Icelos saw the traitors, but not ones of the hydra. Ones that bear the mark of the 1st legion's brothers. The Angels of Absolution.

His shot was successful. The plasma bolt ripping through the armor with ease and leaving a black hole against their white armor. The blizzard was harsh and their armor color did not help in revealing them. Technically they were firing at silhouettes. The only thing that gave them away was the bright blue jets of the Jump packs.

"Men, keep your heads down and fire at the Traitors. Priority by range! These Astartes were once true warriors of the Emperor, raised in his holy light, they even hail from the first legion. The honor of being the first legion to receive the Emperor's blessing knows no bounds, yet they toss it aside! For their own damned ideals! And now you, the average Human stands strong. The Emperor must look upon us. For this battle is a disgrace to his name. Hold the line! Send their souls to their dark gods!"

After his morale boosting speech, he holstered both the pistol and Power axe. He had precious seconds to thin the ranks before the melee combat will begin. A losing battle for him and his men.

Pulling up his Bolter, he fired off burst's of Kraken bolts down the pale battlefield. He kept his Power axe's handle in his hand. Soon he would see the Traitors face to face.

Fenix shook off the initial shock from the blast and subsequent slug through the thigh. Assessing the damage; didn't feel like it was still in their, but just to be safe Fenix injected a stim to keep the blood flowing. Dart was no where to be found, Fenix hoped this meant the servo-skull had retreated.
It was then a large shadow was caste over where she laid in the snow. An even larger Ogryn back stood before Fenix, not looking at her as he spoke.
'He came back for me? Why?'
Using the much needed cover, Fenix shoved a piece of cloth into the wound to stop the bleeding. Then proceeded to reload both ripper and plasma pistols. Fenix had both ready in time to see the advancing Alpha Legion marines.
"We're screwed! Get out of here you moron! They're going to kill us. If you start running you can make it back..."
Fenix trailed off as she finally took note of Edd's injuries. This whole time, he had not once shown his back to the enemy. It didn't have a scratch on it. Tell him to run wouldn't do a thing to change his mind, what little there was of it.
"You're a credit to the guard Edd. I'm sorry I treated you and you're friend so poorly. Now that that's out of the way. Why don't we take as many of them with us to the otherside?"
Fenix said this, and shakily got to her feet. Slightly leaning on Edd for support. The jump pack appeared operational. If Fenix abandoned Edd, she might just make it back...
'I don't run either. I do only two things; kill and get paid. Dying doesn't factor into either.'
Fenix prepared a melta grenade, ready to go out with a bang.

<Battle for Knosos Keep>

<Right Wing>

@Loldoom As Sigismund threw himself in the melee, he could see that first couple of Marines staggered a bit, one even falling to his knees and thus allowing the Knight to easily ram his lance into superhuman's neck. Other one tried to raise his bolt pistol but he merely toppled over to the ground, the Knight running over him. The last one activated his jump pack to go up, only to be met midair by the skull-faced warrior who's black axe cleaved him in two before jumping down, his wrist-mounted bolter cooling off. The two of them, similar in a way that one was born of an aristocratic family and the other also being a son of a tribal warlord in another life, fought side by side. Marmaroth knew to what heights can righteous zeal rise a warrior, so he wasn't surprised when he watched as Sigismund kept up, finishing off those unlucky to survive his initial onslaught.

@Grall_Stonefist Dorallius's flaming attack pushed those Angels out of their cover, right in the line of Stormtroopers who were advancing alongside the Excoriator. Precise shots killed couple of Marines, making huge holes in their armor but still it took much effort to bring even one of them down, while in turn they sold their lives dearly, killing many as they fell. Still, there was a finite number of them and it would eventually show.

Due to the timely intervention by Chaplain and Amraphel, the Leman Russ Demolisher kept on going and finally fired couple of good shots at the wall, which rewarded them with a huge earthquake that signaled the creation of a big hole in it, enough for at least twenty marines to go through at the same time. The enemy began slowly retreating, the Devastators providing covering fire as the Tactical squads pulled back a bit, trying to create a cordon around the breach, finding cover amongst the piles of rubble. The fighting continued, only now they had something to go through, however it didn't look as if they would go through it without suffering severe casualties.


<Left Wing>

@Xaphen Icelos managed to score two more kills as he once again had to duck in order to evade incoming bolts. But that also allowed him to see as number jump packs were flashing in the snowy sky, going straight for him. Since he wasn't wounded there was no issue of moving away from the impact radius, but there won't be dodging the battle. He soon saw that he was pitted against no less than seven Space Marines led by a Sergeant with a power sword, all of them going straight for him. (OOC you can kill two of them with your next post. No Sergeant ).

