ForMarc.

IfyouwishtoexperiencethistaleastheFarseerdoes,turntotheend,readbackwardsandplanalllifeaccordingly.

Itisthe41stmillennium.FormorethanahundredcenturiestheEmperorhassatimmobileontheGoldenThroneofEarth.Heisthemasterofmankindbythewillofthegods,andmasterofamillionworldsbythemightofhis

inexhaustiblearmies.HeisarottingcarcasswrithinginvisiblywithpowerfromtheDarkAgeofTechnology.HeistheCarrionLordoftheImperiumforwhomathousandsoulsaresacrificedeveryday,sothathemaynevertrulydie.

Yeteveninhisdeathlessstate,theEmperorcontinueshiseternalvigilance.Mightybattlefleetscrossthedaemon-infestedmiasmaofthewarp,theonlyroutebetweendistantstars,theirwaylitbytheAstronomican,thepsychic

manifestationoftheEmperor’swill.Vastarmiesgivebattleinhisnameonuncountedworlds.GreatestamongstHissoldiersaretheAdeptusAstartes,theSpaceMarines,bio-engineeredsuper-warriors.Theircomradesinarmsare

legion:theImperialGuardandcountlessplanetarydefenceforces,theever-vigilantInquisitionandthetech-priestsoftheAdeptusMechanicustonameonlyafew.Butforalltheirmultitudes,theyarebarelyenoughtoholdoffthe

ever-presentthreatfromaliens,heretics,mutants-andworse.

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

thereisonlywar.Thereisnopeaceamongstthestars,onlyaneternityofcarnageandslaughter,andthelaughterofthirstinggods.

‘Life is tousas theMazeofLinnianwas toUlthanesh, itsmysterious corridors leading towondrousvistasandnightmarishencountersinequalmeasure.Eachofusmustwalkthemazealone,treadinginthefootstepsofthosethatcamebeforebutalsoforgingnewroutesthroughthelabyrinthofexistence.

Intimespastweweredrawntothedarkestsecretsandranwildaboutthemaze,seekingtoexperienceallthatithadtooffer.Asindividualsandasacivilisationwelostourwayandindoingsocreatedthemeansforourdoom;unfetteredexplorationleadingtothedarknessoftheFall.

Intheemptinessthatfollowed,anewwaywasrevealedtous:thePath.ThroughthewisdomofthePathwespendour lives exploring themeaning of existence,moving from one part of themaze to anotherwith discipline andguidancesothatweneverbecomelostagain.OnthePathweexperiencethefullpotentialofloveandhate,jogandwoe, lustandpurify, fillingour liveswithexperienceand fulfillmentbutnever succumbing to the shadows thatlurkwithinourthoughts.

Butlikealljourneys,thePathisdifferentforeachofus.Somewanderforalongwhileinoneplace;somespreadtheirtravelswideandvisitmanyplacesforashorttimewhileothersremainforalongtimetoexploreeverynookand turn; some ofus lose ourwayand leave thePath for a time or forever; and some ofus finddead-endsandbecometrapped.’

–KysadurastheAnchorite,forewordtoIntrospectionsuponPerfection

Prologue

Abluesunreflectedfromthestillwatersofthelake,itsyellowcompanionpeekingjustabovethered-leavedtreesthatsurroundedtheedgeofthewater.Red-and-blackbirdsskimmedabovethelakewithwingsbuzzing,theirlongbeakssnappingatinsects,theirchatteringcallstheonlysoundtobreakthequiet.

Awhitestonebuildingborderedthewater,itslongcolonnadedverandastretchingoverthelakeonthickpiles.Beyondtheportico,itrearedupamongstthetrees,squareinshape,turretedtowersateachcorner.Thinsmokeseepedlazilyfromventsinthewall,thebreezecarryingitawayacrosstheforests.Narrowwindows shutteredwith red-paintedwood broke the upper storeys, small balconies juttingfromthewallbeneatheachone.

Armedfiguresstoodguardat thehighdoorwaysandpatrolledwalkwaysrunningalongthered-tiledroofs.Themenweredressedinlooseblacktrouserstuckedintoknee-highboots,withbulkyredjacketsbuttonedandbraidedwithgold.Theirheadswerecoveredbyblackhoods,withtintedgogglestoprotecttheireyesfromthestrangelightofthelocalstar.Theywalkedtheirroundsandchattedwitheachother,thinkingnothingwasamiss.

Behindthelineoftreesthatborderedthegroundsofthemanor,theairshimmeredwithcolour.Aswirlofenergybrokerealityandfromthebreachemergedathinlineofwarriors.Cladinblueandgoldarmour, theDireAvengersofAlaitocsteppedfootuponthehumans’world, theirshurikencatapultsheldattheready.

They moved quietly between the trees as more AspectWarriors appeared: the black-armouredDarkReapers, thebone-colouredHowlingBanshees.At thecentreof the ten-strongsquadfromtheShrine of One Hundred Bloody Tears, Thirianna looked impassively at the imposing but severestructureofthemansion,assessingthelinesoffirefromitsrooftopsandwindows.

Therewerefewerdefendersthanhadbeenexpected,butthefarseersandautarchshadtakennochanceswiththesizeoftheforcethathadbeendespatched.SeveraldozenAspectWarriorsconvergedacrossthegrounds,morethanenoughtocopewiththestiffestdefenceyetsmallenoughtoattackandwithdrawwithoutalertingthewiderdefencesoftheworld.Itwasimperative,sosaidthefarseers,thatthisseemingly idyllicplacewaswipedfromtheskeinof fate, lestsomedisasterspawnedherebefallthecraftworldinthefuture.

ThiriannafeltthetouchofFarseerKelamithuponhermind,asdidtheothersaroundher.Theheavybladepauseswhiletheshadowsdeepen.

Sheknewexactlywhatwasmeant; themainforcewas tohaltoutofviewwhile therangersandStrikingScorpionsinfiltratedthehumans’defences.Shesettledtoherhaunchesintheshadeofatreeandwaited,mindfixedonthetaskahead.

Therewas a flash of light through the sky and amassive explosion rocked the front of themanorhouse, shards of stone and cracked tiles thrown high into the air by the impact. A moment later,anotherblastseareddownthroughthecloudsanddetonated,destroyingoneoftheturretsinacloudofdust,spillingmangledbodiestotheclose-cutlawnbesidethemansion.

To Thirianna’s right, theDark Reapers had opened firewith theirmissile launchers. A ripplingburstsentavolleyofprojectilestowardstheroofofthehousewhiletheDireAvengersandHowlingBansheesdashed across flower-filledbeds, vaultedover stonebenches and skipped across bubblingfountainstrailingsplashesofwater.

Nimreith, Thirianna’s exarch, led the squad towards a long porch alongside the waterfront.ThiriannacouldseetheheavilyarmouredformsofKenainath’sStrikingScorpionsemergingfromthelake,pistolsandchainswordsready.

TheDeadlyShadowlaunchedtheirattackasThirianna’ssquadreachedtheendoftheportico,theStrikingScorpions’pistolsspittinghailsofmolecule-thindiscs,theirchainswordspurring.Caughtbysurprise,thesoldiersstoodnochanceandwerecutdowninmoments,dismembered,disembowelledorbeheadedbythebladesoftheStrikingScorpions.

ThewarriorsoftheOneHundredBloodyTears leaptoverthebalconyrailand joinedtheDeadlyShadow.Togethertheyheadedtowardsthebackdoors.

The Striking Scorpions and Dire Avengers scattered for cover as fire erupted from one of thewindows, bullets and splinters from a wooden planter punching through the armour of one ofKenainath’swarriors.

Thirianna returned fire without thought, her weapon sending a hail of shurikens through thewindow, slashingacross the chest of thehumanwithinwhile volleys from theothers tore aparthisthroatandface.

Withouthesitation,NimreithleaptacrossthebreachandtheOneHundredBloodyTearsfollowedherthrough.Thiriannawasthefourththroughthewindowandbroketotherightastheyhadtrained,her eyes scanning the shadowy interior for foes. She spied a door opening beneath an archingstaircaseandbroughtuphershurikencatapult.Anotherfusilladeofmonomoleculardiscsfilledtheairas a human guard clumsily burst into the hallway, his padded armour ripped and bloody in aheartbeat.

‘Totheascent,wewalkinblood,DireAvengers,’saidNimreith,headingtowardsthestairs.Thirianna fell into her place in the line, stepping effortlessly up the stairway as she trainedher

shurikencatapultonthelandingabove.Therewasmovementandsheopenedfireinstantly.Thebodyofahumantumbledproperlyintoview,throatslashedopen.

Reachingthe landing, thesquadwasdirectedto therightbyNimreith, towardsasetofwoodendoubledoors.ThiriannafeltthewildpresenceoftheHowlingBansheesapproachingfrombehindand

thendiminishingastheyturnedleftalongthelanding.Adullauraoffearhadsettledonthemanse,thedreadofthehumanoccupantspollutingherthoughts.

Shekepthereyesandweaponfixedonthedoorwayattheendofthelanding,whilesubconsciouslyregisteringtheexplosionsofmoreDarkReapermissilesandtheshoutsofdyinghumansfrombelow.

Luadrenin andMinareith opened thedoubledoorswhile the rest of the squad stood ready.Thechamberwithinwasempty,theroughfurnishingsofwoodsuggestingsomekindofrecreationalarea.Therewasawood-burningfireplaceandalowtablesurroundedbycouches.Thecarpetunderfootwasthreadbarefromthepassageofmanyfeet.Apaintingofahumanwithheavyjowlshungabovethefire.

Thiriannatookitallinataglance,herfocusdrawntowardsanotherdoorontheoppositesideoftheroom.Thesquadmovedquickly,securingthedoorandawindowthatledtothebalcony.

Thiriannawasfirstintothenextroom.Itwassomekindofeatingarea.Alongtableflankedbyhigh-backedseatsstretchedthelengthof

theroom,setwithplatesandcandlesticksasifreadyforameal.Thiriannaheardawhimperingnoiseandleaptontothetable.Sheranalongitslength,pickingherwaybetweenthedishesandcandlestickswithouteffort.

Atthefarendoftheroomwasanotherseatingarea,withoverstuffedchairsandaroundtable.Inthecornercoweredafemalehuman.Withherwerethreechildren:onemale,twofemale.Theirfaceswereredandwet,theireyesglistening.

ThetaintofChaospermeatesthisplace,saidKelamith.Allmustbepurged.Thehumansmadewhimpering,animalnoisesasThiriannabroughtuphershurikencatapult.

TheambientlightinThirianna’sbedchamberwasdimmed.Shelayonthesoftfloorandlookedattheshadows on the ceiling, watching the slowly-changing patches of dim light and dark shifting. Herslightbody,narrowwaistedandslendershouldered,wasimmobile.Herthinfacewashalfhiddenbythelongsweepofwhitehairthatlayacrossit,obscuringthetattooofAlaitoc’sruneonherrightcheek.Thirianna’s deep blue eyes roved from side to side as her gaze hunted the darker shadows, whichconstantlyslippedtotheedgesofvision,refusingtogiveuptheirsecrets.

Shesmelledsomethingstrange:blood.Amomentlatershefeltapaininherhands.Liftingthemup,shesawthatshehaddughernailsintoherpalms.Shewatchedadropletofherlifefluidslidedowntoherwristanddripontoherbarestomach.

Somethingwaswrong.Apresencesquirmedintherecessofhermind.Thesmellandthesightofthebloodstirredit.The

touchofKhaine,theangeroftheBloody-HandedGodawakened.Thiriannaclosedhereyes,seekingpeaceinthedarkness.Hervisionwasfilledwiththebloodredofherwar-mask.

Withagaspsheopenedhereyesagain.Shewhisperedthemantrasshehadbeentaught,seekingtoputasidethatpartofherthatwasThiriannatheDireAvenger.Herbrowitched, feelinguponit theruneofhershrinethathadbeenpaintedthereinblood.

Sheliftedherfingertoherforeheadbutfeltnothing.Therewasnobloodthere.Shehadremovedtheruneandchantedtheversesandstillaremnant,adaggershard,remainedinhermind.

Tryingtorelax,Thiriannatookadeepbreathandlaidherhandsonherchest.Shefeltthebeatofherheartthroughherfingertips,swiftandstrong.ThenaggingsliverofKhainewouldnotgo.

She wondered if perhaps she should go to the shrine, to seek the guidance of Nimreith. Shedismissedtheidea.Thiriannafeltthatifsomethingwasamiss,shewouldbeabletodealwithit.

Closing her eyes again, she probed at the wound in her psyche, feeling around the raw edges,hesitanttolookdeeper.Veiledwithmentalcurtains,thememorieswithinwerepartofherwar-mask,detached from the rest of her thoughts. She felt them throbbingbehind the locked synapses of herbrain,insistentforattention.

Whatcouldbesoimportantthatitdemandedtobeseen?Slowly, Thirianna folded back the curtains of her thought for a glimpse, the tiniest flicker of

acceptance.Shescreamed,mindawashwithavisionofcryingchildrenandthedyingshrieksoftheirmother.

PARTONE

POET

Friendship

TowerofTorments–Vaul’sGaolThisisaruneofopposition,appearinginconjunctionandusedalongsidetherunesoftwoindividuals.It

representstheprisonofVaul,inwhichtheSmithGodwasboundtohisanvilbyKhainetheBloody-HandedOne.Whenuseddeliberately,theTowerofTormentscanguideonealongtheskeintoabreakingofbonds,asVaulbrokefreefromhischains;whenappearingunheraldedupontheskeintheTowerofTormentssignifies

abruptdeparture,thoughwhetherthebreakingisforgoodorillrequiresfurtherdivination.

ThestylusnibhoveredovertheshardofcrystalsetinitsstandbeforeThirianna.Shesatonabrightlyembroideredruginfrontofthewritingstand,herlegscrossed,freehandheldtothesmallofherback.She focussed her thoughts, composing herself to commit her sentiment for eternity. Three runesintertwinedinhermind,formingtheconcept,embellishedwithauniqueflourishThiriannahadbeendevisingforseveralcycles.

Picturing the edges and curves of the rune overlaying the facets and contours of the crystal,Thirianna started tomoveher hand. Light flowed between stylus and shard.Molecules rearranged,formingadesignofshiftingcoloursintheheartofthecrystal.Herhandmovedbackandforth, leftandright,shapingthepoem-designinglimmeringrainbow.

Whenshewasfinished,shereturnedthestylustoitsholderonthewritingtray.Sheregardedherworkwith critical eyes butwaspleasedwith the result.Warm reds flowed into cold blues and jadegreen,separatingthethreerunesyetlinkingthemwiththeorangesandpurplesbetween.Thiriannaplucked the crystal from the claw-like holder and turned it around in her fingertips. The coloursshiftedand the runes interleaved indifferentways, eachperspective creatinga subtlenewverseofshapeandhue.

Thepoem-formcamefullcircleinherhand,flowingwithouthindrancebacktothebeginning.Thirianna smiled at the accomplishment. She read the poem again, satisfaction replaced with

longing. Standing, she left the small composing area of her habitat andwent into themain livingchamber.Crossingtherug-scatteredspaceThiriannastoppedbeforeablister-likeprotrusiononthewall. It peeled open at awave of her hand, revealing rows of shelves, each holding a dozen poem-crystals.Thiriannaplacedherlatestcompositioninitsplaceonthelowestrow.

Shetookawhiletoreviewthemall,pickingupeach,readingandre-readingthem,feelingthestoryofherlife,ofherlove,unfoldingoncemore.Fromthefirstfewcrudeslashestotheelegantlinesofher

latestworks,thepoemstoldastorynotonlyofherfeelingsbutofhergrowingproficiency.The poet delved deeper, examining themeaning aswell as the form. The crudeness of the first

poemsmirroredtheirrawcontent,thepainandsufferingshehadfelt.Asshehadmovedawayfromthathardtime,pushedherwar-maskdeeperanddeeperintothepast,themovementshadcomemorefluently,thelanguagemoreassuredasherthoughtsandemotionshadsettled.Shesmiledagainattherecurringthemes,herplayfuldelvesintopossiblefuturesofhappiness.

Thirianna snapped out of her contemplation, suddenly aware that she was running late. Shesteppedintoherrobingareaandswiftlychoseanoutfitsuitableforthecomingoccasion.Shepulledon a white ankle-length dress pleated below the knee, delicately embroidered with thread just theslightestshadegreyerthanthecloth,liketheshadowsofacloud;sleevelesstorevealpalearmspaintedwithwavingpatternsofhenna.Shewrappedadiaphanousscarfofredandwhiteabouthershouldersandsummonedupamirrorplatetoappearinthewallofthechamber.Somethingwasn’tquiteright.

Sheopenedadrawerandpulledoutthepigment-comb.Itsteethwereahazeofblue,whichshiftedto glittering silver. Thirianna’s lustrous black hair changed to white as she ran the pigment-combthroughherlonglocks.Withdeftmovements,shepickedouttwostripesofbluetoframeherface.Shecompletedthetransformationwithaswifttouchofaniris-petaltohereyes,turningthemfrombrightgreentodarkblue.

Satisfied if not entirely happywith these hasty preparations, Thirianna left her apartment andheadedtothedocks.ShehadhopedtoenjoyaleisurelyjourneytotheTowerofEternalWelcomes,butinsteadhaileda star-runner.Thesmall tri-wingedcraft spunup to thedocking lockof thedome inwhichThiriannalived,graviticvanestremblinginthefluctuatingfieldofAlaitoc’sartificialgravityassheboarded.Theexteriorportalcycledopen,allowingthecraftintotheairlock,whichgleamedwithgoldenlight.Theambienthueturnedadeeperorangeinwarningastheoutergatedetached.Thestar-runnerwaspropelledoutintothevacuumwithapuffofairandfreezingwaterdroplets.

Thirianna relaxed and looked down at Alaitoc below as the star-runner skimmed towards thestarwardrim.Thatstar,Mirianathir,bathedthecraftworldwithitsruddyglow.ToThirianna’srighttheglimmeringwebwayportalrippledagainstafieldofstars.

Withafluctuationofgoldenlight,thewebwayportaldilatedforamomentandwheretherehadbeenvacuumdriftedLacontiran,abird-liketradingschoonerjustreturnedfromherlongvoyagetothestarsof theEndlessValley.Trimminghersolar sails, she turnedeasilyalong thestarsiderimof thecraftworldandfollowedacoursethatledhertotheTowerofEternalWelcomes.

Thiriannasighedwithrelief.AradryanwasaboardLacontiran,andwouldnotarrivebeforethestar-runnermade it to the Tower of EternalWelcomes. She activated the filterglass and the starswerereplacedwithanopaquesheensothatitseemedasifThiriannasatinsideapearl.

She hummed quietly, testing out timing and cadence for her next poem, trying to capture hermoodofexcitementandexpectation.

WendingherwayeasilythroughtheassembledeldarthrongingthewalkwaysoftheTowerofEternalWelcomes, Thirianna sensed the ebb and flow of emotion around her. It was not just from the

snatches of conversation or the poise and expressions of the other eldar that she drew thisinformation;asapoetshehadtaughtherselftoattuneherfeelingstotheemotionsofothers,sensingtheirmoodonaninstinctuallevel.

Shepassedcouplesinlove,groupsoffriends,siblingsbothlovingandjealous,friendsandrivals.She felt the heady swirl of these overlapping, colliding feelings washing over her from the crowd,enjoying everymoment of expectation, every thrill of excitement; even theworry anddread felt bysome was a sensation to be savoured. Without sadness happiness could not appreciated; withoutdarknesslighthadnomeaning.

Inthemidstofthiskaleidoscopeofcraftworldlife,ThiriannaspiedKorlandril.Hisslenderframewas draped in an open-fronted robe of shining silk-like gold, his neck and wrists adorned withhundredsofmolecule-thinchainsineverycolourofthespectrumsothatitseemedhishandsandfacewerewoundwithminiature rainbows.His longblackhairwasbound intoa complicatedbraid thathungacrosshisleftshoulder,keptinplacewithholo-bandsthatconstantlychangedfromsapphirestodiamondstoemeraldsandeveryotherbeautifulstoneknowntotheeldar.

Thiriannasawsomethingof theworkof theancientartistArestheina inhercompanion’sattire,thoughdisplayedsomewhattoobrashlyforherliking.Allthesame,shefeltabuzzoffamiliarityasshelaidherhanduponKorlandril’singreeting,feelingthewarmthofhisaffection.

TheyswappedintricatepleasantrieswhileLacontiranglidedeffortlessly towards thedockingpier.ThiriannacomplimentedKorlandrilonhisoutfitandherepliedinkind,alittletooenthusiasticallyforThirianna’scomfort.Shecouldseethelonginginthesculptor’seyes,tookconsiderablepleasurefromitbeingdirectedtowardsher,buttherewassomethingelselingeringbeneaththesurface.Therewasahungerhiddenaway,anditgaveThiriannapause,frighteningherwithitsintensity.

Shedismissed itaspartofKorlandril’sassumedartistic temperament.Though thePoetand theArtistwereclosePaths,theywerenottroddenforthesamereason.TheArtistsoughtinspiration,tobeutterlyopentoallinfluencefromoutsideinordertorendertheuniverseintohiswork.ThePoetwasaboutreflectingtheuniverse,usingitasamirrortoexamineoneselfandone’sfeelings.Thefirstwasextrovert, the second introvert, and though they complemented each other well, Thirianna andKorlandril’schosenpathsmeanttheyviewedAlaitocanditseldarwithverydifferenteyes.

Thirianna turned towards the approaching starship, alive with the excitement of Aradryan’sreturn.Korlandrilwasgoodcompany, a very loyal friend,but shehadmissedAradryangreatly.Hishumour,hislaugh,hadbeentakenawaywhenhehadchosentotreadthePathoftheSteersman,andshe longed to see his face again and listen to his soft voice. She trembled at the prospect and feltKorlandrilstirwithuneasebesideher.Sheglancedathimoutofthecornerofhereyeandsawafrownbriefly creasehisbrowashe lookedather,beforehe too turnedhisgaze towardsLacontiran slidingsmoothlyagainstthedockside.

Adozengatewaysalong thehullofLacontiranopened, releasingawaveof iridescent light andahoney-scentedbreezealongthecurving lengthofthedock.Fromthehigharchwayspassengersandcrewdisembarkedinwinding lines.Thiriannastretchedtoherfullheight,poisedeffortlesslyonthetipsofherboots,tolookovertheheadsoftheeldarinfront,onehandslightlytoonesidetomaintainherbalance.

‘Thereheis,ourwandererreturnedtouslikeAnthemionwiththeGoldenHarp,’saidKorlandril,pointingtoawalkwaytotheirleft,lettinghisfingersrestuponThirianna’sbarearmfortheslightestofmomentstoattractherattention.

Thirianna’s gaze followed her friend’s pointing finger. At first she did not recognise Aradryanamongstthedozensofeldarstreamingdowntothedockside.OnlybyhissharpcheeksandthinlipsdidThiriannafinallypickhimfromthecrowd.Hishairwascutshortonthe leftside,almosttothescalp, and hung in unkempt waves to the right, neither bound nor styled. It struck Thirianna asroguishandshesmiled.Hehaddarkmake-upuponhiseyelids,givinghimaskull-like,sunkenglare,andhewasdressed indeepblues andblack,wrapped in long ribbonsof twilight.Hisbright yellowwaystonewaswornasabrooch,mostlyhiddenbythefoldsofhisrobe.Aradryan’sforbiddingeyesfellupon Korlandril and then Thirianna, their sinister edge disappearing with a glint of happiness.Aradryanwavedahandingreetingandmadehiswayeffortlesslythroughthecrowdtostandinfrontofthepair.

‘A felicitous return!’ declared Korlandril, opening his arms in welcome, palms angled towardsAradryan’sface.‘Andahappyreunion.’

Thiriannadispensedwithwordsaltogether,brushingthebackofherhandacrossAradryan’scheekfor a moment, savouring the touch of his flesh, assuring herself he was real. She laid her slenderfingers upon his shoulder, an exceptionally familiar gesture of welcome usually reserved for closefamily. Thiriannadidnot knowwhy shehadbeen so intimate, but enjoyed the touchofAradryan’sfingersonhershoulderasthesteersmanreturnedthegesture.ThiriannafeltahintofcoldnessfromKorlandrilandrealisedthatshewasbeingrudetomonopolisetheirfriend’sattention.

ThemomentpassedandAradryansteppedaway fromThirianna, layinghishandsonto thoseofKorlandril,awrysmileonhislips.

‘Wellmet,andmanythanksforthewelcome,’saidAradryan.Thirianna noticed Korlandril holding Aradryan’s hands for a moment longer thanmight seem

necessary,andsawherfriendsscrutinisingeachothercarefullybutsubtly.Withthesameslightsmile,Aradryan withdrew his grasp and clasped his hands behind his back, raising his eyebrowsinquisitively.

‘Tellme,dearestandmosthappilymetofmyfriends,whathaveImissed?’

The three reunited friends spent some time catching upwith each other’s news, each noticing thedifferences in the other since Aradryan’s departure. The steersman wanted to feel Alaitoc againbeneathhis feet and so theywalked along theAvenueofDreams, through a silver passageway thatpassedbeneathathousandcrystalarchwaysintotheheartofAlaitoc.ThedimlightofMirianathirwascaughtinthevaultedroof,capturedandradiatedbytheintricatelyfacetedcrystaltoshinedownuponthepedestriansbelow,glowingwithdelicateorangesandpinks.

Korlandrilwasbeinggarrulous,speakingatlengthabouthisworksandhisaccomplishments.Hecould not help it; the mind of the artist had no place for circumspection or self-awareness, onlysensationandexpression.Thiriannaexchanged theoccasionalpatientglancewithAradryanas they

walked,whileKorlandrilextolledthevirtuesofhissculptures.Now and then Aradryan would intervene, sometimes when Korlandril was in mid-flow, to ask

Thiriannaaboutthechangesinher life.Korlandrilwouldtaketheseinterruptionswithforcedgraceandwasalwayseagertosteertheconversationbacktohimself,asthoughhecompetedwithThiriannaforAradryan’sattention.

‘IsensethatyounolongerwalkintheshadowofKhaine,’saidAradryan,noddinginapprovalashelookedatThirianna.

‘ItistruethatthePathoftheWarriorhasendedforme,’shereplied,hereyesneverstrayingfromAradryan.Inahiddenpartofhermindamemorystirred.Thoughshecouldnotrecallwhatwaslockedawaythere,shesensedthepainwithinandforcefullyquelledtheurgetoexamineit.‘TheaspectoftheDireAvengerhas satedmyanger, enough forahundred lifetimes. Iwritepoetry, influencedby theUriathillin school of verse. I find it has complexities that stimulate both the intellectual and theemotionalinequalmeasure.’

‘IwouldliketoknowThiriannathePoet,andperhapsyourversewillintroduceme,’saidAradryan.‘Iwouldverymuchliketoseeaperformance,asyouseefit.’

‘AswouldI,’ saidKorlandril. ‘Thiriannarefusestoshareherworkwithme, thoughmanytimesIhavesuggestedthatwecollaborateonapiecethatcombinesherwordswithmysculpture.’

‘Myverse is formyself, andnoother. It isnot forperformance,nor for eyes that arenotmine,’Thiriannasaidquietly.Korlandril’sattention-seekingwasbeginningtotestherpatienceandshecastaglanceofannoyanceatthesculptor. ‘Whilesomecreatetheirarttoexpressthemselvestotheworld,mypoemsareinnersecrets,formetounderstandtheirmeaning,todivinemyownfearsandwishes.’

Admonished,Korlandrilfellsilentforamoment.Thiriannafeltastabofguiltimmediatelyandthebriefsilencethatfollowedgnawedatherconscience.KorlandrilrecoveredquicklyenoughandaskedAradryanwhetherhe intendedtostay.Thesteersmanjestedwithhim,showingsomeofhisoldwit,whileThiriannamerelyenjoyedseeingthetwoofthemtogetheragain.

‘Your return ismost timely, Aradryan,’ Korlandril said after another silent interlude. ‘My latestpieceisnearingcompletion.Inafewcycles’timeIamhostinganunveiling.Itwouldbeapleasureandanhonourifbothofyoucouldattend.’

‘Iwould have come even if you had not invitedme!’ laughed Thirianna. For all of his patience-sappingself-aggrandising,Korlandrilwasexceptionallygiftedandhissculpturesallowedhertobettersee the spirithiddenbehind thegregarious facadeof theartist. ‘Ihear yournamementionedquiteoften,andwithmuchpraiseattached,andtherearehighexpectationsforthisnewwork.Itwouldnotbeseemlyatalltomisssuchaneventifoneistobeconsideredasapersonpossessinganydegreeoftaste.’

AradryandidnotreplyforamomentandThiriannacastaconcernedlookatherfriend.Heseemedalmostexpressionless,asifablankmaskhadbeenplaceduponhisface.

‘Yes, I too would be delighted to attend,’ Aradryan said eventually, animation returning. ‘I amafraidthatmytastesmayhavebeenleftbehindcomparedtoyours,butIlookforwardtoseeingwhatKorlandriltheSculptorhascreatedinmyabsence.’

ThiriannaspentthenextfewcyclesaloneasAradryanreacquaintedhimselfwithhisfamilyandotherfriends,andKorlandrilcontinuedthelaboursonhislatestsculpture.Shebeganthecompositionofanewpoem, inspiredbythereturnofAradryan.Hisreappearancehadstirredupoldemotions;somepleasant,othersnotso.

She passedmuch of the time in theDome ofWanderingMemories,where archives of Alaitoc’sgreatestwritersandpoetswerekept.Shesoughtoutherfavourites–Liareshin,Manderithian,NoirenAlath and others – and spentwhole cycles losing herself in their verses. She sought the runes thatwouldblendthetwofacetsofherfeelings,notmergingtogreybutspeakingincleartonesofblackandwhite,lightanddark.

Inherresearch,Thiriannaspokewithsomeoftheotherpoetsthatshemetthere,neverrevealingher intent but seeking recommendations that would further her understanding. She enjoyed thisphaseof composition immensely, excitedbypossibility,unfetteredby the realityof committingherwordstoeternity.

TheeveningbeforeKorlandril’sgreatunveilingshereceivedamessageacrosstheinfinitycircuitfrom Aradryan, inviting her to join him at the dawn of the next cycle. She agreed and leftarrangementsforthemtomeetontheBridgeofGlimmeringSighs,oneofherfavouritehauntswhenawayfromtheDomeofWanderingMemories.

She slept fitfully thatnight, alternately excited andoppressedby the thought of spending sometimealonewithAradryan.Hehadlostmuchofhisgaietysincebecomingasteersman,notonlyinlookbutdemeanour.Shewonderedwhatexperienceshadwroughtsuchchanges,andwonderedalsoifshereallywantedtolearnofthem.

ItwasthenatureofthePaththatfriendsandfamilychanged,becomingnewpeople,relationshipswaxing andwaning as individualsmade their ownway through their long lives. YetAradryan, andKorlandrilmoresoinhisabsence,hadleftalastingimpressionuponherthatshecouldnotshake.Heseemedmorelikeabrotherthanafriend–Thiriannahadnorealsiblingstocompare–anditwashardforhertoreconcileherwarmthforhimwiththestrangerwhohadreturneduponLacontiran.

Aradryanwas alreadywaiting forherwhen she arrived at theBridgeofGlimmeringSighs. Thesilver arc crossed over a ribbon ofwhite-foamedwater that cascaded through theDome of SilenceLost,itsspancurvingasitrosetothecresthighabovetheriver.Green-and-bluesnapwingsandred-crestedmeregulls trilled and squawkedas theydivedbeneath thebridge and swept along the fern-filledbanks.

ShesmiledassheapproachedAradryan,whostoodaloneattheedgeofthebridgelookingdownintotherushingwaters.Therewasnorail,andhestoodwiththetoesofhishighbootspokingovertheedge, his balancepoised at thedelicate edge between stability and falling.With an impish grin, helooked over his shoulder as Thirianna called his name, andwaved her to join him. The expressionfloodedherwithhappiness,remindingheroftheAradryanthatshehadwavedgoodbyetolongago.

‘Averypleasantlocation,’hesaid,steppingbackfromtheedgeofthebridgetofaceThirianna.‘Idonotrecallcomingherebefore.’

‘Wenevercamehere,’Thiriannareplied.‘Itisawell-keptsecretamongstthepoetsofAlaitoc,andI

trustthatyouwillkeepitso.’‘Ofcourse,’saidAradryan.Helookedoutovertheedgeagain.‘Itremindsmealittleofthegulfsof

space,anendlessdepthtofallinto.’‘Iwouldpreferthatyoudidnotfall,’shesaid,reachingoutahandtoAradryan’sarmtogentlytug

himbackashelookedtotakeanotherstep.‘Youhaveonlyjustcomeback,andwehavemuchtotalkabout.’

‘Wedo?’hesaid,delightedbythethought.‘Perhapsyouhaveaverseortwoyouwouldliketosharewithme,nowthatKorlandrildoesnotintrudeuponus.’

‘As you were told before, I do not perform my poems.’ Thirianna took her hand away fromAradryan’sarmandcasthergazeintothedistance,seeingthehazeofthedome’sedgebeyondamazeofwindingriversandgushingstreamsthatcutthroughgoldenlawns.

‘Ithoughtperhapstheywerewrittenforaveryselectaudience,’saidAradryan.‘Itmustbesuchagift,tocomposeone’sdisparatethoughts;toembracethemandordertheminsuchaway.’

‘Theyhaveanaudienceofone,’saidThirianna,stillnotmeetingAradryan’sgaze.‘Thatoneisme,noother.’

‘Youknowthatweusedtoshareeverything,’saidAradryan.‘Youcanstilltrustme.’‘It ismyself that I donot trust. I cannot allowany fear thatmy compositionsmight be seenby

anothertorestrictmyfeelingsandwords.Iwouldbemortifiedifmyinnermostthoughtswereputondisplaytoall-comers.’

‘IsthatwhatIam?’saidAradryan.HetookThiriannabythearmandturnedhertowardshim.‘Oneofmany?’

‘Itisnoslightagainstyou,noragainstKorlandriloranyother,’explainedThirianna. ‘IchoosetosharewhatIshare.Therestisminealone,fornoothertoknow.Pleaseappreciatethat.’

‘Suchanattitudedoesnotsitwellaboardastarship,’saidAradryan.‘Oneispartofthemany,andinconfinementwithothersmostofthetime.Ittakesseveraltopilotsuchavessel,andwemusteachtrusttheothersimplicitly.Ihavelearnedthatfriendshipisnottheonlythingthatmustbeshared.Co-operation,theoverlappingoflivesinwaysbeneficialtoall,isthekeytounderstandingourplaceintheuniverse.’

‘Agrandioseconclusion,’laughedThirianna.‘Perhapsthereissomethingofthepoetinyou!’Aradryandidnotseemtoshareheramusement.Heletgoofherarmandglancedaway.Whenhe

looked at her again, the expressionless mask had returned to his face, sincere but otherwisefeatureless.

‘Korlandrilwillnotbeentertainingusuntil theduskof thecyclebegins,’hesaid. ‘Ifyouwillnotgracemewithyourpoems,perhapsyoucouldsuggestotherentertainments thatwilldivertusuntiltheunveiling.’

Thiriannadidnot like thechange, theabruptclosingoffofemotion.Shesupposed thatshehaddeservedit,butcouldnotbringherselftoapologiseforanyunintendedoffenceshemighthavecausedAradryan. Itwas his error to press her on her poetry and hewould have to learn that shewas notwillingtotalkaboutit.

Withaneffort,ThiriannabrightenedhermoodandlaidapalmuponthebackofAradryan’shand.

‘TheWeatheringoftheNinetakesplacelatertoday,’shesaid.‘Ihavenotbeenformanypasses.’‘Nostalgia?’saidAradryan,asmilebreakingthroughhisdemeanour,eyebrowliftinginsurprise.‘Areturn,’Thiriannareplied.‘Areturntoaplacewebothknowwell.’Aradryanconsideredtheinvitationforamoment,theconflictshowinginhisshiftingexpressions.

Theinternalargumentendedwithalookofhappyresignationandhenodded.‘Yes,letusgobackawhileandrevisitouryouth,’Aradryansaid.‘Areturntohappiertimes.’‘Itisatruththatasweprogress,ourgriefincreasesandourjoysdiminish,’saidThirianna.Thetwoofthemstarteddowntheslopeofthebridgetowardsthecorewardbank.‘Itdoesnothavetobeso,’saidAradryan.‘Theuniversemayhavegriefinplentytoheapuponus,

butitisinourpowertomakeourownjoy.’Thiriannawas about to argue that thegreatest grief came fromone’s ownmaking, but stopped

herself.Suchthoughtsledtoaplaceshewasnotwillingtovisit.Notyet.Noteveragain,perhaps.TheywalkedonalittlefurtherandsheconsideredwhatAradryanhadsaidandherreactiontoit.

Had she becomemorose, she wondered? Aradryan’s return was a cause for celebration, a positiveevent.Itwasuptohertomakethemostofit.

‘Yes,youareright,’saidThirianna,cheeredbyhiswords.‘Letusrecapturethepastandcreatesomenewhappiness.’

‘Sheissoserene,’Thiriannasaid.‘Suchcalmandbeauty.’Korlandril’screationwasremarkable,stirringdormantthoughtswithinThirianna’smind.TheGifts

ofLovingIshaitwascalled.Shewasstruckbythesimplicityofthesculpture,whichhidaverycomplexwebofthemes.

Thestatuewasbathedinagoldenglowandtingedwithsunsetredsandpurplesfromthedyingstarabove.ItdepictedanimpressionisticIshainabstract,herbodyandlimbsflowingfromthetrunkofalianderintree,herwave-liketressesentwinedwithinyellowleavesinitsupreachingbranches.Herfacedwasbowed,hiddenintheshadowcastbytreeandhair.Fromthedarknessaslowtrickleofsilverliquidspilled fromhereyes intoagoldencupheldaloftbyanancienteldarwarriorkneelingatherfeet: Eldanesh. Light glittered from the chalice on his alabaster face, his armour a stylisedarrangementoforganicgeometry,hisfaceblankexceptforaslendernoseandthemerestdepressionofeye sockets.Frombeneathhim,ablack-petalled rose coiledup Isha’s legsandconnected the twotogetherinitsthornyembrace.

Itwasamonumenttolove,andthegriefthatitbrought;amotifwithwhichThiriannawasalltoofamiliaroflate.

Aradryandidnotseemtoshareheropinion,flickinghisfingersslightlyinasignofdisagreement.‘It is self-referential,’ Aradryan explained, his gazemoving from the statue to Thirianna. ‘It is a

workofremarkableskillanddelicacy,certainly.YetIfinditsomewhat…staid.Itaddsnothingtomyexperienceofthemyth,merelyrepresentsphysicallysomethingthatisfelt.Itisametaphorinitsmostdirectform.Beautiful,butmerelyreflectingbackuponitsmakerratherthanawidertruth.’

Thoughthecriticismwasevenlyspoken,Thiriannasensed tension inhercompanion,as though

hiscritiquewasdirectedatsomethingmoreelementalthanasculpture.IntimidatedbywhatAradryanmighthavemadeofherverseshadshesharedthem,ThiriannasoughttodefendKorlandril’swork.

‘But is not that the point of art, to create representations for those thoughts, memories andemotionsthatcannotbeconveyeddirectly?’

‘PerhapsIambeingunfair,’saidAradryan.‘Outinthestars,Ihaveseensuchwondrouscreationsofnature that the artifices ofmortals seempetty, even those that explore suchmomentous themessuchasthis.’

ThiriannafeltasurgeofangercloseathandandturnedintimetoseeKorlandril,hisfacetwistedwithasneer.

‘Staid?’snappedKorlandril,steppingforwards.‘Self-referential?’HerstomachlurchedwithsuddensharedguiltatAradryan’swords,whichthesculptormusthave

overheard.Aradryanseemedunperturbed,hisposturecalm,expressionradiatingsincerity.‘Mywordswerenotintendedtocauseoffence,Korlandril,’hesaid,offeringaplacatingpalm.‘They

arebutmyopinion,andanill-educatedoneatthat.Perhapsyoufindmysentimentalitygauche.’Korlandrilhesitated,blinkingandglancingawayinamomentofawkwardness.Thepauselasted

onlythebriefestheartbeatbeforeKorlandril’sscowlreturned.‘You are right to think your opinion ill-informed,’ said the artist. ‘While you gazed naively at

glittering stars and swirling nebulae, I studied the works of Aethyril and Ildrintharir, learnt thedisciplines of ghost stone weaving and inorganic symbiosis. If you have not the wit to extract themeaning from that which I have presented to you, perhaps you should consider your wordsmorecarefully.’

ThiriannasteppedawayfromthepairasAradryanfoldedhisarms.‘And if you have not the skill to convey your meaning from your work, perhaps you need to

continuestudying,’Aradryansnarledback.‘Itisnotfromthepastmastersthatyoushouldlearnyourart,but fromtheheavensandyourheart.Your technique is flawless,butyourmessage isparochial.HowmanystatuesofIshamightIseeifItravelledacrossthecraftworld?Adozen?More?HowmanymorestatuesofIshaexistonothercraftworlds?YouhavetakennothingfromthePathsavetheabilitytoindulgeyourselfinthisspectacle.Youhavelearntnothingofyourself,ofthedarknessandthelightthatbattleswithinyou.Thereisintellectaloneinyourwork,andnothingofyourself.Itmightbethatyoushouldexpandyourtermsofreference.’

Horrified,Thiriannawantedtointervene,butfoundherselfhelpless.ShelookedfromKorlandriltoAradryanandbackagain,tornbetweenhertwofriends.Shedetectedanimositydeeperthanwasbeingrevealed,andwonderedatitscause.

‘Whatdoyoumeanbythat?’saidKorlandril.‘Get away from this place, from Alaitoc,’ Aradryan said patiently, his anger dissipated by his

outburst.Nowhewasthepictureofsincerity,hishandhalf-reachingtowardsKorlandril. ‘Whystifleyourartbyseekinginspirationonlyfromthehallsanddomesyouhaveseensincechildhood?Ratherthantryingtolookuponoldsightswithfresheyes,whynotturnyouroldeyesuponfreshsights?’

Korlandrilpartedhislipsforamoment,butthenshuthismouthfirmly.HedirectedafierceglareatAradryan,beforestalkingawaythroughthebluegrass,scatteringguestsinhisflight.

As if realising for the first time thatThiriannahadbeenwitness to the confrontation,Aradryanturnedtowardsher,handsraisedinapology.

‘Iamsorry,Id–’‘It is not I that deserves your apology,’ she said curtly, her feelings hurt more by Aradryan’s

treatmentofKorlandrilthanhisdisregardforher.‘Perhapssuchbehaviouristoleratedonastarship,butyouarebackonAlaitoc.Youareright,youhavebecomegauche.’

With thatpartingremark,she leftAradryan, ignoringhiscallafterher.She fought toretainhercomposureasshemadeherwaythroughthedispersingaudience,smilingatthosewhomethergazethoughinsideshefeltlikescreaming.

She had been content with her life. Aradryan’s return had thrown that into turmoil and sheworriedwhatthatwouldbring.Shehadsoughtserenityandcalmthroughherpoetry,butitseemedthatmattersbeyondhercontrolwereabouttomakeherlifefarmoreturbulent.

After little sleep, Thirianna woke before the next cycle had begun. She lay in the twilight of herapartmentandthoughtaboutwhatsheshoulddo.ItwasunlikelythatKorlandrilandAradryanwouldreconcileoftheirownaccord.Theprospectofchoosingoneofherfriendsovertheotheror,worsestill,losingbothofthem,stirredhertoaction.Neitherwouldbehappyforhertointerfere,butThiriannawassurethatifshewassubtleshecouldbridgethesuddendividethathadcomebetweenthem.

Itwasnotsomethingshecouldattemptalone.Sheknewwelltheperilofunintendedconsequenceswhentryingtosteerthecourseofothers’lives.Yetitwasnotaninsurmountableobstacle.Therewereolder,wisermindsthatcouldbebroughttobearontheproblem.

As thedarkness lightened into theglowofanewcycle,Thiriannaateaswiftbreakfast,cleansedherselfanddressedinsimpleattire.Sheleftthetowerinwhichshelivedand,alongwithahandfulofotherearlywakers,crossedAlaitoconagravshuttle.Thefeweldarwithwhomshesharedthecarriagesatquietly,keepingtothemselves.Thiriannawasgladfortheirrecognitionofherdesireforsolitudeand spent the time considering the changing nature of her relationships with Aradryan andKorlandril.

SowrappedupdidshebecomeinthesethoughtsthatshealmostdidnotnoticeherarrivalattheDomeofGoldenSanctuary.Therewerenoothereldaralightingfromtheshuttleasshesteppeddownto the curving platform, but she could feel the presence ofmany others close at hand: the infinitycircuit.

ClosetotheheartofAlaitoc,theDomeofGoldenSanctuarywasamazeofchambersandcorridors,its walls gleaming with the energy of the craftworld’s psychic energy conduits. Flickers of colourflashedpastalongthecrystalmatrix,eachbringingabriefbuzzoflifetotheemptyroomsandtunnels.

Itwasinthisplacethatthefarseersconductedmuchoftheiresotericwork.AlloftheeldaraboardAlaitoc knew of it, though few ventured here. It was the first time Thirianna had visited, and shewonderedif itwastruethatthe layoutofthedome’swindingstreetsandsoaringtowersdidindeedchange over time, reflecting thewill andwhimof the infinity circuit and the farseers that used itspower.

ShecameuponabroadspacethatatfirstglanceappearedlikeanyofathousandotherparklandsthatcouldbefoundacrossAlaitoc’smanydomes.Inmanywaysitwasquitemundane;thegrasswasgreen,asweretheleavesonthetrees,andthewaterthatglitteredinapoolatitscentrewasclearandfilled with fish. There were certainlymore exotic plants and habitats elsewhere on the craftworld;wheregravitywas invertedandwaterfallspouredupwards;wherespeciesofbirdsextinctoff-worldcontinuedtoflytheskies;wherepoolsofliquidsilverreflectedcloudsofcolouredgases.

Yet first impressionsweredeceptive.Walkingalong thenarrowpathofwhite stones,Thiriannacouldsensemore thancouldbe seenwith thenakedeye.Here thepowerof the infinitycircuitwasbeingusedtoweavea landscapeacrossmorethantheusualnumberofdimensions,andtheresultscould be felt rather than touched or heard. Shepassed across a bridge andwas filledwith a gentlemelancholy;stoppingbeneaththewideboughsofatreeThiriannafeltamomentofadorationforthebeautyandcomplexityoflife.

Distracted,shewanderedtheparkforawhile,enjoyingthechangesofmoodandemotionthatthedifferentareasbrought.Thiriannafoundabenchthatlookedoutatatumbleofrocksandbouldersatthe bottomof a grassy slope. Therewas a blue-robed eldar sitting on the bench, a number of runependants hanging on golden chains across his chest, his wrists ladenwith gem-clad bracelets andintricatelycraftedcharms.Hishandsweresheathedinsoftvelvet-likeglovesofpureblack.

‘Youarelate,’saidtheeldar,turningpurpleeyestoThirianna.Hisexpressionwasoneofpleasantsurpriseratherthanadmonition,whichfurtherconfusedher.

‘IdidnotknowIwasexpected,’shereplied.Theeldargesturedforhertositnexttohimandshedidso.

‘IamAlaiteir,’saidtheeldar.‘Ihavebeenwaitingforyoualittlewhile.’‘Youareafarseer,’Thiriannasaid,laughingatherselfforfoolishlyaskingifshehadbeenexpected.‘Youareright,’saidAlaiteir.‘Yourcomingherehasbeenknowntomeforseveralcycles.’‘AnddoyouknowwhatIwishtoask?’Thiriannasaid,hersmilefading.‘No,’admittedAlaiteir. ‘Physicalthings,theinteractionsofbeings,canbeforeseenwithpractice,

but their purposes and desires are far harder to discern. The will of an individual is a fleeting,capriciousthingthatishardtolocate.’

Thirianna accepted this explanation with a shallow nod. She looked at Alaiteir for a moment,wonderingifshewasdoingtherightthing.

‘All thatyousayshallbekept inconfidence,’Alaiteirassuredher. ‘Youmayaskwithoutregretorshame. It is theburdenof the farseer thatwe see andhearmany things, butonly fewcanwe evendiscuss.’

Takingadeepbreath,Thiriannasteadiedherthoughtsandlaunchedintohertale.SheexplainedtoAlaiteirhowshehadcome toknowKorlandril andAradryan, andher changing feelings forbothofthem.Shetalkedaboutherownlife,thePathsshehadwalkedthathadbroughthertothisplace.ShefinishedwiththestoryofAradryan’sreturnandthedisruptionithadcaused.AllthewhileAlaiteirsaidnothing,butlistenedpatientlywiththeoccasionalnodofunderstandingorabriefsmiletoThiriannatopersuadehertocontinue.

Whenshewasdone,ThiriannaaskedthequestionthathadbeenonhermindsinceAradryanhad

steppedoffLacontiran.‘Whatisgoingtohappentomyfriends?’Alaiteirlaughed,earninghimselfashallowscowlofannoyancefromThirianna.Thefarseerheldup

ahandinapologyandheseemedgenuinelycontrite.‘A question that is so simple to ask, yet so difficult to answer,’ he said. He moved closer to

Thiriannaand laidahandonher leg:abold intrusionofherspacebutwellmeantandagestureofassurance.‘Whatyouaskcannotbeanswered.Notbymeandnotinthewayyouhaveaskedit.CouldIseewhatwillhappentothemtomorrow?Possibly.Thecycleafter?Verylikely.Apassfromnow?Totheendsoftheirlives?’

Thiriannasighed,realisingtheenormityofwhatshehadhopedandthe futilityofhopingfor it.ShemovedtostandupbutagentlepressurefromAlaiteirstoppedher.

‘DidAnatheineirgiveupsoeasilyonthequest fortheSilverStar?’saidthefarseer. ‘Icannotseethesethingsforyou,butthereisanotherway.Itisthisthattrulybroughtyouhere.’

‘Youhaveseensomething?’Thiriannaasked,herexcitementgrowing.‘SomethingaboutKorlandrilorAradryan?’

‘No,’saidthefarseer,deflatingThirianna’smood.‘Iknownothingmoreoftheseindividualsthanthatwhichyouhavejusttoldme.’

‘Why can you not simply tellmewhat you have seen?’ said Thirianna, annoyance replacing heranticipation.‘Whynotgiveastraightforwardanswer?’

‘You have not yet asked the right question.’ Alaiteir held up a hand to quell Thirianna’s nextoutburst. ‘I do not speak riddles out of choice, but necessity.We each ask ourselves and others amyriadofquestionsineverycycle.Somearetrivial,andsomearenot.Whicharethetrivialonesandwhichareimportant?Wedonotknowuntilweheartheanswers.IcannotgiveyouatruthfulanswertoaquestionthathasbeenunaskedbutIcantellthatyouhavenotyetdivinedyourinnerpurposeincominghere.’

‘Innerpurpose?’Thiriannawassuresheknewexactlywhatshewantedtoknowandsaidasmuch.‘IjustwanttoknowifthingswillbebetterbetweenKorlandrilandAradryan.’

‘Andnowwe start toget to theheartof thematter,’ saidAlaiteir.He stoodup, tookThirianna’shandandgentlypulledher toher feet.The twoof them lookeddown the slope towards thebrokenrocks.‘Bywhatmeasurecan“better”bedefined?BetterforKorlandril?BetterforAradryan?’

Thirianna knew the answer immediately but hesitated in saying it, suddenly ashamed of therealisation.SheglancedatAlaiteir,whowasstudyingtherocksbelow.

‘Betterforme?’Thiriannasaidquietly.Alaiteirnoddedbutdidnotlookather.Thiriannathoughtsomemore,workingoutwhatshemeantbythestatement.Itwasstrangethatherconclusioncameasnoshocktoher.Thefarseerhadbeenright,shehadknownallalongwhatshereallywantedtoknow.‘HowwillthisdivisionbetweenAradryanandKorlandrilaffectme?’

‘Thatisgood,’saidAlaiteir.HelookedatThirianna,hisexpressionstern.‘Itisperhapsthefirstandlastquestionweaskofanypersonorsituation.Ourselfishness is inherentandnothingthatshouldbringyoushame.Turmoilandchangeisuponyouandyoufearforwhatthefuturemayhold.Thatisentirelynatural.’

‘Andmywish is forAradryanandKorlandril tomendthiswoundbetweenthemformybenefit,’saidThirianna.‘Surelyitistotheirbenefitaswell?’

‘Whocansay?’saidthefarseer,hisnecklacesswayingashegaveashallowshrug.‘Ithoughtperhapsafarseercouldsay,’saidThirianna,smilingagain.‘Youseekanswers,butIcannotgivethemtoyou,’saidAlaiteir.‘AllIcandoissteeryoutotheright

questions. The answers youwill have to find for yourself. The time is upon you tomake a choice,Thirianna.ItisthischoicethatIsaw;thischoicethatpersuadedmetocometoyouinthisplaceatthistime.’

‘ImustchoosebetweenKorlandrilandAradryan?’saidThirianna,dismayedbytheprospect.‘HowcouldIdosuchathing?’

‘Or perhaps choose neither,’ said Alaiteir. ‘Perhaps youmust choose yourself over both of yourfriends.Ifyoutrulywishtoknowwhatthefutureholds,thereisonlyonedecisionyouhavetomake.’

Thirianna looked at Alaiteir for some time, trying to discern any extra meaning from hisexpression,seekingfurtherguidance,butnonewastobefound.Thefarseerobviouslyintendedthatshemustcometothisdecisionentirelywithoutdirectionfromhim.

ItwasonlyaftermuchthoughtthattheanswercametoThirianna.‘YouthinkthatIshouldmovetothePathoftheSeer?’sheaskedquietly.‘WhatIthinkisirrelevant,’repliedAlaiteir.‘AllIcantellyouisthateverycycleweeachstandupon

abranchinthethreadsoffate,everydecisionwemakeshapingthefuturewewilllivein.Somecyclesthechoiceswefacechangelittleofwhatwillhappen.Thiscycle,thismoment,isnotsuchaday.Whatyoudecidetodonext,freeofcoercionorpersuasion,guidedbyyourownmindandheart,willsetyouonanewtrail,whetheryoustayapoetorbecomeaseer.’

‘Icannottakesuchadecisionnow,’saidThirianna.‘Iwouldnotexpectyoutodoso,’saidthefarseer.‘IfIamtobehonest,Imusttellyouthatyouhave

alreadymadethedecision.Nowyoumustspendsometimefindingoutwhatroadyouhavechosen.’Thiriannanoddedandtookafewstepsalongthepath.ShestoppedandturnedbacktoAlaiteir.‘Thankyou,’shesaid.‘WhatshouldIdoifIchoosetofollowyouonthePathoftheSeer?’‘Ifthatisrevealedtobeyourchoice,Iwillknowitandcometoyou.’

Introspection

RodofLight–TheStaffofAsuryanThisruneisoneofconjunction,lackinganypowerorsignificanceonitsown,butofthehighestpotencywhen

castorseenalongsideanother.Itsappearancecoloursthereadingofanyotherrune,andcharacteriseswisdomfromwithin.WhentheRodofLightcomesunbiddentoaseer,itsignalsgreatchange,representing

theflameoftheLordoftheHeavensthatconsumestheoldandbringsrebirth.

On returning to her quarters, Thirianna was greeted by a thrum of recognition from the infinitycircuit interface in her main chamber. Placing a palm onto the smooth slate, she allowed herconsciousnesstotouchupontheenergiesofAlaitoc.Thirianna’sthoughtstouchedwithanafter-echoofAradryan’spresence;hehadcometoherapartmentseekingher.

Shedetachedherselffromtheinfinitycircuitwhilesheconsideredwhatsheshoulddo.Partofherwishedforsolitude,sothatshecouldthinkuponthechoicepresentedtoherbyAlaiteir;theotherpartofherwantedtoloseherselfinmundanematterssothatshecouldforgetthedilemmaforawhileandreturntoitrefreshed.

Thirianna decided on the latter course andmeshed with the infinity circuit again, seeking thesignatureofAradryan.ShefoundhimontheBoulevardofSplitMoons,notfarfromthetowerwhereshelived.Throughtheinfinitycircuit,shetoucheduponhisthoughts,gentlygaininghisattention.Inamoment theyhadexchangedfeelingsofgreetingandconciliationandcametoanunderstanding;Aradryanwouldwaitforheramongstthestorefrontsandarcadesandshewouldjoinhimshortly.

Breaking the link, Thirianna changed her clothes, swapping her robe for a tight bodysuit ofglitteringpurpleandsilver.Shewrappeda lightscarfaboutherneckandshouldersandawidebeltstuddedwith sapphire-like gems about herwaist. She pulled several torcs upher armand finishedwithalongpairofwhiteglovesandmatchingboots.Shequicklycolouredherhairandeyesgreentofinishthestrikinglookandhungasmallwaistbagfromherbelt.FeelingreadytomeetAradryan,shesetofffortheBoulevardofSplitMoons.

ShefoundAradryanwaitingbesideajewellerystall,pickingthroughanassortmentofplaingoldearrings.Heworeawide-shoulderedjacketofdarkblue,flaredatthehips,fastenedbyalineoftinybucklesfromwaisttoneckandwristtoelbow.Aheavykiltofsubtlyblendedgreensandblackscoveredhisupperlegs,abovenarrowbootsstuddedwithgoldenbuttons.ItwasastylethathadnotbeenseenonAlaitocforsometime,andthesightofherfriendcausedamomentofnostalgiainThirianna.

Aradryanlookedupatherapproach,smilingbroadly,andheldupapairofearringsshapedvaguelyliketwoleapingfish.

‘Notreallytomytaste,’saidThiriannaastheytouchedhandsingreeting.‘Notforyou,forme,’saidAradryan,nonplussed.‘Iknow,’saidThirianna,laughingsoftly.Shetookoneoftheearringsandheldituptothesideof

Aradryan’sface.Thecurveofthejewellerymatchedwellwithhisfeaturesandshenodded. ‘Yes,theywouldlookverygood.’

‘Thenitisdecided,’saidAradryan,recoveringhiscomposure.Thesteersmansignalledhisdesiretotakethe jewellerytothestallholder,whonoddedhisheadinappreciationofachoicewellmadeandwavedforthepairtocontinueontheirway.

The two of them spoke little as theymoved between the stalls and stores, examined gems andscarves, robes and headdresses. Thirianna was grateful for the opportunity to divert her attentionawayfromherselfandAradryan.Sheenjoyedfeelingthetexturesofclothandseeingtherainbowsoflight in the gems, losing herself in every detail. When Aradryan spoke, he raised trivial matters,commentingonthewaresondisplayandthoseofferingthem.Afterawhile,Thiriannarealisedthatmuchofwhathesaidwasnegative,andthoughneveroffensivelyphrasedhiswordscameacrossasaquietbutconstantdenigrationofAlaitoc.

Eventually Aradryan’s subtle complaints started intruding on Thirianna’s appreciation of theobjectsondisplayandsheturnedtohim,lettingherirritationshow.

‘Whatisitaboutlifeherethatchafessobadlythatyoumustconstantlygripeandfindfault?’shesnapped,takingAradryanbythearmandguidinghimtoasmallalleywaybetweentwostoreswheretheywouldnotbeoverheard.

‘I am sorry if I have broadened my view beyond the petty baubles on display here,’ Aradryanreplied.Hewasabouttosaysomethingelsebutstoppedhimselfandhisexpressionchangedtooneofcontrition.‘No,Iamgenuinelysorry.Yousaythatlifeherechafes,andIcanthinkofnobetterwordtodescribeit.Itrubsagainstmyspirit,bindingmythoughtslikeacordaroundmylimbs.Alaitocissafe,andcontrolled,andsuffocating.Itofferscomfortanddependability.Inolongerdesirethesethings.’

‘Sowhy did you return at all?’ Thirianna asked, feeling guilty for judging her friend so harshly.‘Theremusthavebeenareasontocomeback.’

Aradryan gave Thirianna a look that she did not recognise; it seemed to be desiremixed withpleading,andahintofdesperation.ThelookpassedquicklyandAradryanglancedaway,pretendingtoflickawayanimaginedpieceofthreadfromtheshoulderofhisjacket.Whenhelookedatheragain,heshowedthestudied,expressionlessmaskthathehadwornalmostconstantlysincehisreturn.

‘MymemoriesofAlaitocwere fonder thanthereality,’ saidAradryan. ‘Orperhaps therealityhaschangedtooneofwhichIamlessfond.’

‘YouspeakofKorlandril,’saidThirianna.Thementionoftheartist’snamecausedabriefflickerofemotiontocrossAradryan’sface;annoyancethatturnedtoshame.

‘Andyou,’saidAradryan.Hesighedandleanedbackagainstthewallofthealley,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.‘Idonotknowmyplacehereanylonger.’

‘Itwilltaketime,butyouwilladjustagain,andlearnanewtofindthedelightineachmomentthat

passes,andmeaninginthethingsyounowfindtrivial,’Thiriannaassuredhim.‘Alaitocisyourhome,Aradryan.’

‘Is it?’ he replied. ‘I have little bond to the family left here, andmy friends are not those I leftbehind.WhyshouldIchoosetostayherewhenallofthegalaxyisopentome?’

‘Though it would saddenme to see you leave again, I cannot argue against your desires,’ saidThirianna,feelinghelplessagainsttheforceofAradryan’sdisaffection.

‘IstheresomereasonIshouldstay?’heasked.HedirectedalookatThiriannasimilartotheonehehadgivenherearlier; longingandhopeful.Shecouldnothidehershockwhensherealisedwhathewantedtohearfromher.

‘I have only my friendship to offer,’ Thirianna said. Aradryan’s disappointment was instant,showingas a furrowedbrowandparted lips for amomentbefore the emotionlessmaskdescendedagain.

‘Friendshipwasonceenough,butnotnow,’saidAradryan,histoneevenandquiet.HedirectedaquickbowoftheheadtoThirianna,indeferencetoherfeelings,eyesclosedoutofrespect.Whenheopened them, there was a glimmer of sorrow. ‘It seems that even friendship is not possible withKorlandril.Hehasgrownarrogant,Ithink,andhehasnotimeforothers.Thankyouforyourcandour,Thirianna.IhopeIhavenotcausedyouundueembarrassmentorwoe.’

BeforeThiriannacouldreply,Aradryanhadsteppedoutofthealley,quicklystridingthroughthethickeningcrowdofeldarmillingalongtheBoulevardofSplitMoons.Thiriannaconsideredwhethertogoafterhimanddecidedagainstit.ShewascertainthatshecouldnotofferwhatAradryandesiredandnootherargumentwouldconvincehimtostay.

Itisprobablyforthebest,shetoldherself.AsmuchasitpainedhertothinkofAradryanleavingagain,hisreturn,andthefeelingshehadhintedat,hadmadeherlifealotmorecomplicatedinaveryshortspaceoftime.ThiriannawasconfidentthatwhateverennuiorwanderlustplaguedAradryan,hewouldovercomeit.

Thequestion shehadbeen ignoring returned toher,promptedby the thought thatperhaps shecouldfreeherselffromtheuncertaintythatsurroundedherlife.Thisbriefepisodehadhighlightedtoherhowlittlecontrolofhersituationshehad,andthatmadeherfeeluneasy.Toknowsomethingofwhatwouldcome, toglimpse thepossibleconsequencesof theseendlesslydifficultdecisions,wasahugetemptation.

Thedoorchimewokeherintheearlypartofthefollowingcycle.ShesensedAlaiteir.Quicklyslippingonalooserobeofwhiteandsilver,shethoughtopenthedoorandwelcomedherunexpectedvisitor.

‘Iapologiseforthe inconvenience,butIbearnewsthatyouwillwishtohear,’saidthefarseer. ‘Iwouldnotnormallyinterveneinsuchasmallmatter,butconsideringthedelicatebalanceofchoiceonwhichyourlifeiscurrentlypoisedIthinkitwisethatyoushouldknowthatyourfriend,Aradryan,hassethimselfaboardthecrewofanewship.’

‘Andwhydoesthisnewsbringyoutomydooratsuchaninopportunetime?’saidThirianna.Shecouldnotrememberthedreamthathadbeeninterruptedbutahollownesslingeredinsideher,avague

after-memorythatdisturbedher.‘ThestarshipisIrdiris,’saidAlaiteir.‘Itisduetoslipitsmooringsbeforethedawncyclebegins.’‘Sosoon?’saidThirianna.‘Whysuchaswiftdeparture?’‘Whynot?’ said the farseer. ‘Your friend is in pain and seeks swift resolution to it.He is acting

rashly,butwecannotblamehimforthat.’‘Ifhedoesnotwishtosharethecourtesyofsayinggoodbyetome,thenperhapsheisnotthefriend

Ithoughthewas,’saidThirianna,sittingcross-leggedontherugatthecentreofthemainchamber.SheindicatedaninvitationtoAlaiteirtoseathimselfononeofthelowcouchesbuthedeclinedwitharaisedhand.

‘The Irdiris is no normal vessel,’ said the farseer. ‘She is a void-runner bound for distant starsbeyondthereachofthewebway.Itwillbemanypassesuntilyourfriendreturns,ifhecomesbackatall.’

‘Arangership?’saidThirianna,onehandmovingtohermouthinshock.‘Youthinkthathechoosestomakehimselfoutcast,leavingthePathbehindhim?’

Alaiteirsimplynodded,hiseyesnevermovingfromThirianna.‘Ihavetoconvincehimtostay!’Shejumpedtoherfeetandmadeforthedressingroomnextdoor.

Shehastilydressedherselfinthesameoutfitshehadwornearlierinthecycleandhurriedfromtheapartment.ShestoppedonthelandingoutsideandwaitedforAlaiteirtojoinher.Realisingthatshedid not know where the Irdiris was docked, she returned to her quarters and moved towards theinfinitycircuitterminal.

‘TheBayofDepartingSorrows,’saidAlaiteirfromthedoorway,justasThirianna’shandwasabouttomakecontactwith the smoothplate.Hewavedahand towards thedockingbalconybehindhim.‘Youcantakemycloudskiffifyouwishtotravelswiftly.’

‘I do not understand why you have such an interest in this,’ said Thirianna, hurrying past thefarseer.Thetwo-sailedanti-gravvesselhoveredalongsidetheskyquay,itsenginesgentlyhumming.‘Youhavemysincerethanksforpassingonthisnews.’

‘Wait!’AlaiteircalledoutasThiriannanimblyleaptoverthesideofthecloudskiff.Sheturned,onehandonthetillercontrols.‘DoyoureallywantAradryantostay?’

Thiriannahesitated,andinturnthathesitationgaveheramoment’spauseforthought.Wereherreasons selfish? She decided that it was in the interests of both herself and Aradryan that he stay,regardlessofthedifficultiesthatmightcause.

‘Icannotbeartothinkofhimoutthereinthedarkness,adriftfromthePathandalone,’shesaid,thumbingthegravmotorsintolifeviatheruneonthetillerhandle.

Shesteered thecloudskiffaway fromthequaysideanddowntowards the floorof thedome, thehumof itsenginesbecomingasoftpurringasshepickedupspeed.Shebroughtthecraft levelwithoneofthemanytransitroutesthatstretchedfromdometodome,andguidedthecloudskifftowardsthearchedopening.

GlancingbackshesawAlaiteirstandingwitharmscrossedattherailingoutsideherapartment.Asshepassedintotheshadowofthepassagewayshewonderedifshewasnotbeingmanipulatedbytheoldseer.Howcouldshetellifthedecisionsshewasmakingweretrulyherownandnotameaningless

dancetosomedesignthatfavouredAlaiteir?She dismissed her doubts, realising that such speculation could lead nowhere. She reassured

herselfthatthelifeofonepoetwasfarbelowthemachinationsoftheFarseersofAlaitocandforcedherselftobelievethatAlaiteirwasactingoutofgenuineregardforher,ifnotoutrightkindness.

