Rebel Winter by Warhammer

Author:Warhammer [Warhammer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Day 687 Nhalich, East Bank - 07:38hrs, -26°C

KARIF HELD ON tight as Colonel Kabanov's Chimera smashed through the

rebels' outer defences, lurching over the rubble of shattered walls, and

easily bridging old trenches that hadn't been manned since the Vostroyan

frontline had moved east to Korris two years earlier. The colonel's driver,

Samarov, held his speed steady so the vehicle didn't pull away from the

infantry squad it was shielding. Each of the Chimeras was followed by a

squad on foot, pounding the snow packed hard by the broad treads of the

thirty-eight tonne behemoths.

Karif peered out from a firing port in the Chimera's rear. It was difficult to

properly assess the strength of the rebel defences in the glowing mists, but

it was clear to him that the enemy hadn't expected any kind of assault on

their east flank. Between the rebels' over-confidence and the weather, Fifth

Company had caught the so-called Danikkin Independence Army

completely off guard.

Lethal beams of energy cut bright ribbons in the mists, and the air

resounded with the staccato of cracking las-guns and chattering bolter fire.

Damn it all to the warp, thought Karif. Now that we've breeched the town, I

wish the mist would lift. If I can't see the enemy, how can I be expected to

kill him?

Colonel Kabanov called out to Maro and Stavin as the Chimera shuddered

and jounced. 'Don't waste ammunition firing blind. Trace their fire back.

Give them something to think about before our infantry breaks cover'

Sergeant Samarov shouted something from the driver's compartment. Karif

had to focus hard to catch his words over the angry buzz of the Chimera's

multi-lasers.

'Colonel, sir.’ called Samarov, 'this is as far in as I can take you. There's

tank wreckage all over the road. It looks like armour from the 701st, sir.’

'Understood sergeant.’ said Kabanov. 'Maro, stay on the multi-laser. Cover

our men as they move forward. Try to keep the enemy's attention on the

Chimera. The rest of you, get ready to deploy. Lieutenant Kuritsin, inform

Squad Breshek that I will be joining them. Make sure they're ready when I

drop that ramp.’

Lieutenant Kuritsin immediately relayed the message to Squad Breshek.

Karif fastened his black fur cloak over his shoulders. Apart from his usual

robes, Father Olov's only concession to the biting cold was a pair of brown

leather gloves that he tugged over his hands. Karif eyed him incredulously.

'Should you not don something more substantial, Father?' asked Karif.

'I'm cloaked in my faith, commissar.’ rumbled the old priest. 'It's always

been enough.’

'Is that so? Then perhaps the fires of your holy zeal are warming you from

within.’ Karif s tone was snide.

'Almost certainly true, commissar.’ rumbled Olov. 'Speaking of holy zeal,

I'll be listening closely to your reading.’

Then I'll be sure to give my best.’

Lieutenant Kuritsin finished helping Colonel Kabanov ready himself to

lead the men. The colonel presented a striking image of Vostroyan military

nobility. Under the white fur, Karif saw shimmering golden carapace

armour that was finely embossed with images of the Imperial eagle, the

winged skull of the Imperial Guard and the ancient icon of the colonel's

noble family, House Kabanov.

On command, Stavin abandoned his position up front and moved to join his

commissar in the troop compartment.

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