This was truly great read.

Set very near to the start of the Horus Heresy we follow visit of rememberancer Solomon Voss to the Templar unit of the Imperial Fists on the remote battlefield amongst the stars. He is there to write down the personal experiences of one of the most iconic Imperial Fists - Sigismund, commander of the Legion's Templars.

I truly like the way author managed to show Sigismund from the very beginnings, as a refugee in the destroyed parts of Europe (I think) immediately after Unification, fighting for the very survival against the crazy gangs, to his induction into the Legions and finally assignment to the Imperial Fists.

Sigismund is very down to earth person - he himself admits that if he knew he would end up in the Legions he would try running and escaping that fate. But finally finding himself on the front-lines he decides to become the best at the war. His instructors teaching him the ways of war and tactical combat - they all come out being very humane. They are all people that saw tremendous destruction and blood spilling and understand that they are but the tool to achieve a higher goal. And when one is thrown unwillingly into the fray he can at least make sure he survives. And this is what Sigismund does, he trains mercilessly and fights and trains and finally enters the coveted troop of Templars while building his reputation as a swordsman without a peer. His views on Night Lords and World Eaters (two most murderous legions) are also very interesting - Sigismund understands that war is bloody but also understands the need to keep the blood-letting (so to speak) in a way honorable and with certain, lets call it, warrior code ruling it. And here he sees difference between these two psychotic legions.

But being down to earth person means not being able to lie to oneself - and Sigismund surprises Voss when he says that war will never end. And this takes Voss by surprise because everyone expects Great Crusade to finish soon (even Rogal Dorn). Sigismund accurately identifies the one thing that will force the Legions to remain active even after Crusade is over (as I said this takes place before the rebellion of Horus) - need to defend what was conquered during the Crusade because there will always be something threatening the Human Empire. And because of that there will be eternal war amongst the stars.

Excellent novella, I enjoyed the descriptions of Unification era Terra and way Legions treat their recruits. We definitely need more from this period.

Highly recommended. ( )