AWARHAMMERNOVEL

VAMPIRESLAYER

Gotrek&Felix-06

WilliamKing

(AnUndeadScanv1.1)

Thisisadarkage,abloodyage,anageofdaemonsandofsorcery.Itisanageofbattleanddeath,andoftheworld’sending.Amidstallofthefire,flameandfuryitisatime,too,ofmightyheroes,ofbolddeedsandgreatcourage.At the heart of theOldWorld sprawls the Empire, the largest andmost powerful of the humanrealms.Known for its engineers, sorcerers, traders and soldiers, it is a land of greatmountains,mightyrivers,darkforestsandvastcities.AndfromhisthroneinAltdorfreignstheEmperorKarl-Franz, sacred descendant of the founder of these lands, Sigmar, and wielder of his magicalwarhammer.But theseare far fromcivilised times.Across the lengthandbreadthof theOldWorld, from theknightlypalacesofBretonniatoice-boundKislevinthefarnorth,comerumblingsofwar.InthetoweringWorld’sEdgeMountains, the orc tribes are gathering for another assault. Bandits andrenegadesharrythewildsouthernlandsoftheBorderPrinces.Therearerumoursofrat-things,theskaven,emergingfromthesewersandswampsacrosstheland.Andfromthenorthernwildernessesthereistheever-presentthreatofChaos,ofdaemonsandbeastmencorruptedbythefoulpowersoftheDarkGods.Asthetimeofbattledrawsevernear,theEmpireneedsheroeslikeneverbefore.

BOOKONE

Praag

“At that time, in the depths of that dreadful winter, I thought myself well acquainted withhorrorandpain.DuringthesiegeofPraagIhadenduredthelossofmanytrustycompanionstothe fiends of Chaos. But all the travails I had previously undergone shrank to insignificancecompared towhatwas to come.For, through some strange quirk of fate or jest of theDarkGods, theSlayerandIweredestined toencounteranancient, terribleeviland to lose severalmoreofthosewhohadbeenclosesttousinthemostpeculiarandterribleofways.Thedarkestofourdayswereyettocome.”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,VolIV,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

ONEFelixJaegerstrodethroughtheruinsofPraag—burntoutbuildings,ruins,andrubble,asfarastheeyecould see.The remainsofa fewcollapsed tenementspoked their scorchedheads from theall-enveloping snow.Here and theremenpiled bodies on carts to be taken away and burned. Itwas athanklessandprobablyfruitless task.Manycorpseswouldnotnowbefounduntil thespringthaws,whenthesnowcoveringthemmelted.That’siftheywerenotexcavatedandeatenfirst,Felixthought.Theeffectsofstarvationwerewrittenonthefacesofpeopleallaroundhim.

FelixpulledhisfadedredSudenlandwoolcloakmoretightlyaroundhimandstrodeontowardstheWhiteBoar—orwhere ithadbeen,before thebattle.Hehadgrownboredwith the triumphalbanquetsintheCitadelandthecompanyoftheKislevitenobles.Amancouldonlystandtolistentosomany speeches praising the valour of the city’s defenders and the courage of the relieving armybefore his ears felt as if theywould fall off.His tolerance for listening to nobility congratulatingthemselvesontheirheroismwasnotasgreatasitoncehadbeen.ItwastimetoseewhattheSlayerswereupto.Theyhadleftthebanquetearlythepreviouseveningandnotbeenseensince.Felixhadashrewdideathatheknewwherehecouldfindthem.

HewalkedthroughtheremainsofwhathadbeentheStreetoftheSilkMerchants,surveyingtheburnedoutremainsofthegreatwarehouses.Pale,leanandhungrypeople,wrappedinraggedcoats,were everywhere, trudging heads down through the snow, taking shelter in the ruins of the oldstorehouses.Manyeyedhimasifwonderingwhetherhecarriedenoughmoneytomakehimworththeriskofrobbing.Somelookedathimasifhemightbetheirnextmeal,quiteliterally.Felixkepthishandnearthehiltofhissword,andworethefiercestexpressionhecouldmusteronhisface.

Inthedistance,thetemplebellsrangoutincelebration.Felixwonderedifhewastheonlyonewho foundanything ironic in their joyousclamour.Considering theirdire straits itwas surprisinghowmanyofthepeoplelookedcheerful.Hesupposedmostofthemhadexpectedtobedeadbynow.NighunbelievablythegreatChaoshordeofArekDaemonclawhadbeenthrownback,andthemightyChaoswarlordhadbeendefeated.TheGospodarmusterandaferociousbombingattackmountedbythe airship, theSpirit ofGrungni, had delivered the city from that vast army.Against all odds theheroiccityofPraaghadbeensavedfromthemightiestarmytoattackitintwocenturies.

Ithadbeenavictoryboughtathighcost.MorethanhalfoftheNovygrad,theNewCity,thatvast,denselypopulatedwarrenofnarrowstreetsbetweentheouterwallandtheoldinnerwallsurroundingtheCitadel,wasgone,burnedtothegroundwhentherampagingChaoswarriorshadbrokenthroughintothecity.Nearlyaquarterofthecity’spopulationwasdeadaccordingtothequickandinformalsurvey conducted by the duke’s censors. The same number againwere expected to die of hunger,disease and exposure to the bitter chill of the northern winter. And that was assuming no moremarauding armies emerged from the NorthernWastes. The outer wall was still breached in threeplaces,andwouldnotwithstandanymoreassaults.

In thedistanceFelixcouldsmell thesicklysweet scentofburning flesh.Somewhereout therepeoplewerewarmingtheirhandsaroundfuneralpyresfortheslain.Itwastheonlywaytogetridofsomanycorpsesquickly.Thereweretoomanynowtobeburied,theearthtoohardtobebrokenbyspades.Therewerestillworriesaboutplague.ThedreadfuldiseasesunleashedbytheworshippersofNurgle, theLordofDisease,during thesiegehadmadea resurgence in theaftermathof thebattle.Some claimed itwas thePlagueDaemon’s revenge for the slaughter of his followers.ThewizardMax Schreiber thought it more likely that the cold, the hunger and the depressing effects of theKislevitewinterweremakingthepopulationmorepronetothesporedaemonsthatcarrieddisease.

Felixsmiledsourly;amanwithatheoryforeverythingwasMaxSchreiber,anddepressinglycorrectmostofthemhadproventoo.

Awailingwomantriedfranticallytostoptwoofthecartersbearingoffthebodyofadeadman,her lover, her husbandor her brother perhaps.Most of the people in the city had lost at least onekinsman.Entirefamilieshadbeenwipedout.Felixthoughtaboutthepeoplehehadknownwhohaddied in the battle. Two of the dwarf Slayers, youngUlli and the hideously ugly Bjorni, had beenburnedonthosehugefuneralbonfires.

Why had this happened, Felixwondered?What had driven theChaosworshippers from theirremoterealmsintheuttermostnorth,andcompelledthemtoattackthecity?Whyhadtheychosentheweeksbefore theonsetofwinter for their assault? Itwasanactof insanity.Even if theyhad takenPraag,theywouldhavesufferedquiteasmuchfromtheeffectsofthecoldandsnowasthepeopleofthecitynowwere.More so, for suchwas thegrimdeterminationof theKislevites that theywouldhave burned their entire city to the ground rather than see it fall into the hands of their bitterestenemies. Felix supposed that the daemon forces would have had fewer qualms about devouringcorpsesoreveneachother,butevensotheirattackhadbeenmadness.

Heshookhishead.Whatwasthepointoftryingtounderstandthemanyway?Youwouldhavetobemad towillingly follow thedaemongodsofChaos, and thatwas all heneeded toknow. Itwaspointlessforanysanemantotryandunderstandthemotivesofsuchlostsouls.Ofcourse,Felixhadheardmany theories.MaxSchreiber claimed that a huge tideof darkmagical energywas flowingsouthout of theChaosWastes, and that itwasgoading thedaemonworshippers tonewheights ofinsanefury.

“Repent!Repent!”shoutedaleanmanwithburningeyes.HestoodonthepedestalonceoccupiedbyastatueofTsarAlexanderandrantedatthecrowd.Foamgatheredatthecornersofhismouth.Hislong hairwas lank.He looked like he had lost touchwith sanity a long time ago. “The gods arepunishingyouforyoursins.”

Itseemedthezealotswhopreachedintheburnedoutsquaresofthecityhadtheirowntheories.They claimed that the end of theworld had arrived, and that the Chaos horde hadmerely been aharbingerofworse things tocome.That theoryonly lostplausibilityslightlywhenyouconsideredthat thesewere the samepeoplewhoclaimed that the endof theworldhadarrivedwith theChaoshorde.Theyhadbeen forced to change their story a littlewhen thehordehadbeendefeated.Felixfoughtdowntheurgetoshoutattheman.Peoplehadenoughtroubleswithoutbeingharanguedbyafurious lunatic. A quick glance told him it was pointless. Nobodywas paying the zealot any heeddespitethewayhehadbaredhisbreastandpummelledhisownchestinfury.Mostfolkwalkedswiftlyby trying to finishwhateverbusiness theyhadandgetback towhatevermeagre shelter theymightpossess.Themanmightaswellhavebeenshoutinghisangeratthewind.

AfewstallshadbeensetupatthecornersoftheSquareoftheSimoners.Meninthewingedliontabardof theduke’shouseholddoledoutarationofgrain toaqueueofhungryfolk.Themeasurewasnowdowntohalfacup.Ofcourse, thedukewasnowalsofeeding theassembledforceof theGospodar muster, nearly five thousand warriors and their mounts. They were camped out in theremainsofthecityandtheburnedoutfarmsthatsurroundedit.Felixpushedhiswayquicklyroundthe edge of the square, doing his best to avoid being caught up in the teemingmass of hacking,coughing,scratchingflesh.Hekeptonehandonhisswordhiltandoneonhispurse.Wherecrowdsgatheredyoucouldneverbetoocareful.

FelixhadheardpeoplesaythattheIceQueen,theTsarinaofKislev,hadpoweroverthewinterweather.Ifthatwasso,hethought,whydidshenotloosenwinter ’sgriponthethroatofherpeople?Perhapssuchmagicwasbeyondherpower.ItlookedasifnoteventheLordsofChaoshadthepower

todoso,andsurelythey,mostofall,hadreasontodothat,unlessthiswholeinvasionwasjustsomesortofgrimdivinejestfortheirownamusement.FromwhathehadseenwhenhehadflownovertheChaosWastes,Felixwouldnotputitpastthem.

As he exited the square huge, thick flakes of snow began to fall, brushing coldly against hischeek. It frosted thehairof thefolkabouthim.Felixwassickof thesightof it.He thoughthewasusedtosnow.WintersintheEmpirewerelongandharshbuttheywereasummerpicniccomparedtowhatwinterbroughthere.Hehadneverseensomuchsnowfall,soquickly,andneverknownittobequite this cold.He had heard rumours of huge,white direwolves stalking the city’s outskirts andmakingoffwithchildrenandtheweak.Hehadheard talesofotherworse things too.ItseemedtheKisleviteshadhorrorstoriesforeverythingconcernedwithwinter.Hardlysurprising,hesupposed,andhehadseenenoughoftheworldtoknowthattherewasmostlikelyagrainoftruthbehindallofthem.

Felixtoldhimselfnottobesodour.Afterall,hewasalivewhenhehadfullyexpectedtomeethis death during theChaos horde’s attack.He could even leave the city on themighty airship, theSpirit of Grungni,when Malakai Makaisson departed. True, that would mean returning to KarakKadrin,thesquatsavagehomeoftheSlayercult,butsurelyeventhatwouldbepreferabletospendingthewinterinPraag.Onlyafooloramadmanwouldwanttodothat.

Felixknewthatreallyhehadnochoiceinthematter.HewassworntofollowGotrekandrecordhisdoom.WherevertheSlayerchosetogo,hewasboundtofollow.SurelynotevenGotrekwouldchoose toremain inKislev?Felixshookhishead.TheSlayerwouldmost likelydo itoutofsheerpig-headedness. He seemed happiest when things were most uncomfortable, and — Felix couldimagine few places more guaranteed to provide a healthy measure of discomfort than thissnowbound,burnedoutshellofacity.

NowthatheandUlrikaMagdovahadfinallyseparated,therewasnorealreasonforhimtostay.Briefly he wondered where the Kislevite noblewoman was. Most likely she was still with MaxSchreiber,backatthebanquet;thetwoofthemwerethickasthievesthesedays.

Ulrikaclaimeditwasbecauseofthehonourdebtsheowedthewizardforsavingherlifeduringthe plague. Felixwas not quite so sure. Itwas hard for him not to feel jealous of themage, eventhough,theoretically,heandUlrikawerenotacoupleanymore.

Yes,hetoldhimself,movingonwasforthebest.Thesnowcrunchedunderhisboots.Hewalkedtowardsacharcoalbrazierwhereavendorwas

sellingskeweredrats.Hedidsomorebecausehewantedheatthananyofthefour-leggedchickenthemanwasselling.

Thevendorseemedtoreadhisthoughtsandgavehimaglare.Felixmettheman’slookevenlyuntilheglanceddownandaway.Despitehisscholarlyappearancehefelttherewerefewmeninthecitywhowouldgivehimtroubleattimeslikethis.OverthelongperiodofhisassociationwiththeSlayer,hehadlearnedhowtointimidateallbutthemostconfidentwhenhewantedto.

Fromover by the entrance to theAlleywayofLooseWomen, abovewhich a red lantern stillburnedeveninthisgloomydaylight,heheardthesoundofweeping.Themorecautiouspartofhismindtoldhimtomoveon,toavoidanytrouble.Thecuriousparteggedhimontoinvestigate.Thebattlewasoverinheartbeats,andhemarchedovertothemouthofthealley.Hesawanoldwomanweeping.Shewasbentoversomethingandthenleanedbackandletoutaterriblewailofanguish.Nooneelseseemedtobepayingmuchheed.MiserywasabundantinPraagthisseason,andnoonehadmuchreasontogolookingtosharesomeoneelse’s.

“Whatisit,mother?”Felixasked.“Who you calling ‘mother ’, priest boy?” the old woman responded. There was anger in her

voicenow, aswell as grief.Shewas looking for someone to focus it on, to distract herself. Felixguessedhehadjustmadehimselfthetarget.

“DidIoffendyou?”heasked,stillpolite,studying thewomanmoreclosely.Hecouldsee thatshewasnot reallyall thatold.She just looked thatway.Her facewascovered in rouge tohide thepockmarks. Her tears had smudged her makeup horribly. Black rivulets ran down her powderedcheeks.Astreetgirl,hedecided,oneofthosewhosoldherselfforapennyatumble.Thenhelookedatherfeetandafaintthrillofshockpassedthroughhimashesawwhyshewascrying.“Wassheafriendofyours?”

Itwasthepalecorpseofanothergirl.Atfirsthethoughtshehaddiedofthecold,thenhenoticedhowutterlyunnaturalherpallorwas.Hebentdownandsawthatherthroatwasbruised.Someinstincttoldhimtorunhisfingersoverit.Thefleshwastorn,asifabeasthadgnawedatit.

“You a watchman?” the woman asked aggressively. She reached out and grabbed his cloak,thrustingherfaceclosetohis.“Yousecretpolice?”

Felixshookhisheadandgentlyremovedherhand.Itwouldbeaverybadthingtobemarkedoutasoneof theduke’sspiesandagentprovocateurs in this roughquarter.Acrowdmightgatherandlynchhim.Felixhadseensuchthingshappenbefore.

“Then you’re just a ghoul and I don’t have to tell you nuthin’.” Thewoman coughed and heheardthephlegmraspingthroughherlungs.Whatevershehad,hehopeditwasnotcontagious.Shedidnotlooklikeawellwoman.Felixlookedathercoldly.Hewaschilledtothebone,hewastiredandhewasnotreallyinthemoodtobethefocusofthissickmadwoman’sanger.

Hestoodupstraightandsaid,“You’reright.Dealwiththisyourself!”Heturnedtogo,andnoticedthatasmallcrowdhadgathered.Tohissurprisehefeltatugathis

wrist,andturnedtoseethestreetgirllookingupathimandcryingoncemore.“Itoldhernottogowithhim,”shesaidafteranotherhackingcough.“I toldher, I toldMaria,butshewouldn’t listen. Itoldherhewasabad‘un,andtherehavebeenallthesekillin’srecent,butshewouldn’tlisten.Neededthemoneyformedicineforthelittle‘unshesaid.Nowwho’lllookafterhim?”

Felixwonderedwhatthewomanwasbabblingabout.Hefelttheurgetowalkawayasquicklyaspossible.Hehadseenmanycorpsesinhislifebuttherewassomethingaboutthisonethatsickenedhim.Hewasnotsurewhy,buthejustknewthathewantednothingfurthertodowiththis.Andyet…

Andyethecouldnotjustwalkaway.Themeaningofthewoman’swordspassedintohisnumbedbrain, just as he heard a commotion at the back of the crowd and the sound of marching feetcrunchingsnowunderfoot.Heturnedtoseeasquadofhalberdiersinwingedliontabardshadforcedtheirway through thegatheringcrowd,hard-facedveteransof thecitywatch, ledbyagrey-hairedsergeant.HelookedatFelixandsaid,“Youfindher?”

Felixshookhishead.“Justpassingby,”hesaid.“Thenkeeponpassing,”said thesergeant.Felixstepped tooneside.Hewantednoarguments

withtheduke’sguards.Thesergeantbentdownoverthecorpseandmutteredalowcurse.“Damn,”hesaid.“Anotherone.”

“That’sRedMaria,sarge,”saidoneofthetroopers.“FromFlintStreet.”“Haveyouseensomethinglikethisbefore?”Felixasked.Thesergeantlookedupathim.Somethingabouthisexpressionmadeitclearthathewasnotin

themood to give answers to any passing civilians. Felixwasn’t surewhy he had asked. Thiswassurelynobusinessofhis.Butsomethingabouttheman’stonerankledhim,andsomethingaboutthiskillingniggledat thebackofhismind.Heknewitwouldmost likelygounsolvedanyway.Hehadbeen awatchman himself in his time, back inNuln,what seemed a lifetime ago, and he knew thewatchmenwerenotlikelytoexpendanymoreeffortonamurderedstreetgirlthantocarryhertothe

funeralpyres.Lookingdownatthecorpsehebegantoseeherasapersonfinally.Whowereyou,hewondered?Whatwasyourlifelike?Whydidyoudie?Whokilledyou?Your

friend saidyouhada child.Didyou lovehim?Musthaveoryouwouldnothavegoneoutwith adeadlystrangeronawinternightandwalkedofftoyourdeath.

Hefeltafaintfamiliarsurgeofangeratthesheerinjusticeofit.Somewhereoutthereamonsterwasfreeandachildwasmostlikelygoingtodieforwantoffood,andtherewasnotmuchhecoulddoaboutit.Hereacheddowntohiswaistandfingeredhispurse.Itwasabitflat,buttherewasgoldinit.Heturnedsohisbodycoveredtheaction,andpusheditintothewoman’spalm.

“Takethat,findthechildandlookafterit.Shouldseeyouforawhile.TakeittotheorphanageattheTempleofShallya.They’llcareforit,ifyougivethemadonation.”

Stupid,stupid,stupid,hetoldhimself.Thewomanwillmostlikelykeepthemoneyherself.Orwillberobbed,orthechildisalreadydead.Butwhatelsecouldhedo?Hewasafool,heknew,butatleasthehaddonesomething,madesomesmallgestureinthefaceofthevastuncaringuniverse.

“SameastheonedownonTempleStreettwonightsago,”heheardoneofthetroopersmurmur.Heturnedintimetoseethemanmakethesignofthewolfsheadagainstevil.Firstfingerandlittlefingerextended,middletwofingerspressedintothepalmbythethumb.TheguardwasafollowerofUlricthen,likemostoftheseKislevites.

“Anotherlunaticmostlikely,”saidthesergeant.“Or a daemon,” said the soldier superstitiously. Rumour had it that some of the daemons

summonedwhentheChaoshordeattackedthecitywerestillatlarge.Felixknewthiswasunlikely.HehadsatthroughenoughofMax’slecturesonthesubjecttoknowwhy.Therewassimplynotenoughmagicalenergyintheareatosupportonenow.

“Itwouldnotbeadaemon,”hesaid.“You’d be an expert on that, I suppose,” the sergeant said. Felix thought back over his long

career as the Slayer ’s henchman, and all the vile creatures he had fought, including the greatBloodthirsterofKaragDum.

“Morethanyouwouldeverguess,”hemurmured.“Whatwasthat?”thesergeantaskedabruptly.Felixsnappedhismouthshut.Claimingknowledge

ofdaemonsinthiscitywasasurewaytogetyourselfinvitedtoawitchhunter ’sconfessioncell.Hewasnotreadyfortherackandtheironbootjustyet.

“Nothing,”hesaid.Thesergeant lookedathimas ifhereallywanted topicka fight justnow.Felix could understandwhy. The sight of the bodywas very disturbing, a cause of both fear andanger, and the man was looking for a target to focus his on. Suddenly the streetgirl came to hisrescue.

“He’sright.Itwasn’tadaemon.Itwasaman,”shesaid.“Isawhim.”“Daemonscantakehumanshape,”saidthegloomysoldier.Heobviouslywasn’tgoingtogive

uponhistheorywithoutastruggle.“Itwasaman,”shesaid.“Arichman.Anob.Withaforeignaccentlikethestrangerhere.”ThesergeantwasgivingFelixanevenharder,appraisingstarenow.Felixcouldseewhathewas

thinking.“Wasn’thim,”saidthegirlquickly.“Yousure,Nella?Isawhimslipyousomemoneythere.Prettysuspiciousifyouaskme.”“Wasn’t him,” she said evenmore emphatically. She too could see the deepwaters theywere

sailingintonow.“Wastaller,thinner,darker.Andtherewassomethingabouthimthatjustmademyfleshcreep.”

“There’ssomethingaboutthisonethatmakesmyfleshcreep,”saidthesergeant.Hiswitticism

drewguffaws from the troops, all except the gloomy soldierwho repeated, “Daemonsmake yourfleshcreep.Itwasadaemonforsure.”

“Don’tlooklikeaman’swork.Lookatherthroat.Morelikeadogdidthat.Neversawamankillanyonelikethatbefore.”

“Ihave,”saidthesergeant.“RememberMadOlaf?Chewedhiswaythroughquiteafewbargirlsinhistime.”

“Olafisinthemadhouse,”saidthesoldierwiththedaemontheories.“Whoknows?” said the sergeant. “Madhouseburneddown in the siege.Whoknows if all the

looniesburnedwithit?”“Doesthegirl’sdescriptionfitMadOlaf?”Felixasked,keennow,todivertanyhintofsuspicion

fromhimself.“Notatall.MadOlafwasshort,baldandworkedintheStreetofTanners.Smellcouldknockyou

down at six paces. I’m sureNella would have noticed it, wouldn’t you, Nella?Unless you’re justmakingthisuptoputusoffprettyboyhere’stracks.”

“Wasn’t anythin’ like Mad Olaf,” she said, shaking her head. “Though he did smell kind ofodd…”

“Odd?How?”askedFelixandthesergeantsimultaneously.“Therewasaperfumeabouthim,likesomethingthenobswearbutstronger.Likethosespices

youusedtobeabletobuydownatthePepperMarket.Likecinna…cinnabor…cinna…”“Likecinnamon?”Felixfinishedforher.“That’stheword.”“So we’re looking for a tall, dark man, dressed like a noble, smells of cinnamon,” said the

sergeantsarcastically.ItwasobvioushethoughtFelixreallywaswastinghistimenow.HeglaredatFelixasifconsideringhaulinghimoffanyway.

“Wherewereyoulastnight,stranger?”heasked.Felixwasgladhehadagoodanswerforthat.“Thepalace,”hesaid.“Maybeyouwouldliketoaskthedukeafewquestionswhileyou’reabout

it.”The sergeant looked suddenly a bit more respectful, but only a bit. Felix could tell he was

wondering whether he was being mocked. After all, how likely was it that someone as scruffilydressedasFelixwouldbeeatingwiththerulerofKislev’ssecondmostpowerfulcity-state?

“Perhapsyou’dcaretocomealongtothepalaceandmakesureofwhatIamsaying?”Felixsaid.He was confident that things would go his way there. He and Gotrek had been given a heroes’welcome,alongwithSnorriNosebiter,aftertheirheroicstandontheouterwallandtheirdespatchofArek Daemonclaw. To tell the truth, Felix knew he was probably only welcome because he wasassociatedwiththedwarfs.Theyhad,afterall,proventobetheKislevites’bestandonlyalliesinthisstrugglesofar.TheirairshiphaddoneasmuchtoliftthesiegeastheentireGospodarmuster.

“Thatwon’tbenecessary,”saidthesergeantafteralongmoment.“Comeon,let’sgetthisbodytothepyres.”

FelixexchangedlookswithNella,andtheywenttheirseparateways.MaxSchreiberlookedaroundthemassivefeastingchamberwonderingifthecelebrationswouldeverend.ItseemedtheKisleviteslikedtocommemoratetheirvictorieswithenormousmealsandendlesstoasts.Itseemedlikehehadbarelygonetosleepwhenhewaswokenforthenextinstalmentofthegranddebauch.Hisstomachwassodistendeditfeltasifitwouldburst.Fortunately,hehaddecidedtodrinknothingbutwatersincehisembarrassmentwithUlrikaatKaragKadrin,andhehadstucktotheresolution.IthadgivenhimanopportunitytostudytheKislevitesaroundhim.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehehadmovedinquitesuchexaltedcompany.

Attheheadofthetable,attheplaceofhonournormallyreservedfortheDukeofPraaghimself,sattheIceQueenKatarina,theTsarinaofKislev,acoldandperfectlybeautifulwomanwitheyeslikechipsofblueice.Todayherhairwasthecolourofwinterfrost.Maxknewitchangedatherwhim.She had the ageless sculpted beauty of a statue, a perfection of face and form that had somethinginhumanaboutitandsheappearednonetheworsefortwodaysofeatinganddrinking.Lookingather,MaxcouldeasilybelievethetalesofinhumanbloodthatwassaidtoflowintheveinsoftheroyallineofKislev.

Whatever it was that gave her beauty, it also gave her a fearsome aura ofmagical power. Awizard of great strength himself, Max could recognise a potent mage when he met one, and theTsarinawascertainlythat.No,hethought,thatwasnotquiteright.Therewassomethingstrangeandnot quite human about her powers as well. She did not feel like any human wizard he had everencountered, and when he studied her with his magesight he could see the swirls of powersurroundingherwerequiteunlikethoseofanyhumanmagetoo.Shehadafrosty,chillblueaurathatseemedtoextendoutwardsbeyondhisfieldofvision.Patternsofmagicalenergyswirledaroundherlikesnowflakesinablizzard.Sheseemedtobeconnecteddirectlytothecoldenergyofherland.Hedoubted that there was anything subtle about themagic she could wield, but he knew it would beeffectiveasabatteringram.Shewasinreceiptofgreatenergiesfromsomewhere.

SheseemedawareofMax’sstudyandturnedhercoldgazespeculativelyonhim.Maxhadheardrumoursofher,andherlegionofloverstoo,andhadnogreatdesiretofindoutiftheyweretrue.Heswiftlylookedaway.AfaintmockingsmileplayedacrosstheTsarina’slipsasifshecouldreadhisthoughts.Maxstrokedhisbeardwithhishand,tohidetheflushthatcametohischeeks.HewasnotquiteusedtotheforwardnessofKislevitewomen.Theywereveryunliketheladiesofhishomeland,theEmpire.

AutomaticallyhiseyessoughtoutUlrika.Shesatacrossthetablefromhim,sidebysidewithherfather, the huge old March Boyar, Ivan Petrovich Straghov. Looking at the two of them, Maxwonderedhowitwaspossiblethatthemassivebear-likemancouldbethefatherofsuchaslenderandlovelywoman.IvanStraghovwasagiant,hugeofshoulder,andjustashugeofbelly.Alongbeard,almostdwarf-like,descendedtohiswaist.Sweatshoneonhisbaldforehead.Heheldasteinofbeerinonemassivefist.Itlookedlittlelargerthanadelicatewinegobletinthatmassiveham-likehand.

Hisdaughterbycontrastwasslimasablade,withhighcheekbonesandwide-seteyes.Herash-blondehairwascutshortasaman’sandsheheldherselfwithadancer ’spoise.Shewasgarbedintunicandridingbritches,thetruedaughterofoneofthehorselordsofKislev.Shelaughedandjokedwith her father just like any common trooper and her quipswere rewardedwith huge bellows oflaughterthatsettheoldman’sbellyshakinglikeajelly.

Seated besideMax, the duke, a tall, dark saturnine man with long drooping moustaches andsunkencheeks,leanedforwardtopourmorewinefortheTsarina.Apeculiargleamwasintheduke’seye andMax recalled the rumours that Enrik was not quite sane. Hardly surprising— ruling thehauntedcityofPraagwaslikelytodriveeventhemostnormalmanovertheedge.Sincethedeathofhisbrotherat thehandsofChaosworshippingassassinsheseemedevensadderandmoresardonicthan usual. Max wondered if the duke knew of Felix Jaeger ’s theory that his brother had been amemberoftheChaoscultshimself,butknewhewouldprobablyneverfindout.Whowasgoingtoriskaskingsuchaloadedpersonalquestionofsuchahigh-rankingnoble?NotMax,foracertainty.

Maxglancedaroundandlookedattheothers.ThiswasthehightablewheretheTsarina,thedukeandthefavouredfewsattobewaitedonbycourtfavourites.AttheothertablesweretheleadersofthegreatmusterofKislev.Leadersoftens,fiftiesandhundredsofhorse-soldiers,formidablewarriorsall.TheylookedmorelikebarbariansthannoblestoMax,buthekeptthethoughttohimself.These

menwerealliesofhishomeland,theEmpire,andgreatnoblesintheirownland.It never paid to antagonise such people under any circumstances.Max had spent enough time

aroundthecourtsoftherichandthepowerfultoknowthisonlytoowell.Atthebottomofthemaintable, looking as uncomfortable as a man waiting his own execution, sat the dwarf MalakaiMakaisson,theonlySlayerwhohadbotheredtoaccepttheduke’sinvitationtodinetoday.

Makaissonwasshortandlikealldwarfsvery,verybroad.Withoutthegreatcrestofdyedhairrisingabovehis shavenskull,hisheadwouldonlyhavecome to the topofMax’s stomach,butheoutweighedMaxby far, and all of that extraweightwasmuscle.Crystalline goggles, pushed backfromhiseyes,satinthemiddleofhisforehead,lookingforalltheworldliketheeyesofsomegiantinsect.Aleatherflyinghelmetdangledfromhisneck.Afur-collaredleatherflyingjerkincoveredhismassivetorso.Tattoosdepictingentwineddragonscoveredthebackofhishands.

The dwarf caughtMax looking at him and gave him a gap-toothed smile before raising hispitcherofale.Maxanswered thesmile forhe likedMakaisson,whowas justaboutas friendlyandoutgoingasitwaspossibleforadwarfSlayertobe,aswellasageniusinhisownfield.

Maxwasasorcerernotanengineer,buthehadseenenoughofMalakaiMakaisson’swork torecognisethatthedwarfwasmasterofapowerthatwas,initsownway,quiteasgreataswizardry.Hehadseenthemassiveairship,SpiritofGrungni,breakthesiegeofPraagwiththeuseofalchemicalfire.Hehadseenitresisttheattackofadragonandroutanarmyoforcs.HehadseentheSlayer ’smodified firearms slaughterdozensofgoblins in seconds.Hehadheard talesofmighty ships andsiegeenginescreatedbythisdwarf,andherecognisedanintellectasgreatinitsownwarpedway,asanything ever produced by the Universities or Colleges of Magic of the Empire. Quite possiblygreater,headmitted.

“Itisapitynoneofyourcomradescouldbeheretonight,”saidthedukesardonically,addressingMalakaiMakaisson.“TheyseeminsensibletothehonourofdiningwiththeTsarina.”

IftheSlayerwasembarrassedhegavenosignofit.“Thatwudbetheirbizness,yerdukeship,”hesaid.“Ahcannaeanswerfurthem.GotrekGurnissonandSnorriNosebiterareasthrawnapairo’dwarfsaseverlived.”

“And that’s saying something,” said the Ice Queen lightly. The favourites around the tablelaughed.

“Amongdwarfsitwudbeconsideredagreatcompliment,”saidMalakaiMakaissonjudiciously,asifnomockerywereintended.Perhapsthedwarfwastooblunttonoticeit,Maxthought,orperhapshechosetoignoreitintheinterestsofdiplomacy.Maxconsideredthelatteranunlikelyeventuality,butyouneverknew.NoonehadevercalledMalakaiMakaissonstupid,justmad.

“Presentornot,”saidIvanStraghov,“theydidwellinthelastbattle.”“They did a great service to Kislev, and shall be rewarded for it,” said the Tsarina.Malakai

Makaissonsplutteredintohisale.MaxwonderedifheshouldexplainthesituationtotheIceQueen.Gotrek and Snorri did not seek rewards or honours; they sought death to atone for their sins.Hedecidedthatitprobablywasn’thisplacetosharetheinformation.Besides,theTsarinaseemedtobeanextraordinarilywell-informedwoman.Sheprobablyalreadyknew.

“Weshallhavegreatneedofsuchfightersbeforethiswarisover,”continuedtheIceQueen.Maxshivered.Itwaswarallright,quitepossiblythelargestinhistory.Beforethesiegehehadnotreallyhadtimetotakeitin,hehadonlybeenconcernedwiththeseeminglyunwinnablebattletocome.Now,heknewthat thewholeoftheOldWorldhadahugefightonitshands.ThemassivedriftofChaosworshippersoutofthenorthensuredit.TheIceQueenturnedhergazeonMalakaiMakaissononcemoreanditswiftlybecameobviouswhyhehadbeeninvitedtothisfeast.“Haveyouthoughtmoreofourproposal,HerrMakaisson?”

Malakai took another swig of his beer andmet her gaze levelly. “If there’s ocht ah can dae,lassie,ahwulldae it.Butmaairshipandmaservicesarealreadyspoken fur.Ahmustganback toKarakKadrinandhelptheSlayerKingmusterhisforces.”

“Surelyyoucanspareusafewdays,HerrMakaisson,aweekatthemost,”saidtheTsarina.Hertone was silky but Max could hear the danger in it. He wondered what she would do if MalakaiMakaissonhadthegalltorefuseheroutright.Shedidnothavethelookofawomanwhowasusedtotakingrejectionwell.“Yourairshipisworthanarmyofscouts.Indaysyoucouldcovermoreterrainthantenthousandofmyboldriderscouldinamonth.”

“Aye,ye’reright,”saidMalakai.“Ahcould.An’ahcanseethevaluesuchkenningwouldhave.WhokenswherethoseChaos-lovin’basturdswillstrikenext,excusemalanguage.”

“Soyou’lldoitthen?”saidtheIceQueendecisively.MalakaiMakaissonsuckedhisteethloudly.“Ah’lldaemabest,butthereareitherfactorstaebeconsidered.Whatifmalovelyairshipgetsshotdoon,orblastedfaetheskybysorcery,orattackedbythembat-wingedgetsthatarealwayshoverin’abovethedaemonworshippers?Itwouldnaedaeonybodyonyguidifthathappened.Anahdon’towntheSpiritofGrungni,ah’monlythebuilder.It’snoreallyminetaerisk.”

Maxalmost intervened.Hehadput theChaos-repellingspellson theSpiritofGrungnihimselfandheknewhowstrong theywere.Fewmageswouldovercome themquickly.Andhewas just ascertainthat theheavilyarmedairshipwouldbeable torepelanythingthatattackedit.Asfor takingriskswiththeairship,theSlayerengineerhadtakenanumberofcrazyoneswithit,toMax’scertainknowledge.Heforcedhimselftokeephismouthshut,knowingthatMalakaimustbeasawareofallthesethingsashewas,andifhewantedtorefusetheIceQueenhemusthavehisowngoodreasons.

The Ice Queen gave the dwarf another one of her dangerous looks. Most men would havequailedbeforeit,butMalakaijusttookanotherslugofhisbeer.“Wecouldofcoursecompensateyouforanyriskyoumightrun…”shesaidsoftly.

MaxhalfexpectedMalakaiMakaissontoprotestthathewasaSlayerandthatriskdidnotentertheequation.Makaissonsurprisedhim.“Ahmightbeabletaedaesomethin’wi’that.Dependsonyerterms.”

Withthat,MalakaiMakaissonandtheIceQueenbegantodicker.Maxdidnotknowwhyhewassurprisedbythisturnofevents.MalakaiMakaissonwasadwarfafterall,araceofbeingsfamousfortheirloveofgold.

Still, thoughtMax, such constant advancement of self-interest among supposed allies did notbodewellfortheconductofthewar.FelixJaegerwassurprised.TheWhiteBoarwasstillstanding.Well,almost.Partoftheroofhadbeenburnedawayandhastilypatchedwithtimberssalvagedfromtheruinsofnearbytenements.Ablanketcovered thedoorwayandtwoheavilyarmedmercenariesstoodonguardbeside it,keepingawaryeyeoneveryonewhocamealongthestreet.Hesquaredhisshouldersandstrodeup,doinghisbesttobehaveasifhecouldnotfeeltheirsuspiciousglaresonhim.

Onceinsidehewassurprisedbyhowpackeditwas.Itlookedlikehalfthesellswordsofthecityhadtriedtosqueezeinsideoutofthecold.Felixhalfsuspectedthatevenwithoutthehugefireblazingin the hearth, the press of bodies would have kept the place warm. He heard two familiar voicesbellowingandstrodetowardsthetablewherethetwodwarfSlayerswerearm-wrestling.

GotrekGurnissonlookednonetheworsefortheterriblewoundshehadtakenduringthesiege.ThehealersofthetempleofShallyahaddoneagoodjobofpatchinghiswounds.Rightnowalookofinsaneconcentrationglitteredinhisonegoodeye.Veinsbulgedinhisforeheadandhisenormouscrestoforangedyedhairstoodonend.Sweatbeadedhistattooedskull,runningdownhisforeheadintotheruinedsocketcoveredbyahugeeyepatch.Massivecablelikesinewsbulgedinhishugearms

ashestroveagainstanotherdwarfevenmoremassivethanhe.Snorri Nosebiter looked even dumber than usual, Felix thought. The dwarf licked his lips

moronically as he concentrated. He looked as if armwrestling were about themost intellectuallystimulatingpursuithehadeverengagedin.Thethreepaintednailsdrivenintohisshavenskullwereatestimonytohissheerbrutestupidity.HewasalmostasuglyasBjorniBjornissonhadbeen.Oneearhadbeenrippedcleanaway;theotherresembledamassivecauliflower.Hisnosehadbeenbrokensomanytimesitseemedtohavespreadacrosshisfacelikewaxfromameltedcandle.Hisarmswerethickerthanastrongman’sthighs.TheybulgedandflexedashestrainedtoovercomeGotrek’sgrip.Slowly,inexorably,theone-eyedSlayer ’senormousstrengthbegantotell.Snorricursedashishandwasslammedintothetabletopalmostupsettinghisbeer.

“That’s another one of these piss-weak manling brews you owe me, Snorri Nosebiter,” saidGotrek.Hisgravellyvoicesoundedevenmorecontemptuousthanusual.

“Snorrithinksweshouldmakeitbestoftwenty-seven,”saidSnorri.“Youwouldstilllose,”saidGotrekwithcertainty.“MaybeSnorriwouldsurpriseyou,GotrekGurnisson,”saidSnorri.“Youhaven’tsofar.”“There’safirsttimeforeverything,”saidSnorriNosebiter,alittlepetulantly,Felixthought.“Whathaveyoubeenupto,manling?”askedGotrek.“Yourfaceistrippingyou.”SwiftlyFelixtoldthetaleofthedeadgirlandhisescapefromtheclutchesoftheguards.Gotrek

listened with the sort of unreasonable interest that Felix knew boded no good. Even Snorri washangingonhiseveryword.Afterhefinishedhisstory,Felixsaid,“Youdon’tseematallsurprisedbywhatIhavebeensaying.”

“I’veheardseveralversionsofthisstoryoverthepastfewdays.Seemslikethere’samaddogkilleronthelooseoutthere.Onethatneedstobeputdown.”

“Youthinkyou’retheonetodoit?”Felixaskedworriedly.WhentheSlayergotsuchideasfixedinhishead,heusuallyendedupinsomedarkandnastyplacealongwithhim.Gotrekshrugged.

“IfIrunintothebastard,manling,Iwilldoithappily,butI’mnotplanningongoingoutlookingforhimjustyet.”

“Justyet?That’sgood.”“Snorriwonderswhetheritreallymightbeadaemon,”saidSnorri.“Thatsoldiersoundedquite

clevertoSnorri.”Gotrekshookhishead.“Ifitwasadaemoneverywizardinthecitywouldbeshoutingspellsand

everypriestcastingexorcismsfromthetempleroofs.”“Thenwhatcoulditbe?”Felixasked.“Yourguess isasgoodasmine,manling,”saidGotrekand tooka longswigofhisale.“One

thing’sforsurethough.Nothinggood.”TheBowandBardmightbethefinestinninPraag,AdolphusKriegerthoughtasheglancedaround,butthiswasnotsayingmuch.HehadseenfinerinnsinanysmalltownintheEmpire.Heshouldhaveremained inOsrik’smansion,heknew,but thestrange restlessness thathad filledhimrecentlyhaddrivenhimout into thenightoncemore.Whenthismoodwasonhim,hecouldnotevenstandthesightofhisloyalmanservant,Roche.

He drew his cloak around him and studied the tavern crowd.He could smell each individualscent,heareveryheartbeat,wasawareofthethrumofcrimsonthrougheveryvein.Somanypeople,hethought,somuchblood.HefeltlikeanepicurestudyingaTileanbanquet.

Where to begin, he thought?Perhapswith that youngnoblewoman sittingover therewithherlover?Shewasalmostbeautifulbuttherewassomethingaboutherhefoundvaguelyrepulsive.Asa

rule,AdolphusdidnotcareforKislevitewomenwiththeirflatpeasantfeaturesandshortmuscularbodies.No,nother.

Thetavernwenchgavehimabroadsmile,andofferedtobringhimmorewine.Itwaspossibleshewasrespondingtohisgoodlooks,hethought,butmorelikelytothecutofhisclothes.Shesensedmoney,eitherintipsorafterworkactivities.Adolphusshookhisheadandsmiledatheraffably.Hehadonlyjustsurreptitiouslypouredhalfhiscurrentgobletonthefloor.IthadbeenalongtimesinceAdolphusdrankwine.Thebarmaidmovedoffwithasaucyflickofherhips.Once,alongtimeago,shemighthaveinterestedhim,butnowhewasnoteveninterestedinherasprey.

Adolphus shook his head and began to draw patterns on the tabletopwith his fingertip usingsomeofhisspilledwine.Hewasinastrangemood,andhehadnotlivedaslongashehadwithoutlearning to recognise the dangers of such things. He was becoming prey to all manner of oddimpulsesandhewonderedwhatthatforeboded.

Lastnight for instance,hehaddrained thatgirldrywhenhehadonlymeant tosip.Therehadbeennoneedforit.Herbloodhadbeenflatandthinandnotevenremotelyinteresting.Sheherselfwasmerecattle,barelyworthhisinterest.Whyhadhedoneit?Whyhadhedranksodeepthatshehaddied,andwhyhadhetornoutherthroatwithhisteethinthatpatheticattempttocoverhistrail?

Itwasdifficulttounderstand.Adeliriumhadcomeoverhimsuchashehadnotexperiencedincenturies.Hehadsuckedthegirl’sbloodlikeawhelponhisfirstnightafterrising.Hehaddonethesame the night before, and the night before that. Looking back on his feverish actions, it seemedalmost unreal. It was as if some madness were overtaking him, and the madness was becomingstronger.

Adolphus had always despised the Arisen who slew indiscriminately. It was unsophisticated,boorish anddeeply, deeply counter-productive.Thatway laywitch-hunts andmortal sorcerers andpriestswith theirdeadly spells at leastuntilAdolphus fulfilledNospheratus’ ancientprophesy.Oneforone,orevenoneforten,theArisenmightbemorethanamatchforanymortal,butthecattlehadthenumbers,andtheyhadpotentalliesandmagic.

ItwasnotliketheolddaysthattheForebearsspokeofwithsuchfondness.Mankindhadgrownmuchstrongersincethetimewhentheywereskin-cladbarbarianstobehuntedthroughthewoods.

Of course, things would change. Human civilisation had collapsed into anarchy before.AdolphuscouldremembertheTimeofThreeEmperorsandvonCarstein’seffortstore-establishthesuperiorityoftheArisen.Ithadbeenabraveeffortbutadoomedone.

VonCarsteinhadnotbeenpotentenoughandcleverenoughtowinhiswar.Adolphusknewthatwhenhis timecame, thingswouldgodifferently.Hewas thechosenone.Hewas thePrinceof theNight.TheEyeandtheThronewouldbehis!

If only that old foolwould give him the talisman there need be no unpleasantness.Adolphusfoughtdowntheurgetosimplygoroundtotheoldman’smansionandtakeit,butthatwouldbetooloud,toounsubtle,suchanactionmightwellbenoticedincertainquartersbeforeAdolphuswantedittobe.Itwouldnotdoforthecountessorothersofherfaint-heartedilktodiscoverwhathewasuptoaheadoftime.No,hetoldhimself,itwouldbebesttowait.

Heturnedhisattentiontothenoblewoman.Shereallywasn’tsobad,hethought.Thebestofthebunchpresenttonightcertainly.Hesawthatshesensedhimlookingather,andsheglancedathimoutofthecornerofhereye.Withoutthinking,Adolphusexertedhiswill.Thewomanfrozeandstaredathim,asifseeinghimfortheveryfirsttime.Adolphussmiledather,andshesmiledback.Helookeddownatthetableagainandlethergo.Thatwasenoughfornow.Theconnectionwasmade.Hewouldpluckherlater,whenthemomentwasripe,perhapsnottonight,butsomeothernight,whenthethirstcameuponhim.Hesawthathercompanion,perhapsayoungaristocratofsomesortfromhisdress,

waslookingathim,andthenather.Hehadobviouslynoticedtheexchangebetweenthem,andwasmost likelyjealous.Heleanedforwardandwhisperedsomethingfuriouslyinthewoman’sear.Sheshook her head as if denying something. If he had wanted to, he could have listened in on theirconversationsimplybyfocusinghismindonit.LikealloftheArisen,hissenseswerefantasticallykeen.Thecattlewerealwayssopredictable,thoughtAdolphus.

Hedismissedthemortalsfromhisthoughts.Theywereirrelevant.Whatwasworryinghimwashisownlackofcontrol.Hecouldnotafforditnow.Notwith theconsummationofallhisplanssoclose,notwitheverythinghehadworkedsohardonalmostwithinhisreach.Heneededallhiswitsabouthimnow.Heneededallhisguileandcunning.HeneededtokeephisplansasecretuntilitwastoolatefortherestoftheArisenoranyoneelse,forthatmatter,tostophim.Insteadhehadgoneonabloodbinge,killinganddrinkingindiscriminately,leavingatrailthattherightsortofhuntercouldfollowwith the ease of a forester tracking amastodon.He simply could not understand it. Such athing had not happened to him since his first mistress had given him the red kiss all those longcenturiesago.Whywasthishappeningtohim?Andwhynow?

Hehadheardofsuchthingshappeningbefore.TheArisenweresometimessubjecttoastrangemadnessthatgotintotheirbloodanddrovethemtocrazedsprees.Whenthathappenedtheywerejustasoftenhunteddownbytheirownkindasbythecattle.NoneoftheArisenparticularlycaredtohavethecattlestirredintoafrenzy.AdolphusknewthatifhekeptupthissortofbehaviouritwouldonlybeamatteroftimebeforeoneoftheCouncilcamelookingforhim,andhecouldnotaffordthat,atleastnotuntilthetalismanwasinhishands.Oncethatwasaccomplishedandthethingwasattunedtohimtheycouldsendwhoevertheyliked.Butuntilthen,heverybadlyneededtogethimselfundercontrolunlesshewantedtoendupwithastakethroughhisheartandhisbrainpanstuffedwithwitchrootasawarningtoothersnottobehaveashehaddone.

Hewasaware,ashewasawareofeverything in the room, that theyoung loverhadrisenandwalkedovertoapackofhisrichlygarbedfriends,whowerestandingbythebar.HewasgesturinginAdolphus’ direction, pointing aggressively.Not now, you young idiot,Adolphus thought. I do notneed this. The group of youths began stalking over towards his table, hands on their sword hilts.Adolphushad seen lynchmobs in small townswalk towards theirvictims’homeswithexactly thatstride. He watched them come towards his table, hoping vaguely that they would pass him by,knowing that it really was not all that likely. Now he wished he had brought Roche. His hulkinghenchmanwasalwaysagooddistractioninsituationslikethis.

“So you are the one who’s been seeing Analise,” said a voice from close by The accentsbelonged to thewealthymerchant class ofPraag, the toneof voicewas at once arrogant and self-righteousandpetulant.Ayoungjealousman, thoughtAdolphus,andoneabout tomakethebiggestmistakeofhis short life.Adolphusdidnot answerbut studied thecontentsofhisgoblet closely.Ahandlashedoutandknockedhisgobletover.

“You,sir,Iamtalkingtoyou.Don’tignoreme.”Adolphuslookedupandstudiedhimclosely.Afoppishyoungfoolcladinthelatestfashion,longcoat,brightpantaloons,awide-brimmedhatwithafeather in it.He had a narrow face,white sharp teeth and a savage, feral look in his eye.Makeupcoveredsomeofthepockmarksonhisnotunhandsomeface.

“Youaremakingthatverydifficult,sir,”saidAdolphus,lookingup.Hecouldsmellthedrinkontheyoungman’sbreath.Hegazedintohiseyesandtried tomakecontactbut theyouthwas toofargoneindrunkenjealousangertobereached.Toobadforhim,thoughtAdolphus,feelingthedevilofragebegintostirinhisownunbeatingheart.Heglancedoverattheyouth’sfriends.Allcutfromthesame cloth, he thought, all young, all drunk, all viciously certain that they could do anything theywantedtoastrangerhere,andgetawaywithit.Undernormalcircumstances,Adolphusthought,they

wouldmostlikelyberight.Thesewerenotnormalcircumstances,however.“Iwantyoutogetupandleavenow,andIwantyounevertoshowyouruglyfaceinhereagain.”Adolphusshrugged.Undernormalcircumstanceshewouldprobablyhavedonewhattheseboors

asked.Hewantednotroublethathecouldavoid,notnow.Butsomewhereinthebackofhismind,thelurking daemon, the thing that had caused him to drain those women dry, was stirring. He feltirritationbuildupwithinhim,asmallnaggingthingthatswiftlyballoonedintoacompulsiontobecontrary.Whoweretheseoafstobeorderinghimaround?Merecattle,insectsbarelyworthyofhisnotice. He looked at them with loathing, letting his contempt show upon his face. He saw theansweringangerwrittenontheirs.

“Andhowareyougoingtomakemedothat,boy?”Adolphusasked.“WhyshouldIlistentoachildwhoneedshalfadozenofhisplaymatestodeliverasimplewarning?IsthistheusualbehaviourofPraag’sso-calledmen?”Theinternaldaemonmadehimadd,“IsitanywonderAnaliseprefersarealmantoabeardlessboylikeyou?”

Furycontortedtheyouth’sface.Hehadtrappedhimselfandheknewit.Adolphus’accentmarkedhim as a noble, albeit one from some distant corner of the Empire. It would be dishonourable tosimplyganguponhim.TheonlycourseopentohimwastocallAdolphusout,tofightaduel.Hesawtheyouthbegintolookathimasifforthefirsttime,takingintheheight,thebreadthofshoulder,thesuperb self-confidence with which Adolphus was facing down a whole gang of armed men.Obviously,evenhisdrunkenbrainretainedenoughsensenottoliketheimplicationsofwhathewasseeing.Adolphuswonderedhowhewoulddealwithit.Theresponsewaspredictable.

“Takethispieceofscumoutsideandbeathimwithinaninchofhislife,”theyouthsaid.“Acowardaswellasacuckold,”Adolphussneered.Helookedattheothers.Thepartofhimthat

wasstillrelativelysanesuggestedthatheshouldatleastattempttogivethemawayoutfromwhatwasabouttohappen.Slaughteringsixsonsofthelocalwealthywassuretobringhimalotofunwelcomeattention.“Areyoureallygoingtofightthiscoward’sbattlesforhim?”heasked.

Hecouldseethatthejusticeofhiswordsstruckatleastoneortwoofthem.Theydidnotreallywanttofightattheseodds,anymorethanhedid.Theyrealisedthedishonouroftheiract.Oneortwoofthemwerewavering.Adolphuscaughtone’seyeandbeganexertinghiswill.Theyouthwaveredandsaid,“IthinkKurtshouldcallthismanoutifhefeelssostrongly.”

Kurtobviouslydidnot like this ideaatall.“Areyouallcowards?Doyouall fearonescurvyoutlandersomuch?”

This obvious appeal to their Kislevite patriotism was having as strong an effect as hisquestioningoftheirmanhood.Hecouldsensethegangwaveringoncemore.“TakehimoutsideandshowhimwhathappenstoarrogantoutlanderswhoshoottheirmouthsoffinPraag.”

Adolphus lookedaroundoncemore.Hecouldseea lotof sympathetic looksbutnooffersofhelp.Obviouslythisgangofyouthswaswellknownandgreatlyfearedaroundhere.Therewasgoingtobenootherwayoutthanfighting,hecouldtell.Howunfortunate.Heonlyhopedhecouldrestrainhisbloodlust.

Therealproblemnowwasa tacticalone.Howwashegoingtodealwith thisbunchofyoungthugswithoutarousingsuspicionofhisrealnature?Perhapsheshouldsimplyleaveafterall.HerosefromhischairandloomedoverKurt.“Donotbotheryourselves,Iamleaving.Thesmellofyellow-belliedswineistoostronginhereformystomach.”

Hecursed.Whathadmadehimsaythat?Ifhehadsimplystrolledconfidentlyforthedoor,thechanceswerethattheywouldhavelethimgo.Nowtherewasnochanceofthat.Heknewtheanswertohisownquestion.Deepinhisheart,hedidnotwanttoletthesearrogantcattlelive.Hewasasbadastheywere.Itwasnotathoughtdesignedtoenhancehisself-esteem,andheknewhewasgoingto

maketheseyouthspayformakinghimthinkit.Kurt reached up and grabbedAdolphus’ shoulder. “Oh no, you don’t. You can’t simplywalk

awayfromthisone,myfriend.”Adolphusglareddownathim,allowinghisangertoshowinhiseyes.Kurtquailedawayandfor

amomentAdolphusthoughthemightactuallylethimwalk,butthepig-facedloutwastoodrunkandstupidtolistentohisinstincts.HetriedtorestrainAdolphuswhoshruggedoffhisgripeasily.

“On your own heads be it,”Adolphus said, as he stepped through the doorway,watching theyoungfoolsfollowhimoutintothenight.

He glanced around. They were in an alley. There was no sign of the watch. There were nowitnessesabout.Theidiotshaddonehisworkforhim.Astheyslouchedoutbehindhim,theymadefists, fitted knuckledusters over their hands, drew small weighted truncheons. Experienced tavernbrawlersthese,hethought.Notthatitwoulddothemanygood.

“Nowyou’regoingtogetwhatyoudeserve,”saidKurt.“Oneofusis,”saidAdolphusandsmiled,forthefirsttimeshowingallhisteeth.Inthedimlight

it tooka fewmoments for theyouths to registerwhat theywereseeing.Then their facesblanched.Kurtbegantoscream.

Adolphus kept smiling, knowing that he was going to kill them all, and that he had alwaysintendedto.

TWOFelix lookeddownfromthecockpitof theSpiritofGrungni.Belowhimhecouldseeaseeminglyendlesswasteofsnowandice.FaroffatthehorizonwasthegreyzonewherethewastelandsmettheleadenwatersoftheSeaofClaws.Coldwindstoreatthesteelwallsofthecupolaandmadethegreatgasbagabovecreak.Thenoiseof themightyengineswasbarelyaudibleabove thehowlingof thewind.HeglancedacrossatMalakaiMakaissonwhostoodat thehugecontrolwheel,pulling leversandstudyinggaugeswithalltheassuranceoftheexperiencedpilot.

“Areyou reallygoing toget5,000gold crowns for this,Malakai?”Felix asked.HehadbeensurprisedwhenMaxhad toldhim.Hehadnever figuredon theSlayer engineer beingparticularlygold-crazed.Ontheotherhand,hewasadwarf,andalittleofthatlurkedineverydwarfishsoul.

“Aye,youngFelix,aham!Taetellthetruthahwouldhavedoneitfurnithin’butthebloodyicybezumkeptgaunonandonatme,soahfiguredahmightaswellmakeitherpayfirit.”

Felixnodded:itsoundedquitepossible.MalakaiMakaissonwasasstubbornasanyotherdwarfanddidnot likebeingpushed into things.Felixwas surprisedhehadnot refusedoutright.Hewasquite capable of it, despite the Tsarina’s exalted position. Dwarfs cared little for human titles ornobles.AndSlayersdidn’tshowtheleastrespectfortheirownrulers,sowhyshouldtheyshowitforotherraces?

“Sowhydidyouagreetodoit?”Felixaskedcuriously.“Cozshewasbloodywellright.WedaeneedtaekenwhattheChaosbasturdsareuptae,andthe

SpiritofGrungniisthebestthingfurthejob.”FelixwasalsoalittlesurprisedthatMalakaiwascapableofseeingthingssoclearly;henormally

seemedobsessedwithonlyone thing,hismachines.UnlikemostSlayershedidnot seem to spendmuchtimebroodingonhisowndeathorsins.Hewasnotstupid,Felixhadtoadmit,andhesupposedthatanyonecapableofdesigningthisairshiphadtobeonlytooawareofitsmilitarypossibilities.

AtideofmovementoutofthecornerofhiseyecaughtFelix’sattention.Hefocusedthespyglasson it and the scene jumped intoview.Heshivered. Itwasanotherhuge forceofbeastmen,headingsouthwards, following the coast of the Sea of Claws. They trudged along with implacabledetermination,theirmassivebannersflutteringinthebreeze.

Seeing the symbols of theChaos gods so nakedly visible filledFelixwith horror.Theyweresignswhichfromhischildhoodhehadbeentaughttofearandloathe.Thisonetooktheshapeofaneye fromwhich radiated eight arrows. Itwas stained in blood on awhite sheet, and fluttered on acrossbarmadeofhumanbonesandtoppedwiththehornedskullofsomehugemonster.

“That’sthetenthwarbandinthisarea,”saidFelix.“Howmany?”“Ataguessoverathousand.”Felixdidnotneedtocountthemanymore.Overthepastfewdays,

flying these reconnaissancemissions, he had become quite adept at judging the size of theChaosforces.“Wherearetheyallcomingfrom?”

Suddenly he caught sight of something else, and swiftly focused on it. At first he could notbelievehiseyes,thenslowlytherealityofwhathewasseeingforceditselfonhisbrain.Itwasahugeship,drivingthroughtheicysea.Itwasmadeallofblackmetalandnosailswerevisible.Thewholeprowwascarvedintheshapeofanenormousdaemon’shead.Redrunesglowedalongitsside.

“What inhell ismaking that thingmove?”heasked.MalakaiMakaissonsnatched thespyglassfromhishand.

“Tak thecontrols,youngFelix,an’ takuscloser taeyondership.Ahwant taehaeaguid lang

lookatthis.”Felixtookthecontrolswithpracticedeaseandaimedtheprowouttowardsthesea.Malakaihad

taughthimhowtoflytheshiplongago,andhehadhadalotofpracticeontheirtripbackfromtheChaosWastes.Itwasoneofthereasonswhy,alongwithhiskeeneyesight,hewastheobserveronthisflight.Suchwastheairship’sspeedthattheyweresoonpassingovertheturbulentwater.

“Whitinhellwusright,”saidMalakaiMakaisson.“Ahcannaeseeonypaddlewheels,andthere’snaewake that wud indicate some sort of drive screw under the thing. All ah can think o’ is darkmagic,an’thatisnaemafield.Cannaethinko’onythin’elsethatwudshiftsomethin’thatbig.Bloodyhell.IniverguessedtheyChaosbasturdswerecapableofochtlikethis.It’smovin’asfastasasteamerunderfullpressureandit’sasbigasonythin’ahhaeeverseenonwater.”

“That’sallverywell,Malakai,”saidFelix.“Butwhatdoesitmean?”“Itmeansye’dbetterpray toallyourmanlinggods that theydon’thaea fleeto’ those things,

youngFelix.Coziftheydaethey’llbeabletaelandanarmyonywheretheylikealangthecoastoftheOldWorld.ByGrungni,theycouldheadrightupthebloodyReikasfarasAltdorfandNuln.”

FelixshiveredasMalakaitookthecontrolsandreturnedthespyglass.“Idon’tthinkSigmarisinthemoodtoansweranyofmyprayers,”saidFelix.“Why?”“Look over there,” he said, pointing to the fleet of black ships driving headlong through the

storm-tossedsea.“Let’sheadfirhame,”saidMalakai.“Ahthinkwe’vecollectedenoughbadnewsfiryinday.”Felixwasforcedtoagree.

FelixwasgladtobebackinPraag,evengladderthanhehadbeentoseethelightsofthecitywinkingbelowthemandthehugecitadelblazingwithlightahead.SittingintheWhiteBoarhewaslookingforwardtogettingahotmealinsidehim,andthensomesleep.Thesedaystheairshipalwaysseemedcoldinside,andnomatterhowmanyextralayersofclothinghewore,hecouldneverquitegetwarm.Hismouth felt abit dry, and therewas anodd tingle inhis fingers and toes.Hehopedhewasnotcomingdownwithsomething.

All aroundhimhecouldhear thebuzzof conversation, thegossipof all themercenaries andmerchants cooped up in the city by the snows ofwinter.The guildwanted permission to raise thepriceofcornoncemore,butthedukewouldnotapproveit.Hewantedallofhiscitizensaswellfedaspossible,andnostarvation.Felixfeltthatthoughhecouldneverliketheduke,hecouldrespectthemanandlikehispolicies.Heappearedtobeaboutasfairasitwaspossibleforanaristocrattobe,thoughFelixhadneverreallylostthesuspicionoftherulingclassthathadbeenburnedintohimbyhismerchantfather.

It seemed six young nobles had died in a brawl down in the merchant quarter last night.Accordingtorumourtheyhadtakensomewealthyforeigneroutsidetoteachhimalessonandnevercomeback.Theircorpseshadbeenfoundinthesnow.Theguesswasthattheforeignermusthavehadbodyguardsorfriendsofhisownwaitingoutsideforitwasdeemedunlikelythatonemancouldbestsixatbladeworkorbrawling.Felixwasn’tsosure.HehadseenGotrekovercomemanytimesthatnumberincombatandoccasionallyhaddoneithimselfwhendesperationdrovehim.

Felixpushedthethoughttooneside.Itwasnobusinessofhis,eveniftheyouths’familieswereofferingahugerewardtohelpthemfindthekiller.Whatdidhecare?Hecouldjustpicturetheyoungmen,spoileddandiesof thesorthehadoncebeen forced todealwitheverynight in theBlindPigtaverninNuln.Hecouldnotfinditinhimselftofeelmuchsympathywithanyonewhothoughtitfuntogooutsidesixagainstone.Mostlikelytheyjustgotwhattheydeserved.

Thiswasnottheonlytaleofslaughterinthenight.Anothertwostreetgirlshadbeenfounddead

anddrainedofblood.Nowtherewasfearful talkofsomedaemonstalking thenight,andsomeonehadevenmentionedthedreadedword“vampire”.Felixshivered.Hisoldnursehadtoldhimchillingtalesoftheblooddrinkers.Asachild,hehadspentmanyasleeplessnightfearingthatonemightfinditswayintohisroom.Hetriedtopushasidehisfearsandfoundthathecouldnot.Hehadseenfartoomanyotherchildhoodterrorsprovetoberealinthisterribleworld.Itwouldnotsurprisehimintheleastifoneofthesoullessoneswereabroadinthecity.Heonlyprayedhewouldneverencounterit.Theyweresaidtobeterriblefoes.

He noticed that oneman was paying a lot of attention to this conversation. A tall nobleman,dressed in fashionably foppishclothes, apomanderclutched inonehand.His featureswerea littlepale,perhapsfromthepowderapplied tohis face.Hiseyeswerecoldandhis faceworea lookofintenseconcentration.

ThemancaughtFelixlookingathim,theireyesmetandFelixfeltaflickerasofsomesortofcontact.Hewassuddenlyfilledwithadesiretolookaway,buthisownnativestubbornnesswouldnotlethim.Hematched thestranger ’sglareandstudiedhimclosely.Themanworehishair inanoddarchaicstyle,cutsquaretocoverhisforehead,andlongdownthesides.TherewassomethingabouthimthatmadethehaironthebackofFelix’sneckprickle.HehadthesamesortofauraasMax.Mostlikelyamagicianthen,Felixdecided,andsomeonebestnottostarttroublewith.Thistimehelookedaway,justintimetoseeUlrikaandMaxSchreiberentertheWhiteBoar.Theystrodeovertohistablewithadeterminedstep.What’sgotintothem,Felixwondered?Adolphuslookedupandwatchedthewizardandthewomanenterthecrowdedtavernroom.Byallthegodsofdarkness,shewasabeauty.Neitherhermannishgarbnortheswordshecarriedcoulddetractfromher loveliness.Inastrangewaytheyenhancedit.Hefelt thesurgeofanattractionthelikeofwhichhehadnotfeltinalongtime.Itwasapitythemanshewaswithworepowerlikeamantle.

In his long existence, Adolphus had encountered few more potent sorcerers. He was skilledenoughintheartofmagerytorecogniseamasterwhenhesawone.Heonlyhopedhisowncloakingspellsweresufficienttokeepthemanfromnoticinghim.

Hecursedhimself for a fool.He shouldhave stayed at themansion and studiedNospheratus’damnbook.Thesenightlyperegrinationsmightprove theendofhim.Afterkilling those louts lastnight,hehadcometothissqualidplacetoavoidanymoreattention.Andwhatwasthefirstthinghehaddonewhenhecamedown to thecommon room?Seeing theblondmanstaringathim,hehaddecidedtousehisgazetomakethemanlookaway,butthemortalhadprovenunexpectedlystrong-willedandcouldnotbecommanded.Thatinitselfwasunusual.Nowthemanhadprovenhimselftobetheassociateofamasterwizard.Perhapsthisexplainedhisstrongwill,perhapsnot.Whateveritwas,itwasabadthing.Heonlyhopedthemortalwouldnotdrawthewizard’sattentiontohim,thatwasthelastthingAdolphuswanted.Hecursed;assoofteninhislongunlife,itseemedthegodswereplayingtricksonhim.Now,withallhisdreamsalmostwithinhisgrasp,nothingwasgoingright.

Hehadgivenintohisbloodlustlastnightandslaughteredthoseyoungfoolslikethecattletheywere.Atleasthehadhadthesensenottodrinkfromthem.Hehadmanagedtorestrainthethirstuntillaterwhenhehaddrainedthosetwostreetwalkersdry.Despiteallhisbestefforts,hehadnotbeenabletoresistthecompulsion;hehadnotevenwantedto.Thethirsthadnotbeensostronginhimsincehefirstarose.Whatwashappeningtohim?Whatmadnesswasovertakinghim?Whydidthisconstantlustforbloodburninhisveinslikeafever?Hedidnotunderstand.

Perhapsitwasthisplace.Praagwassaidtobeahauntedcity.Perhapsthestrangeforcesofthetownwereworkingonhim.OrperhapsitwasthehugeChaosmoonburningintheskyandhauntinghisdreams.Hedidnotknow,couldnottell.Hejustknewthatitwashappeningattheworstpossibletimeforhimandhisplans.Ifonlytheoldfoolwouldprovemoretractable.Adolphusresolvedthatif

hedidnotgivewayinthenegotiationssoon,hewouldkillthemanandhavedonewithit.Even as he thought this, he knew itwas another symptomof themadness overtakinghim.He

knewhemusthangon.Itwasallalmostwithinhisgrasp.Hecouldnotaffordanymoremistakesnow.HerosetoreturntoOsrik’smansion, takingthebackexit.Best togetnocloser tothatwizardthanabsolutelynecessary.

Onhiswayouthepausedtotakealastlonglookatthelovelywoman.Somenight,hepromisedhimself,Iwillcomelookingforyou.“Whatisit?”Felixasked.MaxandUlrikaseemedbothgrimandexcitedatonce.

“WhereisGotrek?”Maxasked.“OutdrinkingwithSnorriNosebiter.Doubtlessifyoufollowthetrailofbrokenbodiesalongthe

streetyouwillfindthem.”“That’s not funny, Felix,” saidUlrika. Since the split she had taken to using a very cold tone

towardshim.“Iwasn’tjoking,”saidFelix.“Youknowwhattheyarelikewhenthemoodisonthem.Whatdo

youwantwiththemanyway?”“Wehavebeenofferedajob.”“We?”“Allofus.Youtoo.”PrivatelyFelixwonderedwhowouldbecrazedenoughtoofferajobtoa

coupleofSlayers.Someoneprettydesperate,heguessed.Orbadlyinneedofhavingalotofviolencedone.

“Does it involve killing big monsters, or fighting against insuperable odds?” Felix askedsardonically.

“Idon’tthinkso,”saidMax.“AtleastIdon’tknowforcertain.”“Thentheyprobablywon’tbeinterested.”“There’salotofgoldinvolved,”saidUlrika.“Thatwouldmostlikelychangethings.”“Thenlet’sgofindthedwarfsandintroduceourselvestoourpotentialemployer.”“Who is he?” Felix asked, rising and adjusting his sword belt.He noticed the rather sinister-

lookingnoblemanhadvanished.“Adistantrelativeofmine,”saidUlrika.“Halfthenoblesinthiscityaredistantrelativesofyours,”saidFelix.“That’sthewayitiswithKislevitenobility,”shesaid,alittlehuffilyFelixthought.

Themansionwasbigand rather impressive ina scruffydown-at-heel sortofway.Felixpaused toglanceoutofthewindow,takinginthehugepleasuregarden,surroundedbyspike-tippedwalls.Theplacemustbeworthasmallfortune,hethought,beforeturningtofollowtheothers.SomuchspacecameatahighpremiuminsidethehighwallsofPraag.

Insidethehouse,bric-a-bracfilledeverynookandniche.Oddexoticweapons,andmasksfromthe distant Southland lined the corridors throughwhich the elderly servants led them.A porcelainstatue of some four-armed monkey god, which Felix guessed was from far Cathay, guarded theentrancetoavastsittingroominwhichtheownerlolledonahugeantiquecouch.

CountAndriev,Ulrika’sdistant cousin, rather remindedFelixof amole.Hewasa shortman,verybroadandbulky.Hehadahugenoseandvastwhiskersthatdroopedbelowhischin.Littleroundglassesperchedonhismountainousnoseandobscuredhissmallweakeyes.ThecountworealongsilkrobeintheCathayanstyle.Hedidnotlooklikemuchofawarrior,althoughUlrikahadassuredthemhehadbeenafamousswordsmaninhisyouth.Nowheleanedona longblackwalkingstick,

clutchingthesilverballatitstipwithclawedarthriticfingers.Hegazedaroundtheroom,takingthemallin.Apullofabell-cordsummonedatall,leanbutleralmostasancientashimself.

“Wouldyou—ahem—likeanythingtodrink?Someteaperhaps?”SnorriNosebiterandGotreklookedateachotherunbelievingly.Theyseemedtobewondering

whattheyweredoinghere.Theyhadbeenluredfromthetavernbytalkoflavishsumsofgold.WhenFelixhadfoundthemtheyhadbeenbusybrawlingwithsomeKislevitehorse-soldiers.FelixandtheothershadstoodasidewhilethetwoSlayerstrouncedfourtimestheirnumberbeforetheycouldgettheirfullattention.

“Beer,”gruntedGotrek.“Vodka,”saidSnorri.“Inabucket.”“Iwillhavesome tea,” saidMax.Ulrikanodded.Felixshookhishead.Hewas interestednow

almostagainsthiswill.Itwasfairlyobviousthatthisoldnoblemanwaswealthyenoughtohavehisownbodyguards,andwithoutadoubtthetreasuresinthishousewereworthalotofmoney.Whydidheneedthem?Moretothepoint,howhadhefoundoutaboutthemanyhow?

“Whatdoyouwantwithus,oldman?”saidGotrek.Everthediplomat,Felixthoughtsourly.Andriev leaned forward. He seemed slightly hard of hearing. There was a faintly crazed

glimmerinthoseweakeyes.“AmemberoftheSlayercult,”hemutteredtohimself.“Fascinating.”“IknowwhatIam,dotard.Iaskedwhatyouwantedwithus.”The count cleared his throat andbegan to speak in a thin, quaveringvoice. “Forgiveme,” he

said.“Thismighttakealittletime.”“Snorrithinksitwouldtakelesstimeifyougotonwithit,”saidSnorriNosebiter.Patiencewas

notastrongsuitwithhim,Felixnoted.“Ahem—well—yes.Ishallbegin.”Theoldmanpausedandgazedaroundasiftomakesure

hehadalltheirattention.FelixwasstartingtofeelalittleimpatientwithAndriev’squerulousmannerhimself.“Iam,asyouhaveprobablynoticed,acollectorofcurios,antiques,allmannerofancientandinterestingobjects.IthasbeenahobbyofmineeversinceIwasaboywhenmygrandfathergavemeaparticularlyfinecarvedwarmaskfromtheSouthland,atrulyexquisitepiece,markedwiththethreesigilsoftheblackgodsofTharoum.Itwas—”

“Perhapsitwouldbebetterifyoustucktowhatyouwantedourhelpwith,”suggestedFelixasgently as he could. The oldman leaned back, looking faintly startled, and put his hand across hismouthasifinsurprise.

“Ofcourse—ahem—sorry, sorry. Iamoldandmymind tends towander. It’sbeenawhilesinceIhadcompanyandwell—”

“Thepoint,”Felixadded,alittlemoreharshly.“Sorry.Yes.AsIsaid,Iamacollectorofantiquities.OvertheyearsIhaveacquiredmanypieces

of considerable interest. Someof these pieces are said to be…well,mystical. I amnot a sorcerermyselfsoIcan’treallysay,butBrotherBenedict,myappraiser,assuredmethisisso.”

“So?”saidGotrek.Itwasobviousthathewasfastlosingpatience.Doubtlesshewasfeelingthelureofthetavernparticularlystronglyrightnow.

“Ihavebeenassuredthatsomeofmypieceswouldbeveryvaluabletomagesofacertainsort.Afterafewincidentsamongthecollectingfraternitymanyyearsago,Ipaidnotinconsiderablesumstomagesof theGoldenBrotherhood toprotectmymansionandmycollectionwithallmannerofspells.IbelievethesespellsmighthavehelpedpreservemyhouseduringthelateinconveniencewiththoseChaoschappies.”

Felix wondered how sane the old man was. The siege had been something more than an“inconvenience”tomostofthecity.Ontheotherhand,hesupposedthatifhewereanoldmanlocked

awaydeepwithinthecityinhisownfortifiedmanorhouse,surroundedbyservantsandbodyguards,hemighthavebeenabletoignoretheworstofittoo.

