eyes from the Warmaster to watch Erebus of the Word Bearers.
Karkasy knew little of the XVII Legion, save that its primarch, Lorgar, was a close and trusted brother of Horus. Both Legions had fought and shed their blood together many times for the glory of the Imperium. The members of.the Mournival came forward and, one by one, embraced Erebus as a long lost brother. They laughed and slapped each other's armour in welcome, though Karkasy saw a measure of reticence in the embrace between Loken and Erebus.
'Focus, Ignace, focus…' he whispered to himself as he found his gaze straying once again to the glory of the Warmaster. He tore his eyes from Horus in time to see Abaddon and Erebus shake hands one last time and saw a gleam of silver pass between their palms. He couldn't be sure, it had happened so fast, but it had looked like a coin or medal of some sort.
The Mournival and Vivar then took Up positions a respectful distance behind the Warmaster, as Mal-oghurst assumed his place at his master's side. Horus lifted his arms and said, 'You must bear with me once again, my friends, as we gather to discuss our plans to bring truth and light to the dark places.'
Polite laughter and clapping spread towards the edges of the yurt as Horus continued. 'Once again we return to Davin, site of a great triumph and the eighth world brought into compliance. Truly it is-'
'Warmaster,’ came a voice from the centre of the yurt.
The word was spoken softly, and the audience let out a collective gasp at such a flagrant breach of etiquette.
Karkasy saw the Warmaster's expression turn thunderous, understanding that he was obviously unused to being interrupted, before switching his scrutiny back to the speaker.
The crowd drew back from Erebus, as though afraid that mere proximity to him might somehow taint them with his temerity.
'Erebus,' said Maloghurst. 'You have something to say,’
'Merely a correction, equerry,’ explained the Word Bearer.
Karkasy saw Maloghurst give the Warmaster a wary sidelong glance. 'A correction you say. What would you have corrected?'
'The Warmaster said that this world is compliant,’ said Erebus.
'Davin is compliant,’ growled Horus.
Erebus shook his head sadly and, for the briefest instant, Karkasy detected a trace of dark amusement in his next pronouncement.
'No,’ said Erebus. 'It is not,’
Loken felt his choler rise at this affront to their honour and sensed the anger of the Mournival in the stiffening of their backs. Surprisingly, Aximand went so far as to reach for his sword, but Torgaddon shook his head and Little Horus reluctantly removed his hand from his weapon.
