Rise of the Wolf

[commander alexander]

There is currently a thunderstomr going on here, expect a new addition soon.

[commander alexander]

I got a new "page" written, I just need to revise it, and I will post it up. I've already got the wheels turning for the next addition too. :)

[commander alexander]

I decided I would procrastinate, and write some more of the story instead of writing my English paper. <_<

 

 

 

 

The aftermath of battle is when the wounds take their toll. Ėldi was weary with those wounds that the company had suffered; no one would leave this battle unscathed. A dozen of the ones long in tooth had fallen, and the wisdom they brought to the company with them. The hunters of the company had been dealt heavy blows, more than thirty now gone to the Allfather's side. That had not been the worst of it though. The young ones of the company, the Blood Claws, had been crushed. The coward traitors attacked were there would be the least resistance, and disappeared if anything that posed a threat came near.

He walked back towards the city square to help with the wounded. Many corpses laid about, traitor, heretic, daemon, and Space Wolf. Here is where the battle came to a head once Kjarl Grimblood and the rest of the company broke free from their ambushes. Of the four packs of young Blood Claws sent to disrupt the summoning, none remained. They were only supposed to be on their own for a short amount of time, but the forces of chaos were devious and vile. They had fought, and they had died while their brethren were unable to help them.

He saw the corpses of some traitor noise marines, and walked over to them. How they disgusted him! He was glad they had been killed in the battle. He crushed ones head and chest with the boot of his terminator suit, and incinerated another. He kicked the corpse of a heretic off of another to do the same to it, but something gave him pause. He had not seen or heard any accounts of noise marines during the main battle. He saw that this one had a large hole in its chest; it looked like a grenade had blown up at point blank. It also had the rough, jagged gouges of a chain weapon. He saw part of another exposed, and unburied it to examine it. Its armor was scorched, and it had something burned and forced into the side of its head. The corpse next to it had been cut and stabbed with a fury of knives it seemed. He found two other corpses also killed by these three warriors. Finally he found a sixth corpse, and as he unearthed this one, to his amazement, he found one of the lost Blood Claws. This one had lost his left arm, and in his right he still held a flamer with an iron grip like he was still bashing his foes. Ėldi commanded his terminator suit to access the spirit of the Blood Claws power armor. He still lived! His armor read that he was badly wounded, having lost too much blood, and had entered a coma.

Ėldi called out on the vox to the Wolf Priest Vígúlfr, who had been using 'his' Land Raider to load up wounded.

"I think we may have some survivors here, please come to this location," Ėldi said as he flipped on a locator beacon.

"Who is it?" responded the Wolf Priest.

"It is a Blood Claw; I think this was the only pack to make it to the square."

"We are on our way."

"Good, I will continue to look for more," And with that, he continued to turn over the piles of bodies in search of the Blood Claws.

[Warhorse47]

An excellent tale, keep up the good work!

[commander alexander]

Thank you Warhorse, I almost let this one die.

 

 

 

Fenris, home. Soon he would be home, were he could feel the cold embrace of the winters wind. Karl walked to his sleeping quarters, eager to rest, and meet the morrow when they would arrive. The decks of the battle barge thrummed constantly with the tireless work of the warp engines. His tired feet clanged sharply against them in contrast to the dull noise. He had just come from the training bays. Otr, Ívarr, and himself had been training as much as they could since they had recovered. Ívarr was always fidgeting with his new bionic arm. "It's not quite as good as the real thing," he mumbled when he swung too far, or moved too sharply. They all had come away with scars from Acatran, and perhaps the greatest was the loss of their pack. They had recounted their brothers sagas when the company had a ceremony on the barge. Their sagas were short, but they ended with fierce honor, as it should be for a wolf. That was all their was to it, it would do no good to continue mourning for them, they were gone. Sorrow would still creep into his thoughts at times though, it would to everyone. The whole company had been dealt harsh blows on that planet. They were headed back to Fenris to heal as a great company in whole. They needed to replenish their supplies and their numbers. He entered his sleeping quarters, and sat down on the stone slab that was his bed. He pushed the brooding thoughts away, and removed his light boots. He had been training without his armor on today, as they occasionally did. He laid back on his slab, and closed his eyes. Rest, silent calm rest is what met him in the darkness.

