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."