The path leading down the mountain was vast, wide enough for several Knight chassis to advance side-by-side. Cawl's group rushed downward at maximum speed, frequently discovering scattered remains along the way. There were bodies of both mortals and Astartes, most appearing to have fallen recently, as the blood had not yet congealed.
The distant thunder of artillery was the only sound breaking the heavy, stagnant air. Marshal Amalrich of the Black Templars turned to the Archmagos. "Are you certain we are heading in the right direction?"
"If the map is not in error," Cawl replied simply.
Before long, the group reached the flank of the battlefield. They saw a steel-and-concrete fortress looming atop a high slope nearby. Shells firing from within caused the ground to tremble, while the flak curtains from dual Icarus Array batteries continuously clawed at the Heldrakes screaming through the sky.
As they deliberated on how to approach, the roar of engines drew closer from the distance. Alexei turned his head to look—it was several Land Raiders leading a full company of Chaos Space Marines, their ranks partially obscured by billowing dust. Clearly, the towering silhouettes of the Knights had alerted the enemy to something unusual.
"The banner of the Iron Warriors. Prepare for battle!" Alexei's voice was calm, and everyone immediately sprang into action under the orders of their respective commanders.
The massive forms of the Imperial Knights immediately served as mobile cover, shielding the infantry from incoming fire, while their Battle Cannons began thundering at the enemy.
As the distance between the two sides closed, a fierce exchange of fire erupted on the flank of the main battlefield. Just as the Astartes in the group attempted to flank the enemy, several dark shapes suddenly soared toward them from the high walls of the nearby fortress.
Through the night, several Stormraven Gunships sped toward the group, unleashing dozens of Stormstrike missiles directly into the Iron Warriors' convoy. Amidst the violent explosions, the skirmish drew to a swift close. Alexei and the others began securing the area.
One Stormraven landed a short distance away. A dozen Ultramarines, weapons held at the ready, approached them with practiced caution. Although they had spotted the towering form of the Magos and the Saint—who radiated light even in the dead of night—from afar, the presence of Xenos compelled them to maintain a necessary guard.
"Who are you? Where do you come from? And why are you standing with these Xenos?" the lead Ultramarine, a Sergeant in a red helmet, shouted through his vox-grille. Their weapons were locked onto the Ynnari warriors.
The atmosphere was incredibly tense until the Sergeant's gaze swept over a familiar figure and heraldry. "Chapter Master Torquill."
Hearing the familiar voice, the Chapter Master of the Scythes of the Emperor looked toward the red-helmeted officer. "Brother Cromwell." Torquill stepped forward to the front of the group. "We have come to reinforce you."
"And what of these Xenos?" Even though Cromwell had fought alongside Torquill during the Damocles Crusade, he did not lower his guard. The muzzle of his bolter remained aimed at the Aeldari.
"Temporary allies," Saint Celestine spoke up. "In the name of the Father of Mankind, I vouch that they harbor no ill intent."
"We must reach Macragge to see your Chapter Master, Marneus Calgar," Cawl's voice buzzed from the side.
The gentle voice of the Living Saint and the authority of Archmagos Cawl finally allowed the Ultramarines to calm down. Cromwell signaled his Battle-Brothers to lower their bolters. He surveyed the group once more, then nodded for them to follow.
Watching the Ultramarines lead them toward the fortress gates, Alexei couldn't help but feel relieved. Thank goodness they are the rational sons of the Thirteenth, he thought. Had it been Astartes with shorter tempers, a fight likely would have broken out the moment the Ynnari appeared.
Alexei hadn't expected the Chapter Master of the Scythes of the Emperor to have an old acquaintance here; it was a welcome stroke of luck.
Once everyone was inside the fortress, Cawl and the Living Saint left to confer with the Ultramarine Company Commander stationed there. The rest of the group was ushered into a detention room under guard.
"Damned Mon-keigh. Has no one taught them proper hospitality?" Visarch complained. Aside from the two commanders, the rest of the Ynnari had returned to the Webway after the battle to attend to other missions.
"Visarch!" Yvraine interrupted, silencing him.
Surprisingly, the others in the room did not speak up to argue. The Astartes led by the Black Templars also looked displeased; being tossed into a single room and placed under heavy guard was a visible insult to the honor-bound sons of Dorn.
Fortunately, it wasn't long before Cawl and the Saint returned. "I have good news and bad news..." Cawl announced.
"Just tell us everything. We aren't in the mood for riddles," Magos Klarn interrupted.
"Very well. They have agreed to let us board the Sword of Honor to reach Macragge. However, space is limited. We have decided that House Taranis and the Battle Sisters will remain here to bolster the defense of this site," Cawl buzzed. "Furthermore, due to certain... 'unexpected guests,' we are required to stay within designated areas during the journey."
Marshal Amalrich's expression darkened further, though he ultimately bit his tongue; they were, after all, asking for a favor.
Alexei, meanwhile, seemed to be staring off into space. In reality, his full attention was back on his original body. His Battlecruiser had already reached the far side of a desolate planet on the edge of the Macragge system.
He was debating when to make his move. Ultimately, Alexei decided that at the exact moment Guilliman awakens, he would send the Battlecruiser into the atmosphere to provide fire support. This would ensure the newly awakened Primarch noticed them immediately, facilitating their subsequent dialogue.
To achieve this, Alexei had to find a way to get Cawl to take him into the Shrine of Guilliman. As a holy site of the Ultramarines, it was normally off-limits to outsiders. However, if he could gain Cawl's consent and use Chapter Master Torquill's endorsement, the probability of joining the inner circle was high.
It was also time to find an opportunity to chat with Cawl. The Archmagos was undoubtedly curious about the technological marvels Alexei possessed. If he could lure Cawl back to Aiur for a time, the issues with the Adeptus Mechanicus would be permanently resolved.