The Sacking of Prospero

[Hfran Morkai]

14 Days before planetstrike: Vanguard Space Wolf Force enters the system near Prospero, a lone Battle Barge under the command of Wolf Lord Hrafn Morkai

 

“Status report,” roared Hrafn Morkai from the bridge of Shadow of Fenris as the Battle Barge re-entered real space, in the domain of the Thousand Sons. His long, jet black locks hung in braids, signs of his battles. He was ready for whatever the treacherous curs would throw at them. A ships officer, a true son of Fenris answered the Wolf Lord immediately: “All clear Lord. The Thousand Son fleet is absent sir. We remain undetected, no signals from planetside.” So they weren’t in wait for the Space Wolves? Had Magnus and his lackeys truly not seen their impending doom? Truth be told Hrafn was concerned by this development, it just didn’t seem right. It mattered not, Prospero would be ravaged with flame and blade, scouring the renegade Sorcerer’s. However now was not the time, he would have to wait for the rest of the fleet before engaging the foe. Hfran pondered on the turn of events before speaking to his crew once more. “Get me shipwide comm. Wolves, this is Morkai, stand down. The Thousand Sons are unaware of our presence. Morkai’s Fang, prepare for covert insertion in the next forty-eight hours.” That was their primary goal, to get forces planetside without the traitors realizing, to observe and report on movement of the enemy, to strike when the time was nigh. Hrafn’s company had been chosen specifically for this task due to his preferred style of warfare and the composition of his company, with large numbers of the stealthy Wolf Scouts.

 

“Helm, bring us to within insertion range of the planet, right above the capital. Rune Priests, maintain the wards concealing us from prying scanners. Logistics, plot trajectories for the pods of Morkai’s Fang.” Hrafn was swift and efficient in command just as he was in combat. He grinned a wolfish smile as the various elements of his force acknowledged his orders. By Russ the planet would burn. They could not tolerate the vile practises being carried out by the Legion of Magnus. They were to be the eyes of Russ, an honour most Wolves of Fenris would not enjoy openly; then again most of his bretheren lacked the subtlety required. “Astropath, send a message to Russ’ flagship. We have successfully infiltrated Thousand Sons space, no sign of the Legion Fleet or active scanners from the planet. Morkai’s Fang should be planetside within the next two days. Begin countdown for invasion.” He chuckled softly to himself as he thought of the destruction his few Scouts could wreak, if it wouldn’t potentially jeopardize the full scale invasion.

 

Hrafn entered the feasting hall located deep within the ship; he knew that his warriors would be assembled to hear the great oratories of the Wolf Priests, speaking of the glory of the Space Wolves and the honour that had been bestowed upon them. It was good for the heart. As he entered the enormous room the Wolf Priest stopped his passionate speech of war and victory, bowing his head in recognition. Each warrior transfixed their gaze upon their Lord and a few of the more raucous Wolves toasted the first among their Company, swiftly followed by the masses of armour clad fighters. Hrafn strode confidently to the centre of the hall, to the Wolf Priest Erland and held his hands up. As one the pack fell silent, ready to hear words of their master. “Hail brothers! As you all know we have been tasked with watching over Prospero whilst our bretheren prepare for the planetary invasion. I do not need to tell you that this is indeed a special occasion, the first time a Legion will openly engage in combat with another Legion. However Magnus and his followers have brought this upon themselves and have assured their destruction under orders from Horus. Our Legion was chosen for such a tremendous task because we are known for our glorious and direct methods of warfare. Prospero will fall; I know each and every one of you will assure that. As a reward for our lone deployment and the task ahead with many of us staying aboard ship we have the honour of assaulting simultaneously with the Thirteenth Shock Company. I expect the best performance I have seen from you yet, for the enemy is new and so is the context. Good luck with your preparations and may you find a tale worthy of telling.” Hrafn grabbed a large tankard on the oak table nearest to him and raised it into the air. “For Russ, for the Allfather!” With that he drained the tankard of its delicious ale and left the chamber, to confer with the ship’s crew once more.

[Warhorse47]

Oh yes! I cannot wait for more of this tale Brother!

[Wolf Guard Nostromo]

Very cool and very well written - I look forward to it continuing...

