Red Feather Adventures: The Bloodied Robe, Chapter 1

So, there's this thing called NaNoWriMo and I promised myself that I would do it. So, each day throughout November I will post one 'Chapter' of this story, set in a High Fantasy world involving Orcs, Dwarfs etc.

bear in mind that this is a very early, rough draft of the story. I will attempt to edit once the whole thing has been finished.

"All aboard for Teaport!"

With a hefty grunt Sally heaved her luggage onto the train just in time. As she struggled to drag her case down the carriage the train started moving, almost throwing her to the floor from the jolting. Grumbling to herself she pushed her long brown hair out of her face and opened the door to the very first compartment she could reach. Despite struggling to maintain her balance she made it inside. Leaning her luggage against the wall she turned and discovered that there were already two people seated in front of her.

"This compartment is taken." Muttered the one on the left, who appeared to be a Dwarf girl.

"Oh don't be so rude Callie, let the poor girl sit down." Replied the other, an Elf woman wearing strange armour.

"Fine. As long as she doesn't disturb my reading." The Dwarf buried her face back inside her book. Sally peered closer and read the title.

“Thaumic Relations: An Essay On The Link Between The Divine And The Arcane, by Bartimaeus Starcatcher. Oh hey, I’ve got that one.”

“Excuse me? What would you know about magic?” Callie lowered her book and carefully placed a pair of glasses on the bridge of her nose. Unlike most Dwarfs her features were rather feminine, with brown eyes and mousy brown hair.

“I know quite a lot actually. My name’s Sally and I’m a Red Mage.” Sally proudly puffed out her chest and ran her fingers along the brim of her large red hat, which was the traditional attire of her order.

“Red Mage? I believe the correct term is ‘Amateur’.” Callie lowered her glasses and turned back to her book.

Before Sally could offer a rebuttal the train screeched to a halt, throwing Sally on top of the Elf.

“Sorry. Normally I get someone’s name before molesting them.” Sally said as she delicately extricated herself from her lap.

Don’t worry about it. My name’s Yolanda. I apologise for Callie’s rudeness.”

Callie ignored the glare she was getting from Yolanda and stood up. “Whatever. I’m going to the food carriage.” Without waiting for a reply she left.

“Your friend’s not very, well, friendly.”

“She just takes some time to warm up to people, especially mages from other orders. Apparently it’s rather common among Black Mages to look down on the rest.” Yolanda brushed her blue hair out of her eyes and offered Sally her hand to shake.

Taking the hand Sally smiled a mirthless smile, “Oh you don’t need to tell me. That’s what it’s like being on the bottom rung of magic. You have to work twice as hard to be considered half as good.”

“Don’t put your order down like that, it’s not everyone who can learn multiple types of spells. Come on, I’ll treat you to a meal by way of apology.” Yolanda straightened her chestpiece and left the compartment. Sally followed her and they made their way to the food carriage.

Once they got there Sally ordered herself a chocolate muffin and they sat down as far from Callie as they could.

After twenty minutes of small talk they began to become fidgety and bored.

“Did the conductor announce why exactly the train had stopped?” Sally asked.

“Huh. Now that you mention it, it is rather unusual for a train to be stopped in the countryside for this long without explanation.” Yolanda stood, walked to the window and looked out. When she turned back to Sally her eyes were wide, “Is the engine supposed to be on fire like that?”

With an audible sigh Callie looked up from her book and yelled, “Yes, that’s how they work.”

“I am well aware of how trains work, but isn’t the fire supposed to be on the inside of the engine?”

“Under normal circumstances yes.”

“Oh ok. I only asked because the fire appears to be getting larger. Also, it’s purple.”

“Oh now that’s highly unusual.” Callie shrugged her shoulders and turned back to her book.

Sally looked from one to the other, “Shouldn’t we be a little more worried about the situation?”

“Oh I’m sure the train company have people trained to deal with this kind of thing.” Callie calmly turned the next page.

And that’s when everyone heard the explosion. And the screams.

“Ok, now it’s time for us to be worried.” Callie sighed again. She inserted a bookmark and gently placed her book inside her backpack. “Come on Yolanda, grab your sword and let’s go find out what’s happened.”

