"That is the situation." Ferrus Manus's furious voice echoed through the Heart of Iron. "Horus, that coward, that traitor, is hiding on Isstvan V! Does he think one vile massacre will frighten us? He's wrong!"
His silver fist slammed into the console beside him, leaving a distinct fist-shaped dent in its sturdy adamantium surface.
"I will personally twist his head off that pathetic spine of his!"
Vulkan watched his enraged brother, a flicker of concern passing through his crimson eyes. His voice carried a soothing strength as he spoke. "Ferrus Manus, my brother, I understand your anger. Horus's betrayal has set my heart ablaze as well. But anger cannot replace tactics. We know almost nothing about the defenses on Isstvan V. The Emperor's Children, the World Eaters, the Death Guard... they are all there too. This will be a hard battle."
"A hard battle?" Ferrus Manus sneered. "So what? My Iron Hands were born to conquer the strongest fortresses! As for Fulgrim... I will make him pay for his stupidity."
When he spoke Fulgrim's name, the hatred in his voice was almost tangible.
Corax's cool voice came from the shadows. "Ferrus Manus, Vulkan is right. We cannot let anger cloud our judgment. Horus is no fool as a commander. If he has gathered such a massive force on Isstvan V, he must have something planned. This could very well be a trap."
"A trap?" Ferrus Manus turned and glared at Corax, his eyes blazing with fury. "Of course I know it's a trap! But it's also an opportunity! An opportunity to wipe out every traitor in one stroke! We have three complete, full-strength loyal Legions! And four more Legions are on their way to reinforce us! The Iron Warriors, the Word Bearers, the Night Lords, the Alpha Legion... with them,