[hendrik]

sounds good!

[Warhorse47]

Alexander, keep at it!

[commander alexander]

Oh come on Warhorse, what about you hmm?

[commander alexander]

Karl woke well rested, and excited, his mind was on home the whole while he slept. He tapped on a little rune-stone in the wall of his quarters; it lit up a small holo-pict. It would be some hours before they arrived. Excited and energetic, he thought he might as well spend another day in the training bays. This time he stopped at the armory were his armor was stored, and donned it. He was pleased to find Otr there as well, in like spirits. "Would you like to have a go at it?" Otr asked.

Karl replied with a toothy grin, "Of course."

"Ranged weapons, or hand-to-hand?"

"Let us see how your knives do against my ax."

"We will indeed," Otr replied with a delighted look.

They walked into one of the clear training bays, today there weren't many others there. In fact only a single thrall would be spectating the fight, even astartes got hurt training, especially with each other. They established the rules of the fight, full armor, and the opponent must accept what would have been lethal blows. The thrall would have the holo-recorders running to settle any disputes. They stood ten paces apart, Karl touched the rune to start his chain-ax, and Otr readied his knives. They nodded and began the fight. Otr made a dash for Karl's left side, acting like he was going to strike him quick and hard on his weak side. Karl turned his left side to the front, just as Otr switched directions and went for his right. Karl had guessed the quick blood claw would do such a thing. He kicked out with his right foot just as Otr was within range to strike him in the soft armor joints with his knives. At the same time, Karl brought the haft of his ax down on the back of Otr's head and sent him into a summersault. Karl realized Otr was chuckling a little. He had in fact succeeded in hitting Karl, once in the soft armor joint of his right knee, and the other in his right elbow. Otr may not have been the most powerful fighter, but he was quick and as sharp as his knives' edge. Karl's blow would not have truly been a fatal one; it would have only knocked his opponent down or dizzy for a moment. Otr's strikes weakened his opponent on their strong side. So the fighting continued for a long while, both either not landing telling blows, or not landing any at all. A few hours later they were tired, and slowing down. Otr made a last, sudden charge, lunging forward. Karl raised his ax up like he would bring it in a downward strike. Otr jumped up, going for the throat, but then something distracted him, if only for a moment. Karl was glad for it, as he was not sure he would have been quite fast enough to pull off his move. When Otr leapt, Karl switched his hold on his axe and brought it up in a full swing. He caught Otr full in the chest, and swept him back down to the ground in a near full circle. On his back, Otr gave Karl a nod, and Karl helped him to his feet. Both removed their helmets, letting their skin breath, and sharing in tired chuckle.

[commander alexander]

"An excellent fight," commented Böðvarr as he stepped into view.

"Iron Priest," said Karl while he and Otr nodded their heads in respect.

"I see now the endurance and skill you had that kept you alive, it is fitting of true wolves."

"Thank you Iron Priest," Otr replied," If you do not mind my asking, what are you doing here in these lonely training bays?"

"I was wandering," he said" so I thought I might check the equipment in the training bays. Then I saw you two fighting and watched for some time."

"Are you sure you're not a scout, Iron Priest," Karl jested" Otr did not notice you until just a few moments ago."

"Hah, by Russ no," he chuckled," You two are very focused on your opponent, which is good. However there is almost never only a single opponent, it would do you good in the future to try and be aware of your surroundings as well."

"We will remember that Iron Priest" Otr said thoughtfully.

"I hope so, it would be a shame to see you fall after so much, and with so much potential still. You two, and your pack mate Ívarr have earned some respect from me and others in the company for your feat."

Pride and appreciation welled in their chests, "Thank you Iron Priest," they said together with another bow of their heads.

"Please, enough of that, it doesn't suit you at all, young wolves" he grinned," And you need not call me by my title all the time, you can use my name. Do not let what I have said go to your heads though either."

"Yes Iro-uh- Böðvarr, thank you," They said almost laughing at themselves.

Böðvarr smiled, "I suppose you two should find a good viewing bay, we should be dropping out of warp soon."