As the two girls left Sally checked her rapier and followed. Yolanda smiled reassuringly at her but Callie just rolled her eyes and muttered something about getting in the way. As they got near the front they found a security guard who had been knocked unconscious. Callie leaned down and pulled a small vial out of a pouch attached to her belt. Popping the cap off she waved it under the guard’s nose.

“Smelling salts?”

“Nope, bat guano. I use it in some potions but I’ve found it works quite well for reviving the unconscious.” Callie gave Yolanda a meaningful look.

For her part Yolanda gave a shrug, “What? Who hasn’t had a few too much to drink during their college days?”

“Anyone who actually took their studies seriously. Now be quiet, he’s waking up.” Callie steadied the guard’s head as his eyes opened. He groaned and mumbled something about pastry waffles but Callie slapped him into focus. “Oit, moron! Stop napping and tell me what happened.”

“Wow Callie, with that bedside manner it’s a wonder you never moved into medicine.” Sally could practically hear Yolanda rolling her eyes.

Callie just ignored Yolanda and slapped the guard again.

The guard curled up in a ball as he stuttered a response, “I don’t know! Some nutjobs just attacked the train for no bloody reason! Now will you please stop slapping me?”

“What a brave soldier, truly you are a credit to your entire gender.” Callie shoved the guy away and gathered her robes, “Come on, this idiot’s not going to be much use.”

As the three reached the front they recoiled from the heat of the burning engine. using her sword as leverage Yolanda opened one of the doors and jumped off of the train. Before she could react she got taken out by a small form flying through the air. Poking their heads out Callie and Sally could see Yolanda buried beneath an armoured Gnome woman.

The Gnome clambered to her feet and extended a hand to help Yolanda up, “My apologies fair swordmaiden. I was engaged in glorious battle with some villainous types and I was unable to prevent myself being thrown. If thou art a warrior true then you may join me for this conflict.” The Gnome grinned a wide grin as she retrieved her weapon, a sword that was bigger than she was. With a wink she charged back towards the front of the train. With a confused look the three girls drew their weapons and ran after her.

As they reached the engine itself they found three figures desperately trying to put out the fire. One was most likely human, but he was wearing a black outfit, including a mask that obscured his features. One of the others was a Wolfkin with grey fur. The remaining figure was Gnome-sized but had a pair of large fairy-like wings growing from his back which he was using to hover relatively close to the fire. The Gnome was standing in front of them.

“Come base villains! Let us once again partake in the joys of combat! Thou mayest hath beaten me in the first engagement but thouest hath not truly defeaten me!”

“Listen lady I already told you, we don’t want to fight you! We just wanted to rob the bloody train and be on our way!” The man in black shouted.

“Yeah! If you’d just leave us alone we could put the fire out and be on our bloody way!” The flying one chimed in.

“And it’s your fault this thing’s on fire anyway!” The Wolfkin yelled.

“Falsehoods! T’was thou who started this conflagration!”

“Yeah, but it’s your fault it got this bad! We were about to put it out again when you attacked us!” The man in black spotted the newcomers, “You there, could you lend us a hand? Thanks to this idiot Gnome the fire’s gotten out of control.”

“Ha! Thou truly art touched if you thinketh that these fine fellows would lend aide to a criminal such as you!”

“Oh for crying out loud!” Callie yelled with anger and stepped forward. Her hand glowed with blue light for a moment as she pointed just above the fire. The light spiralled around her hand and shot out from her finger. Just as it reached the spot Callie had pointed to it exploded into a large ball of water which seemed to hang in the air for a moment before dropping onto the train, extinguishing the fire.

Everyone stared dumbfounded at the engine before turning to face Callie.

“If you want something done right, get a mage to do it. Now, are we going to fight or what?” Callie glared at the three men for a moment as her hand began to glow again, this time with an orange light. With a similar gesture as before she flung a fireball at the man in black, but the Wolfkin intercepted it, somehow managing to deflect it with his bare claw.