“Soyouhavesomevaluablestuffhere,”saidGotrek.“Sowhat?”“Afewdaysago,myappraiser,BrotherBenedict,aformerpriestofVerenawholeftthetemple

afteranincidentwhichwas,heassuredme,noneofhisdoingbutrather—”“IamsureBrotherBenedictisafineman,”saidMaxhastily.“Butcouldyouperhapssticktothe

point.”“Yes,yes,ahem,sorry.Afewdaysago,astranger,anoblemanfromtheEmpirewhoclaimedto

beinterestedinpurchasingoneofmypieces,approachedBrotherBenedict.Benedicttoldhimthatmycollectionwasnotforsale,buttheofferpricewassohighthathethoughtIshouldknowaboutit.Ofcourse,IlovemycollectionandIwouldnotpartwithanyofit,noteventhatsmallchippedpieceofNipponeseporcelainwiththepaintingofthetwoherons—”

“Please,” said Felix. “Have mercy.” Ulrika glared at him. She appeared to be the only onecapableof tolerating thisoldbore.Allverywell forher,he thought.Shewashis relative, andherhead was probably not starting to ache. He rubbed his nose with the edge of his cloak and wasunsurprisedtodiscoverthatitwasrunning.Hereallyhopedhewasnotcomingdownwithsomething.

“Yes, sorry. Well, I thought it would be interesting to meet a fellow collector. One rarelyencounters any kindred souls.My hobby is rather a specialist field and not many people are thatinterestedinit…”

Probablyit’syoutheyarenotinterestedin,Felixthought,butkeptthethoughttohimself.Insteadhecoughedloudly.Hiscoughsoundedabitphlegmy.

“Yes,yes.Anyway,Iagreedtomeettheman.AndIdon’tmindtellingyoutherewassomethingabouthimIdidnotlike.Nottoputtoofineapointonit,hescaredme.”

“Thatmusthavebeendifficult,”saidGotreksarcastically.“Ahem,believeme,sir,”saidtheoldmantestily.“Iamnotallthateasilydaunted.AsayouthI

rodetobattlealongsideTsarRadhiBokhaandsinglehandedlyslewthegreatOgreofTronso.Itwasafeatofconsiderablerenownand—”

“Noonedoubtsyourcourage,”saidMax.“Pleasetelluswhatsofrightenedyouaboutthismanthatyoufeltyouneededtomakeanofferforourservices.”

“Therewassomethingverysinisterabouthim.Somethingdaunting.Somethingabouthiseyes…Whenhelookedatme,Iwantedtodowhathetoldme,andittookallmywillpowertorefuse.Ithinkthemanwasamagicianofsomesort,andapowerfulone.Foramoment,afterIrefusedhisoffer,Ithoughthewasgoingtoattackme,inthepresenceofmyownguardsandmyownhousemagician.BrotherBenedictthoughtsotoo.Hesaidhesuspectedthatonlytheprotectivespellsinplacearoundthemansionstoppedthemanfromturningnasty.Iorderedmyguardstoescorthimfromthehouse,andhewent.Buthesaidhewouldbeback,andtoldmeIhadsevendaystoreconsiderhisoffer.Thiswasseveraldaysago.”

“WhereisBrotherBenedict?”“Idonotknow.Normallyhevisitsmeeverymorning.Hehasnotshownupfortwodays.Thisis

another reason I am worried. He is a man of regular habits. Only serious illness would havepreventedhimfromcoming,butthiscannotbetheproblem.Ihavesentservantstohishouseandhisoffice,andheseemstohavedisappeared.”

Felix glancedover atGotrek andSnorriNosebiter.Theywere quieter nowand seemedmoreinterested. The mention of evil magicians seemed to have got their attention. The mysteriousdisappearanceofBrotherBenedicthadgottenhis.

“Areyousurehehasnotsimplylefttown.”

“MaybeBennywentonabender,”suggestedSnorriNosebiter.“Impossibleonbothcounts.BrotherBenedictwouldhaveinformedmeofhisdeparture.Hehas

been inmyemployfor twentyyears.Andas foryoursuggestion,HerrSlayer,hewasanabstinentman.Nevertouchedanythingstrongerthanwater.Claimedanythingelseinterferedwithhisabilitytoconcentrate.”

ThisseemedreasonabletoFelix.HehadoftenheardMaxclaimthesamething.“Soyourmagicianhasdisappeared.Anythingelse?”askedGotrek.“Ahem,Ithinkso.Theguardsreportthehouseisbeingwatched.”“Bythismysteriousstranger?”Felixasked.“No,byothers,well-dressedmenandwomen,tryingnottobenoticedbutobviously—ahem—

notgoodenoughatittoescapedetection.”“Not a gang of professional thieves then,” said Max. Seeing all eyes on him, the magician

shrugged and said, “I used to make my living casting all manner of protective enchantments forpeople.Ithasgivenmesomefamiliaritywiththewaysuchpeopleoperate.”

“ThatisonereasonIwantedtohireyou,sir.Yourreputationprecedesyou.Thedukehimselfissaidtothinkhighlyofyou,andmydearkinswomanheresaysyouarethemostcompetentmageshehasevermet.”

“Whydoyouneedusthen?”askedFelix.“Surelyyouhavehiredswordsenough.”“That is another strange thing about thiswhole affair.EvenbeforeBrotherBenedict vanished

someofmyguardsfailedtoreportforduty.Mostlythedayguards,theoneswhodonotlivehereinthemansion,butevenafewoftheresidentswentoutandneverreturned.”

“Theseare strange times,” saidFelix.“Thecityhasbeenunder siege.Many folkare starving.Perhapstheyleftthecity.Perhapstheyfelttheycouldgetmoregoldorfoodelsewhere.”

“Herr Jaeger, Iam,withoutwishing toappear tobeboasting,avery,verywealthyman,and Ipridemyselfonseeingthatmypeoplearewelltakencareof.Idoubttheycouldbebetterpaidorfedanywhereelseinthiscityundercurrentdistressingcircumstances.Mycellarsareverywellstocked.Ikeepthehousepreparedfortheharshestofwinters.Asanoldman,inKislev,youknowhowtodothesethings.”

“Whynottakethismattertotheduke?”Ulrikaasked.“Andtellhimwhat?Thatonestrangerhasthreatenedmeinmyownhouse?Thatmyguardsare

disloyal andmymagehasdisappeared?Thedukehasmore important things toworry about rightnow!Whyshouldhetroublehimselfwithoneoldman’sproblemswhenthereisawaron.”

“Haveyoumadeinquirieswhyyourguardsdidnotreportforduty?”askedFelix.“Again, I sent servants. Somewere not at their lodgings. In some cases, the servants thought

therewassomebodyathome,butnoonewasanswering.”“That’sverystrange,”saidFelix.“The whole business is very strange, Herr Jaeger. Which is why I need your help and am

preparedtopayhandsomelyforit.”“Howhandsomely?”“Ifyouresolvethismatterforme,Iwillpayeachofyouonehundredgoldcrowns,plusabonus

dependingonhowmattersturnout.”“Thatsoundsfairtome,”saidFelix.Aglanceatthedwarfstoldhimthattheyagreed.ItwasMaxwhobegantodicker.“NormallyIampaidforthespellsandwardsIcast,separatelyfromanyotherfees.”“Iwillpayyournormalfees—inadditiontotheamountmentionedpreviously.”

“Fine.”“Thenyouwilldoit?”Aglanceattheotherstoldhimtheywereallwillingtogetinvolved.ItseemeditwaslefttoFelix

toasktheobviousquestion:“Whatwasitthestrangerwantedtobuyfromyou?”“Come,Iwillshowyou.”

CountAndriev’sfavouredtreasureswerecertainlywellprotected.Theoldmanhadledthemintothecentreofhismansion,and thendown intoacellarguardedby thickwallsworthyofanemperor ’stomb.

Theentrance to thevaultwas throughaseriesofhugecounter-weighteddoors.“Dwarf-built,”theoldmansaidproudly.

“Andprotectedbyseveralverystrongwards,unlessIammuchmistaken,”saidMax.Hesoundedimpressed.

“Youarenotmistaken.ThegreatElthazarhimself cast these forme. IbroughthimespeciallyfromAltdorftwodecadesago.Youknowofhim,ofcourse?”

“HewasoneofmytutorsattheCollegeofMagicians,”saidMaxinaneutraltoneofvoice.“Agreatwizardbutvery…conservative.”

“You…ahem,soundasifyoudon’tlikehim.”“WehadafewdisputesbeforeIlefttheCollege.”“Doyounotthinkhisworkisgood?”“No.Iamsureitisveryfine.Hewasverycapableandstronginthepower.”“Iamgladtohearyousaythis.Butifthereisanythingyoufeelcanbeimproveddonothesitate

tomentionit.”“Iwillnot,believeme.”The vault reminded Felix of a cave from some tale of the riches of Araby In it were many

preciousandbeautifulobjects:goldenstatuettesfromthedesertsof theLandof theDead;complexpatternedamuletsfromAraby;beautifulcarpetsfromEstalia;detaileddwarfmetalworkcarvedwithallmannerofintricatepatterns,andvialsofpreciousliquidsengravedwiththeflowingscriptsoftheelves.Felixunderstoodwhytheoldmanhadspentsomuchmoneytoprotectit.Healsounderstoodjusthowdesperatehemustbetohirefivenearstrangerstohelphimguardit.

Ofcourse,Ulrikawashiscousin, andMaxwas so renowned in this fieldofwizardry that thedwarfshadhiredhimtoprotect theirairshipsomaybeitwasnotall thatstrange.AndhesupposedUlrika’s recommendation would be good enough to get the Slayers and himself the job. Heconsidered thefee.Onehundredcrownswasasmall fortune.Enough toallowaman to live likeanobleformonths.

Theoldmanshowed themamassivesealedchest.Heproduced thekeyfromunderhis robes.Thechestandthelocklookedlikedwarfworkmanshiptoo.Onethingwascertain,Felixthought:heknewhowtolookafterhistreasures.

“Ah—here it is.TheEyeofKhemri,”hesaid,retrievingasmalldarkobjectfromoutof thestrongbox. He held it up to the light. After the long tale, Felix was expecting something moreimpressive-looking.Maxheldouthishand:“MayIseeit?”

CountAndrievseemedalmostreluctanttohanditover,butMaxkepthishandoutstretchedandeventuallytheoldmangavetheobjecttohim.Felixmovedcloser,standingnexttoUlrikasohecouldlookoverMax’sshoulder.Hesawasmallovalcarvedfromwhatlookedlikeblackmarble.Acentraleye gazed out from strange pictograms depicting animal-headed men and women, perhapsrepresentationsofsomeeldergods.Thestoneworkwasencasedinasilverhandthatgrippedthediscwithpointedtalons.Thewholeamuletdependedfromanage-blackenedsilverchain.

FelixlookedatMax’sface;hesawthewizardwasfrowning.“What is it?”Ulrikaasked.Maxpursedhis lipsanda lookofconcentrationpassedacrosshis

face. Felix could see dim pinpoints of fire blazing within his eyes and knew that the wizard wassummoninghispower.

“Idon’tknow,”saidMax.“Thereissomethingveryoddhere.Thetalismanismagical,butseemstocontainlittlepower…”

“And?”Felixasked.“Whywouldanyonegotothetroubleofobtainingit,ifsuchwerethecase?”“Youaresayingthistrinketcouldindeedbeamagicalartefact?”saidAndriev.“Certainly.AtthismomentIcannotsaymore.Wouldyoumindlettingmestudythis,count?”“Ifyoudonottakeitoutofthevault,Iwouldbefascinatedtolearnmore.Ialwaysassumedit

wassomerelicoftheTombKings.ThemanwhosoldittomeclaimedithadbeenfoundintherubbleofKhemri.Ialwaysassumedhewasexaggerating.NowIamnotsosure.”

“Itiscertainlyancient.Ihaveneverseenitslikebefore.”“Thequestionis,whatarewegoingtodoaboutthemanwhowantsit?Dowegolookingfor

himordowewait forhimtoreturn?”Felixwasnotsurehe liked the ideaofgoing lookingforamagician,eveninthecompanyofMaxandGotrek.Theyweretoopowerful,andtoounpredictable,andtoomanythingscouldgowrong.FelixhadwitnessedwhatMaxcoulddowithawaveofhishandandaword,anddidnotliketheideaofstandinginthewayofalightningbolt.

“No reasonwhywe cannot do both,manling,” saidGotrek, of course exactlywhat Felix hadfearedhewouldsay.

“Wherewouldwestart?Didthestrangergiveyouhisname,CountAndriev?”“HesaidhisnamewasAdolphusKrieger.”“That’sanImperial-soundingname,”saidMax.“Easy enough to give a false name,” said Felix. “Particularly if you are going to go around

threateningpeople,itwouldseemlikeagoodidea.”“Trueenough,”saidUlrika.“Hemustbeaveryconfidentman,tothreatenaKislevitenoble,in

themiddleofPraag,inhisownpalace.”Felixthoughtaboutthedisappearingmagicianandthedesertionoftheguards.“Perhapshehascausetobe.Hecouldbeaverypowerfulmagician.”“I’vekilledwizardsbefore,”saidGotrek.Felixwonderedwhysuchafeelingofforebodinghad

come over him. For once, all the odds appeared to be in their favour. They were in a fortifiedmansion. Max was a sorcerer of great skill, and Gotrek, Snorri Nosebiter and Ulrika were asformidableatrioofwarriorsasanymancouldhopetofightbeside.Whythenwasheworried?Therewassomethingwronghere.Somethingtroubledhim.Hewishedthefeverishfeelingwouldgoaway.Hewashavingalittledifficultyconcentrating.

“Wecouldstartbylookingupthoseguardshidingintheirhouses,”saidGotrek.“Findoutwhatputthewindupthem.”

“Thatseemslikealogicalstartingpoint,”saidFelix,turningtheproblemoverandoverinhismind.Afewmorethoughtsoccurredtohim.

“Did Brother Benedict keep records?” Felix askedAndriev. “How did this AdolphusKriegerknowyouhadtheEye?HowdidhegetintouchwithBenedict?”

“OfcourseBenedictkeepsrecords,”saidAndriev.“Hewasameticulousandmethodicalman,and as a former priest of Verena he was a great believer in written records. You could try hischambersontheStreetofClerks.TellhisscribesIsentyouandtheyshouldhelp.AsforyourotherquestionsIdonotknowhowthisKriegerfoundoutIhadtheartefact,butIcanguess.”

“Ifyoucouldshareyourspeculationswithus,Iwouldbemostgrateful,”saidFelix.“Themarketforexoticcollectiblesisasmallone.Fewpeoplehavetheinterest,and—ahem—

tobefrank,thegoldtoindulgeinahobbylikemine.Thereareafewdealerswhomakealivinginthiswayandtheytendtoknowallthepotentialcustomersintheirarea.Idealwithcertainreputablehouses inMiddenheimandAltdorf.BrotherBenedictused tomakepurchasing trips formeonceayear.IusedtogomyselfuntilIbecametooinfirm.Thosewerethedays,letmetellyou,tostandinthegreathallatZuchi&Petrillo’sandgazeupon theircollectionswithmyowneyes. ItmakesmewanttoweepwhenIthinkofallthosetreasures.Irecall—”

“YouseemtohavetrustedthisBenedictagooddeal,”saidFelix,interruptingtheoldmanbeforehecouldbeginanotherofhisramblingreminiscences.

“Hewasagoodman,worthyoftrust.Heaccountedforeverypfennighespent,andIwasalwayssatisfiedwithhisaccounts.”

Felixreturnedtohisoriginallineofquestioning.“YouthinkthisAdolphusmighthavetracedtheEyethroughthedealersyouboughtitfrom,Zuchi&Petrillo?”

“Theyaremodelsofdiscretion,HerrJaeger.It’spartofwhattheirclientspayfor.”“Mencanbebribedor…dauntedwithsorcery.”“That is true. Yes.” The oldman seemed genuinely shocked by the thought that his favourite

dealersmighthavebetrayedaconfidence.Ontheotherhand,hewasnotdenyingthepossibilityeither.“Itseemstomethatthereisanotherpointtobeconsideredhere,”saidMax.“Goon…”“WhyisthisAdolphusfellowpreparedtogotoallthistroubletoacquiretheEye?Whatdoeshe

hopetogainfromit?”“You’rethemagician.Youtellme.”“I think it’s imperative I begin studying this artefact,” saidMax. “Perhaps if I can divine its

purposeIcanworkoutwhatourfriendwantswithit.”Felixnodded.Thatseemedreasonable.“Oneofusshouldstayherewithyouandhelpwatchthis

place.”“Iwill,”saidUlrika,rathertooquicklyforFelix’sliking.“Snorriwilltoo,”saidSnorriNosebiter.“Ifthere’sgoingtobeafighthere,Snorriwantstobe

aroundforit.Betterthantalkingtoclerks.”FelixlookedatGotrek.“Itlooksasifwewillbeaskingallthequestions.”TheSlayershrugged.“Let’sgetonwithitthen,manling.”

Theskywasovercastandmoresnowwas falling.Felixcould feel thechill right through theextralayersofclothinghewore,andheresolvedtousesomeofthemoneyAndrievwaspayingthemtobuyanewpairofboots.Asevertherewerepeoplewatchingthem.Itwasnotunusual.Gotrekwasacolourful figure, although one no onewould think of bothering.He showed no sign that the chillbotheredhiminanyway.

“Whatdoyouthink?”FelixaskedtheSlayer.Aroundthemcrowdspackedthenarrowstreetsofthemerchantquarter.Oldbuildingsleanedoverthem.ItwasdarkandmazyandhewasgladtheyhadpausedtogetthedirectionstoBenedict’sofficefromAndriev’sstewardbeforeleaving.

“I thinkCountAndriev is a rich oldmanwho can afford to indulgewhateverwhims he has,manling.Ithinkhisgoldisasgoodasanybodyelse’s.”

“You think he’s imagining things?” said Felix. He stepped out of the street to let a patrol oflancerspass.Afteramoment’sconsiderationGotrekdidthesame.Heeyedthehorseswithhostility.Hehadneverhadmuchloveforcavalryortheirmounts.

“No.Ithinkthereismostlikelysomethinggoingonhere.Wizard’sbusinessbythesoundofit.”

“Doyouthinktheotherswillbeallright?”Felixasked.“You have seenMax Schreiber usemagic,manling, and you have seen SnorriNosebiter and

Ulrikafight.Theyareinafortifiedmansionsurroundedbyguards.Whatdoyouthink?”“Thattheyaremostlikelysaferthanweare.”Gotrek grunted as if considerations of personal safetywere the last thing on hismind. Felix

foughtbackacough.Therewasanoddticklingatthebackofhisthroat,andheseemedtobesweatingalittlemorethannormal.Hehopedhewasnotcomingdownwithanythingnastierthanacold.

“You think itmightbeChaoscultists?”heasked.Theyhadencountered followersof thedarkgods in the cities of man before. During the siege they had interrupted an attempt by the Chaosworshipperstopoisonthegranaries.Felixdidnotthinktheyhadkilledallofthem,byalongchalk.

“Whoknows,manling?Doubtlesswewillfindoutsoonenough.”FelixwishedhecouldemulatetheSlayer ’sunconcernedattitude,butknewhewouldneverbeableto.Hisimaginationwastooactive,hethoughttoomuch.ItprobablyhelpedthatGotrekdidnotcarewhetherhelivedordiedeither.Felixdid.Heknewthathewantedtolive;therewasmuchhewantedtoseeanddoyet.

“Doubtlessyouareright,”hemutteredandtheytrudgedondownthestreet.TheStreetofClerkshadbeenmostlyuntouchedbythesiege.Itwasintheoldtown,withintheinnerwall,intheshadowofthecitadel.Thebuildingsweremostlyred-roofedtenementsandshop-houses.Eveninthewinterchillpeoplewerecomingandgoing.FromhislongexperienceofsuchthingsinAltdorf,Felixjudgedthemtobemerchantsandlawyersandthepeoplewhoranerrandsforsuchmen.Winterornowinter,warornowar,businesswentonasusual.Itwasjustlikehisfatherhadalwayssaid.

BrotherBenedicthadanofficeinoneofthemoreprosperous-lookingbuildings,atalltenementthat leanedrightoutover thealley, joinedbyahighbridgeto thebuildingacross theway.Withitswhite-washedwallsandtimberedframe,itremindedFelixofthebuildingsinAltdorf,althoughitwasnotsohighorsobeautifulandthegargoylesperchedontheledgesoverdoorsandwindowswerefartoogrotesqueforhishomecity.

Theyenteredthebuildingandmadetheirwayupthenarrowwindingstairs.OnthethirdlandingwastheofficewhereAndriev’sagenthadmaintainedhisbusiness.Felixknockedonthedoorandthenentered.Aclerklookedupinsurpriseastheycamein.

“What…Whatdoyouwanthere?”Felixhandedhimascrollemblazonedwiththecount’sseal.“We’rehereonCountAndriev’sbusiness.Iwanttocheckyourrecords.”

Themaninspectedthesealcloselyandthenbrokeitandreadthemessageonthescroll.“ItsaysIamtogiveyoumyfullestcooperation.”

Theman’svoicesoundedquerulous.Gotrekshowedhimaham-sizedfist.“Ithinkthatwouldbeagoodidea,don’tyou.”

The man looked at the dwarf and then nodded silently. “Where does your master keep hisrecords?”Felixasked.Theclerkindicatedalargecabinet.“Keys?”Felixdemanded.Themanreachedintoapurseandproducedthem.Felixtriedthemandfoundthattheyworked.

“Whendidyoulastseeyourmaster?”heasked.“Twodaysago.”“Wasthereanythingunusualabouthisbehaviour?”“No.Itwasjustbeforehelockedupforthenight.Iwasabouttoleave.Helivedhereinthesmall

flatatthebackoftheoffice.”Felixjingledthekeys.“Didhemeetastrangerhere,anoblefromtheEmpire?AdolphusKriegerbyname.”“Thenamesoundsfamiliar.IthinkhemetKriegerhereoneevening.”“Oneevening?Isn’tthatalittleunusual?Normallymerchantsdotheirbusinessduringtheday.”

“Inourlineofworkweoftenmeetpeopleatunusualhours—couriersfromtheEmpire,shadycharacterswithsomethinginterestingtosell.”

“Shadycharacters?”“Not all collectables are legitimately acquired, Herr Jaeger. And many are quite valuable.

Thievesoften tryandpass themon tonewowners.Notallcollectorsareasscrupulousaboutsuchthingsasthecount;notallbrokersasscrupulousasmymastereither.”

“Yourmasterworkedexclusivelyforthecount?”“Yes.SincebeforeIwasapprenticed.Overadecadeago.”“Doyou rememberanythingaboutanartefact thatmighthavecomefromAraby?TheEyeof

Khemri.”“Ido.Wepurchaseditforthecountabouttwoyearsago.Itwaspartofacollectionbelongingto

an elderlymerchant inNuln, a very good onewithmany exquisite pieces. Tome theEye seemednothingspecial,butmymasterthoughtitmightbemagical.Heshouldknow—hewasawizardafterall.”

“Magical?”“Nothingspecial.Somesortofprotectivetalisman.Old;mostlikelythepowerinithaddrained

awayovertheyears.HethoughtitcamefromKhemriintheLandoftheDead.”Youwouldn’thavetobeanexperttomakethatdeduction,Felixthought.Hecouldhavemadeit

himself.Stillhewasalittledisturbed.TheLandoftheDeadhadanevilreputation.Ithadoncebeenthe oldest of human kingdoms but had fallen into desolationmillennia ago. Felix had never readanythinggoodabouttheplace,andalotthatwasterrifying.Alloftheinhabitantswererumouredtohavediedofsometerribleplague,andthecitiesweresaidtobevasthauntedtombs.Worsethanthat,itwassaidtobetheoriginalhomeoftheGreatNecromancer,Nagash,anamewhichhadbeenusedtofrightenchildrenforhundredsofyears.Felixsaidasmuchtotheclerk.

“Nehekharan relics are particularly prized by certain collectors. It was the oldest humancivilisationintheworld.ItspeoplewerecivilisedtwomillenniabeforethetimeofSigmar.”

“Civilised was not a word I would have used to describe them,” said Gotrek. It no longersurprised Felix when the Slayer displayed unexpected depths of knowledge. The dwarf kingdomswerefarolderthanthekingdomsofman,andthedwarfskeptextensiverecordsintheirgreatbooks.

“Goon,”saidFelix.“Theywerehalfsavageswhobuilthugecitiesfortheirdead.Theypractisedallmannerofdark

magic.Theirnoblesdrankthebloodofinnocentsindepravedceremoniesintendedtoprolongtheirownlives.Theystudieddarkmagicanddaemonsummoning.”

Felixcouldrememberreadingaboutsuch things in thegreat libraryofAltdorfUniversity.Healsorememberedotherthings.

“They were not all bad. There were many city-states. The rulers of some fought against theblooddrinkers.AndAlcadizaarfoughtagainstNagashhimselfanddestroyedhimforatime.”

“Bethatasitmay,manling,theyallfellintodarknessintheend.Theircitiesareterribleplaces,hauntedbytherestlessdead.Believeme.Ihaveseenthem.”

“You’veseenthem?”“Aye,andit’snotasightIwouldcaretolookuponagain.”“Whatwereyoudoingthere?”Gotreklookedathimandshrugged.Hesaidnothing.Felixknewthatunlessthedwarfwantedto

tell him, he would learn nothing. He was surprised. He knew the Slayer had gone through manyadventuresbeforetheymet,butFelixhadneversuspectedhehadtravelledtothedistantlandseastofAraby.

“Wedon’thaveallday”saidGotrek.“Ifyou’regoingtochecktherecordshere,you’dbestgetonwithit.”

“Whatareyoulookingfor?”askedtheclerk.“I’llknowwhenIfindit,”saidFelix.“Youcangonow.Havelunch,”hesaid.Themanlookedat

himforamoment.“Youcanread?”heasked.Felixwasn’tsurprised.Readingwasnotacommonskill.“Yes,”said

Felix.HejerkedathumbatGotrek.“Socanhe.”“Iwillleaveyoutoitthen,unlessyouwantsomehelp.”“Idon’tthinkthatwillbenecessary.”Felixwentovertotherecordcasesandopenedthem.He

pickedtheledgerthathadbeenworkedonmostrecentlyandbegantoskimthroughit.Ashetoldtheclerk,hewasnotsurewhathewaslookingfor;heonlyhopedthattheywouldfindsomeclue,andthatMaxwashavingbetterluckthantheywere.MaxSchreiberstaredattheEyeofKhemri.Themorehelooked,themoreconvincedhebecamethattherewassomethingoddaboutit.

Heinspectedthestoneclosely.HehadseenitslikebeforeduringhisearlystudiesattheCollege.Hewascertainthatitwasobsidian,astoneoftenusedbytheancientNehekharans.Hewaslesscertainabout the pictograms. He had never undertaken any particular studies of that obscure and nearforgotten language. It was a field only necromancers studied closely, andMax had never felt anygreatinterestinthatdarkanddangerousart.

Therewassomethingaboutthistalismanthatniggledathimthough,asubtlewrongnessthatMaxcouldnotquiteputhisfingeron.Thethingseemedtohaveafaintresidueofdarkmagic,asifithadoncebeenusedtostoredarkmagicalenergy.Suchunholyobjectswerecommonenough,andMaxhadencounteredmanyoftheminhistravels.TheEyehadobviouslyoncebeenusedtocontainsuchenergies,andtheyhadlongsincebeendischarged.Atleasttheyappearedtohavebeen.Maxwasnotentirely sure that theyhadbeen totally usedup.Heknewhewouldneed to employ some complexdivinatoryspellstoascertainwhetherthatwasthecase.Beforehedidthatthough,therewereafewelementaryprecautionshewantedtotake,justincaseofmishaps.

Heclosedhiseyesandfocusedhismagesight, thenreachedout tobind thewindsofmagic tohim.Itwasdifficulthere.Themansionwaswovenaroundwithprotectivespellsandthisvaultwasthemostdenselydefendedareawithinit.Itwouldbenearimpossibleforanybodysaveamasterwizardtodrawanypoweratallhere.FortunatelyMaxwasamaster,andhedidnotrequiremuchenergyforwhathehadinmind.

Hefeltthepowerslowlytrickleintohim.Hehadnotfelttheflowsofenergythisweaklysincehewasanapprentice.MuchasMaxdislikedElthazar,hehadtoadmittheoldwizardknewhisbusiness.Thespellwallsweretightandstrong.IttookallofMax’seffortstomaintainhisconcentrationandtiethesimpleweavearoundthetalisman.It tookmuchlongerthanitnormallywouldhave,andbythetimehewasfinishedMaxwassweatingprofusely.Hefeltdrainedand illbutheknewthathisspellwasinplace.Hestudiedthematrixofenergiesaroundthetalismanclosely,nippedoffalooseflowhere,tightenedaskeinthere,untilhewascompletelysatisfiedthatthespellwouldholdforaslongashewanteditto.Good,hethought,thefirststageoftheworkwascomplete.

Now it was time to begin his examination. He opened his mage-sight to the fullest anddisregardedhisownweave.HelethisvisionroamovertheEye,seekingoutanyslighthintthatthethingwasnotwhatitappearedtobe.Atfirstnothingwouldcome.Hecouldtelljustfromtheauraofthethingthatitwasold,andthatithadindeedonceheldafairamountofdarkmagic.Itappearedtobethe sort of talisman that any reasonably powerful necromancerwould create to help himwith hiscasting,onethathadlongagoserveditspurposeanddischargedallitsenergies.Itappearedtobea

worthless burnt-out relic. Had he not had reason to think otherwise Max would have ended hisexaminationthereandthen.Buthedidhavereasonandhiscuriositywaspiquedandhewasnotamantogiveupeasilyoncehisneedtoknowwasaroused.

Hecontinuedhissearch,focusinghismagesightevermorecloselyonthetalisman,seekinganyhintofabnormality,theslightesttracethatitwasnotquitewhatitseemed.Hehadheardofsuchthingsbefore. Mages sometimes camouflaged powerful artefacts with cloaking spells to prevent theirenemiesknowingtheirworthandpurposeuntilitwastoolate.

MaxsuspectedthatsomethinglikethismightbethecasewiththeEyebutsofarhehadfailedtofindanyevidenceofit.Ifthethingwascloaked,thensomeonehaddoneatrulymasterfuljob.Maxdoubted that themightyhighelfmageTeclishimselfcouldhavehiddenanything from thekindofminuteexaminationhewasgivingtheEye,andstillhefoundnothing.

Thethoughtcrossedhismindthatperhapshewaswrong.Perhapsthistalismanwassimplyjustwhat it appeared to be, and there was nothing to be gained from any further examination. Maxconsideredthisandthenconsideredthepossibilitythatthethoughtmighthaveoriginatedoutsidehisownmind,thatitwasinfactsomesortofsubtlesuggestionspellplacedontheEyeitself.

Partofhimwonderedthatthismightbetakingsuspiciontoofar;anotherpartofhimsincerelybelieved that nomastermagician could ever take suspicion far enough. Therewere far toomanysubtlesnaresthatcouldbeplacedbyjealousrivals.Heinspectedhismentaldefencesandfoundthemunbreached. He felt like laughing. Any suggestion subtle and potent enough to worm through hishard-heldmentalshieldswouldcertainlybeabletohideanysuchtamperingafterthefact.Thiswasgettinghimnowhere.

Once again, he returned to his painstaking search, fixing his fullest attention on finding anydiscrepanciesintheauraofthestone.There!Whatwasthat?Perhapsnothing.Justthefaintesthintofan echo ofmagical current, a strange resonance of an old spell.Max almost ignored it, and thenrealisedthatitwastheonlythinghehadspottedsofar.Hefocusedhismindonit,drewonwhatevermagicalpowerhecouldandfollowedtheresonancetrace.

Itwasliketouchinggossamer,atracesofaintthatforseveralheartbeatsMaxwasnotsurethathehadencounteredanythingatall.Perhapshewasimaginingit.Atfirstittrulyseemedasiftherewasnothingthere,thenhenoticedjustthefaintesthintofaweavesothinandsocomplexitseemedwellnigh impossible that any human sorcerer could havewoven it. Hemoved his awareness to a newlevel,shuttingoutallexternalvisualstimuliandthepatternexpandedtofillhisfieldofvision.

As certainty bloomed within him Max was suddenly overcome with awe. He knew he waslookingonspellworkofthehighestorder,farbeyondanythinghehimselfcouldperform,possiblyfar beyond anything anyone now living could perform. Someone had bound the most slenderfilamentsofdarkmagicalenergyintothetalismaninawaythatwasalmostbeyondMax’sabilitytoperceive, letaloneunravel.And theyhaddone thisbeneathacloakingspell sosubtle thatMaxhadalmostmisseditentirely.

Maxknewthathewasdealingwiththeworkofoneofthetruemasters.PerhapsthemysteriousAdolphusKriegerdidhaveagoodreasonforwantingthisthingafterall,although,asyet,Maxcoulddiscernnohintofthething’spurpose.Hewasguidedonlybythesuspicionthatitwasnogoodone.Few indeed were those who worked with dark magical energies for the benefit of mankind. Hechecked and rechecked his mental defences and wove the swiftest, most powerful wards aroundhimselfbeforecontinuing.

Byconcentratingallhispowershecouldjustaboutmanagetomakeoutthepattern.Heselectedone thin strandof energyandbegan to follow it. Itwasanexercisehehadperformedmany timesduringhisapprenticeship,studyingtheweavesofspellscastbyhistutors:nowthestakesweremuch

higher.Heknewhetrulyhadtobecarefulnow.Anyonecapableofgoingtosomuchtroubletoshieldthe truepowerof the talismanwasmore thancapableof leavingbooby traps for thosewhomightseektouncoveritssecrets.

Hetracedtheweaveslowly,gingerly,likeamanadvancingalongarottenwoodenbridgeoverachasmthatheknowsmightgivewayatanymoment.Slowlyhebegantodiscerntheorderandlogicofthepattern.Therewassomesortofzoneofcompulsionlockedonthetalisman,designedtoaffectmindsotherthanhuman,althoughwhatsortwasnotentirelyclear.Thatspellwaslayeredoverandinterwoven with several other spells. Max could see that the user could somehow draw on theenergiesofdarkmagicthroughalatticesosubtleandpowerfulthatitfilledhismindwiththesortofawethatanarchitectmightfeelintheinnersanctumofthegreatTempleofSigmarinAltdorf.Maxknew,withoutdoubt,thathewaslookingonaworkofgenius.

Ashecontinuedhesawthatthesespellswereinterwovenwithdozensofothers,thepurposesofwhich he could not divine. It was breathtaking. He no longer doubted that Adolphus Krieger, orwhatever his real namewas, really didwant theEye. If he had even an inkling of the thing’s truepower,anydarkmagicianwouldkillforthisartefact.

Overcome with fascination, Max continued to trace the weave, overwhelmed by the subtlelabyrinthofpowerthatsomeonehadcreated.Helethisawarenessslidealongtheintricatesweepsandcurvesofmagicalpower,followingthemeverfaster,certainashereachedtowards thecoreof thedesignthathewouldbeabletounravelitspurposefullyandcompletely.

Fasterandfasterhismindracedalong,hismagesightsweepingtotheverycentreofthepattern.Hefeltexcitementbuildwithinhim,asifsoonalltheinnermostsecretsofthemagicaluniversemightberevealedtohim.Toolatepartofhimrealisedtheunnaturalnatureofthefeeling.ToolatepartofhimrealisedthattheEyewasindeedtrapped.

Franticallyhetriedtoshoreuphismentalwalls,knowingthatsoonanassaultwouldcome.Evenas he did so, his awareness finally reached the centre of the elaborate magical structure. At thatmoment,justbeforethewaveofblacknesssweptoverhim,MaxsawthatthecreatoroftheEye,inafitofmegalomaniaorvanity,hadlefthissignatureuponthething.Doubtlesshewantedanyonewhohadunravelledhissecretstoknowtheirauthorbeforetheyweredestroyed.

Looking upon that mystical seal, as certain and as recognisable to any fellow mage ashandwriting,Max felthimselfovercomewithwonderand terror.Before thedarkness tookhim,heknewwithoutdoubttheidentityoftheEyeofKhemri’screator,andhewasvery,veryafraid.

THREE“Whathaveyoufoundout,manling?”askedGotrek.HesoundedboredandannoyedandFelixdidnotblamehim.SeveralhoursofsearchingBrotherBenedict’srecordshadrevealednexttonothing.TheEyeofKhemrihadbeenpurchasedfromZuchi&Petrillo’sinAltdorf,partofalotsoldtotheauctionhousebythewidowofoneBaronKeinsterofWarghafen.Felixhadneverheardofhim,but itwashardly surprising.Thereweremanyoldnoble families in theEmpire, far toomany for anyone toeverkeeptrackof.AllheknewwasthatWarghafenwasasmalltownnearTalabheim,whichwasnotagreatdealofhelp.Hecoughedagain,feelinga littleshivery.Therewerereferences toameetingwithAdolphusKrieger.Therewereeventwolettersfromtheman,writteninboldflowingImperialscript, requesting a meeting with Benedict and his patron, and referring to Krieger as a fellowenthusiastofantiquities.TheaddressgivenwasinMiddenheimandtheyreferredtoanupcomingvisittoPraag.Therewasnowaytochecktheaddressnow,unlessMalakaiMakaissoncouldbepersuadedtotaketheSpiritofGrungniallthewaytothemountaincitystate,andgiventhepresentcircumstancesthatseemedlikeafrivoloususeofhistime.Anyway,MalakaiwaspreparingtoleavethecityandheadbacktoKarakKadrintoferrymoredwarftroopsintoPraagforwhenthewarrenewedinspring,ifnotbefore.Hehadbetter things todo thangoonawildgoosechaseaftersomeonewhohadmostlikely not been using his own name and address. Felix took the letters anyway.At least theywereevidencethatthemysteriousKriegerexistedandwasnotsomefigmentofAndriev’simagination.

“Notmuch,” he told the Slayer. “Benedict was ameticulousman, and he recorded all of hisappointments,butthereisnottheslightestclueastowhereheisandwhyhedisappeared.”

“Timetovisitthemysteriouslydesertingguardsthen.”Felixnodded.Hecouldnot thinkofanythingelse todo.Theyhadwasted thewholeafternoon

andagoodpartoftheearlyeveninghere.Adolphus stalked through the snowbound streets. His cloak was drawn tight about him; its hoodobscuredhisfeatures.Inthepresentweatherconditionsnoonewouldfindthisintheleastsurprising.Thestreetswerenearempty,andthosewhowereabroadthiseveningwereoftenevenmoremuffledthanhe.Adolphusstillfeltalittleweary.Likeallhiskind,daylightslowedhimandhurthiseyes.Toomuchexposuretothelightofthesunwouldleavehimbadlyburnedandinconsiderablepain,anditwouldtakeagooddealofwarm,freshbloodtohealhim.

Hewasfeelingalittletorpid.Heknewthathehadbeenfeedingtoomuchrecentlyandtoomuchbloodcouldbeasbad forhimas too little.Hisheadached.His thoughtswere restlessandhard tofocus.Hewonderedifsomeofthebloodhehaddrunkwastainted,orwhetherhewassuccumbingtooneoftheinsidiousmadnessesthatthecenturiessometimesbroughttohiskind.Once,whenyounganddesperate,hehaddrunkthebloodofamutantwhoseveinshadbeentaintedwithwarpstone.Thathadgivenhimasimilarfeelingtothis,onlynotnearlysobad.

Itwashardtoconcentrate.Angerburneddeepwithinhim.Hefeltanurgetorendandtear,tofindpreyandsimplykillforthesakeofkilling.Hefoughthardforcontrol.Hedidnotneedthis,notnow,notwithsomuchatstake,notwith the talismanhehadsought forso longandsohard thisnearathand. He needed all his wits about him, in case the others got wind of what he was up to. If thecountessorsomeotherrepresentativeof theCouncilofAncientsshouldlearnofhispresencehereand divine his purpose, all might yet be lost. After all, they were as familiar with Nospheratus’prophesies as he, even if theywere too gutless to try to fulfil them.No, he could not afford anymistakes.

Coulditbethathewantedtofail?Hehadseenstrangerthingshappeninhislongexistence.He

hadknownsomeofhiskindwhousedlongqueststokeepthemselvesmotivatedandinterested,butwhohadallowedthemselves tofalterandfadeonce theyhadfulfilled theirpurpose.Maybepartofhimwantedtoavoidsuchafate.

Hesensedthathewasbeingwatched,andallowedhisawarenesstoballoonoutwards.Footstepspadded after him. He could tell there were only two of them, and that they were not too close.Footpadsmostlikelyanddesperateones,tobeabroadonanightlikethis.Hespeededhisstep.Hehadbusinesstobeaboutthisevening,anddidnotwanttobedistracted.Hehadwastedtoomuchtimeinnegotiationswiththestubbornoldman.Itwastimetotakemoredirectmeasures.HehadsentouthismanservantRochetosummonthecoven.Itwasariskhewouldhavetotake;ifthecouncil’sagentsfoundoutabout it, thentoobad.Thehourwasgetting late.Hehadother things toworryabout.HewantedtofindtheEyebeforethemadnessfullyoverwhelmedhim.Perhapswiththetalismanhecouldovercomeitseffects.Orperhapsthemadnesswasaproductof thisaccursedcity, inwhichcasethesoonerheleftthebetter.

Herealisedthatashehadincreasedhisspeed,sohadhispursuers.Heshookhishead,tryingtofightofftheurgetoturnonthemandrendthemasunderlikeabeastofprey.Quietly,hetoldhimself.Becalm.Thereisnoneedforthis.Thebeastthathadtakenupresidenceinthebackofhisheadtoldhimdifferently.Themenwerefoolsandtheyneededtodie.Itwasaninsultthatsuchcattledaredtopursuehim.Their rightful rolewasprey,notpredator,andheshould teach them theerrorof theirways.

Heslowedhispace.Hispursuerswerecommittednow.Theycameonasswiftlyasbefore.Howwellheknewthatfeeling.Thedecisionhadbeenmade.Itwastimetocloseforthekill.Hewaiteduntilthe lastminute before turning tomeet them. Twomen, as he had known therewould be.Mediumheight.Wrappedinthicktunics.Hiskeeneyespickedouteverystitchofthepatches.Theirfaceswereintent.Longknivesglitteredintheirhands.Theyintendedtoshownomercy.Theyweregoingtokillhimandtakewhateverhehad—orsotheythought.

Adolphusdidnotevenbotherreachingforhissword.Heknewhedidnotneedit.Thehumansmovedwithappallingslownesscomparedtohim.Asthefirstreachedhim,Adolphusstretchedouthisarm,easilyslidingroundhisattacker ’sclumsystrikeandgrabbinghisthroat.Onequickjerkandtheman’sneckbroke.Adolphusfeltthevertebraegrindbeneathhisfingers,sawthelightgooutoftheman’s eyes. The robber ’s partner had not even realisedwhat had happened yet; Adolphus did notintendtogivehimtimeto.

Hedecidedhewouldteachthisfoolishmortalthemeaningofhorror.Hepunchedoutwithhishand. Such was the force of the blow that his fist penetrated flesh and dug deep into the man’sabdomen.Adolphus feltwet slimy things surround his hand.With the expertise that only centuriescouldbringhereachedoutandclosedhisfingers.Somethingsquished;therewasacuriousgurglingsoundasherippeditfree.

ThemanonlystartedtoscreamwhenAdolphusheldaslabofmeatupbeforehiseyes.Ittooktherobberamomenttorealisethatitwashisownliver.Theguardlivedinnosalubriousarea,Felixthought.NomatterwhatAndrievclaimedaboutpayinghiswatchmenwell, itwas obvious that themoney did not go on rent. The tenementwas old.Ratswatched them with glittering eyes as they made their way up the alley. Felix was uncomfortablyremindedoftheskavenhehadencounteredinNuln.

The door swung open on partially broken hinges. There was a grinding sound as the wooddragged across stone. The place smelled of cheap cooking oil and chamber pots, and too manypeople cramped too close together. Perhaps, Felix told himself, things had been better before thesiege,beforesomanypeoplehadbeenmadehomeless,butsomehowhedoubtedit.Thisbuildinghad

thelookofaplacethathadbeenallowedtogotoseedalongtimeago.As theyentered,hebecameaware thatothereyes than thoseof rodentswerewatching.Anold

womanglaredatthem.“Wot you want?” she demanded, in a harsh, cracked voice that reminded him of a parrot’s

screech.“We’relookingforHenrikGlasser,grandmother.Haveyouanyideawherewemightfindhim?”“Heoweyoumoneytoodoeshe?AndI’mnotyourgrandmother!”“No.Wejustwishtotalktohim.”“Youdon’t look like the sort that just comearound foraquiet conversation, andHenrikain’t

muchofaoneforsmalltalkeither.”“Just telluswhere tofindhim,hag,and lessof thebackchat,”saidGotrek.Hisvoicesounded

evenmoreflintythanusual.Theoldwomanlookedasifshewasgoingtosaysomethingcutting,butaglanceattheSlayer ’sbrutalfeaturesandonemadeyeconvincedherotherwise.

“Up the stairs, first landing. Door on the left,” she said, and disappeared into her cubbyholebeneaththestairsrathermorequicklythanshehademerged.Felixheardakeyturninthelock.

“Wedon’twantnotroublehere,”sheshriekedoncethedoorwassecurelyinplacebehindher.“Thisisarespectablehouse.”

“Andmymotherwasatroll,”mutteredGotrek.“Comeon,manling,wedon’thaveallevening.”Felixstrodeupthestairs.Tenheartbeatslater,hewasbangingonHenrikGlasser ’sdoor.There

wasnoanswer.HeglanceddownattheSlayer.“There’ssomeoneinthere,”saidGotrek.“Icanhearbreathing.”FelixcouldhearnothingbuthehadlearnedlongagothattheSlayer ’searswerefarkeenerthan

hisown.“Openup,Henrik!”heshouted.“Weknowyouareinthere.”Stillnoanswer.“Ifyoudon’topenupbythetimeIcounttothree,I’llbreakthedoordown,”saidGotrek.Felix

couldhearnosoundofmovement.Helookedatthedwarf.“Three,”saidtheSlayer,andhisaxesmashedthedoortokindling.“Thatwasn’tverynice,”saidFelix,leapingthroughthedoorway.“Hewasn’tgoingtoanswer,manling.”ThestenchoftheplaceslappedFelixintheface,thenrammedtwofingersuphisnostrilsjustto

gethisattention.Theplacereekedofunwashedclothing,unwashedfleshanduneatenfood,aswellasalotofrotgutbooze.Asolitarycandlegutteredonaplatesittingonabrokentableinthemiddleoftheroom.Felixheardratherthansawsomethingslitheringawayoutofthecornerofhiseye.Gotrekwasalreadypasthimandinamoment,haddraggedapale-faced,fearfulmanintothelight.

“Whatdoyouwantwithme?Keepaway!Iwon’ttellyounothing,”saidtheman.“We’ll see about that,” said Gotrek. His tone conveyed as much menace as a wolfs warning

growl.“Allwewantaretheanswerstoafewquestions.”“Idon’thaveanymoney,”saidtheman.“ItoldArithat,andI’mtellingyouthesame.Maybenext

week.MaybeonceIfindsomemorework.Breakingmyarmswon’thelp.Ariwillnevergetrepaidthatway.”

“We’renotfromAri,”saidFelix.“It’s no use threateningme. I don’t have the cash. Tell Ari gold doesn’t grow on trees, you

know.”“We’renotfromAri.Wejustwanttoaskyouafewquestions.”

“You’renotfromAri?”“No.”“Thenyouhavenorighttocomeburstingthroughmydoorlikethat.”“Sayswho?”saidGotrekinhismostmenacingvoice.Themanlookedasifhewantedtosaysomethingsmartbutthenthoughtthebetterofit.Felixdid

notblamehim.Whenhewantedto,theSlayerprojectedmoremenacethanaschoolofsharks.“We’refromyourformeremployer,CountAndriev.Rememberhim?”Felixasked.Themannodded.Helookedabitsaddened.Alittlegrievedeven.“Ineverworkedforthecount,

thatwasmybrother,Henrik.”“You’renotHenrikGlasser?”“No. Pauli.Henrik’s gone.He vanished.Not that I blame him,mind you.Winter ’s been hard,

therewasthesiegeandall.Ifiguredhejustgotfedupworkingforthatoldmadmanandshippedoutwithacaravan.”

“There’snocaravansleavingPraagatthistimeofyear,”saidFelix.“Nonecomingineither.”“Istoo,ifyouknowwheretolook.”“Whatdoyoumean?”askedFelix.Hehadthefeelinghealreadyknew.“Smuggling’s always profitable, particularly at times like now, what with the duke’s tax

collectorsclampingdownandall.Yougetmymeaning?”“Only too clearly.” He remembered his father ’s constant grumbling about tax collectors in

Altdorfandthefactthathisoldmanhadmanyconnectionswithsmugglers.ItwasoneofthethingsthathadbuilttheJaegercompanytothesizeitwas.Felixcouldseeonlytooclearlyhowsuchthingscame about. There were alwaysmenwilling tomake a dishonest penny or two, even in times ofcatastrophe.

“Youthinkyourbrotherleftwithsmugglers?”“Where elsewould he be?Hemight have leftme someword though, instead of running off

withoutabyyour leaveandusowingon the rentandall. Idon’t supposeyoucould seeyourwaycleartolendingmeacoupleofsilverpieces,justuntilIgetsomeworkand…”

Felixlookedattheman,notquitebelievinghischeek.“Howlonghasyourbrotherbeengone?”“Acoupleofdays.Aboutthatsilver—onewouldbeenough.”“Anything else unusual about his disappearance? Aside from the fact he left no word of his

going.”“Iwillhavetoreplacethatdoorafterall.OldGertiismostparticularaboutthingslikethat,and

youtwodidsmashit—”“It’snottheonlythingI’llsmash,ifyoudon’tstartansweringthequestions,”saidGotrek.Felix

fumbled forhispurse,as ifhewasconsidering looking in it formoney.Heknew thevalueof thecarrotandthestickwhenitcametogettinganswers.

“No.ExcepthenevertoldNell,hisgirl,either,andtheywerecloseastwothievesinathicket.Closer.She’sbeenroundafewtimesaskingforhimanddoesn’tbelieveIdon’tknowwhereheis.”

“Idon’tbelieveyoueither,”saidGotrek.Heraisedhisaxemenacingly.“There’snoneedforthat.I’vetoldyouallIknow.Honest.AsUlricismywitness,whywouldI

lieaboutit?Totellthetruth,Iwishyouluckfindingmybrother.Remindhimabouthisshareoftherentwhenyouseehim.”

Felix lookedat theSlayer.Hecould tell theywere thinking thesamething.Therewasnothingmoretobelearnedhere.

“Thisisabitofawildgoosechase,”Felixsaid,drawinghiscloakcloseragainstthecold.The

Slayerglaredoffintothedarkness.“Tellmeaboutit,manling.”“Well, at leastwe know thatKrieger or someone calling himself that exists, and thatAndriev

wasn’tlyingabouthisguardsorhistamewizarddisappearing.Idon’tthinkweneedcheckonanyoftheothers.Ihaveaprettygoodideaofwhatwewillfind.Idon’tthinkPauliwillbeseeinghisbrotheragain.”

TheSlayernoddedonceagain.“Backtothemansionthen.”Theytrudgedintothenightandthedeepeningsnow.

Adolphusglancedaroundtheroom.Itwaswarm.Itwasluxurious.Osrikalwayslikedtodowellbyhimself, and his guests. He could smell wine and fresh cooked food and blood— lots of humanblood.Thickhangingsofbrocadecoveredthewindows,keepingoutthenightchill.Portraitsofnobleancestors covered thewalls.The carpetswere thick, the furnitureold andpolished andheavy.Theplacesuitedthewealthofitsotheroccupants.Theylookedonhimwithadoringeyes.

Hewasusedtoitnow.Hehadselectedthemhimself,justafterhereachedthecity.Someofthemhehadknowninotherplaces,andothertimes.HehadfirstmetBaronessOlganearlyadecadeago.HehaddrunkfromherveinsinascentedgardeninthewarmsouthofBretonnia,andshehadbeenhiswillingslaveeversince,findingnewchattelsforhim,introducinghimtoothernobles,ensuringthathiscovengrewinsizeandinfluence.

Shehadprovenmostuseful,althoughherthinnessandthesicklylightinhereyestoldhimthatsoonshewouldbefading.Standingtooclosetothesunwasnotgoodformortals.Beingonintimatetermswith theArisenhada tendency todrain themofyouthandstrengthbefore their time, if theywereallowedtosurviveatall.

Not that it mattered. There were always others willing to step up and take their place. Theirownersalwaysfascinatedthecattle.NoneknewbetterthanAdolphusthewaytheauraofimmortalityandpowerandbeautyaffectedthem.Hehadbeenoverwhelmedbyithimselfwhenhehadfirstmetthecountessallthosecenturiesago,andshehadchosenhim.

And thatwaswhat thiswas all about, he knew.Being chosen.All of these rich and powerfulpeoplepresentthiseveninghopedthateventuallyhewouldgrantthemtheembrace.Allofthemknewitwasunlikelyhewouldchoose to,but thehopeof itkept themgoing,motivated them todowhatAdolphuswantedwillingly.Not that they hadmuch choice anyway.He had tapped all of them forbloodandthatcreatedabondthatwashardforallbutthestrongesttobreak.

Helookedatthemagain.Everyonepresenthadsurrenderedtheirwilltohimgladly.Theywereallinhisthrall,wouldgladlydowhateverherequiredofthem.Hefeltnothingbutcontemptforthemall. They were slow, stupid, greedy, ugly, grasping, foolish. They had all turned their backs onconventionalmorality,onalltheiroldgods,andtheyhadraisedhimupintheirplace.Itwaswrittenallovertheirfaces.Hewonderedwhetherthiswaswhatitfeltliketobeagod.Perhapstheyweretheonlycreaturesleft,asidefromtheArisen,withwhomhehadanythingincommon.Perhapstheworldwasnotdividedbetweenpredatorsandprey,ashehadalwaysthought;perhapsitwasdividedbetweenworshippedandworshippers.

Wherewerethesethoughtscomingfrom?Whywashethinkingthemnow?Itdidnotmatterwhatthesepeoplewereorwhotheythoughttheywere.Allhereallyneededthemforwastools.Likeallthefollowersof theArisen, theyprovidedmoney,blades, adulationandblood.Thatwasall theywerereallygoodfor.

Helookedaroundoncemore.Therewerenobleshere,menandwomenwhocravedimmortalitythewayadrunkardcravesdrink.Theywereallrichandpowerful,thatwaswhytheyhadbeenchosen,butrightatthismomenttheylookedlikeagroupofdesperatechildrenkeentobetheonechosenfor

thefavourofadistantparent.Good.Thatwasthewayhelikedtokeepthem.TheonlyonewhostoodoutwasRoche.Hishulkingservantstoodtooneside,acynicalsmileon

hisbrutalpockmarkedface, thefingersofhismassivestrangler ’shands intertwinedinaparodyofprayer.Rocheknewwhatwasgoingon.Rochehadseenthelikesofthecovenbefore,andhesharedhismaster ’scontemptforthem.HewassecureofhisplaceinAdolphus’favour,justashisfatherhadbeen,andhisgrandfatherbeforehim.Roche’sfamilyhadservedAdolphusforgenerations.Inthemhehadplaced asmuch trust as heplaced in anymortal.They looked after his interests among themortals,guardedhiscryptwhileheslept,drovehiscoach in thedaylightwhenhe travelled, spokewithhisvoicetothecattlewhenhedidnotneedtobepresent.Rochewasaservant,butheknewhepossessedmorepowerthanmanylordsandthatarrogancewaswrittenonhisface.Adolphusdidnotmind,justsolongasherememberedwhowastrulythemasterhere.PerhapsthiseveninghewouldallowRochetopickoutoneofthenoblewomenandbeginbreedinghissuccessor.Afterall,Rochewasnotgettinganyyounger;hisclose-croppedhairwasirongreynow,andthelinesaroundhiseyesweredeep.Sosoon,Adolphusthought.Mortallivespassedlikethoseofmayflies.

Adolphusstudiedhisslaves,wonderingifhereallyneededthem.HehaddisposedofmostofoldAndriev’sguards,and thecorpseof thegreedymagicianwouldnotbefounduntil thespring thaw.Eithertheoldmanwouldgivehimthetalismanatthepriceheoffered,orhewouldtakeitfromhiscold,deadhands.Atthemomentthelatteroptionseemedpreferable.Subtletywasnolongergoingtogethimanywhere.Hehadmadehimselftoovisiblenow.Ifthecountessoranyofheragentswereinthecity,thenitwouldbeonlytooobvioustothemthatanotheroftheArisenwasalsopresent.

Hecouldseethatoneofhisfollowers,thefatmerchantOsrik,wasdesperatetospeak.Themanobviouslyfelthehadsomethingimportant tosay.Herubbedhisdoublechinandhisoiledhair,hiseyes fixed on Adolphus with blazing intensity. He wondered if he should let theman suffer a bitlongerbutdismissedtheidea.Agodshouldbeabovesuchpettygames.

“Whatisit,Osrik?Youseemkeentospeak.”“Yes,master,Ihaveimportantnewstoimpart toyou.”Heignoredtheglaresof therestof the

coven, all of whomwere equally desperate for Adolphus’ attention. The image of a sultan in hisharemsprangintoAdolphus’mind.Itwasnotanideaheliked.

“Thengoon,sharethisrevelationwithusall,”saidAdolphusmockingly.Thecovensmiledathistone.Onethingtheycouldalwaysbereliedontodowastoadywell.

“Asyouknowmaster,IhavehadmyagentswatchingoldCountAndriev’shousedayandnight.”“Icommandednothingless.”Theoldmanhashadvisitors’ IfAdolphus’hearthadstillbeaten itwouldhaveskippedabeat

now.Immediately,heassumedthecountessorsomeotheragentofthecouncilhadfoundoutwhathewasdoing.

“Who?”heaskedcalmly.Hehadcenturiesofpracticeatconcealinghisemotions,anditneverdidtoshowanydismayinfrontofthecattle.

“Hehassummonedaid.AmagicianandtwodwarfSlayers,aswellasapairofhumanwarriors.”Adolphusallowedhimselfasmall,satisfiedsmile.Thesedidnotsoundlikeanyagentsthecountesswould have used. Dwarfs were almost never part of any coven. There was something about theirbloodthatdisagreedwithmostoftheArisen.

“Thishardlysoundslikeamajorproblem,Osrik.”“Themagicianisverypowerful,master.Heisanadvisortotheduke.Ihavemadeenquiriesand

foundoutafewmorethingsabouthim.HisnameisMaximilianSchreiber.Heisfamousforcastingprotectiveenchantments.HewasanadvisoronsuchthingstotheElectorCountofMiddenheimandhasbeenemployedbytheDukeofPraaginasimilarrole.Byallaccounts,heisaveryformidable

magician.”Thiswas sounding less promising.Adolphus feared fewmortals, butmages of the first rank

wereacauseforcaution.GiventimetocasttheirspellstheycouldproveathreattoevenoneoftheArisen.Itseemedthattheoldmanwasnotgoingtogiveinwithoutafight.

The madness that lurked in the back of Adolphus’ mind welcomed this; more deaths, moreblood,morekilling.Hehadtofightbacktheurgetoshowhisfangs.

“Ibelievewecanovercomeanysinglemage.”“TheSlayerstooareformidable.”Adolphusallowedasmiletocreasehisfeatures.Hefearedno

mortalwarriors.“Idonotthinkweneedtroubleourselveswiththem,”hesaidconfidently.Tohissurprise,hesaw

thatOsrik looked troubled, almost as if hewanted to contradictAdolphus.Thatwas unusual for acovenmember.Hewasabouttodismissthefatmerchant’squalmsbutsomeinstincttoldhimnotto.“Icanseeyouaretroubled,Osrik.Whydon’tyoutelluswhy?”

Thefatmansighed.Hisblubberycheeksshook.“OneoftheSlayersisGotrekGurnisson.Imethimonceonthewallsofthecitybeforethesiege.Heisterrifying.”

It was interesting, Adolphus thought, that Osrik could describe this Gotrek Gurnisson asterrifying.Afterall,Osrikwasacovenmemberandhadencounteredoneof theArisen.After that,fewmortalswereimpressedbyanythingless.ThisSlayermightindeedprovetobeaproblem.HisfamehadreachedevenAdolphus’ears.Thedwarfhadbecomequitefamousduringthesiege.HewassaidtobethepossessorofamagicalaxeandhadslaintheChaoswarlordArekDaemonclaw.Hehadralliedthedefendersonthewallsattheheightofthesiegeandwasevensaidtohavedestroyedthegreatdaemonicsiegeengines.Adolphushadbeendeepinslumberattheheightofthebattlesohehadnotwitnessedthisforhimself.

Adolphusrubbedhisforehead.Hehadbadexperienceswithdwarfruneweaponsinthepast,atthebattleofHelFenn.HeknewthattheycouldhurthimandfromallhehadheardtheSlayerwasveryskilledwithhisaxe.Evenso,Adolphusdoubted thathewouldprovemuchofa threat,but itneverpaidtotakechances.

“Youhavedonewell,Osrik.Andyouappeartobethorough.Whoaretheothermercenariestheoldmanhashired?”

“With all respect, master, they are not mercenaries. One of them is a noblewoman, UlrikaMagdova, daughter of theMarch Boyar Ivan Petrovich Straghov, and a distant relation of CountAndriev.The other Slayer is a certainSnorriNosebiter, a dwarf of great strength.The last one isFelix Jaeger,a swordsmanandassociateofGotrekGurnisson’s.He tooplayedamajorpart in thesiegeofthecityandenjoysthefavouroftheduke.”

This was getting worse and worse, thought Adolphus. It was as if the Old Powers wereinterveningtothwarthim.IfthecountappealedtoUlrika’sfatherthenhecouldhaveasmallarmyoftroopsathisdisposal.AdolphuswasfamiliarenoughwithKislevitepoliticstoknowthatthemarchboyarhadtheearoftheTsarinaand,iftheothershadtheearoftheduke,aformidablecoalitionoffoescouldberaisedagainsthim.Innumbers,even thecattlecouldprovedangerous.Worse, if thisMaxSchreiberwasacompetentwizard,andbyallaccountsheappearedtobe,thenhemightunravelthetruenatureofthetalismanandseizeitforhimself.

Adolphussnarledandallofthecovenshiveredandlookedpale.Herealisedthatunconsciouslyhehadallowedhisfangstoextrudefromhisgums.Itwasnotasightthatmostmortalslookeduponwithoutqualms.Eventswererunningoutofhiscontrol.Allofthistime,hehadbeenworriedaboutthecountessor thecouncil findingouthisplans, andnow it appearedhehadbeenblindsidedbyastupid,oldmadman.Heknewthathewouldhavetoactquicklynow.Thetimeforwaitingwaspast.

EvenifitmeantrevealinghispresencetoanyAriseninthecity,hewouldhavetoact,andactquicklybeforethemortalscouldassembletheirforcestostophim.

Hehadspentfar too longtrackingdownthe talismantoallowhimself tobe thwartednow.HewasthePrinceofNight.Hewouldfulfil theProphesiesofNospheratus.Ifanyonegotinhiswayatthislatestagethentheywouldhavetodie.

Hebegangiving instructions to the coven.Heknewwith their aid, he could assemble a smallarmyofhenchmenquickly.Whichwasgood,he thought, for it lookedas thoughhewasgoing toneedone.UlrikalookeddownatMax.Shewasworried.Afewhoursagothewizardhadscreamedandfallenfromthechairinwhichhesat.Theoddtalismanlaynearhishand.UlrikahadcheckedandfoundoutthatMaxwasstillbreathingandhisheartstillbeatalbeitslowly,butnothingshecoulddowouldwakehim.Shehadsentoutforaphysicianbuttherehadbeennothingthemancoulddoeither.NowMaxlayunconsciousonthefloorofthevault.Itdidnotlookasifhewouldbeawakeninganytimesoon.

Ulrikafelthelpless,anditwasnotafeelingsheliked.SheowedMaxSchreiberforsavingherfromtheplague,andshehadnothadachancetorepaythedebt.Nowthereseemedtobenothingshecoulddo.ItwouldtakeanotherwizardorperhapsapriesttoreviveMax.ShewonderedifsheshouldsendwordtotheTempleofShallya,ortotheduke.Shewasbeginningtowishshehadneverbecomeinvolvedinanyofthisstrangebusiness.ShecouldjusthaveignoredAndriev’smessage.Afterall,hewas only a distant cousin on her mother ’s side. She could barely remember her father evermentioning him when she was growing up, and when he had it was with a mixture of pity andcontempt.Herfatherwasawarriorandhehadnointerestsoutsidehorses,battleandthemanagingofhisestates.Tohim,Andriev’shobbyseemedtobesomethingchildishandunmanly.Ulrikashookherhead.ThatsummeduptherelationshipbetweenthebordernoblesofKislevandthosewhodwelledinthecities.Mostofthecountryfolkthoughttheircity-bredkinweredecadentandeffete.Mostofthecitydwellerslookeddownonthebordernoblesaslittlemorethanbarbarians.Therewassometruthinbothpointsofview,Ulrikathought,andthenbroughtherattentionbacktothematterathand.Sheknewshewasjusttryingtodistractherselffromitanyway.

SnorriNosebiterlookedupather.Hisbrutisheyesheldalookofdismay.“SnorrithinksMaxisnotgettinganybetter,”saidSnorri.“Ofcourse,Snorriisn’tadoctor.”

UlrikatriedtosmileattheSlayer.Snorriwasstupidbuthehadagoodheartandhadbeenagoodcompanioninmanydesperateadventures.Hedidnotdeservetofeel thecuttingedgeofher tonguenow, no matter howmuch she felt like giving him it. She wondered when Felix would get back.Perhaps hewould have some ideas aboutwhat to do.Hewas a cleverman. Too clever, she oftenthought. Too clever, and too superior by far,when really hewas only the son of amerchant. Shewonderedwhatshehadeverseeninhimnow.Still,hehadthepowertomakeherangryevenwhenshejustthoughtabouthim.Justatthatmomentsheheardthesoundofthedoorbellringing.

Withinmoments,FelixandGotrekwereintheroom.“Whathappenedtohim?”askedGotrek jerkinghis thumbinMax’sdirection.Ulrika toldhim.

Felixlookedathimcloselythenather.“Whereisthetalisman?”heasked.“Isthatallyou’reconcernedabout?”“No—butifwesummonanothermagiciantolookathim,hemightwanttostudyittoo.”“ItwasstudyingthethingthatdidthistoMax,”shesaid.“Areyousure?”“It’spossiblethathemighthavehadafitattheexactmomenthewasexaminingthethingbutI

prefertobelievethetwothingswereconnected,”shesaid.“There’snoneedtobesarcastic.”

She glared at him. He was such an infuriating man when he wanted to be. “Do you thinksummoninganothermagicianisagoodidearightnow?”

“I can’t think of anything better to do, unless it’s to summon a healer, or send him to theTemple.”

“Bestsendforthehealerthen.”“ThehealerwillwantadonationtotheTemple.Theynearlyalwaysdo.”Andrievlookedatthem.“Iwillpay.Afterallthishappenedwhenthemanwasinmyservice.”Atthatmomenttherecameacrashingsoundfromabove.“Whatwasthat?”Ulrikaasked.“Soundedlikesomebodybreakingthedoortome,”saidGotrek.FelixdidnotdoubttheSlayer

wasright.Heusuallywasaboutsuchthings.“Snorrithinksweshouldgoandbreaksomeheads,”saidSnorriNosebiter.Gotrekgrowledhis

agreementandthetwoSlayersrushedforthestairs.Felixglancedafterthem,andthenlookedaroundtheopenvault,andattherecumbentfigureofMax.

“Snorri is not exactly a master strategist,” said Felix. “We’re supposed to be guarding thisplace.”

“Sometimesthebestformofdefenceisoffence,”saidUlrika.“Goandhelpthem!IwillstayherewithMaxandmakesurenoonegetsintothevault.”

Felix could see shewasdetermined andwhat she saidmade a certain amount of sense. If anyintruderscouldbestoppedbeforetheygotinhere,itwouldgomuchbetter.FelixlookedatAndriev.SomehowhedidnotdoubtthatSnorriNosebiterandGotrekwouldbecapableofhandlinganythingshortofasmallarmy.

“Canthevaultbeopenedfromtheinside?”“Ahem—yes.Itcan.Thereisahiddenleverinhere.”Good,Felixthought.“Iwillclosethedoor

behindme.Ifwehavenotreturnedwithinanhour,makeyourowndecisionsastowhattodo.”Asheracedupthestairs,Felixwonderedhowlongtheairwouldlastinthesealedvault.Long

enough,hehoped.Fromupaheadcamethesoundoffighting.Felixrecognisedthebellowedwarcriesofthetwo

Slayersandthebutcher-blocksoundsofweaponsimpactingonfleshswiftlyfollowedbyscreamsofagony.

Itsoundedasifthedwarfsweredoingtheworktheywerepaidfor.Itwastimeforhimtodothesame.

Hisswordfelt light inhishand.Hisheart raced.Hewasnotexactlyscared.Hejust felta littleweak.Everythingseemedtobehappeningalittleslowerthannormal.Felixrecognisedthesigns.Hewasalwayslikethisbeforegoingintoaction.

Heemerged into the atriumand took in thewhole scene at aglance.Snowandcoldnight airblewinthroughthedoorthatswungwideonitshinges.Amassofcloakedmen,armedwithswordsand daggers, engaged the twoSlayers. Servants andmen-at-arms lay sprawled in their own bloodeverywhere.Itlookedasiftheintrudershadnotbeentoochoosyaboutwhotheyslaughtered.

Theshoewasontheotherfootnowthough.Gotrekthunderedthroughthemlikearagingbull.Hisaxeleftbloodycorpseseverytimeitstruck,anditstruckoften,movingalmost toofastfor thehumaneyetofollow.AsFelixwatched,theSlayercutdowntwomoreassailantsanddivedheadlongintothepackofmentryingtoforcetheirwayinthroughthedoor.

Snorriwasno lessdangerous. Inonehandheheldhisbroad-bladedaxe, in theother aheavywarhammer.Hewieldedthetwoweaponsasdextrouslyasmostwarriorswoulduseone,lashingoutalmostsimultaneouslywithboth,whirlinglikeadervishmaddenedonlocoweedtofacehisfoes.As

soon as one cowled man went down beneath a thunderous hail of blows, Snorri sprang over hiscorpsetogettogripswithanother.Allthewhileanidiotgrinofenjoymentplayedacrosshislips,andoccasionallymadbellowsofmirtheruptedfromdeepwithinhisenormouschest.

Even as Felixwatched,moremen emerged fromother entrances to the halls. Either they hadbeenthereearlierslaughteringtheservantsortheywerecomingthroughthewindows.Felixdidnotwanttothinkabouttheimplicationsofthat.Whoeverwantedthetalismanhadbroughtasmallarmywithhim.Itwasnotareassuringthought.Felixshoutedachallengeandracedtojointhemelee.

Hewondered if themysteriousAdolphuswassomewhere in themilling throng.Tobehonest,Felixwasnotallthatkeentomeethim.AdolphusKriegermoved silently through the house. It was a place he could have learned to likegiven time. Every corner was stuffed with curios and artefacts of an earlier time. Adolphusrecognised vases that must have emerged from the potter ’s kiln before he arose. Some of thetapestriesonthewallhadbeenwovenwhenhewasstillachild.Italmostmadehimnostalgic.Almost.

Behind him he could hear the sounds of battle. It appeared that the coven’s retainers wereproviding the distraction he required. Perhaps theymight actually overwhelm the guardians of themanor.SomehowthoughAdolphusdoubtedit.Maybewithhisaidtheymighthavestoodachance,buttheywereontheirown.Thebeastthatlurkedatthebackofhismindwantedtogobackthere,totearandrendanddrinkblood,buthewasnotgoingtogiveintoit.Whyshouldheriskhiscenturies-longlifeifhedidnothaveto?Thechanceswerethathecoulddefeatthedwarfs,butwhychanceitiftherewasevenaoneinathousandpossibilitytheymightwin?

If you took enough thousand-to-one risks, then eventually one of them would kill you.Consequently,heavoidedthemwhenhecould,whichwasdoubtlesswhyhehadlivedsolongwhenothersofhiskindhadbeensnuffedoutlikeflickeringcandles.No,ifheabsolutelyhadto,hewouldfacethedwarfandkillhim,buttherewasnosenseintemptingfatewhenitwasnotutterlynecessary.Despitethisthough,ittookagreateffortofwillnottoruntowardsthefray,nottorushtowhereheknewallthatwarmhotbloodwasflowing.

Moving so silentlyhedoubted that evena cat couldhaveheardhim,Adolphus stalkeddeeperinto themansion.ThemagicianBenedict hadprovidedhimwithdetaileddescriptions and a roughmap of the layout before his unfortunate demise. Adolphus had the near perfect memory of theArisen, which, combined with his darkness-piercing vision, enabled him to navigate the shadowycorridorswithoutdifficulty.

Asenseofrelieffilledhimasheputmoredistancebetweenhimselfandthebattle,andtheurgetokilldecreasedslightly.Hehadenteredthepartofthemansionwheremagicalprotectionswereinforce.Heopenedhismagesensestotheflowofenergymovingaroundhim.Therewerenomagicaltrapsthathecouldsee,simplyspellsofwardingandprotection,weavesdesignedtokeeppryingeyesfrom gazing into the place with scrying spells, and wards designed to negate a head-on magicalassault.Whoeverhadcastthesespellshadknownhisbusiness,buthaddrawnthelineatusingharmfulmagicalenergies,justasthebuildersofthevaulthadnotusedanyphysicaltrapssuchasdeadfalls.

Adolphuscouldunderstandit.Certainly,therewerethosewhowereparanoidenoughtousesuchthingsbuttheywereaminority.Afterall,whowantedtodwellinabuildingwhereaslightmisstepcouldput you in a pit, or blast youwith a firebolt?Despitewhatmagesmight tell you about howcarefultheywere,suchthingsdidoccur.Andwhentheydidyouwereusuallynotaroundafterwardtocomplainabouttheconsequences.

Adolphus fought to keep a smile fromhis lips.Hewasmaking assumptions thatmight provefatal.Hedidnotabsolutelyknowthiswasthecasehere.Itmightsimplybethatthemagicianwhohadcastthesewardswasabettersorcererthanhe,andhejustcouldnotperceivethetraps.Itwouldbebest

toproceedwiththeutmostcautionuntilhehadestablishedwhetherthiswasthecaseornot.Hewasatthetopoftheflightofstairsnow.Heknewtheyleddownthroughthecellarsandinto

thevaults.Hepausedforamoment,andallowedhimselftosavourtheanticipation.Hewasclosenow,soclosehecouldalmosttasteit.Thethinghehadsoughtsolongandsohardforwasalmostwithinhisgrasp,andwithitthepowertodowhatnoneoftheArisenhaddreamedofsincethetimeoftheVampireCounts.HewouldbetheonetofulfiltheprophesiesintheBookofShadowsandtheGrimoireNecronium.Surelythetimehadnowcometopass?ThearmiesofChaoswereonthemarch,theoldorderwasending,andanewworldwouldbeborninfireandblood.Mostofall,inblood.HewouldbetheKingoftheNight,andhisreignwouldbeeternal,darkandfilledwithpoisonousbeauty.

Heshookhishead.Suchmusingbroughthimnoclosertohisgoal.Itwastimetotakethelastfewstepsthatwouldleadhimtoultimateglory.

***Felix glanced around at the scene of carnage. Dead bodies were piled up all around them. Bloodsplattered Gotrek and Snorri making them look as if they had been working in an abattoir. Felixguessed that he did not lookmuch better.Not all of the blood belonged to his opponents.Hewasnickedandcutinhalfadozenplacesthoughheguessedthatnoneofthewoundsweremajor.

