So at this point in the book it is weeks following the battle scene where the marines were attacked by the green skins, we join the Captain Alessio Cortez ( One of the most decorated, feared and respected members of the Fists) and the Crimson Fist as all the companies of the chapter fill into a giant cathedral. They are all gathering for a ceremony celebrating the Day of Foundation, which is basically celebrating the day the chapter was founded by the Space Marines. They all filed into this cathedral with a man named Tomasi standing at the alter. Tomasi is one of the most respected of all the Crimson Fist members and is the leader of all spiritual gatherings the Crimson Fist have, but I wouldn't underestimate him in battle seeing how he is a 10 foot tall decorated Marine who is just as dangerous as the rest of them. After this long and boring ceremony Cortez leads his men outside in the snow covered courtyard where a small man dressed in black robes comes stumbling to the gate but does not enter because he knows anyone that enters without permission from the Crimson Fist commander Lord Pedro Kantor won't leave. Cortez approaches this man and finds out he is a messenger for Javier Adon the leader of the Communicatus which is basically a fancy name for post office. He carried the message that was sent to the Fists by the marines that were attacked by the greenskins weeks ago. Cortez listens to  the distress call and gets excited saying that the greenskins are “ An enemy that knows how to put up a fight.” and goes despite it being the Day of Foundation to Lord Kantor who is standing in the cathedral to deliver the message. He meets a fellow Captain on his way  who asks Cortez what he is doing and Cortez only says one thing..prepare for war.

There are many characters in this novel but none related to each other more than Captain Cortez and lord Kantor. The only real difference is the fact that Cortex is a Captain and Kantor is a consitore a lord. They both are highly respected amongst not only the lower ranking members of the Crimson Fist but the higher ranking ones as well. they both have served countless tours of duty and both only live to serve the Fists. Even in their appearances they're similar both being taller than the men by a good 3 feet and having the most spectacular looking armour only being bested by Tomasi.

Part of me can only wonder what would have happened if the messenger wasn't aware of the code of the Crimson Fists and walked behind the gate and into the chapters compound without the lord consent. I could only predict that we would have been killed by the men father quickly seeing how it is that they tower over him and are trained killers, but I can't help but think what would have happened if they killed him and never received the message about the greenskins. Would the greenskins just keep marching on destroying everythings and wiping out the Crimson Fist just like they did to that base of Space Marines. Or would the stout Marines of the Crimson Fist be able to hold on and outlast the Orc attack and fend them off. I guess we will never find out, but I can't help but wonder.

Personally I would rate this book so far off of what i read so far a 8 out of 10. This novel is action pact and has a great story line. There is also a lot of detail that I spare you in this blog or else we’d be here all day, everything down the way the cathedral lights looked in the early mornings sun was very detailed and vivid. It makes me feel as if i'm in the novel fighting next to Captain cortez. If you ask me it might not be a 10 out 10 but its close.