The hour-long orbital bombardment turned the land around Tizca into a sea of fire. The ground scoured by phosphorous bombs was left utterly barren.
When the bombardment ended, Tizca still stood, like an island amid an ocean of ashes, protected by shimmering shields.
Its majestic marble walls were unscathed, its magnificent Pyramids floated in the air, surrounded by soaring towers.
Before the bombardment had fully ceased, iron-gray storm clouds had already descended upon Tizca.
As the dark clouds drew closer, their true form gradually emerged.
Waves of Gunships, Assault Boats, and Troop Transports led the way, followed by Heavy Transport Ships carrying armored forces and artillery.
Three hundred Sokar-pattern Stormbirds were the first to dive, skimming over the burning sea as they struck Tizca's northeastern quarter.
The Stormbird formation swept into the port facilities along the western boundary that separated the city from the Sea of Valpur.
The first iron-gray Sokar-pattern Stormbird flew over the port, its savage prow painted with the emblem of twin Wolves.
Several missiles screamed through the air and crashed among fishing boats that had set out at dusk.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fishing boats laden with catches exploded into fragments, scattering wreckage across the tidal flats.
Artillery swept through the area, blasting the fishermen into bloody mist.
Landing gear slammed down, and the instant the Stormbirds touched ground, their assault ramps crashed open.
Giants clad in wolf pelts leapt from within. Leman Russ was the first invader to set foot on Prospero.
He threw back his head and roared, while Freki and Geri howled furiously at either side.
Dozens of Sokar-pattern Stormbirds rushed toward the berths of the Wolf King's flagship, missiles trailing flames as they struck fuel towers and supply depots.
Iron-gray Thunderhawks and Troop Transports landed at speed, crushing the marble seawalls and disgorging