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"'''The Lightning Tower''' " is a short story by [[Dan Abnett]], published in the [[Horus Heresy Chapbook (Anthology)]] in 2007, and in [[Shadows of Treachery (Anthology)]] in 2012.{{fn|1}}

With word [[Rogal Dorn]], [[Primarch]] of the [[Imperial Fists]] [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]], faces a stark reality - he must tear down the magnificence of the [[Emperor of HorusMankind|Emperor]]' great betrayal having reached s [[TerraImperial Palace|Palace]], one man is placed a shining beacon in charge a galaxy of organising darkness, and turn it into a fortress. With the defences army of [[Horus Lupercal|Horus]] drawing ever closer, as he blights the planet Palace with gunports and defence towers, Dorn must face a difficult question: "What are you afraid of?"{{fn|1}} ==Plot Summary=={{spoiler}}Primarch Rogal Dorn laments the transformation of the Imperial Palace, a wonder of architecture meant to celebrate the Emperor of Mankind's ascent, into a fortress meant to resist the onslaught of traitor legions. He must concur with [[Imperial PalaceVadok Singh]]. One man must prepare 's project for the onslaught that Annapurna Gate, but insists its ornaments be preserved for future restoration.{{fn|2a}} [[Archamus I]] encourages his primarch to voice his frustration, and asks him whom he is sure is comingafraid of.{{fn|2b}} Pondering his [[Space Marine Captain|Captain's]] question, fortifying Dorn wanders into the work of artists Investiary and planning for contingencies never imagined. For is met by [[Rogal DornMalcador the Sigillite]]{{fn|2c}}, who expresses concern that Dorn might harbour doubts, Primarch and asks him in turn what he is afraid of.{{fn|2d}} They enter Malcador's apartments, where Dorn declares he is afraid of whatever caused [[Horus Lupercal]] and the others to turn on the [[Imperium of Man]]. Drawing out a [[Imperial FistsEmperor's Tarot|deck of cards]] that belonged to [[Space Marine LegionKonrad Curze]], the Sigillite coaxes out of Dorn the story of their fight on [[Cheraut]], it is a difficult and demanding taskthe primarch admits he has been haunted by his brother and the truth behind his prophetic visions. He discovers however{{fn|2e}} The memory of the Lightning Tower major arcana{{fn|2e}} comes back to Dorn later, while running simulations of the Palace being besieged, and, that an even greater one remains; facing despite his most secret fear[[Emperor of Mankind|gene-sire's]] reassurance, he wonders what sacrifices will be necessary to ensure victory.{{fn|2f}}

*{{endn|1}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20200804022658/https://www.blacklibrary.com/audio/the-horus-heresy-audiobooks/quickDark-reads/lightningKing-and-The-Lightning-Tower-towerAudiobook-enhancedThe-audiomp3.html Black Library- "The Dark King" & "The Lightning Tower"]''(saved archive page, dated 04 August 2020, last accessed 08 September 2024, original link: https://www.blacklibrary.com/audio/the-horus-heresy-audiobooks/Dark-King-and-The-Lightning-Tower-Audiobook-The-mp3.html)''*2: "'''The Lightning Tower'''" (Short Story):**{{endn|2a}}: "There was once a fine palace, and it sat like a crown of light upon the top of the world."**{{endn|2b}}: "A katabatic wind was coming in off the lower bulwarks that night."**{{endn|2c}}: "Consider the question, Rogal Dorn."**{{endn|2d}}: "They said little at first."**{{endn|2e}}: "Malcador raised his hand and the lights in his chambers came on."**{{endn|2f}}: "They had blown their way through the massive earthwork defences at Haldwani and Xigaze."