Sheguidedthecloudskifffromdometodome,cuttingacrossthediscofAlaitocbytheshortestroute,passingoverthecentraldividetowardsthedarkwardrim.Comingclosetotheedgeofthecraftworld,shesawtheBayofDepartingSorrowsinthedistance:acrescentofquaysanddocksattachedtothedarkside rim at a steep tangent. There were three ships moored there, but the Irdiris was easilyrecognisedbyitssmallsizeandsinglesolarsail.Itwaslittlemorethananarmedyacht,builtforspeed,efficiencyandrange,crewedbyonlyahandfulofeldar.At themoment itshullwascolouredadeepgreenmottledwithblackstripes,itssailglowinggoldinthelightofdyingMirianathir.

Steeringthecloudskifflower,shepassedalongsidethewhitehullofashort-rangebarque,dippingbeneathitstwinloadingrampsalongwhichaprocessionofegg-likepackagecrateswerefloatingintoits hold.Coming around the prow of the barque, Thirianna saw two figureswalking up the gantrybeside theIrdiris. She recognised the tall, gaunt figure of Aradryan and slowed down, bringing thecloudskiffgentlyalongsidethelargervessel.Steppingdowntothequay,shesawAradryanturninginherdirection.

‘Aradryan!’Hervoicedisappearedintothedepthsofthedimlylithangar.Hestopped,handsonhips.ThiriannabrokeintoarunandreachedhimasAradryan’scompanion,

a femaleeldar ina tightbodysuitofyellowandblue, shookherheadandcontinuedup towards thevoid-runner.

‘Thisismadness,’Thiriannasaidasshereachedherfriend.Shereachedoutahandtohisarmbuthesteppedaway,avoidingthecontact.Aradryanwasdressedinthesamesevereoutfithehadwornonhisarrivalandhisexpressionwasstern.

‘Itisfreedom,’hereplied,glancingoverhisshouldertowardstheopeniris-likedoorofthestarship.HelookedbackatThiriannaandhisexpressionsoftened.‘Ididnotwishtobepartedlikethis.Itistoopainfultosaygoodbye.’

‘Itdoesnothavetobethisway,’saidThirianna.‘Donotleave.’‘Youwishmetostay?’saidAradryan,oneeyebrowraised.‘Wouldtherebeapurposeinremaining

onAlaitoc?’Thiriannahadwrestledwiththeideaonthejourneyfromherapartment,buthadresolvednosolid

argumentshecouldoffer.ItsimplyfeltwrongthatAradryanshouldgointhismanner,abandoningthestructureandprotectionofthePathforalifeasanoutcast.

‘Theremustbemoretothisthanyourdesiretobewithme,’shesaid. ‘HowcanyouhateAlaitoc,whohasraisedandnurturedyouandgivenyousomuch?’

‘Idonothateher,’ saidAradryan. ‘I ammerelyboredofher.Perhaps in timemy thirst fornewvistasandexperienceswillbesatedandIwillreturn.Wouldyoucomewithme?’

Arguments sprang to Thirianna’s mind, but they seemed trite against the yearning she felt in

Aradryan’sspirit.Shesteppedback,bowingherhead.‘Besafe,’shesaid.‘Seethestarsandcomebacktous.’‘Iwill,Thirianna,’Aradryanreplied.Hestrodeclosetoherandlaidahandoneachofhershoulders.

‘TakecareofKorlandrilforme.Isensethatheneedsagoodfriendatthemoment,ifonlytosavehimfromhimself.’

‘Andwho isgoingtosaveyoufromyourself?’Thiriannaasked, tearsmoisteninghercheeks.ShecouldnotlookatAradryanandkepthergazeonthemarble-likefloorofthedockingpier.

‘Nobody,’Aradryansaid.ThiriannastilldidnotlookupasshefeltAradryanremovehishandsandbackaway.Sheheardhis

faintfootstepsonthegantryfollowedbythedelicatewhisperoftheclosingdoorway.LightssprangintolifealongthelengthoftheIrdiris,bathingthedockinawarmglowoforanges

and reds. Thirianna turned away, not wanting to see the starship leave.With barely a sound, thebreezeofitspassingrufflingherhair,thevoid-runnerliftedfromtheplatformandtiltedstarwards.TheforcefieldenclosingthedockshimmeredintosilverylifeastheIrdirispassedthroughit.

Thirianna lookedupat the lastmoment, catchingaglimpseof thevessel’s swallow tailbefore itdisappearedthroughtheenergybarrierandwasobscuredfromsight.Shewaitedfortheforcefieldtosettle, returning to its transparent state. By then, the Irdiris was accelerating swiftly towards thewebwaygateaftofAlaitoc.Itbecameashimmeragainstthestarsasitsholofieldactivated,andthenitwasgonefromview.

Thirianna foundAlaiteir sitting on the same bench as before. The aging farseer satwith his handsneatlyclaspedinhislap,watchingyellow-featheredsawbeaksduellingoverthetumbleofrocksatthebottomofthehill.

‘ThereisafinalwarningImustgiveyou,’AlaiteirsaidasThiriannasatbesidehim.Shearrangedherrobecarefullyandlookeddowntheslope.‘ThoughyoumaystepontothePathoftheSeerlikeanyotherpartof thePath,andstepoffagainwhenyoufeel thetimeisappropriate, ithasthestrongestluresofanywemighttread.’

‘IresistedthecallofKhaine,’saidThirianna.‘Thatisperhapsthemosttreacheroustrapofall.’‘Itisnot,’saidAlaiteir.Thiriannadetectedasubtlenoteofannoyanceinhistoneandrealisedshe

hadspokenoutofplace.Shedippedherheadinapology.‘ThecallofKhaineisstrongbutit isaharsh,unsubtlesnare,’ thefarseercontinued,mollifiedby

Thirianna’s contrition. ‘The lure of the Seer is farmore potent, for it promises unbounded power.ThoseofuswhotreadthePathoftheSeertothefullestextentknowthedoomtowhichwewalk.’

Heheldupahand,silencinganothercommentfromThiriannabeforeshecouldmakeit.‘I donotmean the visionsof ourowndeaths,’ Alaiteir continued.He chuckled. ‘Whenyouhave

seenthehundredthpossiblewayyoumightdieagruesomedeath,thefeartendstohavelostitsedge.’ThefarseerpausedandThiriannasensedthathewasinvitinghertospeak.‘Asawarrior I learnt toaccept thatall thingsdie,’ shesaid. ‘Ihave facedrealdeathmany times;

whatisthephantasmofapossiblefuturecomparedtothat?’

‘Yet none of uswish to truly die,’ saidAlaiteir.Without turning, he gestured towards the spiritstonefixedinanornatebroochuponThirianna’sleftbreast.‘Ourspiritspassontotheinfinitymatrixwhenourphysicalformsarespent.’

‘ThismuchIalreadyknow,aswouldanychildofAlaitoc,’saidThirianna.‘Idonotunderstandhowthatissodifferentforaseer.’

‘For a seer one’s spirit retains a greater sense of consciousness after death, but it is not of thatwhichIspeak,’ saidAlaiteir.Hetuggedat the fingersofhisglove, removing it torevealahandthatglittered like a diamond. The skin was transparent, slightly edged like a shaped gem, and withinshiningflashesofcolourhintedatveinsandcapillariesandmuscle.Heheld ituptothe lightofthedome,each fingertip sparkling likea star.Hewiggledhis fingersand laughedquietly. ‘To tread thePathtoitsfurthestend,tobecomeaFarseer,istoresignoneselftoadifferentfate.Wedonotjoinwiththeinfinitycircuit;webecomeit!’

Thiriannahadheardofsuchathing,indeedhadwalkedintheDomeofCrystalSeers,butitwasadifferentmattertoseetheeffectfirst-handwhilstitwasprogressing.Shestaredatthejewel-likefleshofAlaiteir’shand,marvellingattherainbowsoflightthatdancedfromthesurface.

‘Doesithurt?’sheasked.‘Notatall,’repliedAlaiteir. ‘It isquitepleasantinaway.It isnotthechangingofthefleshthatI

warnagainst,butthehardeningofthespirit.Whenafarseerbecomespartoftheinfinitycircuithismindiswhollyintact.Notforusthehalf-limboofthephysicallydead,dimlyawareofthefatethathasbefallenus.Consciousnessisretained,aneternityaheadtospendwithoutformstretchedacrossthereachesoftheskein.’

‘Theskein?’‘Ifyouchoosetobecomeaseeryouwilllearnmore,’thefarseersaid,pullingonhisglove.‘If I choose?’ said Thirianna. ‘I have already chosen. You know this or youwouldnot have been

waitingforme.’‘Youwillreconsideryourchoiceandthetwoeventualitiesofthatdecisionstillexist,’saidAlaiteir.

HestoodupandextendedahandtoThirianna,graciouslyhelpinghertoherfeet,asignofequality.‘IfyouchoosethePathoftheSeer,gotoFarseerKelamithandhewillbeyourguide.’

‘Notyou?’Thiriannawassaddened,havingalreadybecomealittleattachedtothefarseer’sstrangebutcharmingways.

‘No,Kelamith’s threadandyourswill entwine if you chooseas such.Hehasmoreof agiftwithnovicesthanI.’

‘Evenwithyourwarning,Ifeelcertainofmychoice.’Thiriannaasked.‘WhywillIreconsider?’‘Idonotknow,’admittedthefarseer.HeglancedatThiriannaandsmiledslyly.‘AndIfIdid,doyou

thinkIwouldtellyou?’

Fate

TheRaven–MessengerofMorai-hegOneofthemostpowerfulrunes,theRavencanbeusedonlybythemostexperiencedseers,foritcanbeawaywardguidetotheunwary.TheeyesofMorai-hegseeall,andtheRavenleadsthefollowertoasingle

pointoffate,fromwhichthereisnoescape.Suchnodesofdestinyarerare,forthefutureiseternallymutable,butwheretheyexist,theRavenwillfindthem.

Thiriannawas atKorlandril’s statue, sitting at one end of a curving bench, gazing at the dimglowbeyondthedome.Shewonderedwhatitwouldbethatmightcausehertochangehermind.Asfarassheknewherself, hermindwas set on taking thePathof theSeer.Thepossibilities it offeredweregenuinelyendless;theabilitytogazeintothefurthestreachesofthefutureandcontrolherownfate.

ShefeltanotherapproachingandturnedtoseeKorlandrilcrossingthegrass.Hewasalittlelate,butshedidnotmind;theirappointmenthadnotbeenprecise.Shesmiledashesatnexttoher,pleasedthatoneofherfriendsseemedtobeingoodspirits.

Themomentpassed,asdidher smile,whenshe turnedher thoughts to thenewssheneeded topasson.

‘AradryanhasleftAlaitoc,’Thiriannasaidquietly.Korlandril’sfacewasaflurryofemotion.Assumingthemantleofartisthehadrenderedhimself

incapableofself-criticalthoughtandrestraint.Everyfeelingetchedintohisfeatures;shockandthendisappointment.Therewasanotherlook, justattheend,andThiriannadetectedasmallmeasureofsatisfaction.Shewasnotwhollysurprisedatthis.Afterall,KorlandrilandAradryanhadpartedonbadterms.

‘Idonotunderstand,’saidthesculptor.‘Iknowthatwehadadisagreement,butIthoughtthatheplannedtoremainonAlaitocforsometimeyet.’

‘Hedidnotdepartonyouraccount,’saidThirianna,thoughdoubtlessthedisagreementbetweenthetwohadcontributed.SherealisedthatdiscussingAradryan’sdeclarationoffeelingsforherwouldnotbeprudent.

‘Why would he not come to see me before he left?’ Korlandril asked. ‘It is obvious that somedistancehadgrownbetweenus,butIdidnotthinkhisopinionofmehadsunksolow.’

‘It was not you,’ Thirianna said, knowing she could have persuaded Aradryan to stay but hadchosennotto.

‘Whathappened?’ askedKorlandril, a slight toneof accusation inhis voice. ‘WhendidAradryanleave?’

‘HetookaboardIrdirislastcycle,afterwespentsometimetogether.’Korlandrildidnotseemtorecognisethename.Thatwasnosurprise;Thiriannahadnotheardof

thestarshipacycleago.‘Irdirisisafar-runner,destinedfortheExoditesonElan-ShemareshandthentotheWintervoidof

Meios,’sheexplained.‘Aradryan wishes to become a… ranger?’ Incredulity and distaste vied with each other across

Korlandril’s face.Hestrokedhisbottomlipwithaslenderfinger,calminghimself. ‘IhadnoideahewassodissatisfiedwithAlaitoc.’

‘Neither did I, and perhaps that is why he left so soon,’ confessed Thirianna. ‘I believe I spokehastily and with insensitivity and drove him to a swifter departure than hemight otherwise haveconsidered.’

‘Iamsurethatyouareno–’beganKorlandrilbutThiriannacuthimoffwithanagitatedtwitchofherfinger.

‘Idonotwishtospeakofit,’shesaid.HerguiltgnawedatherandbringingoutthesorrydetailsintotheopenwoulddoneitherThiriannanorKorlandrilanygood.

Theysat insilenceforawhile longer,while littlewingsdartedamongstthebranchesofthetreesabove them, trilling to one another.Deepwithin thewoods a breezemaker stirred into life and theleavesbegantorustlegently:acalmingbackdrop.

‘TherewassomethingelseaboutwhichIwishtospeaktoyou,’saidKorlandril,rousingThiriannafromthoughtsofAradryan.‘Ihaveaproposaltomake.’

TherewassomethingaboutKorlandril’slookthatexcitedThirianna.Thepassionshecouldseeinhiseyesstirredthefeelingsshehadkeptsecretbetweenherselfandherpoems.Sheindicatedwithaninclinationofherheadthattheyshouldstand.

‘Weshoulddiscussthisinmychambers,withsomethingtodrink,perhaps?’shesaid.‘Thatwould bemost agreeable,’ saidKorlandril as the twoof themmade theirway towards the

domeentrance.

TheywereabouttostepontotheslidingwalkwayuptothetowerswhereThiriannalivedwhenalargegroupappearedfromthegloomaheadofthem.Sensingsomethingdark,ThiriannastrayedclosertoKorlandril,whoputaprotectivehanduponhershoulderthoughshefelthimtenseandcouldsensehisdiscomfort.

ThegroupwereAspectWarriorsandanauraofdeathhungabout themaspalpableasastench.Theywerecladinplatesofoverlappingarmourofpurpleandblack,theirheavytreadthunderousinthestilltwilight.Thiriannacouldfeeltheirmenacegrowingstrongerastheyapproached,waystonesglowing likeeyesofblood.Theyhad takenoff theirwar-helmsandcarried themhookedupon theirbelts,leavingtheirhandsfreetocarryslendermissilelaunchers.

DarkReapers:possessedofthewargodinhisaspectofDestroyer.

SomethinginthedepthsofThirianna’sthoughtsstirred;amemoryhiddenaway,anaftertouchofKhaineonherspirit.Itbothexcitedandappalledher,disgustwarringwiththethrillitbrought.

Thoughtheirhelmetswereremoved,thewarriorsstillboretheruneoftheDarkReaperpaintedinbloodupontheir faces.ThiriannaandKorlandrilshrankcloser to theedgeof thepassagewayas theAspectWarriorspassed,seekingthefacesoftheirfriends.Thiriannatookseveraldeepbreathsinanattempttocalmdown,butshefeltaquiverrunningthroughherastheAspectWarriorsapproached.Korlandril’shandonhershoulderfeltheavyandreassuring.

Thirianna pointed, directing Korlandril’s attention to Maerthuin. Arthuis walked a little waybehind.ThebrothersstoppedandturnedtheireyesuponThiriannaandKorlandril.Theirgazeswereempty,devoidofanythingbuttheremotestrecognition.Thiriannacouldsmellthebloodoftherunesontheirfacesandsuppressedanurgetoreachouttowardsit.

‘Youarewell?’askedThirianna,hervoicequietandrespectful.Arthuisnoddedslowly.‘Victorywasours,’intonedMaerthuin.‘WewillmeetyouattheCrescentoftheDawningAges,’saidArthuis.‘Atthestartofthenextcycle,’addedMaerthuin.KorlandrilandThiriannabothnoddedtheiragreementandthetwowarriorsmovedon.Thirianna

relaxedandKorlandrilgaveasighofrelief.‘It is inconceivable tome that one should indulge in such horror,’ saidKorlandril as the two of

themsteppeduponthemovingwalkway.Thirianna said nothing.Horrorwas not the sensation she had felt, though shewas sure itwas

there,hiddenawaybehindthecarefulmemeblockserectedbyherwar-mask.Theymadeaspirallingascent, languidlyturninguponitselfastheslidingramprosearoundthe

TowerofDormantWitnesses.ThiriannaconsideredKorlandril’swordsandastheyreachedthetopoftheramprealisedtheerrorinthem.

‘Itisnotanindulgence,’saidThirianna.‘What is not an indulgence?’ replied Korlandril, who had been looking at the stars beyond the

dome.‘ThePathoftheWarriorisnotanindulgence,’sherepeated.‘Onecannotsimplyleaveangerinthe

darkness,tofesterandgrowunseen.Soonerorlateritmightfindvent.’‘Whatistheretobesoangryabout?’laughedKorlandril.‘PerhapsifwewereBiel-Tan,withalltheir

talkofreclaimingtheoldempire,thenwemighthaveauseforallofthissword-wavingandgunfire.Itisanuncivilisedwaytobehave.’

‘Youignorethepassionsthatruleyou,’snappedThirianna.‘Imeantnooffence,’hesaid,obviouslyembarrassed.‘The intention isnot important,’ saidThirianna, still annoyedbyKorlandril’s flippancy. ‘Perhaps

youwouldcaretoridiculetheotherPathsonwhichIhavetrodden?’‘Ididnotmean…’Korlandriltrailedoff.‘Iamsorry.’‘ThePathofDreaming,thePathofAwakening,thePathoftheArtist,’saidThirianna,shakingher

head slightly. ‘Always self-indulgent, always about your needs, no sense of duty or dedication to

others.’Korlandrilshrugged,afulsomegestureemployingthefulluseofbotharms.‘IsimplydonotunderstandthisdesiresomeofusfeeltosateabloodlustIdonotfeel,’hesaid.‘And that iswhat is dangerous about you,’ saidThirianna. ‘Wheredo youput that rage you feel

whensomeoneangersyou?Whatdoyoudowiththehatredthatburnsinsidewhenyouthinkuponallthatwehave lost?Youhavenot learnt to control these feelings,merely ignore them.BecomingonewithKhaine,assumingoneofhisAspectsisnotaboutconfrontinganenemy,itisaboutconfrontingourselves.Weshouldalldoitatsometimeinourlives.’

Korlandrilshookhishead.‘Onlythosethatdesirewar,makeit,’hesaid.‘Findrueir’s Prophecies of Interrogation,’ said Thirianna, knowing the quotation. It was a trite

statementthatshehadoncebelievedaswell.‘Yes,I’vereadittoo,donotlooksosurprised.However,Iread it after treading thePath of theWarrior. An aesthetewhowrote aboutmatters she hadneverexperienced.Hypocrisyatitsworst.’

‘AndalsooneofIyanden’sforemostphilosophers.’AmusementdancedonKorlandril’slips.‘Aradicalwindbagwithnotruecauseandagyrinxfetish,’counteredThirianna.Korlandril laughed.His levity bordered on disrespect and Thirianna allowed her displeasure to

show.‘Forgiveme,’Korlandrilsaid.‘Ihopethatisnotanexampleofyourpoetry!’Thiriannavacillatedbetweenannoyanceandhumourbeforebreakingintoasmile.‘Listentous!Galleryphilosophers,thepair!Whatdoweknow?’‘Littleenough,’agreedKorlandrilwithanod.‘AndIsupposethatcanbeadangerousthing.’

ThetwoofthemreachedThirianna’schambers.ShenoticedKorlandrilexaminingtheinteriorinsomedetail and theymade some small talkwhile sheprepareddrinks.TheydiscussedAradryan’s leavingagain, thoughKorlandril turned the conversation around to himself, and itwas clear hewasmoreconcernedaboutAradryan’s lowopinionofhis sculpture than the fateofhis friend,which irritatedThirianna.

‘Yourfriendshiphasbeenimportanttome,’saidThirianna,wishingtochangethesubject.‘I have a new piece of sculpture in mind, something very different from my previous works,’

Korlandrilannounced.‘That is good to hear,’ said Thirianna. It was obvious it was this that Korlandril wanted to talk

about.Shewasalittlebitdisappointed. ‘Ithinkthatifyoucanfindsomethingtooccupyyourmind,youwilldwelllessonthesituationwithAradryan.’

‘Yes, that is very true! I’mgoing todelve intoportraiture.A sculptural testament todevotion, infact.’

‘Soundsintriguing,’saidThirianna.‘Perhapssomethingalittlemoregroundedinrealitywouldbegoodforyourdevelopment.’

‘Letusnotgettoocarriedaway,’saidKorlandrilwithasmile.‘Ithinktheremaybesomeabstract

elementsincorporatedintothedesign.Afterall,howdoesonetrulyreplicateloveandcompanionshipinfeaturesalone?’

‘Iamsurprised.’Korlandril’stalkofloveintriguedher.Shewatchedhimclosely,tryingtodiscernhismood,buthedidnotseemtonoticeherscrutiny.Thiriannathoughtofherpoems,andthe lovetheyexpressed.‘Iunderstandifyoudonotwishtotellme,butwhatinspiressuchapieceofwork?’

Theartist lookedperplexed,andThiriannarealisedtherewasmoretowhathehadsaidthanshehad seen. Before she could apologise for not responding to his gentle overtures, Korlandril spokeagain.

‘Youaremyinspiration,’hesaidquietly,eyesfixedonThirianna.‘ItisyouthatIwishtofashionasalikenessofdedicationandardour.’

ThiriannawasshockedbyKorlandril’sopenness,anda littledismayed that itperhapshadcometoolate.Herinfatuationwithhim,hiddenawaywithinherverses,hadalwaysbeenhersecret,andinwritingherpoemsshehadlesseneditspoweroverher.

‘I…You…’Shelookedaway,notsurewhattosay.ForamomentshewonderedifKorlandrilknewwhatshehadwrittenabouthim.Suddenlyshewasscaredby thewhole issueandaffectedanairofdistance.‘Idonotthinkthatiswarranted.’

‘Warranted?’Korlandrilleanedtowardsher,hisfaceintentonThirianna.‘Itisanexpressionofmyfeelings;thereisnothingthatneedswarrantingotherthantovisualisemydesiresanddreams.Youaremydesireandadream.’

Thirianna did not reply. She stood and took a couple of paces away before turning to faceKorlandril,herfaceserious.

‘Thisisnotagoodidea,myfriend,’shesaidgently.Shewonderedwhyhehadsaidnothingbefore,whenperhapsshewouldhavebeeninapositiontoreciprocate.Sherealisedthatthiswasthedilemmathatwouldmakeherreconsiderbecomingaseer.Therewasnodoubtinhermind,anditwasbesttodisappointKorlandrilasgentlyaspossible.‘Idoappreciatethesentiment,andperhapssometimeagoIwouldnotonlybeflatteredbutIwouldbedelighted.’

‘Butnotnow?’heasked,hesitant,scaredoftheanswer.Sheshookherhead.‘Aradryan’sarrivalanddeparturehavemademerealisesomethingthathasbeenamisswithmylife

forseveralpassesnow,’shesaid.Korlandrilreachedoutahandinahalf-heartedgesture,beckoninghertocomecloser.Thiriannasatnexttohimandtookhishandinhers.‘Iamchangingagain.ThePathofthePoetisspentforme.IhavegrievedandIhaverejoicedthroughmyverse,andIfeelexpungedoftheburdensIfelt.Ifeelanothercallingisgrowinginsideme.’

Korlandrilsnatchedhishandaway.‘YouaregoingtojoinAradryan!’hesnapped.‘Iknewthetwoofyouwerekeepingsomethingfrom

me.’‘Don’tberidiculous,’Thiriannaraspedinreturn,tryingtohideherguiltthatAradryanhadoffered

tostayforher.‘ItisbecauseItoldhimwhatIamtellingyouthatheleft.’‘So,hedidmakeadvancesonyou!’Korlandrilstoodandangrilywipedahandacrosshisbrowand

pointedaccusinglyatThirianna.‘Itistrue!Denyitifyoudare!’

Sheslappedawayhishand.‘Whatrightdoyouhavetomakeanyclaimonme?’shesnapped. ‘Ifyoumustknow,Ihavenever

entertained any thoughts of being with Aradryan, even before he left, and certainly not since hisreturn.Iamsimplynotreadyforalife-companion.Infact,thatiswhyIcannotbeyourinspiration.’

Korlandril’s trembling lipwas a cliché of sadness and itmelted through Thirianna’s anger. Shetookastepcloser,handsopeninfriendship.

‘ItistosaveyoufromafutureheartachethatIdeclineyourattentionsnow,’shecontinued.‘IhavespokentoFarseerAlaiteirandheagreesthatIamreadytobeginthePathoftheSeer.’

‘Aseer?’ scoffedKorlandril. ‘Youcompletely fail todivinemyromantic intentsandyet thinkyoumightbecomeaseer?’

‘Idivinedyourintentandignoredit,’ liedThirianna, layingahandonhisarm. ‘Ididnotwishtoencourage you; to admit your feelings for me would be to bring them to the light and that wassomethingIwishedtoavoid,forthesakeofbothofus.’

Korlandrilwavedawayherarguments,pullinghisarmfromhergrasp.‘If you have not the same feelings forme, then simply say so. Do not sparemy pride for your

comfort.DonothidebehindthisexcuseofchangingPaths.’‘Itistrue,itisnotanexcuse!YouloveThiriannathepoet.Wearealikeenoughatthemoment,our

Paths different yet moving in the same general direction. When I become a seer, I while not beThiriannathepoet.Youwillnotlovethatperson.’

‘Whydenymetherighttofindout?’Korlandril’sfistswereballedathissideandangerflashedinhiseyes,scaringThirianna.‘Whoareyoutojudgewhatwillorwillnotbe?YouarenotevenonthePathandnowyouthinkyoucanclaimthepowersoftheseer?’

‘If it is true that you feel the same when I have become a seer, and I feel the same too, thenwhateverwillhappenwillcometopass.’

Korlandrilcaughtanangryreplybeforehesaidit.Hisexpressionchangedtooneofhope.‘Ifyoufeelthesame?’hesaid.‘Youadmitthatyouhavefeelingsforme.’‘ThiriannathePoethasfeelingsforyou,shealwayshas,’Thiriannaadmitted.‘Thenwhydowenotembracethissharedfeeling?’Korlandrilasked,steppingforwardsandtaking

Thirianna’shandsinhis.Nowitwasherturntopullaway.Shecouldnotbringherselftolookathimwhenshespoke.

‘IfIindulgethispassionwithyou,itwouldholdmeback,perhapstrapmehereasthepoet,foreverwritingmyversesofloveinsecret.’

‘Thenwestaytogether,poetandartist!Whatissowrongwiththat?’‘Itisnothealthy!’HavingseenwhatobsessionhaddonetoAradryan,Thiriannawasinnomindto

suffer it herself. ‘You know that it is unwise to become trapped in ourselves. Our livesmust be inconstantmotion,movingfromonePathtothenext,developingoursensesofselfandtheuniverse.Toover-indulge leads to the darkness that came before. It attracts the attention of… Her. She WhoThirsts.’

ThiriannawaitedwhileKorlandrilflexedhisfingers.Shecouldhearthequickbeatingofhisheartandfeelhispainrisingtothesurface.Yetforallthatshefeltforhim,hewouldhavetobethesecond

friendinacyclethatshewouldturnaway.‘Whatwefeelisnotwrong!’saidtheartist. ‘Sincethefoundingofthecraftworldsourpeoplehave

lovedandsurvived.Whyshouldwebeanydifferent?’‘YouusethesameargumentsasAradryan,’Thiriannaadmittedsoftly,turningonKorlandril. ‘He

askedmetoforgetthePathandjoinhim.EvenifIhadlovedhimIcouldnotdothat.Icannotdothatwithyou.ThoughIhavedeepfeelingsforyou,IwouldnomoreriskmyeternalspiritforyouthanIwouldstepoutintothevoidofspaceandhopetobreathe.’

Seeing the agonised expression on Korlandril’s face was toomuch for Thirianna. To part withAradryan had been a heartache; to spurnKorlandril forwhom she had once felt so deeplywas toomuch.TearswelledupinThirianna’seyes.

‘Pleaseleave,’shesaid.Korlandril’sanguishwasall-consuminganditfrightenedThirianna.Hiseyesnarrowedtoslitsand

hebaredhisteethashestalkedbackandforthacrosstheroom.‘I cannot help you,’ Thirianna said, staring with misery at the anguish being played out in

Korlandril’sactions.‘Iknowyouareinpain,butitwillpass.’‘Pain?’spatKorlandril.‘Whatdoyouknowofmypain?’Korlandril half-raised his hand, fist clenched. Stepping back, fearing he would strike her,

Thiriannaraisedahandtohermouthinhorror.Korlandrilfled,cryingandtrembling.Thiriannatookastepafterhim,fullofconcern.Shestopped

herself,fearfulmoreofwhathemightdotoherthanhimself.ShehadseensomethinginhiseyesthatshehadonlybeforewitnessedinthesanctuaryoftheAspectshrines:hateandanger.

Thisdidnotbodewellforeitherofherfriendsandmorethanevershewantedtoknowwhatwouldhappen.

Walkingamongsttheforestofseerspast,Thiriannaallowedhermindtoopentotheirthoughts.Shepassedbetween them,near theheartof theDomeofCrystalSeers, intriguedby theirdiamond-likebodies,stillclothedintherobestheyhadwornwhentheyhadfinallypassedintotheotherworldoftheinfinitycircuit.

Their thoughtswere likeabackgroundnoise inhermind. Itpulsedaroundher,underher,overher,threadingalongthemicroscopicveinsofpsychiccrystalthatenmeshedthedome.Shecouldfeeltheirsentiencearoundher,eachcomingtotheforeasshewalkedpasthisorherimmobileform.

Shecaughtglimpsesoflifeintheinfinitycircuit;aworldofcolourandsoundandlight.Shesawalsobeyondtheveil,peeringatsnippetsoftherealmofthepurelypsychic.Sinceshewasachildshehadbeentaughttoraisebarriersagainstthatworld,toprotectherselfandothersagainstthecreaturesthatlingeredwithin.

Itwasahardhabit tobreakand she couldnotopenanythingmore thana chink inherpsychicdefencesto let inthevibrantmindsofthecrystalseers. Justassheglimpsedsomethinginteresting,instinct would snap her away, moving her thoughts elsewhere, throwing up defences against thepsychicintrusion.

‘ItwillbethefateofKelamithtoendhere,’saidavoicebehindher. ‘PerhapsitwillbethefateofThirianna.Thatisnotyetknown.’

Thirianna turned to see a farseer standing beside one of the statue-like eldar, one hand on itsshoulder.Hewascladinarobeofthickblackvelvet,embroideredwithrunesandsigilsingoldenandsilverthread.Abouthisneckandwristsweremanycharms.

He was a little shorter than Thirianna, and broad of shoulder for an eldar. His eyes weremismatched;oneavibrantpurple,theotheraluminousyellow.Theyglitteredwithpsychicenergy.

The farseer had his other hand outstretched and above it a single rune gently spun in the air,turningendoverend.Thiriannarecogniseditimmediately.Itwashername,herrune.

‘AreyouKelamith?’sheasked.‘Youwereexpectingme?’‘Kelamithwill expect you, yes,’ replied the seer.His voice carriedmore gravitas than any other

Thiriannahadheard.His intonation,hischoiceofwords,seemedarchaicyetspokeof thefuture. Itwasdifficulttounderstandwhathewassaying.‘Hewillknowthatyouwouldcome.Hewillbehere.’

‘Whenwillhebehere?’sheasked.‘IfyouarenotKelamith,whoareyou?’‘Hewillbeherenow,’saidtheseer.Hishandclosedaroundtheruneandhiseyesdimmed.They

focussedonThirianna.‘Apologies,child.IamKelamith.IwillguideyouonthePathoftheSeer.’

Vision

TheSeekingShaft–ArrowofKurnousAguidingrune,theSeekingShaftwillalwaysfinditsmark,nomatterwhereorwhenitisreleased.Inthemostcomplexjourneysacrosstheskein,cause-and-effectcannotbeeasilyattributedtoasinglepersonality.Inthesecircumstances,awiseseerwillturntotheSeekingShafttoidentifyaparticularindividualnotyet

knowntotheseer.

A sense of relief filled Thirianna as she watched the crystal-verses of her poemsmelt away in thereblender. As she fed each into the warm interior of the device, their words lifted away from her,seepingdeeperintohermemory,becomingathingofthepastratherthanthepresent.

Shehadsavedthis taskuntil last,unsurewhatthedestructionofherworkwoulddotoher.Shewasglad: a final closingof the chapter ofThirianna thePoet, asThirianna theSeerwould concernherselfonlywiththefuture.

Asthelastofthecrystalsdissolvedintheorangeglowofthereblender,Thiriannafeltthelasttiestoherpreviouslifeslippingaway.Formanypoetswhatshehaddoneborderedonvandalism,butinher mind Thirianna knew that nothing good could ever come from her poems being known byanother,leastofallKorlandril.

She hadnot heard fromhim since their argument; she hadmissed the appointmentwith theirfriendswhileshehadbeenintheDomeofCrystalSeers.Shehadspentthe lastcycletidyingupherapartment for whoever next chose to live there, and her few belongings were gathered in ashoulderbagwaitingforherbythedoor.Therewaslittleshewantedtotakewithheronthenextpartofherlife,andevenlessthatshewantedtokeeptoremindherofthepast.

Content that she was ready, Thirianna stood up, slung the bag over her shoulder and left therooms.FromnowonshewoulddwellintheChambersoftheSeers.

Arriving in theheart ofAlaitoc, close to thegardenswhere shehadmetAlaiteir, Thirianna securedherselfnewquarters.HavingreceivednoguidanceorinstructionfromKelamithonhowtoproceed,Thiriannalocatedasuiteofunoccupiedrooms–thetraceontheinfinitycircuitshowedthattheseerwhohad lived therehadmovedon towalk thePathof Service,whichThirianna considered a goodomen.

Ittookhardlyanytimeatalltounpackthefewbooksandcrystalsshehadbroughtwithher.Sheinspectedtheviewfromtheapartment’sbalconyandfoundthatitoverlookedtherock-strewnslopewhereshehadspokentoAlaiteir.Neveronetotrustcoincidencewhenfarseersandtheinfinitycircuitwereinvolved,Thiriannasmiledtoherself.

‘Thiriannawillbelate.’Kelamithhadarrivedwithoutannouncementbytheinfinitycircuit.Surprised,Thiriannablushed

asthefarseersteppedontothebalcony.Hehadthesamestrange,distantlookinhiseyesaswhentheyhadfirstmet.

‘Ididnotrememberreceivinganinvitation,’sheconfessed.‘KelamithwillnotsendtheinvitationasheseesthatThiriannawillbelate,soinsteadhewillcome

hereforThiriannahimself.’‘Doyoualwaysspeaklikethat?’Thiriannaasked,annoyedatthefarseer’spresumption.Kelamithslowlyclosedhiseyes.Whenheopenedthemagainthewitchlighthaddisappeared.He

bowedhisheadslightlyinapology.‘A risk attached to thework I undertake,’ he explained. ‘I delve deeper along the skein thanmy

companions.Iexaminewiththenarroweyethatwhichattractstheattentionoftheirbroadgazes.’‘WherewillIbelate?’Thiriannasaid.‘Idonotremember,’saidKelamith.‘Thethreadhasgone.Mypresenceherehasassuredthat.’‘Youdonotremember?’Thiriannasaid.‘Onlyamomentagoyouspokeaboutit.’‘Andamomentagoitceasedtobeapossibilityandthusneverexisted,’saidKelamith.‘Onecannot

remember a thing that hasnot existed.Really, child, youneed to grasp these fundamental realitiesquicklyifwearetomakeanysortofprogress.’

Takenaback,Thiriannahadnoanswertothat.Shethoughtitbettertokeeptoaspecifictopic.‘Wherearewegoing?’sheasked.‘IntothemindofAlaitoc,’Kelamithannouncedwithabroadsmile.‘Ihopeyouareready.’

Thechamberwasoneofmany,egg-shapedandarrangedalongsidetheotherslikeamazeofbubblesinafoam,joinedbynarrowarchways.Thewallswereglowingwiththeconduitsoftheinfinitycircuit,thousandsofcrystallinecapillariesinterwovenwitheachotherandthefabricoftherooms.

AstheyhadwalkedthroughanarterialtunnelintothedepthsofAlaitoc,Thiriannahadglimpsedothereldar in theadjoiningchambers, somealoneandothers ingroups.Eachwassurroundedbyasmallconstellationofrunes,turningintheair,bobbingupanddown,spirallingandclimbing,curvinganddippingintheireccentricorbits.Kelamithpaidthemnoattentionandofferednoexplanationastowhattheywerelookingfor.

Kelamithstoodinthecentreoftheroomandheldouthishands,palmsdown,thumbssplayedandtouching.Thiriannafeltasurgeofpsychicenergyandanodeoftheinfinitycircuitextrudedfromtheinterlacedconduitsonthefloor,pulsingwithgreenandbluelight.

‘Ourmindsareafragilething,child,’saidKelamith.‘Fromthemomentweareborntothemomentwepasson,ourthoughtsareopenforalloftheuniversetosee.Therearecreaturesthatdesirethem,

powers thathungerafter them,andfor thatreasonevenasyou learnt tospeakandwalk, tomasteryourjoyandwoe,youweretaughthowtosuppresstheenergiesofyourmind.’

The farseer took a step back and waved to Thirianna to stand beside the node. She did as heinstructed,wantingtoreachoutandtouchtheglimmeringcrystalstalagmitebutafraidtodoso.

‘We all possess the ability to unleash the power of our minds in amazing ways, child,’ saidKelamith.‘WhetheritisintheshapingofathoughtorthemasteryofthedeadlyAspectarts,ourmindisourmostpowerfultool.Wesuppressthatpowertowardawaythedangerssuchabilitywillbring,butasaseeryoumustembraceit.’

‘Whatdoyouwishmetodo?’askedThirianna,fulloftrepidation.‘Youmustletgoofyourthoughts,’saidthefarseer.‘Youmustallowthemtobefreeandboundless.

Youmustgiveupalifetimeofworryandcastawayalloftheprotection,unlearningthatwhichyouhadtolearn.’

‘DoesthatnotattracttheattentionoftheGreatEnemy?’TheslightestthoughtofSheWhoThirstssentashudderthroughThirianna,offearandloathing.

‘In time you will use the runes as your shield, focussing the psychic energy you will channel,’explainedKelamith. ‘Thedefenceswillalwaysbethere,yourstocalluponshouldyouneedthem.Donot be cautious though, for such interruptions may set back your development and retard yourultimatepower.Atfirstyouwillconductthisunlearningwithinthesafetyoftheinfinitycircuit.Anddonotbeafraid,forIamalsoherewithyou,child.’

KelamithgesturedforThiriannatoplaceherhandsontheinfinitycircuitnode.Itwascooltothetouch,thoughveinedwithwarmthonherpalms.

‘Speakafterme,and letyourthoughts flowwiththewords,’ saidKelamith.Thiriannaclosedhereyes,concentratingonthefeelofthenodeinherhandsandthevoiceofKelamith,whichcameslowly,rhythmicallyontheedgeofhearing.

‘Intheskeinthereisnothing.Therearenonamesandtherearenobeings.Thisiswherethemindoriginates.Thereisthemindbutnothingisphysical.Formsobtainthemindandthoughtsarecreated.ThisiscalledPassing.Inthenot-yet-formedtheskeindividesandsplitsbutthereisnotimepassing.ThisiscalledBeing.Thereisanenergythatgiveslifetoallthings,allowingformtoobtainmindandcreate thought.Forms that create thought share in this energy.This is calledLife.Let slipLife, andbecomeBeing.LetslipBeingandbecomePassing.LetslipPassingandbecomeMind.BecomeMindandbeonewiththeskein.’

Thiriannachantedthewords,matchingthepitchandcadenceofthefarseer.Shedimlyrecognisedthemfromherchildhood,thoughtheyseemedinadifferentorder.Asshespokeeachsyllable,shefeltherselfrelaxing,inbodyandthought.

She could no longer feel the node between her fingers. She continued chanting, repeating thewords,feelingthementeringhersubconscious,triggeringreactionsinherthoughtsthatshecouldnotfeelbutsensedinotherways.

Her body dissolved away, as the crystals hadmelted in the reblender.Her limbs, her torso, herfingers,herface,allhadgone,leavingThiriannaasafloatingcoreofthought.

‘Openyoureyes,child.’

Thiriannadidso,thoughshehadnoeyestoopen.Shefoundherselfinarealmoflightandmovement.Shecouldseetheflickerofothereldararound

her, likecandles intwilight.Atraceryofwhite, the infinitycircuit, linkedeveryother lighttogether,stretchingonwithouthorizonintotheimpossibledistance.

Energy flowedalongthemaze,backandforth,surgingandebbing,bindingeverythingtogetherwithitsmovement,linkingtheeldarwithoneanother.

Andbeyond.Beyondwassomethingevenmorespectacular,defyingrationalisation.Beyondweretheconstantly

shatteringpanesofexistence; theoverlappingplanesofdestiny; the interwoventhreadsof fate.ThepresentsurroundedThirianna,but justoutofreachwasthefuture,andinthedarknessbehindwasthepast.Everylife,everythought,everymovement,everymotive,everyemotion,weavingtogetherina dazzling tapestry of cause and effect. It branched out, splitting and dividing like cells, spawningentirenewuniversesandpossibilitieswitheverypassingmoment.

Thiswastheskein,anditwasbeautiful.Andtoomuch.Toomuchtosee,tocomprehend,tounderstand.Thiriannapassedout.

IttookthreecyclesuntilThiriannahadrecoveredsufficientlyfromherfirstexperienceoftheskeintocontactKelamith.ThefarseerhadbeennotablyabsentasThiriannahadrestedinhernewrooms,andhad offered no explanation ofwhat had happened to her. Thirianna considered the possibility thatKelamithhadknownwhatwouldhappen,andhadforeseenthatshewouldregainhermentalharmonyintime,andchosennottointervene.

JustthatbriefestglimpseoftheskeinhadopenedThirianna’smindtothewondrouspossibilitiesthatlaybeforeher.Ratherthanbeingfearfulofapproachingtheinfinitycircuitagainshewasexcitedbytheprospect.Yetithadtakenthreedaysofmeditationandcontemplationbeforeshehadbeenabletothinkoftheskeinwithoutbeingdizziedbyitspower.

Midwaythroughthefourthcycleaftertheepisode,shereceivedaninvitationfromKelamithtojoinhiminthegardensnexttoherchambers.Hemadeitclearthatthetwoofthemwouldbeventuringintotheinfinitycircuitagain,whichsetThirianna’smindracinginalldirections.

Asshemadeherwaydowntowardstheparkland,herfirstthoughtwasoneofconcern.Whatifshewere incapable of interactingwith the skein?What if she lacked the psychic power to dealwith itsinfinite possibilities? She dismissed the idea as she reached the edge of the gardens. Kelamith hadhintedthathermind’sdefenceswouldbemoreofahindrancethanahelpatthisearlystage;ifhehadanyfurtherworriesoverhersuitabilityhewouldhavevoicedthemorrefusedtobecomehermentoraltogether. His lack of concern for her wellbeing led Thirianna to believe that what she hadencountered,andherreaction,wascommonplace.

Followingthepathuptothetopoftherockhill,shewonderedhowmanyattemptsitwouldtakebeforeshecouldinteractwiththeinfinitycircuit.Shewasimpatient,morethanatanytimeinherlife.Shehada lifetime toperfect anyartor skill she turnedhermind to,butherdesire to seewhat the

futureheldforherpropelledherforwardsmoreswiftlythanonanypreviousPath.Itwaspossible,sheconcluded,thatinherhastetocomprehendtheskeinshewasunwittinglystallingherdevelopment.

Kelamithstoodbeneaththebranchesofatreeneartothebenchatopthehill.Hiseyeswerefreeofwitchlightandhisexpressionwasoneofalmostpaternalpride,whichconfusedThirianna.

‘Greetings, child,’ said the farseer.Thiriannanoddedherhead in returnandsaton thebench. ‘Itrust you feel restored and recuperated? You have not been unduly perturbed by your recentexperience?’

‘I am rested,’ saidThirianna. She smiled at the farseer ashewalkedover toher and stopped infrontofthebench.‘AndIameagertotryagain.IhopethatwithyourguidanceIwillnotfailthistime.’

‘Fail?’ConfusionknottedKelamith’sbrow.‘Therewasnofailure.Notonyourpart,atleast.Ifailedtodivinetheextentofyourinstinctandnaturalability,anddidnottakesuitableprecautionsforyoursafe-keeping.’

‘Idonotunderstand.’The farseer sat beside Thirianna, closer than would normally be acceptable between recent

acquaintances.Thiriannatriedtoignoretheintrusionintoherpersonalspace.‘You went further into the infinity circuit than I considered possible,’ explained Kelamith. ‘For

mostofus,ourfirststepsuponthePatharetentativeandshort-lived.Weseenomorethanafractionof the infinitycircuit,andnothingof thegreatrealmofwhich it ispart.You,onyourfirstattempt,lookedupontheskeinitself.Theskeinisathingofwonder,butitcannotbeseenwithouttrainingandpreparation.’

Thirianna triednot to look smug at the thought that shehaddone sowell, but evidently failed.Kelamith’sfrownofconfusionturnedtooneofannoyance.

‘Youhavenaturalpowerbutnocontrol,child,’hesaid. ‘Oncetheshackleshavebeenloosedfromourthoughtsitiseasytolookattheskein.Theskillcomesinunderstandingit;inseeingonlyapartandchoosingasingularthreadtofollow.Anyfoolcanlookatthemassofthefuture,butaseermustseparatethedetailfromthenoise,theimportantfromtheunimportant.’

KelamithstoodupandwavedforThiriannatofollowhim.‘Wewillreturntotheinfinitycircuitandwewilltryagain,’saidthefarseer.‘ThistimeIwantyouto

onlypeekatwhatcanbeseen.’‘AndhowdoIdothat?’Thiriannaaskedastheystarteddownthehill.‘Asachildweblindedyou,andnowthatyouhaveopenedyoureyesagainthe lightburnsthem,’

saidKelamith. ‘Iwill teach you themeans toopen themonly slightly andprotect yourself from theharshglareoftheunboundedskein.’

Asbefore,theymadetheirwayintotheheartofAlaitoc,walkingthroughtheinterlinkedChambersoftheSeersuntiltheycametothesameroomasbefore.TheinfinitycircuitnoderosefromtheflooratKelamith’scommandandheindicatedforThiriannatoapproachit.

‘Doyoustillrememberthewords?’heasked.‘Ido,’repliedThirianna.Theverseswereetchedintoherthoughtsasdeeplyasherpoemshadonce

been.Oddly,sherealised,shecouldbarelyrememberhercompositionswhenoncetheyhadcometomindattheslightestthought.Thedestructionofthecrystalshadbeenmirroredbyhermemory.

‘Concentrateon thesenseof form,’ saidKelamith. ‘Retaina foundationwithinyour formratherthan letting your spirit free.Chain yourmindwith the reality of yourbeing and the restrictionsofform.’

Thiriannadidnot quite understandwhat the farseermeant, but shewas eager to linkwith theinfinitycircuitagain.Thistimewhensheplacedherhandonthenode,shetriedtopicturethewayshehad interactedwith the infinity circuit countless timesbefore, skimmingacross its surfacewithoutdelvingintoit.

‘That will not do,’ said Kelamith, sensing her intent. ‘You cannot simply look upon the infinitycircuit,youmuststillbecomepartofit,whilekeepingyourselfdetached.’

‘Thatisacontradiction,surely?’saidThirianna.‘Remember:Mind,BeingandForm,’saidthefarseer.‘Threeintertwinedpartsofyou,eachseparate

andthesame.Ifsuchconceptsprovedifficult,thereisnothingIcandotohelpyou.’Noddinghersubmissiontothislogic,Thiriannatookabreathandallowedherselftoslipintothe

infinitycircuit.Atfirstshedidasshehadplanned,touchingonlylightlyuponthehugematrixofpsychicenergy

that ran through every part of Alaitoc. She allowed her thoughts to dance towards the distant rim,where shipmanifestsandpassenger lists inhabited the frameworksof thedocks; to thePinnacleofMornings,whereagroupofpoetswererecitingtheEpicofEldanesh;totheDomeofCrystalSeers;totheArcoftheTurningSuns.

She felt a presence beside her: Kelamith, not physically, butwithin the structure of the infinitycircuit.

‘Thiriannawilldelvealittledeeper,’hesaid.She feltwarmthfromhispresence, like theglowofsafety thatwrappedherasachildwhenher

motherhadheldher.ItwassanctuaryanditbolsteredThirianna’sconfidence.ShestartedtorecitethewordstaughttoherbyKelamithandfeltherconsciousnessslippingfurtherintotheinfinitycircuit.

‘Thiriannawillstaywheresheis,deepenoughtosee,’saidthefarseer.The sensationwas different this time. ThiriannaunderstoodwhatKelamithmeant about being

partoftheinfinitycircuitwhileremainingseparate.Herformhadbecometheinfinitycircuitbutherbeingremainedasitwasandhermindlingeredbetweenthetwo.

Herworldhadbecomeaglitteringwebofpower,butratherthantrytoseeitall,sheconcentratedonwhatwascloseathand.ShewasinsidetheArcoftheTurningSuns.Shecouldfeeltheflutteroftheengineerstouchingupontheinfinitycircuitastheytendedtothestar-sailsgatheringenergyfromthedying sun.With another part of hermind she couldwitness them at their stations,making gentleadjustmentstothemassivesolarcollectorstomaximisetheirefficiency.

ShebecameawareofKelamithbesideher,watchingwithoutcomment.Heappearedasagoldenspark in the infinitycircuit,hispsychicenergydiffusingalongdozensofconduitsbutconcentratedcloseathand.

Something else flickered into her consciousness. At first they were too fast to comprehend;flashingpinpricks that had racedpast by the timehermindhadbecomeaware of them.Thiriannanarrowedherfocus,pickingahandfulofcrystallinethreadstointeractwith.Thespeedofeverything

seemedtoslowasherthoughtscoalesced,makingtheworkingsoftheinfinitycircuitplainertosee.Theconstantthrumofpsychicenergybecameaslowerpulse,movingoutwardsalongtheconduits

oftheinfinitycircuitinrhythmtoAlaitoc’sponderousheartbeat.Itrippledfromthecoretotherim,near-instantaneousinreality,buttohermind’seyebecomingsubtle,entrancingwaves.

More of the bright sparks she had seen passed close by and Thirianna caught them with herthoughts,herscrutinyslowingtheirprogress.

Therewereseveraldozenofthem,clusteredingroupseachahandfulstrong.Theyappearedastinycreatures,eachgroupoccupyingtheareaofafingernail.Yettherewasimmensepowercontainedintheirminisculeforms.Lookingevenmoreclosely,shesawtinyclawedlegssplayingacrossthethreadsofenergyandsherealisedshe lookeduponthewarpspidersfromwhichtheAspectWarriorsof thesamenamedrewinspiration.

Each warp spider raced along the infinity circuit’s threads, dozens of legs moving faster thanthought.Theyrodeuponthepulsesofenergy,thendashedbacktothecorebeforethenext,heavedoutonthetideofpsychicpowerbeforereturningtothehub.

TheybecameawareofThiriannaandinvestigated.Theycircledaroundthemoteofconsciousnessthatwashermind,scurryingtoandfrowhiletheyinspectedher.Createdtoguardtheinfinitycircuitfrommalignpresences,thewarpspidersquicklyrealisedthatThiriannawasnofoeandrelaxedtheirguard.

Ratherthanmoveon,theycircledplayfullyaroundher,excitedbythisnewpresence.Shecouldfeelthetinypinpricksofenergypassingthroughherasthewarpspidersdancedacrosstheinfinitycircuit,joyfullyclamberingaroundandthroughherthoughts.

Thewarpspiderswerelikeapsychicticklerunningthroughhermind,eachaparticleofpurityandhappinessthatleftawarmtrailwhereittouchedher,criss-crossinghermemoriesandthoughtswithtinyfootsteps.

The experiencewas cleansing, thewarp spiders feeding on tiny shreds of negative energy thatleakedfromThirianna’sdeepestfearsandworstemotions;fearsandemotionskeptlockedawayintherecessesofhermindbutneverwhollysecured.

‘It will be enough for the moment.’ Kelamith washed through Thirianna, scattering the warpspiders.‘Thiriannawillhaveherfirsttruetasteoftheinfinitycircuit,butshemustquellhercuriosityandretaincontrol.’

Kelamith’s mind linked with Thirianna’s and pulled her across the infinity circuit back to theChambersoftheSeers.ForastrangemomentThiriannafoundherselflookingatherownform.Sherealisedthatnomatterhowgracefulandpoisedherbodyseemed,totherealmofthepurelypsychicitwascrudeasanyotherphysicalstructure,withthesameimperfectionsandcompromisesasanylivingbeing.

Itwasahumblingmoment,rightbeforeshewasreunitedwiththeshellofherbody.Thiriannafeltawaveofclaustrophobiaasshewasrestrictedtohernormal,physicalsensesagain.

Theweightofherformwasaburdentoherthoughts,whichstruggledacrosschemicalsynapsesandalongphysicalnerves.

ThesensationoflosspassedandThiriannaopenedhereyes,lookingatherhandsupontheinfinity

circuit node. Kelamith stood to her right, eyes blazing with psychic energy. He turned thatotherworldlystareuponThirianna.

‘Thiriannawilldowell,butshemustbetoldthatthisisonlythebeginning,’saidKelamith.‘Shewillreturnhereinthenextcycleandwewillcontinue.’

‘Yes,shewill,’Thiriannasaid,hermindstilltinglingwithafter-effectsfromthewarpspiders.

ForcycleaftercycleThiriannareturnedtotheChambersoftheSeersandexploredtheinfinitycircuitwith Kelamith. Often he would guide her, leading Thirianna to strange places she had never seenbefore; placesmade of crystal cliffs and plains of sapphire, ruby seas and star-lit voids. SometimesThiriannawaslefttowander.Thoughneverwhollyalone–Kelamith’spresencecouldalwaysbefeltinthedistance–Thiriannastartedtolearnhowtonavigatetheinfinitycircuitmorespeedily.

Freeing herself from the constraints of form, she noticed junctions and pathways that wereseparate from the physical crystalline matrix, existing only in the psychic realm. At first thesetransitions jolted her consciousness, bringing the strangest sensation of disassociation, almostbereavement. In time the translocationofher spiritbecame less jarring,her consciousness slippingbetweenthenodesoftheinfinitycircuitwithlesseffort.

Thiriannaspentmoretimewiththewarpspiders,followingthembacktotheirroostsinthecoreand letting her mind free to be washed across the infinity circuit on the tides of psychic energy.Kelamithencouragedher, inhisownoddfashion,andfromthewarpspidersshelearntmoreofthesecret routes of the infinity circuit and the space in-between. Thiriannawould chase the creatures,following themaround the complexmaze,never quite catching them.Thewarp spidersweremorethanhappywithhercompany,stayingjustaheadofherflowingmind,teasingherwiththeirpresence.

Whenshewasnotdelvingintothesecretsoftheinfinitycircuit,Thiriannaspenthertimestudyingtherunesoftheseers.Kelamithfurnishedherwithalearningcrystalthatcontainedthousandsofthesigils,embeddedwithcommentaryfromAlaitoc’sgreatestfarseers.

At first, like the skein they represented, the volume of the runes was overwhelming: a near-incomprehensible labyrinthofmeaning that overlaid andmeshed inmysteriousways. Through thelearningcrystal,Thiriannawasabletofocusononeruneatatime,absorbingitsmeaningsanduses,before followingthebranchesandthreads that led tootherrunes.Cyclebycycleherunderstandingexpanded exponentially, her knowledge of the seers’ codes and language spreading even as hercomprehensionoftheinfinitycircuitbroadened.

Thirianna admired the pattern and asymmetry of both; the organic flux of circuit and rune inconjunction with each other. Even as she was chasing warp spiders through the psychic maze ofAlaitoc,Thiriannawasassociatingtherunesfromthecrystalwiththeexperiencessheunderwent.

Yetnoteverycyclewasaplayfulorjoyousexperience.TheinfinitycircuitdelvedintoeverypartofAlaitoc,fromtherestorationchamberstotheweaponsbatteries.Throughherdeepeningknowledgeofthe circuit’s ways, Thirianna learnt to read the telltale signs of danger that appeared when sheencroacheduponareasshewasnotyetreadytolookupon.SomeofthesesheventuredintolaterwiththeaidofKelamith;othersremainedamysterytoher.

Some of these regionswere the places haunted by the spirits of the disquieted dead.While theenergyofmosteldarwassubsumedintothegreaterconsciousnessoftheinfinitycircuit,thereweresomethatrefusedtorelinquishtheirgriponthephysicalworld.Manywerewarriors,killedinbattle,trapped with their rage and their bloodlust. Some were great leaders, notable orators andphilosophers, acclaimed artists; their personalities so strong that they existed after death to suffereternityinthelimboofnear-life.

Notallof thespirits thatsurvivedweredangerous.Manyweresimplymournful, filledwithself-loathing and depressed at their fate. Some had strange mood swings, moving across the infinitycircuitbetweenjoyanddespair.

KelamithadvisedThirianna tobewaryofsuchspirits,butnot toshunthementirely.Theywerewiseandmanyhadnobleintent,buttheirdivisionfromtheworldofthe livinggavethematwistedviewofaffairs.Thiriannahadnotyetdeveloped theskillor focus toconversewith thesewanderingghosts,butcommunicatedmerelyinsenseandemotion,feelinghappinessorwoe,longingorregretwhenshecameuponthem.

OfparticulardistastetoThiriannawastheincreasinghabitofthewarpspiderstoseekrefugeneartheAspectshrinesduringtheirgamesofpsychichide-and-seek.Thiriannacouldsensethebroodingpresenceof theAspectWarriors, theirwarlikemindscorralledwithin the infinitycircuitawayfromthethoughtsofothers.Likeashadowcastacrossthepsychicmaze,thetemplesofKhaine’sfollowerstouchedontheinfinitycircuitwithrageandhatred,taintingitsenergy.

Thepsychiclandscapesoftheinfinitycircuitweretwistedaswell.Goneweretherainbowbridgesand waterfalls of silver, replaced by dank grottos, forbidding caverns of black ice and harsh reddeserts.Fireglimmeredacrosstheinfinitycircuit,corruptedbyironandwar,ashandblood.

It was not just a general abhorrence and fear that kept Thirianna from exploring these darkreachesfurther.ThememoryofhertimeasaDireAvengergrewinstrengthwhenshecameclosertothepoweroftheAspectshrines.ItnaggedharderandhardertobefreefromtheboundsthatkeptitwithinThirianna’sunconscious,forcinghertowithdraw,feelingpollutedbyitspresence.

PARTTWO

WARLOCK

Control

TheBrother’sGaze–EyeofUlthaneshItisoftentemptingtofollowathreadacrosstheskeininasingledirection,linkingeventtoevent,catalysttooutcome,toarriveatafinalfate.Whilethisallowsonetoseetheprogressionofthefuture,itistosurrendertheinitiativetofate.TheBrother’sGazeisaruneofcontradiction,approachingajuncturefromtheopposite

angle,providingthepathfromoutcometocatalystsothatthecourseofdestinymightbebettersteered.

Several dozen cycles had come and gone since Thirianna’s first foray into the infinity circuitwhenKelamithcametoherearlyaftertheartificialdawn.Sheawoke,sensinghispresenceinherchambers,and found the farseer standing on the balcony of the apartment. Thiriannawas instantly aware ofsomethingdifferent;notaboutKelamithbutAlaitocitself.Theatmospherewaspregnantwithenergy,the infinity circuitbuzzingwithagrowingpresence, strongerherenear theChambersof theSeersthanshehadfeltitbefore.

No,notstronger,justdifferent.IthadbeenstrongerintheShrineofOneHundredBloodyTears.TheAvatarofKhainewaswaking.TheincarnationoftheBloody-HandedGodwascomingtolife,

stirringonitsironthrone.‘Warcomes,’shesaid,pullingonherrobe.Kelamithturnedtowardsher,eyesalightwithpsychicpower.Hesaidnothingforamomentand

thelightfaded.‘Yes,child,wariscoming,’heconfirmed.‘Youhavetheopportunitytowitnesssomethingyouhave

onlyexperiencedfromafar.’‘No,’saidThirianna.‘IdonotwishtoseetheAvatarawakening.Iamawarriornolonger,andIwill

notsufferKhaine’stouchuponmeagain.’‘Youmust,’saidKelamith.‘Itisnotthefateoftheseersofouragetolookuponjoyousends.War

anddeath,bloodandmiseryaretheveilswemustlifttoseewhatthefutureholdsforAlaitoc.Wemustconfrontourowndestructioneverycycle,inorderthatitcanbeavoided.IfyoucannotresistthelureofKhaine,ifyoucannottreadinhisfierytrail,youareoflittleuseasaseer.’

Shudderingat the thought,Thiriannafinisheddressing.She feltKelamith’seyesonher,curiousand invasive,butpushedaway theself-consciousnesshisattentionbrought forth.She lookedat thefarseerbuthesaidnothing,featuressetinalookofpolitedetermination.

‘Thereisnootherway?’askedThirianna.Kelamithshookhishead,elicitingasighfromher.‘Very

well.Iwillcomewithyouintotheinfinitycircuit.’‘Ourjourneydoesnotendintheinfinitycircuit,child,’Kelamithsaid,raisingafingerinagesture

of correction. ‘The nerves of Alaitoc are a cipher of the skein, an artificial construct that is only arepresentationoftherealmintowhichyouwilleventuallydelve.’

‘Iunderstand,’saidThirianna.‘Irememberseeingtheskeinitself.’‘Andthecomingbattlewillprovideuswithagreatopportunitytoreturnthere,’saidKelamith.‘Battle?’‘Surely,child,’repliedthefarseer.‘Inbattletheskeinisastark,livingthing.Itwillbeanexcellent

introductionforyou.Whereelsedofateandchancecomeintosuchvividcontrast?Abattlenarrowsthescoreoftheskein,revealingthemyriadtwistingwaysofdestinyinaconfinedspaceandtime.Youarefortunate.’

‘Fortunate?’Thiriannalaughedwithbitterness.‘Ihavetastedbattle,andthoughIdonotrememberit,asenseoffortuneisnotmyrecollection.’

‘Yourprotestsare tiresome,child,’ saidKelamith.Heshruggeddismissively. ‘Webothknowthatyouwillaccompanyme.IknowthisbecauseIhaveseenit.Youknowthisbecauseinyourheartyoudesiretobecomeaseerandthisiswhatyoumustdo.’

‘You think I should just accept what you decide?’ snapped Thirianna. ‘I am a slave to yourinstructionbecauseyouhaveseentheresults?’

‘Never succumb to fatalism,child,’ saidKelamith,growingconcerned.HeapproachedThiriannaandlaidahandonhershoulder.‘Therearerarelynochoices.Asaseeryouwillfindthattherearetoomanydecisions tomake, not too few. In time youwill have a power that lesser creatures dreamofpossessing;youwillbeabletoshapethefutureconsciouslyandnotbeapowerlessleafontheriveroftime.’

The farseer’s words conjured up vistas of possibilities in Thirianna. She was momentarilysuspiciousthatKelamithseemedtoknowtherightthingtosaywhenitmattered,butherdoubtfadedas sheenvisaged thepowerhedescribed. Itwas thedesire tohave thatpowerandcontrol thathadbroughthertothePathoftheSeeranditwouldbefoolishtobefearfulnowoftheobstaclesshewouldhavetoovercome.

Withgreat trepidation,Thiriannawalkedalong thecorridor that led to theShrineofOneHundredBloodyTears.IthadnotchangedsinceshehadquitthePathoftheWarrior;hadnotchangedintenlifetimesoftheeldarsinceithadbeenfounded.Theportaltotheshrinewasapointedarchattheendofthecorridor,ofbluemetalembossedwithrunesingold,likeetchingoncrossedswordblades.Onehundred tear-shaped rubies decorated the edge of the metaphorical swords, symbolic droplets ofblood,theirtinyfacetseachreflectingruddyimagesofThiriannaassheapproachedtheshrine.

The gate opened as she stepped up to it, revealing a landscape of wooded hills. Over the treessoaredthepinnacleofthetempletower,itssummitlitwithsilverlight,itswallsasmoothochre.Theonlylightcamefromthetower,bathingthewoodlandsinanoddtwilightthatseemedtohangontheedgesofnarrowleavesandclungtothedeepridgesinthebark.

Takinga stepacross the threshold,Thirianna felta surgeofdifferent feelings.She rememberedherfearwhenshehadfirstcomehere,mindawashwithrageatherfather.Otherrecollectionsdancedinherthoughtsasshefollowedthestripofgoldenslabsthatledtothetower:learningthemantrasoftheDireAvengers;takingupherarmourforthefirsttime;thehissoftheshurikensthefirsttimeshefiredherweapon.

Deepermemories,ofactscommittedwhilesheworeherwar-mask,edgedintoconsciousnessbutwere held back by the mental barriers she had put in place. Her war-mask writhed inside hersubconscious,broughtintolifebythegrowingpresenceofKhaine’sAvatar,awakenedbyhercomingtotheshrine.

Eventuallyshecametothebaseofthetower.Thedoorwaywasopen,goldenlightspillingfromwithin.Thiriannawalkedintothelight,feeling

itswarmtouchenvelopher like thearmsofa lover,caressing thememories thatwerehiddenawaybehindthelockeddoorsofhermind.

Thirianna swiftly ascended a spiralling set of stairs to the armouring chamber in the upperreaches.ShecouldhearthesoftchantsoftheAspectWarriorsastheypreparedthemselvesforbattle,butblockedouttheurgetospeakthemherself.

Comingtothemainhall,ThiriannafoundeightDireAvengershalf-dressedintheirarmour.Theruneoftheshrinewasalreadyupontheirforeheads,writteninthebloodofeachwarrior,andbetweenthetwolinesofDireAvengerswalkedNimreith,hervoiceleadingthechant.Thiriannarecognisedtheglazed looked in the eyes of her former squad members, and another memory, a longing foracceptanceandharmony,wriggledinhermind.

Nimreithpausedinherceremony,eyesfallinguponThirianna.Theexarchsaidnothing,butwavedahandtowardsanarchwaytoThirianna’sright.IthadalwaysbeenclosedwhenshehadbeenaDireAvenger,butnowtheportallayopen,theroombeyonddark.

Nimreithhadtakenupthechantagain,turningherbackonThirianna.Realisingthatshewouldreceive no further instruction, Thirianna stepped through the open doorway and into the roombeyond.

There was no light save that which glowed from several objects hanging upon the far wall. AdeliberaterumbleandahissofaircausedThiriannatoturnaround.Thedoorhadclosedbehindher,leavingheraloneintheantechamber.

Crossing the small room, Thirianna examined the glowing objects. Therewere three triangularbreastplates,wroughtfromsilverwraithbone,formedintorune-shapesandinscribedwithtinysigilsfromwhichthelightwasglowing.Thepsychicenergyemanatingfromtherunearmourwaspalpable,connecting with Thirianna as she held out her hand towards the closest piece. Above each set ofarmourwasahelmet,studdedwithgems,theeyepiecesseemingtoglintwiththeirownpowerastheyreflecteddistortedimagesofThirianna.

Betweenthearmourandhelmetswereseveralswords.Anauraofmenacesurroundedeachone,leakingthoughtsofdeathintoThirianna’smind.Herwar-maskquiveredinresponse,risingfromthedepthsofherunconsciouslikeahunterscentingprey,eclipsingherotherthoughts.

Thiriannamoved to the armour on the far left, drawn to its organic form. She lightly drewher

fingersalongitslines,feelingthesmallindentationsoftherunesandasurgeofpsychicenergy.Sherealisedshewaschanting,whisperingthemantrathatwouldbringforthherwar-mask.Partof

her wanted to stop, knowing that pain and suffering was waiting for her beyond that bloody veil.Anotherpartofher,astrongerpart,wantedtoembracetheoblivionofthedeath-dealer,toshredawayconscienceandremorseandbecomeKhaine’sBloodyHand.

