After Desh'ea

The Horus Heresy #Short Story

by Matthew Farrer

The War Hounds Legion have been reunited with their primarch. It is a time for rejoicing... isn't it? The masters of the Legion gather to discuss their new master, while the primarch, Angron, lurks in the darkness. Can Khârn unite master and servants?

With the discovery of the lost primarch Angron came violence and confusion, and what should have been the defining moment of the War Hounds Legion instead became a humbling embarrassment. As their senior officers fall one by one to the rage of the newly freed gladiator-king, it seems that they are doomed – perhaps their last chance for redemption comes in the form of the Eighth Captain, Khârn. Will this calm and level-headed warrior be able to lead his father into the Emperor’s light, or will he join the rest of his Legion in death?

The World Eaters make a lot more sense after listening to this tale of the first meeting between the Legion and its primarch. And of all their commanders, only Khârn has what it takes to calm the maddened Angron... a marked contrast from the defining image of the Betrayer.

Running time: 1 hour, 7 minutes
Narrated by Toby Longworth
Written by Matthew Farrer

Genres: 40k, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Audiobook, Fiction

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Matthew Farrer writes mostly for Black Library. He lives in Australia.

Reviews

[RatGrrrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 2024 Re-Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order - Omnibus X Shadow Crusade III Chosen of Chaos (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy saga and extras.

*I've already written an in depth review about this below, if you just want to get into that because I have a whole thing going on here lol

The last few omnibussies have been mixed at best covering the Salamanders, Alpha Legion, Dark Angels, and Night Lords up to just after the Isstvan V Dropsite Massacre (admittedly, the dueling edgelords was a high point and Sevatar is the bestest/ worst and I love that for him) , introducing two of the galaxies guys who refuse to die, one being a pretty swell dude with some major issues and the other being one of the most annoying, misogynystic arseholes committed to page, and covering the kerfuffle on the not so innocent Red Planet, but we're so hack baybee!!! I had to restrain myself not to jump to this omnibus after not being strong enough to not follow the Word Bearers line from Monarchia to Calth without stopping, but it couldn't come at a better time!

Just look at this belter of an Omnibus (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...
After Desh'ea (ToH or LW)
Aurelian (EoT)
Fear to Tread
Serpent (LoB)
The Purge (TSW)
Inheritor (EoT)
Butcher's Nails (LoB)
Betrayer
Khârn: The Eightfold Path (LoB)
Heart of the Conquerer (LoB)
A Rose watered with Blood (eShort)

What can I say about this story that I haven't said before or ranted at anyone who would listen?

To me, this story is utter perfection.

I have literally no idea how many times I've read it now, but I would be very surprised if it was less than six, probably more, and it never gets old or hits me less hard. I last listened to it a few, maybe even a couple of months ago, and I know how much it is going to mess me up...

I cried at least three separate times and ended listening with a completely soaked face and have a headache and sore throat from sobbing.

I don't expect this story to hit others as hard as it does me and I can't put my finger on exactly what ruins me so much, but there is something in the characterisation and animalistic sorrow, fury, confusion, and fear that the Red Angel exudes, brought to life so perfectly by Toby Longworth, that kills me. Honestly, this performance by Longworth is my favourite audio performance ever and easily one of my favourite dramatic performances of all time. It's harrowingly good!

Khârn is also perfect and the masterful way Farrer builds their rapport and understanding is breathtaking. The story within the story that Khârn tells is great and so weird and different from other non-tabletop xenos faction encounters, as well as giving more flavour and detail of the works of Perturabo and the Iron Warriors than some stories specifically about them! The way the engrossed Primarch engages with his soon to he equerry's tale and the phenemonal pacing of the natural comedy of his entirely believable and appropriate interruptions are *chef's kiss*.

I simply adore this story and this is precisely my shit.

I would read a hundred more Voraxes for the mere possibility of getting to read another story like this. Please and thank you.

Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 17.41 Horus Heresy novels, 10 novellas, 48 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 8 Primarchs novels, 3 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels...this run. I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.

***

Initial Review: 8/5

After Desh'ea tells the story of how Angron met his legion. Wrenched from the his siblings in blood and revolution, the soon to be Primarch of the Word Eaters can do nothing but watch them die and go unmarked. The Emperor took him from them and unceremoniously dumped him on the War Hounds' flagship. Consumed by grief, trauma, and the incessant wailing of the Butcher's Nails, Angron kills all who approach until Khârn is able to get through the overwhelmed demigod scarred in body and mind.

The backstory of Angron and the history of the Warhounds and the legions of Astartes seeking their progenitors is told through exchanges between the charismatic Captain and raging Primarch, as the latter vents his fury and despair on the former, coming close to killing him. All who previously attempted making contact lie broken and bloody around them. The way the information comes out so naturally in conversation in this extremely unnatual situation is spectacular writing.

