Horus pointed his maul at Russ. 'I name you a dupe worthy of nothing but death. However, you are my brother, there are others of us who fight with me, so I shall offer you the choice one last time. The Emperor told me, the day we first met, that together we could perform such marvellous things. He is a liar, but He was right about that. With you at my side, we can reshape the galaxy. We were the first to stand together - let us do so again, for the profit of all humanity.'

'A tempting offer,' said Russ insincerely. He gave a half-smile. 'Save your breath. You know what my reply is. Look at the things with you. You commanded me to strike Magnus down when you dabble with far worse.'

'You did strike him down, so very eagerly. You always were easily led. A hot-headed fool, desperate to please as any hound. For a scrap of affection you would sell your own life.' Horus grinned. A thousand boltguns were brought to readiness. He gestured at the strangely armoured warriors. They moved forwards, and it became clear their strangeness was not down to artifice. They had changed into things that could not be called men. 'These are my Luperci. They are a foretaste of what is to come. You look upon the true power of the galaxy.'

'I'm looking at a monster,' said Russ. 'I have slain my share of them. You will be next.' He readied his spear.

Horus gmnted thickly.

'So be it. I expected nothing else but your loyalist yapping, little wolf, but I was willing to give you a chance to embrace change. Very well. You will die by my hand. I take no pleasure in this.'

'As the monsters always say,' said Russ. 'And they say that because they cannot face the truth.'

'Do you think you can beat me now, brother?' roared Horus. 'Witness the power I command. Witness what our father kept away from us!'

Horus charged, propelling the many tonnes of his adapted Terminator plate into a thunderous run with ease. His giant maul he held high overhead, ready to strike.

Russ met the blow with a double-handed block, taking the mauls head on the blade of his spear. A shock wave of empyrical energy blasted outwards, knocking Space Marines over and tumbling them head over heels.

Horus struck again, and Russ staggered back.

Boltguns roared a thunder to match the lightning of their clash, and battle was joined once more.