TableofContents

CoverTitlePageWarhammerMapMapPrologueChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenEpilogueAboutTheAuthorLegaleBooklicense

Thisisadarkage,abloodyage,anageofdaemonsandofsorcery.It

isanageofbattleanddeath,andoftheworld’sending.Amidstallofthefire,flameandfuryitisatime,too,ofmightyheroes,ofbolddeedsandgreatcourage.

AttheheartoftheOldWorldsprawlstheEmpire,thelargestandmostpowerfulofthehumanrealms.Knownforitsengineers,sorcerers,tradersandsoldiers, it is a landofgreatmountains,mighty rivers,dark forestsandvastcities.Andfromhis throne inAltdorf reigns theEmperorKarlFranz, sacred descendant of the founder of these lands, Sigmar, andwielderofhismagicalwarhammer.

Butthesearefarfromcivilisedtimes.AcrossthelengthandbreadthoftheOldWorld,fromtheknightlypalacesofBretonniatoice-boundKislevin the far north, come rumblings of war. In the toweringWorlds EdgeMountains, the orc tribes are gathering for another assault.Bandits andrenegadesharrythewildsouthernlandsoftheBorderPrinces.Therearerumoursofrat-things,theskaven,emergingfromthesewersandswampsacross the land. And from the northern wildernesses there is the ever-present threatofChaos,ofdaemonsandbeastmencorruptedbythefoulpowers of the Dark Gods. As the time of battle draws ever near, theEmpireneedsheroeslikeneverbefore.

Prologue

Unblinkingeyesstaredwithcold,emotionlessintensityatthebloatedbulkthatsprawledinthehalf-lightofasubterraneanchamber.Thecloyingstenchofreptilianmuskmixedwiththepungenthumidityoftheairtocreateanalmosttangiblefugwithintheburiedgrotto.Insectsbuzzedaboutthesurfaceofascum-coveredpoolwhilecreepingthingscrawledalongthedampwallstobaskinthefewbeamsofdaylightstabbingthroughthecrackedtilesoftheceiling,drawingtheheatofthesuntowarmtheircoldbodies.Theeyesofthewatchersignoredthesmalllizardsbaskingonthewalls,theirbodiesbobbing

upwardsinlittledisplaysofbravadotowarnawaytheotherreptiles.Tinysnakes,theirbrightbodieslikeribbonsofblackandcrimson,writhedbetweenthecarvingsthatcoveredthestonewalls,sometimespausingtotastethefoetidairwiththeirflickeringtongues.Inthedarkness,wirygreyspidersmendedtheirwebs,shakingshimmeringbeadsofdewfromthestrandssothattheirgossamertrapswouldnotbebetrayed.Itwassomethingmoresubtlethanthechoresofspidersthatcausedtheslit-likepupilsofthe

watcherstowidenwithinterest.Fromdagger-thinsliversofblack,thepupilsexpandedtonearlyoverwhelmtheamberpuddlesoftheireyes.Leatherycrestsofscalyskinundulatedupontheblunt,wedge-likeheadsofthewatchersinsilentexpressionoftheconcernthatintrudedupontheirvigil.Thewatcherssurroundedabloated,slimymass,athingofscummygreenandfesteringyellow,

mottledwithpatchesofblackdotsandstripes.Undertheirgaze,thepatternofblotcheswasshifting,fadingandchanging,assumingnewpatternsalmostfasterthanthemindsofthewatcherscouldfollow.Thelargestofthewatchersstraighteneditsbodyfromwhereithadcroucheduponthedampfloor.

Thecrestatopitsreptilianheadflappedopen,abrilliantflashofscarletthatcontrastedwiththeblue-greyscalesthatcovereditswirybody.Inresponsetotheskink’sdisplay,severalofthesmallerwatcherssetlittlethimble-likecontrivancesovertheirclaws.Thetoolsgleamedinthedimlightliketinystarsastheyslidintoplaceoverthereptilianhands,diamondsreflectingthefierybrillianceofthesun.Otherskinkscameforwardandsetstonetabletsinthelapsofthediamond-fingeredwatchers,who

thenbeganscratchingtheirclawsintothefacesofthetablets.Everythingwasconductedwithadeliberate,butsomehowcalm,haste.Theskinksstudiedtheshiftingpatternsoftheslimybody,recordingeachchangeinstone.Theamphibianshapesoakingwithinitshibernationpoolwasoblivioustothehurriedlaboursof

theskinks.Thegolden,bulgingeyesofthecreaturewereopen,buttherewasneithersightnorintelligencebehindtheslumberinggaze.Thefrog-likeslannwasasoblivioustotheskinksastheyweretothelizardsandinsectsthatscurriedaroundthem.Onlyitsdreamswererealtoitasitslumbered,dreamsthatengulfeditsmindandcauseditsskintoshiftcolourandpattern.

