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CONTENTS

CoverBacklistTitlePageWarhammer40,000PartOneChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixPartTwoChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenPartThreeChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenChapterEighteenChapterNineteenChapterTwenty

ChapterTwenty-oneEpilogueAbouttheAuthorAnExtractfrom‘LuciustheFaultlessBlade’ABlackLibraryPublicationeBooklicense

WARHAMMER40,000

Itisthe41stmillennium.FormorethanahundredcenturiestheEmperorhassatimmobileontheGoldenThroneofEarth.Heisthemasterofmankindbythewillofthegods,andmasterofamillion

worldsbythemightofhisinexhaustiblearmies.HeisarottingcarcasswrithinginvisiblywithpowerfromtheDarkAgeofTechnology.HeistheCarrionLordoftheImperiumforwhomathousandsoulsare

sacrificedeveryday,sothathemaynevertrulydie.

Yeteveninhisdeathlessstate,theEmperorcontinueshiseternalvigilance.Mightybattlefleetscrossthedaemon-infestedmiasmaofthe

warp,theonlyroutebetweendistantstars,theirwaylitbytheAstronomican,thepsychicmanifestationoftheEmperor’swill.Vastarmiesgivebattleinhisnameonuncountedworlds.Greatestamongst

HissoldiersaretheAdeptusAstartes,theSpaceMarines,bio-engineeredsuper-warriors.Theircomradesinarmsarelegion:theAstraMilitarumandcountlessplanetarydefenceforces,theever-

vigilantInquisitionandthetech-priestsoftheAdeptusMechanicustonameonlyafew.Butforalltheirmultitudes,theyarebarelyenoughtoholdofftheever-presentthreatfromaliens,heretics,mutants–and

worse.

Tobeamaninsuchtimesistobeoneamongstuntoldbillions.Itistoliveinthecruellestandmostbloodyregimeimaginable.Thesearethetalesofthosetimes.Forgetthepoweroftechnologyandscience,forsomuchhasbeenforgotten,nevertobere-learned.Forgetthepromiseofprogressandunderstanding,forinthegrimdarkfuturethereisonlywar.Thereisnopeaceamongstthestars,onlyaneternityofcarnage

andslaughter,andthelaughterofthirstinggods.

PARTONE

HELWINTER

CHAPTERONE

THEWOLF640.M41

Wolveshowled.Packleaderscrashedtogether.Avalanchesofmuscleandfur,sweepingtogetherfromoppositesides.Inevitableasdeath.Theirshadowsspunandfoughtacrossthewallsof theAettergeld,anarrowchamberof rockwithhigh slopingwallsandamassivenavesetbetweenthetwohalvesofanimmensehorseshoe-shapedtable.Thechamberwas litonlybytheglowof thefirepits thatrandownitscentre,lambentshadowscrowdingtheedgesasiftryingtocreepawayfromthoseofthecombatants.Ancientbattle-bannershungfromtheceiling,ripplingintheintenseheat.Weaponsandother,lessobvioustrophiesmarkedtheroughlycarvedwalls.Cheersandwhistlespiercedtheair.Thebencheswerepackedandmjodflowedfreely.Naturally, therewasanaudience.Wolvesdidn’thavesecretsfromeachother.Atleast,notthattheywouldadmit.LukastheTrickstersatwellbackfromalltheexcitement,nearthelargestofthefirepitsthatdottedthechamber.Heleanedonamassivewolf,idlyscratchingit

between the ears. ‘Who do you think it’ll be, then?’ He glanced down at thewolf. The great beast grunted and made to roll over, uninterested inconversation.Lukaschuckledandsethislegsacrossthebackofanotherwolf.He leaned back amid the massive hairy bodies that lay about him in untidypiles. The smell of wet fur and animal musk enveloped him. In the closeenvironsofthechamber,thatsmellwasn’tunpleasant,butitwasimpossibletoignore.Therewere a dozen ormore sleepingwolves aroundhim, a full pack.ThebrutesoftensoughtthewarmthoftheAettinthecolderseasons,wheremeatandwaterwerefreelyavailableaswell.Wolveswereopportunistsatheart– itwasoneofthereasonsLukasenjoyedtheircompany.‘You aremost hospitable companions, for all that you smell awful,’ he said,turningtostudytheancientbannersandbattle-worntrophieshangingfromthewalls.Since the settingof theFang’s roots, theAettergeldhadbeenused as aplaceof judgementandsentencing.SvenIronhandhaddeclaredhisexilehere,andGarnFelltoothhadbaredhisthroattotheGreatWolf’saxe.Disputeswereweighed, blood-prices paid and the guilty condemned. Itwas a place of debtsowedandrestitutionsmade.Lukas had been in this chamber a hundred times before, and would be ahundredtimesmorebeforehisthreadwasatlastseveredbyMorkai’sjaws.Thatwashiswyrd,andhewascontentinit.Hewasasournoteinthesongofheroes,afacthepridedhimselfon.Ofwhatpossibleinterestwasaperfectsong?Bettertobeinterestingthanperfect.Lukasknewhewasmany things– lazy,disrespectful,oftenunhygienic–butnever boring.Hewas the onlyman livingwho had killed a doppelgangrel byhand,andtheonlywarrior toeverhavetakenapunchfromBerekThunderfistandremainstanding.Hewas theJackalwolf.TheStrifeson.TheLaughingOne.TheTrickster.ThewarriorsoftheRoutcollectednamesthewayachildmightcollectshells.Eachname came with a story, a saga of heroism or foolishness. Sometimes both.Everywarriorwasacollectionofstories,withthesamebeginningandonlyoneend.A roarwent up from the gatheredWolfGuard as one of the combatantswassentrollingthroughafirepit.Thewarrior leapt tohisfeetandtorehisburningshirt fromhis frame.Even un-armoured, the strength of the fighterswas suchthat they could burst stone and warp metal. One ill-timed blow and a GreatCompanywouldbeelectinganewWolfLordbeforethedaywasout.Benches had been upended in the struggle.Braziers spilled crackling embers

acrossthefloor,andarugmadefromtheslickpeltofaseatrollwasburning.Inthecentreofthechamber,thetwomightyfigurescametogetheragain,snarlingand cursing. The gathered huscarls stomped their feet, adding thunder to thestorm.Helwinterhadcomeroundatlast,anditwastimefortheJackalwolftofindanewpack.Or, rather, for anewpack tobeburdenedwith the Jackalwolf.Thejarls drew sticks until only two remained. Then, as was tradition, those twowould beat each other bloody until one yielded. A simple procedure, and anentertainingone.Lukasfeltafaintvibrationasthestormoutsidelashedatthemountain.Thefewlumens in thehall flickered.Noonenoticed, preoccupied as theywereby thesightoftwoWolfLordspummellingeachotherintobloodysurrender.Thetwowarriorswere of a similar size and bulk, giants among giants. Leathery facestanned by glare and hardened by age rippled in savage snarls. Distended jawlinesbulgedasfangssnapped.Yelloweyesglaredwithkill-lust.Theotherjarlscircledthecombatants,shoutingencouragement.Notallofthemwereinattendanceonthismomentousoccasion.Heknockedonawolf’sheadwithhisknuckle.‘Nosignofmyoldsparringpartners,HrothgarIronbladeorBerekThunderfist.GunnarRedMoonisinhiding.AndEgilIron-Wolf isnowhere in sight,which is somethingofa relief, if I’mbeinghonest.’PartofLukasdreaded thedayhewouldbe foistedon thatpack.The smellofmachineoilalonewouldkillhim.‘No sign of theGreatWolf either.Of course,whileGrimnar often boasts ofsharingtheburdensofdutywithhissubordinates,hehaseveravoidedthisone.’Lukassnortedandranhishandthroughthecrimsontanglesofhisbeard.‘Giventhathewastheonewhomadeitatradition,maybehe’sexempt–ormaybehehassimplyhadabellyfulofme.’The absences left only a few familiar faces. Engir Krakendoom, obviously.Lukaspaidlittleattentiontohiscurrentjarl.Despitehisbestefforts,helookedlike a condemned man on the cusp of reprieve, something Lukas took as acompliment.From where he sat, he could hear the wagers that flew fast between thehuscarls,weighing themeritsofbothwarriors.KjarlGrimbloodwas theolder,hisslategreyhairandbeardwhippingaboutashedroveacrushingblowagainstthe side of his opponent’s skull. Bran Redmaw staggered, but replied in kindalmost instantly. His mane of hair stood up stiff on his scalp, and his veinsbulged like tension cables. He champed his teeth spasmodically as he struck

Grimbloodagainandagain,pummellinghim.‘You are the one who can see the future, Grimblood,’ Redmaw roared, hiswordsechoingthroughthechamber.‘Youknowhowthisends.’‘The future the fire showedmewasn’t this one,’Grimblood snarled.His bigfists, scarred and gnarled, struck like pistons,matching his opponent blow forblow.‘Heisn’tmywyrd,notthisseason.Takehimandbedamned!’‘If Iwerenotused to it, Imightbe insulted,’Lukasmurmured tooneof thewolves.Thebeastyawnedathim,andhescratcheditbehindtheears.‘Still,thattoo is tradition, andwhoam I togainsay it, eh?’Thewolf didn’t reply.Then,they never did. Another reason he preferred their company to that of hisbrothers. Lukas chuckled as Grimblood struck Redmaw a resounding blow.‘Anotherhitlikethat,andthedecisionismade.’Lukaswas interested to seewhowouldwin this time.Whowouldhebe thisseason?‘NotallWolfLordsneedaJackalwolf,’hesaid,idlystrokingoneofthewolves. ‘Some are in want of a Laughing One. Others need the Strifeson.Different faces for different places.’ The wolf passed gas and kicked gently,showingwhatit thoughtofthat.Lukaswavedahandinfrontofhim,tryingtodispersethesmell.‘YoustillsmellbetterthanIron-Wolf.’Lukaswasmanystoriestangledtogether,andtheonehetolddependedontheaudience. For Krakendoom, he had played the part of instigator and agitator,shaking his self-satisfied warriors out of a long complacency. What part hewouldplayinthecomingseasondependedonwholostthefight.Redmawsnatchedupabench,scatteringthosemembersoftheWolfGuardwhohadbeensittingonit.HestruckGrimbloodwithit,hurlinghimtothefloorinacloudofsplinters.Grimbloodgroanedandrolledover,spittingblood.Hesatupand waved Redmaw away as the other jarl stalked towards him. ‘Enough,brother.Enough.Icanfeelmybrainssloshinginmyskullfromthatlasthit.’‘Doyouyield,then?’Redmawdemanded.‘Aye,Ido.Givemeamoment–theworldisspinning.’Grimbloodacceptedahelpinghandfromoneoftheotherjarlsandwashauledtohisfeet.Hetenderlyprobedhisjaw.‘Iyield,’hesaidmoreformally.Redmaw thrust his fist up, and those warriors loyal to him began to cheerlouderstillandslamtheir fistson the table.Redmawlookedat theotherWolfLords. ‘You heard him. I win. The Jackalwolf is his burden for the comingseason.’Lukas frowned, resolving to stick something unpleasant inRedmaw’smjodwhennexttheopportunitypresenteditself.‘Itisdone,then,’EngirKrakendoomsaid.Darkofskinandtemperamentalike,

theKrakendoomhadavoiceasdeepas the seas. ‘He isyourburdennow, theway he has been mine, and Goresson’s before me.’ He gestured to FinnGoresson.TheotherWolfLordwastattooedfromheadtotoeandstankofbeargrease and weapon oil. He tugged on the crimson braid of his beard andnarrowedhisambereyes.‘Aye,andyou’rewelcometothebastard.’‘My thanks, brother,’ Grimblood spat. Lukas almost laughed to see hisexpression.Herestrainedhimself,though.Besttolettemperscool.‘We all agreed to share this… responsibility,’ Krakendoom rumbled. Heglancedback towardsLukas.Lukaswaved cheerily, and the jarl looked away.‘WesworeanoathbeforetheLordofRunesandtheGreatWolf.’‘Iremember,’Grimbloodgrowled.‘Of course you do. You’re just being petulant.’ Redmaw grinned, andGrimbloodstartedforhimagain.Krakendoomsteppedbetween them,hisdarkfeaturesstern.‘Stopit,thepairofyou.BickeringlikeBloodClaws.Isthissoonerousadutythatyoutakeitasaninsult?’Itwas,andtheydid,whateverKrakendoomlikedtopretend.Lukastooknooffence.Suchwashiswyrd,andtheirsbyextension.‘AskHrothgar,’Grimbloodsaid.‘Wait,youcan’t,becauseheisn’there,andsohasmanaged toavoid thiswholefarce.Andfor thesecondtimeinarow.Justlikethatfatbear,Gunnar,orthatcog-toothedbrute,Egil.’‘Theyhavetheirduties,aswehaveours.’Krakendoomcrossedhisarms.‘Willyouyieldtoyourwyrd,KjarlGrimblood?Orwillyouforceanothertotakeyourplace?’Grimbloodletlooseasnarloffrustration.Hisshouldersslumped.‘No.No,theburdenismine,andbestowedfairly,asIsaid.Iwill takeresponsibilityfor theJackalwolfuntilthenextHelwinter.Butnotadaylonger!’Heglaredabouthim.‘AndI’lldamnwellmakesureeachandeveryoneofyouishere to takeyourownchanceswithit.’Redmawlaughedharshly.‘You’llhavetocatchmefirst.’Lukas threwbackhisheadand laughedat that.All eyes turned towardshim.Oneofthewolveswhined,andLukasthumpedthebeastcheerfully.‘Finally,’hecalledout.‘Iwasgettingbored,waitingforyoutocometoadecision,brothers.’HewonderedwhichmaskGrimbloodwarranted.Lookingatthatsourface,hethought he knew. Grimblood was a warrior of ominous mien. It was said bythosedeepintheircupsthathecouldreadthefutureinflames.Hesawportentsandcarved thefuture tohis liking,withbladeandwhisperalike.Seersalways

tookthemselvestooseriously.‘On your feet, Blood Claw,’ Grimblood rumbled as he stalked towards thenewestmemberofhispack.Hisbeardwasstiffwithdryingblood,andhisgazewashotwithbarelyrestrainedfury.‘Youcouldstand,atleast,whenyourfateisbeingdecided.’Lukas’smilewidened.Hemadenomovetostand.‘No,Iamcomfortablehere.’Grimbloodgruntedandlookeddownatthewolves.‘Iwonderwhytheyhaven’teaten you yet.’He glared at Lukas. ‘Perhaps you are too venomous, even forthem.’Lukasgrinned.‘Maybetheyjustappreciatemyjokes.’‘Isupposesomeonemust.’Lukas rose. ‘Oh, I have some fine jokes inmind for you,Grimblood, neverfear,’hesaidsoftly.‘We’llhavesuchfun,youandI.’‘No.Wewillnot.’Lukaspeeredathim.‘Youknowbetterthanthat,Grimblood.’Thecloseairwasthickwiththestinkoffadingviolenceminglingwithfilter-enginelubricantandtheharsh tangofpromethium that clung stubbornly toGrimblood. Itwas saidthat thewarriorsofKjarlGrimblood’sGreatCompanyexulted in the smell ofroastingflesh.Lukasthought thatperhapstheyhadsimplygrownsousedto ittheynolongernoticedit.‘Youwill not.Not this time.’Grimbloodglowered at him. ‘Nomoreof yourpranks.’Lukascockedhishead.‘Andwhowillstopme,brother?Notyou,Ithink.Notunless the flames say otherwise.’He laughed again and bent towards the fire.‘Well?Howabout it, eh?Whatdoyou think?’Hecuppedhis ear andmadeashowoflistening.Hefrownedandstraightened.‘TheysayI’llkeepyouchasingyourtailformonths.’Grimblood lungedandcaughtLukasbyhisbeard.He jerked theBloodClawforwardanddroveapunchintohisface.Lukasfloppedbackontohisbacksidewithastrangledyelp.Severalofthewolvesheavedthemselvesupright,snarling.Grimbloodsnarledback,silencingthebeasts.‘Iamyourjarl.Youwillrespectme,fool.’The chamber had fallen silent. Lukas laughed thickly. ‘You are easier toprovokethanKrakendoom,jarl.Thatbodeswellforoneofus.’Thebloodfromhis shatterednosehadalreadyceased its flow, andashe sat uphe twistedhissnoutbackintoplaceinaflurryofpoppingcartilage.HegrinnedupattheWolfLord,andGrimblood’shandscurledintofists,readytostrikeagain.

Lukasrosesmoothlyanddraggedthebackofhishandacrosshisface,smearingmore blood than he removed. Idly, he reached out and wiped his hand onGrimblood’s furs, never takinghis eyes from their owner’s face. ‘Respect,’ hesaid finally. ‘Respect is only earned, jarl.Never given.Nowcome.There is atraditiontobeupheld.Letusgetitoverwith.’Foramoment,hethoughtGrimbloodwouldstrikehimagain.Instead,thejarlturned away. ‘You are not here to give orders, Strifeson,’ he growleddismissively.‘Youareheretofollowthem.’‘Then command me, oh seer.’ Lukas bowed low, eliciting a chuckle fromseveraloftheWolfLordsandthegatheredhuscarls.Krakendoomsilencedthemallwithasharpgesture.‘Bare your throat and be silent until asked to speak, Laughing One.’ Lukasinclined his head, not quite respectfully, and waited. Kraken doom cleared histhroat.Aroundthechamber,huscarlsandthegnsbegantostrikethetableswiththeir flagons, setting the rhythm of the saga to come. ‘Before us stands theaccused.Ishallspeakhislistofcrimes.’And so it began, another tradition. A slow recitation of his every misdeedcommittedduringhistimewiththeKrakendoom,accompaniedbythecrashingofflagonsandthestampingoffeet.Therewassomelaughter,foreventhemosthumourless of jarls could see the comical joy of rerouting waste pipes intoprivatechambers,or shearing the locksofa sleepingwarrior so thathisproudmanewas reduced to stubble. Fewer laughed at the hiding of hard-won battletrophies,orthevulgaralteringofthedeep-scoredrunesonaboastfulwarrior’sbattle-plate.NonevoicedanysupportofthedousingofanunluckyLongFangintrollpheromonesandtheunfortunateoccurrencesthatfollowed.Throughitall,Lukassmiled.Hebaredhisfangsinajoyousgrin.Achallenginggrin. It was always the same, this ceremony. A mock court, condemnationwithoutpunishment.Itwasuptohisjarltopunishhim,whenandifhesawfit.Krakendoom had once tied him hand and foot to a length of tow cable andkicked him out the back of a Stormfang gunship. He had been left to dangleabove storm-tossed seas as the ship completed its patrol of the skies aroundAsaheim.Othershaddoneworse.Somedidn’tbother.WhenKrakendoomhadfinishedhisrecitation,hesaid,‘Youhaveheardthelistofyourcrimes.Whatsayyou?’‘Only that I am sorry I couldn’t do more with the time allotted to me.’ AtKrakendoom’s snarl of rage, Lukas threw back his head and gave a howl oflaughter.Huscarlsstompedandclapped,orjeeredmockingly.Theirjarlsroared

forsilence.Lukasraisedhisvoice tobeheardover theclamour. ‘Butour timewillcomeagain,myjarl.LikeFenrisitself,myorbitisset,andendless.’‘Keeplaughinganditwon’tbe,’Redmawgrowled.‘Perhapsweshouldendthisuseless farce once and for all, and you with it.’ He looked around, seekingsupport from the others. ‘I cannot be the only one wondering why we mustendurethismadness.Heshouldhavebeendealtwithlongago,andweallknowit.’Lukas laughedharder. ‘Andwhatwillyoudo,Redmaw?Gobblemeup?’Heclappedhishandsandwhistled.‘I’dliketoseeyoutry,CursedOne.I’dcutmywayoutofyouroverstretchedgulletbeforethenextcycle.’Redmaw started to reach for Lukas, but the sharp sound of an iron ferrulestrikingstonestoppedhim.Lukas’laughtertrailedoffasthesoundwasrepeated.Hishacklesstiffenedandheglancedat thedoors,knowingwhathewouldseeevenbeforehedidso.A tall figure stood at the end of the hall, and the fires there dimmed as ifsomething had drawn the strength from them.Amurmur ran along the tables.The Rune Priest was clad in full battle-plate, as if for war. Runes had beenhammeredintothegreyceramite,andsavagetotemshungfromtherecessesofhisarmour.Heheldastaff toppedwithawolf’sskull, itssurfacemarkedwithtwisting sigils.His beardwas like frost, spilling downhis chest-plate, and hisfacesaggedwithritualscarswhereitwasn’thiddenbeneathfadedtribaltattoos.‘Hasthechoicebeenmade,jarls?’Grimblood cleared his throat. ‘You honour us with your presence, HrekGalerunner.’Lukas could smell themagic clinging to thenewcomer. It causedthe air to twist and stalk itself in confusingways, the firepits dimming as theRunePriestpassedthemandflaringanewinhiswake.‘Hasachoicebeenmade?’Galerunnergrowledagain.Grimbloodnodded.‘Aye,forbetterorworse.’HeshotaglanceatLukas.‘Heismyburdenthisseason.Myresponsibility.’‘Good.Alliswell,then.’TheRunePriestthumpedthefloorwiththeferruleofhisheavystaffoncemore,andthestonesranglikebells.Theairstankofozone.Hedrove the staff downa final time,hard enough to crack the stonebeneath.‘Thethreadisspun.Therunescast.Andthisfarceisended.Icometoescorthimtohisnewpack,astraditiondictates.’Grimbloodbowedhishead.‘Asithasalwaysbeen,sowillitbe.’HeturnedtoLukas. ‘Go. And if you are wise, I will not see your face until the nextHelwinter.’

CHAPTERTWO

BLOODCLAWS640.M41

LukassangsomethingbawdyandinappropriateasGalerunnerledhimthroughthecorridorsoftheAett.TheRunePriestremaineddeterminedlysilentformuchofthejourney,nomatterLukas’provocation.Lukasdidn’tmind.Hewasusedtoit.Galerunnerdidn’tapproveofhim,forreasonsofhisown.Then,RunePriestsweren’tknownforapprovingofmuch.Theywereastern lot,withnoappetiteforjokes.EventheStormcaller,mightiestofthemall,wentoutofhiswaytostayasfaraspossiblefromLukas.Hegrinned.HeknewithadbeenoldNjal’ssuggestion topasshimfromonecompanytothenext,sothatnonemighthavetobeartheburdenofhispresencefor longer than a few seasons. The Lord of Runes obviously thought him anecessaryevil.‘AndwhatcanIsaytothat,savethankyou?’‘Whatwasthat?’Galerunnerasked.‘Isaid,arewealmostthere?’Galerunnergrunted.Lukaslaughedandresumedhissinging.Kaerlsandthrallsscrambledfromtheirpath,seekingotherplacestobe.Whetherthatwasdueto

hissingingorGalerunner’sglowering,Lukasdidn’tknow.EveryGreatCompanymaintaineditsownhallsandarmouriesinthemountain,and the Grimbloods were no different. The communal chambers of thecompany’sBloodClawswere as far from thoseof the rest of the companyaspossible.They clung to theouter edgeof theAett, on theborderlandbetweenJarlheim and the Hould, lost in a maze of long transit corridors and accesspassagescrudelyhackedoutofbarerock.Galerunner tugged on his beard, now visibly trying to tune out the noise ofLukas’singing.Lukasbegan tosing louder, so thathisvoicecarriedalong thecorridor, its echoes racing ahead of them. Galerunner sighed. ‘Cease, Lukas.Please.’Lukas did.Hewasgettingbored, anyway.Hegrinned at theRunePriest. ‘Atimelyintervention,bytheway.IthinkRedmawmighthavetakenmyheadoffifyouhadn’tarrivedwhenyoudid.’‘He wouldn’t have. Even Redmaw has more respect for tradition than that.’Galerunnerlookedathim.‘Butyoushouldnotprovokethem.Theydonottrulyhate you, however itmight seem. It is theHelwinter, gnawing at the roots oftheircomposure.Asitgnawsatusall.’‘But there is truth in the thunder,’Lukas said. ‘And Idon’tmindbearing thebruntoftheirhate.’Hechuckled.‘Thatismywyrd,afterall.Andbettermethananother,eh?Isn’tthatwhattheLordofRunesdecidedinhiswisdom?ThatIamtoplayscapegoatfortheirfrustrations?’Galerunnersnorted.‘Areyoutrulythatcontentinyourself,brother?’Lukasshrugged.‘Whatwarriorknowscontentment,saveonthefieldofbattle?’‘Anartfuldodge,brother, especiallycoming fromyou.Butyoucannotavoidmyblowsforever.’Galerunnerglancedathim,hiseyesdarkwiththeshadowofhard-wonknowledge.‘Morkaistalksyourtrail,ashedoesusall.Hepadsafteryou, inevitable and inexorable.Whatwill you dowhenyoumeet him at last?Willyoumakehimamealworthyofmemory?Orwillhegulpyoudownashehascountlessothers?’Lukasgrinned.‘Hewilldoashewills,Iimagine.’‘Andwhatdoyouwill?’‘IwillthatIdoonlyasIwill.’‘Your path is a crooked one.And few dare follow you down it.’Galerunnerlookedaway. ‘Ihaveoftenwonderedwhatwouldhappen ifwedid.Once,wemighthavewalkeditgladly.Now,wearetoofaralongthepathlaidoutforusbyIronhelmandGrimhammer,andbyRuss.Thepaththatstretchesstraightuntilit

windsbackonitself.’Hegestured,andhisfingertracedaknotworkofelectricityin the cold air. It faded, and he said, ‘That path is both our salvation and ourdoom.Grimbloodisn’ttheonlyonewhocanseeportentsinthefire.’Lukasshrugged.‘Timeisasaga,anditsendingisonenomancanpredict.’TheRunePriestsmiled.‘Thereisaquickmindinsidethathead.Youwillneeditindaystocome.’‘Isthatwhatyourrunestellyou?’‘No. Merely common sense.’ Galerunner sighed. ‘Do not pretend that yourwyrdwasthrustuponyou.Youchoseit,asmuchasanywarriorcan.Ifyouareascapegoat,youareawillingone,demandingthatmoretroublesbeaddedtoyourburden.’Lukas grunted and looked away. He brushed aside a thick tangle of powercablesdescending like loopsofvinefromthecorridor’ssub-structure.Lumensflickered dimly along the corridor walls, casting skewed shadows. Cold airwhippedthroughunseenshafts,carryingwithitthebiteoficyrainandthesoundofthunder.Vast as it was, the Aett was in a constant state of repair, and had been forcenturies. Its size was such that it required almost constant maintenance bysuccessive generations of thralls. And with each generation, the knowledgerequiredforsuchmaintenancebecameroteandritualised.Wholesectionsof ithadcollapsed,orhadbeenfloodedduringthesavageseasons,andwouldremainsoforcenturiestocome.Thedescendantsofthosefirstthrallsbroughtintocompleteconstructionofthegreat fortress still toiled in itsdepths, their effortsbent to the same tasks theirforefathers had begun. Therewas a crushing sense ofmonotony to thewholething.Thethoughtofsuchtediumextendingacrossthecenturiesmadehimitch.Butmaybethatwasjustthesenseofconfinementgettingtohim.HehadbeenintheAetttoolong.Toomanycyclessincehehadloosedthekill-urgeandletthebeastinsidehimhaveitsway.The corridor shook slightly and the lumens dimmed. Ice pattered across hisshoulders.AsaheimwastheonlyconstantonFenris,butitendureditsshareofupheavalevenso.Inhisyouth,hehadbeentoldoftheTimeofMaking,andhowtheAllfatherhadcastFenrisintotheSeaofStars.HehadlistenedinaweastheskjaldsspokeofhowFenrisfeltthecoldofthegreatdarknessandfledbacktothewarmthoftheWolf’sEye.Butsoon,thegazeofthesungrewoverlywarm,andtheworldfadedintothe

coolofthedark.Soitwas,overthecourseoftheseasons,thatFenrisflungitselffromheattochillandbackagain,andintheprocesscamethesavageseason–the Helwinter, when the seas rose wild, the ice shifted and the mountainscrumbled.Apartofhimwasstillthatboy,crouchingagainstthecoarsewoodofhis mother’s longship, listening to the others singing to hide the sound ofsomethinggreatandterriblepassingbeneaththehull.The stormmadehis skin itchandhis teethache.Beneath itsgrowl,hecouldfeeltheechoesoftheforgesringingupwardsfromthe HammerholdandtheheatofthegreatgeothermalreactorsthatfedeverypartoftheAett,fromthelowestholdstothesub-orbitaldockingplatformshighabove.Nothingwouldbeleavingthoseplatformsfortheforeseeablefuture.Notuntiltheweathercleared.Fenriswasnevermoreisolatedthaninthisseason.He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. They had come to an accesscorridormoredamaged thanmost.The thralls hadmarked thewalls around itwithwarningrunes.Lukasstudiedthem.‘Theylikepranks,thesepups.’‘WhatBloodClawdoesn’t?’LukascouldfeelGalerunner’seyesonhim.‘Thecorridorisbooby-trapped.’‘Almostcertainly.’‘HowmanyBloodClawpacksarethereunderGrimblood’scommand?’‘Sixat themoment,’Galerunnersaid. ‘Theyhaveprobablyalreadyheard thatyouarecoming.YouknowhowfastnewstravelsintheAett.’‘Do you suppose they might throw me a welcome feast?’ Lukas flexed hishands, his knuckles popping like bolt-rounds. Every Blood Claw – savehimself–longedtoriseinstatureamongthepacks.Headstrongandwilful,mostsought to do so in the heat of battle. But otherswere eithermore cunning ormore determined, and they were quick to take advantage of whateveropportunities came their way. Like, say, attempting to claim the scalp of thatmostreviledofbeasts,theJackalwolf.‘Donotkillanyofthem,’Galerunnersaid.Lukaslookedathim.‘Whatdoyoutakemefor?’‘Answering that would requiremore time than I care to waste. I know you,Strifeson.AndIknowwhathidesbehindthatsmile.Leavetheminonepiece–orjustdon’ttouchthem.’Lukassnorted.‘Igiveyoumyoath,priest.Doesthatsatisfyyou?’‘Itmight,ifIthoughtyouhadanyhonour.’Lukas laughed. ‘Wise. Still, I will not kill any of them. I cannotmake suchpromises in regard tomaiming,however.TheyareBloodClaws,after all, and

lackingincommonsense.’‘Whichyouwouldknowallabout,ofcourse.’‘Of course.Andwhobetter to teach them thanme?’Lukas rubbedhishandstogether. ‘It will be a gentle lesson, never fear. So soft they will think theirmothershavecomeofftheicetovisit.’‘Noonewouldeverconfuseyouwiththeirmother,Lukas.’‘AndthankRussforthat.’Lukasclapped.‘ProbablybestIgoalonefromhere.ThinkofwhatitwoulddotomyreputationtohaveanursemaidwithmewhenIarrive.’Hesmiled,buttherewasnomockeryinit.‘Thankyou,brother.’‘Ididnothing,Lukas.’Galerunnerturnedaway.‘Forgoodorill,yourwyrdisyourown.’LukaswatchedtheRunePrieststrideaway.Then,shakinghishead,hesteppedintotheaccesscorridor.Hestoppedalmostimmediately.Aposthadbeenthrustintotheflooraheadofhim.Mountedatopitwasaskull.Human,butbrownwithgrimeandage.On thedomeof the cranium, a singlerunehadbeencarved–Hloja.‘Laugh’.Awarning, perhaps.Or simply a joke. Itwas hard to tellwithBloodClaws.Lukassteppedpasttheskull,hiseyessweepingthewallsandfloorforanysignof tampering.He paused, stooped and scooped up a handful of dust from thedrifts thatgatheredwherewallsmetfloor.He tookadeepbreathandblewthedustaheadofhim.A web of photon beams was revealed. He grinned and stripped off hisdoppelgangrel pelt. He stepped forward, whirling it about him. Somethingclicked,andhefeltanimpactagainstthefoldsofhiscloakashewasstruckbysomereekingmasshurledfromanunseenlauncher.Byitssmell,he thought itmustbethecarcassofsomesmallanimal.Themasscameapartatthepointofimpact.Heheard thehumofmanyhard little bodies, and caught awhiff of afamiliar,acridodour.‘Bloodlice.’Helaughed,quicklycontainingtheswarminhiscloakandflingingthecarcassaway.Whenhewassureitandtheyweregone,hegavehiscloakaflap and swung it back over his shoulders. ‘Clever, pups. Very clever.’ Thecreaturesusuallynestedinthecorpsesofvermin.Theywouldcrawlintoaballof twitching bodies, waiting for something to disturb them. Then they wouldswarm, sting their prey to death, and make a new nest. While the toxinsproducedbytheirstingcouldbedangeroustoamortal,itwasmerelyanirritanttoaSpaceMarine’senhancedphysiology.Attheendofthecorridor,apairofgreatdoubledoorssaggedontheirhinges,busted open with too much exuberance one too many times. Lukas carefully

forcedthemaside,withmuchgroaningofabusedmechanisms.Thechamberbeyondwasalargecommunalspace,crowdedwithfursandracksofarmourandweaponry.Great fireplaceshadbeengouged into thewalls,andunseen flues sucked the smoke up through the porous body of the Aett.Everything was a wash of red and gold, and the smells of cooked meat andspilledmjodmingledwiththemorepungentodourofexcitement.There were nearly thirty Blood Claws in residence, in various states ofdrunkenness. The various packs intermingled with little regard for seniority.Somewrestledwith one another, sliding and struggling across the stone floor,while others sang loudly and off-key. A few tended to their weapons, ordevouredthemeatthatpiledtheservingplattersliningthegreattablesofgraniteandwood.Machine-thralls trundled soundlessly among them,dispensingmjodorremovingemptyplatters.Thenoiseof their revelry assaultedLukas’ ears.TheBloodClawswerewildwithyouthandstrength.Mostdidn’tyetfullyunderstandthechangesthatevennow surged through them. They would grow in might and cunning, if theysurvivedlongenough.Mostwouldn’t.Thatwasthewayofit.Deathcouldnotbeavoided,onlypostponed.Silence fell as the more sober Blood Claws registered his presence at last.Whispers raced from one side of the hall to the next as the more observantamongthemrecognisedhim,theiryelloweyesfixedonhim.‘Well, thisisadisappointment.’Lukassteppedforwardandsniffedinsolently.‘Iwaspromisedabrotherhoodofwolves.ButallIseebeforemearemewlingpups,barelyweanedandallbutblind.’Thewhispers turned to angrymutterings.Lukasgrinned at the tension in theair. BloodClawswere never far from violence. The kill-urge ran hot throughthem.Withagecametheability tocontrol it,but thesehadyet to learnsuchaskill.Andhewasdoinghislevelbest toprovokethem.‘Well, then–whichofyouisincharge?’heasked.‘Me.’TheBloodClawwasbiggerthantheothers.Hehadlikelybeenbigasamortal,andhadbecomemassiveasanaspirant.Hepushedhimself tohis feet.Hehadshavedhalfofhisscalp,leavingtheotherhalfofhishairtojutoutfromhisheadlikeadrake’shood.Scarsandtattooscoveredhisbarearmsandchest,warringforspacewiththickpatches of dark hair. By the smell emanating from his pores, he had beendrinkinglongenoughtolosewhatfewinhibitionshemightotherwisehavehad.‘Andwhoareyou?’

‘Kadir.’Lukasbaredhisteethandstrodeintotheseaoftablesasifheownedthem.Heflipped the nearest with an easy gesture, spilling drinks and eliciting curses.‘Well,you’rewrongthere,myfriend.Youarenotincharge.Iam.’‘Andwhoareyou?’Kadirsnarled.Lukasspreadhisarms.‘Comeandfindout,pup.’Kadir bounded towards him with a howl, his long arms outstretched. Lukassidestepped gracefully, one arm extended. His limb caught the Blood Claw’sthroatlikeanironbarandflippedtheyouthfulwarriorheadoverheels.Herolledon the floor, gagging. Lukas kicked him in the head. Bone gave with a wetcrunch,andKadirwentlimp,hisheelsdrummingontheflagstones.Lukas bent and dragged his unconscious opponent to his feet. ‘He’s fine.Someonesithiminacornerandputatankardinhishand.He’llneeditwhenhewakesup.’‘Bloodiscomingoutofhisears,’oneoftheotherssaidhesitantly.‘As long as it’s just blood,’Lukas said, shoving thedeadweight towards thespeaker.‘Now,someonegetmesomethingtodrink.Thatwasthirstywork.’‘Who put you in charge?’ someone growled. Another Blood Claw edgedforward,yelloweyesgleaming.Hishandsflexedasiftheywereclaws.Hewasshorterthanhisfellowaspirants,withflat,pugnaciousfeatures.Hisheadwasalumponathicktwistofneck,barelyvisiblewithinanexcessivelygreasedandspikedmaneofcrimsonhair.‘Me.Justnow.Weren’tyouwatching?ShallIdoitagain?Drink,pups,andbequick.Mytemper isshortandmythirst is long.’Lukas lookedat theonewhohadspoken.‘Whatisyourname,littleone?’The Blood Claw lunged. Quietly, this time, without ceremony. They learnedquickly. ‘Get him, Ake,’ someone shouted. Lukas met Ake, and their skullsconnectedwithahollowthud.TheBloodClawreeled,andLukas’footrosetocatchhimsomewheresensitive.Akeyelpedpiteouslyandhobbledback,hiseyeswatering.Lukascaughthimbythenapeoftheneckandranhimface-firstintothewall.Heturnedtotheothersandcrackedhisknuckles.‘Next.’Theycame ina rush,howlingandsnarling.Notallof them,butmost.Lukaslaughedandsnatchedupanearbystool.Hewielded it likeabattle-axe, fillingtheairwithsplintersandblood.Theyfoughtlikeheroes.Hedidn’t.Eyesweregouged,netherssmashed,nosesbroken,skullscrackedandfingersstampedflat.Hetrodonfeet,dislodgedkneecapsanddislocatedshoulders.Thefirstwavefell

back,cradlinginjuredlimbsandcursing.‘Firstlesson,pups–Lukasisincharge.Always.Somethingtoremember,evenwhenyourpeltsturngrey.’Hesniffedtheair.‘Whatisthatsmell?’Itprovedtobecomingfromayoungwarriorwhoworeaninordinatenumberofluck tokens hanging about his neck and threaded through hismane of greasyhair. TheBloodClaw shoved hisway out of the crowd and stepped forward.Lukasblinkedbacktearsandwavedahandinfrontofhisnose.‘Yousmelllikesomethingacavebearlefttomarkitsterritory,pup.’‘IamHalvar,Trickster.Iamyourdoom.’Lukas raised an eyebrow. ‘Taking this seriously, then? Good.’ He gestured.‘Comeon, then.But not too close.Your stinkmight killme before you get achanceto.’Halvarroaredandlunged,tattooedfingersreachingforLukas’throat.‘Notthatway,boy,I’vegotreachonyou,’Lukassnarled,hurlingtheshatteredremnantsofthestoolintotheBloodClaw’sface.HalvarclawedatthesplintersinhiseyesandLukasjabbedhimin themidsection,hardenoughtoresult inanexplosivewheeze.‘NowI’vestolenyourbreath.Whatgoodarearmouredlungsifthere’snothingin them? Go sit down.’ Lukas caught an awkward punch on his forearm andbent,drivinghisownfist into thesideof theBloodClaw’sknee.Therewasacrack,andHalvarfell,howling,tojoinseveralothersonthefloor.Another leapt on Lukas from behind and yanked him off his feet. Lukasglancedathim,atightgrinonhisface.‘Youlookfamiliar.’Paleandlean,withjutting,pointedfeatures,heputLukasinmindofoneofthehalf-starvedvulpidsthatprowledthehighplacesofAsaheim.Lukassnappedhisheadbackandwasrewardedwithaloudcrack.TheBloodClawreleasedhimandstumbledaway,hisnose flattened.Lukas spun to facehim. ‘Yes, definitely familiar.Perhaps Imetyourmotherinanotherlife.’TheBloodClawgaveachokedhowlandleapt.Lukas dodged to the side. ‘Yes, I recognise those eyes.Are you one ofmine,then?Ihavesomany,it’shardtokeeptrack.What’syourname?’TheBloodClawwheeledabout,eyesbulging. ‘Dag,’hesnarled. ‘IamDag.’Lukasduckedaloopingblowanddroveafistintotheyoungwarrior’sabdomen.Theforceoftheblownearlyliftedtheaspirantoffhisfeet.‘Hello,Dag.IamLukas.’TheBloodClawreeled,tryingtoputsomedistancebetweenthem.Lukaspaddedafterhim,smiling.Theotherwarriors–thosestillon their feet – drew back. They’d had their fun, and therewas precious littleglorytobewonhere.Besttoletwhatcamenextdecideit.

‘Itakeitback,Dag.You’renotoneofmine.Ifyouwere,youwouldbeabletotake a joke.’ Lukas kicked the Blood Claw’s legs out from under him. Hecrouched over the warrior, took a handful of his hair, and very deliberatelyslammedhisfaceintothefloor.Lukasrose,asmileonhisface.Helookedaroundat thecircleofinjuredandunconsciousBloodClaws.‘ItrustI’vemademypoint,pups.IamLukas.AndIam in charge now. If anyone disagrees, step up.’ No one did. Lukas nodded.‘Good.Ithinkwewillgetalongwell.Ihavemuchwisdomtoimpart.’Hewipedthebloodfromhishandsontohisclothes.‘Now…Where’sthatdrink?’

CHAPTERTHREE

THESERPENT640.M41

TheDukeopenedhiseyeswhenthescreamingstopped.Thesoundspiralleddownintohoarsegurglesandthen,finally,ceased.‘Time?’heasked,withoutrising.Heglancedatthelithebodybesidehimonthebedandsmiledinmemoryofthepleasuresofthenightbefore.HisSslythbodyguardhissedsomethinginhisowntongue.Theserpentinebeastslitheredintoview,theornatekabalitearmouritworeoveritsnarrow,not-quite-humantorsoraspingsoftlyagainstitsthickscales.Along-fingeredhand–oneoffour–restedonthesculptedpommelofthefalchion-likebladesheathedagainsttheSslyth’sundulatingabdomen.TheDukesmiled.‘Twohoursbetterthanlasttime.Exquisite.’Herosefromhisbed, stretching languidly. Muscles popped in pleasing ways, and TraevelliathSliscus,lateofCommorraghanditsenvirons,chuckledinanticipationofthedaytocome.Sliscusshonewithacoldandstartlingaura,hisformrestoredtotheheightofperfectionbyanightspent indulgingin thepleasuresofpain.Proudoffeatureand leanof limb,he fancied thathewas, in allways, the epitomeofhis race,

shornofpretensionandweakness.Inhimflowedthebloodofalostempireandthewisdomofaracethathadbeenoldbeforethelightofthefirststarspiercedthefirmament.He studied himself in the reflective facets of one of the contorted crystallinefigures that stoodarrayedabouthisquarters.Similarexpressionsof shockandterrormarredthenarrowfeaturesofthestatues.Unsurprising,perhaps,giventhenature of the art in question. The glass plague turned its victims into livingstatues,andslowlyenough that theycouldenjoy theexperience.Heexaminedhisreflection,takinginhislean,vulpinefeatures.Itwasimportanttoensurethatnoflawmarredhisface,savebydesign.Itwasn’tvanity.Or,rather,notmerelyvanity.Imperfectionwouldbeviewedasa weakness. Beauty, composure, these were the watchwords of strength. AndonlythestrongsurvivedtoplytheSeaofStarsforaslongashehad.Heturned.‘Isitdead,ormerelyexhausted?’The Sslyth glided towards the captive hanging from the wall of the bedchamber. A clawed hand wrenched the dangling head up by its bristly scalp,exposingslack, ruinedfeatures.Astringofdrooldripped to thefloor fromthezygo’s bifurcated jaws, and its ovoid eyes were empty of all awareness. Themulti-armed ophidian hissed something. The Sslyth tongue was a deceptivelycomplexlanguage,consistingasitdidofalimitedvocabularywithinnumerablepossibleinflections.Sliscushadaworkingknowledgeofit,somethingfewofhispeerswouldevenconsiderbotheringwith.Henoddedidly.‘Notdead, then,but itsnerveendingsare.Whichmeansit isworsethanuselessforentertainmentpurposes.’Hegestured.‘Makenoteofthetime and see to its disposal, Sleg. Then fetch another for this evening’sentertainments.’Slegbowedlow,allfourhandspressedflattothedeck,beforerisingandseeingtohistask.TheSslythwaslaudablyefficientintheartofdisposal.Theophidianand his coil-kinwere coldly professional, unlikemany of his followers. Theycouldbe relieduponnot toget out of handwithhis property, so long as theywere allowed to indulge their simple-minded desires at a later date. Sliscuscommended himself for his foresight in acquiring their services when theopportunityhadpresenteditself.‘Foresight,’ he murmured. ‘Forewarned, forearmed.’ He rubbed his cheek,feeling the smoothness of his flesh, knowing that it wouldn’t last. It was aconstantbattletoremaininfightingtrim,outhereinrealspace.SheWhoThirstsprowled at the edges of his consciousness, nibbling delicately at his soul and

vitality.Itseemedtorequireevermoreeffortwitheverypassingcycle.Themorehefedtheneed,thehungrieritbecame.Butthatwasallpartofthefun,wasn’tit?Whatgoodwasimmortalitywithoutchallenge?Whatwaslifewithoutdanger?Heheardthehissoffleshagainstsilkandthedelicateraspofmetal.‘Caseinpoint,’ hemurmured, turning.His courtesanwas awake.TheLhamaeanwas athingof chillbeauty.Amaneof amethysthairdrapedherheadand shoulders,boundintotight,serpentinelocksbylengthsofgoldenwire.Thosewiresweredeadly sharp, he knew, the better to ward off unwelcome caresses. Her veinspulseddarkagainstpaleflesh,andbythefaintflushofhercheekshecouldtellshehadimbibedsomethingwhilehewasdistracted.‘Myrta,’hesaid.Shewasonhimbeforehecouldreact,movingwithaspeedthatwaschemicalin origin. The blade she held was a small, flat thing, easily concealable.Laughing,heslappedherhandasidewithhispalm.Thebladeskitteredaway.Helunged,catchingherbythethroat.Hepivotedandsentherflying,backontothebed.‘Oh,verygood,mylady.Ascloseasyouhaveevercome.’‘Closerthanyouthink,’Myrtasaid.Hervoicewasaharshrasp.Sometoxinhadscouredhervocalcordslongbeforeheacquiredherservices,rougheningthemto abrittle edge.Shegestured, andhe saw that thebladehadkissedhis chestbeforehedisarmedher,scrapingadarklineacrosshispectoralmuscle.Blood trickled sluggishly from the thin wound, and he smiled as he felt thepoisonburnthroughhissystem.Itwasswift,butlackinginnuance.Hedabbedat thebloodand licked it fromhis fingers. ‘Apiquantappetiser,dear lady,butnot,Ifear,atallsatisfying.Notuptoyourusualstandardsatall.’‘Anewmixture,’thecourtesansaid.Shetossedtheknifeaside,embeddingitinawoodenpanel.‘Subtletysacrificedforspeed.’Sliscusnodded.‘Suchisthestoryofus,frombeginningtoend.Still,aworthytryandanotherdayoflifeearned.’‘Butnotfreedom.’‘There is no freedom in this existence,my lady.Merely a choice ofmasters.And you could do worse.’ Sliscus smiled benignly and spread his long arms.‘Now,bringmemywalkingrobe,ifyouwouldbesokind.’Therobewasasoftthingofsensual,shimmeringcolours,onlysomeofwhichcouldbeperceivedbythemortaleye.Ithadbeenwovenfromthehairofsomespecies long since exterminated by the barbaric mon-keigh. Its rarity made itevenmorepleasurabletoownanddisplay.Psycho-mesharmourlineditsfolds,providingdiscreetprotection in theeventofearly-cycleassassinationattempts,

andthematerialitselfwastougherthanitlooked.Thusclad,helefthisquarters,hiscourtesanintow.WhileSliscuswascontentwithhisrobe,Myrtahaddressedherselfinasuitofintricatelydecoratedkabalitearmour over a robe of nocturne-weave. It drank in the ambient light aroundthem, draping her in permanent shadow andmaking his radiance seem all thebrighter.ApairofmatchedShaimeshibladesweresheathedononehip,oppositeagildedsplinterpistol.Slaves shuffled from their path, their cortical control implants clattering.Theslaveswerechosenwithout regard to raceorgender, though theywerecolour-coded daily in anticipation of hiswhims. Today, their fleshwas cakedwith acrimsondustscrapedfromthedrycanalbedsofsomedistantdeadworld.Whenmingled with perspiration, it produced a pleasingly pungent musk thataccompaniedtheomnipresentodouroftheirfear.‘IbelieveIshalltakemyrepastinthegardens,Myrta.Wouldyoucaretojoinme?’Thoughhephrased it as aquestion, theybothknew itwasanythingbut.Myrta was bound to his whims, whatever her own wishes. She had only thefreedom he chose to give her. No more, no less. Only their long associationallowed him to read the displeasure on her perfectly sculpted features, and helaughedallthewaytothegardens.Thepleasuregardenshadbeenagift–abitofarcanetechnologysalvagedfromsomewhereinoneoftheDarkCity’stributaryrealms.Thediscordanttierswerecontained within a dimensional tesseract that occupied one of his ship’s non-essentialholds.Theartefacthadbeeninstalledinhisflagshipbytrustedartisanswhohadsubsequentlybeenmutilatedinthetraditionalfashionandcastintothelowestgardens,takingthesecretofitsconstructionwiththem.Itwasaspacewithinaspace,andinviolatesavebyinvitation.Sliscushadonlyextended that invitation to a handful of souls,many ofwhomwere even nowwandering the dark places of the gardens, lost to poppy dreams and chemicalnightmares,theirfinerylongsinceworntoraggedtatters.Anever-endingpartythat swelled and subsided according to the whims of its host. He inhaled,drinkinginthemiasmaofsweetsufferingthatinundatedthegardens,andfelttheever-presentpullofSheWhoThirstsabate.He tooka seat athis table amongagroveof fungal trees, andeyeless slavesbrought him his repast.Myrta stood behind him, alert for any sign of danger.Onecouldneverbetoocareful,eveninone’sownhome.Hecouldheartheclashofweaponsandthehumofmusicechoingfromdeeperwithinthecollectionoftiers.Packsofbestialkhymerasambledthroughaforestofprismaticvegetation,

andflocksofrazorwingsandstab-beaksnestedinthehighesttiers.Theairwasthickwiththepungentstinkoflifeatitsrawest,andheinhaleddeeply,savouringit.Beneath it all, the systems of the Incessant Agony purred like a contentedpredator.Hisflagshipwasoneoftheoriginalthreecruisershehadclaimeduponhisself-imposedexilefromtheDarkCity.Heleanedbackinhisseat,indulginginamomentofdeliciousnostalgia.PortCarminehadshudderedathisdeparture,and the flameshad filled the falsehorizons–acelebrationworthyofhim.Hehadtakenthevesselsforhisnascentfleetfromthreedifferentkabals,allatthesame time.Amasterstroke that had crippled their ability to raid realspace andsimultaneouslyearnedhimthewell-wishesoftheKabaloftheBlackHeartanditslordandmaster,AsdrubaelVect.Even now, he wasn’t absolutely sure that the idea to depart in such aflamboyantmannerhadbeenentirelyhis.Vectwasassubtleasashadow,andwove a hundred schemes where a lesser mind wove one. Still, it had beenSliscus’ daring that accomplished the deed and won him an immortality thatmanycravedbutfewachieved.Andnow,hewasfree.FreeofthetediumofCommorragh.Freeofthegrindofkabalagainstkabal.Freetoexploreandraidashesawfit.Toindulgehiseverywhim,without theworrythat itmight leadto laterdifficulties.Heheldouthisgobletandaslaverefilledit,whimperingslightly.Hesniffedtheliquidandtookadeepswallow.Madefromtheoilysecretionsofan immatureGalg, ithadaninvigoratingeffect,ifonedidn’tmindtheoccasionalhallucination.Smacking his lips, Sliscus called up a starmap from the hololithic projectorbuiltintothecentreofthetable.Hecouldaccessallofhisship’ssystemsfromthegarden,ifhewished.Hehadonceconductedanentireraidfromthewarmthof a hot spring, overseeing operations even as he indulged in more intimatepleasures.A number of pre-selectedworlds swam into view, haloed by slow crawls ofpertinent information. None of it interested him. ‘Mon-keigh worlds have adreadful sameness to them, don’t they?’ hemurmured. Several of the selectedworlds paid him a tithe in return for his protection. Others had refused.Sometimes he spared the latter and attacked the former, just for the fun of it.Once,hehadevenengineeredawarbetweenseveralworldsandworkedforbothsides, playing one against the other. It had been interesting, for a time. Thenboredomsetin,asitalwaysdid,andhedestroyedbothsidesinafitofpique.HelookedatMyrta.‘Iseemtosufferfromapaucityofinterestingopponents.

Wherearethecunningspacelordsandtheschemingcorsairkingsofmyyouth?SurelyIhavenotkilledthemall.’‘Youarequitegreedy,’shesaid.‘Yes. That has ever been a failing of mine.’ His smile faded, the old ennuisettingin.Forallitsrestrictions,Commorraghhad,atleast,neverbeenboring.Therehadbeenopponentsaplenty,beforehemadethecitytoohottoholdhim.Perhaps he needed to return, to renewhimself in the deepwaters of theDarkCity. No, better – he would make them come to him. Yes. Delightful. ‘It isapproachingmidwinter,Ibelieve,’hesaid,swirlingtheliquidinhisgobletwithaloosegesture.‘No,itisn’t,’Myrtasaid.Shesoundedresigned.Sliscus ignoredher.Hegestured, tracingroutesof transitacross thestarmap,lookingforanythingofinterest.Nothingstoodout.Ahundredhumdrumworlds,fitonlyfortheculling.‘Ihaven’tbeentoamidwintercelebrationinthelongesttime.’‘Yes,youhave.’Sliscus smiled and took another swallow.Chemicals floodedhis system.Theworldwas turningapleasing shadeat the edges, andhecould taste themusicrising from the lower tiers of the pleasure gardens below. ‘We should hold aparty.Amodestone,afewcloseacquaintances–noonewhohastriedtokillmelately.’Hefrownedslightly,tryingtothinkwhothatmightbe.‘Is that wise, my lord?’ a new voice intruded. It was like the rasp of stoneacrossmetal.‘Thereisstillabountyforyourhead.’Sliscus set his goblet down. One of his more recent guests stood nearby,examiningacascadeofpaleflowersthatclungtoanearbystatue.Theeffigy,anarmoured,winged figure, had been acquired on some tedious littlemon-keighworld.Whetherthefigureitdepictedwassupposedtobemaleorfemale,Sliscuscouldn’ttell.Itwasugly,regardless,evencoveredinthefleshyblossoms.‘Andwhatwouldyouknowofit,Jhynkar?’‘Only what I have heard, my lord Duke.’ The haemonculus was a twisted,crookedthing.Atall,hunchedformwithlongarmsandanelongatedneck.Hisface,suchasitwas,wasapalestretchofunblemishedskin,pulledunnaturallytaut by a cowl consisting of hooks andwires.Morewires pierced the hollowflesh of his cheeks and brow, carrying electrical impulses from the cowl towitheredfacialmuscles.Jhynkarwas, likeSliscus,avoluntaryexile fromCommorragh.Hehadneverrevealedwhyhehadleftthedemesnesofhisfellowtorturer-

alchemists, and Sliscus had not cared enough to inquire. A haemonculus,whatever his sins,was useful to have around.And Jhynkar hadmade himselfquitehelpful.Hehadoverseen thepopulationof thepleasuregardenswith allmannerofdelightfulsurprises.‘Andwhathaveyouheard,crook-bones?’‘That you are not beloved in the spires of the mighty.’ Jhynkar spoke withobsequiousearnestness.Myrtasnorted.Sliscuslaughed.‘TellmesomethingIdidn’talreadyknow.Whatislifewithoutdanger?’‘Long,mylord.’Jhynkarsmiledandliftedafleshblossomwithathinfinger.Atinny scream echoed from somewhere within the pallid folds of the flower.‘Theyaresofragile,’hemurmured.Hepulledbackhisfinger–itwaswetwithsomething that looked like blood. ‘The best art always is. It is only throughobservanceofthefinitethattheinfinitecanbestbecontemplated.’Helickedthetarrysubstancefromthedigitandturned.‘Don’tyouagree,mylord?’‘Iprefersomethingwithcolour,’Sliscussaid.‘Andbesides,yourflowerskeepme up with their incessant trilling. I have stimulants for that. I don’t need aconcerteverytimeIentermygardens.’Hegestureddismissively.‘Burnthem.’Jhynkar frowned. ‘These took me years to cultivate. I scoured hundreds ofworldsforthecorrectgeneticsequences.’Sliscussmiled.‘Observanceofthefinite,remember?Burnthem.’Hekickedhislegs up onto the table and let his head fall back. ‘Make me something new,fleshweaver.Mymindstagnatesamong thesepallidvines.Givemea forestofboneinstead,orsculpturesoflivingglass.Something,anythingtoalleviatethisconsumingtedium.’Hemadealazygesture.‘Somethingtoimpressmyguests.’Thehaemonculuspaused.‘Guests?’‘Formyparty.’‘Whataboutthebounty?’‘Iexpectsomeof themwill try toclaim it. Itwillbequiteentertaining, Iamsure.’Sliscussatup,andwasonhisfeetinamoment.Hewasfast,fasterthanany crooked fleshweaver could hope to be. Jhynkar stumbled back into hisflowers, which squealed. Tendrils caressed his grey flesh lovingly as Sliscusleaned towardshim, a vulpinegrinonhis pale features. ‘Itwill be the talkofCommorragh.Amidwinterfeastofsuchartistry thatgenerations tocomeshallgnawtheirvitalsinenvythattheywerenotinvited.’Hepaused.‘No.No,betterthanafeast.Ahunt,Ithink.Yes,amidwinterhunt.’‘Itisn’tmidwinter,’Jhynkarstuttered.‘It is if I say it is,’ Sliscus saidmildly.He patted Jhynkar’s flaccid cheek. ‘I

shall need some lovely decorations, my friend.’ He reached past thehaemonculusandgrabbedahandfulof thepallidblossoms.Theyscreeched inagonyasheuprootedthemandsquashedthemtoatwitchingpulp.‘Somethingmoresubstantialthanthis.’HesmearedthemessagainstJhynkar’srobes.‘Bestgettowork.Youdon’thavemuchtime.’

Jhynkarhurriedtohischambers,deepwithinthepleasuregarden.His laboratory was well hidden within a thicket of bloodmetal thorns.Pheromonedispensers kept themore inquisitive beasts from stumbling into it,and his wracks kept watch for bipedal intruders. The laboratorywas an openchamber, crafted fromwoven roots and vines and sealed with a layer of vat-grownflesh.Thecapillarywebsthatstretchedthroughthefleshflushedinsilentgreeting as he entered.He caressed it, andwas rewardedwith a shudder. Thenerve endings of the meat shroud were especially sensitive, reacting to thegentlesttouchasifitweretheedgeofablade.Thefleshrustled indeliciousagony,andhedrankit in. Its tormentnourishedhimandkepthiswitheredframeinfightingtrim.Notthathedidmuchfighting,ifhecouldhelpit.Hemuchpreferredtospillbloodundercontrolledconditions.Atthecentreofthechamber,hiddenamongfoldsofripplingmeat,roseatree.Notatruetree,butoneofmetalandmeatgrownfromatechno-organicsapling.It now stretched up and out and over his lair. Its cabled roots and branchescrawled across the floor and reached to every part of the pleasure gardens.Photonic screens bulged from the trunk like blisters of glass, and on them hecouldseeevery tierof thegardensimultaneously.Soon, the tree’s reachmightevenescapethe tesseractandpermeate theshipitself. Ifhewascareful,andifSliscuswastrulyasunobservantasheappeared.Thehaemonculusgrimaced.Nothingwas as it appeared.Hehad learned thatmuch, at least, fromhis oldmasters in theHex, before they turnedonhim socruellyandforcedhimtobecomeavagabond.Jhynkarhadlongagocometotherealisationthathewasn’tcutoutforsuchhardship.Fewhaemonculiwere.Theywere creatures of the mind, of theory and structure. When he managed toingratiate himself with Sliscus, he had hoped it would lead to greater things.Instead,hishardshipshadredoubled.‘He’sinsatiable,’hesaid.‘Hisdemandforinnovationfaroutstripsthelimitsofpossibility.IfwewereinCommorragh,anequilibriumcouldbemaintained,buthere–likethis–no.Intolerable.’Hestaredupat thephotonicscreens,hopinginspirationmightstrike.Aroundhim,hiswrackswentsilentlyabouttheirtasks.

The twisted creatures were all that remained of a crew of corsairs who hadcrossedSliscus.Theyhadbeenrefashionedintolivinginstrumentsoftortureatthe Duke’s behest. An evening’s entertainment that had tested Jhynkar’sendurancetothelimit.AfterSliscushadhadhisfun,hehadgenerouslyallowedJhynkartokeephisnewpets.Ordinarily,suchcreatureswouldhavebeenvolunteers,sacrificingtheirpitifullives in order to escape the enemy known as ennui. These, being rathermoreresistant,hadrequiredmorethoroughmethodsoftaming.Eachofthemwasnowbut one part of a whole – their minds had been enslaved to a single neuralnetworkbasedonhisownbrainpatterns.Instinctively,hetouchedthesmall,sharpoutlineoftheneuralemitterinsertedintohisskull.Thesignalitbroadcastcontrolledthewracks,aswellasanumberof his deadlier creations. Besides allowing him to streamline the practicalnecessitiesofhiswork,itcutdownonthenumberofassassinationattemptshewasforcedtoendure.Hehadlearnedthattherewassafetyinnumbers,solongasthatnumberwasone,anditwashim.‘I cannot work to my fullest potential under these conditions,’ he said. Thewracks murmured sympathetically at his mental nudge. The lack of free willmadeforwonderfulsoundingboards.Evenbetter,theywerefullyawareofwhathad been done to them. Their silent suffering was exquisite. Much moresatisfyingthanSliscus’brutishefforts.Onthescreens,thepleasuregardenscametolife.Shaftsoffalselightspeareddown through jungle canopies, and slumbering beasts awoke. The tesseract’scyclewaslinkedtoSliscus’moods,slidingbetweendayandnightathismerestwhim.Soonhewouldsetoutonhismorning’shunt,seekingtowhethisappetiteforthebloodshedtocome.AmongJhynkar’sotherresponsibilitieswastheselectionofappropriatehuntinggrounds for Sliscus’ amusement. He gestured, calling up a free-floatinghololithicprojectionofthesystem.Ofthosehehadscreened,nonehadseemedto elicit any interest from his patron.He had chosen them specifically for theprofusion of certain geneticmarkers in the populaces, all ofwhich he desiredsamplesofforhisownwork.But Sliscus had no interest in such mundanity. In many ways, he remindedJhynkarof themadaestheteswhohadpopulatedhisoldcoven.TheHexwereknownfortheirflairforthedramatic.Theyfedonapplauseasmuchasagony.Their realspace raids were inspired performance pieces on a vast and oftenshockingscale.

Dilettantes,thelotofthem.Theirartwasimmatureandshallow,lackinginanyreal thematic resonance or urgency. Would-be epicureans, wallowing inmediocrity.JhynkarhadmoretalentinasinglefingerbonethantheentiretyoftheHex.Thatwaswhytheyhadexiledhim,ofcourse.Theyfearedthetruthofhisart.And now, here he was, forced to serve the whims of a lunatic hedonist. Hesighed and continued scrolling through the hololithicmap. There had to be asuitableworldhere.Hewouldfindit,andthenSliscuswouldventhiswhimsyon its populace. If Jhynkar were lucky, he might be allowed to extract rawmaterialsfromwhateverwasleft.Oneoftheworldscaughthiseye.Itsatontheouteredgeofthemap,isolated.Thereweresmallerworldsnearby,butitstoodaloneregardless.Heenhancedtheview,studyingtheinformationthatsurgedupinanswertohisinterest.Jhynkarsmiled.