“Hardlyafightatall,”grumbledGotrek.“Evenforhumansthesewerepoorwarriors.”“Snorrihaskilled toughercockroaches,”agreedSnorriNosebitersourly.“Snorrisquashedan

antoncethatputupabetterfight.Nastyacidstingithad.”Felix couldnot entirely agreewith theSlayers about the toughnessof their foes.Byvirtueof

sheer numbers, he had been almost overwhelmed on several occasions, and his body’s achesremindedhimthat thisfighthadbeendangerousenough.Still, theyhadapoint.Thesemenhadnotfought as well as many he had faced. It was not just that they were indifferent warriors; it wassomething more. They had fought like sleepwalkers. Their timing was off, and they had beenindifferent as towhether they had lived or died. Their parries and thrusts had possessed a purelymechanicalquality.Athoughtstruckhim.

“Theyfoughtlikemenwhowereunderaspell,”hesaid.“Aspellofbeingverybadfighters,maybe,”saidSnorriNosebiter.“Ithinkyouareright,manling,”saidGotrek.“Notevenhumansareusuallysobad.Theyfought

asiftheydidnothavealltheirwitsaboutthem.”“That’sneverstoppedSnorrifromputtingupagoodfight,”saidSnorri.Fromthepeevishtone,

anyonewouldhavethoughtthemenhadtriedtocheathimoutofacopperpfennig.Hewasobviouslystilldisappointedbythequalityoftheoppositiontheyhadfaced.

Felixignoredhim.Hismindwasalreadyracingahead,searchingoutreasonsforwhythismighthavehappened.ThisAdolphusKriegerwasamagicianofsomesort,andobviously thesemenhadbeeninhisthrall.Thequestionwaswhyhehadsentthemtoattacknow.Theanswerwasobvious.

“Thiswasadiversion,”Felixsaid.“Themagicianisalreadyinthebuilding.”HeandGotrekexchangedglances.“Thevault,”theysaidsimultaneously.

Adolphus stood before the entrance to the vault. The door was large and very strong and couldprobablyresistateamofmenwithabatteringram.Notthattherewouldhavebeenroomtoswingitin these corridors. Therewere several potent wards on the doors designed to neutralise spells ofopeningandunlocking.Adolphusdoubtedthathecouldovercomethemwithmagic.Hewasaveryknowledgeable mage but not a particularly potent one. The countess, for one, had been muchstronger.Thatwouldchangewhenhehadthetalisman.

Hedidnotneedtobeagreatmage,underthecircumstances.Theconcealmentofthedwarf-builtpressurepadswouldhavefooledmosteyes,butnothis.Theywerefar,farkeenerinthedarknessthan

anyhumaneyecouldeverbe.Eventhehairlineedgescunninglyconcealedinthestoneworkwereascleartohimastheedgesofapavingstonewouldbetoamortal.

Hetookouthisdaggerandsliditsedgethroughthenarrowgapofthenearestone.Heheardaclickandthestoneslidout,revealingthepressurepadwithin.Hepushedit,andwasrewardedwithanotherclickthattoldhimthewaywaspartiallyopen.Herepeatedtheprocessontheothersideofthedoor.Thereremainedonlythemainlockonthedooritself.Fortunatelyhehadaneasysolutionforthattoo.Hehadmadehispreparationswithcare.

Reaching inside his jerkin he carefully pulled out the two containers he hadmade earlier.Hesmiled.Hemightnotbethegreatestofsorcerersbuthisknowledgeofalchemywasconsiderableandhad been perfected over long centuries.When the contents of the two containersweremixed theywouldcreateapowerfulcorrosivecapableofeatingthroughsolidmetalinashorttime.

Carefully he dribbled some fluid onto the area around the lock. When the green fluidencounteredtheredfluid,anacridchemicalsmokerose.Therewasahissing,splutteringsoundandthemetalofthelockbegantomeltawaylikesnowunderasoldier ’spiss.

Verysoonnow,thetalismanwouldbeinhisgrasp.“Whatwas that?” askedAndriev nervously.Ulrika looked up. She too had heard the oddbubblingsound.Afewmomentsbeforetheyhadbothheardfaintclicksasifsomeonehadbeenworkingwiththelocks.ShecouldonlyhopeitwasFelixandtheotherscomingback.Somehowshedidnotthinkitwas.

“I don’t know,” she said. A faint reek as of noxious chemicals reached her nostrils. Shewasremindedofthescentofalchemicalfirebutitwasnotthat.Shesniffedagain.Thescentwascomingfromthedirectionofthedoorway.Shethoughtsheheardafainthissingsoundnowaswell.

“There’ssomeoneoutside. I think theyare trying toget in,”shesaid, raisinghersword to theguardposition.Andriev clutchedhisownweapon tighter.Evenas theywatched, thedoorbegan tobendinwards,asifbeingsubjectedtoaforceasslowandirresistibleastheactionofaglacier.

“Whatever is out there, it isn’t human,”Andriev said.Ulrika shuddered. She could rememberFelix’stalesofhisencounterswithdaemonsalltooclearly.WhatwasitAdolphusKriegerhadsenttocollectthetalisman?Carefullyavoidingthespotwherethecorrosivestillbubbled,Adolphusexertedhisstrength.Hewasmuchstrongerthananyhuman,andknewinafewheartbeatstheweakeneddoorwouldgiveway.Hecould simply havewaited for the acid to do itswork, but he felt hewas running out of time.Thesoundsoffightinghadceasedbehindhim.Thatmightmeanhiscats’pawshadsucceededinkillingthedefendersbutsomehowhedoubtedit.ItwasmorelikelythattheSlayerswerecomingforhim.Hewasnotgoingtoriskafightnowifhecouldhelpit,notwhenhewassoclosetohisgoal.

Insidehecouldhearthesoundsofvoices.OneofthembelongedtoAndriev,theothertoayoungwoman.Theywouldnotstandagainsthimforlong.Felixracedthroughthehouse,wonderingifwhathewasdoingwaswise.Hislegswerelongerthanthedwarfs’andhewasamuchfaster runner,sohewasoutdistancing thembyquiteaway.What ifmoreoftheenthralledwarriorswereinthehouse?Whatifhecameuponthemageallbyhimself?Unlesshecouldtakethemanbysurprise,itwouldmostlikelyprovetobeafatalencounter.Hehadnoillusionsabouttheoutcomeofanystrugglebetweenhimselfandacompetentsorcerer.

On theother hand,Ulrikawas indanger and, despite their feelings for eachother, hedidnotwanttoseeanyharmcometoher.Shemightbeanarrogant,overbearing,inconstant,misguidedsnobbuthedidnotwanttoseeherdead.Totellthetruth,hewonderedattheintensityofhisownfeelingsnowthatheknewshewasindanger.Notquiteoverheryet,hethought,sourly.

He reached the top of the stairs and halted. Frombelow, he could hear the shriek of tortured

metal. It soundedas if theentrance to thevaultwasbeingshatteredby theapplicationofenormousforce. Impossible, he told himself— itwould take a siege engine.But theman down therewas amagician.Whoknewwhathewascapableof?PerhapsthewardswovenonthevaultwerenotquiteasstrongasMaxhadclaimed,ormaybethemagicianwasalotmorepowerfulthantheyhadexpected.Itwasnotareassuringthought.

He listened to see if he could distinguish anything else.He hoped to hearGotrek and SnorriNosebiter approaching but there was nothing. He could not hear their booted feet ringing on thestonework.HecouldhearUlrika’sindistinctvoiceshoutingsomesortofchallenge,andthemurmurofaresponsetoolowforhimtohear.Thenfromdownbelowtoocameanominoussilence.

Better go and learn the worst, he thought. Reluctantly he padded down the stairs, thinking,perhapsGotrekwillbetheonetowritethetaleofmyheroicdoom.Ulrikawatchedas thedoorexploded inwards.Stonescreechedagainst stone.Sheexpected to seeagang of warriors armed with a portable ram or a mage surrounded by the incandescent glow ofpower.Instead,shesawatall,stately-lookingman,garbedinfashionableclothing.Alongswordhungscabbardedathisside.Therewasaneeriegraceabouthimthatshewouldhaveassociatedmorewithacrobatsthanamage.Heglancedatherbutmadenothreateningmove.

“Ifyoucanusethatblade,magician,Isuggestyoudrawit.Ihatetocutdownanunarmedman.”Tohersurprisehesmiled,showinggleamingwhiteteeth.Hiseyeswhentheymethersweredark

andpiercing.Hewasaveryhandsomeman,Ulrikathought,almostbeautiful.Heborehimselfwithanairof

commandthataTsarmighthaveenvied.“And Iwould hate to kill a youngwoman so lovely,” he said pleasantly.He sounded as if he

camefromtheEmpirebuttherewasjustthefaintesttraceofaforeignaccentinhisvoice.Ifshehadbeenforcedtoguess,shewouldhavesaidBretonnian.

“Iamnotafraidofyourmagic,wizard,”shesaid,andwasproudofhowsteadyhervoicewas.Somethingabouttheman’smannertoldhershecouldeasilydiehere.Helaughed—aneerie,velvetysound.

“IsthatwhatyouthinkIam?”“Whatelsecouldyoube?”“Somethingbeyondyourabilitytoimagine,”hesaid.

Adolphus recognised the woman from that night at the White Boar, just as he recognised theunconsciousmanlyingnearby.Whatasmallworld,hethought.Thenagain,Praagwasasmallcityandnotmanytavernsremainedopenafterthedestructionofthesiege.Onceagainhefeltthesurgeofattraction.

Shewascertainlybeautiful,andsheheldherselfwell.Therewassomethingabouthercourageinthefaceofherobviousfearthathefoundquitetouching.Hewishedhehadhadtimetotalktoher,buthehadalreadywastedenoughtime.Hecouldseewhathehadcomefor.Itlayonthetablebesidetherecumbentformofthemaninwizard’srobes.

Adolphuscouldseethemanstilllived,butlifepulsedsofaintlyinhimthathewouldnotrecoveranytimesoon,ifatall.Nothreattherethen.

Theonlyoneswhostoodbetweenhimandthetalismanweretheyoungwomanandtheoldman.Hewouldnotevenneedhisswordtotakethem.

Behindhimonthestairscamethefootstepsofamantryingtomovequietly.Amortalmightnothavedetectedhimatall,butAdolphuscould tellwherehewasfromthesoundofhisbreathing, letalonethesoftscuffofbootleatheronstone.Hesmiled.Onelonemanwasnothreattohimeither.

“StepawayfromthetalismanandIwillletyoulive,”hetoldthegirlquietly.“Interferewithme

andyouwillmostassuredlydie,andthatwouldgivemenopleasure.”Thewomanlungedathimwithsurprisingspeed.Shewasobviouslynotunskilledwiththatlong

bladeofhers.Adolphussteppedeasilyaside.Shewasquickforamortal,butcompared tohimshemoved like an arthritic cripple. While she went for him the old man reached for the talisman.Adolphuswasnotgoingtoallowthat.

Heextendedhis strideand reached theamuletat the same timeas theoldman.Aquickbuffetfrom his open hand sent Andriev flying across the room to smash into the wall. There was asickeningcrackandhesliddown to the floor.Bloodpooled fromhisbrokenhead.TriumphfilledAdolphusashepickeduptheamulet.

Hewasdisappointedtofeelnosurgeofpower,noenormousburstofmagicalenergy.Thunderdidnotroar.Lightningdidnotflash.Theworlddidnotchangeinaninstant.Hehadbeenfoolishtoexpectanysuchthing.Thetalismanwouldneedtobestudiedandattunedbeforehecoulduseit.Therewasnodoubthehadfoundwhathehadcomeforinhismindthough.Itwasexactlyasdescribedinthegrimoire and the Lost Book of Nagash. There could not be more than one artefact fitting thisdescriptionintheworldnow.Hehadwhathecamefor.Itwastimetoleave.

He turned just in time to see thewoman racing towards him, and a tall blondman filling thedoorway.Surelythesefoolsdidnotintendtotryandstophim?Felixdidnotthinkhehadeverseenamanmovesofast.Hisswiftnesswaseye-blurring.Somesortofspellmustbeenhancinghisspeed.Atleasttherewasonlythesorcerer.Itwasasmallmercy.Watchingtheman,heknewthattherewasnowayhecouldstandagainsthimifhedrewhissword.Bestnottogivehimthechancetothen,hethought,andadvancedintotheroom.

Ulrika raced forward too, aiming a slash at theman’s neck thatwould have severed his headfromhisshouldersifithadconnected.Itdidn’t.Kriegerduckedandthebladepassedabovehishead.With a motion like a tiger pouncing on a deer, he sprang forward. In an instant he had Ulrikaimmobilised,hisarmaroundherneck;herstruggleswereasweakasthoseofamouseinthegripofacat.

“Ulrika,”Felixshouted.Themanlookedupathim,andFelixwasinnowaysurprisedtosee theredglowinhiseyes.

Mage,hethought,andthenrealisedthattherewassomethingnagginglyfamiliarabouttheman.Felixsuddenlyputhisfingeronit.Hewasthewizardinthetavern,theonewhovanishedjustasMaxandUlrikacamein.

FelixcouldhearGotrekandSnorriNosebiteronthestairs.Helpwasonitsway.“Ifyoucareaboutthisgirl,standback,”saidKrieger.“OrIwillsnaphernecklikeatwig.”“IfyouharmherinanywayTwillkillyou,”saidFelix,andwassurprisedtofindthathemeantit.

Whateverittook,howeverlong,hewouldhoundthismantohisgrave.“SomehowIdoubtthat,”saidKriegerinhissuavetone.“Ifthemanlingdoesn’tthenIwill,”saidGotrek,frombesideFelix.Therecouldbenodoubtat

allthathemeantit.Thetallmanlaughedbuthellwasinhiseyes.“It’sbeentriedbefore,byyourkin,andtheydid

notsucceedeither.Nowstandasideorthegirldies.”TheSlayerglaredat thedarkmagician.Felixwondered ifGotrekwasgoing toattackand let

Ulrikadieanyway.Heknewhecouldnotallowit.

FOUR“Snorrithinksweshouldtakehim,”saidSnorriNosebiter.

“Idon’t,”saidFelix.“Ifwedo,hewillkillUlrika.”“And then Snorriwill kill him,” said Snorri, his battle lust unsated by his encounterwith the

magician’s minions. He was ready to attack no matter what Felix said. Felix looked at Gotrekpleadingly.NosignofanyunderstandingenteredtheSlayer ’sonemadeye.Thesilencelengthened.GotrekandKriegerglaredateachother.Anoddglowappearedinthemage’seyesoncemore.Thereseemedtobesomesortofcontestofwillsgoingon.Neitherlookedaway.

Felix’smouthfeltdry.Theroomstankofdustanddeathandthefaintesthintofsomethingelse,cinnamonperhaps.Andrievlaynear,hisbrokenheadtestimonytohowfragilelifecouldbe.Maxdidnotlookmuchbetter.

“Killhim,”gaspedUlrika.“Don’tworryaboutme.Iwouldratherdiethanbedishonoured.”HerwordswerecutoffabruptlyasKriegertightenedhisgriponherthroat.Foramagician,he

wasstrong.Felixwasnotatallsurehewouldliketofacehimwithaswordinhishand.Ulrika’sfacewasverypalenow.Felixcouldseeshewashavingtroublebreathing.TheSlayercontinuedtoglare.Felixcouldfeelthatthingshadcometoaverydelicatepass,itmightgoeitherwaynow.Therewasatensionintheroomthatbeggedforviolentaction.Unfortunately,FelixknewthatwhentheexplosioncameitwouldendupwithUlrikadead.

“Lethergoandyouhavemywordyoucanleavehere,”hesaid,hopingtoswaytheSlayerswithtalkofhonourandoaths.Thisapproachusuallyworkedondwarfs.Gotrektensed.TheSlayerdidnotlikewhathewasdoing.Themagicianmerelylaughed.

“Much as I would like to take you up on such an offer, I fear it would be unwise under thecircumstances.Thisgirlismyshieldandbeforeabattleit’safoolishwarriorwhothrowsasidehisshield.”

“Youarenowarrior,”gratedGotrek.“Youhavenoideaofwhatthewordmeans.”Krieger ’s smile was sour, and oddly sad. “Once I did, probablymore than you. Alas, things

change.”Gotrekwasabouttothrowhimselfforward.FoamfrothedfromSnorri’smouthashechamped

atthebitforbattle.StillhewaitedtotakehiscuefromGotrek.UlrikatriedtobringherheeldownonKrieger ’sbootedfoot,butheeludedthemoveeasily.AfurthertighteningofhisarmbroughtasquealofpainfromtheKislevitenoblewoman.Herneckcouldnotbefarfrombreaking.

Felixput ahandon theSlayer ’s shoulder.Heknewhehadnomore chanceof restraining thedwarfifhedecidedtoattackthanhewouldhaveofholdingbackadirewolf,buthefelthehadbettertry.“Don’t,”hesaid.“Therehastobeawayoutofthis.”

“Thereis,”saidKrieger.“Letmegoand,afterIamfree,Iwilllethergowhenevershewishes.”“Youwouldnotacceptmyword,”saidFelixlookingatthesorcerer.Hisfaintcomplexsmilehad

widened.“WhyshouldIacceptyours?”“You don’t have any choice,” saidKrieger with assurance. He raised the pomander dangling

fromhisnecktohislips,andtookalongsatisfiedsniff.Helookedutterlycalmandcollected.Hehadthepoiseofanaristocrat.Felixhadalwaysdislikedthem.

“Lethimgo,”saidFelix.“Wecanalwayshunthimdownlater.”“Youcantry,”saidKrieger.Gotrek seemed to emerge from his killing trance. “However long it takes, however far you

travel,IwillfindyouandIwillkillyou,”hesaid.

“ThatgoestwiceasmuchforSnorriNosebiter,”saidSnorri.“Step aside,” saidKrieger. Slowly and reluctantly, the dwarfs did so. LiftingUlrika as if she

weighednothing,clutchingthetalismaninhisfiststill,Kriegerstrodebetweenthemandupthestairs.Silencefilledthevault.“Whatdowedonow?”Felixasked.“Followhim,”Gotrekreplied.“Hewon’tgettoofar.”TheymovedupthestairsinKrieger ’swakebutwhentheyemergedintothenighthewasgone,

andsowasUlrika.Felixthoughtheheardasledgehissingoffintothedistancebutitwasnight,andthereweremanysledgesgoingtoandfrobetweenthemansionsofthenobles.

Icy, freezing fog filled the streets. It had gathered almost too quickly to be natural. Felixwondered if the mage had cast some sort of spell to obscure his tracks. It seemed all too likely.Despairfilledhim.Ulrikawasinthehandsofanevilmageandsowasthetalismantheyhadagreedtoprotect.Andrievwasdead.Maxwasinacoma.Failuretastedbitterinhismouth.

“Hemusthaveusedmagictoremovehimselfoncehewasclearofthevaults,”saidFelix.“Thewardswouldnolongerhaveheldhimthere.”

“Idon’tknow,”saidGotrek.Ragefilledhisvoice.HelikedtheirsituationnomorethanFelix.“Iamnotamagician.”

“Neither isSnorri,butwe’dbetterworkouthowtofindhimsoon.SnorriNosebitersworeanoath,andifSnorrihastosearchthiscityhousebyhouseSnorriwill.”

“Chancesarewewillbejoiningyou,”mutteredFelix.“Comeon,let’sgoinsideandseetoMax.”Noneofthemsuggestedringingthealarmbellandsummoningthewatch.Kriegerloungedbackinthepaddedseatof thesleigh.Roche’sbroadbackobscuredhisviewashehandledthehorses.HeputanarmaroundtheunconsciousUlrika.Itwasgoodcover.Theywerejusttwoloversreturningfromasleighrideinthenight,asceneKriegerhadenactedmanytimesinthepast,withthecattle,beforehedrankoftheirblood.Noonewouldnoticethem.

Thewarmglowoftriumphfilledhim.Hehadthoughtthingsmightallgoterriblywrongthereforawhile.Closeup,thepowerofthatdwarf’sterribleaxehadbeenevidenttohim.Therewasnodoubt in hismind that theweaponwas capable of endinghis immortal lifewithoneblow.Hehadnever seen anything so filled with terrible killing power. To one with mage senses as keen asKrieger ’s, it was practically incandescent with deadly energy, and its wielder had been almost asworrying,agrim,fell-handedcreatureindeed.

Theman’sweaponhadnotbeenaspowerful,buttoAdolphus’surprisehadbeenmagicalalso,andthuscapableofhurtinghim.

AmazingreallythatAndrievhadfoundtwosuchguardiansatshortnotice.Ifhehadknown,hewouldnothavebeenquitesoconfident.Hedidnotdoubthecouldhavewonanyfightwiththepair,but therewouldhavebeenarisk,andright then,with the talismaninhisgrasp, itwouldhavebeenfoolishtotakeit.

Still,thepartofhimthatcravedviolenceanddeathwishedthathehadinitiatedcombat,wishedthathehadfought,andtornhisopponentslimbfromlimb.Theragingbeastwasstillwithinhim.Hetried to tell himself that there was more to it than this. It galled him to leave enemies alive andunharmedbehindhim.Hewasannoyedbythearroganceofthedwarf.ThatanymortalshoulddarethreatenoneoftheArisenseemednearsacrilegious.Hewasalsocertainthatthedwarfwouldattempttomakegoodonhispromise,wouldspendyearsifneedbehuntinghimdown.

Not that itmatterednow.Soonhewouldhaveenoughpower tomaster theworld,and takehisrevenge on them. It would not be the dwarf who sought him out. Once he fulfilled Nospheratus’prophesyhewould takehis revenge.He tried tellinghimself thatpowerful though thataxewas,he

wasnotfrightenedbyit,buthewaswiseenoughtoknowthathewaslyingtohimself.Thatwaswhythebeastwassnarlingwithinhimsostrongly.Itfeltthreatened.Heshiveredalittle.Forthefirsttimeinmany,manyyears,hehadencounteredsomethingthatcausedhimtofear.

Perhapsheshouldtrytoenjoythenoveltyofit.Afterall,amidtheennuiofthelongcenturies,any new emotional experience was to be welcomed. Somehow he could not quite make himselfbelieveit.BesttogetawayasquicklyandasquietlyaspossibleandleavetheSlayerstotheirfutileeffortsatpursuit.Hecouldtravelsoquicklyandsosecretlythattheywouldhavenochanceoffindinghimuntilhewantedit.

The main thing now was that he needed time to work out how to unleash the power of thetalisman,toattuneittohim,andlearntodrawuponitsenergies.Oncethatwasaccomplished,therewas littlehe couldnotdo, at least according toNospheratus, and that vampiric seerhadbeenwellplacedtoknow.

The girl beside him whimpered but did not come to consciousness. He looked down at her.Ancientmalicewokeinhisbrain.Itwasobviousthatthemanbacktherehadcaredforher,andthatthe dwarfs had enough regard for her to restrain themselves from attacking. She might prove avaluablehostageand,byalltheDarkGods,shewasbeautiful.Onhislongjourneyacompaniontowhileawaythetimemightproveinteresting,andhecouldalwaysgetridofherifsheproveddull.Hedoubted that she would, at least for a while. She knew the dwarfs and the man with the magicalweapon,andthusshecouldtellhimsomethingofhisenemies.Hewouldneedtoknowatleasttheirnameswhenthetimecametohuntthemdown.

Ofcourse,hehadgivenhiswordtothemanthathewouldlethergo,andhehadneverbrokenhiswordinallhislongcenturiesofunlife.Itwasjustaswellhehadcarefullywordedthepromisetosuithimself.Hehadsaidhewouldlethergowhenevershewished.Hehadwaysofensuringthatshewouldnotwishtoleavehim.

Gentlyhepushedbackthecollarofhertunic,andstrokedherneck,lookingforthelovelyveinheknewhewouldfindthere.Felix lookedaround thewreckageof themansion.Therewerecorpseseverywhere: the remainsofAndriev’sancientservants, themangledbodiesofthemenhe,GotrekandSnorrihadslain.Theairsmelledofbloodandopenedinnardsandcorruption.Itdidnothingtoimprovehismood.Hewishednowthathecarriedapomander,asthemagedid.Itsperfumemightcoverthestenchofdeath.

Thatthoughttickledsomethingatthebackofhismind.Itremindedhimofsomething,justasthefaintelusivescenthehadsmelledinthevaulthaddone.Whatwasit?Whydidtheimageofadeadwomanspringintohismindnow?

Obviouslybecauseyouaresurroundedbycorpses,idiot,hetoldhimself,butknewthatwasnottheanswer.Herememberedseeingthebodyofthedeadwomanfoundinthesnow,rememberedwhathercompanionhadsaid.Shehadgoneoutwithanobleman.Shehadrememberedaverydistinctivescentlikecinnamon.Thatwaswhathehadsmelledinthevaults.WasitpossiblethatthemanwhohadkilledthestreetwalkerandmangledhercorpsewasthesameastheonewhohadtakenUlrika?

Heprayednot.ManyImperialnoblescarriedpomanderstocoverthesmellofthestreets,surelythiswasjustonemore.Cinnamon-basedperfumeswerecommon.No,itcouldnotbethesameman—could it?Whynot?Hewas a darkmagician andwhoknewwhat atrocities theymight commit.Felixhadheardtalesofevilmagesdevouringthebrainsoftheirvictimstoabsorbtheirsouls,maybethosetalesweretrueandmaybethiswassuchaman.Suddenly,hewishedMaxwereawake.Hewouldknow much more about such things than Felix ever would. He mentioned his suspicions to theSlayers.

“Snorrithinksyoushouldhaveletuskillhim,”saidSnorriNosebiteralmostpetulantly.

Ishouldhaveletyou,Felixthought.AsiftherewereanythinghecouldhavedonetorestraintheSlayersiftheyhadtakenitintotheirheadstofight.

Helookedoveratthetwosullendwarfs.Itwasobviousthattheywerenotinthebestofmoods.Theyglaredathimas ifhepersonallywere responsible for costing them their chanceof aheroicdeath.Inaway,hesupposedhewas.Notthathewasgoingtoletitbotherhimallthatmuch.Ulrika’slifewasfarmoreimportantthantheirdeaths.Theywouldhaveanotherchancewhentheycaughtupwiththemage.Somehow,Felixdidnotdoubtthattheywould.Nowheonlyhadtoworkouthow.

ThefirstthingtheyneededtodowasgetMaxtoahealer.Hewastheexpertinthisfield,andifanyoneknewhowtogoaboutfindingadarkmage,itwouldbehim.Felixthoughthehadbetternotifytheauthoritieswhathadhappenedhere.Notthecityguards:theywouldmostlikelythrowallfourofthem in the cells just on suspicion and, once there,who knewwhen theywould get out? That’s ifGotrekandSnorrididn’tstartabattlewiththemfortheirtemerityintryingtomakethearrestinthefirstplace.Besttakethematterstraighttothetop,totheduke.Hewouldlistentothem,perhapsevenhelp.

Andthen therewasUlrika’sfather.Felixwasnot lookingforward tobreaking thenewsofhisdaughter ’sabductionandpossibledeathtotheoldnobleman.NotthathewaspreparedtoadmitthatUlrikamight not be alive. Such a thought did not bear thinking about.No— theywould tell IvanPetrovichStraghovanddoubtlesshewouldlendthemaid,evenifthedukewouldnot.

Heconsideredhisplanfromeveryangle.Therewasnosenseinheadingoffonafruitlesssearchforthemagicianinthisfog,nomatterwhattheSlayersmightwant.Hecouldperhapsconvincetheduketosealthegates,andhavehismenscourthecity.Thatwaytheguardsmightprovetobeofuse,andseveralthousandmenwouldbemoreeffectiveinasearchthanthree.

Swiftly,heoutlinedhisplanstotheothers.Theyheadedoutintothenight.Felix looked inon the sickroomwhereMax lay.Thepriestesseshad finished their rituals.Healingmagichadbeeninvoked.Felixcouldonlypraythatitworkedbetterforthewizardthanithadforhismotherallthoselongyearsago.Thedukelookedupfromhisplacebesidethebed.Eveninthisplaceofhealingtwoguardcaptainsflankedhim.Theseweredangeroustimes.

Enrik’s expressionwasmelancholy. From his large eyeswith bags beneath them, to his longdroopingmoustaches,heseemedtoradiatesadnessanddepression.Felixhadheardhewasgiventomoodsofblackdepression,andevenmadness,buthadseennosignofithimself.TheDukeofPraagwasoneofthemostcompetentandenergeticnobleshehadmet.Hehadguidedthedefenceofthecityagainst theChaoshordewithvigourandcourage. Itwasevident that the lossofhisbrother,undersomewhat mysterious circumstances, had hit him hard. He moved like an old man, and not justbecauseofhiswounds.

“Yours is very grave news, Felix Jaeger,” he said.His voicewas clear and commanding andcompletelyatoddswithhisappearance.ItheldallthearrogantcommandthatonemightexpectfromtherulerofKislev’ssecondgreatestcity.“Ulrikawaskintome,andsowasAndrievverydistantly,although therewasno love lostbetweenus.Hehadmore in commonwithmybrother.Theywerebothkeenonancientthings,andmagic.”

Felixsuspectedthattheduke’sbrotherhadbeeninvolvedwiththecultsofChaos.WasitpossiblethatCountAndrievhadbeenaswell?Thatwouldexplainhisinterestinmagicalthings,andhiswishtoavoidattractingattentiontohimself.Butifhehadbeen,thenperhapshewouldhavehadalliesbothmagicalandhumanofhisown,andhewouldnothaveneededtocallonhimself,UlrikaandGotrek.Notunless therewassomethinghewanted tohide fromhis fellowdaemonworshippers.FelixwasfamiliarenoughwiththetreacheryandbackstabbingthatallthefollowersoftheDarkGodswallowedin.Itwasenoughtomakehisheadspinjustthinkingaboutit.

Perhapstheoldmanhadbeeninvolvedinsuchthings,perhapsnot.Itwouldbebestnottothinkaboutituntilhehadclearproofeitherway.Rightnowtherewereplentyofotherthingstothinkabout.

Theduketurnedandbarkedcommandstohisguardcaptainsandtheydeparted.Felixknewthatsoon there would be a watch kept on every gate and the city guard would be alerted to look foranyonelikeUlrikaorhercaptor.Theduke’sinstructionssentsoldiershurryingtoobey.

“I am sorry I cannot do more,” said Duke Enrik, “but a house-to-house search is all butimpossibleatthemoment.Andthereareotherthingstoworryaboutrightnow.”

Felixknewwhathemeant.WiththeIceQueeninhispalaceandthearmybivouackedonthecity,therewastheproblemofseeingtohersecurityandmaintainingpublicorder,nottomentionplanningwhattodoabouttheoncomingChaoshorde.ItwasaremindertoFelixthatthewholeworldhadnotstoppedbecauseofhispersonalproblems.Thegreatest invasionof theOldWorld in twocenturieswasstillunderway.ThedukeseemedtoconsiderthemattersettledbutFelixdecidedtoriskpersistingforthemoment.

“Haveyouinformedherfather,yourgrace?”Felixasked.“Ihavesummonedhim.Itwaswiseofyoutobringthistomefirst.Ithinksuchnewswouldbe

bestcomingfromakinsman.HeisveryfondofUlrika.Sheishisonly‘surviving’child.”Felixheardthehesitationonthewordsurviving.Theduketoowastryingtoputhisbestfaceon

things.“Andyouhavenoideawhatthistalismanwasorwhatitwascapableof?”Felixcouldrecogniseadeliberatechangeofsubjectwhenheheardone.“Ihavenoidea,butitmustbeimportantconsideringalltheeffortthisAdolphusKriegerputinto

gettingit.WehadbesthopethatMaxrecoverssoon.Perhapshecantellussomething.”“Itwasinvestigatingthetalismanthatdidthistohim?”“SoUlrikasaid.”“Iwillhaveyouinformedwhenherecovers,”saidtheduke.Histonemadeitclearthatthiswasa

dismissal.Helookedlikeamanwiththeweightoftheworldonhisshoulders.“Thankyou,yourgrace,”saidFelixandwithdrew.

Adolphuslookedaroundthechamberinthemansion.Osrikhadgivenuphisbestsuiteofroomssothathismastermightoccupythem.Thetapestrieswerethickandheavy,thebestwinesatunopenedontheheavymahogany table, the fireblazedbrightly.AlthoughAdolphusno longer felt thecoldandtooknopleasurefromwine,healwaysfounditbesttokeepupappearances.Tonguesalwaysflappedotherwise,andyoucouldnotbrowbeatormindbindeveryservant.TheyalllookedaliketoAdolphusanyway.Andheadmittedtohavingatasteforluxurythatpersistedfromhisformerlife,beforethecountesschosehim.ItwasatastethathisstatusasoneoftheArisenallowedhimtoindulge.

The only thing thatwas really necessary about the roomswas the thick curtains that kept thesunlightout.Hehadnevergotusedtodaylight.Itstillhurthiseyes,andburnedhisskinpainfully.Nomatterhowmuchbloodhedrank,hehadbutafractionofhistruestrengthwhenexposedtoit.Itmadehimalmostasweakandfeebleasamortal.Thesluggishnesshefeltnowtoldhimitwasstill lightoutside.

Fewoftheservantsthoughtitoddthathewasnottobedisturbedthroughtheday.Asfarastheywereconcernedhewasadistantkinsmanwithatasteforlowlifeanddebauchery,whospenthisnightsinthetavernsandbordellosofthecity,andhisdaysrecoveringfromhisnightlyindulgences.

HewasnotsorrytobeleavingKislev.Itwasabarbaricplace,andlikelytobecomemoresoastheChaoshordeadvanced.BloodlettingonamassivescalealwaysseemedtobringoutthewildriderintheKislevites.

Still, he thought, the situation was not without its advantages. One could easily exploit the

anarchyofthecomingmonthsandyears,andhewouldbepowerfulenoughtodoso.TheprophesiesoftheGrimoireNecroniumwouldbefulfilled.ThiswastheTimeofBloodofwhichtheancienttomespoke, of that he was certain. And he was the Pale King who would arise to rule the night. Thetalismanwouldmakethatcometrue.Withit,noneoftheotherswouldbeabletostandagainsthim,allofthem—eventhecountessandtheCouncil—wouldhavetoswearfealty.

Thewoman in his bed stirred. Shewas almost too beautiful, he thought. She had none of thebovinestupiditythatwasusuallywrittenonthefacesofKislevitenoblewomen.Shelookedhard,andsharp and fierce as a hawk. There was something predatory in her beauty. She would perhaps beworthytobechosen,worthyofthedarkkiss.Perhapsshewastheone.

Forlongcenturies,eversincethecountesshadexplainedtohimhowthebloodlineshadthinnedsince the time of the Lahmians, he had resisted creating his own get. Most of the Arisen of hisgenerationcouldcreateonlyone, andeven thatmight turnout tobeonlyan insipidcounterfeitofwhat it should be—moronic, weak, mad, the cause of all those bizarre stereotypes of monstersmortalsseemedtohaveabouttheArisen.Hehimselfhadneverriskedtryingtocreateone,forhehadneverfoundanyworthyofhisembrace.Overthecenturieshehadoccasionallythoughthehadfoundsomeonebutalwaystherehadbeenaflawinthem.

Let’ssee.TherewastheBretonniannoblewoman,Katherine,whohadturnedout tobenothingmorethananempty,posturingfool.Herbeautyhaddazzledhimforawhileintothinkingshemighthavetheintelligenceandthegracetobeworthyofeternityathisside.

Howwronghehadbeen.Thewomanhadcaredmoreforhermirror thanshehadforanyoneelse.Ithadbeenadistinctpleasuretowatchhersqueamishnessasthelinesappearedonherface,greyappearedinherhair,andagehadeatenawayherbeauty.

Then there was the peasant girl turned courtesan from Nuln, what was her name? Oh yes,Marianne.Shehadbeenallthathehaddesired.Beautiful,intelligent,witty,charming,culturedeven,withtheeruditionofthosewhohavepainfullyacquireditbytheirownefforts.Shehadpossessedaplayfulnessandacuriositythathadpromisedshewouldnothavesuccumbedeasilytoennui,andhehad been drawn to her formany reasons.But she had been treacherous, and selfish, and deceitful.Rememberinghowhehimself had turned against the countess, hehad foreseen that she toowouldeventuallyturnonhim,andthatwouldhavebeentoopainfultoendure.Sohehadwatchedoverher,aided her and protected her until eventually she had died wealthy, respected and one of the greatnoblewomenoftheEmpire.Herrisehadprovidedthembothwithamusement.

TherewasAlana,thatstrangebitterwoman,halfwitch,half-seeresswhohadtaughthimallthosedarksecretsandopenedhiseyestothepowerofmortals’magic.Toherasmuchastothecountessdid he owe his knowledge of sorcery, and the knowledge that mortals tried to hide even fromthemselves.Shehaddiedbeforehehadeverhadachancetomakehismindupabouther,tornapartbysomeappallingcreatureshehadsummonedinablasphemousritualonGeheimnisnacht,avictimofherownoverwhelmingambitionanddesireforcontrol.Hewasnotcertain,butheguessedthathewouldnothaveembracedher.Theirrelationshiphadalwaysbeenaboutpower,whowouldhaveit,whowouldwieldit.Shewouldhavewantedtobindhimtoherwithmagic,asmuchasanyoneofthecattlehadeverbeenboundbythedarkkiss.

Therehadbeenothers,somanyothers,downthelongcenturies.Theirfacessometimesdriftedbefore himwhen he entered the trance state that in the Arisen replaced sleep. Sometimes they allblended together, sometimes they changed into faceshehadnever seen, butwould eventually.Onethingyoulearnedoverthecenturieswasthatsoonerorlatermostthingswouldoccur.

Itwasstrange,hemused,howmuchofthefleshwasleftbehindandhowmuchstayedwhenyouwere embraced. He no longer craved meat or drink or sex or drugs. But still he craved

companionship.Perhapsitwastheonlythinghehadincommonwiththecattleanymore.Hestillwasonthelookoutforthatonespecialwomannow,asmuchashehadbeenwhenhefirstmetthecountessbackinParravonthreecenturiesago,asmuchaswhenhehadbeenlittlemorethanaboyattendinghisfirstballattheking’scourt.

He pushed the thoughts aside. Here he stood on the brink of the greatest triumph any of theArisenhadevermanaged,onthebrinkofmadnessgoadedbysomethinghecouldnotexplain,andhewasthinkingofwomen.Hesmiledwryly.Itwasoneofthefewhabitsofmortalityhehadnotbeenabletoridhimselfof.

Perhaps,hethought,heshouldkillthiswomannow,drainherdryintheecstasyofthekiss,justtoprovetohimselfthathecouldstilldosuchathing.Pointless,hetoldhimself,youknowyoucan.Ithasbeensomethingyouhavedonealltooeasilyoverthepastfewweeks.Ifyoureallywanttoproveyouarestillincontrolyoushouldletherlive.Thereactionofthebeastinhisbrainasitresistedtheideashowedhimthathewascorrect.Forthemomentthen,hewouldletherlive.Shecouldtravelwithhimforawhile.Itneverhurttohaveanextravessellyingaroundincaseofneed.HecouldnotaffordtoweakenRochebytappinghimonthisjourney,andheutterlyloatheddrinkingthebloodofanimals.Onlythedirestofnecessitiescoulddrivehimtoitnow.Anyway,itwouldnotbeseemlyforthesoon-to-belordofallvampirestodrinkfromadeer.

Heidentifiedthefootstepsapproachingdownthecorridorlongbeforeheheardtheknockonthedoor.Rochehadaverydistinctivegait.Hewalkedverysoftlyforsuchaheavyman.Adolphus’keensensestoldhimthattherewasnooneelsecloseby.Hewalkedtothedoorandturnedthekeyinthelock. It was an elementary precaution that he never forgot to take in rooms like this ever since achambermaidhadenteredhis roomandfoundhimwith thedrainedcorpseofastreetwalker in thedaysafterthecountesshadfirstembracedhim.

RochelookeddownonhimunsmilinglyAdolphusgazedback,measuringhim.Hewasahugeman,strongasablacksmith,quickascat,with themannersofachamberlainand themoralsofanassassin. Like his father and his grandfather before him, Roche served as Adolphus’most trustedpersonalretainer,andwasprivytoallbuthisdarkestsecrets.Itwasapositionhehadbeengroomedforsincehewasasmallchild.

“Thesledgeisready,master,”saidRoche.Hisvoicewasmelodicandnotalittlesad,itshouldhavebelongedtothepriestthathesooftenimpersonated.“Wecanleaveassoonasyouareready.”

“Verygood,Roche.”“Theyounglady,master?”Roche’svoicewasmild.Hejustwantedtoknowwhattodo.Hecould

betoldtowrapherinasheetandtakehertothecoachortochopherintolittlepiecesandfeedhertothedogs.Hewoulddoeitherwiththesamequiet,calmefficiency,haddonesoofteninthepast.

“Shewillbeaccompanyingus.”“Verygood,master.Iconsideredthepossibilitythatyoumightwishtodothisandhavetakenthe

libertyofloadingextrasupplies.Ihopethismeetswithyourapproval.”“Asalways,Roche,youthinkofeverything.”“Itismypleasuretoserve,master.”Theyexchangedknowingsmiles.“Let us be away,Roche.Wehave a long road ahead of us, and the soonerwe are out of this

backwaterkingdom,thehappierIwillbe.”Ivan Petrovich Straghov was calm now. Felix was glad. He had been shouting threats and cursesstrongenoughtomakeadock-workerblanchjustminutesbefore.Nowhewasrestrictinghimselftojustafewchoiceanatomicalepithets.HeturnedandglaredatFelix.Theyoungermansuddenlyfeltthatthetenthadbecomefartoosmall.

“Wewill findher,” he said, in a challenging tone, as ifFelixhad just contradictedhim. “And

whenwefindthemanwhohastakenher,Iwillstringhimupbytheballsand…”Hewentontodescribeexactlywhathewoulddo.Withmostpeople,Felixwouldhaveassumed

theywerespeakingmetaphorically,butIvanPetrovichwasamarchboyar.Hefullyintendedtocarryout those threats nomatter how physically impossible they sounded. Felix did not envyAdolphusKriegeriftheoldnoblemanevergothishandsonhim.

“First, we have to find him,” Gotrek said. His harsh gravelly voice sounded almost calmcomparedtotheKislevite’sbutforallhisblusterIvanPetrovichwouldneverinahundredlifetimesbeabletomatchthemenaceinit.TheeffectwaslikeadashofcoldwaterintheKislevite’sface.

“Howwillwedothat?”TheSlayershookhishead.Helookedbaffledandfrustrated.Felixknewthiswould justmakehimevenmoreshort-tempered.Felixmovedover to thecharcoalbrazierandwarmedhishands.IvanPetrovichcouldhavehadchambersintheCitadelifhewanted,buthechosetostaywithhismen,whowerebivouacked in tentson theedgeof thecity in theoldKislevitehorse-warriorstyle.Felixwouldhavecomplainedaboutthecold,buthe’dalreadyheardenoughcommentsaboutsoftsouthernerstolasthimalifetime.

Themarch boyar ’s question was a good one though. Felix had not held out much hope thatKriegerwouldkeephispromiseandreleaseUlrika,andoverthepastfewdayseventhattinyflickerhaddied.HowdidyoufindonemanandhisprisonerinacityaslargeandchaoticasPraag?Howdidyoupreventthemleavingif thatiswhattheysoughttodo?IvanPetrovichhadhisriders,butinthecold and the snowa sweeparound the citywouldbedifficult.On theplus side, anyone settingoutwould be more noticeable than usual. Not too many people were leaving the city at the moment.Tricklesofrefugeeswerestillstreamingin.

Felixwasbaffled.Heneededtoknowmore.Heneededtoknowwhatthepurposeofthetalismanwas,andwhatthedarkmagicianintendedtouseitfor.HedesperatelyneededtoknowwhetherUlrikawasstillalive.

IfIwereanevilsorcererandIwantedtokeepmyselfhiddeninPraag,howwouldIdoit?Inthebooksandplayshehadreadasayouthitwasalwayseasy.Evilmageslivedinruinedtowers,cryptsincemeteriesandhugemansionsbuiltwiththeirillgottengains.Asearchofallsuchlocationsinthecityshouldturnhimup.Unfortunately,Felixhadlongagolearnedthatthingswererarelythatsimple.If Krieger had any sense, he would be keeping a very low profile indeed, disguising himselfsomehow.Howwouldhedothat?Felixwishedheknew.

“Youarelookingthoughtful,manling,”saidGotrek.“Haveyougotanyusefulsuggestions?”Despitetheapparentironyinhistone,FelixcouldtellthattheSlayerwasserious.Duringtheir

long association, the thinking in situations like this usually fell to him. Sadly, at the hour of theirgreatestneed,hismindwasablank.Heshookhisheadandsatdownonthethickrugcoveringthetentfloor,andbegantotracetheconvolutedweavewithhisfingers.Hisheadhurt,hiseyesachedandhisnosewasrunning.Hewasdefinitelycomingdownwithsomething.

“Weneedamagician,”hesaid.“Wehadone,”saidGotrek.“Unfortunately,heseemstobenolongerwithus.”“Thatmightchange,”saidFelix.“You’re saying we should be patient,” said Ivan Petrovich. His tone implied that Felix had

suggestedtheytakeupmolestinggoats.“Sometimes,it’stheonlythingyoucando,”saidFelixwearily.“Spareusthepearlsofwisdom,manling.”“Ifyouhaveanybetterideas,”saidFelix.“Iamopentothem.”Thesilencewasdeafening.

Rochedrovethesledgetowardsthegates.Onthebackwasacheapwoodencoffin,bagsoffeedfor

theponies,araggedtentandafewotherthings.Hecrackedthereinstokeeptheanimalsmoving.Therunnershissedonthesnowastheymovedtowardsthegate.

Theguardsmenondutylookedathimwithmoresuspicionthantheynormallymight.Rochemettheirgazeseasily.Thesergeantlookedatascroll,andtheneyedhimoncemore,asifcheckingtoseewhether he matched a description. Roche kept an expression of bovine stupidity on his face. Itmatchedthepeasantgarbhewore.Ifthesefoolswerelookingforthemaster,theywouldbelookingforanobleman,andmaybeablonde-hairedgirl.Theywouldhardlybelookingforhim.

Hewasconfident.Iftheysearchedthesledgehehadhisstoryreadyandalltheevidencewouldconfirmit.Evenso,hefeltaslighttensionrisingwithinhim.Thingscouldgowrong.Theyhadinthepast;theymightdosoagainnow.

“What’syourbusiness,peasant?”askedashortmanwhohademergedfrombehindtheguards.Hisfineuniformandhisswaggeringarrogantmannermarkedhimasanofficerofsomesort,mostlikelyoneoftheseso-calledKislevitenobles.Rochedidnotlikehismanner.Hememorisedtheman’sface, in case an opportunity for vengeance should arise in the future. It wasn’t likely under thecircumstances, but you could always hope.A fewminutes alonewith Roche and his flaying toolswouldsoonridhimofthatcockymanner,alongwithalotofskin.

“Goingbacktothefarm,burymybrother,”saidRoche.HecoulddoaconvincingimpressionofthethickgutturalKislevitecommoneraccentwhenhehadto.“IpromisedhimIwould.SaidbeforehediedthathewantedtoliealongsidemaandIsaidIwouldseetoit.”

“Takehimbackandburnhim,that’smyadvice.There’sbeastmeninthosewoodsnow,despitethe patrols.” Itwas the sergeantwho spoke now.His tonewas not unfriendly. Therewas a certainamount of sympathy in it.The hard-facedofficer glared at theman.The sergeant’s face became ablankmask,hismouth snapped shut.ThePraagcityguard still used the lash to enforcediscipline.Rochehadfoundtherewasnothinglikeitforinstillingobedience.

“Peopletryandsmugglethingsincoffins,”saidtheofficer.“Peopletryallsortsofthings.”Rochelookedatthearrogantidiotbutkepthisfaceblank.Mostsmugglerswouldbetryingtoget

thingsintothecity,notout.Still,itwasnotapeasant’splacetopointthesethingsouttoanobleman.PeasantsinKislevwereobedient,justliketheywerebackhomeinSylvania.

“Ipromisedhim,”saidRoche,asifheweresostupidhewasstillansweringthesergeant.“HemademeswearbyShallyaandUlricthatIwoulddoit.Helovedma.Helovedtheoldplace.Hesaidweshouldneverhavecometothecity.Saidhewantedtobeburiedunderthepines.”

“Openthebox,”said theofficer. Itwasobvious thatforsomereasonhehadtakenadislike toRoche. People often did.Rochewas used to it. Itwas his appearance he supposed. Still, therewasnothinghecoulddoaboutitnow.

“Buthe’sdead,”saidRoche.“Ifyouwon’topen it, I’llhavemymendo it.”Rochesaw the soldiers flinch.Theymightnot

haveanyobjectionstocuttingamandowninhotblood,butnoneofthemwantedtoopenacoffinthatmightcontainaweek-oldcorpse.

“What did he die of?” one of the guards, a whey-faced boy, whose tunic barely fitted, askednervously.

“Thecoughingsickness.Amonthagohewashealthyasyou.Onedayhe starts coughingandwheezing, says it’s difficult to breathe.Twodays agohewas gone, after amonthof sweating andfeversandwrackinghislungs.Itwasn’tpretty.”

Thesoldierslookedevenmorenervousnow.Therehadbeenmanystrangeplaguesinthecitysince the siege.Maybe theywere remnants of the evil spells cast by the followers of Nurgle, thePlague Lord. Maybe they were just a product of overcrowding, rotten food, the cold and bad

sanitation.Itwassaidmorefolkhaddiedofsicknesssincethesiegeendedthanhadeverdiedinthebattle.Rochecouldbelieveit.Itwasoftentheway.

“Isaidopenthebox.Let’stakealookatwhatyougotinthere.”“Acorpse,”saidRochesullenly.“You’llbeonesoonifyoudon’topenit,”saidtheofficer.Hewasobviouslyoneofthosesmall

menwholikedusingeveryspeckofpowerhehadbeengranted.AndheobviouslylikedventinghisauthorityonsuchhulkinggiantsasRoche.Rochewoulddefinitelyrememberthisman.HemightevenmakeaspecialtripbacktoPraagforhim,ifthemasterallowed.Hedidnotlikebeingbullied.

Rocheclambereddownoffthesledgeandwalkedbacktothecoffin.Thesoldiersalldrewbackslightly save theofficerwho strodeofficiouslyalongbesidehim. Justoneminutewith the flayingtools,that’sallIask,thoughtRoche.Heleveredopenthecoffin,anddidhisbesttostandsothathisshadowfellonthemaster.Heknewhowthesunaffectedhistenderskin.

Theofficerlookeddownontherecumbentform.Themasterwasgarbedasapeasanttoo,andhishairwasmessedup.Hispallordidnotrequiremake-up;thesmudgesofdirtonhisfaceservedtohighlight thepalenessofhisskin.Theyhaddonethisseveral timesin thepastwhentheyneededtoleaveacityinahurry.Rochecouldrememberhisfatherandgrandfathertellinghimtalesofsimilardepartures,someinconsiderablymoredangerouscircumstancesthanthisone.

Theofficer removedhisgloveand laid ahandon thebody’s chest, as if notwanting toquitebelievehiseyes.

“Definitelydead,”hesaiddisappointedly.“That’swhyIamgoingtoburyhim.”“AndI’llhave lessofyoursauce,”said thecaptain.“AnotherwordandI’llhavemymenpeel

yourhideoff.”Rochelookedathisbootstohidethefuryinhiseyes.Heloathedthesepettyjumped-upofficialswith a passion andhehadbeen forced todealwithmore thanhis fair sharedown theyears.Nowisnotthetime,hetoldhimself.Hedidhisbesttolookliketheabsoluteembodimentofbrowbeatenpeasantry.

Theofficerlookedlikehewasseriouslyconsideringhavinghismentearthecoffinapart.Thatwould not be such a good thing,Roche thought, for then theymight find the hidden compartmentbeneath the master that held the talisman. Who knew what the master might do under thosecircumstances.Rocheknewallabouthisobsessionwiththatancienttrinket,hadbeenforcedtolistento talesof itoncountlessevenings, till evenhewas sickof it, andhismaster ’splans. If Ihear thenameofNospheratusonemoretime,thoughtRoche,Iwill…

The officer took another closer look at the master. Roche held his breath. He had a daggerhiddeninhisboot.Ifanythinghappened,thefirstthinghewoulddowasstickitinthecockyofficer ’sgutand twist.Mentooka long time todiewhenyoudid that right.Rocheknewthis frompracticalexperience.Eventuallythough,eventhismanseemedtotireofhispettybullying.

“Getoutofhere,”hesaid.“Goburyyourdead.”Rochenoddeddumbly,clamberedontothesledgeandcrackedthereins.Hecouldseelooksof

somethinglikesympathyinthesoldiers’eyes.“Itlookslikeyourfriendisstartingtoheal,”saidthepriestessofShallya.Therewasgreyinherhairbuthercalmfacewasverypretty.Shesmiledasshespoke.“He’sstillvery,veryweakbutIthinkhehascomebackfromthebrink.Ibelievehewilllive.”

Felix glanced around the small spartan chamber.Max had beenmoved to the hospice on thetemplegroundsattheduke’sinsistence;thatwaythemostpowerfulofthehealerswouldalwaysbeoncall.Felixsmiledbackatthewoman.“Iamgladtohearit.”

“HerrSchreiberisaverystrong-willedman,andthereisapowerinhimthataidsthehealing.”

“Doyouknowwhathappenedtohim?”“No—theMistressofHealersclaims that somemalignenergyenteredhisbrainsomehow. It

costheranenormousefforttodriveitout.Shehasbeenconfinedtoherownroomforadaynow.Yourfriendmustbeaveryimportantmanfortheduketoinsistshedidthis.”

“Iamsurehewillmakeaverylargedonationtothegoddess,”saidFelixsourly.Itseemedthateven the supposedly independent and altruistic sisters of Shallya, helpmates to the poor andweak,weresubject topolitical interference.Hedidnotknowwhythisshould leavehimfeelingsurprisedanddisappointedbutitdid.Thewomancaughthishardtoneandherfacebecamelessfriendly.

“Can I look in on him now?” he asked, forcing a smile. It was best not to antagonise thepriestesses.Youneverknewwhenyourownlifemightdependontheirhelp.Theirprayersandherbsseemedtohavehelpedhisownillness.Hefeltbetternow,evenifhewasnotentirelyhealed.

“Ifyouwish,butbequiet.Heisasleep,andhemustresttoheal.Andcoveryourmouthwithahandkerchief.Itwouldbeterribletohavehimrecoverfromhisownailmentonlytobetakenawaybyyourflux.”

Felix nodded andwalking as softly as he could, entered the sickroom. It smelled ofmint andcamphorandotherherbsherememberedfromhischildhoodwhenhehadvisitedhismotherduringherlastlongillness.

Felixwas shocked.Maxhadalwaysbeenapowerful, energeticman.Nowhe lookedpale andfeebleindeed,asdrawnasaconsumptionsufferer.Itwassuchadreadfulchangeinsoshortatime.Atleasthisbreathingwasdeepandregular.Felixlookedupatthedoveicononthewalls,andofferedaprayertoShallyaformercyandhealingforthewizard.Ifthegoddessheardshegavenosign.

Felixturnedtoleaveandheardachangeinthewizard’sbreathing.HeturnedtoseethatMax’seyeswereopenwide,andtherewasawildnessandfearinthem.HishandstretchedoutfeeblyandhewhisperedonewordthatsentachillrunningdownFelix’sspine.

“Nagash,”hesaid,andslumpedbackintounconsciousness.“Nagash,”saidGotrekgrimly.Evenin thewarmthof the tavern,surroundedbyahundreddrunkenwarriors,thesmellofbeerandthesoundofsinginganddancing,thewordwasenoughtochillFelixliketheague.Hetriedtotellhimselfitwashislingeringfeverbutknewthatthistimeitwasnot.Thenameconjuredupan imageofa remote timewhendarkgodswandered theworldandslewentirekingdoms.Noteventhecruellestofmotherswoulduseittofrightenthemostdisobedientchildren.

“A name of ill omen indeed,” said Ivan Petrovich, sending another glass of vodka tumblingdownhisthroat.Hishandshookashedidso.

“Snorridoesn’t like thisone littlebit,” saidSnorri, and foronceFelixhad to agreewithhimwhole-heartedly.

“So, our pet wizard thinks this talisman is somehow connected with the Great Necromancer,manling?”

“Wedidn’t exactly discuss thematter. Itwas the onlyword he said before he fell back into acoma.ItwouldexplainwhythisKriegerwassokeentogethishandsonthethingthough.”

Felixconsideredthisashetookanotherslugofvodka.Thefieryliquidwarmedhisbelly,butdidnothing to remove the chill fromhis heart.TheGreatNecromancer, he thought.Abeingwhohadfoughtwiththeman-godSigmarbeforetheEmpirewasevenfoundedandwho,ifdarklegendwereto be believed,was responsible for the slaying of an entire nation in the dawn ages of theworld.Nagashwasbyallaccountsthemightiestwizardtheworldhadeverknown,anecromancerwhohadmasteredthedarkestsecretsoflifeanddeath.Whoknewwhatinstrumentofultimateevilhehadbeencapableofcreating?Whateveritwas,itwasnowinthehandsofAdolphusKrieger,orwhateverhistruenamewas.AlongwithUlrika.

Felix did not want to consider that. Hewas having a hard enough time keeping the idea thatKriegerwastheblooddrinkerwhohadkilledthosewomenoutofhisachinghead.

Felixshuddered.Thiswasalltheyneeded.Ulrikaabducted,Maxinacoma,theChaoshordesonthemarch,andnowanancientartefactinthehandsofamadsorcerer.Howcoulditgetworse?Adolphusfeltbetter.Itwasnight,andhisskinwasstartingtoheal.Themoon’seerielightgavethesnow-coveredlandscapeaspectralbeautyandfilledhimwiththeurgetohunt.FromthewindowofthehuntinglodgehecouldseefatOsrikandhismenapproaching.Therewereanumberofsledsandbodyguards.Hiskeeneyescouldmakeoutthemenandwomenwrappedinheavyfurs.Doubtlesstheyhadnothadtroublegettingoutofthegates.Theywereafterallapackofwell-knownlocalnobles,andiftheyweresofoolishastowanttogoonahuntingtrip,nogateguardsweregoingtocontradictthem.

Hecouldsee that thegirlUlrikawaswith them,herhead leaningagainstOsrik’s fatshoulder.Shewasstillstunnedbythekisshehadgivenherlastnight.Adolphuswaslookingforwardtoanothersip of her blood. It looked as if the plan had worked. They were all outside the city now, andpreparations were beingmade for the trip to Sylvania. His coven had seen to it that he was wellprovidedwitheverythinghe,Rocheandthegirlcouldneedforthetrip.Theywouldallsoonbereadytogo.

He clutched at the talisman. It hung around his neck now. He could feel something in it,somethingthatwasrespondingtohispresence.Heputhishandonitjusttofeelthecoolstoneunderhis fingers. It was certainly a fascinating thing, at least to his kind, and that was whatmade it sodangerous.

Oncehewasback in his adoptedhomeland itwouldgrant himpowerundreamedof over thearistocracy of the night.Hewould become theLord ofVampires in truth, and his reignwould beeternal.

Nowitwastimetogoandgreetthegirl.Perhapsshemightprovetobetheone.

BOOKTWO

Sylvania

“Winterwasno time to travel inKislev.The snow, thewolves, theunending tediumof sleightravelmadethisjourneyevenmoremiserablethanmyusualexperienceswhentravellingwiththeSlayer.Thiswas innowayhelpedby the recurring illness thatplaguedme, orby the generalgloominess of my companions. Nonetheless, after what I experienced on arriving at ourdestination,Iwouldrathermakeahundredtripsacross the icewastesofKislev, thanasinglejourneythroughthebleakpineforestsofSylvania.”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,VolIV,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

FIVE“HowlonghaveIbeen…ill?”askedMaxSchreiber.Hefeltweak,andtherewasahorrorinhismindthathadnotbeentherebefore.Heraisedhishand.Itlookedmorelikeaclaw,allmuscleandbone.Hisnailswerelonganduntrimmed.Theskinappearedneartranslucent.Movingittooksomucheffort.

“Threedays,”saidFelixJaeger.Maxraisedhimselfupinthebedandfocusedhiseyesontherenegadepoet.Felixdidnotlookso

goodeither.Hiseyeswereredandhewasunkemptandunshaven.Maxcouldsmellhimfromwherehe lay, amixtureofbooze andunwashedclothing.Hecoughedhackingly intohisbunched-up fist.Maxattemptedasmile.Itfeltasiftheskinofhisfacewouldcrackfromtheeffort.

“Andyouhavebeenonadrinkingbingeallofthistime,bythelookofit.”“Nearenough,”saidFelix.Hesoundedgrim,andhelookedevengrimmer.Therewasawildness

inhiseyesthathadnotbeentherebefore.HelookedmoreliketheSlayerthanhisusualamiableself.Theeffortof sittinguphaddrainedMax.Heallowedhimself to slumpbackonto thebedand

stareattheceiling.Itwaswhitewashed.Theroomsmelledofmintandhealingherbs.Thewallswerewhiteaswell.Fromthecornerofhiseyehecaughtsightofadoveicon.

“It painsme to be so cliched, but where am I?” he asked. He could guess the answer but hewantedtoknowforcertain.

“ThehospiceoftheTempleofShallya.”“Ihavebeenthatill?”“Yes.”Maxletoutalongbreathandtriedtogatherhisthoughts.Thelastthinghecouldrememberwas

the house of the nobleman Andriev. No. He had examined something, a talisman. After that, hismemorieswere…confused.Hecouldremembernightmares,askeletalgiantwithafaceofdeathandhorror,teeththatgrinnedlikethoseofaskull,fleshpeelingawayfromtheface,eyesthatwerepitsofgreenishputrefyingslime.Herememberedstrangevisionsofadesertlandandahugeblackpyramid;ofwarsinwhichthedeadfoughtthelivingandpalearistocratsdrankbloodfrombronzechalicesandpractised dark sorcery to prolong their unnaturally extended lives. Fromhis studies he thought hecouldputanametothatfigureandtothatdistantdustylandofdeath.Hedidnotwantto.Hefoundhisthoughtsshyingawayfromthosememories.Therewere things therehewasnotreadytodealwithyet.Perhapsnotever.

Hereachedupwithhishandandfelthisface.Hisbeardwaslongandunkempt.Hischeeksfeltgaunt.Hetouchedhisheart.Itstillbeat.Somehowhehadbeenafraidthatitwouldnot.

“Youlooklikeamanwhohasseenaghost,”saidFelix.“Inaway,IthinkIhave.”“Whenyouwereillyouwereraving.Youkeptmentioninganame.”Maxcouldguesswhatthatnamewas.HedidnotwantFelixtosayit,toremindhimofthethings

hehadseen.Themanwouldnotstopthough.“Nagash.”Maxstiffened.Heknewhewouldhave to face the thingsooneror later.Hehadnotbecomea

mastersorcererthroughlackofastrongwill.Heforcedhimselftobreathenormally,tocontrolhisracingheart,toignorethecoldsweatonhisbrow.

“Yes,”hesaideventually.“Nagash.”Memories floodedback.Therehadbeensomuchpowerconcealed in thatamulet,wovenwith

suchcunningandskillthatMaxcouldstillnotquitebelieveit.Thethinghadbeentrappedagainstjust

suchaninvestigationasMaxhadattempted,andhehadtriggeredthetrap.Itwasawonderthathehadsurvivedatall.Heguessedhealmosthadn’t.Nagashhadcertainlygonetoalotoftroubletoprotecthissecretsbut thatwasunderstandable.TheGreatNecromancerwashardly theonlymagicianwhohadevertriedtokeephissecretsfromothermages.Hisprotectionshassimplybeenmoreeffectivethanmost.

Withjustaninstant’swarningMaxhadmanagedtoshieldhimselfagainstthebruntoftheattack,yetstillithadoverwhelmedhisdefences.Heknewheneededtimenow,tocheckfordamage,toseeifhismindhadbeentainted,ifhismemorieswerewhole,ifhisskill…

Instinctivelyhereachedouttograspthewindsofmagic.Powerflowed.Hegraspedatitsflowsandwovethemintoaprobe;then,realisinghowweakhestillwas,hereleasedthepower.Atleasthecouldstillworkmagic,hethought.Hisskillswerestillintact.

HerealisedthatFelixwasgawkingathimandhishandwasonhissword.“Whatisit?”“Youreyesstarted toglowandyousatdirectlyup.Fromthe lookonyour face I thoughtyou

mightattackme.”“No.Iwasjusttestingtoseeif…ifIwasstillcapableofworkingmagic.”Felixnodded,althoughitwasplainfromhisexpressionthathestilldidnotunderstand.“What

hasNagashgottodowiththeEyeofKhemri?”“Hemadeit.Hemadeitalongtimeago,andwithaspecificpurpose.Imanagedtodivineatleast

thatmuchbeforethetrapwassprung.”“Whatdoesitdo?”Maxthoughtaboutit.HewassurethathehadknownthepurposeoftheEye,butitwasburiedin

hismindnowunderneaththecascadeofhorrificdreamsandvisions.Giventime,hewouldbeabletoputitallbacktogether.Giventimehewouldremember.Atleasthehopedhewould.

“Idon’tknowyet.”“Yet?”MaxdidnotfeellikeexplainingthewholesituationtoFelixatthatmoment.“Thingsarestilla

littleconfusedinmymind.Itwillcomeback.”Anotherthoughtstruckhim.“Where’sUlrika?”Felix’s reaction surprisedhim. Ifhehadblasted theyoungmanwithmagichecouldnothave

lookedmore pained. Suddenly it occurred to him that theremight have been a reason for Felix’sdrinking, and his slow, hesitant tone of voice. “She’s not dead, is she? What happened? WhathappenedinAndriev’smansion?”

Felix toldhim.Max listened.Whathehearddidnotmakehimhappy.WhenFelix finished,heglancedaround.“Wherearemyrobes?Imustbeupandabout.Wemustfindher.”

Felixgavehiman ironicgrin. “How?Gotrekand Ihavewalkedour feetoff looking forher.We’ve wandered all over the city, checked every graveyard, and followed every rumour of amagician’spresence.Nothing.IvanPetrovichhashadhismensweeptheareaaroundthecity.Nothing.ThedukehasgivenKriegerandUlrika’sdescriptiontoeverygateguard.Guesswhat?Nothing.”

Maxdidnot likeFelix’s toneorhisappearance.“Soafter thatyou took to investigatingeverytavernandthebottomofeverybeerglasstoseeifyoucouldfindherthere?”heaskednastily.

Felix’sfingerswhitenedonthehiltofhisswordthenaguiltyexpressionplayedoverhisface.“Icould think of nothingmore to do. I tried everything I could think of and nothingworked. I washopingthatyouwouldbeabletodosomething,whenyourecovered.ThatiswhyIwaswaitinghere.”

HesoundedsoobviouslydistressedthatMaxtookpityonhim.“Youdidtheright thingthen.Icanfindher.AtleastIhopeIcan.”

“How?Magic?”

“Yes.”“Thenyouarebetteratthisthanhalfthedivinersinthecity.”“Ihaveanadvantageoverthem.”“Whatisthat?”“Icasta spellof locationon the talismanbefore Ibegan investigating it.Withany luck it still

holdsandIcantrackitdown.”“Soyoucanfindtheamulet.Thatdoesn’tmeanyoucanfindher.”“Don’tbeobtuse,Felix.Kriegerwenttoalotoftroubletoget thething.Idoubthewouldjust

flingitaway.Particularlynotifit’saspowerfulasIbelieveitis.Nodarkmagicianwoulddoanythingotherthankeepitandtryanduseit.IfIcanfindthetalisman,Icanfindhim,andifIcanfindhim,wecanfindUlrika.”

“Ifshe’sstillalive.Ifhehasn’tofferedherupasasacrificetosomedarkgod.If…”MaxcutFelixoffwithagestureofhishandsalthoughhiswordshadalmoststoppedhisheart

withfear.Ulrikamustbealive.Shecouldnotbedead.Maxlovedherandhewouldnotallowittobeso.Realistically,therewaseverychancethatFelix’ssuspicionswerecorrectbuthewouldnotallowhimselftoconsiderthepossibility.

“Pullyourselftogether,man.Ifwefindhimandshe’salive,wewillfreeher.Ifshe’sdead…”Hismouthwentdryjustsayingthewords,andhefeltlikehistonguewouldnotmove.Heforcedhimselftogoon.“Ifshe’sdead,IwillhavevengeanceonKriegerandallwhomightfollowhim.”

Felixstraightened,andthewildglintinhiseyedieddownslightly.Heletgoofhisswordandranhishandacrosshischinasifrealisingforthefirsttimehowunkempthisstubblehadbecome.

“Howsooncanyoustart?”heasked.“AssoonasIamoutofthisbed.AndFelix…”“What?”“Getsomerest.Youlooklikehell.”

“Areyousurethiswillwork?”askedIvanPetrovichStraghovforthehundredthtime.Maxsighedwithexasperationandglancedbackat thewallsof thecity.Felixcouldtellhewas

stillexhausted.Hewaskeepinghimselfgoingbysheerforceofwill,andthemarchboyar ’sconstantbadgeringwaswearinghimout.

“Ifyoudonottrustinmymagicyouarewelcometotakeyourmenandrideoffinanydirectionyouplease,”saidthewizard.Histonemadeitclearhewasattheendofhispatience.Foramoment,theoldmanlookedasifhemightjustdothat.Worryabouthisdaughterwasmakinghimevenlessrestrainedthanusual,andhehadnotbeenapatientmantobeginwith.

“IamsureMaxismorethancapableoffindingyourdaughter,”saidFelixdiplomatically.Felixwanted the oldman and the twenty riders he had brought with him. Riding throughKislev in thedepthsofwinterwasbadat thebestof times.Now,with theChaoshordeon themove, andmaybeskaveninthearea,itcouldbedownrightsuicidal.ThismightwellsuitGotrekandSnorributFelixhadeveryintentionoflivingtosetUlrikafree,andtwentyhardenedveteransofthenorthernmarchesalongwiththeirstoutleadergreatlyincreasedtheoddsofthis.

Ivanstoodforamoment,thenslappedMaxsoheartilyonthebackthathestartedacoughingfit.“Ididnotmeantoinsultyou,Max,myfriend,it’sjust…”

Max lookedwretched but he gave the boyar awan smile, and said, “I understand.We are allworriedabouthertoo.”

Felixlookedattheirsmallcaravan.Eachoftheridershadbroughttwoextraponies.Therewerethreesleds,forthesupplies,forMaxandforthedwarfs.Allofthesledswerepiledhighwithfoodandgrain.Felixhopedthatitwouldbeenough.Notforthefirsttimehewishedhehadknownwhenor

ifMalakaiMakaissonwouldreturnwiththeSpiritofGrungni.Therehadbeennowordofthegreatairshipfordaysand theycouldwaitno longer.TheSlayerengineerhadmutteredsomethingaboutrefittingattheIronTowerwhenlasthehadseenhim.Ifonlyhewereherenow,theirmissionwouldhavebeensomuchsimpler.

GotrekandSnorrieyedtheponieswarily.Bothdwarfswereoftheopinionthathorseswereonlygoodforeatingbuteventheycouldseethepointoftakingsledgesinthisweather.Felixonlyhopedthebeastscouldendurethecoldbetterthanhewasdoing.Eventhroughtwolayersofclothingandthethickest cloakandgloveshecould findhewas freezing.Hewishedhewereback inside theWhiteBoarwarminghishandsbythefireandgluggingdownhotspicedwine.Theillnessthathadplaguedhimforweekshadreturnedduringhisdrinkingspree,andneither thepriestesses’herbsnorMax’sspellsseemedtobeofmuchhelp.Hejusthopedthingsdidnotgetanyworse.

“Time to go,” said Gotrek, clambering onto the sled behind Felix and giving the ponies athreatening look. If theanimalswerecapableof readingmurderousglares theywouldhaveknownthattheyhadbetterbehavethemselves.SnorriclamberedupbesideMax.Ivanhimselftookthereinsof the thirdsledge.Theridersspreadout in formation.Apairofscoutsmovedahead,another twopairswatchedtheflanks,andarearguarddroppedbacktowatchtheirtail.Therestrodealonginadoublelineaheadofthem.

Snowcrunchedbeneathhoovesandhissedbeneathrunners.ThesledgejerkedforwardasFelixtugged the reins. They were off. Behind him the golden-domed towers of Praag receded into thedistance.Maxclosedhis eyesand invoked the finding spelloncemore.Flowsofmagic swept intohimandreinforcedthelong,thincordsthattiedhimtotheEyeofKhemri.Itwasasifalongincrediblyfinecableboundhim to the talisman.Hecouldnot tell exactlyhow long,butheknew thedistancewasgreat,andthatthedirectiontheyhadtogoinwassouth-west.

Hopefully, as theygot closer, hewouldbe able todivinemore, but at themoment thiswouldhave tobeenough.Hewas lucky the tenuous linkheldatalloversogreatadistance.Hell,hewasluckytostillbealive,afterhisencounterwiththetrapsleftbytheGreatNecromancer.

Maxhad spent a great deal of time over the past fewdayswondering about that.Hewas stillcapableofinvokingthepower.Hisskillsandmemoriesseemedtobemoreorlessintact.Hecoulddiscovernotaintonhissoulleftbythatoverwhelmingtideofdarkmagic.Initselfthatmeantnothing.Anyspellcapableofcorruptinghisthoughtswouldalsobeabletopreventhimfromseeingit.Maxknewthatitwouldtakeamageofincrediblepowerandskilltobeabletodothat.Untilafewdaysagohewouldnothavebelieveditwaspossible.Nowheknewitwas.JustfromtheweavingleftontheEyeofKhemri,MaxknewNagashwouldhavebeencapableofsuchathing.Theman,orwhateverhehadbecome,hadbeenabeingofalmostgod-likepower.

Howwasthatpossible,Maxwondered?Howcouldanymagehavebeensopowerful?Perhapsmagicalenergyhadbeenmoreabundantwhentheworldwasyoung.Perhapshehadlivedinatimewhenthetidesofdarkmagicalenergyhadrisentopeaksundreamedofinmoderntimes.Perhapsthatwas what was happening now, as the ChaosWastes expanded and the armies of the Dark Powersmarchedsouth.

OrperhapstheGreatNecromancerhadsimplybeenbornwithpowersfarbeyondthoseofanymodernmagician.Itwaspossible.Allsorcerersvariedinpowerandpotential.Maxhadknownmentwicehisageandexperiencethatdidnothaveatenthofhiscurrentstrength.Hehadseenapprenticeswhohehadthoughtwithpracticecouldbecomestrongerthanhe.Atleast,hehadbelievedthatatthetime.

HisencounterwiththedefencesNagashhadlaidontheEyeofKhemrihadlefthimfilledwith

doubt.Inallhislifehehadneverencounteredtheworkofamagiciansomuchsuperiortohim.ThemageswhohadcastthespellsfortheChaoshordeduringthesiegehadbeenstrongerthanhe,butatleasthehadunderstoodwhattheyweredoing.Andhehadknownthattheirpowercameinpartfromthehugetorrentofdarkmagictheyweretappinginto.Thatskavengreyseerhadbeenmorepowerfulbecausehehadusedwarpstonetoenhancehisstrength,andMaxdoubtedthathehadtrulybeenthatmuchstrongerorbetterwhenitcametoworkingmagic.

ButNagashwassomethingelseentirely.Maxhadneverencounteredspellcraftassophisticatedas that laid on the amulet before, nor natural strength so great it could leave a resonance downthroughthreemillennia.WhenhehaddiscoveredthedefensivespellontheEyehehadencounteredtheworkofabeingasfarbeyondhimashewasbeyondmostordinarypeoplewhenitcametomagic.Heknew thatnomatterhowhardhe struggled to learnorhowmuchpowerheacquiredhewouldneverbeamatchforthatbeing.