[Hfran Morkai]

12 days before planetstrike: Shadow of Fenris enters orbit above Prospero

 

Hrafn had spent the previous two days on the ship’s bridge, constantly waiting for an ambush by the scum they were sent to purge, however they came into contact with nothing and the only signals from the surface of the planet were directing the civilian vessels in orbit. The Wolf Lord had already thought of those freighters as potential traps though the long range scanners only detected basic defensive weaponry and either supplies or personnel, nothing to concern themselves with, so long as the Rune Priests kept up their wards shielding the Battle Barge from visual contact and scanners. He had faith in the Rune Masters skills, it why he had been assigned them by the Wolf King himself. The ships helmsman approached the command chair and beat his fist to his heart in a salute. “Lord Morkai, we are holding geostationary orbit above Prospero’s capital. We managed to successfully navigate the civilian ships with no difficulty. Logistics report they have calculated entry trajectories for suitable undetected insertion and then the Fang can move into observation positions.” Hrafn leant forward and gently clasped the helmsman’s shoulder with his giant, armoured glove. “Good work lad, we’ll have these sorceror’s soon.” One of the men shouted something to the Wolf Lord, grabbing his attention towards the ship’s Navigator. Her flesh was writhing, as if moving of its own accord. She was changing into something no longer Navigator. Hrafn had no idea what it was but it certainly was not a good turn of events, striding forwards rapidly he grasped the poor woman’s head and twisted it savagely, watching the life fade from the mutated creature. He turned his attention to the bank of Fenrsians charged with communications. “Get me Morkai’s Fang.” A young , pale skinned Fenrisian saluted and nodded to the Wolf Lord. “Morkai’s Fang, this is Hrafn. Report to your cloaked pods for immediate stealth insertion. May Morkai guide your blades this day. You have your mission, good luck.”

 

Wolf Guard Canute stirred from his slumber as the Wolf Lord’s voice emanated from the chamber comm devices. All the Wolf Scouts of Morkai’s Fang had also been resting, knowing the next twelve days would be long and difficult, whilst having to remain fully operational. So it was time to descend upon the forsaken planet, perfect. Canute wanted to get to grips with the abominations and make them pay for their treason. It wasn’t long before each member of the vanguard force had his weapons and equipment ready for deployment onto the planet. When he was certain each warrior was prepared Canute led them through the bowels of the enormous ship to the launch bay set aside for the Company’s Wolf Scouts. Instead of the standard Drop Pods and Dreadclaws there were single man canisters in five pod revolver arrays. Due to their footprint and protective wards covering the surface these pods were all but impregnable, a great strain on the part of the Rune Priests charged with protecting them but it was deemed worth it. Canute ordered his charges into the Drop Canisters, though likely it wasn’t needed. He chuckled as his eyes tracked a younger Wolf Scout wielding a Missile Launcher. “Do you honestly think we’ll need that?” The Scout looked at him with his steel-grey eyes. “Yes Wolf Guard, best to carry it just in case.” That was what he liked to see, the young ones using their initiative. He called out to the son of Morkai as he locked the Missile Launcher into one of the weapons racks within his pod. “Better you than me pup!”

 

“I am ready for our mission Wolf Guard Canute. Are your men ready to assist me in any way I deem fit? They are prepared to protect me with their lives?” Canute, knew that voice, it was his old friend Calder Icetooth, one of the Legion’s Rune Priests and a formidable fighter to boot. Canute clasped the Rune Priest’s hand in a warriors embrace. “Yes old friend, as always the sons of Lokyar are ready to die for a Rune Master. May your ride be swift and enjoyable.” He saw Calder’s mouth raise in a smile at that, for he hated the confined darkness of the cloaked pods. Still he was a son of Russ and had work to do, placing his beautifully crafted Rune Axe in the pod and strapping himself in, hitting the button to seal it. “Good luck Canute, will see you on the surface” The pod locked shut and he could hear the hiss as it pressurized itself for the journey through space whilst the arm grasping it by the top lifted the pod into the revolving launcher. It was only Canute and a few Iron Priests, master artificers and the wardens of technology left in the launch bay now. Canute used the control pad to bring his pod into a loading position and stored his Combi-Melta and Frost Axe within the capsule. He uttered up a short prayer to Morkai and sealed the pod.

