Taken from the personal records of Court Historian Astor Eusebius on the eve of the Battle of Ariacad.

The walls of the palace are groaning. The Emperor's dogs fire volley after volley of their insolent artillery against us. Word of the siege has spread across the kingdom and many garrisons are reporting open revolt. The fact that so many of our own would betray the man who scourged this land of the Ork and return to the Emperor who abandoned them to their fate chills me. But the Gods of Chaos know that Julian is their devoted son. Their aid shall soon come.

At the first hour passed midnight, Julian called together his Champions. Some were already burned with loyalist-inflicted wounds, but none dared to refuse to answer the calls of their master. They sat together in a grand chamber, with Julian at the head and Vross at his side.

"Champions," Julian said when the chamber was filled and the gates closed, "We have been through much together. Not long ago, we stood together in this very room waiting for death to come by an Ork axe. Yes, there was not a single man in this room who I did not think worthy of the favours of the Dark Gods."

He paused, touching a hand to the eight pointed star carved into his face. I noticed that his eyes had taken on a sickly green glow. Clearly a sign of favour from the Gods that he serves so well.

"It pains me then to see that I was so wrong. Our defences have crumbled. The people riot and rebel against the will of the Dark Gods... all that we have built has been torn down," he slammed his fist against the table and rose, "As Tzeentch is my witness, I should have left you all to die with the Orks!"

One of the Champions, shaking visibly, spoke: "My Lord, the Loyalists-"

Vross cut him short. His whip snapped out and wrapped around the fool's neck. A jolt of electricity erupted and the man crumbled in a smouldering heap. Julian waited for a moment, challenging his Champions to speak. Not a sound was heard.

"We have but one chance left to reclaim the favour of the Dark Gods," Julian said softly, "This world and everyone on it belong to Chaos. The Marines think that we are finished, but this palace is blessed by the Dark Gods. It will not be taken. The altars of Khorne will run red with blood and then the banner of Chaos shall rise," he paused, starring into space for a moment, "Now go and prepare. And do not return to me with anything less than victory, lest you feel my... displeasure."

The Champions all praised Julian and bowed low, before filing out as one. Only Vross and I remained in the chamber. Julian starred into space again before rising in place. "I know you're there," he said suddenly.

"You know only because I wish you to know," said a voice behind us. There stood Caine in full power armour, the eyes on his helmet glowing red. "Why so anxious, Governor? Is something the matter?"

"Where is Sarados?"

"Sarados has much more pressing matters to attend to, Governor," Caine spat, "I thought I made that clear."

"So he intends to sit and watch while this city falls?" Julian demanded, standing and turning to face the Marine, "He wishes a victory for the Loyalists? Is that it?"

"'Fall'?" Caine repeated, "Really, Governor? After all the aid and supplies we have given your forces, you still cannot stand on your own two feet? My, my, what a poor investment you've proven to be."

Julian stepped forward defiantly. "These aren't Orks. I don't even know if these are even normal Marines... you must have seen the Flesh Hounds and Daemonettes in the streets. They're screaming. Something is here... some new weapon. Twelve of our psykers have been driven mad by its presence. We can't be certain of anything with this new unknown."

Caine was silent at this. "Be that as it may," Caine answered, "Sarados is completely absorbed in the task of deciphering the tome and refuses to commit any more forces save for my own personal guard. So see to it that you prepare for what is to come."

"Caine," said Julian as the Marine turned to leave, "If Sarados wants to sacrifice me, then so be it. But I'm going to remember this."

Caine glanced backwards. "Such is the way of Chaos, Governor."

Retrieved from the personal records of Chief Librarian Octavius Drakonis

Our Chapter was forged by tragedy. Side by side did the old Chapter Masters fall to stave off the Tyranid mass. Argus Warhorn and Marcus Angelus... Five billion souls owe their lives to their sacrifice. So it is then that we bow our heads towards them before consigning our souls to the Emperor and waging war against those that would curse His holy name. So it was on that day, when Isaiah led our prayers, holding his sword high and exhorting our men to battle.