She lifted the armour from its hooks and turned it around so that she could slip it over hershoulders. Bands and belts writhed like tentacles, wrapping around Thirianna’s body, drawing thearmourtighttoherchest.Itfeltreassuringtobeinthearmour’sembraceanditsprotectiveenergiesflowed through and around Thirianna, surrounding her with a dim gleam of power. The armourmelded around her waystone, drawing it from its brooch to move it over Thirianna’s heart. Thewaystonewasbrightwithpower,throbbingintimetoherracingpulse,hottothetouch.

Thematching helmet camenext, resplendent in the blue and gold of the shrine. Still chanting,Thiriannabroughtthehelmoverherhead,takingadeepbreathasthedarknessconsumedher.Flashesofmemoryweresurfacingnow;glimpsesofbattleanddeath.Lookingthroughtheeyepieceswaslikeseeingwithfresheyes.

Lastlyshetookuptheaccompanyingsword.AsThirianna’sfingerscurledarounditshilt,thebladeglimmered,everyruneglowingbloodredforamoment.Itfeltliketakingthehandofachild,upliftingandcomfortingyetbringingasenseofresponsibility.Thewitchblade’smurmuringdesiresforbloodtrickledintoThirianna’sconsciousness,pushingbackthelastofthebarriersholdingherwar-maskincheck.

Shefeltcomplete.Shestoodinthecentreoftheroomandheldthewitchbladeinfrontofheratthesalute.Fromthis

poseshebeganaseriesofslowmovements,thememoryofherritualfightingstancescomingbacktoher.Thesensationwasstrange.Shehadpractisedcountlesstimeswithashurikencatapult,butnowevery gesture and manoeuvre seemed to match perfectly with a blow or defence with the sword.Somethingwassubtlydifferent.Withamixtureofsurpriseandhappiness,Thiriannarealisedthatitwasthewitchbladethatmovedher,teachingheritsuniquestyleoffighting,directingherlimbsandbodyinthewayofwarimbuedwithintheweapon.

Faster and faster shepractised,hermuscles, her instinct, remembering everything.Shewhirledandchopped,spunandsliced,sidesteppedandparried.Anageagothewitchbladehadbeengivenitspurposeandnowithadanothervesselthroughwhichitcouldact.

She allowedhermind todrift from its anchors as shehad learntwith the infinity circuit.Minddetached from Being, Being detached from Form, leaving her as a single moving entity of purethought.Theswordwasnolessapartofherthananarmorafootorevenherheart.ItsedgeshonebrightasThiriannaallowedherself tobedrawn into theblade,herownessencepowering its lethalenergies.

Thiriannaandwitchbladebecameone.

‘Itisasimpleenoughtask,’saidKelamith,betrayingnosignofimpatience.

ThesamecouldnotbesaidforThirianna.Sheglaredatthewitchbladelyingonapurplerugspreadoutacrossthefloorofherroom,whereithadbeenforthebestpartofthelastcycle.

‘Liftthesword,child,’saidKelamith.Gritting her teeth, Thirianna held out her hand towards the hilt of thewitchblade and tried to

imagineitinhergrasp.Shepictureditfloatinggentlyupwards,bladedownwards,andglidingacrosstheroomtoherwaitinghand.

ThesworddidnotsomuchastwitchandsatontherugwithwhatThiriannathoughtwasadefiantexpression,ifsuchathingcouldbesaidofasword.

‘Itwon’tmove,’shesnapped,lettingoutanexplosivebreathandlettingherhanddroptoherside.‘Perhapsitisnottheswordthatneedstomove,child,’saidKelamith.‘If I am allowed to move, then I would simply cross the room and pick it up!’ said Thirianna,

exasperatedbyKelamith’stoneandcrypticsuggestions.Shewassurethefarseerspokeinimprobableriddlessimplytoprovehimselfsuperior.

‘Ididnotsaytomoveyourform,’Kelamithreplied. ‘Youareaseernow,amysticwith limbsnotmadeof flesh.The sword isnot of your formbut it isnowpart of yourbeing, linked to youby thepowerofmind.Youareboundtogether,sharingyourtravelsalongtheskein.’

‘Icannotdoit,’saidThirianna.‘Itwillnotcome.’‘Theparalysis is inyourthoughts, justasparalysis inyourarmwouldstopyoufromliftingyour

hand.Dothatnow.Liftyourhand.’Withasighofreluctance,Thiriannadidasshewasasked,holdingherrighthanduptoKelamith.‘Wasthereanydifficulty?’askedthefarseer.‘Ofcoursenot,’saidThirianna. ‘Myhandisattachedtomebymyarm.Idonotfeelthis linkyou

speakof.’‘Youignoreit,’saidKelamith.‘Youallowyourwarrior-selftointrudeuponthemind.Thewarrioris

acreatureofFormandBeingandnothought.Thewarriorcannotliftthesword,onlytheseercan.’Thiriannaturnedbacktowardsthewitchblade,sneeringat itsreluctancetobecommanded.She

wasnotgoingtoloseabattleofwillswithaninanimateobject.Sheextendedhermind,focussingherthoughtsagainontheliftingoftheblade.Shevisualisedas

Kelamithhadinstructed,imaginingthewitchbladetobeaslightasafeather,gentlywaftingacrosstheroomatherbeckandcall.

Nothinghappened.‘Howmuch longer are you going to force me to do this?’ Thirianna snarled, folding her arms

petulantly.‘IpromiseIwillnotdropmywitchblade.’‘PerhapsyouwouldratherItiedittoyourwrist?’Kelamithreplied,withnohintofmockery.‘Itis

notthebladethatyourequire;itistheactthatyouneedtoperform.’Hedelvedahandintooneofthepouchesathisbeltandbroughtoutthreerunes.Withaflickofhis

fingershecastthemintotheair.Astheyfelltherunesslowedandveered,comingtogetherinagrouptospinaroundthefarseer’spointingfinger.Twoofthemcontinuedtocircleslowlyandthethirdspedup,passingaroundtwiceforeachrotationoftheothers.Oneoftheothersthenbegantomoveupanddown,describinganundulatingwaveinitsorbit.

‘Themasteryofourmindsisanexerciseincontrol,child,’saidKelamith.Hemovedhishandtohisnoseandtheruneschangedtheirroute,circlingaroundhishead.AsKelamithliftedhishandawayarunetookitsplace,gentlyturningendoverendinfrontofhisnoselikeapropeller.Thiriannalaughed,theridiculousnessofthescenepuncturingherannoyance.

Inthenextmoment,therunesflashedacrosstheroom,dartingpastThirianna’sface.SheduckedoutofinstinctanditwasKelamithwhonowlaughed.

‘Grabone,’saidthefarseerastherunesstartedtoweavearoundThirianna’sbody.Shesweptherhandtowardstheclosest,butitdartedbetweenherfingersastheyclosed,pinging

gentlyfromherforehead.Shetriedagain,lungingafterthenext,butitswervedawayfromherhandandtookupafreshorbitaroundherleg.Thiriannakickedattheruneoutofirritationandinstinct,butmissedoncemore,almostunbalancingherself.

‘MindisquickerthanForm,’saidKelamith.‘Inthetimeittakesyourthoughttomovetoyourarm,toyourfingers,toyourkneeandtoes,Icanhavefivethoughts.’

The runes spun faster and faster, circling around Thirianna’s head. In quick succession theybobbedagainsthernose,herlips,herear,likeagroupofespeciallyirritatingflies.ThiriannaglaredatKelamithandsawabriefsmileofamusement.

‘Pickupthesword,’hesaid,bouncingarunefromthebackofThirianna’shand.She reached out towards thewitchblade. She didnotwill it into her grasp, didnot visualise its

movements.Shesimplydesireditinherhandsothatshecouldswatawaytheannoyingrunes.Withascreech, thewitchbladeflewfromtherugandslappedintoThirianna’sopenfingers.She

closedherhandquicklyandturnedonherheel,lookingtoknocktherunesoutoftheair.The runes were already back with Kelamith, dancing to and fro from outstretched fingertip to

fingertip.‘Whenyoumoveyourarm,youdonotthinkaboutit,yousimplydoit,’saidthefarseer.‘Whenyou

are hungry you feel it.When you fall asleep, it happenswithout consent. Formmust conform, butMindisfree,boundtogetherbyBeing.Tryitagain.’

Heartened, Thirianna returned the witchblade to its place on the rug. She walked back to herpositionandflungoutherhand.

ThesworddidnotmoveandThirianna’sexasperatedsighfilledthechamber.

The time to depart was fast approaching. For six cycles Thirianna returned to the Shrine of OneHundred Bloody Tears. For six cycles she and her witchblade became accustomed to one another,learningalittlebitmoreabouttheotherwitheachencounter.ForsixcyclesshepractisedtheexercisestaughttoherbyKelamith,seekingtorefineherpsychiccontrolsothatitcameaseasilyasbreathingandwalking.

IncontrasttoherworriesbeforegoingtotheOneHundredBloodyTearsshrine,Thiriannafoundnodifficultyinlettingherwar-maskslipawaywhenshehadconcludedeachsession.Itwasasifshehadmoved thatpart ofher into thewitchblade, allowing it to takepossessionof the anger and thehate,soakingupthemercilessdesirefordeaththatcamefromthewar-mask.

The next time she put on her rune armour and took up her sword, Thirianna would not beremoving it again for some time. She and Kelamithwould be amongst the AspectWarriors of thestrikeforcebeingassembled.Shewouldbereturningtobattle.

Theruneprojectedfromthecrystalconsistedofthreeglowing loops,bisectedbytwocrossbars.TheimageturnedslowlyinfrontofThiriannaasafemalevoicespokequietly.

‘TheSignofDaithawasfirstconfiguredbyNemreintheraofIyandenanditsusespreadquicklytoothercraftworlds,comingtoAlaitocduringtheFourthPassoftheWinteringintheAgeofHallowedDusk.ItwasfirstadoptedbyKordanrialAlaineth,whointrod–’

The recording paused as it detected the door chime. Thirianna realised she had been so intentuponherstudiesthatshehadnotnoticedtheapproachofavisitor.Shecasthermindintotheinfinitycircuit–feelingamomentofpridethatshecoulddosonowwithoutphysicalcontactwithanodeorinterface–andsuddenlyrecoiledinsurpriseattheidentityofherguest.

Shethoughtopenthedoorandpluckedthecrystalfromthefloor,stowingitinapouchatherbelt.‘Aradryan!’shesaid,turningtowardshervisitor.‘Thisisunexpected.’Hewasdressedinatight-fittingsuitofgreensandbluesthatwereconstantlyshifting,masking

hisform.Itwasaholo-suit,frequentlyusedbyrangers,thoughtherewasnosignoftheheaviercloakorcoat thatsucheldarusuallywore.Thiriannanoticeda longknifewassheathedathiship,andheworeabeltladenwithpacksandpouches.

‘Hello,Thirianna,’ saidAradryan, stepping into theapartment.He smiledandofferedapalm ingreeting.Thiriannalaidherhandonhisforaheartbeat,stillnonplussedatherfriend’sarrival.‘SorryIcouldnotwarnyouofmyreturn.’

‘Ididnotexpecttoseeyouagainformuchlonger,’saidThirianna.ShesatdownandwavedtoacushionforAradryantositbuthedeclinedwithaquick,singleshakeofthehead.

‘Icannotstaylong,’hetoldher.‘ItseemsmyattempttogetfarawayfromAlaitocwasdestinedtobe thwarted. The Irdiris intercepted a transmission fromEileniliesh. It’s an Exoditeworld that hasbeenattackedbyorks.WethoughtitwisetoreturntoAlaitocwiththenews.’

‘Preparations are already under way for an expedition,’ said Thirianna. ‘Farseer Latheirinwitnessedtheimpendingattackseveralcyclesago.’

‘Suchisthewayoffarseers,’Aradryansaidwithashrug.Helaughed.‘Ofcourse,youarebecomingaseernow.PerhapsIshouldchoosemywordsmorecarefully?’

‘Idonottakeanyoffence,’repliedThirianna.‘Theyareanenigmaticgroup,thatissure.IhavebeenaroundthemforsometimeandIdonotyetunderstandtheirways.’

She studiedAradryanand sensed restlessness. Itwas somethingmore than thewanderlust thathadtakenhimawayfromAlaitoc;anunsettlingenergyemanatedfromherfriend.

‘Howhaveyoufared?’sheasked.Aradryanshruggedagain.‘Thereisnotmuchyettosay,’hesaid.Hegesturedathisoutfit.‘Asyousee,Ihavedecidedtojoin

therangers,but intruthIhadnotsetfootoffIrdirisbeforewehadtoreturn.OnEilenilieshwewill

fighttheorks.’‘Thatwouldbeunwise,’saidThirianna.‘YouhavenevertroddenthePathoftheWarrior.Youhave

nowar-mask.’‘Itisofnoconcern,’saidAradryanwithadismissivewaveofthehand.‘Mylongriflewillkeepme

safe.ItseemsIhaveanaturaltalentformarksmanship.’‘It is not the physical danger that concernsme,’ said Thirianna. She stood up and approached

Aradryan.‘Warcorruptsus.ThelureofKhainecanbecomeirresistible.’‘Therearemanydelightsinthegalaxy;bloodshedisnotonethatappealstome,’saidAradryan.His

browcreaseddeeply.‘Ineverrealisedhowblinkeredyoucouldbe.YouseethePathasthestartandtheendofexistence.Itisnot.’

‘Itis,’saidThirianna.‘Whatyouaredoing,allowingyourmindtorunfree,endangersnotjustyoubutthosearoundyou.Youmustshowrestraint.Korlandril,hehasbeentouchedbyKhaine.Hisangerbecametoomuch.’

‘He is anAspectWarriornow?’ saidAradryan,amusedby thenews.His smilewas lopsidedandtherewassomethingelse,somethingfeyinhiseyes. ‘Ididnotrealisemycritiqueofhisworkwassoharsh.’

Aradryan’sshortlaughcutatThirianna’sspirit.Therewasaharshnesstherethathadnotexistedbefore.HerfriendhadalwayspossessedsomethingofadelightinironyandsarcasmbuthishappinessatKorlandril’spredicamentwasentirelymisplaced.

‘Whyhaveyoucomehere?’saidThirianna.‘Whatdoyouwantfromme?’‘Nothing,’ saidAradryan. ‘Youmade it very clear I should expectnothing fromyou. I cameas a

courtesy,nothingmore.IfIamnotwelcome,Ishallleave.’Thiriannawasnotsurehowtorespond.HavingAradryanhere,inherapartment,wasunsettling.

Shecouldfeelthewildnesshoveringbeneaththesurfaceofhisspirit.Heappearednormalandpolite,buteverynowandthenthatunfetteredspiritshoweditself.Hewaspreytoeverypassingwhimandfancy, every vague emotion and thought that came to him, and was unpredictable and dangerousbecauseofit.

‘Yes, I thinkyoushould leave,’ saidThirianna.Aradryan’s lipcurleda fractionbuthenoddedhisacquiescence. For a moment the look of hurt and betrayal he had worn before he left returned.Thiriannarelentedslightly. ‘Pleasetakecareofyourself,Aradryan.Iampleasedthatyoucametoseeme.’

Therangerseemedcaughtintwominds,takingasteptowardsthedoorbutkeepinghiseyesfixedonThirianna,perhapshopingforhertochangehermind.Shehardenedherspirit tohisdeparture,knowingthathewasadistractionshecouldnotafford,especiallythisclosetoleavingforEileniliesh.

‘Goodbye,’hesaid,onehandontheedgeoftheopendoor.‘Idonotexpectustomeetagain.Ever.’ItwasdifficultbutThiriannarefusedtorespondtotheoverlydramaticstatement.Itwasnothing

morethanablatantattemptatemotionalblackmailandshewasdeterminednottosuccumb.‘Goodbye,’shereplied.‘Travelwellandfindcontentment.’Withasigh,Aradryanturnedawayandmovedoutofview.Thedoorswishedacrosstheopening,

leavingThiriannaalonewithherthoughts.Shestayedthereamomentandthendashedtowardsthe

door,whichopenedbeforeher.SheshoutedAradryan’snameassheranoutontothelanding.Hewasjustattheturntowardsthestairwellandstoppedtolookoverhisshoulder.

‘Please see Korlandril,’ Thirianna called out to him. He nodded and raised a hand inacknowledgement,andthendisappeareddownthestairs.

As thecycleentered thenightperiodand the lightsofherapartmentdimmed,Thiriannasat in themainroomwithasmallobjectinherlap.Itwasasimplething:asmallwhitebox.Insidewasarune,shapedfromsilvery-greywishstone.ItwasthemarkoftheDireAvenger,asmallsouvenirshehadkeptfromhertimeasanAspectWarrior.Shewasnotsurewhyshehadtakenit.IthadoncehungfromthegripofhershurikencatapultandinamomentoffoolishnessorsentimentalityshehadbroughtitwithherwhenshehadquitthePathoftheWarrior.

She did not knowwhat to dowith it, but the rune nagged at her. Returning to the shrine hadawakeneddormantpassionsanddesires,andthoughtheywerefaintnow,therunewasrespondinginsomeway.Shecouldnotthrowitaway;thatwouldbedisrespectfultoherselfandtheShrineofOneHundredBloodyTears.Shecouldnotkeepit,itspresencewasbecomingadistraction.Shewouldfeelembarrassedtoreturnit.

Anotheroptionoccurredtoher.Thoughshehadconcentratedoflateonherowndevelopment,shehadheardthatKorlandrilhad

beenoverpoweredbyhisrageandsuccumbedtothelureofKhaine.InamovethatThiriannathoughtofwithdeliciousirony,KorlandrilhadbecomeanAspectWarrior,aStrikingScorpionoftheDeadlyShadow.Thenameoftheshrinestruckachordinherthoughtswhenshehadheardit,resonatingwiththatmemoryshekeptplacatedinawayshedidnotunderstand.

Shewasaseernow,andKorlandrilawarrior.ThiriannarememberedtheirargumentaboutthePathofKhainebeforeKorlandril’sturntoanger.

Knowing that, just as with Aradryan’s abandonment of the Path, she was in part responsible forKorlandril’slapseintorage,Thiriannathoughtthatshecouldshowherformerfriendsomemeasureofunderstandingandatonement.Itwasamessagefromonewarriortoanother,onethatshewassurehewouldappreciateinthedifficulttimehewassurelyexperiencing.

ThiriannawaitedinfrontofthedoortoKorlandril’sapartment.Sheknewhewasnotinside;shefeltnoneofhispresenceandwithherheighteningpsychicawarenessneededno foray into the infinitycircuittodiscernhiswhereabouts.

Shewondered if itwouldbebetter towait forhim, toplace thegift inhishandsandexplain itsmeaning.

Thiriannadecidedagainst thiscourseofaction.Itwouldbeofnobenefit toKorlandrilorhertomeetagainunderthesecircumstances.Towhateverend,bothofthemhadchanged,movedontonewPaths,andtheywerestilldiscoveringtheirnewselves.

Sheplacedtheboxinfrontofthedoorwhereitcouldnotbemissed.Leavingherhandlingeringon

itforamoment,sheallowedalittleofherselftoseepintotherunewithin:sadnessandlonging,regretattheirparting,prideinhisactionsand,mostofall,forgivenessandunderstanding.

Battle

TheSuinDaellae–SpearofKhaineAswithallrunesassociatedwiththeBloody-HandedGod,theSuinDaellaereactsonlytobloodshed.Itspurposeisthelocationofpivotalmomentsofwarandisusedtodetecttheviolentdeathofasignificant

individual.Itmustbeemployedwithcareandstrictlycontrolled;theSpearofKhainehasaninherentdesiretoshowtheseermyriadversionsofhisorherownbloodydemise.

‘Keep your mind closed,’ warned Kelamith. ‘You are not yet ready to see the webway with yourthoughts.’

Thiriannaandhermentorsatonthepaddedbenchofalightskiff,awaitingthearrivaloftheseersthatwouldjointhem.Thevehiclewasaslenderdeltoid,itswingsflaringsharplyatthestern,thelightsofthelaunchbayblockedbythegolden,curvingsailabove,leavingthetwoseersinshadow.Seatedina small cockpit behind the passenger compartment, the driver adjusted the trim of the vehicle, thesoundoftheenginesincreasingbrieflytoasoftpurr.

Thefarseerwasgarbedinhisfullregalia:flowingdarkrobesbeneaththegoldenchestpieceofhisarmour, rune-furnished clasps and jewellery hanging from neck and wrists. His face was hiddenbehindthemaskofanornatehelmwithahighcrestdecoratedwithovalgems.Alongwitchbladewasscabbarded across his back, and in his hand he carried a staff taller thanThirianna, toppedwith asculpteddetailofVaul’sanvilsurroundedbylightningbolts.

Thiriannaalsoworeher runearmourandhelmet,her longwitchbladehangingather lefthip,ashurikenpistolholsteredontheright.

Anotherfarseerandthreewarlockshurrieduptheextendedrampintothemainbodyoftheskiff,murmuringapologies for their latearrival.Theysaton theoppositebenchas thecrystallinecanopyextendedfromthehullandencasedthegroup,distortingtheglowofthehangarlampsintoarainbow.WithamomentarysurgethatpushedThiriannaintoherseat,theskiffliftedoffandturnedtowardstheshimmeringfieldthatactedasthedoortotheflightdeck.

Thiriannawasapprehensiveastheskiffdetacheditselffromthedockofthestarship.ThroughthecanopyThiriannalookedoutatthewebwaywithonlyhereyes.ShehadtravelleditmanytimesasaDireAvenger,butherthoughtshadalwaysbeenengagedontheupcomingbattle.Nowherwar-maskwas less intrusive, her anger held in check for themoment. Thewitchblade twitched in its sheath,sensingherthoughts.

Thestarshiprecededintothedistanceasthewebrunneracceleratedthroughthepsychictunnelsoftheeldarwebway.Burrowingthroughthespacebetweentherealuniverseandtheimmaterialrealmofthewarp, thewebway appeared as a shimmering tunnel of energy. The psychic field enclosing thecorridormoved constantly, like a branch swaying in abreeze,undulatinggently across the shiftingwarptides.ItappearedredthroughthelensesofThirianna’shelm,butintruthwasofnorealcolour;themindinterpretedtheswirlingenergiesofthewarpheldatbayasakaleidoscopeofever-changingrainbowsandpatterns.

Thirianna could feel the weight of psychic pressure surrounding her and was not in the leasttemptedtodisobeyKelamith’sinstruction.Shehadnodesiretolethermindfreesoclosetothelairofdaemonsandotherwarpentities.

Apulsinggatewayopenedahead,ringedwithshimmeringgold.Thiriannafeltthewashofrealitypouring into the webway like the draught from an opened door. It prickled her senses, bringingimagesoflifeandvitalityafterthecloyingnumbnessofthewebway’sprotectivebarriers.

Thewebrunner’sdriversteeredtowardstheopening.Therewereothercrafttoo–grav-tankswithsleek hulls and transports carrying Aspect Warriors. Around the main webway tunnel otherpassagewayswereforming–temporarycreationsthatdelvedthroughspacedirectlytothesurfaceofEileniliesh.Thiriannacouldseerangersmovingonfootthroughthesead-hoctunnellings,followedbysquadsofStrikingScorpions.

ShewonderedifoneofthemwasKorlandril.‘Breachingthegate,’thedrivertoldthem.Theportal loomedaroundthewebrunner, largeenoughforseveralvehicles topass throughata

time.Ithungacrossthewebwaylikeagatetotheheavens,twinpillarsofwhiteandgoldtoppedbyasharplycurvingarch.Therunesonitssurfaceshimmeredwiththelightofthewebway,smallflickersofpsychicenergydapplingitspalesurface.Fromthisperspective,itseemedasifthewebwaysimplycarriedonpast thearchway,butevenwithoutopeningherself to theskein,Thiriannacouldfeel thestrangeinterfaceofwarpandrealitycontainedwithinthefainthazethatspannedthegateway.

AWaveSerpenttransportsweptpast, itscurvedhullamottledblueandwhite,markedwiththesymbolsofAlaitoc.Glancingback,Thiriannasawaswarmofjetbikesclosingfast,theirriderswearingsilver,blueandwhite,laserlancesintheirhands:ShiningSpearAspectWarriors.

Astheskiffapproachedtheopening,Thiriannasensedthetitanicenergiescontainedbythewebgate’s crystalline circuitry.Passing through theplane, she felt as if a strongwindblew throughhermind, sweeping away the background noise of thewebway, leaving only the calm and quiet of thenaturalworld.Peaceandclarityfilledherthoughts.

OnemomentThiriannawas in thewebway, thenext shewasonEileniliesh, lookingbackat thetoweringgatewayofthewebportalsetagainstastar-filledclearsky.Itwassituatedinaforest-ringeddell,twocurvingstone-likeupthrustsmarkedwithrunes,acracklingsheenofenergyflaringbetweenthem. The Shining Spears burst from the portal, banking their jetbikes to skim towards a roadwayleadingtowardsthesettlementofHirith-Hreslain.AtthedirectionofKelamith,theskiffpilotbroughtthecrafttoagentlestop,hoveringjustabovetheground.

Immediately, Thirianna ventured a portion of her mind into the skein and felt a familiar-yet-

differentsensation.Eileniliesh,likeallExoditeplanets,possessedaworldspiritthatranthroughlargepartsofitscrust.ItseemedtoThiriannatobealocked,barrenplaceincomparisontothethrongoftheinfinitycircuit,barred toherentry.For thebriefestmomentshewasawareof theentireworld,hermind spanning continents, flowing along gushing rivers, soaring between mountain peaks anddelvingintodeepcaverns.

ThesensationpassedandThiriannawasbroughtbacktoherselfbyKelamith’slighttouchonherarm.

ThecanopyslidbackandThiriannatookabreathofairthroughthefiltersofherhelm.Shesmeltthe freshnessof thenight air, leavesmulchingbeneath their branchesbringinganundercurrent ofautumnaldecay.ShecouldhearthebuzzingofinsectsandamoththesizeofherhandflutteredpastinthelightofEileniliesh’smoons.OverthetipsofthetreesThiriannacouldseeatalltower,itssummitablazingbeaconofbluishlightthatthrewharshshadowsthroughtheforestcanopy.

Kelamithandtheotherfarseer,Donoriennin,dismountedfromthewebrunnerasasimilarcraftpulledalongside.Aheavilyarmouredfigurewieldingalongspearandsportinganimpressivecrestofwhitehaironhishelmalightedfromthevehicleandmetthetwofarseersonthesoftturf.

‘Arhathain,’saidoneoftheotherwarlocks,aneldaralmosttwiceThirianna’sage,calledKeldarion.‘The autarch,’ repliedThirianna, recognising thename.Arhathainwas one ofAlaitoc’s foremost

militaryleaders,destinedtoberememberedforgenerationsforhisvictories.Thiriannawasfilledwithadmiration and a little fear by the fabledwarrior. Like all autarchs he had trodden the Path of theWarrior several times in different Aspects, and that spoke of a frightening bloodlust unfamiliar toThirianna;yethehademergedfromeachoccasionwithoutsuccumbingtotheentrapmentsufferedbytheexarchs,andthatspokeofimmensewillpower,disciplineandpersonality.

Autarchandfarseersheldashortdiscussion,duringwhichitseemedthatKelamithdidmostofthetalking.Arhathainnoddedfrequently,listeningtotheadviceofhiscounsellors.Hemadeafewquickreplies and returned tohis transport.KelamithandDonoriennin took their seats in thewebrunnerandthedriverturnedthecraftafterthedepartingautarch’svehicle.

‘Thesettlementstraddlesa river,’ saidDonoriennin. ‘Theorksstill revel in theirdestructionandtheirstainhasyettospread.TheExoditeshavedonewelltodestroythecrudelandingcraftandkeepthealiensfromexpandingtheirconquest,thoughtheylackthestrengthtodrivetheinvadersfromthelairtheyhavebuilt.WewillcontaintheorksinHirith-Hreslainandthendestroythefoulhorde.Ourship will deal with the ramshackle ork transport in orbit, ensuring there is no possibility ofreinforcement or escape. The main attack will come from this side of the river, into Hirith. FireDragonsandStrikingScorpionshavebeendespatchedtointerceptorkreinforcementscomingacrosstheriverfromtheircampinHreslain,theotherpartofthetown.’

‘Thiriannawillaccompanyme in themainattack,’ saidKelamith.Eventhroughthe lensesofhishelmThiriannacould see thepsychic light in the farseer’s eyes. ‘DonorienninandKeldarionwill bewith the vanguard, Lurithein and Simmanainwill lend their support to the flanking forcemovingalongtheriverbanktorelievethesquadslyinginambushatthebridge.’

There couldbenoargument.Kelamithand theother farseershad spentmuchof the journey toEileniliesh delving into the various future paths the battlemight take, reviewing each for the best

outcome for Alaitoc. Though no fate was ever assured, their foresight did not just provide anadvantagefortheeldar,itguaranteedit;theyhadseenthevictoryforAlaitocanddivinedthemeansbywhichtobringaboutthatoutcome.IftheeldarstucktotheplanasdrawnupbyArhathainfromthepropheciesofKelamithand theothers, they couldnot fail. Theonlyuncertainty remainingwas thecourageanddisciplineoftheindividualwarriorstakingpart.

The skiff was zipping between the broad trunks of the trees, cutting away from the roadwaytowardsaglitteringcurveofriverahead.Jetbikesswoopedandswervedbetweentheboles,flashesofbrightnessinthedarkness,whilethelargervehiclesmadetheirwayalongtheroad.

Turningtofollowtheriver,theeldararmystoppedashortwhilelaterwhentheycameintosightofthefirstbuildings.ThewoodsdidnotendabruptlybutdiminishedindensityasHirith-Hreslaintookover,natureandsettlementblendingseamlesslyintoeachother.

Thebulkof the town formeda crescent, arcingaway froma curving span that crossed the slowriver,leavingawidespaceatitscentre.Theairwasthickwithsmokefromorkfiresandthestenchoftheir encampment hung in Thirianna’s nostrils despite her helmet’s filtration systems. She snortedwith disgust as the army moved out slowly, breaking into two distinct parts: transports carryingHowlingBansheescreptalongtheriverbankaccompaniedbyShiningSpears.KelamithandThiriannadismountedalongwiththemainforce,theskiffmovingawayquicklytotaketheotherseerstotheirappointed positions. Dire Avengers loped through the trees, shuriken catapults at the ready. DarkReapers made their way into the nearby buildings, their dark forms reappearing at windows andbalconiesinthehightowers.ApairofFalcongrav-tanksglidedacrossthegrass,headingtowardsanarchwaythatledtothemainthoroughfare.

Aheadof themain force,vague flittersofmovement in theshadowsshowed theprogressof therangers, Aradryanmost likely amongst them. They carriedwith them psychic beacon-markers thatwouldenablethesquadsstillinthewebwaytocreateopeningsintheheartofthetownandlaunchthefirstwaveofattacksagainsttheorks.

ComingclosertoHirith-Hreslain,Thiriannacouldseetheevidenceoftheorkoccupation.Severaltowershadbrokenroofsandthewallswerepockedwithshellholes.Sootfromburningmarkedmanybuildings,windowshadbeensmashedanddoorwaysbrokenin.

Worryingly,ThiriannacouldseenobodiesandsheshudderedtothinkofwhathadbecomeoftheExoditesslainintheorkattack.

Theraucoustalkoftheorksechoedalongthewhite-pavedstreets,alongwiththecrackleoffiresandthesnapofrandomgunshots.Enginescouldbeheardfromacrosstheriver,faintbutdiscordantagainstthesighingofthewindandthecallsofnightbirdsintheforestsurroundingthesettlement.

‘Joinme,’saidKelamith,comingtoahaltinanarchedalleywayattheedgeofthetown.It was a moment before Thirianna realised the farseer wished her to conjoin their minds.

Thirianna whispered the mantras, letting her psychic defences slip away so that her spirit andKelamith’s could enter the skein together. She felt the farseer’s thoughts overlapping hers, soft butinsistent. Relaxing, Thirianna allowed herself to drift into a psychic trance, trusting the warriorsaroundhertoprotecttheminthisvulnerablestate.HerlastsightwasofadozenrunesdancingaboveKelamith’soutstretchedpalm,andthenshewasinsidetheskein.

Atfirsteverythingseemedtobeanarchy.Threadsoffatewoundabouteachotherinimpossibleknots,tyingtogetherandsplitting,writhing

likeadisturbednestofserpents.Dozensof imagesflashedthroughThirianna’s thoughts: imagesofdeath and destruction, of dying orks and slain eldar. It was impossible to make any sense of theconfusion,todiscernmeaningfromthemassofseeminglyrandominformation.Hermindrecoiledasithaddoneduringherfirstforayintotheinfinitycircuit,butnowsheknewhowtorespond.

Thiriannaignoredthehugetidesoffatewashingoverherandpickedoutasinglethread,asshemightlocateanodeorconduitoftheinfinitycircuit.Sheconcentratedallofherthoughtsonthatshortstretchoftime,pushingawayeverythingelse.Likeleavesfallingfromthetree,theotherfatesbeingrevealedtoherfellaway,allowingthethreadonwhichshewasfocussedtoexpandandgaindetail.

Before she could work out what she was looking at, Thirianna felt Kelamith’s touch on herthoughts. Runes appeared across the skein, glowing with power, moving in strange patterns,interactingwiththeever-shiftingwarpandweftoftime.

‘Followme,’saidKelamith.Heseemedlikeaboltofgoldonthethreadsoffate.LatchingontoKelamith’spsychicsignature,

Thiriannaallowedherselftobedraggedalonginthewakeofhisdivination,seeingflashesofthebattleunfold.Therunesactedasnavigationbeacons,andKelamithsteeredtowardsoneandthenanother,beforeveeringwildlyfromthepathforashorttimetoinvestigateanewlyunfoldingpassageofevents.

As they travelled,Thiriannawasbombardedwithsightsandsensations.Thecrackleandbarkofguns,thehissofshurikenscuttingthenightair,theroarsoftheorksandthewarshoutsoftheeldar.Warriorsfoughtanddiedoverandover,buildingscrumbledandrebuilt,vehiclesexplodedandweremiraculouslyrestoredaspossiblefutureslaidthemselvesuponThirianna’smind.

The filthof theorkswaseverywhere, a cloying,overwhelmingbrutality thatblottedout rationalthought and compassion. Their bestial urges ran through every future, a mass of green-skinnedviolenceandanger. Itspowerobliteratedarmiesandengulfedplanetarypopulations, fuelledbywarand domination. It was in every ork and every ork was in the mass, a surging force of nature,elementalinitsrandomness,cataclysmicinitsdevastation.Itcouldbebeatenback,sometimeseventamed,butneverdestroyed.

Andthencamefireandblood.‘TheAvatar!’saidThirianna.Itwas like a vortex of fate, dragging in hundreds of other threads to itself, the rune of Khaine

lingeringaboveit.TheAvatar’spresencewaslikeflamesonawovencloth,burningalongtheweave,destroying everything nearby. Blood soaked the skein, drowning lives by the score, washing overThiriannawithawaveofhatredandbaserage.

The sensation almost overwhelmedher as herwar-mask surged from the depths of her psyche,threateningtoobscureherwitch-sight.Shestruggledtokeepherbloodlustatbay,toconcentrateontheunfoldingpatternsofdestiny,andaftersomestrugglesherepressedtheurgetokill,thedesireforwaranddeath.

In doing so, she lookedupon the skeinwith greater clarity. Suppressing the bright glare of theAvatar, she could see the winding and unwinding of lives in the knots and coils that had formedaroundit;enemiesslainandfollowerstainted.

Thirianna had come to a standstill, halted by the encroachment of the Avatar; Kelamith blazedacross the skein, seeming to be everywhere at once. Through hismere observations the skein waschanging, becoming simpler, as redundant fateswere cast away, never coming to pass. To see andrejectafuturewastoconsignittonon-existence,pavingthewayfornewthreadstoemerge,newfreshpossibilitiestoweakenorgrowinstrength.

Allofasudden,thefarseerwasbackwithThirianna,surroundingherinanauraofgold.‘Tellmewhatyousee,’saidKelamith.Thiriannaconcentratedagain,notseeingtheskeinitselfbutdelvingintoitscontents.Shenoticed

arunesherecognisedfromherteachings–theCaveoftheMon-keigh.Sheallowedherthoughtstobeguidedby it,plunging intoonepossible future.Shesawamassiveork,blade inhand,cuttingapartStrikingScorpions,onlytofall tothebladesandshimmeringfistsof theirexarchs; thealien’sdeathhowlechoedinherthoughts.

As she was about to depart, Thirianna caught a sense of something else, flavoured withrecognition.Retracinghersteps,thesceneseemingtorewindthroughherthoughts,Thiriannapaidmoreattentiontotheorkwarlord’svictims.

Shefroze,grippedbysuddenanguish.Korlandrilwas oneof those thatwould fall to the ork’s attack.Panicked,Thiriannapulledback,

seekingthelife-cordofKorlandril.Itcontinuedforalittlewhileandthenfrayed,becomingdozensofraggedthreadsbeforedisappearingintoahazeofuncertainty.

‘Doeshedie?’sheasked.‘Icannotseeanymorethanyou,’saidKelamith.‘Ishouldwarnhim,’saidThirianna.‘Hecoulddie.’‘Therearesomethatdietonightandhemaybeoneofthem,’saidKelamith. ‘Youcannotprevent

themall,anditmaynotevenbedesirabletosavethem.’‘Heismyfriend,’saidThirianna.‘Icannotjustignorethis.’‘Youfocusonthewrongdetail,child,’repliedKelamith. ‘It isnottheinjuryofyourfriendthatis

important.Theorkwarlordwilldieifwefollowthatpath,andinitsdeathotherswillbesaved.’‘How…’Thiriannagaveuptryingtoargue.Aminiaturebattleragedinsideherthoughts.Herinstinctwastosaveherfriend,butKelamith’s

logicfoughtbackandthetwosidesreachedanimpasse.WasKorlandril’slifeworthtwoothereldar?Ten?Twenty?

‘Iunderstand,’shesaid,guiltthreateningtoconsumeher.‘Thereisnotimeforself-pity,child,’saidKelamith.‘ThebattlebeginsandArhathainmustmakea

fewchangestotheplan.’Blotting the image of wounded Korlandril from her memory, Thirianna allowed herself to be

drawnbackintoherbody.Sheopenedhereyesandsawinthesmalltimedisplayofherhelmetthateverythingshehadseenhadtakenlessthantwoheartbeatstopassinthephysicalworld.

Evenasshewasmakingsenseofthis,feelingdisjointedandsplitbetweentherealandthepsychic,anotherpresence intrudedonher thoughts. Itwas like thebowwaveof aboat,pushingeverythingbeforeit,sendingripplesfaroutthroughtheskein.

Bloodandfire.Thirianna turned, asdidmanyof the eldarmoving into the town.Apatchof airwas alivewith

psychicenergy, like fire crawlingalonganember.Thescentofblood,of charring fleshandmeltingironfilledtheair,andagainThiriannawasforcedtofightbackagainstherrisingwar-mask.

IntheskeinithadonlybeentheAvatar’spotentialthatshehadfoughtagainst.Hereshestruggledagainstitsactuality,withhermindstillopenlikeaportalleftunlocked.

Wavesofangerandhatredpouredintoher.Herwitchbladethrewitselfoutofitssheathintoherhand,cracklingwithpsychicenergy,itsedgekeeningforblood.Astheairsplitandacoruscatingringoffireappeared,Thiriannagrittedherteethandfoughtbacktheurgetoslayandmaim.

Feelingherwillbucklingas theAvatarapproached,Thiriannabecamedesperate.Sherippedhermindfreefromtheskeinaltogether,lettingthebarriersofhermindslambackintoplace,shuttingheroff fromthedelugeof rage.She fought tostayconscious,bloodpounding throughherveins,visionswimming.

TheAvatarsteppedfromitsportal,trailingsmokeandsparks.MorethantwicetheheightofThirianna,theincarnationofthewargodwasatoweringcreatureof

metalandflame.TheairaroundtheAvatarrecoiledfromitsheat,causingsmokeandsteamtowrithewildly.Psychicenergyemanatedfromthecreature,bringingadistantscreamingandwailingtotheedgeofhearing.Itsbodywasofancientiron,aformofshiftingplatesbarelyholdingincheckthefierybeingwithin.

Acloakofredclothandflametrailedfromitsshoulders,heldinplacebyapinshapedlikealongdagger. In its right hand, the Avatar held aloft a spear of immense proportion, its triangular headengravedwithrunesthatburnedwithwhiteflame.Theweaponshriekeditsbloodthirst–theWailingDoom.TheAvatar’s left hand formed an enormous iron fist, blooddripping and steaming from itsspikedknuckles.

EyesoffireturnedonThirianna,whobackedawayfromtheapparition.TheAvatar’sgazepiercedherspiritforamoment,burningthroughhermentaldefences,bringingforthflashesofdyingaliensandslainbeasts–memorieslongrepressed.TheAvatarturneditsheadawayandThiriannaletoutagaspofrelief.

Leavingsmokingfootprintsinitswake,theAvatarstrodeintothetown,theeldarfollowingclosebehind.

Theeldarattackstrucklikelightning.Guided by the web-beacons and signalled by Kelamith, the warriors that had remained in the

webway opened temporary portals around the centre of Hirith-Hreslain. Tiny stars expanded intoglowinggatewaysthroughwhichDireAvengers,HowlingBansheesandFireDragonsstormed.

Power swords gleamed in the darkness of the night; thewhisper of shurikens echoed from the

whitewallsofthehalf-ruinedtown;theblazeofthermalgunsanddetonatingplasmagrenadeslituptheplazas and streets.Theorks,manyof themstill slumbering,died in theirdozens to the suddenassault.

Roarsandshouts,drumsandhorns sounded thealarmas themain forceof theeldar closed in,sweeping around the ork camps to pin them against the riverwhile the strike force tore into theircentre.

The Avatar raced forwards, Wailing Doom in hand, charging directly for the greatestconcentrationoforks.MoreAspectWarriorsfollowedclosebehind,theirexarchsleadingtheirsquadsalongrubble-chokedstreetsandthroughtheshellsofdestroyedbuildings.

KelamithandThiriannafollowedalittledistancebehind.Everynowandthenthefarseerpausedtoconsulthisrunes;Thiriannajoinedwithhimduringthesemomentstoseethebattleunfoldingupontheskein.

AsKelamithhadtoldher,thebattlewasamicrocosmofthewholeskein.Everybulletandshuriken,every sword blow and axe swing created uncertainty and possibility, the future branching out soquickly that itwas impossible to followevery thread.ShadowingKelamith,Thiriannaobservedhowthefarseerusedhisrunestoseekoutthepivotalmoments,followingthecourseoftheAvatar,theorkwarlord,theautarch,individualexarchs.Throughthesemeans,sensecouldbemadeofthesenseless.Thewhitenoiseofdestructiongavewaytospecificdetailandvividscenes.

Thiriannamovedback fromKelamith ashismind ventured towards the fightingon thebridge,fearing to look again at the fate ofKorlandril. Instead she turnedher attention to oneof the otherseers:Simmanain.HehadprogressedfarfurtheralongthePathoftheSeerthanThirianna,thoughhispresence was a candle flame compared to the bonfires of the farseers. She watched Simmanaindancingalongthenarrowthreads,movingfromfatetofate,focussedonahandfulofindividuals.

As those threadswere severed, she realisedwith a shock that shewaswitnessing the deaths ofthose Simmanainwas fighting. It was frightening and yet invigorating to see cruel fate in action,broughtaboutbythewarlock’switchblade.

‘Come,child,ourpresenceisneeded,’saidKelamithamomentbeforehewithdrewfromtheskein.Thiriannadetachedhermindandfollowedthefarseerashebrokeintoarun,steppingnimblyover

fallenblocksofmasonrythatlitteredthestreetahead.Kelamithbroughtthemtoasmallsquarejustashort distance from themain plaza. Fire and smoke erupted from a building on the opposite side,followedbythecrashoflargecannons.Shellsscreamedalongastreettowardsthemaineldarattack,detonating out of sight; Thirianna felt the sense of life lost as pinpricks of tragedy on herconsciousness.

AsquadofDireAvengersappearedfromtherubbletoThirianna’sright,summonedbyKelamith.Sherecognisedtheruneonthebackbanneroftheirexarch:theShrineoftheGoldenStorm.TogethertheAspectWarriorsandseersconvergedontheorkartillery.

‘Readyyourweapon,’warnedKelamith.Thirianna felt the touch of his mind on hers, coaxing her into the skein for an instant. She

glimpsedawalloffanged,greenfacesandsawherselfwithwitchbladeraised,fendingofftheswingofaheavymaul.

Reactingwithoutthought,Thiriannaswungherwitchbladeuptotheguardpositionastheeldarleapt throughabrokenwall into theartilleryposition.Deflected,anorkclubswungharmlesslypasther shoulder. Thewitchblademoved in her hands, taking off the beast’s arm below the elbow as itpulledbackforanotherswing.

Reality and possibility flashed together, creating a near-instantaneous flow of images inThirianna’smind.Withhereyes she sawmore thanadozenorkspouring fromanadjoiningroom;withherthoughtsshesawtheorknexttoherblazingahailofbulletsintoherchest.

She leapt to the right as the ork opened fire, its shots spewingwide of theirmark. Taking herwitchbladedouble-handed,Thiriannathrustthepointintotheork’schest.Thepsychicswordthirstedfor energyand shepouredherpower into it, plunging theblade throughbreastboneandheart andspine.

Thegrowlsandgruntsof theorks filled theroomalongwith theblareofpistols.Muzzle flashesilluminated leering, savage faces. In Thirianna’s mind she saw an ork jumping down from theshatteredfloorabove,itsaxecarvingintotheshoulderofaDireAvenger.

With four swift steps she crossed behind Kelamith and shouted a warning, pointing herwitchbladetowardstheholeintheceiling.TheDireAvengerspartedasanorkalmosttwicetheirsizeplungedintotheirmidst.Shurikencatapultssang,shreddingthegreenskinfromseveraldirections.

A shockwave of psychic power burst from Thirianna and she stumbled forwards as somethingcrashedintoherback.Herrunearmourcrackledwithenergyasshespunaroundtofaceherattacker.Shehadbeentoooccupiedbywarningtheotherstoforeseetheblastoftheork’spistolintoherback.Kelamith’sswordparteditsheadfromitsneckwithonesweep,bloodspatteringacrossthefarseer’sgem-encrustedhelm.Kelamithsaidnothingasheturnedaway,directingthetipofhisstafftowardsmoreorkslumberingthroughadoorwaytohisleft.

Psychiclightningcrackled.The closest ork exploded into amist of vaporising blood and bone dust. The one behind itwas

engulfed in flames as its padded jacket caught fire, fat bubbling away, muscle charring. A thirdjuddereduncontrollably,fingertighteningonthetriggerofitsgun,sendingahailofroundsintothebackofanothergreen-skinnedbrute.

Astheglowoftheattackfaded,theDireAvengersopenedfire,sendingastormofshurikensintothesurvivors,slicingfleshandbone.

Behind their exarch, the AspectWarriors dashed into the next room, shuriken catapults at theready,KelamithandThiriannajusttwostepsbehind.Theyopenedfireagain,cuttingdownthesmallslavecreaturesmanningthreelarge-borecannons.

‘Disablethem,’saidKelamith,noddingtowardstheartillerypieces.Thirianna moved forwards, sword gripped in two hands. Copying the exarch, she brought the

bladedownintothebreechofthecrudegun,sendingupashowerofsparksanddropletsofmoltenmetalasshepouredpsychicenergyintotheweapon.Thewitchbladeshearedthroughthebreechandlock,cracksrunningalongthepoor-qualitymetalofthebarrelwithloudcracklesandshrieks.

Glancingoutof theraggedhole in thewall throughwhich thepieceshadbeen firing,Thiriannacould see the main plaza. The Avatar was surrounded by a swarm of greenskins, the war god’s

incarnationcarvingleftandrightwiththeDoomthatWails.TheflareofDarkReapermissilesfizzedacrossthedarksky,explodinginsidethebuildingswherealargenumberoforkshadtakenrefuge.

‘Wemustjointhebattle,’saidKelamith.Seers andAspectWarriors sprinted along the road towards the rest of theAlaitocii. Feeling the

presence of other eldar, Thirianna glanced up and saw the dim figures of rangers, their longriflesrestedonthebrokenrailsofbalconiesandthesillsofshatteredwindows.Unseeninthedistance,orksdiedtotheirsilentfire.

Reaching themainspaceat theheartofHirith-Hreslain, thepictureof theunfoldingbattlewasclear.Theorksoccupiedthefewbuildingsleftstandingneartotheriver,ahordeofleeringfacesandmuzzleflaresatthewindows.Thewreckageofseveralvehiclesburnedonthebridge,andinthelightof the flamesa squadofFireDragonsand twogroupsofStrikingScorpionsbattledagainst theorkreinforcements.Thiriannawondered ifKorlandrilhadfallenyet,butcouldnotbringherself toseektheanswerintheskein,fearingtoseehisthreadcutshortlikethoseoftheorks.

TwoFalcongrav-tankspoundedthetallestoftheremainingtowerswithpulselaserandshurikencannonfirewhileothereldarforcesmovedfrombuildingtobuilding,avoidingthekillingfieldoftheopenplaza.Awildlycorkscrewingrocketeruptedfromoneoftheorklairs,fizzingacrossthesquarewithatrailofsparkstohitthecurvedprowofaFalcongrav-tank,ricochetingfromtheangledarmourbeforeexploding.Thethudofheavierweaponsdrownedoutthewhisperingofshurikensandzipoflasers.

Asizeablemoboforksappearedfromtheriverbanks,cladinheavierarmourthantheothers.Morerockets and heavy calibre shells flared from their weapons as Thirianna and Kelamith took shelterbehindtheravagedremainsofapoolandfountain.ThewarriorsfromtheShrineoftheGoldenStormbroketotheright,crossingthecrackedflagsoftheplazaasgunfireeruptedaroundthem.

ThiriannasawtwoDireAvengersfalltothefusilladebeforetheyreachedtheshelterofawall.SheglancedatKelamith,wonderingwhyhehadnotwarnedthem,butthefarseerwasintentonthenewlyarrivedorkspushingforwardsfromtheriver.

From a sidestreet emerged the Shining Spears, their laser lances cracklingwith energy. In twolines,thejetbikeriderscurvedaroundatoppledstatueofKurnoustheHunterandarrowedintotheheartof theork reinforcements.Laserblastsexplodedwithwhite light, smashingopenarmouranddisintegratingflesh.AxesandclawsgleamingwithpowerfieldswereswungbackattheswiftAspectWarriors,unseatingoneandsmashingthe jetbikeofanother.TheShiningSpearssweptpastoutofrangeandturnedsharply,theshurikencatapultsoftheirjetbikesspewingahailintotheorksthathadsurvivedthefirstcharge.Asthegreen-skinnedbrutesreturnedfireanotherjetbikeexploded,sendingtheridercrashingintotheburntremnantsofatree.TheShiningSpearsloweredtheirweaponsanddashed in again, sweeping away the last of the barbaric aliens in a bright ripple of laser lancedetonations.

Fuelledbybattle-lust,orperhapspossessingjustenoughforesighttorealisetheyweretrapped,theorks poured out of the buildings they had occupied in a haphazard counter-attack. Gunfire roaredfromtheruinedbuildingsandflashedacrosstheplaza.Theorkschargedingroupstowardstheeldar,theirbellowsandroarsturningtoshoutsandhowlsofpainaslas-fireandshurikensgreetedthem.

The Avatar strode towards the fray, spear keeningmadly. The war god’s incarnation hurled itsrune-etchedblade into theapproachingorks, theburning tipof theWailingDoomripping throughhalfadozenaliensinabloodyarcbeforereturningtotheAvatar’shand.HowlingBansheessprintedintothefray,theirmasksemittingpiercingshrieksthatcoursedalongthenervoussystemsoftheorks,stoppingthemmid-stride.Swordsgleamingwithbluepowerfieldsslicedeffortlesslythrougharmourandflesh,flashingandsweepinginsinuousarcs.

Following Kelamith as he advanced on the orks, bolts of energy leaping from his fingertips,Thiriannaskimmedacrossthesurfaceoftheskein,glimpsingthepossiblemovementsofherfoes.Ahalf-trackvehiclethathadeludedtheambushonthebridgeappearedinhervision,itsturretspewingflames. She glanced towards the alley from which it would emerge and saw that a squad of FireDragonswerealreadywaiting,alertedtotheattackbyKelamithoroneoftheotherfarseers.

No sooner did Thirianna glance in that direction than the crude ork vehicle burst out of thedarkness,fire lickingfromthemuzzleofitssmallturret.TheFireDragonsopenedfireasone,theirthermalgunsmeltingthroughthefueltankbeingtowedbehindtheorkishcontraption.Theexplosionfilledthenarrowstreetwithflameanddebris,coatingthewallsandroadwaywithpatchesofburningoil.

The orks were now desperately trying to break through the encircling eldar line, hurlingthemselves forwards despite their heavy casualties. At a mental nudge from Kelamith, Thiriannaheadedright,glimpsingapossiblebreakthroughamongstthemanyfuturesunfolding.DireAvengerspouredhailsofshurikensintotheorks.

Yetthealienspressedon,heedlessofthegrowingnumberofdeaths.Detonationseruptedamongsttheattackingaliens,scorescutdownbythemissilesoftheDarkReapersnowinpositionintheupperstoreysof thesurroundingbuildings.Still itwasnotenoughtohalt therecklessorkassaultandtheDireAvengerstookthebruntofthecharge,firingtheirweaponsuntilthelastpossiblemoment.

Theirexarchleapttothefore,aglimmeringshieldofenergyononearmdeflectingthefirstflurryofblows,powerswordslashingatlimbsandthroats.KelamithandThiriannaarrivedafewheartbeatslater, their psychic weapons shimmering with energy. Thirianna slashed the tip of her witchbladeacrosstheneckoftheclosestork,cuttingthroughitsspine.Sheside-steppedtheclumsylungeofanorkwithagrowlingchainswordandchoppedawayitslegasitstumbledpast,swiftlyfollowingwithathrustintoitsback,hersworderuptingfromitschestasitfell.

Thirianna’srunearmourflaredasbulletshammeredintoherfromtheleft.Shewincedattheshockof their impact, unhurt but startled by the unexpected storm of fire. There was simply too muchhappeningtopre-empteveryenemyaction.Kelamithcametoherassistance,castingaserpent-shapedruneintotheairabovetheorks.Awhirlingapparitionappearedoutofthenightsky,aburningsnakethatenvelopedahandfuloforksinflamingcoils.

Recoveringquickly,Thiriannarejoinedthefight,herwitchblademovingwithspeedandprecision,slicing and thrusting, despatching three orks in quick succession. Guided by her precognition, thewarlockevadedtheircounter-blows,swervingawayfromdanger,pickingtherightmomenttostrikeateveryinstant.

Darknessfellupontheskein,blindingThirianna’sothersight.Atorrentofbrutishragepummelled

her thoughts, crushing her mind. A wave of cataclysmic energy engulfed her, accompanied by apsychicroaringthatswampedallothersensation.

Mid-stride,Thiriannawashurledfromherfeetbyanexplosiveblast.Thedetonationechoedinhermind as much as it had hurt her body, a wall of pure psychic power unlike anything she hadexperienced.

While patches of light danced across her vision, Thirianna righted herself and saw an energy-wreathed ork beyond the scattered bodies of the Dire Avengers. Green crackles of power crawledacross its near-naked form and sparked fromwildlywide eyes. It held a copper staff in one hand,trailingcopperwiresthatjumpedandflutteredwithmorepsychicenergy.

Thiriannadelvedintotheskein,tryingtofindoutwhyshehadnotdetectedtheorkpsykerearlier.Shewas swamped again by a deluge of orkish brutality, like amentalwar shout that drowned outeverything else. Like a volcano erupting, the psychic orkwas a detonation of power, shredding theskeinwithitspresence,blottingouteverythingelse.

Theorkshamanhadabodyguardofhalfadozenwarriorswho laiddownacurtainof fire fromtheirautomaticweapons,sendingpoorly-aimedvolleysintothedisorientatedDireAvengers.Kelamiththrewoutablanketofdarkness,shroudingtheDireAvengersfromviewastheyleaptintothecoverofanearbyruin.

Ripplesofgreenenergypulsedfromtheshamanisticork,crackingthepavingtilesunderfoot.Thewaveshittheeldar,tossingthemfromtheirfeet,adeepweltopeningupinthegroundbeneaththem.

Thiriannaleaptnimblyoverthewideningcrack,runningintothedarknessprojectedbyKelamith.Thegleamofherwitchbladewasextinguishedandshecouldseenothingforamoment.Keepinginastraightline,shesprintedon,swordreadyfortheattack.Burstingfromthepsychiccloud,Thiriannafoundherself just a few strides from the closest of the shaman’sminders. Amoment later andherwitchbladehadtakenoffitshead,fierysparkspouringfromhersword.

AsThiriannaduckedbeneaththecracklingpowerclawofthenextork,fivefiguresappearedfromtheshadowsbehindtheorks.Cladinheavy,segmentedarmour,theirchainswordspurringquietly,theStriking Scorpions fell upon the unsuspecting orks. Their exarch wielded a long, two-handedchainswordwith which he cleaved down the spine of the shaman, splitting the alien’s body to thewaist.

Thepsyker’sbodyguardwerehackeddowninmoments,buttherewaslittletimetohesitate.TheorkshadbeenfunnelledtowardsasinglestreetbytherampagingAvatarandthemissilesoftheDarkReapers.Therewereonlyafewdozenleft,buttheirdesperationmadetheorksdangerous.

Above the bark of guns and the whine of shurikens, ear-splitting screeches split the night air.Monstrous winged shapes dropped down from the clouds, silhouetted against the setting moons.Blasts ofmulticoloured lasers stabbed into the orks as the Exodite dragon riders plunged into theattack.

Thiriannafeltasurgeofawewhenachorusofground-shakingbellowsreverberatedthroughthetownasmoreoftheExodites’war-beastsenteredthebattle.GiganticforcesofnatureharnessedbytheExodites, the immense reptiles thundered across the plaza towards the orks.With laser lances andfusionpikes,theExoditesclosed,determinedtoexactrevengeforthedestructionofthetownandthe

deathsoftheirkin.TothemArhathainhadgrantedthefinalactofdestruction,anopportunitytosettleabloodyscorewiththegreen-skinnedinvaders.

SomeoftheExoditesweremountedonbipedal,predatorylizardswithdaggerfangsandslashingclaws.Armedwithpistolsandblades,theExoditeknightsslashedintotheretreatingorks,strikingandwithdrawing continuously. Other eldar crewed heavier weapons in howdahs upon the backs ofgigantic reptiles. Pulses ofwhite fire and burning lasers strobed through the orks, cutting down ascoreinonesalvo.Thedragonssoaredabove,theirridersrainingdownmorelas-fireandshowersofplasmagrenades.

Against the furyof theExodites, theorksdidnot survive for long.Theywerecutdown in shortorder,thewoundedcrushedbeneaththefeetoftheadvancingbehemoths.

‘Thebattleiswon,’announcedKelamith.Thirianna looked around the square and saw the hundreds of dead orks and several dozen

woundedandslaineldar.Sheknewsheshouldbe sickenedby thesight, that thememorywouldbeenoughtodriveanyeldarmad,butherwar-maskshieldedherfromthesedarkthoughts,leavingthemonlyasanabstract,intellectualconsideration.

The warlock felt composed, recognising the scene from many like it witnessed on the skein.Thiriannawasrelieved;someoftheglimpsedvisionhadshowedfarmoreeldardead.Shedetachedherthoughtsfromtheskein,leftwithlingeringimagesoftheAlaitociiandExoditesscouringtheruinsforhiddenorksurvivors.

Thebattlewasindeedwon,butthekillingwasnotyetover.

Lost

TheWhiteGuardians–TheWarpSpidersTheskeinisnotabenignrealm,tobewanderedwithoutheedingitsdangers;perilsofaveryfatalkindawaittheunwary.Notonlythis,theskeinisopentomanipulation,andthereisnopowermoremutablethanthatoftheGreatPowersofthewarp.Indealingwithmattersassociatedwithsuchentities,theemploymentoftheWhiteGuardiansisessentialtokeeptheseersafefrombothphysicalharmandpsychicalmisdirection,as

theirnamesakesguardtheinfinitycircuitforsimilardangers.

A cloud had settled upon Thirianna’s spirit. Following the battle with the orks, she had returnedlabouringbeneathafeelingofguiltandshame;guiltofforeseeingKorlandril’s injuryandshameforallowingittohappen.Shecriedforacycleandhalf,swallowedbyfrustrationandtheburdenofwhatshehadseen.Thelimitationofherpowerwasveryevident.WithoutKelamithtoguideher,Thiriannacouldnotfindoutwhatlayinwaitforherfriend,andshedidnotknowwhetherhewouldliveordie.

Somethingmoretenebrousalsonaggedathersubconscious.Itwasnotthemiseryofdeathorthebloodlust of battle; these things she had experienced before and her war-mask protected her fromthem.Shecoulddimlyrecallbeingoverwhelmedbytheshamanicpoweroftheorks,sweptawaybyitselementalforce.Likearockcaughtinanavalanche,shehadbeentumbledacrosstheskein,unabletofindpurchase,whileKelamithhadremainedunaffected.

ShehadseennothingofthefarseerinthefivecyclessincetheyhadarrivedbackonAlaitoc,andknewbetterthantoseekoutKelamith.Ifhewasnottobeencountereditwasofhischoosing.

Left toherthoughtsandworries,Thiriannafeltastirringof jealousyforthefarseer.Hispowerswereprodigious, in realityaswell asupon theskein.Therewere fewplaceshewouldnotventure–placeshehadforbiddenhisapprenticetoenter–andThiriannawassurethatthereweresecretsoutontheskeinthatshecoulduncover.Glimpsingtheshort,obviousintentofanattackingorkwasonematter;discerningtheinterweavingwebofmotionandactionofagroupwassomethingbeyondher.Thiriannaneededtoknowhowtolookfurtheranddeeperintodestiny,andchafedathavingtowaitforKelamithtoleadherbackintotheinfinitycircuit.

Atdawn-light on the sixth cycle since comingback to the craftworld, Thiriannadecided to takematters into her own hands. She rose early from her bed, ate a light breakfast and headed to theChambersof theSeersbyherself. She easily found thenode employedbyKelamithand startedherpreparationstoimmerseherselfintotheinfinitycircuit.

Before completing themantra, Thirianna paused, her hand hovering above the warm, invitingcurve of the node. Kelamith had explained nothing of the mores and taboos about the skein andThiriannafeltapangofguilt,wonderingifshewasabouttocommitatransgressionofseertradition.WasitdisrespectfultoproceedwithouttheauthorityofKelamith?Wouldshebebringingdisordertotheworkoftheotherseersbyhersolointrusion?

Thiriannadismissedherconcerns;Kelamithhadmadenoedictorbanonherusing the infinitycircuitbyherself,andevenforonewhosecommunicationwasasesotericasKelamithsheconcludedthathewouldhavemadeanysuchprohibitionplain.

Sheplacedherhandontothenodeandstartedthemantraanew,peelingoffthelayersofphysicalform, ego and consciousness, allowing her unfettered mind to slip into the realm of dreams andfutures.

Toacclimatiseherself,Thiriannaheaded first to someofher familiarhaunts, allowingherself tobebornealongbythepulsingenergiesoftheinfinitycircuit.She loiteredaroundtheEyeofAetheniar,dancingonthestarlightthatpouredintotheobservatory,becomingonewiththewavesandparticlesthatfelluponthebanksofsensorsandlenses.

HermoodlightenedandshemovedherpresenceacrossAlaitoc,spanningadistanceinaninstantthat would take the best part of a cycle to travel by conventional means. She swam through thecrystallinethreadsbeneaththeDomeofHauntingWhispers,catchingsnatchesofpoetryandlecturesfrom theearly cycleoratorsperformingbefore crowdsonly they imagined.Thiriannaboredquicklythough,havingspenttooofteninthisplaceinherbody,andskimmedalongthecraftworld’sconduitstowardsthedockingspires.

Evennowshecouldstillfeeltheafter-presenceofAradryan,alightechoofhispartingetchedonthefabricoftheinfinitycircuit.Shedelvedintothetransmissionsandarchives,seekinganynewsofwhereherfriend’sshiphadgoneafterthebattlewiththeorks.Therewasnothing,anemptinessleftbythedesireoftherangerstotravelunheralded.

Saddenedbythis,ThiriannawasabouttoheadtotheDomeofCrystalSeerswhenshefeltaripplethrough the infinity circuit. It was the gate astern of Alaitoc dilating, sending a shivering pulse ofenergythroughthecraftworldasashipemergedfromthenear-warpofthewebway.

Thiriannabobbedontherippleforamoment,enjoyingthesensationofdistantstarsseenandfar-flung planets visited thatwas borne to Alaitoc in the starship’swake. As thewebway closed again,Thiriannanoticedsomethingshehadnotseenbefore.Kelamithhadwarnedhernottostraytooclosetotheportal,forreasonshehadnotdisclosed,butThiriannanowfeltherselfdrawninthatdirection.Curiosity,helpedalongbynosmallmeasureofpettydefiance,urgedhertohaveacloserlook.

Shewastakenabackbywhatshediscovered,thoughwhenshehadthoughtaboutitforamomentsherealiseditshouldnothavebeenasurprise.

The infinitycircuitdidnotstopat thewebwayportal,butcontinuedalong insubstantial threadswovenintotheenergyofthewebwayitself.Freedfromcrystalconduitandpsychiclattice,theinfinitycircuitbecameahazyfluctuationofenergythatdispersedintothefabricofthewebwaytunnels.

Itmadesense,Thiriannadecided.Thoughinmanywaysthewebwaywasaphysicalthing,atunnelthatdelvedbetweenthewarpandthematerialuniverse,itwasjustasmuchapsychicconstruct.Itwasfixed in places, but for themost partwas a shifting, ephemeral thing, its gates linking the distant,movingcraftworldstogether.

Shehadnotconsideredsuchathingbefore,ortheimplicationofit.Thewebwaywasmorethanjustameansoftravel, itwastheinterstellar linkbetweenthesurvivingcraftworlds,poweredbyandpoweringtheminequalmeasure.

Edgingcloser,a littlefearfulofthepowersustainingthewebway,Thiriannasawthatthereweresmaller portals, extending fromother parts of the craftworld. In theory she had known about suchthings;tobepartofthemwasadifferentexperienceentirely.ManyoftheolderAspecttempleshadsmallwebwaydoors; therewere likewiseothersthat ledtotheChamberoftheAutarchs; theprivateresidencesofAlaitoc’s oldest familieshadopenings erected in the timesbefore theFall.Manywerelittlemorethanvestigialpassages,cutoffanddefunct,theirpurposenowforgottenorunnecessary.Somewerestillactivebutlocked,barredbypsychicshieldsandrune-forgedbarriers.Sheveeredawayfromthese,knowingthattheyhadbeenclosedforgoodreason.LiketheMirrorofNandriellein,theyweretaintedforever,doomedtobetrayanythatusedthem.

Thirianna hesitantly moved into that part of the infinity circuit that was not physicallyencompassed within Alaitoc. The transition was seamless, from the partly physical to the purelypsychic. As she neared the webway portal, the vagueness of the threads ahead resolved intomoredistinctpathways.Emboldenedbythisdiscovery,Thiriannaventuredfurther.

Therewas a briefmoment of dispersion as shemoved into the fabric of thewebway itself. Shestopped,suddenlyawareofhowfarshewasfromherbody.Thethoughtofherphysicalselfinterferedwithherclarityofthoughtandforaninstantshestruggledtoretainhercollectivepresence,fightingagainstapullthatthreatenedtodragherbacktohermortalshell.

Repeating the last verse of the mantra she had learnt, she stabilised her presence, reassuringherselfthatintheworldoftheskein,distancewasasmeaninglessastime.Shouldsheget lostorintrouble,Thiriannawasconfidentthatshecoulddetachherselffromtheinfinitycircuitandwouldbebroughtbacktoherbodywithouteffort.

