The Third Son

[simison]

As the officers filed out of the briefing room, the Emperor spoke. And what of my assignment?

 

Alexandros froze. When the fleet was a day away from the system, he had placed himself deep into meditation as he surveyed the tides of the future. He had learned many things, how to trap his enemy, who would fight beside him, and more. Yet, nothing in his visions had forewarned him of this conversation. The idea of the Emperor being under his command felt like a joke. How could anyone presume to command the Emperor? 

 

Alexandros, the Emperor prodded. The hint of amusement at the edge of the thought was unmistakable. 

 

Yes, Father. After an instantaneous review of the battle plan, he replied. I want you to lead the second wave after we've confirmed the Miasma has completely committed to the fight. If, for any reason, my trap fails, I want you to intervene as you deem fit...my lord.

 

Very well, Lord VonSalim. It will be done as you order. The arachaeotech fields are already enroute to the Elpis. 

 

Thank you, Father. Alexandros finished as he exited the room. 

[Chiv]

I totally love your story so far and cant wait to see where you go with it :D

[Castellan Cato]

I like how the Emperor is fucntioning more as a friend here as opposed to what we generally see with the other Primarchs.  It works with other depcitions of him when he sees a kindred spirit.  It also sets up an opportunity for the fall of the II making him rethink that decision.

[simison]

Chapter 4: Beams of Light against Tendrils of Dark

 

One of the fringe benefits of being a Primarch was how little sleep one needed. It was a genetic triumph how much sleep his sons needed, only a few hours a day. And, if they pushed themselves, the space marines could go weeks without sleep. Yet, that paled in comparison to Alexandros' own needs. Half an hour was more than enough to get him by on a daily basis. For the sake of experimenting, he once tried to sleep as much as he could. Since he was essentially immune to sleeping pills, he had to do it naturally. His longest record was one hour and twenty-two minutes. Experimenting in reverse, he was able to stay awake for over a year without any kind of repercussion. Even then, he only felt a light drowsiness that he could banish with his warp-based skills. He suspected if he did master the art of biomancy, he could theoretically be able to be free of sleep indefinitely. An amusing thought, but one that did not hold his attention.

 

Still, he took advantage of his Primarch physiology and continued his early morning stroll through the new base. With only an hour left before the Miasma's arrival, base construction had been wrapped up and now only the auxiliaries on guard duty for the hour were awake. He used his free time by visiting the various guards. Speaking long enough to hear who they were, how were they, and to reassure them that victory would be theirs, time passed quickly as Alexandros completed his circuit.

 

To his eyes, one of the most entertaining displays of auras belonged to an army at sleep. As they slumbered, their dreams and thoughts experienced freedom, leading to low canopy of chaotic yet vibrant colors over the camp. Colors not even imagined by Man danced next to the Primarch, speaking of unspoken thoughts and desires. 

 

[simison]

The base itself featured a simple design. Aegis defense walls formed a rectangle around them. Two gates at the center of the short sides were the main entrances. Six bastion towers watched over them; one at each corner and two in the center of the long sides. In between the towers were additional weapon batteries and ammo caches. Wilhelm had feared the base was too well defended, but Alexandros had stymied his fears. So long as they looked like they were alone, the Miasma would fall for the trap. That's why it was okay that the weapon platforms on the far side of the camp happened to feature weapons with greater ranges. 

 

Alexandros activated a private vox channel as he glanced at the hills on either side of the valley. "Irvin, what's your status?"

 

"We're finishing one last inspection before we take our position. I have every assurance that the invisible fields can be activated in a moment's notice, Alex."

 

"Excellent, keep me informed." Alexandros switched channels. "Ricksher, are your marines, ready?" 

 

"Father, all you have to do is give the word, and the Miasma's leadership will fall," Ricksher replied. 

 

"That's why I gave your company the entire list of Eldar leaders. How large is the betting pool on who kills Xenevo?"