Thereweremanydimensionsbeyondthephysical,manythatnobraincouldeverperceive,muchlessimagine.LordTlaco’amoxtli’uemanwasamongtheoldestofhiskind,abeingthathadbeenspawnedbytheOldOnestounderstandthesedimensions,toseethevectorsoftheGreatMathandtheirimpact

uponthehigherphases.TheharmoniesoftheequationsbecameincreasinglycomplexasthelaboursoftheOldOnesbroughtexistencefurtherandfurtherfromtheuniversalnulltowardswhichallthingsdecayed.PerhapstheOldOneshadneededthingsoffleshtoappreciatetheimpactoftheiralgebrauponthe

lowerphases,orperhapstheyhadneededbeingssuchastheslanntounderstandhowthelowerdimensionscouldcastfractionsofthemselvesintothehigherinanefforttoescapefinaldecay.Whatevertheirlogic,thebrainsoftheslannhadbeenengineeredtoseethearithmeticbehindallexistencethattheymightkeeptheequationsoftheOldOnesbalanced.Butthingshadgonewrong.IntheirexperimentstheOldOneshadcreatedlowphasecreatureswith

thepotentialfordevastatingimpactuponthehigherphasesoforder.Theessencesofthesebeingsexpressedthemselvesinsimplealgorithms,butofimmensenumericalsize,asthoughindefianceoftheirinevitabledecayandnegation.Toolatedidtheslannunderstandtheimpactofthesearraysuponthehigherdimensions.ToolatedidtheOldOnesunderstandtheillogicthathadinfectedtheircarefullyplottedvectors.ThedesignoftheOldOnescollapsedunderthecorruptionofpersistentfractals,fractalsthatwere

notmerelyechoesoflife,butthingsthatexistedinmulti-dimensionaldisplacements.Theirnumericalvaluesdidnotdecay,butswelledbyaddingintothemselvesthealgorithmsofthelowphasecreatures.Underthemadnessofthesepersistentfractals,theequationsoftheOldOneswereunbalanced,brokenbyaperversearithmetic.TheOldOneshadfadedfromthemalignanceofthepersistentfractals,incapableofenduring

withintheirbrokenvectors.Sometimes,LordTlacocouldalmostperceivethelingeringshadesoftheshatteredvectors,recastintopersistentfractalsthemselves.Itwasadisharmonythatevenamage-priestcouldnotfullycomprehend.Weretheseshardsofthemastersorsimplynewfractalscastintothesemblanceoftheoldvectors?Theslannconsideredoneofthesepersistentfractals.Itwasarepugnanceofirrationalnumbersand

unbalancedsingularities.Yet,attheverycore,LordTlacocouldalmostsenseastringoftheancientharmonies.Ittroubledtheslann’sthoughts.Wasthissimplyanothercreationofthelowphasealgorithmscoalescinginthehigherdimensions,orwasitanexpressionofthebrokenvectorstryingtoreassertitself?Couldtheequationbebalancedbytheadditionofyetanotherpersistentfractal?WouldeventheOldOnesdaretoworkinsucharecklessmanner?Therewerenoeasyanswers.Theslannknewthatthisparticularfractalhadexpresseditselfina

waythatmademanyofthelowphaseminionsofthemage-priestsvenerateit.Thefractalhadmanifestedasalowphasebeingandroutedtheinfestationofcorruptedalgorithmsthathadoncethreatenedtoreturntheslannandalloftheirminionstotheuniversalnull.LordTlaco’smindfocuseduponthediscordantmemoryofthosecorruptedalgorithms.Likeso

manyoftheunbalancinginfluences,theywerewarm-quick,emotionalandillogical.Tocontemplatethemwastocontemplatethesquarerootofnegation.Moresothananyotherbeings,theyweretheproductofpersistentfractals,thespawnofdebasedmathematicsanddisorderedequations.OfallthepollutionbefoulingthepatternsoftheOldOnes,theywerethemostdebased.YetmighttheynotservetofurtherthevisionoftheOldOnes?Mighttheynotbeusedtobalance

theequation?Theslannshiveredinhisslumberandconsideredthedangersofinvitingsuchterriblepotentialities

intotheorderedmathofhisowndomain.

Chapterone

ShadowsofSkavenblight

‘Wehavelistenedtoyourreport,GreySeerThanquol.’Thevoicewaslikethesnapofawhiplashingoutfromthedarknessoftheimmensechamber.The

speakerhimselfwaslostinthecloyingdarknessthatfilledthehall,nothingmorethanashadowandawhisper.GreySeerThanquolstoodatthecentreofthecavernouschamber,bathedinasicklygreen

spotlightthatallbutblindedhissensitiveeyes.Hecouldfeelthepitbelowthetrapcreakandgroanbeneathhim,couldsmellthefaintscentofstagnantwaterandreptilianmuskwaftingupfromthepitbeneaththetrapdoor.ItwasmutteredamongtheinhabitantsofSkavenblightthattheirtyrannicalmasters,theLordsofDecay,usedthepittoexecutethosewhohaddispleasedthem.Atasignfromoneofthesinisteroverlordsoftheskavenracealeverwouldbethrownandtheoffendingratmanwouldbedroppedintothewaterydepthsfarbelow,theretohavehisfleshdevouredbyobscenehybridsofratandalligator,mutantcreationsofClanMoulder.Thanquolswallowedtheknotgrowinginhisthroatandcontrolledtheurgetoleapfromthetrap

