Rebel Winter (Warhammer 40,000) by Steve Parker

Author:Steve Parker [Parker, Steve]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2011-10-14T16:00:00+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’ overconfidence 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 lasguns 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

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