The Space Wolves’ Absence from the Siege of Terra
During the tumultuous Horus Heresy, the Space Wolves Legion was noticeably absent from two pivotal battles: the Drop Site Massacre and the Siege of Terra. Instead, they were tasked with retrieving Magnus the Red, the Primarch of the Thousand Sons, after his defiance of the Council of Nikea.
A Devastating Assault on Prospero
Leman Russ, the Primarch of the Space Wolves, led his legion in a brutal assault on the Thousand Sons’ homeworld, Prospero. The planet was left in ruins, but the traitor legion managed to escape and flee to the Eye of Terror. The 13th Great Company, under the command of Jorin Bloodhowl, pursued the traitors, and elements of the Wulfenkind disappeared for 10,000 years.
A Narrow Escape and a New Alliance
After the assault on Prospero, the Space Wolves were ambushed by the Alpha Legion and forced to flee to the Alaxxes Nebula. They were rescued by a contingent of Dark Angels, and some elements of the legion managed to return to Terra. Russ met with Malcador, the Imperial Regent, and helped orchestrate the plot to assassinate Horus.
Shifting Loyalties and a Comatose Leader
As the Horus Heresy raged on, some isolated Space Wolves began to question their loyalties. One contingent declared allegiance to the Warmaster and joined Cadre-captain Skyrar’s warband. Meanwhile, Russ led the Wolves in a series of battles against Horus, but was badly wounded at the Battle of Trisolian and fell into a coma.
A Temporary Reprieve and a New Alliance
Corax, the Primarch of the Raven Guard, arrived on the scene, and Russ briefly awoke to greet him and hand over the Spear of Russ to Bjorn. The Space Wolves managed to escape Yarant with Corax’s aid, but Russ remained unconscious. He eventually recovered on Deliverance and joined forces with Lion El’Jonson and the Dark Angels to besiege the Death Guard homeworld of Barbarus.
Vengeance and Purification
The resurgent Space Wolves embarked on a campaign of vengeance against all traitors, purging the world of Vezdell Secundus of a large Alpha Legion force. After the Horus Heresy, Leman Russ was consumed by anger and frustration for not being able to aid the Emperor during the Siege of Terra.
A Final Disappearance
Russ personally led a force into the Eye of Terror, seeking revenge against the traitors. He eventually disappeared, pledging to return in the final battle of the “Wolf Time.” The true whereabouts of the Primarch remain a mystery, with many believing he has sought out the fabled Tree of Life to heal the Emperor.
The Great Hunts
In the aftermath of Russ’s disappearance, the Space Wolves waited for his return. Every year, his place was laid at the feast table, and his great drinking horn was filled, in case he should return. After seven years, the surviving Wolf Lords gathered and elected Bjorn their leader, awarding him the title Great Wolf. Bjorn initiated the first Great Hunt, seeking out Russ across the galaxy. Though the hunt was unsuccessful, it marked the beginning of a long tradition of daring deeds and high adventure for the Space Wolves.
The Legacy of the Great Hunts
Since that day, there have been many other Great Hunts, each one striking a decisive blow against the enemies of Mankind. Though the Space Wolves have never found their lost leader, they continue to seek him out, driven by their unwavering loyalty and unshakeable resolve. The tale of their deeds is etched in the annals of history, a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Space Wolves.
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