dooratthecentreoftheroom.Todosowouldbetoinvitecertaindeath.HeknewtheshadowsconcealedanynumberoftheCouncil’selitebodyguard,mutealbinostormverminchosenfortheirstrengthandrelativefearlessness.ThentherewerethemembersoftheCouncilthemselvestoconsider,adozenofthemostviciousvillainseverbredbytheteeminghordesofskavendom.ChallengingthemontheirowngroundwouldbeanactoflunacyThanquoldoubtedifeventheaccursedcrimson-furreddwarfwhohadinterferedwithsomanyofhispastschemeswouldbemadenoughtoattempt.ThenumbingscentofsmoulderingwarpstonemadeitdifficultforThanquoltoconcentrate,to

focushissensesontheraiseddaisatthefarendofthechamberandthesinisterfigureshiddenbehinditinthedark.Heknewthatiftheneedarose,itwouldbeallbutimpossibletoconjureaspellwiththewarpstonevapoursbefuddlinghisthoughts.Ancientandevil,thedespoticCouncilofThirteenwastakingnochanceswithhim.Backedintoacorner,eventhelowestskavenwouldshowhisfangs.WhenthatskavencouldcommandthepowerfulmagicoftheHornedRat,eventheLordsofDecaypreferredtotakenochances.‘ThelossoftheWormstonecausesusgreatconcern.’Thisvoicewasoilyandfoul,theslobbering

lispofathawingswamp.ThanquolshudderedasherecognisedthedecayedtonesofArch-PlaguelordNurglitch,supremeleaderoftheplaguemonksofClanPestilens.TheCouncilhadsentThanquolastheirrepresentativetosecuretheWormstonefrombeneaththeman-thingcityofAltdorf,buttherehadbeenarivalexpeditiondispatchedtostealitfromhimwhenhehadfoundit.Thanquolwasn’tsurehowmanyoftheCouncilwerebehindtheplot,butsincehisrivalshadbeenplaguemonksledbytheghastlyLordSkrolk,therewasnoquestionthatNurglitchhadbeenaprominentpatronofthescheme.Thanquolbruxedhisfangstogether,grindinghisteethinafitofnervousanxiety.Itwouldbelike

NurglitchtobethefirstoftheCounciltoexpresshisangeroverthelossoftheWormstone,evenifitwastheself-servingtreacheryofClanPestilensthathadresultedinitsloss.WhatlieshadNurglitchtoldtheotherLordsofDecay,andwhatbribesandpactshadhemadetoensuretheywerebelieved?TherewasnolovebetweenClanPestilensandthegreyseers,andevenlessbetweentheplaguemonksandThanquolhimself.ButdidThanquoldaretotryandexploitthatfissureofmutualhateanddistrust?CouldhedependonthesupportofSeerlordKritislikandhisalliesontheCouncilifheaccusedNurglitchoftreachery?Moreimportantly,ifhedidsowouldhebeabletoscrambleoffthetrapdoorbeforeNurglitchhadtheswitchthrownandsenthimplummetingintoanunclimbablepitofdeath?Thegreyseersquintedintotheharshgreenspotlight.Hecouldn’tseeanyoftheLordsofDecay,

notevenhismasterKritislik.Faintly,hecouldmakeouttheoutlineofthehugeemptyseatatthecentreofthedais,theonekeptemptyandwaitingforthepresenceoftheHornedRathimself.Kritislik,asSeerlord,wascountedthevoiceoftheskavengodandwasallowedtointerprettheHornedRat’swillwhenevertheCouncildebatedasubject.ThanquoldoubtedifeventheeffectivedoublevotethisgaveKritislikwouldbeenoughtoswaytheCouncilintoopenhostilitywithClanPestilens.ThelasttimetheotherclansmadewarwithClanPestilens,theentireUnder-Empirehadbeenravaged.Worse,ClanPestilenshadnearlysucceededinovercomingthecombinedmightoftheothergreatclans!Onlythetimelyre-appearanceofClanEshinfromthedistantlandsofGrandCathayhadpreventedClanPestilensfromoverthrowingtheCouncilofThirteen.Evenso,theirpowerwassuchthattheycouldnotbedeniedapositionontheCouncilandaplaceamongthegreatclans.No,Thanquoldecided,Kritislikwon’tputhisneckoutbyopenlyprovokingNurglitch,andifhe

does,theothergreatclanswon’tsupporthim.Adecisionreached,ThanquolstaredatthespotinthedarknesswherehethoughtNurglitch’svoice

hadspoken.‘GreatandputrescentPlaguelord,’hesaid,carefultokeephistonethepropermixoffawningrespectandcoweringfear.‘TheWormstonehasindeedbeenlosttous.ThecowardiceandstupidityoftheUnder-Altdorfleadersmadeitimpossibletorecovertheartefactfromtheman-thingsthatstoleit.’Thanquolcoughedandtriednottochokeonthenextwordsthathissedpasthisfangs.‘EventhetimelyassistanceofClanPestilensandyourbravechampionLordSkrolkwasnotenoughtoundothetreacheryoftheUnder-Altdorfleaders.’Therewasagrotesquerumblefromthedarkness,likeanogrebeingsuckeddownintoabog.It

tookThanquolseveralbreathstorealisethatitwasthesoundofNurglitchlaughing.‘ThelossofourbravekinfromClanPestilensistobelamented,’thethinsnarlofKritislikcut

throughtheboilingexuberanceofNurglitch’slaughter.‘ButhowisitthattheWormstonewasplacedinsuchjeopardyinthefirstplace?’ThanquolcringedasheheardtheSeerlordmakehisaccusation.Kritislikclearlywasn’thappywith

thewayhehadappealedtoNurglitchbyignoringthegrabtheplaguemonkshadmadefortheWormstone.Hismindfoughtthroughthenumbingconfusionoftheincense,racingtofindanewscapegoatfortheSeerlord’sire.‘ItwasGreySeerThratquee,’Thanquolsaid,mentioningthefirstnamethatoccurredtohim.