What had happened to him had been more than the hideous visions and nightmares. It wascorrosivetohisself-esteem,damagingtohisconfidence,andMaxknewthatforamagethatcouldbefatal.Somuchof spellcastingwasdependentonsheerwillpower,andanything thatweakenedyourwilldiminishedyourability.Ifyousufferedalapsewhenweavingadangerousspell, itmighthavedeadlyresults.Maxhadheardofithappening.Theoutcomehadnotbeenpleasanteitherforthemageorforthepeoplearoundhim.Heknewthathecouldaffordnosuchlapsesatthemoment.NotwithUlrika’slifeatstake.

Hewondered ifhis feelingsof inferioritywere in somewayaproductof thedefenceson thetalisman. It would be a very subtle way of destroying an enemy magician, to undermine hisconfidenceinthisway.HedoubtedthatNagashwouldhaveneedofsuchsubtlety,althoughdoubtlesshewouldhavebeencapableofit.Whyhadheconcealedthepowerwithinthetalisman?Whyhadheprotecteditwithsuchdefences?

Maxcouldatleastanswerthelatter.Hehadbroodedonitlongenough.AmagicianaspowerfulasNagashwouldhavehadmanyadversaries,anditwouldhavebeenonlycommonsensetoshieldhisworkagainstfallingintothehandsofhisenemies.Thethoughtofenemiesbroughtanotherimageoutof thewhirling chaos of nightmares and visions into hismind.He saw those pale blood-drinkingnoblesagain,andknewthat the talismanwassomething todowith them—butwhat?Allhecouldhopeforwasthatsoontheturmoilinhismindwouldsettleandhewouldbeabletomakesenseoutofthe mad whirl of strange thoughts the talisman had left there. He told himself that Ulrika’s lifedependedonit.Andjustasimportantly,hisownlifedependedonittoo,inmorewaysthanone.HeneededtoknowwhattheywouldfacewhentheyfinallyovertookAdolphusKrieger.Andheneededtostartrebuildinghisownself-confidence.

Think,hetoldhimself.Lookonthebrightside.Learnwhatyoucanfromthisexperienceanduseittomakeyourselfabetterman,andabettermagician.Youhavealwaysknownthatthereweremorepowerfulmagesthanyou.Itinnowaydiminishesyouraccomplishments.Youhavedonethebestyoucanwiththegiftsyouhavebeengiven.

Yousurvivedwhathappened,andyouhavenotbeenbrokenbyit.You’velearnedthings.Grantedyoucouldhave livedwithout learningsomeof those thingsbut ithappened.Howmanypeoplecansay theyhave haddirect insight into themindof theGreatNecromancer?Howmanypeople havesurvivedbeingcrushedbyoneofhisspells?

Slowly,a littleata time,Maxwrestledwithhisself-doubt.Heknewthat findinghimselfagainwouldbealongslowprocessbutatleasthehadmadeastart.Heonlyhopedhewouldbereadytoface this dark magician when the time came. As his thoughts raced another, more frighteningpossibility,enteredhismind.

Hehadtriggeredthetraphimself,hadtakenthefullbruntofitsenergies.Wouldthespellresetitself?OrwouldKriegerfindthewayopentoeasilyattunetheamulet?AnotherthoughtstruckMax.The defences on the amulet had not been triggered until after he had tried to analyse its structure.Perhaps the amuletwas intended tobeused: perhaps it had some sinister, secret purpose theGreatNecromancerwantedhidden.Foramoment,Maxcouldalmostfeel thatvastskeletalhandreachingoutacrosstheagestotugatthedestiniesofmortals.

Heshivered,andwonderedwhetherornottheywouldbedoingAdolphusKriegerafavourbykillinghim.IvanPetrovichStraghovclutchedthereinsofthesledthroughhandsmadeclumsybythethickfur-lined gloves he wore. Snowflakes fell, muffling the stamp of ponies’ hooves and the jingle ofharnesses.Thewindbitathisskin.Allaroundthickpineforestsloomedovertheroad.Behindhimhecouldheartheothersledgesmovingoverthesnow.

Hecursed theweather.Hecursed themanwhohadkidnappedhisdaughterbutmostof all hecursedhimself.Hehadnotbeentherewhenhisdaughterneededhim.Hehadbeenindulginghimselfat theduke’sbanquetwhen shewasbeingborneoffby somecrazedmagician.Hehad spoiledhershamelesslysincetheearlydeathofherbelovedmother,letherdomostanythingshewanted,evenrunafterthatyoungoutlanderFelixJaeger,whensheshouldhavebeensafeathome.

Onlytherewasnohome,notnow.Hismansionhadbeenallbutdestroyedbyaskavenassaultmonths ago, and doubtless anything left had been reduced to rubble by the oncoming hordes ofChaos.Allofhisvaguehopesforaquietoldage,surroundedbygrandchildren,hadgonenow.Hefelt strangely restless and rootless. The previous month of guerrilla warfare and riding with themusterhadmadehimrealisethathewasnotayoungmananymore.Hewasafatoldman,usedtohiscreaturecomfortsandgrownsoftwithgoodliving.Ithadtakenanenormouseffortofwilltokeepupwiththeyoungermeninhistroopandnottoshowhisfatigueanddespair.Itwastakinganevenmoreenormouseffortnottogiveintoitnow.

He tried tellinghimself that shewas abrave and resourcefulyoungwoman, aswell schooledwithweaponsas anywarrior inhisband. Itmadenodifference.Hecouldonlyhopeandpray thatUlrikawasstillalive,andnotsacrificedtosomedarkgod.HecouldonlyhopethatMaxSchreiberknewwhathewasdoing.Hedroveon,guiltandworryeatingathisheart,histhoughtsasbleakastheweatherandthedesolatesurroundings.AdolphusKrieger lookedaround the insideof thecoach. Itwascomfortable.Theseatswereplushleather; therewas plenty of room for himself and the girl. It had been built forOsrik by the bestcoachwright in Kislev and the quality showed. It was a rich man’s toy. A luxury coach built onrunners.Perhapsinacountrywherethewinterscouldlastsixmonths,andwheresnowcoveredthegroundformostofthattime,owningitmadeasmuchsenseasowningacoach.Inanycase,whateverthereason,hewasgladOsrikhadindulgedhimself.

Thegirlgavehimasullenlook.Shelookedpale,drawnanddefiant.Shedidnotunderstandwhatwas happening to her. Few mortals did understand the effects of the dark kiss. She was fightingagainstit.Thatwasallright,Adolphusthought.Hewouldenjoybreakingherwill.Hesmiledather,notshowinghisteeth.

“Admitit,”hesaidsilkily.“Youenjoyedit.LastnightyoubaredyourneckbeforeIevenasked.”That was not quite true but it was close enough. She had not fought very hard when he had

embraced her. He knew the pleasure that most mortals took from being tapped. It was an ecstasyunlikeanyother.Onceaddictedtoit,theywoulddoanythingtoexperienceitagain,evenifitkilledthem.Asitoftendid.

Thegirlglaredathim,unwillingtoadmitthattherewaseventheslightestgrainoftruthinwhat

hehadsaid,unabletoacknowledgeeventoherselfthattheremightbe.Andyet,heknewtherewas.Slowly thatknowledgewouldbecomeundeniable.Slowly itwouldovercomeher fears, revulsions,anddenials. Just theelementofdoubt itcreatedwouldundermineher resistanceasshe learnedshecould no longer trust her own judgement, her old sense ofmorality.He had seen it happenmanytimesbeforeoverthecenturies.Oncebegun,theprocesswasinevitableunlesshechosetostopit.

Heflippedopenhisbook,anoldtatteredvellumcopyoftheProphesiesofNospheratus,boundinmanskinleather.ItfellopenatthesectionconcerningtheportentsoftheAgeofBlood.Sureenough,thesignswereallthere.Thearmiesofbeastswereonthemarch.Thehungrymoonwasdevouringthe sky. The cities of men burned. And now the Pale Prince had recovered the Eye of the GreatUndying. Itwashere,burningonhis throat.Hecouldfeel thesubtlepowerof the thing.Outof thecornerofhiseye,hecaughtsightofsuddenmovement.

Swiftasasnakethegirlwentforherdagger.Hesmiled.Hehadexpectedherto.Itwasoneofthereasonshehadletherkeeptheweapon.Shewasveryfast.Thedaggerwouldhavebeeninamortal’sheartbeforehecouldevenhave reacted.Adolphuswasnomortal though.Hecaughtherwrist andalmostgentlyforcedherhandback.Thepressurewasnolessirresistiblebecauseofthegentleness.Withinmoments,hehadforcedtheweaponbackintoitssheath.Heletthebookfallontohisknees.

“Temper,temper,mysweet,”hesaidmockingly,andcaughtherwristagainassheattemptedtoslaphim.Shewouldhavetolearnthatshewashelplesshere;thattherewasnothingshecoulddotostophim.First,shewouldlearnthatphysically,andtheninevitablyshewouldlearnitinherheartandsoultoo.

“Bloodsucker,”shesaidspitefullyandturnedandglaredoutthewindow.Adolphuscouldseethetwosmallpuncturesinherneck.Hefoundthesightstrangelyarousingandfelttheurgetosampleherbloodoncemore.Heforced theurgedownalthough itwasdifficult—therewassomething in thegirl’s blood that gave him great pleasure. Perhaps that was why he spent so many waking hoursworkingonher,subtlyquestioningherabouthercompanions.Hewaspleasedthathehadmanagedtoresisttemptation.ThemoreleaguestheyputbetweenthemandPraagthelessthebeastwithintroubledhim.Orperhapsitwasthedistancetheyputbetweenthemselvesandthenorth.Inanycase,itdidnotmatter;whatwasimportantwasthathisself-controlwasreturning.

“Iam,”hesaid,allowingsomeofhispridetoshowinhisvoice,“andit’snobadthingtobe.Ihavelivedforcenturies,andIhaveseenwondersbeyondyourabilitytoimagine.”

“Youboughtthosecenturieswiththebloodofinnocents.”Helaughed.“Mostgavethemselvestomewillinglyenough,asyouwillsoon.”“Never,”shesaid,andsoundedlikeshemeantit.“Iwouldratherdiefirst.”“Oh,don’tbesomelodramatic.Youhavenoideaofwhatyouspeak.Youarealongtimeinthe

grave, after all.Why rush to get there?Why hurry to let the worms eat those beautiful eyes, ormaggotscrawlthroughthosefullandlovelylips?”

Foramomenttherewasnoanswer,thenshespoke:“Whatdoyouknowofdeath?Oftruedeath?Ofeternalrest?Youareawalkingcorpsekeptalivebythebloodoftheliving.”

So she was going to be difficult after all. Good. The struggle always made things moreinteresting.Breakingherwouldgivehimsomethingtodo,untilhegottothekeepandcouldattunethetalismantohiswill.“IknowenoughtorealisethatIwouldprefernottoexperienceit.”

“Thatisnotananswer.”“Whatwouldyouhavemesay?IamnotapriesttospeakknowledgeablyofthingsIhavenever

seen,nortalkofrealmsIhaveneverbeen.Itellnolies.”Adolphus suspected he had gotten her attention now. He sounded sincere, and while he was

perfectlycapableofcounterfeitingsinceritywhenhewantedto,hewasnotdoingsointhisinstance.

Therewasnoneedto.Hemerelyaddressedhimselftothedoubtsandfearsthatallmortalsfelt,thathehimselfhadfeltwhenhestillbreathed,andwhichhestillfeltevenoccasionallynow.

“Youaresayingthepriestslie?ThattheBookofMorrisnottrue?Thatthewordsofthegodsarelies?”

Hereachedoutandgrabbedherby thechin,gentlybut inexorably turningherheadso thathecouldlookintohereyes.“Haveyoueverspokentoagod,prettyone?”

“Ihaveprayed.”“Andhasthegodeverspokenbacktoyou?”“Myprayershavebeenanswered.”“Idonotmeandidyougetwhatyouaskedfor,orsomethingyouthoughtyouhadaskedfor.I

meant:hasagodeverspokentoyoudirectly?”Hesawshewasbreathinghardernow.Hergazemethischallengingly.

“No.Ofcoursenot.”“Yetyouarewillingtotakethepriest’swordsforwhattheyclaimtobetrue.Youarewillingto

believeinentitiesyouhaveneverseen.”“IhaveneverseenAltdorfbutIknowit’sthere.”“YoucouldgotoAltdorfifyouwished,butcouldyouspeakwithyourpriest’sgods?”“Therehavebeenmiracles,workedbypriestsinthenameoftheirgods.”“Webothbelieveinmagic.Ibelieveyouknowawizard.Iamsurehecouldduplicatetheeffects

ofmostofthosemiracles.Whoistosaythatthepriestsarenotsimplymagiciansthemselves?”Silence.Heletitdrawoutandsmiledathermockingly.Shedidnotflinchbutglaredathim.He

decidedtosurpriseher.“Idobelievethatgodsexist.Ihaveseenenoughevidencetoknowit.Ijustdonotbelievetheyarewhattheprieststellyou.”

“Youhaveseenevidence?”“Sohaveyouifyouthinkaboutit.OnlyafoolcouldhavelookedontheChaoshordeanddeny

theLordsofChaosexist.”“Whataboutourgods?””Yourgods,youmean?”“Ifyouwouldhaveitso.”“IbelievethatsomethingexistsbutIdonotthinktheyarewhatmortalsbelievetheyare.”Sherefusedtobedrawnsohecontinued.“Ithinkthegodsarebeingsasmuchbeyondordinary

mortalsasmortalsarebeyonddogs.Whenadoglooksatyou,doyouthinkheunderstandswhatgoesoninyourmind?”

“Myolddogdid.”“Couldheunderstandpoetry?”“Idon’tseewhatthathastodowithit.”“Imean there are things that you can understand and think about that no dog ever could, no

matterhowwellheunderstoodyouremotionsormoods.Ithinkyourgodsarecreatureslikethat.Ithinktheylookdownonyoumortalsandareamused.Afterall,theyhavetheperspectiveofaeonsandknowledgethatfarsurpassesyours.”

“Ithinkyouareprojectinghowyouseeyourselfontothegods.IthinkyounomoreunderstandthemthanyouclaimIdo.”

Adolphus looked at her, surprised at how perceptive the point was. Obviously the girl wasintelligent.Excellent,shewouldprovidestimulatingcompanyonthisratherdulltrip.HehadbecomeratherboredwiththecompanyofOsrikandtherestofthecoven.Fawningrespectanddevotiongrew

aswearisomeasanythingelsewhenoverindulgedin.Anythingelseexceptblood.NowthattheimmediatethreatwaspasthefoundherathermissedtheprospectoftheSlayerand

hiscompanionsshowingup.Ithadaddedatouchofexcitementtotheproceedings.Still,theselandsweresaidtobedangerous.Hewasfairlysurethatsomethinginterestingwouldturnupbeforethetripwasover.“AtleastweareheadingbacktowardstheEmpire,”saidFelix,squintingintothesnowfall.Thecoldwindmadehiseyeswater,andtheliquidwasfreezingonhischeeks.HewasgladhehadinvestedinanextrapairofglovesbeforetheyleftPraag.Eventhroughthethicknessofbothpairshethoughthishandsmightfreezetothereins.Allofitincreasedthemiserybroughtonbyhisillness.PerhapsgoingoutdrinkingallofthosenightsbackinPraaghadnotbeensuchagoodidea.Hehadneverrecoveredproperly.

Gotreksaidnothing,merelyglaredoutintothesnowasifitwereapersonalenemy.Hisfacewassetinthegrimexpressionthatdwarfsalwaysworewhenforcedtoendurehardship.Underneathithesuspected theSlayerwasquite enjoyinghimself.Dwarfs seemed todelight inundergoingphysicaltravails.ItwasoneoftheirleastappealingcharacteristicsasfarasFelixwasconcerned.Hardshipwassomethinghecouldcheerfullylivewithout.

Aheadofthem,MaxandSnorriwerebarelyvisible,andtheriderswerebutdimshadowsinthesnowfall.Felixwonderedhowthescoutswouldeverfindtheirwaybackthroughthisgrimweatherbut somehow theydid.He supposed theywereused toweather like this coming from thewildsofNorthernKislev.TheyhadsneeredatFelix’sclaimsconcerninghowcolditwas,sayingthatthiswaslikespringcomparedtotheweatherbackhome.Felixwasunsurewhethertheywerekiddinghimornot.Hesuspectedtheywerenot.

Certainly, theyhadshownanuncannyaptitudeforfindingandbuildingshelter.LastnightIvanPetrovichhadevenshowedthemhowtobuildalittlecircularhousefromsnowandice.Ithadprovensurprisinglywarmonce theywere inside,certainlymorecomfortableand lessdrafty than the tentshadbeen.

Theirprogresswas slow though.Movingacross thispartofKislevaswinter ’sgrip tightenedwasanightmare.HaditnotbeenforhisconcernoverUlrika,Felixwouldhavebeggedthemtoturnback.Hewasfedupwiththeunendingchill,thebitingwindandthedistanthowlingofwolves.Theyremindedhimonly toowellofhisencounterwith theArisenofUlricunder similarcircumstancesbackintheEmpire.Threedaysofthiswasmorethanenoughforonelifetime.Heknewthoughthathewouldhave toenduremuchmore.According toMax therewasat leastahundred leaguesbetweenthemandthetalisman,andithadnotstoppedmoving.

Therewere timesmoving through thesewhitewasteswhenFelix felt thesheer futilityofwhatthey were doing. It was a kind of madness to chase after a magician with such a long head startthroughthisdismalchillinglandscape,inthefainthopethattheymightfindUlrikaalive.

Atleast thatwaswhatheandMaxweredoing.HewascertainthatGotrekandSnorriandIvanwouldfollowthisKriegertotheendsoftheearthnow,forvengeanceifshewaskilledor,inthecaseoftheSlayers,simplytofulfiltheoathstheyhadsworn.

There were a few small mercies to thank Sigmar for. So far they had not encountered anybeastmenorChaoswarriors.Fromtheairshipthelandscapeseemedtohavebeenteemingwiththem,butonthegroundthingsweredifferent.ThespeedoftheSpiritofGrungnihadbeendeceptive.Ontheground,youcametorealisejusthowvastandemptyalandKislevwas,andquitehowmuchdistancereallyseparatedthevariousforces.

Hewonderedwhatwasgoing to happen afterwards, if theydidoverhaulKrieger and reclaimUlrika.Thedangerwasnotpast.ThewinterhadmerelysloweddownthegreatChaosinvasionand

preventedalmostanymovementatallonthehumanside.Oncethespringcame,itwouldbetotalwaronascaletheworldhadnotseenfortwocenturies.Maybetryingtosaveasinglewomaninthemidstofallthiswasfutile.Perhapstheywouldallbedeadsoonanyway.AtPraagtheyhadsucceededonlyin slowing down and defeating one small part of an immense army. The forces ofChaos seemedlimitless, and their daemonicmastersdidnot carehowmany lives they expended in thepursuit oftheirgoals.Inthefaceofsuchopposition,itsometimesseemedinevitabletoFelixthattheywouldbedefeated,andtheworldwouldendinfireandruin.

Butwhatcouldhedo?Onlywhathesawbest.Andtotellthetruthhewouldnotmindalittlefirerightnow,evenifhecouldlivewithouttheruin.Poorasthejokewas,itcheeredhimupalittle,forafewminutesuntilthecoldstartedtosinkintohisbonesagainandhishackingcoughreturned.

It had been a village until quite recently. Now, the few stone buildings were soot-blackenedrubble.Thewoodenpalisadehadleftafewcharredstumpsrisingabovethesnow.Theevidenceofhumanhabitationhadbeenburiedbeneaththedrifts,alongwithmostofthecorpses.Felixfeltguilty,asifsomehowhisthoughtsofafewminutesagohadbroughtthisintobeing.Don’tberidiculous,hetoldhimself, this placewasdestroyeddays ago.Still, the feeling stayedwithhimandadded tohisgloom.

“Look at this,” saidMarek, the tracker.He brandished something long andwhite andmottledwithbrown.FelixjoinedGotrekashestampedover.IvanPetrovichwasalreadythere.Flakesofsnowdrifted down from the sky.All around the rolling plainwas silent save for the eerie sweep of thewind.

“Whatisit?”Felixasked.“Humanbone,”saidGotrek,glancingatthethinginMarek’shand.“Athighbone,”saidMarek.Hehadalongthinthoughtfulface,andherarelyspokemorethanhe

hadto.“Partofone,atleast.Brokenformarrow.”“Wolves?” asked Felix hopefully. As soon as the words had left Marek’s lips other, more

horriblepossibilitieshadenteredhismind,buthedidnotwanttobetheonetovoicethem.Wolvesdidnotattackfortifiedvillagesandburnthemtotheground.

“Nah,thiswassplitlengthways,andthebreak’snotmadebywolfteeth.Menorthingslikemendidthis.”

“Beastmanwork,” boomed Ivan Petrovich. “I’ve seen enough like it up along themarches torecogniseit.”

“Theymust have got hungry and stopped for a snack on their longmarch,” saidGotrek.Hisscowlwasferocious.Heloathedbeastmen.

Maxcameover and joined them.Hemoved slowlyas if still husbandinghis strength.Ahugebearskinrobecoveredhisthickwoollenrobes.Hisglovedhandsclutchedhisstaff.

“Doyou thinkUlrika andKriegermight have been herewhen the attack came?”Felix asked,voicingaquestionthatwasinalltheirminds.

Maxshookhishead.“Thetalismanisstillonthemove.”“Thebeastmenmighthaveit,”saidFelixsourly.Maxglancedathimcoldly.“There isnoresidueofmagicabout thisplace.If itwereattacked,

Kriegerwouldsurelyhavesummonedthedark todefendhimself. IfhehadIwouldknow.Idonotthinkhewasherewhenthishappened.”HesoundedsocertainthatFelixletthematterdrop.Perhapshejustdidnotwanttoacknowledgeanyotherpossibility.

“Doyouthinkthebeastmenarestillabout?”Felixasked,castinganervousglanceaboutthem.“No.Thisistwodaysold.They’relonggone,”saidMarek.“Pity,”mutteredGotrekrunninghisthumbalongthebladeofhisaxetilladropofbrightblood

wasdrawn.“Donotfear,GotrekGurnisson.Therewillbeplentyofworkforyouraxebeforewe’redone.

Allthehordesofhellareonthemovethiswinter.”“Bringthemon,”saidGotrek,gazingbleaklyoutintothewoods.“Someexercisewillhelpward

offthechill.”Fromoutofnightanddistance,Adolphusheardthehowls:wolves,bayinginpursuitofprey.Hislittlecaravanwastheprey.Normally,thebeastswouldnothavegiventhemtheslightesttrouble,buttherewereother voicesmingledwith thoseof thewolves: goblins,wolf riders.Thegreenskinsmust bedesperate, he thought, to come so far into the lands of men this winter. No doubt they had beendisplacedfromtheirhomelandsbythesouthwarddriftoftheChaoshorde.Notjustmenwererunningbefore it like deer before the beaters.Well, let them come on; theywould soon learn the folly ofattackinghim.

Ulrika’sbloodfilledhimwithitssweetness.Itleftawarmglowinhimlikefinewineoncehad.HehadheardthatsomeoftheArisendrankdownthememoriesandemotionsofthosetheytappedbuthehadneverexperiencedanythinglikethathimselfuntilnow.Itseemedsomeofthegirl’sfirehadfounditswayfromherveinsintohis.Itwasanoddfeelingbutnotunpleasant.Thegirlherself layasleepanddrainedon the leather seat, a satiated smileonher face.Adolphusknew that look fromothertimesandotherfeedings;shewouldbeasleepforhours.Hecouldsensesomeofheremotionsnow.Thebloodbondbetweenthemwasgrowing.

Thesledgeshudderedtoahalt.TherewasataponthewindowandRoche’suglyfaceappeared,aspockmarkedasthefaceofthegreatermoon.“Itseemswearepursued,master,”hesaidascalmlyasiftherehadnotbeenhalfahundredhungrygreenskinsontheirtrail.“Doyouwishmetodriveortelltheotherstomakereadytofight?”

“Idonotbelievetherewillbeanyneedforafight,Roche,”saidAdolphus.“Idoubtthewolveswillattackus.Ihaveanunderstandingwiththeirkind.”

Heopenedthedoorandsteppeddownintothechillnightair.Hedidnotfeelthecoldthewayhehad once done, and he found thewind’s chill bite refreshing.All around them snowblanketed thetrees. He had always liked snow. It was the colour of bone, of blank paper. It spoke to him ofinnocenceandfreshstarts.Osrikandtheothernoblesgazedworriedlyathimfromthewindowsoftheirownsleds.Thesurvivingbodyguardslookedasiftheycouldnotdecidequitewhethertomakereadytofightortorun.Adolphusfavouredthemwithasmilethatheguessedtheywouldfindinnowayreassuring.“Don’tworry,mybravefriends,”hesaid.“Iwillprotectyou.”

He strode back along their trail, until he stood between the small circle of sleds and theironcomingpursuers.Heinspectedhisnailswhilehewaited.Therewasjustthefaintestofpinkflushesbeneaththemfromthebloodhehadjustdrank.

Thebayingwascomingcloser.Thesoundwaslonely,evencomingfromthethroatsofapack,anditspoketohim.DespitewhathehadsaidtoUlrikaaboutdogsandpoetry,hefeltthattherewasabondbetweenhimandthecreatures.Theybothunderstoodthelonelinessofthepredator.Heshookhishead.Suchthoughtshadnoplaceinhismindatatimelikethis.Itmustbethegirl’sblood,orthepresenceofthetalisman.

Suddenly the pack erupted from thewoods, snow fountaining behind them as they ran. Hugecreatures,largerthannormalwolvesbyfar,whitefurredforthewinter,redeyesburningwithfiercehunger.Theywerebeautifulcreatures,buttheirriderswerenot.

They were smaller thanmen, perhaps the size of a big ten year-old boy, green-skinned, andwrapped in the thickest of furs and clothes that looked like old chequered coloured rags. Theirmouthswere filledwithhuge,sharpsnaggly teeth.Theireyeswereyellowand thesizeofsaucers,

and Adolphus knew they could see in the dark almost as well as he. Their arms were long inproportion to theirbodies,perhapshalf as longagainashumanarms. In theirhugegnarledhandstheyclutchedspearsandbowsandscimitars.Adolphusstrodeconfidentlytowardsthem.

Thistookthemaback.Itwasnotwhattheywereexpecting.Oneofthegoblins,largerandmoreuglythantherest,raisedhispawandthelineofriderscametoaraggedhalt.Aridertookaimwithhisshortbowandloosedanarrow.Adolphussteppedtoonesideandletitpassbysothatitthunkedintothesideof thecoachbehindhim.Hedoubtedthat thestone-tippedarrowscouldharmhim,buttheywouldsmart,andAdolphuswasnomorefondofpainthananyoneelse.Theleaderturnedandglaredatthesmallergoblinwhohadshot.SensingAdolphus’approachandcatchinghisscentonthewind,thewolvesbegantosnarlandslinkalternately.Theleaderofthepack,amassivebeast,glaredathimwitheyesthatmatchedthegoblinchieftain’sforfury.

Adolphus stopped twenty paces away from the goblins. By now, he knew Roche would haveunlimberedhiscrossbowbehindhimandhavetakenabeadontheleader.Itwouldnotbenecessarybuthesupposeditgavehisservantsomethingtodo.Hedoubtedthatthebodyguardswouldbemuchuseifitcametoafightbuthedidnotcare.Heputhishandonthehiltofhisswordandsurveyedthewolfriderscontemptuously.Theyshifteduneasilyintheirsaddles,notsureofwhattheyweredealingwithnow,butknowingitwaswelloutsidetheambitoftheirusualexperience.

“GonowandIwillletyoulive.Stayandyouwillsurelydie,”Adolphustoldthemconfidently,eyeingtheleaderdirectly.Hefelttheconnectionastheireyesmetandthebattleofwillsbegan.Thegoblinwasfierce,stupid,ambitious,anddidnot likebeingbalked.Thecontestwasfarfrombeingone-sided.

Therestoftheridersbrandishedtheirweaponsandhowledchallengesandjeersintheircrudegutturaltongue.Hedoubtedverymuchwhethertheyunderstoodafractionofwhathehadsaid.Itwasjusttheirnaturetobehavethisway.Theleaderlookedathim,clearlyuncertainwhatwasgoingon.Hesensedthepresenceofmagic,anditunnervedhim.Andhisangerwasturningtofear.

“Killmagicman,”heshoutedthenbellowedordersinhisownspeech.Thewolvessnarled,andcrouchedtospring.Thegoblinscouchedtheirlances,andraisedtheirscimitars.Adolphusshrugged.Ithadbeenaslimhopebutithadbeenworthtrying.Nowhewouldhavetousehisalternativeplan.

Hisgazeflashedoverthewolves,andheletthemseethebeastthatdwelledwithinhim,letthemknow they were in the presence of a predator far more dangerous than they. The change wasimmediate.Thewolves’hacklesroseandtheycringedlikebeatencurs—theirtailsdroopedbetweentheirlegs,theirmouthshungopenandtheirtongueslolledout.Theirriders’battlecriesdroppedtofeebleprotestsofdismay.

Adolphusreachedforthedarkmagicalenergythatfilledthenightandprojectedhiswillontotheanimals. Perhaps it was his imagination but it seemed easier now that he had the Eye. He sensedmomentaryresistancefromtheanimalsbuthiswillwastoostrong.Inmoments,thebeastswerehistocommandandhedrovehisordersdirectlyintotheirminds.

Almostasonetheyrearedandbucked, throwingtheirridersfromthesaddleandpouncingonthemtoriptheirthroats.Ittooklongmomentsforthegoblinstogetovertheirsurpriseandrealisewhatwashappening.Bythattime,overhalfofthemweredead.

Theywerenotgoingtogodownwithoutafight.Someofthemmanagedtostayinthesaddle.Adolphus saw the chieftain reach forward and slash hismount’s throatwith a dagger.Wolf bloodcrimsoned the snow.Thechieftain rolledclearof the saddle andcame racingatAdolphus,daggerdrippingred.Adolphusalmostsmiledathisfoolishbravery.

He strode forward tomeet the creature,not evendrawinghis sword.Ashemet thegoblinhesidestepped and got his arm round his throat.With a single twist, he snapped the chieftain’s neck.

Vertebraeground.Somethingwetandstickyfloppeddownthegoblin’slegintothesnow.Heraisedthecorpseabovehisheadandtossedatanotherstrugglingrider.

Acrossbowboltflashedpasthimandtookanothergoblinthroughthethroat.Hecouldhearthebodyguardsbegintoadvancetowardsthemeleenowthatitappearedwon.Itwasalltoomuchforthegreenskins.Withinheartbeats the survivorshad turnedand fled,only tobe rundownby theirownmounts.Within aminute the snowwas awashwith yellowy-green blood, and all the goblinsweredead.

Adolphusgavethewolvespermissiontofeed.Theyfelltowithawill.Obviouslythewinterhadbeenhardandtheirformermastershadnotfedthemwell.Heturnedandstrolledbacktothecoach.Rochewatchedhimexpressionlessly.Hiscovengazedonhimwithexpressionssomewherebetweenworshipandterror.Fearblazedintheeyesofthebodyguardsastheypartedtolethimthrough.

“Whenwemoveon,”saidAdolphus,“Ibelievewewillhaveanescort.”“Verygood,master,”saidRoche.“Ishallwaitforyournewfollowerstofinishtheirrepast.”

“Idon’tlikethelookofthisatall,”saidMaxSchreiber.“Thesetracksareunnatural.”Felixfeltadeep-seatedunease.Thewoodswerethickanddarkallaroundthem,thetreesfrosted

withwhite flakes.Aheadof themthesnowhadbeenchurnedas ifa largenumberofmenorotherthingshadpassedthiswayquiterecently.Felixseriouslydoubtedthatanysaneorhonestmanwouldbeabroadinthisweatherwithoutsomeoverwhelminglyimportantreason.Asthecoldintensifiedandtheweatherbecamegrimmerandgrimmer,hehimselffoundthethoughtofgivingupbecomingevermoreappealing.

ItwasnotthathedidnotwanttosaveUlrika.Itwasjustthatthemoretimepassed,thelesschancethereseemedtobethatshewasstillalive.Swearingtoavengeherwasallverywell,butmenfrozentodeathinthesnow,orlosingtheirlimbstofrostbitewerenotverylikelytoavengeanyone.

Forthemoment,Felixwaskeepingthesethoughtstohimself.TheywerenotlikelytofindmuchfavourwiththeSlayers,MaxorUlrika’sfather.Thereweretimeswhentheydidnotfindmuchfavourwithhim.Theysometimeslefthimdisgustedwithhimself,butmoreandmoreoftenrecentlytheyhadbeencreepingintohismind.Heknewhewasill;thefluxhadreturnedwithavengeance.Hehopedhewasnotgoingtogodownwithpneumonia.

Hetriedtellinghimselfthatnoherointhestorieshehadreadasaboyevergaveupjustbecausehewascold,hungry,hadasplittingheadacheorthethoughtofeatinganothermouthfulofbeefjerkylefthimfeelingnauseous.Butasthedayshaddrawnout,hehadfounditwasjustthesethingsthatlefthimfeelingthemostdiscouraged.

ThethreatofviolenceFelixcoulddealwith.Whilehewasnotcompletelyenamouredwiththeideaoffacingphysicaldanger,heknewhehaddoneitinthepastandacquittedhimselfwell.Itwasthelittlethingsthatwereslowlybutsurelywearinghimdownandout:thewayhislipswerecracked,thewayhisbelly rumbled, theconstantpain inhis temples from the flu thatneverquitewentawaynomatterhowoftenMaxhealeditorgavehimherbalinfusions.Hewasjustfeelingstrungout,asifhisvitalitywerebeingleechedawaybythespiritsofthewinterwoods.SometimeshethoughtthatiftheydidovertakeKriegerhewouldbetoowearytofighthim.

HefoundthatittookaneffortofwilltoconjuretheimageofUlrikatohismindnow,toimagineherinperil.Itwasalarming.Youthoughtyoulovedher.No,youdidloveher,andyetnowyouareseriouslyconsideringabandoningher.Thiswasanotherareahehaddiscoveredwhere thingswerenotquitelikethestorybooks.Therealltheheroesdaredeverythingtorescuetheirlovedones.Theyblazedwithunquenchablepassionanduttercertainty.Theyneversufferedfromdoubtsorwonderedwhethertheyreallywereinloveatall.

Such feelings were all too common for him. Sometimes when he was hungry or tired or

hungoverorscared,hecouldeasilyforgetthathelovedher.Hecouldeasilyrememberallthetimesshehadhurthim,orsnubbedhimortoldhimhewasfoolish.Allthelittleresentmentsheharbouredcrowdedintohisbrainandclamouredforhisattention.DetlefSierckhadneverbotheredtomentionanyofthisinhisplays.Hewonderedifheweretheonlymanonthefaceoftheearthwhofeltlikethis.Somehowhedoubtedit.

Then,justwhenhethoughtallfeelingswereextinguished,theywouldreturnintheoddestways.HewouldfindhimselfrememberingthestrangeKislevitewayinwhichshestressedcertainsyllables,orthewaysheshookherheadbutsmiledwhenhesaidsomethingparticularlystupid.Hewasnotsurewhyhe found these things endearing,he justknew thathedid.Theywere someof the links in thechainthatstillsomehowboundhim,evenwhenhethoughttime,distanceandhungerhadcorrodedit.Hemightneverbereallycertainofhowhefeltabouther,butheknewthatas longasshe livedhewouldhavethechancetofindout.Ifshedied…

Justkeepmoving,hetoldhimself.Justkeepfollowingthistrail.JustkeepeatingthedisgustingKisleviteironrations.Justputupwiththecoldandtheachesandthegrumblingofthedwarfsandtheboasting of the Kislevites andMax’s constant worried expression. Just endure them. One way oranother,youwillgetthroughthis.Oneday,ifyouarelucky,youwilllookbackonthisandrememberitfondly,inthewayyoucanlookbackonhardshipsyouhaveenduredoncetheyaresafelylonginthepast.

Heknew the strange trickshismemory couldplaywould, if he lived, somehowedit this trialdownintoitshighlights.Hewouldrememberthecamaraderie,andtheshareddangerssurvived.Hewouldremember thesudden,surprisingwaybeautywouldspringonyouevenin thedepthsof thiswinterwilderness.Hewouldrememberenchantedvistasoffrozenforestgrovesglimpsedfromthecornerofhiseyeas theybumpedalong the trail.Hewouldrememberastartleddeerboundingoffinto the distance as it caught sight of them, its hindquarters flickering as it covered the ground inmightyleaps.Hewouldremembertheclear,cleanfrozenair, thesoundoftherunnerscleavingthesnow,andtheponieswhickeringtooneanotherasiftokeeptheirspiritsup.Hewouldremembertheoddfeelingof tranquillityas thehorse-soldierssang theirwinterhymnsaround thefires in the icehutstheycarvedforthemselveseachafternoon.

Without the immediate feelings of pain and nausea and worry and fear his memory wouldtranslatethisintoawonderfuladventure.

Itwouldallbealieofcourse,butitwouldbeaglamorousliefar,farbetterthantherealthing,and perhaps like all the other taletellers hewould pass on that lie andmake them think therewassomethingwonderfulaboutittoo.Andstrangestofall,heknewthathewouldbesincerewhenhedidit.Hewouldgenuinelybelievewhathewassaying.

Marekhaddroppedbacktolookatthetracks.Hewasstudyingthemcarefully.“Nottoofaraheadofus,Iwouldguess,”hesaid.“Notfriendlyeither.”

“Howcanyoutell?”Felixasked.“Easy.Someof the footprintsaremixedwithhoofprints.Clovenones.Beastmenare theonly

thingsthatleavetrackslikethat.Ifwe’reluckywe’llovertakethemsoon.”Therewillbenothingluckyaboutit,Felixthought,nursinghisachinghead.

Maxwasworried.Not by the prospect of facing an indeterminate number of beastmen but by thelengthoftimethepursuitwastaking.Theyhadbeenonthemoveforalmostaweeknowandwerestill no closer to the talisman. If anything, the distance was increasing.Whoever Krieger was, hecertainlyknewhowtomovethroughthiswinterlandscape.

In away itwas good.Hewas reassured that the darkmagician could keep going, and not beslowedbyanyoftheperilsoftheway.ItimpliedthatifhewantedtokeepUlrikaalivehewascapable

ofit,andthatwasMax’soneremainingsourceofhope.Itwasnotagoodone,though.KnowingthatKriegerwaspowerfulbodedillfortheirchancesofrecoveringthegirl,particularlyifhehadlearnedtotapthepowersofthetalisman.

Max shivered, andnotwith the cold.SinceUlrika’s capturehehaddrivenhimself far beyondanythinghewouldhavebelievedpossible.Hesometimesfelthewaskeepinghimselfgoingbysheerwillpoweralone.Hehadturnedintoamanofstone.Hedidnotfeelthecold,hedidnotfeelwearyandhedidnotfeelanyhunger.Hejustwantedtogetthewomanback.

In awayhewas almost grateful for the situation. It hadhelpedhim recover from the terriblementalordealofputtinghimselfbacktogetherafterhisencounterwiththewardsonthetalisman.Ithadgivenhimareasontoovercomehisfeelingsofweaknessandself-pityandtoconfronttheabyssofdoubtthatloomedwithinhismind.HeknewthathemustpullhimselfbackfromthebrinkasmuchforUlrika’ssakeasforhisown.

Hehadthoughthehadlovedherbeforebutwhathehadfeltthenwasbutapaleshadowofwhathe felt now. The prospect of losing her was almost more than he could bear. He had never feltanythingsodeeplybeforeinhislife.Theurgetofindherwasanoverwhelmingdrive;itdwarfedanyofhisbodilyneedsoranyofhisownweaknesses.

He begrudged every minute lost on the trail. He resented the possibility of encountering thebeastmenasmuchbecauseitwouldslowthemdownasbecausetherewasapossibilityofinjuryordeath.HehatedeverymomentlostthatenabledKriegertoputdistancebetweenthem.Heresentedthetimeittooktomakecampatnight,tobuildtheicehouses,makefires.Ifhecould,hewouldhavegonewithoutthem,withoutfoodordrinkorsleepifneedbe.

Partofhimknewthiswasmadness.Ifhedidnotgetthosethingshewoulddie,andbeofnohelptoanyone,leastofallUlrika.Butitwasonethingknowingthesethingsrationallyandanothertofeeltheminthedepthsofhissoul.

Hislifehadsimplifieddowntoonetrueandrealthing:hemustsaveUlrika.Hethoughthemightgomadifhedidnot.Sofar,theyhadfoundnothing,overtakennomonsters,andseennosightofanybeastmen.Theonlyoneswhoweresorrywere theSlayers.Everyoneelsewas relieved.Felixwonderedhowthebeast-mencouldsurviveinthedepthsofwinter.Ivanhadtheanswer.

“Theyeateachotherwhentheycan’tgetmanflesh.Thebigoneseatthelittleones.Thestrongdevour theweak. I suppose they think it’s theirgods’wayof testing them,so thatonly thehardiestsurvive.Idon’tknow.IonlyknowthatIhaveseenenoughcorpsesandfoughtenoughbattlesagainsttheminthewintertoknowthetruthofit.”

Gotreknoddedasifheagreedwitheveryword.Felixshuddered.Thiswasthesortofknowledgehecouldcheerfullyhavespenthisentire lifewithouteveracquiring.Unfortunately itappeared thatfatehadotherplansforhim.

“Bestkeepmoving,”saidtheSlayer.“EveryfoulChaosbeastintheworldappearstobemovingthiswinter.Sooneror laterwe’regoing to run into someof them.”His evil smile leftFelix innodoubtastowhatwouldhappenthen.

SIXThe moons blazed brightly overhead. The snow lay thick upon the forest. Gnarled ancient treessurroundedthem,growingoutovertheroad.Adolphusbreatheddeeply.Finallytheywerehere.Theairtasteddifferent:itwassharper,withatangofbloodanddarkmagicandancientsecrets.Heknewhewashome.TherewasnoplaceintheworldthatsmelledquitelikeSylvania.

Hehadnotbeenbornhere,ofcourse,buthehadspentmanycenturiesofhisundeathhere.Itwasahavenforhiskind.Alandwhichhadbeenruledbyundyingcountsforcenturies,wherethepeasantsandthelesserso-calledaristocratshadlongagorealisedtheirtrueplaceinthegreatschemeofthingsandbowed theirheadsandgiven their service to theArisen.Hewouldsee that thosedays returnedoncemore.TheTimeofBloodwashere.TheCouncilandthosewhofollowedthemwouldchangetheirwaysorgotohell.Hewouldsendthemtherepersonally.

Withthewolvestrailingalongbehindhimlikeapackofobedientdogs,hestrodeinthewakeofthecoaches.Itwaseasyenoughforhimtokeeppacewithiteveninthedeepsnow.Itwasnoobstacletoonesuchashe.Thecolddidnotslowhim,andhehad longago left suchhumanweaknessesassufferingfromfrostbitebehindhim.Onthisnight,thenightofhisreturn,hewantedtobeoutside,tostalkthenightlikethehunterhewas,tosniffthewindforprey,toseekbloodintheoldway.Hereofallplacesitwaspossibletodosowithoutfearofreprisal.Andhewantedtobealonetosavourthemoment,awayfromthepettinessofthecovenandthecoldamusementofRoche.

Inthisancientstrongholdofvampiricpower,thecattleknewbetterthantoriseupagainsttheirmasters. Even in the dark times, when the forces of the so-called Emperor had driven the Arisenunderground,theyhadbeenfearedandrespectedinSylvania.Themortalsknewthatnomatterwhoclaimedsovereigntyoverthisland,therewouldonlyeverbeonetruesetofrulers.Humanpowerwastransitoryhere.Theswayof theArisenwouldalwaysreturn.AnaccommodationhadbeenreachedbetweenthemortalsandtheirmastersthatAdolphusknewsatisfiedadeep-seatedneedinboth.Forthebrutish short-lived peasantswhat could be better than onewho combined all the characteristics offeudalliegeandundyinggod?Suchpeoplealwaysneededtoknowtheirplaceintheworld,andtheArisenhadmadesurethattheydid.Inaway,thecattlewereevengratefultofeelthesmackoffirmgovernment.Theywerehappiestwhentheyknewtheirplace,whentheirthinkingwasdoneforthem.

Adolphusknewthatonedaythewholeworldwouldbelikethis.Sylvaniawasamodelforwhatwastocome.Nowthatthetalismanwasinhishands,hewouldsoonhavethepowertomakeitso.Hehadneverbeenthemostaccomplishedofmagicians—histalentshadalwayslaininotherdirections—butoncehereachedDrakenhofandtappedtheancientnodeofpowerthere,hewouldclaimtheEyeforhisown.

Hesmiled.Ithadtakendecadesofresearchandyearsofstudyingcrypticbooksandpropheciesbut the key to ultimate powerwas now in his grasp. In his hand, he held an artefact of theGreatNecromancer,createdatthepeakofhispower,anitemthatthemightylichehadonceheldinhisownclaw,andimbuedwithafractionofhisownlimitlessstrength.Nagashhadbeensubtleandrelentlessinhishatredofall thepowersthatmightchallengehis.Hehadforgedthetalismanwhenitbecameobvious that the ancient Vampire Queens of Lahmia and their followers might eventually rise tochallengehim.Hewasnotgoingtoriskhavingsuchpotentundyingsorcerersdwellinginthesamelandwithout taking precautions against them, so he had created the Eye of Khemri to work theirundoing.

It contained runeswhichwhen properly activatedwould bend theArisen to its wearer ’swill.WithithehadcreatedtheHoundsofNagash,kinwhoservedhimloyallywhileunderitsspell.The

rest of the Arisen had fled and hidden themselves in the distant corners of the world. Of course,NagashhadneverintendedfortheEyetoleavehispresence.Forallhispowerhehadnotforeseenhisowndefeatfirstbythehero-kingAlcadizaarthenbytheman-godSig-mar.UponhisdestructiontheEyehadvanishedintohistory,passingthroughthehandsofasuccessionofunknownbearersuntilithadre-appearedonthethroatofVladvonCarstein.Notevenhisclosestassociateshadknownwhatitwasevenastheyfellunderitssway.Sometimes,Adolphuswonderedwhetherthefirstandmightiestof the Vampire Counts had truly realised what it was he owned. Vlad was gone forever now andAdolphusregrettedhewouldneverhavethechancetoaskhim.Ithadpassedthroughthehandsofhissuccessors,noneofwhomhadguesseditstruepoweruntilitseventuallossattheBattleofHelFenn.It had been years later, perusing the section of one of the three extant copies of the dread LiberOccultusdealingwiththehistoryofancientNehekhara, thatKriegerhadrealisedwhattheEyewas.Sohadbegunhislongsearch.

Nowthetalismanwasinhishands,andhealmosthaditattunedtohiswill.Withit,hecouldmakehimself undisputed ruler of the Arisen. He could unite all of Sylvania behind him and create aninvincible army. It would take time and patience, of course. In many ways the Arisen fanciedthemselves the secret rulersof theworld, but themain thing that prevented this, in truth,was theirdisunity. They spent more time plotting against each other than they did seeking to extend thedominionoftheirkind.

Adolphuswouldputanendtothis.HewouldorganisetheArisenandreplacethevacillationsoftheCouncilwithhisownironhandedrule.Hewouldbetheirking,buthewouldseetoitthattheyhadahierarchyasstrictasanyEmpirewitheveryoneknowingtheirplace,andhavingtheirownclearlydefinedfiefdoms.Hehadtravelled.Therewasenoughroomforallofthem,andbigenoughherdsofhuman cattle to keep them all through eternity.Hewas excited now.Visions ofwhatwas to comeburnedinhisbrain,andhefoundhewantedtosharethem.

Leaving thewolves, he strodebackpast his followers andvaultedup into the coach.Thegirllookedupathim.Hecouldsee theresistancewasslowlydrainingoutofheralongwith theblood.Her angerwasmixedwith desire nowandyes, evenneed.The ecstasyof the darkkiss did that tothem,nomatterhowmuchtheydeniedit.Stillshereachedforherdagger;stillsheintendedtomakeashowoffightinghimoff.Casuallyhereachedoutandtookitfromher,thewayamanmighttakeatoyfromachild.Hewasinnomoodforgamesthisevening.Hewantedtotalk,anditwaseithertoherorRocheorthewolves.Hefeltsomehowthattellingherwastherightthing.

“Iamgoingtorulethislandsoon,”hesaid.“Youaremad,”shesaid.Herweaknessmadehervoicesoftandbreathy.Adolphusfelttheurge

tosipfromherbloodriseinhimoncemore.Hepusheditback.Hewantedtoexplainhisplantoher,toforcehertoseewhathesaw,tomakeheracknowledgehimforwhathewasandwhathewouldbe.

“No,”hesaid.“Iamnot.IaminapositiontodoeverythingIclaim.”Sheshookherheaddisbelievingly,buthecouldtellhehadherinterest.“TheArisenaremany

andtheircovenshaveagreatdealofinfluenceintheworld.Youwouldbesurprisedhowmanyoftherichandpowerfularesecretmembers.”

“So?”He liked theway she raisedher chin challengingly as she spoke,despiteherweakness,despitethewaythekissmusthavemadeherheadspin.Itmadethingsinteresting.

“IamgoingtoruletheArisen.”“How?”“Don’tbesullen,Ulrika.Itdoesn’tbecomeyou.Iamgoingtousethistalisman,whichyouand

yourfriendssovaliantlydefended.Ithasagreatdealofpowerwithinit.ItwascreatedbytheGreatNecromancer Nagash to allow him to commandmy kind many centuries ago. The power is still

withinit.IwillruletheArisen,andthroughthemIshallrulethisland.”“TheEmperormighthavesomethingtosayaboutthat.Youmayhavemoneyandinfluencebut

thatwon’tdefeatanarmy.”“Ulrika,Ulrika, sometimes I think you deliberately pretend to be stupid in order tomakeme

underestimateyou.Webothknowthatmoneyandinfluencecanrecruitsoldiers,andwebothknowthatmanyofthepeoplewhohavethemalsoalreadyemploysoldiers.Moretothepoint,NagashwastheGreatNecromancer. Icanuse thepowerof this talismantoraiseanarmyfromeverycemeteryandeveryburialgroundifnecessary.AndmanyoftheArisenarealsopotentnecromancers.Unitedwewillcreateanarmysovastthatnomortalforcecouldstandagainstit.”

“Anarmyofwalkingcorpses.”“Iamsuretheywillnotobject.Afterall,theyarealreadydead.OnlythegodsandtheArisenlive

forever.” He let those words and that thought hang in the air for a moment. Most mortals wereeventuallyseducedbyitspower.EvenifheneverofferedtomakethemoneoftheArisen,theywouldbegintothinkaboutit.Theywouldbegintoseethepossibilitiesofwhatpleasinghimcouldbring.Nofearofageing;nofearofthegrave.Nofearofhavingtoleavethisworldbehind.Itwasthispromisemorethananythingelsethatmadethemgivethemselvesupsowillingly.Itwasacointhatonlyhiskindcoulddemonstrablyoffer.Hethoughthesawthetemptationoccurtoher,andhecouldtellbyherexpression that she dismissed it.Hewas notworried.Manymortals did the first time, before theytrulyhadtimetothinkaboutit.Oncetheydid…

“TheforcesofChaosmayobjectaswell.Theyseemhell-bentonhavingtheworldthemselves.”Shegesturedatthewindow,tothebloatedfaceofMorrsleibglaringdowngarishlyfromthesky.

“Theywillbethrownback,astheyhavebefore.United,theArisenwillhavethepowertodothat.Theyarepossiblytheonlyoneswhocould.Doyouthinkthedecayingkingdomsofmankindhavethestrength?”

“Theywillhavestrengthenoughtostopyou.JustasvonCarsteinwasstoppedatHelFenn.”Hesmiled, showingherhis teeth, allof them.She shivered.Partly fromfearhewas sure,but

also partially fromdesire. “Hel Fenn? I remember itwell.VonCarstein should never have foughtthere.Itwasabadsiteforabattle.Noplacetoretreatexcepttheswamp.Hewasconfidentwewouldnotneedto.Foolish…”

“YouwereatHelFenn?”Hecouldseethedawnofknowledgeinhereyes.Shewasbeginningtorealisewhathewas,whathewascapableofoffering.Shenowknewhehadbeenpresentatabattlefoughtovertwocenturiesago.

“Iamstillhere,”hesaid.“Howmanyoftheso-calledvictorscansaythat?”Shehadnoanswer.Therewasnone.

“We’re getting closer to the beastmen at last,” saidMarek. Felix looked at the tracker through thegatheringtwilight.Hisweather-beatenfacewastensewithsuppressedexcitement.AlloftheKislevitelancerslookedreadyforcombat.MaxstretchedhislimbsandFelixthoughtforamomenthesawafaintnimbusoflightplayaroundthewizard’sflexingfingers.

“Ihearthesoundoffightingupahead,”saidGotrek.Felixheardnothingbutthatdidnotsurprisehim.TheSlayer ’searswerekeenerthanhis,justashiseyeswerebetterthanadwarf’sindaylight.

“Whoisfighting?”Felixasked.“MenandbeastsandChaoswarriors.ThenameofKhorneisbeingchanted,butwewillsoonput

anendto that.”Felixwishedthathefeltsocertain.IvanPetrovichnodded.His lancersbrokeintoatrot.Felixcracked thereinsandurged theponies forward.Soonhecouldhear thesoundsofbattlehimself.Blood stained the snow.A group ofmen armoured like Imperial knightsmade a last stand in the

centreoftheclearing.Theywereattemptingtoprotectacoach.Men-at-armslaydeadinsnowdrifts,theirpikesfallenfromtheirnervelessfingers.Allaroundthemwerebeastmen,hornedhorrors,partman,partgoat,clutchingweaponsintheirmisshapenfingers,stampingonthefallenwiththeirclovenhooves.Theireyesgleamedredwithbloodlust.Frothdrippedfromtheirmouths.

AsFelixwatchedahorsewhinniedwithterror.Therider,gaudilycaparisonedinredandgold,was tipped from the saddle. A massive beastman clutching a standard depicting a bloated hungrymoonface,tippedwithahumanskull,strodeforwardanddrovetheiron-shodbaseofthebannerintotheman’schestwithasickening,squelchingsound.Themangurgledashedied.

The beastmen turned, alerted by the sound of hooves crashing through snow. Ivan bellowedorderstohismenandtwentylancesdroppedintothereadyposition.TheKislevitehorsethunderedforwardandcrashedintotheunpreparedranksofthebeastmen.Theywentdownscreaming,impaledon lances, trampled by iron-shod hoofs. Gotrek and Snorri were right behind, weapons ready,irresistibleasthunderbolts.Maxchantedaspellandtheclearingbecamebrightasday.

Aglowingsolardiskappearedoverthewizard’sheadandthen,atawordfromitscreator,boltsofsearinglighteruptedforth,burningthefurfromthebeastmenandfillingtheairwiththesmellofcharredflesh.

Felixbarelyhadtimetoriphisswordfromthescabbardandclimbdownfromthesledgebeforeitwasover.Thesavagebeastmen,unpreparedforsuchanonslaught,brokeandranfor thewoods.Mostofthemdidnotmakeit.TheywereoverrunbythehorsemenorslainbyMax’smysticalbolts.GotrekandSnorrifinishedoffthewounded,lookingutterlydisgruntled.

“Hardlyaproperfight,”saidGotrek.“BeastmenarenotwhattheyusedtobewhenSnorriwasalad,”saidSnorri.“Theywouldhave

putupabitofafightthen.”Felixwasgladtheyhadnot.Slowedbyhisillness,andwornoutbythechill,hewonderedifhe

wouldhavesurvivedabattlewithabeastman.Besttopushsuchthoughtsaside.Hestrodeovertothecarriagetheknightshadfoughtsohardtodefend.Evenashedidso,oneofthem,ahugemanwithamaneofgoldenhair,strodebetweenhimandthevehicle.Heraisedhisblade,obviouslyintendingthatFelixcomenocloser.Felixshruggedandstopped.

“Wemeanyounoharm,”hesaid.GotrekandSnorriclumpedovertostandbesideFelix.TheydidnotlookquiteasunthreateningasFelixwouldhavewished.Theywereobviouslystillkeenforafight,andperhapsthisknightwouldgivethemone.Hecertainlylookedasifhewereconsideringit.Felixthoughthe’dbettersaysomethingbeforethingsgotoutofhand.“InSigmar ’sname,putyourweapondown.Wejustsavedyourlives.”

Thefoursurvivingknightshadgatheredaroundthegold-hairedman.Fromthewaytheylookedtohimfortheircue,Felixgatheredthathewastheirleader.

“Weweredoingfinebyourselves,”hesaideventually.Hisvoicewasrichandcommandingandfilledwithutterself-assurance.Heseemedtobelieveeverywordhesaid.

Justwhat I need, thoughtFelix, another aristocratic idiot.Therewas somethingodd about theman’saccent,a thickness thatwasnotquite ImperialandnotquiteKislevite.Astress that remindedhimofthewaycharactersspokeinoldbooks.

“Thewayyourmenthrewthemselvesonthebeastmen’sspearswasallpartofyourstrategythen,wasit?”Gotrekaskedsarcastically.“Agreatplan.”

FelixthoughttheknightwasgoingtoraisehisswordtoGotrek.Hewastemptedtolethim.Ifthisidiot wanted to throw away his life fighting the Slayer why should he interfere, he thoughtuncharitably?Hewipedhisnoseonafoldofhiscloakandwaited.

“What isgoingonhere,Rodrik?”askedawoman’svoicefromwithin thecoach.“Whyaren’t

youthankingthesekindstrangersfortheiraidagainstthosefiends?”“My lady, theirmanner is insolent and lacking in true courtliness.You should not sully your

chasteearslisteningtotheirwords.”GotrekandFelixexchangedglances. IfFelixhadnotknownbetterhewouldhaveguessed the

Slayerwasamused.“Ithinkitisyouwhoarelackinginknightlygraces,Rodrik.Atrulychivalrousmanwouldexpressgratitudeunderthesecircumstances,notlookforexcuses.”

Theknight lookedcrestfallenandwhenhisgazereturned to theSlayers,heexecutedaperfectcourtlybow.

“Iapologiseformymanners,”hesaid.“MyonlyexcuseisthatIletmyconcernforthesafetyofafairladyovercomeme.Ibegyourpardon.”

Gotrekspaton thegroundathis feet.Hewasnotone toacceptanapologygraciously.Tohiscredit, Rodrik did not even blink.Max limped over. He looked evenmore tired and drained thanusual.Workinghismagiconthebeastmenmusthavecosthimdearly.

“Itisunusualforpeopletobeabroadinweatherlikethis,withthelandsodangerous,”hesaid.Theknightlookedathimsuspiciously.Felixhadbeenaroundthewizardforsolonghehadforgottenhowmuchmanyordinarypeopledislikedsorcerers.

“Icouldsaythesameaboutyou,”Rodriksaid.TherewasmoreintelligencebehindtheanswerthanFelixwouldhavegivenhimcreditfor.Perhapshewasnotasstupidashelooked.

“Wehaveamission,”Maxsaidsuavely,althoughapainedlookpassedacrosshisface.“Aquest,youmightalmostsay.”

Itwas awell-considered response.Felix could see thatRodrikwas intrigued.Questswere thesortofthingsknightsunderstood,particularlyoneslikeRodrikwhoappearedtothinkhewaslivinginsomecourtlyromance.Felixhadheardthattherewerestillsomelikehim,buthewouldneverhavebelievedituntilnow.HehadthoughtonlyBretonnianswentinforthatsortofthing.

“Andwhatmightthatbe?”“A fair young ladyof our acquaintance has beenkidnappedby an evil sorcerer.We intend to

rescue her or avenge her.” Thewords should have sounded ludicrous but thewayMax said theminvestedeverywordwithweightandseriousness.FelixcouldtellRodrikwasimpressed.

Thecurtainsof thecoachwindowweredrawnbackandapale,beautiful facecowled inblackandpartiallyobscuredbyathinmeshofveillookedoutatthem.“Ifitwouldnotdelayyoutoolonginyourquest,perhapswecouldofferyoushelterforthenight.Thereisakeepnottoofarfromherewhereweareexpected.Theleastwecanofferyouafteryoureffortsonourbehalfisahotfireandwarmspicedwine.”

NoteventheSlayersseemedreadytoobjecttothat.Rodrikandhismenrodeaheadof thecoach. IvanPetrovich’sscouts rodeaheadof them.The

sledgesbroughtuptherear.“Inoticetheydidnottelluswhattheywereabout,”saidFelix.“Doubtlesswewillfindoutsoonenough,manling,”saidtheSlayer.

“It’slikeahauntedcastleinaDetlefSierckmelodrama,”murmuredFelix.TheSlayerlookedathim.Felixwonderedifheknewwhotheplaywrightwas.“Idon’tlikeit.”

The keep clutched the top of the hill on which it stood, like a hawk on a perch. There wassomething predatory about it. It made Felix think of robber barons, bandits and other things lesspleasantfromoldstories.Thescenewassomehowominouslyfamiliar.Hetoldhimselfnottolethisimaginationrunwild.Hewassick,itwascold,andanyplaceinthisicylandwouldlooksinister.Theplacelookedstrong;thewallsthick.Theturretsoftheinnerbaileylookedbuilttoresistasiege,andyettherewassomethingaboutitthatsuggestedotherthings.Felixthoughtoftorturechambers,ghosts

withclankingchainsandwickedoldbaronsthreateningheroineswithafateworsethandeath.“It’sacastle,manling,andastrongone.Somegoodstoneworkthere,forhumanworkthatis.”

Hemighthaveguessedthedwarfwouldseethingsinthemostprosaictermspossible.Notaterriblyimaginativepeople,Felixthought,thoughatthismomentitwasatraithewishedheshared.Therewassomethingaboutthisplacethatsethisnervesonedge.

“Itmakesmenervous,”Felixsaid.“There’ssomethingaboutthestyleofthebuildingthat…”Evenashesaidthewords,itcametohim.Herememberedwherehehadseenthelikenessofthis

keep before. It had been in a book of horror tales he had read as a boy, tales set in the land ofSylvania.Thisplacewasanalmostexactreplicaofoneofthekeepsinthebook.Itmighthavebeentheoriginalmodelforthepicture.Hehopedthatitwasonlythememorythatmadeitseemsosinister.Thetownbeneaththecastlewasmostlyruined.Thedestructionwasnotrecent,Felixcouldsee.Mostof the buildings had tumbled down decades ago. The city looked as if it had been built for apopulationoffivethousandandnowheldonlyatenthofthatnumber.Eveninthecitycentre,onthemainthoroughfareleadingtothecastleonlyaboutoneineverythreehousesappearedoccupiedandthose seemed tobehalf rubble.Thepeoplewere surlier andmorebrutish than anyFelixhadeverencountered. Theywandered through the near-deserted streets listlessly,with no sense of purpose.Theairstankofrotandhumanexcrement.

And this wasWaldenhof, a large and prosperous town, by local standards. Felix decided hewouldnotliketolivehere.

Theroadledupthesteephillsidetowardsthegrinninggatehouse.Evenastheyapproachedtheentrance,thegatewayremindedFelixofthemouthofagreatbeast,andtheportcullisofitsfangs.Ashiverrandownhisspine.

Fever,Felixtoldhimself,butdidnotquitebelieveit.“Welcome toWaldenschlosse,” said themanwhowaited for them in the courtyard. Hewas a tallflorid aristocrat, garbed in a slightly antiquated style. The padding of his tunic’s shoulders andcodpiecehadnotbeenfashionableintheEmpireforhalfacentury.Felixhadonlyseenitslikeinoldportraits.Theothersaroundhimweregarbedinasimilarfashion.Somehowitsuitedtheirslightlyantiquatedmannerofspeaking.“Wethankyoufortheserviceyouhaverenderedmysister-in-law,theCountessGabriella,andmysonRodrik.Itseemsthatwithoutyourintercessionwewouldnothavethepleasureofgreetinghernow.Nothingwecoulddocanexpressourgratitudeforyourkindness,butwewilldoourpoorbest.”

“IamRudgar,CountofWaldenhof,andyouaremymosthonouredguests. IhopebeforeyouleavethatyouwilldiscoverthetruemeaningofSylvanianhospitality.”

Felix’smindreeleda littlewithshock.Theyhadcomefurther thanhehadthought,or, indeed,wouldhavewished,iftheyhadcrossedthebordersoftheill-famedprovinceofSylvania.Itwasnotaplace he had ever harboured a strong desire to visit, not even in high summer, and without thebeastmenfillingthewoods.Itwasaplaceofveryevilreputation.

Moreintroductionsfollowed,butFelix’sheadstillspunwiththefeverandherememberednoneof them. He did recall noticing that the Countess Gabriella was looking at him, and, despite herwidow’sveilhecouldseethatshewasaverybeautifulwoman.“Yourhealth,”saidCountRudgar,raisinghisglass.Sweatglistenedonhisbaldpate.Thetipsofhislong moustaches drooped into his wine. He tipped his glass back and downed it all in one longswallow.Asilentservantglidedforwardtorefillitalmostautomatically.

Felixhadtoadmitthathefeltbetternowafterafewhourssittingatthediningtableinthegreathall, near awarm fire, his stomach filledwithbeef and roast potatoes andcaponandgravy.Haifabottleofthecount’sfinewinehaddonewonderstoo,andlefthimfeelingalittlebetterdisposedtohis

surroundingsaswell.Hecouldseethatmostoftheothersdidnotquitefeelthesameway.OnlyGotrekglaredaroundsuspiciouslywithhisonegoodeye,asifexpectingarmedenemiesto

attack him at any second.Nothing unusual about that. He normally looked thatway, but it was anunwelcomeremindertoFelixthatperhapsheshouldkeephisguardupaswell.Maxwasnotdrinking,andalthoughthesorcererchattedamiablyenoughwiththeSylvaniannoblesFelixcouldtellhewasnotentirelyathiseaseeither.HesawFelixlookingathimandnoddedasiftosaythathe,too,sharedhiscompanion’ssuspicionsoftheplace.

TheKislevite horse-soldiers andSnorriNosebiter dug inwith awill however, throwingbackfoodandwineas if thiswas their last chanceat it.Come to thinkof it, itmightbe. IvanPetrovichshared the tablewith them.Hismen had another table down the great hallwith the off-duty castlesoldiersandtheothertroops.

Felixwassurprisedtofindthattheyandthecountess’partywerenottheonlyguests.ItseemedmanySylvaniannobleswerevisitingWaldenschlosse,thoughwhytheyshouldchoosetodothisinthemiddleofwintereludedhim.HehadreadtoomanystoriesandseentoomanyplaysinwhichterriblethingshappenedatfeastsinSylvaniancastlesforhisowncomfort.Eventhroughthepleasantwarmthof thewine in his belly, part of him half expected to hear an order given thatwould have hiddenwarriorsfallontheguestsinanorgyofbloodshed.Suchthingswerealltoocommoninthetales.

He looked around trying to put faces to names oncemore.This time hewas sure he had gotthingsright.Thefrailoldmanonhisright,skeletallyleanandwithafullheadofpurewhitehairwasPetr, Count of Swartzhafen. He seemed pleasant enough,mild-mannered and polite, but there wassomethingabouthiseyes,ahauntedqualitythatmadeFelixthinkthatherewasamanwhohadseenthingsthatfewmortalshad.Facinghimacrossthetablewasatallmaninhisprime.Kristof,BaronofLeicheburg,hadpureblackhairandanarroganthawk-likefacedominatedbyblazingblackeyes.Tohis right sat Johan Richter, a good-looking young man who shared something of the Count ofSwartzhafen’shauntedair.FromwhatFelixhadgathered,allofthemwereimportantnoblemeninthispart of the world, and reading between the lines, all of them were scared. All of the assembledcompanyexceptGotrekraisedtheirglassestothetoast.Felixfeltasifeyeswereonhim,andlookingtohisleftsawtheCountessGabriellawaslookingathimappraisingly,herblueeyesstartlinglyclearabovetheveil.

“Andtothehealthofourmostunexpectedandmostwelcomeguests,”saidRudgar.“Theyhavemygratitudeforsavingthelifeofmysonandmyesteemedsister-in-law.”

Rodriklookedalittleembarrassedbythis,butkepthismouthshut.Doubtlesshedidnotwantanymorelecturesaboutgratitudefromhisfatherorthecountess.Murmursfromaroundthetableagreedwiththecount’swords.WhateverelseyousaidabouttheSylvaniannobility,Felixthought,theywerecertainlypolite,inanold-fashionedcourtlysortofway.

“NowthatwehaveeatenIsuggestwegetdowntobusiness,”saidBaronLeicheburg.Hisvoicewasdeepandresonant,thesortofvoicethatcouldfillatheatreoraroom,orriseeffortlesslyoverabattlefield.Felixenviedhimit.“Ihavenotcomeallthiswaythroughtheworstwinterintwohundredyearsmerelytosipyourwine,oldfriend,nomatterhowfineacellaryoukeep.”

Thecountinclinedhisheadgraciouslyatthecomplimentandspokeatonce.“Aye,thereistherub.Itistheworstwinterintwocenturiesandnotjustfromthesnow.Wolves

multiply in the forests, beastmen clog the Emperor ’s highway, and other things, worse things arestirringoncemore.”

Felixwasnotsurehelikedthetoneofthecount’svoice.Itmadethehacklesonthebackofhisneckrise.CountSwartzhafenraisedhisfisttohismouthandgaveadry,desiccatedcough.“Youaresayingtheancientcursehasreturnedtotroubleusoncemore?”

FelixglancedoveratGotrek.TheSlayerhadsatuplikeahoundthatscentspreystrainingataleash.Doubtlesshe thought therewasworkhere forhim.Great, thoughtFelix,as ifgettingUlrikafrom the clutches of a dark sorcererwas not bad enough, now theywere going to get themselvesmixedupwithsomeancientevil.Justwhatheneeded.

“Canyoudoubtit?”saidRichter.Heleanedforwardandplacedhisgobletcarefullyonthetablebuthiseyesblazedwithanearinsaneintensity.Felixwasnotsurehewantedtoknowwhatcouldputalooklikethat inaman’seyes.“Thesignsareall there.AmerchantsawwitchlightsburningontheDarkMoor twoweeks ago. Black coaches have been sighted on theOld Road to the RedAbbey.Somethinghadbeendisturbing thegraves at the cemetery inEssen.Onmywayhere I entered thecryptatMikalsdorf,andfounditempty.Graverobbershadbeenatworkthere.”

“Thatdoesnotsoundgood,”saidCountSwartzhafenmildly.Mirthlesslaughterfromtherestofthenoblesgreetedthispronouncement,whichalsocausedthemen-at-armstofallsilentattheothertableforamomentandglanceattheirmasters.Onlyforamomentthough,andthenconversationwasresumed.

BaronLeicheburgglancedatthemallandcontinued.“MaidenshavestartedtovanishagainintheGrimWood, and the peasants have started hangingbundles ofwitchbane andbloodroot over theirdoors.NormallyIwouldhavethoughtnothingofit.Thewinterhasbeensobad,andtheChaostaintedso numerous, this would be reason enough for their precautions, but black-garbedmenwith palefaceshavebeenseentoo.”

“Idon’tthinktherecanbeanydoubts,”saidRudgar.“Theundyingoneshavereturned.”Somethingintheman’stonemadeFelixshiver.“Theundyingones?”heasked.Heguessedthat

healreadyknew,buthewantedtobesure.“ThefollowersofvonCarstein,thedrinkersofblood,”saidJohanturninghisblazinggazeupon

them.“Vampires,”saidMaxSchreiber.“Youaretalkingaboutvampires.”Rudgargavehimabittersmile,amereflashingofteethwithnomirthinit.“ThisisSylvania,”

hesaid.“ThelandoftheVampireCounts.”Silence fell once again. Not even the servantsmoved. It was as if someone had laughed at a

funeralorvoicedanawfultruththateverybodythoughtbutnoonehaddaredputintowordsuntilthatmoment.

Wonderful, thought Felix: evil sorcerers, the coming of Chaos and now the return of theVampireCounts.HowdoIgetmyselfintothesethings?

“More wine anybody?” asked Count Rudgar to break the silence. His moustaches seemed todroop evenmore.He looked like amanwhohad just been told that his family had contracted theplagueandtherewasagoodchancehehadcaughtithimself.Felixknewexactlyhowhefelt.

Maxglanceddownintohisstill fullwinecupas ifhecouldseethesecretsof thefuture there.Gotrekrubbedhismassivehandstogetheralmostgleefully.IvanPetrovichlookedevenmoregrimlydeterminedtofindhisdaughter.Felixstifledtheurgetomoan.

“Therewillbetimeenoughforthesediscussionslater,”saidtheCountessGabriella,hermusicalvoicesoundingcoolandamused.“Perhapsourguestswouldcaretotelluswhatbringsthemhereinthistimeoftroubles.”

MaxlookedatFelixasifaskingwhichofthemshouldexplain.FelixgesturedforMaxtospeak.Doubtlessthemagecouldtellthetalebetterthanhe.MaxspokeofthekidnappingofUlrikaandtheirpursuit across the frozen lands. In the tellinghewas forced to speakof the siegeofPraagand theChaosinvasion.

TheSylvaniannoblesremainedsilentforatimeafterhehadfinished,thenlookedateachother.

Theirfaceswerecalmforthemostpart,butFelixwascertainhecouldseefearintheireyes,andbynowhewascertainthatthesewerepeoplewhodidnotfrighteneasily.

“Itsoundsliketheendoftheworld,”saidtheCountofSwartzhafeneventually.“Weliveineviltimesindeed,”agreedBaronLeicheburg.“MoreevileventhanIhadimagined.”“TheEmperorwillbesummoninghisarmies,”saidMax.“Iamsure thatcomespringhewill

movetomeetthefoes.”“Bethatasitmay,”saidRudgar.“Noneofuswillbemovingwithhim.”Felix felt a vague sense of outrage. Nobles were always ones to talk about their rights and

privileges.Asherecalledtheyhadsomedutiestoo,andoneofthemwastodefendtheEmpirewhencalledupontodoso.OfallthosepresentitseemedRodrikwastheonlyonewhonoticedhislooks,andhehadthegoodgracetolookembarrassed.

“Itisnotthatwedon’twantto,”hesaidquickly.“IcouldaskfornothingmorethantoridebytheEmperor ’ssideintobattlebutourdutyisherewithourpeople.Iftheundyingoneshavecreptoncemorefromhidingitisourdutytoseethattheyarecastbackintothepitfromwhichtheycrawled.”

Thelastpartofhisspeechwassaidwithagreatdeallessconfidencethanthefirstpart.Felixwasnotsurprised.Ifhishistorywascorrect,thelasttimetheVampireCountshadrisenithadtakenallthemilitarymightoftheEmpireanditsalliestocastthemdown,andthathadtakenmanyyearsandthelossofcountlesslives.

“IagreewithyoungRodrik,”saidthewhite-hairedoldCountofSwartzhafen.Hecougheddrylyoncemore.“ItwilldotheEmpirenogoodiftheEmperormarchestomeetthespawnofChaosonlytofindanarmyofundyingonesonhisflank.Actually,Ifearitwouldspelldisaster.”

Felixwasnoexpertonmilitarymattersbutitsoundedplausible.Withsuchapowerfulfoebeforeit,anythreattotheImperiallinesofsupplyortoflankswouldbecatastrophic.Andnowherecalledother thingsabout thearmiesof theVampireCounts.Theirfollowerstendedtobewalkingcorpsesanimatedbythedarkestofsorcery.Thesnowsofwinterwouldslowthemnotatall.Indeeditwouldbeatimewhentheywereattheirstrongest.Evenastheyspoketheforcesofdarknessweregainingamightyally.

“ThebestwecandofortheEmpireistosmashtheundyingonesbeforetheygrowtotheirfullstrength,andthenmarchtotheEmperor ’said.”