CHAPTERFOUR

HELHUNT641.M41

Greyshapescreptalongtherockface,intentontheicyexpansebelow.Thehowlhad gone up, echoing through the halls of Jarlheim. It was the season ofmonsters,ofwyrmsanddrakesandkraken.ItwastimefortheHelhunt.Andnowarrior, whether Blood Claw, Grey Hunter or Long Fang, wanted to be leftbehind.AstheHelwinterreacheditszenith,monstersroseoutofthedarkoftheworld. And the warriors of the Rout raced eagerly into the depths of theUnderfangtomeetthem.Lukas looked out over the ice from his perch. The Underfang encompassedincomprehensible distances, immeasurable even to his battle-plate’s augurs.Contradictorymeasurementsspunacrosstheinternaldisplayscreenofhishelmashisarmourtriedtoaccuratelygaugehissurroundings.Annoyed,hebanishedthedisplaywithablink.Hedidn’tneedtheaugursto tellhimwhathealreadyknew.As largeas theAettwas, ashighas itspeaks stretched, itsdepthswereevengreater.The rootsof thevoldahamarrkidrewnourishment from theplanetarycore itself. There were kingdoms tangled among those roots, distinct and

inviolate.AndgreatestamongthemwastheMidnightSea.Toeithersideofhim,dozensofpacksmadetheirwayslowly,carefully,downtherockyslopestowardsthedarkexpansebelow.Lukaswasinnohurry,thoughhe could sense the irritation of the Blood Claws crouched around him. Hegrinned.Theyneededtolearn.Agoodhunterhadpatience.The surface of theMidnight Seawasmarred by plates of thickening ice andbandedonallsidesbycrookedcliffs.Risingfromtheblackexpanseweregreattowers of metal, the artificial capillaries that conducted superheated rock andmagmafromthemantleofFenris toheat thoseincrediblycoldwaters.Theicewasboiledtoslushandsteamaroundthemagmaconduits,butashardasstoneeverywhere else.Ridges and crests of frozenwater extended as far as the eyecould see.Acolddesert stretchingbeneatha skychokedwith stalactites– theroofoftheworld,amonster’smaw.Heremore thananywhereelse,Lukas feltMorkai’sbreathon thebackofhisneck.ThiswasaplacewherethesonsofRusswerenomorethananotherlinkinthe food chain. Of course, that was the lesson all good hunters had to learn.Therewasalwayssomethingbiggerandhungrier thanyou,waiting justoutofsight.Not justhere,but everywhere.Thereweremonsters in theSeaofStars,andworldsmoresavagethanevenFenris.Lukas smiled and traced the scars thatmarked the surface of his greybattle-plate.Hecouldtellthetaleofeach,ifpressed.Hehadcarvedthetotemsweldedto its flatplaneswithhisownhands,andcollected thewolf tail talismans thatswungfromhisbeltandshoulder-plateshimself.Heandthearmourwereone,andthemassivewolfclawheborewasanextensionofthemboth.Heflexedtheclaw,watchingthecrackleofcryonicenergiesplayacrossthetalons.Betweenitandtheplasmapistolholsteredonhiship,therewaslittlehecouldn’thandle.Hefrowned.Saveboredom,ofcourse.Granted, he wasn’t alone in that.Most jarls tried to avoid being trapped onFenrisduringHelwinter.When theycouldn’t, theyhad to findways tooccupytheattentionsoftheirdisgruntledwarriors.Withoutsomethingtokill,thesonsofRuss grew temperamental. Hunting drakes and kraken in the roots of themountainwasagooduseoftheirtime,andbettertrainingthanthesparringhallscouldprovide.Suchactivitykeptbladesandwitssharp,andifitcostafewlives–well,whatwasahuntwithoutsomedanger?Dangerkeptthebloodcoolandtemperseven.Violence, like laughter,wasareleasevalvefor theRout–awayofeasing the

thunderintheirhearts.Askirlofstaticsuddenlyechoedinhisear.HetappedthesideofhishelmandturnedtothehulkingBloodClawbehindhim.‘Stopit,Kadir.Justsaywhatyouwanttosay.’‘IthoughtIdid.’‘Not with the vox, pup. You know better. The storm crashed the terrestrialcommunications network a week ago.’ Internal communications had becomeerraticatbest,andeventheChapter’sastropathsfoundtheirwitcheryputunderunduestrain.‘Now,whatisit?Doyouseesomething?’‘Wearebored.’Lukassnorted.‘Who’s“we”?’Kadirgestured.DagandAkecrouchedbehindhim.UnlikeKadir,neitherworehelmets. ‘Weare supposed tobehuntingmonsters,’Akegrunted. ‘I’mgettingstiffjustsittinghere.’Heslammedafistintohisbattle-plateforemphasis.‘Sittingisapartofhunting,’Lukassaid,turningaway.‘Saysyou.’Lukaslaughed.‘Well,Ithinkit’sbetterthanwringingyesterday’smjodoutofmybeard.Butfeelfreetowanderoffifyou’rebored.’Akegrimaced.‘MaybeIwill.’Buthemadenomovetodoso.Lukasshookhishead, more amused than annoyed. Of all the Blood Claws bound to theGrimbloods, Kadir’s pack were his favourites. They were troublemakers andmisfits.Andtheyhadmadeforaptpupils,oncetheygotoverthebeatinghehadgiven them. They hadn’t yet allowed their thinking to become ossified andbogged down in tradition and rite. Therewasmuch to be said for living in amountain,butitdidleadtoacertainnarrownessofthought.He had taught them much in the months since he had joined the GreatCompany, and had come to know them well. Kadir was in charge, mostlybecausenoneof theothershadbothered to challengehimyet, andhewas thesmartest.Akewouldchallengehimeventually.Hehadafireinhisbelly.HalvarandDagwerebornsubordinates,andwouldanchoranypacktheyjoined.AndthentherewasEinar.Lukas glanced aside, studying the Blood Claw, who crouched nearby withHalvar.Thankfully,bothofthemweredownwind.Einarwasshapedlikeakeg,with equally thick arms and legs. He didn’t lope so much as stump, and helackedtheswiftnessofhisbrothers.Buthedidn’tneedspeed,giventheflamerheclutchedinhisbighands.Theflamegunhadbeenwroughtintheshapeofamountaindrake,thebarreljuttingbetweenitsjaws.Asemi-flexiblefeed-hosein

the shape of a coiling tail was connected to a heavy promethium canisterattached to the bottomof his power pack.Extra canisters clattered against hischest-plate and thighs when he moved, and he radiated a fug of spilled fuelwhereverhewent.LukaslookedbackatAkeandgesturedtoEinar.‘Einardoesn’tseemtomindsitting.’Akefrowned.‘Howcouldyoutell ifhedid?’Einardidn’ttalkmuch.Healsohadn’t takenpart intheinitialbrawl,whenLukashadjoinedthepack.Hewaseithersmarterthantheothersorhesimplydidn’tcare.Lukaswasstilltryingtodeterminewhich.BeforeLukascouldreply,ahowlthunderedovertheslope.Herosesmoothlytohisfeet.‘Well,pups,you’vegotyourwish.Ourjarlcallstous.’Grimbloodwasmakinghiswaydowntheslope,accompaniedbyhisWolfGuard.Thebayingofthe huscarlswas all but lost to the vastitude of the cavern, and they fired offweaponsorboostedtheirvox-systemstotheedgeoftolerabilitytocompensate.‘Maybewe’llseesomebloodnow,’Akegrowled.‘Carefulit’snotyourown.’Lukasleaptlightlyfromhisperch.Rockcrunchedbeneathhimashesliddowntheinclinetowardstheedgeoftheice.Akeandtheothers followed him, howling as theywent. Theyweren’t so graceful in theirdescent.Dagskiddedthelastfewmetresonhisbackandcametorestinacloudoficeparticlesandloosestones.Theothersyelpedlaughterastheyhauledhimtohisfeet.Ident-runes spun across Lukas’ visual feed. The shore was thick with greyshapes.Dozensofpacks,aspirantsandgreypeltsalike,pacedimpatiently.Evenwithhisarmour’sfilteringsystems,hecould tell that theairstankofkill-urge.Chainbladesshriekedandboltpistolsbarkederraticallyastheirwieldersgaveintotheirgrowingexcitement.Grimblood stalked through thecrowd, a toweringpresence.Hisheavybattle-platewasmarkedwithtotemsandruneswhereitwasn’tdaubedwithchar.Thesigil of theFireWolfwasdisplayedprominentlyonone shoulder-plate.Thickpelts streaked with ash and blood-markings hung from his shoulders, and heworenohelm.Lukas noted theway the jarl spoke to certainwarriors by name and singledthemoutforpraiseashepassedby.Grimbloodwasacunningoldwolf,attimes.Hebestowedhisfavourwhereitwoulddohimthemostgood.HierarchyamongtheVlkaFenrykawasamorefluid thingthanmost likedtoadmit.Itebbedandflowedaccordingtothewhimsofthepackmembers.Awise

leaderbroughthiswarriorstogetherandshapedthemtohiswill.Grimblood stalked onto the ice and turned to face the packs. He spread hisarms,gesturingforsilence.Hishuscarlsslammedtheirfistsintotheirarmourorstampedon the thick ice, thepounding rhythmssilencing thosewhowere lessthanrespectful.‘Oh,good,he’spreparingtomakeaspeech,’Lukasmurmured.‘Justwhatthisoutingneeded.’Behindhim,heheardthepupssnicker.Grimblood threwback his head andmade a showof scenting the air. ‘Smellthat?’ he roared, his voice thunderous even without the aid of a vox-booster.‘Drakeichorandtrolldung!Therearebeastsaplentyintheserocks,andtheyareall cowering, waiting for us to drag them out of their caves. They heard uscoming,brothers–theysmelldeathonthewind!’Atthis, thegatheredwarriorsgavevoicetoacommunalhowl.Bootsthuddeddown against the ice and fists struck chest-plates. Grimblood laughed wildly.‘Butit’snotdrakesortrollsI’vedraggedmyselfdownherefor,’heroared.‘Notlike Redmaw or the others. There is bigger prey in these frozen waters.’ Hepointedoutacross the icewith theheavybladeheclutched inonehand. ‘LastHelwinter, Thunderfist dragged a kraken the size of a longship out of the icewith his own two hands. Its barbs still hang in our trophy halls, and he stillboastsofitateveryopportunity,thebastard!’Shoutsand jeersgreeted this.Grimbloodlaidhisbladeacrosshisshoulder. ‘Iwouldmatchhisboast–aye,andexceedit!Sogo, brothers–goandfindmeakrakentokill!’Anothergreathowlwentupfromthewarriorsontheslopes.LukasglancedatAkeandtheothers.‘Youheardhim,pups.Let’sgodotheworksohecanhavethecredit,eh?’Withoutwaitingforareply,heturnedandlopedontotheice.Apalemistrosefromthefrozensurfaceofthesea,opaqueandsmellingofsourwater.Itmuffledsoundasmuchasitobstructedvision.Theonlynoisewasthecrunchoftheirbootsonthethinlayeroffrostthatblanketedthethickestpatchesofice.Theextremesoftemperatureplayedhavocwiththesensors.Ident-runesfadedandblinkedinandoutofvisibilityasthepacksspreadoutacrosstheice.Betweenthemistandtheinterference,Lukassoonlostsightoftheotherpacks.Justaswell.Noneedtosharetheirkilliftheycouldhelpit.HewascarefultokeepAkeandtheothersinsight.Itwouldbedepressinglyeasytoloseonedownhere.Theicewasdangerousenough,butthecavesthatroselikecitadelwallsonthedistantshoreswereaconstanttemptationtoglory-hungryyoungwarriors.‘Stayalert,’hesaid.‘Trollsprowlhere,andworsethingsbesides.’‘I’dliketokillatroll,’Akesaid.

‘Trolls are taller than a dreadnought, and angrier too,’Lukas said. ‘Theyusepinetreesforclubsandtheirteethcancrackceramite.’‘All themore reason to kill one, then,’Ake barked.He glanced towards thecaves.‘AkeTrollslayer.Agoodname,that.’‘BetterthanAkeTrolldung,Isuppose.Whichiswhatyouwillbeifyoutryit.’Lukasnudged theBloodClaw. ‘Besides,we’rehuntingkraken, remember?’Aflashathisfeetcaughthiseyeandhegaveabarkoflaughter.‘Ormaybetheyarehuntingus.Bareyour fangs,pups–we’vegotkraken-sign.’Hepointed totheice.Cobaltstriationsofwhatlookedlikelightningranbeneathit,barelyvisibleinthegloom.Lukasknelt,onepalmpressedflat tothesurface.Hecouldfeel thechillofit,eventhroughhisgauntlet.The cold of the Underfang would snatch the life from an unaugmented andunprotectedmortalinafewmoments.ForaSpaceMarine,itwasuncomfortablebut bearable.For the kraken, itwas perfect.The creatures thrived in the cold,shruggingofftemperaturesthatwouldfreezeastarshipsolid.Theycametothesurface for reasons known only to them, most often in the Helwinter. Lukassuspected the krakenwere simply seeking refuge from something even largerand hungrier that had been stirred from the depths by the constant tectonicupheavaloftheseason.‘Whatareyoudoing?’Dagasked,hisheadcocked.Hewasthemostcuriousofthepack.Morewillingtolearn.Lukaslookedup.‘Listening.Here,putyourhandontheice.Allofyou,gatherround.Thisisalessonthatwillserveyouwell,andonmoreworldsthanthis.’Dagdidashewastold.Hiseyeswidened.‘Theiceisvibrating.’Lukasgrinned.‘That’sbecausesomethingismovingbeneathit.Risingtowardsthesurface.’Helookedaround.‘Itwillbehungryaftersuchalongtrip.Krakennormallyfeedonthetrollsanddrakesthatlair intheseacaves,butsometimesyou’ll get a clever one thatwill climb themagma conduits up into the utilityhalls.Besttokillthembeforetheygetthatfar.I’dwagerthat’swhyGrimbloodreallybroughtusdownhere.He’sacunningoldwolf.’‘Thisisaboutpestcontrol,then?’Akesnarled.‘Whereisthegloryinthat?’‘Didyouhavesomethingbettertodo?’Lukasasked.Anticipationbuiltinhim.He heard no ringing howls of triumph, no rattle of bolter fire from the othernearbypacks.Kadir leaned over him. ‘We’re the first, aren’twe?’ he asked eagerly. Lukasnodded,andKadirbaredhisteeth.‘We’rethefirsttomakeakill?’Heappeared

tobealmostsalivatingatthethought.‘Wehaven’tkilledityet,’Lukassaid.Asherosetohisfeet,asharpsmellstunghisnose.Foramoment,hethoughtthekrakenwascloserthanhehadassumed,butitwasjustHalvar.TheBloodClawsmelledsofoulthatLukasthoughtitawonderthatanyoftheotherscouldstandtofightalongsidehim.‘Gooverthere,’hesaid,wavingahand.Halvar did so, peering about warily. ‘I dreamt I was circled six times by acarrionbird,’hesaidloudly.‘Whatdoyouthinkitmeans?’‘Thatyoushouldbathemorethanonceeveryhundredcycles,andinsomethingother than bear milk and rancid fat,’ Ake said. ‘Step back. My eyes arewatering.’‘I’vebeenbathinginbearmilksinceIwasapup,’Halvarprotested.‘Itkeepstheevilspiritsoutofyourpores.’Helookeddownathimself.‘Myporesareverysusceptibletoevil.’‘Isthatwhatthatsmellis?’Lukasasked,shakinghishead.‘Ithoughtsomethinghaddiedinyourarmour.’‘Only his dignity,’ Dag said, laughing. ‘Maybe a kraken will drag youunderwater and give you a bath.’ He shoved Halvar playfully, and the otherBloodClawturnedonhimwithasnarl.‘Iwouldwishthesameonyou,Dag,butyouwouldmakebarelyamouthfulforthepoorbeast.’Dagflushed.HegrowledatHalvarandfacedoffwithhim,untilEinarbulledbetweenthem.Thebulkyaspirantshovedhissmallerfellowsasidewithcasualease.‘Heat?’ Einar asked.He had smeared char on the grey ceramite of his helm,turningitblack.Theredlensesofhisvisorflashedasheraisedhisflamer.‘Notyet.’LukasclappedEinarontheback.‘Anyonehuntedkrakenbefore?’Helooked around.When no one replied in the affirmative, he snorted. ‘What aretheyteachingyouthesedays?’‘HowtobewarriorsoftheRout,’Dagsaid.‘Andhowcanyoubeproperwarriorsifyouhaveneverhuntedkraken?’Lukasunhooked a grenade from his belt. ‘We need to force it to the surface. Einar,sweeptheice.Justenoughtoloosenit.Everyoneelse,doasIdo.’‘Grenades?’ Dag asked. ‘There won’t be anything left of it. How are wesupposedtomakeatrophyofragsandtatters?’Lukas bounced the frag grenade on his palm. ‘The concussive force will bemutedbythewater,butthesoundwillcarryforleagues.Krakenhuntbysound

aswellassmell.Wewanttomakesureitsbeadyeyesareonus.’Distant howls pierced the air.Lukas grunted. ‘Especially since it sounds likeothershave caught the scent.’He thumbed the activation runeon thegrenade.‘Einar.’Flameswashedacrosstheice,weakeningit.Cracksopenedinthesurface,butitwas already beginning to refreeze. ‘Grenades,’ Lukas barked. Frag grenadestumbledintothenewlyopenedgaps,insomecasesevenastheyclosedover.Theice trembledbeneath their feet, thesurface throbbingwith themuffledechooftheexplosions.‘Remember–wehavetodrawitupontotheice.Keepitfromfleeing.’‘I don’t think that will be a problem,’ Kadir said, staring at the ice. Lukaslookeddown.Beneath the surface, somethingwasmoving.Somethinghungry.He had the impression of a grinding maw of razor-points, and then the icecrackedandshiftedassomethingslammedintoitwiththeforceofageyser.Thesurfaceshook,andtheservosinLukas’armourwhinedastheycompensatedforthesuddenunsteadiness.The ice bulged upwards.A crack zigzagged between his feet,widening as itextended.Asoundliketheroarofanenginefilledtheair.Frigidwaterspewedup, followed by a glistening tentacle. It was black and gleaming, its paleunderside lined with barbed suckers. The tentacle lashed out at Kadir fastenoughtosplittheair.Itcoiledabouttheyoungwarriorashetriedtodartaside.Itcontracted,draggingitspreytowardstherupturedpatchofice.Kadirhowledanddughisfingersintothesurface,tryingtowrenchhimselffree.Lukasseveredthetendrilinagushofichor.HequicklyhauledtheBloodClawtohis feet. ‘Getback,’ he snarled. ‘All ofyou–back!’Hiswarningcame toolate. More tentacles burst through the surface of the floe and flailed about,seeking prey. It was bigger than he had expected. One of the old ones, then.Krakenliveduntilsomethingbiggerormeanerkilledthem.Someofthemgottobethesizeofmountains,orsohehadheard.ThisonewasdefinitelylargerthantheoneThunderfistalwaysboastedof;atleasttwicethesizeofagunship.Boltpistolsthunderedandwar-criessoundedasAkeandtheothersjoinedthefun. ‘Watch yourselves,’Lukas shouted, lopping the tip fromanother questingtendril.HecursedasDagwasknockedoffhis feetbyanundulating lengthofkrakenfleshandsentsprawling.‘WhatdidIjustsay?’The tentacle swept down, smashing into theBloodClawwith bone-crushingforceandshatteringtheicebeneathhim.Hevanishedinasurgeofwater.Lukasduckedbeneathatwistingtendrilanddartedtowardsthewideningcrackinthe

ice. The tentacles there thrashed, as if trying to get a grip on something. HehopedthatmeanttheBloodClawwasstillalive.Lukas pulled his plasma pistol as he ran, and fired a searing blast at the iceaheadofhim.Steambillowedupwardsasitdisintegrated,andamomentlaterhestruckthewaterlikeaboltshell.Frost immediatelypatternedtheplanesofhisarmour,andhefelttheinternaltemperaturecontrolskickin.Manoeuvringjets,normallymeant for void combat, expelled short bursts of pressurised air fromconcealedports,keepinghimfromsinkingtooswiftly.Heactivatedhisstab-lights,piercingthegloom.Athicketofwrithingtendrilsstruckoutathim.Ichorcloudedthewaterasheclawedatthem.Barbscrashedagainsthim,scrapingpaintfromhisarmour.Throughthemassoftwistinglimbshesawthekrakenitself.Thecreature’srazoredbeakwasthreetimesthesizeofa man, and its bulbous eyes blazed like comets within filmy sockets. Itssegmented carapace was a yellowish hue, with jagged markings of blue andgreenthatgrewdarkertheclosertheycametoitsmassivewedge-shapedhead.Itdartedtowardshim,jawswide.A chime sounded inside his helm, signalling that his plasma pistol hadrecharged.Hefired.Thecoruscatingbeamofheatsearedapaththroughthecoldwater,andthekrakenjerkedbackwardswithashriekLukasfeltinhisbones.Asitretreated,hecaughtsightofDag,tumblingstunnedthroughthemurkywater,athin contrail of blood stretching from his temple. The Blood Claw’smanoeuvring jets seemed to havebeendamaged, andwithout the thrashingofthetentaclestokeephimalofthewasslowlysinkingintothedarknessbelow.Lukas holstered his pistol and swam down. Static crowded the edges of hisdisplay.Thecoldcreptthroughhisarmour,ventbyvalve.Attheouteredgeofhis stab-light’s beam, he caught a glimpse of vast shapesmoving through thedark.Morekraken,perhaps,risingtothesurface.Hecoulddetectthevibrationsfromaboveastheotherpacksdroppedgrenadesintothewaterorblastedtheiceopen.JustbeforeDagslippedoutofreach,Lukascaughtholdoftheexhaustportofhisarmour’spowerpack.HaulingtheBloodClaw’sdeadweightbehindhim,hekickedtowardsthesurface.Warningrunesblinked,alertinghimtothekraken’spursuit.Itwasrisingtowardsthem.Lukasfoundhimselfcaughtbythekraken’svelocity.HeandDagslammedintotheiceaboveandthenthroughit,hurledintotheairbytheforceofthekraken’sascent.Theycrasheddownmomentslater.Lukas’ visual display spunwildly as the kraken exploded out of the ice justafterthem,itscurvedbeaksnapping,frustratedbythelackoffoodinitsgullet.It

probablywasn’tused to thismuchof a fight from itsprey. It shrilled, andhisvox-systemscrackledastheysoughttocompensateforthenoise.Rolling to his feet, he caught hold ofDag and began to drag him back.TheBloodClaw’sfleshwasbluewhereitwasn’tcoatedincrystalsoffrozenblood,buthewasawake.Hewheezedandspluttered,stilloutofsorts.Bonehookssetintothekraken’sunderbellydugintothecracklingice.Thehookscontractedandthecreaturebegantohaulitselfafterthem.Lukas sawKadir and the others racing tomeet them. ‘What are youwaitingfor?’he roared. ‘Shoot it!’Bolt pistols thundered and flames licked across theice,slowingthecreature’spursuit.The kraken screamed in rage. Quicker than thought, it lunged towards theBloodClaws,andalashingtendrilsentKadirandAkesprawling.Itseemedtohave hundreds of tentacles, and all of them were now reaching for Dag andLukas.Lukas dropped theBloodClaw and tore at the questing limbs, cursing everytimehistalonsbouncedawayfromtherubberyfleshratherthanbitingintoit.Ablowcaughthimontheback,knockinghimtooneknee.Hethrewhimselfaside.The tentaclestruck the icewherehehadbeenstanding,bursting it.Heheavedhimself tohis feet, theservos inhisarmourcomplaining.The tentaclespearedtowards him as he rose, and he interposed his claw at the last moment,bifurcatingit.Blinkingichorfromhiseyes,hesawthebeastrearup,thespinesliningitsbodyclatteringastheyflared.Thekrakenwashurt,butitwasn’tgivingup.‘Einar,thintheforest,’heroared.TheBloodClawsethimself,andaplumeoffire spewed from the dragon’smouth of hisweapon. It lickedout, envelopingseveralofthetendrils.Theirthrashinggrewworse,anddollopsofburningmeatsplatteredacrosstheice.ThekrakenshriekedandhumpedtowardsEinar,beakclacking.Hebackedaway,spraying themaddenedbeastwith flames,asKadirandAkehackedatitsbodywiththeirchainblades.Halvar warded Einar when his promethium tank ran dry. The Blood Clawreloaded the flamerwith quick, precisemovementswhile his brother kept theseeking tendrils at bay. Lukas watched approvingly. They were fighting as apackought.Seeinganopening,hesprangtowardsthecephalopodanmonstrosity.KadirandAkeclearedhimapath,batteringasidethreateningtendrils.Thekrakenheaveditselfup,onebulbouseyefixedonhim.Itshrilledoutwhatmighthavebeenacryofchallenge.

Lukasduckedasideasatendrilsplittheairwherehehadbeenstanding.Witharoar,hebroughthiswolfclawdownon thekraken.The talonsof theoutsizedgauntletcrackledwithcobaltlightastheypunchedthroughtherubberyflesh.Thekrakenwhipsawedinagony, itscoilsheavingout inalldirections.Lukaswrenchedhisclawfreeandtwistedback.Whilehewasconfidentthatthebattle-plateheworecouldwithstandthebeast’stalons,therewasnoreasontochanceit.He lunged beneath the kraken as it reared up, and slashed at its underbelly.Blackichorsplatteredacrosshisbattle-plate,andtheacridstinkofitburnedhiseyesandnose.Hegrinnedthroughthefoulnessandkepttearing.Besttokeepatit,oncetherightspothadbeenfound.Especiallywithkraken.Thebeastsrarelyadmittedwhentheyweredead–youhadtobeconvincingifyouwantedthemtostaydown.Thecreatureretreated,itshookschoppingintotheiceasitsoughtthesafetyofthewater.Itslappedhimbackwardsinitshastetoescape.Hefellwithabellow,and the beast slithered past him, towards the hole in the ice.He attempted tograbatentacle,buthisclawclosedonemptyair.‘Cut it off – don’t let it get back to the sea,’ Lukas roared. Howls rose uparoundhimasKadirandtheothersracedtointercepttheslitheringhorror.Morehowlseruptedfromthemist,andaspatterofweaponsfirepreventedthekrakenfromheaving itself into thewater.Lukas leapt tohis feetashalfadozengreyshapesburstintoview,swiftlysurroundingthepolypuscreature.‘Skítja,’LukassnarledasherecognisedGrimbloodandhishuscarls.Likethecunningoldpredatorstheywere,theyhadwaitedfortheBloodClawstoweaken thebeastbefore striking.As it floppedback, screamingangrily, thejarlhewedawayatitwithhisfrostblade.Hishuscarlskeptarespectfuldistance,intercepting any overeager Blood Claws who might interfere. Lukas snorted.Thiswas tobeGrimblood’skill alone, then.Suchwas thewayof it –wolvesgaveuptheirkilltotheleaderofthepack.Heheardashout,andsawAkebarrellingtowardsthefray.Oneofthehuscarlsshoved him back. ‘You have done your share of bloodletting, pup,’ theWolfGuardsaid,chuckling.‘Nowletatruewarriormakethekill.’‘That’sourkill,’Ake snarled,bumpingchestswith the toweringhuscarl.Theolderwarrior’sbattle-platewasheavywithtrophiesandthemarksofwar,andhecarriedaheavy two-handedaxe.HeshovedAkebackanotherstepandgaveaboominglaugh.‘Then you should have gone andmade it, instead of playingwith the beast,

pup.’Ake lunged towards the Wolf Guard and received a clout on the head. Hedroppedtotheice,pole-axed.TheWolfGuardrolledhimoverwithabootandcalledouttohisfellows.‘TheyaremorefragilethanIrecall,thesepups.’‘That’sbecauseyou’veneverknownyourown strength,Hafrek,’Lukas said.HesteppedoverAke,andHafrekretreatedastep.‘Evenwhenyouwereastupidpup,accidentallycripplingthrallswhileinyourcups.’‘Guardyourtongue,Trickster,’Hafrekgrowled.‘Orwhat?’Lukasspreadhisarms.‘Come,brother,shallwesparlikeweusedto?Isyourmemoryasdullasyourwits, thatyoudon’trememberhowbadlyIbeatyouthen?’‘Iamnotapupnow,’Hafreksaidwarily.‘True enough. That means I don’t have to take it easy on you.’ Lukas tookanothersteptowardsthehuscarl.Theystaredatoneanotherforlongmoments,untilHafreksnarledandturnedaway.‘Begone,Trickster.Ihavenotimetowasteonyou.’PastHafrek,Grimbloodwasmakinghiskill.Themaster-craftedweaponinhishandsflickeredwithanazureradiancethatleftcontrailsofcoldinitswakewitheveryslash.Thekraken,alreadywounded,waslittlematchforawarriorasoldandasskilledasGrimblood.Hisbladebitintotheblack,blister-likeeye.Ichorspurtedandthekraken’scriesspiralledupintoawailofagony.Thesmaller,frond-liketendrilsclusteredclosertoitsjawsandheadslammedintotheWolfLord,theirbarbsgouginghisarmour.Grimbloodwrenchedhisblade loose anddrovehis freehand into thegapingwound. Lukas knew what he was after. There was only one way to kill akraken–goforthebrain.Despite the creature’s thrashing, Grimblood found what he sought, and hewrenchedamassofpulpygangliafreeinasprayofgore.Thekrakenconvulsed,crackingtheiceallarounditinitsdeaththroes,scatteringitsattackers.The jarl stumbled back, still clutching its brains. It twisted towards him, itsbeakwide,beforeitat lastcollapsedlikeatornairbladder.Foramoment, theonlysoundwasthecrackleofsettlingice.ThenGrimbloodthrewbackhisheadandhowled.Thecallwasechoedacrosstheiceasthepacksheardandcelebratedtheirjarl’striumph. Hafrek and the other Wolf Guard moved to congratulate their lord.‘There will be a saga about this great victory before the cycle has finished,’LukassaidashehauledAketohisfeet.‘Iwonderwhetherhe’llmentionus?’

‘Iwouldn’twageronit,’Akemuttered,rubbinghisskull.‘Icouldgiveyouodds,ifyoulike.How’syourhead?’‘Hurts.’‘Good.Maybeyou’ll remember towear a helmetnext time,’Lukas rumbled.Despite themist that still obscuredmuch of the ice, he could see columns ofsmoke rising towards the cavern roof, and his helmet’s autosenses detectedtracesofburningkraken flesh.Theirswas theonlykill the jarlhadseen fit topoach.Hegrinned.‘Gofindtheothers.GetDagonhisfeet.’Akelookedathim.‘Whereareyougoing?’‘Tospeakwithourjarl.’Lukasstalkedacrosstheice.Itwasn’tangerhefelt,butrelief.Grimbloodhadstruckfirst.Thatmeantwhateverhappenednextwasonhishead.The jarlhadkept his distance these pastweeks, since their initial confrontation, andLukashad confined his entertainments to theBloodClaws.An uneasy truce, and anunspokenone,butatrucenonetheless.Andnowitwasbroken.GrimbloodturnedasLukasthrustasidetwoofhishuscarls.Theysnarledatthedisrespect, but stayed their blows at Grimblood’s curt gesture. ‘What is it,Trickster?’‘You’rewelcome,Grimblood.’‘Forwhat?’‘The kraken we bloodied for you.’ Lukas held up his hands as Grimbloodgrowled.‘No,no,thinknothingofit,myjarl.Itwasourhonourtoholdthepoorbeastdownwhileyousocourageouslyseizedthegloryfullinyourjaws.’‘Careful,Jackalwolf.Icanstomachonlysomuchofyourfoolishness.’Lukasglaredathim.‘Itwastheirkill,Grimblood.Theyearnedit.’Heleanedclose. He could feel the anger radiating from the other warrior. It beat at hissenses like a wave. ‘Wemust prove our worth.Wemust earn our sagas, andhowlthemintotheteethof thevoid.That iswhatwearetaught.Yousteal thebeginningoftheirsagafromthemwiththisact.’‘Ifyouwereanyoneelse, Imightbeshamedby that,’Grimbloodsaidafteramoment. ‘But I knowyou,Strifeson.And I know that youdon’t give a damnabout such things. I took the kill, for it ismy right to do so. They should behonoured,fortheirnameswillbeapartofmysaga.’‘Theywillbedelightedtohearthat.’Grimbloodshookhishead.‘SometimesIwonderwhytheybotheredtoscrape

youofftheice,brother.WhatdidoldUlrikseeinyouthatday?’‘Ioftenaskmyself that samequestion,’Lukas said. ‘Thismountain is fullofghostswhowanttomakeussomethingwearenot.Tobendusintoshape,fitforsagasandthesongsofskjalds.I,forone,prefertotellmyownsaga.Notbeapartofsomeoneelse’s.’‘You talk about sagas as if you are free of them.Butwhat are you, save thethingtheyhavemadeyou?’GrimbloodsnortedandpokedafingerintoLukas’chest.Lukasfrowned.‘TheJackalwolf.Doyouknowwhywecallyouthat?’‘Becauseyou’rejealousofmylooks?’Grimbloodgloweredathim.‘No.Becauseyouremindusofbaddaysandblackdeeds.Youdonotlisten,youdonotheedyourbetters.Yousnapattheminstead.Thewayweoncedid,beforeRusstookusinhand.’Hisvoicerose,andLukascursedinwardlyashenoticedthegreyshapesgatheringinthemisttolisten.Hehadmade amistake.Grimblood hadwanted a confrontation – had baited himintoitwithastolenkill.‘Ournamewasajoke,Trickster.TheRout–itisajoke.Aninsult.Atermforapackofjackals,orthepariahdogsthathauntedthedryseasofTerra.Wewerebeastsinthosedays,andnamedforbeasts.Thatwasthebeginningofourstory.Thenameswebear are sagas inandof themselves, links inachain stretchingbackuntotheopeningoftheWolf’sEye.’Grimbloodfrownedandclenchedhisfist. Hewasmaking a show of it, impressing their brotherswith a display ofstrengthandcontrol.‘Wearestories,Jackalwolf.Wearesagasunwritten,anditisourdutytoplaytheparts theAllfatherintendsforus.’Grimbloodfixedhimwithasteadygaze.‘Evenyouhaveyourparttoplay.’‘Aye, and I know it well.Withoutme, youwould sink intomelancholy andspendyourdaysrecitingsadsagasofgloriespast.Igiveyousomethingtolookforwardto.’‘Youreventualdeath,youmean?’Lukas laughed. ‘Why not? I’m not planning on dying, but it gives yousomething to growl over.Like awolfwith a bone.’He thumbed his nose andsteppedback,outofreach.‘IamwhatIchoosetobe,Grimblood.Andnothingmore.’‘And that is where you are wrong, Jackalwolf. You are what I say you are,whileyouareapartofmypack.’Grimblooddrovehisswordpoint-firstintotheice.Lukas glanced at the sword, and then atGrimblood. ‘It’s going to be a longHelwinterforbothofus,Ifear,’hesaid,baringhisteethinawide,slowsmile.

Heheardthehuscarlsgrowlattheimpliedthreat,butGrimbloodmightaswellhavebeencarvedfromstone.‘Gobacktoyourpack,BloodClaw.’Lukasbowedmockingly,thenturnedandtrottedaway.‘Akewasright,then?’KadiraskedbitterlyasLukasrejoinedthem.HalvarwassupportingDag,whowascradlinghishead.‘Rightaboutwhat,pup?’‘Thatthejarlhasclaimedourkillforhisown.’Lukasnodded.‘Ashehasjustremindedme,thatishisrightasjarl.’‘Theglorywasours.Itisn’tfair,’Akesaid.‘No, it isn’t. It merely is, or is not.’ Lukas turned and studied Grimblood.Alreadyaplanwasbeginningtoform.‘Still,youareright.Grimbloodoverstepshimself.OccasionallyevenWolfLordsneedtoberemindedthattheyarepartofthepack–notaboveit.’‘Chieftain,’Einarsaid.Dagnodded.‘Einarisright.Heisjarl.Heisaboveus.’‘No,’Lukassaidmildly.‘Heisinfrontofus.Agoodleaderisalwaysinfront.Butneverabove.’Helaughed.‘Whichiswhyhewillneverseeitcoming.’

CHAPTERFIVE

BAITINGTHEHOOK641.M41

Sliscusranacrossthesheetmetalrooftops,hisstepsaslightastheoilyrainthatfellacrossthecity.Hedrewhisswordashewent.Thebladewasaworkofart,as singular in the universe as itswielder.Hehadmade sure of it. It had beencraftedespeciallyforthisday,andhe’dhadtheswordsmithexecutedtoensuretherewouldneverbeanotherlikeit.Unfortunately,hispreywasn’twherehehadhoped to find them.Hepursuedthemnowdown through the tiers of thegravity-defying arcology, fromgildedpalacestothesedankslums.The dark, faceted armour he wore caught and reflected the lights of thecityscapelikeblackglass.Aluxuriouscloakofdarkfurrippledinhiswake,theindividualhairsstiffeningandtwisting instrangepatterns.Sliscushadadornedhimselfinapanoplyofbladesandcurvessothathismeresttwitchmightcatchand scatter the light. He wore no helmet, preferring to taste the carnageunfilteredbyautosenses.Hewasn’ttheonlycorsairontherooftops.Hiswarriorswerescatteredacrossthe slums,hunting forpreyandplunder.Raiders swooped lowover theplazas

andavenues,andthenightwasalivewiththemusicofslaughter.Sliscusslowed,takingitallin.The Autocracy of Pok spread out around him like a scum of grey slime onstagnantwater.Theworldwasagasgiant,but themon-keighhadcolonised itreadily enough despite the lack of anything resembling solid ground.The citywasafloatingconglomerationofadozencrudearcologies,boundtooneanotherby massive tensile causeways. Great engines fuelled by the chemicals pulledfromtheatmospherekepttheAutocracyaloft.Allveryprimitive,butefficientinitsway.Itwas almost a shame to destroy it, but therewere some insults that simplycouldnotbebornebyanyright-thinkingcorsair.Aworldlikethiscouldnotbeallowedtogetaboveitself.Therewasaverystricthierarchytothegalaxy,andSliscuswasitsfaithfulservant.Inthisinstance,atleast.Farabovehim,somethingexploded.Reaversandhellionstumbledthroughthevirulentgasesoftheatmospherelikebrightlycolouredbirdsofprey.Theyspunabout the upper tiers and towers of the city, preventing any escape from thedockingplatformsthatextendedoutwardsfromthehighplaces likedullhalos.Sliscusallowedhimselfapaternalsmileattheirantics.He attracted all the wrong sorts to his banner. Rebels and spire-gangers,cutthroats and criminals. Renegades, even among the hedonistic kabals of theEternalCity.Theymadepoorsoldiers,butfinepirates.Somewouldeventuallymake their way back to Commorragh, wiser and bearing the scars of theirexperiences.Otherswoulddie.Butwhiletheyservedhim,hemadegooduseofthem.Achunkofburningdebrisslammeddownnearby,andhequicklysprangtotheleft.He caught sight of his quarry and slid down the incline of the roof. Justbeforehehittheedge,heleaptupwards,arcingoutoverthestreet.Hetorehissplinterpistolfromitsholsterashelandedandfiredwithoutlooking.Hispreydiedall the same, andhe shuddered inpleasure as the echoesof their agonieswashedoverhim.Theyweremon-keigh,sotherepastwaslesssatisfyingthanitotherwisemighthavebeen.Theydiedtooquickly,andtheiragonieswerebutcrudeemulationsofthose of higher species. They lacked the sensory capacity of an antedil or thepainreceptorsofasza.Nonetheless,theyservedtheirpurpose.HefeltthepullofSheWhoThirstsdwindleandfadeforanothermoment.Hestraightenedandlaidtheflatofhisswordacrosshisshoulder.‘Well,whathavewehere?’His voice carried easily along the avenue, despite the cacophonyof

battle.‘Isthatyou,Gymesh?Fancymeetingyouhere,oldfriend.’Gymesh,HighAutocratandLordofPok,sathunchedinagildedsedanchairsupportedbyfourspindlyautomatons.Thatsuchephemeral-seemingmachinescouldsupporthisgreatbulkspoketothehardinessoftheirconstruction.Behindthechair, a loosemanipleofmachine-warriors spreadout toprotectGymesh’scourtiers.Orperhapstousethemascover,itwasn’tclearwhich.Thehandfulofwarrior-droneswerenot likethehouseholdguardshehadjustdispatched.Thesewereastunted,blood-simplewarrior-caste, theirmeatmindsscooped out and replaced with glorified targeting computers. Their soulsflickered but dimlywithin the cybernetic husks they hadmade of themselves.Gymesh had risen to his current exalted state on the back of such patheticcreatures,buttheirlackofinitiativeillservedhimnow.Thecourtierswereamotleylotcladinsoot-stainedfinery,andsomeclutchedweapons that were more akin to props than implements of death. The lastvestiges of the old mercantile houses were retained to add a sheen ofrespectabilitytoGymesh’sgovernance.Birdsofparadiseingildedcages.Sliscuscould understandwhyGymeshwas dragging them along – their contacts andresources were worth a bit of trouble, especially if Gymesh had an eye torebuilding elsewhere.He had an almostCommorrite cunning, did theLord ofPok.‘Ah, ah, ah. Trying to escape. What sort of tyrant are you?’ Sliscus strodeforward. ‘We could have had this moment among the burning ruins of yourpalace,Gymesh.Instead,wemustdirtyourselvesinarancidalleylikecommoncutthroats.’He extended his sword. ‘I am quite put out, you know. I had thisswordmadeespeciallyforthisoccasion.Ihaditallplanned–athingofsublimeartistry.Andyouhadtogoandruinit.’‘Wehadanarrangement,’Gymeshsaid.Hisvoiceshudderedthroughthedampairlikeaskirloffeedback.‘Wepaidforyourprotection.’‘Yes,butyouwereveryrudeaboutit.AndIwasgettingbored,watchingyourfatlittlegas-scowstrundlebackandforththroughthesystemsoarrogantly.’‘Youcouldhavetakenone.Iwouldnothaveprotested.Gas-crewsarecheap.’‘ButifIhad,wemightnotbehavingthismomenthere.Apleasuredeniedisapleasure redoubled, as the great sage Um’shallyah penned in his treatise ThePrinciplesofPain.Adelightfulwork,ifacademic.’Sliscussmiled.‘Ihavenotreadit.’‘Idoubtyouwouldunderstanditifyouhad.Now,alas,youwillneverhavethechance.’Sliscus took a quick step towardshis prey, and the cybernetic guards

stiffened slightly. He fancied that he could feel their targeting sensors slidingoverhim,andheshiveredinanticipation.Thefacetsofhisarmourwereangledjustso,tomaketargetlocksallbutimpossible.Tothem,hemightaswellhavebeenamassofconfusingsignals.‘I might, if you were of a mind,’ Gymesh said. Sliscus felt a grudgingadmiration for the creature. Panic normally set in at this point. But Gymeshradiatednothingbutresignationandirritation.Perhapshehadforeseenthis.Hewouldhavebeenafoolifhehadn’t.‘Whatareyouoffering?’‘Thisworld.Itsbounty.Takeitasagift.Iwillleaveittoyou.’Sliscusshookhishead.‘YouofferwhatIalreadyhave.’Gymeshsighed.Heshiftedinhischairandglancedathiscourtiers.‘Butyoudonothavethese.Highbornfleshfetcheshighpricesintheslavemarkets.’Shoutsandscreamsofprotestaroseatthis,butatagesturefromGymeshhiscyberneticwarriorsbeatdowntheloudestofthem.Sliscussmiledthinlyasherealisedwhythewarriorshaddeployedastheyhad.Gymesh,cunningoldroguethathewas,hadforeseenthis.Butsuchforesightwouldavailhimlittletoday.‘No,I’mafraidthatwon’tsalvemypride,’Sliscussaid.Heextendedhissword.‘Itistimeforapartingoftheways,Gymesh.Wehavehadagoodrun,youandI,but new starsbeckonand I havemore interesting souls to reap.Sodrawyourblade,meat,andletuscommenceclosingnegotiations.’‘Iseeyouwillnotbereasonable.’Gymeshflungbacktheedgesofhisornaterobe. He had spared no expense in modifying his pathetic flesh. Cyberneticaugmentationwasn’t unknown among the higher echelons of theEternalCity,but it was considered somewhat gauche to make it obvious. Gymesh, on theotherhand,hadobviouslywantedtoseewhathewaspayingfor.Beneathhisrobes,hewasanightmareofprimitivemodifications.His jointedlegs seeped steam frompneumatic vents, and thepistonsof his clawsdrippedsparksasheflexedhishands.Thearmouredplatesfusedtohiscorpulentframedripped a tarry substance thatmight have been blood or oil or both. The rainmadecurioustrailsthroughit.The High Autocrat heaved himself up out of his sedan chair with a bone-rattlinggroan.Pumpswheezedaschemicalhosesflusheddarkly.Prostheticeyeswhirred, focusing on Sliscus. ‘That it has come to this is a disappointment,Traevelliath.Ourarrangementwasmostefficient.’‘For you.’ Sliscus swept his blade out, parting the rain. ‘Forme, itwas puretedium,enlivenedonlyby the thoughtofagloriousending.Buteven thatyou

havedeniedme.Sonow,ImusttakewhatsmallpleasureIcanfromyouintheselast moments.’ He darted forward, moving more swiftly than the human eyecouldfollow.Gymesh roared something in binary, and his automatons dropped the sedanchairandjangledtointerceptSliscus.Theywerethinthings,designedforlooksrather than lethality, but still fast. Blades sprouted from tube-like limbs andinternalgyroscopeswhirredtolife,turningthemintospinningdervishes.To amon-keigh, theywould have seemed impossible to predict or avoid. ToSliscus,theymightaswellhavebeenmovinginslowmotion.Thedrugsinhissystem enhanced his perceptions to an almost painful degree. He could seeeverything, and reacted accordingly.A single blowwas sufficient to send onewhirlingblade-stormintoitsfellow,andthetwoautomatonstoreeachother topiecesinacoldfrenzy.Athirdwasdispatchedwithapreciseshottoitscentralprocessing node. The fourth he simply avoided. It spun off down the street,makingadolefulnoise,unabletocompensateforhisevasion.Sliscuscluckedhistongue.‘Suchshoddyworkmanship.’Heheardthewhineofthe automaton as it finally circled back, and fired his splinter pistol withoutlooking.Theautomatonexplodedsomewherebehindhim.‘Killhim,’Gymeshgrowled.Courtiers scattered as the six cybernetic warriors darted towards him. Theyworecowlsandleathercoatsovertheirmostlyartificialbodies,andsegmentedcarapace armour. They were a parody of the more efficient killing machinesproduced by themon-keigh tech-adepts. Crudely stitched and implanted, theywerebuilt forobedienceandbrute strength rather thancombat efficiency.Theworkofgiftedamateursratherthanexperts.Astheyclosedin,Sliscusgaveabriefthoughttocallingforaid.Slegandhiscoil-kinwereclose,shadowingtheiremployer.TheSslythwerealltheguardsheneeded,thoughtherewereRaidersfullofcorsairswithineasycommunicationsrangeshouldnecessitywarranttheiraid.Their auto-carbines barked, filling the rainy air with hornets of lead. Sliscusdarted to the side, runningupawall and flippingover theheadof the first toreachhim.Hedrovehisbladeintothewarrior’sbodyashelandedandspunhimaround.Thewarriorspasmedas theshots fromhis fellowsstruckhim.Sliscusbracedthetwitchingcorpseandadvanced,absorbingthefusillade,untilhewascloseenoughtorespondinkind.Unlikethemachine-men,heneedednotargetingarraytoplacehisshots.Twopitchedbackwards,theirheadscrackedopenbytheshardsofsplinteredcrystal.

Threeremained,andtheyadvancedmoreslowly,firingsteadily.Sliscuslaughedas thebody shieldinghimcontinued to twitch, and slid thebarrelofhispistolbeneathitsfloppingarm.Hefired,knockingthelegsoutfromunderone.Whenhewascloseenough,hepivoted,wrenchinghisswordfree.Heleaptup,slashingashelanded.Agunbarrelslippedtopieces,anditswielderstaggeredback in dull surprise. Sliscus lunged, piercing one of the machine-warrior’sartificialeyesandthebrainbehindit.Hedraggedthedyingcreaturetowardshimandkickeditinthemidsection,sendingitcrashingintotheremainingwarrior.Before the hapless machine-warrior could disentangle itself, Sliscus shot itthrough the head. The one he had shot in the legs lay where it had fallen,squallinginpain.Nevertheless,itkepttryingtorise.Sliscussetafootbetweenitsshoulderbladesandslowlyslidhisswordthroughthebackofitsneck.Itonlyhadadullunderstandingofpain,butwastenot,wantnot.Acorsair learned totakehispleasureswherehecould.He heard the grinding of gears and ducked. Gymesh snarled and swung hisotherhand.Ahiddengunbarrel emerged from themeatofhis forearmwithawetsuckingsound.Itspatdeath,orwouldhavehadSliscusbeentheretomeetit.Instead,hewasalreadymoving.HeholsteredhispistolasGymeshturned.‘I will crush you,’ the tyrant roared, his amplified voice echoing from thesurroundingbuildings.‘If you could, youwould have by now,’ Sliscus saidmildly.He bobbed andweaved, avoiding his opponent’s wild blows. Gymesh had been a terrifyingwarriorinhisyouth,buttimehaderodedhisability.Hewasslownow.Boring.‘This is highly unsatisfying, Gymesh. I had pictured a rather more engagingduel. Where is that skilful murderer I once fought beside in the ArconisTributary?’‘StandstillandIwillshowyou,youpreeninglunatic.’MoreweaponssproutedfromGymesh’smottledflesh.Built-instubbersandlas-packscycledup,spittingfire.Theweaponshadonlyafewshotsapiecebeforetheyrandryorburnedout.Hisclaws,however,neverranoutofammunition.Growing bored, Sliscus darted beneath Gymesh’s groping lunge and slicedthrough the feedcables thatcontrolledhisclaws.Gymeshhowled,andSliscusrepeated themanoeuvre, this timeonhis opponent’s legs.Gymesh sankdownwithapetulantgroan.Heshookhisflabbyhead.‘No,’hemumbled.Hisheavyframesaggedas feedback fromthedamagedcables resonated throughhis life-supportsystems.‘Yes,’ Sliscus said. He lifted Gymesh’s chins with the flat of his blade. He

wantedtolookhisoldallyintheeyes.TheAutocrat’sopticlensesclickedandspun.‘Why?’‘I told you, Iwas bored.And all things come to an end.Goodbye,Gymesh.Takesomesmallpleasureinknowingthatyouprovidedpoorsport.’‘Wait–’Gymeshbegan.Sliscus flipped the blade about and chopped through Gymesh’s neck. Gorespurtedandhisheadrolledfree.Sliscussighed.Heheldtheswordup,studyingthefluidsthatdrippedfromit.Itwasn’teverydaythatonekilledanoldfriend.ButGymeshhadruinedit.‘Feh,’Sliscusgruntedashecleanedthebladewiththeedgeofhiscloak.Still,disappointingasthishadbeen,hehadotherthingstolookforwardto.Thoughtsofhisimpendingcelebrationssurgedtothefore.Therewassomuchtobedone.Invitationstobesent,preparationstobemade.‘Myrta,’hecalledout.‘Here,mylord.’He smiled and turned. His courtesan was stepping unhesitatingly over thebodies.Behindher,hecouldseeSlegandtheotherSslythcorrallingthosemon-keighcourtierstoostupidtoflee.Theophidianswerecoldlyprofessional,unlikemanyofhisfollowers.Theycouldberelieduponnottogetoutofhandwithhisproperty,solongastheywereallowedtoindulgetheirsimple-mindeddesiresatalatertime.Nearby, shuffling, broken shapes slipped out from between the buildings.Sliscus frowned as he caught sight of Jhynkar and his wracks. Trust thefleshweavertowaituntilthefightingwasdonetoswoopdown.Thewrackshadprisonersoftheirown,andastheysteppedtowardsthecringingcourtiers,Sleggrumbled awarning. The ophidian reared up, drawing his blades. The barbedswordscouldpartmetalaseasilyas flesh,andSlegwasamasterof theiruse.Sliscushadoftenemployedthebruteasasparringpartner,andhethoughtSlegabetterswordsmanthanmost.Sliscusmovedtoheadofftheconfrontation,Myrtafallingintostepbehindhim.Sleg settled as he approached, and Jhynkar waved his wracks back. ‘Myapologies,mylord,Iassumedthatyourwarriorsrequiredaid…’‘Asyoucansee,theydonot.’Sliscusstudiedthecoweringhumans.Noblebirthmeantsomethingdifferentamongthemon-keigh,obviously.‘Thesearenotforyou,Jhynkar.Contentyourselfwiththespecimensyouhavealreadyacquired.’Hegesturedtotheprisonersthewracksheld.Thehumanshadthelookofgas-miners, their wasted frames clad in ragged environmental suits. They were

boundbyafleshycablethatemergedfromthebackofoneofthelargerwracks.Themeat-chainflexedandcontractedconstantly,compensatingforthestrugglesofthoseensnaredinitsfolds.Sliscussmiled,decisionmade.‘Weshallmakeagiftoftheseroyalsurvivors,Ithink.Parcel themoutaccording to thestatusofmy intendedguests,andsendthemwithmycompliments.Myrta, youwill see to it.’Heused the flat of hisbladetoliftherchin.‘Butdoenjoyyourselfbeforethen,mylady.LetitneverbesaidthatDukeSliscusisnotasconsiderateasheischarming.’Hissmilecouldhavecutsteel.Hesweptthebladeaside,nearlycuttingherashedidso.Then,laying it acrosshis shoulder,he turnedand strodeaway, accompaniedbySlegandseveralofhishulkingcoil-kin.Therewere some pleasures yet to be had on this depressingmud ball beforetheydeparted,andheintendedtosampleeachandeveryone.

Myrtawatchedhermastergo.She sighedand turned towatch Jhynkarextractgeneticmatter from the captives, as the remaining Sslyth saw to chaining therest.‘Donotsighso,mylady,’Jhynkarsaid.‘Freedomisaburdenonthesoul.’‘Andwhatwouldyouknowofit?’‘MorethanIcareto.Whatisthenameofthisworld?’heaskedasheremovedasyringe fromadyinghuman’s spinal column. ‘I require it formy records.’Heshovedthelimpbodytowardshiswracks,whobegantoefficientlybutcherthecarcass.‘Perhapsyoushouldaskoneof them,’Myrtasaidasshekickeda looseheadfromherpath.ShelookedupasthedarkskywasrivenbytheshriekofReaversandhellions.Thecacklingspire-gangersfilledtheskieslikescavengerbirds,andshecouldhearthescreamsofthoseseekingsafetyintheheightsofthefloatingcity.‘Idonotspeakmon-keigh.Doyou?’Jhynkargesturedtooneofhisslaves,andthetonguelessbruteshuffledforward,pullingtheedgesofitsraggedshiftawayfromitsback.Withthetatteredclothmoveddown,itrevealedatumorousmassofknottedmuscle,studdedwithcontact-ports,eachoneholdingasyringe.Thehaemonculusinsertedthesyringeheheldinanemptyport,elicitingathinwhinefromthecreature,beforedrawinganotherfromitsquiveringback.Myrta frowned. The question was ludicrous. ‘Of course not. Why would Idebasemyselfinsuchamanner?’Hechortled.‘Knowledgeisitsownreward,mylady.Anditcutsaskeenlyas

anyblade,intherighthands.’Heflickedtheendofafreshsyringe,andsignalledforhiswrackstobringhimanewhuman.‘Howlonghaveyoubeenhisslave,then?’‘Courtesan,’shecorrected.‘It ismuch thesame thing, is itnot?Hewillnot letyou leavehim,whateveryouoryoursisterhoodmightwish.’‘IfIamaslave,thensotooareyou.’Jhynkar nodded absently as he bent to his task. ‘Oh, of course. There is nodenyingthat.Isoughtrefugeinservitude,assomanydo.Ifyouarenotamaster,youmustbeaslave.That is thenatureof things.Rule,orserve.Someendupdoingboth.’‘Vect,’Myrtasaid.Jhynkar thrust his syringe home, into the squealing human’s back.Hekept atight grip on the creature’s neck as it arched itself in agony.Myrta closed hereyes, relishing thesensation. ‘OrourowndearDuke.’Heglancedather,overthe human’s twitching head. ‘Though, there are some who think his rule hasbeenoverlong.’‘You?’‘Never. LongmayDuke Traevelliath Sliscus reign,’ he said loudly. ‘May hestride the stars, a colossus,mightyanduntamed,until the firmamentcrumblesandallsongsreachtheirend.’Acruelsmiletwistedhisfeaturesashejerkedthenow-fullsyringefreeandeyedthesubstancewithin.‘Iwastalkingaboutyou.’Myrta’shand fell toherblade. ‘Careful, fleshweaver. I amhis, andmybladeserveshim.’Butherwordssoundedhollow,eventoher.Ifshehadachancetofreeherselffromhereternalservitude,shewouldtakeit.Therewasnoquestionofthat.‘Oh,tobesure,tobesure.Iamnotraitor,nobackstabber.Iambutahumblehorrorist, cultivating entertainments for my betters.’ He deposited the secondsyringeashehadthefirst,anddrewathird.‘AnditisinthatspiritthatIspeaktoyounow.Ihaveanameforyou.’‘Aname?’‘Aworld.AworldofmonstersworsethananyIcanconceive.Aworldfitforahunt.’Myrtafrowned.‘Whynottellhimyourself?’‘Imake thebladeagift,’Jhynkarsaid.A thirdhumanstumbled towardshim,propelledroughlybythewracks.Hecaughtthecreatureandeasilyforcedit toitsknees.Thehaemonculuswasfarstrongerthanhelooked.Withoutpause,he

thrust the syringe through the top of themon-keigh’s hairy skull and into thebrain meats within. The human gave a strangled groan and slumped. OnlyJhynkar’sgripkeptitfromtopplingover.‘Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Speakplainly.’He lookedather,hisstretchedfeaturesexpressionless. ‘Sliscushaseverbeenone whose reach exceeds his grasp. He drives himself to greater heights ofarrogance,andeverclosertooblivion’sedge.Itishisnature.Givehimasharpenoughbladeandhewillcuthimself.’‘Youthinkthisworldmightmeanhisdestruction?’‘Ithinkthatifithappens,noonewillblameyou.’Myrtapaused,consideringhiswords.Thenshesmiled.‘Andwhatdoyougetoutofthis?Iloseanenslaver,butyouloseaprotector.’‘I lose nothing.’ Jhynkar jerked his syringe free and cleaned the tip with afastidiousgesture.‘Thereissomethingontheworldinquestionthatwillbuymeforgiveness.’Shelaughed.‘Andthereitis.Thatiswhyyouneedmetosuggestit?Sothathedoesnotsuspectyourobviousulteriormotivations?’Jhynkarsmiled.‘Evenso,mylady.Ismygiftsatisfactory?’Myrtareturnedhissmile.‘Whatisthisworldcalled?’

Jhynkar watched Myrta depart, hurrying to catch up with her self-absorbedpatron.IfSliscusdiednowitwouldbeamusing,butunsatisfyinginthelongrun.Betterthatheperishatatimeandplaceoftheirchoosing.‘Mychoosing,’Jhynkarmurmured.‘Melianes,comehere.’Oneofhiswracksshuffledforward.‘Openachanneltomylaboratory.’Thewrackshuddered,andthe featureless faceplate of his helmet flickered with bands of light. Thedisparate sections of the faceplate slid aside with a wet hiss, revealing a flatscreenbehind.Thehelmetwasabroadcastamplifierof sorts,and itsweareraliving communications array.Melianes had beenmost put out, until that firsttransmissionburnedoutmostofhishigherbrainfunctions.Nowhewasmerelyonemorepieceofequipment.JhynkarbentforwardandfiddledwiththecontrolnodesimplantedinMelianes’chest and neck. He located and activated one frequency among the plethorastoredwithin thewrack’s organic databanks, and his servant shuddered again.Melianesstiffened,andastreamoflighteruptedfromthescreen.Themotes of light swirled about erratically for amoment before condensinginto familiarity.A lean form, bent over its latestmasterpiece. Jhynkar sighed,

pleased that thesignalwasstillactiveafterall this time.Heclearedhis throat.‘HonouredXhact?’Thehololithicshapeturnedfromsomeunseenlabourandsighed.‘Whodaresdisturbme atmywork? I am right in themiddle of something.’ A thin handgestured,andthesomethinggroanedweakly.‘ItisI,mostesteemedmaster.’ThehonorifictastedbitterinJhynkar’smouth.KhaeghrisXhactwasnomorehismasternowthanhehadbeencenturiesago.The master of the Hex was a dilettante and an unskilled provocateur, byJhynkar’sstandards.Xhact leaned forward. Jhynkar knew he was studying a similar hololithicprojection.Allmembers–orformermembers–oftheHexpossessedmeansofdiscretecommunicationwithothermembersofthecoven.‘Andwhoareyou?’‘Jhynkar,master.’Hegrittedhisteeth.‘Yourprotégé.’‘Theexile?’‘Yes,ancientone.’Despitehispretence,JhynkarknewXhactrecognisedhimwellenough.ItwasXhact who had sold Jhynkar into slavery, after all. Jhynkar knew the ancienthaemonculusfoundhishardshipamusing.Jhynkarwasalsowellplacedtofeedusefulinformationbacktohisoldcoven,whenthemoodtookhim.Manygreatworksofarthadonlycometofruitionduetohisdiligence.‘Ithasbeensometimesinceyourlastvisit,Jhynkar.Ifearedyoudead.’‘Really,reveredone?’‘No. I had, in fact, almost entirely forgotten that you still existed.Whyhaveyouremindedme?’TherewasafamiliarundercurrentofmenaceinXhact’stone.Jhynkarcringeddramatically,andwasrewardedwithaslighttwitchofasmileonhisformermaster’slips.‘Icomebearinggifts,ohhonouredteacher.’‘Wise.Somethinginteresting,Itrust.’‘Aworld,reveredone.’Xhactsnorted.‘AndwhatwouldIdowithanotherofthose?’‘Itisaspecialworld.Avibrant,savageworld,unlikeanyother,’Jhynkarsaid.Quickly, before Xhact could reply, he sent the information. Xhact raised aneyebrowashestudiedthedatastream.‘Thisisamon-keighworld.’‘Butunique.’‘Perhaps.Ofwhatinterestwouldsuchaworldbetome,Jhynkar?’‘Ishouldhavethoughtitwouldbeobvious,reveredone.Thelandscapealoneis

an inspiring riot of ferocity. Not to mention the inhabitants. The dichotomybetween savage and civilisation, between superior and inferior – quitestimulating.’ThehololithicXhactturned,hiseyesnarrowed.‘Oh?’‘Evenbetteristheopportunitythatcomeswithit.’‘Goon.’Jhynkar licked his lips. ‘There is a… ah… a bounty, I believe, on a certainindividual of our acquaintance. Quite a hefty one, as well. There may be anopportunitytocollectit.’Xhactnodded. ‘Iwonderedwhenyour treacherousnaturewould assert itself,Jhynkar. Have you grown tired of exile at last? Are you finally prepared tohumbleyourselfbeforeyourteachers?’Jhynkarhesitated.‘Mytalentswillbeputtobestuseinserviceofyourselfandtheothers.OnlythroughyourguidancewillIreachtheheightstowhichIaspire.Tothatend,Ibringyouabondprice.’‘Abribe,youmean.Toforgiveyouyourmanyandvariedtrespasses.’‘Ifyouwishtobebluntaboutit,’Jhynkarsaid,frowning.Xhactsmiled.‘Itisbesttospeaksimply,Ithink.Whatareyouoffering?’‘Aworldofrawmaterialssuchaswehaveneverplundered,andthelifeofonewhohasdeliveredinsultuponinsulttoourcoven.NotleastofwhichisdaringtogivesanctuarytoonetheHexhascastout.’‘You,’Xhactsaidpointedly.Jhynkarshrugged.‘Idon’tmaketherules.’Xhact laughedhoarsely. ‘No.Vectdoes.Andhehas raised thebountyon theSerpent’sheadconsiderablysinceSliscus’lastvisittotheDarkCity.Somethingaboutthetheftofatesseractdeviceintendedasagiftforthelordofoneoftheotherkabals.Butyouknewthat,Iexpect.’‘Sliscusmighthaveboastedofitonceortwice.’‘Thatsounds likehim,preeningfool thathe is. Itwouldraiseusmuchin theesteem of the mighty if we were to give him a suitable ending. Somethingamusing,andfitting.’‘Imayhave just the thing, reveredone.But Iwill requireaid.’ Jhynkarhidasmile,knowingwhat theanswerwouldbeevenashe raised thematter.Xhactwasnofool,buthewasgreedyforinfluence.Atrueartistwasabovesuchthings,butXhactandhisfollowerswereleechesofthe first order. Their art was not conceived for its own sake, but designed toelevate them in theeyesof thosewhom theymight serveas fleshweaversand

bodycrafters.Suchundignifiedscrabblingreducedcreativitytomeremercenaryendeavour.Understandable, in its way. Commorraghwas a sea in which a soul withoutinfluence quickly sank. The covens and kabals scrambled constantly in aneternal game of power and pressure, each seeking its own advantage. It wasalmost beautiful, like some intricatemechanism of gloriouslymalign purpose,whenlookedatfromacertainangle.Therewasanart tosuchmanipulations.HistimewithSliscushadtaughthimthatmuch.Everywordintherightearwasabrushstrokeonacanvasaswideasthedarkbetweenthestars.Andwhenhehadcompletedthatgreatwork,itwouldbespokenofinwhispersuntilthedaythelasttowerofCommorraghcrumbledintodust.Butfirst,Xhacthadtoagree.Themaster of theHex nodded slowly. ‘An intriguing prospect, Iwill admit.Muchtobegained,andsolittletobelost.’Hepaused,asifsomethinghadjustoccurredtohim.‘Andyouwilloverseeit,willyou?’‘Imerelyproffertheinformation,honouredmaster.Makeuseofitasyouwill.’Jhynkarbowedhisheadwithwhathehopedwaspropersubservience.Xhact snorted. ‘I shall consider it. In themeantime,makeyourpreparations.’The image flickered and dissolved. Xhact had cut the connection on his end.Jhynkar’s wrack slumped with a guttural moan, and he absently patted thecreatureonthehead.‘Oh,Iwill.Iwillindeed.’

CHAPTERSIX

FEASTANDFIRE641.M41

Feastingwasatradition.Onemoreritualamongthousands,onemorebaronthecage.To feastwas to sitwithyourbrotherson longbenches, eating,drinking,singing.Andat thehigh tables,whereall could see them, the thegnsand jarlswould be doing the same. The only ones not singing and drinking were thethralls, forced tonavigateamazeof fistfightsandhungrywolves,bipedalandotherwise.Lukascrouched in thehigh raftersof iron-hardwoodabove thechamberandwatcheditall.Fromabove,thefeastresemblednothingsomuchasamechanismofmanyparts.HecouldseethewheelsofinfluenceandaggressionuponwhichthewholeoftheAettturned.Hewasn’ttheonlyonewhocouldseethem–evenhewasn’tsoarroganttothinkthat.Buthefanciedthathewastheonlyonewhosawthemforwhattheywere.A trap.A trick,playedon those long-deadwarriorsby theirWolfKing.Russhadtakenalegionofbrutalkillersandconvincedthemthattheywereheroes.HehadtwistedtheancientsuperstitionsandsagasofFenrisintoacageofwordstocontainhiswildsons.Itwasachainofillusion,holdingthemfast,thoughthey

couldneitherseeitnorfeelit.AllexceptLukas.Herubbedthebackofhisneck,asifhecouldfeelthecollarchafing him. His perch creaked beneath his weight, and he glanced up. Fiveshapescrouchednearby,scatteredacrosstherafters.Afamiliarstinktickledhisnose and he sighed. ‘Halvar,’ he sub-vocalised. The name flew across theencryptedvox-linkhehaddevisedforhispack,andtheshapesfroze.‘How’dyouknowitwasme?’‘Ifyouwant tosneakuponsomeone,maybewashfirst.’Lukas lookedat theBloodClaws.‘Whyareyoufoolsuphere?’‘Wefollowedyou,’Kadirsaid,creepingcloser.‘Whatarewedoing?’‘IampreparingtoteachGrimbloodalesson,asIpromised.Youaregoingbackthe way you came.’ He tensed. What he was planning was bound to haveconsequences.Grimblood could sufferwounds to anything savehis pride, andthatwaswhereLukasintendedtostrike.Kadirsnorted.‘No.’‘You’reluckyIdon’tbootyouofftheserafters,’Lukassnarled,butsoftly.Kadirfrowned.‘Wecametohelp.Hetookourglory.’‘AndI’mgoingtopunishhim.But it’sbetter ifI incurhiswrathalone,don’tyouagree?’Lukasfrowned.‘Getoutofhere,andleavemetoit.’‘No,’Einarsaid.‘He’sright,’Akesaid.‘Wewon’tletyoufightourbattlesforus.Whatdoyouneed us to do, Trickster?’ The others growled agreeably, united against acommonfoe.Lukashesitated.But theyknew the risks,and theywere right. Itwastheirbattleaswell.Hewasn’tajarl,tostealtheirglory.‘Fine.Youwant to help?Here.’He tapped at a plate on his thigh. It poppedloosefromhisarmourwithahissofdisplacedair,revealingahiddenport.Insidewereahandfulofcrystalspheres.LukasheldthemouttotheBloodClaws.‘I’vebeenlookingforanexcusetousethese.Takeone.’Kadirtookoneandlookedatit.‘Whatisit?’‘A holo-flash. Projects a sort of hololithic mask over whoever is holding it.Doesn’t last long.Only a fewmoments, and then it burns out.’Lukas handedthemouttoEinarandtheothers.‘Igotthemfromatraderofmyacquaintance.She brings me all sorts of gifts in return for… certain favours.’ He grinned.‘These she got on some feral backwater. Archaeotech, probably. They haveskjalds there, of a sort. They use them when they perform before theirchieftains.’Heclosedtheportonhisthigh.‘Thesearekeyedtomyappearance.’‘Sowe’lllooklikeyou?’Kadiraskedwarily.

‘Aye,thoughitwon’tlastlong,moreisthepity.’Lukassmiled.‘Still,you’llgettoknowhowitfeelstobethishandsome,atleastforafewmoments.’‘Andwhat doyouwant us to dowith them?’Dag asked.Pale as hewas, helookedpositivelysicklyintheglowcastupbythefiresbelow.Hegrinned,eagertoparticipateinwhateverLukaswasplanning.Foramoment,hisleanfeaturesresembledaskull.Lukasblinkedtheimageaway,banishingitfromhisthoughts.‘I want you to sneak back out of here the way you came and wait for meoutside.Don’tactivatethemuntilIgivethesignal.’‘What’sthesignal?’Akeasked,nervouslybouncinghiscrystalonhispalm.‘You’llknowitwhenyouseeit.Nowgo.Andbequiet.’AstheBloodClawscreptaway,Lukasturnedbacktothefeastbelow.Itwasinfull swing now. Normally, feasts were held to commemorate the dead, tocelebrateavictoryor torejoice inahuntyet tocome.Helwinter feastswereamore energetic sort of beast – all that excess energy boiled over into a madcelebration full of noise and violence. Any thrall not serving food and drinkstayedwellawayfromJarlheimduringfestivitieslikethis.Below,Grimbloodstoodandcametothecentreofthechamber.Heraisedhishands,andarespectfulsilencefell.Whateverhisfaults,thejarlhadafirmgriponthethroatofhisGreatCompany.Onegesturewasenoughtoputthemintheirplace.Thewarriorsoftheothercompaniesfellsilentaswell,eventually,astheirownjarlsglaredorshoutedforquiet.Itwashard todeny thatGrimbloodcut an impressive figure.Hisbattle-platewas burned black in places, and red runes had been carved on these scorchedareas.Theycaughtthefirelightandshimmeredeerily,exactlyastheWolfLordhadlikelyintended.Lukassnorted.Heknewwhatcamenext.Everyfeast,Grimbloodlikedtoruinthefunwithalong-windedrambleonhisfavouritesubject.Thejarlcircledthegreatfirepitthatoccupiedtheheartofthechamber.‘Thefirespeakstome,’herumbled.Hisvoicecarriedthroughthechambereasily,reachingeveryear.‘Thegalaxy burns. And if we fail, it will be consumed. Luckily, failure is notsomethingweareknownfor,eh,brothers?’A shout went up at this. Fists thumped tables and tankards crashed down.Grimblood smiled.He struck his chestwith a balled fist. ‘We are the sons ofRuss,andfailureisnot inus.Whateverthebattle,whatever thecost,westandtrue.Alwaysandforever.’Hehelduphisfistsandbrought themtogether. ‘Wearetheironoftwogreatworlds,ofFenrisandTerra,hammeredtogetherbythehandsoftheWolfKingandforgedintoakillingblade.’

