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CATECHISMOFHATEAnUltramarinesnovella

PANDORAXADarkAngelsandGreyKnightsnovel

BLOODANDFIREABlackTemplarsnovella

SONSOFWRATHAFleshTearersnovel

FLESHOFCRETACIAAFleshTearersnovella

THEWARFORRYNN’SWORLDIncludesthenovelRynn’sWorldandthenovellaTraitor’sGorge,

featuringtheCrimsonFists

Itisthe41stmillennium.FormorethanahundredcenturiestheEmperorhassatimmobileontheGoldenThroneofEarth.Heisthemasterofmankindbythewillofthegods,andmasterofamillionworldsbythemightofhisinexhaustiblearmies.Heisa

rottingcarcasswrithinginvisiblywithpowerfromtheDarkAgeofTechnology.HeistheCarrionLordoftheImperiumforwhomathousandsoulsaresacrificedeveryday,sothathemaynevertruly

die.

Yeteveninhisdeathlessstate,theEmperorcontinueshiseternalvigilance.Mightybattlefleetscrossthedaemon-infestedmiasmaofthewarp,theonlyroutebetweendistantstars,theirwaylitbytheAstronomican,thepsychicmanifestationoftheEmperor’swill.

Vastarmiesgivebattleinhisnameonuncountedworlds.GreatestamongstHissoldiersaretheAdeptusAstartes,theSpaceMarines,bio-engineeredsuper-warriors.Theircomradesinarmsarelegion:theAstraMilitarumandcountlessplanetarydefenceforces,theever-vigilantInquisitionandthetech-priestsoftheAdeptus

Mechanicustonameonlyafew.Butforalltheirmultitudes,theyarebarelyenoughtoholdofftheever-presentthreatfromaliens,

heretics,mutants-andworse.

Tobeamaninsuchtimesistobeoneamongstuntoldbillions.Itistoliveinthecruellestandmostbloodyregimeimaginable.Thesearethetalesofthosetimes.Forgetthepoweroftechnologyandscience,forsomuchhasbeenforgotten,nevertobere-learned.

Forgetthepromiseofprogressandunderstanding,forinthegrimdarkfuturethereisonlywar.Thereisnopeaceamongstthestars,onlyaneternityofcarnageandslaughter,andthelaughterof

thirstinggods.

BLOODOATHPHILKELLY

CHAPTERONE

QUANZHOUFORTRESS-MONASTERYOFTHEWHITESCARS

CHAPTER,CHOGORIS,713.999.M41

Athousanddecapitatedheads.Oneforeverybattle-brotherintheChapter.BythetimetheyhadleftTarotianIV,theThirdCompany’skillcounthadbeen

closertoamillion.Hehadkilledoverahundredrebelshimself.Itwasoftenthecase.ButlikeallWhiteScars,Kor’sarroknewthevalueofsymbolism,andaroundthousandwasenoughtomakethepoint.Hewantedtobetheretoseethem.Anending,ofasort,acauterisingofthe

woundstheChapterhadsustainedonTarotianIV.Kor’sarroKhanstaredoutintotheheathazeofPlainZhou.Fromhisvantage

pointwithinthehighesteyrieinthefortress-monastery,itfeltlikehecouldseetotheedgesoftheworld.Histopknotofgreasyblackhairflewerraticallyinthethermals,itsthickstrandsmimickingthevictorypennantswavinghighabove.Thoughthekhan’snarrowedeyesflickedfromscrubtobunkertoaherdof

stallionsgallopinginthedistance,hishandshadtheirattentionelsewhere.Callousedfingersworkedmechanicallybutpreciselyatthebalcony’sedge,alwaysinmotion.Thetipofthekhan’scurveddaggerscratchedlikeanawl,carvingtheKhorchinwordfor‘seeking’ontothesideofadormantboltshell.

Forty-ninemoreofthedeadlylittlecylindersshoneintheeveningsun,rangedalongthebalconyneatasdominoes.Thosetothekhan’sleftwerefinished,andthosetohisrightwerebare.Threefullcrateshidintheshadowofthebuttressarch,thetinygoldencurlsofswarfaroundtheirbasesrolledbackandforthbyaplayfulwind.Thethud-stride-thudofSudabehcrossingtheeyrieyurut’srugsinfull

battleplatemadethekhan’scheektwitch.Heplacedthelastoftheunfinishedshellstooneside.‘Sunningyourselfbetweenhunts,mykhan?’saidthenewcomer.‘Stormseer.Your…gifts.’Kor’sarrolookedattheskyforasecond.‘Theyare

wastedhere.’‘Anyonewithhalfanostrilcouldtellthatyou’vebeenstandinginthesun.If

youeverrunoutofpromethium,youcouldscrapeyourskinandusetherun-offtofeedMoondrakkan’sengineinstead.’‘Ha!’shoutedthekhan,grinningandclenchinghisfistintriumphasif

Sudabehhadhelpedhimsolveadifficultproblem.HewouldnottaketheStormseer’sbaittoday,hewasintoogoodamoodforit.LikeallWhiteScars,Kor’sarrolovedtofeeltheplayoftheelementsfirst

hand.ForthelastthreehourshehadbeenmeditatingintheboilingheatofQuanZhou,cladinlittlemorethanloosewhitefatigues.Hisoliveleather-likeskinpracticallyglowed,shiningwithoilysweat.Thekhanraisedathickbarearmcoveredinzigzagscars,revealingatuftof

armpithairthatprotrudedfromthesuturededgeofhistorsalglove.‘Haveapropersniffthen,naysmith.’‘Irespectfullydeclineyourgenerousproposal,’saidSudabeh,usingtheformal

Chogoriandialect.Bothmenchuckled,twosetsofwhiteteethsparklinginthesun.TheyhadbeenSpaceMarineslongenoughtoknowthatmomentsofhumanityweretobetreasured,nomatterhowsimple.Infactthesimplertheycame,thebetter.Thekhanpulledacubeofmeatthesizeofhisfistfromoneoftheammunition

crates,pickingoffthelargestbitsofswarfbeforetakingamassivebite.Heturnedtofacehisoldfriend,stalebloodrunningdownhislongblackmoustacheashechewedloudly.Eyebrowsknittedinmockconcern,hemotionedtheStormseerforward,hisfrownfadingtoawetredgrin.Shakinghisheadinresignation,Sudabehjoinedhiscaptainonthebalcony.He

lookedupathisdistortedreflectioninthesilvered,eyelessskullsthatwerespittedonpikesalongthebalcony’sedge.Mostofthetrophieswerehuman-

sized,butthelargestwasthesizeofaLandSpeeder.Tothesouth,alargegunmetallanderwasloweringitsbulktowardsthe

perimeterofThirdBronzeYurut.Thesquatship’sbackblastsentwavesofplains-dustoutwardsinconcentriccirclesbeforeitsstripedunderskeletonfinallytoucheddown.‘Cargo?’askedSudabeh,squintingthroughthedust.‘Trophies,’thekhanrepliedaroundamouthfulofrawmeat.Thebulklander’sfrontjawloweredwithadistanthissofhydraulics.Oneat

first,thenadozen,thenhundredsuponhundredsofhumanheadspoureddowntheramptowardstheyurutwall.Thoughthefirsttoemergebouncedandrolledasiffreshlytakenfromtheneck,thosespillingovertherearpartofthelander’sjawsloppedoverinastateofadvanceddecomposition.Theirsmellwasunpleasantonthewind,butthekhan’sstomachgrowledinappreciationnonetheless.‘Heretics,’saidthekhan,savouringtheword.‘TarotianIV.’Sudabehnoddedthoughtfully.Hewatchedtheservitorworkteamsretrievethe

disembodiedheadsbythearmfulanddumpthemontothevectorcarriagesparkedalongthebronzeyurut’swalls.Insideeachcarriage,wizenedeyethievesrodethecupolasupwardstowardsthelancesthatjuttedupfromthewall’screst.Astheywent,theytookitinturnstostokethecarriage’sbraziersandburneachtrophy’ssocketscleanwithalengthofred-hotiron.Outpastthedropsite,steed-beastsbrokefromdistantherds.Theygallopedin

tofalluponthoseheadsleftunattended,gnawingstripsofmeatfromfacesandscalpsbeforethelowblastofthelander’shornsdrovethemaway.PartofKor’sarrolongedtobebackinthesaddleattheheadofhistribe,hurlinghisspearintotheflankofsomedoe-eyedzellionormaraudingfelidwithatasteforhumanflesh.‘Spititout,then,’saidKor’sarro.‘Mykhan?’‘Youdidn’thideyourscarsunderbattleplatejusttocomeouthereandbaitme,

Stormseer.Mytemper’snotthattight.’‘Ofcourse,’saidSudabeh,histonesuddenlyformal.‘Theastropathicchoirhas

amessageforyou,mykhan.TheThirdCompanyisneededonAgrellanimmediately.Wearetoeradicateatauinfestation,asloudlyandasmemorablyaspossible.’‘Outofthequestion,’repliedKor’sarro,buttherewasdoubtunderhistone.

‘Youtoldmeyourself,theTarotindicatesthatBlackheart’srenegadesdraw

closerwitheverypassinghour.Weareneededhere,todefendourhomeworld.’‘Oureldershavedecidedthatourdutylieselsewhere,mykhan,’saidSudabeh.

‘ManyothercompaniesarereadytorepeltheRedCorsairs.Chogoriswillendurewithoutus,Icanfeelit.QuanZhouwillstand.’Awordlesspausestretchedout,bothmenstaringupwardsasifHuron

Blackheart’sfleetwouldglimmerintobeingatanymoment.‘Tau,’sighedthekhan.‘Sowefacetheircursedweapon-magicksagain.’‘Indeed,’saidSudabeh.‘IbelievetheyseektousetheplanetAgrellanasa

stagingpostinordertoseizethemineral-richtitheworldsonthecuspoftheDamoclesGulf.’‘Agrellan,’thekhancontinued,fingeringhislongmoustache.‘DovarSystem,

yes?’‘Correctagain.’‘Ha.Terrain?’‘Unremarkable,forthemostpart.Technicallyahiveworld,butmostly

scorcheddesertsandopenplains.’Thekhan’sgrislysmilereappeared,bitsofmeatbleedingbetweenhisteeth.‘Anythingelse?’‘It’shaunted,’saidSudabeh,matter-of-factly.‘Theplacewassubjectto

Exterminatuscenturiesago.TheMalleusaloneknowwhy.’‘Nodoubttheydo.ThestainofChaosisnoteasilyerased.’‘Asyousay.Readingbetweenthelinesofthedata-slate,itseemsthevirus

bombsleftahighlytoxiclegacy.Theplanetstillbearsthemarksofitsformerdeath,bothphysicallyandspiritually.’‘Ghosts,then,’saidthekhan,shrugging.‘Commonenough.’‘Nottheseones,’theStormseerreplied.

CHAPTERTWO

IRONDELVEPLAINSOUTHOFTHEACACIANBASIN,

AGRELLAN,742.999.M41

AshimmeringblackdotscarredthecentreoftheAgrellansun.Itgrewbythetiniestoffractions,slowlyexpandinguntilitresolvedintoasmudgedfiguresilhouettedagainsttheblindingorb.Threesmallerdotsswirledaroundthefigurelikeelectronsorbitinganucleus.Slowly,steadily,theoutlineswelleduntiliteclipsedthesunallbutcompletely.Thefigure’slineshardenedintothoseofataubattlesuit,bulkyyetsomehow

stillstrangelyfeminine.Theaccompanyingdotsbecameatrioofdiscus-likedrones,thickantennaecantedinaperfectcompromisebetweenaerodynamicsandsensoryacuity.Onlythinjetstreamsinloworbitgaveanyhintofhowthissolarangelandherstrangeattendantshadcometoearth.ThemarksofherOrca’spassageweretwofaintscarsamongsthundredsofothersliningtheazuresky.Then,assoonasthefigureandherretinuecamewithinhalfamileofthe

planet’ssurface,theydisappeared.

CommanderShadowsuntoucheddownwithsuchmeasureddelicacythatthe

puffofdustfromAgrellan’sscorchedsurfacewasbarelynoticeable.HerappointmentasthefaceoftheThirdSphereexpansionhadbeenno

accident.Tallforatauandwithadancer’sperfectposture,onthoseoccasionswhenshewishedtobeseen,shecutquiteamajesticfigure.Whenenteringhostileterritory,however,herhighlysophisticatedXV22battlesuitrenderedherpracticallyinvisible.Technicallyspeakingshecouldbeseenbythenakedeye,Shadowsun

remindedherself,albeitasnothingmorethanavaguehaze.Tinycellshoneycombednotonlythesurfaceofherbattlesuitbutalsoherunderslungfusionblasters.Onesideofeachsensorcellwasaminisculecamera,andtheothersideapinpointhologramarraythatcouldreplicatethatcamera’sfootagewithunprecedentedaccuracy.Onceshewasbackonherflagshipafteramilitaryengagement,Shadowsun

wouldtransferthefootagefromthesecamerastoasuiteofholodronesandwalkthroughafull-spectrumprojectionofherownperformance,analysing,highlightingandconsolidatinghermanoeuvreswiththededicationandpatienceofamaster.Themaster,cometothat.‘Oe-ken-yon,pleasebeginyourinitialdataharvest,’saidShadowsun,turning

tothelargestofherthreedrones.‘Takeasmuchtimeasyourequire,myfriend.AsCommanderPuretidetaughtus,whenutilisedcorrectly,thebattlefielditselfisapotentweapon.’Thedroneblippedonceinassentandmovedaway,sensorspectrumspanning.Datawasvitalinthebusinessofwagingwar.Shadowsunwasoneofthethree

finesttaucommandersofhergeneration,dueinnosmallparttothefactsheconsideredeveryangleandoutcomebeforecommittingherforces.DiligencewasoneofagreatmanythingsshehadlearnedonMountKanjiunderthewisdomofCommanderPuretide.Shehadabsorbedeverydropofknowledgeshecouldfromdawntodusk.Theperfectpupil,hehadcalledher,albeitonlyafterhertrainingwascomplete.Thosethreesmallwordswerestillthebestgiftsshehadeverreceived.ForfourlongyearsCommanderPuretidehadchallengedherwithgruelling

trials.Trialssoharshshecouldneverforgetthelessonsshehadlearnedfromthem,evenhadshewantedto.Thelessonswerehardwonindeed.Herbodystillborethescars–scarsshesometimestracedwhenshewasalone,dwellingonwhatshehadlearned.Onlytwoothertauintheentiregalaxycouldtrulyunderstandwhatshehad

gonethroughinthenameoftheGreaterGood.StrangeyoungKais,theMonatSupreme,cadreofoneandfounderofFi’riosSept.Kais,and…andthetraitorShoh.Sheshuddered,acutelyawareofherskinbrushingtheinsideofhersuit.No

timetothinkofhimnow.‘CommanderShadowsun,’blippedherc-linkdrone,itsdatatoneprimand

formalasitreturnedtoherside.‘Myreportiscomplete,andreadyforyourinspection.’‘Mythanks,DroneCommandantOe-ken-yon,’shetransmittedbackinkind,

rapid-scanningthedrone’sdatacompilewithoneeyewhilstherotherremainedfixedonherbattlesuit’ssensorsuite,justincase.TherewassomethingstrangeaboutAgrellan’sdata…afeelingofaglitch,

ratherthantheanomalyitself.Shedismissedthenotionasillogical.‘Itappearsthattheenvironmentitselfishostile,Oe-ken.Notunusualforan

Imperialworld,andwellwithintheparametersoftheearthcastetofixoncewehavetakenthisworldfortheempire.PleaseremainwithinshieldradiusofeitherOe-nuorOe-heifromnowon.’‘Affirmed.Anyadditionals,commander?’transmittedOe-ken-yon.‘Notatthispoint,littleone.Becontenttowait.’BackwhenshehadsimplybeenShaserra,studentofthefirecasteacademies,

CommanderShadowsunhadshowngreattalentintheartsofwagingwar.Shehadconsistentlyexcelledineverysimulationandbattlescapehermentorscoulddevise.Afterhertrainingwascomplete,shehadbeenaccordedthesignalhonouroffurtherstudyunderCommanderPuretidehimself.Atthefootofhermaster’shover-throne,shehadlearnedeverynuanceand

tenetofthemartialstylethathadlainclosesttohernaturalskillset.Herswastheoldestandmostwellestablishedofallthetauwaysofwar.ItwasknownformallyasKauyon,andinformallyasthePatientHunter.KilometresbelowthepeakofMountKanji,Shadowsunhadsatshroudedin

snowatthesideofabeast-trailfordays.Herskinhadbeenascoldasdeath,andherbreathingasshallowasthetinysighsofahibernatingmouse.Shehadremainedsostillthatalargefamilyofarcticspidershadusedherasaframefortheirticklingwebs.Inertasstone,atonewiththemountain,whentheone-earedsnowlynxhad

finallywanderedpasther,shehadsimplylungedoutandbrokenitsneck.Overthedecadessinceherpromotiontocommander,Shadowsunhadhoned

hernaturalpatienceandsenseoftimingtoalethalpoint.Shehadapplieditlike

ascalpeltoeverythingfromthedelicaciesofdiplomacytothesuddendestructionofalienbattlefleets.Andyet,despiteherforceshavingovercomethetauempire’sfoesforminimallossoncountlessoccasions,thereremainedastubbornfewwhostillquestionedherways.Oneinparticular.ThetraitorShohhadshunnedKauyonfromthedaytheyhadbeguntheir

trainingtogether,concentratingsolelyonMont’ka,theKillingBlow.JustrecentlyReveredAun’shi,theEtherealSupremeandspeakerofgreattruths,hadtoldherinpersonthattheTraitorbelievedthephilosophyofKauyonwasonlyfortheweak.Sheshookherheadindisgustanddespair,hersmoothbrowcreased.Theidea

ofignoringpatienceinfavourofaggressionwasutterlyalientoher.Surely,demonstrablyasfarasshewasconcerned,KauyonwasthepaththatledtotheGreaterGood.Howelsetousethefoe’sownconfidenceagainsthim,todothemaximumdamageatminimumcosttothetaurace?TheMasterhimselfhadoftensaid‘Totriumphwiththeleastamountofriskmustalwaysbethegoal.’Unlikeherheadstrongpeers,shehadlistenedwell.Shadowsunampedheraudiopickupshighforamoment,andtheyrelayedthe

telltalewhineofanearbyVX1-0dronenetgatheringtopographicaldata.Behinditwasthehigh,triplepurrofaPiranhasquadrononpatrol.HighabovetheT-shapedskimmers,Mantamissiledestroyershummedbyinstatelygrace.EachofthegiantsupercraftwasenactingoneofShadowsun’soverlappingheavyreconloops,scouringAgrellan’ssurfaceforsignsofthefoe.TheirairbornecomradeswoulddetecttheblunderingfoolsoftheImperiumbeforelong;thepatternsonhersuit’sdistributionarraydescribedoverlappinggeometriesthatwouldhavepleasedeventhemostpreciseearthcastescientist.Therewassomethingelsethere,though,somethingonthedata-cusp.She

blink-maskedtheaudiosignssherecognised,cuttingoutallbackgroundelementsuntilallshewasleftwithwasasubtlesusurrusoverabaselineofwhitenoise.Theanomalouswaveformwasnotregular,likethatofamachine,but

somethingwiththeerraticspikeofthebiological.Infact–sheisolateditandampedithigh–itsoundedalotlikedistantwhispers.‘Commander!’boomedheraudiobead,joltinghersenses.‘Stealthteam

report!’Shespunround,shielddronesflyingtoherflanks.Hersensorsuite’sblacksun

filterrevealedtheghostlyheatsignaturesofadozenXV25Stealthsuits.Whilstshehadbeenlostinherreverie,Shas’vreDraiandhisteamhadbeenstanding

behindherinfullsaluteformation.‘Stealthteamuntilitsuitsyou!’shespat,herhotspikeofangersimmeringto

colddisapprovalinthespaceofafewheartbeats.‘Thisisasuboptimaltimetoshowoff,Shas’vreDrai.Wearewithinwarzoneparameters.’‘Ioffercontrition,mycommander,’saidDrai,hisbodylanguagedeferential

evenintheswollenbulkofhisbattlesuit.Eventhefirecaste’sstandard-issueStealthfieldgeneratorswereadvanced

enoughtobafflethesenses.Withoutstate-of-the-artopticalsensors,Draiandhisteam-mateswouldhavebeenlittlemorethanheatshimmersagainstthecrackedandlifelesslandscape.Thatwaslittleexcuseforonewithamultispectrumsensorsuite,though.Shadowsunblamedhermomentarylapseofconcentrationonthestrangewhisper-hissthathaddistractedher.Shestillfeltonedgeevennow.Itwasawell-knownfactamongstthefirecastethatDrai’smasteryofthe

silentapproachmorethanmadeupforhishabitofannouncinghispresenceasloudlyaspossible,whetherwithaformalgreetingorasalvofromthetruncatedburstcannonthatformedhisbattlesuit’srightarm.‘Haveyourassessmentsreachedasatisfactoryconclusion,mycommander?’

askedDrai.‘Theyhave,Drai,andIthankyouforyourinquiry.NoImperialforceshave

beenpinpointedasyet,thoughatleastthreecapital-classtransportshipshavemadeplanetfalltomyknowledge.Ihaveassignedforwardbaitelements.’‘Andtheplanetitself,mycommander?’Shadowsunsteppedbackandtotheside,revealingthec-linkdronebehindher.

‘Oe-ken?’Thedroneroseslightly.‘DesignationImperialhiveworld,humanpopulation

approximately16.7billion,apexconurbationAgrellanPrime,’saidOe-ken.Thedrone’sartificialvoicewasstrangelylyrical,asifitwererecitinganabstractpoem.‘Surfaceprimarilyplainsland,topographicalmapappended.Atmospherehighlytoxictoallcarbon-basedclades,anomalousreadingshigh…’‘Excellent.Ibelievethatwillbesufficientfornow,Oe-ken,’interrupted

Shadowsun.‘Wecanassimilatetherestfromyourcompile.Wedonotwantthegue’labrutesalertedtoourpresencebyyourattlingouteverylastfinding,afterall.’‘Rattling,commander?’saidOe-ken,itselevationsinking.‘Anartefactofspeech,’saidShadowsun,wavingthecommentaway.‘Imeant

noaspersion.’

Thetau’sartificialintelligenceswerehard-wiredtobehaveasmuchliketheirmakersaspossibleinallsocialsituations,andOe-ken-yonwasthemostadvancedofhiskind.Regardlessofsizeorduty,everydronestrivedtoemulateitsmastersandfitinseamlesslywithtauculture.Itwasasafetymeasurethatcoveredmosteventualities.Whenapurelyobjectiveviewpointwasnecessary,personalityprotocolscouldbetemporarilydeactivatedatasingleblip.Suchacourseofactionhadprovedproblematicinthepast–thedisastrous

PechIncidentwasoneexample.Inrecentyears,theearthcastehadmadeitstandardpracticetobuildthetauempire’sartificialintelligenceswithapersonalitybestsuitedtotheirrole.Evenso,Shadowsunoftenwonderedifamachinethatcouldsimulateemotionwasn’tjustaslikelytoaffectoperationalefficiencyasonewithoutit.‘MayIappendanobservation,CommanderShadowsun?’saidOe-nuquietly

asithoveredinclose.TheMV52,muchlikelessershielddrones,hadtwinprojectoraerialsthat

remindedShadowsunoftheplain-hopperssheusedtocatchonVior’laasachild.‘Byallmeans,Oe-nu.’‘ThebackgroundelectromagneticfielduponAgrellanishavingadetrimental

effectonmybatterysource,commander.Icannotguaranteeoptimumperformancethroughout.’‘Noted,littlehelper,butintruthyousaythateverytime.ItisrarethatIdeploy

thefirecasteintoanidyllicenvironment.’‘Thistimeisdifferent,CommanderShadowsun,’thedronewhined.Itdipped

thefrontofitsriminagestureofdutifulobedience.‘Restassuredthatintheinterestsoflongevity,Oe-heiandIwillutilisetheleastpossibleamountofenergyinordertoensureyourprotection.Weshallnotuseoneiotamorethannecessary.’‘Thatis…indeedreassuring,Oe-nu.Thankyouinadvance.’‘Merelydoingourduty,CommanderShadowsun,’thedronesaid

obsequiously,dippingitsdisc-likebodyoncemorebeforewithdrawingtoslowlyorbititsmistress.‘MayIaskwhatyoumakeoftheseanomalousreadings,mycommander?’said

Shas’vreDrai,tappinghissensorantennawiththequad-barrelledendofhisburstcannon.‘Ofcourse.Ibelievetheyareresiduals,echoesofasortaftersomecataclysmic

event.Thatwouldcertainlyfitwiththegeologicalsamplesmypunch-cylinders

havetakenthusfar.’‘Arobusttheory,mycommander…uptoapoint,’saidDraiwarily.‘Irealiseitisthenatureofthecataclysmthatconcernsyou,Shas’vreDrai,but

Iwouldnotdivertattentiontoitatthispoint.Wehavemorepressingdatatoobtain.’AsShadowsunfinishedhersentence,asheetofredshapesflaredacrossthe

topographicaldisplayabovehercommandsuite.‘Excellent.TheaircastehavelocatedtheImperialvessels.Approachonmy

mark.’Asone,theStealthsuitsandtheirdroneescortsroseintotheair,revolved

eightdegreeswest,andhoveredinvisiblytowardstheAcacianBasin.

ThehivecitiesofAgrellanweretrulymightyexamplesoftheirkind.Giant,slab-sidedmonstrosities,theyremindedShadowsunofinsectmoundsoutontheVior’lanplain.Eachspire-dottedmetropoliswasteemingwithhumanlife,andsomewherewithinthebasinweretheoccupantsofthethreeImperialvesselsthathadescapedtheaircaste’slethalattentions.Findingtheirexactlocationwouldnotbeeasy.AtOe-ken-yon’sestimation,theentirepopulationofShadowsun’shomeseptcouldhavefitwithintheendlesslevelsofthenearesthiveandstillhaditsupperhalftospare.Accordingtothelatestscans,thesidesofeachhiveweredottedwithgun

nests,laserbanks,gravityminechannels,ferrocreteplates,observationtowersanddockingplates.Sculpturesofaliensaintsandlivinggargoylesloomedandcrawledupontheirfacades,eachahideousreflectionoftheheroicmonumentsthatstoodoutsideeachtautrainingacademy.Shadowsunfeltaforbiddentwingeofexcitementattheideaofsmashingthehumaniconstodust.Asthecommanderandherskimmer-bornecadresspedtowardsthemountain

rangethatgirdledthehives,shefoundherselfrecallingthedayshehadpersonallydestroyedthestatueofShohthatstoodoutsidehisoldbattledome.Thathadbeenadaylongtalkedabout.Afterthatthetraitor’sdespicablesympathisershadbrandedhertheIconoclast.Sheratherlikedtheterm.

Thevastcalderathatformedthewallsofthebasinloomedupahead,thenarrowpassatitssouthernmostpointguardedbyakilometre-highgate-fortress.Thegiantbastionlookedeverybitasindomitableasthepeaksaroundit,andinfinitelymoredeadly.

‘Awarriorwhowearshisstrengthopenlyiseasilycountered,’shesaidtoherself,imagininghermaster’sstonyglare.Sherememberedlearningthatparticularlessonwell,afterherboaststhatneitherShohnorKaishadahopeoffindingherwhenshewishedtoremainunseen.CommanderPuretidehadorderedhertoproveit.Allthoseweeksshehadthoughtherbond-mateswerelookingforher,allthosepainfulhourssatstewinginhertreestump,hopingtobediscovered.CommanderPuretidehadneversentthemoutatall.Shehadeventuallyslunkback,starvingandchastened,havingmissedoutonalmostamonthoftraining.TheCommanderhadturnedhergreateststrengthintoapunishingweaknesswithasingleoff-the-cuffcommand.Itwasanobjectlessoninhumility–aqualitytheImperiumofManhadleftbehindlongago.Sheblippedthecadre-leveldatanet,denotingtheloomingfortress’sicon.

‘Needlesstosay,’shetransmitted,‘wewillnotstraywithinrangeofthatridiculousthing.’Symbolsofaffirmationblinkedovereachteam’sicons.Sheeye-flicked

alternativelinesofapproachacrossthemountainsliningthebasin,colouredpathwaysthatzigzaggedinfromadozendifferentpointsontheoutsideofthemountainrangethatgirdledthebasin.Theaircaste’ssatellitescans,overlaidwiththetopographyfromthedronenets,hadgivenherahundredpotentialroutesofapproach,eachshieldedfromhiveartilleryandremotegunnests.ShewouldneednomorethanahandfulofthemtoluretheImperialsintohertrap.Thecadresfannedoutfromaduststormoftheirowncreation,

circumnavigatingthegiantcaldera’stoxicpeaksandjoiningtheroutesdesignatedtothemwithoutslowing.Overandaroundthemountainstheywent,grav-skimmers,dronesandbattlesuitskeepingintightformationastheyhoveredupgullies,glaciersandcrevasses.Theskiesflaredwhiteforasecond,rightoncue.Theexplosionlefta

concentricringoflightexpandinghighabovethebasin,ashypnotictothehives’sensorarraysasitwastomortaleyes.Aftersecuringvictoryinspacescanthoursbefore,theaircaste’scommanders

hadbeenonlytoopleasedtograntShadowsun’srequestforagranddistraction.TheSupremeAdmiral,Kor’OLi’menKa,hadtransmittedbackinperson.ThedetonationofInVigilus,anImperialwreckburninginhighorbit,wouldformaperfectcodatotheirsymphonyofsupremacy.ThedeaththroesoftheInVigilushadboughtShadowsunafewsecondsof

electromagneticbackwash,aspaceoftimeinwhichtheImperialscannerswererenderedblindandtheAcacianBasinwaslitinstarkmonochrome.Inthe

blinkingaftermathofthosestolenseconds,everycadrehidingbehindthelipoftheirrespectivemountainsslidsmoothlyoverthecrestandboostedneatlyintonewhidingplaces.‘Phasetwoiscomplete,commander,’saidOe-ken,floatingjustbehind

Shadowsun.‘Yes,thankyou,Oe-ken,Ihavealreadyobservedthat,’sherepliedthrougha

smile.‘It’sphasethreethatwillprovecritical.’‘Iconcur.Itmustbemostsatisfyingtophysicallydemonstratethesupremacy

oftheGreaterGoodinsuchamanner,’thedronesaidwistfully.‘Itispleasingtodoso,butitisdataIseekatthisstage,notviolence.

ThankfullytheaircastekeepextensiverecordsofthesigilsandmarkingsthattheImperiumdisplaysuponitsbattleships.Accordingtomycontacts,thefirstofthethreevesselstohavemadeplanetfalluponAgrellancontainscommongue’lasoldiersandtheirsupportvehicles.Thesecond,andthisistheoneIbelievewemustlocateatallcosts,containsthegue’ron’shathatthehumanscallSpaceMarines.Itrustyouarefamiliarwiththeirreputation.’‘Ihaveassessedallavailabledata.Andthecontentsofthethirdvessel?’

promptedOe-ken.‘Unrecognised,andthathasmeintrigued.Theshiphasacavernouscargo

hold,though,anditssymbolappearstobetheriding-beastthehumanscalla“horse”.Thewatercastehaveappendedthename“Terryn,”alongwithareportthatseemstohavebeenmadeinhaste.’‘Cross-correlating…harddatanotfound.Commander,’itsaidruefully,‘past

thedesignation“Terryn”there’sverylittleonthefirecastedatabasesaboutthiswarship.’‘Interesting.Perhapsitcontainsbeast-ridingwarriors,muchasthekrootlike

touse.Keepsearching,Oe-ken.Iwouldrathernothaveanyunwelcomesurpriseswhenthetimecomestoenactthetakeover.Still,donotfear,littlehelper.Wewillforcethemtocommittheirstrength,andthedatawillflow.’OnShadowsun’scommandsuite,thefirecaste’siconswereslidingdownthe

mountainsidesintotheirdesignatedzones.Astheglareoftheaircaste’shigh-orbitdiversiongavewaytodullmoonlight,eachcadre’sheavyelementsbegantomoveintoposition.HammerheadandSkyraygunshipsprowledforward,eachflankedbyDevilfishtransports,awallofsleekochretankswaitingtoshowtheirtruecoloursaskillingmachines.Itwasthenthatthehivesawokefromtheirslumber.

TheskieswerefilledwithsuchthunderitmadeaVior’landeathstormlooktame.Heavymunitionsroareddownwardsinahailofshellsthatcouldtearaferrocretebunkerapartaseasilyasitcouldawoodenbox.TheairabovetheAcacianBasinwasdarkenedbythefirepowerroaringoutofthehives,eachImperialmetropolishurlingeverythingitcouldattheinterlopersapproachingtheirposition.Yetdespiteallthefury,despiteallthenoise,notasingletaulifesignalfaded

tocharcoalonShadowsun’scommandsuite.ThecommandersmiledthinlyasshewatchedtheImperialhivesventtheir

mindless,pointlesswrath.Goon,shethought.Wasteyourammunition.Wasteasmuchasyoulike.ThehivecitiesthatdottedtheImperiumgrewalmostorganicallyoverthe

centuries.Newstructuresandstatueswereerectedevenasoldonessloughedaway,complicatingthealreadylabyrinthinestructureswitheverydubiousnewaddition.Evencomparativelyyounghivesweresolarge,somoribundintheirconstruction,thattheywerecrippledbytheirownimmenseproportions.ToShadowsun,theywerelikefatoldmenthathadundergonereconstructivesurgeryonetoomanytimes.DuringtheirapproachtotheAcacianBasin,Shadowsunhadusedtheair

caste’sorbitaldatatodeterminethelocationofeachofthehive’sguns,andtheirpossiblefieldsoffire.Shehadcorrelatedthemagainstthedatastreamstransmittedbyeachcadre’spathfinderteams,projectingtheelevationrangeofthosegunsandtheirestimatedreach.UsingOe-ken’sformidableprocessingbanks,shehadthenconstructedathree-

dimensionalmapofeachhive’sblindspots.Thecharcoalgreyofdeathdenotedthoseareascoveredbyitsguns,andhealthygoldlitthezonesthatthehive’sbulkhadoccludedfromitsownsight.Hercadres’symbolshadglidedintothegoldensliversofsafetyoverlaidonthemastermapshehadtransmitted.Ifhercalculationswerecorrect–andtheyinvariablywere–thewarriorsinsidethesezoneswerefundamentallysafe.Convincedoftheirownidiotbrawn,thehive’sgunnersthrewobscene

amountsofordnancetowardsthetautankslurkingontheirperimeters.Theyachievednothingmorethanswathingthevalleywithshroudsofdustandfoul-smellingsmoke.IttookthebestpartofanhourbeforetheImperialsrealisedtheirmistake.It

wastimeenoughforShadowsuntopreparedetailedbattleplansandapproachvectorsforeveryteamunderhercommand,andtoarrangeforthebasin’slinesofreinforcementtobecutoff.

Thecuttingofthesupplylinesconnectingeachhivewasasimpleenoughmatter.ThevastbulkoftheImperium’sarmourtooktheformoftrackedvehicles,sotheaircastemadeneutralisationrunsintheariddesertsbetweeneachhive,stayingoutofrangeoftheImperialgunstodroppulsebombswheretheferrocretesuperhighwayswereweakest.WhenevertheImperium’sscrambledreinforcementslefttheruinedroadsinfavouroftheparchedwastes,theywouldthrowupcloudsofdustthatwouldhanginAgrellan’spoisonousair.Withsuchadvancewarningoftheirfoes’approach,thefirecaste’santi-gravityskimmerscouldroamtheplanetunimpeded.Oncethelastofthemetallicmountainsfinallyfellsilent,Shadowsunslunk

forwardsinvisibly,theStealthelementsofeachofhercadresadvancingonhercue.Barelyaswirlofsmokemarkedtheirpassage.Theyhadreachedthegoldzonesnexttoeachhivebeforetheechoesofthe

Imperialbombardmenthadstoppedresoundingfromthemountainsides.Thentheheavyelementsofthetaucadrestooktheirturn.

Thedistinctivewhip-crackofheavyrailgunfirerangoutacrossthebasin,aquiet,precisesoundafterthetooth-rattlingroarofthehive’sguns.Thehypervelocityroundstheyprojectedlefttunnelsofdisplacedairintheirwake.Smokeanddustswirledaroundthemlikedesertspiritsstartledfromalamp.Theroundsthuddeddeepintotheexteriorslabs,atfirstachievinglittlemorethantointroduceaseriesofartificialfaultlines.YeteachHammerhead’stargethadnotbeenchosenatrandom.PathfinderteamsdebarkedfromtheDevilfishtransportsandpaintedeach

impactsitewiththeirmarkerlights.Momentslater,massedsquadronsofSkyraymissileshipssentseekerssoaringaftertherailgunvolleys.Theguidedmissilesdetonatedwithpinpointaccuracy,eachvolleybringinghundredsoftonnesofferrocretetumblingdown.Toacasualobserver,thehiveshadbeengrazed,nothingmore.Tothosethat

couldperceivetheheatsignaturesofeachhive’swalls,everyexit,hangarandmissilebaywasatleastpartiallyburiedbyasmallavalancheofrubble.ThegoldzonesonShadowsun’scommandreadoutblinked,reconfiguredand

multiplied,ageometriclandscapeofpossibilitiesthatOe-ken-yonupdatedforeachencirclingcadretoexploit.‘Warriorsofthefirecaste,youmaytaketheseuglymonstrositiesapartatyour

leisure,’transmittedShadowsun.‘Theycannotharmyounow.’

CHAPTERTHREE

HIVEACACIASECUNDUSACACIANBASIN

AGRELLAN,742.999.M41

Agun-studdedslabofferrocretethatcouldhavecrushedaTitanslidinexorablydownthecentralspireofHiveAcaciaSecundus.Itcrashedthroughtheconcentriccirclesofthehive’swaistandtoppledsidewayswithmajesticslowness,flatteningaswatheoftheunderdistrictsasitthunderedtoahalt.Rockdustbillowedupwardsassecondarylandslidestookyetmoreofthehive’souterlayerwiththem.Kor’sarroKhangrimaced.Withthehivesasdenselypopulatedastheywere,

thatlittledisasterwouldhaveclaimedtensofthousands,perhapsmillionsofhumanlives.IfthesexenoswereallowedtocontinuetheirmethodicaldestructionoftheAcacianBasin,thedeathtollwouldsoonreachthebillions.‘Thishasgoneonlongenough,’thekhansaidtoSudabeh.‘Lettheotherslook

totheirownbattles.’‘Hivesofthissizecanwithstandalotofpunishment,mykhan,’replied

Sudabeh.‘WoulditnotbebettertowaitforPatriarchTybalt’sKnights,orforRedstone’sDevilsattheveryleast?Withtheirhelp,wecouldcripplethefoe’schancesofescape.’Thekhanjustfrowned,staringoutasmoretaumissilesarcedintotheweak

pointsofthehive’sarchitecture.Anothersetofspirescrasheddown,takingawidestripofbarnacle-habstoadustydeath.‘No,’saidthekhan,turningonhisheel.‘Mobiliseanddeployallairunits,’he

voxedtohismen.‘IwantbothThunderhawkswithafullcomplementandintheairimmediately.Twooutridersatalltimes.’AseriesofterseacknowledgementscrackledinresponsefromtheThird

Company’ssergeantsandTechmarinepilots.Sudabehsighedheavily,pickinguphistotemicstaffandfollowinghiscaptain

whowasonhiswaytotheKisma’slaunchdeck.‘It’llbegoodforthem,’saidthekhanoverhisshoulder,looseningMoonfang

initsscabbard.

TheKisma,theImperialdrop-shipthathadseentheWhiteScarstotheirlandingsite,wasafat-belliedwhaleofacraft.Ithadbeenbuilttowithstanddirectbarragefromwarshipsasizecategorylargerthanitself.Justaswell,foritssideswerestillbuckledandburningfromitsterrifyingjourneyplanetside.TheKisma’sablativearmourrobbeditofagreatdealofpotentialspeed,afact

thathadgnawedwithinatthepatienceoftheWhiteScarsjustasacideatsatmetal.YetaftercommuningwiththeEmperor’sTarot,theStormseerSudabehhadordainedtheKismathesafestvectorofapproach.GiventhattheImperialfleetwasbeingtornapartbyalethalassaultfromtauairspace,thekhanhadbeenill-disposedtoarguewithhim.TheKismahaddoneherjobwellenough,bearingthemsafelyifinelegantlyto

theplanet’ssurface.Itwasnolongerthetimeforcaution.Nowwasthetimeforspeed.TheThunderhawksKhanSpearandHeadseekerroaredoutfromthe

underflanklaunchbaysofthedrop-shiplikemissilesfromthewingsofanimmensefighterplane.Burningupwardsontrailsofrefinedpromethium,theyracedaroundthebasin’sinnermountainsides,keepingtothesmokingcloudsastheybankedparalleltoHiveAcaciaPrimus.Intheorybothoftheassaultgunshipshadfirepowerenoughtotakeonascout-

classTitan.InthecaseofKhanSpear,thefactwasindisputable.Thelong-barrelledturbo-laserdestructormountedatoptheSpearwaspowerfulenoughtopunchthroughonesideofahivespiretotheother.DuringtheTarotianSuppression,thekhanhadseenitobliteratehalfakilometreofplasteel,ferrocreteandadamantiuminonesearing,blindingblast.Itwasoneofthekhan’smostfavouriteweaponsinallthegalaxy.Thoughitgreatlyirritatedthe

Spear’sdourTechmarinepilot,Debedian,Kor’sarrowouldoftenshoutouttargetingsolutionsduringanaerialengagement,claimingthecreditifthesubsequentkillshothithome.EvenshornofitsdorsalcannontheThunderhawkcouldstillembarrassabattle

tank.UnderitsprimarywingsweresetsofHellstrikemissileswhoseindividualpayloadscouldcollapseahab-block.Lascannonsgraceditssecondarywingtips,andtwinnedheavybolterarraysswivelledongimbalsunderthefrontalstabiliserfins.Whiteassnappedboneandmarkedbythelightning-splitingotoftheWhiteScars,theKhanSpearwastheprideofthecompany’sarmouredelite.Itsoppositenumber,theHeadseeker,wasjustasformidableasight.Thesewerenomereaircraft,butdeadlyandsacredrelicsreleasedfromtheirsanctumstowagethebloodiestofwars.AstheThunderhawkssetabreakneckpace,twopairsofStormtalongunships

camealongsidethem.Eachcraftwasaballedfistofstub-nosedgunsandpowerfulengines.TheTechmarinepilotsatthehelmofeachescortcraftlevelledlong-rangeauspexscansattheplains,bindingtheirfindingstogetherinalatticetobetterinformtheirchargesofthetapestryofbattle.TheKhanSpear’senginesflaredasitpushedaheadofHeadseeker,arrowing

roundtheleeofthehiveinatightarc.InsideitspassengerholdsthreesquadsofWhiteScarsgrinnedasG-forcespulledhardattheirflesh.ThevalleyshookwithrawsoundastheThunderhawkscamehurtlingintofullviewofthetaugroundforces,theelementofsurprisemanifesingitself.Upaheadthetauvehicleshadformedaseriesofdensewedges,theirdeploymentseeminglyatrandom.Thetipofeachformationpointedtowardsthehive.‘WhyintheEmperor’s…’saidKor’sarro.Suddenlyithithim.‘Sudabeh!They

areintheblindspotsoftheirprey!’‘Icanbelieveit,’voxedbackSudabeh.‘Itoldyoutheywerecunning.’‘Ha.Notcunningenough,’saidthekhan,leeringastheSpearlancedtowards

thenearestofthetauwedges.ForasplitsecondtheThunderhawk’sturbolaserdestructorstabbedoutina

boiling,blindingcolumn.TheSpearhurtledpast,leavingbehindasmokinggulleywhereaquartetoftauhover-tankshadbeenmomentsbefore.LeaningoverDebedian’sshoulderthekhanchuckleddarkly,alreadytappingthenexttargetsontheTechmarine’sscreen.Fromthesmokygloomupahead,dullflickersoflightturnedtohammering

cylindersofforceasthenexttankwedge’srailgunstookpotshotsattheapproachingSpaceMarinecraft.

‘Headseeker,attendus,’voxedKor’sarro,‘stopskulkinginourslipstreamandmakeyourpresencefelt.’Inanswertheheartofthetauwedgeupaheadwaswrenchedintotheairbya

blossomingblackexplosion,thickpiecesofxenostankspinningoffinalldirections.TheHeadseeker’sprimaryweaponwasnotalaserlikeitsbrothertheSpear,

butaheavilymodifiedbattlecannon.Noordinarybreachgun,thiswasapieceofordnancelongerthanaLemanRusstank.Whenpassingoverdenseurbanenvironments,theweaponwasdifficulttouseinanythingotherthanasuppressionrole.Outintheopen,thefullforceofitsdestructivepowercouldbebroughttobear.Anothershellhammeredintothescatteringtautanks,andgreatplumesof

toxicearthflewupwards.Withinthemweremoreochrehulls,andentiresquadronsweresentspinningintothesmoke.AstheHeadseekerlauncheditsHellstrikemissileswithachainofwhooshingroars,theskimmersontheedgeoftheformationbackedaway.Theyweretooslow.Atripledetonationblastedintothegun-tanksatthetipofthewedge,twoofthemflippingoverbeforetheirburningremainscrunchedtoahalt.‘Bettershootsharp,Debedian,’saidthekhan,leaninginsoclosethe

Techmarinecouldsmelltherawmeatonhiscaptain’sbreath.‘TheHeadseeker’scatchingup.’Thentheworldturnedblack.HiveAcaciaSecundushadfinallytakentheshotithadbeenwaitingfor,anda

shellthesizeofamaglifthaddetonatedamongstthetautanksscatteringattheThunderhawks’attack.Mort-signalsblaring,theSpearbuckedandrolledasthemacrocannonshell’sblastturnedtheairtornadofierce.Debedian’shelmchatteredmachinecodeashefoughtnotonlytoappeasetheship’smachine-spiritbutalsotowrestleitssteeringarrayatthesametime.AcenturyofdutifulmaintenancehadboughtthedourTechmarinesomeleewaywiththeThunderhawk,andthegunshipalloweditselftobebroughtbackundercontrol.TheSpearpulledbackupalongsideitsbrothertheHeadseeker,bothsoot-

streakedgunshipsploughingoutoftheblackwallofsmokeandanglingtowardsthenextwedgeoftauarmour.ThoughoneoftheirStormtalonescortshadbeencaughtinthehive’svengefulstrike,theotherthreeescortcraftburstfromthebillowingcloudsintact.Theywerenotalone.

CommanderShadowsun’sfrownwaslitbyawildfireofflashingredicons.Thegue’ron’shahadrevealedthemselves,theirgiantgunshipssoaringthroughtheairhighabove.Theyweremostdefinitelymakingtheirpresencefelt.‘Primarythreatdenoted,’Shadowsuntransmitted.‘Allunitsathivesoneand

two,continueapace.Hivethreeunitsrelocate,staggeredpatternsouthward,seventhwedgefirst.Watchyourgoldzones.Oncethestrikepasses,resumeserratedechelons.Hammerheadscontinuedestructionduty,Skyrayscovertheair.FortheGreaterGood.’Symbolsofassentflashedininstantaffirmation,blinkingeverywherearound

thecrescentoftankwedgesthatsurroundedthehive.Shadowsun’scommandsuiteblippedaudio.‘ThisisTeamVre’Estareporting

apairofdirectseekerhitsontheprimarytarget.Damageminimal.Requestingoptimisedtargetingsolution.’‘Continuetooccupytheirattention,Vre’Esta,’Shadowsuntransmittedback.

‘Theaircastewilldeliverthekill.AdmiralLi’menKa,proceedimmediately.’‘Affirmed,commander,’transmittedtheaircasteadmiral.‘Razorsharks

inbound.Airsuperioritywillbesecuredinamatterofminutes.’Twotriangularsetsofblue-greydartsappearedonShadowsun’ssensorscreen,

fallinginbehindthegue’ron’shagunshipiconsastheycurvedtowardsthenextarmouredwedge.‘Theyhavetakenthebait,Drai,’saidShadowsuntotheghostlyshimmernext

toher.‘Stayalert.’Shas’vreDraihadknownhiscommanderalongtime.Themomentbeforethe

killwasalwaysthesame.Underherrapidcommandsandcolddemeanour,asmilewaswaitingto

pounce.

Thekhanwasnotpleased.‘Youletthreeenemycrafttailyou?Getridofthem!’heshouted,hammering

hisfistontothepilotthronerightnexttoDebedian’srussethelmet.TheSpearbankedrightwithsurprisingagilityforsuchamassivecraft,then

leftandup,roaringhighbeforeplungingdownintothesmoke.ThoughtheStormtalongunshipsstruggledtostayclosetotheircharges,threeblunt-nosed,T-shapedcrafthungrightbehindeachThunderhawkasifmindlinkedtotheirmachine-spirits.‘Shakethemofforkillthem,Techmarine,’saidKor’sarro,‘unlessyouwant

metodoitforyou.’

Debedianmerelyinclinedhisheadslightlybeforethrowinghiscraftintomoreevasivemanoeuvres.TheT-shapedxenoscraftstayedthecourse,theenergycannonsunderneaththeirlongtailsspittingblue-whitepulsesofionicenergy.Mort-signalsflaredonthecontrolpanelastheThunderhawk’senginestookseveraldirecthits.SuddenlythetwoStormtalongunshipswereback,burstingoutofthesmoke

banksbeneathtointerposethemselvesbetweentheSpearanditspursuers.Incredibly,bothoftheone-manescortcraftflewaftertheThunderhawkwhilstfacingbackwards,therotaryenginepodsontheirflankscantedafullhalf-circlesotheirpilotscouldseethefoe.ThepairedassaultcannonsunderslungbeneatheachStormtalonwhirred,

spittingbulletsinastreamsosoliditforcedoneofthexenosfightercrafttopeeloff.Amomentlaterthefirstescortcraft’sskyhammerlauncherssentavolleyofair-to-airmissilesstreakingout,smashingintotheretreatingpursuerandblastingitapartinanexplosionofpurpleflame.Theothertwoxenoscraftcameinclose,missilesoftheirownrisingupfrom

hiddencompartmentsontheirwingsandlancingouttofollowtheThunderhawk’spowerfulheatsignature.OneseekerwhooshedundertheSpear’swing,buttheotherthreedetonatedamongsttheThunderhawk’sengines.SmokeplumedandflamescoughedastheSpearlostspeed,theupperspiresofthehiveblurringpastwithinarm’sreachofthewing.ThesecondofthetwoStormtalonssuddenlydroppedintothesmokebelow,its

enginepodstwistingasitsoppositenumberlaiddownsuppressingfire.Thetworemainingxenosfightersclosedin,quadturretspanningstutteringionstreamstowardstheflamingruinoftheThunderhawk’sengines.Withatightlateralswerve,thefirstStormtalonhurleditselfintothepathof

thedeadlyblue-whiteenergiesspittingfromtheclosestxenoscraft.Theionstreamshithome,burningrightthroughthearmourglassofthegunship’scanopyandcoringitspilotinhisseat.Asthegunship’swreckagespiralleddownwards,thesecondStormtalonburst

upwardsfromthesmokebanksrightbehindbothoftheT-shapedfighters.Assaultcannonsblazing,theStormtalon’styphoonlaunchersfilledtheskywithblossomingflak.Itswrathwasallbutindiscriminate,forthoughitspilotscoredseveralinadvertenthitsontheThunderhawk,heknewtheSpearcouldshrugoffthethreatofsolid-shotfirepowerwithoutincident.Notsothexenoscraftpursuingit.Thebarragetoregapingholesinthe

fuselageofbothtaufighters,sendingthemveeringoutofcontrol.Firstonefell,

thentheother,spirallingawaytocrashheadlongintothehivecitybelow.ThevictoriousescortcamealongsidetheSpear,voxingtheallclearasthegunshipbankedaroundforanotherkillingpass.

ShadowsunwatchedthelastoftheRazorsharkswinkredanddisappearonhersensorsuite.ThoughoneofthegiantImperialcrafthadbeentrappedinacrossfireofseekermissilesandforcedtodisengage,theother,despitetakingseveredamagetoitsengines,hadbeenboughtareprievebyitsuglylittleescort.Thegunship’ssymbolpulsedwhiteandactiveonherscreenasitveeredaroundthehive’slargestspireforanotherattackrun.Shewouldmakeitsufferforitstenacity.‘Imusteffectdirectintervention.Oe-nu,electrofieldlockontomyback,

please.Maximumshield,oratleastwhatyoufeelyoucanpartwith.Drai,pleasetakecareofOe-kenandOe-heidownhere.Icannotletthatvulgarcraftuptheretakeanotherchunkoutofourarmouredcomrades.’‘Affirmed,mycommander,’saidDrai,histoneruefulatthethoughtofhis

commanderfightingalone.Shadowsunsalutedbrieflywithherfusionblastersbeforerocketingupfrom

hercommandpositionattheedgeofthehive,battlesuitjetsflaringwhite.KnowingwellthatherStealthcellsstruggledtocopeatextremevelocities,sheorderedthenearestSkyraygunshipstomaskherapproachbyfiringseekermissilesparalleltohercoordinates.Fromadistanceherascentlookedmuchlikeasetofmunitionsarcingtowardsthehumangunshipasitcameaboutforanotherattackrun.Shadowsunbrokeoffherheadlongchargeastheseekersdetonatedharmlessly

upontheImperialgunship’sunderside,insteadcuttinginhorizontallytomatchthegiantgue’ron’shavessel’svelocity.Oncehersuithadsyncheditsspeedwiththegunships,shetoucheddownwithbothfeetonthebroadestpartofitsprimarywingandblink-pushedtheelectrofieldsthatwouldlockhersteady.Maniacwindswrenchedatherarmourasthehive’sspiresblurredpastatdizzyingspeed.Asshehadknownitwouldbe,herbattlesuitwasuptothetask,andheldherinplace.Itwasaconstantdangertothebattlesuitpilotthatwithintheircontrolcocoon

theyfeltdangeronlyasaremoved,academicemotion.Onewrongstepuphere,Shadowsunremindedherself,andshecouldbetwistedinhalfbythetorqueoftheThunderhawk’saerialrampage.‘Interceptphasecomplete,’sheblippedtoDrai,aimingherdeadlyfusion

blastersatthemiddleofthegiantcraft’swing.Twinbeamsofmoltenwhitelightblazedout,scoringthroughtheskinofthe

wingandleavingafinger-widefurrowacrossitslength.Shadowsunblink-pushedamemogramindisbelief.Shecheckedhergunreadouts;theywerestillpracticallyatfullcharge.Fusionblastersweredesignedtocutthroughbulkheads.Theyshouldhavetakenthewingcleanoff.AsidepanelontheThunderhawk’sprowclangedopen,andatowering,

armouredbeastofahumanburstout.

Forasplitsecond,Shadowsunwasimpressed.Thegiantintheornatewhitearmourhadpulledhimselfupontothefrontal

stabiliserfinswithanathlete’sagility.Hecrouched,leapt,andsmashedbodilyintothesecondarywingsjuttingfromthegunship’shullbarelyfivepacesfromher.Eventhroughhersuitshefeltthedullthudofhisexosuit’smag-clampsfasteninghisbootstothefuselage,lockinghimfastbeforethetumultuousforcesthatroaredaroundthemcouldtearhimoff.Sheraisedherfusionblastersandfired,butthegue’ron’shahadalreadyduckedbehindthesecondarywing.Thefigurecameouttheothersidehard,anarchaicswordglimmeringinhis

doublegrip.Hismagclampsthuddedonthewingasheclosedthedistance.Withtheexaggeratedslownessofadream,sheknee-foldedtotheleftandaimedintotheSpaceMarine’smidsection.Thesquarebarrelofherfusionblasterwastuggedbyasuddensurgeofturbulence,andthedeadlyenergieswentwide.Shadowsunhadalreadymutedtheragingwindandthecraft’sscreaming

engines,everysensebenttowardsherattacker.Hersensorsuite’sautotranspickedupthefigure’sbattlecryashebarrelledforwards,bladeraised.‘---FORTHEGREATKHAN---DIEXENOSWITCH---’TherewasabrilliantflashastheSpaceMarine’sglowingswordarceddown,

onlytostriketheinvisibleshieldofforcethatOe-nuwasprojectingaroundShadowsun.Takingherchance,thecommanderliftedherrightbootandkickedouthard,blink-settingitsplatestomaximumrepulsion.HerkickstrucktheSpaceMarineinthekneejustasherelectromagneticpushbrokethatleg’smag-clampgrip.Reeling,thehumanturnedhisone-leggedstaggerintoapivot,raisedhisgreatbladeinonehand,andbroughtitdowninapowerfuldiagonalslash.Theaircrackledinaconfusionoflightasthegue’ron’sha’spoweredswordfoughtOe-nu’sshieldsphere.Asplitsecondlateravolleyofmass-reactiveshellsspatfromtheheavybolters

beneaththeThunderhawk’sstabiliserfins.TheboltsslammedintoShadowsun’s

sideanddetonatedwithviolentforce,blastingherclearfromtheThunderhawk’swingandsendingherspirallingdowntowardsthehivebelow.AlertsignifiersblazedacrossShadowsun’scoresystemassheplummeted

towardsthejaggedspires,adozencriticalreadingsfightingforherattentiononherdamagecontrolhub.Panicgrippedher,panicandtheunbiddensensationofwhisperylaughter.Onlywithtotalfocuscanweavoidthefallingblade.Shadowsunexhaledslowly,eyeswideassheprocessedandenactedseveral

subroutinesatthespeedofthought.Toherlefthivelevelsflashedpast,scatteredlightsandsneeringgargoylesblurredbyherspirallingdescent.Shereroutedpowerfromherweapons,fromhercommandsuite,evenfromOe-nu’sshields.Allofit,everyiota,shepoureditintoherbattlesuit’sdamagedjetpack.Itcoughedonce,twice,andthencaught.Shefeltreliefspikethroughher,eclipsingthesearingpaininherlowerbackas

afantailofflamesbillowedoutfromherarmour.Theheatwasunbearable.Shereleasedasmuchsealantgelasshecouldasherverticalplummetlevelledoutandthenturnedintoawobblyascent.Assheclimbed,shenarrowlyavoidedthesaintedcolossithatbracketedthehive’sposterngate.Reroutingherpowertonormalhazardsettings,CommanderShadowsun

flickeredanddisappeared.AsthebatteredThunderhawkdisappearedfromsightbehindthehivespires,thecollarednecksofthetwolargestposternstatuesblazedwhiteinawidegarrottingloop.Thesolemn,sacredheadsofthestonesaintsnoddedasiffallingasleepand

toppledover,tumblingdownintotheunderhivetoclaimyetmorehumanlives.

CHAPTERFOUR

HIVEAGRELLANPRIMEACACIANBASIN

AGRELLAN,743.999.M41

TheWhiteScarshadregroupedinthetriumphalboulevardthatledtoAgrellanPrime’smonolithicGateVictorius.Theirbattle-scarredThunderhawkshadsetdownamidstthesprawlingVictoriusskyshieldsandwerealreadybeingattendedtobytheirTechmarines,eachgladoftheirnarrowescapeduringthebattleintheAcacianBasin.Mechanicus-gradeincensewaftedaroundthestrickengunshipsastherepairs

beganinearnest.White-armouredtacticalsquadsmarchedoutfromtheirbelliestenbyten,eachgroupdescendingtherampsthatledtotheboulevardandcurvingofftowardstheRhinosandRazorbackswaitingnearby.Toamantheyhadtheirhelmetsmag-clampedtotheirwaists,thewarmcolumnofpollutionthatwhistleddowntheboulevardpullingattheirtopknotsandrufflingthefurwornbytheirsergeants.Ithadnotruesoultoit,Agrellan’sair,atoxichivewindthatanunaugmentedhumancouldnotbreathewithoutriskingseveredamage.ButtotheenhancedwarriorsoftheWhiteScarsitwasstillbetterthannothing.Thebaringofheadsinawarzonewasalapseofprotocolthatthekhanwasapttoforgive,especiallyafterbeingtrappedforhoursinthedimlylitwombofaThunderhawk.

Threegroupsofheavilybuilt,squat-bodiedSpaceMarinebikesgrowledinreadinessnearby,primeexamplesofthemechanicalsteedssobelovedbythesonsofChogoris.Severalattackbikeswerebeingtendednearby,theirsuspensionblockscleanedwithpsalmsofpurityandjetsofcompressedair.Theirriderstestedthethrottles,asmuchfortheloveofthenoiseasforanyrealassessmentoftheengine.Emergingfromthegundistricttothewestwereloose,skirmishingmobsof

Catachans,rebreathermaskscoveringtheirmouthsandlasgunsheldlooselyattheirsides.Ruggedtanksfannedoutintheirwake.Tothekhan,thesewereImperialGuardsmenonlyintheloosestsense.The

planetCatachanwasaviolentmother,andsheraisedadifferentbreedofman.Nopompandcircumstancehere,noranks,nofanfares.Somesaidnodiscipline,either.Justhard-bitten,physicallypowerfulmenraisedinajungleworldsodeadlythatevenaWhiteScarwouldstruggletosurvivethereforlong.Thekhanstrodetowardsthebikes,sketchingaloosesalutetowardsVeteran

SergeantDjubaliasheclosedin.Thesergeantsalutedback,aneasygrinspreadingacrosshishairyface.‘Straken’stakinghisowngoodtimegettingintoposition,’mutteredthekhan.‘AtleastTerrynhasdeployed,’Djubalireplied.‘Slowbutsure,Isuppose.’ThekhanlookedovertothewarmachinesofHouseTerrynstandingstockstill

attheendoftheboulevard.ToacasualglancetheylookedlikethelastsixstatuesinaprocessionofarmouredImperialheroesthatledfromGateVictoriustotheslumsofthehive’score.‘Straken’sCatachansareworththewait,Ihear,’saidDjubali.‘Redstone’stoo.

Eveniftheyare,youknow.Human.’Thesteedmastershookhisthickmaneofhairasifshivering,brushingitfrom

hisfacewithapracticedsweepofhishand.Itdidn’tmakemuchdifference.Themanhadabeardthatcreptupalmosttohiseyelids.‘I’mnotcertainthejunglefighterswillbeinpositionwhenthetauarrive,

horseborn,’saidKor’sarro.‘Cometothat,I’mnotconvincedTybalt’sKnightswillbe,either.’‘Whentheeaglecarriesthetortoise,’saidDjubalidolefully,‘bothgohungry.’Thekhannoddedsagely.Therewasashoutfrombehind,andtheclankof

power-armouredfeetonrockcrete.Thekhanfrowned,turninginhistrackstoseeSudabehstridinguptothem.‘Mykhan,’theStormseerbegan,consternationscoreduponhisweather-beaten

features.‘Hivecommand’sastropathicchoirhasreceivedamessage-psalm

intendedfortheThirdCompany.Itisapsychiccommunion,fromChogoris.’‘Speakon,’saidthekhan,hisbrowfurrowed.‘Weareneededelsewhere,captain,’breathedSudabeh.‘Themessage-psalm

saysthatahereticfleet,redasblood,hastranslatedfromthewarpaboveChogoris.Itisn’talone.Thebattlefleetis…’TheStormseershookhisheadasiftryingtodislodgeapainfulmemory.‘WemustreturntoQuanZhouatthefirstopportunity.’Thethreemenstoodfacingeachother,theireyessharingunspokenthoughts.Thekhanwasthefirsttospeak.‘Wecan’t,’hesaid.‘OurChapterisindanger,’saidSudabeh,‘IconsultedtheTarotassoonasI

receivedtheastropathicpsalm.ItindicatestheHereticAscendantovertheBrotherhoodoftheStorm.’‘Notgoodnews,I’llwager,’saidKor’sarro,grimly.‘No,mykhan.It…itshowstheTorMortalisasthesolemajoris.Destruction

incumbent.’‘Emperor’sbones,’grimacedKor’sarro.‘Sowe’llmakeitquickhere,and

translatebackintothewarpassoonaspossible.Thetauarealloverthisplanetlikefliesonacarcass,butwecan’tleaveAgrellan’speopletodie–orworse,tobeturnedagainsttheImperiumbysnake-tonguedxenos.’‘Besides,we’vebarelygiventhemabloodynose,’saidDjubali.‘Isaywe

closethemdownwithbladesandbolts,fightthemfacetoface.’‘You’llforgivemeifIdon’ttakeyourcounselasobjective,horseborn,’said

theStormseer,lipscurled.‘Icansmellyouranticipationfromhere.’‘Idon’tdoubtit,’saidDjubali,hiseyestwinklingbehindthecurtainofhis

hair.‘Mykhan?Whatdoesyourinstincttellyou?’‘Westay,’saidKor’sarro.‘Andwehitthetausohardtheynevercomeback.’

CircledbyDrai’sStealthteam,ShadowsunandherdronestoucheddowninthewhiteforestthatgirdledthepeaksouthofAgrellanPrime.Withhersuit’sself-healingresinsalreadyhardening,shehadlefttherepairprotocolstothemselvesandfunnelledpowerbacktohersuitfunctions.Intheprocessshehadannouncedherarrivalatthemusterpointandcalledthecoalition’sheavyelementstobliptheirposition.Aconstellationofsymbolspulsedgoldamongsttheswatheofdesiccatedwoodlandthatspreadacrosshertopographicaldisplay.AtitsheartwasthesymboldenotingthemetropolisthehumanscalledAgrellanPrime.Overfivekilometresinheight,thespear-tippedtrianglewassotallitsspireswerelosttothecloudsofpollutionfanningoutfromtheinnumerablechimneysstudding

itsthickbulk.Shadowsuntookstockofhersituation,linkingintoOe-ken-yon’sdatacompile

asherunderclawpunch-cylinderstookstratifiedsamplesofthegroundbeneath.Lessthanasecondlaternewinformationspooledacrosshersensorsuite.Thesoilwascompletelysterile.Therewerenolifeformsatallwithinthe

forest’sborders.Shereachedouttotouchajaggedstump,anditcrumbledunderherfingers,

leavingafinewhitepowder.Whateverhadkilledthisplanetpriortoitsresettlementhaddoneaterrifyinglythoroughjob.Theglitcheswhisperedin,louderintheforestthanoutonthescorchedearth

oftheplain.Someofthesoundwaveslookedalotlikewords.Shadowsun’srighteyehoveredovertheautotransfield,itsfatgoldenbarawaitingherblink.ShethoughtofTraitorShohlookingdownather,hisfaceablurinthe

darkness,gentlyadmonishingherfortalkingofghostsinthenight.Sheknelt,mutedallaudiosaveemergencychannels,andblink-pushedthe

autotrans.Thewordshissedandcrackledasifcomingfromaverygreatdistance,but

theywerewords,therewasnodoubt.Theyhadmeaning.Theautotransranitsconclusionsunderneatheachsoundwave,thefragmentsthatitcouldisolateanddeciphercausingShadowsuntofrowninconfusion.‘---DEATH---ONLYDEATH---SHOULDNOTHAVECOMEHERE-

--YOUWILLFAIL---YOUSHALLFALL---JOINUS---JOINWITHTHEDUST---KEEPYOUINTHENOTHINGNESS---’Shadowsunblippedofftheaudiostream,cancelledtheautotransandstoodup

straight.Theurgetofight,tokill,roseinherchest.‘Allforwardteamstobeginbombardmentimmediately,’shetransmitted

acrossthecadre.Aseriesoficonsblippedgoldinreadiness,thoughafewstillborethedull

silverofincompletion.‘Commander,thisisTankVeteranShas’uiLir,wearesixminutesfromthe

nearestgoldzone.’Anothervoicewasqueuedclosebehind.‘CommanderShadowsun,Shas’uiDomorreporting,goldineightminutesestimate.’‘Beginbombardmentassoonasyoureachrange,Shas’uiLir,’shetransmitted,

sketchingadirectlineofapproachonthesharedcommandgrid.‘Domor,standbyinsilverzonewiththerapidinsertionforcesandawaitfurthercommands.TheImperialshaveasyetundefinedassetsoftheirownbehindthosewalls.’‘Affirmed,commander.’

Theforestfilledwiththewhip-cracksofHammerheadgunshipsopeningfireasthetaubegantheirpersecutionofthetoweringmetropolis.Broadsidebattlesuitsraisedtheirownrailgunsinarifleman’sstance,eachgiantochrewarriortallenoughtofireovertheopencanopiesofthePiranhaskimmersthathoverednearby.AsonetheBroadsideslocked,piston-sited,andfired.Streakingshaftsofair

connectedthemtothehive’sweakestpointsforasplitsecond,thedullthwackofimpactreachingShadowsunamomentlater.SeekermissileszoomedoutfromtheSkyraysbehindher,flyingparalleltothecylinderofdisplacedairleftbyeachrailgunshot.Themissilesalteredtheirtrajectoryatthelastmomenttohammerintofaultlines,sendingtumblingsheetsofornamentalstoneintothehiversscurryingbelow.‘Repeatprotocols,’saidShadowsun.‘Remainatfullalert.Idoubtitwilltake

longforthosegatestoopen.’Lessthanaminuteofpunitivebombardmentlater,theblareofklaxonsrang

outintothegloom.Autolanternsbathedthesuperhighwaywithpoolsoflight.Theenormouswallofmetal-ridgedferrocretethatguardedAgrellanPrime’smainentranceslidupwards,aportcullisclankingopentoallowitscastle’sdefenderstosallyforth.Shadowsun’sgunshipswerealreadymakingtheirattackrun.Sleekbutwidein

themannerofunderseaglider-beasts,herTigersharkshadwingspanstorivalthoseofthegue’ron’sha’sindomitablegunships.Theirchin-mountedioncannonsspatpulsesofbluishenergythathurtledundertheopeninggate,blastinglowintowhateverwaswaitingtoemergeontheotherside.Uponimpactagreatsheetofwhitelightflashedoutwithadeafeningclapofdisplacedair.Aheartbeatlateracloudofdustwasthrownup,confusingthevid-feedsofthetauwaitinginthedesiccatedforest.‘Revealyourself,’mutteredShadowsun.Preoccupiedandmorethanalittle

disturbedbytheautotransspool,shehadinadvertentlytransmittedherexhalationacrossthecadrenet’sopenfrequency.Nexttoher,Shas’vreDraiblippedthesymbolofmildconfusiontohisteam-mates.Shadowsunprojectedhersensorsuite’svid-feedthroughagapinthewhite

trunksoftheforest,seekingtomakeoutthewreckageofwhateverherTigersharksquadron’sioncannonshadengagedunderthegate.Themarkerlightsofherrangedsupportcadre’spathfinderteamsflickeredacrosshervid-feed,theirruby-redlinesseekingpurchaseinthebillowingdust.Increasingmagnificationoncemore,Shadowsunthoughtshecouldmakeout

hunchbackedwarriorsmovinginthedust.Shezoomedbackoutagain,thinkingforamomentshehadoriginallypushedthemagnificationtoofar.Inthelowerquadrantofhersensorsuite,thewhisper-hisschangedshape,its

wavelengthsbecomelesslikewordsandmorelikelaughter.ThenthegatesliduptorevealthemetallicgoliathsofHouseTerryn.

DuringthesubtleconquestoftheDamoclesGulfthathadledtothewaronAgrellan,theambassadorsofthewatercastehadfoundthattherewasonerocktheycouldnoterode.ManyofthehumanworldsatthefringesofthatimpassableabysshadbecomebitteranddisillusionedbytherelentlessgrindofImperialrule,andtheywereeasilyswayedbythepromisesofabetterfuture.EvenAgrellanhadbeeninfectedbytheirinsidiousstatecraft.YettheKnightworldofVoltorisstoodfirm.Nomatterhowmuchthewatercastebargainedandexplainedandmanoeuvred

duringtheiraudienceatFurionPeak,theseedsoftheirsubtleconquestsfellonbarrenground.PatriarchTybaltofHouseTerrynwastooold,toomeanandtoosuspicioustofallforthecourtingofxenosdiplomats,andhetoldthetauambassadorsasmuchtotheirfaces.Tybaltsawtheofferofpeacefulandmutuallybeneficialintegrationintothetauempireforwhatitwas–aveiledchoicebetweenassimilationanddestruction.Thepatriarchbanishedtheambassadorsfromhiskeeponpainofdeath,

roaringanoathtodestroythetaushouldtheyeverthreatenasovereignworldoftheImperium.AndTybalt,forallhismanyfaults,wasamanofhisword.

Thepowerfullybuiltwalkersemergingfromthehivegatewerelivingmonumentstothebluntpowerofmankind.Eachwasacolossustorivalthedreamsofthemostambitiousearthcastevisionary,astamping,killingrelicthatepitomisedmankind’sunsubtleapproachtowar.OutfromthedustsurroundingGateVictoriuscamesixofthegiantmachines.Theywereresplendentinregalblue,awhitehorseheadiconglowingunderthepoolinglightofthegate’slanterns.Soimpressivewerethey,somightyinaspect,thatnotevenShadowsun

noticedthewhite-armouredbikesroaringthroughthedustcloudsbetweentheirlegs.Effigiesofcrudeironandgrease-slickedpistons,theKnights’rivetedlimbs

werepillarsofemblazonedalloy.Theywereconstructedasbipeds,asifthedull

machine-smithsofhumanityhadoncewitnessedthegloryofataubattlesuitandbuiltflightlesseffigiesinmuchthesamefashion,butfar,farlarger.Theirarmsweremassiveweaponssystemsthatswivelledbeneathwidecarapacesthatwerepaintedwithheraldicdesigns.Yellowlensesglowedbehindtheeye-slitsoffeaturelesshelms.Astheycameforward,longsaw-toothedswordsblurredthroughtheairinslashingarcs.EachtitanicbladelookedmorethancapableoftearingaHammerheadgunshiptomangledscrap.Shadowsunhadnodesiretoseethemputtouse.‘Allunitsoperativeatcurrentrange,neutralisethemimmediately,’she

transmitted.‘Closesttargetsfirst,sequentialreach.’Evenbeforethecommanderhadfinishedherorders,theHammerhead

gunshipsattheedgeofthedesiccatedforestpunchedrailgunfireintotheleadingwalkers.Shadowsunhadexpectedthehypervelocityammunitiontosmashrightthroughtheancientrelics,butthevolleysmerelyflaredwhiteafewmetresbeforetheystrucktheirtargets,atomisedbyconvexshieldsofforce.Asthered-dotmarkerlightsoftheirdiminutivepathfindercomradespickedout

eyesocketsandhipjoints,theBroadsidebattlesuitsofShadowsun’srangedsupportcadreaddedtheirownfirepower.Morerailgunsfired,andmoresolid-shotammunitionwasburnedtoatomsbeforeitcouldstrikehome.OntheKnightscame,closingthedistancewitheveryswingingstride.TheTigersharkshadbankedaroundforanotherattack,loopingin

perpendiculartothegroundbeforefiringastreamofionicenergyspheresintotheKnights.Theblue-whiteburstsfizzledintonothingnessuponeachwalker’sshields,strobingpulsesthatlitthenightbutnothingmore.Then,withablareofwar-klaxonsloudenoughtowakethedamned,the

KnightsofHouseTerrynbrokeintoarun.

Kor’sarroKhan’slipsdrewbackintoagrinningsnarlasMoondrakkanreachedfullthrottle.ThecursedxenosweresopreoccupiedbyTybalt’sstamping,blaringdistractionsthattheyhadmissedthreewholesquadsofbikesroaringoutintothegloom.Theywouldlivetoregrettheirmistake.Butnotforlong.Thekhangunnedtheenginesashetooktheleadofthetriplearrowheadof

bikes.HecouldhearthethroatyroarofDjubali’scustomisedsteed,Vendrujin,notfarbehind.Kor’sarro’sbloodpoundedinhisears,thethrillofthechasefillinghimwithelectricenergy.Thesexenosthoughtthemselvessoclever,skulkinginthatpoorexcuseforaforest.Yeteverytimethecylinder-shotoftheirheavymunitionshurtledacrosstheplains,itleftabrieftrailintheairthatled

backtoitssource.TheymaybeabletohidefromAgrellanPrime’sguns,thoughtKor’sarro,buthewouldbedamnedbeforetheycouldhidefromthewrathoftheWhiteScars.Behindthem,HouseTerryn’sKnightshaddoubledtheirpace.Throughthe

vibrationsofMoondrakkan’swheels,thekhancouldfeelthehard-packedwastesshiverwiththeirlopingtread.HechuckledtohimselfinsidehishelmetatthethoughtofthexenosreactiontothemonstrousImperialKnights.Theywouldnothavebeenexpectingtheirappearance,letalonetheirheadlongcharge.TheKnightsweresmallerthantheTitansoftheMechanicus,butbytheGreatKhan,theywereadamnsightfaster.Hewouldn’tmindtryingthehelmofoneofthosethingshimself,oneday.AstheWhiteScarsarrowedaroundthetau’sflankoneoftheKnightswent

down,itskneebuckling.Withaprotestingcreakitcrashedheadlongintothedust.Ithadbeensnipedbyaxenosbattlesuit,bythelookofthefire-trace.Toitspilot’scredit,evenwhensprawledinthedusttheKnighthammeredshellaftershellintothedesiccatedforest,stabbingblindatitspersecutorsoutofspite.ItsbrotherKnightsopenedupinsupport,layingdownafusilladeoflarge-boreshellsinabarragethatanytankcompanywouldbeproudof.Kor’sarroandhismenhurtledaroundthethickwaistofthedesiccatedforest,

scanningforthefoeandtakingthemeasureofthebattleasitunfolded.IntheirwaketheforemostKnightslevelledtheirthermalcannons.Eachmightygun’sbarrelsglowedcherryred,thenamber,thenunbearablybrightwhite.AsonetheKnightsunleashedsixblindingspearsofenergyintothetauskimmer-tankslurkingintheforest.Everythingthebeamstouched,everythingevencloseby,wasannihilatedinasinglesearingmoment.Thetanksdisappearedcompletely,simplyerasedfromexistencebythesheerpoweroftheKnights’weapons.Despitetheirlethalsalvo,thewalkersthemselveshadnotslowedtheircharge.

Theycrashedintotheforestwiththeforceofindustrialwreckingballs.Jaggedtreestumpsweresmashedtopowderwherevertheirthicklegsswung,finewhitedustcoatingtheirheraldiccoloursuptothewaist.Ionshieldsflashedastheywerestruckbyahundredprojectilesandpulseburstsatonce.Beforeevenonecouldbetakendown,theKnightsofHouseTerrynfellupontheskimmer-tanksthathadbeentrappedbytheirownclosedeployment.Reaperchainswordsgrowledandjudderedastheycarvedleftandright,thechewed-upremnantsofxenosskimmersflungfarandwide.Thekhan’seyescrinkledinapproval.Nothingcouldmangleatankquitelikeareaper.Withagreatshout,thekhanledhisownchargeintotheforest.Hestoodup

slightlyinthesaddleasherode,jinkingthebikearoundthedesiccatedstumpswithtwistsofhishipsashescannedforxenostokill.Apocketofshimmeringdustappearedupahead,awill-o’-the-wispthatwouldhavebeeneasytomiss.ThekhansqueezedMoondrakkan’striggerbarandsentavolleyofhand-engravedboltershellsstreakingthroughtheforest.Hewasrewardedbyscarletblossomsofbloodandachorusofthinshrieksthatcouldonlyhavecomefromalienthroats.Djubaliracedpasthim,hammeringuptheslopingwreckageofanalientank

andlaunchingofftheotherside.Mid-flight,theWhiteScartwistedhishipsandbroughthisbike’srearwheelroundsothewholevehicleflewsidelong.Hebarkedawarcryastheheavyvehicleslammedthroughaslendertrunkandploughedrightintoaknotofkneelingtausniperswithblunt,crushingforce.Djubalirodeouttheskid,revvinghisengineamidstaconfusionofpowderedstoneandbrokenalienlimbs.Acoupleofboltpistolshotsboomedastheveteranexecutedthosevictimshehadnotkilledonimpact.Thekhanblewouthischeeks,squeezingoffanotherslewofboltshellsashe

jinkedleftandrightthroughthetrees.Suddenlyatrioofgiantalienbattlesuitsloomedupahead,andhedrewtheswordMoonfangcracklingfromitsscabbard.Kor’sarroloppedtheweapon-armfromthenearestbattlesuit,slidinghisbikelowunderthespittingplasmaofthesecondbeforeshoulder-bargingthelastofthemthroughatree.Thefirstbattlesuitrecoveredquicklyfromtheshockofitslostlimb,boosting

awayfromthekhanontwintrailsoffire.Missilespoppedfromitsshoulderlauncherandlancedouttowardshim.Instincttookover,andKor’sarroleantoverfullyintotheleeofhishurtlingbike,justasthetribalridersofChogorisusedtheirsteedsasshieldsagainstthearrowsoftheirrivals.Lettingthemachine’sarmouredbulktakethebruntoftheexplosion,hegrabbedakrakgrenadefromhisstowagerackandtorethepinoutwithblood-slickedteeth.Moondrakkan’sbackwheelswungoutwideasthekhanflungthegrenadehigh.Itsdetonationsnappedablindingburstrightinfrontoftheairbornebattlesuit,ensuringhisescape.Upaheadhismenwereengagedwiththeenemy.Somefiredsearingburstsof

plasmaintotheriflemanbattlesuitsthatwerehammeringsolidshotintotherampagingKnights.Theirshotstoregreatholesthatfizzedwithelectricmalfunction.Othersswungchainswordsandpowerswordsattheskulkingtauinfantrymenshimmeringinthetrees,arcsofbloodsplashingredacrossthewhitetreetrunks.

Upaheadandtotheright,ahoveringskimmer-tankloosedsalvoaftersalvoofmissilesataKnightstrugglingtodislodgeawreckedbattlesuitfromitswhirringchainblade.Djubalicutrightacrossthekhan’spath,slidinghisbikesidelongintoawheels-firstskidthatwasallbuthorizontal.Riderandbikepassedrightbeneaththetank’santi-gravfieldinacloudofstonedust,emergingunscathedbeforerightingandspeedingoffagain.Kor’sarromentallycounteddown–three,two,one.Rightoncue,thesergeant’skrakgrenadesdetonatedwithadeafeningcrump,flippingthetankoverontoitsmissileturret.Thetightformationsthatthetauhadadopted,coordinatedtoavoidthebig

gunsofthehive,wereprovingtobetheirdownfall.TheWhiteScarsandtheiralliesinHouseTerrynsowedmayhemineveryquarter.Theairfilledwiththeacridstinkofburningcircuitry,thestenchofmoltenplasticsandthetangofalienblood.Thekhangaveagreatshoutofexultationashetooktheheadfromafleeingtauinfantryman.HiswarcrywasechoedbyhisChogorianbrethrenastheykilledtheirwaythroughtheforestacrebyacre.ThroughthevibrationsofMoondrakkan’shandlebars,thekhancouldfeelhis

responseforceclosingin.ThebassrumbleofhisRhinoandRazorbacktransportswasunderscoredbythetrundlingthunderoftheCatachanarmoureddivision.Thebattlewasasgoodaswon.

‘Targetssighted,’transmittedShadowsun.‘Switchtomultispectralandpickthemout.Baitunits,leavethewalkersfornow.Avoidancetacticsonly.’Assentsignalsblippedacrosshercommandsuiteasherassaultcadreclosed

in.Thehumanshadstruckhard,aswastheircustom.Predictabletothelast,theyweremoreconcernedwiththepowerofthedeedthanthethoughtbehindit.Sixbipedalwarengines–fivenow,shecorrectedherself–andhalfacompanyofSpaceMarines.Fierceenoughfoes,butnomatchformultiplecadresofthefirecaste’sfinest.ClosebehindherwastheCrisisbodyguardteamthatAun’vahadassignedher.

Allfiveofthemwereprovenheroesintheirownright,chosenforthoseoccasionswhenconcentratedforcewasneededmorethansubtletyandstealth.Thiswasoneofthosetimes.Engagingtheirblacksunfilterstopickouttheirpreyfromthecloudsofwood-powder,theairbornebattlesuitssentstreamsofplasmahissingdownintothegue’ron’shabikers.TheyincineratedaSpaceMarineorcoredabikewitheveryshot.‘Airsupport,occupythosewalkers.Allbaitunitstoimmediatelyembarkand

rise,maximumelevation.They’verevealedtheirstrength,nowwerobthemofit.Crisisteam,withme.Wehavemonsterstohunt.’HiddenbythecloudsofwhitepowderthattheImperialassaulthadthrownup

fromthedesiccatedforest,thesurvivingtauinfantrymountedupintotheirDevilfishtransportsasfastastheycould.Thegiantsintheirmidstfoughton,theirstampingfeetclaimingtheodddroneandcrushingwreckedtanksintoscrap.Shadowsun’sassaultcadreclosedin,announcingtheirpresencewithvolleysofmissilesandionstreams.TheImperialwalkersturnedtofacethenewthreat,andthedecimatedbait

cadretookitschance.Bytwosandthreestheskimmer-tanksbegantohoverupwardsuntiltheywereoutofreachevenforTerryn’sKnights.Beforeaminutehadpassed,notasingletauremainedearthbound.TheSpaceMarinebikersandthevehicle-bornereinforcementsroaringtowardstheirpositionthrewasmatteringoffireintotheair,andthoughtheoddPiranhareconskimmerorlightbattlesuitfellsmokingbacktoearth,itwasnotenoughtopreventthecadresrallyingandformingupabovethemoncemore.Bywithdrawingintotheskies,thetauhadeffectivelyturnedthetablesontheir

foes.Shadowsun’sbattlesuitsarcedthroughthedust-chokedairuntiltheyweredirectlyabovethegiantwalkers,sendingtightbeamsofplasmaandfusionblasterfireintotheiremblazonedcarapaces.Thehatchatoponeofthegiantwalkerspoppedopenunderthebucklingheatthatwashedacrossit.Shadowsunlandeddeftlyatopthewalker’sbroadback,pushingthemuzzleofherownblasterintothecockpitandconsumingthepilotinablastofblindinglightandmoltenmetal.Onebyone,thefoursurvivingImperialwarenginesturnedandstompedback

towardsthehive.Theroarofbikeenginesdwindledintheforest,impossibletopinpointinthewhitemistthatfoggeditfromendtoend.‘Nopursuit,’transmittedShadowsun.‘Allcadres,donotpursue.Stayingold

zonesonly.Youmayfireatwill.’ThewalkersmadetheirwaybacktotheGateVictorius,sullengiantsdenieda

promisedfeast.Thetaulevelledasmuchfireatthemastheycould,butthewalkers’convexforcefieldsnowprotectedtheirrivetedbacks.ThegreatgateofAgrellanPrimeslidupwardsoncemore,allowingthewalkerstostamptheirwaybackinside.Intheshelteroftheforest,Shadowsuncheckedherimagebanksandreplayed

asampleclipofthebattletheyhadwitnessed.TheImperialforceshadtakenaheavytollonthebaitcadre,butthewayofthePatientHunterrequiredsacrifice,

andthetaudidnotbegrudgelivesspenttoensurevictory.Byluringthehumanarmiestorevealtheirmostpotentassets,thetauhad

takenthemeasureoftheirfoe,andwouldbeallthemorelethalwhennexttheycrossedswords.ThegreatkillwassocloseShadowsuncouldalmosttasteit.

Thekhanstormedintothevaultedhall,hisceramitebootsclackingloudagainstancientflagstones.Theshaftsoflightthatangledfromthestainedglasswall-slitsplayedacrossgore-spatteredbattleplateashestrodeforward.Aclutchofdecapitatedtauheadsbouncedathiswaist,boundthroughtheeyesocketsbyahempropethatwasalreadystiffwithdriedblood.AthissidewereDjubaliandSudabeh,theirfacesmasksofwhitepowderstreakedwithsweat.Thelowhumofconversationinthevaultebbedawayatthearrhythmicthud

oftheirapproach.Itdiedaltogetherasthekhantossedahigh-backeddatathroneoutofhispathandloomedovertheassembleddelegates.Heslammedhisarmouredknucklesontotheroundovaltableatthevault’sheart,andallbuttwoofthedignitariesseatedarounditflinchedbackwardsasifstung.‘Whereinthewarp’sdarkestholewereyou?’hegrowledattheassembly.‘Huh.YouChogoriansloveadramaticentrance,don’tyou,’drawledatough-

lookingofficerinthemilitaryvestandloosefatiguesofaCatachanjunglefighter.Thekhanmethisgaze,evaluatinghiminasingleglance.Abornwarrior,andaveteranatthat.Oneeyewashoodedandunafraid,theotherabionicreplacementthatgloweddullyinthegloom.Belowtheneckaknottedmassofmuscleandtendonmetextensivecyberneticsthatwouldhavedoneapitslaveproud.‘Youtestme,Catachan,’saidthekhan,histeethgrittedhard.‘Yourregiment

failedtomakeanentranceatall.’‘Yougoracingoffaftergloryandmedals,thereisn’tmuchchanceusmere

mortalsaregoingtokeepup,’chuckledtheofficer,swinginghisbootsupontothetableandleaningbackinthethrone.Hetookagreasylho-stickfrombehindacauliflowerearandstruckamatchonthetriumphalmosaicatthetable’sedge.ThestenchofCatachantobaccinefilledtheair.Fumingatthehuman’stone,thekhanstrodearoundthelongtabletowardsthe

officer.AsheboredownontheCatachan,anoldmaninafur-collaredgreatcoatpushedhisdatathronebackwardsintoKor’sarro’spath.Hereacheduptolayaglovedhandonthegoldeagleofthekhan’sbreastplate.‘CaptainKhanoftheWhiteScarsChapter,’hesaid.‘Rememberthatweare

yourallies.’‘Removeyourhand,PatriarchTybalt,orMoonfangshallremoveitforyou,’

saidthekhan,hisvoicetherumbleofanoncomingstorm.‘Benotsohasty,’admonishedthewhite-hairedelder,hisstrangelygoat-like

facetwistedintosomethinghepresumablybelievedwasasmile.‘Thetauwouldlikenothingmorethanforourarmourtoberivenfromwithin.Weareheretodenythemtheirprize,nottoserveittothemonasilverplatter.Pleasesit.’‘Iwillnot“sit”,’thekhanspat,makingtheveryideasoundlikethegravestof

sins.‘Butyouatleastfoughtwell,Tybalt.Asyoucommittedyourstrengthalongsideours,Iwilllistentoyouasanequal.Perhapsyoucanexplainyourinsubordinatefriend’sfailuretodeploy.’Thepatriarch’sfaceturnedsourasmonth-oldcream.‘ColonelStrakenisno

friendofmine,’hesaid,castingaglanceathisoppositenumber.TheCatachanofficerleeredoveratthemboth,tobacco-stainedteethyellowin

thegloom.‘Youbetterfindsomepatience,SpaceMarine,’saidthejunglefighter,pointingametallicfingeratthekhan.‘Youcan’twinthisonebyspeedandbruteforce.They’retau,theDamocleslot.Sure,theyaren’tasfastastheeldar,buttheyarelikelyfasterthanyou.Evenonthoselumpybatteringramsyoucallbikes.’Thekhan’snostrilsflaredwide,hisbreastplaterisingandfallingasahotcoal

ofangerburnedinhischest.Tybaltmethisgazeoutofthecornerofhiseye,andgaveKor’sarroanalmostimperceptibleshakeofhishead.‘They’rebeyondcaringaboutgroundtaken,andthere’snowaythey’redumb

enoughtotryafrontalassault,’continuedStraken.‘Theyaren’tidiotorks,ormaniaczealotseither.Theyonlycareaboutthelonggame,thislot,andthey’llpullanytricktheycantowinit.Eventhen,they’llhappilydielikefishiftheythinkit’lldotheirmatesbackhomeafavour.’ThekhanturnedthefullforceofhisglareupontheCatachan,hishandonthe

hiltofhissword.‘Youwilladdressmewiththeproperrespect,colonel,’hesaid,hisvoiceascoldassteelinthedark,‘oryouwillnotspeakatall.Ipromiseyouthat.’TheCatachantookalongdragonhislho-stickbeforestubbingitoutonthe

pricelessPluvianmarbleofthevault’stable.‘Yeah,yeah.LikeIsaid,youaren’tevenwagingthesamewarasthislot.

They’llrunringsaroundyouifyoukeepfightingthemontheirterms,nippingatthebaitlikeastarvingrippyfish.IknowagoodambushtacticwhenIseeone.’TheCatachan’stonewasbluntbutgenuine,andthekhanfoundhisangercool.

‘Perhapsyouareright,’admittedthekhan.‘PatriarchTybalt,wheredoyouandyourKnightsstandonthismatter?YoufoughtagainstthetauonVoltoris,Ibelieve?’‘Ifoughtthemwithwords,notblades,I’mafraid,’saidthepatriarcharchly.

‘TodaywasthefirsttimeHouseTerrynhasjoustedwiththemonthefield.Thesetauhaveformidablerangedcapabilities,perhapsformidableenoughtopierceourshieldsinaprolongedengagement.Buttheylackcourage,andbladesmanshiptoboot.’‘Yes,’saidthekhan.‘It’sthemindbehindthoseweaponsthatistheirdeadliest

weapon.’‘Anyideawhothatmightbe,then?’saidColonelStraken,theknottedscar

tissueofhisoneremainingeyebrowraisedhigh.‘Ihaveindeed,’repliedKor’sarro.‘Mybladewouldhavealreadytakenher

headifitweren’tforherxenostechno-heresy.’‘Hmm,’musedTybalt.‘Afemale,then.’‘Ibelieveso,bythewayshemoves,’saidthekhan.‘Shewearsawarsuitthat

cancastherinvisible,thoughitiscompromisedbyhighspeeds.Sheisadeptintheuseofmelta-classguns,buthasnotmightenoughtofellourThunderhawks.Itwasherthatburnedyourfellownobleinhiscommandthrone,PatriarchTybalt.’‘IsawonlyanetherealshimmerbeforeGensenmettheEmperor,’saidTybalt,

hiseyesdowncast.‘ButnonethelessIsawsomethingatophiscarapace.Wasthather?’‘Shewasthereallright,’saidthekhan,stridingovertothestainedglass

window.‘Herthermalsignaturewasbaffled,somexenosillusionhidherfromsight,butitwasher.Irecognisedtheweapondischarge.Ifwearetowinthiswar,shemustdie.’‘Emperorhelpyouwiththat,then,’saidStraken,flexingthefingersofhis

cyberneticarm.‘She’llbewelloutofitbynow.Cautiouslot,thesegrey-skins.I’vegotnoairtransportundermycommand,andwejustfoundoutthehardwaythatmyChimerascan’treachherontheopenplain.Mylads’lleitherhavetolayatraporchaseghostsfortherestofthewar,andthere’senoughofthemcrowdingthevox-netasitis.Afrontalassaultjustisn’tgoingtoworkasecondtime,evenifTybalt’sfancywalkersdidgive’emanastysurprisebackthere.Mightaswelltrytorundownthewind.’‘Youmayberight,’admittedthepatriarch,strokingthetuftofwhitehairon

hischin.‘Afoeborneoninvisiblewings,nomatterhowweakoflimbhemight

be,findsiteasytostayoutofblade’sreach.’‘Setyourtraps,then,’sneeredthekhan.‘Wageyourslowandcostlywar.I

shallbewagingmineontheopenplain,asmyprimarchintended.’Thecaptainlookedoutthroughthestainedglasswall-slit,peeringatthe

wastelandbelowwithhisjawsetfirm.Theflatlandscaperemindedhimofhishomeworld,Chogoris.Abeautifulplanetofstarkwildernessandendlessskies,wherehisbrotherswerelikelygivingtheirlivesinbattleevennow.Whereoldfriendswerebleedingoutanddyingwitheachpassingminute.Yetthekhanhadadutytoperformbeforehecouldreturn.Hewouldnot

abandonit,notthissideofthegrave.‘I’mcomingforyou,youxenoswitch,’hesaidtotheworldoutside.‘Surround

yourselfwiththegreatestwarriorsatyourcommand,orcowerinthedeepestanddarkestholeyoucanfind.Itmattersnot.Ishalltakeyourhead,fortheGreatKhanandfortheEmperor.’

Withhercadrehiddenintheleeofawastelandmesa,Shadowsunhadtakenamoment’smeditationinthemidstofsomeshadowedboulders.Herdroneskeepinglookout,sheplayedbackthefootageshehadtakenfromthebattleoutsideAgrellanPrime.Atfirstsheexaminedthegiantwalkers,payingparticularattentiontotheperimetersoftheirforceshields.Brutishthings,powerfulenginesofdestructionindeedbuteasilycircumventedifnecessary.Notsothespeedingwhitebikersthathadassailedthemintheforest.Theyhadashockingturnofspeedandthebraverytocapitaliseuponit.Onemistakeagainstthisnewbreedofgue’ron’shacouldbefatal.‘---FATAL---FATAL---THEYSHALLBRINGYOUPAIN---’Thereitwasagain,thewhisper-hiss,somehowoverridingthemuteshehad

assignedit.Herbackwentramrodstraightassherealisedthewhispershadsomehowrespondedtoherthoughts.Wasthatevenpossible?‘DEATH---DEATH---THEGRAVEOPENSFORYOU---SHASERRA

---LIEWITHUSINTHEDUST---’‘Commander!’Shadowsun’sjetpackengagedasshespunaroundinanaerialpirouette,all

threedroneswhippinginclose.Herfusionblastersgavearisingwhine.‘FortheloveoftheGreaterGood,Drai,’shehuffed,downpoweringherguns.

‘Blipmefirst,ornexttimeI’llputaholeinyou.’‘Iamgreatlycontrite,mycommander,’saidShas’vreDrai.Adeactivation

wavecrackledacrosshisbattlesuitashistruelightappearancewasslowly

revealed.‘Iassumethereissomereportyouneededtomakeinperson,’said

Shadowsun,‘ordidyoudisturbmymeditationspurelytoremindmethatyouhavenosenseoftiming?’‘Thereare…developments,mycommander.’‘Goon.’‘Duringactivereconnaissance,myoptimisedStealthgroup…Welocatedthe

gue’ron’shaoutsideoneoftheprincipaldwelling-peaks.Itappearstheyhadsearchedthemetropolistheydesignatedas“HiveCity”,hopingtoneutralisethewatercasteoperatingwithin.OncetheyhademergedandrevealedtheirpresencebydestroyingthekrootsalvageoperationoutsideAgrellanPrime,wewereabletogetcloseenoughtohearthemtalkoftheirplans.’‘Excellent,’saidShadowsun.‘Transmitthemimmediately.’Shas’vreDraipausedforasecondbeforecontinuing.‘Ofcourse,my

commander.Insummary,theyhavedeterminedyoutobetheprimarythreat.Theyintendtolocateyouandneutraliseyouviathemeansofdecapitation.’NearbyOe-heiandOe-nubuzzedinalarm,circlingeachotherinagitation.‘Isee,’saidShadowsun.‘Yes,Iimaginedeathbydecapitationwouldaffectmy

abilitytoprosecutethewar.’‘BeassuredIwillnotallowthistooccur,mycommander.Mylifeisyour

shield.’‘Thatiskind,Shas’vreDrai.Yetitseemsthemostefficientwaytoforcethese

gue’ron’shaintocommittingafatalmistakewouldbetooffermyselfasbait.’‘I…Icannotallowthat,mycommander,’repliedDrai.‘Ishallgoinyour

stead.’‘YouandIshalldoexactlywhatthetauempirerequiresofus,Shas’vre,’said

Shadowsun,hertoneauthoritarian.‘Evenifitmeanskillingeverythingwecanfind,orthedemiseofeverytaulifeontheplanet.’‘Ofcourse,mycommander,’repliedDrai,chastened.‘FortheGreaterGood.’

