TableofContents

Cover

TitlePage

Warhammer

Map

Prologue

PartOne

One-Lost

Two-JaegerandSons

Three-EncounterinWilhelmplatz

Four-AProposal

Five-TheMightiestDoom

PartTwo

Six-LettherebeLife

Seven-TheBattleofTrzySiostry

Eight-Lifebringer

Nine-TheCrossroadsoftheWorld

Ten-Alone

PartThree

Eleven-WheretheBeastsDwell

Twelve-CruelSurprises

Thirteen-KingofTrolls

Fourteen-CityofLostSouls

Fifteen-SquareofHeroes

Sixteen-TheTrollKing'sChampion

Seventeen-TrueSelves

Eighteen-TheHonestyofDeath

Epilogue

AboutTheAuthor

Legal

eBooklicense

Theworldisdying,butithasbeensosincethecomingoftheChaosGods.

Foryearsbeyondreckoning,theRuinousPowershavecovetedthemortalrealm.Theyhavemademanyattemptstoseizeit,theiranointedchampionsleadingvasthordesintothelandsofmen,elves

anddwarfs.Eachtime,theyhavebeendefeated.

Untilnow.

Inthefrozennorth,Archaon,aformertemplarofthewarrior-godSigmar,hasbeencrownedtheEverchosenofChaos.Hestandspoisedtomarchsouthandbringruintothelandsheoncefoughttoprotect.BehindhimamassalltheforcesoftheDarkGods,mortalanddaemonic.Whentheycome,theywillbringwiththemastormsuchashasneverbeenseen.Already,thelandsofmenarefallingintoruin.Archaon’svanguardrunriotacrossKislev,theonce-proudcountryofBretonniahasfallen

intoanarchyandthesouthernlandshavebeenconsumedbyatideofverminousratmen.

ThemenoftheEmpire,theelvesofUlthuanandthedwarfsoftheWorldsEdgeMountainsfortifytheircitiesandpreparefortheinevitableonslaught.Theywillfightbravelyandtothelast.Butin

theirhearts,allknowthattheireffortswillbefutile.ThevictoryofChaosisinevitable.

ThesearetheEndTimes.

‘KnowingtheobjectoftheSlayer’squestasIdo,Ihaveneverlabouredundertheillusionthatourfriendship–ifyoucouldcallitthat–wouldlastforever.IndeedwemightbothhavehadcausetobemoanillfortunethatourassociationhadlastedaslongasitalreadyhadwhenGotrekandIfinallypartedways.‘ManywasthecoldnightthatIhadlainawakeanddreamedofthedayIwouldbefreeofhis

oath,andlookingbackIcannotblamemyselffortakingthechanceofasettledlifeformyselfandKatwhenitwasoffered.Andyet,itisonlyhumantowonderwhathurtmighthavebeensparedhadweallleftKarakKadrintogetherthatday.ThetruththatIclingtoisthatourpathshavealwaysseemedguidedbyunseenpowerswithagreatdestinyinmind.Forhowelsecouldadwarfsodeterminedtoseekdeatheverhavesurvivedsomuch?‘DoesthismeanthatIcanforgivehimforwhatwedidinKislev?‘ThoughItry,Icannot.PerhapsIwritethistoosoonaftertheevent,buttheEndTimesare

uponus,andIfearthatthisgriefwillnotfadeintheshorttimewehaveleft…’

–FromMyTravelswithGotrek,unpublished,byHerrFelixJaeger

PROLOGUEAutumn2524

‘Itcan’tbedone,’saidGotrekflatly,scoopinguphistankardandsittingback,challengingthelongbeardtoconvincehimhewaswrong.BorekForkbeardtookamomenttoconsiderhisreply.Itwasnotthewayoflongbeardstobehurried,

andparticularlynotoversoimportantamatterasthis.Theolddwarfsatquietly,thinking,polishingthelensesofhispince-nezspectacleswithonewhiteforkofhisbeardwhilethebustleoftheinnwentonaroundhim.Itwasroughanddirtyandthepatronswerenocleaner.Thedwarfsherewerefarmers,herders,andminersofwhatlittleleadandtintherewastobefoundinthispartoftheWorldsEdgeMountains.ThelongestfaceswerewornbyapartyofprospectorsconsolingthemselveswithalastdrinkbeforemakingtheshortreturntoKaraz-a-Karak.Throughtheopendoorsandwindows,thegrassyfoothillsbaskedinsunshine.Goatsandhogsdottedthehillside.TheSkullRiverwasasliverofsparklinglightbetweentwohillsonthewesternhorizon.GotreksippedhisBugman’s–Borekwasneitherpoornorshywithhiswealth–contenttowaitonthelongbeard’smind.SnorriNosebiter,however,hadneverbeensopatient.‘Snorridoesnotknowwhatthereistothinkabout.’‘Snorriwouldn’t,’saidGotrek.‘GotrekandSnorriwillbothbefamousandrich,Snorrithinks.’‘Famousmaybe,’saidGotrek.‘ThefamousfoolswhothoughttheycouldrideintotheChaosWastes,

findadwarfholdtwocenturieslostandreturnwithhertreasures.Aye,we’llbefamousallright.’HetookanothermouthfulofBugman’s,thensnortedandturnedtoBorek.‘Andmayshamefindyou,Forkbeard,forputtingsuchideasintothiswazzock’shead.He’saminernotawarriorandhismotherwouldn’tlethimevenasfarasEverpeakfortheoremarket.’Borekblinkedattherebuke,thenclearedhisthroatandresethispince-nezonhisnose.‘This

expeditionisnotwithoutperil,youarecorrect,butitcanbedone.Everyprecautionhasbeentaken.’‘Thesewagonsofyours,’saidGotrek,soundingparticularlyunimpressed.‘Aye,youmentioned.’‘Protectedbysteelandrune,anddrivenbythepowerofsteamalone.’Thelongbeardnoddedto

Snorri.‘Wehaveplentyofstrongarmsandstouthearts,butIneedgoodengineersineachwagontokeeptheconvoytogetherthroughthemadnessoftheWastes.’HeremovedhisglassesagainandfixedGotrekwithastareasiflayingdownachallenge.‘Snorritellsmethatyouareoneofthebest.’‘Snorritellsyou…’Gotrekmuttered.‘Doit,’urgedSnorri.‘ItwillbejustlikeyouradventureswithHamnir.OnlywithSnorri.’‘It’sdifferentnowandyouknowit,’saidGotrek,thoughfromthewistfulnessinhistoneitwasclear

thathewasnotatallassureofhispositionashewantedtobe.‘Ihaveafamilytoconsider.’‘Willyouatleastpromisetothinkaboutit?’saidBorek.Snorrigrinnedhopefully.Gotrekscowledintohisbeeranddrank.‘Fine,I’llthinkaboutit.’

SnorristaredintohisemptytankardandlettheearnesttalkofKhazaDrengi,theSlayerHallofKarakKadrin,breakuponthehugebulwarkofhisshoulders.Hekneadedhisknucklesintohistempleandrappedonthebarfortheattentionofthesteward.Hismemorywascomingback.Hewasgoingtoneedanotherbeer.

ONELost

Snowfellacrosstheoblastinthumb-sizedflakes,white-furredreaversofthefrozennorth.Whereexactlytheseraidersravaged,MarszałekStefanTaczakcouldnotsayforthiswasthetimeofraspotitsa,ofroadlessness,whenhills,rivers,andwholestanitsassankunderaflatplainoffeaturelesswhite.TheremnantsoftheDushykarotareinedinoneitherside,reducedbytheblizzardtolittlemorethanmountedshades.Ninemen.ThatwaswhatremainedofthecavalrypulkhehadledintotheBattleoftheTobolCrossing.Ninemen.

Beatenmen.Theyrodeslumpedinthesaddle,swathedbutfortheireyesinbloodstainedcloaksandcapturedKurganfurs.Theiranimallayerswerefleckedwithwhite,likeafrothofexhaustion,butanumbnessofheartandbodymeantnomanshivered.Itwasthatsamefatalismthatgrantedeachmanashotofsatisfaction,likekoumissstillwarmfromthemare’steat,atthefatethatwinterwouldsoonsharewiththenorthmen.Raspotitsareturnedtheherdsmanandthehuntertohistirsa,themerchanttohiscityandthewarriortohishearth,buttoanarmyonthemarchitwasdeath.AsfiercelyasStefanwishedtoseetheclosingoftheyearinsuchterms,hecouldnot.Therewereno

victorswhenLordWintermarchedtowar.‘ThirtyKurgan,marszałek.Alldead.’Stefan’sesaul,abeefandgristlemannamedKolya,reinedinhissteedbesidehim.Themare,

Kasztanka,respondednumblyandKolyaclappedvigourintoherneckandsnowfromhermane.HelookedtoStefan.Bloodfleckedhisblueeyes.HenoddedoncetothesceneofbutcherythathadledStefantocallahalt.Intheleeofaroughhorseshoeofbankedsnow,bodiesandpartslayscatteredaroundadousedfirepit.Athinsheenoficeglimmeredfromthebodieswheretheirwarmthhadmeltedthesnow.Nowtheywerecold.Thesnowslowlycoveredthem,smotheringthebutcher’sruinaspurblindlyasitdidroadsandtirsasandthehideousskulldolmensoftheKurgan.Thishadhappenedrecently.Theyweregaining.‘Thesameasbefore,’Stefanmurmured.Notabattlebutamassacre.Thiswasnotwarasheunderstood

it.‘Whatdidthis?’Kolyaofferedanomattershrug.‘Asthewisewomanwouldsay,marszałek,whenthewinterishard

thewolfwilleatwolf.’Intheprivacyofhisface-scarf,Stefansmiled.Itwaseasytoforgetthehuntsmanwhohadusedtopaint

stick-horsesonstonestoscatterwhereveroneoftheoblastspiritshadspookedpoor,skittishKasztanka.Theywerehalf-brothers,abloodrelationascommonaswidowedmothers,anditwasgoodtoremember

thattheoblasthadnotalwaysbeenthisway.Thenorthmenhadcomemanytimesandalwaysweredrivenback.KislevwasthelandandthelandwasKislev.Stefanlookedupandsquintedintotheicicleteethoftheblizzard.Thesnow-sweptvistastretchedtothe

endsofhisexperienceandbeyond.Ithadsufferedagrievouswound,perhapsmorethanone,butitstilllookedlikeKislevtohim.KolyamadeaclickingsoundunderhistongueandbroughtKasztankaaroundtotheright.Shewhinnied

shyly,jumpingintothehighsnowbeforesettlingintoawalkasKolyaguidedheraroundtheedgeoftheKurgancamp.Thereweremorebodies,scattered,abreadcrumbtrailleadingnorth.Someofthenorthmenhadtriedtofleefromwhateveritwasthathadcaughtupwiththem.Ithadnotdonethemanygood.Theyhadbeenbeheaded,dismembered,takenapartbyamonstersofarbeyondtheabilitiesofanentiremarauderwarbandthattherewasnoevidenceofitanywhere.Stefanfixedonaseveredhandhalfburiedinthesnow.Ahand-axewasstillgrippedintheblueingfingers.Hefeltakindofgratitudeforthat.ManyofthenortherntribessharedtheNorsebeliefthatawarrior’sspiritwouldforeverroamunlesshediedwithweaponinhand.Thenorthwindturnedthen,skirtingthenorthmen’shorsehoewallandblastingboththeirfaceswith

snow.Itcarriedthecoppery,obscenelysweetodourofrecentdeath.Thehorsessnortedanxiously.KasztankastampedherhoovesandwhinnieduntilBiegacz,Stefan’smountandastablematesincebirth,nuzzledhisoldcompanionandblewreassuranceintoherear.Menofthesoutherncitieslikedtomockthebondbetweenanoblastmanandhishorse,butfewmenlovedananimalasKolyalovedKasztanka.Itwasher,ratherthanhisownbloodbrother,thatwaskeepingtheboldmanStefanhadknownalive.‘Marszałek!’Theshoutcutthroughtheblizzardwithlittlewarningofthehorsemanwhocanteredthrough,thenreared

toastandstillinaflurryofsnow.BorisMakoskywasyoungerthanStefan,hadbeenatrappermakingadecentlivingsellingmeatandfurtomerchantsfromPraagbeforetheincursion,butdefeathadagedhim.Therewasgreyinhisfringeandsomethingferalneverfarbeneaththesurfacewhenhespoke.Evenwhenhedidnot,itwasthereinhiseyes.Ifamanwasbraveenoughtolook.‘Therearetracksthatcontinuenorth.Itistooheavytobeaman,butwhateverelseitmaybeitisa

beastoftwolegs.’‘Canyounottellwhatitisfromitstracks?’saidKolya.‘AnogremercenarythatfledthefallofVolksgrad,perhaps?OneofthetrollsthattheKurgansaynow

occupyPraag?Wehaveseenworsemigratingsouth.’‘Butthesetracksheadnorth,’saidStefan.‘Theyfollowthesamewarbandaswedo.’Makoskyshruggedangrily.‘WhatIcantell,Ihavetold.IfyouwantmorethenspeakwithBochenek.’Thatstung.Therota’sscoutwasfeedingthefoxesofthelaststanitsatheyhadfound:thepricepaidfor

spottingtheKurganambushtoolate.Stefansaidnothing.Ontheoblast,amanlearnedtoconservewarmthanywayhecouldandthatincludedkeepinghismouthshutwhenwordswerenotwelcomed.Instead,heglancedagaintotheruinedcorpses,worryingwhatsuchamonstermightdotothecaptivesthoseKurganhadtakenwiththem.Thecaptureofthewisewoman,Marzena–whohadclearlyexhaustedhergoodfortunewhenKolyaandBochenekhadheardherscreamsandrescuedherfromthebeastmanherdthathadinvadedherhomeintheShirokijForest–hadhurtthemall,butKolyamostofall.Hisbrotherhadalwaysbeenonetoseekoutomensintheshapesofclouds,tobeseechthespiritsbeforepartakingofaspring,andtoheedthewisdomoftheUngolhags.Stefanshookhisheadgrimly.Snowdroppedfromhisbrow.Whatkindofbeast,though,wouldrender

suchcarnageandnotevenpickatthebodiesithadleftbehind?Stefandidnotliketheinevitableoption

thatthatleft.Daemon.Heshuddered,reachingfortheszablascabbardedbyhisleftstirrup.‘Amanmayseembravewhenfightingsheep,’saidKolya,quotinganotherofMarzena’sproverbs,‘but

beasheepwhenfacedwithbravemen.’Stefandrewhimselfuprightinthesaddletoregardhisbrotherfully.‘Ispeakofthemonster,notyou,’saidKolya,thememoryofasmilehauntinghisthinlips.‘Thesemen

werefrost-bittenandhalf-starved.Theirwarleaderleftthembehindwhilethebulkofhishostcontinuednorth.’Heindicatedthatdirectionwithanod.‘Werideon?’‘Forourlostbrothers,’saidStefan,spurringhismountaroundtofacenorth.‘Iwouldnotleaveanyman

inthehandsoftheKurgan,andIcertainlywon’tabandonanoldwoman.’Kolyanodded,butMakosky’sscowlmerelydarkened.Themanseemedtocomealiveonlyintheheat

ofthehunt.Thelandwaswide,withtoofewbeastmentobefoundroaminglostandstarvingonthesteppe.Usuallytheywereriddendownwithrelish.Othertimes,theyweremadetopayforwhattheyhadwroughtonKislev.NothingthatStefancouldthinkofshortofavictory,howeversmall,ortheremotepossibilityof

reunitingwiththeIceQueen’spulkwouldrallyhismen’shopes.‘Wearegaining,’saidKolya,thenraisedahandtosweepoverthedead.Hismannerwasgrim,barren

ofhopeandgladforit.‘Thesemenwillnotmisstheirfursnow.Whenthehorsesarerested,wewillbringthevengeanceofDushykaontotheKurganandtheirpursuerboth.’

‘TellmeofyouradventuresinPraag,’saidtheblack-robedpriestofGrimnir,walkingbarefootthroughthesootandsteamofGrimnir’sfoundry,deepwithinthehallsofKarakKadrin.Theairwasthickandblack.Ittickledthethroatwiththehonesttasteofcoalandcushionedtheclangourofhammersuponanvilsandthehissofbellows.Shroudedtotheirbarearmsinthemurk,visionsofGrimnirhimselfathisfabledforge,ascoreofdwarfsworkedtheiranvilswithasingle-mindednessthatborderedonbrutal.Theirstrainingmusclescrawledwithtattoosandcoursedwithsweat.Notoneofthemspoke.Itwasjustthem,theiron,andthesanctityoftheforge.SnorriNosebitersaidnothing,foritwasanoldquestion,andmerelywatchedasthepriestpaddedina

circlebehindhisback,Snorritwistinginhischairtofollowhisprogressasfarashecould.Thesnapoftautleatherarrestedhimandpulledhimbackintothechair.Ohyes.Snorrikeptonforgettingthat.Hewassecuredintoahigh-backedwoodenchairand,thoughittookalotofleathertostrapinachest

asmassiveasSnorri’s,thispriestwastakingnochances.Thestumpofhisrightlegwaslaidoutupontheanvilinfrontofhim.HerememberedthathisoldfriendGotrekGurnissonhadcutitoffforhim.Hegrinnedinsuccessathavingremembered,butthenalmostimmediatelyfrowned.Washehappyaboutthat?Clearlyhewasstillmissingsomething.‘Snorri,’thepriestprodded,circlingbackroundtothefront.Heworehisblackhairlongandhisbeard

forked,andwalkedwithhishandsclaspedbehindhisbackashespoke.HewieldedhisvoicewithanauthorityasunsubtleasSnorri’shammer.Hisbarefeetslappedthehotfloor.‘Iaskedyouaquestion.’Snorrimaintainedhisfrown.Hewasheretoremember,thatmuchheremembered.Deepthought

scruncheduphisface.Itwasunique,evenasfaceswent.Ithadtakensomanybeatingsthatbonyregrowthsknobbledhisjawlineandbrowandhisnosewasflattenedbetweenhischeeks.Oneearwasacaulifloweredmesswhiletheotherhadbeentorncleanawaytoleaveapinholeinthesideofhishead.Sometimes,whenthingsgotboring,Snorricouldhearairwhistlethroughit.

‘WhatkindofnameisSkalfHammertoesanyway?’saidSnorri.‘Iwasaranger,andnotaverygoodone.Idonothidefrommyshameassomemight.’Helooked

askancetowardsSnorri.‘Praag.’‘Snorridoesnotremember.’‘Ithinkthatyoudo.’Snorriwatchedthepriestcirclebehindhimonceagain.Itwasmakinghimdizzy.Heclosedhiseyesto

think.Praag.HehadtravelledtherewithGotrekandwithyoungFelixontheairship,SpiritofGrungni,tofightChaos.Thefightinghadbeenallrightbuthehadn’tenjoyedthejourneymuch.Therehadbeentoomuchtimewithnothingtodobutthink.Snorrididnotlikethinking.Itdidnotagreewithhim.Itgavehimmemories.Ashethoughtnow,backpastthatpoint,hismindflinchedlikeadogfromanoldmasterwhohadonce

beencruel.Therewasanoldwoundthatwasstillburiedtheredespitetheyearshehadspenttryingtoforget.Andnowhewassupposedtoremember.Why?Becausehehadpromised,thatwaswhy.Hesawadwarfwomanandherchild.Hedidnotrememberifthechildwashisbuttheregret,the

anguish,thatknottedinhischestatthememorytoldhimthathehadlovedthesetwoasifitwere.Theknottightened.Hisheartwasaleadweightonhislungs.Hehadkilledthemboth.Orhadhe?Buttheirdeathshadbeenhisfault.Yes,thatwasright.Hecouldnotremember.‘Interesting,’saidSkalf,checkinghisstride.Snorriopenedhiseyes,blinkingasifhehadjusthadhis

headsubmergedinabarrel.Thepriest’slipstwistedinamusement.‘Youtalkwhenyouthink,SnorriNosebiter.Icanonlyassumeitisthatthickskullofyoursthathasseenyouthroughsomanyofourage’sgreatbattles.’Snorribeamed.‘Iwantyoutotellmeaboutthesecondtimeyouvisitedthatcity,whenyoureturnedtherewithoutGurnissonandthehuman.Itwasaroundthenthatyourmemorybegantofail.’ThepriestsnortedatsomeprivatejokeandSnorribristled.Thisbeardlingpriestwasmockinghim.By

whatGrimnir-givenright?Somethingaboutbeingaskedthequestion,though,madehismindgothere.Hisskullached.ThethreebrightlycolourednailsthathadbeenhammeredintohisheadinplaceofthetraditionalSlayer’screstthrobbed.Painthreatenedtoflushhismindofhardmemories,buthegruntedandwilledhimselfpastit.Hehadmadeapromise.HeowedGotrekthatmuch.‘GotrekandyoungFelixdisappearedintoamagicdoor.WhenMaxcouldnotfindthemheandSnorri

wentbacktoPraagtofightChaossomemore.’‘ThisisMaximilianSchreiber?Yourwizardfriend?’‘MaxisthewisesthumanSnorriknows.OnetimeSnorrifellasleepinabucketofvodkaandwhenhe

wokeupMaxmadehissoreheadgoaway.’‘Thenperhapsheisnotsowise,’Skalfsnapped,‘forahangoverisGrimnir’swayofmakingthelast

night’sfoolssuffer.’Thepriesttookadeepbreathandwenton.‘WhatdidyouandMaxdoinPraag?’‘Er…’Snorrivaguelyrecalledthefollowingsummerasasequenceofdisappointingskirmisheswithbeastmen

andmarauderswithjusttheonehalfwaymemorablebattlewithachampion’swarbandsomewhereupriver.Buthecouldnotreallyrememberthateither.Thentherehadbeenthatincidentwiththedaemon-possessedviolinthat,evenafterhehadsoberedup,Snorrihadthoughtsoundedratherunlikely.Maxwasnotthesorttomakethatkindofthingup,though.Notatalllikethatyoungrascal,Felix.Herememberedbeingsadtohavemissedit.Thenherememberedsomethingthathehadnotbefore.‘Ulrikawastheretoo,Snorrithinks.’‘Thezanguzaz?’‘Oh,shewasn’tavampirethen,’saidSnorri,thenpausedtothink.‘Atleast…er…’

‘Doubt,’saidSkalfwithagrimhalf-smile.Heunclaspedhishandsfrombehindhisback,thenlaidthemflatontheanvilbythestumpofSnorri’sleg.Heleanedforward.Hiseyeswereahawkishamber.‘Doubtisprogress,andprogressisgood.Ithinkyouhavealwayswantedtoforget.’‘SnorrithinksthispriestisstupiderthanSnorri.’‘Gotrekandhisremembererwereuniqueindividuals,’Skalfpressed.‘Theywerepossessedofa

destinyIcannotpretendtounderstand.Theirquestssweptyoualong,Snorri,allowedyoutoforgetyourpain.Butthenonedaytheyweregone,andyouwereleftalone.’Snorritriedtopullaway.Therewasaleathernmoanandthestrapbucklebitintohismassiveforearm.Ofcourse,Snorrithoughtmiserably,Snorriforgot.‘Painislikegold.Howeverdeepyoutrytoburyit,someonewillalwaysdigitupagain.’‘Snorrithinks…Snorrithinkshewouldlikeabeernow.Orten.’‘Ofcourseyouwould,’saidSkalf.HegesturedtowardssomeonethatSnorricouldnotsee.Snorri

smackedhislips.Theywouldprobablybebringingbeer.AnotherSlayerstrodethroughthesmoke.Heworehishairintwocrests,sharpredhornsatthefrontbut

shaveddowntothescalpattheback.Hisbare,musculartorsowasawebofredandblacktattoos.Itlookedlikethemusculatureofaflayedbody.Butnotadwarf’sthough,Snorrirealised,astheSlayer’sfaceemergedfromthesmoke,paintedintothesnarlingvisageofadaemon.Snorrigraspedinstinctivelyforaweapon,causinghischairtorattle.AcknowledgingneitherSnorrinorSkalf,theDaemonslayerdroppedalargeleatherbagontotheanvil.

Ithitwithanironclank.ThebagwasopenandSnorriglancedinside.Inamongstthecommonhammersandtongsofthesmith’scraft,thererestedanoddlyproportionedspikedmace.Therewerenospikesattheveryheadoftheweaponandtherewasnogripatall.Theendofthehandlewhereitshouldhavebeenwasflatandsmoothandskirtedwithtriangularironflapsthatwereeachpunchedthroughwitheyelets.ButnowhereinamongstitdidSnorriseehisbeer.‘Snorriwantstoknowwhatyoutwoareupto.’TheDaemonslayerlaidhispalmonSnorri’sshoulder.Burning,bleedingligamentsandsinewscrawled

acrossthewell-muscledarm,butthetouchwasnotunkind.‘Ioweyouadebt,SnorriNosebiter.’‘Snorriwilltakeyourwordforit.’‘Asyoushould,formywordisiron,’spoketheDaemonslayer,retrievinghishandsothathecould

devotebothtoremovingthemacefromhisbagandlayingitreverentlyupontheanvil.HammerandnailsfollowedandtheDaemonslayerthenpositionedthesmoothed-flathaftofthemaceupagainstthestumpofSnorri’sleg.Itwassurprisinglywarmandwasasuspiciouslygoodfit.Snorrihadaverybadfeelingaboutthis.Hehopedhewasgoingtogethisbeersoonerratherthanlater.‘Thatworm-eatenpegthatthehumansgaveyoutoreplaceyourlegishardlyfitforasonofGrungni,’

saidSkalf,butSnorriwashavingdifficultyfocusingonhim.HisgazeslidtowheretheDaemonslayerwasmakingaringofmeasuredlittleguidenicksaroundhislegbyscoringanironnailthroughthemeat.‘Surelytheshameofitwasthereasonyourefusedyouroldcompanion,Makaisson,andremainedherewhilehejoinedKingIronfist’sthrongforthemarchtoSylvania.Orcouldtherebesomeotherreason?’‘Snorri…cannotremember.’Skalfsnarled;thewronganswer.‘ThevonCarsteinsriseagain,Snorri.Alloftheblood-suckers.The

kingalignedhimselfwithelves,elves,tofightthem.’Helookedtotheceilingandpresentedhisopenpalmsindismay.‘ManySlayersfoundtheirdoomsthereinthatmightydefeat.EvenMakaissondidnotreturn.’SkalfnoddedtotheDaemonslayer,whothenpickedupanailandthreadeditthroughoneoftheeyelets

atthejunctionofthemace-leg.ItdugintoSnorri’sthigh.TheDaemonslayerlineduphishammer.‘MynameisDurinDrakkvarr,’hemuttered.‘Ioweyoumylife,andmydeath.Onthelosthallsofhome

Iwillseethatyoufindyours.’‘Thisisgoingtohurt,’saidSkalf.‘CanSnorrinothavehisbeerfirst?’SkalfstuffedarolledupleatherbeltintoSnorri’smouth.‘Youhavealreadyhadtoomuch.Thatisthe

problem.’Fromthecornerofhiseye,SnorrisawDurinswinghishammer.Hetightenedhiseyes,bitdownonthe

belt,andgruntedastheDaemonslayertookhistimestrikingnailsthroughtheeyeletsofthemace-legandintohisthigh.ThehammeringfromthenearbySlayersproceededunabated.Asiftheydidnothear.Whenitwasdone,DurinlaidahandbrieflyonSnorri’sshudderingshoulder,thendiligentlywipedup

thefewsplattersofbloodandputawayhistools.‘Tellmeofyour“SpiderLady”,’saidSkalf,quietly,pullingthebeltfromSnorri’smouthasthough

nothinghadjusthappened.‘Snorriisgoingtokillyouwhenhegetsoutofthischair.’‘Thereisnothingdarkerthanakinslayer,’saidSkalfcalmly.‘Eventhreateningitisenoughtoearnyour

nameinbloodinaclan’sbookofgrudges.’Thepriestshrugged.‘LuckyforyouIhavenofamily.Nowanswermyquestion.’Snorritriedtothinkofsomethingelse,butcouldn’tstophismindgoingwhereitwasbidden.Woods.Giantspidersinthetrees.Anoldladyscreaming.‘Snorri…savedanoldladyinthewoods.Bigspiders…attackingher…Snorri…killedthemall.’‘Slowdown,’saidSkalf.‘Takeabreath.’Snorrididashewastoldandfoundithelped.‘TheystungSnorrialotandwhenhewokeup,theold

ladytoldhimthathewouldnotdieyet.ShesaidSnorriwouldhaveagreatdoom.LikeGotrek’s.’‘Andthisdestiny,isittobefoundherewithinthetempleofGrimnir?’‘Maybe,’saidSnorri,disfiguredbrowknottinginconcentration.Theoldladyinthewoodshadsaidmore,beenmorespecificthanheremembered,butitwasgonenow.

Anoldladystandingoverhim.Sheissad.Youwillhavethemightiestdoom.Eventhoughitmadehisheadhurthetriedtoremember.Hehadmadeapromise.Theharderhetriedtorememberthough,theharderitseemedtobe,likeswattingaflywithahammer.Thoughtsofhissupposeddestinyalwayscarriedhimnearertomemoriesofhisshame,asiftheywereconnectedsomehow.HewonderedwhatGotrekwoulddo.TheyhadbeenfriendssincebeforeeitherofthemhadtakentheSlayeroath.PerhapsheandGotrekwouldbothmeettheirendstogether.Thatwouldbenice.Itwouldmakeupfor…for…Hewinced,hiscrestofnailsthrobbingintheroofofhisbrain.‘Snorrican’tremember.’Theprieststrokedhisbeardthoughtfully,tookaconsideredbreath,thendirectedanodtoDurin

Drakkvarr.SnorriwatchedastheDaemonslayerproducedamassivepairoftongs.DurinstudiedthestrapsholdingSnorridown.‘Thesewillnotholdhimforthis.’Withanod,thepriestturnedandwhistledintothesmoke.ThetwonearestSlayerslookedupfromtheir

anvils,thendownedtoolsandstartedtowardsthem.EachtookoneofSnorri’sarmsand,atahandgesturefromSkalf,oneofthemputahandoverSnorri’sbrowtoholdsteadyhishead.TheironbiteofDurin’stongsapproachedfrombehind,followedbyayawningsilence,andthenapressureonhisskullasthetongsclampedontothefirstofSnorri’snails.‘Notthose,’Snorrimoaned.Hestrainedagainstthetwomassivedwarfs,buttheyhadhimpinned.All

hecouldmovewashiseyes.TheyrolleduptofixtheDaemonslayerwithapleadinggaze.‘Please.’‘Forgiveme,’Durinwhispered.‘ButIoweyoutoosteepadebt.’

‘GrimnirtakessacrificeinthebloodofhisSlayers,’whisperedSkalf.‘Malakaihasgone.Gotrekhasgone.Ithasbeenoverayearnow,Snorri,andstillyoucannotorwillnotrecall.’ThepriestnoddedtotheotherSlayerstobegin.‘AndnowGrimnirdemandshisdue.’

‘Itwasforyourowngood,’DuringrowledoverthelowmurmurofgrimtalkthatpermeatedthepipesmokeoftheKhazaDrengi.Heglaredstraightdownintotheironjugofalethathecircledwithhishands.Redinkpickedoutthetendonsandblackemphasisedtheshadow.Itwasasthoughadaemonofbloodandbonesoughttocrushthattankardwithitsbarehands.TheDaemonslayerdidnotdrinkandSnorriregardedbothhimandthedwarf’salewithequalglumness.

Tentatively,heranahandacrosshishead.Hisfingersbrushedpiggishgreybristle,andhewincedastheypassedoverthescabbed-uppunctureswherehiscresthadbeenrippedout.Ithurtasthoughhehadjumpedprematurelyfromagyrocopterandbeenscalpedbythespinningblades.HeglaredatDurin,dunkinghislittlefingerintothemugofwaterinfrontofhimandwithdrawingitforinspection.Hisexpressionsoured.Snorriwasnotfeelingespeciallyforgivingjustnow.Atlow-slungtablesallaroundthehall,Slayerssathunched,lockedinconversationoverthegreat

battlesbeingfoughtallovertheOldWorldanddrinkingwiththedeterminationofthoseforwhomtomorrowwasanunasked-forconcern.Thetableswerepackedandhalfadozendwarfsstoodwithbeersrestingonthebar,tradingboastswiththebar-dwarffortheday,aleather-facedoldSlayernamedDroguninanill-fittingwhiteapron.Attheotherendofthebar,asullenslabofdwarfcalledBrockBaldurssondishedupmeatpasteandpotatoesfromasteamingpot.ThehallwasbusierthanSnorrihadseenitallyearandwasfilledwithunfamiliarfaces.ItwasasignofthetimesthatKhazaDrengiwasthelasthallinKarakKadrintohousemoredwarfsthan

ithadbeendesignedtoaccommodate.Twotablesover,apairofdwarfsbuiltlikebattlementswrestledarmsacrossthetable.Snorri

recognisedoneofthem.KrakkiIronhameroaredmerrily,alargepieinonehand,ashenonchalantlyinchedhisopponent’sfisttowardsthetabletop.TheSlayer’sgirthwasmammoth,evenforadwarf,andhishair,anaturalfieryred,producedafat,undyedcrest.ThedaythedwarfarrivedfromKarakHirnonhiswaynorth,Snorrihadbrokenhisknucklesonthatsame‘lucky’table.Theyseemedtobebetternow,butKrakkididnotappeartohavegotanynearertoKislev.SnorriturnedbacktoDurin.Thedwarfhadstilltotouchhisdrink.ItmadeSnorriangryjustthinking

aboutitgoingtowaste.‘Ifyouchoosetodislikeme,Snorri,Iwillunderstand.ButIamtryingtohelpyou.’Snorriscowledintohismug.‘TellSnorriagainwhyhecan’thaveabeertoo.’‘BecauseSkalfwouldnotuntieyouuntilyouvowedtorenounceit,remember?’EverywordfromtheDaemonslayer’smouthsoundedblank,emptinesscolouredonlybythedimmest

greyofregret.Itwasimpossibletohateadwarfthatsoundedlikethat.Itwouldbeliketryingtohatethedark.Snorrirubbedhisheadruefully,andthenhisthroat.Hecouldnotrememberthelasttimehehadbeencompletelysober,butthenthathadalwaysbeenthepoint.Somedwarfsgotphilosophicalwhentheydrank,othersbelligerent,butnotSnorri.Itmadehimnumbandthatwashowhelikedit.Heshookhishead,scratchedthegreyboar-bristlesacrosshisscalpasifhecouldscourhisthoughtsfromhismind.Then,intothatinducedemptiness,poppedanunrelatedthought.Hebrightenedimmediately.‘SnorriremembersahumantaverncalledtheEmperor’sGriffon.Humanbeerdoesn’tcount,doesit?’‘Itisstillbeer.’

‘Sotheysay,’Snorrigrumbled.TheideaofneverhavinganotherbeermadehisthroatacheliketheArabyandesert,butforeverwastoo

bigforhimtodealwiththenandthere.Hewantedadrinknow.Heglaredsulkilyoverthehard-drinkingSlayers.Ifhecouldnotdrinkthentherewasalwaysthepossibilityofgettinghit.TheworldwasanuglyandunjustmistressandalwayslookedbetterafterithadknockedSnorriabouttheheadafewtimes.Cheeredbytheprospect,heappraisedtheKhazaDrengiwithafresheye.BrockBaldurssonhadthehardlookofanoldfighter,andSnorrihadonceseenKrakkipunchoutapriestofGrimnirwithasetoffreshlybrokenknuckles,buttherestwereadisappointingbunchofscrawny-lookingshortbeardsthatSnorriwouldnotbetoninafightwithagoblin.Hesighed.‘Snorrihopeshefindshisdoomverysoon.’DurinloweredhimselftothetableuntilhedroppedintoSnorri’seyeline.‘Ihopethatforusboth.I

haveswornbeforetheShrineofGrimnirthatyouwillfindaworthyend.’SnorristaredacidlyattheotherSlayer.Hewasnotgettingoffthateasily,notafterhehadstolen

Snorri’snailsandwouldnotevenlethimhaveonebeertomakeupforit.‘DoesthatmakeyouSnorri’sremembererthen?BecauseSnorridoesn’tneedarememberer.’TheDaemonslayersatbackandpickeduphistankardasifconsideringhiswordswiththecareofa

gemcutteroverararestone.Hetookasip,swallowingasifitmightbehislast.Snorriwatchedeverytwitchasitwentdownhisthroat.‘Iamnotyourrememberer,Snorri,thoughclearlyyouneedonemorethanmost.Iamjustadwarfwitha

debt.’Intriguednowdespiteastubbornwillnottobe,Snorriwadedintothemurkystewofhismemory.He

hadjourneyedwithmanyfellowSlayersinhistime,butmosthadalreadybeatenhimtotheirends.RodiBalkisson,althoughthedetailsofitwerehazy,hadbeenslainbyKrellatCastleReikguardwhilehisotherrecentcompanionAgrinCrownforgerhadfalleninbattlewithanentirebeastmanherd.GrudiHalfhandhadtakentheorcthathadshamedhimtoaworthyendatthebottomofanalebarrel.Furtherback,memoriesbecamesharperandcamequicker.BjorniBjornisson,theselfishbastard,hadbeencutdownbythatChaoswarlordduringthesiegeofPraag,cheatingbothGotrekandSnorriofmightydoomswhilehewasatit.UlliUllissonhadfallenearlierthatday.Hethoughtbackfurther.GrimmehadbeenassourasthisSlayer,buttheredtattoosandairofhorrorthatclungtothisonewerewhollydifferent.Inanycase,SnorridistinctlyrecalledGrimmebeingincineratedbyadragon,justmomentsbeforethatdragonhadgoneontocrushanotherSlayer,Steg.Snorrichuckled.ThatonehadmadeSnorrilaugh.Ithadbeenagooddeath.Theyallhad.Hesighed.ButnotforSnorri.‘Iamnotsurprisedyoudonotrememberme,’saidDurin.‘Andnotjustbecauseofyourproblem.’Fora

moment,thedwarf’sgazewasdistant.Hiseyesseemedtowiden,sinkingintotheblack-inkedpitsoftheirsockets.Heswirledhisale.‘ThereweremanyofusthatyouandyourcompanionsrescuedfromKaragDumthatday.’DurinlookeduptofindSnorristaringintentlyathisface.Thedaemon’sfaceheworetwistedintothe

firstsmileSnorrihadseenonit.Itwasnot,hedecided,somethinghewantedtoseeagainsober.‘ThefaceoftheDestroyer,’saidDurin.‘Likeyou,itisdifficultformetoremember.Likeyou,Imust

makemyselfifIamtofollowmytruepath.HowlongbeforethatwhichbefellKaragDumisthefateofall?TheChaosWastesexpand.AlreadydaemonswalkfreelyacrosstheTrollCountry.’Durin’swordsweregrowinglouderandhisfacehotterashecontinued.Behindhim,therewasacrashingofboneintooakandathunderouseruptionoflaughter.Durinignoredit.‘IamleavingforKislev,withyouorwithoutyou.IwillnotbeherewhenKarakKadriniscaughtbytheWastes.Andbeassuredthatitwillbe.Ihave

livedthroughthatonce,anddaemonswillnothuntmethroughmyownhallsasecondtime!’Durinwasonhisfeetandpantingwithemotion.Snorrididnotknowwhattosay.Heshouldprobably

wanttopunchhimforsuggestingKarakKadrinmightfall,butevenSnorriknewthatgreaterholdsthanherhadfallenbeforeandwouldfallagain.DurinDrakkvarrcamefromoneofthem.Heshookhishead.Temptingasitsounded,hewantedtorememberhisshamefirst.Hehadpromised.Excepthedidnotwantthatatall.Hewanted–Hehunghishead.Valaya’ssweetbreath,hewantedabeer.‘Snorri!’Theshoutfromthearm-wrestlers’tablestartledSnorrifromhisthoughts.KrakkiIronhame

thumpedontrunk-legstowardsthem.‘Grimnir’sbritches!’helaughed.‘DidyouloseawagerordidyoujustwalkunderneathMalakai’sMagneticRune?Hah!Youlookoldwithoutyourcrest.Ibarelyrecognisedyou.’ThefatdwarfgaveSnorriamightysmackacrosstheback.Snorri’snosewrinkled.Evenatthebestoftimes,Krakkismelledlikesweatyporkthathadbeenlefttheweektomarinateinale.Thesewerenotthebestoftimes.‘ButIliketheleg.’Snorri’smace-legthunkedintotheflagstonesasheremembereditwasthere.‘Snorriisgettingusedto

it.’Krakki’sgrinslowlyfadedashetookinthecontentsofSnorri’smug.‘WhatinGazul’sdamnationis

this?’Snorrisaggedmiserablyintothetable.Whoeversaidthatthingaboutmiseryandcompanyhad

definitelynotbeenaSlayer.‘Snorrimadeanoath.’‘ThenmaybeIcanpissinthatmugforyou,Nosebiter,’Krakkilaughed,bellyripplingwithcoloured

tattoos.‘Mywater’sricherthananythingdrawnfromthewellsofKarakKadrin.’‘Anoathisanoath,’saidDurin,softlyspokenyetdeathlyseriousasthougharguinginhissleep.‘Itis

nottobemocked.’KrakkijerkedhisthumboverhisshoulderinthedirectionoftheDaemonslayer.‘Friendofyours?’Snorripulledaface.‘Snorriwouldnotgothatfar.’Withashrugthatsuggestedhehadnotreallycaredeitherway,Krakkihelpedhimselftoachairand

depositedhisbulkintoit.There,heleanedin,asthoughsharingasecretforSnorriandDurinalone.‘YouspeakofKislev,’KrakkiboomedandSnorriwinced,wonderingifthedwarfthoughtSnorricouldnothearproperlywithoneear.Withhorror,SnorriwonderedhowKrakkiwouldsoundthroughtwo.‘Andyouarenotalone,butfirstyouhavetoworryaboutgettingthere.TheUnderwaynorthofhereisoverrunwithbeastmen.Theyevendrovethegoblinsout,blesstheirevilgreenhearts.’‘Wewillclearthem,’saidDurin.‘Goodforyou,’saidKrakki,thenmimedawazzockgesturewithafingerloopingoverhistempleand

returnedtoSnorri.‘ThemanlingskindlyallowedtheChaoshoststomarchrightoverthemandnowthey’venothingbettertodothanfindandbreakalltheUnderwaygatestheyfind.ArunesmithledanexpeditionofIronbreakersandSlayersunderthehumans’fortatRackspiretoresealtheways,buthewascapturedbybeastmenandcartedofftoPraag.Orsothesurvivorsofhisthrongsay.’HeglancedatDrogun,fiercelypolishingtankardsbehindthebar.‘Wait,’saidSnorri.WhatKrakkiwassayingchimedwithsomethingthatDurinhadbeentryingtotell

himbefore.Whatwasit?Hescratchedthepinholewherehisearhadoncebeen,slowlycomingtoaconclusionsostupiditcouldonlyhavecomefromSnorri’sownhead.‘Kislevcan’thavefallen,’hesaidslowly.‘Kislevmenfightalmostaswellastheydrink.Snorrilikesthem.’Krakkismackedthetableandbarkedwithlaughter.‘YouhavebeenburiedinKhazaDrengitoolong!

Here,givemethattrough-waterthey’refeedingyou.’TheSlayertookSnorri’smug,andthenDurin’stoo,

spreadingthemapartonthetable.Withafrown,hebellowedtothebar.‘Drogun!Bringmethatoldclaytankard,theghoul-uglyone.’Krakkiwaited,drumminghissausage-fingersonthetablewhiletheleatheryoldSlayercamegrumblingoverandstampedtherequestedvesselontothetable.Itwasindeedugly.Gargoylesleeredfromeverysideofitandthehandlehadbeenshapedtolooklikebone.Whyanyonehadevermadesuchathing,Snorricouldnotguess.‘ThisisPraag,’saidKrakki,positioningthegargoylemuginfrontofhim‘Obviously.Itwassacked

monthsagobyawarlordnamedAekoldHelbrass,onlyhegotpushedoutofPraagbysomeotherwarlord,leadingahordeoftrollssotheysay,andcontinuedsouth.’Here,heplacedhishugepalmoverSnorri’smug.‘Thisone,beingpiss-weak,canbeKislevcity.TheirqueentriedtocatchtheChaoshordeastheyfordedtheLowerTobol.’Heshookhisheadgrimlyandtookhishandback.‘Helbrasscrushedthem.Theircityfellsoonafter.’‘Soundsbad,’saidSnorri.HelikedKislev.Hehadhadsomegoodfightsthereandlikedtheirvodka.

Hedidnotwanttothinkthatitcouldhavebeendestroyedwithouthimevenrealisingthefighthadstarted.Andalso,hewasalmostcertainthatKislevcityhadbeenwhereGotrekhadbeenheaded.‘Doesanyonestillfight?’Krakkisatback,bigeyesrollingtoindicatethesullenpotmanbehindthebar.Thedwarfnoticedthe

attention,butmerelygruntedandcontinuedtostirhisstew.‘BrockBaldurssonwasontheTobolCrossingthatdaywithathrongoftheKisleviteclans.IttakessomethingtodriveadwarffromhishomeandBrockwon’tsaymuch,butitsoundslikeHelbrassunleashedaspecialkindofhellthatday.’Krakki’seyeslowered,voicedroppingtoarumble.‘Ofcourse,hewasn’taSlayerthen.’‘AndHelbrass?’murmuredDurin.‘Whatbecameofhim?’‘It’snotasifhe’sanywheretogobutsouth,butthere’snoonelefttotellofit.’Krakkipointedthento

Durin’smug.‘Erengrad.Shestillstands,buthasbeenessentiallyannexedbytheEmpire.Andshe’sontheothersideoftheAuricBastion.’‘Thewhat?’saidSnorri.‘That’dtakesomeexplaining,’Krakkilaughed.‘Whatmattersisit’skeepingtheenemygoodandhot.

They’venowheretogosothere’llbeplentywaitingforusoncewe’veclearedtheUnderway.’‘Whatis…here,’saidSnorri,jabbinghisfingerintoaknotinthetable.Itfelljusttotheleftbetween

‘Kislev’and‘Praag’andjustlookingatitmadeSnorri’sheadfeelfunny.‘There’snothingthere,’saidKrakki,gently.‘That’sjustthetable.Trytopayattention,Snorri.’Snorristaredatitanyway.Youwillhavethemightiestdoom.Spindlybrownlegssplitoutintotheoak

fromadarkcore.Spidersinthetrees.‘ButHelbrass?’Durinpressedagain.‘Betterquestion,’saidKrakki,leaningbackagainsthischairandgrinninglikeahalfmoon.‘Whatthrew

theconquerorofKislevoutofPraag?’Praag,thoughtSnorri,lettingtheSlayers’talkfadeintothewhistlethroughhistornear.Italways

seemedtocomebacktoPraag.Itwasacityfullofmemories,anddespitethecertaintyofbattleanddeathhefoundthathewasnotatalleagertoreturnthere.‘Snorri,’Krakki’svoicedraggedhimupbyhisworking,cauliflowerear.‘IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’d

sayyoulookedscared.’Withasadgrin,Snorriwentbacktostaringattheknotinthetable.Anoldladystandingoverhim.She

issad.Sheis…angry.Snorrishookhishead.Scared?Hewasoutrightterrifiedandthefacthewasnotcertainwhydidnothelpatall.Theimageofthatdwarfwomanandchildroseinhisthoughts.Hecouldsmellburning,feelbloodonhishands.Hescrunchedhiseyesandtriedtothinkofsomethingelse.Thereweretoomanymemoriesandthepriesthadbeenright.Snorrididnotwantanyofthem.

ThethoughtofthoseghostsfollowinghimfromKhazaDrengiandcatchinghimaloneonthewastesofKislevpetrifiedhimfarmorethandyinginshame.Slowly,Snorriunclaspedhisfingersfromaroundhismuganddraggedthemtothelipofthetable.

There,hisfingernailscrunchedintotheancientwoodandhepushedhimselfuntilhestoodeyeball-to-eyeballwithKrakkiIronhame.Hisnewmace-legthunkedagainstthestonefloor.KrakkimetSnorri’seyes,hisgingerbrowsliftingquestioningly.Snorriwantedadrink.Hisheadachedfortheneedofit.Withoutbreakingeyecontact,Snorrireachedforhismug,broughtittohislipsandtosseditback.Ashockofmountainwaterstruckthebackofhisthroat.Snorri’seyeswidened.Histhroattightenedinprotest,butitwastoolate.Snorrigaveagarglingsoundasthedregsdrainedintohisbelly.Andjustlikethat,Krakkibegantolaugh.That’sit,thoughtSnorri.Snorrihashadenough.Musclesbunchedthroughhisneckandshoulders,thenexplodedforward,sendinghisforeheadcrashing

throughKrakki’snose.BloodspatteredfromthefatSlayer’sfaceandhetippedback,spinningonnervelesstoesbeforesmashingfull-onthroughtheendofatableoffeastingSlayers.Theotherendofthetableswungup,swipingthebowlsfromunderthedwarfs’nosesandcatapultinggravyandaleacrossthehall.LeavingtheshoutingdwarfsandKrakki’spoleaxedbodytotheirowndevices,Snorrislumpedbackdownintohischair.Hewipedapieceofbeefgristlefromhishead.Thathadnotbeennearlyassatisfyingashehadhopeditwouldbe.ItseemedthattherewasnothingforitbuttogotoPraaganddieasquicklyandasgloriouslyaswas

stillpossible.Itwaswhattheoldladyhadpromised,whateveryoneseemedtowant.EveryoneexceptSnorri,ofcourse,butwhenhadthatevermattered?Hehadalwaysfollowedothers,eversincethatfirsttripintotheChaosWastes.ThathadbeenbeforeheandGotrekhadbothbecomeSlayers,beforehe–Hisjawclenched.No.Hewouldnotrememberthat.Aproperfightwaswhatheneeded.Thepriestwasrightaboutthattoo.AndatleastKislevwaswhere

GotrekandFelixmustbe.Theyhadamarvellousknackofbeingwherethefightingwasfiercest.Theywerebothjustluckythatway.Helookedupoverthewreckageofthetable,heartsinkingatthesightofDurinpickinghiswaythroughittofetchhimanothermugofwater.Heletoutalong,resignedbreath.TheEndTimescouldnotcomesoonenough.

TWOJaegerandSons

TheKurganmarauderstumbledthroughtheshin-highsnowandslushthatbankedthepartiallyfrozenriver.Awhiteskeletonoffrostfilledthelinesbetweenhisarmour’sleatherplates,thepieceshaloedinturnbysnow-soddenfurs.Hiseyeswerebloodshot.Hisgreasedfaceborethescarsofatorturousjourney,overtheFrozenSeaandacrosstheWorldsEdgeMountains,allforthisonechanceatthesoftlandsofthesouth.Themanfelltohisknees.HisvoiceraisedabitterscreamasFelixJaegerplantedhisbootintotheKurgan’schestandwrenchedtheglitteringruneswordfromhisbelly.Felixbackedoff,swordraisedintoaguardasthenorthmantumbledawaytotheriver.Thesoundofice

waterslushingagainsttherocksdroveunderthehowlofthewind.Acollectionofburned-outcottagespokedoutofthesnowwherethelandabuttedthewater.Thesnowfellthickandheavyandheblinkedaroundinconfusion.Hecouldnotseemtorecallhowhehadgothere.Hisconfusionfadedwiththeintrusionofbattle.Itwascomingfromallaround.Felixtightenedhistwo-handedgriparoundthedragonheadhiltofKaraghul.TheTemplarbladehadneverfitsoperfectlyintohishands.Therewasmeaninghere,evenifitdidnotextendbeyondthereachofhisbladeorthenextsecondof

hislife.Hiseyeswerestartingtothrob,sohardhadhebeenstaringintotheblizzard,buthedarednotblink.

Whoknewhowmanynorthmenwereoutthere?Felixwatchedthethickflakesfall.Hecouldnotkeephiseyestrainedanylonger.Heblinked.‘Manling!Toyourleft.’Felixjerked,shothisgazeleft,andsweptKaraghulacrosshisbodytoparrytheheavyberdishaxethat

hackedforhimthroughthesnow.Thetwoweaponsclashedapart,butFelixhadbeenonthereceivingendandhisknucklestooktheworstoftheimpact.Hespunasideastheaxemancameoninastormofwhitefurandseal-blubberbreath.Felixparried,dancedback,sethisfeetandangledhisbladeforaflawlessnebenhutguardtocatchtheoverarmslashthattheKurgan’sposturescreamedwascomingnext.ButthesteppebarbarianwasnostudentoffencingandintruthFelix’sownbodywasnolongerasquick

asheremembereditbeing.Thenorthmangaveaberserkerhowland,ratherthanslashhisaxeback,turnedhisgreatstrengthtocontroltheweapon,swingitupandstabthespear-likepointontheeyeofthebladeatFelix’sbreastbone.Felixcriedoutinsurpriseandflunghisswordacrossthepathoftheblow.Ithitflatintothehaftoftheaxe,deflectingitinsteadontoFelix’sface.Heduckedandturnedaside,thenwatchedtheheathenweaponstrokeaninchpasthiseyeandimpaletheflappingredSudenlandwoolofhiscloak.Felixdughisheelintothebiggerman’sfoot,thenpunchedhiminthethroatashedoubledover.The

Kurganstaggeredback,butheldontohisaxeanddraggedFelixbythecloakalongwithhim.Withagutturalcurse,thewarrioryankedonthehaft,throwingFelixsidewaysbeforebeatingathimwiththeflatoftheblade.Atavernbrawler’sinstincthunchedFelixintoafoetalpositionandthebladepassedoverhead.Hegaveamuffledcryasthemoveswepthisowncloakoverhisheadandtheworldturnedred.Foraninstant,allFelixcouldfeelwaspanic.Hisheatpounded,hismusclesfallingslackasiftoease

thepassageoftheKurgan’saxe,butitcouldnothavelastedmorethanasecond.Hecouldfeelthepresenceofthenorthman’sbodytangledupwithhis,thewarriorrefusingtoletgoofhisweaponeventhoughitwasstillcaughtinFelix’scloak.HissidewaspressedintoFelix’schest.Felixneedednosecondinvitation.Heknifedhiskneeintotheproximateareaofthenorthman’skidneys.Themuffledgruntofpainthat

elicitedwassweeterthanaharp’sstrings.Thegripontheaxeloosened,enoughforFelixtobringuphisswordandthrustitstraightthroughthetautredwoolandintothenorthman’schest.Therewasawetcryandtheopposingweightfellaway.Felixshookhiscloakbackoverhisshoulders.Afreshblastoffreezingairwelcomedhimbackwithan

icyslapinthefaceasFelixkickedasidetheberdishaxeandsilencedthenorthman’sgurglingwithaswiftstabthroughthethroat.ClearlytheKurganhadneverworkedNuln’sseediertaverns.Adozenfur-cladmarauderswereadvancingthroughtheruinsbytheriver.Felixcouldhearmore

battlingoutofsight,buthetriednottoworrytoomuchaboutthose.Chanceswerehewasnotgoingtolivetohavetodealwiththem.Tohissurprise,thethoughtlefthimoddlyelated,asiftherecouldbenothingfinerthandyingonthisnamelesssnowfieldtoday.Abrutehowlpulledhisgazebackfromtheruins.Thereinthesnow,asanguinaryblurofstarmetal

silverandink-strappedmusclehackedthroughascoreofbarbariannorthmen.GotrekGurnissonfoughtinaringofbodiesandhumandebris.Despitewearingnothingabovehistatteredtrewsbutpiercingsandspirallingbluetattoosthedwarfgavenocaretothecoldas,witharoarlikeacollapsingcliff,heswunganaxethatamanwouldstruggleeventoliftandseveredanorthman’slegbelowtheknee.Themarauder,meetingthebone-hammerofGotrek’sknuckles,wasdeadwithasnappedneckbeforehiskneeswerefullybent.Gotrekroaredformoreandmorecame.Attheirheadstrodeawarriorinaringmailhauberkwithawhitebearcloakandanantleredhelm.Thenorthman’sbarearmswereheavywithtrophyrings.Hespunhistwinnedaxesinanticipationashechantedsomegutturalgibberishabouthisdeedsandhisgods.Onebladeleftacrimsontrailofpowerthroughtheairitcut.Achampion.FelixhadseenGotrekdismantlesucharroganceahundredtimes,butasthetwowarriorsjoinedit

becameclearthatGotrekwasstruggling.Thedwarflookedasthoughhehadbeenfightingwithoutrelentfordays.Somewherealongtheroadhehadlosthiseyepatchandgorebledfromthegapingsocket.CutsandbruisescolouredhisskinasiftheyandhistattoosfoughtacontesttoseewhichcouldtakethegreaterportionoftheSlayer’sflesh.Apairofarrowsstuckoutofhischest.Theshaftswerethick,garishlyfletchedintheKurganstyle,andhadbeenfiredfromtheirpowerfulrecurvedcompositebows.HadFelixtakenashottotheheartlikethathewouldhavebeendeadbeforeheknewwhathithim,butGotrek’sslab-likechestwastoughastemperedsteelandsternerprotectionthanFelix’smailvestanyday.Butstill,theyslowedhim.SlippingtheSlayer’sguard,thechampiondraggedhisbladeacrossGotrek’schest,addingadeepscore

tothetallyandbringingaspurtofblood.TheSlayerhowled,throwingtheKurganchampionoffanddrivinghimbackwithastormofblows.Hisstarmetalbladeslammeddeepintothenorthman’sgut.The

not-so-favouredoftheChaosGodsregurgitatedblood,chokingonthatlastmouthfulasGotrekflunghimfromhisaxeandintothosethatcameroaringinbehind.Withayell,FelixcutdownthelastKurganbetweenhimandtheSlayer,hurdledthenorthman’scorpse

and,turningmid-leap,slammedintoGotrek’sbacktobeatdownanorthmanaxethathadbeendestinedforhisunguardedshoulders.Therewasastrangethrill,thefeelinglikethatofwieldingone’sfirstpracticebladeandfindingitachinglyfamiliarbutnotquiteasremembered.Heparriedanotherattack,feelingGotrek’smassiveshouldersgrindoverhisasthedwarfcarriedondoingwhatnoonedidbetter.Felixduckedaswingingadze,parriedasabre.Thenorthmenwerecomingthickandfastfromtheriver,drawntotheringofsteelandtheSlayer’showls.Kislev,Felixrealised,withthesuddenclarityofice-coldKurgansteel,andthatriverwastheLynsk.

HehadseenitoftenenoughfromPraag’sGateofGargoylesandcouldnotcountthetimesthathisdreamshadreturnedhimtothisspotsince.Itwasasthoughhissubconsciouswouldnotbelievehehadsurvivedthatbattle,asifhewaslivingonborrowedtime.Felixlaughed.Hedidnotknowwhyexactly,butthiswholesituationwassurreal.IfhewasinKislevthenhemustalso

bebehindtheAuricBastion,themagicalbarrierthathadbeenerectedtoholdbacktheChaoshordes.AndtrappedinKislevwiththoseverysamehordes!NowonderGotreklookedsoawful.TheSlayerregardedFelix,laughingasheparriedandfought,asif

hehadgonemad.Talkaboutpotscallingkettlesblack.HislaughterturnedmelancholyasheslicedthroughaKurgan’shidejack,thenreversedhisgripandslicedhisbladebackacrossthenorthman’sthroatinaredslashofarterialblood.Well,thoughtFelix,spittingKurganbloodfromhisgums,youhavetolaughdon’tyou.‘Ican’tbelieveIactuallymissedthismadness.’‘Less…talk,’Gotrekwheezed,parryingthestabofaknife,thenpunchingtheeyeofhisaxeintoits

wielder’sgut.Themandoubledover,hisheadpartingcompanywithhisshouldersamomentlater.‘Don’tfallforwantofabreathandmissmy…’Ahand-axedecoratedwithevilglyphsclangedofftheflatofhisblade.GotrekelbowedtheKurganintheface,kneecappedanother,andslicedhisaxethroughthebellyofathird.‘…mydoom.’‘Wouldn’tmissitfortheworld,’Felixsaid.AndbySigmarhereallymeantit.‘Theworld’sending,manling.Orhadn’tyounoticed?’Felixcededthepoint,parryingaswordthrustthenofferingacounterthatleftanorthmanonehandthe

poorer.ThenexttimesomeonesuggestedhespendawintercampaigninthenorthofKislevhewouldknowexactlywhattotellthem.Assumingofcoursetherewasgoingtobeanexttimeforanything.Heglancedupatarumblefromwithintheblizzard.Hoofbeats.‘Gospodarinyi!’Asinglehorsemanswaddledinsheepskinandhempgallopedfromtheblizzard,guidingashaggyUngol

ponybythestirrupsashedrewbackonarecurvedbow.Colouredtasselsshiveredfromthebow’stipsastheriderloosed.Thefeatheredshaftzippedthroughthefallingsnow,andsmackedthroughtheY-shapedopeningofamarauder’sbull-hornedbarbutewithaferociousclangasthemetalheadexitedthebackoftheman’sskullandstrucktheinsidebackofhiswarhelm.Themarauderspasmedbackwardsasthoughhiscorpsewastryingtoworkouthowtorunbeforehewasdashedagainstthebreastofthecareeningpony.AsecondKislevitehorse-archerchivviedhishorsethroughtheshank-highsnowdrift,screaming‘Yhah!’atthetopofhislungsanddrawingbackonhisownbowstring.ThearrowflewoverGotrek’sshoulderandtookhisassailantthroughtheheart.Gotrekhowledpure

frustrationandbeheadedthedyingnorthman.Anothercentaur-likeshadowbreezedinfalse-silencethroughtheblizzardandchargedintothedisorderednorthmen.Whathadseemedacertainmassacre

becamearout.TheKurganwererunningandtheKislevitesyippedandurgedtheirsteedsontogivechase.Gotrekgrowledandsanktooneknee.Hecaughthimselfonthehaftofhisaxeandpushedhimselfback

up.Felixofferednohelp.HecouldnothavesupportedtheSlayer’sweightevenifhethoughthisaidwouldbewelcomed.TheSlayermethislookandnoddedgrimly,loweringhisownaxeatlast.‘Aye,manling.IthoughtIhaditforamomentthere.’Felixsmiled.Hedoubtedthereweremanymenwhocouldunderstandwhyadwarfmightbelessthan

thrilledatsurvivingsuchabattle,butFelixandGotrekhadsharedmuchthatwasunusual.Theywereasneartofriendsasitwaspossibleformembersoftwosuchdifferentracestobe.Andstrangelyenough,hehadcometosharehiscompanion’sdisappointment.‘There’llbemoreoutthere.’Gotrek’sgrimlookpassedandhechuckled,runningthepadofhisthumbdowntheedgeofhisaxeuntil

itproducedabeadofblood.ItwasoneofthefewpartsoftheSlayer’sbodythatwasnotalreadybleeding.‘Itistheendoftheworld,afterall.’‘That’sthespirit,’saidFelix.MananddwarfbothturnedtowardstheLynskasthetrampofhoovesandthejingleoftackturnedfrom

thepursuitandgallopedtowardsthem.Justfromthesoundofit,Felixcouldtellthatitwasalargerbeastthantheruggedsteppesponiesriddenbythehorse-archers.TherunesofGotrek’saxepaintedthefallingsnowabalefulredashewatchedasnow-whiteReiklanddestriertrotintoview.Itcarriedthenobilityofitsbreedingwiththeforceandassurednessofanemperor.Itdeservedasatincaparison,aharnessofpuresilver,andaknightinshiningfullplate,butsomehowthewarriorausterityofitsleathersaddleandtackwasappropriate.AndthewomanwhoreineditinandturnedtowardsthemwasasstrikinginherownwayasanyknightoftheReiksguard.ShewasalmostastallasFelixand,thoughunhelmed,garbedinagleaminghaubergeoncraftedfrom

lamellarplatesofwhitesteel.Knee-highleatherridingbootsencasedherlegs.Despitethecoldsheworeneitherhatnorglovesandherpaleskinwaslacedwithblueveins.Helookedup,alreadyknowingwhosefacehewouldsee.Thiswasadream.Therealisationwasassuddenasitwasobvious.Ithurtlikeablowtotheribs.Ofcourseitwasadream.Thewomanlookeddownfromthesaddle,chintiltedproudlyupwards.Hershorthairwasblondeas

ashandrailedagainstthewintryconditionsofherhomeland.Shehadnotagedaday.TheSlayerheftedhisaxewarningly.‘What’sshedoinghere?’Felixhadnoanswer.Assumingthatthiswasadream,thenherpresencewasobviouslyhisdoing.

Unfortunatelyitwasonethingtorecognisethatonewasdreamingandquiteanothertoactonthatknowledgeormakesenseofit.Hehadlovedher,wouldalwaysloveher,butshehadbeenlost.Thepainstruckhimlikenew.HehadlostsomanygoodfriendswhileheandGotrekploughedon,butnonestillhurthiminthesamewaythatshecould.Thewomanbaredsharp,inhumanteeth.Hersmilewascolderthantheoblastandmoreferalthanany

Kurgan.Dreamornodream,Felixfeltsurethatshe,ifnooneelse,stillknewhowtohurthim.Hissurroundingsbegantoslipaway.Gotrek’sscowlsankintoblackness.Thehorse-archersandthe

ongoingbattlegrewdistantanddimandeventhecoldwasbluntedbeforeitreachedhisskin.Hetriedtoclingontoit,eventhecold,butitwasasiftherewerecracksinhisverysoul,likesomeancientNehekharanurnthatwouldleakemptyasfastasitcouldbefilled.No,hethought,sensingwakefulnesslikearemembereddream.No,thereisnothingformethere.

‘Ulrika!’‘Itisallright,Felix,’thevampiresmiled.‘Iwillwaitforyou.’

WeakautumnalsunlightslantedthroughthecasementwindowandacrosstheoakdeskwhereFelix’sfacelayonitssideandhalfburiedinparchment.Theearlystrainsofargumentsandofpassinghorsesintrudedfromthestreetbeneathhiswindow.Thestudyinhisfamily’sAltdorfhomewaseast-facing–thebetterforFelixtosufferearly–andhatefullittlesplintersoflightshotofftheunevenglassintohiseyes.Felixburiedhisfaceunderhisarmwithagroan,disturbinghisdelicatefilingsystemandsendingparchmentssheetingtothefloor.Eyesdulycovered,hesankdeeperoverthedesk.Itsmelledofirongallink,tanninsfromleatherbindingsand,fromamorerecentspillage,ofsweetappleschnapps.Hisdreamwasaworldaway,butitremainedsovividhecouldstillfeelthesnowonhisfaceandthe

weightofKaraghulinhishands.Histhumpingskullmadehimgrimace.HecertainlyachedasifhehadjustspentthenightpaintingtheoblastofKislevred.This,heconcluded,thougharguablyseveralhourstoolate,waswhatbecameofmenhisagedrinkingthemselvestounconsciousnessupontheirdesks.Grudgingly,hewithdrewhisarmfromhisface.Theunkindsunlightglancedoffthebandofdwarfgold

onhisringfinger.Hestudieditlikeamanhypnotised.Angulardwarfishscriptranaroundtheoutside.Withhisthumb,heturnedtheringaroundhisfinger,watchingthesunhighlightoneruneafterthenext.HeneverhadaskedGotrekwhatitsaid.Thisismylifenow,Felixthought.Hewonderediftherewasanyschnappsleftinthebottle.‘Felix?’Thevoicewasthehangoverthatfollowedtheexcessesofhisdream.Itwasawoman’svoice,

butnotatalllikeUlrika’s.TheaccentwasthatofaDrakwaldpeasantratherthanofaboyar’sdaughterandhadnotthenoblewoman’sconfidenceorstrength.‘Iknowyou’reawake,Felix.Icanseeyoureyeisopen.’Kat.Felixgruntedsomethingthathehadintendedtobeintelligibleandleveredhimselfupfromthedeskand

intothebackofhischair.Thesuddenrushofbloodtotherightsideofhisfacemadehimwince.Katheldbythestudydoor.Shehadbeenyoungonce,stillwasreally,twentyyearsFelix’sjunior,but

theirbattlewithHeinrichKemmlerhadwornher.Herskinwasdrawn,herhairbrittlelikestraw.Thebrownofhereyesseemedtobesinkingintothewhite.TheBretonniansilkchemisesheworehadbeenasumptuousfitwhenithadbelongedtohisbrother’swife,Annabella,butonKatitdrapedlikearobe.ThatFelixhadrecoveredfromthelichemaster’smagicwhileshedidnotwasamysterythatbaffledeveryphysicianinAltdorf.EvenMaxSchreiberhadbeenataloss.Shebitherlip,asiftherewassomethingshewantedtosay,butshewouldnotmeethiseye.Instead,hergazetookintheclutterofmanuscripts,books,droppedclothesandoldplates.Annabellacalledithis‘hermitage’.‘Issomethingthematter?’saidFelixwhenshestilldidnotlookinclinedtomoveorspeak.Irritation

tookover.Hadshewokenhimfromagooddreamjusttostandthereandjudge?‘YounevertalkaboutUlrika,’saidKatandassoonasFelixheardthatnameonherlips,hegroaned

underhisbreathandlookedtoburyhisfaceinhishands.Hemusthavemumbleditinhissleep.‘Justadream,’Felixmutteredintohisfingers.‘Doyoudreamofheroften?’Felixdraggedhisfingersfromhisface.Stubblescratchedhispalms.Sigmar,howlonghaditbeensince

hehadshaved?IthadbeenyearssincehehadlastseenUlrika,andtheirinvolvement,evenwhenhecouldstillcallher

human,hadnotendedonthemostcordialofterms.Hetookadeepbreath,asifhecouldstillsmellthe

sweatandhorseofherfromhisdream.Hisheartdanced.Yetallittookwasonedream.‘Itoldyouthatshe…died.Icouldn’tsaveher.Idon’tliketotalkaboutit.Ican’thelpmydreams.’Katnoddedslowly,lookingasthoughshemeanttopress,beforehuggingherselfaroundthechestand

takingstrengthfromit.Periodicallytheywouldhavethisargumentoronelikeit.Felixhadexperiencedsomuch,whileshehadbeenstruckdowninherprime.SometimesFelixforgotthatitmusthurthermorethanithurthim.Guilty,heturnedbacktohisdeskasthoughnothingwascurrentlymorecrucialthanunscrunchingtheseballsofparchmentandorderingthemintoneatpiles.Frombehindhisturnedback,therecameashiverofsilkasKatshiftedfromthedoorway.Asheetof

parchmentcrunchedunderfoot.Anemptybottlefelloverandrolledacrossthecarpet.Felixwinced,steelinghimselfforalecture.‘Wemissedyouatdinner,’saidKat.‘Iwasbusy,’saidFelix,indicatingthesprawlofpaperswithoutlookingup.Muchasitmighthave

amazedhimtwentyyearsago,Imperialpropagandadidnotwriteitself.Atthetouchofahanduponhisshoulderhesoftenedslightly.Hecovereditwithhisown,thendrewittohislipstokissherfingers.Kat’swristsweresothinhecouldseewherethefleshsankbetweentheradiusandulnabones.Felixsighed.HehadspenttoomuchtimespeakingwithKat’sanatomistsandphysicians.‘Youdidn’tcometobedagain.’Katleanedforward,ranherfingersthroughhissoiledcloakandsniffed

hislankblondhair.Hernosewrinkled.Katseemedpeculiarlysensitivetobadodourslately.‘Atleastputsomecleanclotheson.Youreeklikeasewer.’Takingadeepbreath,knowingtherewerethingsthatKathatedmorethanhisdrinking,Felixnodded

towardsthechartthathadbeentackedtotheplasterwallbehindhisdesk.Totheuninitiateditwasnothingbutatangleofbluelinesandstrangesymbols.Tothemoreerudite,however,itwouldhavebeenapparentthattherewasanorderamongstthescrawlthatresembledthelayoutofAltdorf’smainstreets.TherewasKarlFranzAvenue,andthereHansJosefStreet,andwhenlookedatthroughthatlens,thegulfthatsplitthediagramroughlyintothirdscouldonlybetheconfluenceoftheReikandtheTalabecthatseparatedtheislandsofAltdorfintoequivalentportions.Itwasthemostcompletemapofacity’ssewersystemthatexistedanywhereintheEmpireand

probablyanywhereelsebutthedwarfholdsthemselves.Felixhadcommissionedithimselfandhadmappedsomeofitpersonally.Morethanheletoninfact,butwhatKatdidn’tknow…‘Ihopeyoufoundsomethingthistime?’Felixsighedandslumpedbackintohischair.Hedraggedasheetofparchment–scribbledwiththe

worstkindofpopulistbilehehadeverseen–fromthedesk,scruncheditupandidlytosseditatthemap.‘Nothingbutrats.ThesewerjacksOttohiredareeitherblindoreverylastskavenhasabandonedAltdorf.’‘Ortheywereneverdownthere.’‘Don’tyoustart,’Felixsnarled.‘It’sbadenoughthatOttostillclingstothatfantasy.Evenafterwhat

theydidtofather.’‘I’mnotsayingtheydon’texist,’Katsnappedback.‘I’mjustsayingthatinallmyyearstracking

beastmen,Ineversawoneoftheseratmen.’‘Andjusthowmanyyearswasthat?’Felixcutin.‘Maybe,’saidKat,Felix’sacidonlymakingherharder,‘thecityyoufoundunderNulnwasfora

specialpurpose.MaybeafteryouandGotrekdefeatedthemtheyretreatedfromtheEmpire,or–’‘Kat!’saidFelix,raisingahandtowardoffanymore.Katlookedstunnedandherealisedhehad

shouted.‘Isworeanoathtopunishtheverminthatmurderedmyfather.It’stheonethingIstillhavethatI…’Felixcaughthimselfandverydeliberatelyclammedhismouththere.Katjuststaredathim,willinghimtosaywhattheybothknewwasonhismind.Hisfrustrationwasnofaultofhers.Shewassick.Itwas

theguiltthatpoisonedhim.Hefeltlikeamurdererwhohadcheatedanotherintohisnooseonsomelegaltechnicality.AfterhehadseenSnorrisafelytoKarakKadrin,GotrekhadhonouredhisownpromiseandreleasedFelixfromhisoath.Felixhadbeenperfectlyentitledtohisdecision,butnoonehadforcedhimtoreturnwithKattohisbrother’scharityandleavehiscompaniontoseekhisdoomalone.ThesewereFelix’stroubles,notKat’s.Hehadmadeanoathtohertoo,afterall.Instead,hetooka

handfulofparchmentsheetsandshuffledthemloudly.‘Sorry,Kat,butIdohaverealworktodoaswell.Iwouldn’twantOttotothrowmeoutagain.’‘Fine,’saidKat.‘ButOttoandAnnabellahaveaskedafteryouandItoldthemyouwouldjoinusfor

breakfast.Soyou’dbetter.’‘Iwill,’Felixmuttered.‘Fine,’Katbreathed,turningtoleavejustasFelix’sbrother,Otto,burstthoughthestudydoor.‘Felix,I–’Otto’sfleshynoserecoiledandhedrewbackasthoughpersonallyaffrontedbytheodour.

‘Youreallydoliveinhere,don’tyou?IhadthoughtthatAnnabellawasmerelyexaggeratingforeffect.’Hetookabreaththatsethisjowlstoshuddering,unaccustomedbytheexertionoflimpingupthetwoflightsofstairsfromhisstudytoFelix’s.Despitethehour,Ottowasfullydressedinrobesofvelvetandbrocadeaccoutredwithfollybellsandaglitteringsatinsash.Agold-toppedwalkingcanewobbledinthegripofonepudgyhandwhiletheotherheldaclutchofrain-splotchedletters.Politely,hebowedtoKat,anexcusetoeyetheimproperly-coverednecklineoftheyoungerwoman’schemise.NotforthefirsttimeFelixwonderedwhetheritwasonlybrotherlylovethathadbehovedOttotosetasidegrievancesandtaketheminwhentheyhadturneduponhisdoorstepayearago.OttoswallowedheavilyandreturnedhisattentiontoFelix.‘Whyareyoustillnotdressed?’‘BecauseIcanwriteaswellinyesterday’sclothesasinanythingelse.’‘Yesterday’s?’saidOtto,asthoughthiswasafallacytoofar.‘Istheresomethingyouwanted?’OttothrustoneofthelettersheheldintoFelix’shand.Felixtookitandexaminedthehandwriting.It

wasaddressedtohim.Hemaskedhissurprisewell,flippingtheletteroverandpresentingitsbrokensealtoOtto.‘Youopenedit.’Ottowavedthestatementaway.‘Doyouknowhowmuchcorrespondencethiswargeneratesforme,

Felix?OfcourseIopenedit.Idon’tevenreadtheaddresseeanymore.Butthat’snotimportant.It’scomeallthewayfromavillagecalledAlderfen.’‘Isthatmeanttoimpressme?’‘Spareme,Felix,Ithoughtyouweretravelled.AlderfenisinthenorthofOstermark,onlydaysfromthe

companyofficesinBadenhof.’‘Ahh,Isee,’saidFelix,returninghisattentiontotheletterandreadingthroughnarrowedeyesasKat

slidaconsolingarmaroundOtto’selbowandhuggedhimtoher.‘It’sfromMax,’Felixsmiled,temporarilyforgettingthebothofthem.Heandthewizardhadbeenromanticrivals,allies,andbeforetheotherman’ssummonstothevonCarsteinwarinSylvaniaandthenonagaintothenorththeyhadalmostmanagedtobecomefriends.Memories,itturnedout,wereasgoodafoundationforitasany.Hecheckedthedateontheletter.Nachgeheim:almostfourmonthsago.Felixhopedthesituationhadimprovedsincethen.MaxandtheothermagistersofhiscollegehadbeencalledtotheaidoftheSupremePatriarchhimself

inmaintainingtheAuricBastion.Itwasanimpregnablebarrier,Gelt’sgreatmiraclethatwouldforeverendthethreatofChaostotheEmpire.OrthatwaswhattheReiksmarshalwouldhaveFelixwritefortheinformationofthemasses.ButFelixwaswiseenoughtorecogniseathingthatwastoogoodtobetrue.FelixskimmedoverMax’sdisquisitiononChamonicprinciples,leylines,andaethyrialharmonism.It

wasenoughtomakeFelixwanttoburyhisfaceinabowlofwater.Sigmar’sblood,itwasasifthemanwasrighthereintheroom.…noonehaseversucceededinholdingChaosatbay,Felix.Idonotbelievethatanyonehasever

eventhoughttotry,andforgoodreason.MycolleaguesandIwilltreadwaterforaslongaswecan.Idonotknowifthereissafetyinthesouth,evenhereIhearrumours,butwereIinyourpositionIwouldfindsomewheresafeandtakeKatthere.AndIhopeforyoursakesthatyoubothrememberhowtowieldaweapon…Felixglancedattheglass-dooredcabinetonthewallthatheldKaraghulandfoldedtheletter.‘Thisis

datedmonthsago,’saidFelix.‘BeforeGustavevenleftAltdorf.’‘Iknow,Iknow,’saidOtto.‘Icanread,butitshowsthatalettercangetthrough.’Katpattedhishand.‘Yoursonwillbefine.’‘Ofcoursehewill,’Ottomumbledstiffly,avoidingeverybody’seye.‘HeissafeandwellinBadenhof

andkeepingagoodeyeonthosethieveswecalldistributors.It’sjust…’Hetrailedoff,thenwaveddespairinglytowardstheletterinFelix’shand.‘Ididmorethanjustopenit.’Felixnoddedslowly.Itsoundedbad.Askme.ThewordsjumpedunbiddenintoFelix’shead,fierceinswordandmail.Askme.Iwillgo

northandfindmynephew.‘Anyway,’saidOtto,afteracalmingbreath.‘Getyourselfdressed.Wehavetogo.’‘Go?’‘TheReiksmarshalisconductingapublicrallyatWilhelmplatzthismorning.Everyguttersnipeinthe

altstadtknowsthere’sapfenniginitforanyonewhobringswordofhisappearances.KurtHelborgcan’tpassthegatesofthecastlewithoutmehearingofit.’OttosnatchedtheletterfromFelix’shandandwaveditintheair.‘IamgoingtoshowhimthisanddemandhisnewsoftheKislevVerge.’Felixsighed.WhatwithMannfredvonCarsteinandhisbroodsaidtohaveescapedtheblockadeof

Sylvania,withChaosonthemarchandrumoursofstrifeineveryhumanrealmbuttheveryheartlandsoftheEmpire,FelixsuspectedtheReiksmarshalhadenoughonhisplatewithoutcaringtoconcernhimselfwithonemissingmerchant.Hestoodupallthesame.Family,whenitcamedowntoit,wasallhehadleftnow.‘Idon’tknowwhetherhe’llbeabletotellusmuch.’Ottoscoffed,hisoldselfagain.‘JaegerandSonsisthemainprovisionerofwoodandcerealtothe

entirefront.IfwestoppedtodaythentomorrowtherewouldnotbeafullbellyinOstermark.PerhapsIwillremindtheReiksmarshalofthattoowhenIseehim.’‘AmItostandbehindyouandlookmenacing?’saidFelix.‘Nothingsoterrible,Felix.HaveyoubeenworkingfortheReiksmarshalornot?’‘Notexactly,’saidFelix,mindfuloftheparchmentsscatteredalloverthefloor.‘Nomorethanevery

sword,scribe,andbattlemageintheEmpire.I’veneverevenmethiminperson.’Heshrugged.‘Consideringmymisspentyouth,Ithinkthat’sforthebest.’‘Justgetchanged,’saidOtto,alreadyleadingKatawaybythearm.‘Andwashyourself,wouldyou?

Yousmelllikeasewer.’

Thechillinthecourtyardwasbiting.Theskywasthecolourofwashedslateandthewindblewdeadleavesoverthewallsandintothegardenofthetownhouse.AyounggirlwithboyishblondehairshiveredinawoollensmockassherakedthemupfromaroundthefeetoftheservantsthatbustledaroundOtto’sbestcoach.Theywerewomenmostly,youngandnervous-looking,supervisedbyafewofOtto’sgreyerhands.LikesomanyofAltdorf’syoungmen,thebulkofOtto’shouseholdhadalreadygonetowar.Therake’sironteethrattledacrosstheflagstones.

Notagooddaytobeabroad,Felixthought,onlythentosmilesourlyattheirony.JustminutesearlierhehadbeencravingthewildsofKislev.Itwasn’texactlyEstaliaatthistimeofyear.WonderingwhatwaskeepingOtto,Felixstampedhisfeetonthecobblesandwrappedhimselfdeeperintohiscloak.Itwasadeepblueand,thoughveryfine,fartooheavyforhisowntastes.Itfeltlikewalkingaroundwithachildperpetuallytuggingonthebackofhisshirt.Itwaswarmthough,hecouldnotdeny,linedwithmink,andfeltlikebeingembracedbyacushion.Withnothingmuchelsetodowhilethehostlersappliedthefinalbufftothecoach’sbrassfinishingsand

replacedthehorse’snosebagswithhalterandbridle,Felixwatchedthegirlassheobliviouslyrakedleaves.Hetriedtoconjureinherplaceanimageoftheladthathaddonethisjobbeforeher:blackhairforblonde,halberdinplaceofarake,therichcreamofReiklandinsteadofdrabhomespun.Hismindrebelled.Itwasthementalequivalentofimposingadeath’sheadmaskoverthepoorgirl’sface.Howmanyboyslikethathadsignedupandgonenorthbecauseofhim?Andforwhat?Warandplague,themarchofthedead,rumoursofamanclaimingtobetheHeraldofSigmar?IfOttoheardhalfoftherumourthatFelixhadthenhewouldbealotmoreworriedaboutyoungGustavthanhewasalreadypretendingnottobe.‘No,no,no,that’snotgoodenough.Iorderedtwentybarrels.Fortwelveitisnotevenworththe

haulageallthewaytoHergig.’Ottolimpedfromthehouseaccompaniedbyhisbutler,Fritz,andagaggleofexpensivelyfripperiedyoungmenthatseemedtoallbecompetingtojumponOtto’sshadow.‘YoutellMullerIexpecttherestoftheconsignmentbytomorrowmorning.’Hesignedadocumentthatwaspushedinfrontofhimwithoutreadingit.‘Good.Seethatthecountreceivesahalf-tonmoregrainontopofthat.’‘Charity,Otto?’saidFelix.‘Business,’Ottoreplied,shooinghisassistantswithanexhaustedwave.Overthelasttwelvemonths

OttohadvisitedeverytownwestoftheTalabecandevenwhenathomehewasupatallhoursreceivingagents,clients,suppliersandthemiddlemenofthelot.Forgetgreatdestinies,mysticleachfromartefactsofpowerandthechangingtouchofChaos,toFelixitwasabundantlyobviouswhythepennilessrogueremainedhalewhilethemerchantgrewfat,white-hairedandfrail.‘Thereismoneyinwar,buttherealprofitisinrebuilding.ItiscrucialthatJaegerandSonsbeinthebestpositiontobenefitfromourpatriotismwhenthewariswon.’‘Youthinkitwillbe?’‘FatherbuilttheOstermarkbusinessfromtheashesofthelastChaosincursion,Felix.Everyfew

decades,itseems,theycome,andeverytimetheyaresentrunningback.Thistimewillbenodifferent.’Felixwasn’tsureitwasthatsimple,butdecidedtokeephismouthshut.Nobodylikedadoomsayerand

heshouldknow,hehadarguedwithenoughofthemovertheyears.Allheknewwasthatthistimeitfeltdifferent.Perhapshe’djustgotoldenoughthathehadbecomeoneofthoseoldmenthatsatintavernsnursingtheirfavouritesteinandcomplainingthatthewintershadgrowncolder.TakingFelix’ssilenceasagreementand–acceptinghisknowledgeofsuchthings–trustingit,Otto

grinned.HisteethwereblackfromtoomuchLustriansugarinhiswine.Onehandgrippinghiscane,hesnappedhisfingersuntilhisbutlerhandedhimalargerollofparchment.Fromtheplasterdustonthebackandthesplotchesinthecorners,itlookedasthoughithadbeenpulledfromawall.‘Iwantedtoshowthistoyoubeforeweleft.Look.’WithFritz’shelp,heunfurledit.Felix’sheartsank.Itwasaposterofthetypecommonlyfoundnailedtovillagepostsortothewallsat

crossroads.AsfewmenintheEmpirewereabletoread,itwasdominatedbyahugeillustration.Itshowedagleamingphalanxofhalberdiersmarchingtowardsavastwallinthedistance.Thedepictionofthewallwasperhapsthemoststrikingthing.Itwasdrawnsoastoappearmountainous,withahaloofpowerarounditssummit.Artisticlicenceperhaps,butFelix’sownconversationswithMaxsuggested

moretruththanfiction.Theimagewassurroundedbysmallprint,beneaththeboldheader:‘VictoryintheNorth’.Alittlepremature,Felixthought,butOttowastappinghisfingeronthesecondoftwosignaturesatthe

bottom;theonethatcameimmediatelybelowKurtHelborg’s.Felixsighed.WhenOttohadfirsthadFelix’sjournalspublishedwithouthisknowledge,thelastplacehewouldhaveexpectedthedamnedthingstoendupwasinthelapofReiksmarshalKurtHelborg.ApparentlythenameoftheSaviourofNulncarriedahelpfulromanceamongstthepfennigdreadful-readingpeasantry.ItsaidFelixJaeger.‘Theservantshavebeencollectingthem,’saidOtto,blindtoFelix’sdarkeningexpression.‘Notvery

civicofthem,Irealise,butIdoubtthecitywillmissjustone.’‘I’dsaynot,’saidFelixsourly.‘Isometimesthinkthattheyareusingthemtobuttressthewallsincase

ofasiege.’‘Don’tbeprickly,Felix.KeepingtheyoungmenofReiklandupforthefightisvaluablework,and

certainlyworthmoretoJaegerandSonsthanthepaltrysumtheypayyoutodoit.’HetappedhisfingeronFelix’ssignatureagain,thengaveFritzthenodtofurltheposterupandtakeitaway.‘That’stheJaegernameoneverystreetcornerandbarracksoftheEmpire.That’swhat’spayingyourwayinmyhouse,Felix,andmaintainingKaterina’sdonationstotheShallyanhospice.’Feigningnumbtoes,Felixstampedhisfeetandturnedhisback.Heclosedhiseyesandmumbledhis

ownimprecationtothegoddessofpeaceandmercy.Hedidn’twantanotherargumentabouthowmuchmoneyKatwascostinghisbrotherandhecertainlydidn’twanttolistentohimenthuseaboutthenumberofmenthatFelixhadcoaxedtowar.Theheavyscuffofill-wornleatherbootsmadehimlookup.Apairofbigmenexitedtheservant’s

quartersunderthescreeningmapletreesandthetangleofivyandstartedacrosstheyardtowardsthecoach.Bothmenweredressedinlongblackcoatsandgloveswithcudgelsbuckledattheirhips.ThefirstwasaheadtallereventhanFelix,broadshoulderedandwithanecklikeacannonball.Thesecondmanwasolder,bald-headedandscarred,hismuscularupperbodycounterbalancedbyagutthatstrainedagainsthisgentlemanlywaistband.Felixknewprofessionalmusclewhenhesawit.Theseweredangeroustimesforamerchanttobetravelling,evenwithinthebordersofReiklandwhichwasasyetrelativelyuntouchedbywar.Why,onlyrecently,rampagingflagellantshadputthetorchtohalfofNuln,theofficesofJaegerandSonsandOtto’sownhomeincluded.Felixsighed.Thatcityhadnoluck.Schraeder,theseniorcoachman,directedhiscompanionuptotheboxasheputonatallblackhat.The

mantuggedontherimofhishatandopenedthepassengerdoor.Felixwasinnowayreassuredbytheshowofdeference.Thathatandcoatcouldnothavebeenmoreintimidatingonatroll.‘Readytoleavewhenyouare,sir.’