And with that they parted, the Blood Claws rushing towards the prow of the barge, and Böðvarr doing likewise. Albeit a little slower.

[Russ Brother 92]

well finally read through the whole lot brother and I must say, it's brilliant :) I can't wait for more :D

[commander alexander]

Thank you.

 

 

 

Karl, Otr, and Ívarr had enjoyed themselves for the most part since their return. Looking upon the fierce orb that was the planet of Fenris had warmed their hearts from orbit. Now in the Aett itself, they were truly happy. All was not joyous though. Before they entered the feast hall of their company, they held a proper ceremony for the fallen, and had records of the greatest sagas kept in more than just memory. Now though, they feasted in the hall of their company, and relished in their brotherhood, and a fair bit of Mjod. Too long they had been from their home. Even with the prolonged life of an astartes, they would still ache for home after long periods of time. There had been much fighting in the region of space they had been called to. Mostly against Orks for many months, it was honest enough fighting though. Then there was the rebellion and daemon incursion along with the cursed traitors of the old legions.

 

Now, laughter filled the hall of the 12th company, stories and good cheer was being shared. Some movement caught Karl's eyes, and those of most of the company. Their Wolf Lord, his loyal guard, and a few of the priests had stepped out of the hall for a moment and now returned. The hall fell to a quieter less rowdy tone as Kjarl Grimblood walked in. He was not a dour man that his men disliked. In fact he was quite the opposite. He was usually a level-headed man, but he had a burning fury when it was kindled. He walked to his throne in his power armor, his stride and presence was splendid and fluid. He dominated the room with his presence. He was not the largest or strongest of the wolves in that chamber, but his fiery spirit was indomitable, and that presence washed over the room now. Something that required the company's attention was going to happen. Although wolves had a famous habit of reading each other, that was heightened with Kjarl Grimblood. That brown-haired, fiery-eyed lord could just let his will wash over them. As he stood before the throne, he looked over his men, letting his fiery-gaze take in everything. Those eyes made Karl's soul burn with pride and fury, like he could do anything in the eyes of his lord. The whole hall fell quite with anticipation.

 

"My wolves, I am glad to see you here, feasting and enjoying the warmth of the hearth," his voice was rich and baritone, yet smoky as embers. He had a slight smile on his face, bearing long, fierce looking fangs."It also reminds me of how many empty seats I see, how many we have lost." All the company nodded, remembering those that had gone to the next winter. "Much has to be done; we will be healing these wounds for some time. Tomorrow we will be receiving a new group of blood claws, young ones to join our great company." Some of the hunters let their eyes roll and let little grumbles out of joking displeasure. The wolf lord grinned a little more."Of course they need looking after and the guidance of their elders. I will be sure to spread that out as I see fit." He let his gaze fall on a few individuals who sighed with that prospect. "However there are those who no longer need such guidance. Many of you have proven yourselves in this past year, and I will see you get your due. First the blood claws I have seen fit to become hunters. Munán, Uðr....." He called out few names, five in total. There were not many left to be called afterwards. "I pronounce you Grey Hunters, if your brothers should accept you." The blood claws turned then from the base of their lord's dais and looked upon their brothers. The Hunters raised their cups and let out a quick cheer for them, and so they were accepted.

 

The wolf guard and priests also gave them some notion of respect, mostly nods. When they had settled back down their lord spoke again. "However those are not all. There are those in the company who went above and beyond, making mighty additions to their young sagas. Otr Quickblade, Ívarr Longspear, and Karl Stormsong come forward." Karl's hearts soared, and he shared an excited look with his pack mates. They clambered off of their benches and came to kneel before their lord. Kjarl Grimblood looked upon each of them in turn; they showed the promise of his company. "You stood on your own for so long, were others would have surely fallen. You stopped the summoning of a greater daemon, as you were tasked, but without promised aid. You felled two traitor marines for each one of you and still you fought on. You stemmed the tide long enough for us to break free of our holds and defeat the daemon incursion." Karl's hearts pounded in his chest, he had never known such honor. "You were found at Morkai's doorstep, and brought back to us. For that we thank Russ and the Wolf Priests." He turned to his wolf guard Ėldi, who handed him three necklaces. They were strung with runestones, claws and fangs. They were tokens of honor. Kjarl Grimblood walked to each of them and placed one on each of their necks. "Rise, and if your brothers accept you, rise as hunters!"

