Welcome back, dear reader, to another exciting chapter in our multi-part series diving into the complex, shadowy depths of Warhammer 40,000 lore. Today, we traverse the immense cosmic scale of this dark universe, focusing on the grim future that the Imperial forces envisioned for the planet C.
In the aftermath of the Ultramarines’ wrathful onslaught, the once flourishing cities of C, including the majestic Monarchia, were reduced to ashen ruins. The planet’s terrified leadership was given a single chance to reach out to the Word Bearer’s Legion. K’s Hierarch, trembling with fear, pleaded with Lorgar to hasten his arrival to the devastated planet.
This urgent call echoed through the vast expanse of the galaxy, compelling the Word Bearers to navigate the cosmos with an unprecedented speed for nine long weeks. Despite the fleet suffering inexplicable losses and diminished numbers of ships, Aelon was driven by a singular purpose – to gaze upon his brother’s face and seek answers for the devastation wrought on C.
Under the command of Rabut Gillan, the 17th Legion received orders to descend to the planet’s surface. As the 100,000 Astartes landed amidst the ruins of Monarchia, they witnessed first-hand the destructive consequences of the Ultramarines’ wrath.
Awaiting their arrival was Malcador the Sigillite, the Regent, often the vehicle through which the Emperor communicated his most unpleasant orders. However, Lorgar, consumed by sorrow and rage, was incapable of hearing the words of the Sigillite.
In a stunning display, the Emperor himself appeared, radiant in his divine splendor. He proclaimed Lorgar’s faith as dangerous and false, his achievements meaningless. With a mere thought, he brought the Space Marines, and then Lorgar himself, to their knees.
This display of submission didn’t humiliate the Word Bearers; they were accustomed to kneeling in a solemn ritual following each battle, honoring their fallen comrades. However, the sight of Gillan’s warriors rising defiantly, while their beloved father Aurelian knelt alongside the Sigillite and Gillan, was a deep blow to their pride.
Even in the face of such humiliation, Lorgar argued for his beliefs. The Emperor’s intention was not to shatter their spirits, but to guide them on the right path. Unfortunately, his message had catastrophic consequences, further amplified by the squad of Adeptus Custodes assigned to the legion for control and surveillance.
The final insult was delivered not by the Emperor himself, but by Rabut Gillan. Enraged, Aelon lashed out, striking the Primarch of the Ultramarines and shattering his armor. This act nearly ignited a firefight between the two legions amidst the ashes of Monarchia.
Humiliated and lost, the Word Bearers retreated to their fleet. Aboard their flagship, the Fidelitas Lex, a new path for the Imperium was born. Lorgar isolated himself for weeks, covering his face with ashes from Monarchia’s ruins and inflicting ritualistic wounds on himself, signifying his penance.
Lorgar grappled with his mistaken belief in the Emperor’s divinity, but this did not alter his view of the universe. His father’s lack of divine status did not rule out the existence of true gods. In his darkest hour, comforting words from Kall Far’on inspired Lorgar to explore the ancient faith he once fought against.
In the midst of this turmoil, Lorgar was forced to confront a horrifying truth: millions of lives were obliterated due to his misconceptions about the Emperor’s divinity. Acknowledging this would be to admit his guilt, a notion he struggled to accept.
Stay tuned for the next installment, as we delve deeper into the fascinating and grim universe of Warhammer 40,000.
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