‘You really think so?’
‘I know so.’ Creed smiled humourlessly, and his eyes flickered briefly across the room to where a rather embarrassed-looking Ryse was trying to explain a joke to the Mordian commander. ‘Our enemies have planned for this for a thousand years. Maybe more. And we have grown complacent. Look. Ryse is more interested in little pleasantries with those dreadful Mordians than planning for the war. Cadian High Command is full of men like him. They have no idea how present the threat is. Even the High Lords of Terra suspect little, I guess. The Cadian Gate is in utmost danger and it is up to us – honest men like you and me – to ensure that she does not fall. Cadia cannot fall. She will not fall.’
There was a long pause.
Bendikt felt flattered by the word ‘us’, but he was shaken by the ominous warnings. ‘What can we do?’
‘We shall fight like bastards,’ Creed said. ‘And we have to be more devious than our foes.’
Bendikt smiled. ‘Is that possible?’
‘Life in the Guard has taught me three things,’ Creed said. ‘Endurance, grit and the understanding that with faith and courage and good leadership, anything is possible.’
‘I hope you’re right.’
Creed gave him a long look and leaned in once more. ‘When I was young my drill sergeant had a favourite saying.’
‘What is that?’
‘Hope,’ Creed said, ‘is the first step on the road to disappointment.’
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