After a very long hiatus, I've managed to get a bit more writing in. I can't say for sure when I'll be able to do another, we'll see I suppose. Without further ado, the next installment.
The chamber was quiet, replacing the usual banter and raucous laughter of a feast or mass gathering of fellow Wolves. Silence, almost tomb-like, for it was the reverence they held for Wolf High Priest Ulrik "The Slayer", that silenced all.
"My Lords and leaders of squads or demi-companies, I have called for this assembly for one reason, and one reason only. We must gather together for a hunt is to be undertaken. A challenge has been issued, and we must answer, no matter the odds or circumstance." Ulrik said solemnly.
"My Lord High Priest forgive me, but I thought only the Great Wolf may call a hunt.?" asked one of the lesser Lords in the room.
"He can and does young blood. He is the only one with the authority to coordinate the entire strength of our Chapter for muster to far off fields of war and battle. What we have been able to assemble here is barely a portion of that strength, but it is strength nonetheless. It has been called because I declare it, and should the Great Wolf deign to question me, then I will meet him as I always have." Ulrik returned.
The air was charged with the feeling of insubordination, though no Wolf present dared think it, nor voice it aloud. There are many who would wilt under the stern gaze of Ulrik the Slayer, even the Great Wolf was known to bow before his better judgement and thinking. He stood as one of those most renowned living Space Wolves and none dared to think otherwise.
"Wolf Priest Panzerlied, step forward lad, and tell them of the challenge."
Nodding I stepped up onto the dais and addressed the assembled host of bottled, bestial, rage.
"My Lords, Pack Leaders and those Lone Wolves now assembled. As you know, Wolf Priest Skaldir was slain by The Enemy, but more than that..." I paused to let it hang in the air. "He was slain by a fallen brother, from Skyrar's Dark Wolves." again, pausing for effect which was immediately clear. Everyone's choler incensed dramatically after I uttered the words, and the dank scent of unbridled rage filled the air, heavy, and sickly sweet.
"I have been challenged personally, for I removed the foul arm of the traitor that slew Skaldir. He must be avenged, and our Chapter's honor must be defended. Wolf High Priest Ulrik, in his wisdom, declared that I should lead the Hunt."
Laughter, from one of the higher ranked Lords present.
"Who are you? pup? to lead us? We know not of your deeds or your prowess, only that of your station. I would sooner follow Morkai into the underworld than you." he spat.
"You adres..." The Wolf High Priest began.
"My Lord, if I may?" I interrupted, gesturing toward the insubordinate lord.
Wolf High Priest Ulrik laughed and nodded.
I jumped off of the dais and walked toward the laughing lord, stared him down then broke his nose with my forehead. Angered he launched his assault at me and I sidestepped his blow only to bring my knee up into his gut. Stumbling and posturing, he charged again only for my fist to meet his jaw. Again, I stared him down, challenging his authority as well as reinforcing my own, but he would not have it. He deftly rose and charged thrice, however this time managed to move to the flank of my blow and wrestled me from behind, dragging me down to the oaken floor. Leaping up on top of me he pummeled my head with reckless abandon until he was yanked off by a clearly irritated Ulrik who promptly backhanded him across the face. Clasping my gauntlet, he lifted me up and laughed.
"It was a good performance lad, but you needn't have done it."
He approached the face-mangled lord and bared his elongated teeth. "I'll not have one of my Priesthood insulted or questioned in such a manner young blood, he answers to me and The Great Wolf alone. If you doubt his prowess, we can continue this spectacle, or he can prove it to you while we assault these thrice-damned kin of ours. If you doubt his deeds, know that if wasn't for him, many Wolves now standing wouldn't be alive or able to do so."
Many nodded at his declarations, mostly from those who owed their lives to my efforts.
"I will follow him; I will follow Wolf Priest Panzerlied!" cried some of the attending Wolves. "If he asked to march into Morkai's realm I would fight alongside him until death claimed us." cried another. Soon most of the hall took up similar cries, either through genuine recognition or through Ulrik's imposing presence.
"Now that this matter is settled, what do you lads say to a Hunt?" Ulrik roared.
The entire hall erupted in jubilant cries demanding bloodshed. Amid the cacophony I was approached by the haughty lord from earlier.
"Wolf Priest Panzerlied, do forgive my insolence earlier, I was out of line and should know one of your station earns your place, regardless of how you came upon it." he said, his head lowered in shame.
I placed my gauntlet upon his shoulder.
"My lord, think nothing of it. For you are right, many of you do not know of my deeds, nor of my prowess for I have done little of both. Most of my time has been spent securing the future of this Chapter in finding new recruits, and continuing my studies; but I assure you, I am still an Astartes, of Russ' line and that of the Allfather himself. We are Warrior-Gods made flesh, and I will prove to many what I am capable of."
He raised his head and met my gaze, seeing the fury and sincerity burn from my words. He nodded and said, "Then let me redeem my manners, by fighting beside you in The Hunt."
"Many would seek your position, but none are more worth I think, than you lord. Your fighting skill and determination will be needed, so yes, let us slay our wicked foes together, in the names of Russ and the Allfather." I said happily.
He took up the escalating cheering within the room and we soon marched off to the hangar to waiting Thunderhawks to depart for Ulrik's flagship. Attending it was a small collection of Strike Cruisers and other Imperial vessels.
Ulrik walked into the throne room and set himself next to the ship captain, who was charting the course and setting battle conditions throughout the fleet. Altogether we were able to muster around four hundred Battle Brothers in addition to Rhinos, Predators, and attending Iron Priests. I spent the first half of the journey in the Reclusiam meditating and preparing myself for the coming battle. In truth this was probably going to be my most arduous task. I've fought against Heretics before, but these debased curs were former Brothers, now mad zealots of Khorne. It would be the truest test of my faith in myself, the Chapter, Russ, and the Allfather. I would have to steel myself against unchained hate, stare unflinchingly into the depravity of Chaos and return unscathed in soul and mind. I would be wounded, there is no doubt, I only pray that it is my body that bears such a burden.