 

There was a sheepish pause before Ricksher answered. "It's roughly two hundred thrones, my lord." It was true that no marine every needed money, but that didn't stop some marines from gambling for entertainment amongst their brothers.

 

With a chuckle, Alexandros said as he finished his tour around the base, "Very well, I'll refrain from adding to the pool myself. Keep your men ready. The time is almost upon us."

[simison]

"Father."

 

Alexandros turned as Gaius walked up to him. "Yes, son?" 

 

"My brothers and I are finishing with preparations. We need only a few minutes more."

 

"Excellent," Alexandros said. A pause stood for a moment as the Primarch couldn't help but notice the dark ball of doubt at the center of Gaius' aura. "What troubles you, Gaius?"

 

"You already know what's wrong," Gaius pointed out.

 

Alex nodded. "True, but some would rather be given the chance to speak of it before I would. If you insist on otherwise, you are worried about the upcoming battle. Specifically, you are worried that you will be lost again."

 

"All eight of us were lost," Gaius explained. "None of us have been in combat since. What happens if we lose control again? Our honor is already spoiled, but what of yours? I don't doubt your ability to claim victory, even if we are afflicted with mania, but how could you save face in such a scenario?"

 

"Gaius," Alex began as he laid a hand on his son's shoulder, the palm covering the entire width of the shoulder. "I won't lie to you. There is a chance that madness will seek another hold upon you and your brothers. However, don't worry. I will protect all of you from that pit. I will prove to you and the Imperium that this malignant tumor will not haunt our legion name. I swear upon the Emperor it will be so."

 

The ball of doubt shrunk before vanishing entirely. Gaius nodded. "I believe you, Father." 

 

"After today, you will not need faith. It will be fact." Alexandros glanced down the valley. "They're five minutes away. It's time." 

 

As Gaius hurried to his post, Alexandros spread his consciousness. The auxiliaries on duty were wary as they had been warned of the appointed hour. In a moment, Gaius was at his spot along the aegis line, the last psyker to take his place. Now, my sons. Manipulating the Warp and the eyes of men, Alexandros and his eight sons vanished from sight. Over the vox, another announcement came.

 

"Activating stealth fields," Irvin said. "Fields activated. Captain Ricksher, confirm."

 

"Confirmed. We can't see and neither can the scanners. You've gone dark."

 

"Beginning countdown. Remaining time: two hours, fifty-seven minutes, and forty-nine seconds."

 

They're here.

 

Alexandros focused his mind's eye at the portal entrance. Two minds as black as Old Night hovered near the gate.

[simison]

They were quickly joined by another half dozen. Within their own minds echoed the sounds of wind and speed. Jetbikes. The scouting party waited for the last two members before the group took off at full speed. It was not long before Alexandros could physically see them. The fallen Eldar paused as they noted the new base in their valley. They split in two as the groups circle around the base on the valley walls. Their thoughts were amused with a sick hope for slaughter. 

 

Alarms sounded within the base as the 102nd became alert to the enemy. Auxiliaries rushed from their tents, throwing on gear as they reported to their designated zones. Instead of being fearful of losing the advantage of surprise, the reavers laughed, confident that this small force would be easy prey for the Miasma. They reached the farthest point in their encirclement. Behind them, Alexandros could see the auras of the recon marines as the reavers reached the closest point to them. 

 

Time paused as one Eldar gazed onto the plateau. 

 

Then he turned away as the jetbikes headed back to the portal, eager to bring news of their discovery back to Xenevo. 

 

"Did it work?" Wilhelm asked over the vox.

 

"For this party," Alexandros assured him. "Xenevo will send one more. Larger and with more dedicated sensors. That will be the true test."

[simison]

Not long after the jetbikes return to the portal, a large hover-ship comes out of the Webway. The raider traveled to the halfway point between the two camps as more Miasma forces spilled out of the portal. It sat there as it began its scans. Alexandros kept diligent watch over the minds of the Raider as they reviewed the incoming information. He thought of the marines atop of the ridges around them. His mind snapped into focus as one of the Eldar noticed a discrepancy, which just happened to be where Captain Ricksher's position was located. Can't allow that. 