"On this day, the Imperium has left its trust with us! The Servants of Chaos think us weak, but they shall soon know our strength! But we shall not retreat! We shall not fail! Brothers! On this day, the Emperor will see that we are, as ever, His devoted servants!"

The gathered Battle Brothers cheered and the banner of the Chapter was raised. On the next day, we found the enemy unprepared. Ten veterans led by Brother Orestes took up position behind their lines and disabled their armour before the tank crews could even man them. The Renegades desperately rallied, but it was too late. I made my landing next to one of their officers and split his body in two with a thought. The degenerates fought with a sickening fanaticism, but they could not stand before our fury. The base was razed and those that we did not slaughter we forced into full retreat. Claudius' reserves arrived then and gave them chase.

I can see the capital now, over the horizon. It swirls with the evil horror that Julian has brought forth. The streets here are stained with the blood of the innocent. I can hear them all... the brave men who were offered up to the lust of Khorne for staying true to their Emperor... the children who were given over to the black mercy of Nurgle... the women who were left to the deprivations of Slaneesh... and the poor imprisoned souls who even now were agonizing under the lash of Tzeentch. For a moment, I felt as though I might be overwhelmed, but I cast my mind towards that holy guiding light that sustains us. I gazed towards His glorious form and found in myself new strength, for I knew that against His holy will the darkness could never prevail. Our Whirlwinds took up position and began the bombardment. I gripped the staff and touched the hilt of my bolt pistol to my heart. The day's work was not yet done.

Personal account of the Sage Alexander Petranus, a member of Alastor Drakonis' personal guard.

The Thunderhawk landed near the hills. It's hatch open and a pearly mist came out. Ten stormtroopers came down the ramp, hellguns at the ready. They formed a phalanx and waited. I heard his heavy steps before I saw him. The Holy Warrior, the Great Defender, the Pure-Hearted... His names were only spoken in whispers. His ancient Terminator armour shimmered in the moonlight. I had to tilt my head back to take in his full height. He moved slowly, but methodically, his deep black eyes evaluating the gathered host.

"Brother-Captain... Master Chaplain..." the Inquisitor said after a moment, "Allow me to introduce Grandmaster Lucas of the Grey Knights. He has come to offer you his assistance."

"I..." I had never before known a Space Marine to be at a loss for words, but I think I understood how Aetos felt, "I am honoured."

"Do not bow, Brother Isaiah," Lucas said. His voice had an absolute clarity to it. "And same to you, Brother Claudius. One who has served the Emperor as well as you both have should bow only to the Emperor himself."

"I had heard rumours," said the Chaplain Claudius, "Of the Emperor's hammer... of the Grey Knights. The Champions who carry the blood of the Emperor himself..."

"That holy blood flows in both my veins and yours, Brother Claudius. Please, let us turn towards the matter at hand. The Governor of this world has taken solace in the twisted creatures of the warp and seeks to bring this entire world into the grip of heresy. It lies with us now, brothers, to bring forth his final judgement."

Transcript of a conversation between the commanders of the Oathkeeper Chapter, Sister Clara Amparion and Inquisitor Alastor Drakonis, taken from the records of Chief Librarian Octavius Drakonis' familiar.

Isaiah Aetos: "My brothers remain grateful for the assistance the Inquisition has lent them, Alastor. But the situation has changed. Confirmation has just come in from aerial surveillance. Julian has crushed the Orks. Whatever he and his masters wished to gain from them he now has. Our time has run out."

Alastor Drakonis: "Captain, if you act rashly you may bury us all. Do not charge into the daemon's den."

Octavius Drakonis: "According to your own reports the daemonic infestation is centred in Julian's capital city of Ariacad. The Chapter's intends to launch a surprise lightning strike at his bastion in order to penetrate his defences. When they arrive, your own forces may join us in the siege of the city itself if you so wish."

Claudius Varnus: "I would not count on the element of surprise. You will recall that my... interrogations... have yet to completely root out the subversive element in this Chapter."

