" After a long silence, he spoke again. ' I must ask, Sachiel. Rumors have spread throughout the Chapter. There is the talk of deaths among the brethren sent to recover the Spear. ' He paused, the next words heavy and sharp in his chest like rough-hewn lumps of lead. 'What became of my brother? Does he still alive?
Sachiel cocked his head. ' Your brother? But we're not all brothers under the wings of Sanguinius, Rafen? '
The Apothecary gestured to one of his guards, and the Space Marine holstered his weapon, reaching up to remove his combat helmet. ' The bonds of the blood transcend all others', Sachiel said, 'but no blood runs stronger than that of Sanguinius.'
At the moment the Space Marine guard at Sachiel's side revealed his face.
His younger brother youthful and yet serious countenance started back at him, and Rafen broke into a broad grin. 'Arkio! By the Throne, you're alive! I had feared the worst.'
Arkio gave a rueful smile. 'Well met, my brother. I... '
Rafen didn't let his sibling get any further, crushing him into a bear hug with a bark of a laughter. Their armour clanked together, and for the first time, since he set foot on Cybele, Rafen's black mood was forgotten. "
James Swallow 'DEUS ENCARMINE'