Thratqueewastheancient,corruptgreyseerwholedthecouncilofUnder-Altdorf.Ashethoughtitover,everythinghadbeenThratquee’sfault.Ifhe’dbeenmoreawareofwhatwasgoingoninUnder-Altdorf,therewasnowayLordSkrolkwouldhavebeenabletosubvertsomeofitsinhabitantsandusetheminseveralattemptstomurderThanquolandstealtheartefact.Besides,Thanquoldidn’tliketheoldpriestanyway.‘ItwashisideatogrinduptheWormstoneanduseittopoisonthehumans.EverymomentIwasinUnder-Altdorf,Iwasunderthewatch-sniffofhisminions.AtnotimecouldIgetawayfrommyguardsandreturntotellthismostterribleCouncilofThratquee’splans.Itried-wantedtostophim…’

‘WemustcongratulateGreySeerThratqueeforhismostkeenforesight,’thebrutalsnapofGeneralPaskrit’svoicegrowled.‘MyagentstellmethatatenthofUnder-Altdorf’spopulationwaskilledinthefloodingoftheirwarrens,thatthedamageinflicteduponthatupstartburrowwillcrippleitsgrowthforgenerations.ItwillbealongtimebeforetheydarethinkthemselvesasmightyasSkavenblight!’‘…fromexecutinghisplaninawaythatwouldcausethelossoftheWormstone…’Thanquol

hurriedtoelaborateasheheardPaskritspeak.‘TheWormstonewouldhavebeenmostusefultous,’cametheunctuousvoiceofDoomclaw,

warlordofClanRictus.‘However,perhapsitisbetterlostwhereitcannotbefoundagainandusedagainstus.’‘…becauseIbelievedtherewasabetter-betterwaytolose-hidetheWormstone.’Thanquolbruxed

hisfangsagainashespoke.ItwasunfairthattheCouncilwaspreparedtogiveThratqueetheacclaimandrewardthatwasrightfullyhisown!‘ItistoberegrettedthattheWormstonehasbeenlost,’themetallicgroanofWarlockLord

Morskittar ’svoiceechoedthroughtheChamberofThirteen.Aftercenturiesofunnaturallife,theleaderofClanSkryrewasmorearcanemachinethanfleshandbloodskaven.‘However,itsveryexistencewouldhavebeenathreattothestabilityoftheUnder-Empire.GreySeerThratqueehasdonethisCouncilagreatservicebyremovingsuchatemptingmorselfromtheplateofanyambitiousupstarts.’TherewasanangrywheezefromtheshadowswhereNurglitchsatasMorskittarspoke.Hatredof

ClanSkryrewasprobablytheonlycommongroundthatClanPestilensandthegreyseersshared.‘ThehumblingofUnder-Altdorfatthesametimeshowsaskavenwhoknowswherehisloyalties

lie,’musedtheshrillchitteringvoiceofPacklordVerminkin,masterofClanMoulder.Thanquol’seyesnarrowedwithhate.Thiswasridiculous!ThemadoldThratqueehaddone

nothingbutsitinhisdecadentburrowwithhisbreedersandrothisbrainwithwarpdust!Thanquolhadbeentheonewhotookalltherisks!HehadbeentheonewhodaredthecorruptionoftouchingtheWormstonebyhavinghisminionsexperimentwithit!HehadbeentheonewhohadbravedthetreacherousbladesofassassinsandtheputridmagicofLordSkrolk!ItwashisbrilliancethathadconcoctedtheplantopoisonthereservoirbeneathAltdorfanddoomboththehumancityandtheupstartskavenmetropolisbeneathittoalingeringdeath!Itwashisbraverythathadnearlywontheday,defyingboththetreasonofClanPestilensandthefrightfulmagicofthehumanwizard-thing!Ifnotforthecowardiceofhisminions,ifnotforthebetrayalofhisadoredapprenticeKratch,ifnotforthebrainlessstupidityofhisratogrebodyguardBoneripper,hewouldhavesucceeded!TheCouncilofThirteenwouldbeshoweringhimwithpraisesandhonours!‘WemusttakepainstoensurethatThratqueeisabletoexploitthereconstructionofUnder-Altdorf

toincreasehiscontroloverthecity,’Kritisliksaid.‘AsThanquol’sreportshows,wecannottrusttheothermembersofUnder-Altdorf’scouncil…eveniftheyarefromourownclan.’ThelastbarbwasthrustatMorskittar.ThecouncilofUnder-AltdorfwasbloatedwithrepresentativesofClanSkryre,givingthewarlock-engineersadistinctdominanceinthecity.‘Somethingtotakeunderconsideration,’Morskittaragreed,asullentoneinhisironvoice.Thanquollashedhistailinannoyanceatwhathewashearing.Weretheyreallygoingtomake

ThratqueedefactowarlordofUnder-Altdorf?HefoundhimselfsuddenlywishingMorskittarluckintheinevitableassassinationattemptsClanSkryrewouldmountagainstThratqueetopreventsuchapossibility.‘Somethingdisturbsyou,GreySeerThanquol?’Nurglitch’svoicesnarled.EvenifThanquolcould

notseetheLordsofDecaythroughtheshadowsandtheglareofthegreenlight,theycouldclearlyseehim.Hisdisplayofirritationhadnotfailedtobenoticed.