He growled and leapt forwards, directly at Callie. This time Yolanda intercepted, smacking her triangular shield into his side. He recovered easily, seemingly spinning in midair and regaining his footing. He spun on the spot multiple times, kicking at Yolanda repeatedly.

While they fought the Gnome charged at the man in black but he easily somersaulted over her. Drawing his rapier he sprinted towards Sally and once he was within range he lunged. Sally easily sidestepped the attack only to catch his fist in her stomach. As she collapsed the man spun around and deflected an attack by the Gnome with almost contemptuous ease.

“I would just like you to know that I’m incredibly sorry about all of this, but I have a job to finish and once I’ve made a promise I can’t allow anyone to interfere.”

He caught the Gnome’s swing with one hand and kicked her square in the stomach, sending her flying into the side of the train. He then placed his fingers inside his mouth and whistled.

“Ok team, let’s finish this and get going, we’ve wasted enough time already.”

The Wolfkin’s ears perked up at the sound of the whistling. As Yolanda swung towards him he moved forward and grabbed her around the neck. Using his weight to his advantage he slammed her into the ground and stamped on her chest.

“Leave my friend alone!” Callie yelled. This time both of her hands were glowing with white light. As she made some complicated gestures through the air the light started to crackle like electricity but before she could discharge her spell the remaining foe popped up behind her and whacked her solidly around the head with a cudgel.

As Sally attempted to stand the man in black grabbed her by the shoulder and with a wry smile said, “Once again, I’m very sorry about this.” Before knocking her out with a punch to the face.

Tumblr thing

Vampires. This woman was a vampire. Great, that was just what Georgina needed. Vampires were never good news.
The vampire lunged forward, going straight for Georgina's throat. Georgina stepped forward and, whilst dodging the vampires outstretched hand, head-butted her on the nose. The vampire hissed in anger, clearly not expecting a human to go on the offensive. As she reeled back Georgina pressed the advantage and struck her with the pool cue repeatedly. She connected with the first few strikes, but the vampire recovered remarkably fast, parrying the next few. And now she was growling.
Georgina took a half-step back and attempted to get some distance. But the vampire had anticipated this and swung at Georgina's head. Ducking quickly, Georgina thrust the cue at the vampires' stomach, once again catching her off guard. In one fluid motion Georgina leapt up into the air, using the pool table as a stepping stone, she performed a spinning kick directly to the face. Continuing her spin as she landed Georgina hit her in the chest with the cues' heavy end.
Now was her chance to slay this abomination. Georgina kicked the vampire in the side of the knee then hit her in the face with the heavy end, knocking her to the floor. Raising the cue above her head she thrust downward with all of her might, directly at the heart.
Right at that moment Georgina felt her foot go flying out from under her. Knocking the cue aside the vampire caught Georgina by the throat. She kept a firm grip as she stood back up.
Dangling with her feet in the air Georgina had no choice but to look into the vampires' crystal-blue eyes.

Go here instead

This blog is effectively dead. Go read my webcomic at satura.larnu.co.uk instead.

Chaos On The Battlefield: Part 3

This one's a bit short, but it's just a first meeting between two major characters, so it's not like it's anything important.