“Let us pray that is possible,” said the Countess Gabriella. All of themmade the sign of thehammer over the table save for Gotrek. He just grunted and took a swig of his wine. She leanedforwardover the tableanda feralgleamenteredhercoldblueeyes. “It seems tome that thegodssmileonus.Itisnotbychancethatourfriendscameheretoday.”

FelixsawGotrekandMaxturntolookather.IvanwasdeepinhiswinebutsomethingabouthismannertoldFelixthathetoowaslisteningintently.“Whatdoyoumean?”Maxasked.

“ThenameAdolphusKriegerisnotunknowntous,”shesaid.Maxsuckedinhisbreath.“Heisanecromancer?”“Worse.Heisoneoftheundyingones.AverydangerousprogenyoftheCarsteinbloodline.”“Andwhatisthatexactly?”Felixasked.Hefelthehadtosaysomethingtoconcealthefearthat

sweptthroughhim.Krieger was a vampire! It explained a lot about him: his uncanny quickness, his incredible

strength.Andmaybetherewasaconnectiontoobetweenhimandthekillerwhohadstalkedthestreetsof Praag, draining bodies of blood.He remembered howNella, the street girl, hadmentioned thesmellofcinnamon,andthepomanderKriegerhadcarriedinthevault.

Thecountess’ laughwassilvery.“Forgiveme,HerrJaeger:sittingat this tableit issometimeseasytoforgetthatnoteveryonesharesourobsessiveinterestin,andknowledgeoftheundyingones.

IfyouareaSylvaniannoble,itissomethingyougrowupwith.”“IthoughtmostSylvaniannobleswerevampires,”saidGotreknastily.Itwasnotthemosttactful

thingtosaybutitwaswhatFelixhadalwaysheardanyway,althoughmostofhisknowledgeonthesubjecthadcomefromanursewholikedtoterrifythechildrenunderhercarewithtalesofhorror.

In response to theSlayer ’swords, the temperature at the table seemed to drop.Rodrik’s handstoletowardshisswordandFelixfeltsurethatonlyacoolglarefromhisfatherpreventedtheyouthfromchallengingGotrekonthespot.

“Yourknowledgeisa littleoutofdate,”saidBaronLeicheburg.HestudiedtheSlayeras ifhewere a nasty insect that had just crawledonto the table. IfGotrek cared, he gaveno sign.He tookanotherswigof thewineandbelched loudly.This time it tookhis father ’shandonhisshoulder topreventRodrikfromsurgingtohisfeetandissuingachallenge.Therewasalookofconcernontheolderman’sface.HemostlikelycouldguesstheoutcomeofthatchallengeaswellasFelixcould.

“Icanseeyouarekeentocorrectme,”Gotreksaid.“Twocenturies ago,youwouldhavebeenabsolutely correct,” said theCountofSwartzhafen.

“TwocenturiesagothislandlayundertheheeloftheVampireCountsandtheirallies.AfterHelFenntheywere…exterminated,andtheEmperorgavetheselandsinfieftotrustworthyvassals.”

FelixrememberedreadingsomethingaboutthesubjectintheUniversityLibraryinAltdorf.Thebookhadsaidnothingabout trustworthyvassals though. Ithadsaid that the landsofSylvaniaweregiventoimpoverishednoblehouses,andsecondsonskeentoownlandwhocouldnotgetitanyotherway.Thebookimpliedthatyouwouldhavetobeverydesperateindeedtowanttoruleoveranypartoftheprovince.

“I have heard tales of vampires in Sylvania far more recently than Hel Fenn,” said Max.“Reliablesourceshaveinformedmetheyhaveruledlargetractsofthislanduntilevenquiterecently.I believe the Templars of the White Wolf besieged Castle Regrak ten years ago when it wasdiscoveredthattheoccupantwasablooddrinker.”

“Regrakwasablooddrinker,”saidtheCountofSwartzhafen,“buthewasasmortalasyouorme.Hemerely thought thatconsuming thebloodofvirginyouthswouldkeephimyoungandgivehimmysticalpowers.AsfarasIknowitdidnot.Believeme,ifhehadbeenavampire,theTemplarswouldhavehadconsiderablymoretroubleburningdownhismanor.”

“Nonetheless, our learned friend is quite correct,” said the countess. “There have been otherinstancesoftheundyingonesrulinginSylvaniasinceHelFenn,asweallknowonlytoowell.Ifthenumberof these instances is less thanpopular rumourwouldhave the ignorantbelieve itdoesnotchangetheessentialtruth.”

“Youhaven’tansweredmyoriginalquestion,countess,”saidFelix.Herealisedfromhistoneofvoiceandtheslurringofhiswordsthathewasactuallygettingquitedrunk.Notsurprisingreally.Hehadbeenillfordays,andnottakenanywineforthelengthoftheirjourney.Hewasoutofpracticeatdrinking.“WhatdidyoumeanbytheCarsteinbloodline?”

Again Felix was surprised when Max replied. He could never quite resist showing off hisknowledgewhengivenhalf a chance. “Scholarsof these thingsbelieve theundyingones canbe…classifiedisperhapsthebestword,intoseveralbloodlines.Thesearebelievedtobedescendantsoftheoriginal vampiresof the cityofLahmia in thekingdomofNehekhara createdbyNagashoverthreethousandyearsago.Eachbloodlineissupposedtosharesomeofthetraitsofitsprogenitorandtohavedifferentstrengthsandweaknessesdependingonitsancestry.”

FelixsawthecountessstaringatMaxwithamixtureofamusement,respectandinterest.Hefeltalittlejealous.Shecertainlywasaverygood-lookingwoman.Suddenlyhefeltdisgustedwithhimself.Whatwashe thinking?Ulrikawas in thehandsof something farworse thanamadmanandadark

magician,andherehewaslustingafteranotherwoman.Themorecynicalpartofhismindtoldhimthatfeelingashamedwouldnotinanywaychangethefactsofthesituation.

“Youareaverylearnedman,HerrSchreiber.Iamsurprised.Thesearenotmattersofcommonknowledge.Wemustdiscusshowyoucametoacquiresuchscholarshipsometime.”

Max nodded his head condescendingly. “Thank you,” he said. “I have studiedmuch dark andforbiddenloreand—”

“Nonetheless,youarewronginoneortwoparticulars.”“Wrong?”The vampireswere not created byNagash. Theyweremightymages in their own rightwho

acquiredsomeofhisknowledgeinthelongwarsoftheDawnAges’Maxlookeddubiousbutremainedsilent.“Thatwasanageatleastasfractiousasourown.”“TheCarsteinbloodline?”Felixprodded,hopingstilltogetananswertohisoriginalquestion.“Itisoneofthemajorvampiricbloodlines,”saidthecountess.“IntheEmpireitisperhapsthe

majorbloodline.”“Thenameiscertainlythemostfamiliar,”saidFelixdryly.“WhatwiththewarsoftheVampire

Countsandall.”“ThatiswhythebloodlineisknownastheCarsteinline.TheoriginalVladvonCarsteinwasthe

mostfamousofallthecounts,andpopularlegendgiveshisnametoallofhisprogeny.”“Yousoundas ifyoudisagreewith this?” saidMax,ever the scholar,quibblingoveraminor

pointofterminologynotdiscussingamassmurdererwhoseinsaneplansofconquesthadresultedinthedeathsoftensofthousandsofpeople.

The countess gave a small shrug, a gesture Felix associated with the wealthy Bretonnianmerchantswhooftenvisitedhisfather ’spremises.“Idonotseethatitmatters.WeknowlittleofvonCarstein’santecedents.Hewasthefirstofhislinewhoachievednotoriety.Sincethen,hisdescendantshavebeenquiteactive,particularlyhereinSylvania.”

“Itlooksliketheyhavebecomealotmoreactivejustrecently,”saidFelix.“Iwonderwhy.”“Ithinkthatissomethingweneedtofindout,”saidCountRudgar.“Manylivesmightdependon

it.”Notleastourown,thoughtFelix.Heforcedhimselftoconcentrateoncemoreinspiteofthewine

andtheheatandthefeelingofwellbeingbroughtonbyconsumingrichfoodforthefirsttimeaftermanydaysofhardship.“YouseemtoknowabitaboutAdolphusKrieger,”hesaid,tryingnottoslurhiswordstoomuch.“Wouldyoucaretoshareyourknowledgewithus?”

“Later,”saidthecountess.“It’sbeenalongdayandIamsureweareallweary.Thematterwillwaitfortomorrow.Therearesomethingsbestdiscussedwhenthesunishigh.”

Underthecircumstances,Felixcouldnotfaultherreasoning.Thechamberwaslarge,chillyanddominatedbyahugeportraitofacold-eyedSylvaniannoblemanwho seemed to study Felix withmurderous intent. Briefly, he considered checking the rooms forsecretpassages.IntheoldtalesSylvaniancastleswereriddledwithsuchthingsbuttheroomwastoocoldandhewastoodrunktobother.Hedidtaketheprecautionoflatchinghisdoorandleavinghisswordproppedagainstthewallwithineasygraspingdistanceofhisbed.

Ashedriftedoffintoacoldandfitfulsleep,hecouldhaveswornheheardthedistanthowlingofwolves.

SEVENItwas dark.The coach slid through the night silently and swiftly.Behind them, thewolves paddedalonginthesnowlikewraiths.Theireyesburned.Theirbreathbillowedforthinclouds.Theylookedatoncebeatenandfierce.Therewassomethingdeeplyunnaturalaboutthemnow,astheyslidfurtherandfurtherunderthedominationofthevampire.

Ulrika knew how they felt. She was confused. Her emotions were awhirl and it sometimesseemedtoherthatthedarknessofthenighthadinvadedhermindandhersoul.ShehatedKrieger.Sheloathedhim.Hewasarrogant,supercilious,sureofhimself,domineering,contemptuousofthosehedeemedbeneathhim,whichconsistedofmostof theworld.Shewassure thatwhatheplannedwasevil,andyetsometimesshewantedtobepartofit.

Whenshe stopped to think, sheknew that shemustget away, that somehowshe shouldescapefromthecoachandfleeorfindsomewaytokillhim.

Andyet itwas impossible.Hewas too strong, toopowerful.Often shehad tried to strikehimwithherknife,andhehadtakenitfromherasanadultmightsnatchatoyfromachild.Twiceshehadtried to flee over the snows, into the depths of the winter woods. She had raced off, uncaring ofwhethershediedofcoldorstarvation.

Oncehehadsimplyfollowedhertrail,overtakenherinthedarknessandcarriedherbacktothecoach.Shecouldnomoreresistbeingsnatchedupthanamousecouldhaveresistedacat.Thesecondtime,shethoughtshehadgotawayclean,butthecoldhadbittenthroughthethinclothingshewore,andshehadpassedoutinthesnow.Shehadwokentofindherselfbackinthecoach,warmedbysomeunnaturalmeans,andquitecertainthathecouldhaveoverhauledheratanytime,thathewastoyingwithher,thathehadletherthinkshehadescapedjusttobeabletodashherhopesfurther.Themostastonishingthingwasthatnoneofthevampire’sservantstriedtostopher.Itwasasiftheyhadbeencommandednottointerfere.

Shehadkepthereyespeeledforavillagewhereshemightbreakfreeandfindshelter,buttheyneverstoppedinoneforlong,andRocheortheotherspurchasedallofthesupplieswhileshewasheldimmobileinthralltohismaster ’sburninggazeandunnaturallystronggrip.Shecouldnotevenbegintomakeherselfscreamorshoutforhelp,andthattoomadeherwonder.

Therewasadarkerside tohercaptivity,sheacknowledged. In thevampire’sburningembracetherewasanecstasythelikeofwhichshehadneverknown,apleasurefiercerthananythingshehadeverexperienced.ShehadheardthatsomedevoteesofthedaemongodSlaaneshbecameaddictedtocertaindrugsandbecamecompletelydependenton them.Shewasstarting tosuspect that sheknewhowtheyfelt.Thereweretimeswhenshefoundherselflookingforwardtothecomingofnightwithlonging, and timeswhen shewas disappointedwhenKrieger did notwish to sip her blood.Thereweretimeswhenshefeltjealouswhenshesawhimdescendfromthecoachesofoneofhisfollowers,withthatsleepysatedlookonhisface.

Andworseyet,shesuspectedthatheknewthis.Certainlytheamusedglanceshegaveherimpliedasmuchashistalk.Heseemedverycertainofthis;verysure,asifhehaddonethishundredsoftimesbefore,andwatchedhundredsofwomenbecomehismindlessslaves.

That thought brought a spark of resistance to her mind. She was not going to be anybody’smindlessservant.Shewasnotgoingtobecomehiswillingvictim.Ifhethoughtshewould,hewasinforasurprise.Someway,somehow,shewouldfindherwayoutofthistrapandthen…

And thenwhat? Therewere other things to be considered aswell. Shewas a longway fromhome,withnomoneyorequipmentorfriends.ShewassuretheywereinthewickedlandofSylvania

now,aplaceofdarklegends—notaplacetobestrandedaloneinthedepthsofwinter.Therewerethewolveslopingalongsteadilybehindthem.WithoutKrieger ’sprotectiontheymightwelltearherlimbfromlimb.SheglancedoutintothegloomandsawKriegerthere,stridingalongamongthem,apredatoramongpredators.

Withthesightofhim,thedarknessinherthoughtsreturned,andwiththedarkness,temptation.Of late he had taken to talking to hermore softly of offering her things.Not bribes, not gold orjewels,butpowerandimmortality.Hedidit inamocking, teasingway,soshecouldneverbesurewhetherhemeantit,ormerelyintendedtotormentherbeforekillingher.

Shewasnotinterestedinsuchoffers,shetoldherself.Shedidnotwanttobecomeimmortalatthepriceofhersoul.Shedidnotwanttounnaturallyprolongherlifeatthecostofothers’blood.Shehadnodesiretolearnthedarkestsecretsofsorcery.No.Shewantednoneofthesethings.Therewasnotemptationthere.

Butattimesshehadfoundherselfconsideringthings.Ifshebecameimmortal,shecouldsomedaybecomehisequal,shecouldlearnhissecrets,andmakeherescapeorextractherrevenge.Unlifewouldeventuallygrantherthatpower,shewassure.Thatwastheonlyrealtemptationthere,orsoshetriedtoconvinceherself.Unfortunately,shewasnotsureitwasexactlytrue.

Sometimeswhenhe talked,heseemed tobegivingherglimpses intoagreater,darkerworld,onepossessedofanancientandterriblebeauty,ruledoverbyanaristocracyofthenight,whoheldcourt in shadowed palaces, served by legions ofmore than willing servants. He talked of the farplaceshehadbeen, and the thingshehad seen there,moreplaces than anymortal couldvisit in alifetimeshewassure.

HehadseentheLandoftheDead,andthegreatBlackPyramidofNagashatmidnight.Hehadheardthewhisperingsofthedeadmenastheystirredwithinthetombcities.HehadvisitedtheedgesoftheRealmsofChaosandtheyseemedtoholdnoterrorsforhim.HehadvisitedBretonnia,Estalia,Tileaandeveryoneoftheknownlandsofmen.Hehadtalkedwithfamouspainters,andpoets,aswellaskingsandqueensandlesserrulers.HehaddiscussedphilosophywithNeumann,andplaywritingandpoetrywithvonDiehlandSierckandTarradasch.

He possessed a knowledge and a sophistication thatmade everyman she had evermet seemshallowandvenal.EvenMaxdidnotpossesshisdepthofknowledge.Ofcourse,she thought,Maxhadnotstolencenturiesoflivesfrominnocentstoacquirehisscholarshipeither.

Kriegerstrodeuptothesideofthecoachandwrenchedthedooropen.Thenight’schillenteredwith him.He reached out and touched her cheekwith one icy hand. She flinched away but not asquicklyasshewouldhaveliked.

“HaveyouthoughtaboutthequestionIasked?”“YouarenotateacherandIamnotyourpupil,”shesaid.“Idonotneedtoansweranyofyour

questions.”Hesmiled,showingteethlikeanynormalmortal’s.Thekillingfangswerestillretracted.“Idid

not ask you to answer. I asked you to think about it,” he said quietly. “Actually, I know you havethoughtaboutit.Howcouldyounot?”

Againthatsmugself-assurance,againthatcertaintythatshecouldnotbutdowhathewanted.Theannoyingthingwasthathewasright.Hehadawayofputtingthingsthat,combinedwiththesituationitself,made it impossible not to think aboutwhat hewanted her to.Once again she felt like a flysnaredinaparticularlystrongandsubtlywovenweb.Sheignoredhim,knowingthattosayanythingwould be to grant him another victory. He shrugged and glanced out of the window into themoonlight.

Despitehereffortstokeepthemout,thequestionshehadaskedherblazedthroughherbrain.It

wasasifhispresencetransmittedthemintohermindbysomemysticalpower.Hehadaskedherwhatthe difference was between him and her. He preserved his life by taking the life of mortals. Shepreservedhersbytakingthelivesofcattle,birdsandotherlivingthings.

Theanswerhadseemedsosimpleatfirst.Hekilledpeople,sentientthingswithlovesandhatesandthoughtsandpassions.Hehadaskedherhowshecouldnotbecertainthatanimalsdidnotfeelthesamethings.Afterall,onceshehadsaidherolddoghadunderstoodher.

“Areyoupreparedtokilltodefendyourselforyourfamily?Youdon’tneedtoanswer.Ialreadyknowwhatyouwillsay”Shespokejusttobecontradictory.“OfcourseIwould.”

“Whatisthedifferencebetweendoingthatandkillingtoprolongyourlife?”“ThedifferenceisthatIwouldnotbetheaggressor.Iwouldbedefendingmyself.”“Whatabouttoprotectyourland?”“Iwouldfighttoprotectit.”“Soyouaresayingyouvalueyourlandmorehighlythananotherperson’slife.”“Iftheytriedtotakemyland,yes.”Heshookhisheadandgaveheramockingsmile.“Andifyouralliescallonyoutofight,youwouldkilltoprotecttheirlands?”“Iwouldbehonourboundto.”“Sonowyourhonour isworthmore thananotherperson’s life. I thinkIammorehonest than

you.IcantruthfullysayIvaluemyexistencemorehighlythanIvaluetheirs.”“That is your privilege,” she said. “What happenswhen you run into someonewho feels the

samewayaboutyou?”“Youalreadyknowtheanswer.”Ulrikafellsilent.Sheknewhisquestionswerejustanotheroneofhisgames,designedtomake

herfeelinferiorandweak,tobreakdownherresistance.Shecouldnotunderstandwhyhebothered,otherthanperhapsbecausehegotsomesicksadisticpleasurefromit.

Shedidnotregardherselfashavingaparticularlyphilosophicalturnofmind.SuchathingwashardlyanecessityforthedaughterofafrontiernoblemanofKislev.Allsheneededtobeabletodowasmanageanestateandwieldaweapon,notbeabletoanswercomplexethicalriddles.Shefeltoutofherdepthhere,confrontedwithapuzzlethatwaswaybeyondallherpreviousexperience.

Shewaswillingtoadmitthateternallifeandeternalyouthwerenotwithouttheirattractions.Butthepricebeingaskedherewastoohigh.

Besideher,AdolphusKriegersmiledasifheknewexactlywhatshewasthinking.Shereallywishedtoputadaggerthroughhisheartatthatmoment,butshesuspectedthatifshe

could,itwouldmakenodifference.Heseemedsoinvulnerable.Maxwatched thesunrise fromthewallsofWaldenschlosse. Itdidnotcheerhim.Themeathehadeatenlastnightsatinhisstomachasifmadeoflead.Theweaknesshehadfeltsincerecoveringfromhis investigation of the Eye of Khemri stayed with him. He summoned a splinter of power, andwrappedhimselfinit,tokeepoutthechill,towarmhimself.Hisoldmasterswouldhaveshudderedtoseehimusepowerinsuchawaybut,rightatthismoment,hedidnotcare.

Thewarmthspreadoverhisskinandbroughtaflushtohischeeksbutitdidnottouchhisheart.Itwasnowonder;theviewfromthecastlewasenoughtochillthebloodofanyman.Thekeepstoodatopagreatrockycrag.Astheshadowsofnightretreatedhesawthecorpseofthetown.Thatwasthebestwayhecoulddescribetheruinedandhalf-desertedtownship.Waldenhofseemedlesslikealivingcitythanaprisonoracampinwhichtherefugeesofsometerribledisasterhuddled,waitingforthenextdreadfuldoomtodescendonthem.

Inthedistance,beyondthetumbled-downtownwalls,layaseeminglyendlessdarkforest.Therewasabroodingsenseofpresenceaboutit,asifancientevilthingsstilllurkedthere,waitingtostrike.

ItwassaidthewoodsofSylvaniahadbeenahavenforcreaturesofdarknesssincethetimeofSigmar.Max found it easy tobelieve.Not even theplumesof smoke rising from the snow-coveredhovelsbelowreassuredhimmuch.Thetownlookedevenlessprepossessingbydaylightthanithadthenightbefore.

Maxhadthoughthewouldhavesleptwelllastnight.Afterall,hehadhadarealbedandarealroomheatedbyarealfireplace.Hehadnotdoneso.Hissleephadbeenfullofnightmares.Hisbodyhadbecomesoaccustomed tohardground thathehadconstantlyshiftedonhismattress ina futilesearch for rest. The room had seemed stuffy and it had been hard to breathe. Perhaps he wasbecoming ill, but his routine monitoring of his physical health had shown no signs of it. Hisprotectivespellsseemedtobeworking.Hedoubtedifhewascomingdownwithafluxorplague.Itmustsimplybeworryandexhaustion.

HeinvokedthelocationspellontheEyeofKhemri.Ithadstoppedmoving,asitoftendidatthistimeofday.Well,atleasthehadansweredonemystery.IfKriegerwereablooddrinker,thatwouldexplainwhyhetravelledmostlyatnight.Maxprayedthatfinallythevampirehadreachedhisgoalandthey would soon overtake him. It seemed logical that they would: Sylvania was most likely hisdestination.Thequestionwas,whathorrordidheplanwhenhereachedhiseventualgoal?HesurelyintendedtousetheEyeforsomeunspeakablepurpose.

MaxsawFelixemergeontothebattlements.Helookedconsiderablytheworseforwear.Hewaspaleandsweating,despitethecold.Hishairwaslankandhisbeardunkempt.Thetatteredredcloakwas drawn tight about his shoulders. He gave a great hacking cough that made his whole bodyshudder.HeshuffledalongthebattlementstowardsMaxlikeanoldman,movingverycautiously.Thewizardwasnotsurprised.Thestonewasslippery,anditwasalongdroptothehardflagstonesofthecourtyardbelow.

“Morning,Max,you’reupearly,”hesaid.Hisvoicewashoarse,andMaxwassurehecouldhearawheezingnoisecomingfromhischest.

“Ididnotsleepwell.”Felixsmiled.“YoulookhowIfeel.”“Icouldsaythesameaboutyou,”saidMax.“Thisisadepressingplace.”“Youcansaythatagain.”“And it’s a depressing time. Thewinter is deep. The hordes ofChaos are on themarch. The

forcesof theundeadmuster,andwe’re right in themiddleof it. It’s funny—when Iwasachild Ialways wanted to have adventures like the ones I read about in books. Now I findmyself havingadventuresandIwishIwasachildbackinmyfather ’shouseagain.”

“Thesearedarktimes,”saidMax.Tohissurprise,Felixburstout laughing,andkept laughingtillhismirthendedinaspasmofcoughing.“Whatwasthatabout?”Maxasked.

“Youreallydosoundjustlikeawizardshouldsometimes,Max.Wouldyoucaretomakesomeominousprophesiesnow?”

“Idon’tthinkyouareintherightframeofmindforthem.MaybeIwillwaittillit’sdarkandthewolvesarehowlingoutside.Maybethenyou’llshiverappropriatelyatmyoracularpronouncements.”

“IthinkI’mshiveringquiteenoughatthemoment.”Maxturnedandlookedawaytowardsthehorizon.Inthedistance,hecouldseeahugeplumeof

darksmokerising.“Whatisthat?”heasked.Heansweredhisownquestion.“Mostlikelyjustthefirefromsometownsman’shut.”

Felixshookhishead.“No.Thebillowsaretoobigandtoodark.It’snonormalfire.Notunlesshehassetfiretohiswholestreetinanefforttokeepwarm.NotthatIwouldblamehimifhehad.”

Ahornsoundedfromoneofthenearbywatchtowers.Thecallechoedthroughthecourtyardandwasansweredfromothertowers.

“Itwouldseemwearenottheonlyoneswhohavenoticed,”saidFelix.Withinminutes,acompanyofmen-at-armshadassembledinthecourtyard.“Isupposewehad

bettergoandhelptheminvestigate,”saidFelixwithoutmuchenthusiasm.Hecoughedlongandhardbeforeshufflingtowardsthestairs.

EvenasMaxwatchedamassofpeopleappearedbeforethecastle,emergingfromthetumbleddownstreetsofthedecayingcity.Theylookedasiftheyhadbeenrunningfortheirlives.Therewereraggedly cladmen,womenclutchingbabies to theirbreasts, and small children.A fewof themenclutchedpitchforksandotherweapons.SomehadpitifullysmallsacksovertheirshouldersthatMaxguessed held a fewpossessions.All of them seemed to be scared.The villagers in the huts belowemergedfromtheirhomestomeetthem.Afterafewsecondsofchattertheybegantoshoutfortheirmasterstoopenthegates.“Itseemstherehasbeenanotherraidinthenight,”saidthecountess.ShestrodeoverandglancedatMaxandFelix.Maxlookedather.Shewaspaleandverybeautiful,verymuchthelanguidaristocrat,andtherewassomethingaboutherthathedisliked.“Rudgarandhismenwillrideoutandinvestigate,althoughIdoubtthattheywillfindanything.Thecreatureswillhavemeltedawayintothewoodsbynow.Theyalwaysdo.Theyareverygoodatit.”

Evenasshespoke,Rudgar,Rodrikandagroupofknightsthunderedpast,goinghellforleatherthroughthesnowintothewoods,lookingforalltheworldasiftheywereouthunting.Afewevenletoutwildwhoopsofexcitement,andblewupontheirhornsexactlyasifgoingtohounds.Maxwasnottoo impressed by their grasp of tactics.Whywarn your foes that you are coming?He had neversuspected thecountandhissonasbeing thebrightestofmenandherewasproofof it.GotrekandSnorriNosebiterwerestompingdownthestairsnow,heftingtheirweaponsandlookingascheerfulasmenontheirwaytoanElectorcountess’ball.

“Betterhurry,”hesaidironically.“Otherwiseyou’llmissthebattle.”Thetwogrinnedasifhewasnotbeingsarcasticandbegantrottinginthedirectionofthesmoke.

Felixcoughedbehindhishand,andbegantomoveofftoo.Maxsupposedhehadtofilltheconditionsofhisoath.

“Wait,”saidthecountess.“Gethorsesfromthestable.We’llallgettherequicker.”Maxnoticedthat he seemed tohavebeen included in that.He foundhimselfmoving towards the stables almostautomatically.Therewassomethingverysubtlycommandingaboutthecountess.Itwasatwentyminuteridethroughthesnow-coveredstreetstowheretheoutskirtsofthecitytouchedthe woods. All around rotting buildings loomed, frightened people glancing out from shadowydoorways.Max’sbreath steamed in theair.Thehorse racedalong smoothlyunderneathhim,greatmuscles bunching and uncoiling. Riding was exhilarating, and he thought he might be able tounderstandthebehaviouroftheyoungnoblesearlier.

“Your face isverygrim,HerrSchreiber,”saidCountessGabriella.“Anyparticular reason,orareyoualwaysthisway?”

Maxforcedhimselftosmile,andtorelaxalittle.Hemightnotlikethecountessmuch,buttherewasnoneedtoberude.Itservedlittlepurpose.Andreally,whowashetojudgeher?Hehardlyknewthewoman,afterall.

“Iamworried.AboutUlrikaandaboutAdolphusKrieger.”“Youhaveeveryreasontobe.Heisaverywickedman.”Maxglancedoverather.Inthecoldclearmorninglight,hecouldseethatshewasnotasyoung

as he had first thought.Over the veil, small lineswere visible at the corner of her eyes. Expertly

appliedmake-upalmostconcealedthembuttheywerethere.AndtherewasasheentoherblackhairthatsuggestedtoMaxthatitwasdyed.Shewasolderthanhewasbytenyearsatleast,heguessed.

“Areyoutalkingfrompersonalexperience?”Maxwasnotsurewhyhesaidthat,thewordsjustslippedout.HecouldseeFelixgivehimawarninglook.Perhapshistonehadbeenabitinsensitive,hethought,buthecouldnothelpit.Thewomanbroughtouttheworstinhimforsomereason.

“Youcouldsaythat,”shesaid.“Heisanoldenemyofmyhusband’sfamily.Orrather,theyareoldenemiesofhis.”

“Why?”“TheEmperorgrantedusthecastlethathehadoccupiedbeforetheWarsoftheVampireCounts,

beforeeveryoneknewwhathewas.He resented thatagreatdeal,andheswore to take itbackandhaverevengeonmyhusband’sentireline.”

“Hecertainlyknowshowtoholdagrudge,”saidFelix.Therewasanoteofmild irony inhisvoice.

“Youdon’tunderstand,HerrJaeger.Youhavenocomprehensionof theway theundyingonesthink.Theylooklikemortals,but theyarenot likemortals.Theyarenotsane,asyouwouldjudgesanity.What they are twists theirminds. They are nomore comprehensible tomost people than aspiderwouldbe,ifwecouldreaditsthoughts.”

“That’sanuncomfortableidea,”saidFelix,andthetoneofironywasgone.“Theundyingonesaredisturbingthings.Theyarepredatorsandmortalsaretheirprey.Theyare

drivenbyneedsanddrivesthatareincomprehensibletotheliving.”Maxfoughtdownashiver.SomewhereoutthereUlrikawasinthehandsofacreaturelikethis,

andthatwasthebesthecouldhopefor,ifthethinghadnotsimplyslainheroutofhandanddrunkherbloodtosustainitsunnaturalexistence.Somewheredeepinhisheartred-hotangerbegantoblaze.IfthathadhappenedAdolphusKriegerwouldpay; itwouldnotmatterhow long it took,Maxwouldhunthimdownandmakeanendofhim.Itdidnotmatterhowpowerfulthecreaturethoughthewas,hewoulddiscovertherewereotherpowersinthisworld.

Maxreachedoutand touched theweaveofhis locationspellagain. Itwasstill there.Hecouldstillfeelit.Suddenly,hejustwantedtobeawayfromhere,forthechasetobeononcemore.Theywerewastingtimehere.Everyheartbeatmightprovevital.Hepushedthethoughtsback.Thiswomancouldtellhimthingsthatmighthelp.Itwasalwaysbesttoknowyourenemy,particularlyiftheywereaspowerfulanddangerousashefearedAdolphusKriegermightbe.Surelyremaininghereforafewmorehourswouldnotmakethatmuchdifference,lusttheextrarestwouldletthemmovefasteroverthenextfewdays.Surelythatalonewouldmakethisdelayworthwhile.

He tried to convincehimself, but he still felt guilty. “TellmemoreofAdolphusKrieger,” hesaid.

“Little enough is known of him. Hewas one of von Carstein’smost trustedminions. He ledarmies in the field for him during the Winter War. It is said even von Carstein feared him. HevanishedafterHelFenn.Many thoughthehadperishedwith theotherundyingones.Myhusband’sfamilydidnot.”

“Why?”“Thingshappened.Mykinfolkdiedundermysteriouscircumstances,andalwaysafterreportsof

someonewholookedlikeKriegerhadbeenspottedinthearea.Somethoughthisghosthadreturnedtohauntthefamily.Othersknewhestillexistedandwastauntingthem.Theundyingonescanaffordtotakealongtimeovertheirrevenges,andtheyliketospinthesethingsout.Comparedtothemacattoyingwithamouseismerciful.”

Shespokeon,tellingbloodcurdlingtalesofKrieger ’smisdeeds,andanecdotesfromherfamily

history.AsMaxlistenedhebegantobuildapictureofKriegerthatchilledtheblood.AndthiswasthemanwhohadNagash’samulet!Puttingaside rescuingUlrika itoccurred toMax that itwouldbeaverybadthingtoallowtheEyeofKhemritostaywithinhisclutches.

FelixlistenedtoMaxandGabriellatalkasherode.Hiscoughwasworse.Hislungsfeltcloggedbuthemanaged to stayuprighton thehorse.Hekepthis eyespeeled studying the surroundings. Iftherewerebeastmenabout,hewantedtoseethembeforetheysawhim.Thesehalf-abandonedstreetswereperfectforanambush.IdlyhewonderedwheretheSlayerswere.Theyhadnotovertakenthemontheroad,buthewouldnothaveputitpastGotrekandSnorritohavetakenashortcut.

Hisnostrilstwitched.Fromupaheadhecouldsmellburning.Itseemedthattheywerecloserthanhehadthought.Apity.HehadafewquestionshewantedtoaskoftheCountessGabriella.Sheseemedthebest informedof all theSylvaniannobles, althoughhe supposed itwas quite likely that anyofthemcouldanswerhisquestions.Therewasalothewantedtoknowabouttheundyingones,andtheCarsteinbloodline,particularlysincehefeltacoldcertaintythatoneofthesenightshewasgoingtofindhimselfinsomeoutofthewayplacehuntingKriegerorothersofhisilk.SuchepisodeshadalltoofrequentlypunctuatedhiscareerastheSlayer ’shenchman.

Hewantedtoknowhowmanyofthetalesconcerningvampiresweretrueandhowmanywereoldwives’tales,anditseemedtohimthattheSylvanianswerebestplacedtobeabletoanswerthem.Notimelikethepresent,hetoldhimself.

“Countess,isittruethattheundyingonesaremuchstrongerthanordinarymen,strongenoughtoripaman’sheartoutwiththeirbarehands?”

IfMaxwas displeasedwith this interruption he did not let it show.He looked at the countessexpectantly.Sheconsideredforamoment.

“Someofthemcertainlyare.Kriegeris…iftheoldtalesaretobebelieved.”Wonderful, thoughtFelix. I stood in a roomwith amancapableof rendingmy fleshwithhis

barehands,andIwasquitepreparedtofighthim.Imayhavetodosoagain.“Whydoyousay‘someofthem’?”Maxasked.Itwasagoodquestion,andFelixwishedhehad

thoughtofit.“Theundyingonesvaryintheircharacteristicsfarmorethanhumans.Youhearmanystoriesof

them,andit’sacertaintythatallofthemhavesomebasisinfact.It’sjustthatnoteverytaleholdstrueofeveryblooddrinker.”

“Canyougivemeanexample?”“Theyaresaidtobeunabletoabidethesignofthehammer,ortopassanywindowbarredwith

daemonroot. In somecases this is true.Therearedocumented reportsof theundying fleeing frompriests of Sigmarwhen presentedwith holy symbols.But equally there are believable accounts ofthemtearingapartpriestswhoconfrontedthem,andtramplingontheholysignsandlaughing.”

“Iwouldbesurprisedifthesetalesinvolvedthesamevampirethough,”saidMax.Thecountesslookedathimwithsomerespect.Felixwonderedwhatthewizard’spointwas.Hewishedhisheaddidnothurtquitesomuch.Hewishedthemotionofthehorsedidnotmakehimquitesonauseous.

“Youwouldmostlybecorrect,HerrSchreiber.Andwherethestoriesdooverlapthereisalwaysthepossibilityofconfusion.”

“There are some simple possible explanations,” saidMax. “Such thingsmight be completelydependentonwhattheindividualcreatureitselfbelieves.Ithappensall thetimewithwizards.Somecanonlycastspellswhentheyhavetheirfavouritestaff.Somebelieveimplicitlythattheirspellswillhavenoeffectoncertainthingslikepriestsorpeoplebearingthesignofthehammerand,strangely,thisisthecase.Eventhoughotherwizardshavenodifficultydoingthiswhatsoever.Magicisinmanyways as much about confidence and willpower as it is about tapping the currents of magic, and

certainlytheundyingonesmustbeevenmoresteepedinmagicthanevenwizards.”“YouarereferringtoKarelLazlo’stheoryofbeliefsystems,”saidthecountess.Maxsmiled.“IwouldhavethoughtIwastheonlypersoninahundredleaguestoknowaboutthatbook,much

lesstohavereadit.”“InSylvaniaweknowtheutilityofmuchstrangelore,andwesetourselvestoacquiringit.”Felix’sheadreeledbuthestillhadquestionshewantedansweredandhewasn’tabouttoletthese

two get side-tracked into some long-winded discussion of what some centuries’ dead philosopherthought,nomatterhowmuchitmighthaveinterestedhimundernormalcircumstances.

“Is it true they die if exposed to sunlight?” he asked, once again forcing his way into theconversation.

“Again it varies,” said the countess. “Somebecomevery badly burnedbydaylight, somedie,someseemable tobear itwithoutmajordamage.Allaccountsagree, though, thatunless theyhavejustconsumedagreatdealofblood,orenhancedtheirpowerswithmagic,thattheyareconsiderablylessformidableduringdaylight.Nooneknowswhy.”

“I have read that some of them are capable of going abroad by daylight even, provided theyprotecttheirskinsfromexposure,”saidMax.Thecountessadjustedherveilandlookedathim.

“Thatismostlikelytruetoo.”Felixwondered howmuch ofwhat he thought he knew about the creatureswas true and how

muchofitwasconditional,orappliedonlytosomeandnottoothers,orwasmerelyanoldwives’tale?Hepushedon.

“Cantheyflyortransformthemselvesintobatsorwolvesorotheranimals?Ihavereadthattheycan.”

BothMaxandthecountessstaredathimforlongmomentsinsilence.Hecouldnotmakeuphismindwhethertheyweregivinghisquestionseriousconsiderationorlookingathimasifhewereanidiot,buthemettheirgazeevenly.Hisquestionwasnotstupidifhislifemightdependontheanswer.Eventually thecountessspoke,“It issaid that thereweresomeof theCarsteinbloodlinewhocouldtransformthemselvesintocreaturesofthenight.”

Maxconsideredforawhile.“There isnoreasonwhyitshouldnotbepossible.Somewizardscanmanagethesametrickusingcertaintransformationalspells.Ihaveneverseenitdone,butIseenoreasontodoubtthatitispossible.Manystrangethingsaregiventheproperapplicationofthecorrectforces.”

Thingswerelookingworseandworse,Felixthought.ItwaspossiblethatKriegerpossessedallthepowers that legend ascribed to theblooddrinkers, and itwas equallypossible that noneof theprotections ofwhich the tales spokemightwork against him.He tried telling himself that hewaslookingatthingsintheworstofallpossiblelightsbutofteninthepasttheworsthadhappened,sothiswasnocomfort.

Where was Gotrek, Felix wondered? The power of that ancient axe would certainly be areassuringthingtohavearoundrightnow.Thebuildingstillburnedastheyrodeuptoit.Thickoilycloudsofsmokerosefromthepeatwallsofthe nearest huts. Felix had heard the living conditions of the peasants inSylvaniawere evenmoresqualid than those of such people elsewhere, and here was evidence of it before his very eyes.FarmersaroundAltdorfkeptpigsinstiesthatlookedmoreinhabitablethansomeofthesehutsmusthavebeen.

Felixhadheard that thingswerehard inSylvania, and that the livesof thepeasantsherewerebywordsforbrutishness.Lookingat thishecouldbelieve it.Hehadneverseendwellingssosmalland squalid.The peasantswhohad come filtering backwhen they realised the knights had arrived

weresmaller, thinnerandmoreunhealthy looking thananyhumanbeingsFelixhadeverseen,andmost of thembore pockmarks or possessedwall eyes or the look of congenital idiocy.Was theresomethinginthesoilherethattwistedhumanlife,hewondered?

HehadnotrealisedhehadspokenoutlouduntilhesawMaxlookingathim.“ThetaintofdarkmagicisverystronginSylvania,”saidthewizard.“AndthesoilwassaidtohavebeencontaminatedterriblybythewarpstonestarfallthatprecededtheGreatPlagueof1111.Maybethathasaffectedthepeople,althoughthisisprobablyneitherthetimenortheplacetospeakofit.”

Felixnoddedhishead.HehadvisitedtheChaosWastesandthoughtthattherecouldbenoworseplaceintheworld,butnowhewasstartingtohavehisdoubts.ThemarkofdarknesswasmuchmoreobviousintheWastes,butinsomewaytheveryfamiliarityofSylvaniamadeitseemworse.Thiswaspartof theEmpire.Thesepeoplewerecitizensofhisnativelandandyetruinousmagichadtaintedtheirlivesinmanywaysandonmanylevels.Hewonderedwhathisownlifewouldhavebeenlikeifhehadbeenbornhere.

Thinking of the somewhat eccentric appearance and manner of the nobles he had met, hewonderediftheywereatalldifferentfromtheirpeople.Perhapstheywerechangedontheinsidetheway these folks hadbeen alteredon theoutside.Perhaps therewas some truth in all those tales ofmadness set in this accursed province. He shook his head. Hewasmaking toomany assumptionsbasedontoofewfacts.Hewaslettingthedepressingatmosphereofthisdecayingplacegettohim.

Herodeuptowheresomeofthevillagerswereproddingacorpse.Orwhatatfirstlookedlikeacorpse.He looked again, reined the horse in and dismounted then shouldered hisway through thesmallknotofpeoplearoundthebody.Maybeonceithadbeenhuman,althoughitmusthavebeenaveryleanandevil-lookingman.Heproddeditwithhisbootandtheheadrolledtooneside.Thefacewasshocking,asmuchforthewaysinwhichitresembledamanasforthewaysitdidnot.TheskinwasgreyishandflakywithanoddlyreptilianqualityalthoughFelixcouldnotquiteputhisfingeronwhatmadeitso.

Theyellowisheyesweremuchlargerthannormal,andseemedtobulgeoutoftheirsocketssothattheeyelidscouldnotcontainthem.Thefacewasverylong,andverylean,andthejawwasverynarrow.Themouthgrinningindeath’srictuswasfullofteeththatwerediscolouredandfartoosharp.Thenailsonthehandswerelongandclaw-like.

“Whatisit?”heaskedquietly.“It’saghoul,manling,”saidGotrek,thecrowdpartingaroundhim.“Aneaterofmanflesh.”Felixwassickened.LikeallthecitizensoftheEmpirehehadheardtalesofthesefoulcannibals

whogorgedthemselvesonthemeatofcorpsesbuthehadneverreallyexpectedtoencounterone.“Goetzkilledityerhonour,wiv‘ispitchfork,”saidoneofthepeasants.“Justaforetwoo’this

thing’smatesgrabbed‘iman’madeoff.Iguesswe’llfindhisbonescrackedformarrowoneo’thesedays.”

Now,Felixreallydidfeelnauseous.Itwasdisturbingenoughtoseethebonesofthosewhohadbeenkilledandeatenbybeastmen,butiflegendswerecorrectthisghoulherehadoncebeenhumantillhedevelopedatasteforforbiddenmeat.

“Look’sabitlikeWilhelm,thisone,”saidanotherpeasantwithasortofdullcuriosity.“Ialwaysdidwonderwhat‘appenedto‘im.”

“You’resayingyouknewthisthing?”saidFelixincredulously.“Maybe.Wouldn’tbethefirstaroundheretotryabitofsweetporkifyougetmydrift.Winteris

longandsometimesfoodisscarce.Whocanaffordthebutcher ’sbill?”Felixdidnotknowwhathorrifiedhimmore,theinformationthemanhadimpartedorthecasual

wayhehadsaidit.SeeingFelixlookingathimaskance,themanflinchedandadded,“NotthatI’ve

evertrieditmyself,youunderstand.”The thunder of hooves announced the arrival of Rudgar. “These creatures are either very

desperateorveryconfidenttobeattackingthetownitself.”TheCountessGabriella’svoicewaschill.“Ifeartheyaregrowingveryconfident.”Atthatmoment,theghoul’seyesflickeredopenanditletoutachillingmalevolentlaugh.“The

TimeofBloodishere,”itcackledandlungedupwardatFelix.Beforeheevenhadtimetostepback,Gotrek’saxehadpartedthething’sheadfromitsshoulders.Therewassurprisinglylittleblood.

Thepeasantshadfallenbackmutteringwithhorror,makingthesignofthehammer,andotherwards thatFelixdidnot recognise.“The thingwasdead, Iknows itwas,”said thepeasantwhohadspokenofsweetpig.

“Itisnow,”saidGotrekandspatontheheadlesscorpse.“ItcertainlylookeddeadwhenIpokeditwithmyboot,”saidFelix,astheystrodethroughtheruinsattheedgeoftown.Herethewallswerealmosttheheightoffourmenandtippedwithspikesinplaces.Of course, in other places there were huge gaps, where the stonework had tumbled and not beenrebuilt.Itwaseasytoseehowthethingshadgotin.

“Anyonecanmakeamistake,manling,”saidGotrek.“Itmighthavebeendead,”saidMax.“Perhapstherewassomeresidueofdarkmagicleftwithin

it,whichallowedittocomebacktoasemblanceoflifeonelasttime.”“Maybe,”saidtheSlayer.“Ormaybeitwasjustwoundedandfaking.”“You’remostprobablyright,”saidMax,buthestillsoundedalittledubious.Felixwonderedif

theatmosphereofthisplacewasstartingtogettothewizardaswell.NormallyMaxSchreiberwasquitesceptical.

“Vampires,ghouls,beastmen;whatnext?”mutteredFelix.“Someofthesepeasantslookliketheymightwantagoodmealofsweetpork,”saidtheSlayer

nastily.“Theyjustlookliketheycoulduseagoodmeal,”saidFelix.“Noneedtoconcernyourselfwiththesescum,”boomedRodrik,stridingupthemuddystreet.He

hadobviouslyoverheard.“Theywillgetby.Theirsortalwaysdoes.Mostlikelyhaveawholesackfulofturnipstheyshouldhaveusedfortaxesburiedintheirmiddenpiles.”

“Awhole sackful?Of turnips?” said Felix softly. His ironywas obviously lost on the youngknightwhojustnoddedsagely.

“Thesevillainsarescum,pureandsimple.Steal their liegelordsblind,robapassingstrangerforhisshoesandusethemtomakesoup.Ifyoudon’ttreatthemwiththelashthey’llgorightbacktotheiroldways.TheyweretoolongundertheVampireCounts.”

Too longunder the likesofyoumore like, thoughtFelix, all the reasonswhyhedisliked thearistocracy of his homeland coming flooding back to him. He gazed at the young knight withunconcealeddistaste.IfRodriknoticedhegavenosignofit.

“There’snothingmuchmorewecandohere.Bestgetbacktotheschloss,”saidRodrik.Felix nodded. They had better things to do than stick around and help this upper class brute

oppressthepeasants.Still,hehadtoadmit,someofthepeasantswerelookingathimratherhungrily.Maxwashappy tobebackon the roadagain, though less thanpleased thatCountessGabriellahaddecided to accompany them,withRodrik and his fellows as escort. It seemed that their routes rantogether for many leagues. If what the countess claimed about Krieger having a claim on herhusband’slandswastrue,thenperhapstheymightfindthemselvesallies.

Theconferenceofnobleshadendedinconclusively.Theyhadagreedtosendaidtooneanotherifattacked,butitseemedthattheplanwasmostlytoremainwithintheircastlestilltheendofwinter

andthensummontheirvassalsandmustertheirarmiestoscourtheland.Intruth,therewasverylittleelse for them todo.Armieswouldnot be able tomarch in thedeepwinter andkeeping any largeforcesuppliedwouldbenexttoimpossible.Onlythedesperateorthedrivenwouldbeabroadnow.Maxsmiledgrimly.Peoplelikeourselvesinotherwords.Andthoseintheserviceofthedarkpowers,headdedafteramoment’sconsideration.

HewonderedhowmuchchancetheSylvaniannoblesreallyhadagainstanyforceKriegermightmuster.Maxdoubted that itwasgood.Thiswasapoor, infertile land,andcouldnot supportmanypeople. The size of the nobles’ forces was considerably smaller than any that might be musteredelsewhereintheEmpire.HedoubtedthatalloftherulersatthemeetingatWaldenschlossetogethercouldmusterasmanytroopsasthecityguardofPraag.Thatwasnotanencouragingthoughteither.

Therehadbeensome talkofhiringmercenariesaswellbutMaxdoubted thatanythingwouldcome of it. No mercenary in his right mind would want to come to Sylvania for the sums theseimpoverished nobles would offer, and even if they did most would, doubtless, soon be far morelucrativelyemployedbytheEmperorinthecampaignagainstChaos.

Maxdismissedthesethoughtsandgavehisattentiontohissurroundings.Snowcrunchedbeneaththe hooves of the ponies. The Kislevite warriors rode in a column, silently scanning theirsurroundingswithwaryeyes.Maxdidnotblamethemfortheirlowspirits.Hehimselfhadneverseenamoreominous-lookingwood.Thetreesweresicklyand,wherenotcoveredinsnow,wereblotchedwithsomesortofparasiticmouldthatglowedintheshadows.Theplacewasoppressiveanddeathlyquietsaveforthesoundsmadebytheadvancingparty.

Heshivered.ThiswastheroadtoDrakenhof,aplacewithasbadareputationasanyintheworld.At Drakenhof, the scourge of the Vampire Counts had first arisen. At Drakenhof, the first of theinfamousvonCarsteinshadraisedhisbannerandproclaimedhimselfrulerofSylvania.Thecastleitselfwassaidtohavebeenbuiltonaparticularlyill-omenedsite,anexusofterribledarkmagicalenergies,aplacesowovenaroundbyevilprotectivespellsthatanymortalwhospenttimetherewentinsane. Itwassaid that thesiegeengineerswhohadbeenset the taskofdestroying theplaceby theEmperorJoachimhadgonemad,anddevouredeachother.Allthingsconsidered,itwasnotaplacehewaskeentovisit.UnfortunatelyitseemedlikelytobetheultimatedestinationofAdolphusKrieger.Itwasadisturbingthought.

Atleast,whateverelsetheymighthavebeen,thefolkbackatWaldenschlossehadbeengenerouswiththeirsupplies.Theyhadreplenishedthestoresofgrainandhardtackonthewagonsoutoftheirown meagre stocks. They had an ulterior motive, Max supposed. If this expedition had even thefaintestchanceofriddingthemofKriegerthenitwasworththeirwhilesupportingit.Judgingbythelookstheyhadreceived,astheyrodeout,nottoomanyratedtheirchanceshighly.

Maxhadotherreasonstobegrateful.WhileatthekeephehadtakenadvantageofthelibraryandlearnedagreatdealofobscureknowledgeconcerningSylvaniaandtheVampireCounts.Thefamilychronicles of noble houses here were for the most part as dry and dull as those of aristocraticfamilieselsewherebutsomesurprisingnuggetsofinformationcouldshowup.

MannfredvonCarsteinhadhadthewholeapproachtoDrakenhoflinedwiththecrucifiedformsof his enemies. One dark autumn evening he had them all set alight to illuminate his triumphalprocessionintothetown.Manyofthevictimshadstillbeenalivewhenthetorchhadbeensettotheiroil-soakedbodies.Whatsortofmaniacwoulddothatsortofthing,Maxwondered?

Unfortunately, the answer was all too obvious, when dealing with members of the Carsteinbloodline. There seemed to be something tainted in that brood, as if an ancient curse ofmadnessinevitablydescendedonitsmembers.Notthatanyoftheundyingoneswereexactlysane.Fromhisotherreadings,Maxknewthatalmostallofthebloodlinessufferedthisinsomeway.Maxwondered

ifthevampireswouldseeitthatwaythough.Howcouldhe judge?Their liveswere so longand theirperspectives so skewedbywhat they

werethatmaybetothemtheirbehaviourwasnormal.Ifyouhadlivedforcenturiesbytreatingpeopleas cattle then maybe using them as torches would seem natural. Somehow Max could not quiteconvincehimselfof this.He thought it farmore likely that thecreaturesweresosaturatedbydarkmagic that their minds and their souls, if they still had any, were warped by it. It was a welldocumented process that occurred to dark magicians and those who trafficked with the RuinousPowers.Therewasnoreasontoassumethatvampireswereimmune;quitetheopposite,infact.

Maxdidnotknowwhereallofthisspeculationwasleadinghimexceptperhapstothefactthatheknewseveralspellsofunbindinganddissipationagainstdarkmagic,andthatthesemightprovemostusefulagainstacreaturewhichoweditsexistenceinparttothosebanefulenergies.Insomewaystoothiswasatacticalproblem.IfKriegerwasoneofthosewhowereaffectedbysunlightthenMaxknewseveralspells for replicating theeffectof thesun too.Thosemightproveveryhandyaswell.Thiswasaproblemthatneededtobeconsideredfromallangles.Thestakesweretoohightoallowforanyerrorsofjudgement.NotonlyhislifebutUlrika’sandalloftheirparty’smightdependonsuchthings.

***“So,youhavewrittenpoetry?”askedtheCountessGabriella.Felixnodded,wonderingwhyshehadaskedhimtojoinher.Surelyshehadnotaskedhimheresimplytodiscusspoesy.Heglancedoutintothegatheringgloombeforenodding.Rodrikrodealongbesidethecoach.HecaughtFelix’seyeuponhimandglancedbackwithalookthatcouldonlybedescribedasjealous.Felixturnedtolookaway.Thelastthinghewantedwasanytroublewiththehotheadedyoungnoble.

He felt quite sleepy.Themotionof the coachon its runnerswas lullinghim into a daze.Thecountess’coachwaswarmandthecushionedleatherseatsalotmorecomfortablethanthehardbenchonthesupplysledge.ThecountessherselfwasfarmorepleasantcompanythantheSlayer,althoughthatwasn’tsayingmuchsince,onmostdays,sowasadeadbadger.Tobefairtothewoman,shewasalotbettercompanythanmostpeopleheknew—witty,eruditeandcharming.

“Andwherewasitpublished?”Helookedoverather.Behindherveilhereyesseemedtoglitterinthedimlight.Thesubtle,spicysmellofherperfumefilledthecoach’sinterior.

“InAltdorf,bytheAltdorfPress.IntheiranthologiesofnewImperialpoetryforthemostpart.”“SoyouwroteitinImperial,notClassical.”“It’sthemodernmanner,”saidFelix,alittledefensively.Likemosteducatedmenhecouldread

andwritequitecompetentlyintheoldtongueifhehadto,buttheideaofwritingpoetryinithadnogreat appeal. Toomany of the greatmasters had used the language, and that invited unfavourablecomparisons.“Mostpublishersthesedaysareaimingatthevernacularaudience.It’slarger.”

“Quite,”saidthecountess,alittlesharply.“ButClassicalisamuchmoreelegantlanguage,don’tyou think?” There was something a little challenging in her tone. Felix felt as if he were beingquizzedbyhisprofessorsbackattheuniversity.

“I don’t know that I agree,” he said. “I think it’s the choice of words thatmakes a statementelegant,ifthat’swhatyouwish,ratherthanthelanguageit’swrittenin.CertainlyIcanthinkofjustasmanybadpoemswritteninClassicalasImperial.More,actually,sinceitwasthelanguageofscholarsandpoetsforsomuchlonger.”

“Interesting,”shesaid.“Youareamostunusualyoungman,HerrJaeger,withanoriginalturnofthought.”

Felixlookedathertoseeifshewasbeingironic.Hehadjusttoldherwhatmostintellectualsandprofessorswouldhavetoldher.Ithadbeensomethingofanorthodoxyforthepasttwenty-fiveyears.

Yettherewasnotraceofmockeryinhervoiceormanner.Hesupposeditwaspossible.Sylvaniawasafterallabackwaterplace,farfromthemainstreamofintellectuallife.MostofthebooksbackintheWaldenschlosse library had been hand-written, copied by scribes rather than set in movable type.Considering the explosion in publishing since Johannes of Marienburg introduced his printingmachineoveracenturyago thatwasunusual.FelixhadheardsomeonesaymorebookswerenowprintedinanygivenyearthanhadbeenscribedinallofImperialhistorybeforetheintroductionofprinting, andmore new books were published in any year than had been written in any previouscentury.Hedidnotknowifthatwastrue,butitcertainlysoundedcorrecttohim.

Hementionedthistothecountessjustforsomethingtosay.“Yes,”shesaid.“Thingsusedtobesodifferent.Onceyoucouldkeepupwithallthenewtrends

inliteratureandphilosophyandnaturalphilosophy.Now,sadlyit’simpossible.Theworldisracingforwardatamuchfasterpace,andIfearit’srushingheadlongtowardnogoodfinaldestination.”

Shesoundedverydefiniteaboutthat.“Ithinktheexpansionofknowledgeisagoodthing,”saidFelix.“Ithinkthemorewecanlearnthebetter.”

Shesighed.“Theconfidenceofyouth.”Felixwasnotsurehelikedhertone.Hedidnotfeelveryyoungthesedays.Heworriedthathis

experienceshadagedhimprematurely.Thecountesscontinuedspeakingasifshehadnotnoticedhisfrostylook,althoughhewascertainthatshehad.Shewasaveryobservantwoman.

“Doyouthinkit’sgoodthatknowledgeofthedarkcultsisspreading?Orthatsoonthesecretsofthedarkestsorcerywillbeavailabletoanyloutwhocanread,whereoncetheywerethepreserveofthosewhoknewtheirdangersandtheircosts?”

“The wizards’ guilds and the temples still hold their secrets close,” said Felix. “So do theengineersandthealchemists.”

“Howmuchlongerdoyouthinkthatwillcontinue?Howmuchlongerdoyouthinktheworldhas?”

Thatwasafairquestion,Felixthought.HehadseenthearmiesofChaosonthemarch.Itwasalltoo likely that theywere living in the final days.All thebright promiseof natural philosophy andmagicalresearchmightwellneverbefulfilled.Instead,thewholeoftheOldWorldmightbegroundundertheiron-shodhoovesoftheChaoshordes.Still,youcouldhardlyblamethespreadofprintingforthat.Thecountesswatchedhimintently,asifdeeplyinterestedinhisanswer.

Felix felt as if he should say something reassuring, that the Emperor would triumph, andeverythingwouldturnoutallrightintheend,buthehadseentoomuchtobelieveit.TheforcesofChaosmighthavebeenhaltedatPraagbutthatwasatemporarysetbackforthem.Theywouldsoonrecoverandpusheverdeeperintothelandsofmen.

“Idon’tknow,”hesaideventually.“Thesearedarktimes.”“Darkerthanyouthink,”shesaid.

Felix clambered down from the coach, oddly disturbed by his conversations with the CountessGabriella.Shehadawayofmakinghimthinkaboutthethingshedidnotwantto,andshewasaveryeruditewoman inherold-fashionedway.Sheseemedparticularly interested inhimaswell, andhewasnotsurewhy.Hewouldhavesaiditwasinthenormalwayawomanwasinterestedinaman,andyettherewasareserveabouther,aholdingback,aqualityofwaitingandwatchingandjudgingsointensethatitseemedabnormal.Amostpeculiarwoman,hedecided,trudgingbackthroughthesnowtothesupplysledge.

He drew his cloak tight against thewind.At least he felt a little better. His nose had stoppedrunning,hiscoughnolongerscourgedhisbodyandbroughttearstohiseyes,andhewasnotquiteasfeverishashehadbeen.Perhapsthestayatthecastlehaddonehimsomegoodafterall.

HeclamberedbackupontothesledgebesideGotrekandtookthereinsofthepony.“Bestbecareful,manling.There’safellowwholookslikehemightwanttoslipadaggerinto

your back.” The Slayer sounded amused in his own bleak fashion. Felix glanced around and sawRodrikglaringathim,hishandsomefacecontortedbywhatmightalmosthavebeenhatred.ItlookedasifRodrikwerejealousofthetimehehadspentwiththecountess.

“Rodrik’stoohonourabletoputaknifeintomyback,”Felixmuttered.“Hemighttryaswordintoyourbellythen.”Felixlaughed.“Idon’tthinknowisthetimetobefightingduelsforthehandofthecountess.”“Hemightdisagreewithyou.”“I’llworryaboutitifithappens.”TheSlayerchuckledmaliciously.“Mightbetoolatebythen.”

“Itsmellsabitfusty”saidRoche.AdolphusKrieger lookedaround theentrancehallofDrakenhof. It lookedgood.His servants

hadundonesomeof thedamagedoneby thosevandals twocenturiesago.Thescorchedwallshadbeen rebuilt, the vegetation clogging the gateways had been removed and the huge tree growingthroughtheroofhadbeenchoppeddown.Afireburnedinthehearth.Hedidnotneedtheheatbuthelikedthelookofit.Unlikemanyofhiskindhedidnottakethefearoffiretogreatextremes.Itwasagoodbeginning,hedecided.

“Itsmellswonderful,”saidAdolphus,andmeantit.“Itsmellslikehome.”He was surprised by how much that meant to him. He felt as if his decades of rootless

wanderingswereover.Hesensed theflowofoldmagicalenergiescourse throughthestones.Thiswasaplaceofpowerwherehecoulddowhatheneededtodo.Herehewouldtakethefinalstepsontheroadofhisdestiny.

Ulrikaenteredthechamber.Shelookedpaleandshestaggeredalittle.Hereyeshadtheglazedecstatic look that so many mortals got after the dark kiss. She looked at him with a mixture ofresentment,hatredandlongingthathadbecomefamiliardownthecenturies.

“Showthegirltotheguestchambers,”hesaidtothechambermaid.Thefaintflickerofjealousythatappeared in thewoman’seyesamusedhim.Shewasoneofhismost faithfulservantsandboreherselfwithappropriatemodestyalthoughonceshehadbeentheprouddaughterofoneofthenoblesthousesofKislev.Shewasbeautifulbutshehadbeentooweaktointeresthimforlong.

What was he going to do about Ulrika, he wondered? She was beautiful, intelligent andambitious, and inhisowncoldway,he likedher.Herbloodenchantedhim, and therewasa latentviciousnessinherthathethoughtwouldmakehertrulyoneoftheArisen.Perhapsitwastimeforhimtocreateaget.Perhapshewouldgrantherthegiftofimmortality.Notyetthough.Shewasnotquiteready.Shestillhadtobewonroundtohispointofview.Ifhegrantedherthefinalkiss,shemightwellgomad,orkillherself,orworseyetbreakfreeofhimentirelyandgoherownway.Hedidnotwantthat.Itdefeatedthewholepointoftheexercise,whichwastohavesomeoneatyoursidetogothrougheternitywith.Thinkingabouthimselfandthecountess,hedidnotknowifhewantedtofacethat.

Ofcourseitwasinevitableshewouldleave.Allgetseventuallydid.Hehadhimselfbrokenwithhisprogenitorandmadehisownwayoutintotheworld.Itwasbetterifthatdidnothappentoosoonthough.Still,ifallwentaccordingtoplanwiththeEyeofKhemrithatwasnotsomethingheneededtoworryabout.Usingitspower,hecouldwellbindherandanyothersamongtheArisenhewishedtohiswill.

Howthecountesswouldregreteversharing thatknowledgewithhim!Hechuckled.Hewouldmakehishonouredprogenitorsorryshehadeverspokenofitallthoselongyearsago.Ofcourseatthetime,ithadbeennecessarytohidethedesirethatburnedinhisheartfortheEye.Hehadneededto

acquirepower andknowledgebeforemaking thebreak from the elder vampire and that had takendecades of quasi-servitude. Itwas not that he hated the countess for it. Itwas just that her cloyingaffection and concern for his wellbeing had reminded him too much of his own mother ’soverpowering interest inhim. Ithadenfoldedhimandchokedhimandmadehim feel trappedandimprisoned.Justthinkingaboutherbroughtthosefeelingsback.

Soon now, he would not have to worry about her or any others of the Arisen. The ancientenchantmentsNagashhadwovenaroundtheEyeofKhemriwouldseetothat.

EIGHTAdolphusfinishedchalkingthepentagramontothefloor.Aroundtheedgeshehadmadethesymbolsof all four of the great Powers of Chaos. He himself stood within a triangle in the centre of thepentagram. The scared young girl lay naked and bound before him. The Eye ofKhemri glitteredbetweenher breasts.He could see thepanic andbewilderment in her eyes.Onlyyesterday shehadgone tosleep inherparents’hovelnear thecastle.Tonightshehadawokenin itsdeepestdungeon,spiritedawaybyhisservants.

Thewitch-knifeglitteredsharplyinhishands.Shelookedasifshewantedtoscream.AdolphuschantedthenamesoftheDarkGods,invokingtheirpresence,astheritualprescribed.

Thegirlbegantothrash,terrorovercomingeventhepotentcompulsiontoobeyhehadlaiduponher.Perhapsheshouldhaveboundherphysically.Perhapshehadbeentooconfidentinhisownabilities.Hepushedthethoughtsaside.Anylossofconcentrationnowmightprovefatal.

Darkmagical energy rose all around him. To hismagesight it appeared reddish, blood-like,dropletsofitdrippingfromthestonesofthecellarwallsandflowingaroundtheboundariesofthepentagram.Tothegirl’smortaleyes,nothingwouldhavechanged,butsheseemedtosensewhatwasgoingonandwhimpered.

Adolphusbreatheddeeply.Darkmagichadascentuniquelyitsown,likebloodbutmoreso.Itmadehisskintingleandhisbrainbuzz.Hefeltthebeaststarttostirinsidehim.Whatwashappening?HehadnotfeltlikethissincePraag.Whywasthefurywithinhimemergingnow?

Withanenormouseffortofwill,hefoughtthebloodlustdown.Hecouldnotaffordanylossofcontrol for now.The girl started to rise. If she broke the edges of the pentagram, the darkmagicwouldsurgeinuncontrollably.Worse,someofthedaemonicentitiesthatitattractedmightentertoo.Adolphuswasnotsureevenhisstrengthmightprevailagainstsuchthings,atleastnotuntilhehadtheEyeattuned.

Hestrodeovertothegirl,stillchanting,andgrabbedherbythethroat.Heliftedhereasilywithonehanddespitethefeeblebeatingofherfistsandfeetagainsthisbody.Heraisedheruntilhereyeswerelevelwithhisandhisgazestruckherwiththeimpactofahammer.Herpupilsdilated,hermouthfellopen slacklyand softwhimpers emerged fromhermouthasherwholebodywent limp inhisgrasp.Easily,heloweredhertothedesecratedaltaroncemore.

Ripplesappearedinthetideofdarkmagic,takingontheshapesofevilentities.Theritualwasstartingtoattractdaemonicpresences:hugehoundswithgreatfleshycrestsontheirnecksfoughtwithclawed androgens;monstrouslyobese, pustule-covered thingswrithedon the floor in combatwithstrangediskswhoseedgeswerecoveredineyes.Theybattledoverasmallproportionoftheenergyhedrewupfromthedarkdepthsbeneaththekeep.Itwasenoughtogivethemshapeandform.Noweventhegirl’smortaleyesmightbeabletoperceivethemasshimmeringshapesinthedarkness.Thebeasthowledwithinhisbreast,desperatefor thecombat thatwouldensue,even thoughthatcombatwouldmostlikelyendinhisdestruction.

Heneeded toprogress faster. Ifhedidnotuse thepowerhehadgatheredbefore thecreaturesfullymanifested,terriblethingsmighthappen.Thedarkmagicalenergyrushedinthroughthegapsinthepointhehadleftatthenorthernedgeofthepentagram,thearmofthestarthatpointedtowardstheChaosWastes.AncientNehekharanpoured fromhis lips ashe continued to chant thewordsof theritual. His thoughts were inexorably drawn into the necessary configuration for the spell to becomplete.Thetorrentofwordscontinuedevenastheevilpresencessurgedaroundthepentagram’sedges,attractednowtothesoulstheysensedwithin.

Adolphus foughtdownpanic.Hewasnot thebest of sorcerers.Thereweremageswhocouldhaveaccomplishedwhatheintendedwithouttheritualsandtheextrapowerheneededtodrawfromtheancientevilbeneaththekeep.Perhapshehadmadeamistake;perhapshehadattemptedsomethingbeyondhisability.Perhapsthiswastheend.

No!Hewouldnotletthathappen.Hesteeledhiswillandcontinuedthechanthehadmemorisedsolongago.Hemovedtheknifethroughtheelaborateritualgestures,thrustingitinthedirectionofeachpointofthestarinturnbeforefinallyraisingithighabovethegirlandthenplungingitintoherheart.

She gave one long despairing wail as her soul was drawn from her body, and her bloodsplatteredthealtar.AtthatexactmomentAdolphusfeltthedarkthirstwithinhim.Thebeastwantedtolapupthatblood.Hefoughtwiththeurgeandletthebloodflow,untilthetrickleoverflowedthealtarandreachedthefloor.It touchedthestreamsofdarkmagicandbegantosizzleanddance,dropletsjerking upward from the paving stones. A fine redmist filled the air inside the pentagram. FromoutsidethespellwallsAdolphusthoughtheheardthethinwailingandhowlingof thedaemons.Hecontinuedtochantandgesture,guidingthetwistingwrithingmistuntilittouchedbothhisfleshandtheEyeofKhemri.

Atthatmoment,alinkwasformedbetweenhimandtheamulet.Hesensedthepowerwithinit,and theancientspells.Hefeltalmostas ifhewasbeingsucked into itandhefoughtagainst itasaswimmerfightsagainstthecurrentofaragingriver.

Thensuddenlyitwasdone.Theamuletwashis.Hebegantheritualofdismissalandtheenergieshehadsummonedbegantodrainaway.Thedaemonicentitiesfoughtagainstitbuttherewasnothingtheycoulddotostoptheprocess.Astheflowsofdarkmagicdepartedtheywerelefthighanddrylikefish flopping on the bed of a sun-dried lake.One by one they disappeared, returning towhateverextra-dimensionalhellfromwhichtheyhadcome,leavingAdolphusalonewithhisprize.Itpulsedinhishandasheattunedittohisownmysticalenergies.

Ashedid sohenoticed linesof force shimmering through thenight, so faint as tobealmostinvisible,leavingthepentagramthroughitsopenedgeandflowingawaytowardsthedistance.Thesedidnothavethefeelofthepowerwithintheamulet.Theyfeltmorerecent,andborethesignatureofadifferent wizard. Well, no matter. Adolphus reached out with the witch-knife and cut them. In aheartbeattheyunravelled.

Theamuletwashisnow,andhewasabout touse itspower toservehisultimatepurpose.Thedeadgirllookedupathimwithemptysightlesseyes.Hereacheddown,dippedhisfingertipsinherbloodandraisedthemtohislips.Thebloodtastedverysweet.FelixsawMaxcrumpleforwardandalmostfalloffthesupplysledge.Hejumpeddownfromhisownseat,leavingGotrekclutchingforthereins,andracedforward.

“Whatiswrong?”heasked.Thewizardlookedpaleanddrained.Sweatcrossedhisbrowandhegaveeveryimpressionofbeingamaninextremepain.

“Thespell Iplacedon theEyeofKhemriwas justbroken,”hegroaned.“Itwasnotapleasantfeeling.”

“Canyoustillfindit?”Maxshookhisheaddespairingly.“No.Ican’tsenseitanymore.”“DoyouhaveanyideawheretheEyemightbe?”Slowlyandpainfullythewizardnodded.“Iknowthedirectionwemustgo.Icangiveabearingfromhere,judgingbythepositionofthe

sun.”“Thatwon’t bemuchhelp.This trailwinds itsway through the forest.We can easily lose the

way.”Maxgrittedhisteethandnoddedoncemore.

“Itgetsworse,”hesaid.“Ohgood,”saidFelix.“Tellmeallthecheeringdetails.”“JustbeforemyspellwascutIhadastrangesensethatsomethingwashappeningtotheamulet.I

could sense a surge of power, and a soul screaming in terror. I suspect thatKrieger has used thedarkestofallmagictobindtheamulettohim.Ithinkhesacrificedsomeone.”

FromMax’sexpression,Felixcouldtelltheywereboththinkingthesamething.“Ulrika?”“Idon’tknow,”saidMax.“Maybe.”“Damn!”saidFelix,crashinghisfistintothesideofthesled.Thepainofhittingthewoodhelped

bringhimback to his senses, andget control of hismountingpanic and anger.He looked atMaxagain.Themagiciandidnotlooktoohealthy.

“Areyouallright?”heasked.“Iwillbe.WhateverKriegerhasdone,Iintendtopunishhim.”“Iwillhelpyou,”saidFelix,wishinghefeltnearlyasconfidentashesounded.“Firstwewillhavetofindhim,”saidMax.“Somethingtellsmethatitwon’tbetoodifficult.HecameallthewaytoSylvaniaforareason,

andIthinkwecanbothguesswhatitis.”“Toclaimthewholebloodyprovince,andthat’sjustforastart.”Evenashespoke,Felixknew

Maxwasright.ThewarsoftheVampireCountswereabouttostartalloveragain.Maxhunchedforwardinhisseat,barelyabletohandlethereins.Fortunatelythewearyponiescouldalmostbetrustedtofollowthepaththemselves.Thecoldwindbitintohisface,bringingtearstohiseyes.Hecouldnotfindtheenergytorecastaspellofwarming.Itwasallhecoulddotokeephimselfuprightandconcentrateonbreathing.

Atfirst therewasanigglingsenseof loss.Thelink to theEye,whichhehadheldontoforsolong,wasgonecompletely.Evenwhenhehadnotbeenconcentratingonthething,hehadalwaysbeenawarethatitwasthere.Now,hecouldnotfeelitspresence.Afterawhileherealisedthathealsofeltbetter. Itwas as if he had just had a tooth pulled, one that had been giving him niggling pain forweeks.

Inawayhewasrelieved.HiscontactwiththeancientevilwithintheEyeofKhemri,nomatterhow far removed, had been oppressive, and had cast a pall over his spirits. Now, despite thecircumstanceshefeltalmostcheerful.Itwasdifficulttokeepasmileoffhisface,despitehisworriesoverUlrikaandwhatthevampiremightbedoing.Heknewthiswasnotright,buthecouldnothelphimself. It was as if he had just started to recover from a long illness. The whole world lookedsomehowbrighter.UlrikalookedatthetalismanglitteringonAdolphusKrieger ’schest.Somehow,itmadethevampirelooktaller,morecommandingandmoreconfidenteventhanheusuallydid.Hesmiledatherinawaythat was almost friendly. She shook her head and looked away, wondering why everything in theroomseemedsharperandclearer toher sight than itnormallydid,despite thedarkness.Whatwashappeningtoher?Shewasnotsureshewantedtoknow.

Sheglancedaroundthestrangethroneroomhehadbroughtherto.Itwasburieddeepwithinthishaunted castlewith its strange corridors inwhich time and distance seemed to become all twisted.Therewasastillnessabouttheplacesuchasyoufoundonlyintheoldestoftemples,andasenseofbrooding evil power that left her in no doubt that she was at the heart of the wickedness thatenshrouded this place.Ancient suits of armour filled the niches, clutching old but still serviceableweapons.

Overhead, amid the enormous beams of a gigantic vaulted ceiling, she thought she sawsomethingmove.Vast shadows seemed to shift above thehugechandelier, independentof the light

being cast. There was a terrible sense of presence about the place that she very badly wanted toignore.

“It begins now,” saidKrieger,mounting themassivedais and loungingbackon an enormousthroneofcarvedandpolishedwood.Thebackofthethronewassculptedtoresemblethewingsofamassivebatordragon.OverKrieger ’shead loomed theskullofanenormousbat.Glowingrubiesgazedfromitseyesockets.

Krieger ’svoicewasdeepersomehow,moreresonantandthrilling.Itwasdifficultnottobelievesomeonewhosounded like that.She fought thecompulsion, remindingherself thathewasanevil,soullessbloodsucker.Somehowshe couldnotmanage thevehemence sheoncehad. Itwashard tothinkofanythingsavethepleasureofhislastembrace.Shewonderedhowthatcouldhavehappened,thendismissedthethoughtasirrelevant.

