The Red Path 5: Wrath of the Emperor by Chris Dows

Author:Chris Dows
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Published: 2016-06-03T08:01:10+00:00

Cardinal Pradillo could not quite believe his tired old eyes. Standing at the top of the steps to the central avenue, it looked as if the entire planet had come out to greet the Living Saint on his return to Salandraxis. In the far distance, seven Angels Eradicant transports squatted in a tight formation, their weapons raised into the sky as a sign of respect for their passenger. Between the sea of bobbing heads and waving hands stood a thick line of green uniforms. Balacet had cursed and sworn at the number of troops he would have to commit for crowd control, wanting instead to put on an honour guard he hoped would rival the banners and flags of Alecia’s Sisters of Battle. It was one argument Pradillo had been happy to stay out of. He had no interest in the pomp and ceremony before him. He was far more concerned that only three Adeptus Astartes cruisers were drifting in high orbit instead of six. Regardless of Balacet and Alecia’s belief that they could protect the planet, Pradillo felt the reduced number to be ominous.

In the far distance, Pradillo could make out a golden glow and a wave of sound swept the mile or so down the avenue towards him. Tens of thousands cheered at the first sight of their Saint, and Pradillo heard several sharp intakes of breath from the members of the Ecclesiarchy to his left and right. Some of his fellow Adeptus Ministorum clerics had never seen Lozepath with their own eyes, and Pradillo knew full well the prospect of meeting a Living Saint was a life-defining moment. As the Astra Militarum stiffened to attention and the Sisters of Battle turned as one to face him, it made Pradillo feel even more wretched and ungrateful that he still harboured doubts about the safety of the planet.

It took five minutes for the details of Lozepath’s procession to swim into Pradillo’s focus. To the front, the ungainly form of a Dreadnought lumbered forward, weapon arm angled towards the golden carpet along which he strode, claw-like hand raised high and open in a sign of greeting. The man-machine was a fearsome sight, and from his vantage point Pradillo could see the Astra Militarum detail around him pressed into the crowd to give him extra room. Behind the Dreadnought marched a line of Adeptus Astartes veterans on either side, cloaks and banners swaying in time with their movement. He had met the Angels Eradicant only once before, and found them to be respectful of the Ministorum, unlike some of the other Chapters he had encountered over his countless years of service.

Behind their columns followed the Adepta Sororitas, surrounding the raised platform on which Lozepath was being carried towards the High Temple by devoted serfs. Their simple white robes reflected the Living Saint’s shimmering aura, and as he moved past the endless crowds on either side, the faithful citizens dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. Taking a faltering breath, Pradillo raised his chin and forced a smile lest Lozepath see his concern.

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