Warhammer: Lord of the Endless Monster Horde [214]

Soon, the transport landed on Macragge, above Fortress Hera—the Ultramarines' Chapter monastery.

"Celestine, when we revive Guilliman, let's try to keep Calgar from seeing it directly if we can," Rhodes whispered.

In the original story, Calgar nearly ruined his father's resurrection, causing all sorts of trouble. If not for Abaddon (oddly helpful for once) sending Chaos Terminator veterans to distract Calgar, the plan would have failed.

But now, Abaddon had just been killed by Elena and was probably respawning as a Daemon Prince. Who knew if his Chaos reinforcements would arrive in time to keep Calgar busy?

Rhodes had no choice—he couldn't attack the Ultramarines himself. Otherwise, he'd have considered beating Calgar and the others into submission before reviving their Papa Smurf.

"I agree, Lord Rhodes. What do you suggest?" Celestine asked.

"Let's not reveal Elena and my identities as Primarchs. You and the Custodes will lead this mission, and Elena and I will pose as your attendants. Titus will help persuade Calgar. Watch for my signals," Rhodes said.

Bringing two disguised Eldar women into Guilliman's shrine would likely make Calgar very wary. But with a Custodian, Living Saint, and a trusted veteran, plus the help of the Chapter's Chief Librarian, Rhodes thought he had a good chance of getting Calgar to lower his guard.

"Your idea is good, Lord Rhodes, but you don't need to pretend to be an attendant. You could serve as the Emperor's chosen—summon the Emperor's avatar if needed. Your psychic aura is very persuasive," Celestine said.

She'd worried that this sometimes-violent Primarch might try to fight his way through but was relieved to see he could also use cunning. If he did things by force, Guilliman wouldn't owe him any favors.

Their ship landed.

Outside, Chaos fleets were attacking. Besides the Ultramarines, there were successor chapters and some Grey Knights (though Rhodes' Daemon Ace killer squad was elsewhere).

They were met by a veteran Ultramarine sergeant who led them inside to see Chapter Master Marneus Calgar. Also present were First Company Captain Agemman and Chief Librarian Tigurius—two heavyweights. First Company was all veterans, most in Terminator armor; Tigurius was a top psyker who had predicted many of Macragge's crises, including this Chaos invasion and even Guilliman's return.

Also present was Grand Master Voldus of the Grey Knights, who had come to help defend Macragge.

Despite the ongoing battle outside, the presence of a Living Saint, Archmagos, Custodian, and Black Templars gave this delegation great weight.

"Welcome to Macragge. I never expected that, amid a Chaos invasion, we'd receive a Custodian, a Living Saint, and Black Templar brothers. Most importantly, you brought back warriors lost for ten thousand years. Please accept my thanks," Calgar said, bowing.

The return of 300+ legion-era Ultramarines was a huge boost, as were the Living Saint, Custodian, and Black Templars.

Rhodes had the Eldar girls disguised as Battle Sisters, which helped deceive Calgar, who was very cordial.

"Chapter Master Calgar, we're here by the Emperor's guidance. I'm here to fulfill an agreement with the Lord of Macragge," Belisarius Cawl said.

"Archmagos, I don't recall making any such agreement," Calgar said, puzzled.

"I mean the true master of the 500 Worlds—Primarch Roboute Guilliman. Before going to face Fulgrim, he foresaw his death and asked me to find a way to revive him. After ten thousand years of preparation, I have done so."

At this, all the Ultramarines present changed expression—no one expected Cawl was here to revive a Primarch! Only Tigurius seemed unsurprised.

"Archmagos Cawl, you're not joking?" Calgar asked.

"In the Emperor's name, this mission is led by the Emperor's Living Saint, Custodian, and his chosen. You need to have no doubts," Rhodes said, radiating golden psychic light.

Celestine spread her wings and rose into the air; the Custodian stood by Rhode's side.

"This… this is truly the Emperor's will? You are his chosen?" Calgar exclaimed.

"Chapter Master, they are here to revive our Primarch. Remember the visions I told you about? This is the day I foresaw—our father, Roboute Guilliman, will awaken," Tigurius said.

Calgar trusted Tigurius completely; they had worked together for centuries.

"Archmagos, Living Saint, Emperor's Chosen, Custodian—if my Chief Librarian says so, I believe you. But I want to know how you plan to revive our Primarch," Calgar said.

"Sorry, Chapter Master, but this is an Imperial secret. Your rank isn't high enough. Just take us to the Primarch," Rhodes said.

"No! Reviving our Primarch—I must know the details!" Calgar insisted.

Even with the Emperor's golden light, it was too rash to simply trust someone claiming to be the Emperor's chosen. There were too many impostors—like Genestealers—these days.

"Chapter Master, if you don't trust them, can you at least trust your old subordinate?" At this, Titus stepped forward in black power armor.

Until now, everyone had assumed Titus was from the Minotaurs Chapter, but as soon as he spoke, Calgar, Agemman, and several captains recognized his voice.

"It's you, Titus?" Calgar said, emotional.

Titus nodded and removed his helmet, revealing a face all the Ultramarines knew well. Many began whispering—most didn't trust Titus, but Calgar was the only one who always believed he hadn't been corrupted.

"This is the Emperor's will, Chapter Master."