Ithadhappenedandsheneededtofightagainstit.Thatwasallsheneededtoknow.“Thetalismanisminenow,Ulrika.SoonIwillbethePrinceofNight.”“Idonotknowwhatyoumean.”“The talismanwas created by theGreat Necromancer himself in the ancient days. One of its

manyattributesistoincreaseitswearer ’s…influenceovertheArisen.”“Why?”“Nagashfearedthegrowthoftheirpower,andsawthemaspotentialrivals.Hemadethetalisman

andwithitbentmanyoftheArisentohiswill:theybecamehishounds,creaturesthatarefearedtothisveryday.TheamuletwaslostwhenAlcadizaarovercamehim.Ithas.drifteddowntheagesbornbyfoolswhoweretooblindtoseewhatitwas.Allthatisended.Tonight,Ihaveclaimeditformyown,justasIhaveclaimedvonCarstein’sthroneformyown.”

“Howdoyouknowitwillstillworkafterallthistime?”“NotfornothingwasheknownastheGreatNecromancer.Thethingshemadedonotlosetheir

potency.Hewasthegreatestsorcererofhisage,thegreatestnecromancerofanyage.Nooneeverunderstood themagic ofUndeath like hedid. I know theEyeworks. I can feel it.You are alreadyrespondingtoits influence.”Thetoneofhisvoiceshockedher.Shehadneverheardanyonesoundquitesotriumphant.

“What do you mean?Why should I feel its influence?” She suspected she already knew theanswer.

“Because every night for the past three nights you have taken a step closer to joiningme. Itseems only fair that I should have someone by my side to enjoy my triumph. You will be thepossessorofeternallife.”

Hermouthfeltsuddenlydry.Shewantedtoscream.Shewantedtorunshriekingfromthehall.Shewantedtodriveherknifeintothechestofthisundeadghoul.Andasurprisinglylargepartofherwasalmostpatheticallygratefulfortheoffer.

“No,”sheforcedherselftosay.“Yes,”hesaid,springingonher,hisfangsemerging,hiseyesglowingwithahellishlight.She

triedtododgebutshewasdazedandslow.Hecaughthereasily.Hisfingersburnedonherneck.Shegrabbedhiswristsandtriedtopryhishandsawaybuthewasfartoostrong.Slowly,hebentoverher,asifhewasabouttodeliverthegentlestofkisses.Hiseyesblazedredly.Hiscanineteethgleamedlikeivory.Shecouldseetheywerelongandsharpasneedles.

Asurgeofecstasypassedthroughherbodyashisteethbitintoherneck.Strengthdrainedfromheralongwithallwill to resist.Slowlyhervisiondarkened,andherhearingdimmeduntil all shecouldhearwasthesoundofherownheartbeat.Shefeltabloodyfingerbeingforcedintohermouthandshesuckedatitasgreedilyasaninfantatamother ’sbreast.

Even as she did so, the darkness continued to gather. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears likethunderandthenstopped.“Atleastthisvillagehasaninn,”saidIvanPetrovichStraghovgloomily,staringupatthesignoftheGreenMan.“Itcertainlybeatscampingoutinthesnowforanothernight.”

Felixwasnotsureheagreed.TheGreenManwasanenormousfortifiedstructureoverlookinganothernamelessandpartiallyruinedSylvanianhamlet.His limitedexperienceof this land’s townsandvillageshadnot lefthimfilledwithanygreatdesire tospend timein them,althoughhehad toadmitthehowlingofthedistantwolvesmadeeventhissqualidplaceseemanattractiveoption.

HesniffedandlookedatGotrek.“Theywillhavebeer,”saidtheSlayer,as if thiswasreasonenoughtospendanight inaflea-

infestedhovel.“Snorrilikesbeer,”Snorriadded,bywayofclarification.“I’mgladyoutoldmethat.Iwouldneverhaveguessed.”“There’snoneed tobesarcastic,youngFelix.”Felixreflectedmiserably thatoneof theworst

thingsabouthis lengtheningassociationwithSnorriwasthat thedwarf’scapacitytodetectsarcasmhadimprovedgreatlywithpractice.“Apintortwoisjustthethingtodriveoffthenightchill.”

Apintor tenmorelikely, thoughtFelix,butdidnotvoicethethoughtout loud.Herealisedhewasjustarguingforthesakeofbeingcontrary,togiveventtohisangerandanxietyoverUlrikaandtheirquest,andhisownmiseryinhisillness.Hewasnotbeingconstructive,orhelpful,andanyway,itappeared that his opinionmattered not at all, since everyone else in their party appeared to be infavour.

All thetalesofdark,hauntedSylvanianinnshehadreadasayoungsterreturnedtohim.Theywereoftenthehauntofmurderersormonstrousvampireswhopreyedoninnocenttravellers.Hefeltlikemakingdirepronouncementsabouthowtheywouldallregretthis,butheresisted.Therewasnopointotherthantoincreasethepallofgloomthathadalreadygatheredovertheirjourney.

Inside,theinnwasnotasbadasFelixhadexpected.Thebuildingwasmadeofstone,perhapsanindicatorofmoreprosperousdaysintheregion,althoughFelixcouldnoteverrecallhearingofanytimewhenSylvaniawasprosperous.

Thethincrowdoffolkwithinfellsilentattheentranceofthepartyofknights,SlayersandoverascoreofKislevitehorsemen.Thelandlord,afatbarrelofamanwithcoldcalculatingeyesinajollyface,cameroundthebartogreetthem.Herubbedhishandnervouslyonasoiledapron,obviouslyunsurewhethertheywerecustomersorabanditband.

Rodrikinformedhimoftheirpurpose,andrequestedroomsforhiscompanionsandaseparatechamber for the countess. Felix andMax took separate chambers. The Slayers and the Kisleviteselectedtoremaininthecommonroom.Actually,severalofthehorsearcherselectedtoremaininthestableswiththeirmounts.AnumberofobscenejokesconcerningtheloveoftheKislevitecavalrymanforhishorsesprangtoFelix’smindbuthetactfullyrestrainedhimselffromtellingthem.

Felix studied the patrons. This was a relatively prosperous inn for this part of the world, herealised. Few in the common room appeared to be locals. Most looked like merchants and theirbodyguards,althoughitseemedtobeabitearlyintheyearforthemtobeontheroad.

Afewlookedlikenoblemendownontheirluck,thesortofshabbygenteelmenwhoyoualwaysfound in the remoter parts of the Empire, cheating the locals at cards and making outrageousdemands based on their supposed superior status.More than a few looked likemercenaries, hard-faceddangerousmeninwornarmour.Mostofthemhadahungry,hopefullook.TheyremindedFelixofapackofstarvingwolvesscentingawoundeddeer.

Inonecorner,satapriestofMorr,inhisblackrobes,acowlobscuringhisface.Hispresence

was such a cliche in melodramas that Felix almost laughed. Instead he strode up to the bar, andorderedaleforhimselfandthedwarfs.IvanPetrovichwasalreadyseeingtothecomfortofhismen,andMaxandthenobleshaddisappearedupstairstoinspecttheroomsalongwiththecountess.

Asheleanedonthebar,oneofthedingy-lookingmenatthecornertablesidledovertohim.Hewasdressedinatatteredfurcloakandhat,andthesoiledfineryofthosewhobelongedtothenobility.Hiseyeswerequickandfear-filled,hisfacewasgauntandnarrow,andhisAdam’sapplewasveryprominent.

“Justgotin?”heasked.HehadthelookofamangaugingwhetherFelixwouldoffertobuyhimadrinkornot.Hisaccentmarkedhimasanoble,orsomeonewhohadlearnedhowtopretendtobeone.Helickedhislips.“Wherehaveyoucomefrom,sir?”

Felixnoticedtheman’sfingerstoyednervouslywiththepommelofhislongsword.Thehiltwasabsurdly over-decorated. It went all too well with the man’s pretentious tunic and codpiece.“Waldenhof,”saidFelix,moretobepolitethanbecausehewasinterestedinanythingthemanhadtosay.Themanquirkedaneyebrowas if tosaybothheandFelixknewthatFelixwaskidding.Felixrefusedtotakethebait.

“Andyourself?”heasked.“Here and there,” said theman. Itwas Felix’s turn to smile ironically at him. Felix turned to

watchthebarmanpourthedrinks,hopingtoindicatebythistheconversationwasover.“JustcameuptheroadfromLeicheberg.”

“You’retravellingatabadtimeoftheyear,”saidFelix.“Icouldsaythesameaboutyou,”mutteredthestranger.“Ihaveurgentbusinessintheseparts,”saidFelix.“Must be. I can’t help but wonder what urgent business might bring twenty Kislevite horse-

soldiers,apairofSlayers,awizard,someSylvanianknightsandtheCountessofNachthafentotheGreenManonawinternightliketonight.Andaneducatedmanlikeyourselfaswell.”

Felixlookedatthemanwithabitmoreinterest.Hewasnotasdrunkasheseemed,andhiseyesandmindwerequick.HiscountoftheKisleviteswasaccurate.Felixkepthisexpressionbland.

“Urgentbusiness,”hesaid.“Mustbe,”saidtheman.“Whatbringsyouhere?”“This and that. Itchy feet, a desire to see what was beyond the next hilltop, some family

problems.”“Familyproblems?”“Adisputewithmybrothersoveraninheritance.Ineededtoputsomedistancebetweenmyself

andtheancestralmanor.”Themanspokeconfidinglyandflashedaquick,calculatinglookatFelix.Heseemedto think thatbysharingaconfidence,hewouldgetFelix todo thesame.Felixhad

encounteredmenwithsuchamannerbefore,intheunderworldsofAltdorfandNuln.Mostofthemhadbeenprofessionalinformers.“Youknowhowitis?”

“Notreally”saidFelix.“Ialwaysgotonwellwithmybrothers.”“It’sabadthingwhenkinfalloutoveraninheritance,”saidtheman.Hegavealongpracticed

sigh,buthedidnotlookatallbothered.“Iimagineso,”saidFelix.“Imeanitmustbebadtobringamanlikeyourselftothisoutofthe

wayplaceatthistimeoftheyear.”The man’s nervous gaze flickered around the room. He looked down at the counter-top and

starteddrawingcircleswithhisfingertip.“IcountmyselfluckythatIgothere,”hesaidinanominoustone.

“Why?”“BuymeadrinkandI’lltellyou,”hesaid.“Ifyou’regoingsouthyouwillwanttohearit.”“Givemeahint.”“Theundyingareonthemove,”whisperedthestranger,inaportentousmanner.“Really?”saidFelixironically.“Tellmesomethingeveryonedoesn’talreadyknow.”Thestrangersmirked.“Ghoulsaregatheringintheforests.TheoldcastleatDrakenhofhasbeen

reoccupied.IsawstrangelightsflickeringinthewindowsasIpassed.Wesawthelightsinthewoodsandthoughtwemightbegrantedshelterforthenight.Inthiscold,anyplaceisbetterthanatent.ButwhenIsawthoselightsIthoughtdifferently.”

“We?”“Theladsoverthereatthetablewerewithme.Wewerealltravellingtogether.Safetyinnumbers

isagoodmaximbutnevermoresothaninSylvaniaatatimelikethis.”Felix lookedoverat thegroup the strangerhad indicated.Theywerea rough lookingcrowd,

downatheelmercenariesbythelooksofthem.Hehadn’tseensuchafinecollectionofcauliflowerears,brokennosesandmissingteethsinceheleftKarakKadrin,thecityofSlayers.

“Theydon’t look tobe thesortofmen tobescaredoffbya fewlights,”saidFelix.Quite thecontrary, he thought, they looked exactly the type to be drawn to them to see if they could robanybodyinthevicinity.

“Youwouldhavebeenscaredifyousawthem,andmaybeevenyourSlayerfriendstoo.Thoselightsweretheworkofevilmagic,Ihavenodoubtwhatsoever.”

“You’reanexpertonevilmagicthen,”saidFelix.“There’s no need to mock, friend. Anybody could have told these lights were the work of

somethingwicked.Theyglowedgreenandsputtered,wentoutandthenstartedtoglowalloveragain.Theyseemedtofloatthroughthewoods.”

Felixthoughtthissoundedfairlyconvincingwhencomparedtohisownexperiencebuthekeptadisbelievinglookonhisface.“Whenwasthisthen?”

“Threenightsago.”Felixnodded.ThatwouldbethenightMaxsaidthespelllinkinghimtotheEyeofKhemriwas

broken.Therewasapatternhere,evenifthestrangerknewnothingaboutit.Maybeheshouldmakethemanrecounthistaletothewizard.HedecidedtotellMaxhimselfandwaitandseewhatthewizardsaid.

“Soyou’resayingavoidDrakenhofkeep,”saidFelix.“Liketheplague.Howaboutthatbeerthen?”Felixsawthebarmanlookingathim.Henodded.“Thisisgoingtobegood,”saidthestranger.

“Whatdid the tailor ’sdummywant?”askedGotrek,a little too loudly,asFelixsetdownthebeers.Felixrecountedtheman’staleinalowvoice.

“I think we’ll be visiting this keep,” said the Slayer. Snorri Nosebiter nodded enthusiasticapproval.

“Iknewyouweregoingtosaythat,”saidFelix.“Itfits,”saidMax.HehadlistenedintentlyasFelixfinishedthebarfly’stale.Felixgotupandwalkedovertothewindow.Itwasshutteredagainstthechill.Helistenedforamomentanywaythenglancedaroundtheroom.Itwassurprisinglywellfurnishedforsuchanoutofthewayplace,althoughallthefurniture looked ancient. The bedwas a four poster carvedwith disturbing-looking dragons. Thewardrobewasbigandheavyandremindedhimtoomuchofacoffin.

Maxsatonaclaw-footedchairandregardedhimwithaclear-eyedgaze.“IimagineKriegerwouldwanttocastanyspellsinwhathadoncebeenaplaceofpowerfilled

withdarkmagic, andDrakenhof is said tobe that.And thatwas theverynightwhenmy spellwasbroken.Asuitablypotentandfar-rangingspellmightmanifestitselfwithadisplayoflightssuchashedescribed.”

“Itallfitsabittoowell,don’tyouthink?”“Whatdoyoumean?”askedMax.“Imean,whatare thechances that this fellowdownstairs justhappened tobepassing thekeep

withhismateson theverynight thisoccurred, and then justhappened tobehere tonight to tell usaboutit?”

“Suchcoincidencesdohappen,”saidMax.“ButIseewhatyoumean.”“Coincidences,Max?Comeon.It’sthedeadofwinter.Whywouldsomeoneofhissortevenbe

on the road? If he reallywerewhat he claimed then he’d have found a nice tavern somewhere inMiddenheimtoholeupforthewinter,andyou’dneedabigspadetodighimout.Itellyou,Ididn’tlikehislookatall.Hewasaweasel,andI’veseenhissortbefore.”

Maxhadthetactnottoaskwhere.Insteadhestrokedhisbeardforamomentandthendrummedhisfingersonthearmrestofthechair.

“YouthinkmaybeKriegersenthim?Thathe’slayingafalsescenttogetusoffhistrail?”“Idon’tknow.Maybehe’sfiguredouthowtomakethetalismanworkforhimandhewantsusto

walkintoatrap.”“Thisisalljustspeculation,Felix.”Felixsmiledgrimly.“Thisisalandthatlendsitselfalltoowelltospeculation.”Maxnoddedhisheadinagreement.

Thelanternflameflickeredandwentout.Felixcursedthegustofchillairandtheshoddinessofthedevice. It looked as if it had been lighting theway for guests since the time of Great Plague. Hemovedthroughthedarkenedcorridors,onehandouttouchingthewallsothathecouldfindhiswayinthegloom,walkinghisfingersalongthestoneworktofeelwhentheyencounteredadoorway.Thecool plaster beneath his fingers reminded him of the simple silly games of his childhood, and hesmiledalittle.

Heknewhisroomwasthethirddoorontherightfromthetopofthestairs.Hehadtohunchlowbecauseoftheslopingroofoftheinn.ItremindedhimofthecrampedconditionsontheairshipSpiritofGrungniwhichinturnremindedhimofUlrika.Thethoughtsentalittlesurgeofpainthroughhisheart.Suddenlyhesensedapresenceaheadofhiminthegloom,andhishandslippedtothehiltofhissword.

“Becalm,HerrJaeger.Itisonlyme,”saidCountessGabriella.Byallthegods,Felixthought,thewomanmusthaveeyeslikeacat’stobeabletotellwhohewasinthisgloom.“Iwouldlikeawordwithyouinprivate,ifthatispossible.”

“Certainly” said Felixwonderingwhat exactly shemeant by that.He had some experience ofladies requiringaprivatewordat this timeof theevening.Youcouldnever tell.Cool,dry fingersclosedonhis,tugginghishandawayfromtheswordhilt,andsheguidedhimwithsurprisingstrengththroughthecorridors.Heheardakeyclickinalock,andsawhersilhouettedinthedoorwayofherroom.Shewasveryslender,henoteddrunkenly,butherfigurewassurprisinglygood.Shesteppedinsideandgesturedforhimtofollow.

The chamberwas the best in the inn, finely furnished in an antique fashion.A faint smell ofcinnamon fought the mustiness in the air. Felix doubted this room was used all that often. Thecountess closed the door behind him, and he heard the key turn in the lock oncemore. He had a

sudden panicky feeling of being trapped. She gestured for him to take one of the overstuffedarmchairsandrelaxedintooneherself.

Felixremainedstanding,hissenseofuneasegrowing,ashelistenedtothewindwhistlepastthewindows.Hestartedasaparticularlystronggustrattledthewoodenshutters.

“Do sit down,Herr Jaeger! I assure you Imean you no harm.”The countess sounded faintlyamused.Felixsuspectedthissmall,slightwomancoulddohimagreatdealofharmifshechoseto,butheslumpeddownintothechair,andlethislonglegsstretchouttowardsthefire.

“Whatisityouwanttotalkabout?”“Youappear tobe a sensibleman,Herr Jaeger, andyou seem tohaveencounteredmore than

yourshareof…unusualsituations.”Felixsmiledwryly.HedoubtedthathewouldbefollowingGotrekGurnissonaroundifhewas

theformerbutthelatterwascertainlytrue.Thereweretimeswhenhewassurprisedhishairhadnotturnedwhitewiththehorrorshehadseen.“Perhaps.”

“AndIthinkyouareadiscreetone.”“Isthisasituationthatrequiresdiscretion?”“Please,HerrJaeger,thisisnotwhatyouthink.Iamabouttoentrustyouwithasecretthatmight

costbothourJives.”Felixfelthissmilewiden.TherewassomethingaboutSylvaniathatinspiredthemelodramaticas

wellastheterrible.“Iassureyouthereisnocauseforamusement.”Felixcouldnothelphimself.Helaughed.Forasecondthecountesslookedlikeshewasgoingto

riseandslaphimbuthewavedheraway.Felixspluttered.“No.PleaseIamsorry.It’sjusthereIaminaSylvanianinn.Outsidethewindscratchesatthewindows,thecandlesgutterandabeautifulwomanisabouttoletmeinonaterriblesecret.IfeellikeIaminaDetlefSierckplay.Ifonlyawolfwouldhowl,thingswouldbeperfect.”

“Youhaveaverystrangesenseofhumour,HerrJaeger.”“ItcomesfromreadingtoomanytalltaleswhenIwasayouth.Iamsorry.Pleasewhatisityou

wishedtotellme.”“First,canIaskyouforyourwordthatyouwillpassonnothingofwhatItellyouhereunlessI

askyouto?”Felixconsideredthis.“Aslongasitwouldnotcauseharmtomyselformycomrades.”“Youareacautiousman.Thatisgood.”“ItshouldalsotellyouImeantokeepmywordas longasmyconditionsaremet.Whymake

themotherwise?”“Quite,”shesaiddryly.“Althoughit’salsothesortofthingagoodliarwouldsay.”“Youare theonewhoaskedmehere.Youare theonewhowants to tellmesecrets.Youmust

alreadyhavesomeideasconcerningmytrustworthiness.”“Youarequitecorrect,”shesaid.“Ipridemyselfinbeingagoodjudgeofmen.InmylifeIhave

madeveryfewmistakesonthatscore.”“Youseemtobeawomanpossessedofformidablepowersofjudgement.”Felixwas quite serious. Therewas something about her that inspired respect.He steepled his

fingersand leaned forward in thechair, restinghis elbowsonhisknees.He lookedather closely,tryingtostudyherfeaturesthroughtheveil.“Whatexactlyisitthatyouwantedtotellme.”

“Tellme,doyoubelieveallyouhaveheardabouttheundyingones?”“Inthisplace,atthistime,Idon’thavemuchelsetogoon,”hesaidhonestly.

“Doyoubelievetheyareallwhatyouwouldcallevil?”“WhatIwouldcallevil?”“HerrJaeger,thisisnotoneofyourAltdorfuniversitydebates.Wearenotheretosplithairsor

discusshowmanydaemonscandanceontheheadofapin.Timeisgettingshortandmanylivesareatstake.”

Suddenly Felix had an inkling of where this was going, and he fought the urge to reachimmediatelyforhissword.Hedoubtedthatitwoulddohimanygoodifwhathesuspectedwastrue.

“Youhaveverygoodcontroloveryourself,HerrJaeger,foramortal.ButrestassuredifImeantyouharmIwouldhavedoneitbeforenow.”

Felixlookedatherinhorror,asifagiganticspiderwereseatedinthechairoppositehim,notasmallandattractiveseemingwoman.Hefelt likehewasveryclosetodeath.Hewasverysuddenlysober.

“A pity,” she breathed softly. “Still to business. Not all of the undying are the monsters youbelievethemtobe.”

“Ifindthathardtobelieve,”saidFelix.“Why—becausetheydrinkthebloodofhumanstocontinuetheirexistence?Thatdoesnotmean

theyareallmurderers.Believeitornot,therearemanyhumanswhogivetheirbloodwillingly.YouwouldbesurprisedbythenumberinyourownEmpirewhohavedoneso.”

“IdoubtthatthereisanywickednessdoneintheEmpirethatcouldsurpriseme.”“Don’t be so parochial, Herr Jaeger!What two consenting people do together in privacy is

betweenthem,providingtheyharmnooneelse.”“Thatdependsonhowconsentingoneofthemis.”“Idonothavetimetodebatetheethicsofthiswithyou.Ineedyourhelp.Amonsterislooseand

hemustbestopped.Youandyourfriendscandoitwithmyhelp.”“WhyshouldItrustyou?”“Youdon’thavemuchchoice.YouneedmyhelpifyouaregoingtofindAdolphusKriegerand

stophimbeforehebecomestoopowerfulforanythingshortoftheLordsofChaostostop.Youneedmyhelpifyouaregoingtofreeyourwomanfromhisinfluence.Which,tobefrank,bynowIjudgeisimpossible.”

Felixfelthisheartskipabeat.Hismouthfeltdry.“Whydoyousaythat?”“Becausebynow she is either abloodless corpse, hopelessly enthralledbyhim,or she is his

consort,andIjudgethelatteroptionmostunlikelyunlesssheisamostunusualandstrikingwoman.”“Sheis.”Thecountessshrugged.ItwasahumangesturebutFelixfeltasifhehadjustwatchedaspider

shrug.Hewatchedherwithakindofhorridfascination.Hesupposedawormmightwatchabirdlikethat,orarabbitafox.

“Youareavampire,”saidFelix.Hefeltproudofhimself.Hehadwantedtosaythewordsforminutes but forcing them out had seemed somehow dangerous. The countess clapped her handstogetherironically.

“Verygood,HerrJaeger,noonecouldaccuseyouofbeingslowontheuptake.”Felixfelthisfingerstightenonthepommelofhissword.

“Ishouldwarnyouthisisanenchantedweapon.IdonotknowifitcanaffectyourkindbutIamwillingtotryifyouprovokeme.”

“I know it is amagicalweapon and a formidable one, albeit not nearly so formidable as thatrather terrifyingaxeyourfriendcarries.TheyareamongthereasonsI thinkyouhaveachanceofstoppingKriegerifyouarequick.”

“Whyareyoupreparedtohelpusagainstoneofyourownkind?”“Believeitornot,HerrJaeger,weareasdifferentandasfractiousashumans.Wearejustalot

fewer.Mostofuswouldprefer to live insomesortofharmonywithyourkind.Youare farmorenumerousandinthepastcenturieshavegainedtoomuchpowerforustowantanythingelse.Mostofuswishtobeleftalonewithourflocks.”

“Flocks?”“Admirers, willing victims, whatever youwish to call them, Herr Jaeger. See— I am being

frankwithyou.”“Fine.Mostofyou,yousay.”“Therearesomewhodreamofareturntotheelderdays,whowouldhaveusrulethenightas

theybelieveweoncedid.Mostlytheyareyounganddon’trealisethatweneverruledthenightinthewaytheythink.Thingswereneverthatsimple.”

Felix’smindreeledwithallthisnewinformation.Hehadneverconsideredthatvampiresmightbe as filled with fear of humans as humans were of them.What she was saying did make sense.Humansdidhavethenumbers,andtheabilitytooperateindaylightwhentheundyingwereweakest,andtheydidhavepowerfulmagictoo.

Thecountessstudiedhimforamoment,asifgaugingtheimpactofherrevelations,andthenshecontinued to speak. “As I have said, there are thosewho believe thatwe should claim our ancientglories,nomatterhowoften theyare told thatsuch thingsneverwere.AdolphusKrieger isoneofthem.”

“Ibelieveyou.”“Good.Wearemakingsomeprogress.”“Tellme—doesthecount,andthoseothernoblesatWaldenschlosse,knowwhatyouare.”“Yes.ThereisapactbetweenthoseArisenwhowouldavoidareturntotheancientwars,andthe

currentrulersofSylvania.Wehavenowishtoseeapogrominitiatedagainstus.”“WhataboutRodrik?”“Heandhisfollowersarepartofmyflock.”Felixpausedtodigestallofthisinformation.Itwas

almost toomuch forhim to take in.He found itdifficult tobelieve thathewas sittingherecalmlydiscussingsuchathingwiththecountess,andnoteitherattackingherortryingtofleethechamber.Athoughtstruckhim.“Sothecountandhisfriendswereconcealingsomethingfromus.”

“Whyshouldheletyouinonallofhissecrets?Youarestrangers,afterall.Hehasnoreasontotrustyou.”

“Andyouhave?”“Ihavenochoice.IknowwhatKriegerisdoing.”“Andwhatexactlyisthat?”“HeintendstounitealloftheArisenbehindhimandfulfilanancientprophesyofourkind.A

prophecymadebyamadmananddestinednevertobefulfilled,butthatwillnotstopAdolphusfromtrying.”

“Givenwhatyouhavealreadytoldme,itdoesnotseemlikelythathecandoit.”“HerrJaeger,hepossessesthemeanstodoit.Youhaveseenit,touchedit.”“TheEyeofKhemri?”“Ifthatiswhatyouwishtocallit.ItwouldbebettertocallittheEyeofNagash.”“Isitreallysopowerful?”“Ibelieveittobeso.”“Why?”

“ItwascreatedbyNagashtobindmypeopletohim.Itcancall themoveragreatdistanceandcompelobedienceifthewearerisstrongenough.”

“If?”“YouhavedoubtlessheardtalesofhowtheArisencanimposetheirwillonmortals.”Felixnodded.“It takes a great disparity inwillpower for the binding to take place and even then it is only

temporaryinmostcases.Tobefrank,thisiswhyIhavenottriedtobindyouoryourcompanions.Idoubt it could be donewithout your consent, notwithout creating a blood bond. It is a lesswell-knownfactthattheArisencandothesametoeachother.AmongitsmanygiftstheEyemagnifiesthisabilityinoneattunedtoit.ItworksfarmoreeffectivelyforoneofusthaniteverdidfortheGreatNecromancer.Perhapsduetotheaffinitieswehaveforeachother.Weareall,atbase,ofonebloodafterall.Whateverthereason,byusingitKriegerreallycouldsummonusallandbindustohiswill.Infact,Ithinkhehasalreadystartedtheprocess.Ifeela…tuggingatthecornersofmymindevenaswespeak.Idonotdoubtitwillgrowstrongeroverthenextfewnightsashegrowsmorepowerful.”

“Howdoyouknowallthis?”“Doesitmatter?”“Yes.Iwanttoknowwhatwefacehere.”“HerrJaeger,Ihavelivedaverylongtime.IhavestudiedmuchstrangeandobscureloreandI

havehadmanymany centuries to assimilate it.Believeme, alongwithmost ofmykind I have anobsessionwith theGreatNecromancer and hisworks. I have read all of the supposedly forbiddenbooks—vanHal’s translationsof theNineBooksofNagash, theBookof theDead, the ForbiddenGrimoires of TalAkhad. I have travelled to the ancient places to collect knowledge of him. I havewalkedthesandsoftheLandoftheDeadandvisitedthepyramidsofKhemri.ItwouldtakememoretimethanwehavetoexplainhowIsiftedthroughalltheliesandmythsanddistortionsandeventuallyputtogetherthepiecesofthepuzzle.YouwilljusthavetotrustmewhenIsaywhatIamtellingyouistrue.”

“ItseemsIhavelittlechoice.PerhapsIshouldaskMaxtojoinus.”“Perhapslater.Atthemoment,Iwouldpreferthistoremainbetweenusandgiveyouachanceto

prepareyourcompanions.Itwouldbebetterforusalliftheydidnothingrash.”Thinking of what Gotrek would do if he found out there was a vampire in their midst, that

seemedthewisestcourseforthepresenttoFelix.Ifthecountesswasapotentialallyitwouldbebestifher head remained attached to her shoulders. Or, he reminded himself, if shewas very powerful,perhaps itwouldbebest if theSlayerdidnotachievehis long-awaiteddoomuntilafterUlrikawasfreeoravenged.Hecouldseefromthewaythecountessnoddedthatshealreadytookhisagreementforgranted.Wasshereallysogoodatreadinghim,hewondered?Hesupposedthatafterlivingforcenturiesshemighthavegainedsuchagiftforunderstandingmortals.Hegesturedforhertogoon.

“TheEyewascreatedbyNagashinancienttimesspecificallyasaweapontobeusedagainstmykind,whenhefearedwemightchallengehimfordominationoftheancientworld.HeevenusedittobindsomeoftheArisentohisservice.Thatiswhenwelearnedofthepowerconcealedinit.Fearingwhatmighthappen,therestoftheArisenfledasfarandasfastastheycouldandhidthemselveswithwhateverspellstheycouldmuster.”

Felixlistenedenthralledasshetoldtalesofancientintrigues,ofthewarbetweenNagashandtheskaven and the eventual dispersal of the Great Necromancer ’s treasures. She spoke of thedisappearanceoftheEyeuntilitsreturninthepossessionofMannfredvonCarsteinandhowheusedittoforgetheundeadforcethatfoughttheWaroftheVampireCounts.SheclaimeditwasthelossoftheEyeatHelFennthathadendedthosewarsasmuchastheslaughterofthecounts.

“Ofcourse,after thefact,”shecontinued,“It iseasy toseewhathappened.Mostof theArisenbelieved theEyedestroyedor lost forever afterHelFenn andwereglad.TheEyemust havebeenfoundbyoneofthemortalsafterthebattle,andhetookitaspartofthespoilsofwar,amementoofthatterribleconflict.Notbeingamagusandhavingnoideaofwhatitwasheheld,itbecamemerelyafamilyheirloom.Eventuallysomeoftheheirs,needingmoney,soldthecollectionanditcameontotheopenmarket.ItthenpassedfromhandtohandtillitendedupinAndriev’scollection.”

“HowdidyouandKriegercometoknowaboutit?”“Alas,notall theArisenbelievedtheEyelost.Somecoveteditspower.AdolphusKriegerwas

onesuch.”Felixlookedather.Andwhataboutyou,hethought?Didyouwantthisthingforyourself?Again

sheseemedtoreadhismind.There are some of us who feared the return of the Eye, Herr Jaeger.We feared the rise of

another vonCarstein. Itwould be the end formany of us andwe are already too few.We cannotaffordanotherWaroftheVampireCounts’

“You are saying you have no interest in the Eye of Khemri yourself?” Felix did not quiteunderstandwhyhewastauntingthiswomanwhomostlikelyhadthepowertokillhimwherehesatbuthefelttheneedtodoso.“Ifitfellintoyourhandsyouwouldnotuseit?”

“Iwoulddomybesttodestroyit,oratveryleast,takeittoaplacewhereitwouldnotbefoundforalongtime,ifever.”

“Really?”“Idon’texpectyoutobelievethis,butIhavesoundreasonsfornotwantingtousethething.”“Andwhatwouldtheybe?”“TheEyewascreatedbyNagash.Itcontainspartofhispower,hisspirit,ifyouwill.Overtimeit

corruptsanyonewhousesitandleadsthemtodisaster.Nagashwasjealousofhiscreations.Theywillnottrulyserveanybuthim.”

“SurelyKriegerknowsthis.”“Perhapsnotandevenifhedoes,perhapshedoesnotbelieveit.Orperhapshebelieveshecan

masterit.Orperhapsheisalreadysubtlyunderthething’sdomination.HewasclosetovonCarsteinandwasexposedtoitsinfluencecenturiesago.”

“PerhapsweshouldsimplysitbackandwaitforthisdirefatetoovertakeKriegerthen.”Felixwonderedwhathewasgoing todo.Thereseemed littlechoicebut togoalongwithher

suggestions. Until she proved false she represented a potential ally and onewho understood theirenemy far better than they could hope to. Still, he realised he was reluctant to trust this undyingpredator.Hefelt rather likeadeer trying tonegotiatewithawolf.Perhaps thatwaswhyhefelt theneedtokeepchippingawayatherposition.

“IwouldhavethoughtyourkindwouldgladlydoanythingtoaidthevictoryoftheDarkLordsofChaos.Areyounottheirspawn?”

“Wearenotthecreationsofthedaemongodsanymorethanyouare,andtheyloveusnomorethan theydoyou.They requireonly souls and slaves.Someof theArisenhave served them in thepast,butthensohavemanyofyourkind.WehavelearnedfromthemistakesofthosewhothoughttheycouldsomehowgettheLordsofDarknesstoservetheirendsbetterthanyoursort.”

Andtherewassometruthinthattoo,Felixguessed,atleastthepartaboutmanyhumanshavinggiventheirsoulsuptotheevilones.Thecountessleanedforwardandgazedathimintently.SoswiftwashermovementthatFelixbackedaway,startled.

“Look,HerrJaeger,itisreallyverysimple.Eitheryoubelievemeoryoudon’t.Eitheryoutrustmeoryoudon’t.Iamtheonewhohastakenalloftheriskshere.Therearethoseofmyownkind

whowould seemy existence ended if they learnedwhat I have told you here.You could tell yourfriendswhatIamandtheywoulddoubtlesshelpyoudestroyme.Isuspecttheyhavethepower.HerrSchreiber is amost powerfulwizard and in allmy long existence I don’t think I have ever seen aweaponmorepowerfulthanGotrekGurnisson’saxe.”

“Icould,ifyouletmeleaveherealive.”“Youcangonowifyouwish.Iwillnotstopyou.”Felixalmost rosebuthewasreluctant toputherwords to the test.Afterall, theywereexactly

whatshewouldsayifshewishedtotakehimoffguard.Hewouldbeathismostvulnerabletryingtoopen the door, with his back partially turned to her. Maybe he could call for help now but herapartmentswerea longway from theothers, and thewallswerevery thick.With thewindgustingloudlyoutsideperhapsnoonewouldeverhearhim.

Hespokeagain,asmuchtobuyhimselfsometimetothinkasbecausehewasinterestedintheanswer.

“WhenIlistentoyouIsensesomethingpersonalinyouranimositytowardsKrieger.Whatistherealreasonyouwantustogoagainsthim?”

Tohissurpriseshelaughed.“IhadnotthoughtIwassotransparent.IhavegrownsoaccustomedtoreadingmortalsthatIhaveceasedtobelievethattheymightbeabletoseethroughme.”

Somehow,Felixdoubtedthis.Hewasbeginningtobelievethatthisancientimmortalneverdidanythingwithoutareason,thatallofheractsweretheresultoflongdeliberation,andthatifshehadgivensomethingawayitwasbecauseshewantedhimtoseeit.Hedecidedthatitwouldbebettertokeepsuchthoughtstohimself.Insteadhesaid,“Youhavenotansweredmyquestion.”

ThesilencewaslongandatfirstFelixthoughthehadmisjudgedthesituationandthatshewasnotgoingtoanswer.

“Kriegerismycreation.Mychildifyoulike.Imadehimwhatheistoday,tomylastingsorrow.Inaway,heismyresponsibility.HewouldhavebeendeadcenturiesagohadInotintervenedinhislife,andwewouldnothavetoworryaboutanyofthethingsheisdoingnow.”

“Whatdoyouwantfromme?”“Iwantyoutohelpmewithyourcompanions.IdonotwanttohavetofightwiththemwhileI

strugglewithKrieger.”Felixrosefromthechairandheadedforthedoor.Shemadenomovetostophim.Hesawthe

keywasstillinthelock.“Iwillthinkonwhatyouhavesaid,”hesaidasheopenedthedoor.“Donotthinktoolong,HerrJaeger.Thehourisgettingverylate.”

AsFelixmadehiswaybacktohisroom,hewastroubledaswellasfrightened.Ilefeltasifhehadhadanarrowescape.Andwhatwashetodowiththeinformationshehadgivenhim,andabouttherequestshehadmade?

Surelyshemustseeshehadplacedhiminanimpossibleposition.MaxSchreibermightacceptwhat shewasandallywithher,buthedidnot thinkGotrekandSnorriNosebiterwould.HecouldimaginetheSlayers’responsetothefact therewasabloodsucker in theirmidst.Theywouldattackfirstandthinklater.IvanPetrovichStraghovandhismenwerenomorelikelytoacceptthevampirethan the dwarfs. They were from the marches of Kislev, which did not breed men who wouldcompromisewiththedarkness.

Whatever shewas, the countesswas intelligent. Shemust already know all this.What did shehopetogain?Turningthingsoverinhismind,hecouldnotuncoveranything.Justbecausehecouldnotseeanyadvantageforher,didnotmeantherewasnotonethere.

ItwasonlyafterallthesethoughtspassedthroughhismindthatFelixrealisedthathehadinpartacceptedhercase.HewasnotgoingtogorushingtotheSlayersandinformthemabouther,atleast

notuntilafterhehadconsideredalltheimplications.Still,herealisedheneededtotalktosomebody.“Thecountessiswhat?”exclaimedMaxSchreiber.

“Keepitdown,”saidFelix.“Idon’twantthewholetaverntoknow.”An aura of fire played around the wizard’s hand and Felix saw that Max was seriously

consideringstormingofftothecountess’room.Underthecircumstances,itwasthelastthingFelixwanted.A confrontation between a powerful sorcerer and a vampiremight leave thewhole inn inruins.Hewasstartingtoregrettellingthewizardallthatthecountesshadsharedwithhim.

“Ican’tbelieveyouarejuststandingthere,Felix.Thereisoneofthosemonstersinthishouse,andyoudonothing.”

“I’mtalkingtoyou,aren’tI?”“Iwouldhavethoughtgatheringamobandstormingherroomwouldbemoreappropriate.”“YouarethelastpersonIwouldexpecttoheartalkingthatway,Max.Awizardshouldhavesome

sympathy.Afterallitwasnotthatlongagowhenpeoplefeltthesamewayaboutyourkind.”“IthinkIresentthat,Felix.Idon’tseeanyconnectionbetweenmortalsorcerersandundeadmass

murderers.”Felix shrugged. It had been an undiplomatic thing to say but he was still shocked by Max’s

response.Thewizardnormallyshowedmoreself-control.Perhaps thestrainof thepast fewweekswastellingmorethanheletshow.FelixwantedtorespondhotlytoMax’swordshimselfbutsomeonehereneededtokeepcalm,anditlookedlikehewastheonechosenbycircumstances.“IamsorryIsaiditthen,Max,butthinkaboutit.Whatifsheistellingthetruth?ShemightbeourbestallyagainstKrieger.”

SuddenlyFelixfeltachillrunthroughhim.Maxstaredhardathimandhelookedasifhewascontemplatingviolence.ItwasallFelixcoulddotokeepfromdrawinghissword.“Hassheenchantedyou?”thewizardmurmured.“Areyouboundtoherwill?”

Felix flinched as Max gestured with his hand. A trail of glowing fire followed the wizard’sfingersashesketchedanintricatesymbolintheair.Ithungthereglowing.Felixshuthiseyesbuttheafterimageoftheruneseemedburnedontohisretina.Hewastemptedtolashoutatthemagicianbuthewantedananswertothewizard’squestiontoo.Hedidnotfeelasifhehadbeenputunderaspell,buthowwouldheknow?Perhapsthebindingpreventedthosewhohadbeenboundfromnoticingit.

AfterafewsecondsheheardMaxexhalesoftly.Heopenedhiseyes.Thewizardlookedcalmer.There was a thoughtful look in his eye. “There are no persistent enchantments on you that I candetect.”

“Youwouldknowaboutsuchthingsbetter thanI,”saidFelix.Maxwalkedover tohisbedandslumpeddownon it.His roomerwas smaller andmeaner than thecountess’.Felix satdown in theonlychair.

“Whatarewegoingtodoabouther?”“Ifyouarereallyseriouslyconsideringacceptingheraid,Idon’tthinktellingGotrekaboutthis

issuchagoodidea,”saidMax.“Thatthoughthasalreadycrossedmymind,”saidFelix.“Idon’tfeelgoodaboutitbutrightnow

IthinkourfirstconcernshouldberescuingUlrika.AndpreventingwhateverKriegerisupto.”More of the tension drained out ofMax. “I agree.The question is, canwe trust the countess?

WhatifshesimplydesirestheEyeforherself?ShecouldbejustasbadassheclaimsKriegerwillbeifshehasit.”

“Iknow.Ithinkitwouldbebestifweensureshedoesnotgetit.Ithinkitwouldbeadvisabletotrusthernofurtherthannecessary,andifoneofuskeepsawaryeyeonheratalltimes.”

“Youseemedtobedoingabitmorethanthatalready.”

“She’safascinating…woman.”“Itmightbebestifyoustoppedthinkingofherasthat.”“BelievemeIalreadyhave.Justbeinginthesameroomashermademyfleshcrawl.”“Ihaveheardthatsomemenenjoythecompanyoftheundying.TherearerumoursaboutDetlef

Sierckforinstance.”“Somemenmight,butIamnotoneofthem.Idon’tliketheideaofanyonelookingatmelikeI

mightbetheirnextmeal.”“Gladtohearit.Whatabouttheknights?OurimpetuousfriendRodrikandhiscompanions?”“Weshouldassumetheyarecompletelyunderherspell.”“Itseemsshewasveryforthrightwithyou.”“Itseemsthatwaybutshehastravelledwithusforafewdays.Doyouthinkit’spossiblethata

fewofourcompanionsmighthavebeenensnared?”“It’spossible.Iwillcheckonthemorrow.”“Discreetly.”“Yes.”Talkinginhushedvoicestheyspentseveralhoursdiscussingtheirplans.Inboththeirmindsthe

possibilityoftreacherywasforemost.

BOOKTHREE

TheVampire’sLair

“Andso,almost inevitably,ourpath ledus toDrakenhofCastle,aplacesteeped in legendsofhorror. Unfortunately I am in a position to confirm that the old tales were in no wayexaggerated.Ifanything,theydonotgofarenough.Itisnotmyintentiontodisturbthedreamsof my readers, or to engender nightmares, but honesty, and the need to set down a truechronicleoftheeventsoftheSlayer’scareer,forcesmetosetsuchthingstopaper.Readersofasensitivedispositionmaywish tostopat thispoint.Thosewhocontinuecannotsay theyhavenotbeenwarned.”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,VolIV,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

NINE“Youseemverythoughtfultoday,manling,”growledGotrek.

Felix flicked the reins and goaded the ponies into movement, then turned and looked at theSlayer.TheKislevitesasalwaysrodeaheadofthem.TheCountessGabriellaandherescortfollowedbehindintheircoach.HecouldhearRodriktalkingloudlyabouthowthispartof thewoodlookedlikeagoodplacetohuntforbeastmenwhenspringcame.ToFelix,itlookedlikeagoodplaceforbeastmentohuntthemrightnow.

“Ihavealotonmymind,”hesaid.HewonderedwhetherinspiteofeverythingheshouldtelltheSlayer about the countess’ revelations of the previous evening. After all, if she did prove to betreacherous,Gotrekdeservedsomewarning.Felixfelthedeservedatleastthis.Heandthedwarfhadbeencompanionsonmanyadesperateadventureandthedwarfhadsavedhislifemoretimesthanhecaredtocount.Keepingthisasecretfromhimfeltwrong.Forallheknew,thecountesscouldjustbeaverypersuasiveliar,leadingthemallintoatrap.

“IdonottrustthoseSylvanians,”Felixsaideventually.“You seem to be getting on well enough with the Countess Gabriella,” said the Slayer. He

soundedamused.“Sheispartoftheproblem.”TheSlayer lookedathimquizzically.Heseemed tobe inunusuallygoodspirits todaydespite

havingconsumedagreatdealofalethepreviousevening.PerhapstheprospectoffacingKriegerandachievinghislongawaiteddoomwascheeringhim.Withdwarfsitwasdifficulttotell.“Goon?”

“IamnotsureIcan.”TheSlayer ’sgrinwidened.“Whynot?”“It isamatterof trust. Ihavegivenmywordon it.”Thedwarf lookedmoreseriousnow.His

peopletookoathsveryseriously.“Iwillnotprythen,”hesaid.Felix was disappointed. He had been half-hoping the dwarf would ask some questions. He

glanced at the path, studying their way forward through the snow-covered land. The path woundthrough awood thatwas becoming progressively darker and gloomierwith every pace they tookforward.Hedidnotlikethelookoftheplaceatall.

“If it makes you feel any better, manling, I too have my suspicions about our chance-metcompanions.”

Felixfeltathrilloffearpassthroughhim.HadtheSlayerdiscoveredthecountess’secretallonhisown?FelixknewthatdespitehisbrutishappearanceGotrekwasfar fromstupid.“Whatdoyoumean?”heasked.

“I do not think they are quite what they seem.” Felix wondered exactly what the Slayer wasgettingat.Hecouldnotknowthewholetruthalready,otherwisehewouldhavealreadychargedthecountess’coach,axeheldhigh.Felixthoughthehadbettertakesomeaction.

“Doyoutrustmyjudgement?”heaskedsuddenly.The Slayer regarded him for a long moment. Looking into his single mad eye, Felix was

remindedofjusthowalienGotrek’sracewas.Theylookedhumanenoughbuttheywerenot.Theywereaproductofadifferentculture,andadifferentupbringing,childrenofdifferentgods.

“Yes,”saidtheSlayereventually.“I know a secret concerning the countesswhich is very dangerous, andwhichmay give you

causetodistrusther.WillyoupromisemenottoattackherorharmherinanywayuntilafterwehavefreedUlrikaorslainKrieger?”

Felixcouldseehehadpiquedthedwarf’scuriositynow.TheSlayerremainedsilentforalongtimeconsidering.FelixwonderedifhehadmisjudgedthesituationandGotrekwasgoingtogoandtryandbeatGabriella’ssecretfromherrightnow.Perhapshewassimplylookingatthingsfromallangles.Heknewdwarfstookoathsandpromisesveryseriously,anddidnotgivethemlightly.

“You’vepickedaninterestingdeadline,manling,”saidGotrekeventually.Felixrealisedhehad.Itappearedthat,nomatterhowpersuasivethecountess’argumentshadbeen,hewasnotpreparedtotrustherinthelongterm.

“Willyoutakeit?”“Providingshedoesnotattempttoharmanyofus,yes,”Gotreksaideventually.Thewordscame

outreluctantly,asifagainsthisbetterjudgement.FelixfeltquiteproudofthefactthattheSlayerwaspreparedtotrusthimsomuch.Itmadetellinghimthewholestoryaloteasier.

As he spoke, he thoughtGotrekwas going to explode. Itwas plain from hismanner that theSlayerwasveryunhappywiththethoughtofhavingoneoftheundyingwithinstrikingdistanceandnot being able todo anything about.SwiftlyFelixwent on to explain the reasonswhy they shouldacceptheraidat leastuntilUlrikawas free.Gotrekglaredathimas ifhehadbeen tricked.Atanymoment,FelixhalfexpectedtheSlayertothrowhimselffromthesupplysledgeandrushovertothecoach,buthedidnot.Hemerelyfavoureditwithasullenglower.Felixcouldseehisknucklesweretightaroundtheshaftofhisaxe.

“Ilikethisnot,manling,”hesaid.“Butyouwillleaveheralone.Forthemoment.”“Anoathisanoath.”TheSlayer ’swordssentashortspasmofguiltthroughFelix.Hedidnotfeelgoodaboutgiving

thecountess’secrettotheSlayer.Hetoldhimselfthathewasbeingridiculous.Heowedthevampirenothing.Shewasamonsterwhofedonthebloodofinnocentmenandwomen.Despitehisguilt,hefeltasifaweighthadbeenliftedfromhisshoulders.AtleasttheSlayerwasawareofwhatwasgoingon,andwouldbeonguard.

If the countess planned treachery, shewould find herself on the receiving end of the axe shefearedsoverymuch.Itwasnotmuchofareassurancebutatthemomentitwastheonlyonehehad.

“Whoelseknowsaboutthis?”growledGotrek.“OnlyMax.”“Itwouldprobablybebest toavoidmentioning this toSnorriNosebiter.”TheSlayer sounded

almostembarrassed.Felixcouldnothelpbutagree.

The forestbecamequieterandemptieras theyprogressed, the treesmore twistedandstunted.Maxglancedbehindhimconstantly,seekingtokeephiseyeonthecoachofthecountess.Hecertainlydidnottrusther,evenasmuchasFelix.HehadheldtheEyeofKhemriandfeltitspower.Heknewthatitwouldbeasuseful toonevampireasanother,andnomatterwhat sheclaimed,hecouldnotbringhimselftobelievehermotiveswereentirelyaltruistic.

Hesensedachangeinthenatureoftheforest.Theplacewastaintedinaverysubtleway.Hefeltvaguelynauseous,ashesometimesdidinthepresenceofChaos.Hewasbeginningtothinkthatthetalesofthislandbeingcorruptedbythewarpstonestarfallof1111werenotfarfromthetruth.

More thanthat though,hesensedthewindsofdarkmagic in thisplacewerestrangelyaltered,almostlikethewaytheyhadbeenchannelledwhentheChaoshordeattackedPraag,althoughnotsostrong.Notyetanyway.Hewonderedifalltheseeventsweresomehowconnected.Itseemedthattheflowofdarkmagicatthepresentmomentwasrathertoomalleabletothewillofevilmages.PerhapstheLordsofChaoswereputtingforththeirpowertoaidtheirsupporters.Maxshiveredandnotwith

thecold.Heopenedhismagesightandsawnothingsurroundingthecoach.Atleastthecountesswasnot

workinganymagicthathecoulddetect,andthatmeantshewasmostlikelycastingnospells.Maxwasa sufficiently competent sorcerer to spot it if shewas.Not even amastermage could conceal hisspellcraftfromMaxnow.

HereviewedtheplanheandFelixhadcomeupwiththepreviousevening.Evenifthevampirecountesswaswhatsheclaimed,itwasbesttoensuretheEyeofKhemrididnotfallintoherhands.Ifpossible,Felixwas to take it.Maxwas reluctant todo so.Felixwasnot amage and the thingwasunlikelytobeabletoaffecthimasmuchasitwouldMax.Evenifitdid,hislackofmagicalabilitywouldensurehecouldworknoharm.

MaxtriedtorecalleverythinghecouldabouttheEyefromhisbriefcontactwithitssecretheart.Itcertainlyseemedpossiblethatwondrouslycomplexclusterofspellsatitscorecoulddowhatthecountess claimed. There definitely had been spells of amplification and compulsion in there, of amostunusualkind.Theyhadnotseemedtobeaimedatbindinganythinghumaneither.

Maxknewtheywerefumblinginthedarkwithlittleornolighttoguidethem.Theyhadfittedtogetherhintsandvaguememoriesandsuspicionstomakeatheoryconcerningtheirfoeandwhathewanted,butitwasbynomeanscertainthatwhattheythoughtwascorrect.Alltheycoulddowasmoveonandhopethatwhenthetimecametheywouldbereadyforthevampire’sonslaught.Overhead theChaosmoon burned so bright thatMannsleib seemed dim.AdolphusKrieger strodethroughtheforestsurroundinghisnewkeep.Sofarhisminionshadnothadtimetoclearthelandandmakeakillingground,butthatwouldallchangesoon.Hesmiled,revealinghisfangs.

Hefeltstrong.TheEyeofKhemriwashis.Hisspellofsummoninghadgoneoutacrosstheland.Alreadyghoulsandothercreaturesof thedarknesshadbeguntogatherathiscall.Heknewthat intheirsubmergeddreamsallofthechildrenwithinahundredleagueswerebeginningtofeelthetugofhiswill.Soonthearistocracyofthenightwouldgatherathishomeandplanthereconquestofallthathadbeentheirs.

Tonighthehadanotherpurpose.Hisstrideshadtakenhimtothemassivegraveyard,hiddendeepwithin the woods not far from the tumbled down ruins of Drakenhof town. It was a huge area,originallyconsecratedtoMorr,theLordofDeath.Itwasaplacewhereoncemenhadthoughttolieinpeacethroughalleternity,asanctuary,aplaceofrest.

Adolphusintendedtochangeallofthat.Tonight,thecemeterywouldbeturnedintoarecruitingofficeforthemightiestarmyinallofhistory.Tonight,hewouldraisethefirstofmanyregimentstobedrawnfromtheranksofthedead.

Hetouchedthetalismanandfeltitspower.Ashedidso,heseemedtohearavoicewhisperingtohim, telling him potent secrets of necromancy. Somehow, since he had attuned the Eye, hisunderstandingofsorceryhaddeepened.

Ancient incantations thathadonceseemedmeaningless tohimwerenowpregnantwithhiddensignificance.Hecouldvisualiseandcontroltheflowsofdarkmagicwithaneasethatsurprisedhim.Hehadalwaysbeenanindifferentstudentofthemagicalarts,butnowhefeltgivenenoughtimehewouldprovetobeoneoftheirgreatestmasters.ItappearedthattherewasnoendtothegiftsNagash’sancientcreationgranted.Whoknows,given time,hemightmatch thatancient liche forknowledgeandcreatesuchpotentartefactshimself.

Hepushed the thought aside.Such sweet dreamswere for the future.Right now, hehadmoreimportantwork todo.Rightnow,hemust takehisnextstepsalong thepathofempire.Therewerepropheciestobefulfilled.ItwashisdutytoheraldtheAgeofBlood.

Lithely he leapt atop the defaced remains of an ancientmausoleum.Fromhere, he had a fine

viewoftheentiregraveyard.Hecouldseethemassesoftumbledgravestones,broken-limbedstatues,effigiesofthenow-forgottendeadwhowouldsoonreturntobehissoldiers.

Hecastbackhishead,openedhismouthandbegantoenunciatethewordsoftheancientritual.“InthenameofNagash,LordofUndeath,Icallyou…”The Eye blazed at his throat, a beacon sending a cold clear light out to illuminate his

surroundings.Thewindsofmagicswirledaroundhim,caressinghimlightlyastheyflowedintothetalisman.

“InthenameofNagash,LordofUnlife,youmustcome…”Burningsnakesoffiretwistedandturnedinhisbelly.Foronce,therewasnostruggletocontrol

them.Allofthisenergywashistocommand.DarkmagicalpowerflowedthroughhimanddownintothetaintedsoilofSylvania.

Thetendrilsofpowerspreadlikeanelaboraterootsystem.Hecouldsensethroughthem,anoddmixtureofsightandtouchandotherunnamedperceptions.Hebecameawareofthemanyhundredsofcorpsesplantedintheearth,preservedforcenturiesbythefainttaintofwarpstoneinthesoil.Hesawthe bloated white worms burrowing, and other twisted creatures that even he found dreadful tocontemplate.

Asthewebofpowertouchedthecorpsestherecameafaintechoofthelifethathadonceburnedsostronglywithinthem.Herewasaproudnoblemanwhohadgroundhispeasantstodirt.Therewasa knight who in life had been a proud defender of his faith. He touched a woman who had diedpainfullyinchildbirthandamanwhohaddiedofhungerduringoneofthemanyperiodicfaminesthatwrackedSylvania.

Kriegerdidnotcarehowtheyhaddied.Hedidnotcarewhattheyoncehadbeeninlife.Heonlycaredthattheywouldservehimindeath.Hisspellopenedupapathtosomewhereelse,anotherworldparalleltohisown,aseethingseaofwildchaoticenergiesinwhichevilpresenceslurked.Someoftheweakest drifted towards the spirits and entered the rotting bodies,mergingwith them, lendingthemanimation.

Inhismind’seye,hesawgreenwitchfiresspringtolifeinemptyeyesockets.Hesawwhitebonylimbsmove,skeletalfingersflex.Worm-eatenskeletonsshifted,swimmersplungingthroughaseaofdirt.Itdidnotmatterthattheyhadbeenburiedfacedowntoconfusethemintheeventofjustsuchadarkresurrection.Theysensedthedirectionofthepowerthatdrewthem,andtheycame.

Wriggling,writhing,twistingandturning,theyclawedtheirwaytothesurface.Hisvoicewasahigh-pitched wail as he recited the ancient forbidden words. The earth below him vibrated ashundreds of deadwoke from their long slumber. Somewhere off in the distance awolf howled interror. The eerie hunting calls of ghouls ripped the night as they responded subconsciously to theenergiestheysensedbeingunleashed.

Agrinoftriumphtwistedhislips.Heopenedhiseyes.Linesofpowershimmeredintheair.Asifinresponsetohisthaumaturgy,ashowerofglowingstarsfellfromtheheavens,blazingacrosstheleeringfaceoftheChaosmoon.Eeriegreencontrailsrakedthenight,asifthetalonsofsomehugepredatorybeasthadshreddedtheparchment-thinsurfaceofthesky.

Afaintwhitespeckappearedontheground.Itmighthavebeentheheadofoneofthosealbinowormshehadseeninthedepths,butitwasnot.Itwasafingertip.Fournearidenticalsliversofivorythenawholeskeletalarmfollowed,emergingfromtheearth,flailingintheemptyairlikethatofaswimmerdrowningindeepwater.

Thepalmofthearmpushedflatagainsttheground,gainingleverage,andtherestoftheskeletonappeared.Firstcametheskull,withitsglowingeyesandleeringevilsmile,thencametheribcageandtheotherarm,followedbythespine,thehipsandthestrangelyelongated-lookinglegs.Thefirstof

Adolphus’ newly recruited army emerged into the night, and stretched exultantly, lifting its armsskywards in triumph.As itmoved, it clicked. Itsgrinning jawsopenedand thenshut inaderangedparodyofamansuckinginhugebreaths.

Thestinkofcorruptionandfresh-turnedearthfilledtheair,asmoreandmoreanimatedcorpsespulled themselves upwards in themoon’s pale light.Gravestones tumbled; oldmarkers fell as theskeletonsemerged.Someofthemlookedaround,headsscanningtheirsurroundings,neckscreakingfaintly as theymoved.Others dancedwildly amid the tombstones, as if testing theirmobility aftercenturies of being interred. A few nodded gravely as if they understood what was happening andapproved.

Thenonebyone, clickingas theymoved, theydrewcloser toKriegerandabased themselveslikeworshippersofsomedreadfulancientgodbeforeabloodstainedaltar.

Tonight,hethought,anewagebegins.Tonight,Ihavetakenmyfirststeptowardsanempirethatwill last throughout eternity. Tonight will be remembered a thousand years hence. I too willrememberit.

Hespokemorewords,drewmorepowerandextendedthespelloutwards,sendingdarkmagicalenergies tumbling in an ever-expanding sphere for leagues upon leagues. Everywhere the spelltouched,thedeadbegantomoveintheirgraves.

AthisthroatthetalismanofNagashglowedliketheeyeofanevilgod.TheTimeofBloodhadarrived.Maxlookedupfromthefirearoundwhichtheysathuddled.Hecouldtellthattheyallsensedit,thestirringsofthatvastpowersomewhereintheforest.Onedidnothavetobeawizardtonotice.Thepulsewassostrongthateventhemostungiftedyokelwouldfeelitandknowdread.BythewayeventhemosthardenedKisleviteshudderedandglancedoutintothesurroundinggloom,hecouldtellthattheyfeltittoo.

Ifsuchathingwasnoticeabletosomeonelackingthetalent,itwaslikeathunderclaptoMax.Hisentirebeingechoedtothepowerhesensedbeingunleashed.Heknewthatsomewhereoutthereinthenight,aspellofextremepotencywasbeingwoven.Hecouldsensethedirectionasclearlyashecouldsee a beaconburning in thenight.He could feel the pressureof powermoving across the land assurely as the pilot of a merchantman feels the wind. What was that undying madman up to, hewondered?

As if somecelestialbeingweregivinga signof theevil to come, a clutchofmeteorsblazedthroughthenight.Fromthecolouroftheirfierycontrails,Maxknewthattheyweremadefromwarp-stone,theconcentratedessenceofpureevil.Whatwasitaboutthislandthatattractedthestuffso,Maxwondered?Why did it seem to receive an inordinate concentration of this dreadful starfalls? Anaccidentofgeography?Likecallingtolike?Thecurseofthegods?Orwasthisstarfall’sappearancesomethingtodowiththespellhehadjustsensedbeingcast.Wouldheeverknow?

Even as the thought flickered through hismind, he sensed a further rending of the fabric ofreality.Itwasstrongenoughsohecouldtelltheexactdirectionanddistance,andyetdistantenoughsothathemerelyfeltuncomfortable.Hesuspectedthathadhebeencloserhewouldbeenduringfarmorethanafaintsenseofnauseaanddizziness.

He rose reluctantly from the fire and walked towards the small pavilion where the CountessGabriellawasresting.Agestureandawordcalledaballoflightintobeing.Itfloatedathisshoulderillumininghisway.Anothergestureandanincantationandawebofenergysprangintobeingaroundhim, invisible to any eyes but that of amage.Anyone or anything, any spell ormalign influence,wouldtripanumberofpowerfuldefensivespells.Maxwastakingnochances.

Outside the tent, Rodrik’s companions met him with bared blades but Rodrik himself was

nowheretobeseen.“Whatdoyouwant,wizard?”askedtheyoungestofthem.Hisvoicewashigh-pitchedandfaintly

effeminate.IntheglowofthewitchlightMaxcouldclearlyseehisfreshfacewithasmallcaterpillarofamoustachecrawlingoverhisupperlip.Theboysoundedatoncealittlescaredanddesperatetoprovehisbravery.

“IwanttospeaktotheCountessGabriella.”“It’sall right,Quentin.Lethimpass.”Thevoiceof thecountesssounded fromwithin the tent.

The youngwarriors stepped aside reluctantly.Max gave them a pleasant smile, although his fleshcrawledknowingwhattheywere.Despitehisdefensiveweb,hehalfexpectedaswordinthebackashepulledasidethetentflapandlethimselfin.

Inside the air smelled ofmusk and cinnamon, a strong perfumemeant to cover the smell ofsomethingelse.Undeadflesh,perhaps.AnArabianrugcoveredthefloor.Twoheavychestsweresetto one side. Aside from his own glowing globe there was no source of light within the tent. Hesupposeditsoccupantsdidnotneedit.

Rodriklaysprawledonthefloor.Helookedexhaustedandecstatic.Hisfacewasflushed.Hislipswerebruisedandswollen.Hiseyeswereunfocused,staringatnothing.Hisbreathingcameinraggedgasps,likeamanwhohadjustrunalongrace.Thecountesslaybesidehim.Herarmswerewrappedroundhisshoulders.Herheadwasthrownback.Herveilwasstillinplace.Judgingfromthescene,Maxhadnodoubthehadjustmissedwatchinghertakehereveningmealfromherfollower ’sveins.

Coldlyanddeliberately,Maxreviewedalltheswiftestandmostdestructivespellsheknew.Withagesturetheglowglobecouldbeturnedintoanengineofdestruction.Awordandamorecomplexweavewouldsendhundredsofstreamersofrazor-edgedlightslashingthroughthegloom.Anotherword would encase him in a cocoon of protective energies. He breathed deeply, and smiled in arelaxedmanner,allthewhilereadytodealdeathinaheartbeat.

“Thereisnoneedforviolencebetweenus,HerrSchreiber,”saidthecountess.Itwasalmostasifshehadreadhisthoughts.Shesoundedamused.

“Letushopeso,”saidMax,notlettinghisguarddownforaninstant.“Donot dare to threatenmilady” saidRodrikweakly, struggling to rise to his feet.His voice

soundedslurred,likeamanwhohaddrunktoomuchoroverindulgedinwitchweed.“It isunwise to threatenme,” saidMax, in return lettinghiseyesmove from theknight to the

womansotherewasnodoubtas tohismeaning.“Leaveus,Rodrik.Iwouldhavewordswithyourmistress.”DespitehimselfMaxcouldnothelpbutstressthelastwordtoplayonitsambiguity.

Rodrik looked up blearily at the countess. She stroked his cheek almost affectionately andnoddedherpermission.Theyoungknightgatheredhiswitsandreeledtohisfeet,beforestaggeringtotheexit.

“Ifyouneedme,milady,Iwillbewithincall.”“Hisdevotionis trulytouching,”saidMaxironically,afterRodrikhadexecutedaclumsybow

andleft.“HisdevotionisquitesincereandunforcedIassureyou,HerrSchreiber.AndIamsureyoudid

notcomeheresimplytosneeratmyadmirers.”“Anicewaytoputit,”saidMax.“ItakeitHerrJaegerhastoldyouallaboutmethen.Ithoughtasmuchfromyourmanneronthe

ride.”“Letusmakeonethingclear,”saidMax.“Idonotlikeyouorwhatyouare.Atthemomentwe

happentobealliesbecausewehaveneedofeachother.Underdifferentcircumstances,wewouldbeenemies.”

“Youareforthright,HerrSchreiber.Verywell,weneedeachother,asyousay,soIwillforgiveyourboorishmannersandthewayyouhaveenteredcloakedinpower,andIwilldiscussthingslikeareasonableperson.Isuggestyoudothesame.”

Max smiled at her coldly. The rebuke had been delivered well, in the tone of a parentadmonishing a surly child.Manymenwould have been cowed by that alone.Maxwas not one ofthem.

“Yourprotege,Krieger,hasbegunhiswork.YoumusthavesensedthatasclearlyasI.”“WhydoyouthinkItooktheriskofaskingRodriktojoinmeinmytent?Iwillsoonneedallthe

strengthIcanmuster,sowillyou.Ifearthatmygethasbecomeverystrongindeed.”“I had understood that hewas an indifferent sorcerer. The spell cast this eveningwas not the

workofaclumsyjourneyman.”“Thenwecanassumethateitherhehaslearnedagreatdealoverthepastfewyears,orthatthe

EyeofKhemriisaugmentinghiscapabilitiesinthatarea.”“Ifthatissowefaceatrulyterrifyingfoe.”“AndonewhoissummoninganarmytohimunlessImissmyguess,HerrSchreiber.Whatwe

both sensed was necromancy of the darkest and most potent sort. Believe me, I have enoughexperienceofthistoknow.”

“Andwhatdoesyourexperiencetellyouweshoulddo?”“HurrytoKrieger ’sfortressanddestroyhim,ifwecan.AlreadyIcanfeelthepoweroftheEye

growinginmymind.HeissummoningtheArisen,andit’satugthatfewwithinahundredleagueswillbeabletoresist.”

“Youaresayingthatperhapshecanturnyouagainstus?”“Yes,HerrSchreiber,thatisexactlywhatIamsaying.Yousee,Iamgivingyoufairwarningof

allhazards.”Maxlookedather,measuringherwords.Inaway,hewouldwelcomethechancetodestroythis

creature,butpartofhimalsohopeditwouldnotcometothat,forthenitwouldbeatrulydesperatesituationindeed.Shenoddedherhead,asifreadinghismindoncemore.

“IbelieveIcanfightKrieger ’sinfluenceforalongtime.Iammucholder,andmoreskilledintheseartsthanhe.”

“IthinktheEyeofKhemrimightchangethat.”“Youshouldknow.YouhavehadmorecontactwithitthanI.”“Tellmeallyouknowaboutit.”Maxsettleddowntolistentothevampire’stale,lookingforanycontradictionsbetweenwhatshe

told him and what she had told Felix. He already suspected he would find none. As he gave hisattentiontoherclear,soothingvoice,hefoundhisthoughtsturningtoUlrika.Hetrulydreadedwhatmighthavehappenedtoher.Ulrikawokeindarkness.Shefeltweakandstrange.Therewassomethingwrongwithhereyes.Shecouldseehersurroundingsquiteclearlybuttheyhadbeendrainedofallcolour.Everythingwasinvaryingshadesofblackandwhite.

Shepushedherselfupright.Themotionmadeherdizzy.Herwholebodyached.Herheadwassore.Her stomach churned.Pains stabbed throughhermouth.She looked around.She lay on coldstone,inacrypt.Itlookedasifshewereentombedinaburialchamberofsomesort.Awaveofpanicpassedthroughher.Wassheimprisonedwithinsometomb,mistakenlybelievedtobedead,whenallthewhileshehadbeenalive?

Itcouldhavebeenworse,shesupposed.Shecouldhavebeeninterredwithinacoffin.Atleastshewouldbeupandaboutwhentheycametoburyher.Iftheycametoburyher.Whathadhappened?She

suspectedthatKriegerhaddrunksodeepofherbloodthatshehadfallenintoadeath-liketrance.Itwouldbeamistakethatwaseasytomake.

Thethoughtofthevampireandthatfinalembracesentawaveofconflictingemotionsthroughher: hatred, resentment— and secret guilty pleasure. She stretched and rose to prowl around theroom.Itwassmall,withcarvingsofskeletons,skullsandothersymbolsofdeathengravedintothewalls.Shesniffedtheair.Hersensesseemedkeenerthanoncetheyhadbeen.Shecouldsmellthedust,andthefaintscentofacinnamonperfumeKriegerused.Underneathlaythefaintesthintofdecay.Shecouldsmellmouldintheair,andoffinthedistanceshecaughtthewarmsmelloflivingthings.Shelistenedandthoughtshecaughtthesoundoffootstepsfaraway.

Theburninghungergrewstronger.Respondingtosomeprimalinstinct,shemovedtowardstheexit.Shereachedastairwellandfounditbarred.Agateofrustyyetornatemetalworkblockedthewayout. Typical of Sylvanians, she thought, to turn even their mausoleums into prison cells, as ifsomehowthedeadmightescapefromtheirinternment.Sheshookherhead.Whathadhappenedtohershowedthat theymighthavesomejustification.Thatsentherthoughtsracinginadirectionshedidnotyetwanttofollow.Insteadshetestedthebars,feelingthecoldofthemetalbeneathherfingers.

Theyseemedoldandweak.Rusty,indeed,shethoughtthankfully,exertingherstrengthagainstthem.Evenweak as shewas, shemanaged to bend the bars enough tomake a gap for her to slipthrough,andsheracedupthestairs.Whatwasshegoingtodonow?WherewasAdolphusKrieger?Diditmatter?

Shewasonherownatlast,withachancetoescape.Thiswasstillherbestchancetogetawaybeforeheorhisrepulsivehumanfollowerscametocheckthevault.Sheconsideredheroptions.Theburninghunger increased.Shehadnowinterclothingandnoweapons. In thesnow, in thishauntedland,shewouldnotgetfar.Nomatterhowriskyitwassheneededtofindsuppliesandweaponsandwarmgear.Thatmeant searching this house andpraying to all the gods she did not encounter thevampireorhishenchmen.Partofherrebelledagainsttheveryconceptofflight,partofherwantedtoexperiencethevampire’sembraceagainandagain,nomatterwhatthecost.Ruthlesslyshesquashedthesethoughts.Theywouldnothelp.

Quietlyasshecouldshepacedon.Shewasinpartofthemanorhouseshehadneverseenbefore,whichwashardlysurprisingformostlyshehadbeenconfinedtoherrooms,exceptwhensummonedtoKrieger ’sthroneroom.Awhiffofcookingfoodreachedhernostrils,allanimalfatandcharredflesh. In spite of her hunger it left her repulsed. Nonetheless she forced herself to move in thatdirection.

Shepasseddoorafterdoor.Sheknewsheshouldpauseandcheckthemout,lookingforwhatsheneeded,butshefoundshecouldnot.Somecompulsion,onlyhalf-understoodbyherrebelliousmind,droveherinthedirectionsheknewshewouldfindpeople.

Aheadofhershecaughtaflickerofmovement.Herfirstthoughtsweretothrowherselfthrougha doorway and hide, instead she found her stride lengthening, sending her racing towards the fatmerchant,Osrik.Hestoodthere,alookofastonishmentandfearonhisface,adrumstickofchickeninhishands,andastreamofgreasedribblingfromhisblubberymouth.Heraisedhishandsasiftoward her off.All of his actions seemed terribly slow toUlrika, as if shewere caught up in somestrangenightmare.Shecouldsmellthewarmthofhim,thesweetnessofthebloodcoursingthroughhisbody.Shecouldseethepulsebeatinginhisneck.Ithypnotisedher,drewallofherattention.Thehungerinherwasirresistible.Shefeltlikeapassengerinarunawaycoach,oraridermountedonawildstallion.Shehadnoconsciouscontroloverherbodynow,andshedidnotwanttohave.

Thepaininhermouthgrewintense.Shefeltsomethingrippingthroughthefleshofhergums.Ataste of old, stale black blood filled hermouth. She leapt forward on the screaming servant, arms

graspinghisneckanddrawinghimcloserintoherembrace.Weakasshefeltherselftobe,hisfranticstrugglesavailedhimnothing.Heseemedaboutasstrongasasmallchild.

All conscious thoughtwas seared away as she leaned forward and felt her fangs puncture thefleshofhisthroat.Likeawildbeastsherippedattheartery,wideningthegap,causingthebloodtosprayeverywhere.It rose inaredmist,obscuringhersight,clingingtoherflesh.Itdidnotmatter.Therewasplentyofthewarmredstufftodrinkdown.

Asitsliddownherthroat,awonderfulwarmthfilledher,aglowofwellbeingstrongerthananypleasureshehadeverfeltbefore.Theembraceofthevampirehadbeenbutadimecho.Thepleasureblotted out all other sensations: all horror, all guilt and all restraint. She gulped the blood downgreedily,neverwantingthismomenttoend,notwantingtostop.Sheheardtheshoutsandscreamsofthe other servants but she ignored them. Osrik spasmed in her grasp, but the convulsions of hismuscleswerenothingtoher.Sheheldhiminplaceeasilythoughhewasmuchheavierthanshe.

Herwholeuniversecontractedtilltherewasonlyhermouthandthehotwonderfulflowoflife-giving liquid. Shewas aware dimly of Osrik’s heartbeat slowing and then stopping, and the flowdyingawayuntilitbecameonlyafewdrops.Still,thewarmthofbloodpassedthroughhersystem.Itpassed from her stomach to her veins,with a sweetness so intense it was almost unbearable, thensurged through somebarrierwhere the pleasure becamepain, andhorror and fear came floodingbackintohermindalongwithconsciousthought.

Now she felt sick, nauseous, bloated beyond belief. She felt as if shemight explode, like anoverfullwineskinstuffedwithstolenblood.Worsewastherealisationofwhatshehaddone,ofwhatshehadbecome.

Thesicknessbecamesointensethatshecouldbarelystandup.Shesensedtheapproachofotherservantsandcoulddonothing.Sheknewsheshouldfleebutcouldshecouldnot.Sheknewthattheywouldkillherand that shewouldwelcomedeath. Instinctively, though,herbodybetrayedher.Shereeled awaydown the corridor, nausea sweeping throughher swift as fire.Shehit awallwithherhead, crumbled to her knees then crawled blindly down the corridor, retching up blood, bile anddecayingbitsoffoodasshewent.

