Johan felt the icy grip on his chain sword as they descended on a group of Orks, their jet-packs roaring as they crashed onto the ground with such force it send a group of Sluggaboyz soaring in every direction.
''SLAUGHTER THEM!'' yelled Hvitserk, the wolf guard leading the pack.
The Blood Claws let their rage overtake them in a fury of hacking and bloodshed, mauling the Orks. Johan drove his chain sword down on the head of an Ork who was struggling to rise to his feet, making the ground crimson beneath him. Johan ran into a crowd of oncoming Orks, killing one of them with every wild slash and blow, ripping through countless Orks on his murderous rampage. He made short work of any Ork that got near him, splitting one down the middle with his chain sword and ripping a Ork's arm from its socket, then proceeding to stomp him to death, until Johan was bathed in blood. One of his fellow marines was hit by a bolter round; it tore through the Blood Claw's helm into his head, killing him instantly.
He turned to see a Deff Dread barrel through a group of Orks, knocking them down. The Dread picked up a marine with his massive claw, beheading him with the saw on his opposite arm, tossing aside the bloodied corpse. Boiling with rage at the sight of his mangled comrade, Johan charged, letting out a vehement roar as he leapt upon the Deff Dread. Hacking away, but doing little damage to the plate, the towering war machine yanked him from the bulk with its claw. Before it could run the saw through Johan, he scrambled for a Krak grenade and heaved it at the behemoth's leg's supports. The Ork dreadnought swayed left and right, toppling over in a thunderous clash against the ground. Its grasp on Johan loosened, he pried himself from its claw. As he rose he felt a sharp pain in his left leg, but he shook off the sensation and joined his brothers in ravaging the fallen Deff Dread. Johan had severed its right saw and held it high as a trophy.
''Dey killed da Deff Dread!'', one of the Orks cried out in horror.
''Run away! We con't fight dat!'' The second one yelled out.
''But da warboss 'ell kill us if we run!'', the first yelled back.
''Ya can stay here, ya stupid git, but I'm doin' dat "live ta fight anodda day" ting!"
The Orks reinforcments were slaughtered, leaving the other Orks they were supposed to aid to be massacred by the Grey Hunters, the survivors fell back to the mountains, where more groups of Orks arrived every day, forming their massive waaggghhhhh lead by Warboss Gitstomer. But today they had won a great victory against the Orks, repelling them yet again.
This obscure chapter of Space Marines were known as the Wolf Born, decedents of the Space Wolves. After the battle they celebrated with a ceremonial feast including ale, woman, and song. In the Wolf Born, a man was measured by how many foes he had slain and how many scars he had to prove it. The ranks of the Wolf Born and Space Wolves are alike in that the first rank is the Blood Claws, the wildest and most aggressive members of the chapter. Their blind fury has led them to great acts of heroism, but also stupidity, as they serve as the front assault force.
If a Blood Claw survives long enough he is often inducted into the next rank, a Grey Hunter. The Grey hunters are the main force of the Wolf Born, standing at long range and firing from their bolters when it favors the situation. However, they relish close combat with their enemies, with the heavy weapons squads being referred to as Long Fangs.
Only when a marine has shown great acts of valor, and virtue, is he asked to join the rank of a Wolf Guard, the deadliest and most elite force of the chapter; they are issued Terminator Armor and a storm bolters. Wolf Guard members act as body guards for the Wolf Lord and as leaders of the lower echelons of the ranks.
Johan stuffed his face with the heaping plate of Grox before him. All of the men were merry about the earlier victory they had achieved. Hvitserk rose from the far end of the table and lifted his hands to command the attention of the pack of over zealous Blood Claws. The table drew silent as they gave the wolf guard their undivided attention,
''MEN,
WE REPELLED THE ORK XENOS FROM OUR BLOCKADE TODAY!'' The men let out a hefty roar in agreement.
''The Wolf Priest was watching as we tore through the enemies of the imperium, and he is contemplating one of you to join the ranks of the Grey Hunters!'' The men looked to each other, curious about which one of them would ascend to such an honor.
''But nothing is certain yet he could choose anyone of you. As we speak the Orks are preparing to mount another attack. They will strike at dawn tomorrow, and it is said that this time Warboss Gitstomper will be leading the assault himself. A foolish move! The Grey Hunters will draw the Orks into an attack them from the front, while other packs of Blood Claws will attack from behind, tying up their forces. In the ensuing confusion, our pack will make a jump into the battle from a nearby wall of the canyon, striking the warbosses squad directly; you men will cover me as I make the killing blow upon the warboss. The Wolf Priest will watch how you conduct yourself through this battle and choose one of you to ascend to a Grey Hunter. Good luck!''
All of the Blood Claws in the pack were friends, but none were closer brothers than Johan and Hakon. They spent most of their time regaling stories of past triumphs and adventures they shared. The two Asartes walked through the ship together discussing the battle to come.
''So, who do you think the Wolf Priest will choose?'' Johan began.
''No competition brother, after you brought down that Deff Dread, you're a shoe in to be picked for Grey Hunter," Hakon replied ''Who else do you think could even be considered?"
''Well, all of our pack mates are deserving.'' Johan stated ''Maybe Jorund; he's an able fighter, and it seems like there is no end to the
raw rage he throws himself into.''
''Jorund is a jar head.' Hakon sneered ''There is no logic behind anything he does. If he's selected, emperor protect us all.''
''Fine then, what about Thord? He's the most clever out of all of us.'' Johan continued.
''HA! As if! The commander despises Thord with a passion, it will be a miracle if he ever excels in rank'', Hakon rebutted, laughing at the thought.
''Then I don't know, anyone could still get it'' Johan replied.
''Oh get off it
Jo Jo. You want this advance as much as the rest of us'' Hakon said, as he glanced as Johan.
''I didn't say I don't want it, I'm just being realistic.'' he replied, returning the look. "I guess we we'll see."
''I guess we will", Hakon replied