Tai’kor felt the adrenalin surge through his body as he closed his hand. Electricity crackled around it, a small reminder of the power he had unleashed. He watched as the Space Marine Captain collapsed backwards with burn marks on his chest armour.
With nary a glance towards the Khorne Berzerkers Tai’kor dashed to where Qo’tar lay, barely clinging to life. Tai’kor looked at the mangled form of a man he had followed for over 4 centuries. Qo’tar’s blood had already clotted around his wounds and there was no chance of him going into shock. If Tai’kor could get him away from the battlefield in time, he would have even odds of survival.
Tai’kor reached down and hauled Qo’tar onto his shoulder. Without even the slightest sign of exertion he began sprinting away. Before he could dive into an alleyway, however, a flicker of movement caught his eye. He spun around, dropped Qo’tar and drew his Force Weapon in time to parry an attack.
The Black Knights Chaplain had attacked him from behind. Tai’kor pushed him away and drew his Bolt Pistol. Before he could fire a shot the Chaplain launched himself into the sky with his Jump Pack.
Tai’kor focused his mind, letting the power of the Warp flow through his body. Unlike earlier when he had fired lightning from his fingertips he concentrated the power into his mind. Opening his eyes he glanced at the Chaplain and saw images of the attack to come.
With a quick sidestep he dodged the attack. Tai’kor grinned to himself, knowing that the Chaplain had obviously never fought a Sorcerer of Tzeentch before. He stepped backwards, giving the Chaplain enough time to gather himself. Tai’kor ducked and dodged the Chaplain’s attacks.
After parrying an expertly delivered thrust from the Crozius, Tai’kor saw an opening. Raising his Bolt Pistol to block where the Crozius would be, he swung his Force Weapon around in an attempt to slice the Chaplain in half. But just as the Force Weapon dug into the Power Armour it halted, stopped by an invisible force.
“The Emperor protects all of his servants!” The Chaplain muttered. Tai’kor nearly laughed aloud.
“Protect against this!” He yelled as he head butted the Chaplain. As the Chaplain staggered backwards Tai’kor slashed his Force Weapon across his face, tearing through the Skull-shaped helmet like butter and overcoming the force-field. Once again Tai’kor focused his mind, this time sending the power of the Warp down through his Force Weapon and into the body of the Chaplain. The Chaplain slumped to the floor, shaking and gibbering helplessly as the Warp eroded his mind.
Tai’kor took the opportunity to kick his defeated foe once more, then picked up Qo’tar and fled the battlefield, issuing an order to retreat through his mouthpiece as he did so.

Chaos On The Battlefield- Part 2

Notice that ad next to this post? I've been spending all week trying to figure out how to get that thing to work, but I've finally managed it (Turns out it was ridiculously easy). But whatever, here's the second part to one of the stories I'm actually serious about continuing.