‘No-no,greatandmonstrousNurglitch,’Thanquolstammered,notquitemanagingtokeepahintofprideinhisfawningcontrition.‘ItisjustthatIhavecomefar-farandthisonefindshimselftiredfromhisjourney.’‘Thenyouaredismissed,Thanquol,’theknife-edgedvoiceofNightlordSneek,leaderofClan

Eshinanditsmurderousassassins,spokefromapatchofdarknessthatseemedsomehowevenblackerthanthatwhichcloakedtheotherLordsofDecay.‘Wewouldnotwishtogetbetweenyourselfandyourrest.’ThewayNightlordSneekmadethepartingremarkcausedThanquol’sfurtostandonend.Evenas

hebowedandscrapedhiswayfromtheCouncilofThirteen,hispulsewasracing,hismindscreaminginhorror.NoneoftheotherLordsofDecaycalledforhimtoremain,afactThanquoltookasabadsign.WhateverSneekwasplanning,theothershadalreadyabandonedhimtoit!

Itwasn’talot,thesmallstashofwarp-tokensThanquolwasabletotakewithhimwhenhefledAltdorf,barelythesurfaceofwhathehadhopedtoextortfromthebickeringclanlordsofUnder-Altdorf.CertainlyitwouldtakemoretopayoffNightlordSneekandmakehimreconsidertheinteresthehadsuddenlyshowninthegreyseer.TheslicingvoiceofSneekkeptechoinginThanquol’smind,thatwhisperedthreatabouthelpinghimrest.ClanEshinhadhelpedalotofskavenrest,thekindofrestthatusuallyinvolvedpoisonedbladesandquickstabsinthedark.Thanquolhadevenpaidfortheservicesoftheirassassinsinthepast.Heknewonlytoowelltheirhideousandlethalefficiency.OncethetrainedkillersofClanEshinwereonaratman’stailitwasonlyamatteroftime…Thanquollashedhistailinfrustration,hisfingerscurlingtighteraboutthehaftofhisstaff.He

wasn’tsomeflea-riddenclawleaderfromsomethree-batwarren!HewasGreySeerThanquol,thesupremesorcerer-generaloftheUnder-Empire,themostbrilliant,valiantandloyalservanttoeverservetheCouncilofThirteen!IfSneekthoughthewouldbeeasyprey,thentheNightlordwouldlearnhowwronghewas!ThanquolwasthechosenoftheHornedRathimself,blessedbythegodofallskaven!Ofcourse,theHornedRat’sblessingshadbeenrathermixedoflate.Itwasallthefaultofhis

incompetentandtreacherousunderlingsofcourse.ThatsnivellingfoolSkrimGnawtailandthatbackstabbingcurKratch!Ifnotforthem,theWormstonewouldhavebeenhisandhisalone,touseinwhateverwayhesawfit.ThatancientidiotThratqueeandallofthedecadentinhabitantsofUnder-AltdorfwouldhavebeenscouredfromthetunnelsofskavendomifThanquol’scravenminionshadn’tlethimdown!Thegreyseergroundhisteethtogetherandstaredupatthenightsky.UnliketherestoftheUnder-

Empire,muchofSkavenblightwasuponthesurface,infestingthecrumbledruinsoftheancienthumancitythathadoncedominatedwhatwouldlaterbecometheBlightedMarshes.SomeevenwhisperedthattheShatteredTower,withinwhichtheCouncilofThirteenheldtheirchambers,hadbeenbuiltnotbyskavenpawsbutrearedbyhumanhands.Suchheresywas,ofcourse,punishedbyagoodtongue-cuttingwheneveritwasspoken,butasheglancedupatthecrookedspirewhichdominatedthecityscape,Thanquolhadtoadmitithadtheuglystampofhumanengineeringtoit,perhapsevenatraceofdwarf-thingtoo.Naturally,evenifthethoughtcametohim,hewasn’tfoolenoughtoeverspeakofit.Thanquolturnedhisgazebacktothewidestreetaroundhim.Theavenuewaspackedwitha

scrabbling,strugglingmassofratkin,aseaoffurandfangsthatbobbedandweaved,squirmedandsqueezedintheireffortstonavigatethroughthecity.Theairwasthickwiththesmellofdecayingtimber,rancidfur,muskandexcrement,thedistincttangofblackcornintheskavendroppingsgivingthecityascentuniquetoitself.Thesnarls,whinesandchitteringofratmenrangfromthecrumbling

stonewallsthatflankedthestreet.Muchofthecitywassinkingintoitsfoundations,slowlycollapsingintothemazeofburrowsand

