Russ stood straight. 'I don't expect him to be. Now, tell me what you're here for and get on your way. I'm busy.'

'Your father sends His regrets that He cannot be here,' said Valdor. 'He wishes you well in your endeavour.'

'He sent you to tell me that? Ha!' Russ clapped his hands. 'A vox blurt would have been as kind. It is well that I am an even-tempered fellow, or I might be insulted by this afterthought. Tell Him if He wants to be useful to me, He can say all that to Rogal - the man's as yellow as his sons' armour with choler.'

'I assure you, you are foremost in your father's thoughts. You all are.'

'That isn't making it better, Valdor. Why are you really here?'

'I came to make sure you got this.'

By vox, Valdor summoned a pair of menials. They pushed a grav-sled lined with purple velvet cushioning awkwardly through the narrow door. Upon it was a long-hafted spear made for a primarch.

'The Emperor's Spear. You left it at Malcador's retreat.'

At the sight of the weapon Russ sighed. 'My thanks,' he said. He left it upon its cushion. Leaving it on Terra was his last test for it. This was wyrd in action.

'You are welcome, my lord. I shall leave you to your peace.'

'You mean my skulking?' said Russ.

'If you wish.' Valdor gestured to the menials that they should go. They bowed to the primarch and left, the unease at the Lord of Winter and War evident in the speed of their departure. Valdor made to leave.

'Valdor,' said Russ.

'My lord?'

'I have to do this. You understand. It is what I am. It is what I was made for.'

Valdor bowed his head, and departed.

'He is right, Kva,' said Russ. 'They're all right. One day soon we will have to examine our relationship with the warp.' He purposefully avoided the Juvjk word Underverse and used the Imperial term. Still he spat upon the deck to ward away ill spirits.

'Yes, my jarl,' said Kva. 'But not today.' He paused. 'I have word from the Hrafnkel. Loading is complete. The fleet is ready to leave. We wait upon your word.'

Russ grunted. With the captain-general gone, he returned his attention to the silent play of destruction taking place over Terra.

'The prelude to the symphony,' Russ said.

'Aye,' said Kva. 'The loudest music is yet to play.'