Thosetauwithadvancedsensorsuiteshearditfirst,adistantroarthatshookfineblackshalefromthehighridgeabove.Twodotsappearedonthehorizon,closingfast.‘Enact,’transmittedCommanderShadowsun.Intheshadowoftheridge

behindher,asquadronofSunSharkbomberstookoffintotheair.Thewhite-hulledThunderhawkgunshipsofthegue’ron’shaarrowedtowards

theirpositionatbreakneckpace,eachtrailedbysmallerescortcraft.Shadowsun

hadpredictedtheirpresence–indeed,madeherselfavisibletargetinordertoinviteit.ForalltheridiculoussuperstitionandritualthatboundtheImperium’searthcasteequivalent,theywereclearlycapableenoughtoeffectcomplexrepairs.Thegunshipwiththeridiculouslylongbarrelatopitshouldnothavebeenflight-capableatall.Somethingchurnedinherchest,adesiretoseethegreatenginesbroughtlow

andsmashedtopiecesinthedust.Shefrowned,confusionbleedingintothecoldcertaintyofherbattleplan.Suchemotionbeforeanengagementwas…untoward.‘---KILL---KILLTHEMALL---BATHEINTHEIRBLOOD---’

spooledtheautotrans.Sheshuddered,awareofherskinbrushingtheinsideofherbattlesuitasthe

wordsrangaroundherhead.Sheblink-pushedthetranslationwareoff,butthestrangelycompellingwhispersremainedattheforefrontofherthoughts.Perhapsitwasbecausetherewasapartofherthatwishedtoresolvethingsinasquickandasdeadlyafashionaspossible.MaybethatwashowitfeltbeforetheinitiationofaMont’kastrategy.Perhaps…perhapsthatwashowtheTraitorShohfeltinside,allthetime.Shadowsundidunderstand–intellectually,atleast–thattherawaggression

andpitilessviolenceoftheMont’kahaditsuses.Butofthetwomacrostrategies,theKauyonwasunquestionablythemostefficientway.Shewouldproveithere,astheenemygunshipsroaredintothejawsofhertrap.Justasshealwaysdid.Theenemygunshipsweresecondsawaynow,atmost.Outfromtheblind

edgeofthegiantridgewheretheyhadexposedtheirpositioncametwosquadronsofSunSharkbombers,theireleganttanhullsflyingwiththesunbehindtheirtails.Paradoxsquadrons,theirunderslungbombarraysfittednotwiththeplasma-basedpulsebombsstandardtotheirkind,butunstablestasisfieldsthatcouldintroduceaglitchintothetimestreamitself.Dangerous,thoughtShadowsun,butextremelyeffective.TheImperialgunshipsloosedasalvoofmissilestowardsthetauoutinthe

open,thedullthumpofdetonationsblastingCrisisbattlesuitsacrossthewastesinshowersofblackshale.Intentontheirpreyontheplainbeneaththeridge,thegunshipsdidnotnoticetheParadoxsquadronsconvergingontheirposition.Shadowsunwatchedintentlyasherbomberscutaninterceptcourse,droppinglocalisedstasisanomaliestowardstheenemycraft.Therewasaflareofeye-wateringunlightforasecond,andthefabricofspace-

timebulgedaroundtheImperialgunships.Forasecondthegiantaircraftfroze,

theangrybellowoftheirenginesstutteringinandoutofexistence.Then,asthebubbleoftimethathadencapsulatedthempopped,allfouroftheaircraftroaredoverthetopoftheridge,missingitbymetresandploughingnose-firstintothehard,crackedearth.Herbloodpulsingwithexcitement,Shadowsunboostedupwardstoseethe

destructionhertraphadwrought.Adozenbattlesuitsandascoreofdronesescortedher,hoveringforwardswithallweaponssystemsprimed.TheThunderhawkslayattheendofthetwogreatfurrowstheyhadploughed

intheearth.Theirfuselagesjuttedatawkwardangles,wingstornfromtheirframesandfireslickingacrosstheirthickhulls.‘Circletothefront,ahundredmetresberthatalltimes,’transmitted

Shadowsun.‘Ifanythingsomehowstaggersoutofthere,Iwantitdeadbeforeithastakentwopacestowardsus.’Goldensignalsofassentblippedacrosshercommandsuite,thedeadliest

weaponryinthecadre’sarsenalprimedandreadyforthekill.AsShadowsuncompletedthehalf-circlethatbroughthertothefrontofthe

Thunderhawks,sheheardadullhiss.Awhite-edgedcircleglowedwideinthemiddleofthegiantjawsjuttingfromthefrontofeachgunship,reducingthemightydrawbridgestomoltenrain.Therewasathroatygrowlofbikeenginesfollowedbyawhooping,ululating

warcry.Boltersblazing,theirbladesandtheirvoicesraised,thesteedmastersofChogorisroaredoutfromthedarknessandplungedintothetaulines.

Bare-headed,bloodiedandbruised,theWhiteScarshurtledoutoftheSpear’smelta-cutdoor.Kor’sarroKhanhimselfledthecharge,withhischampionsJebeSabrehandandDjubaliSteedborngunningtheirsteeds’enginesinhiswake.Eachofthethreewarriorshadaglowingpowerbladeclutchedinonefistandhisbike’shandlebartriggersintheother.Staccatoburstsofmuzzleflarelittheirswarthyfeaturesfrombelow,eachbattle-brothersnarlingorshoutingashechannelledthewar-lustinhissoul.Behindthetrioofleaderscamepairedsquadronsofarmouredbikes,two

abreastandslewingoutfasttoopenfirewiththeirfront-mountedbolters.AstheyclankedoverthefallenjawsoftheThunderhawk,thesidedoorsofthegunshipclangedopen.Morewhite-armouredSpaceMarinespiledouttoaddtheirbolterfiretothefusillade.Thekhancouldclearlyseethexenoscowardsthathadshotthemdown.They

weremaybetwohundredmetresawayatmost,aloosecircleoflargebipedal

warsuitsalreadypulsingplasmaattheirposition.Mostoftheirshotswentwideorscorchedshale,thoughafewsizzledintofairingsandreinforcedwheels.Kor’sarro’sferalsmilegrewwide.Thetauwereclearlyill-preparedforamountedcharge,whereastheWhiteScarswereexpertsattheartofthesuddenattack,turningeachstolensecondintoalethaladvantage.Thekhanquicklyscannedtheundulatinghillocksandridgesahead,teeth

grindinginanticipationofthebeheadingtocome.Sureenoughthexenoswitchwasthere,bracketedbybodyguardsanddrones.Hersnow-whitearmourwasalreadyshimmeringtoblendwiththedarkshaleunderfoot.Kor’sarrogunnedthethrottleandacceleratedtowardsher,hungrytopartherheadfromherneck.Thevolleyoffirepowerfromthecircleofochrebattlesuitswasthickeningas

theWhiteScarsclosedin.Long-barrelledriflessentthinlozengesofplasmasizzlinginthekhan’sdirection,andthecaptainduckeddownlow.Asecondlaterhisflaringnostrilspickedoutthestinkofscorchedhairovertheferroplastictangofburningbike.Hishelmetdisplayflickeduptwo,three,fourmortis-runesfromthesquadbehind.Notimetolook.Notimetodoanythingbutcharge.ThosecominginfastbehindtheKhanandhisfollowersveeredserpent-fast

aroundthetumblingwrecksthathadoncebeenproudriders,plumesofshatteredshalearcingupfromtheheavyrearwheelsoftheirbikes.Aheadthetaubattlesuitswererisingup,theloosescreeflatteningincirclesbeneaththemastheirjetpacksboostedthemhigher.Theirpulseweaponsfiredquadruple-burstvolleysintothemassedbikers,andthoughmanyblossomedineffectuallyfromthickceramiteplates,halfadozenkillshotshithome.AndtheWhiteScarswereamongstthefoe.ThekhanstoodupinhissaddleandbroughtMoonfangaroundinahighloop

thatseveredthenearestwarsuit’slegandcutawayhalfofitscrotchinasprayofgreensparks.Behindhim,Jebecouchedhispowerspearagainsthispauldronandusedthemomentumofhischargetospitanotherwarsuitthroughthechest.Asthecompanychampionrodeunderneaththealienwarsuit,hetwistedhisbodylikealancerrollingwiththeimpactofahit,yankinghisspearfreeinaspurtofblood.Thexenosmachine’slegsandweapon-armsdangledcorpse-limpevenasitsjetpackkeptithoveringthreemetresabovetheearth.Djubalisteeredhardintoalargeflatstoneandyankedhardonthehandlebars

topullthenoseofhisbikehighforamoment.Attheapexofthejumphisboltersblastedadoubleshotintothejetpackofawarsuitturningtoevadetheattack.Djubali’sfrontwheelslammedbackdownintotheshaleandheveeredoffafterthekhanwhilstthestrickenwarsuitpirouettedwildlydownwardsinto

theshale.Thered-helmetedVeteranSergeantKoghairoaredpast,takingthefallenmachine’sheadfromitsneckwithhispoweredtulwarbladeashewent.Andthen,astheloosecircleofbattlesuitsboostedfurtherupwardsinthe

skies,theridersofChogorisfoundthemselveswithnothinglefttocharge.

‘Rallyandre-engage!’shoutedShadowsun,hervoicetightwithtension.‘Verticalvectorswhereverpossible.Donotmeetthemonthehorizontalplane!’Goldensignalsofassentflickedonallbuttwoofhersubordinateregisters.

Shas’vreTu’laRin’svitalsignshadturnedthecharcoalgreyofdeath,andShas’vreDe’reLa’sgunmetalwasfadingquicklytoash.Still,iftherestofthemkepttheiraltitudehigh,nomoretaulivesneedbelosttothegue’ron’sha’suglybuteffectiveambush.Thebrokenformationofherbattlesuitcadrere-establisheditsnooseasitrose

higher.Weaponssystemsspatfireintotheheavybikesthatgrowledbeneaththemlikeaprideofangryhyperfelids.ThosethatroaredoutoftheencirclementweremetbystreamsofburstcannonfirefromhiddenStealthteams.ThechameleonicshadowsofDrai’sbattlesuitsshimmeredlowastheycutdowntheescapingfoewithclinicalprecision.Shadowsunpickedouttheenemycommanderattheedgeofthepack,the

samescarredgiantthatshehadfoughtonthegunship’swing.Thewar-leaderandhiscomradeshaddrawnbluntpistolsandwerefiringexplosive,rocket-propelledboltstowardsthem.Thecommanderwasshoutingsomethingupather,pointingwhatlookedlikealongceremonialswordinherdirection.Shesparedaquickglimpsefortheautotransasitconvertedthegue’ron’sha’swordsintotau.‘---FACEMEYOUSKULKINGHAG---’hischallengeread,‘---COME

BACKANDFIGHT---HONOURLESSCOWARD---’Eye-flickingatop-downvectorofattack,Shadowsunboostedinclose,

bracketedbyhershielddronesandthetwoclosestCrisisbattlesuits.Astheyapproached,ague’ron’sharidingnexttothebellowingwar-leaderstoodinhissaddleandflungalong,spear-likeweaponrightather.Warninglightsflickeredredinsideherhelmet,bip-bip-bippinginrisingalarm.Shetwistedherhipstosteerherjetpack’scourseleft,curvingaroundthespear’spathsohershielddronesdidnothavetointerceptitwiththeirspheresofprotectiveforce.Oe-nutransmittedatinythanks-symbol,itsreservoirbandstillahealthycopperhue.Thespear-throwercarvedhisbikearound,andhersensorsuitelinkedthe

rider’sprojectedroutewiththetrajectoryofhisarcingweapon.Anticipatinghis

course,shedroppedsuddenlyandkickedhiminthebackoftheheadashedrovepast,sendinghimcareeningintoashale-dune.Thespearthuddeddown,impalingitsowner’sshoulderandpinninghimtotheground.Thecornersofhermouthtwitchedupwardsatthesight.Shewouldenjoyreplayingthatmomentoncethiswasover.Thegue’ron’shawar-leaderwascomingaround,lookingrightinherdirection

despiteherStealthfield.Shelevelledherfusionblastersandloosedparallelshotsrightathim.Asthevaporisingblastshithisbike,thevehicleburstapartinanexplosionofmoltenmetalandsteam.Somehow,though,thewarriorhadhurledhimselffreeamatterofmicrosecondsbeforetheshothithome.Thewarriorrolledinalooseshoulder-curl,clatteringtoagunman’skneel

behindasmokingmassofhumanremainsandfiringatwo-handedpistolshotrightatShadowsun’shead.Warningsbippedoncemore,butthistimeOe-nuinterceptedwithatimelyshield-flare.Themass-reactiveboltdetonatedprematurely,andtheexplosionwashedlikefieryliquidacrossthedomeofthedrone’sprotectivesphere.Sheblippedherownthanks-symbol,boostingbackupwardsasherfusionblastersrechargedwithahigh-pitchedwhine.Aroughwedgeofthebikerswastryingtoblazeapathoutofthehailof

firepowerthatwascuttingthemdown.Bytheirvectors,theywerehopingtoreunitewiththeircomradesbackatthefallengunships.Morethanathirdoftheirnumberhadfallennow,andwhite-armouredbodieslaysprawledamongsttheburningwreckageoftheirarmouredbikes.Allacrosstheridgethegue’ron’shawerefightingdesperatelytobreakout,butwherevertheypushedtheiradvance,ateamofbattlesuitswastheretomeetthem.‘Firestreamsquadronsintercept,SunSharks,reinforce,’Shadowsun

transmitted,hertoneterse.‘Flankingcadresdeployheavyarmour.Ensurenoneescape.’BarelyasecondlaterthreesquadronsofskimmersandatrioofSunShark

bombersroseintoviewovertheridge.TheshadowsoftheirT-shapedhullsflittedacrosstheshale,likeashoaloffishcuttingclosetothebedofsomesoullessocean.Anti-gravmotorshumming,theyboredownonthewhite-armouredgue’ron’sha.Theirburstcannonslevelledquadrupleplasmablastsintothebikers,takingfiveofthemfromthesaddleinasmanyseconds.Thefusionblastersofthesquadronbehindthemkilledthesamenumberagain.Oneofthesurvivingriders,asavage-lookingbrutewhoseheadappearedtobe

littlemorethananunrulymassofhair,skiddedhisbikearoundanddroveithardupajuttingspireofrock.Riderandbikesailedthroughtheairtolandwheels

firstonanoncomingPiranha.Thedeadweightoftheflyingbikeboretheskimmertothegroundbelowwithacrushingimpactthatsawthetaupilotsbrokenandbleedingintheremainsoftheircraft.Twoofthehairyrider’scomradeswereinspiredtofollowsuit,launchingtheir

bikesfromthesamespire.Onewasimmediatelytornapartinmid-flightbyablastoffusionenergy,buttheothercaughttheedgeofapassingPiranha’swingwithacuppedhandandyankeditsohardtheskimmerwastippedwildlyoffcourse.ThePiranhaploughedintothedarkscreeattheridge’sedgebeforeexplodinginaburstofvioletflame.JustasShadowsunwascominginforanotherpass,hermeteorological

readoutsspikedhard.Theanomaliesseemedtocentreinaspirallingvortexaroundoneofthebikersattheheartofthegue’ron’shapack,atotem-cladelderwhohaddrawntoahaltwitharmsoutstretched.Gutturalsyllablesspilledfromtheshamanicfigure’slips,non-wordsthatherautotranscouldnotunderstand.Asecondlateragaleforcewindthickwithrazor-edgedshaleflewoutfrom

theelder’soutstretchedarmsandblastedintothetauskimmers.Thesuddenhurricanecausedmostofthelightcrafttocareenoutofcontrol.Someclashedwingsandcollided,whilstotherswerehurledawayovertheridgeasifagiantinvisiblehandhadflungthemawayindisgust.Seeingthedestructionahead,theSunSharkspeeledoff,flingingtheircraftintoevasivemanoeuvrestoavoidthechaosofthestorm.Shadowsunwantedtoexplainthephenomenonawayassomeadvanced

weaponsystembuiltintotheshaman’sgauntlets,yetsomethinginherchesttoldherotherwise.Herewastheimpossiblemind-scienceofthegue’la,oncethoughtamererumourcomingfromtheedgesoftheDamoclesGulf.Intruthitwasclearlyaveryrealthreat,andallthemoredangeroustothetauiftheydidnotunderstandit.Awarriorcapableofdestroyingtwosquadronsofskimmersatrangecouldnot

beallowedtolive.Ignoringthevulgarchallengesspoolingacrossherautotrans,Shadowsunalteredherflightintoaswooptowardstheshaman,hershielddronesbuzzinginclose.Therewasalowroarfromtheeast,arumbleofthunderousenginesthatshook

thedustfromatopthesmallerridges.Anticipatingherrequest,Oe-ken-yon’stelesensorsblippedherlong-rangevisuals.FivesquadronsofImperialgun-skimmerswerecominginatbreakneckspeed,thegue’ron’shaequivalentofthePiranhastheshamanhadcrippledsecondsbefore.‘Flankingcadresengageandrepelinboundgun-skimmers,’saidShadowsun,

‘FirstandsecondCrisisteams,enactRinyonencirclement.Prioritykillontheindicatedleader.Thenengageatwill.’Herowncadreblippedgoldenassent,butasforthereservecadresinthe

canyonsbelowtheridge,onlydullsteeliconspulsedflat.‘Flankingcadres!Whereareyou?’‘Commander,we…wehaveencounteredanunseenforceofgue’ron’shain

theravines,’camethereply.‘Wearealready…fullyengaged.Ioffer…contritionforourabsence.’Thevoicewasstrained,itspausesindicativeofagunfightthatragedevenastheyspoke.Shadowsuncancelledherorderforreinforcementswithablink-push,herlips

setfirm.Theywouldhavetodealwiththisnewfoethemselves.Atthelipoftheridge,herSunSharksquadronshadralliedforanotherattack

run.TheywerecomingbackinlowoverthewreckedImperialgunshipsandthegue’ron’shashelteringintheirlee.OnebyonetheSunSharksdroppedmoreoftheirtemporalanomalybombs,eachdetonatingwithashimmeringburstofwhitelight.IntruthShadowsundidnotunderstandhowtheearthcastehaddevisedsuchweapons–despitethefactshehadsleptinstasisherselfformanylongyears–buttheirefficacywasbeyondquestion.Oe-ken-yon’stelesensorsblippedfootageofalowblitzthatforce-agedeachgunship’swreckageintorustingscrapandleftthewarriorsnearbyasslumpedskeletonsinsideyellowedsuitsofarmour.Aroundher,sixbattlesuitsshoulderedtheirwaythroughasmatteringofpistol

firetoconvergeontheleaderofthegue’ron’shaforce.Bolterfirethuddedhome,knockingtwoshas’uioffbalancebutfailingtoscoreakill.TheCrisisteamsclosedin,weaponsraised.Theyformedacirclewithinacircle,convergingupontheleaderoftheenemyriders.Theairwassuddenlyfilledwithacrossfireofheavy-gaugebolts.They

hammeredthroughtheairtoburstlikeflakonthearmourofthehoveringbattlesuits,someofthemlong-rangefirefromtheadvancingskimmers,othersfromthestill-operationalturretsofthedownedgunshipsattheridge.BothofShadowsun’sforwardCrisisteamswerecaughtintheteethofthedoublefusillade,jerkedlikethemarionettesofamadpuppeteerastheywerebuffetedbytheexplosions.Twobattlesuitswereblastedlimbfromlimbastheydesperatelytriedtoescapethelethalstormofdetonationsaroundthem.‘Allteamsrise,maximumthrust!’shoutedShadowsun,amoltenpoolofanger

burninginherstomach,‘GetuphighsotheBroadsidescanaddtheirfire!Thenre-engage!’

Herbattlesuitteamsclimbedintothesky,theirjetpacksheat-shimmeringcolumnsofairbehindthem.Shadowsun’smeteorologicalreadoutsspikedagain,andtheunnaturalstormcameinoncemore.Thistimeitwasmoretornadothanhurricane,awallofangrywindandrazoredblackstone.Shadowsunsawoneofhershas’uipilotscaughtbythewind,hisbattlesuit

hurtledaroundbyitsuncannyforcesandflunginasmokingtangleoflimbsontoascree-coveredridge.Thebattlesuit’sochrepainthadbeenstrippedaway,leavinglittlemorethanalandscapeofdentedalloyandruinedcircuitry.Theblacktornadowhippedaroundtherallyingbikersbelow,interposingitself

betweenherbattlesuitsandtheirpreyandmovingeastwardsatspeed.Severalofherteamsmadetopursue,buttheImperialskimmersmovedinparallel,sendingstreamsofexplosiveboltstowardsanywhogottooclose.‘Leavethem,’saidShadowsun.‘Disengage.Theirmind-sciencemustbe

studiedbeforeitcanbeeffectivelycountered.’Goldenassentsignalsblipped,thoughnotnearlyenoughofthemforher

liking.Perhapsaquarterofherteam-symbolshadfadedtothecharcoalgreyofdeath.Shadowsunsurveyedthecarnageleftbehindinthewakeofthegue’ron’sha’s

retreat.Sighing,sheflickedthroughOe-ken-yon’sfootageofthebattleinordertoconsolidatewhateverknowledgeshecouldatfirstglance.Fromabove,thepathofthegue’ron’sha’smountedassaulthadformedtwothickzigzaggingcolumnsthatshotoutfromthefrontalrampsoftheirdownedgunships,thenatthelastmomentfannedoutinawidedeltaformationtostrikehome.ShewasremindedofthelightningstormsofVior’lashehadwatchedasachild–magnificent,deadly,andallbutimpossibletopredict.Alearningexperience,then,andacostlyone.Aharrowingnumberoftau

bodieslayscatteredabouttheridge,somecastfromtheirskimmercockpits,othersdanglingfromthesmokingtombsoftheirmangledbattlesuits.Herfrowndeepenedassherealisedtherewassomethingwrong,somethingevenmoreunsettlingthanthesightofsomanytaudead.ThoughatleastadozenofthearmouredbikestheImperialsusedtosuch

effectlayscatteredandsmokingintheshale,notasinglegue’ron’shabodywasamongstthem.

INTERLUDE1-0

‘---SOMANYCORPSES---’theautotransscrolled,itswhisper-waveformjerkingpeaksandtroughs.Shadowsuneye-flickeditoff,andthebuzzinginherheadsubsidedalittle.Yetitwasstillthere,remindingherofthedeath,theblood.ThesymboloftheSupremeEtherealblippedonherinteriorcommandscreen

forasecond,andshetransmittedahaltdesignationtohercadre.‘MasterAun’Va,greatestrespects,’saidShadowsun,avertinghereyesasthe

EtherealMajestyappearedonhercentralscreen.Evenwithhergazecastdownshecouldseehisreflectionontheinactivesideofherbattlesuit’sinteriordome.Adrawn,greyslabofafacewiththewisdomofaeonsetchedintoitsangles.Aun’Va’svisagewasframedbytheCrownofCommunities,theheaddressthatdenotedtheblessingoftheentiretauempire.Shadowsunfoundherheartquickeninherchestatthethoughtthathewasspeakingtoher,andheralone.‘O’Shaserra,’theprojectionintoned,hisvoicegraveandresonant.‘Ihope

yourpreparationsarecomplete.’‘Theyare,master,’shereplied.‘Gue’laweaknessesaremany,andeasily

exploited.’‘Excellent.Thisworldmustfall,mychild,andsoon.TheGreaterGood

demandsit.’‘Itsdemiseisimminent,master.’‘O’Shassera,didyoujusttellmethedemiseoftheGreaterGoodisimminent?’

saidAun’Va,incredulitytwistinghisfeatures.

‘No!’protestedShadowsun,feargrabbingatherribswithitscoldclaws.‘No,ofcoursenot,master!ThedemiseofAgrellan,Imean…ImeantheImperialforcesuponAgrellan.’‘Isee.Stateclearlywhatyoumeantosayinfuture,child.Thereisnoroomfor

ambiguityintimesofwar.’‘Asyousay,master.’Therewasalongpause,stretchingoutuntilitseemedtofillthebattlesuit

dome’sinteriorwithsuffocatingsilence.Attimeslikethis,shewasverygladitwasforbiddentomeethermaster’sgaze.Shewouldratherhavepushedhotcoalsintohereyesthanwitnesshisdispleasure.EventuallyAun’Vaspoke.‘AmItounderstandthegue’lamilitaryforces

remainactive?’‘Therehavebeen…developments,master,’shesaid,recoveringherself.

‘Threelandershipsescapedtheaircaste’sorbitalcordon:ague’ron’shastrikeforce,ague’laregimentshipandtheImperialforcerecentlydesignatedasHouseTerryn.’‘Havetheynotbeendealtwith?’‘Wearewhittlingthemdown,master.Theirreinforcementswere

unexpectedly…capable.’SheappendedOe-ken-yon’sclearestsensorcaptureofthecolossalwalkersthe

ImperiumhaddeployedatAgrellanPrime.‘Whittlingthemdown,’repeatedAun’Va.‘Isee.Soinfactyouhavefailedto

destroytheminthetimeframeallocated.Indoingsoyouhaveallowedthese…monstrositiestoregroupwiththeirgue’ron’shaallies.’Shadowsunsaidnothing,hereyesallbutclosedinshame.‘CommanderPuretidewouldbedisappointedinyourprogress.Theempire

requiresmorethanpatiencetorealiseitsdestiny.’TheSupremeEthereal’slonggreylipsturneddownslightly,apoutofdisapprovalthatShadowsunrealisedshehatedandfearedmorethananythingelse.PerhapsevenmorethantheTraitor.TheSupremeEtherealpaused,hishoodedeyelidslowandhislargeblack

pupilsflickedbackinbriefmeditation.Hisgreymaskcouldwellhavebeenstoneforallthelifeinit.‘IshallbeleadingthefinalassaultonAgrellan’sprincipalfortress,’hesaid,

returningtohisformerstatesmanlikedemeanour.‘ItistimetheempireisremindedthatnoneareexemptfromstrifeinthenameoftheGreaterGood.Noteventhosewhowatchoverit.Myshipisalreadyinbounduponyourposition.’‘But…Master,I…’stammeredShadowsun,hermindwhirling.

‘Thisshalloccur.Withinthreekai’rotaathisworldwillbegivenamorefittingname–Mu’gulathBay,theGateofNewHope.Theempire’sassimilationofthismineral-richregionwillcontinueapace.Youhavecommandofanentirecoalitioninordertoensureit.ThematterofthemilitarydetailsIleavetoyou.’‘Ofcourse,master.Itshallbedone.’‘Iamsureofit.Theearthcastehaveassuredmetheirfusionarrayupon

Agrellan’smoonisessentiallycomplete.Theplanetoidisonlyamatterofdecsfromitsorbitalzenith.Thewatercastearealreadyininfluentialpositionswithinthosehivesthatwillprovideusgue’ve’saforthenextphaseofexpansion.Theaircastehaveensuredtotalsuperiorityoftransferformyfleet.Itisonlythefirecastethatslowtheempire’sprogress.’‘That…thatismyfault,master,’saidShadowsun,hervoicelittlemorethana

whisper.‘Ishallworkalltheharder,forgoingsleeptoensuremycaste’ssuccesswhilstremainingatoptimumoperationalefficiency.Ishalladopt,’–shetookashallowbreathbeforesayingit–‘IshalladoptthestrategyofMont’ka.’‘Whatyouwilldo,O’Shaserra,isaccompanymeinthecreationofabreachin

theprimaryhive’swalls,’saidAun’Va,hisorb-likeeyeswide.‘Thisbreachwillbesecuredbyacontingencycadreinboundonyourposition,detailsappended.Thereshallthekillingblowland.Iintendforthefootageofourgloriousmilitaryvictorytobebroadcastacrosstheentireempire.’Shadowsunsparedaneye-flicktoscanAun’Va’stransmittedappend.

‘XV104s…’shesaid,hereyesgrowingwide.‘Theyaretobefield-testeduponAgrellan,master?Howmany?’‘Anumbersufficienttothetask.’‘MasterAun’Va,withtheseresourcesweshallcreatealegendhere,thatI

promiseyou.’‘Yes.Ishall.’Amomentofsilencepassed.Aun’Vanoddedslowly,staringhardatherasif

hewasreadingherthoughts.‘Master…’saidShadowsun,hervoicecatching.‘Mychild?’theSupremeEtherealreplied.Histonewastired,asifheknew

whatwascomingnext,andhadnothingbutcontemptforit.‘HastherebeenanywordofShoh?’TheSupremeEthereal’sgreylipsgrewthin.‘Concentrateonthematterathand,O’Shaserra,’hesaid.‘Weshallspeakof

theTraitorsoonenough.’

Theflickeringfirelightcausedtheshadowsofthefur-cladChogorianstodanceacrossthecircleofbikessurroundingthem.Theirpowerfulmachinesfacedoutwardsineverydirection,readyfortheWhiteScarstomountupanddisperseatamoment’snotice.Thekhan’swarriorslistenedinattentivesilenceashepreparedtoissue

instructionsforthenextstageofthehunt.‘Ourquarryiscunning,andnottobeunderestimated,’hebegan.‘Thexenos

witchhashadthebetterofusonce,butwillnotdosoagain.Atsunrise,wewill–’Kor’sarro’svoicebrokeoffasafaintsilhouettebegantotakeshapeamidthe

darkness.Asone,everyWhiteScaraimedhisbolterattheebonfigure’shead.Thestrangerdidnotflinch.‘InthenameoftheGreatKhan,identifyyourself!’roaredJebe,Kor’sarro’s

companychampion,asheunsheathedhissword.‘Standdown,brothers,’orderedthekhan,gesturingtohismentolowertheir

weapons.‘Iknowhim.’Kor’sarroKhanwasawareofonlyonepersonintheentiregalaxythatcould

infiltrateaSpaceMarinecampundetected.Thekhan’swarriorsobeyedhiscommandwithoutquestion,thoughthescornfulsneerheworedidlittletoeasethetension.Withoutaword,thenewcomerreachedupandunclaspedhishelmtoreveala

narrow,pallidfacebeneathaveiloflank,blackhair.ItwasShadowCaptainShrike.‘Wemeetagain,RavenGuard,’thekhangrowled.‘Whatbringsyourkind

here?Haveyoucometospillxenosblood,orskulkintheshadowsandleavethefightingtorealwarriors?’‘My“kind”havebeenengagingtheenemyincovertoperationsfortendays,’

statedShrike.‘WeengagedthetaureliefforcesinthecanyonseithersideofyourpositionatBlackshaleRidge.Didyounotwonderhowyoumanagedtoescapetheambushagainstsuchodds?’Thekhan’seyesnarrowedatthis,butShrikecontinuedbeforetheWhiteScar

couldrespond.‘Ibringordersfrommymaster,CorvinSeverax.Thisworldislost.Thexenosforcesarrayedagainstusaretoogreat,andmyscoutsreportthatthetauaremassingforafinalassault.’TherealisationofwhatShrikewasabouttosayhitthekhanlikea

sledgehammer.‘Youwishustoretreat?Craven!’‘SeveraxhasassumedfullcommandofallImperialforcesinthissectorand

hascalledfortheevacuationofallmilitaryassetsandpersonnelonAgrellan–includingyou,brother.Givenourhistory,hethoughtitprudentyouheardthisfromme.Heknewtheseorderswouldnotbetoyourtaste.TheWingsofDeliveranceawaitsusinorbit,andtwoMagnus-classdrop-shipsareberthedinthehive’striumphalboulevardfortransfer.YouaretoaccompanymebacktoAgrellanPrimeforimmediateextraction.’‘Thenhewaswisetosendyouandnoother,lestIgutthemfortheir

cowardice,’growledthekhan.‘Butiftheseareindeedmyorders,thenIwilldomyduty,eventhoughitstainsmyhonour.WhiteScars,weride!SeeyouinAgrellanorhell,brother!’‘HellawaitsusallatAgrellanPrime,’Shrikemutteredgrimly.

ThecurvingcorridorsoftheUndeniableTruthwerestillhauntedbythesteriletangofitsproductiondome.Throughthespaceship’swhitereachesshuffledthesquat-bodied,muscularshapesofearthcastescientists.Eachofthempausedeverythirtystepsorso,raisingaflatgreywandandtakingcomplexreadingsfromtheoblongviewingportsthatsoareduptotheroofhighabove.Sofar,everyoneofthenovareactorsnestledwithinthecorridors’inhabitantshadbeenemittingidealdata.Oneoftheearthcastescientistssteppeduptotheviewingport.Wipingthe

condensationfromtheplastiglass,hemovedhisfaceinclose,lookinguplikeachildwhohadbeenraisedundergroundandbroughtouttoseethenightskyforthefirsttime.Anarmouredcolossusstoodthereinthenear-darkness,itssensor-lenses

pulsinggentlyinharmonywiththeterrifyingpotentialenergyatitsheart.TheXV104Riptide–ahero’smantleofmagnificentandterriblebeauty–was

soontobeunleashed.

CHAPTERFIVE

THEGREATHIVESABSALOMCONTINENTAGRELLAN,747.999.M41

Onebyone,Agrellan’sgreatmetropolisesbegantofall.ThefirsttofaceShadowsun’simpeccablyplannedonslaughtswerethethree

hivesoftheAcacianBasin.ThistimetheWhiteScars,afterbeinghumbledatthebattleofBlackshaleRidgeandorderedtoretreattoAgrellanPrime,wereunabletopreventthetauoffensivethathammeredoutfromthehives’blindspots.WiththemaingunnestsandartillerydomesofeachAcacianhiveburiedunderthousandsoftonnesofferrocrete,Shadowsun’scadrespickedaparteachmountainouscitylikerazorantsdismantlingthecarcassofadyinggrox.TheImperiumwasslowtolearnfromitsmistakes,butitwasnotincapable.

ThewarcouncilofAgrellanPrime,forcedtoadmitthattheAcacianhiveswereasgoodaslost,resolvedthatthosecitiesyettobeattackedwouldnotbecaughtslumbering.Theyplacedeveryhiveonfullalert,ensuringtheirartillerydomesweremannedaroundtheclockandtheirvigilis-classservo-skullswereactivelyquestingforsignsoftauinvaders.ImperialKnightsstrodearoundthefracturedbordersofeachvastcity,ready

andeagerforbattleatamoment’snotice.Inthemeantimetheyturnedtheircannonsuponthoseoutcropsandspiresthatoccludedthehives’fieldsoffire,

methodicallydemolishingthemwithmeltablastsortherelentlesspoundingofbattlecannonshells.Despitetheevacuationsprecedingeachclearance,manycitizenswerelostinthelandslidesofrockcretethatwerecreatedbyeachbarrage.Yetaseachhive’scataractswereremovedonebyone,itsvisionwassharpenedoncemore,andthegoldzonesthatShadowsunhadusedtosucheffectintheAcacianBasinwereeliminated.Withthetau’sadvantageofsurprisespentintheinitialphasesofthewar,

Agrellanwasreadyandwaitingforthenextboutofbloodshed.Aworldgivenovertotheproductionofwarmaterielwasnowarmedandarmouredtothehilt.Ultimately,itmadelittledifference.

ImortisHive,whoseouterwallsweresothickthatconventionalbombardmentswereuselessagainstit,felltoitsowndefences.Thoughdormantgravityminesstuddedthefoldsinitswalls,eachintendedtodragenemiesintoaprepreparedkillzone,theirlocationshadbeendeterminedlongago.Evenbeforeshehadmadeplanetfall,Shadowsun’sorbitalscanshaduncoveredtheirunusualenergysignatures.Attheircommander’sbehest,taurangedsupportcadresedgedtowardsthehiveandsenttheirnimblegundronestomakeasimultaneousapproach.Smallenoughtoevadetheauspicearraysofthemonolithicstructure,thedronesclosedin,disc-likebeadsonagossamer-thingarrotteclosingaroundthehive’sthroat.Thedronestriggeredeveryoneoftheminesinasingledivingassault,andtheresultantgraviticdissonancewassostrongthat,althoughthegundroneswerecrushedflat,thehive’swallsweremademomentarilyvulnerablebytheirowndensity.Thecadre’ssubsequentrailgunvolleysspreadhairlinecracksthatturnedto

finger-widegaps,thengapingfissuresuntiltheimpossiblystronggravityfieldstorethewallsdownundertheirownweight.Underthecoverofthecolossaldustcloudsthrownupbytheruinouscollapse,huntercadresbythedozenpoweredinside,debarkingfromtheiranti-gravDevilfishtransportstocutdownthehive’sdefendersinamercilessurbanwar.GorvusHive,thefiercestandmostvigilantofallitskind,felltothewilesof

Shas’vreDrai.Intheshadowydepthsofthehive’sindustriallayers,Drai’schameleonicbattlesuitteamswereallbutundetectable.EachStealthgroupfoughtitswaythroughtheterritoryoffierceunderhivegangsanduptotheslopingshouldersofthehive,emergingbloodiedbutundetectedontotheartilleryeyriesoverlookingtheplains.Theprecisionviolenceoftheirambushcutdownthecrewofeachartillerybatterywithease,theirfusionblasters

reducingtheHydraflaktanksthemselvestomoltenscrap.ByrobbingGorvusHiveofitsanti-aircraftcapabilities,theStealthgroupshad

ensuredthattheiraircastealliescouldcloseinunmolested.RazorsharksshotdownthosefewaircraftthehivecouldlaunchinitsdefenceasParadoxsquadronscircledthespireslikevultures,droppingstasisbombsonthecanopiesanddomesthatprotecteditspeoplefromAgrellan’stoxicatmosphere.Thedeadlyzephyrsoftheplanet’swastesslowlyfilteredintothehive’s

innards,andsoonpanichadbrokenoutineverydistrict.Itwasaspotentaweaponofconquestasanybomb.Gorvitecitizensfoughttoothandnailfortherebreathersandpuritancanistersthatwerewornbytherichermembersofthepopulace,justasShadowsunhadknowntheywould,forhumanswereselfishandhadlittleconceptofagreatergood.Beforethehourwasout,thehive’sgateshadbeenflungwidebyswarming

refugeesseekingthesafetyofneighbouringcities.Thepeoplethatformedthehive’slifebloodspilledoutontothetoxicplainsinscreamingriversanddesperate,poolingcrowds.SoitwasthatwhilstImortisfellfromwithout,Gorvusfellfromwithin.RebelliontookBarantiusHive,afortressfamousforthegreatmacrocannons

thatgirdleditsthickwaist.Afterinveiglingtheirwayinsidetheunderhive,watercasteambassadorshadtradedcutting-edgeplasmaweaponrywitheverygangleadertheycouldfindinexchangeforlittlemorethanahandfulofImperialsilver.WhentheAdeptusArbitescameforthetauthathadbeenanonymouslyreportedaslurkinginthegangers’midst,thetrigger-happyhiversweremorethanreadytotestouttheirnewgunsindefenceoftheirnew‘friends’.Skirmishesturnedintobloodbathsastheenforcersofthenoblehousescame

downheavilyuponthosegangsthathaddaredresistthem.Withthetemperoftheoppressedmassesalreadydangerouslyshort,thetauambassadorsfounditeasytofanthesparkofrevoltintoaraginginferno.Theentireunderhivemobilisedintoanuprisingthatcoursedthroughthehivecity,consumingitlayerbylayerasthewordcraftofthetauambassadorsworkeditssubtlemagic.Beforethedaywasouteventhehighestspiresweretaken–notbytauwarriors,butbyhumanguerrillasonlytoogladtoturnthetablesontheirlong-timeoppressors.Intheend,Barantiusfellwithoutasingleoneofitsmacrocannonsbeingfired.PredominusHivewasnext.Hugeshielddiscsjuttedfromeverystructure

sturdyenoughtoholdthem,aprofusionofhemispheresreminiscentoftheplate-fungusthatclusterstothetrunkofanancienttree.Thoughtheywereindividuallyweak,whenallofthesediscswereatmaximumoutputthehivewas

shroudedbyashimmeringcloakofenergythatcoulddeflectartilleryshellsandlascannonbeamsalike.Witheverygeneratorinthelowerhivegivenovertothesedefences,thepopulaceconsideredthemselvesinvulnerable.Thehive’scitizensweretobedisabusedofthisnotioninthemosthorrificand

finalofways.AsAgrellan’sgreatcitiesweretakenapartinadozenlocations,theplanet’smoonappearedfullandgloatingdirectlyabovethespiresofPredominus.Fromthearmourglassbalconiesandvivariumsofthehive’supperlevels,atinyblueflickercouldbeseenintheplanetoid’sdeepestcrater.Theflickergrewlarger,thenlargerstill,untilithurttolookatthesky.Then,withawindow-shatteringthunderclap,acolumnoffusionenergythe

widthofamag-trainstabbeddownintothetopmostspireofPredominus.Itblastedthehiveapartfromwithin,ahundredthousandgunportsandarchwaysventingsheetsofblue-whiteenergyinasinglecataclysmicexplosion.AsShadowsunhadpredicted,thefusionlance’sfellenergieswerecontainedwithinthesameprotectiveforcefieldsthathadbeendesignedtoprotectthehive.Insteadofbeingreleasedtheyragedlikeatrappedfirestorm,burningawayeverylivingthinginsideandoutuntilthehivewaslittlemorethancrumblingash.Thepriceofsuchdestructivepowerwashigh,forthetitanicreleaseofenergy

fromtheearthcastemega-weaponuponAgrellan’smooncausedafusionreactormeltdownofunprecedentedscale.ThebacklashconsumedhalfofAgrellan’smooninbluefire,crackingtherestofthehoneycombedorbintolittlemorethanspacedebris.Yetthedeedwasdone.Forthelossoflessthanfiftyearthcastescientists,thetaucoalitionhadobliteratedoversevenbillionhivers.AdronicusHivefellnext,thenStormspire,thenOlnius,eachtakendownbya

militarymasterstrokethatturnedthehive’spoweragainstitself.Shadowsun’sworldwideMont’kastrategyhadhalvedtheplanet’spopulationandreduceditsfortressestorubbleinthespaceofasingleday.YetforallthedeadlygeniusthatShadowsunhadexhibitedelsewhereonthe

planet,itwastheconquestofAgrellanPrimethatwastobecomelegendary.

Kor’sarroKhanleantforwardoutofthecupolaoftheRhinoSteelsteed,toxicwindswhippingacrosshisfaceasthetransporthurtledthroughthedesiccatedforest.Theairwasfoul,andhecouldfeelhismulti-lungpumpingatmaximumcapacitynexttohisspine.Atleasthecouldseehissurroundings.Moondrakkanwouldtakeweekstoreplace,andinthemeantimetherewasnowayhewasgoingtohidefromsightlikeataucoward.Thekhan’stransportwasthearrowheadpointofanarmouredcolumnthat

madeallspeedtowardstheevacsiteatAgrellanPrime.EachvehicleborethewhiteandredheraldryoftheWhiteScars,theremainsofitsbikersquadsactingasoutridersoneitherflank.InsideeachRhinoandRazorbackwasasquaditchingforbattle,prayingforthexenostobartheirpathsotheycouldtakeameasureofrevengebeforetheevacuationcraftborethemintothenightsky.LessthanahundredmetresaheadoftheSteelsteed,thecontrailsofRaven

Guardjumppacksflickeredblue.Thekhan’salliesshotthroughtheforest,theirfastbutstealthyapproachinstarkcontrasttotheWhiteScarsjuggernautcharge.Shrikehadinsistedthekhan’smentaketheforestroad,stickingtothenaturalcamouflageofthewhitetreesforaslongaspossiblebeforemakingabreakforthewallsofAgrellanPrime.AfterhislossesatBlackshaleRidge,Kor’sarrohadreluctantlyacquiesced,partofhimsilentlygratefulthathislossofthesteedMoondrakkanwouldbelessevidentiftheyrodethroughwoodlandinsteadoftheopenwastes.‘Slipperytauhag,’hemutteredintothewind.Theenemycommanderhad

twiceescapedhimnow,twiceevadedMoonfang’ssteelbite.Ifthewitchhadn’thavebeenxenos,perhaps…perhapsthehatredhefeltforherwouldbeclosertorespect.Acloudoforangeflameflickeredupahead,andthetrunksofdeadtreesthrew

outstarkshadowsasshrillscreamsroseintothenight.Oneithersideoftheforestroad,balefuleyesflashedinthegloom.Thekhancaughtflashesofheavy-setfigureswiththeirbacksflattenedagainstthedesiccatedtrunks,whitetree-dustsmearedacrosstheirmuscledframes.Catachans.Kor’sarroknewfellowhunterswhenhesawthem.Butasforwhat

theywerewaitingfor…AnaviancawjoltedKor’sarrofromhisthoughts,andtherecameaclangof

clawedfeetonmetalfrombehindhim.Heduckedoninstinctjustasajaggedbladeattachedtoahuntingriflesweptoverhead,rippingaclumpofblackhairfromhistopknot.Facesetinagrimaceofcontempt,thekhanpunchedupwardsandgrabbedthe

rifle’sshaft,yankingitforwardstodrawitsownerintohislineofsight.Aganglyxenosstareddownwithbeadyblackeyes,beakopenandhead-quillsshakinginaprimitivethreatdisplay.Akrootmercenary,savageinafightbuteasilybroken.Thecreature’sheadexploded,showeringthecupolaanditsoccupantwith

foul-smellinggore.Kor’sarroshouldereduptoleanoutofthehatchoncemoreandscanhis

surroundings.Hecouldhearbolterfire,andseetheflicker-flareofmassreactive

shotsdetonatinginthedistance.TotherightoftheSteelsteedrodeDjubali,grinningfiercelyunderhismaskofwhippingblackhair.Hehadasmokingboltpistolinhishand.‘Thatkillwasmine!’bawledKor’sarro,wipingxenosbloodfromhisface.‘Myapologies,steedlessone!’laughedhisbattle-brotheroverthedinofthe

armouredcolumn’sengines.‘Atleastyoulookabitmorelikeyouroldgoryselfnow!’Thekhanshrugged,pickinguptheremainsofthexenoscorpse’sarmand

bitingdownintoitsothatbloodrandownhischin.Themusclewasstringyandfoul,buthecouldfeelhisgutthankinghimfortheproteinnonetheless.HesmiledredlyatDjubaliandflungtherestofthearmathishead.‘Therearewholetribesofthethings!’shoutedDjubali,expertlyswayinghis

bikesothekhan’simprovisedprojectileflailedpasthim.‘Straken’slotarehuntingthem!’‘Notimetojoinin!’repliedthekhan.‘Sticktotheplan!’Asolidslugpingedhardfromhispauldron,sometree-hiddenkrootsniper’s

bestshot.Kor’sarrosnortedinirritation,pickinghishelmetfromthemag-clampathiswaistandpushingitdownhardoverhishead.‘Donotfalltothisdistraction,’hevoxedtohismen.‘We’vearealbattletofight.Punchthroughthethickofit,thenontothehivewalls.’Djubalinoddedhisunderstandingandpeeledoff,theboltersonthefrontofhis

bikethumpingoutshellsintothenight.Thenoiseofbattleupaheadwasintensifying.Blossomsofflameilluminated

long-limbedkrootandthicklymuscledCatachansastheydartedthroughthedarkness.Catachanbloodspurtedinblackarcs,huntingstavesswungandchopped,alienfleshsizzledaslasgunsstabbedpinpointvolleysthroughthedarkness.Thekhanbreathedintheheadyscentofwar,openingavox-channeltohisbrethrenwhilsttheWhiteScarscolumnbullieditspaththroughthesparseforest.‘Engageonlythoseinyourpath,brothers,donotslow,’thekhansaid.‘Deliver

whatwrathyoucanfromatopyoursteeds.’Hismenansweredonlywithgunfire,thoseinthearmouredcolumnbehind

throwingopenthetophatchesoftheirRhinostosendboltshellsblastingintothekrootsniperscrouchinginthetrees.Xenosremainspatteredoutofthewhiteboughslikethefleshofburstfruit.Upahead,asquadronofsquat-bodiedImperialGuardtanksbulldozedtheir

wayintoaclearing.Thekhanchuckledevillyasherecognisedthesilhouettesof

theirgiantpromethiumbarrels.Hellhounds.Theoilyscentofignitedpromethiumbillowedthroughtheforest,andaroiling

bow-waveofflameblastedanearbycopseoftreestoburningsplinters.Thekhansawlong-limbedfiguresblazeliketallowcandlesinabonfirebeforefallingawaytoash.DozensofkrootfledfromtheHellhounds,sprintingrighttowardsthe

armouredcolumn.Theyflittedanddartedfromtreetotreelikeshadowsgivenlife.Shoutingawordlesswarcry,thekhanpivotedthecupola’sstormbolterandsentavolleyofrocket-propelledshellsthuddingintoscatteringaliensanddesiccatedvegetationalike.Eachdeadlylittlecylinderdetonatedonimpacttospraybone-whitepowderandxenosremainsinawideradius.Theweaponbuckedhardinthekhan’shandsasitkilledfoeafterfoe,andtheRhinokickedlikeamuleasitcrunchedoverthosexenostooslowtoscatteroutofitspath.Kor’sarrosavouredthepricklyfeelingofhotadrenalinepumpingthroughhissystem.Armouredwarfare.Therewasnothingquitelikeit.TheRavenGuard,asfocusedanddrivenasever,hadavoidedthefighting

entirelytoboostoutoftheforestandontotheparchedearthgirdlingthehive’swalls.Thekhanalmostenviedthemtheirfocus.HecouldnosoonerpassthroughaforestoffoeswithouttakingafewkillsthanhecoulddevouraLandRaider.Still,theiradvancehadnotslowed,andtheedgeofthedesiccatedwoodlandwasinsight.TheWhiteScarscolumnbullieditswayoutoftheforestatbreakneckspeed,

thecrushedremainsofkrootmercenariesgummingthetracksofmanyofitsvehicles.Afewkilometresdistanttheman-mademountainofHiveAgrellanloomedimpossiblytall.Itsspiresdisappearedupintothegloweringclouds,thoughitsperimeterwallloomedclose,apromiseofsafetywroughtinbrutalistrockcrete.Onitsupperslopesancientgunsclankedandhuffed,steamgoutingfromtheirgargoyle-mouthedventsastheygroundintonewfiringpositions.Thekhancouldsweartheyweretakingabeadonhisarmouredcolumn.Orperhaps,thoughtthekhan,aimingatanunseenfoeclosinginuponit.‘Bewaretheflanks,battle-brothers!’shoutedthekhan.‘Closeallhatches!The

alienisnear!’Nosoonerhadthekhangivenhiscommandthanashoalofxenoswar

machineshurtleddownoutofthelow-hangingcloudstowardsthem.Grav-skimmers,fighters,drones,battlesuits,everyoneofthemboredownupontheWhiteScarswiththeirgunsspittingblue-whiteplasma.TheRavenGuardjetting

offaheadandtheCatachanssprintingacrosstheplainsbehindthemwereeasytargets,butthexenosignoredthementirely.Thekhancouldfeelitinhisbones.Thiswasaboutrevenge.Severalbikestumbledawayintothedustasthetauvolleyshithome,anda

Razorbackflippedoverasavolleyofmissilesstruckitstracks.Rhinoswererockedontheirsuspensionbyseekermissilesthatslammedintotheirhatchesoverandoveragain,hammeringinhardasiftryingtogetattheSpaceMarinesinside.Thekhangrowledinfrustration,longingtochangetacticsandengagethemheadon,butknowingthetimeforsuchtacticshadpassed.‘ForceJekobah,ForceKhenik,introduceyourselves,’Kor’sarrogrowledinto

thevox.Amomentlaterheheardthesignatureboomofturbo-boostedenginesaseightLandSpeedersandaStormravengunshiproaredoutfromtheforestroadtofilltheskieswithheavybolterfire.Manyoftheshellshithome,andtheblazingwreckageoftaudronesandlightaircraftfelloutoftheskies,longplumesofsmoketrailingbehindthemastheycorkscrewedtowardstheparchedearth.AgutturalchantingcamefrombehindKor’sarro.Sudabehhadshoulderedhis

wayoutoftheSteelsteed’stophatch,hisforcestaffraisedhigh.Theseer’seyesfilledred,theairaroundhimcracklingfaintlyashisconjurationreacheditszenith.Farabove,thecloudsabovetheapproachingtaustrikeforcebegantocurl.‘Ha!’barkedthekhan.‘Showthemarealstorm,oldfriend!’Thecurlingcloudsturnedintoaspiral,thenavortex,itsinteriorlitwithruddy

streaksoflightning.Hereandthereanelectricalboltwouldcrackleoutwithaloudsnappingsound,dischargingtowardsthetauwarsuitsthatweresendingmissilesarcingdowntowardstheirposition.Severalofthebipedalweaponsplatformstookdirecthits,andthoughtheywereleftphysicallyintacttheyfellawaynonetheless,droppinglikefallingstatuestotheearth.Thekhan’sbreathcamequick.Thevastcity’swallswerelessthanthree

kilometresaway.Theycouldstillmakeit.Evenunderheavyfire,theycouldmakeit.Helookedtothewest,andsawdimshadows.Helookedup,andhiseyes

widened.Driftingdownfromthelightning-hauntedskiescameanewkindofdeath.

Fouralienwarmachinesemergedfromtheroilingclouds,solargeandpowerfulthatanyoneofthemcouldhaveflippedtheSteelsteedwithonehand.Theever-

presentwarsuitsofthetauthekhanhadfoughtbefore.TheywereusuallyastallasaDreadnoughtandcarriedmuchthesamefirepower.Yeteventhosedeadlythingswouldbarelyhavecomeuptothewaistsofthetechnologicalhorrorsthatnowcameforthem.Asinglecyclopeaneyegloweddullredineachboxyhead,nestledsmall

amongstthemassivebulkoftheirsegmentedtorsosandjetpackarrays.Ontheleftarmofeachmassivewarsuitdiscusshieldsshimmered,tinyflickersofSudabeh’sredlightningdancingacrossthedomesofforcetheyprojected.OntheirrightarmsweregunsalmostaslargeastheKhanSpear’sturbo-laserdestructor.Thepairedgiantsatthefrontoftheformationraisedtheircannons,complex

rotaryweaponswhosemultiplebarrelswhirredintoblackandochreblurs.Therisingwhineofthespinningbarrelswassoonjoinedbygreatbasspulses,theweaponsboomingvoh-voh-voh-vohasarm-sizedplasmaboltsblitzedintotheRavenGuard.Wherevertheblindingwhitelozengesstruckhome,black-armouredSpaceMarineswerebowledsixmetresintothedust,skiddingtoahaltinatangleofsmokinglimbsandcharredceramite.Behindthemcametwomoreofthemonstrosities,boostingforwardstotakeup

kneelingstancesinthedust.Bluishlightpouredfromtheventsintheirdouble-barrelledcannonsastheirthrummingreactorspoweredupfortheshot.AkrakmissileshotoutfromoneoftheRhinosinthemiddleofthearmouredcolumn,itsfirerhopingtodisruptwhateverbarragewastocome.Hisaimwastrue,andthemissilesmackedrightintotheleftmostwarsuit,detonatingwithaclapofpercussiveforce.Itdidnothingmorethandiscolourthecolossus’sochrehide.Thenthewarsuitsreturnedfire.Withanenormous,blaringtzonng,twostarburstsofionenergyflaredoutfrom

theunderslungcannons.Eachboulder-sizedsphereburnedatrailthroughtheairbeforesmackingstraightintothearmouredcolumn.OneoftheblindingballspunchedintothesideofaRhino,annihilatingafull

halfofitshullinaninstant.FlailingSpaceMarinesspilledoutamongstthesmoulderingremainsoftheircomradesamomentbeforethevehicleexplodedwithaground-shakingboom.TheotherenergysphereburstuponthehullofaRazorback,incineratingits

upperhalfandturningitslascannonturretintoapillarofcracklingsmoke.Thestrickenvehicleveered,tiltedandslowlytoppledover,sendingnearbybikersscatteringawayfromitsburningwreck.‘Keepmoving!’shoutedthekhan,wavingathismentocircumventtheruined

transports.‘Fullthrottle!Fulldispersal!’Mutingthevoxforasecond,Kor’sarrocluckedhistongueinfrustrationand

anger.WiththeThunderhawksgone,theyhadnowherenearenoughfirepowertodealwiththisnewthreat,letalonethemassedtaustrikeforceontheirright.Theironlyhopewasspeedanddetermination.Luckily,thosewerequalitiestheWhiteScarshadingreatmeasure.TheRhinosandRazorbacksbrokeintoaloosepackandacceleratedhard,their

bikerescortsswervingandkinkinginalooseperimeteraroundthem.TheLandSpeeders,stillharryingthestrikeforcedescendingontherightflank,woveinterlockingpatternsthatmadeitallbutimpossibletosettlecrosshairsuponthem.ThenAgrellanHivespoke,asinglewordofdeaththatshooktheearth.Oneofthegianttauwarsuitswasblowntoscrapinaninstant,itsinternal

reactorsendingamushroomcloudhighintotheairasthehive’sordnancehithome.Theotherthreesuitsrockedbackinsurprisinglyhumanstances,theirdiscusshieldsflaringastheirforcefieldssoakeduptheworstofthebalefulenergies.TurningbacktotheWhiteScars,thewarsuitsopenedfireoncemore,asintent

onthekillasanytruehunter.Themulti-barrelledrotarycannonsoftheforemostwarsuitsperforatedtheSteelsteedinhalfadozenplaces,andthekhanduckedlowintothecupolaasthevehicleshudderedlikeafrightenedbeast.Yetthestoutmachinekeptgoing,carvingazigzagpathintotheshadowofthehivewalls.Thesamecouldnotbesaidforthemeninside.Threeoftherunes

correspondingtothekhan’scommandsquadflickeredredinhishelmetdisplay.‘ApothecaryStebekh,tendtothosehitbythatlastvolley,’snappedthekhan,

themedicintheSteelsteed’sholdvoxingacknowledgement.‘SolarusGate,harkenallstations!’shoutedKor’sarro,watchinginenvyasthe

survivingRavenGuardtriggeredtheirjumppackstoboundeffortlesslyovertheperimeterwall.‘Werequireimmediateentry!We’reunderheavyfireouthere.Werequestentry!’Thevox-netcrackled,buttherewasnoresponse.Behindhim,anotherblaringtzonngwasfollowedbythedullcrumpofa

vehicledetonation.Inthedistance,twomoreexplosionseruptedfromthetransportsattherearofthecolumn.Orangedeath-firesilluminatedthecloudofsmallerbattlesuitshoveringabovethemlikeahostofpredatoryangels.‘BytheEmperor’sholythrone,Solarus,giveusanopenportorI’llcutmy

wayinsideandkillyoumyself!’

‘Quiteimpossible,’camethegatemaster’sreply,hisprimtonefailingentirelytoconcealthepanicbeneath.Then,inablazeoflight,anopeningappearedinthegreatAgrellanwall.ButitwasnotthewarriorsoftheImperiumwhohadmadeit.

TheyieldcapacitorsofShadowsun’sfusionblastersblippedgold.ShedroppeddownfromtheflickeringskiestowardsthecolumnofboxyImperialvehiclesandtriggeredanotherfullshot,twinbeamsofdestructiveenergyspearingverticallydownwards.Shehitoneofthelumpenthingsfullon,anolive-huedtankthatwaslittlemorethanamobileboxfilledwithgue’latroopers.Thetransportexplodedwithasatisfyingthump,anditspassengersspilledout,grabbingforrebreathersorrollingoutthefiresthatclungtotheirdisgustingporcineflesh.Yellingindefiance,thegunnersinthecupolasoftheothertransportspivoted

theirpintle-mountedweaponstowardsthesourceofthekillingshot.Shadowsunswungherhipsbackandherchestforward,herbattlesuitsmoothlyboostingawayfromthechatteringstreamsofslugssentinherdirection.Evenarawrecruitcouldhaveavoidedtheill-timedvolleyfiredbythehumansoliders,andherStealthcellsmadeherallbutinvisibleagainsttheflickeringcloudsabove.SuchpoorwarriorsdidnotdeservetofacethemightoftheXV104s.Asiftoproveherpoint,Drai’steamcamealongsideher,levelledtheirburstcannons,andtoreapartthecupolagunnersinastormofbloodandplasma.Thisreallyistooeasy,thoughtShadowsun.Therewaslittlehonourinshooting

afleeingfoe,especiallyoneasdullofwitastheImperialGuard.Eventheirnamewasridiculous.ShewasalmostregrettingorderingtheRiptidestoengagethegue’ron’shainsteadoftacklingthemherself.Still,sheremindedherself,Aun’Vahadotherdutiesinmindforher.Itwastimeforthekillingblowtofall.‘Counterstrikecadres,’shetransmitted,hertonesclippedandsure.‘Neutralise

asmanyofthesetransportsaspossible.Firststrikecadre,Iwantthatwallbreachedimmediately.Approachonappendedvectors,Riptidesatthefore.Fullnova,thensentinelprotocols.Oe-ken-yon,usethedronenettogethigh-yieldfootage.Skystrikecadre–yourRiptideshavethehonourofbeingthefirstinside.Prepareapath.’TheassentsymbolsoftheRiptidewingsflashedgold,theirsizeand

unfamiliarityfillingShadowsunwithquietpride.Tohavesuchwarriorsathercommand,tobethefirstintheempiretowieldthemasherblade…itwasan

honourbeyondmeasure.ShecouldfeelthepullofMont’katuggingathersoul.Withweaponssuchas

these…‘---YES---KILL---SENDTHEMTOTHEIRGRAVES---’Shadowsunfeltahotprickleofuneasecrossherskin.Shecouldhavesworn

shehadturnedtheautotransoffwhenshewasmusteringthecadresinthecloudcover,toprevent…topreventunnecessarydistractions.Mont’karequiredtotalfocus.AheadofhertheRiptidesshehadclaimedforherFirststrikecadredropped

outofthecloudsabovethehive’swall.Theirnovareactorsthrummedtoacrescendoastheyhoveredtoahaltinfrontofthegate’stowers.Suddenly,blue-whitespheresshotfromtheirenergycannons,hittinghomewithsuchforcetheychewedawidebreachintheeagle-emblazonedgate.Thewallsaroundtheopeningwererivenbyawebofcracks,tumblingrubblecarryingthoseImperialGuardsmenthathadbeenmanningthegate’sbattlementstoarockydemise.TheXV104shadblastedopenthehumanfortressinasingledevastatingsalvo.

Behindthebreach,thehive’ssprawlinginnardswerelaidbare.Aniron-gratedperimeterroadmetacliffwallofpipesandplatformsacrosswhichhundredsofantlikecitizensscurried,desperatetoescape.ImperialGuardtroopspushedtheirwaythroughtheteeminghiverstotakeuppositionsonlandingpadsandcrenulateddefencestations.Shadowsunflewinclosetothehive’souterwall,blastingthefacefroma

statueofanImperialsaintasshepassedby.ThepairedRiptidesthathadrippedopenthecity’swallbracketedherlikearmouredgiantsescortinganairbornegoddess.Behindher,thethreesurvivingRiptidesthathadmauledthegue’ron’shatankshoveredtowardsthebreachatspeed,boostingovertheposterngateoncontrailsofblueflame.Theyunleashedahailofheavyburstcannonfireastheycamebackdownintheperimeterstreets,splayedmetalfeetlandingwitharockcrete-shatteringcrunch.TheothertwoRiptidesstoodguard,interposingthemselvesbetweenthe

oncomingarmouredcolumnandthesafetybeyondthebreach.Shas’vreDrai’sStealthteamswerealreadyinside,sowingconfusionanddistractionamongstthegue’latroopersrushingtoreinforcethebreach.Thiswouldbethebattlethatthetauempiredemandedofher–loud,spectacularandbloodyintheextreme.‘Thewayhasbeenopened,master,’shetransmittedonasecurefrequency.

‘Myteamsaresecuringitnow.’Aun’Va’sgreyfaceflickeredlarge.

‘Notbeforetime,O’Shaserra.Ishallbeginmydescent.’‘Acknowledged,master,’sentShadowsun,herheartbeatinghard.Soonshe

wouldfightalongsidetheSupremeEtherealhimself.Iftheirplansucceeded,asceneoftimelessglorywouldblossomonevery

screenandhologramacrosstheempire.Andifitfailed,shewoulddieinutterdisgrace.

TheRiptidesofShadowsun’sFirststrikecadreblockedthebreachcompletely,thetoweringXV104sstandingshouldertoshoulderastheydischargedacceleratedionicblastsintothescatteredgue’ron’shabelow.Toobraveorstupidtoseekcover,theenemystillcameon,despiteovertwo-thirdsoftheirnumberlyingdeadordyingacrossthecrateredbattlegroundoutsidethehive.ThoughshecouldnotdirectlyseethethreeRiptidesoftheSkystrikecadre,

theirsymbolsglowedgoldonhercommandsuiteastheystrodeimperviousalongtheperimeterwalls.Thoseenemywarriorsensconcedinthehive’sbulkwerefiringuponthemwithmissiles,large-calibrebolts,evenplasmafireoftheirown.Yetnotoneofthethreebattlesuitsshowedanythingotherthanahealthygoldoffulloperativecapacity.Shadowsunwatchedadoublestringofheavyburstcannonfirepulsewhite

acrossthebattlements.Wherevertheplasmaboltsstruck,thehumansoldiersmanningthewallswerereducedtoafineredmist.ThosewhohadhiddenfromtheRiptides’cannonadesweretornapartbythesmartmissilesfiredbythelaunchersmountedatoptheirshoulders,contrailssnakingthroughthecrenulationstodoublebackhardanddetonatewithkillingforce.Thesebeautifulnewmachineswereavisionmaderealforthefirecaste.

ShadowsunfeltsadthatCommanderPuretidewasnotheretowitnessthem.Withtheenemyreeling,therestofthecommander’sCounterstrikecadrehad

approachedthewallsintheirskimmertransportsandweredeployinginatightguardformation.Sofarsogood,thoughtShadowsun.Thenextstagewasalreadyuponthem.Soaringoutfromtheflickeringcloudsovertheplainswastheprideoftheair

caste’ssub-orbitalfleet,theMantamissiledestroyerBurningHope.Redlightningplayedacrossitssplayedwings,buteventhemind-scienceofthegue’ron’shashamanhadnohopeofstoppingsuchamassivecraft.Shadowsunsmiledthinly.Tautechnology,insufficientmeasure,couldovercomeanychallenge.TheBurningHopesoaredovertheplains,cominginsolowthattheflattening

forceofitsenginesbowledoverthehumanwarriorsdartingamongstthewreckagebeneath.Asitbelliedinclose,thegunship’srailcannonsletlooseavolleywithadeafeningwhip-crack,shatteringoneofthehive’sartillerydomesbeforeitcouldfireandblastingtheproudstatuaryabovethesecondarygatetopowder.BurstcannonsontheedgeoftheHope’sgracefulhullpouredplasmaintotheruinedbattlementsaroundthebreach,forcingtheblack-armouredgue’ron’shatakingpositiontheretodiveforcover.Then,astherearportaloftheBurningHopeirisedopenandhisescortcadre

deployedinparadeformation,theSupremeEtherealAun’Vaenteredthefray.

Aun’Va’sfirewarriorescortmarcheddeterminedlytowardsthebreach,theirpulserifleslevellingvolleyaftervolleyatthoseImperialtroopsdisrespectfulenoughtolookupontheirleader.Inthecentreoftheformationcamethespiritualleaderofthetauempire,seatedcomfortablyuponhisdisc-likegravitythrone.Anexpressionofgrimserenityradiatedfromhisstatelyfeaturesasheintonedwordsofinspirationandconquesttohismen.HowShadowsunwishedshewereoneofthem,arankandfiletroopershornoftheburdenofcommandandfreetodrinkintheheadysensationsoftheSupremeEthereal’spresence.Drinkitallinasshekilledinhisname.TheRiptidesstandingsentineloneithersideofthebreachkneltinrespectat

Aun’Va’sapproach,stabiliserpistonsthunkingoutfromtheirthighsastheirionacceleratorshurledyetmoreglowingspheresattheoncominggue’ron’sha.Oe-ken-yonhoveredhighamongstaswarmoffellowdrones,hisnetworkedartificialintelligencesrecordingeveryangleofAun’Va’sgloriousentranceintothecity.Then,withanear-splittingscreechoftorturedmetal,agiantchainswordblade

burstoutfromthechestoftheleftmostRiptideandjudderedthroughitstorsoinashowerofsparks.

Atwistingburstoffeedbackroiledout,anartificialdeathcrythatrangineverytauearastheindomitableRiptidefellincracklinghalvestotherubble-chokedground.Shadowsuncriedoutandboostedinclose,hercadre’sCrisisbattlesuitsbehind

her.BehindthedyingRiptidestoodahunchbackedTitancladinthemattblackofthegrave.Skullswereemblazonedoneveryflatplaneofitsrivetedarmour,andredeye-sensorsglaredoutfromthevisionslitofitsimpassivemetalhelm.Theapparition’supperhalftwistedaroundwithanoilyscream,bringingits

taperingcannon-armtobearupontheheadofthesecondRiptide.Thebattlesuit,itsshieldarmloweredtoprotectAun’Vainsteadofitself,tooka

closerangebattlecannonshellrighttothehead.Theblastsentitreelingbackwards,violetsparksfizzingfromitsdecapitatedtorsotocracklefromtherubbleofthebreach.TheRiptidestaggeredupright,itssystemswhininghypersonicallyasit

struggledtorecalibrate.Shadowsundartedincloseandlevelledadoubleshotatthehelmofthemetalmonsterbearingdownuponherbattlesuitedcomrade.Herfusionblastsfizzledharmlesslyacrossthething’sionshield.Theironbeastignoredherandstompedacrossthebreach,contemptuouslykickingasprayofrubbleatthefirewarriorsloosingineffectualvolleysatitsflank.ItraisedthegiantchainbladethatformeditsleftarmandbroughtitslashingdownatthestrickenRiptidejustasthebattlesuittriggereditsjetpack.TheobsidianKnight’schainbladecaughttheascendingRiptide’sleg,rippingitbodilyoutofitshipsocket.Themonster’sbattlecannonclank-pumpedshellaftershellafterthefleeingmachine,agratingmachine-soundcomingfromitsmaskthatsoundeduncannilylikelaughter.‘Aworthyadversary,’transmittedAun’Vaovertheopenchannel.‘Commander

Shadowsun,allowyourbladetofall.’‘Yes,master,’shereplied.‘Skywingcadre,engageandneutralisethatbeast.’BeforeshecouldfinishhercommandathirdRiptideshothorizontallyacross

thebreachontwintrailsoffire,bodilysmashingintotherearoftheblack-armouredwalkerandwrappingitsarmsaroundthething’swaist.Twistinghard,theRiptideyankedtheobsidianmachineontoonefoot,causingitsmassiveshoulderstosmashintotheperimeterwallwithsuchforcethatseveralblack-armouredgue’ron’shatoppledfromthebattlements,gunsblazingastheyfell.Thegue’lawalkerfoughttorightitself.ItschainbladeslashedtheairasasecondRiptideranpastjustoutofreach,heavyburstcannonstitchingplasmablastsacrossthemonster’sionshield.TheImperialtroopspouringintothebreachhadtakenheartfromtheblack-

armouredTitan’sattack.TheSpaceMarinesamongsttherubblecutdownfirewarriorsleftandrightwiththeirbolt-spittingsidearms,severaloftheirnumberevencausingAun’Va’spersonalforceshieldtoflashbright.Shadowsundartedahorrifiedglanceattheancient’simageonthecommandscreen,butshewasgreetedonlybyaserenemask.‘NonecanshrinkfromsacrificeinthenameoftheGreaterGood,’Aun’Va

boomed,hisgazedirectedatthec-linkdronethathoveredabove.

Aroundhim,thefirewarriorswerebeingforcedbackbytherenewedassaultoftheblack-armouredgue’ron’shaandthesupportinginfantrythatoverlookedthebattlefromtheplatformshighabove.Morebolterfirehammeredin,thistimefromoutsidethehive’swalls.ShadowsunfelthermouthgodryassherealisedtheSupremeEtherealwasindangerofbeingcaughtinalethalcrossfire.Theshieldcanoftenbemoredangerousthanthesword.‘FulldefenceupontheSupremeEthereal’sescort!’sheshouted.‘Iwanta

shieldoverAun’Vaimmediately!AllFirststrikeunits,enactnow!’Thetightknitteamsofhercadrehastenedtoobey,cominginlowtothesideof

thebreachwheretheSupremeEtherealwashoveringforward.Theyflewindenseformation,gunsbristlingoutwardstoshredanythingthatgotclose.Shadowsunjettedinclosetohermaster,hertanksandbattlesuitsclosingin

tightasaturtle’sshell.Sheblippedasymbolofstrengthandstabilitytohercadre,butinside,shewasdying.Onestrayshotisallitwouldtake.Onerandom,senselessbullet,andtheflamethatlittheheartofthetauempirewouldbeextinguishedforever.

Trailingsmoke,theSteelsteedcareenedacrossthecrateredearth,makinghasteforthesectionofthebreachthatwasnotchokedwithtaubodies.IntheRhino’swakecamethebatteredremnantsofthearmouredcolumn,bouncingandslewingthroughtherockcretethatwasscatteredaroundthebreach.‘Ha!LookslikeSeverax’slittlesurprisehascaughtthemunawares,’laughed

thekhan.Sudabehharrumphedindisapprovalfromtheopenedtophatchbehindhim.‘Stopgloatingandgetusinthere,Kor’sarro,’hesaid.‘Aye,’repliedthekhan,noddingandopeningthevox-channeltohismen.‘We

haveourchance,brothers,’hesaid,‘BytheEmperor’sgrace,let’stakeit.’ThedriversofeachRhinoandRazorbackgroundtheirtrackedvehicles

throughthedenserockofthefelledwallasfastastheydared.Incredibly,theheavyconcentrationoftaushelteringatthesideofthebreachletthempast,firingonlyattheRavenGuardthatweremovingintoharasstheirpositionatclosequarters.TheremnantsoftheCatachanregimentsfollowedclosebehindthekhan’scompany,theirolive-armouredChimerasgrindingrubbletodustastheycoveredthelastfewmetresintothehive.Thekhangrabbedthestormbolterandswungitaroundtopointatthetau

cadre’sdefensivehuddle,buthedidnotfire.Therewasnosenseinkickingthatparticularhornet’snestwhensalvationwaswithinreach.‘SolarusGate!’hevoxed.‘Dropamacrocannonshellontothatnestofxenos

cockroachesandallisforgiven!’Staticcrackled,butnothingmore.Highupintheartillerydomes,thesnap-

crackofxenosplasmaweaponrygavethekhantheimpressiontheonlythingdroppingfromtheirpositionswouldbehumancorpses.Atremendousclangofmetalonmetalrangout,andthemassiveblackwalker

thatCorvinSeveraxhadsetuponthetaustaggeredintoview,lockedinawrestler’sclinchwithoneofthemassivexenoswarsuits.Bothwerefightingforaclearshot.AlthoughtheKnightwasclumsyincomparisontothetaumachine,itwasfarstronger.Leveringalimbbetweenitselfanditsassailant,theobsidianwalkerpushedthexenoswarsuitintoitslineoffirewiththeflatofitswhirringchainblade.Thekhanwatchedtheblack-ironwalkerblastitstauassailantbackwardswithawell-placedcannonshot.Steppingforwardsintothespaceithadcleared,theKnightbroughtitswhirringchainbladedowninacoupdegrâcethatcheweditsvictimapartfromshouldertohip.AstheobsidianKnight’swar-hornsboomedintriumph,anothermassive

xenoswarsuitdescendedfromonhigh,smashingfeetfirstintotheKnight’sbackandpitchingitforwardsintothesparkingremainsofitskill.‘Makeallspeedtothegrandpromenade!’shoutedKor’sarroacrossthevox.

Helevelledastreamofstormbolterfireataknotoftauinfantrydartingthroughtherubbleintheshadowofthewall,onlytobegreetedbytheserialclickofhisemptyammocacherunningdry.Nosoonerhadhesworninfrustrationthananewclipwaspassedupfrominsidethetransport’shull.Thekhanreloaded,watchingthealienforcesfanoutastheyloosedpulsebeamsinalldirections.Theirdefensivefirepower,formerlyaspatteringshoweraimedonlyatthosewhogottooclose,wasintensifyingintoablisteringhail.Intheshadowoftheperimeterwall,theobsidianKnightblasteditselfupright

withaclose-rangedvolleytoitsfallenvictim’sguts.Ridingtherecoil,itstaggereddrunkenlybackwardsinahalf-circle,rightingitselfbeforeclank-thumpinganotherbattlecannonshelltowardsthexenoswarsuithoveringabove.Itsairbornefoetwisted,lettingtheshellbouncefromitstorsowithadullthump.Itsreturnfireblazedastitchingpathofplasmaboltsacrosstheblackwalker’shull,overloadingitsionshieldandburningdeepholesintoitscarapace.TheSteelsteedswervedhard,bankingaroundtheobsidianwalker’slegsto

veerintothestreetsbeyond.ThekhanwhoopedasthecrenulatedperimetergavewaytoatriumphalparadegroundwithnolessthanfiveofHouseTerryn’sKnightsstompingdownit.BehindhimtherestoftheWhiteScarstransportsfannedoutintoarrowheadformation,theremainsoftheirbikerescort

acceleratinghardtowardstheevaczone.ThekhanturnedallthewayaroundintheSteelsteed’scupola,thudding

explosiveboltsintotheochre-armouredalientanksswervinginpursuit.Ascoreofstreamlinedgunshipshoveredintoview,theirrectangularcannonscrackinghypervelocityroundsintothewalkersontheboulevardbeyond.Thekhanheardthefizzofionshielddischargeoverandoveragain,punctuatedbytheoccasionalclangofasolidimpact.Suddenly,thereshewas–aflashofwhiteblurringhighalongthegrey

rockcreteattheirflank–thexenoswarleader,speedingonplumesoffirelikeastatueofsomegraventech-daemongivenlife.Shearcedelegantlyupwards,disc-likedronestrailinginherwake,andloosedlengthwisefusionblastsintotheRavenGuardmanningthewalls.ThreeofSeverax’smenburstintocracklingcinders.Thekhanpluckedakrakgrenadefromhisbeltandflungitashardashecould

towardsthexenoscommander’sback.Somehowshesawitcoming,andshetwistedinmidair,connectingaperfecttoe-puntbeforeturningbacktoherprey.Kor’sarrowasforcedtoduckasthekrakgrenadecameinhard,detonatingagainsttheRhino’sroofwithadeafeningbangandastinkoffyceline.Despitehimself,Kor’sarroraisedhiseyebrowsandnoddedingrudging

appreciation.Enginesgrowling,theWhiteScartransportsgunneddownthepromenadeuntil

theypassedthroughtheironwallofTerryn’swalkers.Djubalipassedrightunderneaththeleadwalker,therestofthebikesbehindhim.Attheotherendoftheboulevard,tautanksandheavybattlesuitssmashedrailgunfireintothemassivebulkoftheImperialKnights.Thewalkersreturnedfire,theirbattlecannonsspittingshellsataratethatwouldmakeaCadiantankersickwithenvy.‘CaptainKhan,gladyoucouldmakeit,’voxedPatriarchTybalt,histonedry

evenasheloosedablastofsuperheatedairfromhisthermalcannon.‘Kindlyboardthedrop-ship,orIfearthatMasterSeverinwillletneitherofusforgetit.’Kor’sarrogruntedhisassent,wavinghismenuptheyawningrampsofthe

drop-shipsthatawaitedtheminthetriumphalplaza.Inthebattlebehindthem,oneofTerryn’sKnightsfellslowlybackwardswith

acreakofprotestingmetal.ItsimpactontheflagstonesoftheboulevardwassoheavythatthekhancouldfeeltheSteelsteedjumpasifithadtakenadirecthit.Anotheroftheloomingwalkersburstintoathickpillarofflameasitsinnercoregaveout,thestressonitsionshieldskillingitfromtheinsideout.AthickwormofguiltwrithedinKor’sarro’sgutsattheideaofleavingthe

planettothemercyofthetau,buthehadlittlechoice.AgrellanPrimestoodonthebrinkofcollapse,andifthehive-voxestoldtrue,everyotherdefensivepositionhadalreadyfallentothetau.Sudabehseemedtosensehisoldfriend’sthoughts,andlaidagauntletuponhis

pauldronastheydebarkedfromthesmokinghulloftheSteelsteedintotheshadowofthedrop-ship’scargobay.‘Tolingerherewouldbetosacrificemorelivesonthealtarofwoundedpride,

mykhan,’saidtheStormseer.‘Nothingmore.’Kor’sarrospatinfrustrationashisvehiclesmountedtherampsoftheevac

zone,thesurvivingCatachanscloseontheirtracks.EventheKnightsofHouseTerrynthathadbeenblockingthepromenadehadturnedtheirmightywarmachinesaround,ionshieldsflaringattheirrearsastheystampedtowardsthehangarbaysofthedrop-ships.Atthefarendofthetriumphalroad,thegianttauwarsuitsthathadblasted

openAgrellan’sdefenceshoveredhigh.SpeakerarraysslidoutfromtheirtorsostoblareamessageinaccentedbutpreciseImperialGothic.Asthepistonrampsofthedrop-shipsclosedwithahiss,therumbleoftheirenginesslowlydrownedoutthebroadcastsofthealieninvaders.Notquicklyenough,forthekhan’sliking.Thetau’smessagewouldringinhis

earsforweekstocome.‘PeopleofAgrellanPrime!’thespeakerarrayscalled.‘Yourprotectorshave

abandonedyou!WatchasyourEmperor’sfinestwarriorsflee,leavingyoutoyourfate.Yetthatfateiskinderthanyoususpect!Throwdownyourarms,andthekillingwillceaseimmediately.Webringenlightenment,peaceandfreedomfromtyranny–yes,evenfreedom,blessedfreedomfromanEmperorthatwouldbleedyouwhite!Webringsafetyforyouandyourfamilies,safetyandboundlessprosperity.Citizens,laydownyourarmsandlisten,listentotheundeniabletruthoftheGreaterGood…’

INTERLUDE2-0

AttheheartoftheRavenGuardbattle-bargeWingsofDeliverance,theSphereofCouncilshungsuspendedbyathousandclankingchains.Builtintothearchedwindowsofthearmouredspherewerebafflesanddampenersthatpreventedtheslightestwhisperfromgettingoutofitslead-linedwalls.Insidethestrangeconstructionwasatoroidloopofpolishedbone.Thenames

oftheChapter’sheroeswereinscribeduponitintiny,spideryscript.Tenfiguresstoodaroundit,unitedinsilenceifnotappearance.Eachoftheirfaceswascastinshadowbythecandelabrasdanglingabove.Theatmospherewasthickwithtrailsofverity-incensethatwoundaroundpower-armouredSpaceMarineanduniformedhumanalike.Thefigureshadbeenstandingaroundthebonetoroidinsidethesphereforthebestpartofsixhours.‘Thisisfutile!’blurtedKor’sarroKhan,throwinghishandsupforwhat

seemedlikethetenthtimethatday.‘Thereissimplynotimeforthewaitinggame.Wemuststrikebackattheseupstarttau,finishwhatwestartedonAgrellan.Severtheheadandthebodywilldie.’Hiswordsweremetonlywithastonyabsenceofreply.Upinthedomeabove,

aperchedcorvidcaweditsillomens.‘Perhaps…’saidChapterMasterSeverax,hissonoroustonesresonating

aroundthechamber,‘perhapsitisthatsamehastethathasledustothispoint,CaptainKhan.Afoewiththepowerofflightisnoteasilyslainbyanearthboundblade.Wemuststrikeunseen.’

‘Butevenshouldwefindalocationforthisambush,’protestedthekhan,‘whatguaranteeistherethatshewilltakethebait?Thatxenosb…thetauwar-leaderishighlyintelligent.IwantherheadsilveredandspikedonthewallsofQuanZhou,morethananyotherwarriorintheImperium.Isworeanoathtodoso.Butshewillnotfallsoeasilytoabaseploy.Wemuststrikehardandtrue,beforeshehasachancetoprepare.Ifavouraggressivewarptranslation,thenakillingstrike.’‘Evenifitweresuccessful,CaptainKhan,thatwoulddoomusall,’said

PatriarchTybalt,twistinghislonggoateebeardaroundaberingedfinger.‘Wecannotengagethetauarmadainfleet-to-fleetcombatandhopetoprevail.Ourbesthopeistousetheiroverconfidenceagainstthem.Awarriorwithanewlyforgedswordisalwayskeentotesttheblade.’‘Theoldtortoisehasapoint,’drawledColonelStraken,drawingcolddaggers

fromthepatriarchopposite.‘We’reontheedgeoftheirempire,here.Thatmeanstheirneareststrongholdsareagoodsightcloserthanours.’‘So?’putinSudabeh,hisdislikeoftheCatachanplain.‘Sowehitthemhard,theyhitusbackevenharder.Thistimetheydoitfor

keeps.TheygotoldAgrellansewnupgoodandtight,tookthewholeplanetdowninthespaceofaday.You’reafoolifyouthinktheydidn’tletusevacuate,allthebetterfortheirpropagandavids.Youcanbetyourstragglybeardonthat.ButifwelurethemfurtherintotheImperium,goadthemintoatrap,well…theywon’tbeabletoresistrollingoutthoseshinynewsuitsforthepict-thieves.Spreadthemthinenough,covertheskies,andwecanclosethemdown.’‘We’vebeenoverthis,’saidKayvaanShrike,hisfingersplantedinthecorners

ofhiseyes.Waxdrippedfromoneofthecandelabrasabovehim,buttheshadowcaptainpivotedfast,andthetricklemissedhispowerarmourbyafinger’sbreadth.‘Allthisstrategyisofnousewithoutabattlefieldtoenactit,’hesaid,settinghisfeetoncemoreasthegloomsurroundedhimlikeafuneralshroud.SeveraxstaredhardatTybalt,thoughonlyShrikecaughtthemeaningofthe

glare.‘Verywell,’saidthepatriarch,testily.‘WeshalluseVoltorisherselfasour

castle,muchasitpainsmetosuggestit.SheisshieldedfromsightbytheDamoclesGulf,thoughwecanleadthefoethereeasilyenough.Withourfleetonthecorewardsideoftheplanet,wewillgivetheimpressionthatourportcullisisunbarred.’Theroomlapsedintosilenceoncemore.Anyworldthatstoodinthepathof

thetauempire’srelentlessexpansionwouldbearheavyscarsindeed.

‘Buthowwillweknowwherethetauwillstrike,eveniftheydotakethebait?’saidKor’sarro,histonefullofpoliterespect.‘Voltorishasbutonecity,CaptainKhan,’Tybaltsighed.‘FurionPeak,seatof

mythrone,abodeofmysonsandgrandsonsandtheprideofHouseTerryn.Therestofthelandiseitherforestordesolatemountainrange.Putsimply,theplanethasnothingelseofconsequencetoconquer.’Thereweremurmursfromaroundthetoroid.Thekhansharedaglancewith

Sudabehbeforenoddinghisassent.‘Wesetasnareatthepeak,andwaitforthemtowanderintoit,’said

Kor’sarro.‘Isupposethatcouldwork.’‘Quiteso,’continuedTybalt.‘Patienceisthekey.IfweuseVoltorisasbait,

thenweshallknowtheexactlocationofwheretheywillaimtheirblade.Theskieswilltellusofthetiming.’CorvinSeverax’slipscurled,thetiniesthintofgratitudetingeinghisashen

features.Tybaltsmiledback,thoughtherewasnomirthinit,andplentyofbittersteel.‘Thankyouforyouroffer,PatriarchTybalt,’saidSeverax.‘Onbehalfofthe

Imperium,werecognisethesacrificetocome,andthankHouseTerrynforeverylifeitgives.’‘Thousandsofmypeoplewilldie,nodoubt,’saidTybalt,sighingheavily.‘I

supposeatleastit’llliventheplaceupabit.’

CommanderShadowsunshuttheirisdoortoherquartersbehindher,gladofamoment’srespite.Shesplashedwateronherface,rubbinghereyeshardbeforeshufflingovertotheconcaveeggofherbed.Shewastootiredtoeventakeoffherarmouredbodyglove.She’ddoitinamoment,shethought,lulledbythesoftpurroftheship’sengines.Justafewminutesofrestfirst.Ithadbeensolong.Suddenlythesidedoorthatledintoherwarroomhissedopen.TheSupreme

Etherealdriftedthroughonacushionofanti-grav,hisrobesofstatebillowingaroundhim.Shadowsunshotoutofherbedonlytofalldownoncemoreintoaskiddingkneel,herheadbowedashermindscrambledtofullalert.‘O’Shaserra,’boomedAun’Va,theSupremeEtherealeverybitasrealasthe

poolinghydrationfluidsthatShadowsunhadspilledacrossthefloor.‘Ifindyouill-preparedforwar.’‘Ioffercontrition,master,’sheblurted,‘Imerelysoughttomeditateona

militaryphenomenonthatdisturbsme.’

‘Indeed.Ihaveanothermatterforyoutoconsider.’‘Master?’shesaid,eyescastlow.‘TheprogressofourexpansionthroughouttheDovarSystemisontrackonce

more,despitethesetbacksyouplacedinitspath.OurenactionofMont’kauponAgrellanwasaresoundingsuccess.Forthistheempirethanksyou.ScenesfromthebreachingofAgrellanPrimehavebeen…optimised,andsubsequentlybroadcasttoeveryscreenintheempire.’‘Iamhonoured,master.’‘Yetyourworkisfarfromdone.’‘I…Irealisethattobethecase,OSupremeOne.’‘Youdonot!’saidAun’Va,hiseyeswide.‘Youdonot.’HehoveredovertoShadowsun’smeagrepossessionsandpickedouta

holospherefromamongstthem,gazingidlyattheimagesofhimselfthatwereprojectedfromitsfacetedcore.‘IsensethatmymagnanimousdecisiontoallowourfoestoleaveAgrellangnawsatyourwarriorheart,mychild.Youwishtobringdeathtothebarbarianwar-leaderyouencounteredthere.’‘Youareaswiseandperspicaciousasever,SupremeOne.’‘ItisamattertowhichIhavegivenmuchthought.’TheSupremeEthereal

turnedtoShadowsun,driftingovertowhereshekneltonthefloortoloomaboveher.Hespreadhisarmsoutathissides,hisrobesofstatefloatingaroundhim.ThoughShadowsunwasstillkneelingonthefloor,shecouldfeelhismajestyfillingtheroom.‘Iamallowingyouasinglechancetohuntdownanddestroythosewhoyou

allowedtoescape,O’Shaserra.Youwillbegiventhenecessarymaterieltoensuretheirdestruction.Ihavesecondedhalfthefleettothecause.TheotherhalfshallcontinuethepacificationoftheDovarSystemundermyguidance.’‘Master,Isweartoyouthatitshallbedone,’enthusedShadowsun,though

insideofhersomethingbroke.‘Mythankscanneverbesufficient.’‘Indeedtheycannot.Youwillrepaymyfaithbydestroyingthegue’ron’sha

andtheiralliesassoonastheymakeplanetfall,endingthemoneandall.Oe-ken-yonwillaccompanyyou.Oncethisisdone,youmayreturntotheexpeditionaryfleetandattendmeoncemore.’‘Ofcourse,master.Ishallsendoutfar-rangingsurveillancedroneswith

immediateeffect.Ilongtoleave,toenactMont’kauponourfoessothatImaysoonerreturntoyourside.’‘Thenmakeyourpreparationsimmediately.Iexpectyoutohavemustered

yourcadresandlaunchedyourfleetbeforethedecisout.’

‘Itshallbeso,SupremeOne,’saidShadowsun,herheadbowedsolowshecouldsmellthefaintantisepticwhiffofhermaster’shemmedrobes.‘Farewell,then,andmaytheGreaterGoodguideyou,’saidAun’Va,turning

withstatelygracetodriftoutoftheirisportalthatledtothemaincorridorandtheEtherealGuardthatnowwaitedoutside.Shadowsunstayedkneelinginsupplicationuntiltheirisdoorhissedclosed.

Onceshewascertainshewasalone,sheletherforeheadslowlycoverthelastfewcentimetrestothecool,hardfloor.

Spumeglittereddiamond-brightasVoltoris’sverdigrissealappedsoftlyontotheshoreline.Waveletsrichinphotosyntheticalgaeswilledontothewetsands,andastheyrecededoncemore,iridescentcrabsdartedsidelongtofeedonthetinyshrimps.Barefootedchildrensplashedandplayednearthewaterline,laughinginjoyasthecrustaceansscuttledcrazilybetweenthem.Fartothewest,akroktarhauleditstentacledbulkontoashelfofflatstone,sunningitselfintheinfraredraysoftheplanet’scrimsonsun.Thechildrenshriekedatthebeast’sappearance,pointingandmakingfinger-tentaclesclosetotheirfaces.Thetallestofthechildrencalledout,hisfacesternashepointedtohisservo-

skull’schronometric.Hemotionedtothewindingpaththatwoundbackthroughthethickforest.Thesmalleryoungstersreluctantlygatheredtheirlittlenetsandheadedintotheverdanteaves,inspectingtheprizestheywouldshowtheirparentsupontheirreturn.Thepathwoundupandup,avoidingthehowler-densandquagmiresthatdottedtheforestwhichledtotheFurionplateau.Severalkilometresaway,amassivefortresspusheditstowershighfromits

perchatopthepeak.Forbiddingandterribletomost,butasafehaventothechildrenmakingtheirwaytowardsit.Thelittlegrouppassedunderneaththethickcanopyandintotheverdant

gloom.Theyswungstickstheyhadrecoveredfromthejunglepathastheywent,tellingeachothertalltalesofterriblemonstersandbraveknights.Intheskieshighabove,aclusterofdistantspaceshipsburnedtheirwayacross

thefirmament.Shootingstarstomost,butdeathitselftothepeopleofFurionPeak.

CHAPTERSIX

FURIONDROPSITEMOURNFALLJUNGLE

VOLTORIS

AdotappearedinfrontoftheVoltoriansun,threesmallerdotsorbitingaroundit.Thistime,thecommanderandherdronesshotfromtheheavensoncontrailsoffire,vengefulenvoysfromanotherworldthatboreonlythemessageofdeath.ShadowsunlandedhardinthepeatyearthoftheMournfalljungle.Mere

secondslaterherentireFirststrikecadrehadmusteredonhercoordinates.Orcadrop-shipsliftedbackupintoloworbit,thefirewarriorstheydisgorgedformingupintodisciplinedphalanxesonthewidejungleroad.ScoresofCrisissuitshungintheairoverhead;bothofherCounterstrikecadreswereonsentineldutyashergroundforcesdeployedbelow.Oe-ken-yonhoveredinclose,bobbingupwardssmugly.‘Dataharvestcomplete,commander!DesignationImperialfeudalworld,

humanpopulationapproximately7million,apex…’‘Besilent,DroneCommandantOe-ken-yon,’snappedShadowsun.‘Iknow

whatthisworldis,andIknowwherethefoehavemustered.Thegue’laclearlyconsiderussolocalisedathreattheycanskulkuponbackwaterworldswithoutfearofreprisal.Theywillpayahighpricefortheirignorance.Weshalldeliverthekillingblowandleavebeforethesunisset.’

‘MayIappendmydatacompile,commander?’‘Ifyoumust,butIhavemoreimportantdutiestoattendtoatthismoment.

Speedcanbeaweapontoo,dronecommandant.’‘Asyousay,CommanderShadowsun,’saidthedrone,itselevationsinkingas

itdriftedawayoncemore.‘Shas’vreDrai,isyourteamreadyforbattle?’saidShadowsun,spinning

aroundhardtofacethetreeline.‘Ah…yes,mycommander,’saidShas’vreDrai,emergingfromthejungleina

shimmerofemeraldlight.‘MayIspeak?’‘Youmay.Makeitquick.’‘Iseethatyouhavedeviatedfromyourusualstrategiesinordertoadopt

Mont’ka,mycommander.’‘Continuewithcaution,’shereplied,herfusionblasterswhiningtofullcharge.‘Ah…Ialsotheorisethatstrategycouldyieldoptimumresults,thoughIhave

servedalongside…alongsideothercommandersinmytime.Timingiseverything,asCommanderPuretidetaughtus.Thepreparatoryphaseandthesubsequenthoningofthisoperationseems…perhaps…alittleperfunctory?’TheStealth-suitedveterantooktwosmallstepsback,hisbodylanguagedefensive.‘WetookextensiveassessmentsofourpreyuponAgrellan,Shas’vreDrai,’

saidShadowsun,herbrowfurrowed.‘Ihaveanalysedthemseveraltimesover.Thesearetheverysamewarriors–ifanything,theyarefewerinnumberthanpredicted.Allthatremainsistoenacttheslaughter.YetyouquoteCommanderPuretide’steachings,muchasateacherwouldtoanovice.Doyouintendtoopposeme?’‘No,mycommander,’saidDrai,horrifiedattheveryidea.‘Yourwordis

final!’‘---HELIES---HESEEKSYOURCROWN---SENDHIMTOHIS

DEATH---’Shadowsunsnarledinirritation,butdidnotblink-pushtheautotransaway.No

timetothinkaboutwhateverinexplicableglitchhadtakenholdofherbattlesuitonAgrellan.Notnow.Notwhenshewasabouttoturnthisgreenandpeacefulworldintoaboiling

cauldronofwar.

Thetaucadressweptalongthemist-wreathedroad,Shadowsunashimmeringwhiteblurattheirhead.Shewasreadyandwillingtoblastabreachinthe

fortresswallsherself,ifitcametoit.YetpartofherwouldrelishthesightoftheRiptidesinactiononcemore.IftheycouldblastopentheperimeterwallofanImperialhivecity,theycouldcertainlydealwiththelumpenstonefortressthatsquattedontheplateauahead.Thetower-cappedstrongholdremindedShadowsunofthetalesherdome-

tutorshadtoldherasachild.TalesoftheMon’tau,thetimeofterror,thegreatdarknessbeforetheetherealshadbroughtthetauthelightofashareddestiny.Inthedimprehistoryoftheirrace,thecasteshadbeenatwar,and

Shadowsun’shot-temperedpredecessorshadsoughttoteardownthecastlesofthebuildertribes.TheirprimarysettlementhadbeenFio’taun,amountainplateaumuchliketheonetheywereapproachingalongthemistyjungleroad.Atopithadbeenthemightiestofearthencitadels,afortresslong-besiegedbyanallianceoffierceplainstribesandthewingedtauofthepeaks.Fivelongseasonsherprimitiveancestorshadbravedthecannonsofthecitadelatopthepeak.Suchwantonbloodshed.Somanydeaths,forsolittlereason.Strangehowthecyclesoftimerevolved.Somethingflashedinthejunglemists,astringofilluminationslikewill-o’-

the-wispsinthedistance.Theautotransbarslidunbiddenintoherhelmet’sviewscreen.‘---BEWARELITTLEICEMAIDEN---’itspooled,‘---YOURDOOM

ISCLOSE---’CrawlingsuspicioncoveredShadowsun’sskin,andsheboostedoneofthe

smalleraudiobarsthathadsprungtolifealongsidetheautotrans.Thereitwas,thetelltalewhistleofsolidordnance.‘Allcastescrouchandshieldyoursouth!’shetransmittedaswidelyas

possible.‘Thegue’laattack!’Asone,thefirewarriorsinthejungleroaddroppedtoonekneeandraisedthe

largeoblongplatesoftheirshoulderarmourtofacethehard-packedroadleadingbackthewaytheyhadcome.Aheartbeatlater,thepeatyearthwastornupwardsinanear-blastingstringofexplosionsthatechoedfromthejungleeaves.DozensofShadowsun’srearguardwereflunghighintotheair,theirlimbsrippedfromtheirbodies.Hereandtherepulseriflesdischargedrandomspraysofplasmaasdisembodiedfingersclutchedtight.Shadowsun’ssensorsuiteflaredthetrajectoryofanotherincomingbarrage,

butthistimeitcamedownbehindherrearguard.Justasshewasturningtosurveythedamagethetreelineeruptedintolife.Hundredsofpalegue’labrutesroaredoutfromthejungleincrudebuteffectivecamouflage,manyoftheir

numbercryingoutpraisetotheImperium’sdeadgod.Asthetaureeledinsurprise,moreandmoreofthegue’laemergedfromthemistsfromeithersideoftheroad,theirriflesspittinglaserblastsintofirewarriorsandbattlesuitsalike.Someofthemchargedheadlongatthefirewarriorshunkereddownatthesideoftheroad,drawingknivesthelengthofatau’sarmandplungingthemintotheweakpointsoftheirarmour.Oneineverytenofthegue’laemergingfromthetreescarriedacylindrical

tankofthevolatileliquidtheImperialslovedtoemploysomuch.Cacklingwithalienglee,thegue’latrooperssentwhooshingcloudsofflameintotheranksofthetaufiringbackatthem.Wholecrowdsofnoblefirewarriorswerecaughtinthedeadlycloudsandtransformedintoburning,flailingpuppets.OneImperialsoldiercaughtapulseriflevolleyinthechest,itsboltsslammingrightthroughhistorsoandignitingthetanksonhisbackwithaloudwhooompf.Thethicksmokeofburningfleshmingledwiththejunglemists,turningthe

ambushintoahellishconfusionofhalf-glimpsedtableaus.Shadowsunboosteduphigh,blastingcolumnsofenergyintotheholleringgue’latrooperswhereveraclearshotappeared.‘Riptides,targetthetreelines!Heavyburstcannononly!Rearguard,moveinto

engageatclosequarters!FortheGreaterGood,engage!’TheXV104battlesuitsattheheartofthefirewarriorphalanxstoodinviolate

inthechaos,eachpivotingontheirwaistgimbalstoleveltheirarmcannonsatadifferentsectionofthetreeline.Novareactorsthrummedtofullcharge,therotarywhineoftheirmultiplebarrelsinstarkcounterpoint.AsonetheRiptidesopenedfire,abassvoh-voh-voh-vohboomingfromtheircannons.Thickcylindersofplasmascytheddowntreesandgue’lawarriorsalikeinastormofindiscriminateviolence.Theblazingweaponssystemspannedbackandforthacrossthetreelines,

reapingamadman’stollonthegue’laplatoonschargingin.Hereandthereclose-rangelas-firepickedattheRiptidestonomoreeffectthanlightsummerhail.Well-aimedkrakgrenadesdetonatedagainsttheirjoints,blackeningpaintbutleavingthesuperstructureshiningundamagedbeneath.Thereactorsthatpoweredthebattlesuitspulsedbluelightintothemistastheir

rateoffiregrewsteadilyhigher.Withaloudbang,somethingoverloadedinsidetheRiptideclosesttoShadowsun,athinshriekcomingfromthebattlesuit’sshudderingtorsoasitventedageyserofsteam.Itwasallthechancethegue’laneeded.Theyswarmedupthegiant’slegslike

arborealsimians,knivesstabbingintothegapsbetweenitsarmouredplatesas

theirwiryfingerswedgedintocracks.ShadowsunscythedpasttocuttwoofthemfromtheRiptide’sbackwithaprecisionblastoffusionfire.Oe-nuandOe-heihurtledafterher,Oe-nurammingbodilyintoathirdandpitchinghimfromtheRiptidewithacrackofbrokenbone.Curvinguprightoncemore,Shadowsunglimpsedascar-ravagedgue’lawitha

gloweringbioniceyeclimbuphighonthemalfunctioningRiptide.Heplungedametallicarmdeepintothebattlesuit’sneckjoint,rootingaroundbeforeyankinghalfofabloodytauheadfromtheaperturehehadtorninitsmetalhide.Shadowsun’sstomachturned.Shepivotedinmidairinpreparationtolooseablastrightatthescarredgue’la,buttheobscuringfogclosedinaroundheroncemore,hidinghimfromsight.Hermeteorologicalreadoutsshowedthatthestrangemistwasthickerthananynaturalphenomenonhadanyrighttobe.Sheeye-flickedthroughhersecondaryperceptionmodes.Sonarsightwasnexttouselesswiththecrumpofartilleryfiresocloseby,andstrangeredlightninghauntedtheelectromagneticspectrum.Moregue’lamind-science.‘Counterstrikecadres!Openapath,pressingnorth!’shecried,hervoicehigh

abovetheconfusionofbattle.‘Oe-ken-yon,maximumaltitude!Locatetheareawherevisibilityispoorestandappenddetailsassoonaspossible!’Inthemistsbelow,black-armouredgue’ron’shahammeredoutfromthemists

oncolumnsofbluefire,slammingintotheStealthbattlesuitsthatstalkedtheperimeterofthebattle.EverywheretheSpaceMarinesstrucktheybowledovertheirtargets,eachbattlesuit’schameleoncellsflickeringahundredcoloursatonceastheirownersslammedintothedirt.TherewasnowayShadowsuncouldgetaclearshot,especiallyastheStealth

battlesuitswerealreadyrecalibratingtodisguisethemagainstthemud.TheirSpaceMarineattackershadthemupclose,aterrifyingthoughteventoaveteranlikeShadowsun.Chaintoothedswordssawedthroughelbowandkneejointsinspurtsofdarkblood,lightning-sheathedtalonsrippedrightthrougharmourtocarveapartthepilotsbeneath.Death-symbolsflickeredcharcoalgreyinhercommandsuite.Cryingout,Shadowsunloosedablastthatcoredgue’ron’shaandvictimalikeasshehunteddesperatelyfortheorchestratorsoftheambush.AnisometricplaneopenedinhersensorsuiteasOe-ken-yonblippedanaerial

viewofthebattle.Shereaditwithoneeyeastheothertracedasword-wieldinggue’ron’shainthemistsahead.Herright-handblastertorehistorsointwoinacloudofvaporisingblood.ThethickestpartofthemistcloudingOe-ken-yon’sisometricwasattheroad’sedge.Somewhereinthatvicinitywasthegue’ron’sha

elder,thoughtShadowsun,thesummonerofmistsandwielderofmind-science.Ifhewasthearchitectofthetrapthathadclosedaroundthem,thenhewouldbethenexttodie.Twistingtokickanoncominggue’laflame-trooperbackintothemist,

Shadowsuneye-flickedthroughherrecorderconsole’sfootageuntilshereachedthebattleatBlackshaleRidge.Sheisolatedtheelderwiththeraisedstaff,blink-pushinghissilhouetteintoherambientscan.Lessthanaheartbeatlater,hersensorsuiteblippedalock.