THREEEncounterinWilhelmplatz

ThesteamofFelixandOtto’sbreathfilledtheclosedpassengercompartmentasthecoachclatteredoverthecobblesofBefehlshaberAvenue.Suppressingashiver,Felixtookahandfulofcloaktosmearcondensationfromtheglasswindow.Amistclungtothegroundandtherewerefewpeopleaboutatthishourexceptbeggarsandrefugees

fromthesouth,homelessandfrozenandwithnowhereelsetogo.Facetothecoldglass,Felixwatchedablackcoachpulloutandfollowthemawaybeforedisappearingintothefog.Felixshiftedhisattentiontothecolourfulrankofdaubandwattleshopfrontsandtownhousesthatdraggedby.BehindthemlayKarlFranzPark,andtheborderingtreesrakedtherooftopshingles.Autumnhadburnishedtheirleavesadazzlingcopper.Eachoneshoneinthelowsunlikearitualbladeasthewindwilledthemagainandagaintocut.Theircultist-roberustledrownedoutthedireportentsofthestreet-cornerdoom-mongersandtheweepingoftheforeignvagrantsthatclunglikemouldtotheroadside.Despairwasontheair,andwhethernativeAltdorferoramongsttheinfluxfleeingthewarsinTilea,Estalia,andBretonnia,thetasteofitwasthesameAlready,menwerecallingthesetheEndTimes.Itwasgoingtobeahardwinter.Felix’snaturalcynicismremindedhimthatthepriestsofUlricand

TaalandManannmadesimilarpronouncementseveryyearinthehopeofextortingafewmorepfennigsfromthoseprayingforashortsnapandawarmerspring.Thistimethough,Felixbelievedthem.Theratcatcherswereuptotheiranklesinvermin,thegeesehadfledtheReikearlyfortheirsouthernroosts,andthechillhadcomeearly.Thesignswereclear,butonlythemostdyedinthewoolcurmudgeonswerecomplainingaboutit.FelixhadfirsthandexperienceofhowpowerfulanallytheKislevitewintercouldbe,butsomehowFelixdoubtedthatthisonewouldbringanythingmorethanarespite.Iftherumoursweretobebelieved,thatPraagandeventheproudGospodarcapital,KislevCityitself,

hadalreadyfallen,thenthenorthmenhadallthesheltertheyneededtogathertheirstrengthuntilspring.Felixcouldnothelpashiverofdread,somepremonitionofhorror.EventheterribleAsavarKulhimself,inthegreatincursiontwocenturiespast,hadfailedtobroachthecityofKislev.ThatithadfallennowwithoutmostmenoftheEmpireevenrealisingthatithadcomeunderattackwasdeeplydisturbing.DoublysoasithadbeenachievedwithoutasinglesubstantiatedreportofArchaon,AsavarKul’sinfernalheirapparent,takingtothefield.Recallingthemanyill-fatedattemptshehadmadetoconfronttheso-calledEverchosenofChaosduringhiscareerasGotrek’shenchmansurprisedhimwithasmile.Thenhesighed,shookhishead,andresumedtostaringoutthewindow.Therattlingofthecoachoverthecobblesbumpedhisheadagainsttheglass.Hewasanidiot.

Therereallywasnothingtocommendthosedays.Nothingatall.‘Pfennigforyourthoughts,’saidOtto.Hisheavycheekswereflushedwithcoldandeverysooftenhe

stampedhisfeetontheboardsandrubbedhisarmswithmittenedhands.Bothmenswayedtotherightasthecoachtookaleftturn.‘Uncharacteristicallygenerousofyou,’Felixreplieddrily.AdullroarfromthedirectionofWilhelmplatzroseslowlyoverthedrywhisperofthetrees.Itsounded

likethecriesofthebeastmanhordesatthewallsofPraagandseemedoddlyfittingtohismemories.Felixwatchedhisbreathre-steamthewindow.Thenhiseyesnarrowed.Usingthehemofhiscloak,heagainwipeditclearandlookedbackthewaytheyhadtravelled.Theblackcoachwasstillwiththem,aboutadozenlengthsbehind.Thetwohorsespullingwerewinter

whiteandlong-haired,trottingthroughmistuptotheirshaggyfetlocks.Apairofpennonsflutteredfromtherear.Theydepictedawhitebearonafrozenfield.Themotifwasitchinglyfamiliar,butFelixcouldnotquiteplaceit.Hishandmovedtohislap,butthereassuringtouchofKaraghulwasnotthere.Merchantgentlemen,hehadlearned,donotcarryswords.HewasabouttomentionthecoachtoOtto,buthisbrotherhadreclinedintotheleather-backedseatand

closedhiseyes.Felixcouldnottellwhetherornothewasasleep:hislipsweremoving,buthemightequallyhavebeenpreparinghisspeechfortheReiksmarshalasdreaming.Felixlookedback.Butthecoachwasgone.

TheWilhelmplatzrockedtotheroarofthehundredsofpeasantscrowdedinbetweenthegatesoftheImperialpalaceandthesurroundingtenements.Womeninwooldressesandwintershawlsscreamedcurses.Oldmenhoistedorphanedgrandchildrenontotheirshouldersthattheymightsharethevitriolbeingdirectedtowardsthemutantsbeingparadedbeforethem.Uponaraisedwoodenplatformsurroundedbyadoublerankofhalberdiers,apackofmutantsclosedinonasingleknightoftheReiksguard.Hisfullsilver-whiteplateshimmeredwithcold.Thescarletjuponthatoverlayitruffledinrhythmtohisfootwork,therampantgriffonofthehouseofWilhelmrendingtheairwithclawsofgoldthread.Themanhadonanopenbascinet,hisfacetanned,andworeatrimmedblackbeardandabroadsmile.Thepitchofthemobgrewfeveredastheknightdancedfromamutant’sclutches,swunghisswordinabravuraflourish,androundedonasecondwithacry.‘NotexactlyvonDiehl,isit?’Felixyelled,citingthegreatplaywrightasthehalberdiersushered

anothertrioof‘mutants’ontothestage,stuffedlimbsswingingfrombloatedcostumesastheywalked.Therewasagatheredhissasoneflailinglimbforcedtheknighttoduck,thenaroarwhenhecameupgrinning,salutedthecrowdandsetaboutthepooractorwiththeflatofhisblade.Thecrowdjeeredasthemutantsteppedontheoversizedfootofitsowncostumeandcrashedontothestage.Theknightplantedonefootonthebody,raisingoneclenchedfistintriumph.Oncue,thesquareeruptedwithlaughterandmockingcheers,thehighstonewallsoftheImperialpalaceprovidingathunderousacousticreturn.Alleyeswereonthetableaubeingenactedonstage,butFelixfeltcertainhewasbeingwatchedandit

wasmakinghimnervous.BowmenliveriedintheredandblueofAltdorfkeptwatchfromthepalace’ssprawlingrampartswhileswordsmeninfeatheredsalletsandpaddedhauberkspatrolledtheperimeteroftheheavingsquare.Theapproacheswereblockedbyunitsofhalberdiers,largeweaponsgleaming,asthesoldierssearchedcarriagesandheldupfoottraffic.SpillingoutoftheWhiteLadytavernjustoutofthesquarealongDownfeatherAlley,agroupofdrunkenadolescentshurledabuseatthepicketofhalberdiers.Thesoldiersignoredit,butFelixsawthebowmeninthenearbywindowsshiftingtheiraimandhedidnotdoubtthattherewouldbeplain-clothesKaiserjaegerfollowingthoseboyshomeaftertherally,probably

withconscriptionpapershandilypre-signedbytheReiksmarshalhimself.‘YourealiseI’mstilltechnicallyawantedfelon,’saidFelix,eyeingthenearestunitofswordsmen

warily.‘Nobodycares,Felix,’Ottoreplied,yellingdirectlyintoFelix’sear.Felixgaveatightsmile.Hedidoftenwonderifhiscurrentemployershadthefaintestideathathehad

beendodgingImperialjusticeforthepasttwodecadesfollowinghisroleintheWindowTaxriots.Probablynot.MostoftheofficersinWilhelmplatztoday,uptoandincludingtheReiksguardonthestage,lookedliketheywouldnotevenhavebeenbornwhenFelixhadbeenbreakingwindowsandgenerallymakinganuisanceofhimself.Simplertimes,hethought,suddenlyfeelingveryoldindeed.TherewasareasonthatnobodyrememberedtheWindowTaxriotsanymore.LikeFelixhimself,theyweresimplynotthatimportant.‘Payattentionnow,Felix.’Otto’svoicewaswaterthinundertheoceanicroarofthecrowd.Schraeder

andtheevenlargercoachmanstoodeithersideofhim,andthepeasantswiselygavethemawideberth.‘I’mgoingtocatchtheReiksmarshalbeforehetakesthestagehimself.Youstayhereandkeepaneyeout.’‘Forwhat?’Felixcalledback,butOttoandhismenwerealreadyoff.Felixswore,theprickling

scrutinyonthenapeofhisneckgrowingeversoslightlymoreurgentnowthattheyweregone.AtumultuouscheerfilledthesquareandFelix’sattentionwasdrawnalongwitheveryoneelse’stothe

stage.Theknighthadjusttrippedoneofthemutantsandpushedhimintohiscompanion,causingthembothtorolloffthestageandlandontopofeachotherinaheap.Onlythesurroundingboxofhalberdiersheldthebayingmobback.Theybeatattheirbreastsandscreamedslogansintothesoldiers’faces.Withasickrealisation,Felixrecognisedtheonesthathehadwrittenhimself.Somekindofcollectivemadnesshadthem.Surelyeventhedimmestvilleinknewthatthosemutantswerejustplayersinpaddedcostumes.Felixscannedthecrowd.Somethingaboutitallmadehisskincrawl,remindinghimofthesummers

spentatthefamilyloggingcampsintheDrakwald.Hehadusedtowatchtheforestfromthehouseashewatchedthesemennow,convincedutterlythatsomethinghiddenlurkedthere.FromtheKaisergardenentrance,justtotheleftoftheroadthatheandOttohadtaken,thepicketof

halberdierswavedthroughablackcoach.Achillpassedthroughhim.No,notjustanyblackcoach.Itwastheexactsameblackcoachthathehadseenbefore.Thewhitebearpennonsflutteredinthestormofnoiseliketopgallantsinagale.Feelinganervousitchcrawlingupfromhischest,Felixwatchedthecoachpullintoaroped-offenclosure.Dozensofothercoacheswereparkedthere,worthiesattendedbyAltdorfersoldieryandbygruff-lookingheaviesinanarrayofheraldicsurcoats.Thehorsesnuzzledeachotherandwhickeredtheirownreassurancesagainstthecommotion.FelixrecognisedtheheraldriesofNuln,StirlandandOstermark–mainlybecauseoftheamountoftimehehadspentinandaroundtheguardhousesandgaolsofthosestatesovertheyears–butmosthedidnotrecognise.Thedriverjumpeddownfromtheboxtoopenthepassengerdoor,butFelixcouldnotseewhoemerged

foralloftheripplingbannerolesandhalberdsintheway.Hecursed,thenshuddered,thatfeelingagain,andcrossedhisarmsunderhiscloak.Ananimalscreamfrombehindmadehimstart.Felixturned,shiveringoffhisunease,tofindagangofyoungbravoshadclamberedontoOtto’swagon.

TheyshookitandscreamedlikeArabyanmonkeys.Oneofthemdancedwithbottleinhandfromthebox.Theyallworetheredandblueribbonsofthenewlyenlistedaroundtheirsleevesand,doubtlessencouragedbythefreespiritsofagratefulcity’sinnkeepers,werealluproariouslydrunk.WhileFelixfeltnogreatenchantmenttowardsOtto’sproperty,themenwereclearlyspookingthehorses.Thefartherofthetwothrewitsmaneasitfoughtagainstthetracerinavainbidtobackintothechassisofthecoach.Thenearerhorsemerelytrembled,wide-eyedandstaring,asifithadjustsmelledawolf.Outofhabit,

Felixswepthiscloakoverhisleftshouldertofreehisswordarm.Evenafterallthistime,Karaghul’sabsencejustfeltwrong.Heshookhisheadruefully.Therewasnothinglikeaswordtode-cloudsottedminds,buthedoubtedthissituationcalledforit.Hestartedforward.Atleasthehadmeantto.Thecrowdroared,oblivioustotherevelationthathisfeetwererootedtothegroundasthoughgluedto

thecobbles.Felixgaspedashetriedagainandfailed.Grabbingoneleginbothhandsbytheknee,hetriedtopullbutitdidnotmoveaninch.Hewassweatingnowdespitethecold,yetabsurdlygratefulthathisarmsatleasthaddoneashehadasked.Hehadfeltthemastheytouchedhisthigh.Hislegswerefine.Theysimplywouldnotmove.Apiercinglaughmadehimlookup.Oneoftheyoungmenhadtrippedoverhisownanklesandfallen

offthetopofthecoach,tothegreatmirthofhiscomrades.Felixgrithisteethandtriedtopushhimselfthroughwhateverwaspreventinghim.Itwasnotsomuchthathefailedasthathislegsrefusedtotry.Shakingthemuscleofhisthighunderonehand,hefoughtdownarisingpanic.Itcouldnotbethatgangofdrunks.WhatinSigmar’snamewasgoingon!‘Forgetwagon,Jaeger,’cameaguttural,butdeliberatelyprecisevoicefromthecrowdbehindhim,

rightwherethepoorhorsedirecteditsterror.‘Onlygiveyourselfnose-bleed.Andmaybeattractsoldiers.Notwantattractsoldiers,yhah?’Unconsciously,Felix’sgazefoundthetroopofstateswordsmenthathadunnervedhimsojustmoments

before.‘DoInot?’‘No,’saidthehiddenman.‘Inotcomeallthiswaytoharm,Empireman.’Forsomeunfathomablereason,Felixlaughed.Whydidhefindthatsodifficulttobelieve?Bracing

himselffortheeffortofturning,hewassurprisedtofinditeasy.Hebarelyevenhadtothinkaboutitbeforehisfeetwereshufflinghimaroundtogreetashortmaninbrightlycolouredfleecebreechesandcoatandahempcloak.Hiseyeswerenarrowed,hisskinwalnut-hardandofahuethatlookedmildlyjaundicedbutfortheabsenceofanyotherobvioussymptoms.Hisbowedgaitindicatedamanmoreaccustomedtoridingthantowalking.NowFelixplacedtheoddaccent;asplainlyKisleviteasthedroopingmoustacheontheman’sfaceandthemink-flappedchapkaonhishead.HewasoneoftheUngolnomadsthatsubsistedonthenorthernoblastandtheTrollCountry.Hadsubsisted.Felixtriedtoraiseahandingreeting,foundhecouldnot.Hegrimaced.‘DoIknowyou?’‘YouareJaeger,yhah?Youare–howyousayinEmpire–friendofmyfriend.’Somefriend,Felixthought,strugglingincreasinglydesperatelytomoveanarm,aleg,anything;butall

heseemedcapableofcontrollingwashiseyesandhismouth.Onlythecertainknowledgethathewasutterlyunderthisstrangeman’spowerkepthistonecivilasheasked,‘Who?’‘Mylady,youremember?’TheUngolsmiled,teethstarklywhiteagainsthistanskin.Somethingwas

coming.Felixcouldsensethedarknessofitspreadthroughthesubliminaluneaseofthecrowd.Behindhim,thehorsewhinniedinterror.Itwasawiserbeastthanthefoolsarounditgavecreditfor.AsenseofrecognitionthrilledthroughthewillthatboundFelix’sbody,likedogswithpreyandexcitedbytheapproachoftheirmaster.Whatwasworse,Felixthoughtherecognisedittoo.Hestoppedfighting,surrenderingtothatitchthathadcreptfromhischestandnowhidlikeaspideratthebackofhismind.Itcouldnotbe…TheUngolsteppedasideanddroppedtooneknee.‘Ipresentmylady:theBoyarinaMagdova

Straghov.’

Thecrowdseemedtofade,thebrightlyclothedUngolrecedingintoit,andFelixwasdreamingagain.At

leastthatwashisbestexplanationforit.ShelookedexactlyasFelixrememberedher,asleevelessjerkinwornoverawhitelinenshirt,leather

britchescinchedatthewaistwithastuddedbelt,longlegsencasedtothekneewithinfur-edgedridingboots.Alongcavalrysabrewassheathedinaleatherscabbardatherhip.Theonlyincongruitywastheblackwidow’sveilandlongleatherglovesthatsheworetoshadeherskinfromthesun,butdespitethelayersbetweenthem,Felixcouldstillmakeoutthepaleskin,thehighcheekbones,andthosewide,almondeyes.‘Youarenotgoingtoscream,areyou,Felix?’saidUlrika,breakingthespell.‘Itwouldnotbevery

attractive.’Sheglidednearer,thenbrushedbackhisoverlongfringewiththebackofherhandasiftoseehimbetter.Felix’sskintingledathertouch.Belatedly,thethoughtarosethatheshouldtellhertostop,butthenherfingersnippedsomethinginhishair.Hefeltapinch.Thensheyankedsharplyback.‘Ow!’Ulrikapresentedthepalestrandtweezeredbetweenforefingerandthumb.Hereyessparkledwith

amusement.‘Agreyhair,Felix?’‘Keepit,’saidFelix.‘I’veplentymore.’Herubbedthesorespotonhishead,realisingonlythenthathe

wasfreetomoveagain.Heheldhishandout,gavethefingersanexperimentalflex.ThelasttimehehadseenUlrikahadbeeninNulnovertwoyearsago,beforehisandKat’spathshadcrossed.Ifshehadhadthiskindofpowerthen,shehadkeptittoherself.‘Iapologisefortheentrance,’shesaid,settingherhandsonherhipsandanglingherjawproudly

upwards.Withoutmeaningto,Felixsmiled.Hehadseenthatposturealltoooftenwhentheyfought–andSigmarhadtheyfought–withUlrikaactingeveryinchthespoiledboyar’sdaughterwhocouldthinknowrong.‘Butyouweretheoneabouttofightsixmenhalfhisage.’‘Halfourage,’Felixcorrected.‘AndIcouldstillhavetakenthem,thankyouverymuch.’‘Idon’tdoubtit.’Felixwatchedherforamoment,tryingtodetermineifshewasteasinghim,sorelytemptedtoremind

herwhohadendedupwiththeirbacksideonthefloormoreoftenthannotwhenthetwoofthemhadsparred.Helookedagainathishandandtestedthefingersoncemore.Ofcourse,thathadbeenthen.Heshookhisheadwithasigh.‘It’sgoodtoseeyou,Ulrika.Truly.Butyoucouldhavejustcalledformeatmyhouselikeanormal

person.’‘Iwantedtospeakwithyoualone,’saidUlrika,indicatingthescreamingcrowdspackedinallaround

them,thedrunkardsstilljeeringatthosebelowfromatopOtto’scoach.‘Ithoughtapublicplacewouldbebest,and–’herhuskyvoicetookonanasalquality‘-everyguttersnipeinthealtstadtknowsthere’sapfennigforanyonebringingwordofHelborg’sappearances.’Felixchuckledatthesurprisinglypassableimitationofhisbrother.Thenanoddchillstoleitaway.

UlrikahadnevermetOtto…atleastnottohisknowledge.Withasmile,UlrikatuckedacoppercoinintoFelix’scloakwhereitwascreasedatthecollarandlaid

herhandonhischest.Hisheartkicked.‘IneedyoutostoplookingatmelikeyouhavejustseenavampireinthemiddleofWilhemplatz.’Shemovedin,noddingtohisleftandtohisrightandbreathingkissesonhischeeksintheBretonnianmanner.‘Peopleseeawarwidowandherlover,andIhavelearnedthatitpaystokeepupappearances.’Felixswallowed.Thegauzeofherveilbrushedhisunshavenchin.Hebarelydaredbreathelesthe

smellher.Glancingoverhisshouldersassheindicated,hesawawallofbodies,ablurofblindnoise.NoonewaspayingeitherofthemtheslightestattentionthatFelixcouldmakeout,butthenhehadn’tavampire’ssenses.Ortheirparanoia.

Whilehisheadwasturned,Ulrikacametherestoftheway,leaningherbodyintohisandwrappingherarmsaroundhisneck.Felix’spulsequickenedbuttohisimpotentshamehedidnothingtoresisther.Ithadbeenalongtime.Shewascolderthanshehadbeen,harder,andeerilystillwhereahearthadoncebeat,andyetherbody’severycontourandcurvewasasheremembered.Eventhescentofherhairwasfamiliar.‘Marriagehasmadeyouprudish,Felix.’Ulrikatookhishandinagripthatwas–ineveryway–

irresistibleandclaspedittoherhip.Felixsmilednervously,apologetically,thoughhewasn’tsureforwhat.Atremortookupinhishands.Desire?Guilt?HetriednottolookattheweddingringthatnuzzledagainstUlrika’ship.Helookedaway,closedhiseyes,cuppedhisotherhandbehindUlrika’sshoulderandtoldhimselfthatitwasalljustanact.‘There,’Ulrikawhispered.‘Thatwasnotsobadnow,wasit?’‘Whatdoyouwant?’saidFelix,eyesstillclosed,tryingnottothinkaboutthelipsseparatedfromhisby

nothingbutathinlayeroffabric.Hetriedtothinkofthefangsthoselipshid,butitdidn’thelp.‘PleasetellmethatyourdroppingbyduringthelargestChaosincursionsinceMagnus’stimeisjustacoincidence.’‘TrythelargestsinceSnorriWhitebeard’stime,’saidUlrika,clutchinghimasthoughtoimpressupon

himsomethingofdeadlyimport.‘Itisalreadyfarworseinthenorththanyoucanconceive.’Felixnodded,foundhimselfstrokingherveiledheadwithoutrealisingit.‘Iheardwhatbecameof

Kislev.I’msosorry.WhatwithSylvania,italljusthappenedsoquickly–’Ulrikawavedawayhisplatitudeswithashakeofthehead.‘Itdoesnotmatter,asmyfatherwouldhave

saidwerehealive.’Shepushedhimbackjustslightly,enoughonlytoencourageFelixtoopenhiseyesandlookintohers.‘IhavecomeaboutMax.’‘Max?’‘Yes.’Ulrikadroppedhergaze.‘TheAuricBastionisstillweakatAlderfen,anddespitethebest

effortsofMaxandhisbrethrenitisunderconstantattack.Ittookmetwoweekstogethere,Felix.ThatishowlongithasbeensinceMaxfell.’Felixfeltthebottomfalloutofhischest.Maxcouldnotbedead.Therewerecertainpeopleinthis

worldthatFelixhad,withoutquiterealisingit,cometobelievewereinvulnerable.Gotrekwasone,andMaxwasanother.TheideaofhimfallinginsomedismalcornerofOstermarkwhileFelixdrankhimselfstupidanddreamtthathewastherejusttwistedtheknife.‘Hefell,yes,toamountedraid,alongwitheveryotherpriestandwizardthemarauderscouldlaytheir

handsonbeforebeingdrivenbackintoKislev,butheisnotdead.Don’taskmehowIknowthat,butIamconvincedhewastakenaliveforareason.ItisdifficultevenformetogetnewsfromnorthoftheAuricBastion,butanewwarlordestablisheshimselfinPraagandhasbeenscouringKislevofsorcerersformonths.HecallshimselftheTrollKing.That,Ibelieve,iswhereMaxandhisfellowshavebeentaken,andIwantyoutohelpmegethimback.’Felixhadtokeephismouthshuttoavoidsaying‘yes’rightaway.Shewasofferinghimeverythinghe

hadbeenyearningfor,everythingthathadbeenmissingsinceheandGotrekhadgonetheirseparateways.Hisever-reliableinnercynictoldhimthat,ofcourse,Ulrikawouldknowthat.Hewouldnotbesurprisedifshecouldrecitethecontentsofeveryfabricatedwarreporthehadeverwrittenforthecriersandknewthenameofeverysewerjackwithwhomherelivedhisglorydaysandwheretofindthetavernsinwhichhewouldblasthismindwithcheapschnappsafterwards.MaxandGotrekweretheheroes.Felixwasjustafailedpoetwithamagicsword.Hewasn’tthesamemanwhohadlefthislifeatthedropofadrunkenpledgetoaTrollslayerandspentthenexttwodecadesgallivantingthroughhorrorsthatmostmenwouldprefertopretendcouldnotexist.Hehadresponsibilitiesnow,andachesinplacesthathewouldpreferto

pretendcouldnotexist.Ottowouldnottakehimbackagainifheranoffnow,andKat…Theautumnlightthatreflectedofftheringonhissecondfingerstruckhimlikeabucketofcoldwater.‘Ican’tgowithyou.’‘Maxriskedhislifetosaveminefromtheplague,doyouremember?Andafterthatheracedacrosshalf

oftheOldWorldtorescuemefromAdolphusKrieger.’‘AsdidI,’saidFelix,defensively.‘Asdidyou,’Ulrikaechoed.‘DoyouvalueMax’slifethatmuchlessthanmine?’Thewordsstungastheyhadbeenmeantto.Felixfeltaflickeringemberofresentmentamongstthe

confusionofpassions.HadthechoicebeensolelyhishewouldhaveleftAltdorfwithMaxfromtheoutset.HaditbeenuptohimhewouldprobablybedeadinafieldsomewhereinOstermarkbynow.Forsomereasonthatthoughtdidnottroublehim.Inhisheartofhearts,heknewthathewasnevermeantforanyotherkindofend.‘IfyourpositionswerereversedIwouldtellhimthesame.’‘Isityourwork?’Herfacewasamask,buthervoicesneered.‘Doyouknowhowpatheticyourodesto

thegreenfieldsofReiklandandthegoodnessofEmperorKarlFranzlookinHergigorBechafen?Doyouknowthelengthstheymustgototomaintainanarmythatcanstillfight,thebargainstheyhavebeenforcedtomake?EvenInowhavethefieldrankofgeneralinthestateofOstermark.DoyouthinktheycarewhatIamasmuchaswhatIcanbringtothefield?Doyouthinktheyevenwanttoknow?’WhenFelixdidnotreact,shewenton.‘Isityourhuntfortheratthatkilledyourfather,then?’Felixdidtightenhisgriponhershoulderatthat.Animageofhisfatherbrutalisedandkilledinhisbed

flashedthroughhismind.Partofhimhadbeengladwhentheflagellantshadburnedthathousedown.‘Youwillfindnothing.Theskavenhaveabandonedtheirnorthernholdingsforsomeployinthesouth.I

donotknowwhatorwhere,sodon’task.’Hermockingtonebecamegentle.‘You’remeantforbetterthingsthanskulkingaroundsewersandtryingtohidethestinkfromyourwife.Helpme.HelpMax.’‘Itoldyou,Ican’t.Andnotforthosereasons.’‘Ahyes,thelovelyKaterinaJaeger.You’realivingcliché,youknow,takingagirlyoungenoughtobe

yourdaughter.’‘Youngenoughtobeourdaughter,’Felixcutinreflexively,andimmediatelywincedathowthose

wordssoundedoutloud.Ulrikalookedawaycoyly,butFelixcouldseethatshewassmiling.‘Theworlddoesnotworklikeone

ofthosedreadfulDetlefSierckplaysyouusedtoreciteforme.Thedamseldoesnotrecoversimplybecauseshehasherprince.’Sheshookherheadandslowlypeeledherselffromhisembrace.‘YouwillnotfindaphysicianinAltdorfwiseenoughinforbiddenloretoundoKemmler’snecromancy,butI…’Felix’sentireribcageconstrictedandfroze.ShecouldcureKat!Orwasshejustofferinghimwhathe

wantedtohear?‘Areyoupromisingmesomething?’‘FindmeintheBlackRoseonLeopoldAvenuetonight,’saidUlrika,signallingtohermanthatshewas

readytogo.Felixblinked,asthoughtrickedbysomecunningsleightofhand,astheUngolandhisbrightlycolouredfleececoatreappearedinhisvision.‘Anditmustbetonight.Iwillbegonebydawn.IamalreadytwoweeksbehindMax’scaptorsanditisalongroadbacktoBadenhof.’Felixlookedtothegroundandsmiled.Inothercircumstanceshemightevenhavelaughed.Ulrikahad

thoughtofeverythingthatmightswayhim,boxeditneatlyforhimandtieditoffwithasweetlittlebow.Hesighed.Fine,he’dtakeapeek.‘Badenhof?’TheUngoldrewasealedletterfromhiscoat.HedisplayedthewaxJaegerandSonssealforamoment,

andthensliditbackintothefleecepocket.‘Itappearsthatyournephew,Gustav,hasbeenhavingdifficultieswiththelocallordandrequeststhe

experienceofhisknavishuncleinresolvingthem.Joinmetonight,Felix,andIwillensurethatOttoreceivesthisletter.Andthemessagethatyoudepartedatoncetohelphim.NeitherhenorKaterinawillsuspect.’‘I…Istilldon’tknow.I’dhavetobesurethatKatislookedafter.’Ulrikaclosedhereyesandwasstill.Itmighthavebeenasigh,butofcourseUlrika’slungshadnot

expelledairinovertwentyyears.‘Andifshecouldbemadestrongagain,soshecouldlookafterherself?’‘Whatareyousuggesting?’Ulrikasmiledandmadetowithdraw.‘Maxsavedherlifeaswell,Felix.Iamsuggestingthatshemight

wantherownsayinthisdecision.’

Ulrikastrodethroughthecrowd,bodiessighingfromherpathlikegrassbeforeanightwind.Untilonlyrecently,shewouldhavebeenabletomoveamongsttheflockasoneofthem,butnowher

passagewasmarkedbygoosebumpsandshudders,hammersstutteringlydrawnacrosscheststowardagainsttheevileye.Chaoswaswaxing,Shyish,theWindofDeath,wasinflux,andUlrika’sownpowerscontinuedtogrow.Eventhesimpletownsfolkaroundhercouldsensethepresenceoftheotherintheirmidst.Untilonlyrecently,thatgrowingdisconnectbetweenherandherrememberedhumanitywouldhavetroubledher.Now,herownsensescouldpiercethebeatingheartsofeveryoneofthesepeople.Shesawthewarmththatfledtheirveinsandturnedtheirfingersblueand,thoughtheyhadonlythedimmestperceptionofherpresenceamongstthem,shecouldsmellthefearontheirbreath.Damir,theUngolwarriorwhoservedherinexchangeforthebasepleasureofdoingsoandthedim

prospectofonedayjoiningherinimmortality,waitedforherbythecoach.Hermortalfamily’sbearrampantflewfromthefourcorners.Thethrallpulledopenthedoor.‘TotheBlackRose,mylady?’‘No,’saidUlrika,acceptingDamir’shandandallowinghimtohelpaladyintohercarriage.Heclosed

thedooronher,andthenclimbedtothebox.Ulrikapulledthickblackcurtainsovertheraucoussceneswithout,thenunhookedherwidow’sveiland

smiledagoodshepherdess’ssmile.Ahumanwouldnotknowwhatwastrulyintheirheartifshewastoopenitupandshowittothem.She

leanedforwardtoknockonthefrontquarterpartition.‘IthinkitistimethatImetthisKat.’

FOURAProposal

CouldUlrikareallymakeKatwholeagain?Wasthatwhatshehadbeenoffering?Theideatroubledhim,perhapsmorethansuchanapparentkindnessshould,andnotjustbecauseUlrika’sappearanceinKat’slifewasgoingtoleadtoalotofawkwardquestions.Felixwasn’tquitethatselfish.HeknewtherewereindividualsintheworldwiththepowertoreversewhatHeinrichKemmlerhaddone.PerhapsUlrikawasnowoneofthem.HerdisplayinWilhelmplatzhadcertainlybeenimpressiveandmaybethathadbeenthepoint,ademonstration.HewouldgivealmostanythingtoseeKatwholeagain,butfewsuchpowersgavewithoutdemandingacommensuratecost.Hismindconjuredimagesofsecretcovens,ritualsconductedondarkestGeheimnisnacht,pactswithdaemons,andvilebloodmagic.ItwasthevariedandterriblepossibilitiesexcludedbythatalmostthathadFelixabandoningOtto’scoachtothedrunksthathadclaimeditandpushingthroughthescreamingcrowdstowardstheguardpicketattheeastentranceonBlackCastleAlley.Thesoldiers,however,weretoooverwhelmedholdingbackthetideofpeopletryingtocatchaglimpse

oftheirregent,theReiksmarshal,tocareaboutonemoretryingtogetout.FelixhurriedbythemandintotheboisterouscrowdsaroundtheKaisergarden.Seeingthegrindingfootandhorse-drawntrafficaheadofhim,FelixdrovethroughthepressofurchinsandvagrantstopassintoHubertAlleyontheoppositesideoftheKaisergarden,knockingabowlfromabeggar’shandinhishaste.Thetallbuildingsofthealtstadtmeantthesunrarelylandedhere.Itwasdarkandreekedofstaleurine.

Familieshuddledamidstrefusefromwhichtheeyesofratsglittered.Men,women,andchildrenfollowedhimwithdeadeyesthatsawnaughtnowbutnightmares,mumblinginthelanguagesofTilea,EstaliaandAraby.Felixunderstoodonlyalittleandtriedtoignoreeventhatmuch.‘Therats,signore.Therats…’FelixsqueezedpasttheTileanandhischildrenandintothesuddenlightofSigmarplatz.Redleaves

blusteredacrosstheperfectlysquareflagstonesliketheheraldsofwar.Thesquarebeforethetemple’sseveremarblefrontagewaspackedwithworshipperscomeforthemiddayrituals.Aunitofhalberdiersinslasheddoubletsandfadedredandblueliverywarmedtheirhandsoverabrazieronthetemple’sstepsandwatchedthefaithfulandthehopelessfilepast.FelixquickenedhispaceuntiltheirprayerswerebehindhimandhewasonBefehlshaberAvenue.Stately,three-storeystructuresofdwarf-cutstoneroseabovethepoorersurroundsofthealtstadt,

hoardingthehighgroundlikeaprofiteer.Eachresidencesoughttooutdothenextinthebeautyoftheirfinials,themullionedqualityoftheirwindows,orthequantityoftheirchimneys.Aswellasthehomesofthemerchantclasses,therewerebanks,jewellers,dealersinexoticluxuries.InonelungfulFelixhadthe

bitternessofArabyancoffee,thesicklytangofNewWorldsugar,andthespicesofInd;acollectivepomandertothenosesoftheaffluentagainstthedesperatereekofthedispossessed.ItmadeFelixfeelsick.Hebrokeintoajog.Hisheartraced,hisvisionfunnelled,butitwasnotduetotheexertionas,despite

ageandOtto’sbestefforts,Felixremainedafitman.ItwastheneedtoseeKatagain,topurgehisskinofUlrika’smemoryinhisarms,thatpushedhimthroughthewell-heeledgentryandtheirservants.Hestartedtorun.Itdidnotfeelnearlyfastenough.Itneverwas,nomatterhowfastheran.Hehadbeentoolatetosavehisfather.HehadbeentoolatetosaveUlrika.Withthatthoughtburningaholeinhisbrain,Felixslammedintotheheavyirongatethatwassetintothe

brickwallsurroundingOtto’spropertyandshookthebars.Itwaslocked.Infrustration,hebeatagainstthebarsandyelledthenameofeveryservanthecouldrecall.Ofcourse,mostofthosenameswerealreadyintheReiksmarshal’swarledgerforthemarchnorth,butFelixshoutedthemanyway,tonoavail.Herattledthegateuntilthedeadleavesimpaledonitscrowningspikesshookloose,buttherewasnoanswerfromthehouse.Hecouldseetheoldbuilding,acrossthecoachyardandbehindascreenofbronze-leafedmaples.Totherightoftheyardwasaherbgarden,thestablesand,obscuredbyacreepingtangleofvines,theservants’quarters.Therewasnoonethereeither.Cursethiswar!Felixtookthegateinbothhandsasifhemighttearitlooseandshookit.‘Someoneopenthisgate!Kat!’HelovedKat.Theremindertookhiminabearhugandcrushedtheairfromhislungs.Theyhadalwaysplannedto

leaveAltdorfonceKatwaswellagain,huntthebeastmenshehadoncesworntoeradicate,livevillagetovillage.OnthenightsthatFelixactuallymadeithomeandwassoberenoughtofindtheirbedtheystilltalkedofthelifetheywouldhave.Asifitmightonedayhappen.Felixblinkedawaythethreatofatear.Hedidn’tneedUlrikatotellhimthatKatwasgettingnobetter.Felixwonderedwhenhewouldevergrowupenoughtotalkaboutthesethingswiththewomanhelovedratherthanbottlethemupandtakethemtothenearesttavern.DidheloveherasintenselyashehadUlrika?OrKirsten,forthatmatter?Hedidn’tknow.Sicknessand

circumstancehadtrampedmudthroughfeelingsthathadoncebeensoclear.AsSigmarwashiswitnessthough,helovedher.Felixshovedhimselfbackfromthegateandlookeduptoitsspikedsummit.Herealisedhewas

attractingstaresfromthepassinggentry,buthedidn’tcare.Atleastsolongasnoneofthemconsideredhimsocuriousastowarrantsummoningthewatch.Hetookthreestepsbackandthenchargedthedamnedgate,plantinghisbootintotheironframejustbeforeheranintoitandkickinghimselfoffandup,justhighenoughtograpnelhisfingertipsoverthetopofthegate.Thebevelledironbitintothepadsofhisfingersandhegruntedinpainasbloodwelledunderhisgrip.Fromthestreetbehindhim,peoplewerepointing,shouting,butnoonewentsofarastotryandstophimfrompullinguphislegsanddragginghimselfupandover.Andwhyshouldthey?Itwasn’ttheirhouse.Helandedontheotherside,hisheavybluecloakalmostthrottlinghimforhistroublesafteritsover-

embroideredhemgotsnaggedonthebarbsandswunghimbythenecklikeanoose.Chokingandswearing,hetoreofftheclaspandshruggeditoff,lettingitfalloverthegatebehindhimlikesomerichwoollenmodestyscreenasheranunderthelineoftreestothehouse.Thedoorwasunlockedandheburstthrough,sprintingforthestaircaseuptothefirstfloor.The

balustersboreornateintagliointheTileanstyle.Thewallswerepanelledindenseoak.Felixpoundedup

thecarpetedstepsandalmostchargedrightthroughFritzasOtto’sbutleremergedfromoneoftheguestsuitesbearingastackoflinenoverthecrookofonearmandasilvercarafeofredwineintheother.FelixgrabbedaholdofthehandrailtokeepfromcollidingwiththemanasFritzturnedhisbodytoshieldthecarafeandbreathedasighofreliefathislivery’snearmiss.‘Kat,’Felixdemanded.‘Whereisshe?’‘Sheisnothere,’saidFritz,straighteningtodeliverthatmissiveinatoneofirritateddignity.‘Damnit,Fritz,’saidFelix,takingthebutlerbythecollarandmakinghimsquawk.‘Whereisshe,

then?’‘FrauchenAnnabellahasvisitedtheBretonnianembassyeverydaysincetheirwarbegan.Forwordof

herfamily,’headded,thenswallowedasFelixtightenedhisgripandhurriedon.‘FrauchenKaterinarideswithherasfarastheShallyantemple.’Felixletthemandrop.Everyday?Howcouldhenothaveknownthat?Thequestionthoughwas

whetherUlrikaknew.Withacurse,Felixbargedpastthestill-splutteringbutlerandracedupthesecondflightofsteps.Couldheevendoubtit?Onmakingthesecondfloor,Felixspun,bothhandsclutchingthehandrail,andshotbackdown,‘Fetch

meanewcloakandmymail.Rightnow.’‘But,HerrFelix–’Felixcouldn’tcarelesswhatthebutlerhadtosay.Hehadthekeytohisstudydoorinhiscoat,buthe

wastooagitatedtobefiddlingaboutwithpocketsandsimplykickedthelocktosplinters,thenflungthedooraside.Hisentrancesenthalf-writtenspeechesandpamphletsflying,butheignoredthem,stridingthroughthecluttertotheglass-frontedcabinetonthebackwall.Karaghulglitteredinthenoondaysunthatshonethroughthewindow.Sealedagainstthedustthathung

acrosstheair,itlookedserene,akinglyinginstate,butFelixdidn’tneedtotestitsedgetoknowthattheenchantedbladewouldbeassharpasthedayhehadfounditinatroll’shoardunderthelostdwarfholdofKarakEightPeaks.Hetookadeepbreathandopenedtheglassdoor,thenreachedinsidetolifttheswordfromitssilverhooks.Unconsciously,hesmiled.Athrillshotdownhisarm.Thefeelofthatdragonheadhiltwasasfamiliartohimashisownname.AnimageofKatfledthroughhismindandthemomentlefthim.HesqueezedhisswordbeltoverhisstomachandslidKaraghulintoitssheath.Hejusthopedhe

wouldn’thavetouseit.NotagainstUlrika.

ThewarmcolourscastoverthegreathalloftheTempleofShallyabyitsstainedglasswindowscouldnotdetractfromthecold.Achillwindblewthroughtheopendoors,butonstrawmatsthroughoutthecavernousspacementhrewofftheirblankets,dousedinsweatastheyravedofsorcerers,monstersanddeadmenwalking.JudgingfromtheirliveryandtheaccentoftheirrantingstheywereAltdorfersreturnedfromthenorth.Theylookedweary,broken,andglassy-eyed.Theirhackingcoughsechoedfromthevaultedceiling.Theairtheybreathedwassicklysweetwiththeodourofputrefaction.Priestessesinsoiledwhiterobeshurriedamongstthemenwithmopsandmuslinsandbowlsoflukewarmvegetablebroth.Lumpsofdriedvomitcrustedthejoinsbetweentheflagstones.Perchedonabenchattheshortendofthehallinthecamphor-scentedwarmthofacandleshrineandthe

pastelglowofstainedglass,Katwatchedthesistersintheirwork.Theirswasaperilousandlargelythanklesscalling,butKatenviedthem.Shemissedhavingthatkindofpurpose.Stiffly,shepulledherkneesupontothebenchanddrewherselfintothecornerbetweenbackand

armrest.Hereyelidsfeltwarmandheavy,likebakedhoney.Eventheshortridefromthehousehad

proventiring.Annabellacouldbeexhaustingcompany,thoughKatsupposedthatshewouldprobablybeanxioustooifhercountrywereravagedbywarandherfamilyunaccountedfor.Withafeelingofheartache,herthoughtsturnedtoFelix.Sheembracedthepainofhim,letitfillher.Hehadgivenherallthefamilyshehadnow.Moreandmoresincethelichemasterhad…touchedher,shefoundherthoughtscentredonhim,ormore

specificallythatnightinFlensburgwhenshehadbeenagirl.Itwasallshedreamedof.Shealwaysrecognisedthedreamwhenitcame.Therewastheforestthatshecouldwalkinhersleep,theglareofthefire,thescreams.Buteachtimeitwasdifferent,asterrifyingasithadbeenwhenshehadfirstwitnesseditasachild,asthoughfatewereshowinghertheinfinitewaysinwhichweaknessorinactionmighthaveyieldedthedeathofthemansheloved.ShehadbeentheonetoslaytheChaoswarrior,Justine.ShehadsavedbothFelixandGotrekthatnight.Butwhatifshehadn’t?Openinghereyes,sheraisedherlefthandtoreassureherselfthattheheavygoldringsheworewasstillthere.Thethickangularbandhadbeenpushedoverthethumbuptotheknuckle.Herfingersweretoothin:areminderthatshewasnotasstrongevenasthatgirlinFlensburg.WouldshebeabletosaveFelixnow?Sheknewthatshewouldn’t,butthatdidn’tmeanshewouldstopfightingforhim.Shewashiswifeand

shewasafighter.Todayshemightdrawabowstringtwelveinches.Tomorrowitwouldbetwelveandoneeighth.ItwouldnothavethebeastsoftheDrakwaldfleeingfortheirherdstones,itmightnotevendrawFelix’sattentionfromhischartsandhiscups,butitwasproofthatshewasgettingstrongereveryday,evenifnobodysawitbuther.Timestretchedonwhileshewaitedherturnwiththesistersandherstomachbegantogrowl.The

priestesseswerebusy,sheunderstoodthatanddidn’tmind.Itwaspreferabletobeingcoopedupalldayinthehouse,andsometimesawomanneededasister’scare.Itwasherownfaultanywayforscrimpingonbreakfast,butitwastooeasywhenitwasonlyherselfandAnnabella,andthesemorningsherstomachthreatenedoutrightupheavalatthemerestscentofvollkornbrotorliverwurst.Itclenchednow,apre-emptivewarning.Itwasnormal,thesistershadassuredher,andwouldsoonpass.Thebreezeblowingthroughtheopendoorsentashiverthroughherbonesandsheburroweddeeper

intothehardwoodcornerofherbench.Itwastoocoldforautumn.Infactshe’dnotbeentouchedinsuchawaysincethatNachhexennightinCastleReikguardwhenHeinrichKemmler’snecromancyhadsuckedthewarmthfromherveins.Sheshudderedatthememory.‘Youappearunwell,sister.’Theunexpectedvoicefrombehindgaveherastart.Itwasawoman’svoice,butdeepasmidwinter

snowandlayeredoveranaccentthatharkedatlandsfarbeyondKat’stravels.Wearily,herheadeversoheavyonherwitheredneck,Kattiltedherfacebackacrosstheclamshell

arrangementofbenchesthatsurroundedthecandleshrineandtowardsthedoor.Thewomanwhohadspokenwasseatedonthebenchbehindherbutone,leaningforwardswithherarmscrossedoverthebackoftheoneinfront.Evenseatedandslouching,itwasclearthatthewomanwastall,andshapelyinawaythatKathadneverbeen.HerslenderbodywasneatlycladintoughleathersthatKatcouldappreciate.Ablackwidow’sveilmaskedherface.Apassingglancewouldhaveshownawar-widowinmourning,butKatnevertrustedfirstimpressions.Therewassomethingaboutthewomanthatsuggestedgriefwasasalienafeelingtoheraslove.Justlookingathergaveherunseasonalchills.AndKatknewthefeelofdeathwhenitsateightfeetbehindher.‘FindinganillwomaninShallya’shouseisnogreatfeat,’saidKat.Felixwasn’ttheonlyonetofind

solaceinsarcasm.

Thewomansmiledasifreadingherthoughts,herownimpossibletomakeoutfortheblackveilthatcoveredhereyes.Sheappearedtoconsiderherwordsforamomentbeforespeakingagain,leaningforwardsoverhercrossedhands.‘Whatifyouwereshownawaytobecomestrongagain?YouandFelixcouldtravelasyouweremeantto.Youcouldagainbetheterrorofthebeastsyousodespise.Morethanyoueverwerebefore.’Kat’sgriponthebackofherbenchtensed.Unbidden,herotherhandmovedtocoverherbellylikea

shield.‘Doyouknowme?’Withawoodengrowlthatechoedthroughthehall,thewomanpushedbackherbenchandstood.She

waseventallerthanKathadinitiallythought,astallasFelix.Almostcertainlyanoble.Nooneelsecouldbefedsowell.Thewomanmovedoutfromtheformationofbenchesandstalkedtowardsher.Stalkedwastherightword.Herfootstepsweresoftandsilent,likeahunter.Aswordswungatherhip.LookingatitmadeKat’sfingerscurlaroundthephantomyewofherbow.Thewomanheldherpositionjustbeyondtheblue-greenwashthrownbythelargestainedglass

window.Almostasifthelight,itssanctity,orbothrepelledher.Katshuffledfurtheralongthebenchanddeeperintothelight.‘Ioncefearedasyoufear,Katerina.’Thewoman’suseofhernamecaughtKatlikeafishonabarb.The

womanprowledtheedgeofthelight.Kattriedtomakeoutherfeatures,butherweakeyesfeltliketheywerebeingcookedwithaturquoiseglow.‘EvenafterthisgiftwasgiventomeIwouldhaverejectedit.’Withalaughashollowastheringofmoonchimes,thewomansteppedintothelight,paintingherridingleathersingreensandeeriecorpse-brownsasshekneltandcuppedahandunderKat’sjawwithasupplecreakofleather.ShebrushedasidethesinglewhitelockthatlayoverKat’slefteye.‘NowIrealisethatitdoesnotmatterwherethisstrengthcamefromorwhogaveit.Itisminenowandheisgone.AndIammorepowerfulthanheeverwas.’‘Whatdoyouwant?’ThewomanseemedalmosttopurrasherbigblueeyesfilledKat’sworld.Hermouthopenedtoreveal

thelongfangsofafiend.‘Todoagooddeedforanoldfriend.’

FelixstaggeredintothegreathalloftheShallyantemplewiththebandy-leggedgaitofasailor,havingsprintedacrosshalfofthealtstadtfromOtto’shousetogetthere.Hetookinthebarestonewallsandcolumns,thecolouredwindows,thestinkofsicknessinonebreathlesssecondashecollaredayoung,white-robedpriestess.‘KatJaeger.Whereisshe?’Thewomanpointedthroughaseriesofarchestowhereahalf-circleofbencheshadbeenarranged

beforealargestainedglasswindowdepictingdovesinaclearblueskyandwhatappearedtobeacandlelitshrine.Hesawtwofiguresthere,oneseatedwhiletheotherknelt,andhisheartlurched.TheseatedfigurewasclearlyKat,buttheother…Sigmar,heprayed,don’tletmebetoolate.‘Please,ifIcouldjusttakeyoursw–’Felixpushedpastthepriestess,weavingaround,andononeoccasionjumpingover,thebodiesof

sleepingmenthatwerescatteredlikedeadleavesoverthehalluntilhestumbled,spent,intothebackmostofthewoodenbenches.Thethinggaveacacophonoussnarlasitscrapedovertheflagstones,butKatdidn’treact.Hereyeswereglazedasifshe’dbeendrugged.Ulrikahoweverglancedupandsmiledawelcome.Shewasononeknee,asthoughintheactofproposing.HerbodyshimmeredinthecolourscastontoherbackbyShallya’sstainedglass.

‘Theoldoutfitsuitsyou,Felix.Youlookyourselfagain.’Felixspreadhishandsinagestureofsurrender.Histattyandoft-mendedcloakofredSudenlandwool

–allthatFritzcouldfindatshortnotice–fellfromhisarms.‘JustletKatgo.LeaveherbeandI’llgowithyougladly.’Ulrikasnortedangrily.‘Sheisnotahostage,youidiot.Iamtryingtohelpyou.’Slowly,Felixedgedaroundthebenchesthatseparatedhimfromthetwowomen.Ulrikafollowedhim

withhereyes,alionessguardingherkillfromsomescruffyscavenger.Felixresistedtheimpulsetodrawhissword.Ulrikahadonetoo,andthelastthingheneededwasanarmedconfrontationwithavampireinthehouseoftheBleedingHeart.HerememberedhowutterlyshehadbeenabletodominatehimintheWilhelmplatzandforcedhishandsflatagainsthisthighs.IfUlrikachosetodosomethingtoKatthenFelixknewtherewaspreciouslittlehewouldbeabletodoaboutit.Besidesappealtoherbetternature,andwhatevershehadbecome,shewasstillUlrika.‘Shewouldn’tthankyouforit,andneitherwouldI.Youwerechangedagainstyourwill.Don’tyou

rememberhowthatfelt?’Ulrika’slipspartedintoascowl.‘Itriedtodestroymyselfmanytimes.Didyouknowthat?Buthow

harddidIreallytrywhenallIneededtodowasstepoutintothelight?’HerscowlnarrowedintoasneerasshereturnedherattentiontoKat.‘MymistresstriedtotellmethatIwouldadaptand–guesswhat?–shewasright.SowillKaterina.’‘No!’Felixroundedtherowofbenchesandhurriedforwards,thenstoppedinhistracksasthoughphysically

tackled.AsifonemorestepintothatbluepoolofwaterylightwouldcausethewomanhestillknewasUlrikatogounderandbereplacedwiththemonsterthatcoulddothisthingsheoffered.‘Please,Ulrika.Iknowyou’retryingtobekind,butdon’t.Don’ttrytohelpherlikethis.’‘Ul…rika?’Drowsily,Katcameto,syllablesspillingfromhermouthlikeadrunk’s.HerheadlolledfromUlrikato

Felixandback.Sheblinked,confused.‘Butshe’sdead?’Ulrikalaughedasiftheywerethreeoldfriendsatafeast.‘MydearFelix!Youliedtoyourwifeabout

me.’Felixgroanedandlookedupintothefacesofthedovesdepictedinthewindow.Whatlittlehehadgot

awaywithtellingKataboutUlrikahadnotstrictlybeenalie,butrightnowitfeltliketheaxeofbetrayalinhishands.KatfixedherunsteadygazeonUlrika.Shedidn’tneedtosayanything.UlrikawasthedaughterofaMarchBoyar,lookeditineveryproudlineofherface,whereasKatwasapeasantwhohadneverevenknownherfather.Kat’sfacewasscarred,stillpretty,butpewternexttoplatinumwhencomparedtothecold,callousbeautyoftheKislevitenoblewoman.Ulrika’spaleskinglowedwiththeperfectionofimmortality,theundimmedmemoryofdaysforevertintedrose.Therewasnocomparison.‘YouwantmetosaythatIstillthinkofyousometimes?’Felixhissed.‘Fine.I’lladmittothat.Youthink

ImissrunningaroundwithGotrek?’Heshookhisheadandlaughed.‘Imissalotofthings,butdoyouthinkIcouldhavekeptupwithGotrekforever?Lookatme.’Felixspreadhisarmsanddidaturn,showingoffhisscarsandwearandthegreygrowingthroughhislongblondhair.Hesighed,feelingsuddenlyancient.Ulrika,despiteheryears,wouldbeyoungforever.Kathadbeen

agedfarbeyondheryouth.OnlyFelix,itseemedtohim,couldlookandfeelexactlyasoldashewas.HekneltandtookKat’shand.Itwasthinandparchmentdry,likethatofamummy.‘Ulrikacametoaskformyhelp.Maxisintrouble.’Theslapcaughthimentirelyunprepared.

Kat’sleftpalmstruckhimastingingblowacrossthejaw.Shewasasfrailasanoldwoman,butitwastheshockofitthathurt.Thatandaringoftwenty-four-caratdwarfgoldthatleftadentinhischeek.‘Max?Whatofme?’Felixclutchedhisjaw.ThedwarfgoldonKat’sthumbglintedjealously.‘Youwouldn’tbreakyouroathtoGotrekforme,andyetyouwouldbreakoursfor–’hervoicecaught,andsheglaredatUlrika.‘Forwhateversheis?’‘Trytounderstand,’saidFelix.Hischeekstung,hisheartfeltlikeithadstartedpumpingair,andhewas

arguingUlrika’sside.Whywashedoingthat?Thatwasn’twhyhehadburstalungtryingtogethere.‘He’ssavedmylifemoretimesthanIcanmention.HesavedUlrika’s.Hesavedyours.’‘That’scheap,Felix.’‘Don’tyouthinkyouarebeingalittleselfish?’saidUlrika.‘Wouldyounotwanttogoifyoucould?’‘He’smyhusband,’Katspat.‘I’llbeselfishifIwant.’‘ItoldherIdidn’twanttogo,’Felixhastenedtoadd,afraidforamomentthatKatwasgoingtoswing

forUlrikatooandnotatallsurehowthevampiresswouldreact.‘Becauseofyou.’Katlaughedblackly.‘Soyousendyourdeadlovertoaddmetoyourvampireharem?’‘What?’Felixspluttered,goadedintoanger.Thiswasn’taboutKatatall,anditcertainlywasn’tsome

kindofcompetitionbetweenherandUlrika.Noonewasaskinghimtochoosebetweenthem.‘Wearemarried,Felix.Dothosevowsmeannothingtoyou?’‘Married?’NowitwasFelix’sturntolaugh,twelvemonthsofpent-upenergyandfrustrationshaking

outofhischest.Herememberedtheday.Hewasquitefamousindwarfishcircles,thehumanwhohadwieldedtheHammerofFate,andthatandthenoveltyofahumancouplebeingwedinGrimnir’sshrinehadbroughtquitethecrowd.Ithadbeencold.HerememberedshiveringthroughtheentirearduousceremonybecauseSnorrihadpointedoutthathiscloakwastooshabbyfortheoccasion.Herememberedthesmellofincense,thegruffwhispersofdwarfstryingtoberespectful.ThenGotrekhadpresentedKattohim.Theirringshadbeenhispartinggift.Heglancedatthebandonhisownfinger.Asquatdwarfishrunewinkedinthecolouredlight.‘WeweremarriedinKarakKadrinbyapriestoftheSlayercult.Howdideitherofusthinkthatwasgoingtoendwell?’Katstaredathim.Shewasshakingwithweaknessandanger.‘Areyousayingyouregretit?’Idon’tknow,Felixthought.‘That’snotwhatIsaid.’‘Hah!Gothenifthat’sthebestyoucando.’‘Kat–’‘Don’targue,justgo.Weallknowit’swhatyouwant.’SheglancedatUlrika.Therewasfearinher

expression,butnotforherself.‘Butpromisemeyouwon’ttrusther.She’snotwhoyouremember.’‘Iknowwhatsheis,’Felixbegan,butKatcuthimoffwithanimpatientshakeofthehead.‘Justpromiseme.PromisemethatwhenyoufindMaxyou’llbothcomehome.’ToFelix’ssurprise,

Kat’seyesbegantomoisten.ShetookFelix’shandinhersandpressedittoherbelly.Felixdidn’tunderstand.‘Comebackforus,Felix.’Andsuddenlythereitwas:thelossofappetite,theannoyingsensitivitytothescentofhisunwashed

body.Hismouthhungopen.Hisheartbeatforthree.Wasshesayingwhathethoughtshewassaying?Wasshe?Couldsheeven?‘How?Whendidwelast…?’Felixcaughthimselfinthemiddleofaridiculousmime,thenextricated

hishandtoburyhisfacein.Therehadbeenfartoomanynights–daysforthatmatter–wherehismemoryendedsomewherebetweenhisthirdpintandthelongwalkhome.KatsmiledsadlyandalmostbrokeFelix’sheart.Apitseemedtobeopeninguparoundhim.

Hecouldn’tbeafather.He’dhatedhisfather.AndsincesiringGustav,Ottohadturnedouttobejustliketheoldman.WhathopethenforafecklesswandererlikeFelix?Theprospectofgoingtowarhadneversoundedsoappealing.Ulrikanodded,smiled,thenroseasFelixswallowedthebutterfliesthatwereflappinguphisthroatand

retookKat’shand.Hisfingerswereshaking.‘I’llbeback.Ipromise.’

NightwasclosinginonthebordersofthedayastheblackcoachrumbledoffthebargeandontothemilitarisedbustleofPilgrim’sHarbour.Longshoremenandday-labourerswadedwaist-deepintotheReik,men-at-armsbarkingordersfromthebankasthemenhauledtheirgoodsashoreandloadedthemontowaitingwagons.Arquebusiersinlongblacktunicsandleatherbaldricsthatgleamedwithbrasscartridgesstoodwithfirearmshalf-cockeduponthedeckofalongbargerecentlyarrivedfromNuln.Shelayheavyinthewater,longshoremencrawlingoverherandbearingawaybagsofblackpowderwhile,ontheshore,awindlasswasmanoeuvredintopositiontowinchapairofHelblastersfromthevessel’shold.Moreboatsjostledprowtosterntogetintotheharbourbeforedusk.Theirlanternstwinkledacrossthewater.Ateverymooring,woolfromSolland,lowinglivestockandgrainfromAverland,timberfromtheforestsoftheStir,andarmamentsfromthegreatfoundriesofReiklandpouredfromtheriverandontowardsPilgrim’sGate,thendownintothegreatfunnelofwar.FelixwasthesonofamerchantandanAltdorfer.Hewasnostrangertocommercialwharfsandmarket

towns.Tradewasinhisbloodwhetherheapprovedofitornot.Andyetevenhewasamazedbythesheerindustrythatwasgoingintothebusinessofwar.ItfeltasiftheproductivityofhalfoftheEmpirewasbeingchannelledthroughthisharbour,asifbyorganisation,endeavour,andthestaggeringvolumeofmenandmaterielbeingcartednorththeymightholdthehordesofChaosatbay.Ifonlyitcouldeverbethatsimple.FromthedarkenedglassofUlrika’scoach,Felixwatchedthesoldierspatroltheshoreline.Theywere

outinforce.Swordsmeninpaddedbritchesandsteelbreastplatesmovedamongstthelongshoremen,openingupcontainers,challengingdriversandsearchingtheirwagons.Thiswaswar,afterall,andtheReiksmarshalwasrighttobewaryoftheenemywithin.Thecoachslowedtoahalt,takingitsplaceinaqueueofcartsandcarriagesthatwerebeingheldatacheckpointbeforebeingallowedtoleavetheharbour.Felixpressedhisfaceagainstthewindowandlookeddowntheline.Doorshungopen,merchantsanddriversremonstratingwithbored-lookinghalberdierswhilesergeants

checkedtheirmanifestsagainstthewagoners’documents,thendouble-checkedbothagainstthecontentsofthecarts.Itwascleartheyhadorderstobethorough.Noonemoveduntiltheofficersweresatisfied.Felixhadabadfeelingaboutthis.HewasonlyacommissionedmemberofHelborg’sstaff,afterall,anditwasn’tasifhewasdoinganythingmoretreasonablethandesertingnorthinthecompanyofavampire.Whathadhebeenthinking?MostsensiblepeopleweretryingtogetawayfromOstermark.Tonogreat

surprise,hefoundthathispalmsweresweating.WhatafabulouswaytoremindhimselfwhatlifehadbeenlikebeforeheandKathadgotmarried.HeglancedpastUlrikaandthroughherwindowtotheruddybandofthewesternhorizon.Whathaditbeen,twohours?‘Relax,’saidUlrika.‘Icanhearyourheartracefromhere.’Withtheonsetoftwilight,shehadremoved

herveilandherfaceseemedtogiveoffitsownpearlescentlustre,likeanearthboundvisionofMannsliebitself.Aslenderscarranfromthecornerofherlefteyetohertemple,butdespitethat,thelikenesstothewomanhehadlovedwasaching.‘Notbeingdraggedfromthiscoachinironsinthenexttenminuteswillcalmmeimmeasurably.’

Ulrikapattedhiskneeindulgently.‘Youwerealwayssuchaworrier.’‘Weliveinworryingtimes.’‘Iwishyouwouldstopit.It’sdistracting.’WithasmilethatgaveFelixpalpitations,shedrewoutthe

toplacesofherjerkin.‘Iwilldealwiththesoldiers.’LeaningsalaciouslyoverFelix’slap,shedroppedthedoorhandleandpushedopenthedoor.Asix-

foot-tallofficerinblueandredlivery,breastplate,andafeather-plumedsalletheldthedooropenwhile,behindhim,thesightofasmilingnoblewomenspillingfromhercarriagebroughtredoubledattitudesofattentionfromapreviouslytaxedpairofhalberdiers.Felix,ratherlateintheday,realisedthathewasnotcutoutforthissortofthing.Theinnocuousproblemofwheretoputhishandssuddenlyseemedofterrificimport.EvenpressingagainstUlrika’schestthroughthesimple,mechanicalsinofbreathinginfeltlikeaninappropriatelevelofcontact.‘Goodevening,’saidUlrika,inthemostsyrupyKisleviteaccentFelixhadeverheard.‘Howwehelp

bravemenofEmpirethisday?’‘Orders,mylady,’statedtheofficer,simply,andtoFelix’seternalgratitude.‘Ofcourse,’saidUlrika,hersmilelingeringonthemanasthoughshewasadmiringherselfinthe

mirroredshineonhisbreastplate.Felixtookpainstolookanywhereelse.Washereallytheonlyonetonoticehercompleteabsenceofareflectioninthatsurface?Ulrikaleanedalittlefurther,twistedtowardsthefrontofthecoachandsnappedherfingers.‘Damir.Dokumenty.’TheswarthyUngolstoopeddownfromtheboxandhandedoverarollofparchmentwithanilliterate

grin.Theofficerunrolledit.Hiseyeswidenedasheread.‘ThisisthesealoftheReiskmarshal.Myapologies…’here-readtheforeignnameonthedocument‘…

myapologies,GeneralStraghov.Youshouldhavesaid.’‘Isofnomatter,’saidUlrikawithanonchalantrollofthehand.Themansaluted.‘Honourandglorytoyouinthenorth,general.Andtoyou,HerrJaeger.Pleaseallow

mymentoescortyouontoPilgrim’sGate.I’llnothavethegeneralsofCommandantRochhelduponmywatch.’TheofficerandhismensetaboutclearingtrafficasUlrikaclosedthedoor.Herdemeanourwassmug.

OnlyafterthesoldiershadbeenallowedagoodtensecondstobeabouttheirbusinessdidFelixtrusthimselftospeak.‘Youhavepapers?’‘YouthinkIseduceeveryone?’saidUlrikainmockhorror.‘DoIlooklikeIhavetheenergyforthat?’‘I’mjustsurprised,that’sall.Thosethingsaren’teasytoforge.Trustme,Otto’sasked.Andhowdid

thatofficerknowmyname?’‘Because,’Ulrikabeganpatiently,‘thesearethelegitimateordersofKurtHelborg,forthedispatchof

theHeroofPraag–that’syou,Felix,incaseyou’veforgotten–tothecommandofCommandantRoch.Theybothagreethatatourofthefrontwouldbeaboonformorale.’Sheproducedasarcasticsmile.‘MessengershavealreadyriddenaheadwitharrangementsforspeakingdatesacrossHochlandandOstermark.’Felixshookhishead,disgusted.‘Allofthat,inWilhelmplatzandwithKat,andIneveractuallyhada

choiceatall.’‘Iwantedyoutowanttocomewithme.’‘Why?’Ulrikadidn’tanswer.‘IsthereevenaCommandantRoch?’‘Ofcourse,’Ulrikamurmured,mindstillelsewhere.‘HehascommandoftheAuricBastion’sentire

easternflank.FromhisfortressofRackspireitisevenstillpossibletoseeoveritandintoKislev.’She

pausedforamomentasshecollectedherself,consideringhernextwordsbeforeshespokethem.‘Thisquestofoursisdonewithhisknowledgeandblessing.HeistheoneIcallmasternow.’‘Ithoughtyouhadamistress.’‘ThisisawarthatmyLahmiansistershaveproventhemselvesmanytimestobeunsuitedfor.Archaon

willnotbemovedbyahitchedskirtorabeguilingsmile.Thisisnotaboutwhowepretendtocallmasterforthenexthundredyears.Thisisexistential.Rochknowshowtoutilisemytalentsbest.HehasGospodarbloodinhim.’‘Highpraise.’‘Theveryhighest.’Felixcouldthinkofnothingtoaddtothatandsoretreatedintocontemplativesilence,watchingthrough

thedarkenedglassaswagonerslessfortunateintheirpatronsslidbehindthem.DespitethenearnessofUlrika,histhoughtskeptreturningtoKat.Washedoingtherightthingbyleaving?Somehow,knowingthathehadnotinrealityhadachoicedidnotseemtojustifyhisdecision.Hecouldn’tdecideifUlrikahadbeentryingtobekindorhadactuallyratherenjoyedtyinghisemotionsinknots.Butallofthatwasjustadistractionfromwhathereallydidn’twanttothinkabout.Katwaspregnant!TheprospectoffatherhoodfoundhimnomorecertainofhimselfthanithadintheTempleofShallya,

butpartofhim–thatsmall,helplesslyromanticpartthathadoncecomposedpoemsforUlrika–thrilledatthethoughtofreturninghometoseeKatcarryingalittlesonordaughterofhisown.Ofhisown.‘Shewaslyingtoyou,youknow.’Felixdidn’tanswer,didn’twantto.‘Icanhearthebeatofanunborn’sheart,andIcanfeelthetensioninaliar’svoice.’‘Stopit,’saidFelix,thoughtherewasnostrengthinit.Hishearthadbeenpushedthroughtoomuch

today.‘Whywouldshelie?’‘Tomakeyouchangeyourmindandstay?Tomakeyouriskfailurebyhurryinghome?Itwouldhave

goneeasieronyoubothifyouhadjustletmeturnher.’Felixjustshookhisheadandwentbacktostaringoutthewindow.‘Whyme?YouwantGotrekforthis

sortofthing,nothishenchman.’‘YoushouldprepareyourselfforthelikelihoodthatGotrekisdead.HewasalreadyinKislevbefore

theAuricBastionwassummoned.’Ulrikaturnedinherseat,thentookFelix’shandinhers.Shelookedintohiseyes.Herempathywasbeguilinglygenuine.‘Hewasinthecapitalwhenitfelltothewarlord,AekoldHelbrass.Idoubtevenhecouldhavesurvivedtheaftermathofthatbattle.’Felixsighed.‘Andthisistheplaceyouwouldhaveusgo.’

FIVETheMightiestDoom

‘ArewenearlyintheChaosWastesyet?’saidSnorri,staringglumlyouttheportholeasthesteam-wagonclatteredandhuffedacrossthevast,featurelessexpanseofKislev’snorthernoblast.Gotreklookedoverandsworeunderhisbreath.Hisface,beardandarmswereblackfromshovelling

coal,everythingexcepthiseyesthatreflectedtheheatofthefurnace.Hesliditsironcovershut,thensethisshovelblade-downandcrossedhisarmsoverthehandle.‘IfyouaskmethatoncemorebeforewereachIvanPetrovich’splace,thenIswearthenexttimeI

pickuptheshovelit’sgoingbetweenyourears.’‘Snorrihearshiswifeisalooker.’‘Don’tbedisgusting,Snorri.Youneedtostoplisteningtowhatthosewattockssayabouthuman

women.’Withasigh,Snorrireturnedhisattentiontotheporthole.Theskywastoowide,likeagreatblue

lensabovetheirheads.Andthegroundwastooflat.Staringatitdayindayout,allday,everyday,gaveSnorritheimpressionofapitminethathadbeenfullyexploitedandthenpaddedbackdowntoconfuseanyfollowingprospectors.Theviewhadn’tchanged,butthenithadn’tchangedindayssoitprobablywasn’taboutto.HehopedIvanPetrovichhadbeer.‘SnorrihatesKislev…’

‘Theairgrowscold,’murmuredDurinDrakkvarr.TheDaemonslayerstoodataforkinthetunnel,deepeyesdistant,runningthetattooedclawsofhisfingersdownthedamp,unevenwall.TheflickeringlanterncarriedbyKrakkiIronhamewasthesolesourceoflight.ItmadethemoistceilingglistenandsenttheshadowsofadozenSlayers,apriestofGrimnir’scultandanapprenticerunesmithweavingoverthewalls.Theairsmelleddank.Durin’sblackenednosechasedascentoverthewall’sroughstone.‘Ismelltaintonthesestones.’‘Bullyforyou,’Krakkigrumbled,voicesqueezinglowandflatthroughhiscrackednose.Thefatdwarf

kepttotherearofthecompany,guardingtheirbeerfromtheskaven,goblins,andfaeriesthatstillmysteriouslymanagedtosnaffletheirsharedespitehisvigilance.‘ThisisKislev,’Snorrisighed,thinkingaboutbeer,thenrubbedhiseyestiredly.Thelanternlightwas

makingthemsting.Hehadbeenavoidingsleep–anddreams–forthefivedaysthattheirjourneythroughtheUnderwayfromKarakKadrinhadtaken.ButevenadwarfasdamagedasSnorrialwaysknewwherehehadbeen.

AndSnorrihadbeenthiswaybefore.‘Welldone,Snorri,’saidSkalfHammertoes,withasmileasproudandprobingasacrowbar.The

prieststoodfromwherehehadbeencrouchinginthetunnel’swestwardbranch.Hisbarefeetwerehalf-submergedinapuddle,ripplesridingoutwiththemovementofhistoes.‘They’vealreadystartedcallingitNorthOstermark,butaye.’Hetwiddledhistoesinthepuddleandlookeduptothewetceiling.‘We’vepassedundertheUpperTalabec.’‘Whatwereyoudoingonthefloor?’Snorriasked.‘Beastmanspoor.’Skalfpointedtothetuftsofhairthatfloatedinthepuddle,thentothescrapesinthe

ceilingthatmighthavebeencutbyhorns.‘They’vebeenthisway,butnotinnumbers.Isaywecarryonnorthfornow,sealthewayonlywhenwecangonofurther.’TheSlayersnoddedagreementandmadereadytomoveontothenorthwardtunnel.Theoldbar-

steward,Drogun,hisstiffmuscularframesqueezedintoaleatherjack,stucktotherunesmithlikerusttohumanmetalwork.Krakki–bigmouththathewas–hadexplainedhowthelastexpeditionhadfailedwhenDrogunhadgonechasinghisdoomratherthandefendhischarge.ThenewrunesmithwascalledGorlinand,inSnorri’sopinion,tooyoungbyatleastacenturyandahalftobeaproperrunesmith.Hisbeardwasrust-brownandcameonlytohiswaist.Hisarmourwasamixofsteelplatesandleatherjoints.Athisbeltwerebuckledabraceofpistolsandhewalkedwithahammer-headedstaffinscribedwitharunethatresembledalightningbolt.Heworearain-proofedleatherbackpackonasinglestrapovertheoppositeshoulder.TherunesmitheyedKrakki’storchwarily,turninghispackawayfromtheflameandgivingtheSlayera

wideberth.Krakkiteasedhimintoaskippingrunwithajabofhistorch,thenlaughedandhauledaleatherharnesscontainingfourkilderkinsofEkrundBrownoverhisshoulders.Snorriwonderedhowlonghaditbeensincehehadhadadrink.Histemplesthrobbed.Andhisskinhadshrunk,hewassureofit.Onebeersurelycouldn’thurt.Itwas

lessthanheneeded,whichhadtosatisfyhisoathtoSkalf.Justonebeerandhecouldsleepagain.Totryandkeephismindoffhisdrymouthanditchinghead,hecheckedhisownpack.Theleatherwas

wornandhadarunesewnintoit.Itwasthenameofatown,butnotoneherecognisedanylonger.Hismotherwouldn’tlethimevenasfarasEverpeakfortheoremarket…Heshookhisheadbeforethememoryoffireandscreamscouldreturn.Hedidnotthinkitwasofaplacethatexistedanylonger.‘FewSlayerscarrykeepsakes,’saidDurin,appearinglikeashadowathisside.‘Idonotrecallyou

carryingitinKaragDum.’Snorrishookhisheadslowly.‘SkalfsaidSnorrihaditwithhimwhenhecametoswearhisoath.But

Snorridoesn’tremember.’‘Whatisinside?’Withashrug,Snorriunbuckledthebagandopenedit.Hegaveitahopefulshakeincasesomebeer

mighthavemagicallyappearedbetweennowandthelasttimehe’ddouble-checked.Forthemostpartitwasjustoldclothes.Theywerestainedwithbloodandstillreekedofsmoke.‘Whatisthis?’whisperedDurin,reachingintowithdrawanecklace.Hespooledthethickgoldchain

throughhisfingers,examinedtherunesengravedintotheoutsideedgeofeachofthelinks.‘Itisengineeringcode.Strange,onawoman’schain.’‘Whatdoesitsay?’saidSnorri.‘Iwasasmith,notanengineer.’Durindroppedthenecklacebackintothebagasthoughithadnever

interestedhim.‘AndevenifIcouldreadit,Iwouldbehonour-boundtothesecretsofmyguild.’‘Snorrithinkshisrememberercouldsharesomelittlesecrets.’TheDaemonslayerturnedhisfacetotheceilingandforaninstantlookedasifhemightbeaboutto

experienceanemotion.‘Forthefinaltime,Snorri–’‘Come,Slayers,’announcedSkalfHammertoes,paddingsilentlytowardsDurinandSnorri.He

acknowledgedtheDaemonslayerwithanod,buthiseyesneverpartedfromSnorri.‘Therewillbebattleahead.Tomorrow?Perhaps.Thedayafter?Forcertain.’HiseyesprobedSnorri,asifsuspiciousofwaterintheirbeer.‘Haveyourememberedanymoreofyourpromiseddoom?’Woods.Needlesinhisbackasheliesflat,can’tmove.Snorricrunchedhiseyesshut.Giantspiders,everywhere,dead.Anoldladystoodoverhim.‘Youshouldhavediedtoday,Snorri,

butIwillnotallowit.‘Youwillhavethemightiestdoom.’Heshudderedandopenedhiseyestothegutteringlight,theintentstareofSkalfandtheblankoneof

Durin.Whywasitthatthemoreherememberedofthatprophecy,themoreitsoundedlikeacurse?‘Snorrican’tremember.’

Foralmostanhour,StefanTaczakandtheDushykarotafollowedthemonster’stracksnorth.Makoskywasadamantthatacreatureofitsapparentsize,andinthisdepthofsnow,couldnothavebeenmorethanhalfanhouraheadofthem,butnomatter.Theyhadsurelyfounditnow.Asmallherder’stirsalayinthesnowlikeacamouflagedhunter.Thedarktimberwallsoftwodozen

smallstructureswerebankedwithsnow,slopingroofshiddenunderafootofthestuffexceptforafewwherestub-nosedslatechimneyspokedthroughglittering,refrozenice.Thesettlementwastoosmallforawall,buttherewasevidenceofaditch,lighterpackedsnowinaringaroundthetirsaandastockadeofwoodenstakesandhangingskinsinsideofthat.Butthishunter’shidehadbeenstumbleduponbyanother.Amassoffursanddustedsnow,warcries

rumblingthroughtheblizzard,theassaultingforceofKurganresembledagiantbear,arousedearlyfromitswinterslumberandangryforit.Theblizzardmadeitdifficulttomakeanaccuratecount,butStefanestimatedthreehundredmen,maybefour,andnearlyhalfasmanyhorses.Theirfootsoldierswererunningattheditchfromthesouth,cominginasweepingcrescentthat

envelopedthetirsafromwesttoeast.Theywouldbeprobingforafordingpointforthecavalry.StefansawtheKurganhorsemenholdingbackwithahandfulofreservesandaclutchofsnow-blinkeredwarbanners.Stefannoddedsnowfromhisbrowandreturnedhisattentiontothetirsa.ThefirstKurganchargehadflailedintothedeepsnowoftheditch.Arrowstookofffromthestockade,silentblackdotsinthedistancelikeaflightofstarlings.‘Teethofthebear,’Kolyabreathed,foronceseeingthesteppeexactlyasStefansawit.‘Youwereright.

Someonedoesstilllive.’Hehadbeenright!Vengeancewasgood,itwaskvassinaman’sbellytowarmhimthroughawinter’snight;buteventhe

mostboisterouskossarcouldonlydrinksomuch.Hopewasbetter.Unabletoholddownatriumphantshout,Stefangavetheordertodressforbattle.Therotadidsointhesaddlequickly,fortherewerenohidingplacesontheoblast.Ifyoucouldsee,

thenyoucouldbeseen.Inthespanofafewminutesthefur-cladrabblethathadlookedlittlebetterthanthemarauderstheypursuedbecameonceagainthegleamingprideofDushyka.Steelwinkeddullyinthesnow,likemistedmirrors,beautifullyornatethree-quarterarmouraccoutred

withamberandjet.Capescutfromthepeltsofpredatorybeastswereclaspedateachman’scollarandwornovertheleftarm.Kolyahaddownedmostofthosebeastshimself,andKasztankalookedjustly

proudunderthepeltofachimera.Likealltraditionsoftheoblastthisonewassteepedinpragmatism,forahorseaccustomedtothescentofwolfwouldnotpanicinthefaceofgoblinraiders.Theriders’magnificent‘wings’snappedinthewind,curvedwoodenpolesfixedtothecuirassandfeatheredwiththeplumageofeagle,falcon,ostrich,peacock,andswan.Everymanunique.Everylifeprecious.Throughtheheart-shapedopeningbetweenthecheek-guardsofhistall,fur-edgedhelm,Stefanwatched

hisbrothertiecolouredribbonsthroughKasztanka’sbridle.Theywouldwardoffthespiritsthatmightspookherinbattle.Eachwasadifferentcolourandintendedforitsownmaliciousspirit.Therotawerestillorderingthemselveswhenagutturalroarrumbledthroughtheblizzard.Kasztanka

shiedfromit,wreckingtheformation,colouredribbonsflailingfromherharnessasKolyahushedsoothingwordsintoherear.Thecallgrowledoutforwhatfeltlikeminutes,snowflaketosnowflake,toolongforanyhuman’slungs.Itcamenotfromtheassaultingwarriorsbutfromtheencampmentattheirrear.‘ThedaemonstrikesfortheKurgan’sheart,’observedMakosky.Stefanthrewalongingglancetowardsthetirsa’sembattledstockade,thenwheeledBiegaczaboutand

spurredhimstraightintoagallopwithoutwaitingfortherotatoquestionwhathewasdoing.Therewasnoneedforaspeech.Everymancouldhearwhatheheard,seewhathesaw.Thistirsawasbeyondthehelpofninemen,buttherewouldbeothers.Stefanwasmorecertainofthatthanever.Theycouldstillrescuethewisewoman,Marzena,andthetraditionsofKislevthatshecarriedwithher.IftheDushykarotacouldspareherfromthedaemonfirst.

Theroarofthesiegebecametinnyanddistant,thesnowfallingsodenselyallofasuddenthatitwasasifthelancersboreitwiththem.Snowandhorses,thelasttwothingsontheoblastthatwereconstantandtrue.Soheavilywasitcomingdown,sonumbinginitsblankness,thatStefanfailedtospottheKurganhorsemanchargingintheoppositedirectionuntiltheywerealmostontopofeachother.Andthankstomonthsofachingcoldandhunger,Stefanwastheslowertoreact.Thehorsemanreinedinsohardthathismuscularblackmountreared,forehoovesflailingasthe

northernerbawledorderstotheotherridersnowemergingfromtheblizzardinlooseformationbehindhim.Manandbeast,theywerebiggerthantheirKislevitecounterparts.Thesteedsweredrapedinheavyhidecaparisonsthatslappedwetlyagainsttheirflanks.Thementhemselvesworethickfursoverplatesofhidearmourthatstillbristledwithhairsandleatherhelmsadornedwithantlersandhorns.StefanhadhopedthatthecoverofLordWinterwouldallowthemsomeelementofsurprise,butthe

maraudersrodereadyforbattle,eitherfleeingthedaemonintheirmidstorridingtobringbacktheirwarriorstofightit.Attheirchieftain’sshout,theyheftedjavelinsandspearsanddrewbackonpowerfulrecurvedbows.‘Gospodarinyi!’Stefanroared.Atthesameinstant,thatpoint-blankvolleywasunleashed.Grantedpowerbytwosetsofrapidlyclosinghorsemen,arrowheadspunchedthroughsteelplateand

bardinglikepegsthroughfrozenearth.Menscreamed,musclememoryalonekeepingtheminthesaddle.Ajavelinstruckahorseinthechest.Theanimalshrieked,twistedasitfellandcrusheditsriderbeneathit.Stefanscreamedintothestormofshafts.Anexplosivepainflaredinhisleftshoulder.IntheheatofthemomentthoughitwasbearableandhechannelledthepainintoguidingBiegaczasthehorserammedthechieftain’smountinitsflankasittriedtoturn.TheKurganhorsewasstronger,heavier,buttodaythemomentumlaywithKislev.ThemarauderchieftainshoutedcursesandgrabbedinvainforBiegacz’stackashisownmountwent

over,thosecursesturningintoscreamsforthelegbrokenunderthemassivehorse’sshoulder.The

northman’seffortstoescapegrewspasmodicasthepanickedanimalsoughttorightitself,sawingovertheKurgan’slegsandabdomenandreducingthechieftaintoapasteofbloodandgutsthatseepedoutofhisarmourintothesnow.SixmoreKurganriderswentdownastheKislevitechargedrovethroughtheirlooseformation.Stefan

heardawhirandflinchedinstinctivelyasalariatflewathim.Theropenoosehithiswingsandbouncedoff,thenracedoverthesnowafterthedepartingrider.Stefantwistedinthesaddletoensurethattheywerenotreturningforanotherattack,thengaspedin

suddenlyexcruciatingpain.Itwashisshoulder.Thegardbraceplatewassmashedandpaintedwithblood.ThebloodiedshaftandfletchingofaKurgan

arrowstuckout.Stefanputhishandtoitandshudderedattheagonythatcontactbroughthim.Itnearlyblackedhimout,buthebitintothepaintokeephishandwhereitwas.Afterafewsecondstheagonyfadedenoughtobecomemanageable.Kolyaregardedhimsombrely.Itwasbadandtheybothknewit.Thearrowhadpunchedrightthrough

thebone.EvenwithrestandgoodcareandtheblessingsofSalyak,itwasdoubtfulhewouldeverhaveuseofthearmagain.Stefangroaned,butnotwithpain.Itwastheknowledgethathisfightwasdone.Hereassertedhisgrip

onhisszabla.Itcouldhavebeenworse.Itcouldhavebeentherightarm.‘Youcangonofurther,’saidKolya.‘Iwillleaveonemanwithyouandtaketherestahead.’Theclangourofsteelonsteeldriftedthroughthefallingsnowwiththerumourofbattle,apromisefrom

thenextworld.Stefan’sshoulderwasturningcold,iciclesofpainetchingdeeperintothemuscleofhisarmandback.MarszałekStefanTaczakhadfoughthislastbattle,buthewasnotdead.ThereturnofMarzena,ofherwisdomandlore,wouldbehislastgreatvictoryforKislevGruntinginpain,StefannudgedBiegaczaroundwithhisknees.HelookedfromKolyatoMakoskyto

theothertworidersstillinthesaddle.Fivemen.AllthatremainedofthetwothousandhehadcommandedattheTobolCrossing.Ithadn’t

beenenoughthenanditstillwasn’t.‘IwillrideaheadandfindwhereMarzenaisbeingheld,drawthemawayasbestIcan.Iwillcallout

soyoucanavoidtheenemyandrescuethewisewoman.’‘Withrespect,brother,’saidKolyawithagristle-thinsmile,‘thatisaterribleplan.’‘Iaminjured,’Stefaninsisted,turninghisshouldertoshowthem.‘Iammostexpendable.’‘Weareallexpendable.WewerealldeadandmournedforthedaywerodesouthfromDushyka.Iwill

goahead.IfyouwishtheKurgandistractedlongenoughtorescuethewisewomanthenitshouldbeme.’Foramoment,Stefanintendedtoargue.HewasMarszałek,andthedecisionwassupposedlyhis,but

Kolyawasright.Stefanslumpedbackintothesaddle.‘Verywell.IfyoucandrawthedaemonfromMarzenathendoit,butinUrsun’snamedon’ttryandfightit.LeaveittotheKurganwithmyblessing.’‘Iwillgowithyou,’saidMakoskysuddenly.‘Theplanrequiresonlyone,’saidStefan.Withaferalgrin,theridershookgorefromhisnadziakanddirectedhishorseintopositionalongside

Kasztanka.‘Asyouresaulremindedyou,itwasaterribleplan.’

InDushyka,whenthemorningdewbecamemorningfrosts,theanimalsofthestanitsatooold,tooyoung,ortooweaktoendurethewinterwouldbebutcheredinaday-longritualofkvass,bloodlettingandrevelry.ThosewerethesoundsthatKolyaheardnowashelistenedtothescreamsthatrangthroughthefallingsnow.Notabattle,butaslaughter,acullofthosetooold,tooyoung,ortooweak.Thesmell,

however,wasbeyondanythinghehadexperiencedbefore.EvenwarriorsofChaos,itseemed,spilledtheirbowelswhendeathcameforthem.ThehorsesplacedtheirhoovesbetweenthebitsofKurganwarriorthatlitteredtheground.Theireyes

werewide,earsrigid,everyscreamandbellowcausingthemtofreezeuntiltheirridersencouragedthemon.Fallenweapons,trophyringsandknottedropesofentrailslayeverywhere.Bloodstainedthesnow,asifsomegiantbearhadtakenabiteoutoftheground.KolyafeltmorepityfortheKurganhorses,butcheredrightalongsidetheirmasters,thanforthementhemselves.ItwastheywhohadunleashedsuchhorrorsuponKislev.Hesmiledgrimly.Andtothevictor,thespoils.ThemoundsofbodiesgrewhigherandclosertogetherasKolyaandMakoskyrodeon.Thesavageryof

theirslayingseemedtoincreasecorrespondingly.TheseKurganhadseenthebrutalityofdeathbeforeitfoundthem,andnotallofthemweredead.TherewereatleasttwomenwrithingaboutthatKolyacouldsee,viscera-soakedandwailinglikenewborns.Makoskyspatonadyingnorthman’sforehead.Kolyashuddered,clutchingatKasztanka’smane.Chaoshadcometotheoblast.Notitsarmies,theyhadbeenandpassed,butChaositself.Theessence

ofit.TheTimeofChanges.Kolyacouldfeelitinhisbowels,andsomewhereinthatclangourofcombattheBloodGodwaslaughing.‘Enough,Boris,’Kolyamurmured.Throughtheblizzard,hecouldjustmakeoutthebattleahead.Greyfiguresbothmountedandonfoot

swirledthroughthesnow.Horsesbrayed.Screamsdisconnectedtoanyobviouslivingthingwerebirthed,beatenbloody,andthenburiedundershadowplayswipesofwoodandsteel.ThebusinessofcalmingKasztanka’snervesleftKolyanoroomtonoticehisown.Hehadbeen

resignedtothisfatesincebeforetheTobolCrossing.Kislevwastheland,andthelandwasbeaten.HisfamilyinDushykahadmournedhimwhenhehadriddenoutwiththerota,buthehadnotthoughttomournforthemandhadlikelyoutlivedthemall.Butnowthathismomentwasherehefoundthatthisheadlesschickenwasnotyetreadytostoprunning.Hedidn’tbothertopray.WhenafoolprayedtoUrsunitwashisownarmthatgotbitten.Instead,he

filledhislungsandissuedthewarcryofDushyka.Stefanwouldknowwhatitmeant.‘Dziedobry,’saidMakoskywithawildsmile.Itmeantgoodbye.Oralternatively,diewell.Kolyasupposedthatitdidnotmatter.Bothmennotedthecrestoforangehairthatemergedfromthegreyofthemelee,thoughneithergaveit

anymindastheykickedintheirspursandcharged.