Forawhileshelingeredclosetothewebwayportal.Therewasacoldnessherethatseepedthroughher spirit. She realised that she was alone, though the presence of other seers flickered pastoccasionallyastheymadetheirownforaysacrosstheinterstellardistancesbetweencraftworlds.

Shefeltatremoroflifeastheportalopenedandashippassedintothewebway,bringingitsownminiature version of the infinity circuit. Spirit stones at the heart of the starship sent out psychictendrils,theirfeatherytouchonthewebwaymovingthroughThiriannaastheshipacceleratedawayfromAlaitoctowardsitsunknowndestination.Thecrystallinematrixwithintheshipdrewenergyandinformation from the structure of thewebway, becomingpart of its psychic constructionwhilst itsphysicalformremaineddistinct.

Thirianna suppressed an urge to take hold of one of the psychic tendrils and slide aboard thedepartingvessel.Thatwouldbetoomuchofarisk,andshewascontenttowanderbyherself,gloryingintheever-wideningbranchesoftheinfinitycircuitasittraversedthegalaxy.

Therewasnosenseoftimeinthisplace,butThiriannaknewthatshehadbeeninsidetheinfinitycircuit for quite a while. In comparison to her earlier travels, this journey was by far the longest.Undeterred,sheallowedherselftodriftawayfromAlaitoc,followingtheafter-echoesoftheshipthathadleft,buffetedgentlybyitspsychicwake.

Thewebway splitnot far from theAlaitocportal, becoming several large shafts andmanymoresmallerones.Withametaphoricallastglancebackattheportal,Thiriannachoseoneatrandomandswoopedalongit,breakingfreefromherworriesasshebrokefreefromthepsychicwellofherhome.

Hereitwastrulylifeless.Thecoldnessofthevoidbetweenstarspermeatedthewebway’swalls,dissipatingitsenergies.As

Thiriannamoved on, she encountered patches of resistance, areas of thinness in the fabric of thewebwaywherethephysicaluniversewastryingtoencroachupontheframedspacecreatedbetweenrealities.

Thereweresignsofdamage,orperhapspoormaintenance.Shedidnotseethem,shehadnoeyestospeakof,butbecameawareofthefrailtyoftheinfinitycircuitalongcertainstretches.

EverythinghadbeensilentandblissfulaftertherelativemetropolisofthedeadthatwasAlaitoc’scircuitry.Nowcameadistantwhispering.

Fear gripped Thirianna as she realised how far she had come and how foolish she had been toventure here without protection or escort. She felt alone and tiny, a mote of existence suspendedbetweenlifeanddeathbyafragilethreadofancientengineering.

As thewhisperinggrew louder, coming closer, Thiriannamoved away from it, frightenedby itspresence.Itwasnotjustthematerialworldthatcouldbreakintothewebway;thewarpalsoexerteditsownpressures on the structure, andwhere itwas breached, the denizens of that immaterial realmcouldenter.

Thirianna stopped her retreat, aware that she could not discernwhether she wasmoving backtowardsAlaitocorfurtherfromit.

Shehadventuredfarenoughanditwastimetoreturn,Thiriannadecided.Theseerlethergriponthepsychicmatrixloosen,expectingtobedrawnbacktoherbody.

Nothinghappened.Shetriedagain,thinkingofherbody,ofthephysicalAlaitoc,ofthesingularityofMindandBeing

andForm.Stillshewasboundwithinthetwiningenergiesofthewebwayandthehauntingwhisperswerenowalmostuponher,chillingherspiritwiththeirpresence.

Thinking that perhaps she could broaden the vista of her interaction and find the way back,Thiriannaallowedherpresencetodissolve,spreadingalongtheskeinineverydirection.Shethoughtshe saw a glimmer of heat, of life, of energy that could be Alaitoc. Yet at the same time, her spirittoucheduponsomethingutterlyalienandutterlyrepellent.

Disembodied,Thiriannacouldnotscream.Herflareofdespairanddreadcausedarippleacrosstheskeinasshedrewherselfbacktoasinglepointofconsciousness.Thewaveoffearseemedtoechoforever, betraying her presence to every sentience in the vicinity. Thirianna was aware of beingdiscovered, of being exposed to anypassingpredatory thing. She tried tomakeherself invisible, toblend with the fabric of the webway, but her fear caused convolutions to pulse across the infinity

circuit,spasmingitsstructureassobsmightwrackherphysicalformoratwitchingflymightalertawaitingspider.

Likeanoosetighteningaroundher,thethingsthathuntedThiriannaclosedin.Ifshestayedwhereshewas,shewouldbetrappedandhelpless.Musteringallofhercourage,Thiriannasummonedupasmuchwillpower as she could find. She became a sparklingmote of energy in thewebway and in amomentshehadfled,flashingacrosstheinfinitycircuit,turningleftandright,headingupanddown,turningaroundandabout,heedlessofthedirectionas longasitwasawayfromthethingsthathadstalkedher.

Stopping, Thirianna knew that she was truly lost now. There was not the faintest glimmer ofAlaitoc’swarmpresence.

There was something else though, bending the skein with its weight, distorting the webway.Thiriannacouldnotsenseitdirectly;whateveritwashadamaskingfieldaroundit,shieldingitfromdetection.Itwasonlybyitseffectonthenearbystrandsofthewebwaythatitcouldbelocated,likeaglasslensthatcanonlybeseenbecauseofthelightpassingthroughit.

Thirianna had a suspicion that she knew what it was: a reality pocket. A piece of thematerialuniversehadbeenwrappedupinthefabricofthewebway,hiddenfromboththemortalandimmortalrealms.Thereweremanyreasonsforsuchpocketstoexist,andmostofthesewebwaysanctuariespre-dated the Fall. Given her recent experiences, Thirianna was reluctant to investigate further, butnecessityoutweighedcaution;shehadtofindsomemeansofgettingbacktoAlaitocandthebubbleworldmightcontainsomeonethatcouldhelp.

Thiriannamovedtowardstherealitypocket,probinggentlyatitsborders.Itdidstrangethingstohersenseofself, likeaconvexorconcavemirrorbendingher image;shefeltherselfsimultaneouslystretchedthinandyetterriblyheavy.

Pushingpastthediscomfort,Thiriannaslidintothepocketworld.Amomentlatershesawthatshehadmadeaterriblemistake.

Aspireofdarkmaterialspearedupfromarockyfoundation,extrudedfromtheinnersurfaceofthe webway duct. At first Thirianna had no comprehension of scale; she was a fragment ofconsciousnesswithnoformtojudgehersurroundings.Assheobservedtheblacktower,sherealisedthatitwasenormous,andthattheflecksofdarknessspirallingarounditssummitwereinfacteldarwithwingedflightpacks.

Everythingmovedwith such slowness here, compared to the thought-quick interactions of theunfetteredinfinitycircuit.Draggingherselfaroundtheedgeoftherealitypocket,catchingaglimpseofaminiaturedarkbluestarabovethetower,Thiriannasawthreelongwalkwaysextendingfromonesideofthetower.Thepairofstarshipsdockedattwoofthemrevealedtheirfunctionasquays,buttheshipswerelikenothingThiriannahadseencomingorgoingfromAlaitoc.

Theywereundoubtedlywarships:weaponsblistersextendedthelengthoftheirhulls.Theirlateen-likesolarsailswererakedheavilyback,twolargeandonesmall,andtheprowofeachvesselhadaram-likeextensionthatglitteredwithanenergyfield.

The webway encompassed the world of the tower but did not penetrate it. The threads of theinfinitycircuitsurroundedthebubblebutmadenoinroadstowardsthetoweritself.Thiriannacould

seesmallfiguresofeldarwalkingalonggantriesandthedocks,butshehadnomeansofapproachingcloser.

Whensherealisedwhattheeldaronthedocksideweredoing,shedecidedthatitwasforthebestthatshecouldnotcomeanycloser.

Theeldar,garbedinhighlystylised,barbaricclothing,bearingwhipsandscourges,wereleadingaseethingmassofaliensfromtheirshiptoayawninggateinthesideofthetower.Astheportalopened,thesoundofshrieksandmoansfilledtheair.Thiriannafeltwaveafterwaveoftormentroilingaroundtherealitybubble;agonyunendingpouredlikeafloodfromthegateofthetower.

Turningherattentiontothenewestarrivals,Thiriannarecognisedhumans,severaldozenofthem,amongst the miserable throng. The other creatures, some hairy, some scaled, some squat andmisshapen, othersuprightwith twoarmsand legs like eldar,werenot known toher.Theywere allbound in energy cuffs, glowing bands of red around their ankles andnecks. She couldnot see anymoredetail,andforthatshewasgrateful.

Thiriannafeltherselfbeingrippedapartasaportalappearedinthefabricofthepocket, tearingfromthewebwayintothecompressedregionofreality.Anothershipappearedthroughthegate,anarmedsloopsmallerthanthetwoothervessels.Itsblackandredhullglistenedlikethescalesofafishasitbankedtowardsthehighestofthedocks.

ThepiratelaircouldnotprovidetheinformationThiriannarequiredandtobeherewasdangerousintheextreme.Sheextricatedherselffromtherealitypocketwithanothermind-churningsensation,leavingtheraiderstotheirdespicablelives.

Nowthatherpanichadsubsided,Thiriannawasabletotakebetterstockofhersituation.Shewaslostinthewebway,somedistancefromAlaitoc.Thebestwaytolocatethecraftworldwouldbeaboardaship,andherbestchanceoffindingashipwouldbetolocateoneofthelargerarterialroutes.Shecouldsensethatthewebwayaroundherwasatangledmessofsmallerpassagesandtunnels,causedinnosmallpartbythedistortionofthepirates’sanctuary.Shewouldbelostinhereforeverifshetriedtogetpastthelair,sosheturnedback,hernervousnessreturningassheconsideredthefactthatshewasmovingbacktowardstheplacewherewhisperingcreatureshadcomeforher.

Amoment or an eternity passed, it was impossible to tell which. Thiriannawas sure that she washeadingintherightdirection.Thewebwayseemedtobewidening,butThiriannacouldnotshakethenagging feeling that the further shemoved, thegreater thedistancewasgrowingbetweenher andAlaitoc.

Hermoodflittedthroughvariousphases:frustration,fear,hope,anxiety,andbacktofrustration.The infinity circuit responded toherpresence,her stateofmind, echoingbackher inner thoughts,reflectinghersuddenmomentsofexcitementanddread.

AftersometimeThiriannarealisedagainthatshewasnotalone.Thistimeshetriedherhardesttomaster her fear, balling it up deep inside her, not allowing it to disturb the skein of the webway.Things,formlessthingsofdeadeyesanddaggerfangsandeternalhunger,flittedpasther.

Theirtouchwasfreezing,butThiriannadidnotrespond.Shewasapatchofenergyinthewebway,

anaberrationnotprey,nothingofinteresttothemindlesshunters.The predators circled slowly, nudging at the fabric of thewebway fromwithout, trying to push

theirwayin.Thiriannamovedslowlyaway,soslowlyitwasalmostimperceptibleincomparisontothelightning-fastspeedsshehadtravelledbefore.

Nowandthenshestopped,sensingthehunterscomingcloseragain,theirinterestpiquedbythisfuzzy patch of warmth and life. Thirianna tried not to panic, tried hard to dim her thoughts, tosuppressmemoriesofhomeand friends,givingnothing for thepredators to seizeupon.Shewasamoteofexistence,apartoftheuniverse,andnothingmore.

Heat suffused the infinity circuit. It grew gradually, like dawn breaking. From its warmth thehuntersturnedtailandfled.

RelieffloodedthroughThirianna.Shewassurethewarmthwassomethinggood.Asitcreptacrosstheskein,itfilledherwithhope.Itwaslikethecaressofalover,gentleandrelaxing,coaxingherintosleep.Itwastheembraceofamother,swaddledinsoftcloth,gentlyrockingintosomnolence.

Violetsurflappedatthepalebluesand,thewarmwatertouchingThirianna’stoes.Above,abrightorbof silver illuminated the scene, casting soft shadows across the rippled beach. A figure approachedfromThirianna’srightstillsomedistanceaway.Shesmiled,recognisingthegaitofAradryan.Hewasdressedinaloose-fittingrobeofwhiteandgrey,andheldahandtohisbrowtoshieldhiseyes,whichglitteredinthesilverylight.

Thiriannastoodup,reachingoutahandinwelcome.Asherfriendcameclosersherealisedshehadmadeamistake.ItwasnotAradryanthatapproached,butKorlandril.Thesculptor’sfacewasmaskedby his hair, tousled across his features by the gentle breeze. He was smiling, eyes alight withamusement.

‘Thisisaniceplace,’saidKorlandril,stoppingbesideThirianna.Helookedoutacrosstheglitteringwater.‘Itwasniceofyoutoinviteme.’

‘I thoughtwe should spenda little time together,’ saidThirianna, though in truth she couldnotrecallanyagreementtomeetherfriend.‘Wehavetotalk.’

‘Wecanspendmorethanalittletime,’Korlandrilsaid,smilinglopsidedly.HereachedoutahandandstrokedThirianna’sarm.Histouchsethernervesalight,sendingashiverofpleasurethroughherbody.‘Wecanstayhereaslongaswewant.’

‘I’mnotsure,’saidThirianna.Shewantedtopullawayherarm,butKorlandrilgentlygrippedherwristandtuggedhercloser.Hisdarkeyesboredintohers,fullofpassion.

‘Imadesomethingforyou,’hesaid,producingafinegoldenbraceletfromhisrobe.HehelditoutforThiriannatoslipherhandinto.

Shehesitated.‘Whendidyoustartmakingjewellery?’sheasked.‘Ithoughtportraiturewasyourspeciality.’‘Letus seewhat it looks likeonyourarm,’ saidKorlandril, ignoring thequestion.Hepulledher

handcloser.‘Justputitonandwecansee.’‘Youhavenevergivenmeagiftbefore,’saidThirianna,disturbedbyKorlandril’sinsistentmanner.

‘You have never declared your love for me before,’ replied her friend. He moved the bracelettowardsThirianna’sfingersbutshesnatchedawayherhand.

‘Thisisnotright,’shesaid.Thiriannalookedaround,notrecognisingwhereshewas.TherewerefewpartsofAlaitocshehadnotvisited, inpersonor inspirit,andhersurroundingsfeltunfamiliar.Thethoughtspurredamemory.

‘Youstoppedbeingasculptor,’saidThirianna,takingastepbackfromKorlandril. ‘Youbecameawarrior.’

‘Icouldnotbear tobeawayfromyou,’ saidKorlandril,pacingforwardstostaybesideher. ‘Yourlovehasconqueredmyhate.Whynotjustacceptmygiftforwhatitis?Putitonandwewillsithereandtalk.Wehaveasmuchtimeaswewant,nobodywilldisturbus.’

‘No,’ saidThirianna,shakingherhead.She trieddesperately torecallhowshehadcomeback toAlaitoc.Shecouldnot.Thelastthingsheremembered…

‘Thisisnotreal,’Thiriannasaid,backingawayfromKorlandril. ‘Iwasstuckinthewebway.Istillam,aren’tI?Whatareyou?’

‘Iamyourfriend,’saidKorlandril.‘YouknowwhoIam.Putonthebraceletandtogetherwewillgohome.Iknowtheway.’

‘You are not Korlandril.’ Thirianna felt panic rising in her breast. She did not know what theapparitionwas,butitwascertainlynotherfriend.

Korlandril looked genuinely hurt, his brow furrowing with disappointment. Clouds gatheredquickly overhead, obscuring the silver sun, swathing the beach in gloom. The figure of Korlandrilpursedhislipsandgentlyshookhishead.

‘Whydidyouhavetospoilthisbeautifultimetogether?’heasked.‘Ithoughtyouwantedtobewithme?Isthatnotwhatyoudesire?’

‘You are not Korlandril,’ Thirianna said again. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that thebeachstretchedawaytothehorizonineverydirection.ThethingpretendingtobeKorlandrilgrabbedherwristagainandheldupthebracelet.

‘Putiton,’heinsisted.ThiriannasplayedherfingersasKorlandriltriedtoforcethebandoverherhand.Hesnarledandtwistedherarm,forcinghertoherknees.‘PutitonorIwillgetangry!’

The clouds had become very dark now and the sea was heaving, flecked with foam, the wavescrashingnoisilyagainstjuttingcrystalshardsthathadthrustupfromthesandyshore.

‘Leavemealone!’shriekedThirianna,squirminginthegraspoftheimposter.‘Wewillbetogetherforeternity,justasyoudesire,’saidKorlandril. ‘Itiswhatyouwantaboveall

otherthings.’‘Itisnot,’saidThirianna,fallingstill.‘Idonotloveyou.’‘Everybodylovesme,’saidtheapparition.‘Donotlie.Donotresistyourownheart’sdesire.’Thirianna kicked out at the creature’s leg, ripping free her hand as it stumbled. The sand had

becomebeadsofblackglass,shiftingunderfootasThiriannatriedtogettoherfeet.Thewaveswereblacktoo,andtheskyamenacingpurpleandred.

‘Youcannotleaveme,’KorlandrilshoutedafterherasThiriannaturnedandran.Shehadtakenonlyafewpacesbeforeshestopped,theapparitionappearinginfrontofher.

‘It is better that you choose to spend eternity with me,’ it said. ‘I canmake your existence anunending pleasure. Loveme as I love you and youwill never know fear or anger or sadness again.Acceptourloveforwhatitis,bindingandforever.’

The thing took a step closer, hand held out, but stopped and glanced up at the sky. Thiriannalookedtothecloudsaswellandsawthattheywereparting.Itlookedlikesnowwasfalling,thoughthecloudswere shredding above, turning to thinwisps of grey. Thewhite shower fluttered closer andcloser.

‘No!’snarledKorlandril.‘Leaveusinpeace!’As the flickering downfall ofwhite came closer, Thirianna could see beyond that theworldwas

meltingaway.Theskyhadbecomingthewhirlingmiasmaofthewebway,thesealikewisedissipatingintotattersofcolour.

Therewasnotjustoneofthecreatures,thereweredozens.Theywereallpossessedofhalf-male,half-female bodies, with a single breast each, and huge, glittering, entrancing eyes. Thirianna wassurroundedby them, as the daemons stalked forwards on bird-like legs and taloned feet. They hadlongclawsforhands,whichsnickeredandsnappedinastaccatorhythmastheyclosedin.Theclosestheldagoldenmanacleandchain,andlungedforThirianna,butshedodgedasidetoevadeitsclackinggrasp.

Thiriannarecognisedthemimmediatelyandwasterrified.Theywerelesserdaemons,servantsofSheWhoThirsts,embodimentsoftheGreatEnemy.

Shetriedtofleebutwassurrounded.Thedaemonettespausedandlookedaround,themselvesfrightenedinturn.Trailingcrystallinethreads,thewarpspidersdescendeduponthewebway,tensofthousandsofthe

tinycreatures.Inapalewavetheysweptoverthedaemons,minisculemandiblesbitingdeep,coveringthecreaturesfromclawedfeettocrestedscalps.Thedaemonsfoughtback,slashingwiththeirclaws,rakinggreatfurrowsinthemassofthewhiteguardians.

Morefiguresappearedfromthegloom,shiningwhitesilhouettesbearingswordsandspears.Asblazesofpurelighttheystruckintothedaemons,shatteringthem,leavingblossomsoffadingsparksastheycutandslashedattheimmaterialcreatures.

Thiriannafeltthelightfoldingaroundher,formingacocoonofenergy,gentleyetstrong.Thelightinfused her, seeping through her spirit, transforming her into pure energy. She felt the touch ofanotherpresenceuponherthoughts,wordlessyetreassuring.

Sheallowedthelighttoliftherandinmomentsshewasaway,flashingacrossthewebway,leavingthebattlingapparitionsfarbehind.

Withagasp,Thiriannaopenedhereyes.Sheswayedforamomentandthencollapsed,herhandfallingfromtheinfinitycircuitnode.

Shedidnotloseconsciousness,butfeltweakanddizzy,hervisionswimming.Itwasnotherbody

thatailedbuthermind.Imagesfromherexperienceflashedthroughherthoughts,disorientatingherfurther.Shestruggledtocomposeherselfandbetweenthevisionshalf-glimpsedaringofothereldararoundher,fiveinall.

She recognised Kelamith, his face contorted in a fierce scowl of concentration. His fingerstwitchedathissides,whileseveralrunesspunaroundhim,whirlingaboutoneccentricorbits.

InafewmomentsthenauseapassedandThiriannawasabletositbackagainstthecurveofthewall, catching her breath. She shuddered at the recollection of what happened and her waystoneburnedbrightuponherbreast,glowingblue,hottothetouch.

She had been so foolish, so naive. What had she been thinking, to dare the webway alone,inexperiencedandhelpless?Shestartedtosob,realisinghowcloseshehadcometobeingtrappedbySheWhoThirsts.Shehadriskednotjustdeath,butaneternityoftormentdevouredbythecreationoftheeldar’sownhedonisticpast.

Stillshuddering,sheflinchedasahandtouchedhershoulder.Lookingup,shesawKelamith.Sheexpectedarebuke,buthisfacewaskindly,hislipscurvedinthe

slightestofsmiles.Takinghishand,Thiriannaallowedherselftobehelpedtoherfeet.‘Iamsorry,’shesaid,buryingherfaceintheclothofhisrobe,moretearsflowing.‘ItisIthatamsorry,child,’saidKelamith,holdingahandtothebackofherhead. ‘Ishouldhave

beenmorewatchful.’Thiriannapulledbackandlookedatthefarseer.‘Iputallofusindanger,’shesaid.‘Whatifthose…thingshadtakenme,turnedmetotheircause?’‘Theydidnot,’saidKelamith,pattingherhand.‘Thatisacredittoyou.Youarestrongerthanyou

think; not every person can resist theirwiles. Yet I apologise again, for I had seen that youwouldventureforthonyourown.Ididso,whenIfirststarted,andIthoughtitwouldbegoodforyoutofindyourownway.Ididnotseehowmuchperilawaitedyou,andIshouldhavedone.’

‘YouknewIwouldgetlost?’saidThirianna.‘Youallowedmetowanderfree,knowingwhatitmighthaveledto?’

‘Heedthiswarning,’saidKelamith,nowwithasternexpression.‘Ofthemanypossibleoutcomes,only this one put you at risk. I judged it worthwhile to let you have your own time, thinking thechancesofdisasterwereremote.Yetnomatterhowunlikelyanoutcomemightbeinregardstoallofthe others, while it remains possible itmust be considered. Had I known for sure that this wouldhappen, Iwouldhave intervened.As it is, I didnot think youpowerful enough to travel so far andbecomesoembroiledintheeternalmatrix.’

‘Theeternalmatrix?’saidThirianna.Shehadnotheardthephrasebefore.‘It is therealmthatbindstogetherthe infinitycircuitsofall thecraftworlds,partof thewebway

andpartofsomethingelse,’explainedKelamith.‘Itisasclosetotheunboundskeinasanyartificeofourscanbe,madeoftherawstuffoftheether.Anovicesuchasyourselfcannotusuallytravelfaruponit.’

‘Andwhatwillyoudonow?’saidThirianna,castinghergazeatthemarble-likefloor. ‘IsupposeIhaveprovenmyselfveryshort-sighted.Iwillunderstandifyoudonotwishtobemyteacheranymore.’

‘I think that more than ever I wish to be your teacher, child,’ said Kelamith. ‘You show great

potential,notjustofpsychicpower,butofcuriosity,resolveandself-belief.Thesearevitalattributesifyouaretoreachthefullextentofaseer’sabilities.Iwouldbemoreworriedifyouhadnotexploredonyourown.’

Thiriannalookedaroundandsawtheotherseersnoddinginagreement.‘Returntoyourchambers.Youhavehadanordealthatwouldtestthegreatestofus,’saidKelamith.

‘Thinkonwhathashappenedtoyou,andwiththenextcyclecometomeagainandwewillcontinuewithyourtraining.’

Reunion

TheTwinBirds–HawkandFalconAllrunesworkinconjunctionwitheachother,butthereareseveralpairingandsiblingrunesthatcanonlyfacilitateatruereadingtogether.ThemostprominentofthesearetheTwinBirds,formedasoneanddividedonlyupontheskein.Inmanycasesthetwofatesofdifferentindividualsmaybedeeplyentwined,seemingasone;insuchcircumstancetheHawkandFalconareabletodiscernpointsofdigression,eachfollowingits

ownpathtohighlightpossibledividesandmomentsofreunion.

Afterherdramaticfirstforayintotheeternalmatrix,ThiriannawascontenttoroamthemoreorderlyconfinesofAlaitoc’s infinitycircuit.Areaspreviouslyseenasstaidandsafewerenowsanctuariesofstability for the seer, refuges she attended constantly tomaintainher sense of self and adegree ofmentalbalance.

SheprogressedwellunderthetutelageofKelamith,usingtheinfinitycircuittoopenupthevistasofthewiderskeinwithgreatercontrolandfocus.Herwanderingsbecamemoreconcentrated,thoughshelackedthetrueabilityoffreenavigationandfrequentlyrequiredtheguidingspiritofKelamithtoshowhertheway.

ForsomeconsiderabletimethiscontinuedandThiriannahonedherpowerseverycycle,growingagaininconfidence,thedarkmemoriesofhernear-capturebythedaemonsreceding.

Afterher latestsession in the infinitycircuit,ThiriannawasnotdismissedbyKelamith. Insteadthefarseerinvitedhertowalkwithhiminthegardensoutsideherresidence.

They talked about the lessons learnt and Thirianna’s hopes for the coming cycles, but it wasobviousthatsomethingelsewasonthefarseer’smind.Thepairofthemstoppedattheheightofanarcingwhitebridgeoverashallowravine,theshadowsofthedome’stowerslongacrossthehillsandscatteredwoodlands.

‘Youhavecomealongwaytomasteringyourpsychicsense,’saidthefarseer,handsclaspedbehindhisback.Thiriannaleantontherailandglanceddownatthethinrivuletofwaterpassingunderthebridge.

‘IfeelasifIhaveonlysteppedintotheshallows,’saidThirianna.‘Theseaofknowledgeextendsfarfurtherthanwehavetravelledalready.’

‘Thatistrue,anditiswhywemustnowventurefurtherfromtheshore,’saidKelamith.‘Untilnow,youhaveactedasyourownanchor.Asyouexperiencedinyourtimeupontheeternalmatrix,thereare

limitstoourpowerwhileconfinedbyourbodilyconduit.Toseefurther,towadefurtherintotheseaofknowledge,wemustlaybeforeusbeaconstofollow.Inthiswaywecanfollowtheirdirectionfaroutintothefuture,butbeassuredofthedirectionhome.’

Thefarseerbroughtfortharunefromhisbelt,nolargerthanthetipofhisthumb.Itwasmadeofdark blue wraithbone, gleaming slightly with its own power. The rune spun lazily at the end ofKelamith’sextendedfinger.

‘Therunesareourbeacons,oursteppingstones into thedistance,’hecontinued. ‘Untilnowyouhaveusedyourmindandbodytochannelthepoweroftheskein,andtherearelimitstowhatwecanwithstand.Therunesprovidenewavenuesofexploration.Ifyouthinkofthebarriersbetweenrealityandthefutureasawall, therunesopennewgatesforustopassthrough.Eachhas itsownspecificpurpose,openingupnewvistasbeyondthatwallandguidingourmindsto theirdestinations.Theyalsoactasavalve,ensuringthatthepowerwetapintodoesnotovercomeus,shieldingourthoughtsfromSheWhoThirsts.’

Thirianna shiveredat thementionof the eldar’sdarkest foeandalmost lost themeaningof thefarseer’swords.ShepushedasidetherisingmemoriesofthewebwaytoconcentrateonwhatKelamithhadsaid.

‘Eachruneincreasesourpower,’saidThirianna.‘Inaway,’repliedKelamith. ‘Inthemselvestheycontainnopower,buttheyenableustochannel

more psychic energy. It is a balance. To control a number of runes requires considerable mentaldexterityandfocus.Atfirst,webeginwithasinglerune.’

‘Youthinkitistimeformetolearnrunecraft?’saidThirianna,excitedbytheprospect.‘Certainlyitis,child,’saidKelamith.‘Eachruneisauniquething,bondedtoitsseer,anextension

oftheirForm.Whenyoucometomenextcycle,Iwilltakeyoutohaveyourfirstrunefashioned.’‘Whichshallitbe?’Thiriannaasked.Therewereseveralhundredthatsheknewofnow,eachwith

itsownbenefitsandchallenges,abilitiesandtraps.‘We all begin with the same,’ said Kelamith. ‘The rune of Self. Our personal rune. It is our

incarnationupontheskeinandnorunecraftispossiblewithoutit.’TheyarrangedtomeetinthefollowingcycleandKelamithdeparted,leavingThiriannatothinkon

this next stage of her development. The possibilities intrigued her and the idea of taking thisimportantstepgaveherasenseofachievementshehadnotfeltsincebecomingaseer.Theimageoftheruneoftheseerandtheruneofherselfwereasoneinhermind,inseparable,onethesymboloftheother.Itwasasignofherprogressthatshewasabouttoembodythatimagesheheldinhermind,andshereturnedtoherchambersfullofanticipation.

‘Isthisatrick?’Thiriannademanded,asKelamithwavedforhertoenterthebonesinger’sworkshop.‘Thereisnotrickery,’thefarseerassuredher.‘Yetyoumustknowwhopracticeshiscrafthere,’saidThirianna.‘Idoknow,’saidKelamith,expressionimpassive.‘Yrlandriarisoneoftheforemostbonesingersof

Alaitoc.Hehasfashionedmanyseerrunes.’

‘Heismyfather!’saidThirianna,knowingthatKelamithhadtobeawareofthefact.‘Soyouno longerprofess tobe thechildofWishseerAurentian?A strange time tomakesucha

confession,’saidKelamith,hiseyesshowingintrigue.‘AurentianwasmoremyfatherthanYrlandriar,afterthedeathofmymother,’repliedThiriama.

‘Yrlandriarisnofathertome.’‘Yes,heis,’saidKelamith,unperturbed.‘Youareveryfortunate.’‘Fortunate?’Thiriannaalmostspatouttheword.‘Yrlandriarisaselfish,cantankeroustyrant.Iwill

havenothingtodowithhim.’The farseer’spatient expressiondidnot change.He turnedat thehigharchwayand claspedhis

handstogether.AglowofpsychicenergylitupKelamith’seyesandhisvoicetookontheotherworldlycantThiriannanowassociatedwiththefarseer’sforaysontotheskein.

‘YrlandriarwillfashiontheruneofThirianna,’heintonedslowly.‘Withit,shewillcontinueonthePathoftheSeer,learningherownfateandthatofmanyothers.’

‘Thereareotherbonesingers,’saidThirianna,unconvincedbythisfatalisticdeclaration.‘Iwillhaveoneofthemfashionmyrune.’

‘Thatisnotwhatwillhappen,’saidKelamith,hisvoicereturningtonormal,eyesdimming. ‘Yourobjectionsarejuvenile,notworthyofaseerofAlaitoc.’

Thiriannastoodfirm,unwillingtoindulgeinthefarseer’smanipulation.‘You think that Imake this choice out ofwhimor spite?’ askedKelamith, a touchof angernow

showinginhisfurrowedbrow.‘Listentome,child.Asaseeryouwillseemanyfatesthatyoucannotchange. If you cannot accept them, you will be driven mad, tormented by possibilities that neverexisted.Ifyourfatherdoesnotfashionyourrune,yourtimewithmeisfinished.’

‘Perhapsanotherfarseerwillcontinuemyinstruction,’saidThirianna,crossingherarmsdefiantly.‘Surelythereisatleastoneotherthatseesmypotential.’

‘Thatispride,’snappedKelamith,causingThiriannatoflinch.Itwasthefirsttimethefarseerhadraisedhisvoicetoher,andshefeltamomentarypangofguilt. ‘Nootherwill takeyou,Iwillensurethat.’

‘Youarenotbeingfair!’saidThirianna.‘IthasbeenmanycyclessincemyfatherandIspokelast,andIdonotwishhimtobeapartofmylife.’

‘If that is the case, you have a difficult choice to make,’ said Kelamith, calm again. ‘You cancontinuetoshunyourfatherandfindanotherPath,oryoucanbecomeaseerandreconcileyourselftohisexistence.’

Thiriannawrinkledherlipsindistaste,promptingKelamithtoturnawayandstartbackdownthepassagewaytowardsthegrav-discthathadbroughtthemtotheDomeofArtificers.

‘Wait!’ Thirianna called after him.She clenchedher fists in annoyance, but kepther frustrationfromhervoice.‘IwillspeakwithYrlandriar,butonlytoaskforarune.’

Kelamithstoppedandturnedback,wavingahandtowardsthedoorway.‘Thatisallyouhavetodo,child,’hesaid.Thiriannatookadeepbreathandheadedthroughthearchway,steelingherselffortheimpending

confrontation.

The chamberbeyondwas large and semicircular, openingoutonto an evenwider expanse that ranacrossa largepartof thewidthofAlaitoc.Theroomwasbare, insurprisingcontrast toThirianna’sexpectations. A few pedestals displayed small works of art; an open cabinet held variousworks-in-progress;acentraltablewashometoanassortmentofcups,dishesandplatesholdingtheremnantsofseveralmeals.

AllofthisThiriannatookinataglance;herattentionwassnatchedawaybythescenebeyond.Inthemassivenave-like chamber therehungwhat appeared to be the spine and ribcage of some vastprimordialanimal.AsThiriannaapproachedtheopensideoftheroomsherecognisedwhatshewasseeing–thecentralstructureofastarship.

Gleaminglightsshonefromtheivory-colouredwraithbone,illuminatingeverypartoftheship-to-be.Itwasthefirsttimeshehadseensuchavesselunderconstructionandittookherbreathaway.AllthoughtsofThirianna’smanydisputeswithherfatherwereforgotten,sweptawaybythemajestyofthecreationbeforeher.Itwasalargevessel,thoughbynomeansthelargest,stretchingforhalfofthehangar’slength.Thescalewasonlybroughthometoherwhenshesawthetinyfiguresonthegantriessurroundingit.

Thoughshewasnotwellversedinsuchthings,itlookedtoThiriannathatthebulkoftheworkhadbeencompleted.Thedorsalstructureandsplayofcurvingsparstowardstheprowputherinmindofashark, front-heavy but delicately poised. The rib-like spurs shortened towards the stern before theyabruptly widened into a three-finned tail. Looking up, she could see the massive round apertureswherethesolarsailswouldbefittedandintheunlitgloomaboveshecaughttheglitterofthepanelsreadytobeloweredintoplace.

AsmuchasThiriannasawthestarship,shecouldfeelitaswell.Thewraithbonepulsedslowlywithpsychic power, barely registering against the background of the infinity circuit, but with its owndistincttimbre.Theskeletalstructurenestledonacradleofcrystallinetowers,connectingittoAlaitoc,feedingitthepowerofthecraftworld.

Thiriannastudiedthedetails,recognisingsomeoftheflutedworkalongthesidesofthefuselageas settings for gunbatteries. Itwas awarship, and theknowledgebrought ahint ofmenace to theentireaffair.Sheimaginedthelaserturretsandplasmaacceleratorsthatwouldbefitted,turningthisgracefulpieceofartintoamachinecapableofdealingunimaginabledestruction.Thesteadythrobofpsychic power now seemed edged with waiting potential, a beast slumbering, waiting for thecommandtounleashitsfury.

Theeldarworkingontheslendergantriesandscaffoldingweredressedinlighttunicsandtight-fittingbodysuits.Theywereimplantingcrystalnodesandgem-likeenergystudsintothewraithbone,coaxingthepsychoplastictoacceptthejewelswithwhisperedwordsandintricategestures.

‘Thisis…unexpected.’Thiriannaturnedatthesoundofherfather’svoice.Hewalkedfromunderthecrystalcradletoher

right,hisopen-frontedrobereachingtothefloor,anintricatesetofmusicalpipesunderonearm.Hisexpressionwas stern, eyebrowsmeeting ina frownbeneathahigh forehead.Yrlandriar’sblackand

purplehairwasboundupinanintricateknotfixedwithseveraljewel-headedpinsandhishandswereencasedinmetallicgloves,delicatelysegmentedandchasedwithgoldenrunedesigns.

‘Kelamithsentyou,’hesaid,walkingpastThiriannaintohisworkshop.‘Ididnotdesirethismeeting,butIhavebeenleftnochoice,’saidThirianna.‘Kelamithisstubborn.’‘Atraitwithwhichyouarealltoofamiliar,’saidYrlandriar.Hegesturedandastoolroseupfrom

thebluefabricofthefloor,nexttothetable.Asthebonesingersatdown,placinghispipesinfrontofhim,Thiriannanoticedhedidnotofferheraseat.

‘Iseeyouhavelostnoneofyourhypocrisy,’shesaid.‘IfyoucouldbutspareafewmomentsofyourprecioustimeIamsureyoucouldcomposeawholetreatiseonthemeritsofintractability.’

Yrlandriareyedhercoolly,legsandarmscrossed.‘Yourfoolishnessbegetsresponse,’hesaid.‘Thatyouchosetoignoremyadviceisfurtherproofof

yourselfishness.’‘Advice?’Thiriannamadenoattempt tohideher scorn. ‘Youwanted to controlme, andnothing

less.Justasyouwantedtocontrolmymother.’‘Youhavenoneofyourmother’squalities,’thebonesingersaid,asneercreasinghisface.‘Itisonly

goodfortunethatyoudidnotshareherdoom.Andnowyouwishtoplayatbeingaseer?Howlongbeforeyougrowboredofthat?’

‘ItwasyourmannerthatfannedthefireofKhainewithinmeanddrovemetotheshrinesoftheAspectWarriors,’Thiriannasnarledback.‘Perhapsitwasthesameformymother.’

‘Howlittleyouunderstand,’saidYrlandriar,lookingaway.‘Itwasadesiretoprotectyou,herchild,thatcalledtoMythrairnin.’

‘Andyoublameme for that,’ saidThirianna. ‘Iwasonlya childwhenshedied,but youheldmeresponsible.Youcouldneveracceptthatshechosemeoveryou.’

‘Perhapsitwasyourbehaviour,yourspoiltdemandsandincessantcomplaintsthatdroveherintotheembraceofKhaine.’Thiriannacouldseeherfatherwasquiveringwithemotion,thoughwhethergrieforangershecouldnottell.Helookedatheragain,eyesslitted. ‘Anddespitewhathappenedtoher, you had to follow in her steps. I lost a life-companion to Khaine’s wars, and my daughterabandonedmeforhisbloodyembracetoo.’

Thiriannasighedandtookasteptowardsthedoor.‘Didyounothavesomethingtoaskofme?’Yrlandriarasked.‘No,’Thiriannareplied.‘Youhavenotchangedatall.YoubelittleeverythingIhaveachievedandI

seethatyouseekonlytousethisarrangementtofurtherspiteme.IdonotcarewhatKelamithsays,Iwillfindanotherbonesingertofashionaruneforme.’

‘SoIwasright,’herfathersaid.‘Youspeakofspite,andthendiscardyourfuturesimplybecauseofyourfeelingsforme.Youhavenodedication.WhenKelamithfirstproposedthistome,Ihadhopedyouhadmatured.Iseethatyouhavenot.Ifyoucannotaskastraightforwardfavourofme,whathopehaveyouofwalkingthetwistingpathsoffate?Youarefartoocapricious,Thirianna;youalwayshavebeen.Youaretooyoungtobeaseer,andIwillnothelpyou.’

Thiriannadeadenedherthoughtstoherfather’scontinuinginsultsassheheadedforthedoor.Shestoppedatthethreshold,unabletoleavewithoutretort.

‘Youare lonely andbitter, and seek toblameothers for yourownshortcomings,’Thirianna saidquietly.‘PerhapsIshouldpityyou,butIcannot.’

Beforehecouldsayanythingfurther,Thiriannaleft,hottearswellingupinhereyes.Kelamithwaswaitingforher,satonthepaddedcouchatthecentreofthegrav-disc.Thiriannasat

opposite,andburiedherfaceinherhands.Sayingnothing,thefarseercommandedthedisctoriseup,tiltinggentlyasittookthembacktotheChambersoftheSeers.

ThreemorecyclespassedbeforeKelamithcontactedThirianna,requestingthatshejoinhimintheirusualchamber.Shehadspenttheinterveningperiodinbroodingisolation,frustratedbyherfather’sattitude,theoldwoundsoftheirpartingreopenedbytheencounter.

Kelamith said nothing of his intent for her, and Thirianna feared to ask. The farseer had beenadamantthatYrlandriarwouldbetheonetomakeherrune,anditwaswithlittlehopethatKelamithhad changed hismind that Thirianna travelled to theChambers of the Seers. She fully expected tolearnthathistutelagewouldcease,andThiriannapreparedherselffordisappointment.

‘Tosee the future isapowerfulability,’ saidKelamith,after the twohadexchanged their formalgreetings. ‘Yet it is a transient thing compared to the ability to learn from the past. It is in theunderstandingofpast,presentandfuturethattrueknowledge lies.Thepast informingthepresent,thefuturejudgedoneventsthathavepassed.Withoutseeingthepastandthepresent,thefuturelackscontextandbecomesameaninglessbarrageofpossibilities.’

‘Onedoesnotneedtoextendgreatpsychicpowertolearnthemistakesofthepast,’saidThirianna,unsurewhatKelamithwastryingtotellher.Itdidnotseemrelevanttohercurrentpredicament.

‘It isnot required, but it can certainly aidus,’ replied the farseer. ‘We eachhaveourmemories,preserved for eternity. We can consult records, to witness the decisions and conclusions of ourpredecessors. These are valuable sources of knowledge, but the infinity circuit provides us withanother.’

KelamithgesturedforThiriannatomergewiththeinfinitycircuitnode.Shedidso,loweringherconsciousness into thepsychicwebof thecraftworld.The transitionwassmooth,withouteffort,nolonger requiring themantras shehad learnt fromKelamith. Inmanyways, becomingonewith theinfinity circuit felt toThiriannaas if she returned tohernatural state, thatbeingclothed inmortalfleshwasatemporaryinconveniencethatwouldonedaybediscarded.

Kelamith’sthoughtsoverlappedwithThirianna’s,minglingyetremainingdistinct.‘Untilnowyouhaveonlylookedforwardsupontheskein,’hetoldThirianna.‘Youknowthattimeis

nota fixedpoint,butaseamlesslyunrollingstreamofcauseandeffect.Upontheskein,wecannotonlyseekthatwhichwillhappen,butalsothatwhichhasalreadyhappened.’

Thiriannafeltatugatherspiritandshecompliedwithit,shiftingfromtheartificialstateoftheinfinitycircuittotherealmofpurethoughtthatwastheskein.Thelasttimeshehadtravelledhere,duringthebattlewiththeorks,shehadkepthergaze low,glimpsingonly thefutures immediate toher.Thistimesheallowedhergazetoroammorewidely,drinkinginthecomplexityandbeautyoftheunfoldinguniverse,seeingthehaphazardmeshoffatebeingrevealed.

‘Youdonot yet have your rune,’ saidKelamith. Thiriannanoted a hint of admonishment in histhoughts. ‘Iwill have toguide youback, tomemories youhavemisplacedandevents that youhaveneverwitnessed.’

To Thirianna it seemed as if the skein inverted itself. The unravelling threads were spirallingtogether, becoming one, amyriadprobabilities becomingdefined causes. The images she glimpsedresolved themselves in reverse as time flowed backwards. She struggled to keep up, so swiftly didKelamithleadtheway,butshehalf-sawherselfagainandagain, invarioussituationsthatsheknewwell:becominglostinthewebway;meetingKelamithforthefirsttime;herargumentwithKorlandril;sittingcomposingpoetryinherroom;eatingamealwithAradryanandKorlandril intheshadeofagolden-leafedtree.

Backtheywent, furtherandfurther,Thirianna’s life flashingpast,until theystoppedduringheryoungestchildhood.Thiriannawasamazed,watchingherinfantselfsittinginhermother’slap,tryingtograbatherlongbraidofhair.SadnessfilledThiriannaatthesight,evenasthewarmthofthescenefilledherwithasenseoflove.

‘Irememberthistime,’saidThirianna,tryingtothinkclearlyamongstthetumbleofemotionsthatthreatenedtoconsumeher.‘Motherissingingtome.TheLayofEldanesh.Shehadawonderfulvoice.’

‘And as a child thatwaswhat you remembered, yourmother’s voice, imprinted forever in yourthoughts,’saidKelamith.‘However,ourmemoriesalonedonotdefineamoment.’

He brought the pair of them out of the vision, sliding sideways to an intertwining thread, likesteppingfromonegravrailplatformtoanother.Thescenereturned,subtlydifferent.

Thiriannafeltshockassherealisedshewasexperiencingthescenethroughthememoriesofhermother. She had her baby daughter on her lap, and was idly singing to her while she waited forYrlandriartoreturn.HehadbeencalledawayfromAlaitoc,toeffectrepairstoastarshipthathadbeenattackedbyhumans.Shewasworried,afraidhemightneverreturn,afraidofwhatwouldbecomeofherdaughtertoberaisedwithoutherfather.

Yrlandriarenteredandhermother’srelieffloodedthroughThirianna.Shesawhiswarmsmileasheslunghisbagfromhisshouldertothefloor.InfantThiriannahadfallenasleepandsheneverstirredasYrlandriarkneltandplacedakissuponherhead.

Thiriannabrokefromthescene,pullingherselfbackto theabstractwhorlof threads,seeingthethreelivesentwinedinthatmoment,oneofthemherown.Shewasbothappalledandfascinatedbywhat she witnessed. Kelamith was right; the power of the skein went far beyond simply showingimagesofthefuture.Itprovidedherwiththemeanstowitnessherselffromtheperspectiveofothers,tolearnwhattheyhadintended,whattheyhadthoughtandfeltbeyondherknowledge.

‘NowdoyouseewhyitisYrlandriarthatmustcastyourrune?’saidKelamith.‘No,’repliedThirianna.‘Youseektoprovethathelovesme,byshowingmeascenefrombeforemy

motherdied.Hechangedatthatmomentandhisloveturnedtodisgust.Idonotdoubtthathelovedmeasachild,butIfailtoseehowanyofthisisrelevanttomycurrentpath.’

‘YouhavenotpaidattentiontowhatIhavetoldyou,child,’saidKelamith,showinghisirritation.‘Tounderstandtheuniversewemustunderstandourselves.Yourpastinfluencesyourfuture,andjustasyoumustcometotermsandacceptthepossiblefutures,youmustalsoreconcileyourselfwiththe

truthofthepast.ThatisthepurposeofthePathoftheSeer,toseekself-awareness.’‘I knowall toowell the effectmy father’s behaviourhashadonme,’ saidThirianna. ‘I sufferno

delusionsonthataccount.’‘Examinethethreadsofyourlife,andnotethosewhicharemostcloselyboundtoyours,’saidthe

farseer.Thirianna did so and though other lives touched upon hers, coming and going, therewere two

constants:hermotherandfather.ItwastobeexpectedandThiriannadidnotseehowthischangedthings.She followed the interlocked threadsand thenhalted, suddenly terrified.Oneof the threadsstoppedabruptly.

Hermother’sdeath.‘Ihavenodesiretoseethis,’saidThirianna.‘Yourdesireisirrelevant,child,’saidKelamith.‘Examinecloselythefuturecourse.’The seerdidas shewas told, seeing theunravellingof the threads representingher lifeandher

father’s becomingdistant fromeachother, spirallingaway towards their owndooms.Witnessed inthisway,thedividebecameevenstarkerthanthememoryofthatgrowingdistance.

‘Morethananyother,thismomenthasshapedyourfate,thoughthroughnoactofyourown,’saidKelamith.‘Ifyouaretolearnfromit,youmustexperienceit.’

‘No!’ saidThirianna,butherprotestwentunheeded.Thirianna feltKelamith’s spiritmergewithhers,draggingherdownintothemomentoftheevent,becomingasingularitywiththethreadofhermother’sfate.

Twinsunsofbluefireblazedoverhead,shiningdownuponadismalplain.Hillscoveredwithbrowngrassandstuntedtreesstretchedtothehorizon,brokenbyshallowpoolsofdankwater.Thelandscapewas broken by bizarre ruins, jutting up from the soil in rows that radiated out from an immensepyramidattheirheart.Mostwerelittlemorethanhummocksofovergrownstone,anymarkingslongfaded.Hereandthereneedle-likemonolithsspearedfromthegrassathaphazardangles,theirsidesetchedwithoddgeometricdesignsthatflickeredwithfitfulburstsofenergy.

Thepyramidglowed,bathinginthelightofthetwosuns,reflectingthemwithabalefulsheen,itssmoothsurfacemarkedoutwithlargedesignssimilartothoseontheneedles.Blacklightningcrackledaboutitsgoldenpeakandleapttothetipsofangularmonolithsarrangedaboutitsbase.

ThearmyofAlaitocapproachedswiftly,embarkeduponWaveSerpenttransportsandFalcongrav-tanks. Their shimmering shadows flitted across the dull heathland as they closed in from threedirections.Theenginesofjetbikesflaredastheyspedaheadtoscoutouttheruins.

MythrairnindisembarkedfromtheWaveSerpentwiththeotherwarriorsfromtheShrineoftheCleansingDawn,hershurikencatapultatthereadyassheleaptovertheremnantsofalowwalltotakecover.Withawhineofengines, theWaveSerpentmovedawayto takeupasupportingposition, itstwinbrightlancesswivellingleftandrightasthegunnersoughttargetsfortheweapons.

Inaconstrictingring,theeldarmovedinontheirobjective.Ahead,thepyramidblazedwithapulseofpower,abeamofdisturbingpalegreenlighterupting

from its summit to pierce the greyish-yellow sky. An immense portal ground open, revealing ashimmeringgatecriss-crossedbyforksofsicklygreenenergy.

Warningswerepassedonfromthe jetbikeriders,butallwhoapproachedthepyramidcouldseethe cause of their concern. Rank after rank of warriors marched from the portal, their bodiesfashionedinthelikenessofgoldenskeletons.Eachcarriedariflesetwithalongcrystalthatcrackledwiththesameunnaturalenergyasthegateway.

The heavy weapons of the grav-tanks opened fire, lances of laser energy converging on theemerging phalanx of artificial warriors. Gold-coloured bodies were shattered, robotic limbs sentwhirlingthroughtheair.

The command came through to advance andMythrairnin followed her exarch, Gallineir, as hevaultedoveratoppledmonolith,headingdirectlyforthefoe.Aroundthesquad,otherAspectWarriorsadvanced,flashesofcolouramongstthedismalsurrounds.

Theemergingnecrontyrpaidnoheedtotheircasualties.Indeed,thosewarriorsthathadfallenstillpossessedasparkoflife.Somecrawledonwards,otherspausedtoreassembletheirbrokenbodies,thestrangemetaloftheirconstructionflowingandchurningaslegsandarmsandheadswerereattached.

Other infernal creations emerged fromhidden gateways around the pyramid. Across the ruins,floating machines with skeletal torsos and heavy cannons emerged from the depths. Gleamingwarriorswithsleekbodiesandhalberdsedgedwithglowingenergyfieldsstalkedthroughtheremainsofthenecrontyrcity.Cloudsofbeetle-likeconstructseachaslargeasaneldarhelmetboiledupfromthedepths,theswarmshissingandspittingarcaneenergy.

DarkReapersaddedtheirmissilestothefusilladeofthevehicles,thetrailsoftheirshotscuttingthroughtheflickeringmeshoflaserfire.Squadronsofjetbikesjinkedandswervedinunisonastheyduelledwiththemetalscarabs,theirshurikencatapultsunleashingvolleyswitheachpass.Thescarabsengulfed the machines and riders, overloading engines with their energy fields, detonating inblossomsofgreenfiretodestroytheeldar.

A squad ofHowling Banshees just ahead ofMythrairnin readied theirweapons and leapt fromcovertochargetowardstheclosestnecrontyrwarriors.Likepuppetscontrolledbyasinglehand,thenecronsturnedasoneandlevelledtheirweapons.Blindinggreenenergyflared,ripplingthroughtheAspectWarriors.MythrairninfeltfeartuggingatherasshesawaHowlingBansheestruckbyoneofthebeams.Theenergypulsed through theunfortunateAspectWarrior, strippingawayherarmour,thenherflesh,thenherbones,disintegratingherintonothinginamatterofmoments.

Withanangryshout,Mythrairninaimedhershurikencatapultandfiredatthenecronwarriors.Herhailoffirecaughtoneoftheartificialsoldiersinthechest,slashingthroughmetalinanexplosionofsparks.Thenecronstumbledandfellonitsface.

Mythrairnin turned her attention to another and fired again, but no sooner had she let looseanotherburst than the firstwarriorwaspushing itself to its feetagain, surroundedbyanimbusofunnatural light. Its glassy eyes flared menacingly as its ruined torso rearranged, the discs of theshurikensspatfromitsreformingmetalfleshtofalltotheground.

Mythrairninfiredagain,andagain,andagain,asdidtherestofhersquad.Underthebarrageoffire, thenecrontyrwere knockeddown time and again.With each volley, those foeswho recovered

grewfewer.Yetthenecrontyrdidnotpauseintheirrelentlessadvance.Metallic creatures shrouded with cloaks and tatters of decaying flesh joined the attack, their

wickedlylongclawsslicingthroughtheStrikingScorpionsfightingtoMythrairnin’sleft.Thedeathofeacheldarwasgreetedbyanunsettlingscreechoftriumph.

Theeldarfellback,pullingawayfromthemainnecronadvanceunderthecoveroftheirtankfire.In rippling lines they retreated before the necrontyr and then attacked again, the army of Alaitocconstantlyshifting,neverallowingitselftobetrappedintheruins.

Mythrairnindidnotknowhowmanytimesshehadfiredorhowmanyoftheconstructsshehaddestroyed.Thebattlebecameadelicatedanceofattackandwithdrawal,itstempodictatedbytheebbandflowofthenecronassaults.

The ruins themselves became weapons. What had first seemed to be decorative, geometricstructures revealed themselves to be weapon turrets. The pylons spat forth coruscating blazes ofdisintegratingenergy,killingtwoorthreeeldarwitheveryblast.

ItwascleartoMythrairninthattheyhadcometoolate.Theslumberofthenecrontyronthisworldhadendedandtheirawakeningcouldnotbehalted.Stillthecommandsweretomaintaintheattack.Shedidnotquestionherpurpose,filledwiththeknowledgethatthefarseershadpredictedthistombworldwouldatsometimeinthedistantfuturedespatchaharvestingfleetthatmightwell falluponAlaitoc’sships.

TherisktothecraftworldwouldhavebeenenoughtostiffenMythrairnin’sresolve,butthroughthefog of battle-lust she could feel something else pushing her on. Dim memories of her daughterflickeredthroughhermindasshefiredincessantlyintothenecrons.Iftherewasachance,nomatterhowremote,thattheseevilcreationsmightharmherchild,shewouldgiveherlifetopreventit.

Oneof thesunswassettingand in thedimming light, thepyramidchanged.Anothersectionofgleaming metal slid away to reveal an immense hangar-like space. From the darkness emerged aterrifying apparition, glowing with green energy. It looked like a cross between a building and awarrior, a huge constructwith a dozen heads and batteries ofweapons set about a complex, ever-shiftinggeometriccore.

Thenecrontyrwarmachine loomedover the battlefield, sheathed in a baleful glow thatwardedawaytheblastsofbrightlancesandscatterlasers.Anorbatitscentrespunfasterandfaster,cracklingwithenergythatcrawledalongarcanecircuitrytotheblistersoftheweaponsturrets.

With a blinding flash, green lightning arced down upon the eldar army, shredding tanks andAspectWarriorsinabarrageofpyrotechnicdestruction.Wholesquadswerevaporisedinaheartbeat.Falconsexplodedorwereshearedintosmallpiecesorcrashedintotheruinsofthecity.

Theordercametoretreat.Withinmoments,theWaveSerpentthatwastocarrytheDireAvengersslidintoviewjusttoone

side of the squad, shelteringbehind a crumbled archway.Mythrairnin and the four other survivorsheadedtowardsthetransport,pausingonlytounleashonemorevolleyatthenecronwarriorsclosinginonthem.

TheywerealmostattheWaveSerpentwhentheshadowofthenecronwarenginefellacrossthem.Amomentlater,theancientstonesaroundthemdetonatedaslightningengulfedtheWaveSerpent.

Thetransportexploded,sendingashardofhullscythingthroughtheDireAvengers.Mythrairnin was flung back by the blossom of fire and hurled into the remains of a wall. She

stumbled as she tried to stand and realiseddully that her right leghadbeen cut off by the blast ofdebris.

Shesawthenecronsadvancingandsuppressedacryoffearandpain.Khainewaswithher,andwith Khaine’s strength she would not die without some retort. She fixed on the image of herdaughter’s face and activated her shuriken catapult, sending volley after volley into the necronwarriorsstalkingcloser.

Aboltofgreenenergyhither, and for thebriefestofmomentsherentirebody filledwithpain,everymoleculetornapart.

Thirianna clawed and struggled to rip herself from the grip of the skein, but Kelamith would notpermithertoleave.Trapped,Thiriannacaughtherselfinaloop,experiencingthelastmomentsofhermother’slife,desperatetoclingontoanyconnectiontoher,yettornapartbythenatureofherdoom.

Kelamithintervened,prisingThirianna’sspiritawayfromthethreadofhermother,withdrawingfromtheintimatecontactsothatshecouldestablishsomesemblanceofrationalthoughtandbalance.

‘Why?’ demanded Thirianna, recoiling with horror from the memory of what her mother hadexperienced.

‘Itisnotthepainofyourmotherthatyoumustunderstand,’thefarseerreplied,hisvoicedistantanddispassionate.

BeforeThiriannacould raiseanyobjection, she feltherselfdrawndown into thematerialof theskein again, this time flowing along a faint after-thread left by her mother’s death, to where itintersectedwiththelineofherfather’slife.

The glowstone let out only the feeblest amount of light, barely touching the blackness of the room.Yrlandriarsatcross-leggedinthemiddleofthechamber,handsonhisknees,staringatthedarkness.

How could he tell Thiriannawhat hadhappened?How could he explain to herwhyhermotherwouldnotbereturning?

These questions nagged at him,more than the grief thatwas even now crushing his heart andrunningveinsof chillingvenomthroughhisgut. Inamomentof self-reflection,Yrlandriar realisedthatitwasnotthethoughtofansweringthesequestionsforhisdaughterthatsovexedhim;hecouldnotanswerthemforhimself.

Heknewitwasafallacytoexpectmeaningfromtherandomchanceoffate,andstillhestruggledto find some sense in the death of his belovedMythrairnin.He could find none.He could find nosolaceinameaningfuldeathbecausehecouldnotcomprehendhowitwasthatshehadfirsttakentothe Path of theWarrior. The causality of her ending led back to that decision, and itwas this thatdefiedlogicmorethananythingelsethatcrowdedYrlandriar’sthoughts.

Shehadknowndeathwasapossibilityandyetagainstallreason,Mythrairninhadabandonedher

childtohiscaretofollowinthefootstepsoftheBloody-HandedGod.Itwasadecisionthatseemedperversetotheartisan,toseekdestructioninsteadofthejoysofherowncreation.

Hehadnotwept.Itseemedapointlessexerciseinvanity,aphysiologicalresponsethatwoulddonothingtofillthegulfthatyawnedwideinthecoreofhisbeing.Hewasemptyandcold,allsenseofloveandwarmthrippedfromhimfornoreasonatall.

Thechildwouldneedhim.Itwastoopainfultocontemplate.Yrlandriarwassurprisedbyhisownreaction,yeteverythought

of Thiriannamutated intomemories of hermother. Theywere so alike inmanyways the slightestthoughtofhisdaughtersentspasmsofgriefthroughYrlandriar.

Therewasnothinghewouldbeabletodotoeasethehurt,andThirianna’sgriefwouldcompoundhisown.Yrlandriar’smiserywouldreflectinhisdaughterandherwoewouldstirhisown.Shewouldbebetterfreefromsuchataint,abletoliveherlifeuntouchedbythegnawingsadnessthatwouldnowbehisburden.

Thiriannawasstillabsorbingthis,tryingtoreconcileherownmemoriesofthetimewiththethoughtsof her father, when Kelamith moved them again. This time it was to a juncture of her life andYrlandriar’s, and fromthe firstmoment she recognised it: the timebefore shehad left tobecomeaDireAvenger.

‘You cannot tellmewhat todo!’ screechedThirianna, snatchingupherbagofbelongings. ‘You justdon’tunderstand.’

‘No,Idonot,’saidYrlandriar,hisheartsinkingasThiriannatookanothersteptowardsthedoor.Hehadfailed,andnowThiriannawouldsufferthesamefateasMythrairnin.Hetriedtocalmhimself,butthemerethoughtofhisdaughterbecominganAspectWarriorfilledhimwithforeboding.

‘Canyounot seehowselfish this is?’he said, spitting theaccusationathisdaughter.HerangerdeepenedandYrlandriarrealisedhewasnotconveyingwhathemeantproperly.Shesimplywouldnotlistentowhathewassaying.‘Whydoyouhavetodothistome?’

‘Thisisnotaboutyou,father,’saidThirianna.‘Whydoeseverythinghavetobeaboutyou?Andyouaccusemeofbeingselfish!’

‘Youaremakingamistake,’hesaid.HehadletMythrairninleavefortheshrineswithoutargumentandwasnotgoingtodothesamewithThirianna.‘Youarebeinghastyandimmature.’

‘Iamnotbeingimmature,’saidThirianna,hertonecold.‘Asachildyouwouldalwaystellmewhattodo.Iwillnotacceptthatanymore.Youcannotcontrolme;Iamnotyourpossession.Youshouldsupportme,andunderstandthatIhavetodothis.Ihavelittlelefttoremembermother,butperhapsIcanknowherabitbetterifIfollowuponthePathshetrod.’

‘That path leads to death and despair,’ said Yrlandriar. The slightest hint of the thought thatThiriannawoulddieaswellsentachillthrougheverypartofhim.Itwouldbetoomuchtobearandhecouldnotallowit,forthesakeofbothofthem.‘Iforbidthis.Asyourfather,Icannotallowyoutodo

this.’‘Forbid?’Thirianna’svoicerosetoapiercingpitch. ‘Forbid?Iamnotsomelumpofwraithboneto

bemouldedandshapedandteasedbyyourcommand.Thatisyourproblem,father.Youthinkthatyoucan be themaster of everything you touch.Well, you will not bemymaster. Turn your fingers toanotherpurposeandleavemetolivemylifeasIchoose.’

Yrlandriarcouldthinkofnothingelsetosaythathehadnotsaidalready,overandover.HehadknownthatheandThiriannawerebecomingestranged,andhadexpectedherto leaveevensooner.YettolearnthatshewastotreadinthefootstepsofKhainewastoomuchforhimtoaccept.

Thiriannastoppedatthedoorandgavehimafinalbackwardsglance.Wasthathesitationhesaw?Didshewaitforsomelastargumentfromhimtodissuadeherfromthismadness?

Itdidnotmatter.Clearlyhehad failed.Hehad failedThiriannaandhehad failed the legacyofMythrairnin.Bothofthemwerelosttohimandperhapstheywerethebetterforit.

‘Justleave,’hesaid,turningaway,findingnoconsolationinhisdecision.

After returning toherbody,Thiriannaexcusedherself fromKelamithand left theChambersof theSeers.Shedidnotreturntoherownrooms,but insteadtookthegravrailacrossAlaitoc,backtotheTowerofAscendantFlameswhereshehadbeenraised.

The tower was close to the hub of Alaitoc, the highest on the craftworld, a massive edifice ofwalkwaysandbridgesandbalconiesandwindows.Shesatonabenchhiddenawayinthedepthsoftheparksurroundingthetower,besideapoolfilledwithblue-scaledskyfinsandpurpledawnsails.Inthebushesnearby, a green-furred leathervole rustled through the fallen leaves, its ridgedproboscisnuzzlingthroughthemulch.

Thiriannaallowedherselftorelax,concentratingonthesmalldetailsofthescene.Yetforallthatshe tried to separateherself fromwhatKelamithhadshownher, theexperiencecontinued to tickleawayinthedepthsofhermind.Shehaddeliberatelyclosedoffthememoriesfromtheskein,unwillingtorelivethemuntilshehadsettledherself. Ithadbeenacruel tacticofKelamith,onethatwasnowblatantlymanipulative,andpartofherrailedagainstthefarseer’stransparentbullying.

Thoughsherefusedtorecallindetailwhatshehadwitnessed,shecouldnotavoidtheimprinttheyhad left upon her consciousness. Thoughts of her father were still overwhelmingly associatedwithfrustration,buttheedgewasnotsokeen,herangernotquitesosharp.

Thiriannacouldnotquitebelievethecold-heartedbehaviourofKelamithinsubjectinghertosuchdistress,butsherealisedthatwhateverhisintentionsshewaslefttodealwiththeconsequences.

Carefully, like someoneopening adoor a crack to peer into the roombeyond, Thiriannapeeledbackthelayerofignoranceshieldingherrecentmemories.Sheveeredawayfromthoseofhermother,instantly feeling a stab of pain as soon as she approached them. It was her father that concernedKelamith,andnowher,andsoitwastothattrainofexperiencethatshenowpaidattention.

ReviewingwhatsheknewofYrlandriar,shewasnoclosertoforgivinghimforhisselfishways.Ithad been wrong of him to shut Thirianna out from his feelings after the death of hermother, nomatterhowhejustifiedittohimself.

Yet despite that, Thiriannahadnow seenherself throughhis eyes, and thatwas something shecouldnotsimplyignore.Whilehisbehaviourhadbeenpoorandhisreasoningunsound,Yrlandriar’sdecisiontowithdrawintohimselfhadnotbeenhelpedbyThirianna’sincreasinglydemandingnature.Themoreshehadpushedforhisattention,thefurtherhehadwithdrawnfromit,fleeinghisdaughterasifshewerethespectreofherdeadmother.

Ashardasitwastoaccept,Thiriannacametotheconclusionthatshehadactedselfishlyaswell.Shehadmadenoattempttobridgethedarkgulfbetweenthemandhadsimplyexpectedherfathertocrossthedivideandcometoher.

Thiriannawasupsetandscaredbyhow littleempathyexistedbetweenherandYrlandriar.Howcouldfatheranddaughtergrowapartsoswiftly?Inretrospect,itoccurredtoherthatitwaswhattheyhad both desired, even if only subconsciously.WithoutMythrairnin to bind them together, each ofthemconsideredthemselvesandtheotherbestlefttobeontheirown.

IfKelamithhadexpected somegreat changeofThirianna’soutlook, some revelatory thawingofher feelings towards her father, hewas going to be disappointed. The farseer’s callous stunt in theinfinitycircuitdidnotdeservesucharewardandThiriannawasappalledthatKelamithhadthoughtitplausible.Despiteeverything,shestillconsideredherfatherastranger,andsheowedhimnothing.

Rousing herself from her reverie, Thirianna looked up at the Tower of Ascendant Flames,silhouettedagainstthedimglowofthedyingstar.Shehadbeenbornupamongstthecloud-wreathedheightsofthetower,butherlifehadnotstarteduntilshehadleft.Shecouldnotdefendherfatherinanyway.Hehadnottriedtodohisbest;hehadmadelittleattempttogivehertheloveandaffectionsheneeded.

Withthatthoughtcamearealisation.Itwasnotherfather’sloveshedesired,nothisapologiesnorhisforgiveness.Allsherequiredofhimwasarune,fashionedfromwraithbone.

Hewasastrangerandshewasattachingtoomanyotheremotionstotherelationship.Itdidnotmatterwhethertheywerefatheranddaughter,whethertheyagreedonherchoicesin life.Hewasabonesingerandshewasaseer.Sherequiredarune,andhewouldmakeitforher.

