>>5951359The Hrafnkel is a mighty ship, a Gloriana fit for a primarch. As you step off your thunderhawk’s ramp the first thing you see are tall wooden pillars holding up the roof, covered with intricate carvings that show the deeds of the Space Wolves on old battlefields and ruined worlds. And there are pelts everywhere. Waiting for you in the hangar is Gungnir, accompanied by a pair of guards. He gives a salute as you approach.
“Well met, Ales. It is good to know that there are allies even all the way out here.”
>Indeed. Am I to see the infamous Wolf King?“We shall see. I shall take you to him, Ales, but after that I have no power.”
>Very well. Lead on.He nods, and you follow him through the gloomy halls, lit by torchlight wherever possible, and filled with the smell of weaponry, and dogs. Gungnir leads you to the Wolfs Hall, where he gives you a strange look, before opening the vast wooden doors.
The Wolf Lord is sitting on his wooden throne, with Constantin Valdor, Captain-General of the Custodes to his right, and an officer of the Sons of Horus to his left. Though they are not yet shouting, their voices are raised, and there is a current of tension in the room, visible on the faces of Russ’s Varagyr bodyguard and the other official looking personages in the room. Gungnir steps forward to announce your presence, but is stopped when Russ slams his fist against his seat.
“I refuse to accept this outright defiance! It is sorcery I tell you! For that alone they deserve death, not to mention refusing to obey the Emperor’s will! I have given them enough chances!”
“The Emperor’s will was to capture Magnus, not kill him.” Valdor responds to Russ. Calm. Measured. A voice of subtle power. “Better we surround and lay siege than throw ourselves into slaughter.”
The Son of Horus speaks up next, almost standing upward in his seat from excitement.
“The final decision rests in Lord Russ! But I must wonder why The Emperor would send Lord Russ if He did not expect there to be bloodshed? Why indeed send his own bodyguard, and the others you have gathered? My father foresaw that Magnus would resist, which is why he has sent me, and the titans to aid you. We are not here to make peace, Captain-General. And by his defiance Magnus has shown that he seeks nothing but war in return. I say we must give it to him!”
“The Emperor’s will-
“Is Lord Russ’s will, or have you forgotten the words of the Edict which you cling to?”
Valdor raises his fist, almost looking as if he will reach for his spear. “You dare?”