Octavius: "And you will recall, Brother Chaplain, that there is no proof as of yet that any such element exist. The three brothers you submitted to Alastor have all been cleared of any wrongdoing."

Alastor: "Let us try not to get sidetracked. I am afraid this is no longer a matter of destroying the abominations of the warp. When Julian destroyed the Orks, he retrieved a tome of tremendous power. A tome that we ourselves thought to be lost. It is already in the hands of his master."

Clara Amparion: "His master?"

Alastor: "Yes... Sarados is his name. I detected his presence last night. Surely you felt him too, brother... a pillar of malevolent psychic energy. When your Chaplain brought news of an Alpha Legion presence on this world, he was the first name to come to mind. I am afraid to say that our worst nightmares have come true."

Isaiah: "Who is this Sarados?"

Alastor: "Alpharius' lieutenant... A Space Marine whose records stretch back to the Great Crusade. When Alpharius turned on the Emperor, Sarados was at the fore. Oceans of blood are on his hands. I first encountered him while hunting a heretic from our own ranks ten years ago. I had the heretic cornered when fifty Marines appeared from out of thin air. A hundred Imperial Stormtroopers in the service of the Emperor and thirty members of the Daughters of the Emperor were killed in one hour. At the same time, a fleet came from the warp and lay waste to the planet's hives. Millions died. I myself hardly escaped with my life."

Isaiah: "Brother Claudius, was this Sarados among the Chaos warriors you encountered?"

Claudius: "No. I do not believe so. The stronger of the Chaos champions was not a psyker and the sorcerer he brought with him seemed to be a subordinate."

Clara: "And the tome you mentioned? What of that?"

Alastor: "The Shrine of St. Aerith was captured by the Orks at an early date. In it are the bones of an Imperial martyr."

Clara: "The Blessed Lady, Aerith, yes, I know that. But what could Chaos possibly gain by desecrating her?"

Alastor: "What is not known, sister, is that Aerith sacrificed herself to kill a sorcerer by the name of Zi'isrel, a man said to have eluded the Emperor himself during the Great Crusade. The book and its blasphemous secrets were protected from destruction by black magic and so it was interred with the very martyr that sealed it. It has now been unearthed."

Isaiah: "And what foul acts do these heathens seek to undertake?"

Alastor: "I know not. But Sarados is more powerful now then ever before. To face him without our combined forces will be madness."

Isaiah: "And to give him the time to call more foul beasts of the warp to his side is equally mad. Inquisitor, we have waited long enough. My Oathkeepers will consign our souls to the Emperor and move. That is all we can do."

Clara: "I agree! Please, Captain, let me and my sisters come too! Julian damned this entire world... my friends, my family... my home. All gone thanks to that... that monster. Please, let me fight. Let me avenge this world."

Isaiah: "There have been enough martyrs in this war already, sister. If anything were to happen to you, then this entire Chapter would grieve for the loss. But... I shall see what I can do to deliver Julian to your hands. I believe that the Emperor would deem that to be just."

Clara: "Thank you... Isaiah."

Alastor: "If this is the course that you are set upon, Captain, then I can do nothing to stop you. I simply pray that this not lead to disaster."

Isaiah: "As do I, Inquisitor. As do I."

Transcript retrieved from the heretical writings of Gol, detailing the conversation between the Chaos Lord Sarados and his subordinates following the infamous Day of Green Blood, wherein the Orks of the southern continent were utterly crushed.

When the sun fell, the Orks lay dead in droves. Their green corpses were charred black from the cleansing fire of our Hellhounds. Here and there an Ork would stir, fumbling for his crude axe before being offered up to Khorne by one of our champions. I saw one Ork nob attempt to flee, only to be gutted alive by Caine and his Marines. His Dread Majesty Julian pronounced that that day would be forever known as the Day of Green Blood. While the False Emperor sleeps, the Gods of Chaos proved the truth of their words and freed Malathor from the grip of the Ork as they had promised.