The following cycle, Thirianna returned to her father’s workshop. Yrlandriar was working on thestarshipframe,butshewaitedpatientlyforhimtoreturn,examiningthepiecesondisplay.Manywereunfinished,theirpurpose,whetherfunctionalorartistic,notclear.Otherswerelittlemorethanthree-dimensional sketches, rough shapes and angles that held some semblance of the form they wouldbecomebutnothingmore.There seemed tobequite a fewof thesewhich shehadnot seenbefore,whichledThiriannatowonderifperhapsYrlandriarwastryinginhisownwaytocometotermswiththeirfreshmeetingandnotyetsucceedingtofindthemeans.

Her father announced himself as he returned, and Thirianna put back the object she had beenlookingatwithapangofguilt.Rememberinghowmortifiedshewouldhavefelthadsomeonebeenexaminingherpoems,shesuddenlywonderedifshewasintrudingintoYrlandriar’sprivacy.

Thebonesingerdidnotseemsurprisedatherpresence.‘Soyouhavecomeback,Thirianna,’hesaid,sittingbesidethetableagain.

‘Iwishyoutofashionaruneforme,father,’shereplied,usinghermostformaltone.‘Andwhywould Ido that for you?’ saidYrlandriar. ‘What you ask for isnot somebauble.What

assuranceswillIhavethatmyeffortswillnotbewasted?Thathalfapassfromnowyouwillnothavetiredofbeingaseerandmovedontoyournextflightoffancy?’

Thiriannarefusedtorisetothetaunt,andheldhertemperincheck.‘Noneofusknowforhow longwemight treadaPath,and it isnot foryouto judgeanyonebut

yourself,’saidThirianna.‘Iamcommittedtolearningthesecretsoftheseer.Suchismycommitment,Iamwillingtoofferyouanapologysothatwemightunderstandoneanotherbetter.’

Yrlandriarraisedaneyebrowinsurprise.‘An apology?’He seemedgenuinely pleased. ‘What is it that you regret somuch that it isworth

apologisingtome?’‘I amsorry thatwedonot likeeachotherbetter, anddonotknoweachotherbetter,’Thirianna

said.Shebitbackthecriticismsthatsurfacedinherthoughtsandpaused,takingabreathbeforeshecontinued. ‘I am sorry that I did not realise that asmuch as I needed your comfort and attentionfollowingthedeathofmymother,youequallydeservedthetimeandsolitudetodealwithyourownloss.’

Yrlandriarswallowedhard,hisexpressionsoftening.Heglancedaway,towardstheloomingbulkofthestarship,andhisnextwordsweresoftlyspoken.

‘I am sorry also, Thirianna,’ said the bonesinger. ‘Sorry that I cannotmend the past as Imightrepairabrokensparorhealasplinterednode.’

‘Ineedyourhelpnow,father,’saidThirianna,thewordscomingwithdifficulty.‘Willyoufashionaruneforme,sothatImightlearntobeaseer?’

Still lookingaway,Yrlandriartouchedafingertothesideofthetable.Ashallowdrawerslidout,and fromthis thebonesingerbroughtouta smallobject,as slenderasoneofhis fingers.FinallyheturnedhisgazetoThiriannaandhisfacewasstern.

‘It is not yet finished, but I was going to bring it to you when it was complete,’ he said. ‘Yourcomingherestirredupmanypainfulmemories forme,but I cannotblameyou for that.More thananything else I have created, this has caused me much hardship. It is your rune, wrought inwraithbone,conjuredforthbymyhandandmywill.PerhapsyouwillcareforitbetterthanIcaredforyou.’

‘Thankyou,’saidThirianna,bowingherhead.‘Itmeansmuchtomethatyouhavedonethis.’‘Thoughitwasnotmyintention,Iraisedadaughterwhowasstrongofwillandknowswhatshe

desires,’saidYrlandriar,placingtheunfinishedruneonthetabletop.‘IwishIcouldtakesomepridefromthat,butitleavesmehollow.’

‘Pride is fleeting,’ said Thirianna. She felt uncomfortable with the silence that followed andYrlandriarwasfaringnobetter,fidgetingwiththefittingsofhisgloves. ‘Ihopeyouwilldeliverit inpersonwhenitisfinished.’

‘Ihopeitguidesyoutoafulfillingfuture,’saidYrlandriar.‘Itisfollytochaseafterfulfilment,’saidThirianna.‘Ifyoutaughtmeanything,itistoacceptwhat

fatebringsus,goodorill.Todenythatistoforeverpostponecontentment.’

Yrlandriarnoddedthoughtfully,hisgazestrayingbacktothestarship.‘Iwillnotkeepyoufromyourotherwork,’saidThirianna.Her father said nothing in reply, so she turned and left, resolving to find Kelamith as soon as

possible.

Power

TheSirenMirror–Eldanesh’sShieldAsthewardoftheSireoftheEldarturnedbacktheblowsofhisfoes,sotheSirenMirroractstoreconstitutetheenergiesofanenemy.Oneofseveralruneswhoseuseisspecifictobattle,Eldanesh’sShieldworksbychannellingthepoweroftheskeinharnessedbytheenemy,sothatitmightbewieldedinthefavourofthe

seer.

TheruneofThiriannafloatedalittlemorethananarm’sreachinfrontofher,utterlystill.Shedrewthe image of the rune into her thoughts as Kelamith had shown her, creating a bond between themental and the physical. The rune glowed slightlywith the psychic power andThirianna could feelmoreenergyflowingintohermind.

Shesatinthemiddleofthemainchamberofherapartments,performingtheexercisespassedonbythefarseer.Atfirstsheattainedcontroloftherune,masteringittoherpurpose.Whenbalancewasmet,shetookthepoweroftheruneintoherself.

Nowthatshehadcompletedthefirsttwostages,shecouldchoosehowtowieldthepsychicenergythat was now hers to possess. Thirianna chose an external focus, using the rune to extend herinfluenceonthephysicalworld.Sheconcentratedherthoughts,narrowingthemtoasinglepointatthecentreoftherune.

Theruneactedasanamplifier,addingpowerfromtheskeintoThirianna’sinnatepsychicenergy.Withthis,theseerreachedoutacrosstheroom,pickingupseveralobjectsfromthetablesandshelves:abrush,anecklace,herdiscardedbagandasmallbustofAsuryan.Thirianna’seyesflickeredfromonetotheotherasshemovedthemaroundthechamber,delicatelyplacingeachoneinanewposition.

Sherepeatedtheexercise,movingtheobjectsbacktotheiroriginalplaces,butthistimewithhereyesclosed,usingonlythepsychicauraoftherunetoguideherthoughts.Withgentlepsychicpushes,shenudgedeachobjectbackintoplace.

Opening her eyes, Thirianna noted with some satisfaction that she had restored the roomperfectly.Sheturnedherattentiontoawidedishsetonthefloorinfrontofher,asmallsquareofclothlaid inside themetallicbowl.Thiriannasethermindto the taskofexaminingtheclothscrapat thesmallest level, passing into itsweave, down to the individualmolecules of thematerial. She set theatomsdancing,agitatingthemwiththepowerofherthought,excitingtheairmoleculesaroundthecloth.

Afterafewmoments,thescrapburstintoflames,burningwithapalebluecolour.Itquicklyturnedtoash,settlingintothebottomofthedish,gentlystirredbythebreezedriftinginthroughtheopenwindow.

Theyweresmallthingsshedid,butitwasnotsafetopractisethegreaterpowersthatwerebeingunveiledtoher,atleastnotintheconfinesofherapartment.TherewereroomsintheChambersoftheSeers, rune-shielded and psychically warded, where she had unleashed some of the more extremeabilitiesshewasnowlearningtocontrol.

TherunehadanotherpurposeanditwastothisthatThiriannanowturnedherattention.Withtheimageofhersymbolstillfixedforemostinherthoughts,Thiriannamadethetransitionto

theskein.Nolongerdidsheneedtheinfinitycircuittomakethejourney;herthoughtswereabletoflowbetweentherealmsoftherealandunrealwiththesmallesteffort.

ItwasaliberatingexperienceforThiriannatoknowhowfarshehadprogressed.AsKelamithhadtoldher, therunecraft increasedherpowersexponentially.Asshe floated in theaetherof theskein,Thiriannamarvelledathowmuchshecoulddowithjustasinglerune,andwaseagertoincreaseherpowersfurther.Themostexperiencedfarseers,likeKelamith,couldcontroladozenormorerunesatatime.Thiriannacouldonlyspeculateatthepossibilitiesthatwouldopenuptoher,thoughsuchathingwasstilladistantdream.

Beingoneandthesamewiththerune,Thiriannawasabletoinstantlyfindherownlifethreadinthe insane tangleof theskein.She fixedherselfupon thecurrentmoment,her runeappearingasamarkerinherthoughts.

Kelamithhadwarnedhernottoroamtoofaraheadofthepresent,notuntilshewasstrongenoughtocopewiththemultiplicityoffatesthatwouldunfold.Afterherwaywardadventureinthewebway,Thiriannaheededhertutor’swarningandrestrictedherselftopeekingjustafewcyclesahead.

Shewasamazedbythenumberofoverlappingthreads,thevolumeoflivesuponwhicheverylifetouched,whetherdirectlyor indirectly.Decisionsshemadeechoedupthroughthepossible futures,creatingbranchafterbranchofpotentialfates.Inturn,herlifethreadtwistedandturned,shapedbyeventsandtheactionsofothers,sometimesbecominghazyduringperiodsofgreatuncertainty,othertimesbecomingtautandthickwhenshewasinfullcontrolofherdestiny.

Onethreadinparticularbondeditselftohersveryshortly,thenextcycleinfact.Sheinvestigated,andfoundthatitbelongedtoKorlandril.Everythingbecameuncertainasshelookedcloser,theactofherobservationobscuringthepotentialitiesthatwerebeingrevealed.

Leaving her rune as a beacon to bring her back, Thiriannamoved away from her own life andfollowed Korlandril’s. It was steeped in darkness and bloodshed, tainted by Khaine’s touch asKorlandrilfollowedthePathoftheWarrior.

SomethingstrangehappenednextandThiriannacouldnotquiteworkoutwhatitforeshadowed.One of Korlandril’s possible futures merged with that of another. The two existences did not justentwineorknottogether,theybecameasinglethread.Lookingmoreclosely,pushingbackvisionsofbloodshed and battle that tried to encroach on her thoughts, Thirianna examined the compositethread and saw that it was not just Korlandril’s life that wasmeshedwithin its fibres. Therewereothers,comingfromacrosstheskeinatdifferenttimes,eachbecomingasmallpartofthewhole.

Themerged lifeofKorlandril and theothers stretchedonwithout turningorbreaking, slashingthrough the future like a bloodied blade.With some shock, Thirianna realised what the skein wasshowingher.Korlandril’sspiritwasbeingsubsumedintoagreaterpresence,thatofanexarchoftheBloody-HandedGod.

KorlandrilriskedbecomingtrappedonthePathoftheWarrior.Thiriannalocatedherruneandreturnedtoit,beforesheeffortlesslyslippedoutoftheskeinand

backintoherbody.She wondered what to do. She had not nearly enough skill or experience to delve further into

Korlandril’spossiblepathsandwhatshehadseenwasonlyoneofseveralpossibleoutcomes.Aswhenshehadforeseenhisinjuryduringthebattleagainsttheorks,therewasnomeansbywhichshecouldaccurately predict what would happen in the long term should Korlandril take one course overanother.

The perils of causality, a lecture oft-repeated by Kelamith, came to Thirianna. It was a simplepremise: by acting upon an observation one might bring about the foreseen, undesired event.Sometimesaseer’sactionswouldinfluencethepassageoffate,sothattheobserverbecamethecause.Itwasjustoneofmanypitfallswaitingfortheunwaryvoyagerintothefuture,onethateveryseerhadtoconfrontiftheyweretofulfiltheirpotential.TheveryessenceoftheseerwastoguideAlaitocanditspeoplepastthedangersandconflictsofthefuture;yetitwasadelicatebalancingactjudgingwhentointerveneandwhentoallowfatetotakeitsowncourse.

Inshort,asThiriannahadoncesummarisedittoKelamith,thelessonwasnottointerfereunlessyouweresureoftheoutcome.

Thiriannawasfar fromsureof theoutcomeifshechosetoactonwhatshehadseen.CouldshepreventKorlandril’sentrapment,orwouldshesomehow,orhadshealready,precipitatedit?Notonlythat,ifshewastofindherselfinthepositionthatshecouldavertKorlandril’sjourneytobecominganexarch,wasitrightthatsheshoulddoso?Untilshewasmoreaccomplished,shecouldnotventurefarenoughacrosstheskeintoseethepossibleimplicationsofKorlandril’sfutures.

LikesomanyofthequestionsposedbyKelamith,itwasanimpossibleconundrum,onethatwasfarbeyondThirianna’srudimentaryscryingskillsandethicalreasoning.

Therewas only one conclusion she could come to, though it painedher to admit, just as it hadpainedhertoallowKorlandriltobeinjured.Shewasinnopositiontojudgewhatwasrightandwrongandwouldsimplyhavetoallowwhatwastocometopasstodoso.Thoughitmightturnouttobeapersonal tragedy for Korlandril, and for Thirianna, Korlandril’s possible entrapment could haveimplicationsfarbeyondtheirlives,andtochangeitmightbetoendangerthelivesofothers.

Thiriannawaitedbeneathasnowpetal intheGardenofHeavenlyDelights,readingatreatiseontheRuneoftheGoldenSailpassedtoherbyKelamith.ShehadseenherselfmeetingKorlandrilhereanddespite her decision not to interfere with the course of events as she had foreseen, Thirianna haddecidedtoallowthemeetingtotakeplace.

She feltKorlandrilapproaching,hiswarrior spirit cuttingacross theskein likeabubbledrifting

acrossapoolofblood.Sheturnedandfeignedsurpriseashereachedtheshadeofthetree.Korlandrilwasdressedinapleatedrobeofdarkgreen,thesamecolourastheStrikingScorpion

armourheworeinbattle.Hewalkedwithquietassurance,hiseyesscanningtheparklandsconstantly,seeminglypoised for action.Thirianna could sense the spirit ofKhainehidingunder the surface, acoiledserpentwaitingfortheopportunitytostrike.

Pushingbacka risingdistaste,Thiriannaremembered that theywere friendsandsheembracedKorlandril, trying not to shudder at the warrior’s cold touch. Taken aback, he hesitated beforewrappinghisarmsaroundher.

‘Iheard thatyouhadbeen injured,’Thiriannasaid, steppingback toregardKorlandril,assuringherself that he had recovered. It was better that she did not reveal her foreknowledge of his griminjury.

‘Iamhealed,’herepliedwithasmile.‘Physically,atleast.’Korlandrilgesturedtothebenchandthetwoofthemsatside-by-side.Thiriannawasabouttoask

himhowhewasfeeling,butstoppedherself.Itwasafoolishquestion,andonethatwouldinvitehertosaysomethingshemightregret.

‘Whatiswrong?’Korlandrilasked.Despite her earlier confidence, seeing her friend’s concern weakened Thirianna’s resolve. She

couldnotsimplylethimbecometrappedasawarrior.Shedecidedthatevenifshedidnotactdirectly,atimelyreminderoftheperilsassociatedwithbeinganAspectWarriorwouldnotgoamiss.

‘I was going to visit you, as there is something you should know.’ It was a lie, but ThiriannabelieveditwouldbebetterforKorlandrilnottoknowthatshehadintendedtoallowhimtotraveltohisdoomwithouther intervention. ‘Iwouldratherwespokeaboutothermattersfirst,butyouhavecaughtmeunawares.Thereisnopleasantwaytosaythis.Ihavereadyourrunes.Theyareconfused,butmanyofyourfuturesdonotbodewell.’

Korlandrilspokewithassurance,dismissingherconcernswithafrown.‘Thereisnothingtofear.Ihavesufferedsometribulationsoflate,buttheywillnotdefeatme.’

‘Itisthatwhichworriesme,’Thiriannasaid.Shereachedoutandlaidherpalmbrieflyonhischeek,butheflinchedat thetouch. ‘Isenseconfrontationinyou.Youseeeveryencounterasabattle tobewon.ThePathoftheWarrioristakingitstolluponyou.’

‘Itwas one slip of concentration, nothingmore,’ saidKorlandril, standingup.He stepped awayfromThirianna.‘Istumbledbutthejourneygoeson.’

‘I haveno ideawhat you are talking about,’ saidThirianna.Korlandril’s confidencehad becomedefensiveness,hisremarksanoverreaction.‘Hassomethingelsehappened?’

‘Itisnothingimportant,notofconcerntothelikesofyou.’‘Thelikesofme?’Thiriannawasupsetmorethanangry.HowswiftlyKorlandrilhadforgottenthe

pasttheyshared.‘Noconcernofafriend?’Korlandrillookedguilty,eyesdowncast,unabletomeethergaze.‘Ialmoststruckagenuineblowduringaritualsettlement.’Thiriannaknewwhat adishonour thatwouldbe. It also confirmedher suspicions. IfKorlandril

couldnotmaintaincontrolofhismurderousimpulsesintheshrine,itwasasignofthegrowinggrip

Khainehadonhisspirit.‘Oh,Korlandril…’shesaid.‘What?’hesaid.Angerflashedacrosshisface,hisbrowknotted,teethbrieflybared.‘Youspeakto

melikeachild.Ithappened.Iwilllearnfromit.’‘Will you?’ There was no contrition in Korlandril, as if he sought confrontation. Thirianna

rememberedKorlandril’scommentof‘thelikesofyou’fromearlierandwantedtoassurehimthatsheunderstoodbetterthanherealised.‘DonotforgetthatIhavebeenaDireAvenger.Thoughthattimelivesinthemistsofmypast,itisnotsooldthatIforgetitentirely.UntilrecentlyItrodthePathoftheWarlock.Asawarrior-seer,Irevisitedmanyofmybattle-memories,drawingonthemforresolveandstrength. I recall the lure of theWarrior’sWay; the surety of purpose it brings and the comfort ofrighteousness.’

‘Thereisnofaulttobefoundwithhavingthestrengthofone’sconvictions.’Korlandril’sfistswereballedandhisshouldershunchedwithaggression.ItfrightenedThiriannatoseehimthisway,andthesuretyofwhatshehadseenmadehermoredeterminedtohelphimbackfromthebrinkofalifetimeofhatredandbloodshed.

‘Itisadrug,thatsenseofpowerandsuperiority,’shewarned.‘Thewar-maskallowsyoutocontrolyourrageandguiltinbattle,itisnotmeanttoextinguishallfeelingoutsideofwar.EvennowIsensethatyouareangrywithme.’

‘WhatifIam?Yousitthereandtalkofthingsyoudonotunderstand.ItdoesnotmatterwhetheryouhavetroddenthePathoftheWarrior,youandIarenotthesame.ThatmuchyoumadecleartomebeforeIjoinedtheDeadlyShadow.Perhapsyoufelttemptedbythepower.Ihaveastrongerwill.’

Thirianna couldnot stopherself from laughingat the ridiculousnessof theaccusation.Shehadsuccessfullypassedfromwarriortopoet;hewastheonethatwasbecomingtrapped.

‘Nothinghaschangedwithyou,’Thiriannareplied,angryasmuchwithherselfasher friend, forallowing herself to get involved. ‘You have learnt nothing! I offer comfort and you take criticism.Perhapsyouareright.PerhapsitisnotthePathoftheWarriorthatmakesyouthisarrogant;youhavealwaysbeensoself-involved.’

‘Self-involved?’ Korlandril’s voice rosewith disbelief.He stepped back and visibly took a breath,trying tocalmhimself.Whenhespokenext,hisvoicewasscornful. ‘You itwas that fluttered in thelight of my attention, promising much but ultimately willing to give nothing. If I am selfish it isbecauseyouhavetakenfrommethatwhichIwouldhavehappilygivenmyselfto.’

‘Iwaswrong,youarenotselfish,’saidThirianna.Shewonderedhow the twoof themhad everbeen friends.Herpatiencewaswearing thinwith

Korlandril’ssenseofself-importance.Hadhealwaysbeenthispompous?‘Youareself-deluding!Rationalisationandjustificationareallthatyoucanofferinyourdefence.

Takealonglookatyourself,Korlandril,andthentellmethatthisismyfault.’Korlandril stalked back and forth for a moment, like a caged animal seeking escape. For a

heartbeat,ThiriannafearedtheAspectWarriorwouldbecomeviolent.Itwasclearthathiswar-maskwasthinning,therageofhisbattle-spiritminglingwithhispersonalityawayfromtheshrineandwar.

‘Youarejealous!’Korlandrilrasped.‘OnceIwasinfatuatedwithyou,andnowyoucannotbearthe

thoughtthatImightlivemylifeoutsideofyourshadow.Elissanadrin,perhaps?YoubelievethatIhavedevelopedfeelingsforanother,andsuddenlyyoudonotfeelyouareuniqueinmyaffections.‘

‘Ihadnoideathatyouhadmovedyourambitionstoanother,’repliedThirianna.ShehadnoideawhoElissanadrinwas,butifshewasfoolenoughtoconsortwithKorlandril,Thiriannafeltsorryforher.‘Iamglad.Iwouldratheryousoughtthecompanyofsomeoneelse,asyouarenolongerwelcomeinmine.’

‘Thiswasamistake,’hesaid.‘Youarenotworththegriefyoubring,northetimeyouconsume.’Agrim realisationdawnedonThirianna.Her fearof involvingherselfwithKorlandrilhadbeen

correct.Theirconfrontationwas justanotherblowupontheslenderbarricadethatkeptKorlandril’sangerincheck.Shebegantosob,buryingherfaceinherhands,knowingthatshehadprobablymovedhimclosertoentrapment,againsthereveryintention.

Sherecoveredalittleandlookedup,findingthatKorlandrilhaddepartedwithoutanyfarewellorparting word. It was with bleak thoughts that Thirianna left the park. Her unsubtle interference,despiteknowingthatitmightproveill,hadpossiblydoomedherfriend.FarfromhelpingKorlandril,herclumsyattemptsatawarningmightwellhavebroughtabouttheveryfateshehadwantedtoavoid.

Thiriannawondered,forthefirsttimesinceshehadescapedthewebway,whethershewassuitedto the life of the seer. Shehadwanted answers, to know the consequences ofher actions and theireffectonothers.Inreality,themoreshelearnt,thefurthershedelvedintothesecretsoftheskein,thelesscertainshewasofanything.

Theflamesthatlickedalongtheedgesofthewitchbladewereapleasingviolethue.Thirianna’sruneglowed with the same colour as it slowly orbited the hilt of the weapon, its aura dimming andbrightening in tune with the ebb and flow of the psychic flames. The purple haze gleamed fromThirianna’s rune armour and was reflected from the golden sigils inscribed into the walls of thehexagonalchamber.

Thirianna wore no helm – and had not drawn up her war-mask – and her eyes glittered withpsychicpowerassheconcentratedonthewitchblade.Whenfirstshehadtakenitup,ithadbeenanextensionofherbody.Nowitwasbecominganextensionofhermind.Withathought,shereducedtheflamestoadullgleam;withanothertheyburstintofulllife.

Thiriannasteppedandchopped,leavingaviolettrailoflightwherethebladepassed.Shecutandthrust,side-stepped,parriedandthrustagain,thetipoftheswordleavingaglowingimprintintheair.Shehadnotnoticeditbefore,buttheburningtrailofthewitchbladeleftrune-impressionsontheair,writingdeathanddestructioninitswake.

Spinning to anewposture, Thirianna levelled thewitchblade at chest height andunleashed thepowerofthepsychicfire.Thevioletflamesroaredacrosstheroom,splashingagainsttherune-coveredwalls.Thirianna’srunespunmadly,turningoverlengthwiseasshepouredmorepsychicenergyintotheblast,adjustingtheaimofthewitchbladewithsmallwristmovements.

Imagininganunexpectedattack,shebrought theweaponupto theguardposition,ashermindwreathedtheflames intoadiscof fire towardawaytheblow.Shewhirled,herrobeflappingather

legs,bringingthewitchbladetotheattackinanewdirection,settingloosethreepulsesofflamethatexplodedagainstthepsychicshieldofthewallinpurpleblossoms.

Achimesounded,alertinghertoanapproachingvisitor.Asshedrewbackherpower,theswiftestdelveintotheinfinitycircuitrevealedthearrivaltobeKelamith.Itwasunexpected.Shehadnotseenthe farseer for more than a dozen cycles and it seemed that he had been content to allow her topractisewithbladeandrunewithoutsupervision.

Stowingtheweaponinitssheath,Thiriannapowereddowntheprotectiverunesandopenedthearchway to allow Kelamith to enter. The farseer was dressed in his full regalia, his crystal-lensedhelmettuckedunderonearm.

‘Battleapproaches,’hesaid.‘Comewithmetothecouncilofseers.Theautarchswillbeneedingourguidance.’

Thirianna nodded, and with a twitch of her finger sent her rune into a pouch at her belt. Sheopened her sword hand and the witchblade reluctantly floated back to its place on the wall. Shefollowedthe farseer through theChambersof theSeers,heading towards thecentralhallwhere thecouncilgathered.Shehadseenitbefore,ahigh-ceilingeddomeofdarkblue,piercedwithdiamond-likegems that glittered as the starry sky.Benches lined thewalls, and to oneof theseKelamith ledThirianna.Hedirectedhertositasotherseersfiledintothechamber,thefarseersgatheringonthecentraldaiswhilethewarlocksandlesserseerstooktheirplacesonthemarblebenches.

Itwasquiteacrowd,allthirteenofAlaitoc’sfarseerspresentandnearlyfourtimesthatnumberofotherpsykers.Thiriannaexchangedthoughtsofgreetingwiththosearoundherandreceivedthesamein reply, some formal, others genuinely warm and welcoming. All was done without lips moving,telepathiccontactsthattookmomentstoconveywhatwouldtakealengthyconversationtosay.AfewremarkedthatthiswasThirianna’sfirstcouncilandsherespondedwithnervousnessandexcitement.

Theautarchs thenentered, emerging from thegravrail stationbeside thehall, coming from theAspectshrineswheretheyheldtheirowngatherings.

Theautarchs,threeofthem,weredressedinornatearmour.Thiriannacouldsensetheantiquityoftheirwargear,generationsofdeathsteepedintheplatesandmesh.Arhathainworedarkbluearmourchasedwith gold detail, a white cloak hanging from his shoulders, a long spear in his right hand;Neurthuil’sarmourwasalsoblue,thoughofaclearskyanddecoratedwithsilver,themetallicwingsofher flightpack folded close, a three-barrelled lasblaster hanging from its strap over her shoulder;Akolthiar’sarmourwasredandorange,hisfacehiddenbehindthegrilleofaBansheemask,a long-muzzledfusionpistolathiswaist,ared-bladedaxeinhand.

AllthreehadtroddenthePathoftheWarriormanytimesandallthreehadprovenstrongenoughtoresistthelureofKhaine.ThoughThiriannahadnodesiretobecomeawarrioragain,shewasfilledwithadmirationandrespectforthethreecommanders,inspiredbytheirdisciplineandpurpose.

ItwasArhathain,chiefamongsttheautarchs,whospokefirst.‘We have received warning from this council that a threat emerges.’ His voice was quiet and

assured,deepandfullofauthority. ‘ThewordhasbeenpassedtotheexarchsandtheAspectshrinesreadyforbattle.Weseekguidancefromthecouncil.’

‘The council is ready to guide,’ Alaiteir replied formally, the farseer gesturing to one of his

companions.‘Theskeinrippleswithconflict,’saidLaimmain,herfingersmovingasthreerunesemergedfrom

herbeltandtookupstationinfrontofher.‘Worse,thetaintoftheGreatEnemyfallsuponthethreadofAlaitoc.’

Anauraof consternation filled thehall andThirianna’sheartbeat fasterwhile recentmemoriesthreatenedtosurface.Shepushedbacktherebelliousrecollectionsandfocussedonthefarseers.

‘An artefact has been unearthed, brought out of hiding by the reckless inquisitiveness of thehumans,’continuedKelamith.‘Itisasmallthingbutpossessedofagreatpowertocorrupt.’

‘Forthemomentitisdormant,’saidLaimmain,pickinguptheexplanationagain.‘Yetthehumans’curiosityandgreedwillcausethemtodelveintoitspropertiesandtheirspiritswillbeensnared,theirdreamsgivenformbythissubtleanddeadlycreation.’

‘Thiswickedartefactwillworkitsmalice,eatingattheirminds,pervertingtheirambitions,’saidAlaiteir.‘Theywillbecomeenamouredofthisthing,slavestothewillofSheWhoThirsts.’

‘Their depravity will be hidden at first, yet they are rulers of a world, important agents of theEmperor,andtheircorruptionwillgounnoticedbutreachfar,’saidKelamith.‘Injustashorttime,apassingofthreeoftheirgenerations,theywillsecretlyreveretheGreatEnemy.Inmadnessanddesire,theywill calluponSheWhoThirsts todeliver thempowerso that theymightescape theruleof theEmperorandthussealtheirpactwithdarkness.’

‘Suchathingwouldbeillenough,’saidAnuraina.Shesummonedanimageintobeingwithawaveofherhand.Itshowedanarcofthegalaxy,aswirlofstarsthatThiriannarecognisedasbeingonlyafew light years fromAlaitoc. ‘In their ignorance, thehumanswill fail, but their inexpert ritual shallweakentheboundariesbetweentherealmofthemortalandtheimmortal.’

The projected image swirled and changed. Thirianna recognised it as a vision from the skein,similartotheever-fluctuating,slightlyamorphousviewfromherownjourneysintothepossibilityoffutures.Thevisioncentredonaparticularstarandthenclosedwiththefifthplanetinorbit.Theskyaround the orb seethed with daemonic energy, as the warp breached into the material universe,bringingthepowerofChaosintothephysicalrealm.

‘The contagion from this daemonic invasion will spread to neighbouring star systems,’ saidKelamith,astheimagecontinuedtoevolve,presentingaviewofdebasementanddestructionacrosssevenmoreworlds. ‘Theseforceswillbeharnessedbythosewhowishusharm.GuidedbytheGreatEnemy,theforcesofChaoswillstrikeatAlaitoc.’

The next vision was even more horrifying. It showed the vessels of the craftworld overrun bydaemonsofSheWhoThirsts,breakingopenthecrystalvaultsoftheships’infinitycircuits,suppingattheeldarspiritsheldwithin.Gaspsanddisgustedwhispersrippledthroughtheauditorium.Thiriannalookedaway,sickenedbywhatshesaw.

‘All of this can be averted with a strike now,’ said Alaiteir. The vision presented by Anurainadissipated andwas replaced by a shadowed view of a human citadel. ‘The object thatwill cause somuchstrife isbeingbroughthere.It ispoorlydefended,a journeyofnomorethanafewdaysfromAlaitoc.’

‘Andwhatistheobjective?’askedArhathain.‘Theitemmustberecoveredordestroyed,thatmuch

isclear.Whatofitscorruptingeffect?’‘All in thecitadelmayhavebeen touchedby itspresence,’ saidKelamith. ‘Even ifwerecover the

artefact,whocansaywhatitslingeringtaintmightdamageinthefuture?’‘Allinthecitadelmustbeslain,’saidAlaiteir.‘Areyousurethatisnecessary?’askedAkolthiar.‘Youseemconcernedtoprotectthehumans,’saidKelamith.‘Wespeakofonlyafewhundredlives,

nothingmore.’‘ItisnottheexpenditureofthehumansthatIquestion,’repliedtheautarch.‘Themoretobeslain,

thegreatertherisktoeldar lives.Notonlywill itrequiremorewarriorstoriskthemselves inbattle,suchastrikemayprovokearesponsefromthehumans.’

‘Wehavedelved into this,’ saidKelamith. ‘There isnoconsequence toAlaitoc ifwestrikeswiftlyandsurely.Thehumanswillremainunawareofourpartintheattack,andthosethatsuspectwillbeleftnoproofofourinvolvement.Alaitocwillnotbeblamed.’

‘Ifthatisso,thenIagree,’saidAkolthiar.‘We have consent,’ said Arhathain. ‘We will begin preparations for a battleship to convey the

warhosttothisworld.Oppositionwillbeminimal.TheAspecttempleswillbesufficienttodealwiththematter.’

‘We shall continue to scry the battle-fate of your warriors,’ said Laimmain. ‘Several of us willaccompanyyoutotheworldtoensurethatnothinggoesamiss.’

‘Andtheartefact?’saidArhathain.‘Wehavealreadydespatchedamessagetothewhiteseers,’saidKelamith.‘Theywillmeetusatthe

humanworldandstandreadytotakepossessionoftheartefact.TheGreatEnemy’swilesaremany;besurethatyourwarriorsarefullyprepared.’

‘TheAspectWarriorswillnotbeturnedbythisobject,’saidArhathain.Helookedattheassembledseers.‘Besurethatnoneofyournumberarebeguiledbyitspresenceeither.’

The farseers looked displeased at the suggestion, but bowed their heads in deference to theautarchs,formallypassingontheburdenofthebattletothemilitaryleaders.

When the autarchs had departed, a discussion ensued between the seers. It was decided thatKelamithandLaimmainwouldaccompanytheforce,alongwithThirianna,AladricasandNaomennin.

‘Topractiseone’sskills in thepeaceandsafetyof thecraftworld isonematter,’KelamithsaidtoThiriannaastheywalkedbacktoherapartment. ‘Itisanothertoemploythemintheanarchyofwarandunleash themupon livingcreatures.Thiswillbeavaluable if somewhatdifficultexperience foryou.’

Thirianna said nothing, something in her memories stirring inside, haunting her. Kelamithdetectedherreticence.

‘Thisisnotsomeschemeofminetohaveyouconfrontyourunkindpast,’saidthefarseer.‘Wewillneedyour skills ifweare toavert this threat toourpeople.Whatever issuesyoumayhavewith theslayingofpotentialinnocents,setthemasidenow.ToseetheperilandnotactwouldnotonlydoomAlaitoc,itwouldbeaninsulttothosewhohavelongstriventoharnessthispowerforourprotection.’

‘Iunderstand,’saidThirianna,thoughshefeltuneasyaboutthecomingbattle.

‘Wedonotleaveforanothertwocycles,’saidKelamith.‘Usethattimetoconfrontwhateverdoubtsarenagging.Inbattle,youwillnotbegiventheluxuryofhesitationorlaxity.’

‘Iwillbeprepared,’Thiriannaassuredhim, thoughshewas loath to reveal toherself themalignmemoryshehadtakengreatpainstolockawayinthedeepestpartsofhermind.‘Whenyoucall,Iwillbeready.’

Thiriannawaited in thedarkantechamber in theShrineofOneHundredBloodyTears, sensing theexarch in theroombehindhercalling theDireAvengers tobattle.Sheknewthatshewouldhave toreach into her memory and bring out the experience she had shut away. It was concealed firmlybehindherwar-mask,andKelamithhadhinted that thecomingbattlemightbring it forthwithoutThirianna’s volition. Better now, she had decided, to confront this potential nightmare in thesanctuaryoftheshrine,thanriskittakingherunawaresatacriticalmoment.

Shebeganthemantrathatbroughtforthherwar-mask.Shepausedasitwassettlingintoplace,keepingaholdofhernormalselftoavoidbeingconsumedwithbloodlust.Thewitchbladeinherhandsthrummedwithlife,wokenbyherdarkthoughts.

Placing the blade to one side, disassociating herself from its war-hunger, Thirianna sat cross-leggedinthemiddleofthechamberandclosedhereyes.Shepushedthroughtheredfilmofthewar-maskandopenedherselftothememoriesthatlaybeyond.

Dozens of recollections flooded throughher, each a vista of death, a vignette of bloodshed. Sheshuddered,caughtbetweenthehorroroftheatrocitiesshecommittedandtheecstaticfeelingthathadflowedthroughherwhenshehadperpetratedthem.

Yettherewasnothingtherethatcausedhergreaterconcernthanbefore.Shehadseenthesethingswhenshehadpreparedforthebattlewiththeorks.Therewasanothermemory,soviletohershehadcastitdownintotheabyssofherthoughts,whereevenherwarrior-selfwouldnothavetocontemplateit.

Shebaulkedforamoment,afraidtoventurefurther.Herskinfeltslickwiththebloodofthoseshehad slain, her ears rang with their wounded cries and death rattles, her heart pounded with thesensationoftheirfleeinglife.

Thiriannawithdrew a littleway, allowing thewarrior-memories to recede, leaving her in peaceagain.Sheslowedherheartandbreathing, instillingcalm.Ifsheweretounleashthisdarkmemoryshewouldhavetodoitswiftly,divingpasttheotherrecollectionsintoitslair.

Hardeningherheartasmuchasshecould,filledwithtrepidation,Thiriannathrustherselfintothepast,sweepingpastthebattlesintothedarkmaelstromofherinnermostsecretthoughts.

Itwassomekindofeatingarea.Alongtableflankedbyhigh-backedseatsstretchedthelengthoftheroom,setwithplatesandcandlesticksasifreadyforameal.Thiriannaheardawhimperingnoiseandleaptontothetable.Sheranalongitslength,pickingherwaybetweenthedishesandcandlestickswithoutthought.

Atthefarendoftheroomwasanotherseatingarea,withoverstuffedchairsandaroundtable.Inthecornercoweredafemalehuman.Withherwerethreechildren,onemale,twofemale.Theirfaces

wereredandwet,theireyesglistening.ThetaintofChaospermeatesthisplace,saidKelamith.Allmustbepurged.Thehumansmadewhimpering,animalnoisesasThiriannabroughtuphershurikencatapult.Theeldestfemale,themother,shriekedsomething,coveringthechildrenwithherself.Thirianna

ignoredherwailsandopenedfire,shreddingthewoman’sbody.The children screamed, their tear-streaked faces spattered with the blood of theirmother. The

largest of them, the boy, leapt to his feet and charged Thirianna. She reacted without thought,steppingasidefromhisclumsilyswingingfists.Sheswungtheshurikencatapult,bringingitdownonthebackoftheboy’sneck,easilysnappingtheyounghuman’sspine.Hefloppedtothelacqueredfloorwithoutafurthersound.

Thetwogirlssquirmed,tryingtofreethemselvesfromthedeadweightoftheirmother,eyeswidewithhorrorastheirbrother’scorpsetwitchedinfrontofthem.

Thirianna looked at the youngest. She was barely old enough to walk, yet the look in her eyesseemedweighedwith a lifetime of sorrow. The AspectWarrior fired again, ripping out the child’sthroatwithashortsalvo.Thelaststruggledtoherfeetandturnedtorun.Itwasfutileandshewentdowninamessofbloodandraggeddress,herblondelockscoveringherfaceasshetumbledontoarug.

Thiriannalookedatthesprawlingbodies,theswirloftheirbloodandthesplayoftheirdeadlimbs.Theyhadbeensofragile,soeasytoslay.

Shelaughed.

Falling to one side, Thirianna let out awild howl of despair.Her own laughter echoed around thechamber,hauntinganddeliberate, fullofcontempt for life.Theseerclaspedherhead inherhands,filledwithguiltandshame,herbodyconvulsingassherememberedeveryfleckofbloodonthefacesofthedeadchildren.Shesawtheedgesofthemother’sribs,bloodyandscratchedfromtheshurikens,pokingoutfrombeneathherlacedbodice.Shecouldsmelltheblood,hearthecrying.

Every part of herwanted to flee. Thirianna resisted the urge to hurl thememory back into theblackness,atinypartofherstrongenoughtofacethefullfuryofherownviolence.Overandovershewatchedthefamilydying,yetitneverdimmed,andthememoryofherexultationattheactwrenchedatherspiriteachtime.

Panting,Thiriannaforcedherselftoherfeet.Shehadtoacceptthis;shehadtoacknowledgethatpart of her capable of committing such an act. They were only humans, she told herself, but herjustification felthollow.Theywerenot innocent, she reasoned, theywere taintedbyChaos,but sheknewthatitwasadelusion.

Iamamurderer,shethought.Anotherpart of hermind railed against the accusation.Herwar-mask flowed, bringingouther

warriorspirit.ShehadbeenaDireAvenger,incarnationofapurifyingflame.Shehadslainhundreds,guiltorinnocencewereirrelevant.

ItwasnottheactitselfthatsoappalledThirianna,itwasthejoyithadbrought.

Itsickenedher,thatlaugh,theutterdisregardforlifethatshehadshown.Itrangagaininherears,chilling, devoid of compassion. The slaughter may have been justified or not, it may have been anecessaryprecautionorcold-bloodedmurder.WhatThiriannacouldnotdenywasthesatisfactionithadbrought.Ithadnotbeenanactofinstinctintheheatofbattle,alife-or-deathdecisiontoslayorbeslain.Ithadbeencold-hearted,reasoned,andwasallthemoreenjoyableforit.

The heinous act had thrilled her somuch because she had known fullwellwhat itwas shewasdoing. Itwas thesimplematterofdoingtheunthinkable,withoutblameorshame,whichhadbeenexhilarating.ItwasatruemomentofKhaine’sbloodywork,unhamperedbylogicormorality.

AnotherthoughtburstthroughThirianna’sinternalrecriminations.Eveninhermomentofhigh-handedtriumph,shehadknownshewasbewitchedwiththebloodshed.Afterthebattleshehadquitthe Shrine of One Hundred Bloody Tears, turning her back on the Bloody-Handed God, foreverexpungedofherdesireforwar.

Theact,callousasitwas,hadfreedherfromKhaine’sgrip.Focussing on this, Thirianna recovered some of her equilibrium. As the visceral nature of the

memory subsided, she was able to hold on to that simple fact: at her darkest moment she hadtriumphed.ShehadstooduponthebrinkofacceptingKhaine’sembrace,ofbecomingenamouredofdeathandblood-letting,butithadnottrappedher.

ItwasthenatureofthePaththatalifebecomposedofmanysuchmoments,whereonetrodthelinebetweensafetyandutterobsession.Thiriannahadpassedthetest,andshehadmovedon.Itwasonly fromshirkingherduty to those shehad slain,by trying to forget them, that shehadpoisonedherself.

Thememorywasquickly losingitspowertounbalanceher.Themoresheexaminedit, themoreThiriannaconsoledherselftothegrievousact.Confrontingwhatshehaddone,shecouldfeeltheguiltandshameshehadnotfeltatthetime.Inacceptingthepunishment,therawfeelingthatsangalonghernerves,shecouldatoneforherbloodyways.

Reaching out a hand, Thirianna called to herwitchblade. It leapt to her grasp, singing its owndeadly song. SheWho Thirsts threatened again, through the humans oncemore. Thiriannawouldhavetokillagain,notonlytosaveherownlife,buttosavethe livesoffutureAlaitocii.Humanliveswouldbesavedtoo,thoughtheywouldnevercomprehendthebenefitforthemselves.Thethoughtdidnotmakewhatshehadtodoeasy,butitmadeitafractionmorepalatable.

ThiriannaheardthedullchantingoftheDireAvengersintheadjoiningchamber.Theirritualwascomingtoitsclimax,aseachwouldbedaubingtheruneoftheshrineontheirforeheadsandtakinguptheirwar-masks.

Shecrossedtheroomandliftedherhelmfromitshook.Shetoowasready.

The eldar battleplan was a thing of complex beauty. Like so many human worlds, the eyes of thedefenderswereeverturnedoutwards,seekingthreatsthatwouldapproachopenly.NotonlyhadtheyallowedthemachinationsofChaostoenterunhinderedintotheirlives,thehumanswereincapableofdefending themselves against any foe more advanced. Their orbital stations and crude surveying

satellitesscannedthevoidfordisturbancesinthewarp,expectingenemyshipstoentertheirsystemintheoutermostreaches,farfromthegravitationalpulloftheirsun.

Theeldarsufferedfromnosuchrestriction.Thewebwaypassedclosebytothehumanworldandthoughitwasnotwithoutsomeeffort,itwasastraightforwardtasktoextendatemporarytunnelintothe system. The battleship Fainoriain and two destroyers had exited the webway inside the ring ofdetectiondevices,andhiddenbyholofieldsandotherscreeningdevices, theeldarhaddevised theirmethodofattack.

The Chaos artefact had been taken to the citadel seen in the visions of the farseers. Swiftlymonitoring the humans’ unencrypted communications revealed that this fortress was a retreat formembersofamercantile cadre thateffectively ruled theworldunder theauspicesof theEmperor’sagencies.Itwasprotectedbyphysicalwallsandgunturrets,buthadnodefenceagainsttheeldar.

Inlayoutthefortresswasanoctagon,protectedbywallsofhewnstone,withinwhichacourtyardofdullgreyslabscontainedseveralbuildings.Ateachangleofthewallswaslocatedadefencebattery,multi-barrelledcannonspointingtotheskiesbesidesmallguardhouses.Themaincitadelwaslocatednotquiteatthecentre,aslightlysmallertowerinitsshadow.Severalone-storeybuildingssurroundedthese two structures, storehouses with wide doors and no windows. Flags hung limply from polesalongthewalls,andspotlightsglaredoutintothenightbeyond.

Suchdefiancewasinvainagainsttheeldar.The firstwave of AspectWarriors emerged from thewebwaywithin these defences and swiftly

securedthewallsandoutercourtyard,cuttingdownallresistancewithshurikencatapultsandmissilelaunchers.Astheanti-airbatterieswereoverrun,SwoopingHawksdescendedfromthenightskiestobolster the attack, dropping onto the worn battlements with plasma detonations and strobinglasblasters.

ThiriannanotedinpassingthatKorlandrilwasamongstthosefighting,theStrikingScorpionsoftheDeadlyShadowtaskedwithtakingoneofthewarehouse-likeouterbuildings.Heseemedtohaverecoveredfromhisinjuryandhisthreadacrosstheskeinwasstrong.

Glad thather former friendwouldnotsuffera repeatof the traumaofhis lastbattle,ThiriannafollowedKelamithdownanalleybetweentwoofthewarehouses.WhileDireAvengers,DarkReapers,Howling Banshees and Fire Dragons made the initial assault, the seers and a bodyguard of morewarriorshadleftthewebwayinthevicinityofthecommandtowerclosetothenorthernwall.

Two squads of Warp Spiders heralded the second phase of the attack. Using their warp jumpgenerators, the Aspect Warriors teleported directly into the main guard room within the tower,silentlyslayingtheoccupantsinamatterofmoments.

Thirianna and Kelamith led the squad of Dire Avengers from Thirianna’s old shrine, the OneHundredBloodyTears, accompaniedbyArhathain.Poisedbetween reality and the skein,Thiriannaquicklyledtheotherstoalargeportalofiron.Shehadforeseenthedooropeningastheoccupantsofthetoweremergedtorespondtotheattackonthewall.

Sure enough, a fewmoments later, the sound of grinding gears and swinging levers could beheard.Thegatesopenedinwardstorevealseveraldozenhumansoldierswearingdrabgreyfatigues.Theiruniformsweremorelikelabourers’clothes,heavyoverallsstitchedwithmanypocketswornover

whiteshirts.Theirhelmetswereofgrey-paintedmetal,steeplyslopedwithnarrowcheekguards,andtheirsquadleadersworegorgetsofsilverandvambracesofthesame.

The humans raised their lasguns slowly, eyeswideningwith shock and fear. TheDireAvengersopenedfire,gunningdownmany,whileThirianna,KelamithandArhathainchargedintothedoorway.

Thiriannacutthelegsfromthefirstsoldierasabluelas-blastdeflectedfromherrunearmour.Sheducked under the butt of a rifle and chopped off the hands holding theweapon. A step to the leftbroughtherbehindthescreamingmanandaswiftcuttotheneckendedhissuffering.Forewarnedbytheskein,Thiriannabroughtupherwitchbladetodeflectanotherlas-bolt,beforeunleashingafuryofflamesthroughadoorwaytoherright,incineratinganotherhandfulofhumans.

Thirianna briefly felt the spirit of Kelamith as he flashed through theminds of the defenders,searching for information, stealing their dying thoughts. It felt a little like ransacking their graves,prisingopentheirlasthopesandfearsforglimmersofusefulintelligence.

‘Weseekthedarknessbelow,’saidthefarseer.Thiriannaglimpsedavisionofaroomfilledwithcrudecommunicationsdevices.‘Theirvoicemustbesilenced.’

Arhathainledthenextattack,theshurikenweaponmountedinhisgauntletspewingahailofdiscsashe leaptdownaflightofstairstowardstheundergroundlevels.Theglowfromhisspearmingledwith the light fromThirianna’s blade andKelamith’s staff, bathing the stairway in amulticolouredswirl.

TheDireAvengersfollowedaftertheirautarch,thetwopsykersbringinguptherear.Moresoldiersemergedfromarowofroomsholdingnarrowbunks;unarmed,theywereswiftlydespatched.

Attheendofthecorridor,theroomtothecommunicationscentrestartedtoswingshut.Thiriannafeltahugebuild-upofpressureinthebackofhermind,asKelamithextendedhiswill.Thedoorwasthrownopenbythepowerofhisthought,hurlingbackthetwomenwhohadbeenclosingit.

Dial-filledconsolesexplodedas theDireAvengersopenedfire.ThiriannawentthroughthedoorbesideArhathain,blockingabayonetaimedathergut.Sheslashedthetipofherwitchbladethroughthehuman’sthroat,sendinghimreelingintoanothersoldier.Jumpinghighoverbothmen,Thiriannadroveherbladeintothebackofanother,beforespinningonherheeltodeliverthekillingblowtothemanwhohadbeentripped.

Arhathain’sspearblazedasheswept it throughthebankofspeakersandlevers,sendingmoltenmetal splashing up the dark stone walls. An ear-splitting whine erupted from a damaged grille, amomentbeforeKelamith’sstaffsilencedit,thefarseerdrivingtheornateheadintothebowelsofthespark-spittingmachine.

‘It is done,’ saidKelamith.Thewhineof shuriken catapults filled thepassagewayoutside as theDireAvengersrespondedtoafreshattack.

‘The cordon is formed,’ reported Arhathain. ‘All squads are in position to move on the centralbuilding.’

‘Wait!’snappedKelamith.Aheartbeat later,Thiriannaalso felt somethingchanging.Theskeinwasshifting,mutatingand

bending as new futures unfolded. A malign presence was spilling out across the threads of fate,bendingthemtoitspurpose.

‘SheWhoThirsts,’mutteredthefarseer.Thiriannarecognisedthetaint,awashwithmemoriesofbeinghuntedinthewebway.Nowthere

wasnoattempttobeguile,nosubtletwistingofdesire.ThedaemonsoftheGreatEnemyswampedtheskeinwiththeirpresence,respondingtothethreattotheirartefact.

‘Wedonothavetimetowagetwobattles,’saidArhathain,alsosensingsomethingofthegatheringdaemonicthreat.‘Wehavealimitedtimebeforewearedetectedandthehumansrespondinforce.’

‘Continuefor themaintower,’ saidKelamith.ThiriannafelthimbindingforamomentwiththemindofLaimmainasthetwofarseersdevisedaplantodefendagainstthedaemons.‘Weshallprotectyourspiritsasyouprotectourbodies.Thirianna,comewithme.’

The two of them headed up through the communications tower, as Arhathain and the DireAvengerslefttojointhemainattack.Thiriannaflowedbetweenrealityandunreality,thematerialandimmaterialoverlappinginherthoughts.Asshenegotiatedaturninthestairs,shefeltthefirstpulloftheartefact.

Tenebrous tendrils plucked at Thirianna’s mental defences, seeking a means to penetrate hermind.Herruneglowedwhite-hot,fendingofftheattack,redirectingthepsychicpowerpushingatthebarrierserectedaroundhermind.

Though she suffered no physical damage, the psychic attack left her dizzied. She could smell asweetperfume,alluring,intoxicating.Herskintingledwithinherarmour,whileamelodicharmonydisorientatedher,temptingherdeeperintotheskein.

Sheresistedthealluringdeception,hardenedtoitbypreviousexperience.Enraged,thedaemonshurled themselvesat themindsof theeldar, clawingandscreeching, trying toovercomewithbruteforcethatwhichtheyhadfailedtocircumventbyseduction.

Thirianna lashed back with her mind, sending a pulse of fire across the skein. Kelamith didlikewise, and she felt the flames from the other seers scorching along the threads of the future,purgingthedaemonicpresence.

Reaching the uppermost storey of the communications building, Kelamith withdrew from theskein foramoment, leavingThirianna to fend forherself.Keepingonly thesmallest fractionofheressence inherbody, she ventured furtheracross the skein, following thepathblazedbyLaimmain,pickingoffstraymotesofChaosenergyleftinthewakeofthefarseer’soffensive.

Immaterial hands plucked at Thirianna’s thoughts, trying to prise open her passions, seekingweakness in her resolve. She felt the heartache of her discord with Korlandril and Aradryan andquicklyrespondedwiththoughtsofherpartialreconciliationwithherfather.

The daemons recited the words of her poems, calling them out in trite snippets, twisting themeaningsoftheverses,makingthemsoundpatheticandhollow.Thiriannarefusedtobegoadedintoa response. Instead, she followed thepsychic echoesof the voices, trackingdown thedaemonsandbringingthefireofpuritytobearuponthem.Whiteflameslickedacrosstheskein,silencingtheevilchatter.

There came a lull in the onslaught, the daemons retreating from the wrath of the eldar seers.Thiriannareturnedherconsciousnesstoherbody,notingthattheentirepsychicbattlehadtakenlessthanadozenheartbeats.

‘Our foe is not yet defeated,’ warned Kelamith, gesturing towards the door. ‘Wemust join theattackonthecentraltower.’

Theseersleftthecommunicationsbuildingandheadedtowardsthecentralcompound.Firescouldbeseenburningatseveralofthewindowsintheupperlevels.Therewereeldardeadatthemaingate,HowlingBansheesriddledwithbullets.Thiriannasteppedoverthecorpseswithoutasecondglance,herwar-maskinuringhertothehorrorofthescene.

AsshefollowedKelamithupawindingstaircase,shewasawareagainofpowerfulenergyflowingacross the skein.Thedaemonscameagain, focussing theirmaliceupon thepsykers,drawn to theirbrightspirits.

Drawingpower throughher rune,Thiriannadividedher attentionbetween the real andunreal.Withthedaemonsfloodingtheskeinwiththeircorruptingenergy,itwasimpossibletodrawonthepower of her foresight, so itwaswith some caution that she stepped off a landing into one of thechambersof thecitadel.Shescanned theroomquickly,whileon theskein thedaemonsmanifestedthemselves, appearing in a variety of hideous forms. The daemonettes she had encountered beforecould be seen, claw-hands slashing, jewelled eyes bewitching. With them came six-limbedmonstrosities with lashing tongues. Thirianna focussed her powers, meeting the daemonicincarnationswithanapparitionofherown,flamingswordinhand.

Blademetclawintheetherealworld,asThiriannaleaptbehindthetoppledremainsofabookcase,las-boltssearingalongthestainedwood.Shepulledouthershurikenpistolandfiredback,fellingoneofthesoldierstakingcoverinadoorwayopposite.

AclawsnappedatThirianna’sface,deflectedatthelastmomentbythehiltofherwitchblade.Shedartedunderanotherslashingclawandbroughttheswordupintothecreature’schest,turningittoash.

Kelamithenteredtheroom,aballof lighteruptingfromthetipofhisstaff,hurlingthehumansbackfromthedoorway.Ontheskein,ahandfulofdaemonsdisintegratedintobodilessscreamsatthetouchofhismind.

‘Othersarecoming,stalltheiradvance,’saidthefarseer,wavingahandtowardsanother,smallerdoorwayatthefarendoftheruinedlibrary.

Thiriannadasheddown the longcarpet, sword inhand,arrivingat thedooramomentbeforeahuman stumbled through, a pistol in one hand, chainsword in the other. Thirianna blocked thechainsword with her witchblade and fired her pistol into the man’s gut, sending him backwardsthroughthedoor.

Intheskein,thedaemonswereactingstrangely.Theycircledthebrightsparksoftheeldarpsykers,constantly moving, feinting but not attacking. Thirianna could sense other energies at work, thepower of the warp leaking through to the material world, the unreal becoming real through themachinationsofthedaemons.

Beyond thedoorwas a small set of stairs leadingdown,nodoubtusedby servants so that theywould not disturb theirmasters as theymoved about the citadel. There were sounds of a strugglecomingfrombelowandThiriannahurrieddownthesteps.

The daemonswere pouring their power through the nascent breach into thematerial universe,

seeking anything to anchor upon. The dull, lifelessminds of the humans were hard to detect, bututterly unprotected. Urged on by a thought from Laimmain, the seers tried to intervene, placingthemselvesbetweenthedaemonsandthehumans,hurlingboltsoffiretodrivebackthecreaturesoftheGreatEnemy.

The roombelowwas some kind of storage area, thewalls linedwith shelves, barrels and cratesstackedneatlytooneside.Ahumanfemalecrouchedbehindoneoftheboxes,herheadinherhands,mouthopeninasilentscream.Thiriannasteppedforwards,witchbladeraised.

Thewoman’sfleshpulsed,ripplingwithunearthlypowerassomethingslidintothebody,pushingitswayintothematerialworldthroughherweakmind.Spineseruptedfromherbackandshouldersandherhairfelloutinclumps,leavingadistortedscalpcolouredadarkpink.Fangseruptedbloodilyfromhergumsandherfingernailsturnedtowhiteclaws.

Withascreech,thedaemon-thingleaptatThirianna,slashingattheeyelensesofherhelm.Sparkseruptedfromtheseer’srunearmour,throwingthedaemoniccreatureback,thewoman-daemonettesmashing into the shelves to send shards of pottery crashing to the hard floor. Thirianna did nothesitate, lunging at the possessed humanwithwitchblade outstretched. The sword passed into thedaemon’sgut,violetfirespringingfromthewound.

Apsychicbacklashrippedalongthewitchblade,takingThiriannabysurprise.Shestumbledback,losinghergripontheweaponasshetumbledoverpiledsacks.Thedaemon-thingwasnotdestroyed.Aforked tongue rasped in and out of its fangedmouth as it stalked forwards, its dagger-like clawsoutstretched.

Thirianna formed a fist, enveloping her hand with psychic power. She sprang to her feet andpunchedthecreatureinthechest,drivingherhandforwardswitheveryounceofphysicalandmentalstrength. The blow tore thedaemon inhalf, a ring of purple fire exploding outwards, hurling bodypartsintotheclutteredstores.

Hereandthere,thedaemonsweremakingotherbreakthroughsfromtheskein.Tryastheymight,theeldarcouldnotshieldeveryhumanmind.Thiriannacouldfeeltheartefactweighingheavilyonthepsychicplane,bendingeverythingaroundit,forminganimmaterialgravitywellthatdreweverythingtowardsit.Itspresencewaserraticthough,cominginebbsandflows,itspowerconstrainedbythewilloftheseers.Itflared,sendingoutacoronaofenergy,shadowytentaclesseekingamindtolatchonto,tobringittofullawakening.

Thiriannaheardthecreakofadoorbehindheropening.Herwitchbladeflewintoherhandasshespunaround,readytostrike.

Thebladestoppedahair’sbreadthfromtheboy’sthroat.Thiriannatrembled,lookingintothewide,browneyesoftheyouth.Hewasdressedindrabgrey

clothes, his jerkin buttoned tight, short trousers flapping around his knees. She noticed he wasbarefoot.

Theboysaidsomething toher in thegarbled tongueof thehumans,his faceamaskof fear.Hestarted backing away towards the door, eyes roving around the room, taking in the gore splashedeverywhere.

‘Slayhim!’

Kelamith’scommandwasashoutintheheartofThirianna’smind.Shealmostactedonimpulse,butstayedherhandagain,refusingtostrikethekillingblow.

She could not do it. The council had decided that all had to die, but Thirianna could not bringherself to slay the boy out of hand. She was not the cold-blooded slayer of Khaine anymore. Herwitchbladetwitched,eagerforblood,butshehelditback.Evenwithherwar-maskinplace,shecouldnotspillthebloodoftheboy.Hewasnothreat.

In the moment of her hesitation, Thirianna’s guard in the skein wavered. A daemonic entityslippedpastherstrayingthoughts,slidingintotheyouth.Shewatchedinhorrorashisskinpaledandhiseyesdarkened.

Flickeringbetweentheskeinandreality,Thiriannacouldsee thedaemonwithin theboy’s form,yetstillshecouldnotdeliverthedeadlyblow.Ontheskein,sheseizedholdofthedaemonandtriedtodragitfromtheyouth’sbody.

ThechildsnatchedupabrokenpieceofwoodandsmasheditacrossThirianna’schest.Herrunearmourabsorbedtheblow,flashingwithlight.

Shestruggledwiththedaemon, itspsychicclawsandteethslashingandbitingathermindasitfoughttokeeptheboy;shedelvedherthoughtsintotherawstuffofthedaemon,sickenedbyitstouchbutdeterminednottoletgo.

Shewardedaway theswingingplankwithherwitchblade,guiding theblowharmlesslypasthershoulder. The boy snarled and spat curses at her in his own tongue before jabbing the broken endtowardsherface.Thiriannaduckedaside,slappingtheplankfromthepossessedboy’sgraspwiththeflatofherwitchblade.

Nowthedaemonchanged,meldingitselfaroundThirianna,tryingtodrawherintotheremnantsoftheboy’smind.Hismemoriesflashedacrossherconsciousness:sofewandallofthemofalifetimeofdrudgeryandservitude.

‘Theboyisdead.Thereisnothinglefttosave.’Kelamith’svoicewascalm,thewordslikecoolingwateronafeveredbrow,calmingThirianna’sire.

Sherealisedherfearwasgivingstrengthtothedaemon.Thehardershestruggledtofreetheboyfromitsgrip,thestrongeritbecame.

Distracted, Thirianna reacted slowly to the youth’s next attack. He snatched up a clay jug andhurleditintothesideofherhelm.Thematerialheldandshewasunharmed,buttheimpactmadeherearsring.

Thewitchbladecalledtoher,resonatingwithThirianna’swar-mask.Shewasakiller,andtheboy’slifeordeathwouldnotchangethat.Thestainofbloodwasonherspiritforever.Whatwasonemoreshortexistenceinthetorrentofbloodshehadunleashedinherlife?

Thedaemonswelledwithpower,fuellingitselffromThirianna’sdoubt.Theboy’sbodyrippledandbulged,hunchingoverasatailtippedwithabarbedstingeruptedfrom

thebaseofhisspine.ThestingjabbedtowardsThirianna,almostcatchingherunawares.Sheduckedbeneaththeattackandsteppedbackoutofrange.

Theboysmiledather,theexpressiononeofsublimeinnocence.Thedaemonhadgonetoofaranditflinchedasitrealiseditsmistake.

Thiriannalevelledherwitchbladeattheboy.Purpleflamessprangfromthesword,engulfingthepossessed child fromhead to foot.On the skein,Thirianna ripped free from thedaemon, tearing itapartfromwithin,shreddingitwithhernakedrage.

Thethingscreamed,suchapiercing,plaintivewailthatThiriannaalmostbrokeoffherattack.Shesteeledherselfandpouredoutmoreofherrage,turningthecreature’sphysicalbodytoasmoulderingcinderevenasshescattereditspower,banishingitacrossthebreadthoftheskein.

Asthecharredremainscollapsedintoash,Thiriannafelltoherknees,moaningwithdespair.Herbladegrewdarkandher rune clinked to thegroundas she retreated inside ahard shell thrownuparoundherthoughts.

Kelamith came to her quickly, on the skein and in person. He peeled away the protective layersencirclinghermindwhilehehelpedhertoherfeet.

‘Comeandseethatwhichhascausedussomuchgrief,’hesaid.Thirianna locked away the encounter with the daemon alongside her previous child-slaying,

bringingherwar-maskintofullfocus,shuttingofftherampagingguiltthatwrackedherwholemind.Shewascalmagain.ThethreatofthedaemonshadbeendissipatedbutstillThiriannacouldfeelthebroodingpresence

oftheartefact.Itbecameamorediffusedenergy,spreadingacrosstheskein,lookingforescape.Themindsoftheeldarwerelikeafieldofstars,andinturneachflickeredwithpaleblueanddelicategreenshadesastheGreatEnemysoughttotemptthem.

‘Touchnothing,’warnedKelamith,hiswordsechoingacrosstheskeintothemindsoftheothereldar.‘Freeyourmindsofdesireandtemptation.’

As the twoseersheadedupanotherstaircase,Thiriannacaughtsporadic soundsof fighting.Ontheskeinshecouldseethelastfewhumansholdingoutintheroomatthepinnacleofthetower.

Theartefactmadealastgrabforattention,pouringitsfilthypowerintothehumans.Thiriannafeltamomentoftriumphfromtheobjectandsawavisionofahumanleapingtowardstheboxthathelditspowerincheck.

Something else flickered across the skein. Theywere there for amoment and then gone:WarpSpiderAspectWarriors,forewarnedbyKelamith.Thethreadofthehuman’slifeendedabruptly.

AnewauraoflightfilteredacrosstheimmaterialrealmasKelamithandThiriannawerejoinedbyArhathain on the top landing. Kelamith gestured for Thirianna to wait as the farseer and autarchenteredthechambertogether.

Thiriannaturnedatasuddenpresencebehindher.Agroupofgrim-facedseersmadetheirwayupthe stairs, all clad inplainwhite,heads shornof all hair.Between them floatedanovoid container,darkredincolourandpatternedwithsilverrunes.Thiriannasteppedoutoftheirway,disturbedthatthey had no presence on the skein. As they passed, her spirit stone glowed white for a moment,touchedbytheirenergy.

Whenthewhiteseershadentered,Thiriannamovedtothedoor,justintimetoseethatnotallofthehumansweredead.Theartefactgavealastpulseofpower,imbuinglifeintothenear-lifelesswitha flailing tendrilof energy.Ahumansoldier surged fromthewreckageof the room’s furniture,onearmhanging limplybyhis side, a longwound inhis thighsprayingbloodashe sprintedacross theroomtowardstheartefact.

Arhathain reacted quickest, his spear singing across the hall to catch the human in the chest,hurling him bodily through the air. A blink later, several shuriken volleys and laser blasts passedthroughtheairwherethemanhadbeen.Arhathainbeckonedtothespearandittwisted,rippeditselffreeofthedeadhumanandflewbacktohisgrasp.Unperturbed,theautarchapproachedtheboxandloweredtoonekneebesideit,studyingtheartefactclosely.

Whisperingprotectivemantras,thewhiteseersclosedaroundhim,theirrobesobscuringallsight,theirsibilantincantationsgrowinginvolume.Theskeinbentaroundthemalso,becomingaprotectivebubblethatreflectedbackthethoughtsofThiriannaasshetriedtopeerinside.

Whentheypartedamomentlater,silencedescended.Theboxwasgonebutthewraithbonecasketgleamedwithadarkerlight,anauraofoilyenergyseepingfromit.Thecasketweighedheavilyontheskein,even thewardingpowersof thewhite seersunable to stop it fromaffecting thepathsof fatearoundit.Therewasmuchbloodanddeathsurroundingtheartefact,butThiriannaknewnottoprytooclosely,andavertedherthoughts.

Thewhiteseersdepartedwiththeirtaintedcargo.‘Humansgatherinforcetodestroyusoutsidethewalls,’Arhathainannounced,standingup.‘The

garrisonareallslain.Returntothewebwayandwewillbeaway.Takeourdead;wecannotleavetheminthisforsakenplace.’

‘Whoarethey?’Thiriannaasked,assheandKelamithfollowedthewhiteseersbacktothetransportpodthathadbroughtthemthroughthewebway.

‘Abridge,betweenthecraftworldsandtheBlackLibrary,’repliedthefarseer.‘TheyaresteepedintheknowledgeofChaos,andareimmunetoitscharmsandwiles.’

‘They do not look like Harlequins to me,’ said Thirianna, remembering the garish troupe ofwarrior-performersshehadseenonceasachild.

‘Though theHarlequinsknow the locationof theBlackLibrary, they arenot its onlyguardians,’explained Kelamith. ‘They are far too capricious to be entrustedwith such a thing, nomatter howdevotedtheyprofesstobeaboutthedestructionoftheGreatEnemy.Wiser,soundermindsthanthoseoftheLaughingGod’sfollowerswillstudythisthingandlearnitssecretsbeforeitisdestroyed.’

Thirianna thought how sheltered her life had been onAlaitoc. She had thought she had knowneverything about her people, both those of the craftworld and those beyond, but she was learningquickly that the remnants of the great civilisation they had once been were far more diverse andsecretivethanevenshehadknown.