 

Alexandros reached.

 

Before the Eldar could comment on it, Alexandros was in its mind. A filthy place that he hated visiting, but work was to be done. He implanted a single thought. Better double-check. The fallen Eldar closed his mouth as he re-read the data. A simple illusion hid the anomaly. It read the paper a third time, confused. The illusion remained, saying that all was expected. Alexandros tugged at its bloodlust. It wanted a release, and why should it be denied because it read it wrong? Sated, the Eldar voiced the all-clear in its tongue, while putting away its findings. 

 

With a triumphant smile, Alexandros returned his focus back to his body. He contacted Wilhelm. "They've taken the bait. Prepare for full-frontal assault."

Edited July 11, 2015 by simison

[simison]

I was hoping to have another post done by now, but que sera sera. I'm in the middle of a move, and will be busy for another week. On the plus side, I'm not dead.

[simison]

For the next half an hour, the advance elements of the Miasma guarded the gate as the rest of their forces steadily exited. This left the 102nd in the unenviable position of waiting for the enemy as they gathered their strength. Reports were sent to Wilhelm and Alexandros every ten minutes from the ship in orbit as they scanned the enemy forces. So far, Alexandros estimates had held true, which offered some relief to the mortal commander. However, as the minutes dragged by, Alexandros wasn't blind to the rising tensions of the troopers. A fog of dark grey seeped into the unit's aura as they waited. But they were Solar Auxilia. Any complaints made were only whispered as discipline held them to their posts. 

 

Consulting his internal clock, Alexandros knew that they wouldn't have to wait longer for action. "Commander, five minutes before the first wave mobilizes." 

 

"Yes, my lord."

 

One of the nearby junior officers hesitantly glanced in Alexandros' direction. "My lord? Will they really waste a tenth of their forces in a futile attack?"

 

"Yes. Recently, Xenevo discovered one of his lieutenants conspiring against him and has given the 'honor' of striking first with his detachment. Xenevo is hoping they'll be wiped out, while reducing our defenses."

 

Not a moment after the Primarch had finish speaking, a portion of the Miasma organized themselves into an attack formation. Grav tanks bristling with warriors established a strong center, while jetbikes and Hellions filled the flanks. 

 

Alexandros opened a vox channel. "Remember Captain Ricksher, you and your company are not to engage, until the last Miasma element is away from the portal."

 

A reluctant affirmative answered. 

[jimbo13]

I love it. I wait for the updates and drop whatever I'm doing to read.

[simison]

The first wave resembled a large V-formation when they finally began to move across the valley. Although odds of survival were the low, Xenevo's lieutenant was intent on maximizing his chances. Alexandros spotted his mind at the rear of the entire formation. Making a soft sound of disgust, he scoured the warrior's mind without disturbing it. He learned that his best warriors had been assigned to his right flank. "Sub-Commander Wilhelm. The strongest blow will fall on our left."

 

"Affirmative, my lord." Over the vox, Alexandros listened as Wilhelm deployed one of the reserve Leman Russes to the proper flank. When designing battle plans, enough space existed between tercios to allow re-deployment of their small vehicle fleet, if necessary. A Russ Exterminator rumbled forward between infantry as it bolstered their defenses. 

 

As the enemy force reached the halfway point between the camp and the webway gate, engines screamed as the entire force moved all out. One of the lieutenants on a tower reported, "Less than thirty seconds until enemy reached weapon range."

 

Alexandros took a deep breath. His consciousness split into several hundred pieces as his mind expanded and enveloped the soldiers closest to him. Hundreds of futures played out in front of him. My sons. Following their father's example, the Storm Rider psykers opened their minds to the Warp as they sought to boost their allies. One shard of Alexandros stood next to the auxilia operating one of the quad guns. In ten seconds, that grav tank is going to attempt to 'hop' over your first volley, he warned as he highlighted the Raider in the man's mind. Thanks to Alex's initial briefing, the trooper only twitched before nodding his head. Show it its folly of attacking Humanity and bring it down.