ratrunsteeminggenerationsofskavenhaddugbeneathit.Everywhere,timbersupportsandbuttresseshuggedthesaggingwalls,tryingtostaveoffthecreepingruin.Manystructureshadbecomesomiredinmudandearththattheirlowerfloorswerelostbeneaththeground.Somestillsportedtheweatheredhusksofonceelegantcolumnsandpromenades,afewevenhadthefaintremnantsoftiledfrescospeepingoutfrombeneaththelayersofgrimethatcoatedthem.Beforeonetiltedmanor,themisshapenbulkofacorrodedironstatuestooduponacrackedmarblepillar,amassofrustthatmightoncehavebeenaswordraisedhighinalumpthatoncecouldhavebeenanarm.Home,Thanquolthoughtasthesmells,soundsandsightsofSkavenblightcrawledacrosshis

senses.Whereverhewent,therewasnothingtocomparewiththepressofSkavenblight’smasses,feelingthepresenceofhundredsofthousandsofratmenallaroundhim.EvenUnder-AltdorffeltdesertedandemptynexttoSkavenblight.Thiswasthewaytheworldwasmeanttobe,filledtoburstingwiththeswarmingmassesoftheUnder-Empire.Aworldalivewiththenumberlesshordesoftheskaven,alllookingupfromthegutter,lookingfortheleadershiponlyGreySeerThanquolcouldgivethem.Thanquolstrokedhiswhiskersashethoughtaboutthehappyvisionofhimselfasunquestioned

masterofskavendom.OnedayhewoulddareplacehispawuponthePillarofCommandments,thatobeliskofpurewarpstonesetdownbeforetheShatteredTowerbytheHornedRathimself.Hehadnodoubtthathewouldsurvivetheordeal,survivetochallengeGreySeerKritislikandtakehisplaceupontheCouncil.Then,thenhewouldbegintoeliminatetheotherLordsofDecay.ThatbloatedpustuleNurglitchandthatscrap-metalmage-ratMorskittarandthatslinkingthroatcutterSneek…ThanquolnearlyspurtedthemuskoffearashethoughtofNightlordSneek.Theblack-clad

murderersofClanEshinwereanightmaretoeveryratman,fromthelowestclanrattothemostexaltedwarlord.Theycouldbeanywhere,lurkingwiththeirpoisonedknivesandtheirdeadlyblowguns.Thanquol’seyesnarrowedwithsuspicion,squintingashestudiedthemassofskavenfillingthestreetaroundhim.Suddenly,thepressofsomanyratmenswarmingoneverysidewasn’tsoreassuringasithadbeenafewmomentsbefore.Almostinvoluntarily,hebackedawayfromaclutchofscabbyclanratswearingthecoloursofaclanhedidn’trecognise.Hewatchedthempass,onehandlockedaboutthetinychunkofwarpstonehehadsecretedinapocketofhisrobe.Weretheywatchinghimmorecloselythantheyshould?PerhapsheshouldsimplyblastthemwithaspellandworryaboutwhethertheyworkedforClanEshinlater.Shakinghishead,Thanquoldecidedagainststrikingprematurely.Adisplayofmagicmight

annihilatehisenemies,butitwouldalsopanictheskavenfillingthestreet.Beingstampededbythecrowdwouldmakehimjustasdeadasanyassassin’sblade.Hecontinuedtowatchthethreeclanratsuntiltheywerelostinthemassoffurrybodies.Mostlikely,theyhadsimplyrecognisedhimandbeenoverawedbyhisformidablepresence.Yes,thatwascertainlyit.Asharpgrowltothehulkingbrutetoweringbehindhim,andThanquolmadehiswaythroughthe

swarmofratkin.Ithadtakenmostofhiscarefullyhoardedwarp-tokenstobuythebehemoth,butafterthatsinisterencounterwithNightlordSneek,hereasonedthathehadtodosomethingtoprotecthimself.Theratogrehadbeenthebiggest,nastiestonehecouldfindinthebeastpens,abrown-furredgiantwithfistslikebouldersandafacefilledwithdagger-likefangs.He’dnamedthemonsterBoneripperafterthebrave,cleverbodyguardthathadfoughtsovaliantlytoprotecthimfromLordSkrolk’streacheryandtheprofanemagicofthegreymage-man.ThecrowdpartedbeforeThanquol’sadvance,Boneripperloomingoverthemliketheveryshadow

ofdoom.Therewerefrightenedsqueaks,whinesoffawningprotestandfrequentspurtsofmusk.Aratogre,hereflected,wasamarvellousinstrumentforremindingthelowercasteswhotheirbetters

were.AflashofdarknessamongthethrongarrestedThanquol’sattention.Hadthatbeenaflashofblack

cloak?Thesortofcloakanassassinmightwear?Thanquolchidedhimselfforsuchfoolishness.Itwasludicrous!Whywouldanassassinbothertowearblackwhenhecouldsoeffortlesslyblendinwiththecrowdwithoutit!Itwasn’tasiftheywererequiredtowearauniform,tocarryaplacardthatannouncedtheirprofessiontoanyskaventheymightmeet!Throughthecrowd,Thanquolsawablack-cloakedskavencreepingpurposefullytowardshim,one

