Warth

The quiet rolled through the ruins of the hive, not a living thing stirred as the wolves approached. On the advice of Tor’s divining Ferrus had contacted their battle barge Valdrmóðr, requesting a sensor sweep of the planet, specifically targeting the signature recorded from their previous encounter with the Necrons. For several hours there had been no reply, some of the men grew restless, turning to sparring to pass the time, until the vox link burst back to life notifying Ferrus of a relatively large massing of the energy signature, matching the necrons’ signature and only a days passage from their current location. With great haste the packs gathered themselves and head off in the direction of the signal, only halting upon arriving at several large ruined buildings.

“Picking up more signatures, Imperial by what I can make of them.” Skarvald leant over the Grey Hunter’s shoulder looking at the view screen of the Rhino, currently displaying large blocks of red some distance away, however closer to their position there lay several smaller blue dots, with the imperial Aquila symbol displaying next to some of them, others merely dots. Skarvald banged a fist on the Rhino’s hull and the door between the crew compartment and the troop compartment slide open.

“Open a channel to Lord Ferrus. Tell him we have something.” An affirmative growl came in reply, then the door slide shut once more. So the game begins. Turning back to his pack he barked. “Ready yourselves brothers, battle awaits.”

Ferrus and his Wolf Guard brethren sat poised on the left flank of their force, to his right the Long Fangs were readying themselves, treading their way through a crater, but making progress slowly. Further right lay the Rhinos, parked on the right most edge of the building, with Jaegor stood with his new wolf companions at his side. His plan was simply, like the previous battles he had managed to create the perfect opportunity for an ambush and he planned to use this fully to his advantage.

“Lord Ferrus.” The call came through the vox of his helmet. “We have Imperial signatures in the battle zone, what are your orders?” Ferrus was confused by this news, there were no obvious signs of any imperial forces in close proximity, though having walked into several ambushes laid by both the Alpha legion and Night Lords Ferrus had learnt that this meant precious little.

“Secure what you can, if there is anything we can use take, it otherwise leave it.” An affirmative bleep came in reply and Ferrus removed his helmet, holding it and looking closely at it. Before becoming a marine Ferrus had been a simple hunter in a small tribe on Fenris now he was once more fighting the emperor’s enemies upon another alien world. Much time had passed in between then and now, many brothers had fallen, but one thing would never change, Ferrus would stay the course and carry out his duty to bring the emperor’s light to the lost worlds of the Imperium, regardless of the cost. He would know no fear. He hooked his helmet to his belt, looking across the battlefield, for a moment he noticed something glinting in the half light. Odd, that would suggest that they know we’re here, but that’s impossible given our approach. A cry came up from one of the long fangs, the necrons were on the move. Ferrus growled angrily, his opportunity for an ambush was gone, however this meant are fair fight for the Necrons, though Ferrus doubted they would know what hit them.

A ready call was echoed across the voxes of every space wolf on the field, Jaegor felt his two hearts pumping faster as he replied to it. Looking across he saw Ferrus bare helmeted raise his Frost axe in the air and then the Thunderwolves all shot off out of view, the third Grey Hunter pack poured into the centre building with a call of some strange device being located in the centre of the building. The right most Rhino shot off in Jaegor’s direction gunning for the building to the right of him. Jaegor dug his feet into the ground and sprinted forwards his two wolves a little way in front. It was then that he saw them, twelve large metallic insectoid looking mechanical beings, some with long whip like appendages in place of the blades the others had. Activating his vox link Jaegor called out.

“Left flank, Wraiths!”

Ferrus picked up the call straight away, sighting them as he closed. He opened a vox link to Lief briefly.

“LEIF! Cover right!” A slight chuckle came back then Leif replied.

“We see them, consider them downed Ferrus.” The link cut and over Ferrus’ right shoulder the woohing sound of multiple krak missiles and hiss of lascannons flew past. The missiles for the most part spun off and impacted in different locations but one struck a Wraith directly in the abdomen exploding a second later, the Lascannon shots would’ve struck true but for reasons unknown the beams passed through the wraiths and struck the Arc sat behind, with one shot bouncing off the shield disrupting it for just long enough for the second shot to pass through taking out the shield generator. Ferrus grinned fiercely as the wolves powered on to the location of the second blue dot. Approaching the area Ferrus made out several flashing lights on the device, as they closed the lights flashed faster until when they were a few short metres away Ferrus realised what he was looking at.