 

Yes, my lord. The trooper, Bru, answered. 

 

The seconds ticked.

 

"Enemy has reached weapons range!"

 

Thunder roared down the line as quad guns, autocannons, and other heavy weapons opened fire.

 

True to his vision, the pilot of the raider briefly boosted his grav's strength, and it went into the air. Into the waiting fire of Bru's shots. The heavy-caliber rounds tore through the tanks weak armor, and the vehicle exploded. Alexandros could see half of the warriors aboard be consumed by fire and shrapnel. The survivors stumbled away from the wreck. Alexandros smiled.

 

First blood.

[deathspectersgt7]

 

[simison]

The raider wasn't the only one to explode as other unlucky grav tanks were hit at critical locations. Nor did they occupy the 102nd's full attention. Hellions and Reavers were shredded by ballistics raining through them. The only vehicles to avoid the wrath of the Imperium were the Venoms as they weaved and ducked behind the larger raiders. 

 

Cowards, Alexandros thought to himself as he directed Gru to fire on one as it slipped out from a raider. It did not die in fire, but a hit against the engines brought it to a halt where it could safely be destroyed later. If there was one thing Alex was thankful for the Dark Eldar was there short-ranged weapons. Unfortunately, this one-sided fight couldn't last much longer. Even from here, his augmented sight could see disintegrator cannons and splinter weapons lock onto targets as they reached firing range. 

 

Ten seconds before the counter-fire arrived, Alexandros asked, "Wilhelm, estimated enemy casualties?"

 

The Auxilia commander was prompt. "Estimated 18-22%, my lord."

[simison]

It'll do, Alexandros thought to himself as the main shard of his mind returned to its body.

 

Five seconds passed.

 

The small army of Darshans shifted their attention from offense to defense. To a void sergeant seven meters off to his left, Darshan warned him that a crystal of a splinter rifle would embed itself in his cheek, if he didn't drop to his knees in two seconds. Along the wall, another Darshan urged one of the quad gunners to shove himself against the aegis wall, lest a distingerator ray destroy him and his gun. A dozen examples followed as Darshan did all he could to shield his charges from harm. 

 

The enemy entered into range.

 

A storm of poisoned crystals crashed into the Imperial defenses. Despite Darshan's efforts, auxiliaries screamed as crystals cut through their chests. More followed as men who were only nicked became overcome by the vile poisons coursing through their bodies. To Darshan, intense colors of red rage, dark agony exploded before the human lights faded out into death. 

[simison]

Although invisible, a stray round could've pierced his enormous physical form. Hence, why the main shard of his mind returned to its home. Moving only when necessary, the Aegis intercepted all incoming fire. And perhaps a few shots directed at the men behind him. In the chaos of battle, Alexandros knew no corrupted Eldar was going to notice a few shots stopping mid-air. As the distance between the two armies closed, the cacophony reached new heights when the Auxilia added their lasguns to the fray. Unable to harm the grav tanks, the Hellions and Reavers felt the full force of the lasgun volleys. The squads too eager to hide behind the raiders were slaughtered to a xeno. As the last easy kill crashed to the ground, the battle intensified as targets reached maximum effective range of infantry weapons . More Solar Auxilia fell to the foul xeno weapons as field medics did all they could to save any, but the Eldar suffered worse as the first transports reached Imperial lines. 

Squads of warriors leaped off Raiders and Venoms, firing, as they sprinted towards the camp's perimeter. Darshan twitched as he felt one of his son's choler rising, along with his bolter. Not yet, Vitz. The Storm Rider answered with a chastened, I obey, Father. During the exchange, the 102nd proved its discipline. The few tercios being charged went fell auto, trading accuracy for weight of fire. The lasgun rounds reaped ranks of xeno warriors, dropping entire squads at a time.