@lord-watchman Tempestus met with the other enemy squad, his big sword cleaving one of the Marines in two while the discharge of his psychic energy zapped another two. His senses also registered couple of hull breaches, the las fire damaging his outer shell but not hitting any important systems. Three squads of Stormtroopers advanced alongside him, clearing the way and dissuading any further ranged fire towards the Venerable Dreadnought. The wall was close now, perhaps 700-800 meters away. But then the advance was halted by a hail of bullets that ripped the Stormtroopers apart, killing two thirds where they stood. Such was the sheer brutality that it made those men still alive stop dead in their tracks and just throw themselves around, trying to find cover before they were sniped by Tacticals that stood on the walls. From the blizzard another thing came into view, seals of purity attached to its armor where number of writings in High Gothic decorated the hull. The thing was much like Tempestus himself, only this one had a huge power fist for his left hand and an assault cannon for its right. It stood directly in Watchman's path, the challenge clear. Two Dreadnoughts stood face to face and only one will walk away to tell the tale.


<Center>

@DeranVendar Salamander heard number of affirmatives across his vox link, the Stormtrooper squads arranging in a way as he commanded them, Lord Commissar assisting where he was able, speaking usual Imperial Guard zealotry stuff on the vox and pushing the men to their limits. There will be no defense - only attack. It was also clear that the enemy was consisted of only Angels of Absolution while the warriors of the 20th were still hidden from their sight. As for himself, Feron managed to stop the enemy Tacticals in their tracks with some good marksmanship, the Angels holding their position for the moment and returning fire before more of the Stormtroopers arrived, which was the moment those Tacticals began their retreat to another position further back, supporting some Devastator squad that got under fire.

@PorOborosCain @DaKaptin Fenix and Edd found their lives a little bit easier once Devastators stopped the direct firing and went to take another position. Of course, what came at them was a hail of bolts from couple of bolter-carrying Space Marines, some of them managing to score hits through weak spots in Edd's armor and drawing blood across his arms, that added to the fact the Ogryn was now riddled with bullets (most of them held by his improved armor but still many impacts could be seen across his form) but was still standing. As for the melta grenade, there were no enemies in the close vicinity so throwing it would be useless at the moment. But then, as the line pushed, number of Stormtroopers began approaching and the signal for advance was given. No retreat, no surrender.

Sadly, most of their focus now was on protecting ranged assets, keeping the Apothecary alive and pushing the line. Dealing with the Assault Marine element in their midst was yet to prove the most troublesome, as the quick-moving warriors prevented pushes in some of the directions, hindering the troops and thinning the ranks, killing with reckless abandon.

@Shadhunter Jean was in such problem as she was assaulted by those very warriors. One of them fell to her firing but they were fast, reaching her before she had chance to realign her aim. The chainsword flashed and scratched against her head, the artificed helm holding on. @Vulpas However, she saw that another one of them fell to Volorox's blade, the Marine quick as they and going easily toe to toe with them. Sadly, there were more of them incoming, firing their bolt pistols as they closed range, punching through Sister's arm armor and drawing blood while couple of those found their purchase across Marine Malevolent's chest, making him clench his teeth. (OOC you are being attacked by seven Assault Marines. Each of you can kill two with your next post, just keep in mind one of those guys is directly in front of Jean while other six are inc).

@DaKaptin Rocky's aiming managed to hit one of the attackers in the back of his helmet, the modified ammo pushing through the power armor and dropping the Angel flat on the ground. Sirius used this opening to decapitate the other Marine with an elegant swing of his master crafted chainsword, before quickly dispatching the one on the ground. The Apothecary saw the ratling and approached him, his red eye scanning the little man. "Rocky. Are you hurt?" he asked, giving a slightly uncaring glance at the dead Kriegswoman while he inspected Rocky. Guess that was something he was used to. On the other side, Angelous was busy with shooting at the remains of the attacking squad, he himself eating couple of bolter rounds before ducking back behind Rhino and awaiting for the Stormtrooper reinforcement that slayed the rest of the Assault Marines.

Like ordered, the line pushed, the advance getting its strength as "Ultima Vale" annihilated another enemy predator, living up to her name. The last remaining Leman Russ also kept on firing in the enemy line, pushing them on the defense. But the sturdy tank blew up moments later, as another kind of a monster joined the battle.

