Perhaps other people would have felt snubbed, and maybe angry. Getting dismissed in this way, via a distant Imperial decree, like a useless tool discarded after the job was finished.

I just felt relieved, and free again. A Warmaster rank was a burden I was happy to get rid of.

As my companions eyes turned towards me, I saw the same thing in their eyes. Nobody dared to argue to my Warmaster nomination, as that was literally the Emperor's Will.

Same thing with the rank's forfeiture. Emperor Wills it, thus it is a fact, and an immutable truth in this universe.

The Adeptus Custodes among my retinue even reverted to their superior demeanor, no longer willing to obey my orders. They would leave at the first opportunity.

As for the Primarchs detached to my command, they were slightly more apprehensive now, their posture straight and dignified.

"You all heard the Emperor Sanctus' will. My Warmaster rank is revoked, no longer necessary, as the last Chaos God died at my hands." I began in a mild voice, while my fingers tapped the armrest of my Command Throne.

The six Primarchs frowned in unison, getting the secondary meaning of my words instantly. They weren't called Primarchs for nothing.

Corax took a step forward, and gently bowed his head for a millimeter. "Care to expand on those words, Lord Lancefire?" he asked in a slightly worried voice.

I nodded and tapped the golden Aquila on my chest. "The Crusade Fleet is now heading towards Nocturne, where the Emperor Nihilus has moved his Imperial Palace. And also where Mars has displaced to. Can't really claim to be the Omnissiah without control over the Martian priesthood, right?"

Primarch Vulkan coughed in his giant fist, perhaps surprised at the news. "We have two Emperors?"

"And two Primachs called Vulkan as well. The other one is back in the Fringe, doing whatever research he does." I answered with a calm smile.

I saw the traitor Primarchs exchange glances, no doubt with hidden knowledge of prophecies about a Dark King replacing the Emperor of Man. Since Nihilus meant 'dark' in High Gothic, the parallel would be easy to draw.

"What will you do with us, Lord Lancefire?" Primach Khan asked directly to the point. The man was cutting through words and plots like a sword.

"Me? Nothing. My Warmaster rank is done with, so I couldn't care less about any of you." I said with a careless shrug, which made a certain C'tan wolf at my side burst into laughter, on a dedicated mind channel.

I leaned over and tugged his necrodermis ear, making the annoying screech stop. Nails on a blackboard sound relaxing compared to a C'tan laughing.

"This complicates my job somewhat." Inquisitor Valyene muttered as she sat down gently on my throne armrest, looking pretty battered and sad with her exploded eyes covered by a white cloth. Or maybe saintly and dignified. I wasn't an expert on Imperial lore, after all.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

'I can rebuild her eyes, I have the technology...' Zath proposed with a glance at the Inquisitor.

'So do I, my C'tan friend. If I can create planets and stars with my Breath of the Gods, a pair of eyes should be easier.' I threw back in a casual tone.

On the other hand, Sister Stern was a demigoddess with expert biokinetic powers as well. I simply willed the tesseract to fold, and moved Stern and Valyene into my bedroom. My fucking duty has not ended after all.

A Custodes Shield Captain stepped forward next, and measured me with glowing golden eyes. "You will deliver my men to the Emperor, Lord Lancefire. And if you want any Primarchs, you may pick two, but not this Vulkan. He is required on Nocturne." he declared with a resolute voice. The Emperor's Will, no doubt.

I sighed inward at the obnoxious Custodes. Still, I had a choice now. "Perturabo and Corax. You two will join me in the Fringe."

Corax seemed relieved at my words and nodded, while Perturabo froze for a second. "Why me?" the Iron Warriors' Primarch asked with a doubtful voice.

What should I say? Because I said so? I already said it.

"I would have preferred another Vulkan or Ferrus Manus to be fair, but you're also decent enough with machinery. I have some ancient bits of tech back home that require an expert hand." I answered instead. See, diplomacy! I could learn.

Both C'tan wolves grinned at me, already aware of the ancient AIs calling my Fringe their home.

And since I had left most of my ships, troops and Astartes back for the Library incursion, my Lancefire lands should be rather safe and secure, for what passed as such in this war-town galaxy.

Corax moved first, skipping through a shadow to emerge at the right side of my Command Throne, if on the opposite side of the dangerous C'tan wolves.

Perturabo sighed and tried to join his brother on the same side, only to get displaced and sent to my left side, between me and Zath. The C'tan would have an easier time keeping the traitor Primarch in check.

"Get some rest everyone, except the anti-incursion teams. We're still in the Warp and thus in mild danger, so sleep with your armor on." I spoke last, to dismiss the gather troops.

"...Mild danger. Hah." I hear Menelau mutter as he walked out of the hall, his Librarian hood drawn low over his face.

It was the truth though. The Warp was never safe, not even for Blanks like us. Thus: mild danger.

Primarch Khan waited for the others to leave, then approached my throne with a straight back. "You're not pleased with me, Pef Lancefire?" he asked in a curious tone.

Uh. Too direct, man! I was trying to be diplomatic here.

"What ever gave you such impression, Primarch?" I answered with a gentle voice.

"You chose a traitor like Perturabo over me. I never fell." He declared in proud voice, and glared at his brother.

I sighed again. Did he think Perturabo would have a life of freedom in my Fringe?

"It is the reverse, Primarch. You have conducted yourself well after your return to the Imperium, and fought the enemies of humanity with zeal and fervor. Perturabo has a lot of redemption to achieve, and far less traction with Imperial factions than yourself. Many loyal Imperials would shoot him on sight." I explained in sad voice.

Khan frowned for a minute, then sighed. "And Corax also has a lot of redemption to obtain still. I see."

"I will instead deploy a dozen Astartes Chapters of your gene-seed to your command, when things settle down. Blank Primaris marines, of course." I added as a bonus.

Khan smiled and turned around. "Of course. Blanks to keep me safe from Chaos, no doubt." the Primarch said as he walked away.

"I love smart people." I answered with my own smile. He saw the trap, but couldn't avoid it. No Primarch could reject an Astartes of his own gene-seed, not for a very good reason.

Anyways, it was time to jump in my bed now, not for duty but for pleasure.

"Zath and Lash, I want these two brought up to speed and maybe even experts on fighting Necrons by the time we arrive in the Fringe. They are Primarchs too, so they will learn fast." I told the two C'tan who grinned back at me. They also loved killing Necrons, for some strange reason.