During the celebrations, I saw a ship land amidst the camp. Caine and his Marines met it, bent on one knee in their power armour. A great figure emerged, grasping a staff that swirled with the power of the warp in his right hand. This was a man I knew only from whisper and rumour. The great architect, Sarados, the Captain of Alpharius himself. Dozens of worlds lay at his feet, but to try to discover his motives is akin to looking into the face of Tzeentch himself. At his side were those two great men of legend, Morax and Zharesh. As the Gods are my witness, to see such power gathered together in one place nearly overwhelmed my senses.

"Where is it?"

Caine rose to his feet and handed the Sorcerer Lord a bound tome. "My Lord, the Tome of Zi'srel is yours."

"Excellent," said Sarados, clasping it in his hands. Even beneath the cover of his ancient helm, I could tell that Sarados was jubilant. "At long last, our journey is nearly at end, brothers."

"I would disagree," said Morax, that mountain-like man, "The Orks were a simple matter... But I shall remind you all that the Loyalists are still gathering force in our own backyard. We would not do well to neglect them."

"No," said Zharesh, "It is not just Marines, my Lord. You have certainly detected the presence of the Inquisitor by now. His name is Alastor and I knew him once... he is the man who would have condemned me and I am eager to repay the favour. But make no mistake: He is quite resourceful. "

Sarados' eyes did not leave the book, but his voice was strong: "I have not searched and strived for this long to be foiled by a fledgling Chapter and a petty Inquisitor. The Oathkeepers have two paths open to them... they may either march underneath my banner and bring glory to the Dark Gods or die namelessly. For now, the Gods have given us their favour. We must begin the final stage as soon as possible."

"So be it," said Morax, crossing his arms.

"And let extend my compliments to you, Brother Caine, for your deeds here today," Sarados declared, raising a hand towards his still-kneeling champion, "Khorne himself must have smiled down upon these fields."

"I live but to serve," Caine answered, "Oh, and lest I forget: Julian requests an audience."

The Sorcerer Lord snorted: "Do you think I have time to waste on your pet Governor, Caine?"

"No. But I did promise him I'd ask," he answered with a smirk, "As for the Governor, he has been steadily losing Combat Patrols in the north. The Marines are almost certainly plotting an attack."

"Tell your Governor that if he cannot hold the frontier then perhaps he is not worthy of the grace the Gods have bestowed upon him. Oh, and tell him to clear away the Ork corpses. The stench of them disgusts me," Sarados laughed to himself and hefted the tome, "Now, if you will excuse me, I am eager to study my prize. Take heart, brothers... for our day shall soon come."

Holorecordings retrieved from the body of the Callidus Temple Operative Shelia Marin during her mission to scout the Ork south. The Operative was discovered by the Orks and killed at the eve of the battle.

Ik Headthumpa (Ed's note - Judging by the alien's size and manner, this Ork is most likely of 'Nob' rank): "Boss! The Boyz up in the Gork hills is runnin! Da humies is comin' straight for us!"

Warboss Grok Toofsmasha (Ed's note - According to the records kept by Julian before his betrayal, this Ork is the leader of the Waagh): "Dem spiky humies is wanting dis here praying place real bad. Julie's bringin' down all his boyz for dis one. Might got that big smelly thing with him too."

Ik: "They've got some right big tanks rollin' down with 'em too. I bets they'll make a nice pretty boom when we go chop 'em. Can we leave now, boss?"

Grok: "Shut yer hole, ya git. I'm the boss 'round here. And I's got me a cunnin' plan, see? Julie wants this here shrine thing, but he's forgettin' dat dis 'ere planet belongs to da Orks now. So gather da boyz round. We'll wait here and let da humies think we's runnin' scared. Den when they come down 'ere to go lookin' for shiny bits, we'll run out and bash 'em up nice and good, see?"

Ik: "You's sure is a slippery one, boss."

Grok: "Dat's right, see? And once we've made a nice proper job of 'em, we'll jump straight up over dem hills and make the rest of 'em into Squigfeed. So get out der and get da lads together nice and quick. We'z got us some humies to kill."

Ik: "You gots it, boss."

