"They are beings of power that we had thought we had outgrown. We were determined to make our own way and build a golden age without their help. And so, it is the principle of the thing that rakes at me. He has become what we fought so many wars to stamp out, what he himself denied."

Loken closes his eyes. "Every time one of his Guard comes before me, or one of the Warrior-Kings of Ultramar accompanies me into battle, I am struck by how the world has changed since the Great Crusade. I know I am still needed.... and I know I will never deny him. I have paid so many times for my loyalty already, at Istvaan, at the final battle, and even in Rome."

Garviel sighs, "I think the world I had hoped to build will never be, and while moving forward under the banner of the God-Emperor will ensure a good place for Rome and all mankind, it will never be quite the same as what Belka was. I must somehow accept I can't have it all back. My brothers are dead, my newly-made companions amongst the Legiones Astartes don't know the history as I do, and I'm a relic, consumed by uncertainty and rage. I can lead, I can fight, and I can win... but I must accept that this world will compromise the ideals I once held so dearly."