Kor’sarropoundedthroughthemiststowardsthebattle,Sudabehchantingstrangelowsyllablesathisside.Thoughthekhanwasnotaccustomedtosimplyrunningintocombatlikeasteedlessstripling,theirentirestrategyhingednotuponthesuddenthrustofthespear,butuponanoosedrawntightwithstealthandsorcery.Itfeltstrangelyfreeing.WithnolessaleaderthantheChapterMasterofthe

RavenGuardincommand,hewasbetterabletoenjoytheprimalthrillofthechaseandtheanticipationofthekillingtocome.UpaheadwereSeveraxandShrike,poweringthroughthejungleshadowswithcontrolledburstsoftheirshieldedjumppacks.Gloomysoulsboth,butbytheGreatKhantheyknewhowtospringanambush.Themistspartedtorevealaknotoftauwarriors.Thoseontheoutsidekneltto

stabboltsofplasmaintotheCatachansrushingtowardsthemfromtheirflank.Makinguseofthedistraction,SeveraxhitthexenosinfantrylikeaDonorianfiendhighonthescentofitsownblood.Hiscracklingtalonsslashedleftandrighttocutapartthosetauhehadnotflattenedwiththesheercrushingweightofhischarge.Asecondlater,ShadowCaptainShrikeboostedupandoverhismaster,plungingbothlightningclawsintothebackofabattlesuittwicehissizebeforerippingthethingintothreepieceswithacruciformslash.Thekhanlaughedinexultation,activatingMoonfang’spowerfieldand

bringingitroundinasweepingslashtocarveapairoftauinhalfatthewaist.Oneoftheirkneelingcomradesblastedapoint-blankvolleyrightathischestplate,knockinghimbackapaceandfillinghisflaringnostrilswiththescentofburningceramite.Thetauwarriorscrabbledforareload,hisfingersshakingwithfear.Kor’sarrocuthimdownwithcontemptuousease.Upahead,themistpartedtorevealatrioofthemassivewarsuitstheyhad

encountereduponAgrellan.TheclosestoftheirnumberceasedstampingaCatachanintoamessofshatteredboneandturnedwithawhirrofservomotors,

itscomradesfollowingsuit.Bluelightpouredfromthebarrelsoftheirweaponsastheylevelledtheircannonsatthekhanandhisbrothers.Kor’sarroroaredindenialandsprintedforwards,plantinghisfootonthe

helmetofthekneelingtauwarriorandlaunchingdiagonallyupwards.Hebouncedhardfromthegiant’scannon,forcingtheshotwidejustasthexenospilotdischargedit.Thekhanfelttheviolentbackwashofthecannon’sblastcatchhiminmidair,slamminghimupwardsintothegiant’smidsection.Oninstincthegrabbedtheringofarmouratitswaist,danglingwithonehandashefoughttobringMoonfangtobearwiththeother.Withhishaironfireandhalf-blindfromtheclose-rangeexplosion,thekhanhackedatthegiant’slegjoints,spittingacid-lacedbloodontoitsochrehull.AsKor’sarrosawedthepointofMoonfangintothewarsuit’shipjointitstuck

fast,lodgeddeepintheballofthearticulatedsocket.Growlinginfrustration,thekhanplantedonearmouredfootonhisbladeandusedittoboostupwards,climbinghandoverhandupthemonster’storso.Steppingbackwards,thewarsuitbroughtitsshieldarmintight,smashingthecaptainsohardhisnosebrokeuponitschestplate.TheWhiteScarhungonregardless,spittingteeth.Heatboiledoutoftheventonthesideofthething’storso,itsbackwashsointensethatthewhitepaintofhisceramitepeeledawayacrossafullhalfofhisbody.Barelyametrebehindhimthewarsuit’scannon-armblazedblue,nodoubtpoweringuptoslayyetmoreofhisbattle-brothers.Inspirationstruck,andthekhanswunghislowerbodyacrossthechestplateas

hegrabbedakrakgrenadefromhisbelt.Ridingthemomentumofhisreturn,hepulledthegrenade’spinwithhisteethandreachedouttoslamithardintotheventonhisright.Theimpossibleenergiesboilingoutoftheventcookedthefleshofhisfingersinsidehisarmouredgauntlet,butthegrenadestucktight.Kor’sarroletgoandkickedawayfromthexenosmachinehard,rollingwiththeimpactoncehisbackpackslammedintothejungleroadbelow.Theloomingwarsuitbroughtitscannon’smuzzletobear,thelightofits

barrel-slitsblindinginitsintensity.Thekhandivedsidelongintothecorpse-strewnmud,grabbingadeadtauandraisingitscadaverasapatheticallyinadequateshield.Thetaumachine’storsothrummed,screeched,andexplodedinafountainof

blue-whitelight.‘Ha!’shoutedthekhan.‘Notsoclever!’Thewarsuit’sexplosionhadburnedawaymuchofthemistaroundit,

revealingSeveraxandShrikeastheyrippedintothesecondofthetowering

machines.WiththeirjetpackstokeepthemairbornetheRavenGuardwerepitilessandpredatoryintheirattack,apairofblackhyperfelidsmaulingasavannahmammut.Sparksflewastheystabbedtheirlightningclawsinandoutofthewarsuit’storso,seekingtaublood.SuddenlySeveraxcriedintriumphandrippedopenthemachine’sbreastplatedoor.Thepilotcrouchedinsidelookedpitifullyvulnerableasthehissingmistofdecompressionrevealedhimtotheworld.Shrikeswungunderthething’sshieldarm,punchingafour-talonedclawdeepintothepilot’schestbeforekickingawaytofindmoreprey.AsthekhanworkedMoonfangfreefromtheremainsofhisownwarsuitkill,

thethirdoftheirnumberstompedin,shruggingshoutingCatachansfromitsmassiveshoulders.ItsheavyburstcannoncutdownatrioofRavenGuard,scatteringtheirremainsbodilyintothemist.Tothekhan’seyestheoncomingmachineappearedtocrackle,spideryredboltsplayingoveritfromheadtotoe.Thepsychiclightningintensifiedastheentirewarsuitglowedred,

disappearingwithathunderclapboomtoleavenothingbehindbutthestinkofozone.Kor’sarroturnedtolookforSudabeh.Sureenoughhewasstridingthroughthemisttowardsthem,hiseyesstillglowingthecolouroffreshblood.‘Stormseer!Youteleportedit,brother!’criedthekhanindelight.‘Whereto?’‘Ihavenoidea,’laughedSudabeh.Thekhan’seyescreasedasheraisedhisbladeinawarrior’ssalute.ThenSudabehburstapartinanexplosionofsuperheatedblood.

‘Mind-wielderneutralised,’transmittedShadowsun,launchingbackwardsandawayfromthescreamingwar-leaderthatwasfiringhispistolatherfromthejungleroad.‘AllCrisisunits,closeonindicatedposition.Ihavelocatedtheirleaders.Mont’kais…’Herwordstrailedoffasthemistshroudingtheforeststirred,thinned,andthen

dissipatedcompletely.Twocolumnsofwhitegue’ron’shavehiclesweregrindingalongtheshallow

riversoneithersideofthejungleroad,theiroccupantsdeployingintotheundergrowthandfanningouttocutoffallroutesofescape.Adisasterinthemaking,butthatalone,hercadrescouldhavecopedwith.Itwasthesightontheroadaheadthatleftherspeechless.Upontheplateau,thegatesofthestonefortresshadopened.Athirty-strong

armyofImperialwalkerswasstridingouttowardsthem,theblack-irondevilattheirhead.

‘Allcadres,backtothedropsite!’shoutedShadowsun,hermindwhirlingasshedesperatelysoughtatacticorstrategythatwouldseethemsafe.Evenasshespoke,shesawthatyetanotherImperialarmywasmovingintoposition–aphalanxofgreengue’latanksweredrivingupthejungleroadrightwhereshehadintendedtorally.Fear’scoldclawclosedonherthroat;afearoffailure,andofcausingtheunnecessarydeathofsomanytau.Theyweretrapped,shethought,herminddriftingfromthebattlearoundhertoapointofabstractthought.TrappedinthefinalactofamasterfullydisguisedKauyon.Atideofself-loathingrosewithinShadowsunassherealisedshehadfallenfor

thesamestrategyshehaduseduponherfoesahundredtimesandmore.Sheforcedherselftofocus,blink-pushingmutethescreamsofherdyingcomradessoshecouldthinkstraight.‘Cancelthatlastcommand,’shetransmitted.‘Mantawings,rapidinsertion

forces,reinforceandcleartheindicateddropsiteofenemyoperatives.Concentratefireontheoutermosttanks,congestanddenymobilitywhereverpossible.Allbattlesuitstostayairborne,butwithoutascendingwithinviewofinboundgue’lawalkers.’Sheeye-flickeddetailsontoOe-ken-yon’slatestisometric,turningher

attentionbacktothemetalgoliathspoundingdownthejungleroadtowardsher.Suddenlyapairofblunt-nosedshellswhistledpasther,eachlargerthanher

torso.Threemorethunderedoverthecanopyscantmetresfromherposition,detonatingamidstaknotofCrisisbattlesuitsandforcingthesurvivorstohunkerdownlow.Shadowsuntoodroppedlikeastone,touchingdownintheblood-slickpeatofthejungleeaves.AdomeofrubyenergycrackledaroundherasOe-heiinterceptedalasgunshotaimedforthebackofherhead.Shewhippedround,herfusionblasterswhininghighashertargetingreticulessoughtague’latokill.Hercrosshairsglowedgoldoverasmallhumanfemaleclutchingatattered

netlikeablanket.Glitteringcrustaceanscrawledatherfeetasshemouthedsomethingtooquiettohear.‘---AREYOUTHESTARPRINCESS---’theautotransspooled.

‘I’llhaveyourhead,youxenoshag!’shoutedKor’sarro,barrellingofftheforestroad.Hisaugmentedsenseofsmellcouldpickoutthedryclaytangofhisfoe’sfusionweaponsevenoverthefoulbouquetofbattle.Shewoulddieathishandyet.Aglimmerofdistortedlightandapatchofpaleclothcaughtthekhan’seyeto

theright.Hestormedtowardstheundergrowthlikeanenragedbull,thetrophy-

skullsonhispowerpackcatchingattheloopingvegetationoftheboughsabove.Itmadenodifference.Nothingcouldhavekepthimfromhisquarrythen.Herheadwouldbehis.Sureenough,thereshewas–thexenoswitch,blurredinoutlinebutfrozenin

placeinfrontofsomefoolishTerrynchildthathadchosenthewrongdaytostray.Moonfangraisedhigh,thekhanlaunchedhimselfheadlongathispreyonlytoclanghardagainstaninvisiblewallandbouncebackintothetrunkofatwistedtree.Ashimmeringoutlineblurredinfrontofhisvisionforasecond.‘Surprise,’the

shimmersaidinaccentedGothic,puttingamultibarrelledcannontothekhan’shead.

Shadowsuncametohersensesintimetoseethehumanwar-leaderdivetooneside,tuckingandrollingasShas’vreDraiblastedthetrunkbehindhimintosplinters.Nimbledespitehissize,thegue’ron’shawarriorcameupintoacrouchingrun,outdistancingDrai’svolleyasitcarvedthroughthefoliage.Thewar-leadercaughtthesmallhumanfemalearoundthewaistandhurledherintoathicketofbushyflora.Shadowsuntookadoubleshotassoonasthediminutivehumanwasclear,butthehumanwarrior’sownforcefieldglitteredbright,absorbingthefusionblastswithanultrasonicringofprotest.Draistompedforwards,hisburstcannonblazingballsofplasma.Thewarrior

turnedhisarmouredshouldertodeflectthevolleyandshotblindwithhisboltpistolonce,thentwice.ThefirstoftheboltsricochetedfromDrai’sarmouredmantle.Thesecondpunchedrightthroughhislensarrayanddetonatedwithinhisbrain.AsShas’vreDraislumpedtothefloor,thegue’ron’shawarriorlaunched

himselfrighttowardsShadowsun,silveredswordswinginghard.Appalledbythesuddendeathofherfriend,shestumbledbackwardswithherfiringimpulsesatmaximum.Bothherfusionblastswentwide.JustasthemassivewarriorslashedamightybackswingatShadowsun’sneck

thebattleflashedmonochrome,thejunglelitstarklyforthespaceofasinglesearingmoment.Oe-nudroppedoutofthecanopyandfellsmokingtotheearth.Drivenbytheweightofrageandgrief,theswordblowwouldhavetakenShadowsun’sheadhadOe-nunotpumpedeveryiotaofitspowerintoherpersonalforcefield.Evensothehumanwarlord’sswordlandedatellingblow.Itscrueledge

carveddeepintoShadowsun’sbreast,openingthemuscleofherheartandsmashingherbackwardsintothemulch.Thelastthingshesawasherlifebloodpulsedontothejunglefloorwere

blazingangelssilhouettedagainsttheVoltoriansun.

EPILOGUE

‘Awakenher,’saidAun’Va,hissereneexpressiontaintedwithdistaste.Thethick-setearthcastescientistsbowedlow,hurryingtoimpartthecorrect

chemicalbalancetoShadowsun’srecuperationpod.Adatastripatthesideofthepodflashedcopper,thengold.Astringofnumbersblippedacrossitsfrontasithissedopeninacloudofcondensingair.‘O’Shaserra,’boomedtheSupremeEthereal,‘Thetimeforsleepispast.’CommanderShadowsunslidoneeyelidsideways,thentheother,blearily

strugglingtofocusonthefigureinfrontofher.‘Oh,’sheslurred,‘it’syou.’Anawkwardsilenceblossomed.Theearthcasteattendantsturnedquickly

away.‘Givenyourcondition,Ishallforgivethatlapseofprotocol,’saidAun’va.

‘Youmayseekatonementforyourslipatafuturedate.’‘Whateveryousay,’croakedShadowsun,herlong-unusedvoicedifficultto

readevenforanethereal.‘Please,tellmeonethingbeforeweproceed.WhatwasthefateoftheVoltorisexpedition?’‘Unmitigateddisaster,mychild,’saidAun’Vagravely.‘Eighthundredand

twelvetauliveswerelosttothegue’la’sgunsbeforeextractionwascomplete.’‘Andyet…andyetIstilllive?’‘Fornow,’saidAun’Va.‘Iunderstandyourreinforcementcadrewasableto

woundyourgue’ron’shaassailanttothepointofneutralisation.’

Therewasanotherlongsilence.Shadowsun’seyeswerecastdown,theSupremeEtherealunabletoseethedepthsofsorrowthatpooledthere.‘Theshameofyourdefeatisdifficulttoerase,O’Shaserra,ifnotimpossible.

Yettheempireshallprevail.TheDovarexpeditionproceedsasplanned,andtheearthcasteassuremethatyouwillbeatmaximumoperationalefficiencywithinasinglekai’rotaa.ItseemstheGreaterGoodstillhasuseforyou.’‘ThenIshallserveit,’saidShadowsun,ameasureofconvictionreturningto

hervoice.‘Youshall,untildeath.’Shadowsunsetherjawfirmasiftoreceiveablow.‘WillIbesubjectedtothe

Malk’laritualformyfailure?’‘Ihavenotyetdecided.IshallseekthecounselofAun’Shi.Inthewaysof

war,heismorelearnedeventhanI.’‘Awisechoice.’‘Ofcourseitis,mychild.Now,Isenseamatterdisturbsyoursoul,amatter

thatkeepsyoufromrealisingyourtruepotential.ThisconflictmustfirstberesolvedifyouaretodefeatyourfoesandretakeyourrightfulplaceattheheadoftheThirdSphereexpansion.’‘Whatmatterisittowhichyourefer?’TheSupremeEtherealpaused,cockinghisgreyheadtoonesidebyanalmost

imperceptibleamountbeforeanswering.‘LetusspeakoftheTraitorShoh.’

BROKENSWORDGUYHALEY

CHAPTERONE

Recording7-9998-14Gue’vesa.InstituteofHumanAffairs,Lui’sa’loa,Bork’an.Retrievalcode14a-159.PersonalmemoirsofGue’vesa’vreDal’ythJ’tenKo’lin,gue’vesaauxiliarydiplomaticprotectionla’rua8448.

ThisisallaboutSkilltalker.I’vebeenaskedtorecordthisashonestlyasIcan,soIwill.Idon’tthink

you’regoingtolikeeverythingI’mgoingtosay,orIdon’tthinkyouwouldifyouweren’tallsodamnedsureofyourselves.Probablyyouwon’tlistentothoseparts,oryou’lldiscountthem.I’monlyague’laafterall,andafirstgenerationoneatthat.I’mrecordingthisinGothic.I’venothadthevocalsurgeryyet,soI’mafraid

myTau’noh’porwillbeassenselessasitwouldbeoffensivetolistento.Okay.Let’sbegin.IamGue’vesa’vreDal’ythJ’tenKo’lin.Inanotherlife,I

was,andstillamtomyselfandamongtheotherhumanauxiliaries…thegue’vesa–Imean–JathenKorling.IwasoriginallyofGormen’sFast,nowG’meninKsi’m’yenSept,butallthat’sbehindmenow.Thisismytestimony.Firstly,Por’elBork’anKaisPor’noha–Skilltalker–wasmyfriend.I’mstill

cutupabouthisloss,morethanIamaboutmyteam,ifIamtotellthetruth.Butthat’swhatyouwant,right,thetruth?I’muneasyaboutthis.TellingthetruthbackintheImperiumwasoftenagoodreasontogetkilled.You’llhaveto

forgivemeifIappearhesitant,butasyouhavebeensogoodastotrustme,thenIsupposeIcanonlyreturnthefavourandhopeforthebest.Yousaywearegivenachoice.YouknowaswellasIdothatthereisno

choice.MychoicewasgiventomewhileIwasslowlybleedingtodeathonGormen’sFast.Akrootriflebladehadcutcleanthroughmyfemoralartery.Everyoneelsefrommyplatoonwasdead.I’dgotatourniquetonitbutIdidn’thavelong,andalreadythekrootwerestartingtofeastonthedead.Itriednottowatchthat,butthenoises…Ifigured,youknow,thatwasit.Iwasdonefor.PraisetheEmperor,longlive

theImperiumofMan,goodbyeCaptainJathenKorling.Theshas’vreofthewarriorteamthathadblastedhalfmymentoshredscalled

thekrootoff,theycheckedthedead,foundme.Medicalsupportwastherewithinseconds.ThemedicmusthaveseenmystripesbecauseafewminuteslatertherewasSkilltalker,givingmetheGreaterGoodchapterandversewhileabunchofearthcastepatchedmeup.Icutthroughwhathewassaying,Iwasdog-tired,usedup,halfdead,inpointoffact.I’dbeenputonthefronttodie–ashieldforthehigh-brass,onlythey’ddiedandIhadn’t.I’dhadenoughofhighwordstolastmealifetime.Hewaspatient,andtookmyinterruptionwithgoodgrace.‘IbetraytheImperiumforyourGreaterGood,’Isaid.I’dheardhowit

worked.I’dseentautechopenlyforsale,evenseenacoupleofthewaterguysroamingaboutMainstreetunopposed.I’dheardabouttheplanetsthatsurrenderedwithoutashot.I’dalsoheardthatthetaukilledeveryonethatdidn’tthrowinwiththem.Enslavedthosethatdid,sometimesmurderedthewillinganyway.You’llforgivemeagain,I’msure.Honesty,yeah?Thisiswhatweweretold,you’rexenosscum,worstoftheworst,thatmaketraitorsofhonestmen.‘WhatifIdon’t?’Skilltalkersmiled,showingmehisbigsquareteeth.Suchanexpressiveface,

hehad.You’restolidtous,youknowthat?Mostofyouwrinkleyournoseswhenyou’rehappy,andshas’laalwayslookkindofpissedoff,butotherthanthatyoutaudon’tdofacialexpressions.I’vehadallthecarefullecturesabouthowalienscan’tappreciatetheTau’noh’por,theconcernthatcomeswiththatlackofunderstanding.Idon’tthinkyourealisethatyou’recondescending,unawareofyourownlimitations.Sure,evenaftertheyresculptmyvocalcords,I’mnevergoingtomanagethethreefoldstancesofsubtledisharmony,nomatterhowmanytimesyoumakemedancethroughit.Ican’tdifferentiatebetweenthefourteentones.Fine.Comebackandtellmeoffwhenoneofyoucanwink.

Skilltalkerwasdifferent.Allthepor’lahavesuchtellingfaces,butSkilltalkerwasdifferentevenfromthem.Therewassuchwarmthandhumourtohim.I…Imisshim,youknow?‘Thenyoumaydiewithhonour,’hesaidtome.Thiswasn’tathreat.Ithinkhecouldtellhehadmealready.Hesaidthiswitha

realtwinkleinhiseye,likewewereinonajoketogether.Deathorlife.It’sneverarealchoice,isit?Notforthesane.‘WheredoIsign?’

Isaid.Helaughed.ThatwasanoiseIwasgoingtoappreciateastimewenton.Helovedlife,Skilltalker.Iwascarriedoffonastretcherbythefio’la.AsIwasliftedup,IsawIwas

beingcarriedrightpastalineofotherscared,woundedmenwho’djustwatchedoneoftheirofficersturnhiscoatatthedropofamedpack,andthatwasthat.Skilltalkerwasgivinghislecturetothemastheypushedmeintothetransport.Idon’tthinkasingleonesaidno.Youarenotastupidpeople,I’llgiveyouthat.IwasrelocatedtoDal’yth,alongwithalotofotherFasters.I’mnot

complaining.Goodluckturningitaround,Isay.You’rewelcometoit.I’vebeenbackhereonDal’yththeselastfivemonths…ahalftau’cyr,

convalescing.They’vegotmeworkingalongsidethewatercasteintheacclimatisationprogramme,dealingwithnewcommonwealthcitizensrelocatedfromacrosstheDamoclesGulf.Iwatchedthegue’lacominginfromMu’gulathBay.Pale,half-starved,terrified.Watchingtheirfeargoisthemostremarkablething.Watchingtheiramazementgrowisthesecondmostremarkablething.IthoughtGormen’sFastwasadump,butcomparedtothehivesofAgrellan,itwasokay,andthisplaceisaparadise.Yougiveusallachoice,buttherereallyisnochoice,notarealone.Iknow

that.IrememberwhenHincksgotit,gunneddownbythoseswineoutsideofHive

Chaeron.Iwenttoseehiswidowafewdaysago.Niceplaceshe’sgotnow.Goodsupportfromtheseptauthorities.Hincks’skidsaregrowinguptobemodelcitizens.Hisboysayshewantstogointothegue’vesaauxiliarieslikehisuncleJathen.He’sahealthylad,tallandstrong.Ican’thelpthinkwhatkindoflifehe’dhavebackonGormen’sFast.Probablybehalf-blindfromworkinginthegossamerplants.Ordead.Andyetthereheis,caredforandfedandasstrongasanambullcalf.Remarkable.I’mstillwaitingforthecatch.

CHAPTERTWO

WheneverIthinkaboutthoselastdayswithSkilltalker,mymindalwaysgoesbacktotheDevilfish,whenwewereonourwaytoChaeron.AnImperialtransportiscrowded,dirty.Usuallystinks.They’realwayshot.It’sliketheyweren’tbuiltforpeopleatall.ADevilfishisnotlikethat.You’llneverknowunlessyourideinaChimera.Ihopeyoudon’t,foryourownsake,becauseyou’llbegoingnowheregood.TheImperiumtreatsaliensalotworsethanyoudo.WewereonAgrellan–Mu’gulathBay,beforeitwasMu’gulathBay.Atthat

timeI’dbeenattachedtothediplomaticcorpsforfivemonths.IthadbeentwentymonthssinceI’dtakenupthegenerousofferofjoiningtheeffortsoftheGreaterGood.I’dseenalotofthingsI’dneverthoughtI’dseeinthattime–mostofitgood,butnotallofit.I’llneverforgetColonelBorothoftheOssounplanetarydefenceforceliningupforbattleandthenorderinghisentirearmytothrowtheirweaponsdowntothesoundoftrumpets.Hedidn’tloseasingleman.ButI’llalsoneverforgetthedescentofthehuntercadresontoThelionIV

whentheysaid‘no’.Thedeadthere…Onthefaceofit,theTau’va,forme…Itlookedgood.Itisgood.Notjuston

thecivilianside,butonthemilitary.Gonewasmytemperamentalhand-me-downlasgun.Wehadpulsecarbines.Weaponsworthadamn,andarmour!Platingthatactually,mightjustconceivablystopashot.Andthecomms,voxequipmenttomakeaSpaceMarineenvious,forme!Thosetoysweremighty

temptingtoalotofus;someofmysquadhadcomeoverpreciselybecausetheywerehungryfortautech.Orbecausetheywereafraidofit.Wewereanoddlittlecollection.Hincks,fromGormen’sFast,likeme,onlya

fewhourslefttolive.Goliath,weneverdidgethimtotellushisrealname,buthewasbigenoughfortheonehe’dchosen,andthatwasgoodenoughfortherestofus.Apirateonce,orsoIheard.HolyonSpar,whosworehe’drunawayfromarichfamilyofroguetraders,butwhosewordcouldn’tbetrustedonanythingelse,soIdidn’ttrusthimonthateither.Helena,whocamefromsomemudballagriworldI’dneverheardofthathadbeenconqueredhalfbyaccident.AndthentherewasOthelliar.Hesaidhewasfromahumanworldnever

broughtintotheImperium,untilonedaythefleetsoftheMasterofMankindhadshowedup,theysaythey’renotinterestedinthelightoftheEmperorandallthat,andthatwasthatforhishome.HehatedtheImperium,Imeanreally,reallyhatedit.I’veseenfanaticismbefore.I’mnottalkingaboutthewayyoutaudefertotheaun;that’sinstinctual,Icantell.I’mtalkingaboutfanaticismbychoice.Becauseifthere’sonethingwehumansdohaveoveryou–inmostcircumstancesatleast–it’schoice.Madpriests,unbendingofficers,officialsblindlyfollowingorders…Theyallchoosetodothosethings,theEmperoraloneknowswhy.ButOthelliar’shatredoftheImperium,well,thatwassomethingelseentirely.Itscaredme.Hewastoofargonewithrage.Unstable.I’dmentionedthisafewtimestomysuperiors,butI’dbeengentlyfobbedoffwith‘everysentientmustbeallowedachancetoshine,’and‘weallcontributetotheGreaterGoodinthebestwaywecan.’Ifeellikeafoolnow.Therewewere.Skilltalker’sprotectiondetail.Humanschosentovisithumans

withthewatercaste–thiswasallplainlyexplainedtome–toshowthattherereallywasnothingtofearfromtheTau’va.WithuswasKrix–whatwecalledhim,itwasasfaraswecouldgetwithhisname.Akrootwarrior,andSkilltalker’sbodyguard.Yeah,Iknowhewastheretoprotecthimfromusasmuchasfromtheenemy.Wewereacalculatedrisk,afterall.Whatwastheretostopusboltingforhomewhenweweredeepinenemyterritory?That’sthethinking.Ifyou’veeverlivedonanImperialplanet,you’dknowthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.AlsointhebackwithustherewasFior’laBork’anBue’lai.Bu.Atechdemonstrator,showthenativessomeshinybeads,impressthemwiththesuperiorityofthetaucause.Sometimestherewereotherswithus,sometimestherewerenot.Italldependedonthemission.Thiswasadangerousmission,andsotheusualassortmentofotherhangers-onwerenotpresent.Thebareminimumembassy.Privately,Ididn’trateourchancesmuch.ButSkilltalkerwas

allsmilesandpolitechatterwithallofus–eachinournativedialectofGothic,ofcourse.Hewasneverscared.Iremember,Iaskedhimonceifhewaseverfrightened.

Hewrinkledhisnoseatmeandmadethatbubblingsoundthatpassesforlaughterinthetau.‘J’ten,’hesaid.Healwaysusedthetauversionofmyname,eventhoughhe

couldpronouncethehumanperfectly.Hewasmakingapoint,except,well…exceptforthatonce.‘Whatistheretobeafraidof?’hesaid.‘Wegowherewearedirectedfortheneedsofsociety.IfIweretodie,thenitwouldbefortheGreaterGood.ThatisallIaskfrommylife,tofurtherourgloriouscause.’Ilookedathimdubiously.Hegrabbedmyshoulderswithhiswidefingersand

peeredintomyeyes,hisfaceanexaggeratedcopyofhumanconcern.Icouldn’tlookbackfortoolong,andlookedaway.Taueyesaresobiganddark.I’mafraidI’llnotbeabletolookaway.Sometimes…sometimesIthinkIcanseestarsinthem.Soundsstupid,butit’sthetruth.‘Youdonotquiteunderstandyet,friendJ’ten.Icanseethat.Youare

motivatedstillbyself-interest.Onlywhenoneforgoestheneedtofurtherone’sowngoals,toputbehindthemtheneedtosatisfytheirowndesires,canonetrulyachieveone’sgreatestpotential…’‘Unitywiththepolitythroughserviceofthepolity,fortheGreaterGood.

Tau’va,’Ifinishedforhim.Hesmiledandchuckledagain,shakingmyshouldersslightlyraffishly.There

wassomethingmischievousabouthim.It’swhyIlikedhim,Isuppose.‘Yousee!Youknowit.Youknowit,friendJ’ten!Onlybybelievingitwillyouknowtruesatisfaction.’‘Idon’tthinkI’lleverfullygraspit.Forgiveme,’Isaid.Iwasmindfulofmy

words.Backthen,ourfriendshipwasonlyslowlygrowing.Hewasmysuperior.Hewasan’el,Ionlya’la.I’venevergotoverit.EvenifIamevermadeague’vesa’el,samerankashewas,IthinkI’dprobablyfeelthesame.Firstamongequals,andallthat;taucomefirst.Ican’tquiteshakethatconqueredfeeling.Heputhistongueoutthroughhisteethandhissedthroughthegaps.Thatwas

myfirstinklingthatheandIweregettingtobefriends.Hehadstoppedmimickingpurelyhumanexpressionaroundme,andbehaved,justalittle,morelikeatau.‘Donotworry.Yourchildrenwillunderstand,andthatisallweaskofyou.Thatandyourloyalty.’‘Youhavethat,Por’elSkilltalker,Iswear,’Isaid.Iffornootherreasonthanif

I’dhavegonebacktotheImperium,I’dhavebeenshot.

Youknow,himmentioningchildren,getsmethinkingaboutit,rememberingitnow.I’dliketohavechildrensomeday.NeverthoughtIwould,buttheTau’vaisabetterplaceforthemthantheImperiumevercouldbe,andthat’sgotmehankeringafterthefamilylife.AndthenIthinkonthis:Skilltalkeroncetoldmethatbreedingoutsideofeachcasteisforbidden.AndIwonder,howlonguntilthisruleappliestohumans,howlonguntilourbestcharacteristicsarebredtrueliketheyareingrox?Andintau.Youaskedmetobehonest.Ourculture’ssacrosanct,soI’mtold.Pairbonding,

familyunits,freedomofchoiceinourspouses,theworks.I’veseenthathonoured.ButIalsothinkonHincks’skid,allfulloftheGreaterGood.Howfarwillhego,orhischildren,inembracingyourideals?Youwon’tneedtopushmuch.We’remutableculturally,wehumans.Howmuch,Iwonder,sometimeslateatnight,doyoureallywantofus?Thatconversationwasmonthsbeforethemission.Bythetimewewere

coastingattreetopheightoverthepetrifiedforestsofAgrellan,Iwasa’vre,andSkilltalkerandIhadtakentosocialisingtogether.WewereonourwaytoHiveChaeron.Eachofthetwelvehiveswasgettingalittlevisitfromwatercaste–laydownyourarms,embracetheGreaterGood.Noharmwillcometoyou.Blahblah.Chaeronwasourmark.ThiswasafewdaysbeforeO’Shaserra’skillingblow,buteveryonealwaysgetsonelastchancetosurrender.That’sthewayyouplayit.TheDevilfish.Quietenoughtotalkin.Theengineshum.It’scool.We’re

comfortable.Marvelloustechnology.Butoldmequitealotabouthowitallworksbeforehegotreassigned.AsmuchasIcouldunderstandanyway.It’shardforme.Istillhalf-believeinmachine-spirits.AlthoughIunderstandit’sallnonsensenow,it’shardtoshakethefaith.You’llhavethatproblemwithalotofus.Humancultureisirrational,I’vebeentold.ButI’mnotsosureeverythingwebelieveissoirrational.I’lltellyousomething.Agrellan–Mu’gulathBay–isnotagoodplanet.Somethinghappenedthere,somethingreallybad.Allwegue’vesacouldfeelit,likeashadowonus.Icouldtasteit,practically,insomeplaces.Thecreaturesintheforests,theforeststhemselves…It’snotanaturalplace,notentirely.Iheardthenagiwouldn’tcomedownthereatall.Butthetau?You’reoblivioustothatkindofthing.Sodon’tlecturemequitesohardontheirrational.There’ssomethingthere.Iknowit,evenifyourkindcanneverfeelit.Lookingatmyteaminthere,Ihadaforebodingthatsomethingwasn’tquite

right,Ithink.Wehadourhelmetsoff,everyonewascheckingtheirweapons,standarddrill.Webarelyhadanythingincommon.Differentdialects,different

worlds,exceptmeandHincks,thatis.Differentmorphologyeven:skin,height,eyes,hair.LikeIsay,humanity’sadiverserace,likeusthereinthebackoftheDevilfish.Wewerepracticallyafio’labiologist’sdreamsample.Iwasthinkingaboutta’lissera.Ta’lisseraindeed,Skilltalkerwouldn’tstop

badgeringmeaboutit.Butwhatcouldhaveboundustogether?Weweretoodifferent,Itoldhim.We’dcomefromtoomanyworlds,fromtoomanynightmares.IkeptsayingthistoSkilltalker,andhe’dkeptaskingmetothinkaboutit.

Ta’lissera,thatis.Itseemedimportanttohimthatwebond,eventhoughtheShas’ar’tolhadmadeitcleartousallthebondingritual–anybondingritual–wasonlytobeundertakenifwewantedtodoit.Ourculturewasnottauculture,theymadethatclear.Wecouldtakewhatwewantedandignorewhatwedidn’tlike,except,ofcourse,theTau’va.‘That,friendJ’ten,iswhytheywerechosen,preciselybecauseoftheir

differences,’he’dsaid.We’dbeeninaKor’Shuttoonthewaytothefront.TheDamoclesGulfisheavilyfortifiedaftertheheroicdefenceofDal’yth.Itwasadefenceinstallationfirstandforemost,buttheydidhaveabar.Wewereinit.Theyservedapassableimitationofhumanale.Hetookawheydrink.Alwaysmadehimabittipsy,eagertotalk,evenmoresothannormal.‘Doyouthinkitiscoincidencethatthesepeopleareheretogetherunderyourcommand.Youaretheirgue’vre.Thinkofhowtheproblemisforourownethereals.Manyaliens,somedividedintomanycultures,andthemanyseptsofthetau.’Heclosedhishandsaroundoneanother.‘Butyousee?Eachofmyfingersisadifferentfinger,buttheyallworkforthegoodofthegreaterorganism–me.AndI…’‘WorkfortheTau’va.’Hemockinglysalutedmewithhisdrink.Once,thecheesysmellofithad

mademegag,butI’dgotusedtoit,likeI’vegotusedtosomuchelse.‘Iseegreatthingsforyou,gue’vre.Thisisoneofmanychallengesforyou.

Youmustmouldthisla’rua,andmakethemone.Eachelementindividualyes,andsotheyshouldremain!Butindividualseachworkingforthecommoncause.’‘SotogetherwemightbetterservetheTau’va.’Hesmiled.‘Youhaveit!’Thenherealisedthefullmeaningofmyexpression

andtone.Anexpertonhumanaffairs,Skilltalker,butsometimesslowontheuptake.Sarcasmwasatoughoneforhim,you’reallsodamnsincere.Eventheporcanneverbetheracestheymimicsowell.It’stheirbiggestweakness.‘Whythis,this,this…’Hedrummedthreebroadfingersonthetable.Cynicismisnota

conceptthatthetauhave.Isuppliedtheword.‘Cynicism!Ah,yes.’Hewasdelightedandbecameannoyedagain.‘The

Tau’vaisnotfortheTau’va’ssake!Thisyoudonotunderstand.TheTau’vaisformygood,’hepointedatmychest,‘anditisforyourgood.TheGreaterGoodmeansyou,me,thefioservershere,thenicassar,thraxians,kroot…Whomeveryoucaretoname.Allwhoembraceitserve,andallwhoserveitareservedbyit,yes?’Heseemedpleasedwithhimself,asheoftendidafteroneofhislittlelectures.

Thebeergotthebetterofme.‘Permissiontospeakmymind,por’el?’‘Yes,yes!Byallmeans,friendJ’ten!Youshouldalwayssayyourthoughts.

Howelsearewetoworktogetherproperly?’‘Youarepatronising,youknowthat?’Heunderstoodpatronisingallright,andwasoffended.‘Idonotmeantobe.’‘Noproblem.’Itookanotherdrink.Itwasgettinglate.Inonek’un’cyrthe

lightswoulddimandwewouldbeusheredofftobed.‘Thisiswhyyou’resokeenformetomakemyteambond.’Heshookhisheadandbaredhisbroadteeth.Grazer’steeth,Ialwaysthinkof

them.‘No,no,noJ’ten!Notmake.Justdo.Ordonot.Itisyourchoice,butIdobelievethatifyoudoundergoata’lissera,itwillbebetterforyouall.’‘Tofitin?’‘Youareimpossible.’Hemutteredtohimselfandrolledhisshoulderswith

exasperation.Amidhismelodic,glottalstreamofTau’noh’porIcaught,‘Fu’llasso.’Ilaughed.‘Amindknot?Don’ttellmeI’mgettingtoyoufinally.’‘Ah!YourTau’noh’porimproves,’hesaid.‘Youareanexample,J’ten!You

arereadytoembraceourculturemorethansomeoftheothers.Itwillonlybenefitustohaveyoumoreproperlycommittedtoourvision.Anditwillbenefityou,itisthesuperiorwayafterall.’Ididn’twanttodisagree.Wewerequietaspace.Achimesounded.Thethird

shiftwouldcometoanendsoon.Theaircastehadassignedthirdshifttousasouractivitygroup.Theyexpectedustosleepnow.Alreadyanothergroupwouldbewakingtostarttheirday.Thespacestationsoftheaircastearecrowded.‘So,haveyou?’hesaidatlength.‘What?’Isaid,feigningignorance.Hewasn’tgoingtobeputoff.‘Chosenata’lissera.Surelytheremustbe

somethingacceptableinyourculturethatwillstand.Anoath-swearing,or

celebration.’Therewas,butIhadn’t.I’mnotsurewhyIputitoffsolongnow.Astreakof

stubbornness?Notwantingtosubsumemyselfintotaucultureentirely?WasIclingingtomyoldidentityalittletoohard?Idon’tknow.‘No,’Isaid.‘No,Ihaven’t.’

‘Whatareyouthinkingabout,boss?’GoliathaskedmeinhisgutturalGothic,bringingmebacksuddenlyintothepresentoftheDevilfish.Hispulsecarbinelookedlaughablysmallinhishands.Theearthcastehadgivenusweaponsspeciallyconstructedforhumanphysiology,butwithGoliaththey’dhittheupperlimitofthesizerange.‘Nothing,’Isaid.‘Nothingatall.’Iglancedatmymissionclock.‘Suitup

people!Fiveminutestodustoff.’WhenIcaughtSkilltalker’seye,hewassmiling.HeknewwhatIwasthinking

about.I’msureaboutthat.

CHAPTERTHREE

ReportofNagi’oJoauuulliiallo,thirdlevelsynapticadjudicatorofnagisynchronouscollective45978.Directcranialengagementinterrogation.Subjectgue’ron’shaofsemi-autonomousImperialUash’o‘RavenGuard’,Tio’vreSix,Kau’uiThree.

[Supplementarynote:Thenatureofthe‘SpaceMarines’iswellknowntous,butweofthenagi45978synchronouscollectiveweresurprisedbythissubject’sresiliencetothemindripnevertheless.Wehaveascertainedthatthisispartlyowingtothelatentcapabilitytointerfacewithmultipledimensionalrealitiespresentinallgue’latolesserorgreaterdegree,butthegreaterpartofourdifficultyoriginatedfromthesubject’sextensivepsychologicalconditioning.Therequisitioningoftwolessercollectiveswasrequiredtobreakthroughthesubject’smentalblocks.Despiteouroverwhelmingmentalsuperiority,thesubjectremaineddefianttotheend,resultinginthedeathsorterminaldisjunctionofallmembersofoneofthelessercollectives(maytheyfindultimatejoiningbeyondthemembranesofactivity).Manymemoryartefactsarepresentinthisinterrogationreport,butwewereabletoextractmuchaudiovisualinformationconcerningImperialgue’latacticsandorganisation.Thattheyaresoheavilyfactionalisedwasthechiefsurprisetoourwatercasteandn’deemiintelligenceexperts.Wenagihumblysubmitthatthisisencouragingnews.Surelysodividedanddecrepitanempire,nomatteritssize,cannothopeto

stymietheeffortsofthegloriousTau’vainthiscriticalphaseoftheThirdSphereExpansion.]

IamBrother-SergeantHerekCornixoftheRavenGuard.IamBrother-SergeantHerekCornixoftheRavenGuard.Iam…IamaboardtheWingsofDeliverance.IgotoameetingwithmyChapter

Master,CorvinSeverax,mylordandmyleader.Iwoulddoanything,shouldhecommandit.Iamaboard…IamnotaboardtheWingsofDeliverance.Thisisatrick.Getoutofmymind.

Getout,getout!IamBrother-SergeantHerekCornixoftheRavenGuard,andyouwillnotbreakmywill!

[Atthispoint,morepressurewasapplied.Earthcasteenhancementmachineswereengagedingreaternumber.Severalofthemburnedout,killingafullhalfofthelessersecondcollectivebeforewewereabletobreakintotheinnerspacesofthesubject’smind.]

I…IamaboardtheWingsofDeliverance.WeareinorbitaroundhiveworldAgrellan,theprincipalplanetoftheDovarSystem,farfromthesacredgroundsofTerra,yetstrategic,foritcommandstheDovarGapthroughtheDamoclesGulf.Xenoscontestit,andtheirtemeritywillnotgounpunished.WeoftheRavenGuardcomeheretometeoutsuchpunishmentaswedeemfit.Thebattle-bargerumbleswithrepeatedbroadsidesandweaponsimpact.Enemyroundspenetrateourvoidshieldseverysooften,butsovastistheWingsofDeliverancethatitisuntroubledandsailson.IamHerekCornix,andIgotoseemylord.Wearearrivedbutlatelyinthe

system,andIamcalledintohispresencefirst.Thisisanhonour.Iwearmyarmour.Thisisright.Sable,emblazonedwiththewhiteemblemsof

myorder.Itisnewlyrepaintedwiththebadgesofmydeedsandrank,andfreshlypolished.Weareatwar.Wemustbereadyatalltimes.Itissaidbytheshadowcaptainsthattheenemywefighthasadegreeofhonouruncommoninxenos,thattheyarelikelytogiveusfairwarningbeforeattackinginordertoofferusterms.Butthisisourway,alldoneinaccordancewiththeCodexAstartes.Westandreadyatalltimes.IpassthroughthegreatspinalwayoftheWingsofDeliverance.Theblast

shieldsareclosed,butasIridethetransitwaytothebridgecomplex,Isee

Agrellanbelowusthroughoneopenspottingcupola.Itisavileplanet,taintedbylong-agowar.Itsatmosphereispoisontohumanbeings,itsforestsgrimplacesfullofmutatedwildlife.Thelingeringeffectsofavirusbomb,Iamtold,andsomethingdarker.Weaponsfiresparklesarounditasourpicketshipsduelwithtauinterdictionvessels.Wehavetakenthembysurprise.Elementsofthefirstreinforcementfleetarehurryingtoouraidfromout-system.Butthetauaremany,andalthoughourmightissuchthatwecanholdthemback,quickjudgmentsuggeststhatwecannotdosoindefinitely.Iwondertherefore,whatourstrategywillbe.IamproudthatI,beforeallothers,willdiscoverexactlywhatLordSeveraxhasplanned.Ireachthesupportblockbearingthebridgecomplex.Iamallowedthroughby

ourChapterMaster’shonourguard.Theatriumisvastandpleasingtotheeye.StatuesofheroesofourChapterstandinsolemnreposeintheshadows.Theirnamesaremysterious,knownonlytothosewhoshouldknow.Thisisasitshouldbe.Oursisthewayoftheshadowwar.Iamdirectedbyservitorstooneofmanygrandelevators.Thedoors,

decoratedwithgreatskillbyourserf-artisans,areinlaidwithjetandpolishedcoal,depictingagreatraven,headdownandwingscrossedacrossitsbreast.NowInearthepresenceofmylord,myheartsquicken.FewareinvitedintothepresenceofLordSeverax,butI,HerekCornix,havebeengrantedthishonour.Whateverthereason,IswearthatIwillproveworthyofthetasksetme.Iwillnotshamemyself.Theelevatortakeslongminutestoascendthemainsupporttothebridge

complex.TheWingsofDeliveranceisourmightiestvessel,abattle-bargeofgreatage.Iamhumbledbyitsmajesty.AtthetopIammetbymembersoftheShadowConclave,ourlord’smost

trustedservants.Theyleadmesilentlyalonghushedways.Wepassthegreatdoorstotheprimarybridge.Theyleadmeupwardsonsweepingstairs,andushermeintothepersonalaudiencechambersofmylord.Thespaceisgreat,madeallofdarkstonesandblackenediron.Nevertheless,

thepresenceofmyLordSeveraxfillsitutterly,fromshadowycornertogloomyembrasure.Severaxsitsuponadarkthroneofonyx,theblackchalcedony.Subtlebandsof

whitecompetewiththehardhighlightsofthethrone’scarvingstoconfusetheeye.Muchofhisfaceislosttodarkness,yetIlookuponit!Heisalivingidoltoourlostprimarch.HeisatruesonofCorax.Hisskinisaswhiteaspalestone,hishairasblackasjet.Hiseyesarepenetratingandblack.Hisnoseisaquiline–

featuresweallbear,butheisflawlesswheretherestofusareasyethalf-formed.Fourhundredyearsofwarhavebeatentheimpuritiesoutofhim,astheimpuritiesarebeatenfromthebladeupontheanvilofthesmith.Heisourexemplar.HeistheRaven.ShadowCaptainKayvaanShrikeispresent.Iamsurprisedtoseehim,ashe

hasbeenmostactiveonthesurface,bringingrelieftoourembattledbrethrenfromtheWhiteScarsChapter.WithhimalsoareanAdeptusMechanicusmagos,hisredrobesembroideredwiththebadgesofthebiologissect.BesidehimstandsaninquisitorIdonotknowandhavenotseenbefore.Thisisnosurprise;theirmethodsareevenmoresecretivethanours.Heisoldbythestandardsoftheungifted,buthisbearingisfullofstrength.Hishandrestswithinthebaskethiltofapowerrapier,hisoff-whiteclothestheonlysignoflightnessinthechamber’sgloom.Cyberneticpseudoravensflapoverhead,cawingandwhirring.Otherwisethechamber,itsgalleriesandbroadfloorfittohosthalfthestrengthofourChapter,isempty.‘Wegreetyou,Brother-SergeantCornix,’saysShriketome.Severaxdoesnot

speak.Hesitsandlooksatme,theblackcoinsofhiseyesunreadable.Ifalltooneknee,themetalofmybattleplateclunkingontheblackgranite

paving.Ibowmyhead.‘IamhonouredtobecalledtothepresenceofourLordCorvinSeverax,’Isay.‘Rise,brother-sergeant.Timeisshort,’saysShrike.Icomply…I…IamnotaboardtheWingsofDeliverance!I…

[Aflashofadirtyroominacityofmetal.Amother’sface.Afather’ssorrow.Thesoundofmachineryisconstant.Thecryofyoung.Smallspacesdividedbydirtycloth.Dangeriseverywhere,theairsmellsofsmeltingandharshchemicals.Ayounggue’larunsthroughdarkstreets,hisfeetswift,hiseyeseveronthedarkroundofthemoonlookingdownonhisworld…Furtherpressurewasappliedhere.Thevisionofthesubject’spastretreated.Trulytheirworldsaresqualid.]

Irise.Severax’seyesglintashefollowsmymovements.Heismotionless.‘Ourlordhasamissionofgreatsensitivityforyou.Acouncilofwariseven

nowbeingconvened.Wespeaktoyoufirstbrother,asyourroleisoftheutmostimportance.’Aholomapcomestolifeintheair.ItshowstheentirefrontacrosstheGulf.

Multiplesystemsblinkwithredinfographicsdenotingthepresenceofthetau

forces.Manymoreblinkasinisterpurple,showingthegreatswatheofworldsthathavefallentothealien’sfalsepromises.ItsaddensmetoseesomanyturnawayfromtheEmperor’slight.Wewillretakethemall,andtheirpopulationswillbemadetosufferforitoncetheInquisitionarrives.Ipitythem.Dotheynotsee?ItistruethatthisregionofspaceisdistantfromTerra,anddoesnotoftenseeaidfromtheHighLords,butitiscrucial.Itistheirdutytohold,nomatterthecost.Thecostfornotdoingsowillbegreatertothem.EverycrackinthefabricoftheImperiumthreatenstobecomeafissure.Thiscannotbeallowedtohappen.Itisthedutyofeverycitizentomakesureitdoesnot.ShrikelookstoSeverax.Thereisaslightnodinreply.‘LordSeveraxhas

determinedthatthisworldislost,brother-sergeant,andtheDovarSystementirely.Alreadytheoutlyingplanetshavefallen.Agrellancannothopetowithstandtheattackthatiscoming.Analysisoftheirdoctrinesuggeststhatthetauwouldordinarilybypasssuchasystem,toreturntoitlateroncesupplylinesarecut.Surrounded,aspopulousaworldasAgrellancannotholdout.Theywouldstarve.Buthere,theyhavenotthetime.Thetauseektosecurethissystem.Thiskindofwarhereisnotofthetau’sliking.’Shrikefixesmewithhisdarkeyes.‘Theirwaysareourways,brother-sergeant,thelightningstrike,theoverwhelmingapplicationofforcetovulnerabilities.Aprotractedgroundcampaigntheyprefertoavoid.ItsuitstheImperiumbetter.Butthetaurequirethissystemasastagingpoint,andtheywilldoalltheycantoseizeit.Alreadytheirnumbersfarexceedours,andmorearecoming.’Shrikebidsthemaptozoomin,showingthesystem,adenselypopulatedclusterofworlds,thegapintheclouds–theDovarGap.‘NebulaeheminDovar.Thetau’sdrivescannotpasseasilythroughthem.Itis

thefortressgateinthewallsoftheDamoclesGulf.Butwemustabandonit,’saidShrike.‘LordSeveraxhasdecreedit.’‘Iunderstand,brothershadowcaptain.’‘Wewillchooseourbattleground,notthey.Alreadywehavelosttoomany

menbattlingoverAgrellan.Thetauareclosertohomethanwe.Theywilllikelyexhausttheirempiretotakeit.Smallasitis,thetau’sdomainisvibrant,andconfident.Losehere,andwelosetheentiresubsector.Bythetimeanewcrusadeisprepared,theywillbefortifiedandready.Wewillmeltaway,anddrawthemwherewewill.Elsewhere,wewillbreaktheirassault,crushtheirmainforcesinabattleofourchoosing,andthenreclaimwhatisrightfullytheEmperorofMankind’s.’‘Mylord,’Isay.Iamastonishedthatsuchinformationissharedwithme.

‘Iamtellingyouthis,brother-sergeant,becauseLordSeveraxwishesyoutogotothesurface.Takeyoursquad.YouaretoseizeoneoftheirnumberanddeliverhimtoInquisitorGalliusandHighMagosBiologianTulkhere.’‘Youwishmetosnatchoneoftheirleadercaste?I…Consideritdone,shadow

captain!Iwill…’LordSeveraxchoosestospeak.Heleansforwardinhisthrone,armoured

handsgrippingthecarvenrests.Iseehisfacefully.Hisskinisaswhiteassnow,hishairblackerthanmidnight.‘Youpresumetoomuch,’headmonishesme.Hisvoiceislittlemorethana

whisper,buthiscriticismcutsme.Ibowmyhead,Ihanguponhiseveryword.‘Capturingtheiretherealsisnighonimpossible.Everyattemptthathasbeentriedhasfailedwithgreatloss,’saidSeverax.‘Theywillfighttothelasttoprotectthem.Thistaskofwhichyouspeakwewillsaveforanotherday.No.Yourtargetisoneoftheiremissaries.Youwilltakeoneofthem,andbringhimtous,sothathemightrevealthesecretsoftheirpersuasiveness.’Hefallssilentagain.‘Ourforcesaresufficienttowinthiswar,butwearelosingmanymoreworlds

totheeffortsoftheirdiplomaticcorethanwearetomilitaryaction,’continuesShrike.‘Wearetobegrantednomorereinforcementfortheforeseeablefuture.Wecannotaffordtobecomecommittedinoneplace,whiletheiremissariestalktheworldsoftheEmperoroutofHislight.Captureoneoftheseemissarieswhiletheyaredistracted.Whileweareevacuating,youwillbeonAgrellan.Thisisagreathonour.’‘Wefeelthattheymusthavesomekindofpsychicorchemicalholdoverthose

theyapproach.Howelsecanthenumberwhocapitulatebeexplained?’Thebiologian’sartificiallungswheezeashespeaks.‘Theyneedalivesubject,’addsGallius.‘Hemustbedeliveredalive,doyou

understand,sergeant?’‘Inordertoverifyourhypotheses,’interruptsthebiologian.Heshows

insufficientrespecttoourlord,hedoesnotacknowledgehimbeforehespeaks.Thisangersme.Theinquisitorisdifferent.Heshowsdeference,lookingtoLordSeveraxbeforedaringtospeak.Hisfaceislinedwithworry.ItisthelotoftheInquisitiontocarryheavyburdensofknowledgeandresponsibility.Comparedtomyowndutytofightanddie,hisisonerousindeed.‘Wehavefurtherassetsinplay,’saystheinquisitor,‘shouldyoufail.’‘Iwillnotfail,’Isay.‘Mightisnotalwaysthesharpestweapon,atruthyourChapterexemplifies.’

Theinquisitorpacesaroundmeslowly,lookingmeupanddown.‘Wehaveanagent,atraitoramongtraitors,implantedwithatracerburiedsodeepthateventhetauwillnotfindit.’‘Thisisgood,’Isay.‘Hewilldelivertheemissarytous?’‘Hemay,’saystheinquisitor.‘Shoulditproveexpedient.Hehashisorders.

Youhaveyours.Letusmeshthemtogetherforbesteffect.Theoneouragentguards,heisofparticularinteresttous.’‘Anywilldo,’interruptsTulk.Galliusstaresatthebiologian.‘Butthisoneisofparticularinterest.’Heturns

backtome.‘Ifadirectassaultdoesnotsucceed…’‘Ifthequarrygoestoground,flushhimout.’‘Andletone’shoundchaseitdown,’saystheinquisitor.Heunderstandsour

ways.OurexchangepleasesmyLordSeverax.Thereisafleetingexpressionof

approvalonhisotherwisestillfeatures.NonebutabrotheroftheRavenGuardwouldnoticeit.‘Ihaveitongoodauthoritythatyouarebecomingadeptatourways,brother-

sergeant,’saysSeverax.‘YouhavebeenchosenbecauseofShadowCaptainShrike’spersonalrecommendation.’Tohearsuchwordsfrommylordfillsmyheartswithpride.‘IserveasbestIcan,lord,’Isay.‘Thenserveuswell,anddelivertousthiswar-talker,whopoisonstheminds

ofrightfulmenagainsttheproperruleoftheLordofMankind.Thisisyourduty.Gonow,andprepare.’Iobey,andwithalacrity.Later,IandInquisitorGalliuswillhavefurther

words,andourtrapwillbeset.

CHAPTERFOUR

ThemeetingwastotakeplaceadozenkilometresoutsideofHiveChaeron’swalls.TheImperialshadsetupatemporarylandingpadinaholethey’dcarvedinthatawfulforest.Thetreeshadbeencutbackforagoodthreehundredmetres,theredearthscrapedrawbyaheavyexcavator.Ourpilottookusthroughthecanopyintothedarknessbeneaththetrees.Icouldn’tseeoutofthetransport,butIfelttheshadowcloseoverme.Therewasarealpresencedownthere,amenacethathadthehairsonthebackofmyneckstandonend.Thetauwereunaffected,althoughIsawKrix’squillsshift.Thefacesofkrootarehard,mostofthemtakenupbyamouththat’smoreakintoabeakthananythingelse.Theirfleshisthin,littlemusculatureunderit.Towegue’vesa,youraverageearthcasteisinexpressive,butthey’vegotnothingonthekroot.It’sliketheirfacesarecastinstone.IcouldstilltellthathefeltthewrongnessofMu’gulathBaytoo.TheDevilfishtoucheddownsosoftlythatwecouldn’ttellwe’dlandeduntil

Kor’laD’yanoiYel’fyr–theaircasteupfront–flickedthesignalandthelandinglightswentfromambertogreen.‘Wellnow,’saidSkilltalker,pattinghiskneeswithhishandstwiceand

hitchinguphisrobesinpreparationtostand.‘Wehavearrived,andourtaskisathand.Letusseeifwecannotsaveafewliveshere.Gue’vesa’vre,ifyouwouldbesokind?’hesaidtome.Ihadthesquadsoundoffthattheywereset.Theywere.Their‘affirmatives’

and‘yessirs’toldmefarlessthantheairofwaryreadinessthatcameoverthem.Theywereagoodla’rua,andIwasveryproudofthem.We’dadoptedasynthesisofImperialGuardandfirecasteteachingsandI’dbeengratifiedtoseethatitworked.Withthembehindme,andequippedwithsuperiorearthcasteweaponry,IoftenfeltthatwecouldtakeontheentireImperiumonourown.Andweallhadreasonstowantto.Iwaswrongaboutoureffectiveness,ofcourse,andevenmyteam’scohesion.

Youdrillanddrillandconcentrateononethingsohardyoumisswhat’srightinfrontofyou.WehaveawordforitinGothic–hubris.Iwasrelativelywell-educatedforanImperial,Imustaddhere.Youwon’tfindthisleveloftalkrightacrosssociety,asI’msureyou’venoticedbynowinyourdealingswithothergue’la.Skilltalkerwasfascinatedbytheconcept.Apparentlythereisnowordforitinthemoderntaulanguage,althoughonedayhedidcomeuptomehurriedly,alookofdelightonhisface,tosayhe’dfoundanancienttermfromthetimeoftheMont’kathathadanapproximatemeaning.Inallhonesty,I’dadviseyoureacquaintyourselveswithit.Therearrampopened.There’swasn’tevenahiss,theinternalairpressurehad

automaticallyandsoundlesslymatchedthatofoutside.Idon’tthinkI’lleverbeabletotaketautechforgranted.Wewentout.Itookpoint,Holyonbehindme.Hemighthavebeenaliar,but

youcouldrelyonhiminafight.Wehadtobepreparedforbattledespitethetermsoftruceweweremeetingunder.Ifwewereattacked,itwouldn’tbethefirsttimethewatercastehadbeentargeted.Theclearingwasmuddy,brokentreestumpsallaroundit,rootsstillclogged

withtheheavyredsoilofAgrellan,brightscarsinthemleakingpalesap.Aplasteelmeshhadbeenlaiddownoverthegroundinthecentreoftheclearing,althoughitwasfarfromlevel.Beaconsblinkedaroundthemakeshiftpad,thelightcomingoffthemmakingithardtoseeunderthetrees,andthatmademenervous.ThetreesofAgrellanarebrittle,theysnapsoeasily.Thewoodfeelsdead,theirskinsareslimy,leavesblackliketheyareinthegripofdecay,buttheywerealivesomehow.Idon’tknowhowsomethingsosicklylookingcangrowinaforest.Ididn’tliketheplaceandI’mextremelygratefulI’venotbeenstationedthere.I’dappreciateitifyoudidn’tsendmeback.Apathwayofmoremeshledofffromthepadtothelipofaslope.Fromup

therewehadafineviewofHiveChaeron.Bigasamountain,ashivesare.Thelowerreachesmusthavebeenahundredkilometresindiameter.Levelsheaped

uponlevel,reachinghighupintotheatmospheresothetopofitwaslostintheyellowclouds.Wewereawaysout,butfromthelandingzonethewallslookedhuge.Itwas

gettinglateintheafternoon,notyetevening,buttheshadowswerelengthening,andthatofChaeronlaylikeaslabofnightonthehauntedforest.ThewallsofChaeronwerewhite,blindingupclose,butthroughthehazeofpollutionintheairtheywerecolouredagentleshadeofapricotbythesun.Athousandmetrestall,theirlengthbrokenbybastionstoppedwithmacrocannon.Asixteen-lanehighway–apenlineonaclothcomparedtothebulkofthehive–wentthroughagatealmostdirectlyoppositeus,butthegateswereclosedandtheroadempty.Theywerereadyforwar.Itwasallalittleunreal,toobigtobetakeninandunderstoodbythehuman

mind.LiketheImperiumitself,Isuppose.Thesunlightwasbrokenbythehaze,madedim,sothatthehivelookedlikeapaintedbackdrop.Onlythelightsontheeveningsideofitandthemovementsoffliersaroundtheupperreachestoldmeitwasnot.I’llbetmylastpulseroundthatthelandingsitehadbeenchosensothatwe’dbeintimidatedbythesizeofthehive.Itdidn’twork.Istilldon’tquitegrasphowblindmyerstwhilecountrymencanbe.Earthcasteweaponswouldhavethewallsdowninahalfhourorless.Buclackedhistonguebehindmeindisapproval.Hewaswearingarespirator,aswasthepor’el.Weallhadourhelmetsealsengaged.Therewassomethingfoulintheatmosphere.‘Howtheyliveinsuchthings?Itisunsafe,unsanitary.Unsupportable.And

thisair!’Imotionedhimtosilence‘Someone’scoming.’Upthepathhackedintotheforestcameawelcomeparty.Afunctionarycome

togreetus,asquadofGuardsmenbehindhim.Heworeheavyrobesthatlookedlikethey’dnotbeenwashedforawhile–iftheycouldbe,theyweresostiffwithbrocadeIdoubtthey’dsurviveanyformofcleaning.Halfhisheadwastakenupbyalumpencogitatorandanuglybioniceye.NotanAdeptusMechanicus,asfarasIcouldtell,butextensivelymodifiedanyhow.Itwaspossiblehisownrespiratorwasbuiltintohisface.Theycameclose,theGuardsmenfacelessbehindtheirrespirators,marchingin

perfectstep.‘IamPlenipotentiaryCarrillon.OnbehalfoftheLordGrunkelofHive

Chaeron,Igreetyouinthespiritofpeace,’hesaid,touchingasealofofficehangingaroundhischest.Hespokeveryloudlyandslowlyfrombehindhisbreathingapparatus.Hewaslookingmeupanddownsuspiciously,nodoubt

takinginmyfeet,thefivefingersonmyglovedhands,myheight.Idecidedtoputhimoutofhismisery.Astheroutinewe’ddevelopedwithSkilltalkerdictated,Islungmycarbineandunfastenedmyhelmet,revealingmyhumanfacetothemall.IhadasmallerrespiratoronunderneathsimplysoIcouldpullthistrick.LikeIsay,it’sallcarefullythoughtout.Carrillonmanagedtokeephisreactiontoanarrowingofhisremainingeye.

TheGuardsmenwithhimwerenotsocareful.Shockedintakesofbreathandmutteredcursescamefromthem.I’msurethey’dallheardofthetraitorswho’dthrownintheirlotwiththexenos,buttherearen’tthatmanyofusintheTau’Shas’Vaasyet,andtheyprobablythoughtofusasamyth.Carrillonhelduphishandtosilencethem.‘Gue’vesa’vreJathenKorling,gue’vesaauxiliarydiplomaticprotectionla’rua

eight-four-four-eight,’Isaid.IheldCarrillon’seye.IfCarrillonwasgoingtosayanything,henevergotthechance,becausethenSkilltalkermadehisentrance.FollowedbyKrix,hewalkeddowntherampoftheDevilfishandintothatsorryexcuseforalandingzone.Hewaslookingaroundwitheyeswideandwelcoming,asifheweredrinking

ineverysighthecould,andthateachwasafreshwonder.They’rechildlike,thepor’la,atleastinthatregard.Appearchildlike,Ishouldsay.Likeeverythingtheydoandhaveusdo,it’sallcalculatedtobringaboutaparticularreaction.Istoodasideandreplacedmyhelmet.Theairwasmakingmyeyeswater.Skilltalkercametothefore.Weallstoodtoattention,carbinesheldverticallyinfrontofus.Anothercalculatedshow,thisonetodemonstrateourloyalty.Iwasn’ttooworried.Kor’laD’yanoiYel’fyrwouldbeonhighalertintheDevilfish,andthedroneshousedonthefrontofthecraftwerealwaysvigilant.Skilltalkercrossedhishandsinfrontofhischestandbowed.‘Manythanksto

youforourcordialreception,PlenipotentiaryCarrillon.IamEmissaryPor’elBork’anKaisPor’noha,althoughIammorecommonlyreferredtoasSkilltalker.’SkilltalkerignoredCarrillon’sderisorysnortathisname.Tohumans,the

namesoftaucanseemtobeundulyimmodest,althoughthismystifiesmosttauIknow.Whywouldatauhaveanamethatbraggedofsomethingthatwerenottrue?Fine,Isay.Butoftenforusitisregardedasimpolitetomakeabigdealaboutthethingswearegoodat,atleastinsomehumancultures.Mineisoneofthose.Weareamoresubtleanddiversespeciesthanmostofyougiveuscreditfor,andonGormen’sFast,wedon’tlikebraggarts.‘Ibringyougreetingsfromthetau.Wearefivecastes,onepeople.Weoffer

youpeace.’Carrillonshookhisheadeversoslightly,asourlookonhisface.Amixof

contemptandforeknowledgeofhisdefeat,Ithink.‘ThiswayEmissarySkilltalker,’hisaugmeticgroundoutanunlovelyrecitationofSkilltalker’sfulltaunameforhim.‘LordGrunkelawaitsyou.’Wewereleddownthepatharoundacurvetoalarge,hermeticallysealed

pavilionfrontedbyanostentatiousairlock.OneofCarillon’sguardsactivatedtheairlockandI,Krix,BuandSkilltalkerwentinside.Ivoxedthesquadtohangbackbytheentrance.‘Watchthem,’Isaid,confidentthattherewasnowaytheImperiumcouldcracktauencryption.‘Idon’tlikethis.Thewholethingstinksofambush.’‘Wouldn’tbethefirsttime,Jathen’vre,’saidGoliath.‘We’vegotyourback,’saidHolyon.Foronce,Ibelievedhim.Theouterdoorshut.Airwaspumpedout,thenbackin.Theinnerdoor

opened.Theexercisewasaccompaniedbyacacophonyofwhirring,banging,clangingandwhining.Isawjusthowprimitiveourtechnologyis,howramshackle.Ican’tbelieveIusedtotakethingslikethattobenormal.Westeppedout.Thefloorwascoveredincarpetsalreadyshowingwetpatches

fromdamptrappedinsidethetent.Thefabricofthehabitatwasbeadedwithcondensation.Theplacewasluxurious,butgrimy.Alongwoodentableranthewidthofthetent.Twoguardsinscarletdressuniforms,crestedwithgoldenhelmets,andrespiratorsstoodtoattentionbehindit,flankingafatmaninasimilaroutfitwhosatinaridiculouslyoverlyornamentedchair.Hehadafacelikethunder,andamouthfulloffood.Manydisheswerelaidinfrontofhim.Thewholemeeting,hisforkneverstoppedmoving.Hisheadwasbaldandbeadedwithsweat,hiseyessunkinfoldsofflesh.Athinmoustacheandtiny,triangularbeardclungtohisflabbyface.‘Ah,LordGrunkel,’saidSkilltalker,pressinghishandstogetherandspeaking

withunalloyeddelight.‘Suchagreatpleasuretomeetyoufacetoface.IamEmissaryPor’elBork’anKaisPor’noha.Ibringyougreetingsfromthetau,wearefivecastes,onepeople,andIamherewithfullauthoritytoinviteyoutolaydownyourarmsandjoinwithus.Weofferabrightfutureforallwhosidewithus,anewwayoflife.Wehavemuchtoofferafaithfulfriend.Allareboundtothedreamofbringinganewandbetterwaytotheuniverse.AllareworkingtotheGreaterGood.Ihopeyouwillchoosetosharetheculture,technologyandprotectionofthetauempire,asyourkindherewithmetodayalreadyhave.’Grunkelgruntedandglaredatme.‘I’veheardyourstandardofferbefore,asI

haveheardofthesetraitors.Iamsure,ifIweretoaskhim,thathe’dtellmehowwonderfulitistolivewithstinkingxenosandspitonthelawoftheEmperor.I’mnotsonaïvetobelievethathecouldpossiblybeeitherentirelyhonestornotcoerced.I’mnotinterested.’Hewipedhismouthandhandsonanapkin,thenstoodandgesturedatthechairs.‘Nevertheless,Iinviteyoutoplease,sit.Idislikealiensbutamnotabarbarian.ThismeetingwascalledunderfairtermsandIintendtoupholdthem.Iofferyouwhatlittleluxurywehave.Theblockadehasbeenhardonmypeople.’Grunkel’sfatbellyandthesmallfortune’sworthofoff-worlddelicaciesled

metobelievehewassufferingfarlessthanhissubjects.Alwaystheway.‘Mostunfortunate.Iamsorryforthemiseriesofyourpeople.’saidSkilltalker.

Anddamnit,hemeantit,notthatGrunkelbelievedhim.Achairwaspulledoutforthetaubyaliveriedservant,andhesatgracefully.Watercastearetallerthanfirewarriors,somethingelsethatoftenprovesasurprisetous.‘Wehavemanysuppliesofahighgrade.Uponyoursurrender,theywillbeimmediatelydispatchedtoyourcity,alongwithaidteamsandmarshallingofficers,allofwhomarefullybriefedandreadytoaidyourgovernmentinprovidingforthenewcitizensoftheTau’va.’‘What’sthat?Commonwealthorsomething?’Grunkelpouredagenerous

measureofwineintoaglassandhandedittoSkilltalker.Hewouldn’thaveknownthatalcoholhasnoeffectandlessappealforthetau.Healsowouldn’tknowthatthewatercaste’sbodies,thankstotheeffortsoftheearthcaste,aremostlyinuredtopoisons.Skilltalkerdrankthewine.Nodoubtittastedviletohim,buthesmiledwithappreciation.‘Empire,morelike,’saidGrunkel.Hereachedforarollofbreadandbrokeitintwo,stuffingonepieceintohismouth.HespokeashechewedandwavedtheotherhalfatSkilltalker.‘Youcomehere,bringingtraitors,hopingtoshowmehowsafeandfinelifeisunderthetau.Doyoutakemeforasimpleton?Iamnotfooled.’‘Theyarenottraitors!’saidSkilltalker.‘Nottraitorstocivilisationandpeace.

Youmayaskgue’vesa’vreJ’tenKo’linwhateveryouwill.ThepresenceofmyprotectionteamherevouchesforthehonestyoftheGreaterGood.Theyaremyguard.Theyaccompanymeeverywhere.Theirweaponsareatmybackeverydayandeverynight.Theycould,iftheysochose,endmyexistenceatawhim.Buttheydonot.TheyworkfortheGreaterGood,asdoI.Theyservemewillingly,andIformypartservethemwillingly,byservingthegreateridealoftheGreaterGood.ThisiswhatTau’vameans.’Grunkelsatbackwithasigh,pushingouthisbelly.I’mgladIhadmyhelmet

on.Thesmellofnon-Tau’vahumansgetstomenow.Tauarefastidiouslycleancreatures,althoughtheysmellstrangetomestill.Humanscanbe,butinplaceslikeAgrellan,whereeverythingisinshortsupply,includingwater,hygiene’snotapriority,eveninthemoniedclasses.Inshort,Grunkelreeked.Ofsweat,ofunwashedclothes,butmostofallofprivilegebuiltonthesufferingofothers.‘I’veheardsuchoffersallbefore,atonetimeoranother.Notalwaysinthe

sameprettywords,andnotalwaystogether.We’reisolatedouthere,theImperium’seyeiselsewhere.It’suptomenlikemetomakesurethattheruleoftheEmperordoesnotfalter,butitdoes.’Heglancedatme.‘Pirates,renegades,xenos…TheDamoclesGulfisaplaygroundforthemall.Wehavetofendforourselves,makesurethelightoftheEmperorandtheImperiumdoesnotfail.Tellme,tau,howareyoudifferenttothehrud?Yourkindwillinfestourworldassurelyastheywould.Andwhatmakesyoudifferenttotheorks?Yourthreatsaremorecoythantheirs,butIhearthemallthesame.Andyourweaponry,ashasbeenpointedouttomebyotheremissarieslikeyourself,isfarbetterthanthatcarriedbythegreenskins.’Heleanedforwardwithagrunt.Withagutlikethat,hemusthavebeeninconstantdiscomfort.Hepickedupmorefood,somekindofstringymeat,anddippeditintoapotofsauce.‘Youofferusnothingbutslavery,hiddenbehindthewordsoffriendship,’hesaid,beforetakingabiteofthemeat.Saucedribbledintohisbeard.Skilltalkerwasdismayed.‘No!No,noneareslaves.Weallworktogether,for

theGreaterGood.’‘Doyouknow,yourkind,howlargetheImperiumis?Doyou?’Grunkel

smilednastily.‘I’msuretreacherousmenlikeyourJ’thingherehasfilledyouin.TheImperiumofManisthelargestempireinthecosmos.Itstretchesfromonesideofthegalaxytotheother.Yourlittle“commonwealth”,nomatterhowdynamicitfeelsitselftobe,runsuponlyagainstthebulwarksoftheImperium–weherebesidetheGulf.Andalthoughyoumaybreachthewallsinoneplace,youcannothopetotakethefortress.OnceyouhavedrawntheattentionoftheHighLordsofTerra,myalien“friend”,thenyourkindwillregretitsarrogance,shortlybeforeitceasestoexistaltogether.Ifyousincerelybelieveinyourmessagesofcohabitationandpeace,andIamnotconvincedatallbythose,theninthesamespiritIofferyousomesageadviceofmyown.WithdrawbackovertheDamoclesGulf.Fortifyyourfrontier,andpraythattheImperiumdeemsyoutoolittleofathreattobothercrushing,becausecrushedyouwillbe.Nomatteryourtechnology,nomatteryourself-belief.Yougoadagiant,andwakeitatyourperil.’

Quitethespeech,Ithought.Skilltalker’sexpressionwasopenandsympathetic.‘OgreatlordoftheImperium,thankyouforyouradvice,butIfearitcannotandwillnotbeactedupon.Thatisnotourdestiny.OurdestinyistocarrythemessageoftheGreaterGoodtoall,andbringpeacetothegalaxy.’Grunkeltwistedhislipsandshookhisheadindisbelief.‘Youbelieve

yourselvessosuperior.And,hereticalasitmightbetosayso,youmightberight.Ihaveseenyourtechnology.Butyouarefew,andwearemany.’‘Andyoucannotseethatyourtimehaspassed,’counteredSkilltalker.‘Here,

letusshowyousomeofthetechnicalandsocialbenefitswecanofferyou,asequals,allworkingtogetherasone.’HewavedBuforwards,butGrunkelscowledathim.Bucametothetableonlytostopbeforesettinghisdemonstrationunitdown.AsfarasIcouldtell,hewashurtbytherejection.Butthey’restoic,theearthcaste.Annoyinglystoic.‘I’mnotinterested.Youcantakeyourimpurealienjunkandshoveitinto

whateverpassesforanalimentaryexitinyourspecies.’Charming,Ithought,andthisistheupperlevelofAgrellansociety.Skilltalkerlookedglum,althoughthemannerofexpressionmadeit

abundantlyclearthatitwassorrowhefeltforGrunkel,nothimself.‘Asstarsareborn,burnbrightandthendecay,sodoempires.Doyouthinkthatyourspecieshasamonopolyonpower?Archaeologistsofourearthandwatercasteshavediscoveredevidenceoflostcivilisationsthatpredatebothofoursbytensofmillionsofyears!’Heheldouthishands,asifhewouldwringadropofreasonfromthisrockofImperialrectitude.‘Why,yoursisnoteventhefirstempireofmankind–ourcontactwithworldsyouhaveforgottenabouttellsusthat.Iassureyou,itwillbethelast.Yourpeoplewillliveonwithinourcommonwealth,whetherornotyouyourselflivetoseeit.AndIrejoicethatitisso,forgenocideisshamefulandunnecessary.Wouldthatwecouldwelcomeyouallintoourfoldwithoutbloodshed.Ifyoufeartheretributionofyourkind,donot.Workwithus!Themoreofyouthatdo,thelesspowerthetyrannyofyourmasterswillholdoveryou.Besafe,befree.’‘Free?’snortedGrunkel.‘Freedom’sadangerousmyth.Isayagain,I’veheard

allthisbefore,Skilltalker.Youthinkthatyourarmywaitingoutthere,’hegesturedupwards,‘makesmemoreinclinedtotakeyourduplicitousoffer,orless?Youunderestimateusifyouthinkweshallallbesoeasilyintimidated.Therewerewatercasteherebeforethelastattemptyoupeoplemadetotakeourworlds.I’veseenyourbroadcasts,readyourpropaganda.’Helookeddirectlyatmeashecontinuedtospeak.‘Allverymarvellous,butbetter,Isay,betterthe

righteousruleoftheEmperorofMankind,betterthechainsofhonestservitudethananalienbootontheneckinafalseequality.’Hethrewdownhismeat,leanedback,sighedandlacedhisfingersoverhisgut

again.‘Iamsureyouwillbeverydisappointed,xenos,butthisismyanswer–there

willbenosurrenderofHiveChaeron.’Skilltalkernodded,understandinganddisappointmentartfullyexpressedby

hisremarkableface.‘Iunderstand.Ithankyouforthismeeting.’Hestoodandbowed,handscrossedacrosshischestinthetauway.‘Ifyoushouldsurvivetheattentionsofourhuntercadres,Ihopewemaymeetagain,andthatyouropinionwillhavechanged.’Withthatheheadedfortheairlock.Krixfollowed,turningtoandfro,alertfor

anysignofambush.BuandIfollowed.‘Wait!’calledGrunkel.Skilltalkerstopped.‘Ihaveaquestionforyourhuman

slave.’‘J’ten?’askedSkilltalker.Iturned.‘Goahead,Grunkel.’Notusinghistitlepleasedmegreatly.Itdidn’t

fazehim.Ireckonhewasakindofpragmatist,Grunkel.Hewasnocoward,either.Ifeelformenlikehim.Sure,hewasapigofaman,atyrant.Butthesystemheexistedindemandedhebeone.Heknewhestoodagoodchanceofdying.Whatcouldhedo?Hewasplayingtheodds;apityforhimthathelaiddownthewronghandonthetable.‘Tellme,“J’ten”,ifthatisyourname.Isittrulyashesays?Isitbetterforyou

asaslaveoftheirsorasasubjectoftheEmperor’s?’Iregardedhimthroughmyhelmetvisionsystemforamoment.Itputdistance

betweenus,thattechnologicalinterface.Lookingathimthatwaymadehimseemdisconnectedfrommylife,ridiculouseven.AllthatmademytimebeforetheTau’vaseemalmostimpossible.Ialmostbelievedithadbeensomekindofnightmare.Almost.‘Whatdoyouthink?’IsaidtoGrunkel.IthenspoketoSkilltalker.‘Iadviseus

todepartnow,por’el.’Skilltalkerhesitated.Hewassuchaprofessional,makingitcleartoGrunkel

thathewasconsideringmywords.Iwasnolackey.‘Verywell,gue’vesa’vre.Iconcur.Farewell,LordGrunkel.’Weleftthetent.ThelasttimeI’ddonesomethinglikethis,I’dbeenonthe

otherside,backwhenIwasstillJathenKorlingandIwasacaptainintheGormen’sFastplanetarydefenceforce.Iknewassoonasthetaucamein–in

greaterforcethattime,Imightadd,ourwatercastevisitorlackedSkilltalker’sflairforhumility–thatwewereoutgunned.Wecouldallseeit,allexceptColonelArtreuse.LookingbackatouraudiencewithGrunkel,maybehesawittoo.Maybehewasjusttooproudtoacceptit.It’snoeasythingtoacceptthatyourtimeisdone.GrunkelwasmoreofapragmatistthanArtreuse,butnotasmuchofoneas

Boroth.Werollourdiceandtakeourchoices.Imademine.Grunkelmadehis.I’malive,andGrunkel’sdead.Whatdoesthattellyou?

Eveningwascomingonoutside.Thehive’supperlevels,juttingsofarabovethecurveofAgrellan,stillglowedamber,butthewallsweregreywithshade,andtheforestflooralreadylosttonight.‘They’reuptosomething,’Isignalledthesquad.‘Hincks,Othelliar,takepoint.

Goliath,Helena,closeinonthepor’el.Holyon,stickbyme.MightbeworthgettingKor’laD’yanoiYel’fyrtofireupthedrones.’Bugrabbedmysleeve,hisotherarmcradlinghisignoredtechdemonstrator.

‘Wewaithere.Nogo.Por’elthinkswebesafe.’‘That’snothisjob,it’smine.He’stooinvestedinideasofhonourandmutual

gaintoseehowdevioustheseswinecanbe,’Isaid.‘Idon’tlikeit.Something’sup.’Weroundedthecornerintothelandingglade.Kor’laD’yanoiYel’fyrhadbeen

hauledfromhiscockpit,strugglingtostandonlegssuitedtozero-g.Menstoodaround,theirweaponspointed.‘Ohno,’Isaid.‘They’vegoneanddoneit.’Thiswasnofearformyself

speaking,youunderstand.Iknewwhatwasgoingtohappen.Mygutsclenched.Thesemenwereallgoingtodie.‘Dropyourweapons!Standdown.Youaretobetakenprisoner!’theirofficer

shouted.‘Oh,thedamnedidiots,’IheardHelenawhisper.‘Don’tdothis!’Isaid,switchingmyhelmettobroadcast.‘Standdown,weare

adiplomaticmissionwithfullimmunityasagreedbeforethemeeting.’‘Therecannoconsiderationforxenosscumandtraitors!Howmarvellouscan

thisGreaterGoodbe?Youhavefallenintoatrap.’Withahalf-platoonoflasgunstrainedonme,Iletmyweaponfall,mysquad

followedsuit.IwouldnotbepartytogunningdownmenIwouldhaveoncefoughtalongside.Thiswassmallconsolation.‘No,myfriend,’Isaidsoftly.‘Youhavetriggeredoneyourself.’

Thisisthewayitgoes;onceweaponsareraisedandthreatsoffered,everyonegetsachancetosurrender.Thepor’elturnedtome.Nowwasthetime.Theymighttakeitbetterfromme.‘Now,fortheloveoftheEmperor,laydownyourarms.’TheGuardsmanlaughed.‘YouhavenolovefortheEmperor,traitor!’Theymovedforwardstoarrestus,butnevermadeit.Firecamehissingoutofthetrees,thegentleburrofsound-suppressedburst

cannons.ItwassoquietthattheGuardsmenonlyrealisedtheywereunderfirewhenthreemenexplodedintohunksofflesh.Aninstantofshockedsilence,andthentheclearingeruptedinto

pandemonium.Menthrewthemselvesinalldirections,toobusytryingtosavetheirownskinstoopenfireonus.OneoftheDevilfish’sdronespoppedoutofitshousingandrushedtowards

Skilltalker,encasinghiminaglowingsheathofenergy.TheGuardsmanhadbeeninstructedtobringhimdown,itseemed,forlargeamountsofweaponsfirecamehisway,buthestoodthereimpassively,protectedbythesuperiortechnologyoftheGreaterGood.Whentheyrealisedwhatwashappening,theyturnedtheirgunsonus,

shootingHincksdeadoutofspite.Krixwentintothem,movingsofastthatthefirstthreemenhekilleddidn’tevenregisterhispresence.Hescreechedfearsomely,andtheremainingGuardsmenranfromhim,rightattheStealthteamshiddeninthefringesoftheforest.‘Stop!Stop!Enough!Ceasefiring!Letthembe!’orderedthepor’el.TheStealthteams’bloodwasup,andittookarepeatofSkilltalker’sorder

beforetheshootingstopped.Bodieslayeverywherearoundtheclearing.Guardsmencamerunningupthepathtobemetbyourraisedweapons.TheStealthteamsemergedbehindthem,theirshapesvisibleasaglimmerontheair.Thistime,whenaskedtodroptheirweapons,theycomplied.‘Suchawaste,suchawaste,’saidSkilltalkersoftly.Hewalkedaround,

lookingatthecarnage,stillprotectedbytheshielddrone.Krixwaslookingatthebodieslongingly,buthewouldn’teat,notinthepresenceofthetau.BuhelpedKor’laD’yanoiYel’fyrbackintohispod,ashewaspractically

helplessatthislevelofgravity.MymensurroundedtheGuardsmen,bunchingthemupinfrontoftheDevilfish.OneoftheStealthteamsheadedofftothetent.Therewasabriefroundofgunfire,andthentheycameback,theirbulkyformsbehindGrunkelandmoreGuardsmen.Alltold,we’dtakenaboutthirtyprisoners.

‘Whatshallwedowiththem?’Isaid.‘Leavethem,’saidSkilltalker.‘Thisisadiplomaticmeeting,andIwillabide

bythelawsofit,eveniftheydonot.’‘They’llonlyfightO’Shassera,’Isaid.‘Thentheywilldie.Butthatistheirchoice.Itwillnotbemine.Destroytheir

weapons.’MyremainingmengotonwiththatwhiletheStealthteamswatchedthe

prisoners.Ilookedatthesmokingcorpses,checkingthemforsignsoflife.Skilltalkersawawaste.Isawidiocy.Grunkelwasstandinginthefloodofthetideanddenyinghisfeetwerewet.Thatwastherealshameofit.Timesarechanging.Mostofmykindjustdon’tknowityet.‘Stupid,’IsaidtoGrunkel.Hestaredback,handsclaspedbehindhishead,in

thesameboatashismenforonce.Hewasacold-eyedwhoreson,that’sforsure.‘Notstupid,’saidSkilltalker,talkingmoretoGrunkelthantome.‘Thisisan

actofdefiance,apettyact.Nowlook,yourmenaredead,andforwhat?’‘Youbroughtmentoo,’saidGrunkel,somewhatpetulantly,Ithought.Skilltalkersmiledsadly.‘Onlybecausetheperfidyofyourkindiswellknown.

Ithankdestinynotallofyouarethesame.Ourofferstillstands.Pleasereconsider.Iwishtoseeyouworkingwithus,together,andnotdeadinthismanner.Itisawaste.’‘Gotohell,xenos.’Grunkelsnarledthroughhisrespirator.‘I’dratherdie.’Skilltalker’ssmilefaded.‘I’mverymuchafraidthatyouwill,muchtomy

eternalregret.’SkilltalkerturnedandwentbackintotheDevilfish.WeretrievedHincks’s

body.Westoodwarily,ourgunsontheGuardsmenaswewaitedfortheenginestospoolup.YoucouldseethatalotoftheGuardtherewereconsideringSkilltalker’soffer,butwecouldn’ttakethem.Buwentintothecraft.Wefollowed,gunsupalltheway.Thedoorshutonthefacesofthosewhohadthoughtthattheyweregoingto

die.Theirreliefwaseasilyapparent.Skilltalkershowedmercyandartfuldiplomacyinreleasingthemen,forwhatlittlegooditdidthem.Iftheirleadersdidnotsurrender,they’donlydietomorrow,orthedayafter.TheDevilfishtookoff,carryingusbacktoourshiptotakeusbacktothefleet.

Backontheground,theStealthteamswouldbevanishinginfrontoftheImperials,goingbacktohideinthejungletowaitforO’Shaserra’sattacktocomeoverthefollowingdays.Grunkelshouldhavesurrendered.

CHAPTERFIVE

Ineverceasetowonderattheefficiencyofthetau.OnlydayslaterandthebattleforAgrellanwasinfullspate.Itwaslate

afternoonwherewewere.Alreadytenofthetwelvehives–Chaeronincluded–hadfallentoShadowsun’sFirstStrikehuntercadres.Inasingleday.ThosekindsofrapidgainsmusthavetakentheImperialbrasstotallybysurprise.Ashistoryproves,theremainingtwocitieswouldnotholdoutlong.I’dheardthattheImperialshadbegunevacuatingtheplanetthemomentShadowsunattacked.Cleverthat,asourforceswerecommittedelsewhere,toospreadouttodomuchaboutit.Isupposethat’sthebenefitofhavingyourarmycommandedbyaSpaceMarineChapterMaster.HegaveShadowsunarunforhermoneyallright.TheImperialswerepullingbackalltheirassetstoAgrellanPrimewherethey

werebeingferriedintoorbit.Theirfleetwasawayoverthatsideoftheplanet,welloutofourlineofview,holdingpositionoverAgrellanPrimeandkeepingthetaubattlegroupbackwhiletheirwarriorswerepulledoutofthefire.IwonderediftheImperialsweregoingtooffertotakethecivilianpopulationawaywiththem,andIwonderedhowmanyofthecivilianswouldacceptthatoffer.Mostofthefightingwasawayfromus,butthegroundrumbledwithdistantartillerybombardments,andflightsofSunSharksscreamedoverheadperiodically.Therewerefewwarriorsatourposition,buttheearthcastesupportwork

groupwasbusyallaroundus.Theinvasionhadn’tevenconcluded,andalready

theearthcastewerebusilyconstructingaspaceport.Hell,theywerebuildingacity.I’msurepre-existingground-to-orbitfacilitieshadbeenidentifiedaskeytargetsforvariousteamsinthecadres,buttheseassetswereasmuchaliabilityforthetau.Mostofthemwereclosebyorbuiltontothehivecities.Assuch,guaranteeingtheirsecuritywasnighonimpossible.Thecitieswerevast.Nomatterhowquicklythearmedforcescapitulatedorwererouted,thehiveswereoccupiedbyfractiouspopulations.Noteveryonewasgoingtoseethetauasaliberatingpower.Thehiveswouldtakedaystofullypacify,andthespaceportsandlandingpadswouldbeprimetargetsforeveryfanaticwithabombandadeathwish.Thetaucouldn’trisktheirconstructorgroupsoradministratorscomingunderattack.Buhadalsotoldmethattheearthcastewasamazed–inaverybadway–atthehivecities.Someambitiousplansweremootedtoconvertthem,butasBusaid,it’dtakealongtimetomakethemfitfortheGreaterGood,andinanycasethepopulationoftheworldwasgoingtobegreatlyreducedastheearthcastecalculatedAgrellanwaswelloveritsoptimumpopulationloading.Heconfidedtomethatpersonally,he’dprefertoseethemdismantled,buthedidn’tthinkthatwasgoinghappen.TheThirdSphereadvancewasprogressingtooquicklytotakethetimetodoit.Togetroundthislackofsecurefacilities,inusualearthcastefashionthey

weregoingtobuildanewcity,underfire,inlittleunderthreedays.Asweweremeregue’vesa,andnotentirelytobetrusted,wewereassigned

rearlineduties,inourcaseguardingthesiteofthisnewsettlement,namedprosaicallyMu’gulath’effu’ve–Mu’gulathFirstBridgehead.Notverypoetic,theearthcaste.Ican’tsayIwascompletelydisappointed.SpaceMarineshadbeenpresenton

theplanetsincethefirstImperialreinforcement–WhiteScars,soIunderstand,althoughIneversawanyofthem.Butmorehadcome,RavenGuard,theirleadertakingcommandofthewholecounter-invasionforce.Onlyafewhundredalltold,ifthat,butthat’smorethanenough.Youhavetounderstand,thattocitizensoftheImperiumtheAdeptusAstartesarethestuffofmyth,almostgods…Andwe’rescaredofthem.TheyarecalledtheAngelsofDeathforgoodreason.Therewereafewfirewarriorteams–realwarriors,asfarasthetauwere

concerned,butI’mnotconvinced.IknowI’mondangerousgroundhere,butIreckonyou’veenoughtoshootmealreadyinthisrecordingshouldyoudecideI’mnotsufficientlyobedient.I’venoticedthatwhenbattle’sgoingagainstfirewarriors,they’vegotlessstayingpowerthanmen.I’mlookingforwardtothe

timethatwegue’laaretrustedenoughtotakeupfront-lineworkwiththelikesofthemal’korandthethraxians.We’vealottogive,notleastflexibility.Anyway,that’ssomethingI’vebeenbadgeringfirewarriorcommandabout

wheneverI’mable.IdoubtIwonthemover,theymusthavejudgedthetimeright,becausewewillbeshippingouttothefrontassoonasmyvocalgraftstake.Ican’twait,Ireallycan’t.Ican’tsayallmymessagesandpetitionsdidthejob.Butmaybewhatconvincedthemispartlydowntowhathappenedthere,atMu’gulath’effu’ve.Shadowsunbeganherattackearlyinthemorningandbylocalnoon,earth

castecontructionteamswereclearingtheareaandbeginningtoerectthefirstbuildings.Thefirsttocomedown,underattack,wasaliftingunitbearingthefour-storeycentralcommandnode.Somehowitdepositeditsloadandgotawaybeforeitgotshotdown.Withthecommandnodedown,everythingspedup.Flightsofliftersbroughtinearthcasteequipment,andassoonastheyweredown,theystartedlayingtheroadnetworkout.Enemyaircraftwereclearedsoonafter,andwehadclearskiesfortheearthcastetobringtheirheavierunitsin.Bymid-afternoon,thestreetshadallbeenlaidout,foundationshadbeendugandbasingmodulesputinplace,andmoreandmoreprefabricatedbuildingswerebeingshippedinbytheaircaste.Theplacewasswarmingwithconstructiondrones,engineersandseveralhundredalienmembersoftheTau’va.Therewasanetherealonsite–Aun’Kira–upinthecommandnodeoverseeingitall,whichgoestoshowhowcertainwewereofvictory.Wewereco-optedintopatrollingtheperimeter,butwewerethereinthefirstplacebecauseourPor’elSkilltalkerwasstationedatFirstBridgehead.Alargepartofthecomplexwasgivenovertoreprocessing,andtherewereseveralwatercastethere.Confidentofcapturingmanyprisonersorexperiencingmasssurrenders,andmindfulofthevastpopulationsofAgrellan’stwelvehives,thereprocessingcentreshadbeenputupfirst.Byearlyevening,we’dalreadyhadovertenthousandcapturedImperialsoldiersbroughttothefacility,processed,andwewerebeginningtoshipoutthosewhowerewillingtopledgetheirloyaltytotheTau’va.It’sharshwhathappenedtothoseasdidn’t,butthat’swar.Theyhadtheir

choice.ItwasjustafterweheardthatAgrellanTwohadfallentothecadres,wewere

attacked.Don’tgetmewrong.I’msurethisincidenthasbeenplayedoverandagainat

theHighCommand.Therewerehalfadozenorsobridgeheadsconstructedbytheearthcasteteams,whyourswastheonlyoneattackedwaswayabovemy

commandtiertoknowforsureatthetime,althoughitbecamealltooclear.Intheimmediateaftermathmysuspicionswerethatthiswasnoattackofopportunity,andyeah,inlightofwhathappenedlaterIshouldhaveactedonthem.Iadmittedthatfairandsquareatthedebriefing.IwasstillinasituationthenwhereIdidn’tfeelitmyplacetospeakupandcontradictmysuperiors’predictions.CommanderO’Hye’eseraherselftoldme,tomyface,thatthatshouldneverhappenagain,thatIshouldspeakmymindandthatmybeingague’vesamadenodifference,thatweareallequalsfightingfortheGreaterGood.Morethanthat,shesaidthatIwouldhavemuchdeeperunderstandingofthegue’labecauseIamgue’vesa,andthatmyopinionwouldthereforebevalued.Iamlearning,Iswear.Still,hindsight’samarvellousthing.TherewasonecadrestationedtoprotectFirstBridgehead,alongwithfive

krootkindreds,myla’rua,twoothergue’vesaauxiliaryteams,andonethraxianclosemelee.Aroundtwocompanies’strengthinImperialGuardterms,Iguess.Wedidn’tseetheattackcomingatall.Whywouldwe?Wewerealongwaybehindthe–rapidlyshrinking–mainlines,theImperialshadbeentakenunawaresdespitebeingprepared,andtheirevacuationwaswellunderwaywhenwestartedonFirstBridgehead.I’dhavethoughtacadrebacked-upbygunshipsandoneofthenewRiptideswouldbeenoughtodissuadeanyone,butthoseCatachansarenoteasilyintimidated.Iwaspatrollingthesouthernperimeterwithmyteamwhenithappened.The

woodswereevil,gaveusallthespooks.Iwasgladoftheves’ronturretswatchingtheshadeofthewoods.Evilplace,eveninthebroadlightofday.TherewasnoundergrowthsofarasIcouldtell,onlythetreesgrew,andtheirpaletrunksmarchedoffintoasmearykindofgreythatwasunpleasanttolooktoodeeplyinto.‘Localwildlife’skeepingalowprofile,’saidHelena.‘Goodjob,’saidGoliath.‘It’snotfriendly.’‘Dotheyknowwhatthey’redoinghere?Choosingthisworld?Givesmethe

creeps,whatyouImperialsdotoyourplanets,’saidOthelliar.Asalways,thatnoteofangerwasclearinhisvoice.‘By“they”youmean“us”,Othelliar,andby“you”youmean“them”.I’mno

Imperial,norisHelenaorGoliath.We’reallintheTau’va.Youseemtobewilfullyforgettingthat.’Hemumbledsomethingthatmighthavebeenanapology.Holyonlaughed.

Emperorknowswhy.