Swiftlytheweaknessovercameherandsheslowedtoahaltfacedowninapooloffilthyvomit,overcomewithloathingforherself,andthethingshehadbecome,andtheonewhohadmadeherso.Darknessfilledhervisionagain,andasitblottedoutherconsciousnessshewelcomedit.“Interestingchat?”Felixasked,asMaxsettleddownbesidehim.Thewizardlookedwearyandmorethanalittlegrim.Hardlysurprisingunderthecircumstances,thoughtFelix.Dealingwithoneoftheundyingwould put a strain on anyone.Hewas suddenly glad he had shared his knowledge of thecountesswithGotrekandthewizard.Inthiscase,itreallywastruethataburdensharedwasaburdenlightened.

Acrossthefire,Gotreklookedup.Hisonegoodeyereflectedtheflames,givingtheSlayeraneeriesupernaturallook.

“Very,”saidMaxcarefully.“Thecountessisaverylearned…woman.”Hesounded likehewashavingsometroublesaying the lastword.Felix thoughtheknewhow

Maxfelt.Therewasacrawlingbetweenhisownshoulderbladeswheneverhethoughtofheroutthereinthedarknessbehindhim.Ithadincreasedeversincehefeltthatstrangesurgeofuneaseearlierintheevening,thepricklingofthehairsonthebackofhisneckthathesometimesgotwhenmagicwasbeingusedinthevicinity.

“Didyoulearnanythingfromher?”Felixcoughed.Hecouldfeelphlegmmovinginhislungsbuthewasfeelingalittlebetter,hethought.Notquitesoweak.

“Ilearnedweshouldbewareoftreachery.”Maxglancedaroundthefire.AsidefromGotrekand

SnorriNosebitertheywerealone.TheKislevitespreferredthecompanyoftheircompanionsaroundtheotherfire.IvanPetrovichwaslostingloomandstoodapart,staringintothenight.Snorrisnoredloudly.Gotrekglaredat them.Felixdidnotdoubtthat theSlayer ’skeenearscouldheareverythingMaxsaid.“ShethinkstheEyeofKhemrimightbeusedtocontrolher,toturnheragainstus.”

“Wonderful,”mutteredFelix.Thisnewsamplifiedhisunease.“Shealsothinksweneedtostrikesoonbeforeothersoftheirkindaredrawntotheplace.Whoknows,theymayalreadybeontheway.”

“Thisgetsbetterandbetter.RemindmeagainwhyIcamehere.”“ThesamereasonasIdid,tofreeUlrika.”“Whatifwecan’t?Whatifsheisdead?”Felixpressed.“Thenweavengeher.”“Andwhatifshehas…goneovertotheotherside.”“Thenwekillher.”Felix looked atMax andwondered if either of themwere really capable of it.He caught the

glitter inGotrek’seye.If theycouldnotbringthemselvestokill thewoman,thedwarfcould.FelixprayedtoSigmarthatthingswouldnotcometothat.Underthemoon’seerielight,thecorpsespulledthemselvesfromtheirgraves.Cerementsstillclungto their flesh.Theirhandswereclaws.Theyhungered for the fleshof the livingbut anothermorepowerfulurgeovercametheirlustformeat.Somewhereoutinthenight,somethingcalledthem,witha strength they could not resist. Stumbling, shuffling, moving like sick blind men, they began tomarchtowardstheirgoal.AlloverthecursedlandofSylvaniapeasantshidthemselveswithintheirhousesandprayedtoSigmartosavethem.Theundeadwereonthemove.“Sonowyouknow,”saidAdolphus.Ulrikawassurprised.Therewasnotriumphinhismanner,onlyconcern.Helookedatherlikealovermight,orafather,orakingcontemplatingafavouredvassalorsomecombinationofallthree.Sheglancedaroundathersurroundings.Shelayonthegreatfour-posterbed, inhischamber.Someonehad taken the trouble toclean thevomitand thebloodand tochangeherclothing.

“Letmedie,” she said.She feltmiserable, physically andmentally.Herbodywaswrackedbysickness,hermindbyself-hatredandguilt.

“You will not die now unless you kill yourself or someone kills you. You feel terrible nowbecauseyoudranktoomuchblood.Itisacommonmistakeamongthenewlyrisen.Insomewaysitislikewhathappenswhenastarvingmansitsdowntoabanquet.Hisstomachsimplycannotdealwithall the foodheeats. Inotherways it’s likewhathappensafterahuman indulges in toomuchwine.Thereiswhatyoumightcallahangover.”

“Idonotwanttolive.Ikilledamanfornoreason.”“Youkilledamantoextendyourlife.Peopledoiteveryday.Wehavediscussedthis.Oh,now

youfeelguiltybecauseitgoesagainstmanyofthehypocrisiesyouhavebeentaughtsinceyouwereachild,butbelieveme,thistooshallpass.”

“IdonotwanttochangethewayIfeel.”“Butyouwill.Trustme.Youwill.”“Idon’tthinkso.”“Weallsaythat,atfirst.”“Youaresosureofyourself,aren’tyou?”Ulrikasneered.AdolphusKriegershrugged.“Ihaveeveryreasontobe.Ihavegonethroughwhatyouhavegonethrough.AndIknowthat

onedayyouwillthankmefordoingyouthegreatestfavouranyonehaseverdoneforyou.”“Turningmeintoamonster?”“Turningyouintoanimmortal.”Ulrikaroseuponherelbowtostareathim.

Shefeltlikelashingout.Shewantedtotakehernailsandslashhisfacetothebone,toburyherfangsinhisthroat.Hetookastepback.

“Itwouldbeextremelyfoolishofyoutoturnonmenow,”hesaid.“Iknowthingsthatyouneedto know. Without that knowledge you will be prey to any passing vampire who decides to takeadvantageofyou.”

“Itseemstomethatyouhavealreadydonethat.”“True,butIamyourprogenitor.Youaremyget.Ihavecertainresponsibilitiestoyoujustasyou

havecertainresponsibilitiestome.Inaveryrealsense,youaremychild.”“Ialreadyhaveafather.”“Youhadafather.Whatdoyouthinkhewilldotoyou,ifhefindsoutwhatyouarenow?”Ulrikapausedforasecond.Sheknewwhather fatherwoulddo.ThepeopleofKislevdidnot

suffermonsterstoliveintheirmidst.That thought sent a flash of pain throughher chest; nomatter howmuchher father hadonce

lovedher,hewoulddohisduty.Itwouldpainhimuntodeathbuthewoulddowhathehadto.“Lookat itanotherway,”Kriegercontinuedmercilessly.“Whatdoyou thinkyoumightdo to

himifyouwerenearhimwhenthethirstovertookyou?”Animageofdoingwhatshehaddonetothefatmerchanttoherownfatherflashedthroughher

mind.Itwasatoncehorrifyingandstrangelyattractive.Sheshudderedandtriedtoforcethepicturefromhermind,butitwouldnotgo.

“Iseeyoudounderstand.Itisbestifyoubreakallmortaltiesnow.Youarestillaneophyte.Youwouldnotbeabletocontrolyourselfwhenthekillinglustcameuponyou.”

“WouldIbeabletooneday?”“Good—youarebeginningtoadjusttoyournewstate,toacceptit.”Ulrika realised that shewas.She had taken to her newcondition far too easily. Part of itwas

sheerKislevitepragmatism.Shewaswhatshewasandnothingcouldchangethatnow,butpartofitwassomethingelse.

“You are doing something to my mind,” she said. He nodded like a teacher pleased with aparticularlyaptpupil.

“ItisbecauseIamyourprogenitor.Thereisalinkbetweenusthatisverystrong.Alsoitisthis,”hesaidindicatingthetalismanathisthroat.

Hereyesweredrawntoit.Shesenseditspower.Itwaslikewatchingahugespiderclingingtohisneck.Didhenotsensethewickednessandthepowerofthething?“Itisaswellthatyouunderstandyourpositionfromthestart.ThereismuchIhavetoteachyouandwedonothaveahugeamountoftime.Soonwewillbothbeverybusy.”

“Doingwhat?”“CarvingoutanewkingdomhereinSylvania,rulingthenight,andsettingourservantstorule

theday.”“Doyoureallythinkyoucandothat?”“Ihavealreadystarted.Now,listen!Thereismuchyouhavetolearn.”Suchwas the compulsion implicit in his words that she fell silent, and simply stared at him,

waitingforhimtosharehisinfernalwisdom.“Youwillfindthatmanythingshavechanged.Younolongerneedtoeatordrinkasmortalsdo.

Bloodwillprovideyouwithallthesustenanceyouneed.Itiseverythingtoyounow.Itisthebeallandendallofyourunlife.Itwillnourishyou,healyou,andprovideyouwithpowerthelikeofwhichyoucouldonlydreamaboutwhenyouweremortal.Withit,youcanmaintainyourexistenceforever.Withoutit…”

Hepausedforamomentandglancedoutthewindowasifconsideringsomething.“Youwillnotdie,notasothersunderstandit.Somethingworsewillhappen.”“Worse?”“Youwillsimplywitheraway,losingstrengthandyouthandbeauty.Yourmuscleswillshrivel.

Yourmindwilldeteriorate.Youwillnotbeabletomoveorspeakorthink.Yourbodywillbecomeawithereddesiccatedhusk,andyetpartofyouwillliveonimprisonedinit,awareinaverydimwayofwhathashappenedtoyouandofwhatyouoncewere.Itwillbealongeternityoftormentandhunger,torturedbythethirstbutunabletoslakeit.Itissomethinglikehell.”

“Youspeakasifyouhaveexperiencedit.”Shesaidsoftly.“Thebeginningsofit,once,longago.Iwassavedwhenanotherbroughtmeblood.Itgaveme

enoughstrengthtohuntformyselfoncemore.Butenoughoftheseancientmemories—Iwastellingyouwhatyouneedtoknow.”

“Thengoon,”shesaid,alittlesulkily.Hereachedoutandtouchedhercheek.Athrillpassedthroughherbody.Thefeelofhiscoldskin

onhersarousedastrangesensationinher.Hesmiledasifheknewwhatshewasfeeling.“I toldyoutherewasa linkbetweenus.Someofmybloodis inyou, justasonedaysomeof

yourbloodwillbeinyourget.Weareboundnowbybloodandbydarkness.”Ulrikaconsidered this.Onsomedeep instinctive levelsheknewitwas true.Therewasabond

between her andKrieger such as she had never feltwith any other human being.With any humanbeing,shecorrectedherselfbitterly,knowingshewasnolongeroneherself.

“TonightIwilltellyoutheessentialsofwhatyouneedtoknow.Therulesaresimple.Donotgooutbydayifyoucanpossiblyhelpit.Findyourselfasafeplaceandkeepoutofthelight.”

“Why?Yousometimesdoit.”“Ihaveatoleranceforlight.Somedonot.Sunlightburnssomeofourkindassurelyasflaming

oil.Somearemerelymadetorpidunless theyhavetakenagreatdealofblood,andeventhentheirmindsarenotsharp.Theonlywaytofindoutwhichtypeyouareistoriskitandsee,andthatisnotsomethingyoushoulddounlessyouareinthegreatestofdangerandswathedinthethickestcloakyoucanfind,exposingaslittlefleshaspossible.”

“CouldInotsimplyexposesomeskin,say,onthebackofmyhand,forashortspaceoftime.”“Youcould,ifyouarewillingtoseeitmeltawayintoastumpifyouareoneofthosewhoare

vulnerable.Andsometimes,forsomeoftheArisenthereisanincreasedrisk.Sunlightdoesnotburnthem immediately. It scorches their skinafterprolongedexposure,blistering it andcracking it andcausingthemostextremeagony.It’slikeacaseofsunburntoamortal,onlyathousandtimesworse.”

“Whyisthis?”“Iamnotanaturalphilosopher.Idonotknow.IcanonlytellyouthestoriesIhaveheard.Some

saythesungodofthelongdeadkingdomofNehekharacursedourkind.Otherssayitisbecausewearesaturatedwithadarkmagicthatisdisruptedbysunlight.TheonlythingIknowforcertainisthatallourkindare almostblindbydaycompared tohowwellwe seeatnight.Something inour eyechanges, adapting it to darkness and making it too sensitive to the sun’s light. It is best to sleepthroughtheday.Itiswhenwebecomenaturallytorpidanyway.”

“CanIfly?Turnmyselfintoabat?”Sherealiseditwasachildishquestion,butbeingabletoflylikeabirdwasachildhooddream,andperhapsshecouldfindsomethinggoodinwhathadhappenedtoher.

Transformationcanbe learnedbut themastery isa longanddifficultprocess. Iwill teachyouwhat Iknowof itwhen Ihave the time.For thepresentyoushouldbecontentwithwhatyouhave.Mortaldiseasesnolongeraffectyou.Youarenowmanytimesstrongerandhardierandfasterthan

anymortalman,andyouareinvulnerabletomanyoftheirweapons’“Why?”“Mostofyourinternalorgansareuselesstoyounow.Overtimetheywillatrophy.Abladetothe

bellywilldoyounorealharm.Mostwoundswillhealveryquicklywhenyoutakeenoughblood.”“Whataboutastakethroughtheheart?”“Ah,thatoldchestnut.Yes.Thatwillharmyou.Anyblowtherewill.Yourheartstillbeats,albeit

soslowlyastobeundetectableexceptafteryouhavedrunk.Itstillpumpsbloodthroughyourbodythough. If it is shattered then itwill take a long time to repair itself.Youwill still live, but all thethingsItoldyouaboutlackofbloodwillapply.Itwillbeaperiodoftorture,andattheendofityoumaybetooweaktofeed.

“Youshouldalsoprotectyourhead.Itistheseatofyoursoul,oratleastyourmind.Ifyourbrainisdamagedyouwillgomad,orlosememoriesorbecomeanunthinkingsoullessbrute.Havingyourheadpartedfromyourbody,havingthebrainscoopedoutandburned,isthesurestwayoffindingarealdeath.Youwoulddowelltoavoidit.”

“Whataboutmagicalpowers?Ihavealwaysheard thatvampiresgainmanysorcerouspowersthroughpactswiththeDarkOnes.”

“OurpowersdonotcomefromtheLordsofChaosbuttheyareveryreal.Therearemanywaystocompelmortals toyourwill, to fascinate them,bedazzle themandultimately tocommand them.Again, these things takea long time tomasterand Iwill teachyouhow touse themasandwhen Ican.”

“Itseemsyouintendtokeepmeverydependentonyou.”“Whynot?Thesearetraditionalrolesinoursociety.Iamthemaster.Youaretheapprentice.I

willteachandinreturnyouwillobey.”“AndifIdonotwantto?Whatwillyoudothen?”Hesmiled,showingallhisteeth,andgesturedtothetalismanathisthroat.“Believeme,youhave

nochoice.Icommandyoutoobeymeinallthings,toserveandprotectme,untilIreleaseyoufromthisbinding.”

EvenashespokeUlrikafeltthecompulsionsettleonhermindlikeburningfettershotfromtheforgebeinghammeredontothelimbsofacondemnedprisoner.Shewantedtoscreamandtoresistbuttherewasnothingshecoulddo.ThepoweroftheEyeofKhemriandofthewillbehinditwastoogreat.Sheknewshewasoverwhelmednow,assurelyasshehadbeenbytheredthirstearlier.Partofheractuallywantedtoobey.Thespellwasverystrong.

“Thisisaverygreathonour,Ulrika.Youwillbethefirstofmanyboundtomyservice.Togetherwewillforgeanewempireandbringanewageofdarknesstotheworld.”

TEN“Weareveryclosenow,”saidMax.Hisvoicesoundedgloomyandbitter,halfcrazedwithfearandfrustration,butFelixdidnotdoubtthathewasright.Thecloyingevilintheairwasalmosttangible.Hefeltasifeyeswatchedhimoutofeveryshadow.Hewantedtoturnandrunbeforewhateveritwasthatwaitedouttherecametogethim.Itwasaneffortofwilltokeepfromconstantlyglancingoverhisshoulder.

Itwastheseruins.TheyweredepressinghimmorethaneventhenormalbuildingsofSylvania.He told himself to be glad they had found some shelter. Even this old abandonedmanor with itstumbled downwalls and collapsed roofwas better than nothingwith a storm coming.At least thewallsprovidedsomeshelterfromthewind.Hejustwisheditdidnotremindhimsomuchofthosetaleshehadreadasayouth.

Theforestwasdeepanddark.Thesenseofcorruptionwasmoreintense.Thesnowherewasathincrustoverthetaintedearth.Amiasmaofevilrosefromit.ThereweretimeswhenFelixfounditdifficult tobreathe. Itwas lateafternoon,and theshadowswere lengthening.Theponieswhickerednervously. Felix drew his cloak tighter about him, and thenmade sure his swordwas loose in itsscabbard.

Fromupaheadhecouldhear the soundofhorses forcing theirway forward. Ithad started tosnowagain,bigflakesfallingfast,somanyofthemthattheyobscuredvisionmorethanafewfeetaway. Their coldness brushing his cheek felt like the touch of deadmen’s fingers. He cursed andwonderedwhethertheywouldalldieintheblizzard.Itwouldbeironicaftertheyhadcomeall thisway.

FelixwipedhisrunningnoseontheedgeofhiscloakandlookedatGotrek.Atthatmoment,heheardsoftsoundsofapproachingmovementfromupahead.Hishandflewtothehiltofhissword.

TheSlayerheldhisaxenegligentlyinhishands.Helookedasrelaxedasheeverdid.“Tisjustthescoutsreturning,manling.”

A moment later Felix saw that he was right. Two of the Kislevites had returned, Marek andanotherman.Theirfaceslookedatonceexcitedandafraid.TheyrodeuptoIvanPetrovichandMarekspokeswiftlyinaloudvoicesothatallcouldhear.

“DrakenhofCastleaheadofusabout twohours’fast ride.Aterriblesinisterplace it is,half inruins, but at least partiallyoccupied.We sawmanymenmarching through the snow towards it.Atleasttheylookedlikemen—buttheymovedslowly,asifundersomeevilspell.”

IvanPetrovichcockedhishead.“Howmany?”“Many.Comingfromalldirectionsandconvergingonthecastle.Andwesawotherthings.Their

tracks,anyway,beforethesnowstartedtofall.”AthrilloffearpassedthroughFelix.“Whatdoyoumean?”askedIvanPetrovich.“We saw footprints in the snow around the mansion. Lots of them. They appeared to be

human…”“Appearedtobe?”“Theywerebare-footed,noshoesorboots.”“Andthereweresmallindentationsatthetoesthatlookedlike…well,likethemarksofclaws.”FelixthoughtbacktowhattheyhadseenontheoutskirtsofWaldenhof.Itsoundedlikethetracks

ofghouls.Hecaughtenoughoftherestofthescout’sspeechtoguessthattheythoughtthesame.“Wecouldcampheretonight,”saidMarek.“Thereisnosenseingoingonthroughthisstorm.”

IvanPetrovich listened to the restof thescout’s reportsand thenwheeledhishorse roundandrodetowardsthem.Maxhadalreadystriddenovertostandbesidetheirsled.Rodrikwaswithhim.

“It seemswe have foundwhat wewere looking for,” saidMax. “I thinkwe have tracked themonstertohislair.”

“Aye,butthereisnowaywecanreachtheretonight.Notinthisweather.”“Whatarewegoingtodo?”“Weshouldcamphere,”saidIvanPetrovich.“Themenwillbetiredandhungry.Isaywewaittill

tomorrowmorningandpushonthen.”Maxnoddedhisagreement,asdidRodrik.Gotreklookedaroundasifhewasgoingtodisagree

but to Felix’s surprise he glanced over at the countess’ coach and then kept hismouth shut. Felixthoughthecould readhismind.TheSlayerdidnot trust the countess anddidnotwant to abandonthesementotheirmercies.Besides,ifsheattackedthem,hisoathwouldendandhecouldfighther.FelixdidnotdoubtthatonevampirewasverymuchasgoodasanotherforGotrek’spurposes.

“Wewillpostaverycarefulwatchtonight,”saidMax.“Iwilldoublethesentriesandmakesuretheyguardinpairstonighttokeepeachotherawake,”

saidIvanPetrovich.“Iwillkeepacarefuleyeopenmyself,”saidGotrek.Herubbedhiseyepatchsoostentatiously

thatFelixwonderedifhewasmakingajoke.“Theyareoutthere,”saidAdolphusKrieger,leaningforwardontheThroneofBlood.

Theghoulwhohadbroughtthewordlaysprawledonthecrackedmosaicofthefloor,itsarmsstretchedoutbeforeitinagestureofabjectfealty.Adolphuspaiditnomoreattentionthanhewouldanyotherpieceoffurniture.HeglancedaroundatUlrika,Rocheandtherestofhisfollowers.Theylookedarounduneasily.Overhead,intheshadows,somethingvastflappedleatherywings.

“Whoarethey?”Ulrikaasked.Obviouslyshehaddifficultyfollowingtheghoul’sslurredwords.Krieger smiled fondlyather.She seemed tobeadaptingwell tohernew role.Shewasdocile andobedient.Ifhedetectedalookoftrappedhorrorfarbackinhereyes,hechosetoignoreit.

“Ourenemies.Warriorsofsomesort,strangersmostly.Out-landers itseems,shelteringin theruinsoftheoldRattenberghouse.Theghouldoesnotknowenoughtotellusanymore.”

“Whatdoyouintendtodo?”Shewalkedoverandstoodinfrontofthedais,staringupathimboldly.Hewonderedhowshefelt.Thiswasallnewtoher.Hecouldrememberhisownhorrorandwonderatthestrangenessofhisconditionwhenhewasfreshlyrisen.Hefeltasurgeofaffectionsuchashehadfeltfornootherbeinginaverylongtime.Wasthiswhathumansfeltfortheirchildren,hewondered?Was thiswhat the countess had felt for him?Hadhe really not been able to return thatfeelingwithafractionoftheintensity?DidUlrikafeel thesamewayabouthimashehadoncefeltaboutthecountess?Hedismissedthethoughtsasbeingofnoaccount,evenashecametoadecision.

“I will go and take a look at them. Perhaps I will teach them the folly of trespassing in mydomain.”

“PerhapsIshouldgo,master,”suggestedRoche.“Tonightisnotthenightforamortaltobeabroad,oldfriend,”saidKrieger.Fearpassedover

thefacesoftheothercovenmembers.Theydidnotwanttobeleftalonehere,inthishauntedplace,withthenewlyrisenUlrikaandthearmyoftheundeadgathering.TheyallknewwhathadhappenedtoOsrik.Kriegerlethismaliciousamusementshow.

“Donotworry.Iwillreturn.”The blizzard had stopped, leaving the forest cloaked in a mantle of deep fresh snow. AdolphusKriegerstalkedthroughit,litheasaleopard,confidentasaking.Heknewnomortaleyescouldpickhimoutunlesshewanted them to.Thenightwashishome. Itwouldcloakand shieldhimuntilhe

choseotherwise.Whatfoolswerethese,hewonderedashesawthedistantcamp-firesflickeringthroughthetrees,

tobeabroad inSylvania in thedepthsofwinter, and tohave strayed so far from thebeaten track?Surely theymust knowhow close theywere to the haunted keep atDrakenhof?Were they fortunehunterskeentoprovetheirbraveryanddespoiltheancientcastleofitsmythicaltreasures?Ifso,theywereinforanunpleasantsurprise.

Perhapshewouldbemerciful.Perhapshewouldkillafewsentriessilentlyandunseenandleavethemas awarning thatwould terrify the others.Or perhaps hewould summon the ghouls and theskeletonshehadraisedandmassacrethemall,leavingonlyonetocarrywordofthekillingbacktothelandsofmen.Thatmightbebetter.Itwouldspreadfearandterrorinadvanceofhisarmies,andthosehadalwaysbeenthegreatestalliesoftheArisenwhentheywenttowar.

Hemovedforwardswiftly,frompoolofshadowtopoolofshadow.Temptingasthatcourseofaction was, perhaps it was not the wisest. He was not yet ready to begin his campaign yet. True,severalhundredanimatedcorpsesand skeletonshad joinedhimbut therewereotherhiddenburialgrounds to be visited.More ghouls were drawn to him every night. Soon the first of the Arisenthemselveswouldarrive.Onlyoncethathadhappenedcouldhebecertainofhispower.Itwouldbefolly tostrike tooearlyandforewarnhis foes.Perhaps thefirstmethodwouldbebestafterall.Ormaybeheshouldsummonthewolvesandhavethemdealwiththeintruders.

TheEyetingledonhisthroat.Hesensedsomethingwaswronginthenight.Surroundingtheoldruinswasaflowofpowerthatshouldnotbethere.Heopenedhismagesighttoitsfullestandstudiedhissurroundings.Nearer to the fire,hecouldperceiveasubtlewebworkof force,a spellof somesort,awardoranalarm,nodoubt.Itwasfinework,nearinvisible.Hesuspectedthathadhenotbeenwearing the Eye hemight not even have noticed it. There was a wizard present in that camp. Heneededtobecarefulindeed.

Movingwith exaggerated caution he proceeded through the snow, easing hisweight down tominimise the sound of thewhite stuff crunching underfoot.Within the tumbled downwalls was alargecamp,withacoach,severalsledgesandmanyhorsespeggedwithinwhatwasleftofthestables.Someofthemneighednervouslyasifcatchinghisscent.Therewerealotofwarriors,probablytoomany for the wolves to deal with unless his other servants supported them. If the wizard waspowerful,perhapseventhatwouldnotbeenough.

Whowere thesepeople,hewondered: somenoble andhis retinue,perhaps?Only thenobilitywererichenoughtohirewizardstotravelwiththem.Orperhapsthecoachbelongedtothewizardhimself,and thesewerehisbodyguards. Ithadbeenknownforsorcerersengaged inallmannerofdubious practices to seek refuge in the wilds of Sylvania in order to continue their nefariousresearches untroubled by the authorities and bywitch-hunters. Perhaps he had stumbled on one ofthese.Orperhapsthemanhadcometoinvestigatehisownspellcasting.HisuseoftheGreatRitualmusthavebeennoticeableforadozenleaguestoonesensitiveenough.

Someone called out. Krieger froze. Had he been spotted?He listened.No. It wasmerely onenervousmanmakingsureanotherwasthere.Perhapstheuneaseoftheanimalshadtransmitteditselfto the sentries.Hewould have to be careful.Under normal circumstances hewould have used hispowerstocloudtheirminds,butthewizarddowntherewouldbeabletosenseit.

Krieger toldhimselfnot tobefoolish.Hewasapowernow.HepossessedtheEyeofKhemri.Therewasnothingthosemortalsdowntherecoulddotoharmhim.Still,hehadnotsurvivedaslongashehadby throwingcaution to thewinds.Heneeded tobecarefulnow,more thaneverwithhisdestinysoclosetobeingfulfilled.

Therewassomethingnagginglyfamiliaraboutthevoices.Theywerespeakingwiththeaccents

ofKislev!Thesemenhadstrayedfarfromhome.Perhapstheyweremerelywanderingmercenariesorperhaps thewholepartywere refugees fleeing the advanceof theChaos army.Orperhaps theywereconnectedinsomewaytohisrecentstayinPraag.Heknewthathehadbetterfindout.

Ashemovedcloser,hesawthatmostofthemworethegarbofKislevitehorse-soldiers.Theywereshort,stockymen,bandy-leggedfromsomuchriding.Oneofthemseemedverytall.Hecaughtaflashofblondhairasthemanstrodeofftorelievehimself.

Hesniffedtheair,andfoundawhiffofsomefamiliarscents.Dwarf,hethought.Nearoneofthefireshecaughtsightofasquatfigurewithatoweringcrestofhairandamassiveaxeinonehand.ItseemedthatGotrekGurnissonhadtakenhisoathseriouslyandtrackedhimhere!Howhadthedwarfmanaged to track him over hundreds of leagues of winter forest, Krieger wondered. Perhaps thewizardhaddoneit.

Kriegermoved around the camp, staying out of the light.He could see that therewere someSylvanians present. Their horses were larger than the rangy steeds of the Kislevites; chargersintendedtocarrymeninfullplate.ThesignofWaldenhofcoveredtheraiment.Thesewereallrangedaroundapavilionandalargecoachonrunners.

This was a strange mix indeed.What were dwarfs, Kislevite archers, a local lordling and awizarddoingsoneartohishomeallatonce?Hepausedtoconsiderthisforasecond.ObviouslytheSlayershadcometofulfil theirvow.Perhapstheyhadhiredthewizard,orperhapsitwasthisMaxSchreiber thatUlrika talked of. Themore he thought about it, themore likely it seemed. The tallblondmanhehadspottedwouldbeFelixJaeger.MaybetheKislevitesweremercenariesorhadbeensent by thePraag authorities to bringhim to justice.The locals couldhave comealong asguides.Doubtless theywould aid anyonewho set themselves up against him.He could not be completelycertain,ofcourse,butallofthisseemedtobethelikeliestexplanation.

Thequestionwas—whatwashe todoagainst them?Here, onhisown,hedoubtedhe couldprevail against so many. Particularly not a wizard and warriors so formidably armed as GotrekGurnissonandFelixJaeger.Hecouldkillmanybutdoubtlesstheywoulddraghimdown.Hedidnotwanttoriskhislifeagainstthataxe.

He could summon the wolves and the ghouls and the skeletons and attack their camp. But itwould take most of the night to assemble such a force, and perhaps the wizard would sense thesummoning.Ifthefightingwasnotdonebymorning,hewouldbefarfromshelterandsurroundedbyenemieswhenthesunrose,andthatwasafatehewishedtoavoidatallcosts.

Iftheywerecomingagainsthim,itwouldbebesttofightthemonhishomegroundinaplacethatheknew,ona fieldofhischoice.AtDrakenhof, if theworstcame to theworsthecoulddrainsome of his human servants of blood and fight in the light. Itwould be better though to send thewolvestoharassandslowthem,tousetheghoulstosetambushesandtrapssothattheywouldarriveathishomeaslateaspossible.Betteryetwouldbetolurethemintotheruinsandpickthemoffonebyone.

Andbackatthemansionhehadapotentally.Ulrikawouldbedoublyuseful.Shewasstronganddeadly, andmore importantly, because of her relationshipwithFelix Jaeger, themortalswould beunlikelytoattackheruntiltheywereabsolutelycertainshewashisally.Perhapshecouldevenusehertolurethemintoatrap.

Yes, he thought, that would be the best plan. He could refine it on his way back. When hispursuerssetouttomorrow,theywouldfindseveralunpleasantsurprisesinstoreforthem.“Somethingwashereduringthenight,”saidMarekthetracker,afrowncreasinghisleatherybrow.“Youcanseehereifyoulookclosely.Thesearebootprintsthatthesnowhasnotyethadtimetofill.”

“Theyareveryclosetothecamp,”saidFelix.“Werethesentriesasleep?”

“None ofmymen slept last night, Felix Jaeger,” said Ivan Petrovich Straghovwearily. Felixthoughthe lookeddreadfullyold.“Ihave riddenwith thesemenfromtheMarchesofChaos,andIsweartothat.Theyareveteransandtheyarehonourablemen.”

“Nothingdisturbedmywards,”saidMax.“Iwouldhavewokenifanythingdid.Nothingandnoonecameintoorleftourcamplastnight.”

ThewayMax stressed the possibility of someone leaving the camp,Felix knew they thinkingalongthesamelines.ItseemednooneinthecamphadsetouttowarnKrieger.

“Snorrithinksitdoesnotmatterifonemancametospy”saidSnorri.“ItmattersalotifitwasKrieger,”saidFelix.“Heismorethanaman.”“Orlessthanone,”saidMax.“Thetracksleadawayinthedirectionwearegoing,”saidthetracker.“I suggestweprepareourselves foranambush then,” saidFelix.“If it’sKriegerhemayhave

friendsinthearea.”“Perhapsthecountessandhermenshouldbesentontheirway,”saidIvanPetrovichStraghov.

Hewaschivalrous inhisway,andwouldnotwant tosee thewomanindanger.“Shemightwish totakeadifferentroad.”

“Iwillsuggestthattoher,”saidFelixstridingoffinthedirectionofthecoach.“Don’ttaketoolongaboutyoursuggestions,manling.Weleaveimmediately,”saidGotrek.

“Youthinkitwashimthen,”saidFelix.Asthecoachswayedonitsrunners,hebracedhimself,notwanting to be thrown any closer to the countess than he alreadywas.He had already put asmuchdistancebetweenthetwoofthemaswaspossibleintheenclosedspace.

The vampire adjusted her veil and covered her mouth while she yawned. Felix was not surewhether shewas trying to tellhimhewasboringherorwhether shewas feeling theeffectsof thedaylight.Hetoldhimselfthathedidn’tcare.“Whoelsecoulditbe?Whocouldhavegotsoclosetothecampwithoutbeingspottedbysentriesorsettingoffyourfriendthewizard’sdefences?”

“Youthinkhecouldhavepenetratedthem?”“No.IinspectedthemmyselfandIdoubttheGreatNecromancerhimselfcouldhavepiercedthat

weavewithoutsettingitoff.MaxSchreiberisaverycompetentmage.”“Iamsurehewillappreciatethatringingvoteofconfidence.”“Tellhimwhatyouwill. Justbe surehe isalert.Drakenhof isaplaceofpower, sacred to the

Arisen.Strongwardsprotect it.Thevery stones are steeped inbloodymagic, and there arepotentweavesof illusion andmaskingon theplace thatwill affect all save theArisenor thoseboundbybloodtothem.Kriegerisnotgoingtoallowustowalkrightupanddecapitatehim.Ithinkrightnowheispreparingaverycoldreceptionforusindeed.”

“Thatisnotreassuring.”“Thisisnotapleasurejaunt,HerrJaeger.Weareheadingtowardsthelairofaverydangerous

beast.”“I’llbearthatinmind.”Suddenly from outside came the whinnying of panicked horses and the shouts of warriors,

intermingledwithblood-curdlinghowls.Felixletthedoorofthecoachswingopenandjumpedoutintothesnow,wrenchinghissword

fromhisscabbardashelanded.Upaheadameleeswirled.Fromoutoftheshadowsbeneaththetreeslonglopingformsemergedtostrikeatthehorses.Enormousred-eyedwolvessprangfromcovertohamstringmountsandripthethroatsoftheriderswhofellfromthesaddle.

Felixracedforward.InfrontofhimawolfworriedataKislevitehorse-soldier.Themanhadgothisarmbetweenthecreature’sjawsbutthewhite-furredbeastwasmassiveandstrong.Itkepttheman

off-balance and unable to draw his knifewhile its kin circled closer. Felix kicked thewolfs head,sending the beast tumbling backwards. It bounded back up immediately and returned to the attack,madness in itseyes.Vile sorcerywasatworkhere,Felix thought,whipping thebeasts intoa rabidfrenzy.

Felix took thehiltofhis sword inbothhandsand swung it inagreat arc, slashingacross thechestofthepouncingwolf.TheimpactofthemassivebodyalmostknockedFelixover.Herecoveredhisbalanceand lashedout again,half-severing thewolfshead.Heglancedaround to seewhathadbecomeoftheotherwolfandsawthesoldierwrestlingwithit,rollingoverandoverinthesnow.Hehadonehandatitsthroatwhilehestabbeditwiththedaggerheldintheother.

Offinthedistance,anexplosionsounded,swiftlyfollowedbythesmellofburningflesh.Maxwas using hismagic, Felix guessed. Ignoring the distraction, Felix took careful aim at the secondwolfandstabbed.Hisbladepassedthroughtheanimal’sribs.Bloodgoutedfromitsmouth.Itgurgledasitdied.Thewarriorpulledhimselftohisfeetandwipedhimselfdown.FelixsawthatitwasMarek.

“Ahandystroke,”hesaid.“Andthanksforit.”Felix nodded his acknowledgement and took in the scene of the battle. Dozens of wolves

bounded through thesnow.Hereand therea few laypiercedbyarrows.Stillmorehad their skullscrushedbythehoovesofhorses.Manylupinecorpseslayinpuddlesofredblood,testimonytothedeadlyskillwithwhichthemenofKislevwieldedtheirsabres.Inthedistance,smokebillowedandgoldenlightflared.MaxSchreiberwasstillaliveandinvokinghisterriblepowers.

Gotrek and Snorri stood atop the supply sled, bellowing war cries and daring the wolves toattackthem.Bothoftheirponiesweredead.AsmallhillofwhitefurredbodiesshowedthatthetwoSlayers had not been idle. Rodrik and his companions had formed up around Gabriella’s coach,determinedtoprotectherfromharmbuttakingnopartinthebattle.Nowolveshadcomenearthem.Felixwonderedwhy.

Atleastadozenmenandhorsesweredown.Andjudgingbythescreamsmoreweregoingtobe.HestrodeacrosstothetwoSlayers,theKisleviteathisheels.

“This is not natural.Wolvesdonot attack largebandsof armedmenunless provoked!”Felixshouted.

“Yourpowersofobservationamazeme,manling,”sneeredGotrekleapingdownfromthesled.“Ithinkwecantakeitforgrantedthatthisisthehandiworkofourbloodsuckingfriendupahead.”

Snorri plunged into the snowbehindGotrek. “Snorri thinks it’s not right, sending these poorwolvestofightforhim.Heshouldhavecomehimself.”

“Besuretotellhimthatwhenwerunintohim,”Felixsuggestedmildly.“Rightnowwe’dbestgohelpIvanPetrovichandhislads.”

GotrekglancedsignificantlyatthefourknightssurroundingthecoachandmakingnomovetoaidtheKislevites.“Itwouldseemthatsomefolkherewoulddisagreewithyou.”

“We’lldealwiththemlater.Firstthingsfirst.Let’skillsomewolves.”“Fairenough,manling.”“Snorristilldoesn’tlikeit.Poorbeasts.”“You’vepickedabadtimetostarthavingscruplesaboutkillingthings,Snorri,”saidFelix.“Snorri didn’t say he wouldn’t kill them. Snorri just said he doesn’t like it,” said Snorri

Nosebiterracingofftowardsthefray.“Howmanymenhavewelost?”Felixasked.

IvanPetrovichlookedathimwearily.Hisbreathraspedheavilyfromhischest.Hewipedbloodand sweat fromhisbalding foreheadwith the sleeveofhis tunic. “It’snot asbadas it looks. It’s agoodjobMaxwasheretodosomehealing.We’vethreemendead,andfivemorewounded.Twoof

thosecanstillfightoncetheirwoundsarebandaged.Theotherthreewon’tbegoodforanythingforawhile.”

“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Felixknewwhathewantedtosuggest,butIvanwastheleaderofthe horsemen, and thiswas his decision. Ivan sucked in his cheeks and considered for amoment.“UndernormalcircumstancesIwouldleavethetwowhocanstillfighttoguardtheoneswhocan’t,alongwiththesledgeswedon’thaveponiesfor,butrightnowIamloathtodoit.Thewolvesmightcomeback,orotherthingsmightcomeforthem,andIwouldnotwishthatonmyworstenemy,letalonetheselads.”

ItwasasFelixhadfeared.Thewholepurposeoftheattackhadbeentoslowthemdown,andthewoundedweregoingtodothat. Itwassuspicioushowthewolveshadfledonceabouthalfof themhadbeencutdown.Theyhadattackedasiftheywerestarvingbuthadleftwithouttakinganyfood.Itwasnotnatural.FelixlookedoveratMax.Themagicianwassweatingalittleandhischeststillroseandfelllikeabellows.

“Howareyoufeeling,Max?”“I’vefeltworse.”“Canyoustillcastaspell?”“Yes.”“Isuspectthisattackwasmeanttowearusdown.”“IwishIcoulddisagree,Felix,butIcan’t.”“WeshouldexpectmoreattacksbeforewegettoDrakenhof.”“Thatwillslowusdowntoo.We’llneedtomovecautiously.”“Let’shopewecanstillgettherebeforedark,”saidFelix.Somehowhedoubtedtheywould.

Theshadowslengthened;thewindgrewcolder.Felixdrewhiscloaktighteraroundhimandtrudgedonthroughthesnow.Hisnosestillran.Hefeltalittlefeverish.Behindhim,hecouldhearthegruntsofSnorriNosebiterandGotrekastheydraggedthesledalong.Hewasstillamazedbythisdisplayofstrength.Thetwodwarfshaddrawntheheavysledgealongformostofthedaywithoutshowinganysigns of weariness. Except for the odd grumble and curse they even seemed to be enjoyingthemselves. Felix thought: Iwill never understand dwarfs; theworse things look, the happier theyseem.

“IfIhadknownyoutwoweresogoodatthis,Iwouldhavehadyoupullthesledgesooner.Theponiescouldhaveriddenwithme.”

“Snorrithinkswecouldhaveeatenthem,”grumbledSnorri.“In theminesdwarfscarry theirownburdensandpull theirownore trucks,” saidGotrek.He

soundedalmostnostalgic.“Snorri once pulled a truck up and down theBlack Pit shaft for three dayswithout stopping.

Foughtoffatribeofgobbosattheendtoo.BastardstriedtostealSnorri’struck.”“Andyoucouldn’thavethat,couldyou?”saidFelixironically.Heglancedoverhisshoulder.A

smalllanternglowedonthecountess’coachandFelixcouldseeQuentinandtwoofhiscompanionsriding alongside it. Doubtless Rodrik was inside, providing the vampire with some nourishment.Well,tonighttheywouldmostlikelyhaveneedofherstrength—unlessshebetrayedthem.

TheyoungSylvanianslookedprettysullen,aswelltheymightaftertheharanguingGotrekandSnorrihadgiventhemearlieraboutnotjoiningthefight.Ithadbeenallthecountesshadbeenabletodotorestrainthemfromattackingthetwodwarfs.Ofcourse,Gotrekhadletthemhaveafewwell-chosenwords about being brave now that the big badwolves had gone.That hadn’t helped thingseither.Still,hecouldunderstandthedwarfs’angerandthesmoulderingresentmenttheKislevitesheldtowardstheknights.Itwasnotgoodtohavecompanionswhodidnotpulltheirweightinafight.Even

thoughFelixknewthereasonwhythishadhappened,heresentedithimself.Now, of course, the knights were desperate to prove their manhood and work off this slur

againsttheirhonour.Theyglaredbelligerentlyatanyonelookingatthem.FelixsawQuentinnoticehisownglanceandhewasrewardedwithanangryglare.Felixshookhishead.Idiot,hethought.AtleastIvanPetrovichhadstoppedtryingtosendthecountessonherway.Hecouldnotdothatwhentherewerewolvesaboutandmaybeworsethingswaitinginambush.

Ahead,thewoundedlayonthesecondsledgewhereMaxcouldtendthem.IvanPetrovichrodealongsidesharingacomfortingwordortwowithhisinjuredsoldiers.Allthingsconsideredtheoldmarchboyarwasholdingupprettywell,Felixthought,consideringhisageandallhisworries.Felixfelt bad about not letting him in on the countess’ secret.On the other hand, given the fact that hisdaughterwasinthehandsofthecountess’own“son”,whoknewhowIvanwouldrespond?Felixhaddecideditwasbetternottotaketherisk.

HewonderedwhatwouldhappenwhentheyfoundUlrika.Hesupposeditdependedonhowshewas.Ifshewereaprisoner,theywouldfreeher,butifshehadbeenchangedintooneoftheundying,whatthen?

Felix stillwasn’t sureofhowhe felt about thewoman.Oncehehad thought theyhadbeen inlove,butaftertheinitialinfatuationhadpassed,ithadbeenatroubledanddifficultrelationship.Shehadnotbeen theeasiestperson in theworld togetonwith, although,he supposed,neitherhadhe.Still,therewassomethingthere,someemotionalbondbetweenthem,atleastonhisside.Hedidnotknowifhecouldbringhimselftotryandkillher.No,thatwasnottrue.Hewascertainhecouldnot,norcouldhestandbyandletGotrekdosoeither.HefeltprettysurethatMaxfeltthesameway.

Butwouldshefeelthesamewayaboutthem?Thatwastherealquestion.Hehadtalkedwiththecountessaboutthis,andshehaddoneherbesttoallaywhatshecalledhissuperstitiousfears.Hehadgrownupbelievingthatvampireswerepossessedbymonstrous,maleficspiritsthatwouldturnthemagainsttheirownfleshandbloodinanefforttoslaketheirterriblethirst.

The countess had told him this was not so. Vampires were driven to drink blood but theymaintainedalloftheiroldmemoriesandloyaltiesandaffections.Theproblemwasthatforanewlyrisenvampirethethirstwasnearuncontrollableandtheywouldattackwhoevertheycouldfindwheninitsgrip.Alltoooftenthatprovedtobetheirkin,unlessanotherolder,wiservampirewastheretoguide them. Felixwas not at all sure that the countess’ explanation reassured him. In its way, thissoundedasbadasthedaemonicpossessiontheory.

Moretothepoint,shehadtoldhimthatifshewereoneoftheArisennow,UlrikawouldalmostcertainlybeunderKrieger ’ssway.Thecountessclaimedthatnonewlyrisenvampirecouldholdoutagainst thepowerof theEyeofKhemri.Shehadurgedhimtodohis levelbest to restrainorslayUlrika.Astrangenotehadenteredthecountess’voicewhenshetalkedabouther.Shesoundedalmostjealous.DidsheseeUlrikaasapotentialrivalforKrieger ’saffections?Ifso,whatdidthatsayabouthertruemotives?

Inthegatheringgloom,surroundedbythissinisterforest,itwasalltooeasytobelievethatthiswasallsomecomplexschemetolurethemintoatrap.Wouldthecountessreallysidewithmortalsagainst her own kind? It did not seem likely. Felix could not imagine ever sidingwith theArisenagainsthisownfolk.

Heshookhishead,andgaveabitterlaugh.Whatahypocriteyouare,FelixJaeger,hethought.Only a few minutes ago you were considering that very thing, when you were trying to decidewhetheryouwouldletGotrekslayUlrika.Itseemedthatthesesituationscouldindeedbecomplex.Ifyoucouldjudgethemotivesofavampirebythemotivesofahuman.

Somewhereoffinthenight,awolfhowled.

“Furrybastards,”mutteredGotrek.When they breasted the last hill and Drakenhof came into sight Felix was surprised. It seemedimpossiblethattheyhadnotnoticedsomassiveastructurebeforenow.Eventhoughlogictoldhimthat the trees and the roll of the hills had concealed it until that moment, there was somethingsorcerous about its sudden appearance. Felix had been expecting something small, like one of thefortifiedmanorsoftheKislevitenobility.Whathesawnowwasbuiltonanentirelydifferentscale.Itappearedasifahugehillhadbeencarvedintoacastle.ThebuildinghadoncesurelybeenaslargeasthecitadelofPraag,anditsarchitecturewasjustastwisted,albeitinadifferentway.

Thestoneworkwasnotasintricate.Eveninthefadinglightofthebloodredsun,hecouldseethat.Thedominantmotifwasoneofskullsandbones.Thecasementsofthewindowshadbeencarvedtoresembleskulls.Themonstrousmaingatewaywasencasedinthegapingmawofanothergiganticfleshlesshead.Gargoylesclutchedthesideofthebuilding,bat-winged,skeletal.Felixhalfexpectedthemtocometolifeandflapdowntoattack.Snowhadsettledlikeacrustonthestonework,addingtothehauntedlookoftheplace.

Itwasobviousthatthecastlehadlaininruinsforcenturies,andthatithadfallentosiege.Therewerehugeholesinthewallswherewarengineshadbatteredthroughthem.Manyofthestatueshadbeendefacedandsomeonehadobviouslytakenahammertothestoneworkinanefforttodefacethesymbols. If anything this added to the atmosphere of faded grandeur surrounding the place, andcontributedtothesenseofsinisterevilhoveringoverit.

Coming on such amassive structure so deep in the forestwas something of a shock.He hadbecomeusedtothinkingofSylvaniaasanimpoverishedland,aplacewhereeverythingwassmallerandmeanerthanintherestofhishomeland.Hehadnotexpectedthis.HepointedthisouttoMax.

“Itjustshowswhatcanbedonewithundeadlabour,”saidthewizard.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Doubtlessthisplacewasraisedusingnecromancy,bywhatlaymencallzombiesandanimated

skeletons.Theyrequirenofood,nosleepandnowages.All thebuilderneededdowasprovidetherawmaterials and theywould work until it was done. If we searched around here wewould findquarries fromwhere thestonecamefrom.Probably thewoodwas local toobut in twocenturies itwouldallhavegrownback.”

Felixgapedatthewizard.“Whataboutthosecarvings?Idoubtmindlessautomatonscouldhavemadethem.”

“TheVampireCountsenslavedthewholepopulationofSylvania,Felix.Theyboundthemwithfear,superstitionandsorcery.Doubtlesstheyhadcraftsmenintheirservicewhowoulddothisworkinreturnfortheirlivesandthelivesoftheirfamilies.”

“Youarecorrect,MaxSchreiber,”saidthecountess.Felixwasstartled.Inthegatheringgloomtheundeadnoblewomanhadapproachedsoquietlyhehadnotnoticed.Maxdidnotseemsurprisedthough.EitherthewizardhadsomemeansofdetectingherapproachorhewasbetteratconcealinghisfeelingsthanFelixwas.Probablyboth.

“Icanremember thisplacewhenitwas thecapitalofallSylvania,whenthearistocracyof thenight sipped blood from crystal goblets, by the light of glittering chandeliers. When the mostbeautifulyouthsandmaidensgarbedall inwhitewaited tobe tapped,andall thewhilehoped tobeselectedtojoinus.”

“There’snoneedtosoundsonostalgic,”saidMax.“Itwas a beautiful and terrible time,” saidGabriella, andher voicehad a sadhauntedquality.

“Not since the fall of Lahmia had the Arisen ruledmortals so openly or indulged themselves sounstintingly.Itiswellrememberedinthechroniclesoftheundying.Fewwhoweretherewouldever

forgetit.Somehaveneverstoppedwantingtorecreateit.”“Ofcourse,youarenotoneofthem.”“Iamambivalent,MaxSchreiber.Iwouldhavethoughtthatyouofallpeoplewouldhavesome

sympathy.Wizards too have been outcasts, shunned by those who feared them and resented theirpower.Canyounotimaginewhatitmeans,nothavingtohidewhatyouare,butbeingabletogloryinit?”

“Wizardshavenevertriedtosetuptheirownkingdom,andnevertriedtooppressthosewhodidnotpossesstheirpowers.”

Gabriella’slaughterwastinkling,silverandutterlyflaying.“Youarebeingwilfullynaive,HerrSchreiber. History is littered with examples of wizards who have sought to carve themselvesdominions.WhatwasNagashifnotawizard,andheconqueredthegreatestempireofantiquity.Mypeoplehavecausetorememberit.Manyothermageshavesucceededincarvingouttheirownlands,ifonlytemporarily.Believeme,Iamoldenoughtoremembersomeofthem.”

“Perhaps, but as a race or a class or a breedwe have never sought to set ourselves up overothers.”

“Notyet,perhaps,butIthinkit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforesomeonethinkstotryit.Mortalsexperiment restlesslywith their formsof government. Sooner or later someone is bound to think:whynotalandwherethosewhowieldmagicrule?Aretheynotusuallywiser,andmorelearnedthantheirfellowmanaswellasmorepowerful?”

“Iwouldopposesuchwizards,”saidMax.Felixcouldfeelthetensionintheair.Thewizardandthevampireresentedeachother,perhapsbecauseinsomewaystheyweresoalike.

“Perhapswe could save this discussion until tomorrow,” he said. “Therewill be time enoughthenforsuchadebate.Rightnowwearewastingtime,andthelairofourcommonenemyliesbeforeus.”

Bothofthemlookedathimforamoment,andseemedonthevergeofasnappishrejoinder.Hemettheirgazesascalmlyashecould,andslowlythetensiondissipated.

“Yourwordsmakesense,HerrJaeger,”saidthecountess.Maxnoddedagreement.Felixsawthattherestoftheirpartywasalreadydisappearingamongthe

treesdownslope.“Thenletusjointheothersbeforetheyget toofaraheadofus,andwehavetoworkourway

throughthisaccursedforestonourown.”Astheycameclosertothemightykeep,Felixfeltmoreandmoreasifhewerewalkingintheshadowofsometerriblegiantwhichmightatanymomentspringtolifeandcrushhim.

Thesheerscaleoftheruinwasoppressive.Itmadeeventheancienttreesaroundthemseemnomore than weeds. Its sense of antiquity made him feel like a mayflyWhat sort of person wouldchoosetodwellhere,hewondered?Orwasitsimplythepowerofthewardingspellsthecountesshadwarnedaboutthathewasfeeling?

Wearily the warriors trudged towards the building’s gaping entrance. Their earlier courageseemedtohaveevaporated.Noonespoke.Theonlysoundstobreakthesilenceweretheoccasionalgroansofthewoundedasthesledhitarutintheearth.

ThecoldwindtuggedatFelix’scloak.Flakesofsnowstruckhisface.Underothercircumstanceshemighthavelookedforwardtogettinginsideoutofthewindandthechill.Nowhefoundhisfeetdragging,asifreluctanttocarryhimanyclosertotheirdestination.

As the darkness deepened, he heard a shout from up ahead.He glanced up and sawwhat thecommotion was about. An eerie green witch light had appeared in one of the highest towers. Itflickeredforamomentandthenreceded.Itseemedthattheplacewasoccupiedalthoughwhatsortof

creatureusedoneofthosedevilishlightsdidnotbearthinkingabout.“Lookslikewe’reexpected,”Felixsaid.Gotrekglancedathim.“There’sasurprise,manling.”“Whatdoyouthinkofthisplace?”“Thestoneworkiscrudeevenbyhumanstandards.”“That’snotwhatImeant.”“Ithinkweshallseewhatweshallseeonceweareinside.There’snosenseinspeculatinguntil

then.”Felixshookhishead,astonishedbyhowcalmthedwarfcouldremaininthefaceofhorrorand

danger.No, thatwasnot true.Heknew theSlayerwellenough to recognise theunderlyingnoteofanticipationinhisvoice.Afrenziedlighthadappearedinthedwarf’sonegoodeye.Hisexpressionmightbeasbleakanduncaringasusual,butFelixknewGotrekwasastenseashimself.Aswellhemightbe,Felixthought.“Thisplaceiswrappedroundwithspells,”saidMax.Hestoodforamoment,leaningonhisstaffandappeared to reconsider his words. “No. That is not quite correct. The walls hold all the usualdefensivewardsyouwouldexpectinacastleofthissize,buttheyseemedtwistedsomehow.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”askedFelix.“IamnotsureIcanexplainittoonewhoisnotamagician.”“Try!”saidGotrek.Themagicianstartedwalkingagain,easilykeepingpacewiththetwoofthem.Felixthoughthe

detected a small flow of heat from around him.Was he usingmagic to keep himselfwarm, Felixwondered?Thatwouldcertainlyexplainalotofthings.

“Thereissomethingelseatworkhere.Thewholekeepissaturatedwithdarkmagic.Taintedinsomeway,asifsomeofthestoneworkcontainedwarpstoneorsomewheredeepbelowisamotherlodeofthestuff.WhateveritisIthinkitsinfluencehasmodifiedthedefensivespells,mutatedthem,ifyouwill.”

“And?”Felixprobed.“AndIdon’tknowwhattheoveralleffectwillbe.Isuspectitmightbenasty,andIalsosuspect

thatitwillinterferewiththecastingofspellswithinthekeep.”“Wonderful,”saidFelixsardonically.“Youaresayingthatyourmagicwillbeuseless.”“Notnecessarily.Justthattheireffectsmightbedampenedorunpredictable.”“Youthinkit’stheeffectofthetalisman?”“No.Theverystonesherearesteepedinevilmagic.Itwouldtakecenturiesforthattohappen.I

thinkthisplaceisalocusofdarkpower.Ihavenoideawhy.”“Any more vague warnings you would like to give us?” sneered Gotrek. “Maybe I should

consultSnorriNosebiterandseewhathethinks.Itwouldprobablybeclearer.”“Weareallalittletensehere,Gotrek,”saidMaxwithwhatFelixconsideredtobeamasterfuluse

ofunderstatement.“There’snoneedtobesarcastic.”Gotrek grunted and then spat on the ground.Ahead of them the entrance to the keep loomed

massively.Felixcouldseethatoncetherehadbeenaportcullisbutthebladeshadrustedintoposition.Themetalstrutsthathadoncereinforcedthedoorlayinpiecesontheground.Itlookeddeserted,butappearancescouldprovedeceptive.Aheadofthem,theKislevitespausedtolighttorchesandpouroilintotheirfewlanterns.Thehorseswhickerednervously.Maxgesturedandaballofgoldenlightcameintobeingjustabovehisoutstretchedfingers.Anothergesturesentitorbitingoutwards.

Felixwishedheknewthetrickfordoingthat.Hecouldimaginethatoncehewaswithinthekeep

theabilitytoconjurelightwouldproveveryuseful.“Thisisthegreathall,”saidtheCountessGabriella.Shehadthetrickofspeakinginaquiet-sounding,calmvoicethatsomehowmanagedtocarrytothefurthestofthegroup.

“Youdon’tsay”saidGotrek.“Snorriwouldneverhaveguessedthat,”saidSnorriandthenchortledathiswords.Itwashuge.Thevaultedceilingwasalmostlosttosightabovethem.Massivegalleriesranround

the chamber.Thepostsof thebanisterswere carved to resemblenaked skeletal humans.The floorunderfootwascoveredinavandalisedmosaicthatFelixguessedhadonceshowntheheraldicsymbolofthekeep’sowner.

The air smelled of rot and chill.Amassive staircase at the far end of the hall rose up to thegalleries.Max’sgesturesenthissphereoflightarcingtowardstheceiling.Itstoppedattheremainsofamassivecrystalchandelier,anditsbeamswerereflectedeerilyaboutthechamber.

Gotrek wandered around the edges of the vast room. Felix followed him. He had long agolearnedthathisbestchanceofsurvivallayinstickingclosetothedwarfandhismassiveaxe.Therewere many doorways leading off into smaller passages and chambers. Here and there werevandalisedpictures.Hugepatchesofblackmould coveredpartsof thewalls.Massive cockroachesscuttledawayfromthelight.

“Thisisanevilplace,”saidFelix.Tohissurprise,thedwarflaughed.Itwasasoundascoldasicefloescrackingtogether.“Itseemsourwizardisnottheonlyonewithagiftforstatingtheobvious.”Theystrodebacktowardstheassembledtroops.Allthewarriorsandtheirmountswerepresent,

andthesledgeshadbeendraggedthroughthehugegateofthekeep.Thecountessandherknightlycompanions seemed to be debating somethingwithMax and Ivan Petrovich. As they closed Felixcouldhearwhatwasbeingsaid.

“Isaywesetupcampherefortheevening,setthefiresburningbrightlyandreadyourselvesforanattack,”saidIvanPetrovich.“Idonotdoubtonewillcome.”

“Thisisnotaverydefensiblepositionifanenemycomesatusinanynumbers,”saidMax.“It’stooopen,withtoomanyentrances.Weshouldfindasmallerchamber.”

“Andbetrappedinitlikerabbitsinaburrowwhenaweaselcomes?”askedIvanPetrovich.TheuseofsuchananalogytoldFelixhownervoustheKislevitewasbeneathhisbluffexterior.

“Youforgetwhoandwhathadthisplacebuilt,”saidthecountess.“Thewholemansionisriddledwithsecretpassages.Atleastifwecampherewewillseeouropponentscomingatus.”

“Andwewillhaveaclearfieldonwhichtofight,”saidRodrik.“Iwillnotcowerfromthefoe.”“Not likewhenwe fought thewolves, eh?” bellowedGotrek. If looks could kill, the knight’s

glancewouldhavestruckhimdownonthespot.Heglancedcontemptuouslyatthecountess.“Secretpassages,eh?Iamadwarfandthesecretpassagehasnotbeenbuiltthatadwarfcouldnotfind.”

“Areyou suggestingwe shouldhide like frightenedchildren?” saidQuentin.Hishigh-pitchedvoicesoundedevenclosertobreakingthanusual.

Gotreklookedathimnastily.“Thatiscertainlywhatyouremindmeof.”Ever the diplomat, thought Felix.A room full of armed people, scared and ready to come to

blows,andwhatdoyoudo?Trytosetasparktothatdrytinder.“Nooneissuggestingthatwehide,”saidFelixquicklybefore thesituationcoulddeterioratefurther.“Wearediscussingthebestplantoproceedanddestroythemonsterthatdwellshere.Thatisall.”

Much tohis surprise theothersnoddedas ifhehad just saidsomethingsensible;evenGotrekmanagedtoholdhistongue.Hedecidedtopresshisadvantage.“Weneedaplacetokeepthewoundedsafe,andoursuppliesguarded.Wewillneedthemwhenweleave,unlessanyofyouhavediscovered

awaytoeatsnow.”He glanced around. “This darkness is probably not the best time to go searching through the

adjoiningchamberslookingforarefuge.Whoknowswhatwewillfind,andwedon’twanttosplitourforces.”

Hesawtheyweregettingrestiveoncemore.Theydidnotwantabalancedassessmentof theirsituation.Mostofthemwerescaredandwanteddecisiveleadership.Justthisoncehewouldgivethemit.“Webuildfireshere,splitintowatchesandwaitforthenighttopass.Onthemorrow,whenthereismorelight,wewillseekourfoe.”

Theynoddedagreement.Menhadalreadybeguntomoveofftobuildfiresinthecentreofthechamber.Someofthemtetheredthehorsestotherunnersofthecoachandthesledges.Mennockedtheirbowsandputlanternsupwheretheycouldprovidethemostlight.Maxsetmoreballsoflightspiralling towards the ceiling. They wavered and flickered eerily but at least they continued toprovidesomeillumination.

Fromsomewhereinthedistancecamethehigh-pitchedshriekinggibberofaghoul.Withalltheechoesitwasimpossible to tell fromwherethecallhadcome.Fromtheoppositedirectioncamearesponse.

Felixwassuddenlygladthattheywerenotgoingtochecktheadjoiningrooms.Hecouldtelltheothersweretoo.FromthebalconyabovethegrandhallAdolphusKriegerlookeddownontheassembledmortals.Hismagesightsawtheglitteringwebofmagicalwardsthewizardwove.Theyflickeredasthekeep’sownwardsinterferedwiththembutsomehowmaintainedtheirintegrity.

Thevastsettingmadethemlooklikeantsbutappearancesweredeceptive.Hewasnotgoingtounderestimatehis foes.Thatwas the cardinalmistake somanyofhiskindhadmadewhendealingwith mortals. He considered using overwhelming force, assembling all the walking corpses andanimated skeletons and throwing them against the intruders in one mighty hammer blow anddismissedtheidea.Therewouldbetimeenoughforthatlater.Thiswashishomeground.Theghoulsand hismortal followers knew theirway around it better than thosemen down below and the oldwards would not interfere with their movements. First of all, he would pick off a few of theinterlopers,oneatatime,andthenwhentheforcewasweakenedandmoralelow,hewoulddestroythem.

Hewatched them, feelingquitepleasedwithhimselfuntil he caught sightof a familiar figuremovingthroughtheassembledmortals.Thecountess!Whatwasshedoinghere?Hehadnotexpectedtoseehersosoon.Itwasstrangehowshestillaffectedhimafterall theseyears.Hestill felt likeaschoolboyabouttobeconfrontedbyadomineeringmother.Hetoldhimselfnottoberidiculous,hehadtheEyeofNagash,andtherewasnothingshecoulddotohimnow.Itwasallverywell tellinghimselfthisbutitdidnotlessentheshockorthestrangeechoofoldemotionswashingthroughhisbrain.

Doubtlessshewasschemingwithhisenemies,butwhy?Howwouldaccompanyingthesefoolishmortalsadvanceherschemes?

Heshrugged.Itwasfairlyeasytounderstand.Sheobviouslyhopedthattheywouldkillhim,andallow her to take the Eye of Khemri. As ever, she preferred to use others as her cat’s-paws. Thewonderofitwasthatshehadcomeallthiswayandexposedherpreciousselftodanger.Hesmiledrevealinghisteethasangerflowedthroughhim.

Hestalkedalongthebalconyfingeringtheprecioustalisman.Thenagain,shehadneverbeenacoward,andhesupposedshewasdesperate.ItwasunlikelythoseparticularmortalsdowntherecouldsimplybetrickedintotakingtheEyebacktoher.Andnowthatthesummoninghadbegunothersof

theArisenwouldsoonbehere.Shecouldhardlytaketheriskofthemgettingit.Itseemedhermotivesweresimpleandcomprehensibleafterall.

He wondered if her mortal dupes knewwhat they were letting themselves in for. They werecaughtbetweenhimand thecountessand therewasnoway theycould survive theexperience. Inaway,hewouldbedoingthemafavourbykillingherbeforeshecouldworkherwillonthem.

Ofcourse,theywouldservehimtoo,intheirownway,assoldiersinhisresurrectedlegions.“I feel as if there is somethingwatching us,” said Felix. He glanced upwards, his flesh crawling,knowing somehow that therewas something on the balcony above, looking at themwith the sameglanceahawkgivesafieldmouse.

“Thatwouldbeafairbet,manling,”saidGotrek.“Perhapsweshouldgoupandtakealook.”Areyoumad?Felixwantedtoask,butdidn’t.Healreadyknewtheanswer.TheSlayerwasnot

saneasmostmenmeasuredsanity.Soinstead,hesaid,“Idon’tthinkthatisagoodidea.”However, the Slayer was already stomping off towards the huge staircase. Felix considered

lettinghimgoaloneforaninstantbutthenfollowed.InpartbecausehehadswornanoathtofollowtheSlayerandrecordhisdoom,andinpartbecausehesuspectedthatinthisplaceitwassafesttostayclosetotheSlayerandhisaxe.Then,realisinghehadnolight,herushedbackintothemassofmenandgrabbedalantern.

“Oi!Whereareyougoing?”SnorriNosebitershouted.Felixcouldseetheothersaroundthefirewerelookingatthem.

“Justgoingtoscoutaboutforabit,”Felixresponded.“NotwithoutSnorriyou’renot.Ifthere’sfightingtobedone,Snorriwantstobepartofit.”“Suit yourself,” said Felix, as the second Slayer rushed over to join them. Seeing the uneasy

looksofthemenaroundthefire,Felixwasnotsurprisedwhentherewerenoothervolunteers.Kriegerlookeddownindisbelief.Thetwodwarfsandthehumanwereactuallycominglookingforhim.Either theyweremad,or theywere supremelyoverconfident. Ineithercase,hedidnot reallycare. This was a hell-sent opportunity. His foes had split their forces and thus reduced theireffectiveness.Heintendedtotakefulladvantageofit.Forthemoment,allhehadtodowaswait.“Thisplacecouldusealittlecleaning,”saidFelix,astheystalkedupstairs.Cobwebshungbetweenthespokesofthebanister.Verybigspidersscuttledawayfromthelight.Thestairscreakedeerilybeneathhisboots.Notforthefirsttimehewishedhecouldseeinthedarklikethedwarfs.Thislanternmadehimaneasymarkforanythinginthedark.Noneofthecreaturestheyhadencounteredsofarseemedtohaveanydifficultyfunctioningwithoutlight.

“Complaintotheservants,manling,”saidGotrek,pausingatthetopofthestairstoinspecttheirsurroundingsforamoment.

“Isupposegoodhelpishardtofindthesedays,”saidFelix,glancingoverthedwarf’sshoulder.“Myfatheralwaysusedtosaythat.”

Thestairsendedinagalleryrunningleftandrightaroundtheedgesofthegreathall.Thereweremoredoorsleadingoffintomorechambers.Hereandtherelargepaintingscoveredthewalls.Abouthalfwaydownthehalloneitherside,morestairsledoffupwards.Itwasveryquiet.Felixcouldhearthevoicesofthemenbelow,andthesoft,scaredwhinnyingofthehorses.Felixranhisfingersovertheedgeofthebanister.Theycameawaycakedwithathicklayerofdust.Therewasnosignofanyenemy but still Felix’s flesh crawled.He looked up at the ceiling, half expecting to see amassivespiderabouttodroponhishead.Insteadhesawnothingexceptthepaintedandblotchedplasterworkoftheceiling,whichwasalsothefloorofthegalleryabove.

Felixsteppedforwardontothegallery.Thefloorflexedbeneathhisfoot.Hewonderedhowsafethis place was. After all, it had not been maintained in two centuries. He proceeded forward

cautiously,halfexpectingthefloorbeneathhimtogivewayatanymoment.Hemovedover to thenearestpainting,holdinghis lanternupclosesothathecouldinspect it.

Withinanelaborategildedframewasaportraitofatall,palewoman,classicallybeautiful,blackhairpiledhighinanornatecoiffure.Shestoodbyawindow.Ahugecrescentmoondominatedthenightsky behind her. In one hand she held a crystal glass ofwhat Felix hopedwas redwine.The otherrestedontheheadofakneelingman.Therewassomethingdisturbinglybestialinthefeaturesoftheman.

Thepainterhadcontrivedtoconveytheimpressionthatthewomanwasstrokinghim,asanobleladyoftheEmpiremightapetleopard.Abrokensilverchaindanglingfromtheman’sneckaddedtotheimpression.

“Snorri thinks she was a bad one,” said Snorri Nosebiter, from just behind Felix. He had toagree. Therewas something about thewoman’s features that suggested great power and a refinedcruelty.Perhapsitwasthefaintflaringofthenostrilsandtheslighttwisttothosepoutingredlips.

“Oneofthevampirecountesses,nodoubt,”saidFelix.“TheyallgatheredhereonceorsoIamtold.”

Theystalkedonacrossthecrumblinggallerytothenextportrait.Thistimeitwasofatall,pale-skinnedman,beardedandaristocraticlooking.Hisclotheswererichanddark.Hetooheldagobletof redwine in one hand.Amassive golden hunting horn dangled from his neck.His booted footrestedon thechestofadeadman likeahunter standing triumphantovera stag.Onceagain itwasnight. This man smiled confidently, revealing two long prominent fangs. He radiated power andconfidence, certain of his authority and right to dominate others. Like the first, this painting wasexecutedwithaskillamountingtogenius.Italmostseemedlikethesubjectwasabouttostepoutofthepainting.Felixshivered.Thatwasaconceptthatdidnotbearthinkingabout.

Theypassedmorepictures,alternatingmaleandfemale,andallasbeautifullyexecutedandasdisturbingasthefirsttwo.Allwerenightscapes.Oneshowedawomanmodelledasagoddesswithacrownoflaurelleavesonherheadandabowintheother.Therewasapowerfullybuiltmanstrippedtothewaistwholookedstrongasabull.Hisheadwasshavedandhepossessedanenormouswalrusmoustache.Hetoastedtheviewerwithaglassofredliquidwhileanadoringchildclutchedathisleg.Thechild’seyesglowedasinisterred.

Felix paused in front of the fifth picture, for he thought he recognised the features of thecountess.Certainlytheproportionswerecorrect,andthefacelookedliketheonehintedat throughherveil.Itwasnotpossibletobecertain,ofcourse,butheknewthatitwaspossiblethatshehadposedfortheartistallthoselongcenturiesago.

Hehurriedpastthispainting.NeitherGotreknorSnorriNosebiterhadspentasmuchtimeinthecompanyofthecountessashehad,sohedoubtedthateitherofthemwouldrecogniseher.HedidnotwanttotakethechanceofSnorridoingsonow.Hemight justgochargingbackintothecampandgivethegameawayalthoughthatmightnotbesuchabadthing.Heglancedoverhisshoulder.GotrekandSnorriwerecheckingdoors,inspectingtheroomsbeyond.Hedecidedtotakealookatthenextpaintingandthenwaitforthem.

Herecognisedthemaninitimmediately.ItwasbeyondashadowofadoubtAdolphusKrieger,dressedinheavyblackrobes,abooktuckedunderhisleftarm,aglassoftheredliquorheldinhisright.Twoadoringwomencrouchedbesidehim,nakedsavefordiaphanousrobes,looksthatcouldonlybedescribedasworshipfulengravedontheirfaces.

Felix paused to consider the picture. Krieger looked every inch the aristocrat: arrogant,swaggering,unafraid.Asecretivesmileplayedonhislips.

“It’saverygood likeness, isn’t it?”saidavoice fromnearby.Felixwhirled, tearinghisblade

fromthescabbard.Helookedinthedirectionthewordshadcomefrom.Itwasalmostasifhisearlierfantasyaboutthepicturescomingtolifehadhappened.Kriegerstoodtherelookingunchangedfromthepicture.

“Belardowas a genius in hisway.Hewasoneof thegreatest of theTileanpainters, I alwaysthought.Of course, the common folk never forgave him for taking our commissions. I heard thatafterHelFennhewasburnedatopapileofhisworks in thepublicsquare inTalabheim.Someonebetrayedhimashetriedtopassthroughthecityinsecret.”

Withouttakinghiseyesfromthevampire,Felixsetthelamponthefloor.Kriegerlookedasrelaxedashehadinthepicture,butinstinctwarnedFelixthatcharginghim

wouldbemostunwise.Insteadhebegantoinchforward,bladeheldready,nerveskeyed.Hedoubtedhe had ever been more wound up in his entire life. Without taking his eyes off the vampire, heshouted,“Gotrek!Snorri!Lookwhatcrawledoutofthewoodwork.”

“Now,now,HerrJaeger,that’snotverypolite.Icomeheretomakepleasantconversationwithyou,andyoustarttossinginsults.”

“I’drather tossyouover thebalcony.WhathaveyoudonewithUlrika?”Thevampiresmiled,showingallhisfangs.ThesoundofpoundingfeettoldhimthattheSlayerswererushingtojoinhim.

“Ihavenotdoneheranyharm,Ipromiseyou.Iamsureshewillbedelightedtoseeyou.”Felixedgedevercloser.Hewasalltooawareofthelongdropintothegreathallbelow.Hedid

notdoubtthatthevampirewasswiftenoughandstrongenoughtotosshimoverthebalconywithoutdifficultygiventheslightestopportunity.Hedidnotintendtoletthathappenifhecouldhelpit.

“Whereisshe?”“Ifyouwanther,you’llhavetofindheryourself.She’ssomewhereinthecastle.”Felixwasalmostwithinstrikingdistancenow.He tested thefloorbeneathhimpressinggently

withhisfootbeforeputtingallhisweightonit,fearingatrap.Hedidnotlikethevampire’slookofconfidence.Hehadnotevendrawnhisweaponyet.TheEyeofKhemriglitteredhypnoticallyathisthroat.

“Nowyoudie,bloodsucker!”bellowedGotrek.Krieger ’ssmilewidened.Heraisedhisarmswide.Mistbubbledaroundhisfeetandenshrouded

hisform.Asitdidso,hebegantofade,almostasifhisbodywasdissolvingintotheswirlingfog.Afaint hint of decay hit Felix’s nostrils. He leapt forward and slashed with his sword at where hethoughthesawthevampire’soutline.

His blade encountered no resistance. Instead there was a sickening lurch as his foot passedthrough the rotting floorboards. The whole world wheeled around him. He dropped his blade,desperatelytryingtocatchholdofsomethingtopreventhimselffallingallthewaytothehardfloorofthegreathallsofarbelow.

“Gotrek!Snorri!Stop!It’satrap!”heshouted.Evil,distantlaughterranginhisears.Thefloorgave way beneath him and he began to fall. Felix grabbed the edge of the hole with his hands.Splinteredwoodbitintohispalm.Painsurgedalonghisnerveendings.Hefoughttheurgetoletgo,knowingthatifhedidso,hewouldmostcertainlyfalltohisdoom.Theoldrottenboardsbegantocomeapart.Franticallyheflailedaboutwithhis righthand, trying togetabettergrip.Theshiftofweightswunghisbodyaround,andhefelthisfingerslosingtheirgrip.Alongwaybelowhisboots,deathbeckoned.