It happened so that the enemy Space Marines were retreating, not because they were routed, but because they were shortening the battle line once they realized they won't be able to surround the central force given the fact both of the wings were still holding up (and even pushing). Therefore, the enemy commander realigned his force so it was centered around the Keep's great gate, from which they kept on firing at the advancing Inquisitional force and reaping a heavy toll at those that tried to charge at them. In the center of this line, holding like an anchor on which their entire force was fixed, was a big tank Feron instantly recognized as a Land Raider, Phobos pattern. Its twin-linked lascannons killed the Leman Russ and now were targeting their Predator, Sitri using evasive actions to dodge the enemy attack, while the rest of its significant armament pounded the advancing force, halting them for the moment.

"They found me easily enough, apparently the same way you found me," Lukion coughed, spitting blood on the rocks below his feet. "It doesn't matter really, I was hoping some would arrive and I knew your force was in the neighborhood. And...definitely not an entire company."

"Simply, we were betrayed. The story is quite an usual one and I curse myself for not seeing it earlier. After the Black Crusade, the Captain changed in a way he became more distant. We from the First were always taught to keep our secrets so I dared not to intrude, however I was a fool and when I figured it out, it was too late. During our clash on Sombor, my Captain was intent on attacking you right there. I was of course against it but was surprised when I found out most of the senior officers were in the favor of an open conflict. That's when I started digging more thoroughly, about who and what you people were. There isn't much about you, but there is some information about your Chaplain back on the Rock, so I did inquired it there. When I learned about this, so-called Unholy Alliance I managed to connect two and two, but as I said it was too late."

"When we reached Knosos did their betrayal became apparent when they met with those Hydra serpents, who were waiting on us down in the Keep. Me and couple of my men fled it, but they of course weren't about to let us get away that easily. Suffice to say, I'm the only one still breathing and who knows if that would be the case if you haven't arrived here now."

"You ask what is so important about this keep? Let me ask you brother, what is the most important thing for one Chapter's future? The thing we so desperately protect and the enemy wants to rob us of it, so precious that entire wars have been fought over it? The thing that keeps us alive. The Chapter's due."

"A geneseed raid...," murmurs Draconion grimly, "Yet, if the Captain and senior company officers are gone over to the enemy, what has kept them from already opening the vaults and simply taking what they want? It seems someone yet resists on the inside. A moment, please, Brother Lukion."

Draconion opens the command vox channel to speak to the strike force officers.

"Draconion to Marmaroth - have made rendezvous with Brother Lukion. He reports that the enemy is after the Angels of Absolution geneseed stored in the keep. Am requesting further details regarding corruption of their 5th company - more to follow later."

"Brother Lukion - would you happen to know the significance of a golden-armoured man in this sequence of events? He would be a striking figure, very noticeable, possibly carrying with him a palpable aura of both authority and corruption for those with eyes to see such things."

<Feron>
So the enemy had at last laid anchor, planting a large block of adamantine and guns to break their advance. However Feron would not be cowed and neither would his men. They had erupted with all the ferocity one might expect of the mounts of Nocturne and so like the same flowing magma that had been birthed to the surface their advance would stream around it. Trying to break the Land Raider with their current supply of troops and ordnance would be wasteful and unlike other forces would not break the line arrayed before them, merely give them yet more time to slay his soldiers. "Sitri take your predator to the left flank, get out of the Land Raider's sights and support our Venerable Ancient in his advance. A second breach in that wall will make things easier for us overall and make their job that much harder. Take an escort of two Squads with you and do whatever you can to see the Left Wing succeeds. " Already he had put his back against the trench after firing on the retreating Tacticals, it was time to help his own line and his priority was Jean trapped in melee. Shouldering his bolter he begins laying down precise burst of kraken rounds into the Assault Marines to free up the Sister and support the Marine Malevolent. (@Shadhunter ) "Volorox you have my cover clean up there, Sister Jean disengage and support Edd and Fenix until our Apothecary might reach their position, help clean up that squad first. " Fire selector flicked he began spitting Dragonfire rounds into those Angels of Absolution that were packed up and away from friendlies, looking to disorient them amongst the flames if they didn't outright die. Each chain of kicks against his pauldron punctuated by Litanies of Zeal and Righteous Anger.

