Another short chapter I'm afraid...but I hope you enjoy it

The Storm Eagles

The Iron Roost throughout its history had borne witness to the existence of countless heroes in Tempestas's history, which of course, included Torwald the Thunder Bearer, Gwaine the Lightning Rider and Thorondor the Storm Lord.

But on one fateful day, it bore witness to a gathering unlike any other in its long history.

Twenty thousand Astartes that made up the existing eight companies of the Second Legion were arrayed on the flat peak of the Iron Roost beneath the rumbling clouds of the Eternal Storm, creating a sea of steel-grey. Each Legionary went bareheaded, heedless of the rain that pattered down on their faces. Gathered behind them were the ten thousand recruits who would make up the four new companies of the Second Legion, the first generation of Tempestan Astartes. They were clad only in grey uniforms, and were still dwarfed by the Terran veterans, but each one stood proud and tall, hoping to do their lord and homeworld credit. All of them looked upon their Primarch with pride.

Thorondor stood before them on a stage, his eyes taking in every rank and file, a proud smile on his face. Skull-drones floated over the gathered warriors, preparing to transmit his word by vox. Behind him were Asghar and Gwaine, standing side by side, as still as stone. Perched on a rock outcropping, looming over the entire scene was Garuda. Countless other Storm Eagles circled above watchfully.

The Emperor had declined to attend the gathering, stating that such a ceremony should be kept private within the Legion itself.

Thorondor took a deep breath and began. "For countless millennia, Tempestas and Terra have been separated by Old Night. The people of this world persevered through endless years of hardship; carving out a living amidst the violent seas, the sky raiders and violent temper of the Eternal Storm."

Thorondor paced along the length of the stage and every eye followed him, captivated by the Primarch's words and his presence.

"Yet the true hardship the people of Tempestas faced was not what the world could throw at us, but the actions of our own people. For too long, the Storm Riders, who should have been the best of us, exploited the hardships of their own people for personal gain. For too long, we have allowed it to happen."

The Storm Lord halted; his gaze on the ground and his eyes shut as he relived his memories.

"But all it took was the will and vision of one man to break down the seemingly ironclad shackles of tradition; a man who saw Tempestas united and the Storm Riders fulfilling their rightful role as guardians of its people. A man like Torwald the Thunder Bearer."

At the mention of Torwald's name, the Tempestans who were gathered there raised their fists and thumped their chests with a cry, saluting the Thunder Bearer.

Thorondor nodded. "The Thunder Bearer did not live to see his vision realised, but he passed on his will to me; to every Tempestan who lives to this day and we have achieved it. Tempestas is a united world, thanks to the sacrifice of every man and woman who bears the Thunder Bearer's will within their hearts."

Thorondor paused and gestured to the Terran Astartes gathered before him.

"Yet far away on Terra; the beloved birthplace of Mankind, the same thing has happened. The Emperor, beloved by all, unified a world torn apart by strife and war. The Emperor brought order to a world in chaos."

Thorondor turned his gaze to the Eternal Storm.

"Yet where one would be content to rule a world, the Emperor saw further; his thoughts turned to the countless worlds that Mankind have made their homes. He knows the dangers they face in a harsh and uncaring galaxy. So the Emperor created the Imperium, to bring all Mankind under the aegis of Terra."

Thorondor turned his gaze back to the gathered Legion; his storm-grey eyes a reflection of the Storm above.

"That is why he has created you, the Astartes, the finest warriors that humanity has to offer. That is why he created me, to bear his will and vision to the stars."

Thorondor's smile widened.

"You are the Second Legion; the greatest warriors of Terra and Tempestas. You will bear the proud legacy of the birth-sphere and the Storm World. To symbolise that, the Emperor himself has granted us a gift."

At Thorondor's words, Asghar unfurled a banner and held it high. It bore the head of an eagle with four bolts of lightning reaching stretching to each corner upon a red background. Upon seeing it, the Terran-born Astartes gasped with recognition and awe.

"This was the symbol of the Thunder Warriors; the proud army that unified Terra in the Emperor's name. It is the Emperor's will that we inherit and bring this honoured banner back to the fires of war!"

The Legion cheered with approval until Thorondor raised his hands for silence.

"Yet their names have already been etched into the history of Mankind. We will not lay claim to that, nor will we lay claim to name of the Thunder Bearers who, like the Thunder Warriors, have unified Tempestas through the brutality of war."

Thorondor turned his gaze to the Storm Eagles that circled above.

"Though we cannot bear their names, we will bear their symbol and legacy with us. We will carry the legacy of Terra and bathe the lost strands of Mankind in the radiance of Enlightenment! We will carry the Storm of Tempestas in our hearts and unleash its fury against all the enemies of Mankind! From this day forward, the Second Legion will forever be known as the Storm Eagles!"

The Legion did not clap, they did not cheer.

They roared.

Their voices melded into one great roar that shook the Iron Roost and drowned out even the Eternal Storm itself. Garuda raised his head and let forth a cry, as did every Storm Eagle that soared above.

When the sound finally ended, Asghar and Gwaine both stepped forward. They bowed when Thorondor turned to them with a questioningly look.

"If you'll oblige us, my lord?" asked Asghar.

Still looking puzzled, Thorondor nodded and stepped aside, allowing the two to step forward to face the Legion. They both exchanged glances and nodded.

As one, they spoke, raising their fists to their hearts.

"By the will of the Emperor of Mankind and the Lord of the Storm;

Be we born of Terra or Tempestas born;

We stand as one beneath the Storm."

As the words were transmitted to the Second Legion, Thorondor nodded in understanding; it was an oath, a litany to reaffirm the loyalty of the Legion, regardless of their world of origin, to the Imperium.

To the Emperor.

To all of Mankind.

Understanding this, the Legion imitated the gesture and the Storm Eagles spoke as one.

"We stand as one beneath the Storm!"

Now finally I can get some fun facts about the Second Legion (or the Storm Eagles as I've named them) I've been harbouring in my mind out.

Legion II – The Storm Eagles

Primarch – Thorondor

Flagship – The Eternal Storm

Legion Colours – Dark blue with steel grey shoulder plates

Elite Company – The Storm Riders led by Gwaine

12 Battle Companies (each about 2500 Legionaries)

1st Company Captain – Asghar (Terran, formerly Legion Master)

2nd Company Captain – Azan (Terran)

3rd Company Captain – Razek (Terran)

4th Company Captain – Mahad (Terran)

5th Company Captain – Shin (Terran)

6th Company Captain – Korhal (Terran)

7th Company Captain – Zarul (Terran)

8th Company Captain – Wira (Terran)

9th Company Captain – Adalgrim the Ancient (Tempestan)

10th Company Captain – Storr (Tempestan)

11th Company Captain – Bard the Windblade (Tempestan)

12th Company Captain – Gunnar the Fearless (Tempestan)

Legion Combat Doctrine:

Specialises in aerial assault and rapid aerial deployment; high concentration of Stormbirds and Thunderhawks. Large number of assault marines and frequent use of the spear-tip tactic adapted from the Luna Wolves strategy.