The Vaults of the Emperor: A Tale of the Webway
Welcome back, fellow lore enthusiasts! Let’s delve into our next thrilling chapter in the grand tapestry of Warhammer 40,000 lore. This time, we’ll explore the pivotal moments leading to the Horus Heresy and the inevitable betrayal of Primark Magnus I Red, who was initially destined to be the Emperor’s final gift to humanity.
In the swirling turmoil of the Horus Heresy, the Emperor’s gaze had once been set on Primark Magnus I Red. Yet, treachery and chaos overtook Magnus and his Thousand Sons, aligning themselves with the heretic Horus and the cunning Chaos God Zinch, during the fall of Prospero. The Emperor’s choice for his successor shifted to Malcador, the last remaining human psyker of sufficient power to take on this colossal responsibility.
The stage was set, days before the final confrontation between the Emperor and Horus aboard the battle barge, the Vengeful Spirit, in the horrific battle for Terra. The Emperor entrusted Malcador with a formidable task—to gather those of willpower, skills, and determination. These individuals would undergo rigorous trials and training to become an elite cadre of Inquisitors, charged with extinguishing treachery across the Imperium for centuries to come. Their mission? To prevent a repeat of the cataclysmic events of the Horus Heresy.
Meanwhile, the battle in the webway was turning into a nightmare for the Emperor. Despite the valiant efforts of the legio custodes and the Order of the Silent Sisterhood, their losses were mounting and their grasp slipping. They were outnumbered, facing a relentless demonic horde that seemed to command endless reinforcements. The Imperium’s forces were dwindling, each death further weakening their hold.
The warp gates of Terra remained sealed, barring entrance to the demonic host, thanks to the Emperor’s power. This was a task only the most powerful psykers could manage, even if for fleeting moments. The Emperor was the sole entity capable of keeping the gates perpetually closed, a task that became increasingly burdensome as the vile creatures amassed beyond its bounds. The Golden Throne was his prison as long as the warp’s denizens threatened to break through the portal.
Just as the forces of Horus launched their final onslaught upon the Sol System, initiating the Siege of Terra, Malcador, having completed his mission of recruiting the future Inquisitors, returned. With his cunning psychic maneuvers and his initiates, they managed to traverse the front lines unseen and unharmed. The Emperor’s chosen was ready to fulfill his ultimate duty.
Accompanied by a contingent of twelve hooded servitors, Malcador stood before the Emperor, ready to sacrifice himself. Among the brought figures were mortal lords and administrators of the Imperium, alongside Space Marines. Some hailed from Legions that had forsaken the Emperor’s light for the dark promises of Horus. Yet, these battle brothers remained loyal, fighting the heresy from within.
With reverence, Malcador ascended the Golden Throne, taking the Emperor’s place. The Emperor, alongside his faithful companions Rogul Dorn and Sanguinius, declared: “Behold the greatest sacrifice of our time. Malcador the Sigite henceforth shall be known only as Malcador the Hero.”
The task of holding back the demons was a grave endeavor, even for the mighty Emperor. Malcador, although formidable, was but a mortal. His psychic prowess paled in comparison to the Emperor’s. The burden was grievous, but he was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.
So, there you have it, a glimpse into the epic saga that unfolded during the throes of the Horus Heresy. Join us in our next post, as we continue to unravel the intricate threads of Warhammer 40,000 lore!
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