Chaplain Odiel landed among a group of Chaos Cultists, human followers of the Dark Gods. Although they were no match for the forces of the Imperium, the Chaos scum often used them to bulk out their numbers.
Chaplain Odiel tore through their ranks without a pause and fired a bullet through the head of their leader. As the scum fell to the ground the fortified encampment wall behind him exploded with astonishing force. As rubble the size of some houses crashed to the ground all around him, Chaplain Odiel took a few seconds to take in his surroundings. He begrudgingly accepted the fact that the Chaos traitors new how to build defences. Long, straight roads led to the Skyshield, but these had been blocked by rockcrete mini-fortifications. Behind each was at least one Chaos Marine squad, armed with the most devastating weapons they could bring to bear.
Through the new whole in the wall behind him a large tank moved through the dust. It was the 4th Company’s Vindicator tank. The large Siege Shield on the front of it pushed the rubble to the side, clearing the way for following vehicles. As the Chaos Marines at the next mini-fort unleashed their firepower upon it, the Demolisher Cannon mounted in the Vindicator’s hull fired. The Demolisher Cannon was developed specifically to blast its’ way through fortifications like these, just as it had done with the outer wall. The mini-fort proved to be no match.
Behind the Vindicator more Imperial tanks arrived. First came two Leman Russ class tanks. A mainstay of the Imperial Guard, this tank was the best that the planetary defences had to offer. Their Battle Cannons, while not as powerful as the Demolisher, had a greater range.
The three heavy tanks kept up a devastating barrage between them, sending the Chaos Marines into disarray. Chaplain Odiel smiled to himself as he saw the next two tanks to manoeuvre their way through the hole. One was a Rhino class troop carrier, which was undoubtedly carrying a full squad of ten Space Marines.
The other was a Razorback. The Razorback was essentially nought more than a Rhino with a large gun strapped to the back, at the expense of carrying capacity. Within this would be Captain Johan and his unit of veteran warriors. Both vehicles manoeuvred their way around the tank line and roared towards the remains of the mini-fort.
Chaplain Odiel fired up his Jump Pack and followed them. The Rhino ploughed through the rubble of the mini-fort without slowing down. The squad within would establish a beach-head ahead of them. The Razorback skidded to a sideways stop as the doors and rear loading doors opened, unloading the six-man squad within. The Chaos Marine squad had gathered what little courage was theirs and charged, ignoring the bullets bouncing off of their Power Armour.
The Chaos forces outnumbered the Captains’ squad by at least three to one, but Captain Johan and his veterans didn’t let this deter them. As they entered melee both sides drew their combat weapons. Most attacks were deflected by the armour, but some hit home. Two of his veterans’ fell, but Captain Johan more than avenged them. With his ancient sword in hand, he decapitated three Chaos Marines on his own, whilst the remaining veterans dispatched two more.
Neither side gave an inch, although the Chaos had lost their impetus. Chaplain Odiel gripped his Crozius Arcanum tightly as he approached them. He swung it with all of his might, backed up by the momentum of the Jump Pack. The Crozius slammed into a Chaos Marines’ midriff, snapping the man in half. The Crozius continued on its’ upward arc and into the face of another foe.
Within moments of his charge the Chaos Marines were broken, the survivors fleeing for their lives. Chaplain Odiel turned to see Captain Johan checking the status of his fallen comrades.
“They’ll live, but they cannot be moved for now.” Apothecary Tehir said.
“Very well. But we cannot wait. Send word for some Imperial Guard to look after them until this is finished.”
“Yes sir!”
“Chaplain, I thank you for the assist.” Captain Johan said as he rose to his feet.
“You could have handled them. My squad is injured and needs assistance. They are on the battlements.”
“Imperial Guard have secured the outer wall. They will have already received help. We press forward.” Captain Johan gestured to his squad to get back inside the Razorback. Another unit of Space Marines arrived to secure the location.
Just as Captain Johan was about to board the Razorback he noticed a loud rumbling from the direction of the Skyshield. He turned in time to see the Rhino explode in a massive fireball which engulfed the Tactical Squad around it.
Through the fires and flames strode a hellish beast. Its’ armour was a deep red and covered in golden spikes. The creatures’ massive head butted Space Marines out of the way as if they were nothing. Atop the great beast sat a Chaos Marine wearing matching armour and carrying a glowing axe. Accompanying him were more Chaos Marines wearing similarly coloured armour. Johan recognised them. He had fought their kind before.
Khorne Berzerkers. The most dangerous of all of the followers of Chaos. These men had devoted themselves to combat in all of its forms. They butchered their way through the Tactical squad.
Captain Johan drew his sword. “That’s him. The Chaos Lord. We cannot let him escape with his life. Marines, attack!”
As one man the veterans, the Tactical squad and Chaplain Odiel broke cover. Drawing their Bolt Pistols they fired into the enemy ranks, causing a few casualties. Even as they fell the Khorne Berzerkers cut off their own heads.
The Chaos Lord raised his axe above his head and spurred his monstrous beast forward. Captain Johan made a beeline straight for him. As the two warriors neared each other Captain Johan placed his left foot sideways, then spun around on it, swinging his sword in a wide arc as he did so. The beast narrowly missed him and continued onwards, only to slide to a stop several yards later.
Its head had been cut in half by Captain Johan’s sword.
The Chaos Lord roared with anger as he walked away from his dead mount. He pointed at Captain Johan with his left hand, “I am Lord Qo’tar the unconquerable, servant of the Chaos God Khorne, executioner of Chapter Master Sotariu of the White Lizards, slaughterer of an entire Company of the Black Knights and the last man you will ever face in combat,” he announced, “Make peace with your false god.”
“I do not care for talk,” Captain Johan replied “Now die like the dog you are.”
Qo’tar snarled in response and charged forward, his axe swinging above his head. Captain Johan parried the first blow, then ducked quickly to avoid the backswing. He twisted his sword, catching his foe on the left arm. Qo’tar hopped backwards out of reach.
They circled each other for a few moments before Qo’tar feinted an attack, which Captain Johan didn’t fall for. Qo’tar feinted again, but followed up with another feint, both of which Captain Johan ignored. Qo’tar feinted for a third time, but this time Captain Johan reacted. He knocked the handle of Qo’tar’s axe with a heavy blow, but Qo’tar used his free hand to force the sword down and followed up with a head butt. The two helmets clanged loudly. Captain Johan stumbled backwards, momentarily stunned. Qo’tar took a step forward and slashed his axe across Captain Johan’s stomach, cleaving through the Power Armour as if it was papier mache. Captain Johan roared with pain as Qo’tar slashed through his chest armour with equal ease.
As the axe swung towards him once more, this time at head height, he gathered himself. He had experienced greater pain back when he had been an initiate, during the process that transformed him into the Space Marine he was. And he hadn’t made Captain by giving up either. With new fire in his soul he caught the axe by the handle and swung his sword upwards, cleaving through Qo’tar’s shoulder.
With an understandable degree of shock Qo’tar stumbled, but recovered quickly. With his remaining hand he drew his Plasma Pistol, an ancient weapon he had kept ever since his days serving the Emperor, over 10,000 years ago. Before he could fire a bolt of super-charged plasma at point-blank range into his opponent’s face, the sword swung downward and removed his hand.
Seeing an opportunity that would not come again Captain Johan drew his arm back and rammed his sword point-first through the stomach of Qo’tar. After twisting it slowly Captain Johan ripped it out sideways. Qo’tar fell to the ground, torn almost in two. However, he was still breathing, so Captain Johan raised his sword and prepared to pierce Qo’tar’s brain.
That’s when Captain Johan was hit with a bolt of lightning to the chest.