pawcurledbeneaththefoldsofthecreeper ’scloak.Thanquolblinkedindisbelief.Itwasstillridiculous,butthatcreepreallywashidingaknifeunderhiscloak!Ashelookedagain,hesawasecondcloakedratmanslinkingtowardshim,andstillathirdcomingfromtheoppositedirection.Thanquolquicklyedgedhimselfawayfromtheapproachingkillers,hisfingerscurlingaroundthe

chunkofwarpstoneinhispocket.HewasabitmorewillingtoriskthestampedenowthattherewasnoquestionthatSneek’sassassinswerecomingforhim.Abruptly,Boneripper ’shugemawdroppedopeninafierceroar.Theratogre’shugepaws

slammedagainsthischest,poundingadrumliketattoothatrumbledovertheheadsoftheskavenfillingthestreet.Themonster ’sbeadyredeyeswereablazewithmalice.Hetookaponderoussteptowardstheclosestassassin,crushingahaplessbystanderbeneathhisimmensefoot.Thanquolgloatedashesawthelookofterrorcrawlingontothemurderer ’sface.Theyhadn’tbeen

expectingthis.Hehadbeenverycarefulpickinghisbodyguard,choosingonethathadbeentrainedtohatethecloakedadeptsofClanEshin.Theratogre’sbodywasstillcriss-crossedwiththescarsthepackmastershadleftwhentheyhadbeatenhateintothebeast’stinybrain.Theeffectivenessofthattraining,however,wasquiteobviousasBoneripperstompedagorypaththroughthecrowd,focuseduponrendingtheassassinlimbfromlimb.‘Yes-yes!’Thanquolhissedthroughhisfangs.‘Killthem,Boneripper!Killthefaithlesslittle

maggots!’Hearinghismaster ’svoicesnappedthelastcomposureBoneripperpossessed.Utteringadeep,

groaningroar,theratogreploughedthroughthemassedskaven,hurlingsquealingratmenasidewitheachsweepofhisclaws,crushingthosetooslowortooterrifiedtoscrambleoutofhiswaybeneathhisclawedfeet.Theblack-cloakedassassinstoodparalysedashesawtheimmensebehemothchargingtowardshim.Thekillerthrewbackhiscloak,revealingtheknifeheheld.Shriekinginterror,hethrewhisweaponatBoneripper.Thepoisonededgesankintotheratogre’sshoulderwithameatythwack.Boneripperpausedinhisrush.Heturnedhisheadandstaredattheknifestickingoutofhisbody.

Thebrutereacheddown,rippingthebladefromhisflesh,staringatitwithconfusedeyes.Hishugenosetwitchedashesniffedtheuglygreenmuckdrippingfromtheknife’spoisonededge.Ittookamomentforthesmelltoregisterwithhisdullbrain,butwhentheratogrerememberedthelessonshehadbeensopainfullytaughtbythepackmasters,hecamealivewithfury.TheknifecrumpledintoanunrecognisablelumpofsteelasBoneripperangrilyclosedhisfistaroundit.Theassassinsquealedinfrightandturnedtoflee,horrifiedthatBoneripperhadsurvivedthe

poison.Hecouldn’tknowthetoxicprovenderthepackmastershadrearedtheratogreon,theslowlyincreaseddosesofvenomtheyhadinjectedintohisveinssincehehadbeenawhelp.TheresulthadmadeBoneripper ’sbodydevelopapronouncedresistancetoawiderangeofdiseasesandtoxins.Theratogrereacheddowntothestreetbesidehim,snatchingacoweringskavenfromthe

flagstones.ThewretchscreamedandwrithedinBoneripper ’sgrasp,buthiseffortswentunnoticedbythebrute.Glaringattheassassinashestartedtoscurryaway,Boneripperflungthescreamingratmanathim.Thelivingmissilewailedasheflewacrossthestreet,slashingfleeingspectatorswithhisflailingclaws.Theskavensmashedintotheassassinasthoughfiredfromacannon.Bothratmenwere

hurledthroughtheair,batteringapaththroughthepackedstreet.Intheaftermath,thepanickedmassofthecrowdstruggledevenmorefiercelytoflee,buttheirvery

numbershamperedanyrealhopeofprogress.Crippled,cringingratmen,limbsshatteredbytheimpactofBoneripper ’slivingmissile,crawledalongtheground,tryingdesperatelytoavoidbeingcrushedbythefeetofotherratkin.TheskavenBoneripperhadthrownwasashatteredmessofbrokenbonesandbloodyfursmashedagainstthestonewallontheothersideofthestreet.Beneaththedrippingcarcass,thecrumpledbodyoftheassassinstruggled.Theimpacthadsnappedthekiller ’sspine,leavinghimhelplessfromthewaistdown.Boneripperlumberedthroughtheshriekingmob,stalkingthroughthepackedskavenwith

powerfulstrides.Soonhetoweredoverthecrippledassassin.Theratogrestareddownatthetrappedratman,thenbroughthisclawedfootsmashingdownintotheassassin’sskull.ThanquolgrinnedinsavagechallengeashewatchedBoneripperkilltheassassin.Heglancedto

eitherside,pleasedwhenhesawtheothertwokillersslinkingbackintothecrowd,clearlylessthaneagertohaveanypartinattackingthegreyseerafterwatchingtheircomradeslainsobrutally.ThanquolsnarledacommandtoBoneripper,gesturingwithhisclawtooneoftheretreatingmurderers.Hefeltaflareofangryfrustrationwhenthebruteignoredhim,toointentonpoundingtheskullofthefirstassassinintopastetopayattentiontohismaster ’svoice.Withaneffort,Thanquolcalmedhimself.Itwasjustaswellthattheothersescaped.Theywould

bearwordoftheirexperiencebacktotheotherskulkingmurderersofClanEshin.TheywouldtelltheirfellowsthattofaceGreySeerThanquolwastofacetheirowndeaths!Yes,theassassinswouldknowthatkillingGreySeerThanquolwasnoeasytask!AtroublingthoughtcametoThanquolthenandhisfurbegantoriseinanxiety.Ithadbeeneasy.