After Desh'ea reads like a play. I am pretty certain I have aphantasia, and still I can see this story playing out as I read it. The physicality of Angron is so perfectly described, so aptly embodying everything he is feeling and processing. The dialogue between the two is minimal, yet so incredibly impactful. The emotion conveyed is so visceral and the journey of understanding these two proto-men go on with each other is utterly beautiful. I genuinely think this could easily be turned into a script for a dramatic performance or a screenplay for animation thar would be phenomenal. I envisage a dark room with light only briefly playing across the characters faces and the bodies on the floor... I need someone to make this happen.

This story is perfectly heartbreaking and I genuinely think it is the best thing the Black Library has ever published. I have read it many times since I first came across it in the Tales of Heresy anthology, and every time it has brought me to tears. I genuinely don't understand why there aren't more works by Farrer in the Horus Heresy and the Black Library in general, but I absolutely need to read more of his work.

Look, I'm so unbelievably biased because I love this story so much, but I'm absolutely not just trying to be ridiculous and hyperbolic. I truly believe this is one of the most well crafted and emotionally rich story the Black Library has published, and recommend it to anyone, regardless of interest in Warhammer and the Horus Heresy. If you do you have to read this and if you have any interest in the War Hounds/ World Eaters you absolutely need this in your life.

[Eric Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was my first real introduction to Angron where he actually has some kind of personality and I find him very interesting. It’s quite obvious why this character falls to Chaos from this short story alone but what I found the most interesting were the hints at who he could have been if it wasn’t for where he was raised and the Butcher’s Nails. The honor, the empathy and love for his followers, a tactical mind but all twisted and turned on its head. Well written and fascinating.

[hank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was great. Poor Kharn

[Oliver Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having only read the first two books in the 50+ HH books a couple of years ago, I decided to give it a go at reading the entire HH series in chronological order. Starting with the "Last Church" audiobook set in 30,800. I am using https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Tymell... as a guide on which books to read in chronological order.

This audio book takes place in 30,905 after Angron is found and his struggle to come to terms putting all he knows from life\culture on his homeworld behind. I thought this book was ok, I would have rated it higher but I felt that it dragged alot in parts for me. It does give an insight into how Angeron felt soon after being found and the loyalty of his legion to him at the time. I would recommend this to anyone looking to get an early glimpse on Angeron.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this felt like reading about a domestic violence incident, it did add alot of depth to Angron's personality. The hurt that he and his legion went through and the establishment of his first "positive relationship" in his new life. I wasn't sure how I felt about all this till I realized it flew by. Must've done something right.

[La Criatura]

Fascinating proper introduction to Angron as a guy. Of course I knew vaguely what his whole deal was, but this… well I wasn’t expecting to come out of the short where he tosses his captain around like a ragdoll for ~30 pages tearing up a little bit. Pretty sure Betrayer is going to crumple my head like a tin can.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of Angron, the Red Angel—his tragedy and reunion.

This was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed! :) Poor Angron deserved so much more than what he got, though.

There’s definitely a lot of Angron being, well, angry, and he does repeat himself a bit, but it was still a very good read overall.

[Matt Argueta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good compliment to Betrayer. Getting a vignette of Angron raw from being warped up from Desh'ea and Kharn being the one to break through to him in his moment of anguish helps to frame the relationship the two of them had in the novel.

This one felt intentional and with purpose - would recommend as a post-read

[Maestitia Reclusiam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Après Desh’ea est une réussite majeure. Une nouvelle essentielle, dure, triste, mais profondément juste, qui transforme Angron et Khârn en figures tragiques plutôt qu’en simples icônes de violence. Un texte indispensable pour comprendre pourquoi les World Eaters n’ont jamais vraiment eu de chance.

Critique Complète :
https://reclusiam.net/apres-desh-ea/c...

[TuralyonW3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential Angron/World Eaters story, with powerful prose by Farrer (It's a shame he didn't write more Horus Heresy stuff!) Highly recommended for any Heresy readers, essential if you're following Angron's story.

[Saud Ghaith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something is wrong with how this was written or printed. Chaotic narrative.

[Bookcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if this is the first or one of the first meetings, but wholesome bonding moment 🥰

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know that it raises my opinion of Angron much but it does for the World Eaters.

[Troy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Collected in tales of heresy anthology.

[Tyberius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta uhh love AHH the WORLD EATERS and urp Angrons mood-swings.

[Heather Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rock solid piece of character writing.

The true tragedy of Angron, is that he's an anarchist dragged into a world of bootlickers. The culture clash at the heart of his relationship to his Legion (that will forever try to respect him in ways that he loathes) is uniquely interesting and well-established here.

[Thomas Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best primarch short stories purely because he is a lobotomised insane god.

[Ross Cudmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this look at the World Eaters back when they were still the War Hounds of the Emperor.

Angron has been taken from his people at the end of their failed slave rebellion. His brain itches with violence and pain, and Kharn 8th Company Captain must convince his Primarch to lead them.

I thought the writer did a fantastic job capturing Angron's pain and anger, a wounded god lashing out in frustration and agony. And Kharn here is noble and steadfast. Loyal to his Legion and Father. This is a fantastic short story to read before ADB's Betrayer.