He sat in his throne room alone. Being alone wasn’t unfamiliar to him. Besides, after being “dead” for billions of years, he grew used to being alone in the cold darkness of the never-ending expanse of space. He was pondering to himself, filled with the thoughts of memories long past. The war, the violence, the bloodshed. He remembered it all too well.
His pondering was suddenly interrupted by the opening of the massive doors that led to the throne room. He instantly knew who it was, for no one dared to interrupt his pondering, not even his brothers. “My Emperor,” Abaddon said reverently, bowing on one knee and lowering his head.
“Abaddon, what news do you bring?” the Emperor asked.
“My lord, the fleet is ready to slip its moorings. The legions are ready to march. We only await your word.
The Emperor looked at his nephew.
“Then this is my word,” the Emperor said, leaning forward on his throne. Abaddon lifted his head, awaiting the orders that his uncle would give him. The Emperor's eyes met Abaddon's with a piercing gaze. “We march.” Abaddon only rose and left the throne room, for he understood perfectly.
When Abaddon had departed, he felt the ship begin to move, free from its moorings like a beast freed from its chains. Its engines roared like a lion as the ship departed its dock. The Emperor leaned back on his throne and closed his eyes as he prepared to navigate the ship through the Astral Plane. He could hear the prayers of his people ringing in his ears. They prayed for the safety of his voyage. They prayed for the blessings of the gods. They prayed for vengeance against their ancient foe.
When the Emperor opened his eyes again, he found that the ship was already at its intended destination. He immediately rose from his throne and walked to the window. He couldn't believe it. It was still here. They were not too late.
"Praise Azur'rath..." he sighed in relief as other ships began to arrive, carrying the insignias of the Legions. Every flagship of every Legion was here at his request. He was happy to have his brothers by his side.
About thirty minutes later, his brothers and his chief advisors were standing before him in the ship's throne room.
"Brothers, kinsman, today we stand on the precipice of a conflict that will no doubt consume the universe. Our ancient foe plans to return once more to wreak havoc upon those who we took an oath to protect. Today, we have come to fulfill our oath once more. A new era has dawned..."
He turned to face the window again, looking at Equus.
"An era of war."