A Call For Assistance
The Vigilance, flagship of the Eternal Wardens, loomed mightily beyond the gravity well of Melchia V, a recently industrialized Agri-World that had sworn its allegiance to the Imperium shortly after its discovery by the Sons of Kesar Dorlin. However, the usually jovial primarch was absent from the planetside festivities. In fact, he had not even set foot on the world, having assigned Oriacarius to bring the planet into compliance.
This was unlike the normal behavior of the Daemonsbane, who would normally ensure compliance in person if he were in the system. It was speculated that this was caused by the declaration of Lorgar Aurelian's status as Excommunicate Traitoris. While it would be an understatement to say that there was resentment between them, Kesar had never imagined that such a thing could happen again. He never believed that a day would come when a second plinth beneath the roof of the hegemon could be made empty. Prior to Lorgar's betrayal, the Wardens' Genesire had even stated that although he did not agree with his brother's views, he wished that their differences had not divided them so. It is no surprise then that many believed Kesar Dorlin to be grieving over the Aurelian's betrayal and taking time to collect himself.
However, this was not all there was to the Daemonsbane's absence. While still grief-stricken over the fate of his brother, Kesar refused to merely wallow in his despair. Instead, he channeled his anguish into determination, and dove into his work with a greater intensity and focus than ever before. Nearly all of his time was spent in his laboratory, aided by the most powerful Librarians from both the Eternal Wardens and the Thousand Sons in his quest.
In particular, Kesar worked to finally create the long sought-after Rune of Purity, hoping that it may either free his brother from the Dark Powers that had taken him or, should that fail, give him a peaceful death. However, that goal still eluded him. No matter the shape, arrangement, foci, or components used, a Purity Rune would fail to form. It was as though the Warp itself resisted its completion. Despite all his efforts, he lacked the resources to bring Purity into being. It was then that the Primarch of the Eternal Wardens chose to ask for assistance, hoping that he might either acquire the materials needed to finally add Purity to his Legion's Runic Library or find that one of his brothers could succeed where he had failed.
Under the advisement of his Thousand Sons attachment, he decided to contact Magnus the Red, who possessed the wisdom of Prospero's Great Libraries as well as complete knowledge of Kesar's own previous Runic creations. Their discussion was not an easy one to have. Their Astropathic Choirs lost contact several times as the Warp seemed to swirl and churn and roil with a far greater intensity than was normal. In the end, it required Magnus and the Librarians of both Legions to force back the rumblings of the Immaterium personally in order for the two Primarchs to communicate.
"Brother, it has been quite some time," said Kesar. "How have you been?"
"I have been well, brother," replied Magnus. "The Occulus you sent me has done wonders for my research. Now, shall we discuss the real reason you contacted me?"
"Magnus, I don't mean to-"
"Brother, maintaining this connection is very tiring. I would prefer to skip the pleasantries for the sake of expediency if at all possible."
"Very well then. I come to you with a matter of great urgency. You know of my method of Runic creation, do you not?"
"Of course I do. Why do you ask?"
"I have been attempting to create a new Rune for my Legion and yours to utilize. Specifically, a Rune of Purity. However, despite all my efforts, I have been unable to complete it thus far. I would like your aid in this endeavor."
"I would be honored, brother. What has prevented you from completing it before?"
"Simply put, it is as if the Warp rejects its creation. Despite all the components being individually compatible, some strange force seems to be preventing them from coalescing. It is as if their natures are made to repel each other whenever they approach unification."
"This is highly troubling, Kesar. Especially given the state of-"
"Yes, I had suspected as much. You believe this to be the work of them as well?"
"... Possibly. I would rather not jump to conclusions but that does seem the most likely reason."
"So what should be done about this, brother? I fear there is no place I can go where this problem would be solved."
"Kesar... if you would allow me to I could see if I can create the Rune you seek."
"Truly? Thank you Magnus, I-"
"However, I regret that I must make one request of you in return."
"What is it?"
"No matter what happens, do not die for this. I have already lost one brother, and now it is almost certain that I will lose a second. Promise me that you will not follow."
"Very well. I promise."
"Then it is done. Well, now I shall see if my Warding Runes are as powerful as I theorized."
"Wait, you finished it?"
"Only the prototype. Now all that is necessary is some... stress testing."
"You never cease to amaze me, brother."
"I could say the same of you. Farewell, brother."
"Goodbye, Magnus."
When their conversation was finished, Kesar looked around to find that all the Librarians around him were panting, with only the Thousand Sons able to stand, if barely. Their Navigator informed them that the Warp had become more turbulent, a clear sign that something was upset. And that was perhaps the greatest indication that Kesar had done the right thing.