‘That is true,’ said Kelamith, detecting her thoughts. ‘There aremany things of eldar and alienoriginthatwehaveforgotten.’

‘Thatisnotacomfortingthought,’saidThirianna.‘It was not intended as such,’ replied Kelamith. ‘Though you faltered today, you will grow the

stronger for it.Thoughyoucanperfect thearts youhavealready learnt,honingyour runecraft andpowers, you face another choice, child. It is not an easy decision, and while many decisions mayinfluencethecourseofyourfate,thisonewillwithoutquestiondecideyourdoom.’

PARTTHREE

FARSEER

Skein

TheHoodedShadow–CloakofMorai-HegThebalanceoffatecanbebothrobustanddelicate.Somedoomscannotbeavoided,whileothershangbyaslenderthreadfortheirduration.Ofthelatter,therearesomefatessohighlyattunedtoinfluencethatthesimplestobservation,theknowledgeoftheirpossibility,canrendertheminert.Inordertolookuponsuchvisions,theseermustgoforthintheguiseofMorai-hegherself,protectedfromrepercussionbytheHooded

Shadow,lesttheirawarenessofwhattheywitnessbringsittopassorquenchesitspotential.

Thiriannaheldherrunejustaboveherfingertipasshecontemplatedherfuture.ItwastothispointthatshehadbeenmovingsinceleavingthePathofthePoet,aninstanceinherlifethatwouldhaveaprofoundeffectonherexistence,bothofwhatcamenextandwhatshehadalreadyexperienced.

Shesatonthelowcouchbelowawindowoverlookingtheparklands.Thedomehadmovedtothedusk-likeperiodofthecycle,anartificialtwilightofdeepredsandpurplescastinglongshadowsfromthe trees and rocks. The croaking of nocturnal amphibians could be heard in the distance, whilemoonsparrowsandraspowlsdisturbedthepeacewiththeirroostingcriesandhauntingcalls.Swarmsoftinybats,eachno largerthanafingernail, flutteredfromtheirnests inthebolesofthekaidonimtrees,appearingasadriftinghazethatfloatedjustabovethegrassyhills.

All of the calm of the scene was lost on Thirianna as she studied the slowly revolving sigil ofwraithbone.Sheadmiredthecraftherfatherhadputintoitsmaking.Atfirstglanceitappearedquiteplain,asimpleshapeoftwobarsandthreecurves,encompassingthesyllablesofhername.Oncloserinspection, thesurfacewasrippledwithwhorlsand lines,almost invisible to thenakedeye, like theprintofafingertip.Strangerstill,thewraithbonewasnotstatic.Thepatternshiftedslowly;soslowlyitcouldnotbeseen,butitdefinitelychangedfromonecycletothenextinsubtleways.

Thedesign couldbe taken as amap, perhaps, charting thepossible futures beingplayedout byThirianna’slife.Itmightbearecordofherpastlife,constantlyupdatingasshemovedacrosstheskeinof fate.ForallThiriannaknew, itmightwellbea simpleconceitofher father,anembellishmentofpurelydecorativevalue.

Whatever themutable patternwas, it could not offer Thirianna any guidance on thematter athand. There was no pressure to decide her course; she continued to practise her scrying and herpsychicabilities,andinasensethatwasachoiceinitself,achoiceofnon-commitment.YetThiriannaknewhercontinuedstudieswerenotaresolution,butsimplyameanstoallowhertimetothink.

Itwas tempting to use the rune to delve the future path, to see the consequences of one act oranotheronThirianna’s lifetocome.ItwasforthatveryreasonshehadchosenthePathoftheSeer,afterall.

Kelamithhadwarnedagainstsucha thing.Readingone’sownrunewascommonplaceamongstseers. Thirianna had done it several times, but always the ending had been blurred, lacking truemeaningorcontext.Whenshehadfoughtinbattleagainstthehumans,ithadbeenherruneguidingherstepandherblows,butonlyfromonemomenttothenext.

Inthismattertherunecouldnothelp.ThiriannahadtodecidewhetherthePathoftheSeerwouldbejustonestageofherlife,ashadthe

Path of the Poet and the Path of the Warrior and the other paths she had trodden before; thealternativewastodedicateherselftotheever-deeperstudyoftheskeinandtoultimatelybecomeonewith the infinity circuit. Therewas no alternative. If shewished to be a farseer then shewould betreadinguponaroadthatledtotwofates:accidentalorviolentdeath,orthenear-lifeoftheDomeofCrystalSeers.Totrulyunderstandtheskein,togleanitsmostvitalandhiddensecrets,wastoshareinitspower,tobecomepartofit,eventuallyleavingbehindFormandBeingandbecomingMindalone.

TherunecouldnothelpbecausethesituationpresentedThiriannawithaparadox.Ifsheweretohold back and stay a simplewarlock, she could not see far enough ahead to understand the futureimplications. If she wanted to know where her fate would take her if she became a farseer, theextensionofherpowerswouldcontinuetogrowexponentially, takinghertoplaces intheskeinshecouldnotyetcomprehend,andthuswouldnotunderstandyet.

AgainstKelamith’sadviceandthelogicoftheproblem,Thiriannahadtriedtolocateherfutureselfontheskein,asthefarseermusthaveknownshewould.Ithadbeenafrustratingexperience,fullofcirclesandloopsthatbecameevermorecomplexandself-referentialthefurtheraheadshescryed.Thedivergencesinherlifebecamesomaddeninglycomplicatedandobscurethatshehadabandonedherforaysintoherfutureinordertopreservehersanity.Shehadstoodonthebrinkofbecomingwrappedup in her own convoluted destiny, never to escape, and at the lastmoment had heededKelamith’swarning.

Asmanyimportantdecisionscometobe,itwasastraightforwardquestionofwhethershedesireda varied life, or an existence dedicated to a single goal.Without any foresight, reduced to second-guessingfate,Thiriannacouldapplylogicandfeeling,butnothingmore,anditwasthesetwoqualitiesthatshehadcometodistrustandhadledhertobecomingaseer.

Shelookedagainattherune,wonderingiftherewassomekindofmessageorsecretintentionofthe spiralling design worked into its surface. There was only one person who could answer thatquestion,andThiriannafoundherselfwonderingwhatotheradviceYrlandriarmightgiveher.

Shehadnotseenherfathersincehehadpresentedherwiththerune,passingbyherapartmentona brief visit. The two of them had exchanged formal pleasantries but both had grown quicklyuncomfortablewiththenotionofdiscussingdeepermatters.

PartofThiriannawas loath toseekhelp fromYrlandriar.Shehaddonewellenoughwithouthisopinionbeforeanditwas likelytodisagreewithherowndesire.Yet theavoidanceofconfrontationwasmorallycowardly;Thirianna’sinstinctwastocontinueonthePathanditwasappropriatethatshe

soughtoutchallengestothatintuitiontotestherresolve.Yrlandriarwaslikelytoprovidesuchathing,evenifhisopiniononlyservedtobolsterherdedicationoutofoppositiontoherfather’swishes.

Shereachedintotheinfinitycircuit,seekingthesignatureofYrlandriar.Hewasworkingonthestarshipagainandtheirconsciousnessestouchedonlybrieflylongenoughtoagreeameetinglaterinthecycle.

Thiriannatookoffherseerrobesandplacedherruneinsideacloth-lineddrawerinthewallbesideherbedding.Shepulledonaskin-tightsuitofochre,threadedwithveinsofgold,andapairofhighbootsofdarkblue.Shestyledherhair,strappedonabroadwhitebelt,anddrewona longcoatthatmatchedthecolourofherboots.Sheactivatedthemirrorplateandexaminedtheresults.Shelookednothinglikeaseer,ashadbeenherintent.Ifshewastomakethisdecisionclearly,shehadtodivestherselfoftheaccoutrementsoftheseer,todiscoverifshewascomfortablemerelybeingThirianna.

Itwasliberatingatfirst,asshewalkedoutoftheapartmentsandjoinedthegrowinggroupofeldaratthegravrailplatformattheedgeofthepark.Otherthanpassingacknowledgement,nooneelsepaidheranyheed.Garbedasa seershehadbeen treatedwithmoredignityandrespect,butalsoa littlesuspicion.

The bullet-like carriage of the gravrail arrived and Thirianna boarded, joining a crowd of eldarheadingrimwardsforthenightshowsanddarkeneddomesofdockwardsAlaitoc.Thecarriageswiftlyaccelerated, turning the scattered lightsof the towersandpark toablur,before thegravrailpassedintoatunnelbetweendomesandallbecameasoftwhitelight.

Thirianna felt strangely alone. She was tempted to delve into the infinity circuit, but decidedagainstit.Insteadshesatwatchingtheotheroccupantsofthecarriageastheytravelledinpairsandthreesandsmallgroups,chatteringhappilyortakingpartindeepdiscussionswiththeirpeers.

Ataglanceitwasimpossibletosaywhichpatheachofthemwascurrentlytreading.Therewereafewsubtlesignsinclothing,jewellery,hairstyleandmanner,butThiriannafelthalf-blindedbyhavingtoresort tosuch techniques.Asaseershecouldglimpse the threadofeveryone in thecarriageandknowinstantlywhotheywere,andwhattheydid.

Shetriedtoturnitintoagame,toseeifheroldskillsofobservationhadwitheredundertheglareofhergrowingpsychicability.Itwassomethingtopassthetimeonthelongjourney.

Some of the others left and more came on board as the carriage moved from dome to dome,bringinginrevellersfromtheArcadeofDistantGravitas,droppingoffseverelydressedaesthetes intheDomeoftheKites.Witheachnewinflux,Thiriannastudiedthemafresh,watchingthechangingrelationshipsandunfoldingdestiniesbeingplayedoutinthefleshasshedeniedherselfthevisionofthemontheskein.

Wouldtheystayfriends,shewondered?Whowouldgrowcloserandwhowouldbedrawnapartbythenatureofthepathstheyfollowed?Wouldtheybehappyorsad?Whichofthemwouldleadlivesoffulfilmentorfrustration?

It was an intriguing experience, to speculate on such matters. It reinforced the opinion ofKelamith, that rarely could the lives of individuals be turned to one fate or another.Only the greatswatheofdestinycouldbealtered,thelifeofAlaitocsteeredonthecorrectpath.Itwasatraptothinkthateveryillcouldbeavoidedandeveryboonenjoyedforeachperson.Thegainofonewasoftenthe

lossofmany,andthegainofmanymadeattheexpenseofafew.Asthecarriageneareditsdestinationatthedocks,Thiriannawasleftwithonlyahandfulofothers.

TheculturedlandscapesoutsidewereswathedwithdarknessexceptforthescatteredglowoflanternsontheriversoftheDomeofEternalWintersandthegleamfromthewindowsofspire-likehabitats.

Shewas in no hurry andwhen the gravrail arrived in the dock area, she found a small vendorofferingavarietyofhot confectionery.Thiriannawasamused to see that theywere cookedoveranactualopenflame,givingthemarusticflavourshehadnottastedbefore.Nibblingonthesoftlumpsofsweetness,shewanderedtoherfather’sworkshop.

Assheentered,sheimmediatelyheardvoicesraisedinsong.She hurried to the hangarwhere the starshipwas being crafted, having never seen a chorus of

bonesingersworkingtogether.Shelocatedthemarrangedaroundtheprowoftheship,accompaniedbyseveraldozenlesserartisansliningthegantriesandwalkwayssurroundingtheship’sskeleton.

The huge spacewas filledwith rising and falling harmonies, resonating from the ribbedwalls,reboundingfromthevaultedceiling.Thesoundsofpipesmergedwiththevoicesoftheeldar,addingan undercurrent of a different rhythm and pitch. Every harmonic was precise, guided by thebonesingerstoaparticularlyfrequency,mouldedtothepitchandtonedesired.

Theairwasalivewithpsychicenergy.Thestarshipskeletonresonatedwiththepowerandthewallshummed with it. It was too tempting not to witness this extraordinary feat from the skein, soThiriannaslippedpartofhermindsidewaysintotheinfinitycircuittoobservetheactofcreationbothphysicallyandpsychically.

The infinity circuit thrummed with the energy being channelled. The structure of wraithboneblendedwith thepsychic circuitryof thecraftworld,attachedat severalkeynodes.Drawingon thispower,thebonesingerswereweavingapatternofresonantpsychicenergies,overlappingmatricesofpowerthatwhencombinedformedsolidmatter:fabledwraithbone.

Twocurvingspurswerebeingaddedtothefrontoftheship.Thirianna’sguesswasthattheareawouldlaterhousesomeformofsensoryarray,suchwasitsposition.Withhereyesandears,shehadsome vague idea of thewraithbone forming out of the air, growing from the existing skeleton, itscreationsettingupvibrationsthatcutacrossthepsychicchoir.

Withhermind,shecouldappreciatethetruebeautyoftheact.Thenascentwraithboneexistedasapotentialitywithintheskein,takingoninfiniteforms.Asthebonesingersledtheotherartificers,theskeinpulsedandflowedwiththeirdesires,theirimaginingoftheship’sdesignactingastheguideoffate.Conforming to this shapeddestiny, thewraithbone solidified from its amorphous state into aphysicalmaterial,fulfillingtheself-destinyofitsexistence.

Fuelledbytheinfinitycircuit,thewraithbonewasadistillationoftheskein,anamalgamofhopeanddespair,opportunityanddisappointment,loveandhate,lifeanddeath.Thesongsoftheartisansencompassedjoyandwoe,therealisationofdreamsandthedashingofambitions.

Thewraithbonewas glowingwith its own chill light, its future shape appearing as a flutteringimageontheedgeofvision,moleculebymoleculeemergingfromitspotentialtofulfilitsdestiny.

Thirianna’swaystone,attunedtothepsychicvoiceofAlaitoc,throbbedwiththebeatofthesongofcreation.Itsangthroughherbodyandmind,fillingherwithvigourandhope.Hermindwasablaze

with possibilities as she glimpsed the voyages of the starship-to-be, the trials and tribulations andtriumphsof itscrewssplayingout fromthewraithbonecoreat itsheart,a thousandandmorenewfatesunveiledintheactofitscreation.

Slowlythechorusquietened.Onebyonetheartisansfinishedtheirsongs,untilonlythepipesandvoices of thebonesingerswere left, echoing faintly through thegreathall.Each sangandplayed inisolationnow,honingthe lastpartsof thestructure,discordancerisingfromtheharmony.SadnessgrippedThirianna.Potentialwasbecomingreality.Infinitepossibilitieswereresigningthemselvestoasingularfate.

Thelastnoteshungintheairforatime,shimmeringalongthewholeskeletalstructure.Andthentheyweregone,leavingaperfectmomentofsilence.

Thiriannarealisedshewascrying.Itwasasifshehadlivedandbreathedwiththeship.Inthelastmomentsofthesongshehadbeen

takentodistantstarsandfar-flungworlds.Andattheveryend,shehadseenthedestructionofthismightyvessel,itsconflagrationinbattle.Eveninitsbirthhadbeensowntheseedsofitsdeath,thefateofallthings,fromeldartostarship,flowertostar.

Assherecovered,itwashardforThiriannatomatchthebeautyofwhatshehadexperiencedwithherknowledgeofYrlandriarwhohadorchestratedit.Thestarshipwasasmuchpartofhimasitwasanythingelse,somethingmorethanjustthefruitofhislabours.Hisimprintwaswithineverypartofit,meshedwiththepresenceoftheotherswhohad joinedin itsmaking,aphysicalextensionofhisownthreadofdestiny.

For amoment Thirianna felt jealousy. Itwas such creations, such children born ofwraithbone,whichhadoccupiedherfatherwhenheshouldhaveattendedtotheneedsofhisactualchild.

She tried tosuppress the feelingasshesawher fatherapproaching,notwishing toengagewithhiminanegativeframeofmind.Shetriedtomasktheenvyshefelt,butcouldnothelpbutwonderifthesatisfactionofbeinginvolvedinsuchacreationhadoutweighedYrlandriar’sfeelingsonbecomingafather.

‘I fear I amunder-dressed,’ saidYrlandriar ashe stopped in frontofThirianna,his eyesquicklytakinginherextravagantoutfit.Heworehisrune-embroideredrobesandcarriedhispipesunderonearm,hairtiedbackbyablandbutneatbandofsilver.

‘Ifeltlikeachange,’saidThirianna,takenoff-guardbythecomment.ShefollowedYrlandriarintotheworkshop,andsatdownasalowseatemergedfromthewallata

gesturefromthebonesinger.Heplacedhispipesonthetableandsatnexttoher,somewhatstiffandformal.

‘Ihaveaquestion,’saidThirianna,unsurehowtophraseit.‘Aquestionforme?’repliedYrlandriar,blinkingwithsurprise.Heregainedhiscomposurequickly.

‘Askyourquestion.’‘Thedesigns on the surface of the rune youwrought forme, do theyhave ameaning?Was it a

patternofyourcreation?’Yrlandriarrelaxed,comfortablewiththenatureofher inquiry.Hestoodup,openedacabinet in

thewallandtookoutasmallcrystalbottleandtwogoblets.HepassedacuptoThiriannaandfilledit

withamber liquidfromthedecanter,beforeservinghimselfandplacingthebottlebackin itsplace.Thirianna noticed his actions were crisp and premeditated, a mark of physical as well as mentaldiscipline.

‘Thedesignthatyouseeisnotaninventionofmine,’saidthebonesinger,shakinghishead. ‘Thewraithboneispsychoreactive,asyouknow.Itisrespondingtoyou,formingitselffromyourthoughtsand feelings,binding itself toyourspirit.Whatyousee isa reflectionofyourself,as realisedby thewraithbone.’

‘Andwill iteverstopchanging?’Thiriannaasked.Shetookasipofthedrink.Itwashoneywater,sweetandaromatic.

‘Only if you stop changing,’ replied Yrlandriar. He sat down and looked at Thirianna but saidnothingmore. His finger tapped on the rim of his goblet, though whether from contemplation orimpatienceThiriannacouldnottell.

‘I sense thatyouhavemore thanonequestiontoaskofme,’hesaideventually. ‘Your firstcouldhavebeeneasilyansweredviaamoredistantcommunication,yetyoucometovisitme.’

‘Istanduponthecruxofachoice,’saidThirianna,choosingherwordscarefully.Shedidnotwishto betray her own feelings on the matter lest it influence her father’s opinion. ‘My runecraft hasprogressedwell. Imustchoosewhether Iwilldevotemyself to furtherstudyof its lore,or remainawarlockforthetimebeing.’

‘You are too young to become a farseer,’ Yrlandriar replied promptly. He took a mouthful ofhoneywaterandThiriannarealisedthathewasnotgoingtoofferanyfurtherexplanation.

‘Ageisnotanissue,’shesaid.‘Ofcourseitis,’saidYrlandriar.‘Youhavemorethanhalfofyourlifeahead;itwouldbeobsceneto

walkasinglePathforallofthattime.’Thiriannawasabouttoarguehercasebutstoppedherself.Whatherfatherhadsaidwastrueand

it was not something she had properly comprehended. However, it irked her that he seemed sodismissiveoftheidea.

‘IfitiswhatIwishtobe,whatmydestinyshouldbe,thatisofnoconcern,’shesaid.‘Itshouldbeaconcern,’saidYrlandriar.‘Thereareagreatmanythingsyoumightyetaccomplish

evenifyoudonotattachyourselftothissinglepath.’‘Youareabonesingerandshallremainsountilyoudie,’Thiriannapointedout.‘Thatisdifferent,’saidYrlandriar.‘Howisthatsodifferent?’askedThirianna.‘Whataccomplishmentsofyoursoutshinethecreations

younowrender?Isnotyourfinalpathalsoyourfinest?’Yrlandriar looked to speak, but then took another drink.He glanced around theworkshop, the

slighthintofafrowncreasinghisbrow.‘Yes,thatistrue,’hesaidwhenhereturnedhisgazetohisdaughter.‘Youwillhaveagreatdealof

experiencebythetimeyouaremyage.FormanypassesIhavebeenabonesingerandyetIstillcannotreachtheheightsachievedbysomeofmypredecessors.’

Thirianna was not sure if that was an endorsement or just a passing comment. Yrlandriar’sexpressionwasdoubtful,buthiswordsseemedtolendweighttoThirianna’schoicebyinstinct.

‘I did not learn to create starships from the air in a single cycle,’ Yrlandriar continued, hisexpression lightening. ‘Perhapsyouareright.WithmanypassesofstudyandexperienceyoumightbecomeoneofthegreatestfarseersofAlaitoc.Thatwouldbetherewardforthesacrificeyouwouldmake.’

‘Sacrifice?’Thiriannawasnotsurewhatshewouldbegivingup.Itseemedtoherthatnowshehadtastedthepotentialofseerdom,itwouldbehardtolivewithoutit.

‘Toexperiencea lifenotbound to the skein,’ saidYrlandriar. ‘Wouldyouever fall in love, in theknowledge of all the potential disasters thatmight befall the relationship?Would you have a child,riskingseeingitsdeathathousandtimesovereverytimeyoutraveltheskein?Thelifeofabonesingercanbe lonely,Iassureyou.Thereis little inthephysicalworldthatcanmatchtheharmonyofspiritthatcomesfromtheactofpurecreation.Yetitisnothingtothelonelinessofthefarseer.Atawhimyoucanchoosetoseethedeathofeveryoneyouhaveevercaredaboutandyetyoumustoftenchoosetoletithappen,forfearitwillbringdoomtootherstointerfere.’

Rememberingher lastencounterwithKorlandril,Thiriannahadknowna littleof thatdilemma.She had hoped that by increasing her experience and power she would bring more surety to herdecisions,butrecentexploitstryingtodivineherownfuturehadbetrayedthatbeliefasamyth.Thefurtheronecouldventure,thewidertheuncertaintiesinvolved.

‘I see that perhaps I have opened your eyes to something you had not considered before,’ saidYrlandriar.Heturnedslightlytowardsher,gobletclaspedinhislap.‘Youalonewillmakethisdecisionandyoualonewillbeartheconsequencesofit.YouaskwhatIthinkyoushoulddo?IcantellyouthatIwouldneverexchangemytimewithyourmotherortheraisingofyouforafewextrapassesstudyingthewayof theartificer.There isa levelIwillneverbeabletoattain,but it isasmallpricetopay incompensationforthelegacyIhaveleftinotherways.’

‘Isee,’saidThirianna.Herfather’shonestwordshadsowndoubtinhermind.Shewasbacktotheconundrumoftherune.Howcouldshedecidewhenshecouldnotknowwhatshewouldbegivingup?Shemight not be a farseer and yet spend her life alone, leaving it without a legacy, her existencenothingmorethansomethingthathappenedandthenwasgone.

‘Nothing is certain,’ said Yrlandriar, reading something of Thirianna’s dilemma in her pensiveexpression.‘Youchoosebetweentwounknowns,andinthisyouarenotlessandnogreaterthananyofus.’

‘AndifIchoosetobecomeafarseer,againstyourwishes?’Thiriannawasnotsurewhyshewantedtobaitherfatherinthisway,butitwasahabithardtobreak.

‘Mywishesareirrelevant,’saidYrlandriar,muchtoThirianna’ssurprise.Hesmiledslightlyatherreaction. ‘Webothknowyouwill ignore them,andIcannot forcemyviewsuponyou, thatmuch isclear.SoitisthatIchoosenottohaveany.Whateveryouchoose,IwilltrytorememberthatIamyourfatherandIwillgiveyouwhateversupportIcan.ThatisthebestIcanofferyou.’

Thirianna could not quite believewhat her father had said, and she ran hiswords through hermindagain,tryingtodetectsomehintofsarcasm.Therewasnone.

‘To be counted amongst the greatest of Alaitoc is not something to be dismissed lightly,’ saidThirianna.Shehadreadtreatisesandworksfromphilosophers,poetsandseerswhohadalllefttheir

lastingmarkonthecraftworld.Tohavehernamelistedamongsttheirlikewastemptingindeed.‘Youthinkthatfameisrewardenoughtoforgothelifeyoumightenjoy?’askedYrlandriar.‘Isthata

goodreasontogiveuponeverythingelsethatmightbe?’‘Itisareason,’saidThirianna,laughingatherself.‘Onlyhistorywilljudgeifitisgoodenough.’‘Youarecommittedtothis,’saidYrlandriar.‘Iseeitinyoureyes.Youseeafutureunfoldingbefore

you,shapedtoyourdesire.ItisnotwithjoythatIrealisethis,butitisplainthatyouhavecastyourstoneintothepoolandnowitremainstoseehowfartherippleswillstretch.’

‘Ihave,’saidThirianna.‘ToofewofuspassourliveswithtruemeaningandIwillnotbecountedamongstthosewhocameandwentandwereforgotten.Icannotchangethepastthatexistsbetweenus,butIamhappythatwehavereachedanunderstanding.’

‘Enjoyitwhileitlasts,’saidYrlandriar,hisexpressionstern.‘Intime,thepastandthepresentwillbeofnoimportancetoyou.Iwillbejustanotherthreadinthegreattapestryofyourdestiny.’

ThefluxthathadbesetThirianna’sthreadontheskeinsettledwithherdecision.Shespentsometimeexploringthepossiblefates,thoughsheheededKelamith’sadvicenottostraytoofarintothefutureatthisearlystage.

Herlifetookonaregularpatternofstudy,explorationandtuition.Progresswassteadybutslow,theunwindingpossibilitiesoftheskeingraduallyrevealingtheirsecretsasKelamithguidedThiriannaalongthepathwaysoffate.

Twentycyclesaftermakingherdecision,Thiriannawasmetmid-cyclebyKelamith,whotookhertotheirfavouredplaceintheparklands,overlookingthetumbledrocksonthehillside.

Kelamithhadaboxwithhim,nolargerthanhishand,fashionedfromthewoodofaliannintree.Asimplepatternwascarved inthe lid,showingaknotteddesignrepresentativeof theskein,windingabouttheruneofMorai-heg,thegoddessoffate.

Thiriannatooktheprofferedboxuncertainly,surprisedbythegiftfromhermentor.‘It does not come fromme,’ he saidwith a delicate shake of the head. ‘Open it and thingswill

becomeclearer.’Intrigued,Thirianna liftedoff the lidof theboxandplaced itbesideher.Within,nestled in the

velvet lining, sat two more runes. One was the Scorpion, the other was theWanderer. Confused,ThiriannalookedtoKelamithforanexplanation.

‘TheycomefromYrlandriar,’hesaid.‘Yes,Iunderstandthat,’repliedThirianna. ‘Iappreciatethegestureandtheeffort.WhatIdonot

understandiswhyhechosethesetworunes.Didhespeakwithyouaboutthechoice?’‘No,’ said Kelamith. He leaned a little closer and spoke softly. ‘Your father had paid greater

attention to your affairs than perhaps you realise. Remember why it was that you first came toAlaiteir.’

‘Iwas distraught,worried aboutmy…’Realisationdawned. ‘The Scorpion representsKorlandril;theWandererisAradryan.’

Withanod,Kelamithstoodup.

‘Itisafinegift,andIamhappytodeliveritonYrlandriar’sbehalf,’saidthefarseer.‘WhathaveyoulearnedabouttheScorpionandtheWanderer?’

‘TheScorpionisaruneofconcealment,’saidThirianna,rememberingthefirstdescriptionsfromthetextsshehadread. ‘Itisusedtofindthosefatesthatwouldotherwisebehiddentotheobserver.TheWanderer,well, that one is easy. It allows the seer to travel todistant threads, unconnected toothers.’

‘A veryuseful combination, andone that iswithinyourpower towieldwisely,’ saidKelamith. ‘Ishallleaveyoutoinvestigateyourgiftinyourowntime.Callonmeifyouneedfurtherguidance.’

Kelamithlefthersittingatthetopofthehillside.Withathought,Thiriannaliftedthetworunesfromthebox.Herownrunejoinedthemfromherbeltandthethreewoveorbitsaroundeachother,interchangingpositionsasThiriannaconcentratedonthem,thecirclesandellipsestheydescribedintheairpleasingtohereye.

Theparkwasnottheplacetobeginthisnewexplorationoftheskein.Thiriannaallowedtherunestosettle in thebox.Kelamithwasalreadyoutofsight, soshemadeherwayto theChambersof theSeersonherown,excitedbythenewpossibilitiespresentingthemselves.

As she arrived, she remembered to send a message across the infinity circuit, expressing hersincerethankstoherfatherforthegift.Itwas,shetoldhim,thebestthinghehadeverdoneforher.

Thiriannawasbaffledbyhernextforaysontotheskein.Shehadthoughtthatwiththepowerofthreerunestodrawupon,themaddeninganarchyofdivergingfutureswouldbemadeclearer.Ifanything,theskeinhadbecomeevenmorecomplextonavigate.

SheaskedKelamithaboutthis,havingbecomelostseveraltimestryingto locateoccasionswhenher threadand thatofKorlandril andAradryanwouldoverlapagain. Itwasanexercise incuriositymore than anything else; thoughts of her friends came infrequently and it was with dispassionateinterestthatsheviewedtheirunfoldinglives.

‘Itisthenatureoftheskeinthatthegreaterwebecome,themoreofitwesee,’explainedKelamith.Thetwoof themsharedasimple lunch inKelamith’sroomsat theheartof theChambersof the

Seers.Hisapartmentconsistedof twoareas:one forsleepandoneforstudy.Littlespacewasgivenover to anything except the basic essentials for eating, drinking and sleeping. The rest of theapartmentwasfilledwithcopiesof treatises,complexfatechartsnotatedbyKelamithhimself,runeboxesandstoragecrystals.

The apartment was quite cluttered, unlike the cold, streamlined mind that Thirianna detectedwhenshewasontheskeinwithhermentor.

‘But that does not make sense,’ said Thirianna. ‘The greatest seers can make distant, accurateprophecies.Howisthatpossibleiftheskeinbecomesevermorecomplicated?’

‘You areusing thepower of the runes to expand yourhorizon,’ saidKelamith.Hepicked at thescrapsof food left in thedish setbetween them. ‘Youmust learn touse theirparticularqualities tofocusyourvisiononwhatyouwishtosee.Thetrueartoftheseer istocombinethepowerofmanyrunestohoneinonaspecificinstance.Donotusethemtolookatthewholeoftheskein,butemploy

theirchannelledpowertoaddlayersofmeaningtoanarrowpointofreference.’‘IthinkIunderstand,’saidThirianna.‘HowshouldIproceed?WhatinstanceshouldIexamine?’‘It does notmatter,’ saidKelamith. ‘There is nomeans to know the import and probability of a

divergenceorconvergenceuntiloneexaminesit.’Thiriannawasnotsatisfiedbythisanswer,andKelamithpickeduponthis.‘Donotbetoohastytoknoweverything,’hesaid.‘Startwithsomethingsimple,somethingsmall.

Picksomethingthatyouknowwell.’‘Ihavetriedthat,’saidThirianna.‘IlookedforKorlandril’sthread,butIcouldnotlocateit.Itisasif

hehasdisappearedfromtheskein,andeventheScorpioncannotfindit.’‘Youarelookinginthewrongplace,then,’saidKelamith.‘Ifyouarelookingforanunknown,you

mustfirstbeginwithaknown.Ihaveshownyouhowtowindbacktheskeinandlooktothepast.Usethis to locate Korlandril’s thread and then follow it forwards. Really, you should know this. It is afundamentalprocedure.’

‘Youare right,’ saidThirianna,prickedby the farseer’sdisappointment. ‘I amsorry. Ihavebeenover-reachingmyself,forgettingtheprocessyoutaughttome.Iwillapplymyselfwithmoreattentiontodetail.’

‘It isnotwrong to strive to seeeverything,’Kelamithsaid. ‘It is the lure thatbringsusall to theskein.Donotfallintothetrapofseeingeverythingwhilstobservingnothing.Smallgateswilloftenbethestartoflongroads.’

Thiriannawasnotquitesurewhatthislastenigmaticstatementmeant,butshewaseagertovisitthe skein again, fortified by Kelamith’s advice. She asked leave of hermentor and returned to theChambersoftheSeers.

Remembering to apply herself to the basics, Thirianna forced herself to go through the entireritual,evenusingoneoftheinfinitycircuitnodestoslipintotheskein.Shespokethemantrasinfull,visualisingandfocussingoneverysyllable,concentratingonthemeaningsbehindthewords.

The skein appeared as it had done previously, a baffling labyrinth of emerging potentials.Thirianna ignored the temptation togo exploring and insteadusedher rune to latchontoher ownthread.Shewound itback, tugging thepast to thepresent,until she foundher last encounterwithKorlandril.

Nowthatshehadlocatedhisthread,Thiriannaallowedtimetowindforwardsagain.Asshehaddone so before, she came across a tightly wound interlacing of threads, into which Korlandril’sdisappearedbutdidnotemerge.

ItwasnowthatThiriannachannelledsomeofherenergythroughtheScorpion,allowingherselftopassintothetightknotofdestinies,makingherpresencefineenoughtopassthroughthegrainofthetangle.

Withsomesadness,sherealisedwhathadcometopass.Asshehadfeared,Korlandrilhadbecometooenamouredofhiswar-maskandwasnowtrappedonthePathofKhaine.Hewasnowanexarch,one spirit amongst many, his essence bound within a suit of ancient armour, rapidly losing itsindividualityasitwassubsumedintothegreaterconsciousnessofthebeingknownasMorlaniath.

SomuchforKorlandril,shethought.Shefeltastabofmomentaryguiltatthethoughtthatperhaps

shehadprecipitatedhisfallintoKhaine’sclutches,butitquicklypassed.Regretwasmisplacedontheskein.Heremore than anywhere else itwas plain to see themissed opportunities and squanderedmomentsthatpassedbyevery livingthingwitheachbreath.Thepast,withitssimplestraight lines,fixedinplace,couldnotbechanged.

Thiriannacorrectedherself,rememberingoneoftheearlylessonstaughttoherbyKelamith.Itwaspossibletochangethepast,throughthepowerofthewarp.TimeintherealmofChaosdidnotflowforwardsandbackwards.Itchurnedandlooped,andaseerwithenoughskillcould,withgreateffortanda largeamountofrisk,movesidewaysfromoneflowtothenext,andthusifgiftedwitha littleluck,movehisorherconsciousnessbackintime.

Therewasgravedangertotheseer;channellingsomuchpowerintheheartofChaositselfwasaninvitationfordaemonicattackevenwiththeprotectionoftherunes.Thiswasnotthegreatestperilthough.Thepastwasmeanttobesetanditwasimpossibletoforetelltheconsequencesofanychangemade.Onlythegreatestcatastrophescouldbeavertedinthisway,yetsuchactionledtofuturesthatwereimpervioustoprophecy.

AsKelamithhadconcluded,itwasfarbettertochangethepresentthaninfluencethepast.ThiriannaswitchedherattentiontoAradryan,havingseennothingofherfriendsincethebattleat

Hirith-Hreslain. Shewithdrew her focus from the Scorpion and channelled her power through theWanderer,flinginghergazewidetolocateAradryan’stangleofthreads.

It tooksometimetofindhim.Foraperiodhehadbeen lostaltogetheranditwas impossibletodiscernthereason.ThiriannanotedthisforafutureconversationwithKelamithandconcentratedonthe slender threads she could find. Each was a tenuous causal link, made vague by Aradryan’sunfettereddesires.Hewasbeing ruledby emotionandwhim, straying far from thePath, and thuscauseandconsequencechangedquicklyashismoodsandfeelingsswungwidelyfromoneextremetoanother.

Aradryan’sgrowingcapriciousnesswascleartoseeasaseriesofthreadsthatrapidlyspiralledintoa festering mess of contradictory lines of fate. Thirianna picked the closest, glimpsing her friendfightingaboardastarshipofhumandesign.Shecouldnotpreciselylocatetheeventintimeandspace,butitwasnotthatdistant;hewasclosetoAlaitocandthebattleshesawwouldtakeplacesoon.

Fromthisnodalpoint,Thiriannabusiedherselfexploringthepossibleoutcomes.Insomefutures,Aradryandiedduring thebattle, shotor cutdownbyhugewarriorsgarbed in thearmourofSpaceMarines from the so-called Imperium of Mankind. Thirianna was amused by the conceit of thehumanstoclaimthegalaxyastheirdominion,especiallysincesuchaclaimwasmadeinthenameofapieceofrottingfleshsustainedonlybysacrificingtheirownkind.AnAlaitociiphilosopher,NurithineltheOutspoken, had once claimed that the humans’worship of their corpse-Emperorwasnoworsethan the interment of eldar spirits within the infinity circuit and had been hounded from thecraftworldforthedistastefulcomparison.

Putting aside this diversion, Thirianna continued her exploration. In other futures, Aradryansurvived, returning to his ship in triumph. In either case, he had risen to a position of someprominenceinquiteashortspaceoftime,butbacktrackingalonghis life-threaddidnotrevealhowthis had come topass. Itmust have been something that happenedduring theperiod inwhichhis

fatelinedisappearedfromtheskein.Followingthe threads forwardsagain,Thiriannacasthervisionfurtherahead.Here therewasa

dizzying multiplicity of outcomes: Aradryan dying in a variety of unpleasant manners; AradryantravellingthewebwaytothedarkcityofCommorragh;AradryanreturningtoAlaitocwithwanderlustspent;AradryanbeingtakeninbytheHarlequins;Aradryancapturedbyhumansandexperimentedonbytheircrudescientists.

Thiriannastopped,suddenlynoticingasmalldetailthathadflashedpastinoneofthefirstvisions.Shetriedtofinditagain,butalreadythelinesoffatewereblurringtogetherandsplittingafreshasherfriend’sactionsspawnednewfatesforhim.

Thiriannawithdrewfromtheskein,concernedwithwhatshehadseen.Detachingherselffromtheinfinitycircuit,sheclosedhereyesandconcentrated,bringingbacktheimagethathadflickeredpast.

ShesawAradryan,garbedoutlandishly,apistol inonehandandagleamingpowerswordintheother.Hewasfightingahumanclothedinagarishuniform,withgoldenepaulettesandapeakedcap.ItwasnotthisthatworriedThirianna;shehadseenAradryanfightingmanydifferentfoesfromorkstohrud tohumans toothereldar.Whathadnaggedheras it flashedpastwaswhereAradryanwasfighting.

Sheexaminedthevisionagain,bringingittoastopatacertainpointwhereshecoulddrawbackandseemoreclearlywhatwasgoingon.Sheshudderedatwhatshesaw.

Aradryanfoughtalongsideothereldar,armouredinthecoloursofAlaitoc.Aroundhimweremanybodies,ofhumanandeldar,andapproachingwasasquadofImperialSpaceMarines liveriedinredandwhite.WhatappearedtobethesmoulderingremainsofaPhantomTitan,oneofAlaitoc’sgreatestweapons,formedthebackdrop.

Pastthisvignette,Thiriannasawsomethingthathorrifiedherasitconfirmedherfirstsuspicion.Itwastheglintofmuzzleflareoncrystal,andinthatspeckoflightshecouldseewhatthelas-blastwasreflectingfrom.Itwasacrystalseer.Infact,sherecognisedhimimmediately,havingspentsometimeintheDomeofCrystalSeerslearningaboutherpredecessorsfromKelamith.Therobe-cladstatuesqueseerwasAnthirloi,whostoodatoneendoftheSighingBridge.

Atsometimeinthefuture,therewasthepossibilitythathumanswouldinvadeAlaitoc.Thiriannaopenedhereyes,handstrembling,herheartthunderinginherchestatthethought.It

was not chance that had drawn Aradryan to that moment, it was entwined with his destiny, anemergentpossibilitybroughtaboutbyhisactions.ThiriannahadnotseenhoworwhyAradryanwastiedupwiththehumans,orhowitwasthattheyhadcometoAlaitoc,butherinstincthadbeenrighttonoticeit.

Shecalmedherself,rememberingthatshehadseenonlypotential,notcertainty.ManyhadbeenthewarningsmadebyKelamithandtheotherseersnottotakeeverythingshewitnessedascomingtopass.Thevaguenatureofthevision,theuncertaintywithwhichshehadcomeacrossitandthefactthatshehadnotbeenabletolocateitagainallpointedtoanextremelyrarehappenstance.Thechancecourseofeventsrequiredtobringitaboutwereastronomicallyslim,vergingontheimpossible.

Overcomingherfirstreaction,Thiriannareturnedtoherchamberstothinkalittlemoreonwhatshehadseen.Sherevisitedthevisionseveraltimesinhermemory,convincingherselfthatAlaitocwas

thesceneofthefighting.Itwasunmistakeable.Yet if the violence she had seenwould come about, thewhole craftworldwas embroiled in the

battle.Suchaneventwouldbeamassiveweightupontheskein,entwiningthefatesofeveryeldaronthecraftworldandeveryhumantheyfoughtagainst.Otherseersmusthavesurelyseenthepossibilityofsuchacataclysmiceventbefore.

Thiriannapouredherselfsomesunbloomnectarandsatby thewindow.Itwasarroganceof thehighestordertothinkshehadunwittinglystumbleduponsuchamomentousoccasionwhenthemostexperiencedfarseersofAlaitochadnoinklingofitsexistence.Itwasmorethanarrogance,itwasvainfantasy.

She laughed at herself for being so concerned. In this she had really proven herself a novice.KelamithhadseenthedoomofAlaitocmanytimes,andThiriannawassureshewouldseeitagaintoointhefuture.Itwasfollytoreacttosuchanunlikelypossibility.

Tooccupyherselfwithother thoughts,Thiriannastudiedfor thenext fewcycles,avoidingtheskeinexcept to strengthen her links to her new runes. Yet try as she did to forgetwhat she had seen, itcontinuedtohaunther.Shedreamtaboutthatmoment,thatsilentsceneofdeathanddestruction,hermindgivingvoicetothefiercewarcries,hearingthecrackleoftheflamesandthesnapofthehumans’weapons.Shesmeltthebloodandfeltthefear,andwokeinaterriblestateofpanic.

Frustratedwiththisturn,ThiriannasoughtoutKelamith.TheymetintheChambersoftheSeersandThiriannaexplainedwhatshehadseenandhowithadaffectedher.

‘It isnatural,’Kelamithassuredher. ‘Nomatterhowrationaland logicalwemay try tobeaboutsuchthings,wecannot fightagainst thevisceralnatureofsuchavision.Tobeunaffectedwouldbestrange.Thecontemplationofourowndeathisseriousenough.TowitnessthepotentialdownfallofAlaitocisofamuchhighermagnitude.’

‘Anditgrowslesswithtime?’askedThirianna.‘Itwilldiminish?’‘Thesensationbecomeslessextremeandofshorterdurationwitheachexperience,’Kelamithtold

her.Helookedaway.‘Itneverwhollydisappears.’‘Sucharemotepossibilityisnotworthyofconsideration,isit?’askedThirianna.‘Itisnot,’repliedhermentor.‘Todwellonsuchpossibilitiesistoinviteacreepingdoubt,onethat

willgnawawayatyourabilitytotraveltheskeinwithfreedom.Ifyouletsuchathinghookitsbarbsinto your thoughts, it will constantly drag at you, leading you back to the improbable and thedestructive.’

‘YetwhatIsawcouldhappen,’saidThirianna,rememberingthevividnessofherdreams.‘Isnotthemostdistantpossibilityworthyofinvestigation?ThiswasnotsomeminorbattleIsaw;itwasawarforsurvival.Ifthereiseventheremotestchancethatsuchathingwillcometopass,shouldwenotbringittothecouncil’sattention?’

‘Asatheoreticalpossibility,itisnotwithoutmeritsfordiscussion,’saidKelamith.Hestoodupandsmoothedacreaseinhisrobe.‘Asaspurforfurtheraction,itisinconsequential.Youarewelcometoraisethematteratthenextgatheringofthecouncilinfourcycles’time.’

Thirianna thankedKelamith for his time and consideration.When he left, she realised she hadmuch to do if she was to present what she had seen to the farseers and autarchs. Even if thecatastropheshehadseenwasofalmostnoimport,itwouldbeagoodopportunityforhertopresentherfirstrealvisiontothecouncilmembers.

ThefarseersandautarchscametogetherintheHallofCommuning,anopen,column-lineddomeatthe edgeofAlaitoc.Onlya forcewall shielded the inhabitants from thedepthsof space, so that thecouncilwassurroundedbyafieldofstarswithonlythegroundbeneath.

Thiriannawaited patientlywhile othermatterswere attended to. The council discussed severalvisionsreportedby thesenior farseersand theautarchsrequestedguidanceonmilitaryendeavoursand excursions theywere planning. Thirianna listenedwith interest to everything said, noting thelyrical,narrativeformadoptedbythefarseerswhentheyexplainedtheirvisions.Therewasastyletothelanguagethatconveyedthesenseofwhattheyhadseen,takingthosewhohadnotwitnessedthevisionsascloseaspossibletotheexperience.

Thiriannahastily reconsideredherownsubmission for the council’sdeliberations, couchingherreport inmore fanciful termswhile themembersdiscussedmessages thathadarrived fromUlthwéwarningofarenewedattackagainsttheImperiumofthehumans,launchedbyrenegadesdwellinginthewarpstormthathadengulfedtheheartof theancienteldarempire. Itwasdecidedthatasmallforce would be despatched to aid Ulthwé should the need arise, but the farseers saw no need toinvestigatemore fully; Ulthwéwas home to Eldrad Ulthran, agreed by all to be themost powerfulfarseeralive,andtherewaslittleAlaitoccouldaddtohisgreatestdivinations.

Thecouncilproceededformostofthecycle,untiltheopeninvitationwasaccordedtothememberstobringupminormattersfordiscussion.ThiriannacaughtKelamith’seye,whointroducedhertothecouncilashispupilandthenmotionedforhertobeginheraddress.

‘IhaveseenthedeathofAlaitoc,’Thiriannabegan,wantingtocapturetheattentionofeverybodypresent.‘Inflameandsmoke,byplasmaandmissile,ourworldisravagedbytheunendinghatredofthehumans.’

Shepausedandlookedaround.Someoftheseerswatchedherwithpolite,vacantexpressions.Afewwereholdingconversationswiththosearoundthem.Manyseemedboredoramusedbywhatshesaid.Itwasnotthereactionshehadhopedforandsheconsideredhernextwordscarefully.

‘TheSpaceMarineswillcome,thefellwarriorsoftheEmperor,andtheywillbringwiththemthedoomofmany,’shecontinued.‘IhaveseenAlaitoc’sdomestornasunder,ourhallsravagedbywar,ourpeopleslainintheirthousands.’

Herclaimwasnottechnicallytrue–shehadbeenunabletolocatethethreadagaindespitemanyattempts in the last few cycles – but the spirit of what had been locked into hermemory was theimportantpoint.

‘Atimewillcomewhenwemuststandstrongagainstthisthreat,forallthatweholddear,ourveryexistence,willhanginthebalance,’Thiriannatoldthem,eyeingtheassembledcouncilmembers.Shetried not to look to Kelamith for assurance, but glanced in his direction nonetheless. Her mentor

lookednomoreinterestedthananyoftheothers.Sheforgedon,skippingtherestoftheintroduction,hoping that it was her delivery that fell on deaf ears and not her message. ‘Cataclysm will come,broughtuponusbytheactionsofoneofourown.Ihaveseenthisfate,spawnedbytherecklessnessofonethatIknow.Inhi–’

‘When?’askedArhathain,cuttingthroughThirianna’stale.‘Pleasebemorespecific.’‘I…’ Thirianna’s nerve broke as she looked at the autarch, who sat with one eyebrow raised in

questioning, lipspursedwith irritation. ‘Iamnot sure,autarch.The thread is indistinct, the timinguncertain.’

‘Verywell,’saidtheautarch.Hisexpressionsoftened,yethis lookofbenignpitystungThiriannamore than his annoyance. ‘Such is the nature of the skein. Perhaps you could tell us what thisacquaintanceofyourswilldotoprecipitatethisunheraldedattackonAlaitoc?’

Thiriannalookeddownatherfeet,feelingguiltyforwastingeverybody’stimewithhernonsense.‘Iamnotsure,autarch.Heisanoutcast,hisfuturewildandfree,difficulttofollow.’‘That is tobeexpectedalso,’ said theautarch,notunkindly. ‘YouareThirianna,yes? Iknowthat

thismustbequitefrighteningforyou,sopleasedonotfeelyouarebeingjudged.Yourinexperienceshouldnotbeheldagainstyou.Isthereanotherherewhocanbetterexplainwhatformthisthreatwilltake,orthenatureoftheeventthatmustbeavertedtopreventit?’

The assembled eldar looked at each other and Thirianna desperately wanted one of them toindicatethatheorshehadalsoseensomethingofwhatThiriannahadencountered.Nonedidso,andaquietmurmuringspreadthroughthecouncil,addingtoherembarrassment.

‘Thankyou,Thirianna,’saidArhathain.‘Ifyoudodiscoveranymoreinformationonthismatter,besuretobringittotheattentionofKelamith.’

Thirianna’s shame could not delve any deeper into her heart. Instead it turned to anger, herfrustrationwithherselfbecomingfrustrationatthecouncil.

‘Please let me finish,’ said Thirianna. ‘This is important. I saw Alaitoc under attack. I was notmistaken.IfwhatIsawcomestopass,weshallallbeslainandthecraftworlddestroyed.’

Thirianna heard quiet laughter and looked around the council, furiouswith the disrespect theywereshowingher.

‘Atleastweshouldinvestigatefurther,’saidThirianna.‘TheremotestpossibilitythatAlaitocmightbeattackedissurelysomethingweshouldtakeseriously?’

‘Anattackthatnoneofushasforeseenexceptyou?’ThiscamefromAnatharanAlaitin,theeldestofthefarseers.‘Whilewespendourtimechasingthisdreamofyours,whocansaywhatotherissueswemightmiss?Iamsorry,Thirianna,butyouwillhavetopresentuswithabettercasethanyouhave.Spendsomemoretimeonitandifthereismoretobelearntyouwilllearnit.’

‘Ineedyourhelptodoso,’saidThirianna.Sheheldoutanimploringhandtothosearoundher.‘IhavenotlongtroddenthisPath.Ihavebutthreerunestocontrol.Therearethoseherethatcansteeradozentimesthatnumber.Willoneofyoufollowmeandhelpmelocatethisdisastrousfate?’

She lookednow atKelamith, but Thirianna’smentor gently shook his head.None of the othersoffered her any comfort. Thirianna turned her attention back to Arhathain, hoping that he mightindulgeher,evenifonlyoutofpity.

‘A life lost,a starshipdestroyed,anExoditeworldattacked,a threat toanothercraftworld,allofthesethingsIcoulddismiss,’shesaid.‘YetIsawnoneofthosethings.Howeverfaintthepossibility,nomatterhowtenuousthethreadIfound,itisthere.Andifitisthere,itmaycometopass.ThisisourhomeofwhichIspeak:Alaitoc.Judgethiswronglyandweallsuffer.’

‘Thecouncilhasheardyourpetition,yetwehavefoundnocauseonwhichtoact,’saidArhathain.HisnarrowingeyesbetrayedhisirritationatThirianna’scontinuedinsistence.

‘Myapologiesforwastingthecouncil’stime,’saidThirianna,sittingdown.InsidesheragedathercasualdismissalbythegreatofAlaitoc.Hadoneofthemseenwhatshehadseen,shehadnodoubtthatfurtheractionwouldbecalled.Theirdoubtwaspersonal,andallthemorehurtfulforthat.ItwasThiriannatheydidnottrustanditdidnotmatterwhatshesaid,theycouldnotsubmittotheideathatshehadglimpsedsomethingthattheyhadallmissed.

For several cycles after the council, Thirianna avoided the Chambers of the Seers, ashamed at thereactionshewouldreceive.Shestayedinherrooms,broodingontheindignityofwhathadhappened.Themoresheconsideredtheeventsofthecouncil,thegreaterherconvictionbecamethatsomethinghadtobedoneaboutthevision.

Spurredonbythedesiretoredeemherself,ThiriannatriedtorisetothechallengeposedtoherbyArhathain.Ifshecouldlocatesomethingontheskeinthatvindicatedwhatshehadseen,itwouldgiveherareasontobroachthesubjectagainwithKelamithandtheothers.

Knowingwhatshedidmightbedangerous,Thiriannadelvedintotheskeinagain,determinedtofindsomeotherevidenceofthepossiblefateshehadwitnessed.Ignoringthewarningsmadeagainstspending toomuch timeaway fromherphysical self,Thiriannaspentmostof eachcycle skimmingacrosstheskein,usingtheWanderertoguidehertorandomshredsoffuture,hopingthatshemightcomeacrossthepreviousthreadshehadfound.

Itwashopeless.Ithadbeenararechancethathadbroughtthevisiontoherinthefirstinstance,and itwould require hundreds of cycles of searching at random to find it again. At the end of thesecondcycleofhunting,Thiriannatriedadifferentapproach.Shereasonedthatifwhatshesawwouldcometopass,atsomepointinthefutureitwouldaffecther.Ifshefollowedenoughofthethreadsofherowndestiny,oneofthemwouldleadhertothecatastropheshehadseen.

ForawholecycleThiriannasearched,pausingonlybrieflytoeatanddrink,butstillshecouldnotfind the elusive thread she sought. She blazed across the paths of her future selves looking for theslightestglimmerofrecognition.Yet thefurtheraheadshe looked, themoreunlikely itbecamethatshewouldfindwhatshewaslookingfor.Theeventshehadwitnessedwouldhappensometimeinthecurrentpass,thatmuchshewascertain.Sherestrictedhersearch,ignoringthemoredistantechoesoftimes to come, hoping to come across some evidence of the turmoil that would surely engulf hershouldthehumansattackAlaitoc.

Shefoundnothing.Thiriannavergedonabandoningthesearch.ItseemedmostlikelythatwhateverAradryanmight

havedonehadpassedbyandthatadifferentcoursehadbeenset.Theglimmerofpossibilityhadnot

cometofruitionandAlaitocwassafe.ThisconclusiondidnotsitwellwithThiriannaassheonceagainresumedherquest.Asshelooked

foralinkbetweenherselfandthemomentousevent,usingtheScorpiontodelvedeeperintohernear-future to divide and tease out all of the half-chances and near-misses, she stumbled upon anunexpectedscene.

Thethreadsshefollowedbarelytouchedonhers,yettherewasacausallinksomehow.TheessenceofMorlaniath,theexarchKorlandrilhadbecome,wasalsoinvolved,entwinedmomentarilywiththefateofArhathain.Followingthecourseoftheseevents,ThiriannasawArhathainbringingthecounciltogetheragain,instructingtheseniorseerstodirectsomeoftheireffortintoinvestigatingThirianna’sclaim.

Thiriannalefttheskein,amazedatwhatshesaw.SomehowitwaspossiblethatshecouldconvinceArhathaintotakeherseriously;thatwasallshewanted.Sheknewitwaslikelyafool’serrandtoseekout the fate of Aradryan and expect a revelation, but it rankled that the council had given her nocredenceatall.

Thiriannasleptforashortwhile,herdreamsstillmiredinthedeathofAlaitoc,androseagainassoonasshehadregainedalittleofherstrength.Thelongjourneysintothefuturehadtakentheirtollonhermindandbody,evenafteronlyafewcycles,butshegatheredwhatstaminashecouldandsetout again, following the trail left to her by the Scorpion. After a while, she located themoment ofMorlaniathandArhathaincomingtogether.

Shefocussedallofherthoughtsonthatevent,pryingopentheskeintowitnesswhatmightcometopass.

Theexchange tookplace in theChamberofAutarchs, empty save forMorlaniathandArhathain.AtfirstThiriannacouldnothearwhatpassedbetweenthem,butasshefocussedhermind,blockingoutthe peripheral information, concentrating on the two speakers alone, she caught scatters of theirconversation.

‘Perhapsyouseekwar,forthatisyournature,’saysArhathain.‘Icannotmakeawar,ifthatismydesire,itisthecouncil’schoice,’repliesMorlaniath.‘Every day our seers uncover a thousand dooms to Alaitoc,’ says Arhathain. Thirianna senses

disinterestinhim.Hehasheardtheargumentsbefore.‘Wecannotactoneveryvision;wecannotgotowaroneverydoubt.Thiriannaherselfcannotprovideuswithclarity.Wemight justaswellactonasuperstitioustrickleofforebodingdownthebackoftheneck.’

‘She lacks theproper skill, themeans to give youproof, hold thatnot against her,’ counters theexarch.Thiriannawonderedwhyitisthathetakesuphercause.‘Giveherthehelpsheneeds,toproveher right or wrong, she will keep her silence. This doubt will hold her back, it will consume herthoughts,untilyoureleaseher.YouhavewalkedmanyPaths,seenagreatmanythings,livedagreatmanylives.Thatlifeyouowetome,Irememberitnow,somanycyclespast.Iwasyourguardian,theprotectionyousought,a truecompanion. I remember thedebt, theoathyouswore tome, it isnowtimetopay.’

A distant time flickers across the thread, distracting Thirianna for a moment. She sees a youngArhathain, fighting as a SwoopingHawk on theworld ofNerashamensin. A human twisted by theworshipoftheChaosGodsemergesfromtheshadowofabrokendoorway,acrudeguninherhands.SheaimsatArhathain.TheChaos-worshipperfalls,achainswordcuttingherheadfromherbodyastheStrikingScorpionElidhnerialstrikesfromthedarkinteriorofthebuilding.

Severallifetimespass.Elidhnerialbecomesanexarch,joiningMorlaniath.MorlaniathisawakenedbytheangerofKorlandrilandthetwobecomeasone.

Thirianna marvels at the convoluted nature of history and destiny. The original Morlaniath,Elidhnerial,Arhathain,KorlandrilandThiriannaboundtogetherbydistanttiesthatnoneofthemisawareof.

Arhathainfrownsandturnsaway,pacingtothefarsideoftherostrumatthecentreofthehall.‘TheoneImadethatpromise todiedtenpassesandmoreago,’hesayssoftly, lookingupat the

circularopeningat the topof thedome.Adistant swatheof stars is strewnacross theblacknessofspace. ‘I did not swear that oath to you. It is not Elidhnerial that asksme to repay that debt, it isKorlandril.’

‘IamMorlaniath,Elidhnerialtoo,andalsoKorlandril.Thedebt isowedtome,toall thepartsofme,unitedinspirit.Whosavemeremembers,canrepeatthewordsused,heardthemspokenbyyou?’

Thirianna remembers the words too. She can repeat them. She saw the debt of thanks sworn byArhathain.ThedebtElidhnerial-Korlandril-Morlaniathnowwishesrepaid.

‘IfIdonotdothis?’askstheautarch.‘Yourhonourisforfeit,andothersshallknowit,Iwillmakesureofthat.’TheautarchturnsanddirectsanintensestareatMorlaniath.Thiriannasenseshisloathingforthe

exarch.‘Youwillnotcallonmeagaininthisway?’saysArhathain.‘Yourdebtwillberepaid,toElidhnerial,andweshallspeaknomore.’Arhathainnodsreluctantlyandstalksuptheshallowstepsofthechamber.

Thiriannabrokefromthevisionwithherheadpounding,herbreathcominginshallowgasps.Itwasthe first time she hadwitnessed the future in such specific detail and hermind throbbedwith theenergyshehadusedtorenderit.

Arhathain’schangeofheartnowmadesense,butitleftThiriannawithanotherquestion:whyhadtheexarchMorlaniathintervenedonherbehalf?

Thiriannadidnothave thestrengthat thatmoment todelveback into theskein todiscover thetruth.Shewouldhavetoapplysomereasoningtothematterherself.Shelayonherbeddingandclosedhereyes,pushingawaythenumbnessthatwaswellingupinsideherthoughts,tryingtofocusontheproblem.

The only connection she shared with Morlaniath was Korlandril, who had become part of theexarch’s fractured personality. It was possible that some remnant of the relationship betweenThirianna andKorlandrilwas inside the lingering spirit of her former friend. Shewondered if shecouldappealtothattransientfragmentoftheexarch,toentreathimtoactonherbehalf.

Yet thatprovidedanotherproblem. If shewas to revealhowsheknew the exarchhad influenceoverArhathain,itwouldinvitesuspicionfromMorlaniath.Thoughitwasacceptedthattheseershadto scan the fates of every individual, Thirianna had intruded upon a very privatematter, one thatwouldcausetheexarchtotakeoffence.

Shewouldhavetoapproachthematterinadifferentway,withoutgivingawaythefactsheknewaboutMorlaniathandArhathain’shistory.Ifshecouldsomehowsowtheseedoftheideainthemindoftheexarch,therewasachancehewouldactasshehadseen,andthusArhathain’scommandtothecounciltohelpherwouldberealised.

Thiriannasmiled.ThedisastrouslastmeetingwithKorlandrilhadshatteredherconfidenceinherabilitytointerveneinthewayaseershould.Thislatestencounterrenewedherconfidence.Thiswasexactlywhyshehadbecomeaseer,toactandnotreact.Byherhandshecouldsetinmotionacourseofeventsthatwouldbetoherbenefit.

ThethoughtofsuchathingthrilledThirianna.Forherwholelifeshehadbeenpreytothewhimsoffate, unseeing of the future, unable to do anything but respond to protect herself. Now shewouldprovethatshehadmovedbeyondthat.

Shewouldtrulybeafarseer.

OnthelongjourneytotheAspectshrines,Thirianna’sdeterminationstartedtofalter.CaughtupwithideasofhowshewouldproveherworthtoKelamithandredeemherselfintheeyesofthecouncil,shehad commissioned a skyrunner to take her across Alaitoc. Her enthusiasm had ebbed as sheconsideredhowshewasgoingtoconfronttheexarchMorlaniath.

Hernervousness increasedassheapproachedtheforbiddingportal thatconcealedtheShrineoftheHiddenDeath.Shehadallowedherselftoforgetacardinalruleoffarseeing:notallfuturescometopass.ItwasonlyapossibilitythatMorlaniathwouldheedher,andthenonlyapossibilitythathewouldinterveneforher,andontopofthattherewasnoassurancethatthehelpofotherseerswouldaidherindetectingevenaglimmerofwhatshehadseenbefore.

In the heat of the moment she had failed to consider the alternatives. Enthused with suddenoptimism,shehadnotinvestigatedtheotheroutcomesoftheencounter.Morlaniathmightrefusetoseeher.Shemightbehumiliated,turnedawaybytheexarch.Worsestill,Arhathainmightlearnofhermanipulationandherreputationwouldbeforevertaintedbytheact.

Thisthoughtexpanded,asThiriannarealisedthathermovementsontheskeinhadbeenopento

see.TheuseoftheScorpionmadeitlesslikelyshewouldbediscovered,butifKelamithoranyoftheother farseers investigated thoroughly they would easily follow the trail she had left. Even successmightdamageherstanding.

The gate to the shrine was inconspicuous in itself, a small emerald-coloured doorwaywithin anarrow archway. Thirianna stopped in front of the gateway, unsure how to attract the attention ofMorlaniath.Whenshewent to theShrineofOneHundredBloodyTears, shewasadmittedwithouteffort;thegatebeforeherwassolidlyclosed.

Therewasstilltimetopullbackfromthethreadshewasabouttospin.Shecouldturnaroundandreturntotheskyrunner,allowingeventstofollowtheirnaturalcourse.Shehadnotcommittedherselftoanyactthatwouldchangeanything.

Thedoorsighedopenbehindher.Thiriannaturnedquickly,surprisedbythis.Atallfigurecladinornatearmour stood in theopengateway, facehiddenbehind theexpressionlessmaskofhishelm.Thirianna felt the rune of the Scorpion in a pouch at her belt jostle in recognition, tugging at herthoughts.

Foolishly,shehadexpectedtoseeKorlandril. InsteadshewasconfrontedbyaStrikingScorpionexarch, full of brooding menace. Death surrounded the warrior like a cloak, its touch cold toThirianna’spsychicsense.Sheretreatedfromthepresence,suddenlyafraid.

‘Isthatyou,Korlandril?’sheasked.‘IamnotKorlandril,thoughheispartofme,IamMorlaniath.’It was as Thirianna had feared. Korlandril had been absorbed by themeta-spirit of the exarch.

Morlaniathdidnotseemtorecogniseher.Beyondtheexarchstretchedlowdunesofredsand,thehazeof heat obscuring the distant domewall.Here and there scrubby patches of candlewood broke theundulatingwilderness,thescentoftheirsmallbutpungentblossomswaftingfromtheopengate.Ablood-redorbhunglowontheartificialhorizon,bathingthesceneinadim,ruddylight.

‘Whydoyoudisturbus,cominghereunbidden,breakingthegoldstillness?’askedMorlaniath.TherewasangerinhisvoiceandThiriannabackedaway,everydoubtshehadcrowdingintoher

thoughts.Sheshookherhead,wishingshehadnotcomehere.‘Thiswasamistake,’shetoldtheexarch.‘Ishouldnothavecome.Youcannothelpme.’Morlaniathstayedsilent foramoment.Thiriannacoulddetect turmoil inhis spirit,butwas too

frightenedtoexamineitanycloser.Shekepthermindfirmlydetachedfromtheskein,notwishingtoexperiencethehorroroftheexarchinanythingbuthisphysicalform.

Theexarch’sdisturbedspiritsettledagain. ‘Nowthatyouhavecomehere,seekingguidanceandtruth,speakyourmindwithfreedom,’saidMorlaniath.‘IfIcanassistyou,ifyouhavehardquestions,perhapsIcananswer.’

ThiriannaapproachedandstaredpastMorlaniath,takinginthewidevistaofthedesert.Hergazeturnedtotheexarch.

‘Istheresomewhereelsewecanspeak?’shesaid‘Theshrinewouldnotbefit,farseersenterwithrisk,andIamloathtoleave,’theexarchdeclared.Thirianna agreed. She had no desire to set foot in the Striking Scorpion shrine. It was a hard

enoughtasktoattendtheShrineofOneHundredBloodyTears;toenteranunfamiliarAspectshrine

wouldtesthernervestotheirlimit.‘Canweperhapswalkawhile?’shesuggested.‘Idonotfeelcomfortablediscussingmattersonyour

doorstep.’Morlaniath turned away without a further word. After a moment the door did not close and

Thiriannaassumedshewastofollowtheexarch.Shesteppedintothedome,bootedfeetsinkingintothesoftsand.Morlaniathstrodeahead,poisedandgraceful,whileThiriannastruggledtokeepupwithhis longstrides.Squintingagainst theartificial sunset, she saw that theyheaded towardsa shallowoasisgently fedby irrigationwebsbeneath the sands.Clusters of red-leavedbusheshid thewater’sedge,brightwhitestarsofblossompokingfromthefoliage.

It was a place of surprising peace, an oasis in more than just the physical sense. Morlaniathcrouchedatthewater’sedgeforamoment.AtthebackofherthoughtsThiriannacouldfeeltheskeinundulatingastheexarch’smanymemoriesofthisplacecametogether.

‘Thisis…pleasant,’saidThirianna.Shelookedforsomewheretositandonfindingnoseatorrock,loweredherselfontothewarmsands.

Morlaniath lookedather,eyesconcealedbehind thered lensesofhishelm. ItwasanunsettlingsensationandThiriannagatheredherrobeaboutherselfandtossedherhairoveroneshoulderasadistractionfromthatdeadgaze.

‘Itisthebirthindeath,thehopeinhopelessness,lifeamongstthebarren,’saidMorlaniath.Thiriannagatheredherthoughts.Shecountedthepresentsituationasuccess,uncomfortableasit

was.Theharderpartwasperhapstocome.Shehadtoputacrossherthoughtsinsuchawaythattheexarchwouldwishtohelpher.Shedidnotlookathimwhenshespoke.Shegazedthoughtfullyintothewaters.Insectsskimmedthesurface,sustainedbyitstension.

‘IhaveforeseentroublingtimesforAlaitoc,perhapssomethingworse,’shesaid.‘Youarenowafarseer.Suchthingswillbeyourlife,whydoyoucometome?’saidMorlaniath.His

voicewasflat,givingawaynothingofhismood.‘IamtoldthatIaminerror,’explainedThirianna.‘Thefarseers,thecouncilofAlaitoc,donotthink

myscryingwillcometopass.TheysayIaminexperienced,seeingdangersthatdonotexist.’‘Likely they are correct, your powers are still weak, this path is new to you,’ said Morlaniath.