 

A metallic voice rang throughout the pod. “Launch in thirty seconds. Russ be with you.” Canute just hoped logistics had plotted their insertion pattern right. It wouldn’t do to lose some of his force or even be discovered so early on. The Wolf Guard focused on the mission ahead and planned the next few days, they would slog into the city whilst avoiding the population and find a good vantage point to utilize. He felt his capsule move, the first pods were away and the launcher was preparing the next pods. It wouldn’t be long before Canute was in freefall with his brothers, just as he liked it. He felt himself plummeting towards an uncertain fate and it excited him beyond belief. He was as free as a raven. Struggling with the terrible forces he activated his capsule’s communicator and let out a savage war howl, pleased to hear others answering his call. One was chanting a tale of Morkai, fitting given the name of the unit. Approximately three minutes later the pod crashed into the planet’s surface. Thanks to the enhancements to his body Canute could resist the tremendous impact with little more than a violent jar. Hitting the release buttons Canute grabbed his trusty weapons and emerged from the pod, ready for combat. After a quick glance he determined that his Scouts had already set up a defensive perimeter, with an array of deadly weaponry ready to engage any sign of life. Canute activated his vox bead. “Calder, send the Lord a message, we deployed successfully and are headed for the capital, should take no longer than 33 hours.” Canute received a click in his ear from the Rune Priest, confirming he understood the message. “Morkai’s Fang, move out, for the capital. Stay frosty.” The last remark got a few chuckles over the vox, ice ran in their veins.

 

They were on the move.

[Hfran Morkai]

11 Days before Planetfall: Morkai’s Fang encounters life en route to Tizca

 

The cool of the night was comforting for the Space Wolves, it reminded them vaguely of their homeworld, more importantly the absence of light allowed them to advance stealthily. A single vox click sounded in Canute’s ear, causing him to raise his weapons in experience. One of the group had encountered something potentially problematic. Instinctively the members of Morkai’s Fang scrambled for cover and brought their array of weaponry up, scanning for hostiles. Canute grinned, baring his fangs, at the efficiency of those under his command. This was the reason they had been chosen for such a crucial mission. Crouching gently Canute made his way to the front of the task force, using his superior eyes to sweep the area. Once at the head a kneeling Scout armed with an anti-materiel rifle whispered to the veteran. “Potential hostiles ahead Wolf Guard, they seem to be scouring the terrain, looking for something. Perhaps our insertion has been compromised?” Canute tilted his head and sniffed the air, sensing the prey and learning little, but vital details. He conferred with the lead Scout. “The bulk smell of humans, though some stink of Thousand Son filth. We’ll take them by surprise, in order to prevent them discovering any sign of us.” The Scout nodded in agreement with the leader’s decision, rising to his feet in order to find a better vantage point. Canute activated his vox bead. “Canute to Morkai’s Fang, hostiles detected five hundred metres South West of my location. Marksmen find suitable points to take your shots and aim for the Astartes. The rest of the Fang are to move to my location and we will charge as the first rounds fly. Canute out.” He couldn’t hear his warriors moving but he could sense it, through the link all sons of Russ shared. He knew they were carrying out his orders to the best of their ability.

 

It didn’t take long for thirty of the force to converge on the eager Wolf Guard, with ten placing themselves and their rifles in convenient spots to cause mayhem from. The night was still once again, with the stench of the enemy filling his nostrils. Slowly the Wolves crept forwards, stalking the animals before preparing to overwhelm them with speed and force. As the distance closed the force was able to determine beams of light sweeping the ground in organized patterns. Canute held up his right fist once the pack were within fifty metres and everyone stopped, readying blade and Bolt Pistol with which to dispatch the scum ahead. The Wolf spoke once more into his vox. “Snipers, open fire on the foe.” He leapt into a sprint, sensing his brothers following the lead as several distinctive cracks resounded across the plains as the large calibre rifles were unleashed. The hunting pack closed the short distance at a breakneck pace, intending on indulging in a swift bout of extreme violence. Shouts went up as the humans dived for cover in a futile fashion. The large rifles were about striking fear into the enemy as much as actually wounding them and this just went to show their effectiveness. One of the enemies had the sense to set off a flare, illuminating the unfolding scene of carnage. Unfortunately for the traitors they were witnessing the charge of howling, snarling beasts about to unleash justice upon those that had brought deliverance upon themselves. Canute swung his Frost Axe at a cowering human and severed the pitiful wretch’s head from his shoulders. The promise of honour spurred his Wolves on, as they sought the remaining Thousand Sons in the party, stabbing with blades almost impossibly sharp. Though taken by surprise the Thousand Sons still fought valiantly with Bolter and blade lurching at the darting shapes. Canute saw one marine dragged down by a Scout leaping at his neck and grabbing it with both hands, whilst a comrade plunged a Power Weapon into the throat of the traitor. A few of the more jovial Scouts let out howls of joy at engaging the foe in hand to hand. Shortly after it had begun the engagement was concluded, with Scouts tending to their own wounded and dispatching surviving opponents with their icy blades.