‘What’sthat?’askedGoliath.Hepointedouttotheedgeoftheforest.Somethingwasmovingthere.‘Halt,’Isaid,bringingthela’ruatoastop.Izoomedmylensesintothe

movementatthefringeofthetrees.‘Nativelife,’Isaid.Alarge,cat-likethingwithaflatheadandsixlegswasprowlingalongtheedgeoftheforest.‘Lookatthatthing!’saidGoliath.‘Nastylooking.’‘I’veseenbigger,andI’veseenworse,’saidHolyondismissively.‘Howanythingcanliveherewithoutarespiratorbeatsme,’saidGoliath.‘Itdoesnotappearwell,’saidHelena.‘No,’Isaid.Shewasright,itsgreyfurwasmattedandinplaceshadfallenout

toshowscabbedskin.WhenIhadmyhelmetzoomatmaximum,Icouldseesoresshowingprettymuchalloverit.Oneofthemiddlepairoflegswaswithered.‘Shoulditlooklikethat,’vre?’saidHelena.‘Beatsme,Idon’tknowifthelocallifeishexapedalorwhetherit’sa

quadrupedwithsomekindofmutation.I’mnobiologist.Goasktheearthcaste.’Helenalaughed.‘They’rekindofbusy,andtheoneshereaboutsarethewrong

sort.’‘Finethen,you’llhavetosaveit.’Wewatchedtheanimalslinkoff.Inspiteof

itssize,itdidn’tappeartobemuchofathreat,evenso,theclosestves’ronturrettrackeditprettycarefullyuntilithadvanishedintothetrees.Weresumedourpatrol.Maybeforaboutahalfdec.We’dsettledintoasteady,

diligentsweepwhenalarmssuddenlywentoffeverywhere.That’swhenweheardthefirstreport.‘Allunits,allunits!Standready,weareunderattack.Weareunderattack!’Welookedaroundlikeidiots,searchingforthesourceofthedisturbance.The

southsidewassilent,alarmsclangingoutfromtheves’ronturretsandourhelmetearpiecesaside,therewasnomovementatall.Wecouldn’tevenhearanything,andforthetimebeingtheconstantactivityoftheearthcastebehinduswentonuninterrupted.Icheckedin.‘Command,command,thisisgue’vesala’ruaeight-four-four-

eight,weseenothing.Whatareourorders?’TherewasapausebeforeO’Hye’eseraansweredmepersonally.‘Theyattack

thenorthside.Proceedswiftlytoreinforceshas’lala’ruagoi’va’he’naka.’‘What’stheirtarget?’Iasked,thetranslationunitsinmyhelmetconveyingmy

wordstomycommander.‘They’regoingforthereprocessingcentre,’shesaid.‘Thegue’laslaygue’lato

preventtheirjoiningoftheTau’va.Thisisabominable!’Shewasright;itseemedpetty,butthenshedidn’tknowtheImperiumlikewe

did,howvindictiveitcouldbe.Ithinkweappalyou.Signsofcombatwerebecomingapparent.ThethreeHammerheadgunships

thathadbeenpatrollingoverourheadsonthesouthsidewereheadingdirectlyoverthecentreofFirstBridgeheadforthenorthside.Earthcastewereabandoningtheirtaskswiththatironefficiencywithwhichtheydoeverything.Machinesweresettingthemselvesdown,protectiveenergyshieldsgoinguparoundthem,blastdoorsandshuttersclosingovertheirvulnerableparts.Weran.Thesitewasfourkilometresacross.Whenwe’dmadethecentre,earthcasteweremakingtheirwayinorderlylinestothecentralcommandnode,wherethey’dfindshelterinitsbunker.Wehadtoshoveourwaythroughthem.Flightsofdroneswhizzedoverus.Wecouldhearthegunfirenow,thehighpitchedwhineofpulseweaponry,thecrackoflasguns.Thedroneemplacementsaroundthecommandnodewerebeltingoutahighrateoffiretowardsthenorth.Atrioofmortarroundsexplodednearby,showeringuswithdirt.Weduckedintoacrouchandranon.Anotherlargershellcamecloseinafterwards,hittingthemiddleofalineofearthcastewe’djustshovedthroughandloftingbodyparts,mudandshatteredconstructionmatricesintothesky.Theshockwavecaughtus,sendingmesprawling.Goliathhelpedmeup.HelenaandHolyonwereafewpacesaway,helpingwoundedearthcaste.Othelliarwasaproblem,sprintingtowardsthebattle.‘Youokay,boss?’saidGoliath.Ishookoffhishand.‘Othelliar,Othelliar!Fallbackintoformationnow!’Ifeltalittlewoozy.Medteamswererunningallovertheplace,hauling

shockedfio’latotheirfeetandpushingthemtowardsthecommandnode.TheytookoverfromHelena,whowastryingtostemtheflowofbloodfromtheneckofafio’la,andsherejoinedus.Holyoncameincloseafter.OfOthelliar,therewasnosign.‘Comeon,we’reonegundownasitis,weneedOthelliar.’Ishoutedintomy

voxpickup.‘Backherenow,Othelliar!’Anetworkofshielddronescameswoopingin,throwingaprotectiveenergy

umbrellaovertheremainingearthcasteastheyranintothebroad,slotdoorsaroundthecommandnode.Shells,rangednow,slammedintotheenergyenvelopesurroundingthestructure.Acouplegotthroughtheshields,butdidlittlemorethanturnthesmoothwhiteoftheexteriorsmokyblack.Othersexplodedamongthedrones.Threefellfromtheskywithaclang,sendingup

sparksandsmoke,buttheydidtheirjob,andtheremainderofthefio’lamadeittosafety.Wewereawayfromthecentralsectionthen,offuponeoftheradialroads,and

intothebattleproper.Linesoffirewarriorshadtakenupstationaroundthenorthernedge.The

Imperialshadchosentheirtimeandlocationwell.ThelandforFirstBridgeheadhadbeencleared.Thesitewascircular,andtheconstructionpatterns–theprocessingcentreaside–proceededsectionally,startinginthesouth-westquadrantandmovingaroundthesitelikeaclockfacebeingfilledin.Muchofthesuperstructurehadnotbeenputintoplaceinthree-fifthsofthesite,andallthathadwastowardsthesouth-westandwest,sotherewaspreciouslittlecoverinthenorth.Theroadswereraisedsomewhat,therewassomesheltertobefoundbehindthefoundationplugsandturrets,andtherewereahandfulofpitsdugtofacilitatemorerapiddeploymentofthedeeper-rangingprefabricatedbuildings.Otherthanthatwewerecaughtintheopen.Buhadtoldmemuchaboutthecombatdeploymentofearthcastefacilities–

heisquitebloodthirstyforafio’la,hencehisfrontlineattachment.Andactually,asimilarfacilitytoFirstBridgeheadhadbeenmyfirstglimpseofatausettlement,backonGormen’sFasttwotau’cyrago.It’sallverysmart,buttheself-containednatureoftheunitsthatmadeupFirstBridgeheadwasworkingagainstushere.IfthiswereanImperialbeachhead,there’dhavebeentrenchesforcommlines,pilesofconstructionmaterialsandcumbersomeearthshifterequipment.Itwouldhavetakenweekstobuild,butwe’dhavehadplentytohidebehind.AsitwasonMu’gulathBay,thesouthwasfinished,butheretherewasnothingbetweenusandtheprocessingcentre,andtherewasnothingagainbetweenthatandthecommandnode.TheGuardwereinafarbetterposition.Aninitialforayagainsttheprocessing

centrehadbeenbeatenback,andtherewereseveraldozenhumanbodieslitteringthegroundinfrontofit,althoughthecentreitselfhadnotescapedunscathed.Theotherswereatrickierproposition.Attackingfromthejungle,theyweredeepincover.Weranovertothefirewarriorsquadwehadbeenassignedtoandthrewourselvesdown.Othelliarwastherealready.Hewasfiringhispulsegunintimewiththeshas’lala’rua.Iwasfuriouswithhim.HeedlessofthefirecominginfromtheGuard,Ikickedhisgunawayandrolledhimontohisback.‘Don’teverdothatagain,’Isaid.‘We’resupposedtoworkasateam.Thisis

yourteam.Us,notthem.’Ipointedatthefirewarriors.‘Orwhoeverhappensto

befightingafightyoufindappealing.Youdisobeyordersandyoucompromiseourefficiency.DoitagainandI’llhaveyouoncharges.’Icouldn’tseehisfacethroughhishelmet.Buthenodded.Iletgoofhis

shoulderandherolledbackover,andretrievedhisweapon.Thetacticalsituationwasso:wewereoutintheopen,butwehadbyfarthe

heavierfirepower.SomuchofitwasblastingintothewoodsthattheGuardwerekeepingtheirheadsdownandtheirshotswerepoorlyaimed.Second,pulsefireismoreeffectiveatrangethanlas-fire.EspeciallysomewherelikeAgrellanwherethehazeoftheatmospheredispersesthecoherencyofthelightbeamsquitequickly.EveryImperialGuardsmanthat’slivedthroughoneengagementknowsthis;lasgunsarereliableandcheaptomake,buttheenvironmentcancompromisetheirefficiency.We’danumberofgunships,they’dthreeheavytanksinsupport.Onewasablazingwreckalready,buttheothertwohadpushedupbanksoftheclaysoilinfrontofthemwiththeirdozer-blades.Howtheymanagedtogetinsocloseisstillunderinvestigation,butIsuspectit’ssimplefieldcraft.TheCatachanshaveaknackforthissortoffighting,they’rerenownedforit.TherewereagoodnumberofSentinelwalkers–anothersignatureofthehumansfromthatparticularworld.They’rehardmen,allright.ThecreaturesontheirhomeworldmakethediseasedhorrorsofAgrellanlookpathetic.Theyworevestsandwerebare-armed,barelyascrapofarmouramongthem.Slowsthemdown,theysay.Heavilymuscledtoo,onaccountoftheirworld’shighgravity.TheonlyconcessiontheyhadmadetothetoxicityofAgrellanwastherespiratorseachandeveryoneofthemhadon.EvenaCatachancan’tbreathetheairofAgrellan.Mortarfirewascominginthickandfast,badnewsforus.Firewarriorteams

awaytotheeastwerecoppingtheworstofit.Itwaspuregoodfortunethatthere’dbeenararedelayintheconstruction,andtheatmospherereprocessorshadn’tbeenflownin–therewasavastnetworkoftheseplanned,Busaid,tocleanuptheair.Adirecthitononeofthoseandthebattlewould’vebeenoverinshortorder.O’Hye’eserawasthere,directingdronesquadronsagainsttheGuard.The

ves’ronmadeahandyshield,andkeptthemoccupied.Andsowewereinsomethingofastalemate.TheloneRiptideassignedtoFirstBridgeheadwashammeringawayatthetrees,buttheCatachansweremovingaround,andtheywerehardtosee,evenwithallourusefultechnology.Markerlights–droneandtauoperated–werestrippingawaysomeofthebenefitstheyderivedfromcover,andIthoughtitwouldn’tbelongbeforeoursuperiorweaponryandsuperiorfire

disciplinewoulddrivethembackintotheforestwheretheycouldbehunteddownaftertheconquest,captured,andinductedintotheTau’vaatleisure.Despiteourdifficultposition,we’dalreadybluntedtheirattack.OrsoIthought.Iwaswrongaboutthat.Overlappingpatternsofpulsefirestartedtotaketheirtoll,markerlights

paintinguptheCatachansinbrightorangeswithinourhelmetsightingmechanisms.Shellscontinuedfallingonus,andweweretakingstiffcasualties,butwe’dannihilatedagoodplatoon’sworthoftheenemytotheirtwofirewarriorteams’worthonourside.ThatwaswhentheImperialsrevealedtheirsecretweapon.Theywaiteduntil

ourRiptidehadadvanced,jettingaheadtosupporttheforwardrushofourtroops.Forthatmoment,itwasonitsownandunsupportedbytheHammerheads.AnImperialKnightcamefromtheforesttothenorth-west.Themovementof

thetreetopswasthefirstindicationthatitwascoming,andthenitburstthroughthetreesandallhellbrokeloose.Knightsarerarethings,greatwalkerspossessedofarcanetech.I’dseenone

oncebefore,inthesamecolours.HouseTerryn,Ithink.BiggerthantheRiptide,andjustasheavilyarmoured.Itopenedupwithitsbattlecannonandstubbersasitcamechargingatourlines.Theirweaponsaresimplesolidandexplosiveprojectilethrowers,butthesheersizeofthemmakesthemdevastating.Allofasuddenthetriumphantfeelingswe’dbeenenjoyingevaporated.AvolleyofbattlecannonfireslammedintotheleadofourthreeHammerheads,blastingitintoshrapnelthatwentscythingintothefirewarriorsshelteringbehindit.Asitdemolishedthetank,theKnight’sotherweaponswererunninghot,sendingastreamoftracerbulletsintoourlines.TheheightadvantagetheKnighthadoverusmadewhatlittlecoverwehaduseless,andperhapsafifthofourfirewarriorsdiedinthosefewmoments.O’Hye’eserareactedinstantly.ThetworemainingHammerheadstookoff

skyward,firingastheywent.Sheorderedawithdrawal,andwefellback,teambyteam.TheturretsofthecommandnodeswitchedtotargettheKnight,andtheRiptiderepositioneditselftoengage.TheearthcastewereveryconfidentabouttheRiptides,butIdon’tthinkthey’daccountedfortheshieldingtheKnightshave.TheRiptiderockedasitsentseveralionroundsattheKnight.Eachandeveryonewasabsorbedbytheshieldstothefront,sendingripplesofcolouredlightplayingacrossthemachine’sheraldry.Probablytheshas’vreintherethoughthe’dfelltheKnightwithnoproblem;generallytauweaponryshreds

Imperialarmourliketissuepaper.Hewasinforarudeshock.Caughtbysurprise,heignitedhisjetstoolate,liftingoffthegroundastheKnightbrokeintoalumberingrunthatsetthegroundshaking,chainfistraised.Itcarvedthroughtheairwithaspeedthattookusallbysurprise,crashingintotheRiptide’slegandtakingitcleanoff.ThebladecontinuedonintothesideoftheRiptide’sjumppack,shearingthroughtheleftexhaust,andthebattlesuitlurchedtotheleft,gasesbillowingfromit,andoutofmylineofsight.WeretreatedfromtheKnightingoodorder.Inresponse,theCatachanspoured

outofthetreesinforce,runningtowardsthecommandnode.Itlookedlikethey’dabandonedtheirplanstogofortheprocessingcentreandwereheadedrightforthecommandcentre.Thattherewasanetherealintheregotthetauallhetup.O’Hye’eseraorderedaringofsteeltobecastaroundthenode.Imean,thatwastheobvioustarget,right?Theattackontheprocessingcentrewasanobviousfeint.Wewereallwrongaboutthat.‘Gue’vesateamseight-four-four-eight,eight-eight-nine-severnandeight-nine-

one-three,fallbacktotheprocessingcentre,’cameEtherealAun’Kira’scommand.Hewasstationedupinthecommandnode,andhopefullysafe.‘Yourspecieswillbecomfortedbythepresenceofitsown.Defendthecomplexagainstanyincidentalaggression.’‘Ihearyouandrespond,Aun’kira.Weobey.’Isignalledtomyfourremaining

menandweranbackpell-mellfromtheripplinglinesoffirewarriorscoveringeachother’sredeployment.Theotherhumansofthecadrejoinedwithus.ToanImperialthissendingofalienstoguardalienswouldhavebeentheheightofidiocy,buttheaunknewwewouldobey.Actually,letmeputthatanotherway–itwasalmostinconceivabletohimthatwewouldnotdoashecommanded.Asthemostlongstandinggue’vesa’vre,andanex-captaintoboot,Itook

chargeofallthreegue’vesasquads,anddeployedmylittlebandoftraitorsattheprocessingcentre.Itwasabigbuilding,roughlyonehundredmetreseachside,withcurvedcornersandafat-belliedfrontagethatswelledupfourstoreystoaprojectingobservationfloor.Typicalcleantauarchitecture.Pathfindersniperswereuponthetopdeck,soweweren’tentirelyalone.Therewasonlyonerealentrance,asetofdoubledoorssixmetreswideandthreehigh.Theseweresecurelylocked.‘What’sthesituationinside?’Iradioed.‘Allcalm,gue’vesa’vre,’cameatauvoice,oddlymodulatedbymyhelmet’s

translationsuite.‘Wehavedisplayedyourpresencetothegue’lacaptives.Your

peoplearecalmedbyyouractions.’‘Astheaunwishedit,sowemakereal,’Isaid.Idon’talwaysrememberthe

formularesponses.I’mbetteratitnowthanIwasthen.Isettheothertwoteamstoguardthedoors,andtookHolyon,Helena,Goliath

andOthelliarawaytoaguardpost,thelasterectionawayfromthebuildingintheotherwiseunfinishedquadrantofthecity.Thepostwasasmall,circularpod,slottedintoapredefinedspaceonthecity’sgrid.Acurvedrooftoppedit,onewraparoundwindowgivinga360degreearcofvision.Alittlelikeaverysquatmushroom.Youknowthetype.Wewentinside.Therewasenoughroomforallofus.‘We’llgetagoodview

fromhere,’Isaid.‘NotthatIexpectmuchaction.’Wewatchedtheinterplayoflas-andpulsefirearoundthenode,thesparkleoftauenergyshielding.Iregrettednotbeinginvolvedinthefirefightgoingonaroundthecommandnode.Nowtheywereoutoftheforest,theCatachanswerehavingthesameproblemswedid,andwithnoshelteringscreensofdronestoprotectthem.ButbytheEmperor,theywerefierce,andwheretheyclosedtoassaultrangewiththetau,theycutthemdownwiththosebigjunglekniveswithoutmercy.Wherewecould,welentfiresupport,butwewereonlyfive,andoutsideofourguns’effectiverange.IwasmindfulthatSkilltalkerwasinthebuildingbehindus.Iwasrelievedhe

waswelloutofit,andthathehadKrixwithhim.

CHAPTERSIX

[Agreenskyischokedwithsmokeandflies.Therearebodieseverywhereandapowerfulstench.Thesubjectissatisfiedwithwhatithasdonehere.Thesearetraitors.Thisisthefateofalltraitors.Wait.Analogy?Thesubjectseekstocommunicateitsdefianceandfuryatthegue’vesa.Remarkable.Itdefiesthenagi,whomnonecandefy.Collectivesrefocused.Earthcasteintensificationmachineryoperatingat87percentoftolerance.Mindripoperational.]

Iaminadyingjungle.Asinglesquad,EbonWing,iswithme.Mysquad,battle-brothersformanyyears.Ihavefoughtwiththeseadeptsforlonglifetimesofmen.CaptainOdelloftheCatachan432ndsignalshisreadiness.SeneschalContyre

ofHouseTerrynindicatestousthatheisapproachingthexenosconstructionsite.Ithankthemfortheirsacrifice.TheirchancesofescapingAgrellanareslim,andthexenoswilltreatthemharshlyshouldtheybecaught.Theyaretobeginguerrillaoperationsoncethisengagementisconcluded.ThedeploymentoftheKnight,withlittlehopeofrecovery,isamarkofhowimportantourmissionis.Wemustcaptureoneofthesewatercasteforkedtongues,andriphissecretsfromhim.Astothatend,allisinplace.Weareonehundredandfiftykilometresbehindenemylines.Analysisof

previoustauconquestpatternshaverevealedthatcolonisationbeginsimmediately,evenasvictoryisbeingwon.Suchefficiencyispaidforwith

predictability.Wehaveidentifiedfourteenpossiblesitesforprocessingandlandingfacilities.Followingthetransitofprisonersandtheactivityofenemysurveyteams,wehavenarrowedthisselectiondowntoeightprobablesites,thensixdefinite.Bytrackingthemovementsofourbetrayeroftraitors,wedeterminethecorrectsite.Allhasproceededsmoothly.Itisaswejudged,ourtargetiswherewepredicted.Wemovethroughthearidforestwithoutasound.Thetauarearrogant,sosure

oftheirtechnology.Theydonotdetectusorouralliesasweapproach.Theiroverconfidencewillbetheirundoing.‘SwiftVengeance,weareinposition.Awaitmyorders,’Isignalourship,an

escort.Asmallcraft,butfast.OneIhavethehonourofcommandinginbattlemyself.Wehavetwoopportunitiestotakeasampleforthebiologians,asourtargethideshere,orwhenitrunsbeforeus.Eitherwillsuitme,andIamrelaxed,sureofourtriumph,onewayortheother.Iorderanotherauspexscanofthecomplex.Therearemanyaliensthere,but

onlyasinglecompanyoftheirwarriors.‘Theirtechnologyisformidable,brother-sergeant,’saysBrotherUsk.‘Andtheirprowessweak.Wewillprevail,’Isay.Wehavestudiedmuchof

thesetauinourcellswhilstintransit,especiallythedetailsofthepunitiveexpeditionintotheirspaceduringthefirstcrusade.Ihavelittlefearthatthissecondcrusadewillnotachievethesameresults.WeshallcastthembackovertheDamoclesGulf,andintimecrossoverourselvesandwreakrighteousgenocideuponthem.Theirworldswillburn,becomeossuaries,thestacksoftheirsightlessskullsundersilentskiestestimonytothemightoftheImperium.Suchtimesareinthefuture.Forthemoment,Iameagertocoatmybladein

theirvileblood.Theshadowcaptainssaythattheyareworthyfoes.Thatisasmaybe,buttheyarealienforallthat,andsoworthyonlyofcontempt.Avoxpulse,modulatedinsuchawaytoavoiddetection,reachesme.Colonel

Odellandhismenareinposition.Irespond.‘Attack.MaytheEmperorbewithyou.’‘Iyearntobeintothefray,’saysmybrotherYuvin.Hishandsworkthegripof

hisaxe.Weallfeelhisimpatience.‘Youwillhaveyouropportunitysoonenough,brother.Wemustwaituntilthey

arefullyengagedtothenorth.’Gunfireeruptsinthedistance,ontheothersideoftheclearingfromour

position.Aboutnow,Odellwillhavesenthiswaveofpenaltroopersforwardtoattacktheirprisonerprocessingfacility.Anobviousfeint.The‘real’attackwill

bedirectedatthecommandnode.Itisimperativethattheyfeelthattheirleaderisunderattackifwearetosnatchourtruetarget.Afakeattackonourrealobjectivetomaskourtrueintentions.Suchdeceptionissecondnaturetous.IamirritatedthatIamnottoattempttherenditionofoneofthealienlords,

buteveryattemptthusfarhasbeenafailure,andShadowCaptainShrikeinformedmethattheconsequencesforthecivilianpopulationherewouldbedire.Thethumpofexplosionsjoinsthesoundsoflasgunfire.Icanhearthe

shoutingofmen.Theforestaboutmeisunclean.Thetreeboughsarerotten;theyaredry

throughandbrittle,yetcoatedwithanoxiousslime.Shaggygreybeardsofmossdripfromeverybranch.Theforestfloorisslimywithblackleaflitter.Littleelsebutthetreesgrowhere,andtheyarediseased.Cankersafflictmanyofthem,whorledbumpsthatleakangryredfluidsdownthetrunks.ThecreaturesIhaveseenareinasimilarcondition.Myarmour’ssensoriumwarnsmeoftoxinsintheairthatmighttaxevenmyphysiology,blessedbytheEmperor’sgiftsasitis.Iwatchamalformedinsectanalogueclimbpainfullyupatreelimb,itsfeebleeffortsperformedtotheaccompanimentofrepeatedbattlecannonrounddetonations.TheSeneschalContyreisengaged.Ilookagainattheinsect.ThismalformedcreaturefacesabattleasgreatasContyreinsimplysearchingforfood.Itremindsmeof…

[Danger!Somethingdeeparisesfromthemindofthesubject.Awhirlofimagesconfoundsus–afightinanarrowwayforstalefood,orangeskies,afriend.Yes.Thisisthesourceoftheresistance.Afriend.Female,dirtyface,affectioninhereyes.Shestrugglestosurvive.Shestrugglestofindenoughtoeat.Memoryoverlayisinprocess,emotionalresonancethreatenstooverwhelmus.Earthcastemachinesat92percentMindriprecommences.]

Ishakeoffthememoriesofmyearlylife.IamaSpaceMarine.Ihaveadutytoperform.Thisisnotahealthyworld.Itcarriesthetaintofthewarp.Ihopethexenoschokeuponitspoisonswhenweleaveitforthem.‘Theattackisunderway.Weshallproceed.Asone,brothers,letusigniteour

raven’swingsandfalluponthexenosandthetraitorwithrightfulanger!’‘Aye,brother-sergeant!’theyrespond.Weleapskywardstogether,sendingarainofsicklybranchescrashingdown.

Thexenosareunawareastoourapproach,andwefalluponthemwithcomplete

surprise.AllhailtheEmperorofMankind,allhailHissonandourfather,Corax,LordofRavens.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Whenwewereabsorbedinthefightatthecommandnode,that’swhenthingsgotinterestingforus.Therewasaroarinthesky.Ilookeduptoseetheblazeofjumppackjetsasblackarmouredwarriorscamehurtlingdown.RavenGuard.Blackarmour,whitebirdsontheirshoulderpads.Theirjump

packshowledlikemonsters,theirblockyboltpistolsfiringastheydescended.Allofthemwerearmedforclosecombat,andtheywerecomingdownrightontopofmyla’rua.Iswitchedtargets,blastingawayatthenearesttome.There’senoughstopping

powerinapulsecarbinetoputaSpaceMarinedown.Oneoutofhisarmour,thatis.Goodaspulseweaponryis,theroundslackpenetrativepower.Someonemightwanttolookintothat.Myshotshithome,forcinghimoffcourse.Hetwistedintheairtocorrecthisflight,andwassentawayfromhiscomrades,butnotaonegotthroughhisarmour.ImperialpowerarmourmightbelesssophisticatedthantheCrisissuits,butitisstillformidable.Helandedtenmetresawayfrommewithanaudibleclang.Hisfellowsfollowedsuit,touchingdownbetweenmydiminishedsquadandtheprocessingcentre.Inthenextthreesecondsitbecameabundantlyclearthatthecommandnode

wasnottheSpaceMarinesobjective.Theydidn’tattackthefirewarriorsdefendingit.ThisiswhatIfiguredthey’dbedoing,tryingtotrapusbetweentwoforces,makeusdivideourfire,thengetinclosewherethesuperiorstrengthofthehumans–andespeciallytheSpaceMarines–wouldtell.Withalldue

respect,thefirewarriorsarenobleandwelldisciplined,buttheyarenoteffectivemeleecombatants.Ifthissinglesquadgotinamongstourlines,itwasallover.TheRavenGuardwouldgothroughthebestoftheshas’lalikeahotknifeintobutter.Butthatdidn’thappen.Instead,theRavenGuardheadedstraighttowardsthe

processingcentrewherefivehundredwould-becitizensoftheTau’vaweresheltering.Theothertwogue’vesasquadstheredidn’tlastlong.FourteendeadtonotasingleSpaceMarinecasualty,blastedtomeatbyexplosiverounds.TheSpaceMarinesformeduparoundthebigdoubledoorsoftheprocessingcentre.Isawoneofthemturnthedoormechanismtoslagwithhismeltagun,andtheothersforcethedoor.Panickedhumansspilledoutthroughthegap,sometryingtorun,othersthrowingthemselvesattheRavenGuardsfeetinsurrenderanddyingjustthesame.Ididn’thavemuchtimetothinkonthis,astheSpaceMarinewho’dlandedseparatelyfromhisfellowscameatmewithaburstofhisjet,leapingstraightattheguardpost.Fiveofus,againstoneofhim.Itwasnotafightinourfavour.‘Getout!’Iyelledatmyteam.Iwasterrified,couldbarelyspeak.Theyran

backwards,outofthedoor.IonlyjustmanagedtododgeoutofthewayastheSpaceMarinecrashedthroughthewallandwindow.Ifellsprawlingtothefloor,onlyjustmanagingtokeepholdofmycarbine.‘Youareatraitorandwillbedealtwithassuch!’heshouted.Hisvox-grille

hadaharsh,primitivesound.‘Preparetofacethejudgementofyourrightfulmaster,wretch!’hecried.Orsomethingalongthoselines.Iwasdesperatelyblastingathisbreastplatewithmycarbine,butagainIwasfoiledbyhisarmour.Theothersfellbackfromthecommandpost,waryoftheslaughtergoingonbehindthematthebuilding.TenSpaceMarinesareanenemytocauseahundredofthemightiestmentopause,andwearenotamongthemighty.TheRavenGuardloomedoverme.Everydetailofhimisfrozeninmy

memory.BrotherYuvin,hewascalled,accordingtothescriptonhisrightshoulderpad.Hisarmourwashungwithribbonsofparchment,anddecoratedwithmanybattlehonours.Acampaignbadgewasonhisrightknee.Thisguywasaveteranofthefirstorder.Funny,Ithought,thatifthingshadturnedoutdifferently,I’dbewearingthatcampaignbadgetooandhe’dbeabouttokillsomeoneelse.Heraisedhisaxe.Hewashuge,fourorfivetimesmyweightinhiswargear,a

headandshoulderstallerthanmeandmuchmoremassive.TheaxealonewouldhavebeenmorethanIcouldlift.TherewasnowayIcouldfightthismanoneon

oneandhopetosurvive,forallthepowerearthcasteweaponrygaveme.Theaxecamedown.Itsbladeflickeredwiththetamelightningofadisruptionfield.Ibarelythrewmyselfoutoftheway.Theaxecarvedalonggougeoutoftheguardpostfloor,thedisruptionfieldbangingawayasitshatteredatomicbondsandsentthefabricofthefloortoash.Iscrambledbackwardsinasittingposition.Ifiredathimagain.Ididn’teventhinkofgoingformycombatknife,therewasabsolutelynopoint.Asitwas,Imightaswellhavebeenthrowinggravelatrockcreteforallthedamagemyweapondid.Ipreparedtodieatraitor’sdeath.

CHAPTEREIGHT

Wetearthroughtheirundefendedrearwithgreatfury.Theirautomatedguns,drivenbyuncleanspirits,aresilencedbyBrotherHorsk’smeltagun.HisartistrywiththisweaponisunsurpassedinourSixthCompany,inalltheChapterIwouldargue.Ihavewillinglytakenwagersonthismatter,andhavewonmost.Downontoasmallgroupoftheirwarriorswefall.Theyareobscuredbymy

exhausttrailasIdescend.Myentirebeingshakeswiththethrustofmyjumppack,makingmyvisionblur.ItisnotuntilmybootsolesringupontheunfinishedplazasoftheirillegalsettlementthatInoticethenatureofourfoe.Theyarehumans,traitorswhohaveturnedtheirbackupontheEmperorofMankindandthrowntheirlotinwiththesexenos.ItisthenthatIseethetracingpulseblinkbrightly.Thisisthecorrectplacethen.Iampleasedwiththeefficacyofourintelligence.Whatwouldmakethesementurn?Ithink.Somesaythatthetauare

progressive,andtheiroffersofequalityandfriendshiparesincere.Iamnofool.IdonotbelieveasBiologianTulkbelieves,andInquisitorGalliushalfbelieves,thatthereissomepsychicorbiochemicalcoercionatplay.IdoubtTulkhasseenmuchoftheImperiumbeyondtheprecinctsofhisownforgeworlds.Galliusmostcertainlyhas,butmensuchasheareaspreoccupiedasthelikesofTulk;theyseetheirtaskbeforethemandsoareblindedtothegreaterpicture.Inmyquietermoments,afterconflict,IhavewonderedattheinjusticeIseeintheworldsIhavevisited,foritbringstomindtheterriblewoesourPrimarchCorax

sufferedhimselfatthehandsoftheTechnarchyofDeliverancebeforetheirrulewasoverthrownbytheEmperorinaeonspast.Icanunderstandthetemptationthetaupresent.Thesewatercasteneednothingmorethanhalf-meantpromisesoffreedom.Onmanyworldslongforgotten,thiswouldbeenoughtoswaytheheartsofmen.Butthistheydonotunderstand–thealienisperfidiousinhisways,they

cannotbetrustedtokeeptotheiroaths.Theircodesofhonour,iftheypossessthem,aredifferenttoours,andonecannotrelyontheirword.ItissaidbytheEcclesiarchythatmankindistheapexofevolution,thatthereisnohigherformoflife.Iftherewere,thepreacherssay,thenwhyarethesonsofTerrasonumerous?Thetaubelieveitistheirdestinytorulethestars.Inactuality,theyarenothingbutpretenders.Andnomatterhowfinetheinducement,thereisnoexcusefortreachery.We

dwellinatimeofsuffering,sothatmankindmightpersist.Whoistoshirkthisresponsibility?Noman,whetherhebethelowliestservitororthehighestadeptofwhateverorder,low-born,noble,savageorcivilisedhastherighttodecidehisownfatethus.Toturnone’sbackupontheEmperoristodenyHimone’sservice,andindoingsotodenyone’sservicetomankindasawhole.Idonotdenymyservice.IdosufferinHisnameforallhumanity.WhatthenamItothinkofthoseIprotectturningtheirhandagainstme,nomattertheirsituation?SoIhaveunderstandingoftheirdecisions,butIhavenosympathy.

Sympathy…

[Afurtheremotionalresonancedisruptstheripbriefly.Itistiedwiththememoryofthecompanion.Thereisthesensationofsoftlipsuponhis,afleetingsignofaffectionlongago,butitisanimportantmemoryforhim,nomatterhowdeeplyburied.Thereisbutashadowthatpassesoverourreading,anditisgone.]

IthinkallthisasIlandandevisceratefourofthemwithmyboltpistol,oneshotapiece.Theydonothavetimetoreact.Theirxenos-giftedequipmentisadmirable,butcannotstandagainstthearmsoftheEmperor.Theirdeathsarejust.Ifeelnoshame.Theyhavebetrayedusall.Weareintotheprocessingcentreeasily.Weaponsfirepattersoffmeasthe

traitorsrecovertheirwits.Theroundsofthetraitors’gunsarestrong,butlackinginthenecessarymasstopenetrateourbattleplate.Theirenergiesarequicklyabsorbedbythelayersunderlyingtheadamantiumandplasteelofmywarharness’soutershell.Therestdieatourhands.Horskmeltsthelocking

mechanism.BythetimeheandIhaveprisedopenthedoor,theservomechanismsandfibrebundlesofourarmourthrummingwiththeeffort,themajorityofthehumantraitorsguardingthefacilityaredead.Ispareaquickglanceformyvisor’stacticaloverlay.Yuvinhasbeenseparatedfromus,butisengagingasmallergroupofhumantraitors.Hewillkeep.‘Quickly!Intotheatrium!Ourtargetsarewithin.’I,Raayvak,Kolinthinor,Roak,KaawandHorskfollowourgrenadesintothe

interior.Thelightsgoout,eitherturnedofftohinderusorextinguishedbyourattack,Icannottell.Menarescreaming.Manyrunforthedoors,someprostratethemselves.AllaremetbyfirefromUsk,BraakorandKanthinoutside.Iconsidertellingthemtoceasetheirfire.EachandeveryoneofthemeninsidehereisanImperialsoldier,buttheyarealsopotentialturncoats,elsetheywouldnotbeinsuchacentre,andnonewilleverleaveAgrellanunlessitbeundertaucolours.BetterthattengoodmendiesothattheeleventhcannotraisearmsagainsttheEmperor.Theconfusionworksinourfavour.Myvisorpicksoutthetauwhisperersin

theoutline.Myarmour’scogitatorsanalysestheirbadgesandmarkings.Noneareofhighrank.Theyarenottheoneweseek.Ishootthemdown.Then,Ihavehim.ApositivematchwiththeimagesgiventomebyShrike.Anofficeroftheirdiplomaticcorps.More,heisthespecificofficer.‘There!Thatone!Takehim!’Ipoint.Thetaulooksrightbackatme,butdoes

notrun.Heiswounded,butlightly.Isheinshock?Somespecieshavefeebleconstitutions.Roakmakesforhim.Theothersarehackingattherestofthetau’swhisperers.

Theyshovemenoutoftheirway,choppingthemdowniftheydonotmove.Manydonot.Somearecertainlydazed,othersperhapsseektoprotecttheircaptors.Howfickleismen’sloyalty.Shoutsovermyvox.Ascream.Ibringupthevitalsignsofmysquad.Yuvinis

dead.Ilookoutofthedoor.Bulkyshapesarecomingdownoutside,thetaucommanderandherbodyguard.Hereisachallengeforus.Theirarmourispowerful,mountingmanyweaponssystemsofgreatefficiency.Butthetauarebynaturesoftandweak,orhavebeenmadesobyrelianceonsuchdevices.Incombattheyarenomatchforus.Iignitemyjets,settingablazeahuddleofmen.Iflyfromthebuilding,axe

swinging.Ibargeoneelitefrommypath,anddamageanotherwithablowfrommyaxe.Ithopsbackquicklyontheflamespearsofitsownflightunit.Threatindicatorsblinkwithurgencyinmanypartsofmyhelmet.Thebodyguardall

carrymelta-typeweapons.Theyarefallingbacktobringthemtobear,boxingmein.Theirskillsarelesser,buttheirflightpacksarequickerthanours.Istandtolosemostofmysquad.Bythecommandnode,theCatachans’attackisfaltering.Moreofthetauare

turningtheirattentiontoourfight.Thereisnohonourtobehaddyinghere.Icheckthetraceinmyvisor.The

betrayeroftraitorsiscloseby,veryclose,andlives.‘Fallback,ohbrothersoftheRaven.Meltintotheshadows!’Mymenobey.Three–Yuvin,UskandKolinithoraredown,YuvinandUsk

dead,Kolinithorhinderedbyadamagedjumppack.Hestrugglestoshuckitoff.Iwatchasheisattackedfromtwosides.Ashegoesfortheenemyonhisleft,aplasmaroundfromtherightlayshimlow.WithregretInoticeRoakhasnotcaughtthewatercaste,althoughlastIsawhe

hadhimgrippedaroundthechest.‘Successeludesus,’hecommunicates.‘AlasIwasdrivenoffbytheferocityof

axenosslave-guard.’Adeepfurrowhasbeenscoredacrosshisbreastplate,butheisnotharmed.Iamglad.ForRoaktobebestedbyaxenos,itmusthavebeenferociousindeed.‘Fallback!’Icry.Iwouldfeelshameinourfailure,iffailureitwere.Butto

fightwithwisdomisthemarkofourorder,andthereareotherplansafoot.IcontactBrotherRaavan,servingascommanderinmysteadaboardtheSwiftVengeance,andbidhimmakeready.Thehuntison.Thehunt…Attackfromtheshadows,Ithink.Likethegodswhodwellonthemoon.

Alwaysfromtheshadows.Iamaboyagain.Iwillhavemyvengeance.

[Anotherhunt.Wearelosinghim.Wemustbecareful.Hissanityisinthebalance.Thismindripistorturingusall.Heremembers.Heremembersthingslongago.Hedefiesus.Weareonawalkway,asliverofstolenmetalinourhands,waiting.Waitingforthemanwhodefiledtheoneweloved:ourcompanion.Hedefiesus!]

CHAPTERNINE

O’Hye’eserawasthere,thethree’uiinherCrisisteaminclosesupport.ShecamerocketinginliketheRavenGuardhad,onlywithmoregrace.Theytoofiredastheylanded.Therewasacryofpainfrombehindme.TheairshimmeredwiththebeamsoftheCrisisteam’sfusionguns.OneoftheRavenGuardwasvaporisedwherehestood.Theoneabouttokillmewasdistractedjustlongenoughformetorolloutofthewayofhiskillingblow.Beforehecouldrecover,alineofsearingblueplasmapacketshammeredintohisside.Hewasflungsidewaysastheydetonatedagainsthisarmour.Dropletsofred-hotmetalsprayedeverywhere,someofitcatchingmeandcharringitswaythroughmycombatsuit.BythetimeI’dbatteditoffmyfleshandgottomyfeet,theafter-imagestheplasmabursthadburnedintomyvisionweredimming,andIwastreatedtothesightoftheRavenGuardfallingbackonjetsoforangefire.Threeoftheirnumberweredeadordying,andhadbeenabandoned.Helenawasdown,nottoofaroff.Itdidn’tlookgoodforher.Holyonwasabloodysmearacrosstheconstructionmatrix.Ilookedattheonewho’dnearlyendedme.Hewasdead,hisarmsflungout,

thepowerplantonthebackofhisarmourrupturedandleakingcoolanteverywhere.Hisarmourhadbeenstrippedofpaintbytheplasma.Inplacesitstillgloweddullred;whereithadcooleditwasdiscolouredwithheat,greywithapurplishsheen.Agapingholewasinhisside,thefleshandbonewithincharredblack.Wispsofsmokeescapedhisbrokeneyelenses.

Sodiedachampionofhumanity.Ifeltnotriumph.I’dbeenraisedonstoriesofthevalourofsuchmensincethecradle.Ifanything,Ifeltsick,likeI’dfinallycrossedalineIcouldnevergobackover.Sure,I’vekilledalotofmeninmytime,mostofthemfortheGreaterGood,andIhadn’tbeenresponsibleforthedeathofthiswarrior.Butthiswasnotamanwhohaddied,thiswasaSpaceMarine.I’dbeenpartytotheslayingofaheroofmykind.Tau’va.Istilldon’tliketothinkaboutit.Theracketofbattlereceded.Mybodyfloodedwithstored-upfear,andI

startedtotremble.Ifeltsick.It’salwaysthewayforhumansafterafight,it’sachemicalthinginourbrains,soI’vebeentold.‘Thegue’laareretreating!Allunits,standdownandreturntoyourposts.

O’Hye’esera,prosecutepursuitasyouseefit.Earthcasteprepareforresumptionofduties.’ThatwastheEtherealAun’Kira.He’dgotthroughunharmedthen.Lookingatthenode,ithadtakenminimaldamage.Awaytothenorth,thesoundsoffiringdiminished.IcaughtsightoftheKnightretreating,energyfieldcastarounditsbackasitpoundedacrossthedirtandvanishedintothewoods.Aircraftwerecominginfromtheeast,nineofthem,readytohuntitdown.ByfarthemostdamagingelementoftheImperialraid,theKnighthadleftscoresdead,andseveralwrecksburning,notleasttheshatteredremnantsoftheRiptide.Smokebillowedfromitsownsidewhereithadbeenholed,butithaddefinitelycomeoffbetterfromtheencounter.Volleyfirefromourranksbecameerraticasfirewarriorla’ruabrokeforwardinpursuit.Fromthevox-chatter,theyweretakingitcarefully.TheCatachanswerefallingbackwithdiscipline.Thiswasnorout.TheirobjectivehadcertainlybeentodistractusfromtheSpaceMarinesattack,andithadbeenfulfilled.Therewasnoreasonforthemtostickaroundanddie.‘Goliath!Othelliar!Comein.’Theremainderofmysquadreportedback.They

weren’tfarfromme,therushofbattlestoppedmefromseeingthem,eventhoughtheywerepracticallyinfrontofme,youknow?Werejoinedeachother.‘Helena?’askedGoliath.Hehadasoftspotforher,andhisvoicewasshaky.‘Hit,Idon’tknowifshe’sdeadornot,Holyon’shadit,’Isaid,pointingatthe

chunksthathadbeenourmendaciousfriend.Asitturnedout,Helenawasn’tdead,butshelostherleftarmjustabovetheelbow.Abolttookherthere.Theshrapnelfromitsexplosionwould’vekilledher,wereitnotforherarmour,forwhichIgivethankstotheearthcaste.Ihearherrehabilitation’sgoingwell,and

thatshe’llbeabletorejointhegue’vesaauxiliarycorpssoonenough.Ididn’tknowanyofthatatthetime,Isuspectedshewasdeadbutdidn’twant

tohavetodealwiththefalloutofsayingthattoGoliath.Myheadwasswimmingwiththeafter-effectsofthefight.Ihadtopullittogether.‘Fio’lamedicalteamsareontheirway,’Isaid.‘We’llhavetoleaveHelenaintheirhandsnow.Comeon,let’scheckonthepor’el.I’vegotabadfeelingfromallthis.Thiswasn’tarandomraid.’Iwenttotheprocessingcentre.Peopleindisposablerespiratorswere

streamingfromit,shepherdedunderthegunsofshas’la.Therewasafanofbodieslyingaroundthemainentrance,blastedtopieces.AlthoughI’dwatchedtheSpaceMarinesgunthemdown,myearlierassumptionthattheenemyweregoingfortheprisonerswaswrong.Thecasualtiesamongthegue’laprisonerswerecollateraldamage.Thesamecouldn’tbesaidforthedeadwatercaste.‘Helptheshas’la!’IorderedGoliathandOthelliar.‘I’mgoingtofindthe

por’el.’Iranintothebuilding.Thepolesandlightribbonsthatdividedupthespaceintoorderlyareasforqueuingwereallsmasheddown.Firesgutteredinbolt-roundcratersinthewalls.Thelightswereout,andthesunshininginthroughtheopendoorsdidnotreachallthecorners.Smokewrithedblueasitcrossedthesquareofillumination,asquarethatpickedoutatableauofbloodyhorrorsjustforme.Here,apairoffio’lamedicssoughttostabiliseahumanwhoselegsweretatteredribbons.Hewasshakingandcoughingupblood,jerkilymovingforwardsashetriedtosit.Thefio’laheldhishandsandbabbledsoothing-soundingTau’noh’porathim.Infrontofme,acircleoftwistedlimbsandbrokentorsoswerelaidoutlikethepetalsofabloodyfloweraroundthecraterofagrenadedetonation.Peoplewerescreamingandcrying.Medicswererunningaround,franticallyhandingoutbreathingmasks.Firewarriorswerehaulingshell-shockedprionersofwaroutofthehall.Anddottedaround,thecorpsesofwatercaste.Halfadozenofthemweredead,hackedbrutallyapart.Ibegantopanic.‘Por’elSkilltalker!’Icalled.‘Skilltalker?Skilltalker!’Ishovedatthemillinghumans,searchingforaglimpseofblueskinamid

brown,blackandwhite.‘Calmyourself,gue’vre.Ilive.’Ispunaround,searchingforhim.‘Iambehindyou,againstthewall.’Hismellifluousvoicewascroakywith

smoke,andperhapsthepoisonoftheair–theatmospherescrubberswereoff,

andthetoxinsoftheoutsidehadworkedtheirwayinside.Ispottedhim,andhurriedover.Hewashavingawounddressedinhisarm.

Onesleeveofhisrobehadbeencutawaytoallowaccesstoit.Hisever-presentwatercastehatwasmissing,andthecommsvaneheworeinhisearopeningtornaway.Iwasrelievedtoseeamedicalrespiratorhadbeenpushedonhisface.Hewasspatteredalloverintauandhumanblood.Islungmycarbineanddroppedtomykneesbesidehim,earningmyselfalook

ofannoyancefromthemedic.Ididn’tcare.‘Areyouallright,por’el?’‘Iamtouchedbyyourconcern,Gue’vesa’vreJ’ten,’hesaid.Hesounded

wearierthanI’deverheardhim.Hewastroubledbythecarnage,andhiseyesdidnotmeetmine.‘Por’el,Iamdonehere,’saidthemedic.‘Thereisminimaldamage.The

woundonyourarmisnotdeep.Youwillhavebruisingonyourchestfromwhereyouweregrabbed,butnothingmore.’Skilltalkerflexedhishandandnodded.Hiswirymusclesmovedunderthe

plasticdressing.‘Thankyou,fio’la.Nowgo,manyothersareingreaterneedofyourattention.’Istoodandextendedmyhand.SkilltalkergraspeditandIpulledhimtohis

feet.Hedustedhimselfdown,butthisonlysmearedbloodoverhisrobes.Heheldhishandsupandfrownedatthem.‘Grabbedyou?Theywerecomingforyou,tocaptureyou,’Isaid.‘Thatwas

whatthiswasallabout.’Helookedatmeamoment,thensmiled.‘Whyyes,friendJ’ten.Ofcourse.

ManyoftheImperium’sworldshaveelectedtojoinwithusforourmutualbenefit.Yourerstwhilemastersaresoblinkeredinthoughtthattheyassumewehavesomecovertmeansofencouragingtreachery.Perhapstheyimputeuncannypowerstous,astheydotoourbelovedethereals.’Helaughed.‘Donotbesodiscouraged.ThisisasignthattheImperiumisdesperate,thattheyattackthetalkeranddonotaddressourwords.Butthen,wordscannotbesoeasilykilled.Itiseasiertofightatangiblefoe.’‘Ifthatisso,wehavetogetyoutothecommandnode,tositthisout,’Isaid.

‘Comeon,we’llescortyou.’‘No,friendJ’ten.Ihavebeenorderedtodeparttheworldforthesafetyofthe

Kor’vattrasupportcadresuntiltheconquestiscomplete.ApparentlyIamtoovaluabletorisk,somethingofgreatflatterytome,butI’dratherstayhereandhelptheeffortatthefront.Still,needsmust,IgowheretheGreaterGoodrequires,notwhereIdesire.’Somethingfunnycameoverhisfacewhenhesaid

that.Hedisplaceditwithasmile.‘Youandyoursquadaretocomewithme.’‘Holyon’sdead.IthinkHelenaistoo.’Hisfacefell.‘Iamsorrytohearthat.Theydiedforusall.’‘Tau’va,’Isaidreflexively.‘Tau’va,’heresponded.‘Iwillpersonallyensureyourcomrades’remainsare

treatedwithgreathonour.Theyweregoodfriends,andservedwell.’‘Iamgrateful.Howlonguntilwedepart?’‘Ashipwillarrivesoontoextractus.’‘Wait,’Isaid.‘I’mprobablyspeakingoutofturnhere,butmyoathisto

protectyou.Ifyougo,you’llbeinflightandvulnerable.TheSpaceMarinesarerightlynamed,theyareexpertvoidfighters,andtheirshipsareamongtheswiftestintheImperium.Imightbewrong,butI’vegotafeelingtheymeantodrawyououtsothatyoumightbemoreeasilycaught,por’el.Weshouldstayhere.You’llbemuchsafer.Theconquestisalmostdone.’Thatstrangeexpressionflickeredoverhisface,amedleyofalienandhuman

expressionsthatIcouldnotread.HeknewsomethingIdidnot,althoughthatmightjustbemeconvincingmyselfretrospectively.Hegraspedmyshoulderwithhisuninjuredhand.‘IgowheretheGreaterGooddemands,J’ten.Thesearemyorders,fromAun’Vahimself,andyouaretogowithme.’‘Obeywithoutquestion,astheriverflowsdownhillwithoutcomplaint,’I

quoted.SometimesIthinkit’seasyforthetauproper.Youobeytheaunwithoutthinking.It’shardforsomeofustoactso.‘Justso,justso.’Hepattedme.Ilookedupandaroundtheruinedroom.‘AndKrix,whereishe?Theydidn’t

gethimdidthey?’Isaid.Thepor’elshookhishead.‘No.Hewillbeeating.Hefindsitharderthan

sometosuppresshiskrootappetites,butheisafearsomewarriorandaloyalguard.Iforgivehimhislapses.Now,gatheryourmen.Thekor’lawillbehereforusshortly.’

CHAPTERTEN

Aboutfiveminuteslater,wewereonthelandingfield,thebulkofaMantaspinningslowlyintheairasitlineditselfuptoland.They’resobigitlookedlikeitwasdirectlyaboveus,butwhenitlandedtherewereagoodfiftymetrestocover,andIhustledthepor’eltoitfasterthandecorumallows.Wewentinthebackhatch,pastthehangarwithitsemptydroneandbattlesuitracks.Wemadeallhastetotheupperdeck.Thecraftwasempty;everythingithadbroughtdownwasofffighting,andbeinginthereinallthatunoccupiedspacedidnothingformynerves.‘Wearereadytodepart,por’el.’Thekor’uipilot’sannouncementcameoutof

nowhere,straightintoourhelmets.‘Verywell.Letusmakeallhasteawayfromhere,’saidSkilltalker.GoliathandOthelliarstrappedthemselvesin.Krixtooktheseatontheleftof

thepor’el,Iontheright.Therewasalurch,thenthestomach-droppingsensationofsudden

acceleration.Iwaspressedbackintomyseat.Thespeedthesethingstakeoffatpushesushumansrighttothelimit,Iswear.I’veseenKor’lapulloffmanoeuvresthatwouldmakeahumanblackout.Themusclesonmyfaceweredraggeddownwards,Ifelttheskinonmyfaceripplingwiththeforceofthetake-off,andthenzero-gravity,andthesensationgrewlessasthecraftstoppedaccelerating.Asecondlater,theartificialgravitysnappedon.T’austandard.Lighterthanisentirelycomfortableforahuman,butadamnsightbetterthan

nothing.Skilltalkerhadhiseyesclosed,hisheadleaningbackontherestsofhisseat.

Rowsofseatsstretchedawayeithersideofhim,eachwiththeirstrapsneatlyfolded.Theemptyethereal’sthroneattheprowendofthecabinmovedagainstsomeforceIcouldnotfeel.‘Por’el,areyouallright?’Isaid.‘What?’Hiseyesslidopeninthatslowtauway.‘Ohyes,yes,Iamfine.You

aredoinganexemplaryjob,friendJ’ten.Iwillcommendyoutofirecasteauxiliarycommand.’‘Yeah,well.Thanks,’Isaidgrudgingly.Iwasn’tsurethatIreallywantedtoo

muchattentionatthatstage.IwasstillshakenupoverthedeathoftheSpaceMarine,forallthathe’dnearlykilledme.‘Areyousureyou’reokay?’Skilltalkercluckedhistongue.‘Nowyouareworryingovermeasaclass

motherworriesoverherteachingbatch!Iamfine.Ihavebeeninworsesituationsthanthis,manytimesover.IthinkIbetteraskyou,areyouallright?’‘HaveyoueverfacedSpaceMarinesbefore?’Iaskedabruptly.Skilltalkergavealittleshiver.‘No,noIhavenot.Andformidabletheyare.’

Hesmiled.‘Butasstrongastheymaybe,friendJ’ten,theGreaterGoodisstronger,fartoostrongtobeovercomebyahandfulofgue’ron’sha.Donotfearthem.’‘Idofearthem,’Iadmitted.‘AndIfeelshameattheirdeaths.’Skilltalkerrestedhisheadagainsttheseatbackandclosedhiseyesagain.

‘Thatisregrettable,butunderstandable.Theseareheroesfromyourculture.CompleteassimilationintotheTau’vatypicallytakesaviviparous,child-caring,pair-bondingspeciesofyourlifespanthreegenerations.Ihadhopedthatyouwerecomingalongmoreswiftly.’Hedidnotsounddisappointed,butchuckledatthebackofhisthroat.Apleasantsound,wateronstones.‘Pardonme.Idonotlaughatyou,butatmyself.’Heopenedhiseyesagain,andtheytwinkledwithgoodhumour.‘ImadeawagerwithPor’uiKa’shatoastoyourcompletesupportingintheTau’va.ItseemsIhavelost.’Imusthavelookedalittledismayed,ashemovedtoreassureme.‘Nevermind!Itisabetterthing,Ihold,thatthenon-tauthatchoosetojoinus

intheTau’vadonotentirelylosethatwhichmakesthemwhattheyare.Asweofthefivecastesaredifferent,andbetterforit,thensotooitisgoodthateachspecieswithintheTau’vaisdifferentfromtheothers.AndalthoughIwasimpressedbyyourembracingoftheTau’va,Iamgladtohavebeenwrongastotheextent.Why,friendJ’ten,Ilikeyouthewayyouare!Itrustyou.Youhave

provenyourloyaltyandutilitytotheTau’vaagainandagain.’Hesmiledbroadly,showingoffhisflawless,broad,greyteeth,andtouchedmyarmwiththebackofhishand.I’msuretherewereawholeloadofsubtlebodylanguagecueshewasgivingoffthatImissed.‘Iamgladthatyouareatmyside.Truly.’‘Thankyou,’Isaid.IwishedIcouldseeoutoftheManta,buttherewereno

windowsorviewingdisplaysinthepassengercabin.Wasanight-blackshipslippingafterus?WerewebeingtargetedbytheweaponssystemsoftheAdeptusAstartes?Ihateflying.I’mnotfrightenedbyit,youunderstand.ButIhatethefeelingofpowerlessnessIhave.Amissilecouldcomerightatusandthere’dbenothingIcoulddoaboutit.IfIwerethepilot,atleastIcouldtakemyownlifeintomyownhands.ButIcouldn’t.Iwasentirelydependentontheeffortsofothers.IknowthisisakeypartoftheTau’va,thedrivingphilosophyofit,thistrustinthosearoundyou,butthereweare.Youwantedhonesty.Wedozedalittle,allofusexceptKrix.Ineversawthatkroottakeanap.Not

once.Dotheyevensleep?Iwokealittlebeforewedocked,feelingstickyandstiff.Ilongedtotakeashower.Goliath’sheadwaslolling,astringofdribblecomingoutofhismouth.Othelliarwasstaringintothemiddledistance,hisjawworkingonhisownteeth,eyesfullofanangerIdidn’tlike.Thentherewastheungentlepushofdeceleration,whichwentonuntilInearly

couldn’tbearit.Aslightbump,andthekor’uipilotannouncedourarrivalattheKor’vattraDah’kolsuio.

CHAPTERELEVEN

[Themandies,hotbloodpoursovertheboy’shand.Hehastakenhimunawares,ashisfriendwastakenunawares.Tearsaswarmastheman’sbloodrundowntheboy’sface,notforhisfriend’sshameandhurts,butforthisactofmurder.Thisisthefirstlifehehastaken,andtheboyisashamedbyit.Vengeanceisnotthecuretothepaininhishearthethoughtitwouldbe,butinsteadaddsmorebitteremotionstohissuffering.Theman’seyeswiden,hesinksintotheknifeinhisgut.Hishandspawfeeblyattheboy’sshoulders.Theboygritshisteeth,twiststheknifeandwithdrawsit.Themanslumpsfurtherontotheboy.‘Why?’ishislastword.Theboydoesnotanswer,butpusheshimfromtheedgeofthewalkway.Hewipesathisfaceasthebodyfallsfiftystoreystothedarkstreets.Thebloodfromhishandsleavesbloodupontheboy’slip,warmasthatsinglekiss.Heretreatsintotheshadows,andnevertrulyemergesagain.Withthisthesubjectdefiesus,albeitbynowonanentirelysubconsciouslevel.

Earthcastemachinesat97percent.Mindriprecommences.]

Iaddressmysquad.‘Wehavelostthreegoodbrotherstothexenos.Theirresponsewasimpressiveandtheirweaponryisdeadly,eventothoseaswellgiftedandarmouredaswe.Thisisafoethatdeservesrespect.Judgethemnotbytheirdecadentphilosophy,norbytheirsmallstature,norbytheirgrandioseclaimstosuperiority.Theymaybeaschildrencomparedtothestoriedhistories

ofmankind,buttheirtoysarenolessdangerous.’Therearenodsofagreementfrommybrethren.TheThunderhawkbucksin

thermalscomingfastofftheparchedjunglesofAgrellanandthecraftcreaksandbangs.Suchperturbationsintheatmospheredonottroubleus.Deathdoesnottroubleus.Bothareminorinconveniencestothefulfilmentofourtask.‘Benottroubledbyourinitialfailure,forourtargethasbeendrivenfromhis

hide,andevennowrunsunknowinglyintothearmsofgreaterdangers.’Analarmsoundsinthepilot’scabin,almostinaudibleinthepassengerdeck.

Theshipswingstotheside,wehearthehumofpowerpacksgivingouttheirenergiesasthelasercannonsfire.Theshipresumesitscourse.Thealarmscease;whateverthreattherewashasbeendealtwith.WearriveuponSwiftVengeance.Raavangreetsusviathevoxasthe

Thunderhawklandswithinthestrikecruiser’shangar.‘Ourpreyissighted.Weflyinpursuit.’Wedisembark.TherisinghowlofthereactorfillstheshipasSwiftVengeance

makesallspeedtocatchourenemy.SquadSilentTalonisreadyingitselfinthearmingbay,thebrothersleaving

theircommandsaboardthevesselinthehandsofourserfs.OnlyRaavanandourbrotherTechmarines,ofallweinitiates,willremainontheship.Westripourweaponsandcleanthem,untroubledbytheacceleration.Our

TechmarinescomeoutfromtheThunderhawkandcheckoverourwargear.SerfsfromtheforgechantthemysteriesofMarsastheyeffectminorrepairs.Majordamageisassessed.SeveredpowerlinessparkasRoak’schestplateisremoved,theplastronbeneathadjusted.Asparepieceofarmourisbroughtoutfromthestores,andhisbattleplatemadewholeagainwithmuchchantingofprayer.Othersuchexchangesareundergonebyseveralofmybrothers.Anewgreavehere,adifferentgauntletthere.Severalofthesefreshprovidedareunpainted.Eachbrotherisresponsibleforhiswargear,hisownwillberepairedandreturnedtohiscare.Fornow,expediencyisourmaster.BrotherRayvaak’sboltpistolhasamalfunctioningammofeed,andsohe

takesadifferentweapon.Serfsbringcratesoffreshammunition.WespeakthelitaniesofvictoryaswerefillourmagazinesandsingthebattlesongsoncesungbyCoraxhimselfaswestringnewgrenadesfromourbelts.Thecoolantsystemsinourpowerplantsareconnectedtomaintenanceshrinesandrefilled.Auspexesareconnectedtoourarmourandthetech-priestsruntheirtests.Moreadjustmentstoourequipmentaremade.Fibrebundlesarerecalibrated,poorsignaltransmissionsaddressedandtelemetryalignedbetweenthecogitators.A

faultyhelmetisremovedfromBrotherHukofSquadSilentTalonduringthischecking.Wespendtheremainderofthejourneymakingourbattlegearascleanas

possible.Itisimpropertoenterthefraywiththesigilsandbadgesofourorderobscured.Aswepolishourbatteredplate,theSwiftVengeancestealsclosertoitstarget.Thexenoscrafthastakenaboardourprey,andbrokenfreefromthefleetbesiegingAgrellan.Nodoubtfiercebattleisbeingwagedintheheavensoverthehiveworlds,asthetaustrivetopreventLordSeverax’sevacuation.Wedonotrequestnewsonthisengagement,norisanyoffered.Ourmindsareonourmissionandourmissionalone.Weareready.‘Xenoscraftapproaching,’SergeantRaavaninformsus.Weareupandmovingtowardstheboardingtorpedotubes.TheSwift

Vengeanceisequippedwithfour.Weshallrequireonlyone.ItisararetimewhenourChapterispresentinsufficientnumberstorequiremore.Thecirculardoorattherearrisesopen.Wegothrough,oneatatime,andtake

ourplaceseithersideofthetorpedo’scentralaisle,twosinglefilesoftenFramesrisefromthefloor.Weplaceourselveswithinthem.Magneticlocks

activate,holdingourbattleplateinplace.Wearestanding,readytodeploythemomentthetorpedoburnsitswaythroughthealiens’hull.Wearesilent.Ourwayisthatofintrospection.Eachofusdwellsonourown

concernsatthisfinalmoment.Thefaintpushoftheship’sconstantaccelerationdecreases,andthenmybodyisbeingpulledinanotherdirectionasthebrakingjetsarefired.Thereisarumbleandashudderrunsthroughthecraft.Wehavebeenobserved,andnowthetwoshipsareexchangingfire.Thisisalsonotourconcern.WetrusttoRaavanandourserfstoseeussafelyaboard.‘Torpedolaunching,’comesavoice.Aterseadvisement.Moreforcesplayuponmeasthetorpedo’srocketsfire.Theirroarfillsthe

cabin,myhelmet’sauralsensesdampenautomaticallytoprotectmyhearing.Thetorpedoshakesmightily.Iampushedhardintothemagneticframeasthetorpedoacceleratesfasttowardsitstarget.Suchpressureishardformetotake,alessermanwouldperhapsnotsurviveit.Acrushingpressureuponmychest,blackspotsinmyvision.Itisdifficulttobreathe.Thiswillpass,Itellmyself,anditdulydoes.Theaccelerationcutsout,andsodoesthepressure.Thereisafaintsenseofpushandpullasthetorpedo’sattitudejetskeepitlockedontothexenosship.Therearefewofthese,thecraftmustnotbeattemptingmuchinthewayofevasivemanoeuvres.Theshockwaveofanexplosionbuffetsthetorpedo,

butwearetakinglittlefire.Themeltaweaponryontheprowofthetorpedoactivateswithadeephum.Afractionofasecondlater,thetorpedoimpactsuponthehullofthealienvessel.Themaglocksholdmeinplace,butIfeelmyinternalorgansshiftwiththeforceofit.Asthetorpedoburnsitswayintothehull,machinerygrinds,tracksonthe

outsideofourassaultboat.Themeltasburn,thetrackspull,andthetorpedoburrowsitswaywithinthexenosship.Allofasudden,everythingstops.Thereisahissfromtheoutsideasthe

torpedosprayssealantfoamarounditself.Atmosphericdecompressionisnotdesirableinthissituation,lestwedestroytheintegrityoftheship,orslayourtargetunintentionallythroughsuffocation.Thefrontofthetorpedoopens,fourpetalsgapingwide.Westepoutintoa

softlycurvedcorridorlitteredwithdebrisandripplesofcoolingmetal.Steamandsmokebillowaroundus.Alarmsjangle.Weareaboard.Weaponsrattleagainstplasteelchests,bootsclangonthedeck.Mybrothersspreadout.IorderKaawtotakefourofSquadEbonWingandheadtowardstheprow,wherethebridgeissituated.Therestofus,sometwelve,Iordersternwards.‘Ourquarryisnear.Westartthesearchtotherear.’Thepulseofthebetrayeroftraitors’cranialimplantpulsessteadilyinmy

visor.‘Yes,brother-sergeant,’theysay,andweareonourwaytovictory.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Weweretakingrefreshmentsinthegalleryofthediplomacyloungewhenthealarmswentoff.TheRavenGuardhaddoneitagain,cominginatusunawaressomehow.Therewasbarelytimetoregistertheblareoftheproximitywarningsystemsbeforetheshipheeledhardtostarboardinavoidance.Themotionofitfoughtthegravityplatingofthedeck,andourdrinksandfoodweresentspillingoffthetableonpeculiartrajectories.Theentirevesselshookwiththeshockwavesofnearmissesfromanotherstarship’sweapons.Theshiptwitchedasitexpelledmassroundsbythethousandinreply.Whatevertheshipwastryingtododgehitusanyway.Atearingbangandthe

squealingofmetalwasfollowedbytherushoffusioncutters.AnexplosionannouncedthearrivaloftheRavenGuardontheDah’kolsuio.Thegallerylookedoutoverawiderlounge.Seatingareas,atableatthecentre

ofeach,weresetinprotruding,circularsectionsofthegallery.Along,straightlandingranalongside.Thewholeset-upwasdesignedtoimpresspotentialnewmembersoftheTau’va.Plantsinpots,examplesoftauartandarchitecture,models,interactivedisplaysoftechnology,thatkindofthing.Itwasallveryappealinginthatslightlybland,sinuoustauway,agoodplacetothrashoutthedealsofaccession,orhaveaquickmeallikeus.Itwas,however,alousyplaceforafirefight.Wesnatchedupourgearquickly,putourhelmetsonandcheckedourguns.

Theprow-warddoorsopened,andfirewarriorscamerunningdownthegallery.

Theirarmourwasthestandardnight-bluepatternofspacetroopers.Theseshas’lahadbeentrainingtheirwholelivesforvoidcombatandshipactions,buttheywereupagainstthebestinthegalaxy,andIdidn’tthinktheirskillsornumberswouldprovetobeenough.TheSpaceMarinesweretherequickly,liketheyknewexactlywherethey

weregoing.Thesoundofthebattleintheenclosedspacewasterrific.Evenwiththeaudio

dampersonmyhelmetmyearswereringingwiththerapidtriplebangsofbolt-rounds–expulsion,acceleration,explosion.IhadPor’elSkilltalkershoveddownincover.Bythistime,Ihadnodoubtthathewasthetarget.TheyweregoingtoslaughterusallandspirithimofftoEmperoraloneknowswhattorment.Iwasnotgoingtoletthathappen.Everytimehetriedtorise,Ishovedhimback.Inthemain,humansarestrongerthantau,andthewatercastearenotthestrongestofthecastes.Itwasnotroubleforme.Ilookedaround.Therewasadooraquickscramblebackfromthebalcony,

leadingfromtheloungeintoaserviceway.Awayfromthetableandthegallery’senclosing,lowwall,therewasaclearlineoffireupthelanding.WhenItriedtolinkintothetautacnetIcouldn’t.Myhelmetdisplayswerefullofstaticsnow.I’mprettysureitwasbeingjammed,andsomyunderstandingofthewidersituationwasseverelylimited.Iattemptedtogetalookoverthebalconywalldownintothelowerhall,butIdidn’tevengetthetopofmyhelmetoverthelipbeforeasprayofboltsdrovemeback.Acouplespedoverhead,propellantflaringattherear,andtwomoresmackedintothewallinfrontofme,oneblowingasmokingholeoutofitonourside.IthrewmyselfontoSkilltalkerasshardsofcompositespatteredaroundus.Skilltalkerwastryingtotalk,lookingatmebeseechingly.Ithinkhewastrying

totellmethathewasgoingtosurrender.Idon’trecalltheexactwords,butIremembershouting‘no’athimseveraltimes.Igotangrywithhim,Iamsureofthat.‘WehavetogethimoutofherebeforetheSpaceMarinesmakeitupthestairs

ontothegallery!’IcalledtoGoliathandOthelliar.ThepairofthemwerefiringdownovertheedgeofthebalconyattheSpaceMarines.Goliathwassniping,icecold.Thefirewarriorathissidewasflungbackwardsfromtherails,pulserifleclatteringovertheedge.Hestaggeredafewstepsbeforebeingthrownfurtherbackwardsastheboltinhischestblew,sprayinguswithhisviscera.Goliathdidn’tevenflinchasbloodranoffhishelmet,butcarriedoncalmlyshooting.Othelliarwaswilder.Icouldn’tseehisfacebehindhishelmet,butI

guessedthathewassnarlingwithhatredattheEmperor’selite.Hewaslosingit,andturningintoaliability.Goliathquitfiringsoonenough,IhadtoorderOthelliartogiveitup,andhe

didsoonlyreluctantly.‘Shas’ui!Shas’ui!’Icalled,beckoningtothefirewarriorleader.Ittookmea

coupleofattempts.‘Iamgoingtogetthepor’eloutofhere,’IsaidinbadlymangledTau’noh’por.

Alotoftauhavedifficultyunderstandinghumanaccents,wecan’thitthehighernotes,can’tcontrolourpitchvibratoproperly,andthemultipleglottalstopsaremurderonourthroats.Hegotmydrift.‘Theservicedoor!’Ishouted.Amissilestreakedoverhead,tearingachunkoutoftheroof.Wiringfell

throughinabundle,sparkingmadly.Alargepartofthegallery’slightswentout.Fireshadtakeninvariousplaces.IthinktheSpaceMarinesweresprayingpromethiumarounddownthere.Theship’slifesupportmusthavetakenahittoo,astheairwasfillingwithpoisonousblacksmoke.Retardantfoamssprayedfitfullyfromtheceiling,butallthesystemsintheroomweretakingapounding,andthefireswerewinning.‘O’Va’Demwillbeheresoon,’hesaid.Theircommander.Anewoneonme,I

didn’trecognisethewordsthatmadeuphisname.‘I’mgoingnow,’Isaid.‘Ifcommanderarrives,por’elstillindanger.

Gue’ron’shatakehim.Theycomeupstairs,theykillusall.Theytakehimaway.Itakehimfromhere,youholdenemyatbay!’Theshas’uisaidnothing.Icursedmyhumanthroat.I’djustspewedagarbled

messofnoiseathim.‘Wegonow!’IsaidasclearlyasIcould,pointingatmyselfandthenSkilltalker.Bolt-roundswerespeedingupthegallerybynow.I’dlostagoodchancetoget

outtryingtomakemyselfunderstood.PulseroundswerebeingtradedonanalmostequalbasisfortheSpaceMarinesminiaturerockets,makingourwayoutaperilouscrossingoverashootinggallery.‘Iwillgivemyselfovertothem!’saidthepor’el.‘Therehasbeenenough

bloodshed.’Webothignoredhim.‘Getready,’Isaid.‘Doyouunderstand?’Isaidtothe

shas’ui.Theshas’uinodded,andbeckonedthreeofhiswarriorsover.‘CoverthegallerysothatPor’elSkilltalkermaymakehisescape,’hetold

them.Thedooropenedtoreceiveus.‘Ceasefire!’theshas’uiordered.Immediately,pulsefiredroppedoff.The

threefirewarriorsranintothecorridor,betweenthebolterfireandourescapedoor.Wefollowedrightbehind,keepinglow.Thefirewarriorsweredroppedinshortorder,spunaroundbytheimpactoftheboltsandtheirsecondaryexplosions,sellingthemselvestoshieldthepor’elandus.‘Tau’va!’onecriedashedied.Othelliarshrieked.Hestumbledintotheservice

corridor.Wewerethroughthedoor.Me,Krix,OthelliarandSkilltaker.Othelliarwasfrantic,clawingathishelmet.Therewasacrackinit.‘Letmelook!Letmelook!’Isaid,pushinghishandsoutoftheway.Ireached

aroundandsnappedofftheseals.Themomentitcameaway,Othelliarcalmed.Theroundhadnotpenetrated,buttheimpacthadshiveredthematerial,andasliverofthecompositesthatmadeupthehelmethadpiercedhisscalp.Thesourceofthepainremoved,hecalmeddown,althoughbloodwasrunningdownhisface.‘Youokay?’Isaid.Ihadtoshoutovertheracketoutside.‘Weneedtogetout

ofhere!’‘Where’sGoliath?’hegasped.Goliath.Ispunaround,stillinacrouch.Inthecorridor,Goliathwasonthefloor,handoutstretched.Aredchunkthe

sizeofbothmyfistsclaspedhadbeentakenoutofhisside.Hestaredatmeforamoment,thenfelldead.You’dthinkthere’dbe

somethinginalooklikethat.Wondering,orpain,oranger,buttherewasnothingthere,nothingatall.Heavierweaponsfiresoundedfromthegallerybelow.Theshriekoftau

plasmaweaponsandthepuffyexplosionstheymade,thesoftbutdangerousburrofaburstcannon.Icaughtsightofabattlesuit,adesignI’dneverseenbefore,riseovertheedgeofthebalconywall,andthenitwasgone,divinghardontotheSpaceMarinesbelow,thebarrelsofitsplasmariflesglowingblueasitspatthestuffofstarsatthewarriorsoftheImperium.Thedoorslidshut,cuttingusofffromthesoundsofthebattle.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

MybrotherKaawreportsthattheyhavemadethebridgewithnocasualtiesandminimalcontactwiththeenemy.Thepilotshavebeenslain,theysay.Iorderthemtoscourtheareaaroundthebridge,killalltheyfind,thenfallbacktotheboardingtorpedo.Minimalcontact.Thesamecannotbesaidforhere.Wehavecomeoutinto

somekindofrefectory,aneatingareathatisdecadentlyappointed.Itisalargeplace,asmuchmuseumordemonstrationareaasrefectory.Itcurvesaroundwiththeship,andIcannotseethefarend.Sculpturesanddisplaysshatterunderbolterfire.Theenemy’sreturning

volleys,thehigh-energyparticlestheyfire,scorethewallsaroundus.Therearemanyofthem.Fiftyorsooftheirfirewarriorstobeginwith,

althoughmanyaredead.Positionedaroundtherefectory,initsgalleriesandbehinditsbarbarousalienartworks,theyhavetheadvantageofnumbers,coverandheight.ButwearetheSpaceMarinesoftheEmperor,theRavenGuard.Wearethemightiestwarriorsofthegalaxy,andtheyaredying.Threeofmybrothershaveworkedtheirwayuptothegallerywheretheyhave

caughtsightofthediplomat.Heispinnedinplacewithhistreacheroushumanguardians.Inashorttimeweshallhavehim,andwewilldepartthisship.Pulsefirewhistlesthroughtheairallaroundus.Sixofusholdtheentranceto

therefectory.Theotherthreeworktheirwayforwards,awaitingburstsofcoveringfirefromusastheyrunfromcovertocover.BrotherHukofSquad

SilentTaloncarriesaflamer,withhimgohisbattle-brothersColotandCruk.Agrenadearcsinfromabove,tossedbyoneofmybrethrenthere.Asmallgroupoffirewarriorsareslain,slumpingdownwhenshrapnelpiercesthem.Underthecoveroftheexplosion,Hukandhiscompanionsdashforwardagain.Inthegallery,mybrothersslaythreeoftheenemy,takepositioninoneoftheprotrusionsthatdecoratethegallery’slength,andopenfirefromabove.Thefirewarriorsbelowaredriventohide,thosethatseektodislodgemywarriorsfromtheirnewvantageareslain,forthereisonlyalongcorridorbywhicheachofthesmalleatingareasisaccessed,andtheyarequicklycutdownastheyapproach.ThistimeHuk,ColotandCrukdonotseekcover.Awhumphofignitingpromethium,andflamespreadsalloverthelowerpart

oftherefectory.Aliensscreamshrilly.Thevolumeoffirecomingfromtheirpartofthehallfallsoffdramatically,thensodoesourownasourpotentialtargetsarelaidlow.

[Fire.Heremembersfire.Anotherfleetingintrusion.Thefiresofpollutingrefineriesbelchingpoisonsatthenight.Thefiresoftheskywarriors’shipsastheydescendthatfatefulday.Thefiresofahundredburningworlds.Earthcastemachinesat98percent.Secondarynagicollectivedownto29percentlivingmembership.]

Fire.Then,illnews.‘Brother-SergeantCornix,thediplomathasescapedintothe

ship.’Icursethisillluck.‘Alone?’Iask.‘No,brother-sergeant.Twoofthehumantraitorsandtheavianxenoswent

withhim.’Icheckmysignifier.Thesteadypulseofthebeaconimplantbeatstrueyet.It

appearsthatwemustrelyonGallius’sgambit.‘Allisnotlost,’Isay.Mybrotherdoesnotreply,butIsensetheconfusionin

hishesitation.‘Wearethemastersofsecrets,’Isay.‘Wekeepwhatweneedtokeepclosebyourbreast,fornoothertoknow.’Itisexplanationenoughforhim;thisisthewayofourChapter.‘Brother-sergeant!’Hukhastimetocryoutbeforeheiscutdown.Hisfire

tippedthebalancetowardsus,butthesmokeandflameshaveallowedthefoe’selitestoapproachunobserved.Nowcomesthetruetest.Theycomeinthroughthechokingbroilofthefire,weaponsspitting.Fiveof

them,theirarmourpaintedinthesamebluesandblacksasthefirewarriors.OnelevelsaplasmagunatHuk’sremainingcompanions.AboltofincandescentgasburststhroughthechestofCruk.Fireleapsfromhiseyelensesasheisconsumed.Theyareledbyonelarger.Hisarmourisofdifferentdesignentirely,andcolouredabrightcrimson.Heattackswithterribleferocity,andColotgoesdowntojoinhisdeadbrothers.Wehonourtheirsacrificefornowandforevermore.Thefirewarriors,soclosetobreakingmomentsago,rallyaroundtheirleader

andhisbodyguard.Oneofthesearmouredknightsfallstoconcentratedbolterfirefrommygroup,buttheothersshrugitoff,theboltsricochetingfromthesuits’angledplanes,orexplodingonthesurface.Theweaponstheypossessarefarmoreeffectiveagainstusthanthosecarriedbytheirinfantry.‘Withdraw!’Ishout.‘Fallbacktothetorpedo!’‘Wehavefailed!’ThecrycomesfromRoak.Heisangry,andhisangeris

lacedwithshame.‘No.Wearesuccessful.Therearewaystowinotherthanslaughter.’Thisis

true,Ithink.ButifIdepartnow,thenattentionwillfalluponthediplomat.Needsdictateadiversion,asacrifice.Thereisnoneedformorethanonemoreofustodiehere.AdutyIacceptunflinchingly.InthiswaydoweservetheEmperor,and

throughhimallmankind.‘Fallback.Iwillholdthemhere!’Mybrothersobeyinstantly.Theycovereach

otherastheyretreatfromtheroom.Thexenos’armourmakesthemstrong,buttheyarecautiousinthefaceofsuchaswe.Thisismyoath–toservetheEmperor.Westrikefromtheshadowswherewe

can,andreapthegloriousharvestofconfusionandpanicouractionsengender.Nottoday.Noteverywarcanbeprosecutedinsecret,noteverybattlewonfromthedarkness.Istandfirm,infullview,mybolterraisedandshoutingoutmankind’ssuperiorityoverthexenoswhowouldusurpourpositionasmastersofthestars.Now,revealedtomyfoeinfull,IsingthequietsongsofmyChapter.Thexenosdonotapproach.Theycannotdrawadequatefireanglesonme.I

holdthem.Iamgratifiedtowitnessthedepartureofmycommand.Theycommunicate

thattheyareaboardthetorpedo,andtellmetojointhem.IwouldifIcould.Iadjudgethediversionsufficientandourfinalplantobeasuccess.ButIcannotfallback.Iamsurrounded.Theyaretryingtocomeatmefrom

behindwhiletheypinmedowntothefront.Fromthegallery,increasingnumbersofweaponsarebeingbroughttobearonme.Icastagrenadeatthelesserwarriorsadvancingfrommyrear.Mybolteris

almostspent.Ithrowitdown,pullfreemyaxeandboltpistolandchargeatthebattlesuitedeliteinthegalleryspace,hewingatthem.Theirarmouredsuitsoffermuchprotection,butagainsttheenergisededgeofmyaxe,thearmouravailsthemoflittle.Beforetheytakeme,twodiebymyhand,andIamsatisfied.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Weran.Throughtheship,awayfromthenoiseoffighting,alongatransversecorridor

thatconnectedthereceptionchambertothekitchensandservants’quartersbehindit.AtauintheliveryoftheearthcastediplomaticsupportgrouppoppedhisfaceroundthedoorandIsnarledtohimtogetbackintohiscabin.Therewasaminimalnumberofearthcasteserversaboard.Aluckyhappenstance,Ithoughtatthetime.They’dhavebeenslaughtered.Everything’scalculatedthough,isn’tit?MytimewithSkilltalkershouldhave

taughtmethat.‘We’llgethimtotheotherside,’Isaid.‘We’llholdthereuntilthethreatis

confined.’‘Youlead.I’lltaketherear,’Othelliarsaid.‘Givemeanotherchancetotakea

crackatthosewhoresons.’Hewasreallyangry.Helookedwild,allthatbloodonhisface.Itwaseerilysilenthereawayfromthefight.TheSpaceMarinesshipwasno

longerfiringonus,notwantingtokilltheirown,Iguess.Wereachedtheothersideofthevessel,andturnedtowardstherear.‘Thisway!’Isaid.Iwaspanting.Theairontaushipsistoothin.‘There’sa

strongpointjustdownhere.Wecantakestationthereandwaitthismessout.IcountedtwentySpaceMarinesorso.That’salot,butthere’snowaytheycanfighttheirwayoutofthat.’

‘Jathen,stop.’Othelliarsaid.‘Why?’‘Becausewejustranpastthelifeboatbay.’‘What’sthatgotto…’Therewastheincreasinghumofapulsegun,andthenthewhip-crack

discharge.IwhippedaroundtoseeKrixgodown.Smokepouredoutofhisthinchest.Hisbeakclackedonce,andhiseyesdulled.Hewasdead.Istopped.Shockalmostgotme,butIhadmygunup,pointingitwithout

thinkingatthekroot’sassassin:Othelliar.‘Standdown,Jathen!’hesaid.Alltheangerhadgoneoutofhim.Hewas

calm,andthatmademeveryworried.‘Thisiswhereyou’restaying.Meandthepor’elaregoingonalonefromhere.’‘What?Dropyourgunnow!’Ittookamomentformetofigureoutwhatwas

goingon.Iwasconfused.TherewasnowarningofOthelliar’streachery.Onemomentwewererunningawayfromthebattle,intentongettingSkilltalkertosafety,andnowthis?Andthenitallclicked.‘Thishasbeenplanned,allalong.Skilltalker’sthetarget.Theattackisa

diversion.’‘Almost,Jathen,I’mtheback-upplan.’Bloodwasstilltricklingdownhisface.

‘Youalwayswereasharpone,’hesaid.‘Onlythistime,notsharpenough.’PerhapsIshouldhaveshothimthereandthen.Maybeifhe’dstillbeen

wearinghishelmet,Iwouldhave.ButIwaslookingintohisface,woundedinabattlewe’dfoughttogetherin.Wewerecomrades,fortheEmperor’ssake.Ijustcouldn’tdoit.I’dfoughtwithhimforninemonths.Allthistime,he’dbeenwaitingforhismoment?Itdidn’tmakeanysense.Othelliar?Therewasnotriumphinwhathesaid.Ifiguredhewasn’tactingofhisownaccord.Hecouldn’tbe.‘You’reaplant?’Henodded,reluctantly.‘Howlong?’‘Fromthebeginning.Doesitmatter?Thereareplentyofus.TheInquisition’s

beentryingtoinfiltratethegue’vesasincethelastwar.Theykeptmeonstand-by.Iguesstheydidn’twanttorevealtheirtrumpcard,’heswunghisgunbarrelawayfrommethen,pointingatSkilltalker’shead.‘Ishouldkillyoutoo,Jathen.’‘Why?YouhadusallconvincedyouhatedtheImperium!’‘Istilldo.Itwasmypoorluckmyworldgotcaughtupinallthis.We’dbeen

mindingourownbusinessforthelasttenmillenniawhenthefirstcrusadecomescrashingintothesector.Youknowthispartofspaceisalivewith“lost”humanworlds?Imean,Isaylost,weknowwhereweare.TheImperium’dknowaboutmoreofthem,ifitgaveadamnforthispartofthegalaxy.SomeofthemhaveneverevenheardoftheImperium.Wehad,andwantednopartofit.Unfortunatelyforus,theImperiumdidn’tagree.AtleastI’mstillalive,unlikejustabouteverybodyelseIeverknew.Now,dropyourgunorIswearI’llkillthepor’elbeforeIdie.’Thatdidit.I’dhavesoldmyownlifeforSkilltalker’s,Ithink.Inthegreat

calculationsofwhowasworthmorealiveyoutaudoubtlessratedhimmuchhigher.Butitwasmorethanblindloyalty;Icaredabouthim.HewasthefirstdamnedfriendI’dhadinalong,longtime.Iloweredmygun.Hejabbedhiscarbinemuzzletowardsthelifeboatbay.Iput

myhandsupandbackedslowlytowardsit.Thecirculardoorspunandopenedatmyapproach,andweenteredthebay,asemicircularroomwithfivelifeboathatchesatequalintervalsaroundthewall.‘Whyareyoudoingthis?’Isaid.Mythroatwasdryandmywordscaught.Othelliar’sfacewasred.Hiseyeswerebright,withtearsorfuryIcouldn’ttell.

Thewayhewasglaringatmedownthebarrel…Itwasdefiant,likehewaschallengingmetodisagreewithwhathewasdoing,tocallhimtoputhisweapondown,toreachformyknife.Anythingtomakeshootingmeeasier,becauseIsawthenthathewasrelievedI’dobeyedhim.Hedidn’thaveitinhimtokillmeeither.Hewipedthesweatfromhisfaceontheundersuitinthecrookofhisarm.Thegunremainedquiet.Heansweredmeinstead.‘Theyhavemyfamily.’‘Who?’‘ThedamnedInquisition!’heshoutedback.‘Whodoyouthink?Yourthrice-

damnedInquisition!’Iheldupmyhands.‘They’renotmyInquisition.’Theyneverhadbeen,even

backwhenI’dbeenoneoftheEmperor’sloyalsubjects.WhoregardstheInquisitionasontheirside,fortheloveofTerra?‘I’mamemberoftheTau’va.Youaretoo.Don’tdothis,Othelliar.They’llcuthimupalivetoseewhatmakeshimtick.Canyoudothistohim?It’sSkilltalker!’Othelliar’seyesflickedfromSkilltalkertomeandbackagain.‘Ihavenochoice.It’shimormychildren.Mychildren,Jathen!’‘They’llneverletyouhavethemback.Youknowthat.’Hiseyessaidhedidknow.Ididn’tblamehim.InhissituationwouldIhave

doneanydifferent?Iaskmyselfthatsometimes,usuallyatnightwhenthescreamscomeandthedreamsgrowdarkanddawnislonghoursaway.Theanswer’salwaysthesame:probablynot.‘Idon’thaveanychoice,’hesaid.Hewasrightaboutthat.Peoplelikehimandme,we’reallpawnsontheboard

intheend.‘They’redeadalready,Othelliar.’Othelliarstaredatme.‘YouknowIcan’tletmyselfbelievethat.’‘I’msorry.’‘Idon’thaveanychoice!’hescreamed,andhepulledhisweaponintighterto

hisshoulder.‘IfIgiveup,ifIgoover,they’llkillmyfamily,andthey’llkillme.Ihaveadeepcranialimplant,sodeepeventhesecleverblueskinswon’tspotit.Theygetcloseenoughtome,bang!That’sit.NotthatIcare,butmychildren,Jathen…’Skilltalkerwashisusualplacidself.Heheldupcalminghands.‘Donotfear,

friendJ’ten.’HespoketoOthelliar.‘DonotshootJ’ten,Ko’lin.Itwillnotadvanceyourcause.’‘Idon’twanttokillhim.Theytoldmetoleavenoonealive,butIwill.I’ll

onlydancetotheirorderssolongasthey’rewatching.I’llleavehimbeifyoucomewithouttrouble.’‘Ihavenointentionofdoingotherwise,’saidSkilltalker.‘Good.’Othelliarkeptusbothcovered.Hewasgettingtwitchierbythe

second.Thesoundoffightingawayontheothersideoftheshipwasgettingloudenoughtohear.‘Hedoesn’treallywanttodothis,’Isaid.IwassureIcouldtalkOthelliarout

ofit.‘No,’saidSkilltalker.‘Iwillgowithhim,itiswhatmustbe.Foryoursafety.’Andthen,Skilltalkertookasteptowardsme.‘Ithankyoufortheservice.Trulyyouaregue’vesa,mostfaithfulof

companions.YouhaveservedtheTau’vainwaysthatyoumayneverunderstand.YoumayrecallIaskedyouoncewhatformyourta’lisserawouldtake?’Inodded.‘Getawayfromhim!’Othelliarbarked.Weignoredhim.‘Ihopeyouwillthinkonitfurther.But,myfriend,thisshallbeourta’lissera.’

Heputouthishand.‘Isthiscustomanacceptabledisplayofmutualfriendshipbonding?’ItwasasifOthelliarandhisgundidn’tmatteranymore.Hemight

haveshotKrix,butthatwasself-preservation,pureandsimple,andKrixwasn’thuman.Whenitcamedowntostaringanothermanintheeyeandpullingthetrigger,hewasaskeentoputacarbineparticleintooneofhisteammembersasIwas,forallhesaid.IreachedoutandtookSkilltalker’shand.Dryskin,Iremember,quiterough,

feelsthickerthanhumanskin.I’venottouchedataumanytimes.Strangethat,thinkingaboutit.We’remoretactilethanyou.Hegrippedmyhandback,histhreewidedigitsaroundmine.Thenhereached

outhisotherhandandwrappeditoverthetopofourclasp.‘Thisismyta’lisserawithyou,Jathen,abindingthatneitherlifenordeathmaysever,’hesaid.Therewasrealwarmthinit.‘Ipledgemybondtoyou.Ipartwaysfromyouasyourfriend.Ithankyouforyourfriendship.Ithasbeenmostilluminating,butalso…’HesaidsomethingintauthatIdidn’tquiteunderstandandthensmiledwiththatflatspacewhereyournosesshouldbeallwrinkled.‘Thereisnowordforit,notdirectly,inyourlanguage.’Othelliarwasgettingmoreanxious,lookingatthedoorsasifahordeofSpace

Marineswasgoingtosmashthemdownanymoment.Hegesturedwithhisgunbarrel,theweaponstillheldhightohisshoulder.‘Go,go!’heshouted.HereachedoutandslappedSkilltalker,knockinghishat

askew.Thismadememoreangrythananything,andIwouldhavegoneforOthelliarthereandthenhadSkilltalkernotgesturedformetostanddown.OthelliargrabbedatSkilltalker’srobes,andyankedhimbackwardsfromthe

roomtowardsalifeboathatch.Itslockspunandthedoorhissedopen.OthelliarwastreatingSkilltalkermoreroughlythanheneeded.Ifeltforhim,

forwhathewasgoingthrough,butitwasn’trightthewayhewasacting.Skilltalkermadeagesturetomebeforethedoorslidshut,andthisoneIknew

alltoowell–Tau’va.FortheGreaterGood.Onlyasthelifeboat’senginesfiringshookthedock,didIrealisethat

Skilltalkerhadusedmyhumanname.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Theiralientechnologiesprovemyundoing.Somedeviceisclampedtomyleg.Iknockhewhoplacedittheresprawlingwiththebackofmyhand,crackingthelargeshoulderpadhewearswiththepowerofmyblow.IfonlyIheldmyaxeinmyrightratherthanmylefthand,Iwouldhaveslainhim.Idropmyboltpistol,andreachdowntoripthedevicefree.Itiscircular,thesizeofaman’sfist.Lightsblinkarapidpatternanditemitsaescalatingwhine.Ilaymyhanduponittoolate.Amassiveburstofelectromagneticenergydrivesthespiritfrommyarmour.Mysystemsgodark.Ifeelsharpstabsofpainthroughtheneuralinterfacesinmyblackcarapace.Thedisplaysinmyhelmetfail.Theworldseemssuddenlysmaller,framedbyonlythelensesofmyhelmet.Thesuddenburdenofmyarmourwithoutitssupportivemusculaturehasmeoffbalance.Istaggerbackwards,draggedatbythepowerplantandcoolingunituponmyback.Drivendownbythedeadweightofplasteelandceramitethatcladsandprotectsme,Ifalltomyknees.Istruggletostand,buttheremainingelitearebymyside.Itisnotroubleforthemtoholdmeinposition,onehandeachonmyshoulders.Icannotrise.Theirleadercomesbeforeme,sinkingtothegroundonthewhite-hotjetsof

hisflightpack.Helandslightlyandtheycutout.‘Wellmet,sonofman,’hesays.Iraisemyhead.Onmyknees,heseemstall.

IfIwerealesserbeing,Iwouldbeintimidated.Iamnot,butIamtakenabackbywhatoccursnext.

Thechest-pieceofthesuitcracksopen,swingingwideuponhingestorevealtheoccupantwithin.Unlikeourownbattleplate,hislimbsdonotfillthelimbsofhisarmour,buthesitsinaspaceinside,pilotingthearmourratherthanwearingit.Atthisjuncture,thereasonforthesuit’sgreatersizebecomesapparent.What

getsouttostandovermeisnotau,butaman.‘IamGue’vesaDal’ythO’Va’Dem.’Tall,nobleoffeatures,asureandsteady

gaze.Hewearsdazzlingwhitearmourofform-fittingplates,ahighgorgetcoveringthelowerportionofhisface.UponhisforeheadisbrandedtheadorningIoftheEmperor’sInquisition.‘IwasonceInquisitorLucienvanDeem.Youmayusethatname,ifyouwish.

ItislongsinceIspokewithanadeptofthestars,’hesays.Heisweighingmyfate,thisarch-traitor,butthereisnohostilityinhisface.‘Iapologiseforthisconflict.’‘Andwhatwouldyouhave,ifnotconflict,whentheenemiesofmankindpit

themselvesagainstusanditsveryprotectorsturnpersecutor?’Isay.Myvoiceismuffledbymyhelmet.Thetraitornodstothetwobattlesuitedelitestoeithersideofme.‘Holdhim,’hesays.Thetauwithhimdefertohisordersasifhewereoneoftheirown.Heiseverycentimetrethealiencommander,buthisfaceisbrown-skinned,notblue.Thedownwardpressurefromtheirhandsincreases.Therogueinquisitorreachesdowntomyhelm.Ijerkfromsidetoside,buthegraspsmehard,andwithswiftfingersdepressesthehiddencatchestoreleaseit.Thesealhisses.Ismellburningandscorchedfleshattheirfulleststrength,andthenhehasdrawnmyhelmetawayfrommeandlooksdownatmewithappraisingeyes.IfIcouldmovequicklyenough,Iwouldbreakhisneck.Itestthestrengthof

mycaptors,andstillcannotrise.IftheRavenGuardstillpossessedthefullsuiteoftheEmperor’sgiftswithinitsgenestock,thenIwouldspitpoisoninhisface,butIhavenoBetcher’sGland.Someofmybrothersdo,thoseraisedfromseedtithedtoTerrabyotherChapters.ButIamofthepurersort,agreaterproportionofCorax’sowngeneticmaterialismeshedintomine.Forthissingularhonour,Ipaythepriceinlessenedability.ItistheonlytimeIhaveeverregrettedthislack.Therogue’sgorgetslipsawayintoitself,andhelooksatme,atraitornow

fullyunmasked.‘Whatelse?Cooperation,adept.Coexistence.Peace.ArethesewordssorepugnanttoaRavenGuard?’Heholdsmyhelmetwithrespect.Hishairiswhite,asishisbeard.Hiseyesareapiercinggreen.‘Treachery,deceit,dishonour.Arethesewordspalatabletoyou?’Ireply.

‘Theyareanathematome.Youareanathematome.Whathavetheydonetoyou,thesecreatures,toturnyoufromyourswornduty?’Hecrouchesbeforeme,andsetsmyhelmetaside.Heknowsthereverence

withwhichweSpaceMarinestreatourwargear.Herespectsit.‘Theyhavedonenothingtoturnmebuttalktome.IwaspartoftheDamoclesCrusade,twohundredyearsago.Iwasleftbehindupontheirworldwhichwesobrutallyravaged.Andforwhatreason?Reasondidnotcomeintoit!Thebitterprideofanoldman–thatwasthereactionourImperiumgavetoaracewhobringnothingbutthepromiseofpeaceandsalvationfromthedarkness.Astheysaidtome,thisisonlywhatourownEmperortriedtoachieve,solongago,beforethegreattreacherydestroyedhisdreamonthecuspofitsrealisation.Youareshocked.Oh,Iseeitevenbeneaththemaskofhatredandcontemptyouwear.Theyknowmuchofus.IsworetodefendtheImperiumofManfromthreatswithinandwithout.ButwhatistheImperiumifnottheguarantorofman’ssurvival?TheoathsIsworeweretoservehumanity,nottheprisonithasbuiltarounditself.’‘ThosearenottheoathsoftheImperium,’Iretort.‘Theyarethespiritsoftheoaths.Orshouldbe.’‘Andsoyouthrowyourlotinwiththesenaïvechildren.’Hesnortsandsmiles.‘Theeldarsaythesameofus.Wesaythattheirempire

isdoneandwearetheinheritorsofthestars.Notso.Ourtimeisdonealso.Wehadourchance,andfell.TheEmperorfailedtorestoreus.Ithrowmylotinwitharacewhichisyoung,vibrantandjust.Aracethatwilltearbacktheveilsofsuperstitionandbringanewageofenlightenmenttothegalaxy,anageinwhichmankindcanprosperaspartoftheGreaterGood.’‘Youseektoconvertme.Youwillfail.’Heshakeshisheadandlooksdown.‘Idonotseektoconvertyou,becauseI

knowIcannot.YoucannotbetaughtthevirtueoftheGreaterGoodbecauseyouarenotfree.Youarenotaman,butaweapon,andthereisnoplacewithintheneworderforsuchasyou.Iamsorry.’Hemotionstohisfollowers.Theyhaulmetomyfeet.Myarmourisdeaduponme,andIcannotact.‘Youareatraitor.’‘IfIam,thenwhatIbetrayisworthyofbetrayal.Takehimaway.’AndsoIcamehere.Intothisplace.Iam…No.Iwillnotyield.IamBrother-SergeantHerekCornixoftheRavenGuard.IamBrother-

SergeantHerekCornixoftheRavenGuard.IamBrother-SergeantHerekCornixoftheRavenGuard,andIwilldomyduty.

[Note,thiswasthelastcoherentthoughtpatternthenagicollectiveswereabletoretrievefromthesubject’smind.Hewentintoarrestsomemomentslater,thefeedbackfromhissuicidetakingtheremainingmembersofourweakenedsecondarycollectivetotheirdeaths.Earthcastementalintensificationequipment,operatingatthispointatanunprecedented99percentwasseverelydamaged.Fromthisinterrogationwecandrawoneconclusion,nomore:thegue’ron’shacannotbeincorporatedintotheTau’va.Whereencountered,alleffortsmustbeexpendedtodestroythem.Thiswillservetheprimarymilitarygoalofremovingthemasanimmediatethreat,butsecondarilywillalsobreakgue’lamorale,anddemonstratetothemtheself-evidentsuperiorityoftheTau’va.ReportofNagi’oJoauuulliiallo,thirdlevelsynapticadjudicatorofnagicollective45978ends.]

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

O’Va’DemcametomenotlongafterSkilltalkerwastaken.IguessIshouldhavebeensurprisedthathewasamanlikeme,butIwasn’t,notonebit.ButI’veneverseentauobeyanon-taulikethatbefore.Never.Hecametomeinhisunderarmour.Hisfacewastroubled.‘Iamsorry,O’Va’Dem.Ihavefailed.’Ihungmyhead.Ifeltsick,mystomach

keptturningoverandover,andmymindwentunbiddentoallmanneroftorturesthatSkilltalkerwouldsoonbesubjectedto.‘JathenKorling?’hesaid.Ilookedhimintheeye.Hemusthavebeenold,he

hadthatlookyougetfromgoodantigerontics,anagelessfaceshelteringold,oldeyes.‘IamLucienvanDeem,inoursharedlanguage.Please,callmeLucien.We

areallequalsintheeyesoftheTau’va.’HehadanaccenttohisGothic.Atauaccent.‘Lucien,’Isaid.Hesmiledfaintlyinapproval.‘Icametoreassureyou.Youarenottoblame.’‘How?’Isaid.‘Becausetheresultofthisentiredeceptionwasthekidnapandremovalof

Por’elSkilltalkerintoImperialcustody.Youperformedadmirably,indeed,onemightsayalittletoowell–yourdedicationtoyourdutyalmostresultedinthefailureofthemission.Asitwas,wethoughtSkilltalkerwouldneverbetaken.

