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The Atonement of Fire – Extract

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The Atonement of Fire

David Annandale

Imprimis: the compliance of Diavanos was entirely peaceful. It was, and is, a reminder that our Crusade is first and foremost not about conquest, but about bringing illumination to the galaxy. The people of Diavanos greeted the promulgation of the Imperial Truth with rejoicing. (Addendum: The enthusiasm did, in some quarters, approach religious fervour, up to and including claims of fulfilled prophecy. Noting and countering this tendency immediately proved effective, and it is to be regretted that early detection was not possible on Khur.)

Secundo: despite their long isolation during the Age of Strife, the people of Diavanos managed to maintain a rich culture. Impressions formed by walking the streets of the capital, Ecstasia, are dominated by the pronounced elegance of the stained-glass towers, whose survival to the present day is remarkable.

Tertio: Diavanos’ contributions to the Crusade post-compliance have been substantial. Over and above its considerable mining industries, it has provided a disproportionately high number of remembrancers.

Conclusion: Diavanos presents a number of characteristics, apparent during its initial compliance and since, that make it a model of the Imperium’s achievement.

– Guilliman, Notes on Diavanos:
Compliance and Aftermath, clvi

I

The Matter of Sin

The Lord of Ultramar paced the circumference of the Reclusiam on the battleship Ultimus Mundi. Lumen globes in sconces kept the chamber in a perpetual deep twilight, conducive to meditation. Fluted columns rose every thirty-six degrees around the wide circle of the space. The designs of their crowns varied very slightly from one to the next, inviting the eye and concentrating the mind. In the centre of the Reclusiam, Chaplain Volusius remained perfectly still. When he spoke, his voice was low, the murmur of a deep river, prompting Guilliman’s flow of reflection.

‘Is the sin beyond forgiveness?’ Volusius asked.

‘The Imperium Secundus was usurpation,’ said Guilliman. ‘Intentions do not matter when the crime is this great. We do not forgive treachery.’

‘This was not treachery. Treachery implies intent.’

‘That hardly lessens the gravity of usurpation.’

‘It alters the nature of the sin,’ said Volusius. ‘And you did not answer the question of forgiveness directly.’

‘I did not,’ Guilliman admitted.

‘You seek forgiveness?’

‘I desire it.’

‘The Emperor’s or your own?’ the Chaplain probed.

‘It isn’t a question of receiving forgiveness,’ said Guilliman. ‘It is a question of earning it.’

‘Earned through self-denial? By not returning to Terra, you turn away from the possibility of receiving the Emperor’s forgiveness directly.’

Guilliman shook his head, uneasy. ‘Our strategy is dictated by the practical. Sanguinius must confront Horus. That is his destiny.’ Acknowledging the reality of fate was still difficult, but he had seen too much now to do otherwise. ‘The Blood Angels must reach Terra. The break in the Ruinstorm is a narrow one. The immaterium is still too violent for long jumps, and the traitors will seek to ambush the Ninth Legion. Our fleet is the largest and most able to engage the forces that will try to stop Sanguinius.’ Of this much he was sure.

‘There is no other reason for this choice?’ said Volusius.

Guilliman did not answer.

‘How is forgiveness earned?’ the Chaplain asked again.

‘By preserving my father’s dream,’ said Guilliman.

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A Black Library Publication

First published in the Black Library Events Anthology 2017/2018 in Great Britain in 2017.
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