 

Canute had found a human attempting to play dead, not understanding the Wolves’ superior sense of smell, which gave the poor soul away. This was to be the latest victim of interrogation under Canute’s supervision. He grinned a wolfish smile as his hands grasped a cruel bladed knife and he absent-mindedly spun it in his palm. “I think you’ll agree that you are outmatched here. So, what was your mission, your objective whelp? Were you searching for invaders or infiltrators on the planet? This doesn’t look routine.” The human squeaked at the booming voice of the veteran Wolf. “N...nnno sir! We...we were informed of unusual... seismic activity in this area and were instructed to investigate... immediately. It seemed of great interest to the... the Thousand Sons Lord.” The human stammered in response to the giant’s questioning. He wasn’t lying by his scent either. “Good, because if your mission was us then boy would the Legion have something to say...” There was no use for the sack of flesh anymore, it would undoubtedly report back to its masters of the feral warriors stalking the planet, which was unacceptable. Canute threw the man to the floor and plunged his knife into the chest of the human, tearing down to the base of the abdomen and spilling the contents of the chest cavity over the human’s uniform. He reached into the gaping hole and extracted the heart, still beating steadily. Canute tore a large chunk of the flesh from the beating organ and swallowed it, revelling in the taste of judgment. That man had been condemned to hell indeed. Looking over the site of the conflict Canute chuckled to himself. His Scouts had destroyed all communications and location equipment, the sands would deal with the rest. The enemy was not ready for the full fury of the Wolves, and neither would they be if things went to plan. Once again it was time to move out, with the standard formation and purpose to their step. They would not fail their Primarch.

[Hfran Morkai]

9 days before planetstrike: Wolf Scouts enter the city of Tizca

 

Dawn would break soon, revealing the battle group in all its feral glory and alerting the traitors to the impending invasion. Canute led his warriors carefully through the streets, avoiding the plazas and brightly lit areas. Each Wolf had his blade and suppressed Bolt Pistol to hand, ready to cut an observer to pieces should problems arise. The Scouts were expert stalkers and enjoyed the challenge of remaining hidden from early risers. The Wolf Guard was looking for a location to hole up in until the invasion went ahead. He knew what he wanted, a tall building with great lines of sight. It wasn’t hard for the veteran to spot exactly what he wanted, pretty central to the city was a library, though it looked more like a cathedral with spires and an incredibly ornate tower. However it seemed to be in a state of refurbishment, with scaffolding encasing the building and tarpaulins obscuring large swathes of the walls. Canute grinned to himself and made a beeline for the library, they would have a great view of the retribution handed out by their brethren.

 