"Feron to all wings enemy is consolidating defenses on gate, Land Raider Phobos pattern acting as their anchor. Directing forces from center body to reinforce wings and press the assault on easier territories,will maintain pressure here to keep them distracted. " He was starting to draw attention from the front again and that forced him down into cover for a moment. "Sergeant Brent any updates on alternative routes for me? " Awaiting whatever reply came he sent a call out to their Valkyrie. "Talon Prime what is the status of the battle above? " He prayed for good news there, aerial superiority would be the last major advantage they could honestly have a chance at laying claim to in his mind. "Strauss organize the clean up of remaining enemy jump infantry, after they're clear take a Quarter of our current force and push up into the Right Wing make sure that gap in the wall is exploited to the fullest. " No small part of him wished to lead that task force, to storm the keep alongside his brethren and begin tearing into the heart of the matter but this was his battle here at the gate and under his watch he refused to see them fail even in the less glorious duties. "Main line consolidate on my location and dig in, use our wrecks and their trenches we will hold this ground while our comrades spear into the enemies heart! You will not fail, you will not retreat, you will not die unless the Emperor himself tells you to do so! Hold this line, hold it on your feet with weapons raised and head high! If the enemy dares show his face kill him, if they think us done and attempt to reinforce elsewhere, kill them! If the enemy yet breathes KILL THEM ALL! " A krak grenade was sent soaring from his position in a trench course plotted to drop it down on a cluster of Devastators aimed to come down on their actual heavy weapon carriers as opposed to the bolter armed support brethren in the back.

"Affirmative Brother," the Librarian could hear Marmaroth responding to his hail, hearing gunshots in the background, "Hurry up and get back here, we need every able body to crack the Keep open."

On the other hand, Lukion's eyes flashed with anger at the mentioning of the golden-armored man. "The one that you speak of was in charge of the Alpha Legion force when we went down here on the planet. Of course, outside he was encased in an ancient suit of golden power armor but he was no man. When I looked upon him, I saw thousand worms wiggling their way across his bloated form while thousand toxins sipped from his exposed flesh. I evaded his grasp but obviously, he sent his hounds after me and my brothers."

"That thing, whatever it is, is not here to simply steal the geneseed. Don't you understand Draconion? It is the same presence I felt on Sombor when I came to rescue you. It is here to feed upon our precious gene material and be reborn in this world anew. See, it has everything it needs - a huge battle to draw the focus from and ample of geneseed to go about and use it as sacrificial item. It has us where it wants us and I'll be damned if I don't do something to stop it!"

"You have arrived in a Thunderhawk, yes?"

"Brother i ask you to move" as he spoke the dreadnaught aproached the enemy dreadnaught "if you stand in my way i will have no alternitive but to destroy you"

"Hmf, too much talk," the other ancient warrior gave a reply that sounded like machine changing gears. Almost instantly, Tempestus saw the assault cannon spinning and what came next was a hail of bolts that impacted on his blessed hull. Not that it could do much damage to his metal frame but it only provided cover as the enemy Dreadnought charged in front, bringing his fist to bare and smacking Tempestus in the side, blowing open his missile launcher.

Amraphel turned to face the assault marine Sergeant. Such a foolish man, so brave, so dead.
He could feel his opponents pride and vanity. The man probably thought that this would be a glorious duel and that he would be able to earn himself a few laurels. But fate punishes the overconfident. Amraphel easily blocked his opponents first furious strike. Amraphel quickly aimed his plasma pistol at the sergeants hand hoping to shoot his opponents sword from his hand. It worked and the mans sword fell from his hand; amraphel quickly used the opportunity and thrust his sword towards the mans throat. The swords power field easily cut through the ceramite and sliced his opponents throat open, bload flowing from the wound. The Sergeant tried to speak, but his last words sounded more like gurgling. With a loud bang the man finally dropped to the ground. There were 3 normal assault marines left. One charged at him, furious over the death of his sergeant. "You will die for this", the man screamed and threw himself at Amraphel, chainsword roaring. Amraphel quickly sidedstepped and raised his sword to throat level and swung the sword in a 180 degree move. The marine fell to the ground, his severed head rolling on the ground. The second marine adopted a more defensive posture, for he had learned from his fallen brothers mistakes, or so he thought. Amraphel leapt forward and pressed his swords aggainst his opponents. However he aimed his wrist mounted flamer at the fool; the man screamed in pain as he was fried inside his armour. The last enemy was the most clever of them, because instead of figthing an unwinnable fight he activated his jump pack attempting to flee to a safe position. Amraphel could see the marine being lifted ino the air by the powerfull thrust of his jump pack. But amraphel made sure the coward wouldn't flee: he aimed his plasma pistol at the enemys jumpacks fuel tank and pulled the trigger. The only thing that landed were a few scorched pieces of rubble.

"so be it" as he spoke tempestus brought his sword through the assault cannon then sent a bolt of molten warp fire towards the enemy dreadnaught and then sent a shoulder charge in an atempt to bring his sword at the enemys close combat arm