“This is sabotage!” A second after the device fizzled and released a light cloud of smoke, as suddenly several other similar devices started flashing. “Kraken’s blood” Ferrus swore as he steered Tyr away from another device. Further up the field he saw a green orb forming on the prow of an arc, his brothers in front raised their shields as the shot was loosed and in a green flash there was lay two injured wolves with two unconscious space wolves thrown from their mounts. Then came the Wraiths, Charging in the first attack snapped Berek’s wrist taking his hand still clutching his Thunder hammer, furiously firing his pistol in response he was swiftly floored by a whip, a further wolf fell as the whips took a Thunderwolf’s legs from under it again leaving the rider sprawled on the floor. Ferrus parried the Wraiths blows for the most part, taking a lashing to his axe arm, but cutting through two of them, a further attack nearly made it for Ferrus’ head until a wolf flung its self at the Wraith knocking it backwards, the second latching on to the whips. In short order both were felled and Ferrus stood alone against the remaining three. Ferrus turned Tyr round and ran back, the Wraiths seemingly not expecting this response were slow to react. Rounding on them Ferrus moved back towards them then stopped, Tyr pawing at the ground. “Go,” Ferrus called out, “gather more of your friends, I shall fell you three as if it were no effort at all.” With that he charged at the Wraiths axe raised. By the emperor’s will let this work.

Across the field Jaegor dived behind the wreckage of a downed shuttle. A few metres back his wolves lay dead or unconscious, both had been hit by the same lightning weaponry that had laid so many wolves low in their previous encounter. Jaegor looked over the wreckage to see two hovering vehicles, again both similar to the vehicles he’d seen previously, remembering how he had failed in destroying them before he vowed on the honour of his pack he would do so on this occasion. Leaping from cover Jaegor ran round and charged into the nearest vehicle. Repeatedly punching his chain fist into it’s hull Jaegor let his fury take hold and after several strikes the vehicle fell to the ground exploding in Jaegor’s face, flinging him several metres away. Landing face first upon the rocky ground, he coughed bringing up a little blood. Turning his gaze to the other vehicle, he pushed himself off the ground and made great strides towards it.

“I am a warrior of Russ and I shall be your executioner!” He roared as he ran towards the vehicle.

Lief and Tor looked on as the Wraiths charged into the thunderwolves, turning their attention to the second squad, Lief turned to Tor whose eyes began to glow an icy blue. Raising his hand towards the Wraiths he attempted to channel his runic power, for s moment the glow intensified only to die suddenly. The mountain of a man turned red with rage.

“I shall not be denied!” Leif scowled.

“Quiet your tongue and watch how its done.” Raising his sword the Long Fangs readied their  weapons, then in harmony all fired on the falling of Lief’s sword. Once more the missiles mostly passed through the Wraiths as the Lascannons had previously though one connected, scattering parts across a large area. The Lascannons this time found their mark, one destroying the starboard weapons array, the second scoring a direct hit on the main gun, causing a minor explosion which Leif took to mean that the gun would stay silent. Once more a cheer went up as the shots hit home, Lief turned to Tor looking somewhat smug, Tor’s face remained a disgruntled mess as he muttered quietly to himself, Lief turned back to the Long fangs and prepared for the next target.

Ferrus charged headlong towards the Wraiths, jinking round the Wraiths as he charged his true target, the nearest Arc. Leaping over a pile of rubble Tyr charged headlong towards the arc just as Ferrus made his first swing, cleaving several chunks of the vehicle’s main cannon housing off. With several precise swings Ferrus managed to make massive gashes on the machine, exposing it’s main power core. Making one last slash Ferrus brought down his axe cutting straight through the necron controlling the vehicle and the power core itself, in a split second the vehicle was vaporised in the resulting explosion, Tyr leaping from it leaving Ferrus facing the Necron lord and his unit. Ferrus grinned, he had an opportunity to return the favour of the last bout where Ferrus had fallen to the lord, but this time it would be different. He charged forward, priming and throwing a grenade into the unit, killing one of the squad in the process. Then with a colossal jump, Tyr landed in the middle of the squad, Ferrus pointed his axe to the Necron lord.

“In the name of the All father I challenge you.” His words stuck in his throat as the world spun and suddenly went black.

Jaegor tore into the vehicle, his chain fist plunging into what he could only assume was sensitive parts of the machine as each successive blow caused larger explosions of sparks and smoke, till once again a large explosion flung Jaegor into the air. Landing once again with a bone crunching sound he somewhat groggily raised his head in time to see Ferrus leap towards the Necron lord, only to receive a sharp blow to the head. Jaegor howled in pain for his lord, feeling some level of relief as Tyr ran back towards the Space wolf lines with Ferrus still managing to stay atop of him inspite of his lack of consciousness. His flow of thought was suddenly interrupted as flashes of green flashed past his face. Rolling to his feet Jaegor raised his shield absorbing some of the fire, before throwing himself at the new threat.

Lief swiftly pulled his bolt pistol from his holster, in turn firing off several shots at the charging Wraiths. Having been evaded by Ferrus the Wraiths had gone for the next accessible target, the Long Fangs, who had been a little caught off guard by this development. Tor’s attempt to channel his powers once again merely fizzled, producing several dark curses from him, he similarly pulled his pistol from it’s holster and readied himself for the oncoming combat.

“Been a while since I’ve had to fight, man to man.” He muttered, Lief grimly replied.