‘Pullit.Doitfast.’StefanTaczakgrippedthepommelofhissaddle,thekvassstillhotinhismouth,asthelancertightened

hisgriparoundthebrushoffletchingstickingoutofhisshoulder.Stefantensedagainstthepainbutdidn’tcryout.Thathadcomeearlier,whenthetwomenhadremovedpauldron,bevorandrerebraceandwieldedknivestohisleatheraketonandfurstoexposethewoundtothecold.Worsewascoming.Theshaftwaslodgedinhisgardbrace,buttheheadhadnotgonefarenoughthroughthebonetopenetratethebackofthepiece.Therewasnowaytoremovetheplate.Thearrowwouldtohavetocomeoutthesamewayithadgone

in.Thelancerteasedtheshafttounfastenitfromthebone.Stefan’schestheavedandhepulledback,but

thesecondmanhadhishorsebesidehim,anarmtightaroundhiswaist.Awoodencupappearedathis

lipsandkvassspilleddownhischin.Hisshoulderfeltasifitwerebeingleveredfromhisneck.Hescreamedthroughhisteeth.‘Fasterthanthat,damnit!’Withaspurtofbloodandashreddingpain,theshaftcamefree.StefanslumpedagainstBiegacz’sneck

andthere,heshuddered.Againthatwoodencupappearedbeforehim,butthistimehefoundthestrengthtoturnitaway.Therewasabattlestilltobefought,andhehadalreadydrunkmorethanhisshare.Withtremblingfingershepickedatthestrappingsofhisgardbraceandletthepiecefall.Afterthepain

hefelthollow,asifthiswasadreamorhehadjustbeenwokenfromone.Withahiss,hehoistedhisleftarmsoitlayacrossthesaddleandhishandcouldgripthepommel.Thelancerwithbloodiedfingers,ashortmanwithasnow-leopardpeltoverhisshoulder,tookBiegacz’sreins,butStefanwarnedhimoff,thensatupandhandedthelancerhisszablasohecouldhandlehisownreins.‘IamamarszałekofKislev.Iwillnothavemyownhorseledforme.’Meanwhilethesecondlancer,anolderriderincunninglyfiligreedbutpainfullydentedthree-quarter

plate,swungdownfromthesaddleandsetaboutrecoveringthediscardedpiecesofStefan’sarmour.Thesightofit,thepride,wealth,andbeautyofDushykajustlyingthere,turnedhisstomachandmadehisshoulderthrobanew.Hesaidnothingthough,merelygruntedgratitudeasthemansecureditamongstBiegacz’ssaddlebags.Aslongasherrotaworeitwithcourage,thenKislevlived.‘Didyouhearthat,marszałek?’Ashrillcrycarriedthroughthesnowandthedulledmurmurofdistantbattle.Thecryofachimera.

Stefanmouthedaprayerforhisbrother.AndforKislev.

KolyaandMakoskychargedintothehatedKurgan.TherewasnocohesiontotheKurgan’sranks,andthetwolancerspunchedthrough,menfallingundertheirhooveslikesomanymatryoshkadolls.Theirwingswailedlikedyingmen.Kolyabeltedouthiswarcryashelashedoutwithhispallascz.Thehugebladewasforstabbingratherthanslicing.Ithadnocuttingedgeandwithoutthepowerofachargewasessentiallyasix-footsteelmallet.Anorthmanwithabearskincloakandaflailstaggeredintorange,dazed,bloodstreamingdownhisfacefromthebackswingofMakosky’snadziak.Kolyahackedhispallasczacrosstheman’sskull,thenparriedagroin-stabfromanadze.Hejawedthemarauderwithabootedstirrupand,withashiftofweightandayell,badeKasztankatoside-stepintotheman,tramplinghimandthrowingdownthosebesidehim.Hewasgettingboggeddown,butthroughsheerforceofwillandferocity,Makoskyhaddrivenhimselfahorse-lengthahead.‘Back,’Kolyayelled.Theyweretoolightlyarmouredtosurviveamelee,andtheirweaponswerenot

designedforthatstyleofattritionalcombat.Heslidhisweightbackacrossthesaddleanddrewonthereins.Kasztankawhinniedinfright,trailingcolouredribbonslikeaprizemaretomarket,asshetriedtoturnthroughtheragingcrushofnorthmen.‘Withdrawandchargeagain.’ButMakoskywasnotlistening.HisnadziaktoreafistfulofbloodfromaKurgan’sfaceandcastitover

themelee.Hishorsemanagedanotherstep.‘ThebloodofKislevreturnsforyou,daemon!’Thepressbeforetheformertrapperthinned.TheKurganfoughtwithadementedsavagery,likerats

fleeingaburningtirsa,butMakoskyforcedhishorseinandthroughthem.AndthenKolyasawit,thekillerthatpassedraspotitsaonitsownroadofbloodandlookedinnomoodtobehaltednow.Itslookwasoneofstony-facedbarbarity,soaccustomedtoslaughterandpainthatitfeltneitherthedeadthatpiledarounditsfeetnorthebladesthatfoundtheirwaypastitsenormousaxe.Theglowinglightofviscera-redrunesonlymadetheweaponlookevenmorehellishthanitalreadywas.Thefighterslammedtheflatofthataxeintothelegsofthemarauderbesidehim.Bothkneesshattered,theman’sfacebecoming

arictusroarasacannonballfistcrushedhisgroin,doublinghimoverandhurlinghimback.Itshardfacewascrossedwithbrutaltattoos.Oneeyewascoveredwithapatch.Itsorangecrestofhairwastorn,itsbaretorsocoveredincutsoldandnew.Itwasadwarf!Kolya’smindwhirled,thedwarf’saxemovingsofastitdefiedtheinjunctiontobeinoneplaceatone

time.Kolyamighthavethoughtitsomerunicillusionbutforthedeathitreaped.Anorthmaninblue-paintedleatherarmourraisedhistwinswordsinwardingasthedwarf’sauraofsteelcameuponhim.Themanfellapartlikebutcher’scuts.Thedwarf’soneeyewasacutgemoffury.Itnolongerrecognisedfriendfromfoe.‘Boris!Stop!Toolate.ThedwarfduckedtheswingofMakosky’snadziakandthechargeofhishorseand,withsuch

casualnessthatheseemedtobefightingthroughsomethingthinnerthanairwhileallaroundhimlaboured,swungbackwithhisaxetotearoutthelancer’sentirerightsidebetweenhipandribs.Bloodfannedfromthewound.ThehorsechargedonuntilMakoskywentdownlikeafelledtree.‘Gospodar,’Kolyaroared,thumpinghisbreastplateforemphasisasthedwarfcameon.ItwasstilltootightforKasztankatoturn.Inpanic,hehadherside-stepaway.Thedwarf’saxecut

throughaspear-armedmarauder,thenwovearoundhisfallingbodytostrikeatKolya.Kasztankareared,spookedbythebloodreekofhim,andthedwarf’saxeclovethroughherfetlockinsteadofKolya’sknee-joint.Screaming,shemadeathree-leggedjerkbackwards,thrashingherbleedingstumpuntil,unbalancedandterrified,shefellchin-forwardintothesnow.Holdinghertotheendwhenhemighthavejumpedclear,Kolyawentdownwithher.Hiscuisse

buckledaroundhisthigh,butdidnotbreak.HisfeatheredharnesssnappedandjackknifedoverhimasthesideofhishelmhitthebackofafallenKurgan’sadze.Hefeltnoneofit,buthisheartcriedwithhurtashedrewhislegoutfrombeneaththestrugglinghorse.Shekickedoncemore,andthenshewhomhehadlovedsinceshewasafoal,shewhohadsooftenbeenbravewhentormentedbywickedspirits,wasatpeace.Weepingtearsofrage,Kolyasweptuptheadzethathehadlandedon.Itwasanunfamiliarweapon,a

longwoodenhaftwithacurvedbladeatthetop.ItcouldhavebeenarockandhewouldhaveblessedUrsunforitsdelivery.Hatredfilledhim,madehimsohotthathisskullbuzzedwithit.Allthathehadperseveredforthroughdevastationanddamnationhadbeentakenaway.Hisstingingeyesfoundthedwarf.LeteveryspiritthathadeverplaguedKasztankaknow.Hewouldhavebloodforthis.

‘Whatisthis?’StefanTaczakstaredaroundtheKurgancampindisbelief.Surroundingafirepit,andthebodiesofthe

handfulofguardsthenorthmenhadthoughtsufficienttodefenditfromanimpassableandalready-conqueredsteppe,wasahalf-ringofwagons.Therewerefiveoftheminall,openrearsectionsturnedintounroofedcagesbyhammeringlongspearspoint-downintotheboards.Furshadbeendrapedovertheoutersideofthecagestoprotecttheoccupantsfromtheworstofthewindandsnow.Thatinitselfwasreasonforconfusion.TheKurganwouldnottreateventheirownwoundedwithsuchconsideration.Butitwasthoseoccupantsthatdraggedopenhisjaw.AboyinthetornvestmentsofaninitiateofthecultofDazhlayapparentlysleepinginthecornerofone,

besidethehoodedandtremblingfigureofwhatappearedtobeacave-goblinshaman.Therewasanogre

firebelly,sittingaloneinawagonfilledwiththechewedbonesofwhatmightoncehavebeenfiveorsixothermen.Therewasanothergoblin,abeastmanbray-shaman,amutantsorcerer,collegemenfromthesouthwithfoul-smellingrobesandhaggardbeards.StefanmumbledanoathtoUrsun.TheShirokijwisewomanhadbeenbutoneofmany.ThiswarbandhadbeenpillagingsorcerersandscholarsfromalloverKislev,evenstealingfromtheirownandcarryingthemnorth.Why?Whatawaitedthemthere?‘TheKingofPraag,marszałek.’Ahunchbackedoldcronewithice-whitehairpinnedwithaglitteringjetspiderbroochcrouchedbythe

barsofthewagonthatshesharedwiththecave-goblinandtheinitiateofDazh.Itstankofexcrement,butthefilthdidnotseemtotouchher.Herlayeredskirtswereofblacksilk.Thecurveofherspinegavehertheappearanceofahuntinginsect,animpressioncompoundedbytheglittering,almostfacetedeyesthatpeeredoutfromtheirancientweboflines.ThewaythoseeyespiercedhimwasareminderofwhyeventheUngolshunnedandreveredtheirwisewomeninequalmeasure.Theirswasthepowertoperceivetaintinallitshiddenforms.SmallwonderthenthatKolyaandMakoskyhadbeensokeentoputthemselvesoutofsightandoutofmind.‘Marzena,’Stefanmurmured,avertinghiseyesfromthehag’sstare.Hehadtheitchingsensethat

judgementswerebeingpassedonhissoul.‘Forgiveme,wisewoman,thatIdonotshowgreaterrespect.IfearthatifIdismount,Iwillnotbeabletoclimbbackup.’Thewisewomancackled.‘DoIlooklikeatzarinatoyou,StefanTaczak?Istheweaknessofyourbody

allyoucanthinkof?Hasitbeensolongthatyouhaveforgottentoheedthewordsofyourwisewoman?’‘No,’saidStefan,quicklysignallingtohistwolancerstofindawaytogetthehagout.Therewasno

obviousgateinthewallofspears.Thegoblinshiftedtothefarsideasoneofthempickedupafallenbattleaxeandtesteditsedge.‘Forgivemeagain,Marzena,butPraagdoesnothaveaking.’‘Youcouldoncebothwieldabladeandguideahorse.ThisistheTimeofChanges.Doesdenyingitlet

youraiseyourarmagain?’Stefanshookhishead.‘Hurrythenandfreeme.Itisnotyouthatthespiritsshowedtome.’‘WehavepursuedyouallthewayfromUvetsyn.’Marzenagaveadelphicsmileofdaggeredteeth.‘Didyouthinkyouweretheonlyone?’

Kolyapushedthroughthepressofnorthmen,justonemorescreamingwarriorinthechurn,andswunghisstolenadzeforthedwarf’shead.Thedwarfsmashedanaxeman’sshinwithasinglekick,rolledfromthestabofahorseman’sspear,andmetKolya’sadzemid-stroke.Oncollidingwiththedwarf’srune-axe,hisprimitiveweaponsimplyshattered.BitsofironflewfromtheuselesshaftofwoodbeforeKolyacouldthrowitdownandstaggerback,hisbuckledcuisserefusingtobendproperlyattheknee.AKurganberserkersavedhislife,chargingintothedwarf’spathwithashortspear.Hislifeendedwithatearingofmeatandaboneshudder.Kolyaduckedbehindtheman,andbenttotaketheaxefromthewarriorwiththebrokenshinjustasthedwarfrippedhisrune-axefromhisenemy’sgutandkickedthedeadmanaside.Kolyadraggedanorthmanbetweenthemandshovedhimintothedwarf’spath.Themanpracticallyfell

ontothedwarf’srune-axeandKolyaswungforthedwarf’stemplewhileitwasstuckinthemarauder’sbelly.Thedwarfwasquickthough,tooquickforonesohuge.Hetiltedbackhisthicktrunkofaneck,Kolya’saxeshavingthebloodstainsfromhisbeard,merelygrazinghistempleandinsteadslicingthroughthethongthatsecuredhiseyepatch.ThescaleofblackleatherflappedtothegroundtobetrodintothemirebyaKurganwarriorwhowasmercilesslyhackedopen.Thedwarfclappedhishandtohisgapingsocketandroaredlikeabull.

Kolyachuckledblackly,spinninghisaxeuntilithummed.Hefavouredtheaxenomorethantheadze,butinhiswanderingshehadbeenforcedtodefendhimselfagainstworsewithless.‘IhavefoughtyourkindontheplainsofZharr,dwarf.Idonotfearyou.’Musclesflowinglikeplatesofmoltenrock,thedwarfcharged.Therune-axestruckKolya’sbladelikeaboulderfromacatapultandthrewhimafootthroughtheair

withatitanicclangofmetal.Hestumbled,earsandfingersringingintune,holdingontohiswitsonlyjustenoughtododgethefollow-upthatwouldhaveseveredhiselbowhadhebeenasecondslower.Kolyaduckedandspunlow,sweepingforthedwarf’sankles.Thedwarfjumpedtheblade,landedhislaggingfootontheaxe,thenkickedKolyahardenoughacrossthejawtoshatterhalftheteethonthatside.Foraseconditfeltasthoughhisneckwasgoingtotearawayfromhisshoulders,butthentherestofhisbodyscrewedintotheairandhewassentpilingintoagroupofKurganwarriors.Thatseemedtobeenoughforthenorthmen.Theyhadjustseenonedwarfdemolishtheirwarbandanda

rotaofKislevitelancersatthesametimeandtheydidnotlikeitonebit.Onebyone,theybegantobreakandrun.Kolyapulledoffhishelmandspatoutteeth,searchingthroughthebloodandgutsforanotherweapon.

BythestinkingremainsofaKurganhorse,hefoundabowand,afterrollingoverittoputitsbulkbetweenhimandthedwarf,aquiver.Thefletcheswereglobbedwithblood,buttheywouldnothavetoflyfar.Retreating,henockedashafttothebowanddrewback.Itwasahorse-archer’sbow,acomposite

recurveofmaple,horn,andsinew,designedtopackmaximumpowerintosomethingthatcouldbefiredfromhorseback.Itwasstilllesspowerfulthanaproperlongboworcrossbow,butmorethanenoughtodropadwarfattenpaces.Thedwarfjumpedontothehorse’sflankandKolyaloosed.Thearrowpunchedthedwarf’schest,theforcepushingthedwarf’sshoulderaroundtotheleft,butdid

nomoreobviousdamagethanthat.Cursing,Kolyanockedafresharrow,drew,andfiredagain.Again,thearrowheadthumpedintotheironofthedwarf’spectoralmuscle.Thedwarf’sbruisedlipcurledintoasneerashejumpeddownfromthehorse.Snarling,blindedtothefur-cladmeninfullflightallaroundbyhishungerforvengeance,Kolya

preparedathirdarrow.Thisoneheaimedrightbetweenthedwarf’seyes.Hedrewbackuntiltherecurvedendsgroanedandhisfingersshookwiththestrain.Shrugthisoff,youmurderousdastard.‘Kolya,youwillhold!’Thesoundofhisnameonaharsh,woman’scroakmadehimflinch.Hisfingertipstrembledonthe

bowstring.Hedidn’treleaseit,butnordidhelowerit.Thedwarfleered,buthetoodidnotmove,asifKolya’sarrowhadhimpinned.Instead,heranhisthumbdownthebladeofhisaxeuntilitbled.Kolyametthedwarf’sstare,fireonrock.Acidburnedinsidehisarm.Hisfingerswerenumb.Hewoulddoit.Hewoulddoitnow.‘Doasyouaretold,child,’spatthehagagain.‘Please,brother.’Stefan’svoice.‘ItisMarzena.Doasshesays.Canyounotseeitisadwarf?’‘Thisisnotadwarf,’Kolyagrowled.‘ItisafiendfromthefrozendepthsoftheWastes.’Withhisonebalefuleyethedwarfglared.Bloodtrickledfromthegapingsocketoftheother.And

suddenly,Kolyacouldmatchitnolonger.Withadistraughtcry,helethisarmdropandloosedhisshotintotheground.Thedwarfjustgrunted.Snortingindisgust,Biegaczpickedhiswaythroughthesnowandintotheringofcorpses.Stefanguided

himwithonehandonthereins.Behindhim,theoldcroneMarzenarodeside-saddleinanestofblackskirtsandspiderwebhair.Kolyaemptiedtheremainderofhisquiveranddroppedhisbow.Hehadnever

disobeyedawisewomansincehehadbeenaboy.Thedwarfshiftedhisstancesothathisaxecouldcoverthethreeofthemequallyandgrowledlikeabeast.Stefaneyedthataxewarily.Aswellhemight.Ithadtakenmorelivesinthelastfewweeksthan

Kolya’sbrotherhadinalifetimefightinggreenskinsandkyazak.‘IamStefanTaczak,’hesaid.‘MarszałekofKislev.’Thedwarfgrimacedasthoughsomethinghadlandedinhismouthandtastedfoul.Hisaxeangled

indecisivelybetweenthetwomen.Hegroundhisteethuntilagiantblueveinbulgedfromhistemple.Kolyawonderedwhenthedwarfhadlastopenedhismouthtodoanythingmorewholesomethanscreamhisbattlecryandfeastonthespoilsoftheslain.‘IwastherethedaytheIcePalaceburned,’spokethedwarfatlastintwenty-four-caratReikspiel.Then

hespatontheground.‘Sopulltheotherone.ThereisnoKislev.’‘Whatisyourname,friend?’Again,theeffortofdredgingspeech.‘Mynameismeaninglesstoyou,manling.IfyouareKislevitethen

beonyourway.Ifyouarenot…’Hecrackedasmilefullofbrokenandyellowedteethandwhathintofhurttherehadbeeninhisvoicewasgone.Heheftedhisaxemeaningfully.‘Thenmyaxestillthirsts.’‘Youarelost,Slayer,’saidMarzena.ShesilencedStefanwithahandonthelancer’sshoulder.Her

wordsprickledthespinelikeprophecy,likeaspiderrunningdownone’sneck.Thedwarfglowered,butsaidnothing.‘AsKislevislost.YourstoryisthatoftheOldWorlditself.Withitsendingcomesyourown,orperhapsitisthereverse?Prophecyisevertreacherous.Theworldcriesoutforahero,fortheMagnusofthisage.Andyetyouarehere.Surelyyouarelost.’Thedwarfgrunted,thenshrugged.‘Breaksmyheart.’ToKolya’sconsternationandsurprise,thecronesmiledasthoughamused.‘Youhaveadestiny,Slayer,

onethatisknowneventothespiritsofmyland.Itwastheywhoguidedyoutome.Theyspeaktomeinonevoice,andofnothingbutdoom.’Interestglitteredinthedwarf’soneeye.Kolyafelthisgutsknot,asiftheywereallstoodonsome

precipiceawaitingtheslightesttwistoffate,agustofwind,topushthemallintoblackness.‘Ifyouwillnotgosouth,thengonorth.’UsingStefan’sunwoundedshoulderasasupport,Marzena

pointedacrosshim,northandwest.‘TheKingofPraaggathersanarmythelikeofwhichhasneverbeenseen,ahosttowhetthebloodofanyTrollslayer.AndIseedeaththere.Oneforyou,andoneforyourcompanion.’Thedwarf’sglowerknottedtight.‘Ihavenocompanion.’‘Perhapsthatisasyouseeit,’murmuredMarzena,butthedwarfwasnotlistening.Heplantedthe

shoulderofhisaxetohisownandturnedtolooknorth.‘ThenjustwhatistheKingofPraag?’‘AfavouriteoftheDarkGods.HecallshimselftheTrollKing,butIseenomoreclearlythanthat:heis

jealousofhisgiftsandresentfulofthespiritsthatwouldspyonhim.WhatIknowiswhatthesedeadmenknew.’ShewaveddismissivelyoverthefallenKurgan.‘Heseekswizardsofeveryraceandkindandwilltradethemforawinterinhiscity.ThatiswhywarbandsscourtheoblastwhiletheirkinbesiegetheAuricBastion.’‘Whydoeshewantwizards?’saidGotrek.Marzenashruggedtoindicatethatshedidnotknow.‘Wisewoman,’Stefancutinwhilethedwarfglaredthoughtfullyatthecrone.‘Thisdwarfisachampion

sentbyTorhimself.Withhisaidwecanholdthistirsauntilspring.Easily.’HeturnedtoKolya,extendedhisunwoundedhand,beseeching.‘Tellher,brother.’Lipspursed,Kolyabenttopickuphisstolenbow.Hishandshadleftbloodyprintsonit.Itwas

Kasztanka’sblood,andalreadycold.‘Kislevisdone.Allthatremainsistodecidehowthelastofuswill

die.’‘Kolya–’‘Isdead.Mournedbyafamilythatisdead.’Hisgazefixedonthedwarf.Thedwarfglaredback.‘At

leastthisway,Iwillgettoseethedwarfdie.’Forsomereason,thedwarfseemedpleased.‘Thenitissettled,’saidMarzena,silencingStefan’sprotestbeforehecouldutterit.Hereyesglittered

likespidersinice.‘Dziedobry,GotreksonofGurni.‘Youwillhavethemightiestdoom.’

SIXLettherebeLife

ThreeweeksoflengtheningnightsandworseningweathersawFelix,Ulrika,andDamirarriveatBechafen.ThestatecapitalofOstermarkcutanimpoverishedpicture;amezzotintofgreystonewallsandmillet

skies.Smokesputteredfromchimneysingaspingfits,therooftopslayeredwithwhitepowder,seededwiththepromiseofKislev’sfatebythecloudsthatrolledovertheAuricBastiontothenorth.Throughthesnow,acrosstheUpperTalabec,thegreatbarrierwasjusttheglim-ghostofashimmer.ButitwasenoughtotakeFelix’sbreath.Evenfromafaritspowerwaspalpable.Thethreeofthemstayedjusttheoneday,anarrangedstopduringwhichFelixwasintroducedtoa

successionofcaptainsandcounts–allofthemhalfhisageandasbemusedbythepurposeofhisvisitasFelixwas–andwhiskedawaytospeakabouthisownwar-timeexperiencesatvariousgarrisonpostsandinnsthroughoutthecity.Hehadspokenhesitantlyatfirst,thegrimstaresofmenwhosleptinthesamebilletasdeathlikelead

weightsonhistongue.Hewasawriternotanorator,anditwaspainfullyapparentthatifanyofthesemenhadseenoneofhisbookstheywouldhaveburneditforwarmth.AfterafewfumblinganecdotesabouthistimeinPraaghegrewintotherole,andactuallystartedtoenjoytheexperienceofrecountingthetalesofhisadventuringdaystoroomsfullofstrangerswhohadneverheardthemandwhoseownlivesmorecloselyparalleledhisownthananyonehecouldmeetinOtto’scirclesinAltdorf.HerearousingtaleofbattlesagainstmutantsandfiendsonthestreetsofMordheim,alwaysacrowd-pleaserinOstermark,thereabawdyreminiscenceofhistimetouringthebrothelsofArabyhuntingtheso-called‘LurkingHorror’,andcometheevening,voicehoarse,Felixhadthewarmfeelingthathemightinadvertentlyhavedonesomegoodhereafterall.TheOstermarkerswereahardbittenlot,underfedandunderslept,facesblightedbybattleandpox.TheyhadearnedwhatbriefsmilesFelix’stalescouldgrantthem.NosoonerhadFelixpulledupastoolinhisfinalvenue,ataverncalledtheHog’sHead,andsummoned

thebarmaidforanaletosoothehisthroatthanUlrikareappearedandtheyweremovingagain.Theybeattheclosureofthecity’sgatesbyminutes.ThreeweeksfromAltdorftoBechafen.WiththatknowledgeandamapoftheEmpire,amanmightthenconhimselfintobelievingthelastfew

dozenmilesupthecourseoftheUpperTalabec,theEmpire’sboundarywithKislev,wouldbeajourneyofdays,butarrivalinOstermarkmarkedthedrawingoutoftheirjourneyratherthanitsdrawingin.Theroadsinthenorthhadsufferedthewarasgracelesslyasthemenandevenbeforehandhadbeen

poorrelationstothosethatborethewealthyandthepowerfulacrossthefieldsofReiklandandAverland.

Bramblesscratchedattheundercarriageasifpleadingtobetakenaway.Therutsleftinthemuddytrackbyeveryotherprecedingcarthadbeenfrozeninforthewintertomakeeveryturnofthewheelsagambitofaxle-shatteringcourage.Morethanoncetheyfoundthetrackblockedbyafallentree,thesortofthingoneexpectedforthedensetangleoftheGryphonWoodatthistimeofyear,butononeoccasionthesmashedremnantsofawagontrainindicatedanambush.Therewerenobodiesleftbehind,butenoughhoof-printstosuggestbeastmen.Felixwatchedthetreelinewarily,knowingtheherdthatheandKathaddestroyedontheBarrenHillshadbeenjustonedeadleafinaforest,butnothingattacked.Nothingevenmoved.FelixwonderedhowmuchofthatwasduetoUlrika.Itdidn’tmatterwhoyourgodswere:seeinga

womanmoveafelledoakwithherbarehandswouldmakeanywould-beambusherthinktwice.Howarmiesofmeremortalscouldbemovedundertheseconditionswasamystery.IttookanotherweektotraveltheUpperTalabectoitssourceinthefoothillsoftheWorldsEdge

Mountains,wherethefamedhotbathsofBadenhofhadonceentertainednoblesandroyals.TimeenoughforaKislevitewintertowelcomeFelixtothenorth.

FelixtappedhisringonthepommelofhisswordandwatchedtheblackcoachrattledownBadenhof’sswampymainstreettowardstheBredenBridgeandtheloomingrocktalonontheeasternskylinethatwasCastleRackspire.HehadnotbeenexactlyheartbrokenwhenUlrikahadsuggestedthatshegoonandannouncethemtoCommandantRochwithouthim.Beingalonewithherinacarriageforthelastmonthhadbeendisconcerting.Notunpleasant,definitelynotthat,butconfusing,asifhecouldn’tquiterememberwhoorwhathehadbeenbeforeUlrikahadcomebackintohislifeanddidn’treallywanttoeither.Hewascuriousthough.Whatkindofaman–being–wasthismysteriousRoch?Andwhywouldaman

withahundredmilesofbattleline,themusteredstrengthofatleastthreeprovinces,andtheserviceofthelikesofUlrikacareaboutthefateofonekidnappedwizard?Hechuckledsourly.Thesewerethoughtsabovethestationofwashed-upformeradventurersandwar-poets.Rightthenhewassimplygratefulforafewhoursofpeaceinhisownhead.Thechillhelped.Sleetblusteredintothetowndownthateast-westthoroughfareandcontributedtodousingthehot-coalwarmththatUlrika’snearnessseemedtobringoutfromunderhisskin.Heshivered,longing,andwrappedhimselfintohiscloak.OnbalancehewashappytosquelchintoBadenhofinignorance.Thetown’soldstoneprosperitywasbracedintotheconfluenceoftworivers,anunpavedand

provincial-lookingmarketsquaresqueezedontwosidesbythetorrentofwaterwherethebrashwatersoftheBredenfoamedintotheshoulderoftheUpperTalabec.Abridgeofnativegreystonestraddledeachriver.Thesquareitselfwasburiedinsleetandsnow,trackedthroughwithfootprintsfromEmpiresoldiersanddisplacedkossarshardyenoughtobravethecold.Whatlightmadeitthroughthesky’sgrave-dustpallorwassupplementedbyseepagefromtheshutteredwindowsofinnsandlate-closingshops.Stone-frontedandhalf-timbered,theyclosedontheothertwosidesofthesquareasifhopingtopushitintotheriver.TheweatheredstonemassofBadenhof’sfamousbathhousebroodedamongstthem,evocative,madesomehowcruelbypastglories.Huddledoutofthesleetunderthebathhouse’sprojectingsecondstorey,agroupofmiserable-looking

menintheburgundyandgoldofOstermarksharedtheslimwarmthofapipe.Theylookedliketheretinueofsomelordorother,lefttoguardthepairofmonstrousdestrierstetheredbytheentrancebesidethem.Thehorsessnortedwetly,occasionallyflickingtheirtailsthroughthesleet.Suppressingashudderthathecouldn’texplain,FelixturnedfromthebathhousetowardstherowoftallpropertiesthatstoodagainstthemoreresignedwatersoftheUpperTalabec.Afterafewminutestryingtopeerthroughboardedwindowsmarkedwiththeblackcrossofplagueortheoldguardianmagicksofhawthornsprigsandgarlic,hefound

whathewaslookingfor.ThewetsignthatcreakedabovethefrontgateannounceditasJaegersofAltdorf.Felixsmiled.The

provincialbranchesofJaegerandSonsfrequentlytradedunderthatname,theallusiontotheEmperor’sseatcarryingprofitableweightinfaded,outofthewaybackwaterslikeBadenhof.Therewasnosignofablackcross.Heletoutasighofrelief.Thatwassomething.Moppinghisfringefromhiseyes,Felixswepthiscloakfreeofhisswordarmandusedhisfootto

nudgeopenthelittlewoodengate.Itcreakedinwardsandhewalkedtothefrontdoor.Itwasboarded,aswerethewindows.Felixtiltedhisheadbackandsquintedupintothesleet.Theupperstoreytoo.Heranhishandovertheboardsthathadbeenhammeredoverthedoorframe,thenputhisearagainstitandlistened.NothingbutthewhiterushoftheBreden.Hethoughtaboutknockingbutthenquietlychidedhimselfforbeinganidiot.Thethingwasnailed

down.Nobodywasabouttoopenit,werethey?‘Gustav?’Noanswer.Thewholebuildingwasdead.IfonlyUlrikahadbeenabletogivehimmoredetailsaboutthedifficultieshisnephewhadmanagedto

gethimselfinto.IthadbeennearlytwomonthsnowsinceUlrikahadcarriedGustav’slettertoAltdorfandwhoknewwhatcouldhavehappenedbetweennowandthen.Foramoment,FelixwonderedifGustavcouldhaveabandonedtheofficealtogether,perhapsrelocatedtothemarginallysaferandmoresalubriouscompanybranchesinOsterwaldorBechafen,butrejectedthethoughtoutofhand.Felixknewthatforacertaintybecausehewouldn’thaveleft.Gustavhadinheritedhisgrandmother’sstubbornness,hadconfidenceenoughtolandjusttherightsideofarrogantand,notunlikehisoldfoolofanuncle,wouldbeathisheadagainstwhateverobstaclethistowncouldpresenthimwithuntilitkilledhim.Backinguptotakeamoremeasuredlookatthebuilding,henoticedasidegateleadingaroundtheback

totheriverside.Hetriedthelatch,butittoowaslocked.Helookeduptothetopofthegateandsighed.Typical.Hewasgettingtoooldtobeclimbingfences.

‘Doyoueverwonderwhatitistheydoupthere?’saidGeneralMatthiasWilhelmvonKarlsdorf,studyingthehazedringoffigureswithinthestandingstonesupontheadjoininghill.Sleetpatteredacrosshisviewashescrolledhiseyeglassacrossthestones.Menoldenoughtobeevenhisgrandfatherstoodundertherainandsnow,theirrichraimentofgoldandpearlnowsoddenwet.Hefocusedthelensontheirfaces.Theweatherhadflattenedtheirbeardstotheirchests.Theirmouthsshapedachantthatthesecularmagicoftheeyeglassmadesilent.Evenwithoutthewords,hecouldfeelthehairsontheinsidesofhisearsprickle.Loweringtheglass,heturnedtothemanbesidehim,givinghimselfaslongaswaspolitickfora

brother-in-lawofOstermark’sElectorandadistantcousinofthehouseofWilhelmtorememberthefellow’sname.‘Well,doyou,gunnerysergeant?’Shelteredunderaripplingcanvasroof,theartillerymanleanedbackagainstthemuzzleofhismortar

andshrugged.Theweaponwasathirty-inchcalibremonstermadepossiblebythelatestcastingtechniquesoftheEngineeringSchool.Hercarriagewasmuddyfromitsslowsubsidenceintothehilltop.Thebarrelglistenedwithmoisture.Fromtheblackfeatherintheman’scapandthegoldtrimtohisoveralls,thesergeantwasoneofthehundredsonpermanentattachmentfromtheNulnregiments.Fromhisnonchalantmienandpox-scarredfeatures,hewasaveteranofhisfairhelpingofhumanmiseryandfailedtosharehisgeneral’senthusiasmformore.

‘Sigmar,mayitcontinue,’hestatedsimply,voiceroughenedbypowderinhalationandthegeneralmorallassitudeofthecommon-born.GeneralvonKarlsdorfchosenottorespond.Itwas,hethought,ratherchivalrousofhim.MatthiasWilhelmwasahawkishman,fleshyintheface,andwithacongenitalbendtohishipsthat

gavehimastoopandapainfulawkwardnessinthesaddle.Aburgundygreatcoatfringedwithgoldhungoffhisshouldersandadampfurcolbackwaspulleddownoverhisears.AbraceofpistolswereholsteredathishipandaHochlandlongriflewithacarvedwalnutstockwasboundwithinaleathersashacrosshisback.Forthiswashowamoderngentlemanwagedwar.Atrange.TheopenveldtofthenewNorthOstermarkwasapatchworkofdykes,drystonewalls,andthetentsand

regimentalstandardsofthecitizenlevies,allinthefoothillsofaseriesofmassiveandwhollyartificialearthworksthatwereatruemarveloftheage.Betweenthemtheyboastedenoughfirepowertofacedownadragoncharge.Togetherwiththemortarshereonthehill,thearquebusiers,crossbowmen,andarcherscampedunderthewallsandfarmsteads,andthealmostfourthousandinfantrymenpicketedontheveldtthathadsurvivedthebeastmenraidsandplague,vonKarlsdorfdoubtedthatArchaonEverchosenhimselfcouldmakeitpasthimtotheEmpireinonepiece.AndiftheAuricBastionweretocomedownanywherebetweenRackspireandBechafenthenGeneral

vonKarlsdorfwaswellpreparedfortheChaosforces’inevitablefirsttarget.Thestandingstones.ThelocalscalledthemTrzySiostry,ortheThreeSisters,fortheweather-pittingofthethreesandstone

blocksonitssummitdidrenderthemvaguelyfeminine.Sonotmuchofastone‘circle’thenonanyeruditeconsideration,butthenthatwasKislevallover–numericallyinferior,semi-barbaric,andwomenfolkbarelydistinctfromtheirmen.Well,nowKislevwasdead.LongliveNorthOstermark.ThehillonwhichvonKarlsdorfhadembeddedhisprizedfieldpiecesandcarvedouthisown

commandpostfromthedozen-or-soothergeneralsthatansweredtoCommandantRochdidn’thavealocalname,beinglittlemorethanashoulderofTrzySiostryraisedinacharacteristicallydefeatistshrug.AmongstitsImperialoccupiersithadcometobeknownasWilhelmshügel.GeneralvonKarlsdorftookthatastestamenttothepopularityofhiscommand.HereturnedhisattentiontotheThreeSisters,wipingcondensationfromtheviewinglensofhiseyeglassandthenpeeringthrough.‘Isitmeoraretheyfewerthanusual?’‘ConclavewithCommandantRoch,’suppliedthegunnerysergeant.‘Arch-HierophantSollenbuerisgone,’vonKarlsdorfmumbledtohimself,sweepingtheeyeglassalong

thehill’sruggedcrownandcountingatleastadozenmagistersthathecouldnotsee.‘Cantheycarryonwithsofew?’Thegunnerysergeantdidnotknow,sohedidnottrytoanswer.Hesuckedonhisteethandwatchedthe

snowfall.‘General!’VonKarlsdorfturnedasayoungishmaninaburgundy-brighttravellingcloakledhishorsethroughthe

naturalrockbarricadeandscreethatwouldmakeWilhelmshügelsuchadauntingprospectforanattacker.Breathlessfromhisclimb,hepassedhisreinstoanaidebeforesteppingunderthethincanvasshelterandshiveringsleet-waterfromhisdoublet.‘MissivefromBadenhof,general.’‘HasRochfoundwherethosebeastmenarecomingfrom?JustyesterdayIlostanentirevolleyguncrew

inKurzycko.’

Thegeneralscowledatthememory.TheKislevitevillagewassquareinthemiddleoftheImperialformations.ItwasthecentrepieceofthedefencebetweentheAuricBastionandtheThreeSistersandhadbeenheavilyrefortifiedaroundthesolidstonehuboftheoldattaman’smanor.ThebuildinghadbeenconvertedintothemostnortherlytempleofSigmarintheEmpireandaredoubtbristlingwithsmall-calibredemi-cannon.Itsextensivewinecellarsnowstoredblackpowderandgrain.SomeofthemorefebrileflagellantscampedinKurzyckoevenclaimedtheywereconnectedtoabranchofthedwarfUnderway,buttwelvemonthsofidlinghadnotuncoveredahiddenentrance,sovonKarlsdorfwascontenttoscotchthatrumourashearsay.Sohowabandofbeastmenhadmanagedtogetinandkillfivementherewithoutanyofthegarrisonspottingtheirapproachremainedamystery.‘NotthatIknow,general.IbringwordthatGeneralStraghovhasreturnedfromAltdorf.’‘Anythingelse?Didshebringreinforcementswithheroranywordofwhenwecanexpectthem?I

don’tcareabouttheBretonnianborder,ortheSylvanianfrontforthatmatter.Thesummer’splaguetooknearlyaquarterofmymen.’Withashakeofthehead,henoddedtowardsthegreatmassofinfantrycampednearesttotheAuric

Bastion,beyondtherangeofallbutthelargestoftheearthworks’greatcannon.Campfireswinkedbetweenthelayeredcurtainsofsleet,butotherwisetheywereasstillasfreshlyturnedearth.TheywereRoch’smen,anamalgamofsoldiersinthecoloursofOstermark,Ostland,andthesouthernoblast,andbroughtbyfarthegreatestcontingentoftroopstothefield.AlthoughnoneofvonKarlsdorf’ssuperiorordnance.‘OnedayIhopetohearRoch’ssecret.’‘Forgiveme,general,butno.ShetravelswithaHerrFelixJaegerwhomweweretoldtoexpect.’‘Oneman?IloseathousandwithoutoncegettingtheenemyinrangeandHelborgsendsmeoneman.’‘Somekindofhero,apparently.SlewagiantinNuln,orsomethinglikethat,allveryinspiring.He

wroteabookaboutit.’‘Justwhatweneed,’mutteredvonKarlsdorf,takinguphiseyeglassanddismissingthemessengerfrom

hissightbeforeheutteredsomethinguncouth.‘Adamnedwriter.’

TheyardbehindJaegersofAltdorfwasdark.Thebuildingwassufficientlylargethatitblockedoutthefewmeansourcesofilluminationfromthesquare,andthefewstructuresontheoppositebankoftheUpperTalabeclookedlongabandoned.Theairtasteddampandrawandtheonlysoundwastheurgentrushofrunningwater,therivertormentingthepilingsofajettywithwhitefoamandfreezingspray.Anunladenriverboatbobbedonabedofseethingbubblesandpulledonitsmoorings.Onthebankbythejettytheunsecuredcornerofacanvassheetflappedwetly,revealingsackuponsack

ofgrain.Fromthebitterodourtheweatherhadsoakedthroughandcausedittospoil.Setbackfromthewater,whatlookedalmostlikearampartofsturdywoodencrateshadbeenthrownupbetweentheriverandthebackofthehouse.Onthesideoftheyardnearestthesidegatewasastableoccupiedbytenslightlymalnourishedhorses.Somethingstilllivedhere.MuzzlespokedinquisitivelyfromthestallsandsnortedhotmistasFelixpassed.Withoutthinkingabout

it,hecaughtoneofthefriendlysnoutsandstrokedthehorse’schin.Itnosedhispalmforfoodand,findingnone,pusheditawaywithadisgruntledsnort.Thispartofthehousewouldhavebeenwheretradesmenandservantshadcomeandgone,where

GustavwouldhavetakenandstoredshipmentsfromAltdorfandelsewherebeforesendingthemon.Heturnedbacktothestables.Thehorsecouldhavebeenfortransportinggoodsorforrunningmessages,orperhapsevenfor

mercenariesonthecompany’sbooks.Felixdidn’treallyknowhowtotellthedifference.Therewasonethinghoweverthathewasgrowingincreasinglysureof.Gustavwasheresomewhere.Itwasthenthatheregisteredalight:atinychinkofitstreamedthroughthecracksinabackdoor.Itwas

whathewascurrentlyseeingby.Awoodenhammerhadbeennailedintothedoorframeandasprigofhawthornloopedaroundthehandle.Felixfrowned.ItseemedalittlepeculiarforhismodernistnephewGustav.Thisdoorwasnotbarred.Heknocked,bringingadrizzleoffineslushfromthenarrowporticoabovehishead.Hehuggedhimself

deeperintohiscloak,hunchedhisshouldersandshiveredagainstthechill.Hewaited,countingheartbeatsunderhisbreathastheechoesoftheknockfadedfromhismind.Noresponse.‘Iknowyou’reinthere,Gustav,’Felixmurmuredtohimself.Theconstantrushofwaterwasstartingtogetonhisnerves.Anoldadventurer’sinstinct.Anyonecould

sneakupbehindhimhereandhe’dneverhearitovertheriver.Uneasy,heglancedoverhisshoulder.Sleetpatteredagainstcanvassheets,theedgesripplinginthewind.Heforcedhimselftotakeadeepbreath.Hewasgettinghimselfworkedupovernothing.Turningbacktothedoor,hesawsomething.Thesliceoflightthatshonethroughthedoorwavered,just

once,asthoughsomeonehadjustpassedbetweenthedoorandtheirlight.Holdinghisbreath,Felixdrewaninchofsteelfromhisscabbardandsteppedback.Hisbreathclungtohisbeardashecarefullywatchednothinghappen.Hewasbeginningtothinkhe’dimaginedit,atrickplayedbyhismovinghead:astraystrandoffringeorablinkatthewrongtime.Thenithappenedagain,followedbytheironmoanofawithdrawinglatchandtheslowgapeofthe

doorasthewindnudgeditopen.Lightspilledoutonabreathofwarm,sweatyair.Felixgruntedasthelighthithisdark-adjustedeyes,watchingthroughnarrowedlidsasthehalf-opendoorswayedbackandforth.‘Gustav?’hesaid,easingKaraghulquietlyfromitssheathas,bladeleading,heshoulderedopenthe

doorandedgedintothehouse.Thefloorboardscreakedunderfoot.Theroomsmelledlivedin,ofbreathandsweatandsaltedmeats.

Thewarmthofafirebroughtashiver.Hiseyeswerestilladaptingtothebrightness,buthehadasenseofspace,ofplasteredwallsstackedwithmoregoodsand,tohisright,asuiteofarmchairssurroundingalowtable.Thefloorboardsgaveanothergroan.Felixfroze.Hehadn’tmoved.Ithadcomefromhisleft,justbesidethedoor.Instinctflunghimbackintothedoorframeasagoldenblurstruckforhischest.Hisswordrosetomeet

it,catchingitwithaclanganddrivingitupintothelintel.AculturedvoicesworelightlyandFelixslidfromunderthedoorframeandbackedintotheroom,tryingtoputthelightbehindhim.Heraisedhisswordtoguard.Hiseyesthrobbed,butheforcedthemtostayopen,hisattackerapainfuloutlinearoundaredglowthatpulledhisswordfromthelintelbeamandcameagain.Felixtwistedandparried.Hecouldn’tsee,buthecoulddothisone-handedinhissleep.Ahengetort

guardcaughthisopponent’sbladelikeamancatchingathrownegg,thentheslightestshiftofbalanceandapushsenttheswordsmanacrosshisbody,andintotheunchivalrouselbowwaitingontheotherside.Theman–fromhisstrengthandthetenorofhisvoice,itwasaman–screamedasFelix’selbow

crackedhischeekbone,andthenlashedoutwithafrenzyofthrusts,slashesandlungingstabsthathadFelixfallingback.Hiseyeshadrecoveredenoughtoglimpseatall,blondmaninlightmailandabluecloak.TheothermanmighthavelackedsomeofFelix’sskill,buthewasstrongerandquicker.HisbladetoowasconsiderablylighterthanKaraghulandmadesharp,incisivelungesoverorunderFelix’sguard,anditwastakingeverythinghehadtokeepup.

Felixgaveground,toobusytonoticethetablebehindhimuntilhiscalveswereupagainstitandhiscountertoabellyslashsenthimcrashingintoit.Shotglassesshatteredunderneathhimandwenttumbling,Felix’sswordwhippingathwarthischestto

interceptadownwardstroke.Felixgruntedastheswordsmanturnedhisheightadvantageintoweightagainstthetwoblades.Inch-by-inchKaraghulsankuntilitwasatFelix’sthroat.Hehadalwaysthoughthisendwouldhavemore…meaning.Withasnarl,hekickedout,makingasatisfyinglymeatycontactwithhisattacker’sgroin,andthen

rolledoffthetableasthedownwardpressureonhisswordrelented.Hehitthefloorboardsinacrunchofshatteredglassfragments,clothesstickingtotheiralcoholglazeasherolledunderit,swordstillinhand,toriseonthefarsidealreadyengarde.Hisassailant,however,hadnotgotup.Theyoungmanlaygroaning,slumpedupagainstoneofthe

armchairswithhisheadontheseatcushionandarapierlooseonthegroundafewfeetaway.Theresemblancetoacertainroguishne’er-do-wellinhisearlytwentieswasstriking:thelongblond

hair,thesharpblueeyesandhardjaw.Allhewasmissingwasthescars.Felixloweredhissword.‘Sigmar’sblood,Gustav!’‘Felix?’saidhisnephew,onehandcuppinghisgroinwhiletheothernursedabruisedjaw.‘Iwas

expecting…someoneelse.Whatareyoudoinghere?’‘Youcalledforme,youdolt,’saidFelix,sheathinghisswordandtryingveryhardnottoshout.‘Monthsago.Ithoughtyouweren’tcoming.’Withapiteousmoan,Gustavmanoeuvredhimselfupoff

thefloorandintothearmchair.Wincing,hefingeredhiscutcheek.‘Don’tbesuchachild,’saidFelix,collapsingintoachairofhisown.‘Womenloveascar.’‘Isthatright?’‘Wasn’titHölderlinwhogavetheclassicstheirfirstimperfecthero?’‘Iwouldn’tknow,’saidGustavsnidely,buthisfingerstreatedthescratchFelixhadgivenhimwithnew

respect.‘Ineverreadthatjingoisticrubbish.’Shakinghisheadinexasperation–andthoughhetriedtomaskit,exhaustion–Felixlookedoverthe

room.Itlookedlikeanoverspillwarehouseandsmelledlikeanaleden.Crateshadbeenstackedhighandpushedupagainstthewalls.Somemadesecondarytables,clutteredwithweaponsandyetmoredrinkingglasses.Afewhadbeenwrenchedopentospillpackingstrawandrevealthegreenishglimmerofunopenedbottles.Afireplacegloweddullyinthewallnearestthechairsandalanternturnedtoitsfullestilluminationblazedfromthemantel.Thetwowindowswerebothboarded.Bythedoor,cloaksandweaponbeltshungfromarowofpegs,enoughforelevenortwelvemen.PinnedtotheneighbouringwallbetweenfourkniveswasaposterthatFelixwasstartingtothinkwouldfollowhimallthewaytoKislev.VictoryintheNorth.SomeonehadscribbledsomethingterriblywittyregardingFelix’smanhoodovertheillustrationofthe

AuricBastionandsomeofthetexthadbeencharredaroundapuncturethatlookedsuspiciouslylikeabullet-hole.‘Thatwasthestaff,notme,’saidGustav.‘SomeofthemareremarkablyliterateforOstermarkers.’‘Theydon’tapprove?’Gustavshrugged,thenwinced,hisexpressionsouringfurther.‘Isupposesomepeoplejustdon’tlike

beingfoistedpaperheroes.’Felixraisedaneyebrow,thenshookhishead.SometimeshealmostgottheimpressionthatGustav

didn’tcaremuchforhisuncle.ThingsmusthavebeenseriousindeedforhimtocallonFelixforhelp.‘Justtellmewhat’sgoingon.Imighthavekilledyou.’‘OrImighthavekilledyou,’Gustavretorted.‘I’vebeenpractisingsincefathersentmenorth.It’snotas

ifthere’smuchelsetodo.’‘Anything’spossible,Isuppose,’saidFelix,droppingapauseandinvitingGustavtofillit.Hisnephewdulyobliged.‘Rochwantsmedead,’hesaidsimply,glancingattheopendoorbeforerisinggingerlytogoandclose

it.Hepeekedoutonelasttimebeforeresettingthelatchandhobblingbacktohischair.‘InoticedthingswereoffassoonasIarrived.Thewholeeasternfrontissuppliedthroughthisoffice,butalmostnothingweshipoutgoeswhereit’ssupposedto.Ihadoneofourownsupplywainsfollowedandfoundthatit’salljustpilingupinsideCastleRackspire.’Gustavgesticulatedtothecrate-blockednorthwall.‘There’sfortythousandmenacrosstheriver,uncle.Oratleastthere’smeanttobe,butwhataretheyeating?Howaretheykeepingwarm?’Felixregardedhisnephewsceptically.Hesupposedheshouldbeflatteredtofindhisownexampleof

cluelessagitationbeingsowellfollowedbythenextgenerationofJaegers.‘Othersuppliers,perhaps?’Gustavgaveamockinglaughthathewasn’tnearlyoldenoughtohaveearned.‘JaegerandSonsowns

thispartoftheEmpire.Grandfathersawtothatafterthelastwar.’‘Stockpiles?Lootfromtheenemy?OrmaybeCommandantRochsimplylikestocontrolhisownsupply

chain.’‘No,no,andno,’Gustavsnarled.‘I’mbeingwatched,Felix,andIcan’tleavethishousewithoutbeing

followed.’‘Soyoustayinthehouse?’Gustavindicatedthepileofgearbythedoor.‘AfterthefirstfewvisitsfromRoch’sgoons,and

particularlyaftertheypromisedtostringmeupoutsidethebathhousewiththebeastmen,Idecidedtohiresomemercenaries.They’reupstairs.’Felixglancedupattheceiling.‘They’renotexactlyrushingtoyourdefence.’Asthoughannoyedbytheobservation,Gustavignoredit.‘Fatherdidaskmetoshowwilling,be

patriotic.Ithoughtraisingmyownfreecompanywouldkilltwobirdswithonestone.’Asanunwelcomeafterthoughtheadded.‘I’msureI’llnotactuallyhavetodoanyfightingwiththem.You’venotseentheAuricBastion.Trustme.Nothing’scomingthroughthat.’‘ForgettheAuricBastion,’Felixcutin.‘Ican’tbelievethatthisRochcouldbe,whatexactly,running

downhisownarmy?Ulrikaspeakshighlyofhim.’‘YouknowGeneralStraghov?’askedGustav,thensmiledlikeamoonstruckyoungswain.Thelookon

hisfaceirritatedFelixmorethanitshould.‘Oldfriends.’‘She’sallright,Isuppose.’Gustavgavearibaldchuckle.‘MorewomanthanI’dexpectfromahorse-

lovingKislevite.’‘She’satleasttwentyyearstoooldforyou,’Felixrepliedsharply.‘Thatkindof“friend”,isshe?Howverybohemianofyou.’Felixgavehisnephewawitheringglare,buthisweddingringfeltsuddenlyverytightaroundhisfinger.Shewaslyingtoyou,youknow.‘Shecameforhelp,that’sall,’Felixexplained,pushingthememoryaside.‘Afriendofourswas

capturedwhentheChaosforcesbrokethroughatAlderfen.’‘Anotherfriend?’saidGustav,sarcastically.‘Howmanyyouseemtohavecollected.’Felixtookadeepbreath.‘WhatcanyoutellmeaboutAlderfen?’‘Notmuch,sofewofthemensentdownrivertoopposethemcameback.I’lltellyouthisthough:Ihope

thatfriendofyourslikessnow,becausehe’snotcomingback.’Helaughedlikeacondemnedmanwho’djustseenthemanaheadtriponhiswaytothegallows.‘Youdon’tjustwalkacrosstheAuricBastion.It’s

notsomeglitteringportcullisintheskythatakindlywizardwillraiseforyouifyouasknicely.It’ssohighthateventheenemy’swingedmonsterscan’tcrossit.’Hesignedthehammeracrosshischest,thenknockedsuperstitiouslyonthetabletop.‘PraiseSigmar.’‘PerhapsIshouldgoandseeit,’Felixmused.‘Don’tbesobrazenlyheroic,uncle.I’vejusteaten.’LeveringhimselffromtheclutchesofGustav’sarmchair,Felixstoodandflexedthestiffnessfromhis

muscles.Theyweren’tusedtotheexertion.PerhapsheshouldthankGustavforthewarm-up.Smilingatthethoughtofhowwellthatconversationwouldgodown,hewalkedtooneofthebrokencratesandtookacoupleofbottles.Theglasswasaseaweedgreenandunlabelledbutjudgingfromthesmellthatstillclungtohiscloak

afterfallinginatablefulofthestuff,itwassomelocalvarietyofpearschnapps.Hesnuckthetwobottlesunderhisarmasheopenedthedoor.HedoubtedCommandantRochwouldmissthem,andhe’dnotbeenabletoenjoyaproperdrinksincehislastnightinAltdorf.Hesighed.Perhapsitwastheyoungman’sresemblancetohowFelixstillpicturedhimself.Ormaybeitwasthe

thoughtofKat,herlie,thathewouldnothaveachildtoraiseinhisownlikeness.Whateverthereason,heheldthedooropenandturnedback.‘Areyoucoming?’

Ulrika’sblackcoachfollowedtherisingtrailasitwoundintotheWorldsEdgeMountains.Theiron-shodwheelsbrokerutsintobrownslushandsentscreescramblingdownthescarptothecanopyofsprucethatclungtothefoothillsfar,farbelow.Ulrikalistenedtotheechoesoftheirfall,andtotheassurancesthatDamirmutteredlikeamantratothehorses.Theskywasgreyenoughthatshecouldtravelunveiledandwithhercurtainsdrawn,albeitinsomediscomfort.Shecouldfeelthesunbehindtheclouds,asonewouldfeelapyrethroughablindfold.Butitwasworthitfortheview,whichwasnothingshortofspectacular.ThegrandmightofOstermarklaybeforeher,afloodofburgundyandgold.Shecouldpickoutthe

stitchingofeveryepauletteandcockadeamongstthosetensofthousands,butthegloriouscolourofitallwassomethingshecouldnowonlyinferfrommemoryandfromthedimhuesthatherinhumaneyesperceived.Thearmywascampedinaroughbattleformationaroundaseriesoffortifiedearthworksandthepre-existingcreasesofthedrystonewallsthatcriss-crossedtheveldtofKislev’ssouthernhinterlands.Therewerehundredsofregimentsdownthere.Dozensofgeneralsflewtheircoloursoverthesleetandmud.LikeanyhonestKislevite,shehadusedtojokeatthevirilityofSigmar’sEmpire,buthadsomeonesuggestedtoherthenthattheEmperor’spoorestprovincecoulddeploysuchaforceshewouldhavelaughedtwiceashard.Attheheartoftheaggregatedformationswasaknolltoppedbyanancient-lookinghengethather

peoplehadcalledTrzySiostry.Thestandingstoneswerecloakedinblacksootfromthemortarsdugintothesurroundinghills.Theengulfmentoftheoldbythenew.WizardsintherobesoftheGoldandtheLightCollegesheldalternatepositionswithinthehenge,acircleofmenwithinthatcircleofstones,hazedbyincenseandaethyricpower.Aroundthem,warriorpriestsandtheiracolyteschantedinunisonwiththemages.Likehermaker,AdolphusKrieger,Ulrikawasmasterofonlythebarerudimentsofsorcery.Hernew

masterhoweverhadencouragedthedevelopmentofthosetalentsandthroughtheeyesofheraethyricselfshesawthemagicdrawnfromthehengelikewaterfromawell.ThepoweroftheLightbroughtitfromtheearth.ThealchemyoftheGoldtransformedit,meldeditwiththeincantationsoftheclergytoturnitintosomethingholy,andsenttheproductfloodingnorth.

TotheAuricBastion.Lessawallthanamountaindraggedoutoftheveryearth,itwasinvincible.Eventhewindsofmagic

themselveswereblocked.ThegroundbeforeitwasbareofsnowandthebannersoftheOstermarkersflaccidforwantofabreezefromthenorth.Itcouldnotbebreached,couldnotbeoverflown,andsuchwasitsscalethatitwouldhavetakenaspelloftrulyapocalypticproportionstomakesomuchasacrack.Itexudedaveryreal,visceralkindofholinessand,inspiteoftheenchantmentswovenaroundhercoach,UlrikafeltasifshewereinthepresenceofGhalMarazitself.EversinceNagash’sdefeattoSigmar,andthecursethattheGreatNecromancerthenlaiduponallvampire-kindforrefusingtoaidhim,theHeldenhammer’spowerovertheArisenhadbeenstrong.Therepulsionfromthatbarrierofforceblockedevenhermaster’sattemptsatscrying.AndyetUlrikaknewthatMaxwasalive.TheyhadaconnectionthatshecouldtraceallthewaybacktoPraagwhenhismagichadpurgedher

thenmortalbodyofplague.Apartofhimhadremainedwithhereversince.Ithadoutliveddeath,enduredevenasherperceptionofcolour,herinternalorgans,andallotheraffectionshadwithered.PerhapsitwasthenatureofthemagicfortheLightwas,ofcourse,alwaysanathematothedark.Shethoughtshelovedhim.HermastermighthavehadonlyapassinginterestinMax’swelfare,buttoUlrikathewizardwas

almostasimportantastheirothergoals.Nothinglessthansavingtheworld.Oratleastpreservingit.TherisingtrailturnedintowardstheWorldsEdgeMountains,robbingUlrikaofherviewandpushing

herintoherseatastheascentsteepened.AheadroseRackspire.ItwasablacktalonofvolcanicrockthatjuttedfromtheWorldsEdgeMountains

likeavestigialclaw.Itsbattlementsstuddedtheflanksofthemountainsthemselves.Fromcasematesofhewnstonestub-nosedcannonwereangledontothetrailandscarletbannersflutteredfromtheturrets,buttherewerenoguardsthatUlrikacouldperceive.Atleastnonewithabeatingheart.Thetrailterminatedatastark,granitegatehouse.Thegateswereopenandtheportcullisraised,butthe

edificewasfarfromwelcoming.Theironspikesatthebaseoftheportcullisresembledavampire’sfangs.ThehorsesrespondedtoDamir’sgoadingtodrawthecoachintothebarbican’scoldthroat.Ulrikafeltthenocturnalflutterofnervousbutterflies.Anacceptanceofone’spowercamewiththeacuterealisationofone’splaceinthescaleofsuchpowers.AndUlrikawasbutaninfantcomparedtothedarkmajestythatnowmasqueradedasthelate

CommandantRoch.

‘Mydoomisathand,’whisperedDurinDrakkvarr,eyesclosedasifinprayer.HisfacehadtakenasecondlayeringofmuckfromthemaltreatedportionoftheUnderwaytheynowtravelled.Heranhisfingersoverhisfacetore-exposetheligament-likelinesofhisdaemontattoos.‘BythefaceoftheDestroyer,bythecomingEndTimes,grantthisdwarfaswiftandbloodydoom.’‘Notsokeenatthefrontthere,’Krakkigrumbledfromtherearofthecolumn.Thewayhistorchlight

deepenedtheshadowsofDurin’sfacemadetheDaemonslayerlooklikeadwarfburiedwithinanotherdwarf.Krakkiclearedhisthroat,suddenlynervous.‘You’llmaketherestofuslookbad.’Durinreturnedthelaughterwithahollowstare.Heflexedhisfingersandstaredathishandsasthough

marvellingatthem.‘Canyounotfeelit?Theendisnigh.’‘Beastmen,’saidSkalfwithashortnod,thenpointedforward.‘Ahead.’‘Snorrithinksweshouldallstoptalkingaboutitthen,’Snorrisnapped,tryingandfailingtoforgetabout

thebeerstrappedtoKrakki’sback.‘Heedlessormeasured,Snorri,thesearetheEndTimes,’saidSkalf.‘Adoomwillfindusallhowever

weseekit.’‘Aye,’KrakkimurmuredwithoutconfidencebeforetakingadeepbreathandturningtoDurin.‘Sochuff

offaboutyours.’Drawinghisaxe,Durinsmiledcoldly,thensaidnothingandwalkedaway.‘Idon’tlikehim,’saidKrakki,pullingaface‘That’sSnorri’sremembereryou’retalkingabout,’saidSnorri.‘Idonotlikeanyone,’saidSkalf.‘Andthey,intheirwisdom,donotlikeme.YouareSlayersandall

thatmattersisyouroathstoGrimnir,tome,andtoGorlin.’Henoddedattheyoungrunesmithashepassed,burdenedbyhisheavypackandwalkingwiththeaidofhisstaff.ThethinoldSlayer,Drogun,andaposseofshortbeardsstucktohimlikerust.BigBrockBaldurssonmarchedwithagravenscowl,axeberthedagainsthisshoulderandeyesfixedforwardasthoughdeterminedtoignorethedrippingwallsthatevidenceddwarfishdeclineintheirownformerdomain.‘Guardtherunesmithwithyourlivesandtherestwillfollowasdirtfollowsdigging.’Krakkidrewanoisybreathandpulledonafistspike.Amailsheaffelldownhisforearmtohisbicep.

Afterjiggingituntilthemailwasfreeofkinksandcomfortable,headjustedhisshouldersintohisbeerharness.Snorrismackedhislips.Hehadtoforcehimselftoswallowandworksomesalivaontohistonguebeforehecouldspeak.‘Thatlooksheavy.’AsorrygrinpartedKrakki’sbeard.‘Ishould’veknownyouweren’tstickingaroundatthebackformy

company.’‘Justalittle.Snorrionlywantsonemouthful,hepromises.’Krakkisighed,shouldersslumpingundertheirload.‘IthinkSkalfpulledacrueloneonyou,Snorri,I

do,butanoathisanoath.’Thedwarflookedhurt,despitehisgrin,andsuddenlySnorrididn’tfeelsothirstyanymore.Hehadhurtenoughfriends.Herememberedthatmuch.‘IsuggestyoustandbyDurinratherthanme,’Krakkiwenton.‘Heseemsintentonafastdoomforyou

both.’

Theblackcoachclatteredthroughthelonggreytunnelofthebarbicanandoutontoacobbledbailey.Ahead,encircledbyanaturalchasm,wastheruggedkeepofRackspireitself.Itwasbuilthighontoaknuckleofrock,toweringhighenoughoveritsmountainousfortificationstograntaviewovertheAuricBastionitselfandintotheheartlandsofhome.Onaclearday,hermastercouldseeallthewaytoKislevCity.Ulrikalookedinsideofherself,expectingtobemovedbythethoughtofhome,buttherewasnothing,justavagueemptinessthatshefeltthatsheshouldfill.Thecoachcontinuedovertheunevencobblestowardsthechasm-spanningdrawbridgethatledontothe

keep.Ulrikasensedthegraniteintegrityoftheouterwallsencloseher.Theyweremassive,almostdwarfish

intheruggednessoftheirconstruction,andstruckfrommountainsidetomountainsideinaroughdiamondaroundthekeep.ThebrightcoloursofOstermarkflutteredthroughthesleetingrain,interspersedwithbannersbearinga

heraldrythatamanofthisprovincewouldhavetostudyfarindeedtorecognise.Themotifwasunusualandchilling:asnarling,inhumanskull,wingedlikeabatanddisplayeduponafieldofblood-redcloth.Beneaththeirbanners,shadowedfigureswereslumpedontheparapet.Ulrika’sdark-piercingvisionpickedouthalberdsandcrossbows,butnotabreathofmovement,notaglimmerofwarmth.TheyweremeatwrappedinOstermarklivery.

BesidesDamirandhishorses,notasingleheartbeat.Theprevailingsenseofemptinessonlyservedtoemphasiseasenseofwhatshecouldonlydescribeas

omniscienceasitclosedaroundthecoach.Ulrikafeltherhairsrise.‘Welcomeback,Ulrika.’Theurbanevoicespokedirectlyintoherthoughts,wordsrushingthroughthebloodvesselsofherbrain.

Itwasculturedtothepointofantiquity,theancientrootsofanaccentdiscernibleonlytoafellowchildofthesteppewhoknewwheretolook.Thecasualdisplayofpowerwasastonishing.Ulrikahadlastimbibedhermaster’sbloodbeforeshehadleftforAltdorf,anditremainedstrong.Therecollectionmadehermouthache.ThiswashowDamirfeltwhenshewenttoolongwithout

bleedinghim.Themonsterwithinherbareditsfangsandannounceditshunger.ThiswaswhatKriegerhadfeltwhenhehadbeentrappedinPraagthelasttimeChaoswaxed.‘ThelifebringermarchesontheAuricBastionaswespeak.Everythingispreparedforhim.Forus.’Ulrikapeeredthroughthewindowofhercoach,studyingRackspire’sdistantpinnacle.OnethingFelix

hadthusfarfailedtorealisewasthattogetintoKislev,theAuricBastionwouldfirsthavetocomedown.SheconsideredthecountlessthousandsofcurrentlylivingOstermarkersinthepathoftheChaoshordeontheveldtbelow.Andstillshefeltnothing.

Kislevwasalive,andithadbecomealandofsurpassingbeauty.Gonewerethefieldsofgrainandbarley,theirmonotonyofcolourandform.Gonetoowerethementhathadgrownthem,thelivestocktheyhadfed,thevermintheyhadharboured.Intheirplacehadcomelife.Mileuponinfinitelydiversemileofbeastmen,maraudersandChaoswarriorsclamouredunderthe

fallingsnow.Armourofeverytype.Fleshofeveryhue.Horns.Hooves.Tentacles.Claws.Everytwistedpossibilityofcreationwashereandhereforbattle.Theroarfromsomanydivergentvarietiesofthroatwasallconsumptive,athunderousoutpouringofadulationtotheirchampionsandtheirgods.Thesoundofonenameroseaboveallothers.HewastheconquerorofKislev.‘Helbrass!’Wherethebareopal-colouredfleshofhisfeetfell,thesnowmeltedandbirthedflowers.Theveryair

aroundhimcrackledwithanauroraofchangelingenergy.Itfizzedandpopped,spontaneousgenerationsummoningiridescentdragonfliesthathummedaheadofhispathlikeevangeliststoaneworder.Hisplatearmourmetthecolour-shiftoftheAuricBastionwitharainbowiridescenceofpossibilities.Throughtheeyeslitsofhishelmhestudiedtheedifice’sartificialwrongness.Itwasabarrier,andlifesufferednobarrier.Lifewoulddig,itwouldbore,itwouldlearnhowtofly.Andhoweverdistantitsbars,AekoldHelbrasswouldnotexistwithinacage.HehadbrokenfreeoftheTrollKing.Hewouldbreakthis.WatchingthelegionscrushedagainsttheBastion’sbasewaslikewatchingantsatwork.Fromthe

mutatedgiantsbatteringitwithmassiveuprootedtrees,throughthesorcerersbeseechingtheaidoftheinfernal,totheharpiesthatscreechedtheirfrustrationsfromthecloudsitwasindividuallychaotic,butcollectivelydriven.Astaccatostringofconcussivescreamsresoundedovertheplainasthedaemon-possessedhellcannonofaChaosDwarfcontingentblastedthebarrier.Fromtheforesttothewest,beastmenlockedhornsandfoughtfortherighttoentertheancientdwarftunnelwaytheyhaduncoveredthere.Perhapsthetunnelsevenledsomewhere?Helbrasswasnotomniscient.Therewasnopurposebeyondtheeffortalone.OneamongstthelegionsorcererspausedinherincantationsasHelbrassapproached.Beneathalong,

decorativesilkrobesheworeplatemailthecolourofroseswithmouldingsedgedingold,eachpiecestylisedintotheformofandrogynousfiguresthatseemedtowritheinorgiasticembrace.ShewasflankedbyanhonourguardoffleshypinktrollsaccoutredinstylisedChaosarmourandwithfixedexpressionsofexistentialwonder.ThecoloursofHelbrass’sarmourblurredintoredashegroundhisbarehandsintofists.Hehatedtrollswithapassion.‘Helbrass,’moanedthesorceressasifpleasuredbythemeresoundofhervoice.‘Ihaveclaimedthis

partofthewallformyown.WhenitfallsitshallbethenameofPorphyrytheUnchastethattheysing:conquerorofthePalaceofFlesh,survivoroftheTrialofTwelvePleasures,defileroftheflowerofKislev.’Extendingahand,sheplanteditflatagainstthesheerstoneoftheAuricBastionandproducedasmilethatcouldhavecorruptedadeadman.‘Istandcorrected,’Helbrassbowed.‘Itisyours.’Porphyrylaughed,thensuddenlycriedoutasaspasmodicwavewrackedherbody.Thelife-giving

powerofChangecrackledthroughher.Herthighsbulgedandpushedherfeetintotheearth.Knotsformedinherperfectfleshasithardened,cracked,andbirthednewlifeintheformofbudsandflowers.Hermouthopenedtoscream,butratherthanahumanvoicethereemergedagreenshootthat,asifdrawnbysomesustenanceotherthansunlight,whippedintotheAuricBastionwithagreatsplinteringofstone.PorphyrytheUnchastegaveonelastmoanasthelastplatesofChaosarmourwerepushedasideandmorequestingshootsforcedtheirwaythrough.Lifewasemergent.Thehumblestfunguswouldtunnelthroughthemightiestwall.Forfood,forshelter,

andoftenforthesimpleimperativeofexpansion.ItwasbettertoblossomastheflowerofChaosthantotoilinthecagesofPraag.Hecouldnotdefeat

theTrollKing,buthehadescapedhim,smashedtheIceQueen,torndownherOghamstones,andgiftedeverymagicianthathisformercaptorcravedaninvigorativenewform.TheUnchastegaveazoeticpulse,apushoflabourthatthrustsquirminghyphaeintothewall.Rock

groaned,andthentheAuricBastionbegantosplit.Helbrassdrewhisweapon,thetwo-handedbroadswordnamedWindblade.Thecracksrosehigherand

sodidthepitchofhislaughter.‘Lettherebelife.’

SEVENTheBattleofTrzySiostry

‘Heldenhammerhelpusnow,’breathedGustavJaeger,hiswirymaresprayingtoahaltontheblackslushroadnorthoftheTalabecBridgecrossing.EveryoneknewthatSigmarwouldreturnforthefinalbattle.The‘now’wastobeseechhisaidearly

and,oncurrentevidence,appearedtoFelixcompletelysuperfluous.Acrossthelow,battlement-crustedhillsoftheEmpire’snorthernfront,menclimbedfromtheirtents,

loweredtheirweapons,andstaredupwardsindisbelief.TheAuricBastionwasamountain.Ithadstoodinviolateforayear.Anditwascomingdown.Thecreakofwildrootsandsplittingstoneresoundedovertheplain.Itwaslouderthanthunder,as

thoughtheearthhadbeenturneddownsideupandthenwrenchedasunder.Aclutchofgargantuanvinesrippedthroughthesurfaceofthestone.Thornslikedragons’teethbitintothewallastheChaosvinesstrovehigher,throwingoutwaxyleaveswiththespanofgalleons’sailstobatboulder-sizeddebrisoutoverthedumbstruckImperiallines.Hornsbegantosoundoffasbouldershammereddownontheforwardpositionslikemeteors.Menwere

crushedandwagonssmashedtosmithereens,stretchesofdrystonewallasoldasthebordersoftheEmpirewerereducedtoflyingrubbleunderthesheertonnageofrock.Intothescreamsofconfusionandpaincametheharpies.Likeacloudofbeesreleasedfromthenetherreachesofhell,theyswarmedthroughtheAuricBastion’s

breach,cacklingandgambollingbetweenthepulsingvinestowardstheartillerybatteriesonthesurroundinghills.Atoncefeminineandmonstrous,theysweptdownonthosemenforcedfromcoverbytheprecedingbarragetohoistthemscreamingintotheair.Asputterofhandgunfirepepperedthecloud,afutilegestureofdefiancecomparedtotheshriekingoftheharpiesandthecontinualgut-rumbleoffissuringrock,butthewallofmusket-shotwasenoughtodrivetheflockfromthebatteries.Shriekingintotheblackpowderthunder,theswarmspiralledintodozensofsplinterflocksthattoreacrosstheImperiallines.Mencriedout,ducked,thosethatdidn’tsnatchedupbyclawedhandsanddroppedfromagreatheight.Matchlockscrackled,thesparkofignitionsripplingbackacrossthebattlelines.Andthencametherest.Felixhadseenanddonetoomuchtofullyshareinhisnephew’shorror,butevenhefoundhimself

shapingthehammeracrosshischestandmouthingaprayerforMorrtowelcomehissoultothegardenofthedead.Ashewatched,agiantsomuscularandoiledthathegleamedkickedhiswaythroughthevine-chokedrubbleoftheAuricBastionlikealivingbatteringram.Horsemeninthickfurswavedstubspearsabovetheirheadsandyappedlikewilddogs,pushingtheirmountspastthestridinggiantuntilthey

foamedatthemouth.Beautifuldaemon-womenwithpincerclawskeptpaceonloping,two-leggedsteedswhilestrangestingray-likecreaturessoaredoverhead,wingsripplingontheinvisiblecurrentsofmagicthroughwhichtheyswam.Likeamancomingaroundtofindtherealityofwakinginfinitelyworsethanhisnightmares,thefirst

cannonroared,thenanother,theartillerycrumpshoutingdowntherattleofhalberds,spears,ahundredbanners,andthecriesoffortythousandOstermarksoldiers.Felix’sheartliftedtoseemenofhisEmpirerespondtothehelloftheEndTimeswithsuchstubbornnessandcourage.HewishedGotrekwasheretoseethemettleofmen.TheSlayerwouldhavelovedthis.‘Gustav.RidebacktoBadenhof,andquickly.’‘You’llgetnoargumentfromme,’Gustavreturned.Hehadoneofabraceofpistolsdrawnandtracked

theswoopingofthenearestharpiesanxiously.‘Butwhatareyougoingtodo?’FelixsmiledwrylyashedrewKaraghul.Sigmar,butthatfeltgood.Eventheknotofpre-battlejittersin

hisbellyfeltasfamiliarasanoldpairofshoesorapoemthathehadwrittenasachildandthoughtforgotten.Bretonniaburned,Kislevwasgone,theEndTimeswerehereanddamnitifitwaspridefulbutFelixJaegerhadplayedsomepartorotherineverymajorconflictofthelasttwentyyearsandhewasn’tabouttostartsittingoutnow.‘WhatIcameto.’‘Yourealisehowridiculousyousound.ThisiswhatcomesofreadingvonDiehl.’AvastwedgeofChaosinfantryandmonstershademergedfromtheruinsoftheAuricBastionandwas

chargingafterthegianttowardsthefortifiedbutclearlydoomedvillagebetweenthemandthemainImperialpositions.UlrikahadcalleditKurzycko.Fromtheshapeofthebattlelinesandthecontoursofthevariousgunemplacementsandearthworks,it

wasclearthatthiswas–ifitcouldbecalledthat–somekindofidealisedscenario.TheEmpire’scommandershadanticipated,andcorrectly,thatthefirstobjectiveoftheChaoshostwouldbetotakethestandingstonesfromwhichtheirwizardssummonedtheAuricBastion.Theenemymarchedunderawitheringenfiladeofcrossbowandhandgunfire,buyingeveryfootwithahundredlives.Mortarshellswhistledoverheadtodetonateinplumesofdirtandfire.AsFelixwatched,aHelblastervolleygunsitedwithinadrystonebastiononahillocktothesideoftheadvanceunleashedallninebarrelsinacycloneofashandthunder.Onethingwasclearfromtheexplosionsandthescreams.Itwasnotenough.Forasecond,FelixwantedtosendGustavoffwithamessageforKat.Nothingcomplicated,justthathe

lovedherandhadbeenthinkingaboutherattheend.Forsomereasonthough,hedidn’t,insteadspurringthehorseGustavhadlenthimontowardsKurzycko.Becausehestillwasn’tsurethateitherwasentirelytrue.

GunnerHeissoftheNulnartillerymendetachmentdrewasidethestrawgabionthatblockedtheembrasureofthedrystonebastionandyelledrangeanddistance,resortingtomiming‘up’and‘down’andindicatingyardageonhisfingers.TheChaoshordemadesuchadinitwasasifthebastionhadbeenfloodedwithscreams.Bycomparison,theringingreportoftheHelblasterwithwhichtheirowngreatcannonsharedaberthwasashomelyassongsonSigmarstag.Throughthenarrowslitsinthewalls,bothcrewstrackedthemonstrouspink-skinnedgiantstriding

towardsKurzycko.Itsbaldheadrosealmostlevelwiththebastiononitshill,inducinghandgunfiretosnapacrossfromthestake-linedpicketbelowit.‘Range,ninetyfeet.Windspeed,eighteenknots.Twodegreesdown.’Noonecouldhearhim,butHeiss

screameddirectionsanywayoutofhabit,thenyankeddownhisfistandthrewhimselfflatagainstthe

wall.‘Fire!’

Ulrikawatchedfromthebackofagallopingwhitestallionasaterrificexplosionblastedthegiant’sheadfromitsshoulders.Bloodspoutedfromflapsoffleshthatmomentsbeforehadbeenpartofaneckandthemonsteryawedover,crushingdozensandsendingashockwavethroughthegroundthatsenthundredsmoreflying.‘Gospodarinyi!’TheUngolwarriorscheeredtoseethemonsterfall.Forgetforamomentthattherewereascoreworse

horrorsinitswake:nockanotherarrow,haveanotherdrink,fortodayitdidnotmatter.Damirholleredwiththem,standinginthestirrupsandridingwithnohandslikeacircusperformerashepumpedhisfiststoencouragethemtoshoutlouder.Andahundredhorse-archersfromthenorthernoblastofKislev–allthatsheandhermasterhadbeen

abletosavebeforetheAuricBastionhadbeenconjured–couldmakeonehellofadin.Ulrikawishedshecouldappreciateitmore.TheUngolswerewarriorsborn,andcommandingtheminsuchabattleshouldhavebeenasingular

thrill.Everythingwasasshecravedit:enemiestofight,afinehorsebeneathherandthesoilofKislevbeneathhim.ShewasoneoftheArisen,reborntowar.Shecouldfeelthewindsofmagicwheretheyflowed,couldtrackthepathofdaemonsbythesourtaste,andcouldforetelltheebboffortunebythewaveringofmen’shearts.Inherpearl-whitehalf-platearmourshefeltinvincible.Itwasheavierthanamortalknightcouldwear

andstillfunction,andhadbeenspeciallystrengthenedaroundtheheartandthethroatwiththevulnerabilitiesofavampiricwarriorforefrontintheartificer’sthinking.Shewouldhavesleptinitifshecould.TheoldleathersshehadtravelledinfromAltdorfhadbeenforFelix’sbenefitandnow,withbattlelooming,hehadmanagedtowanderoff.Hadshenotexplainedoftenenoughthatsheneededhim?Hergreatwhitechargerthunderedthroughthesleet,dropletslashingUlrika’sfaceasshecasthernose

sidetosideinsearchofFelix’sscent.Sheknewhisbodyinsideandout.Shehadjustspentthelastfourweeksaloneinacarriagewithhim.Allsheneededwasatraceandshecouldtrackhimacrossmountainsandoceans.There!Ulrikareinedwithacurse,wheelingthebrayingstallionaroundtofaceKurzycko.‘Felix,youidiot!Doyoudothesethingsonpurpose?’‘Whereareyougoing,Ulrika?’Thevoicerushedthroughhermind.‘Myforcesawaityoutotheeast.

AllIloseheretodaywillbefornothingifyoudonotmakeittoPraag.’Ulrikasnarled,butshehadnopowertodenyhermasteraccesstohermind.‘Iwillnevermakeitback

withoutFelix.Youknowthat.’ThehowlsoftheChaoshordeandtheboomoftheEmpire’sgunsfilledtheair.Ulrikafeltthetingleof

theircollectiveroaruponherskin,liketherememberedsenseofwalkinginfromthecoldandstandingtooclosetothefire.Theenemyweresonumerousthattheylookedmorelikesomemetallicoilthathadrisenfromthehillsthananassemblageofindependentmenandbeasts.Theywereatidalwave.Theycouldonlybemitigated,notreasonedwithandcertainlynotstopped.Theywereaforceofnaturethatsheandhermasterhadpermittedtobeunleashed.Asshewatched,Roch’statteredregimentsredeployedtoopposethem.No,nottooppose.Theirranks

musteredtotheflanksofKurzycko,asiftochanneltheChaoslegionsrightdownontoitandawayfrom

otherpartsofthefield.Suchastheeast.‘Youcannotprevailagainstwhatiscoming.’‘Damir,’shecalled.Herthrallsankintothesaddleandreinedinbesideher,awidegrinonhiswizened

chestnutface.Ulrikapointedtothefareastofthebattlelinewhereabattalionsometwothousandstrongofheavyinfantryanddemilancercompanieswaitedoutthefightingwithaninhumandetachment.ThecrimsonbannersofCommandantRochflutteredinthewind.‘Carryonasplanned.Iwilljoinyoushortly.’‘Don’taskmetoleaveyou,’saidDamir.Inspiteofhisroughfeaturesandcolourfulsteppe-warrior

garbhelookedaslostasapuppy.Ulrikawasremindedwhyshehadalwaysresistedthekeepingofthralls.Baringherfangs,shedrewa

long,slightlycurvedsabrefromitssaddlesheath.‘Don’tmakemeaskyouagain.’

ThefuryoftheEndTimesboredownonthewallsofKurzycko.Itsbattlementsflaredwithhandgunfire.Atrainedarquebusiercouldmaketwoshotsinaminute,threeifhewasparticularlyskilled,andthetwohundredsoldierswiththeirthickburgundyhauberks,slashedsleeves,andbandoliersstuffedwithmunitionswerethebestleftinOstermark.Ironpelletspunchedthroughbone,steel,andChaosplate,andbrickbybleedingbrickassembledawallofcorpsesfivefeethigh.Kurganberserkersclamberedoverit.Mutatedogressmasheditdownbeforetheytoowereriddledwithshot.Mortarroundsblastedwholesectionstopieces.WhetheritwasthefrustrationsofbeingheldbehindtheAuricBastionforsolongbeingunleashedor

somemadnessthatcamewiththeworshipofChaos,theypushedon,undaunted.Cannonandhandgunfireblisteredtheemplacementsofthesurroundinghillsandearthworks.‘Reload,’roaredGunnerHeissovertheringinginthecannoncrew’sears,wavinghishandinacircle

abovehishead.Turnitaround.Quickly.Quickly.Thegreatcannonwashauledbackonitstracksuntilthechainsonitscarriageyankedtaut.Acrewman

rammedaspongedownthemuzzletocleantheinsideofthebarrelwhileasecondfetchedpowder.Thespongewasremoved,powderpouredinsidefollowedbywaddingandthenathirdmantippedinthecannonball.Ithitthewaddingwithadullthunkandthefourthandfinalcrewmenrammedittight.Thenallfourmenputtheirshoulderstothewheelsandheaveditbackintofiringposition.Heisswithdrewthegabionfromtheembrasure,thenscreamedasatorrentofflamejettedthroughtheslitandimmolatedthetophalfofhisbody.HarpiesshriekedoverheadastheChaosdragon,Kalybross,thumpedintothehillock,warbledlikea

strangledchild,andthendemolishedtheentirebastionwithaswipeofitsclaws.Menandtheirmachinesscattereddownthehillside.Kalybrossbeatitswingsforliftbeforewashingapartinggoutofdirtyredflameovertheterrifiedarquebusiersonthehill.Armourmeltedandfleshburned,powdercartridgesignitedlikebonespoppinginafire.Praaghadbeentoosmall,andtheTrollKingtoopatientinthegatheringofhismonstroushost.

KalybrosscravedconquestandwithHelbrasshewouldhaveit.Asibilantchucklerippledalongthedragon’slongneckasitlauncheditsbulkintotheairandswooped

onKurzycko.

CraeloftheBlueWolfsprintedaheadofhiswarband.Sleetbeatoffhisbarechest.Arrowsandsolid-shotrainedfromthefrontandfrombothsides,deliveringdeathwiththedistanthandofgods.TheZaroftheBlueWolvesdrovehimselfthroughthestormwitharoarandlaunchedhimselfontotheraggedblock

ofstinking,blood-soakedhalberdierslikethewolfintowhichtheChangerhadremadehim.Theydidn’treact,ordidsotooslowly,halberdsjerkingaboutlikebadclockworktoysasCrael’saxes

wenttowork,tearingoutjugulars,splittingbelliesandseveringlimbs.Therewaslittleblood.Eventheirgutsflowedsluggishly.Theystankofemptiedbowelsandrot.AwarriorwhoseweaponarmCraelhadjustseveredstumbledaroundafterhim,moaned,andthenlungedtotakeabiteoutofhisneck.Thewalkingdead.Thesouthmenweredesperateindeed.Withascissoringmotionofhisaxes,theZarbeheadedthedeadthing.‘Helbraaaaassss!’hehowled,cryingtotheChaosmoon,asthefastestofhiswarbandcaughtupand

ploughedintothehalberdiers.‘Archaon!’camethereturn.‘Tchar!’NomancouldstandagainsttheonslaughtoftheBlueWolves,butthedeadfoughtonevenastheywere

tornlimbfromlimbandwithheartsimpaledonblood-soakedadzes.Thechargeslowed,boggeddowninastewofentrailsandcoldbodies.Clammy,rot-softenedsoldierspressedhimfromallsides.Withasnarlofanimalrage,Craeldroveforward:theWolfofTcharwouldriphimselfapathinthe

dankbloodofthedead!Aheavybladeswungforhim.Heduckedandsmashedthecorpse’sheadfromitsshoulders.Thegraveheldnofearsforoneofthegods’immortals.Hepouncedonanother,splittingitsskullandspillingitscoldbrainsoverthesnow.Hegaveatriumphanthowlthathiswarbandpickedup.Theplainstotheeastofthesouthmanvillagelayopen.Onlyahandfulofzombiesandasinglewoman

stillstoodinhisway.Shewasslender,inthewayofsouthernwomen,andpaleasbonecarvedfromtheearthbyawinterstorm.Shewasgarbedinadresssowhiteitwasalmosttranslucentandseemedtosinkawaythroughtheearthatherfeet.Craelbaredhisteethandadvanced.Thewomansmiledback,spreadingherarmsasiftowelcomehim.Asshedidso,shefloatedaninch

fromtheground,thehemofherdressfallingpastherfeet.Herhairbillowedaroundherlikethemoon’shalo,skinseemingtowitherandretreatintoacruelmaskthathadbeenblackenedasifbyawitch’scurse.Eyesocketsblazeddiamondblueas,stillsmiling,thebansheetookadeepbreath.