Afterobservingyou–andIamaverygoodjudgeofmen,Jathen–IfearedyoumightsuspectthatOthelliarwasanImperialagent,howeverreluctantly.’‘But…’Isaid,notbelievingit.‘Theattacks,theambush…TheSpace

Marines…’‘Wehadtomakethetaskashardaspossiblewhilemakingitachievable,’said

vanDeem,‘orouropponentsontheothersidewouldhavesuspectedsomething.TheRavenGuardinparticulararemastersatthissortofaction,butItrusteventheywereconvinced.AshamethattheInquisitionisnowalmostcertainlyawarethatweknowoftheirsleeperagents.Evenso,IexpectthatthemisinformationSkilltalkerwillfeedtheImperiumwillsetbacktheirwareffortsubstantially.’Hesatbesideme.IwatchedasearthcastemedicalstaffcartedabodysackcontainingKrix’smortalremainspast.‘Howcanyoubesure?’‘He’sbeenextensivelytrainedandhismemorieshavebeenmanipulated.To

allintentsandpurposes,hebelieveswhathewilltellthem,oratleasthehasconvincedhimselfhedoes.Iftheyfindhimout,well…WeknowabouttheirplantswithintheTau’va–likeOthelliar–Skilltalkerwouldjusteventhescore.’Hestood.‘Therearemanykindsofshadowwar,notonlythekindthelikesoftheRavenGuardprefertofight.Skilltalkerisapartofthatwar.Hewentgladly,ofhisownaccordinserviceofahigherideal.’Irememberthegesturehemadeatmeashestoodinthelifeboat’sclosing

door.‘Tau’va,’Isaidglumly.‘Tau’va,’saidtheformerinquisitor.ItwasthenthatInoticedthetubebuiltintothesideofLucien’sunderarmour.

I’veseenthembefore.Anagihousing,yousometimesseethemwiththeethereals.Lucienhadamindwormwithhim,ensconcedinitsownsubaquaticenvironment,safefromourpoisonousair.Hecaughtmestaringatit,hesmiledatme,notentirelyreassuringly.‘This?Donotbealarmed.ThisisIllluoosun,heismyadvisor.’‘Heiscarriedwithyougue’o,’Isaid,feelingaqueasyhorror.‘Isheinterfaced

directly?’Iwaspushingmyluckaskingsuchaquestion.‘Ofcourse,’hereplied.‘Allthebettertoadviseme,’saidtheex-inquisitor.

‘Youhavedonewell,andprovenyourself.Weneedmorehumanslikeyou,whotaketheTau’vacompletelytoheart.Untilthathappens,wewillnotbeabletodoourbestforthegreatergoodofall.Iwillmakerecommendationsforyou,inmyreport.Restassured,theywillbepropitious.WiththeglowingpraiseSkilltalker

lavisheduponyou,Ithinkyouhaveabrightfuture.Tau’va.’Withthat,hewalkedoutoftheroom,andoutofmylife.‘Tau’va,’Iwhisperedback.Iliketobelievethatthewormwasthereasanadvisor,thattheaunhadnotput

himunderthecreature’scontrol,thatLucienwashisownmasterandservedtheTau’vaofhisownaccord.Ifnot,thenIhavetobelievethatit’sallfortheGreaterGoodanyway.WhatotherchoicedoIhave?Istillfeelresponsible,forSkilltalker,Imean,thatitwasmyfault.I’vebeen

toldagainandagainthatitwasn’t,butifI’dactedbackonMu’gulathBay,thenthewholeschemewouldneverhavecomeoff,andhe’dstillbealive.Ididwhatwasexpectedofme,butwasittherightthing?WasIgoodenoughtobeworthyofmyownoaths?Iwrestlewiththisstill.IunderstandwhyIwasusedthewayIwas,butfeelingandthinking…They’reworldsapartfromoneanother.Iwonder,thinkingbackonthatconversationontheMantashortlybeforehewastakenfromus,ifhiswagerwithPor’uiKa’shatowasnotactuallyameanstotryandkeepmeoutofallthis.Idon’tknow.WhatIdoknowisthatSkilltalkerwasanexampletousall.That’swhy,inpart,Isignedupforthevocalenhancementsurgery.Afterthreetau’vyrwaiting,I’mfinallyslatedtohavethesurgerynextweek.

Theearthcastemedicstellmeit’llbetwotau’vyruntilI’llbeabletospeak,anotheroneuntilI’mfitforduty,anotherfivebeforeI’llhavemasteredTau’noh’portoasufficientdegreetofitinwiththehighercommandranks.Almosthalfatau’cyr.Butifitallworks,thenI’llbeoffbackacrosstheDamoclesGulf,leadingthefirstfrontlinegue’vesacadrefromthenewconqueststofightonbehalfoftheTau’va.Idon’tcarethatitwillbeagainstthosewhoweremybrothers.Irelishit.Nothing’sperfect.TheImperiumcertainlyisnot.Thecommonwealthisn’teither,butitislesscruel.Iffornootherreasonthanthatalesserevilisbetterthanagreaterone,Ihavepledgedmyselfentirelytothecause.Youarefivecastes,onepeople,butyouarealsonowadozenspecies,halfathousandcultures.Inspiteofthis,thereremains,fornow,onegoal.Iwilldomyutmosttoensurethatthatgoalisfulfilled,forIhave

wholeheartedlymadeyourgoalmygoal.Tau’va.

Recording7-9998-14Gue’vesa.InstituteofHumanAffairs,Lui’sa’loa,Bork’an.

Retrievalcode14a-159.PersonalmemoirsofGue’vesa’vreDal’ythJ’tenKo’lin,Gue’vesaauxiliarydiplomaticprotectionla’rua8448.ENDS

BLACKLEVIATHANBENCOUNTER

CHAPTERONE

‘Wheretheenemythinkshimselfstrong,showhimweakness.Wherehethinksyouweak,showstrength.Butbewareallsuchperfidy,foreverygeneralmayfallpreytobelievinghisownlie.’

–CodexAstartes

‘Wekeepoursecrets.Someofthem,evenfromourselves.’Themanwhospokehadnotremovedthehelmetofhispowerarmour.His

liverywasjadeandblackwiththestylisedimageofadragonononeshoulderpad.Densepatternsofswirlsanddotscoveredonegreaveandoneforearm,givingtheimpressionthattheymeantsomethingthatcouldonlybedecipheredwithanunderstandingoftheirintricatecode.InthedimlightofthePolarDefiance’smaproom,eboneye-piecesglitteredinthefaceplate.‘SoIunderstand,’saidCaptainDevynius.‘WhatlittleIhavebeentoldofyour

Chapteremphasisesthataboveeverythingelse.ButtheUltramarinessharetheircounselwiththeiralliesandIexpectyoutodothesame.SergeantSeanoa,isthatcorrect?’‘Itis,’repliedSeanoa.‘Haveyoubeenbriefedonourmission?’‘ThedestructionofoppositiontoImperialoccupationinthecityofPort

Memnor,’repliedSeanoabluntly.‘Thatisonewayofputtingit,’saidDevynius.Hetriedtoreadsome

expressionfromtheotherSpaceMarine’sbodylanguage,buthefoundnone.ItwasthecustomamongtheUltramarinestoremovethehelmetofone’spowerarmourwhenaddressinganotherSpaceMarineawayfromthebattlefield–perhapsthisSeanoa’sChapterdidnotsharethesamecustom,orperhapshewasremindingDevyniusthataSpaceMarineofoneChaptercouldnotassumethesubservienceofanother.HedecidedtogiveSeanoathebenefitofthedoubt,fornow.‘Iwouldratheravoiddestructionasmuchaspossible.PortMemnorisanImperialcityandonewhichhasbeenloyaltotheEmperor’sruleforthousandsofyears.’‘Onethatrequiressubjugationnowthealienhasitsclawsintoit,’replied

Seanoa.‘Thisshiphasorbitalbombardmentcapability.NotequaltotheExterminatusbutmorethanenoughforourpurposes.Yourealise,doyounot,thatthismissioncouldbecompletedinamatterofminutes,withthepushofabutton?’‘Thismission,perhaps,’repliedDevynius.‘Buttheoccupationthatfollows

willbetentimesharder.Thecasualtiesamonginnocentcivilianswillsetthepopulationagainstus.TheImperialGuardwouldhavetogarrisonthecityinforceifweweretousethespaceport,andthatismanpowerthewarforAgrellancannotaffordtospare.Wewilldothismyway,SergeantSeanoa.TheUltramarinesway,withhonourandrespectforthepeoplewhoseImperiumweserve.’‘Youareincommand,CaptainDevynius,’saidSeanoa,andDevyniuswassure

bothmenunderstoodhowlittlethatmeant.‘WearethreedaysoutfromBriseis,’saidDevynius.‘Ineedfullmission

parametersdrawnupbythen.Itistimeyousawtheprisoner.’

BothAgrellananditsnearneighbourBriseis,asfarasanycouldtell,weresettledduringtheScatteringatthesametime.Thatancientmigrationofmankindacrossthestars,toeveryedgeofthegalaxy,hadplacedonAgrellanandBriseiscoloniesofhumansthatcouldnotsupportthemselvesonanalienworld.BothcolonieshadcollapsedandrevertedtothesavagerythatnowprevailedoncountlesssuchworldsacrosstheImperium.Agrellanhadrebuiltitssocietyandcometoprosper.Intheageofthe

Imperiumitwasahiveworld,avastpopulationsupportedbymany-layeredcitiesdevotedtoindustry,thetractsbetweenthecitiesdrainedofresourcesso

theplanethadtobefedbynearbyagriworlds.BriseishadstayedbarbaricuntilthousandsofyearsafterAgrellan’surbanisationandonlycomparativelyrecently,overthelasttwoorthreethousandyears,hadtheImperium-foundedcityofPortMemnorbecomethecapitaloftheplanet’spopulationandsociety.ThentheDamoclesGulfwarhadcome,thesecondconflictoverthatreachof

spacebetweentheImperiumandthexenos.AndAgrellanhadfounditselfthefrontline.

‘Opentheshutters,’cameavoicepipedinoverthevox-casters.Twocrewmencrankedthehandlethatraisedtheshutterscoveringtheviewingwindows,revealingtheinsideofthecell.ThebrigonthePolarDefianceresembledadungeonofsweatingsteel,coldandfunctional,itslocksanddoorwayshand-operatedandmechanicaltokeeptheplacesecureincasethepowerfailed.Eventhelightcamefromtorchesburninginsconcesonthewalls.Insidethecellwasasinglefigurecrouchedonthefloor,itslonglimbsfolded

uparoundit.Thebedandablutionsvesselweretheonlyfurnitureintherewithit.Evenbeforeitsfacebecamefullyvisible,itsproportionswereclearlyinhuman.‘Ifacedthegreenskinsadozentimes,’saidDevynius’sfellowUltramarine,

Brother-SergeantThaxos.‘Tyranids,too.Hugebloodymonstersthatwouldtearyourfaceoffwithoutknowingyouwerethere.Thisthingdoesn’tlooklikemuchofanenemy.’Thaxosworethewhitetrimofaveteranonhisbluepowerarmour,hisdark

andbatteredskinbrokenbythestudsofsilverimplantedonhisforeheadtodenotethelengthofservicehehadgivenasasergeantoftheUltramarines.DevyniuswaswellawarethatThaxoswasolderthanhe,andyetDevyniuswasofthehigherrank.ThaxosservedasmuchasanadvisortoDevyniusasthesergeantofhiscommandsquad.WhenDevyniushadbeentoldthathewouldhaveonlyonesquadofUltramarineswithwhichtoprosecutethismission,hehadchosenSquadThaxos.‘Anenemyneednotholdaguntothreatenus,’saidDevynius.‘Morethan

most,thisone’sweaponiscunningandlies.’‘Ouronlyweapon,’repliedthealien,‘isthetruth.’Itsvoicewasdryandsibilant,liketheshiftingofsand.Itunfoldeditslong

armsandlegsandstood.Ithadbeengivenacrewman’sbluejumpsuittowear,thearmsandlegsofthejumpsuitbarelyreachingitskneesandelbowsbuthangingbaggilyarounditsnarrowshouldersandchest.Itsfacewasfartoolong

comparedtothatofahuman,withanelongatedhairlesscranium,twohugepureblackeyes,andathin,widemouth.Ithadnonose,insteadbreathingthroughaslitthatranfromthemiddleofitsforeheadtolevelwiththeloweredgeofitseyes.Itsskinwasblue-grey,thoughinthecellithadbecomepalerandduller.‘FirstoneI’veseenintheflesh,’saidThaxos.‘Notsurewhatthefussisall

about.’Thealienputahandagainstthetoughenedglasswallofthecell.Itleaned

forward,peeringatThaxosasifhewastheprisonerandthealienwastheinterrogator.‘Thefirststepistothinkuponwhatyouare,’itsaid.‘Andwhatyouarepermittedtobe.Whenyoucomprehendthegulfbetweenthem,thenyouwillturntotheGreaterGood.’‘Itcan’tstop,’saidDevynius,lookingbackatthealien.‘Evenwhenitisin

chains.’‘Ispeakonlywhatyouknowistrue,’thealienreplied.Thaxosdrewhiscombatblade.Itsmonomolecularedgeflickeredinthe

torchlight.‘Wouldyouliketohearmyreply?’hesaid.AshutteronthewallbehindDevyniusrattledopen,revealingSergeant

Seanoa.Twoofhissquadwerewithhimandtheirarmourshowedthesametanglesofsymbolicdesigns,thoughlessintricatethanthesergeant’s.‘Alivingtau,’saidDevynius,indicatingthealien.‘Notsorareinitself,but

thisoneisoftheirdiplomaticcaste.Thewatercaste,theycallthem.Thesearenotsocommonlytakenalive.’‘Wheredidyougetit?’askedSeanoa.Evenwithhisfacehiddenbeneathhis

helmet,hisdisdainwasclear–no,thoughtDevynius,notdisdain,notthecontemptaSpaceMarineshouldfeelforthexenos.Itwasadetachedness,likethatofascientistexaminingsomethingonaslideorperformingexperimentsonsomethinghehadlongsincestoppedthinkingofasalivingcreature.‘InquisitorialagentsbroughtitoutoftheChrono-Wrights’DistrictofPort

Memnor,’repliedDevynius.‘It’satauemissary,primedtocreateseditionanddefectionamongImperialcitizens.ItsLowGothicisperfect.IthasknowledgeofImperialhistoryandinstitutions,too.Theyhavebeenwatchingus,thesexenos.’‘Whathasittoldus?’‘AllabouttheGreaterGood,’saidDevynius.‘AndabouthowaSpaceMarine

canbecomeallthathisEmperorintendedhimasapartoftheTauEmpire.’‘Itknowswhatweare?’saidSeanoa.‘Iftheydon’tknownow,theysoonwill,’saidBrotherThaxos.‘TheRaven

GuardandtheWhiteScarsarefightingthemacrossAgrellan.They’llhavetolearnawholelotmoreabouttheSpaceMarinesiftheywanttotakeoneoftheEmperor’sworldsfromus.’‘Wewillnottakeanything,’saidthealien,whichhadnotflinchedevenwhen

confrontedbyfiveSpaceMarines.‘Agrellanwilljoinusassurelyasthedaycomestojointhedawn.Itspeoplewilldecideyourbattle,notyoursoldiersorours,andtheywillchoosetheGreaterGood.’‘WhatisthisGreaterGood?’askedSeanoa.‘Whateverbenefitsthetau,’saidDevynius.‘Thusdosmallmindsspeakofit,’interjectedthealien,‘whentheydonothave

thestrengthtounderstand.’‘ThecorruptionyouhavebroughttoAgrellanmeansmillionsofpeoplewill

die,’retortedDevynius.‘Thatdoesnogoodforanyone.’‘WouldthattheGreaterGoodcouldexistwithoutconflict,andthatallwould

walkintoitsembracewithoutresistance,’saidthetau,itsvoicealmosthypnoticallylevel.‘Butitisagoodgreaterthanthelivesofthosewhomustbelosttoseeitbecomereality.Itisworththebloodshed.Itisworthanything,foritistothebettermentofall.’‘TheirfirecastewarriorsareonAgrellanfightingforitshive-cities,’said

Devynius,‘butonBriseis,thisistheenemy.Wordsandlies.AlreadyPortMemnorhasbeencompromisedandthereisnowaywecanguaranteeitssafetyforImperialuseifwedonotweedoutthexenophilefactionfirst.Thatisthemissionforwhichwehavebeenchosen.WearestretchedtoothintotakePortMemnorandthespaceportbymainforcesowemustdoitwithguileandswiftnessinstead,withourtwosquadsandadevotiontohonourandvictory.ThatiswhyIhaveshownyouthisalien,SergeantSeanoa.Thisisourenemy,notthepeopleofBriseis.’Seanoaregardedthexenosforamomentlonger.Thealienfinallyfellsilent

andbackeddownwhenconfrontedwithSeanoa’seye-pieces,asifitcouldseethroughtothepitilessfaceunderneath.‘Whatwillyoudowithit?’Seanoasaidatlength.‘Keepit,’saidDevynius.‘Aslongasitisuseful.’‘WhenitlearnswhatbefellitsbrothersonBriseis,’saidSeanoa,‘itwillenvy

themthattheendcamesoquickly.’Ataninvisiblesignal,Seanoa’stwosquadmatesmarchedoutofthebrig,the

shutterclatteringdownbehindthem.Devyniuspressedacontrolstudonthewallandtheshuttersfelldownoverthecellwalls,too,andthealienwashiddenfrom

viewagain.‘JadeDragons,’saidThaxos,animpressednoteinhisvoice.‘Ineverthought

I’dseethemintheflesh,either.’

ThedefencelaserbatteriessurroundingthespaceportofPortMemnorcouldnotbetrusted.TheywereostensiblystillinthehandsoftheImperialgovernmentofBriseis,buteverystratumofthecity’ssocietyhadbeencompromisedbythetauwatercasteemissariesanditwastoogreatarisktobringaspacecraftwithinreachofthem.IfthePolarDefianceattemptedtomakeloworbittodroptransportsthatcouldlandatthespaceport,xenophileshiddenamongtheguncrewscouldshootthetransportsdownandhaveagoodchanceofbringingthecruiseritselfdownafterthem.DevyniusthereforetookhissmallforceofSpaceMarinesdowntothesurfaceofBriseisbyshuttle,landingbeyondthecity’soutskirts–acumbersomewayofmakinglandfallwithouttheswiftnessandshocktheSpaceMarinesnormallymadeuseof,butbetterthanhavingthemissionendbeforeitbeganinarainofburningwreckage.Thefourshuttlesmadelandfallinaforestofcairns,tumbledowndry-stone

structureswhereancientchieftainsandkingswereburied.Itwasasacredplace,ashallowbowlinthelandscapeformedbythelowshale-coveredhillssurroundingitandthecourseofalong-driedriverthathadleftitschemicalstainsontherockyground.Iridescentblueandgreenriddledthegroundlikealienbloodtrails,weavingaroundcairnsandlowtombsofshaleslabs.Thefewplantsthatfoundpurchasethereshudderedinthedownwashoftheshuttles’retroengines,flintyshardsscatteredbytheimpactastheytoucheddown.EachshuttledisgorgedfiveSpaceMarines,spreadoutamongthecraftto

minimisethecrashrisk.ThejadeandblackarmourofSeanoa’ssquadstoodoutagainstthestonyslopes.TheUltramarinesgatheredaroundDevyniusashejumpedfromthegunmetalshuttleandsetfootontheplanetBriseisforthefirsttime.‘Cheerfulplace,’saidBrotherThaxosashejumpeddownbehindDevynius.

‘Lovelyview.’‘AplacethepeopleofBriseismadetheirhomefortensofthousandsofyears,’

repliedDevynius.‘TheywerenomadsbeforetheImperiumfoundedPortMemnor.Theyfollowedtheseasonsandcamebyhereonceayear,toburytheirdead.’‘Youarequitethehistorian,captain.’‘Ireadmyintelligence,Thaxos,’repliedDevynius.

‘I’mamazedtheskydidn’tdrivethemmadfirst,’saidThaxos,lookingupwards.Briseishadabreathableatmosphere,butitclungtotheworldinathinand

precariouslayer.Lightfromthesystem’sstardidnothavetopassthroughthemanylayersofgasanddustofadeeperatmosphereandasaresulttheskywaspermanentlytheblackofthevoid,scatteredwithstars,includingthehotbrightdiamondoftheDovarSystem’ssun.Agrellanitselfhungamongthestars,theblue-greenofpollutedoceansbloomingoutfromcontinentsasgreyasashorbrownasdirt,blisteredwiththeradiatingblacktendrilsoftheplanet’shivecities.Onthehorizon,pasttheslatehillssharpasknives,rosethespiresofPort

Memnor.Thegeneratoriumexhausttowersspewedgreysmoke,betweenthemthewidersquatcoolanttowersripplingheathazeuppastthestars.Hab-towersandcommunicationmastsweredarkgreyagainsttheblack.Somewherebelowthatskylinewasanestofxenophiles,hereticswhohadforsakentheImperiumofManinfavourofeasyanswerspromisedbyanalien.Devynius’sdutywastorootthemout,andthedemandofhishonourasanUltramarinewastodosowithaminimumofviolencetotheinnocentandloyalwhomadeupthemajorityofthecity’spopulation.Devyniustookouttheauspexscannerandactivateditsscreen,displayingthe

manymapsofthecitythatImperialintelligencehadprovided.Heselectedoneoftheoutskirts,atangleofsewersandprocessingplantsthatsiphonedofftheby-productsofPortMemnor’sindustries.‘Seanoa!’voxedDevynius,andtheJadeDragonssergeantapproached.‘Iwill

takemymentotheentrypointimmediately.Isuggestyouenterthecitybythesouth-westgateandmakeyourwaytothesoutherntransportationhub.Fromthereyoucangettomostareasofthecityquickly.’‘Iwouldtakethefighttothexenophiles,’saidSeanoa.‘Itisnotthewayofmy

Chaptertowaitinreservefortheenemytomakehismove.’‘Thisoperationwillbeconductedmyway,’repliedDevynius,thetoneofhis

voiceaimedatcuttingoffanyargument.‘Youhaveyourorders,sergeant.’Seanoadidnotreplybutturnedbacktohismenand,withagesture,setthem

offonthequickmarchtowardsscree-slopedhillsandtheportcitybeyond.‘Idon’tlikehim,’saidThaxosovertheUltramarinessquadvox,watchingthe

JadeDragonsblendinandalmostvanishamongtherocksofBriseis’swilderness.‘Doyoulikeanyone?’askedDevynius.

‘TherearesomeItolerate,’saidThaxos.TheUltramarineswerealreadymoving,headingforacleftinthehills.The

trickleofafouleffluentriverglitteredthere,amixofindustrialchemicals.Theriver’ssourcewastheprocessingdistrictofthecity,wheretheUltramarineswouldenterPortMemnor.‘Inthroughthebloodysewers,’saidBrotherMerovos,whocarriedthesquad’s

plasmaguninitsslingathisside.‘That’swhatyougetforbeingthesavioursofmankind,’saidThaxos

cheerfully.‘Youhavetocoveryourselfinordurebeforeyoucancoveryourselfinglory.’‘ConductyourselveslikeSpaceMarines,’voxedDevyniussharply,andthe

squadmovedofftowardsthecity.

CHAPTERTWO

‘Thereisnoenemysomightyinbodythathecannotbedefeatedbytheaddlingofhismind.’

–CodexAstartes

DownamongthelowestlevelsoftheChrono-Wrights’District,amongthefoundationpilesoftheworkshopsandhab-blocks,werethetombs.TheImperialfoundershadbuiltPortMemnoronthesiteofoneofBriseis’sonlypermanentsettlements,anecropoliswhoseinhabitantswereacursedanduncleantribewhomadetheirhomesamongburialplacesofpastkings.Thetombsherehadnotbeenusedformillennia,andintheuncleanpitsofboneandcrumblingslatethemeetingoccurredbygutteringtorchlight.Thehumansworeindustrialrebreathers,thesamekindthatkepttheworstof

themetallicpollutantsoutoftheirlungsastheylabouredintheworkshops.Halfadozenofthemguardedtheelder,abentandgreyingwomanwhoseemedweigheddownbythemaskaroundhermouth.Shewalkedwithastaffthatmighthavebeenabadgeofoffice,ormighthavebeenasimplenecessitygiventheunsteadinessofherstepastheguardsledheracrosstheunevenground.Therobesofherstation,thedeepgreenoftheThunderclifftribe,weremostlyhiddenbeneathprotectivecoveralls.Onlythebraidsinherhairandtheblackash

markingsonherfacewereobviousindicatorsofherexaltedstatusamongtheoldtribesofBriseis.Thealienswerewaiting.Liketheelder,theemissaryhadcomehereguarded,a

triooffirecastewarriorsstandingalongsidehim.Theirfaceswerehiddenintheirfeaturelesshelms,paintedadarkorange-browntogowiththedesertfatiguestheywore.Eachwasarmedwitharifleofaliendesign,shapedlikenothingthathadevercomefromanImperialweaponsmith.Theemissarywastallerandmorespindlythanhisguards,forhiscastedidnotdotheugly,baseworkoffighting.Hisownvestmentswereorangeandblack,shimmeringandlustrous,andhejangledwiththelengthsofsegmentedmetalsformingacodetodescribehisrankanddeeds.‘Tolookuponyou,’saidtheelderoftheThundercliff,‘Iwondernotwhythe

Imperiumfearsyouso.’‘Itisnaturalforhumanstorecoilfromthesightofthealien,’repliedthe

emissary.HisLowGothicwasperfect,evenweavinginthedialectandaccentofBriseis’soldtribes.‘Thesmall-mindedallowsuchthingstoruletheirthoughts,butthewiseexaminethemandriseabovethem.’‘Idonotrecoil,’saidtheelder.‘TheThundercliffhaveseenworse.’‘Iamgladtohearit,’saidtheemissary.‘Ihaverequestedyourpresencehere

becausewehavedetectedImperialforceslandingnearthecity.TheresistanceagainsttheImperiummustbesteppedup.Fortunatelywehaveforeseenthisandwithyourassistance,theImperialyokeshallbecastoffandtheindependenceofBriseisassured.’‘Thatremindsme,’saidtheelder.Sheclappedherhandsandoneofthe

tribesmensteppedforwards,handingthetauemissaryabundlewrappedinstainedcloth.Theemissarynoddedabowinappreciationandunwrappedthebundle.Ifhewassurprisedtoseeabatteredhumanheadinhishand,hedidnotshow

it.Theskinwaspalegrey,thehairmattedblackwithblood,andfromthesmellofitputrefactionhadbeengoingonforafewdays.‘TheinformationabouttheImperialspiesinthecitycamefromthisman,’the

eldersaid.‘Suchknowledgebeingdrainedfromhim,hewasexecuted.Itrustyouarenotsodifferentfromusthatyoudonotexaltintheseveredheadsofyourenemies?’‘Quiteso,’saidtheemissary,handingtheheadtooneofhisguards.‘The

Imperium’sagentsmaybelievetheyhaveinfiltratedus,buttheyknownothingofthetruescaleofourresistance.Theyknownomoreofourplansthanitsuits

ustotellthem.’‘Therewasatime,’saidtheelder,‘whenaspyamonguswouldhavebeencast

offthecliffsintothebeastpits.Hewouldhavebeendevouredfromthefeetup,andbeggedustokillhim.Wewouldhavestareddownathimashedied,anddrunkdeepoftheanguishonhisfaceaswegavehimonlysilence.Now,wejustcutoffhishead.Wehavebecomesoft.Iwouldgobacktothosedays,emissary.’‘Youwill,’saidthealien.‘Ipromiseyouthat.FortheGreaterGood.’‘Forourgood,’repliedtheelder.‘Theenemywillbeatourgatesinamatterofhours,’saidtheemissary,his

toneunchangeddespitethechallenge.‘Wewillcontactyouwithwhatmustbedone.Youwillneedthis.’Oneofthefirecastewarriorssteppedforwardsholdingarollofhide.Theemissarytookitfromhimandletalengthofitunraveltothetombfloor.Itwasgnarledandscaly,scarredalloverasifbymassiveclawsandpockedwithclustersofbarnacles.Itsmelledofthedeepseaandrot.‘Whatisthis?’askedtheelder,nothidingthedistasteonherface.‘Astandard,’saidtheemissary.‘Ofgreatpowerandimport.Iaskthatyoutrust

us,asyouhavesograciouslythusfar,whenweinstructyouastoitsuse.’Thetribesmentookthebannerbetweenthem–itwastooheavyforoneman

tocarry.Tricklesofstinkingwaterspatteredontothefloorofthetombs.‘Youinstructusoften,’saidtheelder.‘Youdonotcallthemorders,butweare

nofools.TheImperiumisacommonenemytous,butyouarestillanalienandthisisstillourworld.Takecarenottoforgetthat,orourgreatergoodmayprovenottocoincidewithyourown.’‘Ourpeoplearephilosophers,’saidtheemissary.‘Wehavededicatedthelife

ofourspeciestounderstandingwhattrulyisgoodinlife,andhowbesttospreadthattruthtothosedeservingofit.YoudeservetheGreaterGood,peopleofBriseis.Trustus.’Theelderdidnotreply.Shegesturedtoherguardsandleftwiththebanner,

leavingtheemissaryandhisfirecastewarriorsinthedarknessbeneathPortMemnor.

Theoperationdidnothaveanauspiciousstart,foritbegandownamongthefilthofPortMemnor,theindustrialrun-offfromathousandworkshopsandthecity’senormousgeneratorium.Throughthebrown-blackslurrytheUltramarinesforged,thedeepblueoftheirarmourstainedwithabrasivechemicals,therebreathersbuiltintotheirhelmetskeepingtheirlungsintactagainstthe

corrosivefumes.CaptainDevynius’shelmetwastoppedwithatransversecresttomarkhimoutinthechaosofbattle–itdraggedalongthetopofthesewerandwasnowaclottedblacknestofrat’stails.Atleasthehadnotwornthecloakwhichborethemarkingsofhisrankandachievements.‘It’srightaboveus,’voxedBrotherSilen,takingpointandreadingthesquad’s

locationfromhisauspexscanner.DevyniuscheckedthemapsloadedontohisownauspexandsawSilenwascorrect.‘Merovos!’orderedDevynius.‘Knockonthedoor!’BrotherMerovoshauledhisplasmagunupoutofthesludge.Itspowercoils

warmedupandacidicvapourroseofftheweaponasheaimeditattheceilingofthetunnel,aseambetweentwolongsections.Therestofthesquadbackedoffasthepowercoilswhined,warminguptofullpower.Thegunfilledthesewerwiththeglareofitsplasmabolt,andtheuppersection

ofthesewervanished.Acloudofvaporisedsteelrusheddownthesewerinbothdirections,andDevyniuswasforcedbackastepbythesuddenburstofpressure.‘Go!’voxedDevynius.‘Onwards!’BrotherSilenwasthefirstout,haulinghimselfupthroughthehole.Atthat

pointinthesewerthepipecamewithinafewcentimetresofthefloorabove,formingahiddenbreachingpoint.Itwasn’thiddenanymore,asSilenburstupwithbolterinhand.‘Citizens!’yelledSilen,‘Donotresist!WearetheEmperor’shand!Wearethe

AngelsofDeath!’Ittookafewsecondsforthescreamingtobegin.Inthattimehalfthesquad

hadmadeitthroughthebreach,Devyniusvaultingupontothefloor.Throughtheroilofscaldingvapour,thecolumnsoftheparliamentbuilding

soareduptoavaultpaintedwithvengefulangelsandcelestialchoirs.ThethroneoftheEmperor,depictedasagreatgildedchairwiththeoccupantobscuredbyaglareoflight,formedacentrepieceofagrandcentralpanel.Below,themarble-tiledfloorwasscatteredwithknotsofdignitariesinthe

lavishgarbofBriseis’srulingclass.Thecity’sindustrywasprecisionmechanicsandthewealthyandpowerfulworeconstructionsofclockwork–tallperiwigsadornedwithautomataofbattlingknightsorshipsatsea,mantleswhichplacedcherubswithflappingwingsonthewearer’sshoulder–withspinningcogsandpistoninggearseverywhere.ThemenandwomenlookedwithshockattheUltramarinesemergingfromtheevil-smellingcloudofindustrialchemicals.Someofthemwerescreamingatthesightofthem.TheAngelsofDeath.ThevengefulfistoftheEmperor,thedefendersof

humanityandthescourgeoftheunrighteous.EveryImperialcitizenknewoftheSpaceMarines,theiconofImperialmight,ofthedivinerightofhumanitytorulethestarsandthevengeancethatwouldfalluponeveryhereticandalien.Andnowtheywerehere,inBriseis’sparliamentbuilding,andterrorstruckeveryonewhosawthem.Theshockofthefirstfewsecondsdieddown,andtheyran.Devyniussaw

agedmatriarchs,youngrakesandgrey-templednoblemensprintingatthesightoftheUltramarines,scatteringwigsandswagger-sticksintheirwake.‘Noresistance,’voxedDevynius.‘Makeallspeed,brothers.Tothecouncil

chamber!’BriseisfellundertheauspicesofAgrellan’sLordGovernorbutPortMemnor

haditsowngovernment,anaristocraticoligarchybasedontheworld’smostpowerfulfamiliesandrepresentativesfromitsoldtribes.Thataristocracy,alltheintelligencesuggested,hadbeeninfiltratedfirst.Theyhadtobetakendown.Grandstairsswepttowardstheupperfloor,whereadozenentrancesledtothe

uppergalleriesofthecouncilchamber.Devyniusranhissquadupthem,boltersheldready.Dignitarieswererunningeverywhere,tumblingdownthestepsandfalling

overoneanothertogetoutoftheway.Devyniusignoredthem.AnUltramarineheldhisfocus,evenwhenhellwasbreakingoutaroundhim.Thedoorsatthetopofthestairwaywereclosed.Theassault’stiminghad

workedout–theUltramarineshadcaughtthecouncilinsession.Thedoorwayoppositewasformedbythewingsofagreatcarvedwoodeneagle,itsharshjeteyesglaringdownatanyonewhodaredapproachthecity’sseatofgovernment.Devyniusrantothedoorsandkickedoneoffitshinges,thewoodsplintering

andthecarvedeagle’sheadcollapsingtothefloorbehindhim.MorethanfivehundrednoblesandplutocratsmadeupPortMemnor’s

governmentcouncil.Mostofthemwerethereforthatsessioninthegrandcircularchamber,withitsspeaker’sthroneononesideandthecouncilmen’sbenchesradiatingoutfromtheheapofsacredbooksandscrollsinthecentre.Almosthalfthatnumberagainwasmadeupbyfunctionaries,manservants,observersandrecordersinthegalleries.AllturnedtolookasthedoorsrippedinwardsandDevyniusstompedintothechamber.‘CouncilmenofBriseis,’shoutedDevynius.‘Theinfiltrationofthexenosand

hislackeyintoyourrankshasrenderedyouunfittorule.YouarerelievedofgovernmentandarehenceforththeEmperor’stodowithasHewills.Theinnocenthavenothingtofearandtheguiltywillberootedout.Untilthen,you

areunderarrest.Placeyourselves…’Oneofthecouncillorsjumpedtohisfeet.Hewasyoungerthanmost,

handsomeanddashing,theimageofanImperialnobleman.Heworetheuniformofhisfamily’shouseholdguard,heavywithgilt,andinthePortMemnorfashionfordecorativeclockwork,thecampaignmedalsandhonorificsonhischestdazzledastheyspun.‘Astheemissariessaid,’hecriedout,‘theyhavecometokillus!Fightback,

sonsofBriseis!Toarms!Hereitbegins!’Herippeduptheseatofthebenchonwhichhehadbeensittingandtookfrom

itarifle–notalasweapon,standardarmamentoftheImperialGuard,noranobleman’shuntingrifle.Itslongbarrelwasrectangularincross-section,paintedinthedarkochresofdesertcamouflage,andinthenobleman’shandsitlookedawkwardanduncomfortableasifithadn’tbeenmadeforhumandimensions.TherestofthesquadwerecharginginbehindDevyniusasthenobleman

levelledtherifleattheUltramarinescaptain.Devyniusdroppedtoonekneeandrolledastheweaponfired.Aboltofblue

energyspearedthroughthewallbehindhim,shearingoffsomeofthewoodenfeathersthatremainedofthecarvedeagle.Moreofthecouncillorswerebreakingoutweapons,manyofthemthelong,

alienrifles,othersshorter-barrelledgunsthatfiredrapidburstsofblue-whiteenergy.ThedensewoodofthebenchesandpartitionswasshreddedevenastheUltramarinesduckeddownforcover.Peopleweredyingalready.Noblesandfunctionariescaughtinthecrossfire

hadhugeholespunchedthroughthem,theirfleshcauterisedandboneturnedtoashastheenergyboltsdischargedandrippedthemapart.Thecouncilchamberrangwithscreamingandthehighshriekofthealiengunfire.Menandwomenwereclamberingoveroneanotherandbeingtrampledunderfootasmostmadefortheexits.Thosewhostoodandfoughtwererallyingtothefirstnoble’scommand,leapingintofiringpositionsandcryingslogansoffreedomanddefiance.‘Thaxos,takethethrone!’orderedDevyniusasanotherburstofgunfire

streakedoverhishead.‘Fire-team,tome!’Devynius’ssquadoperatedasoneinmostcircumstancesbutwhenrequiredit

splitintotwofire-teams,oneledbyDevyniusandtheotherbytheveteranThaxos.BrotherMerovos,partofDevynius’steam,slidintocoverbesidethecaptainasThaxosbrokecoverandsprintedfromonebankofwoodenseatingtothenext.

DevyniusheardBrotherSilenyellandtheUltramarinefelltothefloorbesidehimamomentlater,clutchingonearmtohischest.‘Gotmyshoulder,’gaspedSilen.‘Damnthingwentthroughmyarmour.Alientech.Xenophilefilth.’Devynius,SilenandMerovoswerejoinedbyTimesusandVesuvio.The

faceplateofVesuvio’shelmetwasscoredthroughandglowingfromaglancinghit–hetorethehelmetfromhisheadandcastitaside,revealingacrimsonstripofburnedskinacrosshisface.‘Tooclose,byCalth,’hespat.‘Toocloseforthesegun-whelpstoget.’‘Returnfire!’orderedDevynius.Helevelledhisownboltpistoloverthecover

andsnappedoffahandfulofshotsattheenemy–welloverfiftyenemiesfacedhimacrossthechamber,rapidlyformingupbehindcovertolaydownwitheringfireattheSpaceMarines.Aknotofthem,ledbytheuniformednoble,hadsetupbytheheapsofbooksandscrollsatthecentreoftheroom.TheburningpagesofBriseis’sancientlaw-tomesfluttereddownaroundthem,ignitedbytheburstsofenergyfire.Devyniuscaughttheuniformednobleintheupperchest,theboltpistol’sshell

blastingonearmandshoulderaway,leavingtheheadtotteringonashatteredspine.Thebodyfloppedoutofview.Vesuviostoodproudofcoverandrattledoffathunderingvolleyofbolterfire,blastingthecoverofthebooksawayandthrowinganothercorpseagainstthefrontrowofbenches,blownalmostcleaninhalfthroughtheabdomen.ThebackofthebenchinfrontofDevyniuswascomingapart,thewood

splinteredandcharredfromtheenergyfire.‘Thosearepulserifles,’hevoxed.‘They’llgorightthroughourcover.Close,brothers,closeandkill!’Merovosstoodandsprayedafusilladeofboltsfromhisplasmagun,thepower

coilsflaringasthefist-sizedboltsofliquidpowerspatteredacrossthehall.ThehereticsdivedforcoverasthefireraineddownaroundthemandDevyniusledthechargeintothebreakinreturnfire.Hevaultedthebenchandcrunchedthroughtheburningwreckagearoundhim,kickingthroughthefurnishingsuntilhereachedthetableofburningbooks.Hisfire-teamwererightbehindhim,firingastheyran.Devyniusdrewhispowerswordfromitsscabbardathiswaist.Theenemyhad

thefirepower–thepulserifleswerexenosweapons,tauweapons–andtheyusedtechnologyofaleveltheImperiumcouldnotreplicate.Buttheenemywerestilljustmen,andasfarasDevyniusknewthetauhadnotyetdevelopedanyweapontheequalofanangrySpaceMarinewhofoughtfacetoface.Devyniusheardahighwhineoverthegunfire,thesoundofsomethingvery

powerfulwarmingup.Heglancedovertheburningbooksandsawoneofthenobles,awoman,throwingoffthebulkyhoop-skirteddresssheworetorevealoff-whitearmourplatesbandedaroundherbody.Theelaborateclockworkautomataperchedonhershouldershadconcealedtwinpulseweaponsmountedonthebackofherarmouredbodysuit,andtheytrackedtofollowhereyesasshetriedtopickoutatargetamongtheflamesandbedlamofthechamber.DevyniushadgonethroughtheintelligencetheInquisition’sspieshad

submittedaboutPortMemnor’sparliament.Severalofthecouncillorswereconsideredparticularlyinfluentialamongthepopulace,andoneofthemwasthewomanthatDevyniusnowsawcladintau-madecombatarmourfiringvolleysofpulsefireathisbattle-brothers.Herecognisedthesharp,hardfeaturesandiceblueeyesofLadySolheindal-Thess,representativeofoneofthecity’soldestandmostrespectedfamilies.TheintelhadmadeitveryclearthatshewasadevoutImperialloyalist,andthatshewasoneofthecouncillorswhosesurvivalwasimportanttoprovidethecitywithloyalleadersduringImperialoccupation.ThesupposedloyalistblastedanothervolleyatBrotherTimesus,whorolledto

thegroundbeforethechainoffiretookhisheadoff.Devyniusleaptupontothetable,scatteringburningbooks.LadySolheindal-

ThesswasacoupleofstridesawayandsheturnedhericyeyestowardsDevyniusashebrokecover.Twinscouringblastsofflameshotdownfromthrusterunitsmountedoverhershoulderbladesandcastherintotheair,firingaburningarcdownatDevyniusasshesoaredoverhim.Devyniusdidnotrun.Hetrustedinhisarmour,artificer-craftedplatefromthe

forgesofUltramar,todeflectthefirstcoupleofshotsthatthuddedagainsthisshoulderguard.HeleaptatLadySolheindal-Thessasshecamedowntoland,lettinghisboltpistolfallfromhishandandclampbyitsmag-locktohisforearm.Hegrabbedthexenophile’sankleanddraggedherdown,slammingherintothefloor.Thexenophile’sarmourcoveredeverythingexceptherheadinflexibleplating,

withthejointsenhancedwithpistonsandservostolendhergreaterstrengthandfreedomofmovement.Theforearmarmourreformedintoathin,glowingbladethatextendedfromthebackofherhand.‘Heretic!’growledDevynius,graspingatthenoblewoman’sbladedwrist.‘Thisisnoheresy,’repliedLadySolheindal-Thess.‘Thisisthefuture.Wewill

bringyoudown.’ThebladelancedatDevynius’sface.Devyniusgrabbedherwristandbentit

back–itshouldhavesnappedinDevynius’sfistbutthealienarmour’sjoints

werereinforcedandpowered,andthenoblewomanspununderneathhim.Suddenlyasecondblade,extendedfromherotherforearm,wascuttingathisthroat.Devyniusduckedbackbeforehisthroatwasslit.Thebladeslicedoffachunk

ofhisshoulderguard.Hebroughthispowersworddownoverhead,arcingdownatthenoblewoman.ThejetsonthebackofherarmourfiredandshethrewherselfoverDevynius’sheadagain,herwriststillinhisgrip,astheswordcamedownandcarvedadeepfurrowinthewoodenfloor.Thenoblewoman’stwingunsfired.Devyniusletthearmourofhisshoulder

guardandbreastplateabsorbtwoshots,andhepulledherin.ThejetsfoughtagainsthimbutDevyniusputafootagainsttheframeoftheburningbooktableandhauledhertowardshim.Panicflaredonherface.ThedefiancemeltedevenasDevyniusbroughtthe

powerswordaroundather.ThetwinpulsecarbinesswivelledtoaimatDevynius’sface,justathoughtneededtofireanotherpoint-blankburstintohim.TheswordslicedthroughLadySolheindal-Thessatwaistheight.Itpassed

straightthroughher,thepowerfieldcarvingthroughthearmourplatesaroundherabdomenandlowerback.Devyniusslammedtheupperhalfofherintothetable,crunchingthroughthewood.Shedisappearedinafloodofburningpages.Devyniusdroppedtoonekneeandtookstockofthebattle.Dozensweredead,

drapedoverthecouncilmen’sbenchesorinheapsofburningfineryonthefloor.Someofthemclutchedthetaupulserifles;othershadsimplybeencaughtinthecrossfire,blastedapartbyboltershellsorpulserounds.Twentyorthirtyofthexenophileshadformedanorganisedfirebase,snipingat

Devynius’sfire-teamfrombehindthecasingsofachoirofnotaryservitors.Theservitors’casingswerepackedwithenoughclockworktoabsorbtheworstofthefireandthefewwhosepastytorsoshadyettobedamagedcontinuedtoclackawaywithquill-tippedfingers,blank-deadfacesstaringimpassivelyacrossthecorpse-chokedchamber.BrotherThaxos’sfire-teamappearedamongthesculpturesofthethrone,

wherethecouncil’sspeakeroversawdebates.Itwasofmassivecarvedhardwood,thecoreofagiganticsingletree,solidenoughtoturnawaythepulserifleshotsthatspatteredagainstit.Thaxosledhisbattle-brothersinhammeringawaveofbolterfireintotheservitors,throwingthexenophilesintocoverandblastingragged,wetholesinthosecaughtintheopen.ThepulsefirecomingtowardsDevyniusdieddown.Hestrodethroughthe

remainsoftheburningtable,dislodgingtheseveredlowerhalfofLady

Solheindal-Thess.Hisownfire-teamfollowedhimasheflickedhisboltpistolbackintohishandandlenthisownfiretoThaxos’s,blastingthearmoffaxenophileattheelbowasthemanleanedouttosnipeattheadvancingUltramarines.BrotherMerovosvaporisedaservitorwithablastofplasmaandthexenophilebehinditstumbled,burning,therifledroppingfromhishands.Inmoments,Devynius’sfire-teamwereamongthem.Devyniushadspent

thousandsofhoursintheduellingcirclesanddrillhallsoftheUltramarinesfortress-monasteryonMacragge,andthemusclememorykickedinashelashedoutwithhispowersword.Thaxos’sfire-teamceasedfireasDevyniusstruckoffaheadhere,anarmthere,impaledanotherhereticontheblade’spointandshotanotherthroughthechestwithhisboltpistol.BrotherSilencrackedaskullwiththebuttofhisbolterandDevyniusspottedBrotherTimesusputtingashotthroughtheheadofahereticstrugglingonthefloor–Timesus’sarmhunglooseathisside,bloodturningtheblueofhisarmourblack.Itwasover.Thexenophilesweredead.Thosewhohadtriedtofleeas

DevyniuschargedhadbeenshotdownbyThaxos,whoworeageneroushandfulofmarksman’shonourshangingfromtheloweredgeofhisrightpauldronandwasknownthroughouttheChapterasanoutstandingshot.Devyniuswavedhissquadintoaperimeterformationandwalkedthroughthedebristowardstheheapofburningbooks.HepushedLadySolheindal-Thess’sbodyoutofthefire.Herfacewaslargely

untouchedbutthealienarmourplateswereblackenedbytheflames.Hereyeswereopen,atrickleofbloodrunningfromhermouth.‘Thoughtshewasoneofours,’saidThaxos.‘Shewasonthelist,wasn’tshe?’‘Shewas,’saidDevynius.‘Whatisthisshewaswearing?’‘Taubattlesuittechnology,’saidDevynius.‘Examplesturnupamong

xenophilenoblesfromtimetotime.Symbolsofrebellionandprestige.Idoubtsheboughtitforhardcash,though.Thetauboughtherloyaltywiththeirtrinkets.’‘Captain,’saidatremblingvoicefromnearby.‘Itiscaptain,isn’tit?’Devyniussawayoungnoblemanpickinghimselfupfromoneofthebullet-

riddledbenches.Hisfacewasbloodyandhehadtornawaythejacketofhisdarkblueuniform.Tattersofsilverbrocadehungfromhisshoulder.Hehadthelookofonewhohadtrainedforhuntingandwarbutdidnotmakeithisvocation,tooslightandpaletobeasoldier.‘DevyniusoftheUltramarines.Youare?’

ThenoblemanwasforcinghimselfnottolookatthebodyofLadySolheindal-ThessatDevynius’sfeet.‘BaronMaelenar,’saidtheyoungman.‘OfHouseMaelenar.’Devyniusconsultedthescreenofhisauspexscanner,movingthroughthe

intelligencereportsonBriseis.HouseMaelenar-Kolgorwasconsideredloyal,andwithareasonablelevelofconfidence.Thebaronhadascendedtohisrankaftertherecentdeathofhisgreat-uncle,thehousepatriarch.Therewerenoothernotesontheyoungman.‘ThenHouseMaelenaristhefirsttostakeitsclaim,’saidDevynius.‘Therewillbegreatuncertainty,’saidBaronMaelenar,carefullypickinghis

words.‘Thecitywillneedleadership.’‘Thatdidn’ttakelong,’saidThaxos.‘AndItakeithislordshipistheoneto

provideit?’‘Myfamilyisold,’saidthebaron.‘Wehaveconnections,andourloyaltyis

certain.’‘Thatiswhattheysaid,’repliedDevynius,indicatingthebodyofLady

Solheindal-Thess,‘abouther.’‘AndIammoreawarethananyoneoftheconsequencesofdisloyalty,’saidthe

baron.Devyniuslookedatthisman,whohadjustseenfamilyandfriendsshotdown

beforehiseyes,whohadnarrowlyavoidedjoiningtheminthecrossfire,andyetwhoevennowwaspolitickinghiswaytowardssupremacyforhishouse.ItwasnotanattitudethatendearedamantoasonofUltramarlikeDevynius,butitalsosuggestedsomeonewhoputpoliticalpragmatismaboveeverythingelseandwoulddowhateverhewastoldifitmeantHouseMaelenartookpowerinPortMemnorandkeptit.Asunpleasantastheideawas,BaronMaelenarmightbejustthesortofmantheImperiumneeded.‘Youarethespeakerofthecouncil,’saidDevynius.‘TheImperialwareffort

willmakedemandsofyou.Canyoufulfilthem?’‘Thereareprecedents,’repliedthebaron.Hiscolourwascomingbackandhis

voicewassteadier–politickingwasaworldhewascomfortablein,andengaginginitlethimbanishtheeventsfromafewminutesago.‘Emergencydecrees.Thereisonethatgivesthespeakerthepowertoselectcouncilmembers.Itdoesnotspecifyanumber,solongasdecisionsarequorate.Itwascreatedincasethecitywasinfectedandcarriersofaninfectiousdiseasehadtobekeptoutofthechamber,butIcanenactitnowandputloyalmenintothecouncil.TherewillbenolegalhindrancetothedemandsoftheImperium.’

‘Doit,’saidDevynius.‘Whenthebodiesaregone,’saidthebaron.‘Now,’saidDevynius.‘Brothers,’hevoxedtohissquad.‘Report.Casualties?’‘I’llneedpatchingup,’camethereplyfromBrotherTimesus.‘It’smorea

humiliationthanahindrance.’‘Tookahittothethigh,’addedBrotherOiolasofThaxos’sfire-team.‘I’mstill

mobile.’Withthepenetrativepowerofthetaupulserifles,thatwasafortunatelylow

tallyofcasualties.Twohit,andneitherbadly.Thatwastheonlyfortunatethingabouttheeventsofthelastfewminutes.‘Whydidtheybringguns?’askedBaronMaelenar.‘Andwhyinhere,inthe

chamber?’‘Becausethetauwantedabloodbath,’repliedDevynius.‘Ifwehadarrested

thexenophilesquicklyandquietly,thepeopleofPortMemnormightneverhaveheardofit.ThexenosgavetheirfollowersgunsandtoldthemtofightbackiftheImperiumplayeditshand,sotherewouldbedeathsthatcouldnotbeignored.PeoplelikeLadySolheindal-Thesshereweresupposedtohelpstabilisethecitysowecouldrootoutthexenophilesandtakecontrolofthespaceportwithoutviolence.Now,therewillbeviolence.Thisscenewillberepeatedahundredtimesinthestreets.Lookonthewagesofconspiringwiththealien,baron.ThetauwouldseeeveryoneinPortMemnorshotdownlikethisifitmeanttheycoulddenythecitytotheImperium.’‘Wemustcalmthepopulation,’saidBaronMaelenar.‘Agesture.Alink

betweentheImperiumandthepeopleofBriseis,somethingsignificant.MagosSkepterisisthemostseniorofficialoftheImperiuminthecity.Wewilluseher.’‘Doitsoon,’saidDevynius.‘Wordwillbeonthestreetsalready.’Functionariesandservitorswerealreadypickingthroughthecarnage,finding

survivorsandsummoninghelp.Afewshocked-lookingnoblesandofficials,evidentlythosewhohadexperiencewithadministeringmedicalaid,werebeingherdedintothechambertostaunchthebleedingofthosewhocouldbesaved.Soonindustrialservitorswouldbebroughtintocartawaythebodiesandbeginclearingthedebris.Devyniusdidn’tknowwhereBaronMaelenarwouldconvenehisnewcouncil,butitwouldn’tbehere.‘Yourorders,captain?’saidBrotherThaxos.‘WithdrawtotheLawkeepers’Precinct,’saidDevynius.‘Wecandonomore

goodhere.SpaceMarinesbringfearwherevertheygo,evenwhenwedon’twantto.Ourpresencewillmakeitimpossibleforthebarontocalmthingsdown.’

‘Andthen?’‘Themissioncontinues,’saidDevynius.‘Ourobjectivesareunchanged.This

wentpoorly,butthexenophilesaregonefromthecity’sgovernment.Thatatleasthasbeenaccomplished.Thespaceportremainsourprimarygoal.’‘Ofcourse,captain.Brothers!Moveout,wearedonehere!’AstheUltramarinesmovedoutofthechamber,aservitordraggedthetwo

halvesofLadySolheindal-Thessoutofthesmoulderingdebris,beginningthelongandperhapsimpossibletaskofscouringthestainofdeathfromPortMemnor’sparliament.

TheChrono-Wrights’DistrictwastheheartofPortMemnor.Itwastheoldestquarterofthecityandthecentreofitsprecisionengineeringindustry.Itsbuildingsweretheoldestinthecity,thefirstconstructedbythetribesbroughttogetherbytheImperialcolonists,allage-roundedstonethatformedalleywaysandswitchbacksaroundhiddenfountainsandcourtyards.Channelsinthenarrowstreetssiphonedawaytheheavymetalsandtoxinsusedinthecountlesssmallworkshops,drainingthemawayintothecity’ssewers.Theresultingchemicalhazehangingaroundthedistrictforcedtheyoungerlabourersandartisanstowearrebreathers–theolderoneshadbecomeimmunetotheeffects,theirlungsblisteredandleatherylikeweather-beatenskin.Itwasthoseolderworkers,theveteransofChrono-Wrights’District,who

emergedfirst.Itwasapre-appointedhour,passedbywordofmouthatetchingtablesandclockworkers’benches.Asone,tensofthousandsputdowntheirtoolsandcameoutintotheopen,stillwearingtheirbatteredandacid-stainedoverallsoverwork-tightenedmuscles.TheyrolleduptheirsleevesandexposedtheircheststorevealthetattoosandscarsmarkingthemasmembersoftheancientBriseiantribes.Itwasnotdoneinthecitytodisplayadherencetotheoldwayssoopenly–itwasfarmorethefashiontodenythatancientandsavagepastwhenthepeopleofBriseishadroamedtheblastedlandscapeandcarvedoutlivesfromtheunyieldingslate.Nowtheyworethosesymbolsproudly:thecloudedplanet,theknotofsnakes,thecrossedswords,theshatteredmountain.Thestreetsfilled.Thenarrowalleyswerechokedandthefountainsquares

werecrowded.Bannerswereraised,carryingthesamesymbolsthepeopleworeontheirskin.Fewspoke–thiswasagrimbusiness,anecessaryone,andonetheydidnottakeonlightly.Itwasagatheringonascalethathadnotbeenseenforcenturies,notsincethePortMemnorWaterTaxRiots,andwhilethosetimeshadbeensparkedbyspontaneousanger,thiswasanorganisedgesturethateven

theImperiumcouldnotignore.

SergeantSeanoawatchedthecrowdgrow.ItwouldsoonbeimpossibletomovethroughthestreetsoftheChrono-Wrights’Districtatall,evenforSpaceMarines.Fromthewindowoftheclocktowerhecouldseetheorganisersmovingbetweenthepeople,passingoninstructions.Theseweremessengersandheraldsappointedbywhoeverhadorchestratedthisprotest.‘Wecouldcutthemdownfromhere,’saidTagamala,Seanoa’ssquadmate.

‘LoadupwithStalkershellsandsnipethemonebyone.’‘Therewouldbebedlam,’saidSeanoa.‘Crushesandstampedes.’‘Andagreatmanyxenophileswoulddie,’saidTagamala.‘Isthatnotwhywe

arehere?’‘Theportentsoftheknifegatheraroundyou,’saidSeanoa,regardinghis

fellowJadeDragon.Tagamala’sarmourandhisfaceplatewerescoredwithdeepmarkscutbyaheatedmono-edgedcombatknife,tomatchthescarsheworeonhisfacebeneath.Thedesignsonhisarmourwovetheimagesofhisportentsintoit–knives,serratededgesandhookedfangs.‘Thosearetheonlythoughtsyouhave.Ifyoucouldsliteverythroatinthisgalaxyyouwoulddoit,butsometimesaknifethroughtheneckisnotwhatweneed.’‘IftheUltramarinehasyousoscolded,thenwhycarryagunatall?’said

Tagamala.‘Speakthusagain,brother,andwewillseetojustwhomtheknifecomes

easiest,’repliedSeanoa.‘Thereisaplaceonourfleetwhereabladeisplacedbetweenustoseewhowillgettoitfirst.’TherewasnoangerinSeanoa’svoice,nomorethreatthanthebearingofa

SpaceMarinenaturallygavehim.OtherChaptersmightrelyonachainofcommandanddeferencetorank,artificialconstraintsonthesoulsofmen.TheJadeDragonsorganisedthemselvesaccordingtotherulesofnature,totheapparentcapacityandwillingnessforonetokillanother.OtherChapterswouldnotunderstandsuchbonds,atoncebrotherhoodandpredation.ItwasoneofthemanysecretstheJadeDragonskept.TheclocktowerwasattheheartoftheChrono-Wrights’District,itselfa

clockworkmarvelwithafacebedeckedwiththousandsofautomatedsoldiersthatfoughtabattleonthestrokeofeveryhour.ItslowerworkingsconnectedtoPortMemnor’smasstransitsystem,whichmadeitausefulbaseforobservingeventsintheChrono-Wrights’District.Asthepeoplehadspilledintothealleys,theJadeDragonshadbeendrawntherebythescentofconflict,towatchand

wait.Apreacher’svoicewasraisedoverthelowmurmurofthethrong.‘Your

Emperorwatches!’hecried.Hisvoicewashoarse,asifhehadbeenpontificatingnonstopforhours.‘YourEmperorhears!Hewillsnatchyouupandcastyouintothesky!’Hegrabbedawomanbytheshoulders,shakingher.‘Yourlovedones!Yourfriends!Thepenancewillfalluponall!’Hewasanoldmanwithadrawnandpaleface,indarkrobesthatdraggeddownintheeffluentchannelrunningalongthestreet.Heworeaheavypackwithbundles,pansandtrinketshangingoffit–anitinerantpreacher,amissionarywhowentfromplacetoplacespreadingtheword.ThebackboneoftheImperialfaithwhentheEcclesiarchywasfaraway.Oneoftheworkerswrappedanarmaroundtheoldman’sthroatandhauled

himawayfromthewoman.Otherscrowdedaroundhimandhedisappearedfromview,nowjustarippleinthecrowdastheprotestorslaidintohimwithbootsandfists.‘Whowillthrowofftheyoke?’criedoutoneoftheassailants,holdinga

bloodyfisthigh.‘Allofus!’camethereplyfromallaround.Bannersunfurledfromtopfloor

windows.‘Briseiswillrise!Thetribeswillrise!’Brightgunfirestreakedintothesky,firedbyhiddengunmen.‘Pulsefire,’voxedSeanoa.‘Standby.’Chantingandsingingbrokeout,ripplingbackandforthacrossthedistrict–

heretichymnsoffreedomandindependence.TheImperialeaglewasdraggeddownfromabovethedoorwayofafactorium.Acolumntoppledandastatuefell.Morebannerswereheldhigh,stainedwithage,hungwithfetishesandscalps.Oneofthemwasthehideofaseacreature,gnarledwithbarnacles.The

tribesmengatheredarounditworethegarboftheThunderclifftribe,theirbaretorsoscoveredwithserpentinecoils,whatlittletheyworeinthedarkgreenoftheirtribe.Twoofthemclamberedontotheupperlevelofafountain,unravellingthebannerdowntotheground.Theseamonster’sspinerandownthemiddleofitandtheskinofitsmanywebbedlimbshungoneitherside.MenandwomenoftheThundercliffralliedaroundit,chantingandsingingasthefrondsofscalyskinflappedaroundthem.‘Doyouseeit,brothers?’voxedSeanoa.‘Ido,’saidBrotherTagamala.‘AndI,’saidBrotherVai’ia.

Onebyonethesquadsoundedoff,lookingonfromthewindowsandrooftopsofthewatchtower.‘BecauseImustbesure,’saidSeanoa,‘thatyouseewhatIdo.Icannotstand

upandspeakofitwithoutknowingmybrothershaveintheirheartswhatIhave.’‘Thenpronounceonit,brother-sergeant,’saidTagamala,takinghispartinthe

ritualformsthathadtobegonethroughiftheportentwastobeproperlyrecognised.‘ItisthesignoftheBlackLeviathan,’saidSeanoa.‘TheLeviathanisamong

usonBriseis.SomehaveaskedwhythefatesbroughtusintothebattleforAgrellan,ontothisplanet.Nowwehaveouranswer.’

TheJadeDragonskepttheirsecrets.Some,fromthemselves.Theyspoketonooneoftheirhomeworld.Perhapstheplanetwasabandoned,

theChapter’sbannersstillhangingfromitsdesertedbattlements.Perhapsitwasawasteland,itssurfacemeltedtoglassorreducedtoradioactiverubble,orevenobliteratedentirelybywarorstellardisaster.Perhapstheyhadneverhadahomeworldatall,andhadalwaystravelledthegalaxyonafleetofrapidattackshipsthatappearedandvanishedastheywilledit.Thatwasonesecrettheykept.Itwaspossiblethatsomeonecouldstumbleontheirhomeworld,orthatthe

truthoftheirworldwashiddeninthedepthsofsomeAdministratumrecords-house.Adeepersecret,onethatnoaccidentcouldbringtolight,wastheomensthatdrovethem.EveryJadeDragonwassurroundedbyomensthatgatheredtowardshim,

driftingthroughfatetoclingtohim.Theysawtheminthestars,inthecorpsesandruinationofeverybattlefield,thevisionstheysawintheirmeditationsandthethousandrandomeventsthatcouldbeinterpretedeveryday.Onemightseekniveseverywhere.Anothersawtheflight,thewheelingofahostofpredatorsinperfectcoordination.Thundercloudsheavywiththepromiseoflightning.Birdsofprey.Guns.Agrinningface.TheseomensmouldedaJadeDragontotheirimage,andeverytimehesawtheminanenemy’swoundortheslidingpastofthestarsheadheredalittleclosertotheiromen’swayofkilling.Wheneverhesawithegavethankstothefatesthathadshownittohim,andsoughtoutthenextenemyonthebattlefieldtoinflicttheprophesiedwayofdeath.Butthereweregreateromens,omensofthevoid,thattouchedthewhole

Chapterwhentheyemergedfromtheblacknessbetweenthestars.EmergingfromawarpjumponthewaytotheGravenhalCrusade,theJadeDragonsfleet

hadwitnessedaformationofstarsshapedlikeagreatarcherdrawingbackhisbowandfiringoffasupernovathatfilledthatquadrantoftheskywithsilverfire.WhentheJadeDragonssawthearchernext,beitatribalenemywithaboworthelogoonaburned-outmanufactorum,theysawitasasigntostrikenow,strikehardandleavenothingtocaution,forthatwashowtheGravenhalCrusadewaswon.BeforethemassacreatRamnesPointtheChapterhadwitnessedabinarysystem,onestarflaringbright,theotherblackanddead,andsotheomenofafacewithoneeyegougedoutandtheotherwideopentoldthemtheirallieswouldturnonthem.Thesewerestrongomens,themightiest,readfromthestarsbytheChapterthatalonecouldreadHiswillwrittenbyfate.Aswehunt,sowearehunted.Thuswentasecretthatnovicesweretoldas

theywereimplantedwiththeblackcarapaceandtookonthearmourofaJadeDragon.Justastheywereseekingtheirownomens,theylearnedthattheChapterwasnotthegreatestpredatorintheoceanofspace.Therewasanotherthatstalkedthemeverywheretheywent,loomingoutofsighttobeglimpsedonceeveryfewcenturiesintheshadowofadeadworldorhidingamongtheflaresofabloatedstar.ThiswastheBlackLeviathan.Ithadbeentherefromthestart,sincethemurky

timewhentheJadeDragonsChapterwasfounded.Itwasthedarknesswithinthemandthetreacherousenemywithout,itwasdeceitandperfidyincarnate.Itwas,aboveeverything,betrayal.TheBlackLeviathanwastheshadowoftheGreatAdversary,ofthegodsofthewarp,ofthecorruptiveandinfiniteenemythatmencalledChaos.WhentheJadeDragonssawtheBlackLeviathan,theyknewthatChaoswas

close.ThedaemonandthewitchworkedtheirmagicswhentheLeviathanwasnear.WhentheJadeDragonsglimpseditsshadow,caughtitsscent,thenChaosandallitsmadnessandbetrayalweresuretofollow.Informitwasagreatdarkmasstrailingtentacles,adrinkerofstarlightthatleftsunsdarkandcoldinitswake,sometimeswithaplanet-sizedeyerollingintheseethingblackness,sometimeswithavastmawthatdraggedineverythinginitspath.IthadpickedoffJadeDragonsspaceshipsbefore,leavingthemscarredwiththecoilsofitstentaclesandcrushedofalllife,thebattle-brothersinsidecrumblingskeletonswithintheirarmour.EvenastheJadeDragonshunted,theBlackLeviathanhuntedtheminturn,aconstantreminderthattheywerenotthesolepredatorsinthegalaxy.Theytoldatale,perhapsonethathadoriginatedamongthevoidbornofthe

Imperialspacelanes,perhapsgleanedbytheJadeDragonsfromacaptivetaken

amongtheworshippersofthedarkgods.TheysaidachampionamongthebetrayerssoughttoimpresshisgodsbycuttingasliveroffleshfromtheBlackLeviathanandwearingitasacloakorhangingitashisstandard,amarkthegodsofthewarpcouldnotignore.WhennexthewasseenhelaydeadanddrainedoflifeonaworldchewedandmutilatedbytheLeviathan’scoils.Inthechampion’shandwasthehideoftheBlackLeviathan.TheLeviathan’shidewasthesameasitsshadow.Itbroughtthesameweight

ofportentwithit.NoJadeDragonwouldmistakethegnarledpeltoftheseacreatureheldinmockeryofthem.NonewouldseeanythingbutChaosinthefuture.TheUltramarineswereautomatons,blindlyobeyingacodexandthewordsof

along-deadprimarch.Theywereblinkeredtothetruth,ifthattruthdidnottallywithwhattheyhadbeentaughtandwitnessedbefore.TheJadeDragonswerenotsoconstrained.DevyniusandhisUltramarinesmightignoreit,butSeanoaandhisbattle-brothersknewwhothetrueenemyonBriseiswas.

CHAPTERTHREE

‘Whydowefight?Therearemanyanswers,butonewillalwaysringtrue.LookupontheworldsofyourImperium,uponthecities,andabovealluponthepeople.Thatiswhyyoufight.’

–CodexAstartes

Thesunwashigh,asearingpointoflightintheblacksky.ThediscofAgrellanwashalf-full,therestofitdippingbelowonehorizon,thesootywildernessbetweenitshivecitiesstreakedwiththespiresofPortMemnor’sskyline.Twelvefiguresweremarchedoutontotherockcretepromontoryjuttingfromoneoftheupperclasshab-blocksthatclusteredashortdistancefromtheparliamentbuilding.ThisdistrictofPortMemnorwasinthegranderImperialstyle,withwallsshoredupbyeagle-headedbuttressesandeverystreetjunctionwatchedoverbyastatueinmarbleorbronze,ofasectorgovernororanImperialnoble.Itwasnormallysternandmagnificent,butthatnoonitwasmoresombrethanusualandnonecoulddenythetensionintheair.Thetwelvehoodedfiguresshuffled,headsbowed,attheorderofthesergeant

oftheMemnoranPeacemakers.AsquadofPeacemakers,thearmedpoliceforceofthecity,watchedoverproceedingsastheprisonerslinedup.CaptainDevyniuswatchedfromtheadjoiningapartmentinthehab-block.

Outsidethewindow,whichopenedontothepromontoryasifontoabalcony,thesergeanttookaledgerfromoneofhistroopersandbegantoreadfromit.Acrowdhadgathered.IthadbeenfilteredbythePeacemakersoldiers

stationedinthestreetsnearby–mostwerewell-to-docitizensofPortMemnor,wearingmoresubtleechoesoftherulingclass’sfashions.Thewizenedfiguresoftribaleldersstoodapart,shadowedbyPeacemakersandtheirownattendants,foritwasimportantthattheybemadeapartofproceedings.AsubstantialnumberofthosewatchingwerefromBriseis’smedia,usingpictersandboomvox-catcherstorecordtheevents.‘Weshouldbeseen,’saidProcuratorKolnis.‘Youespecially.’Helookedvery

muchathomeintheapartment,hisblackgreatcoatmatchingtheseveredécorofdevotionalpaintingsandfurnishingsinmourningcolours.‘Iamstilluncomfortablewithconductingourbusinesspublicly,’said

Devynius.‘TheUltramarinesaresoldiers,notdiplomats.’‘Believeme,lordcaptain,thesightofyouisoneofthemostusefulassetswe

have,’repliedtheprocurator.HewasamanoftheAdministratum,oneofthefewImperialofficialsinPortMemnor.HisjobwastechnicallylimitedtoensuringtheplanetoidsupplieditsportionofAgrellan’stithetotheImperium,butineffecthehadbeeninchargeofmonitoringandfightingthegrowingxenophilethreatbeforetheSpaceMarineshadarrived.‘Themassacreattheparliamentbuildinghasriledthemup.TheytooktothestreetsintheChrono-Wrights’District.Mypeoplesaythey’reonestepfromrioting,andThroneknowswedon’tneedthat.Thexenophilescouldcommitwhoknowswhatatrocitiesunderthecoverofsuchunrest.Theymustbescolded,thesepeople,shockedintoinactionandobedience,andthesightofaSpaceMarineinthecitywilldothat.Perhapsyoudonotknow,lordcaptain,theeffectsuchasighthasonanEmperor-fearingsoul.NodoubtthepeopleofMacraggeareusedtoanUltramarineoneverystreetcorner.Notsohere.’‘Iconcur,’saidathirdmemberoftheparty.Thevoicewasflatandmeasured,

andcamefrombelowthehoodofafloor-length,darkredcloak.MagosSkepteriswasthemostseniorofthecivilianImperialpersonnelonBriseis,butshewasnotmindedtotakesuchavisibleplaceincivilaffairsastheprocurator.Herresponsibilitywasoversightofthelaserdefencebatteriesandassociatedplasmageneratorsthatdefendedthecity’sspaceport,andshehadverymuchtheairofsomeonewhowouldratherbetherethanhere.Onlythelowerhalfofherfacewasvisible–herskinwaspale,herchinsharp,andratherdistractinglyherteethweresteel.Oneofherarmshadbeenamputatedattheshoulderand

replacedwithatrioofmechadendritesthathung,braidedandcoiled,aroundhernecklikeamassivegorgetofsteelsnakes.‘Itbehovesustomakealluseoftheresourcesatourdisposal.Ourtaskhereisatleastinpartapsychologicalcampaignforthesuppressionofrebelliousintentionsandthediscouragingofxenophilesympathies.TobepresentedwithsuchasymbolofImperialcapacityforviolencewillcrushmanyintentionsofsedition.’‘Wemustmakeuseofmorethanfear,’saidDevynius.‘Itisdevotiontothe

Emperorandloyaltytotheirfellowmenthatwillmovethesepeopletorootoutthexenophiles.Notfear.’‘Notfearalone,granted,’saidProcuratorKolnis.‘Butbelieveme,fearshould

comefirst.’‘Thecrimesareasfollows,’thesergeantoutsidewassaying.Thistaskfellto

thelocallawenforcementofPortMemnorbutnoonewouldbeignorantofthehandoftheImperiumbehindit.‘TheplacingoftheEmperor’sgoodsandpersonsinthehandsofthexenosenemy.ThedenouncingoftheEmperorandHisdivineright.Theshelteringandprotectionofxenosinimicaltomankind.Thesettingofexplosives.Thedisseminationofhereticalliteratureandideas.MurderofanImperialofficial.Alsoseveralchargesofcommonmurder,theftandwounding.Thesechargestocompriseamanifestandundoubtedinstanceofheresy,foulestofcrimes,strikingasitdoesagainstmankinditself.Thesentencepronouncedisdeath.’‘Captain?’saidtheprocurator.‘Shallwe?’Devyniusfollowedtheprocuratoroutofthegrandwindowsontothe

promontory.TherockcreteexpansehadbeenusedasanexecutiongroundbythenoblesofBriseissincethefirsttowersofPortMemnorhadbeenraised.Thechambersadjoiningithadbeenmuchprizedfortheexcellentviewoftheexecutions,whichcouldbeobservedbytheinhabitantsoveraglassofstrongwineandmusic.NowmanyofthenoblefamilieshadquietlyleftPortMemnor,leavingonlythoseinvolvedinitsgovernmentorwhothoughttheyhadawayofprofitingfromthegrowingunrest,leavingplaceslikethisempty.Devyniusemergedintothenoonsun.Thereactionwasloudandimmediate.

Theonlookersgaspedandcriedout.Someweredismayed,othersshoutedprayersofthanksthattheEmperor’sAngelsofDeathhadcometoBriseis.Allofthemwereafraid.Pictersclickedandwhirred,tryingtogetthebestshotofthearmouredgiantwhohadsuddenlyappeared.Besidehim,theprocuratorandeventheoutlandishandrarelyseenmagoswerediminishedtomeredetails.Devynius’sarmourhadthegildedtrimthatmarkedhimasacaptainofthe

Ultramarines,andhewentwithouthishelmettorevealablunt,dark-skinnedfacewithawideandintelligentbrowthepicterszoomedintocapture.Apictservitortookflight,buzzingontinyrotorsasithoveredascloseasitdaredtostealtheimageoftheUltramarineandtransmitittothecity’smedia.‘I’msuretheywouldappreciateafewwords,’saidtheprocurator.‘I’msuretheywould,’repliedDevyniustightly.Thesergeantorderedfivementostandforward.Theyweretheexecution

detail,selectedbylotfromthePeacemakersquad.Theywerearmedwithrapid-firinglascarbines,theirpowerpackssuperchargedtodelivergreaterkillingpower.Itreducedthechargecapacity,butonlyoneburstoffirewasneededhere.Thetroopsstoodtofacetheprisoners,whowerelinedupagainstawallthatborethescarsofhavingbeenriddledwithlas-fireandresurfacedmanytimes.Thesergeantwalkedalongthelineofprisonersaskingiftheywantedtheirhoodsremoved.Somedid,mostdidnot.Therevealedfaceswereofclockmakers,dirtyandscarred,eyesblearyfromyearsstaringattinycogsonblackvelvet.ThoseeyeswidenedatthesightofDevynius,andwerefixedonhimratherthanthesoldiersabouttoshootthem.Theymurmuredprayersundertheirbreath,asifaskingiftheyweredeadandwerebeingconfrontedbyavisionoftheEmperor’sjusticecometousherthemintotheafterlife.Devyniuswatchedasthesergeantgavetheordertoreadyarms,andtotake

aim.TheunhoodedprisonersdidnottaketheireyesoffDevyniusasavolleyoflas-fireshearedthroughthem,thesharpcracksofsuperheatedairminglingwiththegaspsfromthecrowd.Thebodiesfell,andthosenotcalledupontoperformtheexecutionsteppeduptotakeoncleanupduty.‘Good,’saidtheprocurator.‘Alwaysanastymesswhenthingsdon’tgoto

plan.’Devyniusgloweredupatthepictservitor,whichbackedoffandpannedacross

thebodies.Theylayinspreadingpoolsofbloodinundignifiedheaps.ThecleanupdetailwereunfurlingblackcorpsebagsreadytocartthemawayinawaitingPeacemakergroundvehicle.‘Thexenoswantedthemassacre,’saidDevynius.‘Theyhavetheirhooksdeep

intothiscity.Wecannotkeepkillinguntilthexenophilesareallgone,orwewillnothaveacityleftfortheImperiumtomakeuseof.’‘Thenyourbattle-brothershadbetterrootoutthealiensbeforeitcomesto

that.’‘Mostcitizens,’saidDevynius,‘donotspeaktoaSpaceMarinethus.’‘Ihope,captain,torulethiscityonedaysoon,’saidtheprocurator.‘What

remainsoftheparliamentcannotdoit.ThatBaronMaelenarboycannotdoit,he’snomorethanachild.Thisworldneedsagovernor.ItwillbemydutytogovernintheGod-Emperor’sname.IcanhardlytakeonsucharesponsibilityifIflinchinfearwhenconfrontedbyevenonesointimidatingasyourself.NotthatIdon’tfeelsomeofthatfearandawewithwhichtheprayerbooksinstilus.’Thecrowdweredeparting,themediacrewsgettingthelastshotsofthebodies

astheywerezippedupintheirbags.OneoftheonlookerswasescortedontotheexecutiongroundbyaPeacemakertrooper–itwasanelderlywoman,herheadbentandfacelined,thickgreyhairtiedinlongplaits.Sheworelong,darkgreenrobesandwalkedwithastickasgnarledasshewas.‘Oneoftheelders,’saidthetrooper.‘OftheThundercliff.’‘Tribals,lordprocurator,’saidthePeacemakersergeant,whowasmakinga

determinedeffortnottostareatDevynius.‘Tribals,’repeatedtheprocuratorwearily.‘Whatdoesshewant?’‘Itisnotwithyou,lordprocurator,’repliedtheelder.‘NorwiththeAngelof

Death.Itiswiththemagos.’MagosSkepteristiltedherheadinasprofoundanexpressionofsurpriseasshe

seemedabletosummon.‘Withme,elder?’‘Thedeathsintheparliamentbuildinghavestirredupthepeople,’saidthe

elder.‘Thisyouknow.TheseexecutionsandtheirtimingaresurelyintendedtoremindthepeopleoftheirsubserviencetotheImperium.Butthisalonewillnotkeepthemincheck.Icanreadthepulseofthepeopleasyoucannot,mylords.TrustmewhenIsaythis.’‘Andwhatsolutiondoyousuggest,elder?’askedMagosSkepteris.‘Onlythis.ThemagosisthemostsenioroftheImperium’sservantsonBriseis

and,duetoherlimitedinteractionwiththepeople,isseenasimpartial.Agesturebyherwoulddomuchtoquelltheangerofourpeople.’‘Iamnotaccustomedtopresentingapublicface,’saidSkepteris.‘Thereneedbeminimumeffortonyourpart,’saidtheelder,‘andthegood

nameofthePriesthoodofMarsshallbepreserved.Amereceremony,performedforpublicconsumption,accordingtothetraditionsofourworld.Werequest,magos,thatyoubecomeamemberoftheThunderclifftribe.’‘Now,now,’interruptedProcuratorKolnis,‘suchathingwouldbegravely

irregular.TheofficialsoftheAdeptahavestayedwellclearoftribalpolitics.’‘Andthusthegesturewillhaveallthemoreimport,’saidtheelder.‘Trustme,

lords,thisisnotastepweundertakelightlyeither.ExtendingmembershipofthetribetoonenotborntoBriseishasneverbeenevensuggestedbefore.Butweof

theThundercliffloveourworld,andwedespisetheunrestinitsstreets.Ifwecanhelpquellitwithoutbloodshedortheoppressionoffear,weshalldoso.ItisthebestwaytopreserveourwayoflifeandfulfilourdutiestotheImperium.’‘Myownduty,’interjectedDevynius,‘istoseeBriseissecuredfortheuseof

theImperialwareffortonAgrellan,withtheminimumofviolenceagainstitspeople.AnyproposalthatwillturnthepeopleawayfromthexenophilesisoneIwouldsupport.’TheelderbowedherheadinDevynius’sdirection,showingdeferencebut

noneofthefearDevyniuswassousedto.‘Mythanks,lordcaptain.Someamongthetribesfearyou,andsayyoucanonlybeheretodogreatbloodshedamongus.ButtheThundercliffareloyal,andrejoicedwhentheAngelsofDeathwererevealedamongus.’‘Ishallthinkonthis,elder,’saidMagosSkepteris.‘Thatisallweask,’saidtheelder.‘Thetribedesiresgreatlytheeliminationof

thealieninfluenceonourpeople.We,theautochthonousofBriseis,bornfromtheearth,hatethealienwiththepassionofourLordAngelhere.Howeveryouchoosetodestroythexenosandthexenophile,theThundercliffshallstandwithyou.’ThePeacemakerswerehosingthebloodoffthepromontoryandmoving

amongthelingerersinthecrowd,scatteringtheonlookers.Theelderwasescortedbackofftheexecutionground,herpiecesaid.Devyniusnoticedhowtheremainingmediacrewstookpainsnottopointtheirpictersattheelderassheshuffledpastastatueofapastgovernorandoutofsight.

Downamongthetombs,thetrailhadwarmedup.Thaxoshadlostitinagreatnecropolisofblackstonewhereancientkingshadbeenburiedthousandsofyearsbefore.Theirsaint-kingcultsremainedasthousandsofniche-tombsfortheservantsandsacrificesburiedalongsidethem.Therethemonumentalheadsthatlay,splitandshattered,hadoncegloweredacrossthebrokenstonelandsofBriseis.Thaxosgothislastglimpseofthequarryamongthefallenfeaturesofonepre-Imperialking,andbythetimehehadscrambledupthebrokenbrowridgeitwasgone.BrotherKeltusfoundthetrailagain.Thequarryhadbeenwingedbyabolter

roundandhespottedthesmearofbloodonthebrokenfingerofamonumentalstatue’shand,longseveredfromitsarm.Theenemyhadleanedheretocatchitsbreathorpatchupitswounds,andhadmovedon.ItwasslowedbytheactionandtheUltramarineshadquickenedtheirownpace,fortheywereclosingin.

‘Keltus,reportin,’voxedThaxosasheclamberedoveraheapofnecropolisrubbleandfoundhimselflookingacrossalongblackchasm,thedepthsreachingfurtherintotheancientpastbeneathPortMemnor.‘We’reoutofvisual.’‘I’mfiftymetresdown,pursuing,’repliedKeltus.‘Icanseehim.’‘Donotgettoofarahead,’saidThaxos.‘He’sleadingus.Therecouldbe

more.’Therewasaledge,causedbyashiftingofthestrataofthechasmwall,barely

wideenoughforafullyarmouredSpaceMarinetonavigate.Thaxos’sbootscrumbledchunksofrockfromtheedgeashebeganthejourneydown,spottingBrothersInigensandOderacontheothersideofthechasmhalf-slidingdownadriftofstonefragments.Thaxos’sfire-teamwereadvancingfromallsidestocornerandtrapthequarry.TheUltramarinesfoughtsidebyside,likeprimitivephalanxsoldiers,whenitwasappropriate,butThaxos’sfire-teamcouldbecunninghuntersaswellwhenthesituationwarrantedit.Ariverglintedatthebottomofthecavern.Thedarknessdownamongthe

tombswassoprofoundevenThaxos’saugmentedsightcouldbarelymakeitoutasitrushedandfoamed.‘He’soutofsight,’camethevoxfromKeltus.‘Buthe’scornered.He’s

trapped.There’snowayup.’‘Ifthereis,’voxedBrotherVenarin,‘I’llseehim.’Venarinwasamarksman,as

fineashotasThaxoshimself,andhiscustombolterwasloadedwithlong-rangeStalkershellsandapreysensescope.ThaxoscouldjustmakeoutVenarincrouchedatthelipofthechasm,sightingdownhisbolter.Bolterfirecrackledfrombelow.‘Contact!’voxedKeltus.Thaxosscrabbledasfastashecoulddownthechasmface.Therivergrew

closerandtherushingofitswaterslouder.Hepickedoutanothersound–thehighhissofpulsefire,familiarfromthefirefightinthecouncilchamber.‘Multiplecontacts,’voxedThaxos.‘Venarin!Doyouseethem?’‘Notfromhere,’repliedVenarin.‘Iamdisplacing.’Thaxosstumbledthelastdozenmetres.Foamingdarkwaterrusheduptomeet

himandhestrodeintoit,thepullofittryingtodraghimdownandwashhimaway.Flashesofcrimsonlightupaheadmarkedthecontinuingpulsefire,underscoredwiththelowthuddingofboltervolleys.Thaxos’sownbolterwasupinfrontofhisface,everyeyemovementtrackedbythebarrelashehadbeensleep-taughtsincenovicehood.Thaxosroundedacornerandsawtheenemy.Theywerebarelyvisibleinthe

darkandclamour–theirfaceswerecompletelyhiddeninthefeaturelesshelms

oftheirarmouredsuits,thedesertcamouflageincongruousamongthetombs.Hespottedtwoorthreeofthematthesideoftheriver,theredfilamentsoftheirrifles’lasersightsplayingacrosstherockwhereBrotherKeltuscrouched.Thaxosfiredalmostwithouthavingtowillit,theordercomingfromthewarrior’spartofhisbrainculturedandtrainedbysleep-teachingandvenerationofGuilliman’sCodexAstartes.Avolleyofthreeboltershellsthuddedintothetorsoofonetau,theexplosiveboltsblastingoffanarmandrippingopenthetorso.Thaxoscountedthreemorevisible,scramblingforcoveramongtherocks.Keltusleapttohisfeetandfollowedup,twowell-placedshotstakingdown

anothertau.Thesewerefirecastewarriors,Thaxosremembered.Thetausocietywas

basedaroundcastes,notjustsocialbutphysiological–thefirecastehadquickaggressionandathleticism,thewatercastecunning,theearthcastephysicalstrength,theaircastereflexes.Thefirecasteweretrainedbythetaucadresasexcellentshotsandparticipantsinthecombinedarmsmanneroftauwarfare.TheywerenottrainedtofaceaSpaceMarineinanycontext,savedownthesightsofapulserifle.Thaxosdidn’thavetogivetheorder.KeltuswaschargingevenasThaxos

sprintedthroughthefilthy,foamingwater,rattlingoffhalfaboltermagazinetokeepthetauduckingbehindthefallenrocksatthebaseofthechasm.Hevaultedoverarockandcrashedintothetaushelteringthere,crushingthealien’sbodybeneathalltheweightofSpaceMarineandarmour.Hebroughthiscombatknifeoutandlasheditatthenearestfirecastestanding–hisreachwasmorethanthetauhadexpectedandthebladecutthroughthefrontofitshelm,themonomolecularedgepropelledbyaugmentedmuscles.Thetipcutthroughthehelmintofleshandthetaureeledbackwards.Thaxoswasonthefallentau,plungingthebladeintothetau’sthroat,haulingthealienintotheairandblastingthreeshotsintoitschestatpoint-blankrange.BrotherKeltuscrackedhisquarryaroundthesideofthefacewiththestockof

hisbolter.AsthealienreeledKeltusshotitintheabdomenandputanotherroundthroughitsheadasitfell.Afirecasteleaptoutfromcover,riflelevelledatThaxos.Thesideofitsthroat

explodedanditsheadsnappedtothesidebeforeitcouldpullthetrigger.Thaxosdidn’thavetolookuptoknowthatBrotherVenarinhadtakenitdownwithaStalkershot.‘Whereisthetarget?’voxedThaxos,beforethelastfirecastewarriorhad

plungedintothewater.

‘Theywerecoveringhisretreat,’saidVenarin.‘There’sastructureupahead.’‘Downhere?Atomb?’‘Don’tthinkso.’‘Forward,’voxedThaxos.‘Tightenup.Takeitprisonerifpossible,shootif

youmust.’Pastthebodiesofthefirecastewarriorsthechasmtookasharpbend,the

waterrushingoverchunksoffallenstone.Thetumultalmosthidtheentrancetoatunnelinthechasmwall,asolidsteelframesurroundingablastdoor.Itlookedasoutofplacedownhereasanythingcould.‘Blowthisopen,’voxedThaxos.‘Oderac,meltabombs!’Oderachadapracticalandlevelhead,makinghimtheteam’sfieldengineer

whennoTechmarinewaspresent.Hecarriedthesquad’smeltabombsandademolitioncharge,andscrabbleddowntheremainingslopeintothewater.Venarincontinuedtooverlookthechasmastherestofthefire-teamtookcoverandOderacattachedthemeltabombstothesideofthedoorwithmagneticclamps.Thebombsradiatedtremendousheat,meltingdeepglowingredholesinthe

door.Moltensteelspatandhissedinthewater.Oderacsteppedforwardagainandforcedthedemolitionchargeintooneoftheholes,twistingtheprimer.‘Tenseconds!’hevoxed.‘Thealienisperfidiousandcunning,’saidThaxos.‘Butweshallforcehimto

showhishand.Nolongerwillhehide.Andwhenthelightofjusticeisuponthem,thereisnoescapefromthesonsofMacragge.’Thedemolitionchargewentoff.TheautosensesbuiltintotheUltramarines

armourdeadenedthesoundsotheywerenotdeafenedbyit.Thedoorwasblownopen,tornpetalsofsteelsplayedwideenoughtoallowaSpaceMarineentry.Thaxostookthelead.TheotherUltramarinesofhisfire-teamfollowedhimin.

Harshwhitelightsflickeredinside,pickingoutasteelfloorandwhitewallpanels,andsignsinthetaulanguagepointingdeeperintothefacility.Aheadwasalargerchamber,thewallslinedwithtransparent-walledcages.A

largebrushed-steeltablestoodinthecentreoftheroom,asmallertablebesideitcoveredinfinesilvermedicalimplementsdesignedforthree-fingeredtauhands.Thaxosglancedatthecells–theyhadasingledraininthefloorandasingleslotinthefrontwall,andnothingelse.Againstthebackwallweretwoautomatedguns,cylindricalunitscontainingpairsofpulserifles.Theyweredeactivated,anyfugitiveheremovingtooquicklytoturnthemontodefendtheplace.‘Heisdesperate,’voxedThaxos.‘Hewillerr.Wewillnot.Besharp.’

ThaxoswavedforOderacandKeltustomoveoneway,he,VenarinandInigenstheother.Machineryofuncertainpurpose,inthefeaturelesscasingstypicaloftautechnology,coveredthewallsupahead.Theantisepticsmoothnessofeverysurfaceindicatedalienmindsfreeoffaith,withouttheguidanceofbeliefintheGod-Emperortoguidethem.Theverycleanlinesswasunclean.Thaxoscaughtupwiththeirquarryinthefacility’sinterrogationchamber.The

purposeofthisroomwascleargiventhemanstrapped,nakedsavefortheharnessaffixinghimtothewall,amongatangleofpipesandcableshookeduptohisbody.Thaxostookinthedetailashescannedtheroomfortargetsandsawone–crouchingbehindawhitecabinetthatmighthavebeenacogitatorhousingorastorageunitforinterrogationimplements.ThehintofmovementwasenoughtodrawThaxos’seye.Thealien’slimbsweretoolongtobefoldedupcompletelybehindthescant

cover.Ithadchosen,initsdesperation,abadplacetohide.Ithadmademanymistakesinitslife,chiefamongwhichwasstandingagainsttheinterestsoftheImperium,butitschoiceofthisplacetoshelterfromtheSpaceMarineswouldbeitslast.‘IknowyouspeakLowGothic,’saidThaxos.‘Onechance.Surrender.’‘Please,’camethereplyinthedrywhisperofthetauvoice.‘Wecancoexist.

Justlisten.’‘Onechance,’saidThaxos.‘Thereissomethinggreaterthanthewarbetweenus.Greaterthantheprideof

ourspecies.Youarewiseamongyourpeople.Youhavenotthenarrowmindsofitscitizens.ThereisaGreaterGood…’Thaxostooktwolongstridestothealien’spositionanddraggeditoutfrom

cover.Itwasoneofthewatercaste,thediplomaticstrainofthetauspecies.Itwasnotbuiltforphysicalconflict,withitsspindlylimbsandpigeonchestoverwhichitsorangeandblackrobeshungloosely.Ithadapistolinitshand,acompactpulseweapon,andThaxossnappeditswristwithajerkofitsarmsothepistolclatteredtothefloor.Thealienwhimpered.‘Report,’voxedThaxos.‘Clear,’repliedKeltus.‘Yourorders?’‘Preparetodenythefacilitytotheenemy,’saidThaxos.‘Listen,’saidthealien,itsvoicehoarseandbroken.‘Itisnottoolateforour

species.Wetwo,wecanstartit.Adialogue.Forpeace.Fortruth.For…’Thaxosthrewthealientothegroundandlevelledhisbolteratit.‘Ithinkthis

thingcountsasamoralthreat,’saidThaxos.‘Brothers?Doyouconcur?’

‘Ido,BrotherThaxos,’repliedVenarin.‘ThanktheThroneforthat,’saidThaxos,andshotthealienthroughthechest.

Theboltershelldetonatedinsideit,spreadingitsshatteredribsoutthroughhisback.Itwasdeadbeforeitsbrokenformsprawledontotheground.Hugeblackeyesturneddullandglassyintheharshlightoftheglowstripsontheceiling.‘He’salive,’saidBrotherInigens.ThaxosturnedtoseeInigensexaminingthe

bodyrestrainedagainstthewall.Nowhehadtimetolookcloseratthecaptivehecouldseethechestwasrisingandfalling,andreadoutsinthealienalphabetwinkedsteadilyondisplayssetintothewallpanels.Thecaptive’smouthwasobstructedbyagagfromwhichseveraltubesand

pipesran.Inigensundidacatchonthegagandsliditout,pullingalongslimytubefromthecaptive’sthroat.Thecaptivewasamaninmiddleage,evidentlyfitandingoodhealth.ThefittingsaroundhisfacecameawayandThaxossawthewell-wornfeaturesofsoldier.Themancoughedphlegmilyandhiseyesopened,squintinginthelight.He

gaspedbackachokingbreathinshockatthesightofthreeSpaceMarinesstandinginfrontofhim.‘Youaresafe,citizen,’saidThaxos.‘Thexenosaredead.’‘Dead?’splutteredthecaptive.‘Verydeadindeed,’saidThaxos,indicatingthewatercastecorpse.Thecaptivechuckledweaklyatthesightofthebody.‘Savages,’hesaid.

‘Heathens.Wewillkillthemall.’Inigensremovedtherestraintsonebyone,supportingtheman’sbodyuntilhe

couldbelifteddownfromthewall.Hekneltonthefloorcoughing,chestheaving.‘Yourname?’askedThaxos,removinghishelmet.Whendealingwith

civilians,themorehumanfacewasthebetteronetoshow.Hetookoutadata-slateandmovedthroughvariousintelligencefilesonitsscreen.‘DwynenVularKesseoth,’repliedthecaptive.‘ExplicatorErrant.Inserviceto

InquisitorVengelPrianze,Damoclestaskforceconclave.’Thaxosflickedthroughpagesofnames.DwynenVularKesseothwasamong

theInquisitorialagentsknowntobeoperatinginthesystem,deployedintheirdozensbytheInquisitiontoembedthemselvesinImperialsettlementsandwatchforsignsofxenophiletreachery.‘Yourcallsign?’heasked.‘Dawnlight,’repliedKesseoth.‘ThenIhopeyouareenjoyingthesightsofBriseis,ExplicatorKesseoth,’said

Thaxos.‘Howdidtheycaptureyou?’

‘ThexenophileshadmeninthePeacemakers,’saidKesseoth.‘Ibeddeddownintheprecinct-house,wokeupdownhere.Musthavedruggedme.’‘Didyoutalk?’KesseothlookedupatThaxos.Hiseyeswererimmedwithred.‘Idon’tknow,’

hesaid.‘Meltabombssetaroundtheentrance,’voxedOderac.‘They’llbringthe

ceilingdown.’‘We’llgetyoutothesurface,’saidThaxos,helpingKesseothtohisfeet.‘Imustaskforaweapon,’saidKesseoth.‘Theyhavealotofxenosdownhere,

thatmuchIknow.’‘Yoursidearm,brother,’saidThaxos,andInigenshandedhisboltpistolto

Kesseoth.TheweaponwasmadeforaSpaceMarineandKesseothhadtoholditwithbothhands.‘Stayalert,’saidThaxos.‘Wehavekilledallthatstoodbeforeusbuttheremay

bemore.Thealiencouldhavegotadistresscallout.NormallyIwouldrelishthechancetokillafewmoreofthembutwehaveaguesttothinkofnow.Moveout.’TheUltramarinesleftthefacility,emergingintothedarknessofthechasm.

Venarinscoutedahead,Keltuswatchingtheirrear.‘Wait,’saidKesseothastheybegantoforgethroughtherushingwater.

‘There’sadefencesystem.Drones.They’restationedacrossthisregion.Iftheywerealerted,they’llcomeinfromoverhead.’‘Eyesup,brothers,’saidThaxos,glancingtowardsthedistantstoneceilingof

thetombs.Hecouldseenothinginthegrey-blackexpanse.Kesseothheldouttheboltpistolinfrontofhim,barelyabletoliftit.‘Forthe

GreaterGood,’hesaid,andshotBrotherThaxosthroughthebackofthehead.

CHAPTERFOUR

‘Nodoubtthevauntedgeneralisconfidentheknowsallthatisrequiredtooutfightandconfoundhisenemy.Nodoubttheenemyopposinghimknowsexactlythesamething.’

–CodexAstartes

ThegeneratoriumdominatedthewestofPortMemnor,itsexhauststacksandcoolingtowersdefiningthecityscape.Theenormouscylindersofthegeneratorswerecladinage-stainedrockcrete,criss-crossedwithgantriesandcranes.Theblockyshapesoftheturbinewerehallscoveredwithindustrialgothicflourishesinsistedonbythecity’sImperialfounders.Shantiescrustedaroundthebaseofthebuildings,nestlingprecariouslyonthebanksofopenindustrialsewers.AshortdistanceawaywasPortMemnor’sspaceport,enormoushexagonal

landingpadsservedbyhundredsoffueltanksandcontroltowers.Hiddenbeneaththepads,beneathenormoushydraulichatches,werethedefencelasersthatmadethespaceportsuchavaluableassetfortheImperiumtotakecontrolof.Itwouldallowlargespace-boundshipstodisgorgetheircomplementsofImperialGuardsmenandtanks,sothattheycouldthenbetakentoAgrellanitselfonfasterarmouredtransportsthatcouldweathergroundfirefromthetauadvancingacrosstheplanet.Buttherewerexenophileseverywhere,including

thousandsofmenandwomenamongthecrewsofthegeneratoriumandspaceport,andtheImperiumcouldnotlanditsshipsuntilthetraitorswererootedoutofPortMemnor.IntheheartofthegeneratoriumcomplexwasthepersonaldomainofMagos

Skepteris.ItwasintothiswebofdarkchambersandcorridorsthatthesmallpartyfromtheThunderclifftribewereadmitted,amongthemtheoldwomanwhoservedastheirelder,andanumberofmenandwomeninductedintothetribe’smysteries.Theycarriedtribalfetishes,theshedsnakeskinsandstaffscutfromthetreeswateredbythebloodshedinthebeastpitbeneaththecliff,andwereescortedthroughthelabyrinthofSkepteris’slabcomplexbyadetailofPeacemakertroops.Pictersfollowedthem,theiroperatorscarefullyshadowingthePeacemakers.

Theywerenotpermittedtofilmdetailsofthecomplexunnecessarytothebroadcast.Theypassedbythestrangeexoticmachinesforgeneratingandtransferringmysteriousformsofenergythatcrackledfingersofelectricitybetweentheirpolishedbrassspheres.MagosSkepteriswaitedinherreceivingchamber,aroombarelyeverusedfor

shewasnotadiplomatatheart.BannersdisplayingtheheraldryofthePriesthoodofMarshungandanaltarofpurecarbonblockswithaniconofthehalf-skullandcogthatwasthesymboloftheMechanicumwasstackedupbyonewall.‘Isthisnecessary?’saidSkepterisasthedelegationfiledin.Shegloweredat

thetechniciansaimingtheirpictersather.‘Thegesturemustbeseenifitistoserve,’saidtheThundercliffelder.‘Orit

willbeasifithadneverhappened.’‘Verywell,’saidSkepteris.‘Youwillneedtoletblood,’saidtheelder.‘Justalittle.Bloodisessential.

WithoutittherecanbenobondtotheearthofBriseis.‘Thatwillnotbeaproblem,’saidSkepteris.‘Mypaincentreshavebeen

replacedwithdatastorage.’‘Thenwemaybegin,’saidtheelder.ThepictersbegantowhirasthedelegationsurroundedSkepterisinarobed

circle.ShewasdrapedwithgarlandsofbraidedsnakeskinsandtheelderpronouncedaritualinthenativetongueofBriseis,thelanguagewithwhichitstribeshadgreetedtheImperialfoundersofPortMemnor.Oneoftheritualattendantsrolledupthesleeveofthemagos’srobesand,findingoneofthefewareasofskinthathadnotbeenreplacedwithdataportsorradiationshielding,

drewbloodwithalonggoldenneedle.Dropsofitwerepouredintoabowlmadefromananimalskullandtheeldersang,theattendantstakinguphersonginthesamesibilantlanguage.‘Briseisiscruel,’saidtheeldernowinLowGothicasthesingingcontinued.

