"The 'Word Bearers' commander is Zadkiel.
Zadkiel is the Chapter Master of the 'Feather-Quill Scions.' His Chapter numbered at most a thousand Word Bearers, which wouldn't warrant special attention.
But Nareth knew Zadkiel would become the first captain of the Apocalypse-class Battleship battleship, the Furious Abyss.
Its only captain.
The Abyss-class were the most powerful warships ever built by humanity, their performance perhaps even surpassing Gloriana-class vessels. Perhaps only the unique Emperor's Dream and the Phalanx could compare.
They were forged by the Fabricator-General of Mars, Kelbor-Hal, using arcane knowledge he possessed, a gift presented to Horus.
He then destroyed the shipyards, including all construction templates.
This meant only three Abyss-class ships existed. Horus gifted all three to Lorgar.
En route, they were ambushed by a joint force of Ultramarines, "Space Wolves," and loyalist Thousand Sons and World Eaters The ships were destroyed with all hands.
The mighty Furious Abyss, before it could even shine, ended its brief service life.
Nareth was more concerned with his considerable understanding of Zadkiel. He was not a devout follower of the Four Gods, nor a loyal adherent of Kor Phaeron and Lorgar.
Zadkiel was an ambitious man. He sought personal prestige.
He was someone who could be "corroded."
Of the three Abyss-class ships, Zadkiel was certain to command one.
Guilliman, after taking so much from you, it's time for some repayment.
If I take the Furious Abyss, you won't lose the 7th Company.'
"I will see him in my office."
The Primarch's Aide noted this, then continued.
"Benderag led the 'Dark Angels' in their assault on the Fortress of Resilience. They suffered heavy losses, with severe casualties."
Nareth nodded. In his memory, Benderag, leading three Gloriana-class battleships against a single Rangdan artificial war satellite, had lost one of them.
With only one Gloriana now, facing the main Rangdan fleet was indeed a stretch.
"Acknowledged."
Two days later.
Nareth, leaning back on his throne, watched Zadkiel, clad in grey-limestone colored power armor, enter the office.
Stacks of prayer parchment, covered in litanies, were attached to his armor.
His shaved head was inscribed with scriptures. He bore the noble features inherited from Lorgar.
His grey eyes held enthusiasm and confidence.
When Zadkiel spoke, he was lively and full of fervor.
"Greetings to You, Lord Nareth."
Nareth scrutinized Zadkiel. "You are late."
If any other Word Bearers commander had moved slowly, he could understand.
But Zadkiel was highly proactive. Being this far behind schedule didn't seem like him.
"My Lord, heeding the power of the True Word, I perceived my destiny, to bring the Emperor's light to ignorant worlds."
Hearing this, Nareth understood.
To achieve his personal ambitions, he needed the trust of the Legion's high command. In the current Word Bearers, battle honors weren't paramount. Spreading the faith in the Emperor was the measure of success. Whatever Zadkiel's personal thoughts, he would necessarily conform.'
"The 'Dark Angels' fleet at the Fortress of Resilience is locked in void combat with the xenos."
"I will lead the fleet there personally." Nareth keenly noted the gleam in Zadkiel's grey eyes. "You will accompany me."
Five days later, as the fleet set sail, aboard the bridge of the 7th Chapter's flagship, the relic-class vessel Void Hunter.
Skarssensson of the Space Wolves clenched his fist.
His angry eyes were hidden beneath his leather mask. He forced himself not to look at Sanchez.
Skarssensson believed that if the Wolves were asked to name their most hated person, Sanchez would undoubtedly be first.
Countless times by the fire, he had heard the Wolves' hateful curses.
The Russ Wolf Helm on his head, forged by the Allfather's artisans for the Wolf King, had been obtained from Enoch Rashivin, the former Chapter Master of the "Flamewheels."
One of the two swords at his waist was forged from the fang of the largest Kraken on Fenris, slain by the Wolf King himself.
There were only two such swords. One was the Wolf King's own blade. The other hung at Sanchez's waist.
The Russ Wolf Helm and the Kraken's Fang should both belong to the Wolves.
Skarssensson thought of how the Wolf King had even staked his cloak this time, betting on who would win greater glory, him or Sanchez.
It was the cloak made from the pelt of the great wolf Black Mane, slain by the Wolf King.
Skarssensson's gaze was resolute. The Wolf King trusted him. He would not let the Wolf King down.
Jorin, the one the Wolf King trusted most, had lost to Sanchez.
But he, Skarssensson, would not.
The Wolf King would not lose his cloak!
As Skarssensson silently vowed, his Rune Priest, Ozear Wyrdmake, said with a smile.
"Lord Sanchez, according to intelligence, the xenos have occupied the Stafford system for over two years, enslaving over 1.3 billion Imperial citizens."
"We should launch an immediate assault to fulfill Lord Nareth and the Wolf King's commands."
Sanchez glanced at the two Space Wolves before him. He keenly read the suppressed anger in Skarssensson's eyes beneath his mask, and saw only cunning in Wyrdmake's gaze.
"My Chapter has more warriors. We will attack Stafford Prime. Your Great Company will be responsible for attacking the third planet."
"My Great Company attacks the Prime." Skarssensson's tone was grim. His eyes, like knives, stared directly at Sanchez.
The moment his gaze fell on the Russ Wolf Helm, he immediately felt dizzy. He instinctively wanted to lower his head, even to withdraw his words.
Skarssensson bit his lip, refusing to yield to the Russ Wolf Helm.
"Wolf Lord, I believe Lord Sanchez doesn't underestimate the Wolves."
"Rather, it's because they have extensive combat experience against these xenos."
Sanchez glanced at Skarssensson and Wyrdmake, thinking to himself.
'As my Lord said, the one to be more wary of is Wyrdmake.'
Skarssensson recalled the Wolf King's instructions, said no more, and acquiesced to Sanchez's arrangement.
Wyrdmake looked at the Librarians wearing psychic hoods and carrying staves, and spoke.
"I wish to accompany our Librarian brothers of 'Order's Shadow.' We should get to know each other."
Okafor scrutinized Wyrdmake for a moment, then agreed.
"Agreed."
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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