Character Profile: Minister Bennett

Full Name: Supreme Planetary Defence Minister Jason K. Bennett
Occupation: Planetary Ruler
Age: 80 Terran Years
Race: Human
General Description: Just above 6 foot tall. Bald, with two large scars across his face. Strong build. Dark blue eyes.
Birth Planet: Stekros, a minor planet located near the Cadian gate.
Personality: Disgruntled. Never takes a moment's rest due to his need to oversee the defence of his planet.
Special talents: Expert knowledge in warfare and strategy, particularly seige warfare and planetary defence. Highly accurate with his chosen weapon, the standard las-pistol. Capable close-combatant, with knowledge of the use and maintenance of several weapons, including Power Weapon and Power Fist.
Flaws: Due to the stresses of defending his planet, has never allowed himself to have emotions. Having said this, he is fiercely devoted to the defence of his world above all else, especially the lives of his men. But which is stronger? His loyalty to his planet or to humanity?
Anything else you think is important: Despite his long service, still shows humility in asking the Black Knights for aid.

Chaos On The Battlefield

Well, I've been on hiatus for a while now. I'm not really sure why, but I just couldn't bring myself to get past that 30 post mark. Of course, this one changes things, and hopefully shall bring about changes in how I run this blog.

This story is set in the universe of Warhammer 40,000. Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000, Space Marines and just about everything except character names are copyright of Games Workshop. That having been said, the characters themselves are copyright of me.

In the grim darkness of the far future there is no peace, no respite, no forgiveness. There is only war.


Supreme Planetary Defence Minister Jason K. Bennett was disgruntled. This was not an unusual state of affairs due to his Home world’s proximity to the massive Warpstorm known as the Eye of Terror. For his entire 80 year lifespan he had been either battling Chaos incursions or training for battles. But on this particular evening he was even more disgruntled than usual. The reason for this disgruntlement was standing before him, ordering him around as if he were some common soldier.
The man before him was no mere man. He was Captain Johan of the Black Knights Chapter of Space Marines and could be described as nothing short of superhuman. Standing at over 8 foot tall, Captain Johan wore an ancient suit of black-painted Power Armour. His presence was imposing to say the least. He was explaining his battle strategy to Minister Bennett and several other Defence Ministers.
Minister Bennett nodded politely as Captain Johan spoke, knowing that to disagree would be a folly of immense proportions. The Space Marines had arrived to aid thanks to a personal request, but they had made it clear that they would just as readily destroy the entire planet as save it. If he were to protect his home, he would have to accept humility.
After Captain Johan had finished explaining his plan Minister Bennett rose from his seat and strode over to the window. He sighed deeply and looked towards the horizon. Just beyond the walls of his city lay the Chaos encampment. After their initial attack secured them several Skyshield landing pads they had suddenly ceased hostilities, content to repel counterattacks whilst more reinforcements arrived.
After two days of ineffectual attempts to remove them, the Space Marines had suddenly made contact. Minister Bennett had all but begged for their aid, and they had agreed. It was barely an hour later, but the Space Marines were already gearing up for their assault.
“I take it you will not be joining us for the attack, Supreme Minister.” Captain Johan said. It was not a question.
“As you so delicately explained, I am required here in case your assault is unsuccessful. Do you really believe that a hundred men will be enough?”
“We have the blessings of the Emperor with us. The Chaos scum will not escape our rightful fury.”
“You say that with such conviction that it is impossible not to believe you. May the Emperor guide you.”
“And may He protect you as well.” Captain Johan said before leaving. Minister Bennett turned back to the window and sighed again.
“May He protect us all.”