‘Briseisthrustsusintoherstonyworldandtakesusoutjustassuddenly.Butinthetimebetween,shegivesusthegreatestgifts.Minds,thatwemayunderstand.Hands,thatwemaycreate.Souls,thatwemayjointheminbrotherhood.Andsheisnotjealous.Onemayenterherembracethatwasnotborntohercruelty,topartakeofhergiftsyetnotsufferabirthintotheplainsofslateandtheforestsofbeasts.Blessedindeedissuchanewcomer,andexaltedindeed.ThishonourBriseisextendstoMagosSkepterisofMars,PriestoftheAdeptusMechanicus,andthroughourhandsshewelcomesher.’ThepictersfocusedinonSkepteris’sface,whichwasstillhalfhiddenbythe

cowlofherredrobes.TheceremonypausedandtheritualattendantsturnedtoSkepterisexpectantly.Skepterisglancedbetweenthemandthelensesofthepicters,andseemedto

realisethataspeechwasexpectedofher.Notbeingusedtosuchthings,shehadnotpreparedanything.‘Ithankyou,’shesaidflatly.‘TheAdeptusMechanicusthanksyou.Forthis

honour.’ThesilencethatfollowedindicatedthatSkepteriswasfinished.‘Thenfromthismoment,’saidtheelder,‘youareamemberofthe

ThunderclifftribeandachildofBriseis.’Theattendantsunravelledabundletheyhadbroughtwiththem,revealingitto

bealargeexpanseofanimalhide,scaledandcraggywithbarnacles,exudingastrongsmellofbrineandfaintdecay.ThismantlewasdrapedoverSkepteris’sshoulders,swampingherwithitssizeandheaviness.‘Sister,’saidtheelder,placingahandonSkepteris’smantledshoulder.‘Sister,’saidSkepteris.Thepicterszoomedinonthepair,andtheceremonywascomplete.

Thexenophilecorpseshadbarelybeguntoturncoldwhenthebroadcastbegan.SergeantSeanoahadledhissquadinatthefirstvoxsuggestingthesafehouselocation,andhadshownnopauseormercy.Thesafehousewasthreefloors,twobelowground,nonefreeofcorpses.They

layshreddedbybolterfireorcarvedcleanopenbychainblades,killedinthebedlamofapredator’sfeedingfrenzy,thebattle-trancethatcameovertheJade

Dragonswhenthefightturnedtowantonbutcheryandtheirwayofwarpermittedabandonmentoftacticandrestraint.TheUltramarinescouldnotfightlikethat.TheirCodexAstartesdidnot

acknowledgethatSpaceMarineswerepredators,assurelyastheravenoushuntersthatdriftedbetweenthestars.Itwasafinebook,certainly,fullofgenerationsofbattle-wisdom.Butitwasnotthewholetruthofwar.ThetruththeJadeDragonsknew.Seanoawasontheupperfloor,theonethatresembledaworkers’dwelling

withseveralroomsofbunksandcommunalkitchens.TheJadeDragonshadfallenonthepeoplehereastheyhadeverywhereelse–thoselivingthereascamouflageforxenophileactivitieswereasguiltyasthexenophilesthemselves,andhadbeenexterminated.Tornbodiesandseveredlimbslitteredthefloorandtheinstep-deepbloodrippledwiththefootstepsoftheJadeDragonsmovingaroundonthelowerfloorslookingforsurvivors.Outside,thestreetwasoverlookedbyoneofthedistrict’smanyenormousscreenswhichbroadcastcivilinformation,prayerservicesandtherecentexhortationstoreportxenophilesandsuspiciousactivity.Thescreenwascoveredinameshofthinbarstoprotectitfrommissilesthrownbydisgruntledcitizens,andasSeanoapassedbythewindowthescreenlitup.ItshowedtheimageofMagosSkepteris,surroundedbycitizensinthedressof

oneofBriseis’stribes.TheceremonyproceededandSkepteriswasenrobedandpronouncedamemberoftheThunderclifftribe.Finally,themagoswasdrapedintheskinoftheBlackLeviathan.AndSeanoaoftheJadeDragonsunderstoodatlastwhathewasonBriseisto

do.

CaptainDevyniusstoodoverthebodyofBrotherThaxos,litbytheharshlightsoftheglow-globesinthetransporthub.ThebackofThaxos’sheadwasgone,thecraniummissingbehindthelineoftheears.Hisfacewasmostlyintact.Hiseyes,rupturedredbythebolter’sdetonation,hadbeenclosed.‘AllthexenosonAgrellanarenotworthasingleUltramarine,’saidDevynius.

‘EspeciallynotThaxos.Hisbloodisonthehandsofthewatercaste,andonthoseofeverytau.Ifwedidnothaveanythingtoavengeuponthembefore,wedonow.’TherestofDevynius’ssquadstoodaroundthebenchonwhichThaxos’sbody

hadbeenlaid.Thebody’sarmourhadbeenremoved,revealingtheoldscarsofhisaugmentationsandthenewonesofbattle.ThesquadhadnoApothecaryto

removeThaxos’sgene-seed–thebodywouldhavetobetransportedbacktotheChapterfortheorgantobetakenoutreadytobeimplantedintoanovice,andforthefleshofGuillimantopassonagain.‘Ifyouwishtospeakfreely,brothers,’saidDevynius,‘thennowisthetime.I

giveyouleave.’‘ItwasnotawayforanUltramarinetodie,’saidBrotherVenarin.Venarinhad

snappedtheprisonerKesseoth’sneckasecondafterthefatalshothadbeenfired.‘Andourmissionhasgoneawrysincethemomentwelandedhere,’said

BrotherSilen.‘Themassacre,thenthis.AndtheJadeDragonsarenotalliesItrust.Wedonotevenknowwheretheyarerightnow,savethattheyaresomewhereintheChrono-Wrights’DistrictdoingThroneknowswhat.’‘Thenwetaketheinitiative,’saidDevynius.‘ThusdoestheCodexAstartes

state.Wedonotreact,weact.Themissioncontinuesasplanned.Theearlystageshavenotgoneastheywould,butthenextwillbringtheEmperor’swilltoPortMemnor.WecannotbringThaxosbackbutwecanavengehimwithvictory.ThewareffortonAgrellanreliesonus.Weshallnotletthemdown.’‘Pray,brothers,’saidSilen,whobyunspokenassentwasnowDevynius’s

second-in-command.‘TakeyourownwordsfromtheCodexandtheritesofMacragge,searchyourownsoulforthearmouroffaithandtheswordofhatred.Butpray,forsoontherewillbenotimeforwords.’ThemembersofDevynius’ssquadkneltonebyonearoundThaxos’sbodyas

Devyniusshroudedthebodyinacorpse-sheet.Theyallmurmuredtheirownprayer,sometothemachine-spiritsoftheirwargear,sometothelong-deadheroesoftheUltramarines,sometothePrimarchRobouteGuillimanhimself.Allofthemaskedforvictory.Allofthemaskedforrevenge.

Thelossoftheoutpostinthetombshadbeenablow,butithadbeenpreparedfor.Suchassetswerenotessential,andincasesofaggressivepersecutionbyanenemycouldbeconsidereddisposable,obstaclesfortheenemytoovercomebeforehecouldmakerealheadway.Itwaspartofthewatercaste’swayofsilentinvasion,alwaysevadinginsteadofcomingtobattle,givingtheenemyjustenoughtodrawhimonandcommithisresourceswithoutmakingheadwayintothecoreofthesubversionstrikeforce.Afarmoreimportantinstallationwashiddenamongtheshantiesandrat-trap

habsthatadjoinedtheChrono-Wrights’District,farfromtheaffluentdistrictsaroundthepalace.Itwasconcealedamongthelabyrinthofhab-blocks,its

entrancesaccessibleonlythroughcamouflagedfiringpositions.Itwasnotarmoured,foritsdefencewassecrecy,anditwasnotheavilystaffedbecausenumerouspersonnelwouldbealiabilityandnotanasset.Itwascrewedbyahandfulofwatercasteinterrogatorsandemissaries,anhonourguardoftwofirecastewarriorsandacomplementofBriseis’smostdedicatedandtrustedgue’la–thehatefulImperialtermfortheseloyalhumanswas‘xenophile’,butthetautookpainstoeducatethemthattheywerevaluedandrespectedconvertstotheGreaterGood.TheshantyfacilitywasthemoreimportantofthetwomajorbasesinPort

Memnor.Theconversionofthecitycouldbeachievedwithoutthefirecastefacility,butnotwithouttheintelligencebasethewatercastehadbuiltdownamidthepovertythathadturnedsomanyBriseianstotheGreaterGood.Behindadisguisedblastdooratthebackofaparticularlyfilthyandill-

omenedshanty,thesalvagedboardsandplasticsheetinggavewaytothegleamingpurityoftauarchitecture.Twoofthexenosmoveddownanarrowcorridor,pastthechokepointcoveredbyapairofgundronesmountedintheceiling.Onewasawatercasteambassador,thesamewhohadmetwiththeThundercliffelderinthetombsbeneathPortMemnor.Thesecondwasafirecastewarrior,ashas’vreincommandofthismission’sfirecastecomplement,squatterandmorepowerfulinbuildwearingcombatarmourandarmedwitharapid-firingpulsecarbineslungathisside.Theknifeofthebondedta’liserrawasinscribedonhisshoulderguard,markinghimoutastheleaderofasquadwhosemembershadsworntofightanddietogetherbytheGreaterGood.‘Ifear,’saidAmbassadorO’Myen,‘hismindhasbeenpickedclean.Ihave

envoysworkingonhimdayandnight.Hewillnotlastmuchlonger.’‘Ifyouhaveindeedminedhimdry,’saidVre’Cyr,‘thenshouldtheeffortprove

toomuchforhim,wewillnothavelostanythingmuch.’‘True,’saidO’Myen.‘Whatisityouhopetofind?’‘Anythingwillbeusefultous,’saidVre’Cyr.‘SpaceMarinesrequirea

particularformofwarfare.Theyarerarelyencountered,andsurvivorstodebriefarerarerstill.’‘Thenhaveatit,’saidO’Myen.Adoorslidopentorevealtheinterrogationchamber.O’Myen’senvoyswere

monitoringtheequipmentkeepingthecaptivesalive.MostofthemwereImperialspiesorPortMemnordignitaries,keptforwhattheyknewaboutthedefencesandsocietyofthecity.Anearthcastetechnicianworkedthecontrolsofthemedicalgearandoneofthedozencaptivesshudderedinhisrestraintsas

stimulantsandmetabolicbalancingagentswerepumpedintohim.Thecaptive’seyessnappedopenandhestareddownfromhiscageonthewall,convulsingwiththeeffortofbeingwokenonceagain.‘Ourdataindicatesthatthisisanolderspecimen,’saidO’Myen.‘Lifespan

extendedwiththeirrejuvenationtechnology.Theyaresoobsessedwiththeirlifespan,thesecreatures.Itisoneofthemanyfactorsthatmakesthemexploitable.Theyfeardeathso.WithouttheGreaterGood,thereisnothingtofightforsaveforanotherdayalive.’‘Theyalllookthesametome,’saidVre’Cyr.Thecaptive’seyesfocusedagain,andtheconfusiononhisfacewasreplaced

withdespair.‘Isittheday?’whisperedthecaptive,hisvoiceruinedbythetubeinhisthroat.

‘ThedaywhenIamtodie?’‘Whatisyourname?’askedO’Myen.‘Thronebedamned,youknowmyname!’gaspedtheprisoner.‘Whatisyourname?’askedO’Myenagain.‘Ifyoudonotansweraversion

stimuliwillbeapplied.’Theprisoner’sheadhung.‘ThelsoDeNyre,’hereplied.‘Yourrank?’‘LordArchivistoftheLibrariumPenitentiamonMorkrut.’‘TheLordArchivisthere,’explainedO’Myen,‘wasquitethecoupforthe

SecondPhaseExpansionintelligencecorps.ItseemswearemoreeffectiveatsiftingthroughthebureaucracyoftheImperiumthantheImperiumitself.TheknowledgehehasabsorbedoveralifetimeoflabourisoftenlosttotheImperiumatlarge.Thusinsomerespectsweknowmoreaboutthemthantheydo.LordArchivist,tellusoftheCodexNoctisVerminion,’Thearchivist’sheadlolledtoonesideandtwitched.‘Itisaccessingthedataimplantinthebackofitscranium,’saidO’Myen.‘Its

purposewasamysterywhenthisonewasfirstprocessed.Thankfullyitwasnotremovedimmediately.’‘TheCodexNoctisVerminionpresentsahistoryofthehuntfortheInfinity

Wyrm,’beganthearchivist.‘LedbyLordInquisitorTrentisVennand…’‘TheJadeDragons,’saidVre’Cyr.‘TwobattlecompaniesoftheJadeDragonsSpaceMarineChapterwere

present,’saidthearchivist.Adropofbloodranfromhiseyedownonecheekasthestrainofrepeatedaccessingofhisdatavaultcontinuedtodamagehisnervoussystem.‘LedbyCaptainNuufalaotheHuntsmaster…’

‘Theirwayofwar,’saidVre’Cyr.‘Theirweaknesses.WilltheyfallpreytothePatientHunterortheKillingBlow?TheSevenSpears?TheFinalShadow?Speak!’‘Fastassaultandshocktactics,’dronedthearchivist.‘Evidencedbythe

landingsatFedoranIV.Suitableformorallydeniableoperations…Ecclesiarchicaloversightdenied,suspected…suspecteddeviantritualfaith…’Thearchivistcoughedandspatgobbetsofblooddownhisfront,splatteringthecleanfloor.‘Icanbecertainyouknoweverythingthearchivisthasdivulgedaboutthe

JadeDragons,’saidO’Myen.‘Theywereasubjectofthefirstinterrogationcycle,especiallywhenitbecameapparentknowledgeofthemwasnotavailableintheImperiumatlarge.’‘ThentheUltramarines,’saidVre’Cyr.‘Amongthesecreatures,’saidO’Myen,‘theUltramarinesareprecededby

greatfame.Youwillbeheresometime,shas’vre.’ThearchivistspooledouttaleaftertaleoftheUltramarines.Theyconcerned

endlessbattles,tacticsfirstwrittenintheCodexAstartesandpreservedinfragmentsthearchivisthadcrammedbytheirthousandsintohisdatavault.O’Myenhadnointerestinthem.Hehadplumbedthearchivist’smindforeverythinghecaredabout–thewaytheUltramarinesthought,theweaknessesamongtheirbeliefsandworldview.HumanityhadbeenconditionedtothinktheSpaceMarinesinvincibleandwithoutflaw,buttheyhadmorethanenoughfailingstobeexploitedbyaveteranofthewatercaste.Pridewasamongthem,aswastheiradherencetotheCodexAstartesandtheteachingsoftheirlong-deadPrimarchRobouteGuilliman.‘Wherewilltheystrikenext?’demandedVre’Cyr.‘WhereonBriseiswillthey

maketheirmove?’ArchivistDeNyrestaredblanklyupatthefirecasteleader.Therewasonly

confusionandfearinthehuman’sface.‘Itmattersnot,’saidO’Myen.‘ThereisnoactiontheSpaceMarinescantake

forwhichIhavenotlaidthegroundwork.’‘Icanonlyhopeyouarecorrect,’saidVre’Cyr,‘forthesakeofmyfirecaste

brethren.TheSpaceMarinesarefewinnumberbutwhentheystrike,theystrikehard,andarefocusedformaximumimpact.ThehuntercadreshavefewcountertacticstotheSpaceMarines–ithasbeenoneofourgreatestsetbacksintheThirdSphereExpansion.Ifwedonotrespectthem,wearedonefor.’‘Irespectthemwellenough,shas’vre,’saidO’Myen.‘ItisforthatreasonI

wassenttoBriseis.WeknewtheSpaceMarineswouldbehere.MytaskwastoobservethecityandallthepossiblepathsaSpaceMarineoperationinthiscitycouldtake.ThusfartheUltramarinesandJadeDragonshavefollowedthosepathsassurelyasifImyselfwasleadingthem.AndIwillleadthemtotheendofwhateverpaththeywilltake,apaththatleadsonlytowardstheGreaterGood.’‘Youmakeatoolofeverythingaroundyou,ambassador,’saidVre’Cyr.

‘Enemyandally.Itwouldnotsurprisemetolearnthatyourfellowtauwerejustinstrumentstoyou,tobeusedanddisposedofasyouwill.’‘NotasIwill,’saidO’Myensmoothly.‘AstheGreaterGooddemandsofme.’Thetaure-attachedthearchivisttohislifesupportsystems,ignoringhisweak

criesformercyanddeath.Soonthepipewasslidbackdownhisthroatandhewassilent.AsO’MyenandVre’Cyrlefttheplace,thesilencewasbrokenonlybythetickingandbleepingofthemachinery.

TheCodexAstarteswasobscureonsomepoints,ambiguousonothers,butonthesubjectofsurpriseitwasclear.Tacticalsurpriseisthegreatestadvantageanyfightingforcecanhaveinwar.Anenemyfightstwobattleswhenheistakenbysurprise–hemustfighthisowninertia,thechaosofsuddenassault,theancientinstinctstofleeorhide,evenbeforehecantakeuparmsandfaceanyenemy.ASpaceMarinewasnotideallysuitedtostealth,whichanyothersoldier

mightusetoclawbackanedgeofsurprise.ASpaceMarine’ssheerbulkmadeitalmostimpossibleforhimtohideorcreepinsilence,andthepridehetookinhisChaptermeantthat,withfewexceptions,hewouldnotcoverhiscolourswithcamouflage.TheCodexthereforeendorsedsurprisebymeansofarapidandfuriousassaultfromanunexpectedangle,achievingwithspeedandsuddennesswhatcouldnotbeachievedwithsilence.TheSpaceMarinesmadeuseofthedroppodandgunshipassault,theboardingtorpedo,thearmouredspearheadtosnatchuptheinitiativeandplungeanenemyintobattlebeforethatenemyknewitwasbeingfought.CaptainDevyniusknewtheCodexwell.NoUltramarinewasignorantof

Guilliman’smasterwork.Andsoitwasthathecrouchedalongsidethebattle-brothersofhissquadonthelev-trainasitthunderedalongthetrack,passengerstationsandloadingdockshurtlingpastthroughthestrobingdarkness.‘Threeminutesout!’calledBrotherSilen,readingthetransitsystem’s

schematicsfromhisauspexscanner.‘Unorthodox,captain!IwonderifGuillimanenvisionedthiswhenhewrotetheCodex?’

‘Heimaginedvictory,’saidDevyniusoverthethunderingofthepassingstructuresandthehowlofthelev-train’soverchargedcoils.‘Andthisishowwewillwinit!’Thesquadwasintherearmostcarriageoffour,thefronthousingthepowerful

generatorwhichwasbeingdraineddrytoforcethetrainwellpastitsmaximumspeed.Accordingtotheschematics,thetraincouldnotstayonitstracksifitmaintainedthisspeedwhenithitthenextmajorjunction.‘Thenagain,’reflectedDevynius,‘thiswasThaxos’sidea.’‘Wouldthathewereheretoseeit,’saidBrotherMerovos,whoseplasmagun

wasslungsohecouldholdontotherailingbesidehimwithbothhands.‘Hewouldhavesomethingclevertosayaboutourchances.’‘Wefightthislikeanyotherbattleandourchanceswillbenil,’shouted

Devyniusinreply.‘TheEmperordemandsvictory.TheCodexcommandsit.Wewilldeliver.’Thetrainshriekedthroughapassengerstation.Thecontrolshadbeendoctored

andbypassedbyOderacwho,whilenotaTechmarine,hadamorethangoodenoughheadfortechnology.Thecitizenswaitingontheplatformshadexpectedthetraintostoptopickthemup–insteaditshotpastattremendousspeedandtheyscreamedasseveralwerethrownofftheirfeetbythegalethatpassedinthetrain’swake.PerhapswordwouldgetoutabouttheUltramarinesintherearmostcarriage.It

didn’tmatter.Theyhadlessthanthirtysecondsbeforetheyreachedtheirtarget,andanywarningwouldarrivefartoolate.Aheadthejunctionapproached,litbywarninglightsflashingred.Aterrible

metallicscreamfilledtheairasthetraintriedtotakethenextbendtooquicklyandthemagneticclampsweretornofftherail,thetrainslewingontoonesideasitarrowedonwards.Devyniuskepthisfooting.AcoupleoftheUltramarineslosttheirbalance,

grabbingontoahandholdbeforetheyweretumbledthroughoneofthewindowsthatshatteredunderthestrain.Thefrontcarriageslammedintothewallofthetunnel.Thewallcollapsedand

thecarriagewaspropelledintotheroomsbeyondit,masonryfallinginthedarkhail.Withanawfulsoundoftearingmetalthefrontcarriagewasforcedtoahalt,embeddeddeepinthefoundationsofthebuildingahead.Thesecondcarriagebuckledandcrumpledtohalfitslength,andthethirdfaredlittlebetter.ThefourthcarriagewaswarpedandtwistedbutnotenoughtoimperiltheUltramarinesstillclingingon.

Nonormalsoldierwouldhavecountenanceditasamethodofinsertion.ThatwaswhytheUltramarineshadusedittoscoretacticalsurpriseagainsttheenemyinside.ThuswasthespiritoftheCodexadheredto,ifnotitsletter,asCaptain

Devyniusledhissquadthroughthewreckageandtherubbleintothelowerfloorsofthegeneratorium.

SergeantSeanoa’stotemwastheflight,theswirlingpackofpredatorsthatmovedasonewiththesamepurpose.Thatwashowhissquadmoved,followinghimlessbyordersandmorebyinstinct.Seanoawasanaturalleaderinthepurestsense,borntobeattheheadoftheflight,borntobethefirstteethintotheprey.Theybrokeintotheopenamongtheshantiesatthefootofthegeneratorium’s

greatcoolingtowers,cloakedinthepollutantmistsandthedarknesswherethecomplex’sfloodlightscouldnotreach.Thepeoplewholivedthereshutthemselvesin,boltedtheirwindowsanddoors,andhopedtosurviveuntilthesuncameup.TheJadeDragonswereangryghostsbreachingthesurfaceofthenight,andtheancientfearsofBriseis’stribesspokeofsuchmonstersrisingfromtheslatewastestomutilateanddestroy.Theywerenotfarwrong.Seanoaledthesquadupthelowerlevelsofgantries,uptowardsthecommand

catwalksallowingmaintenanceaccesstothecoolingtowers.Thewalkwaysconnectedtothemainbuildinghousingtheturbinehallandcommandrooms.Theworkerswhosawthemfled,andnotashothadtobefiredbeforetheJadeDragonsreachedtheturbinehallitself.Thegeneratoriumwasatfullcapacity.Theturbinesroared,shudderingthe

webofcatwalkshighabovethemainhall.Thefirstkillwasoneofthesentrieswhowatchedoverthehallforxenophilesaboteurs,snipedthroughtheupperbackwithaStalkershell.Hisbodyfellseveralstoreystotheflooroftheturbinehallandvanishedbetweenthehugecylindricalhousingsoftheturbines.Twomoredied,onetoSeanoa’sownlightningclaw.Hedidn’tevenactivate

theweapon’spowerfieldashepunchedtheweapon’scurvedbladesthroughthesentry’sback.ThesentryworethedarkreduniformofmenundertheordersoftheAdeptusMechanicus,andcarriedalasgunheneverhadtimetounsling.Seanoakickedthebodyovertherailing.‘There,’hesaid,pointingtowardsoneofthecontrolroomsoverlookingthe

turbinehall,ashortsprintacrossthewalkways.‘Expectresistance.Beswift,anddonotwaittoseeaweapon.Move,mybrothers.’

Theten-strongsquadwerehinderedmorebythesizeoftheirarmouredbodiesinthenarrowdoorwaythanbythegeneratoriumworkersmanningthelateshiftinthecontrolroom.Theshockontheirfaceswasilluminatedbythelightsonthereadoutsandcontrolpanelsliningthewalls.Seanoashotonewithhisboltpistol,thecustomisedweaponblowingatorsowideopenwithafragmentingmetalstormshell.Itwasoverkill,butthatwasbetterthanunderkill.TheJadeDragonsmakingtheirwayintotheroomaddedtheirownfire,single

boltershotstakingdownthehalf-dozenworkersinafewseconds.Avox-linkhandsetonthewallwasuntouched–noneoftheworkershadtimetograbitandraisethealarm.ThatwasaminuteortwomoreoftimetheJadeDragonshadboughtwiththeirspeedandlackofmercy.Thatwashowtruepredatorswontheday.Tagamalaaffixedachargetothecommandroom’sbackwall,magneticclamps

holdingittothecontrolpanel.TheJadeDragonsbackedupagainstthewall.Seanoadidn’thavetosayanything.Hissquadmatesknewtheplanwellenoughandfilledtheirpartinitliketrueflightmates.Thechargewentoffandthewallwasblowninwards.Seanoawasthroughthe

breachbeforethedebrishitthefloor.Beyond,thearchitecturechanged.ThepracticalindustrialfaceoftheturbinehallwasreplacedwiththereligiousovertonesofthePriesthoodofMars:columnstoppedwithhalf-skullsandcogs,shrinesbuiltintothewallswithofferingsofrawmetalblocksandclockworktrinkets,machine-codeprayerspinnedtothewalls.Theairwasthickwithincenseburninginthebraziersthatprovidedagutteringlight.Seanoadidn’twaitforhissquad.Theywouldbebehindhim.Theyalways

were.HeforgedthroughtheMechanicuschambers,passingbyequipmentroomsandlaboratorieswhereornatecruciblesburnedexoticelementsandgeneratortowersspatarcsofelectricity.Thealarmhadbeenraised.Aklaxonblaredsomewhere.TheAdeptus

Mechanicushadbroughtinmoremenandarmedthemtodefendthisplace,inresponsetothexenophilepresenceinthecity.Seanoahadseenthetroopmanifests,andheknewtheywouldnotbeenough.ThreetroopersburstintothelaboratoryasSeanoaledthesquadthroughit.

Las-firemethimandhedroppeddownbehindoneofthelabbenches,theslabofsolidbronzeabsorbingthefire.Bolterfirestreakedbackacrosstheroomandasthetroopstookcover,Seanoavaultedthebenchandfellamongthem.Heshotonethroughthestomachandlashedthroughtheotherwithhislightningclaw–thepowerfieldactivatedthistimeandburstinashoweroflightasitdischarged

throughthesecondtrooper,shreddinghisupperbodyandleavingnothingleftabovethemid-chest.ThethirdtrooperwasshotdownbyabolterroundfromtheotherJade

Dragonsmovingthroughtheroom.Thefirefighthadlastedaboutfiveseconds.Aheadwasthechapel,overlookedbyagreataltarpieceofthehalf-skull,afat

industrialdiamondsetintoitseyeandthecoghalfplatedinbrass.Columnsofpolishedsteelrosetowardsavaultedceilingcoveredinmachinecodescript,zeroesandonesminglingwithequationspickedoutinelectrum.There,MagosSkepteriswasperformingherprayerstothemachine-spiritof

thegeneratoriumandthedefencelasercomplexshewatchedover,andtotheOmnissiahofwhoseintellecttheywereallapart.ShekneltbeforethealtarandturnedatthesoundoftheJadeDragonsfootstepsboomingonthesteelgrilleofthechapelfloor.ShestillworethehideoftheBlackLeviathanoverhershoulders.ThemagosstoodasSeanoacrossedthechapelfloor.Therestofthesquad

stoodback–theirgunswerereadyincasetheywereneeded,butfornowthiswastheirsergeant’sfight.‘Whyareyouhere?’demandedSkepteris.‘Thisisaplaceofworship.’‘Iknowwhatyouworship,’saidSeanoacoldly,‘anditisnottheOmnissiah.

YoumayhavefooledtheUltramarinesbutwearenotsostupid.ThemarkoftheBlackLeviathanisonyou,heretic.Aswehunt,sowearehunted,butsometimesfatebringsthosethathuntusintoourgunsights.Andsoyouwilldie.’‘Iamloyal,’saidSkepteris.‘Iamdedicatedtodestroyingthexenophilesand

doingtheEmperor’swork.’‘Icarenothingforthexenophiles,’saidSeanoa.‘BriseisandAgrellancanburn

forallwecare.Fateputusheretodestroyyou.’SeanoapointedatSkepteriswiththebladesofhislightningclawandtheblue-whitelightofthepowerfieldflickeredacrossthecolumnsandtheshadowyvaultoftheceiling.Skepterisfoughtback.Heraugmentationshadenoughcombatcapabilityto

giveheragoodchanceagainstxenophileassassins.HermechadendriteswhippedaroundSeanoa,whograbbedtheminthecrookofoneelbowandtwisted,throwingSkepteristothegroundlikeawrestler.Heslasheddownatherwithhisclawbutshewasfasterthanshelookedandrolledoutoftheway,themechadendritesslitheringoutofSeanoa’sgrasp.Skepteris’sjawopenedwide,toowidetobenatural.Betweenhermetalteeth

emergedthebarrelofagun,theslottedheatdissipaterofameltaweapon.Shefiredaboltofsuperheatedparticlesthatburnedadeepfurrowthroughoneof

Seanoa’sshoulderpads,scorchingthroughtheceramitedowntothebone.Seanoaroaredandduckedbehindacolumn,moltenceramiterunningdownhisside.‘WhatwitcheryhastakenrootonBriseis?’shoutedSeanoa.‘Whatdarkgod

sentyouhere?YouwillanswertheEmperorinhell!’Skepterisstood,thegunbarrelwithdrawingbackdownherthroat.Sheturned

toseetheJadeDragonssquadstandingacrossthechapel,cuttingoffanyescape.Everybolterbarrelwasaimedather.‘Icankilloneofyou,’saidSkepteris.‘Butthechancesarelow.AndthenIwill

die.Sothereisnologicinresisting.UsenomoreoftheEmperor’sbulletsonmethanyouhaveto.’ShedidnotturnasSeanoawalkedupbehindher,thepowerfieldcrackling

aroundhisclaw.Herammedthebladesthroughhermidriff,carvingupwardsthroughherchestandoutthroughherupperback.HerheadfloppedforwardsonitsruinedneckandSeanoacaughtherasshefellforwards.Heslashedacrossherwaistandcutherintwo,shredsofburningrobeandhidefallingamongtheshoweringblood.‘Iwillwastenobulletsonthiscreature,’saidSeanoa,droppingtheupperhalf

ofMagosSkepteristothefloor.

Thebodiesformedatrailfromtheturbinehalltothechapel,markingouttheprogressoftheJadeDragons.Someofthebodieswerestillalive,bysomefluketheirvitalorganssparedtheboltershrapnel,leavingbloodlossandshocktofinishthejob.Oneofthem,aPeacemakersoldier,draggedhimselfonbloodyhandsintothe

commandroom.Theplacewaschokedwithsmokefromthechargethathadblownthewallout,anddrapedwiththebodiesoftheworkerswhohaddiedtherewithnoideawhy.Thefloorwasslickwithbloodandthetrooper’shandslippedinitashedraggedhimselfforwards.Hereachedoneofthecontrolconsoles.Lightsstillwinkedonitsreadouts.He

grabbedtheankleofthebodylyingoverthecontrolsandpulleditaway,lettingitfloptothefloor.Ahandsetcameawaywiththebody,danglingbyawire,andthetrooperheldittohisface.‘Whoeverhears,’gaspedthetrooper.‘Whatbrothersthereareoutthere.I

knowoneofyoumusthearme.Thegeneratorium.Theyarehittingthegeneratorium.Telltheambassadors,telleveryone.FortheGreaterGood.’

CHAPTERFIVE

‘Theenemywilluseeverywileofbattleagainstyou,everytruthyouhavelearnedherein,everyhardlessonthatwarhastaughtyou.Thegeneralwhothinkshimselfuniqueinhislearningismerelythenextheadhangingonthewall.’

–CodexAstartes

TheUltramarines’planwassimple,butthatdidnotmeanitwaseasy.ThegeneratoriumandtheadjoiningdefencelasercomplexwerealwaystheprimaryobjectivesfortheSpaceMarinesinPortMemnor,butitwastheendgame,thecapstoneofthecampaigntobringtheplanetoidtoheel.AnytacticianoftheImperialGuardwouldidentifyacascadeofobjectivestobetoppledoneatatime,culminatingintheconquestofthedefencelaserstomakethespaceportsafeforImperialuse.SpaceMarinesdidnotthinklikethat.Theydidwhathadtobedone,fought

thebattlethathadtobefought,andignoredeverythingelse.Theywouldnotreducethexenophilestrongholds,fortifytheparliamentbuildingandtheplacesofworship,assistintheevacuationofImperialpersonnelorestablishgarrisonsthroughoutthecity.Theywouldgoforthethroat,fortheheartofthevictory,trustingintheirsuperiorityinbattletomakeeverythingelseirrelevant.

SoCaptainDevyniusledhissquadintothelowestlevelsofthegeneratorium,wherethelightswerefewandtheshadowsweredeep.ItwasarelicofthefirstdaysofBriseis’sImperialsettlement,whentheburgeoningcityhadbeenfuelledbyfat,ironboilerssurroundedbyatangleofcorrodedpipework.ThestructurehadbeendroppedfromorbitshortlyaftertheImperialsettlershadfirstbrokengroundonPortMemnor,thenforgottenandcrushedbeneaththemassofthegeneratoriumforcenturies.Devyniusemergedintothecoolantcomplex,enormousrefrigeratedstorage

tanksreachingsevenstoreysabovethelabyrinthofpipework.Freezingmistclungtothelowerlevels,swirlingaroundtheUltramarinesastheyburstthroughfrombelow.‘Theobjectiveisthedefencelasercommand,’voxedDevynius.‘Throughthe

coolanttowers,intothedefencecomplex.Donotgetheldup.Oncewehavethecomplex,thexenophileswillnevergetusout.’ThegeneratoriumworkersfledatthefirstsightoftheUltramarines.Theyhad

allheardwhathadhappenedattheparliamentbuilding.Therewasnoimpedimenttothesquadmakingtheirwayuptothemid-levels,movingtowardsthelasercomplexadjoiningthegeneratorium.Soonthetoweringvaultofthelasercathedralloomedahead.Sixenormous

lasercannonsstoodaroundthehugecircularhall,formingagreatplaceofworshipdedicatedtotheOmnissiah.AniconoftheMachineCultstoodinthecentreofthearena-likecentralexpanse,ahoodedtitansurroundedbyacoghaloandcarryingthepoweraxethatsymbolisedthePriesthoodofMars.Thefirstmagitooverseethedefencelasers’constructionhadconsecratedthisplacetoSkepteris,theritualsrepeatedbyeverymagossince.‘Holdthisplace,’saidDevynius.‘Oderac!Barricadetheentrances,take

whoeveryouneed.Ineedtogetontothevoxandbringasmanyworkersinaswecantohelp.Thexenophileswillstrikeassoonastheyrealisewehavemoved,butwewillthrowthembacktotheirtaumastersinpieces!’‘Theycannotweedusoutofhere,’saidOderac,lookingaroundthecathedral.

‘ThismonumenttoImperialmight,thisiconofmajesty!Wecanholdthisforyears,mybrothers.’‘Iwishthexenophileshadbeenrootedoutfirst,’voxedDevyniusasthesquad

spreadouttocoverallthewaysin.‘Andthiscitycouldhavebeentakenwithoutbloodshed.Buttheyaredugindeep,mybrothers.Theywillcometous,theywillbegtodieonourblades.IftheyrefusetheEmperor’smercyIfoughtsohardtoshowthem,theywillgettheEmperor’swrathinitsplace!’

Thelasercomplexwashighlydefensible,builttobegarrisonedbyImperialforces.DestroyingthexenophileshadbeenattheforefrontoftheSpaceMarinesmissionobjectives,buttheultimategoalhadalwaysbeenholdingthedefencelasersandhencesecuringthespaceportforImperialtransports.Thexenophilesandmanyinnocentcitizenswoulddieastheywereforcedtomobiliseindefenceofthecomplex,buttheUltramarineswouldholdit.Briseiswouldsuffer,asDevyniushadsoughttoprevent,buttheEmperor’swillwouldbedoneandtheforcesfightingonAgrellanwouldbebolstered.Thisbattlewouldbewon.Agrellanwouldbewon,andthiswarafterit.Itwas

theEmperor’swill.Devynius’sthoughtswerebrokenbythemetallichowlfromabove.Asection

oftheceilingbowedinandfell,ashowerofwreckageandflamepouringthrough.Hissquadmatesscatteredacrossthecathedralfloor.Throughtheflamesitdescended.Thehardlinesofitsshapewereframedin

thefirethatshimmeredagainstthechrome-brightsurroundsofthereactorsbuiltintoitschestandechoedintheblue-yellowjetsofflamefromtheexhaustsonitsback.Itwashuge,notfarshyofaanImperialKnightdemi-Titaninscale,onearmholdingamassivemultibarrelledpulseweaponandtheothertheglowingvanesofashieldgenerator.Twinreactorsglowedoneithersideofitsmassivetorso,itsreverse-jointedkneesbendingtoabsorbtheshockasithitthecathedralfloor.BurningwreckagecrashedintothefloorarounditasthemissilesrackedarounditsshoulderangledtowardsDevynius.Thedesignwasunmistakeablytau.Thelensesinitsheaddilatedasthey

focusedonDevynius.Smallermachinesweredescendingaroundit,theirjetsfiringtoland.Devyniushadneverseenanythinglikeit,savetheearlybattleassessments

fromthewaronAgrellan.Anewformofbattlesuit,abipedalmachinewiththefirepowerofasuper-heavytankandmanoeuvrabilityequaltoanythingthetauhadfieldedbefore.Untilnowonlyafewgrainypictcapturesandgarbledfieldreportsattestedtotheirexistence.Thetautreatmentoftechnologywastheirmostblatantheresy–theycreated,theyinnovated,constantlyforgingnewmachinestofighttheirexpansionistwars.Thismachinewastheirlatest,ahugeandmassivelyarmediterationofthesmallerCrisisbattlesuitsnowdroppingintothecathedralbehindit.‘Riptide!’shoutedDevyniusoverthevoxasheran.Twomissilesstreaked

towardshim,screamingontrailsofwhiteexhaust.AfewstridesawaywasthestatueoftheOmnissiahandDevyniusdivedpastthefoldsofitssculptedrobe.

Onemissilehurtledpastthestatueandexplodedagainstthefarwall.Thesecondhitthestatue,blowingitinhalfatthewaist,sendingchunksoftornbronzefallinginscorchingrainaroundDevynius.Theupperhalftoppled,theheadofthestatue’saxeburyingitselfinthefloor.Devyniusbrokefromcover,snappingshotsupattheRiptide.Itsburstcannon

followedhim,trackingunerringly.Itcouldpunchthroughpowerarmourasifitwasn’tthere.Devyniusdroppedontohisback.HehadoneshotbeforetheRiptide’scannon

spearedrightthroughhim.HehadtrainedforsuchashotathousandtimesinthefiringrangesofMacragge,againstdroneservitorsintheprovinggrounds.Thaxoshadbeenabettershotthanhewas,andVenarinwasbetterthaneither.ButDevyniuswasanUltramarine,andtherewasnofacetoftheCodexAstarteshehadneglected,marksmanshipincluded.ThebolterkickedinDevynius’shand.TheRiptide’seyelensshattered,

spillingsparkslikeburningblood.Itwouldnotlast.Thetaubattlesuitshadredundantsensorsystemsthatkept

themlethalevenwhentheirprimarysensorsweredestroyed,butitwouldbuyseconds,andsecondswerewhatDevyniusneeded.TheotherUltramarineswerefightingtheCrisissuits.Eachsuitwasthe

personalwarmachineofataufirecasteveteran,armedwiththeexoticxenosweaponswithwhichthatwarriorwasmostproficient–fusionrifles,missilepods,burstcannons.BrotherSilenwasdown,clutchingthewreckageofaruinedthigh,firingwithonehandfromhisback.MerovosandOderacbroughtoneCrisissuitdownwithcombinedfire,Merovos’splasmagunscorchingadeepmoltenfurrowacrossthebattlesuit’schest,thefleshofthealieninsidebubblingandpoppingintheheat.Devyniuscouldseethenextfewmomentsunravellinginhismind.Thepages

oftheCodexAstartesseemedtoturnbeforehiseyesandeverymovement,everyshot,waspickedoutinthehotglowoffate.AndDevyniusknewthatMerovoswoulddie.Merovospaused,gunfire

streakingallaroundhim,andtookstockoftheRiptidebattlesuitstompingaroundtheruinedstatuetofinishoffDevynius.Merovossawhiscommanderstrickenandthehugebattlesuitturningitsburstcannontowardshim.Merovosraisedhisplasmagun,sightingdownit,pickingouttheweakspotsinthehulkingmachineasyearsofsleep-taughtbattle-lorehadtrainedhim.Theplasmagunemittedaboltofsuperheatedplasma,thesoundliketearing

metal.TheboltshearedintotheshoulderjointoftheRiptide’sgunarm.Molten

handfulsofarmourfellawayandthearmhunglimp.Thetipofthebarrelscrapedalongthefloor.TheRiptideturned,itsremainingsensorsscanningthedirectionofthefirethat

hadcrippleditsarm.Theshoulder-mountedmissilerackswerefullagainandtheytrackedtowardsMerovos,whopausedahalf-secondlongertosprayanotherstreamofplasmaupintotheRiptide’schest.Hewasaimingforthereactorsmountedoneithersideofthetorso.Whatlittle

intelligenceexistedontheRiptidesuggestedtheblockyarmouredareashousedthebattlesuit’spowerplantandthatifbreached,themachinemightbedestroyed.Itwastheonlychancehehadatbringingitdown.ThearmouroftheRiptide’storsoheld.Thesensorsofthehalf-ruinedhead

focusedinontheUltramarineandthemissileracksletlooseatrioofmissilesthatcrossedtheexpanseofthecathedralinaheartbeat.Merovoswascaughtoutintheopen.Hehadnocoverandhadstoodstilltoget

theshot.ThemissileshammeredintohimandMerovosvanishedinagreatplumeofflameandwreckage.Devyniushadseenithappenasecondbeforethemissileshadhithome.Itwas

thewayoftheUltramarines–tofightanddieforoneanother,toholdhonourabovesurvival.Dieifyoumust,Guillimanhadwrittententhousandyearsbefore,butdiewell.‘Fallback!’yelledDevyniusintothevox,scramblingtohisfeet.‘Wewill

regroup,wewillreturn!Fallback!’RunesprojectedontoDevynius’sretinacalledoutthestatusofhissquadmates.

Threerunesweredark–Silen,MerovosandBrotherTimesus.ThreeUltramarinesdeadtotaugunsintheflamingchaosofthecathedral.Thisshouldhavebeentheirvictory.DevyniussprayedfirealmostatrandomattheCrisisbattlesuitsflitting

betweenthedefencelasers.HespottedsomeoftheUltramarinesmakingtheirwaytowardshim,holdingtogetherinalineastheyfired,keepingthebattlesuitsonthemovetothinthefirecomingdownatthem.Behindhimwasaprocessionalalleydownwhichtheservitorswouldapproach

thecathedralfortheannualritualstoconsecratethedefencelasers.ItwasoneofthewaysthatDevyniushadearmarkedtobefortifiedagainstattackers.Nowitwouldhavetoserveasawayout.PastmagiofPortMemnorglowereddownathimthroughthehoodsoftheirbronzerobes,andincenseservitorsdronedaroundtherafterscastingbillowsofsicklysmoke.BrotherVesuviogottherefirstafterDevynius,Timesusslungoverhis

shoulderasVesuviofiredone-handedatthetauclosinginbehind.Timesus’sarmourwascrateredandglowingdownhisleftside,whereoneofthebattlesuits’fusiongunshadhammeredhimwithhalfadozenshots.Timesuswasalmostcertainlydead,andVesuviowouldnotleavehissquadmatebehind.‘Focusfireandkeepmoving!’orderedDevynius.‘Cageyourfury,brothers!

Discipline!BytheEmperor’swillweshallreturn!’TherestofDevynius’ssquadreachedtheprocessionalalley,Silen’sbodydraggedbyasquadmate–therehadnotbeenenoughleftofMerovostosalvage.‘Howdidtheyknow?’growledVesuvioasthesquadmovedoutofthe

cathedralandintothetangledmassofcoolantductsinthelowerlevelsofthegeneratorium.‘Theyneverknewofourobjective.Noteventheprocurator,notMaelenar,noone.Howdidthexenosknowwhenandwherewewouldstrike?’Asthesquadreachedtheoutskirtsofthegeneratorium,wheretheworkers’

habsandshantiesclusteredaroundthecoolingtowers,theycamewithinearshotofthehugescreensthatbroadcasttothepeopleofPortMemnor.Anditwasthentheygottheanswer.

Fromtimetotime,themagiofBriseiswouldhavecausetospeaktothepopulation,sometimestowarnofacoolantleakorindustrialaccidentatthegeneratorium,sometimestopronounceanewordnanceconscriptingcitizensintotheworkforce.Itwasusedrarely,especiallybythepublicity-shyMagosSkepteris,butthepictersandbroadcastequipmentneededwerestillstoredinthemagos’squartersinthegeneratoriumcomplex.ItwasthisthatSergeantSeanoausedtospeaktoPortMemnor.OndozensofscreensthecoldblackeyesofSeanoa’sfaceplatelookedout

acrossthecity.Hehelduponehandsothepictercouldseewhathewascarrying.ItwastheseveredheadofMagosSkepteris,seenoutofitsdarkredhoodforthefirsttimeonBriseis.Amassofribbonedfleshhungfrombelowtheneck,allthatSeanoa’slightningclawhadleftofhertorso.Themagos’sjawhungopen,revealinghersteelteethandthemachineryinherthroat.Cablesandpipeshungamongthegore.‘Thusarethewagesofheresy,’saidSeanoa.Hisvoiceechoedamongthe

spiresofspire-habsaroundtheparliamentbuilding,betweenthechimneysofthegeneratoriumandacrosstheexpanseofthespaceport’slandingpads.ItreachedintotheworkshopsoftheChrono-Wrights’District,theanimalpensoftheSlaughtermens’Quarterandthemillionsofhab-cellsandshanties.‘TheEnemysoughttoconvinceusthetauwerethethreatonBriseis.ButFatetoldus

otherwise.TheEnemysoughttowagehiswarintheshadows,butFatebroughthimtolight.Aswehunt,sowearehunted,butonthisworldweturnedandfoughtback!’SeanoacasttheheadofMagosSkepterisontothefloorofthemagos’s

chambers.Thepicterpanneddowntowatchitlandontheseacreature’shidespreadoutonthefloor.Seanoa’sarmouredfootstampeddownonthehead,crushingthemagos’sskullflatagainstthebarnacledscales.‘TheEnemycannothidethesignsofitspassing,notfromtheJadeDragons!

TheBlackLeviathanpassedbyhereandleftitsmark.Itleftitonthemagos,theservantoftheEnemy,andshewascutdown.Itleftitonyourcity,anditshallbepurged.Youwhoworshipthedarkgods,youwholustforthepowerofthewarp,knowthis!Nowyouarehunted!’

AmbassadorO’MyenwatchedwithsatisfactionasthepicterturnedbacktotheSpaceMarine’sface,itsfeatureshiddenbehindthefaceplate.ThescreenturnedblackasthebroadcastfinishedandO’Myenturnedhisattentionbacktothegeneratoriumcomplex.O’Myenhadwishedtoobserveeventsatthegeneratoriumdirectlyandsohad

takenanescortoffirewarriorsandhisdetailoflower-rankedwatercastetothetopofahab-blockoverlookingthecomplex.Thesignsofbattlehadbeenapparentfromthebuildingsabovethedefencelaserhousing–fireandexplosionsfromtheentranceofVre’Cyr’sfirecastecadre.LikepunctuationmarksinthehistoryofBriseis,theexplosionshadmarkedtheendofoneageandthebeginningofanother.‘Record,ifyouwill,’saidO’Myen.Thewatercasteemissarybesidehim,a

loyalandhard-workingtauwhowouldneverriseabovehiscurrentrank,clackedawayonawrist-mounteddatadevice.O’Myen’swordswereworthyofpreserving,forhiswasoneofthefinestmindsinallthewatercaste.‘Uponconsideringaproblem,’saidO’Myen,‘oneshouldneverseekoutthe

solutionasonemightpickoutacertainstarinthesky.Thereisneverasingleanswerandtohuntitistochaseoneprey-beastwhileathousandotherslikeitareslumberingatyourfeet.Instead,welookupontheanswersastherootsofatree,dividingandrejoining,untilthetipofeveryrootistheresultyoudesireandtogetthereyoumustmerelyfollowthepathofcauseandeffect.‘LetusconsiderthesolutiontotheproblempresentedonBriseis.TheImperial

elites,theSpaceMarinesasthegue’laknowthem,havethecapacitytoholdthedefencelasercomplexindefinitelyoncetheyhadtakenandfortifiedtheplace.

Thus,weplaceinmotioneventsthatwillcompromisetheirefforttodoso.Observation,intelligencegatheringandtheresultantmanipulationoftheJadeDragonscreatedseveralpotentialoutcomes,eachofwhichwouldgeneratesuchacompromise.ThefirstdesirableoutcomeistheturningofthepeopleofBriseisfurtheragainstthepossibilityofImperialoccupation.Thatisthetipofoneroot,sotospeak,andwouldbeachievedbyapublicandgraphicactofviolenceagainstoneperceivedasafriendofthetribesofBriseis.Anotherrootleadstotheoutcomeofthegeneratoriumitselfbeingunabletofunctionproperlywithouttheinputofanexpertinitstechnology,ofwhichtheImperiumhasmystifyinglyfew.Finally,themanipulationmayleadtothefirecasteresponse,intendedtobringtheseJadeDragonstobattle,engagingasecondSpaceMarineforceintheprocessoffortifyingthedefencelaserhousing.’Asecondseriesofexplosionsrippledalongtheroofofthemaingeneratorium

building,thered-orangeglareflickeringagainstthemassiveshapesofthecoolingtowers.FromthisdistancetheglowofCrisisbattlesuitexhaustswasjustvisible,playingacrossthegargoylesandarch-topsoftheImperium’sgrotesquearchitecture.QuitewhytheImperiumofManinsistedoncreatingsuchvisionsofoppressionescapedO’Myen,forwhomtheclean,gleaminglinesoftaucitiesweresoemblematicavisionofpeaceandwisdom.Perhapsitwouldbeasuitablestudysubjectinthefuture,toprovideaninsightintothefrustratinglywaywardImperialmind.‘Thusweseethattruesocialengineeringistheinstigationofbehavioursand

eventsofwhichtheonlypossibleoutcomesarebeneficialtotheGreaterGood,’continuedO’Myen.‘Tostructuresuchapattern,acascadingseriesofinevitablyusefulevents,isthegoalofeverywatercasteintervention.Inthisweseeinactionpreviouslessonsontheuseofanopposingforce’squalitiesagainsthim.TheaggressionandindependenceoftheJadeDragons,andtheconceptofhumanhonourgivensuchimportbytheUltramarines,arethemselvesfactorsinthesuccessofthisintervention.Asanambassador,IcanthinkofnomoreusefultoolsintheworkoftheGreaterGoodthantheSpaceMarines.’TheemissaryfinishedrecordingO’Myen’swords.Theywouldformpartof

thegreatbodyofworkhewouldleavebehind,whichlaterwatercasteambassadorswouldusetofurtherrefinetheirwaysofadvancingtheGreaterGoodandnecessaryexpansionofthetauempire.Briseiswouldbeausefulprize,Agrellanmoreso,butthetruecontributiontotheGreaterGoodwouldcomefromthewisdomO’MyenhadgatheredinsolvingproblemssuchashadbeenpresentedtohiminPortMemnor.

‘Addendum,’saidO’Myen.‘Thefirecastewinwithbladesandpulserounds.Theaircastewinwithfightercraftandbombs.Thewatercastewinwithwords,andwiththemweshalldelivermorethanallourbrothercastescombined.’Perhapsthefirecastewarriorsstandingguardontherooftopwouldobjectto

that,buttheyallknewbetterthantostateitoutloud.TheycouldwhineaboutittotheircaptainwhentheyweredoneonBriseis,iftheirleadersurvived.ThatremindedO’Myen.‘Vre’Cyr,’saidO’Myenintohiscommunicator.‘Report.’

BrotherOderaccrawledthelastfewmetresacrosstheflooroftheturbinehall.Abovehim,whatremainedofthesquadwereswappingfirewiththeotherCrisisbattlesuitsacrosstheroofofthegeneratoriumbuilding.Aroundhimrosethedinoftheturbines,maskingthethuddingfootstepsofthebattlesuitthathaddescendedonitsback-mountedjetstomakesurehewasdead.OderachadfallenThroneknewhowfarwhentheroofsectionhadcollapsedandoneleghadfoldedunderhim,brokenanduseless.Hehadalreadytakenpulseroundstothechestandshoulder,punchingthroughhisceramiteandintofleshandbone.Hewasdying.LookingdownfromtheroofDevyniuscouldseeitallpanningoutinthesame

clinicalslowmotionasMerovos’sdeath.Oderacrolledontooneside,hotbloodsprayingovertheblueofhisarmourasheunhookedameltabombfromhiswaist.Hesprawledacrosstothemassivecylinderbesidehim–theturbineitself,poweredbythesteamsuperheatedbytheplasmareactors.TheCrisisbattlesuitstalkedintoview.AfusionblasterlevelledatOderac,and

Oderacrippedthepinoutofthemeltabombasheclampeditontotheturbine.Devyniusscannedthroughthesituation,thesleep-taughtinstinctsofacombat

leadertakingcontrol.Hissquadwasdowntohalfitsstrength.Hehadtakenashottooneshinthathadshatteredtheboneandthoughhecouldstillwalk,helimpedthroughthefuzzofautomaticallydispensedpainkillersandcouldfeelthebootofhisarmourfillingwithblood.VesuviohadfallenandTimesuswasstillslungoverhisshoulder,drilledthroughthebackbyavolleyofpulseshotsafewpacesfromDevynius.Theonlywayforwardshadbeenacrosstheroof,towardsthewalkwaysandstairwellsleadingtothetangleofshantytunnelswheretheUltramarinescouldlosethebulkybattlesuits,butuntilthentherewasscantcoveramongthegargoylesoftherooftop.Inthesamequeasyslowmotion,Oderacrolledontohisback.Hishelmetwas

gone,shreddedbyfusionfire,andDevyniuscouldseeOderacmouthingsome

oldcursesofMacraggeatthebattlesuitloomingoverhim.Themeltabombdetonated.Theturbine,Oderac,thebattlesuitandtheturbine

hallvanishedinawhiteeruptionofsteam,shardsofshrapnelpunchingupthroughtheroof.TheshockwavehitDevyniusandheatroaredaroundhim,everythingswampedinthewhitewallofsteamrushingupfromtheexplosion.Somewhereinthestormandbedlam,therestoftheturbinehallroofcollapsed.

Devyniusfelttheworldyawningopenbeneathhisfeetandhefell,everysenseoverwhelmed.Impactshammeredathimfromeverydirectionasifathousandstonefistswerepummellinghim.Hecouldn’teventellwhenhelanded.Thedinendedandhewasdown,one

sidecrushedintothesplinteredflagstonesofthefloor.Theruinsoftheturbinehallcameintoviewasthesteamdissipated.OderacandtheCrisisbattlesuitweregone,shreddedintonothingbytheeruptionofshrapnel.Devyniusclamberedtohisfeet,aspainfullyandunsteadilyasacrippledold

man.Hisbolterwasgone–hestillhadhisboltpistolandhispowerswordscabbarded.Theiconsonhisretinaweredark.Hishelmetwasdentedandoneeye-piece

wasfractured,ablackspider’swebcastoverhisfieldofvision.Hislegwasnumbandwaveringbeneathhimandtheinternalbreastplateofbonewascracked.Hecouldfeelthesplintersofbonefloatingfreebeneaththeskinofhischest.Anunaugmentedhuman’schestwouldhavebeencrushed.AnyonebutaSpaceMarinewouldhavebeendeadadozentimesover.Theturbinehallwasfullofwreckage.Thedestroyedturbinehadburstopenin

agreattornsprayofrippedmetalandthestructurescriss-crossingthehallhadfallen.Chunksofsmoulderingwreckagewereeverywhere.Theendlessdroneoftheturbinehallwasstutteringanduneven,theotherturbinesonthevergeoftearingthemselvesapart.MovementcaughtDevynius’seye,loomingabovetheshatteredturbine.

ThroughthebillowsofsteamemergedtheheadandshouldersoftheRiptidebattlesuit.Itsgunarmwascompletelygone,tornoffinthefallfromtherooftop,itsownjetsnotquickenoughtoengage.Thedesertcolourswereblisteredandscrapedaway,revealingstreamsofbaremetalunderneath.Armoursegmentsandloosecomponentshungfromthewarmachine,andtheheadinwhichitseye-piecesweremountedwashalf-crushedandwrenchedsideways.DevyniuscouldmakeoutthewhiningoftheRiptide’sdamagedservosover

theturbines.TheRiptidestalkedthroughthewreckagetowardsDevynius,thesingleremaininglensnarrowingtofocus.Ithadseenhim.

Devyniusdrewhisswordandpistol.TheRiptidecycledtworemainingmissilesonitslauncher.Devyniuscouldhide.Hecouldhunkerdownbehindcoverandhopethe

missilesdidn’ttearhimapartwherehesheltered.HecouldrunandhopethattheRiptidedidn’tdrawabeadonhimashefled,launchingamissiletohithimsquareintheback.Devyniuschoseneitheroption.HeranattheRiptide,pistolupandhammeringfireoutattheRiptide’s

mechanicalface.Boltshellsburstarounditsshoulders.Devyniusvaultedabankoftornmetal,ignoringtheboltsofpainripplingdownhislegandthroughhischest.TheRiptidewas,likemanywarenginesofthetau,designedtokillfromafar.

Noxenosspeciespossessedsuperiorfirepowertechnologytothetau.Thatwashowthetaufought–holdingofftheenemy,pinningthemdownandherdingthedisposableauxiliariesoftheirclientracesforwardstodealwiththebloodymeleeofbattle.ItwasinthatmeleethataSpaceMarineexcelled.ThewaysoftheImperium

didnotchangerapidly,buttheSpaceMarinescouldlearntofightanewformofenemyrapidlyenoughiftheyhadto.ASpaceMarineknewnottofacethetauattheirfavouriterange,wheretheycouldpicktheirshotsandmakethebestuseoftheirfirepower.Hefacedthemupclose,wherethetautenetsofwaradmonishedthemnevertofight.ThefirstmissilestreakedatDevynius.Devyniusdroppedandturned,letting

themissilepassoverhim,thescorchingexhaustbubblingthepaintofhisarmour.Herolledtohisfeetandthesecondmissile,unleashedtooquickly,veeredfromatargetthathadbeenobscuredinthesmokefromthefirst.TwinexplosionshelpedliftDevyniusashejumpedattheRiptide.Devyniusslammedintothewarmachineattheheightofitsmassivechest,

grabbingtheupperedgeofoneofthetwinreactors.Thearmourplatingwashotagainsthishand.TheRiptide’sremainingarmreachedupathim,ahandslidingoutofitshousingbeneaththemissilerack.Devyniusdrewhispowerswordandswung,asolid,glitteringarcthatcastacrescentoflightthroughtheRiptide’swrist.Themechanicalhandwasslicedcleanoffandclatteredintothewreckagebelow.DevyniusfoundafootholdandpoweredhimselfupontotheRiptide’sshoulder,drawingbackhisbladeandplungingitintothearmour.Thepowerfieldcrackedarmourplatingandthetipslidthroughcircuitryandmachinery,hydraulicfluidspurtinglikethickandoilyblood.TheRiptidebuckedtothrowDevyniusoff,butheheldtight.Sparkssprayed

outofthewound.ExplosiveboltsfiredastheRiptideactivateditsemergencyescapemechanismandthetorsosplitopendownthemiddle.Thesealedatmosphereinsidewasventedascoldvapourpouredin.Insidewas

revealedthecockpitoftheRiptide,thefirewarriorpilotinsidehookeduptohismachinewithdozensofwires,cradledinacocoon-likepodtoabsorbtheshockstheRiptidewouldsufferinbattle.ThetaulookedupatDevynius.Devyniusthoughthecoulddetectsome

recognisableemotioninthatalienface.Itsliplessmouthwassetinagrimaceandthenose-slitflaredwide.Thethree-fingeredhandswereforcingthecontrolsround,tryingtothrowDevyniusoff.Devyniusdidn’tthinkitwasafraid–itwasdesperatecertainly,injured,angry.Butnotyetafraid.Devyniusreacheddownandgrabbedthecollarofthepilot’sjumpsuit.The

pilottriedtodrawapistolfromaholsternexttothecontrolsbutDevyniusyankedthealienoutoftheRiptide,holdingitabovethecockpit.Thepilot’sfeetkickedunsupportedamongtheseveredcableshangingfrominterfacesalloverthejumpsuit.‘Whatspeciesisthis,thatbuttsheadswiththeImperiumofMan?’growled

Devynius.Hedidn’tknowifthealiencouldunderstandhimandhedidn’tcare.‘Haveyounotwitnessedourwrath?Haveyounotleftyourdeadpileddeepenough?Humanitydoesnotkneel!Humanityisnoslave-speciesforyoutoexploit,alien!Ifyouhavenotlearnedthatbynowthenwewillteachittoyouindeath.’ThetaugrimacedasitfoughttobreathewithDevynius’sgauntletaroundits

throat.‘Wedothisforyou,’itslurred.‘Foryourpeople.Fortheirfreedom.FortheGreaterGood.’Devyniusrammedthepowerswordupintothetau’sstomach.Thepowerfield

blewoutthebackhalfofitschest,throwingshatteredribsandtornorgansacrossthearmouredcarapaceoftheRiptide.Thealien’seyesrolledbackandwentdull,thelightglintingintheirblacklensesextinguished.DevyniusdroppedthecorpseatthefeetoftheRiptideandclambereddown.Hissquadwerelost,shotdownbythetauorkilledinthecollapseofthe

turbinehall.HedidnotknowifthesamecouldbesaidfortheCrisisbattlesuits,sohewastednotimeinmakinghiswayacrosstheturbinehall,throughthesectionsofthefallenroofandoutintotheshantytownthatclusteredaroundthebaseofthebuilding.Thefirefightandtheexplosionintheturbinehallhadscaredthepeopleaway

andthecitysurroundingthegeneratoriumwasempty.Nodoubtthepeoplewho

livedherewerewellprimedtoevacuatetheareaatthefirsthintofanindustrialaccident.Devyniuslimpedthroughthedesertedstreets,throughthepuddlesofindustrialrun-offscumandthroughthegreasydrizzlethathadjustbeguntofall.Hisvoxwasfullofstatic.Asheclearedtheshadowofthecoolingtowersit

resolvedintotheregularpatternsofastarship’sbeacon,andheswitchedtotheorbitalvox-channel.‘DevyniustothePolarDefiance,’hesaid.Herepeatedhimself,strugglingto

makeanythingoutthroughthestatic.‘Standby,’cameaweak,fuzzyvoiceinreply.‘We’recleaningupthesignal.’

Thevoxbecamealittleclearer.‘CaptainDevynius,thisisthebridgeofthePolarDefiance,communicationshelm.’‘Reportmissionfailure,’saidDevynius.‘Thetauhavethiscity,allofit.

Throneforgiveme,wehavefailed.Launchtheorbitalbombardment.’

CHAPTERSIX

‘Sufferanyally,becauseeverygunandswordistobewelcomedintoyourservice.Trustnoallyabsolutely,foreverygunandswordmaybeturnedagainstyou.’

–CodexAstartes

O’MyenhadnotexpectedVre’Cyrtosurvive.Thefirecastewereuseful,butsometimestheirgreatestutilitylayinsituationsofdanger.Thewatercastehadtobalancetheirimmediatebenefitagainstthepossibilityofusingthemagaininthefuture,andVre’CyrwasfarmoreusefuldyingtodenytheUltramarinesthegeneratoriumthanhewasinfightinganyfuturebattlesthatmightcomealong.ItwastestamenttothestubbornnessoftheSpaceMarinesthatevenprotectedbythearmourandgunsofaRiptide,Vre’Cyrhadnotbeensafe.Thefirecastethemselvesdidnotunderstand.Theirowncommanderstriedto

preservetheirtroops,basingdecisionsonthesuboptimaldesiretoreducecasualties.Theethereals,infinitelywisethoughtheywere,werealsocompassionatetoafault.Thatwaswhythewatercastehadtobetrustedsometimeswiththecompletionofgoalswhosemeanswerelesspalatabletotheothercastes.Theetherealswouldbemoanthedeathsamongallspecies.Thefirecaste

wouldrageatthelossoftheirbrethren.ButthewatercastewouldagreethatO’MyenhaddonewhatwasnecessaryfortheGreaterGood,andkeepthelinesofhisreasoningtothemselves.O’Myenhadleftthecitybythatpoint,leadinghisentouragethroughthe

gue’lanetworkoftunnelsandsafehousestothecemeteriesoutsidethecitylimits.Therethegue’lahadinterredtheirdead,andiconsoftheirstrangeEmperor-worshippingfaithscatteredthestonyhills.Thefirecastecrouchedamongthetombstones,blendingwiththestonygroundintheircamouflagemantles.Thewatercastefunctionarieshuddledaroundtheambassadorasiftheywerefreezingandhisknowledgewaswarmth.ThefirststreakoffireintheskydidnotbringO’Myenjoy.Thegue’lawere

oddcreatureswiththeirmercurial,tempestuousemotions,theircapriciousdesiresandconstantlyshiftingfocus.Theywouldfindasavagejoythatsomeonetheyhatedwassuffering,thattheyhadwonavictoryagainstadespisedfoe.Theywouldwhoopanddance,andintoxicatethemselvesastheysolovedtodo.O’Myenhadseenthishappeninhismindathousandtimesbeforeandhadplannedoutahundredlinesofcauseandeffectthatledtothosefirstexplosivestarshiproundsbreachingtheupperatmosphere.Anyjoyhadburnedoutlongago.Thefirstroundshurtledthroughthemiddleandloweratmosphere,accelerated

byBriseis’sowngravity,andspearedintotheChrono-Wrights’District.Abloomoforangefireroseovertheskyline,throwingacloudofdebrisintotheair.Aclocktowertoppled,vanishinginabillowofdust.Secondaryexplosionspepperedtherooftopsasthevolatilechemicalsstoredinthemechanics’workshopscaughtfire.Themainbodyofthesalvodescendedinaslowburningrain.Thepeople

below,theloyalgue’laandignorantciviliansalike,wererecoveringfromtheshockofthefirstimpactandperhapslookingupattheskytoseewhatdisasterwouldcomenext.Theysawmanymoredisasters,fortyorfifty,eachoneamassive-calibreshellfiredfromabroadsidecannononthePolarDefiance.MoreexplosionsblossomedacrosstheChrono-Wrights’District.Someshells

fellwideanderuptedamongthelavishhousingaroundtheparliamentbuilding,orstrayedintotheIndustrialorClerks’Quarters.Howmanypeoplediedinthosemoments?Thefirecastehadcalculatedtheoutcomeofsuchabombardment,butthenumberstheyhadcomeupwithhadslippedO’Myen’smind.Itwasunnecessaryinformation,irrelevant,shuntedasidetomakeroomforsomethingmoreimportant.Thelivesofthegue’ladidnotmatter.Theeffectthe

bombardmentwouldhaveonthesurvivorswasthecrucialknowledge,andO’Myenknewexactlywhatitwouldbe.TheskylineoftheChrono-Wrights’Districtwaseroding,itscrampedhab-

blocksandtowerscollapsing.Aspireneartheparliamentbuildingcollapsed,takingwithitameaninglessnumberofthecity’saristocracy.Thecemetery’stombswerelinedredandorangewiththeglareofthefiresrippingupfromthecity.Thesoundsreachedthem,deeprumblingslikeanearthquakepunctuatedby

thesuddengunshotsofexplodingchemicalstashes.‘Whereisthebeautyinthis?’askedO’Myen.Thefunctionarybesidehimturnedtoanswer.‘Intheknowledgeofthe

furtheranceoftheGreaterGood,’hereplied.O’Myennoddedinagreement,signifyingthefunctionarywascorrect.These

littlemomentsofpraisekeptthesmaller-mindedontherightpath.‘Andthuswereachthepinnacleofourcraft,’saidO’Myen.‘Theblissfulstage

whenallweneedtodotoseetheGreaterGoodfulfilled,iswait.’Inthehoursthatpassed,thebombardmentfinallyceased,longafterits

purposeinwipingoutthestrongholdsoftheloyalgue’lawascomplete,andthefiresspreadtootherpartsofthecity.Streamsofevacueesleftthecitygatestoformmiserablemakeshiftcampsintheflintyhills–noneofthemstrayednearthecemetery,foritwasaplaceofillomenandsuchthingsheldmuchweightintheimaginationsofasocietystillnotfarremovedfromitstribalroots.Thecleveronesbroughtsupplieswiththemtosetupshelterandtheotherscrowdedaroundthemtoabsorbbetterchancesofsurvival.SurvivorsofthePeacemakerstriedtopolicetheevacuees,buttheyhadnohopeofkeepingthepeacehere.Opportunistswerealreadystealingandsettlingscores.Thuswerethewaysofthegue’la.Agroupofhumansapproachedthecemetery.Theyweretribalelders,among

themtheelderoftheThundercliffwhohadspokentoO’Myenmanytimesinpreparingthismoment.Otherleaderswereamongthem,representativesofeveryancienttribeofBriseis,guardedbythetribalenforcerswhowerethetruelawkeepersofPortMemnor.TheyweretheleadersoftheEndlessSky,theBlackThorns,theBoneRendersandmanymore,thosepeopleswhohadwanderedBriseisbeforetheyevenlearnedofalong-deadEmperorandhiscrumblingImperium.‘Whyhaveyouchosenthisplace?’demandedtheBoneRenderelder.Hewasa

robustandbeardedman,whoseemednottoneedtheprotectionofthewarriors

athisside–theycarriedweaponscarvedfrombone,butheworethetrinketsoftoothandivoryemblematicofhispeople.‘Wewillnotbewatchedhere,’saidO’Myen.‘Andasyoucansee,thecityis

notsafe.Ihavecalledyoutogetherbecauseintheirinfinitemercyandgenerosity,thetauwishtoextendoncemoretheiroffertoyourpeople.Youhaveheardthetermsalready,andtheyareoncemorelaidbeforeyou.Itisnotmuchweask,butinreturn,weofferyouthegreatestgift.AplacewithintheTauEmpire,freedomforyourpeople,afutureofyourown.’‘Itismoretoaskthanyourealise,’saidtheelderoftheBlackThorns.Hewas

asickly-lookingoldmanwithskinthatseemedpaperthin.Hisattendantscarriedtheimplementsofhistribe’sprimitivealchemy–grindingbowls,bundlesofrankherbs,jarsofinsectsandleeches.‘Toturnbackthecenturies,tomakewholewhathassolongbeenbroken.Ourpeopleliveincities,theykneelbeforetheeagle.Thosewhokeeptotheoldwaysarefew.Manywilldie,alien.’‘Yourweakwilldie,’saidAmbassadorO’Myen.‘Isthatnotthewayof

Briseis?Itwastheprincipleonwhichyourtribeswerebuilt.Itisourprinciple,too.ItisapartoftheGreaterGoodtoabandontotheirfatethosewhodonotdeservetothrive.Andyouforget,youwillnotbealone.TheTauEmpirewillprotectyouandwatchoveryou,asitdoesallwhopledgethemselvestoit.’‘Andwewillbecomestrong,’saidtheThundercliffelder.‘Wehavebeenweak

fortoolong.TheImperiumhasseentothat.Onegenerationisallitwilltake.Wewillbehardasthestonesandunyieldingasthesky.’‘Andifyoufearforthelivesofyourpeople,’saidO’Myen,‘thensimply

observe.’Hecastahandtowardsthecity,theheartofwhichwasspurtingcloudsofflameandblacksmokeasitburned.‘TheImperiumwillhavetheircity,andifitbeaghosttowninhabitedbynonebutcorpses,theywillcarenot.TheywouldherdeveryBriseianintothefires.Thereisnoturningback.Throwofftheiryokeortheywilldestroyyou.’‘Isayyestoyouroffer,’saidtheelderoftheStormofShaletribe.‘The

Imperiumhaveshownwhatmannerofmastertheyare.IwouldkneeltothealienathousandtimesbeforeIwouldoncebeforeanImperialaltar.’Othereldersgavetheirassent,adozenvoicesraisedatonce.‘Butweoncewerefree!’shoutedtheelderoftheBoneRenders.‘Wewillbut

castoffoneslavemasterforanother!IwillleadmytribetodestructionbeforeIleadthemtoservitudeagain!’TheThundercliffeldershuffledforwardstostandfacetofacewithherBone

Rendercounterpart.TheBoneRenderwasabigman,obviouslypowerfuland

physicallydangerous,butthefrailoldwomanbeforehimseemedtomakehimshrinkawayasifshewasthetruethreat.‘Warbetweenthetribes,’shesaid,‘isaterriblething.Youarechargedwithkeepingthememoriesofyourtribe,soyouknowitaswellasanyofus.Youspeakofleadingyourpeopletodestruction.Standbeforetherestofus,andthatisexactlywhatyouwilldo.Pridekeepsyoufromproclaimingyourallegiancetothealien.Thatistobeexpected,fortheBoneRendersalwayswereproud.Simplystandinsilence,andyourwillshallbeourwill.’TheBoneRendertriedtomeettheoldwoman’sgaze,buthiseyesturnedto

thegroundinstead.Themomentpassed,andhestayedsilent.‘Thenitisagreed,’saidtheThundercliffelder.‘Nonewillstandagainst?None

willmakewarinthenameofpride?’Therewasnoanswerfromtheotherelders.‘Mygratitude,noblepeopleofBriseis,’saidO’Myen.‘Fromthesadnessof

thisdayshallcomeagreatcelebration,foryouarenowunitedwithahundredotherspeciesintheembraceoftheGreaterGood.Butthereareurgentmattersthatmustbeattendedto.Haveyoubroughtthescoutswerequested?’TheThundercliffeldergesturedtoherentourageandadozenmencame

forward.Theyworethecoloursofseveraldifferenttribes,hardysoulswithpallidandpockmarkedskinbroughtaboutbyspendingtoomuchtimeunderground.‘Theyhavemappedthetombsandtunnelsastheirfathersdid,’saidtheThundercliffelder.‘NoneknowtheundersideofPortMemnorastheydo.ThescoutsoftheThundercliffgaveyouaccesstothetombsasyourequested,andnowalltribeshavegiventheirexpertisethereisnocorneroftheunder-citytheydonotknow.’‘ThenIaskthatwemoveimmediately,’saidO’Myen.‘Anearthcastework

detailwaitsatthetombentrance.Therestofyou,myfirewarriorshavepreparedasafeplaceforyousoyoumightbesparedthewrathoftheImperials,formoremaysoonfallonPortMemnor.Theywanttowipeyouout,buttheGreaterGoodvaluesyourallegianceandwillprotectyouwithourowntaublood.’Thefirewarriorsgatheredtheeldersupandbeganmarchingthemoffthe

cemeterygroundstowardsaridgeashortdistanceawaywhereanotherteamoftautroopskeptwatch.TheBoneRenderlookedbackathisburningcity,justonce,andfollowedtherestwithoutanotherword.

TheSpaceMarinesmetatthelandingsite,wheretheshuttlesfromthePolarDefiancehaddroppedthematthestartofthemission.ThefullJadeDragonssquadwasthere,barelyscratchedbytheirassaultonthechambersofMagos

Skepteris.Devynius,ontheotherhand,wasalone.TheJadeDragonssquadwaslinedupalongtheridgestandingwatchwhen

Devyniusarrived.SergeantSeanoawasamongthem,Skepteris’sbloodstillcakinghisarmouredboot.DevyniuslimpeddowntheslopeasSeanoa’seye-piecesturnedtofollowhim.Devyniustookoffhishelmetanddroppeditathisfeet.Hispowersword

followed,andhestoodunarmed.SeanoasteppedoutoflineandwalkedtoafewpacesfromDevynius.He

unhookedthepowercouplingsonhislightningclawandplaceditontheground.Heremovedthemagazinefromhisbolterandlaidtheweaponbesidetheclaw.HetookhishelmetoffasDevyniushaddone–hisfacewasbull-neckedandflat-nosed,withthesameswirlingpatternsonhisarmourinkedacrosshischeeksandforehead.Neithermanspoke.Seanoadroppedintoalooseguard,handsheldup,mobileandfeinting.

Devyniuswatchedhim,unmoving,gaugingeverydetailoftheJadeDragonsmobilityandfightingstyle.Seanoawasallpowerandmomentum,builtfortakedownsandgrappling,neutralisinganenemy’smovementandgrindinghimintodefeat.DevyniushadfoughtathousandunarmedboutsagainsthisbrotherUltramarinesonMacraggeandheknewjustabouteverystyleofcombataSpaceMarinemightemploy.SeanoamadeamoveforDevynius’sfrontleg,notaseriousattempttoknock

himdownbutaprobingattacktoseehowDevyniusmoved.Devyniusmadetheleastmovementnecessary,notgivinganythingaway.Seanoacircled,facefocused,makingquickhalf-movementswithhishands,tryingtodrawafalsestartoutofDevynius.Seanoaknewhewouldhavetomoveinfirst,makethefirstattack.Thatwas

whyDevyniusmadethefirstmoveinstead,dartinginsideSeanoa’sguardwiththespeedandfocushehadlearnedindecadesofsparringandwarfare.HedroveafistintoSeanoa’sbreastplate,knockingtheJadeDragonoffbalance.HehookedSeanoa’slegwithhisown,drivinganelbowupintoSeanoa’sjawandtippinghimontohisback.Seanoasprawledontohisbackinthelooseshale.Devyniuswasonhim,

drivingafistdownathisface.SeanoacaughtDevynius’sarminthecrookofhiselbowandforcedDevyniusdowntotheground.SuddenlythepositionswerereversedandSeanoawasonDevynius’sback,wrenchinghisarmbehindhim.

Devyniusfelthisinjuries,sealedupbytherapidlyclottingbloodofaSpaceMarine,tearingopeninsidehisarmour.Hotbloodpooledinsidehisbreastplate.Painrippledupthroughhischest,metbythecoldfloodofpainkillersdispensedbyhisarmour.Theyweren’treducingthepainanymore,justturningitfromanisolatedtearingtoadullpulseofagonythatwentrightthroughhim,asifhewasimmersedinit.SeanoawrenchedonDevynius’sshoulder.Thejointwasseparating.Afterthe

encounterwiththetaubattlesuitforce,itwouldn’thavetakenmuchtoputDevyniusoutofactionentirely.SeanoahadadozenwaysofbeatingDevyniusnow,inapositioninwhichhehadamassiveadvantage.ChokeDevyniusout.LocktheheadandmakeitclearhecouldbreakDevynius’sneckatwill.SimplypoundonDevynius’sskulluntilhefellunconscious.ButtherewasonewayforDevyniustoregaintheadvantage.DevyniusforcedhisbodyaroundunderSeanoa’sweight,notfightingagainst

thewrenchingonhisshoulderbutusingallhisleveragetopivotinthesamedirection.Hefelttendonssnappingandgristletearing,justbeforethefloodofpainblankedeverythingelseout.Hisshoulderdislocatedandthejointofhisarmourwasmobileenoughtolettheboneswivelfreelyinitssocket.Nolongerpinnedinplace,Devyniusspunonhisstomachoutfrombeneath

Seanoa.SeanoawasstillholdinghisarmbutitgavehimnopurchaseonDevyniuswiththeshoulderjointgivingnoresistance.Devyniuswasonhisfeet,turningtofaceSeanoa.Devyniusraisedafootand

broughtitdownonthebackofSeanoa’shead.Hisshoulderseparatedfurther,butthepainfromtheinjurywasjustanothernoteinthecacophonysoaringthroughhim.Hehadfeltpainbefore.ASpaceMarinehadtoacceptit,towelcomeiteven,toshuntittoapartofhismindwhereitcouldnotinterfereinthecoldbusinessofinflictingharmonthebodyofanenemy.Seanoawasfacedownontheground.Devyniusdroveasecondaxekickinto

theJadeDragonsheadandSeanoa’sfaceslammedintotheshaleground.Whenhelurchedup,hisfacewascutbytheflintshards.HetriedtoreelDevyniusbackinbythearmhestillhadholdofbutDevyniusdroppedknee-firstontothebackofSeanoa’sneckandpinnedhiminplace.Devyniusdrewbackthefistofhisgoodarmandhammereditdownintothe

sideofSeanoa’sface.Painwasburstingthroughhimlikefireworks,theirglowbecomingintoasmoulderingfire,anditwasgood–heletitbleedrightthroughhimandturnintostrengththatdrovehisfist.Bonecracked.Shardsofstoneclatteredagainstarmour.Againandagainthefistdrovedownandeachtimeit

hitamoreyieldingsurface,findingfragmentsofboneinsteadofasolidskull,tornmushinsteadofmuscle.Devyniusheldhisfiststill,hoveringbesidehisfacereadytohammerdown

again.ThesideofSeanoa’sfacewasabloodymess.Abrotherdidnotkillabrother.SeanoahaddestroyedthechancesofImperial

successonBriseiswithhisroguemissiontokillSkepteris,buthewasstillaSpaceMarine.DevyniuscouldhavekilledSeanoathereandthenandbothmenknewit.Seanoa’ssquadmates,stillwatchingsilently,knewit.Thatwasenough.SeanoaletgoofDevynius’sarm.IthunglimpandsenselessbyDevynius’s

side.DevyniusgottohisfeetandSeanoalayunderhim,rollingontohissideandputtingahandtohishalf-ruinedface.AlreadySeanoa’seyehadclosedupandtheremainingonelookedupatDevyniuswithhatredhedidnothingtodisguise.OverheadtheshuttlefromthePolarDefiancewasdescending,itssilhouette

edgedagaisnttheblackskyintheglarefromitsengines.TheJadeDragonsstayedwheretheywereastheshuttlecamedowntolandandtherampopenedup.Devyniuswalkeduptherampaloneandthedoorclosedagain,leavingtheJadeDragonsonthesurfaceandtheshuttleliftedofftoreturntoorbit.Seanoaclamberedslowlytohisfeet.Noneofhissquadmateshelpedhim–it

wouldbeagreatshameforSeanoatoshowfurtherweaknessbyacceptingthehelpofabattle-brothernow.Seanoapickeduphishelmetandweaponsasthesquadstoodaroundhim,

waitingfortheirnextorders.Hejammedhishelmetbackon,hidinghiswoundedface.‘Aswearehunted,’saidSeanoathickly,‘sowehunt.TheBlackLeviathanis

here.Andtherearestillalienstokill.’

Theearthcasteworkpartyfollowedtheirtribalguidesthroughthetombs,deepdownamongtheancientfissuresanduncoveredgraveswithmoulderingbonesandshatteredstatues.Thesewerepathsknownonlytothetribesmenandtheirelders,mappedbyscoutswhohadpaidfortheknowledgewiththeirlives.Ittookmanyhourstoreachthelowermostpoint,wherethewarrensthroughtherockyearthmergedwiththetectonicmarginhiddenbeneathPortMemnor.Theearthcastesurveyorshadsurmisedtheexistenceofthisfaultfromorbit

whentheyfirstpreparedforthewaronAgrellan,butreachingithadneededthehelpofthetribes.Thetribeshadnotbeenwillingtogiveit.AndsoO’Myenhadbeendespatchedtodohiswork,andthewebhadfirstbeenspun.Theearthcasteworkersweresquatandpowerful,withheavyhandsand

musclesmadeforlabour.Theyhauledwiththemanexplosivecharge,sometimesonwheels,sometimesloweredbyropes,finallycarriedontheirshoulderslikeasteelcoffin.Theguideswholedthemdidnotknowforsurewhatitwas,buttheycouldguess.Intheinfernalheatandthedullglowofthemagma-heatedrocks,theearth

castedetailunloadedthechargeandsetitwithatimeroftwelvehours.Theywedgeditintoafissureintherocks,aplacewherethevolcanicheatofBriseis’scoremetthestonymantle.Theymadetheirfinalchecksandtheteamleaderannouncedtheirworkwasdone.Theguideswerekilledwiththeefficiencyonwhichtheearthcasteprided

itself.Eachtauhadapistolconcealedinhiscoverallsandputasinglepulseroundthroughthebackofeachguide’shead.Theguideshadguessedthis,too,foriftheywerecapturedalivetheymightbeforcedtodivulgethelocationofthebombandputthewholeoperationindanger.Theydidnotstruggleorcomplain.Theyweredoingtheirdutytotheirtribes,tothefamilywhohadraisedthemandlovedthemevenwhenthecoldhandoftheImperiumhadtriedtocrushoutallthatmadethepeopleofBriseiswhotheywere.BettertodieherewiththeirworkcompletethanliveonanotherdayaschattelsoftheImperium.Whenthelastcorpsehittheground,thetaubeganthereturnjourneytowards

thesurface.Theymadegoodpace,becauseintwelvehourstherewouldbenosurfacetoreach.

‘WouldthatIcouldseethisathousandtimes,’saidO’Myen.‘Amilliontimes.SorarelywecanobservetheGreaterGoodadvanced.Itmustbeathought,anemotion.Butherewecanseeit,andthereisnothingmorebeautiful.’Thetauobservershiphadremainedhiddenamongitscamouflagefieldsand

thegravitationaldisturbancesaroundBriseis.ThePolarDefiancehadmisseditentirely.Itwasnotalargecraft,justenoughtotransportO’Myen’swatercastecommandandthelateVre’Cyr’sfirecastecadre.Itwashighlyadvanced,however,farbeyondthetechnologytheImperiumcouldcreate,anditsbridgewasacold,hummingtestamenttothesleekandefficientscienceofthetau.AsectionoftheviewscreenwaszoomedinonthecityofPortMemnor,focusingonthehugestarportthatdominatedonesideofthecitywithitsenormousrockcreteexpansesandscatteringofcontroltowers.‘Thefirecastecandestroy,’saidO’Myen,thewatercastefunctionaries

diligentlyrecordinghisword.‘Theearthcastecanbuild,andtheaircastecantakeusamongthestars.Theetherealscanuniteusinonegloriouswhole,a

singlemindandasinglepurpose.Butonlythewatercastecanbringaboutsuchbeauty.’Thetectonicchargeslaidbytheearthcastehaddetonatedsometimebefore.

Thesequenceofevents,ofonelandmassmovingagainstanother,wasascarefullyplannedasthechainofcauseandeffectthathadseentheSpaceMarinesdefeatedandthetribesofBriseisbroken.Nowthesequencereachedthesurface.PortMemnorlurched,andthefirstbuildingsfell.Theburningscarsleftbythe

Imperialbombardmentblossomedintoflameagainandthetalleststructurestoppled–thespiresaroundtheparliamentbuilding,theparliamentbuildingitself,thetowersofthegeneratorium.Athousanddisastersunfoldedatonce.Thosewhohadnotleftthecitywerealreadyperishingintheirthousands.Halfthecityroseuplikeaseamonsterfromanocean,liketheBlackLeviathanwithwhichtheJadeDragonsweresousefullyobsessed.Theotherhalfsankasifunderanenormousweight.Thefissureopened.Agreatblackslashrippedacrossthecityandhundredsof

buildingsvanished,crumblingtodustandpitchingintothedepths.Thefissurereachedthespaceportandoneofthelandingpadswastorninhalf.Controlbuildingswerefalling,andexplosionseruptingwhereundergroundfueltankswerebreached.Ittookalmostanhourtounfold.Thefaultlineunderthecityopenedupand

fullyhalfofPortMemnorvanished,therestbeingdevastatedmorethoroughlythanahundredImperialbombardmentscouldhavemanaged.Thespaceportwascompletelydestroyed,onlyburningislandsofrockcreteremainingbetweenacrazedpatternofcrevasses.AmbassadorO’Myenwatcheditall,notspeakingorevenblinking,astheGreaterGoodwasdonebeforehiseyes.Whenitwasdoneandonlythestubbornlyburningfiresstillmoved,O’Myen

turnedtothegatheringassembledatthebackofthebridge.TheeldersofBriseis’stribeshadwatchedinsilence,stunnedbytheenormityofdestruction.‘Itisdone,’saidO’Myen.‘YouarefreemembersoftheTauEmpire.Your

peoplewillnolongerserveaspawnsoftheImperium,helpingthemtomaintainafootholdfortheirwaronAgrellan.YoufinallyhavethelibertytoseekouttheGreaterGood.Thecrewhavepreparedberthsforyouonboardforthetimebeing,butsoonyouwillrejoinyourpeopleandleadthemintheoldwaysagain,asnomadsandtribesofBriseis,honouringtheancienttraditionsyoupreservedforsolong.Aircastecrewbeganleadingtheeldersoffthebridge,towardstheheartoftheship.Onedidnotmove,theBoneRenderelder,andhestepped

forwardastheaircastetriedtodirecthimaway.‘Speakthetruth,alien,’saidtheBoneRender.‘Willanyofusleavethisship?’TwofirecastewarriorssteppedinfrontofO’Myen,pulsecarbinesinhand.

TheBoneRenderdidnotarguefurther,andjoinedhisfelloweldersastheywereescortedoffthebridge.O’Myenwavedahandandtheviewscreenshiftedtoshowthewideviewof

Briseis,andAgrellanhangingbehindit.Hewasdonewiththisworld.AcompliancedetailwouldlandtheresoonwithwatercastesocialengineersandfirecasteenforcerstomakesomethingusefuloutofthedisplacedpeoplesofBriseis.ThatwasbeneathO’Myen’sconcern.Therewereotherworlds,otherspecies,onwhomtodohisworkandleavehislegacy.OtherworldsonwhichtopursuetheGreaterGood.Perhaps,hewouldevenstarttobelieveinit.

HUNTER’SSNAREJOSHREYNOLDS

CHAPTERONE

Thetaubasewasnothardtospot,eventhroughtheswirling,wind-bornesnows,andhiddenasitwasamongsttheharsh-edgedcragsandwhite-cappedslopesofRimeCrag.Itroseoutofthesnowyrocklikeablister,andthepeaksitnestledbeneathwereparasite-like.Itwastoosmooth,toosereneforthewildernessitsoughttodominate.Inthatway,thetaubastionwasmuchlikethosewhohadbuiltit.Theysought

toinflictanunnaturalandill-fittingharmonyupontheuniverse,auniversewhichwasnottheirs,notbyrightofbloodorbattle,andtoforcearoundamanufacturedalephthatwhichhadrequirednocentre,or,rather,hadmanycentrestochoosefrom.Theywishedtotamethestorm.Thataloneprovedthemmadatbestand

monstrousatworst.ThesethoughtswereuppermostinKor’sarroKhan’smindashisbikehurtledthroughthedrivingsnowtowardsthetaubastion,theicyflakesmeltingagainstthebarefleshofhisscarredcheeksandstinginghisgolden-huedeyes.Hecouldhavewornhishelmet,butthethoughtofeventhatlittleamountofconstrictionuponhissenseswasanathematothehuntsman,protectivephotolensesbedamned.TheairofAgrellanwassotoxicthatitsearedevenhisalteredlungs,butthepainonlyaddedspicetotheexperience.He’dconqueredworseworldsthanthis,poisonousatmosphereandall.ThecaptainoftheThirdMinghanoftheWhiteScarsandtheordu’sMasterof

theHuntleanedintothesnow,gloryinginitsbiteasheurgedhisbiketogreater

speed.Theenemyfortressloomedup,growinglargerashedrewnearer.Lightsflashedacrossthetopoftheouterwall.Theenemyhadspottedthematlast.Instinctively,heleanedtotheside,andhisborrowedbikerespondedwitha

growlofitsengines.Wheelsskidded,andahalf-secondlaterthepulseburstsearedtheairwherehe’dbeen.Morefollowed,andheguidedhissteedthroughtheoscillatingwebofweaponsfirewiththegraceoftheberkut–oneofthegreat,golden-featheredeagleswhichnestedinthemountainsofChogoris.ToKor’sarro’seyes,theburstsofenergymovedslowly.Hedidnotbothertospeakawarningintothesubcutaneousvoximplantmountedbeneathhisjaw.Thosewhotravelledinhiswakecouldseeaswellashe,orhewouldnothavechosenthem.Eachwasawarriorwithoutparallel,evenamongaChapterwhichwas

reckonedfullofsuch,andtheirtrophy-rackswereasheavywithskullsandscalpsashisown.IftheEmperorhaddecidedthatthelivesofsomeofthemmustbeclaimedastheblood-priceforasuccessfulhunt,well,soitwas,andwouldeverbe.Andthishuntwouldbesuccessful.Hehadswornsuch,duringtheRitesof

Howling,andhadcometotheDamoclesGulfandthehiveworldofAgrellantoseetothekeepingofthatoath.HewouldtaketheheadofthealienknownasShadowsunandhangitfromhislodge-poleorelsehewoulddieintheattempt.HeruglyxenosskullwouldbeaddedtotheWhiteRoad,tositsentrywiththerestoftheChapter’senemies.Asuddenurgencygrippedhim.Enthusiasmflushedcautionfromhisveins.Itwasalwaysthesamewhenahuntdrewtoaclose.Thefeelingofanticipation,thejoyofthekill-to-be,roaredthroughhim,proddinghimon,likespursinthefleshofabalkyhorse.Therewasnogreaterpleasurethanthis,theculminationofmonthsofpatienceandfocus,thereleaseofthekillingstrokeacrosshisprey’sneck.HehadtrackedShadowsunacrossAgrellan,fromonebattlezonetothenext,

frombunkertotrenchtobastion,harryinghertrail.Ifhecouldtakeherhead,thetauwouldwaver.Withouthercunning,theywouldbeeasymeat.Andshewascunning;thefactthatshehadavoidedandoutpacedhimthislongwasproofenoughofthat.HehadnearlyhadherheadatBlackshaleRidge.Buthehadhernow.Shewascornered,inatrapofherownmaking.Andhewouldhaveherheadbeforethesunrose.‘Oldman,rattletheirpaddock,’hegrowled.Besidesthebikesthatrodeathis

heels,hishuntingpartyincludedaquartetofheaviervehicles:twoRhinos,aRazorbackandaWhirlwind,theirenginesadaptedforgreaterspeedsothatthey

mightkeepupwithKor’sarro’sbike-mounteddemi-company.Threeofthefourcarriedthosehunt-brotherswhowerecontenttofightonfoot,ratherthanfromthebackofanironsteed,andthefourthwastheretoensurethattheycoulddosowiththeblessingsoftheEmperorandtheGreatKhan.Thecomm-beadinhisearsquawkedasafamiliarvoiceacknowledgedthe

order,andamomentlaterfirelitthenightfromsomewherebehindhim.OldShatterhandathisappointedtaskandunspokenjoy,thebustingofbunkersandtheshatteringofbastions.Kor’sarrosmiledasthefaceofhissecond-in-commandflittedacrossthesurfaceofhismind.Wrinkled,white-hairedCemakar,whomaspirantsandkhansoftheordualikecalledOldShatterhand,butnevertohisface,forevennow,oldashewas,hehadafistthatcouldfellaDreadnoughtandasnarlthatcouldstriptheceremonialunguentsfromasuitofarmour.Cemakarhadrefused,andquitevehemently,toreturnwiththerestofthe

companytoreinforceAgrellanPrimeinthewakeofShadowsun’sescapefromBlackshaleRidge.Wherehiskhanwent,sodidhe,evenif,inhisopinion,saidkhanwasapulingwhelpofanaspirant,withfewerscarsthanwashealthyandadecidedlackofrespectforthevauntedwisdomofelderssuchastheStormseerSudabehandCemakarhimself.Despitethis,Kor’sarrowasgladdenedtohavetheoldmanalongonthehunt.Toomanyofthosewhohadsteppedforwardathiscallwereliketheberkut,bloodthirstyandglory-hungry.Ashehimselfwas,evenafterallthistimeasMasteroftheHunt.Cemakarwasacalmingpresence,andabulwarkagainstmoreofthesamefoolishnesswhichhadenabledShadowsuntosquirmoutofhisgripthelasttimethey’dclashed.Thewallaheadofhimdisintegratedintoburningchunks,someofwhich

spatteredacrossthewhite-daubedceramiteplatesofhispowerarmour.Kor’sarrolaughedasmorefiresplitthesnowanddarkness,andthethunderouscriesoftheEmperor’shuntingeaglesboomedacrossRimeCrag.Letthexenoscowerintheirburrowforaslongastheymight;thehuntershadcometorootthemout.Hetappedthefiringstudforthetwin-linkedboltersmountedonthefrontofthebiketoheraldhisarrivalasherodethroughthewelcomingflames.Alienweaponsopenedupashisbikeclearedtherubble-strewnopeningand

slewedabout.Theflatdisc-shapesofanumberofqarthai–theirgundrones–bobbedintoview,descendingfromthewallsandrisingfromthesnowthatlaylikeablanketacrosstheinnercourtyardofthebastion.Itwasaninsultthatthesesoullessautomatonsshouldbetheonestogreetthem;onemoreinsulttoaddtothelistofShadowsun’scrimesagainsttheImperium.

Hegunnedthebiketowardsthelargestknotofdronesandtappedthefiringstudagain.Severalburstapart,struckbytheboltershells.Theremainderswoopedtomeethim,thepulsecarbinesslungbeneaththeirflatbodiesfiringwithoutpause.Kor’sarrodrewthecurvedswordsheathedonthesideofhisbike,activatingitspowercell,andthelong,widebladewassuddenlyenvelopedinalethalhazeofdisruptiveenergyashewhippeditaroundandbisectedadronethathaddriftedtooclose.TheswordwascalledMoonfang,andlikethebikeherode,itwasarelicofhisChapter,andpossessedalethalspiritallofitsown.TheswordhadclaimedthelivesofathousandoftheEmperor’senemies,butitwasneversated.Thehunter’spurrofenergythatwrithedaboutthelengthofthebladewasmirroredinthegrowlofhissteedenginesandinhisownsoul,callingoutforbattle.Witharoarofjoy,Kor’sarroKhangaveintothecall.

Thursk,championoftheDarkHuntersSpaceMarineChapter,leaptoutintothecacophonyofbattlewithsomerelief,asTorguhn’sSmile,theRhinotransporthe’dbeenridingin,rumbledintothebastioncourtyardthroughthebreachinitsouterwall.Hethumbedtheactivatorswitchonthepoweraxeinhishandandspunthebrutal-lookingweaponinalazyarc.Hehatedbeinginsidetheboxytransport.Bettertotrusthistwolegsthananyrumbling,squallingmachine.Though,thatsaid,hedidn’tmindhavingacertainthicknessofarmouredhull-platesbetweenhimandthegunsoftheenemy.Oneoftheenemy’sqarthairacedtowardshim,spittingdeath.Anumberof

Khorchintermshadbecomelodgedinhisvocabularylikeerrantkernalstrappedbetweenteeth.ThelanguageofChogorishadarhythmallitsown,fardifferenttothecrudedialectofGothicthatheandhisbrothersusedfortheirownbattle-cant.Itwasmusical,initsway,andunlessyourmindandearweretrainedtoit,itwasalmostimpossibletounravelthefullcomplexity.Burstsofenergystruckhisdark-huedpowerarmour,butheignoredthem,

confidentinhisarmour’sabilitytoabsorbthepunishment.Astheqarthaidrewwithinarm’sreach,Thurskswattedittothegroundwithacasualswipeofhisaxe,andthensteppedonit,crushingthefragilemechanismeasily.‘Ihatethesethings,’hesaid,hisvoicebecomingaharshraspasitwasfiltered

throughtherespiratorvox-grilleofhishelmet.‘They’remoreirritatingthanPhobiannettle-flies.’Helookedaround,takinginthestructurethatroseuparoundhim.Itwassomewhatdisorientating,beingallswoopingcurvesandroundededges,ratherthanthesharpangleshewasusedtoinImperial

fortifications.Thetauthoughtincurvesandsoftangles,he’dbeentold,andeverythingtheybuiltwaslikeabubbleatopatrickleofwater.Thebastionwasmostlywall,withacentralcommandcentrethatwaslatchedtotherockyslopelikeasplatterofice.Thelatterwasdottedwithaprofusionofantennaeandreceivers.‘Buteasilydispatched,brother,’asimilarlydistortedvoicesaid.Thursk

glancedsidewaysatthespeaker.Likehimself,thewarriorwasaSpaceMarine,builtforbattleandarmouredintheEmperor’sgrace.TheotherSpaceMarinewasneitherkhannorcaptain.Instead,thebluepauldronandvambraceofhisrightarmandthecrystallineforcehoodthathungoverhisbarehead,aswellastheornateandhighlystylisedforcestaffheclutchedtightlyinhisrighthandproclaimedhimaStormseer–aLibrarianoftheWhiteScarsChapter,azadyinarga,amasteroflightning,andthespiritsofland,airandprophecy.HisarmourwascoveredinlineuponlineofdelicateKhorchincharacters,somany,infact,thatthewhitepartswerealmostgrey.Atrioofthick,curvedkniveswasattachedtohisequipmentbelt,theirbejewelledsheathsgleaminginthelightcastbythebattle.TheStormseersniffed,pattedtheknives,andgestured.‘There’sanotherone.’Thurskheardthewhineofantigravitymotorsandspun,choppingthedronein

halfasitswoopedtowardsthem.Heturnedback.‘See,Ambaghai?Nettle-flies,’hesaid.‘MorelikeChogorianwasps,’Ambaghaisaid,‘butIgatheryourmeaning.One

stinginginsectismuchthesameasanother.’ThurskknewthattheStormseerswereunliketheCodex-trainedLibrariansofmostotherChapters.InanyotherChapter,AmbaghaiwouldhavebeenaCodicier–astrategistandadvisor.AmongtheWhiteScarsheservedasimilarrole,hiscalmcounselkeepingKor’sarroKhanfrommakingamisstepinhishunt,buthewasmoreinthewayofashamanorholyfool.Theysaidheateghosts,andspatlightningthesamewayhissuperior,Sudabeh,commandedtheallegianceofthewinds.ThurskhadyettoexperienceeitherofthosethingswhileinAmbaghai’scompany,buthelookedforwardtoaskingwhataghosttastedlike.ThursksteppedasideasasquadofSpaceMarinestroopedoutoftheRhino,

theirboltersattheready.Theyquicklywenttoworkisolatinganddispatchingtheswarmsofdronesaccostingtheinvaders.Thexenosdevicesweren’tmuchofathreatwithoutsupportfromlivingtroops,buttheycouldstillprovedeadlyintherightnumbers,eventoafullyarmouredSpaceMarine.‘Andspeakingofstinginginsects,Jebelooksasifhe’shavingfun.’

