'Where is the Emperor?' asked Sanguinius. Of all the primarchs, he was the most beautiful. Mortal men wept to look upon his image. A live feed of his arrival was shown all over the Palace. Cheers turned to moans of adulation.

'It is a long story,' said the Khan.

'One without a resolution,' said Russ archly. 'Though some might know more than others.' He looked meaningfully at Dorn and Malcador.

'He is unavailable, and labours in the Imperial Dungeon,' said Malcador. 'But know that He works as strenuously as the rest of us to bring Horus' rebellion to an end.'

Sensing something amiss, Sanguinius did not press the matter. Dorn nodded behind him, and the assembly of dignitaries dispersed, leaving the primarchs with the regent on the landing pad.

'There are refreshments for your legionaries,' said Malcador. 'But we must talk now. I apologise you shall have no time to rest.' Sanguinius nodded.

'We must. Much has occurred. Much that is troubling.'

'More troubling than Horus' rebellion?' said Russ.

Sanguinius gave Russ a cold stare. The stare of a dead man.

'You have no idea, Leman,' said Sanguinius. He blinked, and the dread his words conveyed blew away on the wind. 'Is the Emperor well?' asked Sanguinius. 'Tell me that at least. We thought Him dead, Guilliman, the Lion and I, until the storm parted and we saw that the Astronomican still burned. I expected to see Him here.'

'He is alive,' said Dorn. 'You will have to take that on faith, brother.' Sanguinius looked out over the city-sized Palace, where the celebration of his arrival continued.

'Is it not dangerous, this level of joy? We mislead the people. We I are a long way from victory.'

Malcador leaned on his staff, his white, leonine mane streaming behind him. 'Your return to us is a source of genuine happiness,' he said.

'Brother primarchs unite on Terra as Sanguinius returns. It is hollow theatre. I have had enough of pomp,' said the Great Angel. He appeared exhausted, looking on all he saw from a distant place.

'Theatre is necessary,' said Malcador. 'The hearts of men must be fired with joy to burn away despair.'

'Despair will only be overthrown by victory,' said Sanguinius.

'Indeed,' said Malcador. He let go of his staff with one hand and gestured through the gate. 'Then let us speak.'

The five most powerful men on Terra passed inside the tower. Adamantium gates closed soundlessly, sealing out the jubilation of the crowds.