Deep within the Chaos encampment a man by the name of Qo’tar was itching with frustration.
“I do not enjoy this waiting Tai’kor. For more than two days you have had us waiting. We should be out there in glorious combat, tearing the followers of the false emperor limb from limb. Why do you insist that we wait?”
“For reinforcements my lord.” The Sorcerer replied.
“We do not need any more reinforcements, we have enough already.”
“My lord, one cannot just charge at an entire planet’s worth of men. We must ensure that we attack precisely, destroying their morale. Only then can we charge upon the palace and take claim of this world.” Just as Tai’kor was managing to calm his lord’s irritable nature, a Chaos Marine by the name of Wallace entered their bunker.
“My Lord, we have reports that Imperial Space Marines have attacked the western defences.”
Qo’tar grabbed his helmet and grinned maliciously.
“You may keep your waiting games for a more cowardly Lord. For now, the Blood God calls me to battle.” Qo’tar pushed Wallace out of the way and left the bunker.
Tai’kor helped Wallace to his feet, “Well, it looks like the final act is about to play out earlier than expected.”

Chaplain Odiel crushed the skull of yet another Chaos Marine beneath his Crozius. He glanced at his Assault Squad. The Power Axe of Sergeant Zeik tore another foul warrior in half. Around them the rest of the squad dispatched their remaining foes. Chaplain Odiel bellowed an order. As one, the squad activated their jump packs and soared up the side of the sheer wall.
As they approached the top they came under heavy fire. A unit of Chaos Marines wielding Heavy Bolters were protecting the battlements above. Though most shots bounced off of their Power Armour, some hit home, slaying three Space Marines outright. They fell back down to the ground below, but the squad did not falter. Instead they aimed skywards with their Bolt Pistols and unleashed a salvo of their own. Unfortunately the Chaos Marines were also wearing Power Armour and only one fell as a bullet punched through his eye.
Before he even hit the ground the Assault Squad had reached them. Chaplain Odiel wasted no time in smashing an opponent’s skull beneath his Crozius, which he then swung around to break the ribcage of another foe. Odiel dodged a return attack and head butted his foe in reply. The Chaos Marine staggered backwards, leaving himself open for the Crozius to sink into his chest.
To his right Sergeant Zeik hacked through two more Space Marines. He spun around like a mini tornado, his axe a whirling weapon of death. It tore its’ way through both flesh and bone alike, its’ crackling blue energy field making a mockery of any armour it encountered. Sergeant Zeik was therefore surprised when it came to a sudden and very definite stop. Looking down he discovered it was stuck halfway into the barrel of a Heavy Bolter. Looking up he stared as the Chaos Marine pulled the trigger, unleashing three huge shells into Zeiks’ abdomen from point blank range. Gritting his teeth, Sergeant Zeik punched his fist into the face of his enemy, who stumbled backward and over the parapet.
Chaplain Odiel turned to the sergeant and leaned in close so that their helmets were almost touching.
“Can you fight?”
“I’m afraid not sir. I’m unable to feel my lower torso.”
“Then wait here. I’ll send an Apothecary as soon as possible.”
Chaplain Odiel lay his old friend down as comfortably as possible, then activated his Jump Pack and dived into the encampment below.