Battle of Fire and Blood
The Battle of Fire and Blood was the last major battle of the Vinculus Crusade.[2]
The Battle saw an Imperial force led by Inquisitor Vinculus, consisting of Black Templars Space Marines and Bloody Rose Order Battle Sisters, fighting against the forces of a Chaos Cult that had arisen on Pelegeron IV.[1b][2]
The Battle
The cultists were attempting to seal themselves within their ultimate fortress, known as Apex. The Imperials were forced to assault the main gates of Apex, as all of the alternate routes into the fortress had been blocked off by the cultists. High Marshal Ludoldus personally led thirty of his Sword Brethren in holding the gate.[2]
After three hours of fighting, the cultists were routed and the Imperials broke through into the fortress. Inquisitor Vinculus confronted the cultists' leader, executing him with his power sword. However, the cult leader was already acting as a host for a daemon; upon his death, the daemon emerged and possessed the weakened Inquisitor. The daemon went on a rampage, killing Canoness Jasmine and Emperor's Champion Ulricus. Ludoldus was able to weaken the daemon using an Antioch orb, allowing the Imperials to rally and destroy the creature.[2]
Aftermath
Sword Brother Grimaldus distinguished himself during the battle by saving the life of High Marshal Ludoldus[2], attracting the attention of Reclusiarch Mordred.[1a][1b] Following the battle, Grimaldus was inducted into the Chaplaincy[1b] and Mordred would go on to serve as Grimaldus's mentor.[1a]
Sources
- 1: Helsreach (Novel) — Armageddon (Anthology):
- 2: Blood and Fire (Novella) — Armageddon (Anthology), Chapter IV