Thebanshee’sscreamturnedhairwhiteandsentshiversthroughmen’sheartsasfarawayasWilhelmshügel.‘Sigmar’sblood,’breathedGeneralvonKarlsdorfasthemalignantpulseshockedthroughtheflanksof

theChaoscharge.Afteramoment’shesitation,pridetrumpedfearandheraisedhiseyeglass.Themotiveblurfocused

ontoapalefigure,etherealasstarlight,andsurroundedbywizenedandlifelesscorpses.OnlytheirfursandbarbariantrophyringsidentifiedthemasKurgan.Hewatchedinhorrorassomeofthembegantotwitch,atrophiedmusclesstrugglingtograspdeadmen’sweaponsandriseagain.Withtremblingfingers,heloweredtheglass.Ostermarkhadhershareofhorrors,butneverwouldhehaveexpectedtoseethelivingandthedead

side-by-sidethissideoftheSylvanianborder.Theallianceswemustmake,hethought,wondering,notforthefirsttime,whoRochhadsoldhissoul

to.Reachingintohisburgundygreatcoathepulledoutasilverhipflaskfilledwithaliquorthenativescalledgorilka.Heswirleditscontentswithouttheslightestintentionofopeningit.Dimly,hishearingvirtuallyobliteratedbythepoundofmortars,hebecameawarethatthegunshad

stopped.Thegunnerysergeantinchargeturnedtohimwithsmoky,bloodshoteyes.‘Whatshouldwefireat,general?’VonKarlsdorfstaredattheReiklanderasthoughhehadbeenreplacedbyavillageimbecile.

‘They’reinEmpirecolours,aren’tthey?Sofireattheblastednorthmen.’

Felixscreamedasthebansheewailpiercedhismindandstrippedyearsfromhisbody.Hefeltthelinesinhisfacedeepenwhilenewoneswereetchedintohisskin.Hishairwhitened,theworldbeginningtoturngreyuntilhescrunchedhiseyesshuttoblockitout.Thehandsclampedoverhisearsbegantoshakeasmuscleswitheredandjointsswelled.Thehorsebeneathhimfalteredandribsstartedtopokethroughagainsthisknees.Thiswasit.ThiswashowKathadfeltunderthetouchofthelichemaster.Felixclungtothesaddlepommelwithfingersthatalreadyfeltliketheybelongedtoaskeletonand

drewarattlingbreathas,afterwhatfeltlikeahundredyearsoffhislife,thescreamfadedintotheblessedbackgroundroarofbattle.Stutteringly,hisgripstrengthenedandhishorserecovereditsstride,thoughneitherfeltquiteassureastheyhadbeenandFelixfearedtheeffectswouldprovepermanent.Ifhisstomachhadfeltanylessfeeblehewassurethathewouldhavethrownup.Abanshee:therestlessshadeofanevilwitch.WhathadthelordsofOstermarkalignedthemselveswithtostandstrongagainstChaos?Andhow

exactlydidthatdifferanywayfromhisjourneyingalongsideUlrika?Watchingastheshamblinglineofhalberdiers–andnowmarauderstoo–groanedandhackedatthetideofChaos,Felixprayedtheymightalllivelongenoughtoregrettheirchoiceoffriends.ThisatleastexplainedwhyCommandantRochhadn’tneededGustav’swares.Hesmiled.Onelessthingtoworryabout.Withashriek,aharpysweptoverhead.Felixclungtohishorse’sneckasitracedby,swingingblindly

backtowardofftheflockthatfollowed.Therewasarustleofleather,thegrave-stinkofrottenflesh,andclawsstitchedacrossthebackofhismail.Hecriedoutandstruckbackfortheharpythatwassavaginghiscloak,missingbyayardasthewingedbeastveeredasideandcaughtanupdraft.Felixcursedasittuckeditswingsanddivedbackin,wonderinghowanyonemanagedtofightandride

atthesametime.Theharpyswoopeddown,clawsoutstretched,justasthegallopinghorseleaptadrystonewall,slammingFelix’sfaceintoitsneckandhisbackintotheharpy.Thecreaturesquawkedinsurpriseandbegantoflapaway,butFelixtooreactedoninstinct,slashingthetipofKaraghulacrossthemembranousundersideofitswingandsendingitonawailingspiraltotheground.TheremainingharpiesseemedcontenttostreakoverheadontoKurzyckoandFelixletoutarelievedbreath.Handgunandbowfiretrackedthem,buttheyweretoonimble,swoopingaroundtheornateoniondome

oftheattaman’smanorandharryingthedefendersthatwerestilltryingtotargettheChaosinfantry.Soldiersranthroughthestreetswithspears,accompaniedbycharginghorsemenwreathedinsmokefromtheirdischargingpistols.Felixtriedtothinkofsomethinghecoulddotohelp,butitwashopeless.Hewasonemaninthefaceofahundredthousand.Thehorsegallopedon,anddespitehiscontinuingconvictionthattheywereallfinished,hefeltwarmth

spreadfromhishandwhereittouchedthedragonheadhiltofhissword,uphisarmandintohisbody.Itwastoohottobecomfortablebutdidn’tburn,morelikeahotpacktoreinvigorateasoremuscle.Newstrengthandastrangecouragewashedthoughhim.Hewasstilldoomed,butitdidn’tseemtotroublehimnearlysomuch.Karaghulbecamesohotthatitscorchedhishand,butratherthanmakehimflinchhisfingerstightened.Thesleetwasnolongerfallingonhisheadandhelookedupjustasaheavyshadowfellacrosshim.

FelixgawpedattheChaosdragonthatsweptoverhead,bloodoozingfromtheredscalesofitstitanicframe.AdropletsplotchedFelix’smailandthedownwashfromitsflightruffledhishair.Itsshadowstretchedon;neck,wings,body,finallymovingonwithaspatterofsleetandamuscularwhipofthe

monster’stail.HesawtheterrorthatgrippedthedefendersofKurzyckoatthemonsterbearingdownonthemfromabove.ButFelixdidn’tshareit.Allhefeltwasadesirethatmadehisearlierpleasureatholdingtheswordagainseemshallow,anangerthatthedragonwasheadingtowardsthevillageandnottowardshim.Therationalpartofhimknewthatthatwasafoolishthingtobeannoyedaboutwhilstonewas

surroundedbytheforcesofChaos,butitwascomingfromthebladenotfromhim.TheTemplarbladewasintendedforacertainlife,asFelixwasbecomingincreasinglyconvincedthathewas.Itwasforgedtobethebaneofdragons.Felixstilldidn’tknowwhathewasmeantfor,butrightthenandthere,withthesemi-sentientwillofKaraghulsaturatinghimwithitspower,thatdidn’tseemimportant.Thedragonbankedasitapproachedthevillage,longtailwhippingachunkfromthebattlementsofthe

attaman’smanorandsendingapairofcrossbowmenscreamingtotheirdeaths.FlamelickedoveritsfangsandtheneruptedinaragingtorrentoffirethatseareddownaKurzyckostreetandreducedascoreofspearmenandaunitofpistolierstoash.Survivorsscreamed,stumblingintosidestreetsandrollingthroughslushtodouseburningliveryas,aroundthem,woodandthatchbegantoflicker.Thedragonbeatitswingsandcircledthemanorforanotherpass.Aloosevolleyofgunfirechasedit,butitwassovasttheywerelittlemorethanpinpricks.Itwouldtakeadirecthitfromagreatcannontomakeitblink.ThesmellofsmoulderingtimbersfilledFelix’snoseasthedragonglidedlazilyaroundthemanor’s

oniondomeroofandunleashedanotherjetofblood-tingedflameontothestreets.Felixwavedhisswordabovehisheadandshoutedabuse.ThebladeseemedtoglowasifithadbeenplatedwithgoldasthemonsterswelledinFelix’svision.Hefeltexcitementrise,butretainedjustenoughgoodsensetodismountandshovehishorsebackonitsway.Hewasoneman,buttheChaosdragonseemedtoregardhimassomethingmore.Itwasprobablyjust

thesword,hethought.Withacrunchofmasonry,thedragonlandedontheroofofoneofthefortifiedbuildingsattheedgeofthevillage.Itsmassivewingsbeattosteadyitself,thepowerbehindthemsnatchingatFelix’scloakandthreateningtothrowhimover.Fromsomewherehefoundthestrengthtostanduptoit,angledhisglowingswordintowhatmusthaveseemedapointlessguard,andcontinuedtoyellchallengesandthreatsthatwouldhaveturnedhisstomachhadhebeenthinkingclearly.Itsnecksnakedhighaboveitsbeatingwings.Felixcouldseethebluetintinthedragon’seyesandsmellthesulphurofitsbreath.Liquidfiredribbledfromitsjaw.‘Whatareyouwaitingfor?’Felixshouted.‘I’veslainbiggerthanyou.’Thedragon’sneckrippledanditemittedabarrageofbreathybarks.Felixstronglysuspecteditwas

laughingathim.Hetightenedhisgriponhissword,willingittocome,butthenthemonster’sheadswungbacktowardsthevillageasifstartled.Felixglancedthatwaytoo,justintimetoseethesturdyoakdoorsoftheattaman’smanorexplodeoutwardsinablastoftimberbeforethebatteringramshapeofamonstrously-armouredminotaur.AhandfulofbrokenEmpireswordsmenwereflungoutontothestreetbeforeit.Thecreaturelowered

itsheadandbellowed,scrapingitsclovenfeetthroughtheroadandsmashingthebutt-endofamonstrouswarhammerintotheground.Amassofbeastmenspilledafterit.Theircoarsefurwasthickwithmudasifthey’dbeentravellingunderground.Emberscaughtburningreflectionsintheirdullcoweyesastheirsensesadjustedtothefireandcriesoftheoutsideworld.Whereindamnationhadtheycomefrom?Felixwatchedthemclutchaxesandwicked-lookingglaivesandchargeintothesmokethatwasfillingKurzycko’sstreets.AlotofthemwererunningtowardsFelix.Perfect,hethought,turninghisbodyandanglingKaraghultoreceivethecharge.Hekeptoneeyeonthe

dragon,whichwatchedfromitsperchasthoughamused.

Absolutelyperfect.

‘WheredidSnorri’sonego?’bellowedSnorriNosebiter,searchingaboutforthearmour-platedjuggernautthathadbeenloomingoverthehornedheadsofthebeastmenpackingthetunnelwiththeirbrayinganddungstinkjustsecondsbefore.‘Damnit,Snorri.Justholdthegate,willyou?’Anarcoflightningjaggedaroundtherunesmith’sstaffandblastedaram-headedgorintosizzlingmeat

thatpaintedtheceilingandmadeSnorrihungry.Gorlinpointedhisstill-cracklingstaffdownthetunneltoastonedolmenengravedwithrunesthatsurroundedwhathadoncebeenarune-sealedentrancetoasetofstairstoanoldwatchtoweroramine.Snorrigrinned.‘That’swhereitwent.’‘Getinline,Snorri.’Krakkipunchedhisfoot-longfistspikedownabeastman’sthroat,thenhoistedthecreatureoffitsfeet,

bludgeoneditagainsttheceilingandtosseditlikeasetofcaltropsunderthehoovesofitsbrethren.Hispaunchwassplatteredwithgoreandhewassweatinghardunderthetorchheheldinonehand.Smokeattheendofthevalley.Snorrishookofftheunwelcomememory,tookoffabeastman’ssnoutwithhishatchetandthenshattered

itschestwithhishammer.Thebull-headedthingwentdownwithapiteousmewlandSnorrigleefullykickeditintheheadwithhismace-leguntilitsshouldersweregluedtothefloorbythestickypastethathadbeenitsneck.Deaddwarfswitharrowsinthemfloatedface-downintheriver.Torchlightflickeredacrossthetunnel,alightingonbeastmenandSlayersseeminglyatrandom.Thebeastmenfilledthetunnel,hornsandherdtotemsscrapingtheceilingandcrushedsixabreast

betweenthewalls.BrockBaldurssonbellowedthenamesofthelostKisleviteclansashewentdownunderamassofspears.Lucky.DrogunandDurinledthemajorityofthedwarfsinamoremeasuredbutnolessresoluteadvance,shieldingtherunesmithandforcingthebeastmenontoawallofdeath-hungrySlayers.Gorlinshoutedacommandthatcausedtheboundmagicinoneofhisstaff’smanyrunestoflareandsendachainoflightingsearingthroughthecrampedbeastmen.Thesweetsmellofwellroastedmeatfilledtheair.Itdisturbedthealesloshinginhisotherwise

emptybellyandhethrewupoverthebloodstainedflagstones.Snorriblinkedawaythestrobingafter-imagesofskeletonscontortedbyaweirddanceofagony,ducked

abeastman’sswingthentackledittothegroundandhammeredthebuttsofbothhisweaponsintoitseyes.KrakkiguttedanotherthatSnorrifinishedoffwithanaxeacrossthethroat.ThefatSlayercursedSnorri’sselfishnesswitheveryoathheknewandthensome,butSnorriwasalreadymovingon.Thesmellofozoneandburnedhairclungtothemall.Hismace-legtrippedabeastmantwicehisheight.Hishammershatteredthekneecapofanother.Snorri’saxethensplinteredthehaftofitshalberdasitattemptedtobrainhim,andhefinisheditoffwithaheadbutttoitsdog-likesnout.‘Thatonealmosthadme,’Krakkiroaredindignantly,butSnorriwasnolongerlistening.Hewantedtolaugh,butcouldn’t.Itwasn’tfunanymore.Hebeatathisbareskullandhowledinthe

goatfaceofthebeastmanthatwasswingingahammerforhisface.Beforeitcouldhit,acrossbowboltzippedbySnorri’searandtookthebeastmanthroughtheheart.Itgruntedinsurpriseanddroppeditshammer,thenfellitself.SkalfHammertoescalmlyslottedanotherquarrelintothetrackandmanuallyheavedbackthedrawas

Snorriglaredathim.Hisfistsclenchedaroundhisweaponsuntilthewoodenhaftsgroaned.Thatcouldhavebeenitdone.

Nomorememories.‘Nodoomforyouyet,Snorri,’saidtheblack-robedpriest.‘Thereareotheroathsyettobefulfilled

today.’‘WhereisSnorri’srememberer?’Snorrigrowled.‘Iamnotyourdamnedrememberer,’Durinshotbackangrily.Snorrirealisedhehadneverseenthe

Daemonslayerangrybefore,oranythingbutblank,asifhecamealiveonlywhenhefought.Atuftofbloodyfurwasstucktotheeyeofhisaxeandhisfelltattooswerewetwithblood.Hepointedtothedolmen.‘Justtakethegateandwecanalldieinpeace.’Krakkiletoutagreathuffofbreathandwearilybeathisbulkanotherfootinthatdirection.Dieinpeace.Thatsoundednice.Withafull-throatedbattlecry,SnorrichargedaftertheotherSlayer.

Thefirstbeastmanoutofthevillagewasfoamingatthemouthandonfire,andeasypreyforFelix’sfiercelyglowingrunesword.Itpracticallyimpaleditselfwithitsownhead-downcharge.Felixwithdrewtheblade,turningoutsidethedeadbeastman’scollapseandlashingbehindittoopenthechestofthehorse-headedbeastfollowing.Thebeastmanstumbled,pressingonitsexposedribs,butthehulkingbestigorbehinditdroveitsramhornsintothebeastman’sbackandhurleditbodilythroughFelix’sguard.Felixcriedout,dippinghisswordoutofthewayasthebeastmanhithimlikeasideofbeefintheribs

andtwiceFelixhadtheairdrivenfromhislungs;firstashisbackhitthefrozenearth,andthenagainasthebeastmanlandedontopofhim.Wheezing,hetookagrottyhandfulofitschesthairinabidtoholditoffhimwhilewiththeotherhemaintainedhisgriponKaraghul.Thelongswordwasnotexactlyofmuchusewhenone’shorse-headedfoewassnortingitsfoulbreathintoyourface,buthecouldstillfeelthestrengthitwaspushingintohim.Felixwasstilleven-headedenoughtorealisethat,pound-for-pound,hehadnoearthlyrighttobewrestlingwithabeastmanwithoutit.Healmostsmiled.TheChaosdragonwasstillenjoyingtheshow.PraiseSigmarforsmallmercies.ThebeastmanthatstraddledhimsquirtedbloodfromitsgashedchestandFelixfelthisgriploosen.

Withagaspofdesperation,Felixwhackeditinthesideoftheheadwiththeflatofhisblade.KaraghultookachipfromitscurlinghornsandstartleditenoughforFelixtogetstrengthbehindthekneehestabbedintoitsgroin.ItbrayedinsuddenparoxysmsandFelixwasabletofreeafoottoshovethebeastmanback.Themassivebestigorloomedintohisvisioninitsplace.Itwasswingingamorningstarand,insofaras

waspossiblewithitswarpedgoatfeatures,lookedtobesmiling.Felixdrewupontoonekneeandraisedhisswordtoparryasthespikedballswungdownonitschain.Hehadtimeforonewildthoughtbeforehisbrainsweresmashedoutofhisskull.HereallywishedGotrekcouldhavebeenhereforthis.Hethrustuphissword,closedhiseyes,andfeltbloodrainoverhisarmandface.Itwashisown,it

surelyhadtobehisown,buttherewasnopainexceptfromwherehisbackhadhitthegroundandhisgriponKaraghulhadlostnoneofitspreternaturalpowerasmightbeexpectedifhisforearmhadjustbeenpulpedbyamorningstar.Heopenedhiseyesandglancedoverhisrocksteadyguardtoseethebestigorchokingonacavalrysabrethathadbeenrammedsofardownitsthroatthatthehilthadcrackeditsbackteeth.Stupidly,hisfirstthoughtwasthatGotrekhadsavedhim.Ithadbecomeaninstinctualresponseto

havinghisbaconhauledoutofthefire,andthestrengthrequiredtodrivetheheavy,slashingbladetwo

feetthroughabeastman’sneckwasstaggering.Butofcourse,itwasn’ttheSlayer.Ulrikarippedherswordfree,takingmostofthebestigor’sfacewithit,spunforpowerandsplita

beastmanfromshouldertosternumwithatwo-handedslash.Bloodsprayedherpearl-whiteplatearmour.Shewasanangelofthesteppe,anavatarofcold-handeddestruction.Anotherchargedin,hornsdown.Ulrikasidesteppedbehinditasthoughthebeastwasweigheddownby

chainsandneatlysevereditsspinalcordwithaslashofherownclaws.Asittoppled,shereclaimedherswordfromthebisectedbeastmanwithacracklikeabutchersplittingspareribs.Inanumbkindofhorror,Felixwatchedthevampiressblurfrompointtopoint.Heneversawhermove.

Itwaslikewatchingstaticimagesthatwereprojectedontooneplaceandthenshiftedwhenabeastmanfellapartintoanevisceratedruin.Atonepointhewascertainhesawtwoofher.Felixtriedtotellhimselfhewasfoolishtobesoshocked.ItwasstillUlrika;butthatlineofrationalisationwasstartingtostretchalittlethinevenforhim,sohetriedanother.Gotrektoohadbeenterrifyingattimes.Wasthisreallysodifferent?OneofthebeastmenswungacleaverforwhereUlrikastood,buttheapparitionwasmerelyanillusion

ofherspeed.ItscleaverhackedthroughsnowandairandasplitsecondlaterUlrikafellonitfrombehind,liftingitfromthegroundandsinkingherfangsintoitsneck.ItspanickedheartfiredaspurtofbloodthatricochetedfromtheinsideofUlrika’scheekandpaintedherinhumanbeautywithcrimsonsplatters.Shetookonemouthfulandthensnappedthebeastman’sneckwithsuchforcethatitsbodyspunthreetimesbeforeimpactingonthegroundwithasnapofbone.Anotherchargedin,swinginganaxebeforeitlikeadrunkardtryingtostrikeawasp.Ulrikatwistedlikeasnake,landingarib-shatteringkickthatthrewthemewlingcreaturethroughthesmoulderingdrystonewallofthenearestbuilding.Thebreachcoughedflameandthebeastmanscreamedasitburned.Thesurvivingbeastmenbleatedindisbelief.Andsomethingelsegaveitsvolcanicrumbleofdisapproval.FelixturnedastheChaosdragonopeneditsmouth.Afirehotenoughtoburndamnedsoulsrosefromits

throat.SomeundeniableimperativethrewFelixinfrontofUlrikajustasthedragonexhaled.FelixswallowedthedesiretoscreamasaballoffirestruckdowntowardshimandhebroughtKaraghulupasiftoparryablow.Therunesontheweaponblazedbrighterthanthebladeitselfandthedragonbreathstruckashellof

energy.Fireragedacrossaninvisiblebarrierasablastofpressuredrovehimdownontooneknee.Felixfeltthedownwardforceintensify,couldalmostvisualisethedragondredgingeverylastscrapofbreathfromitsmonstrouslungs.Witharoarofeffort,hepushedback.Therewasnowayheshouldhavebeenabletostand,muchlesstakeaforwardstep,butsomehowhemanagedbothandmore.Hefeltlikeachampion.Karaghulpulsedinanticipationofblood.Hestruck,piercinghisownsphereofprotectionandslicingthroughthemeatofthedragon’sforelimb.Thedragonroaredinunexpectedpain,smokeroilingfromitsthroatinburstsasitretreatedfromthe

pathetichumanthathadsomehowmanagedtohurtit.WithanexultantlaughthatwasallKaraghul,Felixranafterit,onlyforthebeatofthedragon’swingstoforcehimback.Thefleshofhischeeksrippledunderthedownwashasthedragonturneditsawesomestrengthintolift.ThedragonclimbedandFelixsethimselfforanotherattack.Themonster’sblueeyesglitteredwithamadnessandhatebeyondhumanreckoning.Thefoulsmokeissuingfromitsmouthagainbecamefire.Felixmetitsstareandwilledittobringiton.Thenthedragonhissed,threwdownanotherblastofcopper-taintedwindtoclimbhigherstillandthen

turnedawaytowardsthestandingstonesthatUlrikahadcalledTrzySiostry.Felixhurledinsultsafterit,

buttherewasabsolutelynothinghecoulddotobringitdownfromhere.Asiftotaunthim,thedragonsentafierywavesearingacrossalineofbowmen.Thedrystonewalltheywerecoweringbehindflewapartasthoughithadbeendetonatedfromunderneathtoleaveablackenedcraterstrewnwithbodies.Felixwavered,returningthepowerhehadbeenloanedasthedistancebetweenKaraghulandthe

dragonincreased,thenslumpedbackdowntooneknee.Stronghandshoistedhimbackontohisfeet.Coldhands.Felixshivered.Ulrika’sfacewasslickwith

gore,thehorrorofthefamiliarjuxtaposedwithsomethingfromanightmare.Hecouldn’tshaketheimageofthemomentshehadtornthatbeastman’sthroatoutfromhismind.Shewasn’tevenbreathinghard.Butthenofcourseshewouldn’t:shedidn’tbreathe.‘What’sthematter?’askedUlrika,swayingalittle,nodoubtinshock.Awell-intentionedsmilemade

herlookonlymoremacabre.‘You’vefoughtadragonbefore.’Breathless,Felixnoddedtowardsthedeadbeastmen.‘It’salotforjustoneday.’Ulrikarubbedherchinasthoughjustrealisingtheremightbesomethingthere,thenshookherhead

angrilyasiftoclearit.Shepointedeast.Theroofofatwo-storeybuildingcollapsedinflames.Felixwonderedwhynobodywastryingtoput

thefiresout,butthenrealisedthattheywereprobablytoobusyonthewalls.Onreasonedreflection,theonlythingtowonderwaswhynobodywasrunningaway.Thesoundofahymnroseovertheflames,itsvocalsinterweavingwiththehellishinstrumentsofhandgunfireandscreams.Smokewasbeginningtostinghiseyes,butFelixlookedwhereUlrikadirected.Theundeadregimentsfightingontheopenveldtwerebeinggrounddownunderwaveafterwaveofberserkerassaults.‘Mymasterwaitsforusontheothersideoftheline,beyondtheOstermarkers’positions.’Shenodded

tothezombiesasshewipedhersabrecleanandsheathedit.‘Hissoldierscanbuyustime,butnothingmore.Whentheyfallthisentireplainisgoingtobeoverrun.Mymasterhasplannedaccordingly,butwehavetotakethisonechancetogetthroughintoKislev.’Felixshookhisheadfiercely,andpulledawayfromher.Theheatonhisbackwasintense.Forthe

defendersstillinKurzyckoitmust’vebeenappalling.ButtheyweregoingtodiefortheEmpire.‘Thesepeoplearegoingtodie,’saidFelix.‘Theremustbesomethingwecandotohelpthem.’‘Thereisn’t,’saidUlrika,socold.‘EvenGotrekwouldseethatandtakehisdoomwhereitcoulddo

somegood.’Shegraspedhimbytheshoulder,crushinganythoughtsofescape.Felixrealisedthatshecouldpickhimupanddraghimanytimeshechose,ordazzlehimasshehadinAltdorf,andyetsheoptedtotryreason.Felixwasn’tsurewhetherthatreassuredhimornot.‘Youjustsavedmylife,Felix.Nowletmesaveyours.ForMax’ssakeifnotyourown.We’lltakemyhorse.’Puttingherfingersinhermouth,sheemittedahigh-pitchedwhistlethatmadeFelixwince.AsenseofforebodingturnedFelixbacktowardsthevillage.Whateveritwas,itknottedinhisgut.The

groundappearedtobetrembling,notinfear,butmoreinanticipation,asifitwaspossessedofsomethingmiraculousinpotentia.HisgazefixedonKurzycko’snorthwall,awell-engineeredconstructoflimestoneblocksreinforced

withironrodsandthickoakbeams.Specksofblackpowderjiggedalongtheparapet.Bannersjerkedanodddanceastheirpoleswereshakenfrombeneath.TheOstermarkersthemselvesnoticedtheinstabilityofthebattlementbuthadpreciouslittleenoughtimebetweenreloadingandfiringtogiveitanynotice.Noneofthemwereabletoseethehungrywhitemouldspreadingthroughthestoneworkbeneaththeirfeet,mortarcrumblingintoexcrementaldustwhereverittouched.Felixwatchedon,aghast,asthestrangeplaguespread.

Thebeastman’sbloodfizzedlikesomeeuphoricpoisonthroughUlrika’sveins.ThevillageofKurzycko

wasajumbleofheatandsounds,butshecouldnotdissociateonefromtheother.Itwasnotunlikethefeelingofbeingdrunk.Therewasaqueasinessdeepwithinherchest,butwithitalicencetodoandbeexactlyasherbodycraved.ThebeastthatdwelledwithinallArisenlickeditsfangs,testedatthebarsofitscage.Thebloodinhermouthwasbeginningtoharden.Shewasparched.Shefelthungry.HergriponFelix’sshouldertighteneduntilhegasped.Sheneededhimnow.Hewasareminderofhow

itfelttolivewithoutabeast.Withagrowl,shetriedtoretractherfangs,butcouldn’t.HowhadshebeensostupidastofeedoffacreatureofChaos?Inthemomentithadjustseemedso

right,sonatural.Almostworsethanthedesiretodosowasthefactthatshehadbeenabletosateit.Intheearlynightsofherunlifeshehadtriedtofeedoffanorthmanonlyforthetaintinhisbloodtoforcehertothrowitbackup.Somethinghadchanged,eitherwiththeworlditselfastheEndTimesapproachedorwithher.Shedidnotknowwhichwasworse.BloodroaredthroughherbrainliketheGoromadnyFallsafterthesummermelt.Someonewasspeaking

toher.WasitFelix?Thebrayingoftheherdandthehowlsofthebeastwithinitscageblockeditout.ShefocusedonthefeelofFelix’sarmbeneathherhandandtriedtoconcentrateonthewords.Theyweredistant,anurgentshoutforacomradelostinastorm.‘Getoutofthere,Ulrika.Getoutnow.’

AekoldHelbrassstrodethroughtheembattledranksoftheChaoshorde.Hewasoneinavastshoalbutwherehewalked,menandbeastswerehealedandtherisendeadreducedtorose-chokedcairnsofcompostedearth.Amightyphalanxofzombiesandtheirimmortalpuppetlords,tallwarriorsinarchaicplateandchillblades,blockedhispath.Kurganberserkershackedatrottingflesh.ChaoswarriorscracklingwiththeaccumulatedblessingoftheirgodsfoughttoetotoewithkingslongdepartedwhenSigmarhadwalkedtheEmpire.HelbrassflourishedtheWindblade,andthebroadswordwaslife’sscythe.Skeletonscollapsedrather

thannearitsedge.Zombiesdissolvedintogloriousbountiesofmaggotsandfliesataglance.AwightlordproclaiminghimselfÆtheltanoftheTeutogenscutdowntheChaoswarriorthatopposed

himand,voiceasthegaspofairfromatombunsealed,challengedHelbrasstosinglecombat.Theshadewasoldandangry,andstrongenoughinhisownwilltoraisehisswordbeforedecayandrebirthcausedhisbodytoshrivel,hisarmourtocorrode,andhisbladetobleedirondust.Helbrasstrodontheancient’sfuneraryshroudandstrodeon,whiteflowersburstingfromthewight’sremainstocompletethecycleoflife.Therewasnothingspecialaboutdeath.Thesimplestprimordialslimethatekedanexistencefromthe

ocean’sbottomcoulddie.Arockoragustofwindcouldtakealife.ThateventmostbeautifultotheChangerwasthusthetransitionfromdeadmatterintolife.AlreadyHelbrasscouldpicturetheTrollKing’swrath,andhislaughterwasahammerthatsmote

zombiesandghoulsintoashtolinehispath.HefixedhisgazeonthesorcerersupontheThreeSisters.OnlytheKislevitevillagestoodinhispath,

butthatwouldnotholdhimforlong.Hewouldbringlifetoadeadland.Therewasnothingherethatcouldstophim.

ThecloudsaboveWilhelmshügelturnedblack,acreepinggraverotspreadingnorththroughthesky.Onthedarkeninggroundbeneath,messengersrushedfrombannertobannerwithnews,hearsay,andorders

fromadozengenerals.Noneofitmadegoodlisteningbutthen,withasweepingviewoftheentireplainfromRackspiretoFortenhafinthewesttoKurzyckointhenorth,GeneralvonKarlsdorfcouldseethatforhimself.Roch’sregimentswerebeinggrounddown.Theenemy’smonstershaddoneformostoftheforward

artillerybatteries.ChaoswarriorswereonthewallsofKurzycko.Beastmenwereslaughteringmenintheirtrenches.Everywherethegenerallookedhesawmenrunning.Evenashelistenedtothegabbledreportofamud-smearedrider,theChaosdragonthathadalmost

single-handedlydismantledayear’sworthofpreparationsbankedtofollowthecourseofadrystonewall.VonKarlsdorflookedaway,asickfeelinginhisgut,asthedragonoverflewanearthandtimberredoubtandintroducedthearquebusiersgarrisonedthereprematurelytothefiresofhell.Damnit!Hewantedtotearoffhishatandripitupwithhisteeth.HowinSigmar’snamewasaman

supposedtofightsomethinglikethat?Heinterruptedthemessenger’sstreamofgibberishwithasnarl.‘RidetoGeneralSzardeningsandask…no,tellhimtosendouthisdemigryphknightsagainstthatthing.

Andtherestofyou!’Heraisedhisvoicetocarryovertheceaselessbombardmenttothegunnerycrews.‘Keepfiring.Onehitwouldbesomething.’Theriderbowedandthenranoff.Aloneamongstthechaos,GeneralvonKarlsdorfdidupthebuttonsofhisgreatcoatandshivered.He

shotaglancetowardsthewizardsstillupontheThreeSisters.Despitethehavocbeingwroughtaroundthem,therewasnochangeintheirritualthathecoulddiscern.Wasthisstrangedarknesstheirdoing,somemagictoconfoundtheenemy?Impossibletoguess.Itwassodarkastobealmostnight,andfilledhimwithachillthewayagoodfiremightspreadwarmth.Feigningadesireforabetterviewofthebattlefield,hestampedtothelowdrystonebarricadeatthelipofthehillandsawwhatsomevisceralintuitionofthekindhehadalwaysdismissedtoldhimwasthesourceofhisdisquiet.Acompanyofknightsinarmourasblackassmokeweregallopingacrosstheveldt,chargingunderthe

wakeofthedarkskiestowardsKurzycko.ThecrimsonswallowtailsofCommandantRoch’spersonalcolourstorefromthevexillary’sstandard.VonKarlsdorfpridedhimselfonbeingareasonableman,butsomethingaboutthesightmadehimshudder.Itwassurelyjustatrickoflowlightandpowdersmokethatmadeitlookasiftheentireformationhadjustchargedthroughadefensivewall.Hesummonedoneofhisaides.‘RoundupwhatcavalrywehaveanddispatchthemtohelpRoch.’‘It’sonlyfreecompaniesleft,general.Someofthemhavealreadytriedtorunawayonce.’‘Givetheorder,’saidvonKarlsdorf,liftinghiseyeglasstostudytheflame-litwallsofKurzycko.

‘Beforeit’stoolate.’

Inathunderousshriekofhoovesandsteelandbone,thewedgeofblackTemplarswithCommandantRochattheirtipsmashedopentheanarchicChaosformationlikeanutunderahammer.Menandtheiralliedbeastswentdownunderhoovesatonceetherealandironhard.Agratifyingnumberbroke,andRochpaidthemnofurthermind.Hedidnotchancehisownunlifeforafewhundredmaraudersfromtheenemy’svanguard.HebaredhisfangsashesurveyedtheeffacingfloodofChangebetweenhimandKurzycko.Thisiswhywefight,hethought.Asifthereminderwererequired.Rochhaddrainedtenstrongmeninpreparationforthisencounter.Hismostlearnednecromancershad

wardedhisarmourwithmagicksofbindingandunlife.TherewouldnotbeenoughleftofAekoldHelbrasstoburnontheplaguepyresofBechafen.

UlrikacoveredherearsagainstthesuddentumultofscreamsasthebattlementsofKurzyckoceasedtobeawallandbecameinsteadanunsupportedcollationofstoneblocksandtendrilousfungalgrowths.Itwasafutileeffortforonewhocouldmeasurethepulseoftheharpiesglidinghighoverhead.Themycelialtendrilslashedoutfromthestonework,tossingmenasideinconvulsionsofhungerbeforeshrinkingbackandthen,inthegrosslyacceleratedculminationoftheirlifecycle,explodinginamushroomcloudofpuffywhitespores.Soldierswailed,clingingonsuddenlytonothingatallastheentirelengthofwallcameapartunderneaththemanddroppedthemintothechokingcloud.Felixcoveredhisnoseandmouthwithhiscloak,thesporesirritatinghisthroatevenfromtheotherside

ofthevillage.Ulrikawasgladthatshenolongerneededtobreathe.Itseemedstrangeandalittlegrotesquethatshehadoncebeensoweddedtoit.Skintingling,clawsextruded,shewatchedasasinglearmouredmansteppedthroughthecloud.Shewouldhaveknownhimhadshebeenstakedthroughtheheartandleftforthesunrisewithasilver

blindfold.AekoldHelbrass,theconquerorofKislevandPraag.Apartfromhishandsandfeetthatwereasgreenasnewshoots,hewascladinasuitofplatearmourthatshiftedconstantlyincolourlikeoilonwater.Nothinginhisphysicalstatureshouted‘Champion’.Hewasneitherespeciallytall,norpowerfulinappearance,butlookingathimwaslikestaringtoolongatthesun.Feelinghercheeksbeginningtomoisten,Ulrikablinked,lookedaway,andwipedredtearsfromhereyes.Helbrasswaslife:violent,explosive,untemperedlife,andjustlookinguponhimmadehereyesbleed.Blindtothefiresburningallaround,shestartedtowardshim.Shewantedtorendhimapartforwhathe

haddonetoherhomeland,andshewishedtotestjusthowfarFelixwouldgotoprotecther,butreallyherneedsurpassedandtranscendedalllogicalconsiderations.Shewasamothtotheflame.ShehadpulledawayfromFelixanddrawnhersabrewhensheheardarumbleofhoofbeatsandan

armouredknightonaghostlywhitechargerburstthroughthecloud.Heworeheavyblackarmour,mouldedplatesaccoutredwithrubiesandbronze-frettedembossingsofsnarlingbats.Ajewelledbroadswordwasinhisberingedhandandithadclearlytastedbloodingettingitsbearerhere.Hisskincarriedanunearthlypallorandawhitestreamofhairranoutinhiswake.Bloodcalledtoblood.Itwashermaster!AekoldHelbrassturnedandreadiedhisblade,butmadenomovetostepoutoftheway.Therewas

somethingmockingintheshiftofpatternsacrosshishelm.RochshoutedatUlrikatorun.ThenhestruckHelbrass’slife-givingaura,thepowerofanancientbloodlinemeetingthevigorous,

carefreeexuberanceofChange.Thewardsuponthecommandant’sarmourblazedaethyricblack,smokeventingfromthejoinsashisskinsizzled.Callingontherestorativepowerofhisblood,hehowledfreshagonyasburnedfleshwashealedandthenincineratedanew.Withwillpoweralone,heliftedhisswordandurgedhishorseon,butthemagicthatboundtheundeadbeastdidnothavethepoweroftheancientcursethatbestowedunlifeuponitsrider.Likevapourfromablacksmith’scoolingbucket,thehorseevaporated,hurlingRoch’sarmouredbulktotheground.‘Youwouldchallengeme?’ItwasthefirsttimeUlrikahadheardHelbrassspeak,andhisvoicewaslikethelightthatlanced

throughacloudysky.Shereeledfromit,butstronger,older,RochroseandsmashedhisswordagainstHelbrass’s.Thechampionparried,countered.Rochreceivedandreturned.Thechampionwasquick,butthevampirelordwasquicker,unleashingastormofblowsthatevenUlrikadidnotbelieveshecouldmatchforspeedorsteel-rendingpower.Helbrassdefendedhimselfwithalmostequalspeedandnolittleskill,butRochleftnoopeningforanattack.Untilhestartedtoslowdown.

TheeffectwassoslightatfirstthatUlrikadidnotevennotice,butthenRochcoughed,splatteringbloodoverHelbrass’svisoranddroppingtohiskneeswithhishanduponhisheart.Ulrikawatchedwithmountingfuryashermaster’spectoralplatebuckledandgavebeforehisswellingchest.TheArisencrossedhisarmsoverhisbreastandroareddefiance.AnauseatingripplepassedoutfromhisbrowasHelbrassplacedahanduponhishead.Flamesflickedacrosshisgums,hischestcontinuedtoheave,andjustasitlookedasthoughhisbodycouldstretchnofurther,heemittedascreamandburstapartintoascreechingcloudofbats.Chuckling,thechampionofChaosstrodethroughtheirflappingwingsandlevelledhissword.Ulrikaunconsciouslytookabackwardstep,butthencheckedherselfandbroughtupherownbladeto

match.Shefelttheroarofherbeastasthebarsofitscagegrewbrittle.Therewasnoescapefromhereevenifshewishedit.Andshedidnot.ThiswassomethingthatsheandFelixwouldhavetofacetogether.

EIGHTLifebringer

‘Ulrika,whatareyoudoing?Getback!’Actingwithoutthoughtandpurelyoninstinct,FelixputhimselfbetweenUlrikaandtheChaos

champion.Hehadseenforhimselfwhatthiswarriorhaddonetothatvampiricknightand,forallUlrika’sstrength,Felixknewthiswasnotafoethatshecouldconfrontandsurvive.Heshookhisheadruefullyandraisedhissword.Anddidhethinkthathecould?‘Iamlife,’saidthechampion,withoutbreakinhisstride,hisvoicetheroarofthefirethatwould

scorchawaytheforestsothatlifemightflourishanew.‘Sheisdeath.Isthisthesideyouchoose?’AflashofsilveredbluewasallthatFelixsawofthechampion’sbladeasitclovetowardshim.Inthat

briefsecond,Felixacknowledgedthathewasprobablyasgoodasdead,butanimpulsesenthissworddartingintothepathofthestroke.Theclashofsteelthrewthetwobladesapart.Felixwincedatthepaininhisfingers.Againstthedragonhehadfeltinvincible,butnowhefeltasstiffasatreewithonetoomanyringsunderitstrunk.Musclememoryspunhimawayfromthechampion’scounterstroke,thenshapedhimtoslashback-handedunderthechampion’sthroatjustasahissingblackshapebombedintohisperipheralvision.Heswungaroundtoparry,butthewingedferocityofabatflewintohisfaceandflappedmadlyaround

hishead.Itwasoneofthosethathadbeenbirthedintheothervampire’sdemise.Felixturnedhisfacetotryandshrugthecreatureoff,butitstuckwithhim.AmadlaughsoundedovertheleatherysnapofwingsandthegrowlofburningthatchandFelixparriedagrointhrustthathecaughtafractiontoolate.Hesworeasitnickedhisthigh,andstumbledback.Theheatpouringfromtheburningbuildingswasintense.Theflamesconjuredastrangetableau

wherebythehornedsilhouettesofbeastmenfoughtadeadlygamewithzombiesandother,stranger,creaturesofcrazedifundeniablyintelligentdesign.Blue-finneddaemonsshriekedoverheadwhilefromallaroundreverberatedthemuffledthunderofdistantcannon.ItwasasifFelixhadbeenswallowedbysomehellishdaemonandwaslisteningtoitsheartbeat.Eventhesmellofburnedmeatseemedapttothescenario.Throughtheflutteringlashesofbeatingbat-wings,FelixcaughtaglimpseofUlrika.Hereyeswerered

asthosepluckedfromadeadman,crimsontearsstreamingdownhercheeks.Withoneclawedhandshieldingherfaceasifjustlookingatthechampionwaspainful,sheandhersabrecutin.Shelookedalmostbestialaswithrawstrengthaloneshebeatasidethechampion’sswordandlungedforthejoinbetweenhelmandgorget.

ThechampionparriedandUlrikacameagainwithagrowlandaflurryofblows,theChaoswarriorcacklingaseachcamealittleslowerandlighterthanthelast.Thesicklysmellofsizzlingfatrosefromherarmour.Shethrewonemoreattackbeforeshecouldendurenomoreandfellbackwithashriekandsmoke

streamingfromherhands.‘Acurseonyou,Helbrass!’Thepatterningofthechampion’sarmourimpliedamusement,ifnotoutrightmockery.‘Thatisnotwithin

yourpowertobestow,stagnantone.’Takingtheopportunity,FelixswattedasidetheblastedbatandhauledUlrikatoherfeet.Sherecoiledfromhistouchasthoughhismortalwarmthwasenoughtoburnher.Thesmellofheralone

wasenoughtomakehimwanttobesick,butherappearancewasworse.Herfleshhadliquefiedandrun,congealingasitcooledintomalformedshapesthatdidn’talwaysfullysheathecrackedandblackenedbone.Thewhitescalesofherarmourwerecharredattheedges.Shewouldn’tlowerherhandsfromherface.‘Run.Youcan’tfightthis.’‘Andyoucan?’Ulrikasnarledthroughstill-smokingfingers.Felixangledhisswordintoaguard,turnedhisattentiontoHelbrassandbackedslowlyaway.The

vagueideaoffallingbacktotheattaman’sfortifiedmanorwassomewhereinthereamongsthisthoughts.Hegaveawrysmile,surprisedtofindhewasactuallyenjoyinghimselfalittlebit.Changewasoverrated.‘IsaidIcouldfight.Ididn’tsayIcouldwin.’‘Iwillenjoythis,’saidHelbrass.‘Itisalwaysapreciousgifttofaceamanwithadestiny.’The

championthrewadecapitatingstroke.Felixwatcheditsedgecome.Somedestiny.Parryingforhislife,FelixretreatedwithUlrikabehindhim.Attacksfellthickandfast,andFelix’s

sworddancedwithoutanyconsciousinputfromhim,buthecouldonlywishthatthegulfbetweenhimandhisfoewasasimplematterofswordsmanship.Vinesburstfromthegroundtoturndefensivestancesintostumblingretreats.Theearthhatchedsinuousinsectsthatcrawleduphislegsandintohisarmour.Theverysleetfallingfromtheskybecamebuzzing,stingingthings,adroningmoboffatyellow-backfliesthatforallFelix’seffortsclungtohisheadasthoughithadbeenbastedinhoney.AndthroughitallcamethechangelingarmourofAekoldHelbrass.ItdawnedonhimfullythenthatHelbrasswasnotanopponentagainstwhomanordinarymanshould

fight.HehadroutedtheIceQueenfromherownland,sackedacitythathadneverbeenconquered,onewhereGotrekGurnissonwassaidtohavefacedhisfinaldoom.Theuttercertaintythathehadnochanceatallwasstrangelyliberating.Heriskedasidewaysglance.Ulrikawasblackandhunched,butsomehowwithherswordinhand.

Steamroseoffherwheresnowfell.‘Whatareyoustilldoinghere?Go.I’llholdhimhere.’Ulrikaloweredherhandfromherface.Itwasburnedalmostbeyondrecognition.Evenhereyeswere

shotthroughwithcrimson,suspendedbysomebloodcursewithinanunblinkeredsocket.Astringofwhiteteethincludingtwounmistakablevampiricfangsgapedwherelipsandgumshadbeenburneddowntotheenamel.‘Youwoulddothatforme?’Felixparriedanumbingblowandspatoutawasp.Somewhereontheoutskirtsofhisvisionaskeletal

knightgallopedthroughtheflames.He’dalmostforgottentherewasstillabattleragingoutthere.‘OfcourseIwould.Go!’Ulrika’sskincrackedasshesmiled.Itwashorrifying,butsheseemedtostandalittlestraighterandher

eyesbecamemarginallylesswild,asifdrawingconvictionfromthe–franklyshocking–revelationthathestillcared.‘Iamnotleaving.ThisisKislevwhateverEmpirementrytocallit.Itismine.’Inothercircumstances,Felixmighthavelaughed.Hedidknowhowtopickthem.Gotrekhadcraved

deathmorethananything,andUlrikacouldn’tdie,atleastnotwithanykindoffinality.Foralltheirdifferencestheywereasbadaseachother.‘Stoparguing,’hespat,hisearsbeginningtogonumbfromtherelentlessclangourofbeatensteel.He

hadlostsensationinhisfingerssomeminutesago.‘Youcan’tevenstandwithinreachofhim.’‘Idonotneedto.’Ulrikaspreadherclaws,scythingthemthroughasequenceofgesturesasarivuletofbloodysyllables

coursedfromherlips.AdarkwindfromtheforcedgatesofMorr’sgardenfannedherhair.Felixshiveredatitstouch.Itwasonethingtoknowthatshewascapableofthesearts,butquiteanotheragaintowitnesstheiruse.Thecloudofinsectsshrivelledanddroppeddeadfromtheair.Helbrassspunbackandloweredhissword.Theimpressionofsomethingloathsomeleftitscolourtrail

uponhisarmour.‘Asorceress?CountyourstarsthatIamheretosaveyoufromyourself.’Helbrassclenchedbothfistsandroaredashisentirebodyeruptedintoapyreofincandescentflame.

ThehowlofitfilledFelix’sears,butthesoundwasthatofagaleratherthanofafire.Itpulledbackonhiscloak.Heraisedanarmtoshieldhiseyes.Hecouldseethings,flickeringthings,placesbetweenthetonguesofmulticolouredflame.Thoseplaceswerereal.WithsomevisceralcomprehensionofthepowerofthePrinceofLies,heknewthat.Ulrika’sclawscontinuedtocarvetheairintofrayedandbloodysigils,butFelixcouldnolongerhear

thewordsshescreamed.‘Youcanthankme,’shoutedHelbrass,‘whentheTrollKingdoesnottakeyou.’

RunesmithGorlindumpedhissatchelundertheancientstonearchofthegatewayuptothesurfaceanddroppedtohiskneestostarttuggingoutthestraps.HeflinchedasSnorri’shammercrushedabeastmanagainstoneofthesquatstonestruts,smashingitinsohardthatthecreaturestuckthere,stilltwitchingafterSnorriturnedbacktothehorde.Therunesmithmouthedhisthanksandreturnedtowork.‘Snorridoesn’tseewhywedon’tjustkillallthebeastmen.Thenwecanfixthedoor.’‘Seconded,’wheezedKrakki,tattooedpaunchglisteningbyfirelight.‘Grobkaz,’therunesmithswore,runninghishandsoverthedolmenrunes.‘Thegateisirreparable.It

cannotberesealed.’‘DoesthatmeanwecantrySnorri’splannow?’saidSnorri,breakingabeastman’sspearonhis

foreheadandthenshatteringitsshinwithablowfromhismace-leg.‘ItmeansthatallofChaoshasashortcutintothemanlings’Empire,’Gorlinshotback.‘Andthat’s…’Snorri’sfacescrewedupinthought.‘Bad?’‘Icameprepared,’saidGorlin,almostproudly,returninghishandstohispackandshakingoutanumber

oftubularcontainerswithlongtapersatoneend.Theysmelledofsaltpetre.‘Snorridoesn’tmindgettingblownup,’saidSnorriconversationally,pinninghisownsatcheltohis

sideandduckingaswingingaxe.‘Don’tbeawattock,’saidKrakki.‘You’donlylightthewrongend.’‘Wouldnot,’Snorrireturned,andKrakkiguttedachargingbeastmanonhisfistspikewiththebiggest

grinhecouldstillmuster.‘HaveyoubeencarryingthetorchallthewayfromKarakKadrin?’

‘Enough,bothofyou.’SkalfHammertoesclutchedhiscrossbowstockinfingersliketalonsandregardedthemboth.‘ThesearetheEndTimesandthereisnoneedtobickerovereverypossibledoom.’Hegrunted,unearthingadecisionandfindingitpoorerthanhe’dhoped.‘Krakki,lightthefuses.Therestofyou…’Hegrinned,swunguphiscrossbow,andstartedtowardsthewallofbeastmenthatblockedtheKislev-boundtunnel.‘Runasfastasyoucan.’

AekoldHelbrassextendedagreenshootofahand,sapphireflamesspirallingdowntheraisedarmasthoughburningalongatrailofspiritsandthengeyseringfromhisopenpalm.Arrestingherownincantation,Ulrikascreamedawordofpowerandthrewupabarrierthatranwiththehorrifiedfacesofthebattle’sdead.TheycriedoutinonevoiceasHelbrass’sbluefiredisintegratedagainsttheglassineshell.Dazzlingmotesofchangecascadedfromtheimpactlikewillowblossom.Spiritsshakenloosewentwhimperingbacktotheirbattlefieldlimbo.Itwasasifthemostpessimisticofstreetagitatorscried.Theoldgodsturnedtheirfacesevenfromthedead.FirecoiledaroundHelbrass’sarmourlikealivingthing.Hisstancewaseasy,utterlyincontrolandyet

free.ItremindedFelixofthesnakecharmersthatheandGotrekhadencounteredinInd.Theyhadgiventheirbodiestocreaturesthatcould,andperhapsshould,havedestroyedthem,butemergedstrongerfortheunion.Itwasnotareassuringcomparisontodraw.Spittingatthesnow,Helbrass’sserpentsofenergydartedforwards.Twoofthemthistime,blueand

gold,theysmashedagainstUlrika’sbarrierinawelterofsparksandbanishedspirits.Ulrikashudderedandpushedback.Mawsofmulticolouredflameslidandslatheredacrosshershieldlikesea-dragonsoverthebottomofaboat.Felixdidn’tfoolhimselfthatheknewmuchmoreaboutmagicthananymannotofthecolleges,buthe

knewafighteronthebackfootwhenhesawone.‘Fightback,’hecriedoverthescreamsofthedeadastheyburnedintheChanger’sfires.‘Givehim

somethingtoworryabout.’Ulrikagroaned,armsspread-eagledasthoughshepersonallyhelduptheweightofthesky.The

pyrotechnicdisplaywashedhercharredflesh.‘Iknowhowtofight,Felix.Icanbeathim.Ijustneed…’‘What?’Swiftasaknifeintheback,UlrikatookahandfulofFelix’scollarandbaredherfangs.‘Blood.’Felixscreamedasthevampiressdraggedhimtowardsherandthenseveralthingshappenedatonce.ThebarrieremittedafinaldeathscreamandFelixandUlrikaweremomentarilyencasedwithinashell

ofgolden-blueflame.WithherweightentirelybeneathFelix,shegaveahungrysnarlandhurledhimwide,usingthecounterforcetoduckbackastheforkedtongueoffirelickedbetweenthem.Felixflailedandthencrashedintoawattleanddaubwallontheothersideofthestreet.Hiscrywas

drivenoutofhimandhehitthegroundunderapatterofchalkdustandlimeaggregatesfromthedaub.Withagroan,hepushedhimselfup,watchingasUlrikaspedaway.Shewasmovingsofastthather

passingnotonlypartedthesmokebutdraggeditonbehindher.Astreamofbluefireshotafterher,butsomehowsheoutpaceditandthejetflickeredandfadedbacktoHelbrass’sfingertips.Thechampionfollowedatawalk,patientasanoak.Blueandyellowfirecrackledoverhisleftand

rightshoulder,blendingoverhishelmintoaperfecthaloofinfernal,life-givinggreen.Almostasanafterthought,heturnedhisheadinpassingandthrustanopenpalmtowardsFelix.Felixhitthegroundjustasthepillarofbluefirewhooshedoverthespotandstruckthebuildingbehind

him.Theimpactpunchedthroughthewallandblewoutthewindowshutters.Felixcoveredhisheadunderhisarmsasbitsofwattleandthatchhaileddown.Hetriednottolookatthem.Eachwasburnedbut

alsosubtlychanged,eachoneamirrorontoasceneofpasttriumphorfuturetragedy.Coughing,hepulledhimselfoutofthedebrisandstaggeredontohisfeet.ThenhefoundKaraghul,wipedhisfringefromhiseyes,coughedagain,andcastaboutforasignofHelbrass.ThechampionwasstridingafterUlrika.Wherethevampiresshadcarvedthesmokelikeafishthrough

water,aroundHelbrassittwinkledandfellagainasfreshspringrainthatnourishedthevirginshootsathisfeet.Felixshotaquickglancetheotherway.Hecouldpickoutafewnorthmenthroughthesmokeandfire

fightinginthebreachedwall,butitseemedthatRoch’sarmyandtheKurzyckogarrisonstillheldtheline.Coveringhismouthandhunchingunderneaththethickestsmoke,FelixchasedaftertheChaoschampion.

Solongasitremainedtwo-on-onethentheyhadachance.Hereallyshould’veknownbetter.Thesmokeclearedsufficientlyaroundtheincombustiblestonesolidityoftheattaman’smanorforFelix

toseemorethanafewfeetwithouthiseyesstinging.Itshighwallshadbeenbuttressedwithapinestockade,theredstonebalconiesblockedupwithrampartsofOstermarklimefromwhichtheoccasionalmatchlockflaredtosendbulletswingingthroughthemeleeinthecourtyardbeforeitssplinteredgates.Aherdofabouttwentybeastmenfilledthesquarewiththeclashoftheirweaponsandtheirbraying

battlecries.Theflagstoneshadbeenpulleduplongbeforetoconstructthecurtainwallandreinforcethestructuresdeemeddefensible,andthegroundhadbeenchurnedtoafilthyslushundertheirhooves.Ashewatched,Ulrikafendedofffiveone-handed,keepingthemanor’swalltoherbackasasixthlowedecstaticallyinherembrace.Bloodspilleddownherchinandoverherbreastplate.Blackfleshsoftenedandturnedmilkyevenashewatched.Onlythescarabovethelefteyeremained.Felixtastedbileandhadtocoverhismouthforfearthathewasgoingtobesick.Witheverybeatofthe

foulcreature’sheartthatpumpedbloodontoherlips,hereyesgrewfiercer.Hergriphardened.Evenoverthenoiseofthebeastmen,Felixthoughtheheardribssnap.Heshookhisheadandswallowedhisdisgust.Shedidonlywhatshehadtoinordertosurvive.TheybothhadmoreimportantconcernsrightnowthanFelix’scivilisedmores.SlushbecamegoodsoilandsproutedwildflowersasHelbrasswalkedontothecourtyard.Blueand

yellowflamesbecameindigoandcaperedfromhisfingertips.Felixopenedhismouthtoshoutawarningjustasabeastmanblunderedoutfromoneoftheburning

cottagesandbarrelledtowardshim.Felixsworeandbroughtuphisswordtoparryasideitsaxe.Hepedalledbackforspaceandadoptedaguard.EitherHelbrasshadnumbedhishandsmorethanhe’drealisedorthebeastman’sstrikehadbeenunusuallyweak.Themuscular,goat-headedgorstampeditshoovesandbrayedachallenge.Itwasafoottallerthan

Felixandhalfagainasthickarounditschest.Felixcouldhearitslungsscrapingforbreath.Itdrewahugebreathofthicksmoke,swungablowthatfellafoottoFelix’sleft,andthencollapsedtoitskneeswithspittleonitswispygoat-beard.Felixdidn’tevenbotherfinishingitoff.Hisownlungswereburningtoo,thoughhewassmartenoughtocoverhismouthandmeasurehisbreathing.Hestaggeredawayfromthebeastman’sdrowned-fishgasps,watchinghelplesslyasHelbrassflunghisindigofirethroughtheherdtowardsUlrika.Whetheritwassenseorthesurvivalinstinctofabeast,Ulrikawithdrewherdrippingmouthfromher

meal’sneckandflungthebeastmanunderarmintothefire.Indigoflamebloomedaroundthebeastmananditbrayedinpain,seizingasifthemutagenisingbeam

wastriggeringeverynerveinitsbodytofire.Fleshrippledbeneathitsfur.Itsmuzzleopenedbut,ratherthanableatofagony,producedaslimyproboscisthatstretchedoutfromthegor’sterror-strickenthroat.Thebeastmanjerkedinthegripofthebeam,chokingastheworm-likecreaturefilleditsmouth,swelling

untilitpushedoutitscheeksanddislocateditsjawwithahorrificsnap.Felixstaredinhorrorasthenewbornthinghissedathimandthenlashedbacktosinkfangsintothebeastman’seye.Bloodandclearfluidsspattereddownitsmuzzle.Thebeastmanconvulsed,butFelixwasn’tsurethecreaturefeltitanymore.Moreofthosetendriloushorrorsburstfromitssnoutandarmpitsandfromunderitsnailsandslitheredthroughtheirownbirthinggoretojointhefeast.Whatremainedofthebeastmansimplycameapart.Thestainedragsithadbeenwearingsplittospewadozenblood-soakedwormsthatscreechedastheytoreintoeachotherforthelastscrapsofmeatonthecreature’sbones.Felixwatcheditcollapse,wide-eyedandopen-mouthed,asiftheexperiencehadhollowedhiminside

andout.Deathwasonething,butthat?Forsomeselfishreason,theyearningwishthatheandKathadfoundthetimetohaveachildfilledhismind.EvenGotrekhadunderstoodthepowerofimmortality.Butthatwaswrong.Itwasn’timmortality.Itwascontinuance.Ulrikasnarled,poleaxedabeastmanwithahypnoticstare,grabbeditwithbothhandsandpositionedit

betweenherandHelbrasslikeashield.‘DoyouknowwhathappenstothoselikeusinPraag?’saidHelbrass.‘Wouldyounotratherdiethan

liveforeverinacage?’Laughing,heextendedanemeraldclaw.‘OrdoIseekunderstandingfromthecursed?’‘Youwereaprisoner?’saidFelix,unabletobelieveit.Whatkindofamonstercouldholdthiscaptive?‘Iandothers.MorethanIcouldkillbeforeIescaped.’‘WhatofMax?’Ulrikaspatsuddenly.Hervoicewasslurredasifshewasdrunkandherfangshad

becomeengorgedtointerferewithhertongue.‘ALightwizardoftheEmpirecalledMaxSchrieber.HewastakenafterthebattleatAlderfen.’Helbrassspreadhishandsinwhatmighthavebeenashrug.Flameflickedalongtheedgesofhis

armour.‘Alllifeisconnected.Alllifeisone.EventheTrollKingunderstandsthisinhisheart.’‘Understandswhat?’saidFelix.‘Deathorlife,’Helbrassroared,thoseflickeringembersignitingintoapyreofincandescentmadness.

Felixcoveredhiseyes.Thesurvivingbeastmenloweredtheirweaponsandbleatedinconfusion.TheOstermarkersstoppedfiring.EveryonehadstoppedtowatchtheChaoschampionburn.AndhiseyesweresolelyonUlrika.‘Stasisorchange.Stagnationorexpansion.SincebeforetheageoftheOldOnesthathasbeentheonlychoicethatmatters.’Themulticolouredflamesturnedgrey,roaringhigheruntilthechampion’sentirebodywasconsumedby

them.Andthentheinfernoflickeredbackdown.Felixstared.Helbrasswasgone.‘Ulrika–’Beforehecouldfinish,Helbrassreappearedinsidethemanorgateinathunderclapofshadow-grey

flamethatsentcrackssplinteringupthroughthelintelstoneandthrewUlrikaandherbeastmanhostageflatontheirfaces.Felixrantoprotecther.Despitewhathehadwitnessed,shewasstilltheUlrikahehadknown.Hereadiedhisbladeasifitcouldbeofanyusewhatsoeverastheveryairbeneaththearchwasdistorted,excitedtothepointofignitionbytheenergyofchange.‘Stasisorchange?’Helbrassyelled.‘Thosearethechoices.’‘Mendon’tchange,’Felixreturned.Helbrassemittedashrilllaugh.‘Allowmetoopenyoureyestohowwrongyouare.’Thechampionstabbedhisswordintothegroundandthenclenchedhisfistsoverthepommelasthough

strainingtodrawitback.Flamesspatfromhisarmour,liketighteningmuscles,shiftingfromgreytoorange.Lookingatthemwaslikestaringintoaprism,butratherthancoloursitwasrealitythattheysplit,sprayingoutallitscomponentpossibilities.‘Witnessyourdestiny!Experiencethemanifoldpossibilitiesofdestructionbeforeoneclaimsyou.’

Felixcouldn’tclosehiseyesfastenoughtokeepfromlooking.HesawKislev.Criesofdespairrosefromeveryquarterofthecityasthebesiegingarmypouredinthroughthe

warpedandstill-livinggate.HechargeddowntheGoromadnyProspekt.Iftherewastobealaststand,iftherewasanyoneelseleft,thenitwouldbeattheIcePalace.Helookedoverhisshoulder,hearingthecriesoftheKurgangainingground,andsawthechariotracinguptheprospekt.Itspaintedbluehullwaswrappedwithchainsandpulledbythreeblackhorses,apairofmaraudersinthecar.Onepointedhimoutwithhisspear.Withacurse,Felixduckedagainstawallandswunghisswordaroundtofacethem.Itwashopelessanyway,nowthatGotrekhadfallen…Alderfen.Coveringhisnoseandmouthtokeepfromvomiting,Felixmatchedbladeswiththehideous

plaguebearerofNurgle.Pusdrooledfromitshangingjaw,itscyclopeaneyestaringblanklyasifwithfever,butdespiteitsfamine-wastedformitwashideouslystrong.Withablastofpurifyinglight,MaxSchreiberreducedascoreofthemtoafoulsmellontheaethyr.Notenough.Thebattlewasalreadylost.Therewastimeonlyforregret–thatneithermanwouldleavetheotherbehind…Altdorf.Tooweaktolifthisownhead,Katraisedhimunderherarmandspoonedsomethinghecouldno

longertasteintohismouth.Itwaspointless.KatshouldhavefledAltdorfwiththeirchildlikeeveryoneelse,butnowtheywouldbothdielikeOttoandAnnabella.Becauseofhim.Throughthewindow,hecouldseewhatmenhadoncecalledKarlFranzPark,andtheputrescentdaemonlordthathadmadeititshome…TheEverpeak.Thelastandgreatestarmyofthedwarfsstoodarrayedingromrilandgoldbeforetheskavenhorde.

Theyweredoomed,andfoughtonlytosparethemselvesthesightofKaraz-a-Karakinflames.InthefrontrankofalegionofSlayers,heandGotrekstoodshouldertoshoulder.Gotrekpointedtoafigureamongstthehordes,butitwasunnecessary.Felixhadmarkedthatcardlongago.Thanquol!FromhisthroneatopagreathornedbelltheGreySeercommandedhisminionsforward,andinachitteringmassamillionstrongtheyobeyed…Kurzycko.Hesaw…‘Sigmar’sblood!’Hehadseenenough.Withoutwaitingforthevisiontofinish,hegrabbedUlrikabythehandanddragged

herbackfromtheattaman’smanor.

Snorrididn’tthinkhe’deverfeltsomanybeastmencrammedsoclose.Thetunnelstankofblood,guts,andpanic–andthesulphuroussparkofalittaper.Withaxe,hammer,andmace,Snorribludgeonedapaththroughthebeastmen.DurinDrakkvarrfollowed

withanice-coldferocity,eyessetlikeballbearingsinadaemonmask.Drogun,SkalfandtheothersurvivingSlayersfollowedinbehind.Snorribaredhisteeth,barelyevenlookingatwhathewaskillinganymore.Thiswasit.Theend.Hecouldalmosttasteit.SnorriNosebiterwouldsupaleintheAncestors’Halltonight!‘Aren’tyouforgettingsomething?’Durin’svoicewastypicallycold.Betweenblows,hepickedSnorri’ssatcheloffthegroundandtossed

itover.Snorridroppedhishammerandcaughtit.Thestraphadbeenslicedthrough.Pity,thoughtSnorri,

theblademusthavemissedhimbyahair’sbreadth.‘Youhaveborneitthusfar.Itwouldbeashamenowtomeetyourdoomwithoutit.’Snorritriedtohangtheseveredstrapoverhisshoulder.Itdroppedtwicemorebeforeheshoweditto

Durin.‘You’llhavetotieit.Snorri…Snorri’snotverygoodatknots.’Durindidsowithoutfuss.‘LetusracetoPraag,Snorri,andthefirstonetotheAncestors’Hallwill

havethebeersready.’Withagrin,Snorripickeduphishammerandthrewhimselfbackintothefight.Hefeltgood,betterthan

hehadindays.Thiswassurelythemightydoomhehadbeenpromised.Youwillhavethemightiestdoom.BlownapartandentombedwithahordeofbeastmenseemedmightyenoughtoSnorriandthelikesof

DurinandKrakkiandDrogunweregooddwarfswithwhomtoshareit.Hedidn’tevenmindoverlywhenDurintackledthebeastmanthathadbeenabouttoburyitsaxeinhisskull,andthenscreamedsomethinginSnorri’searashepushedhimaheadintothepress.Therewasamoment’spause,asifSnorri’scrossedstarsheldtheirbreath.Andthenthebombswentoff.

Theexplosionrippledthroughthereinforcedstonewallsofthemanorlikeawave.FelixthrewhimselfontopofUlrikaasHelbrasscaughtaglimpseofhisownfutureandbellowed.Ashockwavefromsomewheredeepwithinthestructurepummelledhisarmourandshreddedhisbarehandswithshrapnel.Thechampion’shandsnappedthroughanewincantation,summoningbackhisgreyfire,buttoolate.Alwaystoolate.Thecrackedlintelabovehisheadfinallysplitandthechampionlookedup,witnessingjustoneof

manifoldpossibilitiesrealisedasthesupportingstructuregaveandthreestoreys’worthofmasonrypiledontohisshoulders.Therewasasubterraneancrumpasoneofthemunitionsstoresinthemanor’scellarswentoff.The

wallsshook,butthatonehadn’tbeennearlyasfierce.Mingledcriesoftriumphanddismaydrifteddownfromtheshell-shockedmenontheramparts.Dizziedandslightlydeaf,FelixpickedhimselfupoffofUlrika.Rubbledrizzledfromhishair.He

wincedashisnumerousachesandpainslethimknowwheretheywere.Theairtastedburned,andittingledasifithadfelttoomuchviolenceonitswaytohisthroat.Theskyrumbledwiththeroarofcannon.Helbrass’sownfiresmusthaveignitedoneoftheblackpowderrooms.Thatwastheonlyexplanation.Ulrikagroanedbeneathhimandshifted.Felixfeltaninappropriatelytimedpangofdesireatthesightof

her;tousled,spent,alittlegroggyfromtoomuchdrink.Hepushedthethoughtaside.Therewouldbetimeenoughtoexploreitlateriftheycouldjustgetoutofherealive.‘Whathappened?’Ulrikamurmured.‘Didyoukillhim?’‘Afterafashion,Ithink.’‘How?HewastheconquerorofKislev.Andyouare–’‘Ahas-beenformerhenchman?’‘Somethinglikethat.’UlrikasmiledandheldupahandforFelixtopullherup.Hedidandshefellinto

hisarmsbeforeshecouldsteadyherself.Herbodywasoddlywarmafterhavingdrunk.Herwhitehairwasclottedwithbloodandsmelledofsmoke.ShelookedatHelbrass’sburiedremains,andthenatFelix,lipspartedinanexpressionofaweasifhehadjustdonesomethingastounding.‘It’snotquitewhatyouthink.’Alowgrowldisturbedthesprinklingrockdust.UlrikalookedupandFelixturnedtoseethebigbull

minotaurthathadfirstbrokenthroughthemanor’sdoorsreturntolookforitsraidingparty.Itshornedheaddrewlevelwiththeeavesoftherowofhousesbehindit,evenhunchedundertheweightofitsarmourandthemassivewarhammerinitshands.Itsurveyedthewreckageandsnortedagreatplumeofhotair.Felixdrewuphisswordwearily.WhatgoddidIoffendtoday,hethought?‘Starovye!’Felixhadheardthatwordbefore,hadincontextassumeditmeant‘drink’,butashetwistedaroundhe

sawDamirandhisstubbornlittleUngolponyboltthroughthebreachinthevillage’snorthernwallwithhisbownockedandtwo-scorestridentlygarbedhorsementhunderinginhistrain.Withashiverofforty-plusrecurvebows,theminotaursproutedarrows.Holleringfury,themonsterswungitswarhammeracrossahigh,sweepingarc.Damirpressedhimself

downagainsthispony’sneckasthehammerwhistledoverhead,thensmoothlynockedanotherarrow,shotitpointblankintothebull’sneck,andkickedhisponyoutofreach.TheUngolrodetoUlrikaandofferedhishand.Ulrikatookit,plantedherbootintothepony’sflankandswungherselfupbehindDamirintothesaddle.Theminotaurbellowed,goringaponythroughtheshoulderandflippingitanditsriderthroughtheair.

Ulrikaflourishedhersabre.‘Letusfinishthisandbeaway.’‘Nyeh,’saidtheUngol,suckinginhisteethandnoddingbackthewayhehadjustridden.Morehorsemenwerefollowinginthroughthebreach,ridinghardasifpursuednotjustbytheforcesof

hellbutbyhellitself.FelixcaughtglimpsesofImperialcolourswithinthecolouredwoolsandhempcoatsoftheUngolhorse-archers.Asmatteringofpistolshotspepperedtheminotaur’sarmourbeforeone,firedfromcloserange,blewoutthebackofitspot-helm.Thebeastcrashedforwardsandridersyippedorelsejustcontinuedtogalloppast.Felixsawthepistoliercoughandwaveahandthroughthepistoldischarge.Hewasashadetootallto

sitcomfortablyonahorsethesizeofthewirymareherode.Longblondhairlayoverblood-spatteredmail.Abluecloakhungoveroneshoulder.Withshakingfingers,heinexpertlyrefilledthechamberofhispistolfromthehorntiedtohissaddle.Hiseffortsseemedtospillmorepowderoverhisfingersthanintohisweapon.HenoticedFelixandgaveafraughthalf-smile.‘IfeverIseeaDetlefSierckoravonDiehloranyofthose“justwar”poets,thenI’mgoingtokill

them.’‘Gustav?’saidFelixindisbelief.‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’Theyoungmanscowled,closingthepowderchamberandshakingspiltpowderfromthegunbarrel.

Thenheholsteredit.‘Mymenareclub-footedsotsandtheguardsvonKarlsdorfplacedontheBechafenroadhavepatriotismtofilltheirpockets.’Morehorsemenwerepilingthroughthebreach,firingovertheirshouldersastheycame.‘Youcantalklater,’saidUlrika.‘Wehavetorideeast.Mymaster’ssoldierswaitforustheretoescort

usacrosstheAuricBastion.’Felixgesturedtothemenstillclingingontothebattlementsofthesubsidingmanor-fort.‘Thesemen–’‘WillserveRochandtheEmperorlongafterthis,Iassureyou.’‘AtleastletmeseeGustavtoBadenhof.Iowemybrotherthatmuch.’‘Notime!’Ulrikasnarled,angeredbysomethingFelixhadsaid.Thecrackofpistolshotswasgrowing

sharperandmorefrequent.‘HecanrisktheridebacktotheEmpireorhecancomewithus.’Felixturnedtohisnephew;nervous,scared,slightlyexalted,facepaintedbytheback-splatterofa

monsterfewwouldeverseeandthathehadstilltorealisethathehadjustslain.Hewasfamily.And

Ulrikawasessentiallyaskinghimtochoosethetimeandmannerofhisdeath.Lifeordeath?HereinKurzyckoorsometimelaterinKislev?Hegroundhisteethandrelented.Itwasn’treallymuchofachoice,andatleastthiswayFelixcould

keepaneyeonhim.‘Stickbyme,Gustav.I’llseeyouthroughthis.’FelixwasremindedofanotherpromisehehadmadebackintheShallyantempleinAltdorf,another

promisehe’dknownhewouldn’tbeabletokeep.‘You’vegottobejoking.IamnotgoingtoKislevwithyou.’Felixwavedhisprotestsdown.Hisnephew’sopinionwasmootnowanyway.Helookedaroundfora

horseofhisowntorideasawedgeofheavilyarmouredknightsinmouldedblackplateandridingmuscularlycaparisoneddestrierscamethroughthenorthbreachatahardcanter.Arearguardofpistoliersfollowedinaskirmishline,loosingafusilladeofsolidshotintothepursuingnorthmen.TheknightsreinedinbyFelixandUlrikawhilethepistoliersandtheUngolsralliedintoaformationto

holdthenorthmenatbay.Astandardbearerboreaswallowtailedredbannerthatflutteredlooselyintheheateddiesfromthevillage’sburning.Theirblackplatewasshapedintoeffigiesofsnarlingfaces,decoratedwithunusualvariantsofholyiconographyandstrungwithtatteredscrapsofscripture.Thewargearwasstainedanddented,butthemarble-hardmenwithinwerepristineexemplarsofbeautyandstrength.ToFelix’smind,theycouldhaveequallyjusthad‘vampire’emblazonedonthebanderolesflutingfrom

theirlanceheads.Hecouldalmostpicturetherecruitmentposterrightthen:aphalanxofrottingzombiesmarchingonthe

AuricBastionundertheheraldicbatofthevampirecountsofSylvania.Somehow,hecouldn’tseeitpassingtheReiksmarshal’sapproval.Hegaveaworld-wearysigh.Whyshouldthedeadnotbeartheirownweight?‘Ipresumeoneofyoulordshasahorseforme?’‘Youmayridewithme,HerrJaeger.’Theknights’commanderdrewinthereinsofhischilling,ghost-whitecharger.Hiseyeswerepupil-

less,asclearandcompellingaspearls,andjuststandingundertheirgazewithoutbendingthekneefeltlikeanactoftreasonagainstthenaturalorder.HishighcheekbonesremindedhimalittleofUlrika,tellingperhapsofasharedGospodarheritage.Heworethesameblackfullplateashiscommand,onlymuchmoreelaborateandwithafaintmagicalauraperceptibleeventoFelix.ItwasclearlynoneotherthanCommandantRochhimself.‘Isawyoudie,’Felixmurmured.‘Lifeanddeathareseldomsuchstraightforwardaffairs.’Thevampirelordproducedasmilemore

predatorythananythingeverwornbyadirewolforaSouthlandsalligatorandextendedahand.Felixnotedtheringthatglitteredfromhistranslucentfinger.Hewasremindedofhisown.‘Ifyouknewme,thenyouwouldknowIhavereturnedfromworse.’

‘Fire!Fire!Fire!’screamedGeneralvonKarlsdorfuntilspittlewasflyingfromhismouth.TheChaoshordeswerestreamingoutfromthechokepointatKurzycko.Everywherehelookednow,

provincialbannerswerebeingtrampedundertheironheeloftheadvancinglegionsasmenwerecutdownorbroke.ThestampofsomanyfeetwasloudenoughtosoundevenovertheburstandwhineofmortarfirefromWilhelmshügel.Rochhadabandonedthem.Itwasover.MatthiasWilhelmdroppedhiseyeglassandstarednumblyoverthecomingwave.

‘Fire,’hemurmured.‘Somebody?’Thewordsdriedupasthecornerofhiseyecaughtaflashofredandheturnedtoseethewizardsofthe

ThreeSistersimmolatedindragonfire.Harpiesanddaemonsshotthroughtheflames,followedbytheimperiousglideoftheChaosdragon.Allaround,menabandonedtheirgunsinterror,butMatthiasWilhelmstoodfrozen.Hewhimperedas

thecloudofharpiespoureddown,clawsoutstretchedforthekill.

Ulrikahardenedherhearttothescreamsasshegaveherwhitestallionitsheadtorun.Itwasunsurprisinglyeasy.Menweredying,butitwasnotasiftheyweregoinganywhere.HermasterwouldstillneedanarmytoreclaimTrzySiostryandpushtheChaoshostbackthroughtheAuricBastion.Sheclosedhereyesandlethermountgallop,allowingtherhythmofitsstridetoperfusethemusclesof

herthighs.ThehorsehadfounditswaybacktoitsstablematesafterthefightinKurzyckoandshehadbeenpleased,inadetachedsortofway,tobereunitedforthisfinallegoftheirjourney.Theinfamouscoldoftheoblastwindranthoughherhair,butofcourse,shedidnotfeelit.Shedidnotknowwhatshehadbeenexpectingtofeelonherreturnhome.Butnotnothing.InPraagperhaps,itwouldbedifferent.Yes,thetrueUngolsteppe.Thatwasherhome,notthisrolling

southerncountrythatinallbutlanguageandthenamesofitsvillageswasnotdissimilarfromtheEmpireacrosstheriver.Burned-outfarmsteadsdottedthesnowscape.Thesnow-coatedfirsoftheShirokijForestprickledthehillstoherleftwhilemountainsclimbedthroughthecloudstoherright.Thiswasnothome.Attheapproachoffamiliarheartbeats,sheturnedinthesaddletowatchFelix,GustavandDamir

leadingasizeableforceofhorse-archers,freecompanypistoliers,anddemilancersoutfromtheAuricBastion.Damirofcoursecouldridealldayandsleepinthesaddlebynight.Hehaddonesobeforeandwould

doubtlessbecalledontodosoagain.Hewasloyalbeyondmortalscopeandafiercewarrior.Shehadnoconcernsabouthimorthemenheled.Forallhisgripingaboutachesandpains,Felixcomparedfavourablywithhisyoungercounterpart.His

greyinghairandbattlescarslenthimanairofexperiencethatmenhehadneverevenmetseemedtowanttofollow.UlrikasuspectedthattherewassomeblockinFelix’sheadthatdidnotpermithimtosee–andhewoulddoubtlessresentitifhedid–thathewasatwenty-yearveteranandlookedit.Menrespectedthat,particularlyontheoblastwhereamanwithoutchildrenattwentyriskedbothhislifeandhisline.OnturningtoGustavshesighed.TheyoungmanwassuchamirrortoayoungerFelixthatitalmosthurt.

Almost.Shehadlongagoforgottenhowitfelttobatheinrunningwater,tofeelthebreathofthesunuponher

skin.Hadshefinallyalsoforgottenhowtofeel?‘Youaretroubled,Ulrika.’‘Notbyanythingthatmatters,’shereplied,turningtotheproudprinceoftheundeadwhorodealongside

her.Despitehermaster’sornatewargearandthehorse’sheavyblackbarding,hisspectralchargerkeptpacewithoutevenappearingtobreathe.‘Thereisabloodbondbetweenus,andIknowwhenyoulie.Thewizard,Schreiber,isasimportantto

measheistoyou.BalthasarGeltspeaksmosthighlyofhim,bothasascholarofChaosandamanofsoundreason.Iwillneedsuchallies.’‘Yes,lord.’‘Butdonotforgetyourtruepurpose.Evenwecannotwagethiswaralone.Servemeaswellas

AdolphusKriegeronceservedmyownwaywardchildandIwillseeyourewardedinkind.Thereare

nineseatsinNagash’scourt,Ulrika,andthefateofWalachHarkonatAlderfenleavesatleastoneopenforyou.’Therewasasnarl,aslipofthemask.Hestareddeadahead,asthoughhetooyearnedfortheoblasttogivehimsomethingtofeel.‘Otherswillfallbeforethiswarisdecided,andwhenweprevailthenyouwillruleKislevforeternity.’Ulrikagritherteethandsaidnothing.Talkaboutapoisonedchalice.Itwaseasytospeakofthelesser

oftwoevils.Tooeasy.Especiallywhentheevilsinplaywerebothsogreat.StasisorChaos?ShewasaKislevite.Herinstinctwastorebel,tobendthekneetonolord,andparticularlynotone

fromamillennia-deaddesertkingdomsofarremovedfromthefrozenoblastthattherewereplentyofmeneveninthemercantilequartersofErengradandVolksgradthathadneverheardofit.ButthemiddlegroundhadcrumbledintotheabyssthedaythatArchaonclaimedthecrownoftheEverchosenandNagasharosetoopposehim.Nowwasthetimetomakeachoice,pickaside,andacceptthattheworldwasbeyondthepowerofherownstubbornnesstomould.ShewishedthatshecouldexplainthistoFelixbut,asheandKaterinahadbothproveninrefusingUlrika’sgift,themortalswerenotyetreadyforthatchoice.TheGreatNecromancerortheGreatPowers?‘Wewillbethegoodshepherds,Ulrika.Itistheonlyway.’‘Yes,lord,’Ulrikawhispered.‘Itwillbedone.’‘Thereisnoneedforsubterfugehere,Ulrika.Youarehome.Youmaycallmebymyname.’Ulrikaturnedtoregardhimproperly.Helookedback,longwhitehairthrashinginthewind,whitewolf

smilegleaming.Thecompulsioninhisgazewaspowerful,eventoanotheroftheArisen.HowdifferenthistorymighthavebeenhadtheVampireWarsendedwiththeEmperor’scrownontheheadofthisimmortalpotentate.WouldtheworldbeinthecrisisitnowwaswithVladvonCarsteinonthethroneofitsmostpowerfulnation?‘Yes,LordvonCarstein.’Vladnodded.Hisexpressionwasstillasthesurfaceofthemoon,butadeephurtglitteredinhismilk-

whiteeyes.‘Iwouldhavemadethisjourneymyself.BelovedIsabellaoncespenttheseasoninPraag,andwouldyoubelievethatIhaveneverevenseentheoperahouse,theGrandeParade,theSquareofKisses,thosesightsthatdelightedhermortallife?’Heshookhishead.‘Itistoolateforme.Mytiestohumanitywerebrokenlongago.’Heblinked,anoddlymanualgesturethathadnothingtodowithmoisteningeyesharderthanmostmen’sblades.HeturnedtoregardFelixandtheothermortals.‘Foralmostaslongasmyownunlife,Praaghasbeenataintedcity.NowitisfirmlyinChaoshands.RecallhowitsinfluencealmostmaddenedKriegerandthinkwhatitspowerwilldotoyounow.’‘Ido,lord.Iunderstandthatalltoowell.’Withagrimacewhichmighthaveconcealedadropletofaffection,Vladturnedhissteedaboutand

summonedtheDrakenhofTemplarstoescorthimbacktoRackspire.HenoddedtowardsFelix.‘Thencherishhim,Ulrika,becauseyouwillneedhimbeforetheend.’

Kolyakneltintothesnowtowrenchhisarrowfromthebeastman’sback.Theshaftcamelooseinatearingofmuscleandasmallspurtofblood.Hedidnothavethesparestothrowawayand,asthewisewomanhadusedtosay,whatfallsfromthehorseontheoblastisasgoodasgone.Hewipeditcleanonthebackofhismittsandsliditintothequiverhehadfashionedfromagorchieftain’sdrinkinghornthathungfromhiswaist.Loopinghisbowoverhisshoulder,helookedacrossthefieldofmangled,snow-furredcorpsesto

wherethedwarf,Gurnisson,stompedaway.Thewitchlightsofthecorruptednorthernskyparadedpurple

andgreenabovetheirdestination.Praag.Kolyalookeddownatthecrystalbeautyofthetrollthatlaydismembereduponthegroundwherethe

dwarfhadslainit.ItwasanicetrolloftheGoromadny,thatKolyahadthoughtexistedonlyinolddwarfsagasandtheboastsofmountainrangers.Aredgleamofalienintelligencehadlititseyesbeforeithaddied.ItwasnothingKolyahadeverwitnessedintheeyesofatrollbeforenow.Withashiver,Kolyarolledthetroll’sseveredheadunderhisbootuntilitwasfacedowninthesnow.

EvenbeforetheBattleoftheTobolCrossingtherehadbeenrumoursamongsttheKurgan:talkoftrollsthatwagedwarlikemen,ofanarmyofbeaststhathadmadeitsstrongholdinPraag.Thebarracksofthecity’skossarsnowlowedwithbeastmen.Trollsandgiantsdefendeditsgreatwalls.Hydraandgorgonsguardeditsgates.Thelegionwingsofharpiesshroudeditstowersandblackedthewarpstormsthatragedacrossitsskies.Orsorumourclaimed.Throwingtheslowlyregeneratingtrollonefinallook,Kolyacrunchedafterhissullencompanion.As

hardashetriedtothinkofotherthings,ofhowhewouldwitnessthedwarf’sdeathandthenfollowhimonKasztanka’sbacktothenextworld,hekeptthinkingofoneofMarzena’smanysayings.Amanafraidofspidersshouldstayoutoftheforest.AndKolyawassurprisedtodiscoverthat,forallhisresignationtohisfate,thethoughtoffacingthe

monstrouslegionsoftheTrollKinghadlefthimveryafraidindeed.

Crispedandblackenedbodieslitteredtheforestfloor,lyingwheretheexplosionfromtheolddwarfshafthadthrownthem.Theyhunginthebranchesoftrees,spinesbrokenoverexposedroots,furrybodiessteamingslightlyunderalightcoveringofsnow.Afoxpickedthroughthecookedmeatasifdisbelievingitsnose.Witharuffleofwingsandadrizzleofsnowfromthecanopy,anothercoalblackcarrioncrowjostledforspaceonanalreadycrowdedbranch.Theirharshcallssoundedoverthebrokenrune-gate.Thenoneofthebodiescoughed.Foraninstanttheforestfellsilent,thenanexplosionofwingsandpanickedcawsbroughtmoreshaken

snowdowntotheforestfloorandontoSnorriNosebiter’shead.Coughingupburnedfurandblackpowdersmoke,Snorridughiswayoutofthesnowpileandgaspedforair.Thesnowburnedhisblackenedfleshlikevinegar.Hisbeardwassingeddowntotheroots,fillinghissquashednosewiththereekofroastedhair.Everypartofhisbodystung,allexceptforonelittlepatchbetweenhisshoulders.Hischestcreaked

andcrackedashereachedaroundtotryandfeelit.Hewinced,butcouldn’tlayafingeronit.Itwasinthatannoyingspotthatwasalwaysjustoutofreachofbothhands.Theshapeofitfeltlikeahandprint.ThelastthingherememberedwasDurinpushinghimawayfromtheblastandintothemassof

beastmen.WhyhadtheDaemonslayerdonethat?Thatcouldhavebeenagreatdoom.ItwouldhavebeengoodenoughforSnorrianyway.Snorrishookhisheadtosilencetheorgangunsgoingoffinside.Whenthatfailed,hesmackedhisgood

earuntilitstopped,thenshovelledupafistfulofsnowandstuffeditintohismouth.‘Hhhnnngg.’OathofGrimnir,Snorriwantedabeer!Usingafreshclumpofsnow,Snorriwipedthecharfromaroundhiseyes.Itwasonlyhisbackthathad

beentrulyburned.Hisfaceandchestwerejustcoatedwithashandwhateveritwasthatbeastmengaveoffwhentheycaughtfire.Blackwaterrunningfromhisfacelikeaclown’ssmudgedmake-up,Snorri

lookedovertheforestwherehenowfoundhimself.Itlookedstrangelyfamiliar.Woods.Giantspidersinthetrees.Snorrishutouttheemergingmemoryandturnedhisheadbacktotakeintherunegate,anangular

dolmenoflimestoneblockscarvedwithrunes.Itangleddownintotheearth.Snorriwasnoexpert,butUnderwaygatesweregenerallybetterhiddenthanthat.Theentrancestillstood,butthetunnelmorethanafewfeetinhadcollapsed,buryingDurinDrakkvarr,KrakkiIronhame,andafewhundredluckybeastmen.Smokehazedlazilythroughgapsintherubble,likepipe-smokethroughalongbeard’sgrin.Snorrisighed.Theyhadbeengooddeaths.ButSnorriwascursedtoneedagreatone.Helookedtothebodiesofthebeastmenandloweredhisaxeandhammer.Thebodiesofspiderslayamongstthebolesofthetrees,upturnedwiththeirlegscurledovertheir

bellies.Snorriswayedonhisfeetandchuckled.Hefeltdrunkerthanifhehaddownedtwowholebucketsofvodka.Thetreeswerejiggingbackandforth.Snorrithrewhishammeratone,butsomehowhewounduponhisbackside.Thehammerwentsomewherebehindhim.Helookedathishammerhandandgiggled.Itwascoveredingreatredbitemarks.Strange.Hedidn’tfeelathing.Dizzily,hebecameawareofahunchbackedoldhumanladycomingtowardshim.Herhairwas

scruffywhitelikeaballofspiders’webs.Sheworelong,layeredskirtsofblacksilkdecoratedwithcolouredshardsofchitinandfacetedbeadsthatlookedliketheeyesofgiantspiders.‘YoumayrewardSnorriwithbeer,’Snorritriedtosay,lipssmackingopenandshutwhileatrickleof

droolrandownhischin.Theoldladycrouchedbesidehiminarustleofskirts,likeawingedinsectcomingintoland,and

putherhandaroundSnorri’sthroat.Snorrigaveaprotestingdribble.Thiswashumangratituderightenough!Snorrigruntedfuriouslyastheladyfeltouthispulse.ShestaredatSnorriwithastrangeintensityasshecountedunderherbreath.Herexpression,fartoofuriousforsomeonewhoselifeSnorrihadjustsavedfromallofthesespidersthatinfestedherhome,grewasneer.Sheremovedherhandfromhisneckandtookhishandinstead.Snorritriedtopullitawayfromher,butthemessagegotdrunkandpassedoutsomewhereontheway.Theladyturnedhisbig,callousedhandpalm-upandranclaw-likenailsalongthelines.Snorrigiggledstupidly.Thattickled.‘SnorriNosebiter,’shemurmured.Hervoicewassing-song,trancelike,andSnorrifoundhimself

driftingintoastupor.‘Youshouldhavediedtoday,Snorri,butIwillnotallowit.Youslaughteredmyguardians,youintrudedonmyseclusion.Youimperilmyverysoulshouldmymasterfindwhatyouhavedone.’Shehissed,astrangekindofsmileonherlipsasanaildugintoabranchinglineonhispalmanddrewabeadofblood.Anarcofsomethingmagicalflaredfromthedropletandcrackledoverherknuckles.‘ThedoomyouseekshalleludeyouuntilthedaythatIdecree.Itwillnotcomeformanyyears,longenoughforyoutosuffer.Andwhenyouarewholeagain,whenthoseyoumostlovesurroundyouagain,thenyoushallhaveadeaththatbringsyounothingbutpain.Thisisyourcurse,’shesneered.‘AgiftworthyofaSlayer.’ThecronecackledastheauraofenergyscaldedSnorri’shand,redrawingthepalmlinesinblood.