ThurskglancedinthedirectionAmbaghaihadindicatedandsnortedinamusement.ThecompanychampionoftheWhiteScarsThirdCompanydidindeedlookasifhewereenjoyinghimself,surroundedashewasbyanoscillatingringofgundrones.Jebewasrangyandproud-featured.Likehiskhan,hedisdainedtheuseofahelmet,savewhenabsolutelynecessary,andhisdarktopknotwhippedabouthimlikeahaloasheleaptandspun,hisswordblockingthegundrones’shotsanddeflectingthembackattheirfirers.Hehadleaptfromhisbikeassoonashehadenteredthecompound,readytoengagetheenemyone-on-one.Hemovedswiftly,andwithadancer’sgrace,thoughtherewasaferallethalitytoeverystepofthisparticulardance.Jebehadfoughtandbeatenhisweightinlesserkhansfortherighttobecomecompanychampion,afactherarelywentlongwithoutmentioning.Hewhirledintoplace,andthelasttrioofgundronesswarmingabouthimdispatchedthemselveswithhisaid.‘Nicelydone,’Thurskcalledout.Jebeglancedathim,sniffed,spatandturned

tolookforsomethingelsetokill.ThursklookedbackatAmbaghai.‘Idon’tthinkhelikesme.’‘Hedoesn’t,’theStormseersaid.Thurskdidn’tbothertoaskwhy.Heknewthe

reasonwellenough.LikeJebe,hewasacompanychampion,ofhisownchapter’sFourthCompany.Jebe,forwhateverreason,tookthatasaninsulttohisprowess.TherewasacompetitivestreakinthewarriorthatgratedonThursk’snerves.‘Andwhataboutyou?’theDarkHunterasked,leaninghisaxeacrosshis

shoulder.Jebewasn’ttheonlyonewhowasunhappywithhispresence.Atalossforwhattodowithhim,Kor’sarroKhanhadmadehimAmbaghai’sdesignatedkeshig,orbodyguard,forthedurationofthehunt.Giventhefiercecompetitionamongthebattle-brothersoftheorduforsuchanhonour,ithadn’tengenderedanyaffectionforThurskamongstthem.‘Ifindyouoff-puttingandoverlytalkative,butnotoffensive,’Ambaghaisaid.

‘IthoughtitwasatraditionofyourChaptertofightintotalsilence.’‘Yes,butI’mnotfightingrightnow,amI?’Thursksaid.‘Besideswhich,you

WhiteScarsarehardlysilent.I’msimplytryingtofitin.’HespunhisaxeagainandwatchedastheWhiteScarstookthebasewithaspeedthatwouldhaveawedanybutaSpaceMarine.TheydidnotmaintainthecommsilencethatThursk’sownbattle-brothersconsideredabattlefieldrule.Jokes,snatchesofsongandlaughter,altogethertoomuchlaughterforThursk’sliking,cloggedthevox-channel,mostofitinKhorchin.TheWhiteScarsdidnotcareiftheenemyoverheardtheirjocularity,giventhatnoenemyhadyetmanagedtotranslatetheir

nativetongue.Atleastnotthattheyknewof.Thurskhadneverparticularlyenjoyedthequiet,buttheWhiteScarsseemedto

revelinnoise,beitsinging,talking,ormerelythecryofthewindorthegrowlofengines;justonemoredifferencebetweentheFoundingChapteranditsSuccessor.Butthereweresimilaritiesaswell.TheChogorianwayoflifewasn’twhollyalientoaPhobian.AnditwasthoseconnectionswhichtheWhiteScarsinsistedonexploring,inordertoensurethattheirSuccessorskepttotheproperwayofthings.‘ThatiswhyI’mhere,afterall.It’stheDarkHuntersturntokneelatthetrophy-rack,andswearfealtytotheKhanofKhans,’hesaid.Onceeverycycle,theWhiteScarsSuccessorChaptersmet,andpittedtheirchosenchampionsagainsteachotherintheRiteofBlooding.ThewinnerwassenttojointheWhiteScarsforafullcycle,tolearnallthattheFoundershadtoteachthem.‘It’snotaboutfealty,cousin,’Ambaghaisaid.‘Itisabouttradition.The

traditionsofChogoris,ofthesteppesandwild,thunder-struckhills,oftheplainswindandwildfirethatareinyourblood,whetheryouareChogorianorPhobian,whetheryouareabrotheroftheStormLords,theMaraudersortheSolarHawks.WeareallsonsofJaghatai,anditwashisdecreethatallthosewhosharehisbloodknowthetraditionsoftheworldwhichborehiminfire,bloodandglory.’AmbaghaitappedtheheadofhisstaffagainsttheImperialaquilaonThursk’schestplate.‘Wearemanytribes,gatheredbeneathasinglehorsetailbanner,andweallridetheWhiteRoadtogether,guidedbyhiswisdom,sothatourbladesmayshedbloodasone.’‘Doyourehearsethatspeech,ordoessuchpoetryflownaturallyfromyour

lips?’Thurskasked.HewatchedastheWhiteScarswho’dbeenaboardthesameRhinoashimselfmovedquicklytowardstheentrywayofthexenosbastion,whiletheirbike-mountedbrethrenherdedandharriedtheremaininggundronestoasafedistanceforeaseofdispatch.AnothersquadhaddisembarkedfromthesecondRhino,theTulwarofShiban,andmovedtojointhefirst.TheWheelandtheSpoke…thatwaswhattheycalledit.Thosemounted,theWheel,drovetheenemybackandkeptthemrunning,whilethoseonfoot,theSpoke,setupatemporaryhardpointwhichthebikescouldretreatto,ifnecessary,or,asinthiscase,takeanobjectivewhiletheenemywasdistracted.Itwas,aswithalloftheChapter’stactics,simpleenoughatfirstglance,butbecamemorecomplexthelongeryoustudiedit,withdozensofmovingpartsworkingtowardsacentralgoalinperfectharmony.‘Yousee?Off-putting,’Ambaghaisaid.‘EvenVayrenwasn’tsofrustrating

whenhewaswithus,andtheStormLordshaveasmuchappreciationforpoetryastheydofororks.’ThurskwatchedasJebejoinedthesquadsattheentryway,andfeltabriefflickerofenvy.Thechampionbarkedanorder.OneoftheWhiteScarsproducedtheroundcanistershapeofameltabomb.HetossedittoJebe,whocaughtit,activatedthegrav-clamponthebomb’scanisterandslappeditagainstthedoors.Theentrywayexplodedamomentlater,andthetwosquadsenteredthebastion,Jebeinthelead.‘VayrencanbarelyspeakGothic,letalonecomprehendpoetry,’Thursksaid.

HehadfoughtalongsidethechampionoftheStormLordsThirdCompanyduringtheSiegeofVhot.He’dbeenimpressedbyVayren’ssingle-mindedmurderousness,ifnothispersonality.‘Ioncesawhimhead-buttanorktodeath,andwithouthishelmet.’Hesettledhisaxeinthecrookofhisarm.Aboveandbehindhim,thestormboltersmountedonthecupolaoftheRhinoaddedtothecacophony,astheyblewaswarmofgundronesfromtheair.Thereweren’tmanydronesleft,andthosethatremainedseemedconfusedandeasypreyforthebikers.‘Haveyounoticedadistinctlackofenemypresencehere,oristhisusualforthe–whatdoyoucallthem?’‘Khamar–itmeans“noseless”,andno,’Ambaghaisaid.‘Notowhich?’Thursksaid.Hesteppedasideasaspinning,smokinggun

dronestruckthesideoftheRhinoandexploded.Fragmentsofmetalstruckhisarmourandfelltotheground.‘Jebehassecuredthebastion,’Kor’sarroKhansaidashisbikeslewedtoahalt

beforethem,scatteringgritandsnow.‘IwouldhaveyoubymysidewhenIpiercethebeast’sheart,Stormseer.’Afterabriefhesitation,headded,‘andyouaswell,cousin.IwouldseehowtheDarkHuntersearnedtheirname.’‘Itwouldbeanhonour,mykhan,’Thursksaid.Kor’sarrogazedathimforamoment,andthennoddedtersely.‘Ambaghai,

callthelightningandcleartheair,’hesaid,gesturingtotheremaininggundrones,whichcontinuedtohoverandfireattheWhiteScars.‘Igrowtiredofsparringwiththesetoys.’‘Ineverthoughtyou’dask,’Ambaghaisaid.Hegrippedhisstaffinbothhands

andhelditup.Theairtookonasharp,metallicodourandseemedtocongealforamoment,asifeverymoleculeofoxygenandwaterhadsuddenlycontracted.ThenAmbaghaistabbedthegroundwiththebuttofhisstaff,andtheairwasfilledwithazurestrandsofelectricity,whicharcedfromdronetodrone,fryingthesensitivecircuitryofeachoneinturn.Theremainingdronesinthecourtyardfelltotheground,theirhullscharredblack.

‘Impressive,’Thursksaid.‘Yes.Considerthat,thenexttimeyouinsultmypoetry,’Ambaghaisaid,

tappingtheDarkHunter’sshoulderplatewiththetipofhisstaff.‘Dulynoted,Stormseer,’Thursksaid.

Kor’sarroledthewayintothealienbastion,aswashisrightasMasteroftheHunt.Ambaghaifollowed,inhisshadowasever,andofftotheside,theDarkHunter.HedidnotknowwhattomakeofthePhobianyet.Hedidnotride,nordidheseemtounderstandtheirwayofwar.HemightaswellhavebeenascionofRussorDorn,forallthekinshipKor’sarrofeltwithhim.Hereflected,notforthefirsttime,ontheGreatKhan’sinsistencethattheywelcomethesestrangersinallbutbloodintotheirtentsandwarcouncils.Heunderstoodthereasoningforit,butthatdidn’tmakeitanyeasiertotake.Jebefeltthesameway,andtooknopainstohideit.‘Whatishedoinghere?’

hesaid,asKor’sarroapproached.IftheDarkHunternoticedtherancourinhistone,hegavenosignofit,whichonlyfuelledJebe’sdislike,ifKor’sarrowereanyjudge.TheDarkHunterusedsilenceasaweapon,deflectingandantagonisinginequalmeasurewithhisobtuserefusaltospeaktoanybutthoseheabsolutelyhadto.Hejustwatched,andlistenedanditwasgettingoneveryone’snerves.Then,giventhathecouldbarelyspeakKhorchin,thatmighthavebeenablessing.‘Ifheisnothere,howwillhelearn?’Kor’sarrosaid,steppingpastthe

champion.HehadnotimeforJebe’spetulance.Notnow.Theexplosionthathadallowedthemingresshadblackenedtheentrychamber,warpingthewallsandcausingthefloortobubbleandbuckle.Rupturedpowerconduitsdangledfromtheceiling,spittingandcrackling,andthestrange,flatglow-panelsthexenosusedforilluminationhadcrackedandgonedark.Thewholeplacestankoftau.Theslopingwallsandsoftcurvesdidnotoffendhissensesasmuchastheymightoncehave,however.Therewasmuchtolearnfromanenemy’sarchitecture,astherewasfromtheirartandlanguage.Toproperlystalkprey,onehadtolearnhowsaidprey’smindworked.Andthebestwaytodothatwastostudyhowtheybuilttheirlairs.Orksconstructedcrudebutsturdystructures,wherethehrudburrowedinlikemites,andthetau…thetauchangedthelandscapetosuitthemselves.‘Status,Toguz,’hesaid,lookingatoneoftheSpaceMarineswhostoodnear

thebulkheadthatledintotheheartofthebase,hisbolterheldready.Thewayintothecommandcentrewasopen.Itwasallveryinviting,likemeatdragged

beneaththenoseofabeastofprey.‘Nohostilecontact,mykhan,’thewarriorsaid.‘Notevenanyalarms.’‘Theinternaldefenceswereofflineaswell,’Jebesaid,quietly.‘Itwasasif

theyexpectedustogetin.’‘Odd,’Kor’sarrosaid.Uneasefilledhim.Thiswasn’tthefirstemptybasethey

hadattacked,butthisonewasdifferent.Someonehadgonetoalotoftroubletomakeitlookasifitwereoccupied.Theothershadhadautomaticdefences,butnothinglikewhatthey’dencounteredoutside.Baitforthebeast,hethoughtagain.‘Unlikelyiswhatitis,’anewvoicesaid.Kor’sarrodidn’tturn.‘Isthatawarrior’sconsideredwisdom,ormerelythe

grumblingsofanunappreciatedelder?’heasked.Cemakargrunted.Hestumpedintotheentrychamber,hishelmettuckedunder

hisarm.Histopknotandmoustacheswereaswhiteasthesnowoutside,andhisskinwasthecolourofleather,makingthescarsonhischeeksstandoutallthemore.‘Well,’hesaid,‘aretheyhereornot?’Hisarmourwasofanoldermark,andstuddedwithrivets.Thechestplatewascoveredinceremonialembossment,depictingscenesfromancientvictoriesoftheordu.Thebattleplatehadbeenwornonathousandbattlefields,evenbeforeithadbeengiftedtoCemakar.Likethewarriorwhoworeit,itwasarelicoftheordu.Kor’sarrofrownedandsteppedthroughtheinteriorbulkhead,onepalmresting

onMoonfang’spommel.Evensheathed,theswordvibratedslightly,asifitcouldn’twaittobefreeoncemore.Ifhehadhisway,thatwouldbesoon.Thoughnot,apparently,soonenough.Thelackofresistancenaggedathim.AlloftheintelligencetheyhadgatheredhadpointedtoRimeCragaswhereShadowsunwouldbe,butheretheywere,andshewasnowheretobeseen.Hadhisenemyalreadyfled?Orhadsheneverbeenhereinthefirstplace?Wasthisanotherdistraction?Shewasgoodatthat,hewasforcedtoadmit.Shethoughtinlayers,somethingaChogoriancouldrespect,evenifshewasaxenoswitch.ShadowsunwasmoredangeroustothedefenceofAgrellanthanhisfellow

commandershadwantedtoadmit.PatriarchTybalt’sdismissalheunderstood;itoffendedtheoldKnightCommandertoimaginethatamerealiencouldthreatenhisforces.Straken,thecommanderoftheCatachanregimentdeployedtoAgrellan,wasadifferentmatter;he’dfacedthetaubeforeandknewbetter.Shadowsunwasthelynchpin,thecentralmindofthetaustrategy.ThatwaswhyhehadleftthedefenceofAgrellantoTybalt,StrakenandSudabeh,andsethimselfthegoaloftakingherhead.Withouther,thexenoswouldfalter.

Theproblemwassheknewthataswellashedid.Andthusfar,shehadrefusedallattemptstobringhertobattleaftertheencounteratBlackshaleRidge.Includingnow,itseemed.Hegaveagruntoffrustrationandlookedaround.Thecommandcentrewasonline,butemptyoflife.AholographicprojectionofAgrellanasseenfromorbitfloatedoverawide,flatdais,andthecircumferenceoftheroomwasdominatedbythecomputerconsolesandview-screensthatlinedthewalls.Thelatterhadbeengutted.Theonlylightintheroomcamefromthehologram.Kor’sarrosweptahandthroughthehologramofAgrellan,andtheimage

waveredandchangedfromanorbitalperspectivetoasubstratosphericview.Symbolsthathedidn’trecognisewereclusteredaboutRimeCrag.Hetouchedone,andtheimagechangedagain.Heblinkedinsurpriseasherecognisedapictcaptureofhisface.Aredcircle,fartoomuchlikeatargetingiconforhisliking,surroundedtheimageofhim.‘WeshouldhavebroughttheKhwarezmian,’Cemakarsaid,lookingaround.

‘Hehasawaywiththesexenostoys.’Kor’sarrosmiledatthethoughtofthecommanderofhisreserveforce.GharchaitheKhwarezmian,whosefolkhadnotbeensteppe-ridersasKor’sarro’sclanhadbeen–indeed,asmostWhiteScarsclanshadbeen–butinsteadthearmouredhill-menoftheKhwarzm,whothunderedtowarnotonbeastsbuiltforspeed,butforstrength.OfallthediversetribesandclansofChogoris,theKhwarzmhadheldoutthelongestagainstthearmiesunitedbytheKhanofKhans,andhadboughttheirfreedomfirst,earningitinironandfire.GharchaiwasatruesonoftheKhwarzm,builtlikeathunderboltandwithamindlikewater.Hewastheopposite,inmanyways,ofOldShatterhand.‘Gharchaiismoreusefulwhereheis,’Kor’sarromurmured,stillexamining

thehologram.TheKhwarezmianandhisLandSpeedershadbeendeployedtosweepthebasincraterstothesouthandeastofRimeCrag,inordertotestthetaudefencesthere.Theywereduetorejointhemainforceintwelvehours,butcouldberecalledsooner,ifnecessary.Heandhishunt-brothershadharriedthetauacrossAgrellan,strikinghardand

fadingawaybeforethexenoscouldmountmorethanatokenresistance.Theyhadmadegreatwoundsintheinvaders’infrastructure,openingtheirlinesandforcingthemtoregroupanddelaytheirstratagems.Butforeverybunkerdestroyedandeverycommunicationsarraysilenced,theenemyseemedtohavethreemoreatpeakoperationbythetimetheWhiteScarshadreturnedtothehunt.Thegapstheyhadcreatedinthefrontlinesoftheenemyhadlongsince

closedbehindthem,heknew,evenasheknewthattheywerebeingdrawndeeperintotau-controlledterritory.Shadowsunhadledthemonamerrychase,butthisnightshouldhaveseentheendofit.Sowherewasshe?Kor’sarroconsideredorderinghismentosweepthebaseagain,butdiscarded

thethoughtbeforeitreachedhislips.Healreadyknewthattheywouldfindnothing.Thebasewasrunningonauxiliarypower,andithadbeenstrippedofeverythingofvalue.Ithadbeenabandoned,butpainshadbeentakentohidethatfact.Thealienmindwasamystery,andtheirtacticsandstrategiesseemedbereftofmeaning,eventoonewhohadfoughtthemasoftenashehad.Butheknewenoughtoknowthatjustbecauseathinglookedoneway,didnotmakeitso.Hestraightened.‘Thebaseisempty,butitwasmadetolookoccupied,todrawusin.Why?’‘Iseeonlytworeasonsforaploysuchasthis,’Cemakarsaid.Helookedat

Kor’sarro.‘I’msureyoudoaswell.’HehikedathumbatJebe.‘Evenheseesthem.’‘What?’Jebesaid.‘It’sadistraction,’Thursksaid.ItwasthefirsttimetheDarkHunterhad

spokensincetheyhadenteredthebase.Hetappedthehologramdaiswithhisaxe.Kor’sarronodded.‘Oratrap,’hegrowled.Assoonashesaidtheword,hefelt

it,andcursedhimselffornotrecognisingitsooner.Hehadbeentoofocused,toointentonhispreynottoseethetrapshewasleadinghiminto.RimeCragcouldsimplyhavebeenadiversion,topulltheWhiteScarsoutofresponserangeforaplannedassault,andthusdeprivetheImperialforcesofanasset.ButthatwasnomoreShadowsun’swaythanitwashisown.Shewasnotanork;thewitchcouldthink.Thetauhadtheadvantageofmobility,anadvantageheandhishuntsmennegated,oratleastcountered.Theyweretoodangeroustothetautobeleftridingfree.Theconclusionwasreachedandthedecisionmadeinmicroseconds.‘Toyourvehicles.Wemustride.Cemakar,alerttheKhwarezmian.We’llneedsupport.’Heledthemoutofthecommandcentre,andhurriedbacktowardsthe

courtyard.Evenashesteppedoutintothecoldnightair,heknewhehadbeentooslow.Thetraphadbeensprung,anditsjawshadalreadysnappedclosed.Ithappenedfast.Thesnowyairblurredabovethecourtyard,andhisearscaughtthehumofalientechnology,offensiveandsmooth.‘Takecover,’heroared,buttoolate.AWhiteScarwasflungbackwardsfrom

hisidlingbike,hiscuirassmeltedtoslag,superheatedbloodissuingfromthe

grilleonthefrontofhishelmetinaburstofred-tintedsteam.Kor’sarrocursed.Totheircredit,theothersreactedinthemillisecondbetweentheirbrother’s

deathandhiscollapse,swingingofftheirbikesandpullingtheheavymachinesovertoactasimprovisedcoverastheyfellflatuponthesnowyground.Strange,hunchedshapesflickeredinandoutofviewthroughthegapsinthe

wall,stalkingtowardsthebastion.Kor’sarrocouldhearthefamiliar,waspishhumoftauweaponsbeingreadiedtofire.Kor’sarroswungbackaroundtheedgeoftherupturedbulkheadanddrewhisboltpistol.‘Ambush,’hesaid,lookingattheothers.‘Good,’Jebesaid,drawinghisblade.‘Iwasgettingtiredofkillingmachines.’

CHAPTERTWO

‘Communicationsarejammed,’Cemakarsaid,fingerpressedtohisear.HelookedatKor’sarro,hisfeaturesgrim.‘They’veluredusinandwedgedthedoorshut.We’retrapped.’‘Thenwe’lljusthavetopryitopen,won’twe?’Kor’sarrosaid,asCemakar’s

wordssunkin.Beforehecouldsayanythingfurther,thewhineofanti-gravunitspiercedtheair.Atrioofgundronesshotovertheparapetofthewall,andspedthroughtheairoverthecourtyard.Buttheseweren’ttheannoyancesthey’dfacedearlier.Instead,eachofthenewdroneshadalong,blockyrifle-shapedweaponslungbeneathitsdisc-shapedbody.AsKor’sarrowatched,oneofthedronesrotatedandfired.AWhiteScarwent

limpastheshotstruckhimintheheadandpunchedthroughhishelmetwithapparentease.TheremainingWhiteScarshunkereddownbehindtheirbikesandbegantoreturnfireasthedronesswoopedupwardsandvanishedintothefallingsnow.Anothertrioswoopedintopositionasthefirstvanished,comingfromtheoppositedirection.Theirlong-barrelledweaponsfired,chewingthecourtyard,andthrowingdustandsteamfromthemeltedsnowintotheair.‘They’rekeepinguspinneddown,’Thursksaid.‘Ifwegooutthere,we’reas

goodasdead.’Kor’sarrowaspleasedthattherewasnotraceoffearintheDarkHunter’svoice.Itwasmerelyastatementoffact.Hehadn’tbeeneagertohavethenewcomerinhishunt,buttherewereotherthingstoconsiderthanhisownpreferences.Inter-Chapterrelationsmustbemaintained.ThesonsofChogoris

couldnotbeallowedtoforgetthewaysthathadmadethemstrong,waysthathadcarriedthemtothestarsandbeyond,nomatterhowdilutedtheirblood.PerhapshewasatruesonofChogorisafterall.‘Achildcouldseethat,Phobian,’Jebesnarled.‘Thequestionis,whatdowe

doaboutit?’ThestormboltersatoptheRhinosopenedfire,buttheireffortstotracktheswiftlymovingdroneswereinvain.Boltshellsstruckthebastionandstitchedalineupthewalls,pursuingthesecondgroupofdronesastheytoovanishedintothesnowydarkness.Silencefell,butonlyforamoment.Thetwogroupsofdronesreturned,flightpathsinterweavingastheyplummeteddownwardslikeangrywasps.‘Wedowhatwealwaysdo.Weact,’Kor’sarrosaid.HeglancedatCemakar.‘I

recognisethattypeofqarthai.Theyhavecontrollers.Keeptheirheadsdown.’Cemakarbarkedanorderintothevoxandinthecourtyard,theWhirlwindandRazorbackgaveventtofuriousbellowsofindignation,shatteringthenightwithcontrailsoffire.Theweaponsofbothvehiclesoscillatedinaslowarc,firingatnothinginparticular,butsimplyfillingtheairwithdeath.Thedronesfaltered,ifonlyforamoment.ButamomentwasallthatKor’sarro

required.Hesteppedoutintothecourtyard,boltpistollevelled.Coolly,hefired,andoneofthedroneswasknockedfromtheair.Theremainingfivefocusedtheirattentionsonhim,weaponsrotatingtowardshim.‘Ambaghai,’hesaid.‘Makeroom,brothers,’theStormseersaid,steppingoutintotheopen.

Lightningcrackledaroundhim,curlingthelengthofhisstaffandionisingtheairaroundhim.Snowmeltedbeneathhisarmouredfeet,becomingsteamashefilledtheairwithsnapping,writhingserpentsoflightning.Thedronesshudderedastheywereensnaredinthecoilsofelectricity.Ambaghai’seyesbegantoglow,and,facetightwithstrain,hesaid,‘Iseethem.’Hepointedwithhisstaff,andCemakarspatanorder.TheWhirlwind’smissilerackrotatedinthedirectionAmbaghaihadindicated

anddisgorgeditsremainingpayloadattherockyescarpmentabove.ThedarknesswaswashedawayinablazeoflightasthemissilesfromtheSwiftVengeancehammeredtheridge.Snowandrocktumbleddownfromthepointofimpacttostrikethebastion,causingthestructuretoshudderaroundthem.Asone,thedronestumbledfromthesky,strikingtheground,smokerisingfromthem.CemakarkickedoneasideashestompedtowardstheWhirlwind,shouting,‘Reload!Castellans,bytheKhan,orI’llhaveyourtopknotsformytrophyrack.’HeswunghimselfupontooneoftheRhinosandswattedtheSpaceMarineinthecupolaonthetopofhishelmet.‘Getbackdownthere,OjaiorI

swearbytheStar-HorseI’llkickyourteethin,’hesnarled.Kor’sarrowatchedhim,bemused,andthenturnedanddroppedhisfiston

Ambaghai’sshoulderplate.‘Goodtrick,Stormseer,’hesaid.‘Ijustwantedyoutofrythedrones.’Ambaghairanhisfingersthroughhiswispybeardandgaveitasatisfiedflick.

‘Thexenoswerewatchingusthroughtheeyesofthosedrones.Idecidedtoreturnthefavour.’Hetappedthesideofhishead.‘Foronewhocanspeaktothelightning,followingthesignalbetweendeviceandcontrollerwaseasyenough.’‘Congratulateyourselflater,thosewerejustthepreliminaries,’Cemakarsaid.

SittinginthecupolaofTulwarofShiban,hehammeredonthetopofthehullwiththeflatofhishandandtheRhinowedgeditselfhull-firstintothelargestgapinthewall,effectivelyblockingit.Therewasenoughroomforhimtoswivelthestormbolterandheletoffaburstatsomethingoutpastthewall.‘Hostilesincoming,multiplepoints,’hesaid.PasttheRhino,Kor’sarrocaughtaglimpseofflickering,indistinctshapes.Theyweresirguma,herealised,the‘sneakyones’,whatsomeImperialreportscalled‘Stealthsuits’.Theyracedpastthegapintheouterwall,burstcannonswhirring.Theyweren’ttryingtogetin,heknew.TheyweremerelykeepingtheWhiteScarsheadsdown.Delayingtactics,eventhesniperdrones.Butwhyweretheybeingdelayed?Kor’sarroboostedhimselfupontotheRhinoandcrouchedinthegapbeside

Cemakar.Hiskeeneyespickedouttheflathammer-headedshapesofseveraltautrooptransports,glidingoverthesnow.Theyweren’tinanyhurry,bythelooksofthem.Theymightaswellhavebeenoutforaneveningride.Then,itwasn’tliketheirenemiesweregoinganywhere,wasit?Heshookhishead,disgustedwithhimself.Ofcourse,hethoughtsourly,youareacunningone,witch.Shadowsunhadusedtheirspeedagainstthem.She’dlaidabaittrail,andhe’dfallenforitlikeanovereageraspirant.‘Snareswithinsnares,’hemuttered.‘I’veledusintoatrap.’‘Looksliketheycamereadytofight,’Cemakargrunted,notlookingathim.‘Good.Iintendtogivethemone.Ifyoucanmanagetopryyourselfoutofthat

cupola,I’dlikeyourcounsel,’Kor’sarrosaid.Withoutwaitingforareply,heslidofftheRhinoanddroppedlightlytotheground.Cemakarfollowedhim,gruntingandcursingashehauledhimselfoutoftheRhino’sturret,withsomeassistancefromthecrew.Kor’sarrostrodebacktowardsthecommandcentre,rattlingoffordersashewent,andtheWhiteScarsmovedtoobeyquickly.Mosttookuppositionsaroundthegapsinthewalls,readytorepelanassault.Otherspickedupthebodiesoftheirslainbrothersandcarriedthecorpsestooneofthe

Rhinos.Kor’sarrowouldleavenoneoftheirdeadonthisalien-defiledridge,ifhecouldhelpit.Additionally,hewantedtheenemytohaveaslittleknowledgeoftheirremainingnumbersaspossible.Informationwasasdeadlyasabolt-round,intherightcircumstances.‘Ambaghai,Jebe,and…’hetrailedoff,motioningtotheDarkHunter.

‘Cousin,’hesaid,finally‘wehavetime,andwemustmakeuseofit.Come.’Insidethecommandcentre,hewaitedforthemtofileinandtappedthe

hologram.Ashe’dexpected,themapofAgrellanwasreplacedbyathree-dimensionalcutawayimageofRimeCrag.Thebastionwasilluminated,asweremarkersrepresentingtheforcesnowapproachingit.‘Niceofthemtoleaveusapicturesowecouldseejusthowbadlywe’recaught,’Cemakargrumbled.‘Theytauntus,’Jebesaid.Kor’sarrohadcometomuchthesameconclusion,

afterwonderingwhetheritwasanoversight.Whatheknewofthetauhadneversuggestedasenseofhumour,butthen,evenorkstauntedtheirfoes.Shadowsunwantedhimtoknowshe’dcaughthim.Hecouldalmostadmirethatsortofbravado,ifitweren’tsoinfuriatingand,moreimportantly,aimedathim.‘We’retheenemy.Wouldyouhavethemfeteus,andthrowafeastinour

honour?’Thurskasked.JebeglaredattheDarkHunterandmadetoreply,butKor’sarrogestured

sharply,cuttinghimoff.‘Tauntoroversight,thisisoursituation.Suggestions?’heasked.‘Tortoise,’Cemakarsaidpromptly.‘Wesealthisbastionandwaitforthe

Khwarezmiantoseekusout,jammedfrequenciesbedamned.He’llripfromthebelly,andwe’llsmashtheirsnoutsonourshell.’‘Eagle,’Jebecountered.Thechampionstabbedthehologramwithafinger.

‘Wepunchthroughtheirlinesbeforetheyhaveachancetocutusoff.WeswoopoutofjammingrangeandcontactGharchai.Thenweravagethemaswemove,andtakethemapartbeforetheycanpinusdownagain.ThatistheWhiteScarsway.Leaveshell-gamestothesonsofDorn.’Kor’sarro’seyesnarrowedashestudiedthehologram.Silentlyhemeditated

ontheadvantagesandrepercussionsofbothstratagems.Heknewwhichhepreferred,butpreferencewasnotalwayswisdom.HiseyesflickeredtomeetAmbaghai’s.TheStormseermethisgazeplacidly.IfCemakarwerearock,andJebeabirdofprey,thenAmbaghaiwasastorm,implacableandimpossibletopredict.TheStormseer’smouthquirkedinwhatmighthavebeenasmileandKor’sarroraisedaneyebrow.‘Whatisit?’hesaid.Ambaghaireachedintooneofthemanypouchesthatdangledfromhis

equipmentbeltandretrievedahandfulofsomething,whichhescatteredacrossthehologramdais.Finger-bones,Kor’sarrorealised,fromanorkorsomeunluckyheretic.Ambaghaiwassaidtocollectthemhimself,withoneoftheceremonialknivessheathedathiswaist,aftereverybattle.Hemadeaspecialefforttoclaimthefingersofwitchesandpsykers,fortheychannelledthewillofthespiritsmoreeasily.EachlengthofbonewascoveredindelicatelycarvedKhorchincharacters,andeachrepresentedasymbolfromtheChogorianzodiac.Ambaghairaisedhishand,andthefinger-bonesroselikedominotiles,standingatattention.Hemadeacirculargesture,andtheyrattledandfell,makingastrangepattern.‘Whatdothespiritssay?’Cemakarasked.‘Thespiritssaywhydoesithavetobeonewayortheother?Whynotbothat

once?’Ambaghaisaid.‘Thereisnoonetruepath,mykhan.Thereareonlypotentialities,storiesyetuntoldandhorizonsyetunseen.Whichstorywetell,andwhichhorizonweseekisuptous,andwearefreetodoaswewish,’hesaidandlookedatJebe.‘Westriketheenemyfromasmanydirectionsaspossible.Wegivethemmoretargetsthantheycanhandle,andcarvethemupatourleisure.ThatistheWhiteScarsway.’JebegloweredattheStormseerbutsaidnothing.‘WhatdothespiritssayofShadowsun?’askedKor’sarro,softly.Ambaghailookedathim,hisfaceunreadable.Thenhetwitchedhisfingers,

andthebonesrattled.‘Sheishere,mykhan.Close,watching,waiting,’hesaid.HemetKor’sarro’sgazeandadded,‘Butyoualreadyknewthat.YouaretheMasteroftheHuntforgoodreason,mykhan.Eventhespiritsdefertoyourtrackingexpertise.Ifyouhavebroughtushere,traporno,hereiswhereweshouldbe.’Kor’sarrostrokedhismoustacheswiththesideofhisthumb,thinking.

Ambaghai’swordshadheartenedhim,butthetactictheseerhadrecommendedwoulddividehisforcesevenmorethantheycurrentlyalreadywere.Butiftheenemywerecountingonthemhunkeringdown,itmightthrowthemintodisarray.AndiftheywerecountingontheWhiteScarstomakeabreakoutattempt,leavingbehindaforcetoholdthebastionmightforcetheenemytosplittheirownforcesinwaysthattheyhadn’tplannedfor.Hegazedatthehologram,tryingtodiscernthenatureoftherusehefaced.He

wasnot,bynature,astrategist.Therewereotherkhansforwhomthesubtletiesofthegreatgamewereasmeatanddrink,menforwhomwarwasnothingmorethanagameofGowritlarge.Theythoughtintermsofploysandfeints.For

Kor’sarro,however,warwasanart.Everybattlefieldwasacanvas,everydropofspilledbloodabrushstroke.Watchingabattleunfoldwaslikewatchinganimageappear.Thetrickwastoseewhattheimagewasbeforeitwascompleted,andtoensurethatthepictureyouhadwastheoneyouwanted.Hetouchedthehologram,considering.Tohesitate,eitherway,wastobelost.TheEmperorfrownedonvacillatorsandtheovercautious.‘Ambaghaiiscorrect,’hesaid,decisionmade.‘Theenemyseektodenyusour

advantage,tolimitourmobilitybypinningushere.Thoseouttherearemerelythehandonourthroat,butthebladewillbedescendingsoonenough.’Helookedaroundtheroom.‘WheelandSpoke,mybrothers.Cemakar,youandJebewillbetheWheel.Ambaghai,youandIshallbetheSpoke.’HelookedatCemakar,whowasalreadymakingasiftoargue.‘Youwillpunchaholethroughthetaulineswithourarmour,andhalfthebikes.TakeHasik.He’sourbestrider,andhe’soutrunthetaumorethanonce.Don’tstopuntilyoumakecontactwithGharchai.’HelookedatAmbaghai.‘Andwewillholdthetau’sattentionhere.Ifthatbecomesuntenable,weshallrideoutafteryou.’‘We’vegotaloadofCastellansintheWhirlwindreadytofire,’Cemakarsaid,

begrudgingly.‘Thatwillbuyussometime.Butmarkme,whentheycome,it’llbewiththoseblastedtwo-leggedtanksoftheirs.’Theothersintheroomgrowledormutteredatthementionoftheenemyaburgma-thebattlesuits.Suchconstructswerethebaneofanybattlefield,theirdestructivepotentialrivalledonlybythatoftheImperialKnights.Kor’sarrosmiled.‘I’mcountingonit.’

‘Thisisthemostpowerfulweaponintheuniverse,’ThurskheftedhisaxeandspunitinatightfigureeightashefollowedAmbaghaioutofthecommandcentre.‘Axescantoppleempires.Theykillkings,daemonsandmonsters.OnPhobian,axesarepasseddownfromfathertodaughter,mothertoson.Thisistheaxemymotherused,andherfatherbeforeher.Shegaveittome,thedayIwaschosentobecomeagodofwar.Andthoughithaschanged,asIhavechanged,itisstillmyaxe.’HeglancedatAmbaghai.‘Doyouunderstand,Chogorian?’‘Yes,’Ambaghaisaid.Hesmiled.‘However,youraxeishere,andtheenemy

is,asyet,overthere.’Hegesturedattheouterwall.‘Hencemyquestion,wouldyoulikeabolter,cousin?Bokwillnotmind.’HeextendedtheboltertowardsThurskagain.Hewasholdingtwo,bothclaimedfromtheWhiteScarswho’dfallenearlier.

Thursktooktheweapon.‘Sorry,’hesaid.‘WhichonewasBok?’Hecheckedtheclip.‘Thedeadone,’Ambaghaisaid.Helookedaway.Thursklookedathim,andthenbackatthebolterinhishands.Itwasanornate

thing,lovinglyedgedinbrassandsilver,withadragon’sheadembossedonthebarrel.Anironring,heavywiththeteethoforks,hadbeenattachedtothegrip,whichwasplatedwithbone,likelytakenfromthesameorkswho’dprovidedtheteeth.‘OnPhobian,weleftthebodiesofthedeadforthebats,’hesaid.‘WedidthesameonChogoris.Saveweleftthemforthegreateagles.’

Ambaghaisniffed.‘Orweburnedthem.’‘Fireattractedthebats,’Thursksaid.‘Icanseewherethatwouldbeadifficulty,’Ambaghaisaid.‘Weretheybig,

thesebats?’‘Fairly,’Thursksaid.‘Theyatehorses.’‘I’mgiventounderstandtherearelargewolvesonFenris,’Ambaghaisaid,

afteramoment.‘Theyeatmen,orsotheSpaceWolvesclaim.’Thurskmadearudesound.‘Wolves,’hesaid.‘ThesonsofRussarequiteparticularabouttheirwolves,’Ambaghaisaid.But

hesmiledashesaidit.Thurskchuckled.‘Bytheby,thatwasenlightening,backthere,’hesaid.TheStormseerlooked

athim,andtheDarkHunterheldupahand.‘Nomockeryintended,Iassureyou,’hesaid.‘Amongmybrothers,commandisnotsofluid.Onevoicespeaks,andallotherslisten.’‘Thathasneverbeenourway,’Ambaghaisaid,somewhatchidingly,Thursk

thought.‘EventhegreatJaghataididnotmovewithoutseekingcouncilwithhissub-khans.Menarenotmachines,cousin.Theyarenotinclinedtomoveinunison,ortoactasone.Awisekhangivesequalweighttoeverysubordinate.Hedoesnothesitate,butheconsiders,andthenmakeshisdecisionaccordingly,aseverymanmustdecideforhimselftofollowthatdecision.Theymustmoveasthespiritwills.’‘Bywhichyoumean,theylistentoyou,’Thursksaid.‘Ofcourse,’Ambaghaisaid,‘Wasn’tthatwhatIsaid?Ispeakforthespirits,

afterall.’Hespreadhisarmsandsuckedinalungfuloftheharsh,coldair.‘Thisisthebesttime,cousin.Thisistherightplaceforus.Thebattle’srededgeisourtent,ourbattle-brothers,ourkinsmen,andthehazeofwarisourmeatanddrink.’‘Didyourspiritswhisperthattoyou?’‘Don’ttheywhisperthesametoyou?’Ambaghaisaid,tuggingonhisbeard

withaflickofhiswrist.‘OtherChaptersmerelywagewar,cousin.TheWhiteScarsarewar.Wearethecrash,thenoise,thethunder.Wearetheconfusion,andthemadnessandtheinevitableend.WearetheStar-Hunt.Whereweride,worldsdie.’‘Oneside,Phobian,’Jebesaid,brushingpastThursk,beforethelattercould

reply.‘Someofushavealienstokill.’Thechampionboundedoutofthecommandcentre,aspringinhisstepandaferal,childlikegrinonhisface.‘Helookscheerful,’Thursksaid.‘Ofcoursehe’scheerful.He’sgoingtogettokillsomething,’Cemakar

grunted,joiningThurskandAmbaghai.CemakarlookedattheStormseer.‘Guardhimwell,Stormseer,’hesaid.Hisfacewrinkledup,asifhewereuncomfortablesayingthewords.‘Always,’Ambaghaisaid.Heinclinedhishead.Cemakarnoddedterselyand

stumpedaway.ThurskwatchedCemakarfollowJebetowardstheRazorback.Kor’sarro’ssecond-in-commandbarkedorderswithrapidity,gesticulatingabouthimforemphasis.OfthetwosquadsofWhiteScarsthathadriddenintheRhino,onewasstayingbehind,whiletheotherwassplittingitsstrengthbetweenthetwoRhinos,bothofwhichwouldbeprovidingthemuscleforthebreakoutattempt.Thesquadwho’dcomeintheRazorbackwasstayingbehindaswell.Thetransportswereallbutuselessinthebastion,saveasimprovisedbarricades,andKor’sarrohadotherplansforthedefenceoftheplace.Whiletheircommandersconferred,theWhiteScarshaddraggedrubbleinto

positiontocreateaseriesofzigzagstrongpointsclosetothecommandcentre.Ashewatched,oneoftheWhiteScarsusedameltaguntosearseveralsectionsofstonetogetherintoacrudebulwark.Thurskrealisedthattheyhadnoplantoblocktheholeinthewall,andimmediatelygraspedtheimplication.Thetauhadanumberoftroopswiththecapabilityofenteringthebastionbyair,iftheysowished,makingthewallallbutuselessfordefensivepurposes.Butthosetroopsthatcouldn’tflywouldbedrawntothegapingholeinthedefencesastheireasiestpointofingress.Themakeshiftstrongpointswerearrangedinsuchawaysoastocatchtheinevitableassaultinakillingfield.Itwasabrutallyefficientmeansofutilisingtheirsurroundings,andThurskcouldn’thelpbutbeimpressed.Hisownbattle-brotherswouldhaveignoredthewall,butheldthegap,leavingthecourtyardempty,soastodrawintheflyersfordispatch.ButthatwastheWhiteScarsway,ashewascomingtolearn.Theyfought

efficiently,utilisingtheleastamountofeffortforthemaximumgain.Itwasthepredator’sway,notthewarrior’s.Baitandswitch,induceandgut,bleedthe

enemyasmuchaspossiblebeforelandingthekillingblow.Thetaufoughtinasimilarmanner,andhewonderedwhetherKor’sarroorAmbaghaihadnoticed.Herefrainedfrommentioningit,forfearofgivinginsult.TheWhiteScarsweren’tastouchyassomeoftheirSuccessors,buttheycouldbeoddlydefensivewhentheirwayofwarwascalledintoquestion.Hemovedoutintothecourtyard,takingitallin.TheRhinoswerestrippedof

everythingthatwasn’tnecessaryfortheassault.Inthefield,theWhiteScarsusedtheirtransportsasmobilearmouries,loadingthemupwithanythingtheymightrequire,sothattheyonlyrarelyhadtostopandresupply.Fragandkrakgrenades,replacementstormboltersandpacksofammunitionwerebroughtintotheentrywayofthecommandcentre,whichhadbeenconvertedintoatemporaryarmoury.Thebikeswerestowedbehindthestrongpoints,foreasyaccess.Thecourtyardwassoonfilledwiththegrowlofengines,asthetransportsreadiedthemselvesfordeparture.Onceadecisionwasmade,theWhiteScarsactedonitquickly.Thewhite-armouredSpaceMarinesmovedbriskly,andmorethanonesang

softlytothemselvesastheyworked.Theyspoketoeachother,jokedandlaughed,andthesenseofcamaraderieamongsttheStar-Huntwasobvious.Ahandsettledonhisshoulder.Thurskturned,expectingtoseeAmbaghai.Instead,Kor’sarroKhanstoodbehindhim.‘Ifyouwouldgo,nowisthetime,cousin,’hesaid.Thurskhesitated.‘Go?’‘WithJebeandCemakar,’Kor’sarrosaid.‘IfIwereinyourplace,Iwouldnot

wishtobetrappedhere.Andyouarenotundermycommand.Youareheretoobserveandlearn,andifyouwouldseeusatourbest,youmustseeusattheattack.’Thursklookedathim.‘IntheDellrondCampaign,mybattle-brothersandI

heldtheentrancetotheCathedraloftheEmperorOssifiedforfiveyearsagainstthegreenskins,’hesaid.HeslungthebolterAmbaghaihadgivenhimoverhisshoulder.‘Bytheend,wewereusingtheirbonesasclubs.’Kor’sarrosaidnothing.Thursktookthatasaninvitationtocontinue.‘Iamheretolearnofyourtraditions,andseehowyouwagewar,tolearnthewaysofChogoris,andtoshowfealtytotheKhanofKhans.’Heheftedhisaxe.‘Butthishere,inthisplace,ishowaPhobianwageswar.AmbaghaisaidthattheWhiteScarsarewaritself.Ifthatistrue,sotooaretheDarkHunters,andIwouldshowyouthatasonofPhobiancanstandattherededgeaswellasasonofChogoris.’Heextendedhisaxe.‘AndifImustfallwhereIstandtoshowyouthat,itisasmall

pricetopay.’Kor’sarrosmiled.Helaughed,grabbedThursk’shelmetedheadinbothhands

andbroughttheirheadstogether.‘Showme,brother.Andthenafter,perhapsIwillteachyoutoride,hey?’HereleasedThurskandsteppedback.‘Come,brother.Wehavebloodtoshed,fortheGreatKhanandtheEmperor.’

Kor’sarroturnedawayfromtheDarkHunterandraisedhishands.Thenoiselevelinthecourtyarddimmedinstantly.Outsidethewalls,hecouldhearthegatheringstorm.Thexenoswerereadyingthemselvesfortheirfirstassault.Itwouldbeartilleryfirst,heknew.Thatwastheirway,andhedidnotbegrudgethemit.Helookedaround.‘Go,andlaughwhileyoukill,’wasallhesaid.Theenginesofthetransportsroared,andhismencheered.Heunholsteredhisboltpistolandtrottedtowardsthewall.TheDarkHunter

fellinbesidehimandAmbaghaiaswell.They,alongwiththeremainingbattle-brothers,wouldcoverCemakar’sassault.ASpaceMarinestalkedpasthim,heftingoneoftheextraheavybolters,loopsofammunitioncurlingabouthim.Thewarriorcaughthiseyeandpattedtheheavyweapon.‘Honouroffirstblood,mykhan?’heasked.Histonewashopeful.‘Byallmeans,singthemasongofdeath,Godi,’Kor’sarrosaid,recognising

theWhiteScar.‘Makeitloud,andtuneful,eh?’‘I’llmakeitsomethingcheerfulaswell,shallI,mykhan?’Godisaid.Kor’sarrolaughedandgesturedtothewall.TheRhinothathadbeenblocking

itrevvedupandpulledback,dislodgingloosebits.Godisteppedintothebreachandtheheavybolterroared.Withoutslowinghisrateoffire,theWhiteScarsteppedsideways,outofthebreach.AnotherWhiteScar,carryingthesecondofthetworeplacementheavybolters,followedsuit,steppingoutintotheopen,andthenshufflingoutofthepathofthevehiclesbehindhim.Spentshellsdroppedsteamingtothesnowfromthefeed-boxesoftheheavybolters.Pastthem,Kor’sarrosawcamouflagedvehiclesrisingoverthesnow,weapons

glowingwithpaleenergy.Taufirewarriors,cladinwhitearmour,hurledthemselvestotheground,seekingcover.They’dbeenmovingintopositiontomakeanassault,ashesuspected.Hewondered,idly,whytheywerecalledfirewarriors.Hedismissedthethoughtwithashakeofhishead.Therewouldbetimeforsuchthoughtslater,oncetheenemywasdefeated.Thevehiclesvisiblebehindthefirewarriorsweremostlytransports,butthere

wasonebunker-buster,armedwiththestrongestenergyweaponthealienspossessed,aHammerhead,hethoughtitwascalled.Evenwhenthey’rebeing

sneaky,they’repredictable,Kor’sarrothought.ThetauforceswereasdogmaticintheirwayasthewarriorsofUltramar.Thatwasboththeirstrength,andtheirweakness.HeslappedthehulloftheRazorback.‘Ride,brothers,rideandravage!’Asifinreply,theRazorback’stwin-linkedheavyboltersroared,addingtothe

noise.Itsdrivergunnedtheengineandsentitrumblingforwardsoutthroughthebreach.Behindit,theWhirlwindfiredabarrageofCastellans,litteringthegroundtoeithersideofthebreachwithexplosivemines.TheRhinosfollowedtheWhirlwind,breakingtoeithersideofthelatterastheyclearedthegapinordertocoveritwhileitreloaded.TheRhinos’stormboltersaddedtheirvoicestotheRazorback’sheavyboltersandtheairwasfilledwithscythingdeath.Tauwarriorsdied,tornapartbytheexplosivebolts.Oneoftheirtransportvehiclesslewedawkwardlyasideandsmashedupagainsttheescarpment,explodinginaballoffire.TheflickeringshapeswhichhadsoughttokeeptheWhiteScarspinneddownrevealedthemselvesastheyfiredatthetransports.Kor’sarrogestured.‘There,thesirguma!’heroared.He’dbeenhopingthey’d

revealthemselves,ifonlylongenoughfortheWhiteScarstoteachthemthepricefordoingso.Godipivotedathiskhan’scommand,andtheheavybolterinhishandsroaredinharmonywiththestormbolterfromoneoftheRhinos.Theweird,bulky,insectileshapesofthearmouredtautwitchedandjerkedastheywerecaughtinthecrossfire.Threeofthemfell,theirarmoursparkingandhissingasitcollapsedintomangledruin.Theothersspedaway,theirformsblurringandvanishinginthestill-fallingsnowthatswirledthicklyontheair.Thefourvehiclesploughedthroughthetaulines,theRazorback’sreinforced

hullsmashingasideatautransportinacrashofmetal.Thetauwerenotswifttoreact,seeminglystunnedbythesuddenassault.Kor’sarrohesitated,wonderingiftheyshouldpresstheattack,butthemomentpassed.Theairwassplitbythewhistleofturbines.Heavyshapesdroppeddownthroughthesnow,andthegroundshookwiththeimpact.Thehulkingshapesoftheenemybattlesuitsadvancedslowlythroughthewhirlingsnow.Atthesightofthem,thetaufirewarriorsseemedtogathertheircourage,andtheybegantoadvance,theirpulseriflessnapping.‘Backinside,brothers,’Kor’sarrosaidquietly,trustinginthevox-circuitto

carryhiswordsdespitethenoiseoftheadvancingtautroops.‘It’stimetobaitthexenosintoatrapofourown.’

CHAPTERTHREE

‘Reload!Iwantincendiariestocoverourflanks.Heatdisruptsthexenostargetingscanners.Setthiswholeblastedridgeonfireifyouhaveto,’Cemakarroaredintohiscomm-unit.Aroundhim,theairwasfilledwiththethrumofthepowerfulenginesoftheHunter’sStroke.Otherthanthecrew,heandJebeweretheonlypassengersaboardtheRazorback.Hisaugmentedhearingcouldpickupeverygrindofthetreadsandeverysquealofthearmouredplatesflexing.Eventhecompany’sTechmarinesdidn’thaveOldShatterhand’searforailingpistonsandfrayingfilters.Hegrinnedtohimself,butwascarefulnottoletitshowonhisface.The

childrenthoughthedidn’tknowabouttheirnameforhim.Heflexedhishand,feelingthepullofoldwoundsbeneaththewhiteceramite.Hehadalmostlostitonce,pullingascreaming,pulingwetthingoutofthecorruptedchassisofoneofthenightmareenginesoftheGreatEnemy.Hehadtornthechassisopenandplungedhishandthroughtheacidicbilethathadfilledit,evenastheenginehadtriedtoscissorhiminhalfwithitsbattle-claw.Ithadbeenanecessity,atthetime.Nowitwasastory,tobepassedaroundthefire.Suchwasthewayofit.JebegruntedindisgustandCemakardroppedhishand.‘Weshouldn’tbe

disruptingthem.Weshouldbeattackingthem,’hesaid.‘Ithoughtwewerefighting,oldman.’Thechampioncrouchedawkwardlyinhisseat,hisswordacrosshisknees.Whyhedidn’tjustsheaththedamnthing,Cemakardidn’tknow.Nordidhebothertoask.TheonlythingmoreworthlessthanJebe’s

opinionwas…well,therewasn’treallyanythingmoreworthlessthanthat.‘Wearefightingthem,ordidyounotnoticethegunfire?’Cemakarspat.He

pausedtoglareatthechampion.Cemakarhadseenahundredwarriorstakeupthecompany’shonourfortheirown,andofthathundred,Jebewaseasilythemostannoying.HewastheyoungesttoholdthatpositionsinceKor’sarrohimself,andhistrophy-polewasoverbalancedwithskullsandscalps.Hesawamulishglintflareinthechampion’seyes.‘That’snotwhatImeant,’Jebesaid,‘Weleftthekhan.Weshouldnothave

donethat!’‘No,weshouldn’thave,’Cemakarsaid.‘Butheiskhan.Andwehaveourtask.

Letustryandaccomplishitwithwhatgracewemay.’Helookedhardatthechampion.‘Withdraw,andthenreturn.Thatisourway.Strike,rideandstrikeagain.’Heturnedandhammeredonthereinforcedturret,wheretheRazorback’sgunnerwasbusyfiringatthetauthathadpursuedthem.They’dmanagedtopullroughlyhalfofthetauforceintheirwake.Everythingthatcouldkeepupwiththemhadcomeafterthem.Thatlessenedthepressureonthekhan,butitwasgoingtomakecontactingGharchaialmostimpossible.‘KeepthekhamarfromgettingtooclosetoYesugei’sTeeth,Mongke,orI’llhaveyourtopknot,’hesaid,referringtotheWhirlwind.Theyneededthebattletankinonepieceandfunctional.Heturnedandmadehiswaytothedriver’scompartment.‘What’swaitingforus?’heasked,leaningthroughthehatch.‘Oursensorsandcommunicationsarestilljammed,’thedriversaid.‘We’re

chargingblind.’Hepaused,andthenadded,‘Notthatthat’sanythingnew.’‘Solongaswekeepcharging,’Cemakargrunted,droppingahandonthe

SpaceMarine’shelmetandgivingitashake.‘Don’tstop,Tolui.Ourkhan’slifedependsonourspeed.’‘SpeedIcangiveyou.Justdon’taskmetogetusthereinonepiece,’Tolui

said.Cemakarcouldhearthegrininhisvoice,eventhoughhisfeatureswerehiddenbeneathhishelmet.Henodded,pleased.ItwasgoodthatToluiwascheerful.Warwasacraft,andacraftsmanmusttakepleasureinhiswork,elsewhydoit?AsCemakarslippedbackintothepassengercompartment,thecomm-beadin

hisearcrackled.‘Report,’hesaid.‘We’ve–ostconta–ithTulwar,’avoicespat.Theurgencyofthewords

carriedthroughthehissofstatic,ifnotthewordsthemselves.Cemakarcursed.Thevehicleshadlimitedcontact,thankstothetaujammingsignal.Therecouldbeanynumberofreasonsthey’dlostcontact.IftheRhinohaddriftedtoofar

behindtheothers,evenbyjustafewmetres,thesignalcouldhavesuccumbedtotheinterference.‘Getthatdamnhatchopen,’heshoutedbackatthecrewcompartment.‘Whichone?’Toluicalledback.‘Whichone,hesays.TheoneI’mstaringat,youhorse’sknuckle,’Cemakar

snarled.HesnatcheduphisbolterandstompedtowardstheRazorback’srearhatch.Jebewasonhisfeetandahalfpacebehind.Cemakarthrustafingerathimwithoutstopping.‘You,stay.’‘But–’Jebebegan.‘MyRazorback,myrules,’Cemakarsnapped.‘Iseveryonegoingtoarguewith

metoday?’Hedidn’tbotherwaitingforareply.Insteadhehurriedtotherearhatch.Hecheckedthebolter’sclipashemoved.Thepneumaticsthatcontrolledthehatchhissedasitopenedwide,lettinginthecoldandsnow.Cemakargrabbedadanglingequipmentstrapandsteppedtotheedge,hiseyesnarrowedagainsttheglareofthemoonlightonthesnow.TheyhadreachedthenarrowestpointofRimeCrag,wheretherockyground

thinnedtoabarelypassablelip,justaboveasnow-encrustedslope.Theslopeitselfwasanundulatingribbonofrockthatstretcheddownintooneofthemanybasinvalleysthatnowdottedthepoisonoussurfaceofthehiveworld.Thebasinswereinactualityimmense,kilometres-acrossimpactcraters,souvenirsofanInquisition-sanctionedExterminatusatsomepointinAgrellan’shistory.Cemakarinhaledthepoisonousair,snortedandspatagobbetofacidicspittle.Theplanetwasadeathtrap.Thetauwouldhaveignoredit,andrightly,ifithadn’toccupiedthesectorofspaceitdid.Itwasakeyworld.TotaketheDamoclesGulfthexenoshadtotakeAgrellan.Yesugei’sTeethwasjustbehindthem,itsmissilepodsswivellingasitsought

outtargets.Bikesroaredpast,jinkinginandoutoftheline.BehindtheWhirlwind,oneoftheRhinostrundledalong,aWhiteScarinthecupola,hishandsonthegripsofthestormbolter.Overhead,theroaroftheRazorback’sheavyboltershadfaded,leavingbehindonlythegrindinggrumbleofthetreadsrollingoverrockandsnow.Thetauvehicleswhichhadbeenharryingthemhadfallenback.Cemakargrunted.Hehadn’texpectedthat.Hecranedhisneck,tryingtospotthesecondRhino.Hadtheyfallenbehind,or…?Darkthoughtsflickeredacrossthesurfaceofhisconsciousness,stirringfromcynicalrecessesofamindhardenedinthewaysofwar.Theexplosion,whenitcame,wasnotasurprisesomuchasanunwelcome

confirmationofhissuspicions.Hesawaflamingchunkofwreckageslidedown

theslopefarbehindthem.HeknewinstantlythatthewarriorsaboardTulwarwereasgoodasdead,whethertheyhadbeenintheRhinoornot.Hecursed.Thetauhadbeenpreparedforabreakout.Nowondertheydidn’tputupmuchinthewayofresistance,hethought.Heconsideredorderingthebikestocheckforsurvivors,andthendismissedthethought.Theyhadtheirtask,andhe’dbedamnedifhe’dletafewfilthykhamarpreventthemfromaccomplishingit.Hetappedthebeadinhisear.‘Hasik,’hegrowled.Statichissedinhisearashetriedtomakecontactwiththeleaderofthebikes.Hecursedandpushedon,ontheoffchanceHasikwasreceivinghim,‘Hasik,keepgoing,whateverhappenstous.MakecontactwithGharchai.Thatisyouronlyduty.’HebegantoordertheWhirlwindtocollapsetheridgeshelfbehindthem,in

ordertostallwhateverthetauhadunleashed,whenflickeringshapeslandedontothebattletankfromabove.TheStealthsuitscrawledoverthetopofthetank,andtheyfiredathim.CemakarbellowedinfuryasprojectilesricochetedthroughouttheRazorback’sinterior.Heletlooseaburstwithhisbolterandslammedafistrepeatedlyagainstthetopofthehatch.‘Mongke,youblindbovid-brained…’hebegan.Hefalteredasawhite-armouredbodytumbleddownontotheloweredlipofthehatch,andsplashedbloodacrosshisfeet.Mongke,herealised,asthekrootswungdownintotheRazorback.Therewerefiveofthealienmercenaries.Theywerecoveredinpatchywhitefurovertheirrubberyhideandtheirskullspinesrattledastheycameforhimwithraucousshrieks.Thekrootworeheavyharnesses–rappellinggear,hethought–andcarried

thick,serratedblades.TheyhadlikelybeenlurkingonthecragsaboveandpouncedassoonastheRazorbackpassedbeneath.‘Jebe!’heroared,smashingthefirstofthemasidewithhisbolter.Thekrootspunawayandoutoftheopenhatch,buttheotherspaiditnoheed.Theyslammedintohim,knockinghimoffhisfeet.Ugly,veinedairsacsdecoratedtheirwattlethroats,andpulsedwetlyasthecreatures’breathraspedintheirlungs.Thexenoscannibalshadtheabilitytoadapttotheirsurroundings,heknew.ThesehadobviouslyfiguredoutawaytosurviveinAgrellan’svirus-ridden,bomb-ravagedenvironment.Theirbladesscoredhisarmourashewrestledwiththem.Hewasheavierand

stronger,buttheyhadtheadvantageofnumbersandarawferocitythatwouldhaveputanorktoshame.He’dlosthisbolterinthefall,andheclawedforthecombatknifesheathedonhishipashegrabbedasnappingbeakthathaddartedforhisface.ThreeofthekrootscrambledoffhimandstartedtowardsthefrontoftheRazorback.Cemakarhadnotimetoshoutanotherwarning.Hisattacker’sbladeslidbetweenhisshoulderplateandgorget,tearingthroughthecarapaceto

digintothetoughfleshbeneath.Heleftofftryingtograbhisknifeandinsteadgrabbedthekroot’savianskullinbothhandsandjerkedittowardshim.Theirskullsconnectedwithanaudiblethumpandthekrootrearedbackinsurpriseandpain.Cemakargrappledwithit,andtheyrolleddowntheloweredhatch,bumping

overMongke’slimpbody.Hedroveafistintoitsside,andwasrewardedbythesnapofbones.Thekrootshrilledandslashedathim.Hecaughtitswristanddrovehispalmupintoanoddlyjointedelbow,shatteringthejoint.Then,withajerk,hedrovethecreature’sownbladeintoitsthroat.Hebootedthebodyofftheramp,anditwasswiftlygroundundertheWhirlwind’streads.Hegruntedinsatisfactionandlookedup.TheStealthsuitsweretoobusyto

noticehim.TheywerepreoccupiedfiringattheRhino’sgunner,whowastryingtodrawabeadonthecreatureswithhisstormbolterwithoutdamagingtheWhirlwind.Heturnedtoreclaimhisbolter,andhenearlyslammedface-to-beakwithakroot.Startled,healmosttoppledfromtheramp,butregainedhisbalance.Thekroottumbledpasthim,trailingblood.‘Isthatallofthem?’Jebeasked.Thechampionwascoveredinblood,noneof

ithis.Cemakarwonderedhowhe’dmanagedtoemployhisswordinthecloseconfinesoftheRazorback.HegesturedbacktowardstheWhirlwind.‘Stowaways,’herasped,grabbingholdofMongkeanddragginghimupthe

rampandbackintotheRazorback.Jebereachedoutahandandhelpedhim.‘Tulwarisgone.Orchaiisgoingtoneedsomehelp.Grabmy–whatintheninehellsareyoudoing?’‘Helping,’Jebesaid,stalkingoutontotheramp,swordinhand.Withouta

backwardsglance,hegatheredhimselfandleapt,clearingthedistancebetweentheRazorback’srampandtheWhirlwind’sfronthull.Heslammedintothelatterandscrambledup.Ashereachedthetop,hisbladeseemedtospininhishandsandaStealthsuitexplodedandtumbledawayinacloudofsmokeandsnow,clovenfromhiptoshoulder.Theremainingtwoturned,andJebechargedtowardsthem.Hisbladelickedout,peelinganarmourplatefromone,andtheforceoftheblowsentthetauspinningfromtheWhirlwind.Thetautriedtoactivateitsjetpack,buttoolateasitstruckarockyoutcroppingandvanished.Theremainingxenosfired,andJebeleaptfromthetopoftheWhirlwind.He

caughtholdofthesidehatch,anddangledforamoment,tryingtorighthimself.Theremainingsirgumacrouchedontheedgeoftheroofandtookaim,butbeforeitcouldfire,thestormbolterontheRhinoroaredandthetauvanishedinaburstofblood,smokeandmangledarmour.Jebelaughedasitfellpasthimand

vanisheddowntheslope.BeforeCemakarcoulddomorethanshakehisheadindisbelief,thefaceofthe

ridgebehindtheRhinobulgedoutwardssuddenly.Cemakar’seyeswidenedasthemassivebattlesuittoreitswayoutoftheconcealedalcovethathadbeencarvedintothecurveoftheridgeandploughedthroughthesnowbehindtheRhino.Itwasbiggerthananyotherbattlesuithe’dhadthebadfortunetoencounter,atleasttwicetheheightoftheothers,androughlythesamesizeastheImperialKnights.HewatchedasthemassiveconstructhurledthecamouflagedtarpaulinthathadhiddenitsalcoveasideandracedfortheRhino,snowbillowinginitswake.Itwasfast,toofastforitssize.‘Toyourrear,’heroared,‘looktoyourrear!’TheSpaceMarineintheRhino’scupolatensed,andbegantoturn,buttoolate.

Thebattlesuitwasonthetransportamomentlater,grabbingitsrear.TheenginestutteredastheRhino’streadslosttheirgripontheground.CemakarcouldonlygapeastheRhinowasupendedandsentcrashingdownontopoftheWhirlwind.Thelatter’smissilepodexplodedingoutsofflame,asmissilesdetonatedorfiredautomaticallyandtheforceofitflungCemakarbackwardsintotheRazorback.Flamesfilledtheloadingbay,obscuringthefateofthebattletankandJebeboth.Hecoughedandgropedhiswaytohisfeet,half-blindandmostlydeaf.Hestaggeredtowardsthecrewcompartment.‘Tolui,haveyoumadecontactwiththeKhwarezmianyet?’hecroaked.He

peeredoutthroughtheviewslit.Hecouldseetheshapesofthebikes,orwhathehopedwerethebikes,hurtlingfarahead.Hasikhadgothismessage–orhewasseizingtheinitiative.Eitherway,themessagewouldgetthrough.‘No,’thedriversaidtersely.‘Mongke?’heasked.‘Dead,’Cemakarsaid.‘We’rethelast,besidesHasikandhisriders.Keepus

moving.Don’tstop.Whateveryoudo,don’tstop…’hetrailedoffastheridgefaceinfrontofthembulged,andasecondbattlesuitburstintoview,blockingtheirpath.Heleanedforward.‘Ramit!’Toluicomplied,butCemakarknewthatitwastoolittle,toolate.Thebattlesuit

levelleditsweapon,andfired.

‘Heretheycome,’Kor’sarrosaid.Hestoodamidsttheimprovisedstrongpoints,infullviewofthegap.Moonfangwasplantedinthegroundbeforehim,hispalmsrestingonthepommel.Godiandtheotherdesignatedheavyboltergunnerhadretreatedbehindcoverassoonasthey’dre-enteredthebastionathiscommand.HewasMasteroftheHunt,andthehonourofdrawingtheirpreyin

felltohim.Kor’sarrowatchedthewhite-armouredformsofthefirewarriorscreep

forwardinsilence.Theymovedwithinhumanprecision,morelikeaflockofbirdsoraherdofhorsesthanmen.Snowcrunchedbeneaththeirfeetastheycame,andhecouldsmelltheodd,brineytangoftheirbloodontheair.TheminesthebarrageofCastellanshadlaidhaddonetheirwork.Theonlypathofassaultthatremainedtothetauwasthroughthebreachinthewall.Theassaulthadbegunasthesnowhadslackened.Herecalledfromthe

briefingshe’donlyhalf-listenedtothatinclementweatherplayedhavocwiththetausensors,andcamouflagetechnology.They’dfiredatthewallsandtherockyescarpmentthatroseoverit,droppingsnowandrockonthebastion.AllofitwasintendedtodrivetheWhiteScarsbackfromthewalls,toforcethemtoseekcoverinsmallerandsmallerholes.Itwasasimpleenoughplanandcunning,forallitignoredthatspeedwasnotsimplyamatterofspace.Behindthefirewarriors,theHammerheadhadceaseditsbarrage.Hecould

hearthewhineoftheapproachingbattlesuits,andsmellthesearingstinkoftheenergiesusedbythetauweapons.Thefirewarriorswouldseektopushthemback,andkeepthempinnedinonespot,easymeatforthebattlesuits.Ontopofthewalls,hazyshapesflickeredandmoved,theirpresencerevealedbythedriftingsnow.Reddotssuddenlyappearedonhischest,bobbingacrosstheaquilabeforeveeringofftoseekoutotherprey.‘Ambaghai,’hesub-vocalised.‘Iseethem,mykhan,’theStormseersaid.TheStealthsuitswerethereonlyto

keepthemboxedin,Kor’sarrothought.Hecouldhavebeenwrong,buthedoubtedit.Theylikelyhadordersnottoengage,unlessabsolutelynecessary.‘Canyoucallthestorm?’heasked.Thetauhadreachedthegapinthewall.

Hislipspeeledbackfromhisteethinafiercesmile.Comeon,justafewstepsfarther,hethought.‘Thespiritsofthisworldaredull-wittedandthewindsstubborn,butIthinkI

canconvincethesnowstofall,’Ambaghaisaid.Kor’sarrocouldhearthestrainintheStormseer’svoice,eventhroughthefuzzofthestaticthatafflictedthevox-channelthankstothetaujammingfrequencies.HewasaskingmuchofAmbaghai,buttheyneededanyadvantagetheycouldget.Whentheassaultfailed,thetauwouldlikelymovestraighttotryingtotearthebastionapartaroundthem.Whenthathappened,theymighthavetomove,Khwarezmianorno,andthesnowwouldbeasgoodadistractionastheycouldhopefor.‘Takeyourtime,’Kor’sarrosaid.‘TheyoweusforBokandJochi.Iwould

havethempaytheirdebtsoonest,andatonce.’Thefirewarriorshadclearedthe

breach.Iftheynoticedthewaytherubblehadbeencleared,andsituated,theygavenosign.Perhapstheysawbutdidnotunderstand.Perhapstheyunderstood,butcameonregardless.Kor’sarrothoughtitwasthelatter,andbowedhishead.Bravepreywasthebestprey.Then,heclaspedMoonfangbyitshiltandjerkedthesoftlyhummingbladefromthegroundinasprayofsnowandstone.Heglidedforwards,palmflatonMoonfang’spommel,thetipoftheblade

angleddown.Thetauhadstopped,unpreparedforanassaultbyasinglewarrior.Kor’sarrogaveabarkoflaughter.Asifinslowmotion,thepulseriflesswungtowardshim,andheheardtheroughsibilantsofthetaulanguagecracklethroughtheair.Hislaughgrew,spearingoutaheadofhim,liketheshadowofaswoopingeagle.Alienfingerstwitchedontriggers,butslow,tooslow.Moonfang’spommel

rolledbeneathhispalmandthebladearcedup.Hisgriploosenedandthebladescythedout.Afirewarriorlostitshead,andbloodsprayedacrossthefrontofitscomrades’helmets.Kor’sarrowasamongthemamomentlater.Moonfangspuninhisgrip,andthemachine-spiritwithinthepowerswordpulsedfiercelyasittastedxenosblood.Heloppedofflimbsandheads,shatteredweaponsandcrackedarmour.Wastenomovement,Kor’sarrothought.Hiselbowcaughtafirewarriorinthe

chest,crushingthedelicatebonesbeneaththearmour,ashepulledMoonfangacrossathroat.Hewhirledandchoppedthroughthebarrelofapulserifle.Donotbotherwithflourishorflair,concentrateontheprinciple,completethecanvasinasmanystrokesasittakes,nomore,noless,hethought,leaningbackasashort-barrelledpulsecarbinecracked.Hefelttheheatoftheshotasithurtledpasthimandtheworldspedupashehunchedforwards,pivotedanddroveMoonfangthroughtheshooter’schesthardenoughtoliftthetauoffitsfeetandnailittothewall.Hejerkedthebladefreeandsteppedback,armsspread,xenosblooddrippingfromhisarmourandsword.Hegazedatthefirewarriorteamsthathadstoppedjustbeforethewall.Their

advancehadfalteredinthefaceofhisattackonthefirstteamthroughthebreach.Armsstillspreadhesteppedback,asifinvitingthemintohistent.Thesnowhadbeguntofallmoreheavily,andthewindstirredwhathadalreadyfallen,rousingitintoundulatingflurries.Kor’sarrosmiledandloweredhisarms.Ambaghaihaddoneaspromised.HeplantedMoonfangintothegroundinfrontofhim.Hemadeabeckoninggestureandsaid,‘Well,who’snext?’

ThurskshookhisheadashewatchedKor’sarrotrotbackbehindcover,hispath

pepperedwithafusilladefromtheadvancingfirewarriors.Thekhanhadhisswordrestingonhisshoulder,andpaidnoattentiontotheshotsthatsizzledthroughtheairabouthim.AWhiteScarhandedhimabolterandhenoddedagreeably,sheathinghisblade.‘He’smad,’Thursksaid,ashereturnedfire.‘No,heisanartist,’Ambaghaisaid.TheStormseersatonthegroundbeside

Thursk,hishandsonhisstaffandhisheadbowed.Hisvoicewastightwithstrain,andhiseyesglowedwithaneeriebluelight.‘Asculptor,whoshapesviolencethewaythemenofQo-Chinshapedclaytomaketheflutedtea-bowlssoprizedbythatfolk.’Ashespoke,thesnowflurriesgrewmoresavage,andthewindwhippedthroughthecourtyardwithashriek.Thurskdidnotreply.Heutilisedthebolterwiththeprecisionthathadbeen

drilledintohimduringthestandattheCathedraloftheEmperorOssified,oneshot,onekill.Anymorewaswaste,andinasituationlikethis,wastewasasmuchanenemyastheoneinfrontofyou.Thefirewarriorsmovedswiftly,buttheyhadnowheretogo.TheWhiteScarshadcreatedakillingground,andconvincedthetautowalkobliginglyintoit.Nonetheless,thexenosseemeddeterminedtomakeafightofit.Orkswouldhavesimplycharged,anddiedinwaves.Butthetauwarriorswere

smarterthanthat.Thefirewarriorteamsleapfroggedpastoneanother,firstoneteammoving,andthenthenext,eachonecoveringtheotherasbesttheycould.Moredronesbuzzedoverthem,absorbingsomeofthepunishmentmeantforthefirewarriorsinasplashofcracklingenergy.Shielddrones,Thurskrealised.Pulseburstsscarredtheimprovisedbarricadehecrouchedbehind,buthe

ignoredthedustandflindersofstonewhichspatteredacrosshishelmet.OneoftheWhiteScarswassinging.Otherstookthesongup,andthesoundofitseemedtoaffectthetauasbadlyastheboltershellsthattorethelifefromtheirfellows.Thefirewarriorsbegantofallback,someattemptingtodragtheirwoundedwiththem.Thursksawsomethingoutofthecornerofhiseyeandslidaround.BurstcannonroaredandtheWhiteScarnearesthimstaggered.Thursklunged

tohisfeet,grabbedthewoundedSpaceMarineandflunghimtothegroundbehindhim.Throughtheeddyingsnow,hesawtheshapeofaStealthsuitcrouchedonthestrongpoint,cannonwhirring,withsmokerisingfromthebarrel.Twomoresuitsracedacrossthetopsofthestrongpoints,seekingtocoverthefirewarriors’retreat.Theyattackedandhoppedaway,seekingtodivertratherthankill.

Heswunghisbolteruptowardstheoneclosesttohim,andagundronesmashedintohim,knockingtheweaponfromhishand.Thursk’sotherhandsnappedout,snaggingthedrone.Heyankeditinfrontofhimastheburstcannonspat.Thestormofprojectileschewedthedronetopiecesanddrewsparksfromhisarmour,staggeringhim.HesawtheotherStealthsuitsclosingin.He’dmadehimselfatarget.Hehurledthesmoking,spittingdroneattheclosestoneandleaptforhisaxewherehe’dleftitleaningagainstthestrongpoint.Hesnatcheditupastheburstcannonchewedthegroundaroundhim.ThewoundedWhiteScarfiredattheStealthsuit,drawingitsattention.Thursk

launchedhimselfatitwhileitwasdistracted,andhisaxeshearedthroughthebarrelofitsweapon.Itslashedathimwiththeruinedgun,andheducked.Asitmadetoleapoutofrange,helungedandhookeditwithhisaxe,haulingitforwards.Thetauinsidesqualledashewrappedhisarmaroundthesuit’sshouldersanddroveitheadfirstintothewallofthecommandcentreashardashecould.Metalbuckledandthealienvoicewasstilled.Heshovedthedeadweightasideandrose,axeready.Thedeadalien’scomradeshadretreated,theirjetpackscarryingthembacktothewallandthenoverit.Theyhadaccomplishedtheirtask,however.Thefirewarriorshadretreatedbackthroughthebreach.ThurskhauledthewoundedWhiteScartohisfeetandhelpedhimwalktothe

commandcentre.Thewarriorgruntedhisthanks.Thursksethimdownandrejoinedtheothersoutside.‘They’vetriedtheblade,nowthey’llusethehammer,’Kor’sarrosaid,his

voicecarryingclearlythroughthevox-channel.‘Digin,andreadyyourselvesforthestorm.They’llsendintheirassaulttroopsassoonasthedusthascleared.’ThekhansawThurskandgesturedtohim.‘ThePhobianisincommand.’HestrodetowardsThurskandknockedaknuckleagainsthisaquila.‘We’vegotsometime.They’llneedtoregroup,andAmbaghai’ssnowswillkeepthematbayforalittlewhile.I’mgoingtoseeifOldShatterhandhasdoneashepromised.Holdtheline,brother.’‘Mykhan,’Thursksaid.Kor’sarronoddedandenteredthecommandcentre.

ThursklookedaroundatthewatchingWhiteScarsandtookasteadyingbreath.‘Well,youheardhim.Digin.It’sstillalongwayyetuntilmorning.’

Kor’sarromovedthroughthedarkenedbase.Thecomm-beadinhisearsparkedandspluttered,andhewincedandtappedatit.Thelocalfrequencieswerestillbeingjammed.Heneededtobeinamongsthiswarriorsforthevoxtowork.He’dleftaSpaceMarinenamedCholkinthecommandcentre,inanattemptto

boostthesignalusingasparevox-unit.TheWhiteScarshadlearnedoverthecenturiesofincessantwarfarethatspecialisationwastheenemyofeffectivebattlefieldoperations.Or,soitwas,atleast,fortheirsortofoperations.EveryWhiteScarhadtobeanarmyinandofhimself,capableoffixinghisownbike,orseeingtohisownhurtsonthemove.TheStar-Huntwouldnotbeslowed.Assuch,thewarriorsunderhiscommandhadpickeduptheirfairshareof

skills.Cholkknewalmostasmuchaboutlong-rangecommunicationasoneoftheordu’sownvox-specialists.Hehadn’tbeenhappyatbeingleftoutofthefight,butsacrificeshadtobemadeforthesuccessfulprosecutionofahunt.Kor’sarrosmiledatthethought,butitfadedashisnosecaughtthesharptang

ofblood.Hishandflewtothehiltofhisswordashesteppedintothecentralchamberofthecommandcentre.Cholkwasdead,hisarmourrippedandtorn,theblackcarapacevisible,andthecontactnodesexposedandbloody,asifhe’dbeencaughtinanexplosion,hishandonlybarecentimetresfromhisbolter.Thevox-unitwassmashed.Thehologramspunaroundandaround,showingRimeCragfromeveryangle.HesawmarkersindicatingwhathethoughtwereCemakarandtheothers,movingalongtheridge.Moremarkers,oneshedidn’trecognise,closedin,boxingtheconvoyin.Themarkersflaredandfaded.‘Trapswithintraps,’hemuttered.Itwasanartfulstrategy,takenataremove.

He’dbeenbaitedin,andhisfangs,clawsandscalespluckedfromhimpiecemeal,shearinghimofhisweapons.Anditwasonlypartofagreaterwhole,heknew.Thatwaswhatmadeitallsogalling.He’dcometoAgrellan,convincedhewasthehunter.Instead,he’dbecomethe

hunted,andShadowsunwasonhistrail,chivvyinghimalongtoapointofherchoosing.Helookedaround,sensesstrainedtotheirutmost.Helookedatthehologramagain,andsawtwomarkersthatweresimilar.Somethingaboutthem,aboutthecolourandthecrudeslashesthatdesignatedthem,proddedhismemory.Onemarkerwasontheridge,andinvolvedintheaffrayaroundtheconvoy.Theotherwasinsidethebastion.Histhoughtscrystallised.Thebasehadn’tbeendefendedbecauseitwasa

trap–thatmuchwasobvious.Buttherewereobvioustraps,andmoresubtleones.Thetauhadexpectedthemtohold,ortorun,andhadplannedforeithercontingency.TheyknewthatitwouldbedifficulttoprytheWhiteScarsout,oncethey’ddugin,anddifficulttoslowdown,oncethey’dbeguntomove,butwhybotherwhenyourgoalisthedeathofone,ratherthanmany?Metalcreaked.WhateverhadkilledCholkhadn’tbeenatau.Tooquiet,too

vicious…hecaughtawhiffofanacrid,avianodourandgrunted.Shadowsun

wantedtobringhimtoheel,soshe’ddispatchedthebesthuntingdogsatherdisposaltosettheirteethinhislegs.Whilethetauharried,distractedanddisorientated,thetruehuntersstruckoutattheirprey.‘Ihearyou,’hesaid,softly.‘Ismellyou.’Hedrewhisbladeslowly.Theywere

allaroundhim,thoughhehadn’tnoticedthemwhenhe’dentered.They’dmaskedtheirodoursomehow,orhadbeenhidingelsewhereinthebastion.Hefrowned.Heshouldhaveorderedasearchofthebastionafterall.Thefirstofthekrootcameathimfromtheside.Hecaughtsightofleathery

musclesandrattlingspinesasitsprangforhimfromoutofnowhere,seeminglyappearingoutofthinair.Thekrootsqualledasitchoppeddownathim.HeinterceptedtheblowwithMoonfang,andthealien’scrudeweaponshattered.Beforethecreaturecouldreact,Kor’sarrobroughtthetipofthebladeacrossitsthroatashedrewhisboltpistol.Asthefirstkrootfell,hewasalreadyfiringatthesecond,whichslitheredacrossthewallathimwithreptilianspeed.Thesecondalientumbleddown,itsskullburstbyhisfirstshot.Butthereweremore.Bladesscissoreddown,carvinggougesinhisarmourashewhirled.Therubberyhidesofthekrootswamwiththecoloursofthecommandcentreastheybledintoview,comingathimfromalldirections,quillsrattling.Theycarriedonlyblades,likelyhopingtoavoidtheattentionofthebastion’sdefenders.Theycrouchedonthehologramdais,clungtothewallsandstalkedacrossthefloor,croakingandclickingtooneanotherintheirdebasedbeast-tongue.Kor’sarrosmiledandsteppedback,armsspread.‘Comethen,beasts.Cometothehuntsman.’Thekrootswarmedforward.Kor’sarrobackhandedonewithhispistol,and

fangsbrokeandflewasthebeast’savianheadsnappedbackwards.Heblockedaknifethatdugforhisgut,andchoppedthroughanexposedneckwithMoonfang.Alienbloodsplashedacrosstheconsolesashepivoted,slashedandspun.Hisattackersdidnotretreat,leapingonhimwithharshcries.Theyseemedeagertoclaimthegiftofdeath,andKor’sarrocouldnotbringhimselftodenythem.Ashefought,hemarvelledatthecomplexityofthesnarethathehadfound

himselfin.Shadowsunhadlaidtrapswithintrapswithintraps,paringhisforcesdown,peelingawayhisweaponsanddefences,likeahunterisolatingalonebovidfromitsherd.Buttherewassomethinghewasstillmissing.Sohefought,andinthefighting,foundunderstanding.Theanswer,whenitcrystallised,madehimlaughoutloud.HebroughtMoonfangdownontheskullofthelastofthekroot,killingthealienwarriorinstantly.Then,withoutaspareglanceforthebloodywreckageheleftbehindhim,hestrodeoutofthecommandcentre.

Shadowsunwashere.Forallhercunning,forallherskill,shewasstillahuntress.Andnohunter,howeverskilledorcanny,couldresistbeinginatthekill.Kor’sarrosmiled.Thenightwasnotyetdone,andhehadanoathtofulfil.‘Ihearyouhuntress,Ihearthesoundofyourhorn.AndKor’sarroKhanis

coming!’

CHAPTERFOUR

Jeberolledontohisfaceandpushedhimselftohisknees.Hisarmourwascoveredinscorchmarksanddullgreypatcheswherethecolourhadbeenstrippedfromitbyhisfalldowntheslope.Hehadheldontohissword,despiteeverything.Thatwassomecomfort,thoughnotasmuchashe’dhoped.TheexplosionthathadconsumedtheWhirlwindhadhurledhimdowntheslope,andhefelteverymetreofthatjourneyinhislimbsandskull.Snowspuninlazycirclesabouthim,andsmokeboileddownoffRimeCrag.

Heusedhisswordtoleverhimselftohisfeet.HispowerarmourhadabsorbedthebruntoftheWhirlwind’sdemise,butthefleshofhisfacefeltraw,andtherewasbloodonhisgorget.Theairtastedfoulaswell,andforamoment,hefoundhimselfwishingthathe’dwornhishelmet.Angrily,hepushedthethoughtaside.Hiskhandidnotwearone,sothe

championwouldnot.Thatwasthewayofit.Hewasthekhan’swill,thecompany’swill,mademanifest.Abovehim,heheardthewhineofservosandpistons,andsawthemassiveoutlineofthealienbattlesuitmovethroughthesmokeandtheflames.Hecouldhearthedullboomofbolterfire.Someonewasstillaliveupthere,andfighting.Somewherebelowhim,snowcrunched.Jebeturned.Lightlyarmouredtau

warriorsweremovinguptheslopetowardshim.Pathfinders,waswhattheImperialbriefinghadcalledthem.Hehadn’tbeenlisteningclosely.Jebedidn’tseemuchpointinnamingsomethingthathadbeenasgoodasdeadthemoment

itsetfootonanImperialworld.Theredbeamsofseveralmarkerlightsplayedacrosshisbatteredarmour,andhegrimaced.Hishanddartedfortheboltpistolholsteredonhiship,onlytofindtheholsterempty,andtatteredfromtheexplosion.Hedidn’twastehisbreathonacurse.Instead,hewhirledandsprinteduptheslope.Behindhim,thenightwaslitupwithpulsebursts.Theystrucktheslopeallaroundhimashepushedhisbatteredbodytoitslimits.Ifhecouldreachtheridge,thesmokeandflamewouldguardhimfrombeingshotdownlikeadog.Andhe’dgettofightsomethingworthyofhisblade.Hiseyeslockedonthe

bulkofthealienbattlesuitasitstalkedthroughthesmokeandsnow.ThatwaspreyworthyofthechampionoftheThird.Thesmokeenfoldedhimlikeamother’sarms.Theridgewascoveredindebris.Flamesrippledthroughtheair,streakingthe

night.Hecouldsmellspilledbloodandoil.Broadshapesflickeredeerilythroughthesmoke,likehuntingbeastsfollowingascent.Theyweremovinginpursuitofthreeofhisbrothers,oneofwhomwasbeingdraggedorcarriedbetweenthem.Theyfiredattheirpursuers,butbetweenthesnow,thesmokeandtheshimmeringcamouflageofthelatter,theirshotswentwild.Jebeliftedhisbladetohislipsandkisseditlightly.Thenhebegantohuntthehunters.Theyhadnoideahewasthere.Theyweretoointentonthelimping,straggling

figuresaheadofthem.Whenhestruckthem,itwaswithoutwarning,andwitheveryounceofspeedhecouldmuster.Hisswordchoppedintometalashisbootsnappedoutandup,catchingasecondxenosinthechest.Armourbuckledasthealienfell,andJebetorehisswordfree,sendingitslashingouttocatchathirdhunterintheshoulder.Heduckedunderthelatter’sburstcannonasitflailedoutathim,andgrabbeditashebobbedtohisfeet.Hereversedhisswordandsliditintothehunter’schestastheburstcannonbegantofire.Hejerkedthebodyaround,sothatthefusilladecaughttheremaininghunters.Asthelastofthemsankdown,wreathedinsmoke,herippedhisswordfree

andletthebodyfall.Helookedathisbrothers.Therewerethreeofthem,onesupportedbetweentheothertwo.‘Runninglikewhippedcurs,brothers?IsthathowthewarriorsoftheStar-Huntact?’‘Itiswhenwe’retheonesbeinghunted,’oneoftheSpaceMarinessaid

matter-of-factly.‘Wewereregrouping,withhaste.’Hehadlosthishelmet,andthescarsonhisfacestoodoutagainsthissoot-blackenedflesh,asdidthegleamingmetalcampaignstudsthatlinedthesideofhisskull.Hecarriedapowerglaivelooselyinhisfreehand,andbyitscondition,ithadseenmuchuse.

‘Wedonotneedtoregroup,’Jebesaid.‘TheKhaganoncesaid,“Bethecentreofeveryengagement,andvictorywillcomeonwingsofsmokeandwind.”’‘Wewerebeingthecentre,’theotherWhiteScarsaid.Hejerkedhisheadin

thedirectionthey’dbeengoing.Hecarriedabatteredbolter,itsslingwrappedtightaroundhisforearm.Polishedbonesandgoldenbellsdangledfromcordsthreadedthroughholespunchedinhisgorget.‘Wewerejustgoingtobeitoverthere,behindcover.’Jebemadetoarguethepoint,whenanenergyburstskiddedacrosshis

shoulderplate.Hewhirledaboutandsawthepathfindersapproachingthroughtheflamesandsmoke.Theheavyshapeofalarge,cylindricaldronefloatedabovethem,itsweaponsoscillating.Helookedbackattheothers.‘Overthere,yousay?’

CemakarbitbackagroanasToluipriedthefangofburnedmetaloutofhisbelly.Bloodpumpedaroundthewoundandthenquicklybegantocoagulate.Cemakarresistedtheurgetotouchitandsaid,‘Howbad,boy?’‘Rememberwhenthatgenestealerbityou?’‘Vividly,’Cemakarsaid.Theywerehunkeredbehindasectionofwreckage

fromtheRazorback.Toluihadmanagedtoanglethevehicleatthelastmomentsothattheblasthadstruckitsside,ratherthanitsfront,sparingthemtheworstofit.Evenso,theblasthadbeenstrongenoughtoteartheRazorbackapartandknockwhatwasleftofftheridgeanddowntheslope.Flamescracklednearby,andthefallingsnowturnedtosteambeforeitreachedthegroundthankstotheheatradiatingfromthewreckage.‘Worsethanthat,’Toluisaid.‘Doyoufeellikeyou’redying?’‘Iwouldn’tknow,’Cemakarsaid.Heleveredhimselfupontohiselbows.

‘Howmanysurvived?’Hecouldhearbolterfireabovethem,andthecomm-beadinhisearcrackled.Someonewasstillfighting.Thatmeanttheyhadachance,howeverslight.‘Enoughtomakethemwishthey’dkilledusall,firstpass,’Toluisaid.His

helmwasdentedandscorchedfreeofpaint,andoneofhiseye-lenseswascracked.Fromthesmell,Cemakarsuspectedthatthehelmethadbeenmeltedtohisdriver’sface.Toluigavenosignthathewasinpain,andCemakardecidednottoask.Toluihadneverbeenwhatonecouldcallattractiveanyway.‘Isalvagedtheportablevox-unit.’Heheftedtheboxycommunicationspack.‘Good.Keepatit,’Cemakargrunted,ashegrabbedholdofthesmouldering

wreckageandbegantopullhimselftohisfeet.Painrippledthroughhim,buthe

pusheditdown.Painwasjustareminderthathestillhadajobtodo.Whenitstopped,well,thatwaswhenitstoppedmattering.‘I’llbuyyouwhatgraceIcan.’Toluigrabbedhim.‘Giventhatmylegsstillwork,whatsayIleadthedance

oldman?’‘Mylegsstillwork,’Cemakarspat.‘Besides,Ihatethosethings.Icannever

getthemtowork.’Hegesturedplaintively.‘Givemeabolter,oraknifeor…something.Anything,’hesaid.Hetastedbloodandhawkedagobbetofsomethingdarkontotheground.Toluihandedhimthevox-unit.Cemakarsighedandslidbackdown.‘Fine,’hegrunted.HeglaredatTolui.‘IfIsurvivethis,I’llhaveyourskullmountedonmybike.’‘That’sthespirit,’Toluisaid.Heroseintoacrouch.‘I’llbebackdirectly.’‘Takeyourtime,’Cemakarsaid.‘I’lljustbeatanyenemieswhocomealongto

deathwiththishunkofuselessness.’Hepattedthevox-unit.HewatchedToluicreepthroughthesmokeandthenlookedatthevox-unit.It

squawkedathimandhegrimaced.‘WhereareyouKhwarezmian?Neveraroundwhenyourbrothersneedyou,’hegrowled.Hefumbledwiththedevice,tryingtopickupafrequency.Theywerestillbeingjammed.Thetauhaddoneagoodjob.Heleanedhisheadback,hismindsuddenlyawashwithpain.SpaceMarineswerebuilttodieslowly,byincrements,ratherthanallatonce.Itwasunseemlytogotooquicklyintothehowlingdark.Afterall,ifyoudiedtooquickly,thetech-brotherscouldn’tcramyouintoone

oftheirboxes.Heshudderedslightly,thinkingoftheGhostWarriors.BeinginterredinthesarcophagusofaDreadnoughtwasatonceahighhonour,reservedforonlythemightiestwarriors,andafatethatnoWhiteScarwouldwishonabrotheroftheordu.Toneverfeelthewindorthethrumofenginesagainwasahorrifyingthing.Helookedaroundhim,takinginthewreckage.Awaveofsadnesswashed

overhim.Asanaspirant,hehadhopedtobecalledtotheharnessandhydraulicsofthetech-brothers,tocommunewiththemachine-spirits.Instead,hehadtakenanotherpath.Butinhistwilight,hehadbeenallowedtomoveashewished,andhehadbecomeamasteroftanks.Thepurrofthegreatengineshadbeenhisbalmandaswelcomeasthevoicesofoldfriends.Hehadriddenwiththemintobattleafterbattle;theywereasclosetohimasanyhunt-brother.Hetouchedachunkoftwistedmetal.‘Iamsorry,myfriend,’hemuttered.Heclosedhiseyes.Whenheopenedthem,ashadowhadfallenoverhim.Helookedup.The

battlesuitloomedoverhim,likedeathincarnate,stinkingofspilledfuelandburningmetal.Howhaditgotsoclosewithouthimhearingit?Thelensinthecentreofitssquareheadwhirredandclickedasitfocusedonhim.Cemakareyedit,andheftedthevox-unitinaconsideringfashion.Then,withagrunt,hetossedthedeviceaside.Helookedupatthebattlesuit.‘Well?Ihaven’tgotallday,’hesaid.Thebattlesuitraisedthecannon-likeweaponthatoccupieditsleftarm,andhe

heardthesoundofitcyclinguptofire.Hespatagainandwipedhismouthwiththebackofhishand.Hewaited.Theconstructhesitated,asiflisteningtosomevoiceonlyitcouldhear.Itbegantoloweritsweapon.AchillcoursedthroughCemakar’sheartashecaughtsightoftheslowlyadvancingtauwarriorsmovingtowardshimfrombelow,weaponsattheready.Notdeath,then,butcaptivity.‘Oh,thatwon’tdo,’hemuttered,marshallingwhatremainedofhisstrength.ForaWhiteScar,captivitymightaswellhavebeendeath.Ifyoucouldn’tgetfree,youdiedintheattempt.Hebegantopushhimselftohisfeet.Thetaupaused,startledbyhissuddenmovement.‘Yes,that’sright,Icanstand,’hesaid,conversationally.Hiswordscarried

easilythroughthecoldair.‘Noweaponstospeakof,andIcantastedeathatthebackofmythroat,butIstillstand.Istilllive.’Heflexedhishands.Beneathhisgauntlets,hisknucklespopped.Helookedupatthebattlesuit.‘There’sasaying,onChogoris…keepadyingtigeratlance’slength.’Hegrinned.‘Yougottooclose.’Cemakarleapt,handsoutstretched.Thebattlesuitreactedpredictably.Itsweptoutonemassivearmandswattedhimfromtheair,ashe’dexpected.Hewassenttumblingdowntheslope.Thingsgroundtogetherwithinhim.Hecaughtholdoftheearth,digginghisfingersindeep,andhaltedhisslide.Everythinghurt.Butbetteraquickpainthanthelongagonyofcaptivity.Heshovedhimselfup.‘Once…ortwicemore…Ithink,’hecoughed,blood

specklinghisbeardandmoustaches.‘Nomorethanthat.I’manoldman,afterall.’Hestaggeredtowardsthetau,ballinghishandsintofists.Hechuckled,astargetinglightssquirmedacrosshistorso.‘Callthetune,fishbellies.Ihaven’tgotallday.’Snowswirledaroundhim,momentarilyobscuringtheenemy.Hiswoundshadopenedagain,andhecouldfeelbloodfillingthecranniesandcrevicesofhisarmour.Thisisagooddeath,hethought.Hehadalwayssuspectedhewoulddieamongsttheburningruinsofhisbelovedbattletanks.Hehadalwayshopedtodiethus.Thesnowcleared.Theenemyhadnotmoved.Butanewelementhadbeenaddedtothetableau.

Jebecrouchedonthewreckage,abandolierofgrenadesdanglingfromonehand,andhisswordintheother.Thechampionleaptontothebattlesuit,andswungthebandolieraboutitshead,activatingthegrenadesashesprangtotheground.Hewasinamongstthetauamomentlater,hisfirstblowshearingthroughalargedrone,andhisnextdispatchingatau.Jebemovedwiththewind,andtheedgeofhisbladewasthecurveofacrimsonwhirlwind.Thegrenadesexplodedandthebattlesuitteetered,smokeboilingfromits

orifices.Jebeignoredit,concentratingonthetau.Hisswordsweptout.TherewasabrutalpoetrytoJebe’swardance,asinuousmusicthatwasmadeknownintheraspofsteelonflesh,inthecrackleofthesword’spowercell,inthedullthunderofexplosionsandthescreamsofthedying.Inthemomentbetweenswordstrokes,JebewasthetruestheirtothelegacyoftheGreatKhan,andtheStar-Huntpersonified.Nomovementwaswasted,nowrongsteptaken.Everygesturewaslethal.Theairwasfilledwiththefoulbloodofthexenos,andtheydiedonebyone,barelyabletoregisterthestrikeswhichpuncturedtheirchestsorremovedlimbs.Jebeceasedhisdanceabruptly.Taufellallaroundhim,deadordying.He

movedtowardsCemakar,asthelattersanktohisknees,onehandonhisside.‘Easy,oldman,’Jebesaid.‘Youwillnotdiethisday.’‘Oh,willInot?’Cemakarcroaked,‘Whatashame.Iwaslookingforwardto

therest.’Hegestured.‘Thebigoneisstillonitsfeet.’Amissilesnarledoutofthesnowandstruckthereelingbattlesuit.Ittoppled

backwardswithallthegraceofafelledtree.Theslopeshookbeneaththeimpact.Jebesniffed.‘No,it’snot.’HehookedCemakar’sarmandguidedhimtohisfeet.Behindhim,CemakarsawToluiandtwootherslopingforwards,cradling

weaponsscavengedfromthewreckage.Oneofthenewcomershadanobviouslywoundedbattle-brotherslungoverhisshoulder.Toluicradledamissilelauncherthathadseenbettercenturies.‘Foundthem,’hesaid.Heheldupthemissilelauncher.‘Andthis,’headded.‘SoIsee,’Cemakargrunted.HelookedatTolui.‘Hasik,’hesaid.‘Nosignofhimorhisriders,’Toluisaid.‘Theymusthavegotthrough.’‘Orthey’redead,’Jebesaid.Anear-splittingwhinepiercedtheair,interruptinganyreplyCemakarmight

havemade.Asecondbattlesuitcrashedtothegroundnearthewreckofthefirst,andunleashedaburstoffirefromitscannon.CemakarshovedJebeasideandthebarragestruckthesectionofwreckagebehindthem,sendingitpinwheeling.