 

Before they had even finished rising to turn to their brothers, a great cheer rang out. "Hunters!!!!!" they cried. Otr, Ívarr, and Karl looked at each other in amazement, huge smiles spread across their faces. They went to sit with their brothers, many hands and gifts of Mjod greeting them along the way.

[Russ Brother 92]

brilliant ^_^ I love the depth you go into with descriptions of the ceremony (something that I have yet to see canon-fluff on) and that of Kjarl Grimblood, it is very very good and I expectantly wait for more ;)

[commander alexander]

I'm glad you like it. I actually try to leave the canvas as blank as possible with details wherever I can. That way the person reading can make it look however they want with their imagination. That, and I think I might make it worse if I try to describe things too much. :lol:

[commander alexander]

Böðvarr had been very busy in the short weeks on their return trip. Many pieces of wargear and machinery needed tending, and machine-spirits needed soothing. Finally he had gotten a chance to talk with the wolf lord Kjarl Grimblood, who had been just as busy as him it seemed. They happened into each other in one of the hallways near the command bridge."Lord"

 

"Yes Böðvarr?"

 

"I have a matter to discuss with you, although I hope others have brought it up before you. It's about the scout Haurr and the blood claws he had been leading."

 

The look on Kjarl's face turned from casual to intense. "Go ahead."

 

"I had followed the tracks of the blood claws from the fighting to where they had sprung from ambush. I found Haurr there."

 

"I have been told as much by the Wolf Priests and Rune priests."

 

"Then you know he was killed by the Sound Marines, and by the looks of it, there had not been a struggle."

 

"Yes."

 

"I have been discussing this with some of the rune priests though, and they agree."

 

"Agree with what Böðvarr?"

 

"That they were not alone."

 

The look on Kjarl's face grew more intense, "What do you mean?"

 

Böðvarr took a deep breath before he continued, "Those Sound Marines did not have the weapons or witchcraft of their own to have snuck up on Haurr so completely.

Someone else had cast powerful maleficarum."

 

"The Rune Priests said they had sensed someone for only a brief moment during the battle." Kjarl said, brooding on the details.

 

"Yes Wolf Lord, and yet he only watched, even as those Blood Claws killed the traitor marines and disrupted the summoning."

 

"That is indeed odd, but what is meant by it?"

 

"I do not know Kjarl, but the other priests and I think those blood claws will be the focus of that maleficarum in the future."

 

"This gives me much to think about..... Thank you." So he walked down the corridor of the ship, brooding.

 

Böðvarr had been glad to see those blood claws recognized. He was also glad to see what had come of his and the priests talks. Necklaces, both tokens of honor, and wards against maleficarum had been bestowed upon them. The pride they wore them with had meant they would indeed be of use. It was as much a Space Wolf's belief in something as it was wyrd bestowed by a priest that did something. So Böðvarr walked to his quarters, warm and at peace. Not that the healthy amount of Mjod and mead he had drank had anything to do with it.

[hendrik]

ooh, i like where this is going! slaaneshy cult magic! definetly a nice change to the usual 1000 sons magic

[Warhorse47]

Excellent work! [slides ale and roast thoat over to the brother]

[commander alexander]

Thank you hendrik, and thank you Warhorse, but what is a thoat? :P

[hendrik]

i think he mean toad ;)

[commander alexander]

Roast toad...... Interesting? :)

[hendrik]

the french eat frogs, so i see no real problem with it, besides,we all know unca warts has his weird tastes ever since he met that drugged up dark eldar gal :)

[commander alexander]

Oh, that definitely explains it. Warts-toads, it all makes sense. I suppose you really are what you eat. :)

How can he get over all those peircings and body modifications? His taste has really wandered in women, as well as food.

[Warhorse47]

http://johncarter.wikia.com/wiki/Thoat

 

Here ya go. And see what happens if you pick one, just one, mind you wyld woman............

