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."