Snorrimoanedsoftly.‘Youwillhavethemightiestdoom.’Snorrismoothedadollopofsnowintohisforehead.Hemoanedsoftlyatthesudden,wonderfulrushof

cold.Stilldizzy,hegrabbedhisleatherbagwhereitlayrune-sideupinthesnow.ThenheswayedtohisfeetandmadehisfirsttotteringstepsintotheShirokijForest.Hewasn’tsurehowherememberedtheplace’sname,butitwasallstartingtocomeback.Snorrihad

longsuspectedthattheoldladyintheforesthadcursedhimandnowheknewwhy.Theoldladyhadcursedhim!Shehaddonefarmorethanprophesyagreatdestinyforhim;shehadtwistedhisfatewithherown

handstomakeitso.Snorrifeltpoisoned.ThiswasworsethanSkalftrickinghimintogivingupdrinkingorDurintakinghisnails.CouldanyonepullameanertrickonaSlayerthanthis?Snorri’smace-legsankintothesnowashelimpedmiserablyonintothetrees.Theoldladyhadmadeit

sohecouldn’tdieuntilthetimeandplaceshe’dset.Hehadtofindthatplace,thattime,andthenhecouldfindhisdoom.Whenyouarewholeagain,whenthoseyoumostlovesurroundyouagain.Snorrishrugged,payingnothoughttothedirectioninwhichhetrudged.Whatdiditmatteranyway?He

hadadestiny.SnorriNosebiterwouldfindthemightiestdoom.

NINETheCrossroadsoftheWorld

AchimeracircledthehauntedcitadelofPraag.Itsleoninefurwrithedlikepenitentsoulsinthecrosswindsthatcutthroughthemountainpassestonorth

andeast.ThebeastswoopedlowovertheSquareofHeroes,startlingthecloudofharpiesthatpickedatthefreshboneshungfromthestatueofTzarAlexisinthemiddleofthesquare.TheherooftheGreatWarandcontemporaryofMagnusthePioushadbeentwistedbythetouchofChaos.Eachday,thehornsthatnowprotrudedfromhisforeheadgrewalittlelongerandwhenevertheskiesblackenedandtheaircrackledwithabuildingwarpstorm,thegravenstatuewepttearsofblood.Itdidsonow.Withasonorouswingbeat,thechimeraregainedaltitude,scatteringthescreechingharpiesasitsailed

overtheoldtownwall.MaxSchreiberpressedhisfacetothebarredwindowofhiscell.Thebackwashofitspassingruffledhistangledbeardandhemoanedforthebriefblissofthesensation

ofwindonhisface.Therollingbellowofalionechoedacrossthesnow-troubledrooftopsoftheStarograd.Thechimeradippeditsrightwing,droppingintoaturnthatcarrieditovertheMountainGateandthebesieginghordesthatfrozeoutthereontheoblast.Maxangledhimselftowatch.Therewerethinscreams,atorrentofflame,andthenonemorecontemptuouswingbeatastheupdraftofthechimera’sownfierybreathlifteditintoaglideonceagain.Maxwatchedfromhishightowerasnorthmenandbeastschargedthroughtheflameslikeantswhose

nesthadbeensetablaze.Drumsbeatfuriously.Hornscalledbythethousand.Laddersroseoutofthesmokeandsteamandclatteredagainstthewalls.Ontheramparts,trollssmashedthesiegeladderstokindling,beatingdowntheassaultingforcesoreatingthem.Itwasslaughterunparalleledandthisbattlehadbeenragingfordays.Aroundonesuchmonstertheregloweredafaintrednimbusofpower.Maxrecognisedtheritualmagicbywhichhiscaptor’sbray-shamansimposedtheirking’swillonhisminions.Strongashewashowever,theTrollKingwasbutone.Amongstthetrolls,scrawny,half-beastungoroverseersstabbeddownwithspearsandproddedthetrollstolifewheneveronebecameconfusedorthreatenedtofallintoastupor.Morebeastmenwererunningthroughstreetsthathadalreadybeenreducedtorubblebythepassageof

monsters.BythegoldenoniondomeofatempleofDazh,ared-beardedgianttoreagargoylefromtheroofandhurleditoverthewall.MaxsawitrollthroughacrushofChaoswarriorscarryingabatteringram.Harpiescackledoverhead,pickingoffthepieces.MaxknewthatthesamesceneswerebeingplayedouteachdayandnightattheEastGateandtheGate

ofGargoyles.Hecouldhearitevenwhenhetriedtosleep.

Praagwasthecrossroadsoftheworld.Tothenorth,BlackBloodPassandthelegionsofArchaon.Totheeast,HighPass:theKurganandtheChaosDwarfsTothesouth,theAuricBastion,andeverywarriorthathadreturnedinfrustrationonlytofindthecity

heldagainstthembyoneoftheirown.Maxwatchedmagicflasherraticallyfromthewalls.Sucheruptionswere,Maxnoted,alwaysdirected

outwards.IthadbeenalongtimesinceawizardhaddaredstandopenlybeforethewallsofPraag.AtlastthecoldmetalbarsbecametoomuchtobearandMaxpulledback.Justfarenoughthatthey

werenolongertouchinghisface:hestillwantedthefeelofthecold,ofthesnowthatdriftedinthroughthebarswiththelight.Itnumbedthebruisesanddulledeventhehairlinefractureinhisjaw.Hisbonesached.Hefeltlightheadedwithhunger.Brokensleepmadehisvisionbleary.Itwasamiracleofendurancethathestillstood.‘Youhavethepowertohealyourself,’cameagrowlfrombehind,lessavoicethananexpulsionof

words,likegasfromafissure.‘Whydoyounot?’Maxshuthiseyes,aconditionedresponsetothecertainonsetofpain,andloweredhisforeheadtothe

bars.Thecoldburned.Henolongercared.‘Youwouldonlybreakthemagain.’Thatbroughtlaughter,thelowgroanofearthbeforeaquake.‘Therearetwohundredandsixbonesin

thehumanbody,Max.HowmanydoyouthinkIhavealreadybroken?’‘Idon’tknow,’Maxwhispered.‘TellmehowmanyandperhapsIwillnotbreakanothertoday.’‘Ican’tremember.’‘Tellme.’‘I-I–’Max’sfingerstightenedoverthecoldstoneofthewindowslit.Adullpainthrobbedinhishand.

Hisfracturedelbowgroundmercilessly.Andhiship…‘Nine.Youhavebrokennine.’Achuckle,theescapeofpressurebeforeaneruption,avolcanicpledge.‘Ihaveanotherriddleforyou,Max.’Somethingheavyshiftedbehindhim.Thebarsofhiscellgroaned

andbentundertheweightbeingappliedtothem.WhenMaxdidnotreply,thevoicewenton.‘Iamyourbestfriendandyourworstenemy,Iamprivytoyourdarkestsecretsandyetstilltheysurpriseme,Iknoweverymanyouknow,butnotoneofthemknowsme.’Apause,aweightedchallenge.‘WhoamI?’‘Youareme,’saidMaxsoftlyandwithoutthinking.Silenceforamomentbutforthetinnywailofdistantarmies,andthenthelaughreturned,dissonantand

deliberate.‘Youaretheprizepigeoninmycoop,Max.Itwillgrievemetoscatteryourbonesfortheharpies.’Thereitwas,thethreat.Hisbowelstightened.Evenafterallhehadsuffered,allhehadwitnessedfrom

hiseyriehere,Maxdidnotwelcomeanendtoit.Andhewasclose,soveryclose.‘Ihavebeentrying,’saidMax,breathsteamingthroughtheopenbars.‘Whatyouwantwilltaketime.Therewillbetrialanderrorinvolved.Someofyourfollowerswilldie.’‘Lookoutofthewindow,’camethevoice.‘WitnesstheignorantlegionsoftheFour.Seehowthey

crawloutofthenorthlikewormstotherain.DoyouknowhowIcapturedAekoldHelbrass?’‘No,Iwas…’Maxhesitated.Hewantedtosay,wasnothere,butcouldn’t.Itwaseasiertoforgethis

oldlifethantohope.‘Icrushedhimbecausehewasstupid.Hehadneitherthewillnorthewittochangehisstars.Nowlook

again.’MaxgazedpliantlyfromthewindowasagriffonplungeddownintotheSquareofHeroesandcrushedoneoftheinjuredharpiesunderitstalons.Itwashuge,withthemangyhindquartersofasnowcatandthefiercebeakandmottledplumageofabaldeagle.Itshriekedatthescatteredharpies,thentoreinto

thecreaturepinnedbeneathit.Maxlookedaway.TheywerecreaturesofChaos,buttheyfeltpainlikeanyother.‘Idonotcareforthelossofoneorofahundred.Idonotneedanarmy.Ihavethemightiesteverassembled.Ineedageneral.Ineedanequal.’‘Whatwasdonetoyouwastheworkofthegods,’saidMax.‘Itisa…fascinatingproblem,butIamnot

aTeclisoraNagash.’‘Thisisanageofmarvels,Max,andyouarethemostpowerfulmageIhavecrossedwhohasnothad

thatpowergiftedtohim.IfNagashcanriptheWindofShyishfromtheaethyrandconfronttheancestorgoddessofthedwarfsandtriumph,thenyoucandothisthingforme.Andifnot–’Thevoicepaused,timeenoughforMax’sgazetotakeinthecitadel’sothertowers,theotherwindows.

HowmanywizardshadthekingofPraagbroughthere?Hundreds.Eachonewasashorteningfusethatpromiseddeathtoeveryother.IfMaxchosenottocooperatethenheknewthattherewasanightgoblinoranecromancerwhowould.HishostwasclearlynofriendtoArchaon,sowhyshouldMaxbetheonetodie?Andhecouldnotsaythathiscuriositywasnotintriguedbytheconundrumhehadbeenset.Maxhalfturnedfromthewindowslittoregardthehuge,granite-liketrollthathadbeenboltedtothe

wall.ItwastwiceMax’sheight,butitwasthesheermassofitthatwasmostarresting,asifitsscalewassuchthatitdrewsubstanceoffofeverythingaroundit,makingitselfloomeverheavierwhileallarounditgrewsmall.OnanintellectuallevelMaxunderstoodthatitsrockyphysiognomywasanadaptationtothistroll’sparticularhabitat,butthemountainousbulkofitstilllefthimfeelingthefrailtyofhisbruisedfleshandachingbones.Itsmelledofbarerock.Itschestheavedupanddownwithaslowregularity.Thestareitgavehimwasutterlyvacant.Itwasmorethevagueawarenessofaplantforthepositionofthesunthanapredatorforitsnextmeal.Andtherewastheconundrum:howtobestowintelligenceuponatroll?Despitehimself,Maxwasgripped.Coulditevenbedone?Heknewthatitcould.Couldhedoit?He

knewthathecould!Apartofhim,thepartthatstillrememberedUlrikaandFelixandClaudiaandalifewithoutbars,posedthequestionastowhetherthiswasthesamehubristhathadbroughtthedownfallofmenlikeHelsnichtandvanHorstmann.Ahungerforpowercouldmasqueradeinthequestforbetterment,heknew.Butwhowastosayanintelligenttrollwasinherentlyanevilthing?Wasevilintheirnature,orweretheybrutalonlybecausetheydidnotunderstand?Noseriousscholarwouldagreethatogreswereevil,andperhapsatrollwithamindwouldprovethatevilwasnotinnateexceptintheDarkGods’owncreations.Itwouldbetheproofthattheworldwasnotdoomed,thatitwasworthsaving.Thiswasgoodworkhedid.Yes,hecoulddoit.Maxglancedupfromhisspecimenandthroughthebarsthatseparatedhiscagefromthedozensof

othersonthislevelofthetower.IthadbeencalledtheIceTower,forthelateDukeEnrikhadsponsoredtheworkoficewitcheshereandmagicalapparatusandtomeswerescatteredbetweenthecells.Withineachatrollwasbound,dullyelloweyesgazinglistlesslythroughthemosthorrificoftortures.Inthecellnearest,aratmanwarlockhunchedoverthebodyofatrollthathaditsbrainpanslicedopen.AsMaxwatched,thewarlocktookpreviouslybiopsiedandregeneratedtissueandmethodicallygrafteditbackontothetroll’sbrain.Beyond,magesofeveryraceMaxcouldnamemutteredandraved,workingontrollswithoutarms,withouteyes,orwithcarcinoidsecondheads,trollsbrandedwitharcanesigilsthatsteamedinthecoldair.Andbeyondit,throughtheforestofbarsandbodiesandthemistofbreathandpain,wasthedoor.Thedoor.Maxshuddered.Hehadneverseenitopened,itwasjustthere,locked,varnishedredwoodpanelling

withabrassstriptopandbottom.Mysterious.Whathadstartedascuriosityhadgrownandgrownintoanaggingneedtoknowwhatlaybehindit.Whatwasadoorfor,afterall,ifnotforpartitioningonesetofthingsfromanothersetofthings?Maxhadwatchedmendrivethemselvesslowlyinsanejuststaringatittryingtogleanitsmeaning,gibberingandscreamingandpushinggauntfacestothebarsasifjustoneinchnearerwouldputtheminpositiontostareintothewarpedmindofgod.‘Lookatme,’camethevoice,andMaxlooked.Thefervid,jealouslyintelligentvisageofatrollleeredbetweenthebarsofMax’scage.Crystalline

shardsofwarpstonegrewfromhisbrow,runningdownhisneckandshoulderslikeamaneofhairandfollowingthecontoursofhisarmstoproduceapairofharshlyglowingclub-liketumoursaroundeachwrist.Uponthatgnarled,mineral-encrustedhead,aboveeyesthatshonewithagod-givenintellect,satacrownengravedwiththeeight-pointedstarofChaos.ThesilvercircletofDukeEnrikhadbeenforcedoveronewristlikeaKurgantrophyring,andsealedintoplacebythecreepofthatlivingmineral.Itwasnotafaceeverintendedtospeak.HisnamewasThrogg,favouriteofChaos,theTrollKingofPraag.‘Whatthegodsgiftedtomecanbegiftedtoanother.Iwillnotbetheonemindinaraceofblunt,

witlessanimals.’Throggclosedhishardgreyfistsaroundthebarsuntiltheygroaned.Forallhisintellectandstrength,theTrollKingwasbitterlyalone.‘Ibelieveinyou,Max.Ihopeitwillbeyouthatdoesnotfail.’

TENAlone

Kislevwasflatanditwasopen.Thewindcutdownfromthebigmountainrangeinthenorth,gettingstrongerandbloodycolderasitstormedovertheplainsuncheckedandbatteredSnorriNosebiter’sface.Snorriclosedhiseyesandwadedintothewaist-deepsnow.Hiseyelidsrippledasifunderattackbytinyblows.Hisbeardthrashed.Theforcebeingdrivenagainsthisbroadshoulderswasenoughtouprootatree.ButSnorriwasn’tatree.AstoughastreeslookedtheyweresoftinthemiddleandSnorriwasn’tsoftanywhere,exceptperhapsinthehead,butifhehadtobesoftanywherethenthatwasprobablywherehewouldhavechosen.Withadeterminedgrowl,Snorridughimselfoutanotherfootandswunghismace-legintoit.Snorrispatsnowfromhislips,buthisbeardwasfullofthestuff.Itwasacoldandconstantlywetweightonhischin,likehehadjustbeenpulledfromariver.Snorrihatedwater.Ittastedhorrible.AndSnorrihatedtrees.Theywerewhereoldhumanladieswithnothingbettertodothansurround

themselveswithgiantspidersandcurseinnocentSlayerslived.Snorriplungedhismassivehandsintothesnowinfrontofhimandshovelleditaside.Foot-by-foot,that

wasthedwarfway.Hisstupiddestinycouldbeamileawayorathousandandoverthemountains,butonestepatatimewouldgethimthereintheend.Hejusthopeditwouldbesoonerratherthanlater.Drivinghisbodyintotheopeninghehadcut,heturned,shelteredhiseyesunderhishandandlookedbackdownthetrenchhehadgouged.Snowflickedhisnumbfingers,andhewatchedforaminuteasitfilledthetrenchbehindhimandpatted

itdownasthoughburyingabody.TheonlyevidencethatSnorrihadpassedthatwaywasthatSnorriwasrighthere.Itwouldbesoeasytojustgiveup,sitdown,andletthesnowcoverhimtoo.Hewastempted.AneternityasadishonouredrevenantdeniedGrimnir’shalldidn’tseemsoterriblewhencomparedtoKislev.Itwouldbeworthitjustforthelookonthatmeanseeress’sface–takeyourdoomandchokeonit!–butSnorriknewhecouldn’tdothat.Snorrishookthesnowfromhishandandrubbedhiseyes.HehadmadeapromisetoGotrek.The

thoughtofhisoldfriendloosenedmorethanjustsnow,buthetriednottothinkaboutit.Itwashardthoughinthisplace.ThesteppewaslikeSnorri’smind,bigandemptyandjustwaitingtobefilled.Thesteppehaditssnowanditswind.Snorrihadhisthoughts.WasGotrekinvolvedinhisdoomsomehow?DidhehavesomethingtodowithSnorri’sshame?Unabletokeephimselffromthinking,hetriedtothinkaboutsomethingelseinstead.Abouthowmany

dayshehadbeenwalkinglikethisperhaps?Snorrigrinnedwearily.Thatwastooeasy.Hehadabsolutelynoidea.

Whatelsecouldhethinkabout?Thinkinghardonthatoccupiedhismindlongenoughforhimtoturnbacktothesnowface.Snorrihated

snow.Hehadcometothisunderstandingonlyoverthelastseveraldays,buthehelditwithavehemencethatmostreservedforgoblinsorelves.Hekickedthehatedstuffwithhismace-leg,andagain,imaginingitwasgoblins.Hesawtheirugly,

pointyfacesinitslayeredfolds,theirglintyeyesintheflakesastheyfell.Whatdidgoblinshavetodowithanything?Furiousnowwithoutknowingwhy,hekickedharder.Themacecrunchedthroughthesnowfaceandwedgedthere.Snorrishookitferociously,sointentonpullingitloosethathedidn’tevennoticehisstandinglegslidingunderhimuntilhewasstartingtotopple.Withafrustratedcry,Snorriflailedhisarmsandcrashedbackintothesnow.‘Getup,Snorri.Getup.’BorekForkbeardhookedhisarmsunderSnorri’sshouldersanddraggedhimbackfromthewreckage

ofthesteamwagon.Smokewasbillowingfromtheportholesinitssquat,armour-platedchassisandrollinglikecoolingmagmafromtheopenrearhatch.Twodwarfslaydeadonthebarren,oilyrockbesideit.Asidefromacoatingofash,therewasn’tanobviousmarkonthem.Thesmokehadkilledthem.Snorrigaveahackingcough.‘Notanotheraccident.Snorrithinksthat’splainunlucky.’Borekansweredwithavigorousshakeofthehead.Thelongbeardhadsootandblooddownonesideofhisfaceandthelensofhispince-nezwas

cracked.Hewasloadingabig,wide-muzzledblunderbuss.Snorricastaboutforhisownaxeandfounditonthegroundwherehehaddroppeditafterstaggeringfromthesteamwagon.Hepickeditup.Warblingcriessoundedthroughtheroarofsmokeandfire,andallaroundSnorricouldseeape-like,notentirelysolidcreaturesscramblingonallfoursoverthetwistedterrainoftheChaosWastes.Itwasanattack.Andtheyweresurrounded.Swathedinfumesfromthewreckedwagon,Gotrekfoughtoffapackofthecackling,rubber-limbed

horrors,wieldingacoalshoveltwo-handed.Theengineerswungwildly,almostaccidentallycatchingoneofthedaemonsoverthesideoftheheadandcrackingopenitsskull.Thedaemongibberedandflailed,thewoundinitstemplewideningasthoughpulledapartbysomethingwithin.Itcontinuedtocacklethough,evenasitsfleshwasrendereddowntoanelasticpinkgloop.Twomeaner,gnarlierdaemonsshooktheirparent’sremainsfromtheirbluehides,baredtheirfangsandleaptintotheattack.‘Valayabemerciful,’Borekmuttered,swinginguphisblunderbusstocoverthescrumaroundGotrek

and,beforeSnorricouldeventhinkaboutwhatwasabouttohappen,pullingthetrigger.Therewasadetonation,asifaminingchargehadjustgoneoffinSnorri’sear,andthenastormof

nailsandirontrimmingstorethroughthepackofhorrors.Somewerethrownbackbytheimpact.Othersjiggedonthespotasthoughtickledbythosesharpmetalshards.Somehow,protectedbytheheightandthenumberofthem,Gotrekremainedunscathed.Heclockedoneofthefewstandingpinkhorrorswithhisshovel.‘Killtheblueones,’Borekyelled,reloadinghisblunderbuss.‘Theywon’tcomeback.’Withagratefulsnarl,Gotrekthrustthebladeofhiscoalshovelthroughabluehorror’sthroat,then

swungbackhandedtospillanother’sweird,semi-sentientguts.Aspittinghorrorlauncheditselfattheengineer’sback,butdroppedshortwithanaxeinitsspine.Snorririppedhisaxefree,usinghisbulktoshieldGotrekasBorekshoutedawarningandsentanotherwitheringblastofshrapnelthroughtheweakeneddaemons.Whentheirearshadstoppedringing,GotrekloweredhisshouldersandputhishandonSnorri’s

shoulder.Hegaveitanapprovingpat.

‘Ioweyouone,Snorri.Don’teverletmeforget.’Snorribeamed.Hedidn’tmuchcareaboutfightingdaemonsorrediscoveringlostKaragDum,but

hisfriend’srespecthehadalwayscraved.‘Backtothelastwagon,’saidBorek.Heshoulderedhisblunderbussandhustledthetwodwarfs

around.‘It’scrowded,butwecanstillmakeit.’‘Ifthat’sajokethenI’veheardbetter,’saidGotrek.‘ItoldyoutheWasteswereimpassable.Turn

thatboxaroundwhileithaswheelsthatturn.’‘Never,’Borekscreamedback.‘We’resoclose.Thinkoftheglory.Thinkofthegold.’Onlyhalflisteningoverthesurroundingdin,Snorriliftedhisaxetopointouttheweird,willowy

daemon-thingthatwasdriftingthroughthesmokeoftheguttedwagonandwasheadingtowardsBorek’s.Itsbodytwistedintognashingfacesandlong,floatinglimbsthatflickeredwithflameinplaceofhands.Snorrifelttheheatofit,feltitsomewheredeepinsidehissoul.‘Snorrithinks–’Therewasawhumfofmagicalenergy,flamesracingalongthedaemon’sarmsuntilitswholebody

wasaninferno,andthentwojetsofblisteringheatshottowardsthedwarfs’lastwagon.Thefirestrucktheangleofitsfrontarmour,drivingthewagon’snoseintotheground,beforeitpunchedthroughandhittheengine.Forasplitseconditgroaned,likeadwarfwithindigestion,thenamany-tentaclederuptionofcolouredfirerippeditapartfromtheinsideout.Theroofrocketedhighintotheairwhilebitsofwoodandarmourplatewerehurledwide.‘No!’Borekroared,theabsolutedestructionofhisdreamshellishlyreflectedinthebrokenlensof

hispince-nez.Hemadetoruntothewagonasifhecouldsaveit,butGotrekheldhimback,justasastringofsecondaryexplosionswrackeditsremains.‘We’redone,’Gotrekgrowled.Hewaschanged,evenSnorricouldseeit.TheWasteshadchangedhim.Ithadchangedthemall.Snorrilevelledhisaxetotheflamersandhorrorsthatcamegambollingtowardsthem.Hisheelhita

hammeramongstthedebrisofthewagon’sexplosionandhetookthattoo,roaringintothegibberingpack.‘LeaveSnorrialone!’Heclutchedhishead,asifhisfingerscouldboreintothepockmarksleftbyhisoldcrestofnailsand

digthesememoriesfromhisbrain.Borek’sfirstexpeditiontotheWasteshadbeendoomedfromtheoutset,doggedbyaccidentanddisasterlongbeforethatfinalattack.AndithadbeenSnorrithattalkedGotrekintogoing.ItwasSnorri’sfault.Allofit.Therewasmore.Therewas…Digginghischewednailsdeepintohisscalp,hegroaned,pushedhisfaceintothewallofthesnow

trenchandusedittopushhimselfup.Snowswirledintogreethissuddenlyexposedhead.Snorrirubbedastreamofsnotontohisforearmandsuppressedasob.Thenhekickedatthesnowfaceandstartedmovingagain.Hehadadoom,adestiny,placestobe.Hehadnotimetoremember.ButheowedittoGotrek.ToGotrek.Snorripunchedhisfistdeepintothesnowandhowledintothewarpstorm.Blackcloudsrolledoveraskythatjustmomentsbeforehadbeenastringwebofcolour,thecharge

ofdaemoniccavalry,lancesofpurplelightningjaggingfrenziedlydown,up,andineverydirectionacrossthesky.Thunderneverstoppedrumbling.PebblesbouncedunderSnorri’sboots.Hisbeardbushed,repulsingitselfwithcharge.‘Gotrek!’heyelled,butthewindsmotheredhisvoiceandforceditbackdownhisthroat.Ifthewind

wasthestrongarmoftheWastesthenitsclawswerepurewarpstone.Theairglitteredwithitand

Snorricouldfeelthecorruptionscratchdownhisthroatwitheverybreath.Hesquintedbackthewaytheyhadcome,intothewind-beatenwarpscapeoftwistedrockshapesanditsgyratingskyline.Gotrekwasgone.‘Gotrek!’Snorriturned,intendingtogobackforhim,buttheropetiedaroundhiswaistthattetheredhimto

Borekpulledtautandheldhiminhistracks.Thethickknotdugintohisbelly.Ithadbeentheoldscholar’sideatokeepthethreeofthemtogetherthroughtheWastes.Hishandclosedoverit,feltonewherethereshouldhavebeentwo.‘Ohno.’‘Whereishe?’saidBorek,takingagriponhisownropeasifSnorri’sincompetencemightdissolveit

evenatadistance.‘AndhowinthenameofGrungnididyoulosehiminthefirstplace?’‘It’snotSnorri’sfault.Hesaidhe’snogoodatknots.’‘Youidiot,Snorri!’‘It’snotSnorri’sfault,’Snorrisaidagain,shoutingasiftomakeittruer,tomakeitheardoverthe

storm.‘Gotrekcheckedit.HesaidSnorrididthemgood.’‘Welltheyweren’tgood,werethey?’Borekspat.Snorrihadneverseenthelongbeardsofurious,notevenafterthedaemonshaddestroyedthe

wagons.Helplessnessandguiltwelledupinsidehimandhespunaroundtowailintothestormoncemore.‘Gotrek!’Hisfriendcouldnotbegone.Gotrekwasinvincible.‘WewillreturntoKarakKadrin,’saidBorekfirmly,seeminglyinnodoubtthattheywouldreturn.‘I

expectthereisanoaththerethatyouwillwishtomake.’Snorrihunghishead.StupidSnorri.Gotrek’simpenetrableover-and-underarrangementsheldlike

ironrivets.Whocouldn’ttieaknot?Thenhenodded.Itwasn’tasifhewasmuchgoodforanythingelse.Perhapsahalf-decentdoomasaSlayerwaswhathehadalwaysbeendestinedfor.‘After,’saidSnorri,sadly.‘AfterSnorritellsGotrek’sfamilywhathedid.’Snorri’smace-legdraggedafterhimthroughthesnowbehind.Hewasn’tevenbotheringtoattackthe

snowfaceanymore,justploughedintoitfacefirst.Hiseyeswerelimnedwithfrozentears.Hisinsidesfeltcold.Hestillhadnoideahowlonghe’dbeenwalking.Buthe’dremembered.Thatwashisshame!IthadbeenSnorri’sfaultthatGotrekhadgotlostintheWastes.Shakinghisheadhetrudgedon.He’dbeenexpectingsomethingmore,agreatweightoffhisshouldersorsomethinglikethat.Insteadhefeltworsethanever,likesomeonehadjustpunchedabruise.Therewasonlyoneexplanation.Thatwasn’thisshame.Itwouldhavebeenbadenough,buttherewasmore.Afterall,Gotrekhadsurvived.Snorrihadn’t

knownthatofcoursewhenhe’dtakentheoath,buttherewouldhavebeennoneedtoburythememorysodeep.Somethinghadhappenedlater,somethingtodowiththatdwarfwomanandchild.‘Nomore!’Snorriyelleditintothewindandsnow.Memoriessloshedaroundinhismindasiftheholesinhisskullhadcausedittoleak.Takingahandful

ofsnow,hesmothereditoverhisscalplikeaprotectivecapandroaredwithgrief.Thiswasthatpriest,Skalf’s,fault.AndDurintoo.Theyhadtakenhisnails,takenhisbeer,hadsavedhislifewhenhemighthavediedandcheatedthatoldlady’scurse.Fistsflailingasthougheveryonewhohadeverdonehimwrongwererighttherehidinginthesnow,he

losthisbalanceagainandslipped,thistimewhackinghischinonalumpofpackedsnow.Withagroan,hepushedhimselfup.Theflutterofsnowonthetopofhisheadcooledhisoverheatedthoughtssomewhat

andherelaxed.Glumly,hecrossedhisarmstightoverhisenormouschestandstaredbackthewayhehadcome.Intothepast.Itwasn’tfair.Snorrididn’twanttoremember.AllSnorriwantedwas…‘Beer.’‘Youheardhim,Craddi,’saidtherangercrouchedoverhim,peelingopenSnorri’sbloodshoteye

withthumbandforefinger.Hewasgrey-haired,gruff-bearded,andgrizzledfromacenturyofdaylightandmountainwinds.Aseconddwarf,Craddipresumably,appearedathisshoulder.Hewasyounger,dressedinawaterproofcloakpaintedwithwhatlookedlikegreenskintribalglyphs,andhadabonegrobi-whistlestillinhismouth.‘Getthisdwarfabeer,he’sdeadonhisfeet.’‘Snorriwouldloveabeer,’hedrooled.‘He’snothadonesincetheChaosWastes.’‘Mustbedelirious,’saidCraddi.‘AndwhodoyouthinkthisSnorriis?’‘Snorriisthirsty,’Snorrianswered.‘Gotbythegoblinsmostlikely,sameaseveryoneelse,’saidtheoldranger.‘Stopyappingandgive

himhismouthful.Wehaven’ttimetosithereallday.’‘Aye,Fulgriff.’TheneckofanaleskinappearedatSnorri’slipsanditshoney-sweetenedambrosiawashedthepain

ofhisjourneyfromhismouthanddownhisthroat.Manywerethelegendstoldofthefortifyingpowerofdwarfbeer,ofthedrunkenclannerwhofoughtoffagoblinarmywithaspearinhisbellyandatankardinhishand,oftheembitteredoldgreybeardwhodiedmereyardsfromcompletinghispilgrimagetoBugman’sbreweryonlytoberevivedforonefinalpintbythemerewhiffofJosefBugman’sfamoushops.Thiswasafarinferiorbrew,ranger’srations,buttoSnorriitfeltlikesomethingtheAncestorGoddessherselfwouldusetocleanwoundsandsalvebrokenhearts.Snorrifeltacomfortingbuzz,thepromiseofnumbnessandafuturewithoutpain.ForthefirsttimesincelosingGotrek,Snorriimaginedthathecouldfacetheworldagain.Hisparchment-drylidsflickeredopenandheleanedforwardstotryandsteepentheflowintohismouth.Infuriatingly,Craddichosethatmomenttopullitawayfromhim.‘Wearetryingtorunaheadofagoblinwarband,’saidFulgriff.Hewascroucheddownbeside

Snorri.Hiscloaksmelledofwaxandhungstiffinthebreeze.Eyesopennow,Snorristudiedhimandhisrangersmoreclosely.IncludingFulgriffthereweresixofthem,allofthemdressedinthickwaterproofspaintedwithgreenskinmarkingsandleathercapsthatbristledwithpebbles,birddroppings,andbitsofmoss.‘Wasittheywhoattackedyou?’Fulgriffpressed.‘Wasitnearhere?’‘No,’saidSnorri.Heshookhishead.HehadleftBorekbehindatKarakKadrintofulfilhispromise

toGotrek,buthedidn’tknowtheway.Miserably,helookedattherunesewnintohispack.‘Whereisthis?’ThinkingthatSnorriwasansweringhisquestion,Fulgriffansweredquickly.‘AweekoutfromKaraz-

a-Karak,ifyoudon’trest.’Thentherangerpulledaside,andpointedawaydownadramaticgorgethatwasflankedbywintry,butmajestic-lookingpeaks.Snorriwaslyingintheshadecastbythemountainsonthesouthernsideofthevalley,beingpointeddowntoaslenderribbonofwaterthatranindarknessalongthebottom.‘TheSkullRiver.We’refollowingitallthewaytotheBadlands,warningeverywatchpostandtownofthedangercomingtheirway.ThosechuffinggrobihavealreadysackedtwominesonKaragKhatûl.’Theotherrangersgrumbledcurses,butFulgriffshrugged.‘Luckyinaway.Theygotcarriedaway.Gaveustimetogetaheadofthem.’Snorrihadstoppedlisteningsometimeago.Hishomewasinavalley,picturesquelikethisone,on

thebordersoftheBadlandshalfwaybetweenKaraz-a-KarakandBarakVarr.Hesmiledweakly.He’d

founditafterall.SnorriNosebiterhaddonesomethingright.‘Areyoulisteningtome?’‘What?’saidSnorri.Therehadbeensomethingaboutgoblins,somethingaboutwarningtowns.His

gazeslidbacktotheshortbeard,Craddi,andhesmackedhislips.Hadtheybeensayingsomethingaboutbeer?‘Blowtothehead,Ireckon,’saidCraddi.‘Ivoteweleavehim.We’reonlyahalfdayfromthe

Badlandsandwhoknowshowclosethatwarbandisbehindus.Wecanpickhimuponthewayback.’‘CanSnorrihavemorebeer?’‘No,’saidCraddiandFulgrifftogether.Snorri’slookofcontentmentwentrigid.Whyweretheynotlettinghimhavebeer?WhathadSnorri

donetothem?HemadeagrabforCraddi’saleskin,buttherangerwasyoungandtrainedtobenimbleandskippedaway.ThatjuststokedSnorri’stemperevenmore.Half-falling,half-flailing,Snorriwentfortheshortbeard,catchingtheranger’sankleashefellonhisfaceandyankingtheotherdwarffromhisfeet.Craddi’sbackhitbarestone,andhegaveanunwittingblartonthegrobi-whistlestillinmouth.Therangersfrozeastheslightlywoodengoblinwarcryresoundedoverthevalley.Timeenoughfor

Snorritogetontohisknees,pulloffCraddi’sbelt,andupendtheranger’saleskininonefellswoop.Hesighedinpleasure,thenCraddikickedhiminthejawandhedroppedtheemptyskin.‘What’stheweritdoing?’Thevoicecamefromsomewherebehindhim,followedby,‘He’safterthe

beer.Gethim!’TheflatbuttofanaxestruckhimonthetopoftheheadandSnorridroppedtoallfours,hisvision

temporarilyblackening.AnotherbootinthefacesnappedhimoutofitandhecaughtCraddi’sleginbothhands,handsthattheWasteshadmadestrong,andwrenchedthelegoutofthekneesocket.CraddihowledandgraspedhiskneeasanotherblowstruckdownonthebackofSnorri’sneck.The

impactflungSnorri’sshouldersdownasifhewasabouttobesick.Therangersclosedin.Therewasoneeachsideofhim,raisingtheiraxeswiththebuttsfacingdowntoclubhimdownlikeataverndrunk.Snorrimovedquickerthanevenhethoughthecould.Thedwarfontheleftwentdownwithawheezeofpaintoapunchinthegroin,whiletheonetotherightgotthefullrolling-boulderforceofSnorri’sshoulderacrosstheknees.Theybuckled,itsoundedlikeonesnapped,andSnorrirose,slightlyunsteadily,intimeforhisteethtowelcomeapunchintheface.Snorristaggeredback,accidentallyspatatoothinhisattacker’seyesandthengrabbedhimbythe

throatwhenheflapped.Snorri’smusclesbulgedandtheranger’seyespoppeduplikebubblesrisingfromthebottomofastream.Hehadalwaysbeenbig.Hehadworkedtheminessincehefirsthadstubbleonhischin.Youdidn’tneedabraintopullaminecart–ashismotherhadtoldtheratherscepticallodewarden–buthisexperienceshadtoughenedhim.HehadfoughtdaemonsandsurvivedtheChaosWastes,andwhenhetensedhisgripandlifted,theranger’sfeetpartedeasilyfromtheground.Withadrunkenroar,Snorriflunghimintohiscompanionandthetwodwarfswentrollingdownhill.ThatleftFulgriff.Theveteranrangerthrewdownahalf-loadedcrossbowanddrewapairofhandhatchets.Hewasn’t

justshowingtheflatsides.Snorrididn’tthinkthatwasverysporting.Hetookhiseyeoffhimtobenddownandscoopupanotheraleskin.ThedwarfwiththebruiseddonglizpawedgamelyatSnorri’sfumblingfingersbeforeSnorrilaidhimoutwithapunchbetweentheeyes,andthenuncappedtheskin.Hechuckledhappilyasthesmellwaftedup,catchingthegleamofsteelasitslicedtowardshishead.Hepulledaside,buttooslowtosavehisear.HeroaredinpainasFulgriff ’shatchetsheareditfrom

thesideofhishead.Bloodspurtedfromthestump.Oddly,Snorricouldsortofstillheararhythmicwhump-whumpunderhisskull,buteverythingelsehadgonedimlikehisheadwaswrappedincotton.Soakedtohisundershirtinhisownblood,Snorriduckedbetweentheranger’stwoaxesandelbowed

himinthecollar.Thelongbeardchoked,butwasmadeofsternerstuffthanhisunit.Hetriedtostrikebackwithhissecondaxe,butSnorrigrippedhiminabearhug,pinningbothaxestohissidesandhoistinghimofftheground.ThenSnorrislammedaheadbuttintothebridgeofhisnoseandthedwarfwentlimpinhisarms.Snorriletthebodydrop,thenslumpeddownontohisbacksidebesideit.Injureddwarfsgroaning

andwhimperingallaround,hetookasipfromhisaleskin.Absently,herubbedathisseveredear,makingitbleedsomemore.Helookedup,gazeflittingfromridgelinetoridgelinedownthestarkreliefoftheSkullValley.Hecouldhaveswornhe’dheardagoblinwarcryechoingbetweenthepeaks.Heclappedhishandoverthecartilagestumpafewtimes,thenshrugged.Hetookanothersipof

beerandsmiledinbig-heartedconcentration.Nowwhathadthatrangerbeentryingtosayabouttownsandgoblins?Snorrihuggedhimselfandshivered,butitcouldnotshakethecertaintythathehaddonesomething

terrible.Butwhat?Alittleshakily,hestoodandturnedbacktothesnowface,andthencriedoutinhorroratwhathesaw.

Thereweretwofiguresinthedistance.Theblizzardmadethemformless,genderless,justshadowswreathedinsnow.Theirdarknessmadehimthinkofburned-outhousesandcharredbodiesandhecoveredhismouthwithhishandtostifleamoan.Thedwarfwomanandherchildhadfoundhimatlast!Hepeeredintothefallingsnow,hismemoryseemingtoadddetailstotheemptysilhouettes.Thechild

heldhermother’shandinafirmgrip.Shehadbright,intenseeyes,aquarrelsomefrownonafacethat,alliedtoadeepseriousness,struckSnorriasintenselyfamiliar.Themotherontheotherhandworeherlongsilver-blondehairinplaitsoverherbroadshoulders.Herbuxomgirthwaspragmaticallyattiredingoatskinandleatherandornamentedwithgold,including–Snorri’sbreathcaught–includingthechainthatSnorricarriedinhisbag.Snorriblinkedandthesnowsweptthevisionsdowntothedistantapparitionstheywere.Remembering

whattheoldladyhadsaidtohim,hegaveadeterminedgrowlandlimpedafterthem.Onlywhenhewaswholeagainwouldhefindhisdoom.Hehadalreadyrememberedsomuch,sufferedsomuch.Whatwastheworstthathecouldhavedone?

Felixsatwithhisbacktothewarmthofthefirepitandgazedoutintothegatheringduskthatlayeredtheoblastwithdeepeningstrokesofindigo,violet,andthenblack.Watchingthesnowfallwasrestfulandstrangelyhypnotic,notatalldissimilarfromwatchingtheskyandmakingshapesfromtheclouds.Aswirlofsnowcouldbeacity,atrollonanicythrone,alover’sface.Hesighed.Kislevwascold,herpeoplebrusque,theircultureasstrangetohimattimesasthatofthedwarfs,butitwasimpossibletogazeintoitsemptinessandnotfeelaflickerofsentiment.Ontheselandshehadfalleninlove,foughtawar,almostdiedatleasttwice,lostfriends,andthenfallenoutofloveagain.Loveandloss,thegreateventsthathadfascinatedthepoetssinceSigmar’sday,andFelixhadwitnessedthemfirsthandrighthere.Andnowitwasgone.Thewindmoanedwiththebirthtremorsofdaemons,eddiespullingthesnowfromFelix’s

reminiscencesandshapingthemintosomethingdarker.Thingswithhorns,tentacles,andbleedingskin.

Thatwastheproblemwiththisgame.Amancouldseewhateverheimagined,andFelixhadseentoomuchtoimagineahappyending.ThebordersoftheChaosWasteswereextendingsouth.Theoldtreatisestoldthatsuchthingshadhappenedbefore,thateachtimetheDarkPowerswaxedtheWastesexpandedalittlefurtherandretreatedalittleless.TheborderlandsofthegodshadnotyetswallowedKislev,butitwascoming.Likeanoldsoldierwhoforetoldthearrivalofwinterbytheacheinhiswrists,Felixcouldfeelit,notinhisbonesbutinhissoul.Ablacknesshungoverthesteppethathadnothingtodowithnightfall.Fromoneoftheneighbouringfirepits,underatattyawningemblazonedwiththeheraldryofsome

forgottenBorderPrinceling,Gustavandhisfreecompanywereplayingthesameblackgame.Beerseemedtobeinvolvedandthustheywereplayingitlouder.Everyoneknewtheyrodetodobattlewiththeso-calledKingofTrolls–themonsterthatstoodapartfromthechampionsofChaosandalonedefiedthemintheirheartlands.Felixshookhisheadataraucouscryfromthetent.Perhapshewasgettingold,butifamanwasgoing

tobarehissoultotheelementsthenheshoulddoitalone.‘YoufightinPraagbefore,yhah?’Damirwassittingbesidehim,alsofacingoutwardsfromthefire.Shadowsebbedandrolledoverhis

patchedhempcloaklikethewaxandwaneofChaos.TheUngolnomadoffereduptheliquorhewasdrinking.ItsmelledofturpsandFelixwaveditaway.‘Gorilkagoodforsoul.’Damirthumpedhischestlightlyandthenwaveditvaguelybeforehimas

thoughscatteringseeds.‘Madefromsamegrainasfeedhorses.Onlybest.’Hegrinnedandoffereditagain.‘Yhah?’Withasigh,Felixtooktheoffering,swallowingjustenoughtobepoliteandimmediatelycoughingit

backintohishand.Chuckling,Damirclappedhimontheback.‘Yhah.’Felixtoofoundhimselfsmiling.‘Yes,IfoughtinthelastbattleofPraag.IwastherewhenArek

Daemonclawdied.’‘Doskonale,Empireman!’Themanlookedpleased,soFelixassumedthatthiswasgood.Kislevarinwasoneofthemost

complicatedhumanlanguagesthatFelixhadevercomeacross,withaludicrousand–toFelix’sview–arbitrarygendersystem.AndthefactthatUlrikaandherfatherhadspokenReikspielperfectlywellhadalsoremovedanyincentiveofhisowntolearnit.‘Wheredidyoufight?’Damirgrinned.‘BeforeIborn,FelixJaeger.Butfatherandgrandfather?TheyrideinpulkofTzarina

withBoyarStraghov.’‘Youmakemefeelold.’Raisinghisgorilkahigh,Damirsaluted.‘Togrowingold.’‘Togrowingold,’FelixagreedandjoinedtheUngolinashotofthesearingTrollCountryspirit.This

timehekeptitdown,andDamir’sgrindeepeneduntilhiswholefaceseemeddrawnbyit.‘YourfathersservedIvanPetrovich,’Felixobservedoncethestingingsensationinhisthroathadsunkdeeperintohischest.‘IsthatwhyyouridewithUlrikanow,despite…’Hetrailedoff,thenshruggedandstaredinsteadintothesnow.HehadseenforhimselfhowthecommonfolkofSylvaniaremainedserviletotheirmastersinundeath

astheyhaddoneinlife.DeferencewasbredintothebackboneoftheEmpireanditspeopleweren’tabouttoriseupjustbecausetheirrightfullordhadstoppedbreathing.Therewassomethingtobesaidforconstancy,Felixsupposed,buthehadexpectedsomethingbettersomehowfromthefamousindependentspiritofKislev.

‘Nyeh,’saidDamir,failingtodisappoint.‘Insouthmaybethatmatters,butnotonsteppe.Onoblast,loyaltyearned.Notfallafterfrommotherlikepopłodu.’‘AndUlrikaearnedit?’Damirgaveanoncommittalshrug,thenchuckledandelbowedFelixslylyintheribs.‘Butshefinepiece

ofhorsemeat,yhah?’FelixprickledattheUngol’scoarseness,butneverthelessproducedaguiltysmileandaccededto

anotherhitofgorilka.Shecertainlywasthat.‘Aremyearsburning?’Snowcrunchedunderknee-highleatherridingbootsasUlrikastrodefromtheotherfirepitstowards

them.Withhercropped,ash-blondehair,andgarbedinvirginalwhiteplatethatfellhalfwaypastherthighs,shelookedlikeawarriorgoddessofthesteppe.Felix’sheartseemedtobeatjustalittlefaster.Damirgazedonherasifshewasmadeofgold.‘Tendtoyourhorses,Damir,’saidUlrika.‘Werideassoonasitisfulldusk.’TheUngolnoddedand

departed,andonlywhenhewasawayamongstthehorsesdidUlrikacrossherarmsoverherchestandsmile.‘Honestly,Felix,menneverchange.Inaway,itisreassuring.Hereyouare,hoursfromthebattleofyourlives,andIfindyoutalkingaboutwomen.’‘Iwasjustthinking.’‘Just?’Ulrikatappedthelamellarplatethatgirdedherheart.Itwasthickerthananyotherpartofher

armour,barringthebevorthatprotectedherthroat,andheavierthananymortalknightcouldhavecarriedtobattle.Clearlythesuit’smakerhadknownthevulnerabilitiesofhiswork’srecipientwell.‘YouforgetwhatIcanhear.’Shesatdownnexttohim,butfacingtheotherway,intothefire,asiftheirmeetingherewasinsome

wayillicit.Itfeltuncomfortablyintimate.‘Youshouldn’tfaceintothefire,’Felixmurmured.‘IthinkthatIknowthat,’saidUlrika.Thefirelightcausedhereyestosparkle.‘It’llspoilyournightvision,’Felixwenton.‘Vampiresdonothavenightvision,Felix.Myeyesdonotworkasyoursdo.Idonotseecolouras

such.Formeitisalwaysnight.’Hersmile,whenshefoundit,wasalittlesad.‘Itisalljustvisiontome.’Felixnoddedasiftheminutiaeofthevampiricconditionfascinatedhimprofoundly.Thesnowswirled,

adoptinglibidinousnewshapes.‘Whatwereyouthinkingabout?’‘Hmm?’‘ItisanUngoltraditiontoshareasecretbeforebattle,soitwillnotdiewithyou.’Felixshruggedwithhiseyebrowsandgazedintothesnow.Itsoundedsufficientlymorbidtobetrue.He

wishedhecouldsayhehadbeenthinkingoftheTrollKingofPraagandthethousandimages–noneofthemgood–thatthattitleconjured.Hehadtried.MullingonthecomingbattlewaspreferabletotryingtounpicktheemotionaltangleofhisfeelingsforKatandUlrika.HelookedpastUlrikaintothesnow.Perhapsitwasthisplace.Thememoriesofalosttimetuggedonhisheart.‘BackinKurzycko,’hesaid,turningtoregardUlrikafully.Therewasnolongeranyevidenceof

Helbrass’sburns.Thescarbyherlefteyeremained,butclearlyshehadfedandfedwell.Theidearepulsedhim.Anditlefthimmorethanalittlejealous.‘Whenyouneededblood,whydidyoudrinkfromthebeastmen?Iwasnearer.Whydidn’tyoutakemine?’Ulrikashiftedalittlecloseruntiltheirlegstouched.Thefiredividedherfaceintolightanddark.‘Do

youwishIhad?’

‘That’snotwhatIasked.’Ulrikareachedout,slowly,andbrushedhisneckwithunglovedfingers.Despitebeinggirdedtothe

cold,heshivered.‘Icoulddrinkfromyouanditwouldbeecstasyasyouhaveneverexperienced,butyouwouldnotbeyouanymore.’ShenoddedtowhereDamirreadiedhishorseandhismen.‘Icouldcommandyoutodoanything,butIhavethrallsenough.Iwantyoutowanttobeherewithme.’‘Yousaidthatbefore,’saidFelix.Ittroubledhimtohearherspeakofmenasthoughtheywerelessthan

servants,animals,butseeminglyofitsownvolition,Felix’shandcaughtUlrika’sfingersandsqueezedthemtohisshoulder.‘Why?’‘Chaoswaxes,andforbetterorforworseIamacreaturebornofChaos.You,though…’Shedrew

neareruntiltheirbodiestouched.Sheturnedherhandsoherfingersentwinedwithhis.Hervoicebecamehusky.‘WhenI’mwithyouIrememberwhatitfeltliketofeel.’‘I–’WhateverhehadbeenmeaningtosaywasferventlyforgottenasUlrikaleanedforwardsandkissed

him.Ashockpulsedthroughhislips,downhisneck,andmadehisentirebodytingle.Herlipswerecold,

herbodyincomparablystrong,butineverywaythatmatteredshewasthesameUlrikahehadknowntwentyyearsago.Hisfreehandexploredherneck,herear,herhair.Exactlythesame.Heinhaledthefamiliarscentofhorsehair,woodfireandvodkathathe,anAltdorferinaforeignland,hadfoundsoirresistibleandexotic.Thattinglebecameaglow,awarmthofdesirethatsmoothedawayanylingeringstainofguilt,andherelaxedintoher.Toosoon,shepushedhimback.Arousalhadbroughtherfangsfrombeneathherlips.Hecouldseethe

bloodthrobbingtothem.Hereyeswerewideandburnedwithpromises.Allhehadtodowasgivehimselfwillingly.Felix’ssmileshudderedintobeing,heartwarringwithhishead,andwhenheopenedhismouthhehadnoideawhathewantedtosay.No,thatwasn’tentirelytrue.Heknewwhathewantedtosay.Hisgrinhungindecisivelyforamoment,longenoughforhimtobecomecogenttothesquat,ox-like

figurethathadjusttrampedoutofnowherefromthesnowandintothecircleoffirelightbehindUlrika’sback.Felixblinked.Ittookanothermomenttoputtogetherwhathewasseeing.Partlybecausethefigure’sappearancehad

changedsomuchoverthepastyear,butmainlybecausehispresencewassoutterly,astronomically,impossible.Ulrikatwistedaroundandmadeashort,breathlessgaspofsurprise.ThethicksetandslightlysingeddwarflimpedoveronametallegandproddedUlrikanone-too-gently

intheshoulder.SheresistedthepushwithascowlandthedwarfturnedtoFelix.‘Issheavampireyet?Snorri’sstartingtogetconfused.’Felixdidn’tknowwhethertolaugh,smile,orjustcryout.HislipsstillthrilledwithUlrika’staste.His

chestfeltsorewithguilt,butalsorelievedinastrangeway,asifSnorrihadjustpulledhimbackfromaprecipice.Histongueseemedtoknotitselfupbetweentheoptionsashescrambledtohisfeetandbeatsnowfromhisbreeches.Sigmar’sblood,itwasSnorriNosebiter!TheSlayerlookedolderwithouthiscrestofnails.Thehaircomingthroughonhisheadwasthinand

grey.Felixbrushedhishandthroughhisownhairandsmiledruefully.Snorriwasn’ttheonlyone.‘Damir,’heyelled.‘Bringbackthatgorilka.We’regoingtoneedit.’Snorriwinced,asifFelixhadjusttroddenonsomethingbruisedandpainful,butalmostassoonasthe

expressionappeareditlapsedintosomethingmorelikethedwarf’swell-wornidiotgrin.‘Thankyou,youngFelix.Snorrithinkshecoulduseadrinkaboutnow.’

ELEVENWheretheBeastsDwell

‘Howmuchhashehadtodrink?’GustavJaegerwhisperedinFelix’sear.Thetwomensatside-by-sideinthesaddle,watchingasafineifslightlyneglectedbaygeldingof

OstermarkstockploughedabemusedcircleintothesnowwithSnorriNosebiterhangingone-armedfromthebridle.Intheotherhandheclutchedaclaymugthatheheldabovehishead.TheSlayer’smace-legwavedthreateninglyandmoreofthegorilkasloshedfromthecupanddownhisarm.Thefreecompanymercenarywhohadfoolishlytriedtohelpthedwarfuplayinaheapinthesnow,tryingtostaunchtheflowfromhisbrokennose.Hiscomrades,meanwhile,werecontenttotendtheirownhorsesandlaughatthisuncommondisplayofdwarfishhorsemanship.‘Notnearlythismuch,’Felixreplied.Snorrihadonlyhadtwocups.Fullcupsmind,enoughtoputFelix

intheground,butthiswasSnorriNosebiter,adwarfwhowouldsooneroutdrinkahorsethansaddleone.WatchingSnorrithrowhisarmoverthehorse’sneckanddryheaveintoitsmane,itwasdifficulttobelievehimthesamedwarf.‘Givehimahand,wouldyou?’Gustavcockedaneyebrow.‘Ilikemyhand,uncle.It’soneofmyfavourites.’Hewavedtowardsthe

strugglingTrollslayer.‘Besides,heisanotherofyouridiotfriends.’Cursingunderhisbreath,FelixguidedhismountalongsideSnorri’stoblockitsmovement.Thenhe

claimedSnorri’sreinsandcoiledthemupwithhisown.‘Snorrihasitnow,’saidSnorri,dragginghimselfinelegantlyontothehorse’sback.Thebaywhickered

itsdiscomfiture.Itsforelegsbentasifabouttobuckle,butjustaboutmanagedtoadjusttothedwarf’sincrediblemass.Snorrigrinnedproudly.‘Now,howdoesSnorrimakeitgo?’‘Andsomepeoplewonderhowthedwarfsmanagedtolosetheirempire,’saidGustavwithasneer.

Clickinghistongue,theformermerchantwheeledhishorseabouttorejoinhismen.Thecircusnowover,shelterswerebeingdisassembled,bedrollsandcookpotsstowedinsaddlebags,

andtorcheslitinfirepitsbeforethefiresweredousedwithsnowandburied.Accustomedtotravellinglightandmovingfast,Damir’sriderswerealreadymountedandready.Theirgrowingimpatiencecameoutinoccasionalcatcallsand‘helpful’suggestionsregardingwhereinthestirrupsamanshouldputhisfeetandhowitmightallbedonefasterifitwerejustlefttothehorses.Luckilyforeveryone,FelixwasnottheonlyonewhofoundKislevarinaswineofalanguage,andGustavhadjustenoughauthorityamongsthisownmentokeeptheotherwiseobviousmockeryfromfrayingtemperstoofar.Despitehimself,Felixwasactuallyratherimpressed.Alittlemoreuncharitably,hewonderedhow

muchofithisnephewwasputtingonforUlrika’sbenefit.

Thevampiressrodeamongsthermen,reassuringthemwithherpresence.TheyknewshewasworthtwentyfightingmenandeventheOstermarkershadbeenquicktoacceptwhatshebroughttotheirchancesofgettinghome.Felixcouldn’thelpbutwonderwhatSigmarorMagnuswouldhavedone,andwhattheirearthlyrepresentativesinAltdorfwouldmakeofthisconversiontopragmatism.AsFelixwatched,UlrikadrewhermountalongsideGustav’s.ThetwoconferredinhurriedwhisperswithDamirjoiningsoonafter.‘Helooksfamiliar,’saidSnorri,alsowithaneyeonGustav.‘Doesn’thejust,’saidFelixwithasighthathefeltinhisbones.‘Oh,’saidSnorrislowly,thentookanotherswallowofgorilkaandgrinned.‘Snorrisees.Felixis

jealous.’‘Jealous?Ofwhat?’SnorripointedtowardsUlrika.Foramoment,Felixjustwatchedher,enjoyingagainthememoryofherlipsagainsthis.Thenhe

scowledandbrushedthethoughtaside,thrustinghisringfingerunderSnorri’sflatrednose.‘I’mamarriedman,’hesaidangrily,thoughatwhomthatangerwasdirectedhewasn’tsure.‘ToKat,remember?’Withasuggestiveelbowintheribs,Snorrichuckled.‘Snorriremembers.’Inanattemptatchangingthesubject,FelixturnedhismountsohecouldnolongerwatchUlrikaandthe

twomen.HelookedatSnorri.Thedwarfhadcheeredupnoendsincegettingadrinkinsidehim,buttherewasstillasadnessinhiseyesthatFelixcouldn’trememberseeingbefore.Hefidgetedinthesaddle.Asatchelwithastrangeruneandaknotinthestraphungoverhisleftshoulder.Hisaxeandhammerwerestuffeddownhisbreeches.‘Doyouremembertherest,Snorri?’‘Therestofwhat?’Felixfroze.HadSnorrisomehowescapedKarakKadrinwithoutrememberinghisshame?Butthen

Snorri’sfacesplitintoanoldpugilist’sgrin.‘Snorritoldajoke.’Theolddwarfchuckledandtookanotherdrink.Thenhelookedaroundbefore

focusingonFelix.Hissmilewavered.‘WhyisnoonelaughingbutSnorri?’Felixshookhisheadandtriedtomaskagrin.‘It’sgoodtoseeyouyourselfagain.Likeoldtimes.’Withashrug,Snorriupendedhiscupoverhismouth.Nothingcameout.Hestaredatitglumly.‘Snorri

saidhewantedabucket.’‘It’sprobablythelastcupinallofKislev,’saidFelixwithgenuinesadness.Snorristuckhisthumbintochasedownthedregsandthenlickeditclean.BeforeFelixcouldsayanythingmore,thehauntingwhineofanUngolhornbroughthimaround.Hesaw

GustavandDamirridingtorejointheirrespectivecompanies.Ulrikaregardedthemallhaughtilyfromatophersnow-whitecharger.Slowly,theassortedmenfellsilent.‘TonightwewillrideonPraag.Forsomeofyou,’shenoddedtotheUngols,‘thiswashome.Itisnot

home.PerhapsyoufeelthesameemptinesswhenyoulookonherasdoI.’Lightly,sherappedthesteelbandaboveherheart.‘Anarmythesizeofwhichyoucannotconceiveliesbetweenusandthecity.’Ulrikashookherheaddisdainfully.‘Donotconcernyourselfwiththem.Theyarecoldandhungry.Theydonotknowwearecomingandwouldnotcareenoughtostopusiftheydid.‘PraagisthefortressoftheTrollKing.Agreaterandmorecunningfoeyouhavenotfacedandathis

commandisanarmyofmonstersthatwoulddarkenadaemon’snightmares.’Shefellsilent,snowfallingsoundlesslyaroundher,watchingtogaugethemen’sreactions.Damirwasinscrutable.Gustavwasanxiousbutstrangelyeager,asthoughhehadsomethingtoprove.

Snorribelchedloudly,earningaglarebeforethevampiresscontinued.Felixdidn’tknowwhatUlrika

couldpossiblyhaveagainstSnorri,butshehadbeencoldeversincehisreturn.‘Butyouhavemetoleadyou.IamGeneralUlrikaMagdovaStraghov.Ibringtoyouthebestofthe

TrollCountryandofancientLahmia.Wewillattackatnightwhenmyownpowerswillbeattheirpeak.’WithasqueezeofherthighsthatbroughtaknottoFelix’sthroat,shewheeledherhorsenorthward.‘Youdonotknowthepurposeofourquesthere,butknowthatthefateoftheworldwillridehomewithusonoursuccess.’Felixwonderedwhatshemeantbythat.Thefreecompanygaveamutedcheerandarattleofweapons.

TheUngolsmerelynodded,clappedeachother’sshouldersinmutefarewells,andbroughttheirownhorsesabout.‘Snorrifeelslikehe’smissedsomething,’saidSnorri,astagehissdirectedtowardsFelix’sear.‘What

isatrollking?’FelixhoweverwaswatchingUlrikadepart.ThenhelookedacrosstoGustavwhowasdoingthesame

thing.Herecognisedthesamelonginginhisyoungdoppelganger’seyesandfeltastabofpossessivenessforhisownformerlife.Really,Felixthought,tryingtogetaholdofhimself.You’regoingtodothisnow?‘We’dbebetteroffwithmeleadingthatfreecompany,’saidFelix.‘Snorriwouldbebetteroffonabiggerhorse,’Snorrireturned,eyeingFelix’smarehopefully.‘I’mserious.I’veledmenbefore.AcompanyofGreatswordstoo,notsomebandofdrunks,ex-

mercenaries,anddraftdodgers.’‘Snorridoesn’tthinkthatsoundsverylikely.’‘Snorriwasthere,’Felixreturned,moreharshlythanhe’dintended.TheSlayershrugged,thesuddenshiftinweightcausinghisgeldingtoskittersidewaysinprotest.

‘Snorristilldoesn’tthinkthatsoundsverylikely.’‘Areyousureyouhaveyourmemoryback?’Snorriblewaraspberry.‘AreyouapriestofGrimnirnow?’Felixshrugged,thenshookhishead.Lookingpleased,Snorritriedtojighishorseintomovingforward.‘Snorrithoughtnot.’

Ulrikaledthecolumnofhorsemen–andonehorsedwarf,sheremindedherselfthroughgrittedteeth–inexorablynorthward.Thesnowfellthicklyenoughtoblindevenhertoanythingmorethanafewfeetbeyondthenoseofherhorse,butshehadothersensesthatmorethancompensated.ShehadtoldFelixthatshewasacreatureofChaosandthatwasnotuntrue.ItspowermadeuptheverybindingsofherbeingandshecouldorientherselftowardsthegreatpolarvortexpurelybytheextenttowhichtheanimalthatallArisenkeptlockedwithinstrainedatitscage.ShecouldnolongerblameitsrageonthebeastmenshehaddrainedinKurzycko,forshehaddrunkheavilyfromGustav’smentocleanseherselfofthatparticulartaint.Withaconcentrationofwill,sheshackledthemonster.Itgrowledandretreated.Fornow.Itgrewstrongerasshegrewstronger,andwouldonlytesthermoresavagelythenearertheygotto

Praag.Cursethatidiotdwarf.Shehadbeenthisclose!FelixhadbeenrighttomarvelatthechancesofSnorrifindingtheminthetimeofraspotitsaandshe

wonderedwhichpowerexactlyshehadtothankforthisconfluenceoffates.Whatnext?WasMalakaiMakaissonabouttoshowupinashinynewairshiptodepositGotrek,Katerina,andeveryoneelseFelixhadevermetontotheirheads?Shesnortedderisively,butneverthelessfoundherselfglancingupwardsas

thoughshehadjusthexedherselfbythinkingit.Snowflakeslandedinhereyesandshehadtophysicallybrushthemoff.Therewasnolongerwarmthin

herbodytomeltthem.Shedidn’tthinkshecouldcopewiththevolumeofformerloversthatFelixhadaccrued.Andthey

couldnotallbeasinsipidasKaterina.‘GeneralStraghov,mightIridewithyouamoment?’Ulrikaglancedup,irkedthatshecouldbesocaughtupinherselfastobetakenbysurpriseasGustav

Jaegerrodealongsideatahardcanter,thenmatchedhishorse’sgaittohers.HehadsupplementedhisroyalbluecloakandridingleatherswithUngolfursandborealanterninonehand.Theglasswascharred,andwetontheoutsidefromsnowmelt.Herodesurroundedinacloudofmistfromthebreathofhimselfandhishorse.‘Youareontheoblastnow,Gustav.Amanrideswherehehasearnedtherightto.’TheyoungJaegersmiledtightly,uncertainifthatwasawelcomeorarebuttal,butwhenshedidnot

demandhetakehimselfandhishorseelsewhere,hisexpressionlightened.Shecouldreadthethoughtsinhisfaceasclearlyasthelustsongofhisbloodwheneverhelookedather,perhapspicturinghimselfassomeromanticlordofthesteppeinthemanneroftherobberbaronsof‘NorthOstermark’,soquicktostabtheirflagpoleintoKislev’sgrave.Hischeekswereflushedwithnear-surfaceblood.Thehandthatheldthelanternrattledwithnervousenergy.‘Yes,general,’hemurmured.‘Damir’sscoutssaythatsomethinghasbeenthiswaybeforeus.Twomen

onfoot,oneofthemheavylikea…’Heswallowedandpeeredintotheblizzard.‘PerhapslikeaChaoswarrior.’‘Thatisnotsurprising,’saidUlrika.‘EvenbeastmenfearKislev’swinter.Praagwouldmeanshelter,if

theTrollKingwillshareit.’Gustavnodded,gazeshootingsidewaysandhandgoingtohispistolholsterasalonglingeringcrylike

thatofawolfshiveredthroughthefallingsnow.Theyoungmanshuddered.Ulrikawatchedhim,captivatedbythechangeinbloodflowthatcausedhiseyestodilateandhischeekstoredden.Awarpstormwasbrewing.Ulrikacouldfeelitintheacheofherhunger.Gustavrelaxedslightly,hisshiversowingmoretocoldthantofear.Ulrikasmiledcoyly.Hewasthe

sameageasFelixhadbeenwhentheyhadfirstmetandtheresemblancewasuncanny.Likehisuncle,hewasintelligent,handsome,andoftenunwittinglycondescending.Helackedacertainedge,however,andseemedtocompensatewithacorrespondingdoseofarrogance.‘Ifthereissomethingmoreyouwishtosay,Iwoulddoitnow.ThatissomethingelseaKislevitelearns

atayoungage.’Gustavcoughednervously,tryingtolookunafraid.Amongsthisownkindhemighthavesucceeded,but

therewasnomaskingtheflutteringofhisheartfromanArisen.‘YousayPraagisbesiegedbyanarmytomakeHelbrass’slooksmall.Thatit’sdefendedbyallthe

beastsofChaos.Howarewetomakeitinside?’‘Youaregoingtohelpme,’Ulrikasmiled.Gustavblushedintohiscollar.‘Freecompanieshaven’tthemostheroicreputation,general,but

whateveryouaskofuswewon’tletyoudown.’Asthoughthiswerenewstoher,Ulrikaglanceddownthelineofhorsestowherethediverselyarmed

freemenintheirpatchedgreatcoats,ill-fittingironcuirasses,andcriminallydistemperedhorsestookuptherear.Herfeedingfromthemhadbeenaboutmorethanmerehealing,moreeventhanthepowertopuncha

holeintotheaethyrandtransportanarmyacrossthewallsofPraag.

Gustavturnedtofollowhergaze,showingthepartiallyhealedpuncturemarksonthesideofhisneck.Thememoryofhispulseinhermouthinflamedher,pokedasharpgoadthroughthebarsthatcontainedthebeast.Againsheforcedtheanimalintosubmission.Buteachtimeitpushed,eachtimethebarswerebentalittlefurther,itbecamethatmuchhardertoforceback.Gustavwasnotthetouchstonetoherhumanitythatsheneededifshewastowinthisbattle,buthewasnotwithoutuses.Ifsherememberedcorrectly,alittlejealousyhadneverhurtFelix’saffections.SeekingouttheelderJaegeramongsttherabbleatthecolumn’srear,sheheardthewolfhowlagain.It

wassimilarbutdifferent,thistimefromtheothersideofthecolumn.Withafrown,shescannedthesteppe,snow-washedandblackwiththeemptinessoftheoblastnight.Shethoughtshesawmovementandfocusedonit,butforallherpreternaturalabilitiesitwasoneofDamir’soutridersthatsawtheflyingshapefirstandscreamed.‘Ambush!’

Felixheardthecryatthesamemomenthesawthearrowsplitthescout’sfacecheektocheekandspinhimfromhismount.TheUngol’sfootsnaggedinthestirrupandhisskullcrackedonthegroundashisponyrearedandthesteppeeruptedwithwhoopsandbarks.Bighuntinghoundsboundedfromthedarkness,lanternlightglintingfromteethandeyes,andwerefollowedinbyhorsemeninwhitefurs;sointangibleagainstthesnowthatevenastheydrewonbowsandheftedspears,theyresembledhorsesriddenbythedead.Arrowspunchedridersfromthesaddleandhorses,particularlythoseoftheOstermarkers,whinniedin

panic.Felixfeltoneshaftwhistlepasthisearandstriketheriderbehind.Thearrowpiercedhisleatherhauberkunderthecollarandthemandroppedthepistolhe’dbeentryingtoputamatchtowithascream.AnothershaftdronedacrosstheoppositecheekandoverSnorri’shead.TheSlayerbellowed,propellinghisweaponsoverheadasifthehorse’smotionworkedonthesame

principleasajitterygyrocopter.Thepoorgeldingmerelycircledinconfusion,causingSnorritoshoutevenlouderashisbackwasturnedtothefighting.Allaround,menwerestrugglingwithmatchlocksandscreaming.Morethananythinghewantedtobe

abletotellthemenaroundhimwhattodo,butalthoughhehadledmeninapinchhedidn’tconsiderhimselfacommanderandhecertainlydidn’tknowthefirstthingaboutcavalrytactics.Wasitbesttoformuportostayloose?Whenonthedefensiveshouldtheyholdapositionorkeep

mobile?Andwhatwasthebestwayforoneunitoflightcavalrytobalanceitsadvantagesandovercomeanother?Cursinghisill-informededucationalchoices,Felixdrewhisswordandsoughtdesperatelytoremain

calmenoughtorememberthecorrectapplicationofreinsandstirrupstowheelhishorseintothefaceoftheattack.‘Holdandfire!’Felixyelled.Anycommandwasprobablybetterthannoneatall,andtohissurprisethenearestmenappearedtolose

ameasureoftheirpanicassoonasthewordslefthismouth.Matchcordswerelitandpistolsaimedandblackpowderflashescrackledacrosstherearofthecolumn.Ahoundwentdownwithawhimper.Anironballpunchedthroughamarauder’schestandblastedhisshoulderbladefromhisback.Bythelightofthemuzzleflashesthatwerespreadingthroughthecolumnlikeaflamealongataper,

Felixsawtheenemychargein.Theyhadalreadygottoocloseinthedark.Thepistoliers’weaponsweretoocomplicatedtoreloadandfireagain.Damir’shorse-archerseachgottwoorthreemoreshotsaway,butitwasstilltoolittletoolate.Felixsawanemaciatedwolf-beasttakeanarrowinthehipandkeeprunning.Ithadspinesrunning

alongitsbackandatailassharpandmetallicasthetipofanelvenspear.TheChaoshoundlopedthroughthesnow,ropesofdroolhangingbetweenitsteethandthespikesofitscollarlikeaspider’sweb.ItwasheadingstraightforUlrika.Felixscreamedawarning.Anotherarrowburieditselfinthehound’sflank,butitdidnotseemtofeelit

asitbuncheditshindquartersandlauncheditselfforwardwithaterrificsnarl.Ulrikabaredherfangsasshesawit,barelyasecondbeforeitsflyinglungepunchedherfromthesaddle.Thevampiresshitthegroundinathumpofsnowwiththemutanthoundlandingontopofheramoment

later,clawingatthebandsofherbreastpieceandsinkingitsfangsintothethicksteelguardaroundherthroat.Ulrikagrowledback,faceslatheredindrool,andlockedonedaemongripunderthepitofitsforelegandanotherarounditsneck.Forsoverymanyreasons,theambushershadpickedthewrongtarget.UngolsandImperialsthathadpreviouslybeenwaveringsuddenlycriedoutinwrath.Pistolssputtered

inchoatefuryasmendrewswordsandaxesandchargedtotheirgeneral’sdefence.Horsesslammedtogether,bargedeachotheraside,tangledtacksandstirrupsandtrappedtheirridersside-by-sidetohackateachotherwithblades.TheKurganhadtheedgeinsizeandarmament,butnowtheywereinclosetheywereworkinglikeslaverswiththeflatsoftheirweaponsandseemedtakenabackbytheirfoes’zeal.Inthesnowmeanwhile,Ulrikahaddriventhehound’sjawbackfromherthroatuntilitsnapped

impotentlyafewinchesfromherface.Then,witheveryoutwardsymptomofgreatpleasure,shesqueezeddownonitsneck.Thedogmewled,pawedatherbreastpiece.Itseyesturnedbloodredanditshindlegswentsoftanddepositeditsblade-tailontheground.Freedofitsweight,Ulrikarose,thenclenchedthefinaldistanceuntilthehoundgaveonefinalwhineandthentwitchedwiththesuddensnapofitsspine.AshoutfromSnorripulledFelixawayfromUlrika’sshowofforce.Thedwarfhadmanagedtochivvy

hishorseintotherightdirectionandgetitmoving.ThebaygeldingcantereduncertainlythroughthebayingtangleofKurganmaraudersandtheirhoundswhileSnorriswunghisweaponswildlytoleftandrightwithoutevercomingwithinayardofstrikinganotherrider.Dwarfsjustdidn’thavethereachforhorsebackfighting.FelixwouldhavethoughtthatevenSnorri

wouldhavehadthecommonsensetodismount,butclearlyhewasbeinggenerouswithhisassumptions.CouldSnorristillbedrunk?WasthatevenpossibleforadwarfthathadonceemptiedabucketofIvanPetrovich’sdouble-distilledGoromadnyvodkaandthentrouncedallofhishouseholdlancersandtheirwivesinadrinkingcontest?FelixsworeasSnorri’sattempttoleanbackandkickahoundwithhismace-legresultedinhim

windmillingforbalanceandhugginghishorse’snecktokeepfromfallingoff.ItwasamiracletheyhadgottheSlayerintothesaddleinthefirstplace.FelixlookedfromSnorritoUlrika.Thevampiresswasbackonherhorsenow.Animbusofenergy

coalescedintoagauntletofshadowthatshepunchedtowardsacharginghorseman.AlanceofDarkMagicpoweredthroughhischest.Ulrikahissed,wideningthatdarklanceintoabladeandyankingherhandsidewaystobringitscythingthroughtheKurganthatsurroundedher.AthersidefoughtDamirandGustavandatightformationoffurious-lookinghorsemen.ApartofFelix

wishedhecouldbetheretoo.Theneedtoprotecthercamefromsomewheredeepinside,andittookagreatefforttoresistitandturnbacktoSnorri.TheSlayerwasdisappearingintothenightbutforthesoundsofdwarfishinsultsandtheoccasionalclangourofanaxeandahammerbeingaccidentallymashedtogether.Ulrikahadalltheprotectionshecouldneed,andfromwhathehadseenofhersheneedednone.‘AcurseonallSlayers,’Felixsworewithfeeling,spurringafterthedeparteddwarf.

AKurganwarriorwithathicksnow-saltedblackbeardandasnowlionpeltriddledwithiconsoftheDarkGodsswungatUlrikawithanaxe.Hishearthammeredinherhead.Hisbreathwassourwithgorilkaandtheself-digestivestinkofstarvation.Shecouldhearthegrindofboneonligament,muscleonbone.Hewasananimal,afilthydegradedanimalthatsoiledherhomelandwithhisgodsandhissmell.Theaxeglimmeredcloser.Themandidnotfeardeath.Ulrikasnarled.Thatneverlasted.Sharpasasuddenchill,herhandsnappedupandcaughttheaxebladeinherpalm.TheKurganroared

andpulledbackagainsther.EveninhisprimehisstrengthwouldhavebeennomatchforUlrika’s.Now,halfwastedandbittenbyfrost,theKurgancoulddolittlemorethanroartheimpeachmentofhisdarkmasters.Ulrikatightenedhergrip,coruscatingarcsofatrophyingmagiccausingtheaxebladetobrownanditswoodenhafttocrumble.Suddenlypullingonnothing,thenorthmanseesawedbackinthesaddle.Ulrikacaughthimbythecollar

ofhiscloakbeforehefell.Hispulsequickenedunderhergrip.Horsesandmenbattledallaroundher,butthiswasallshecared

nowtohear.Shehadfedjusthoursbefore,butlikearawneophytesheachedforataste.ItwasPraag,sheknew.ItwasChaos.Shedidn’tcare.‘Fool,’shelisped,tongueengorgedbydesire.Withasnarl,shesurrenderedtothebeast’sbellowof

approvalanddraggedthemarauderoffhishorseuntilhelayacrossherlaplikeahumansacrificeuponanaltar.Shelickedherfangs.‘Doyouevenrealisewhatyouface?’Therhythmofhisheartbeatfelloutoftime.Shelaughed.Therewasthefear.TheKurganscreamedandbeatineffectuallyatherbreastplate.Ulrikaheldhimnonchalantlydown.

Darkpowerflickeredintoagauntletaroundherhandassheraisedafistandthenpunchedthroughtheman’schest.Ribspartedwithacrunch.Themanjerked,spatblood.ThenUlrikatoreouthisheart.Mouthopenwide,sheheldthestill-beatingorganaboveherfaceanddrank.Bloodranacrosshercheeksanddownherthroat.Thebeastwrappeditstalonsaroundthebarsofitscageandstrained.Withaneffortofwilloverinstinct,sheblinkedbloodfromhereyesandlookedup.Thisshouldnotbe

happening.Notsosoon.ThatwaswhyshehadbroughtFelix.Apistolshotshatteredherthoughtsandsheglareduphungrily,scanningthemeleeofmountedmenand

snarlinghounds.Shewantedtobleedthemall.Withthehelplessterrorofmadness,UlrikarealisedthatFelixhadabandonedher.Hertethertohumanityhadbeenbroken.ThenshebaredherfangsandturnedbacktotheKurgan.TheywouldlearnwhatitmeanttodefyoneoftheArisen.

ThesnowfallthickenedasFelixturnedahardcanterintoagallop.He’dneverriddensofastinhislife.Therapidpoundofthehorse’shoovesseemedtosetapaceforhishearttomatch.Theimpactonhardsnowrangthroughhisbonesandmadehismailshake.Evenflyinghadn’tbeenthisterrifying.Therewassomethingaboutseeingthegroundflashingbeneathhimandseeingtheanimal’slegsblurthatgrantedaconsiderableimmediacytohisperil.‘Snorri!’heshouted,mouthfillingwithsnowatspeedthemomentheopenedit.Flakesofbristlycoldpiledintohiseyesfasterthanhecouldblinkthemaway.Hedarednottakehisone

handoffthereinstowipethem.Ragged-lookingnorthmenonstarvingsteedsflashedbyinthedark.Ascatteringofmoonlightona

chainmailshirt.Aglintoflanternlightfromasilverring.Therewerethousandsofthemoutthere,heknew.Hecouldhearthehowlsoftheirdogs,butmorethanthathecouldfeeltheirexistenceinhisgut.Itwasasiftheirpresencealonewasaknotthatweigheddowntheairaroundhim.Windinghishandoncemorethroughfrost-stiffenedleatherreins,Felixshookhisfaceclearandtriedto

focusonwherehewasgoing.Aheadcamethesoundoficewaterslushingagainstrocks,guidinghimthroughthenumbinghowlinhisears.TheLynsk.Mentally,heorientedhimself.AssumingPraagwasnearbythentheGateofGargoyleswouldbe

somewheretheretothenorth-east.Itwasusefultoknow,butitwasn’tgoingtohelpSnorri.Awarningshoutinaharshbarbariantonguesnappedhiseyesbacktohispath.AKurganmarauderon

footroseoutofthedarknessbeforehim.Theman’sfurcloakswipedoutbehindhimasheturned,leatherplatearmoursostifflyfrozenthaticeshavingsdrizzledfromthejoints.Hiseyeswerebloodshot.Hisgreasedfacewasgauntfrommalnourishmentandcrackedbyfrostbite.FelixcastaboutoncemoreforSnorri,thensworehissurrendertothesnowanddarkness.Hedrewin

thereinsandswungfromthesaddle,bringingKaraghulintoaguardjustasthenorthmanbarrelledthroughthesnowwithaharshyell.Felixcouldjustaboutrideahorse,butthedayhetriedtofightfromonewasthedaytheelectors

nominatedhimtheirEmperor.Aticklingdéjàvucameoverhimasthemarauderstumbledthroughtheshin-highsnowandslushthat

bankedthepartiallyfrozenLynsk.Thesnow,theriver,theKurgan:itwasthescenefromhisdream.Hehadseenthis.Heknewexactlywhatwasgoingtohappen.Shiftinghisstanceappropriatelytotheattackheknewthenorthmanwasabouttomake,Felix

sidesteppedthemarauder’slungeandslidKaraghulbetweenthesinewylacingsthatconnectedbackplatetobreastplateasifitbelongedthere.BloodlancedacrossthesnowandupFelix’sarm.Felixgrimacedasheshiftedhisgrip,andkickedthemanbehindthekneecaptodrophimintoposition

forFelixtoplanthisbootonthewarrior’sshoulderandwrenchtheglitteringrunebladeclear.Notexactlyashehaddreamtit,butsurelytoosimilartobeacoincidence.FelixrecalledhowhehadalwaysdismissedMax’sspeculationsthatheandGotrekwereinsomeway

guidedbyagreaterpowerthanthemselves.Perhapsthewizardhadbeenontosomethingafterall.ThenorthmantumbledawaytowardstheriveranditscollectiveofwreckedcottagesandFelixbacked

offwarily,swordraisedintoaguard.ThesnowsweptaroundhimlikeaweaponoftheGreatPowerstoblindandtofrustrate.‘Snorri!Whereareyou,canyouhearme?’Felixtightenedhistwo-handedgriparoundthedragonheadhiltofKaraghul.Hiseyeswerestartingto

throb,sohardhadhebeenstaringintotheblizzard,buthedarednotblink.ThesoundofbattlewascomingfromallaroundandwhoknewhowmanyKurganthedeadman’salarumhadstirredup.Felixwatchedthethickflakesfall.Hecouldnotkeephiseyestrainedanylonger.Heblinked.‘Manling!Toyourleft.’Atthesoundofthatfamiliar,gutturalshout,Felixalmostfailedtoreactasheknewhehadto.Hisheart

soaredlikeacagedbirdsetfree.Hewantedtoturnright,toseewithhisowneyes,butatthelastinstanthejerkedleftandsweptKaraghulacrosshisbodytoparrytheheftyberdishaxethathackedforhimthroughthesnow.Justasheremembered.Thetwoweaponsclashedapartheavilyandthen,inspiredbyforeknowledge,hisfighter’sreflextook

over.Hedodgedback,spinningawayfromtheoverarmslashthathesawinhismind’seyeevenbeforetheKurganhadcommittedhimselftodeliverit.Felixturnedhisevasivespinintoaslashacrossthenorthman’shamstrings,thenkickedthescreamingmanface-downintothesnow.Felixshookhisheaddizzily.Usefulasitwasproving,therewassomethingdeeplyunsettlingabout

knowingwhatwasgoingtohappenbeforetheevent.WithanervouslaughFelixwonderedwhether,ifheweretofindhimselfhungoveronhisdeskatsome

stageinthenextfiveminutes,hewouldberelievedordisappointed.Inthecornerofhiseye,hecaughtsightofadozenmorefur-cladmaraudersadvancingthroughtheruinsbytheriver.Morewerebattlingoutofsight,ironchirpinglikewinterbirdsong.Hebroughthisswordagainintoatriedandtrueguard,bringingtheglintofgoldfromhisfingertohisface.HewonderedwhatKatwasdoingatthismoment.Thethoughtwassuddenandunwelcome,cominginthemiddleofabattleandjusthoursafterhehadhad

hislipsonanotherwoman’s.Thementalrebukehurtasitprobablyshould.Heshookhisheadtoclearitofsnow.Whydidtheromanticistsalwaysendtheirworksoncetheherohadrescuedhisdamselandthedifficultbitbegan?HisthoughtsofKatshapedthemselvesintothesceneofhisdeathbedasshowntohimbyAekoldHelbrass’spropheticfires.Theveryreallikelihoodthatshewouldnot,infact,bewithhimattheendhurthimmorethanhewouldhavethought.Thenherecalledsomethingthathehadnotthoughtofatthetime.Kathadhadachildinthatvision.Hesmiled,oddlyelateddespitehissituation.Ulrikamusthavebeenmistaken.Lifewentonafterall.Hehadachild.Abrutehowlpulledhisgazeoutwards.Thereinthesnow,asanguinaryblurofstarmetalsilverandink-

strappedmusclehackedthroughascoreofbarbariannorthmen.Felix’sheartbeatwithsuperstitiousdread.Theforeknowledgeofwhohewasgoingtofindhereontheanonymoussnowfieldhadn’tevenbeguntoreadyFelixforhowhardinthechestthesightwouldhithim.Hewantedtopunchtheair.ItwasGotrek.GotrekGurnissonhadfoundhisownwaytoPraag!TheSlayerfoughtinaringofbodiesandhumandebris.Despitewearingnothingabovehistattered

trewsbutpiercingsandspirallingbluetattoosGotrekgavenocaretothecoldas,witharoarlikeacollapsingcliff,heswunghisaxeandseveredanorthman’slegbelowtheknee.Themarauder,meetingthebone-hammerofGotrek’sknuckles,wasdeadwithasnappedneckbeforehiskneeswerefullybent.Evenhavingseenittwice,evenwiththecharnelreektogiveitthepungencyofreality,Felixfearedhe

wasabouttobewokenupandhaveallofthistakenaway.Hecouldalmosthavelaughedathowsorryhesuddenlywasatthethoughtofhavingapointlessskirmishattheedgeoftheknownworldwhiskedoutfromunderhisfeet.Andthenhedidlaugh.Hehadto.Gotrekroaredformoreandmorecame.Attheirheadstrodeachampioninaringmailhauberkwitha

whitebearcloakandanantleredhelm.Thenorthman’sbarearmswereheavywithtrophyrings.Hespunhistwinnedaxesinanticipationashechantedsomegutturalgibberishabouthisdeedsandhisgods.Onebladeleftacrimsontrailofpowerthroughtheairitcut.Felix’sfirstimpulsewastochargetotheSlayer’said,buthehadalreadyseenhowthisfightpannedout

anddidn’twanttodoanythingthatmightinterfereandunintentionallygetGotrekhurtorkilled.Thedwarfalreadylookedcloseenoughtodeath.Hehadlosthiseyepatchandgorebledfromthegapingsocket.Cutsandbruisescolouredhistattooedflesh.Stripsofithungoffthemuscleinplaces.Apairofarrows

stuckoutofhisbreast.SlippingtheSlayer’sguard,thechampiondraggedhisbladeacrossGotrek’schest,addingadeepscore

tothetallyandbringingaspurtofblood.TheSlayerhowled,throwingtheKurganchampionoffanddrivinghimbackwithastormofblows.Hisstarmetalbladeslammeddeepintothenorthman’sgut.Thenot-so-favouredoftheChaosgodsregurgitatedblood,chokingonthatlastmouthfulasGotrekflunghimfromhisaxeandintothosethatcameroaringinbehind.Now!Withayell,FelixcutdownthelastKurganbetweenhimandtheSlayer,hurdledthenorthman’scorpse

and,turningmid-leap,slammedintoGotrek’sbacktobeatdownanorthmanaxethathadbeendestinedforhisunguardedshoulders.ThatthumpingcontactsentanelectricthrilldownFelix’sspine.Inthatmomenthiswholebodyseemed

tofizz,asifafirewarmedhisbloodandfilledhismuscleswithnewstrength.ItwasnotunlikewhathehadfeltwhenhehadkissedUlrika,buttentimesmoreintense.Itfeltmeaningful.Itfeltright.Hemighthavelaughedagain,hewasn’tsureanymore,buthefeltalmostreborn,parryinganotherattackasGotrek’smassiveshouldersgroundoverhis.Felixduckedaswingingadze,parriedasabre.Thenorthmenwerecomingthickandfastfromtheriver,drawntotheringofsteelandtheSlayer’s

bellowedchallenges.FelixslicedthroughaKurgan’sjack,thenreversedhisgripandslicedhisbladebackacrossthenorthman’sthroatinaredslashofarterialblood.‘Ican’tbelieveIactuallymissedthismadness.’‘Whatdoyou…want?’Gotrekwheezed,parryingthestabofaknife,thenpunchingtheeyeofhisaxe

intoitswielder’sgut.Themandoubledover,headpartingcompanywithhisshouldersamomentlater.‘Another…goldring?’Ahand-axedecoratedwithevilglyphsclangedofftheflatofhisblade.GotrekelbowedtheKurganintheface,kneecappedanother,andslicedhisaxethroughthebellyofathird.‘WasAltdorfnotexcitingenough,manling?’Felixblinkedinconfusion,feelinghisearliersurgeofenergyfadeintohismusclesandalmostmissing

theswordthatthrustforhisbelly.Hetwistedsharply,parried,thenslicedthroughtheoffendinghandwithanincisivecounter.Thathadn’tbeenwhathe’dexpectedtohear.‘Isthatallyouwanttosaytomeafterayear?’‘Ayear?’Gotrekgrunted.‘Isthatall?’‘Damnit,Gotrek!’TheSlayerhackedanorthmaninhalf,paintinghisgaspingmouthwitharterialspray.‘Youwentyour

ownway,manling.AndIwent…mine.’‘Thatwasthepromiseyoumade.’FelixblockedaflurryofblowsandretreatedbackagainstGotrek’s

broadshoulders.‘KeepSnorrialiveuntilKarakKadrinandyou’dreleasemefrommyoath.’‘Release?’Gotrekgrowled.Hisexpressionsomehowdarkenedstillfurther.Hepulledhisaxefroma

Kurgan’sshoulderandbrokeaman’selbowwiththeflat.Thenhegrunted,asifwordswereharderthanbones.‘Aye.AndIhonouredit.’Felixparriedhard,dumbfoundedandnumb.DidGotrekresenthimfornotchoosingtostaywithhim

oncehe’dhadasayinthematter?Couldhereallyholdthatkindofagrudgeforthislong?Stupidquestion.‘KatissafeinAltdorf,’heyelledoverhisshoulder.Hewasn’tsurewhyhesaidthat,exceptperhapsto

extractsomereactionfromtheSlayerbesidesthatpassive,incomprehensiblerage.GotrekhadalwaysbeenfondofKatwhom,rightuptotheirweddingday,he’dpersistedincalling‘littleone’.‘Shemightbepregnant.’