[simison]

One xeno's hand briefly touched the wall before he was cut down. His companions, the few left, broke and ran toward the wreck of their former transport. It did them no good as they would die in due time. As Alexandros' eyes scanned the field, he was happy to note that no other Eldar had come as close. In fact, this brief assault was already collapsing. The Dark Eldar simply lacked the numbers to soak the damage being done to them. Combined with the Storm Riders' divination, the 102nd's accurate salvos beat back the few charges made. 

 

Now, Eldar grav tanks attempted to do what damage they could, while dodging incoming fire as troops huddled around wrecks. Despite their prodigious speed, the Hellions and the Reapers had been cleansed from the sky. It would not be long before this first attack was over.

[simison]

While the Miasma died, Alexandros opened a channel to Wilhelm. "How many casualties?" 

"My lord, despite the forces arrayed against, I'm pleased to report we only lost five percent of the unit. I was expecting at least fifteen percent and, at least, several instances of close combat with these hellish creatures. Yet, this has far exceeded my expectations. I've also noted that casualties near yourself and the other Storm Rider...specialists are unusually light. My only concern is that our performance may cause Xenevo to make a tactical withdrawal." 

"You needn't worry, Wil," Alex answered. "His pride won't let him leave this early." He switched channels. "Irvin, are the generators continuing to perform as expected?" 

"Yes, my lord. The only issue is time. We're nearing the second hour, and there's no sign of the main Miasma force mobilizing." 

"Don't worry, Irvin. It won't be long now." 

Darshan turned his attention toward his enemy. He knew what Xenevo was waiting on. The Archon had finished preparing his forces and was now watching his Lieutenant and his men die beneath the 102nd's guns. To him, it was an amusing spectacle. While Darshan also relished the death of these foul beings, this was no time to dawdle. Most of the first wave had succumbed, leaving the Lieutenant and a few of his guards, hiding behind a wreck while pressing themselves against the ground. A pointless effort that would buy, at most, a few more minutes. 

Darshan decided to help them meet their end sooner. The four warriors only had a moment to recoil from his mind invading their own. In seconds, he subjugated their wills, eager to be done with this small task. Now in control, he forced them to stand to their feet before making them leap over their only cover. They covered three meters before each of them was burned to death by a dozen rays burning through them. 

Xenevo mentally 'tsked' in his mind as one shard of Darshan listened in on his thoughts. His entertainment taken from him, he gave the order everyone was waiting for: attack.

[simison]

As large as that first attack was, it paled as the entire Kabal launched from their assembly area. The air filled with grav engines screaming into the air as the Miasma took off at breakneck speeds toward the base. Fear and discipline warred within each human's mind as thousands of xeno warriors came straight at them. There would be no easy victory for the Auxilia here. Although he sympathized with his charges, Alexandros was eager to reveal himself. While a tactical necessity, being invisible had an air of cowardice about it. Human engines rumbled as Wilhelm deployed two more Leman Russ squadrons to the front line. The extra firepower would be sorely needed. 

Again, Darshan's consciousness split into dozens of shards, all connected to the main shard within his physical body. Thousands of futures played before their eyes as they navigated the path to victory. Captain Ricksher's voice came over the vox. "Last enemy unit is one hundred meters away from Webway entrance. No xenos unit is making any attempt to protect their path of retreat." 

Ricksher's marines knew they couldn't engage until the xenos were one two kilometers away from the entrance. A glance revealed that the forward elements of the Miasma would be within max weapons range in less than a minute. There was no doubt that the 102nd would have to endure the enemy attack for precious seconds before the Storm Riders could counter-attack. 

"Last enemy unit three hundred meters away from Webway entrance."

