Цитаты из книг — Sarah Cawkwell

‘Is it acceptable for me to smoke in here?’ The sniper asked the question and waved a packet of lho-sticks around. Argentius turned a thoughtful gaze on the human. ‘I have never understood why anybody would indulge in a pastime that polluted their lungs and invariably contributes to their early death,’ he replied in the…

‘The Imperium is an administrative nightmare, Chapter Master,’ she replied. ‘So many planets, so many citizens, so many wars. It is difficult to hold all of the leashes at any one time. Occasionally, something pressing captures the attention of those at a more… senior level.’

Beneath Kerelan’s words, like the constant thrum of a power generator, Djul’s voice rumbled a constant litany. His words were largely indecipherable, but the tone and inflection of what could be heard were stirring the passions of the warriors even without them consciously being aware of it.

‘We were designed to kill the enemies of the Imperium without remorse and many of our brethren, particularly those in some younger Chapters, seem beyond humanity. But though we wage war in ways that may seem inhuman, we do so to preserve the sanctity of man. We do what they cannot do, indeed what they should not do. To…

‘I am going to guess that you are thinking what I am thinking, brother,’ murmured Reuben, and Gileas nodded.

‘How is your faith, brothers? Repeat the litanies. Assess your strengths, defy your weaknesses. See the corruption active in all things and challenge it boldly. You are a son of Varsavia, a warrior of the Silver Skulls and you will prevail!’ ‘My faith is strong. In my brothers I trust. I will uphold the Emperor’s ideals.…

Reuben put a hand to the door. ‘Locked,’ he reported. Gileas strode forward and punched his way through. He tore the door from its frame, sending it flying down the corridor, and then squeezed his massive bulk through the opening. ‘Unlocked,’ observed Reuben with heavy sarcasm.

Somewhere, Kerelan could hear the voice of Inteus giving a continuous sermon, constantly reminding the Silver Skulls of the need now, more than ever, to assert their faith and renew the fires of loyalty to their Emperor. Djul echoed everything virtually word for word, delivering a double dose of pure Varsavian faith that…

‘Have faith, Master Gall. Faith and fortitude. Prevail. You ask me why it is that I am always so certain things will turn out for the best? It is because I hold fast to the most basic of our Chapter’s beliefs. We will prevail.’ He smiled. ‘We must prevail.’

‘We do not mourn the deaths of those who are lost in service to the Emperor,’ said Kerelan. ‘We celebrate their lives instead. They will all receive their honours in the Halls of Remembrance, of that you may be assured.’