Though the exarch’swordswere disheartening, Thirianna drew some strength from the indicationthatMorlaniathknewwhoshewas.ItwaspossiblesomepartofKorlandrilstillexistedinside.‘Idonotseemyrole;Iamtheexarchhere,notoneofthecouncil.’

‘Youdon’tbelieveme?’saidThirianna.‘Youoffermenoproof,andthereisnonetogive,beliefaloneisdust,’repliedMorlaniath.ThiswasprovingevenharderthanThiriannahadenvisaged.Sheneededastrategy,anapproach

thatmightappealtothevestigesofKorlandrilharbouredinsidethegroup-mindoftheexarch.Togiveherselftimetothink,Thiriannastoodandwalkedtothepool’sedge.Shedippedherbootedtoeintothewaters,sendingarippleacrossthesurface.Itwasasubconsciousact,butitcreatedareactioninthe exarch.His thoughtsweredisturbed, just as thewaterwasdisturbed. Thirianna thought of theskein;oftheripplescausedbyactionthatspreadacrossspaceandtime.

Korlandril was in there somewhere; perhaps she could bring him to the fore with something

familiartobothofthem.‘IfollowedthefateofAradryan,’shesaid.Shecouldnotjudgehisthoughts,hisfacehiddenfrom

view, but she could sense another bubble of activity within Morlaniath’s spirit as he searched hismemories.Shepressedon,hopingthatKorlandrilstillrecognisedthename. ‘Ourthreedestiniesareinterwoven.More thanwe have seen already. Yours is not ended, but will soon; his is distant andconfused.Mine…mineistobehere,totellyouthesethingstosetinmotionfutureevents.’

Thislastwasnotentirelytrue,butThiriannaconsideredherselfanagentofdestinynow.‘Whatisityouhaveseen,whatvisionsbringsuchwoe,whatdotheymeanforus?’Asinglepersonalitywasassertingitself;Thiriannacouldsenseitintheskein,onethreadgrowing

thickerthantheothers.Hereyesconfirmedasmuch;oneofthespiritstonesintheexarch’sarmourglowedbrighterwhiletheothersdimmed.IthadtobeKorlandril,becomingmorefocussed,drawnoutby familiarity. That he had asked the question bolstered Thirianna’s confidence again. The exarchwantedtoknowwhatshehadseen.

‘Aradryan dwells in darkness, but there is also light for him,’ she said, affecting the tone oflanguage used in the council. If itwas right for the autarchs itmightwork on the exarch. ‘But hisdarkness isnot confined tohim. It spreads intoour lives, and it engulfsAlaitoc. Idonotknow thedetails;myrune-castingisverycrudeatthemoment.Ifeelhehasdonesomethinggravelywrongandendangeredallofus.’

‘Yourwarnings are too vague, they contain no substance, we have no course of action,’ repliedMorlaniath. He turned his head away, his attention straying back towards the shrine hiddensomewhereinthedunes.

Thiriannagavevoicetoherdisappointment,findingnomoresupportherethaninthecouncil.‘Thatiswhatthecouncilsays.“Howcanweprepareagainstsomethingsoamorphous?”theyasked.

ItoldthemthatmoreexperiencedseersshouldfollowthethreadofAradryan.Theyrefused,claimingitwasanirrelevance.AradryanisgonefromAlaitoc,theytoldme,andheisnolongertheirconcern.’

Theexarchdidnotreplytothisimmediately.Thiriannafeltatremorofcontactbuzzingthroughher mind. She risked a glance into the skein and saw Korlandril’s thread touching upon hers.Korlandril’s,notMorlaniath’s.Hewasrememberingher.Hopefullythememoriesweregoodones.Hisnextwordsdashedthathope.

‘Continueyourstudies,delvefurtherintothis,toseekyourownanswers,’saidtheexarch.‘Ifearthereisnotime,’saidThirianna.ShehadtoforceMorlaniathtoconfronttheissuenow.‘This

isimminent.Ilackthestrengthandthetrainingtoseefarahead.’‘Othershavenotseen it,your freshcataclysm,whoarestronger thanyou,’ remarkedtheexarch.

Korlandril’sspiritwasweakeningagain,movingawayfromThirianna.‘Imustconcurwiththem,whohavetroddenthePath,whoseefurtherthanyou.’

‘It issuchasmallthing,whateverit isthatAradryandoes,’Thiriannasaidquickly,makinga lastefforttoestablishaconnectionwiththeafterthoughtofKorlandril.SheremindedherselfthatshehadseenMorlaniathconvinceArhathaintohelpher.Itwaspossible,ifshecouldfindtherightapproach.She stoopedand tookapinchof sand, rubbingher fingers to spill it to thegrounduntil sheheldasinglegrain.Sheflickedit intothewatersofthepool. ‘Suchatinyripple,wecanbarelysee it,buta

ripple nonetheless. The anarchy of history tells us thatmomentous events can start from themosthumble,themostmundaneofbeginnings.’

‘Ihavenoaidforyou,nocouncil influence,andIagreewiththem,’saidMorlaniath. ‘Gobacktoyourstudies,forgetthisdistraction,Iwillnotassistyou.’

The words were harsh, the essence of Korlandril fading away. Disappointment welled up fromwithinThirianna.Shehadfailedtoaccomplisheventhissimpletask.

‘Ifearedtheworst,andyouhaveprovenmetrue,’shesaid,tryinghardtoholdbackthetearsthatthreatenedtospilldownhercheeks.‘Korlandrilisnotdead,buthehasgone.’

‘Whichyouoncepredicted,thatbothofuswouldchange,forbetterorforworse,’saidMorlaniath.Thirianna wondered if the exarch was throwing that sentiment back at her out of spite ormerelymakinganobservation.‘IamMorlaniath,youareThirianna,Korlandrilisnomore.Seekcontentmentfromthis,donotchasetheshadows,onlydarknessawaits.’

‘Doyounotrememberwhatweonceshared?’shesaid,outofdesperation.‘Irememberitwell,wesharednothingatall,Ihavenothingforyou.’Thirianna straightened andwiped a gloved finger across her cheek, a tear soaking into the soft

fabric.‘Youareright,’shesaid.‘Iwillleaveandthinkofyounomore.’Shebunchedupherrobeandstrodeuptheencirclingdune,headingtowardsthemainportal.She

feltthepresenceofMorlaniathbehindherforsomeoftheway,shadowingherprogress,andthenhestopped,leavinghertodepart.

Shefeltatrickleofpsychicenergyandtheportalaheadopened.Inthatinstant,theexarch’smindwasopen,andoutofdesperateinstinct,Thiriannamadecontactforamoment,propellinghersadnessandshameintothemindoftheexarch.

Thelinkbrokeandshepassedoutofthedome,atalossastowhatshewoulddonext.

ItwaslateinthefollowingcyclewhenThiriannareceivedasummonsfromKelamithtoattendhimintheChambersoftheSeers.Itwasmostdefinitelyasummonsandnotaninvitation,andThirianna’sthoughtswerequiveringwithtrepidationasshemadeherwaytoseehermentor.

Shefoundhimalone,standinginfrontoftheOrbofElmarianin,agreatsphereofruby-redcrystalalmost as tall as the farseer,which glimmeredwith psychic energy,motes of powermoving slowlythroughitsdepths.Thefarseer’sfacewasreflectedruddily inhundredsof itsfacets,eachappearingslightlydifferent.

Kelamithturnedatherapproach,expressionstern.‘Itisacuriousthing,’saidKelamith,gesturingtotheorb.‘CreatedbyElmarianinbeforeIwasborn,

thisdeviceallows the seer council to combine theirpowersofdivination. Itsuse takesa toll on theinfinitycircuitandthosewhoemployit.’

‘Yes,IhavereadabouttheOrbofElmarianin,’saidThirianna.Shewasconfused,unabletoseethepointbeingmadebytheotherfarseer.

‘Speakingofcuriousthings,Ihavejustreturnedfromagatheringoftheseniorseers,’continued

Kelamith, eyes fixed on Thirianna. ‘We we’re called together by Autarch Arhathain. He hasreconsideredyourcontributiontothecouncilandfeelsitmeritsmoreattention.’

Thiriannafeltasurgeofsatisfaction,thoughshetriedhardtoconcealit.Thenworrytookitsplace.‘I amhonoured,’ she said.Shekeptherexpressionneutral,waryofbetrayinganysenseofguilt.

‘Didtheautarchexplainhischangeofmind?DidmyargumentsperhapspersuadehimtojudgeagainwhatIhaveseen?’

‘Hewasreluctant toexpandonthatpoint,’ saidKelamith,still staring intentlyatThirianna.Shesensed curiosity rather than suspicion and relaxed a little. ‘It is almost without precedent, for thecounciltoreturntosuchadecision.Arhathainwasmosteloquentinhispersuasion,insistenteven.Wehaveacquiescedtotheautarch’swishes,andwillsearchforthisdoomyouwitnessed.’

‘Iampleased,’saidThirianna,knowingthatitwouldbestrangeforhertopretendindifferenceatsuchaturnofevents.‘IalsohopethatIammistaken,andthatmoreexperiencedmindsbroughttothematterwillallayanyfearstheautarchmayhave.’

‘Indeed,’saidKelamith.Heturnedbacktotheorb,layingaglovedhanduponitssurface.Whenhespokehistoneseemed

casual,buthiswordsstruckachillthroughThirianna.‘It is a grave offence tomislead the council,’ saidKelamith. ‘The skein isnot a plaything. It is a

powerfulforce,onethatwemustalwaysapproachwithduegravitasanddignity.Touseitspowerforselfishmeans,topursueself-aggrandisement,istoinviteanarchy.’

Thiriannasaidnothing,thoughherheartbeatfaster.Shecalmedherselfquickly,rationalisingthatifKelamithandtheothersbelievedshehadactedwronglyinsomeway,theywouldnothaveagreedtoArhathain’srequestforfurtherinvestigation.Kelamithwasbaitingher,shedecided,tryingtogethertorevealhersecret.

‘Doyouknowthepunishmentforsuchatransgression?’saidtheseniorfarseer.Thiriannacouldseehimwatchingherinthereflectionsoftheorb.Sheshookherhead.‘Itisacruelthing,onethatweeach despise, yet it is one of our oldest laws. One whomisuses the skein in a grievousmanner isbanishedfromthecouncilofseers.’

‘Thatseemsjustified,’repliedThirianna,unsurewhatwassoheinousaboutsuchapunishment.‘Theoffenderisbarredfromallrune-casting,andtoensurecompliancetheperpetratoristakento

theHallsofIsha,’continuedKelamith.Hisvoicewasquiet,filledwithsadness.‘Heorsheissubjectedtoaprocedurethatremovesthepartsofthebrainthatbolsterourpsychicstrength.Thecriminaliscutofffromtheskein,unabletointeractwiththeinfinitycircuit.’

ThatsoundedalotworsetoThirianna,thoughshestilldidnotunderstandwhyKelamithseemedtoloatheitsomuch.Hisfollowingwordsbroughthomethefullextentoftheinjunction,asheturnedandlookedatThiriannadirectly.

‘It is a far harsher punishment than death,’ he said. ‘It is the ultimate banishment, Thirianna.Forgetforthemomentthepowertotraversetheskeinandwitnessthefuture.Thinkonthosethingsthatyoutakeforgranted,smallactsyouperformeveryday.Yourchambersrespondtoyourthoughts,warmingandcooling,lighteninganddarkeningasyoudesire.Youwouldonlybeabletocommunicatethroughthespokenword,unabletoaccesstheinfinitycircuit.’

Hetookastepcloser,eyesboringintoThirianna.‘Evenmorethanthat,youdonotseewhatyouwouldlosebysuchapunishment.Weeachtouch

upononeanother insubtleways.Wereadeachothernot justphysicallybutwithour thoughts.Wehavebondsbetweenusstrongerthanfamilyandfriendship.EveryAlaitociiisboundtogetherthroughthe infinity circuit, andevery craftworld tied to a single fate through the eternalmatrix.Tobe castfrom that is to be something other than eldar. Loneliness and despair, cut off from that mostinstinctiveofcontact,willhauntthecriminal.Theywillwatchandhearlifearoundthem,buttheywillnotfeelit.’

It was truly a greater punishment than Thirianna had appreciated. To lose one’s sight, one’shearing,one’ssenseoftouchorsmellwouldbeunfortunateenough.Tohavepartofone’sspirittakenaway,toberenderedmundane,toloseahugepartoftheessenceofbeingeldar,wouldbecrippling.

‘That is severe indeed,’ she said, keeping her tone even. ‘With such an injunction as a threat, Icannotimagineanyonewishingtotransgresssucha law.Icannotimagineithaseverbeenputintopractice.’

‘Then your studies are incomplete,’ said Kelamith. He waved a hand to the orb. ‘Elmarianinsufferedsuchafate.Hisgeniusincreatingthisdevicewasmarredbyhismotivesfordoingso.Hedidnot like the ideaof thecouncilholdingpoweroverhimandsohesought toplacehimselfabovetheotherseers.HewasthemostpowerfulseerAlaitochasknown,andcouldwieldtheorbbyhimself.Heuseditspowertointerfereinthelivesofthecouncil,placingtheminhisdebt,creatingweaknessanddivision.’

‘Howwashestopped?’Thiriannaasked.Shewashorrifiedbythetaleandwonderedwhyshehadnothearditbefore.

‘Oneoftheseers,Aranduirius,wasbrave,andspoketotheothersofElmarianin’smanipulationofher,’ said Kelamith. ‘Each put aside their pride and confessed Elmarianin’s control, spurred byAranduirius’sexample.Together,asacouncil,theyconfrontedhimandsubjectedhimtothelaw.’

Kelamithcamecloser,seemingtogrowinheightasheapproached,untilhewasstandinglessthananarm’s lengthaway;hispresenceinvadedthespacearoundThiriannabutshecouldnotstepback.Thewitchlightgleamedinthefarseer’seyesandwhenhespoke,itwaswiththedistanttoneThiriannarecognisedashisvoiceofprophecy.

‘ThiriannaistakentotheHallsofIsha,wheresheundergoestheRitualofCleaving,’ intonedthefarseer. Thiswas not idle threat; thiswas a vision, one of Thirianna’s possible futures. She backedaway, frightened by the pale blue orbs that stared at her. Kelamith followed, taking a step closer,keepingwithin touchingdistance. ‘She is shamed, cast out of the council.Hermind is broken, herambition crushed. In atonement she seeks the Path of Service. Still she does not find peace. Herempathyhasbeentaken,hertelepathystolen.ShewandersAlaitoc,aghost-likecreaturesubjectedtoscorn and pity in equalmeasure. Alone, cast out, terrified by the long half-existence that stretchesbeforeher,Thiriannatakesthestar-walk,castingherselfintothevoidfromtheBridgeofTranquillity.’

ThehorrifyinggleamofKelamith’seyesseemedtoenvelopThiriannaasheprojected thevision.Shedriftedforamomentinthefreezingvacuum,asemptyasthevoidthatconsumedher.

Thiriannashriekedandfellback,landingheavily.Whenshelookedup,Kelamithwasstandingover

her,thewitchlightgone,onehandextendedtohelpherup.‘Thatfuturewillnotcometopass,’saidthefarseer,pullingThiriannatoherfeet.Heshookhishead

withdisappointment.‘YouthinkIamsovileastoheapsuchapunishmentuponamisguidedact?’‘Idon’tknow,’saidThirianna.Shetrembled,thememoryofherfreezingdeathstillgraspingher

heartwithitscoldtouch.‘What youdidwas vain, and foolish, butnomore than someof theother things youhavedone

since coming tome,’ saidKelamith.He laidahandonThirianna’s shoulderand squeezedgently. ‘ImustbelievethatyouactedoutofgenuineconcernforAlaitoc,andyourpersistencedoesyoucredit.Sotoothemannerofyourmanipulation.Nowyouhavewitnessedproperlythepowertheskeingrantstous,andItrustthatyouwillnotabuseitagain.’

‘Doesthecouncilknowofthis?’Thiriannaasked,wonderingifKelamith’sforgivenessmightproveirrelevant.

‘Theydonot,’saidthefarseer.‘TheyarequicktoputdownArhathain’schangeofhearttoawhimofinterest.Youmustrecoveryourself;othermembersofthecouncilwillbearrivingsoon.’

‘Theyarecominghere?’Thiriannaglancedattheglowingorb.‘Itwillbethequickestwaytoputthismattertorest.IfthereissomeechoofAlaitoc’sdoomtobe

found,wewillfindit.’

The skeinwas alight with the pryingminds of the eldar. They stood in a circle around theOrb ofElmarianin,eachsurroundedbyasmallconstellationoforbitingrunes.Theairglowedwiththeruddypoweroftheorbandthewitchlightoftheseers,castingmarbledreflectionsofredandblueacrossthechamber. The facets of themassive gem reflected the assembled seers, picturing them from everyperspective, alone and together. The bright points of light shifted in its depths, converging andsplitting,formingarcsoflightthatmirroredthepatternsbeingwovenbytheseers’runes.

Thegleamoftheorbgrewstrongeraseachpsykermovedhisorhermindintoitscrystallineform,refracting their spirits through the prism of its construction, their foresight multiplying anddiverging.

Thiriannachannelledherselfthroughherrune, lettingconsciousnessslipintotheorb,feelingitscoldedgesbreakingapartherthoughts,disassemblinghermind.Ignoringthestrangesensation,shedidherbesttoguideherfellowseerstothelocationoftheeventshehadseen.

Shecast theWanderer,attaching it toherownrune, so that itwouldbringher to the threadofAradryan.Shefeltthemindsofthecouncilnearby,watchingher,judgingher.Shetriedtoputasidetheirscrutiny.Itdidnotmatteriftheyfaultedhertechniqueasclumsyorherdivinationasnaive;allthatmatteredwasfindingtheglimmerofAlaitoc’sdeath.

Aradryan’slifeunfoldedrapidlyasThiriannasurgedacrosstheskein,followingthewindingtrailofhis fate.Shefelta littleguilty,exposingher friend’sbeingto theobservationofsomany,butsheknewnoothercoursetotake.

Someoftheseerswerealreadybranchingoff,intriguedbyspirallingpossibilitieshintedatbytheoutcast’s actions. Having agreed to Arhathain’s wishes, they put their full effort into resolving the

problem. Thirianna would have felt pleased by this dedication had not a few of them remarkedbeforehand that theywerekeen toget thisnonsensedealtwithquickly so that theycould return totheirnormalstudies.

Aradryan’s immediate future settled quickly, the disparate strandsmelting away as possibilitieswereended.Hisfatewasnarrowingtoapoint,asinglestrandfromwhichhecouldnotescape.

Thefarseerscrowdedclose,eagertoseethispivotalmoment.Apulse shook the skein. To the eye of Thirianna’smind, it took on a blood-redhue and a deep

rumbleechoedacrossitslengthandbreadth.Crimsonbloodflowedalongeverystrand,drippingfromlifetolife,whilefiresprangintobeing,burningvastswathesoftheskein.

Asingleruneblazedaboveallothers.Likeabeaconofwhitefire,thesymbolofKhainetheBloody-Handedobliteratedtheskein,devouringalllife.

Thewargod’sheartbeatreverberatedagain,andwasansweredbyanotherthunderoustremor.Inthe heart of the craftworld, nestled in the wraithbone core of Alaitoc, the Avatar of KaelaMenshaKhainestartedtoawake.

War.Terrible,all-destroyingwar.Inthelightofthebalefulrune,theseersscurriedandpanicked,racingacrosstheskein,searching

desperatelyforthecatalystofsuchdevastation.Theyfragmentedintosplintersofthoughtthroughthepoweroftheorb,huntingalongseveralstrandsatonce,coveringswathesofhistory.

As the light of Khaine faded, as the flames died and the blood dried, the skein was rewritten,revealingitssecrets.

ThethreadofAradryancoiledaboutAlaitoclikeaserpentconstrictingarounditsprey.Hisfate,hislife,surroundedthecraftworld,squeezingitfromexistence.

The seers delved through the knot, confronted by images of burning towers and falling spires.HumantanksrumbledalongtheBoulevardofLanguidPraise,whileImperialSpaceMarinesblastedatthedoorstotheDomeofEternalPeace.

Death,fire,war.AllofAlaitocwascrushedbeneathit,thecraftworld’sfuturedisintegratingundertheweightofattack.

Thiswasnodistantpossibility.Thethreadsoffateweregrowingrigid,hardeningintocertainty,coalescingintoasingleunavoidabledestiny.

Theseersconversedquicklyamongstthemselves,recoveringfromtheshockofthesuddenchangeinfortunes.Theyneededtoknowwhathadhappened,whatAradryanhaddonetocreatesuchadoomandwhytheyhadnotbeenabletowitnessitearlier.

Thiriannaalreadyknew,orguessed sheknew.Shehad seen itbeforeand thememoryof ithadlodgedlikeashardinhermind.

She called to the other seers as she raced back through the outcast’s life. As she expected, thepossibility had become reality. She peeled open the skein to reveal Aradryan’s piratical attack on aflotillaofImperialships.

Thehumanssoughtrevengefortheirfallen.It was an extreme response. The attack on the Imperial convoy did not seem tomerit such an

overwhelmingattack.Yettheconsequenceswerecleartosee,thepathfromthecausetotheeffectas

straightaspossible,onelinkeddirectlytotheother.Severaloftheseersdeparted,Kelamithamongstthem,tobringthisdirenewstotheautarchs,so

the council of war could be gathered and plans set in motion. Those that remained, Thiriannaincluded,begantosearchforasolutionthatwouldavertthedisaster.

They examined the future potential of Aradryan, but no alternatives were revealed. The seersturned their attention to the humans, picking up the straggling strands of their lives. Militarycommanders,aplanetarygovernor, theChapterMasterof theSonsofOrarSpaceMarines;allwereexaminedandallcouldnotbedivertedfromtheircourse.Somethinghadbeensetinmotion, largerthan any individual. There could be no timely assassination to curb the growing threat. No pre-emptivestrikewouldstalltheImperialbehemothgatheringitsmight.

ThoughtsthenturnedtomovingAlaitoc,thoughthecraftworldwasonlypartofthewaythroughits star-fuelledregenerationand to leavenowwouldbeamajorhindrance toher futurehealth.Theseers explored the possibilities regardless, but found that escape from the attack was impossible.Whether they remainedormoved, thehumans somehowwereable to findAlaitocand launch theirattack.

Theyweretoolate.Theywouldhavetostandtheirgroundandfight.One-by-onetheremainingseersdeparted,leavingThiriannaaloneamongstthefrayedthreadsof

Alaitoc’sfuture.Herheartwasheavywithgrief,nothoughtofvindicationenteringhermind.Kelamithintrudeduponherwoe.There is stillhope.Theattack cannotbe forestalled,but thewar isnot lost.The futurebeyond is filledwith

immenseuncertainty.Wewill fight thehumansandwewillbevictorious.Darkdayswillbesetus,butwewillendureandwewillrecover.ThisisnotthefirsttimeAlaitochasfacedimmediateperilandthroughourendeavoursitwillnotbethelast.

ThefarseerwasgoneagainandThiriannawasalone.Shemoved her consciousness to the present, to amoment experiencedwith Aradryan.Hewas

asleepinhiscabinaboardhisship,intoxicatedwithacocktailofexoticspiritsandnarcotics.Thiriannafeltweak,herforcedissipatedbytheeffectoftheOrbofElmarianin.Shegatheredupwhatwasleftofherpsychicstrengthandconcentrateditintoasinglethought:awarning.

ShetoucheduponAradryan’sdrug-feveredmind,connectinghimforaninstanttothecoilofhislifestranglingAlaitoc.ThecraftworldwasingravedangerandwouldneedeveryAlaitocii,outcastornot,tohelpdefendher.Aradryanhadtoreturn,torestorethebalancehehadselfishlydisrupted.

Thiriannalurchedoutoftheskein,utterlydrained.Painthrummedthroughhersynapsesandherbody ached, tested to the limit by the amplifying effect of the orb. She decided to return to herchambers. Other, loftierminds could concern themselves withwhat would happen.When she hadrecoveredshewouldplayherpartintheeventstocome.

Warwasfastapproachingandshewouldneedallofherstrength.

War

TheBloodyHand–KhaineThereisonerunethataseerloathestoemploy,foritisaterriblerune;alltoooftenitisthedoomoftheseer.Yetthereisnootherrunethatcanreplicateitspower,forinwarandbloodshedaremanyfatesdecided.Inmattersofbattle,theruneofKhainemustguidetheeyeoftheseer,tobringaboutthedemiseoftheenemyandensuretheBloodyHanddoesnotfalluponthefriend.Aterriblerune,usedtotracethefateofAlaitoc’sAvatar.Itisatreacherousrune,possessedofitsownfiercepride,andwilltrytosteertheseeronlytofates

thatendintragedy.

TheAvatarwasawakening.Thiriannacouldfeelitsbloodycallinherbones.ThetouchoftheAvatarstretchedtoeverypartof

Alaitoc,itswakeningdreamsofbloodshedpermeatingtheinfinitycircuit,rousingtheireofallonthecraftworld.

AsaformerAspectWarrior,Thiriannawasmoresusceptibletothesensationthanthosewhohadneverwalked thePath of theWarrior.Herwar-mask, held indormancy, quivered insidehermind,seekingtoriseupinresponsetoKhaine’scalltoarms.Itwasever-present,gnawingatherthoughtswhenthecouncilofwarwasconvenedbetweentheautarchsandtheseers.Shecouldsenseitseffectinthewarlocksandfeltitspowerswirlingfromthemilitaryleaders.

The taskwas straightforward.The seerswoulddivine thenatureof thehumanattack, trying toforesee the direction and nature of the assault.With this information the autarchswould devise asuitablebattleplan.Inturn,theseerscouldtraveltheskeintoexplorethepossibilitiesopenedupbythecoursesofactionchosen.

Straightforward, but far from simple. So many strands of fate had to be examined it wasimpossible to foresee every eventuality. Promising threads petered out into inconsequence, whilemundane events proved to have profound implications. The life or death of a particular individualcouldholdthebalancebetweenvictoryanddefeat;whetherthatwasanautarchoraguardian,aSpaceMarinecaptainoralowlyhumansoldier.Whetherasquadhelditsgroundforamomentlonger,orfellbackamomentsooner,creatednewvistastocontemplate.

Thegreaterpartoftheburdenofprophecyfellontheshouldersofthemostexperiencedfarseers.TheycouldutilisetheirrunesofKhainetotravelthebloodiestpathways,weighinguplifeanddeathwithincredibleaccuracy.

Forthewarlocks,andlesserseerssuchasThirianna,theirtaskwastoprovideanoverviewoftheunfoldingevents.Theylingeredontheperipheryoftheskeinwhilethemostpowerfulmindsdelveddeep,watchingthegreatplayofeventsastheseniorseersusedtheirmanyrunestotwistandbind,separateandcutthethreadsofdestiny.

Thirianna had been presentedwith the rune of Alaitoc by Kelamith. It was a powerful symbol,bindingherfatetothatofthecraftworld.Astheseerwhohadfirstwitnessedthepotentialdoom,itwasherresponsibilitytostayfocussedonthatmoment.

Overandovershesawthecraftworlddestroyedoroverrun.Ifthefleetengagedtheattackersearly,theenemysmashedpastandlandedwithoutinterference;

ifthestarshipsprotectingthecraftworldheldofftheirattackstheenemyweretoonumeroustoholdbackwhiletheybombardedAlaitocfromspace.

Iftheeldarheldthelandingpoints,theyweredrawnintobloody,attritionalfighting.Victorycameattoohighaprice,thepopulationofAlaitocsodiminishedthatitneverrecovered.Ifthehumanswereallowedtogaintoomuchofafoothold,largeportionsofAlaitocweredestroyed,nevertoberebuilt.

ItwasanagonisingexperienceforThirianna,whosatattheheartofthedestructionlikethesilverscalesofMorai-heg,weighingoneoutcomeoveranother.

Theautarchsaskedconstantquestions,demandingdetailsoftheforcesthehumanswouldbringtobear, the typesofweapons they carried, the tactics theywouldemploy.Nodetailwas consideredinsignificant.ThewarhostofAlaitocwasdeadlybutfinelytuned.EachsquadofAspectWarriors,eachtank and transport, each Titan and starship had a role to fill in the great tapestry that was beingwoven.Ifpartofthethreadwastooweak,thewholepicturecameapart.

Arhathain,veterancommanderandhero toAlaitoc, suggesteda swift counter-attack, taking thebattle to the humans before they had approached Alaitoc. The seers complied, investigating theoutcomesofsuchastrike.

Toofewwarriors,cametheresponse.TheImperial fleetbeingsentagainstAlaitocwouldabsorbanydamageinflictedandthesurvivingAspectWarriorswouldnothavethestrengthtoholdagainstthehumansleftbehind.

Seeingthatinvasionwasinevitable,theautarchsconsideredtheiralternatives.Didtheyfightforevery piece of the craftworld or sacrifice areas for strategic gain? Here the prophecies were moreencouraging.AssufficientastheImperialshipsweretobreakthroughtheorbitaldefence,theskeinshowedthat theycouldnotholdonto largeamountsof territory.AnoccupationofAlaitocwouldbeimpossible,thethreatofalong,drawn-outwarremote.

Thispleasedtheautarchs,andtheypriedfurtherintothepotentialstrategiestheymightemploy.Thewarhostwasafluid,movingthing,abletostrikeandwithdraw,constantlyattackingwhilstusingspeedandmisdirectionas itsdefence. If itwaspossible to avoid fighting thehumanshead-on, theeldarwouldgraduallysapthestrengthoftheinvaders.

Thirianna was overwhelmed by the vision that followed. Large swathes of Alaitoc lay in ruins.Domeswereshatteredandthepassagewayschokedwiththedead.ThedelicateecologicalbalanceofAlaitoc was destroyed, deserts encroaching on forest domes, swamps swallowing terraces andvineyards,wildernessesengulfingparksandgardens.Theinfinitycircuitfaltered,sporadicandweak.

YettheAlaitociisurvived;enoughtorenewandrebuild.Theirhomesweredevastated,manylovedoneslost,butthepeopleofAlaitocendured.Intimethecraftworldwouldrecover,andthoughmostofagenerationwouldbelost,AlaitocwouldrisefromtheashesofinvasionlikethephoenixofAsuryan,itspowerdiminishedbutnotgone.

Theexhaustingworkcontinued,honingthestrategyoverthecomingcycles.Theseerscameandwent as their stamina dictated, adding their power to the effort when they could, resting andrecovering when they were spent. Thirianna was sent back to her apartments several times byKelamith,tosleepamongstdreamsofflankattacksanddiversions,airassaultsandorbitalbattles.

Slowlytheplancametogether,liketheorchestrationofagreatcomposer.Theautarchsporedoverthevisionsoftheseers,hominginonareasofvagueness,musteringtheresourcesofthecraftworldtomeetthethreatsthatemergedwitheachprophesiedscenario.

Theresultantconsensuswasinpartamilitarystrategyandinpartanethostobeadheredto.Warbrought too much flux to the skein for every outcome to be known, and despite every effort ofThiriannaandtherestoftheseercouncil,therewasnosuretyofanyparticulareventcomingtopass.Theplanconsistedof layerafter layerofcontingency,ofresponsetogainsandlossesasfluidasthewarhostitself.Everymarginofvictoryordefeatwasanalysed,andplansconstructedtodealwiththeconsequences.

Aftersomucheffort, thebest theautarchshopedforwasachance forvictory.Theycouldbenomorepreparedthantheywere,yetchance,orperhapsfate,wouldstillplayamajorpartinthebattlestocome.Victorywasnotguaranteed,indeedwasfarfromcertain,anddependeduponagreatmanythingscomingtopassastheeldardesired.

In that time, Thirianna learned a lot about humans and their way of war. Through the visionsgranted by the skein, she saw the paradox in their nature. In one regard they were blunt andpredictable.Theylackedanykindofsubtlety,preferringtheirbrutestrengthoversophistication.Theycouldbe trusted to tackleanyobstacle theeldarplacedbefore themhead-on,and in thiswas foundtheirgreatestweakness.Theycouldbeluredanddirected,forcedintobattlesthatfavouredtheeldar.Their xenophobia, their creedof self-punishment and sacrifice couldprove their undoing, bringingthemintobattlesthattheycouldnothopetowinyetonestheywouldfightoutofblinddevotionandhope.

Yet forall theirbarbaricways, thehumanswerealsofickle. Ineachof themnestledtheseedforgreatheroismandgreatcowardice.Compared to the livesof theeldar, thehumans lived forabriefmoment,andtheirthreadswerelittlemorethanremnantsscatteredacrosstheskein,thevastmajoritypassingtheirliveswithoutmeaningorimpactonthewideruniverse.

A few of them were different, but were not necessarily marked out by status or rank. A lonesergeantmightrallyalineratherthanflee;amedicmightbraveastormoffiretorescueanofficerwhogoesontoleadanewattack;agunnermanshisweaponwhenothershaveretreatedtoholdbackanAlaitociicounter-attack.

Not only didmoments of positive qualitiesmake the picture unclear.Unexpected cowardice, illdiscipline,poorcommunicationsonthepartofthehumanscouldunsettletheplanslaidbytheeldar.JustastheAlaitocwarhosthadtobepreciseandfocussedinitsmovementsandattacks,theresponses

oftheenemyhadtoconcurwiththedesiresoftheeldar.ItwaswithhoperatherthanconfidencethatThirianna leftthefinalmeetingofthecouncil.She

hadplayedherpartinpreparingAlaitocforwar;nowwasthetimeforhertoreadyherselfsothatshemightinfluencethebattlebyherownhand.

Throughoutthescryingandtheplanning,thepullofKhainehadstrengthened.TheAvatar’scomingwasfastapproachingandThiriannacouldfeel thewhiteheatof itsawakeningburningthroughtheinfinitycircuit.

Theexarchswereassembling,readytopresenttheYoungKingtotheAvatarofKhaine.Theinfinitycircuit trembledwith the impendingevents, flashing imagesofwar throughthemindofThirianna.She sawnot just thebattles to come, but conflicts past, across the galaxy. Inherdreams shewas ahundreddifferentwarriorsstridingacrossahundreddifferentbattlefields.ShebroughtdeathtothefoesofAlaitocasthewargodincarnateledthebattlehostofthecraftworld.

Astheceremonyreacheditsclimax,theskeinfellstill,pregnantwithpotentpossibility.Thiriannafelt the moment of sacrifice as the Young King was offered up. The rune of the Young KingdisappearedfromtheskeinandtheruneofKhainetookitsplace,dimlyglowing,castingitspresenceacrosseveryfuture.

The Avatar’s spirit roused itself from dormancy with a psychic roar that caused all on thecraftworldtopause,shakenbyawaveofangerandamomentarythirstforblood.

Thiriannahadbeenasleep,dreamingofskiesalightwithgreenfireanddarktowerstoppledbythemightofAlaitoc.Shesatboltuprightinherbedding,heartpounding,breathcominginshallowgasps.Herwar-masksurgedupfromtheinteriorofhermind,blanketingallotherthoughts.Theseerrelivedherownbattles,eachpassinginaninstant,adazzling,dizzyingmontageofslaying.Countlessweretheenemiesthathadfallenbyherhand.

Themomentpassed.Sittinginthedarknessofherroom,Thiriannafeltrelaxedandalert.Thetensionofthelastcycles

haddrainedaway,replacedwithenergyandpurpose,invigoratedbythecomingoftheAvatar.TheenemyapproachedandThiriannawasreadytofight.

Theseershadthebestviewoftheopeningstagesofthewar;bettereventhanthecaptainsandtheircrewsaboardthestarshipsgatheringontheouteredgesofthestarsystem.Thefarseerscametogetherin theChamber of theDawningWorld, a dark circular hallwhose floorwas inlaidwith concentriccirclesofrunescastfrompreciousmetalsthatglowedwiththepoweroftheinfinitycircuit.

Each farseerhadbeenascribedaregionof theskein towatch.Thiriannawatched theunfoldingfatesofmorethanadozenstarships,fromfrigatestobattleships,astheytookstationhiddeninthegravitywellofoneoftheouterplanets.

Thearrivalofthehumanswasimminentandplaintosee.Theirshipsbulledtheirwaythroughtheskein,castinglongshadowsonthewarpthateventhemostinexperiencedseercoulddetect.Theywere

accompaniedbyawhisperedmoaning,theirwarpenginesleavingtormentandmiseryintheirwake.Their roughpassage formed eddies of power thatmade theirdirection and speed easy to calculate.Daemonsandotherpredatorstrailedafterthem,drawnbytheauraoflifethatleakedfromwithinthecrudewarpshieldsprotectingthehumanvessels.

Therunesofthefarseersdancedaroundeachother,combiningtogethertoformapictureofthestarsystemasaccuratetotheseers’eyesasiftheyweregodslookingdownuponthedyingstaranditsorbitingplanets.

Yetthispicturewasnotofthepresentbutthefuture.It toldataleofwhatmightberatherthanwhatwas. In the elaborate dance of fate, squadrons of attack craftwhirled about each otherwhilehumanstrikecruisersandeldardestroyersduelledwithlaserandshellandtorpedo.

Thehumansarrived, theirwarpenginessplittingapart theaether, sendingashockwaverippingacrosstheskein,momentarilyblindingThiriannaandtheothers.

Thefirstflotilladisengagedfromthewarpexactlywherethecouncilhadpredicted.Thehumans’backwardstechnologyforcedthemtospreadtheirfleetduringentry,whilecrudescannerspeeredintothestarsystemgatheringdata.

TheoutlyingshipsofAlaitocwerealreadymoving,engineschargedfromtheirsolarsails,driftingundetectedfromthecoverofasteroidfieldsandgasclouds.Thehumanswerestillhalf-blindastheirshipsscouredthestarsystemwithlaserandmicrowaves,andintheirmomentofweakness,theeldarstruckthefirstblow.

Launchingsalvoesof torpedoes, theAlaitocii announced theirpresence.Wavesof frigatesmadeattackrunsonthe leadhumanships,their laserbatteriesripplingalongtheenergyshieldsencasingthearmouredvessels.

Thirianna was impressed for a moment. The human ships were protected by warp-basedtechnologies, their fields dissipating the energy of the fusillade into the alternate realm.With eachbarragestoppedcamethescreamofthewarp,everyfailingshieldatinypinprickbreakthroughthethinbarrierbetweenrealityandtheimmaterial.Shehadnotbelievedthemcapableofsuchtechnology,thoughitwasstillsimplisticcomparedtotheeldarmasteryofthewarp.

Thehumansstruckbackasbesttheycould,launchingflightsofbombersandwavesoftorpedoes.Theirclumsycannonshurledplasmaandhugeexplosiveshells,buttheirtrackingsystemswereunabletocopewiththeholofieldshidingtheeldarvessels.Thefrigatesskippedawayfromthecounter-attack,afewsufferingminordamagefromthesheerweightoffirefuriouslyhurledoutbythehumanguns.

Therunesmoved,growingbrighterordarkerasfortunesfavouredoneshiporanother.Khaine’srunehowledmadlyasahumanshipexploded,consumedbyitsownreactor.At leasthalfadozenoftheothervesselswereseverelydamaged,theirthreadsbleedingontheskeinastheylimpedawayfromtheeldarattack.

Themainforceoftheinvadersnowappeared,arrivinginsmallgroupsscatteredaroundtheedgesofthestarsystem.Thisalsotheseershadforetold,butthefleetofAlaitocwasnotnumerousenoughtocover every approach. The farseers had located the flagships and the vessels with fates that wouldfavour the humans and the autarchs had concentrated the efforts of the fleet towards them,determinedtosnuffouttheirpotentialbeforeitcouldberealised.

The eldar attacks were fast and damaging, but could not be sustained against the immensefirepowerofthearrivingships.Theautarchshadheededthewarningagainstaprolongedbattle,andduly the fleet responded,melting away into the void before they suffered badly from the humans’retaliation.

Thefirstphasewascomplete.Therewasnofutureinwhichthehumanshadbeenpreventedfromenteringthesystem,butdamagehadbeendone.Moreimportantly,doubthadbeensowninthemindsof the enemy commanders. Thirianna could see their threads wavering, splitting rapidly as theyconsideredtheircourseofaction.Amyriadscenariosfilteredacrosstheskein:thehumansgatheringintoasinglefleetanddrivingstraightforAlaitoc;theenemyvesselsdispersing,attemptingtomaketheirownwaytowardsthecraftworldbeforegatheringfortheattack;lightervesselssentrapidlyaheadtoscoutthewaywhilethelumberingbattlecruisersandbattleshipsfollowedbehind.

To confound the planning of the humans, eldar vessels continued tomake hit-and-run attacks,directedtowardsloneandvulnerablevesselsbytheautarchs,whointurnwereguidedbytheconstantcommentaryfromtheseers.

‘The Finrairni Ano and Lasthetin are the stalkers of the void, moving along the bloody crescent,’intonedThirianna,herwordsspokenwithout thoughtassheconcentratedonthevisions fillinghermind,channellingwhatshesawintoastreamofdescription.‘Ahumanlightcruiserdelays,sufferingenginetroubleintheshadowoftheninthworld.Thefierybloomsuponthearcofthestarswithertheenemy,andinshadowwepassintolight.’

Achorusofvoicesfilledthechamber,thewordsandtheimagesbehindthemdirectedthroughtheinfinitycircuittothewaitingautarchswhopassedonthemessagestotheadmiralsandcaptainsofthefleet.

The ships themselves were part of the skein, their wraithbone hearts merged with the eternalmatrix, forged from the infinity circuit of Alaitoc.No light or radiowave could travel as quickly asthought on the skein and every movement and action of the humans was almost instantaneouslyknowntothoseaboardthecraftworld.

Theartfulinterplayofruneandfatewasagracefulveneeratoptheviolenceunleashed.Thiriannacould feel every death brought about, played out in flickers of desperate struggle across the skein.Bodies froze in the void and burned in the fires of expelling gases.Mothers and fathers, sons anddaughtersperished,consumedbyplasmaandlaser.Painandfearflowed,feedingtheruneofKhaine.Dreadstalkedthestrandsoffate,sappingthestrengthoftheliving,turningheroestocowards.Bloodwasspilled,itstastelingeringinThirianna’smouth.Everythreadthatendedwasalifelost,humanoreldar.

The skein was awash with destruction, yet Thirianna drew on her war-mask to endure. Shedistancedherselffromthestruggle,seeingonlysundereddestiniesandpathsofhope.Shedidnotletherangercometothefore,insteadsheviewedtheunfoldingwarwithdispassionateeyes.Tofeelwastoinvitedoubtandtherecouldbenoroomforthat.

ThehumansflounderedforsometimeandThiriannasenseddiscordflowingthroughtheir fate.Internal division, debate, was splitting asunder their threads. All the while the eldar continued toshadow the humans’ ships, waiting for any opportunity to pounce, seizing on any moment of

unwariness.

The second phase of the attackwas a drawn-out affair. The invading fleet broke into threewaves,muchlikeanancientcolumnofadvancewithavanguard,mainforceandrearguard.PicketshipsweredespatchedbythehumancommanderstokeepwatchfortheAlaitociiattacks,whileseveralsquadronsofthefasteststarshipsbrokeaheadtosecuretheorbitalareabetweenthefourthandfifthplanets.

Several times theenemy tried to lay traps, leavingvessels seemingly isolatedandripe forattackwhilstinrealityhelpremainednearathand.Theskeinrevealedtheblatanttrickerybehindtheseploysandtheeldarignoredthebait,insteadlaunchingraidsagainstotherpartsoftheenemyfleet.

ForcycleaftercyclethehumansencroachedonthespacearoundAlaitoc.Havingsplittheirfleet,theenemycommandersensuredthatnopartwaslefttoofarawayfromtheothers,nortooclose,andsotheiradvanceproceededatthepaceoftheirslowbattleshipsandsluggishtransports.

Itwasimpossibletowatchtheskeinforsolongwithoutpause,andtheseersdividedtheirlabourssothatsomerestedwhiletheotherswatchedforanynewthreatoropportunity.LikeachoreographedperformanceintheDomeofaThousandShadows,thefarseerspassedonwhattheyhadseentoeachother,theirrunestouchingandparting,formingnewpatternswitheachturningcycle,thecollectivefarstrongerthanitsindividualparts.

Thehumansweredirectbutnothasty,andtheskeinwasfilledwithimagesoftheinevitableclash.Astheseershadwitnessed,therewouldbenostoppingthehumansfromlaunchingadirectattack.

Yetthedelaysof thehumansprovidedsomehopefortheAlaitocii.The longerthe invadingfleettooktoarrive,themoreraidsandpassingattacksthecraftworld’sfleetcouldmake.

Thevanguardflotilladiditsbesttosweepawaythewaitingeldarambushes,buttheirshipsweretoofewandtooslowtocatchtheelusiveeldarvessels.Forewarnedofanysuddenchangesindirectionandspeedof theenemyships, the lineofeldarvesselsprotecting thecraftworldwasable toquicklyadjust,vanishingbeforeretributionfoundthem,stealingawaytonewhidingplaces.

Astimepassed,theAlaitociiwerehelpedinotherways.Moreshipsarrivedthroughthewebway,bringingbackwarriors and rangerswhohadbeenaway from the craftworld.Oneparticular arrivalcausedquiteastirontheskein.

On board were three of the greatest warriors of the eldar, the Phoenix Lords. They were thefoundersoftheAspectshrines,whosenameswerelegend.ThreefoundersoftheAspectshrines:TheCryoftheWind,Baharroth;TheHarvesterofSouls,MauganRa;TheShadowHunter,Karandras.

ThreePhoenixLords,almostwithoutprecedent,hadcometoAlaitocforasinglepurpose:war.Thiriannamarvelledat the threadsof these remarkablebeings.Their lives stretchedback to the

timeof theFall,where their fateshadblossomed into lifeunder the leadershipof theFirstExarch,Asurmen,yet theiroriginswerehiddenby thegreat shadowofSheWhoThirsts.Their threadsalsostretchedforwardsintotheimpossiblydistantfuture,tothefinalbattleknownastheRhanaDandra,theLastBattleagainstChaos.

Yetthethreadswerenotasinglethread,eachwasboundtodozensofotherlivesacrosstheirspan.OtherstrandsjoinedthoseofthePhoenixLords,windingcloseaboutthembeforebecomingpartof

thewhole.Thiriannahadseensomethingsimilarinthelivesoftheexarchs,theiressencemadeupofacomposite of eldar spirits.Examining themmore closely, Thirianna saw that the initial appearancewasdeceptive. The liveswere absorbed by thePhoenix Lords but the original thread continued on,bolsteredbyeachnewknotalongitslength.

Asshewasabouttoturnherattentionelsewhere,ThiriannanoticedsomethingfamiliaraboutthethreadthatrepresentedKarandras,theShadowHunter,PhoenixLordoftheStrikingScorpions.Therewould comeaminisculebreak in thenear-future,but the splittingof fate, the endingof a life,wasswiftly healed by the binding of another strand: Korlandril’s. Thirianna was not sure what thispresaged,butshedidnothavethetimetoinvestigatefurther.

Anotherrunethrewitselftothefore,demandingattentionfromeveryseer.The Wanderer rose high above the skein. Aradryan, unwitting instigator of this unfolding

catastrophe,hadreturnedtoAlaitoc.

‘Youwill not see him.’ Kelamith’s statementwas definite, though itwas an assertion rather than aprophecy.‘Yourfateandhisaretootightlyboundforyoutocauseanymoredisruption.’

‘Howcanyoudenyme?’arguedThirianna.‘Aradryanismyfriend,Ishouldspeakwithhim.AmInotowedthissmallcourtesyformypartinwarningyouoftheperilthathasbesetus?’

‘Yourpartinthisremainsunclear,’saidKelamith.‘Thedecisionofthecouncilisfinal.Youwillnotseetherenegade.’

‘Heisoutcast,notrenegade,thereisadifference,’saidThirianna.‘Thattoowillbeforthecounciltodecide,’saidKelamith.‘Aradryan’sactionshavebroughtuntold

disasteruponAlaitoc,whetherheknewthedangerornot.Youhaveseen theskein, theuncertaintythat surrounds your friend. He is a highly disruptive force and we do not yet know to whatconsequencehiscomingherewilllead.’

‘Hebringsreinforcements,’saidThirianna.‘Surelythatwillcountinhisfavour.YouseeaswellasIdotheruneoftheLaughingGod.Harlequinsaccompanyhim,plusmanyoutcastsofAlaitocthatwishtodefendtheirhome.’

‘And thatwill be placed on the balance of judgement by the council,’ saidKelamith.Hemade ashort,choppingmotionwithhishand,asignofirritationandanindicationthattheconversationwasfinished.‘Returntoyourdutiesandconcentrateonyourwork.’

Thiriannaheldhertongue,knowingthattoarguelongerwouldachievenothingandriskfurtheradmonishmentfromKelamith.Sheglaredatthefarseer’sbackasheleftthechamber,indignantatthecouncil’sdecisiontosubjectAradryantotheirjudgement.

ShemadeherwaytotheChamberoftheOrb,wherethedefenceofAlaitochadbeenmoved.Thedivinationswerebecomingmoreintricate,asthehumanfleetmassedagain,barelythreecycles’travelfromAlaitoc.Thehumansappearedtohavestalled,andwerebusilyreorganisingtheirships;flurriesoftransportsandcommunicationswereexchangedastheydevisedthefinalplanfortheirattack.

HalfadozenseerswereimmersedwiththeOrbofElmarianin,keepingwatchonthemovementsof thehumans.Everyshiphadbeenbroughtbackfor theclosedefenceofAlaitoc; thehumanswere

gatheredenmasseandprovidednoeasy target forattack.Perhaps,wonderedThirianna, theywerehoping theeldarwould foolishly try toconfront them inamassedbattle.Suchamovewouldneverhappen.FortheAlaitociitosurrendertheiradvantagesofspeedandmanoeuvrabilitywouldbeamoveofutterfolly.

Asthecyclepassedintothenightphase,Thiriannaexaminedthehumanswithhercompanions,whilstallowingherselftheoccasionalmomenttolookatthefateofAradryan.Thecouncil’sdecisionwas in the balance, whether Aradryanwas declared renegade and told to depart or if he would bewelcomedbackto thecraftworld.Hisowntemperament furthercomplicatedmattersandseveralofhis futures showed Aradryan leaving in anger or contempt at the council’s behaviour, abandoningAlaitoctoitsfate.

Thehumanshadsettledupontheircourse,thethreadsoffatecoalescingoncemore,becomingabrightpath that leddirectly to the runeofAlaitoc at the centre ofThirianna’s thoughts.Out in thedarkness of space, plasma engineswere flaring intominiature suns, powering the Imperial vesselsalongthatpath.

Trailsoffirecriss-crossedthestarryskyasmissilesandtorpedoesstreakedacrossthefirmament.Theblindingflashoflaserweaponsflittedthroughthedarkness,whileblossomsofbriefflameeruptedinthe void. Squadrons of graceful destroyers tacked effortlessly to bring their weapons to bearwhilebattleshipsslidgentlythroughthemaelstrom,theirbatteriesunleashingsalvoesofdestruction,openbaysspewingwaveafterwaveofdartingfightercraftandwide-wingedbombers.

Ontheskein,thethreadsoffate loopedandcoiled,collidingwitheachotherasshipsexchangedvolleysoffireandtorpedoesstreakedthroughspace.Withineverystrandweredozensofothers:thelivesof theeldarcrews.Within the threadsof thehumanfleet, themassof fatesentwined togetherwasenormous,animpossibletangleofhumanityinwhichitwasimpossibletotellwhowouldliveandwhowoulddie.Deathwasindiscriminate,layinglowadmiralandcrewmanalike,favouringnone.

The seers had narrowed down the possible landing sites of the attack to three locations. Theautarchs had arranged their forces accordingly, ready to respond as the course of destiny becameclearer.SquadsofGuardiansandAspectWarriorswaitedintheirtransports,spreadacrossAlaitoc.

Theinfinitycircuitwasafirewiththetension,themindsofallaboardthecraftworldconcentratedupon this single effort. Thirianna could feel expectation and fear from the many; anger andanticipationfromtheAvatarandtheAspectWarriors.

Breaking thecordonofeldar ships, an Imperial frigateapproached thevoidward rimofAlaitoc,headingtowardstheDomeofCrystalSeers.Thiriannacouldseetheslab-sided,brutalvesselthroughthethousandeyesofAlaitoc’ssensorbatteries,encrustedwithcornicesandbuttresses,itsprowagiantgoldenramshapedlikeaneagle’sbeak.Flashesrippledfrombowtosternasitopenedfirewithdeckafter deck of guns, the flares cut through by the searing beams of laser turrets arranged along acrenulateddorsaldeck.

AngerrippledthroughthecraftworldandAlaitocresponded.Likeawoundedbeast,thecraftworldlashedoutatitsattacker,sendingastormoflightningandlaserleapingfromdefenceturretsandanti-

shipguns.Thehumanfrigatewasenvelopedbyfire,shieldsscourgedbytheireofAlaitoc.Underthetorrentialfusilladeitshullquicklybroke,sendingplumesofburningairintothevacuum.Thefuriousfirecontinueduntiltheship’splasmareactorwasbreached,turningitintoabrief-livedminiaturesun.

The breakthrough of the frigate was only the first foreseen by the seers. Thirianna saw moreImperial vessels smashing their way into range of Alaitoc. She spoke quickly, sending messagesdirectlytotheships’commandersplacedunderherguidance,redirectingthemsothattheywouldbeabletoblunttherecklesshumanattacks.

The eldar ships glimmeredwithholofields, appearing as shimmeringghosts to open fire beforedisappearing against the star-filled backdrop. Human void shields sputtered with blue and purpleflaresastheyunleashedburstsofenergytoshunttheattacksoftheeldarintowarpspace.

DespitetheeffortsofThiriannaandhercompanions,therelentlessferocityofthehumanswouldnotbeturnedaside.Theskeinwasawashwiththeirhatred,theirloathingoftheeldaraunifyingforcethatdrewtogetherdisparatefates,focussingthemuponasinglegoal:thedestructionofAlaitoc.

Thehumansdrew inexorably closer, their comingheraldedby freshwavesof torpedoesand theglare of attack craft. Burning hulks drifted in their wake, both human and eldar, debris gentlyspirallingawayfromshatteredwrecks.Thehumansseemedbentontheircourse,comingstraightforAlaitoc like armoured comets, punching through the craftworld’s fleet, heedless of the damageinflicteduponthem.

ThereweretoomanyconvergingdestiniestokeeptrackofthemallandtoolateThiriannasawacruiser bursting past the burning remnants of one of the destroyers under her watch. She sent awarningtothecaptainbutevenhisswiftvesseldidnothavetimetoescape.Hundredsofexplosionsfilled the void around the fleeing eldar ship, making a mockery of its holofields. Distraction andmisdirectionwerenodefenceagainstthescatteredbombardmentunleashedbythehumancruiser.

Broken in half, solar sail shredded, the eldar destroyer slowly disintegrated. Thirianna foundpainfully few threads of those aboard, the lives of a handful of crew who had reached the escapeshuttlesintime.

Thecruiserploughedon,intentonbringingitsweaponstobearagainstAlaitoc.Thiriannareachedinto the infinity circuit, connectingwith themindsof thegunnersandurging them to concentratetheirfireontheloomingImperialship.

Therewere toomany threats though, andher callwas lost amidst the clamourofother farseerssendingtheirownwarnings.

Thiriannalatchedontothethreadofthehumancruiser,flyingaheadalongitspathto locateitsdestruction. She found nothing to give her hope, as shewatched the long lines of armoured doorsopeningagaintorevealbristlinggunbatteries.

Atthe lastmomenttheweaponsofAlaitocheededhercall forattention.Laserfireconvergedonthe cruiser and its shields rippled, dissipating the blasts with actinic flares. Its bow erupted withblossomsoforangeandmomentslaterthestreakoftorpedoeshurtledtowardsAlaitoc,breakingintohundredsofsmallermissilesastheycrashedintothecraftworld.

Thiriannafelttheimpactinherspiritaswellasinthetremblingbeneathherfeet.Itwasasifherownbodywaspierced,andsherecoiledfromtheinfinitycircuitasmoresalvoesfromthecruiser’sgun

decksslammedintoAlaitoc,crashingagainsttheenergyshieldsthatprotectedthedomes.Forcing herself to endure the pain, Thirianna strove to unwind the coiling thread of fate that

surroundedthecruiser.Transportswerearrivinginitswake.Theycouldnotbestopped.Thebarragefromthecruisercontinuedforsometimeandthenfellsilent,theflareof laserandshellreplacedbythesmallpinpricksofassaultcraftengines.

Thirianna glanced ahead along the skein and sawhuman soldiers disgorged from the ramps oftheirdrop-ships.Sheknewwherethefirstboardingpartieswouldland.

‘AutarchArhathain,thehumanswillcomefirsttotheTowerofAscendingDreams.’Shesentthemessageandturnedherattentionbacktotheskein,seeingthe interplayof fatescrystallisingasthedefendersofAlaitocrespondedtothenews.

‘Comewithme.’KelamithbrokeThiriannafromhercontemplation.Shewithdrewfromtheskeinandfoundthefarseerstandingnexttoher,staffandswordinhand.Heworehisjewel-lensedhelmet,hisvoicecarriedtoheracrosstheskein.

Her ownwitchblade thrummed into life at her belt, detecting imminent battle.Aroundher, theotherfarseersandwarlockswerealsoreadyingforphysicalconflict,leavingthosewithnowar-maskstocontinuetomonitortheskein.

‘Wehavedonewhatwecanfromhere,’saidKelamith.‘Wesetfootuponanewpath.Nowwemusttakeamoredirectrole.’

By the timeThirianna had reached the arterial passageway adjoining theChambers of the Seers, aWaveSerpenttransportwasalreadywaitingforher,summonedbyKelamith.TwomoreofthesleekmachinesglidedintoviewastherampinthebackofthefirstopenedtoallowThiriannatoboard.

Insideweretenguardians,cladinarmourmadeupofyellowpolymermeshoverlaidwithplatesofdeepblue.TenhelmetedheadsturnedtowardsThiriannaassheembarkedandtenshurikencatapultswereraisedindeferentialsalute.

Kelamith’sthoughtstoucheduponThirianna’smind.ThePassingSpectacle.StopthehumansfromreachingthePlazaofShatteredMemories.SheacknowledgedtheinstructionandpasseditontothepilotoftheWaveSerpent.Thetransport

roseintotheairastherampsilentlyclosed.Thirianna’slastglimpseoutsidewasofthetwootherWaveSerpentsfallingintoformationbehind.

Astheyspedalongacross-worldhighway,Thiriannaslippedintotheskein,focussinghermindonthe spirallingpathwayknownas thePassingSpectacle. It actedasabridgeacrossagorge-like splitbetweentwoofthecraftworld’sdomes,leadingfromthedocksattheTowerofAscendingDreamstothePlazaofShatteredMemories.

Sheforesawhumansoldiersadvancingquicklytothebaseofthepathway,threesquadsofthemledbyanofficerinaheavycoat.Theycarriedsimplelasgunsandtheirfearresonatedalongthethreadoftheir fate; theyhadstrayed too far fromtheother landingparties,misdirectedbyAlaitoc itself,andwouldbeeasyprey.

Thiriannafollowedthistrainofthoughtandglimpsedthehumansbeingcutdowninacrossfireof

shurikens.ShereachedacrosstheskeintothemindsofNathurielandUnarian,theleadersofthetwootherguardiansquadsplacedunderhercommand.

‘DepartattheCrescentoftheDawnandapproachthePassingSpectaclefromstarwards.Wewilldrawtheenemyontothebridge,allowingyoutostrikefrombehind.’

‘Understood,FarseerThirianna,’thetwosquadleadersreplied.TheuseofherhonorificsentabriefthrillthroughThirianna,butitwassoonsurpassedbyawave

ofanxiety.Shelookedagainattheskein,goingfurtherintothefuturetolocatetheconsequencesofherplan.

All was well. The advance party of humans would be destroyed and the bottom of the PassingSpectacle secured. Several possibilities spawned from the act, all of them leading to fresh attacksagainstThiriannaandherwarriors.Shesawherselfmeetinganotherhumanofficerblade-to-bladeinoneofthescenarios,herwitchbladematchedagainsthischainsword.Thefarseeremergedvictorious,thoughseveraloftheguardianswouldlosetheirlivesdefendingthepassageway.

There was another possible fate emerging. It was extremely vague, the hint of a possibility.Something was obscuring the skein, a presence she could not quite discern. With a thought, shetuggedtheScorpionfromherbeltpouchandsethermindtothetaskofdecipheringtheriddle.

Therewasafigurecloakedinuncertainty,boundwithintheskeininawayThiriannahadnotseenbefore. It troubled her that this person’s actionswere hidden.Hewas definitely human, his short,brutalfatetyingaknotaroundthegracefularcofThirianna’sownthread.Shecouldnotseehowthedivisioncametopass,itwasmiredincircumstancesbeyondprediction,butononepathherlifeendedandontheothershekilledthehuman.

A word from the Wave Serpent pilot informed her that they would soon be arriving at theirdestination.Thiriannatookthelastfewmomentstoscourtheskeinforwiderinformation.

The humans had forced a landing, several hundred of their soldiers breaking through the dockdefences tocreateasafezone formoredrop-shipsandshuttles to land.Theywere trying tounloadtheir heavier weapons from the transports, but were being subjected to withering fire by severalguardiansquadssupportedbyheavyweaponsonanti-gravplatforms.

The grander scheme was unfurling as the autarchs had dictated. It was usual for the AspectWarriors to bear the brunt of the fighting,with themilitia of the guardians acting as a reserve tocounter-attackagainstenemybreakthroughs.However,thediviningoftheseercouncilhadforeseenproblemswith this approach; some greater force of the humanswas also held in reserve and oncecommittedwouldsweepawayallresistance.Thesourceofthisstrengthwasunclear,buttheautarchshaddecidedthattheguardianswouldbearthebruntoftheearlyfighting,preservingthefightersoftheAspectshrinestoconfrontthislaterthreat.

TheWaveSerpentslidtoahalt,therampopeningwithahissofescapingpressurisedair.SteppingoutontothepalegreyofthePassingSpectacle,ThiriannarealisedthatAlaitochaddrainedtheareaofair,leavingonlyathinatmosphereforthehumanstobreathe.Withtheaidoftheirhelmets,theeldarhadmorethansufficientairtosustainthem,anotherfactorintheirfavour.

Thirianna andher squad tookupposition opposite an archwaynot far fromwhere thePassingSpectacle blended with the lower levels of the dock. The humans would be entering soon and she

warned her guardians to be ready while she checked to make sure the other two squads were inpositiontostrike.

Thehallwayinwhichtheywaitedhadalow,ovalcross-section,flattenedunderfootbyapathwayofmarble.Columnslinedeachsideofthepassageway,providingcoverforThiriannaandherwarriors.

‘Theyarecoming,’announcedThirianna,sensingatrembleontheskeincausedbytheapproachofthehumans.

The first soldier through the door seemedutterly unaware of his peril. Thirianna allowed a fewmoretoenterbeforegivingtheorder toopenfire.Shurikenshisseddownthepassageway,slashingthroughthesoldiers’greyuniforms,leavingarcsofbloodspatteredonthefloorandwalls.

Thiriannawarnedherguardianstotakecoverafewmomentsbeforeasporadicblastofruby-huedlas-fireflaredfromthearchwayasthefollowingsoldiersopenedfire.Theguardiannearestthedoorstaggered out from behind a column, clutching the side of his helm. The name Temerill flashedthroughThirianna’smindamomentbeforeanotherlas-boltcaughttheguardianinthechest,burningthroughthebreastplateofthisarmour,sendinghimreelingtothefloor.

Histhreadhadended.Thiriannadrewhershurikenpistolandfiredback,hersalvojoiningwiththefireoftheothersto

cut down the three humans who were crouched in the archway. Sensing the moment for action,Thiriannasteppedoutintothecorridorandranforwards,herwitchbladeflaringintolife.Shethrewherselfintothecoverofalas-scarredcolumnaheartbeatbeforeanothervolleyeruptedfromtheouterhallway.

Thiriannaglimpsedintoherimmediatefuture,judgingwhethertoattackorstayinthesanctuaryofherhidingplace.Shesawherselfbeingstruckbyseverallas-bolts,butnonepenetratedthepsychicfieldofherrunearmour.

Witchbladelevelledtowardsthearch,Thiriannasteppedoutfrombehindthepillarandfocussedhermind.Shefilteredherpsychicpowerthroughtheangerofherwar-mask,sendingitcoursingalongthelengthofherweapon.Violetflamesspewedalongthepassageway,roaringthroughthearchwaytoengulfthesoldiersbeyond.

Thiriannafeltfourmorelivesflickerintonothingness.‘Fallbacktowardstheramp,’shetoldtheothers,notingthearrivalofthehumanofficer.Hewould

leadtheattack,thehumansstormingalongthepassagewaywithknivesandbayonets.Thiriannasawthat such a move would be most unwelcome at this moment in time and signalled again for theguardianstoretreatafewdozenpacestothearchwaybehindthem.

As the humans launched their fresh assault, Thirianna sent the call for the other two squads tomaketheirmove.Thehumansbarrelledforwardsintothefireofherguardians,ignoringtheseveralmenthatwerecutdownbythewelcomeoftheeldar’sshurikencatapults.Theslow,clumsyhumansworeill-fittingsuitsofdrabgreyandblackcamouflage,stitchedwithskullandeagleinsigniasontheirarmsandchests,theirhelmetsfittedwithsilveredvisorsthathidtheupperpartoftheirbrutishfaces.

Liketheguardianshaddonebefore,theytookuppositionsbehindtheprotectionofthecolumns,lasguns propped against the burnt and chippedmasonry. Thirianna saw the darker uniformof theofficerstridingthroughthegateway,hisdeepvoiceechoingalongthepassageashebellowedathis

troopsandwavedthemforwardsagain.Half of the humans let loose a volley of las-fire while the other half ran on, their breathing

laboured,bayonetsglintinginthelightofthescreaminglas-bolts.At the samemoment,Unarian’swarriors emerged from the far archway,weapons at the ready.

Theirburstoffirestrucktheenemysoldiersfrombehind,shurikenstearingthroughclothuniformsandflesh.

Thirianna signalled for her squad to attack, and led the charge back into the corpse-chokedcorridor, her rune armour flaring with las-blasts. She singled out the human officer amongst thepanickingsoldiers,pickingloosehisthreadfromthetangleoftheothers.Withaflickofherwrist,shesentawhiningboltofpsychicenergyintotheungainlycrowdofhumans.ItstrucktheofficerinthebackoftheheadashewasturningtolookatUnarian’swarriors.Hairandskincharredinstantlyandwithahigh-pitchedscreamtheofficertoppledforwards,hispistolclatteringacrossthefloorasitfellfromhisgrasp.

Themenhehadbeen leading lived for only a fewmoments longer. A fewmanaged to snapoffragged shots, killing two of Unarian’s guardians, before they too were ripped to shreds by thecoordinatedshurikenvolleys.

Thiriannacheckedtheskein.Notasinglehumanthreadwasleft;allweredead.Morewereapproachingquickly, thoughnot so fast that theywouldarrivebeforeThiriannahad

readiedafreshwelcomeforthem.Thepassagewaywastoonarrowforallthreesquadstodefend,soshedispersedthemthroughthesurroundingrooms.

She lookeddownat thebodiesof thedeadhumans, shockedandyetpleasedbyhoweasy ithadbeentooutwitthem.Shecautionedherselfagainstover-confidence.Amomentaryglanceattheskeinshowed that her shadowy confrontation was becoming more likely. A circle of burning ironsurroundedherrune,slowlyconstrictingaroundher.

Thiswasjustthefirstskirmishinabattleandthefirstbattleinawarthatshehadseenwouldlastforseveralcycles.Therewasstillalotoffightingandkillingtobedone.

Theinfinitycircuitwasalivewithreportsofthehumans’activities.Thefarseerspassedonwhattheysaw on the skein, their communications appearing to Thirianna alongside glimpsed images of thevisions,whiletheautarchsissuedtheirresponses.