Groaninghetriedtofindsomethingtogriponandfailed.Hislasttenuoushandholdgaveway.Hisstomachlurchedasgravitygrippedhimandpulleddowntowardscertaindeath.

ELEVENStrong fingers gripped Felix’swrist. It felt like his armwas being pulled out of its socket by thewrenchingshock.Lookingup,hesawtheSlayer ’stattooedarm.Gotrekwastakingallofhisweightone-handed.Snorristoodwide-legged,hishandgrippingtheSlayer ’sbelt,anchoringGotrekincasetherottedboardsbeneathhimgaveway.Amomentlaterhewaspulledbackoutofthehole.

Felix’sbreathcameingasps.Hewipedsweatfromhisbrowandtriedtocalmhisracingheart.Neitherofthedwarfsshowedanysignofstrain.SnorriwalkedcalmlyovertowhereFelix’sswordlay,pickeditupandreturnedit tohim.“Snorri thinksnowisnotagoodtimetobethrowingyourweaponsaway,youngFelix,”hesaid.

“Iam inclined toagreewithyou,” saidFelix, limpingover towhere the lantern stood.Ashisfingersclosedonitshandle,hewinced.Splintersofwoodfromthebrokenfloorweredrivendeeplyintohisflesh.Heinspectedhishandforamoment,andusedhisdaggerpointtopickthemout.

“Whatwasthatallabout,manling?”rumbledGotrek.Felixlookedupatthedwarf.“HehasUlrika.Sheisheresomewhere.Orsohesays.”“Perhapshejustwantsustogorunningofflookingforher.”Felixnodded.Itseemedverylikely,consideringwhathadjusthappened.Thiswasthevampire’s

hometerritory,afterall.Heknewitwell.Hecouldleadthemaroundbythenoseuntiltheyfellintomoretraps.Still,hedidnotseewhatotheroptionstheyhad.

Evenashethoughtthis,hesawthatKriegerhadreappearedmuchfurtherdownthebalcony.Hewavedmockinglyasifchallengingthemtocomeandgethim.SnorriNosebiterracedforward,withGotrekinhotpursuit.“Wait,”shoutedFelix.“Whatifhe’sleadingusintoatrap?”

“Wewouldn’twanttodisappointhimthen,manling.Wouldwe?”“Isupposenot,”mutteredFelix,followingswiftlyontheheelsofthedwarfs.

MaxSchreiberglancedupattheceiling.Foramoment,hehadseenFelix’sfeetdanglingthroughagapinthefloor,andthenthemanhadvanishedbackthroughthehole.

“What’sgoingonupthere?”IvanPetrovichasked.“ExactlywhatIwaswondering,myfriend,”Maxreplied.“Weshouldgoupthereandhelpthem.”“Ididnothearanycriesforaid,”saidMax.“AndIcan’tthinkofthreepeoplebetterabletolook

afterthemselves.”“Isupposeyouareright.”“Don’tworry.They’llbebacksoon.”Oneofthearcherscameover.“IthoughtIsawanothermanupthereinthegallerywiththem.”Maxknewthemanhadbeenstandingatabetteranglethanhehadbeentosee.“Describehim.”“Icouldnotseeallthatwellinthegloom.Buthewastallwithblackhairandpaleskin.Sounds

liketheoneweareafter.”Thehorse-soldiersoundedscared,andMaxdidnotblamehim.“Maybeweshouldgoupthere,”saidIvan.Maxshookhishead.Insteadheconcentratedhismind

andbegananincantation.Awaveofdizzinesssweptoverhimashefoughttoovercomethestrangeresistanceintheplace,thenhelookedoutfromthesphereoflighthoveringoverhisshoulder.Therewasamomentofdisorientationuntilhisbrainadjustedtothefactthatthemanbeneathhimwasinfacthimself.Hewilledthespheretoriseandwatchedthecampdwindlebeneathhim,thensentitarcinguptotheholeinthegalleryfloor.Therewasafaintqueasyfeelinginhisstomach.Hehadneverliked

using this spell.When hemoved his point of view up to great heights itmade himnauseouswithvertigo.

Helookedthroughtheholeandsawnothing.Swiftlyhesentthelightdartingaroundthegallery,knowinghewouldhavetoactquickly.Turningthesphereintoaneyeentailedsettingupacomplexweave of forces that was difficult tomaintain here. It would swiftly unravel evenwith the utmostconcentration.Underhisbreathhecursedthedarkmagicalwardsonthisplace.

Hiseyesweptthroughthegalleryofportraits.Hesawnoone,nosignsofastruggle,nobodies,noblood.Hiscomradeshadsimplydisappeared.Themostlogicalexplanationwastheyhadleftthegallerythroughoneofthemanydoorways.Butwhereandwhy?Thereweretoomanyexitsforhimtoexplorebeforehisspellfaltered.Allhewasdoingwaswastingpower.Heopenedhisowneyesandletthespellunwind.Overheadthegoldeneyedisintegratedinashowerofsparks.

“Theyaregone,”hesaidtoIvanPetrovich.“Dead?”Theoldboyarsoundeddismayed.Max shook his head. “Just vanished beyond the range ofmymage sight. There’s no need to

assumetheworst.”“Inthisplace?”Maxshrugged.“Theycanlookafterthemselves.”Hewishedhefeltasconfidentashesounded,andcursedtheSlayersforgoingwanderingoffon

suchawildgoosechase.“Iwilltakesomeofthemenandgolookforthem.”“Thatwouldnotbewise,IvanPetrovich.Ourforcesarealreadyfarmoredispersedthanseems

sensible.Whychancelosingmore?”Hesuspectedthatinthisplace,atthistime,itwasgoingtotakealloftheircombinedresourcesto

survive. He noticed that the countess and her henchmen were looking at him appraisingly. Maxsincerelyhopedthattheyhadnotbroughtanenemywithin.Judgingbythoselookshewouldnothavebetgoldonit.Therewasonegoodthingaboutdwarfs,Felixreflected,ashejoggeddownthecorridor.Theywereeasy tokeepupwith.Becauseof their short stridesanychase involving themwasnaturallyaveryslowone.Thevampirecouldhaveleftthembehindanytimehewantedto,whichmeantthathehadhisownreasonsforluringthemdeeperanddeeperintothisancientstronghold.

Hehadcompletely lost trackof timeanddistancesince theyhad left thegreathall.Hehadnoideawheretheywereorhowtheyweregoingtogetback.Thiswholeplacewasamaze.Thepursuitswept them through an endless succession of rooms of decaying grandeur, rotting fittings, andcrumblingbeauty.Herememberedfleetingglimpsesofpeelingwallpaperandwallsblotchedblackwithmould,ofpaintedceilingswheregod-likevampiresdepictedinfadingpaintsglareddownfromscenes of hellish cruelty. The stink of mould, decomposing leather and stagnant water filled hisnostrils.

Tenmoreminutesofrunningthroughthedecayingchambersconvincedhimofsomethingelse.Oneofthebadthingsaboutdwarfswasthatbyhumanstandardstheywereneartireless.Felix’slongbout of illness had not left him in the best physical condition. Sweat ran down his brow, and hisbreathingwas laboured.He feltwinded and he had a stitch in his side. Far off in the distance, themockingfigureofKriegerloomed.Felixdecidedthatforthemomenthecouldgonofurther.

“Wait!” he gasped, bending double, bracing his hands on his thighs. “Wait! This is getting usnowhereexceptlost.”

TheSlayersreluctantlyhaltedandturnedtolookathim.“Dwarfsdon’tgetlost,”saidGotrek.“That’s not exactly correct,” said Felix. “I can remember a few occasions. When we were

comingbackfromthelandoftheBorderPrincesforexample—”“Letmerephrasethat,manling.Dwarfsdon’tgetlostunderground,inminesordeepdelvings.”“Imaybebeingalittleobtuseherebutwe’renotinamine.”“We’reinabuilding.Theprincipleisthesame.Icanrememberallthetwistsandturnsofevery

passagewetook.SocanSnorri.”“That’sright,”saidSnorri.“Snorricouldfindhiswaybacktotheentrancewithhiseyesclosed.”“I don’t think thatwill be necessary,” said Felix.He glanced along the corridor.Kriegerwas

nowhere in sight. “It seems thatourbloodsucking friend is sulkingnow thatwe’renotplayinghislittlegame.”

“Maybenot,manling.”“Whatdoyoumean?”“Ithinkhe’sbroughtalongsomeplaymates.”FelixlookedattheSlayer.HehadnoideawhatGotrekmeant.“Listen!”saidtheSlayer.“Can’tyouhearthem?”Felix shook his head. All he could hear was the sound of his own rasping breath, and his

heartbeatdrumminginhischest.GotrekandSnorrigrinnedateachotherinanticipation.Thiswasabadsign.Felix’sheartsank.

Afewmomentslaterheheardwhattheyweretalkingabout:adistantstealthypaddingofmanyfeet,strangehigh-pitchedchatteringvoicesthatyethadsomethinghorriblyhumanaboutthem.

“Ghouls,” he said mournfully, and whipped his sword through the air in practice passes toloosenhismusclesforthestruggle.

“Lotsofthem,”saidSnorrihappily.“Comingfrombehindusaswell,”addedGotrekalmostgleefully.“Atrap,”saidFelix.“We’llseewhofor,”saidGotrek,smilingnastily.Hedraggedhisthumbalongtheedgeofhis

blade. A bright drop of blood appeared. Feeling hopeless, Felix glanced left and right. In bothdirectionshesawfaintpinpointsofreddishlight,thereflectionsofhislanternintheeyesofmonsters.Kriegersmiledhappily.Thingsweregoingverywell.Thefoolishdwarfshadbeenluredawayfromtheircompatriotswithremarkableease.Nowhisarmyofghoulswouldoverwhelmthem.Thismightactuallybeagood time tochangehis initialplansand take theKislevites in thegreathall.Hespedalong the corridor, fingers stroking the Eye of Khemri lovingly, sending his silent call speedingthroughthedarkness.Everywhereinthemassivebuildinghisundeadminionsresponded.Maxopenedhiseyeswhenhefeltthevampiretouchthewebofwardingspellswovenaroundhim.Hecameawakeinstantly,gladtoleavethenightmaresbehind,andlookedatthecountess.

“Iwouldnot come any closer if Iwere you,” he said cautiously.The thought of this creatureapproachingwhilehesleptwasadisturbingone.“Youwilltriggersomeparticularlynastywards.”

Thecountessadjustedherveil.“Inoticed.ThatiswhyIhavemadenoattempttotouchyou.”Soshecouldseehisspellwebswellenoughtoknowwhatwouldtriggerthem.Thatwasworth

knowing.Maxfiledtheinformationawayforfuturereference.Thecountessshivered.“IcametotellyouthatKriegerisdoingsomething,sendingoutasummonstoanythingdarkwithinthisplacethatcanrespond.Therewillbemanysuchthingshere.”

“Ibelieveyou,”saidMax.Hewasmorethanalittledisturbed.Hisownwardsshouldhavewokenhimatthefirsttraceofanysuchthinghappening.Itseemedthedarkmagicsaturatingthisplacewasdoingmoretosuppresshispowersthanhehadrealised.Oncemorehecursedwhoeverhadcastthem,thenpushedthethoughtasideaschildish.Curseswouldn’thelphimorUlrikanow.

“I thinkwe should be prepared for an attack,” saidGabriella. “I have already sent Rodrik towakentheothers.”

AllaroundhimtheKisleviteswipedsleepfromtheireyesandreachedfor theirweapons.Thehorsesshiftedrestlessly,asiftheyknewsomethingdreadfulwasgoingtohappen.Damn,hethought,whycouldn’tGotrekandFelixhavestayedhere?Theirbladeswouldhavemadeabigdifferenceinanybattle.Nosenseinwishingfortheimpossible.Whatisdoneisdone.Workwithwhatyouhave.

“Youcansenseotherpresencesinthisplace?”heasked,realisingtheimplicationsofwhatshehadjustsaid.

“Onlyiftheyareveryclose.Asparkofdarkmagicanimatesmostundeadconstructs.YoushouldbeabletoseeitaswellasI.IammerelydeducingthatifKriegersendsasummonsthenheexpectsittobeanswered.”

“Thatwouldseemlogical.”Gabriella nodded. “Herr Schreiber,wewill soon be fighting for our very existences, and the

penaltyforlosingmaybesomethingworsethandeath.Iwouldhavesomethingsunderstoodclearlybeforethefightingbegins.”

“Suchas?”“Suchasthatwearebothonthesamesidehere.Iwishnoaccidentstohappentomyselfortomy

menintheheatofbattle.Thingswillbedifficultenoughfightingoneenemywithouthavingtoworryaboutanotheratourbacks.”

“Iwasthinkingthesamethingmyself.”“Thenwehaveatruce?”“WehavehadthatsincetheGreenMan.Iwillnotbethefirsttobreakit.”“NorwillI.”“Itrulyhopeso.”Thevampireturnedtowalkaway.“Countess!”Shelookedbackathimoverhershoulder.“Ifyoudobreakourtruce,yourexistencewillend.Beassuredofit.”Foramomentthefiresofhellflaredinhereyes.Anger,nakedandunmasked,burnedthere.She

baredherfangsthreateningly.“Idonotlikethreats,HerrSchreiber.”Maxshrugged.“Thatwasnotathreat.Itwasapromise.”

Roche glanced out from the cover of the doorway, laced his fingers and fought down the urge tocrackhisknuckles.Itdefiedbeliefthatsuchasmallnumberwoulddareenterthiskeepandthinktochallengehismaster.Why,therewerealmostenoughoftheso-calledcovenmembersheretomatchthem.Whenyouaddedthenumberofmagicalconstructs themasterhadreanimated, theywouldbesweptawaylikeachild’ssandcastlebythetide.

Ofcourse, theydidnotknowwhatwashere,he toldhimself. If theydid, theywouldnothavecome.Theywouldhaveremainedhidingintheirpitifulkeepsuntilthemastercameandwinkledthemout.Rochedrewhisshortstabbingbladeandglancedaround.

Farbackdownthecorridor,skeletonsmoved, theirbonessoftlyclickingas theytookuptheirpositions in answer to theirmaster ’s silent command.Roche smiled ashe saw the covenmembersflinchatthesightofthem.Theymightbewealthyandpowerfulpeoplebackintheirownlands,buttheywerefindingthatthiswasaplaceapart.Rochewonderedwhattheywoulddowhentheyrealisedthat the master had no idea of granting them immortality. Probably whine and backbite and donothing,hedecided.Those thatdidshowsomespiritwouldswiftly learn the follyofopposing themaster ’s will. And then they would end up serving him as animated corpses just like those foolKislevites.Themaster ’sskillatnecromancyhadgrownimpressivelyover thepastfewdays.Itwasanothertestimonytothefacthisgreatplanwasworking.

Themaster ’snewconsortwouldbetheonlymortalraisedtoneardivinityinthisplace.Rocheadmittedtohimselfthathewasalittlejealous.Deepinthebackofhismind,therehadalwaysrestedthefainthopethathemightbegrantedthatultimateboon.Itcouldstillhappen,hethought.

Roche saw that theKisleviteswere rousing themselves.Did thismean they realised that theirdoomwas close?Roche did not really care.He rather liked the thought of thembeing awake andrealisingwhatwashappeningtothem.Healwayslikeditwhenthevictimsstruggledalittle.Felixchoppeddownanotherghoul.Hisbladecrunchedthroughitsskull.Thehideouscreaturewentdownwiththetopofitsheadshearedoff.Felixhackedatanother,andthenanother.Clottedblackishbloodcoveredhiswholebodyalongwiththestrangegreenslimethatoozedfromtheghouls’innardswhenheguttedthem.Hefeltsickwiththestenchandthekilling.

Themonsterswere strongand terribly swift and their clawswere as sharp asknives.Hebledfromadozensmallcutsandbites.Sweatalmostblindedhim.Hismusclesached.Atleasthehadmorethan held his own against the ghouls. Hismethod had been simple. He stood betweenGotrek andSnorriNosebiterandlettheSlayersdothebulkofthekilling.Inthenarrowcorridor,onlyafewofthemonsters could attack at a time, and the dwarfs hadwreaked terrible havoc. The ghouls werefearsomebuttheSlayerswereenginesofdestruction.FelixknewthatfewthingsintheworldcouldstandagainstGotrekwhenthekillingragewasuponhim,andSnorriwasfarmorethanamatchforaghoul.

TobeginwithFelixhadonlytostandthere,andstabanyofthemonstersthatgotpastthedwarfs.Asthebattlehadragedlongerandthedwarfswadedintothethrong,moreandmorehadsomehowgotbythemandattackedFelixwhomusthaveseemedfareasierprey.Atonetime,Gotrekfoughtatoneendofthecorridor,Snorriattheother,andFelixhadbeenonhisownagainstatrioofghouls.ThingshadbeendesperateuntiltheSlayershadfoughttheirwaybackintoacloserformation.

Felixhackedanotherghoul, then suddenly, tohis surprise, itwasover.Everythingwentquiet.Theonlyother thingsmovingwere the twodwarfs.Dozensofdeadanddecapitatedghoulcorpsesfilledthecorridor.Gotrekspatonthenearest.

“Ihopethebloodyvampireputsupabetterfight,”Gotrekcomplained,wipingghoulbloodfromhisforeheadwithhistattooedarm.

“SnorrithinksFelixcouldhavetakenthemonhisown,”saidSnorriNosebiter.Felixtriedtogrin.SnorriNosebiterwasprobablyidioticenoughtobelievesuchathing,buthe

didn’t.HehadnoillusionswhatsoeveraboutwhathischancesofsurvivalwouldhavebeenwithouttheSlayers.

“Nexttime,we’llleavethemtoyou,manling.SnorriNosebitercanjuststandthereandgiveyousomepointersonyourfightingstyle.”

“Thanks,”saidFelix.“Ilookforwardtoit.Butwhatnow?Kriegerisnowhereinsight.Shouldn’tweheadbacktotheothers?They’llbewonderingwhathappenedtous.”

Gotreklookedaroundandnodded.“Mightaswell.Whoknows—theymightneedourhelp.”Ulrikaheardthesoundsoffightingoffinthedistance,andwonderedwhatwasgoingon.Adolphushadtoldhertowaitinherchamber,andkeepasfarawayfromtheintrudersaspossible.Shewasonlyto leave ifherexistencewas threatenedor ifhecameforher.Heseemed tobeworried that inhernewly arisen condition shemight prove vulnerable to attack, but she sensed there was somethingmoretoitthanthat.Shewonderedifhewerehidingsomethingfromher.

Shewishedthatthecompulsiontoobeywasnotquitesostrong.Thethirstgnawedawayathermind,andnomatterhowmuchithorrifiedher,shewasfilledwithadeepneedtoslakeit.

Shesatdownonthebed,andconsideredherpredicament.ThepoweroftheEyewassuchthatshecouldnotdisobeyadirectcommand.Orcouldshe?Shemadeforthedoor.Shedidnotevenreach

itbeforeherfeetcarriedherbacktowhereshehadcomefrom.Shegrowledlikeananimalatbay.Therewas one thing. If she couldhear the sounds of fighting that had just faded, perhaps the

warriorscouldhearher.Itwasworthatry.Sheopenedhermouthandletoutalong,hideousscream.MaxSchreiberconcentratedonremainingcalm.Itwasnoteasy.Thepanickedhorsesracedaroundthehugehall,desperate to findanescape from theirpredicament. If somethingwasnotdone soontheyweregoingtotramplesomeonetodeath.Ivanhadobviouslyreachedthesameconclusion.

Theoldboyarnoddedtotwoofhismen.“Openthemaindoor!Letthebeastsout!”ThetwoKisleviteswerenothappy.Maxcouldtelltheywerethinkingaboutwhatmighthappenif

theywerestrandedherewithoutmounts.“Doit!”bellowedIvan.“Now!”Thesoldiershastenedtoobey,castinganervouseyeinthedirectionofthegreatstaircase.Like

everyone else, they had figured that whatever was making their steeds nervous was over theresomewhere.Maxknewawaytofindout.

Onceagainhecreatedthefloatingeye.Atouchofhiswillsentitintherightdirection,coveringthe ground faster than a runningman.From its point of view,Max caught sight of thingsmovingbeneathoneofthearches.Hesenttheeyetoinvestigate.

Suddenly,hesawwhatwaitedandhorrorfilledhim.Allalongthecorridorskeletonsmarched,withrusting,notchedweaponsclutchedinbonyfingers.Animatedcorpses,rottingskinpeelingbackfromgangrenousflesh,dadintheraggedremainsofgraveclothes,shambledslowlyalong,ahellishglowburningintheirdecomposingeyes.Hereandthere,armedandarmouredmenwaited.MostofthemlookedassickasMaxfelt.Their leaderwasagiganticmanwithashavenheadandthegauntasceticfaceofafanatic.

Allofthemortalslookedup,seeingtheglowingsphere.Oneofthemenrushedatitandslashedwithasword.Maxbrokethelinkbeforeimpact.

“Getreadytofight,”hetoldtheKislevites.“Thedeadwalkhere.Readyyourselves!”Pale,nervousfacesturnedtolookathim.Hecouldseethatsomeoftheyoungeroneswantedto

run,butwouldnotshamethemselves.Theseweremenbroughtupon themarchesofKislev; theyhadseenmore than theirshareof

horrors.Justaswellreally.Theirchancesofsurvivalwerehigherherewiththeirfellowsthanfleeingthroughthewinterdarknessoutside.

Rodrikandhiscompanionsclusteredaroundthecountess,preparingtodefendherwithall theardourofBretonnianknightsfightingforthehonouroftheirladylove.ThesightatonceastonishedandsickenedMax.Hetookadeepbreathandbeganthementalexercisesdesignedtocalmhismind.Heforcedhimselftorelaxandbereceptivetotheflowofthewindsofmagic.

The currents of power were turbulent here, roiling like the waters of a fast flowing streampassing through rocks. The strange corrupted wards in the walls and the evil power buried deepwithinthekeepcausedweirdswirlsandeddies.Itwasgoingtotakeallofhisskillandconcentrationtoworkpowerfulmagic.

He pushed his palms together, interlocked his fingers and flexed them, feeling some of thetensioninhisshouldersunknot.Thewaitingwasover.Conflictbeckoned.Hisdestinywasinhisownhands.Byhisskillandpowerhewouldsurvive.

Oratleast,sendasmanyofhisfoesbacktohellashecouldbeforehefellhimself.AdolphusKriegerlookeddownfromthegalleryoncemore,watchingtheKislevitesandtheirwizardpreparingtomeethisforces.Givethemsomecredit,hethought,theyarebrave.Fewmencouldstandtheirgroundagainsttheforcesofundeathatnightwithinthewallsofthiskeep.Ofcourse,theydidnotyetknowwhattheytrulyfaced.Anditwasalwayspossiblethatthecountesshadenthralledthem.Ittooknocouragetostandandfightwhenyourwillwasboundtoit.

Hewastemptedtoprobethedefencesthewizardhadsetaroundthecamp,butresisted.Hewasnotyetconfidentenoughinhissorcerousskillstoriskadirectconfrontationwithapowerfulmage.Itwouldbebesttowaitforanopportunemoment,thenstrike.Hecomposedhimselftowatchthebattleuntilthattimearrived.“Whatwasthat?”askedSnorri,astheechoesofthescreamfaded.

“ItsoundedlikeUlrika,”saidFelix,wonderingifthiswereyetanothertrap.Evenifitwas,theyhadtoinvestigateit.Theyhadcomesofarinsearchofherthattheycouldnotaffordtoignoreanypossibletrail.

“Itcamefromthisdirection,”saidGotrek,stompingoffdownthecorridortowardsthesourceof thenoise.Decisionmade, thoughtFelix.Athrilloffearandanticipationatwhat theywouldfindpassedthroughhim.

***Bonesclickinghorribly,theskeletonsmarchedintothegreathallanddeployedthemselvesinanevilparodyofahumanregiment.Nohumanforcehadevermarchedwithsuchprecision, thoughtMax.Thewholemassmovedinunisoninresponsetoasinglewill.

Another force of skeletons entered the chamber, and then another.Walking corpses followedthem, and then finally came the humans he had seen earlier, garbed in their black surcoats andbritches bearing the sign of a skull flanked by twomirrored half moons.Max tried to count thenumbersoftheenemy.Heguessedthattheywereoutnumberedbyatleasttentoone.Itwasasecondbeforeherealisedthathehadspokenaloud.

“Notbadodds,”heheardIvanPetrovichmutter.Theoldboyarchuckled.Hismenlookedathimadmiringly. So did Max. Straghov obviously knew how to reassure his troops under difficultconditions.

“Maybehalfof the ladsshouldstandaside togive theseghoul loversasportingchance,”saidMax.Itwasaweakjokebutmostofthemenlaughedasifhehadsaidsomethinguproariouslyfunny.“PerhapsyoushouldallstandasideandI’lldealwiththemmyself.”

Hecouldtellbytheawestrucklooksthatsomeofthemthoughthewasserious.Theclickingofbones grew louder as the enemy surged towards them. Their lack ofwar cries and boastswas asunnervingasthesightofthem.Nohumanarmywouldadvancewithoutamightyroar.

“Allowmetodemonstrate,”saidMax,spreadinghisarmswideandopeninghismindtodrawthewindsofmagic tohim.Animbusof light appearedaroundhisheadandeachofhishands.Hespokewordsofpower,focusedhismindinthepatternshehadbeentaught.Theflowsresistedhim.Ashe forced one part of the pattern into place, another oozed out. It required utter concentration, farabovethenorm,tobindthewindsofmagictohiswill.

In the air abovehis head, betweenhis outstretched arms, an intricatewebof light sprang intobeing. Shimmering strands of power flowed into one another weaving among themselves like abasketfulofsnakes.Maxstrainedtokeepthemagicalstructureinplacewhilehedrewallthepowerhecouldtohimself.Thestrainwasenormous.Hisheadfeltasifitwouldexplodefromthepressure.Pain stabbed through his mind. His forehead felt as if it was caught in a huge vice. His armsshudderedasifhetriedtoholdtheweightoftheworldabovehishead.

Powerattractedpower.Likewasdrawntolike.Moreandmoremagicalenergyswirledinwardsnow, drawn into the vortex he had created.Tendrils of it touched the realworld; phantom fingersmadehisrobesrippleasifinabreeze.Hisskintingled.Thetipsofhisfingertipsfeltliketheyweretouchingred-hotiron.

Where at first he had struggled to draw power into theweave, now hewas having difficultyreleasingit.Powerbuffetedhimfromeverydirection,allofitbeingpulledinward.Hetookadeep

breath,howledthefinalsyllablesoftheincantationandfocusedeveryiotaofwillpower,everyounceofmagicalsinew,tocastthesphereofdestructionhehadcreatedtowardshisfoes.

He felt something give way but was not sure whether it was in himself or the binding. Anenormousweightliftedfromhim,andablazeoflightflashedacrosshissight.AdolphusKriegerwatchedinaweasthewizardstruggledtocasthisspell.Hewouldnothavethoughtitpossibleforanymortaltodrawsuchpowertohimselfinthefaceofthewardsonthiskeep,butnotonlywasthemagedoingit,hewascontrollingamightierflowofenergythanKriegerhadeverseenboundbefore.

Snakesoflightflickeredfromeverycorneroftheroom,searingtheairastheywerepulledintothesphereabovethesorcerer.TheyweresobrightthatKrieger ’ssensitiveeyesalmostcouldnotbearthesightofthem,andhehadtoforcehimselftowatch.

Awind sprangup fromnowhereandpassed through the room.Kriegerwonderedhow itwaspossibleforanymantocontainsomuchpower.Itseemedimpossiblethatanyhumanformcoulddosoformorethanafewmoments.Everyinchofthewizard’sskinglowed.Hiseyeballsweremoltenspheresofgold.

Thenthewizardunleashedhisspell.Dozensofserpentsofgoldenlightflickeredthroughtheairtowardstheundeadhorde.Theycoveredthedistanceinaheartbeat.Aseachoneimpacted,askeletondisintegrated into a clattering pile of bones. The lights in the skulls faded and died. As eachshimmeringsnake touchedazombie, thewalkingcorpseshrivelledandcollapsed intoadesiccatedhuskandcameapartinashowerofdust.Wherethelightstouchedmen,theyscreamedandburned.Kriegerwassuddenlyverygladhehadchosennottoleadtheattack.TheKislevitescheeredasabouthalfoftheirfoeswentdowntoMax’sspell.Therestsentawaveofarrowshurtlingtowardstheirattackers.Someburiedthemselvesintothefleshofwalkingcorpsesandquiveredthere,seeminglyhavingdonenoharm.Othersclatteredthroughtheemptyribcagesoftheanimated skeletons.A few took down some of themen. The effectwas notwhatMaxwould havehopedfor,butwashardlysurprising.Thewalkingdeadwerefellfoes.

Maxfeltthetugofmagicalenergybeingdrawntosomeoneelse.Hismagesightsawawaveofdarkmagicbeingdrawntothecountess.Awebofdarknesscameintobeingaroundherthentendrilsleaptfromittowardstheundead.Whenittouchedthemtheysimplystoppedintheirtracks.

Itwasagoodcastingunderdifficultcircumstances,Maxjudged,butitwasneitherasstrongnorasdestructiveashisownhadbeen.Barelyhalfadozenoftheirfoeswentdown.Therestcoveredthedistancebetweenthetwosidesinafewmorestrides.Maxsnatcheduphisstaffandpreparedtodefendhimself.

Allaroundhimthebladesofmanandundeadmonsterrangagainsteachother.Hehaddoneallthathecould.Heonlyhopedthatitwasenough.“Iwishshewouldstopscreaminglikethat,”saidFelix.Hewasangrybuthesuspectedthathisangermerely concealed a deeper-seated worry. There was something profoundly disturbing about thevoice, a faintly inhuman note that suggested amind either just on or just over the brink of beingunhinged.

“Besuretotellherthatwhenweseeher,”saidGotrek.Hemovedwarily,themonstrousaxeheldinhisrighthand.Withtheghoulbloodcoveringhimhelookedasterrifyingasanythingtheywerelikelytoencounterhere.

Theycrossedamassivehall,itsfloorchequeredintilesofbonewhiteandbloodred.Oldfustytapestriesdepictingmountedmenandwomenhuntingnakedpeopleinthewoodscoveredthewalls.

“Whoeverfurnishedthisplacewasnotsane,”Felixmuttered.Heexpectednoreplyandgotnone.Theypassed a long crumbling flight ofmarble stairs andhalted in front of the door frombehind

whichthescreamingwascoming.Astheyreachedit,thescreamshalted.BeforeFelixcouldreachforthehandleGotrek’saxesmashedintothewood,splinteringit.Therunesonthebladeglowed.WithswiftchopstheSlayermadeanentryintotheroom.

Ulrikawaitedwithin.She lookedverypale andhad lost a lot ofweight but seemedotherwiseunharmed.The roomwas richly furnishedandcleaner thanmost in this foulplace, although therewerestillmassivecobwebsinthecornersoftheceiling,andafaintsmellofrotintheair.

Felixwanted to rush over to her and take her in his arms and reassure her but some instinctstoppedhim.Shelookedupathimandsmiled—andasshedidsolongfangsextrudedthemselvesfromhergums.Aredglowenteredhereyes.Seeingthesechangescomeoverthatwellrememberedface,turningitintosomethingatonceevilandeerilyfamiliar,Felixfelthisownsanityteeteronthebrink.

“Sorry,manling,”saidGotrek,stridingintotheroom,axeheldreadytostrike.“Snorri’ssorrytoo,Felix,”saidSnorriNosebiterashefollowed.Felix stood by the doorway, unable to decidewhat to do. Looking at them, a hideous hissing

soundemergedfromUlrika’smouth.RocheaimedablowattheKisleviteinfrontofhim.Hismightyarmdrovehisbladerightthroughtheman’sleatherarmourandburieditdeepinhisguts.Themanscreamedashedied.Anotherservantforthemaster,thoughtRochehappilyashepulledhisswordout.Warmropyentrailsspilledoverhishand.Heglancedaroundtoseehowthebattlewasgoing.

Somewhatdifferently thanhehadhoped.Wellover threequartersof themaster ’s forcesweredown.Thewizardstoodwithhisbacktothecoach,twozombiescomingforhim.AsRochewatched,themage struck one in the head with his staff, stepped away from the second and spoke a word.Something emerged from hismouth and hovered shimmering in the air for amoment, a blazingpatternoflightthatbroughttearstotheeyeandhurtthebrain.Inanotherheartbeatthezombie’sheadexploded,spurtingbrainsandfragmentsofboneintotheairandcoveringeveryonenearbyinarainofjellyandsplinters.Rochelickedhislips.Thetastewasinteresting.Brieflyheconsideredchargingthewizardandtryingtooverwhelmhimwithahailofblows.Itmightwork,hethought.Thewizardgesturedandaboltofgoldenlightrippedthroughthespineofanearbyskeleton.Itfellonthefloorintwohalves,theglowofanimationfadingfromitseyes.Thenagain,itmightnot.

Off tohis left thebattlehad takenanothersurprising turn.Asmall, frail-lookingwoman leaptamidthecovenmembers.Withonesweepofherarm,shetoreoffGaius’head.Rocheknewhewasstrong.Hecouldbreakaman’sneckwithhisbarehands ifheneeded to,but therewasnowayhecouldripaheadfromitsshouldersevenusingbothhands.Whatsortofwomancould?Instantlytheanswersweptintohismind:onelikethemaster.Thiswasnotgood.Whyhadthemasternotwarnedhim?Rochedismissedthethought.Doubtlessthemasterhadhisreasons.

Theintruderswerenothavingitalltheirownway.ManyoftheKislevitesweredownnow,andmostoftheSylvanianknightsweredead.ByRoche’scountthatleftonlythewizard,thefatoldman,thecountess,andoneoftheknights.AquickglancetoldRochethatmorethanadozenofthezombieswerestillonthego,andacoupleofthecoven.Itwouldbeenough,hetoldhimself.Itwouldhavetobe.

Heracedtowardstheoldmanhopingtotakehimunawaresandthengetontothewizard.Ashemovedhesuddenlycame toahalt, anchored to thespotbya slenderarm.Hecaught sightof longfingernailsdrippingredblood.Henoticedarubyglitteringononeofthefingers.Automatically,heappraiseditsworth,evenasalow,surprisinglygentlewoman’svoicewhisperedinhisear.

“Now,lackey,yougotothegrave.”Therewas a flash of pain, a terrible strain on his neck, and then the pain and the strainwere

gone.Hewatchedtheroofwheelandfoundhimselflookingupatamassiveheadlesscorpsetotteringabovehim.Withashock,herealisedthatthebodybelongedtohim.Itseemedthatabrainwascapableoflivingforafewmomentsafterbeingseparatedfromitsbody.Hislipsformedaprayerforhelptohismasterbuttherewerenolungstopushairintohismouth.Maxsummonedpowerandgestured.Aboltofgoldenlightshearedthroughthechestofananimatedcorpse,choppingitinhalflikeanenormouscleaver.Thebodyfloppedtothegroundandremainedhorriblyanimatedforafewmoments. Its tophalfstill tried tocrawl towardshim,while itsbottomhalfdrummeditsfeetontheflagstones.Maxtooknochances.Anothergestureandanotherblastofpowerincineratedthecreature.

Hereandthereafewknotsoffighterswerestilllockedincombat.IvanPetrovichhackeddownapairofanimatedskeletonswithonestrokeofhissabre.Theoldmanwascovered incutsandbledprofuselyfromamassivewoundinhisarm.Rodrikfoughtbesidethecountess,guardingherback.Notthatsheneededmuchguarding.Thevampiremovedwithphenomenalspeed,rendingandtearinganythingthatgotinherway.Tohishorrorherealisedthattheyweretheonlymembersoftheirpartyremainingontheirfeet.AlloftheotherKislevitesweredown.Manycriedinpain.AsMaxwatched,askeletonbitoutthethroatofoneofthewounded.

Stillfightingagainstthestrangewarpingpowerofhissurroundings,Maxwearilydrewonhismagic once more. A blast of energy ignited the brittle bones of the animated thing.Molten bonesplatteredthecorpsessurroundingit.

Suddenly,allwassilent,saveforthecoldwhisperofthebreezecarryingsnowflakesthroughtheopen doorway.Max glanced around and realised that it was over.Only he, Ivan, the countess andRodrik remained standing in the hall. After the terrifying din of battle, the quiet was almost asunnerving.

Maxlookedathiscompanions,andsmiledwithoutwarmthoranysenseoftriumph.Itwasthewearysmileofamanwhohadremainedalivewhilemostofhiscompanionshadfallen,andtheothertwomenmirroredit.Thecountessdidnotsmileatall.Insteadshestoodwithherheadcockedintheattitudeofonelistening,althoughwhatitwasshelistenedfor,Maxcouldnotbegintoguess.

Maxsaw that IvanPetrovichwas staringat thecountess, as if contemplatingdrivinghisbladeinto her back. The old boyarmust have seen the carnage she had wrought and doubtless he nowwonderedexactlywhathad travelledwithhim to thisplace.Perhaps likeMaxhewassearchinghismemory,tryingtorememberifanyoftheKislevitecasualtieshadbeenherwork.

Maxcouldnotrecallany,butintheheatofbattlehemighthavemissedsome.Heregrettedhisbravado and his threats from earlier. Manipulating the powers of magic had cost him dearly.Overcoming the resistance of this place had taken almost asmuch of his strength asworking themagic itself.He feltas tiredas ifhehadwalked fordayswithoutsleep.He tookadeepbreathandcalmedhismind.Hewasnotabouttoletanyofthisshow.

InsteadhestrodeacrosstoIvanPetrovich.“Letmeseeyourarm,”hesaidgently.Absent-mindedlytheboyarstretchedouthisarm,buthisgazeneverlefttheCountessGabriella.

“Didyouseewhatshedid?”heasked.Maxnodded.TheKislevitenobleman’sexpressionmingledaweandhorrorinequalparts.“What

evilhaveyoubroughthere?”heasked.Max ran his fingers over thewound and concentrated.Agentle golden glowpassed fromhis

fingertips to theboyar ’s arm.The flowofblood stopped.The fleshknittedbeneathhis touch.Theboyarwincedat thepainof theprocedurebutmadenosound.Thecountessturnedtolookat them.Maxsawhergazeatthebloodontheclosedwoundasifhypnotised.Shelickedherlips.Thegestureremindedthewizardoftheflickerofaserpent’stongue.

“Heisclose,”shesaidafteramomentofsilence.“Andsoisthetalisman.Icanfeelitspresencegnawingatmymind.”

“Where?”Maxasked.“Somewhereaboveus.”Maxwasabout tosummonhisgoldeneye for the third time thatdaywhenshewinced.“He is

movingawayfromus.”“Hehasseenwhatwehavedonehereandfleesinfear,”saidRodrikstoutly.“Thenwewillfollowhim,”saidIvanPetrovich.“Firstwewillburnthesebodies,”saidMax.“Iwouldnothavehimdrawthembacktolife.Ido

notwanttohavetofacethecorpsesofthosewhofoughtsobravelyalongsideus.”“Howwillweburnsomany?”Rodrikasked.“Coverthemwithlanternoil,”saidMax.“Iwilldotherest.”

Frombehind themcame thesicklysweetsmellofburningfleshmingledwitharomatic lanternoil.MaxwalkedbesideIvanPetrovich.AheadofthemwalkedthecountessandthenRodrik.Hewassurethiswasadeliberategestureofbravadoonherpart,turningherbacktothem,lettinghimseethatshetrusted themenough to leaveherselfvulnerable,even if theydidnot trusther.Orperhaps, thoughtMax,shewassimplycontemptuousofthem.Weakashecurrentlyfeltthatcontemptmightwellprovejustified.Maxprayedthatthewoundedwouldbeallrightuntiltheyreturned.Hewouldhavehealedmore,butheknewheneededtoconservehisremainingpower.

“Beverycareful,”thecountesssaid,inthatdeceptivelygentlevoice.“Therecouldstillbeghoulsand worse in this place, and not a few of his coven fled the battle before it was over. AdolphusKriegerisnottheonlyfoewemighthavetoface,althoughheisdoubtlesstheworst.”

Maxglancedaround.Thishadneverbeenthemostreassuringplaceandnow,withoutthetroops,withonly IvanPetrovich and thevampire andherminion for company, itwas even less so.Everyshadow seemed to conceal some hidden threat. Every open doorway was a gaping maw that heexpectedtospewforthahordeofundeadmonsters.

Whatnow?WeretheygoingtohavetosearchthiswholehorridplacetofindKriegerorwouldhecometothem?Whatothernastysurprisesdidthisplacehold?“No!”shoutedFelix.“Don’t!”

Foramomenteveryoneinthechamberfroze.Ulrikastoodlegsflexed,readytostrike.ThetwoSlayershadcoveredhalfthedistancebetweenthemandher.

“Surely we can settle this sensibly” Felix was not sure how, but they had reached anaccommodationwiththecountess—surelytheycoulddosowithUlrika,surelyshehadnotchangedthatmuch.

HemovedbetweenthedwarfsandthewomanandturnedarmsopenwidetobeseechGotrekandSnorriNosebiternottoattack.“Nobodyhereneeddie.”

“Thatisnottrue,Felix,”heheardUlrika’svoicewhisperinhisear,asaverystrongarmloopedaroundhis neck.He struggled but hewas like amouse caught in the jaws of a cat.Gods, she hadbecomeverystrong.Hisfeetwereofftheground.Hefoundhimselfbeingheldasashieldbetweenherandthedwarfs.

“Soyou’regoingtokillmethen,”hesaid,relaxingcompletely.Hefeltresignedtohisfate.Ifhewasgoingtodiehere,sobeit.Itwasironicthatitwouldbeatthehandofthewomanhehadcomesofartorescue.

Snorri andGotrek hadmoved apart, one on either side, flankingUlrika.One or the other ofthemwasgoingtogetastrikeather,orhim,ifshechosetointerposehisbodybetweenherselfandtheblow.

Suddenly,theworldtippedandhewashurtlingthroughtheairtowardsGotrek.Fromthecornerofhiseye,hesawablurredfigureleapingbetweenthetwoSlayerstowardsthedoor.Gotrekleapttoone side to avoid him. Felix hit the flagstones rolling. Pain slammed through his body with theimpact.Hekeptrollinghopingtoabsorbtheimpactandslammedintothewall.Starsdancedbeforehiseyes.

HepulledhimselferectandglancedaroundtoseethetwoSlayersgazingmournfullyoutofthedoor.“Shewastooquickforus,”saidGotrek.“Shehasgotaway—forthemoment.”

Abewilderedexpressionflickeredacrosshisbrutalface.Heshookhisheadannoyedandspatontheground.Felixlookedat theSlayer.ForamomenttherehehadbeencertainthatGotrekwasnotsaddenedbyUlrika’sescapeand that factshamedhim.Nowdidnotseemagood time tocheckhisobservation.

“Whatnow?”heaskedinstead.Snorrishrugged.Gotrekglaredathim.“Thenexttimewemeether,don’t talk,manling,strike!”Felixrememberedhowhehadfelt in

Ulrika’sgrasp.Hewascertainthathehadcomeveryclosetodeath.HeknewthattheSlayerwasright.Nexttime,therewouldbenoattemptstonegotiateandnomercy.Ulrikafledthroughthevastmazeofthekeep.Sheshookfromreaction.Thethirstwasonhernow.ShewasnotsurehowshehadfoundthewillpowertoavoidburyingherfangsintoFelix’sneckanddraininghimdry.

Shestretchedherlegsandboundedupaflightofstairs,bootssoundlessonthemoth-eatenredcarpet.PerhapsitwassomeresidueofthefeelingshehadoncefeltforFelixthathadsavedhim.Shewouldhave liked to think sobut shewasnot certain. It seemed equally possible that itwas a deepburied instinct for survival. If she had allowed herself to be overcome by the thirst just then, shewouldhavegiventheSlayersaclearshotather.ManymortalsmightflinchandfleefromthesightofoneoftheAriseninfullfeedingfrenzybutsheknewthatneitherGotreknorSnorriNosebitercouldbecountedamongthatnumber.ShewascertainthatallowingtheSlayeronecleanstrokewiththataxeofhiswouldhavebeentheendofher,andhorrifiedasshewasbyhernewconditionshewasnotyetreadyforthefinaldeath.Foronething,sheintendedtorepayAdolphusKriegerforwhathehaddonetoher,ifittookalleternity.

Shemightbeboundtohimnowbyherneedforknowledgeandthepowerofthetalisman,butshewouldfindawaytoslayhim.Sheknewithadtobepossible.Afterall,ifshewerecautious,shehad all the time in the world, and over the centuries surely anything would eventually becomepossible.

The questionwas,whatwas she to do right now? She needed to avoid her pursuers and findKrieger.Failingthat,sheoughttogetawayfromhere,andthenseewhathappenednext.Itwasnotthebestofplans,butshecouldthinkofnoother.Formanyconflictingreasons,shewasnotabouttostayandfightwithFelixandtheSlayers.

WhyhadKriegernot toldher theywerehere?Whydidhekeepitasecretfromher,andwhatothersecretswashekeeping?Thesewereotherscorestobesettledwithhimwhenthetimecame.

Someinstincttoldhertoheadtotheright,takingalongcorridorintoamassivediningroom.Why?Coulditbethetalismanstillcalledtoher?WouldthecallleadhereventuallytoKrieger?Itwaspossible.Shedecided to trust the feeling, and followher instincts.What elsewas there todo?Sheracedalongthepathleadingtothethroneroom.“Hewentthisway,”saidthecountess.Shepausedat thejunctionoftwocorridorsandindicatedtheonetotheleft.

“Howcanyoubesocertain?”Maxasked.Thewalkhadlefthimfeelingalittleworse.Thecastlewas covered in spellsofmazingandwarding intended to confuse anyonebut theundeadand their

servants.Usinghismagesighttoovercomethemhadlefthimfeelingqueasy.“Heisusingthetalismantosummonallofourkindhere.Perhapshehasnotthoughttoceasethe

summoning.Perhapsitissomethinghehasoverlooked.”Orperhaps,thoughtMax,heisluringusintoyetanothertrap.

***Things could have gone better, thoughtKrieger. The vanguard of his invincible undead armywasgone,defeatedbytheenemieswhostillroamedfreeinhiscastle.Allofhiscarefulpreparationhadgonefornaught.

Ontheotherhand,thingscouldbeworse.Ulrikawasstillfree,ashecouldsensethroughtheirbond.Andthecountesswashere.Foolishofher,really,toputherselfinhispowerlikethis.Itmeantthatpotentiallyhestillhadtwoverypowerfulpawnswithinthebuilding.

All itwould takenowwouldbe to arrangematters ashewished, andchoose a spotwherehewoulddispatchhisenemies.Wherebetterthanhisthroneroom?Hewouldgatherwhatwereleftofhisforcesinthebuildinganddrawmatterstotheirinevitableconclusionthere.“Ah,Ulrika,Iamsogladyoucouldjoinme,”saidAdolphusKrieger.

Ulrikaentered the throne room. Itwasahideousplace,dominatedbyamassiveebony throneinlaidwithskullmotifs.Eachoftheskullshadrubiesforeyes.Thewallswerecoveredintapestriesdepicting the great triumphs of thewars of theVampire Counts. The floorwas tiled in black andwhite, save for amouldering carpet that lay around the base of the regal dais. AdolphusKriegerlounged in the throne.As she had suspected, she had been drawn to himby the power of that eviltalismanblazingathisthroat.

“Ididnothavemuchchoice,”shesaidbitterly.“True,butthatinnowaylessensmyjoyatseeingyou.”“WhydidyounottellmeFelixwascominghere?”“Wouldithavemadeanydifference?YouwouldstillhavehadtodoasIwished.”“Iwishyouhadtoldmeanyway.”“Why?Yousoundregretful.Didyoukillhim?”“No.”“Apity.”“HeandGotrekalmostkilledmethough.”“Iwouldhavebeensorryaboutthat.TheSlayerandhiscohortsarestillalive,then?”“WhenIlastsawthemtheywere,verymuchso.”“Isupposetheywillhavetobedealtwithtoothen.”“Too?”“YourwizardfriendalsocameherewithsomeKislevites,andaformerassociateofmine.Ithink

theyseekwhatInowhave.”“Kislevites?”“Yourcountrymen,mydear.Ledbyafatoldman.”AspasmoffearandguiltpassedthroughUlrika’smind.Itcouldonlybeherfather.Ofcourse,if

MaxandFelixcouldfindherhere,hewouldhavecomewiththem.Hewouldrideintothegatesofhellthemselvestosaveher.Inaway,hehad.

“Aretheydead?”“Who?”“ThewizardandtheKisleviteleader.”“RegrettablybothwerestillalivewhenIlastsawthem,butdon’tworry,thatwillsoonchange.

Didyouknowtheoldman?”Ulrikaconsideredforamoment.Shecouldseenothingtobegainedbydenyingthetruth.And

perhapsifworstcametoworstshecouldseeherfather ’slifespared.“Heismyfather.”“Ah…Thatwouldexplainwhyhecameallthiswaytofindyouthen.Ishouldhavesuspectedas

much.”“Youarenotgoingtokillhim,areyou?”“Thatcertainlywasmyintention,mydear.Why?Doyouhavesomethingelseinmind?”“Sparehim!”“Suchsentimentality,Ulrika.Heisnolongeryourfather.Iam.Idoubtthathewouldspareyouif

hefindsyou.”Ulrikahadtoadmittherewastruthinthat.IvanPetrovich’supbringingonthemarchesofKislev

left him little room for compromisewith the powers of darkness, to which she now undoubtedlybelonged.Hewouldhavecomeallthiswaytomakesurehisonlydaughterwastrulydead,asmuchasto rescue her. It was the only honourable thing to do, and Ivan Petrovich Straghovwas aman ofhonour.Evenso,evenifhewouldkillher,shedidnotwantthattohappentohim.

“Nonetheless,Iaskyoutosparehim.”AdolphusKrieger leant forwardonhis throneandstrokedhischinwith thefingersofhis left

hand.“Hecameheretotryandslayme.Iamnotinclinedtoshowmercy.”Overhead,intheshadowsofthevault,massivethingsmoved.

Max blasted the last of the animated corpses. It flew apart as if sited atop a keg of explodinggunpowder.Thestenchofcharredfleshfilledtheair.Maxwastoousedtoitbynowtofeelnauseated.Heglancedaroundandsawthattherehadbeennocasualtiesamonghiscomrades.

“Therearefewerofthem,”saidIvanPetrovichwithaweakgrin.“Andtheydonotseemsowellorganised.”

“I thinkthesewerejustremnantsof themainforceleftwanderingaimlesslyaroundthekeep,”saidthecountess.“Idonotthinktheyweresenttoattackusspecifically.”

Maxagreed.Therehadbeentoofewofthesezombiestoposeathreat.Thecountesscouldhavetornthemapartherself.Infact,Maxresolved,thenexttimethissituationarose,hewouldstandasideandletherdojustthat.“Howmuchfurther?”heasked.

“Notfarnow,”saidthecountess.Therewasastrangegleaminhereyes.“Shewentthisway”saidGotrek.

“Areyousure?”Felixasked.Hetuggedathiscloaknervously.Thesenseofoppressiveevilhaddeepened.Hereallydidnotwant tobeinthisplace.Inanswertohisquestion, theSlayershookhisheaddoubtfully.

“IamnotthetrackerMarekis,buttheseareherprintsinthismould.”“Perhapsthoselightsupaheadareaclueaswell,”saidSnorriNosebiter.BothFelixandGotrek

glancedinthedirectionheindicated.FelixthoughthecaughtsightofUlrikaslippingthroughalowarchway.Hefeltsure thatneither thearchwaynor the lightshadbeenvisiblemomentsago.HefeltcertainthateitherheorGotrekwouldhavenoticedthem.

“That’sveryconvenient,”saidGotrek.“Isn’tit?”saidFelix.Withoutfurtherdiscussiontheymovedtowardsthelight.

“HerrJaeger!HerrGurnisson!Itgivesmegreatpleasuretorenewouracquaintance.”Thethroneroomwasvast,quietandappearedtobeingoodrepair.Onamassiveebonythrone

lolledAdolphusKrieger;Ulrikacroucheddownbyhisside.Hislefthandplayedwithherashblondehair thewayamanmight idly stroke theheadof a favouritehound.His righthand toyedwith the

familiartalismanathisneck.“SnorriNosebiterisheretoo,youcheekybastard,”saidSnorri.“Myapologies.IwasnotsurewhethertocallyouHerrNosebiterornot,”saidthevampirewith

anamusedsmile.Hisfacewasclearlyvisibleinthelightoftheenormouschandelier.Howhaditbeenlit,Felixwondered?Andwhy?Aroundthewallsstoodcountlesssuitsofantique

armour,fillingeveryniche.Eachheldasword,apikeorsomeotherweaponofantiquedesignbutobvious utility. He thought he detectedmovement overhead. A quick glance revealed only deepershadowsmovingintheblacknessabovethelights.

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”saidGotrek,advancingtowardsthethrone.“Youaredead.”The vampire raised his hands. “Wait amoment,” saidKrieger. “My other guests are about to

arrive.”Max entered the enormous throne room just behind the countess.His gaze swept past themassivethrone andwas drawn as if by amagnet toUlrika. She looked so pale. Fangswere visible in hermouth.Hisheartsankwhenherealisedthatshehadbecomeavampire.

Max asked himself what hewas going to do. He had come all this way to rescue her, and itlookedlikeshewasbeyondsalvation.Couldhereallykillher?CouldhereallystandbyandwatchasGotrekattemptedtodoso?

Hewasalmostgladwhenasuddenmassivesurgeofmagicalpowerdrewhisgazetothethrone.FelixsawMaxSchreiber,IvanPetrovich, thecountessandher lap-dogRodrikenterfromtheothersideofthechamber.Theylookedjustassurprisedtoseehimashewastoseethem.HesawthelookofhorroranddespairsweepoverMax’sface.Heunderstooditalltoowell.

WhatwasKriegerplanningnow?Whyhadhebrought themhere?Surelyhemusthave somesortofaceuphissleeveorhewouldnotlooksoconfident.Notunlesshewascompletelymad.Orutterlysecureinhispower.

“CountessGabriella.It’sbeenaverylongtime.Iamsopleasedthatyouarethefirsttoanswermysummons.Restassuredyouwon’tbethelast,”Kriegersmiled.

“IshouldhaveputyoudownwhenIwhelpedyou,”saidthecountess,hervoicechillywithhate.Any doubts about the animosity between the two Felix might have had vanished. The countesssincerely wished Krieger dead. Well, that makes two of us, Felix thought. Gotrek watched theconfrontationbetween the twowith interestandbegan tomove towards the throne,holdinghisaxeready.

“Alas,countess,thetimeforsuchregretsislongpast.Iamthemasternow.YouwillservemeassurelyasyoungUlrikahere.”

Was there something fluttering among the rafters of the hall? Felix was sure he had heardsomething. As he looked up again he felt certain he could see massive scraps of black shadowflutteringabout.Thingswerenotas theyseemedhereatall,he toldhimself.Heneeded tobeverycareful.Heplacedhislanternonthegroundandheldhisswordwarily.

“Weshallsee,”saidthecountess.Felixwascertainheheardahintofdoubtinhervoice.“Indeedweshall.IhavemasteredtheEyenow.Allowmetodemonstrate.”ThetalismanatKrieger ’sthroatflareddazzlingly.JustthesightofitmadeFelixdizzy.Gotrek

haltedforamoment,coveringhiseyewithhisarm.Thecountessgaveashriekandfelltoherknees.Rodrik ran to her side, solicitously. Max watched everything very carefully, as if following theinvisibleflowofpowerwithhismagesight.SnorriNosebiterlookedjustasbemusedasFelixfelt.

Ulrikastaredmiserablyatherfather.Hestaredbackdisbelievingly.Felixwishedhedidnothavetolookattheirfaces;theyweresuchstudiesofhorrorandmisery.QuicklyhelookedbackatKrieger.Ifanything,thevampireappearedtobeenjoyinghimselfevenmore.

Thecountessraisedherhead.Anoddglowenteredhereyes.Herwholeexpressionchanged.Shestoodup,movingjerkilyandmechanically,asifhermindfoughtwithsomethingelseforcontrolofherbody.Fear,hatredandimpotentrageflashedacrossherface.Rodrikmovedtoherside,reachingoutforherwithallthetenderconcernofaworriedlover.

Gotrekpreparedtocharge.Felixmadereadytofollowhim.Max watched the incredibly complex flows of energy emerging from the vampire on the throne.DoingsodistractedhimforamomentfromhishorroratwhathadhappenedtoUlrika.Themeshwasof incredible complexity, speed and subtlety. It reminded him of the defences he had encounteredwhenhehadprobedtheEyeofKhemrihimself.

Itwasdifficulttofollowsuchaswift,complexcastingbutMaxdidhisbest.Therewereelementsof compulsion there, reinforced with strong threads of dark magic. The power of the thing wasincredible.Maxdoubtedthatsuchaspellcouldbeusedonamortal;itwastoofinelyattunedtothedarkmagic-saturatedphysiognomyofavampire.

Thintendrilsofdarkmagicalenergy,emanatingfromthethrone,coileddowntothestonesofthecastle.Greatrootsofmagicalenergydelveddownthroughthefloorintothestonework.Kriegerhadattunedhimselftothecastle,whichwaswhyhewasnotstrugglingtoovercomethewardsthewayMaxhadto.

CloserinspectionrevealedthetendrilswereconnectedthroughthethronetotheEyeofKhemriitself.AtthismomentKriegerwasdrawingpowerfromthekeepforsomepurposeMaxcouldnotyetguess, althoughhecould see thedarkmagical energybeginning to shimmeraround thevampire’sform.Thepowerwassogreathewassurprisedthatnooneelseintheroomcouldseeit.

The countess had claimed that Krieger was an indifferent mage. Something had certainlychanged.Hewasmaintainingtwoverypotentspellswithsuperlativeskill.Maxdoubtedhecouldhavemanagedquitesowellhimself.

Maxwould have beenwilling to bet thatKrieger had not always cast spells like this.Hewasattuned to the talismannow, and itwas affectinghismagical signature, changing it to resemble itscreator. Itwas likelynot all thathadbeenchangedeither.Doubtless thevampire’smindwasbeingsubtlyaltered too.Heshiveredbrieflyat theclosenessofhisownescape.Whoknewwheresuchaprocessmightendup?

Thecountessmovedtowardshim.Maxpreparedtodefendhimself.Ulrika knew as soon as she saw the woman called the countess that here was a fellow vampire.Perhapsitwaslikecallingtolike,shedidnotknow.Ulrikacouldtellatoncethatthisnewwomanwasimmeasurablystrongerandolderthansheherselfwas.ShewatchedindespairasthecountesstriedtoresistKrieger ’sbindingspellandfailed.Shesawherputupanenormousstruggle.Itseemedthatshecould feel the echoes of that struggle in her ownmind, and even as she did so, she felt the bondsholdingherweakenalittle.

Was itpossible thatwhileAdolphususedhisstrength tosubdue thecountess,hisgrasponherwas somehowweakened? If so,wouldhis grip returnonceher struggles ceased?Ulrikaknew shecouldnottakethechance.Franticallyshetriedtobreakthementalshacklesholdingher,toforceherwaytoKrieger ’ssideandattackhim.Felix sawUlrika begin tomove, andGotrek react as if to a threat. The Slayer raised his axe andpreparedtostrike,althoughatleasttwentypacesseparatedthemfromthedais.Noticingthis,Kriegergavealaughandgesturedwithhisrighthand.

Somethingmassive anddark flasheddownwards from the ceiling.Enormouswings spread tobreakitsfall,massivejaws,fullofrazorsharpfangsandglisteningsalivaopenedtorendandtear.Itwasahugebat,itsbodylargerthananyman’s.Thehooksonitswingtipswererazorsharp.Itslashed

atGotrek,andtheSlayerwhirledandducked,strikingatthinairasthecreaturesweptpast.ThedisplacementofairbehindhimwastheonlywarningFelixhad.Hethrewhimselfflateven

asawingedshadowloomedonthefloorinfrontofhim.Painsearedhisshoulderlikevitriolasfleshparted.Anupwardglancerevealedanotherofthehugebatshurtlingawayfromhim,uptowardsthecavernousceilingofthehall.Eeriehigh-pitchedchitteringfilledFelix’sears.

Theclangofmetalannouncedanewthreat.Oneof themassivesuitsofarmoursteppeddownfromitspedestalandbeganstridingtowardshim.Moreclatteringtoldhimthatotherswerespringingintoasimilarhorridsemblanceoflife.

“Lookout!”hecriedasseveralofthearmouredformslumberedtowardstheSlayer.AdolphusKriegerfelthistwocaptivesstruggleagainstthechainshehadplacedaroundtheirminds.He knew it was futile. There was no way they could resist him. He had the power of the Eye ofKhemri;eventwowomenasstrong-willedastheycouldnotresisthim.TheServantsoftheThronewouldtakecareoftheotherinterlopers.

Acrashofmetalonmetaldrewhisattention.HelookeddownandsawtheaccursedSlayerpilingthrough the armoured figures of his guardians. His mighty axe smashed through their metalbreastplates, cleavingmetal to reveal the bones of the animated skeletal constructswithin.Even asKriegerwatched,askullrolledfromitshelmetandtheredlightofitseyesfadedanddied.

ThemonstrousServantsswoopedfromabove.FelixJaegerduckedthesweepofone’smassivemembranouswing,andslasheditwithhissword,rippingfleshandsinew.Thegashedwinginterferedwith its flight and the Servant tumbled to the stone flagstones. Another Servant grabbed SnorriNosebiterinitsclawsandraisedhimintotheair.TheSlayerstruggledlikeamouseinthetalonsofanowlashewasbornehighintothevaultedceiling.TheSlayer ’sfuriousstrugglesallowedhimtoslip from thecreature’sbloody talons.Snorridropped likea stone, tumbling through theair,armsandlegsflailing.Kriegergrinned.Therewasnowayanythingcouldsurvivethat.FelixwatchedSnorri tumbling tohisdeath.Agrowingsenseofhelplessness filledhim.Therewasnothing he could do to save the dwarf. Then Snorri lashed outwith his axe, hooking themassivechandelier.Hehungthere,asthemonstrousbatclosedinforthekillandthechandelierswunglikeapendulum.Twomoremassivebat-wingedcreaturesdroppedtowardsFelix.Itwasgoingtotakeallofhis attention to stay alive. Therewould be time enough later toworry about SnorriNosebiter.Heduckedtheslashofonerazor-sharptalon,rolledundertwotalonsthattriedtograbhimandstabbedupwardsintothebellyofthewoundedone.Blackbilespurted,obscuringhisvision.Maxwatchedthecountessturnhereyestowardshim.Theirgazesmetwithanimpactthatwasalmostphysical. He had heard much of the vampire’s hypnotic glance before, but experiencing it wassomethingcompletelydifferent.Hefeltasifallthewillweredrainingoutofhim:allhecoulddowasstandtherelikeasmallbirdfascinatedbyaserpent.

His head spun from trying tomaintain his concentration amid thewards of the castle.At thatmoment,allhewantedtodowasgivein.Normally,hewouldhavebeenabletoresisthereasily,butthesewerenotnormalcircumstances.Hewasdrainedofstrengthfromthelongbattle,andhismindreeledundertheinfluenceofthecastle’swardingspells.Itwasallhecoulddonottosimplysurrendertoherpowerimmediately.

Ashestoodthereparalysed,Rodrik,thecountess’faithfullapdog,advancedtowardshim,bladebared.IvanPetrovichlookedupathisbeloveddaughter,knowingthatshewasnomore.Hersoulhadbeendevoured.Adaemonhadtakenpossessionofherbody.Therewasnothinghecoulddonowbutslayher,andlayherbodytorest.Hopefullydoingsowouldfreehersoultogotoeternalrest.Soalltheoldtalesclaimed.

Yet he found himself reluctant to advance and do his duty.He could rememberwhat she hadlookedlikeasasmallhelplessinfant,smilingandgladonthedayhehadreceivedherfirstpony,tornbygriefatthedeathofhermother.

Howcouldheforgetholdingherinhisarmsasachildorallofthememoriesoftheirsharedlives?Howcouldhekillhernow?

Sheisgone,hetoldhimself.Thereisnothingleftofher,onlyadaemonwearingherform.Youmustdoyourdutynow,eventhoughit’sthehardestthingyouwilleverdo.Anythingelsewouldbeabetrayalofallthosefinesoldiersyouleftdeadonthewayhere,andofUlrikaherself.Youcanmournafterwards.Youmustdothisthingeventhoughitkillsyou.

Hekepthiseyesfixedfirmlyonherashechargedtowardsthedais,bladeinhand.Itwasonlyatthelastmomentheheardtheswishofwingsintheair,andfeltrazor-sharpclawsbiteintohisneck.AdolphusKriegerlookeddownfromhisthroneandsawthatthingsweregoingwell.Thefatoldmanwasdead.ThestupidestofthetwoSlayerswasabouttodie.Thecountessandherlackeywouldtakecareof thewizard.Felix Jaegerwasonhiskneesblindedbybloodas twoof theServants flappedoverhead,circlinglikehawksabouttoswoopforthekill.AllthatwasleftwasGotrekGurnissonandhisaxe.Hewouldtakecareofithimself.

TheSlayercrashedthroughthelastofthearmouredguardiansandstoodatthefootofthedais,brandishinghismightyweapon.Hisbeardbristledandhisonemadeyeglitteredwithinsanefury.Helookedlikesomeunleashedgodofbattle.Foramoment,Kriegerfeltalmostafraid,butonlyforamoment.

Itwastimetoputanendtothisfarcehedecided,throwingwidehisarms,anddrawingonthefullpoweroftheEye.Hisbonesrippledandelongated,andhisskinstretched.Hisfeaturesflowedintoanewconfiguration.Longtalonsrippedthefleshofhisfingers.Enormousstrengthflowedintohim,andheknewtherewasnothinghecouldnotdo.Frantically,fearingatanymomenttohearthehissingofairandtheslashoftalons,Felixwipedtheblackstufffromhiseyeswithhisarmandscrabbledforhisblade.Ashedidso,fromthecornerofhiseyehecaughtsightofAdolphusKrieger ’stransformation.

Thevampire’sskincrackedopen.Reddishflesheruptedthroughthepallid,brokenskin,flowinglikemeltedcandlewaxintoanewshape.Hisfacebecamelonger,hisearsbecamelargerandhishairseemed towithdraw intohis head.Whitebones emerged from themass, lengthening and thinning;translucent folds of flesh wove themselves around them, becomingmonstrous bat-like wings thatended inweirdly human hands.Huge scythe-like talons sprang forth from his fingertips.His eyesbecame larger anddarker,hisheadmore triangular.Massiveears emerged fromhishead, andhisnoseflattened.

Krieger ’s whole body lengthened and grew taller, forcing him to hunch forward in a bestialmanner.Within secondsanawfulhybridofbat andman loomedover theSlayer, castinga terribleshadow. Even as it did somore of the armoured guardians sprang forward to assail Gotrek. ThemonstrousbatsassaultingFelixwithdrew to join theattack.Gotrekswepthisaxearound inahugearc,strivingtoholdthematbaywithitsfury.

Ashedidso,theKriegerthingsprangforwardwithawfulspeed,sofastthatGotrekhadnotimetostrike.Inaninstantthoserazor-sharptalonswerediggingintohisthroat.Dropletsofredbeadedthedwarf’sskin.Foraterrifiedheartbeat,FelixwonderedwhetherthiswaswheretheSlayer ’ssagaended.Ifitdid,heknewhisowntalewouldendshortlythereafter.Ulrikasawherfatherfall,andhorroranddespairsweptoverherinatidalwave.Foramoment,shehadbeenworriedthattheoldmanwasgoingtokillher,andshehadundergoneabriefsurgeofguiltat the relief she feltwhen she sawhim fall.Sheknew that hewas theoneperson in theworld she

wouldnot havedefendedherself against.This guilt amplifiedher anger andher despair.Her ragesought an outlet and found it in the monstrously mutated form of Adolphus Krieger. He wasresponsibleforallofthis.Hehadbroughtherhere.Hehadchangedher.ItwasbecauseofhimthatIvanPetrovichhadcomeherelookingforher,andfoundhisowndeathinstead.

Shethrewall theforceofherwillagainst thebondsthatheldher.Strongastheywereshefeltthemshiver.Anddistantly,shesensedshewasnotaloneinthestruggle.AnotherwilljoinedhersinresistingKrieger ’sevilspell,thewillofabeingmucholder,strongerandmoredisciplinedbydarksorcerythanherown.Togethertheybegantothrowoffthechainsthatboundthem.MaxwatchedRodrik’sbladedescend.Itwasallhecoulddotoforcehimselftoducktooneside.Thebladecaughthisarmanddrewblood.Hesawthevampirelickherlipshungrily.Sheleaptforwardtopinionhim,pushingasideherlackey.Ivoryfangsflashednearertohisneck.Hereyeshadexpandedtovastpitsthatfilledhisconsciousnessandthreatenedtoswallowallawareness.

Suddenly,shestopped,andthehellishlightinhereyesflickered.Maxfeltthewillbearingdownonhisweaken,as if itweredistracted.Perhaps itwas.Hecouldsense thebondsofKrieger ’sspellbegintoweaken.Thoseincrediblystronghandsloosenedthemselvesfromhisthroat.Hefell tothefloorandcaughtsightofthemonstrousbat-creaturethathadbeenKriegerdashGotrektotheground.HeloomedovertheSlayerliketheshadowofdoom.TriumphfilledAdolphusKrieger.Thedwarfhadprovennomatchforhisalteredform.Lookathispatheticstrugglesasevennowhetriestorisetohisfeet,hethought.

Kriegerbaredhisfangs.Itwastimetoendthis.Evenashedidso,hefeltUlrikaandthecountessthreatentobreakfreefromhisinfluence.Thebacklashfromtheireffortsalmostparalysedhim.HethrewallofhiswillpowerintothestruggleanddrewdeeplyonthepoweroftheEye.Theirdespairwaslikenectartohim.Theyknewhewasinvincible.lustatthatmoment,heheardsomethingmovingabovehim.Helookedup,andinashockedsecondsawtheenormouscrystalchandelierdescendingtowardshim,themetalspikeonthebottomglitteringlikeasword-blade.A bellowed warcry from overhead drewMax’s attention. He saw Snorri Nosebiter had somehowclambered up onto the chandelier and chopped through its chain. It crashed downwards, hurtlingdownontothemassivehybridthingthatwasKrieger.Atthelastsecondthemonstersenseditsperilandlookedup,apeculiarlyhumanlookofdespairflashingthroughitseyes,asthespikedtipatthebaseofthehugestructuresmashedthroughitschest,drivenbyalltheweightofSnorriNosebiterandthemomentumofitslongfall.

Kriegersurged tohis feet,desperatelycastingoff theremainsof thechandelier.Hisunnaturalshapewas already changingback to human.Themarks ofmortalitywere etchedonhis face.Maxsummoned the lastofhis remainingpowerand sent aboltofdazzling light flickering towards thetransformedvampire’seyes.Kriegerletoutascreechofunnaturalrageandpain.Itemergedfromhiswarpedthroatandthepitchheighteneduntilitseemedtoreacharealminaudibletohumanears.

Gotrekpulledhimself tohis feet and sent his axe thundering at thevampire’sneck.HisbladeimpactedontheEyeofKhemrianddroverightthroughit,buryingitselfdeepinKrieger ’schest.Asthe enchanted axe smashed through the ancient talisman, all of the armoured guardians lost theiranimationandcollapsed.Thehugebats,nolongerguidedbyasinglewill,flutteredupwards,awayfrom the battle. For a moment, everything seemed frozen in place. An aura of unnatural energycrackledaroundKrieger ’sformasthetalismandischargedthelastofitspower,thenavastexplosionofunleashedmagicalenergyrippedoutwards,tearingthevampireapart.

The forceof theblast smashed into theweakenedMax,knockinghimfromhis feetanddownintodarkness.

Withouttakinghiseyesoffthecountess,Felixbentdownandretrievedhissword.Heachedall

overbuthestilloffereduphisthankstoSigmarforsparinghim.Hisclothingwasscorched,hishairwasburnedandhisfacefelttoasted.Allinallthough,thingscouldhavebeenworse.Lookingatthecountesshowever,hisgratitudevanished.Sheglaredathimhungrily.

“Comeanddie,”growledGotrekfromsomewherebehindFelix’sback.Felixbracedhimselffortheinevitableattack.Itdidnotcome.InsteadthecountessmerelylookedathimandthenattheSlayer,andshookherheadlikesomeoneawakeningfromabaddream.

“Thereisnoneedforustofight,”shesaid.“Wehavedonewhatwecameheretodo.”“Areyousure?”Felixasked.“ThethreatoftheEyeisendedforever.”Felixglanceddownatwhere the corpseofKrieger shouldhavebeen.All that remainedwere

someputrefyingchunksofflesh,andafewfragmentsofthebrokenEye.AsFelixwatchedtheshardsturnedtodust.

The countess looked at Ulrika. She extended one of her hands. “Come with me child. Yourprogenitorisgone,andthereismuchyoumustlearn.”

Ulrikastrodeovertowhereherfatherlay.Shelookedasifshewantedtocrybutcouldnotquiterememberhow.“Imustburyhimfirst.”

Thecountessnodded.Ulrikabentandpickedup theoldman’scorpseas if itwereweightless.FelixlookedatGotrek.HewonderediftheSlayerweregoingtoattackher.Atthemomentthedwarfdidnotlookasifhewasuptoovercomingapuppyletaloneavampire.Theexplosionhadcoveredhim in filth.His eyebrowsand crestwere singed and smouldering.Hebled fromadozencuts.Heappearedbarelycapableofstandingletalonefighting.SnorriNosebitersprawledamidtheremainsofthechandelier.Nohelpthereeither,Felixthought.

“Whatshedidwasdoneundertheinfluenceofsomethingshecouldnotresist,”saidthecountess.“Shebearsyounomalice.”

For the first time Ulrika seemed to see them. “That is true,” she said. There was nothingapologeticinhertonethough.Hervoicewascoldanddistantandalien.Felixwonderedifanytraceofthewomanhehadonceknownremained.

“Shewas asmuchKrieger ’s victim as anyone here. She does not deserve to be punished forsomething thatwas not her choice. Iwill take her and teach her and see that she does no one anyharm,”saidthecountess.TheSlayerstartedasifhewasconsideringanattack.Felixwassurprisedathis restraint. Gotrek looked at Ulrika and an oddmixture of emotions flickered across his brutalfeatures.

“Seethatyoudo,”hesaideventually.“OrIwillcomelookingforyouboth.”ThecountesskneltdownbesideMaxand touchedhis foreheadgently.“Hewill live,” she said

eventually.“Whenherecovershewillhealyou.”Together the countess and Ulrika left the chamber. Rodrik followed like a lapdog. Gotrek

surveyed theshamblesof the throne roombleaklyand thenstared towards thedoor,as if trying todecidewhetherheshouldfollowthedepartingvampires.Eventuallyheshookhisheadandslumpedwearily to the floor. Felix suddenly realised just howmuch effort it had cost theSlayer to remainupright.

“Iamspendingtoomuchtimewithhumans,”Gotreksaidquietly.“Iamgettingsoft.”“Idon’tthinkso,”Felixsaid.“Whatnow?”“TheforcesofChaosareabroad.Thereisawarstilltobefought,manling,andmonsterstobe

slain.Iamsurewewillfindsomethingtodo.”Groaning,SnorriNosebiterrosefromthewreckageofthechandelier.“Goodthingsomething

brokeSnorri’sfall,”hesaid.“Nowwhere’sthatbloodyvampire?”

“Youkilledhim,”saidFelix.SnorriNosebiterlookedpleased.

Scanning,formattingandbasicproofingbyUndead.