Roarsnow.Bellowsofagreementfromthosetoodrunkonmjodtohold theirtongues, or to notice that Grimblood was lifting lines from one of the mostfamousspeechesevergivenbytheirprimarch.‘WearetheWolvesthatStalktheStars,andthebeastsofvoidanddarknessfearus.Theyburntheirworldslestwecatchtheirscent.Theyfleeatthefirstglimpseofus,atthefirstsoundingofourhowl.TheyprefertheagoniesofHeltothetouchofourfangs.Theyfearus!’Lukas settled back on his haunches as a solid wave of noise rose from thefeasters. His ears ached with the din. Below, Grimblood turned as he spoke,castinghisgazeacrosseverytable.‘Aye,theyfearus,andtheyarerighttodoso,foronceawolfbites,itdoesnotletgountilitspreyisdead.Theycomeseekingslaughter,andwegiveittothem,brothers, measureformeasure.’Someone had begun to pound rhythmically on a table. Others joined in.Grimbloodspreadhisarms.‘Feelthegroundtrembleandquake,brothers.Feeltheechoesof the stormcascading through the stoneof themountain.Feelourworldtwistinitsrage–itisagift,thatrage.Itmakesusstrong,itiswhatourenemies fear. It is our fire, burning cold at the core of us.But like every firesincethefirst,itmusteventuallyconsumeus.’Avoiceroseinadirgeandwassoonjoinedbyothers.Dolorousandproud,likethe groan of a dying animal. Lukaswinced.Grimblood turned to the fire andswepthishandsthroughit,asiftocapturetheflamesbetweenhisfingers.‘Ourfireisthewolfinourblood.Itiseverhungry,andwilldevouruseachinitsturn.Butthatishowitmustbe.Morkaicomesforeveryman,andhecannotdenyit,nomatterhowhemightwishit.Ourenemiesdenydeath,theydenythetruth of things, and somake themselves into lies. But we are the truth madeflesh.’The dirge grew louder and wilder. The kill-urge rose suddenly, beating atLukas’ temples and choking his throat.He forced it back, fighting for clarity.Grimblood continued to speak, but Lukas ignored him. Itwas too easy to getswept up in these self-aggrandising refrains. Not truth, but boasts and lies.Grimbloodwas just teasing the beast, so thatwhen theHelwinter released itshold on the Aett, the companies would burst forth and harry the stars withappropriatevigour.Itwashisduty,andhewasgoodatit.‘Andthisismyduty,’Lukasmutteredashereachedintooneofthepouchesonhisbelt.Thepouchwasspeciallyinsulated,andinsiderestedaneat,gelatinoussphere.Itfiteasilyinhispalm,immediatelylosingitsshapeashewrappedhisfingersaroundit.Lukaswarmedthesolutionbetweenhispalms.Ithadtheconsistencyofrubber,

but with less tensile strength. As it warmed, its surface began to ripple andbubble.Hegrinned.The substancewasmadeprimarily fromkraken ichoranddrakeblubber.Combiningthemin thecorrectquantitiesalongwithsomeformofaccelerantmadeforapotent,iflargelyharmless,flammablegellingagent.Herolledthesolutiononcemoreintoatightballanddroppeditintothefirepit.Whenitlanded,thefiresprangupandout,blazingwildforabriefmomentasthe solution exploded. Grimblood whirled, and droplets of the gelling agentsplatteredacrosshisfaceandarmour.Thejarlstaggeredbackashisbeardburstinto flames. The rest of his hair went up like a torch, and he howled. Hestumbledoverawolf,andtheanimalscrambledaway,yelping.Itscriessettheother wolves to similarly voice their confusion. The shouts and curses of thewarriorsatthetablesonlyaddedtothefurore.Lukas laughed. It was going better than he had expected. Still, he hadn’tintendedtosetGrimblood’swholeheadonfire.Thatwasafailingonhispart,andoneheneededtoaddressswiftly,beforethingsgotoutofhand.Hesprangfromhisperchanddroppedtothefloor.LukaslandedoppositethebellowingWolfLord.Hehowledouthislaughterashe scooped up a barrel of mjod from a nearby table and bounded towardsGrimblood. The jarl’s eyes widened as he realised what Lukas was planning.‘No!’hesputtered.LukasslammedthefoamybarreloverGrimblood’shead,puttingouttheflameswith a heavy splash. The Wolf Lord threw a wild punch, but Lukas easilyavoided theblindblow.Still laughing,he leaptupontoanother table. ‘All thistalkof fire,andno thoughtgiven toputting itout?Forshame,my jarl–whatwouldRusssay?’Grimbloodtorethebarrelapart,splatteringliquideverywhere.Whatwasleftofhissingedhairandbeardwasplasteredtohisskullinlimpknots.Heroaredinfury.WarriorsgrabbedatLukas, hurling themselves across the table ashe randownitslength.Lukasleaptandslid,kickingupplattersoffoodandknockingovertankardsinhismadcapdashforthedoor.GreyHuntersmovedtocuthimoff.Onerushedhimwithabeefbone,andLukaswasforcedtodefendhimselfwithaplatter.Hekickedhisattacker’slegsoutfromunderhimandleaptforthewallbeyondthetable.Asthesolesofhisbootscrunchedagainstthestonework,hetwistedandpushedhimself towards one of the ancient chandeliers that hung from the rafters.Hestretched out a hand, catching the black iron rim. Still laughing, he swunghimselftowardstheexit.Whenhereachedtheapexoftheswing,heletgoand

landedinacrouch.Withouthesitation,hescrambledtohisfeetandtowardsthedoors. He heard Grimblood roaring behind him and felt the floor tremble aswarriorsgallopedinpursuit.Hedidn’tlookback.Lukashitthedoorsfulltilt,scatteringthralls.Asheracedintothecorridor,hehearda familiarhowlandsawa flashoutof thecornerofhiseye.Amomentlater, five copies of himselfwere racing alongside him. Lukas threw back hishead and laughed. ‘Split up,’ he barked. ‘Let’s lead them on a merry chase,brothers.Hloja!’ThehowlsoftheRoutpursuedthemintothedark.

Galerunnerpushedthegreatbronze-bandeddoorsopenandenteredtheHallofSilences.Jarlheimwasinanuproar.PacksofGreyHuntersscouredthetunnelsand corridors, seeking something.Or someone.Galerunner knewwell enoughwhothatsomeonewaswithouthavingtobetold.Nodoubtthatwasthereasonhehadbeensummoned.‘Itoldhim,’hesaidsoftlytohisshadow.‘Buthedidn’tlisten.’HehadwarnedGrimblood about provoking the Jackalwolf. Anger was the Rout’s vice, andLukasplayedon itoften.WholepacksofvengefulGreyHuntershadbeen ledintothedepthsoftheAettbyalaughingshadow,onlytoreturnsomehourslater,shame-faced and smelling of troll piss orworse things.BrondtRocktooth hadpursued Lukas through the Bloodfire Gate and vanished for three cycles,eventuallystaggeringbackwithhisbattle-platestainedblackwithkrakenichorandahauntedlookinhiseyes.OnlythemadandthedesperatetriedtocatchtheJackalwolfbythetail.Lukascouldbeendured ifyouwereclever.Other jarlshadmanaged it, in their time.ButnotGrimblood.Andnowhewaspayingforit.Galerunnersighed.TheHallofSilencesliveduptoitsname.TheAettechoedwithnoise.Allsavethisplace,wheresilenceseemedtoswellinonitself,drowningoutallsound.Itsaton theeasternslopesof themountain,ashrine to forgotten things,builtbymenwhoforgotnothing.Galerunnerfrowned.‘Nomatterhowmuchwemightwishto,’hemuttered.Herewasthebattle-plateofawarriorwhohadfallenintheMonthsofShame,shornoftotemsandmarkers,forreasonsknownonlytotheGreatWolf.There,thetatteredblueuniformofaDelsvaanWarden,killedinthefallofMasaanore-Core,adecadebeforeLemanRusshadtakenhisLegioninhand.Thewallswereheavy with shameful trophies and tokens of bitter remembrance. The air waspregnantwithstoriesuntold.

ItwastheWolfKingwhohadgiventheHallofSilencesitspurpose.Toensurethathiswarriorstastednotjustthesweet,butthebitteraswell,orsotheWolfPriestsclaimed.ItwasoneofmanysuchshrinesthatdottedtheslopesandcragsoftheFang,tributestopastmistakes.FewwarriorsoftheRoutvisitedthehallthesedays,however.Galerunnercouldfindnofaultinthat.Theairherestankofregret.Thebatteredsuitsofarmourthatdecoratedthecrudelycarvedstasis-alcoveswereremindersoftheworstmomentsofLegionandChapter.He found Grimblood waiting for him. The Wolf Lord was gazing at thecontentsofanalcove,hisfacemarkedwithsootandburns.Hishairandbeardhadbeenscorchedtostubble,andhisarmourstankofsomething.Trailsofgrimyresiduemarredthegreyplate,smokestillrisingfromitinplaces.‘Youcalled,jarl.Ihavecome.’‘Ihaveeyes,Galerunner,’Grimbloodsaid.Hetrembledwithbarelyrestrainedviolence, as if hewanted nothingmore than to tear flesh and break bone.Hefixed his yellowgaze on theRunePriest. ‘This is a place of contemplation. Icameheresothatmyangermightbleedoutsafely.’Hiseyesflashed.‘Itistakinglongerthanusual,forobviousreasons.’Heindicatedhisburntfeatures.‘Ineedyourwisdom,priest.’‘Lukas,’Galerunnersaid.‘Yes,’Grimbloodsaid.‘I warned you. But you had to prove that you could take his throat in yourjaws.’Grimblood closed his eyes. ‘I didn’t ask you here so that you could deliverrecriminations.’Heranahandoverhisscalp,displacingmotesofashandburntskin.‘Ihavesentmyvaerangiitolookforhim.’‘Theywillnotfindhim.Hehasbeensightedinatleastfivedifferentplaces.’‘Badenoughthatheruinedthehuntwithhispranks,’Grimbloodsnarled.‘Hefilched the scent-glands from a dead kraken and marked Hafrek’s armour.Besidesthestink,itluredmoreofthebeastsrighttous,drawingthemupoutoftheicebythedozen!’‘Apotentiallylethalprank,’Galerunnersaid.‘Thatwasn’t even theworst of it.’Grimblood shook his head. ‘Then he andthose half-witted pups mimicked the cries of a wounded drake. They ledRedmawandhiswarriorsintoanunstablecavernandtrappedthemtherewithaniceshelfriggedtocollapse.Ittookushourstodigthemout.’‘Wasanyonehurt?’

Grimblood smiled slightly. ‘Only Redmaw’s pride, I admit.’ The smilevanished.‘TheyalsodroppednestsofbloodlicedownontoKrakendoomandhishuscarls,andpushedGoressonintoatrolllair.’‘Pitythepoortroll,’Galerunnersaid.Grimblooddidn’t laugh.Galerunnerunderstood.Thehunthadsputtered toanignominious halt. The deep caverns were unstable thanks to the increasingtectonic pressures. The hunters had been driven back up into the mountain,wheretheysteadilypickledthemselvesinmjod.Orworse,gotintobrawls.TheWolfPriestswerehardpressedtokeepthingsonanevenkeel.Thereweretoomanywarriorsintooconfinedaspace.‘Hehasonlygotworsesince.Hehasstartedatleastthreebrawlsandinstigatedatleastonehonour-duel.Everyjesthemakes,everyprankhepulls,reverberatesoutwards, its effects cascading through the Aett.’ Grimblood sighed andscrubbed at his scalp. ‘The other Wolf Lords have demanded that I dosomething–anything–toreinhimin.’Galerunnersaidnothing.Grimbloodknewhewastoblame,andtheRunePriestfelt a flicker of sympathy. The jarl looked at him. ‘Krakendoomwantsme tobreak his limbs. Goresson wants him imprisoned until the Helwinter is done.Redmawhadadifferentsuggestion.’Hegesturedtothealcovebeforehim.‘Doyouknowthisarmour,Galerunner?’Galerunner lookedup.Thebattle-platewasadullcharcoalgrey. It lacked thesavageornamentationsocommontothepowerarmourwornbythewarriorsoftheRout.Itwasutilitarian.Functional.Theonlysymbolsitborewereablockycompanydesignationonthechest-pieceandaTerranRaptorinsignia.‘Yes.Itisthebattle-plateofaConsul-Opsequiari.Abattlefieldoverseer.’Grimblood nodded. ‘For a time, before Russ taught us our place, thosewhoworethisarmourheldourleash.Theyweregrantedthepoweroflifeanddeathover theirbrothers,andmanyawarriorwasmade to liedownonredsnowbytheirwill.’‘Theyaregonenow,’Galerunnersaid.‘Thelastofthemdiedmillenniaago.’Grimbloodstaredatthearmour.‘Wecastoffoldways,andweretaughtnew,betterrites.Nomorewouldthekill-urgebesilenced with a bolt round. Instead, it was shaped and forged into somethinguseful.Somethingbetter.’HelookedatGalerunner.‘Butstill,thaturgeisinus.Thebeastisatbay.Strongerinsomethanothers.’Hewassilentforamoment.Then,‘Redmawwantshimdead.Ithinktheothersagree,thoughtheyhavenotadmittedit.IthoughtIhadhiminhand,butclearlyIwaswrong.’

‘Wearenotaswewere,jarl.Wedonotkillourown.’Grimbloodshookhishead.‘Whydoweputupwithhim?Heisinsubordinate,foolish,arrogantandharmful.Hethrowspacksintodiscordandfloutsall lawsandrites.Againandagain,hehasdonethingsdeservingofdeath,andagainandagain,hislifeisspared.’‘Ishenotpunished?’‘Notenough.Neverenough.’‘He isa lordofmisrule,’Galerunnersaid. ‘Aclown.The fool in thecourtofRuss,speakingtruthwhereitisneitherwantednoracceptable.’‘Thenwhylethimdoso?’‘Becauseitmustbedone.Theremustbeonevoice,atleast,thathowlsagainsttradition,elsewegrowcomplacent.’TheRunePriestleanedheavilyonhisstaff.‘Lukas’wyrdistomoveoutofstepwiththeRout.Thatisthethreadofhisfate,spunso longagowhenfirsthewasdraggedoff the ice.Even then, therewerethosewhothoughtitbestthathedie.’‘Maybeitwouldhavebeenbetterifhehad.’Galerunnerlookedathim.‘Unworthywords.’Grimbloodfrowned.‘Aye,butthereistruthinthem.Andyetyouspeakasifheisastoneagainstwhichwesharpenourblades.’‘Morkaihauntsus,’Galerunnersaidafteramoment.‘Hehasdoggedour trailfortimeoutofmind,anddrawscloserwitheverycentury.Wegrowold,andourclawsandfangsgrowdullfromoveruse.Evenourlaircrumblesaroundus.’‘Nothingisforever.NotonFenris.’Galerunnersmiled.‘No.Norshoulditbe.Itisthefirstandlastlessonourworldteaches its sons.But between these lessons,we forget.We lull ourselveswithtraditionandforgetthatthingscannotremainastheyare,thatchangeistheonlyconstantonthisworld,orinthisgalaxy.Sometimesforthebetter,sometimesfortheworse,butalwayschanging.’His smile faded. ‘With everyGreatYear that passes,morepacks return fromtheirhuntsdiminished,’hesaid.‘Deathwasonceagloriousthingforus.Nowitisatedium.’Grimbloodnoddedwithobviousreluctance.‘Once therewereasmanypacksas therearestars in thesky.Butas thestarsgutterinthefirmament,sotoohavewedwindledandebbed.FewerBloodClawssurvive their wild years.’ Galerunner studied the armour. ‘Weaned on legend,theyseektoripsagasfromthefleshofwar,tomatchtheirpredecessors’deeds.Few understand that those deeds, mighty as they are, have but grown in thetelling.Andthus,pupsdieforpride.Unlesssomeoneteachesthemotherwise.’

Grimbloodsnorted.‘Andthat’stheTrickster,then?’‘He shows them a different path.Not all of themwill followhim.But somewill.’‘Towhatend?’‘Oldwolveshaveonethingincommon,’Galerunnersaid.‘Cunning.Strengthandvalourearnagloriousdeath.Butcunningearnsalonglife.’TheRunePriestgesturedtothearmourbeforethem.‘Once,thiswasatradition.Asolidfactofour existence. Now it has been discarded. We learned new ways. Differentways.’‘Heisafool.’‘Yes.Andsneaky.Unprincipled.An inveterate liaranda thief.ButbraveandloyaltotheRout.’Galerunnersighed.‘Hewillnotbeoursalvation,Grimblood.ButhemightensurethatsomeofusaretheretoseetheWolftimewhenitrollsaroundatlast.’Grimbloodsighedandlookedaway.‘Hecannotgounpunished.Theycannotgounpunished.Itisnotourway.’‘Sopunish them.’Galerunner tapped the jarl in the chestwith the endof hisstaff. ‘Butbecunningabout it.Donotconfine them.Let themgo.When theycomeback,perhapstheywillbewiser.’‘Orwilder.’‘Eitherway,wegetabitofpeace.’Grimbloodlaughed.

PARTTWO

HUNTERS

CHAPTERSEVEN

POISONGIFTS641.M41

LadyAureliaMalys,mistressofthePoisonedTongueKabal,flutteredherbladedfan before her face. There was poison in everything here, and coating everysurface.Itwasinthewine,drippingfromtheporesoftheslavesandwaftinglikepollenon themuskyair.Notunexpected, and somewhat invigorating.Alreadythe weak of constitution had fallen supine to twitch and froth, much to theamusementoftheirpeers.Theywouldsurvive,probably.Still,whatwasapartywithoutafewfatalities?ThetesseractpleasuregardensofDukeTraevelliathSliscushadbeenthetalkoftheDarkCity for some time.Hehad stolen the tesseract realm rightout fromunder the nose of one of Vect’s favourites and left an entire district of LowCommorragh in flames in the process.Traevelliath had always knownhow tomakeanexit.Malysturnedslowly,studyingthegardenswiththedetachedairofonewhohadseenmorethanhershareofsocialdisasters.Hercalmdemeanourwasmoreforthe benefit of anyonewhomight be observing her than a truemeasure of herstate of mind. In fact, she was excited. Traevelliath was nothing if not

entertaining, and many of the great and powerful of Commorragh had comeslinkingthroughtheirwebwaygates,lookingtobeentertained.Shestoodattheheartofawideplazaofdarkstoneconnectedtothetiersaboveandbelowbydeceptively fragile-lookingsetsofcurvingsteps.Theyhadbeencrafted from living bone, grown and carved into shape by cunning hands.Nodules of calcification encrusted thewide curve of the edifice, forming eye-catching patterns. The whole structure rustled eerily as slaves ascended anddescendedinacontinuouslinebearinggreat traysoffood–cookedmeatsandfloral delicacies from a thousand lesser cultures. Their host had spared noexpenseindisplayingtheextentofhispalate.The slaves slippedswiftly through thecrowd.Asonedrewclose,Malys sawthatitworeadelicatelyengravedgoldenmaskwiredintothefleshofitshead.Themask bore bejewelled sensors that acted as the slave’s eyes and ears. Itsbodywascoveredinafinelatticeworkofscarsthatprovedtobelineuponlineofpoeticverse.Theotherslavesweresimilarlydecorated,eachofthembearinga uniquework of undeniable artistry upon their flesh.Among his other vices,Traevelliathhadalwaysfanciedhimselfsomethingofapoet.Shetookacupfromatrayasitpassedbyandsniffedthecarmine liquidwithin.Agoodvintage, likelystolen.Thatmade itall thesweeter.Shesippedfromit,grimacingonlyslightlyatthebitteredgeofwhatevertoxinhadbeenadded.She scanned the crowd, noting the odd familiar face here and there.Representatives frommany a Low Commorragh kabal were in evidence. Therabblealwayshadthemosttogainfromeventslikethis.Buttheyweren’talone.Thereweresomerathermoreinfluentialfacesinattendance,unsurprisingly.S’aronai Ariensis, archon of the spacebound kabal known as the Severed,nodded bleakly to her. She ignored the overture, as was only appropriate.Ariensishadbotchedacoupthathadcosthimhisposition,hisstrongholdandmostofhislefthand.Malyshadnointerestinsuchacreature,whateverhehadmadeofhimselfintheinterim.Ofmore interest, thoughnotbymuch,wasLordXerathis.Thearchonof theKabaloftheBrokenSigilstoodgigglinginacorner,lostinahazeofintoxicantsassomewitlessflesh-artistdescribedhernewestwork.Likelythetalentlessfoolwas seeking a newpatron.Malyswished herwell.As long as itwas suitablyshockingorstomach-churning,Xerathiswouldfundit.Anythingtocauseabitofdiscord.Malys stopped her circuit of the plaza as someone gestured and caught herattention.Anapparitionofvenomousalabaster,ArchonThyndrakraisedhercup

in greeting toMalys. Sable hair spilled down from her narrow skull, its darklengthshot throughwith threadsofdeepestcrimson.Shewasclad ina suitofclose-fitting armour, its contoured plates delicately inked with intricate andfashionably revolting designs. Malys joined her at the edge of the tier.‘Thyndrak.You’relookingwell,mydear.’Thyndrak smiled,displaying teeth sheathed inblackcrystal. ‘Asareyou,myLadyMalys.ThoughIamsurprisedtoseeyouhere.’‘Really?’shesaidsilkily.‘TraevelliathandIareoldfriends.’Thyndrak arched an eyebrow. ‘He has many friends.’ She gestured with hercup.Malysmadeashowoflookingaround.Shehadalreadytakenstockofherfellow guests and found themwanting. Like Thyndrak, they were mostly themad,thebadandthedangeroustoknow.Orsotheyfanciedthemselves,atleast.Malysknewmostofthemfordilettantesandbraggarts.Thoughseveralevokedsomethinglikecuriosityinher.Nominor archons, these, butwyches andhaemonculi fromvarious cults andcovens. She saw a strutting succubus clad in the turquoise and gold of theCursed Blade, as well as a thin, malformed-looking creature she knew to beKhaeghris Xhact of the Hex – or one of the artfully crafted doubles he wasreportedtoemploy.There was even a troupe of Harlequins present. The warrior-troubadours intheir gaudy colours danced, sang and juggled for their appreciative – ifsomewhatunsettled–audience.Thoughtheclownswereundeniablyeldar,theyowed no allegiance to any kabal or craftworld. Theywere a common enoughsightinCommorragh,butwerenotofit.Thesewerecladinonyxandviridianandboretheruneoftheinverseenigma.Itwas one she was familiar with. She’d had some dealings with this particulartroupe before. She watched them mingle, and smiled. The presence of theHarlequinsspoketotheirhost’sinfluence.While therewas something to be said forVect’s cunning,Sliscusmightwellprove his equal in manipulation. He was able to wound an opponent withnothingmorethanasmileandgainallieswithanappropriatelytimedlaugh.ItwasaluckythingforthemallthatSliscushadnointerestinbeinginchargeofanythingmorethanhisowndestiny.Nevertheless,hewasstilladanger.That was why she had come, in the end. Things were coming to a head inCommorragh.Shecouldfeelitinherbonesandhearitinthewhisperedreportsofherspies.Vectmighthavedeclaredthisanageofplenty,butshesawthroughhisboasting.Hewasworried.AndiftheTyrantwasworried,sotoowasshe.But

worriedornot,shesawnoreasonnottotakeadvantageofthesituation.Andthatmeantgatheringalliesandidentifyingpotentialenemies.Shehadn’tdeterminedwhichofthosecategoriesTraevelliathfellintojustyet,butshewould.Andonceshehad,shewoulddealwithhimappropriately.Malys felt a presence at her elbow and turned. One of the Harlequins wasstandingunsettlingly close.Shewore amirrored cowl, andMalyswas carefulnot to seekher reflection in its subtle facets.ShehadmetShadowseersbeforeandknewthedangersalltoowell.‘Andwhatdoyouwant,clown?’sheasked,ignoringThyndrak’s lookofamusedcuriosity.Let theotherarchon thinkwhatsheliked.‘Weaskonlyanintroduction,ohLadyofthePoisonedTongue.’TheHarlequinbowedlow,almostmockinglyso.‘Aheartinthechestisworthawordintheear,no?’Malys touched her chest, feeling the dull pulse of the thing inside her. ‘Anintroduction?’Thecrystalheartbeatwithitsownstrangerhythm,ever-changingandunpredictable.Shehadwonitatgreatcosttoherself,throughmeansshestilldidn’tentirelyunderstand.Thattimewaslikeadreamtoher,withonememorybleedingintothenextuntilitwasnothingmorethanariotofcolourandsound.Awhirling,disordereddanceoffragmentedrecollectionsthatshecouldonlyjustcomprehend.Oflate,shehadbeguntodoubtthatshehadwonanythingatall.‘Toourhost,mostgentlelady,’theHarlequinclarified.Malys smiled.Theyoften came to herwith some request or other. It seemedonly prudent to acquiesce, and on the rare occasions that she refused theyacceptedwithgreatequanimity.Asifithadbeenforeseen,ornotunexpected.Insomeway,shewasapartoftheirgreatdance.Itfrustratedhertonoend,thoughadmittedly it made an often otherwise interminable existence somewhatentertaining.‘Andwhatwould a troupeofvagabonds such asyourselveswantwithhim?’sheaskedslyly.‘Whatcorkscrewschemetwistsawaybehindthatprettyface?’ShegesturedtotheShadowseer’sfeaturelessmaskwithherfan.‘Doyoutrulywishtoknowtheanswer,ohBeareroftheBlade?’Malys’eyesdarteddowntotheswordsheathedonherhip.Itwasthesameoneshehadusedtodigoutherownheartsothatshemightreplaceitwiththecrystalonenowthrobbinginitsplace.Likethecrystalheart,ithadamindofitsownattimes. She dropped a hand to the grinning face that acted as its pommel andfrowned. ‘No, I don’t suppose I do,’ she said slowly. ‘Though it had best notinterferewithmyownplans,clown.’

‘Thegodsforfend,sweetlady,’theShadowseersaidobsequiously.‘Itisallpartof thesamegreatdance, though thestepsareseparate.’As if toemphasise thepoint,theclowndidalittlejig,bouncingontheballsofherfeet.Malysfrowned, thennodded. ‘Iwill introduceyou.’Sheflippedopenher fanand waved it briskly. ‘If only to see what happens next. Traevelliath is quitevolatile.Hemaywelltakeoffencetoyouandconfineyourtroupetohisgarden.’TheHarlequinhesitated,andMalyssmiled.Shefoldedherfanandtappedtheclownonthechest.‘Hedoessolikehislittlejokes,ourSerpent.’Asharpwhistlebrought theHarlequin around.The rest of its troupe had gathered nearby, andslaveswerequicklyclearingaspaceforthem.TheHarlequinbowedtoher.‘Ihopeyouwillenjoytheperformance,mistress.Itisanoldone,butofgreatmeaninginthesefraughttimes.’‘I’m sure I will. Be off with you.’ Malys gestured dismissively. TheShadowseerspunaway,notquitedancingbacktowardsherfellows.Oneofthemore off-putting habits of the Laughing God’s servants was their seeminginability to remain still forvery long. Itwas as if theyweremoving to abeatonlytheycouldhear.TheShadowseerrosetoherfullheight,surroundedbyhertroupeastheykneltaboutherinawidecircle.ThyndrakleanedtowardsMalys,andshehidastart.Shehadalmostforgottenthattheotherarchonwasthere.‘IthasbeensometimesinceIlastsawatroupeofHarlequinsperform.Sliscustrulysparednoexpense.’‘IfIthoughthehadinvitedthemhere,ratherthanthemjustshowingupoftheirownvolition,Imightagreewithyou.’Malyswavedherfanattheotherarchon.‘Shushnow.Thedanceisbeginning.’Itwashardtosayjusthowitbegan,orwhatthefirststepwas.Onemoment,stillness.Thenext,areeling,chromaticgavotte.AstheHarlequinsmovedtheyleftblurredafter-imagesintheirwake,ghostlyechoesofeachtwistandturnintheir grand coordination. Each step and gesture established characters whosearcswerecompletedbythenextpirouette,aself-containeduniverseoftransitoryeventsbestridinganever-shiftingarrayofworlds.Slowly,surely,thecrowdfellsilent.Malyspressedherfantoherchestandtriedtoignorethesuddenthumpofherheartastherhythmofthedancespedup.Itwashardtofollowallofthenuancesof the performers’ body language – she suspected the meaning was differentdepending on where you were standing. The one she saw was familiar – amythic saga, the journey of a youngprince exiled and becomeking of exiles.Appropriate,perhaps,giventheirhost.

As the dance reached a crescendo of freneticmotion, there was a low, deeptolling, as of somegreat bell.The toll shudderedout, causing theglass in herhand to quiver in sympathy. Trays rattled and slaves quailed, sinking to theirknees. The Harlequins broke apart, dispersing swiftly like a flock of startledbirds.Sliscus made his entrance in grand style. Clad in shimmering raiment madefrom the glistening hide of some alien beast, he descended fromon high.HisSslyth bodyguards undulated after him, their progress slow.The steps hadnotbeendesignedwith serpentinebodies inmind.Sliscusquicklyoutpaced them,movingwithlight-footedgrace.‘TheysaytheHarlequinstaughthimtodance,’Thyndrakmurmured,watchinghim. ‘And that he has done so under a grinning mask for the unknowingentertainmentofthehighestofthehigh.’SheglancedatMalys.‘Haveweseenhim,Iwonder?’‘Ifeelcertainwewouldknow.Traevelliathhasneverbeenonetoconcealhislight,evenforajoke.’Malysstudiedthecorsair.Sliscushadnotchangedmuchsincetheirlastencounter.HewasstillthesameSerpent.Tallandregal,asonlyascion of the semi-extinct noble houses could be, with sharp, high-planedfeatures.Hishairhadbeenboundintohundredsofthinplaits,eachwrappedingoldwire. The plaits splayed out across his shoulders and cascaded down hisbackandacrosshisbarechest.Apairofswordshungfromthestackedhalf-sheathsoftheornategem-studdedharness hewore over his shimmering coat. Theweaponswere old and cruel-looking,theirpalebladescurvedandhookedliketalons,andtheyraspedagainstoneanother.Thegemsintheharnessflickeredstrangelyasthelightstruckthem.With a start,Malys realised that theywere spirit stones.She laughed softly indelight,wonderingifthestoneswereoccupied.Ifso,shehopedthesoulswithinwereenjoyingtheview.Holstered opposite the swords was a heavy liquifier pistol with ivoryframeworkandagildedbarrel.Thepistol,liketheswords,wasold,andradiatedthemaliceofages.Fingersheavywithringstappedagainstthepistol’sgrip,andSliscus’otherhandrestedatopthepommeloftheuppermostsword.‘I have arrived,’ he said, his voice a soothing purr. ‘Now, let the revelriesbegin.’

DukeSliscustookinthecrowdataglance,savouringtheiradulationandenvy.The barely restrained rage of jealous Commorrites was like a palate cleanser

aftertheunsubtleemotionshehadbeenforcedtosubsiston.Somanydifferentpermutationsofdesireandresentment.Andallforhim.‘Myfriends,’hesaid,spreadinghisarms.‘Bewelcome.AllthatIhaveisyours.Enjoyyourselves to the fullest. I askonly thatyou leavebehinda littleof thehappinessthatyoubring.’Asmatteringofapplausegreetedhiswords,ashehadknownitwould.Ashestudiedthecrowd,notingthefamiliarfaces,hewonderedwhichofthemwouldbelosttothepleasuregardens.Hehopeditwassomeoneinterestingthistime.Beforehecouldcontinue,avoicecriedout,‘DeathtotheSerpent!’Amomentlater,asplinterpistolcrackled.Theshotstrucktheforceshieldsurroundinghim,andthethinshardsofcrystalscatteredacrossanunseencurve.Hechuckled.‘Oh,arewegettingthisoutofthewayearly?Howthoughtful.’Severalguestslaughed.Othersdrewback,eagertowitnesstheconfrontation.Itwasn’tarealpartyuntilsomeonetriedtokillthehost.Therewasadisturbanceat the back of the crowd as his attackers forced their way towards him. Anarchonandhisretinue–threekabalitewarriors,likelyfavoured–ifnottrusted–dracons.Sliscusrecognisedtheburgundyarmourandflowingazuresilksofthewarriorsinstantly.‘Isthatyou,Xomyll?IthoughtIrecognisedyourdistinctivesqueal.Stillangryabout the tesseract, I take it?’ Sliscuswaved Sleg and his coil-kin back as hedescendedthefinalsteps.‘Ican’tblameyou–itisverynice.’Hegesturedabouthimforemphasis,andanappreciativetitterranthroughhisguests.‘Thief,’Xomyllspat.Hewasapinch-facedtrueborn,haughtyandarrogant.HeandhisclusterofwarriorsborethesigiloftheKabaloftheBlackHeartproudly,as if their allegiance to the Supreme Overlord of Commorragh was all theprotection they needed.And inmost cases, itwas. But not here.Vect had nopower here,whatever a fool likeXomyllmight think.The archon spat on thefloor and gestured with his smoking pistol. ‘I name you thief and traitor,TraevelliathSliscus. I nameyoucoward.’Heholsteredhisweaponand let hishand fall to the sword sheathedonhiship. ‘AsdrubaelVect sendshis regards,corsair.Willyouanswerhischallenge?’Amurmursweptthroughthecrowd.Sliscussmiled.‘Asdrubaelsentyou?Howconsiderate.’Helethishandsdrifttowardstheswordsonhiship.‘Come,then.Letuscommence,beforetheroastedhaemovorecutletsgrowcold.’Xomyllsnarledanorder,andhiswarriorsdrewtheirbladesandsurgedforward.Therewasanothermurmuratthis.Itwasbadformtoinvolveothersinadirectchallenge.ButneitherXomyllnorhismasterwereknownforcaringmuchabout

form,andintheend,resultswereallthatreallymattered.Sliscussprangtomeetthem,drawinghisswords.Thebladeswerelightinhishand, and the pale steel was lined with thin filaments of red. The psycho-vampiric circuitrywoven into themetal could leach thevitality fromanythingthebladesbitinto.Hespuntheswords,indulginghissenseofmelodrama.Butasthefirstofhisassailantsreachedhim,hewasalreadymoving.Nottokill,butsimplytoincapacitate.Hetwistedawayfromalungeandchoppedthroughthebackofthewarrior’slegs.Hisbladeeasilybitthrougharmourandflesh,andthecrippledwarriorcollapsedwithagaspofpain.Sliscustorehisbladefreeasheused itsmate toparry ablow.Without slowing,hedealt his secondattacker adeceptivelygentleblowontheshoulder.Asthesecondreeled,thethirdpounced.Sliscuscaughtherblowonhiscrossedblades. He jerked his swords apart, chopping through her own. She stumbledback,andhepursued.Hisbladeslickedout–knees,elbows,thighs,shoulders–and she fell with a wail. The second warrior cursed and sprang at his back.Sliscusreversedhisbladesandthrustthemtomeethim.Theweightofthedyingfightercrashedagainsthim,andSliscusshudderedashedrankinhisopponent’sdeath agonies. He tore his blades free as Xomyll tried to capitalise on themomentarydistraction.Invigoratedbythepainofthewarriorshehadwounded,Sliscuseasilyavoidedthe thrust.Xomyllwasnotquite the swordsmanhe fanciedhimself.Hewasabetter bootlick by far. Sliscus wondered what had given him the courage toattemptsoboldamurder.Maybeitwasn’tcouragesomuchasstupidity.‘Howhemustdislikeyou,Xomyll,’hesaidashesteppedaround thearchon.Hisbladelickedoutlazily,andXomyllparrieditwithdesperatespeed.‘Sendingyouherelikethis.Ididwonder,youknow.ThelasttimeIinvitedhimtoaparty,hesentMandrakes.Theymadequitethemess.Butthis–you–thisismoreinthewayofanapology.’Xomyllbaredhis teethandattacked.Sliscusduckedand twisted,evading thedarting blade in a swirl of robes. ‘I wonder, is this punishment, perhaps, forlosingthetesseractinthefirstplace?Itwasagift,afterall.Badform,toloseagiftfromtheTyrant.’‘Youstoleit,’Xomyllsnarled.‘Yes.Fromyou.Sowhose fault is it, truly?Whomdoeshehold responsible,hmm?’SliscusparriedaclumsyblowandsteppedpastXomyll,slicingthroughhiscalf.Xomyllsanktoonekneewithagroan.Sliscusturnedandsweptthetipof a blade across Xomyll’s wrist, cutting tendons. Xomyll dropped his blade.

Thearchonthrewhimselfforward,clawingforhissplinterpistol.Sliscusdidn’tgivehimachance to fire.He leaptandpinnedXomyll’shand to the floor.Hekicked the pistol away and smileddown at hiswould-be assassin. ‘I thinkwebothknowtheanswertothat.’Xomyllgapedupathim.Sliscuswaitedforhimtocurse,toprotest,something.Instead, Xomyll whimpered as the psycho-vampiric circuitry did its work.Sliscus frowned, suddenly bored of thewhole affair.He sighed and thrust hisotherbladethroughthewoundedarchon’seye,endingthegameabruptly.‘Well,thatwasdisappointing.Still,noreasontoletitruintheparty.’Henudgedthe body out of the way with his foot and looked around. ‘Eat, my friends.Drink!Makemerry.Fortomorrow,youmightwinduplikepoorXomyllthere.’Laughtersweptthegardensashisguestssettoenjoyingthemselves.Hecleanedhisbladesonhisraimentasslavescametodragthebodiesaway–boththelivingandthedead.Thesurvivorsmightyetfindaplaceinhisfleetiftheylastedthenight.Orhewouldtossthemintothedepthsofthegardenstoliveouttherestoftheirdaysashuntedbeasts.Itwoulddependonhismood.Ashesheathedhisswords,Myrtacameforward,holdinganewrobeforhim.This one had beenmade from the soft flesh ofMorralian younglings, and itsfoldsweredarkandsupple.Hedroppedhisblood-spatteredraimenttothefloorandslippedon thenewrobe.Slavessquabbledover thediscardedone, thoughwhethertocleanitorclaimit,hecouldn’tsay.Eitherwasacceptable.Herarelyworethesamethingtwice,andeventhenonlyunderprotest.Hetappedthehiltsof his swords, feeling the last ergs of stolen vitality seeping away. The spiritstonesthatencrustedthesheathpulseddespairingly,andhesmiled.‘Pleasedwithyourself,then?’He turned, his smile widening. ‘Aurelia, you came. Oh, how delightful.’ HeheldouthishandstoLadyMalysandshetookthem,lookinghimupanddown.Malyslookedasregalasever,cladasshewasinornateceremonialarmourandaflowing dress of archaic style.A bustle drapedwith streamers of ur-ghul hidecompletedtheensemble.Heignoredaflickerofjealousy.Shehadalwaysknownhowtodressforaparty.‘HowcouldImissthis?Yourpartiesarelegend,Traevelliath.’‘Noteveryoneagrees,sadly.’Heglancedmeaningfullyat thenewbloodstainsonthefloor.‘Asdrubaelalwaysdidknowhowtoholdagrudge.’‘Ormaybeitwasagift.Xomyllhasbeenagitatingtosendafleetafteryou.Topunishyouforcrimesagainst theEternalCity.Hehas–had–somethingofafollowing.’

Sliscuslaughed.‘Andifhehadsucceeded?’‘ThenVectwouldhavebeenridofanadmittedlycharismaticannoyance.’‘Aurelia, yourmind is as crooked as ever. It has always been thewhetstoneagainst which I sharpen my own not-inconsiderable intellect.’ He rubbed hercheek,leavingshallowscratches.Malys snorted. ‘Flatterer.’ She frowned suddenly and touched her cheek. Hewondered if shehaddetected theharsh taste at thebackofher throat already.Shelickedherlips.‘Poison?’sheasked.‘Nothingdangerous.Notforsuchaswe,mylady.’Sheslappedhim,hardenoughtodrawblood.‘Askfirst.’Shelickedthetasteofhimfromherfingers.‘Assweetasever,Isee.’Herubbedhischeekandsmiled.‘I’mdelightedyoucame.’Aslavepassedbybearingatrayofdrinks,andhetookone.‘Iwassurprised to receiveyour invitation, Iadmit,’Malyssaid,sippingfromherowndrink.‘EspeciallyafterIputthoseGroevianassassinsonyourtrail.’‘I wondered who was behind that. It was a disappointingly sloppy attempt,Aurelia.’Malyscockedaneyebrow.‘Theycamehighlyrecommended.Howeverdidyouescapethem,Traevelliath?’‘Oh, I might possibly have caused their navigational system to malfunction.ThelastIsaw,theywereplungingintotheheartoftheirhomeworld’sstar.Bitofajoke,there.’‘Wasit?’‘Well,youhadtobethere.’Sliscussmiledatherovertherimofhisgoblet.‘Ithankyouforthediversion,howevermomentary.’‘I thought you might find it entertaining,’ Malys said. His smile widened afraction.‘As I hopeyouwill find thismodest celebration entertaining.’Sliscusbowedslightly. ‘Now, if you’ll excuseme,wemustmingle before Imakemy grandannouncement,lestIbeaccusedofmonopolisingyourtime.’Hetookherhandand brushed his lips across the gilded steel barbs that covered her knucklesbeforemovingtogreethisotherguests.Forthemostpart, theywerea tediouslot.Theyreekedofambition,andtheirdesperate politicking offended his sensibilities. Even here, among suchsplendour, they could not break free of the cageVect had thrust them into allthosemillennia ago. TheTyrant had trapped them all behind bars of fear andparanoia.Allsavehimself.Likehisnamesake,hehadslitheredfree.Helivedfor

himself,notforsomeartificialpurposebestowedbyadomineeringparanoiac.Buthewaspolite.He tradedbarbswith cleverThyndrak andgiftedXerathiswith the recipe for a more potent form of hallucinogen. Borrowing a pair ofmatchedbladesfromaleeringwych,hemetanothereagergladiatrixinadanceofthorns,thoughonlybriefly.Afewshallowcutsandaroundofapplauselater,hewasclimbingthestairs,beckoningforsilence.Itcameinfitsandstarts.Theyallwantedtohear.Hedrewthesilenceout,savouringitforafewmoments.Then,handsclaspedbefore him, he began. ‘Midwinter is a special time, or so the old stories say.Whentheseasonsbleedintooneanother–backwhenwehadseasons–andtheline between the living and the dead grows thin andweak. It is a timewhenhuntersseekgreatpreygrownsluggishandtorpid.Howfitting,then,thatweseethistimeasonetocelebrate–forarewenothunters,kinsmen?Arewenotthemostdeadlythingsinallcreation?’Hegestured flamboyantly,and therewerea fewcheersas someofhisguestsgrew overexcited.He nodded indulgently. ‘When the godsmade us, they castasidetheir toolsandwept.Forweareperfect inour lethalityandunrivalledinthe arts of death.We are the sword that made existence itself bleed, and thewoundsweopened in realitywill never heal.They stand asmemorials to ourpower.’Murmurs now, among the cheers. Sly looks passed between rivals. He hadthem,andhecould taste their eagerness.Theyknewwhatwascoming. Itwastradition.Otherarchonshadhostedsimilarhuntsintheirtime,butthiswouldbethegreatestofthemall.‘Midwinter has always been our most sacred of times. A joyful indulgenceamid the bleakness of death’s season. A reminder of what makes life worthliving.AndsoIhaveinvitedyouallherenotsimplytopartakeofmystores,buttoindulgeinthatwhichsustainsus.Ahunt,kinsmen.Agreatandsavagehunt,suchasfewhaveeverenjoyed.’He liftedhisgoblethigh,andhisguests liftedtheirsincelebration.Ithadgonebeyondanticipationandintoexpectation.‘Weshalltellgreatliesinthedaystocome,myfriends.Evennow,coordinatestoourhuntinggroundsarebeingsenttoyourvessels.Aheavilydefendedworldof savage beasts and evenmore savage inhabitants. Aworld of tempests andturbulentseas.’He clapped his hands and descended, his robes trailing behind him. At hisgesture,avastphotonicimageblurredtolifeabovethepleasuregarden.Aworldofgreysandblues.Amurmurranthroughhisguests,andhegrinned,displaying

fashionablysharp teeth.He tossedhishalf-emptygobletoverhis shoulderandspreadhishands,asiftoreceivetheworld.‘They call it Fenris. A hearthworld for a legion of those crude augmentedwarriorsthattheslaveracesseemtobirthbythemillion.’Hegestured,andtheholo-imagebegantoturn.‘Itiscurrentlycaughtinthegripof seasonal upheaval. They are blind, deaf and dumb. They who fancythemselvespredatorsarenownothingmore thanprey,andweshall treat themaccordingly.We,whoatourheightoncehuntedthegodsthemselves.Shallwelowerourselves,brothersandsisters?Shallwedeliveruntothemalessonastotheirplaceinthevastitudeofallknownspace?’Araucouscheerwentupathiswords.Itneverfailed.Theeasiestwaytowinover the average Commorrite was to appeal to their vanity. He smiled andreachedout, as if to embrace themall. ‘Itwill be great fun.But for now, eat,drinkandmakemerry,mykin.Makeajoyfulnoise,suchthatthosewhorefusedmyinvitationhearandgnawtheirvitalsindarkestenvy.’As the crowd broke apart, Sliscus caught sight of Malys sidling closer andsmiled indulgently. AureliaMalys had a mind as sharp as a blade, coated inpoisonbesides.EvenVectwaswaryofher,andwithgoodreason, forall theyhadoncesupposedlybeenparamours.MalyswasoneofthefewthingsSliscusmissedaboutCommorragh.Ofcourse,Vecthadtiredofher,ashedidallhisfavourites.HehadejectedherfromhisconfidencesandleftherisolatedonthefringesofCommorritesociety.Sliscuscouldalmostsmellthedesireforrevengeradiatingfromher.Likemanyofhisguests,shehadcomehopingtoropehimintosomeschemeorother.Justashehadhoped.Amongsomanyplotters,therewasboundtobesomethingthatmightcurehimofhisennui.‘Whatdidyouthinkofmyspeech,Aurelia?’heasked,takingherhands.‘Magnificent. But then, you have always been a superb orator, Traevelliath.’Sheglancedoverhershoulder,andhespottedacolourfulfigureloiteringnearby.He raised a plucked eyebrow as Malys continued. ‘I wish for you to meetsomeone.Orrather,theywishtomeetyou.’‘Idon’trecallinvitinganyofyoursort,’hesaidmildlytothefigure.‘But you didn’t forbid us, either.’ The clown danced and strutted about him,half in challenge, half in invitation. He caught a glimpse ofMyrta, watchingfrom nearby. His courtesan looked disconcerted. Concerned, perhaps, that hewas going to throwher over for something… stranger.Ormaybe that hewasgoingtogethimselfkilledbeforeshehadachancetodoit.

Hesmiled.‘IsupposeIcanoverlookit.Justthisonce.’Theclownstopped,bobbingonherheels–atleast,hethoughtitwasa‘her’.She rocked back and forth for a moment, studying him from behind hershimmering mask. She leaned forward. ‘I am pleased to hear it, DukeTraevelliathSliscus,SerpentoftheSkywaysandPrinceofManyColours.’Hervoicereverberatedoddly,andhestudiedhergarmentsmoreclosely.Hehaddealtwith the followers of the LaughingGod often enough to know a Shadowseerwhenhesawone.Storytellersandseers,orsohehadheard.‘Andwhat isyourname, little clown?Something suitablyenigmatic, I trust.’Sliscusdrewhisbladeand laid theflatof itacross theShadowseer’sshoulder.Sheswatteditasideandduckedbeneathhisarm.Thelengthofherstaffhookedhisthroat,butgently.Shepulledhimback,andSliscuschuckledappreciatively.Amoment’s pressure and his throatwould be crushed.Awarning, or a tease.Perhapsboth.‘Iamonewhowalksbetweentheveilsof timeandspace,backandforth,upand down. I have seen black stars rise and cold suns set. I have heard themelodiesspunby theeternalpipers in thecourtofdeepestslumber,and tastedthefruitsofanimpossibletree.Isthatnameenough,DukeTraevelliathSliscus?’‘Arethosenamesorstories?’‘Is thereadifferencebetweenthe two?Andwhataremystoriescompared toyours, oh Serpent? You crawl through time, leaving a trail of fire and bloodacrossthebodyoftheuniverse.Somustitbe.’Sliscus jerked forward, breaking freeof the staff.He spun around, his swordraised, the tipsetbetweenwherehe imagined theShadowseer’seyes tobe. ‘Ifthatisthecase,whyareyouhere?Whatdoyouwishofme?’‘WhatmakesyouthinkIwishanything?’‘Pragmatism.’She laughed.Thesoundechoedagainst itself,as if thatmaskhidamultituderather than an individual. She glanced at Malys, and Sliscus frowned. Therewere stories – there were always stories – that Malys knew more about theHarlequinsthanmost.Buthehadnevergivenitmuchthought.Whatwasit tohimifMalysentangledherselfinthepettyschemesofsuchvagabonds?‘Iwish to pass along an ending before the story is begun –will you forgiveme?’ The Shadowseer batted his sword aside and sidled close. There was arhythmtohermovements.Apracticedsaunter,asifthiswerenotthefirsttime,or even the second, that they’d had this confrontation. Sliscus found itaggravatingandintriguinginequalmeasure.

‘Forsuchanartist,Iwouldforgivealmostanything,’hesaid.Hesetthepointofhisswordagainstthegroundandleanedonit.‘Spoilthestory,ifyouwill.Idonotdrawsatisfactionfromendings.’‘Wise.’Sliscusthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.‘Ihaveneverbeenaccusedofthat.’‘And I do not make it an accusation now. Merely an observation.’ TheShadowseer cocked her head, and the bells that hung from her cowl clinkedsoftly.‘YoumusttaketheWolf’sheart,ohSerpent.’Shesteppedclose.Herformseemed to blur and twist. For a moment, he thought there were other shapesthere,standingin thesamespot likevisibleechoes.Individualswhohadneverbeenoreverwouldbe.Piecesofstoriesyetuntold.Sliscus hesitated. ‘And is that the ending you have seen? Or the one youdesire?’‘Oneandthesame,oneandthesame,’theHarlequinhalf-sang.Sliscuslaughedandsteppedback,puttingspacebetweenthem.HecouldtastethechemicalsoftheShadowseer’screidann–aminorhallucinogen,andonehehad long since developed an immunity to. ‘The Wolf’s heart, you say. Easyenough to discern themeaning there – the heart of thesemon-keigh warriorsresidesintheirgene-chattel.Theyneedthemthewayweneedfreshmaterialsforthebody-vats.So,Iamtotaketheirfuturefromthem,amI?’Helaughedagainandsheathedhisswordwithaflourish.‘Delightful!Iamtostealfirefromgodsandmeatfromthemouthsofbeasts.’‘Agoodstory,’Malyssaid.Sliscusglancedather,smirking.‘Iamonlyinthegoodones.’Whenheturnedback,theShadowseerhadrejoinedthewideninggyre,herslimformlostamongthe kaleidoscope of her troupe. He frowned. ‘She didn’t even ask to bedismissed.Howdeliciouslyrude.’‘Planningtopunishher,Traevelliath?’Malysaskedpointedly.Sliscuschuckled.‘IsthatjealousyIhear,Aurelia?’‘Curiosity,’Malyssaid.He shrugged. ‘One leads to the other, I have often found.’He looked at her.‘Willyoujoinme,then?Onthisexpedition,Imean.’Malys pouted elegantly. ‘It has been some time since I last participated in araid.Commorraghhasitsclawstightinmyattentions,Ifear.’‘Then it is long past time you indulge yourself.’ Sliscus took her hand andkisseditwithmockinggentleness.‘Come,Aurelia,letussavagetheprimitivestogether,asweoncedidinmoreinnocenttimes.’

‘Wehaveneverbeeninnocent,eitherofus.’‘No,wehavenot.AndIamgladofit.’Sliscusbroughtherhandupandsteppedback.‘Come.Onelastsarabandebeforetheparty’send.’MalysallowedhimtodrawherintothecircleofHarlequins.‘Itwouldbemypleasure,Traevelliath.’

CHAPTEREIGHT

THEWAYOFTHINGS641.M41

Thehuntwasgoingwell.Ake had tracked his prey through the dense forests that covered the lowerslopesoftheAsaheimMountains,finallycorneringitinabaldpatchwherethetreesbegan togiveway to rocky scree. Ithadgivenhimagood run,but theywerebothtiredofthechaseandhehadbroughtittobayatlast.Theungulatewasamassivebeast,battle-scarredandstandingheadandhandstallerthanAke.Anenormousrackofantlersroseaboveitsproudskulllikesomepagancrown,anditsshouldersandchestwerenearlythreetimesthesizeofhisown. Its hidewas palewith age.Most elk rarely lived so long. This onewaseitherexceedinglyluckyorexceedinglytough.Perhapsboth.Hisstomachgrumbled.ASpaceMarinecouldgoalongtimewithoutfillinghisbelly,buttoomanymonthsintheAetthadaccustomedhimtoeatingregularly.Then,hehadalwaysthoughthungermadethemeattastebetter.Ithadbeenalmostaweeksincetheyhadbeenbanished.HowGrimbloodhadhowled!Akegrinnedatthememory.Itwasnolessthanhedeserved,jarlornot.Andoutherewasbetterthaninthere,anyway.Eveniftheyhadtofindfoodfor

themselves.Hebaredhisfangsandtookasteptowardstheelk.Hecarriednoweapons.Hischainbladehungacrosshisback,andhisboltpistolwasholstered.Hereachedfor neither.Hands and teethwould suffice. ‘Well,’ he growled, ‘what are youwaitingfor?’The elk bugled a challenge. He answered it with a bellow of his own. Themomentstretched.Then,withathunderoussnort,itbegantobeardownonhimin a flurry of churned snow, razor-sharp antlers lowered for the charge. Thegroundshookslightlyfromtheforceofitsapproach.Theelkcalledagainasitdrewnear,andhecouldsmellitsmuskystink.He braced himself. Even clad as he was in battle-plate, the elk nearlyoutweighedhim.Hehadadimmemoryofseeingoneofthebeastsburstthroughaheavypalisadewallasifitwerenomoresubstantialthanamorningmist.Hespreadhisarmsasitdrewclose,andatthelastpossiblemomentlungedtomeetitwithasnarl.Theimpactrattledthroughhimfrommuscletomarrow.Evenwithhisarmour’sinternalstabilisers,hewasnearlythrownfromhisfeet.Hehadcaughttheelkbytheantlers,andtheservosinhisarmourwhinedinprotestashetriedtobreakthebeast’smassiveneck.Theanimal snorted,and thehotmistof itsbreath rolledoverhim,stinginghiseyes.Upclose,hecouldmakeouteachandeveryvarietyofscarthatmarkeditsheadandneck.Therewereclawandfangmarksaplenty.There were even the ringed sucker marks of a kraken on its shoulders andforelimbs.Itwasold,thisbeast,andhadbeatenmorethanitsweightinfoes.Butitwouldnotbeathim.Therewasnothingthatwalked,swamorflewthatcoulddefeatoneoftheRout.Andespeciallynothim.Theelkstrainedagainsthim,groaningwitheffort.Hebegantotwist,hopingitsneckwouldbreakbefore itsantlersdid,buthecouldn’t find the leverage.Theprongssawedagainstthepalmsofhisgauntlets,etchinggroovesintheceramite.The beast bugled fiercely, as if in denial. Then, with a scream of effort, itwrenched himoff his feet and sent him stumbling to the side.Ake staggered,surprised.Itlunged,crashingintohim.Oneofitsprongssplintered,butthebeastkeptgoing,slamminghimback.Therewasnotimetobracehimself,andhewassoondrivenagainstatree.Theimpactjostlediceloosefromthebranchesaboveanditpattereddownoverthem.Snarlingcurses,heclawedat itsskull,hoping tobreaksomething.But itwaslikepunchingthehullofaRhino.Heheardahowlandsawgreyshapescirclingthem.Somethingstruckthetreeabovehim,andheglanceduptoseeafamiliar

grin. Then Lukas was plunging down, landing on the elk’s broad back. Theanimalscreamedas itsbonessplintered. Itspun, trying toflinghimoff.Lukascaughtitsantlersandgaveasharpjerk.‘No,’Akeroared.‘Itwasmine!’Lukasrodeittothegroundasitfinallysuccumbed.Evenso,Akestayedwellbackasitslegstwitchedandkickedinafinalspasm.Whenithadatlastfallenstill,Lukasclimbedoff itandrolled itonto itsside.‘Agoodendingtoagoodhunt,eh,pup?’‘Iwas going to kill it,’ Ake growled.He flexed his hands, the kill-urge stillsingingthroughhim.‘Itwasmyprey.’‘Itwasourprey,’Lukassaid.Hewascalm,whichonlymadeAkeangrier.‘Weareapack,pup.Notlonewolves.Wefighttogether,wehunttogether,wefeasttogether.Whetheryoulikeitornot.’‘IsthatwhyyoupunishedGrimblood?’Akesnarled.‘Hestoleourkill–howisthisanydifferent?’Heslammedafistagainsthischest-plate.‘Becauseweallagreedtosharethekill,brother,’Kadirsaid,steppingoutofthetrees.‘Itwasn’thistostealoryourstohave.Itwasours.’‘Who asked you?’ Ake snapped, glaring at the tall Blood Claw. Kadir’sarrogancegratedonhim.The tallwarriorhadassumed leadershipas if itwerehisbirthright.Akewantedtogrindhisfaceintothedirtforthat.ItneverceasedtosurpriseAkethattheotherscouldn’tseethatheoughttobeincharge.MaybenotDag.Dagwasahalfwit.ButHalvarandEinarhadmoresense.Andyet,theywerecontenttotrotafterKadir.AndKadirwascontenttotrotafterLukas.‘Enough,’Lukassaid.‘Themeatiscooling.Bestweshareitnow.’Hedrewhiscombatbladeandbegantocutopentheelk’schest.‘AndIwouldhavepunchedthisbrute’sbrainsoutandalreadyhaditdressedandroastingoverafirebythetimeyoucaughtupwithme,pup.’HegrinnedatAke. ‘Noneed forargumentthen.’Ake looked at the beast, fighting down his bloodlust. ‘It fought hard,’ hegrowledafteramoment.‘Not as hard as you, brother,’Dag said.The otherBloodClawwas grinninghungrily as he crouchednearby,watchingLukas saw the elk’s heart out of itschestcavity.Dagwasalwayshungry.Bloodturnedthesnowpink,andAkeinhaledappreciatively.Thesmellwouldcarryfarandwide,andsoonmightbringotherpredators.Buttheywouldhavedressedandcachedthekillbythen,astheyhaddonemanytimessincetheyhad

lefttheAettandlostthemselvesinthewildsofAsaheim.ThetangofpromethiumalertedhimtoEinar’spresence.The taciturnwarriorclappedhimon the shoulder. ‘Goodhunt,’ he said. ‘Good chase.Goodmeat.’Afteramoment,Akenodded,acceptingthecompliment.‘Thebestmeat.’Lukasstood,theelk’sheartinhishands.‘Whyisthebestmeatthatwhichyouchasedownyourself?Doanyofyoueverwonderthat?’‘No,’Halvarsaid.Hetappedoneofhismanytotems.‘ItisastheAllfatherwillsit.’Lukasnodded.‘Evenso,myheadisfullofquestions.’‘Andmybellyisemptyofmeat,Trickster.Areyougoingtosharethat?’Akegesturedtotheheart.‘Ifso,bequickaboutit.’Lukastalkedtoomuch.Hefilledtheairwithwordswherenonewereneeded.IfAkedidn’tknowbetter,hewouldhavesuspectedthattheJackalwolfwasgettingmaudlin.Lukastorealumpfromthemuscleandtossedtherest toAke.Helookedoutover thewilderness. ‘I think it is thewolf in us.Once,we fought to prosper.Now, we only fight to survive.We sink back into our own shadow.We takelegendandloreasthewholetruthandonlythetruth,andseektoaddtothem,whateverthecost.’‘Areyouaphilosophernow?’Akegrunted.Lukasseemedtodelightinleadingthemintometaphoricalbrambles.Akehadnopatienceforthat.Aproperwarriordidn’twastetimethinkingaboutsuchthings.Notwhentherewaspreytohunt,orenemiestokill.Theyweren’tskjalds.HetookhisshareandpassedthehearttoDag.Thepalewarriortookthelumpofmeat eagerly and tore a chunk from it.He tossed it in turn toHalvar,whosnatcheditoutoftheairwithawhoop.Ashemadetobiteintoit,EinartackledhimandtheheartploppedintoKadir’swaitinghands.ThetallBloodClawtoreoff a piece and pitched it overhandback toAke,who caught the heartwith alaugh.‘Allthefreshairisgettingtoyou,Trickster.’Lukaslookedathim.‘Maybeitis.’

Lukastoreupahandfuloftoughgrassandraisedhishand.Openinghisfingers,he let itwhirl away in thewind.He inhaled, tasting the storm and the forest.Asaheimrosewildaroundhim,spreadingoutforeverbeneathashroudofblackclouds.Themountainsstretchedacrossthespineoftheworld,likeacrestofstiffhaironawolf’sback.Besides thesevengreatpeaks that ringed theAett like loyalthegns,therewerehundredsofsmallermountains.Thosetribesblessedorlucky

enough to findsanctuaryon thepolarcontinentoftenmade theirhomes in theshadows of theAett’s smaller kin, downwhere the airwasn’t so thin and thecoldnotsobiting.Helookedup.Snowandrainfellhardthroughthecracksinthecanopy,peltinghisface.Thewindhaddieddownsomewhat.TheHelwinterwaslosingitsholdon the high places as Fenris drew closer to the Wolf’s Eye and the climatewarmed.Thestormswouldcontinue,andtheicewouldbegintomelt.Theseaswerealreadylappingatallbut thehighestshores,andsoonmanyof the tribeswouldtaketothewaters,lookingforsafety.Fenriswasbeautiful,andfierce,anduntamed.Butitcouldhavebeensomuchmore.‘Just likeus,’hemurmured. ‘Wecouldhavebeensomethinggreater.’Behindhim,theothersateandtalkedandlaughed.Lukaswasglad.Afewweeksinthewild would be good for them. Blood Claws didn’t do well with too muchconfinement.Theelkmeatrestednicelyinhisbelly,smoothinghisthoughts.Hestudiedtheforested slope, seeking something familiar. Old pathways, not followed indecadesorcenturies,litupinhismemoryasifhehadtraversedthemonlydaysago.Themountains rose heavy above the trees, their names solid weights on hismemory. ThunderMountain. The Fire Breather. Broddja, and southwest of it,Krakgard.Theyloomedup,immensephantomsbarelyvisibleinthesnow.Thenamesrolledoffhistongueasherecitedthemquietly.Asaboy,hismotherhadtoldhim thatwisdomsat in suchplaces,waiting for thosewhohad thewit tolisten.Themountainshadseentheoceansformandthecloudstakeshape,andfeltthefirstkissofthewind.The mountains were older than Lukas, older than Grimblood or even Russ.Theyabidedbeyondallstoriesandrites.Hespottedthesmokeamomentlater,rising throughtherainandsleet.There.Hesmiledand turned. ‘Get therestofthatelkup.Tieitshide,sowedon’tloseanything.’‘Wherearewegoing?’Akedemanded.‘Topayourrespects.Comeon.Up.Up!’HekickedAkeinthebackside,joltingtheBloodClawtohisfeet.Akewhirled,snarling,butbackeddownwhenhesawthe smile onLukas’ face. Lukas tapped the youngwarrior in the chestwith aclaw-tip.‘Hloja,brother.Laugh.Thisisfun,eh?Betterthanbeingstuckinthemountain.’‘Atleastitwasdryinthere,’Halvarmutteredasheheavedhimselfuprightwith

arattleoftotemsandmedallions.‘Abitofweatherwilldoyougood,brother.Airyououtabit.’LukasreachedoutandcaughtDagby theneckasherose.Hekissed the startledBloodClawroughlyonthetopoftheheadbeforereleasinghim.‘Itmightputsomecolourinthose wan cheeks of yours, Dag. And it might even disperse some of thosepromethiumfumes thatclingso tightly topoorEinar.’He lookedatKadirandshrugged.‘Nohelpforyou,though,brother.Notuntilyourhairgrowsbackout.’Kadirtouchedtheshornsideofhisscalpandfrowned.Beforehecouldreply,Lukaswasalreadymoving.‘Wherearewegoing,Lukas?’Akeaskedagain.Lukas grinned at the wariness in the Blood Claw’s voice. ‘There’s a villagedown there. The Jahtvian tribe. I take them gifts, sometimes. Food.Weapons.Littlethings,hereandthere,whenI’minthearea.’‘Youfeedthem?’Akelookedaghast.‘It is Helwinter.’ Lukas peered at him. Akewas just two yellow eyes in thesnowandshadows.‘Thebeastsareseekingthesafetyofhighgroundastheseaseattheland.Foodisscarce.Unlessyouhappentohaveatasteforkraken.’Akegrimaced.Lukaslaughed.‘Itdoesn’ttastethatbad.’‘All my people used to eat was kraken. I know exactly how it tastes.’ AkegloweredatLukas.‘Weshouldn’tbedoingthis. It isn’t thewayof things.’Helookedaround,seekingsupportfromtheothers.Lukaslaughed.‘Andwhodecidedthat?’‘Youweakenthem.’‘Youhaven’tevenseenthem,’Lukassaid.‘Andcometothat,it’sbeenalmostadecadesince I last saw themmyself.’Heshookhishead, scattering snow. ‘Ormore than a decade. Time slips away when you’re not paying attention.’ Heshrugged.‘Youdon’thavetocomewithme.’‘Yes,Ido.’Akespatontotheground.‘We’reapack,remember?’‘Thenbyallmeans,followalong.’Lukasheftedtheelkupontohisshoulderswitheaseandstartedoffthroughthesnow.Everysooftenthegroundshookandthebranchescrackedandshedice.WhileAsaheimwasmorestablethantherestoftheplanet’slandmasses,itwasn’tbymuch.TheBloodClawsfollowedhim.Theywalked insilencefora time,untilAkeasked,‘Doyoudothisoften?’Itwasn’tquiteanaccusation.‘What?’‘Feedthem.Coddlethem.’Akepeeredathim.‘Theysayyou’vebeenbanishedfromtheAettatleastsixtimesoverthepasttwocenturies.Isthiswhatyoudo

withyourselfwhenyou’reoutherealone?’Lukas shifted the elk’s weight. ‘My interests are many and varied.’ Hechuckled.‘SometimesIclimbthehighestpeaksandjust…sit,watchingthestarschaseoneanotheracross theheavens.Other times, Iputonmyhelmetandgoforawalk in theWorldsea.’HeglancedatAkeslyly. ‘Ihaveevenbeen to theCavernCitiesbeneaththemountains.’Akehesitated,ataloss.Halvarspokeup.‘Thatisforbidden.OneofRuss’firstedicts.’Lukas nodded. ‘And with good reason, pups. There are monsters aplenty inthosedarktunnels.NoplaceforyoungBloodClaws.’Thesmellofcookingfiresandcutwoodwaftedthroughthetrees.Theyweregettingclose.‘Thesearen’ttheonlyones,’hesaidafteramoment.‘Some,Idon’tfeed.Some,Itorment.Onlytheonesthatdeserveit,obviously.’‘Obviously,’Akesaid.Lukasglancedathim.‘Someofthembecomearrogant.Theonesforwhomwearemorethanmyth.Thefavouredtribes.YouknowthemaswellasIdo,pups.Ulrikhashispettribes,asdotheotherpriests.SotoodotheWolfLords,intheirineffablewisdom.Weplayatneutrality,butwhatwarriordoesn’tfavourhisownbloodline?’Kadirgrunted.‘Unlikeyou,mostofusdon’trememberours.’Lukasgrinned.‘Well,whosefaultisthat?Myself,Imanagedtoavoidthatbyspreadingmyfavoursacrossmanytribes.’Helaughed.‘Thoseweregoodtimes.’Akefrowned.‘Youdon’tstill…’Lukasleeredathim.‘Stillwhat?Playthedivinevisitor?Cloakmyselfinfursandtrustinthehospitalityofmortals,thewaysomedo?’Heshrugged.‘Whatofit?’‘Thatwasn’twhatImeant.’‘Iknow.Butyouwouldn’t like theanswer, so I avoided thequestion.’Lukasstopped.The trees had thinned, and the slope had degraded into a hilly plain.The mountain rose up into the storm, and the walled steading at its basecrouchedwarilyamongthefoothills.Theforesthadbeenclearedbackfromastoutpalisadewall thatencircledthesteading.Thewallwas talland thick,capableofsurviving theattentionsofanenemytribeorahungrytroll.Thesteadingstraddledariverrunningdownoutofthemountain.Severaltailsofsmokeroseabovethewalls.‘Big,’Einargrunted.‘That’swhathappenswhenyoudon’thavetorunforthelongshipseverythaw,’

Akesaidsomewhatbitterly.Hespat.‘They’reprobablyfarmers.’‘Someonehastogrowthefoodstuffsforothertribestosteal,’Lukassaid.‘I’llgo alone from here. You five, stay here, out of sight.’ His tone brooked noargument,and,totheircredit,theydidn’ttry.NotevenAke.Satisfied,Lukastrudgedacrosstheunevenground,scanningitinstinctivelyforanysignofsentries.Hedidn’texpecttheretobeany,notoutinthestormlikethis.While the sleeting rain felt like pinpricks on his bare face, to amortal itwouldbelikeknives.Whenhereachedthewall,Lukasleapt,catchingholdofthetopofthepalisadeand hauling himself – and the elk – over with ease. He paused at the top.Contrary to Einar’s assertion, the steading wasn’t large – a few longhousesarranged around the river, in the protective shadowof themountains. Just bigenough to house a fewextended families.Lukas’ own tribehadn’t beenmuchlarger,eveningoodyears.The riverwas icedoverbut already starting to thaw.Thin serpents of smokerose from the flues built into the roofs of the longhouses.Therewas no othersignof life.The temperaturewasmoremoderate here, and themountains andtreesblockedtheworstofthewind,butitwasstillcoldenoughtoformasheathoffrostonhisarmourwhenhestoodinonespotfortoolong.Lukas leapt from the palisade onto the nearest rooftop. He could hear faintsingingrisingupfrombelowhim.Thesolesofhisbootsscrapedonthefrostedthatchashemadehiswaycarefullyup the incline.Henearly losthisbalance,andcursedsoftly.Theroofcreakedbeneathhisweight,buthehadlittlefearofitbreakingbeneathhim.Fenrisiancraftsmanshipwasn’tpretty,but itwas tough.Justlikethetribesthemselves.Lukas crept towards thenearest smoke flue and lookeddown through it.Hisenhanced senses easily pierced the thick folds of smoke, and he studied theinhabitants. Theywere singing and telling stories, loudly. The longhousewascrowded,butthatwastobeexpected.Winterwascold,andmorebodiesmeantmorewarmth.Hecouldsmellroastingmeatandspilledmead,humansweatandtheripeodourofunwashedclothes.Hepulledtheelkoffhisbackandsnippedthebindings.Hegrippeditbyonelegandloweredit throughtheflue,swingingitgently.‘Andbewelcometo it,mykinsmen,’hegrowledsoftly.Withatwitchofhisarm,hesenttheheavybodycrashingdownontooneofthetablesbelow.Menandwomencriedoutinalarm,andhe laughed, lowand long, ashe ranback towards thepalisade,not caringnowwhoheardhim.