TheWhiteScarsscrambledforcover,firingtheirweapons.Boltersroared,andthebattlesuitadvancedtowardsthemthroughthestormofexplosiveshells,asiftheywerenomoresubstantialthanthefallingsnow.Theshieldonitsleftarmsparkedandshimmeredasitabsorbedtheincomingfire.Itpursuedthemuptheslope,drivingthembeforeit.Itsburstcannonbecamea

blurofdeath,fillingtheairwithlethalhornetsofexplosiveenergy.Jebe’sswordsparkedandrangasheblockedseveraloftheshots,andwasknockedbackseveralstepsforhispains.Cemakarcoughedandclawedhiswayuptheslope.Thingswerenobetteronhigherground.Toluiandtheothershadtakencover

amongsttheburningwreckageontheridge.TheguttedhulkoftheYesugei’sTeethandtheRhinothathadbeenthecauseofitsdemiseformedamakeshiftbulwark.Jebewasthelastuptheslope.Thebattlesuitfollowedthemslowly,apparentlycontenttoherdthemback.Anotherbattlesuitappearedattheothersideoftheridge.‘Formup,brothers,’Jebesaid.‘Stockadeformation,preparetorepelassault,’

headded.HetookaboltpistolfromoneoftheothersandshoveditintoCemakar’shands.‘Youaswell,oldman,’hesaid.Cemakarcheckedtheclipandlookedaround.Thebroadshapesofmore

hunters,armourshimmeringandfadingoutofsight,trudgedforwardsthroughthesnow.Thetwobattlesuitswaited,watchingtheWhiteScarswiththepatienceofwell-fedpredators.They’dbeatentheotherbycatchingitoffguard.Thesetwowereready,andsurroundedbymoreshielddrones.Andadvancinguptheslopeweremorepathfinders,moredrones,andmorevehicles.TheswiftestforcesthexenoshadattheirdisposalwerepittedagainsttheridersofChogoris.‘Keepthearmytogether,Isaid,’hesaid.‘Don’tgoharingoffafterghosts,I

said.Butdotheylisten?Ha!Dothey?Ofcoursetheydon’t.Wholistenstotheoldman?Nobody,that’swho,’hegrowled.‘Whatareyougnashingyourteethabout,oldman?’Jebemuttered,nottaking

hiseyesofftheenemy.‘Thelackofwisdomamongstmypeers,’Cemakargrunted.‘What?’‘Isaid,Iwonderwhatthey’rewaitingfor,’hesaid.‘We’reoutnumbered,

exposedandbloodied.Whyhaven’ttheykilledus?’Jebeglancedathim.Thechampionmadetoreply,whenthesuddenroarofa

jetpackwashedoverthem,andawhite-armouredform,slimmerandsmallerthantheotherbattlesuits,landedontheridgewithathump.Twoshielddronessweptaroundit,anditboretwofusionblasters,oneineachhand.Cemakar

grunted.Herecognisedthebattlesuiteasilyenoughfromthebriefingsthey’dbeengivenbeforemakingplanetfall.ItwasShadowsunherself,cometowatchherenemiesdieinperson.‘Offhand,oldman,I’dsaythat’swhy,’Jebesaidgrimly.

Thebastionshook,downtoitsfoundations.Theridgetrembledwiththethunderofalienweaponry.Superheatedplasmasearedthroughthecoldair,andtoregreat,smokingcratersinthecrumblingouterwall.Snowandshalefromtheupperreachesoftheridgecrasheddown,fillingthecourtyardwithanicymist.Ambaghai’ssnowhadproveneffectiveforafewminutes,givingtheWhiteScarsamoment’srespite,butthetaugunnershadcompensatedmorequicklythantheWhiteScarshadanticipated.TheWhiteScarshunkeredbehindtheirimprovisedbarricadesasthepounding

wentonandon.OneortwooftheSpaceMarineshadbeenhurt,butthebarragewasn’tmeanttokillthemsomuchasitwasmeanttokeepthemfromattackingthetauastheyreadiedthemselvesfortheirnextassault.Thurskcrouched,readytoriseassoonasthethunderceased.Throughtheceramiteofhisgauntlet,hecouldfeelthegroundshiverbeneathaheavytread.‘Heretheycome,’hesaid.HelookedoveratwhereAmbaghai,theStormseer,sat,headbowed.Manipulatingthewindsandsnowshadtakenmoreoutofhimthanhe’dadmitted.‘Areyouready,Stormseer?’Thursksaid,softly.‘Isanyoneeverready?Towaitforreadinessistonevermove.Onecanonly

prepareandseizethemomentwhenitpresentsitself,’Ambaghaisaid,withatiredsmile.‘Isthatayes?’Thursksaid.‘It’sascloseasyou’regetting,cousin,’Ambaghaisaid.‘Goodenough,’Thurskmurmured.Amomentlater,theouterwallshattered

likedroppedporcelain.Throughthesmokeanddustoftheexplosion,heavyshapesplungedintothecourtyard,weaponsscreaming.AWhiteScarnearThurskwaserasedfromsightbyablastthateradicatedthe

sectionofrubblehecrouchedbehind.‘Takethem,’heroared,risingtohisfeet.Hegrabbedthetopofthestrongpointandthrewhimselfover,axeinhand.FullyhalfoftheremainingWhiteScarsfollowedhim,bladesinhand.Somewieldedpowerglaives,orswords,butallwerearmedwithhandweapons,ratherthanbolters.Theyhadammunitiontospare,buttheshielddronesthataccompaniedthenewcomerswouldsimplysoakitup.

Behindthem,therestoftheWhiteScarsopenedupwitheverythingtheyhad,distractingthedrones,ashe’dhopedtheywould.Theenemyconstructswereannoying,butdumb.Theymovedtoblocktheincomingfire,andtheirshieldsnappedandsparked,lightingupthegloomoftheearlymorninghours.Thatleftonlythetrioofbattlesuits.Theywereformingthespear-pointofasecondassault.ThexenoswerecountingonthesuitstotearthroughtheSpaceMarineswiththesameeasethey’ddisplayedinrippingapartthewall.And,underdifferentcircumstances,theymighthavedoneso.ButThurskhadfoughtorksandtheirwarmachines,andheknewthatthe

powerofsuchaspearwaseasilybluntedanddivertedifyoukeptyourheadanddidn’tletthesize,speedorlikelihoodofyourimpendingmessydemisedistractyoufromit.Admittedly,thiswasharderthanitsounded,butiftherewasoneareawheretheDarkHuntersexcelled,itwasinkillingthingsthatwerebigger,louderandstrongerthanthem.OnPhobian,theSahrmataepeoplewhoroamedthemoonlitplainsofthe

night-worldfoughtinsilence,fortocryout,eveninpain,wastoattracttheattentionofthegreatbatsthathuntedtheskiesonsilentwings.Normally,theNokyrospreyedontheherdsofpale,cannibalhorseswhichroamedthebasinplains,butthey’deatamanjustashappily,sohuntingpartieswereoftenformedtocleanoutthoserooststhatweretooclosetohumanhabitation.TheDarkHunterstooktheirnamefromthebeasts,andtheirtactics,swift,silentandmerciless,fromthepeoplewhohuntedthem.Thurskhadonlyeverseenthebatsupcloseonce,andthatwaswhenhe’dbeen

anaspirant,andsentintotheblackcavernsbelowPhobian’ssurfacewithhissquadtobaptisetheiraxesinthebloodofoneofthegreat,savagebeasts.Thatbat,monstrousasithadbeen,hadnotworriedhimasmuchasthealienbattlesuitnowlopingsmoothlytowardshim.Thegroundshudderedbeneathhisfeetasitdrewclose.Hesethimself,andwaited.Breathe,wait,strike,hethought.Thewordshadbeendrilledintohisheadasanaspirant.Hasteistheenemyoftheaxe-man.Strikesure,strikehard,strikeagain,hethought.Thebattlesuitclosedin,bladesnappingout.Theairsizzledasitdrovetowardshim.Helungedbeneaththeblow,augmentedmusclepropellinghimforwardssmoothlyandswiftly.Hisaxeflashed,choppingthroughpistonandcabling.Thebattlesuitlumberedpast,wheezingandhissing.Smokeboiledoutfrom

thepointhe’dcaughtwithhisblow.Thebattlesuitswungabout,eye-pieceoscillatingandwhirring.Itsgunswungup,humming.Thursksprintedtowardsthewall.Blastspursuedhim,rippingupthegroundbeneathhisfeet.Heleapt.

Thesolesofhisbootsstruckthewall,andhepushedhimselfoff.Heflewoverthetopofthebattlesuitasittriedtotrackhim,stillfiring.Hishandsnappedoutandcaughtholdofoneofthearmouredplatesthatprotectedthetopoftheconstruct.Hetwistedhimselfaround,drivinghisbootsintothebackofthebattlesuit.Then,rearingupoverthetopofit,helethisaxefall,shearingoffthesquareheadofthesuit.Theheadfelltothegroundinaflurryofsparks,andhelookeddownintothe

pilot-pod,whereablueface,twistedinanalienapproximationofsurprise,staredupathim.Flippinghisaxearound,hesmashedthehaftdownontheupraisedface,pulpingitlikerottenfruit.Heleapttothegroundasasecondsuitexploded.Theforceoftheexplosionnearlyknockedhimfromhisfeet,anditwasonlythathalf-secondwithoutbalancethatsavedhimfromtheenergyburstthatwouldhavetakenhisheadoff.ThethirdsuitfoughtonwitharelentlessnessthatThurskcouldhaveadmiredhaditnotbeentryingtokillhim.ThebattlesuitshruggedofftheWhiteScarswhosoughttobringitdown,

tramplingone.Itsthree-toedfootcamedownwithacrunchontheunfortunatewarrior’shead,burstingitlikeadroppedmelon,helmetandall.Apowerglaivesizzledasitleftascaronthebattlesuit’shull.Thebattlesuitspun,backhandingtheWhiteScarhardenoughtofliphimheadoverheelsintotheair.Thetauswungaround,thefusionblasterboilingtheairasitfired.Thurskthrewhimselfoutofthepathofthedeadlyweapon.Hehitthegroundandrolledtohisfeet.Axeinbothhands,helaunchedhimselfatthexenos,chargingtowardsit.Thepilotofthebattlesuitwasquickertoreactthanhiscomrades.Hestepped

asideasheswattedThurskintheback.Theblowdrovethelatterheadfirstintoastrongpoint.Headpounding,theDarkHuntertriedtostand.Hisvisionblurred.Theairhummedasmorebattlesuitsdroppeddownintothecourtyard.Thefirstthreehadbeenthetip.Therestweretheretomakesureitstruckhome.Thurskgropedforhisaxe.‘Ambaghai,Ineedyouready,’hecroaked,pushinghimselftohisfeet.The

battlesuitthathadstruckhimloomedoverhim,weaponglowing.Itfiredashedivedbetweenitslegs.Smokeandheatwashedoverhim.Hispowerarmourfeltasifitwererespondingsluggishly.Somethinginitmighthavebeendamaged.Ormaybeitwashim.Hescrambledtohisfeet.Thebattlesuitgrabbedhisheadinagripthatwouldhavecrushedhisskullhadhenotbeenwearinghishelmet.Itheftedhim,andhepoundedatitsarmhelplessly.Themetalofhishelmbegantobuckle,andmetalcutintohisscalp.Hiseye-lensesburst,pepperinghisfacewithphotosensitiveplastics.Theworldwentredattheedges,andthendark.

Metalshriekedandhefelltotheground.HetorethelimpfingersoftheseveredclawfromhisheadandsawKor’sarroKhanspringpasthim.TheMasteroftheHuntlookedasifhehadswumthroughanoceanofalienblood,buthewaslaughingashecutthebattlesuit’slegoutfromunderitwithoneswipeofhispowersword,andspunwiththeblowsothathewasfacingThursk.‘Welldone,cousin,’Kor’sarrosaid.‘ButthetimefortheDarkHunterswayhaspassed,Ithink.Now,nowitistimefortheStar-Hunttoride.’

BehindKor’sarro,thebattlesuittoppledover.HisWhiteScarslungedforward,likehoundsatthekill.TheDarkHuntertoreoffhisdamagedhelmet,revealingthepalefeaturesanddarkscalplockofhispeople.Scarsmarkedhischeeks.NottheritualisticslashesoftheWhiteScars,butthecrudemarksofclose-fighting.‘Ithinkthetauwouldarguethatpoint,mykhan,’Thursksaid.Kor’sarroturned.Thenewlyarrivedbattlesuitsmovedforward,weapons

flaringandroaring,sendingWhiteScarsscramblingforcover.Hemoved,stillsmiling,tofacethem.Theyhadheldtheirpositionlongenough.Heknewhisenemy’smindnow,andthatalonewasworththeinconvenienceandindignityofthetraphe’dbeenledinto.‘Stormseer,’hesaid,notloudly.Hiswordscarriedregardless,andheknewAmbaghaihadheardhim.‘Mykhan,’Ambaghaisaid.Hesteppedoutfrombehindthestrongpoint,his

staffhuggedtohischest.Hetookadeepbreath,andtheairwassuddenlychargedwithelectricity.‘Commandme,mykhan.’Kor’sarrocouldhearthefainthintofexhaustionplayingabouttheedgeoftheStormseer’swords.‘Shaketheheavensandscourtheearth,’Kor’sarrosaid.HesweptMoonfang

throughtheair.‘Showthemthepowerofourstorm.’‘Gladly,’Ambaghaigrowled.Heraisedhisstaff,andtheaircontractedabout

theancientrelic.Itwassaidthatthestavesgiftedtothosebrotherswhoshowedanaffinityfortheghost-roadwerefirstsetintothehighplateausofChogoris,andkissedbythestorms,whichimpartedtothemsomeoftheirelementalstrength.Hecouldfeelthatstrengthnow,surgingaroundthem,coalescingatAmbaghai’ssilentcall.EveryWhiteScarleftfeltitaswell.ItquickenedthepulseoftheirbloodandawokeinthemtheancientfurythathadcarriedtheirancestorsfromonesideofChogoristotheother,carryingfireandsteeltoeverycornerofthatwideworld.Theirshadalwaysbeenthewayofthestorm,thesuddendarkness,thecrashofthunder,theslashoflightning,thecrushofwildsnowsandheavyrains.Ambaghai’snecklaceofteethandbellsandstorm-stonesrattledastheairgrew

wetandthickabouthim.Lightningcrawledacrosstheruinedbastionandcreptoverwhatwasleftofthewallincracklingrivulets.Itsparkedandcoiledaboutthebattlesuits,whichhadceasedtheiradvance.Kor’sarroknewthatthepilotsofthelargeconstructswerelikelybeginningtopanicasthestorminterferedwiththeirsuits’systems,andpreventedthemfromattackingorretreating.Thetauoutsidewouldbeseeingthesameinterference.Morethanonce,hehadusedAmbaghai’saffinityforlightningtobefuddletheirenemyonAgrellan.Itwouldn’tlastlong,buttheWhiteScarswouldmakegooduseofthetimetheStormseerhadboughtthem.Ambaghaiwaswreathedinlightning.Itcaressedhispowerarmourlikea

lover,andclutchedathisstaff.ItwasonlybydintoftheirlongcomradeshipthatKor’sarrocoulddetectthefainttrembleintheStormseer’sarms.Callingthestormwasnoconjurer’strick.Itrequiredanironwill,andamindsheathedinsteel.Ambaghaisuckedinadeeperbreath,andheseemedtoswellforamoment.Then,witharoarlikeoneoftheancientstone-barrelledcannonsofQuan-Jo,heslammedthebuttofhisstaffdown,andreleasedthegatheredlightning.Onebyone,eachofthebattlesuitswascaughtinthestorm’stalons,andbegan

totwitchandshudder,assmallexplosionscoursedthroughthem.ThelightningsweptovertheSpaceMarinesandpulsedoutintotheirenemiesbeyondthewalls,burningthedriftsofsnowtosteaminitspassing.Thebattlesuits,scorchedblackandgutted,hadslumped,andwerealreadybeingcoveredbythesnowwhichhadbeenstirredbyAmbaghai’swrath.TheStormseersankdownthelengthofhisstaff,sweatdrippingfromhis

features.Kor’sarrosheathedhisbladeandcaughtAmbaghaiasheslumped.‘Easy,seer,summonyourstrength,forwehaveahardrideaheadofus,andnotimeforrest.’HepropelledtheStormseertowardsThursk.‘Catchhim,cousin,’Kor’sarrosaid.Heturnedtowardstheothers.‘Whatareyoustaringfor?Thewindcallsus.Toyourbikes,brothers.Ourenemythinksustrapped.Shethinksusbeatenandbrokenontheanvilofhercunning.Butyoucannothammersmoke,andyoucannottrapthelightning.’Heflungoutahand.‘Toyourbikes!Weshallshowourfoethetruewayofwar,ourway!’Thusinvigorated,theWhiteScarsracedtotheirbikes.Thurskhesitated.

Kor’sarromethisgaze.‘Youknowhowtoride?’‘TheWhiteScarsarenottheonlyChapterthatusebikes,mykhan,’theDark

Huntersaid.‘Whatofthosewhocannotride?’heasked.Kor’sarrohesitated,hiseagernessdimming.Thereweremorewhite-armoured

bodieslyinginthesnowthanhe’dwantedtoadmit.Notallofthemweredead.HewassavedfromhavingtoreplybyGodi.Thebattle-brotherstillcarriedhisheavybolter,despitethewoundwhichmarkedhim.Ablastfromoneofthebattlesuitshadrippedoneoftheshoulderplatesfromhispowerarmour,andtornthelatteropen,sothatsharpprotrusionsofmetaljuttedfromhisblisteredandburnedtorsoandarm.Hisbreathingwasragged,andthedifficultyhewashavingjustspeakingwasobvious.‘Wedie,DarkHunter,’Godicroaked.‘Ayeandgladly,forwhatgoodarewe,ifwecannotride,’hesaid.Itwasn’taquestion.‘Wewillreturn,’Kor’sarrosaid,layingahandonGodi’sunwoundedarm.

‘Deadoralive,Iwillcomebackforyou,hunt-brother,withthefullmightoftheThirdMinghanatmyback.’‘Asyousay,mykhan,’Godisaid.‘Hopefully,it’llbethelatter.Yourswiftness

wouldbeappreciated.’Hepattedtheheavybolter.‘I’malmostoutofammunition.’Kor’sarrohadmeantwhathesaid.Hewouldcomeback,ifonlytocollectthe

gene-seedofthefallen.Jokingaside,Godiknewaswellashethatthelikelihoodofsurvivalforthosestayingbehindwasslimtonone.Wounded,lowonammunitionandtoofarbehindenemylinesforeasyextraction.Theywouldbeforgotten,untilthewarwaswonorlost.Ofthewounded,therewereonlyafewwhocouldn’tride,orotherwisehad

volunteeredtostaybehind.Godiandanotherheftedtheheavybolters,andtheotherswhocouldwalkwerereadytocovertheirfellows.Thosewhocouldn’tmovewerecarriedtothegapsinthewall,withasmuchammunitionascouldbespared.Thebikesthathadnoriderswerestrippedandlaidtorestasiftheyweredead

warriors.ItpainedtheWhiteScarstodoso,foreachwas,ifnotarelic,thenasmuchabrotheroftheorduastheirfellowSpaceMarines.Butevenastheirancestorshadslaughteredhorseswhichcouldnotberidden,sowouldtheydisablewhattheycouldnottakewiththem.NothingoftheChaptercouldfallintothehandsoftheenemy.Thatincludedtheweaponstheyhadstoredinthebastion.Ashemountedhisbike,Kor’sarroclaspedGodi’shand.‘Youknowwhattodo?’hesaid.‘IfIlivelongenough,I’mtoblowthiscursedplaceofftheridge,’Godi

grunted.Bloodranfreelydownhisarmour,ploppingontotheground.‘Denytheenemyourdead.’Kor’sarronoddedshallowly.‘Onlyifitbecomesnecessary,’hesaid.

‘Don’tworry,mykhan.Self-immolationisn’thighonmylistofpreferredactivities,eveningoodcause,’Godirasped.‘Besides,it’sentirelylikelythatthey’llkillusbeforewegetthechance.’Kor’sarrosatbackashissteedgrowledbeneathhim.Thebikehadbeenstill

fortoolong.Ityearnedtoride,tohurtleforwards.Hedidn’tlookatGodi.‘I’msorry,brother,’hesaid,softly.‘Iledyouintodeath.’Godishrugged.‘Andso,’hesaid.‘Atleastitwasn’tboring.’Kor’sarronoddedandsmiled.‘No,neverthat,’hesaid.Then,withashout,he

gunnedthebike’sengine.Wheelsskiddedandheshottowardsthelargestgapinthewall.Hisridersfellinbehindhim,fillingtheairwithnoise.Theboltersmountedonthechassisofeachbikesnarledahymnofwarastheyfollowedhimbeyondthewall.OnlyafewminuteshadpassedsinceAmbaghaihadsetthelightningontheir

enemy.Thetautroopswereunpreparedforthesuddenattack.Firewarriorstriedtoformuparoundthelightning-addledvehicles,andtheirimpromptuphalanxeswereshatteredbythehurtlingbikes.Kor’sarrodidn’tevenbothertodrawhissword.Heextendedanarmasheracedpast,catchingatauintheneck,andflippingthealienintotheair.Godihadfollowedthemoutthroughthewall,andtheroarofhisheavybolter,aswellastheweaponsoftheothers,followedthemastheyracedthroughtheringofxenossteelthathadsurroundedthebastion.Theridgetrailwasblockedbyoneofthesmooth-bodiedtransports.Kor’sarro

urgedhissteedupandthebike’swheelsbitintothemottledplatesofthevehicleasherodeupoverit.Hisridersfollowed,shootingandshouting.Hesteadfastlyresistedtheurgetolookback.‘Onward,’heroared,‘forthegloryoftheordu,andforthekhanandtheKhanofKhans!’

CHAPTERFIVE

Aburstofgibberisheruptedfromthenewcomer,butsmoothedoutintoastreamofheavilyaccentedGothic.‘Surrender,KhanKor’sarro,andyoushallbespared,’thetausaid.Therewasnotraceofasneerinthedemand,whichonlymadeitworse.Cemakarblinked.Thenhelaughed.Jebelookedathim.‘Shethinksyou’rethe

khan,boy,’Cemakarsaid,inKhorchin.Afaintlookofsatisfactionpassedfleetinglyacrossthechampion’sface.Thenhespatacurseandtossedhisbladefromhand-to-hand.‘Sheinsultsus,’hesaid.‘Weprobablyalllookaliketothem,’Cemakarsaid.Hechuckledweakly.‘He

wasright,though.Eaglespickhisbones,hewasright.Shewashere,waitingforhim.Shethoughthe’dmakeabreakforit,onceherealiseditwasatrap.’Jebestaredathim,comprehensionslowlydawningonhisburnedfeatures.Cemakarwavedhishand.‘Well,goonboy,replytoher.Don’tletherrealiseshe’smadeamistake,whateveryoudo.Shewantsthekhan.Giveherthekhan.’Jebenoddedsharply,hiseyealightwithunderstanding.Inthatmoment,

Cemakarwasproudofhim.Jebewasheadstrong,andasdumbashammer-addledauroch,butnoonecouldfaulthiscourage.He’dhavewalkedbackwardsintotheEyeofTerrorifKor’sarrohadaskeditofhim.Shadowsunrepeatedherquestion.‘Captivityisnotthesameasmercy,’Jebe

said,barkingouthisreplyinstiltedGothic.

Thetaucockedherhead,asiftryingtoparsehisaccent.Thenshesaid,‘Ifyoudonotsurrender,yourmenwilldie.’‘Allmendie,’Jebesaid.‘Yes,butpreferablysomewhereelse,’Toluimuttered.Cemakarlaughed,

thoughithurthimtodoso.Hepushedhimselfupandlookedaround.Theyweresurrounded.‘Thissongsoundsfamiliar,’Toluisaid.Cemakarnodded.‘I’mgrowingtiredofthetunemyself,’hesaid.Eversince

theyhadleftAgrellanPrime,ithadbeenonetrapafteranother.Thekhamarweretootrickybyhalf.‘Onthewhole,I’dratherbefightingorks.I–Ohninedevilstakehim!’hecoughedasJebe,provokedbeyondallreasonbyShadowsun’sinsistenceonsurrender,hadmadehisfinalthoughtsonthematterknownas,witharoar,heflunghimselfather,hisswordslicingtowardsherneck.‘WhenIsaidgiveherthekhanIdidn’tmeanattack.’Thewhite-armouredwarriormovedwithasinuousgracethatcontrastedwith

thebulkybattlesuitshewore.Jebewashard-pressedtokeepup,andhisbladebitonlyairasheattacked.Thetau’sformflickeredandblinkedinandoutofsight.Hespunandwhirled,tryingtocatchhisopponentasshecircledhim.Everytimehisbladecameclose,oneofthedronesthataccompaniedherinterceptedtheblow.Jebesnarledinfuryashisswordreboundedoffadrone’sshimmeringshield

forthefifthtimeinasmanymoments.Ashereadjusted,hisopponentsmashedintohimfromtheside,staggeringhim.Cemakarwinced.HeglancedoverandsawToluitakingaimwithhisbolter.‘Don’teventhinkit.It’sawasteofashotandhewon’tthankyou.Keepyoureyesontheothers,’hesaid.Heleveredhimselfup.‘Thatgoesforallofyou.Whenthey’vehadtheirfun,that’llbetheendofit,soyou’dhavebestmadeyourpeace.’Jebewhippedaround,bladesingingadeadlysong.Shadowsunleaptstraight

upandskimmedbackacrosstheunsettledsnows.Shelevelledthetwinfusionblastersshecarriedandfired.Jebeflunghimselfaside.Evenso,heonlyjustmanagedtoavoidthescaldingblasts.Herolledthroughthesnow,smokerisingfromthepatchofslaggedceramiteonhissideandhip.Hispowerarmour’sinnerworkingwasuntouched,buttheouterplateshadbeenmeltedandwarped.Cemakarknewthatasingledirecthitwouldendtheother’scareerascompanychampion,regardlessofhowtoughhewas.Jeberecoveredquicklyenough,andshotforward.Shadowsunslidaway,

instinctivelyavoidingaslashthatnevercame.Instead,Jebestabbedather.Thepointofhisbladestruckherarmouragainandagain,carvingdeeprutsinthe

previouslyuntouchedsurface.Shadowsunstaggeredwitheveryblow,butshedidn’tfall.Herfusionblastersslammedtogether,pinningJebe’sbladebetweenthem.Shadowsunjerkedhimforwards,andsmashedanarmouredbootintothechampion’smidsection.Jebestaggeredback,withouthisweapon.Shadowsuntosseditaside.Shetookaimathim,andhetensed,readytodiveat

herregardless.Thensheraisedherarm.OneoftheRiptideslungedforwardsandswattedJebetothegroundwithbone-rattlingfinality.Cemakarsighed.Atleastthekhanwouldn’thavetosuffertheignominyofbeingcaptured.Maybeheescaped,hethought.Thethoughtcheeredhimsomewhat.Intheend,gloryandhonourwereasnothingtofreedom.Chainsbyanyothername,theymeantlittletosonsofJaghatai.Ifbytrickandbybloodtheycouldbuyanextramomentfortheirkhan,thatwasthewayofit.‘Laughwhileyoukill,brothers.Andlaughloud,soourbrotherscanhearus,andknowwhatfunthey’remissing,’hesaid.Heroseunsteadilytohisfeet.Theworldswamabouthim.‘Idon’tthinkweneedtolaughallthatloud,’Toluisaid,‘listen!’Cemakarturned.He’dheardthesoundforsometime,buthadassumeditwas

comingfromthetau.Butnowthathefocusedonit,heknewthatnokhamarenginehadeversoundedsoboisterous.Hisseamedfacesplitinasmile.‘Iguesshesurvivedafterall.’HepivotedandsnappedoffashotatShadowsun.‘Wellbrothers–let’slighttheirwayforthem,shallwe?’Toluigaveabarkoflaughterandbegantofireaswell.Soon,theentireknotof

survivorswasblazingawayinalldirections.Thetauseemedtakenabackbytheapparentmadnessoftheirenemy,anditwaslongmomentsbeforetheybegantoreturnfire.Cemakarcackledhappilyashefired.Thatwouldhavebeenagooddeath,he

thought,butthisonewillbemuchbetter.

Bikesroaredthroughthesnow,shovingasidethecurtainsofsmokewiththeforceoftheirpassage.TheshatteredremnantsofCemakar’sforceslitteredRimeCrag,butthebarkofbolterfiresaidthatthereweresurvivorsyet.Kor’sarrohunchedforwardoverhisbike’shandlebars,asiftowringmorespeedfromitsshriekingenginesbysheerwill.Thurskrodeathisside,snowstinginghispalefeatures.HecouldseeAmbaghairidingontheothersideofthekhan.TheStormseer’sfacewastwistedinagrimaceofconcentrationashewrappedthecolumnofridersinaswirlofsnowinordertohidethemfrompryingeyesandmufflethenoiseoftheirpassage.EverytimeThurskthoughtAmbaghaihadreachedthelimitsofhismentalstrength,theStormseerdugdeeperintohimself,

summoninguppsychicmightfromuntolddepths.TheWhiteScarsdidnotslowastheysweptthroughthewreckage.Thursk

couldseeenemyvehiclesmovingbelow,atthebaseoftheridge,keepingonaparallelcourse.Theyweretrooptransports,hethought,thoughhecouldn’tbesure,justashecouldn’tsaywhethertheywereinpursuit,orheadingsomewhereelse.Cemakar’sgrouphadn’tgotfarbeforetheywerehit.Hewassurprisedthey

hadn’tseensmoke,butthen,withthewayAmbaghaihadstirredupthewinds,andthewaythesnowwasfalling,hewasmoresurprisedthattheycouldseeanythingatall.Kor’sarro’svoicesnarledthroughthevox,barkingorders.‘Ambaghai–filltheairwithlightning.Seeifyoucandisrupttheircommunicationsthewaythey’vedonetoours,’hesaid.‘Therestofyou–doasyoumust.Laughandslay.Today,weteachtheenemywhatitmeanstograbholdofthetiger’stail.’TheWhiteScarsroaredinreply,wavingweaponsandfiringtheirguns.Thursk

duckedhisheadasthecolumnofbikersrippedthroughacloudofoilysmoke.Astheyexitedthesmoke,hesawwherethetauhadbeenheading.AtinyknotofWhiteScarswasfiringattheirapproachingenemyfromthelipoftheridge.Twoofthelargertaubattlesuitsweremenacingthem,asseveralsquadsoffirewarriorsclimbedtheslope,pausingonlytoreturntheSpaceMarine’sfiresporadically.Thetrap,whentakenataremove,wasbrilliantinitssimplicity.Oncethe

tankshadbeenrenderedimmobile,theWhiteScarswereatthemercyofthefaster-movingtau.Andtenacitywasnosubstituteforfirepower.Ifthebattlesuitsdidn’tgetthem,thetaubattletankswould.Andifneitherofthosedidthejob,thenthefirewarriorswouldalmostcertainlyweartheremainingSpaceMarinesdown.Kor’sarroroaredoutacommandandchoppedtheairwithhishand.Ambaghai

weavedaroundbehindThurskand,accompaniedbytwootherriders,shottowardstheenemywarriorsclimbingtheslope.ThursksawtheStormseerwhiptheendofhisstaffthroughtheair,anditwasasifaninvisiblescythecutthroughtheunpreparedxenos.Thetriobuzzedacrossthelineoffirewarriors,disassemblingtheformerlypreciseformationintobloodywreckage.Itwasastallingtactic,Thurskknew,andnothingmore.Ambaghaimighthavebeenabletodomorebuthewouldhavetostop,andifhedidn’tkillthemall,thetauwouldswarmhimunder.Thereweresimplytoomanyofthem,andtoofewoftheWhiteScars.

‘Theresheis,’Kor’sarrosnarled.Thursksawthathisattentionhadbeendrawntoastrange,white-armouredshapestandingneartheknotofsurvivors.Itwasataubattlesuit,butlikenoneThurskhadeverseen.Astheyneared,theslimbattlesuitroseintotheairandshotbackwards.‘Ohno,youdon’t,’Kor’sarrosaid,aiminghisbikeinpursuit.Following

Kor’sarro,asThurskshotpasttheclosestofthetoweringbattlesuits,hesawafamiliarformlyingbeforeitinthesnow.ThebattlesuitlifteditsfootoverJebe’ssprawledform.Thurskrecalledvividlywhattheresultofthatwouldbeandheswunghisbikearoundinatightskid.Hedidn’tlikethechampionmuch,buthewasn’tgoingtoallowtheWhiteScartobepulped.EvenJebedeservedabetterdeaththanthat.Asthemachinetoppled,theDarkHunterthrewhimselffromtheseatand,withtheimpetusofthebike’sslidebehindhim,heinterposedhimselfbetweenthefallenchampionandthebattlesuit.Hispalmsslammedagainstthebottomofthebattlesuit’sfoot,andtheservosinhispowerarmourwhinedinprotestashetriedtostopthecrushingdescent.Theweightofitwasincredible,moreeventhanhe’dimagined.Hesank

slowlytooneknee,botharmsbendingback.‘Up,Jebe,getup,’hesaid.TheWhiteScargroaned,andlookedupblearily.‘Up,youstupidfool,’Thurskroared,kickingtheWhiteScarintheside.Thebattlesuitredoubleditseffortsandhefeltaservoblowsomewhereinhisarmour,andthehissofapiercedcoolinghose.Jebescrabbledweaklyatthesnow.Thursksawhisfingersbrushupagainsttheeagle-headedpommelofhissword.Jebecaughtupthebladeandrolledover,piercingthebottomofthesuit’sfoot

andjammingthepommelagainsttheground.Thurskletgo,grabbedhimandrolledthembothasideasthebattlesuitjerkedandflailed,tryingtorightitself.‘Yousavedme,’Jebespat.‘You’rewelcome,’Thursksaid,pushinghimselftohisfeet.‘Iwasnotthankingyou!’‘Iapologise.ThesubtletiesofKhorchinescapeme,’Thursksaid,recovering

hisaxeandhisbolterfromthefallenbike.HeflippedtheaxearoundandprofferedthehafttoJebe.‘Gogetyoursword,champion,’hesaid,asheextendedthebolterandfiredoffaburstattheenemyswarmingaroundthem.‘I’llcoveryou.’Jebemadeaface,thensnorted,spatandranathumbalongtheedgeoftheaxe.

‘Isupposethiswillhavetodo.’Heturned,aferalgrinripplingacrosshisburnedandblisteredfeatures.Heboundedtowardsthestilloff-balancebattlesuit.Thurskturnedandbegantofireattheapproachingfirewarriors,intendingto

leaveJebetohisfun.Thebattlesuithadtornitselffreeofthebladeanditretreatedseveralsteps.

Jebepursueditwithallthetenacityofamanforwhomsizedifferentialsweremerelyamatterofopinion.Hejumped,andusedthebattlesuit’sbentkneejointasaspringboardtopropelhimupitschest.Theshielddroneshummedabouthim,andheswipedatthemirritably.Thedroneswerelessofanobstaclethananannoyance,ifyougotinclose.Helungedforthebattlesuit’ssquarehead.Thebattlesuitmovedquickly,snatchinghimoutoftheairwithitsemptyhand.Jebecursedastheconstruct’sgripbegantotighten.Rivetspoppedandplatesbuckled.HeheftedThursk’saxeandthrewitdirectlyintothebattlesuit’sopticsensor.Thepoweraxeburieditselfintheboxyhead,andthebattlesuitstaggered,blinded.Theburstcannononitsotherarmroaredasitfiredwildly,anditdestroyedoneofthedronesbyaccident.ItshandspasmedandJebetumbledtotheground.Thurskracedtowardshim,

palmingakrakgrenadefromhisbelt.‘Catch,’hesaid,tossingittothechampion.Jebecaughtitasheduckedbeneaththewhirringburstcannon.Thurskcircledthebattlesuit,firingattheothersensornodesthatstuckoutfromitsgreathulk.Theoperatorwaslikelyalreadytryingtoreroutethesensorfeedandregainhisviewofthebattlefield.Ifthathappened,hedidn’tputgreatoddsontheirsurvival.Ashegotbehindthehulk,hepulledasecondgrenadefromhisbelt,activateditandrolleditbeneaththebattlesuit’sdamagedfoot.Thebattlesuittwitchedasitsteppedonthefraggrenade,barelyregisteringthe

explosionasthegrounddisintegratedbeneathitsfoot.Itreeledforward,sinkingtooneknee.Thebolterclicked,empty,andThurskdroppeditanddrewhisknifeasheleaptforitsback.Hecaughtholdofashatteredsensornodeandswungup.‘Drawitsfire,’heshouted,tryingtoholdonasthebattlesuitbegantostruggletoitsfeet.Theremainingshielddronebuzzedtowardshim,andhecaughtitwithhisfist,knockingitaside.Jebedidn’targue.He’dreclaimedhissword,andwithaslash,heopeneda

holeinthesideoftheburstcannonmount.Asthebattlesuitspun,firing,Jebetossedthekrakgrenadeintothehole,andbroughthissworddownonthespinningbarrelsofthecannon,hackingthroughthem.Thegrenadeexplodedamomentlater,andsubsequentinternalexplosionsrippedupthebattlesuit’sarm.Itrearedbackwithagroanofabusedmetal.Thurskhadclimbedtothetop,andwithhisknife,priedopenseveralofthe

hull-plates.Hestuffedgrenadesintoeachoftheopenings,activatingthem.Thenhegrabbedholdofhisaxeanddroppedfromthebattlesuit.‘Move,’heroared,

scramblingaway.Jebefollowedsuitasthebattlesuitwasconsumedinfire.Theywatchedasitcrumbled,shudderinginitsdeaththroes.Theyturned

togetherastheyheardthecrunchofbootsonsnow.Firewarriorsmovedtowardsthem,riflesextended.Iftheyweredisconcertedbythedestructionofthebattlesuit,theydidn’tshowit.‘Brave,’Thursksaid,spinninghisaxe.‘Good.Cowardsmakepoorprey,’Jebesaid.‘You’rewelcome,bytheway,’Thursksaid.‘Istillhavenotthankedyou.Ididnotrequireyouraid,’Jebesaid.‘No,I’msureyoudidn’t,’Thursksaid.Hegesturedwithhisaxe.‘Afteryou,

Chogorian,’hesaid.Jebegruntedandraisedhissword.‘Stayclose,Phobian.I’llkeepyousafe.’Then,witharoar,Jebesprangtowardstheadvancingtau.Thurskfollowed.

Kor’sarrobroughtthebiketoahaltinacloudofsmokeandsuperheatedsnow.Hisboltpistolwasinhishandandheswivelledinhissaddle,firingonce,twice,threetimes,eachshotdroppingoneoftheadvancingfirewarriors.Therestofthegroupretreatedwithallduehaste,fallingbacktoregroup.Cemakarlookedupathim.‘Tanksbrokedown,’hegrunted.‘SoIsee,’Kor’sarrosaid.Heholsteredhispistol.‘Youseemtohavethings

undercontrol.’Cemakarmadeaface.Kor’sarro’seyesweredrawntothebloodstillseepingfromthewoundinCemakar’ssideandhesharedaglancewithoneoftheWhiteScarsnearby–Tolui,hethought.Itshouldhavesealedoverbynow.Doubtless,iftheoldmansimplysatdown,itwouldhave,butthatwasn’tOldShatterhand’sway.Hewouldn’trestuntilhewasdead.Andperhapsnoteventhen,hemused.Hewaspleasedtoseethattheoldmanhadsurvived.HehadfearedthattheywouldarriveintimeonlytoavengeCemakarandtheothers.Cemakarmightstilldie,cometothat.Hepushedthethoughtaside.‘It’sbeenalmosttwelvehours–theKhwarezmianshouldbenearby.Ambaghai’slightningwillhaveinterferedwiththeirjammingfrequencies,’Kor’sarrosaid,lookingatCemakar.‘Hookhim,oldman.We’vegotthejawspriedopen,butwestillneedsomeonetopullusout.WeneedGharchaiandhismen,andweneedthemnow.’CemakarheftedthevoxandshovedittowardsTolui.‘Youheardhim.

SummontheKhwarezmian.’HelookedatKor’sarroandsaid,‘Thoughtyou’ddecidedtositthisoneout,boy.’‘What,andleaveallthefuntoyou?Perishthethought,oldman,’Kor’sarro

said.Helaughedandgunnedhisbike’sengine,scatteringsnowandslidingpastthewreckageandonintobattle.Theenemywasdisorganised,reelinginshock

fromthesuddenappearanceofamobileforceofeagerwarriors.HehadseenitagainandagainsincearrivingonAgrellan–iftheWhiteScarsweaknesswasthattheyreactedtooswiftly,thenthetauwereguiltyoftheopposite.Theybuiltstrategieslikespider’swebs,intricateandsurprisinglystrong,butinfinitelyvulnerabletoagustofwindoracarelessmotion.Thereweremanywaystowagewarfromthesaddle.WheelandSpokewas

one,thewayoftherabbitanother.Butthebestway,thewaythathischosenexcelledat,wasthewayofold,thewayofthestorm.Everywarriorwastheeyeoftheirownstorm,requiringneitheraidnorthecommandofakhantoisolateanddestroytheenemy.Thatwasthemethodtheyusednow,eachriderusingwhatskillstheypossessedandwhatweaponstheyhadtohand,todistract,harassandbutchertheenemy.Ambaghaihadmadehimselfoverintoaboilingstormoffuriouslightning.

Whereherode,thestormfollowed,disruptingelectronicsandburningflesh,leavingatrailofdestructioninhiswake.TheDarkHunterandJebefoughtbacktoback,bothafoot,butneitheratadisadvantagebecauseofit.Bothwarriorsslashedandspun,tearingthroughtheenemylikedervishes.Kor’sarrowhippedpastthemwithoutslowing.Theydidnotrequirehisaid,andhehadhisownpreytochase.Shadowsunwasheresomewhere.Hecouldsmellherscent,andseeherhand

atwork.Shewasahunter,likehim,andshewouldnotmissthekill.Notforanything.Hejusthadtofindher.Ashetorethroughthebattle,hesawarider,whirlingabandolierofkrakgrenadesoverhisheadlikealariat,sweeppastahoveringbattletankandhurlthegrenades,hookingthemaincannon.Ashethunderedon,thegrenadesexplodedandthetankdippedasifinshock,itsanti-gravityengineswhininginprotestastheforceoftheexplosioncauseditshulltoscrapetheground.Outofcontrol,itskiddedthroughthebattle,sendingfirewarriorsscramblingtogetoutofitspathasitcrashedintotheslopeandwasrippedapartbyinternalexplosions.Otherriderswieldedpowerlancesorfiredboltersastheyzippedthroughthe

linesofthefirewarriors,piercingthealienphalanxesastheytriedtoformandmakeastand.Kor’sarrosawariderburstthroughagroupoftauandridehisbikeupintotherearbayofaHammerhead,theboltersmountedonthefrontofhisbikeblazingaway.Theriderslewedthebikearoundandrodebackthewayhe’dcomebeforethefirewarriorscouldevenregisterwhathe’ddone.Theexplosionsthatfollowedhisdepartureattestedtothegrenadeshe’dleftbehind.ButtheWhiteScarsdidn’thaveitalltheirownway.Thereweren’tenoughof

themtodomorethancauseconfusion.Speedwasnosubstituteforrawnumbersandhereandthere,SpaceMarineshadbecomeboggeddowninthesheernumberoftroopsthatShadowsunhadbrought.Alienriflesfired,abikeflippedendoverendanditsridercrasheddown.Herolledtohisfeet,boltpistolinhand,onlytocatchaburstfromafusionblasterdirectlyinthechest.TheWhiteScarwaspluckedfromhisfeetandsentsailingbackwardsashisarmourcrackedandsplitopenliketheshellofaboiledcrustacean.Smokewreathedhisfallingshapeashecrasheddown.Kor’sarroarrowedtowardsthefallenSpaceMarine;he’dseenwheretheblastthathadkilledhimhadcomefrom.Shadowsunwasnearby.Hecaughtsightofherdistinctivearmour,wreathedintheexcessofAmbaghai’slightning,itscloakingfieldcracklingandbleedingawayasthesupremecommanderoftheenemyforcesnowbesiegingAgrellanandtheDamoclesGulfasawholestoodexposedbeforehim.ShestoodbeforethewreckageofCemakar’sRazorback,firingattheriders

whospedpasther.Kor’sarrohadgivenordersthatshewasnottobeengaged,saveonhiscommand,andhismenwereattemptingtostayoutofherway.Evenfromadistance,hecouldtellthatshewasgrowingfrustrated.Hesmiledandleanedlowinhissaddletowhisperencouragementtohissteedasthebikeshottowardshisprey.

CHAPTERSIX

Kor’sarrotookthemomentwithahunter’sdaring.EnginesgrowledinpleasureasherodethebikeuptheburninghullofthewreckedRazorback,passedthroughtheflames,andcaughtthewind.Wheelsspinning,thebikeshottowardsthehoveringformofShadowsun.Kor’sarrotoreMoonfangfromitssheathashisproximityregisteredwiththetaucommander.Likearabbitcaughtintheshadowofaneagle,Shadowsunturnedandbroughtuponeofherfusionblasters,buttooslowly.Thebike’sfrontwheelsmashedintoherchestandheadandtheyfellina

tangle,slammingdownontoRimeCraginanexplosionofsnowandwithasnarlofmetalonmetal.TheimpactdislodgedKor’sarrofromhissaddle,buthewasonhisfeetinamoment.Moonfanglickedout,choppingthroughashielddroneandcuttingitintotwosparkinghalves.Shadowsunwasupamomentlater,battingthebikeasidewithawhirrofunseenpistonsevenasthefusionblasteronherotherarmcameupandfired.Kor’sarrosteppedaside.Heatfromtheblastwashedoverhim,crispingthetips

ofhismoustaches.Herecoveredquickly,snatchinghisboltpistolfromitsholster.Hesnappedoffashotfromthehip,andwasrewardedbyShadowsunstaggering.Hefiredagain,butthesecondshielddroneinterfered.Shadowsunrecovered.Shecockedherhead.‘KhanKor’sarro,Ipresume,’shesaidinGothic,hervoiceamplifiedbyherarmour’svox-casters.Kor’sarrorestrainedagrowlofdisgust.ThelanguageofTerrawasnot,byany

stretch,hisfavouritetongue,buttheEmperorhaddecreedthatitwasImperatorLingua–thevoiceofhumanity.Tohearanaliendebasingitsorevoltedhim.‘IamKor’sarroKhan,MasteroftheHuntandSwordoftheKhan.AndyouareShadowsun,’hesaid.‘Myfameprecedesme,’shesaid.Thoughitwasdifficulttotell,givenher

accentandthedistortionofthevox-caster,hethoughtthatthathadbeenajoke.Heshookhishead.‘Ahunterknowshisprey,’hesaid.HeextendedMoonfangandcircledher

withaduellist’sgrace.Herarmourwasheavierthanhis,butnotasbattle-tested.Shewashesitant,whereamoreconfidentwarriorwouldbeaggressive,asifshewereasyetuncertainofherbattlesuit’slimits.Orperhapsshewasholdingbackforfearofkillinghim.Thethoughtgrated,butheshovedtheinsultaside.Thatwashisadvantage,nothers.‘Andahuntressknowshers,’Shadowsunsaid.‘IalmosthadyouatBlackshaleRidge,’Kor’sarrosaid.‘Indeed.Weweresurprised.Wearenotusedtobeingonthebackfoot.’She

hadbeguntocirclehim,evenashecircledher,matchinghismovements,ifnothisgrace.Herarmourwasscorchedandscored,butitdidn’tappeardamaged.Nonetheless,hiskeeneyespickedoutanumberofpossibleweakpoints,whereathrustfromMoonfangmightpiercethearmourandpossiblyreachthemeatwithintheshell.‘Doyouunderstandmymeaning?’‘Itakeitwellenough,’hesaid.HeloweredMoonfangslightly.Shewouldnot

takeitasaninvitationtoattack,heknew.Herarmourwaskittedoutfordistanceandpower,notpersonalduels.Shewastryingtokeephimoccupiedwhileherwarriorspickedoffhis.Thathadbeenherplanallalong.Aslowwhittling,agradualblooding,toweaken,butnotkillhim,likeahunterproddingawildaurochuntilthebeastcollapsedatlast,itsfuryspent.Theywerestillfighting,butwithwordsnow,ratherthanblades.Theywerefeelingeachotherout,sothatthefinalblowcouldbedeliveredaseffectivelyaspossible.‘Itisourway,’hesaid.‘Butyouknowthatnow,no?’Henarrowedhiseyes.‘Youhavebeenstudyingus.Wehavefoughtbefore,butonlyinisolatedengagements.Thiswasyourchancetoseehowwewagedwarandyoutookit.Youledusin,andtookusaparttoseehowwefunctioned.Yougaveustoomuchroom,andthentoolittle,stretchedusandsqueezedusandbaitedusintoevermorenarrowburrows.Youwereclever.’‘Notcleverenough,clearly,’shesaid.‘Youarehere.’Hesmiled,despitehimself.‘Butthatiswhatyouexpected,eh?Thatiswhy

youarehere,ratherthanbackthere.YouthoughtIwouldleadthecharge.Soyoucametocapturemepersonally.Wasthatwhatyourhuntingeagleswerefor,towearmeout?’Shesaidnothingandhecontinued,‘Thekroot.Theywerefightingtodisable,notkill.I’dwagertherewasmorethanonepackofthem,justincase.’Asoundslitheredfromher.Ittookhimamomenttorealisethatitwas

laughter.‘Ihavefoughtyourkindbefore.Fewhaveproventhemselvessoquick,’shesaid.‘Youfightandthinkfast.Thatiswhyyouhadtobechained.Ifyoufightsodifferently,youmustthinkdifferently.Ifyouthinkdifferently,thenyoucanbereasonedwith.’Theboltpistolinhishandtwitched,andtheshielddronereactedwithpredictablespeed,respondingtothemicrogesture.Hewonderedifherbattlesuitwasanalysinghim,gauginghisheartrateandbreathing,recording,cataloguingeverythingabouthim,forhermasterstoporeoveroncethiscampaignwasdone.Theywishtotamethestorm,hethought.Theywantedtochainandcompel

thatwhichshouldnotbechained,andforceafalseorderoverthenatural.Itwastheirway.AsitwasthewayoftheWhiteScarstodefysuch.Youarethecentre,hethought,eyeingher.Youarethespoke,andyourwarriorsthewheel.Whereyougo,thetruewarisfought.‘Reasonedwith,’hesaid.Hemustknowmore.Everyword,everygesturewasitsowntale.Whatwarwashefighting?WasthisforAgrellanorsomethinggreater?‘Youdonotthinkliketheothers,’Shadowsunsaid.‘Yourthoughtsaremore

fluid.Morelikeours,’shecontinued,switchingtoacrudedialectofKhorchin.‘Myfolkgrewstrongontheplains,likeyours.Webrokecitiesthenandwehavebrokenworldssince,justasyouhavedone.’Hislipspeeledbackfromhisteeth,butnotinasmile.Notnow.‘Setyourswordaside,andwewillspeakatlength,overglassesofchinyuawineandagameofGo,KhanKor’sarro.WewillspeakofChogoris,andthewaysofplainsfolk,andwarriors.WewillspeakoftheGreaterGood.’Ifhehadbeenanyotherman,Kor’sarroknewthatthetemptationwouldhave

beenoverwhelming.Thereweretoomanylayersofmeaninginherwords,implicitthreatsandpromises,thatwouldtakedaystodecode.Thehunterinhimlongedtofollowallofthetracksandtrailsshewaslayingbeforehim.Buthewasnotsimplyahunter–hewastheMasteroftheHunt,andhehadhisduty.Hesighedandlookedupatthestars,fadingintothedullironskyofan

Agrellandawn.Thisworldwaspoisoned,andworthnothingbutthelivesthatwouldbespentinitsdefence,includingthoseofhimandhismen,ifthatwasthe

wayofit.‘Iwouldlikesomewine,’hesaidandhislipsquirkedinasmile,ashelookedather.‘Butwehavealreadybeenplaying,huntress,andthetimehascometodrawourgametoanend.’Kor’sarroslidforward,barelystirringthesnow.Theshielddronehummed

betweenthemasheraisedhisboltpistol.Hefiredrapidly,butnotateitherthedroneoritsmistress.Instead,hefiredattheground.Hisshotstoresteamfromtheslushygroundaseachoftheexplosiveboltssuperheatedthesnowintoawhitefogwhichcascadedupwards,envelopinghimandhisenemyboth.Theshielddronehovered,blinded,andhetookitfirst,catchingitfrombelowwithMoonfang.Piercingthedrone,heslungittowardsShadowsun,whofiredinstinctively,erasingherowndronefromexistence.Hewasonheramomentlater,hisswordchoppingdownthroughthebarrelofoneofherweapons,renderingituseless.Sheflungtheshatteredweaponasideasshebroughtupitstwinandfired.Her

jetpackroaredandsheslidbackwards,awayfromhim,stillfiring.Hepursuedher,narrowlyavoidingtheblasts.Theworldnarrowedtojusthimandher.HeheldMoonfanginbothhands,armscocked,readyforthekillingthrust.Ifhecouldjustreachher,evenifshekilledhim,itwouldbeover.Sheknewitaswellashedid.Ithadbeenacalculatedriskonherpart,asithadbeenonhis.Victorywasneverthesweeterthanwhenitwasbalancedbydeath.Cat-quick,Kor’sarroleapt.Shefired,andhefeltheatbrushpasthim,scouring

hisshoulderplateofitswhiteandredmarkings,andleavingonlythegreyofbareceramiteashecrashedontopofher,drivinghissworddownwithallofhisweightbehindit.Shetwisted,desperatenow,andthebladecaressedherside,tearingthroughthewhitearmourlikepaper.Hegrabbedforherhelm,diggingtalon-likefingersintoit,tryingtodestroyheropticsensors,toblindherforthekill.Ablade,aprimitive-lookingknife,flashed,suddenlyappearinginherhand.It

kissedhisneck,drawingathinwealofblood.Theyhitthegroundinatangle,andherfeetcaughthiminthebelly,propellinghimaway.HelosthisgriponMoonfangandslidacrosstheground.Shetossedasideherremainingblasterandtorehercrushedandmangledhelmetfromherhead.Atopknotofhair,ascrimsonasaChogoriansunset,unspooledandsnappedoutasaslate-bluefacewithlarge,darkeyesglaredathim.Herecognisedthelookinthoseeyes,alienastheywere.‘Maybewearealike,’hesaid,drawinghiscombatknife.‘Comethen,huntress.Comeandtakemyscalp.’Withacry,shelungedforhim,knifeinhand.Theyreeledbackandforth

throughthesnow,blockingandslashing.Herbladebitintohisvambraces,drivendeepintotheceramitebythepoweredexoskeletonofherarmour.Hisownknifealsogougedgreatscarsinit,drivenasmuchbyhismuscleashisownpowerarmour.Theywhirledaboutoneanotherinadeadlydance,andhelaugheddeepandloudandlongforthepleasureofit.Theycrashedtogether,bladetoblade,andheleanedtowardsher,smiling

widely.Inhereyeshesawreflectedthejoythatheknewdancedinhisown.Wearenotsodifferent,Shadowsun,andinothercircumstances,Iwoulddancewithyouagain.Youareaworthychallenge,hethought.‘Andyouwouldtameus?’hesaid.‘Forshame.Thereisnotamingthestormandthereisnochainingthehuntersofthestars.Thereisonlythehunt,anddeath.Duty,honour,empire,thesearebutshadowsinthismoment,inallmoments,’hesaid.Theystrainedagainstoneanother,headssoclosethathecouldsmellhersweat,andseehisfacereflectedinhereyes.‘Youknowthat,aswellasI,huntress.Youfeelitaswell,andthatiswhyyouaredoomedtofail,’hesaid,stabbingtothecoreofherwitheachword.Therewassomethingindefinableinhergaze–determination,perhaps,tingedwithwhatmighthavebeensadness.Thejoyhadfaded.Shehadlostherself,butonlyforamoment.Hefeltasurgeofsatisfactionthathehadbeenabletogiveherthatmuch,evenifithadonlybeenasinglemomentoffreedom.Theirknivesgratedagainstoneanother.Shelongedtokillhim,tocuthisheart

outwithherbladeandherhands.Butthatwasnotthewayofit,nottoday.Sheshovedhimbackandwithdrew,herarmourcarryingherspeedilyawayfromhim.Hestumbledmomentarilyoffbalance.Shescoopedupherfusionblasterandspun,levellingitathimbeforehecouldreachher.Hefeltamomentofsadness,bothforhersakeandhisown.Shewasacunningcreature,lockedinchainsthatshedidn’tevensee.Shedeservedacleandeath,awarrior’sdeath,ifnothingelse.Instead,hewoulddiehere,andhismenwoulddie,anditwouldallbefornothing.

‘He’shere,’Toluisaid,‘he’scoming.’Helookedupfromthevox.‘TheKhwarezmianrides,mykhan.’Thevoxinhishandscrackled,andKhorchincursesspatteredtheairinerraticfashion.ThatwasGharchaiallright,Cemakarthought.NooneelseintheorduhadaswideorassulphurousavocabularyastheKhwarezmian.Cemakarbackhandedafirewarriorthatgottoocloseandstompedonthe

downedxenos’schest.Hefiredhisboltpistol,emptyingtheclip.Shadowsun

hadbroughtmoretroopsthanhe’dthought.Thetauhadunpleasantlyaccuratefire,andhisarmourwasscorchedandmarkedbytheevidenceofthataccuracy,aswellasbyhispositionasTolui’sbreathingshield.‘Well,it’sabouttime,’hegrowled.Hetossedasidetheemptypistolandscoopedupachunkofstill-smoulderingwreckagetoblockthefirepowercominghisway.Theywereinastandoff.Thereweren’tenoughWhiteScarstobreakthe

enemy,buttheenemyweren’tdeterminedenoughtopushthrough.Thetauweresqueamish,forwhichhewasthankful.Theysparedconcernfortheirwounded,andrefusedtocommitsuicide.Itmadethemhardertokillinbulk,butkeptthemfrommountinganeffectiveassault.‘Contacttheothers.Weneedtoregroupandhitthemasone,sothattheKhwarezmiancansweepthemfromtheridge.WhereistheStormseer?’Lightningcrackled,andtauscreamedassomethingexploded.Cemakarshookhishead.‘Nevermind,thereheis.Leavehimtoit.ButcontactJebeandthatdark-armourednitwitwiththeaxe.Getthembackhere.’Toluibenttoobey.Cemakarscannedthebattlefield.Itwasasdisorganiseda

messasanywarrioroftheorducouldhopefor,andhetookacertainprideinthegeneralairofconfusionwhichlingeredoverthings.Thiswashowwarshouldbewaged,ariotofcolourandnoise,eventuallysubsumedinsilence.Shotsstruckthechunkofwreckagehewasusingasashield.Everyvibrationthatshookthetwistedmetalinhishandsshookabitmorebloodfromthewoundinhisside.Hewasdying.Thefactdidnotfrightenhim.Hehadcomeclosemanytimesoverhislonglife,andwhenhemetit,itwouldbeasafriend.Thatsaidhedidn’tintendtomakeiteasyonwhoeverkilledhim.Thefire

warriorsweregettingcloser,tryingtopoundhimflatwiththesheervolumeoffire.Helungedforwardandcrashedintothegroup,treadingthemunderorsendingthemflying.Heusedthechunkofwreckagelikeaclub,swattingthemfromtheirfeet.Whenitbecametoounwieldy,hetosseditasideandheftedadazedtauoverhisheadandsenthimflyingintohisfellowswithbone-shatteringforce.Paintorethroughhim,asoneofthealiensoldiersrammedaknifeintohisopenwound.Cemakarcaughthisopponent’sarmandjerkedthefirewarriorforward,droppinghiselbowontopofthesmoothcurveofthealien’shelmet.Metalbuckled,andthetaudroppedinsensate.‘Whereisthekhan?’heshoutedtoTolui,pluckingtheknifefromhisside.Heupendedthebladeandsentitspinningintothebarrelofataurifle.Theweaponexplodedasitsownertriedtofire.‘IfheknowsthatGharchaiisontheway,maybehewon’tdoanythingstupid.’‘Isawhimheadthatway,inpursuitofthexenoswitch,’Toluisaid.He

crackedatauintheheadwiththevox.‘Gofindhim,oldman,we’llholdhere.’Cemakarhesitatedandthennodded.Stiffly,onehandpressedtohisside,he

movedacrosstheridge.Bikesroaredpast,gunsblazing.Thetauweretryingtoregroup,butseemedconfused,asiftheircommanderwasotherwiseoccupied.Cemakargrunted.Hehadafeelingthatheknewwhythatmightbe.Somethingcoldclutchedathishearts,asifashadowhadpassedoverhim.MaybeAmbaghaiwasn’ttheonlyonethespiritsspoketo.Hebegantorun,despitethepain,despitetheacheinhissideandtheredfogthatnearlyblindedhim.WhereverShadowsunwas,thatwaswhereKor’sarrowouldbe.HecaughtsightofthefamiliarflashofMoonfanginthelightofthenearing

dawn.Somethinginhimtoreandhecoughedblood.Hesawthemstrainagainstoneanother,hiskhanandthealiencommander,sawthembreakapart,sawtheweaponrisinginherhand,andheknewwhatwascomingnext,andwithoutasecondthought,heleapt.

Kor’sarrotensed,readytomakehisfinallunge.Herfingertightenedonthetrigger.Cemakarcrashedintohimasthefusionblasterroared.Kor’sarroscrambledto

hisfeet.Helookeddownintotheoldman’supturnedface.‘They’re…here,’hewheezed,smokerisingfrombetweenhislips.‘TheKhwarezmianhascome.’Kor’sarroturnedandsawshadowssweepingacrossRimeCrag,asthe

StormbringerSquadronenteredthefray.LandSpeedersandLandSpeederStormsracedthroughtheair,weaponsfiringastheyweavedoverandbetweenthetautransports.Theremainingbattlesuitturnedaboutandfired,pluckingoneoftheLandSpeedersfromtheair,butitwasforcedtohunkerbehinditsshieldsasmoreswarmedit,circlingitandfiringatitfromeveryangle.Thebattlesuitwasfast,buttheLandSpeederswerefaster.ALandSpeederTyphoonturnedsharply,itslethalpayloaderuptingfromthe

twinpodsmountedonitsupperhull.Missilesstreakedtowardsthebattlesuit,rockingitandconsumingitsshield-drones.Itrefusedtofallorretreathowever,anditraiseditsweapon,pursuingtheTyphoonwithabarrageofitsown.MoreLandSpeederscircledit,cuttingtightturnsandengaginginadazzlingdisplayofaeronauticalacrobaticssuchasonlytheWhiteScarscouldconceiveof.Multi-meltassearedtheair,andheavyboltersbellowed.Thebattlesuitreeledassmokeeruptedfromthecratersthatnowpockmarkeditsframe.Withthebattlesuitthusoccupied,therestofthesquadronpeeledoff,homing

inonthetransponderscarriedbyeveryWhiteScarbiker.Missilesstreakedfrom

theTyphoons,corkscrewingintotheopencompartmentsofthetautransportsasthefirewarriorsbegantoretreat.LandSpeedershuntedthexenos,chewingupthegroundaroundthemwithheavybolterfireinanefforttoherdthemawayfromthesurvivingWhiteScars.OtherLandSpeedershurtleddownthelineoftheridge,assaultcannons

roaringaredgreeting.Shadowsunturned,hersmoothfeatureswrinklinginconsternation.Sheliftedherfusionblaster,andthenlowereditwithashakeofherhead.Kor’sarrostillkneltbesideCemakar.OldShatterhandwasdying,redbubbles

formingatthecornersofhismouthashetriedtospeak,tobreathe.He’dbeencutintwobytheblast,andKor’sarroshiftedslightly,sothatCemakarcouldn’tseehisownlegslyingsomedistanceaway.‘T-toldyouso,’theoldmanhissed.HisfisttappedweaklyagainstKor’sarro’sleg.‘Stupid,’hegurgled.‘Easyoldman,theKhwarezmianishere.You’llbefine.You’vesurvived

worse,’Kor’sarrosaid,knowingitwasalieevenashesaidit.‘You’llsurvivethis.’Helookedup.Thesoundofenginesshooktheridge.Hasikandhisbikershadmadeitthroughandcomeback.Thekhamarweremakingafightingwithdrawal.Theirambushhadbeenambushed,andtheyknewwhentheywerebeaten.Theywouldn’tstaygonelong,however.Heknewthattheywouldhavealong,hardrideaheadofthem,backtotheirownlines.Theoldmangrippedhiswrist,andKor’sarrolookeddown.‘Mytanksaredead,’Cemakarsaid,staringupatthelighteningsky.‘Nowso

amI.’Hisgazesharpened,justforamoment.‘They’llmakemeaGhostWarrior,boy,’herasped,andtherewasrealfearinhiswords.Forthefirsttime,inhisfinalmoments,OldShatterhandwasfrightened.ThethoughtofbeinginterredwithinthearmouredsarcophagusofaDreadnoughtcausedeventhestaunchestwarrioroftheordutoquail.TobemadeoneoftheGhostWarriorsmeantaneternityofsterileslaughter,nevertofeelthewindortastethebloodoftheenemy.BloodyfingersdugintoKor’sarro’sarm.‘Don’tletthem.’Hecoughed.Hiseyeswerewide.Bloodspatteredintohisbeard.Thenwithaqueruloussigh,hisfacewentslack,andhishandsfloppedlimplytothesnow.Kor’sarrohesitated.TherewasanApothecarywithGharchai,heknew.

Cemakarwouldbestabilised,kepthoveringbetweenthelandofbloodandthelandofghostsuntilsuchtimeashecouldbeencasedinanadamantinebio-coffinandjointheranksofthelivingdead.Hewastoovaluabletolosetosuchashallowdeath.OldShatterhandwasalegend–agod-killerandamasterofwar.Theseerswouldoverseehisreturnandtheywouldawakenhimtofightanew.

Unlesstherewasnothinglefttoawaken.HelookedupatShadowsun,whowasshoutingorderstohertroops.Shemet

hiseyesasherosetohisfeet.‘Hewasmycommander,once,’hesaid,softly.Heknewshecouldhearhim.‘Hewasnevermyfriend,forhehadnone.Buthewasmybrother,andmyteacherandhedidnotdeservethisdeath.Andhedoesnotdeservewhatwillhappennext.’Theystaredatoneanotherasthebattlesweptonaroundthem.Shehadfaced

Dreadnoughtsbefore,heknew.Evenasshelikelyknew,afterallthistimestudyingthewarriorsoftheordu,whatsuchafatemeanttothem.Then,justashebegantofearthathe’dmisjudgedher,Shadowsuninclinedherheadslightlyandhesteppedback.HerfusionblastervomitedplasmaandCemakar’sbodywasenvelopedinapyrrhicshroud.Kor’sarroexpelledabreathandlookedather.‘Yourdaysarenumbered.Countthemonebyone,andcherishthem.Youhaveearnedthisone,butourdanceisnotyetfinished,huntress.Whereveryougo,whereveryouwagewar,Iwillpursueyou,andwhentheappointeddaydawns,yourheadwilljointheothersontheWhiteRoad.’Shadowsunheldhisgazeforamoment.‘Wecouldhavebeengreatfriends,

huntsman,’shesaid,finally.Herarmourwaveredandamomentlater,shewasgone,losttohissight.Thesoundsofbolterfiretrickledoffasthetauretreated,leavingRimeCragtothebatteredremnantsoftheThirdCompany.Kor’sarrolookeddownatthechar-stainthatmarkedCemakar’spassingand

noddedtohimself.‘Yes,’hesaid,‘Iratherthinkwecouldhave.’HesheathedMoonfangandtrudgeduptowardsthesummitoftheridge.Thesurvivorshadfallenbacktojointhenewarrivals.HecouldseetheKhwarezmianamongthem,hisarmourwreathedinsilksand

furs,andhisbeakedhelmetpaintedtoresembleawolf’sskull.GharchaiclaspedforearmswithhimwhenKor’sarroreachedthemafewmomentslater.‘Mykhan,I’mgladtoseethatyouhaven’tkilledthemall.Iwasworriedwhenwecouldn’tfindthemonoursweep,’theKhwarezmiansaid,onehandrestingonthepommeloftheheavy-bladetulwarsheathedonhiship.Hecockedhishead.‘Theoldman?’heasked.Kor’sarrogesturedtothesky.‘Hisspiritrideswiththestorms.Asdothoseof

ourbrotherswhoenabledustoescapethetrapwewereledinto.Asallofoursmaydo,beforethisdayisdone.’HeslappedahandagainstGharchai’sarm.‘Butwe’renotdeadyet.Mountup,brothers.Wemustbequick.Theenemywillregroupandseektoharryus,’hesaid,ashelookedaround.‘Anewdayisuponus,andwestillhaveawartowage.’Hepaused.‘Ourhuntisover.Weridefor

AgrellanPrime.’

ABOUTTHEAUTHORS

PhilKellyistheauthoroftheWarhammer40,000DamoclesnovellaBloodOathandtheWarhammertitleSigmar’sBlood,aswellasa

numberofshortstories.HeworksasabackgroundwriterforGamesWorkshop,craftingtheworldsofWarhammerandWarhammer40,000.

HelivesinNottingham.

GuyHaleyistheauthorofSpaceMarineBattles:DeathofIntegrity,theWarhammer40,000novelsValedorandBaneblade,andthe

novellasTheEternalCrusader,TheLastDaysofEctorandBrokenSword,forDamocles.HisenthusiasmforallthingsgreenskinhasalsoledhimtopentheeponymousWarhammernovelSkarsnik,aswellastheEndTimesnovelTheRiseoftheHornedRat.HelivesinYorkshire

withhiswifeandson.

BenCounterisoneofBlackLibrary’smostpopularWarhammer40,000authors,withtwoHorusHeresynovelstohisname–GalaxyinFlamesandBattlefortheAbyss.Heistheauthorofthesix-volumeSoulDrinkersseriesandTheGreyKnightsOmnibus.ForSpace

MarineBattleshehaswrittenMalodraxandTheWorldEngine,andhasturnedhisattentiontotheSpaceWolveswiththenovellaArjacRockfist:AnvilofFenrisandanumberofshortstories.Heisa

fanaticalpainterofminiatures,apursuitwhichhaswonhimhismostprizedpossession:aprestigiousGoldenDemonaward.Helivesin

Portsmouth,England.

JoshReynoldsistheauthoroftheWarhammer40,000novellasHunter’sSnareandDante’sCanyon,alongwiththeaudiodrama

MasteroftheHunt,allthreefeaturingtheWhiteScars,andtheBloodAngelsnovelDeathstorm.IntheWarhammerWorld,hehaswrittenTheEndTimes:TheReturnofNagash,theGotrek&FelixtalesRoadofSkullsandTheSerpentQueen,andthenovelNeferata.Helivesand

worksinSheffield.

AnextractfromOverfiend.ContainsthenovellasStormseer,ShadowCaptainandForgeMaster.

Andthenthereweremoreorktanks.Theyhadn’tbeenthereaminutebefore.TemurKhanhadexpectedtheir

arrival,buthewasn’tpleasedtobecorrect.TherehadbeentwoBattlewagons:onethattheIronGuardhadmanagedtodestroyasitclosedinonthewallsofthebastion,theother,furthertotherearoftheorkforce,takenoutbyawell-placedmeltabombslappedontoitssidebyTemurhimselfasheandhiscommandsquadstormedpastitontheirbikes.Forseveralminutes,theridersoftheFifthBrotherhoodhadtornacrosstheorkranks,takingthegreenskinsapartwithbolterandpowerlance,grindingthemtomuckbeneaththewheelsofthebikes.Theybluntedtheorkadvance.ForwardoftheWhiteScarsincursions,manyofthebrutesturnedback,enraged,totrytoclosewiththeSpaceMarines.Thosewhocontinuedtorushforwardstoscrambleuptheslopetowardsthebastionwerecutdownbythedisciplined,unceasingfireoftheIronGuard.TheWhiteScars’tacticwasperfectlycalculatedtodisrupttheorks:aharrying

attackthatkilledmomentumbysowingconfusionandforcingtheenemytoexpendenergyinconflictingdirections.Itsucceeded.Theorks’vastnumbersbegantoworkagainstthem.Theybecameamobafflictedbycollidingcurrents.Temurwantedtheiradvancetransformedintoawhirlpool,aconfusionofrapidsbreakingintofoamagainsttherocksoftheFifthBrotherhood.Forthoseseveralminutes,hesawthatconfigurationform.Hesawthegreenskins’excusefororderbreakdown.Severalminutesofapparentprogress.SeveralminutesduringwhichTemur

knewallthatprogresswouldbereversed,whilehehopedtobecompletelywrong.Butthenthetankswerethere,appearingjustovertherisetothenorth,onlyafewhundredmetresaway.Evenoverthebayingofthegreenskins,heshouldhavebeenabletoheartheapproachingclamouroftheBattlewagonengines.Buthehadn’t.Thevehicleswerejustsuddenlythere.Thiswasnotspeedorstealth.Thiswassomethingelse.Hehadbeenprovenright,buteverythingelsewaswrong.Theentiretenorof

thebattlewaswrong.TheWhiteScarsandtheIronGuardhadcometopurgetheorksfromthemoon.ButnowtheImperialforcesweretheonesbesieged.

Thereversalwasnotduetotacticalerror.Temurhadapowerfulrapidstrikeforcetocommand:sixcombatbikesquads,threeofthemsupportedbymulti-melta-equippedattackbikes,fiveLandSpeeders,oneassaultsquad,andafive-manScoutsquad.Andtheyhadchosentheirstagingareawell.TheSTCbastionelementshadbeendroppedtoaplateauthathadacommandingposition,itspeakhigherthananythingelseforadozenkilometresineverydirection.Thebastion’scorewasasquat,crenellatedtower,crownedbyalascannonturret.Thetowerandthesectionedwallswereconstructedofprefabironcomponentsandreinforcedplasteel.WithintheperimeterwerethelandingpadsforthetwoThunderhawks,the

FuriousLightningandtheKhajog’sStand.Thebastionwasadarkgreyjudgementuponthelandscape,itsouterbarrierahundredmetreslongoneachside.Where,anhourbefore,therehadbeennothing,nowtherewasthestampofImperialstrength.Butthebastionwasdesignedasabeachhead,apowerfulmusteringpointoutofwhichwouldradiatetheassault.Itwas,initsintent,aweapon,notadefence.Ifasiegewastotakeplace,itwastobeundertakenbytheforcesthatweresentoutfromthefortress.ButthegreenskinshadnointerestinImperialwardoctrine.Thegroundrosein

aseriesofswellstothenorth,anditwasfromthatdirectionthattheorkshadcome.Theyhadarrivedjustasthebastionhadbeencompleted,butbeforetheWhiteScarshadbeenabletoscoutouttheorkpositions.Thewatchinthebastionwasabletoseethedustkickedupbythegreenskininfantryfromafairdistance,butnotthetanks.Theheavysupportkeptarrivingonthefieldasiffromnowhere.Theimplicationsweredark.AndTemurresentedfightingadefensivebattle.

ThatwasagamefortheImperialFists.Butunlesstheycouldeasetheorks’pressureonthebastion,theWhiteScarswouldbestymied,theirmissionstalled.Hehadexpectedtoencounterthegreenskintanks.Thatwaswhyhewashere:theorkswereproducingheavyvehiclesonthemoon,andsendingthemdowntothesurfaceofLepidusPrime.Whatwasunexpectedwasthesuddennessoftheirarrival.Temur’sphilosophy

ofwarwasoffendedbytanks,especiallythelumbering,ungainlybehemothsslappedtogetherbytheorks,hittingaconflictwiththeimpactandsuddennessofdroppods.Lookoutsandaugurswereuseless.Theorkmachinesarrivedasiftheyhadbeenspatoutbythewarp.FourBattlewagons.Unbelievable.Huge,clanking,roaringmonstrosities.

Spewingblackexhaust,theychewedthegroundbeneaththemastheydescended

theslope,rumblingtheirwaytowardstheplateauandthebastion.Theydidn’tlookbuiltsomuchasassembled.Theywerepatchworkmetalhorrors.Therewasnoconsistencybetweenthemachines,andbarelyanyevidenceofrationalthought.Theywerefantasiesofviolence.Theirhulkingchassisbristledwithspikesandgunsandsecondarycannons.Theirfrontshadbeenfashionedintofacesthatwerebladesandbatteringrams.Twoofthetanksmovedfaster.Theyappearedtobearmouredtransports,

overflowingwithhootingorks.Theothertwohadmassivecannons.Theystartedfiringthemomenttheyappeared,eventhoughthebastionwasstilloutofrange.Theshellsfellshort,blowinguptheorks’ownfrontranks.Thesurvivingorksrespondedwithdelightedlaughter.Insteadofcreatingmoredisorder,thefriendlyfireseemedtoinvigoratetheforwardelements,andtheorkschargedoncemore.Temuremergedfromthegreenskinmass,hisarmourandbikedrenchedwith

xenosbloodandpulpedflesh.Straybulletsflewpasthimandcareenedoffhisceramite.Butthemassesthathadbeenragingforhisbloodhadlostinterest.Theywantedthebastion.TheBattlewagonsweregivingthemfocus.Temurcursed,thenspokeintohisvox-bead.‘BrotherTokhta,’hesaid.‘Alessonneedstobetaught.’‘Understood.’Momentslater,TemursawtheThunderhawkFuriousLightningtakeofffrom

thebastion.Heswitchedtoacompany-widechannel.‘Brothers,’hesaid,‘weneedto

striketheenemyarmourwithamightyfist.Iwantthegreenskinsdemoralisedandbroken.LandSpeeders,taketheforwardtanks.Bikes,theonestotherear.Assaultsquad,thecentralmass.UsetheFuriousLightningasourcue.Let’sshowthemthetruthofasuddenarrival.’Temurlikenedthedeploymenttothesnapofasteel-jawedtrap.Thebikesthat

hadbeenscythingthroughtheorkmasspulledawayandrodetowardsthebackoftheorkhorde.Temurwatchedthesky,trackingtheflightofthegunship.Itcameinlow,screamingtherageofastorm,andunleashedpunishmentontheorks.TheotherWhiteScarsattackedatthesamemoment.Blowsfromthefront,thesides,therear,andfromabove.Steeljaws.Snap.TheThunderhawkbeganwithitstwinlascannons,scorchingafurrowthrough

theorks,leadinguptothefirstBattlewagon.Thenitswitchedtoitsbattlecannon.Theshellstrucktheorkmachinehead-on.Thebruteswhohadbeenhangingontothetank’sprofusionofmetalprojections,ridingitliketicks,flewawayinchunks.Flameseruptedfrominside,yetthetankkeptgoing,gears

screamingagainsteachother.Smokepouredfromthefrontasifthebeastwereawoundeddragon.Theorksdidnotabandontheirride.Ifithadnotexploded,thentherewas

nothingwrongwithit.GunfirestabbedupwardsattheFuriousLightningasitpassedoverhead.Rooftopturretstrackeditsflight,butitwasalreadystreakingontoitsnextprey.Itslascannonsneverstoppedfiring.Tokhtawasgoingtocuttheorkarmyinhalfwithalineofflame.HeloosedHellstrikemissilesatthesecondBattlewagon,andwasontothenextbeforetherocketsstruck.Thehitwasperfect.Theexplosionwasmassive,engulfingthetank,andthen

redoublinginforceasthevehicleerupted.Fireballsgrewoutofeachother.Theorksinthevicinityscattered,burningandhowling.Flamingwreckageraineddowninawidearea.Withit,asifbornfromthesamefire,camethejump-packedassaultsquad,deployingfromtheThunderhawk.TheWhiteScarslandedinthemiddleoftheorks,justicelashingoutfromthe

darkofthenightsky.Eachwarriorkilleddozensofgreenskinsinawideswatharoundhislandingarea,thenroseuptocomedownagain,repeatedhammerblowsstrikingtheorks.Eddiesofconfusionrippledoutfromeachstrikepoint.Theadvancewasslowingagain.Inthegrowingdisorder,fiveLandSpeedershittheorksheadon.They

skimmedbarelytwometresabovetheground,sofastitwasasiftheyweretryingtooutracetheshellsfromtheirheavybolters.Theyploughedmorefurrowsintotheorklines.Theydecapitatedthegreenskinswhowerefoolishenoughtostandtallandroarachallenge.TheyclosedwiththewoundedtankwithkrakmissilesfromtheirTyphoonlaunchers.Temurobservedthefirstblowsofthesteeljawsasheandhisbikesquads

approachedtherearelementsandthetworemainingtanks.Hesawtheflashesandexplosions,andheheardthereportsoverthevox.Hethought,Good,good,good.Theorkscouldthrowtheirheavyarmouratthem,buttheWhiteScarswerestillgoingtosmashthisassault.Thebikesquadscameinfromtwosides.Theonesontheeastsidewere

targetingthesametankastheFuriousLightning.Temurledtheassaultfromthewest.Thetwinboltersofthebikescutapaththroughthesavagemasses,headingstraightforthetank.Theorksrespondedmorequickly,firingbackwithinaccuracybutwildabandon.Temurjinkedthebikeleftandright.Atthisspeed,ridingoverbodies,collidingwithorksinprimitivearmour,heriskedoverturning.Heonlywentfaster.Withhishelmeton,hecouldnotfeeltherushofwindagainsthisface,buthesawthesmearofenemiesfallinginhiswake,

andhefelteveryjoltandbumpofhishurricaneride.TheBattlewagonwasjustaheadnow.AndtheThunderhawklaunchedmore

Hellstrikesattheothertank.Anothersnapofthejaws–No.AtthemomenttheFuriousLightningfired,theorkmachineputonaburstof

speed.Itsurgedforwards.Therocketsflashedpastit,blowingupscoresoffoot-soldiersbehind.Forasecond,theBattlewagonclaimedtheinitiative.Afatalsecond.Thetank’scannonfired.Theexuberant,excessive,

overpoweredshellstruckthegunship’sstarboardwing.Theexplosionlitthenight,anevilsun.Theablativeceramitearmourshould

havebeenproofagainstasingleshell.Thetitaniumrolledplatesshouldhaveheld.Butitwasasifthisshellhadbeenblessedbyaraveningspiritofwar.Thewingshearedoff.Ittumbledendoverendtotheground,killingmoreorkswithflamesandcrushingsteel.TheLightningwentintoaspiral.ItsremainingengineroaredasTokhtafoughttostabilisetheflight.Therewasnothinghecoulddo.Thegunship’sdeathwasinevitable.Still,it

foughthardagainsttheend.Theengine’showlbecameacryforvengeance.Wounded,burning,theThunderhawkspunarounditsownaxisandslammedtoearthinasteepdiagonal.Theimpactwasstormandearthquake.Thebattlefieldshook.Flameswashedovertheorks.Asitdied,theshiptookaphalanxofgreenskinswithit.Thefinalretaliationmeantnothing.Theorks’collectiveshoutofcelebration

wasdeafening.ThesternoftheFuriousLightningwasonfire,butthefuselagewasstillintact.

TheBattlewagonclosedin.No,Temurthought.No,bythewindsandbytheearth,no!Thetidewouldnot

turnlikethis.Buttherewasnothinghecoulddo.Hesawonlyenoughofthedisastertoknowwhathadhappened.Hewascommittedtohisownattack,nowsecondsaway.‘Thunderhawkdown,providingassistance,’saidavoiceoverthecombat

channel.ItwasGhazan,leadingthewesterncharge.‘Punishthegreenskins’temerity,Stormseer,’Temurtoldhim.‘Iwill,khan,andmore.’

Ghazansplitupthesquad.HeandBrotherKaiduveeredofftowardsthefallengunshipwhileSergeantQaraqanledUlaganandBoralunagainstthetank.Heurgedevenmorespeedfromhisbike.TheThunderhawkwasapronetargetfor

theBattlewagon’sgiantgun.ThecannonfiredagainjustbeforeGhazanreachedtheLightning.Theshell

fellshort,butnotbymuch.Theblastthrewupacloudofearththathalfcoveredthewreck.ThenGhazanandKaiduwereatthefrontoftheship,ontheportside,oppositethetank’sapproach.Thenosehaddugitselfintotheground.Theprimaryaccessrampwascrumpledandhalf-buried.Therewouldbenoextractionthatway.‘BrotherTokhta,’Ghazanvoxed.‘Areyoustillwithus?’Staticatfirst,butthenavolleyofpainedcurses.‘Soundslikeheis,’saidKaidu.Theydismounted,leavingtheirbikescloseto

thefuselage.Thecannonthunderedagain,butatadifferenttarget.Ghazanheardthestutter

ofabike’sbolters.Qaraqan’sattackwasunderway.Thebikeweaponrywouldn’tbeenoughtopiercethetank’sarmour,butitwasdrawingtheattentionoftheorkgunners,buyingsometime.Onlyamatterofseconds,though.Thecrashhadkilledscoresoforks,buttheircomradeswererushingforwardstoswarmovertheprize,heedlessofthepossibilityofbeingblownupbytheirownarmament.Thesecondaryaccesshatchwasalsoinoperable.Ghazanlookedattheslopeof

theruinedbow.‘Let’sclimb,’hesaid.HeandKaiduscrambledup.Tothenorth,theywereexposedtotheBattlewagon’scannon,butitwasstilltryingtohitclosertargets.Fromtheeast,westandsouth,theorksrushedtowardstheFuriousLightning.Aseaofgreensavagerywascomingtodrownthem.Theorksfiredastheyran,fillingtheairwithbullets.Inlessthanaminute,thewavewouldcrashagainstthegunship.TheThunderhawk’sforwardarmourglasswindshieldhadbeenblownoutby

theimpact.Tokhtawasvisibleinside,pinnedbycrushedmetal.‘Howareyoufaring,brother?’Ghazanaskedoverthevox.‘Leftarm,leg,andribsbroken,’thepilotanswered.‘Noleverage.’Kaidudroppedinsideandbeganhaulingthewreckageaway.Ghazanturnedto

holdbacktheorks.Ashedid,hethoughtthroughanotherproblem.TheycouldnotleavetheFuriousLightningtobedesecratedbythexenos.Hethoughtofapossiblesolution.Itwaslunatic.Mydestinylieselsewhere,hethought.Sothiswillcertainlywork.Hedidn’t

thinkanyoneelsewouldappreciatethehumour.Hebarelydidhimself.‘Canyouride,brother?’heaskedTokhta.Hisstaffinonehand,heopenedfire

withhisboltpistolwiththeother,blastingattheorksthatcamenearhisand

Kaidu’sbikes.Heignoredtheonesontheothersideofthegunshipfornow.‘IfIcanbreathe,Icanride.’Good.‘Arethereanyjumppacksaboard?’‘Inthetroopcompartment,yes.’‘BrotherKaidu,I’llneedone.’Hemaglockedthepistol,pulledafraggrenade

fromhisbeltandtosseditintothehorde.Theexplosionhurledbrokenorksintotheair.Hehadthepistolbackinhandandwasfiringagainbeforethebodieslanded.Corpsesaccumulatedinasemi-circlearoundthebikes.ThegreenskinsonhissideoftheThunderhawksloweddownandstartedshootingathim.Theirbulletswerenomatchforhisarmour.Butbehindtheseorkscametheirslower,larger,moreheavily-armouredbrothers.‘Isthatwise,Stormseer?’Kaiduasked.‘No,butitisnecessary.Dohurry.’AmassiveorkinclankingarmourleaptupontotheLightning’snose.Ittooka

boltershellinthechest.Thehitdamagedthearmour,buttheorkkeptcoming,itsforwardmomentumunaffected.Ghazanblinkedatthegreenskin’sstrength.Hehadneverseenanorkabletoshrugoffabolter’simpactquitesoeasily.Itswungahugechainaxeathim.Hetookastepback,andtheaxewentwide.

Itsheadwassoheavythattheork’sswingthrewitoffbalanceforamoment.Ghazanraisedhisstaffhigh.TheeyesocketsofthehorseskullonitsendglowedwiththefuryofChogoris,andthewindsoftheWhiteScarshomeworldrushedoutfromhisbeing.Theyknockedtheorkoffthegunship,thenragedtothegroundbelow,hurlingtheattackersback.Ghazanreachedintothespiritofthemoonitself.Hetoucheditselemental

strength.HespoketoitwiththevoiceofChogorisentwinedwithhisown.Casttheseverminaway,hesaid.Scourthemfromyoursurface.Thewindsshriekedwithanger.Theyflattenedtheorksandbowledthemover,

clearingtheareaaroundthetwobikesbyadozenmetresonallsides.Ghazanheldtheorksatbay.Hepinnedthemtothegroundwiththemoon’showl.Frothingwithrage,thebiggestoftheorkswerealreadypushingthemselves

up.ThentheBattlewagon’scannonthunderedagain,andthistimeithitveryclosetotheflankoftheFuriousLightning.Thegunshipshookhard.ItbrokeGhazan’sconcentration,andhelosthislinktothemoonandhishomeworld.Behindhim,GhazanheardKaiduclimboutofthecockpit,thenpullTokhta

up.Ghazanturned.‘Youhavesecondstogetclear,’hesaid.HetookthejumppackKaiduhandedhim.Kaidunodded.Tokhtasaid,‘Mythanks,Stormseer.’

SupportedbyKaidu,thepilotslidtotheground.HeslumpedoverGhazan’sbike,butmanagedtostartitunaided.Tokhtaopenedupwithhisbike’stwinbolters,pushingtheorksbackagain,givingKaiduthesecondsandspaceheneededtostarttherun.Thentheyrodeoff,smashingthroughthegreenskins,crushingthembeneaththeirwheels.OnthestarboardsideoftheThunderhawk,thetankwasclosingin.Ithadbeen

slowedbytheotherWhiteScars,buttheyhadn’tbeenabletocrippleit.Theshipwassurroundedbyorksracingwitheachothertoclaimtheprize.Ghazanhadthejumppackonnow.‘Pullback,’hevoxedtothesquad.‘Ihave

this.’Hedroppedintothecockpit.Despitethedamage,thecontrolsurfaceswere

stillmoreorlessintact.Hedrovehisfistintothepanellinguntilhehadpunchedaholethrough,thenpeeledthemetalback,exposingthewiring.HewasnoTechmarine,buthemurmuredaprayerofapologytotheship’smortallywoundedmachine-spirit.Heaskedittoacceptwhathewasabouttodo,andactashehopeditwould.Theorkswereontopofthenosenow.Twowerefightingwitheachotherover

whichwouldhavetheprivilegeofenteringthecockpitfirst.Ghazanshotthemboth.Hegrabbedtheshatteredwindshieldframeandhauledhimselfout.Helookeddownatthewiring,fixeditspositioninhismind,andtriggeredthejumppack.HeshotintotheairasthetankdrewupbesidetheFuriousLightning.Hekeptlookingdownwards,visualisingthecockpit,ashereachedoutoncemoretotheelements.Hewasaseerofstorms.Hewouldsharehisvisionwiththeorksbelow.Themoonrespondedtohim.Thelandwasoutragedbythepresenceofthe

greenskins.Itwaseagerforretribution.ItgaveGhazanitslightning.Hisstaffcrackledelectricalsilveralongitsentirelength,andthentheblast,asearinthenight,struckthecockpitoftheThunderhawk.Witharoaroffinalrageandtriumph,theFuriousLightningembracedits

namesakeandfounditsvengeance.Allitsweaponssystemsfiredatonce.ItsremainingHellstrikemissileslaunchedstraightintotheground.Explosionsgrewfromexplosionsasthefuelandammunitionignited.Thegunshipdisappearedinanearth-shakingblast.Thefireswallowedthetank,andthenittooaddedtotheholocaust.ThefireballrosetomeetGhazan,andthejumppackbarelykepthimfromthehungerofthespreadingdestruction.Successiveboomsbuiltoneachother.Theywereasymphonyofending.Theywerethesoundoftheentirecentreoftheorkarmygoneinasecond,incineratedatthemomentoftheir

celebration.Onthedescendingarcofhisjump,Ghazansawthelightsofthetwobikes

streakingawayfromthefire,stillcuttingtheirwaythroughthegreenskins.Ashelandedjustbeyondtheperipheryoftheblasts,hesawthelasttankcomeapartinflamestoo,broughtdownbyTemur’sbikesquad.Ghazanhitthegroundwithhisboltpistoldrawn.Hemarchedforwards,staff

high,puttingshellsintheskullsofthenearestorks.Afewfiredbackathim,buttheywerenotattacking.Theremainingforcewasindisarray,panickedbythemassive,suddenlossesofinfantryandalltheirheavysupport.Noothertanksappeared.Theorkswereretreating.

‘Wehavearespite,’Temursaid.‘Idon’texpectittobelong,anditwasdearlybought.IhavenointentionofsacrificingourremainingThunderhawktogainusanotherbreathingspell,andIdislikesieges.Idislikethemintensely.’TheFifthBrotherhoodhadregroupedinthebastion.Thekhanwasspeakingto

hissergeantsinthecommandblock.ColonelGregorMeixneroftheMordianIronGuardwaspresent,butstandingtooneside,remainingsilentwithgoodgracewhileTemurpaced.MeixnerstruckGhazanasanofficerwithafinelydevelopedsenseofthepossibleandthepolitical.The64thwasajustifiablyproudregiment,butMeixnerknewthatheandhismenwerepresentinthisengagementinasupportingrole.TheywouldassisttheWhiteScarsastheycould,butitwastheFifthBrotherhoodthatwouldstabtheorkoperationsonthismoonthroughtheheart.GhazanwasimpressedbyMeixner’sgood-naturedcalmashelistenedto

Temur.TheIronGuardonthisdayhadwoundupbeinglittlemorethanbait.AsGhazanturnedoverinhismindwhatmusthappennext,herealisedthatthemenwouldcontinueinthisrole.Theyweretheinvitingtargetthatwouldkeepthemainbodyoftheorkarmyfocusedonthisspot,distractedfromprotectingitsownbase.HedoubtedthatTemurwouldbeassanguinewhenthesamehappenedtohim.

Butthatwaswhatthescenariohewasoutliningwouldbe.‘Ourchoicesarelimited,’Temursaid.‘Wewillnotgiveupourfootholdon

thismoon,andwecannotattackatargetwhoselocationisunknowntous.’Hegrunted,asiftherealityofhissituationjustnowfullyregistered.Hisscars,inthepatternoftheclawmarksofaberkul,darkenedashisfrustrationshadedtowardsanger.‘Wewillhavetoholdthispositionuntilweknowwheretostrike.’HeturnedtoSergeantKusala,wholedtheScoutsquad.‘Brother-

sergeant,’saidthekhan,‘Ibelieveitisclearwhatweneedyouandyourmentodo.’Kusalanodded.‘Itis,mykhan,’hesaid.Hehadlivedlongenoughthathis

hair,tiedbackfollowingtraditioninahorse’stail,wasgrey.ThoughGhazanwasyounger,hishairwaswhite.Ithadbeensincethenightofhisfirstvision,whenhisfatedroleaszadyinargahadbeenmademanifest.‘Wewillfindthegreenskins’manufactorumforyou,’Kusalawenton.‘Good.Andwhenyoudo,weshallfallonitliketheworstofgales.’To

Meixner,Temursaid,‘Whenthatmomentcomes,wewillmovetodestroythemanufactorum,regardlessofthesituationonthegroundhere.Thatmaywellmeanabandoningyoutofaceanothersiegelikewesawtoday.Quitepossiblyaworseone.’‘Wewilldoourduty,’Meixnersaid.‘Wewillhold.’Temurgruntedagain,thistimemoresatisfied.‘Ilookforwardtoyourbeing

puttothetest,colonel.Wecannotaffordtoletthismissiondragontoolong.NeithercantheRavenGuardonLepidusPrime.’Temurstoppedpacing.Hehadbarelyglancedatthetacticariumtablebehindhim.Notthatitwasprovinguseful.Theyallknewthelieofthelandaroundthebastion.Northwards,wherethetargetlay,wasmostlyconjecture.Thedifficultywasnotinknowingtheterrainofthemoon.Theproblemlayinhowtheorkshadtransformedthesurfacesincetheirarrival.Noneofthelithographsproducedbyorbitingaugurarrayswerehelpful.Theonlywaytofindthesiteoftheorks’heavyarmourproductionwouldbetofinditontheground.Allthesame,GhazanfoundhimselflookingpastTemuratthetable.The

lithographoftheregionsnorthofthebastionseemedtolookbackathim.Thelongerhestaredattheimageoftheterrain,themorehefeltthefrayingvibrationaroundthecontoursofrealitythatprecededhisvisions.Destinytuggedathim.Thebeinghewouldfightawaitedhimthere.‘IwillaccompanytheScouts,’hesaid.Temur’spacingstoppeddead.HegaveGhazanasharplook,butdidn’t

respondtohim.HespokeinsteadtoKusalaagain.‘Whenwillyoubereadytoleave?’‘Withinthehour,khan.’‘Good.Makeready,then.’Kusalasalutedandleft.Totherestofthesergeants,Temursaid,‘Wewill

makewhatrepairswecantothebikesandLandSpeeders.Wewillhaveconstant,rotatingpatrolsoutthere.Weknowtheorksarecomingback.Iwould

haveushitthembeforetheygetsocloseagain.’HeglancedatMeixnerandvisiblystoppedshortofissuingcommandstothecolonel.IfMeixnernoticedthenearslight,hedidn’tshowit.‘Wewillbereadyas

well,’hesaid.‘Thankyou,colonel.’TotheWhiteScarshesaid,‘Towar,then.FortheKhan

andtheEmperor!’Thewarcrywasechoed,andthesergeantsleftthecommandroom,asdid

Meixner.Temurmadenomovetogo.Hestoodbesidethetacticariumtable,asstillashehadbeenrestlessafewminutesbefore.Ghazanremainedwherehewas.Thetwoofthemwaiteduntiltheywerealone.‘Youareneededhere,zadyinarga,’Temursaid.‘Onthefrontlines.’‘Perhaps.ButthisiswhereIcannotbe.Iamfatedtobeelsewhere.’Temur’sscarsdarkenedagain.‘Yousawwhatwewereupagainst.Your

presencetonightwasthedifferencebetweenourprovisionaltriumphanddisaster.’‘Thatisnotacertainty.’‘Thecertaintyisthatourlosseswouldhavebeenmuchgreater.’Ghazaninclinedhisheadonce,concedingthepoint.Hesaidnothing.Temurbegantopaceagain.Ashedid,hetappedafingeragainstthesurfaceof

thetable.Hestruckitwiththerigidtak,tak,takofamarch.‘Youarrivedonmyshipwithoutanynotice,atthelastmomentbeforethecommencementofthemission,’hesaid.Again,Ghazanbowedhishead.Whatthekhansaidwastrue.Ghazansawno

needtoexpandonthattruth.Temurmovedtothefarsideofthetable.Thetappingcontinued.Heseemedto

beexpectingmoreofananswer.Whenhereceivednone,hesaid,‘Ireceivedyouwith,Ibelieve,therespectduetoyouroffice.’‘Thatisso.’‘Yetyouwillnotdomethecourtesyoftellingmewhyyouarehere.’‘Idonotintendtobecryptic,khan.Thefullcontoursofmyfatehereare

hiddentome.Ihavecometodobattlewithapowerfulenemy.Thatisthefulltruth.’‘Andyoudon’tknowwhoorwhatorwherethisenemyis?’‘No.’Ghazangesturedatthetacticariumtable.‘Butmysenseisthatitwaits

formeinthenorth.’‘Hasitnotoccurredtoyouthatthisenemymightbedrawntothebattlefield

here?IhaveagreatrespectforthevisionsofStormseers,Ghazan,butarethey

notopentodifferentinterpretations?Youjustadmittedthatthedetailsarehiddenfromyou.’Thoughhissoulalreadyknewtheanswertothekhan’squestion,Ghazandid

notdismissit.Heconsidereditlongenoughtoconfirmhiscertaintythathewaschoosingtherightpath.‘No,’hesaid.‘Thisfoewillnotcometome.’‘ThenlettheScoutsdotheirwork,andinthemeantime,fightwhereyouare

needed.’‘Iamneededinthenorth.WiththeScouts.’‘Youarewrong.Yourdestinymaybepullingyouthere,butthatisnotwhere

youshouldbeatthistime.’Ghazanwassilentforamoment.‘Iamsorrytodisappointyou,TemurKhan.

Butfateisnotsubjecttopragmatism.Ihavenochoice.’Hesaidthelastsentenceasiftospeakitweretocastasidealldoubt.HebroughthisarmstohischestinthesignoftheaquilaandleftbeforeTemurcouldanswer.Hedidpauseinthecorridoroutsidethecommandcentre.Heunderstood

Temur’sgrowinganger.Hisactionswouldappear,fromtheoutside,tobeselfishandquitepossiblyfoolish.Heremovedhisleftgauntletandheldhisstaffwithhisbarehand.Hefelttheridgesoftheprotectivesigils.Heclosedhiseyesandopenedhimselfuptothewarp.Thetugwasthereimmediately.Thechainsofdestinywerepullingathimwith

evenmoreinsistence.Attheirend,thefigureofthefoeawaited.Theshapewasnoclearerthanithadbeenbefore.Butwhatitradiatedhadcomeintofocus:triumph,bestialdelight,destructivehunger.Andpower.Powerthatsomehowwasnotentirelyinherenttothefoeitself.Powerthatwasbeingfed,andwasgrowing.PowerthatGhazanmustextinguishordietrying.TheStormseeropenedhiseyes.TemurwasrighttothinkthattheWhiteScars

hadlittletimebeforethewarbecameentirelyadefensiveoneandwaslost.Butthekeywasinthenorth.Thatwaswheretimewasslippingaway.TimefortheWhiteScars,timeforLepidus.Timeformanysystemsbeyond.

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FirstpublishedinGreatBritainin2014ThiseBookeditionpublishedin2015byBlackLibrary,GamesWorkshopLtd.,WillowRoad,Nottingham,NG72WS,UK.

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