Alaitocitselfreactedtothepresenceoftheinvaders,reconfiguringwalkwaysandpassages,closingoff domes andopeningupnewpathways for the eldar to encircle their foes.Airwas expelled fromsomeareaswhileotherswerefloodedwithnoxiousgases,suffocatingthehumansintheirhundreds.Darknessenvelopedotherportionsofthecraftworld,allowingStrikingScorpionstoattackfromtheshadows,slayingtheir foesunseen.Thedocksweresubjectedtobarragesof flickering light toblindthehumans,leavingthemvulnerabletoassaultbyWarpSpidersandShiningSpears.Soundwasalsoused,todeafentheunprotectedearsoftheattackers,whiletheircruderadio-basedcommunicationswereeasilyblockedor subvertedby theenergiesof the craftworld.The spiritsof the infinity circuitwerechannelledtolaunchamassivepsychicattack,drivingthehumansmadwithvisionsofdeathand

terror.ThiriannaandherguardianshadseenofftwomoreassaultsagainstthePassingSpectacle,though

both had been lacklustre in their execution. A swift foray through the skein confirmed Thirianna’ssuspicionthattheseattackswereintendedmerelytokeephersmallforceinplacewhilethehumansgatherednumbersforaseriouspushforwards.

She highlighted this turn of events to the autarchs, who set in motion several more guardiansquadsandtwosquadronsofwarwalkerstocometoThirianna’said.AbreakthroughbythehumansstarwardofThirianna’spositionmeantthereinforcementswouldnotarriveuntilthenextclashhadbegun.

‘Wemustholdthebridgeforaslongaspossible,’shetoldherwarriors,whonownumberedonlytwelve.Iftheytriedtoholdtheirgroundintheteethoftheenemyattack,theywouldbesurroundedandwipedout.‘BereadytowithdrawtothePassingSpectacleatmysignal.’

It tooksome time for thehumans toorganise themselves for the renewedoffensive.During thelongpause,Thiriannastudiedtheskein inmoredetail, tryingtofigureoutthemost likelyroutesofadvance theywoulduse.Herattentionwasdrawnto themysterious figure thatwasnowappearingprominentlythroughherownthread.UsingthepoweroftheScorpion,Thiriannadugintothenatureofthisindividual,andfoundherselftouchinguponanothermindontheskein.

She recoiled in shock,hermindawashwith images from thehumanpsyker.His thoughtswereanarchic,lackingthefocusofaneldarseer,butthetendrilsofhispowerstretchedintomanythreads,drawingonalargereserveofenergy.Hismindwasprotectedbyaburningshield,whichbothwardedawaytheprowlingdaemonsbutalsoactedasabeacontothem.IfThirianna’smindwasaswiftskiffskimmingacrossthewavesofthewarp,eludingdetection,thehumanwasaloudandangrygunboatthatbullieditswaythroughthetidesofenergy.

Thehumanpsykerwasnotfaraway.NowthatThiriannahadidentifiedhim,shecouldsensehislocation instinctively. Along with several armoured walkers, he had joined a force of nearly fiftyhumanspreparingforthenextassault.Hispresencewashighlydisruptive;thesoldiersalongsidethepsykerweresuspiciousofhispowers.

They were right to be worried. The psyker tapped into the warp without the benefit of runes,channelling the rawenergyofChaos. Thoughhismindwaswrappedup inprotectivehymnals andarmouredwithbluntlyfashionedtalismans,iftheyfailedhehadnootherdefencesagainstpossessionorpsychicfeedback.

The rattle of a large-calibre automatic weapon heralded the next assault. On awkward legs, ahumanwarenginethreetimesastallasThiriannastalkedthroughthegloom,amulti-barrelledgunbeneath itscockpit spewing fire.Fist-sizedprojectiles tore through thewallsof thepassagewayandsurroundingrooms.

Dartingoutofcover,theguardiansopenedfire,buttheirshurikensinflictedlittledamageonthewalker’s armoured hull. Another followed, its rapid-firing laser strobing red beams down thepassageway,scorchingmarksacrossthepillarsandwalls.

Behindthewalkersadvancedseveralsquadsofinfantry,thepsykeramongstthem.Hewaseasytopickout,dressedinalongcoatofpurpleandgold,withahighred-linedcollar.Hisheadwasshaved

bald and Thirianna could see the scars and bulges of implants inserted beneath his scalp. Awispybeardtrailedfromanarrowchinandhiseyeswere likebeadsofgreenglass.Thepsykerawkwardlyheld some formof laserpistol inonehandandawandof curiousdesign in theother.The rodwastippedwithacrystalshapedlikeaskullandtheglimmerofpsychicenergysurroundedit.

TwoofthewalkersandathirdofthesoldiershadcomethroughthearchwaywhenThiriannasentthesignaltoAlaitoctoclosethedoorway.Thewallsshifted,thepetal-likeplatesofthedoorswishingintoplaceinaninstant;anunfortunatehumanwascaughthalfwaythroughandwasshearedintwobytheclosingportal.

Atthesametime,thelightcrystalsblinkedout,plungingthepassagewayintoutterdarkness.Theguardiansopenedfire,abletoseethroughtheheat-sensinglensesoftheirhelmets;Thirianna’shelmhadthesamebutherpsychiceyehighlightedtheenemyevenmoreclearly.

She leaptoutof cover andduckedbeneatha randomcannonadeof shells from the leadwalker.Guidedbyherprescienceshedodgedtotherightasthefireofhercompanionswhickeredthroughthedarkness,cuttingdownahandfulofhumans.Threemorestepstookthefarseeruptothefirstwalkingmachine.Fireleapingfromitsedges,shesweptherwitchbladetowardsthegunofthewalker,slicingitsbarrelcleanthrough.

Shejumpedbackasthepilottriedtofireagain.Thecannonexplodedasitsshellsjammedinthebreech, sending flame anddebris up through the floor of the cockpit tomangle and incinerate thepilot.Thewalkersaggedtotheleft,crashingintoacolumninashowerofdustandsparks.

Abrightlightfilledthepassageway,gleamingfromthewandofthepsyker.Thiriannawascaughtin the open, facing the full force of the incoming volley of las-fire. She somersaulted behind thewreckageofthewalkerasredbeamsfilledthecorridor,herrunearmourflaringwithenergyasseveralboltsfoundher.

‘Avertyourgaze,’shetoldherwarriorsasshesentanothersignal tothe infinitycircuit. If itwaslightthehumansdesired,itwaslighttheywouldhave.

Alaitoc flooded energy into the passageway, the walls themselves shining with psychic power,harshwhite lightblazingintotheeyesof the incominghumans.Thiriannavaultedoverthedownedwalker, eyes closed, guided by her psychic sense. Fire streamed fromherwitchblade, engulfing thenextwalker,lappingaroundtheedgesofthecockpit,lickingalonghangingpipesandcables.

Fuel linesburst,spewingfireoverthewallsandceilingasthemachineeruptedintoacolumnofflame.

Thiriannacontinuedhercourse,chargingintotheclosestknotofhumans.Theywererecoveringfrom their blindness, but not quickly enough to see the farseer sprinting into their midst. Herwitchbladeflashedleftandthenright,decapitatingtwoofthesoldiers.

Assheparriedalungingbayonet,Thiriannadirectedherguardianstotheleft.Theyopenedfireatherurging,scythingdownmorehumanswhilesheduckedunderaheavilyglovedfistanddroveherwitchbladethroughthegutofanotherman.

Lightning poured down the passageway from the psyker’s outstretched hand, leaping throughthreeoftheguardians,crackingopenarmour,scorchingfleshandsnappingbones.Thiriannafeltthepulse of energy along the skein as the psyker drew in another surge of power. She acted without

thought,snaringthepsyker’sthreadwithherown,cuttingoffthesupplyofpsychicenergy.Thepsyker choked and stumbledbackwith ahowl of pain asThiriannakicked asideoneofhis

bodyguard.BlueenergyenvelopedThiriannaasthepsykerflungouthiswand,powercoursingalongtheskein,engulfingthestrandofThirianna’slife.

Herrunearmourburnedwithwhitelightforseveralheartbeats,absorbingthebruntoftheattack.Itwasnot enough to shield her fromall damage though as the psychic blast throbbed throughherthoughts,burninghermindfromtheinside.

Snarlingawaythepain,Thiriannaunleashedthefuryofherwitchblade,purpleflamessettingfireto the psyker’s long coat. He flailed wildly, bolts of power erupting from his eyes as he stumbledbackwards,hisownattackswarmingaroundhim,consuminghimfromwithin.

Thiriannahadnotimetofollowuptheattack.Thebuttofariflestruckherintheback.Sherolledwiththeblow,runearmourclatteringonthehardfloor,andspunonherheelasshecamebacktoherfeet.Thetipofherwitchbladefoundthehuman’schest,punchingthroughbreastboneintohisheart.

Thepsyker’sthreadhadcometoaraggedend.Awareofapoundingattheclosedarchway,Thiriannadippedintothefuture.Thethirdwalkerwas

rammingitselfagainstthedoorandcracksappearedwheretheartificialpetalsjoined.‘Pull back to the Passing Spectacle,’ she ordered, sending another sheet of violet flame into the

humans,drivingthembacktowardsthearchway.Theguardiansretreated,sendingmoreshurikensdownthecorridorastheymeltedbacktowards

thebridge.Thirianna reached a psychic hand into the skein and snatched up the threads of the humans,

crushing them together in an immaterial fist. The men around her stumbled into each other andgroanedwithpain,givinghertheopeningsheneededtobreakfree.Withoutabackwardsglance,shedashedbackdownthecorridor,reachingthesafetyofthenextdoorwayjustasthehumansrecoveredandsentabarrageofredboltsafterher.

Includingthefarseer,therewereeightofthemleft,againstatleasttwicethatnumberofhumans.AshudderingcrashannouncedthecollapseofthefarportalandThiriannacorrectedherself:atleastfourtimesthatnumberofenemies.

ThespanofthePassingSpectaclewasnotwithoutcover.Thoughithadnorailas itspiralledupovertheinterdomegulf,itwaslinedwithhighpedestalsonwhichweresetbustsofrenownedAlaitociifromthecraftworld’slonghistory.

Beneath the bridge stretched the expanse of the chasm, an expanse of gigantic interlockingcrystalsthatformedthebedrockofthecraftworld,theirdepthlostamidstalayerofglitteringmist.

Thehumansadvancedcautiously,allowingtheirremainingwalkertotakethelead.Thiriannaandhersquadkeptjustoutofsight,pullingbackeachtimethemachine’slasertrackedtowardsthem.

TheyhadcompletedthreeofthefiveloopsofthespiralwhenThiriannaorderedthemtoholdtheirground. The reinforcementswere approaching rapidly, but the humanswould reach the top of thePassingSpectaclebeforetheyarrivediftheycontinuedtoadvanceattheircurrentpace.

Settlingintowhatcovertheycouldfind,theguardiansopenedfire,sendingastormofshurikenstowardsthewalker.Sparksflewfromitsarmour,butitwasnotslowed.Themarble-likesurfaceofthe

bridgewasscuffedandscratchedbythewalker’sironfeetasitploddedforwards.Its lascannon spat out a beam of red. A plinth shattered, sending shards of Neruenthia the

Foreshadowedsprayingintotheguardianbehind.Theeldar’sbloodiedremainstoppledovertheedgeofthebridgeanddisappearedintothedepths.

Thiriannasearchedtheskeinforthefateofthewalker’spilot,seekingsomemeanstobringabouthisdeath.Shelocatedit,abright,burningstrand,asthewalkeropenedfireagain,obliteratinganotherofherguardians.Shecastaboutalongtheneighbouringthreadsanddrewtwotogether.

Asthewalker’slascannonswivelledtowardsitsnexttarget,asleekshadowemergedfromthefogof the chasm. Its holofields shimmering blue and yellow, theWave Serpent rose above the PassingSpectacle.Theholofieldsdimmed foramomentas its turret turned towards thewalker.Twin trailsrushedfromitsmissilelaunchersandafewheartbeatslater,thehumanwarenginewaswrackedbytwodetonations,sendingitsmangledremainscareeningofftheedgeofthespan.

Moretransportsrushedfromthedepths,theirturretsrakingtheadvancinghumanswithshurikencannonfireandstabsofblueplasmafromtheirstarcannons.Movinginfromthebaseofthebridge,atrioofwarwalkersstoppedthehumans’retreatwithabarrageofhigh-explosivemissilesandscatterlaserfire.

RivuletsofbloodcourseddownthePassingSpectacle,drippingovertheedgeintothemistychasmbelow.Afewofthehumanshadsurvived,crawling intothecoverofshatteredplinths, their threadswaning,theirlivesleakingaway.

Thiriannadidnot pause to enjoy themoment of victory; the skeinwas alivewithmovement asmore andmore humans deployed onto the craftworld. Several hundredwere pressing towards herposition,farmorethancouldbeheld.

Anotherforcewasheadingtowardsaneighbouringbridgetorimwards,andtheywouldcrossintothenextdomesoon.Searchingforsomewaytodelaythemwhilesheredeployedhergrowingforce,shefoundastraysquadofStrikingScorpionsnottoofaraway.

Hermind touched upon that of the exarch and she recognisedMorlaniath. His thoughts wereimmersed in shadows and death as his squad raced across Alaitoc aboard their Wave Serpent.Thiriannapushedthroughthechillingauraandsenthimanimageoftheunfoldingbattle,allowinghimtoseethedispositionofthesquadsandvehiclesinthevicinity.Sheboundtogetherseveralfates,addressingseveraldozeneldarwithherthoughts.

‘TheenemymakeprogressalongtheWellofDisparateFates.Walktheredpathwiththem,drivethembacktotheirlandingcraft.’

TherunesweresetinmotionastheAlaitociirespondedtoherrequest.Nonewerecloseenoughtoaidher at thePassingSpectacle anda swift surveyof theunfolding future revealed that thebridgewould not be held against the next attack, even if every eldar with her laid down their lives in itsdefence.

Itwastimetodrawbacktothenextline.Whilesheandothersheldwheretheycould,aconcertedcounter-attackwasbeingmadetoreclaimthelandinggroundsseizedbytheinvaders.

GuidedbyThirianna,hersmallforcewithdrewtothedomegatesatthetopofthespirallingbridge.Thefirsthumanswerealreadyatthebase,streamingpastthebodiesoftheirdeadcompatriots,urged

onbyabellowingofficerwhosemindwaslikeanironcage,impervioustoThirianna’sscans.She waited until the humans were halfway up the bridge before interfacing with the infinity

circuit.ShearrowedthroughtheconduitsofthePassingSpectacle,becomingonewiththecraftworld,closing off conduits and crystal pathways.With a last thought, she speared back along the bridge,detonatingitswraithboneheartasshepassed.

The Passing Spectacle erupted into shards from the base, falling in jagged lumps, pitching theadvancinghumansintothemistsbelow,theirscreamsswallowedbytheswirlingfog.Thiriannafeltasparkofsorrowattheactbutitdidnotlastlong;ifAlaitocwastobekeptsafe,muchofitwouldhavetobesacrificedfortheultimatevictory.

With the humans’ axis of advance cut off, Thiriannamoved her troops back from the fighting,joiningupwithseveralAspectWarriorssquads,apairofFalcontanksandseveralguardianscrewinganti-gravsupportweapons.TheymovedasonealongtheBoulevardofUndimmedGlories,preparingforthenextphaseofthebattle.

Somethingbrightandpowerfulburnedacrosstheskein,spearingintotheheartofAlaitoc’srune.Thiriannarecogniseditimmediatelyandfeltashiverofapprehension.Thehiddenstrengththeseershadwitnessed, the play of their deadly reserves, was unfolding. A red-and-white fist closed on thecraftworld,smashingthroughhundredsofstrandsoffate.

Thirianna sped across the infinity circuit to the counter-attack against the landing site, seeingdozensof eldar lives shorn shortby the reservesbeing committed.She sawgiants, garbed in thick,poweredarmour.Theirliverywasavividred,theirshoulderpadsandinsigniapaintedinstarkwhite.Thiriannalookedintotheirspiritsandsawwarriorshardenedbylivesofbattle,theirmindshonedtosharppoints,theirexistencedirectedtowardsthesingularpurposeofwar.

Shesnatchedwhatinformationshecould,hearingdevotionalspeechesdirectedtothespectreoftheirfounder,andglimpsedaworldwherehumansteemedlikeinsectsingiganticcitiesthatpiercedpolluted skies. Shewas overwhelmedby shadows of childhoodmemories of bitter fighting indark,twistedtunnels,desperatestruggleswithsharpenedmetalsplintersandhome-madeguns.Theywerekillersraisedfrombirth,their instinctforslayinghonedsinceinfancyinaworldwheretheruthlesslivedandthemeekdidnot.

Yetallthiswasbandedaboutbyawillpowerofsteel,containedbythetrainingoftheirmastersandtheirdedicationtotheircause,forgedintoacoldfury,arighteousangernowdirectedattheeldarofAlaitoc.Theywerenaturalkillers,whotookjoyinslaying,giventhegreatestarmourandweaponsthehumanspossessed,instilledwithfervourfordestructionlikeawar-maskthatwasneverremoved.

They were not human at all. An Aspect Warrior embraced the touch of Khaine and became aheartlesskiller,butheorsheremainedeldarinspirit,abletosetasidetheirdestructiveimpulseswhennotatwar.Thesewarriorshad leftbehindconceptsofmercyanddesire forpeace,andsoughtonlyconflictandbloodshed.Theyweremorethanhumaninmanyways,yettoThirianna’smindtheywerealsolessthanthebasestcreatures,ascrudeasorksintheirwarlikedesires,anaffronttothegalaxy,servingnopartotherthanasharbingersofslaughter.Thattheself-declaredEmperorofMankindhaddesiredthemtobethiswaybetrayedhisbarbaricnature.

Thiriannashudderedwithfearatwhatshesaw,momentarilygrippedbypanic.

TheSonsofOrar,laudedandfearedSpaceMarinesoftheEmperor,wereabouttocommencetheirattack.

Destiny

Alaitoc–SwordofEldaneshOneofthefirstrunes,Alaitocsignifiesthecuttingofties,thesunderingofpastfrompresentandpresentfromfuture.Fortheseersofthecraftworldthatbearsitsname,Alaitocisthehubaboutwhichallotherrunesare

cast,determiningthefateofthecraftworldanditspeople.Itisalsoaprotectiverune,whichindirecircumstancescanbeusedtocutthroughtheskein,ensuringsanctuaryfromdaemonicintrusion.

Thebattle forAlaitoccontinued torage.Theattackof theSpaceMarineshadbolstered the flagginginvasionofthehumans,sendingthecraftworld’sdefendersreelingbacktowardsthecentraldomes.Seizingcontrolofseveralarterialroutes,theattackerswereadvancingatspeed,thechargeledbythered-and-white-armouredwarriors of the Sons ofOrar. In theirwake followed columns of infantry,tanksandartillery,readytobringthefullweightofthehumans’strengthtobearagainsttheAlaitocii.

Ashadbeenagreedbythecouncilbeforetheinvasion,partsofAlaitocweresurrenderedwithoutafight.Forcedomesandenergyshieldswereremoved,exposingtheadvancingarmytotheravagesofopenspace.ThegreatarchesalongtheWayofUnerringMoonlightweresealed.ThebridgesacrosstheValleyofBenignModestywerecastdown.

The humans were subjected to constant harassment from the swiftest eldar troops. SwoopingHawk Aspect Warriors flitted above the advancing lines, showering down las-fire and plasmagrenades.ShiningSpearsdartedfromsidetunnels,cuttingswatheswithshurikenfireandlaserlancebefore dashing to safety. Warp Spiders teleported into the heart of the enemy, unleashing themonofilamentwebsoftheirdeathspinnersbeforewithdrawing.

Theeldargavegroundandcounter-attackedwithprecisepurpose.Theenemycouldnotbehalted,buttheycouldbestalledandredirected.Everyeffortwasmadetodividethehumanforces,allowingisolated companies to be picked off by superior attacks. Tankswere leddowndead-ends, forced towithdrawandadvanceagain,onlytofindtheirnewroutesblockedtothem.

TheSpaceMarineswerethetoughestproposition.IndividuallyandtogethertheywereamatchfortheAspectWarriors.Theonlymeanstocombatthemwastobringthemoutintotheopen,wheretheTitans and other large war engines of Alaitoc could be brought to bear against the superhumanadversaries.

ThiriannareceivedamessagefromKelamithasshemusteredseveralbatteriesofheavyweaponstomeetanarmouredthrustalongtheStarlitCauseway.Herfellowfarseerrequestedthatshemethimin

theWellofSilentAffection,ahalllocatedclosetotheChambersoftheSeersatthecoreofAlaitoc.Shehadknownthistimewouldcome,butthethoughtstillsentashiveroftrepidationthroughthe

farseer.TherewasonlyonereasontovisittheWellofSilentAffection:toawakenthedeadofAlaitoc.

Thehallwaswellnamed,itsstrangeacousticsabsorbingeverysound,mufflingThirianna’sfootfallsasshe crossed the pale blue floor to join Kelamith. Thewallswere coveredwith a labyrinth of crystalcables,theinfinitycircuitlaidbare.Theenergyconduitspulsedandflashedwithlight.

Kelamithhadbesidehimawraithbonechest, its lidopen. Insidewere severaldozenwaystones,eachsettledwithinitsownnichewithintheinterior.Hisexpressionwashiddenbehindhisghosthelm,buthisvoicebetrayedhissombremood.

‘It is our duty to rouse the spirits of those passed, that they might fight for the future ofgenerationstocome,’saidthefarseer.

Hepluckedthefirstwaystonefromitsnestandhelditinitshand.Itfittedsnuglyinhispalm,apaleblueovoidwithapearlescentsheen.Kelamithwalkedtotheinfinitycircuitconduits,whichweregatheredinaspiralaroundasmallaperture.Heplacedthewaystoneintothewaitinghole.

Removinghisglove,Kelamith tookasharp-edgedrunefromhisbelt: thesymbolofDeath.Withthis,henickedthetipofhisfinger,allowingasingledropletofbloodtoemerge.Therunefloatedupfromhisfingersandhoveredaroundthewaystoneasthefarseertouchedhisfingertoitscoldsurface.

Theinfinitycircuitwassetalightbytheceremony,psychicenergyblazingthroughthepathwaysasKelamith’sbloodseepedintothewaystone.

A bright flash zoomed along the conduits, a spark of white fire, drawn by the farseer’s tinysacrifice. The speeding bolt followed the conduits around the waystone, circling swiftly beforedisappearing.Amomentlaterthewaystonegleamedwithinnerpower,highlightingthefarseer’shelmandarmourwithablueglow.

Kelamithpluckedthespiritstonefromitsplace.Withmeasuredstride,hecrossedthehalltotheother side.Awaveof thehanddrewback the veil of the thinwalls, revealinga long lineof alcoves.Within each stood awraithbone form, each taller than an eldar. Their smooth, slender limbswereshadedinblueandyellow,thecoloursofAlaitoc.Domedheadslikehelmsshoneblacklyinthelightoftheinfinitycircuit.

In their hands the immobile constructs held wraithcannons; Thirianna could feel the dormantwarpcoresoftheweaponsimprintinguponherthoughts.

AsKelamithapproachedthefirstartificialbody,thehelm-likeheadopenedup,revealinganichewithinforthespiritstone.Thefarseerplacedthespiritstoneinitsreceptacleandsteppedback.Thehead closed down as psychic energy flared through the wraithbone, glowing from jewelled nodesfashionedwithintheartificialbodyandlimbs.Theblackheadpaled,becomingwhitewithinnerlight.

The wraithguard turned its head towards Kelamith and then moved its immortal gaze toThirianna.Shecouldsense itsconfusion,pluckedfromtheeternalenergyof the infinitycircuitandplaced in a new body.On the skein, a faint thread of fate glimmered into being, a life born anew,howeverfleetingly.

Thereiscoldness.Theghostswalkamongstus.Thewraithguard’s thoughtswereconfused, scattered.Thirianna feltKelamith reachingoutwith

hismind,linkinghisthreadtothatofthewraithguard,infusingitwithhisownpurpose.Theconstructraiseditsweaponandtookasteptowardsthefarseers.Alaitocinperil.War.Iamready.AtasignalfromKelamith,Thiriannaaccompaniedhimbacktotheboxofwaystones.Shetookone

of the stones from the box and followed the same ritual as Kelamith. As her blood touched thewaystone,shefeltaflickerofconnectionbetweenherselfandtheinfinitycircuit.

Itwasunlikeanyexperienceshehadencounteredbefore.Shebecameapartoftheinfinitycircuitinawaythatwasfardeeperthanherpreviouscontact.Shesawnottheflowofpsychicenergy,butthespiritsofthedeadthatgeneratedit.Nolongerwereitspulsesandphasesanabstractphenomenon;they were the spirits held within the circuit moving about the craftworld bringing their dormantconsciousnesstowhereitwasneeded.

Shelatchedontooneofthepassingspirits,feelingitsdistant,detachedessence.Itperceivedheronlyvaguelybutwasluredbytheconnection,followingthetrailshehadleftontheinfinitycircuit.

Shepulledbackfromthedeadspiritamomentbeforeitpassedintothewaystone,fearingthatpartofherwouldbecome trappedwithin it.UnformedquestionsnaggedatThirianna’s thoughts as shetookthespiritstonetothenextwaitingwraithguard.

Placing the stone within the core of the construct, Thirianna felt a name impressed upon hermemories: Naetheriol. She had been a poet, a Dark Reaper, a pilot and a mother. A life full ofexperiencesflashedthroughThiriannaasNaetheriol’sspiritmergedwiththewraithboneofhernewbody.

Waking.Darkness.ThiriannaguidedNaetheriolfromheralcove,allowinghertoglimpsetheworldthroughtheseer’s

eyes,parting themistyveil ofdeath that fogged the spirit’sperceptions.Leavingagleamingstarofclarityinthedeadeldar’sthoughts,Thiriannaturnedbacktothechest,readytorepeattheprocedure.

Whentheyweredone,ThiriannaandKelamithhadrousedthirtywraithguard.Itwasnotalargenumber, but they were formidable fighters. Their wraithcannons would be a match for the SpaceMarines’armourandtheirwraithbonebodiescouldwithstandincredibleamountsofdamage.

YettheywouldnotbethedeadliestweaponstobeletfreefromtheWellofSilentAffection.Movingtothefarendofthehall,Kelamithuncoveredthebodiesofthewraithlords.Thoughsimilar

indesign to thewraithguard, theseconstructs toweredabove the twoseers, their long limbscarvedwithminiscule runes.Bright lancesandmissile launcherswere fixed tomountson their shoulders,scatterlasersandlongpowerswordsweregrippedinmassivefists.

OnlythestrongestspiritscouldpowersuchconstructsandKelamithproducedtheruneofKhainefrom his pouch as he returned to thewaystones. Thirianna attached herself to his thoughts as thefarseerdelvedintotheinfinitycircuitsearchingforsuitablecandidates.

HispsychecameupontheshrinesoftheAspectWarriors.Everylivingexarchwasalreadyfighting,but therewere several suits standingdormant in forgotten shrines.Kelamith openedup thewardsthatkeptthesewar-likespiritsawayfromthemassoftheinfinitycircuitandAlaitocshudderedwith

theirrushofanger.Vengeful, full of hatred, focussed on death and destruction, the spirits of the dead warriors

screamedthroughtheinfinitycircuit,seekingrelease.Itwasasimplemattertoguidethemalongtheconduitstothewaitingwraithlords.

The first Thirianna recognised, albeit froma strange perspective.HewasKenainath, a StrikingScorpionexarch,theformermentorofKorlandril.Hisbodyhadonlyrecentlysuccumbedtotheweightoftimeandhisspiritwasalmostfullyformed;ithadsufferedlittleofthedissipationofessencethatbesetthewraithguard.

The exarch flowed into thewraithbonebody thatwas chosen for himand raised twin fists thatcrackledwithenergy.AshurikencannononhisshouldermovedinitsmountasKenainathspreadoutintothesystemsofhisnew-foundbody.

IserveKhaineagain,soonerthanexpected;Ishallbringruin.Threemorewraithlordsweregiven life, each fuelledby the spirit taken fromadormantexarch.

KelamithandThiriannawerejoinedbyseveralotherseersandeachtookfiveofthewraithguardtoactastheirwarriors.TheyweresluggishtorespondatfirstandThiriannaextendedherthoughtsintothewraithboneshellsoftheconstructs,guidingthemafterherwithherwill.

The wraithlords, possessed of greater clarity, departed for council with the autarchs, leavingThiriannawithKelamith.

‘IseethatyourfateandthatofKorlandrilareasyetstillcloselyentwined,’remarkedKelamithashewalkedbesideThirianna,thetenwraithguardfollowingwithlongstridesbehindthem.

‘Korlandrilisnomore,andMorlaniathwhohehasbecomehasbutashortfateremaining,’repliedThirianna.

‘Yetitisfittingthatyoushouldshareonelastencounter,tocompletethecirclethatwasstarted,’saidKelamith.

‘Asyourequest,’saidThirianna.The two of them parted company, boarding separate cloudskiffs with their immortal charges.

ThiriannaallowedthewraithguardtoslumberwhileshesearchedtheskeinforMorlaniath.ShefoundhimintheDomeofMidnightForestsanddirectedtheskiffpilottotakeherthere.

OnlytheruddyglowofdyingMirianathir littheskyofthedome.Beneaththeruddyshadowsofthelianderin, the Alaitocii gathered. Grav-tanks prowled along the pathways while scores of WaveSerpentsshuttledbackandforthdeliveringsquadstotheirpositions.Heretheeldarwouldmaketheirnext stand, able to rake fire across thewide clearings from the coverof the scatteredwoods.Everyvalleywouldbecomeakillingfield,everybrookandmeadowagraveyardfortheinvaders.

Disembarking from the skiff, Thirianna urged the wraithguard intomotion. They followed heralongasilverypathwaythatcutthroughthelianderintreesasshefollowedthethreadoffatetowardsMorlaniath. AWave Serpent caught up with them as they crossed a bridge over a narrow stream,droppingoffthreewarlocks:Methrain,NenaminandToladrissa.TheyaccompaniedThiriannaassheledthewraithguardintothetreesagain,headingforthecentreofthedome.

ShefoundtheexarchandotherStrikingScorpionsinaclearinglookingdownonalongvalleythatstretched to the edge of the Dome of Midnight Forests. Morlaniath’s squad was made up of thesurvivors of theHiddenDeath,Deadly Shadow and Fall ofDeadly Rain shrines. They had sufferedbadly in the Space Marine attack and Thirianna could sense apprehension amongst the AspectWarriors,mixedwithangerandastrongdesireforvengeance.

Had itnotbeen forherwitchsight,Thiriannawouldhavenotknown theAspectWarriorswerenearby,concealedintheshadowsoftheforest.TheclearingwasdominatedbyaCobratank,amassivewar engine mounting a distortion cannon in its low turret. As with the wraithcannons of herbodyguard,Thiriannacouldsensethewarpcorepoweringtheweapon,thoughtherentitmadeintheskeinwas far larger.ApairofVyper jetbikes circled through the treesaround theclearing,keepingwatchforapproachingfoes.

Thirianna allowed her mind to touch upon the strand of Morlaniath, attracting the exarch’sattention.Sheraisedherwitchbladeinasalutetotheancientwarrior.

‘Ourfatessharethesamepathagainforawhile,’shesaid.Is this coincidence, or a machination, brought about by your hand? The exarch’s thoughts came as a

chorusofvoices,taintedwithbitterness,anafter-echoofKorlandril’spast.‘Iamnotseniorenoughtoinfluencethejudgementoftheautarchs,’repliedThirianna.‘Somehave

fatescloselyentwined;othershavestrandsthatnevertouch.Wearetheformer.Doyounotrememberwhereyouare?’

Thiriannahadrecognisedtheplaceimmediately,andwithadeftthoughtloopedbackthethreadofKorlandril’s life, briefly laying it alongside that of the exarch. She felt a flash of recognition as theexarch’seyesfelluponatallstatueattheedgeoftheclearing,ofaneldarwarriorkneelingbeforethegoddessIsha,catchinghertearsinagoblet.

‘IpresentTheGiftsofLovingIsha,’heannouncedwithasmile.There were a few gasps of enjoyment and a spontaneous ripple of applause from all present.

Korlandrilturnedtolookathiscreationandallowedhimselftoadmirehisworkfullyforthefirsttimesinceitscompletion.

Thirianna smiled at the memory shared, having never experienced Korlandril’s pleasure at thatmoment.Itwasoddtoherthatsuchhappinesswouldturntosuchsadnessswiftlyafter.Withwhatsheknewnow, itwas clear that Korlandril’s psyche had been far from stable, his artistic temperamentmaskingadeeperflaw.

Irememberclearly,whendisharmonyreigned,whenmyspiritwassplit.Thiswasmynewbirthplace,thepathleadingfromhere,whichbroughtmefullcircle.Itisnomorethanthat,aplaceinapastlife,ofnospecialaccord.

Korlandrilhadbeenconsumedbythisbeing,buthismemorystilllivedon.Shewantedtogivethatghostofthefriendshehadknownsomecomfortinthelastmomentsofitsexistence.Shehadsometimetosearchtheskein,usingtheWanderertopulltogetherdisparatefatesconjoinedwiththestatue

Korlandrilhadcreated.Shefoundwhatshehadbeenhopingtosee.‘Manynewpathsspringfromthisplace,’saidThirianna.‘Someforgood,othersthatleadtodarker

places.Yourworkbeganthosepaths,evenifyoudidnotintendit.Wearealllinkedinthegreatwebofdestiny,themeresttremblingonasilkenthreadsendingtremorsthroughthelivesofcountlessothers.JustafewcyclesagoachildsatandstaredatyourcreationanddreamedofIsha.Hewillbeapoetandawarrior,atechnicianandagardener.Butit isasasculptorthathewillachievegreatfame,andinturnwillinspireotherstocreatemoreworksofbeautydownthegenerations.’

Ineednolegacy,Iamanundying,eternalwarrior.Formostthatwouldbetrue,butforMorlaniath,forthespiritsthatmadehim,thatwouldnotbe

so. Thirianna had seen his fate, to momentarily become one with Karandras the Phoenix Lord,imbuinghislifelessformwithfreshenergyandthendissipateduponthewindsoftheskein.

‘No creature is eternal: not gods, not eldar, not humans or orks. Look above you and see a stardying.Eventheuniverseisnotimmortal,thoughherlifepassessoslowly.’

Whatwillbecomeofme,haveyoudivinedmyfate,lookeduponmyfuture?ThequestionunsettledThirianna,bothbecauseoftheanswerandbecausetheexarchwasofthe

mind to ask such a thing. Clearly he detected something of the doom that was fast approaching,sensing his place on the skein though not appreciating it fully. Itwas better that he did not try tosecond-guesswhatwouldcometopass,butwasfocussedonthebattletocome.

ShefellbackonatrickthatKelamithhadoftenemployedwhenavoidingquestionsThiriannahadasked: enigmatic obfuscation. To seem wise and yet say nothing was an art she had been slowlystudyingsincebecomingaseer.

‘Weallhavemanyfates,butonlyonecomestopass.It isnotformetomeddle inthedestinyofindividuals,nortolookintoourownfutures.Trustthatyoushalldieasyoulived,andthatitisnottheTrueDeaththatawaitsyou,notforanageatleast.Yourpassingwillbringpeace.’

Isuffermanydeaths,Iremembereachwell,neverisitpeaceful.Thiriannawas bombarded by a succession of images as the exarch experienced his past deaths

again.ShebrokeoffhercontactwithMorlaniath,sensingtheskeinswirling,newfatesunveiledasthehumanslaunchedtheirnextattack.

TheDomeofMidnightForestswasrockedbyamassiveexplosion.Aplumeofsmokebillowedacrosstheforestsasthehumansbreachedthedometorimwards.Screechingandtwittering,flocksofbirdsexplodedfromthecanopy,flittingacrossthedarkskyintheirterror.

ThecrackofSpaceMarineboltersandthezipoflasersechoedinthedistance.Theenemyareuponus!TheinfinitycircuitcarriedthethoughtsofArhathain,bringingtheautarch’s

wordstoeveryeldaronthecraftworld.Thenextbattlebegins.Donotsellyour livescheaply,nor forget theartistrywithwhichwefight.TheydayhasnotyetcomewhenthelightofAlaitocwillbedimmed.

Thiriannawatched theslowlyunfoldingbattle fromafar, thoughtheslaughter feltall toocloseas itshivered across the skein.TheSpaceMarines spearheaded thenext advance, punching through thethinlineofeldarwhohadbeensettodefendthebreach.

Support weapons and Falcon grav-tanks poured their fire into the advancing warriors of theEmperor,buttheywouldnotbestopped.TheSpaceMarinesoverranthehillsonwhichthebatterieshadbeenpositioned,unleashinghailsofexplosiveboltsfromtheirweapons,drivingoffthegrav-tankswithmissile launchersand lascannons,choppingdownthesurvivorsof thecrewswithchainswordsandknives.

TheImperialforcescreptupthevalley,theirpositiongivenawaybyatrailoffireandexplosions.Thirianna divided her attention three ways: keeping the wraithguard alert and ready to act;monitoringherownthreadoffateseekingdanger;followingthethoughtsoftheseersandexarchsasthebattleprogressed.

Likeastain,thehumansspreadacrosstheskein,theirfilthylivespollutingthebrighteldarthreadstheytouched.Bloodflowedintheirwake,ofbothsides,andKhainewastheirconstantcompanion.

Vampirebombers raineddown sonicdetonators andSwoopingHawks showered the advancinghumans with plasma. The skein rippled with the warp jump generators of theWarp Spiders andshudderedfromthecarnagebeingunleashed.

The eldar forcesmoved under the direction of the autarchs, falling back, regrouping, attackingagain.Thebeauty of their battleplanwas laidout on the skein, a graceful, curvingpictureof ever-shiftingmomentum,drawnandre-drawnwitheachpassingmoment.

Thehumans, in contrast,were ablunt spear, cast towards theheart ofAlaitocwithout thought.Theydroveallbeforethem,leavingtheskeinatangled,rankmess.TheSpaceMarineswerethebrighttipofthespear,deathtoalltheytouched,sothatsoontheeldarmeltedawaybeforethem,unwillingtolosemorewarriorsinavainattempttohalttheSonsofOrar.

Thiriannabarelynoticedasasquadronofwarwalkerspassedbyandheadeddownintothevalley,sointentwassheuponthedivergingstrandsofdestiny.NothinghadbecomecleareraboutAlaitoc’sfatesincetheinvasionhadbegun;thecraftworld’sfuturewasmiredindarknessanduncertainty.

Neithersideweighedmoreheavilyonthescalesoffateandthefutureremainedfinelybalanced,easilytippedonewayortheotherbyasmallactofheroismorcowardice,luckorillfortune.

Thehumanscontinuedtheirbloodyadvance,nowunleashingthepowerofartillerygunsdraggedontotheslopesofthevalley.Thelargecannonspoundedtheupperreachesofthevalley,thinkingtheytargetedthedefendersofthecraftworld.Nothingwasfurtherfromthetruth.

Forewarnedofthisdevelopment,theAlaitociihadpulledbackoutofthevalley,leavingtheartillerytohammeremptygrovesanddestroythecoverthatwouldhave laterprotectedthehumanadvance.Thirianna was saddened by the smashed trees, each of which was immeasurably older than thecreatures thatdestroyed them.TheDomeofMidnightForestswasoneof themostancientpartsofAlaitoc,createdbeforetheFalltobethe lungsoftheoriginaltradeshipthatwouldlaterbecomethevastcraftworld.

Shefeltherangerduplicatedacrosstheskein.RunesofIshaweptasthebombardmentcontinuedand the rune of Khaine burned fiercely, brought to renewed life by the ire of the eldar. Thiriannaassuagedheranguishwithglimpsesofthefuture,takingcomfortinthescenesofdyinghumansshesawthere,punishedfortheaffrontoftheirattack.

Inthewakeoftheartillerybarrage,thehumanspushedonquickly,seekingtoseizetheheadofthevalley with a thrust of tanks and armoured personnel carriers. They brought with them a smog ofexhaustfumes,theirclattering,roaringenginesechoingupthevalley.

TheAlaitociiresponded,movingswiftlybackintothepositionstheyhadabandoned.Falcongrav-tanksbroughtdestructiononwhitebeamsofbrightlancefire.Vyperjetbikesspedthroughtheflamesandsmoke,missilelaunchersspittingtrailsofexplosions.

Assquadsofgrey-cladsoldiersevacuatedtheburningwrecksoftheirtransports,warwalkersandjetbikes attacked, shuriken cannons and starcannons ripping through the survivors, painting therucked mud red with the blood of the invaders. Warp Spiders materialised to engulf flounderinghuman soldiers inwebs of deadlymonofilament that sliced through flesh and bone, dissecting thescreamingsoldierswithincloudsofconstrictingmesh.Thesewerejoinedbyabatteryofdoomweaversthatsentevenlargerswathesofthelethalfibresacrossthevalley,engulfingwholecompanies.

As before, the humans looked to the Space Marines to fight back hardest. Thirianna wasdisconcerted by the seeming foresight of the humans. Whenever the eldar unleashed a backlashagainsttheenemy,italwaysseemedtofallupontheregularsoldiersandnottheelitewarriors.

Nowtheycameonintheirred-and-whitetanksandtransports,racingpasttheburninghulksoftheothervehicles,theirweaponsspittingdeathattheeldarwarengines.VyperswerebroughtdowninhailsofheavybolterfireandFalconsturnedtoburningcindersbytheshaftsoflascannonbeams.

Thevalleywaslitupbyplasmaandlaserasbothsidesexchangedfuriousvolleys,eachtestingtheresolveoftheother.TheSpaceMarinesheadedintotheteethofthestormunleashedbytheAlaitocii,utterlyheedlessofthedanger.

The farseers sensed trouble, Thirianna amongst them.Shedelved into the future and sawwhatwouldhappeniftheeldartriedtohalttheattackwithbruteforce:pilesofdeadAlaitociiandthedomeinruins.

The warnings sounded across the infinity circuit and the Alaitocii gave way, surrendering theslopestotheadvancingSpaceMarinesratherthansufferunsustainablecasualties.

Intothisnewly-wongroundtherestofthehumanarmyadvancedagain,shieldedbythetanksandpowerarmouredwarriorsfromtheSonsofOrar.Starshellsweresentintothedarkskytoilluminatethe carnage and in the flickering white light of falling phosphor Thirianna could see hundreds,thousandsofhumansmarchingupthevalley.

Shespiedanopportunity.TheSpaceMarineswereholdingtheirgroundintheopen,allowingtheirless-armouredcompanions toseek theshelterofshattered tree trunksanddeepcraters.She lethermindtouchuponthe thoughtsof theCobra tankdestroyer that laywaiting in theclearing,sendingthemavisionofthevulnerableSpaceMarines.

SpurredbyThirianna’s instruction, theCobra liftedeffortlessly fromthe flattenedgrass, arcsofenergy coruscatingalong itsdistortion cannon, throwingdancing shadowsacross the clearing.The

skeinbuckedand twistedas thewarpcoreopened,drawing inenergydirectly from the immaterialrealm.

ImagesoftheChaosrealmsflutteredthroughThirianna’sthoughts;impossiblevistasandbayingcallsfillinghermind.

The leadSpaceMarine tankswerealmost three-quartersof thewayalong thevalley.Lascannonblastsstabbedfromthemintothedarkness,settingfiretotrees,gougingfurrowsinthegroundastheenemysoughttheelusiveeldar.

Witha thrumthatset thegroundshaking, theCobraopenedfire.Theair itself screamedas thedistortioncannontoreatitsfabric,arentappearingintheairabovetheclosestSpaceMarinevehicle.Thirianna’sheadthrobbedwiththepressureoftheenergiesunleashed,theskeinitselfshriekedasitwaswrenchedintothematerialuniverse.

Thegapopenedbytheblastwidenedintoawhirlingholeframedwithpurpleandgreenlightning,itsdepthsaswirlofcoloursandreelingstars.Thirianna’sspiritstonewashotuponherbreastasshefeltthepullofthewarp,thelingeringpowerofSheWhoThirststuggingattheedgesofheressence.ToopentherealmoftheChaosGodswasalwaysrisky,invitingterribleconsequence,buttheeffectmorethanoutweighedthedangersatthistime.

ASpaceMarinetanklurchingdowntheleftslopewasdraggedtoastopbytheimplosiveenergiesofthewarphole, its tracksgrindingvainlythroughthesoil,smokebelchingfromitsexhaustsasthedrivergunnedtheengineinanefforttomaintaintraction.Withadrawn-outcreak,thevehicleliftedfromtheground,tippingbackwards,stretchingandcontortingasthebreachintowarpspaceopenedwider. Rivets sprang free and disappeared into the ravening hole, followed quickly by the tangledremainsof thegunsponsons.Anarmoured figurewasdrawnoutof the tophatchandspuncrazilyinto the maw of the warp a moment before the tank slammed upwards and was sucked into thespirallingvortex.

Thiriannacouldfeeltheremnantsofthetankanditscrewlingeringontheskein.Theywerenotdead,notallofthem.Theirsoulscriedoutintorment,subjectedtotheraw,ravagingenergiesofthewarp,theirmindsexplodingwiththepoweroftheimmateriumfloodingthroughtheirpsyches.

Shefeltsatisfactionattheirdeathsandstayedforamoment,relishingtheafter-echoesofdoomthatfadedfromthetatteredendsoftheirthreads.

With a crack like thunder the vortex closed, sending out a shockwave that sent a nearby SpaceMarinetransportslammingintoatreewithashowerofleaves.

Theclearing fell still againas theCobra’s cannonrecharged.Undaunted, thehumanscontinuedtheir advance, almost reckless in their haste to close. The humans had learnt from their earliermistakesandtheartilleryopenedfireagain.Thiriannatracedtheshellsacrosstheskein,fearingthattheywouldlandcloseby.Insteadtheyweredirectedtotheouterslopesofthevalley,wheretheeldarhadbeentakingshelterfromtheadvance.

Dozens of strands were cut short in the thunderous detonations. Fire spread along the valley,leapingfromtreetotree,apallofsmokeblottingoutthelightofthedescendingstarshells.

The SpaceMarines had pushed forwards again and one of their largest tanks had comewithinrangeoftheclearing.Lascannonblastssearedthroughthedarkness,shriekingofftheCobra’scurved

hull.Thesuper-heavytankliftedagainasmorepowersurgedalongthelengthofitsmaingun.Againcamethescreamoftorturedrealityandtheconcussiveblastofthewarpvortexforming.Morethanadozenarmouredfiguresandapairoftrooptransportsweresuckedintotheenergymaelstrom,theirformsthinningandtwistingbeforetheydisappearedfromsightwhilerawpsychicenergyforkedtothegroundfromthebreach’sundulatingrim.

Wrecksandbodieslitteredthevalleyfloor,buttheSpaceMarineshadgainedthehighergroundtoeithersideandfromtheirvantagepoint their tankspouredchatteringfire into the treeline.Withinthiscordon,batteriesofself-propelledgunslumberedintoposition,bringingthemintorangeofthedome’sheart.AleasttwentytanksgrumbledtowardsThirianna’sposition,paintedinthesamegreyasthesoldiers’ fatigues.FourbrightlycolouredSpaceMarine transportschargedaheadof theadvanceandwouldbeattheedgeoftheclearingshortly.

Thiriannarecognisedthescaleofthethreatimmediately,butassoonasshemovedtotheskeinforasolutionshefoundthathelphadalreadybeendespatched.

Hiddeninthedarknessbyitsholofields,aPhantomTitancarefullymadeitswaythroughthetrees.Thiriannasoonheardthesnapofbranchesunderthetoweringwarmachine’streadandcouldfeelthepsychicpowerofthespiritstonesboundwithinitswraithboneframe.

SheallowedhermindtoflowwithintheTitan’sstructureandforashortwhilesharedinthevisionofitscrew.

Fromabovethetreetopsthetripletcrewlookeddownthevalley,thedomecanopyoftheircockpitalivewithruneshighlightingthepositionsoffriendsandfoes,thewhispersofthespiritsroamingthroughthewraithboneTitanconstantlybuzzingintheirears.

They guided the tread of theirmachine to avoid the Striking Scorpions hidden at the base of astatue, and stepped between them and the Cobra. They dimmed the power to the holofields andredirectedittotheweaponsasbrightredsymbolsflashedacrosstheview.

Theshoulder-mountedmissile launchersopenedfirewitha flurryofblazingtrails thatengulfedtheleadtanksoftheenemy.Hullsweresplitopenbythearmour-piercingwarheadsandengineblocksshatteredbytheirdetonations.

Acting in concert, the three eldar turned the Titan and swung its tremor cannon into position.They lockedon to their targetandplotted themostdestructivearcof fire.Agreeing inunison, theyunleashedthepowerofthetremorcannon’sgenerator.

ProtectedwithintheheadoftheTitan,thecrewwereshieldedfromthethrobbingviolenceofthesonicweapon.Theywatchedwithsomesatisfactionastheweapontracedaninvisiblepaththroughtheenemy vehicles. The air danced with agitated molecules, the weapon starting to tremble in itsmountingasitunleashedacounter-harmonic,sendingoutaground-shatteringbeamofsonicenergy.

Where the line touched, the ground erupted, a huge gout of earth and rock rupturing into awideningcrackthatzigzaggedalongthehillside.Tanksshookthemselvesapartasthebeamcrossedover them; SpaceMarineswere flattened inside their armour; unarmoured soldierswere torn limbfromlimbbythesonicenergycoursingthroughtheirbodies.

ThespiritsoftheTitangavewarningsthattheweaponwasoverloadingandthecrewshutdownthesupplyofpower.While the tremorcannonrecharged they launchedanotherbarrageofmissilesinto the infantry fleeing fromthecarnage theyhadwrought.Several tankswerestillheadingcloserandsothecrewturnedtheirattentiontothepulsar.

Lances of pure energy split the darkness of the Dome ofMidnight Forests, each pulse of lightsmashingintoanenemytank,splittingitapartwithonehit.Ammunitionsetoffsecondaryexplosionsinsidetheturretofone,whiletheengineofanotherdetonatedinahugeballoffireandgas,acloudofjaggeddebrisscythingdownthehumansnearby.

ThiriannawithdrewfromtheTitanastheCobrafiredagainandthevalleydescendedintoananarchyofswirlingvortexes,wailingsonicexplosionsandthesteadystrobeofthepulsar.Shellsscreamedinreturn,flashingpastthewaveringimageoftheTitantocrashintothetreesbeyondtheclearing.

The farseer sensed the runes changing, moving away from the valley to another attack tostarwards.Shefelttherequestfromanotherfarseerforaidandpassedthisontothetwomassivewarengines.Togethertheydeparted,readytolendtheirfirepowertowhereitwoulddothemostharmtotheenemy.

Thiriannacouldfeelthetensionintheclearingwasincreasing;Morlaniathandhiswarriorswereeager for battle, hungry to avenge their fallen. She sensed the exarch’s growing excitement at thethoughtofimminentclose-quarterscombat.

‘Arhathain ismustering forces for a counter-attack along this axis,’ she told him, watching thedevelopingmanoeuvres through the lensof theskein. ‘Wewait for the reinforcementsand thenwewilladvance.’

Make readyyourwargear,morewarriorsarrive,we shallbe fighting soon, sheheardtheexarchtellhissquad.

The battle continued, the greater part of its ferocitymoving to other parts of the dome. In thevalley,theImperialtroopssecuredtheirpositions,diggingcrudeentrenchmentsandpilinguplinesofearthworks.Theyseemedtobepreparingforacounter-attackandshepassedonthisinformationtoArhathain,whowasintheprocessofmountingjustsuchanassault.

ItseemedarashmoveuntilThiriannacasthergazewider.Shehadbeenfocussedprimarilyonthevalley,andwithonlysomethoughttothewiderdome.NowshelookedacrossAlaitocandsawthatthehumansweremakingadvanceselsewhere,fourlinesoffateconvergingonthecentreofAlaitoc.TheyseemedtobeheadingdirectlyfortheDomeofCrystalSeersandtheChambersoftheSeers,somehowknowingthatthenervecentreofthecraftworldlayinandaroundthoseplaces.

Notforthefirsttime,Thiriannasensedaguidinghanddirectingthemovementsofthehumans.Therewassomeoneelseontheskein,someonenotofAlaitoc.

Before she could investigate further, she was interrupted by an inquiring thought fromMorlaniath,whowantedtoknowhowthewiderconflictprogressed.Shethoughtitwasirrelevantatthe moment, but she was not a lone commander and it was part of her role to pass on suchinformationtotheexarchs.

Shedecided to speak to theexarch inperson, suddenlycautiousof theenemypresenceshehaddetected on the skein. She crossed the clearing quickly, leaving her wraithguard to protect theapproachfromthevalley.

‘WehaveabandonedtheDomeofLastingVigilance,andthehumanscontrolmorethanaquarterof theaccessways toAlaitoc’s central region,’ she toldMorlaniath.Shedelivered the reportwithoutmuchenthusiasm,distractedbymorepersonalconcerns.‘Westillholdthedomesaroundtheinfinitycircuitcore.ItisArhathain’swishthatwedrivethesehumansfromthisdomesothatwecanmountanattackontheflankoftheirotherforces,severingthemfromtheirlandingzoneinthedocks.’

‘Theenemyprepare,waitingisaperil,howsoondoweattack?’saidMorlaniath.Thirianna moved across the skein, touching on the minds of the other seers, anxious not to

transmitherthoughtstoofarlesttheybeinterceptedbymaliciouslisteningminds.‘Thecounter-attack isalmostready,’ shesaideventually. ‘Thehumans’roughdefenceswillbeno

obstacle.They thinkonlyof leftandright, forwardsandbackwards.Theystill forget thatwedonothavetocrawlalongthegroun–’

Fireburnedacrosstheskein.Fireandshadow,bloodanddeath.ThefarseerstoppedandturnedhergazebeyondMorlaniathandsawflickeringlightinthewoods

castinglongshadowsamongstthetrees.TheAvatarwasapproaching.Itspresencejoinedthemindsofthehundredsofeldarconvergingthroughthetreesattheheadof

thevalley, linkingthemtogetherinonebloodypurpose.Thiriannacouldfeelhundredsofguardiansand Aspect Warriors advancing through the woods around her, all mustered around the burningincarnationofKhaine.Farabove,SwoopingHawkscircledinthethermalsoftheburningtankswhiledagger-wingedVampirebomberscruisedbackandforthawaitingtheordertostrike.

A coldness seeped intoThirianna’s heart and she looked across the clearing to find theShadowHunter,Karandras,inthedarknessofthetrees.TherewasaflickerofconnectionbetweenhisspiritandthatoftheStrikingScorpionexarch,amomentofcontactandrecognition.

SheglancedatMorlaniath,knowingwhatwastocome.Shesaidnothing,leavingKorlandril’sfatetoruntoitsswiftconclusion.

Withthewraithguardbehindthem,Thiriannaandthewarlocks joinedtheforceadvancingwiththeAvatar. The presence of Khaine’s incarnation drove the eldar forwards, filled with dreams ofretribution,unitedintheircausetocleanseAlaitocofthehumanpresencethatstainedthecraftworld.

‘My attention is required elsewhere, trust the Avatar to lead.’ Kelamith’s presence was distant,movingtooneoftheotherwarzones.Withamomentofmisgiving,ThiriannarealisedthatshewasthelastfarseerleftintheDomeofMidnightForests.Heruneasepassed,burnedawaybytheproximityoftheAvatar.

Shestudiedtheskein,notingthepatternsofadvancethatwouldbefollowedbytheattackingeldar.Aerial and supportweaponbombardmentwould herald the attack,while the ground forces slippedaroundtheendsofthedefensivelinesandtookthehumanarmyfromtheflanks.

Theyencounteredtheoutlyingforcesquickly:squadronsofwalkersandsquadsofSpaceMarines.BattleragedamongstthethinningtreesastheAvatarledtheattackdownintothevalley.

Thiriannafoundherselfontheleftflank,accompaniedbyDireAvengersandDarkReapers.SeveralsquadsofSpaceMarineswaitedahead,theirheavyweaponsalreadyfiringontheadvancingAlaitocii.

She despatched theDark Reapers to a bluff overlooking the enemy positions and forged aheadwith the Aspect Warriors and her wraithguard. Explosive bolts erupted from the Space Marines’positionsbehindrocksandsplinteredtrees.

Drawing on the power of the skein, Thirianna swathed the fates of those around her with amaelstromofenergy,misdirecting theenemy fire,distracting theaimof theSpaceMarinesso thattheyfiredatshadows.

Not all of the Space Marines’ fire went astray. Bolt rounds cracked from the bodies of thewraithguard. A ball of plasma flewup the ridge towards theDarkReapers, sending charred bodiesflyingintotheair.

Into this torrent of fire advanced the eldar, cloaked from view by Thirianna’s psychicmanipulations.Severalof theDireAvengers fell to the stormofbolts andmissiles ragingalong theslopeandawraithguardcollapsedinaheapasanotherplasmaboltcaughtitfull inthechest; fewercasualtiesthantheywouldhavesufferedwithoutthefarseer’sprotection.

Thirianna had done enough and the wraithguard were now within range. She pouredconsciousnessintotheirhalf-deadminds,allowingthemtoseeasshesaw.

Thewraithguardliftedtheirweaponsandfired.Thewarprippledopenthroughaclusterofmulticolouredstars, rippingapart thearmourof the

SpaceMarines, tearingtheirspirits fromtheirbodies.Thiriannawincedat thepsychichowlingthatsweptacrosstheskeinbuturgedthewraithguardon,firingtheirweaponsagainandagain.

ThereturnfirefromtheSpaceMarineswaslessening.TheDarkReapersnowaddedtheirmissilestotheattack,blossomsoffirespringingintolifealong

theSpaceMarines’defences.TheDireAvengerssprintedforwardsunderthecoverofthisattack,theirshurikencatapultsslingingahailofmonomolecular-edgeddiscsintothearmouredgiantsconfrontingthem.

Seeking thebestangleofattack,Thiriannaroamedacross theskeinassheadvancedbehind thewraithguard. Around her, the warlocks hurled bolts of fire and threw crackling spheres of psychicenergy.

On theskein,Thirianna felt the touchof somethingalien inher thoughts.Sheduckedawaybutreturnedswiftly,seekingitssource.Followingthethreads,shesawasecondforceofSpaceMarinesreadyingtoattack,areservethatwouldthrowbacktheeldaradvanceanddrivethemfromthedome.

Everyattackandcounter-attackwasbeingmetbytheSpaceMarines.Thiriannasearchedferventlyfortheirseer,amazedthatahumancouldbesogifted.Shecorrectedherself;herfoewasnothuman.ShesearchedalongthestrandsoftheSpaceMarines’livesandlocatedwhatshewaslookingfor.

TheSpaceMarinepsykerwaswellhidden,shieldedbycenturiesofdisciplineanddedication.Hismindwasalmostasstrongasaneldar’s,yetithadbeenhonedintoasharpweapon,capableofslicingthroughfatewithathought.

Yetforallhispower,theSpaceMarinecouldnotmatchThiriannaforprescience.Hehadnotyetrecognisedtheunfoldingfatesoftheeldarattack;theSpaceMarineswerenotyetreadytorespond.

IfThiriannacouldslaythispsykerswiftly,hiswarningwouldnotcome,andtheeldarattackwouldsucceed.

Shesummonedherwarriorstoherandpressedon,searchingtheskeinforasignofherelusivefoe.He could notwholly contain the power leaking fromhismind and she found himwith a squad ofSpaceMarinesalittlefurtheralongtheridge,directingtheactionsofhisfollowers.

Thiriannalookedforotherforcesshecouldbringtobear,buttheywereallcommittedtotheattackwith the Avatar. Even if the SpaceMarine counter-attackwas forestalled, Thirianna could see howclosely-runthebattlewouldbe.Shecouldnotaffordtowithdrawanymoreforcestohelpher.

‘Followme,’shetoldtheeldararoundher,instillingpurposeintothemindsofthewraithguard.Emergingfromashallowravine,Thiriannafoundherfoe:anarmouredtransportthatlookedmore

likeamobilebunkerthanavehicle.Besidethehugetankstoodaclusterofwarriorsinred-and-whitearmour,oneamongstthemmarkedoutbyhisbluelivery.AssoonasThiriannalaideyesonhim,sheknewwhatshefaced.LibrarianstheywerecalledbytheSpaceMarines,andthisonewasrankedhighlyamongstthem.

ShedrewontheScorpiontoslideclosetohisthoughts,slippingpromptsandsubtleimagesintohismind,seekingtodirecthisattentionelsewhere.Shewasmetwithawallofwillpowerthatseemedforgedofiron,reboundingherattemptsatmanipulation.Thiriannatriedagainandfarednobetter,unabletopenetratethesolidshieldoffaithanddevotionthatprotectedtheSpaceMarine.

Shewouldhavetoendthisphysically.Thefarseerandherwarriorsslippedalongtheslopeasquicklyastheycould.Thewraithguardwere

not so fleet of foot as the living eldar andThiriannawas forced to leave thembehind, despatchingToladrissatolookoverthem.

The Dire Avengers and seers moved quickly down the valley, heading towards the brightsearchlights of the Space Marine command vehicle. Thirianna could feel the Librarian’s thoughtssearching for her, alerted by her ill-considered attempt to infiltrate his thoughts. She drew a veilaroundherspirit,concealingherselfbehindthepoweroftheScorpion.

Time was running short. The Avatar and the main force were approaching the moment ofcommitment. Thirianna tried to warn the other seers, seeking aid from Kelamith, but they wereoccupiedwiththeirownproblemsandsherealisedshefacedthistaskalone.Ifshefailed,theAlaitociicounter-attackwould fail. If that happened theDomeofMidnight Forestswould fall to the enemy,allowingthemtobreachtheinfinitycorethatlayintheadjoiningdome.

Thatcouldnotbeallowedtohappen.ForthefinalstageofAlaitoc’sdefence,thehumanshadtobekeptintheringofdomessurroundingthecore,allowedthisclosebutnofurther.

Theeldar leaptover therocksandscrub,closing inon the juttingcliffwhere theSpaceMarineswerestationed.TheDireAvengersopenedfireassoonasthefirstenemycameintoview.

TheSpaceMarine fell,his thickarmourscoredbyhundredsof shurikens,weaker jointsandeyelensesshreddedandshatteredbythefusilladeofdiscs.AlmostimmediatelytheotherSpaceMarinesreturnedfire,fieryboltsscreamingbackintotheattackingeldar,threeDireAvengerssmashedfrom

theirfeetbybloodyimpacts.MethrainandNenamincasttheirsingingspearsintotheSpaceMarines,thetriangularheadsof

theweapons gleamingwith psychic energy. Both struck their targets, cutting through armour andfused ribcages to pierce vital organs. Thirianna let fly a ripple of lightning from her sword as shesprintedforwards,shatteringthearmourofanotherSpaceMarine.

TheLibrarianturnedswiftly,instantlyalerttothethreatbut,thankstoThirianna,notpsychicallyforewarned. Like theothershewas clad inpoweredarmour, of adeepblue, onlyhis shoulderpadssharingtheheraldryofhiscompanions.HisarmourwasscuffedandscoredfromfiercefightingandThiriannasensedawaveofmalicious intent.TheSonofOrarheldupa staff toppedbyanornatelycarvedrenditionofaram’shead.Theskeinbuckledashesummonedpower,drawinginanimmenseswell of energy. Thirianna leapt to her right as a blast of pure white light erupted towards her,obliteratingtwooftheDireAvengersfollowingbehindthefarseer.

Thiriannadodgedbackandforthasboltgunroundssplittheairaroundher,runicwardsblazingintolifeassomestruckhome.InmomentsshehadclosedthegapandwasswingingherswordattheSpaceMarine’shelmetedhead.TheLibrarianmetherwitchbladewiththehaftofhisstaff,smashingThiriannatoonesidewithhisrawstrength.

With his other handhe drew a shimmering sword, psychic energy playing along the crystallineseamsthreadedthroughtheblade.

TheLibrarianswungatThirianna’sheadashetriedtoreachintoherthoughtsandshredhermind.Shedeflected the firstwithherwitchbladeand the secondwithadeft turnof thought, sending thepsychicblastbacktowhereitcamefrom.

The staff blazed again, hurling Thirianna from her feet as serpentine psychic energy crawledacrossherrunearmour.Sherecoveredswiftly,jumpingtoherfeettoavoidasecondblast.Fireragedfromhersword,catchingtheLibrarianintheshoulder,scorchingpaintandleavingablackenedsworlacrossthegreymaterialbeneath.

Shesawhisheadwassurroundedbyatraceryofcablesandwiresandcouldfeelthepsychicpowerflowingalongtheseconduits.ShefiredhershurikenpistolintotheSpaceMarine’schestandheturnedashouldertowardshertocatchtheflyingprojectilesonhisarmouredpad.

Thepistol shotshadbeena feint.TheSpaceMarinewasoutofpositionasThirianna spunpasthim,jumpinguptolancethetipofherwitchbladeintothegapbetweenhelmandthepowerplantofthe Space Marine’s backpack. Cables exploded with raw psychic power as the edge of Thirianna’sweaponsweptthroughthepsychicwiring.

TheLibrarianlashedoutwithhisstaff,catchingThiriannaintheback,sendingherface-firstintothedirt.

Shedidnotneedtoseeherfoetostrike.She snatchedup theLibrarian’s threadof fate,nowblazingandhotwithout thedefencesofhis

psychichood.Shesentasurgeofpowerracingalongitslength,pouringallofherhatredandrageintotheblast.

Rollingtoherfeet,ThiriannaturnedintimetoseetheSpaceMarinereelingback,hiseyesburningthroughtheir lenses,staffandswordfallingfromhisspasminghands.Thiriannacouldfeeltheiron

shieldsofhismindclosingdownandknewshehadonlyanothermomenttofinishthis.Sheleapt,bringingdownthewitchbladewithallofherforce,infusingtheweaponwiththelastof

hermentalstrength,turningitintoadiamond-hardbladethatsplittheLibrarian’sheadfromscalptojaw.

ThiriannalandedastheSpaceMarine’sbodycrashedtotheground,brainsandbloodspillingfromthefatalwound.

DesperatelyThiriannareturnedto theskein tosee if theSpaceMarineshadbeenpulledback toreserve,readytothwarttheeldarassault.

RelieffloodedthroughherasshesawtheAvatarstridingintotheheartofthehumans’defences,cuttingdowneverything in itspath.TheAspectWarriors tore into the Imperialarmywhileaircraftrakedthemfromabove.Thehumansfledtheassault,theSpaceMarinesfallingbacktotheedgeofthedome,farfromtheinfinitycore.

Alaitoc’srunewavered,balancedbetweensalvationanddeathoncemore.Thehawkscircle.Thetimetostrikeisnigh.ThiriannaknewthemeaningofthewordssenttoherbyKelamith.Shereachedtoherbelttocast

anotherrune:theWanderer.Exhausted,shehadenoughstrengthlefttospareforamomentofworry.Forherwholelifeshehadstrivenforcontrol.Shehadlabouredhardtomanageherownaffairsandchooseherowndirection.Herstomachsankatthethoughtofwhatshehadtodo,buttherewasnooption,ithadbeenagreedbythecouncil.

TheskeinrippledasshepouredwhatlittleremainedofherwillpowerintotheWanderer,sendingthesignalforthefinalphaseofthebattletobegin.Theinfinitycircuitblazedwiththesingleruneandtheskeinbecameamaelstromofenergy,swirlingallaboutthesigil.

The fate of Alaitoc was cast and Thirianna had left it in the hands of the selfish, capriciousAradryan.

ItwasnowuptotheoutcasttobringpeacetoAlaitoc.

AbouttheAuthor

GavThorpehasbeenrampagingacrosstheworldsofWarhammerandWarhammer40,000formanyyears as both an author and games developer. He hails from the den of scurvy outlaws calledNottinghamandmakesregularsortiestounleashbloodshedandmayhem.HeshareshishideoutwithDennis,amechanicalhamstersworntoenslavemankind.

Gav’s previous novels include fan-favourite Angels of Darkness, the Time of Legends trilogy, TheSundering,andtheEldarPathseriesamongstmanyothers.