Lukasheardthedoorstothelonghousecrashopenasheleaptoverthepalisade.Thenhewasrunningbacktowardstheforest,movingwithinhumanspeed.Nomortalcouldmatch thequicknessofawarriorof theRout.Given theweather,they likely wouldn’t even be able to see him. Even so, he heard the hiss ofarrowscuttingthroughthesnow.Helaughedasheboundedthroughthetrees.TheBloodClawswerewaitingonhim.‘Thinkthey’llfollowyou?’Kadirsaid,peeringwarilyatthesteading.‘Would you, if you were them?’ Lukas shook his head. ‘No. They fear theforest,andwithgoodreason.’‘Cowards,’Akesaid.Lukaslookedattheyoungwarrior.‘Isthatwhatyouthink?’‘Iwouldhavehuntedyou,’Akegrowledpugnaciously.‘Aye,maybeyouwouldhave.’Lukaslookedaway,backtowardsthesteading.Hewatched a knot of black figures hurry back to the safety of their hearths.‘Haveyoupupseverwonderedwhyweletthemlivelikethis?Whyweletthemsufferhardshipandcruelty?’‘Tomakethemstrong,’Akesaid,asifoncue.Lukas laughed. ‘Pride,’ he said. ‘We have convinced ourselves that sufferingbuilds character.Sufferingbuildsnothingbutwalls.We settle for beastswhenwe could havemen.All for pride.’He looked around. ‘And that’s the biggestjokeofall,pups.Bestyourememberthat.’Akefrowned.‘Idon’tthinkit’sfunny.’‘No.’Lukasspreadhisarms. ‘Prideeatsatus,everyone.Likeamaggot inawound. Russ was proud, and so too must we be proud, whatever theconsequences.’‘Wemustendure,wemustpersevere,wemustbeworthy,’Akesaidstubbornly.‘Thatisthewayofit,Trickster.Elsewhywereanyofuschosen?’Hestruckatreewiththesideofhisfist.‘Becausewesurvived.Wewereworthy.’‘Survival isa testofnothingmore thanendurance. If itwereanythingelse, Iwouldneverhavebeenchosen,andyetIwas.Luck.’Lukassmiledashespoke.Thiswasn’t thefirst timethey’dhad thisargumentsince theywerecastoutoftheAett.Norwoulditbethelast.Butatleasttheywerelistening.Maybetheyhadevenlearnedsomething.‘Ithaseverbeenthus,’Halvarbegan.Lukas laughed again, louder this time. ‘Maybe. But why?’ He brought hispalmstogetherinaloudcrack.‘Pride.Downhere,mortalssufferforourpride.On otherworlds, controlled by otherChapters, they live in peace. They don’t

sufferaswesuffer,andyet theyproducewarriorsofequalskill.’Henoted thefrustrationintheirfaces.Thelackofcomprehension.‘None are greater than theRout,’Dag said.Not angrily, but as if itwere nomorethansimplefact.‘WearetheAllfather’schosenwarriors.’‘Oh,weliketopretendthatwearebetter–thatoursavagerymakesusstrong.Butit’salie,toldbyoldmenwhowerethemselvesliedtobythosewhocamebefore.Worstofall,weallknowthelieforwhatitis.Butweacceptit,becausetodootherwiseistoadmitthatsomewherealongthewaywemadeamistake.’Lukasgrinned.‘Morethanone.’Akebaredhisteeth.‘Andyouranswertothisrevelationis…What?Mockery?’Lukasshrugged.‘Canyouthinkofabetterresponse?Wearenothingmorethanthelargest,strongestpackofwolvesonthisfrozenmudball.Andthatisallwewilleverbe.’‘Apoorlife,’Halvarsaid.‘Muddyingthegloriesofothers.’‘Gloryisforthedead,’Lukassaid.‘Thelivingmustberemindedofthat,sothattheydon’t lose themselves in sagas.’He thumpedhis chest. ‘So thatwedon’tbecome thatwhichwe fearmost – beasts, andworse than beasts, following afalsescenttoourdoom.’Hepointedtothesteading.‘ThatiswhyIfeedthem.Theyaremypack,pups,asyouare.Doyousee?’Looking at their faces, he knew they did not. Not really. Not yet. But theymight, in time.He shrugged, and smiled. ‘Ormaybe this is all a lie, a ruse tomake my pranks seem more than they are. Maybe I am simply the spitefulJackalwolf,contenttoripatthegutsofmyownpackformyownamusement.’‘Theotheronemakesforabettersaga,’Dagsaidafteramoment.Lukasclappedhimcompanionablyontheshoulder.‘That’swhatItellmyself,brother.’Hesmiled.‘Now,Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI’mhungryagain.Let’sgofindanotherelk.’HegrinnedatAke.‘MaybeI’llevenletAkemakethekillthistime.’

CHAPTERNINE

HUNTINGGROUNDS641.M41

Pinpoint lance fire obliterated the spinward augur platforms.Their destructionwastimeddowntothelastmicro-secondtocoincidewithasolarflarefromthesystem’sstar.Withagapopenedintheaugurnetwork,theSkySerpentsenteredtheFenris systemunnoticed, hiddenbehindmimic engines and shadow fields.Theyremainedthatwayastheynavigatedthetumultuouscelestialtides.Sliscus loungedinhiscommandthroneon thebridgeof theIncessantAgony,watching the frost-bluemarble expand in the forward view screen.Theworldsang to him, luring him on. He longed to experience its pleasures. But othermattersneededtendingbeforethen.‘Prodthebeasts,’hesaidtoamemberofthecrewstandingattentivelynearby.‘Letusdrawthemfromtheirlair.’At his command, a second fleet, much smaller than the first, erupted intorealspace near one of the gigantic semi-mobile star-forts that bracketed theworld. Swarms ofRazorwing jetfighters andVoidraven bomberswould harassthestar-fortbeforequicklywithdrawingtowardstheedgeofthesystem,wheretheRibaldBladewaited.TheTorture-classcruiserwasoneof the threehehadstolenuponhisfirstexilefromCommorragh.Thecruiseranditsescortswould

makeashowofputtingupafightwhenthesystembattlefleetrespondedbeforedrawingthemon-keighvesselsaway.By the time theyreturned, IncessantAgonyand therestofhis fleetwouldbesafelyhiddenwithinthedisruptivehaloofthesystem’scentralsun.Fromthere,he could orchestrate similar raids at the few inhabited planets in the system,keepingthebattlefleetoccupiedwhileheandhisguestsenjoyedthemselves.Thetrickwouldn’tfooltheWolvesforlong,afewweeksatmost.Butthatwaslong enough.He reclined in his seat as the first reports came in.Contactwasimmediate,andbloody.Hesmiled.‘Pleasedwithyourself?’afemininevoicepurred.Sleg, loomingbeside hismaster’s command throne, stiffenedwith a hiss androseup,hishandsonthehiltsofhisweapons.Sliscuswavedtheophidianbackandsaid,‘Always.’HeturnedandlookedatLadyMalysasshestrolledacrossthecommanddeck,alone.Nokabaliteguardswereallowedhere,noteventhosebelongingtohissubordinates.Shelookedaroundathisassembledcaptains.‘Amotleycrew,this,Traevelliath.They aren’t even allCommorrites.’Amutter ran through them, andnot a fewangryglareswerecastherway,muchtoSliscus’amusement.Sliscussmiled.‘Someofthemplaythepartwellenough.Idon’trecallinvitingyou to the bridge, by the way.’ Only a few of his subordinates – the mostfavoured – had been invited to sit with him as they approached their chosenhuntinggrounds.‘Oh,Traevelliath,youknowIrarelyletthelackofaninvitationstopme,’shesaid.‘IfIdid,Iwouldnevergoanywhereatall.’‘I assumed you would be seeing to your own warriors. Howmany did youbring?’Sliscusasked,turninghisattentionsbacktotheviewscreen.‘Enough.Your assault bays are full of Raiders frommore than half a dozenkabals,includingmine.ReaversandVenomsaswell.Allwaitingimpatientlyforthewebwayportals toopenandallow them to spilloutover this littleworld.’Sheleanedagainstthebackofhisthrone,herfanflutteringslowlytostirtheairabouther.Sliscus caught sight of Myrta standing nearby. His courtesan waited withJhynkar,attentivetohiswhims.Shestoodoutevenamongthegaudycorsairsofhis court. Myrta was a prize among prizes, and he favoured her with a fondsmile.Shedidn’treturnit.HissmilewidenedandheturnedbacktoMalys.‘Andyourquestionis…?’She snorted. ‘What exactly is your plan, Traevelliath, dear? You were most

unforthcomingwiththedetailsearlier.’‘Nooneelseseemsallthatbothered.’Malyslookeddownathim.‘Thentheyarefools.Worsethanfools.Theymayaswellbecattle.’Shefoldedherfanand tracedhischeekwith it.Hebatted itaside.‘They are simply excited. And why shouldn’t they be? This will be a mostdelightfulouting,don’tyouthink?Lookatit,Aurelia–isn’titbeautiful?’‘It’saworld,likeanyofthethousandotherswehaveplundered.’Sliscussighed.‘Youhavenosoul,Aurelia.’Shelaughed.‘Oh,butIdo,Traevelliath.AndIhaveworkedveryhardtoensurethat it remainsrightwhere it is.Partof that ismakingsure that Iask therightquestionswhentheopportunitypresents itself.’Shesteppedbackandunfoldedherfan.Itwasalmost–butnotquite–achallenge.Sliscus pushed himself to his feet and turned to face her. His captains drewback,andhesmiledtightly.Hecouldalmostsmelltheiruneasiness,andthefainttangofanticipation.Theywerehalfhopingthatshewasplanningonchallenginghim.They’dhadhundreds,ifnotthousands,ofsuccessfulraidsunderhisaegis,butevenso,theychafed.Ashehadchafed.Buttheylackedhiscourage,andsowaitedforotherstomakethefirstmove.ButMalyswasn’theretochallengehim.No,hehadknownthatthemomenthesawheramonghisguests.Shehadcometohimforhelp.Hesmiledindulgentlyandledhertowardsthetacticaldisplayplinth.Chainedslavessquattedbeneathit,inputtingdataasitreachedtheircommunicationsimplants.Witheverytwitchoftheirpale,thinfingers,theimageoftheworldandwhatawaitedtherevellerstherebecameclearer.Other slaves waited nearby, trembling. They carried his armour, a moreutilitariansetthanhehadwornonPok.Thefacetsflashed,changingcolourasheallowedtheslavestodresshim.Theridgedplatesslicedthroughtheirpalmsandfingers as theyworked, eliciting softwhimpers of pain.He drank it inwith asigh.‘Tellme,Aurelia.Howwouldyougoaboutit?’‘Theentireplanetisunstable,’Malysmurmured,studyingthedata.‘Savethissinglecontinent.’SheexpandedtheviewofthelandmassthatthehumanscalledAsaheim,ashehadknownshewould.‘Itmakesforinterestinghunting,atleast.’Sliscusnodded.‘Weshallrequireshelterfromthestorm,obviously.Someplacefromwhichtoconductourcelebrationsinafittingmanner.Ah,there.’Hetappedamarkeronthemap.HiswordswereforMalys’benefit.Hehadchosenthespotdays earlier, after studying all the available information about Fenris gleaned

fromhislibrary–hehadpillagedhundredsofhumanworldsinhistime,andhadbuiltquitethecollectionoftithereportsanddatacompilations.Themon-keighwereworthlessbeasts,buttheykeptfinerecords.‘An isolatedoutpostofwhateverpasses forcivilisationon thisbarbaric idyll.Far enough from themain hub of themon-keigh to avoid notice, but still onrelatively solid ground. The stormwill interferewith their primitive planetarysensornet,andwecanbaffletheireyeseasilyenough.’Hesmiled,pleasedwithhisowncunning.‘Weshallnestleamongthem,andtheywillnotseeusuntilitistoolate.’‘Likeaserpent,onemightsay,’Malyssaididly.Sliscuslookedather.‘Atrifleobvious,Aurelia.’Shelaughed.‘Butapt!’Sliscusturnedaway.‘Yourwitgrowsdull,mysweetpoisonedtongue.Perhapsyouneedclevererpartnerstohelpyouhoneit.’‘Isthatanoffer?’Sliscus shrugged, still studying the map. ‘An offer of what? Speak plainly,Aurelia,ornotatall.Allthisdoublethinkfatiguesme.’She quirked an eyebrow. ‘You could return to Commorragh. It has been toolongsinceyourlastvisit.’‘HasVectforgivenme,then?’‘Doyoucareifhehas?’Sliscusthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.‘IcarenothingfortheTyrant,andhecaresnothingforme.SavewhenIcanbeofusetohimonsomematterorother.Muchlikeyou,dearAurelia.’Hepeeredather,thelightofthehololithmakinghisfacelookskeletal.‘Youarenotsoopaqueasyoubelieve,dearheart.’Malysbristled.‘Andwhatdoesthatmean?’‘Isittime,then?Haveyouatlastcometoit–thegreatmomentforwhichyouhave been preparing since Vect cast you aside, so many years ago?’ Sliscussmiled.‘ItwasthetalkofCommorraghatthetime.Somethoughthemighttakeyouashisconsort.Notme,though.Youarethesun,Aurelia,andheisthemoon.Twogreatbodiesmovingineternalopposition.Youthriveonit,andIwasnotsurprisedwhenhetossedyouoverforsomethingmorepliable.Onlythatittookhimsolong.’‘Isthatacomplimentoraninsult,Traevelliath?’‘A bit of both.’ Sliscus stepped back and turned away from the hololithicprojector, his hands behind his back. ‘My question stands, dear one. Did youaccept my invitation hoping to secure my allegiance in whatever internecine

conflictyouareplanning?’‘AndifIdid?’Sliscusclosedhiseyes,savouringthemoment.Itwasanexcitingprospect,andnotunwelcome.Hehadbeengettingbored,wilingawayhiseternityplunderingchattelworlds.Heneededanewchallenge.Somethingwithmoremeattoit.Helookedather. ‘Thenwewillhavemuchtodiscussover thecookingfires.We shall hunt an agreement evenaswehuntbeasts. Itwill addamore subtlepleasuretothevisceralthrillstocome.’

‘Idon’ttrusther,’Myrtasaid,watchingSliscusconversewithMalys.Shestoodonthecommanddeckofthecruiser,closetohandbutfarenoughawaythatnoonecouldaccuseherofeavesdropping.Slavesbustledabouther,eyesdowncast,as overseers barked orders. Thorn-whips lashed the flesh of any who didn’tmove fast enough for the overseers’ liking, and a pleasing aura of pain anddespairhungovereverything.‘And?’ShelookedatJhynkar.Thehaemonculuswasn’tpayinganyattention.Instead,hewasstudyingthephotonicprojectionofageneticsequencefloatingabovehishands.LikeMyrta,hestoodreadyforSliscus’call,thoughunlikeher,hedidn’tseemtocareovermuch.Hehadbeendistractedsincetheparty.ShehadseenhimincloseifnotconvivialconversationwithMasterXhactoftheHex.WhySliscushad invited such a creatureMyrta didn’t know, but she guessed it was somesuggestionofJhynkar’s.Myrta frowned and slashed her blade through the haemonculus’ projection,scatteringthemotesoflight.Jhynkargruntedandglaredather.‘Howrude.’‘Shemightbeaproblem.’‘Who?Malys?Perhaps.’Jhynkargrinned.‘Gettingnervous,mylady?’‘WhyshouldIbenervous,Jhynkar?’‘I’msureIhavenoidea.’Heleanedtowardsher,closeenoughthatshecouldsmell thestinkof thechemicalsheusedtopreservehimself. ‘Butyouseeminneedofaconfession.SoIplacemyselfatyourdisposal.Speak,andIshalldomybesttosetyourmindatease.’Myrtasnorted.‘Ihavenoneedofyourcondescension.’‘Thenwhyareyoubotheringme?’Myrtahadnoanswertohisquestion.Atleast,notonethatwouldn’tmakeherseemweak.Hewas right – shewas nervous.The plan, such as itwas,was a

tenuous thing. A nudge here, a suggestion there. Sliscus was immune totraditionalmethodsofmanipulation.Shecouldn’tseducehim,orteasehim.Shewashisslave,boundtohimbyritesasoldasShaimeshhimself.AsLhilituwasboundtothevoid,sotoowasMyrtaboundtoSliscus.Even now, she didn’t truly understandwhy. Some bargainmade by those ofgreater influence in the Lhamaean sisterhood. She was payment for servicesrendered.Anotuncommonstateofaffairs,butonenormallyrectifiedwithadabof poison at a time and place of the sister in question’s choosing. No sisterservedthesamemasterforlongifthelatterprovedunsuitable.Ownershipcamewith certain responsibilities, and few archons could manage it for any greatlength of time. Invariably theywould strike or insult their courtesan, and shewould punish them according to the ancient laws of the sisterhood. That hadalwaysbeenthewayofit.ButSliscusdefiedeventhosetraditions.He refused todie.Whether itwasdue to spiteor stubbornness,he refused toreleaseherfromherservitude.Untilheperished,shewastrapped.Jhynkarchuckledatherreticence. ‘Patience,dear lady.Patience.Allart takestime.Andthiswillbeamasterpiece.TheSerpentimpaledonhisownhubris.’‘Soyoukeepsaying,’shehissed.‘Yettherehesits,intact.’‘Thehunthasnotyetbegun,’Jhynkarprotested.Myrta considered cutting off one of his hands. Just the one, to ease herfrustrations. Even so, she was forced to admit that he was right. She wasimpatient.Therewastimeyet.Theaugmentedwarriorsofthemon-keighweredull-witted and slow by eldar standards, but they were also determined andspitefulopponents.Ahuntofthissortwassuretoelicitahostileresponsefromthem– especially these particularmon-keigh.The savages in their storm-greyarmourwerebarbariansamongbarbarians.She had often seen their sort fight in the arenas. They were the inevitablefavourites of the masses, eliciting cheers with their fierce displays and crudebehaviour.Barbarismwasoftenconfusedwithheroismatasufficientdistance.Individually,theywerelittlematchforaCommorritewarrior.Buttheytravelledinpacks.For amoment, she lost herself in amuch-cherished fantasy of Sliscus beingtornapartbythesavagemonstersoftheblue-greyworldbelow.Shewouldtrytoprotecthim,ofcourse.Butshewouldbehalfasecondtooslow.Aninstanttoolate.Apologiesandcommiserations,then…freedom.‘Hetellsmeitwasyoursuggestion.’Myrta turned, startled, but hid it beneath a carefully composed expression of

elegantboredom.LadyMalysstoodbehindher,flutteringherbladedfanbeforeher face.Thearchonof thePoisonedTongueKabalwas taller thanMyrtaandcladmorerichly.‘Itwas,mylady,’Myrtasaid.‘Andhowdidyoucomebytheidea?Suchathingwouldseemtobebeyondtheknowledge of one of your sisterhood.’Malys delivered the insult with gentleease. Myrta could tell she had done so intentionally. Malys did everythingintentionally.‘We are not so provincial as you seem to think. And in any event, I havelearnedmuchinmytimewiththeDuke,mylady.’Malysnodded,asifthatweretheanswershehadexpected.‘Iwonderedtoseeoneofyoursortwithhim,andsofarfromtheEternalCity,’shesaid.‘Ofcourse,Sliscushaseverbeenneedfulofcertaincomforts.’‘MuchthesamehasbeensaidoftheTyrant,attimes,’Myrtasaid.‘Iwouldn’tknow.’‘That isn’twhat Iheard.’ Itwasa lowblow,andcrude.ButMyrtawas innomood for subtlety. ‘It is said thatVect cast you outwhenhe grewboredwithyou.’‘Ileftofmyownchoice,littlecourtesan,’Malyssaid.‘Unlikeyou,Iamfreetochoosemyownpathinthisuniverse.Butyou,sadly,areboundbythewhimsofanother.’Malys reached out and took hold ofMyrta’s chin. ‘And suchwhimstheyare.Isittruethatheimmolatedaworldbecauseitsrulermispronouncedhisname?’Myrta stepped back, out of reach. ‘He has burnedmany worlds, and sparedmanymore.Hisreasonsarehisown.Herarelysharesthem.’Malys smiled and folded her fan with a snap. She turned. ‘No. He is quiteclose-mouthed.Hardtotellwhathe’sthinking,ourSerpent.’SheglancedbackatMyrta.‘ButIsuspectyoumighthavesomeguesses.’Myrtastiffened.‘Iwouldnotpresumetodoso.’MalystappedtheLhamaeanonthechestwithherfan.‘No?Thenmaybeyourcompanionwill sharehisown.’She turned to thehaemonculus. ‘Yourname isJhynkar,isitnot?’Myrtaglaredat Jhynkar,willinghim tosilence.Thehaemonculusclearedhisthroat and cocked his head. ‘I believe I hear someone screamingmyname. Ifyouwillexcuseme…?’Hebobbedlowinajerkybowandsidledaway.Malysdidn’ttrytostophim.‘Youcametoseekhishelp,’Myrtasaid.Malyslookedather.‘AmIsoobvious,then?’

‘Iamobservant,’Myrtasaid.‘Youdonotapprove.’‘Itisnotmyplacetoapproveordisapprove.Merelytoservehiswill.’Malystappedherlipswithherfan,herexpressionspeculative.Beforeshecouldspeak, the sudden appearanceofSliscus interruptedher.Myrtamade tokneel,butSliscuswavedhertoherfeet.‘Now,now,noneofthat,mylady.Youmightbeaslave,butyouareaqueenamongslaves.Neverforgetthat.’Hebrushedastrayhairfromherface,hissmileunpleasant.Sheresistedtheurgetoreachforoneofthemanybladeshiddenaboutherform.‘Youknowwhattodo?’‘Of course,’ she said. Itwouldbeher duty to clear theway for the rest.TheRaidersoftheSkySerpentswouldemergefromthewebwaysomewhereabovetheirtargetanddescendswiftlytotakecaptivesandensurethatnoneescapedtowarnanyoneoftheircoming.With the base camp established, the full force of the hunt, led by Sliscus’guests,couldsafelyspreadacrosstheworldat their leisure.Itwasararethingfor a raid to takemore than a few hours, but not unknown. In such a case, acentralrallyingpointwasinvariablysetupfortheinevitableretreat.Sliscushadchosenthespothimself,daysearlier,afterstudyingthecartographicscansoftheworld.ThatSliscuswasbestowingthehonourofestablishingthebasecampuponhercouldbetakenasasignofhisfavour.Inreality,sheknewthatitwasbecausehisguestswould view it as an insult if any among themwas chosenwithout theagreementoftheothers.‘Good,’hesaid.‘Bewary.Iamgiventounderstandthatnotallinmyserviceare best pleased by my choice. They see only insult, where honour wasintended.’Shestiffenedasthewarningsankin.Beforeshecouldask,hissmilewidened.‘Smile,mylady.Itismidwinter,afterall.Aseasonofredpleasures,formasterandslavealike.’Hestrokedherface, theedgesofhisarmouredfingersdrawingblood.He traced theblood acrossher cheek and aboveher eyes, likeprimitivewar-paint.‘Go.Andbeswift.Besure.’Shenoddedstifflyanddeparted.ShefeltMalys’eyesonhertheentireway.The assault baywas a riot of noise and celebrationwhen she arrived.Half adozenRaiderspaintedin thesubtlecoloursof theSkySerpentswaitedin theirberths.Thecrewsoftheanti-gravityskiffsdrankandcrossedblades,challengingone another for the honour of the prowposition.Only the best of them couldman the weapon that was mounted there, whether it was a dark lance ordisintegratorcannon.The restwouldhave tomakedowith their splinter rifles

andblades.Gantriesstretchedlikeawebofironacrossthebay,connectingtheRaiderstorefuellingandrearmingstations.She glanced towards the far end of the cavernous bay, where an immensewebwayportalhungsuspendedagainsttheinteriorofthehullinawebofchainsandmassive clamps. The dimensional doorwaywas a barbed edifice of blackstone shot through with veins of pale green. It hummed ominously, and thechainsthatbounditrattledconstantly.Whenitwasactivated,theRaiderswouldplungethroughandintothewebwaybeyond.Thatthewebwayitselfwouldhaveapathwaytotheirtargetwasagiven.Even so, Myrta felt a familiar vague sense of uneasiness at the thought oftraversing theancient sub-dimension forevena short amountof time.But shewas careful to keepher feelings to herself. For all his seeming impulsiveness,Sliscushadcarefullyorchestratedthisraid,ashehadalltheothers.Hehadleftnothingunaccountedfor.Warriorsgreetedherwithironiccheersasshestalkedacrossthegantries.Shewas as much a mascot as a war-leader. Only Sliscus would see fit to turncommandovertoacourtesan,andforsomeamonghisforcesthiswassimplyasignofhisinfamouschangeability.Apointofhumour,agreatjest.Forothers,itwasa subtlercue–Sliscuswasno fool, tobestowsuch responsibilitywithoutregardforcapability.‘Hold,wench.Ididnotgiveyoupermissiontocomeaboard.’MyrtacontinuedtoclimbtheboardingplankoftheleadRaider,itscrewfallingsilent as their commander strodeacross theopendeckof theanti-gravity skiffwithonehandonhersword.‘Didyouhearme,courtesan?’‘Iheardyou,Kakaroth,’Myrtasaid.‘Isimplydonotcare.’Sliscus’reputationforcunningdidn’tstopsomefromchallengingherwhenshewasgivencommand.Whilenormallysuchincidentswerepostponeduntilaftertheconclusionofasuccessfulraid,somecorsairslackedthepragmatismoftheirCommorritekin.Kakarothwasonesuch–anexilefromsomeminorcraftworld,stillwearingthearmour of her warrior path, though much altered now by whim andcircumstance.Sheworeacloakofblacksilkoverarmour thecolourofblood,adornedwith trophiespluckedfromthedying–brokenspirit stones,ork tusksandthelike.Andburiedamongthem,herspiritstonewinkedadullamber.ShestruttedtomeetMyrta.‘Sogoodofyoutohonouruswithyourpresence,courtesan.ThoughIfearyouwill find no captain’s bed to warm here. Only cold steel.’ Kakaroth looked

around expectantly. Some among the crew let desultory laughter slip,more toavoidoffendingherthanbecauseshehadsaidsomethingamusing.Kakarothwasnotliked,butshewasdeadlywithablade,andthatmorethanmadeupforalackofinterpersonalskills.Myrtasighedandrestedonehandonthepommelofherblade.Shehadknownthis was coming. It was inevitable. Though Kakaroth had left her craftworldbehind,shehadbroughtitsfoolishprejudiceswithher.True,shehadnotservedSliscuslong,butignorancewasnoexcuse.‘Howdroll.Iassureyou,Kakaroth,that Iwouldmuch ratherbe inbed thanheredealingwithyou.Butweareallslavestoourmaster,andhehascommandedme.’Thereweremurmursatthat.Arrogantastheywere,fewofthecorsairsfightingundertheflagoftheSkySerpentslikedtoberemindedthattheywereservants.It was part of Myrta’s duty to remind them on occasion. Kakaroth seemeddetermined tobe the latestexample. ‘Youareaslave,’Kakarothsaid.Shestillworehertall,crestedhelm,herjaspereyepieceswinkinginthedimlightoftheassault bay. ‘I am free.More, I havewalked thewarrior’s path for centuries.You,incontrast,havespentmostofyourtimeinthislifeonyourback.Whatdoyousaytothat?’Myrtalaughedinherface.Kakarothcursedandwenttodrawherblade.Myrtawasquicker.Assassinshadtobequick–theyhadtoseizetheirmomentintheinstantitpresenteditself.Herbladesprangintoherhand,itsdelicatecurvewetwithatoxinofherowndevising.Itwasslightlyacidic,toaidtheblade’sentry.‘Imayhavespentitonmyback,butIassureyouitwasnolessarduous,’Myrtasaid,sweepingherswordoutinashallowslash.Kakarothgruntedandslidback.Thewoundwasn’t fatal– shehad twistedasideat the lastmoment.Herbladecame up, and she lungedwith a snarl.Myrta blocked the blow, but only just.Kakarothwasstrong,butarrogant.Itwouldtaketimeforthepoisontowork.Shedecided to stall. ‘Whynow,Kakaroth?Haveyou finally lost all patiencewithourways?Ordidsomeoneputyouuptoit?’Shelaughed.‘Youarenomorethanapettykillerwithonlyahandfuloffollowers.YoucommandonlyasingleRaideramongdozens.’‘ButIhaveambition. Itshouldbemeleading thisassault,courtesan. Iamanexperiencedwar-leader. I have killedmore enemies than you, ledmore raids.Andstillhefavoursyou!’Kakarothlunged.Myrtasidesteppedgracefully.‘Jealousy,then?Isthatall?Howpedestrian.’‘He insultsus,’Kakarothsaid.Hervoicehada raggededge to it.Thepoisonwasdoingitsjob.‘Puttinghisdoxyinchargeofaraid.Heismad.’Us,shehad

said.Whodidshemean?Itmightbeusefultoknow,ifthingsdidn’tgoasshehoped.‘Asareyou,forwillinglybendingkneetohim.’Myrtaswayedaside,avoidingablowthatwouldhavedecapitatedher.‘Iwassoldtohim.What’syourexcuse?’She stepped back and circled the corsair, her blade licking out with almostteasinggrace.Kakarothgrewmoreenragedwitheverylightcut,andcenturiesoftrainingwerewashedasideinamurderousfrenzy.Shehadbeenexiledfromherhomeforgoodreason.Many,infact,buttheragewasalargepartofit.‘Perhapsifyouhadspentmoretimeonyourback,youmightnotbesoeagertothrow your life away, exile.’Myrta lunged, her blade hissing overKakaroth’sshoulder.Shecouldhearthejeersandshoutsfromthecrew.Wagerswereflyingfastandheavy.Theoddswere inher favour.Kakarothwasn’t thefirst tohavechallengedher,andshewouldn’tbethelast.Thekeywastomakeeachdeathasmemorableaspossible.MyrtalappedatKakaroth’sagonyasthepoisontookhold,eatingawayatherdiscipline and coordination. She began to slow, and the strength of her blowsfaded. Myrta caught Kakaroth’s blade on her own and stepped close,momentarily trappingheropponent’s sword. ‘Takeoffyourhelmet, sister, andletmekissyou,’Myrtasaid.‘Amomentofpleasurebeforetheend.’Kakaroth hissed and shovedMyrta back, slamming her against the rail. TheLhamaean twisted aside as the corsair attacked. She reversed her blade anddroveitintoKakaroth’sside.Therewasenoughtoxinleftonittoeataholeinthe corsair’s armour. The blade slid home, grating against bone. Kakarothstiffened and tried tomove away, butMyrtapulledher into a gentle embrace,sawing the sword up through the corsair’s abdomen and chest. Itwas amoremercifuldeaththanthepoisonwouldhavegrantedher,buttheopportunityhadbeenimpossibletoignore.Kakarothshudderedanddied,stillstandingat therail.Herbloodpooledontothedeck.Myrtadrank inheropponent’s finalmoments, then,witha sigh, shepluckedloosetheformercraftworlder’sspiritstoneandtippedthebodyovertheside.Shewatcheditfalltothedeckbelow.Kabalitewarriorsswoopeddowntostrip the body of anything of value before letting the slaves remove it. Here,unlike inCommorragh, therewasnowayback fromdeath for a corsair. ‘Andeveniftherewas,youarenotworthyofit,’Myrtamurmuredasshekissedthespiritstoneflickeringinherhand.Sheslidthestoneintoherarmourasakeepsakeandturnedtofacetherestofthecrew.‘I trusteveryonewassufficientlyentertained?Good.It’s timetogo.’

Shegestured towards the frontof thebay,whereslaveswaitedon thegantriesabove and around the webway portal. At her signal the portal was activated,flashingwithafamiliareerieaura,andtheomnipresenthumincreasedinvolumeandresonance.Awarningklaxonsounded,and the lastof those takingpart in the initial raidhurriedlyclamberedaboardtheirvessels.Myrtawatchedimpatientlyasalmostadozen Sslyth glided onto the deck of herRaider, clutching theirweapons andbobbing their wedge-shaped heads in excitement. They hissed amongthemselves,seeminglyeagerforwhatwastocome.BesidesSleg,shedidn’ttrustthem.Cometothat,shedidn’ttrustSlegeither.Despite that, she couldn’t deny that having the ophidianmercenaries nearbymadeherfeelsomewhatbetter.Itwasn’t likelythatsomeonewouldtrytotakevengeanceforKakaroth’sdeath,especiallyduringaraid,butthatdidn’tmeanitwasimpossible.Someonemighthavebeenfondofher,improbableasthatwas.Therewas a sound like stone splitting, and thewebway portal crackledwithemerald energies. Lightning crossed the surface, and the flat plane of stonebecamelikeblackglass.Thesurfaceturnedcloudy,andacold,alienwindracedthrough the bay. Distant thunder rumbled, echoing out from the deep placesbetweenthestars.Myrtaturnedandsignalledtothehelmsman,whogaveashout.Theethersailsunfoldedwithahollowthump.TherepulsorkeelbladeactivatedandtheRaiderrosefromitsberthastheanchoringclampsreleased,readytoenterthegateway.Sheclosedhereyes,enjoying thegrowing impatienceof thenearbywarriors.For a moment – just a moment – she wondered why she didn’t simplycommandeertheRaiderandslipaway,deepintothewebway.Sliscuswouldn’tsearchforher,ofthatshewascertain.Butwherewouldshego?Asaslave,shehadpurpose,atleast.Withoutit,shewasnothing.Sheextendedhersword.‘Forward,’shesaid.TheRaiderslippedfromitsberthwithaferventmoananddivedtowardstheportal.Initswakecametheothers,accompaniedbyVenomsandjetbikes.Thefirstofmany.Sliscuswasright.Itwouldbeahunttoremember.

CHAPTERTEN

STORIESINTHEDARK641.M41

Breath puffed out from between Dag’s teeth, forming a warm halo about hisnarrowskull.TheBloodClawstalkedthroughtheknee-highsnowsoftheforest,followingthepathlaidoutbeforehim.Itwastheeasiestthingtodowhenyoudidn’t know what needed doing. He frowned, trying to recall where he hadlearnedthatsaying.Vaguefacesandfamiliarvoicesslippedthroughhismentalclutcheslikemeltingice.Allherememberedoftheboyhehadbeenwasthefaintestimpressions.Vaguesensationsofhardstoneagainstsoftflesh.Heatwashingoverunprotectedskin.The taste of warm mead and the hum of insects. He held tightly to thosememories,usingthemasawhetstonetosharpenhimselfintosomethingnew.He couldn’t rememberwhat he had been, andwasn’t yet certain of what hewouldbecome.Hewasaghostof futureglories.The thought fledassomeoneshovedhim.Reveriebroken,heglancedatKadir.Thetallwarriorgrinned.‘Payattention,oryou’llloseyourselfintheforest.’Dagshowedhisteeth.‘IfitgetsmeawayfromHalvar’sstink,it’sworthit.’Halvar grunted discontentedly. ‘My stink, as you call it, is the only thing

keepingthenight-devilsfromswoopingdownonus.’Heliftedoneofhismanyamuletsandshookit.‘You’rewelcome.’‘Theonlydevilouthere is theJackalwolf,’Akesnarled,shovingpastHalvar.‘Andit’salreadytoolatetoescapehim.’Dagignoredhisgrumblingandsearchedthetrailahead.ThroughtheswirlingsnowshecouldseeLukasforgingthepaththeyfollowed.Itwashardtoseparatethe reality of Lukas from the legend. The longest-surviving Blood Claw. Thegreatest of them, and the worst, with all that entailed. Dag couldn’t help butadmirehim.Granted,theremightbesomebiasthere.Whenthekrakendraggedhimbeneaththe iceduring thehunt in theUnderfang itwasLukaswhofishedhimout.Hehadbeenclosertodeathinthatmomentthanhelikedtothink.Andnotagooddeath,orevenanespeciallyworthyone.Beingcrushedintopastebytherubberycoilsofabeastwasnosortofendingforhissaga,shortasitwas.Luckily,Lukashadbeentheretotearhimfree.Herecalledthosemomentsof…notpanic,butascloseasawarrioroftheRoutcouldcome.Thecrushingdark, thebreathescapinghis straining lungs, forcedout of him by the kraken’s strength.And that snappingmaw, large enough todevourhimwhole.Thefactthatsomethingactuallywantedtoeathimhadbeeneye-opening, to say the least. It had given him a whole new perspective onthings.Forafewmoments,atleast.Then,aslashoflightandabriefglimpseofagrinningfaceashestruggledtothesurface.DagwatchedLukas, trying to seehimclearly through thedistortioneffectofthe doppelgangrel pelt he wore. Up close, the oily furs smelled worse thanHalvaraftera trainingbout,butLukasdidn’t seem tomind.Hemovedwitharoughgracethroughthesnow,facesetinahalf-grin.‘Ican’ttellwhathe’sthinking,’Akemuttered.DagglancedathisfellowBloodClaw.Ake’sscarredfacewaspulledtightinapuzzledfrown.‘I don’t think he knows either.’Dag tapped the side of his head. ‘Toomanythoughts.Theygetalltangledup.’‘Something you’ll never have toworry about.’Ake looked around, squintingagainsttheicywind.‘Wecouldbedrinkingmjodandtellinglies.Instead,we’restuckouthereinthethrice-damneddark.’‘Youdidn’thavetocome,youknow,’Daggrowled,annoyednow.‘Youcouldhavestayedinthewarmifitwassoimportanttoyou.’‘Are you calling me a coward?’ Ake demanded. Dag was fairly certain hewasn’t,butitdidn’tmatter.Thekill-urgewasclosertothesurfaceinAkethanin

Dagortheothers.Fewdayswentbywithouthimusingsomepretexttothrowapunchatoneofhispackmates.Daglookedathim.Hetriedtothinkofacleverwaytoavoidwhatwascomingnext.Nothingcametomind.Hesighedinwardly.‘No?’hetried.‘That’s it! I’ve had enough of you, skull-face.’ Ake turned and crashed intohim, bearing him backwards. The two Blood Claws slammed into a frost-coveredtree,shakingthesnowfromitsbranches.Thetree,alreadyweakenedbythe storm, snapped in half, and they rolled through a hail of broken bark andsplinters.Akewasshorter,butstronger.Dagtriedtoputsomedistancebetweenthem,butAkewastenacious.Atleasthehadn’tgoneforhisweaponsthistime.They traded blows for a fewmoments, but there was no joy in it. Akewasangry, andDagwasn’t in themood to fight. ‘Getoffme,’he roared, trying tobreak away.Ake slugged him and he pitched backwards, crashing against theground.Halvar dived at Ake, trying to catch his arms as hemade to rise, butAke’sbloodwasupandhewasn’tinthemoodtogoquietly.Heturned,stillkneeling,anddroveablowintoHalvar’smidsection,doublinghimover.Einar didn’t botherwith niceties.He bootedAke in the face before he couldrise.AsAkefloppedback,cursing,Einarsnatchedupabranchandbrokeitoverhisbarehead.Eventhen,Akerefusedtocalmhimself.HelungedawkwardlyforEinar,handsgropingfortheotherBloodClaw’sthroat.Kadir intervened then.He caughtAke by the throat and pivoted, tossing theangrywarrioroverhiship.BeforeAkecouldrise,Kadirplantedabooton thebackofhisheadandgroundhisfaceintothesnow.Akeflailed,tryingtogetup.After a few moments, Kadir stepped back, and Ake popped up, spluttering.‘You…’hebegan,clumpsofsnowslidingfromhisflushedfeatures.Kadir dropped to his haunches. ‘Me. You can calm down, or we can keepfeedingyousnow.It’syourchoice.’Akegrowled,butlookedaway.KadirsnortedandhelpedDagtohisfeet.‘Youshouldn’thaveprovokedhim,’hesaid.‘Justassoonassomeonetellsmehowtoavoiddoingthat.’Daglookedupandsawastringof ice-coveredskullshangingfromabranchoverhead.Thebonesclatteredinthewind,lookingforalltheworldliketheywerelaughing.Halvar cursed and made a gesture. ‘Death-markers. This is cursed ground.’Dag’sfingers instinctivelyfoundthenecklaceof teethheworeabouthisneck.AllofthemhadbeeninscribedwithwardingsigilstokeepMorkaifromscentinghissoul.Halvarwasn’ttheonlyonewhofoundcomfortinsuchthings.

‘So?’Akesaidderisively.‘Wearebeyonddeathorcurses.’Halvar glared at him. ‘Morkai comes for us all. No warrior escapes himforever.’‘Thenwhytrytowardhimoffwithyoursuperstitiousgestures?’Akelaughed.Hespreadhisarmsandturned.‘Comeandgetme,youtwo-headedbastard!’Heslammedhisfistsagainsthischest.‘HereIam.Trytotakeme,ifyoudare!’Dagshookhisheadandlookedupattheskulls.Therewereothers,nailedlowonthetrunksofalmosteverytreeorhangingfrombranches.Manyoftheskullsweremarkedwithrunes–warnings,mostly.Akewasstillyellingat the storm,despiteHalvar’sprotestations. ‘Ichallengeyou,Morkai.Youhearme?’Outinthedark,somethingansweredhim.Thehowlquaveredthroughthetrees,momentarilydrowningout the rustlingof thebones.Akegaped for amomentbeforegrinninginexcitement.Hethrewhisheadbackandhowledinresponse.Morehowlsjoinedthefirst,andtherewasadefinitechallengeinthesound.‘Blackmanes,’Einarsaid.‘Howcanyoutell?’Dagasked.Einarshrugged.‘TheysayBlackmanesserveMorkai,’Halvarsaid,hishanddroppingtothehiltof his blade.He shot a glare atAke. ‘Perhaps he has decided to answer yourchallenge,fool.’‘Good. Let them come. I am ready.’ Ake set himself and made to draw hischainblade.‘Idoubtthat.’Lukas’voiceechoedthroughthetrees.Dagturnedtoseehimwatchingthem.The Trickster grinned and said, ‘Some of those Blackmanes get as big as aRhino.They’vegotabitelikeanice-shark.Biggerhead,yousee.’Hegesturedto his own head for emphasis. ‘Bigger jawmuscles. Their teeth can punctureceramite if they’re in the rightmood.’Heshrugged. ‘Orso Ihear.Neverbeenstupid enough to challengeonemyself.’He reachedup and tapped a danglingskullwithhiswolfclaw.‘MaybeyouknowsomethingIdon’t,Ake.’‘MaybeIdo,’Akegrowled,liftinghischinpugnaciously.Lukas’smilewidened.‘Thenbyallmeans,showme.’Thehowlsoundedagain,ricochetingthroughthetrees.Itseemedtoechofromallaroundthem.Thestormmadeit impossible to tellwhichdirectionthesoundwascomingfrom,orhowcloseitsoriginatorswere.Dagturned.Hethoughthehadspottedeyesasbigasastormshield,blazing in thedark.Thewolvesmightalreadybeon them.Forabriefmoment,hewishedhehadkepthishelmeton.Sometimeshisbattle-plate’s

autosensescameinhandy.Thehowlsgrewlouder.Halvarhaddrawnhisownblade,ashadKadir.‘Theyprobablythinkwe’rearivalpack,intrudingontheirterritory,’Lukassaidashesanktohishaunches.‘They’llbelookingtodriveusoff.’‘Youdon’tseemworried,’Akesaid.‘Because I have a wisdom that comes onlywith experience. I know exactlywhattodointhissortofsituation.’Hisgrinwasferal.‘I’mgoingtorunwhilethey’rebusyeatingyou.’Heroseandmovedoffthroughthetrees.Ake stared after him,momentarily nonplussed.Suddenly,Einar laughed.Theheavy-setBloodClawswattedAkeon theshoulder,nearlyknockinghimfromhisfeet.ThenhestartedafterLukas.Kadirchuckled.‘Hehastherightidea.Ifyouwant to fight starvingwolves toproveyourownstrength,go right ahead,Ake.Butyou’lldoitwithoutme.’Halvarsheathedhisblade.‘Youcalledthisdoomdown.Dealwithityourself.’He turned away,glancing atDag,who shruggedand followedafter his fellowBloodClaws.‘Cowards!’Einarmadearudegestureoverhisshoulder.Dagandtheotherslaughed.‘We’reapack,’Akeshouted.‘Andthepackisleaving,brother,’Kadircalledout.‘Cowards,’Akesnarledagain.‘Isthattheonlywordyouknow?’Halvarshoutedback.After a fewmoments,DagheardAkehurrying after them, cursing the entiretime.

Thehowlsfadedafterawhile.WhethertheyhadlefttheBlackmanes’territoryorthebeaststhemselveshadonlybeenpassingthrough,Lukasdidn’tknow.Nordidhecare.So longas thewolveskept theirdistance,hewascontent to leavethembe.Thewolveshadmorerighttotheseforeststhantheydid.Andwonderofwonders,Akekepthisgrumblingtohimself,forwhichLukaswasthankful.TheBloodClawhadmorecouragethanbrains.Heglancedbackattheyoungwarriorandchuckled.‘He’safierceone.’‘Too fierce,’Kadir said.He had been quiet for several days, rarely speakingsave when spoken to. Lukas wasn’t worried. Kadir was a thinker, unlike theothers.‘Akeseemstobespoilingforafightatthebestoftimes.’Lukasshrugged.‘Thekill-urgeisstronginhim.’‘Ifeelittoo.Butnotlikehim.’Kadirshookhisheadandswipedsnowfromhis

shoulder-plates.‘Whereareyouleadingus,Trickster?Yousaidyouknewtheselands.’‘AndIdo.Don’tyoutrustme?’‘No,’Kadirsaidwithasmile.‘Wherearewegoing?’Lukaslaughed,andpointed.‘Seeforyourself.We’rehere.’Thetreesthinned,revealingwhatlookedtobeatumbledownpileofstones.Astheydrewnearer, it revealeditself tobefar larger thanithadfirstappeared.Itwashalfburiedinsnowandrimedwithice,aheavy,crudearchwaycomposedofalongslabbalancedatoptwoothersofsimilarsizeandmass.‘Whatisthis?’Kadirasked.‘It’sabarrow,’Lukassaid,duckingbeneaththearchway.‘Icanseethat.I’mnotblind.’‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Lukas said as he followed the tight curve of thepassageway beyond. Though it was all but pitch black within, his enhancedsenses would have shown him the way easily enough if his memory hadn’t.‘Comein,ifyou’dliketogetoutoftheweather.Makeyourselvesathome.’‘Imeant,why have you led us here?’Kadir demanded, stooping beneath thearchway.ThesmellofdrystoneandearthgreetedLukasashewentdeeperintothe barrow.A half-turn led him into awide, sloping chamber. The spacewascircular in design and built of solidly piled stone beneath its shroud ofconcealingsoil.Hestrokedthewall.Theyhadbuiltittolast,thoseancientfolk.Evenwiththewholeworldagainstthem,theyhadmadesuretheirrestingplaceswouldsurvivewhereotherstructuresmightnot.‘Areyousureyou’renotblind?’Lukascalledout.Heleaptupontooneoftheflatslabsthatoccupiedthecentreofthechamber.Theywerelaidoutincuriousfashion,atwronganglestooneanotherasifplacedinsomehaste.Someweremostly sunkbeneath theground,while others rested atop it.All of themweremarkedwithwornrunesandpictographs.Barrows,cairnsand tombsofall typesdotted the lowlands.Allof themweremarkedwithrunes telling thehistoryanddeedsof those interredwithin.Greatlordsandheroes,forthemostpart.Thoughthisone,withitsmarkingsscouredflatbytimeandwear,didn’tseemtoidentifytherestingplaceofanyoneLukashadeverheardof.‘Wasthisaking’sgrave?’Kadirasked.Lukaslaughed.‘No,notaking,Ithink.SomeReaverlord,maybe.Orsomeoneworse.Therewererunesofbindingontheouterwalls,beforetheycrackedofffromageandtectonicstress.’

Halvarcastawaryglancearoundasheentered,mutteringbeneathhisbreath.‘Runesofbindingarenotforthegravesofmen.Notgoodones,atanyrate.’‘Whoevertheywere,they’renothingbutdustnow,’Lukassaid.‘Andnoworrytothelikesofus.’Hereclinedonaflatrock.‘Ihavelairedherebefore,thelasttimeGoresson banishedme. It’s dry enough.And the Jahtvians and the otherlocaltribeshaveavoideditthesepastfewdecades,sothere’splentyofprivacy.’Heplacedhishandsbehindhisheadandlayflatonaslab.Kadir lifted something from among the stones. ‘What’s this?’ Piles of crudejewellery, ceremonial weapons and armour lay scattered about in the dark,heapedupagainsttheslabs.‘Offerings,’Lukasmurmured,takingthebeadednecklacefromtheBloodClaw.Itwasmadefrombitsofgoldandpolishedstones.Worthachieftain’sransom,toamortal.Heflickeditbackontoanearbypileandturned.Kadirfrowned.‘Offerings?Forwhom?’‘Thedead,’Akesaiddisapprovingly.‘Thisplaceiscursed,’Halvarbegan,buttheotherspeltedhimwithloosestonesandjewellery.‘Well,itis,’heinsistedsullenly.‘Not for us,’ Lukas said. ‘For us, it’s blessed.Move that stone.’ He pointedtowardsoneof the slabs.EinarandDagdidasheordered,andAkehissedanoathastheancientstoneshiftedandcameupfromitsrestingplacewithagroan.‘Isthat–’‘Mjod,’Dagwhispered,peeringaroundKadir’sshoulder.‘Kegsofit!’‘Not quite themjod you’re used to,’ Lukas said as the excited BloodClawshauledthesteelcasksoutoftheirhidingplace.‘Myownrecipe.Hasabitofakick.’Akelookedathimsuspiciously.‘Whatkindofkick?’‘Promethium.’Lukasscratchedhischin.‘Promethium?’Einaraskedwithanunhealthyinterest.Kadirtappedoneofthecasks.‘Howmanyofthesecachesdoyouhavehiddenawayinthemountains,Trickster?’Lukasshruggedexpansively.‘Afewhundred.ImakeabatcheverytimeIcomeouthere.Ithelpstopassthetime.’Lukashadeverythingheneededtobrewmjodinhisbattle-plateandinhishead.Itrequiredsomeeffort,tobesure,buthehadneverbeenafraidofthat.Granted, the first few batches had almost killed him, but he didn’t see anyreasontoworry theotherswith that littleadmission.Hehadperfected themixoverthehundredsofbatchessince,andnowitwasassmoothasamica-dragon’s

hide.TheBloodClawsrolledthecasksoutintothemiddleofthebarrow.Therewereeightinall,sealedinwoodreinforcedwithkrakenichor.Withouttheichor,themjodwouldeat through thewood.Hehadgone throughagoodmanybatchesbeforehefiguredthatout.Trialanderror,thatwasthewayofit.‘Whatnow?’Akeasked.Hegestured to thekegs. ‘Didyoubringusoutherejusttositanddrink?’Hedidn’tsoundentirelybotheredbytheprospect.Maybehewasmellowingafterall.Lukassmiled.Onecouldonlyhope.‘Wesit,drinkandswapsagas,thewaywewouldifwewereintheAett.’Lukasleaned back, his power pack scraping against the stone. ‘I thought youmightenjoyit.’Hesweptahandout.‘Considerthemjodmyapologyforgettingyoubanished,ifyoulike.’Ake snorted and sat. ‘I would prefer not to have been banished at all.’ Hereachedoutandcaughtuponeofthecasks,liftingitoverhishead.Hethrustathumbthroughthewood,puncturinganeathole,andopenedhismouthtogulpatthepungent,darkliquidthatspilledout.Onlywhenhispatewasdrippingandhishairsoddendidheset itdown,his thumbpluggingthehole.HegrinnedatLukas.‘Butit’sastart.’Lukaslaughedandtheothersjoinedin.Soonthemjodwasflowingnicely,andtheirtongueshadbeenloosenedenoughtotalk.Lukasstartedthingsoffwithanonly somewhat exaggerated story about the time he had tricked BerekThunderfistintoeatingwolfdung.Theothershowledtheirlaughter,andhesatback,allowingsomeoneelseaturn.Thattoowaspartofthetradition.Onetaleapiece,asthedrinkflowedandthedarkpressedclose.AtraditionbeguninancientdaysandappropriatedbyRuss.Another tool to hammer his warriors into shape. A good trick. Sagas shapedthem,whethertheyknewitornot.Gavethemsomethingtoemulate,andholdontowhenneeded.Agood thing,mostly.But sometimes theybelieved toohard.Andinbelieving,werecaughtfast.Itwasliketheoldtaleofthemagicboxandtheice-cat.Thesagaswereasquaredrawnontheicewithashaman’sstick,andthe warriors no wiser than the ice-cat who had climbed into something thatwasn’tthereandbeentrapped,todieofstarvation.Einar’s storywas the shortest – amonosyllabic saga of but tenwords – butamusing enough. Ake boasted of his combat prowess, fighting orks on somehell-world.Notanoriginaltalebyanymeans,buttoldwithpassionanddrunkengesticulation.Dagtoldthelongeststory,recitingeverytwistandturnofahighlyembarrassingifentertainingsituationinvolvingaroguetrader’sdaughter.

Lukas listened to them all, boastful and rueful alike. These were thefoundations of sagas to come. Stories that would grow in the telling, if theirtellerssurvived.BythetimeKadirhadfinishedhistale,Lukashadthoughtofawaytohelpthemdoso.Asthejeersfaded,Dagcaughthisattention.‘Yourturnagain,brother.’Lukassighed.‘Verywell.’Heupendedthecaskheheldanddrainedthelastofit.He set it aside andhunched forward. ‘Iwill tell youofFenksworld, a hiveworldintheCalixisSector.Citiesstackeduponcities,risingfromthecoretotheclouds.’Dagwhistled.‘Itmusthavebeenasighttosee.’Lukasgrimaced.‘Itwasatombinallbutname.Thewindwasartificial,stirredbygreatfans,theweaklightofthesuncapturedandreflectedthroughabillionsolaremitters,thewaterssoprocessedandpollutedtheymightaswellhavebeenpoison.’Hespatandrubbedhisnose.‘Icanstilltasteitinthebackofmythroat.’He tapped one of the talons hanging from his shoulder-plate. ‘An uprising.Xenos influence. Genestealers turning the downtrodden and luckless from thehonest light of the Allfather to a darker faith. They swarmed through theunderhivelikevermin,pollutingeverythingtheytouchedwithfoulmarkingsandthe bitter stink of their alien masters. We came at the behest of the world’smasters,andwekilledforthem.’The Blood Claws were hanging on his every word. They had all seen theirshare of war, but they were greedy for tales of bloodshed and glory. Lukaswatched their facesandwondered ifhehadeverwornsuchanexpression.Hedoubtedit.‘Mypackwastomoveforward,totakeaposition.Toholdituntilreinforced.Buttheotherswantedtoattack,togoontheoffensive.Thatwastheproperwayof it. The enemy were fleeing – broken, easy meat.’ Lukas frowned,remembering.‘Wegaveintoourkill-urge,andpaidforit.Theyledusintoanambush.Xenosmonsterscamepouringoutofthedark,andwefoughtthem.’Hetracedoldmarksonhisbattle-plate,grislygougesmadebythetalonsofthingsthatcouldrendceramiteaseasilyaspaper.‘I learnedthenthat theproperwaywasnotalwaystherightway…’He trailedoff.Hehadheard something.A faint sound, far awaybutdrawingcloser.Ahumthatcausedtherootsofhisteethtoitch.Helookedattheothersand saw that he wasn’t the only one who had detected it. ‘You heard…?’ hebegan.‘Vehicles,’Akegrunted.‘AndnotAdeptusAstartes.’

Lukaswasonhisfeetaninstantlater,racingfortheentryway.

CHAPTERELEVEN

VARAGYR641.M41

Hetha, shield-maiden of the Jahtvian tribe, ran through the gloom, her brokenswordheavyinherachinghand.Theforestsseemeddarkernow,evengiventheseason,andthetreesclutchedather.Rainfellinthicksheets,theicewithit,andthegroundshookunderfoot,makingithardtostayupright.Sheblinkedthecoldfromhereyes, tryingtostayfocusedonthepatchofshadowahead.Shecouldhear the others running with her, panting heavily. They could not allowthemselvestobeseparated.‘Keep going, the barrow is close,’ she shouted, fighting to be heard over thestorm, her voice harsh with fear and exhaustion. ‘We’ll find shelter there.’Gruntsofassentreachedherears.Theyweretootired–toofrightened–toarguewithher.Good.Itwastheonlywaytheyweregoingtosurvivethenight.Thebarrowwasforbiddentothem.Itwasthehauntoffellspirits,andonmanya night laughter and howling had been heard emanating from its depths.Whoeverslepttheredidnotdosopeacefully.Buttheyhadnootherchoice.Theywerebeingchasedbyworsethingsthanghosts.Thesvartalfar,thenight-devils,rodethestormwinds,andnosteelcouldstaythem,noprayercouldwardthem

away.Theyhadfoundthatoutthehardway.ThecreatureshadalreadytakenFlokiandAsger.Ifshestrained,shecouldstillhearthemscreaming,somewhereupabovethetrees.Theywouldnotdiesoon.Thatsentachillworsethanthewindthroughher,andshetightenedhergriponher broken blade. There was blood on it, though she wasn’t certain that itbelongedtooneofthenight-devils.Thingshadbecomeconfusedinthosefinalmoments.Menscreaming,hackingattheshadowsastheirtorchesweredousedbythewind.Bodiesfallingintothesnow,orbeingdraggedbackwardsintothedarkbyunseenhands.Andaboveitall,thelaughter.Shehadcutherselfapathtofreedom,strikingatanythingthatsought to hinder her.Her sword had struck something – or been struck – andsnappedintwo,evenasshestumbledfreeofthemelee.Despitethedamagetoit,nothoughtofdiscardingtheweaponpassedthroughhermind. Itwasoneof the few ironbladesher tribepossessed,broughtatnosmall cost from the Isle of the Iron Masters many hundreds of winters ago,beforethetribehadfoundtheirwaytoAsaheimbythewillofthegods.Shehadgrowntowomanhoodlisteningtohergrandfather’sstoriesofFireMountainandthegreat,belchingmetalvesselsthathadgreetedherancestors’dragonships.Shehadhopedtoseethatstrangeislandforherselfoneday.Butthathadbeenbeforethefireintheeastandthescreamsinthenight.Beforethesvartalfar.Shecould hear their great spectral vessel riding the winds, like a dragonship butcrewed by unseen daemons and growling like a wounded wolf. It skimmedacross the treetopsdespite theweather.Thenight-devilsclung to it, theircruelblades bared and their pale faces twisted in monstrous glee. She shuddered,rememberingthosesmiles.Hethahadfacedtrollsanddrakes–aye,andmenaswell.Cruelmen,andwildones. But none of those had been filledwith such unholymirth as theywentabouttheirbusiness.Suchmalicecouldnotbefought.Itcouldnotbereasonedwith.Itcouldonlybefledfrom,thoughthethoughtofittwistedwithinher.Thetribe needed to be warned. They had to abandon this land and seek the sea.Surelythenight-devilswouldnotfollowthem.Thatthoughtalonekepthermoving,despitethegrowingnumbnessinherlimbsand the ache in her chest. They had to escape. To bringword. Some of themmust make it back to their steading. If not her, then one of the others. Thethought died in a scream as something rose up beneath her. A grip like ironcaughtatheranddraggedherswiftlydown,towhereadriftofsnowhadformedagainstthetrunkofatree.Shestruggled,butcouldn’tbreakthegrip.Shetriedto

yellawarningtotheothers,butawide,flatpalmcoveredhermouth,stiflinghercalls.‘Shhh,sister,’hercaptorgrowledinthecommondialectofthetribes.Thehandpressedoverhermouthcoveredalmostthewholeofherlowerface.Shecouldfeelhisenormityandtheterriblestrengthinthatgrip.Shesmelledsourmeatandweaponoil.‘Quiet,littleone.Ifyouscream,thetrickwillberuined.’Shesquirmedinhercaptor’sgrip,andhepulledhishandawayfromhermouth.‘Iwillnotscream,’shehissed.‘Areyouatroll?’A sound vibrated through her back, shaking her to her bones. It took her amomenttorealisethatitwasalow,bassochuckle.‘DoIlooklikeatroll?’‘Yousmelllikeone.’‘That would be Halvar.Wave, Halvar.’ Something twitched in the dark, andHethaswallowed.Sheandtheothershadrunrightthroughthesebeingswithoutspottingthem.Theycrouchedinthesnow,asstillastheloosestonesthatlitteredtheground.Shecaughtglimpsesoftheothers,heldlikeherself,theirfaceswhitewithfear.Squinting,shemadeoutpatchesofgrey,paleagainstthedark.‘Yoursteading,’ her captor said, his voice unsettlingly close to her ear. ‘Has it beenattacked?Isthatwhyyou’rerunning?’‘No,’shesaid,hervoicecracking.‘Butsomethingis in theforest. It tookourpeople.Carriedthemaway.Laughing.’‘Hnh.Never heard of a troll that laughed.’Her captor leaned down, and shecaughtaglimpseofa fierybeardand thickbraids thesamecolourasherownroughlycroppedhair.Yelloweyesflashed.Sheknewthoseeyes.Everysonanddaughterofhertribedid.‘Varagyr,’shewhispered.Hercaptorlaughedsoftly.‘Aye,thatweare,littleone.TheWolvesThatWalktheStars,intheflesh.Youknowus.Mayweknowyou?’‘H-Hetha.’‘Hello,Hetha.IamcalledLukas.’Hesniffed.‘Jahtvian,areyou?’‘I–yes,’ she said. Of course he would know. The gods knew everything.Especiallythisgod,ifhewastheoneshethoughthewas.‘Whyareyououtinthewoods,Hetha?’‘We…wecamelookingforourlostpeople.’‘Didyoufindthem?’‘Yes,’shegasped,tryingnottoremember.Shesqueezedhereyesshut,butthatdidn’tblockout theechoesof thescreams.Lukas’griponhershifted,hisarmtightabouther.Itwasacomfortratherthanabinding.

‘Easy,’ he murmured, and she felt the word rumble through her. ‘Easy as itgoes.Tearswillcomelater.Fornow,Imustknowhowmany.Whattheylookedlike.Howclose.’Hesitantly at first, but with growing satisfaction, Hetha began to speak. TheVaragyrhadcome,andsoonitwouldbethesvartalfarwhoscreamed.

Fromwhere he crouched, half sunk in the snow,Kadir listened silently as thewomanspoke.Herwordscameinarush,onetumblingoverthenext.Hecouldsmell her fear, sharp and sour. He studied her. She wasn’t some milk-paledaughterof thesouthernsea,butawomanof the taiga–raw-boned,withskinburnedbrownbytheintemperateweather.Herhair,raggedlyshorn,wasasredasLukas’own.Andhereyeswereadarkamber,likedollopsofmeltedgold.And there was something in her face – a certain leanness, not the result ofprivation.HeglancedatLukasandsawasimilarleannessthere.Herestrainedagrin of understanding. Of course. He wondered how many generations hadpassedsinceLukashadlastvisitedtheJahtviansforlongerthanittooktodropoffadeer.Asshe finishedher tale,hemetLukas’gaze. ‘Well,whatare they, then?Nottrolls.’‘No.Worsethanthat.Eldar.’Kadirblinked.‘Eldar?Here?’Hehadneverfacedthatbreedofxenosbefore.‘Corsairs,’ Lukas growled. Nearby, Halvar made a gesture of warning. Amoment later,Kadir heard the lowhumof an anti-gravity engine piercing thestorm.Andsomethingelse–laughter.Kadirfelthishacklesstiffenat thesound.Itwasshrill tohisears,andfullofmalice.Anunhealthysound that scrapedagainsthishearing, it sentawaveofrevulsion roiling throughhim. ‘Ifwecanhear them, thatmeans they’re flyinglow,’Lukasmuttered.‘Good.Makesthingseasier.’Helookedatthewoman.‘Ineedyoutoscream,HethaoftheJahtviantribe.Asifyouwerehurt.Canyoudothat?’Kadir caughtLukasby the shoulder. ‘Areyoucertainof this plan,Strifeson?Wedon’tknowhowmanythereare.’‘Well,Iguesswe’llfindout,won’twe?’Lukasbaredhisteethinawidegrin.‘IfI’mwrong,feelfreetopointitout,pup.’‘Oh,Iwill,besureofthat,’Kadirgrowled.HethapushedawayfromLukas.Herfearwasapparent,but itdidn’tstopher.Shemovedquickly,risingtoherfeetandrunningawayfromthematanangle.

