The Red Path 2: Will of the Blood God by Chris Dows

Author:Chris Dows [Dows, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Black Library
Published: 2016-04-06T13:07:42+00:00

Lukosz stood in the deep shade cast by the transport’s open loading door and watched the last of the salvaged White Scars bikes being loaded onto the vessel. Keeping the warband occupied had been his way of diffusing the tension of the stand-off after Khârn’s sudden disappearance, and for a time, the remaining berzerkers had worked as a reasonably efficient unit, with no new blood challenges being made. The uneasy respite had given Lukosz opportunity to keep a careful watch on Samzar. His actions were becoming increasingly provocative, hampering Lukosz’s efforts to keep the warband’s aggression directed outwards. Even now, Samzar had deliberately positioned himself in full view of the five remaining conspirators and was revving his drawn chainsword to a wailing shriek. He was proudly displaying the mutineer Morenna’s newly flensed skull on top of the broken horn of his helmet. Lukosz pondered darkly on the last exchange with his comrade. Samzar had wanted to take a squad out and look for Khârn, but Lukosz had again reminded him that such an attempt would not be welcome if it succeeded. And besides, they both needed to be present to ensure the berzerkers did not turn on each other, undoing his efforts in a murderous spree.

‘Lord Lukosz, this is the Skulltaker.’

Lukosz recognised the voice of Roderbar, the shipmaster. His breathing was laboured as always, but the voice was calm. Whatever had been happening in orbit to prevent him replying to hails was clearly over.

‘Lukosz here. Report.’

‘The White Scars vessel has been heavily damaged and is moving out of position. It is in no state to launch any vessels upon you. Shall I pursue and re-engage?’

Lukosz watched as Samzar strode from the adjacent drop ship, shadowing two of Morenna’s followers while being watched by the other three. As the duo disappeared into another transport, Samzar stared at the three until they returned to their duties, then turned and gazed at the horizon. Lukosz could see his comrade’s hands clamping open and shut. Looking to his left, he saw the rest of the berzerkers at ease in small groups, cleaning weapons and trophies, awaiting the order to load up and ship out back to the Skulltaker. Something inside Lukosz told him it would be better to stay on Haeleon for the moment. There was no point in risking extraction during battle before Khârn had returned, regardless of how crippled the White Scars ship might appear to Roderbar.

‘No. Let the vessel go and remain in orbit. We may need you to search for Khârn. Keep your augurs turned to the White Scars ship. If it launches a counter-attack, then destroy it. Await further commands.’

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