‘Thenyou’reafool.There’sonlyoneplaceyoushouldbenow.’Felixshooksnowflakesfromhisbrow,turninghissimmeringangerintoaripostethatbeatanaxefrom

anorthman’sgripandseveredhisfingers.ThetemptationtospinaroundandlettheSlayerdefendhisownstubbornbackwasalmostgreatenoughforhimtocountenancethesuicide-by-Kurganthatthatwouldinevitablymeanforhimaswell.Insteadhesnarledandparriedastingingneck-thrust.‘Ihadadaughteronce,’Gotrekpanted,speechcompletelyalmosteatenintobybreath.‘IknewI

shouldn’thaveleftherbehindbutIwas…talkedintoitbyafriend.’Therewasapause,splitintotwobythecrackofanorthman’sspine.‘Prayyoudon’tregretitlikeIdid.’‘I–’Hoofbeatsrumbledthroughtheblizzard.Damirandhisriders.No!FelixknewnothingofGotrek’sshame,andpreciouslittleabouthislifebeforebecomingaSlayer.This

wasimportant,heknew.Therewassomuchhewantedtosayandaskbeforetheopportunitywastakenfromthem.‘Gospodarinyi!’Swaddledinsheepskinandhemp,Damirgallopedfromthestorm,standinghighinthestirrupsashe

drewbackonhisrecurvedcompositebow.Colouredtasselsshiveredfromthetipsasheloosed.Thefeatheredshaftzippedthroughthefallingsnow,andsmackedthroughtheY-shapedopeningofamarauder’sbull-hornedbarbutewithaferociousclangasthemetalheadexitedthebackoftheman’sskullandstrucktheinsidebackofhiswarhelm.Themarauderspasmedbackwardsbeforebeingdashedoffthebreastofthecareeningpony.Asecondhorse-archerchivviedhishorsethroughtheshank-highsnowdrift,screaming‘Yhah!’atthe

topofhislungsanddrawingbackonhisownbowstring.ThearrowflewoverGotrek’sshoulderandtookhisassailantthroughtheheart.Gotrekhowledpurefrustrationandbeheadedthedyingnorthman.Anothercentaur-likeshadowbreezedinfalse-silencethroughtheblizzardandchargedintothedisorderednorthmen.TheKurganbroke,andDamirandhismenyippedandurgedtheirsteedstogivechase.Gotrekgrowledandsanktooneknee.Hecaughthimselfonthehaftofhisaxeandpushedhimselfback

up.Felixofferednohelp.HecouldnothavesupportedtheSlayer’sweightevenifhethoughthisaidwouldbewelcomed.TheSlayermethislookandglowered.‘Itchyfeetthen,wasit?’‘I’msorry?’‘Marriageandchildrendoessomethingtohumanmen,I’vefound.Oathandhearthjustisn’tenoughfor

you.’‘Forgoodness’sake,Gotrek–’BeforeFelixcouldsaymorehenoticedthebrighteningglowofGotrek’saxe.Theruneswereredand

hotandspittinginthesnow.Chaos.Withaglintinhisoneeye,Gotrekheftedhisaxeonceagain.HeregardedFelixgrudgingly.‘Ifmydoomshouldhappenwhileyou’rehere…’Felixsighed.Ifthatwasthewarmestwelcomehecouldexpectthenhe’dtakeit.‘Itistheendofthe

world,Isuppose.’Gotrekleered,runningthepadofhisthumbdowntheedgeofhisaxeuntilitproducedabeadofblood.

ItwasoneofthefewpartsoftheSlayer’sbodynotalreadybleeding.‘Good,isn’tit.’Bothfightersreadiedtheirweapons,Gotrek’srune-axeturningthesnowflakesintorubydropletsasa

snow-whitedestrierboreUlrikathroughthatcrimsonhaze.

Shelookedmonstrous,andnotinanywaythatcouldbeexplainedawaybytheharshglareofGotrek’saxe.ShecouldnothavegotherselfanybloodierhadshephysicallycrawledinsideaKurganwarriorandtornherwayout.ShetiltedherchinarrogantlyupwardsassheregardedtheSlayer,exposinghersharpfangsandthebloodwhereitwasthickestunderherjaw.Askeinofmoaningspiritsswirledovertheshapelycontoursofherarmour.Theydarkenedhereyesandmouthwithapenumbralgloom,deepeningthehard,immortalisedlinesofherface.AndunlikeFelixandGotrek,swathedinsteamybreath,shesatwithout,atransientvisitortothecold.Breathinglikeabellows,theSlayerturnedablacklookonFelix.Felixflinchedundertheintensityofit,feelingagaintheguiltofUlrika’skiss.Hetriedtohideitfrom

hisface,butitseemedtoblushfromhischeeksasthoughwrittenthereindwarfishrunes.Gotrekgrippedhisaxeandnoddedlikeanexecutioner.‘NowIsee.’Ignoringthedwarf,Ulrikaclosedhereyesandlookedaway,transactingsomesteeppersonalcostof

willpowerinexchangeforconcealingherfangsandretractingherclaws.Sheshookherheadandthenpointedtothecollectionofcottagessitedbesidethedark,ice-floedbodyofcreakingslushaheadofthem.Theshapesoftheriversideoutpostwerejustaboutvisibleashumpsintheground.IfFelixconcentratedonit,hecouldstillheartherumbleofhoofbeats,thewildyellsoftheUngolhorsemen,theoccasionalcrackofanarquebusorapistol,andwhatmighthavebeenadrunkendwarf’swarcry.‘Come,Felix.WecanpickupSnorriandholdouttherewhileIworkusawayintothecity.’Gotrekarchedablood-bristledeyebrowatthenameofhisoldfriend,butwastoostubborntoask.

Felixdecidedthatifhewantedtobethatway,thenFelixcouldbetoostubborntovolunteer.TheSlayergruntedandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.‘We’reheretogetMax,’Felixmuttered,feelingthatthemostpertinent–themostinnocent–fact.He

wavedvaguelynorthward.‘He’sinthere.’Again,agrunt.BeforeFelix’stempercouldfrayanyfurther,therewasadisturbingunderfootcrunchofsnowand

humangristlefrombehindthem.AbowmanwitharrownockedanddrawnadvancedoverthebodiesthatGotrekhadleftstrewn.Hewas

hardandthin,likeatwistofsaltedmeat,andgarbedinamotleyassortmentofweather-beatenfursandhangingarmourplates.ThebowwasadarkwoodKurganrecurve,thearrowsfletchedblacklikecousinsofthoseinGotrek’schest.‘Areyougoingtofightthemthen,zabójka?’askedthebowman,hisKisleviteaccentmuffledbythe

layerswrappedoverhismouth.‘Ormustyouliveanotherday?’Slowly,FelixeasedhisgripoffhisswordandglancedaquestionatGotrek.‘Noonetoldyoutoleave,manling,’wasGotrek’stersereply.‘Whatdoeszabójkamean?’Ulrikasmiledcoldly.‘Itisnotaffectionate.’Thebowmanloweredhisweapon,andnoddedacurtgreetingtothemountedboyarina.‘Kolya,my

lady.OfwhatwasonceDushyka.’‘Donotspeakinhaste,’saidUlrika.‘Wearenotbeatenyet.’Kolyashruggedasifhecouldn’tcareandperhapsnevertrulyhad.‘Nomatter.’ThatneatsummationofKislevitephilosophybroughtararesmiletoUlrika’slips.Sheextendedahand

tothenorthasifcommandingthestormtopartorthepolargatestoopen.‘Come,’saidUlrikaagain,hervoicethistimeechoedbywhatsoundedlikehundredsofothers.Felixheardweeping,indistinct,asthoughhe’djustenteredacastleinwhichsomeoneinadistantwing

wascrying.Thespiritsthatswamoverherbegantoaccelerateandblur.Facesgnashedtheirteethandblendedwithothersthatcursedorweptorraved,summoningawindthatmoanedandsmelledofthedanknesswithinaforgottencrypt.Ulrika’seyespulsedredintheirsepiapools.Felixbackedaway.‘Therearetoomanyofthenorthmenhere,’saidUlrika,hervoiceechoingasthoughshecalledtohim

fromacrossagorge.Felixdidn’tthinkshehadeverlookedsobeautiful.Orferal.ThiswasUlrikathevampirewithoutthemask.Shewasaneaglegloryinginflight,alionessexultinginthepowerofherbite.‘Chaoswarriorsanddaemonsandmonstersfrombeyondthemountains.Toomanytofight.Icanconfoundthemlongenoughforrespite.’Shespreadherhands,aspiderspinningherwebwithaethyricsilk,threadsoftormentandpain

spoolingfromherfingertips.Wherethespiritsshesummonedflew,northmengaveshoutsofconfusionandhorrorandturnedunwittinglyback.AsFelixwatched,afearfultightnesscompressinghischest,thespiritmazeexpandedaroundthem,visibleagainstthebackgroundnightasanempyrealmeshofhalf-felttapsonshoulders,whisperedfears,andchildhoodnightmares.‘Theleechdoesmagicnow?’Gotrekobserved,drawinghisaxesocloseitopenedacutacrosshis

cheek.Bloodtrickledintohisbeard.Oneeyeandavacantorbglaredatthevampiressinthethroesofhernecromancy.‘WeshouldhavekilledherbackinDrakenhof.’

TWELVECruelSurprises

Nothingburiedacorpselikesnow.Achillingnortherlywindworkeditsshovelwiththecallousnessofaserialkiller,coveringthe

northmenleftbytheKislevites’chargeundershallowmoundsofwhitepowder.Theremnantsoftheriversideoutposttheyhadsoughttodefendrosefromthesnowlikethefingersoftheunquietdead.Spiritswhisperedthoughthedark.Thecoldsmellofimpermanenceclungtoeverybrokenstone.Thelargeststructurewasaburned,ice-blisteredheadstonewithonesidesunkintotheicywatersofthe

Lynsk.Itswallswereofthickredbrick,itswindowssuspiciousslits.Crenellationsrantheperimeterofitsroofthatclimbedintoatieredoniondometiledwithfrostedlead.Acustomshouse,Felixreasoned,likelydoublingasarelaypostforsouthboundridersandasaforttoguardagainstsmugglersandpoachers.Anironchainclenchedacrosstheriver.Thepassingicecausedittoclinkandrustle.Thestripped-

downribcageofanice-breakerbarquelayupturnedonthebankbesideit.Thewoodhadbeenpeeledawayforfuelandforrepairstothesurroundingstructuresandonlytheironcladdingremained.AKurganwarriorhungfromit,pinnedbyapairofarrowsthroughthechest.Thefortification’shighestpointwasacircularbartizanwithitsfoundationsintheriveritself.The

circlewasaprominentsymbolinKislevitephilosophyaswellastheirarchitecture.Itwasthecurveoftheworld,ofthewideoblastsky.Itwasdeathandrebirth.Atatteredbannerflutteredfromthebartizan’sflagpole,asoreontheeyethatseemedtorotevenasFelixlookedatit.ArhythmicbangechoedfromtherampartsasatrioofGustav’smen,loadedwithgorilkaanddrytindertoburnthefoulicondown,soughttobreakintothelockedtower.TheTrollKingmighthavedeniedtheKurganandtheiralliesPraag,butsomethinghadsucceededin

makingthisplacetheirhome.Thesurroundingbuildingswereamixofsemi-intactstructures.Theyhadbeenlooselyrepairedand

refortifiedwithscavengeablescrapsandwerefilledwithbeddingfursandgear,allleftbehindwhentheUngolshadriddenthrough.Rubblelayeverywhereamancouldputhisfoot.Itmadethesnowcoverlumpen.Hereandthere,red

leachedintothosesnowylumpstomarkaKurgangrave.Theunevengroundbetweenruinswastakenbyahaphazardmazeofpicketsandstockadesthathousedshaggy,broad-shoulderedcattle.TheywerenotcowssuchasanAverlandfarmerwouldrecognise.TheyresembledtheNorscanbreedthathisbrotherhadattimesgrudginglytradedinwithlandownersofNordlandandtheMiddleMountains.AdaptedtocoldandmiseryandtheweirdaspectsoftheChaos-taintednorth,theyweregruff,lean,andpermanently

ontheknife-edgeofgoringawarilypassingsoldier.Gotrekstudiedthethumbhehadslicedonhisaxebladewithascowl.Somepoisonintheairstopped

woundsfromclosingandkeptthebloodflowing.EventheSlayerwasn’timpervioustothetaint.Heglancedsidewaysasadisorientedwhisperechoedfromthedeepsnow,oneofUlrika’sunleashedspirits.Helaunchedagobofspitafterit.Felixhadnowayofknowingiforwhatithit.‘Yourgirlfriendhasuntilthisstopsrunning.’Hestuckthethumbbetweenhislipsandleered,suckingit

dryashethenwithdrewit.‘ThenI’moff.’‘Ulrikaaskedustowait,’saidFelix.‘I’mherefortheTrollKingandthedoomthatwaspromisedme,’saidGotrek.‘I’mnothereforthe

wizard,andassureasthetreacheryofelvesI’mnothereforher.’Hejabbedhisthumb,justagainsheeningwithred,backtowardsthedespatch-fort.Ulrikastoodthereundertheoldfort’sshatteredmaingate,wearingacloakofaethyricshadowanda

haloofweepingspirits.Tolookonherwastosharethehorrorallpreyfeelfortheirpredator.Thebloodofmenpaintedherbeautifulwhitearmour.Gobbetsofitmattedherhair.Herfacewasmorecrimsonnowthanwhite.Aroundher,menworkedtoclearasectionofthestockadeofcattletomakespaceforacorral.Leftpats

ofdungsteamed.UngolponiesandOstermarkhorsesshiveredtogetherunderwoolblanketsandsnortedvapour.OthermenwerepryingwoodfromthepicketstoerectwhatlookedlikeapentagramaroundthegatehouseunderdirectionfromDamir.TheUngolchieftainstoodwithhishandsonhishipsandhischeekssuckedinandshoutedinstructionsfromUlrika’srighthand.Wearingabeatificgrin,Gustavstoodbehindherandtotheleftwithhisthumbstuckedintohisbelt.OccasionallyamanlookedupfromhistaskasoneofthewardingspiritsofUlrika’sghost-mazemoanedoverheadandmouthedaprayer.Thetensionwasgarrottetight.Felixfeltitintherisinghairsonthebackofhisneck.Heleanthiscrossedarmsoverthewaist-high

fencethatseparatedhimandaboutthirtyheadofcattlefromtheriverandrappedhisringnervouslyupontheupright.WithaperversionsosubtlethatFelixhadn’tevenconsciouslynoticeditatfirst,thewaterwaspushingiceupriver.Hewonderedhowthatwasevenpossible.WastheLynsksomehowsuckinginseawaterfromAltwasserBayandbearingitnorthtotheGoromadnyMountains?Heshudderedagain.Sosimpleathing,andyetsowrong.Besidehim,satinthesnowlikearockthathadjustdroppedthereoutofthesky,Gotreksilently

watchedhisthumbbleedbytherune-lightofhisaxe.‘Katiswell,’Felixsaid,haltingly.Heworkedhislips.Hismouthfeltimponderablydry.Hewaited,but

thedwarfsaidnothing.‘Sheisgettingstronger.’‘Good.’‘Isthatallyouhavetosay?Istherenothingyouwanttoask?’Thedwarf’soneeyewasashollowastheemptysocketbesideitandfixedonhisthumb.‘Wetravelledtogetherfortwentyyears,Gotrek.Haveyouforgottenallthat?’Gotrekglowereddangerously,theinsulttohislongdwarfishmemoryimplicit.Felixhunghishead,gaveitasorryshake.Hehadalwaysfeltguiltyaboutthedecisionhehadmadeto

leavetheSlayerandreturnwithKattotheEmpire.Ithadseemedliketherightoneatthetimethoughandtherewasnomoreamancoulddothanthat.Evennowhewasn’tsurethatitwasnecessarilywrong.Ifhe’doptedforfriendshipoverfamilythenKatwouldhavefollowedhimforcertain.AndhowlongwouldKathavesurvivedinKislevinhercondition?Thespeculationgavehimashiver.Again,heresolvedtoreturnhometoherinonepiece,somethingthat

havingGotrekandhisaxealongsideofhimcouldonlyimprovethechancesof.

FelixglancedoverhisshoulderasUlrikatookGustav,Damirandahandfuloffreecompanysoldierswithherintothefort.Hefrowned.Forsomereason,Ulrikadidnotappearnearlyasalluringasshehadjusthoursbefore.Itwasmorethanjustthebloodonher.Hisfeelingstowardsherwereconfused.Shewasunquestionablybeautiful,hadevenbecomemoresoashehadagedandshehadnot,butitwasbeautyofanuntouchablekind.Shewasaritualblade,somethingtobeadmiredbutnotwithoutashiverofsomethingotherattheforceslockedwithin.UnexpectedlyhisthoughtsturnedtothejadedoldpoetwhowoulddrinkhimselftonostalgiainhisofficeinAltdorf.HewonderedwhetheritwasUlrikaorhimselfwhohadchangedtheleast.‘Riders!’Thecrycamefromthesentriestothenorth-east.Onanervousflex,Felix’sgriptensedaround

Karaghul.Ashatteredbaygeldingcrunchedovertheloosegroundontheriverbank,ledbyoneofDamir’s

colourfullygarbedscouts.Thepooranimalmadeitalmostasfarasthefort,thenwhinniedinquietdistressandpitcheditsriderintothewater.SnorriNosebiterflaileddrunkenly,thenpunchedthroughtheiceinaspumeofwaterandsanklikeananvilbutforatrainofbubbles.Felixswore,pushinghisswordbackintoitsscabbardandduckingunderthefence.Heranoverthe

wharf’scrackedflagstonesforthatperverselywhisperingriver,halfdivingandhalfskiddingontoheelsandbacksidetoplungehisarmin.Thecoldshockedhimsenseless.Hegrithisteethtokeepfromscreamingbut,afterhardlyanytimeatall,thepainwasreplacedbyatinglingnumbness.Thatwasn’tatallreassuring.Hewavedhisarmunderthewater,pushingitasdeepashedared.CouldSnorriswim?Itseemedunlikelywiththatmetalleg,andwiththeamountofvodkahemusthaveputaway.ThenFelixfeltabrusharoundhiswrist,lessasensationthananawarenessofpressure,andtriedtoimpelhisfingerstoclose.Hecursedloudlyashisbodybegantoslidein.‘Handhimover,manling.’Squattingdownbesidehim,Gotrekplungedhisownarmintothewater.‘Onthecountofth–’FelixbeganasGotrekheavedone-handed,draggingSnorrifromthewaterand

ontoabedofblackice.‘Snorrihateswater,’Snorrimanagedbetweengaspsthatmadehisthroatandchestjudder,coughingup

apintoficewaterontohisshortredbeard.‘Ittasteslike…’Hiseyesflutteredopenandherubbedabicepoverhislips.‘Well,ittasteslikewater.’Gotrekcrossedhisarmssourly.‘SnorriNosebiter,youarethegreatestwattockIeverdidknow.’Snorrigaveasmilethatgrewincreasinglywateryashiseyesfocusedonthedwarfstoodoverhim.

Gotrekuncrossedhisarmsandextendedonehand–lowenoughtobeanoffer,highenoughsoasnottomakeabigelvenfussaboutit.SnorrihesitatedonlylongenoughforonemoresoddencoughbeforeclaspingitandlettingGotrekhaulhimup.Felixdidn’tknowwhatpassingmadnesshadassumedthattheancientcompanionsmightreunitewitha

bear-hugembrace,oratleastsomephysicalintimationofmutualrespectwithanemotionallychiselledkindword.AllSnorrigotwasanappraisinggruntashedrippedoffonhisowntwofeet.Snorrididn’tevengosofarastomeetGotrek’seye,applyingallhis–admittedlylimited–facultiestoshakeoffthepunishedoldleathersatchelthathehadclutchedunderonearmandstampresidualwaterfromhismace-leg.Felixflexedhisfingersandrolledlifeintothenear-dislocatedjointofhisshoulder.AsifSnorrihadn’t

alreadybeenheavyenough.‘Iliketheleg,’Gotrekgruntedafterasilencethathumanswoulddefinitelyhaveconsideredawkward.

‘Goodmetal-work.’

‘It’sverypopularwitheveryone,’saidSnorri,avoidingGotrek’seye.‘Exceptthathorse.It’snotasthoughSnorrikickeditonpurpose.’‘Whatdidyouexpect?’saidGotrekastheUngolridernoddedwordlesslyandledthetiredanimalto

thecorral.‘There’sonlyonethingIdespisemorethanhorses.’‘Isitelves?’saidSnorriwithaweaksmile.‘SnorriwagersallthevodkainKislevthatit’selves.’Gotrek’sglowersoftenedmarginally.‘Doyouhaveany?’Snorrihunghishead.‘Typical.’Snorriscratchednegligentlyatoneofthescabbedpuncturesinhisscalp.IfFelixdidn’tknowdwarfsas

hedid,thenhemighthavethoughtthatSnorriwantedtotalkaboutsomethingdeeplypersonal.Buthedidknowdwarfsaswellasanymancould.Theycouldtalkfordaysaboutgoldandclanhonourandoldgrudges,butamatteroftheheartwouldgounsaidwiththemtowhereveritwasdwarfswentafterdeath.SnorriwentontiptoestopeeraroundFelix’sshouldertomakesuretheUngolwasgone.HeglancedatFelix,pickinguncertainlyattheknotinhissatchel.Gotreknoddedatthebagoverhisshoulder,showingthewonderfullydwarfishfascinationinoldthingsevenoverandaboveoldfriends.‘There’sanameI’venotseeninalongtime.’Snorrinodded.Helookedawkward.Helickedhislipsslowlyasifimagininggoodale.‘Snorrihas

rememberedalotofthings,butthereissomethinghewants…somethingheneeds…’Snorritappedhismace-legonthecobblestonesandmumbledunderhisbreath.Thenherubbedhishanddownhisbeaten-upfaceandstartedagain.‘ItisaboutSnorri’sshame.’‘Stopthere!’GotrekraisedahandsharplytoforestallanyfurthercommentonSnorri’spart.Hetooka

stepaway.‘ThatisnotsomethingaSlayereverspeaksof.’HeglaredatFelix,thenspreadthefingersofhisraisedhandsandgrinnedharshly.HepresentedFelix

histhumb.Ithadstoppedbleeding.‘Time’sup,manling.Come,stay,Inolongercare.I’mgoing.’Snorri’sshouldersslumpedasGotrekstrodeoffintotheherdofburlycattle,disappearingfromview

butforasnow-cappedorangecrestbobbingfiercelytowardstheoppositesideoftheenclosure.Felixhadneverseenhimlookingsodistraught.Hewishedtherewassomethinghecoulddo,butitwasclearlysomedwarfishissuethat,despitehisunusualstatusintheirsociety,Felixcouldneverhopetounderstand.Hecouldn’tevenofferSnorriadrink.Throughthecloudofsteamthatrosefromthelowingherd,Felix’sgazecrossedKolya’s.TheKislevite

satbestrideastileconjoiningtheirenclosurewithanother.Inwrappedandmittenedhandsheworkedaflatstonewithaknife,carvingwhatappearedtobeastickimageofahorse.HeacknowledgedFelix’slookwithnogesture.HedidnotlookupasGotrekapproached.Felixsighed.Hehadthedistinctimpressionhehadbeencuckoldedforayoungerandlesstalkativeman.‘Ididn’tthinkitwouldbethisway,’saidFelix,tohimselfmorethantoanyoneelse.Ayearapartandit

wasasthoughtheyhadallbecomestrangers.Buthehaddreamtaboutthis.Hehadtobelievetheywereallreunitedforapurpose.HewatchedGotrekandKolyamaketheirwaytotheoutpost’snorthernapproach,intwomindsabout

whethertofollowthemorwhethertowaitwithUlrika.There,agroupofOstermarkerswerebusythrowinguparoughwallofblockediceandrubble.Beyondthem,spectralfigurestwistedthenightsnowintoeerieshapes.ItmadeFelix’sneckcrawljustlooking.‘Doyoubelieveinfate,Snorri?’‘FatebelievesinSnorri,’Snorriansweredwithuncharacteristicglumness.‘Isthatthesamething?’Snorri’sjawworkedasifoverarottentooth,andthenheshrugged.Idly,heluggedafrozencow-pat

intotheriver.Itsmashedafloatingblockoficeandthenslidunderwithalastgaspofnightair.‘Youwerealwaysthecleverone,youngFelix.’FelixfollowedSnorri’sstareacrosstheriver.Aswirlinthesnowbecamethegothicfrontageofthe

HergigbankonOtto’sstreet.Thedimplesinthewaterwheretheflakeslandedremindedhim,inevitably,ofKat.Agustofwindturnedtheshapesintothatofarunningchild.‘DidyouknowthatGotrekhadachild?’heaskedquietly.‘Alittlegirl,’Snorrirepliedwithoutlookingup,voicecomingfromsomedistantplace.‘Shewantedto

beanengineer.’Snorrishookhishead,chucklingthoughFelixhadthedistinctimpressionthedwarfwantedtobecrying.‘Snorritoldhershewassilly.Snorriwouldbeanengineerbeforetheguildletawomanlearntheirsecrets.’‘YouknewGotrekthatlongago?’Snorrinodded.‘Sowhathappenedtoher?’‘Goblinshappened,youngFelix.ItwasalldonebythetimeGotrekcamehome,sohetookhisgrudgeto

thelordwhoshouldhaveprotectedthem.’FelixglancedoverhisshoulderasifexpectingtoseeGotrekglaringwithdisapproval.HeandKolya

weretraipsingoverslushedgroundtowardstherisingnorthbarricade.Hehadagoodideahowthisstorywasgoingtoend.‘Isthissomethingyoushouldbetellingme?IfGotrekwantedmetoknow…’‘Gotrekisakinslayer,’saidSnorri,assimplyasifhewereexplainingthatGotrekhadoncehadbrown

hair.‘Adwarflordandhishousediedthatday.Secretslikethatarehardertoburythan…than…’Snorriscruncheduphisfaceasthoughrememberingsomethinghehadonceheard.‘Thangold.’Snorri’svoicedroppedtoahoarsewhisper.Hisfingersgroundintotheleathersatchelinhishands.‘If

onlysomeonehadbeensenttowarnourhome.Ifonlysomeonehadbeentheretofightwhenthegoblinscame.’Unclenchinghisfists,Snorrismootheddowntheleatherpackuntilthegoldenruneglitteredinthefalse,eeriespiritlightthatstreamedunderthesky.‘Snorrithinks…Snorriwasn’t…’FelixwaitedasSnorristruggled.Hecouldn’tsayhewassurprisedbythenatureofGotrek’ssupposed

wrongdoing.FelixhadlittleenoughrespectforthenoblesofhisownraceandhadtheshortcomingsofoneofthemledtothedeathsofKatandhisownchildthenFelixwouldprobablyhavedoneexactlythesamething.Hesmiledruefully.Hewouldhavetriedto.Snorriappearedtohavewrestledhimselfintoamentalstalemate.Patiently,Felixproddedthebag.

‘What’sinthebag,Snorri?’Blank-eyed,Snorripasseditover.ThedampleatherwasroughinFelix’shand.Therunestitchedin

goldintothesideglittered.Itwasheavierthanitlooked,andwhenhegaveitanexperimentalshakesomethinginsideansweredwithametallicrustle.Hisfingershoveredoverthebuckle.‘MayI?’Snorrinoddedonce.Felixofferedasmileandopenedit.Hedidn’tknowwhy,buthewasexcitedtosee

whatwasinside.TheruneonthefronthadclearlymeantsomethingtoGotrekso,hereasoned,itsurelyhadtobesomethingimportant.Hecoughedatthearomaofstaledwarfsweatthatdriftedupfrominside.Itwasfullofoldclothes.Felixtriedtohidehisdisappointment.TrustSnorriNosebitertocarryabagofsoot-cakedragshalfwayacrosstheOldWorld.Hewasabouttohandthebagbackwhenabloodstainedshirtslippedasidetorevealaheavygoldenchain.FelixtookitoutforcloserinspectionandgavethebagbacktoSnorri.‘It’sbeautiful.Dwarfmade?’SnorrishruggedsoFelixreturnedhisattentiontotheartefact.Aroundthethicklinksdwarfruneshadbeenengravedinanexquisitehand.Felixranhisfingeraround

oneofthelinks.Hewasnojeweller,butherecognisedqualitywhenhesawit.Infacttheonlytimehe’d

seengoldthispureandwellfashionedhadbeeninKarakKadrinwhenGotrekhadpresentedhimandKatwiththeirrings.Slowly,hisscrollingfingerpaused.Theruneslookedfamiliar.Heheldhisbreath.Hisheartseemedtogrowheavyashespreadhisfingers.Hisweddingbandglintedinthelight.Theruneswerethesame.ThischainhadbelongedtoGotrek.No.IthadbeenagiftfromGotrek.Coldspreadingthroughhischest,Felixtightenedhisgriponthechain.‘Whodidthisbelongto,

Snorri?’‘Snorri…doesn’tremember.’‘WasitGotrek’swife?Itwas,wasn’tit?Howdidyougetthis?Yousaidnobodywastherewhenthe

goblinsattacked.’TheoldTrollslayerlookedonthevergeoftears.Frostprickledhissquashednose.‘Snorri…can’t…’Withhandsnumbedbymorethancold,FelixpushedthechainbackintoSnorri’skeeping.Hethoughthe

understood.NowonderSnorrihadtriedsohardalltheseyearstoforgethisshame.Snorrihadbeentherethatday.‘OhSnorri,’hebreathed.‘Whatdidyoudo?’

Thethickredstonemutedthecriesoftheoblastdead.Theairwithintheruineddespatch-fortwasdank,mustyandstale,andcoldtooifonefeltit,butbufferedagainstthewinditwasagelidkindofchilllikethehandshakeofaghoul.Arrowslitsandceilingtearsletinlightenoughtoglanceoffironwallbracketswhereinlesshopelesstimestheremightoncehavebeentorches.TheonlyilluminationofnoteinfactderivedfromUlrikaherself.Inhercharred,enamel-whiteplate,shestoodinthecentreofthechamberwithlegsbracedandhands

balledintofistsbyherside.Amethyst-colouredtracersofenergyarcedfromherhands,probinguphervambracesandoverherbelly.Occasionally,thearcscrossedtoproduceacracklingburstofnightshadeandthetangofozone.Shefacedthedoor.Hereyesglitteredlikediamondsandherjawwasset.Concentrationgleamedfromfangandclaw.Itwasetchedintoeverysupernaturalsinew.‘IsthereanythingmoreIcando,general?’GustavJaegerslumpedbackintooneofthebowman’snooks,disturbingthesnowthathadblownin

throughthenarrowembrasureandbeenallowedtobuildupthere.Breathingshakilyhebeganfumblingwiththecollartiesofhiscloak,hidingthestill-seepingpuncturesinhisneck.Ulrikapermittedherselfasmileofpleasure.Sohandsome.Moremenlayscatteredacrossthefloor

withexpressionsofblissonpalefacesandbloodstainingtheslashedshouldersoftheirdoublets.TheywerenotKislevites.Theirbloodwasherstoexpendasshesawfit.Shewonderedifshehadalwaysthoughtinsuchterms,butthenreasonedthatsheprobablyhad.Itwasonlypragmatic,andastheonlychildofaMarchBoyarUlrikahadneverbeenanythingbutthat.‘Thankyou,Gustav.Thatissufficientfornow.IfIrequiremorepowerthenIwillsummonmoreofyour

men.’Withafaintlookofdisappointment,Gustavlapsedintosemi-consciousness.Ulrikawatchedhis

flutteringeyelidsandsilentlymovinglipsinthesamewaythatshehadoncewatchedherfather’shuntingdogsastheyslept–shewonderedwhatsuchasimpleanimalmightdreamof.‘AndI,boyarina?’SpeakinghisnativeKislevarin,Damirstoodamongstthesplayedbodiesofthesouthernersasthough

thiswasanutterlynaturalstateofaffairs.Hishandswereonhishipswheretheycouldbeclosetohishatchets.AmanoftheTrollCountry,throughandthrough.Hisyelloweyesflashedwithamethyst

discharge.‘IwillbeweakenedwhileIperformtheritual.Iwillberelyingonyoutodefendmefromwhatever

maycome.’Damirnoddedandturnedbacktothedoor.Hewouldknowwhattodo.Themanhadservedhersince

theoutbreakofthewar.ShehadbeenintheTrollCountrythen,onLahmianbusiness,andhadbeenoverjoyedbytheopportunitytospreadherclaws.Shehadseenmorefightingthenthanatanyothertimeinhernewlife,butthesheernumberandpowerofthearchenemyhadbeentoomuch.Eventhenshehadbeenloathetoleave,andDamirandhispeoplehadobjectedbitterlytoabandoningtheirtriballands.Fortunately,herkisshadopenedhismindtoreasonandtoawholenewworldofpossibilities.Toservitude.Perhapsonedaytoimmortality.Shejustcouldn’tunderstandwhymortalswerealwayssointransigent.Couldtheynotseethatsheonly

wantedwhatwasbestforthem?Sheknewthatsheshouldnotblamethem.Theycouldnotperceivetheworldassharplyasshecould.TheirmindscouldnotprocessitwiththesameclarityandspeedasoneoftheArisen.Felix,forinstance,wouldundoubtedlyobjecttoherusinghisnephewthisway.Itwasmorethanjust

jealousy.Hehonestlyseemedtothinkitwrong.ShepitiedhimthatasshepitiedpoorKaterina,trappedinafrailandfailingmortalshellbecauseofherlover’sweaknessofimagination.Tryingtoseethingsinthelimitedfashionofhercompanions,shereasonedthattheywouldprobablynotappreciatewhatshewastryingtoachievenoweither.Shewasgoingtoopenadoor.InvasionafterinvasionhadsteepedPraag’sbedrockwiththestuffofChaos.Themeanstorituallytapit

wassimilartothemagicwithwhichtheAuricBastionwaserected.Deepinconcentration,Ulrikabaredherfangs.TheveryritualthatoneofherownkindhaddeliveredintothehandsofBalthasarGelt.NotthatanymanoftheEmpirenowalivewasgoingtooffertheirthankstothesacrificesoftheArisenthathadallowedtheirSupremePatriarchtosavethem.Norwouldtheymournthedestructionofthenationthathehadnotseenfittospare.Borrowedbloodboiledwithinherveins.AndGabriellahadwonderedwhyUlrikahadleftherforVlad

vonCarstein.TheEmpirehadletKislevfall,hadmadeapuppetofBoyarSyrgeiTannarovofErengradandclaimed

thestolenterritoryof‘NorthOstermark’foritsown.EvenintheEndTimes,menwerestillmen.TheyneededtheshepherdinghandoftheArisen.AndwiththathandshewasgoingtodriveastakethroughtheheartofChaosandwatchtherestofthe

worlddrowninitsblood.

MaxSchreiber’smindperusedthecorruptedaethyrofPraag.Itwasaweboflifeandofdeaththattouchedeverycreaturecurrentlycontestingthecity’swalls.Inanabstractsense,everynaturalscholarknewabouttheinterconnectednessoflife.Everycreaturehaditsplaceinthatweb,surroundedandconnectedbythoseitkilledandthosethatkilledit.WhatfewerscholarsknewhoweverwasthatwhatwastrueforlifewasalsotrueforChaos,onlymoreso.AportionofMax’smindstoodnowwiththebeastmenonthecity’sramparts.Hefelttheirnear-human

soupofhatredsandfearsasdaemon-possessedmunitionssettheskyablazeandthewallsatremble.TheybleatedtheirbattlecriesasChaoswarriorsstormedtheirpositionbythethousand.Maxmovedon.Awyvernwithtwoheadsandpoisonousspinesroosteduponthehangingshelloftheoldwizard’s

tower.Whathaditbeencalled?Thememoryroseupfromanothertimeandplace.Thereitwas.FireSpire.ThepowerofChaoshadtwisteditintoitscurrent,misshapenformduringthelastGreatWar.Its

historywasirrelevantnow.Hesawitinflatmonochromethroughthewyvern’seyes,feltthelatentmagicbeneathitsclawsasitpeeredthroughtheblizzardforpreyinthestreetsbelow.Again,Max’sthoughtsshifted.AbandoftrollslumberedagainstthethrustofthewindandsnowdowntheGrandParadetowardsthe

GateofGargoyles.Maxsharedtheglacialquietoftheirminds.Theyhadadestination.Thegate.Theyhadapurpose.Avagueimprintofawhite-hairedsorceress.NothingMaxwouldconsidertruethought,buttherewasseductivenessinsimplicity.CallingonthesameroteexercisesthathadservedhimasanacolyteoftheLightorder,Maxdifferentiatedhismindfromtheirs.Warplightningstabbedfromthetormentedsky,explodingwithathunderclapagainstthehighestpointof

thecity–thenorth-facingwatchtowerofitshilltopcitadel.Aflurryofwildmagicrippledoutfromitspinnacle,obliteratingthefallingsnowandhaloingthedarkpresencewithin.ForamomentMaxfelttheirmindstouch.ItwasaservantoftheTrollKing,animmortalmonstersoancientandterriblethatMaxcouldnotevenbegintocomprehendthenatureofitsthoughts.ItslongextinctracehadtrodtheearthwiththeOldOnesbeforeeventhecomingoftheChaosGods.Theirownnamefortheirkindwaslongforgotten.Now,menhadadifferentnameforthosefewthatremained.TherecamealowgrowlthattranscendedboththephysicalandtheaethyricrealmsandMax’sspirittookflight.Heforcedhimselftofocus.Itdidnotrequirethehyper-surrealityofmage-sensetoperceivethefan-likeconductorarraybeing

assembledbythewarlockinthecellopposite,orthemind-openingtranceofthegoblinshamaninthenextoneafterthat.Secretsweredifficulttokeepinconfinementandoneman’shunchcouldeasilybecomeanotherbeing’sracetothefinish.AndnodoubtthathadbeenThrogg’sintent.Nothingincentivisedsuccesslikecompetitionwithahatedrivalandtheveryvisceralconsequencesoffailure.TheTrollKingwasbrutal,buthewassmart.Maxfeltthathiscontinuingsurvivalwasowedinlarge

parttohiswillingnesstoconcedethatfact.That,however,wastodohiscaptor’sintelligenceadisservice.ItwasneitherhubrisnorChaostainttoacknowledgethathewasamoreadeptwizardandabetterresearcherthananygoblin,skaven,licheoricewitchthatThroggcouldacquire.Itwasjustafact.AndtheresearchhehadconductedunderthepatronageoftheTrollKinghadledhimtotheinalienable

conclusionthattherewassomethingwrongwiththeworld.ThemindsofmenwerenotcapableofcontrollingmorethanoneoftheeightderivationsofHighMagic.

ThelessonsofTeclistothefirstmagistersonthissubjectcouldnothavebeenclearer.Toevenattempttocircumventthisinviolatelawofnaturewastoopenone’smindtoChaos.Andyetinhisexperimentationswithelicitinghigherthoughtinthetrollinhiscell,hehadaccidentallytoucheduponAzyr,theCelestial,themagicofabstractthinkingandnarrativeorderamongstseemingChaos.Thatwasthereasonfortheself-splittingspellhenowperformed.Itwastheproofofhissuspicions.

Max’saethyricselfcouldseeincoloursthatheshouldnot.Hecoulddrawconnectionsthathepreviouslycouldnot.Theworldhadindeedgonewrong.Thewindsofmagicnolongerflowedastheyshould.ThelegacyofNagash’srise.Forallthathowever,forallhehadseenandsuffered,hewasstillamagisteroftheLight.Hecouldnot

dismissthepossibilitythatthesenewabilitieswereasymptomofhisowncorruptionratherthansomeglobalshiftintherulesofmagic.EvenMaxhimselfcouldseesomethingamissinhiscurrentpursuit.Scholarlycuriositycouldbecomeobsession,self-preservationcouldmutateeasilyintowillingdetermination.Itwasnoteverydaythatonewassetthetaskofcreatinganewraceofintelligentbeings.Heprobedwithinhimselfbutcouldfindnothingovertlyatfault.Hehadlongstandingmentalwards,allapparentlystillintact,towarnofandresistanyincursionbyChaosbut,ofcourse,anytaintdeepenoughtoafflicthispersonalitycouldcircumventorcorrodeeventhebestlaidsafeguardswithouthisbeing

aware.Amancouldsecond-guesshimselftoobliviononcehestarteddownthatroad.Whathecouldsayfor

certainwasthatwhathesoughttoaccomplishdidnotfeelevil.Whichmeanttherewaseverychanceofhimdoingsomegood.ByhelpingThroggstandstronghewouldhelptheEmpire.Yes,thatmuchwasobvious.Hishomeland

neededitsstrongmaninthenorth.Andnow,hismindopeningtothepuregloryoftheaethyrundivided,hesawhowitwouldbedone.

Backinhiscell,hisbodylaughed.Itwassobeautiful,seductiveeven,initssimplicity.MaxhadtoldThroggnolies.HewasneitheraTeclisnoraNagash,buthedidnotthinkittooboldtocounthimselfamongstthesecondtierofmagiciansbelowthem.IfwhatThroggdemandedcouldbedone,thenMaxSchreibercoulddoit.Conceptualisingtheritualcanttoreturnhimtohisbruisedfleshandbrokenbones,Maxfeltatrembling

inthewebofChaos.Focusinghisdivinations,hefollowedthesourceofthedisturbancetoaplacebeyondthemoribundspellwardsofPraag’swallsandtotheveryperipheryofhissenses.Itwasanotherspellcaster.Outside!Sounexpectedwasthathewasalmostreadytobelievethathisownsenseswereatfault,andwiththemeverythingelsehehadbecomepreparedtoaccept.ItwaswithgoodreasonthateventhemostbrazendaemonprincedarednotdeploymagicwithinreachofThrogg’sgates.ForamomentlongerhisspiritlingeredattheoutermostlimitsofPraag’swalls,hoveringabovethe

GateofGargoylesasitopenedtodisgorgeabandofbrutishtrollsintothebesieginghorde.Maxlookedaway.HehadlongagoceasedtowonderatthesoundmadebyawarriorcrushedinsidehisownChaosarmour.Instead,helookedoutside.Themage’ssignatureresonancefeltfamiliarandyetnot,almostlikeanoldacolytewhohadmatured

intoamagister,orafriendwhohadsincefallentoChaos.Areassuringlyhumansenseofpityforthepoorsoulwasmarredonlybyableakcuriosity.Whoeveritwas,theywereinforacruelsurprise.

THIRTEENKingofTrolls

Felixknewmoreabouttrollsthanmostmen.OneofhisearliestadventureshadbroughthimfacetofacewithsuchabeastinthebowelsofKarak

EightPeaks.Withhisownhandhadhestruggledtoforcesteelthroughfleshashardasrock,onlytothenwatchhisbesteffortregeneratebeforehiseyes.Hehadseenmendissolvedinthemonster’sinfamouslypotentgastricjuicesandseenotherscrushedtojellybyitssheermassivityandphysicalstrength.Later,hehadsoughtoutandstudiedtheAnatomicumBestiarum,which,despitecomingcompletewithcolouredillustrationsofblank,lopsidedheadsanddissectedintestinaltracts,wasatreatisethathadsomehowpassedhimbyduringhisstudiesattheUniversityofAltdorf.TherewashoweveronehithertooverlookedfactthatFelixverymuchhopedhewouldsurvivelong

enoughtoseedisseminatedinthenextvolumeofMyTravelswithGotrek,oratleastasareferencedappendixinthenexteditionoftheAnatomicum.Trollswerenotafraidofghosts.Confusionandfearrequiredacomplexityofthoughtthatatrollcouldnotboast.Thespiritsshackledto

Ulrika’smazecoiledaroundthehulkingframesthatcondensedoutofthesnowanddarkness.Theytugged,prodded,whisperedinbullet-holeears,butthedimbrutescameon,leavingthescreamsofthenorthmanhordebehindthemunderanavalancheofwalkingstone.Withacoldandspreadingdreadwhoseevolvedsophisticationprovidedhimnoconsolation,Felix

drewhissword.Karaghul’sformerownerhadafterallmethisendinthebellyofthatKarakEightPeakstroll.Felixwasstilldebatingwhetheritwasbesttorunortofightasthemenworkingonthenorthernbarricadegaveawailand,weaponsintheirhands,didwhatcamemostnaturally.Theyopenedfire.Handgunspopped,dischargingflutesofblacksmokeandpepperingtheleadingbeastwithsolidiron

shot.ItwastoodarkandFelixwastoofarawaytojudgehowmuchofthefirewassimplywaywardandhowmuchofitricochetedoffthestonetitan’sgreyhide.Onemomentmorewasallittookforthestonetrolltohitthebarricade.Theloosewallsimplydisintegratedaroundthestonetroll’scharge.Moreandmoretrollscrashed

throughafteritinastormofmasonryaggregatesandcrushedmentooslowtorun.Thebigstonetrollglazedoverinconfusionuponfindingitselfinopenspacewhereitsbrainstill

believedtheretobeawall.Itwasagranitecolossusfifteenfeethigh,itsbodyspinedwitharrowsandaxebladesandjaggedwithregenerationscars.Dullmooneyesblinkedslowlyoverthemenfleeingfromitintotheruinedoutpost.Itsmouthdroppedopen,thenapistolshotfiredone-handedbyarunningman

blastedachunkoffitslowerjaw.Bloodspurtedsluggishly–once,twice–beforethefleshbegantoclose.Thetroll’stonguefloppedoutofitsregrowingmouthasitfocusedonthered-crestedwarriorsteamingtowardsitwithanaxeheldhighandadwarfishwarcry.StillFelixhesistated.Hisgriptightenedindecisivelyonhissword.Hisfeetseemedtorootdeeperinto

thesnow.ShouldhehelpGotrekorwarnUlrika?Beforehehadachancetoarriveatadecision,SnorriNosebiterissuedafurioushootofjoy,flourishedhisaxeandhammer,andcharged.FelixsworewiththevividcolourofthewelltravelledasSnorritotteredintotheherdofNorsecattletowardsthefencebetweenthemandthetrolls.TheTrollslayerlookedridiculous.SweepingwhattheharpiesofKurzyckohadleftofhiscloakoverhisleftshouldertofreehissword

arm,Felixhurriedafterhim.Ulrikacouldtakecareofherself.OnlyamiraclecouldlookafterSnorriifGotrekfoundoutabouthiswife’schainwithoutareadyexplanationforhowitcameintoSnorri’skeeping.Itcouldbeinnocentandprobablywas,butGotrekwashardlyknownforhisunderstanding.FelixwasfirmlyofthemindthatSnorrishouldabsolutelynotbeleftalonewithGotrekuntilPraagwasalongwaybehindthemall.SnorrihobbledthroughtheherdwithFelixclosebehind.Heheldhissworduprightandhisarmstightto

hischest,mindfulofthehot-bloodedbelligerencethatpressedperilouslycloseonallsides.Allitwouldtakewasonewrongstep,onehorn-swipeatanimagineditch,andFelixwouldn’thavetoworryabouttrolls.Theyemergedtheothersideintoabitterflurryofsnow,SnorriscramblingunderthefencewhileFelixswungastile.Stillclimbingfences,Felixthoughtruefully.Oddlythough,hedidn’tfeelnearlysostiffthistime.WhileSnorripickedhimselfupoutofthesnow,Felixquicklysurveyedthescene.TheLynskwastotheleft.ThefloodplainofsouthernPraagandUlrika’sghost-mazewereaheadandto

theright.Thetrollshadsmashedthroughthebarricadeandreducedaswatheofthenorthmen’sstockadetosplinters.Already,cattlewerewanderingaimlesslyintothesurroundingruinsandgettinginthewayofthesoldiersdesperatelytryingtoruntheotherway.Withcriesofdespair,somescatteredintothebuildingsandreturnedfire.Relentless,thepursuingtrollsstampedthroughtheineffectualscatterofhandgunandpistolshotasblithelyastheydidthroughthebuildingsthattheirmindscouldn’tadjusttothepresenceoffastenoughtoavoid.Howcouldmenfightanarmylikethat?WhatwasstoppingtheTrollKingfromconqueringtheworld?Felixwatchedopen-mouthedaswholestructureswentdowningeysersofreddust.Therumbleoffallingstoneworkcouldn’tobliteratethescreamsofthoseburiedinside.Mencrawledthroughthesnowtoescape,fleeingtowardsthelanternsthatshonefromspearsbythe

despatch-fort’sgate.There,FelixcouldjustaboutpickoutUlrika’sUngolguardassemblingintoranks.Theirbrightwoolcoatsflutteredgailyoverhidearmour.Tasselswhippedfromtheheadsoftheirspears.Chapkahatsglitteredunderthelantern-lightwithfrost.Whyweretheyjuststandingthere?Felix’sinitialannoyancefadedwhenherealisedtheydidn’tneedtogoanywhere.Thetrollswere

comingstraightforthem.Felix’sliptwitchedwiththesuddenrealisation.AekoldHelbrasshadclaimedtheTrollKingwascollectingsorcerers.HewasafterUlrika!Hestoppedrunningandglancedback.Thetrollswerebeingslowedbygunfire,anddistractedbythenorthmen’slivestockandfencesandthedeepsnow,butnoforceofmenwasgoingtostopthem.Hisbloodrancold.Gustavwaswithher.‘Snorri.Wait.Wehavetogoback.’NosoonerhadhesaidthewordsthanSnorribellowedanunintelligiblestreamofsoundsandhurtled

towardsarivertrollthat,distractedbythecattlethatsurroundedit,hadblunderedoffthemainthrustof

theassaultandintoSnorri’sreach.Itwashunchednearlydouble,flattenedalmostbythemassofitsownshoulders.Itsheadwassquashedanddrippedwithashankofredalgae.Trollsadoptedthecharacteroftheirhabitat,Felixknew,andthisonewastheruggedwhiteofthecliffsofNordland.InonechalkyfistitdraggedabrokenChaoswarriorlikeaclub.ThevinegarreekofitsbreathmadethehaironFelix’sfaceshrivel.ItsbellowasitpushedasideashaggyNorsebullandchargedontoSnorri’sweaponsshookFelixtohisinsides.Snorri’shammersmotesplintersfromthemonster’skneecapwhilehisaxechippedineffectuallyatits

belly.Thedwarfdodgedasweepofthetroll’sclub,thenswungamace-kicktoitssplinteredkneecaptodriveitdownontooneknee.ThetrollsmackeditslipsdumblyasSnorriduckedunderitsarmandlandedanotherkickintoitsside.Snorrilaughed,skippingasingle-leggedtattooaroundthekneelingtroll,underitsgraspingclaws,andthenreachedupforafistfulofthesemi-mineralredmatthattuftedfromitschin.ThemonsterroaredasSnorritightenedhisgripandusedittolaunchhimselfoffthegroundandlandashudderinghead-buttbetweenitseyes.Astrangeochrefluidsquirtedfromthetroll’seyesandacrackfissureditsnose.Snorristaggeredback,grinninglikeanidiotwithabigchalkyprintcoveringhisface.Felixwinced.

Eventhetrollseemedtohavefeltthat.Witharoar,thetrollsweptitsChaoswarrioroverthedazedSlayerandatFelix’sheadlikea

morningstar.Felixducked,droppingintoabarrelrollthatcarriedhimunderthehopefulstroke,andcameupfacingthetroll’sgroin.ThoughlackingSnorriNosebiter’swrestler’sbrawnandbrutepower,hismagicalbladecarvedopenthetroll’sthighlikearoastedjoint.Itspassagehaltedwithajarringclangwhenitstruckbone.ThetrollflaileditsarmsinconfusionasFelixcircledbehind,applyingtheprecisepressure,angleandcarvingactiontoseverthetroll’sfemoralarteryontheblade’segressandsprayhisrightsidewithblood.Itwasremarkable,inhindsight,whatcouldbelearnedfromacolourillustration.Losingbloodfasterthaneventherivertroll’sformidablemetabolismcouldreplenishit,themonster

crashedfacedownintothesnow.Snorrimadeloudandmessyworkofhewingitsheadfromitsshoulders.Felixsagged,butwasquicklypressedtomoveasideforabullthathadwanderedacrossfromoneof

theshatteredpenstoinvestigate.Itsnortedhotlyandpokedthedownedtrollwithitshorns.Itwasn’tdead.Atrollcouldregenerateevenaseveredhead.ItwouldtakefiretofinallyputitdownandFelixhadnothingofthesort.‘Comeon,’Felixwheezed,turningbacktoSnorri.‘Wecanstillgetbacktothefortto…Snorri?’Wipingsnowandtrollbloodfromhisface,FelixsawSnorribarrellingthroughthesnowtowardsthe

wreckofthenorthbarricadewithanululatingoutpouringofglee.Forthere,kneedeepinrubbleandheldatbaybyafrighteninglysmall-lookingdwarfwithanaxe,wasthelargesttrollFelixhadeverseen.Ithadbeenthefirsttobreachthebarricade,butwhiletheothertrollshadbeenfacedwithGustav’sfreecompany,thisonehadhadthemisfortunetorunintoGotrekGurnisson.‘Snorri!Getbackhere!’Knowingitwasapointlesswasteofbreathevenbeforeheopenedhismouth,Felixshoulderedhis

swordandranafterhim.

Kolyacrouchedinthefoxholehehaddugoutofthesnowandsightedthestonetrolldownanockedandpartiallydrawnshaft.ItwastallerthanamountedmanandlookedlikesomethingthathadsteppedoutfromtherocksofUrzebyawhereUrsunhadtakenabiteoutoftheworld.Thinkingofbiting,hemassagedahandfulofsnowintohisgums.HismouthstillthrobbedwhereGurnissonhadkickedouthisteeth.Itwas

awonderithadnotbrokenhisjaw.Hetrackedhisaimtothedwarf.Gurnissonwasnotaquarterthetroll’smass.Hewasbleedingfreelywherehisexertionshadreopened

unhealedwoundsandwasblowinghard.Somehowthough,thedwarffoundstrengthtobrandishhisaxeandbeckonthebehemothon.Hewasmad,hewasinfuriatingand,Kolyawasbeginningtosuspect,singularlyblessedbyhispeople’sgods.Thetrollreareduptoitsawesomeheightandpuncheddown.Insteadofdivingclearasanysaneman

would,thedwarfgaveacholicroarandhammeredhisupswingingaxeintothetroll’sknuckles.Theruneweaponsplitthemonster’shanduptothewristboneand,impossibly,divertedthepunchoverhishead.Thetrollroaredasitsfistploughedthroughthesnow.Kolyashookhisheadinwonder.Thedwarfwasastounding.Looseinsidethebeast’sguard,Gurnissonunleashedeverythinginabrutalflurry.Hisstarmetalbladecutthetroll’sbellytoribbons,freeingaropeymassofsteamingentrailsthatthedwarfgroundunderfootwitheveryappearanceofsatisfaction.Thesplatteredjuicesproducedasharphisswheretheylandedand,smellingtheacidcorrosionofhisboots,eventhedwarfwithdrewwithagrimace.Heslidhisbootsunderthesnowuntiltheystoppedsmoking.Thetroll’sbellywasalreadyknittingbacktogether.‘Areyougoingtohelp?’hecalledoverhisshoulder.‘No.’Thedwarfthoughtaboutthatforamomentandstartedtolaugh.‘Ilikeyou,manling.’‘Torhelpme,’Kolyamutteredunderhisbreath.HehadalmostcometolikethemurderingSlayer

himself.Cackling,Gurnissonswepthisaxethrougharune-streakedblurofafigure-of-eight.Fromthe

expressiononhisface,Kolyawonderedifdwarfhearingmightbebetterthanmen’s.‘Standbackthen,andtakewordofthisdoomtothatghastlyhorse-lovingafterlifeofyours.’Kolyaloweredhisbow.Ifhewasresignedtowatch,thentherewasnomorefightingtobedonehere.It

wasnotthathedidnotpitythoseoblastmeninthefort,buttheywerealreadyasdeadastheirboyarinaanditwaspointlesstomournadeadman.Theirscreamsweretinny,separatedfromhimnowbytheroarofthetrollsandthecrashofcollapsingbuildings.Blackpowderweaponscrackledinthedistancelikeadyingfire.Setagainstthatexpectation,thesoundofanotherchargingfighteractuallycaughthimoffguard.Thesenileolddwarfwiththemetallegcareenedthroughthelooserubbleandsnowwavinganaxeand

ahammerabovehisbaldhead.Aleathersatchelslappedathisbacklikearidingcrop.‘Snorri’sturn!’thedwarfyelled,musclingGurnissonasidejustasthestonetrolldispatchedanopen-

handedpunchthatwouldhaverippedGurnisson’sheadoffhadhestillbeentheretomeetit.Gurnissongaveashoutasthebodychargeoftheotherdwarfthrewhimsidewaysandsenthimplungingintoarockysnowheap.Thenewcomerwobbleddrunkenlyontheunevenground,butsomehowmanagedtobatthetroll’spunchasideonhishammer.Theimpactspunhimaround,buthekepthisfeet,comingdizzilyaboutandraisinghisweapons.‘ThathorsekickedSnorriharderthanthat.’AllKolyacoulddowasgape.WasinsanityacommontraitinthedwarfsorhadtheEndTimescracked

theirminds?Gotrekpulledhimselffromthedriftandshooksnowfromhiscrest.Hisentirebodylookedclenched

andswollenwithwrath.HestrodetowardsSnorri,axegrippedinonemassivefist.‘Ofallthedoomsinalltheworld,SnorriNosebiter,youhadtocomeandspoilmine.Again.’‘Thisone’sSnorri’s,’Snorrigrowled,fendingGurnissonoffwithhisleftarmwhilesimultaneously

hammeringawayatthetroll’sgroin.‘Thatso?’

GurnissonandSnorritangledarms,eachusingthesparehandtostrikeaclaimonthetroll.Snorri’shammerbasheditship.Gurnisson’saxesevereditsarmattheelbow.GurnissonproducedatriumphantleerthatcrackedunderSnorri’selbow.Thedwarfsshoutedinsultsandmanagetowrestleeachotherdownunderthetroll’sswingingfist.‘Damnit,Snorri!’SnorrisplutteredsnowfromhismouthandclamberedontopofGurnisson’sback,wedgingthe

strugglingSlayerdownbeneathhisthighs.‘IfSnorri’sremembererhadn’tpulledhiscrestoutthatwouldhavegothim.’‘I’llpulloutmorethanthatifyougetinmywayagain.’‘Thisoneisn’tyours,’saidSnorripatiently,asthoughtrainingahorse.‘ThespiderladytoldSnorrihe

wouldhavehisdoomwhenallhisfriendsweretogetheragain.’Withatectonicrumble,thetrolllumberedforwards,crackingSnorri’sforeheadwithastraykneeand

hurlinghimback.Thetrollstampedafterhim,missingGurnisson’sbackbyinches.Shiveringwithfury,thedwarfdrewhimselfup.Hisoneeyeglitteredhatefully.Hegraspedhisaxetwo-handed,sotightlythatthescabsofhisbicepsburst.‘Icouldn’tgivearabidrat’sdribblewhatyouthinkyourhumanwitchsaid.I’vebeenherefromthe

start.IwasattheTobolCrossing.IwasinKislevCity.’TheSlayerlookedhotenoughtomelttheFrozenSea.HiswordsmeantnothingtoSnorri,butKolyatheyhitlikeachargeofwingedlancers.Heandthedwarfhadsharedabattlefield!TheTobolCrossinghadbeenarouthehadbeenluckytosurviveand,thoughtheDushykarotahadlongfled,thesackofKislevCitywasbyallgarbledaccountsnothingshortofamassacre.Thatthedwarfhadsurvivedbothandmorewasfurthertestamenttohisprowess.‘I’vebeensearchingsincethefall.Ineednoone’shelptofailagaintoday.’‘Snorri’snotbeenhavingafuntimeeither,’Snorriprotested,hobblingoutofthetroll’spathandthen

slammingakickintothesideofthetroll’sknee.HelookedupasGurnissoncameupbehindhim.‘Butyoudon’twanttohearaboutit.’Gurnissonmovedsofastthathiselbowblurredintohisfist,smashingahaymakerthroughSnorri’sjaw.

Thebiggerdwarfhitthegroundlikeaslabofmeat.ThepowerbehindGurnisson’sarmsenthimslidingashortwaythroughthesnow.Gurnissonshookouthisknucklesandre-establishedhistwo-handedgriponhisaxe.Hereturnedhisattentiontothetroll.‘BecauseIdon’tcareaboutit.’Gurnisson’srune-axehewedupwardsintothetroll’smidriff.Themonsterbellowed,swayingbackand

forthasthedwarfleveredhisaxefreeinaspurtofacidicbile.Hisfriendwasalreadyforgotten.Kolyashookhishead.Thedwarfreallywasaselfishzabójka.Withabittersweetshout,Gurnissonreversedhisgripandthunderedhisaxeintothetroll’soppositehip,almostmeetinghisfirststrikeinthemiddleandchoppingthestonetrollcleanintwo.Asitwas,thetrollwaveredback,tonguesofregenerativetissuelickingoutfromtheopenwounds.‘ThereissomethingSnorrihastoask,’Snorrishoutedhoarsely,havingrolledontoallfours.Hismetal

legstuckoutsidewayslikeapissingdog,buthisskullmusthavebeensimilarlyironclad.‘Itisabouthisshame.’‘Tellittoyourpriest.’‘Heblewup.’Gurnissonsnorted.‘Luckyforsome.’Snorriheavedhimselfup.Hisscarredcheekswereflushedbrightredasifwithshame.‘Snorriwas

there.’KolyareadGurnisson’slipsshapingthequestion‘where?’beforethedwarfgrithisteeth,shookhis

headandmuttered,‘Istilldon’tcare.’Angrily,Snorrishovedhisweaponsintohisbreechesandreachedforthebagthatheworeoverhis

shoulder.‘Ifyouwon’tlistenandyouwon’tletSnorrihavehisdoomthenhewillshowyou.’Heyankedatthestrap,forgettingtounbuckleitinhishaste,butbeforehecouldspothisoversightanddosomethingaboutit,arichvoiceshoutedoutfromthedirectionoftheriver.‘Snorri,stop!’ItwastheEmpireman,Jaeger.Hehadanopenpalmraised,hiscloakhangingfromitlikeascragofred

ribbons.TheNorsebullsclosearoundhimsnortedaggressivelyattheflappingstrands.Hismailwasscratchedandlooseseverallinks.HewasolderthanKolya’sfatherwouldhavebeenhadagoblinraider’sarrownottakenhimearly,buttherewasasteelinessabouthimthatthegreyinhishairandbeardandthefurrowsinhisbrowseemedtoenforce.InastrangewayheremindedKolyaofGurnisson.Snorrilookedatthemanblankly.Hishandclungtohissatchelbuckleasifhehadforgottenwhatitwas

doingthere.‘Thisisn’tthetime,’shoutedJaeger,outofbreathfromrunning.Hestabbedhisswordintothesnowso

thathecouldleanonit.Thenhegazedpointedlyatthetroll.Hiseyeswidened.‘Oh,bloodofSigmar.’Ayellowishplumewasrisingfrombetweenthetroll’sstriatedrowsofteeth.Itsgutrippledandbegan

tobloat.Itsthroatswelled.Withthehonedreflexesofasolitaryhunter,Kolyadrewbackhisbowstring,aimedrightdownthemonster’sopeningmouthandloosed.Theshaftsmackedthroughsoftfleshandembeddedinthestonytissueatthebackofthetroll’sneck.

Thetrollgagged,flailedinKolya’sdirectiondespitehisbeingagoodhundredfeetaway,andthenspewedagushofsteamingyellowvomitthatmissedthetwodwarfsbytheheightofaSlayer’screst.Gurnisson’sfacescrewedupatthesmellofsingedhaircomingfromthetipofhismohawkwhile,behindhim,yellowvapourhissedintotheairassnowandrockweredissolved.Garglingitsownstomachacids,thetrolllumberednowtowardsKolya,fallingstraightintotheKurgan-

dugtrenchthatKolyahadspottedbythedarkercolouredsnowandusedtopositionhisownfoxhole.Trollswereruggedlybuiltandpowerful,butwithoutaman’sintellecttheywerejustanotheranimaltobehunted.Henockedanotherarrowtohisbowstring.‘Whatdidyoudothatfor?’Gurnissonbellowedangrily,yellow-redsteamrisingfromhiscrestas

thoughhisheadwereonfire.Kolyashrugged,holdinghisaimasthemonsterstruggledtodigitswayoutofthesnow-filledditch.

‘Youcandie,zabójka,thatisgood.ButImadenopromisetotheseothers.’Gurnissongloweredattheotherdwarf.Kolyahadnoideawhatpastlaybetweenthem,butitwasn’t

goingtoendwell.‘Youcheatmeagain,SnorriNosebiter.’Equallyangry,Snorribrandishedhistwoweapons.Heldsidetoside,thestancecouldhavebeen

intendedtoemphasisetheolderSlayer’sgreaterbulk.‘Lasttogetkilledbyatrollbuysthebeer.’

Ulrikablottedtheriotofgunshotsandscreamsfromhermind.Itfeltasifshewerebeinglifteduponarisingswellofbloodmagic.Itwasanincredibleout-of-bodysensation,onethatshecouldonlywishshehadmoretimetoexplore.Acrashlikeacollapsingrockfaceimpelledhertoopenoneeyeanddivertaportionofherattentiontowardswhatwasgoingonintherealworld.SuchcompartmentalisationofthoughtandactionwasyetanotherofthegiftsoftheArisen.Abrutallyunequalmeleeragedinthedoorway.HerloyalguardofUngolwarriorsscreamedasthey

battledtokeepformation,wardingoffaglitteringicetrollwiththeirspears.AsUlrikawatched,aspearshatteredandthefiercenomadthatwieldeditbrokeunderapunchfromacrystallinefist.Atawordfrom

Ulrika,themancreakeduprightonbrokenbonesandcontinuedtostabdumblywiththestubofhisshaft.Behindthem,arquebusiersinthemismatchedcoloursofGustav’sfreecompanykneltinranks,primedmatchcordsandrattledintoafiringline.Thestaccatobarkofgunfirewithintheenclosedspacewasdeafeningandfilledthechamberwithsmoke.Thefirstrankknelttoreloadwhilethesecondtookaimandfired.Chipsofstone-likefleshsprayedfrombulletwounds,butthetrollskeptoncoming,crunchingthroughtheUngolsfasterthanUlrikacouldreanimatethem.Soldiersinpiecemealplatemailassembledintoformationwithlongswordsandpikes.Theirfaces

werewan,theireyesglassy.Theywerepetrified,buttheywoulddiefortheirimmortalmistress.Leadingthem,Gustavplayedweaklywithhispistols.‘Holdbyme,’Ulrikamurmured.‘Iwillstillneedloyalmenontheotherside.’Shewouldratherhave

retainedherownUngols,butGustav’sfreecompanyweretooweaktofightatthemomentand,inanycase,itdidnotmatter.ThebodiesofDamirandhismenwouldallstillbeherewaitingforherwhenshereturnedwithMax

andhermaster’sboon.Distancingherselffromtheimmediatedanger,sheopenedherexpandedsensestotheblackdepthsof

theoblast’smagic.SuccessiveincursionsbyChaoshadmadethisacursedplace,cursedbutpowerful.Asshedrewthatmagicin,exploitedittomouldbeforeherselftheoutlineofashimmeringportal,shebecameawareofthefactthatshecouldnolongersensethebeastshehadbeenstrugglingwithsolong.Afterasecond’spanic,shefoundit.Itwascalm,asifitsownpowerandragewereplacatedashers

grew.Infact,shewasnolongerentirelysurewhereUlrikaendedandthemonsterbegan.Itwasthisplace.NotforthefirsttimeshewonderedwhathadbecomeoftheArisenofPraag.‘Damir,’shecalled.TheUngolchieftainpulledoutfromthefighting.Hewasstillalive,buthewas

badlyhurt.Hispatchworkcoatwasbloodiedandrippedandhelookedtobecarryingabrokenarm.Despitehisinjuriestherewasnothinginhisfacebutloveunconditionalandthedesiretoserve.Ulrikacouldnolongerimaginethetimewhenshehadfoundthatdispleasing.‘BringmeFelix.’Themannoddedandthen,afteramoment’sthought,sheadded:‘OnlyFelix.’

Animpulseflashedacrosstheaethyr,astabofwillthatoriginatedinthedarkcitadelofPraag.Shiveringinhishightowerasheenactedthefinalpreparationsforhisowngreatritual,MaxSchreiber

perceiveditasatremorintheall-connectingwebofChaosthatlayoverthecity.Drowninginborrowedpowerandasrawtoitasanopenwound,Ulrikafeltitpulseacrosshermind.Hackingatthestonetroll’sgraspingarmasitflounderedinthesnow-filledtrench,Felixsawitmoreimmediatelyasaredglowcondensingoutoftheair.Ofthemall,itwasonlyMaxwhorecognisedthesignatureforwhatitwas.Hegaveitnofurther

attention.Hehadbeenexpectingnoless.Throgg,theTrollKing,hadenteredthefray.

Thetrollbegantoglow,redlightblazingfromitseyesandbleedingfromthefissuresinitsrockyflesh.Alreadyonthebackswingafterhewingintothemonster’selbow,Felixfellbackbeforetheexplosiveintensityofitsgaze.Hesquintedintotheglare.Thetroll’seyesseemedtobefollowinghim,studyinghim,apairofburningrubiespaintinghimredagainstthenightdark.Heartinhismouth,heangledhisswordunconsciouslyintoaguard,firmingafightingstanceintothesnow.WatchinghimwithwhatFelixcouldonlycallinterest,thetroll’sridgelinelipscrackedupwards.Wasitsmiling?Couldtrollssmile?InthecornerofhisvisionhesawKolyadrawbackhisbowbuthold.Ontheothersideoftheditch,eventhe

twoSlayersseemedmomentarilytakenabackbythechange.Thetroll’slipspartedfurther,crunchingexperimentallythrougharangeofmotionlikeanorator

preparingforthestage.Wherepreviouslythetrollhadbeendistractedbysomanyassailantsonallsides,nowitsbighandsdugintothesnowatthelipofthetrenchandithauleditselfslowlyup.ItseyeswerefixedonFelix.Arushofnoxiousaircameupfromitsgut,shapedbyaflukeconformationoflipsandtongueintowhatalmostsoundedlikeaword.‘Hayger?’‘Diditjust…saymyname?’saidFelix,tighteninghisgriponKaraghuljustalittlemore.‘Trollsdon’ttalk,’saidGotrek.‘Idon’tknow,’saidKolyacautiously.‘Itseemsbrighterthantheaveragetroll.’Gotrekgaveaderisivesnort.‘Snorri’sbrighterthantheaveragetroll.’‘AndSnorricantalk,’Snorristatedproudly,thenhobbledtowardstheedgeofthetrenchandcracked

hishammeragainstthebackofthetroll’sskull.Moreofthatredlightshonethroughthecracksthatspideredoutfromthepointofimpact,butthetroll

didn’tflinch.Itwasn’tjustthatthemonsterdidn’tfeelit.Felixcouldseethethoughtbehindtheaction.ItknewthatSnorricouldn’tseriouslyhurtitwiththeweaponshehad.Alreadythosecrackswerebeginningtocloseover,andratherthanwasteeffortretaliatingagainstanassailantitdidnotseriouslyconsiderathreat,itwashaulingitselfoutofitsholeandcomingafterFelix.FelixglancedatKaraghul.Themagicalbladeshonedullyagainstthesnowthatfellaroundit.He

supposedheshouldprobablyfeelhonouredthatatrollthoughtsohighlyofhim.Abandoninghisstance,Felixhurriedlybackedup.Hetriedtotellhimselfthatthiswasnothinghehad

notfacedbefore,buthewasn’tterriblyconvincingaboutit.Before,thishadbeenanothertrollbutnowitwassomethingfarworse.Itwastheeyes.Therewassomethingdownrightterrifyingabouttheintelligentwaythemonsterwaslookingathim.Itknewwhohewas,whathecoulddo,andwaslookingforwardtothemeagretestofputtinganendtohim.Itbelliedoutoftheditch,thendrewitskneesunderneathit.AKisleviteexpletiveandasnapshotfrom

acompositebowpulledFelix’sglanceright.Kolya’sarrowsnappedoffthetroll’slumpenshoulder.Withacurse,Kolyacrawledoutofhisfoxhole,afresharrowalreadynockedandaimed,andsidesteppedaroundtothemonster’sfront.Wisetothethreat,thetrollkeptitsfaceandthesoftpartsitcontainedturnedawayfromthefrustratedarcher.Snorriwashobblinghurriedlyaroundthefarsideofthetrench,yellingatFelixtoleavehistrollaloneandscuffingsnowandsendingrubbleflyinginhishaste,whileGotreksnarledacrossfromthefarside.Felixswallowedandbroughtuphisswordasthetrollstretcheditselfoutofitsmuscularhunchandto

itsfull,appallingheight.Asprinklingoffrostcascadedfromcrevassesbetweenmusclesthathadneverpreviouslybeenfullyflexed.Thetrolltensedthemallnow,clencheditsarms,itschest,itsthighs,andballeditssavageclawsintofists.ItssheerbulkandpowertemporarilyshadowedFelixagainstthewindandsnow.I’mbeingtauntedbyatroll,Felixthought.Itmightjusthavebeenthewarmththatcamefrombeingout

ofthewind,buttheidealefthimfeelingstrangelyhot.HehadnotjourneyedallthewayfromhisnewlifeinAltdorfforthis.HehadnotleftKatbehindandbroughtGustavtoalmostcertaindeathforthis.‘Dosomethingthen,’Felixshoutedup,dippinghisguardinafoolhardymomentofbravado.‘You’renot

thebiggestthingI’veeverkilled.’Withagrowlthatsoundedalmostlikeitcamefromtwobeasts,thetrolljabbedfortheshoulderof

Felix’sswordhand.Felixdrewinthearmandrolledhisshoulderoutoftheway.Itwouldhavebeenenough,buttheattackwasafeint,thetrueattackcomingwithabackhandswipetoblindsideFelixwhile

hisbackwasturnedintheotherdirection.ItwasFelix’shard-earnedalleybrawler’sinstinctsthatsavedhim,thatandashoutfromKolya,andhe

managedtocontorthisshouldersenoughforthemassive,gnarledforearmtolungeoverhishead.Felixdidn’teventrytostayonhisfeet.Bentcompletelyoff-balance,hehitthegroundandrolled,comingupagainhalfadozenfeetback.Heshooksnowfromhishairandbroughtuphissword.Anotherarrowcrackedagainstthetroll’sear.Felixkickedhimselfforfailingtorecognisethefeint.Hewasnotsomecallowcollegeduellist;hehad

matchedswordswiththebest.Infairnesshowever,hehadneveryetfencedwithatroll.Hehadnoideahowtopickupthecuesintheirbodylanguage.Hedoubtedtherewasamanalivethatcould.‘Holdon,manling!’AgutturalhowlroaredacrossthetrenchasGotrektookthegapatarun.Thedwarf’ssteamingcrest

ruffledinthewind.Thearrowsstillstuckinhischestquiveredasifexcitedbytheflight.Gotrek’sstrengthcontinuedtoamaze.EvenFelixwithhislongerlegswouldhavethoughttwiceaboutmakingthatleap.TheSlayer’saxewasalreadyablurofmotionashethumpedintothetroll’sdeepfootprintonthetrench’snearsideandsentthebladecleavingthroughthemonster’shamstringswithasoundlikeasnappingcable.Thetrollgaveamangledcryandswungback,catchingtheSlayeraglancingblowtothetemplethat

neverthelessflippedhimheadoverheelsandplantedhimonhisbackunderacloudofsnow.Felixpressedtheadvantagehisformercompanionhadboughthim,hewingmadlyintothetroll’sbellyandsides.Stonechipsandgruelishgreybloodflyinginalldirections,thetrollretreated.Astubofwallturnedtodustunderitsfeet.Itwasheadingfortheriver.Anotherarrowricochetedoffthetroll’schest.Inacrazedblurofweapons,SnorriappearedbesideFelix.Felixwastakenabackbytheolddwarf’s

fury.OfcourseSnorriwasaSlayertoo,butFelixhadneverseenhimquitesodeterminedtodie.Itswoundshealingapace,thetrollcontinuedtobackoffregardless.Felixfollowediteverystepofthe

waywithSnorrinevermorethanamadlungebehind.Felixfeltsomethingbrushhischeekandhequicklybroughtuphisswordtoguardasheglancedacross

toseewhatitwas.Therewasnothingthere,justaresidualshapeinthefallingsnowthatmighthavehintedataperson.Awhisperintheoppositeearsnappedhimbacktheotherway.Acoldhandknottedhisguts.Itwasavoiceherecognised.ButhehadfallenhereinPraagalongtimeago.‘Ulli?’Felixwhispered.Helookedup,noticingthewaspishshapesstreakingthroughthesnowoverhead.Everysooften,one

sweptdowntotugbackonFelix’scloakorwhispersomethingofsuchdreadimportthatFelixjustcouldnotmakeoutthewords.Behindhim,Kolyahadloweredhisbow.TheKislevitekissedhiscarvedstoneandmutteredaprayer.Snorrididn’tseemtohavenoticed.Tricked!Thetrollwasn’twoundedatall;ithadjustluredthemawayfromthefightingatthedespatch-

fortandoutintoUlrika’sghost-maze.Therealisationcametoolateas,amomentlater,Felixlookednorthintothefallingsnowandthespiritscavortingthroughittoseeadarkmassdrivingtowardsthem.Itwasmen.Beastmentobemoreprecise.Itwaslotsandlotsofbeastmen.ThescatteredKurganstillcampedoutonthefloodplainwerebeingsweptasidebytheadvanceofa

vastherd.Felixcouldn’tcounttheirnumbersinthedark,buthecouldhearthebrayingofwhatsoundedlikefartoomany.Thegroundtrembledbeneaththeirclovenhooves.Thetrumpetingcriesandbloatedsilhouettesoflargerbeastsbrokeupthemassofwhatmightotherwisehavebeenboring.Thereweremoretrolls,atleastonefearsomelymutated,four-armedminotaurwithboneswordsforhandsandglowingtattooscrawlingoveritshairlessflesh,andabloated,toad-likebehemoththatFelixcouldnot

evenbegintodescribeanddidnotwanttoseeanycloser.ItwasasifallthebeastsofChaoshadralliedtotheTrollKing’scall.Withasicksenseofrealisation,Felixthoughtthatinalllikelihoodtheyhad.‘Snorri!’heshouted,wavingtogettheoldSlayer’sattention.‘Wehavetogetbacktotheothers.We

havetowarnUlrika.’ButSnorriwasn’tpayingattention.Thedwarfcontinuedtohammerblowsdownontotheglowingstone

troll,bellowingatittohitbackashedroveitsteadilytowardstheriver.Lookingforhelp,hesawGotrekpickhimselfoutofthesnow.TheSlayerlookedattheonrushingbeastmen,knuckledgorefromhisonegoodeye,thensmackedthesideofhisheadtostopitsringingandlookedagain.Hegrinned.‘Notnow,Gotrek.Wehavetogoback.’BeforeGotrekcouldanswer,Kolyatookuphisbowandpointedbackinthedirectionofthefort.Felix

swungthatwayandsquintedintothedark.Thesnowrumbledasifcarryingtheshockofdistantthunder.Felix’sheartsank.Howcouldthingsgetanyworse?Heraisedhissword,thengaveanexultantshoutasDamirgallopedintoviewonhistoughUngolpony.

Thethick-skinnedUngolcaptainguidedhismountsolelywithkneesandstirrups.Helookedtobecarryingabrokenarm,buthisnarrowyelloweyesweredrawnwithdetermination.Hisfurchapkawastiedunderhischinsoitwouldnotslipwiththewind.Rings,charms,bucklesandcolouredribbonsflutteredangrilyasheraisedanaxeingreeting.Orwasitwarning?Thethundergrewnearer,tooloudtobedowntojustonerider,andthesnowbehindDamir’sbackhad

takenonawaveringdarknessasthoughithidanavalancheoratidalwave.Felixbackedaway,heartdrummingawarningofitsownasawallofsnortingbullsstampededthroughthesnowontheUngol’stail.Thetroll’sattackmusthavespookedthemandnowtheywerecomingrightforFelixandtheothers–

trappedbetweentheriverandthebeastmanherd!Healmostdroppedhisswordandgaveupthen.Whathadhedonetodeservethis?Foramomenthe

consideredgivingup,skippingtheinevitabledenouementtohislife.ButthenhethoughtofMax,heldinsomedungeonjustafewmilesaway.HethoughtofhisnephewandUlrikabesetbytrollsathisback.HethoughtofKatandthechildshemightnotcarry.Grittinghisteethfiercelyheshookhishead.No.Dyingnowwouldbeeasyallright,butitwouldn’tbe

right.Hecouldn’tspeakforGotrekandSnorri,butheforoneintendedtoreturntoAltdorfthehero,toseetheworldemergefromitscurrenttrialsasithadbeenbefore.Quickly,heassessedthesituation.Thebeastmenwereclosingfromthenorthandthestampedefromthe

south.Hecouldjustnowpickouttheshapeofthepairoftrollsthatwerechasingthebullsdown.Thedinofthetwobuiltlikecollidingstormfronts.Therewasnowayout.Oneeyeonboththreats,Felixbackedtowardstheriver.Wait…Wasthatevenescapeorjustdeathbyanothermeans?‘Intotheriver,’Felixshouted,sheathingKaraghulandturningtorun.‘You’remad,’Kolyashotback.‘Ifyoudon’tsink,you’llfreeze.’‘Ilikemyalternativesless,’Felixreturned,stillrunning,towhichtheKislevitecouldonlyanswerby

joininghim.Together,theysprintedpastthestonetroll.Snorrilookedupattheirpassing,puzzled,untilGotrekcame

upbehindhimandpushedhimonafterthem.‘TheTrollKingismine,SnorriNosebiter,butmarkthisalostdoomrepaid.’Felix’sawarenessofhissurroundingshadshrunktojustthesnow-coveredpebblesbetweenhimandthe

Lynsk.Hecouldsmelltheice,couldseethewhorlsthatthesnowmadeinthewater’ssickeninguphillflow,couldalreadyfeelhisskinclenchinpreparationofthecomingshock.HeheardDamirreininhisponybehindhimandshoutsomethinghecouldn’tmakeoutoverthebloodpoundinginhisears,justbeforeanewandunfamiliarsoundcutitoff.Itwasthesoundofamanbeingthumpedfromhorsebackbyaswingingboulder.Felixjumped.Inthatsplitsecondhemourned.Damirhadbeenagoodman.Hehadn’tdeservedwhat

Ulrikahadmadeofhim.Therewasanimpact,aplungingdarkness.Andthenhefeltnothingbutice.

ThefortwascomingdownaroundUlrika’sears.Fist-sizedlumpsofmasonryanddecorativegargoylesshatteredagainstthebackofherheadandleftdentsinherpauldronplates.Theeffortofmaintainingsomanyspellsatoncefeltlikeapackofdirewolvestearinghermindbetweenthem.Therewastheghost-maze,theportal,thereanimations,thedansemacabrethatkeptherpuppetsfightingontheirstrings.Nomortalmindwiththeautonomicdistractionsofshiveringorbreathingcouldhaveworkedsoefficientlyorsofast,butevenforheritwasprovingtoomuch.Somethinghadtogive.Shedispelledtheghost-maze.Itwasanirrelevancynowthatherenemywasatthegates.Thenshe

withdrewthenecromanticvigourfromherzombiethralls.TheUngols’motionsgrewtorpiduntiltheireffortsatattackbecameslowereventhanthetrollsthatsoonstampedthezombiesintojelly.Ulrikadidnotbotherattemptingtoreconstructthemess.Aterrificimpactshooktheentirefortfromtowerstofoundationsandthefrontwallcavedinaroundthechargingmassofanicetroll.Theceilinggroanedasmoreofthewallcrumbled.Masonryshatteredagainstthetroll’sdiamond-hardhide.Herwarriorsweredroppinglikedolls.ShecouldhearGustavshoutingfororder.Theyoungcocksure

haddiscoveredaknackforcommandjusttoolate.Ulrikafocusedonlyontheportal.Shecouldwaitnolonger.DamirhadfailedherandFelixwasgone.Hadshethetimeorenergytoutter

awordshewouldhavecursedhimonthenamesofNagashandNeferataandeverylordandladyofundeathshecouldrecount.SheshouldhavemadeFelixathrallasshehadhisnephewandforcedhergiftthroughKaterina’sunwillinglips.Kinandloverbetweenthemwouldhavekeptthewaywardmortalinline.ItwasonlyonVladvonCarstein’sadvicethatshehadnot.Acurseonthemall!Thetrollexpandedtofillherview.Toherenlightenedperceptionsitcameonasslowlyasaglacier,

butwiththesameterribleauraofinevitability.Itcametothis.‘Warriors,tome!’sheshouted,drawinghersabreandsteppingintotheshimmeringportal.ItwastimetheTrollKinglearnedwhathewasdealingwith.