Sheshoutedandscreamedassheran,doingagoodimpressionofawomanoutofhermindwithpanic.Ofcourse,thatprobablywasn’tfarfromthetruth.Thehum of the engine grew louder as the keen hearing of the hunters caught thescreamsoftheirprey.Treeswereforcedaside,reducedtobrokenhusksbythearmouredprowofthexenosskiff.Thebrokenbodiesofmortalshadbeenimpaledonnarrowbutcher’shooksorensnaredinbarbedchainsandlefttobleedoutalongthecurvedridgesofthehull.Wildlaughterslippedthroughtheair,andKadircouldseethinshapesclingingto the hull or crouched on the deck.Eldar. Just asHetha had described them.Theylookedfragile,butheknewbetterthantotakesuchcreaturesatfacevalue.HalvarandtheothershadreleasedHetha’scompanions.Hopefullythemortalswould have enough sense to stay out of sight. The Blood Claws readiedthemselves, their eagerness palpable. Kadir gestured, and Ake nodded. Theywouldhavetobequick.Lukas and Kadir rose up out of the snow as the skiff slid past, antigravitygeneratorshumming.Softly,quietly,theypaddedtowardsit.ThecrewweretoobusylookingfortheirpreytonoticeKadircatchingholdoftheside.TheRaiderbobbedslightlyashehauledhimselfupwithonehand,theotherwrappedtightlyabouthischainblade.Theeldarsawnothing,heardnothing,untilitwastoolate.Kadir leaptover the rail, andhisblade struck the steersman in thehead.Theteethofthebladegrowled,tearingthrougharmourandfleshwithease.Thealiendiedinaburstofgore.Asitsgriponthetillerslackened, thevehiclebegantolist.Kadirdrewhisboltpistolandputashotthroughthechestoftheeldarinthefanciestarmour.Thecreatureflewbackwardsandovertherail.Hekeptshootinguntil theweapon clunked empty and hewas forced to holster it. Eldar rushedhim,tryingtoretakethecontrolsbeforetheRaidercrashed.Kadirheldhisground.Thefirstxenostoreachhimmovedwithalethalgrace,and its serratedblade carvedgouges in theplates of his armour. It struckhimtwice before he realised it, and the eldar leapt back gracefully from hiscounterstroke.Splintershotssparkedoffhisarmourasitsfellowstriedtodiverthisattention.Theyscrambledalongtherailing,seekingtosurroundhim.Kadirhowledandslashedathisopponent.Chainblademetxenossteelwithagrindingshriek.Thecreaturewasstrongerthanhehadexpected,andforamomentitheldhimback.Itsfacewasexposed,apale,thinmasktwistedinaninhumansnarl.Whorlsofinkmarkeditsflesh,and

itsteethwerecappedwithredmetal.Kadirforcedthebladesasideanddrovehishead into the eldar’s. Bone crunched and blood sprayed his features as theimpromptuheadbuttcrusheditsskull.Asthebodyfell,heturnedandsweptthelegsoutfromunderaxenoscrouchedontherail.Hischainbladeseveredthecreature’slimbsattheknee,andtheeldartumbled howling into the forest. He ducked his head as more splinter firecascadedoverhim.Kadir chopped through thebarrel of a rifle, reversedhis blade anddrove theweightedferruleintothechestoftheeldarwieldingthegun.Itsarmourcrunchedgratifyingly, and the creature fell, twitching.As he stepped over it, somethinggreyclamberedovertheedgeoftheprowrail.Severaleldarturned,buttoolate.Aplasmashoterasedtheheadofone,andasecondfellwithitstorsotornopen.Lukasgrinnedathim.‘Welldone,pup.’Hedraggedaneldartoitsfeet.‘See?Evenheisimpressed.’Thexenoshissedsomethingthatmighthavebeenacurseand tried to stab himwith a curved knife produced as if from thin air. Lukasliftediteasilyandtosseditovertherail.‘Maybenot.’Theskiffwasmakingastrangesound.Itshullscrapedagainstthetrees,anditbegan to list even further.Without someone to steer it, itwas at themercyofmomentum and circumstance. Kadir staggered as the prow dipped sharply,strikingtheground.Theskiffshudderedandsomethingwithinitexploded.Flames shot across its hull as it shook and tumbled through the air, strikingtreesandthegroundlikeachild’stoy.WithoutwaitingforLukas,heleaptfromthedyingvessel.Hestrucktheground,butamomentlaterrolledawkwardlytohisfeet,hisarmour’sservosgroaning.Hedidn’tseeLukasanywhere.Theskiffstruckarockyscreeandflamesblazedup,brightagainstthesnow.Thesurvivingeldarwererisingtotheirfeetaswell.Fewerofthemhaddiedinthecrashthanhehadhoped.‘Takethem!’Kadirbellowed.Theywerepractisedkillers,andmovingalready.Hischainbladethuddeddown,narrowlymissinghischosenopponent.Thexenosmoved likeblack lightning,whirlingandslashingwiththecurvedbladeitwielded.Kadirfoundhimselfdisarmedinamoment,thebladespinningfromhishandstoembeditselfintheicenearby.Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawAkeandtheothersfallontheeldar,burstingfromthesnowtopounceontheirdisorientatedprey.Kadir fellback, absorbing theblowson theceramiteplates thatprotectedhisforearms.Hegruntedat the forceof theeldar’sattack. It laughedharshlyas itpressed its assault. It must have thought him helpless because he lackedweapons.

Its blade skidded forward, drawing fat sparks from the ceramite. At the lastmomenthethrusthisarmupandaway,smackingtheweaponaside.Beforetheeldar could recover, he lunged. His free hand caught it in the throat, and itsarmourcrumpledinhisgrip.Itclawedforthepistol-weapononitship,hissingcurses.Kadirsnapped itsneckbefore itcoulddrawtheweapon.He tossed thebodyasideandturnedtoretrievehisblade.Ashewrenchedtheweaponfreeoftheground,ashotglancedoffhisshoulder-plate. He spun, slinging his blade like a discus. It bisected the alien warriorbeforeclatteringoff anearby tree.Kadir cursedandhurried to reclaim it.Thewhineofengineswasgrowinglouder.Lukas’trickhadbeenloud,andtheplumeof fire litup thenight for leagues ineverydirection.Hecouldhear theotherscursingandfighting.Ashe snatcheduphisblade,a smallervehicle–abulky jetbikewith severaleldarperchedonitshull–shotintoview.Itsweaponsspat,andhelungedbehinda tree. The jetbike slewed past, its pilot skilfullymanipulating the controls toavoid slamming into the trees.AsKadir hurtled away, itsweapon chewed thegroundinhiswake.Thevehiclespedafterhimatbreakneckspeed,easilysweepingpasthim.Asitdid so, one of the xenos clinging to its side loosed a loop of barbed chainshooked to the jetbike’shull.ThecoilcaughtKadir’sarmourandhestaggered.He managed to retain his footing for a moment, but the snow crumbledunderfootandhewasyankedoffhisfeetdespitetheweightofhisarmour.Heslammedintoatree,andthenanother.Histeethrattledinhisjawsandhisbonesquiveredwitheachimpact.Desperate,heblindlywhippedouthisblade.Itbitdeepintothetrunkofatree,andKadirheldtighttoit,tryingtopullhimselffreeofthechains.Thejetbikeplungedon,thechainplayingoutuntilithauledtaut.Therewasanechoingshriekofabusedmetal.Kadirfelthimselflosinghisgriponhischainblade,andwitharoarhecaughtholdofthechainandtwisted,trying tobuyhimself some leverage.The treecreakedashisweaponbegan toworkitselffree,chewingthebarktopulp.Therewasaflash,andKadirwhippedaround,suddenlyfree.Hecrashed intothetreeandtumbledtotheground,hisbladelandingbesidehim.HesawLukasracing towards him, smoking plasma pistol in one hand. TheTrickster veeredaway as the jetbike sped to intercept him. Its splinter cannon fired, shreddingtrees.AsitshotpastKadir,heshovedhimselftohisfeetandcaughtthebrokenlengthofchain.Hequicklyloopeditaroundatree.Itpulledtightandthejetbikeshuddered.Its

enginesmoaned like a lost soul, and several of the eldar leapt off as the pilotfought to keep the vehicle steady. The one standing on the rear platformattemptedtospinthesplintercannonaroundtofireatthechain.Lukas tackled the eldar off the firing platform. The ones who had alreadydropped to the groundmoved to attack the Trickster, butKadir reached themfirst.Asheblockedablow,hesawLukasgraspadarkeldarby theankleandsling the squallingxenos into a tree.Kadir dispatched anotheronewithbrutalefficiency, his bladewhipping out in a tight, roaring arc to crunch through itsthinframeandsendittumblingtotheground,broken.Heduckedasthechainsnappedat last.Thebrokenendcaughttheremainingeldar in the head, killing it instantly. That left only the pilot. Flames washedacross the jetbike’s canopy as it tried to shoot away, engulfing the screamingxenos.Thevehiclecrashedandslid,scatteringburningdebris tomark its trail.Einar stepped past thewreckage, the light casting bands of shadow across hishelmet.‘Alive?’hecalled.‘IfIwasn’t,Iwouldn’tachethismuch,’Kadirsaid,rotatinghisarm.Somethinghad pulled loose inside him – he could feel a stiffness that hadn’t been therebefore. He would heal, thankfully. He looked down at the bodies and spat.‘Xenosfilth.’‘Eldar,’Lukassaid.Hisarmour,likeKadir’s,wasstreakedwithblood.‘That’swhat I said,’Kadirgrowled,kickingabodyonto itsback. ‘What is itdoinghere?ThisisFenris,notsomebackwaterfrontierworld!’‘Hunting,’Lukas said.Kadir andEinar followed him through the trees, backtowards thedownedRaider.Akeand theothersstoodaround it, theirweaponswetwithblood.Theeldarweredead.Hethaandhercompanionshuddlednearby,staringatthebodiesasifnotquitebelievingthatthecreatureswerenolongerathreat.‘Iknowthisbreed.Theydrinksufferingaswedrinkmjod,’Lukassaidsoftly,staringat thebodiesontheburninghull.Foronce,hewasn’tsmiling.Noneofthemwere.Thekill-urgewasgonefromthemasquicklyasithadcome.Lukasbegantoremovethepitifulremnantsfromthehull,avoidingtheflamesthatstilllickedatthecrumpledmetalfromwithin.HedidsowithmorecarethanKadirhadeverknownhimtodisplay,andhemovedtofollowsuit.‘Whywastetimeonthedead?’Akespat.‘Thisfilthdidn’tcomeherealone.’Lukasturned,abodycradledinhisarms.‘Wewastethetimebecausesomeonemust,’hegrowled, lowandfierce. ‘Fenris isours,pup,andweareresponsiblefor it.Responsiblefor them.Thesehavesuffered twiceoverwhatyouorIdid

whenwe endured the tests ofMorkai.’ His voice rose to a snarl. ‘They haveearnedyourrespect.’Kadir glanced at thewoman,Hetha. She trembled, staring at the bodies. ShewasbornofFenris,andsodidnot flinch fromdeath.But thiswasn’tdeath. Itwasagony.Themonstersoftheseaandicedidn’tnormallytormenttheirprey.HelookedatLukas.‘Akeisright.Therewillbemoreofthem,somewhere.’‘Iknow,’Lukassaid.‘WhichiswhyweneedtoalerttheAett.’HesmiledattheexpressiononKadir’sface.‘What?YouthoughtIwouldinsistonhuntingthemmyself? Imightbe theoldestBloodClaw in theRout,brother,but I’mnotanidiot.Grimbloodandtheotherjarlsmustknowofthis.Fenrismustbedefended.’Kadirshookhishead.‘Wehavebeenbanished,remember?’Lukas snorted. ‘And so? I come and go as I please. I know ways into themountain thatnooneelsedoes.Secret, swift routes.Forgotten roads.All easyenoughtoreachifyouhavethewit.’Hetappedthesideofhishead.‘Still,wewillneedproof.’He lookedatHetha. ‘Youwill return toyour tribe, littleone.WewillrousetheWolves.’‘Mypeople–’shebeganhesitantly.‘Willbesafe.Won’tthey,Kadir?’Kadirlookedathim,puzzled.‘What?’‘Youandtheotherswillescortthesemortalsbacktotheirtribe.Thenyouwillwatchoverthem.Guardthem.I’lltakeHalvarwithme.’LukasturnedtoHetha.‘Sendrunnerstotheclosesttribes,eventhoseyou’reatwarwith.Mostwillhavealreadymovedtoescapetherisingsea,butsomewon’t.Alertthem.’HelookedatKadirandtheothers.‘Youwillaccompanytherunners.Iwantthetribesawareofwhatlurksinthenight.’‘Andiftheydon’tlisten?’Kadirasked.‘Bepersuasive.’Lukas’grinwaswideandsavage.‘Grimbloodthoughthewasgoingtohaveaneasytimeofitwithusgone.Ican’twaittoseethelookonhisfacewhenwedumpthesebodiesinhislap.’

CHAPTERTWELVE

CROSSPURPOSES641.M41

Thegreatbeastsranacrosstheice.Growthsofabnormalmusclestretchedacrosstwistedlupineframes,lendingstrengthandanexceptionalgrace.Theyploughedthroughthecurtainoficyrain,leapingheavilyoverthesplinteringdunesofice.Inplaces thewhite expansehadbeen rupturedby tectonicpressuresor fallingmeteors.The icebuckedandcrackedbeneath theirmassivepaws, throwinguptyphoonsoffreezingwater.Buttheydidn’tslow,andtheirhowlssplittheair.ThedarkeldarRaidercoursedintheirwake,followingclosebehindthefleeingpack.Theoccasionalshotfromasplintercannonservedtokeepthebeastsfromscattering into the storm.Thevessel’s anti-gravity fields kept theworst of theweather off its passengers and crew, though the craft couldn’t avoid beingbuffetedbythehighwinds.‘And theywereoncemon-keigh,you say?’Malysasked,mildly interested inthelopingbeasts.‘Howintriguing.Somesortoffailedattemptatfleshcrafting?’‘Genetic, if Jhynkar is to be believed,’ Sliscus said, sipping from his goblet.They sat together at a table at the prowof theRaider. Slaveswaited on themattentively,severalholdingaweatherscreenaloft.‘Whatyouseebeforeyouis

the result of the primitive alchemy the mon-keigh insist on referring to as‘science’.Theytakemenandmakethemmonsters.’‘Butnotonpurpose?’‘No,’Sliscussaidwithanairofincredulity.‘Canyouimagine?’‘Quitewell.Youhaveseenwhat thehumansarecapableofwhenleft totheirowndevices.Fiendishlycleverlittleapes.’‘Yes, some more than others.’ Sliscus had bargained with and butcheredhumansenoughtoknowthattheyhadacertaincunning.Notequaltohisown,but easily exceeding that of many noble archons of his acquaintance. Still,cunningornot,theywerenothingmorethanprey.He looked out over the rail, watching the beasts flee before him. Two otherRaiderskeptpacewithhisown,theiranti-gravityenginescarryingthemsilentlyacrosstheice.Theircrewsshoutedandcheered,eagertomakethekill.Jhynkarwasaboardonewithhiswracks,whileMyrtacommandedtheother.Hesmiledatthethoughtofthelatter.LikeMalys,shewasacleverwoman.Tooclever,toosharp.Shehadbeenforcedtokillanumberofrivalssincetheyhadstarted the festivities.Occasionally, oneof his captains tookumbrage at beingorderedaboutbyonetheytooktobeamereservant.Despite thedeaths, thehuntwasgoingwell.The stormmade for ideal coverand added a certain thrill to the aerial pursuits of the Reavers and hellions.Watchingthemsmashintooneanother,orbeblownintoaloomingcrag,provedtobeofmodestentertainment.Theprimitivehumanswhooccupiedmanyofthesemi-stablelandmassesmadeforgoodsport.Suchbrutesrarelyhadthewittoflee,andinsteadtriedtofight.Suchbraveryoftenledtoabountyoffear,painanddespair.Hisguestsattackednightbynight,never for long,andonly takingwhatplunder theycouldeasilycarry.Some,likeArchonThyndrak,weremoreparticularaboutwhattheysought.SheandothershadfocusedtheireffortsonthescatteredtrainingcampsoftheSpaceMarines thatdotted the foothillsandvalleysof themaincontinental landmass.These ‘aspirants’, as they were called, made for deadly sport. Thyndrak hadsomenotionofcapturingasmanyaspossibleforherarenas.Sliscuswishedherwell,buthadlittleinterestinriskingsomuchforsolittlegain.Hehadnoneedofsuchimperfectmeatwhenhardierfarewasclosetohand.He leaned forward,watching as his prey ran themselves to death. Thewolf-thingswerebeautiful,intheirway.Theepitomeoffunctionoverform.Thatsuchcreatureshadcometoexistbyaccidentonlyprovedthemalignindifferenceof

theuniverse.Theywouldfindlifemoresatisfyingbyfarinhisgardens.Iftheysurvivedthenextfewmoments,atleast.‘How long, do you think, before someone makes a mess of this wonderfuloutingofyours?’MalysgesturedtowardsoneofthenearbyRaiderswithherfan.‘Afewmoredays,atleast.’‘Youdon’tseemconcerned.’‘Why should I be?’ Sliscus laughed. ‘Wewill be long gone by the time ourhosts realise the scale ofwhat they face.’ He shook his head. ‘This is not aninvasion. It isa raid.There isnogoalhere save indulgence.Wewillhuntandenjoy ourselves forwhat timewe can. Then youwill return to the stultifyingsafetyoftheDarkCity,theretoloseyourselvesinlesserpleasures.’‘Isthattrulyhowyouseethecityofyourbirth,Traevelliath?Asacage?’Sliscussighed.‘DoyouknowwhyIleftCommorraghthefirsttime,Aurelia?’‘Iknowtherumours that flyabout likegloomwingswhereverarchonsgather.Somesay thatyouwereoneofVect’sbastards,and thatwhenyou learned thetruth,hetriedtohaveyoukilled.Others,thatyouarethelastoftheoldaeldaribloodlines,andthatyoulefttorebuildtheempire,onerealmatatime.’‘Andwhatdoyousay,mydear?’Malyspaused.‘Youwerebored.Tiredofthesamegames,onthesameboard.Weplaythemsooftenthatthemovesandgambitshavebecomeinstinct.’Sliscus nodded. ‘Vect rules because the rest of you are so obsessedwith thegamethatyoucannotseebeyondtheboard.Youcannotseethattheonlywaytowinissimplynottoplay.’Hegaveanelegantshrug.‘Youareright,ofcourse.Iwasbored.Nothingmore.’‘I’msurprisedVectnevercameafteryou.’‘Whywouldhe?’Sliscussmiled,andMalyslaughed.‘Ah.That clears that up. It’s true, then. Those ships of yoursweren’t stolen,werethey?Vectgavethemtoyou.’Sliscusgrinned.‘Say,rather,heletmestealthem.’‘AndhowmanyupstartslikeXomyllhaveyoutweakedandlaterbutchered?’Sliscusdidn’treply.Hecouldalmostseethewheels turninginherhead.Thiswas always the part he enjoyed themost – thatmoment of revelation as theyrealisedjusthowcunninghetrulywas.But,asever,Malyswasfullofsurprises.Ratherthantheobviousquestion,shesimplyasked,‘Andnow?’‘Nowwhat?’‘Areyouboredagain?Ithasbeenseveralcenturies,Traevelliath,dear.EnoughtimethatevenyoumightoncemorelongfortheshadowsofCommorragh.’

‘Andwhywouldyoubeinterestedinthat?’Malysflutteredherfan.‘SupposeIweretoofferyouthechancetoonceagainenjoythelargesseoftheEternalCity?’‘Atyourside,’Sliscussaid.‘Wherebetter?’‘Thatdependsentirelyonthesituation.’Sliscusleanedforward.‘Youwouldnotbehereifyoudidnotneedme.Ergo,Ihavetheadvantage.’Hedippedhisfingerin the goblet.Delicately sucking the liquid fromhis digit, he continued. ‘OnethingIhavelearnedinmytimeasacorsairistoalwaysexploiteveryadvantagetothefullest.’Malys sat back. ‘I’m not the only onewho has sought your aid, am I?Howmanyofthem,Traevelliath?’‘Why…allofthem,mydear.Everysingleguest,savethoseIkilled,obviously.Theyallwantsomethingfromme–that’swhytheycame.’‘Obviously. I simply assumed you would know better than to align yourselfwith such lesser lights.’She frowned. ‘Thoughyouneverhavebeenwhatonecouldcallsensible.’Sliscuslaughed.‘Oh,youwrongme,Aurelia.Youreallydo.’Heturnedinhisseat,lookingatthecaptiveswhohungfromagoniser-racksmountedonthedeck.TherackswereaninventionofJhynkar’s–thinframestowhichcaptivescouldbemanacledandthenwiredintoamultiplicityofpainamplifiers, tox-injectorsandchem-pumps.AhandfulofnativeFenrisianshungfromthem, theirbodiesmarkedbybloodyweltsandbruises.Theirmoanshaddwindledtosilence,andhefrownedspeculatively.‘Isthatwhyyouheldthislittleparty,then?Toteaseyourmanysuitors?’Malyspaused.‘OrperhapsasawaytowinnowoutthosewhomightproveadangertoAsdrubael?’Sliscusstood,drawingaknifefromhissash.Malystensed,butSliscushadeyesonly for thecaptives. ‘No.Merely toexploiteveryadvantage,’hesaidsimply.‘Youareright,ofcourse.Iambored.Butthatdoesn’tmakemeafool,Aurelia.I’m no revolutionary. Vect is a fine enough tyrant, and I am quite content toleave his narrow posterior firmly affixed to his garish throne. Why should Itroublemyself,whenhenomorerulesmethanIrulehim?’‘Andthebountyonyourhead?’‘It is for show,mostly. I doubt hewouldweep to seemedead.But only thestupidand theambitiouswould seek toclaim it.Bykilling them, I aidhim inseparatingtheweakfromthestrong.Indeed,byabettinghis tyranny,asIdo,I

ensuremyownfreedomfromit.’Hepointedtheknifeather.‘Youshouldtakealessonfromthat,really.’Malysfrowned.‘Nowyoupresumetoteachmelessonsinsubtlety?’Sliscussnortedand turned to thecaptives. ‘Iwouldnotpresumeto teachyouanything, my dear.’ Flesh parted, and one of the cattle whimpered. Sliscuscluckedhis tongue. ‘Staystill.HowamI supposed to finish this stanza ifyoukeepsquirming?’‘Youoweme,’Malyssaid,asifitwerenomorethanastatementoffact.‘We owe each other nothing, and I have no reason to endanger myself inservingyourends.Werethesituationdifferent,Imight,infact,bowtotheyokeofhonour.’It was Malys’ turn to snort derisively. ‘What do you know of honour,Traevelliath?’Hespun.Thebladelefthishand,andherfansnappedup,trappingitbeforeitreachedherface.Malysglaredathim.‘Youdare?’shehissed,risingtoherfeet.ShestoppedasSlegandtheotherSslythtensedvisibly,theirflateyeswatchingherwithbruteanticipation.Thedry raspof theircoilsagainst thedeckwasasgoodawarningasthehissofabladefromitssheath.‘Aurelia,ofcourseIdare.IamDukeTraevelliathSliscus.Ihavedancedwithdaemon-women on the hulls of dying ships and cut the heart from a truebornprincewhilehiskabalwatched.IhavetweakedthenoseoftheTyrantnotonce,buttwice,andgotawayclean.Anddoyouknowwhy?’‘Hefavoursyou,’Malyssaid.‘BecauseIserveapurpose,asdoyou.Donotallowyourambitiontoblindyouto the realitiesofyour situation,Aurelia.Youknowaswell as I thatVecthassparedyouall theseyearsnotoutofaffectionor fear,butbecauseyouhaveause.’Before Malys could reply, one of the Raider’s crew shouted and pointed.Sliscuslaughedandstrodetotheprow,takingasplinterrifleofferedupbyoneofhisslaves.Theriflewasathingofjaggedbeauty,likeallofhisweapons.Itsstock was inlaid with ivory and gold, and the barrel was covered in ornatescrollworkcarvedbyhisownhand.Thedesignhadcometohiminadream,andhehadendeavouredtocaptureitinmetal.‘Whatisit?’Malysasked,turninginherseat.‘Theyhavebeenbroughttobay,atlast.’Heliftedtherifleandpeereddownitslength.Thewolf-beastshadbeendrivenintotheleeofastonecleftrisingfromtheice.Suchminisculeislandsmarkedthefrozenseasliketombstones.Thisone

resemblednothing somuchas twoaxe-bladesof stone thrust into the ice,onebesidetheother.TheotherRaidershad surged aheadof thepack and cut themoff.Thewolf-things now crouched among the icy rocks, snarling at the sleek vessels thatcircledthemlikebirdsofprey.Sliscustookaimatoneofthebeastsasitburstfrom cover and lunged for a gap between theRaiders.He fired. The creaturegaveamournfulhowlandtumbled,hindquartersoverhead.Itslidacrosstheice,leavingbehindasmearofblood.‘Ha!Takeusdown.’Sliscusliftedtherifleandgrinned,pleasedwithhimself.Itwas no easy thing to hit amoving target under conditions such as these. Thesnow was falling more fiercely as the wind picked up. The Raider driftedtowardstheice,judderingslightly,butSliscuspaiditnomind.HeandMalyssteppedontotheiceamomentlater.Itcrackledsoftlyunderfootashestrodetowardsthewoundedbeast.Therewasstillsomefightinit,despitethegorywoundinitsflank.Thesplintershadtornopenitsside,andhecouldseethepale slashofbonewithin themangled fleshandmuscle.On the rocks, theotherbeastshadset tohowlingashiswarriorskept thematbaywithburstsofsplinterfire.Thewolf-thingwas twicehissize. It stankofsourbloodandspoiledmeat. Itwhined,acidicslaverdrippingfromitsbluntmuzzle,asitscrabbledtofacehim.Thewhine spiralled up into a grating snarl, and the beast heaved itself in hisdirection. Inhuman muscles bunched and stretched, claws like knife bladescrackingtheice.Itlungedforhim,yelloweyeswideandemptyofanythingsaveferalrage.Sliscus laughedandmade to fire,but thebeastwas tooquick. Itcrashed intohimand senthimsprawlingbackwards.The icecracked threateninglybeneathhimasheslammeddown.Thelupinemonstrositysnappedathim,andhethrustthelengthofhisriflebetweenitsjaggedteeth.Heheardyellsandsawwarriorsracingacrosstheicetohisaid.‘Stayback,’heshouted,shovingthebeastaway.Itsstrengthwasfadingasitsbloodspilledacrosstheice.‘Thisismyhunt–mykill!’Stillgripping the rifle inbothhands,hegothis feetunderhimand rose.Thecreatureslippedback,growling.Withawrenchofitshead,thebeastpulledtheweaponfromhisgripandhurledit away. Sliscus leapt back. He considered drawing his liquifier pistol, butdiscarded the idea. Instead,hereachedforhisswords.Thespirit stonespulsedwithagitationashedrewthem.The wolf-thing leapt, roaring. He ducked beneath it and let his blades slice

across its belly. It landed in a heap, its paws tangled in its own intestines. Itwailedlikeadyingmanandspun,quickerthanhewouldhavethoughtpossiblegiven itscondition. It snappedathim, tearingathiscloakashedancedoutofreach. He slashed at its snout, filling its nose with blood. It struggled on,pursuinghim,leavingitslifeontheice.Hedartedinandout,flickinghisbladesacrossitshairyform,carvingittopiecesevenasitlungedandgrunted.Hecouldhearhiswarriorscheeringashetorturedthebeast.Theyenjoyedsuchdisplays.Sliscuspreened,stretchingthemomentofexecution,allowingthemtodrinkinthecreature’sagony.Itwasjusthumanenoughtohavesomedimgraspofwhatwashappeningtoit,almostasifthepainwereawakeningthatpartofitthat had long been lost. Things thatmight have beenwords tumbled from itsfrothing muzzle, lost among the wheezing snarl. Was it pleading with him?Cursinghim?Hecouldn’tsay,anddidn’tcare.Sliscusendedthedancewithaskillthatlefthisaudiencebreathless.Thelupinemonster made a half-hearted lunge, propelled more by stubbornness thanstrength.Sliscus reversedhisblades and thrust themdown through thebeast’sglaring eyes, extinguishing their baleful light forever. The massive engine ofmeatandsavagerywentlimp,withonlyaresignedsightomarkitspassing.Heextricatedhisswordswithaflourish,castingdropletsofbloodabouthiminadarkhalo.Hebowedlow,acceptingtheenthusiasticapplauseashisdue.Slegandseveralofhiscoil-kinslithered to thebody, theirblades ready toskinandgut thecreature. Itsalteredorganswouldmakeforauniquemeal,and itshidewould make a fine coat. Leaving them to it, Sliscus strode back towards therockswheretherestofthepackstillcrouched.Jhynkar was waiting for him there. ‘Yes, yes, these will do perfectly,’ thecrooked fleshweaver said as the remaining beastswere brought to bay by hiswracks.Hismalformedassistantswieldedavarietyofrestraintdevices–shock-staves, barbed nets and neuro-chains. ‘So much potential, stifled bycircumstance.Theyarealmostartinandofthemselves.’Hestudiedthesnarling,snapping creatures fondly. ‘Oh, what wonders I might make of such rawmaterials.’‘AnditiswondersIdemand,Jhynkar.Wondersandhorrorssuchasnoother’seyes have witnessed. Unique and without equal.’ Sliscus slapped thehaemonculusontheback,nearlyflatteninghim.‘Iwantsomethingexceptionaltorememberthishuntby.’HelookedatJhynkar,hisgazecalculating.‘Canyoudoit?’Jhynkarnoddedhastily.‘Oh,absolutely,mylord.Ishalltorturemymusetothe

utmost,inyourname.’Sliscus smiled. ‘That’swhat I like to hear. Now, how is your formermastergettingalong?IunderstandtheHexhaveacquiredtheirownpets?’Jhynkar bobbed his head. ‘Oh, yes, several less devolved examples of thealtered template.They are still in the throes of genetic transmogrification intothe advanced form – not quite mon-keigh anymore, but not yet transhuman.Theirmindsareenginesofinstinct.EasypreyforXhactandhispain-engines.’ThatXhacthadgoneforsuchpreywasnotsurprising.ThemasterofHexhadlittleloveofachallenge.Still,Sliscusadmiredhiscreativity–Xhacthadawaywithfleshandbonethatfewotherscouldmatch.ThatwaswhyhehadallowedJhynkartoconvincehimtoinviteXhact.ThatJhynkarwasundoubtedlyhopingtosomehowwormhiswaybackintothecoven’sgoodgraceswasneitherherenorthere.‘Good,good,’Sliscussaid.‘Solongaseveryoneishavingfun,yes?’

Myrta stood on the ice,watching as Jhynkar’swracksmuscled the last of thesnarling beasts into the Raider’s hold. Shock-staves crackled as the wracksjabbed the creatures into barbed nets and dragged thembodily up the loadingplanks. Several of Jhynkar’s slaves were dead, but there were always morewheretheycamefrom.Thebeastsweredestinedforthepitsat thebasecamp.Theretheywouldjointhemanyotherprisoners taken in thedays since the arrivalofSliscus andhisguests. She thought of the humans crouched in their stinking cages, awaitingbranding and transport to the Incessant Agony. The beasts would suffer adifferentfatethantherestofthemeat.Sliscuswouldwanttokeepthem.Hedidsoenjoyhismonsters.She frowned slightly.Sliscuswasanavidcollectorofmonsters.Slegandhisscalykin.Jhynkarandhiswracks.Thebrokencollectionofcast-offs,turncoatsandlunaticsthatmadeuphisfleet.Herself,even.ThereweresomeamongthenobilityoftheEternalCitywhoconsideredhersisterhoodanabomination.Theythoughtthemathrowbacktotheoldpleasure-cultsthathadsupposedlydoomedtheirancestorstoatwilightexistence.Andperhapstheywereright.Myrtapushedthethoughtaside.Shelackedthehedonistictendenciesofmanyof her sisters. She preferred the poisoner’s blade to the courtesan’s dance.Perhaps thatwaswhyshehadbeengifted toSliscus.Aspunishment.Her jawtightened,andherfingersgrippedthehiltofhersword.Aburst of laughter caughther attention, and sheglanced at a nearbyknotof

corsairs. They were dressed in colourful silks and armour that was moredecorativethanfunctional.Theywerewatchingher,andshehadlittledoubtthattheirlaughterwasdirectedather.Shedrewhersplinterpistolsmoothlyandfired.Icecrackedandsprayedacrosstheirarmour.They leaptback, their jeers turning tocriesofalarm.Shesmiledprettilyandholsteredherweapon.Theyturnedawayfromher,pullingthetattersof their dignity about them. She left them to it. She had killed three captainsalready,notcountingKakaroth,aswellastwoarchons.Andtwicethatnumberofpettycorsairsandtruebornaesthetes.Some,likeKakaroth,hadattemptedtokillher.OthershadinsultedSliscus,eithertohisfaceorbehindhisback.AtleastonehadcommittedtheultimatesinofchoosinganoutfitvaguelyreminiscentoftheonetheDukehadwornthatday.Allofthemhaddied.Somebypoison,othersbytheblade.Onebytheweaponsof his own crew. The role of executioner was just one of the responsibilitiesSliscus had foisted on her since their arrival. To her had fallen the task oforganising the campandmaking themon-keighdwellings fit forpurpose.Shehadarrangedforthedozensofdisparatehuntingpartiestostayinsomesortofcontactdespitethestorm’sinterference.Shewatchedasslavesbearingplattersoffoodanddrinkcirculatedamongthelaughingcorsairs.Despitethewindandthesnow,thedarkeldarwereenjoyingthemselves. The smell of blood was on the air, and prey was plentiful. Sheturnedawayfromtheir laughterandwent towhere theSslythwerebutcheringtheDuke’skill.Myrta lookeddownat thebeast inannoyance. If thatwas thebest thisworldcouldmuster,shewasdoomedtodisappointment.‘Youwerehopingitwouldkillhim.’Myrta turned.Malysstoodbehindher.Thearchongesturedwithherfan. ‘Donotdenyit,courtesan.Isawtheeagernessonyourfaceasthebeastlungedforhis throat. The othersmay have beenwatching the battle, but Iwaswatchingyou.’Myrta tapped thepommelofherblade. ‘Andwhatof it?’ she saidpetulantly.‘HeknowsIwishhimdead,soifyouseektoholdyoursuspicionoverme,youaresadlyoutofluck,mylady.’Malysclickedhertongue.‘Yoursisterhoodhaseverprideditselfonitswisdom.Yetinmatterssuchasthis,youareaschildren.SliscusisnoLowCommorragharchon, with a paltry kabal and reach exceeding his grasp. He is called theSerpent for good reason.He is amoral, despicable and impeccably dressed. If

Vecthimselfcouldnotkillhim,thenwhathopehasthisworld?’Myrtafrowned.‘Thenwhatwouldyousuggest?’Malyslaughed.‘Suggest?Nothing.Thereisnohopeforyou.Acceptyourfate,ordiveintothewolf’sjawsifitdispleasesyouso.’Myrta’s hand fell to the hilt of her blade. She yearned to draw it and showMalys the extent of her displeasure.But something in the archon’s expressionstopped her. ‘You misunderstand me, courtesan,’ Malys continued quietly. ‘Imock you, true, but not out of cruelty.Merely to point out the flaws in yourscheme.’Shechuckled.‘Indeed,Iwillhelpyou,ifyouwillletme.’‘Ithoughtyouwantedhimalive,’Myrtasaid.‘Iwant him inmy debt,’Malys corrected. ‘He listens to you, as hewill notlistentoothers.Hedoessobecausehethinkshehasnothingtofearfromyou.He knows your secret desire, and it makes him arrogant. So I will help youhumblehim.’‘Butnotkillhim?’‘Why kill what can be useful?’Malys smiled. She looked down at the deadcreature. ‘No.You do notwant such a beast dead,my dear.Youwant him…tamed.’

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

ROUSINGTHEPACK641.M41

Thetunnelwasatightfit,especiallygiventheirburdens.‘Thisisn’thowIimaginedwewouldbedoingthis,’Halvarsaidasheadjustedtheweightofthemjodcaskhangingfromhisback,justbeneathhisbattle-plate’spowerpack.Ratherthandeliciousamber liquid,itcontainedthebrokenbodyofoneoftheirfoes.Lukasthoughtforlornlyofthelastdregsofmjodsloshingatthebottomofthecask,nownevertobedrunk.Butonlybriefly.Somethingsweretoopainfultoconsider.‘They’renotlikelytoletusinwithoutanargument.Andtimeisoftheessence.’Hehadhisowncask,filledwithasimilarweightofdeadmeat.Lukaspattedit,causingittogurgleunpleasantly.‘Besides,itkeepsthemfromstinkingtoobadly.’‘We’repicklingthem.Wecouldhavedrunkthat.’‘At least we’re not eating them afterwards.’ Lukas’ expression becamespeculative.‘Thoughwecould,Isuppose.’‘No.’‘Seemsawastetoburnthem,isall.’

‘No.’‘Whereisyoursenseofadventure,Halvar?’Lukasasked.‘Newexperiencesarewhatlifeisallabout.’‘Notour lives. I justkillxenos– Idon’t eat them.’Halvarhesitated. ‘Exceptork,onoccasion.Veryrareoccasions,’headdedhastily.‘Noneed tobeashamed,pup.We’veall eatenanorkatone timeoranother.They cook up nicely.’ Lukas concentrated on navigating the narrow, unevencorridor.Itwasanaturalborehole,wornopenbytectonicpressures,weatherorsomelongagodisaster.OneofthesecretpathsthatwolvesandotherthingsusedtosneakintotheAett.Thisonewounditswayintotherefectories.Usingthefrontgatehadbeenruledrightout.GrimbloodandtheotherjarlsneededtobealertedtothepresenceofthexenosonFenris,but theywouldn’tbe inclined to listen.Not thathecouldblamethem.The tunnel abruptly came to a dead end, a thin circle of light marking therough-hewnwall.Lukaspressedhimselfagainsttherockface,hishandsmovingslowly. ‘When I found this tunnel I spent some timemaking sure no one elsecoulddoso,’hesaid.Unseentumblersclickedandtherockfaceshuddered.Thecircleof light expanded, the rockhissing.Lukas liftedpartof thewallupandaway.Theheatoftherefectorywashedoverthemastheysteppedoutofthetunnel.Lukas breathed in, tasting themingled aromas of cookingmeat and off-worldspices.Whilemeatwasoftenroastedoverthegreatfirepitsthatmarkedtheheartofeverygatheringchamber,thatwasmoreforshowthananythingelse.Thebulkof every meal was made in the refectories by the sure hands of trustedbondsmen.Few of his kind came down here. The plethora of smells alone could easilyoverpowerthesensesofaGreyHunter, letaloneaBloodClaw,unlesshewasprepared for it. Heat blasted from open ovens, and the air throbbed with thenoiseofculinaryindustry–thethunkofknives,therattleofpans,thesoundofhundredsofvoicesraisedineffort.Therewereservantsforwhomtheserefectoriesweretheentiretyoftheirworld.Theflamesoftheovenswerethesun,whilethewaterspumpedupfromtheicyfloes below the Fang and poured into the storage butts were the oceans.Lobotomised machine-thralls trundled through the maze of preparation slabs,hunchedbeneathindustrialservingtrays.Lukasheftedthesectionofwallbackintoplace,usingcleverlycarvedcrannies

intherock.Itsnappedintopositionwithagrindingsound.Lukassteppedbackandnodded.‘There,’hemurmured.‘Andhowmanyofthosedoyouhavesecretedabout?’Halvarasked.Lukaslaughed.‘Morethanone.’Hegestured.‘Comeon.Thisway.’Theynavigatedthemazeofpreparationslabs,movingquickly.Butjustbeforetheyreachedthedoors,awoman’svoicecalledout.‘Youarenotsupposedtobehere,mylords.’Lukasfroze.Heturned,asheepishlookonhisface.Thewomanwastallforanunaugmentedhuman,withthepallorofonewhohadneverseenthesun.Shehadsilver hair pulled tight over high-boned features, and the faint blue of fadedtattooscurleddownonesideofherfaceandneck.Shegloweredupatthetwowarriors,as if theywerenothingmore thanoverlargescullions.Lukasgrinnedweakly.‘Berla!Howfortuitous!’Berla had been comely in her youth. She was still comely, though hisappreciationwasmoreaestheticthanprimal.Therewasastrangesortofbeautyto unaugmented humans. They grew more interesting the older they became,unliketheVlkaFenryka,whoallgrewtoresemblewolves–orworse,thesamewolf. Their gene-sire had a shadow that stretched over millennia and thegenerationsthatroseandfellwithinthem.Buttherewasavarietytothemortalsthatneverfailedtofascinatehim.Hestepped towardsher, ignoring theservantswhoscuttled fearfully fromhispath.Shedidn’tretreat.Shehadgrowntowomanhoodinthekitchens,ashadhermother and grandmother, unto seven generations.Anunbroken line of hearth-mistresseswhoseword in the refectorieswas law. ‘My lord,’ she said. ‘It hasbeenmany cycles since you last visitedmykitchens.Towhat dowe owe thehonour?’‘Justpassingthrough,Iassureyou,’hesaid,loomingoverher.‘What is that?’ Berla asked, pointing at the cask on Lukas’ back. Therewasprecious little respect inher tone.AnyotherSpaceWolfmighthavekilledheroutofhandfor theinsult.ButsheknewLukasofold,andknewthatherarelytookinsult,evenwhereitwasdamnwellintended.Lukassteppedback,givingherspace.‘Whatiswhat?’heasked,hiseyeswide.‘Onyourback,mylord.’‘There’ssomethingonmyback?’Lukasspun,tiltinghisheadquizzically.Berladidn’tsomuchascrackasmile.Instead,shelookedatHalvar.‘Youstink.Whatisinthecask?’Halvar looked back and forth between them, clearly at a loss. His fingers

fidgeted with his totems. Lukas realised that the noise levels in the hall haddropped.Theeyesofeverythrallintherefectorywereontheconfrontation.Hesighed.‘Youarewellwithinyourrightstotellsomeoneaboutus.’She shrugged. ‘I am amortal. A thrall.Who am I to offer an opinion aboutwhereandwhenaSkyWarriorchoosestogo?’‘Youareaqueen,andthisisyourkingdom,’Lukassaid,lookingdownather.‘Asitwasyourmother’s,andhersbeforethen.Ifyouspeak,thejarlswilllisten,whether they like it or not.’ He gestured to Halvar. ‘Even Blood Claws havesenseenoughtobeafraidofyou.’‘Andif theycatchyouhere, theywillbeatyoubloody.Thepairofyou.’ShefavouredHalvarwith a frown. ‘He has led you into trouble,my lord.’With asnort, she turnedaway. ‘I sawnothing.’Athergesture, the thralls relaxedandturnedbacktotheirtasks.LukasglancedatHalvarandsmiled.‘See?Itoldyouitwouldbefine.’‘Getoutofmyrefectory,mylords,’Berlasaid,notlookingatthem.‘It’sveryhardtoseenothingifyouinsistonstandingthere,growlingatoneanother.’‘Right,yes,we’lljustbegoing.Yousawnothing!’Lukassaid,slippingtowardsthedoors.HesnaggedachunkofmeatashewentandtookabitebeforetossingittoHalvar.‘Eatup,pup.Besttodothissortofthingonafullbelly.’They climbed up into Jarlheim by secret paths and water-logged accesscorridors.Theyavoidedcontactwithanyoneandeveryone,savea fewstartledthrallsandaservitorwhowatchedthemblankly.WhentheyatlastreachedthegreatdoorsthatledtotheGrimbloods’feastinghall,thesoundofcelebrationbeatatthestoneofthecorridorlikethefistsofagiant.Halvarhesitated.‘Howdowegetintherewithoutbeingseen?’‘Wedon’t,’ Lukas said.He hefted his cask onto his shoulder. ‘Let’s go spoiltheir fun, shallwe?’Withoutwaiting for a reply, he stalked towards thedoorsand kicked them open. As the boom echoed through the hall, Lukas strodebetween the tables towards the high seats where the jarl and his thegns sat,Halvarhurryinginhiswake.‘Hail,JarlGrimblood!’Lukasbellowed.‘Iseeyourhairhasgrownback.’Warriors heaved themselves to their feet, querulous questions on their lips.Shoutsandroarsechoedthroughthehall.Atthehightable,Grimbloodrose,hisface thunderous. ‘Youdareshowyourfacehere,after Ihavecastyouout?’hethundered, shaking off a warning hand from Galerunner. Lukas smiled as hecaught the Rune Priest’s eye. Galerunner didn’t look surprised to see him.Maybethespiritshadtoldhimtoexpecttrouble.

‘Did you have any doubt I would?’ he said, letting his burden roll off hisshoulder.Hewrenched the cask open and poured the bodyout onto the table.Grimbloodletoutasnarlofdisgust.Lukascaughtthecorpse’sscalpandpulledits head up so thatGrimblood could see it. ‘At least on this occasion I comebearinggifts.See?’Grimbloodleanedforwardassilencefell throughout thehall. ‘Wheredidyoufindthisfilth?’hegrowled,studyingthebody.‘Inthehighforests,neartheedgeofthesea.’‘Impossible.’‘Andyetheretheyare.’Lukassatonthetableandtorelooseachunkofmeatfrom a still-steaming platter. He chewed thoughtfully, gesticulating with thebloody bone. ‘And they didn’t come alone. They are probably all over theforests, likeverminintheruttingseason.’Hegestured,andHalvaremptiedhisowncaskontothefloor.Galerunner looked troubled. ‘The Helwinter is interfering with the planetarycommunicationsarray. If theymanaged to slippast thesystemfleet…’He fellsilent.Grimbloodgrowled.‘Theycouldbeanywhere.’Hespun.‘Gatherthejarls.Tellthem tomeetme in theChamberof theAnnulus.’HepointedatLukas. ‘You.Comewithme.’

TheChamberof theAnnulussatnear theverysummitof theFang. Itwas thegathering place of the gods, where the GreatWolf and theWolf Lords cametogetherfortheirwarcouncils.Thechamberwasdominatedbyagreatcircleofstonepanelsthatspreadoutwardsfromitsheart.TheGrandAnnulusrepresentedtheorganisationof theChapter,witheachpanelbearing thesigilofoneof theWolfLords.Eachoftheseslabswasaslargeasabattle-tank,andittookdozensofwarriorsto lift them when circumstances called for it. Only one lacked any image ormarking, and everyone in the chamber steadfastly ignored it. All save Lukas,whochosetostandonit,knowinghowuncomfortableitwouldmakeeveryoneelse.Ithadn’ttakenlongfortheotherjarlstogather.Theyweregratefulforanythingthatinterruptedthetedium.NoneofthemmetLukas’gazeexceptKrakendoom,whonoddedterselytohimasheenteredthechamber.They growled and snarled over the news he had brought. ‘It is almostimpossible to conceive,’Krakendoom said. ‘They are daring, thesexenos.’He

lookedaround.‘Whatdotheygainbytestingusso?’‘Whatdoesitmatter?’Redmawsaidcontemptuously.‘Theydared,sotheymustdie.’Othersgrowledinagreement.‘TheydidthesametoChogoris, longago,’Galerunnersaid.Heleanedonhisstaff.HewastheonlyRunePriestpresent,thoughhespokeforthemall.‘Theystole away much from our brothers, whole generations of kin and potentialaspirants.Wecannotallowthattohappenhere.Whateverthecosttous,futuregenerationsmustbepreserved.’‘Wemust hunt them and dash their brains upon the snow,’ Redmaw roared,slamminghisfistsonthemeetingtable.Thestonecracked,andhehititagain.‘Skinthemandmaketotemsfromtheirbones.’‘Redmawhas the right of it,’Goresson growled. ‘We should loose the packsandsweepthemfromthehearthworld.’HelookedatGrimblood.‘YouholdtheAett,brother.Buthowl,andweshalllopeforthandmakethesnowred.’‘Agreed,’ Grimblood said. He looked around. ‘A full four Great Companiesstand ready to defend the hearthworld. But these enemies do not come in thespiritofhonestwar.Theywillnotallowustobringthemtobattle.Sowemustgohunting.’Hegesturedsharply.‘OnecompanywillremainattheFang,readyto lend aid wherever it might be needed. And to await the moment whencommunications are oncemore free of theHelwinter’s grip. The system fleetmustbealerted.’‘And who will that be?’ Redmaw growled. Lukas could tell he was alreadyreadyinghimselftoargue.Thejarlglaredabouthim,stinkingofchallenge.‘Me,’Grimbloodsaidbluntly.‘Someonemustcoordinateyourefforts.Iwilldoit.’ The other jarls growled their appreciation of the sacrifice. He gestureddismissively. ‘Galerunner is right – nothing matters save the preservation ofFenris and its people. There is glory aplenty in the universe, but only oneFenris.’‘Wellsaid,’Krakendoomgrunted.‘Foronce,’Redmawremarked.Grimblood ignoredhim. ‘Divideyour companies asyou see fit. Protectwhatyoucan.Avengewhatyoumust.Letnoxenossurviveourfury.Feedthemtothewindsandthewaves,asbefitssuchfilth.’Heheavedhimselftohisfeet.‘Thisisourplace.Ourterritory.Weshallteachthemthefollyofstealingmeatfromthewolf’sjaws.’Fists struck the table as theWolfLordshowled their assent.Onceadecisionwasreached,theymovedswiftly.Theyhadthescent,andtheywouldfollowit

untiltheytastedblood.Granted,giventhefoetheywerefacing,thatmighttakelonger than theyhoped.Lukas laughedat the thoughtofRedmawracingblindthroughthestorm,chasingshadows.‘You find this amusing, Trickster?’ Galerunner said. He and Grimblood hadremainedbehindwhentheothersdispersed.‘Youthinkthisafinejest?’‘AndifIdo?’Lukassaid.Galerunnerfrowned.‘Innocentswilldie.’‘Innocentsdieeverydayonthisworld.Youandyourshaveseentothat.’‘Enough,’ Grimblood said, before Galerunner could reply. ‘Attend me,Strifeson.Iwouldspeakwithyou,warriortowarrior.’Lukashesitated, then stalked afterGrimblood.TheWolfLord ledhim to theimmensefirepitthatwarmedthehall.Itwassetatanangleagainstthefarwall.Duringfeasts,meatwouldoccasionallyberoastedoverit.Grimbloodstaredintotheflames.‘Youneedleoneofyouronlyalliesinthiscitadel.’‘Heisnotmyally,’Lukassaidflatly.‘Heservesanother.’Hesmiled.‘DidyouknowitwasoldStormcallerwhotestedmyworthiness?TheLordofRunesandtheSlayerbothhavehadtheirsnoutsinmyaffairssincethebeginning.’‘Andyouthinkyouarealoneinthat?’Grimbloodasked.‘Weareallweigheddownbyfate,Trickster.Wearetheheroesofunwrittensagas,andourspiritsaremarkedforgreatness.Evenyours.’‘Sawthatinyourashesandsparks,then?’‘WhenIwasachild,Iheardvoicesinthefire,’Grimbloodsaidsoftly.‘Somewouldscream,andotherswouldsing.Ithoughtthevoiceshaddiedwiththeoldme.Buttheycameback,twiceasloud.Thefirehassomethinginit–apower.Itraisesup,andcastsdown.More,everyfirecomesfromthesameplace.Itisallconnected.And it is those connections that I see.’He looked up atLukas. ‘Acascadeofmoments,theashesoffuturefiresasyetunlit.Ihaveseenyourfire,Lukas.’Lukas felt a chill run through him. Despite his mockery of Grimblood’ssupposedgifts,heknewtherewassometruthtothem.‘Ihaveseenyourwyrdintheflames,Trickster.’‘Iknowmywyrd,jarl.AndIfollowitalready.’‘Evenyouarenotsoarrogantastothinkyoucantrulychooseyourownfate,Strifeson.Youplayatbeingoutsidetheskein,asifyouhavenoplace.Butwebothknowbetter,don’twe?’‘TheonlythingIknowisthatIdon’tknowanything.’‘Thenknowthis–yourthreadissoontobecutshort.’Grimblooddidn’tsmile

ashespoke,buthiseyesglintedmerrily.‘Isawyourheartburst,intheflames.Youwilldie,andgloriously.YournamewillliveforeverinthehallsoftheAett,a hero to thosewho come after.’He leaned forward, teeth bared in a snarl ofsatisfaction.‘Youwilldie,andwewillforgettheJackalwolf,andrememberonlythesagaofLukasthehero.’Lukasglaredathim.‘Willyoucutmythreadyourself,then,jarl?’Hespreadhisarms.‘Comethen,cutit.Eatmyheartsandscattermybonestoguideyoutoamoreconvivialfuture,ifyouwish.’‘Youareangry,Strifeson.Andyet,thisisfate.’Grimbloodlaughed.‘Thoughitlessensmetoadmitit,ImustsaythatIamfilledwithgoodcheer.Ihadfearedthatoneofusmightsnapyourneckinarage,butitseemstheRunePriestswereright. You have amightywyrd ahead of you, and I think it has finally comearoundatlast.’Lukastensed,angerfloodinghisveinslikeboilingmagma.Hewantedtoleapandtear,toteachGrimbloodalessoninviolence.Thekill-urgerose,andhislipspeeledbackfromhisteeth.Grimbloodcontinuedtolaugh,thoughLukasknewtheWolfLordcouldsensehisgrowingrage.Grimbloodsweptahand throughtheflames,causingthemtoriseupinstrange,cracklingshapes.‘It is almost fitting that it comes now, against foes such as these, slippery astheyare.Theyarealmostastrickyasyou.Perhapsmoreso.Perhapsyouhavemetyourmatchatlast.Thereisnoshameinit.Morkaipadsafterusall,fromthehighesttothelowest.’Lukas grunted and tore his gaze away from the flames.He quashed the kill-urge,forcingitdown.Hishandscurledintofists,andheheldthemtighttohissides.Grimbloodwaswatchinghim,his ambergaze reflecting the lightof theflames.‘Youaretryingtoprickmypride,’Lukassaid.‘Tocatchmeinanothertrapofwords,asyoudidbefore.’‘Aweaponfromyourarmoury,’Grimbloodsaid.‘Isitworking?’‘Whatdoyouwantofme?’‘I want you tamed, Strifeson.’ Grimblood’s smile faded. ‘I do not hate you,brother. But I do not understand you. You have it in you to be a warrior ofrenown, fit forservice inany jarl’sWolfGuard.Even thatof theGreatWolf’scompany. Grimnar himself has spoken often of your skill. And yet you arecontenttoremain…this.’Lukasstaredintotheflames.‘Itismywyrd,’hesaidafterlongmoments.Grimbloodstaredathim.Thenhenoddedtersely.‘SoGalerunnersays.Andtheflames say youwill die, and so youmust.But there is purpose in death.You

have alerted us to the enemy in ourmidst, and wewill harry them from ourlands.Youwillharrythem.’Lukaslookedathim.Aslowgrinspreadacrosshisface.‘Me?’Grimbloodnodded.‘Iwillunleashthepacks,yoursamongthem.’Hegestured.‘Thisismygifttoyou,onyourdeath-day.Freedom,torunandhuntwhereyouwish.Turnyourtricksonthem,Jackalwolf.Makethemregretthemomenttheydecidedtointrudeuponourhuntinggrounds.Ithinkitwillmeanyourdoom,butIsuspectyouwillnotrefuse.’Lukaslaughed.Thenhebowedlow.‘Mythanks,JarlGrimblood.Ishallbringyouascalp-priceequaltothatboon.’‘I want nothing saveword that you havemet yourwyrd at last.’ Grimbloodturnedaway.Hemotioned towards thedoors. ‘Go,Lukas.Runwhileyoucan,anddoasyoumust.Yourdoomracestomeetyou,andIwouldnotseeyoumissit.’

Halvarwaswaitingforhimoutsidethechamber.‘Youareinonepiece,’hesaid,sweepinggreasylocksoutofhisface.‘Allfatherbepraised.’LukasglancedattheBloodClaw.‘Yousoundlikeyoumeanthat,pup.’Halvar stared at him. ‘Why wouldn’t I?’ He slapped the blade at his hip,making the totems attached to the sheath rattle. ‘This is by far themost fun IhavehadsinceIpassedmytrials.’Hegrinned.‘Youhaveledusacrookedpath,Trickster,butitisnobadthing.Weallthinkso.’‘EvenAke?’Halvargrunted. ‘MaybenotAke. I thinkhemeant tochallengeKadir,beforeyou arrived. But your presence appears to have put him off.’ He smiledmirthlessly.‘Itwouldhavebeenashameifoneofthemhadkilledtheother.’Lukaslaughed.‘Youthinkitwouldhavecometothat?’Halvar nodded. ‘Ake only respects strength. Kadir is too cautious for hisliking.’‘Andwhatdoyouthink?’Halvarshrugged.‘Itdoesn’tmattertomewhichofthemisincharge.Solongasitisn’tme.OrDag.’Heshookhishead.‘Ihaveneverfoughttheeldarbefore.Istheremuchgloryinit?’Lukas frowned. ‘Some.’ He scrubbed at his scalp and glanced back at thechamber.Grimblood’swordshungheavyinhismind.Deathdidn’tbotherhim–Morkaicaughtupwitheventhefastestwarrioreventually.Butthethoughtofhisdeathbecoming just another saga to feed theRout’s egowas a hardone. ‘We

won’t learnfromthis,youknow.Wewillwin,becausewecandonoless.Buteveryvictorycomeswithacost,anditisabitsteepereverytime.WeboastofFenris’sovereignty,ofhowenemiesfeartocomeagainstus.Andyetheretheyare,raidingusattheirleisure.’‘Andwewillpunishthemforthatarrogance.’‘Notallofthem.They’llrun,becausethat’swhattheydo.Andwe’llclaimwedefeatedthem.We’llhowlasongoftriumph,andforgeteverythingelse.’Halvar sighed and playedwith his totems. ‘Youmight be right, forwhat it’sworth.We are arrogant, andwe never seem to learn the lessons theAllfathertriestoteachus.’Hetappedasetofrune-etchedfangs.‘Wearehumbledagainand again, and every timewe climb back up onto the pedestal.’He looked atLukas.‘Butdidyoueverwonderifthatwasthetruelesson?’Lukaswassilentforlongmoments.Thenhelaughed.‘Wechaseweightyprey,mybrother.Itwillfeeduswell,ifwecatchit.’Halvarsnorted.‘When.’Lukasclappedhimontheback.‘SpokenlikeatruesonofRuss.Let’sgo.’‘Aren’t we going to rejoin the others?’ Halvar asked as he followed Lukasdownthecorridor.‘Yes,butonestopfirst.’‘Stop?’‘The armoury, Halvar. If we are going hunting, we will need the properequipment.’Every Great Company had its own armoury, and the Grimbloods were nodifferent. It was located through a narrow cleft cut into the substance of theHould. The augurs in Lukas’ battle-plate noted the heat of rerouted powerconduits,andhisautosensescompensatedautomaticallyforthespillageofsteamthathung thick in theair.Hedetected faint tremors in thewalls and floor, theechoesoftectonicupheaval.Hiddensensorsflickeredtolifeastheypassedthroughthecleft,scanningthemandtakingnoteoftheidentitysignaturesoftheirbattle-plate.Asetofheavyirondoorsshudderedbackintoroughslotscutintoeithersideofthecleft.Awell-litstone chamberwaitedbeyond.Racks and rowsofweapons in partial states ofrepairwerevisible.Purifying incense spewed fromsmallgrates, filling the airwithathick,sweetfug.Metal clanked,andapairofgun-servitors trudged intoview frombehind theracks.Thehulkingautomatonshadbeenmen,once.Now,condemnedforsomeunknown crime, they were twisted out of shape by hundreds of cybernetic

modifications designed to increase strength and durability. Halvar grunted indisgust. ‘Russ’ bones,’ he growled, reaching for the hilt of his blade. Lukascaughthiswrist.‘Don’t.It’sfine.’TheservitorsstaredatthetwoBloodClawswithblanklooksdevoidofinterestorintent.Theirfleshwasdryandpapery,stretchedovercabledartificialmuscle.Each bore a pair of assault cannons hardwired into their enhanced frames.Ammunition feeds dangled like purity scrolls, clacking softly as the servitorsapproached. Laser sights flickered from the targeting arrays that clung likebarnacles to their heads. The red beams traced erratic patterns across the flatpanesofHalvar’sarmour.‘Ho,Thymr,wecomeinneedofgoodsteel,’Lukascalledout. ‘Calloffyourguardians, Iron Priest, or I’ll do something destructive.’ He flexed his clawmeaningfully.Asharpwhistleechoedthroughthearmoury.Thegun-servitorshaltedandsankto their haunches in a chorus of whining servos. The barrels of their assaultcannonsswungupwardsandtheirtargetingarrayswentdark.LukasglancedatHalvar.‘See?It’sfine.’Halvardidn’ttakehishandoffthehiltofhisblade.‘Idon’tlikethewaytheyarelookingatus,’hesaid.‘They’renotlookingatyou,pup.Iam.’Thymrhadavoicelikestonesfallinginto a well. There was a faint mechanical burr to his words, the result of anaugmeticlarynx.Hestalkedintoviewfrombehindhisservitors,tuggingidlyonhisblackbeard.Heworeheavilymodifiedbattle-plate,andthethickcog-wheellimbsofaservo-harnessflexedandturnedoverhisshoulders.TheIronPriestwasyoung,astheVlkaFenrykajudgedsuchthings,andpartofhisskullgleamedchrome.Acyberneticeyewhirredandclicked,scanningLukasandHalvar.Hetappedthemetalpartofhisskull.‘Slavedsensorfeed.Iseewhatthey see.They shootwhat I tell them to shoot.’He paused. ‘For themoment,that’snotyou.Whatdoyouwant?’‘Weapons.’‘Youhavethem,unlessI’mgoingblind.’‘Moreweapons,’Lukasclarified.‘Grenades,ammunition,spareblades,energypacks…thatsortofthing.’Thymr’sorganiceyenarrowed.‘Why?’‘I knowyou’repatched into theAett’s vox-array.Youmust haveheard–wehavevisitors.Iwouldthrowthemafeastofwelcome,withallthefinestfruitsof

your forges.’ Lukas grinned widely and bent to examine one of the racks ofweapons.Heheftedaboltgunandpeereddownthelengthofthebarrel.‘Afewof these as well, maybe. Do you still have those noise suppressors you weretoyingwith?’Thymrfrowned.‘Yousoundasifthiscelebrationistobeaprivateone.’‘Somyjarlhascommanded,andsoIwillobey.’Thymrguffawed.‘ThosearewordsIneverthoughttohearfromyourlips.’Lukassetthebolterbackontherack.‘Andyettheyhavebeensaid.Igotowar.Ineedsteel.Iwouldpreferyours,forithasneverfailedme.’‘AndwhyshouldIgiveyouanything,Trickster?’‘You oweme, brother.’ Lukas paused. ‘For Fenksworld, remember?When Ipulledyououtfromundertheclawsofthegenestealers?’Thymrtouchedhisthroat,frowning.‘Fine.Butwe’reeven.’Lukaslaughed.‘Isavedyoufrommorethanonexenos,Thymr.Therewereatleast fourof them.’Heheldup three fingers. ‘Thatwillbe threemore favoursowed, by my count. And I–oh, that looks interesting.’ He turned towards asuspensorplinth,whereanobjectfloatedinastateofpartialdisassembly.‘Whatisthisbeauty,Thymr?Isitsomethingtomakealoudnoisewith?’Lukasleanedforward.TheobjectwasroughlythesizeofanAdeptusAstartes’heartandtheshapeofanegg.Multipleplatesofthinmetalfloatedaboutacoredetonatorandseveralmechanismshedidn’trecognise.Thymrgrowled inwarning. ‘Don’t touch it. It’s a stasis bomb.Or itwill be,onceIhavefinishedreassemblingit.’Lukasblinkedinsurprise.‘What’sastasisbomb?’Halvarasked,staringatitwonderingly.‘What doyou think, pup?’Thymrgrowled. ‘An explosive.But of a typenotmass-producedsincetheDarkAgeofTechnology.’Thymrsmiledgrimly.‘Whenitexplodes,itemitsadisruptivefieldofunquantifiableenergy,haltingtheflowoftimeforeverythingwithintheblastradius.Theeffectslastanywherefromafewmomentstoforever.’‘Andwheredidyougetone?’Lukasasked.‘ThelastIheard, theLion’ssonsweretheonlyoneswhoknewhowtobuildthesethings.AndtheDarkAngelsarenotthesorttosharetheirsecrets,especiallywithus.’Lukastracedaclaw-tipacrossthesuspensorfield,elicitingasnarlfromThymr.‘As if I’d ask one of those arrogant, pox-ridden eunuchs. No, my servitorsscraped it up off some thrice-damned battlefield we shared with those green-armouredwhoresons. The detonator failed – the device never activated. They

musthaveleftit.’Thymrsniffed.‘Theirlossisourgain.’‘If you can ever get it to work,’ Lukas said, glancing at him. ‘Which youhaven’tyet,haveyou?’Thymrglaredathim.‘Whatofit?’Lukas laughed. ‘Merelymaking conversation, brother.’He turned away fromthestasisbombwithafinaltaptothesuspensorfield.‘Now,howaboutthoseweapons?’