[simison]

Again, Imperial artillery started a cacophony as they sought to wound the approaching xeno beast. Darshan and the Storm Rider psykers guided their shots to maximum effect as grav tanks were brought low. But this dark flood would not be denied. Coordinating a dozen distingerator rays, Xenevo had them target the center Bastion. The Imperial tower's armor weathered a few of the rays before it was overwhelmed. The entire tower exploded, ripping a hole in the defence lines as troopers were thrown and shredded. Alexandros jerked his shield to his side to ward off a wave of shrapnel, while his body absorbed the concussion without ill effect. 

"Fill that gap!" Alexandros commanded as he inched towards the new crater. Over the vox, Wilhelm ordered reserve lasrifle sections into the breach and to create any kind of emplacement they could. Auxiliaries rushed forward, dodging Eldar rounds as they shoved debris into a makeshift line. By this point, the Miasma had closed the remaining weapons distance. The entire line was now engaged as lasrifles pumped volleys into the approaching xenos. Reaver jetbike squadrons cut through the nearest corners, slicing off limbs and heads as they aimed their blades at the unfortunate troopers. The last of the Leman Russes opened fire as the attempt to stem the tide. 

"Last xeno unit one kilometer away," Ricksher announced. 

Six Raiders halted near the breach. As splinter shards washed over the nearby human elements, the first of hundreds of xeno warriors jumped out of the skiffs. The growing mob charged at the pinned troopers. 

Finally. 

At the head of this wave was an eager Sybarite wielding a spiked whip. He lashed out and two troopers fell shrieking. He leaped over the ad hoc wall as he readied his whip. The warriors behind him halted when the Sybarite's head slipped off his neck. 

Casting off the invisibility, Alexandros towered above them all with an eager grin as blood dripped off of Xiphos. "Defenders of the Imperium, we will stand!"

Edited September 6, 2015 by simison

[simison]

For all of the vulgarities of their race, these fallen Eldar obeyed one universal rule of war: never fire into close combat. beating prisoners during battle, torturing enemy combatants on whim, betraying superior officers. All this was acceptable yet not firing into assaults. While peculiar, Alexandros intended to take full advantage of it. His mere presence terrified the warriors standing before him, but he needed enough of them to prevent the rest of the Miasma from shooting him. Not even he could hope to deflect that many shots. He invaded the minds of a dozen warriors and forced them onward even as the rest of the warriors fled. 

Xiphos sang through the air the Primarch sliced his way through the first six of them. Limbs and heads toppled onto the ground before the xenos made their reply. Seeing three steps ahead of them, Alexandros parried blades and blocked blows with complete accuracy. He bashed against one warrior with his shield and the Eldar remained consciousness long enough to feel several thousand bones break before collapsing. Their pitiable armor opened before Xiphos' edge. The lone survivor turned to run, saved as three more squads charged in. Alexandros memorized the runner's face. He would not reach Commorragh this day. 

[simison]

Although facing against more than twenty warriors, Alexandros never lost sight of the battle around him. The entire 102nd was engaged. The forward Miasma infantry units had taken heavy casualties but had ended the Imperials' range advantage as they had charged over the wall. The jetbikes and hellions had flown around the base, unleashing salvos and attacked both flanks and the rear sections of the base. Skimmers had spread out as they continued blasting away, taking down two Leman Russes and another tower. 

Alexandros was aware of all of this even as the human lines were beaten back. Auxiliaries swung rifles as clubs against their nimble foes, but were dying as corrupted Eldar wielded more lethal arms against them. In the minutes since Alex had cast off his cloak of invisibility, he was slowly being surrounded by a sea of spikes. The auxiliaries closest to him fought hard as his telepathic voice forewarned them out of death's hand. Other shards of Darshan stood next to other auxiliaries, telling them when to duck, block, or dodge out of the way of danger. All the while, he kept his own vision split between his enemies and the future. 