[Russ Brother 92]

Aye more stories :) more ale, more Mjod and more red meat ;)

 

p.s. Piercings and Tattoos are wonderful :P I am fully with dear old warhorse on that one haha but that is another tale for a different time.

[commander alexander]

Ah, well I am unrehersed in anything to do with John Carter.

 

Tattoos I can handle to a certain extent, and only small peircings on the ears for the most part.

 

Anyways, I will take your offerings of food and drink in exchange for more writing!

 

 

 

Rising and falling, the longboat slowly bobbed and swayed on the eerily calm water. Mist had slowly began to roll in, ever so slowly, like a beast silently stalking its prey. It began to cloud their sight past a few hundred spear lengths. Calm, so completely calm and quite. The only noise came from the light creaking of the swaying boat, and the shallow splashes its prow made. He stood near the prow, watching, always watching. His eyes were keen, and they were needed to guide the ship. He focused back on the mist, and it seemed that suddenly the mist was close now, maybe over fifty spear lengths. Now he could just barely make out the shadows of rocks and Icebergs at the edge of the mist. Something was not quite right, and it had him on edge.

 

Karl woke, slowly raising his head from the table. He looked around, many of his brothers were there, also having fallen asleep after so much feasting and drinking. What had brought his dreams to that place? He wondered. That had been what seemed ages ago. He quietly got up and walked out of the feast hall. A thrall at the doorway offered him some water and cuts of cold meat. Karl took the water, and nodded a thanks towards the thrall. Before he walked away, the thrall said "The Iron Priest Böðvarr has asked to see you and your packmates today."

"Thank you," Karl replied, handing back the water cup before he walked off. The thrall looked after him inquisitively, that sky warrior was acting strange. Karl walked and walked, like a ghost he was lost, not in thought, but in a blank dream. He let his feet carry him were they willed, not slow nor fast. He found himself at a balcony somewhere on the face of the Aett. Before him was spread the fearsome majesty of Fenris. Mountains swept up at the sky, like ragged teeth and claws. Deep valleys and fjords spread out from their bases. Wind, ceaseless and howling brought the icy bite of winter on its wings, the kind that would wear down rock over the ages. He let his spirit wander there, thinking of nothing, and only feeling the spirit of his world, as all the wolves felt it. Harsh, unforgiving, and always in motion, yet it was beautiful and in balance with itself. He noticed someone else had joined him on the balcony, although they waited in the doorway. Karl waited for some time, never looking away from the scene before him. "It is fierce, and it is beautiful, isn't it?" Whoever was behind him took some time before replying.

 

"Indeed it is, Hunter." Ėldi said, walking forward to stand beside him.

 

Karl turned and bowed his head," Jarl." He grinned, almost chuckling at the use of his new title.

 

"What brings you out here, to meditate?"

 

"I do not know, my feet carried me here Jarl."

 

Ėldi looked at him, and then turned to look at the view himself. He wore his power armor now, not his usual suit of TDA. Even without the enormous shell, he was large among his brothers, a full two heads taller. His trimmed red beard rolled with waves in the wind. His tanned and scarred face housed the eyes that were hallmark to the sons of Russ. When he spoke, his fangs were shown, betraying how old he really was, for they were long. "You and your packmates have done well it seems."

 

"Indeed, we have been greatly honored Jarl."

 

Ėldi gave a nod "Yes, and deserving of it. I was surprised when I still found you, half alive under the piles of bodies."

 

"Thank you Jarl."

 

Ėldi simply grunted and continued, "Now it seems I am to aid you, and watch over your pack until we have decided which pack you are to join. In the meantime though, you and your packmates are to see the Iron Priest Böðvarr, the Rune Priest , and the Wolf Priest, to see if any of you are suited for such wyrds. I believe your packmates have already gone off to speak to them."

 

"You have already spoken to them Jarl?"

 

"Yes, or the priests have sent for them themselves. You have been out here quite some time. You should be on your way."

 

"Yes Jarl, thank you." Karl walked off to go see the priests.

 

Ėldi watched him go, then turned back, and stared into the mountains of Asaheim.