Transcript of a heretical text written by the Cultist Gol, detailing a meeting of the Chaos Lord Morax and his Sorcerer Zharesh following the successful ambush and annihilation of the Chaplain Varnus' convoy.

At the eighteenth hour, the guns fell silent. The Emperor's lapdogs, thirty three in all, lay broken before the Champions of the Dark Ones. Their ancient Dreadnought fell to the ground and a great cheer erupted amongst the Legion. Lord Morax gave the order that the bodies be stripped of arms and set aflame, so as to better please the Dark Gods and deny the geneseed from the Emperor's foul servants.

When this was done, Warp-Blessed Zharesh consulted the Changer of Ways and gave news to our master: "My Lord, loyalist reinforcements will be arriving in this area at any moment. It would not be wise for us to linger here any longer."

"I must agree. Make ready to march, all of you," Morax dictated and the Legion began to make preparations to fade back into the night. "And the Space Marine Chaplain?" Morax continued, turning towards the great Sorcerer, "What of him? I did not see his corpse numbered amongst the dead."

"He and eleven of his fellows slipped through our net and evaded pursuit," Zharesh answered, "A pity, claiming him would have dealt a harsh blow to Loyalist morale."

"Perhaps," Morax replied with a hiss, "But that man fought well."

Zharesh's red eyes narrowed, surveying his Lord carefully. "You sensed it too? The hatred... the fury... the lurking despair."

Morax nodded and licked his upper lip with his pointed tongue. "It does not take a Psyker to realize that Chaos whispers in his heart, even if he refuses to listen. He feels the truth every time he thirsts for our blood... To bring about a schism in the ranks of the Oathkeepers would serve our purposes well. He is not quite unlike you were once, brother."

"Do not remind me," Zharesh answered, "It is an agony greater than anything Grandfather Nurgle could conceive of to even be on the same planet as that foul Inquisitor."

"We shall claim him soon enough," Morax replied, "As for the Chaplain... Perhaps we may speak to Sarados of this matter. Already, I am very intrigued."

Conversation between Octavius Drakonis and Claudius Varnus, following his safe arrival at the St. Marika Monastery, as recorded by Yaz.

Claudius: "Betrayal!"

Octavius: "Who do you believe has betrayed who, Brother Chaplain?

Claudius: "I know not. But by the Emperor, I shall soon find out! How else could the convoy been intercepted? We took every precaution! And now Brother Artimas is dead, one of the most ancient and venerable Dreadnoughts in the entire Chapter! And thirty two of our Battle Brothers lie with him! We cannot simply ignore this!"

Octavius: "No one in the Company can be accused of ignoring the presence of a Chaos Legion. Brother Aetos is already tracking the Alpha Legion Marines that came upon you."

Claudius: "And if the Company itself has been penetrated by Warp Heresy?"

Octavius: "I do not suspect a single member of our Chapter of treachery. However, if this is your judgement as our Chaplain, then you are of course entitled to conduct whatever inquiries you feel are appropriate. Tell me, are you going to bring these concerns to our Brother-Captain?"

[Yaz here noted a moment's hesitation]

Claudius: "I intend to fully."

Octavius: "Very good. I'm certain he would be quite anxious to hear your concerns. But please remember, Claudius, that we are brothers. If there is indeed treachery in our ranks, then it will be rooted out. But nevertheless, only by standing together can the Emperor's light shine upon this planet once more."

Claudius: "I shall heed your words, Brother Librarian. The investigation will begin at once."

Taken from the private logs of Canoness Clara Amparion of the St. Marika Monastery

By the grace of the Divine Emperor, our noble sanctuary has been saved! Through our devotion, my Sisters and I drove back the foul Governor's dupes and held the tide long enough for reinforcement to arrive. I believe that the Emperor Himself intervened on our behalf upon this day, for it was his very own Angels of Death that came to us, dropping beside our humble chapel in drop pods and falling onto our enemies on wings of light.

The Chapter that has been sent to our world are called the Oathkeepers and theirs is a distinguished history, fighting against both Tyranid and Necron abominations on our frontier. Their peculiar name stems from a great battle wherein two seperate Chapters suffered heavy casualties fighting back a Tyranid swarm and then joined together as one in the aftermath, swearing an oath to honour their fallen comrades by bringing the light of the Emperor to the furthest corners of the galaxy.