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

STAMPEDE641.M41

ArchonKas’queilgrinned toothilyashestrodeacross the ice.Hefollowedtheriver’s frozenundulation,his furcloakflaring inhiswake.Thewindpulledathim, but he ignored it. He had faced stronger winds and endured coldertemperaturesthanthisplanetboasted.AsmasteroftheRedSeedKabal,hehadsown terror across a thousand worlds and harvested the fruits of that labouraccordingly.Hehadwalkedthe thyllianai-kelethril– thepathofshards–withundisputedgrace forcenturieswithoutnumber.His skillswere indisputable.The facetsofhisarmourwereblackwiththeinscribednamesof thosewhohadfallentohisbladeinhonour-duelsandassassinations.Theweaponshecarriedhadbeentornfromthegraspofhispredecessor,aswastradition,andrefittedtosuithisneeds.Aroundhim,hiswarriorsmovedwithlethalgrace, laughingandmakinglightoftheirprey.Crooked,scalyhuntingbeasts–thebestmoneycouldbuy–lopedaheadofthem,theirfang-studdedjawswidewithhunger.Themon-keighwerefleeingacrosstheice,racingforsomeperceivedsafetyfurtherdownriver.Theirpathwaslitteredwiththedead.Hehadgiventheordertowoundratherthankill,

andhadenjoyedthetantalisingspooroftheircrudeagonies.There were settlements beyond the river, Kas’queil knew. Not many. Thehumans lived in isolation, scattered about the heaving flanks of thisworld ofleadenskiesandtearingwind.Mostseemedtobeinaconstantstateofwar,duetolackofresources.Possiblymadeworsebytheunpredictabilityoftheseason.Theywereidealprey,inthatregard.Tooprimitivetobeofanythreat,andtoovicioustofleewhentheycaughtwindofwhatlurkedinthedark.Instead,theyfought.Andweredulybroken.Kas’queiltookjoyinthatlabour.Heregardeditassomethingofaduty–whobetter thana truebornsonof theEternalCity toteachthechatteltheirplace?Hehadburned twosettlements so far,driving thesurvivorsonaheadofhim.Inevitably they would lead him to a third lair, where he would repeat theentertainingprocess.Heintendedtodosountiltediumreplacedtitillation.Thus the humans fled and the dark eldar followed.Always at a distance, butever in sight of themon-keigh stragglers. Kas’queil wanted them to be seen.Needed it. The fear was intoxicating, the growing despair and the mutedresignation…exquisite.Seeinglittledangerfromsuchbruteprey,Kas’queilhaddecidedtodisembarkfromhispersonalRaiderwithhiswarriorsandtheirhuntingbeasts.Allthebettertoenjoytheirprey’sdesperationas it fled.Theskifffloatedin thewakeofhisforces.‘Suchtenacityisalmostimpressive,isitnot,Th’tysh?’hesaid,glancingathissubordinate.Thedracon,cladinarmourreminiscentofhismaster’s,noddedeagerly.Th’tyshwore the bloody furs of several wolves, hacked less than skilfully from thebeasts’bodies.Thetrophiesstank,butthecoldmoderatedthesmellsomewhat.‘It is as if they cannot conceive of their own doom, my lord,’ Th’tysh saidcheerfully.‘Whatcanyouexpectof suchprimitives?’Kas’queil scoffed. ‘Their livesarebutthetiniestemberscomparedtoourownroaringflame.Itisonlyrightthatweconsume them and add theirminiscule heat to our own.’He spread his arms,laughing.As if inanswer tohis jocularity,somethingout in thestormhowled.Hepaid itnomind.Somethingwasalwayshowlingon thisworld. ‘I’mglad IdecidedtoaccepttheDuke’sinvitation.’Ithadcomeassomethingofasurprise.HehadonlymetSliscusonce,onsomeraidorother.Hehadbeenimpressed,eventhen,bytheSerpent’snoblerapacity.Ithadbeenasaddaywhensuchacreaturehadchosenexile.Butalsofortunate,inmanyways.Sliscus’departurehadleftasizeablegapinCommorragh’sweb

ofinfluence.Agapmanyarchons,notjustKas’queil,hadattemptedtofill.Therewasa rumourgoingaround thecampfires that thishuntwasaway forSliscus to test thewaters for a grand return.Why elsewould theLady of thePoisonedTonguehavedeignedtoattend?WhyelsewouldtheHarlequinshaveshownthemselves?ButsuchtaleswerewhisperedeveryfewcenturiessincetheDukehaddepartedCommorragh, leavingPortCarmine in flames.Kas’queil didn’twastehis timeworryingaboutsuchthings.Letothersweaveplansthatmightneverseefruition.Hewould act as his impulses dictated. Hemight bend knee to the Duke andswear his sword to theSkySerpent banner.Or hemight seek to takeSliscus’headanddeposititatVect’sfeetasatokenofhisfealty.This reveriewas broken by the sudden, dolorous howl of the hunting beasts.Theiceshiftedbeneathhim,andseveralofthecreatureslosttheirbalance.Theircrieswereechoedbydeeper,moreresonantones,somewhereonthefarshore.He tensed. Sliscus had warned them about the animals here – vicious beasts,whethertheyatefleshornot.Kas’queilhadpaidthewarninglittlemind.Hehadnotcometohuntbeasts,afterall.He looked down. The frozen surface of the river was trembling underfoot.‘Whyistheiceshaking?Tectonicpressures?’Heturned,wonderingifheshouldseekthesafetyofhisRaider.Theplanetwasanunstablebackwater.Partofhimfearedthatitmightflyapartatanymoment.Th’tysh shook his head. ‘We scanned the area. It should be relatively…stable…’Hetrailedoff,andKas’queilrealisedthathewasstaringacrosstheice,towardsthefarshoreofthefrozenriver.Otherwarriorsweretoo,andamurmurran through their ranks. Somethingwas coming, racing through the snow andmist.The thunderof itsapproach reverberatedup through thesolesofhis feetandintohischest.‘What…isthat?’Kas’queilmurmured,reachingforhisblast-pistol.Amomentlater,thefirstelkburstintosightandontotheice.Theanimalwasmassive. A spread of antlers more impressive than any worn by an archonstretchedtoeithersideofitswideskull.Thebruteoutweighedanythreekabalitewarriors,atleast.Kas’queilcursedanddrewhisweapon,takingaim.Thefirstelkwasjoinedbyasecond.Thenathird.Afourthandafifthfollowedinquicksuccession.Thenmore,awholeherd–dozensofthebeasts.Theairwasrivenbybuglingcries,andhairlinecracksranalongtheiceaheadoftheracingherdastheyleaptfromtheshoreandontothesurfaceofthefrozenriver.Alineof stampeding elk, as far as the eye could see. Or so it seemed from where

Kas’queilstood.‘Killthem,’hesnarled.Theblast-pistolbuckedinhisgrip,andanelktoppled,its heavy body crashing through the ice. Th’tysh and the others turned theirweaponsonthebeasts,firingwithsmoothprecision.Someanimalsfell.Theicecrackedandcoldwatersprayedupwards,dampeningKas’queil’sgoodmood.Their fusillade,whiledeadlyaccurate,wasn’tdoingenough.Thebeastsweretootough,andthesplinterfirewasn’tprovinginstantlyfatal.Thatwasn’twhatitwas for, after all. He turned, seeking the sleek shape of theRaider. The anti-gravityskiffhadweaponsenoughtobreakuptheherd.But the Raider wasn’t there. ‘The Raider – where is it?’ he asked, grabbingTh’tyshbyhisfurs.‘I–’ the dracon began, then there was a crack of thunder and he pitchedbackwards.Kas’queillookedatthescrapoffurheheld,andthenatthebodyontheground.‘What?’Morethunder.Flashesfromwithintheherdasitchargedevercloser.Warriorsslumped, or were sent sprawling, bloody craters decorating their armour. Theherd was thinning. Something was running with them. He turned to shout awarning,butitwasdrownedoutintheboomofmon-keighguns.Kas’queil heard a growl from close by, and sought its source. He squinted,trying tomake it out, but he couldn’t seemore than a vague shape. Its formblurredandwaveredlikeamirage,thereonemomentandgonethenext.Hebitbackacurseandfiredagain,thistimeatoneofhisownwarriors,whohadbeguntoedgeawayfromtheonrushingherd.‘Holdyourpositions.Areyouslaves,torunfrommerebeasts?’Amomentlater,theelkwerechargingpast.Theicebuckedandtwistedbeneathhimasthegreatbeastssurgedaroundhim.Helostsightofhiswarriorsaswellas the fleeing mon-keigh. The world condensed to heaving russet walls andbuglingcries.Hetwitchedasidetoavoidbeingbuffetedbythecreatures.Hecaughtsightofoneofhiswarriorsthroughthewallofchargingbeasts.Thewarriorraisedasplinterpistolas if toshootsomething,butamomentlater,hewasgone.Vanished.Kas’queilblinked.Throughtheomnipresentrumbleofthestampede,heheardthecrackleofsplinterfireandscreams.Hefeltachillasherealisedthatthescreamswerenotthoseofelk,orevenmon-keigh.Outofthecornerofhiseyehecaughtaglimpseofslategrey.Heturned,andwas nearly knocked from his feet by an elk. Snarling in frustration, he fired,knockingthebeastprone.Asitkickedout thelastdregsof life, therestof the

herdgaveitandhimawideberth.Momentarilyfreeofthepress,hesearchedtheiceforanysignofwhathadstartedthestampede.Aclammymistrosefromthecrushedsurface,obscuringalmosteverything.Thentherewasacrunch.Hewhirled, blast-pistol raised. The air twisted. Somethingwas there, but hecouldn’t see it clearly. It gave a snarling laugh. He fired, again and again,desperatetohitit,whateveritwas.Itspedtowardshim,onlyrevealingitselfatthe lastmoment.Agrinning,weather-beaten face, amane the colour of bloodandeyesagleamingyellow.Startled as he was, Kas’queil had not reached the heights of his infamy bybeingslowonthedraw.Hefiredagain,knowinghisopponentwoulddartaside.Hereachedforthehiltofhisblade,readytoburyitinhisattacker’sheartwhenhedrewclose.Instead,thehulkingbrutevanishedintotheherdofelk.Awaveoffurywashedoverhim,andhebegantofireinafrenzy.Elkdied,buttheirpiteouscries only stoked his rage. ‘Where are you? Come out and die with somecourage!’‘Ifyouinsist.’Thewordswere spoken in theCommorrite tongue. Coarsely, to be sure, butclearenoughtounderstand.Thatonlymadeitmoreofaninsult.Insult turned to injury an instant later, cold and sharp at the same time.Kas’queiltriedtoscream,butonlyaburstoffrigidairemergedfromhislungs.Helookeddownandsawfourtalon-tipswreathedincoldlightjuttingfromhischest.Helurchedforward,tearinghimselfloose.Hesanktohisknees,tryingtolifthisblast-pistol.Theclawthathadcrunchedthroughhischestfastenedontheweaponwithgentlestrength.‘You did insist,’ his killer murmured as he twisted the weapon out ofKas’queil’sslackgrip.Kas’queilheardhisnextwordsasiffromavastdistance.‘Youhaveonlyyourselftoblame,ifitdidn’tturnouthowyouexpected.’

Lukasglanceddownatthebodyofthexenos,thenexaminedthepistolhehadtakenfromit,considering.Withasnort,hecrushedtheweaponinhisclawandscatteredthepieces.‘For a moment I thought you were going to keep it,’ Kadir said as heapproached.Lukaspattedhisplasmapistol in its tooled leatherholster. ‘Iprefer thisone.’Besidesthepistol,hisbattle-platewasfestoonedwithgrenadesandblades.Kadirwas similarly armed. Thymr had been generous, and theBloodClaws

were carrying enoughweapons and ammunition for twice their number.Kadirsmiledandcheckedtheammunitiondrumofhisbolter.Theweaponhadanoisesuppressormountedon its barrel, andhadbeenblackened to dull anyglint ofmetal. ‘A good jape, stampeding those elk the way you did. Better than anarmouredspearhead,thosebrutes.’Helookeddownatadeadelk,andhissmilefaded.‘Notasdurable,though.’‘No,butthey’llfeedthestragglersfordays.’Lukasturned.‘Youheardme,’hebellowed.‘Comeandgetit,youlack-wits.Ibringyouabounty,andyouhuddleon the ice.Maybe I should have let the night-devils take you, eh?’His voicecarriedeasilydespitethemufflingeffectofthesnow.Slowly, in ones and twos, the tribesfolk straggled towards the bounty. Itwasmore meat than many would have seen in a month. They fell to gutting andreadyingthecarcassesfortravelwithgrimefficiency.Theirfaceswerepinchedwithhungerandfear.Theybarelyglancedattheirprotectors–awehaditsplace,butmeatwasmeat.He recognised the markings of at least three different tribes, all but hiddenbeneaththickfursandscale-cloaks.Morewomenthanmen,morechildrenandgreybeardsthanadultsoffightingage.Hecaughtsightofafamiliarfaceamongthem,movingfromgrouptogroup.Hetha,cladinbronzearmourandfurs,hercheeks burned red by the cold, was barking orders to several other Jahtvianwarriors.Lukaswatchedthered-headedwomanathertask,andfeltKadirobservinghimashedidso.Hegrunted.‘TheRaider?’heasked.‘Dag and Halvar brought it down. It’s already under the ice, and its crewfeedingtheriver’sdenizens.’Kadirsmiledslightly.Lukascouldimaginewhathewasthinking.TheTricksterhadhisreputationforgoodreason.Lukasgrunted.‘Good.’Heturnedhisgazesouth.‘TheJahtviansteadingisjustpastthenextbendintheriver.Thisisthethirdcolumnofstragglerswe’veseenheadingthatway.Mostofthesefolkwereblood-enemiesafewweeksago.’‘Nowthey’vegotnewenemies,’Kadirsaid.Lukasfrowned.‘Itwon’tlast.Nothinglasts.Notonthisplanet.’Heshookhishead.‘Still,betterthanthealternative.’‘We’re ready,’Ake called out.The pugnaciousBloodClaw stomped towardsthem,kickingasideadeadxenosinhishaste.‘Thelastofthemaredead,butthemortalssaythereareatleasttwomorepacksoftheminthearea.’Hespat.‘NotthatItrustthemtotellonegroupofxenosfromanother.’‘We’regoingwiththem,’Lukassaid,notlookingathim.

‘What?’AkelookedatKadir.‘He’snotserious?’hesnarled.KadirlookedatLukas.‘Areyouserious?’‘WhenamIevernotserious?’Lukasshrugged.‘Wehaveaduty,pups.Thesefolkareourlife’sblood.TheyareFenris.Withoutthem,wearenothing.IwillnotallowthemtobemadechattelwhileIplaythefiercehunter.’‘Thisisnotourduty,’Akegrowledstubbornly.‘Theenemyareout there.Wemust scour them from the face of this world. That is our duty. That is ourpurpose.’‘Othersarealreadydoingthatandmore.’‘Andwe should bewith them, rather than here!’Akewas shouting now.Hestank of kill-urge and frustration. ‘We should be at the forefront, fightingalongsidetherestofourbrothers.Instead,youhaveledusintothewildtopickoffisolatedfoesandshepherdtheseweaklingstosafety.’LukasfixedhisgazeonAke.‘Andwhoareyoutocallthemweak?’‘Iwaschosenbythestrong.’Akeslammedafistagainsthischest-plate.‘Lookatthem–theyarecowards.Iftheyarestrong,theywouldhavefought.Instead,they flee. They flee these thin, hollow things.’ He stamped on a dark eldarhelmet, crushing it, and the head within as well. ‘Whywaste time protectingthemiftheycannotprotectthemselves?’‘Theyareprotecting themselves,’Lukassaidsoftly. ‘Theyhave fought.Can’tyou smell the blood on them? The stink of death and sorrow? Look at thewounds, fool.’ He gestured to the mortals. Many, including Hetha, werewatching the confrontation now, wide-eyed and uncertain. ‘Would you havethemmatchbronzeagainsthell-forgedsteel?Towhatend?’‘Iwould have them prove themselvesworthy.As I did.Aswe all did.’Akeswungouthisarms, indicatingtheotherBloodClawsas theydrewnear. ‘Thisworld–thisgalaxy–isnotfortheweak.’‘Ifthestrongdonotfightfortheweak,thenwhatisthepoint?’Lukassnarled.Thewords shudderedoutover the ice. ‘Victory?Glory?Areyousoblind thatyoucannottellpurposefromdesire?’TwoquickstepsandhewasinAke’sface.‘Ifyouwanttogo,go.Iamnojarl,toholdyouagainstyourwill.Iwillnottellyouwheretodie,orwhen.AndIwillnotwastebreathexplainingwhyyouarewrong,pup.’‘Trickster.Enough.’Kadircaughthimbytheshoulder.‘Nowisnotthetime.’Lukasshookhimoffandturnedaway.‘Purposeisnotsomethingyouaregiven,Ake.Itissomethingyouchoose.Ichoosetohelpthesemortals.Ichoosetohelpthemsurvive.Youcandoasyouwish.ThatisthelastIwillsayofit.’

Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawDagpunchAkeintheshoulder.TheBloodClaw whirled, but subsided as he saw the others’ expressions. Lukas hid hissmile.Theywere learning.MaybenotAke,but theotherswere.He turnedhisattentionsbacktotherefugees.Since they hadwarned the tribes, things had proceeded quickly. Some tribeswere suspicious of the Jahtvian envoys.Others thought it a test. As the eldarattacks increased, the survivors sought safety innumbers.More thanone tribehadceased toexist in thedays that followed,allbutexterminatedby laughingshadows.Lukas and the Blood Claws had done what they could, shepherding thesurvivorsfurthersouth.ButAkewasrightinonerespectatleast–theycouldn’tremain on the defensive. The eldar wouldn’t engage in open combat if theycould help it. Theywould flee before theGreat Companies, scattering on thewind.Grimbloodknewthat.Allthejarlsdid,fortheyhadfoughtsuchcreaturesbefore.TheyhopedtomakeFenrismoreinhospitablethanitalreadywas,andsoencourage theRaiders to find easier prey. Itwas a solid plan.Until the stormcleared,theyweretrappedhere.He looked down. Hetha and several of her warriors had joined him. ‘Thankyou,’shesaid,thoughnotsohesitantlyasshemightoncehavedone.‘Whatwillhappentothese?’heasked,indicatingtherefugeeswithajerkofhischin.‘Wewillmakeroomforthem,ifwecan.Wewillhavetomoveourselves,soon.Theyhavebeengettingcloser.Thesteadingisn’tsafe.Notanymore.’Hervoicewasflatwithresignation.HowmanygenerationshadtheJahtvianslivedattheplacewheretheriverwaslowest?Enoughtocallithome.Lukasfeltatwingeofsomethingthatmighthavebeensympathy.‘Thesea,’hesaid.Itwasn’taquestion.Shenodded.‘Wewillfollowtheriver.’LukasglancedatAke.TheBloodClawhadcalmeddown,butwasstillglaringabouthimwithobviousimpatience.Helookedlikeheneededsomecheeringup.Lukas smiled. ‘Or you could help us make sure that the svartalfargive yoursteadingawideberth.’Shelookedupathim,puzzled.‘Iwasbornunderabad sign,’Lukas said. ‘Bound to fail, anddiebadly.Buthere I sit, clad in the armour of the gods and wet with the blood of greatenemies.Theoddswerealwaysstackedagainstme,butIbeatthem.Imakemyownpath.Andsotoocanyou.Allofyou.’Helookedatthemortals,acrooked

grinonhisface.‘Thethingabout theskeinsoffate is that, in theend, it’s justthread. And if you’re clever enough, you can weave it into whatever sort ofshapeyouwant.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’Hethaasked.Lukassniffedthewind.‘Ifyourun,theywillfollow.Theylikeeasymeat,thesecreatures.Ifyoufight,youmightdie.Butsowill they.Andifenoughof themdie,theymightrealiseyouarenotsucheasymeatasallthat.’‘Ifyoucommandus,lord,wewillfightforyou,’Hethasaid.‘Iwillnotcommandyou.Iamnotyour lord.’Lukascrossedhisarms.‘ButIwillfightwithyou,ifyouchoosetodoso.’‘Andifwechoosetoflee?’oneofHetha’swarriorssaid.Lukas smiled. ‘Then Iwillhelpyouhide,ofcourse.’Hebowed low. ‘Iamachampionofsneaks,amasterofhiding.NoteventheAllfatherwillfindyou.’Hethaopenedhermouth toanswer,buthesitated.She lookedaround.‘Imustspeak with the elders. The tribe must decide.’ She looked at him. ‘Youunderstand?’‘Ido.’Sheturnedaway,herfaceset.Lukassmiled,watchingasshegottherefugeesmovingagain.TheJahtvianswouldfeasttonight,towelcometheirguests.Andtomorrow…well.Theywould agree.TheywereofFenris, andFenris didnotproducecowards.Fools,yes.Liarsandlunaticsaplenty.Butcowards?Never.Kadirshookhishead.TheBloodClawhadlistenedtotheexchangeinsilence.‘Thisisafoolishidea.Theywillslowusdown.’‘Thisistheirworldtoo,’Lukassaid.‘It’sonlyfairtogivethemthechoice.’‘Thechoiceto…what?Diebadly,beneathxenosblades?’‘Asopposedtodyingbeneaththebladesofanothertribe?Orstarvingtodeath?Orbeingeatenbyakraken?’Lukassmiledmirthlessly.‘Weareborndead,pup.Thisplaneteatsmen.Evenmenlikeus.’Heshookhishead.‘I intendto teachtheeldarthattheyarenotthefiercesthuntersinthegalaxy.Theyaremeat.Theyareweak.’Hegrinned.‘AndFenriseatstheweak.’

PARTTHREE

TRICKSTER

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

STRIKEANDFADE641.M41

Lukasscaledthetree.Noeasyfeat,giventhewind,buthemanagedit.Bythetimehehadreachedthetop,thefastestoftheapproachingjetbikeswasabouttopassbelow.Thisonewasdaring,orjustovereager.Ithadoutpaceditsfellowsbyasignificantmargin,andwasshriekinglaughterthroughthevoxcastersstrappedtothejetbike’skeel.How the rider could even see the mortals struggling through the wind andsnows,Lukascouldn’tsay.Someformofsensoryapparatusbuiltintoitshelmet,perhaps, or maybe it could simply smell their anguish. Either way, it wasdistractedbythesightofitspreyandhadn’tnoticedhim.Perfect.Hethaandherwarriorswereplayingtheirparttoperfection.Theyhadgrowledabitwhenhe explainedwhat he needed, but theyhad seen themethod in hismadness.Thedark eldar sought prey, sopreyhegave them.Hehad led theminto avalanches, wolves’ lairs and booby traps. Even now, the Raider thatfollowed these outriders was drifting through the trees below. The skiff wasusing its armoured prow to smash aside trees, its crew arrogant enough toassumetherewasnothingintheforestthatcouldthreatenthem.

Hecountedunderhisbreath.Theexplosionwasslightlyearly,byhiscount.Itrippedthroughtheforest,sendingupaplumeofsmoke.Fragandkrakgrenadessynched tomotiondetectors.He imagined the lookon thehelmsman’s faceastheRaiderslidprow-firstintoafirestorm,andchuckled.Belowhim,theReaverglancedbackasitwasabouttopassthetree.Lukasleapt.Hisarmour’sservoshummedconfidentlyashepiercedthesnow-tossedwindslikeaboltshell.Hecrashedintothejetbike,laughingwildlyashedroveanelbow into the rider’s skull,pulping it.Thebodyspunaway into thegrowingtorrent.Lukasslidintotheseat,growlingasthejetbikestrainedbeneathhis weight. Even so, he managed to wrench it around so that it hurtled backtowardstheothers.Thecontrolsweremorecomplexthananythinghehadseenbefore,buthehadenoughwittogetitmovingintherightdirection.‘Let’sseewhatthistoycando,eh?’hegrowledtohimself.Fromthewaythejetbikewasdippingandshuddering,heknewitwasn’tlongfortheworld–hismasshadthrownitsdelicatestabilisersoutofalignment,andthewhole thingwas about to fly apart. Teeth bared, he hunched forward andopenedwhathehopedwasthethrottleasfarasitcouldgo.Thewindscreamedpast himas thedistancebetweenhimandhisprey closed.Theyhadonly justbeguntorealisethatsomethingwaswrongwhenhewasamongthem.Atthelastmoment,heleapt,leavingthejetbiketopinwheelintothepack.ThesolesofLukas’bootshitthefrontalcanopyofanotherReaver.Thejetbikesankbeneathhis suddenweight, and the rider squalled in startledoutrage, thereflectedglareoftheexplosionwashingacrossitsornatehelmet.Lukastoreitshead from its shoulders before vaulting away. Instinctive velocity calculationsshotthroughhismind,andheangledhisbodytowardsanotherReaver.Unfortunately,hiscalculationsprovedtobeoff.Hestruckthecanopywithhisshoulderandscrabbledoff,unable todomore than tearachunk from itsanti-gravmotorswithhisclawashespunaway.Heplummetedtowardsthetreetopsbelow,joinedamomentlaterbythejetbikeanditsrider.Itslammedintoatreeandricochetedaway,itsdamagedenginewhininglikeawoundedanimal.Lukas lashed out, the talons of his claw digging into rough bark. Splintersstabbedhisbare face ashe sliddown, slowinghisdescentwithhishandsandheels.Thetreeswayedalarminglybeneathhimasthedamagedjetbikeexploded,lashinghisbackwithheat.Heheardtheshriekoftheothersplungingafterhim.Hehadgot their attention, as hehad intended.The restwasup toKadir andDag.AkeandtheotherswereseeingtotheRaiderandanystragglers.As he touched ground, a jetbike plunged down through the branches and

whipped him off his feet, its keelblade gouging a line of sparks across hisshoulder-plate.Herolledacrossthesnow,cursing.Therewasjustenoughroomhere beneath the trees that they could manoeuvre. ‘Should have thought thisthroughabitbetter,’hemuttered.Herolledontohisback,drawinghisplasmapistol.AsasecondReavershriekedoverhead,windingbetweenthetrees,hefired.Itwasmovingsoswiftlythattheblastonlytaggedoneofitsbladevanes.Thatwasenough,however,tosenditcareeningfulltiltintoatree.Theexplosionbanishedtheshadowsbeneaththebranchesandilluminatedhim.TheremainingReaversswepttowardshim,dartingbetweenthetreeswithimpossibleaerobaticskill.Lukasshovedhimselftohisfeetandbegantorun.Hetappedthecomm-beadinhisear.‘Anytimenow,pups,’hesnarled.‘Thiswasyouridea,’Kadirrepliedoverthevox-channel.‘Don’t remindme,’Lukas snapped. ‘Just shoot thembefore they stickoneofthosewing-bladesupmy–’‘Goflat!’Lukasdropped to theground, handsoverhis head.Aheadof him,Kadir andDagsteppedfrombehindaknotoftreesandopenedupwithboltgunandpistol.TheapproachingReaverswerecaughtheadon,andamomentlatertheirflamingwreckageploughedintothesnowtoeithersideofLukas.Lukaspushedhimselfupandlookedaround.‘Isthatallofthem?’‘Looks like,’ Kadir said, trudging towards him. The light of the fire wasreflectedintheeyepiecesofhishelmet.HeextendedhishandandhauledLukastohisfeet.‘Akereportedinafewmomentsago.Therewasn’tmuchleftoftheRaider.’‘Andthecrew?’Daglaughedgutturally.Lukasnoddedinsatisfaction.‘Good.We’llmakecamp.GiveHethaandherwarriorsachancetorest.AndI’llfindusnewtargets.’‘Howmanyhavewekilledsofar?’Dagasked.Hehadsomenewscars togowith his old ones, and his battle-plate was marked with new kill tallies. TheBloodClawswereincompetitionwithoneanother.SofarAkewasinthelead,butDagwasn’tfarbehind.‘Notenough,’Lukassaid,kickingapieceofwreckageoutofhispath.Hecouldhearwolveshowlingsomewhere in the forest.ThebeastswereeatingwellofftheRout’sleavings.‘Comeon.Let’sgofindthemortalsbeforesomethingeatsthem.’

Theymadecampintheleeofanoldstonepalisade,nowmostly crumbled.Thebones of thousands of such ancient fortifications dotted Asaheim. Elsewhere,theywouldhave longsincebeenwashedawayby theseaorswallowedupbythe convulsing earth. But here they remained, grave markers for forgottenpeoples.Themortalsstretchedcuredhidesoverandoutfromthestones,making lean-tos to shelter within. They crouched around small cooking fires, wrapped inthickfurs,theirweaponsclosetohand.Sofar,Lukashadmanagedtokeepthemout of the fighting.He hoped itwould remain thatway, though he knew theywouldn’tthankhimforit.EspeciallyHetha.He smiled, watching her berate one of her warriors. ‘You were too slow,Alaric,’shesaid. ‘Younearlygotusallcaught in that lastambush.’Theyouthbristledandbegantorise,amutinousexpressiononhisface.‘Iamtiredofrunning,Hetha.Iamtiredofplayingthefearfulprey.Youmusttell the Varagyr to let us fight! How can they deny us the right to prove ourworth?’Hethabootedhiminthechest,andhetumbledoutfromunderthelean-to,intothesnow.Hecametohisfeet,hismouthopen.Hethahadthebrokentipofherswordtohisthroataninstantlater.‘Thattheyallowustojointhishuntatallisagreathonour. Ifyouwish formore, ask themyourself.’Shegestured towhereLukasandKadirsat,somedistanceaway.‘Goon.We’llwatchfromoverhere.’Alaric looked at the two Space Marines. Lukas waved genially. Alaricswallowedandturnedaway.Hethasnortedandsheathedhersword.‘Getbacktothe fire before you freeze what’s left of your manhood off,’ she said, notunkindly. Alaric did as she bade, his cheeks flushing as the other tribesmensharedalaughathisexpense.Hethajoinedthem.‘Hemeantnooffence,LaughingOne,’shesaidsoftly.‘Donotthinkillofhim.’Lukassmiledather. ‘Idon’t.He is right.Wearekeepingyoufromthefight.Perhapsunjustly.’Heshrugged.‘Butthatisourtask.’Kadirsnorted.Lukasshothimahardlook.HeturnedbacktoHetha,whowaslookingbackandforthbetweentheminconfusion.Lukasstood,shakingoffthesnowthathadcollectedonhisshoulder-plates.Shesteppedback,palingslightly.Even after several days in closeproximity, themortalswere still somewhat inaweoftheirtranshumanguardians.Hereachedoutandbrushedthesnowfromherhead.‘Youshouldgetbacktothefire.It’sonlygoingtogetcolder.’He watched her go, conscious of Kadir’s eyes on him. ‘Something on your

mind?’TheBloodClawlookedaway.‘NothingIcaretoshare,brother.’Lukaspeeredathim, trying to readhisexpression.As ifawareof this,Kadirreacheddownandunclampedhishelmetfromwhereithung.Hesliditon.‘I’mgoingtomakeaperimetersweep.Youshouldbefindingournexttarget.’‘Dagisseeingtotheperimeter,’Lukassaid.‘WhichiswhyI’mgoingtomakethesweep.’Lukaslaughed.Hesatbackdown,hisbattle-platecreakingslightlyashesettledontothestonehewasusingasaseat.Thesnowfellmoreheavilyasnightdrewon.Thewindracedthroughthetrees,carryingrainandsleet.Heturnedhisfaceup so that he could feel the stinging precipitation. TheHelwinter was almostdone. The great thaw had commenced, Fenris drawing close to the sun oncemore.Hepressedadiscreetruneonhisvambraceandopenedoneofthemanyhiddenportsonhisarmour.Fromwithin,heretrievedaportableholoslate.Itwasathin,flatscrapofmetal,barelylargerthanadata-spike.HehadborrowedthedevicefromaMechanicusmagos.Atsomepointhemightevenreturnittoitsowner,ifhewaseverinthatsectoragain.ThedevicewassyncedtotheAett’sdatacore,and when he activated it, information began to crawl across the hololithicdisplay.Someofitwasinbinary,buttherestwasinthemorefamiliarrunesofinter-ChaptercommunicationsorHighGothiccharacters.Hetappedthecomm-beadinhisearandactivatedhiscochlearvox-implant.As if indefianceof thestorm, theChaptervox-netcrackledwithactivity, thevoicesofjarlsandthegnsreportinginfromacrosstheplanet.TheRoutmightbetrappedonFenris,thankstotheHelwinter,buttheeldarweretrappedwiththem.Therewereothersoundsaswell–snatchesofwhisperedvoicesandcacklesoflaughter.As if someunseenaudiencewere listening inand finding it all tobequite amusing. Lukas ignored those. He had heard worse, wandering about ashipduringawarp-transit.Wherever the xenoswere spotted, theWolves soon arrived.The enemywereRaidersratherthaninvaders,andhadnotcomepreparedforwar.Inmostcases,they sought to flee. The question was, where? He called up a planetary griddisplayontheholoslate.Lukasstudied the flickeringcartographicholo-projection, tracing the reportedsightings,tryingtofindthesource.Everypackhaditsleader.Killthem,andtheotherswouldbeeasymeat.Buttheeldarweretakingfulladvantageofthestorm,usingitsinterferencetohidethemselvesfromsensorsweeps.Constantlyonthe

move,ridingthewind.Itwasalmostfunny,initsway.Thestrategywassimilarto that employed by most of the Raider-clans who prowled the Savage Sea.Strikeand fade, takingonlywhat theycouldcarry.Everythingelsewasput tothetorch.Theywerefast–fasterthantheRouteven,whichwasararity–bothinspeedandreactiontime.Theyhadcomeprepared.Somewereusingfalsesensorburststohide their trails.Others employedmimeticbafflesorphantomgenerators toseedtheareawithphotonicmirages,confusingtheeyesoftheirpursuers.‘We’rebeingledbythenose,’Lukasmuttered.‘What?’Kadirjoinedhim.Lukasstarted.Hehadn’theardtheBloodClawcomeback.Heglanced towards themortals’campandsawthat thefirewasburninglow.Theywereasleep.Hehadbeenstaringatthemapsforlongerthanhehadthought.‘Didyouspotsomething?’Lukasasked.Kadir removed his helmet. ‘I thought I did. I heard something, like laughter,andsawaflashofcolour.ButitwasgonebeforeIcouldcatchuptoit.Ithoughtforamomentthatitwasyou,playingajoke.ButhereIfindyou,mutteringtoyourself.’Heshookhishead.‘Not muttering. Plotting.’ Lukas gestured, causing the image to flash andexpand.‘Lookatthis.Seethesemarkers?Theseareencampments.Someoneisusing our environment against us.Whoever is in charge of these creatures isplayinggameswithus.’‘Encampments?’Kadirleanedclose.‘Howcanyoutell?’Lukaspeeredathim. ‘An Inquisitorofmy,ah,acquaintance taughtmemuchaboutthesecreatures.Lovelywoman.Strongprinciples.Goodmoralfibre.’‘SincewhendidyouknowanInquisitor?’‘Ilockedherinagroxbreedingpen.Shehadasenseofhumour,thatone.’Heshookhishead.‘Notimportant,Isuppose.Still,shetaughtmeabit.Neverknowwhatmightcomeinhandy.’Helookedbackattheimage.‘He’ssmart,thisone.Sneaky.’‘Who?’‘Whoeverisinchargeofthis.’Lukastappedthedisplay.‘Theirleader.’‘Yousoundasifyouadmirehim.It.’Lukas was silent. Kadir stared at him. ‘You do, don’t you? You admire thisfilth.’‘Youhavetoadmit,asjestsgo,thisisagoodone.’Helaughed.‘He’susingtheplanet–our planet – against us. It’s likebashing someoneover theheadwith

theirownwhetstone.Thatwon’tstopmefromfeedinghimhisownliver,whenwecometoit.’Hehikedathumbatthetrees.‘Thosejetbikeswedestroyedwereshort-rangevehicles.Theyhadtocomefromsomewhere.’Kadirgrunted.Fromhisexpression,Lukascouldtellhehadn’tthoughtaboutit.‘Yes,buttomakecamphere…Whydothat,saveasthepreludetoaninvasion?’‘Thisisahunt,Kadir.Andthereisahuntmaster.Aguidingmind.Iintendtotake thatmindandmake ithowl.’Lukas’smilewaswide. ‘LetGrimbloodandthe others race back and forth, chasing shadows. We’ll go for the head andheart.’‘Justus,’Kadirsaid. ‘You,meand theothers.Oh,anda fewscruffymortals.Thishasallthemakingsofawonderfulplan,Trickster.Dogoon.’‘They’ve set up encampments – hunting camps. Hidden from our sensors,obviously.They’re good at hiding, this filth.But there is a central camp.Andthatiswheretheoneinchargewillbe.’‘Howdoyouknow?’Kadirgrowled.Lukasshrugged.‘Unlikeyou,Ihavefoughtthembefore.Theytravelbystrangeroutes, and it’s always the same. Whichever one is in charge stays close towhateverholetheywriggledoutof.It’salmostasiftheydon’ttrusteachother.’He chuckled harshly. ‘Givenwhat I’ve learned of their society, I don’t blamethem.’Kadirshookhishead.‘I’msurprisedyouknowanythingaboutthematall.’‘Andwhyshouldn’t I?’Lukas’expressionturnedserious. ‘Youshouldalwaysstudy your prey, pup.’ He tapped a claw-tip against Kadir’s chest-plate. ‘AndanotherthingIknowisthattheywillhavesomemethodofcommunicatingwithoneanother.’‘Andyouthinktousethattotriangulatethelocationofthemaincamp.’Lukas nodded, pleased that theBloodClawhad grasped the idea so quickly.‘Whatdoyouthinkofmyplannow?’‘It’sstillafool’sdream.’Kadirsmiledthinly.‘ButweareBloodClaws.Howdowefindoneofthesecampsofyours?’Lukasgrinned.‘Simple.Weask.’

DukeSliscus studied the conflicting reportswithgrowing irritation.Themon-keighhad somehowbeenalerted to their presence.Now they raced to and froacross the planet’s surface, chasing his guests.Not an unexpected occurrence,but an unwelcome one. Thankfully, the stormwas keeping the humans’ aerialsupport safely grounded. They lacked the skill to navigate such strongwinds.

Hisowncorsairshadnosuchdifficulty, thoughthesamecouldnotbesaidforsomeofhisguests.Already casualties were starting to come in. No one important, but theycomplained nonetheless. As if this were a pleasure outing rather than a raid.Annoyed,hetossedthedataslatesaside.‘IfIhadknownitwasgoingtobethismuch trouble, Imight not have done this.’He pushed himself to his feet andstrodetotheprowoftheRaider.Despite the difficulties, thingswere going according to plan. Themon-keighsystem fleet was being run ragged by his ships, drawn from one end of thesystemtotheother.Unabletocontacttheplanet,theyhadnoideathattheywerebeingledbythenose.Themomentthatchanged,itwouldbetimetodepart,andswiftly.‘This affair is fast coming to an end. The fires dim, the songs fade.’ Sliscuswatched the pict-feed as it flickered across the screens. ‘Soonwemust departthisshadowedvaleandseeksofterlands.’‘Almostpoetic,’Malyssaid.‘Thereistalk.’‘Aboutmypoems?’‘No.’‘Pity.’Sliscuslookedather.‘What,then?’Malystappedherfanagainsttherail.‘Aplot.’Sliscusgaveabarkoflaughter.‘Againstme?That’smorelikeit.Whoisit?’‘Yourservants.’Sliscussmiled.‘Myrta,youmean.’‘Andyourfleshweaver.’‘Jhynkar,’hesaidflatly.‘Is that his name? I find it impossible to remember such inconsequentialdetails.’Sliscussnorted.‘Itdoesn’tsurpriseme.Heisquiteinsignificant,onthewhole.Iwaspaidtotakehimaboard.’Hepaused.‘Doyouthinktheywanthimback?’Hegestureddismissively.‘Nomatter.Theycanhavehim,iftheywish.Heisnotmyprisoner.’‘Haveyoutoldhimthat?’Sliscusshrugged.‘IfhehadhalfthewitheclaimstopossessIwouldn’tneedto. Just as you should know that this is a poor bargaining tactic. You havespoiledmyfun,Aurelia.Forshame.’Malyslaughed.‘Onlyyouwouldconsidersuchplotstobeentertaining.’‘Well, me and one other. Three of us together, if you include yourself.’ He

grinnedsharplyandturnedbacktothescreens.‘Whybothertotellme?’‘Ineedyoualive.’‘I thought we had already reached an agreement to disagree regarding thatmatter.’ Sliscus snapped his fingers, and a slave hurried forward, carrying agoblet on a tray. Sliscus snatched the goblet up and took a swig.He spat theliquidover therailwithahissofdisgust. ‘Poisoned.Andnotoneofmyusualones.’Heglaredather.‘Yourdoing?’Shehidhersmilebehindherfan.‘Justatest.’Heflungthegobletintothehaplessslave’sfaceandwheeledtofaceher.‘Youareabusingmyhospitality,Aurelia.’Hewaggedachidingfingerather.‘Ihaveno interest in playing the revolutionary, as I said. I havemy place, and I amcontent.’‘What, playing the Tyrant’s privateer?’ Malys glared daggers at him. ‘WhatwouldallthosedashingyoungbladesthinkifItoldthemthetruthofthedaringDuke?ThatheisjustanotherofVect’splaypretties,withnomorewillthanthelowliestslave.’Sliscusclapped,slowly.‘Areyoudone?’‘No.Youareafool.Youthinkyourselfsafe?Youareanythingbut.’‘Oh, I am well aware of that. Vect will truly seek to rid himself of me themoment my fame eclipses his own and I become a threat rather than anamusement.Andthen,andonlythen,willIstrike.’Heshookhishead.‘Iamnotaschemerlikeyou,Aurelia.Iamcunning,yes.Andclever.ButIdonothavethepatienceforplotsandschemes.’Malyswas about to replywhen a soft chime fromhis sensor feeds sounded.Sliscus waved her to silence and went to the displays. He grunted as theinformation crawled across the screen. ‘Odd.’ Another pack of hunters gone,swallowed up by this world. His scouts had found wreckage, but little else.Therehadbeenother,comparableincidents,scatteredoverthepastfewdays.Hestudiedthescreen,wonderingiftheretrulywasapattern.Iftherewas,thentheremightyetbeabitmorefuntobehadonthisdrearyworld.Malysleanedforward.‘Whatisit,Traevelliath?’Helookedather,wonderinghowmuchtotellher.Afteramoment,hegestured.‘I findmyself in need of yourwisdom,my lady.Giveme the benefit of yourkeeneye,Aurelia.’Shestoodwarilyandjoinedhim.Shepeeredatthedata.Afteramoment,shefrowned.‘Well,’hemurmured.‘Whatdoyousee?’Hersmilewascold,andrazorsharp.‘Onlytheobvious,Traevelliath.Someone

ishuntingthehunters.’

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

KRAKENBAIT641.M41

Lukasclimbedtheoutcropping,trustingtheweatherandhisdoppelgangrelpeltto hide him from view. The elk he carried over his shoulders twitched andfloppedasthebloodlicenestingwithinitstirred.Theysensedhisbodyheatandweregrowinghungry.Whichwasalltothegood.Thefiredownbelowflickeredwildly.Ithadbeenbuilt in the leeof thecrag,out of the weather. An eldar Venom sat nearby, its anti-gravity generatorskeepingitfrombeingrolledbythewind.Itsfourcrewmencrouchedaroundthefire, laughing harshly as they played with their food. The Blackmane wolfsnarledwhereitcrouchedattheedgeofthefire,heldinplacebyabarbedlashwrappedarounditsthroat.Theharder thebeast struggled, thedeeper thebarbsdug into its flesh.Bloodcoated its flanks.Despite thepain, itbitvainlyat the lash, trying topull itselffree.Theeldarproddedandwhippedtheanimal,enjoyingitsstruggles.Thewolfhowledmournfully.Lukas reached the summit of the outcropping and lifted the elk. He paused,calculatingthedistanceandangle.Hefeltthehairsonhisneckprickle,andhis

calculations ceased as he froze, suddenly alert. For an instant, he felt as if hewere being watched. Not an unfamiliar sensation on Fenris, but this wasdifferent.Andasquicklyasitcame,itvanished.Perturbed,hetossedthecarcassdown,ontotheVenom.Thesoundofitstrikingtheskimmerwasloud,despitethehowlingofthewolfandthestorm.Theeldarspun,shoutingandcursing,thenfellbackscreamingasthebloodliceeruptedandswarmedoverthem.Lukasleapt.Hedroppeddownintothecampandlungedforthetrappedwolf.He severed thebarbs thatheld thebeast and steppedaside, allowing it to leappasthimandonto theclosestof theeldar.Thexenos squalledas itwasbornebackwardsintothefirebythefuriousanimal.Lukaswhistledsharply,andwasansweredbyaseriesofhowlsfromallaroundhim.Kadirand theothersburstfromthesnow,hemmingthestartledeldarin.‘Iwantthemalive,’Lukasbellowed.Hecaughttheeldar’swristandjerkedthexenosoffbalance.Augmentedmuscletensedandhispunchnearlycollapsedthecreature’ssternum.Hesankdown,wheezing.Lukasquicklystrippedthealien’sweaponsfromhim–thevisibleones,atleast–andbegantobindhimwiththerawhidethongshecarriedforthatverypurpose.Asheworked,hewatchedhispackfallontheremainingtwoeldar.Eldarweregoodfighters,viciousandunpredictable.Butitwasn’tenough.Thetwo remainingxenoswarriorswere quickly knocked sprawling, theirweaponsand limbsbroken.Thexenoswere swiftlybound anddragged to the fire.TheBlackmanehaddraggeditskillsomedistanceawayandwasbusygorgingitself.Lukaswatchedthewolfdevourtheeldarandsmiled.‘Whysparethesecreatures?Theydeservedeath.’AkespatthewordsasLukasturned. The Blood Claw activated his chainblade for emphasis and held thegrinding teeth perilously close to one of the bound aliens. ‘Letme kill them,Strifeson.’‘Iwanttoquestionthem.’‘IdoubttheyspeakGothic,’Kadirsaiddubiously.Lukasgrinned.‘Whyshouldthatmatter?’Helookeddownatthexenos.‘TellmewhatIwanttoknow,andIwon’tkillyou,’hesaidinpassableCommorrite.IftheeldarweresurprisedthatLukasspoketheirtongue,theydidn’tshowit.‘Tellmewhereyourcamp is. Iknow it’sclose.’He leaned in, the tipsofhistalons tap-tapping against his knee.Oneof them looked as if itwere about toanswer.Insteaditspatontheground.Lukassighed,drewhisplasmapistoland

fired. As the now-headless body slumped, Lukas turned to the other twosurvivors.‘Tellme,’herepeated.‘TellmeandIwon’tkillyou.’Oneoftheeldarcursedathim.Lukasholsteredhisweaponanddroveoneofhistalonsthroughtheeldar’schest,killingit.Hedraggedthebodyclose,anddrewhiscombatblade.‘Iguesswe’lldothistheold-fashionedway,’hegruntedashebegantosawat the topof thexenos’skull.Whenhehadopeneditup,hecarefullyscoopedoutthebrainandbegantoeat.Itwasn’t thesortof trickhenormally indulgedin,but itwaseffective.Asheswallowedthechunksofspongymeat,theartificialnervebundlesinhisstomachwallabsorbedthegeneticinformationcontainedinthecerebralmatter.Hismindwas lit by flashes. Images,mostly, but scents and sounds too.Most of itwasunpleasant, evenbyhis standards.Thesecreatures indulged inmonstrosity thewayhemightdrainatankardofmjod.LukaswasawarrioroftheRout.Hehadkilledthousandswithhisownhands,wadedthroughseasofgore,bursteyeswithhisthumbsandbitoutthethroatsofhisfoes.Hehadpulpedfleshandpriedloosebones.Hehadsenthigh-velocityexplosive shells singing into packed ranks of enemy soldiery, and laughed astheywere reduced to screaming ruin.Hehadkilledwhen,whereandwho theAllfatherdictated,andsometimesthosefoeshadbeenlessworthythanthesagasmadeout.Nothinghehadeverdonecouldbecomparedtothelitanyofhorrorsthatnowfloodedhismind.Buthekepteating,untilitwasallgone.Whenhewasdone,hesankbackonhisheels,processingwhatheneeded.Heblinked,tryingtoarrangehisthoughts.Atlast,hesaid,‘IthinkIhaveit.’‘Whataboutthelastone?’KadiraskedasLukasstood,wipinghismouth.Lukas glanced at the Blackmane. The wolf stared hungrily at the remainingxenos,andtheeldarwasbeginningtolookpanicked.‘Fenriseatstheweak,’hesaid.

Severalhourslater,asslategreycloudscrawledacrossthesky,Lukaslayflatonan unmoving floe of ice on the edge of a basin lake. The eldar’s memoriesfluttered faintly against his thoughts, growing less distinctwith every passingmoment.Soontheywouldbegoneentirely.Buthehadlearnedwhatheneededtoknow.Themountainsrosearoundhim,andtheforestpressedclosetotheedgeofthelake.The lakewas large, filling the entiretyofwhathadoncebeen an impact

crater.Iceroseinrugosepatternsacrossthesurface.Thebasinwassqueezedbytectonicpressures, andas thewatersbelowsurged, so toodid the ice, to split,rise and freeze solid once more. Beyond the pale convolutions was an eerieshimmer, like the aurora that sometimes cascaded across the skies above theAett.Heheardthescrapeofceramiteontheicebehindhim.Lukaspointedtowardstheglow. ‘There.See that flickeron the ice? It’sacamp.Theyhaveerectedamimeticfieldtohidethemselves.’‘So it is,’KadirsaidashecrawledupbesideLukas.Hedidn’tsoundentirelyconvinced.‘Theothersareinplace.Whatnow?’‘There’llbeacommunicationsarrayofsomesort in there. I intend to take it.Wecanuseittofindtherest.’Kadirgrunted.‘Justthesixofus?’‘Thatshouldbemorethanenough.’‘That’sabadplan.Itmaywellmeanourdeath,’Kadirsaid.Lukasrolledoverandroseintoacrouch.‘Deathisn’twritten,pup.Itisn’tsomestoryinabook,inviolateandunchanging.Itissudden,andalwaystoosoon.’Henodded towards the distant shimmer. ‘Grimbloodmight think I’m destined todie,butI’lldamnwelldosoonmyownterms.AndI’vedecidedtodiecuttingtheheadoffthesnake.’Kadirpeeredathim.‘You’rejustdoingthistospiteGrimblood,aren’tyou?Tostealthehonourofvictoryfromhim.’Lukas laughed. ‘We’ll take that camp andusewhatwe find out to strike theothers.Go for their throat,whileGrimblood and the others distract them.’HeclappedKadirontheshoulder.‘Cheerup.Itwillbeglorious.’Heactivatedhisvox-implant.‘Ake?’‘Are you finished chewingwhatever bone of contentionwas occupying you?’Akevoxedinreply.TheBloodClawsoundedimpatient.Lukassmirked.‘Agoodmealtakestime,Ake.Areyouinposition?’‘Whendoweattack?’‘I’lltakethatasayes.Assoonasyouseethesignal.’‘Whatsignal?’‘You’llknow itwhenyou see it.Vox silence fromhere.’Hecut the channel,moretosilenceAke’sfrustratedgrowlingthanoutofanyworryofdetection.‘Youshouldn’tbaithim,’Kadirmurmured.‘It would help if he didn’t snap it up so readily.’ Lukas checked his plasmapistol.Ithadafullcharge.‘Ready?’

Kadirrosetoonekneeandcheckedtheloadofhisbolter.‘WoulditmatterifIsaidno?’Then,amomentlater,‘I’lltaketheleft.’‘I’lltaketheright.Stayalert,pup.’‘Trynottogetkilled,Strifeson.’‘I wouldn’t give Grimblood the satisfaction.’ Lukas sprang off the floe andlanded on the ice proper. It creaked beneath him, the surface cracking andreforming inmoments.Hemoved swiftly, if carefully, takingadvantageof thethrustingridgesofice.HeknewKadirwouldbedoingthesameontheoppositeside.Fromwhathehadlearnedfromtheircaptive,heknewthereweren’tmanyeldarin this camp. A few dozen, all belonging to one particular kabal. They wereworsethanFenrisianswhenitcametocooperating–whichmadethingseasy.Hepulledhis doppelgangrel pelt closer about himas he sneaked through theice.Theoily fursbent the lightaroundhim in strangeways, twistingevenhisshadowoutofproportion.Ifhemovedright,hewasallbutinvisible.Itwaslikeadance,ofsorts,onehehadlearnedthroughtrialanderror.Thecrackingoftheice,thewhineofthewind,itwasallthemusicthathedancedto.Hetwistedandshuffled,scramblingacrosstheice.Neverstopping,evenwhenaVenomhowledoverhead,racingbacktothecamp.Lukas leapt into thevehicle’s shadowand lopedafter it,using thehumof itsengines as cover. Themimetic field couldn’t be the only protection the camphad.Theremightbesomeformofpowerfieldaswell,orautomateddefences.Unlesstheyweremorearrogantthanheassumed.Asitturnedout,theywere.Theonlydefenceswereseveralbored-lookingguards,crouchedsafelybehindthefield,playingsomesortofgametopassthetime.Theeldarweremoreconcernedwiththeirentertainmentthanwhatmightbeapproachingtheircamp.Thoughgiventheirreactiontimes,thatmeantlittle–theywerefasterthananynormalhuman.Hecrouched, just a leapanda run from the flickeringpylonsof themimeticfield.Hestudiedthem.Eachofthepylonswasathintowerofblackmetal,andallwere connectedby strandsof conductive cable.Lukasknew frompreviousexperience that the field was generated by the peculiar resonation of thesecables.Takeoutoneinjusttherightway,andthefieldwouldcollapse.Itwashardtoseeanythingbeyondthem,butwhathecouldseetoldhimthatthecampwaseasymeat.Crudetentsmadefromsomefleshymaterialroselikehills beyond the pylons, arranged in concentric circles. The arc of each circlewasbrokenat intervalsbysteel cage-domes.Lukasdidn’thaveaclear lineof

sight,butheknewwhatthosewouldcontain.Prisoners,orbeastsmeantforthearenasintheHel-holethisbreedofxenoscalledhome.A muffled howl rose over the camp, and he grinned. He thought of theBlackmanetheyhadfreedearlier,andwonderedhowmanyofthosebrutestheeldar had captured. They would regret that. The grin was wiped off his facewhen he heard a sound behind him.He didn’twhirl, or give any sign he hadheardit.Ithadbeenanexhalation.Soft.Likea sigh.Hishackles rose, and theearlierfeelingofbeingwatchedreturned.Heeasedhishandtowardshisplasmapistol.Somewhere close by, something giggled. Lukas’ eyes flickered to the side,seekingtheoriginsofthesound.Nothingthere.Justasprayofcolouracrosstheice. The sensation faded, and he snorted. ‘Well,whoever you are, I hope youenjoytheshow.’Hecreptforward,movingwiththegustingsnow.Hispeltflappedinthewind,andhewondered,notforthefirsttime,whatanobservermightsee.Whateveritwas,itwasusuallysufficienttokeephimfromgettingshot,andthatwasenoughforhim.Heunhookedakrakgrenadefromhiscombatharnessandarmedit.Hetossedthegrenade,aimingfor thepointwheretheclosestpylonsankintotheice.Thegrenadestruckthepylon,bouncedonce,andexplodedasitdroppedto the ice.As theechoesof theexplosionfaded,heheard theguardsshouting.Theywerealertnow.Amoment later, the pylon groaned and the ice cracked.With a sound like abladeenteringflesh, thepylondroppedoutofsight,sinkingbeneaththeice.Itdraggeditscableswithit,andthemimeticfieldsparkedandwarped.Thenearestpylonsvoiced theirdispleasureas they turnedon theiranchoringbolts, furtherdisruptingthestabilityoftheice.Fromnearby,Lukasheardthereverberationsofa second explosion –Kadirmaking his own entrance.He rose to his feet andunhookedapairoffraggrenades.Lukasactivatedthegrenadesasherantowardsthegap.Waterspurtedfromtheruptures,andtheicewasshuddering.Evenso,thexenoswerestillontheirfeet.Lukasleaptoveraheavingcrackintheiceandlandedamongthem.Hetossedthegrenadesblind,notcaringwheretheywent.Heneedednoiseandconfusion.Moreexplosionsripsawedthroughtheairashedispatchedtheguards.Severalgotshotsoff,buttonoavail.Lukassmashedthemdownwithhisclawandhisfist.Hedroveakick into themidsectionof the last,snapping theeldar’sspinewiththeforceoftheblow.Moreofthemwerecoming,butmostwereheadingfortheirvehicles.‘Kadir,’hevoxed.

‘I’vegotthem.’Explosionsshookthecamp.Lukas hurried towards the closest cage, rolling several grenades down themakeshiftalleywaysandintoopententsashepassed,ridingtheconfusionthatresulted. The vox crackled, and he knew the rest of the Blood Claws werejoiningthefun.Theywouldensurethatnoonegotoutofthecampalive.Whenhereachedthefirstofthecages,thewolveswerehowling.Fourofthem,Blackmanesall.Lukaseasilytorethecageapart.Thewolvesstreakedpasthimwithoutsomuchasabalefullook.Heheardshoutsandscreamsechoingupfromamongthetents,andpresseddeeperintothecamp.Everycagehepassed,hetoreopen. There were elk as well, and in one, one of the great white bears thatprowledthehighcrags.Mostofthebeastswouldflee,butsome,maddenedbycaptivity,wouldseektheclosestsourceofblood.Alltothegood.Theeldarmightkillthemalleventually,butbythenLukas’handwouldbeattheirthroat.Smoke boiled through the camp. Several of the tentswere burning –Einar’sdoing,probably.Lukasheardtheclashofweapons,andAke’svoice,bellowingcurses.He loped towards the sound. Perhaps theBloodClaw had foundwhattheywerelookingfor.He foundAke strugglingwith a knot of eldar.Thewarriors surrounded him,dartinginandattackingbyturns,keepinghimoffbalance.Lukasdidn’thesitate.He drew his plasma pistol and fired, catching one of the eldar between theshoulder blades. Two of the xenos broke ranks and sped towards Lukas,snappingoff shots fromtheir splinterpistolsas they ran.He twistedaside, thesplinterstearingthroughatent,andmetthem,laughing.‘Some fun, eh?’ Lukas shouted to Ake as he sent one of his opponentssprawling. He cracked his head against that of his other foe. The xenosstaggered,andLukaskickeditslegsoutfromunderitandstampedonitsthroat.Hisplasmapistolhummed,signalling that itwasready to fireagain.He tookaimandfired,buthistargetskiddedbeneaththecoruscatingbeam.Itcameup,bothhandswrappedaroundthehiltofacurvedblade.Thebladeskiddedacrosshis chest-plate and snapped. Lukas backhanded the startled alien warrior. Heglanceddownandsawthatitsweaponhadcarvedagougeintheceramite.‘LuckoftheRuss,eh?’HelookedatAke.‘Seenanywolvesyet?Ifreedseveral.’‘Iwas distracted by the kraken,’Ake snarled, his chainblade growling as hebisectedaneldarwarrior.Thesurvivorswerefallingback,snappingoffshotsasthey retreated. Lukas heard the boom of boltguns, and knew the other BloodClawswerehardattheirtask.Suddenly,Ake’swordspenetrated.

‘Kraken?’‘There,’Akesaid,gesturing.Lukasturnedandcaughtsightoftheringofheavypillars of black metal rising from the ice, sunk by the eldar to create animprovisedcage.Somethingblackthrashedabovethetopsofthepillars.Lukasgrinned.‘TheAllfatherdoeshaveasenseofhumour.Coverme!’‘What–Lukas!’LukasignoredAke’sshoutsandploughedtowardsthecage,smashingasideanyeldarwhosoughttoblockhispath.Hecouldfeeltheicetremblingbeneathhimasheran.Thekrakenwasshiftinginitspen,agitatedbythesmellofbloodinthe air. Finding one herewasn’t so strange.Occasionally the beastswould besweptinlandduringtheHelwinterandbecometrappedinendorheicbasinssuchasthisone,oreveninthedeeperrivers.Theywouldliveandgrow,solongastheyfedregularly.Thisonelookedlikeithadbeeneatingwell.Whenhegotcloser,hesawjustwhatithadbeeneating.Thepillarshadbeenstrungwithbarbedchains, and from thesehung the torn remainsofdozensofbodies.Themortalshaddiedinagony,strippedofmeatandlimbsbyaravenouskrakenastheydangledoveritsprison.Lukastookaimatthewaterlinewithhisplasmapistol.Allhehadtodowasweakenthepillars.Thekrakenwoulddotherest.Thesearingbeamofplasmacaressedtheice,reducingittoachillmist.Watersplashedupas thekrakensensed thesuddenchange in temperatureandstruckthepillars,andthemetalgavewithasqueal.Icesplitasthekrakenseizedontheweaknessinitspenandshovedatthepillars.Thecreaturedovedownandbegantosqueezeitselfbeneaththem,theiceatLukas’feetbucking.A few seconds later, it exploded upwards through the ice, its beak snapping.Lukas turnedandran.Thekrakensurged inhiswake.He led itamerrychasethroughthetents,stayingjustaheadofit.Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawitcatcharunningeldaranddragthescreamingalienthroughacrackintheice.AVenomswoopedoverhead,itsweaponshissing.Lukasthrewhimselfforwardandrolledoutoftheway,splinterfirechewingtheicebehindhim.Thekrakenexplodedupwards,itsoil-blacktentaclesslappingthevehiclefromtheairwithascreechofabusedmetal.TheVenomcrashed,andawaveoffireeruptedasitsanti-gravityenginewentup.Lukasstaggeredastheicejumpedbeneathhim.Heturnedandsawatentacleslashingdowntowardshim.‘Skítja,’hemuttered.Someone tackledhimoutof theway just before the tentacle slammeddown.Lukas and his rescuer rolled to their feet in a spray of ice chips and water

vapour.‘Hello,Dag.Funnymeetingyouhere,’Lukassaid.Daglaughed.‘IsawthekrakenandthoughtitwastimeIreturnedthatfavourIowed you.’ A splinter round struck the Blood Claw’s shoulder-plate and hetwistedaround,firinghisboltpistol.Chuckling,Lukasfiredhisplasmapistolatone of the darting shapes.Withoutwaiting to seewhether he hadkilled it, heturnedtoDag.‘Findthechattelpens.Ifthereareanymortalsinthem,getasmanyoutasyoucan.’‘Whataboutyou?’‘There’sacommunicationsnodesomewhereinthiscamp.I’mgoingtofindit.’LukaspushedpasthimandwasoffbeforetheBloodClawcouldreply.The camp was in an uproar, as he had intended. The eldar had thoughtthemselves safe. Now they were being dragged under the shifting ice bysomethingfarworsethananywarrioroftheRout.Thekrakenwashungry,andangry,andanyxenosthatescapedtheBloodClawswasn’tgoingtomakeitfar.NottomentiontheBlackmaneshesawprowlingthroughthetentsatadistance,orthewhitebearhecouldhearbellowingsomewherecloseby.‘Fenriseatstheweak,’hemurmured.Thememorieshehadingestedledhimtotheheartofthecamp.Acentraltentthree times as large as any of the others had been erected over a metalframework. Stooping beneath the flap, Lukas entered a circular space. Metalwalkways followed a hexagonal pattern towhat resembled a central vox-relaysystem,asdesignedbyalunatic.Severaleldarstoodaroundit.They turned as he entered, andLukas shot the one in themiddle. The dyingxenosfellbackintothearray,andsparkscascadeddown,spillingacrosstheice.Theothertwodrewweaponsandfired,forcinghimtoduckbackoutofthetent.He could hear voices echoing through the hum of static emanating from thearray.Thinking quickly, he unhooked one of his remaining frag grenades, thumbedtheactivationruneandsentittumblingintothetent.Theconcussiveblastblewoutitssides,andcrackszigzaggedoutfrombeneathitashebackedaway.Amomentlater,somethingdarkandmassivepassedbeneathhim.Heheardthecrunchofsplinteringiceandtheshriekofbreakingmetalbeforetheburningtentandwhateverwasleftofthearrayweredraggedunderwaterbyaforestofblacktentacles.‘Lukas.’Lukasturned.Kadirstoodbehindhim.Hisbattle-platewasstreakedwithgore.

‘It’stimetogo.’Hisgazestrayedtothesmoulderingmassofthetentasitslowlyslippedbeneaththebrokensurface.‘Whathappened?’‘Theygotanalertoff.’Lukasshruggedapologetically.‘Iwasn’tquickenough.’‘Allthemorereasontoputsomedistancebetweenusandthiscamp.’‘Not beforewegrab someof those corpses,’Lukas said. ‘Contact theothers.Manyhandsmakeforswiftwork.’‘What?Why?’Kadirstaredathim.‘Whatareyouplanning?’Lukasgaveacoldsmile.‘Iwanttosendamessage.’

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

WOLF’SMARK641.M41

The dark eldar base camp was, to Jhynkar’s eyes, a sprawling nightmare ofprimitivism. The corsairs had taken over the mon-keigh steading at theircaptain’sbehest,buttheyhadnotleftitinonepiece.WhiletheSkySerpentshadmore experience of living off the land than the average Commorrite, neithergroupwasparticularlysuitedtoit.So,inthebesttraditionsoftheEternalCity,theyhaddecidedtomaketheslavesdoallthehardwork.Theaboriginalpalisadeshadbeentorndownandrepurposedintogantriesandtowersof timber that actedasberths forhoveringRaiders andVenoms.Whenthepalisadepostsranshort,treeswereuprootedfromthesurroundingforestandaddedtothepile.HumanstoiledbeneaththewatchfulgazesofSslythoverseersorJhynkar’swracks.Hehaddonatedtheservicesofthelatter,hopingtoscoopupanyhumanswhofalteredbeforetheSslythpouncedonthem.Thereweren’tasmanyashemighthavehoped.Mostofthehealthychattelwerebeingusedtoentertainthecorsairsand kabalitewarriorswho had drawn guard duty. The others had been put towork,or elsekilledoutofhandas awarning to the rest.Thatwarninghadn’t

permeated fully, however. For humans, these savages were hardier thanexpected,bothinbodyandmind.Jhynkar strode across the muddy ground towards the slave pens, careful toavoidgettinganydirton thehemofhis robes.Atrioofwracksfollowedhim,their black iron helms turning this way and that warily as they scanned thecurtainoffallingsnowforanythreat.Whilethepowerfieldsnowprotectingthecampkeptouttheworstoftheweather,someofitnonethelessgotthrough.He froze as the crackleof splinter fire split the frosty air.Hiswracks shiftednervously, gripping their toolsmore tightly.He let his hand drift down to thechunky-barrelled blast-pistol thrust through a loop on his apron.Ordinarily hewasreluctanttosullyhishandswithatoolofsuchutilitarianpurpose,butoverthepastfewdaysthecamphadquicklydevolvedintoalawlessmorassofboredCommorritesandtheirretinues.The enthusiasm for the expedition was waning as reports of more lethalresistancecamein,andmanyoftheDuke’sguestsitchedtoreturntotheirshipsandCommorragh.Fightshadbrokenoutasoldrivalriesroseup.Themakeshiftstreets ran red as grudges were settled. Sliscus seemed more amused by hisguests’murderousbehaviourthananythingelse.JhynkarsuspectedtheDukehadintendedforittooccur–orhadatleastpreparedforit.Hefrownedashehurriedon,hopingtogetoutoftheopenbeforewhateverwasgoingtohappen,happened.Sliscushad,forall intentsandpurposes,madethisworldintoalargerversionofhistesseractgarden.Theywerealltrappedhereathismercy,forcedtostriveagainsttheirprey,againsttheelementsandnoweachother,allforhisentertainment.Nooneelsesawit.Notyet.Sliscuswastoosmartforthat.Andtheotherdarkeldarweretooblindedbytheirownpettyambitionstounderstandthatthispartyhadneverbeenfortheirbenefit,butforSliscus’ownamusement.Hewasbored.Andwhenhebecamebored,worldsburned.That, in the end,waswhy Jhynkarwas so eager to escape. Itwas becomingmoredifficulttokeeptheSerpentdiverted.Soonhemightnarrowthebiteofhisboredom to include smaller, more intimate worlds. Jhynkar had heard thestories–allwhoservedtheDukehad–ofcorsairshipsfiredonatawhimandleftrollinginthedark,ventingflame,orloyalcaptainsbutcheredbecausesomewitticismhadoffendedtheDuke’sever-changingsensibilities.Oneofhiswracksgruntedawarning,andJhynkarpaused.Heflinchedbackashesawseveralcorsairschargetowardshiminpursuitofahairyprimitive.Thecreature gave him a wide berth, racing for an area where the power fields

weren’tyetinplace.Thetreeshadnotbeenclearedthere.‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’Myrta strode towards him, appearing behind the corsairs. She didn’t seemhappy to see him. Then, she was rarely happy to see anyone these days. Hesmiledingratiatingly.‘ShallIsetmywracksuponit?Theymightcatchthebrutebeforeitreachesthetrees.’‘Noneed.Itwon’tgetfar.Watch.’Jhynkarturnedandwatchedtheslaverun,panting,forthesafetyoftheforest.Itstruckthefirstofthemonofilamentwiresstrungthroughthetreesamomentlater.Thecreaturemadenosoundasitcameapartlikeabadlymadetoy.‘Stupidapes,’ the courtesan said dismissively. She turned to him. ‘You wantedsomething?’‘Amomentofyourtime.’Myrtaturnedaway.‘I’mafraidIhavelittletospare.TheDuke,inhisinfinitewisdom,hasleftthedetailsoforganisingthismesstome.’‘Isitthatbad,then?’‘Worsethanitlooks.Theguestshavescatteredtothewinds,atleastthosethatcanbebotheredtoleavecamp.Therehavealreadybeenfourassassinations,andtwoattemptsatwhatIsuspectaresabotage.’Jhynkarblinked.‘Sabotage?’Hehadn’tconsideredsabotage.ThatmightprovetobeawayofdealingwithSliscustotheHex’ssatisfaction.Myrtadidn’telaborate.Shewatchedasapackofferalwarp-beastsworriedtheremains of a slave lying in the snow nearby. ‘Two kabals are demandingrecompense for the deaths of their leaders by misadventure. A third isaggressivelyrequestingthattheDukeceasehisownhuntandrecoverthebodyof their archon, currently being digested in the stomach of one of those largereptilesthathunttheseashere.Nottomentionallthefoolswehavesimplylostcontactwithduetothiscursedstorm.’Sheglaredupattheroilingsky.‘WhydidIeversuggestthisplace?’Jhynkarquicklylookedaway.Beforehecouldmoveback,shehaddrawnherswordandsliditbeneathhischin.‘Oh,yes,Iremembernow.Notoneofyourbetter ideas, fleshweaver.’ He swallowed nervously and waved his agitatedwracksback.‘Whydidyouwanttoseeme?’shepurred.‘Ineedslaves.’‘Youhaveslaves.’‘Ineedmore.’