Canute slunk up to a small access door and checked the lock and grunted in surprise. It was a cheap, mass-manufactured piece of junk guarding what the people of Prospero held dear, knowledge. Slowly Canute slipped his thin knife from the belt and thrust it into the keyhole, twisting it sharply the mechanism broke and he grabbed the handle, twisting it delicately whilst pushing the barrel of his suppressed Combi-Melta through the crack in the doorway. He sniffed the air cautiously for a giveaway to life sharing the library but the air was still. The Wolf Guard swept the aisles with his Bolter, not that it was needed. The Wolves of Russ rapidly made their way to the end with the tower. Canute signalled for a Scout to move into the passage beyond which he assumed led to the staircase. The group heard a crash and a growl come from within the hallway, causing Canute to rush around the corner, weapons raised. A crumpled human lay, a knife through his eye, on the floor with the Wolf Scout hunched over him, feasting upon the unfortunate soul’s neck. The veteran cursed, one of his men had succumbed to the beast that resided within all the Wolves of Russ, something which could threaten the mission if he wasn’t kept in check. Canute hefted his Combi-Melta and struck the wolf-bitten Scout across the back of the head. The beast turned and snarled at the Wolf Guard, causing Canute to punch him in the face, bringing back the warrior he had brought on the mission. He began to apologize profusely to the leader. “No need lad, just keep a better grip on the beast next time, eh?” He knew that the Scout hadn’t chosen to allow the beast to the surface. “We must reach the top of the tower.” A Scout with flamer fired a short burst at the corpse to destroy the evidence, gently scorching the stone floor whilst Canute led the battle group up the winding staircase.

 

Canute kicked one of the doors at the top of the towers open forcefully and scanned the horizon, imagining the coming days when the city would burn with righteous fury; it would feel so intense seeing the traitors’ home destroyed. He barked to his warriors: “Snipers on each corner, rotational duty. You know the drill!” That way they’d always be ready for unforeseen events. He would send out some Scouts to get a better feel for the layout of the city.

[Requiem of the Wolf]

9 days before planetstrike: Wolf Scouts enter the city of Tizca

 

Dawn would break soon, revealing the battle group in all its feral glory and alerting the traitors to the impending invasion. Canute led his warriors carefully through the streets, avoiding the plazas and brightly lit areas. Each Wolf had his blade and suppressed Bolt Pistol to hand, ready to cut an observer to pieces should problems arise. The Scouts were expert stalkers and enjoyed the challenge of remaining hidden from early risers. The Wolf Guard was looking for a location to hole up in until the invasion went ahead. He knew what he wanted, a tall building with great lines of sight. It wasn’t hard for the veteran to spot exactly what he wanted, pretty central to the city was a library, though it looked more like a cathedral with spires and an incredibly ornate tower. However it seemed to be in a state of refurbishment, with scaffolding encasing the building and tarpaulins obscuring large swathes of the walls. Canute grinned to himself and made a beeline for the library, they would have a great view of the retribution handed out by their brethren.

 

Canute slunk up to a small access door and checked the lock and grunted in surprise. It was a cheap, mass-manufactured piece of junk guarding what the people of Prospero held dear, knowledge. Slowly Canute slipped his thin knife from the belt and thrust it into the keyhole, twisting it sharply the mechanism broke and he grabbed the handle, twisting it delicately whilst pushing the barrel of his suppressed Combi-Melta through the crack in the doorway. He sniffed the air cautiously for a giveaway to life sharing the library but the air was still. The Wolf Guard swept the aisles with his Bolter, not that it was needed. The Wolves of Russ rapidly made their way to the end with the tower. Canute signalled for a Scout to move into the passage beyond which he assumed led to the staircase. The group heard a crash and a growl come from within the hallway, causing Canute to rush around the corner, weapons raised. A crumpled human lay, a knife through his eye, on the floor with the Wolf Scout hunched over him, feasting upon the unfortunate soul’s neck. The veteran cursed, one of his men had succumbed to the beast that resided within all the Wolves of Russ, something which could threaten the mission if he wasn’t kept in check. Canute hefted his Combi-Melta and struck the wolf-bitten Scout across the back of the head. The beast turned and snarled at the Wolf Guard, causing Canute to punch him in the face, bringing back the warrior he had brought on the mission. He began to apologize profusely to the leader. “No need lad, just keep a better grip on the beast next time, eh?” He knew that the Scout hadn’t chosen to allow the beast to the surface. “We must reach the top of the tower.” A Scout with flamer fired a short burst at the corpse to destroy the evidence, gently scorching the stone floor whilst Canute led the battle group up the winding staircase.

 

Canute kicked one of the doors at the top of the towers open forcefully and scanned the horizon, imagining the coming days when the city would burn with righteous fury; it would feel so intense seeing the traitors’ home destroyed. He barked to his warriors: “Snipers on each corner, rotational duty. You know the drill!” That way they’d always be ready for unforeseen events. He would send out some Scouts to get a better feel for the layout of the city.

Wonderful story Brother...Keep up the good work.