Ullach Brandon, the Iron Captain of the Iron Hands' 65th Company, looked toward the mouth of Fish-Shaped Valley, where a squad of Emperor's Children suddenly appeared.
They brandished their Duelling Blades and swiftly charged the Noise Marines.
Drawing on their extensive duelling experience, they had already devised their tactics when they received the order from the Palatine Blades' champion.
Duelling Blades pierced the Noise Marines' breastplates, punching through plasteel and layers of muscle fibers.
The sharp blades tore open flesh, severed sternums, and plunged into beating hearts.
They braced their forearms against the power armor and threw their full weight forward.
They tangled together and crashed onward.
The Noise Marines bore the impact of both sides' combined weight, the air crushed from their lungs.
As blood sprayed, the Palatine Blades twisted their swords, shredding the second heart.
They drove the corpses into the rear ranks, drawing their blades and attacking as sonic waves exploded the bodies.
"Why are the traitors fighting among themselves?" Cadmus Tyro, the attendant, asked in confusion.
"They have long since lost their honor," Ullach said. "They would turn on each other over anything."
"But we must remain vigilant. This could be one of their schemes."
Marius Vairosean, captain of the Emperor's Children's Third Company, surveyed the battlefield as he walked to the edge of the cliff.
"Akurduana, you betrayed Father and squandered his trust in you." He cursed furiously, then his face suddenly twisted into a smile.
"Traitor, I will kill you."
Before drawing strength from Beleka Kinska's song, he had never imagined he could contend with Akurduana.
But he had long since undergone a qualitative transformation. Easily destroying a powerful Dreadnought was the finest proof of it.
The flames of jealousy gnawed at Vairosean's mind. He yearned to replace Akurduana and become Father's most beloved