‘Why?’‘Listen.’ He placed his hand to his ear and made a show of listening. Shefrowned, but cocked her head. A blood-curdling howl rose over the camp.‘They’rehungry.’‘Sofeedthemtoeachother.I–whatisitnow?’shehissed,turningtostriketheslave that had just plucked at her sleeve.Theblue-skinned, flat-faced creaturecringed back, hands raised to ward off the blow. It babbled something in abreathy voice, and Myrta cursed. It loped away and she followed. Jhynkarreleasedabreathhehadn’trealisedhehadbeenholding.Thenhefrowned.Hestilldidn’thavehisslaves.‘Maybeshe’sright.MaybeIcanjustfeedthemtoeachother.’Hesighedandfollowedthewailinghowlsbacktohistemporaryworkshop.WhileitlackedtheeleganceofhishideawayaboardtheIncessantAgony, ithadallthenecessities.Hehadoccupiedwhathethoughthadoncebeenametalsmith’sworkshop,giventhebellowsandthehalf-finishedtoolslyingeverywhere.Mostofthathadbeenstrippedoutand tossedawaybyhiswracks tomakeroomforhisexaminationparaphernaliaandthesuspensorcages.Thecageswere translucent cubes attached to anoscillating anti-gravity field.Theyroseandfellatoddintervals,andthepowerfieldsthatformedthesidesofeachcubehummedatatonal frequencies.Thesoundandmovementworked tokeeptheirinhabitantsfrombecomingtoocomfortable.Notthatthatwasaworrywiththeseparticularsubjects.The beasts within them were almost human. That was what made themdangerous.Thevariouschemicalalterationsthathadbeendonetothem,totwistthemfrommon-keighintothehulkingmonstersbeforehim,wereprovingtobeof some interest, from an aesthetic perspective.But itwas their savagery thatwasmostimpressive.Theynevergrewtiredorceasedtheirattemptstoescape.Onethrewbackitslupineheadandhowled.Hesteppedclosetothecube,andthebeast threwitselfathim,bloodyingitselfonthepowerfield.‘Marvellous,’hesaid.Therewasacertainsavageelegancetothecreatures–abrutalartistrythathelongedtounravel.‘Remarkable endurance,’ a thin, harsh voice murmured. Jhynkar froze, butforcedhimselftorelax.Hehadn’trealisedanyoneelsewasintheworkshop.‘Yes.TheDukehashighhopesforthem.’Xhactsnortedinreply.Hishunchedframestoodatthefarendoftheworkshop,on theothersideof thecubes.Hewasexamining thestasis tubesstored there,and their contents. Jhynkar joined him in his examination. The Space Wolf

aspirantswerebrutish-lookingthings,unfinishedsculpturesbegunbysingularlyunskilled hands. Xhact sighed audibly, and Jhynkar saw the problemimmediately.Therewerefiveof them– toomanytokeepforhimself,andnotenoughtodivideevenlyamonghisclosestfollowers.‘Thereisnothingforit.Wewillsimplyneedmore,’Xhactsaid.‘Theywillbewatchingtheice,reveredartist,’Jhynkarsaid.TheHexhadonlysucceeded in raiding the trainingcampwith theelementof surprise.Now thattheSpaceWolvesknewthedarkeldarwereplanet-side,suchpreywouldbeallbutimpossibletocomeby.‘Andso?Letthemwatch.Perhapstheywilllearnsomething.’‘ThatiswhatIamafraidof,’Jhynkarmuttered.Xhactlookedathimsharply.‘Whatwasthat?’‘Nothing.’Xhact frowned. ‘I notice that Sliscus is still alive.You toldme hewould bedead.Promisedit,infact.’‘Greatworktakestime,mylord.’Xhact’s frown deepened. ‘Perhaps I made a mistake in agreeing to thisexpedition.DidI,Jhynkar?HaveImadeanerrorinjudgementintrustingyou,myapprentice?’Jhynkar hid his own frown. He hadn’t been referred to as an apprentice forsometime.‘No,myteacher.Mattersproceedapace.Brushstrokeslayereduponbrushstrokes.Wearenottheonlyoneswhowanthimdead.Wemerelyhavetoclaimthecreditwhentheapplausediesdown.’Xhactnodded.‘Good.Vect’sbountyonSliscusissubstantial.Atrap,obviously,for theunwary.Butwewilldispatchhispetandproveourselvesa force tobereckonedwith.TheTyrantwillrewardusforsuchinitiative.’Jhynkarhesitated.Then, throwingcaution to thewind,hesaid, ‘Andwhatofme?HaveIearnedtherighttoreturn?’Xhactlookeddownatthestasistubes.‘Notyet.’Jhynkar’shandstwitched.Hedesirednothingmorethantothrottlethespindlycreaturebeforehim,butherestrainedhimself.Notleastbecausehisfewpitifulwracks were badly outnumbered by Xhact’s own. The grey-skinned monsterssquatted nearby, or rifled through his tools, touching them with their clumsyhands.‘When?’heasked,asrespectfullyashecould.‘Assoonas theDuke isdead,’Xhactsaid.He tappedoneof thestasis tubes.‘Andnotamomentsooner.’

‘Thatmaytakesometime.Iamquitehardy.’Bothhaemonculispun.Wrackssurgedtotheirfeetorclutchedattheirweapons.Sliscus stood admiring the cubes. Somehow he had got in without anyonenoticing. Jhynkarwas starting to regretnot installingamoreeffective securitysystem.Sliscuslookedatthem.‘Oh,don’tlooksoshocked.I’mnotanidiot,Jhynkar.Ihaveknownofyourdiscontentforsometime.Andyou,Xhact–Iamofamindtotakeoffence.GiventhatIonlytookthisdeceitfulcreatureonatyourrequest,itseemstheheightofrudenesstorepaymewithsuchdisrespect.’Xhact was so taken aback that he could only stare. Jhynkar’s hand driftedtowards his blast-pistol. The wracks tensed, and one grunted a warning.Something tapped his shoulder. Jhynkar glanced back and saw Sleg loomingoverhim,hispalmsrestingonthehiltsofhisblades.TwomoreSslythcoveredthewrackswith theirshardcarbines.Jhynkarsmiledweaklyanddrewhishandback.Sliscus chuckled. ‘Oh, the looks on your faces. Rest easy, friends. If I tookoffence every time someone plotted to kill me, I would soon run out ofassociates.No,we’llsaynomoreaboutit,shallwe?Bygones.’‘Youshowgreatunderstanding,’Xhactsaidafteramoment.ThemasteroftheHexglaredatJhynkar,asifthesituationweresomehowhisfault.‘Evenso,Iamembarrassed.’‘What’s a little embarrassment between friends?Besides, you still oweme adebt,andIamnotonetowastesuchathing.’SliscuslookedatJhynkar.‘Jhynkarknowsmyfeelingsonwaste.’Jhynkar endeavoured to smile. His eyes strayed to the controls for thesuspensor cages, hanging froma support beamnearby.One tap and the cubeswouldceasetofunction.Thebeastswouldbefree.ThewaytheyweresnarlingatSliscus,Jhynkarhadnodoubttheywouldgoafterhimfirst.Sliscusmightkillone,possiblytwo.Butnotallofthem.HiseyesflickeredbacktotheDuke,whowaswatchinghimpatiently.Sliscus inclined his head slightly, as if giving him permission. Jhynkarswallowedthicklyandlookedresolutelyawayfromthecontrols.Sliscus’smilebent into a frownofmilddisappointment.Beforehe could speak,Myrtaburstintotheworkshop.‘Mylord,’shebeganbeforecomingtoahalt,puzzledatthescenebeforeher.‘Whatisit?’Sliscusasked,nottakinghiseyesfromJhynkar.‘Wehavereceivedanalert.Oneofourcampsisunderattack.’

SliscuspacedimpatientlyacrossthedeckashisRaidercutthroughthechillairtowardsthebasinlake.ApackofVenomsswoopedbeneathandabovetheskiff,keepingpace.SlegandhisotherSslythguardswatchedtherails,stillasstatues,their flickering tongues the only sign of life. Hands behind his back, Sliscusstoppedashecaughtsightofaraggedplumeofsmokerisingthroughthecurtainof snow.Hehissed inannoyance.Hespun to faceMyrta,whostoodwatchinghim.‘Areyoucertainit’sthesamepattern?’‘AsfarasIcantell.’Shefrowned.‘Theattackerswereonlyafewinnumber.Thesmallestpackwehaveencounteredwasdozensstrong.Thiswas less thanhalfthat.Orsotheyclaimed,beforecommunicationswerecut.’Sliscusgrunted.Thereportswerefewandfarbetween.Onewolf,maybetwo.No more than seven. All in the same region, attacking with an unexpectedcunning – not reacting as the rest of the SpaceMarines were, but instigatingconfrontations.And always against larger and larger targets. It had taken himsometimetoseethepatternforwhatitwas.Nowthathehad,hewasdeterminedtobringthismostcunningofbeaststobay.Hestillwasn’tsurewhathisgoalwas–killingitseemedawaste.Perhapshecouldtrapitinhistesseract,toentertainhimathisleisure.Mostlyhejustwantedtoseeitwithhisowneyes.Toseesuchacleverbeastwasararetreat.‘Have you given any thought as to why they let you receive the message,Traevelliath?’LadyMalysasked.Shewassittingnear theprow.Thetablewasstill there, and a complement of slaves circled her, laying out a fine meal ofbaked wolf cub seasoned with drake venom. Sliscus was too agitated to eat,however.‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Itcouldbeatrap.’Sliscussmiled.‘Good.’Malys sighed and extended her goblet for a slave to refill it. ‘You really aretiresomeonoccasion,Traevelliath.Ifitisatrap,youareflyingintoit.’‘Again,good.’Sliscusstrodetothetableandsnatchedtherefilledgobletfromher.Heknockedbackthecontentsandreturnedit toher.‘Icametothisworldlooking for a bit of fun, and so far all I’vegot are complaints and a fewnewmonsterstoaddtomymenagerie.Iwantsomethingmoreinterestingbeforetheend.’‘Andwhenwillthatbe?’‘Soon.’Hefrowned.‘Thisisthefirstcamptobecompromised.Itwon’tbelong

before theothersareaswell. Ihavesentword toeveryonewhomatters tocuttheirhuntsshortandreturntothebasecamp.Thestormisending,andsotooisourtimeonthisdreadfullittleballofice.’Hetappedthepommelofoneofhisswords. The spirit stones pulsed warmly at his touch, the souls within themstirring.‘Well,thatisarelief.Ithoughtforamomentyouweregoingtoforceustofightthemon-keighoutofspite.’Malysgesturedforaslavetorefillherdrink.‘Andoncethefiresaredimmed,andtherevelsended?’‘Ishallfindnewrevelsandsetnewfires.’Sliscuslookedupatoneofhiscrew.‘We’rehere.’HesteppedpastMalysandsteppedupontotheprow,grabbingaguide-wireforbalance.Posedinwhathehopedwasaheroicfashion,hegazedoutovertheicylakeandthecampthathadonceoccupiedit.‘Whowasthis?’Hetossedthequestionoverhisshoulder.‘ArchonQuev’as’ayahoftheThirdPlenipotentiaryof–’Sliscus gestured dismissively. ‘Say no more. No one important.’ A minorarchon from Low Commorragh. One with more titles than warriors, and areputationasatraderinfleshtothecheaperarenas.Nolossthere.Thecampwasasmokingruin.TheRaiderswungoutover it, turningslowly.Theicehadbeenshatteredatseveralpoints,andgreat,gapingholesmarkeditssurface. Bodies lay everywhere. He found his eyes drawn past the camp. HesignalledtothehelmsmantotaketheRaiderin.‘Thosecorpsesappeartohavebeenarranged,’Malyssaidathiselbow.‘Indeed.Andquiteacuriousshapeitis.’Thebodies lay ina tangled line. Itwasobviouslyasymbolofsomekind–arune, as thenatives of thisworld called them.Butwhich rune?Hewavedhishand. The helmsman obliged and the Raider sank down until it was almostskimming the ice. It circled the arranged corpseswith slow grace, its engineshumming,andacoldmistrose,billowingabouttheskiff.Sliscus bent over the edge of the prow, studying the shape. He had amusedhimself with several lessons in the local dialect between hunts. His teachersrarelysurvived the lessons,buthehad learnedsomethingdespitehimself.Therune-shapetuggedathismemory.‘Hloja,’hemurmured.‘Whichmeans?’Malysasked.‘Laugh,’Sliscussaid,andblinked.Therewassomethingundertheice.Hesawitjustforamoment,andhadtheimpressionofaforestcanopycaughtinastrongwind.Heturned.‘Up!Takeusup!’Thehelmsmanreactedwithcommendablealacrity.Evenso,hewasaninstant

too slow. Bodies tumbled as the ice ruptured upwards, driven by a heaving,monstrous shape.The kraken emergedwith a thunderous shriek of hunger, itsfang-studdedbeak snapping.Black tentacles slammed into theRaider, and thecrewwere knocked from their feet.A slave fell screaming to the ice andwasimmediatelyensnaredanddraggedintothebeast’smaw.TheRaiderpivotedonitsaxis,itsenginesstraining,asatendrilcoiledaboutthekeelblade. Sliscus whistled. Sleg and his coil-kin slithered to the rails,shardcarbines in hand. They fired at the tendrils, severing those they could.Sliscusslidbehind thedisintegratorcannonmountedat theprowandswung itaround,tryingtogetabeadonthekraken.‘Ha!’hesnarled,andactivatedthecannon.Raveningenergieseruptedfromthebarrelandpunchedintothebeast’sbody,atomisingfleshandscale.ThekrakenshriekedandreleasedtheRaider.Itplungedbackthroughtheiceandvanished.Sliscuscursedandfiredagain,butheknewthebeastwasalreadygone.He stepped back. And laughed. Arms spread, he threw back his head andbellowed his joy to the sky. ‘Oh, what a delightful jest! Did you see that,Aurelia?’Malyslookednonetheworseforwear.ShetookherseatastheRaiderroseintotheair.‘Isaw.Hardtomisssuchathing.’‘Wasn’titwonderful?Quiteexhilarating,don’tyouthink?’‘Icouldhavedonewithoutit,frankly.’Malysbegantofanherself.‘Youadmireit.’Sliscus’ head twitched. Barely a nod. ‘Perhaps. It was very cunningly done.EvenImustadmit that.’Hestareddownat theholein theice.‘Aperfect trap.Addittotheotherreports,andIseeapattern.Amindquiteunlikethatofanyotherwolf.Thoseothersarebrutes.Givethemabitofblood,andtheywillchaseshadowsfordays,nonethewiser.’Heleanedovertherail.‘Butnotthisone.’‘No.Thisonehuntsyou,’Malyssaidsoftly.Sliscuslaughed.‘Theyallhuntme,thoughtheyknowitnot.Theyseekushereandthere,thoughtheycannotfindus.Thatispartofthefun.’‘But this one hunts you, specifically. This was amessage, Traevelliath.’ Shefrowned.‘Theyarelookingtocuttheheadofftheserpent.’Helookedather,carefulnottoletanythingshowonhisface.‘So?’Shesatbackwithashrug.‘Soitisachallenge.Nothingmore,nothingless.’Sliscusfrowned.HeglancedatMyrta,whostoodclosebyaswashiswill.‘Andwhatdoyouthink,mylady?’‘Sheisright.Thebeastchallengesus,mylord.Itmakessportofus,asifweare

thepreyhere.’Shespokeflatly,herdarkeyesgleaming.Sliscusfrowned.Notatherimpertinence,butatthewords.Theyweren’thers,hesuspected.HeglancedatMalys,feelingsuddenlyhemmedin,thoughtheyweremerelysayingwhathealready thought.Still,bestnot to let themsee that. Itmight setanunfortunateprecedent.‘Achallenge.Ihaveheardthatbefore,haveInot,Aurelia?’Sliscusshookhishead.‘Thisisn’taduel.Thisbeastisnoworthyopponent,merelycleverprey.Ishallrunittoground,eventually.WhenIdiscoverwhereitlairs.’‘Icantellyou,ifyoulike.’Sliscuslookedup.TheHarlequin Shadowseer stood perched on the rail, balancing on one foot.Where she had come from, he couldn’t say. Itwas as if she had appeared bysomesorceroustrick.Shestretchedherotherlegoutandplantedafootsquarelyon Sleg’s uppermost shoulder. Then, with a single, graceful motion, she wasstandingontopofhisbroadskull.TheSslythmadetodrawhisweapons,butagesturefromSliscusstoppedhim.TheHarlequinlaughedandspunherstaff inslow,almosthypnoticcircles.‘Tellmewhat,acrobat?’Sliscusasked.‘Thelocationofyourfoe.’‘Oh, how useful.’ Sliscus threw up his hands. ‘Were I of a more suspicioustemperament,Imightsuspectcollusiononthepartofeveryonehere.’HepointedanaccusingfingerattheHarlequin.‘Howdidyoucometoknowthat?Wereyouwatchingasitsavagedmywarriors,perchance?’TheHarlequingiggled, stretched,and,balancingon the tipsofher toes, spunslowly, causing Sleg to grunt in discomfort. ‘Convenience is themarrow of astory’sbones,ohgreatSerpent.Isaw,Isaw,Isaw.Iheard,Iheard,Iheard.Andthatishowthetalegoes.’SliscusturnedtoMalys,hisexpressionbleaklyamused.‘Well,thereyouhaveit.That ishowthestorygoes.’He twitched.Thebladewas inhishandsofastthatMalysbarelysawitbeforeitlefthisfingersandshottowardstheHarlequin.Theclown’sgigglesceased inan instantas she interposedher staff.Theknifesankdeepintothestaffwithahollowcrack.TheHarlequinleaptback,offSlegandontotherail,warynowratherthanamused.Sliscuslaughed.‘WhatifIdon’tlikeyourstory,vulgarian?Whatthen?Whatwillyoudo?’TheHarlequincarefullypriedtheknifefreefromherstaff.‘Youareacorsair,not a critic. Your opinion means little at this point in the narrative.’ TheHarlequincasuallytossedtheknifebacktoSliscus.‘Thesceneisset,theending

written.’‘Ifthat’sthecase,thenwhyareyouhere?’‘Tomakesureeveryone isat theirappointedplace.’TheHarlequin leanedonherstaff.‘Iknowwhereithides.Wouldyouliketoknow?’Sliscus’eyesnarrowed.TheHarlequinsgavenothingawayforfree.‘Whatwillitcostme?’hedemanded,lettinghishanddrifttowardstheswordssheathedonhiship.TheShadowseerlookedatMalys.Amomentlater,sodidSliscus.Malysmadea showof sipping fromher drink. ‘Iwould advise you to listen to the clown,Traevelliath.Theyrarelyspeakwithoutpurpose.’Sliscus frowned and lookedbackdownat the ice.He could still see thevastshapeof thekraken,crouchedwatchfully in thedepths.Waitingfor itsprey tocomewithinreach.Helookedup.‘Iwillrequirethepropertools.’‘I happen to know that several of your guests brought their own pet killers.’Malys leaned forward. ‘Themore rash among themsee this as anopportunityto… expand their spheres of influence. So they have hired blades adept atstrikinginthecoldandthedark.YouknowofwhatIspeak?’‘Mandrakes,’ Sliscus said, catching her meaning. The shadow-killers werefamed in Commorragh for their lethality. There were those who said theMandrakesweren’teventrulyeldaranymore,butsomethingelse.‘Who?’‘Iwilltellyou.’Sheheldupafinger.‘Ifyouallowmetohelp.’‘Why?’‘Simplythepleasureofyourcompany,Traevelliath.’Hefrowned,suspicious.Buthewasnostrangertosuchwhims,andhesmiled,bent,andkissedherhand.‘AsIenjoyyours,mydear.’

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

REDSHADOWS641.M41

LukascrouchedbesideHetha,listeningtohersnore.Onlythepackwereawake.Themortalsshelteredinthecavetheyhadfound,sleepingaroundthefire,tryingtheir best to keepwarm.Hetha and herwarriors lay near the cave’s entrance,ostensiblytohinderanyattempttocreepuponthemunawares.Therestofthecavewasoccupiedbythosetheyhadfreedfromtheicecamp.Notmany.Fewerthanadozenfittowalk,andafewotherswholikelywouldn’tlastthenight.Thesehadmadetheirpeace,andnowtheyslept.Some–most–wouldnotawaken.Heglancedbackintothecave,listeningtothesoftmoansofthewoundedandsmelling the blood. Some of themwere not sleeping. Theirmindswere gone,andtheireyesstaredinwardsat thingshecouldnotperceive.Thesetoowoulddie,andsoon.Already malnourished, they refused food and drink and were all but wastedaway now. He felt some faint tremor of pity, but pushed it aside. They werealreadyghostsinallbutbody,andtheywerefreeofpain.‘Morkaikeepyouall,’Lukasmurmured.

‘What?’Halvarsatnearby,attheedgeofthecave.Hehadhischainbladeacrosshis knees and was anointing its teeth with some scented unguent of his ownconcoction.MuchoftheBloodClaw’sodourcamenotfromlackofbathing,asLukas had first thought, but from themelange of competing blessed oils andincensesherubbedintohisgear.Bearfatmixedwiththebloodoforksandotherfoes was often used by theWolf Priests to anoint the weaponry of the Rout.Halvarmadehisown,andblessedhimselfliberally.‘IsaidI’mhavingsecondthoughts,’Lukassaid.‘Perhapstheywouldbesaferdaringthewrathoftheseas.’‘Better herewith us than anywhere else.We are the shield and sword of theAllfather.Hiswrathmademanifest.WearethewolfthatguardsthegateofHel.’Halvarspokequietly.Passionately.TheBloodClaw’sfaithwasasstrongastheAettwastall.Ifhesurvived,hemightfindhimselfaplaceamongtheChoosersoftheValiant.‘Aye. And a kind wolf we are. How often have we clashed with those whowoulduseus tocruelends?’Lukas lookedathim.‘Wehaveevenwarredwithourowninordertosparetheinnocent.’‘As it should be. As it must be.’ Halvar hesitated. ‘You sound as if youdisapprove.’Lukas laughed quietly. ‘No. I simply wonder why we do not extend thecourtesyofourkindnesstoourownfolk.’Hestaredoutintothedark,listeningto themuted fury of the storm. ‘Wewill go towar in the name of innocentselsewhere, but babes starve on this world every day. Our people die, andwejudge themon thequalityof theirsuffering.Howmanydieastrawdeath, thatmightotherwisehavelived?’Halvarwassilent.Then,‘ItwasthewillofRuss.’‘Yes.RemindmetoaskhimaboutitwhenIseehim.’LukassmiledthinlyandlookeddownatHetha,feelingatwingeofsomethingthatmighthavebeenguilt.‘We have much in common, Russ and I. Both of us liars.’ He stroked thesleeping woman’s hair. ‘She is one of mine, I think. Several generationsremoved,butmineallthesame.Thereissomethinginthem,intheirscent,intheway they hunt and sing and curse, that remindsme ofmy own folk. Do yourememberyours,pup?’‘No. They are not my people anymore. They haven’t been for manygenerations.’Halvarhesitated.‘Ibarelyevenrememberthem.Theirfaces.Whotheywere.’‘That is where we differ, then. I remember all too well.’ Lukas stood, but

continued to stare atHetha. ‘Ake askedmewhy, earlier.Why I brought themfood.WhyIofferedthemthechoice.Thatiswhy.Thesearemine.AndIwillletnoonetakethemfromme.Notthisworld,nottheeldar,noteventheAllfatherhimself.’LukassteppedpastHalvar,outintothecolddarkofthenight.Thehorizonwasslashedbypale streaksof light,despite theclouds. Itwouldbemorningsoon.TheywouldreachtheJahtviansteadingthen,andthemortalstheyhadrescuedmightfindsomerespite,howeverbriefly.Notforlong,though.Neverforlong,onFenris.Histribewaslonggone.Theirdescendantshadsplintered,amalgamated,grownandshrunkinthecenturiessincehehadbeenpulledofftheice.Astheywoulddointheseasonstocome.Theyadaptedmoreeasilythanthosetheythoughtofasgods.Butstill,theywerehis.Hisblood,howeverthin,flowedintheirveins.Andsohewouldfeedthem.Hewouldguardthem.Evenuntotheendofhisdays.Hehadbeenworthlessasamortal.Aliar,a thiefandaphilanderer.Andwhilehewasn’t much better now, he would do what he could. He would not forget.Othersmight,butnothim.Sometimeshesawghosts,ontheiceandinthemorningmist.Facesandvoicesfromapastthatgrewmoredifficulttorememberwitheverypassingdecade.Hehawkedandspat.Hisacidic salivahissedon the ice,burning through it to therockfacebeneath.‘Iwillnotforget,’hemuttered.Hestraightenedassomethinginthedistancecaughthiseye.Idly,hescrapedhistalonstogether,alertingtheothers.‘Whatisit?’Halvarrumbled,comingoutofthecave.Silently,Lukaspointed.Flashesof lightpierced the shroudof rainandsnow.Notfirelight,butsomethinghungrier.‘Wakeupthemortals,’hesaidquietly.A few moments later, Hetha joined him. ‘The steading,’ she said, her voicehollow.Therewasfearthere,butmostlyresignation.Ithadonlybeenamatteroftimebeforetheeldarlocatedthesteading.‘Yes.Wewillseewhatcanbeseen,anddowhatcanbedone.Youwillwaketheothers.Stayhere,butbereadytomoveifnecessary.’Hethafrowned.Shegrippedthehiltofherblade.‘Wewillcomewithyou.’‘No,’Lukasgrowled.‘Youwouldonlyslowusdown.Wewillreturnforyou.Untilthen,stayhere.Stayquiet.Staystill.’Hetha made to protest, but Lukas was already turning away. He could onlyhope shewould listen.He sprang from the ledge.Rock crumbled beneath his

feetashecrasheddown.Beforeitcouldcollapseentirely,hewasalreadyleapingfor the next outcropping, trusting in his own agility and his armour’s auto-stabiliserstocarryhimsafelyfromonetothenext.HecouldhearHalvarandtheothersfollowinghim.There was no need for discussion. Distance was little impediment to theirsenses,andthestormwindsonlyhelpedtocarrythesmelloffireanddeathtothem. They raced across the taiga, moving as quickly as their enhancedphysiologieswouldallow.Allthoughtofstealthwasforgottenintheirhaste.Asthey drew near the steading, smoke hung thick on the air, mingling with thesnow. The crackle of flames filled Lukas’ world – he heard nothing else. Noscreams,nohowls,noteventhehumoftheeldaranti-gravityengines.Onlythefire.‘Split up,’ he snarled, his voice cracking across the vox like a whip. ‘Ake,Einar,Dag–taketheleft.Halvar,Kadir,withme.Drivethemback,whateverittakes.Give themortalsachance to fleeor fight, as theywill.Go!’Lukaswasmoving towards the wreck of the main gateway even before he finishedspeaking. Halvar and Kadir bounded in his wake, thumbing the activationswitchesontheirchainblades.Thepalisadeandthemainhallwereinruins.Thelean,sharpshapesofRaidersnosed through the clouds of smoke, like beasts on the hunt. Splinter cannonscrackled.Dark,armouredxenoswarriorsracedthroughthedestruction,laughingastheykilled.Lukas activated his wolf claw as he burst through the smoke. The energy-sheathedtalonstoreeasilythroughanunwaryeldar.Theotherswhippedaround,theirweaponssnapping.Lukasspunaway,seekingsafetyinthesmoke.Halvarlopedpast,hischainbladegrowlingasitbitintothethinarmourofhisopponent.The eldar wailed as the weapon chewed through its midsection, drawing theattentionoftheothers.Kadirshotone,knockingthealienbackwards,asmokingcraterinitschest.As the others swung theirweapons towards theBloodClaws,Lukas steppedintotheopen,hisplasmapistolinhand.Hetookaimandfired,neatlyremovinghistarget’shead.Heholsteredtheweapon,leavingittorecharge.Hecouldhearthehowlsoftheothersastheymettheenemy.Thereweremoreeldarherethanhehadfirstthought.AtrioofRaidershummedoverthehalls,firingdownintothesmoke.Venomsaccompaniedthem,dartingclosetotherooftops.Lukastookarunningleapandmade ituponto theedgeof ahall’s roof.He reached the top just as aVenom

swoopedpast.Hisclawshotout,grazingtheedgeofthevehicleandsendingitoff course. It ploughed into the roof, setting the thatch alight as it crashedthroughintothehallbelow.Awhisperofsoundthatmighthavebeensingingorlaughterslitheredoverthevox.Bandedbywavesofinterference,itwasbarelythere,anditwassoonlostinthe harsh crunch of dissolving signals. Someone – something –waswatchinghim.Lukasturned.Fromhisvantagepoint,hecouldseemostofthesteading.Whatwasn’t burning soon would be. But most of the dragonships were gone fromtheirriverdocks,saveforoneor twothatburnedwheretheyweretied.Athinsparkofhopeflaredwithinhim.Someofthemwerealive–theyhadtobe.Aflashofcolourridingthestormwindscaughthisattention.Hetensed,tryingtomakeouttheshapeswithinthekaleidoscopicswirls,buttheydefiedevenhisenhancedvision.Theyweregone inamoment,makinghimwonder ifhehadevenseenthematall.Heheard the crunchofmetal againstwood, and turnedback to see aRaiderapproaching. It drew closer, its keel scraping across the nearby rooftops, itsweaponssilent.Aleanfigurestoodbalancedontherail,clingingtoaguide-wirewithonehand.The eldar was taller than most and dressed flamboyantly. The coat it worecaughtatthelight,shimmeringeerily.Twoswordsweresheathedononehip,apistol on the other. Its hair was longer than was entirely practical, whippingabout itshead ina frenziedhalo. Its armourwasnot thedarkmesh theotherswore, but somethingmore ornate. Even at a distance and through the haze ofsmoke,Lukascouldtellitwasintricatelydecorated.Asmilespreadacrosstheeldar’sinhumanfeaturesasitcaughtsightofhim.Itgaveamockingsalute. ‘Ahoy,’ thecreaturecalled inpassableFenrisian. ‘Iampleased you accepted my invitation, mon-keigh. That was a good trick youpulledwiththekraken.’Itgesturedaroundthesteading.‘Whatdoyouthinkofmine?’Lukasdrewhisplasmapistolandfired.Theshotarcedlow,scorchingthehulloftheRaider.Thexenosglanceddown,andthenup,afrownonitsface.Lukasshrugged.The eldar laughed.Amoment later, a disintegrator beam shivered across theroof, barelymissing Lukas. It tore across the nearest edge, tearing it open.Asecondbeamfollowedthefirst,cuttinghimofffromthefarsideoftheroofthistime.Lukasfoundhimselfperchedonaloneislandamidthesmokeandflame.

Thewoodcreakedbeneathhim,weakenedbythetwinwavesofdestruction.Itbegantosway.‘Skítja,’Lukashowledastheroofbeamsplinteredandcollapsed,droppinghimintotheburninghallbelow.

KadirsawLukasdropdownthroughtheroofand theflamesroarupwherehehad been. He slapped aside a xenos warrior, driving it into a door post andsnapping itsneck.The restof the creatures seemed little inclined toget inhiswayashesmashedthroughtheburningdoorsandintothehall.The wreckage of a Venom occupied the centre of the hall, and the flamesspilling from its collapsed innards crawled across the floor andwalls. Smokewreathed everything, obscuring his autosenses. Optical augurs in his visorwhirred, seekingLukas’ life-signs amid the fire. The fall alonewouldn’t havekilled him. Nor would the flames. But if Lukas had been caught by thedisintegratorbeam,hemightbeinjuredenoughthatoneortheothercouldwellhaveprovedfatal.‘Lukas,’hebellowed,wrenchingupafallensupportbeamandcastingitaside.Itlandedbehindhimwithahollowboom.Therewerebodieseverywhere.Thishall had beenmade into a slaughterhousewell before the fire had started.Heheard a crunch ofwood behind him, and glanced back to seeHalvar shovingtablesandbenchesoutofhispath.‘He’sinheresomewhere,helpmefindhim.’Heheard the roarofweaponryoutsideandoverhead.Thehall shook,andhewonderediftheeldarintendedtobringitdownontopofthem.Amomentlater,he heard a shout and saw Ake and the others crashing towards him. ‘Theycorneredus–droveushere,’Akesnarled.Therewasbloodonhisarmour.DagwasleaningonEinarforsupport.Kadirpausedinhisefforts.‘What?Whywouldthey–’Something caught his wrist, startling him. He looked down and saw a soot-stainedgauntletclutchinghisforearm.Hereacheddown.‘Lukas!’HehauledtheTricksterup,outofthedebrishehadbeenburiedunder.Lukascoughed.‘Trap.’‘What?’‘Trap,’Lukas said, shoving him aside. ‘We’re not alone in here.Heard themmovingaround.Weneedtogetout.Intotheopen.’Kadirtensed,hissensesstraining.Heheardnothingsavethecrackleofflames.Sawnothing,savedeathandshadows.Andthentheshadowsmoved.Theycameoutofthedarkness,movinglikeblacklightning.No,notoutofthe

dark – theywere the dark, stretched and skewed into humanoid shapes. Theywere coal black, their inky skinmarkedwith undulating sigils. Their featureswere indistinct, shifting andwarping as they slipped from one shadow to thenext.‘Come,then,’Akesnarled.‘ComeandfacethesonsofRuss!’Aganglyshaperoseupoutof theBloodClaw’sshadowas thechallenge lefthislips,anddroveacurved,scythe-likebladeintohisback.Theweaponseemedtosinkintothecrevicesofhisbattle-plate,andbloodjettedfromhismouthinashockedexhalation.Thething–theeldar–coiledabouthim,strikingagainandagain,hissinginpleasure.Akestaggered,groaning.Boltpistolsthundered,andthe shadow-thingwasgone.Ake slumped,blood leaking from the joinsofhisarmour. He looked around dully for a moment, a snarl on his lips. Then hetoppledforwardontothefloor.‘Ake,’Kadirsnarled.‘Ake!’Helungedforhisfallenbrotherassomethingelselurched up from beneath him. He twisted aside at the last moment, fallingheavilytothefloorandscramblingback.Bloodflowedfromalong,grislygashonhischeek.Moreshapesswarmeduparoundhim,butweredrivenbackbyadesperatesweepofhisblade.‘Whatarethesethings?’‘Daemons,’Halvarhowled,whirling.Heblockedascytheblowandforcedhisopponentback.‘Unholyvibrationsofthewarp.Spawnoflightlessstars!’‘No,they’reshadow-hunters,’Lukasroared,slashingatone.‘Mandrakes,theycallthem.’Itslippedawayfromhisclawasifitwerenomoresubstantialthanmist.‘They’remoreshadowthanflesh!’Kadircursedashisownchainbladefailedtobiteflesh.Heblockedablowthatwouldhaveopenedhisthroat,andsentthecreaturereeling.Itsankoutofsight,droppingintoashadow.Heturned.HecouldseeLukasandtheothersbattlingtheirownopponentsamidthefiredrippingfromtheroof.Thehallwasentirelyaflamenow.Chunksofburningthatchpatteredacrosshisarmourasheblockedasuddenslash.Thexenosretreatedinstantly,sinkingawayintotheleeofasupportbeam.Flameswashedacrossthefloor,separatingthem.Behindhim,Daghowled.KadirspunandsawoneofthecreaturesbehindtheotherBloodClaw,itshookedbladeburiedinthesmallofhisback.Itwrenchedthe weapon free and ceramite parted as if it were no thicker than paper. TheBloodClawfellforward,hisweaponsclatteringfromhisgrip.Einarbellowedashisbrotherfell,andhisflamerroared.Theshadow-warrior screamed as fire enveloped its angular form. Einar reached down,hookedoneofDag’sarms,andbegantodraghimtowardsthedoors.‘Help,’he

barked.Halvarleapttoaidhim,firinghisboltpistolattheshadowsseekingtooverwhelmthem.There were Mandrakes everywhere, slipping out of every shadow, theirweaponsshimmeringwithadarkradiance.Thesoundof theirhissing laughterwasloudastheyclosedinontheBloodClaws,movingthroughtheflamesandsmokelikewraiths.Kadiremptiedhisbolter,sweepingitaroundinawidearc.Hestaggered,droppingtheemptyweapon,assomethingslidbetweentheplatesof his armour and into the meat of his side. He snarled, spitting blood, andturned, drawing his chainblade. A burst of plasma sent his attacker topplingaway before he could strike. Lukas was there, steady ing him. ‘Time to go,brother.’Hestartedtowardsthedoors.‘WhataboutAke?’Kadirdemanded.Lukasdidn’tlookathim.‘Akeisdead,’hesnarled.‘Ifyoudon’twanttojoinhim,you’dbesttucktailandrun.’

‘They’rerunning,’Sliscussaid.Hepoundedafistontherail.‘Lookatthemgo!’The grey-armoured warriors had burst out of the burning hall in a flurry ofshots,killingthosecorsairswhotriedtointervene.HehadhopedthatbydrivingthemallintooneplacehehadmadethingseasierfortheMandrakes.Instead,itseemed that the shadow-killers’ reputation was vastly inflated. The SpaceWolves had left one of their number behind, but the restwere still breathing.Includingtheonewiththeredhair.Thatonewasspecial.Hehadknownitassoonashesawhim.Theotherswerebrutes,but thatone– thatonehada look inhiseyes.Acertaincunning tohisfeatures.Hehadreactedquickly,farquickerinfactthanSliscushadanticipated.Hehadhopedtodrawthewolvesoutlater,afterthesteadinghadbeenburned.Asmokingruinmadeforanidealambushsite.Hecouldhaveenjoyedtheirdespairatthesightofthedeadevenastheywerecutdownunawares.Instead,theyhadinterruptedhiswarriorsattheirlabour.Hehadbeenforcedtoreactswiftly,sendingtheMandrakesinwhiletheirpreywason the alert.Even so, it hadproved immensely entertaining.He turned tolookattheothers.‘Astounding.Iwasn’tawaretheyhadthewittoretreat.’‘Theyaresmart, thesewolves,’Malyssaid.‘Orperhapsyourtrapwassimplysloppy, Traevelliath.’ She sat at her accustomed place,watching the fraywithdetachedamusement.Annoyanceflaredinhim.‘Our trap,Aurelia.Orhaveyouforgottenthat thoseareyourMandrakeswhofailed tokill them?’Sliscusflungoutahand, indicating theshadow-shape that

slowly emerged onto the deck of the Raider. He turned to face the spindlycreature.HefeltlittleoftheinstinctivefearthatafflictedmanyinCommorraghwhen it came to the shadow-skinnednativesofAelindrach. ‘Well?What haveyoutosayforyourself,youambulatoryoilslick?’Whateverreplytheshadow-creaturehadbeenabouttoofferwascutshortbyablast fromSliscus’ splinter pistol.He had drawn and fired before the creaturecouldspeak.TheMandrakeslumpedbackandtoppledfromthedeckwithbarelyasound.Sliscusholsteredhisweaponwithadisdainfulsniff.Theshadow-skinsdiedaseasilyasanythingelse,whatevertheirreputation.‘Callofftheothers.Letthemgoforthemoment.’Malysclearedherthroat.‘Isthatwise?Wecouldeasilycatchthem.’Sliscus looked at her. ‘Andwhatwould be the fun of that?’He looked backtowards the burninghall. ‘They slippedour trap – it seemsonly fitting I givethemaheadstart.Thenwewillpursuethem.’‘WillyousendtheMandrakesafterthem?’Malysasked.‘Yes.Letthemfinishwhattheystarted.’Sliscustappedhislipsspeculatively.‘Theywill,havenofearofthat.’He turned to her, smiling. ‘Your confidence lightensmy spirit, Aurelia.Andsinceyouaresosureinthesuccessofthecreepers,itseemsonlyfittingthatyoushouldfollowthemandbringmemyprizewhentheyarefinishedwith it.’Hepaused.‘Orbefore,ifpossible.’‘Am I to go alone?’ she asked. She seemed somewhat discomfited. Good.Aureliawasinfuriatinglysureofherselfonoccasion.Attimesitwasnecessarytoremindherthatcunningasshewas,hewasmoreso.‘No. What sort of host would I be if I didn’t ensure your safety?’ Sliscusmotioned toSleg. ‘Youwill accompanyher.Takeasmanyofyourcoil-kinasyouthinkbest.Iwanttheleader’speltintact.’TheSslythnoddedslowly.SliscuslookedatMalys.‘TakeoneoftheVenoms.’‘Severalwouldbebetter.’‘Idon’thaveseveraltospare,Aurelia.Iexpectyouwillfigureoutsomewayofaccomplishing your task, evenwith suchmeagre resources.’He smiled at her.‘Beoffwithyou,mydear.YouknowhowimpatientIget.’

CHAPTERNINETEEN

SHADOWDEATH641.M41

‘Well, I’m not going to lie – that could have gone better,’ Lukas said as hehelped Kadir lay Dag down. There was no trace of humour in his voice. Helookedaround.The cave was small, as caves went. It was little more than a gouge in themountainside.Theyhadflednorth,leadingtheirhuntersawayfromwheretheyhad leftHetha and theothers.Lukashoped the shield-maidenwouldbe smartenough to take her people far from the area. Eitherway, therewas little theycoulddotohelpthemortalsnow.Daggroaned.Hisbloodspattered thestones, refusing toclot.HisLarraman’sOrganhadbeendamagedbytheeldar’sblade,andthewoundwasn’tclosingtheway it should. Lukas could smellMorkai’s breath on the air. The great blackwolfwaspantingatthecave’sthreshold,waiting.Hewouldn’thavetodosoforlong.‘Weshouldn’thaverun,’Kadirsaid,hisvoicehoarse. ‘Not like that.Not likewhippedcurs.’Hecrouchedonhishaunches,flexinghishandsuntiltheservosinhisgauntletswhined inprotest.Hewas takingAke’sdeathhard.Kadirhad

fanciedhimselftheleaderofhislittlepack,butAkehadbeenthefireinitsheart.‘Andhowwouldyouhavedoneit?’Lukasgrowled.Kadir didn’t look at him. In that moment, the Blood Claws felt Ake’s losskeenly.KadirshouldhavesnappedatLukas.Snarledathim.Buthedidn’thavethe same fireAkehad.Noneof themdid.Halvarpulledhishelmetoffwithaconvulsivemotion.Thedirgebeganwithhim,butpulledintheothers,evenDag.Agroaning,growlingrumbleofwordlesssorrow.Lukashunchedhimselfagainstthesound,asifitwereachillwind.Partofhimwantedtojointhem.Butanotherpartknewthathecouldnot.Forall that they had shared in these pastweeks, hewasn’t truly part of the pack.Couldneverbeapartofanypack.Sohesatinsilence,waitinguntiltheechoeshadfaded.‘Ifwehadstayed,wewouldbedead,’Lukassaidintothesilence.‘An honourable death,’ Halvar said hoarsely. He stroked his totems, seekingreassurance.‘Agooddeath.Ourdeedsrememberedinsagaandsong.’‘Andareourdeedsetchedinstone,then,orinsnow?’Daggruntedashetriedtohaulhimselfup.‘Willtheybeforgottennow?Tellmethat,then.’Helaughedmirthlessly. His arms gave out and he sank backwith a disgruntled groan. ‘Ican’tfeelmylegs.’‘That’swhathappenswhensomeonelaysyourspineopen,’Lukassaid,almostgently.‘Stopcomplaining.Youdon’tseeEinarcomplaining,andhe’sgotthreebladesstickinginhim.’ThatEinarwasstilluprightwasmoreluckthananythingelse.‘Hurts,’Einarsaid,leveringahookedbladeoutofhisside.Theunnaturalbladehad sunk into the shadowed crevices of his battle-plate, seeking flesh with apreternaturalprecision.Hecastitasideandreachedforthenextone.Lukashadtohelphimwiththelastone,highuponhisbackandrestingagainsttheexhaustportofhispowerpack.Einargrunted inpainas thebladepoppedfree.Lukasheftedit.‘It’sonlyhalfreal,’hesaidwonderingly.‘Feltreal,’Einargrowled.Lukas tossed the weapon away and glanced towards Dag. ‘You’re dying,brother,’hesaidbluntly.Dagclosedhiseyes.Hisbreathingwas laboured. ‘Iknow,’he said,hisvoicethickwithpain.‘Myownfault.Ididn’tseeit.’‘No.Mine.’Lukasgrimaced.‘Andyouhavenoideahowmuchitpainsmetosaythat.’Heranhishandsthroughhishair.‘They’llbecomingforus.’‘Huntingus,youmean,’Kadirsaid.‘Yes,’ Lukas said.He smiled thinly. ‘Can’t say I like the feeling.’He peered

towardstheaperturetothecave,takingnoteofthewaytheshadowslengthened.Hishacklesrose.Therewasascentonthewind–notaphysicalsmell,notquite,but an iron tang that put him in mind of deep places and dark waters. Theyhadn’tcomeasfarashemighthaveliked.‘They’llbeonourheels.Weneedaplan.’‘Fight,’ Einar said. He clicked a fresh promethium canister into place withbloodyfingersandgavehisdragonafondpat.‘Kill.’OfalltheBloodClaws,helooked the least affected by what had happened, despite the injuries he hadsustained.Ofcourse,itwasalwayshardtotellwhatEinarwasthinking.‘Ilikethatplan,’Kadirsaid.Halvarnoddedfiercely,histotemsclattering.TheBlood Claws were eager for retribution now. Lukas could smell the kill-urgerisingfromthem.Theneedtowashawaytheirfailureinblood.Hefeltthesamehimself.‘Lackssubtlety,’hesaid.‘Theycankilluswithourownshadows,thoseones.Rushingthem,fangsbared,isagoodwaytogetourthroatscut.’Hetappedthesideofhishead.‘No,what’scalledforhereisacunningplan.’‘Soit’shopeless,then?’Dagsaid.Hislaughterturnedtoawrackingcough.Lukaspeeredathim.‘Hopeisthemotherofinvention.’Hereacheddownandunhookedalongcylindricalcanistergrenadefromhiscombatharness.‘Photongrenades.IborrowedafewfromoldThymr.Handythingstohave,justincaseIneedtorunawaywithmytailbetweenmylegs.’Hegavealopsidedgrin.‘Neverthoughtofusingthemthisway,though.’‘Whatgoodareflashgrenadesgoingtobeagainstthosethings?’Kadirasked.‘Light,’Einargrunted.‘Ha!Yes,light,’Lukassaid.‘Howbettertofightshadow-devilsthanwithgood,honestlight?’Dagforcedhimselfupright.‘Andhowarewegoingtogetthemintothelight?Ask nicely?’He coughed again. ‘Those things are quick enough to cut a fraggrenadeinhalfbeforeit’sactivated.We’llhavetosurprisethem.’‘I know.’ Lukas looked down at him. ‘We need to draw them in. Lay somepoisonedmeat.Woundedpreyisalwaysthehardesttoresist.’Dagfrownedandsankbackdown.Hecoughed,andbloodspeckledhischin.‘Whatdoyouneedmetodo?’‘Youwillbebait,’Lukassaid.‘Youunderstand?Theywilllikelykillyou.Sureassure,howevertherestofthisgoes,youwillprobablydie.’Dag nodded, his lean face sweat-slick, his eyes fever-bright. ‘You neveransweredmyquestionearlier,’hesaidhoarsely.‘Willweberemembered?’

‘Byme,atleast.AndsinceIhavenointentionofdyinganytimesoon,you’llhaveimmortality,ofasort.’Lukashesitated.Then,morereluctantly,headded,‘Therewillbesongs,Dag.Iswear.ForyouandAke.I’llsingthemmyself,ifIhaveto.’‘Good.Thengivemethegrenade.’

They left Dag alone in the dark. Einar crouched out of sight and staredunblinkingathisbrother.Einardidn’tquestiontheworld.Hemerelyenduredit.Butthiswasalmosttoomuch,evenifhisbrotherhadagreedtoit.Dag layon red snow, breathing shallowly, the flash grenadeheld tight to hischest.Itwasasimpleenoughtrap.Anopenspace,easyprey.Occasionally,Dagwould make a half-hearted crawling movement, as if trying to haul himselfdeeperintothetunnels.Awoundedbeast,leftbehindbyhispackmates.Einar tried to ignore the ache of hiswounds as he concentrated on the dark.Everythinghurtnow.Therewasbloodinhisarmour,andhecouldtasteitinhismouth.Buthewouldlive.Thexenosbladeshadn’tstruckanythingvital.He wished Ake were with them. This was the sort of thing he would haveenjoyed.NotDagdying,but thefightingafterwards.ThoughknowingAke,hewouldprobablyhaveenjoyedDagdyingaswell.HeglancedatKadir,crouchednearby.TheotherBloodClawseemedsubdued.HeandAkehadalwaysscrapedagainsteachother,likebladeandwhetstone.ButnowAkewasgone,andKadirwasoffbalance.Soon Dag would be gone as well. Halvar would say it was the will of theAllfather.Einarfoundnocomfortinthat.Thepackhadbeenstrong.Nowitwasweak.HelookedatLukas,wonderingwhattheTricksterthoughtofitall.Aproximity chime sounded in his ear, and he turned, scanning the darkness.Thexenoscameinonesandtwos,seepingfromthedarknessofthecavemouth.Foramoment,Einarthoughtthemnothingmorethannewshadows,addedtotherestalreadyfillingthecave.Butnoshadowhadevermovedwithsuchpurpose.They surrounded Dag, looking down at him as if curious. Then, almostcasually,oneofthemcrouchedandburiedthewickedsickle-likebladeitcarriedin theBloodClaw’s leg.Daggrunted, butmadenoother sound.The creaturepulleditsbladelooseandstruckagain,higherthistime.Einarrealisedthatitwassearchingforaplacetocausepain.Theothersjoinedin,proddingandstabbingasDagcursedand flailedat them.They flickeredand twisted, easily avoidinghisclumsyblows.Einarhalf rose,butLukascaughthim.Heshookhishead. ‘Wait,brother,’he

murmuredoverthevox.‘Weneedtomakesurethey’reallinthecave.’Einar understood, though it sat heavily on his hearts. Dag’s grunts becamegroansasthepainstartedtooverwhelmhim.Then,withacrythatwasatonceascream of agony and a roar of fury, he set off the photon grenade. The lightswelled, filling the cave, erasing every shadow save thosegrouped around theBloodClaw.Thephoto-lenses inEinar’svisorcompensatedautomatically.TheMandrakeswereabnormallythin,theirdarkfleshmarkedwithscarifiedwhorlsthat might have been symbols. They had manes of ratty, colourless hair, andgauntfacesthatremindedhimofthefishthethrallscaughtindeepriversbelowtheAett.OneoftheMandrakesspatsomethingthatmighthavebeenacurseandplungedabladeintoDag’sskull,silencinghim.EinarshookLukasoffandlungedoutofhiding.Hechargedtowardsthecreaturesanddrovethestockofhisflamerintotheskullof theclosest.Hefeltbonegivebeneath theforceof theblow,andittoppled backwards, limbs twitching. He lowered the nozzle of his flamer andcaughtanotherwithaburstofheat,reducingit togreasymotesbeforeitcouldscream.Lukasandtheothershadfollowedhim,explodingoutofcovertofallontheirstartledprey.‘Hloja!’Lukascried.‘Laugh,brothers!Laugh,sothat theymightknowhowmuchpleasurewetakeintheirdeaths.’HecaughtaMandrakebythethroat and slammed the dazed creature back against the cave wall. Before itcould twist out of his grip, he rammed the talons of his wolf claw into itsabdomen. It shrieked as cryonic energies surged through it, flash-freezing itinsideout.Herippedhisclawloose,shatteringthecreature.Theglareofthephotongrenadewasalreadyfading.‘Einar,morelight,’Lukassnarled.Einarobliged, filling theairwith fire.The flames jettedout,blockingtheexittothecave.Inthewashofwrathfullight,Einarwatchedhisbrothersgotowork.Startled Mandrakes scrambled back and found themselves face-to-face withKadirandHalvar.TheBloodClawsfoughtingrimsilence,wardingeachotherfromthebladesoftheirfoes.Einarsetalightanycreaturethattriedtoescapethekillinggroundbydivingintotheshadowsofthecaveorseekingreliefinthosecastbyhisflames.Einar turned a blow with the length of his flamer and kicked the attackingMandrakeinitsmidsection.Thecreaturereeled.Itslashedwildlyathim,tryingtokeephimback.Seeinganopening, it lungedpasthim,seekingsafety in theshadow stretching behind him.Einar pivoted, and a spurt of flame caught the

creaturebetweenitsshoulderblades,itsheadvanishing.Withawordlessroar,hewrenchedthestruggling,screamingxenosfromhisshadowandcastitfullintotheflames.The sounds of fighting had faded. The shadow-things were dead, or dying.Einarwas relieved tosee thathisbrothershadsurvived.Kadirseemedunhurt,butHalvarmovedslowly,asifsomethinginsidehimhadbeentorn.Einarcaughthisarm.‘Injured?’‘NothingIwon’tlivethrough,brother.’EinarnoddedandlookedatLukas.‘Whatnow?’hegrowled.‘The hunt is not done,’ Lukas said. He stared at Dag’s body, and Einarwonderedwhathewasthinking.‘Mybellyisemptyofmeat,butmymindisfulloftricks.Letusexchangeonefortheother.’‘WhataboutDag?’Kadirasked,lookingatthebody.Lukasgrinnedfiercely.‘Oh,he’scomingtoo.’

LadyMalys’huntingpartyfoundthewolfeasilyenough.Tooeasily,asitturnedout.SurroundedbythetorncorpsesofseveralMandrakes,thebodylaywhereithadseeminglyfallen,collapsedintheredsnow.Thebeasthadobviouslybeentryingtomakeituptheslope,intothedubioussafetyofthecavesabove.MalyswasstandingontheVenom’sweaponsplatform,andshelookedaroundwarilyassheleanedoverthesplintercannontoinspectthecorpse.Slegandtwoof his coil-kin hunched on the skimmer’s sides, and a fourth crouched in thedriver’s cockpit. That the ophidians could pilot such a temperamental vesselevenwiththecoldtemperaturesslowingtheirreactionshadbeensomethingofasurprise. Theywere adept hunters aswell, tracking thewolves across ice andsnowandupintothecraggyhills.Sleggruntedsomething,andtwoofhiscoil-kinslitheredfromtheVenomandtowards thebody.Malysfollowedthemdown,frowning.Somethingabout thisseemedwrong.‘Wait,’shebegan.Toolate.AsoneoftheSslythrolledthebody,therewasasharp,distinctping,followedbyanexplosion.TheSslythclosesttotheblastabsorbedmostofit,atthecostoftheir lives.Malyswas thrown backwards, against the hull of theVenom. Shesank down, her head spinning. Smoke billowed, mingling with the downpourandleavinggreasyswathesintheair.Howlseruptedfromallaroundthem,andgreyshapessprangoutofthestorm.

ASslythfell,itsheadtumblingsoundlesslyawayfromitscollapsingbody.Slegbegantofirewildly,tryingtohitthefast-movingshapes.TheSslythpilotingtheVenomsnarledsomethingasittriedtogainaltitude.Theattemptwascutshortbytheroarofaboltpistol.Thewindscreencracked,andtheSslythjerkedinitsseat. The Venom dropped heavily to the ground, its undercarriage crunchingagainsttherock.Malys went to scramble up onto the firing platform. If she could get to thesplintercannon,shemightbeabletofendtheirattackersofflongenoughtocallfor aid. But the click of aweapon being readied stopped her. She turned andfoundherselfstaringdownthesmokingbarrelofaboltpistol.Shetwitchedasideatthelastmoment.Theweaponroared,partiallydeafeningher.Shedrewherbladeandslashedwildly,drivingherattackerback.Hecursedandreachedforhisownbladeasshedartedforward,closing thedistance.Shehadfoughtthesebrutesbefore.Theywerestronger,andmoreresilientthantheyhadanyrighttobe.Andshewasnowych,indulginginbloodycombatforthejoyofit.Herattackstartledhimandhefellback,elicitingcoarselaughterfromunseencompanions.Moreshapessteppedoutoftheswirlingsnow,quicklycuttingoffeverypotentialescaperoute.Sheturnedwithherbladeheldoutasherattackergottohisfeet,andsawSlegengagingacrimson-hairedwolf.ThewolfgrinnedatherasheshovedSlegback.‘Leavethatone,pups,’hecalledout.‘Ineedheralive.’Theothers,includingtheoneshehadknockeddown,kepttheirdistancefromher.Theiryellowgazeswereflatandcalculating,asiftryingtodecidewhichbitofhertheywantedtoeatfirst.Shesniffeddisdainfullyandturnedtowatchtheduel.Slegmovedwithdesperatespeed,almostfasterthanMalyscouldfollow.Fourbladescrasheddown,scrapingagainstahastilyinterposedwolfclaw.Fatsparksdancedintheair.Thewolfclawedhisplasmapistolfromitsholster.Abarbedbladetoretheweaponfromhishandasheraisedit,andasecondchoppedintothearmourprotectinghisthigh.Foramoment,MalysthoughttheSslythmightprevail.Butonlyforamoment.Sleg’scoilsloopedabouthisopponentastheSslythredoubleditsattacks.Thewolf caught one of the ophidian’s wrists and dragged it off balance.Wedge-shaped jaws snapped at him, andhe stompedon its tail, eliciting a shriek.Hetook the opening and slugged the ophidian. It lurched away, slapping himbackwardswithanundulationofitstail.Thewolfstaggered,turned,leaptforhis

pistol.TheSslythplungedafterhim.The wolf caught up the weapon and rolled to his feet, turning to face theonrushingSslyth.Hefired.ThecoruscatingstreamofplasmaenvelopedSleg’sskull.Theophidianfloppedtotheground,coilsthrashing.Thewolfspatonthetwitching corpse as he stepped over it. ‘Tough, but stupid,’ he growled in thecoarsetongueofthemon-keigh.HelookedatMalys.‘Canyouunderstandme,witch?’thered-hairedbruteaskedinthegutter-dialectofLowCommorragh.‘Ihopeso,orthisisgoingtobeashortconversation.’‘Iunderstand,thoughitoffendsmyears,’Malyssaid.Shecastaquickglancearound.Throughthefallingsnowandrain,shecouldseeothergreatgreyshapes,movingsoundlesslydespite theirbulk.Fewerof themhadbeenkilledthanshewould have hoped, though she could smell the pungent aromaof their alteredbloodonthewind.Helaughed.‘Asitoffendsmymouthtospeakit.Areyoutheoneincharge?’Malyshesitated.Pridewarredwithpragmatism–briefly.‘No.Iambutaguesttoapartythatisrapidlybecomingintolerablydull.’Shekeptherbladeextended.The combat drugs that had been coursing through her system were fading,leavingbehindtheacheofsoremusclesandapoundinginhertemples.Thebrutechuckled.Shewasatadisadvantage,andheknewit.Shecouldsmelltheheatofhim–awashofanimalandblood.Aferalodour,asintriguingasitwasdistasteful.‘Well,youcouldhelpmeliventhingsup,ifyoulike.’Hiseyesflashedgold, and she froze.An atavistic thrill of fear shot throughher. It hadbeen so long since she had felt anything like it that she was momentarilyovercome.Shelickedherlips.‘AndwhatdoIgetoutofit?’‘Aquickdeath.’Shesmiled.‘Whatfunisthat?’Hecockedhishead,studyingher.‘Life,then.Aheadstart.’Malys’smilewidened.‘Better.AndwhatmustIdotoearnthismercy?’Hedrewcloser, despite her blade.He flashed a sharpgrin as hebrushedherswordasideandleanedclose.‘Takemetoyourhost.’

KjarlGrimbloodstaredintotheflames,seekinganyhintastowhatwastocome.Asever,thereweremorequestionstobehadthananswers.Thefireneverlied,butneitherdidit tell thewholetruth.Atleast,not insuchawaythathecouldunderstand.Itspokeinglimpses,justenoughtosethimonthepropertrail.Orso

hehoped.Therewasnowaytotelluntilthedeedwasdone.Hehadbeenwrongmorethanonce.Itwasrare,butithappened.Thethoughtdid not sit well with him. He had spent much time and effort honing hisreputationforforesight,thewayanotherwarriormighthoneablade.Agiftforprophecy was only as good as its interpretation. To fail too often was to seeoneselfslipfromhonouredseertoobjectofmockery.AndGrimbloodhadneverhadatasteforthelatter.In the end, that was why the thought of being responsible for the Tricksteragitated him so. Lukas, of all the Rout, seemed immune to fate. He defiedportents and struck a crooked path thatwas impossible to predict. Grimbloodhad seen the Trickster’s death so often that he instinctively dismissed thepossibility. Fate was a mocker when it came to the involvement of theJackalwolf.Around him, theAett’s central strategium chamber echoedwith activity. Thebark of rivenmasters as they oversaw contingents of thralls, the clatter ofequipment being readied. Through it all, Grimblood leaned forward on thebench,resolutelyignoringtheslowdripofdatathatcrawledalongthetacticumfeedsonthescreensscatteredallaroundthehall.Thestrategiumchamberwasfullofhundredsofkaerlsandmachine-thralls, all of them bent diligently to their respective tasks. Some worked tocoordinatetheaerialsearchbeingconductedbythoseStormfangpilotsbrave–orfoolish–enoughtovolunteertotaketheirgunshipsoutintothestorm.Othersaddeddatatothegrowingbattle-map,notingengagements,casualtyfiguresandanyotherrelevanttacticalinformation.Itwasallgrist for themill,as farasGrimbloodwasconcerned.Hehungeredfor information, the way a wolf hungered for meat. He needed to know, andknowingwasacompulsion.Butsofar,littleofitwassatisfying.Hereachedintothefireandstirredtheembers.Hisceramitegauntletprotectedhisflesh,andhisbattle-plate’ssensorsbarelyregisteredaspikeintemperature.He held his hand there for long moments, watching the paint as it began tobubbleandpeel.Then,withagrunt,heextractedhislimb.Hegesturedloosely,sendingspiralsofsmokethroughtheair.‘Andwhatdoesthefiretellyou,Grimblood?’‘Thefire tellsmenothing. Itmerelyreveals thingsIknewbutwasnotawareof.’ Grimblood turned as the Rune Priest, Galerunner, joined him before thehearth. ‘Cast thatbalefulgazeofyourselsewhere,brother.Whatdo thespiritssay?’

‘Liesandtruthinequalmeasure.’Grimbloodsnorted.‘Nomorehelpfulthanthefire,then.’‘It is theseasonofconfusion.Theearth iscast into thesky,and thestars fallintothesea.Ourfoescouldnothavepickedabettertime.Youhavecommand?’Grimblood nodded. ‘Redmaw argued, as ever.But he ismore eager to go a-hunting.Commandisachainwhoseweightwouldchafehim,andheknowsit.Inanyevent,IhavecommandoftheAettthisseason,andthatmeansmywordisasthatoftheGreatWolfhimself.’Hefrowned.‘Muchgoodasitdoesme.’‘Howgoesthehunt?’‘Badly.’ Grimblood heaved himself to his feet. He began to pace, his broadframefilledwithrestlessenergy.‘Redmawandtheothershavemadesomekills,butthestormisolatesusstill.Theymustfightalone,anditisallbutimpossibletouniteoureffortstoanymeaningfuldegree.ThereportsIgetareincomplete.Someofthatisthestorm,but…’‘Therestisnot.’Galerunnersighed.‘Canyoudetermineapattern?’‘Theonlypatternisthatthereisnopattern.Theyattackwheretheywill,withno overall coordination. I suspect thatwe are not facing an army, but severalsmall raiding forces, each attacking according to their own whims. And thatmakes them impossible to target save in piecemeal fashion. Our warriors arechasingtheirtails,pursuingghostswhostrikeandfadeawaybeforetheyarrive.’Galerunnerstaredintotheflames.‘Survivors?’‘Afew.Theyaresloppy,thesexenos.Theysnatchwhotheycan,killwhotheycan’t,andfleebeforewearrive.Asiftheyknowwhenwearecoming.’‘Couldthey?Giventhestateofourcommunications,iftheywereinterceptingourvoxsignals,wewouldn’tknow.’Grimbloodgrowled,andseveralnearbykaerlscastwaryglanceshiswaybeforehurriedly turning back to their tasks. ‘I know,’ he said after a few moments.‘That’s why I gave the order for full vox-silence. Even so, we are at adisadvantage.’Heclenchedhishandsuselessly.‘Thisisourterritory,andwearebeingmadetolooklikefools.’‘TheHelwinterispassing.Soonwewillbeabletofindthem.’‘Andyouthinktheywon’tfleebacktowhateverhellspawnedthemassoonasthey realise that? No. They timed this too well. There is a mind out there,coordinatingallof this. It isnotas randomas it looks.Someoneplanned this,and if we could catch them, we could end it.’ Grimblood growled again andturnedbacktothefire.‘Butwehavetofindthemfirst.’Hebaredhisteethathisunseenenemy.‘Justletmegetthemerestwhiffofthem,andIwillstrikethem

down.’Heslammedafistintohispalm.‘BonesofRuss,justgivemethat.’As if inanswer tohisplea,a squealof feedbacksplit theairof thechamber.SomeonewastryingtocommunicatewiththeAett.Grimbloodwhirled,furious.Whichofhisfellowjarlscouldbesofoolish?Afamiliarvoicecutthroughthestatic.Grimblood’srecriminationsdiedonhislipsashelistenedtoaseriesofcoordinates.Slowly,hesmiled.Whenthevoicebecamesubmergedininterferenceoncemore,heturnedtoGalerunner.‘Calltheothersback.Givethemthecoordinates.Wehavefoundoursnake’shole.’‘Whatareyougoingtodo?’Galerunnerasked.Grimblood growled in satisfaction. ‘I am going to muster my packs. I havetarriedheretoolong.Thiskillismine.’