Another squad of Eldar warriors broke beneath his prowess, over half their slain dead. Yet, they were now the exception instead of the rule. While Alex stood untouched, the numbers were dramatically shifting against him. More warriors were running towards him, eager to be the first to draw his blood. Drawing as much danger as he could away from the auxiliaries, Alex shouted challenges as Xiphos drowned in their cruor. He swung his shield and four more warriors dropped, their bodies broken. 

Wilhelm was shouting across the vox. "Pull back the Russes!" 

From within his mind's eye, Alex could see what was happening. On their right flank, one daring group of jetbikes had flown right over one of the towers, slicing through the men on top of the battlements. Their appetite only whetted, they had continued deeper into the base and were now trying to find a weak spot on two Russes who had been lobbing shells forward. Engaged, the tank drivers threw their engines into reverse while the gunners futilely fired at the speeding demons. Several nearby lasrifle sections double-timed toward the fight. Yet, for every second the jetbikes were harassing the tanks was another second of denying their needed firepower to the Imperials. 

"By Terra, what are those?" Bru cried. 

Alexandros already knew of what he spoke of. Advancing toward them, a rabble of giants unleashed muffled roars beneath metal helmets. Bulging muscles and surgery scars were the least of their horrid afflictions as they hungered for battle. Their titles echoing through the Eldars' minds: grotesques.

[jimbo13]

Loving it. I love when I get an email regarding a new post from your writing. It's so exciting!!!

[simison]

[Thanks for the encouragement, jimbo!]

The Son of the Emperor stepped forward, slicing through three xeno chests. "Watch my back," he ordered the few troopers with him. 

"Yes, my lord!" They answered him. It was an unspoken mercy. No auxiliary appreciated being told to get behind someone else, but these monsters were beyond them. 

Swinging butcher cleavers the size of men and hideous mechanical gauntlets, the grotesques charged. 

Darshan roared, voice charged with the power of the Warp. The Eldar were forced back, giving him the few precious seconds he needed to imbue that same power into his sword. Now, armed with an ethereal edge, Alexandros met them head on. He dodged the clumsy first blow and nicked the monster on the arm. It squealed as its inhuman life was sucked out of it. In one future, a cleaver embedded itself in his side because he took one extra step to the left. In reality, he moved right, deflecting the cleaver with his shield before plunging his sword into this grotesque's chest. Like the other, the Warp made a mockery of it's unholy resilience. 

Now, he was surrounded by the monsters.

[simison]

Around them, explosions and shrapnel cleared the area. Alexandros could hear Wilhelm yell orders, rerouting precious Leman Russ support fire to keep any more Eldar from overwhelming the Primarch. The ten giants would be challenge enough, Alexandros reluctantly agreed. With brute single-mindedness, the grotesques attacked. Alexandros parried, blocked, and dodged. But even with his prescient vision, he was overwhelmed. A cleaver caught him in the side, his armor reducing it to a small gash. A metallic claw tore at his shoulder, piercing adamantium to wreck muscle. 

Alexandros made them pay dearly for drawing his blood. Sword still glowing purple from the Warp, he struck at their weak souls, snuffing them out in a single blow. He cut, stabbed, and thrusted. Four of the monsters succumbed, leaving six more to hunger for his life. Behind him, he could hear the auxiliaries shouting as several sections abandoned their dictated positions to come to his aid. The troopers who had stood with him had been driven back by the tide of Eldar warriors. He stood alone. If another stood in his place, Alex wouldn't have blamed him from fearing he had underestimated his enemy. 

Alex knew better. 

"Last xeno unit two kilometers away from the Webway!" Ricksher declared. 

Three events occurred simultaneously. 

Far behind the Miasma, an explosion of light occurred before replaced by a golden light. The Emperor had entered the field of battlefield. A hundred Eldar heads exploded as Ricksher's snipers announced their support. Above all of this, humans and xenos were briefly deafened as jump packs screamed all around them. Flying through the air, Irvin and his assault marines reached the apex of their flight, dimming the valley with hundreds of shadows. Darshan could taste the delicious surprise echoing from the Eldar minds. 

The trap had sprung.