than a demerit.

‘Those were troubling times,’ he continued, his hand straying to his aquila. ‘I remember during my first ministry I received messages from my former drill abbot – we had established something of a bond during my studies. It was informal, of course, but as the eldest brother he wanted me to know how close she was to failing.’

‘I take it you spoke to her? Set her on the right path?’

‘Oh, I wanted to,’ he sighed. ‘But I had so many duties, and we did not see each other frequently. It wasn’t until our mother’s second funeral that I had a chance to meet with her in person.’

‘And she listened?’

‘No. Unfortunately there were pressing matters that day and I could not find the moment. She spent most of the wake talking to her aunt.’

‘Lord-Captain Elsbeff von Shard?’

He smiled. ‘You really do your research. Yes, though I cannot say I approved of their exchange. The last thing one wants for a wayward child is a lecture from a rogue trader whose remit involves pilfering the galaxy to line her own pockets.’

His smiled faded as he spoke. I understood why. Rogue traders explored the edges of known space, ostensibly at the behest of the Imperium. In truth, they operated with unparalleled autonomy, masters of their own fate. Not, perhaps, the best role model for the rebellious young Shard.

‘Still,’ he said. ‘The God-Emperor works in mysterious ways. I do not know what our aunt said that day, but Lucille was a different student from then on. She began buckling down and working hard. The drill abbots still did not like her attitude, but at least she made efforts to conceal it. The rest you know – she showed a talent for flying and, in time, became perhaps the finest fighter ace the Imperium has ever known. It just goes to show, sometimes the most unlikely of tools can be an instrument of His will.’

He smiled at me.

‘Tell me, do you think my sister is involved in this conflict you spoke of?’

‘I do not think so. But all of us are caught up in it.’