Bjorn's strike halted in mid-air and turned aside. His opponents backed away. He looked to his primarch for guidance, expecting Russ to defy his brother's words and leap to the attack immediately. But he did not. Leman Russ waited, motionless, a look of such dismay on his face that it struck fear into Bjorn's heart. The Lord of Winter and War was decisive, a force of nature as potent as an ice storm, I unrelenting and merciless. But the appearance of his brother had ^ unmanned him. Consternation passed down through the Rout at Russ' hesitation. A tense calm descended upon the battlefield.

'Leman of the Russ, my barbarian brother,' said Horus. He lifted his claw and pointed a scythe-taloned finger. 'You disappoint me. This action of yours is suicide. How foolish you must feel, to throw your life away for the sake of loyalty to our abominable father.'

For the briefest span of time, Leman of the Russ' careful, contrived mask slipped. 'Horus, what have done to yourself?'

'I have become what I always have been.' Horus grinned. It was too wide and leering, not a human expression, but the smile of something else pushed out through a mortal face. It shrank back into his features, and his expression became sorrowful. 'Stop this now, Russ. Listen to me. I have learned the truth. I have seen the future. I know what disaster our father will inflict upon our species.'

'You have been lied to, my brother. Look around you, and your ship. These are not the trappings of civilisation you surround yourself with. It is madness! These items are worthy of Curze, not you.'

'They accurately reflect the truth of the universe as it is. To improve, you must embrace it. You will see, if you join me.'

Russ laughed in despair. 'You have lost all sense. You are a traitor, you are a tyrant. You are a monster.'

'I am the loyal one, loyal to humanity! You still follow the wicked despot who forged us, eating His lies so eagerly. Do you not see, the Emperor cares for nothing but Himself. He would burn our species upon the pyre to fuel His own ascension to godhood. You are blind to it. He blinded you the moment He came to your world. Do not blame yourself, Leman. You cannot help it. I do not blame you. Join with me, and I will forgive you.'

'Forgive me?' Russ' laughter grew wild, and blended with disbelieving tears. 'I cannot join you! Brother, brother look around you. Please. Look with honest eyes upon what you have wrought.'