When it transferred into realspace in the outer circuits of the Malouri System, it relayed its arrival to the local Imperial commander. Coded ciphers gave it priority over all other craft. All previously plotted courses and docking times had to be refigured. Logic circuits whirred as banks of slaved servitors recalculated the many ship-approach routes as its course was meticulously plotted.

Imperial Navy wrecks still hung in low-orbit, those further out hanging in pale nebulas of frozen gas, those nearest to the planet ever falling in slow death-spirals that would end in a fiery doom. The Right of Will’s plasma-engines roared past them, the blue-green glow of the afterburners trailing like comets as they left queues of Munitorum transports behind.

While they travelled in system, General Bendikt was transferred straight to the planet aboard the colonel’s personal lighter. ‘He’s keen to get this battle wrapped up,’ Sparker told them. ‘It won’t be long till you’re down there as well. And there’ll be plenty of action for you all.’

In the days before disembarkment, the Cadians were briefed on the war they were going to end. The progress of the Malouri Uprising had followed a predictable pattern. A local potentate had seized power and declared independence from the Imperium of Man. Waves of conquest and brutal suppression followed until the whole planet was in the grip of heretical forces and calling out to neighbouring planets for all-out revolt.

At the company briefing, Sparker went on, in a long monotone, to tell them things they already knew. Crannog Mons was an ­island fortress. The siege had lasted for nearly five years. Muni­torum calculators had predicted the fall of the planet within – and here he fudged the numbers he knew – at least seven years.

Sparker referred to the papers in his hand. ‘Usual rank and file units. Mainly local, though with some solid fighters. Notably the Lethe Rifles and a number of Elnaur regiments. They’re the system elite.’ Sparker paused as he consulted his notes. Evrind pointed to the relevant part. He did not think to thank her. ‘At time of siege starting there were millions of defenders. No doubt they’ve slaughtered many of their own. They fought well, according to all accounts, in the land war. Expect battle-hardened veterans, more dangerous because of their heretic philosophy.’

He ended by looking up and scanning the room. ‘This world was part of the supply network for the Cadian Gate.’

They all knew it, of course. But the link between this world and Cadia was worth repeating. This battle was personal now. There was only one option left to them, and that was utter victory.

Unfortunately for the traitors, the Imperium had not been slow to respond. An armada carrying local regiments, led by Mordian General von Horne, had arrived in the Malouri System largely unchallenged.