FOURTEENCityofLostSouls

TheEmptyBridgeofPraaghadbeennamedwithtypicalKisleviteirony.Intimesnotthatfarremoved,ithadbeentheroadbywhichtheyoungpoorofPraaghadleftbehindthewhitewashedwallsandred-tiledmanorsoftheOldTowntobecomesoldiers.Andthebridgewasneverempty.Thecityhadseentoomuchhorrorforthat,anditwasaverybraveorverydrunkmanwhowouldcrossitaloneatnight,forfearofdeadwarriorswithagrudgeagainstthosewhohadnotfoughtintheirwars.TheEndTimeshadchangedmanythings.Ithadnotchangedthat.Withableatingscreamthatechoedbetweenthestrutsofthebridge’sfrozengreyunderbelly,abeastman

flewoverthesidebarrier.Thefurofitschestwasmattedwithbloodasifithadjustbeenhitbyamace.Itflaileditsarmsandlegs,wailinginthewishthatitsgodsmightsuddenlymutatethemintowings,untilitpunchedthroughtheiceinacolumnofblackwater.Thesoundsofanongoingfightspreadthinlydownriver–orup,asitmightwellbe–asFelixsank

numbfingersintotheshinglethatbankedtheriveranddraggedhimselfpainfullyashore.Hisshiveringsentpebblesskitteringawaybuthedidn’tevenfeelit.ThefashionabletheoryamongstthedoctorsofAltdorfwasthataman’sbonesgrewporouswithage,explainingthusthefragilityandsensitivitytocoldairsofoldermen.Felixwouldliketohaveseensomeofthemtryawinter’sdipintheLynskatanysideofforty.Thebreathinhismouthfeltlikedragonfire.Hisbodyfeltasthoughithadbeenmummifiedinbandagesthathadfirstbeendunkedinicewaterandfrozen.Witharmshecouldneitherfeelnorproperlydirect,hemanagedtoflophimselfontohissideandcurlupintoaball.Softflecksofsnowtickledhisbeardedface.Whatagloriouswaytodie,Felixthoughtmiserably.Aftereverythinghehadbeenthroughtomakeitto

Praagitwouldbejusttypicalforitalltofinallyendinsuchignominiousfashion.Unsurewhyheevenbothered,heblinkedupintothedrivingsnow.Lightningsheetedacrosstheblacksky.FlashesofpurpleandgreenbacklittheskylineofPraag’sOld

Town,thebreaksincrumblingminaretsandoniondomespoorlyinfilledwithsnow.Felix’sownrapidbreathingslowed,enoughtoheartherivermockhimwithitssusurrantuphillrun.Hoots,barksandululatingshrieksechoedfromthesurroundingbuildings.Felixshudderedandfumbledforhissword,usingoneshakinghandtoforcethefingersoftheother

arounditsdragonheadhilt.HefelthorriblylikeaprimepieceofthawedmeattossedintotheImperialZooatfeedingtime.Ashestruggledtohisfeet,amonstrosityoffurandfeatherwiththehindquartersofamountainlionscreechedoverheadoneaglewings.Felixgawpedupatitasitsailedpast,turningtowatchthegriffonclimbthesteepspikeofrocktowardsthemonstrouscitadelofPraag.There,itdisappeared

amongstthecloudofdarkspecksthatflittedaroundtheformidable-lookingtowers.Harpiesorsomethingworse,Felixthought,innomindtosugarcoatwhathewasseeing.ThecitadelofPraaghadalwaysmadeforgrimviewing.Itstowersweretoppedwithdragonheadsand

daemonhorns.Grotesquesinarmourbuttresseditswalls.ItssubjugationbyChaosandoccupationbythelegionsoftheTrollKinghaddonelittletodiminishitsmienofmiseryandneglect.Ashoutfromthetopofthebridgepulledhisattentionbacktothethingthathadclaimedit.‘CometoSnorri,youskinnybeggars.Heonlyhastwohands!’IfFelixcouldfeelhislegshecouldhavekickedhimself.Inhisselfishmisery,hehadcompletely

forgottenaboutSnorriandtheothers.Raisingahandtoshieldhiseyesfromthesnow,hefollowedtheironclamourofweaponsandthebrayofbeaststoaknotoffightingonthenearside.Acrudetimberandironshelterhadbeenerectedthere.Snowmoundedhighonitsroof.Astrangebannerdepictingtheeight-pointedstarofChaosUndividedslashedbywhatlookedliketheclawsofabeastclappedonasaggingpole.Thelightofafirebroughtbattlingbeastmeninandoutofshadow.ItwastheprospectofafiremorethananythoughtofrunningtotheSlayers’rescuethatcoaxedenough

strengthoutofFelix’smusclestomove.

BythetimeFelixandhisice-stiffenedlimbshadmadeitontothebridgeitwasalloverbartheshouting.‘ThatwasSnorri’sdoom,’saidSnorri,standingpossessivelyoverthebodyofawirybeastmanwith

stubbybrownhornsandafacethatwasalmosthumanbutforatoo-widemouthfilledwithcow-liketeeth.ThenearresemblanceturnedFelix’sstomachmorethananybull-headedhorrorevercould.ItwasasiftheDarkPowerswereshowingjusthowfarintowhatFelixconsideredhumanitytheirpowersofcorruptioncouldreach.TocompletethepictureitwascladinscrappyPraagwool,withglovesandachapkahat.Therewasahammerinitshand.Felixwishedhecouldsayforcertainwhetherthisbeastmanhadsimplyraidedthecity’sdeadforitsraimentorwhetherithadoncebeenaman.Theaxewoundsplittingitschestintwodidn’tmakeitanyprettier.‘You’remistaken,’Gotrekgrowled.‘Snorridoesn’tthinkso.Itwashisheadontheendofthathammer.’‘Itwasmydoom,’saidGotrek.Thefirelightpaintedathreateninggrowl.‘Itisnaughtbutmyluckthat

youshouldstickyourthickskullinthewayofit.’TheSlayerclappedblooddeeperintohispalmsandthenbakedthemdismissivelyoverthebeastman’s

hearth.ThefireblazedfrominsideonehalfofatinbaththatwouldoncehavebelongedtooneofthewealthylordsandladiesofPraag.Felixsawcurledscrapsofbookbindingsandanimaldungamongstthecracklingwispsofwoodshavingsthathadbeenbuiltupinside.Theunsteadyblazewasshelteredfromtheworstofthesnowunderawoodenpalletthathadbeencoveredwithashopfrontawning.Theweightofsnowcausedittosaginthroughthespacingsbetweenthepallet’sslats.Snorriscratchedhishead,thenfirmedthealreadytensegriponhisaxeandhammer.Veinspoppedup

fromhisbaldheadandthicklymuscledshoulders.‘Youbothfollowed,’saidFelix,ashadetoosharplyandloudtobenaturalandhekickedhimselfforhis

greatsubtlety,butneitherSnorrinorGotrekappearedtonoticetheurgencyinhistone.Snorribithislip,butdidn’tspeak.Sohehadn’tyettoldGotrekwhathe’dtoldFelix.Good.‘Againstmybetterjudgement,’saidGotrek.SnorrisimplyheldFelixwithanuncertaingaze,thenshookhisheadandturnedaway.Thedwarf

steppedoutoftheshelterandintotheblizzardand,foramoment,Felixthoughthewasgoingtocarryongoingrightovertotheothersideofthebridge.Hestoppedabouttwopacesout,turnedhisfaceintothewindandjuststaredintoit.Hiseyeswerered.Felixletoutarelievedbreath.

‘What’sthatabout?’saidGotrek.Felix’sheartlurched.‘What’swhatabout?’Gotrekshruggedasifhedidn’tcare,which,oncurrentform,heprobablydidn’t.Felixsidledintothe

hearth’sradiusofwarmth,ashiverrunningthroughhisknottedmuscles.‘WinterswerecolderoverKaraz-a-Karak,’Gotrekgrumbled,crackinghisknucklesoverthefire.Felix

couldn’thelpbutnotethateventheywerecriss-crossedwithrecentscartissue.‘Wouldfreezethebreathinaman’slungs.’‘HaveyouseenanysignofGustavorUlrika?Oranyone?’Withabrieftiltofthehead,Gotrekindicatedbehindhim.Kolyasatthereonathree-leggedstool,

soakedthroughandshiveringuncontrollably.Someone,thoughFelixcouldpictureneitherGotreknorSnorrieverdoingsuchathing,haddrapedathick,bloodstainedfleeceoverhisshoulders.‘Snorriputthatonhim,’saidGotrek,asthoughdiscussingthementaldescentofanelderlyrelative.‘He’sgotsoft.Andnotjustinthehead.’‘Justyouthree?’Gotrekgrinnedunpleasantly.‘Youmakefour.’Felixpinchedhiseyesshut.Sothatwasit,then.Ulrikawasgone,deadorcaptured,Gustavwasgone,

themissionherewasasgoodasover:hehadmanagedtofaileveryonethatstillmattered.Evenifhedidsurvivethis,howcouldhegohomeandlookOttoandAnnabellaintheeyeandtellthemwhathappenedtoGustav?WhenheopenedhiseyesagainGotrekwasstilllookingathimwiththatstrangelyanimaldetachment.

TheSlayerhadbecomegrimmeroverthepastyear.HewasnotlikeUlrika,butamirrorofherperhaps,onewherebothsideswereindarkness.Hescratchedhisknottedbeardwithasigh.Perhapstherewasstillonepersonhecouldtrytomakeamendswith,ifhisformercompanionwouldlethim.‘I’llnotapologiseformydecisiontotakeKatbacktoAltdorf.’‘DoyouthinkI’drespectyouifyoutried?’‘Probablynot.’Felixhadneverbeenparticularlygoodatapologies.Ifhehadbeenthenperhapsheand

Ulrikawouldnothavebecomeestrangedinthemannerthattheyhad.Itwastooeasytolookbackonone’sownyoungerselfandjudgetheiractionswiththebenefitofhindsightandregret.‘Webothknowitwasmychoicetomake,andtherightoneforKat.’‘Aye,maybe.’‘AndIwouldhavestayedwithher,’Felixhastenedtoadd.‘SigmarknowsIthoughtabouttakingitall

upagainandtryingtotrackyoudown.Imissedthis,wouldyoubelieve?’Hesighed.‘Iwouldhavestayed.ItwasonlybecauseofMaxthatIcame.’‘Rubbish,’saidGotrek,asshortandruthlesswithhiswordsashecouldbewithanaxe.‘Youdiditon

thehoneyedwordofafienddressedupasawomanyouonceloved.’‘UlrikahasasmuchreasontowantMaxbackasanyone.’‘Youcallherbythatname,butthat’snotwhosheisanymore.Ifshewantsthewizardbackatallthen

it’sforherownreasonsandI’dwagertheydifferfromyours.’Gotrekgrunted.Hiseyesglitteredwithmalice.‘Shedrinksthebloodofmenanddrawsthedeadfromtheirgravesbeforeyoureyes.Whatmorewillittakeforyoutoopenthemandsee?’Felixtookadeepbreath,butcouldn’targue.Ulrikahadplayedhisfeelingsforherlikethestringsofa

lute.Onalogicallevelhehadacceptedthatfromtheveryoutset,buttobetolditinnouncertaintermsbyanothermadehimbelieveitinawaythathehadnotallowedhimselftodobefore.Througheverything,hehadwantedtobelievethatitwasstillUlrikaunderneath.Withonehandhemassagedtheacheinhisheart.Hehadmissedthis,nottheadventure,certainlynotthe

peril,butthis;thecamaraderiearoundthefire,eveninthelimited,oft-brutallysuccinctmannerinwhichGotrekunderstoodit.Justthen,apartofhimyearnedtoaskGotrekabouthiswife,hisdaughter,andhisshame,butheknewthathenevercould.GotrekwasstilladwarfandwouldnottakelightlytheknowledgeofwhatSnorrihadalreadytoldhim.‘Ulrikawasrightaboutonething,though.’‘Shewas,wasshe?’Felixshrugged.‘It’sbettertobeoutherethannot.What’sthepointstayingathome,huntingratsand

fightingthesmallbattleswhentheonesthatmatterareouthere?’‘Don’tfeedmetheline,manling.’‘Theline?’‘Aye,’saidGotrek,asighinflatinghisbarrelchest.‘There’sagreaterdoomaroundthecorner,abigger

monsteroverthehill.WellI’veclimbedthehill,andI’vekilledthemonster.TheEndTimesarehereandeveryonewantsmetobesomekindofahero.’Thedwarfscowled,thumpedhisarrowedchest.‘AllIwantistofindmydoomandbeleftalone.’‘Apity,’saidFelixandmeantit.Gotrekwasworthathousandmen.More.‘Isn’titjust,’saidGotreksourly,thengesturedouttowardsSnorri.Hehadn’tmovedandsnowwas

beginningtopileuparoundtheolddwarf’sankles.‘Lethimplaythehero.It’swhattheidiotalwayswanted,afterall.I’dsayhe’stheherothissorryworlddeserves.’‘That’sbleak,evenforyou.’‘Thosearethetimes.’Depressednowaswellaschilledtohismarrow,FelixturnedhisbackonGotrekandhisalmost-

remembererandlookedoutovertheruinsofPraag’sOldTown.Thecityhadalwaysbeenhaunted,thispartofitinparticular,butnowithadbeenconqueredtoo,andbysomethingthathadnointentionofleavingitasaplaceinwhichmenmightagaindwell.Thepathfromthebridgecurvedpastplunderedshopfrontsandthroughtherubble-strewngarrisondistrictoftheOldTown’seastquarter.TheKislevitearchitecturewasburiedunderafootormoreofsnow,markedbytheprintsofhoofandpawofeverymannerofbeastunderthenorthernsun.Therewouldhavebeentavernshere,skinhouses,dicedens,foodhallscateringtoapermanentgarrisonofthousands.FelixdidnotneedwitchsightorthelightofGeheimnisnachttoseetheghostshere.Theroadwoundupwardstoahill,sostrikinginthecentreofathousandleaguesofopensteppe,where

thegargoyle-encrustedcitadelofPraagperched.ThatwaswheretheTrollKingwouldbe.WhereMaxwas.WhereUlrikahadwantedthemtogo.Lightsburnedfromitswindows,throwinglong,wheelingshadowsofthecirclingharpiesoverthesurroundingdistricts.‘DoyouthinkthatUlrikamightstillbealive?’‘No.’Felixclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.Herephrasedthequestion.‘DoyouthinktheTrollKing

stagedtheattackonthefortbacktheretogetatUlrika?He’scollectingsorcerersafterallandwebothsawwhatUlrikacando.’‘Ifsothenshe’srightwhereshebelongsinthisnestofChaos.’‘You’reforgettingMax.’‘Adwarfforgetsnothing.Itsimplydoesn’tmatter.’Thedwarfleanedforwarduntilhiswhiskerswere

perilouslyclosetothefire.‘Kislevhasfallen.TheEmpirewillfallnext,thenallthelandsofmenandelvesonebyone.Thedwarfholdswillfalllast.’Hisfacetookonablacksmile,asthoughtakingthissorepointofpride.‘Butfalltheywillandthere’snothingthatyouorIoranyoneherecandoaboutit.’Felixshookhishead,takenaback.HewouldneverhavebelievedthatGotrekGurnissonwouldjust

giveup,ifthat’swhatyoucouldcallthisnihilisticquestintotheenemy’sstronghold.‘Snorriwillfightthekingofthetrollswithyou,youngFelix.’GotrekandFelixbothlookedaroundasSnorriNosebiterclatteredbackinside,hismetalmace-leg

strikingahollowthunkeverytimeithitstone.TherewouldbenochanceofstealthwithSnorriwiththem,butFelixdoubtedtheoldSlayerwouldcountenancesuchastratageminanycase.Gotrekscowled,glaringatFelixasthoughsuspectinghehadbeendeliberatelyout-foxed,thenbenttopickuphisaxe.HoldingFelix’sgazethroughout,heboltedtheweapon’schaintohisbracer.‘Well,Snorrican’t,’saidGotrek.SnorrilookedabouttoarguebutFelixshushedhimwithawave.‘There’llbeenoughtrollsforusall,

I’msure.’‘SnorrithinkstheTrollKingcountsatleasttwice.’‘Youcan’tcount,Snorri,’saidGotrekharshly,sniffingthebloodthatclungtohisaxe’sunwashedblade.

Heseemedaliveagain,driven,andFelixfelthisskinprickleinresponsetoit.Itwasasiftherewasaconnectionbetweenthepairofthemthathecouldneitherseenortaste,butattimeslikethiscouldalmosttouch.‘ThisdoomiswhatIwaspromised.’SnorrilookedquestioninglytoFelixwhocouldonlyshrug.Gotrekstartedonthecastleroad.‘Let’skillsomemonsters.’

Ulrikaawokeindarknessandpain.Thedarkwasnotanissue,notforoneblessedtowalkforeverbynight.Througheverygradationofgrey,shesawthroughthebarsofhercagethatshewasinalargecellar.Thewallswereundecoratedstoneandcurvedupwardstoformaceiling.ItwasoneofDukeEnrik’swinecellars.Shehadneverbeendownhereherselfofcourse,shewasaboyar’sdaughter,butthedesignwassimilartoonethathadbeeninstalledatFortStraghovbyhergrandfather.Shecouldsmellthesourodourofspoiledwineandafewchipsofbrokenglassremainedtoattesttothechamber’soriginalpurpose.Therewerescoresmorecageslikehersboltedtothewallswhereoncetherehadbeenwineracks.Allofthemwereemptybarhers.Chainedtothebarsofthewall-facingsideoppositeherwasanimmensedirt-browntroll.Ulrika’sreflexivejerkbroughtarattlefromthemanaclesoverherownwrists.Herhandshadbeen

cuffedthroughawroughtironbarthatappearedtohavebeenbentintoafigureofeightshapejustforher.Whatlookedlikeanavalchainfedthroughitandoverherhead.Shelookedup.Thechainwasthickerthanherarmbuthadsomehowbeenworkedthroughatimber-hitchknotaboutoneofthebarsontheroofofthecage.Ulrikapulleddownwithallherinhumanstrengthbutneitherthebarnorthechaingaveanyquarter.Shehissedatthedarkness.Thefront-to-backorientationofthebarsontheroofofthecagemeantthatshecouldmovebackwardsandforwardsifsheshouldforsomereasonwishtogetanyclosertothattroll,butcouldgetnomorethanasteptoeithersidewithoutthechainyankingherwristsback.Itwasn’tthesubtlestdungeonshehadeverbeenheldin,northemostdeliberatelytorturous–that

accoladesurelybelongedtothewitchhuntersofAltdorf–butitwasdefinitelythesturdiest.Shedroppedherkneessoherfullweighthungfromthechainandpulleddownuntilthepainoftheiron

bardiggingthroughherwriststhreatenedtoblackherout.Infrustrationandspite,sherattledthechainandcursedinKislevite.Hernativetonguewasmadeforsuchlanguage.Withaslowlyspreadingsenseoffear,shelookedatthebararoundherwrists.Despiteallherstrengthshehadn’tevenbeenabletomakeitgroan.Whatkindofamonstercouldshapesomethinglikethis,andwithenoughcontroltonotsimplycrushher

handsinsideofit?Somekindofmachine,shetoldherselfwithcertainty.ShehadwitnessedwondersenoughduringheradventureswithFelixandhisdwarffriendstoknowthatanymarvelwaspossible.

Thesethoughtsweredistractionsthough,sheknew,andbriefonesatthat.Captivitypresenteduniquehorrorstoonewitheternitytocontemplateandaheightenedcapacityforthoughtwithwhichtodoit.ThegiftsoftheArisencouldattimesseemlikecurses.Bitterly,shetriedtorememberhowshehadgothere.Thelastthingsherememberedwastheicetrollbearingdownonher,andthen…Nothing.Sheclutchedherhead.Itfeltlikethememoryhadbeenbeatenoutofher,butthatseemedunlikely.She

knewfromexperiencethatittookanimplausibleamountofviolencetodothatkindofdamagetooneofherkind.Sheshookherhead.Itdidnotmatterhowshehadgothere,onlythatshegotoutandfulfilledhermaster’smission.Shesnarled.Sheneededblood.Shehadalmostexhaustedherselftryingtoworksomuchmagicduringthetrolls’

attackandwhatlittleshehadtosparehadgonetowardshealingwoundsshehadnorecollectionofreceiving.Herribsandbackbonebothachedasthoughtheyhadrecentlybeenbrokenandoneofherlegswasabominablysore,thoughUlrikathoughtitwasjustbruising.Possiblytheworsthoweverwasherlefteye,whichseemedtohavebeencrushedandwasnowknittingitselftogetherwithsuchagonisingslownessthathadUlrika’shandsnotbeenshackledshewouldhavebeentemptedtotearitfromherfacetogrowagainonceshehadproperlyfed.Therewerefewmortalswiththestrengthorthesadismtorealisethatthereweredegreesofpainthatit

tookimmortalitytotaste.Morehungrilythansheliked,Ulrikaeyedthetrollontheothersideofthecage.Themossy,worm-

riddenmonsterregardedherplacidly.Itspulsewassoslowthatitsrhythminherearswasalmosthypnotic.Swayingintimetothebeat,shelickedherlips.Herfangsprickedhertongue.Waswhatshewascontemplatingevenpossible?Thepartofherthatwasstillthinkingclearlyenoughtobesickwithherselfsincerelyhopedthatitwasnot.‘Sosoon.’Thevoicerumbledfromthedarknessimmediatelybehindher.Itwashardandinhumanandasdeepasa

grave.Ulrikadidnotthinkshehadeverheardtwowordsloadedwithsuchderogationandloathing.Ulrikatwistedthroughherhangingchainssothatshewasfacingthefrontofthecage.Ontheothersideofaroughfloorspacewasanotherrowofemptycages.Inthegloominbetween,apairofdullambereyesglowed.Arushofsulphurousbreathwashedfromamouthcrustedwithjaggedtusksasitsplitimplausiblyintoagrin.‘Othersofyourraceresistedlonger.Youareweak,vampire.’Ulrikatriedtoshuntasideherhungerandfocus.Thespeaker’sheartwascoldandslow,enoughto

makeitdifficultforUlrikatomakeoutitsbeatthroughthemountainouswallofhischest.Lookingathim,itwasanefforttodisregardthemonsterbeforehereyesandseethespeakerforwhathewas:atrollthatspoke.Hewatchedher,waitingforareaction.Hiseyesweredeepwithhardcunning.‘Throgg,’saidUlrika.‘TheTrollKing.’‘VonCarsteinsentyoutomycity,’saidtheTrollKing,leaninginuntilhistusksweresawingintothe

bars.Ulrikarattleddeeperintothecageandbaredherfangs.‘Why?’UlrikaglaredupattheTrollKinghatefully.Sheunderstoodthestakesinplayhere,morethanshehad

sharedwithFelixorevenpoorDamir.ShewasaKislevite,afterall,shehadjustspentthepastmonthsridingthroughtheashesofhercountry,butwitheveryfibreofherunnaturalbeingshewishedthatCountvonCarsteincouldhavefoundanallyinthenorthmorestablethanThrogg.‘Whydoyouthink?TheAuricBastionpreventshimfromspeakingwithyoubymagicalmeans.’‘Menareweak,’Throggreplied,lookingoverherbuckledarmourwithasneer.Ulrikareturnedthe

inspection.Shestillcouldnotrememberhowshehadgothere,butthesightofthemineral-spikedand

mace-likefistsofhercaptorgaveherapowerfulsuspicion.‘VonCarsteinsendsyouheretospeakforhim?Thenspeak,prettything.Impressmewithyourcleverwords.’TheTrollKingdrewbackfromthebars,cedingthefloor.Hewrappedhimselfinatatteredredcloak,

concealingthemanymouthsthatsilentlyopenedandclosedfromhismutanttorso.Hisheadwithdrewintothecrystallinemaneofwarpstonethatbulgedfromhisshoulders.Ulrikalickedthinbloodoverherdriedlips.‘ThewargoespoorlyfortheEmpire.’‘Ofcourseitdoes,’Throggcutin,hisdeepvoiceoverpoweringhers.‘Youasksoftfleshtostandbefore

thetideofChaos.’Ulrikabithertongue,tryingtoignoreThrogg’sgoadingandconcentrateonthemessagethatVladhad

riskedherlifetodeliver.Itwasgettinghardertothink,harderjusttospeakwithoutasnarl.Thebeastwasout.ItbaskedundertheglowoftheChaosmoonandithungered.‘MymasterimploresyoutomoveagainstArchaon’sforcesbeforeitistoolate.Youhavestrength

enough.’‘Strength?’Throgggrowled,raisinghishandsandlookingdownatthem.Heclenchedthemintofists.

‘Yes,Ihavestrength.Isthatallyouseehere,vampire?Strength?AmIadumbhammerwaitingtheguidingarmofSylvania?’Whatwasthebrutetalkingabout?Ulrikatriedtothink,buthertalentslaywithswordsratherthan

words.‘Itisthehubrisofmentoseetheirowndestinyinallthings.VonCarstein.TheEverchosen.Deadmen.

Exaltedmen.Intheirskintheyareallstillmen.This…’Throgg’seyesshoneashereachedouttoclaspthebarsofUlrika’scage.Theirongroanedunderhistitan’sgrip.‘…willbetheAgeoftheBeast.’‘YouaremadifyouthinkyoucanstandagainstArchaonalone.’‘Perhaps,’saidThrogg,stabbingthecrownonhisbrowwithafingernail-likeshardofdarkcrystal.‘Or

perhapsIknowmorethanyou.’Thenhechuckled,thewarningcascadeofrocksdownamountainside.‘ButonedayIwillthankvonCarsteinforsendingsuchapassablewarriortomyside.’‘Iwouldsoonertakeawalkinthesunthanserveyou.’‘AllthebeastsofChaosareminetorule.Whatareyou,vampire,ifnotthat?Whatdoyouthinkbecame

ofthoseothervampiresofPraag?’Ulrikadidherutmosttostandstraight,tolookhaughtydespitethechainsthatlaydrapedacrossher

shouldersandthefangsthatburnedlikeacidfromhergums.Sherememberedwellenoughthepetty,ineffectualLahmiansisterhoodofPraag,andfallingundertheyokeofamonsterlikeThroggwasallthattheirnear-sightedinfightinghadearnedthem.Ulrikawasbetterthanthat.Shewasawarrior,aKislevite,aTrollCountryboyarina.Chaoswasthesourceofherstrength,butshewasitsmaster,notitspuppet.‘Ihavefriendsthatwillcomeforme.Friendsyouwoulddowellnottocross.’‘Thepoetandthe…’Throgggrippedthecageinonehandandleanedcloser.Hisvoicedroppedandhis

eyesgrewwary.UlrikacaughtanoddscentontheTrollKing’sbreath.Sheknewtoolittleofhisracetobesure,butaninstinctualunderstanding,someuniversalcharacter,calleditfear.‘…thedwarfwiththeaxe.Yes,Iknowthem.ThereisnotamonsterinPraagthatdoesnot,inwhateverwayitiscapable,fearthename“Gurnisson”.’‘Thenreleaseme,’saidUlrika,thescentofweaknessdrawingherforwards.SoGotrekandFelixhad

bothsurvivedtheattack.Shecouldnotimaginehowtheyhadachievedit,butsheshouldnothavebeensurprised.HerchainrattledasshedrewherselfstraightandlookedupintothetoweringhorroroftheTrollKing.‘Letmego.Andconsidermymaster’srequest.’‘Youoverreach.Ihavemarkedyourfriends’approachandmymostpowerfulbeastawaitsthem.Itisan

immortalofpre-history,arelicoftheBattleforUrszebyaandtheYearThatNoOneForgets.’TheTrollKingpulledawayandswepthismauledoldcloakoverhisshoulders.Hebangedhisfistacrossthebarsoftheoppositecageand,inresponse,adooropenedatthefarendofthecellarandtheheartbeatsofabandofbeastmenentered.Heturnedbackwithagrin.‘Therearemonstershere,Ulrika,thatevenGurnissonhasyettoface.’‘How–’‘DoIknowyourname?Evenforahuman,youexceedyourselfwithyoursenseofself-worth.’TheTrollKingwaitedasthebeastmencametohim.Theywerethescrawny,slightlymoreintelligent

breedthatcalledthemselvesungors,theretinueofalargerbeastmanwiththelookofashaman.Hiseyeswereflatonyxdisksinahoary,tattooedface.Sweepingstagantlersboreeldritchrunesmadeoutinwoad,scatteredamongstsymbolsthatlookedlikelittlemorethancaveart.TheshamanandtheTrollKingheldawhisperedconference.UlrikasupposeditlogicalthatThroggwouldrequirelieutenants.Itwasnotasifatrollcouldfollowinstructions.ThroggreturnedhisattentiontoUlrika,aglimmerofamusementinhisdulleyes.‘Ihaveariddlefor

you,Ulrika:kingwithoutakingdom,generalwithoutanarmy,loverwithoutaswain,warriorwithoutasoul.’Hisexpressionbecamehard,thestonethatitwas.‘Doyounotcaretoaskafterthoseyoubroughtwithyouintomycity?’Ulrikayankedatherchains,achievingnothingmorethanametallicrattleandasmirkonthefaceofthe

TrollKing.‘Ithasbeenalongtimesincemyarmyhastasteduntaintedmeat.Youarewithmenow,Ulrika,andsoon

youandIwillconqueranentireworldthatourfutureslaveswillcallTrollCountry.’‘Releaseme,’Ulrikahissed,feelingherdarksoulfloatingwithoutananchoronarisingseaofChaos.

ShewrappedherchainsaroundherwristsandglaredatThrogg.‘AndreleaseMaxtome.’‘Hestillspeaksofyou.Hemusthavelovedyougreatly.’‘Bringhimtome,’Ulrikademanded,toarumbleoflaughter.‘Heismine,Ulrika,asyouare,’saidThrogg,turningatlasttoleave.‘Nowfeelamonster’strue

loneliness.’

TheharpiesthatflockedtheSquareofHeroeswereagitated.Hundredsofthemgatheredonthecitadel’sbattlementstobattleforroostswiththeresidentgargoyles.Excrementdashedthegothicstonework.Thescrapeofclawedfeetonstoneandthecriesoftheirshrillproto-humanvoicesechoedaroundthestatue-linedsquare.Fromthewindowatthebackofhiscage,MaxSchreibercountedadistortedfaceoraflapoffleshywingseveryfewseconds.ItwasasifeverylastoneofthebeastsinPraaghadcomehere.‘Man-thing,’camethehissfromthecageopposite.Maxtriedtoignoreit.‘Man-thing!’‘Idonotconversewithmonsterslikeyou.’Anervoustittercutthroughthespacebetweenthem.‘Thisthatcomesfromyou.Youaretheworstofus

all.’Wincingatthebruisesthatcolouredhisentirebackandshoulders,Maxpulledhisgazefromthe

window.Theskavenwarlockstoodpressedtothebarsofitscage,thefloorstrewnwithleftoversfromthevariousmechanicalapparatushoardedawayinthefarcorner.Theheadlesstorsoofits‘specimen’layslackinitschains.Theheadsatonacopperplatewithapairoftinesconnectingitscraniumtoahumming,wind-updevicethatdeliveredirregularelectricalshocks.WatchingitsmouthchompanditsbrowflickerwitheverypulsewasfarfromthemostdisturbingthingthatMaxhadbeenforcedtowitnessofhisneighbour’sefforts.‘Whatdoyoumeanbythat?’

Thewarlockclappeditspawsinahumanparodyofdelight,butchosetoignorethequestionorperhapssaveitforlateruseonitsowntwistedterms.Itpointedtowardsthewindow.‘Whathappensoutthere,man-thing?’‘Nothingthatconcernsyou,I’msure.’‘Matters.Matters.’Theratmanjitteredsideways,lookedoverbothshoulders,thenclaspedthebarsof

hiscageintremblingpaws.‘Ismellmoreman-things.Yes-yes.Man-thingsbeingfedtothebird-beasts.’Maxclosedhiseyes.HowmanymenhaddiedwhenPraagfell,orKislevcity?HowcouldMaxbe

expectedtogrieveforahandfulmore?Blowinghotairontochappedandswollenfingers,Maxreturnedhisattentiontohisownsubject.The

hulkingstonetrollboltedtothewallofhiscellreturnedhisregardwithdeadeyesandthehollowmurmurofasigh.Trollsmighthavebeenslowbuttheywerenotimpossibletotrainandthisonehadlongagolearnedthatmovementwasimpossible.Withtheremarkableadaptabilityofitsrace,itslimbswerealreadybeginningtoatrophy.Itsbreathingwasslowandrhythmic.Ithadnoconceptofwhatwasabouttohappentoit.‘Man-thing!’thewarlockhissed.‘Thekingwillnotthankyouforthis.’‘Iamnotlistening,’saidMax.‘Youonlyhopetodistractmebecauseyouknowthattomorrowitwillbe

youstrungupfortheharpies.’Theratmanfellsilent,buteventhroughthebittercoldMax’sweakhumannosecouldsmellthesour

odourofthewarlock’sfear.Itspokehalf-liesandnonsenseaswasthewayofitskind.TheybothknewthatitwouldbeMaxSchreiberwhogavetheTrollKinghisgeneral.ItwouldbeMaxthatgottoreturnhome.

‘DidImentionthatI’mgettingfartoooldforthis?’Felixmuttered,peeringoutfrombehindthemarblestatueofanunnamedkossarattheouterringoftheSquareofHeroes.Itwasimpossibletopickoutapatchofsnowyskywithoutaharpyshriekingthroughit.Hundredsofthe

creaturesflockedoverthebattlementsandthemonstrouslycarvedminaretsofthecitadel.Atleasttwiceasmanywereinflight,flapping,bawlinganddivingontoeachother’sperchestosendothersstartledandscreamingbackintotheairinspraysofdisturbedsnow.Despitethelumpenstreaksofbrownandwhitedroppingsthatlashedtheirgargantuanframes,thetrollsthatsquattedamongsttheinnerringofmoreillustriousstatuescouldnothavebeenmoreunmovedbythepandemoniumthatswarmedabovetheirheads.Felixcountedtenoftheheavy,broodingcreatures.Fifteen.Twenty.Hestoppedcounting.Therecameapointwhereadditionalinformationbecamedistinctlyunhelpfuland

asfarasFelixwasconcernedthatpointhadbeenpassedafewhundredharpiesback.Withintheinnerring,agibbethadbeenfashionedoutofthestatueofahideouslymutatedwarriorthat

FelixhadtoremindhimselfhadoncebeenthelegendarywarleaderTzarAlexis.Ahugebonfireburnedinapitbeforeit.Achainofbeastmenpassedwhatlookedlikebooks,paintingsandwoodenfurnishingsfromasfarawayasNipponandArabytothrowontotheblaze.Thelightandwarmthbroughtlowrumblesofcontentmentfromthetrolls.Occasionally,onewouldshufflethroughthesnowtobenearertothefire.Moreofthebeastmenworkedaroundthemonolithicmonsters,swingingnoosesoverTzarAlexis’smanyarmsasmoreoftheirkinemergedthroughthesnowshroudingtheinnerringofstatuesleadingacoffleofstrippedandtrussedhumancaptives.Themenwerebeatenandsubmissive.Theirbarefleshwassobluethattheynolongershivered.Astheyapproachedthefire,agroupofbeastmenwithman-skindrumsandbonehornstriedtostrikeupabeatthatcouldbeheardovertheharpyscreechandfailed.‘Howoldareyou,youngFelix?’saidSnorri.SnowfleckedthebristlesoftheoldSlayer’shead,giving

himathinningcropofwispywhitehair.Hestoodwithhisbacktothekossarstatueandadeterminedgrin

onhisface.‘OldenoughthatIthinkyoushouldstopcallingmeyoungFelix.’‘Don’tletthatbeardgotoyourhead,’saidGotrek,lookingacrossfromhisownhidingplacebehindthe

nextstatuealong,placinghimquitedeliberatelywithFelixbetweenhimandSnorri.‘You’renotadayoverfifty.’‘AndIdon’texpecttomakeitthereeither,’saidFelix,offeringasilentprayertoSigmartoprovehim

wrong,thenrollingagainstthestoneathisbacktotakeanotherpeekintothesquare.ThecaptiveswerebeingledtotheothersideofthebonfirewhereFelixcouldnolongermakethemout.

Hesquintedthroughtheflames,watchingasthebeastmenfedwristsandanklesintonoosesandhoistedboundmenupintotheairwheretheywriggledlikecaterpillarsfromTzarAlexis’sarms.Thebeastmen’sspearsdiscouragedtheever-circlingmobsofharpies.Fromthepickedbonesthatlitteredthesquare,Felixdidn’tthinkthebeastmen’sprotectionwasgoingtobepermanent.Felixcouldstillseemoreharpiesflyingin,beatinghardagainstthesnow,drawnbytheexcitementof

whatpromisedtobeafeedingfrenzy.Felixcursedhisrottenluck.Itlookedlikewhateverslimhopetheyhadhadofmakingittothecitadelinonepiecehadjustbeenwhittleddowntonexttonothing.‘TheGoromadnyHeightsswarmwiththesecreatures,’saidKolyafromwhatFelixstillconsideredto

behiscustomarypositionatGotrek’sleftside.Barringtheoccasionaluninducedshudder,heappearedlargelyrecoveredfromhisdunkingintheLynsk.‘Theyarescavengersandarenevermorewarythanwhenthereisfoodthatanothermightsteal.Ithinksomeonehassetatrapforus.’‘Bringit,’Gotrekgrowledunderhisbreath.‘Whoevenknowswe’recoming?’saidFelix.Kolyashrugged,agesturethatwasstrengtheningFelix’surgetopunchthemaneverytimehesawit,

thenpointedaroundtheoutersquareofstatues.Theroutewassteepedinshadowscastbythebonfireandcircumventedtheinteriorofthesquarealtogether.‘Idoubtwewillmakeit.’TheKisleviteglancedatSnorriwho,watchingharpiesswoopoverheadandmiscountingaloud,waswitlesslyoblivioustotheslight.‘ButLordWinterisonourside.Ifwegoslowlyandcarefullythenwemightbeabletomakeitaroundthem.’Felixpeeredasfarintotheblizzardashecouldsee,thepointwherethestatuesstartedtobecome

etherealandimpossibletodistinguishfromwhatevermonstermightlieinwaitforthemhiddenoutofsight.Fearchurnedinhisgut.Hekissedthehardnessinhisglovedfingerwhereheworehisring,acuriouspre-battlejitterthathehadneverfelttheneedtoindulgeinbeforenow,andthenclosedhisfingersoverKaraghul’sdragonheadhilt.Ahotglowprickleduphisarmandpushedthefearaside.Withoutquiterealisinghewasdoingit,heprobedtheshadesofthedistantstatuesforamonsterhedidnotevenknowwasthere.Hisheartwasbeatinghardwithanticipation,fillinghisveinswithwarmthandstrength.ClearlyKaraghulknewsomethingthathedidn’t.Notforthefirsttime,hewonderediftheoldTemplarbladewasmoretroublethanitwasworth.‘Allright,’saidFelix,moreeagernessinhisvoicethanhelikedthesoundof,searchingGotrek’sface

forapprovalandgettingitinacurtnod.‘We’llgoaround.’Keepinglowandhishandsonthestatue’sback,Felixedgedoutintotheopenandtriedtotrackthe

seethingmassofharpiesinordertowatchforanopening.Hewasbeginningtothinkthathewouldhaveasmuchluckjustgoingforitandtrustingtoluckwhenaterrificlowingwentupfromthegatheredbeastmen.Felixflinchedbackintocoverastheominouscryresoundedbetweenthestatuesandthelowceilingofsnowandtheroostingharpiesflappednoisilytoflight.Suddenly,theairwasfilledwithscreamsandbeatingwingsandFelixwatchedasthebeastmenstrung

upthelastofthecaptives.Themanhadbeenstrungbyhisanklessothathislengthofblondhairtrailed

throughthethinsnowunderneathhim.Hisnakedskinwassowhiteitwasonlytheheavybruisingandinterlockingmeshofblueveinsthatkepthimfromvanishingfromsightintotheswirloffallingsnow.Hishangingbodypivotedaroundtorevealhisface.Theman’sstraightjawwasbrokenandhisfacewaspuffy,hisblueeyeshadbeensunkintohisfacebyblackpitsofbruising,butitwasstillafacethatFelixalwaysexpectedtoseewhenhefoundhimselfinfrontofamirror.ItwasGustavJaeger.Felixgrippedthestatueinfrontofhim,edgingfurtherout,onlyrealisinghowlonghe’dbeenstaring

whenapainfulshriekfromdirectlyaboveforcedhimtolookaway.Heturnedhisfaceupintothesnowandmetthehorriblydistended,femininefeaturesofaslaveringharpylookingbackdown.Oninstinct,Felixstabbedhisswordatitbutitflappedoutofreachacrossthestatue’sshoulderswhereithoppedandcrowedlikeawarningbellwithwings.Felixsworeloudly,hisstomachdroppingattheonrushingrustleofhundredsoffleshywings.‘Verycareless,youngFelix,’saidSnorrihappily.

FIFTEENSquareofHeroes

Felixthrewhimselfflatonthegroundandrolledunderthestatueofthekossar.Aharpybombedthroughtheairwherehehadjustbeenstandingandscratchedthecobblestoneswithitsclaws.Itturnedtoscreamathim,hideousfeaturestwistedintoabestialmaskofoutrage,butdidn’tstop,sweepingpastandjoiningthegrowingflockthatfilledtheskyaboveFelix’sposition.Felix’sshoulderstruckthestatue’sheelandhedrewhimselfundertheprotectionofitslegs.Strugglingtobringuphisswordinthathalf-hunchedposition,helookedback.GotrekandSnorrihadn’tmovedfromwheretheyhadbeenstanding.Thrashingblackshapesenveloped

thembothwithascreenofwingsandtalons,butdespitetheharpies’advantageofnumbers,bothSlayerswerecontinuingtomowthroughanythingthatcamecloseenoughforthemtohit.Gotrek’saxekilledsomanysofastthebladewasalmostinvisiblebutfortheruinitcausedtorainoutofthesky.Snorrifoughtlikeadervishwithhisaxeandhammer,reducingflyingmonsterstopulpedcorpsesandevenlettingflywithhismace-legmoreoutofrawenthusiasmthaninanyexpectationofhittingthefastmovingcreatures.Felixcouldn’tspotKolya,butashesearchedanarrowshotoutfromoneofthenearbystatuestodropaharpythathadbeenabouttoattackSnorrifrombehind.Afewofthem,smellingthetwohumanshidingamongstthestatuary,peeledofffromtheattackonthedwarfsinsearchofeasierprey.Intheinstanthehad,Felixconsideredhisposition.Woulditbebesttostaywherehewaswiththe

statue’slegsguardinghisflanksandeliminatingthethreatofanattackfromabove,ortomeetthemintheopenwhereheatleasthadachanceofeffectivelywieldinghissword?Unfortunately,thesheerspeedofhisassailantsmadehismindupforhim.AblackmassofthemmobbedthekossarstatuebeforeFelixcouldeventhinkaboutmoving.Felixcouldn’tevenhearhimselfcryoutaseverythinghehadpreviouslybeenabletoseeandhear

devolvedintoamaelstromofteethandclawsandfuriouslybeatingwingsthatfloodedthecrampedspaceofFelix’sshelterwiththeirunwashedanimalstink.Felixshieldedhisfacewithhisarm.Clawslikefishknivesrakedthroughhismail.Thearmourabsorbedtheworstofwhatcamehisway,buttherewereenoughofthemthatsome,bypurechance,managedtoripatbareskinortearweakenedlinksfromhismail.Felixstabbedbackwithhisswordashewastuggedthiswayandthatbywhateverfrenziedcreaturemanagedtogetagriponthesorryremnantsofhiscloak,butfromhiscrouchedpositionhecouldgetneitherthepowernorthenecessaryspeedtohurthisattackers.Hecursed.Thestatuereverberatedtotherelentlessstormofwingbeats.Theharpieswerepracticallyfightingeachothertoflushhimout.Noticingthattherewerefewerofthecreaturesontheoppositesideofthestatuetotheonehehad

enteredfrom,Felixmadetheshortcrabwiseshufflethatway.LeadingwithKaraghullikealance,he

impaledoneharpybetweentheribsandmanagedtosendanothersquawkingskywardsafterhepulledhisswordfreeandreturneditsscreamwithafraughtoneofhisownintoitsmisalignedface.WincingatthebruisesthatremindedFelixalltoographicallyofthetornarteriesandseveredlimbsthathisarmourhadsparedhimfrom,Felixbackedintothestatueandbroughthisswordintoaguard.Hehadamomenttocatchhisbreathsohetookit,toobattlewisetoletitpass.Hekickedbackwithhisheelatthemarblebehindhim.Thiswayatleast,hisbackwouldbecoveredandhecouldgivetheharpiessomethinginreturn.Heheardtheirscreechesfromtheothersideofthestatueastheybelatedlyrealisedthathewasgone

andclawedateachotherinabidtoclimb.Throughthesnow,Felixsawthebeastmengathering.Theyhadspearsandhalberdsandtheirmusiciansweredrummingthemintoalooseformationfacinghisway.Otherswererunningaround,apparentlytryingtogoadtheslumberingtrollsintoaction.Oneofthemonsterssnarled,bitoffthespeartipthrustintoitsfacewithasplinteringcrunch,andstartedunsteadilytorise.Athicksetbeastmanwithalargesetofstag-likeantlersandrussetrobesthatreachedthesnowygrounddirectedthemfromthefootofTzarAlexis’sstatue.Itleanedonablackwoodenstaff,trussedmenhangingaroundit,Felix’snephewincluded,andpointedfuriouslytowardsFelix.TheriflingoffreezingairthroughfuriouswingspulledFelix’sattentionbacktothepointofhissword.

HarpiesspilledaroundthestatueathisbackandoveritandFelixwasfightingforhislifealloveragain.‘Gotrek,’heshouted,somehowfindingthebreathashisswordslashedandparriedfasterthanhecould

think.Harpiesthrashedforhimjustoutsidehisguardandtherewasnowayhecouldfendthemalloffforever.‘Doyouseethebeastmen,Gotrek?’‘Aye,Iseethem,’cameGotrek’svoicefromsomewherewithintheonslaught.‘Theycanwaittheirturn.

ThisChaosvermincan’tquenchmyaxe’sthirst.’‘TheyhaveGustavandtheothers.’Inastormofpanickedfigures,Gotrekstrodeoutfrombehindtheringofstatues.Hisbacklookedlikeit

hadbeenmauledbyabearandafullhandofclawshadscratchedhisscalpfromfronttobackalongthelineofhiscrest.Oneofthearrowsinhischesthadbeengougedout,leavingapitofred-soakedgristlebehind.JudgingbythemannerinwhichtheSlayer’saxedismemberedFelix’sattackers,theinjuryhaddonelittletodiminishhisstrength.‘Forthelittleonethen,’saidGotrek.‘Shealwayshatedbeastmen.’‘ForKat,’Felixagreed,feelinghisringdigintohisfingerashetightenedhisgriponKaraghul.Gotrekmarchedthroughthescatteringharpieswithagleaminhisonegoodeye.Thelooselyranked

beastmeninhispathissuedamightyhollerandthrusttheirspearsintotheair.‘Straightdownthemiddle.I’lltakethetroll.Killasmanyaswecan.’‘Thatdoesn’tsoundlikesomethingyouspentalongtimethinkingabout.’Withadarkscowl,Gotrekbrandishedhisaxe.‘It’sgotmethisfar.’Felixfellintostridewithhimasthedwarfbrokeintoarun.Hepickedoutalanky,goat-bearded

beastmanjustoffthecentreofthefrontrankforhistargetanddrewhisbladeback.Gotrekandhisaxehitthebeastmanformationlikearollingboulder,armsandheadsandbodiesinshatteredarmourthrownoutaroundhim.Followinginthewakeofthatforceofdestruction,itwouldhavebeenhardforFelixtoputafootwrong.Hisswordsliceddownthelankybeastman’schest.Felixfeltfleshandmuscleopenandorgansspillandthenhewasmovingon,inamongstthemadnessofbattle.BladesandweaponbuttslashedinfromeverysideandFelixparriedwildly.Hecouldfeelblood

dryinginhisbeard,andsweatpoureddownhisfacedespitethesnow.Everycallusinhishandsseemedtoringwiththeimpactofhisbladeonothersandifnotforhisgloves,dousedwithsweatthoughtheywere,Felixfeltcertainthathewouldhavelosthisswordsometimeago.

Keepinghisguardtrueandhiseyesopen,FelixtriedtokeepthestatueofTzarAlexisandGustavinsight.Itwouldbetooeasyotherwisetogetlostinthemeleeandforgetwhathewasaimingfor.HesawthatGotrek,truetothedwarf’sword,wascarvingopenthebeastmen’srankstogetatthetroll.Felixshookhisheadinwonder.HehadthoughtUlrikatobeGotrek’sequalinstrength,butsomehowtheSlayermadetheslaughterofdozenslookeasy.Whateverstoodinhiswaydieduntil,atthebleatinginsistenceoftheirshamanbeneaththestatue,theyfellbackfromhimandlefthimtothetroll.Elsewhere,FelixspottedSnorriNosebiterinamongstthefray.WhereGotrekwasasingle-mindedandbrutallyefficientbringerofdeath,Snorriscattereditaroundlikeacarelesspainterwithanoverfullbrush.Thedwarfbludgeonedhiswaygleefullyintothealreadywaveringbeastmenwithallthecrushingzealthathadbeensowastedontheswift-dodgingharpies.Felixcaughtthedownwardstrokeofabeastman’shalberd,pusheditpasthimusingitsowndownward

momentum,andthenkneedthewarriorinthegut.ItsbreathwheezedoutfromitslungsandFelixmovedpast.Hewastoohemmedintothinkaboutfinishingit.Anotherwasonhimbeforehemadeastep,butFelixcouldtellitsanimalheartwasn’tinit.Felixcouldseeinitseyesthatithadn’tbeenexpectingthiswhenithadformedupwithitsbrethrenagainsttwodwarfsandaman.Ahumanregiment,suitablymotivatedandwellled,mighthaveheldupevenagainstthelossestheSlayershadpiledup,butbeastmenwereneversoldiers.Theywereforestreaversandnightterrors,opportunists,scavengersthatfollowedinthewakeoftheKurganarmies.TheywerelittlebetterthanwolvesandwhenSnorricrackedopentheshaman’sskullwithhishammertheybrokeasaherd,clovenhoovesclatteringovertheflagstonesastheyfledbackintothesweepingsnowstowardsthecitadel.Felixstifledadisbelievingsmile.Againsthisownsoundexpectationhewasstillalive.Thetrollswere

largelystillsataroundthefirewherehehadfirstspiedthem,theharpieswerecravenvultures,andthebeastmenwerearabblethatbrokeatthefirsthintofastand-upfight.TheTrollKinghadbuilthiskingdomonshingle.ForthefirsttimesincehehadjumpedintotheLynsk,Felixactuallybegantobelievethattheymightprevail.Inthemomentittookhimtorecoverhisbreathandmopthecoldsweatfromhisbrow,Gotrekbeheadedtheonemovingtrollandthenkickedtheseveredheadintothefire.Itwentupinashootinggeyserofsparksandthenshotouttheothersidewhereitleftacharredtrailinthesnowuntilitlostimpetus,acrispedskullswiftlycoolingasthesnowburiedit.Snorrimeanwhilelimpedfuriouslyafterthefleeingbeastmen,shakinghisweaponsabovehisheadand

shoutinginsultsuntilitbecameobviousthatthebeastmenweren’tcomingback.‘They’llbebackoncethey’vegottheirfriends,’saidGotrek,strainingthroughclenchedteethashe

squattedunderneaththedeadtroll’sheadlessshouldersandheaved.‘Good,’saidSnorri.‘MostofthemneverevengottofightSnorri,andSnorridoesn’tthinkthat’sfair.’Gotrekmerelygruntedas,inaninconceivablefeatofrawstrength,hesomehowperformedtheworkof

ateamofdwarfswithapitponyandrollersanddraggedthetroll’storsoupontohisshoulders.Hepantedforasecond,swollenmusclesquivering,thenrolledthebodyintothebonfire.Itburnedwithevenmorevigourthanhaditshead,throwingoutthickblacksmokethatstankofburnedflesh.Shootingaglancebackandaroundinahopelessbidtotracktheharpiescirclinginandoutofthesnow,

FelixhurriedaroundthebonfiretothefootofTzarAlexis’sstatuewherethemenofGustav’sregimenthadbeenlefttohang.Justlookingattheirnakedbodies,blueandgoose-bumpedinthesnow,madehisownskinwanttoshiver.Theechoingshriekofaharpywatchingfromsomewhereamidsttheencirclingstatuescameasastarkreminderofthefatethatthesemenhadbeenintendedfor.Hefeltsickjustthinkingaboutitandtriedhardnotto,hishatredoftheTrollKingandthebeaststhatservedhimgrowingwitheveryscream,crunchandtearhecouldnotquenchwithhappierthoughts.Fromadifferentdirectioncameastaccatoscreech.Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforehungerandshortmemoriestriumphedovertheir

fearofGotrek’saxe.Whateverrespitethey’dearnedwasgoingtobebrief.HemadealineforGustav.Hisnephewhungupsidedownfromanarmoflivingmarblethat,even

duringthecourseofthefight,seemedtohaveclenchedintoafistaroundtheropethatnoosedhisankles.CaughtfromthecornerofFelix’seye,thelookofhungeronthegreatTzar’sfacewassufficientlylifeliketomakeFelix’sgutsclench.ItwasanefforttoturnhisbackonitandwraphisarmsaroundGustav’snakedchest.Damnit,hisnephewfeltlikeice!SettinghimselftobearGustav’sweight,Felixtriedtoraisetheyoung

manupandteasehisfeetbackthroughthenoose.TheyoungmangroanedasFelix’sarmstightenedoverribsthatwere,atbest,horriblybruised.Theropedancedbackandforthontheendofhisfoot.Felixfelthisthighsbegintoburn.TzarAlexisseemedtobelickinghislips.‘Gotrek.Helpme.’TheSlayerstompedover.‘I’vegothim,’saidFelix.‘Cuttherope.’FelixtightenedhisholdasGotrek’saxeflashedpasthisfaceandGustav’sunsupportedweightdropped

ontohim.IttookafewsecondsforacombinationofFelix’sembraceandthebonfiretowarmGustavenoughforhimtostartshiveringandwhenitcameitcameashardandsuddenasafit.Felixheldontohim,fearfulthatifheletgonowhisnephewwasgoingtotearsomething.Gotrektossedovertheclothesand–trustGotrektothinkofit–thehalberdofadeadbeastmanbefore

headingofftocutdowntherestofGustav’smen.FelixcalledthanksafterhimandquicklytriedtogetGustavdressed.TendingKatthroughsomeofherworsedayshadgivenhimexperienceenoughinhowtoclotheanother,butholdinghisshiveringnephewdownatthesametimewasn’tmakingiteasy.Afterwhatfeltlikeanunbearablelengthoftimewiththevolumeoftheharpycriesincreasingbythesecond,FelixmanagedtopullapatchworkjerkinofcolourfulUngolwooloverGustav’sarms.ItwasthenthatFelixnoticedthebiteonhisnephew’sneck.Twomarks,asore-lookingredwithrecent

scabspuncturingpartiallyhealedscars.FelixthoughttheLynskhadlefthimcold.Whathefeltnowturnedthebloodinhisveinstoicewater

andsentshiversthroughthebackofhishead.WhathadUlrikadone?Hewasbeingirrational,hetoldhimself.HehadknownfullwellwhatUlrikawasandwhatshewas

forcedtodotosustainherunlife,butseeingtheevidenceonGustav’sskinwassomethingelse.Felix’sownkin.Felix’sblood!DoubtlessUlrikawouldarguehehadbeenawillingvesselforanoblecauseandFelixhadcertainlyfantasisedaboutsuchsurrenderoftenenoughoverthepastweekstosympathisewiththatpointofview,buthowcouldanymanorwomanconsentwiththeirfreewillcorrodedbypleasure?Ulrikahadherselftoldhimthatthosefromwhomavampiredrankwerelittlebetterthanslaves.AfterthebattleofKurzyckoandtheirconversationontheoblasthehadassumedthatmeantshewouldfeedonlyontheenemy.He’dbeenstupidandblind.Gotrekwasright.Ulrikawasamonster.Buttherewasn’ttimeforan‘Itoldyouso.’‘Comeon,Gustav,getup.’Hisnephew’steethgaveanurgentchatteras,leaningintoFelix’schest,hemanagedtogethimself

uprightandstaythere.Hewasappallinglypale,anaemiceven,cossetinghisbruisedribswithahunchbackstanceandleaningalargeproportionofhisweightontohisnewfoundhalberd.Eventhehangoflonghairoverhisshoulderslookedtired.TurningtocheckonGotrekandSnorri,FelixsawthatallofGustav’smenweredownnow.Somewere

inanevenworsewaythantheircaptain,butafewofthetoughestlookingwereinamongstthebeastmenwiththetwodwarfsgatheringgearandweaponsand–Felixcouldn’thelpbutnotice–afewvaluablesforthemselvesandtheirmates.Themenweregatheringthemselvesintoablock,forwarmthasmuchasmutualprotection,butevenasFelixwatchedaharpydivedforthecentreoftheformationinasnapofclawedfeetonlytobewardedoffattheverylastsecondbyanupward-thrustingspear.Onemanlostanuntiedchapkahatratherthanahead,andtheharpywheeledaboutforanotherpasswithafrustratedshriek.Moreofthemweredrawingin.Thosestillintheairwerecirclingevercloser.Thefreecompanywere

deadmenwalkingandthebeastscouldsmellit.‘Everybodystayclose.Keepyourspearshigh.’‘Herecomestherealthing!’Gotrekroared.Emergingfromtheblizzardbetweentherankofstatueslikedaemonsfromaportalcamethebeastmen,

ominousblackshapeswithcurlinghornsandspikedshields.Theyclutchedtheirspearsandsnorted,fierceinnumbersandwiththeircastleattheirback.Theclapoftheirclovenfeetontheflagstonesbecameadirge.Withacurse,Felixmadeready.Beastmanarmies,oncebroken,didnotgenerallyrallythisquickly.Hehadthoughttheywouldhavemoretime.‘Snorrithinksweshouldmeetthemhalfway,’saidSnorri.‘Ithinkwe’regoodenoughwhereweare,’saidFelix,withwhatfeltlikeagloriousoverstatementeven

tooneaccustomedtocomposingpropagandafortheReiksmarshal.‘Iagreewiththemanling,’saidGotrek.Felixloweredhisswordafractionandturnedtohisformer

companion.Clearlycertaindeathhadaffectedhishearinginsomeway.Gotrekshruggedandjerkedafingerbackoverhisshoulder.‘Whymovenowthatthatlotarestartingtopullthemselvestogether?’Beforehecouldstophimself,Felixglancedinthatdirection,atrapdoorswingingopenunderhisgut.Sniffingheavilyatcoldairintowhichthereekofburnedtrollfleshhadbeeneffectivelyfrozenin,a

mammothtrollmantledinthickbrownfurgaveatremoroussighandopenedeyeslikeagates.Felixbackedaway,areflexiveinstinct,asthetrollunfurledape-likearmsandthensmasheditsknucklesthroughthecobblesinfrontofwhereitwassittingwithasoundlikeabraceofcannonmisfiringinunison.Then,withfrighteningspeedforsomethingsomassiveand,meremomentsago,sedentary,thetrolllurchedupright.Felixswepthisswordaroundwithacry,asoundweaklyparrotedbythefreecompanyastheytoosawtheunfoldingmonstersaroundthelightofthebonfire.Thosegainsthathehadbeensoproudof–alltheyhadachievedwastogethimselfsurrounded!Feelingatugonhiscloak,Felixglancedbackoverhisshoulder.Gustavletgothetatteredwoolstrip

andaddedthesecondhandtothatwhichalreadyleanedheavilyintohishalberd.Heshiveredinhiscolouredrags,priedopenchatteringteeth.‘IsGeneralStraghovwithyou?We…failedher.’‘Don’tworryaboutUlrika,’saidFelixwithconviction,anglinghisswordtoguardbothGustavand

himselffromtheadvancingbeastmenasGotrekandSnorri’sargumentsoverthetrollsgrewincreasinglyill-tempered.‘She’sdoingbetterthanweare.’

HungercrampedUlrika’sbelly,hunchedherdoubleuntilthechainsthatshackledherwriststotheceilingpulledtaut.Snappingattheloopofnavalchainthatlayacrosshershoulder,sheclosedhermouthoverthethickironringandsucked.Herfangsrooteduselesslyoverthesurface,butthebitterirontasteandthesensationoffeedingseemedtofoolherstomach.Herpangscalmed,enoughforhertorealisewhatshewasdoingandpullaway,spittingrustfromherlipsandpitchingupagainstthebarsofhercagewithaclangourofmetal.

Wasthiswhatshehadbeenreducedto?SherefusedtogiveThroggthesatisfaction.Dimly,shebecameconsciousoftheviolencebeingdoneonthesurface.Stoneandstarvationcouldnot

blockouttheterrorofsomanybeatinghearts.Infactthehungeronlymadehersensesmoreacute,sharpenedthehuntress’sinstinctsandheightenedthealreadyformidablevampiricdrivetoendure.ItwasFelix,shewascertain.Hehadtriedtosaveherbeforeand,lostcausethoughhemusthaveknownitwas,hadbeentryingeversince.Hewouldtryagain.Hehadalwaysbeenahopelessromantic.Ulrikawonderedwhetheritmightbebesttowaitforhimtorescueher–hecouldstillsaveher–but

dismisseditwithasnarlthatshookherentireframewithitsfury.ShewasnotsomeBretonnianmaidenwhohadtoawaitherquestingknight.Shewasawarriorqueenoftheundyingoblastandshewouldnotputherselfatanother’smercy:notThrogg,andnotGotrekorFelixeither.Hergutbeginningtoclenchonceagain,sheglancedupthroughthecurtainofchainstothetrollboundto

theoppositewallofthecage.Hereyesshoneinthepitchdark.Sheshuffledforward,chainsshadowingherlikecrowsoveraseerofMorr.Itssomnolentheartbeatseemedtodrawherin.Hergazelockedontoitsneckandshelickedfangssosensitivethatithurt.Shewashungry.

‘Gustav,behindme!’Felixbackedintohisnephew,pushinghimbodilyoutofthepathofabeastmanspearandbattingthe

weapon’sshaftasideontheflatofhissword.Hewoveunderaquestingknife,kickedthewielderintheshins,andthenroseuponGustav’sothersideintimetoblockastrikeintendedforhisnephew’sback.TheimpactrangupFelix’sarms.Hisshouldersfeltlikehe’djustcomeoffshiftfromadwarfmine.Hislungsburned.Hadhereallyspentthepasttwentyyearsdoingthis?Withawearygrunt,heflickedasidethebeastman’sbladeandranthecreaturethrough.Beastmenfloodedthesquare,fillingitwithbreathy,brayingcries,stampinghooves,andasmellwhose

onlyearthlyanalogueFelixcouldconjurewaswethorse.Gustav’sfreecompanywasalreadyoutnumberedatleastfivetooneandmoreofthebeastmenwerecharginginbetweenthestatuesthatstoodbetweenthemandthecastle.ThemenwereasweakandslowasGustavhimselfandmosthadbeenlefttodefendthemselvesusing

weaponswithwhichtheyhadreceivedlittleornotraining.Onlytheirdisciplinehadpreventedthembeingoverruninthefirstseconds,tightlyblockedranksservingtheminlieuofshieldsandarmour.TheyprobablynowwishedtheyhadspentasmuchtimeinBadenhofdrillingastheyhadspentdrinkingGustav’swine,butnofreecompanyintheworldcouldhaveexpectedtoendupinasituationlikethis.Arrowszippedthroughthefrayfromsomewherebehindthem,takingoutbeastmenandharpiesfasterthanFelixwouldhavethoughtpossibleforasinglearcher.FelixhadforgottenaboutKolyaamidsttheaction.ClearlytheKislevitewasstillensconcedsomewhereamidsttheouterringofstatues.Still,menweredroppinglikeanicetroll’swinterscales,andtheharpies,againstwhomthemenhadnodefencewiththebeastmenattheirfront,werepickingthemoffatwill.FelixparriedanotherblowmeantforoneofhimorGustav,hehadceasedtryingtodistinguish,andthen

duckedasaharpydroppedstraightdownoutoftheskyafewfeetawaybeforeflingingoutitswingsandshootingtowardshisheadlikeabullet.Thecreaturesweptoverhead,theclawedtipofitswingmissingGustavbythelengthofacloseshave,andtoreafreecompanymanfromhisfeet.Hissavagedcorpsedroppedtothegroundafewsecondslaterontheoppositesideofthecompany’sformation.Lickinggorefromitsstretchedandfang-linedsnout,theharpyglidedhigherandthenswoopedbackaround.Desperately,FelixcastaroundforaglimpseofGotrekorSnorriamidstthechaos.Ifanyofthemwere

tohaveeventheslimmestchanceofgettingoutofthisthenitundoubtedlylaywiththetwoTrollslayers.

Hecouldn’tseethemamongstthebrutishbeastshapesthatsurroundedthem,buthecouldhearthemsomewhereofftotherightwhereFelixhadlastseenthembothchargingtowardsthebigwoollytroll.Fromthatdirectioncametheshrill,overlappingtoneofbeastmanscreams,accompaniedbythepercussivebassoofthetroll,visibleasshaggyheadandshouldersabovethehornsandspeartipsthatbristledfromthesurroundingcombatants.ItmadethegroundtrembleandFelix’sbowelswithit.‘Cometomyaxe!’‘CometoSnorri’s!’Felixmadeoutthechompofstarmetalonfleshandsawabeastmanphysicallyliftedintotheairbya

risingblow,butbeforehecouldconsiderameanstoreachthemhewasagainforcedtodefendhimself.Gustavsummonedacryandstruckhishalberdintotheleathergardbraceofathick-neckedbruiserofabeastman.Sappedofanystrengthbehindit,thebladesuckedintothecuredleatherandcaughtthere.Theboar-headedbeastmansnorted,drivingahotdragon-likebreathofrancidsteamintoGustav’sfaceasitshruggedthehalberdfromitsshoulderarmourandbroughtupitsowntop-heavyfalchionforthekill.Withagarglingyell,Felixshoulder-bargedthebeastmanunderneathitsswingingweapon.Thecreature

washeavyenoughtokeepitsfeet,butwastoobigtoreactbeforeKaraghulslidunderitsribcageandspeareditsheart.Gustavsaggedintohishalberd.‘Youheroic…idiot.’Felixgrinnedtiredly.Thiswaswhathappenedwhenyoungmendidn’treadtheclassics.Lazylanguage.

TheEndTimesthemselves.Hewithdrewhisbladefromthebeastman’schest,anawkwardprocedureduetotheangleof

penetrationandthewaythebiggorhadfallenagainsthim,andwasexposedandoff-guardwhenashriekwentoffbehindhimlikeamatchlockround.Felixtwistedquickly,makingitjusthalfwaywhenablackshapehissingwithfangsandtearingclaws

barrelledintohissideandflunghimthroughtheair.Felixfeltthebreathslammedfromhimandthebruisesinkbetweenhisribsandspread.Clawsdesignedforslicingboneandopeningthescaledunderbelliesofdragonsrakeddownhismail,sendingmetalringletsflying.Felix’sarmourhadheldupaswellasFelixhimself,buttheyhadbothseentheirshareofwearandpartshadweatheredtheyearsbetterthanothers.Someofthelinksheldwhilethosearoundthemscattered,denting,twisting,edgesdaggeringintoFelix’ssidesinadozendistinctsourcesofpain.Felixscreamedastheharpytriedtopullawayandliftoff,onlytofinditsclawssnaggedbetweentwodeformedmaillinksjustaboveFelix’ship.Thecreatureshriekedandbeatitswingsharder.ItsbreathstruckFelixwithitsrottenmeatfoulness.Thebody-reek,pillowedoverhisfacewitheverybeatofitsblack-fleshwings,madehimnauseousenoughtoblackoutforasecond,longenoughtomissthemomentwhenhisfeetlefttheground.Andlefthisstomachbehind.Heswungfortheharpywithhissword,butthecreaturehadsnaredhimjustunderhisleftarmand

howeverwellhetimedhisstrokeshecouldn’tlaysomuchasanickontheharpy’swing.Hefoughtbackwithkneesandelbowsevenasthecreaturestutteredhigheranditselfstruggledtokickhimoff.Theblizzardbatteredhimfiercelyasheroseovertheheadsofthetrolls.Felix’sswordlickedoutasonepassedbrieflywithinreach,takingoffitsearanddistractingitenoughforSnorriNosebitertobatteritbackintothefire.Theeruptionofheatunderitswingsshovedthekeeningharpyhigher.Felixscreamedasityawedand

rolled,seeminglyoutofitsowncontrol,overtheinnerringofstatues.Theycouldhavebeenheadedtowardsthecastle,butFelixwassodisorientedbynowthathecouldno

longertellupanddownfromleftorright.HecouldseeGustavflailingaboutwithhishalberdasarrowspuncheddownthebeastmenclosingfromallaround.Gotrek’sorangecrestandblazingrune-axewere

spinningacrosshisvision,growingeverpalerandmoreetherealuntilwiththecoldfinalityoficesealingafrozenlake,thesnowsweptitallaside.Snorri’sdespondentcursessankintothestorm.Allhecouldhearnowwasthewindandthenumbringingitleftbehindinhisears.Thecastlerolledintoview.Felixthoughthewasgoingtobesick.Littlesquaresoflightwheeledacrosshisvisionashespun,likestarsacceleratedacrossanightsky.A

voiceofcalmreasonsomewhereinsidehisheadtoldhimthattheywerewindowsinthecastle’shighertowersandindeedinsomeofthenearesthecouldmakeoutironbars,andfacespressedagainstthem.HetriedtospotwhetherMaxwasamongstthembuthisownspeedofapproachmadeitlikepickingasingleimagefromarunningflipbook.Apressingforceofwindcausedtheharpy’swingstoripple.EvenFelixfeltitinhisbelly,asenseof

pressureclosingfromabove.TheharpygaveakeeningcryasFelixlookedup.Amonsterwiththebodyofagiantlionandwingslikeadragon’sarrowedthroughtheobscuringsnow.

Ithadthreeheads.Aproudlion’smaneandlongram’sbeardwerewizenedbysnowandfulleredbythewind.Athird,reptilianheadgazedfrostilydown,ignoringFelixandtheharpyasentirelyandliterallybeneathitsnoticeasitshotpast.ThechimeralevelledoutjustattheliminalofFelix’sabilitytoseeandthenploughedtheflagstoneswithfire.Thathedidsee.Hefelttheheatriseonthescreamsoffriendandfoealike.‘Gustav!’Felixscreamed,asaseconddownblastofairpummelledhischeeks.Thegriffonthathehadearlierseenfromtheriverpoweredoverheadwithanalmostnegligentbeatof

itsvastfeatheredwings.Felixcouldnotbelievehiseyes.Ithadtodemandanironwilltoholdsuchpowerfulandindependent-mindedbeastsinstep.ThedeathoftheTrollKingthenwouldsurelyheraldthebreak-upofhisarmy.WhetherthatwasnecessarilyagoodthingandwouldnotsimplyentailmoregriffonsandchimeraeflyingsouthtoattacktheEmpirewasaquestionhewasnotevengoingtotryandanswerwhilehewasspinningtowardsagranitewall.Withapanickedtiradeofwingbeatsandpiercingscreams,theharpyjerkeditslegsinabidtokick

Felixoff.Strongasitswingswere,andwellsuitedtoitscowardlymethodofkilling,itwasnotaccustomedtobearingagrownman’sweightforsolongwithoutdroppingitandtheywerelosingaltitudefast.Thewindwhistledupfromthegroundbetweenthem.Histatteredcloakwhippedaroundhiseyes.Hecouldn’tevenseethegroundforthesnowallaround.Quickly,everythingaroundhimspinning,hetriedtodecidewhetherhavingtheharpypinnedtohissidewasahelporahindrancetohischancesatthispoint.Witharesignedsnarl,hegaveuptryingtohitthecreaturewithhisbladeandinsteadturnedhisfingers

topryingthecreature’stalonsfromhismail.Itsclawswereivorywhiteagainstitsinkyflesh,butcankerousandcrustedwithexcrement.Felixslidhisfingersbetweentheharpy’stoesandtugged.Itshriekedandthrashedagainsthimharder,unabletocomprehendthattheyeachwantedthesamething.Aviscousfoulnessseepedfromthecreasedfleshaboveitsknuckles.Oneclawcameloose,tearingawayanotherwarpedmailring.Felixgaveacryofsuccessastheremainingtalonsslidout.Therewasamomentofjoyousweightlessnessastheharpy’swingsballoonedoutanditshotupwithapartingwail.Felixalmostlaughed.Thenhisstomachshotupthroughhismouthandhefell.Hestillcouldn’tseetheground,buthesoonrealisedthatthatowedmoretothethicknessofthesnow

thantoaltitudewhenhestruckastoneslabnotlongafteropeninghismouthtodrawbreathonascream.Therewasacrunchofmail,anall-encompassinghitofpainasifhehadjustbeenpunchedbyafisttheexactsizeandmassofhiswholebody,andthenhefeltthestonebeneathhimpushbackandhebounced.Theimageofanopengatewayarceddownthroughhisvision.Herealisedhehadlandedonthetopstep

oftheprocessionthatledupfromtheSquareofHeroestothecitadel.Thedoorsweredark,treatedoak,carvedwithgloweringfacesandcrossedwiththickbandsofsteel.Thedoorswereopenwideand

somethingreptilianandmonstrousstoodbetweenthemwithanaxe.Thatwasasmuchasaninstantcouldreveal,andthenextthingFelixbecameawareofwashisshoulder

hittingthenextstepdown.Thestepafterthatbeatontheflappingmailofhiship.Hewasrolling,hisunderstandingofwhatwasoccurringbeyondthebordersofhisownskinreducedtoapainfulsuccessionofbodyblows.Hisheadspun.Hismailshooklikeasackofrice.Tryingtostophimselfhealmostbrokehiselbowagainstoneofthestatuesthatspunpastonbothsides.Tuckinghisheadunderhisforearmsandpullinghislegsintohischest,hehopedsimplytorideitouttothebottominonepiece.WhenthelaststepfinallythrewFelix’sshouldersbackontotheSquareofHeroeshelaythereflatfora

momentandgroaned.Slowlyhisthoughtsswambackintoalignmentwiththephysicallocationofhisbrain.Itwasn’tapleasantreunion.Sigmar,hehurt!Eyesscrunchedtight,heleveredhimselfoffhisbackandontohiselbows.Snowswept

acrossthedramaticfrontageofPraag’scitadel.Fromupcloseitwasuniquelyhorrible.Gargoylesandgothicallyrealiseddaemonsleereddownfromthebattlements.Towersrosehigherthanhecouldsee.Distantwindowswinkedbehindthesnowlikelighthousesinfog.Shakingsnowfromhisface,Felixturnedhisattentiontothecastle’smostimmediateandcrushingly

familiarfeaturewithasinkingfeeling.Statuesstoodsentinelbetweenstepsoneitherside,thelikenessesofImperialsoldiers.Greatswordsstaredsternlyacrossatdismountedpistoliers.Halberdierswithpuffeddoubletsanddatedwargearstoodguardincrackedandweatheredmail.Allofthemweremantledinheavysnow.TheyweretheliberatorsofPraag,thesoldiersofMagnusthePious,grantedthisextraordinarytributebythefiercelyproudmenofKislev.Stiffly,Felixpickedhisswordfromthegroundwhereithadfallenandstood.Thethoughtofclimbingupthatstairhavingjustdescendeditinsuchabruptfashionbroughtspasmstohisachingjointsandpainfromtheiradjoiningmuscles.Ifhesurvivedtoseeit,thenhewasgoingtobestiffasaboardinthemorning.Helookedback.CouldhereallyleaveGustavandtheotherstofightalone?Whowouldkeepaneyeon

Snorri?WasMaxorUlrikaworthalloftheirdeaths?FelixtightenedhisgriponKaraghul.Andifhewasgoingtostartbeinghonestwithhimselfnow,whatmadehimthinkhewascapableofdealingwiththeTrollKing’sremainingguardsbyhimselfanyway?Trappedinindecision,Felixwasabouttoheadbacktothefightwhenhenoticedthattheflagstones

beneathhisfeetweretrembling,asiffearingtheapproachofsomethingdreadful.Notwantingto,butunabletostophimself,Felixturnedbacktothestairandlookedup.Descendingthestepswasamonsterofepicscale,itsterriblebulkneverthelessindistinct,wreathedina

lightning-chargedpenumbraofstorm-blackclouds.Itwasfour-legged,itslowerbodycoveredindarkdragon-likescaleswhileitstorsoandheadwereakintoaman’s,onlyproportionedlikethoseofanancientgodofwar.Itschestwascarvedwithtattooswritteninadeadlanguage,andpiercedwithironspikesandringsthickerthanKaraghul.Amaneofdarkhairfellpastthewaisttothosemonstrousforelegs,thickandchargedwiththelightningthatflickeredarounditsheadandshoulders.Hugetusksthrustfromaplinth-likejaw.Theaircrackledandsteamedwithitsapproach,thebrutepowerinitslowerquarterscausingitshumanoidupperbodytoswaywitheverystep.Withbothhands,itheftedanaxethatmadeGotrek’slooklikesomethingwithwhichahalflingchoppedfirewood.Felixknewthenthathemustbegettingclose.EventheTrollKingcouldnothavecommandedtwosuch

championsasthis!HebackedoutontotheSquareofHeroesbut,tohissurprise,hewasnotafraid.Thiswasthemonster

thatKaraghulhadsensedfromtheriverandhecouldfeelthevaguesentiencewithintheTemplarbladestirringinresponsetoit,easingtheachesfromhisbodyandfillinghisheartwithstrength.Ithadbeenforgedtofightdragons,butdespitecenturiesofwarfareandscoresofcrusadingmastersithadnever

testeditsenchantmentsagainstoneofthelegendaryancients:adragonogreoftheprehistoricworld.Itwasexcitedand,becauseitwas,sotoowasFelix.That,however,frightenedhimagreatdeal.‘Youhavecomealongwayandsufferedsomuchjusttodieinmycastle,FelixJaeger.’Thevoicedidnotcomefromthedragonogre–themonsteremittingonlyasonorousrumble–butfrom

furtherupthesteps.AshardasitwastolookbeyondtheloomingOldOne,Felixforcedhimselfto.There,crownedheadtoweringoverthelargerthanlife-sizestatueofanartillerymanonthestepabovehim,tatteredredcloaksoddenandstreaminginthewind,stoodtheTrollKing.‘Youknowme?’saidFelix,butthenofcourse,theTrollKinghadUlrika,andhadheldMaxforthe

betterpartofayear.AsifreadingFelix’sthoughts,theTrollKingdidnotanswer.‘IamThrogg,theKingofTrolls,andIhadbeenhopingtowatchtheTrollslayerdiehereatmyfeet.But

hishenchmanwillsuffice.Forstarters.’

Foralongmoment,MaxSchreiberstaredatthewindow.Hadhereallyjustseenthefacehehadthoughthehadflypasthiswindow?Impossible.EvenifFelixhadmanagedtopasstheAuricBastion,hischancesofmakingitthisfarwereinfinitesimal.ThrogghadpickedapartMax’sdreamsofescapeandrescuesurgicallyenoughforhimtoknowthat.Reassuredbythislineofreasoning,Maxignoredthephantasmagoriaandturnedbacktohissubject.Thenhespreadhisrawandswollenfingers,andbegan.

SIXTEENTheTrollKing’sChampion

TheholesinSnorriNosebiter’sheadweretingling.Heshookhisheadtoclearit,stoveatroll’sankleinwithhishammer,thendroppedontohisstiffmetalkneeasaboulder-likefistdronedoverheadandhestuckhisaxeintoasecondtroll’sthigh.ChipsofstoneflewoutasSnorriyankedthebladeloosewithajoyouscry,totteringbackwardsandavoidingtheclumsykickfromthefirsttrollthatinsteadhitthesecond’swoundedlegandsentitcrashingtotheground.Snorriwobbledgiddilyonhisfeetandslappedthebackofhishandagainsthisforehead.Thetingling

wouldn’tgoaway.Itfelthorriblylikememories.Everythingaroundhimwasburning.Menwerescreaming.Smokeburnedhiseyesanddriedhismouth.

Thesweetsmellofwellroastedmeatfilledtheair.Itdisturbedthealesloshinginhisotherwiseemptybellyandhethrewupoverthebloodstainedflagstones.Hedroppedtohisknees,crunchingthecharredribcageofagoblinraiderthathadbeenhiddenunderthelayerofsoot.Snorriduckedhisheadunderaswingingaxe.Abeastman’saxe,heremindedhimself.Notgoblins.Hisownaxeguttedthebeastmanandherose.ThescenearoundhimresembledthestoriesofGrimnir’sMarch,thefirstSlayer’sdoomedquesttodo

battlewiththegodsandtheirdaemonlegions.Smokeroseupfromthegroundtochokethedrivingsnow,thewindblendingthemtogetherintoachokinggreypallthatdeadenedsoundandkilledsightcold.Thethree-headedflyingmonsterhadgougedatrenchoffirethathadmissedSnorribyinchesandstillfloodedthesquarewithheat.Tatteredscrapsofmurkdriftedacrossthebeastmen’sbigfirewhileallaroundbitsofburningtrollglowedlikebrands.Thelowingofbeastmenandtheshrieksofharpiesechoedoddlyandfromeverydirection.Monstrousshadowsloomedteasinglyoutofthedark.Coughing,theairstickywithroastedblood,Snorristaggeredafterthestandingtroll,clashinghis

weaponsabovehisheadasmuchtoblockouttheincessanttinglinginhisskullastoattractthetroll’sattention.Thetrollgrunted,distracted,rappingitsownheadwithitsknucklesasifmimickingSnorri’sbehaviour,andslowlysankontoitshaunches.‘StandupandkillSnorri!’Thetroll’smouthhungopenandSnorrinoticedthatitsnosewasbleeding,a

stickybrownishpasteoozingoveraprotrudingupperlip.Itissuedagroan.Iteyesflickeredupintotheirsockets.Snorriloweredhisweapons.‘Gotrek.Snorri’strollisactingfunny.’AtripledshriekechoedthroughthesmogandSnorrisquintedtoglimpseGotrekamidsttherubbleofat

leastonelargestatueandsurroundedonallsidesbyseveralmore.Hisoldfriendwassingedandsavagedfrontandbackwithangryredslashes,andpartiallyobscuredunderahazeofheat.AgoutofflamebelchedoverGotrek’sheadandblastedanotherstatuetosmithereens.Thedwarfbroughtuphisaxe,red-

facedandfuriousashelaboureddownalungfuloffieryairbeforeaswipeofthethree-headedmonster’sclawssenthimpilingthroughthestatueofaKislevitehorse-archerinashowerofrubble.Snorriprobablyshouldn’tfeeljealous.Ifhisoldfriendweretomeethislong-awaiteddoomthenthat

wouldsparethemallalotoftrouble,buthecouldn’thelpbutthinkabouthisownpromiseddestiny.Andwhenyouarewholeagain,whenthoseyoumostlovesurroundyouagain,thenyoushallhaveadeaththatbringsyounothingbutpain.SomehowheknewthatthatmeantGotrekwasnotgoingtodiehere.HehadtobepresentforSnorri’s.Thetrollemittedastutteringsigh,itsheadyawingback,andSnorrifeltasuddenshockofconnectionin

whichhethoughthesawhimselfthroughthemonster’srollingeyes.Snorriliftedhishammer,gettingthegreyedimageofanoldandtired-lookingdwarfwithnohairandonelegmirroringthesameaction,andthensoughttoblinkitoffandturnthehammer.Hegaveitashake.Thatwasstrange.ItremindedSnorriofhisjourneywitholdBorekbackthroughtheChaosWasteswhentheskyhadbeen

fatwithmagic.Thathadfeltlikethis.Thetinglinginhisskullcontinuedtogrowmoreintense,becomingabuzzthatwasstartingtomakehis

headhurt.Somewhereintheblizzardaharpyshriekedasitangledoverheadtowardsthebigstatuewherethehumansfought,soundinginSnorri’soneearlikethemockinglaughofaharsholdwitch.Givinghisheadavigorousshake,Snorrisweptuphishammerwiththeintentionofcrackingitonthetroll’sout-thrustchin.Thebuzzbecameawhistlelikeakettleinthepinholescarofhisotherear.Snorrigrimaced.Andthenhiseardrumsbled.Therewasasharppainasifhe’dbeencleanlyskeweredeartoearandarivuletofbloodranthe

gnarledcourseofhisjaw.Thetrollinthatsameinstantseized,everymuscleinitsmonstrousbodytensingandthenfallingsuddenlyslackasthelightwassnuffedfromitseyes.Ithunguprightforamoment,bloodpoolingundernowlifelesseyeballsbeforeitslowlytoppledbackwards,sprawlingoverthebodyofthetrollthatithadearlierknockeddown.Thatonewasdeadaswell,althoughthewoundinitsthighcontinuedtoregenerate.Bloodstreamedfromitsnoseandeyesandthickclotsofitpluggeditsears.Everywherehecouldsee,trollsweredroppinglikemeatcutfromabutcher’sceilinghooks.Snorri

stuckafingerinhiscauliflowerearandscrapedoutacrustofblood.Hearchedacrookedeyebrowuptowardstheskyasitexplodedwiththeblackwingsofstartledharpies.Verystrange.

Felix’sswordfeltlikealightningboltinhishand.Thebladeglowedanintenseblue-white,electricalburstsfiringoutfromthetipwithcracksthatsplittheairandseareditwithaburned,bittertaste.Thoughitsfiercevibrationshadnumbedhisarmstotheelbow,Felixbroughthisswordintoaguardandpeeredintothestormofarcingwhitelightanddeafeningsound.Silhouettedwithinitsownaurastoodthedragonogre.Black,lightning-struckcloudsleachedfromits

musculartorsolikesweatfromthebodyofaman.Theairaroundittrembledwithperpetualthunderthatcrashedandcrescendoedlikeaninfernalchorus.AboltoflightningwhiplashedthroughthestormandearthedinhisswordandFelixstaggeredbackasifphysicallystruck.Therunesetchedintohisbladeglowedsobrightlyhecouldseethemwithhiseyesclosed.Hegroanedasfreshstrengthrestoredtiredmuscleswitholdaches,neverthelessgrippingtoKaraghulasthoughitweretheonesecureholdinthemidstofastorm.Hefeltinhisfingersthesword’seffortstomatchthemonster’spowerandcounterit,butevenitspotentenchantmentswerebeingoverwhelmedbythetorrentofraw,elementalfury.Andasmoreofthesword’sprotectivemagicksturnedtowardsFelix’ssurvival,thefirstchinkofgenuinehorroratwhatFelixwasactuallyfacingseepedinthroughthecracks.

HerewasamonsterthathadseenthefirstdaysoftheworldandsurvivedthedawnofChaos,orsosomescholarshadit.HewasFelixJaeger;apoet,apropagandistandaone-timesidekicktoaTrollslayer.Whatclaimcouldhehavetobestamonsterlikethis?Punchdrunk,Felixbroughtuphisswordagain.Hardlaughterthatboreapainallitsownreverberatedthroughthethunderandlightning.Felixtriedto

pinpointtheTrollKing,buthewaslostinthesquallofnoise.‘Whatdoyouhopetoachieve,Felix?Youarenotahero.Youareahero’sshadow.’Breakingitsownstormfront,thedragonogreswungupitsmassiveaxeintwohands,drivinga

downwardarctowardsablowthatwouldhavecleftananvilintwo.Bellowinglikeacorneredbear,FelixbroughtKaraghuluptoparryasifanymanhadahopeintheEndTimesofblockingthatblow.TheimpacthammeredFelixdownandsentarcsoflightningflaringoverFelix’sheadfromwheresteel

hadstruckvolcanicglass.AcompressionwavepulverisedtheflagstonesbeneathFelix’sfeet,throwingthedustupintotheairbeforeitwasincineratedbythedragonogre’slightninghaloasecondlater.TheairburnedandFelixfeltasthoughhislungswerefillingwithmoltencopper.ButKaraghulhadsomehowkeptFelixalive.Withtoolittletimetomarvelatthefact,Felixfelttheoverbearingpressureforcehimtohisknees.Witheveryounceofhisownstrengthandthatwhichtheswordcouldloanhimhepushedback,buthisswordarmquavered:itfeltover-largeandachedasiffromdaysofexertion.Theaxegroundhimunderit,forcinghisbladedownuntilitswhiteheatandstaticbrilliancecausedFelix’sbeardandeyebrowstostanderectandsizzle.‘WhenShaggafirstcametome,hehadjustlostawar.Doyouknowhowbadlyyourkindhadhurt

him?’Felixgroaned,thedragonogrepushingitsadvantageuntilhewasalmostbentbackwardsoverthe

shatteredground.Desperately,helookedaroundforsomethingtouse,sometool,sometrick,buttherewasnotevenapavingstonewithinreachthathadn’tbeenobliterated.Helayindustfitforthegrave.EventhesnowwasvaporisedbythelightningmeshbeforeitcouldmakeitasfarasFelix’sexposedface.Atinnitusfilledhisears,likelyaconsequenceofthunderclapsgoingoffeveryfewminutesafootfromhishead.HedecidedthatifhumouringtheTrollKingwouldbuyhimafewextrasecondstothinkofsomethingthenhewoulddoit.‘Didyouhelphimrecover?’‘Ididnothaveto.Hiskindisbeyondyourpowertoinjure.’Great,Felixthought,grittinghisteethandstrainingagainstthedragonogre’sstrengthwhile,seemingly

unrelatedinanywaytothestormsafterall,theringinginhisearshadgrowninpitchtoashrillwhine.Itwasapressurethatseemedtobepushingoutwardsfrominsidehisownhead,likeaparticularlyawfulhangoveralthoughFelixhadhadworse,butmostshockingwastheeffectthatithadontheTrollKing.Themonstergavealongbellowofagony.Felixfelttheungodlystrengthbearingdownonhisswordarmrelentasthedragonogreturnedawayin

concernforitsmasterandFelixhadtofighttokeephislegsfromjellyingtothegroundinrelief.Thetormentedairbecameeasiertobreatheasthedragonogremovedaway,blackcloudsdissipatingbeforethewindandunshroudingthefigureoftheTrollKing.Thetrollwasbentdouble,clutchingatthestatueofahalberdieronthefirststepuptothecastleasifitwereananchor,thefacecrumblingroundhisclaws.‘Whatishappening?’theTrollKinggrowled,voicesosonorousthatitshookFelix’sinnardswithits

fragilesanityanditsrage,thenthrewhisgazeuptowardsthedistantslitsoflightthatglimmeredthroughthesnowabovethecastle’sbattlements.‘Max.’‘MaxSchreiber?’saidFelix,gettingstifflytohisfeet.Thedragonogreregardedhimstormilyfromits

master’ssidebutmadenomove.‘You’reanintelligentcreature.Willyoubargainforhim?’

