The robed warriors with the glowing swords had recovered from the opening bolter barrage and countered impressively. A quick exchange of ranged weaponry and melee combat had proven the reluctant enemy to be agile and deadly. Several brothers of the chapter lay with severed limbs or mortal wounds from the flashing energy blades. Renewed fire from the marines broke the melee up quickly. Now, the robed warriors’ most powerful psykers were screening the retreat of their wounded with telekinetic barriers. The Space Marines fired obscene amounts of ordinance from heavy bolters, flamers, grenade launchers, and rockets hoping to overwhelm the defenses of the enemy.

“Greenskins!” a marine shouted as he fired his heavy bolter. Rolling down the steps of the temple like a wave were huge reptilian creatures covered in tooth and claw with xenos witches riding upon them. Bolter fire detonated harmlessly against their thick skin as the beasts roared into contact with the forward line, all gnashing teeth and slashing claws.