When the battle was done their Company Commander, Isaiah Aetos, made obeisance at our chapel, entering its holy walls with helmet in hand and head held low. He is a tall man, standing a head above most of his Brothers. I wondered, looking at his great form, if perhaps I were gazing at a reflection of the Emperor Himself. The Brother-Captain prayed in front of our altars for some forty minutes, consecrating his blade with holy water and kissing the sacred ring that the foul Governor had tried to claim.

I offered the Marines lodging and a feast in their honour, however they are tireless in the service of the Emperor. "The Chapter and I appreciate the gratitude," Isaiah said to me, "But time is on the side of Chaos. Your sisters would be welcome to join us when we toast the Emperor in the Governor's halls however. For that victory will be yours as much as anyone." I intend to take him up on his offer.

For now, there are many wounded to treat. The Chief Librarian has already sent three of the Chapter Apothecaries to help tend the sick, along with a Tech Priest to begin repairs to the Chapel's structure, who I must now meet. I praise the Emperor again and again for delivering us from heresy. May his guiding light bring swift victory to his Marines. Amen.

The following is a transcript taken from the records kept by Yaz, Chapter Librarian Octavius' familiar.

Octavius: "We have much to be thankful for here. The prisoners we have taken claim that the Governor was quite keen on stealing the Emperor's ring. Might I recommend having it moved to the Pride of Terra?"

Isaiah: "The Sisters here did not hold against Chaos for so long only to have the Emperor's treasure taken from them. I would not wish to squander the Canoness' good will."

Octavius: "Wise. I am certain Varnus would agree. One further matter... my brother Alastor has finally arrived in system and is requesting an audience. Are you available?"

Isaiah: "Certainly."

[a moment or two of non-discussion was noted here by the Familiar. The Inquisitor enters, most likely summoned inside by Octavius through telepathy]

Isaiah: "Inquisitor Drakonis, it has been too long."

Alastor Drakonis: "Thank you, Captain. I am pleased to see that your Chapter is making such great progress on this world. But I am afraid great trials lie ahead. The monstrosities that the Governor has at his command are not to be underestimated. I have a trump card, but I need time. I ask that you hold off any greater offensive action for now."

Isaiah: "Time is of the essence, Inquisitor. Julian is currently captivated by his quarrel with the Ork, but once he realizes the danger that we represent to him, he will turn his forces on us. The consequences of a delay may be enormous."

Alastor: "But surely you recognize the threat of a trap. I remind you that we still know next to nothing about the Legion of Chaos that is pulling Julian's strings. Plunging headlong into his grasp may doom your men and this entire world."

Isaiah: "And should we wait for whatever reinforcements you might have, the designs of Chaos may come to fruition. Our Chapter will press on."

Alastor: "I have the utmost respect for the abilities of the Oathkeepers, Captain, but this is a task for the Inquisition. I do not wish to see the blood of the Emperor's finest spilled needlessly."

Isaiah: "And I assure you, Inquisitor, you will see no such thing."

Octavius: "I am inclined to side with my Captain here, Alastor, but we can at least take the extra time to bring up more resources from Fortress Loyalty. But wait, where is Varnus? He should be part of this discussion."

Isaiah: "His column was due here twenty minutes ago. Has he not yet arrived?"

Octavius: "I cannot sense his presence near the Chapel. Yaz, can you find out if he has he arrived yet?" [a pause, supposedly as the Familiar goes to do what is asked of him] "Hm, he has not. In fact, our scouts report seeing no sign of him in the immediate vicinity. Brother Teris has already taken the liberty of dispatching a Land Speeder squadron to investigate. "

Alastor: "Perhaps he was delayed? I believe the weather is quite harsh in these mountains. A twenty minute delay is no large matter."

Octavius: "It is not in the nature of our Chaplain to be tardy, Alastor."

Isaiah: "No... it is not."