“Same I’m afraid, though surely it’s no different to shooting a bolt pistol and even Blood Claws can manage that.” Tor managed a half smile. “Surely Tor the Squall, doesn’t wish to be seen as lower than a Blood Claw.”

“I’ll take more of them then you will.” Leif chuckled.

“Tor I would love to see you try.”

The barrage of rushed over watch fire rang out, all the shots either missing or passing through incorporeal Wraiths, then the forces closed. Tor’s staff was long enough for him to stay far enough away from the flaying whips and yet cause some damage to the machines. With two deft swipes two of the Wraiths fell leaving one, which in turn swatted a marine aside. The swirling melee paused for a second and the remaining Wraith cocked it’s head in a strange manner. Moving slowly backwards it attempted to retreat on to have Leif’s chainsword  plunge into it’s abdomen, leaving it to fall to the floor with it’s comrades. Leif turned to Tor giving a small congratulatory nod, then turned back to the squad. “Ready yourselves, this battle isn’t won yet.”

From the rhino Skarvald observed as the second unit of Wraiths charged into the building they had been using as cover engaging the third Grey Hunter squad. As some Wraiths passed through the wall, Grey Hunters from the upper balcony leapt on to them tearing with armoured gauntlets and chain swords taking two out of the fight. The melee lasted a few minutes leaving two Wraiths standing, the Grey Hunters lay sprawled some in far worse shape than others. Skarvald walked to the nearest hatch, banging once more on the wall and as before the door slid open.

“We’re going out there, provide covering fire and if necessary bring the Rhino in to secure the equipment.” With that Skarvald hurled himself through the port access hatch, landing on his feet bolter blazing. Soon the squad had joined him and the remaining Wraiths had fallen, though some over zealous brothers chose to be sure by emptying a bolt pistol clip into the machines. Skarvald shook his head. “Take up defensive positions, whatever is in here, theres a fair chance that those metal monstrosities want it, so we’re to ensure they don’t.” Suddenly the squad’s demeanour changed, from petty victory rituals to readying weapons and lining up potential targets. As they closed Skarvald pulled a grenade from his belt howling, “For Russ and the Allfather!” the cry echoed round the building only to be replaced by the sound of boltguns, flamers and plasma discharge. Skarvald looked over his squad, briefly feeling something equating to pride, then returning his thoughts to the fight, priming the grenade in hand and flinging it into the oncoming enemy unit.

Lief and Tor stood side by side as one by one the Long Fang pack fell to lightning blasts. The Necron lord and his unit were slowly making their way towards their position and even with the combined fire power of Skarvald’s Grey Hunter pack they were failing to do enough damage. Tor once more attempted to channel the runic power glowing a bright blue, he raised his hand.

“No more!” He howled at the top of his lungs. As he did the very ground before him parted, swallowing several necrons in the process. The necron lord failing to see the danger quickly enough found himself also sharing the fate of some of his squad, the last that was seen of him was his war sycthe as he attempted to stop the ground taking him too. Lief holstered his pistol, and charged into the unit sword at the ready.

“For Ferrus!” He yelled as he charged and once more joined a furious melee.

Jaegor dispatched the last of the Necron foot soldiers, they lay strewn about the field where the last few had attempted to run away only to be cut down in their attempt. He turned his attention to the last squad he could see, the squad standing sentinel over the centre of the battlefield. Charging towards the building lightning blasts intensified, some connecting and glancing off Jaegor’s armour, others missing all together. Bracing himself he raised his shield and smashed through the remains of the wall. Jaegor reached out with his Chain fist only to fall short of the unit, who in turn filled the space that Jaegor now occupied with lightning bolts. For the most part his armour absorbed the majority of the fire, however the sheer volume of shots proved too much and Jaegor succumbed to his wounds. My brothers, I have avenged you.”

Lief ducked deftly below a swing from one of the Necron squad. Bringing his chain sword round he sliced the head of one Necron clean off. The remaining squad members readied themselves to strike only to pause mid swing. Leif raised his guard, backing up a few paces, yet staying wary. The Necrons stayed till for a few moments before turning away and walking towards the remaining Necrons.

“We should pursue them, finish them off.” Lief turned to Tor shaking his head.

“No, we regroup.” Opening a vox channel. “All Space wolves regroup at the rally point, secure any equipment if possible.” 

Not long after Tyr appeared with a now partly conscious Ferrus still mounted on his back.

“Did we win?” Ferrus asked slightly distortedly, before falling from Tyr, Lief moved to help him to his feet. Staggering to his feet Ferrus steadied himself.

“Aye, we did.” Ferrus smiled.

“Good, this defeat should hopefully set back their efforts to dig up whatever they seek.”

“We may have a lead on that,” Lief produced a severed Necron head. “I suggest we pass this to Hald, and see if he can extract any information from it.”

“Agreed, make the call.” Lief nodded. “For now we should consolidate our position, then see where to strike next, we shall be a force to reckon with and we shall win the day, for Russ and the All father!”