TheTrollKingwipedatrickleofbloodfromhisnoseandstaredatitasthoughattemptingtoextractmeaningfromapatternthatwasnotthere.Throughthesnowabove,harpiesflappedwildlyfortheireyriesin,toalloutwardappearances,ablind

panic.Theblizzardechoedwiththeshoutsofbeastmenandpealsofphantomthunder.Felixtightenedatthewearysoundofrunningfeetapproachingfrombehindbutdidnotturnaround.Thiswaswhathehadcomeherefor.Andbesides,unlikethecossetedfoolsandliarswhoboastedaboutsuchthingsintaverns,Felixhadnogreatpreferenceastowhetherhefaceddeathwhenitcameornot.Despiteachingmusclesthough,healmostjumpedwhenaroughhandfellonhisarm.‘Ihopeyouweren’ttryingtokeepthisforyourself,’saidGotrek.‘Veryselfish,’Snorriagreedwithanodthatalmostpitchedhimoverhewassowearied.Bothdwarfslookedasthoughthey’dfoughtacrossaroadpavedwithhotcoalstogetthisfar.Snorri

bledfrombothearsandswayedasthoughhehadtakenoneblowtotheheadtoomany.Driedbloodcreakedwithhismovementslikethejointsofarmourplate.Gotrekhoweverwasnotjustplatedwithblood,butlayeredinit:itencasedhisskin,soakedhisbreeches,cloggedthetopofhisboots,dyedtherootsofhiscrest.Awetsmearcoveredhisaxe,asmatteringofgoldenhairsstucktoitlikefliesinamber.Runesgloweddiffuselyfromunderneath.Henoticednoneofit.Hisgazewaslockedonthedragonogre.‘Mine.’‘NotifIgettherefirst,’saidFelixbeforehecouldbitehistongue.Silently,hecursedKaraghulandits

single-mindeddrives.Theswordwasjustmetal:ithadnoconceptofwhenitwasovermatched.‘IsSnorrifightingtheTrollKingthen?’saidSnorriamiably.‘Becausehereallydoesn’tmind.’‘Witlessanimalsandblindfools,’roaredtheTrollKing,withhisheadclutchedinonehand.‘Chaos

itselfholdsatmywallsandsoontheworldwillfollowwhereKislevhasshowntheway.’ThemonsterglaredoverFelix’sheadwithalooklikethunderandwithdrewasteptowardsthecastle.

Felixpulledhisgazefromthesmoulderingancienttoseewhy:agroupofexhaustedbutarmedmentrailedinthedwarfs’wake.Kolyawasamongstthemand–Felix’sheartlifted–Gustavaswell.‘Shagga,’saidtheTrollKing,indicatingFelixandtheotherswithapainedwaveofonedully

luminescentrockofawristashebackedaway.‘Ihavetoseewhathashappenedformyself.Killthemall.’‘Leavethistome,manling,’saidGotrek,brandishinghisblood-smearedaxeasthedragonogregavea

thunderousflexofitsmusclesandcharged.Wishingverymuchthathecould,FelixpositionedhimselfatGotrek’sleftsideandslightlybehind,

anglinghisswordtoguardtheSlayer’sblindside.Gotrekmerelygruntedandletitslide.IfFelixdidn’tknowbetter,hewouldhavelabelledthemausoleumgrinonhisformercompanion’sfaceasalmostpleased.Felixcouldn’teventellanymoreifitwasKaraghulorhisownsenseofdutytothemiserabledwarfthatcompelledhimtodothis.Neitherpossibilitywasparticularlyreassuringsohedidn’toverlylamentthetoo-briefsecondhehadtoconsideritbeforeseethingstormcloudslashedtheshakingflagstoneswiththunderandthedragonogreswungitsblackaxe.AtthelastsecondFelixandGotreksharedalook.GotrekbaredhisteethandrolledrightwhileFelix,justafractionslower,tuckedhisshoulderand

duckedleft.Inanawesomedisplayofpowerandcontrol,thedragonogrecheckeditsdownstroke,monstrousbicepsswellingasitturneditintoapendulumslashforGotrekatthesametimethatFelixwasforcedtoparryastraylightningboltthatblastedhimfromhisfeet.TheSlayerswunghisownaxetoparrytheblowaschargedblackcloudsdescendedfromthemonster’s

torsotowashoverhim.Gotreksnarledinpainattheimpact,backingupandtossinghisaxetohislefthand.Heflexedhisrighthand,yankingoutthewristuntilthechainthatboundaxehafttorightbracer

pulledtaut.Clothessteamingwherethesnowlandedonhim,Felixpulledhimselfup.Hishandsandfeetwere

shakingliketuningforks.Dischargingstaticclappedfromthefrayedendsofhiswoolcloak.Hiswoollenundergarmentsdeliveredfurtherpainfulshockstovariousoutofthewayplacesashebadehislegstocarryhimforwards.‘Uncle!’FelixturnedsharplyatGustav’svoice.Hisnephewandthelasthandfulofhisfreecompanyhadbeen

madehaggardbysnowandbattleandrenderedsmallerthanmenbyterror.Acoupleofwaveringspearspointedbackintothesnow-sweptSquareofHeroesandtheraucousdinthatragedthere,butmostsimplygapedinhorrorattherampagingancient.‘Stayback,’Felixcommandedthemandthosestillofsoundenoughmindtoregisterhumanspeech

needednosecondtelling.FelixfocusedonGustavwholookedphysicallytornoverwhethertointervene.‘Youtoo,Gustav.Thisisnotforyou.’Thatsaid,Felixtookacoldbreathofairthattastedofscorchedstoneandchargedintothestorm-

wrackedumbrathatnowshroudedthedragonogre’srear.Hisearspoppedashelungedthroughthemonster’selectricalcorona,atinglinginhisskintranslatingintoavibrant,violentlightthatsuffusedKaraghul’srune-etchedlengthashedrewbackandthenrammedthebladedeepintothecreature’sthigh.Thedragonogrebellowedinunexpectedpainasgromril-hardscalesasoldastheworldpartedbefore

Karaghul’sbanefulenchantmentsandrazoredge.Astampofthegroundwiththemonster’swoundedlegsentFelixstaggeringandheonlyjustavoidedaswipeofitsthicktailasittriedtoswathimdownagaintopileitsfullpowerontotheSlayer.Felixsawhisformercompanionfightingaxe-to-axerightunderthetusksofthemonster’sfront.Their

dualwasablurofobsidianandstarmetal,fearsometattoosandbrutalpiercings,dispersedintoahazeofstatictorture.ByFelix’ssnapassessment,theSlayerwasmorethanholdinghisown,butthefleshwasbeingliterallysearedoffhisbonesbyasuccessionoflightningstrikes.Gotrekstaggeredbackbeforeonedazzlingthunderclap,shakinghishead,dazed,andthenpresentedhisaxewithasnarl.ThathewasstillalivewasamiracleworthyofSigmar.DuckinglowFelixslashedhisbladeacrossthedragonogre’shamstrings,elicitinganotherroaranda

swipeoftail,andthenrolledbetweenthemonster’slegsslicingintoitstoughgreenunderbellyashewent.Themonstershudderedanddrewback,earningGotrekasecondtocatchhisbreathasFelixcameupbesidehim.TheSlayerdecidedtowasteitinsteadonadisparaginggrunt.‘Youcouldhavejustwalked.’Felixfoundhimselfgrinninglikealunatic,buttherespitewasasshort-livedasFeliximaginedhewas

tobe.Thedragonogrepoundedforward,axerisingamidstagatheringpalloflightningandthenhammeringdownonGotrek’sblade.MusclesknottedacrosstheSlayer’sbackashepushedbackagainstthedragonogre’sstrengthand,impossibly,matchedit.Thetwoaxesremainedlocked,waveringupanddownwithinthespanofaninchasbothfightersstrained.Lightninglimnedtheboundaryofthestruggle,butratherthanstrikingtheSlayerthoserandomdischargesnowconvergedonthelightningrodinthemidst.CursingtheTemplarswordthroughclenchedteeth,Felixtensedrigidwithpainasjoltafterjoltcracked

againstKaraghul’sblade.Theweapon’sprotectiveenchantmentsabsorbedmostoftheenergyfromtheimpacts,butFelixwasn’tfeelingparticularlygratefulforthatfactjustnowgiventhatitwasthosesameenchantmentsthatwerepullingthedragonogre’spowerontohiminthefirstplace.Thebladeglowedbrighterwitheverystrike.Hecouldn’thaveletgooftheswordnowifhe’dwantedto.Hisbodycoursedwithelectricityandhadthedragonheadhiltinarictusgrip.

Evenifhecouldhavedroppedtheswordandrun,heknewhewouldn’thave.ThiswasGotrek’sonlychanceofslayingthebeast.Lightningflashingacrosshisgapingeyesocket,Gotrekinchedonehandfromhisaxe,gruntingasthe

fullstrengthofthedragonogreboredownontooneshakingarm.Gotrek’sbicepswelledandknottedwithveins,butslowlythetwoaxesgroundinevitablydown.‘Whatareyoudoing?’FelixmanagedtostutterastheSlayerusedhisfreehandtoloopthechain

lockingaxehafttobraceraroundthedragonogre’swrists.Baringhisteethinalightning-fleckedgrin,Gotrekhauledthechaintightuntilbloodtrickledbetween

thesteellinkswheretheybitintothemonster’sflesh.Thunderrumbledfromthedragonogre’sthroat,buttheunexpectedpainwasadistractionand,moreover,theconstrictionarounditswristswasfoulingitsgriponitsaxe.Gotrekpushedback.Felixhowevercouldtakenomore.Hisswordwasshiningsobrightlythatitscoronaencompassedhim

entirely.Hecouldbarelysee,couldhearnothingbutthecrackoflightningandtheoccasionalwildburstofchargethatarcedofffromthetipofhisbladetostrikeaflagstoneorastatueandblowthemapartinaravagingstormofenergy.AgainFelixcursedthedamnedsword.Fightingthedragonhadbeeneasierthanthis.‘Gotrek!’hescreamed,knowingthatdwarfearswerebetterthanmen’sandprayingthathisformer

companioncouldhearwhenevenFelixhimselfcouldnot.‘Letgoofit.Now!’Withahowl,FelixlashedoutwithKaraghulasifstrikingadeathblow.Lightningflashedaroundthe

swordwithanapocalypticcrackofgodlythunderandatorrentofenergyburstfromthetipofthebladeandstruckthedragonogresquareinthechest.Gotrekhadheardandpulledclearatthelastminuteandnowwatchedasparalysingparoxysmsoverwhelmedthedragonogre’snervoussystem.GiventhestoriesFelixhadreadofdragonogresfeastingonwarpstormsandbathinginmountaintopseasofnever-endinglightninghedidn’texpecttheblowtoprovefatal,butthemomentwasallthattheSlayerneeded.Gotreksteppedintowardstheshudderingbeastandburiedhisrune-axedeepintothemonster’s

abdomen,roughlytransectingthelinewherethedragonogre’smonstroushalftookonitshumancharacter.BloodandgutsspatfromthewoundasGotrekwithdrewhisaxeandcutagain.Ittookseveralmoreblowsforthemonstertofallandseveralsecondsmoreforthelastspasmofelectricitytoarcacrossitslimpcarcass.Felixslumpedontooneknee,leaningonthedragonheadhiltofKaraghullikeaknightinprayer.His

bodyfeltlikeithadbeentornupfromtheinsideandnowbitsofhimselfthathehadnonameforflappedloose.Butsomehowhewasallstillhere.Shakily,hekissedtheringonhisfinger.Perhapsitwasgoodluckafterall.Hedecideditwasaritualhewasgoingtokeep.TheapproachofGustavandtheothermenbroughtacrunchofsnowandpebbledflagstonesundertheir

nervousfeet.Kolyatookuptherear,hisswaddlingfursthickwithsnowandahoodkeepingtheworstofitoffhiseyes.Withbowlooselydrawn,heeyedtheblizzardattheirbacks.Itwasnolongerjustshapesthatpeopledthesnowbutanimalshrieksandaclangourthatseemedtobedrawinginfromeveryside.Felixcouldonlyguesswhatwashappeningoutthereandfromeverythinghehadwitnessedonhisway

in,noneofitwasgood.‘Dowegoinside,then?’saidKolya,withanonchalantnodtowardsthecitadelasifthecorpseofa

monstrousancientdidnotlieacrossthebottomstep.‘Wecanalldieinthewarm.’Justwhatthepartyneeds,thoughtFelixwithasidewaysglanceatGotrek,anotheroptimist.‘Youcouldhavehelpedout,’saidFelix.TheKisleviteofferedanotherofhisinfuriatingshrugs.‘HeisaSlayer,Empireman.Amancantakea

horsetowater…’

Felixwaveddowntheplatitudewithagrimaceandstood.Hisbonescreaked.Itfeltasthoughmorethanafewmusclesweren’tpullingtheirweight.‘Thisiswhyyouwereashoddyrememberer,’saidGotrek.‘Youneverdidgetthepoint.’Felixfeltsomethinginhisheartwrench.HeregardedtheSlayer,hopingforanindicationthathejoked,

butofcoursehedidn’t.Themomentofcomradeshiphehadthoughthe’dsensedastheyfoughtwasnowheretobeseennow.‘Finethen.Let’sgetyoukilled,shallwe?Itshouldn’tbetoodifficult.’‘I’llbelieveitwhenIseeit.’Ascoldinsideasout,Felixturnedtothementoofferatleastafewreassuringwordswhenhenoticed

somethinggravelyamiss.Hescannedthefacesaroundhim.Onewasmissing.‘WhereisSnorri?’

TheentrancehallofPraag’sgloomycitadelwasalargeandcircularspacemadeofdarkstoneblocks.Thickpillarsrosepastasuccessionofgalleriesbeforecomingtoadomedceilingdecoratedwithpaintedpanelsdepictingasweepinghorsebattleoveranicyfield.Itwastheonlycolourtobefoundinwhatwasotherwiseadesertofstone.Thegallerieslookedliketheyshouldhavebeenhungwithtapestries.Embeddedintothewallsatintervalswerehooksandbarsthatmighthaveheldportraits,weaponry,animalheadsandskins.Therewerealsoindentswheresuitsofarmourwouldhaveoncestood,butnowtheywereempty.Itlookedasthoughthecastlehadbeenstrippedofanythingofbeautyorvalue.SnorriNosebiterlikeditbetterthisway.Itremindedhimofhome.Histunelesswhistleechoedbackat

himfromthedistantceiling.Halfwaydownthehallawidestaircaseclimbedpartwaytowardsthenextfloorbeforesplittinginto

twohalvesthatspiralleduptowardstheupperstoreys,crossingagainsomewhereaboveSnorri’shead.Snorritooktheleft-handstairtothenextfloor.Itwasacorridor,longerthanthehallbeneathandlinedwithplainwoodendoorsinterspersedeveryfewdoorwayswithbenchedalcoves.Theothersideofthepassageopenedoutontotheentrancehallthrougharowofelaboratelycarved

stonearchesintheformofwrestlinggargoyles.Throughthesymmetricalfeatureontheoppositesideofthestaircase,Snorrisawasinglefileofarmouredbeastmenhurrybybeforedisappearingagain.TheyignoredSnorrientirelyandSnorricouldn’tfigureouthowtogetacrosswithoutgoingbackdowntothehallandtakingtheotherbranchofthestairup,soheignoredthemtoo.Thebeastmen’shard,bonyfeetandrattlingmailechoedthroughthehallslongaftertheywereforgottenaboutandSnorrifollowedthecorridordeeperintothecastle.Snorriknewhewasnogreatmind–hewasremindedofitoftenenough–buthewasgoodatfollowing.

Evenhecouldn’tmissthecrateringinthestonefloorwheresomethingbigandveryangryhadrecentlywalkedortheoccasionalstill-crumblingpunchwoundtornoutofthesideofthelittlewallnooks.Hefollowedthetrailuntilhecametoadoorthathadbeenrippedcleanoffitshinges,snappedintwo,andhurleddownthecorridor.Itledontoastaircasethatwoundupwards.Alightflickeredlikeacat’seyeinthedistanceandSnorri

grinneddeterminedly.Itwashisturntobetheheronow.ImagesofDurinDrakkvarrandSkalfHammertoesflashedthroughhismind.AlotofpeoplehadputalotoffaithandsacrificeinSnorri’ssupposeddestinyandiftherewasadoomtobehadherethenitwouldbeSnorri’s.TheSpiderLadyhadpromisedhimone.Anditwouldbethemightiest.

SEVENTEENTrueSelves

AtthesheergranitefaceoftheMountainGateoverlookingtheGoromadnyRoadandawhiteseaofsnow-coveredtents,thirtythousandnorthmenraisedaraucouscheerastheimmovablelineoftrollsupontherampartsjerkedandfell.Thecrybecameaberserkerroaroneveryman’slipsascold,hungry,frustratedmensurgedforwardsasone.Chaoswarriorsalreadyonthesiegeladderssuddenlyfoundthemselvesopposedbynothingmorethanbeastmenandalongoverdueslaughterbeganindeadlyearnest.FivemilesbackfromtheEastGateandthekillingfieldslitteredwiththebodiesofKurganandDolgan

andothermaraudertribes,KhorregHellworkerwatchedwithagrinasblackascoalasastringoftrollspitchedfromartillery-scarredwallsonebyoneintotheLynskbelow.Snowmeltscreamingfromtheglowingfissuresinhisflesh,thedaemonsmithbadethehostofZharr-Naggrundtoattack.TheDawi-Zharrwereapatientandstubbornrace,buttheTrollKinghaddefiedthemallforlongenough.Athisword,theskywhinedwithasuddenonslaughtofrocketsandshells.ThewallsofPraagshooktotheirfoundationstonesundertheonslaughtasblockafterblockofremorselessheavyinfantrymarchedon.Tothesouth,theGateofGargoyleswasstilltobere-sealedaftertheTrollKing’ssallyandbattles

ragedbetweenbeastmenandKurganacrossseveralmilesofopenplain.Theblockofmassivestonetrollsthatanchoredtheirrearwithintheopengatestaggeredandallatoncestoppedfighting,onlytheircollectedbulkholdingthemuprightandpluggingthegateuntilachargeofKurgancavalryandcharioteersscythedthemdownandhowlingmaraudersspilledontotheGrandParade.AcrossPraag,trollsdroppeddeadinthestreetandbeastmenfledinpanicfortheinnerwallsoftheOld

Town.FiressprangupoutofnowhereinthecrampedheartoftheNovygradandahuge,fiery-wingeddaemon

begantotakeformoutofthecindersasacabalofChaossorcerersfinallydaredtolettheirpowersbefelt.ApairofgiantswieldingmassivestonehammersbellowedThrogg’snameastheystrodethroughtheruinstodobattlewiththesummonedbeing.OnthewidebodyofthemightyKarlsbridge,awildhydrawithscalesasgreyasmorningsleetsenttorrentsofflameripplingthroughthesnowandincineratinganythatdaredattemptthecrossing.Huge,armouredbeastmenbellowedfororderinitsfieryshadow,rallyingtheirroutedforcestothepreparedstockadesthereuntilvolleysofpreciseKurganhorse-archerybroughtthebeastdownandthebridgewentthewayofthegates.FireandbloodshedlappedattheOldTownwalls,closingonthecitadelofthehatedTrollKinglikea

risingfloodofChaos.Draggingonadryveinwithinthedarkofaforsakencellar,thebeastthathadbeenUlrikafeltherself

drown.Dense,foul-tastingbloodranthroughherveinslikeoilinwater,churning,churning,butnever

fullyminglingwithherown.Shecouldfeelthewargoingonbetweenherownbloodandthetroll’s.Shefeltsick.Throughitandthestrangemagicalconnectionthatthistrollseemedtopossesswiththeothersofitskindwithinthecity,sheexperiencedeverydeathasaspasminhermind.Shetoogroanedatthetugthatsoughttodrawherspiritfromhercoldfleshasithadfromthenowdeadtrollinherembrace.Ulrikahoweverstillretainedwitenoughtofightback,just;buttherewassomethinginitssirennature

thatappealeddirectlytoher,toUlrika.Therewasafamiliartaste,ascentthatcarriedonlyonthewindsoftheaethyrandwasthusunhinderedbystoneandundilutedbydistance.Itconjuredmemoriesofawiseman,ahandsomeman,amanwhomshehadoncelovedandwhosegoodnessstillexistedsomewherewithinthemonstershehadbecome.Pullingupfromthetroll’sneckwithagaspofhungerdespitethebloodsmearedacrossherfaceand

chest,thebeastshuddered.ChaoswasrisingonthetideoftheEndTimes.Thecallwasmadeinvain.Ulrikadidnotlivehereanymore.

AlowgrowlstartedupinthebellyoftheIceTower,risingupitsthroatwithsuchashakingfurythatthecagesofitstopmostlevelbegantorattle.Theircaptives,alreadyinastateofnearhysteriafollowingthesuddendeathofeverylastoneofthetrolls,foundasecondwindtowaillikedyingwolvesandeventhestub-hornedungorlamplighterwhosesolepurposeitwastokeepthetorcheslitonthewizards’worktrembledasthewallbracketsrattledagainsttheirfittings.Itreachedthefloorbelow;abellowofpuredisbelievingoutragethatshiveredthroughthefloorboards,

followedbythecrunchofawoodendooryieldingbeforesomethingthatdidnotknowwhatitfeltliketobestopped.Thecrashofhurryingstepsdrewcloseruntil,withabalefulroarandascreamofironfixtures,thelastdoorbetweenthatwrathanditsmostprizedprisonersflewinwardsandslammedintothesideofthecageopposite.Theoccupant,anightgoblinwithasharpgreenchinprotrudingfromahoodedcloak,shriekedinnocenceandsettheentireleveltoclamouring.Headswimmingwiththeeffortofre-establishinghiswillwithinjustoneearthlyhost,Maxstruggledto

absorbwhatwasgoingon.‘Itoldyou,man-thing,’hissedtheskavenwarlock,glaringathimthroughthetwosetsofbarsbetween

them.Thetrollchainedtotheskaven’swallwaslimp,apieceofmindlesslyregeneratingmeat.Theseveredheadthathadbeenwiredtothewarlock’swind-upshockmachinewasequallyslack,barringaperiodicallyinducedtwitchasacurrentdirectlystimulateditsdeadbrain.Withaglanceoverhisshoulder,theratmanhunchedhisshouldersandretreatedintothefarcornerofhisowncage.‘Itoldyouthekingwouldnotbepleased.’MaxfeltthefloorbeneathhimshakeandlookedpasttheskulkingratmanasthehulkingfigureofThrogg

strodebetweentheshudderingcagesstraightforMax’scell.TheTrollKingbristledwithrage,thecrystallinemaneofwarpstonethatrandownhisneckandshoulderspulsinglikeangryhearts.Maxhadneverseenhimthisway,hismonstrousnaturelaidbarepastthelimitsofallhisgodlygiftstosethimbeyond.Itwasterrifyingtobehold.Withabestialgrowl,ThroggreachedoutforMax’scellandthenwithonethrowoftheshouldertore

thedoorclearfromitshousingandhurleditbackacrossthechamber.ThentheTrollKingthrustmineral-spikedhandsaroundthebarstoeithersideoftheopeningandwrenchedthemapartsufficientlyforhimtoenter.‘Whatdidyoudo,Max?’hesaid,thrustinghishugeheadthroughthemangleddoorframewhiletheiron

barssquealedinhisgriplikeswine.‘Howmanyofmypeopledidyoukill?’‘Yousaidyoudidnotcareforoneorforahundred,’saidMax,abuzzwithachievementandtheresidual

thrillofmagic.WhywastheTrollKingangry?CouldhenotseeforhimselfwhatMaxhadaccomplishedforhim?‘Youfool.Youweak,human,broken-mindedfool.Thereisanarmyoutsidethesewalls.Thereareten

armies.Thesearemywalls.’Throggshookthebarsinhisgripuntilonebentwithalingeringscreamandthentoreoffinhishand.Hebeattheironrodagainsttheremainingbarsandroared:‘Mine!’‘ButIhavedoneit,’saidMax,tryingdesperatelytogethiscaptor,hispatron,tosee.‘Everybeing

withinaraceresonatessimilarlytothetouchofGhyran,theJadeWind.Itwassimplyamatterofgatheringenoughofthatlifeforce,usingtheGoldtocatalysethechangewithasparkoftheCelestial.Itwas…elegant.’‘Elegant?’ThefuriouslyintelligenteyesoftheTrollKingpassedfromMaxtohissubjectwherehewas

chainedtothewall.Thenewbornmindgawpedupattheworldaroundit,stonygreyeyeswidewithincomprehensionandnascentwonder.Earthysalivadribbledfromitsgapingmouth.Itsbreathingwasvapidanduneven.Atrophiedlimbsjerkedfeeblyaftereverycryorflickeroflight.TheTrollKinggaveasnarl.‘Heisbroken,Max.Likehisfather.’‘Heisonemindfrommany.Heissimplicity,arefutationoftheinevitabilityofChaos.’Maxstumbled

towardsThrogg,handspleading,voicerisingaspassiontookoverfromgoodsense.TheTrollKingregardedhimcontemptuously.‘Heisyourchild.Imerelydeliveredhimintotheworld.Seehimforwhatheis.’TheTrollKing’smineralisedbrowfurrowed,indecisioncockinghisgoldencrown:thinking–always,

alwaysthinking.Hisgazelingeredonthenewborn,longing,andyet,facednowwiththeequalhehadthoughthecraved,jealousofhisownuniqueness.‘WhatIseeistheendstateofman–gapingandhelplessastheirdoomcloses.’‘No!Hesimplydoesn’tyetknowhowtocontrolhisthoughts.Yourkindisadaptable.Hewilladapt.’‘No,Max,youwererightbefore.ATeclisoraNagashyouarenot,andthankstoyourworthlessefforts

mycityislost.’Withadangerousgrowlhesummonedthequiveringungorlamplighter.‘Fetchmethevampireandspreadthewordthatwearesoontomarchsouth.TellherIhave

reconsideredheralliancewiththeEmpire.’

‘Irememberthisplace,’saidFelixasthegrouppaddedintothecastle’sentrancehall,voicehushedbythehighdomedceilingasiftheyhadjustenteredatomb.‘ThisiswhereDukeEnrikreceivedMaxandUlrikaandIvanPetrovichandIforavictoryfeast.Hepointedacrossthedesolatehalltoanemptypedestalthatbackedontoanalcove.‘Therewasasuitofarmourthere.AwingedlanceroftheMagnusLegionifIrecall.ItwaslargeenoughforUlrikaandItosneakoffduringsomeofthelongerspeechesand–’‘Pleaseuncle,spareusthesordiddetails.’Gustavclutchedhishalberdasthoughheintendedtothrottleitandaffectedinterestintheemptyhooks

thatwerespacedacrossthebarestonewalls.Ulrikahaddrawnofhimtoodeeplyforhimtoblush,butGustavwasn’tnearlywilyenoughtohidethesubtlecuesfromamanofFelix’sexperience.Therewasfearforher,perhaps.Jealousy,almostcertainly.‘It’snotmendoingthefeastingnowanyway,’saidGotrekwithwhatmightequallyhavebeena

deliberateattempttofurtherdarkenthemoodasareminderofwheretheyallstillwere.Alowmurmurofactivityreverberatedthroughthecastle’sstonesand,thoughthecoldnumbedFelix’snoseeffectively,thesweatyscentofbeastmanlacedtheair.TheSlayerfurtherstampedoutthesolemnairwiththesnowfromhisboots.Felixlookedup,pasttheoverlookinggalleriesandthedecorativebandingsbywhichfriezesof

monsterssuchaswyvernsandtrollsbeingriddendownbyKislev’slancersseparatedthelevelstothe

frescoedceilinghighabove.‘ItisthelastrideoftheUngol,’saidKolya.‘WhentheGospodarcrushedthemandtookPraagfora

unitedKislev.’Hegaveanappreciativesigh.‘IneverthoughtIwouldseeit.’‘You’venotbeenherebefore?’‘Youhavefeastedwiththekrugoftheduke.Iwouldnotevenknowhimtoseehim.’Hisgazelingered

onthefrescoandFelixsawnotalaconicandslightlyirritatingnortherner,butamanwhowoulddrawhorsesonstonesbetweenbattles,amanwhohadlostitallbutforsomereasoncarriedon.‘ButIalwaysthought…oneday.’Pushingdeeperintothehall,itwasn’tdifficulttotellthattheducalpalacewasfirstandforemosta

fortress.Thegalleriesprovidedbothcoverandexcellentanglesforcrossbowmenpostedthereandthestaircaseupahead,thoughwideenoughforarankoftentofightacross,presentedanopentargettoarchersfiringdownfromtheflankswhiletheheightbetweenstepswasunusuallysteeptoconferasignificantadvantagetoanydefenderfightingfromabove.Therewerenowindowswhatsoever.Felixglancedagaintotheceiling,wonderinghowmuchmorecastletherewasbeyondthatdome.Wherediditsitinrelationtothebattlements?Wherewerethetowerswiththebarredwindowsandlightsinside?‘IthinkMaxisbeinghelduptheresomewhere,’hesaid,whileGotrekwanderedfurtherintothehall

andlookedintentlyaroundwithhisonegoodeye.‘Don’tforgetUlrika,’saidGustav.Amurmurofassentsoundedfromhismen.‘We’vegivenoathsof

serviceandwe’renotleavingwithouther.’That’snotallyou’vegiven,Felixthoughtbutchosenottosay.Hedidn’tknowifGotrekhadnoticedthe

marksonthemen’snecksorwhattheSlayerwoulddoifheknew.Perhapsnothing.Thesemenwereinnocentvictimsafterall,butitneverpaidtoassumethatdwarfs–andGotrekinparticular–perceivedinnocenceinthesameframeasdidhumans.‘Weshouldgothatway,’Gotrekcutinwithanodtowardstheleft-handsweepofthestaircaseandthe

corridoritledto.‘Whatmakesyousaythat?’‘Thegroundiswetwheresnowhasbeentraipsedinfromoutside,andseethosemarks?’Felixandthe

otherslookedtothestaircasewhereGotrekpointed.Therewereindeedanarrayoftinyindentsinthestone.Felixhadn’tnoticedthem,andifhehadhewouldhaveassumedthemporousimperfectionsintherockorsimplewearandtear–thiscastlewashundredsofyearsoldandhadbeenoverrunbyChaosontwoseparateoccasions.OrthreeifonecountedtheTrollKing’susurpationofAekoldHelbrass.‘That’sfromSnorri’sleg.Youcantellbythepattern.’‘Whenthisisoveryoushouldhuntwithme,zabójka,’saidKolya.‘Hecan’thavegotfaronthatleg,’saidFelix,stridingtowardsthestaircase,determinedtofindtheold

SlayerbeforeGotrekdid.‘Wecancatchhimbeforehedoessomethingstupid.’Gotrek’sgruntsaideverythingthatadwarfneverwould.

Snorriuppedhispace,runningwithonehandscouringalongtheoutsidewallofthestairwell,bashingthelipofeverystepwithhismace-leginhishaste.Heburstthroughasplintereddoorwayandintoacircularchamberfilledwithironcagesandwailing.Heblinkedagainsttheharshglarethatcamefrombraziersspacedregularlyallaroundtheroomandtotteredthroughthescreamingvoicesandgraspinghandsandthroughthedoorontothenextflightofstairsup.Everyfewturnsofthestairwell,abrokendooropenedontothesamescene.Theonlydifferencewas

thatthecagesbecameslightlylarger,probablysoastofittheincreasinglyimpressivearrayofwhatSnorriunthinkinglycharacterisedas‘stuff’thatthebetterfedandlessbatteredprisonersallseemedto

haveinsidewiththem.Goblinsandbeastmenandorcsgavewaytomenandskavenandevenanelf.TheTrollKinghadbeenthorough.Ononefloor,Snorrispottedagreybearddwarfinrunesmith’srobes,buthedidn’tpause,almostrunningdownaskinnybeastmanthatclatteredthroughtheoppositedoorandcompletelyforgettingtotryandhitituntilithadskiddedpasthimandsprintedoffdownthestairs.EvenafterthatnearmissSnorrionlysloweddownalittle.Theconstantspinningwasstartingtomake

himdizzy,threateningtodislodgeajumbleoflooselystoredmemories,buttheTrollKingwassoclosehecouldalmostsmellhisdestiny.Innatedwarfintuitiontoldhimthatthenextlevelwouldbethesecondfromlast.Theairsmelledlike

thealchemist’sshopthatBjorniBjornissonhadmadehimgotoafterahardnightintheRedRose.Acacophonyofscreamsreturnedhimtothepresentandhelookeduptoseearectangleofbrightlightagainstthedarkstone.Snorrigaveanexcitedyipandspilledthroughintoabrightlylitsceneofdestruction.Snorritookitallinasquicklyashecould.Thelayoutofcageswassimilartowhathadcomebefore,

butfollowingthepattern,withlargerandfewercages.Anotherdoor,presumablythelast,facedhimthroughapairofclutteredcages.Itwasintactbutajarandhecouldseemorestepsbeyondit.Thedoorhehadjuststumbledinthroughwasinabadwayonthefloorafewfeetaheadofhimwhereithadstruckthemostimmediatecage.Snorricouldseewherethebrassfixtureshadchippedtheiron.Thehoodedgoblinwithinhaditslongstrangler’sfingerswrappedaroundthebarsandwasstaringatsomecommotionthatSnorricouldn’tseeforinterveningcages,offtowardstherearofthetowerthatoverlookedtheSquareofHeroes.‘Snorri’slookingforaTrollKing,’saidSnorriloudly.‘He’sgotadestiny.’Thenightgoblinturnedto

stareathimagog.‘Snorri,thatis.TheTrollKingcangethisowndestiny.’AsSnorriwatched,ashudderpassedthroughthebarsandthegoblinpulledawayasifshocked,then

turnedbacktowhereithadpreviouslybeenlookingandsquealed.Alowgrowlrumbledthroughthechamberandsomethingdetacheditselffromthefarwallbehindtheblockingcages–Snorrihadthoughtthatithadbeenthewall–andstampedaroundintofullviewofthedoor.AratmaninatinhatwhimperedastheTrollKingsethishanduponthetopcornerofitseight-foot-tall

cage.Themonster’scrownshoneonallsidesagainstthebraziersthatencircledit.Hisstonybulkglitteredunderamantleoffrost.ScoresoftinymouthsovertheTrollKing’sbellyyammeredbreathlesslyuntilhecutthemoffwithasweepofhistatteredredcloak.Snorriclutchedhisaxeexcitedlyanddrewhishammer.Amightydoom.Whenthosehelovedmostsurroundedhimagain.‘Thehalf-wit,’growledtheTrollKing,pointingamassiveclawtothedoorbehindSnorri.‘Idonot

careenoughtowishyouharm.Takethisonechancetoleave.Ihavenopatienceleftforfools.’Snorriscowled.Sometimeshedidn’trealisethathe’dbeeninsulteduntilwellaftertheevent,butthat

onehegot.Fortunately,Snorriwasn’tinthehabitoflisteningtotrolls,eveniftheycouldtalk,andinsteadstrodeundertheTrollKing’shandswhilehewasstilltalkingandcrackedtheteethfromadozengnashingmouthswithablowfromhishammer.SnorrigrinnedattheTrollKing’sindignantroaranddrewbackhisarmforanotherblow.Whowasstupidnow?TheTrollKing’sfisthitlikeacannonball.‘WewillreturntoKarakKadrin,’saidBorekfirmly.‘Iexpectthereisanoaththerethatyouwill

wishtomake.’‘After,’saidSnorri,sadly.‘AfterSnorritellsGotrek’sfamilywhathedid.’Snorricametowitharmsandlegsflapping,justasecondbeforeheslammedintothecagebehind.The

barscavedaroundhimasthoughabig,clawedhandhadjustrisenoutofthefloorandcaughthim.

Snorri’smouthworkedinpainhecouldn’tfindthebreathfor.Bentmetaltrappedhislimbs.Somethingscreamedthatwasn’thimandSnorrishiftedhisheadaroundtoseeagaunthumaninthreadbareblackrobesholdingoutclaspedhandsandyammeringwhilehebackedfurtherintohiscage.‘Mythoughtsaregiftsfromthegods,youmoronic,dirt-chewingoaf.Theywillnotbebrokenbythe

likesofyou.’TheTrollKingreadiedafistandthistimeSnorrisawitcomingingoodtime.Itwasaclubof

overlappingcrystaledgesandwasalmostaslargeasSnorriwas.Heheavedonhismace-legbutcouldn’tfreeitintime,thenturnedhisfaceasideastheblowlanded.Snorriletthebodydrop,thenslumpeddownontohisbacksidebesideit.Injureddwarfsgroaning

andwhimperingallaround,hetookasipfromhisliberatedaleskin.Whathadthatrangerbeentryingtosayabouttownsandgoblins?Sharp,glitteringdebristinkledfromSnorri’sshouldersashewobbledupright.Forasecondhis

jumbledmemoriescouldn’tplacewherehewas,butthentheswirlinginfrontofhiseyesslottedtogether.Itlookedasthoughhe’dbeenpunchedrightthroughthebarsandintothepalehuman’scage.ThehumanlayunconsciousamidstapileofglassandmetallicdebristhatlaybetweenSnorriandthemangledremnantsofthecage’sfrontwall.TheTrollKingglaredathimfromtheotherside.‘Whyareyousmiling?’‘WasSnorrismiling?’Witharoaroffury,theTrollKingwrenchedthebreachinthecagewiderandpushedthrougharugged

shoulder.‘Youareinfuriating,dwarf.Aninsulttoeverybeastthatstaresinstupidityatthestarsandcannotwishtocomprehend.’Blinkingawaythelastofhisdaze,Snorrikickedasideasheetofcorrugatedmetalandthrewhimself

forwardwithaxeandhammerheldhigh.TheTrollKingblockedSnorri’shammeronthecraggycrystallinestuffthatcovereditswristinthesamewayanadultwouldfendoffachild.Breathinghard,Snorriduckedunderthereturnblow,bashinghismace-legintotheTrollKing’sshininahailofdarkgreenshards,andthenhammeredhisaxeintothetroll’swaistwhereitstuckwithanunsatisfactoryflatthump.Witharumbleoflaughter,theTrollKingbroughthiselbowcrashingdownonSnorri’sbaldhead.SmokehungoverthewesternhillsandSnorrinearlychokedwithworryashefumbleddrunkenlyfor

hishammerandranthelastmileshome.Thevillageburned.DwarfsfloatedfaceupintheSkullRiverwithgoblinarrowsinthem.Theirlivestocklaybutcheredonhillsidesthathadsincebeentorched.Who?How?Snorritotteredbackminushisaxe,metallegsteppingawkwardlyontheunevencarpetofdetritus.He

lookeduptoseeakneethesizeofablackorc’sspike-bossedshielddrivingtowardshisface.Ohyes,Snorrithoughtwithagrinthathurthisneck,Snorrihadforgotten.DwarfsfloatedfaceupintheSkullRiverwithgoblinarrowsinthem.Theirlivestocklaybutchered

onhillsidesthathadsincebeentorched.‘Yourskullhasgrownthickfromtoomanybeatings,’cameadeepgravel-pitvoicethatjarredSnorri

fromhismemories.Hewasstillhere,heconcludedwithdisappointment,soprobablycouldn’thavebeenoutformorethanafewseconds.TheTrollKingstoodafewfeetaway,hunchedlikeanapeunderthecage’sroof,armsspreadsothattheyhungofftheleftandrightwalls.Ajoyous,self-hating,animalgleamshonefromitseyes.‘Perhapsthatiswhyyourbrainissoslow.’‘No.Snorrihasalwaysbeenthisway.’‘Thenforadwarfyouareverystupid.’‘You’reprettycleverforatroll.DoesthatmakeSnorrimoresmartorless?He’sconfused.’‘You–’

WhatevertheTrollKinghadintendedtosaysankintoavolcanicpitofrageas,witharoarthatcausedstoneworktoshakeandglasswaretoshatter,hehauleddownononeshoulderwithoutlettinggoofthebars.PittedagainsttheTrollKing’sstrength,theentirecagewallbentinwardsandcameawayfromtheboltsconnectingittotheceilingbarandthefloor.TheunsupportedrooftippeddownontotheTrollKing’shead,butheshruggeditoff,rippingouttheoppositewallaswellandwieldingbothasimprovisedweapons.Snorriheftedhishammer.TheSpiderLadyhadbeenright.Thiswouldbeamighty–ThetwosquaresofironsmackedtogetheraroundSnorrilikecymbals.Thesweetsmellofwellroastedmeatfilledtheair.Itdisturbedthealesloshinginhisotherwise

emptybellyandhethrewupoverthebloodstainedflagstones.Heswayedforafewsecondsbeforeahandlikeawallscoopedhimupandinthesamemotionthrust

himintothestonewallatthebackofthecage.Hedroppedtohiskneestovomit,crunchingthecharredribcageofagoblinraiderthathadbeen

hiddenunderthelayerofsoot.Ahigh-pitchedwarcrystoppedhisheartandheturnedtooneoftheburningbuildings.Hewashauledback,bitsofrockcascadingoverhisshoulders.CryinganoathtoGrimnir,hekicked

out,chippedthetroll’schinandbellowedashewasdrivenintothewallagain.AhorriblyburnedfighterchargedfromthehousetowardsSnorri.ItwasGotrek’shouse,Snorri

realised,furysouringthealestillinhisbellyasherose,ablowfromhishammerdroppingthegoblininitstracks.Thegoblinfellontoitsfaceandwasstill.Snorricouldn’tfeelhishands.Hiseyesweregoingdarkanditfeltlikesomeotherdwarfbeingdrawn

outofthewallintheTrollKing’stighteninggrip.Thiswaswhatdeathfeltlike.Snorriwasglad.Thereweretimeswhenhe’dthoughtitwouldneverhappenanditwasn’tnearlyasterribleastheSpiderLadyhadsaid.HesawtheoldcronenowovertheTrollKing’sshoulder.Shewassmiling,pleased.Exceptitwasn’theratall,itwasUlrika.Onlythatmadenosense.UlrikawouldneverstandbyandwatchevenifSnorrihadaskedher,andhecouldn’timaginehereverlookingsohungrytowatchsomeonedie.Thenithithimwithablowtotheheart.Itwassurelythedwarfwomanfromhisdreams!TheTrollKingbellowedinannoyanceatfindinghimstillaliveandSnorrifelthimselfflungforward

again.Itwasbigforagoblin,andwithlongbraidslikeadwarf ’s.Snorri’sangerturnedcold.What?Snorriturnedthebodyover.Itwasadwarfwomanwithagoldenchain.No!TheoldladyhadpromisedSnorrithathisdoomwouldbringnothingbutpain,andhereitwas.Anew

kindofdeterminationwelledupinsideofhim–forthefirsttimeinahundredyearshefeltapowerfulresolvetolive.Hehadtoconfess.Hehadtomakeamends.Gotrekhadtoknowwhowasresponsibleforhisshame!Witheverybone,toothandnailthatSnorricouldlayontotheTrollKing’sfingershefought,evenasthe

blowskeptcomingandhisstrugglesgreweverweaker.Thelastimpacthedidn’tevenfeel.AndthenSnorriNosebiterclosedhiseyes.

‘No!’Felix’scryhunginthehollowspacethathadjustbeentornfromhischest.Hestaggeredunderthedoorframeandintothebrightlylitcellchamberasthoughstruckundertheribs

withaknife.Hecouldn’tbreathe.Hewatchedwithanumb,distantkindofhorrorasThroggwithdrewhisfistfromthestonewallandletSnorridroplifelesslyfromthegougehehadbeendriveninto.Apatterofloosemortarcoveredhimlikeearthscatteredoveragrave.NotSnorri,Felixfoundhimselfwishing,asifthegodseverheededthatkindofprayerfromthelikesof

him.TheoldSlayerwascheerfulandkind,asinnocentasachild.WhydidithavetobeSnorrithatfell?AshiftintherubbleandthetangledbarswarnedofthemovementoftheTrollKingandFelixgripped

hisswordwithahatesosuddenandintenseitcrowdedouteveryothersensation.Hewasawareonlyvaguelyoftheracketbeingraisedbythecreaturesinthesurroundingcages.BrokenglasscrunchedunderfootasFelixstrodetowardsthetoweringfigure.Karaghulburnedhiseyeswiththehatefulglareofthesurroundingtorches,blindinghimuntilthefinalsecondtothefigurethatslidoutfrombehindtheTrollKingandblockedhispathwithacold,hardhandonhisshoulder.Shewasclenchedinsideabatteredsuitofpearl-whiteplatearmourlikeacrumpledballof

bloodstainedpaper.Herash-blondehairhadbeenpulledragged,asthoughrakedbytheinch-longclawsthatdrippedbloodfromherfingertips.Hereyesweredominatedbyhugeblackpupilsthatstaredoutfromsomelightlessplace.ThehungerinthoseemptypitswasenoughtostartleFelixfromhisgrief,buteventhenitrequiredaconsciousmomenttorecogniseUlrikabehindthattwitching,snarlingvisage.‘Whatdidhedotoyou?’Ulrikamerelyhissedanddrooled.Behindher,Throggturnedfullyfromthewallanddrewhimselfasneartohisfullheightastheceiling

allowed.Histatteredredcloakfellbackfromhisshoulderstorevealachestriddledwithregenerationscars,crossbowbolts,tumourouswarpstonegrowths,andmouthsthatgaspedinaconstantfixofhungerorsuffocation.Atthesightofafamiliaraxeembeddedinthetroll’swaist,Felixgaveastrangledcryoflossandtookanunconsciousstepback.TheTrollKingliftedhisgazeoverFelixasthesoundofhuffingmenfinallyroundedthelastturnofthe

stairwellandGustav,Kolyaandtherestcrunchedoutontothecarpetofbrokenglass,doingtheirbesttoshieldtheireyesfromthesuddenglare.Gotrekfollowedjustbehind,aconsequenceonlyofhisshorterstrideratherthananysignofhiswoundscatchingupwithhisformidablestamina.Hisaxeglowedredasthoughhotfromtheforge,brightevenbythestandardsoftheover-litchamber.Ulrikaslitheredbackfromthetouchoftherune-lightonherskin.Gotrekabsorbedwhathadhappenedwithasinglesweepofhisunblinkinggaze.‘Agooddeath.Well

earned.’Felixbitontheimpulsetosnapbackwithsomethingsharp.Itwaseasytobemagnanimousnow,but

wherehadGotrek’scompassionbeenwhenSnorriwasaliveandhurting?WhateversecretsSnorrihadwantedtotellhisfriendabouthisshamewentwithhimtohisafterlifenow.WatchingGotrek’saxewarily,theTrollKingedgedbackwards,ironbarsandalchemicalapparatus

bucklingunderfootashemovedtowardsanotheropendooratthefarsideofthechamber.Felixstartedafterhim,butUlrika’smarblegriponhisshoulderstoppedhiminhistrackswithagasp,forcinghimtolowerhisswordastheeffortlesscrushcutoffthebloodtohisarm.‘Thesearethefriendsthatabandonedyoutothis,Ulrika,’saidThrogg,continuingtobackaway

towardsthedoor.Thevampiressbaredherfangsandsnappedatthementionofhername,butsomecommandintheTrollKing’svoicespokedirectlytothebeastthatnowownedher.‘TherearethingsIcannotleavebehind.Ensurethatnonepassandtheirbloodisyourstofeaston.’ThatelicitedamindlessgrinandFelixgroanedasthepressureonhisshoulderintensified.DidUlrika

evenrealiseherownstrengthanymore?

‘Thisisn’tyouUlrika,Iknowit.Helpustostophim.ComebacktotheEmpirewithus.’Ulrikamethiseyesbutifshecomprehendedawordofwhathesaidtherewasnosignofit.Herfangs

glistenedwithbloodysaliva.Shestaredathistemplevein,lipstwitchingasashudderofhungerpassedthroughherbodyandelicitedagaspfromFelixasitreachedthehandgrippinghisshoulder.Withonlyhisfreehand,Felixmanagedtoliftthetipofhisswordofftheground.‘Itoldyou,manling,’saidGotrekashestrodeforwardwithaxeraised.‘Didn’tItellyou?’‘Goafterthetroll!’Felixscreamed.‘Ulrikaismine,doyouhearme?’NeverinhiscareerasGotrek’shenchmanhadFelixdaredspeaktotheSlayerlikethatbut,withouta

wordspokentoconveyhisunderstanding,Gotrekloweredhisaxeandranpast.Ulrikahissedandlookeduptowatchthedwarfgo,caughtinanimalindecisionbetweensatisfactionnowandthecommandofamasterwhoalreadyseemedafoggymemory.ItwasalltheopeningthatFelixcouldhopetoexpect.Withacrythatgaveventtoallhispainandhisgrief,Felixlashedaroundwithhissword.Heknewthat

hehadlittlechanceofcausingabeingaspowerfulasUlrikaanythingmorethananinconveniencewithablowstruckfromhissupinepositionatUlrika’sfeet,buthediditanyway.Theornatedragon’s-mawgripguardcrackedherintheearandthebaseofthebladescoredashallowcutacrossherscalp,andelicitedastartledbark.Inanagonisingpulseofsensation,FelixfeltbloodrushbackintohisarmasUlrika’sgriploosenedandtheninstincttookcharge.PushingupthroughhisbuckledkneesFelixrammedhimselfintoUlrika’schest.Shemighthavehadthe

strengthoftwentymenandpowersbeyondhisabilitytocomprehendbutinonesenseatleastshewasstillarapier-thinwoman,farlighterthanhewas,andtheybothfelltotheground.Ulrikareactedlikeacat,flippingontoallfoursandpunchingdeepintothestonewhereFelixhadfallenbeforerollinghurriedlyaway.Again,sheturnedtochaseafterGotrekbutFelixbroughtherattentionbackwithastabbingthrustforagapinherbackarmourwherebucklinghadcausedtheshoulderplatestopushapart.Spottingthestrokeatthelastsecond,thevampiressspunawaywithfrighteningspeed,drawinghersabreinthesameblindingmotionandparryingFelix’sswordwithanimpactthatravagedthroughhisstillachingshoulder.Lipstwitching,transitioningbetweensomethingnotquiteanimalandsomethingalmosthuman,Ulrika

smiledatsomethingbehindFelix’sback.‘Myloves.Seehowthismanthreatensme.Protectme.’Felix’sheartsankashefeltmencloseonhimfrombehind.No,Ulrika.Please,no.‘Putdownthesword,uncle.’Felixshiftedtotryandcoverhissidewiththecagetohisleft,butwhatthemenlackedinmartial

disciplinetheymadeupforinbrawlers’instinctsandthatincludedknowinghowtocorneronemanintoatightspotwithfive.Felix,though,didn’ttakehiseyesoffUlrika–orwhateveritwasshehadletherselfbecome.‘You’renotyourself,Gustav.IfanyofthismakesanysensetoyourightnowthenI’dlovetohearit.’‘Oh,itmakessense.You’rejealous.’Felixshookhishead,eyesforward.‘Don’tlietome!Ireadthatpatheticpfennigdreadfulyoucallabiography.IknowthatyouandGeneral

Straghovweretogetherinthepast.Youhadyourchanceandsquanderedher.Youdisgustme,youadulterouspopinjay.’Maybeitwasthatfinalbarbthatmadehimsnap,butFelixspunaroundandthrewapunchtothejaw

thatsnappedbackGustav’sheadandknockedthemancoldbeforeFelixevenknewwhathewasdoing.Gustavfloppedintothearmsofhismanbehind.‘Onesmalllapse,damnyou.’‘Doskonale,’Kolyaboomedapprovingly.TheKislevite,apparentlyforgottenbyeveryone,observed

proceedingsfromthedoorway.Heliftedafootanddrewalonghuntingknifefromhisboot.‘AgoodhitforanEmpireman.’UlrikasnarledandlungedforFelixjustasecondafterherthrallsfellonKolya.ThistimeFelixwas

abletoanticipateherspeedevenifhecouldneverhopetomatchit,andgothisswordintheway.ThephenomenalapplicationofstrengthsmackedFelix’sswordagainsthisownmailandstaggeredhimintothebackofagrizzledsoldierjustashewasabouttothrustatKolyawithaspear.Thestrikewentwide.TheKisleviteparriedanotherwithhisknife,thenclubbedhisattackersenselesswithanelbowbetweentheeyes.Thesoldiercrashedbackagainstthebarsofthecagebehindhim,leadingtoanupsurgeofnoisefromtheprisonersstillheldallaround.Aboomsoundedoverheadanddustrainedfromtheceiling,butFelixhadnotimetoconsiderit.HepushedthespearmanoutfromunderhimandreturnedhisattentiontoUlrika.Whywasshestillhere?Gustav’sdistractionhadgivenherampleopportunitytoescape.Thevampiresstwitched,arippletrackingthecourseofherjugularveinasifsomepernicious

corruptionfoughtwithherownvampiricbloodfordominance.‘IdreamedofyouafterKriegerremademe.Somanydays.Idreamedofhuntingyou,catchingyou,tearingthebloodfromyourheartandfeastinguntilIdrowned.’DisgustcrawlinguphisthroatFelixangledhisswordforarisingslashacrossUlrika’schest,butbefore

hecouldmaketheswingUlrikaextendedalongclawandutteredwhatsoundedlikealullabyandthestrengthinhislimbsbegantofadeaway.Felixgaspedatthesuddenparalysisandsoughtreflexivelytobringhisswordbackupintoaguard.Hisarmsremainedstubbornlywheretheywere,notnumb,notdead–juststuck.ThedinfromthesurroundingcageshadreachedfeverpitchandUlrikasmiledasifnothingcouldbe

morepleasing,watchingthebrawlbeingfoughtbehindFelix’sback.ShereachedouttostrokeFelix’scheekwiththebackofherhand,knottingherclawinhisbeard.‘Iliedtoyou,Felix.YouleftKaterinawithchildtobewithme.’Felixpulledbackhishead,buttherewasonlysofarhecoulddefyherwhileshecontrolledhisarms

andlegs.‘Isuspected,’saidFelix.‘Helbrassshowedmeavisionofachildand…’Hetrailedoffashismindran

backtoaneventthathehadnotsinceconsideredtheramificationsof.‘Youknewfromthefirstmoment.IthoughtyoumusthavebeenmistakenbutyouknewandyouintendedtomakeKatavampireanyway.’Angrily,hetriedtolungeatherbuttonoavail.‘Youwouldhavekilledmychild!’Ulrikagaveahissinglaugh,delightinginhisfutilestrugglesandhispain,anddraggedtheclawinhis

bearddowntohisthroat.ThehairsalloverFelix’sbodytingledandhefeltapressurebuildingonhisears.Powerfulmagicwasbeinggatheredsomewherenearbyand,judgingfromtheferalgleamcurrentlyoccupyingUlrika’seyes,Felixdoubteditwashers.Hiseyesrolledlefttowhereaskavenhissedathimwithunfetteredmalicethroughthebarsofitscage.Felixgroaned.Theyweresurroundedbysorcererswhosecaptorhadjustfled.Nowonderhefeltthat

hehadwalkedrightintothejawsofatrap.‘Lethimgo,Ulrika.’ThevoicecamefromthedirectionofthedoorwaythathadjusttakenGotrekandtheTrollKing.The

torchesbracketedeithersideofitburnedwithaneerieabsenceofanylightandthecagesandfloorspacearoundthemweremiredinblacknessfromwhichFelixcoulddiscernonlytheoutlineofahumanfigure.Thevoicewasfamiliar,butetchedwithadeeppainthatFelixwouldneverhaveforgottenhadhehearditbefore.Itwasthevoiceofamanwhohadseenhowtheworldwastodie.Atthesoundofit,UlrikacringedasiffromanopenflameandturnedherfacefromFelixtoseeit.

‘Max.Thisisforyou.’‘Iwasnotasking.’Squintingintothegloom,Felixsawhim.Captivityhadchangedhim.Hewasgaunt,hunchedand

unwashed,apparentlywearingthesameivoryandgoldbattlemagister’srobesinwhichhehadbeentakencaptivehalfayearagoatAlderfen.Thechangethathadcomeoverhimhoweverwentfarbeyondthat.Thewhiteshadfadedutterlyfromhiseyesandhisskinhadbedimmedtoamealygrey.Itwasasthougheverypureglimmeroflighthadbeendrainedfromhisbody.Therecouldbenomistake,though.ItwasMax.UlrikaflungFelixdownasthoughhehadbeentryingtoforcehimselfuponherandturnedinsteadto

Max.‘Helpme,Max.Helpme.Ididn’twantthis.IthoughtIwouldbestrongenough.IthoughtthatFelix–’Ashudderwrackedherarmouredbody.Herheadjerkedasiftoshakeoffsomeintrusionofhermindandsheballedherclawedhandsintofists.‘Iwasdoingwhathadtobedone.I’mjust…so…hungry.’‘Iseethat,’saidMax,sorrowinhisbearing.‘AndIcanhelpyou.’Thewizardextendedahandand,throughaclearstrainofwillpower,theshadowthatenvelopedthat

portionofhisbodybegantoforceoutasublimatingwhitelight.Ulrikashiedawayfromit,meshingherclawsbeforehereyeslikeashield,and,inasibilanttonguethathissedbetrayal,spatacounter-spellofherown.FelixfelthisownopenwoundsshiverfromthetouchofDarkMagic,andthengaspedasbloodwas

drawnfromthemtothreadthroughherhairlikealover’sforget-me-nots.Strengthreturnedtohislimbsasherattentionlefthimbehindandheredoubledhisgriponhissword.Shewassoachinglybeautiful.Andshewasright,ofcourse–hewouldalwaysloveher.Heswunghisswordforwherehershoulderplateshungloose,decapitatingherinonecleanstroke.Asobburstfromhimunexpectedlyandhehadtocoverhisfacewithhisarmandtakeseveralheaving

breathsbeforehedaredlookatherbody.Itwassurprisinglybloodlessandshockinglymundane.Therewasnocloudofdustorsuddenonsetofrot,butthenUlrikahadbeenrelativelyyoung.Thereweremortalmenstilllivingwhowerethericherforsharinginherlife.‘Starovye,’saidKolyawithagentlepatontheback.‘InDushykadeadthingsgointhegroundandwe

donotexpectthemtogrow.’Felixgroundhiseyesandheldhistongue.Therewasjusttoomuchdeath.‘Youdidnothavetodothat,Felix,’saidMaxquietly.‘Shewasachildwiththosepowers.Shecould

nothaveharmedme.’‘Youshouldn’thavebeentheonetodoit,’saidFelix,pinchingtearsfromhiseyesandwipinghisnose

onhiscloak.‘IthinkyoulovedhermorethanIeverreallydid.Andyoualwaysweremoredeservingofher.’‘Maybethatwastrueonce.Now?’Themagelookeddownathisshadedhands.‘Nagash’sriseaffected

everyonewithaclosebondtotheaethyr.PerhapsthatiswhyUlrikafellsofarsofast.’‘No,shewasalwaysthisway.Shewasalwaystooinlovewithstrength.’Hetookasettlingbreathand

turnedtoMax,reachingouttotakethewizard’sarm.Hehadexpectedittobecoldbutasidefrombeingfartoothinitfeltmoreordinarythanitlooked.‘Areyouwellenoughtogo?’Maxsmiled.‘Asopposedtobeingwellenoughtostay?Justgivemeafewminutes.Itwilltakethat

longtohealthesemeninanycaseanddoingsomethinggoodwithmymagicwillundoubtedlybearestorativeformeaswell.’Heglancedbackthroughthebarsofthenearestcage,pastthehissingratman,tosomethingbeyond.‘Strangehowbeingonthissideofthebarschangesone’sperspective.’Hesighed.‘Atthetimeitallseemedsoright,butIfearthereisalsoaterriblemistakeIneedtorectify.’

FelixnoddedandturnedtoKolya.TherangyKislevitewasre-sheathinghisknifeinhisboot.‘Whatareyoudoing?’‘Isworetoseethezabójkadie,’saidKolya,tappingtheconcealedblade.‘SoIwillnotneedthis.’

EIGHTEENTheHonestyofDeath

Snowdroveinthroughthehighwindows.Itswirledanditcutanditfrozetheeyesiftheystaredtoolongintothechurningwhite.Wherevertherewasanobjectlargeenoughtostandagainstitthesnowpiledupindrifts,halfburiedtreasureglitteringonthesurfacelikecrystalsinwhitestone.ThepinnacleoftheIceTowerwasatrove,andonethathadbeencollectedbyamostunfussymagpie.

Rarebooksinfiligreedleatherbindingslayinstacksorinsnow-coveredheapsbesidejewelledweapons,artefactsofScythiansilverorRopsmennamberanditemsofascientificormagicalnaturesoarcaneintheirvaluethatonlyahandfulofmenleftintheworldwouldrecognisethemasprecious.Againstonewall,raisedonaplinthofshieldsandchestsandotherartefactsallburiedinsnow,restedtheducalthroneofPraag.Itwasagrim,imposingaffair,asbefittedthecursedcity,carvedfromasinglepieceofrareShirokijoakandembellishedwithcoldstone.Thestrengthorguilerequiredtomanoeuvreittothishighplacewasastounding.Incalculablewealth,trovesofknowledge,andculturalbeautylayscatteredlikeseedforthesnow.Standingagainstonearmofthethronewasaportraitofaraven-hairedbeautywiththeeyesandcheekbonesoftheSylvanianaristocracybeforethecomingofthevampirecountsandgarbedintheattireofthatera.Itlookedtobeasignaturepieceofthegreatportraitist,Kantor,oneofthemostinfluentialtoemergefromacitythathadinhistimebeenasfamedforitscultureasforitshighwallsanditskossars.Itwasworthafortune.AndthenGotrekputhisfootthroughit.ThebackingboardcrackedundertheSlayer’sironshodboot,rippingthecanvas,whiletheframe,itself

aminorworkofart,snappedlikeatwigasthedwarfkickedtheencumbranceoffhisankleandducked.TheTrollKing’smassivestonehammersmashedtheducalthronetoflyingsplinters.GotrekcoveredhisfacewithamassivearmanddivedforthecoverofaGospodartapestry,buttooslowtopreventhisarmandbackfrombeingstippledwithslenderwoodendaggers.Throggbellowedinhorrorattheirreplaceablebeautyhehaddestroyed,goadinghimselftoevergreaterfuryashebroughthishammercrashingdownonthattapestrymeremomentsafterGotrekhadgotclearandhackedhisaxeacrossthemonster’sshins.Felixwonderedatthecontradictionofamonsterwhowouldcollectandtreasuresuchthings,whenhe

wasremindedofsomethinghehadread–itmighthavebeenaplaybyTarradasch–whichdescribedagreatworkofartas‘loneliness’swindow’.Thenhethoughtheunderstood.Throggliftedhisbleedingleg,thewoundalreadyclenchingshut,andstampedthefootdownwhere

Gotrekhadbeen.Snowflewbackintotheairtoaddtotheswirl.Coinsandjewelsscatteredlike

marbles.Felixdebatedwhetherornottointervene,butthiswasGotrek’sfightasmuchasUlrikahadbeenhis.ItwasTrollKingagainstTrollslayer,butmorethanthatitwasaboutvengeanceforfallenkinandtherememberershadnopartinit.Gotrekstoodinknee-deepsnow,hischestrisingandfallinglikeabellows.Therune-lightofhisaxeon

thesnowandhissteamingbreathgavehimaredaura,deepeningthedwarf’semptyeyesocketuntilitresembledapoolofbloodandthrowingshortandlancingshadowsfromthearrowinhisbarechest.Hiscrestwassingedbyacidandfirebutsomehow,liketheSlayerhimself,itstillstood.TheTrollKingcameinwithhishugesledgehammerinashortgrip,wieldingthestonehammerhead

almostasanextensionofhisownfists.GotrekmettheTrollKingblowforblow,fightingwithjawclenchedandteethbared.BesidestheraspofhisbreathandtheoccasionalgruntashisaxestruckrockarmourfromThrogg’shide,theSlayerfoughtinbittersilence.AfteronebrutalexchangethathadGotrekfuriouslyduckingandparrying,theTrollKinggaveabottomlesshowloffrustrationandflunghishammerouttoitsfulllength.Hecaughtitatthebaseofthehaftandswungitoverhishead,adippingandcrestingfigure-of-eightthatploughedthroughantiquecabinetsandprojectingcolumnsalikeandfilledthechamberwithawitheringhazeofdebris.Felixswore.Thechamberwassurprisinglylargewhendevoidofcages,butnotnearlybigenoughforhiscomfort

justthen.Heflunghimselfbacktothewallandpressedhimselfflatasthehammerheadshotaroundatheadheightwithawhump.Displacedairthumpedhisface.ThebellowsoftheTrollKingfilledthechamber.OutofthecornerofhiseyehesawKolyastumbleintoadresserandthendropintoafoetalcrouchasThrogg’shammerrippedthroughandburiedhiminkindling.Felixhadamomenttothinkwhilethehammerheadshotaroundtheroominanarcofdestructionbeforewhirringbackatfloorlevel.Atthelastsecond,Felixclamberedontoagold-bandedpinewoodchest,tookabreath,thenscreamed

asitwassmashedapartfromunderhim.Thehammer’simpetusthrewhimashortwayandhelandedonhisfeetinthesnowbyoneofthegaping

windows.Thegroundbeneathhimwobbledandherealisedhemusthavelandedonaburiedplateorshield.Hisheartlurchedasitpitchedhimtowardsthewindow.Heflailedbuttherewasnothingtograbthathadn’talreadybeenreducedtofirewoodand,forasecondinwhichtimeslowedtoaheartlesscrawl,itfeltthattheonlythingholdinghimaloftwastheicywindpushingagainsthisback.Hisfingersclawedthroughsnowandairuntilarag-boundhandcaughtthemandpulledhimbackfromtheedge.KolyaflinchedanddraggedFelixlowastheTrollKing’shammerwhirrednotfaroverhead.Felix

noddedthanksanddrewhimselfupagainstthewallbesidethewindow,spreadinghisarmsacrossittoreassurehimselfthatitwasnotabouttobetakenaway.Unabletohelphimself,helookeddown.Hisstomachturned.ItwasalongwaydowntotheSquareofHeroes.Thesnowblindedwhatshouldhavebeenaviewacrosstheentirecityandbeyond.Felixcouldsee

ghostglimmersoflightwithinthesnow.Occasionallyanotherwouldflarebrightlyintoexistencebeforeburningback.Itcouldhavebeenfiresspreadingthroughthecity,somekindofartillerybombardmentfromthebesiegerswithoutorperhapsevensomekindofmagicalassault.Itwasimpossibletosayforsure.Thewindrushingthroughhishairbroughtthinanddistantcries,likethesoundoftheseaheardthroughashell.‘Idonotrecallthetrollhavingthatweaponbefore,’saidKolya.Tearinghiseyesfromtheview,Felixclaspedhishandsaroundhissword.ItseemedlikelythatThrogg

hadstoredaweaponhereforthiseventuality,planningthenecessitiesofanescapethathehadforeseenmightonedayberequired.Felixfoundhimselflookingaroundthedevastatedchamber,wonderingwhat

treasuretheTrollKingcouldnotleavePraagwithout.Thethoughtsaddenedhim.HerewasKislevandhewaswatchingitsdestruction.‘Enoughofthis!’Felixyelled,longhairwhippingabouthisfaceashebroughtuphissword.‘Ididn’t

comeallthiswaytowatchattheend.’‘Wait,’Kolyashoutedback.‘Givethezabójkahischance.’‘Fulfilyouroathyourway.I’lldosoinmine.’Athroatyroarpulledthemen’sattentionbackfromtheprecipiceintimetoseeGotrek’saxeslice

throughSnorri’sembeddedweaponandcutdeepintotheTrollKing’sabdomen.ThickbloodspurtedthroughtheSlayer’screstandThrogg’sbellowsturnedfromangerandfrustrationtopain.Scythinghishammerbackacrosshispath,Throggstumbledback.Almostimmediatelythewoundbegantoregenerate,butGotrek’saxestruckfastereventhantheTrollKing’smetabolism,carvingupfreshwoundsfasterthantheoldonescouldbehealed.TheSlayerwastearingthetrollapartpiecebypiece.‘Icanmakeyouarichdwarf,Trollslayer,’Throggroared,makingadesperateparryandlosingathick

wedgeofhishammerheadtoGotrek’sstarmetalblade.Gotrek’saxeansweredforhim,turningtheTrollKing’shammerandslicingitsbladethroughthemouthsinthemutanttroll’sside,andtearingoffascrapofredcloak.Throggclaspedhishandtohisbleedinghipandhowledsoloudlythatthesnowwhippingaroundhimwasmomentarilyshakentoastandstill.‘Thereiswealthherebeyondyourimagining.AcopyoftheKarakUngorBookofGrudges,perhaps,broughttoPraagbyitspeopleafterthehold’sfall.Nowitishere.Thereismore.Itisyours.’GotrekgroundhisteethandpressedtheTrollKingintofullretreatwithastormofblows.Hewasbeing

pushedtowardsthewindow,Felixrealised,slidingoutofthewayandcirclingaroundthechamberwallwithhisswordraisedinaguard.Throggcaughtthebrightflutterofhisshreddedcloakandturnedtofacehim.Hishugebodywasframed

withintheopeningbyaripplingwhitecanvasofsnow.‘AnalliancebetweenmyTrollCountryandthecountsofSylvania,Felix–thinkofit.MaxwaswiseenoughtounderstandthatIcansaveyourEmpire.’Felixshookhishead.Hedidn’tconsiderhimselfespeciallywise,butheunderstoodtheTrollKing’s

argumentwellenough.MaybeitwaseventruethatallianceswithacceptablemonsterslikeThroggweretheonlywaythattheEmpirewouldsurvivethecurrentstrife.Ulrikahadcertainlythoughtthatway,butshehadbeencozenedbyeasypower,andallFelixsawwhenhetriedtoseethingsherwaywerethebodiesofthoseheloved.Snorri.Ulrika.EvenpoorDamirhaddeservedbetterthanhe’dgot.Acoldfurysimmeredinhischest.Howdidthisbeastevendarelookhimintheeyeandrequestaboon

ofhim?HetookadeepbreathandreturnedtheTrollKing’sgaze.FelixloweredhisswordtiptothegroundandgavetheTrollKingnothing.‘Iamsurroundedbyfools,’Throgggrowled,sweepinguphishammerandsendingFelixandKolya

scramblingforcover.Gotreksimplystoodwithafaintleerofcondescensiononhisbrutalfeatures.ThroggheldhishammerpoisedabovehisheadwiththeSlayerinhissights,androaredwithconfoundedintellect.‘Thereisnotoneherewhoseracedeservestosurvivemorethanmine.’GotreksteppednegligentlytoonesideasThrogg’soverarmstrokecrashedthroughsnowandflagstones

alikewithaforcethatshookthefloorandhadFelixhuggingthewallforfearthatitwouldcollapse.Gotrekstampedhisbootonthehammerheadasiftopinitdown,thensteppedfullyontoitandbrandishedhisaxeabovehishead.‘MyfatherfoughtthebloodsuckersatHelFenn.I’dsoonerspendtherestofmydaysdiggingdwarfs’

gravesthanlendmyaxetothemoryou.’AlookofmalignantcunningenteredThrogg’seyesandinthatsecondFelixsawwhatthetrollmeantto

do.IftheSlayerdidn’tmovewhenThroggpulledbackonhishammerthenGotrekwasgoingtobegoingrightoverthetroll’sshoulderandoutthewindowforgoodmeasure.‘Foolsall!’Throggroared,drowningoutFelix’swarningshoutashugemusclesbunchedunderthe

TrollKing’sarmsandhepulled.Gotrekswayedforbalanceasheroseofftheground,spreadinghisfeetacrossthestoneandbringing

hisaxestreakingdowntoshearthroughthehammer’swoodenhaft.TheSlayerrodehisblockishstonemountforanotherfewfeetbeforeitranoutofmomentumandcrashedbacktotheground.TheTrollKing,however,foundhimselfsuddenlypullingagainstnothing.Hisarmsflewbackoverhisheadandthemammothbeaststumbled.AfoottrodinemptinessandFelixsawthecomprehensioninThrogg’sbitterlyintelligenteyesasthedistantearthsecureditsgrip.TheTrollKingscreamedashefell.Felixtriedtotrackhisfall,buttheblizzardhadswallowedhimwholeandsoonblewoverevenhis

cries.ItwasasthoughtheTrollKinghadfallenintoapitwithnobottom.Shakinghishead,Felixwithdrewfromtheedge.Hefeltlikehehadn’ttakenabreathindays.Itwasdone.Theywereprobablyalldeadmen,butitwasdone.Notforthefirsttime,hefoundcauseto

pickfaultwithwhateverso-calleddestinyhadbroughthimtothissorryplaceandtime.‘Trollthoughtitwasclevererthaneveryone,’saidGotrek,peeringdownwithhisonegoodeyebefore

spittingafterThroggtoaddasaltydoseofinsulttohisinjuries,andthenstabbedareversedthumbintohischestbesidethearrowthatwasstillstuckthere.‘Well,thisdwarfwasanengineer.’‘Areyousureheisdead?’saidKolya.‘Itisabigfall,butheisatroll.’Withagrunt,Gotrekturnedhisbackontheledgeandleanthisaxeagainsthisshoulder.‘I’mnot

walkingallthewaydowntheretofindout.’TheSlayerdeflatedandshookhisheadglumly.HeturnedtoKolya.‘Thatoldwomanpromisedmeadoom.’‘Andoneforyourcompanion,’addedKolyawithapointednodtowardsFelix.Felixlookedatthembothblankly.Thiswas,unsurprisinglyenough,newstohim.Nooneexplained

themselves,buthefoundhecouldn’tridhismindoftheimageofaheadlessbodyinbloodywhiteplate.Ulrika.‘ShealsopromisedoneforSnorri.’SnorriNosebiterstoodunderthedoorwayatthetopofthestairsandFelixdoubtedhehadlookedas

haleonthedayhedepartedKarakKadrinforthenorth.Theinjurieshehadsufferedinthebattlesleadinguptothecitadelhadbeenclosed.Eventheuglyandinfectedwoundsthattheremovalofhiscrestofnailshadleftinhisheadhadshrunktopinpricksofscartissue.Ifnotforthebloodthatnoonehadyetfoundtimetocleanfromhismassivetorsoandtheripsinhisbreeches,Felixwouldhaveassumedhewaslookingataghost.Felixwouldhavekickedhimselfifhewasn’tlaughingsohard.Snorriwasn’tdeadatall!MaxSchrieberfollowedtheolddwarfuplookingtiredanddrawn,buthiseffortshealingSnorriandthe

othersseemedtohaveproventhepurgativetothesystemthatthewizardhadthoughtitwouldbe.Thateerieshadowstillclungtohim,butheseemedmorehimself,evenfindingthespirittoexpressdismayattheruinedtreasuresaroundhim.Lookingtroubledandconfusedasthoughjustwokenfromanunsettlingdream,GustavandhismenfilledthestairwellbehindtheoldSlayer’sbroadshoulders.TheymightallhavebeenjustportraitsofmenborneonSnorri’sbackforalltheattentiontheyreceived

fromGotrek.EvenMax,withallthestrangenessofhisappearance,garneredlittlemorethanaraised

eyebrow.‘Snorrihastotalktoyou,’saidSnorri,staringfixedlyatGotrek.Felixhadneverseenthesimple-

mindeddwarfsofocused,sointense.‘Ifit’saboutyourshamethenIstilldon’twanttohearit,’saidGotrek.Felixshookhishead.Foraracesoinfamouslyresistanttoalteredcircumstances,Gotrekhadtakenhis

friend’snear-resurrectioninhisstride.‘Snorri,’saidFelixinhismostconciliatorytone,slidingbetweentheoldSlayerandGotrek.‘Perhaps

thisisn’tthebestt–’‘No!’Snorriroared,stridingforwardandpointinganangryfingerpastFelixatGotrek.‘No.Youwill

listentoSnorrinow.’Felixhelduphishandsinanappealforcalmbuthemightaswellhavebeeninvisible.Gotrekstuckout

hischinandsquaredhisshoulders.‘I’mlistening.’ThatseemedtotakeSnorriabackandhisupperlipstartedtotremble.Felixnoticedthathewas

carryingsomethinggoldeninhishand.Sigmar,no,Felixprayed.HehadalreadylostSnorrionce.AsifFelixwereachild,SnorripushedhimoutofthewayandtossedthegoldenchaintowardsGotrek

whosnatcheditoutoftheairwithoutlooking.Hisone-eyedgazeheldSnorri’sforamomentbeforeloweringtohisopenpalm.HisbreathcaughtandforamomentFelixthoughtthatbothdwarfsweregoingtoweep,butthenGotrek’sexpressiondarkenedasifthesunhadjustpassedaway.‘TheSpiderLadytoldSnorrithatwhenallhisfriendsweretogetheragainhewouldhavehisdoom.

Shetoldhimitwouldbringnothingbutpain.’Gotrekheldoutthehangingchain.‘Youtellmewhereyoufoundthis,SnorriNosebiter,andpraythat

it’sagoodtale.’Snorri’seyeswerepuffedredasheshookhisheadbut,thoughtherewasatremorinhisvoice,his

wordswereclear,asifrecitedfromrote.‘Snorriwastherethatday.HewenthomeafterheandoldBoreklostyouintheWastes.Itishisfaultnobodywarnedthemofthegoblins.Itishisfault–’Thethreatenedcrackappearedatlast,butSnorrimanagedtopassitandcontinue.‘ThatyoumurderedthatthaneandhadtobecomeaTrollslayer.ItisallSnorri’sfault!’Gotrekhadn’tmovedamuscle,buthiseyeglittered.‘I’msurethat’snottrue,’saidFelix.Atensionhungoverthechamberasifthewindnolongerblewand

thetemperatureofthesnowhaddroppedtosomewherefarbelowthepointatwhichhumanmarrowfroze.GustavlookedbetweenthedwarfsasiftheyhadtobemadandFelixdidn’tblamehim.Maxsimplyworethestunnedlookofonetooweariedbyhorrortoreasonablyprocessanymore.Kolya,however,hadthefearfullookofamanwatchingprophecyunfold.InstinctcausedFelix’sfingerstotightenaroundhissword’sgrip.Withaconsciouseffortheforcedthem

torelax.Whatexactlydidheplanondoingwithit?WouldhefightSnorri?Forthatmatter,wouldhefightGotrek?‘It’snotyourfaultthatyoucouldn’tsaveGotrek’sfamily,’saidFelixmorefirmly.Howeverstubborn

thetwodwarfswantedtobe,thisfoolishnesswasnotgoingtoendinviolenceifFelixhadanyswayatallovereitherofthem.‘Helgawasstillalive,’saidSnorri.TherewasafaintrattlingsoundthatFelixrealisedwasGotrek’saxechain.Thedwarfheldhisweapon

sotightlythatitshook.‘Andthelittleone?’OneofthepiecesofFelix’sheartbrokealittlemore.Littleone.ThatwaswhatGotrekcalledKat.Shallya’stears,thathadbeenwhatGotrekcalledhisdaughter.

‘WhatofGurna,Snorri?’Snorrishookhishead.Hiseyeswerewet,hischeeksred,anditlookedlikeopeninghismouthnow

wouldbethebreakingofthedam.‘Tellmewhathappenedtomywife,youclod-wittedzaki.’Tearsstreakinguncheckeddownhisface,Snorriheldouthishammer.‘Itwasn’t…’Hepaused,

correctedhimself.‘ItwasSnorri’sfault.Shewasburned.Itwassmoky.Snorrithoughtitwasagoblin.ButitwasSnorri’sfault.’FelixfeltthedeathknellinhisheartasSnorriutteredhisnextwords.‘ItisSnorri’sfaultyouareaSlayernow.SnorrikilledHelga.’Onemuscleatatime,Gotrek’sfacetightenedintoanimageofsuchprimalfurythatFelixfoundhimself

backingoutofthewayofitlestheunintentionallymakehimselfatarget.GotrekglaredatthehammerthatSnorriheldbeforehim.‘I’dtakethatbackifIwereyou.’Noddingacceptanceofwhathehadtohaveknownmustcomenext,Snorrididashewasbid,settling

intowhatpassedasareadystance.Gotrekbaredhisteethandbrandishedhisrune-axe.‘Itwasanaccident,’Felixscreamedatthetopofhislungs.‘Tellhimitwasanaccident,Snorri.And

Gotrek,Ican’tbelieveyouhaveabetterfriendinthisworld.’‘I’vekilledbetterfriendsthanSnorriNosebiter,’saidGotrek.Felixwatchedinanguishasthetwooldfriendscircledeachother.Therewerenomorewordstobespoken.Gotrekfeintedleft,thenstruckashortblowforSnorri’srightshoulder.Halfblindwithtears,Snorri

sawitlate,parryingonhishammerwithasombreclangandreplyingwithapunchacrossGotrek’sjaw.Gotrektookastepbacktosteadyhimself,thenthumpedoutwiththebuttofhisaxeandcrackedsomethingunderSnorri’sarmpit.TheoldSlayertookitwithbarelyagrunt,swingingoutwithhammerandmacewhileGotrekparriedwithacold-simmeringwrath.‘Stopthis,’Felixcroaked,realisingthatitwasnolongerjustSnorriwithtearsinhiseyes.Thiscouldnotbehappening!Felixpinchedtheskinofhiswristsbetweengloveandsleeve.Surelythis

mustbeanotherdream.Thetwodwarfsfoughtthroughtheragingsnowinbittersilence,barelyevenmovingfromthespotin

whichthey’dstarted,theireffortspunctuatedonlybythecrunchofmuscleandboneandSnorri’swrackingsobs.Itappearedeven.SnorrihadtheclearadvantageinbrawnandthebenefitsofMax’shealing,butGotrek’saxebalancedthoseoddsconsiderably.Felixgavehisheadaviolentshake.Hecouldn’tbelievehewaseventhinkingaboutthis,butnordidhedaretointervene.SnorriswunghishammerforGotrek’stemplewithashudderingsobonlytoseeitblocked,thenfollowedthroughwithakickofhismacethatGotrekturnedasidebyadeftinterceptionwithhisknee.Snorri’smetallegwaspushedbehindhimandlandedinthesnowamidstaloosepileofcoins.Heflungouthisarmsforbalance,presentingGotrekwithasclearanopportunityforakillingblowashewaseverlikelytosee,butitwasasiftheSlayerdidn’tevenseetheopening,insteadknockingSnorribackontohisfeetwithajabfromhisaxebutt.Gotrekwasholdingback,Felixrealised.Kolyaandtheothersmightnotevenhavenoticed,butFelix

hadknowntheSlayertoolong.HaditbeenotherwisethenSnorriNosebiterwouldneverhadstoodachance.‘FightSnorriproperly,’saidSnorri.‘LethimdielikeaSlayer.LethimwalkintheAncestors’Hall.Let

himdosomethingright.’Felixwatchedwithhishandoverhismouth.Hemusthavemisheard.SurelyevenSnorricouldnotthink

ofthisassomeactofkindness.Withhisoneeyescrunchedtight,Gotrekunleashedastrangledroarandstrucklow.Snorriparriedit,

butGotrekcameagain.AgainSnorriblockedbuttherewasnochanceforhimtocounternowbeforeGotrek’saxecameforhimagainandhewasforcedtogivegroundunderatorrentofblows.Snorrifoughtfuriouslywithtearsrunningdownhischeeksandblockinghissquashednose.Gotrekpressedhimbackwithhiseyestillclosed.Bothwantedtodiealthoughneitherwantedtokill,buttheywerebothstillSlayers.Totheend.Gotrek’sstarmetalbladeclovethroughSnorri’smetallegjustbelowtheattachmenttohisthigh.Snorri

wobbled,anidiotsmileonhistear-strickenfaceasGotrekthencrackedtheflatacrosshismouthandknockedhimdown.Theolddwarflookedupwithafullface,weteyesmeetingGotrek’soneandseeingpeace.No,thoughtFelix.No,no,no–Helookedaway.Therewasawetcrack.Thenathump.Felixburiedhiseyesinhishandandwept.Tearsblurredthegapsbetweenhisfingers,butbeneathhim

hesawbloodseepingthroughthesnowaroundhisfeet.Therewasamoment’ssilenceandthenavoiceathisside.‘We’redonehere,manling.IshouldneverhavelethimtalkmeintothatjourneytoKaragDum.IknewI

wouldregretit.’Pullinghishandfromhisfaceandwipingtearsintohisbeardintheprocess,Felixlookedup.The

Slayer’soneeyewasdead,hisfaceafunerarymaskofsomeoneFelixnolongerrecognised.Hisvoice,however,wasrune-hardanddeadlyclear.Anditbrookednoargument.‘Onmyoath,you’regoingbacktothelittleonewhereyoubelong.’

EPILOGUEEarlySpring2525

Taliszniaburned.Thetirsa’sstubbornearthhutsglowedafitfulbronze,chokinginsmokewhilstyieldingthebarestflickerofflame.Thesewerethelastweeksofwinter:thesnowovertheEasternOblasthadbecomeheavyasitturnedslowlytoiceandthetirsa’swoodstoreswereallbutexhausted.Tablesandchairshadbeenusedforcookingorwhittledintoarrowshafts.Eventhepreciousstocksofdriedgrassandanimalfeedhadbeenconsumedweeksagowhiletheanimals’dung,normallyreservedoverthedeepwinterasafuelincaseraspotitsadidnotrelinquishtheroadsbeforethewoodstoresranlow,hadbeenturnedtoshoringupthestockade.Therewasnotasingledropofkvass.Inshort,thereremainedpreciouslittleinTaliszniaoffitstatetoburn,buttheKurganweredetermined

tomakeapyreofitjustthesame.Thewisewomandidnotknowwhy,butthesmokebillowedupintotheendlessblueexpanseofthe

Ledevremyasky.Itwouldhavebeenvisibleforhundredsofmiles,atributepoletwomileshigherectedinbloodandashbythedestroyersofTalisznia.Perhapsthatwasthereason,butshesuspectedthatgavetoomuchcredittotheirintelligence.Watchingfromhorsebackhalfamileoutfromthesputteringsouthstockade,shesawmarauder

horsemenracecircuitsoftheconqueredtirsa,brandishingtheseveredheadsofitspeopleandyellingatthetopoftheirlungs.Inatemporaryencampmentofripplingskintentsjustoutofbowrangeofthestockade,largebeardedmenwitharmsdeckedinsilverringsfoughtoverwhatmeagrelootthevanquishedofTaliszniahadnotalreadyeatenorburned.Itwasallpreciselyasshehadforeseenit.Thewisewomanhadshowntheseeventsandotherstothe

dreamsofsomany.Thatwashergift,tocastdreamsofportentintotheaethyrthattheymightfindahomeintheunconsciousofonetowhomherpropheciesborespecialresonance.ThroughdreamshadsheforetoldtheTrollKing’sfall,theAuricBastion’scollapse,thesackofRackspireandBadenhofandBechafenandscoresofothertownsandfortsthatsheknewonlybytheimageofthemaflame.Sometimesshewonderedhowitwouldfeeltohaveadreamofherown.‘Youshareyourdreamswithall,Morzanna,orwhatevernameyounowgoby,visionsthatcould

makeanempire–orbreakone.’Thewisewomanpursedherlips,studyingtheblackeddiesintherisingsmoke.Forapassingmoment

theyformedsweepingblackwings,acrown.‘Perhaps,’sheanswered,althoughshewasalonebutforthehorseandthecuttingoblastwind.‘NooneI

haveforewarnedhascheatedmyfateyet.’‘IsthatregretIhear?’

‘ThisisnotthefirsttimeIhavewatchedmyhomeburn.’AnululatingcrycarriedfromtheKurganencampmentandshewatchedthezarandhischosenchampionsparadeoutfromtheslow-collapsingstockadeintheglitteringwargearofStefanTaczakandtheDushykarota.‘Thesewerebravemen.IgaveyoumysoulbutIstillhaveaheart.’‘Yourpainsoothesmeinmyoblivion,mydaughter.Iwilltasteofitmoreinthecomingdays.’Morzannabaredhersharpteethinareluctantsmile.Sheknew.Shehadseenit.Whyelsewouldshebe

here?‘Thedaemon-slayerandhiscompanionwilltrytostopyou.’Thewindpassedcoldlaughteroverherears.‘Theywilltry,buttheyaredestinedtofail.’‘HowmanytimeshaveIwatchedothersmakesuchaclaimaboutthosetwo?’‘Thistimeisdifferent.Theworldisdifferent.YouhaveforeseentheirdemiseandthroughyouhaveI

willeditso.’Morzannashiveredastheairaroundhercooled.Adarknessbledintothesheerblueskyandthesmoke

ofTaliszniaroselikeahornedblackheadtoregardher–smallinherevil,insignificantinherpower,andbuttransientinherimmortality.Shenoddedobedientlyandturnedherhorsearound.ItwasalongwaytotheEmpire.‘Yes,DarkMaster.’

ThesagaofGotrekandFelixwillconcludeinSlayerSpring2015

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

DavidGuymeristheauthoroftheGotrek&FelixnovelsKinslayerandCityoftheDamned,alongwiththenovelHeadtakerandnovellaThorgrim,andaplethoraofshortstoriessetinboththeWarhammer

Worldandthe41stmillennium.HeisafreelancewriterandoccasionalscientistbasedintheEastRiding.

TheLordoftheUndeadrisestoclaimthelandofthelivingandusherinanageofdarkness.AWarhammerEndTimesnovel

ForRose

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