CHAPTERTWENTY

SERPENT’SNEST641.M41

Malysgroundherteethinfrustration.Thispartywasn’tturningoutatallasshehadhoped.‘Wasthistrulynecessary?’sheasked.Sheshiftedslightlyinherseat.Theexplosivehehadattachedtoaspotbetweenhershoulderbladeswasasolid,threateningweight–someformofconcussiongrenade,tiedtoherarmourwithrawhidethongs.TheWolfhadn’twarnedheragainsttryingtoremoveit,whichshetookasasignthathewaslikelyhopingforhertodoso.Despitehistalkofmercy,shehadthedistinctimpressionthathedidn’tcareifshelivedordied.TheSpaceWolf layacross thebackof theVenom, feigningunconsciousness.‘Would you have trusted me, were the situation reversed?’ he growled, notlookingupather.Hewasverygoodatplayingdead.Despitethesmile.‘Nowbesilent.’‘No,Iwouldn’ttrustyou.Butrestassured,Ishallnotforgetthisinsult.’‘Good.What’sthepoint,ifyouforget?’Shelaughedsourly.‘ThatisaveryCommorritewayoflookingatthings.’Lukassnarled.‘Quiet.’Malysfellsilent,butcontinuedtosmile.Therewasatwistedknotinthesoulof

thisWolf.Most of themwere steel true and blade straight – little more thanlivingweapons.This onedisplayed the sort of cunning thatwouldhavemadehimafavouriteinthearenas.The Venom swooped low over the forest’s frost-covered canopy and drifteddown over the hunting camp. The storm was passing. The world’s orbit wasstabilising oncemore, and the planetwith it.Raiderswere being prepared fordeparturethroughthewebwayportals,theirholdsheavywithslavesandplunder.Venoms and jetbikes shot past them, intending to draw off the SpaceWolvesbeforetheycoulddescendonthecamp,astheyinevitablywould.She urged the Venom towards the hall Sliscus had taken for his own. Thecorsairs andkabalitewarriorsonguardpaidher littleheed.Herwarriorswerenear to hand, readying her own vessels for departure. Hopefully she wouldsurvivetojointhem.Asshedrewevenwiththeground,ashapesuddenlyleaptupontothewingoftheVenom,making itshudder.Malys turnedandsawMyrtagrinningather. ‘Iseethestoriesaretrue,myLadyMalys.Youhavereturnedvictorious.’‘Ihave,Myrta,’Malyssaidstiffly.‘Youseemingoodhumour.’‘Iam.Wearefinallyleavingthisdepressingmudball.’MyrtaglancedatLukas,andMalys tensed. Did the courtesan suspect? ‘This one’s kin aremobilising,according to the signals we have intercepted. Sliscus believes they havesomehowdiscoveredourlocation.’‘Impossible,’Malyssaid,butwithoutconviction.Sheresistedtheurgetolookat the Space Wolf. It seemed obvious that the mon-keigh had some way oftrackingeachother.Nowhisinsistenceonbeingbroughtintothecampmadeacrudesortofsense.Sliscuswasright.Thisonewascunning,inaway.Myrtafrowned.‘Ifyouwishtostayandseeforyourself,feelfree.Butitistimeto go.And take our plunderwith us.’ She looked atMalys. ‘You have failed.Sliscuswon’tbehelpingyouwithwhateverschemeyouhadinmind.’‘Andhowdoyouknowthat?’‘They say Vect threw you over for other pleasures,’ Myrta said. ‘And nowSliscushasaswell.Yousaidyouwouldtamehim.Buthedoesnotseemtamedtome.’Malysglancedbackat theseeminglyunconsciousSpaceWolf.Hislipsquirked,andsheknewhewaslisteningtoeveryword.Shesniffed,andsaid,‘Regrettably,no.Traevelliathlacksanyinterestinhelpingmeachievemyaims.Aswellyouknow.’‘Andisthatwhyyouarebringinghimsuchagift?’Malys looked at the Lhamaean warily. Howmuch did she suspect?Myrta’s

handrestedonthehiltofherblade.‘Watchyourtone,’shesaid.Myrta’ssmilewaswideandwithoutmirth.‘Youshouldwatchyours.Whereisallyourtalkofhelpingoneanothernow,eh?Weproddedhimtoaction,andforwhat?Sohecouldhavethisbeast’speltforhisbed?’Lukaschuckledandlookedupather.‘He’llhaveahardtimegettingitoffme.’Myrtacursedandwentforherblade.‘Iwouldn’t,’Lukassaid,gesturingtersely.InhishandwasthedetonatortothedeviceconnectedtoMalys’back.MalyscaughtMyrta’shandandpinnedit.‘Thinkcarefully,girl,’shehissed.‘Ifyoustrike,youwillforcemetodispatchyou, to prevent my own death. That detonator he clutches is linked to anexplosiveattachedtomyarmour.’Myrtaglaredather.‘IthoughtitwasstrangethathemanagedtokillSleg,butnotyou.’Malys tightenedher grip. ‘Think.Now is your chance, courtesan.Wouldyouremainhisslaveforever?’‘Andwhatawaitsmewithhisdeath?’‘Amoreforgivingmistress,’Malyssaid.‘Ihaveuseforamakerofpoisons.’

Lukastwistedhisheadslightlysohecouldseethexenos.‘Iwouldlistentoher,witch,’hesaid.‘Itseemstome,ifI’mfollowingyourbarbarictongueproperly,thatwe allwant the same thing.’He grinned at the eldar, ready forwhateverhappened next. He was fully prepared to push the activation rune on thedetonator he held and blow the frag grenade hooked to the back of Malys’armour.Itwouldbeinconvenient,buthewouldadapt.Healwaysdid.The one calledMyrta stared down at him, her alien features twisted into anexpressionofdisgust.Lukassmiledupather.Therewasnothinghumaninherface, none of the honest beauty of someone like Hetha. It was too cold, tooperfect.Likeamask,hidingsomethinguglybeneath.Lukastwitchedhisthumb,caressingthedetonator.‘Bestdecidequick,witch.Myfingerisitchy.’She turned away. For a moment he thought she was going to drop off theVenom.Instead,she leanedback. ‘Youshouldwipe thatsmirkfromyourface,mon-keigh.Corpsesdonotusuallysmile.’Lukaschuckledandturnedhisattentions tohissurroundings.Theeldarcamphad been well hidden. The steading was sprawled in the shadow of themountains,protectedfromtheworstoftheweather.Thepalisadeshadbeentorndown,ashadmostof thebuildingswithin,andrepurposedintotall towersandcrudegantriesfortheskiffsandjetbikes.Theplacenowresembledanindustrial

sitemorethanatribaldwelling.Great cages of barbed metal sat around a central firepit, each one full ofhuddled,shiveringshapes,thesurvivorsofwhatevertribehadmadetheirhomehere.Whatwasleftoftheirwarriorshadbeenhungfromartificialtreesofblackiron, their flesh exposed to the elements and their captors’ blades. Lukasrestrainedasnarlofrageatthesight.Vengeancewouldcome.Butnotyet.Grimbloodhadbeensurprised tohear fromhim,of thathehadnodoubt.Heand theother jarlswouldbeable to trackhisbattle-plate’sbeaconright to thiscamp. He intended to be waiting for them with the head of the enemycommanderwhentheyarrived.Thatwouldbethegreatestjestofall.Kadir and the others would be circling the camp, looking for weak points.When hemade hismove, theywould join him.Or suchwas the plan. It hadworkedsofar.Four wolves against an army. Lukas nearly choked on a laugh. Grimbloodneededtohurry,ortherewouldbenonelefttokill.TheVenomslowedasitreachedtheheartofthesteading.Malystookitdown,anditlandedbeforetheremainsofwhathadbeenthecentralhall.Lukasstudiedit through slitted eyes. The structure resembled the one in the Jahtviansettlement,thoughitwaslarger.Itwasbuiltfromstoneratherthanwood,andtheroofwasmadeofcrudely sawed timbers rather than thatch.As thevehicle setdown,theheavydoorsswungopenandLukas’quarrystrodeout,flankedbytwomore of his Sslyth bodyguards. The ophidians raised shardcarbines as theVenom’s engines shutoff, butSliscuswavedahandand they slitheredbackafewpaces.‘You’re alive,Aurelia.Howwonderful.’ Sliscus spread his arms inwelcome.‘WhereisSleg,bytheway?’‘Dead,’Malyssaidbluntly.‘Disappointing.Still,thatiswhathewaspaidfor.Whathaveyoubroughtme?’‘Seeforyourself.’MyrtashovedLukastotheground,nonetoogently.Hebitbackasnarl.Sliscussanktohishaunches.‘Thisishim,then?Thesmartone?’‘Itwas,’Malyssaid.‘Iseenowounds.’‘Poison,’Malyssaidflatly.‘Iwasforcedtodefendmyself.’‘Howdreadful.Still,youhavemythanks.’SliscuscaughtholdofLukas’hairanddraggedhisheadup.‘Uglybrute.’‘You’re not so pleasant looking yourself,’ Lukas said. Sliscus froze. Lukassmiled.Then,withasweepofhisarm,heknockedSliscus’legsoutfromunder

him. Before the eldar could react, Lukaswas on him, pinning him down.HetwistedtolookatMalys.‘Keeptheothersback,witch,oryouwillfindyourwitsdecidedlyscattered.’Malyscursed,buttheVenom’ssplintercannonsnarled.TheSslythwerehurledback,bodiesshredded.Thevehiclebegantorise,itsenginehumming.Itspuninaslowcircle,firing.Warriorsdivedforcover.Shoutsandcriesofalarmroseup.Lukasgrinned.HelookeddownatSliscus.‘Youtriedtokillme.’‘Iwouldhavetriedharder,hadIknownhowcleveryouwere.’Sliscussmiledathim. ‘Youevenspeakacivilised tongue.Howdelightful.Doyouknowwho Iam?’‘No.Don’tcare,either.’‘Shame.Familiarityaddsacertain…spice.’Hetwisted,impossiblyquick,andLukas rocked back. Sliscus freed a hand and a blade flashed, nearly slidingbetweenagap inLukas’battle-plate.HerolledawayfromSliscusas theotherrose to his feet. ‘Someone do me the favour of killing him, please!’ Sliscussnapped.Lukas whipped his plasma pistol out and fired, knocking an eldar back. HedartedforthehoveringVenom,splinterfirechoppingthegroundaroundhim.HecaughtholdofthekeeljustasMalysshotawayfromthehall.‘He’saquickone,’heshouted.‘Andyou’reafool,’Malyssaid,displayingthegrenadehehadattachedtoherarmour,theslicedrawhidethongsslippingtotheground.‘Killhim,courtesan.’Myrta,stillperchedonthewing,thrustabladedownatLukas.Hecursedandletgo of the Venom, tumbling across the ground in its wake. He pressed thedetonator, but didn’t wait to see if the explosion claimed them. A handful ofeldarracedtowardshim.Lukasrolled tohisfeetanddartedfor thecoverofoneof thewoodengantrytowers.Hepressedhisbacktoasupportpillar,waitingfortheplasmapistoltoreload.Splinterfirechewedthepillartopiecesaroundhimashecounteddown.‘Three, two, one – ha!’ He lifted the pistol as its coils blazed with renewedenergy.Heswungout frombehind thepillar, enhancedvisionallowinghim toanalyse the targets scattered across the killing ground with instinctive ease.Quickerthanthought,heselectedatargetandfired.He turned, searching. Sliscus was gone. The creature would be looking toescape.Ashotcaromedoffhisshoulder-plateandhewhirled, tacklingawide-eyed corsair through an empty slave pen. The xenos folded up, nearly everybone in its elongated frame shattered by the impact. Lukas surged to his feet,

swingingthebodyuptoabsorbthefirecomingfromtherestoftheeldarastheytriangulatedonhisposition.Theplasmapistolpinged,andhehurled thebodyaside,firingagain.Threedown.Fourleft,thathecouldsee.Goododds.Two came at him close, eager tomeet him blade to blade, or just desperate.Theymovedfast,seemingto lashoutfromeveryangleatonce.Theirserratedcombatbladesdrewsparksfromhisceramiteashetwistedandspun, tryingtomatchthemblowforblow.Theydartedawayfromhisclaw,narrowlyavoidingit.Hecouldfeelanitchbetweenhisshoulders–theothertwoweretryingtogetabeadonhim,lettingtheircompanionsgethimintoposition.Smartmeat.Butnotsmartenough.His claw flashed, catching ablade.He jerked the eldaroff its feet, hurling itbehindhimjustasasplinterriflespoke.Withoutwaitingtoseewhetherhisaimhadbeentrue,hetwistedaside,lettingtheothereldar’sknifehisspasthisface.Helunged,buryinghisteethinthesoftarmourthatcoveredthexenos’forearm.Theplatescrackedbeneathhisteethandhetossedhishead,draggingtheeldarclose.Heshovedthebarreloftheplasmapistolagainsthisopponent’sabdomenandpulledthetrigger.Thebodycollapsed,wreathedinsmoke,andLukasdarteddeeperintotheforestofwooden supports.Alarmklaxons shrieked.He could hear the boomof boltpistols,andknewthatKadirandtheothershadmadetheirmove.Iftheycouldkeep thexenosconfused,keep themreacting, theymightbeable tohold themlongenoughforGrimbloodandtheotherjarlstoarrive.Andifnot…well.‘Today’s asgoodadayas any,’Lukasmurmured.Heheard running feet andstuckoutanarm.Acorsairslammedintohimandpitchedbackwards,whetherdead or unconscious Lukas didn’t bother to check. He stamped down on theeldar’sheadjusttobesure,crumplingtheornatehelmandtheskullwithin.Splinterfirecascadedacrosshischest,causinghimtoflinchback.Hesnatchedagrenadefromhisbeltandsentitbouncinginthedirectiontheshothadcomefrom.Theexplosioncausedthewoodentowers togroanontheirsupports,andheheardthepanickedcriesoftheskiffcrewsabove.Helookedupandgrinned.‘Perfect.’

Jhynkar hurried through the confusion. His wracks surrounded him in aprotective circle, grunting nervously among themselves. The camp wasseeminglyunderattack, thoughnooneseemedtoknowbywhomorhow.Themore pugnacious kabals were brawling in the streets, as the more paranoidwaitedimpatientlyforthewebwaygatetoopen.Itwouldn’t–notuntilSliscus

wasreadytodepart.‘AndwhereisSliscus?’hedemanded,glaringatoneofthewracks.‘Notwhereheoughttobe,Icantellyouthat.’It was all going wrong. Of course, from great suffering came great art –generallyitwassomeoneelse’ssuffering,butJhynkarwasadaptable.Hehurriedtowardshisworkshop,hopingtocatchupwithXhactbeforetheHexdelegationcollected their prizes and departed. The mon-keigh were on the way, if theyweren’t already here. The whole camp was going to be smashed flat, soonerratherthanlater.Itwastimetogo.An explosion rocked the area, and Jhynkar stumbled.Smokebillowed acrossthepath.Heheardadullboomandsawoneofhiswrackspitchbackwards.Thenanotherwaspunchedfromitsfeet,itsheadaredruin.Morebooms,moredeadwracks.Thelastofhisservantsturned,screamingbrieflybeforeittoojoineditsfellowsinabloodyheap.Jhynkarhuddled,hishandsoverhishead,waitingfordeath.Whenitdidn’tcome,helookedup.ASpaceWolfwaslookingdownathim,hishelmet splashed with blood. The edge of a chainblade kissed the hollow ofJhynkar’s throat. ‘You look like you’re in charge,’ the creature rumbled in itsprimitivedialect.‘Doyouunderstandme?’‘I–yes.’Jhynkarlookedaround.Twomoreofthehulkingwarriorssteppedintoview,stinkingofbloodandpromethium.‘Iknowyourtongue.’‘Good.Thatmeansyoucankeepyourhead.At least for themoment.Wherearetheslaveskept?’Jhynkar saw what they wanted immediately. If they freed the slaves, therewouldbenowaytogetthemloadedupontheRaiders.True,somewerealreadyhuddledintheholdsoftheRaiderscirclingsoimpatientlyabove,butnotallbyanymeans.‘Youmeanto…tofreethem?Allofthem?’heaskedhesitantly.‘Youhaveaproblemwith that?’Theaxebit intohisneck, justabit.Jhynkarswallowed. Thoughts of reaching for his blast-pistol surfaced and sank. Hewouldn’tgetashotoff,andheknewit.‘No.Noproblem.Delightedtobeofservice.’Abone-rattlinggrowldrippedfromthefrontgrillofhiscaptor’shelmet.IttookJhynkar amoment to realise itwas laughter. ‘I’m sureyouare.Nowup, littlething.Orwewillleaveyouherewithyourfellows.’Jhynkar dusted off his robes as he rose, trying tomuster some dignity. ‘Theslavecagesarecontrolledbyacentrallockingnode.Tryingtoopenthemoneatatimewillbetedious.Thecentralnodewillopenthemallatonce.Everysingle

one.Come.’Hestartedtowardshisworkshop.TheSpaceMarinesfollowedwarily.Oneofthembrokeawayfromthegroupatagruntfromtheoneincharge.Itvanishedintothefallingsnowandsmoke,movinglikeaghostdespiteitsbulk.Theonewith the blade and the one that smelled like awaste-processing centre stayedwithhim.ThelatterkeptrubbinghisprimitivetalismansandstaringatJhynkarinanunnecessaryandunnervingfashion.Explosions rocked the camp some moments later, the work of the SpaceWolves,nodoubt.Jhynkarsawthewarriorsofthreedifferentkabalsexchangingfire in the street ahead. A few shots from his captors sent them in search ofcover.Hefeltthethrumofelectricalsignalsintheairabouthim,andknewthathis captors were speaking to one another on an encrypted communicationschannel.Thiswasacoordinatedraid,likelytheprecursortoanassault.Jhynkardidn’tcare.Aplanwasbeginningtotakeshape.Likeallgoodplans,itrequiredverylittleeffortonhispart.Allhehadtodowashelpthesecreaturesuntilsuchtimeashecouldslipaway.Sliscuswasasgoodasdeadoncetherestofthemon-keigharrived.Notevenhecouldfightsuchodds.Jhynkarsmiled.HehadfulfilledhispartofthebargainwithXhact,ifinawhollyunforeseenway.Ofcourse,hestillhadtoescapehimself.Hissmilefaded.Hisworkshopprovedtobestillstanding,againsthisfearstothecontrary.TheSpace Wolves shoved him inside. ‘Where is this control node?’ the leaderrumbled.‘There,’Jhynkarsaid,pointing.Helookedaround.Thestasistubesweregone,ashehadfeared.XhactwaslikelyalreadyaboardoneoftheRaiderscirclingthecoordinatesforthewebwaygate.Hecursedinwardly,carefultoletnoneofhisdismayshowonhisface.Butthesuspensorcageswerestillthere,theircaptivesinsidethem.‘BonesofRuss,’ the totem-bedeckedwarrior grunted, staring at thebeasts astheyragedsilently.‘ArethosewhatIthinktheyare?’The other tapped Jhynkar’s shoulder with the flat of his chainblade. ‘Thecontrolnode.Turnitoff.’Jhynkarhesitated.Then,withasigh,hemovedtodoashewasasked.Hehadhoped theywoulddo it themselvesandgivehim theopeningheneededtoflee.Itseemedhewasgoingtohavetoimprovise.Hewenttothenodeandbegantodeactivatethepowerfieldssurroundingtheslavepensthroughoutthecamp.‘Kadir,thosecreatures.Arethey…?’‘Theyare,’theonewiththeaxesaid.‘Whydoyouhavethemhere,xenos?’

Jhynkar’slipcurled.‘Iwasstudyingthem.Quitefascinating,really.’‘Theyarenottestsubjects.’‘Oh, but they are, aren’t they?’ Jhynkar paused and looked at the one calledKadir.‘Youallare.Youareworksofcrudeartistry,youreverycelldesignedjustsobyanartistofsublimecruelty.Finiteworks, tobesure.But theinfinitecanonlybecontemplatedthroughconsiderationofthefinite.’Helookedatthewolf-thingssadly.Itwasashamehewasn’tgoingtobeabletoimprovetheminanyway.Theywouldhavemadewonderfuladditionstohisbodyofwork.Hesmiledathiscaptors.‘Iwonder,isthatwhattheonewhocreatedyouintended?’‘Besilent,creature,’ theotherSpaceWolfgrowled.He lookedaroundwarily.‘Wearerunninglowontime.WhereistheTrickster?’‘IhavenodoubtLukasiswhereheneedstobe,Halvar.It isuptoustogivehim the time he needs to do what must be done.’ The SpaceWolf looked atJhynkar.‘Continue.’Jhynkarnoddedobligingly.‘Ofcourse,ofcourse.’Hecontinued,surreptitiouslymanipulatingthecontrolsofthesuspensorcages,makingthemdriftclosertohiscaptors.His freehand inched towardshisblast-pistol ashisheadbegan to fillwithimagesoftherewardstocome.Hewassoclosetofreedomthathecouldtasteit.Hethrewthelastswitch,andthenodebegantohum.‘There.That’sdoneit.’Throughout thecamp, thepowerfieldsaroundtheslavepenswouldbegoingdown. All of the captives in the camp not already trapped in the hold of aRaider–humanandanimalalike–wouldsuddenly find themselves free.Andnotjustthem.Thesuspensorcageswentdarkanddroppedfromtheair.Theycrashedtotheground,andtheirprisonersleaptfreewithblood-curdlinghowls.Jhynkarshovedhimselfawayfromthenode,snatchedhisblast-pistolfreeandfired.Thewarrior,Kadir, jerkedback. ‘Aspromised,mon-keigh.All thecaptivesare freed.But Idoubtitisthanksthattheyhaveinmind,starvedastheyare!’He was halfway to the exit when he realised the lupine mutants weren’tattackingtheSpaceWolves.Instead,theywerepursuinghim.Hefiredatoneasitleaptforhim.Thecreaturefell,itsskullasmokingruin.Butanothercrashed intohimashescrambledout throughthedoor,knockinghim sprawling. It snarled down at him, so close that he could see the perfectimperfection of its eyes – at once beast and human. The blast-pistolwas tornfromhisgripbyarakingclaw.Hethrashedbeneathitsweight,somethinginhimbroken. Several somethings. Pain suppressants flooded his system as the first

teethenteredhisflesh.Hislastthought,justbeforethebeastbitthroughhisskull,wasthattheyreallywerequitebeautiful,intheirway.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

WOLFANDSERPENT641.M41

SliscuscursedashesteppedaboardhisRaider.‘Blowtheclampsandtakeusup.Iamtiredofthesmellofthisplace.’Theairthrobbedwiththesoundofgunfire.Down below, the campwas in an uproar. Someone had freed the slaves, andthere were SpaceWolves – more than just the one – running about, causingmayhem.Worse, the rest of themangy beastswere on theway. The storm had abatedenoughthatthemon-keighhadfoundtheircourage,andnowgreygunshipsspedacrosstheice.Theyhadbeenfound,thankstoMalys.Hewouldbesuretoshowhis appreciation later. His anger passed as quickly as it had come, and helaughed.Thiswasexciting.Doubtless, Malys had been coerced. Another sign of the Wolf’s cunning.Mostlyhissortwasonlygoodforkillingthings.Thisonewassmart.Buthehadriskedmuch, just to get close. Tomake the kill himself. Sliscus strode to theprow,hummingsoftly.HehadrecognisedsomethingintheWolf’syellowgaze–aneed,equaltohisown.Heshiveredinpleasureatthethought.Itwassoraretofindanenemyworthone’stime.

Itwastoobadhehadtocutthistripshortjustasithadbecomeinteresting.Butthere was no point in staying only to face a fully prepared foe. The SpaceWolveswouldfalluponhiscamplikethebeaststheywere,anditwasbesttobeelsewherewhenthatoccurred.Thekeytosuccesswasknowingwhentodepart.Heleanedovertherail,watchingasthelesserkabalsfelltofightingeachother.TherewereonlyafewRaidersleft,andwithspaceatapremium,thankstotheplunder most carried, anyone not on board one was left to the wolves. Theyhadn’tevenhadtimetoloadthebulkofthechattel.Hewincedasoneofthegantriesexploded,takingaRaiderwithit.Heturnedtothesteersman. ‘Somespeedwouldnotgoamiss.Takeushigher,asquicklyaspossible.’Thedeckthrummedasthevesselroseintothesnowyskies.Therewasbarelyastrong breeze now. And the sun was almost visible. The crew were in aheightened state of excitement. They had fended off several attempts tocommandeer the vessel before Sliscus’ arrival. Sliscus looked up, towards theRaiders circling before the flicker of radiance that would soon enlarge into adimensional rip at his command. Beyond it, the webway waited, and hisflagship.‘Activate the gate,’ he called out. Therewas a sound like an immense clothbeingtornasunder,andanuglyradiancebruisedthesky.Theairsplit,andthecircling Raiders plunged into the sub-dimensional aperture. He smiledindulgently. Malys would be aboard one of those, he was sure, and alreadyschemingtospinthesituationtoheradvantage.Hewonderedwhethershewouldconfronthim immediately,or if shewould seeka safedistance. ‘Whatdoyouthink,mylady?I…oh.Yes.’Heturned,seekingMyrta,onlyshewasn’t there.Hewonderedwhereshehadgot to.AndJhynkar,aswell.Neitherwasat theirappointed place. He sighed. It seemed this trip had been costlier than he hadanticipated.‘Someone remindme to find a new courtesan,’ he called out, looking at theclosestmembers of his crew. ‘Perhaps a new fleshweaver too.’ He dropped ahandtothehiltofoneofhisblades,feelingthewarmthofthespiritstones.‘And no sign of the Harlequins,’ he murmured. ‘How odd.’ Presumably,whateverschemetheyhadconcoctedhadeithersucceededorfailed.Hedoubtedhewouldeverfindoutwhich.Thatwasthetroublewiththeclowns–theyneverletyouinonthejokeuntilitwastoolatetoappreciateit.AstheRaiderrose,hesawflashesoflightstreakingacrosstheicefieldsinthedistance.HesmiledandwavedtotheapproachingSpaceWolves.Midwinterhad

passed,andnowthehuntersleftthewildernesstoreturntotheirentertainments.‘Ahwell,itwasfunwhileitlasted.’His Raider shuddered slightly as it passed through the aperture and thenthrough the striated convolutions of the webway beyond. Seconds later, hisRaider was sliding into the labyrinthine assault bay of the Incessant Agony.Alarmklaxonsweresounding,Raidersweredockingat theirberthsall aroundhim, and plunder was already being unloaded. It was a pleasing sort ofmadhouse.Cheerswentupatthesightofhim.Heacceptedtheiradulationwithquietrestraint.Afewdignifiedwaveswouldserve as acknowledgement. Most of them ignored him, too busy seeing topreparationsforimminentdeparture.Theywouldleavethesystemassoonashereachedthecommanddeck.TheRaiderslidintoanopenberth,andSliscuswaitedimpatientlyattherailasaboardingplankextendedfromthedock.Aslavewaswaitingonhim.‘Report,’hesaidastheplanklockedintoplace.‘Ah, the…ah…thesystemdefencefleet isenroute.RibaldBlade is runninginterference with the rest of the fleet. But they seem… ah… very intent ongettingbackhere.’Sliscus laughed.With the fadingof the storm, theplanet’s isolationhadbeenbroken. Reportsmust be filtering back to the SpaceMarines about what wasoccurring.Theyhad seenhis stratagem forwhat itwasandordered their fleetback to cut off his escape.But therewasn’t amon-keigh ship built that couldoutrunIncessantAgony.‘Letthemcome.IcannotthinkofabetterwaytoendthiscelebrationthanbyhumiliatingtheminthevoidasIhumiliatedthemontheground.’‘Iwouldn’tcallithumiliation,exactly.Doesafleahumiliateawolf?’Sliscusspun.AfamiliarfacesurroundedbyamaneofredhairgrinnedathimoverthebarreloftheRaider’sdisintegratorcannon,nowaimedatthedeck.‘MynameisLukas,bytheway,’theSpaceWolfsaid.‘Ifyouwerewondering.’‘Iwasn’t,’Sliscussaid.Warriorsswarmedtowardsthegunner’sdais.Thebarrelofthecannonrose,andSliscusflungouthishands.‘Back.Back!’Ifthecannonfired, it would punch a hole right through the deck and into the anti-gravityengines.‘MightIinquirehowyoucametobehere?’‘Isneakedaboard,’Lukassaid.Heglancedaround,takinginhissurroundings.‘Nice ship.Lotsof room.Toomanyxenos, though.Mighthave to air it out abit.’Intrigueddespitehimself,Sliscussaid,‘Tellme,howdidyouknowwhichwas

mine?’‘Oh, that was easy,’ Lukas said, leaning over the cannon. ‘I looked for thenicestone.’Hisgrinwaswideandferal.‘Youdidn’treallythinkIwasgoingtolet you slither away that easily, eh?’ His thumbs twitched over the activationglyphs,andSliscus tensed, ready toduckaside.Lukas lickedhis teethas if inanticipation.‘Tellme,doesyourkindhavethestoryoftheboywhoswallowedakraken?’‘No,Ican’tsaythatwedo.’‘Pity.Asyousaid,familiarityaddsspice.’Lukasturnedthecannononitsplinthuntil itwasaimedataRaiderdockedinanearbyberth.Hefired,andtheskiffvanishedinflames.Lukasspunthecannon,holdingdownthetriggers.Particlesofunstablematterburstoverthedockingring,anddelicateequipmentexplodedobligingly.TheSpaceWolfhowledwithlaughterasherakedthecavernousinteriorofthebay and much of what it contained with destructive energies. The IncessantAgonyshookasthewolfithadinadvertentlyswallowedtoreatitsguts.Sliscusstumbled into the rail, the docking platform shudderingwildly. ‘Someone killhim!’heshrieked.Corsairs raced towards the dais, only tomeet their deaths as the SpaceWolfswungthecannonaroundandtargetedthem.Beamsofenergypunchedthroughtheethersailandsweptacross therail.Sliscuswasflung to thedeck,narrowlyavoidingthebeamasitpassedoverhead.Hescrambledbacktohisfeet,grippingthesmoulderingrailforsupport.Alarmswailed.Thebaywasaninferno.Skiffsburned, as did the docking ring. Fires roared out of control, despite desperateslavesandcrewfightingtocontainthem.Iftheyweren’tquick,thefiresmightwellcompromisetheship’sabilitytoescapethesystem.‘Ventthebay,’Sliscusshouted,tryingtobeheardovertheklaxons.Hegesturedsharply to the nearby crew stations. ‘Do it now, before it causes a chainreaction!’ Long moments later, the bottom of the bay swung open with atorturousroarofmetalandescapingatmosphere.Thebrokengantriesandberthstore loose of the framework as the void reached out to claim what it could.Burning Raiders and those unlucky enough to still be on them tumbleddownwards,caughtinthesuddendecompression.Lukas swung the disintegrator cannon around and fired at the crew stations,preventing them from closing the bay. Sliscus cursed and scrambled towardshim. He fired his pistol, but Lukas leapt over the prow rail and out of sight.Sliscus hit the rail and peered over. Lukas grinned up at him fromwhere he

clung to the curve of the prow. The plasma pistol in his hand spat, forcingSliscustoduckback.Hewas over the rail amoment later, sword in hand.Lukas tackled him, andtheyrolledacrossthesweepoftheprow.Sliscusstruckhiminthefacewiththepommel of a sword and sprang to a nearby gantry. He extended a blade ininvitation.‘Comeonthen,Wolf.Youhavecomeallthisway.Don’tbeshynow.DukeTraevelliathSliscusawaitsyou.’

Lukas leapt from the wounded skiff to the gantry, landing heavily. Sliscusretreatedasherosetohisfeet.‘Isthatwhattheycallyou,then?’Lukastwitcheda finger in a come-hither gesture. ‘Come then, Duke. You and I must havewords.’Sliscussmiledandsteppedback.‘Icanhearyoufromhere,Wolf.’Lukasshruggedand,quickashisnamesake,boundedtowardshisfoe.‘Ithinknot,’hesaidwithalaugh,bringinghisclawdown.Sliscustwitchedasideandtheclawcarvedlonggougesinthehullplatebehindhim.Lukascaughtahandfulofthecorsair’shairandyankedhimback.Theirforeheadsconnected,andSliscusstaggeredwithagrunt.Lukasswipedathimagain,drivinghimbackastep.Sliscusbentawayfromtheblow.Hespun,bladeslashingupanddown.OneofLukas’ braids fell to the deck, sliced neatly from his head. ‘You are cunning,Wolf.Slippery.MoresothanIexpected.’Sliscustookafirmergriponthehiltofhisblade.‘Butcunninghasitslimits.’‘Even yours,’ Lukas growled. He flexed his claw. Energy crawled along thetalons,castingweirdshadowsacrossthecrampedconfinesofthebay.‘Ihaveno limits,’Sliscussaid. ‘At least,none that Iamawareof.Butbyallmeans,comeandseeifyoucanteachme.’Lukas leapt. Sliscus ducked aside, a graceful shadow. The Strifeson’s clawslammeddown, tearing throughconduitsandcables inanexplosionof sparks.Lukastorehistalonsfreeandspun,buttoolate.Thedarkeldar’sbladedancedacross his ribs, slicing through ceramite as easily as if it were paper. SliscuslaughedandsprangbackasLukas lashedoutathim. ‘Close,Wolf.Close.Butmyfangsaredeadlierthanyours,byfar.’Lukasgrowledlowinhisthroatandglanceddownatthewound.Hecouldfeelsomethingburningwithinhim.Helaughedevenashestaggered.‘Poison?’‘Ah, theWolf has a palate.’ Sliscus extended his blade. ‘But no, not poison.Psycho-vampiriccircuitry.Ilookforwardtoseeingwhatitdoestoanaugmentedfreakofnaturelikeyou.’

‘I’ll give you a closer look.’ Lukas lurched as if falling, and then sprang,laughing. Unprepared, Sliscus ducked back, but not quickly enough. Lukasclipped himwith the edge of his claw, and the corsair yelped in pain. Sliscusrolledawayandcameupswiftly,hisbladesingingout.Lukasduckedanddrewhis plasma pistol. Before he could fire, Sliscus’ blade chopped through thebarrel.Lukastossedtheuselessweaponasideandfellback.‘Anamusingdiversion,Wolf.Butthatisallyouare.Justanotheranimalforthearena.And therecanbeonlyoneending foryoursort, longoverdue though itmaybe.’SliscusslidforwardasLukasscrambledaway.‘What is everyone’s fascination with my death?’ he asked, rolling aside asSliscus’bladesliced through thegantry.He lashedoutwithhis feet,hoping tosmashhisopponent’slegsoutfromunderhim.Sliscusleaptupwards,avoidingtheblow.Helandedinacrouch,hisswordslicingthroughLukas’thigh.Lukas staggeredagainst the rail,hisvisionblurring.Somethingburnedat theback of his throat, and he was having trouble drawing breath. His enhancedbiologywasstrugglingagainstwhatever thebladehaddone tohim.Beforehecould push himself away from the rail, Sliscus was behind him. The swordpierced his back-plate, tore through his flesh and skidded off his hardenedribcage.Itemergedfromhischest-plateandpiercedthemetaloftherail,pinninghimthere.Sliscus cursed and set his foot against Lukas’ back, trying to lever the bladefree.Lukas,chokingonhisownblood,raisedhiswolfclawandsplittherail.Itburst away from the gantry and he toppled forward, dragging an unpreparedSliscuswithhim.They tumbled to thenextgantrybelow, landing inapainfulheap.TheswordwasjostledfreeofLukas’abdomen.Stillonhisknees,hisfreehandclappedtothe wound, Lukas swiped out with his claw, tearing Sliscus’ cloak to raggedtatters.The ship shuddered.Sparks cascadeddownaccompaniedby looseneddebris,momentarily separating them.Breathingheavily,Lukas hauledhimself up.Hecouldseemoreeldarracingalongthenearbygantries.Hurtashewas,hewasn’tgoing to be able to fight his way out. ‘Grimblood was right. That’sdisappointing.’Sliscusemergedfromthesmoke,abladeineitherhand.‘Yourmistakewasinthinkingthatyoucouldeverbeatmeinmyownship.Thisismyhuntingground,andIammasterhere.’‘Wolvesdon’thavemasters,’Lukassaid.Hishandfell tohiscombatharness.

Heonlyhadafewgrenadesleft.Pullingthemallloose,heactivatedthemwithasweepofhisthumb.Heflungthemout,andtheyrattledalongthegantriesbeforeexploding. The gantry they were standing on creaked as the explosionsweakeneditssupportstruts.SeeingSliscusstaggeras thegantryswayed,Lukas leapt.HisclawclosedononeofSliscus’bladesandhesnappeditoffatthehilt.Hetriedtobackhandthecorsair, but Sliscus ducked away. The eldar drew his pistol and fired. Lukasinterposed his wolf claw at the lastmoment, and the blast washed across thegauntlet.Hefeltapricklingheatandsmelledliquefyingmetal.Instinctively,hedisengagedtheclampsandsealsthatkepttheclawinplace,discardingit.Whatwasleftofitsplashedtothegantry.Offbalance,heturnedbacktowardsSliscus,onlytoseethecorsairreadyinganothershot.‘Skítja,’Lukasyelped,lungingforward.Sliscusdidn’thesitate.HissecondshotstruckLukas in thechest.TheTricksterstumbledback, thegantryraildigginginto his waist. Toxic fumes enveloped him as he swatted ineffectually at thebubbling mass eating its way through his chest-plate. He snarled as the firstflickersofpainreachedhim.‘Do you like it?’ Sliscus held up the pistol. ‘Liquifier pistol. Discharges anincrediblypotentacidderivedfromthecausticbloodofsomebeastorother.Itwilleatrightthroughthatarmourofyours,andthefleshbeneathaswell.’Lukas groaned and slumped. An acrid smoke billowed up from the concaveruinofhis chest-plate, andhecould feel the acideatingawayathisbody.Hesankdown,hisnerveendingsscreaming.Thefingersofhisgauntletsblackenedashetriedtoscrapetheacidaway.Momentslateritbegantodryoutandflake,leavingagapingholeinitswake.‘Itevaporatesquickly,however.Thepainaloneisenoughtokillmostprey.Butyou are not most prey, are you? No. You are clever meat. And clever meatdeserves a reward.’Sliscus stepped towardsLukas and tossed thepistol aside.Hedrewacruellybarbedknifefromhisbelt.HesankdownbesideLukasandwrenchedthesectionsofhisweakenedarmourapart,exposinghischest.‘I’ll carve out that cunning heart and keep it bymy bedside,’ Sliscus hissed,raising theblade.Lukas struggled to rise, but the eldar’sgripwas strong.Theknife sank into his chest, cutting through carapace and reinforced bone withease.LukascaughtatSliscus’forearm,fightingagainstthepainthatthreatenedtooverwhelmhim.Butitwasnouse.Withadreadful,wetsound,hissecondaryheartcamefreeofhischest.Lukasgasped inagonyandsaggedback,chokingonhisownblood.Sliscusheld the

heartup,admiringit.‘SmallerthanIimagined,’hemurmured.DarknesscreptinattheedgesofLukas’consciousness.EvenaSpaceWolfhadlimits,andLukashadreachedhis.Grimbloodhadbeenright,damnhim.Buthecouldn’t leave without one last laugh. The guttural sound slipped from hisblisteredlips,gainingstrengthevenashisbodylostit.‘What are you laughing about?’ Sliscus demanded, glancing away from hisgorytrophy.Heleanedclose,grabbingahandfulofLukas’scalp.‘Answerme.’Lukasgrinned,salivabubblinginhismouth.‘Youaren’ttheonlyonewhocanplaywithacid,’hesaidthickly.Hehawkedandspat.Sliscusreeled,screamingshrilly.The corsair staggered back, his hands clasped to his smoking features.Theworldspinningabouthim,Lukascaughttheedgeofthegantryanddraggedhimselfover theedge.Thestarsbeckoned,andhe joined the tideofwreckagestillbeingventedfromtheship.He fell slowly, striking the edge of the lower bay and spinning out into thewelcomingblack,Sliscus’screamsechoinginhisears.

TheIncessantAgonyshudderedasitleftFenris’orbit,alarmklaxonssounding.Sliscusslumpedbackagainstthebrokenrail,cradlinghisburntface.Heneededtoget to the commanddeck, to take charge.But for themoment, he coulddonothingbutsitandwaitforthepaintorecede.Slavessurroundedhiminhelplesspanic,andhethrustthemaway,consciousofhis warriors’ gazes. ‘Get away. Get away!’ He dragged himself to his feet,blinking back stinging tears. Therewas no tellingwhat theWolf’s spittle haddonetohisface,buthehadsurvivedworse.Itcouldberepaired.Ormaybehewouldn’t.Hemightwelldecidetokeepthescars,asaremindertogowithhistrophy.Throughblurringvision,heexaminedhisprize.‘TheWolf’sheart,’hemurmured, remembering theHarlequin’sprophecy.Hesmiled,but ittwistedintoawinceaspainflaredthroughhisravagedfeatures.‘Nearlyundonebyametaphor.Whataridiculouswaytodie.’‘SillySerpent.Deathisforsecondarycharacters.’Sliscus looked up through blurring vision. The Shadowseer crouched on ashatteredstrutnearby,watchinghim.Giventhesituation,hewasn’tsurprisedtoseeher.Heattemptedacrookedsmile,andnewwoundsopenedonhisravagedface. ‘And am I a main character, then, in whatever little drama you haveconcocted?’‘You served your purposewell,Duke.Done as the part demanded, andwithsuch style.’ The Harlequin leaned towards him, her movements unnaturally

smooth even for an eldar. She reached out as if to touch his injured face.Heflinchedback.‘Idoeverythingwithstyle,’hegrowled.‘AndIneednoinstructionfromyou.’Hepulledhimselftohisfeet.Below,throughtheopenbay,hecouldseeFenristurning.Ablue, hateful blotch on the stars.TheHarlequinwatchedhim, headtilted.Heheldouttheheart.‘Doyouwantthis?’TheHarlequinrosetoherfullheight.‘Wemerelywantedtheabsenceofit.Dowithitasyouseefit.’Sliscussmiled.‘I’llholdontoit,then.Akeepsaketorememberthislittleaffairby.’Hewatched theworldbelowdwindleas the IncessantAgonydeparted forthe safety of deep space. He could already feel the faintest edge of boredomslidingagainsthisnerves.Hewouldhavetofindnewentertainmentswithwhichtooccupyhimself,oncehehadhealed.PerhapsAureliawas right.Perhaps itwas time to return toCommorraghandremindhimselfwhyhehadleftinthefirstplace.Andwouldn’tVectbesurprisedtoseehim?AndAurelia, too, ifshehadmanagedtogetoffFenris.Therewasmuchfuntobehad,ifyouknewwheretolook.‘Idon’tsupposeyou’llevertellmewhatthiswasallabout,willyou?’hesaidfinally.Therewasnoanswer.Whenhelookedaround,theHarlequinwasgone.Hesnorted.Typical.Helookeddownattheheart.‘Lukas,’hemurmured.‘Iwillrememberthat.’

EPILOGUE

TRICKSTER’SHEART641.M41

‘You didwhat?’ Grimblood roared. His bellow echoed throughout the Aett’sapothecarium.Traysrattledagainststoneasthrallsscattered.Lukaswincedandstuckafingerinhisear.‘Notsoloud,jarl.I’mstillfeelingdelicate.’Hehadbeenintheapothecariumfordays,sincethesystemfleetfoundhim floating in the upper atmosphere like a piece of space junk. That he hadsurvived at all was a miracle. His chest felt as if it had been cored out andscrapedraw.Anexpanseofnewlymadescar tissuecoveredhisbarechest.Hetoucheditgingerly.Theflesharounditwaspuffyandtender.‘Quiet,’Grimbloodsnarled.HepointedatThymr,whostoodatthefootoftheexaminationslab.‘Iaskedyouaquestion,brother.’‘Hemadeaveryconvincingargument,’Thymrsaid,somewhatsheepishly.TheIronPriest’scyberneticeyewhirredashelookedbackandforthbetweenthem,and the trio ofmedical servitors standing nearby copied the gesture. The thinautomatons hunched within multi-limbed medicae harnesses, their witheredorganic hands bound tight to their sunken chests. A variety of sensoryapparatuses hid their features from view.The harnesses’ twitching limbswere

still stainedwith Lukas’ blood from their excavation of hiswounded chest tomakethenecessarymodifications.‘Ididdothat,yes,’Lukassaid.Grimbloodignoredhim,stillgloweringatThymr.‘Youputastasisbombinhischest.’‘Hedid,’Lukassaid,nodding.ThymrhadsetthebombintothewoundleftbySliscus’ blade, wiring its detonator to Lukas’ bio-rhythms. Not without somegrowlingatfirst,ofcourse.Buthehadseenthehumourinit,eventually.‘Idon’tevenknowifitworks,’Thymrprotested.‘Hedoesn’t,’Lukasaddedhelpfully.Grimbloodglaredathim.‘Stoptalking,Trickster.Stoptalkingnow,beforeIripoutyourotherheart.’‘Iwouldn’t,’Thymrsaid.‘Thebombmightgooff.’‘Itmight,’Lukassaid.GrimbloodturnedhisglareontheIronPriest.‘Yousaiditdoesn’twork.’‘I said that I don’t know if itworks.’ Thymr shook his head. ‘That isn’t thesamething.’HefrownedandlookedatLukas.‘It’shumming,’Lukassaid,pokingthescartissuethatwastheonlyremainingsignof the invasive surgery thatbeencarriedoutonlya fewhoursbefore.Hegrinned.‘Itissupposedtohum,isn’tit?’‘No,’Thymrsaid,steppingback.Grimbloodhesitatedamoment,thenfollowedsuit. Lukas poked the scar again, and Thymr took another step back. ‘Stoppokingit.’‘Ititches.’Grimbloodsnarledinfury.‘Ititchesbecauseyoustuckanexplosivedeviceintoanopenwound,youmangy,deceitfulfool!’‘Well,somethinghadtogointhere,’Lukassaid.‘Iwasoffbalance.’Grimbloodsnorted.‘Servesyouright.Youstolemykill,Trickster.’Hegrinnedsavagely. ‘Or tried to, at least.’ Still grinning, he pointed upwards. ‘Whathappenedupthere?’Lukas’smile faded. ‘Iwasoverconfident. I forgot thataserpent’sbitecanbepoisonous.’Helookedaway.‘Itwon’thappenagain.’‘Didyoukillit,atleast?’Lukas shook his head. ‘No.’ He smiled. ‘But he’ll remember me. Whathappenedatthecamp?’Stuckintheapothecarium,hehadn’theardmuchbeyondthehowlsoftriumphechoingthroughtheAett.Grimblood grunted. ‘You missed quite a slaughter. The ones who didn’t

managetogettothewebwayportalnowsleeponredsnow.Notsomanyaswemighthavehoped, though.Toomanyescaped.And toomanyofour folkdiedunavenged.’Lukashunchedforward,wonderingifthepainhefeltwasentirelyphysical.Heclenchedhisfists.Hethaandherpeoplewouldbegone,iftheyhadsurvived.Buthe had found them once. He would find them again, though perhaps not forseveralgenerations.Heforcedhimselftorelax.‘Whatofthepups?’‘Havetheynotvisitedyou?Ungratefulwhelps.’Grimbloodsmiled.‘Suchisthewayofyouth.’Heshookhishead.‘Youtaughtthemwell.Theyarealive.Somenewscars,but theybear themwithhonour.Theywillbeelevated to theGrey,soon. For their bravery.’He peered at Lukas. ‘And yours.What you did tookcourage.’‘And cunning. Don’t forget cunning,’ Lukas chuckled. ‘Seems the fire waswrong.’‘No. It didn’t saywhen youwould die, only that youwould.’ Therewas nohumour in Grimblood’s smile. Even so, Lukas laughed, after a moment ofbewilderedastonishment.‘Oh,thatisfunny.Youtrickedme.’Grimblood looked down at him. ‘It would have been a good death,’ he saidfinally.‘Ideservebetter,’Lukassaid.Heprobedtheinflamedflesharoundhiswound,wincing.Thepainwasworthit.Hecouldfeelthestasisbombhummingwithinhim.Orperhapsitwasgrowling,likeacontentedwolf.‘AndwithThymr’shelp,IhavemadecertainthatwhenIdie,IwillberememberedasIam.’Grimblood glanced at Thymr. ‘I knew it was amistake to let you keep thatthing.’‘It’s a coward’sweapon, anyway,’Thymr said. ‘Whobetter thanhim tohaveit?’Grimblood sighed. ‘Perhaps.’ He looked at Lukas. ‘Perhaps that is the mostfittingendfortheJackalwolf’ssaga,whatevermyhopes.Amonumenttohubrisandcourageinone.’Lukasgrinned.‘See,Thymr?Itoldyouhewouldgetthejoke,inhisowntime.’HeslappedGrimbloodonthearm.‘Cheerup,jarl.Hloja.Laugh!’AndLukaslaughed.

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

JoshReynoldsistheauthoroftheHorusHeresyPrimarchsnovelFulgrim:ThePalatinePhoenix,theWarhammer40,000novelsLukastheTrickster,FabiusBile:Primogenitor,FabiusBile:ClonelordandDeathstorm,andthenovellasHunter’sSnareandDante’sCanyon,alongwiththeaudiodramasBlackshields:TheFalseWarandMasteroftheHunt.ForWarhammerAgeofSigmarhehaswrittenthenovelsEightLamentations:SpearofShadows,HallowedKnights:PlagueGarden,Nagash:TheUndyingKing,FuryofGork,BlackRiftandSkavenPestilens.HehasalsowrittenmanystoriessetintheWarhammerOldWorld,includingtheEndTimesnovelsTheReturnofNagashandTheLordoftheEndTimes,theGotrek&FelixtalesCharnelCongress,RoadofSkullsandTheSerpentQueen.Helivesandworksin

Sheffield.

AnextractfromLuciustheFaultlessBlade.

ThePitCurcutarattlingdivethroughthemaelstrom.Shewasanuglycraft,thecoreofaboxymassconveyorswollen intoahulkingmonstrosityofoversizedweaponsbatteriesandcrudelystackedarmourplateswrappedaroundabulbouscluster ofwarp engines.Sheborenoneof the avianor oceanic grace that hadinspired so many shipwrights as they had created the spacefaring vessels ofmankind.Her utilitarian form suited the ones who now called her solemn decks ofadamantium and cold iron home. In the time since the ship’s capture by hercurrentmasters,thePitCurhadbeenrenderedintoaneffigy,herarmourplatingedgedinbrassandlacqueredincrimsonasifshehadbreachedfromanoceanofspilledblood,allinvenerationtotheGodofWar.Theship’sblackenedenginesburnedhot,oblivioustothehandfulofsmallerescortcraftstrainingtokeeppacewithherastheyclungtoherflanks.Riotouscolour twistedandbloomedaround thePitCur.Churningnebulaeofhalf-formedhandsandfaceswaxedandundulated,birthingclustersoflightandtumblingrawmatterintobeingandthendestroyingthemjustasquickly.Stormsofincomparablescaleappearedinstantaneously,thefeedinggroundsforancientintelligencesofcongealedpassionwhowereravenousforthechancetostripthesoulsfrommortal flesh.Trillionsofpredatorsswamthroughthe psychicsyrupofaccumulatedsentientemotion,whisperingpromisesandliestoanythatwouldhearthem.Themortal crew of thePit Cur shuffled in fearful silence through the darkarteries of their vessel, wary to keep themselves far from the masters whoroamedtheupperdecks.Theywereslavestotoweringdemigods,enragedbeastsclad in armour of brass and blood-red, a shard of transhuman shrapnel sentspinninguponthepathofitsowndestinyinthewakeoftheXIILegion’sdeathatSkalathrax.Theirpathwaserratic,guidedby theaggressionengines tickingintotheirmindswithaceaselessdesireforbutchery.Internalstrifeagainsttheir

ownbrethrenwasascommonplacewithintheirsavagethrongastheraidingandpillagingtheycommittedacrossthestorms.LifewascheapaboardthePitCur,especiallythatofthemortalswhohadneverseenbeyonditsslowlycorrodinghalls.Theirswasabrutalexistence,asunstableastheabusedbrainsoftheirlords,thoughtheoneswholedtheirwarbandwerenotsoblindastoyieldallcaution.Fortheypliedthespacebetweentherealandtheunreal, the realm thathadbeenboth their refugeand theirprisonsince thefailed siege of Terra. They were in the Eye of Terror, and danger lurked allaroundthem,staringwithabillioneyesbothmundaneandaetheric.Inthisinstance,dangertookafamiliarform.ThehuntressslippedforthfromtheshimmeringstormsthatwreathedEyespace,sentientlightningclingingandlickingatthepalelozengeofblue-and-goldlightencasing her that was her Geller field. Where the Pit Cur was bulky andunsightly, a monument to uncouth wrath and aggression, the huntress wasbreathtaking. She was an elegant spear of platinum and bleached mauve, acityscapeof fluted towersandcathedralssculpted intoaknife’sedge.Herhullwaspockmarkedandblackenedbyceaselesswarstretchingback to thekillinggrounds of Isstvan, yet these scars did nothing to diminish the beauty of hersublimelyregalform.Thehuntress angledherbladedprow, adornedwith the anguishedeffigyof acrucified eagle rendered in blemished gold, towards the Pit Cur, and leaptforwardsonswiftenginesintoattackrange.AlarmsandwarningklaxonsrangoutwithinthePitCur,scratchyandblaringindisunityfromacombinationofpoormaintenanceandoveruse.Crewrushedthrough corridors stained in scarlet emergency lighting. Threadbare boots andrag-bound feet splashed throughpoolsofblood runningwithout sourceor endfromtheceilingandwallstocollectinthedeckgrating.SerfdomundertheWarGod’s champions had dulled the horror of those still living to serve, and theyjostledandshovedpastoneanothertoreachtheirappointedbattlestations.Thepale, spindly figures of lobotomised servitors dragged themselves to theenginariumandmaintenancedecks,whilebrutishvat-grownabhumansstompedtowards the weapons batteries, slathering their chemically swollen arms withchalkastheymadereadytohaulenormousshellsintothebreechesoftheship’sguns. The walls around them shivered as thePit Cur’s engines were pushedbeyondtheirtolerances,thehullissuingachorusoftorturedmetallicgroansasshetwistedhersuperstructuretofacetheapproachingfoe.TheescortssailingwiththePitCur,apairofIdolator-classlanceraidersanda

single Infidel-class torpedofrigate thatanyreasonablecommanderwouldhavedecommissionedacenturyago,peeledawayfromthelargervessel’sflanksandsurgedtowardsthehuntress.Theircommandersspreadtheirmeagrenumbersinawide formation, seeking todivide the invader’s fireandbuy time for thePitCurtocomeaboutandbringhersuperiorweaponsbatteriestobear.Void conflict was a feat of mathematics and complex calculation, a precisedance conducted from a staggering distance. Battles where the opposingcommanders were ever close enough to have made visual contact with oneanotherwereoccasionsofextremerarity.Thehuntresshadarrivedpracticallyontopof thePitCur andher escorts, immediately triggering thewailof extremeproximityalarmsandimpactklaxonsacrossthebridgesandcommanddecksofeveryvessel.Thischoiceoftacticswasfarfromunexpected,however,forthosewhowaged theLegionwars preferred engagements of amore intimate naturethanthosefoughtbyconventionalnavies.Migraine-brightspearsofcracklinglightslashedoutfromtheforkedprowsoftheIdolatorraiders.SmokeandbitsofwreckageshookfromtheInfidel’shullasit loosedaspreadof torpedoesatpoint-blankrange.Lanceseruptedacross thehuntress’ void shields in a corona of slick multicolour, while point-defencebatteriesalongthehullofthepurple-and-silvershiplitthevoidwithstreamsoftracerfire.Goldenribbonsofshellsstrucktheincomingordnance,reducingthetorpedoestosmallspheresofexpandingfirethatquicklyshrankandgutteredouttonothing.Pinpricks of light gathered along the flanks of the huntress as her own lancebatteriesprimed.Brilliantboltsofenergy linkedher to the threeescortvesselsfor an eye-blink. The void shields of the smaller warships popped like soapbubbles as the concentrated beams continued on, slicing through armour asknives carve through flesh. Internal detonations boiled over the hulls of theescortsastheirwarpdrivesoverloaded,blowingthemapartineye-achingburstsofspectral-blueplasma.Menandwomenstreamedintothestormfromthewarships’rupturedhullslikeblood spurting from lacerated flesh. Those not already dead would writhe inagonybeforejoiningthosewhowere,eitherfromtheuncaringcoldofthevoid,oratthehandsoftheNeverbornthatroostedinthemaelstrom’stides.Alessonquickly learned by all of thosewhowere banished to the Eye of Terror, bothmortal and demigod alike, was that there were many fates worse than death.Thosesuckedoutintothevoiddidnotwaitlongtolearnthefullextentofthattruth.

Theirkillerhadnotevenbrokenherstride.Thehuntresssailedwith theeasy,naturalgraceofadancer through thecloudsof spinningdebris,whichwasallthatremainedoftheescortcraftandtheirthousandsofcrew,assheboredownuponhertrueprey.Across theouterdecksof thePitCur,mortalcrewscurriedoutof thepathofpower-armoured giants clutching brutish chainaxes and glaives. Eye-lenses ofcrimsonanddirty jadepierced thegloomfrombeneath thecrestsof theirwar-helms, and thewaspish buzz of their activewar-plate sent ripples through thebloodpooledonthedeck.Twitchesandlowgrowlsissuedfromthewarriorsasthepainenginesimplantedintheirbrainspunishedcalmandfedthemfrenzy.Alow, coarse voice barked across the ship-wide vox, scratching from batteredhornsingutturalNagrakali:‘Girdyourplateandreadyyourblades.PraisebetoKharnath!PraisetotheWarGod!Hehasgivenusskulls tosplitandbloodtospill.’

Theyhadbeenmadetobeangels.EvenmoresothantheLegionswhoborethatepithetwithin theirown titles,more than theentiretyof theLegionesAstarteswho strode across thegalaxy as the conquering ImperiumofMan’sAngelsofDeath, only one Legion understood the true totality of such an ideal. To beangelic, to truly realise the intended vision of their creation, could only befulfilledbyachievingperfection.Only one Legion had borne the name of the Emperor.Only one Legion hadbeenchosen towear thesymbolof theMasterofMankind, thePalatineaquilaupontheirarmourastheirbloodandironforgedHisinterstellardominion.OnlyoneLegionhadeverbeenperfectenoughtobecalledHisChildren.TheDiadem slid through themilky squalls of prismaticwarp light, her voidshieldsflickeringasthelastofherprey’sescortpicketrainedoverherasshardsof twisted wreckage. She rolled aside from the fire of the Pit Cur’s macro-cannon batteries, salvoes of shells the size of hive city tenements screamingharmlesslypastastheancientstrikecruisermanoeuvredwithstatelygrace.Theheavilymodifiedmasstransportaheadofherlistedfromtherecoilofherguns,unabletomatchthepreternaturalagilityoftheDiademassheknifedintocloserange.Lancesandsmallerweaponsbatterieslinkedthespacebetweenthetwovesselsin storms of fire as theDiadem dipped low and under thePit Cur.While theheliotrope strike cruiser still lit the twisted void around them with thekaleidoscopiclightofherintactvoidshields,thePitCur’slayeredenergyfields

had overloaded, and clouds of broken weapons emplacements and shatteredarmourhunginlooseorbitaroundherhull.Hundredsofcrewbledoutintothevoidfromdeckbreaches,tornintothewaitingarmsoftheNeverbornthatchosetheEyeastheirfeedingground.SlippingbeneaththePitCur’sguns,theDiademexecutedanimmaculateroll,turning the anger of her lance batteries upon the mass conveyor’s sub-warpenginearrays.Asherpreylistedtoahalt,trailingasputteringtailofneongasesfromrupturedpropulsiondrivesmeltingtocharredslag, theDiademcontinuedtoroll.SplintersofdarklilacshotfromherflanksbeforesheburnedherenginesbrightandblastedpastthewoundedPitCur.Likeseedsscatteredacrossafield,the tinydartsofboardingpodssankinto theundefendedbellyof theconveyorandlockedfasttoherhull.Themajority of theWorld Eaters aboard thePit Cur, as per standard tacticswhenrepellingvoidborneboardingactions,musteredtotakeuppositionsatsitesof thegreatest strategic importance.Thegreatestnumbersdeployedacrosshercorridors were tasked with guarding the enginarium, upper decks and bridgeagainstanyinvaderseekingtowrestcontroloftheshipfromthewarriorsoftheXIILegion.The fallen angels locked within the boarding pods sought a different prize,however. The Pit Cur, a broken-down junker scarcely stitched together andbarely suited for travel through Eyespace, meant nothing to them. Their eyeswere lockedon the true treasureaboard theheavymassconveyer, the teemingmasses packed into the blackness of its holding decks – mortals destined forlivesofbrutaltoilorviolentdeathsinthegladiatorialfightingpitsoftheEatersofWorlds.The fallen angels had come to free thosewretches from the captivity ofXIILegionshackles.Theirliberatorshadanentirelydifferentfateinstoreforthem.Afatethatwassublimely,excruciatinglyworse.

Direncclutchedthelengthofrustedironpipetohisbarrelchest,thethunderoustremorsaroundhimcrashinginconcertwiththepoundinghammerofhisheart.Hehad torn thepipeout from thewallofa long-abandonedmaintenanceductfourmonthsago,andsincethattimeithadhelpedhiminkillingeightmenandthreewomenin the lightlessexpanseof thePitCur’s lowerdecks.Direnchadsought none of them out, but he had not had to. Frommurdering over debtsincurred gambling in the fighting pits to struggling for the meagre suppliesnecessarytoekeoutathreadbareexistenceaboardtheship,killingwasawayof

life for those in thrall to the War God, from the lowliest slave to the RedCenturionwhoruledthewarbandandthePitCurasitschieftain.Roundedupwithadozenotherslaves,Direnchadbeenherdedintothedepthsof the ship, to guard against potential invasion.Most of the other slaveswerearmed in a similarly pitiful manner to Direnc, white-knuckled claws grippingsharpenedbitsofplasteeltubingorbatteredindustrialtools.Lookingaroundtheneartotalblacknessofthecorridorinwhichhefoundhimself,hewonderedwhatthe ragged collection of serfs could possibly do to stop any hostile demigodsintentoncuttingtheirwayintotheship.Evenagainstasingleoneofthem,theslaveswoulddolittlemorethanserveasameatshieldtocaketheirboots.Onlyonemanpresent in thecorridorwasarmedwithanything thatwaseveroriginally intended tobeusedasaweapon.Theoverseer flickednervouseyesfromslavetoslave,cradlingthedentedstockofabeatencombatshotgunagainsthiship.Hehadpositionedhimselfbehind thepackof terrified thralls, toservemore as a means of keeping them from fleeing than to repel any boardershimself.Wipinggrimysweatfromhisbrow,Direncpushedadeepbreathfrombetweenhis teeth. The entire situation was insane. The idea of anyone coming closeenoughtobeboardedbythePitCuranditscohortofgeneforgedkillerswasasgood as suicidal. The very notion that anyone would board such a shipthemselveswasbeyondludicrous.DirencwasstrongenoughtosurviveaboardthePitCur.Hislarge,muscularframeensuredthathecouldkeephimselfaliveaswellashaulthefuellinesandammunitionhoppersusedtorearmandrefuelthemasters’warmachineshousedintheprimarylandingbay.Hestoodaheadtallerthanmostoftheothermenandwomenaroundhim,buthewasstillachildincomparisontooneofthelegionaries.ThewallsaroundDirencheavedasashellstruckthehullnearby,fillingtheairwiththesonorousscreechofprotestingmetal.Another,greaterimpactfollowed,right at the endof their corridor.Direncmanaged to seizeholdof an exposedpipethreadingthewalltoremainupright,justkeepinghimfromjoiningseveraloftheslavesaroundhimwhoweredashedagainstthewallsanddepositedonthedeck.Dazedmenandwomenpushedthemselvesshakilybacktotheirfeet,whileothers,theirbodiesbentandfoldedatunnaturalangles,remainedunmovingonthegrate.Deep, resonant clunks issued from the end of the corridor, underpinning theshriekofshearinghullplating.Faintpinpricksoflightappearedagainstthefarwall,multiplyingandmergingtogetherasthemetalbegantoglow.Acridsmoke

billoweddownthecorridorasthewallmeltedintoslag,sloppingdownontothedeckinhissing,goldenlumps.Direnc’s blood froze. He had spent enough time maintaining the warband’sattack craft to recognise the tell-tale effects of amelta cutter. The enemy hadattachedaboardingramtothePitCur.Righthere.Theslavesbegantolookbehindthem,instinctandtheanimalurgetofleefortheirlivestakingholdovertheirminds.Theairgrewthickwiththesourreekofadrenaline.Panickedchatterbrokeout,asmoreandmoreof thethrallsbackedawayfromtherapidlygrowingbreachinthewallattheendofthecorridor.Theoverseerstandingbehindthemwiththeshotgunbarkedathreat,firinghisweaponintothecrowd.Amanthuddedtothedeck,hischestrippedopenbytheblast.Themobreeled,lookingbacktoseethelastofthewallboilaway.Silence filled the corridor for a handful ofmoments.The slaves jumped as alowhiss issued out from the site of the breach.A thick, rollingmist billoweddown,adeeproseincolour.Slowlyitfilledthecorridor,curlingtowardstheminsoftpinktendrils.Theslavesbegantoseeshapesforminthedepthsofthemist.Largethingscladinspikedarmour.Legionaries.Andthesewerenottheirmasters.Pandemonium gripped the serfs. Frantic, they turned upon the overseer enmasse.Heissuedacommandtohalt,hisvoicecrackingfrompanic,andfiredtheshotgunintothecrowdagain.Aimingwasunnecessaryagainstthefrenziedpressadvancingonhim.Menandwomenwereflungback,shreddedbytheboomingblasts,andallthewhilethemistcreptcloser.Direnc leapt at the overseer, twisting himself aside just as the shotgun firedagain.Thebulkoftheshotmissedhim,butahandfulofrazoredpelletsstitchedacrosshissideinpuffsofdarkblood.Painexploded,rippingoutfromDirenc’sribcageandspreadinglikefireoverhisbody.Ragewilledhimtohisknees,andhegrabbedthepanickedoverseeraroundthewaistandhauledhimtotheground.Themanthrashedandkicked,strugglingtoleveltheshotgunatDirenc’sheadasthemistdriftednearer.Direncsmashedintotheoverseerwithabrutalheadbutt.Hefelthisnosebreak,mashingflattohisfaceinastarburstofblack,hotpain,butalsofeltsomethingshift in theoverseer’s skull.Dazed, theman loosenedhisgripon the shotgun,and Direnc wrenched it from his grip. Reversing his hold on the weapon, hesmasheditsbuttstockdownintotheoverseer’sface.Hebroughtitdownagain,andagain,andagain,untilwhathewashittinglostanysemblanceofhavingeverbeen human. Blood, spongy globs of flesh and splinters of bone covered the

buttstock,slipperyinDirenc’sgripashestood,whirlingaroundandbringingtheweaponuptohisshoulder.Themisthadreachedhim.Itrolledforwardslikealivingthingofrosysmoke,surgingupandintohismouthandnostrils.Itfilledhislungs,passingthroughthemembranestospinthroughhisbloodstream.For amoment,Direncwas perfectly still. The shotgun clattered to the deck,utterlyforgottenashefelltohisknees.Hispupilsdilated,growingsowidethathiseyesappearedtohavenoirisesatall.Hishandsshook.Tearsstreameddownhis face, carving lines through the gore as he both laughed and sobbed at thesametime.BlissenvelopedDirenc,utter,unrestrainedandcomplete.Hefeltitpassintohisheart and radiate out in ripples of ecstasywith every pulsing beat. It felt likebeingwrappedinwarmsilk,likethekissofaroaringfireintheship’sfreezinglowerdecks.Itfeltlikelove,honestandaskingnothingofhim.Itonlygave,trueandunending.Thedark, rust-pittedcorridorsof thePitCur, slatheredwith blood and sweatand curses, melted away. The stale, earthy scent of poorly recycled air wasreplaced by rapturous perfume. Direnc’s pain, his fear, his loneliness, allevaporated.A song filled the air, thepurest,mostbeautifulmusichehadeverheard.Direncwantedtodrowninit,forgettingeverythingbuttheunimaginablepleasurehewassinkinginto.Nothing else mattered. Nothing could ever matter as much as the waves ofelation washing over his senses. Curled into a ball beneath the mist, Direncgiggledsoftlyaspinkishfoamboiledfrombetweenhislips.Tohim,theclangingtread of armoured boots felt kilometres away as they passed him by, barelyregistering in hismind as they crushed corpses into paste on theirway to theheartofthePitCur.

ClickheretobuyLuciustheFaultlessBlade.

ToHannah,forherpatience.

ABLACKLIBRARYPUBLICATION

FirstpublishedinGreatBritainin2018.ThiseBookeditionpublishedin2018byBlackLibrary,GamesWorkshop

Ltd,WillowRoad,Nottingham,NG72WS,UK.

ProducedbyGamesWorkshopinNottingham.CoverillustrationbyJakeMurray.

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ISBN:978-1-78572-869-3

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