Muchtooeasy.Positivelybumblingonthepartoftheassassinstoletthemselvesbespottedsoquickly.Perhapstheyweresimplymurderersintraining,neophytesattheartsofassassination.ButwhywouldSneeksendamateurstokillsomeoneofhisformidablepowers?Onimpulse,Thanquolspunaboutanddroppedintoacrouch.Therewasawailofagonyjust

behindhim.Thegreyseerriskedaglance,sawoneoftheskaventhathadbeencoweringnearhimduringBoneripper ’srampagelyingontheground,hisbodytwitchinginaviolentspasm.AdartaslongasThanquol’sfingerwasburiedinthestrickenratman’scheek.Thegreyseer ’seyeswentwidewithfright.ThekillershehadsentBoneripperafterweren’tthe

assassins!Theywerethediversion!SomethingtokeepThanquoloccupiedwhiletherealassassinmadehismove!Thanquolthrewhimselfacrosstheground,rollingalongthemuck-strewnstones.Heimaginedhe

couldhearsomethingwhistlepasthisface,buttherewasnoimaginationbehindthepainedshriekoftheskavenbehindhim.Theratmanwashoppingononefoot,pawingattheblackneedlestickingoutofhisotherfoot.Amomentlater,theskavenfellinatwitchingmass,frothbubblingfromhismouth.Above!Thedarthadcomefromabove!Thanquolglaredatthestonewall,gnashinghisteethashe

sawhisattacker.Clingingtotheancientstoneslikesomemammothspider,theassassinwasswathedinblackfromthebaseofhistailtothetipofhismuzzle,onlyhisbeadyredeyesleftexposedbytheclothmaskwrappedaroundhisface.AsnifftoldThanquolthiswasindeedatrueassassin,theglandsthatproducedthedistinctivepersonalscenthavingbeenremovedinoneofClanEshin’smacabrerituals.TheassassinglaredbackatThanquolandraisedalong,slenderblowguntohiscloth-coveredlips.

Thegreyseerduckedhishead,pressinghimselfagainstthefilthyground,tryingtohidehisfacefromthecomingattack.Thistimehedistinctlyheardthedartasitracedthroughtheair.Hefeltsomethingbrushagainsthim,holdinghisbreathinhorrorashewaitedforthepoisontodoitslethalwork.

IttookThanquolaheartbeattorealisewhathadhappened.Thedarthadmissedhim,glancingoffhishorn.Fearandragewarredformasteryofhimwhenherealisedhowclosehehadcometodying.Fearputupagoodfight,butintheenditwasragethatwonout.Thanquolliftedhimselffromtheground,hiseyesfocusedontheassassinclingingtothewall

abovehim.Thegreyseer ’shandclosedaboutthechunkofwarpstoneinhispocket,breakingoffatinyfragmentandpoppingitintohismouth.Theassassinseemedparalysedwithhorror,asunabletomoveasthedecoyhadbeenwhenfacedbyBoneripper ’sunstoppablecharge.AsicklygreenlightcrackledwithinthedepthsofThanquol’seyesasthemagicalenergiesofthe

warpstoneflowedthroughhismindandseepedintohissoul.HecouldfeeltheawesomepoweroftheHornedRatripplingthroughhim,themagicalwindsseepingintohisbody.Hegroundhisfangstogether,hisbrainfloodedwithimagesofdestruction.Hewouldincineratethisentirestreetandeverythinginit,leavethebuildingsnothingbutheapsofslag.Hewouldburntheassassin’sshadowintotheverystonewiththefuryofhismagicandsendhissoulshriekingintoKweethul’ssunkenhell!ThenhewouldcastdowntheShatteredToweranddragSneek’sshatteredcorpsefromtherubble…Shakinghishead,Thanquolfoughtdowntheoverwhelminginfluenceofthewarpstone.Hefocused

onwhatwasathand.Allheneededtodowaskilltheassassin,nothingmore.Suddenly,Thanquol’sconcentrationwasshatteredbyadeafeningshriekofterror.Theairwas

pungentwiththestinkofmuskandtheverygroundshookwiththeviolenceofhundredsofratmenstampeding.Thegreyseerturnedandwatchedasthepanickedcrowdsurgedawayfromhim,horrifiedbythecracklinglightningdancingabouttheheadofhisstaff,frightenedbythemalignantaurathathadsettledabouthimlikeamantleasheinvokedtheawfulmagicoftheHornedRat.Themobsurgedawayfromhimasquicklyandasfarasitcould.ButeventhewidestreetsofSkavenblightcouldnotaccommodatethemassofstruggling,franticratmen.Theysoonbecamepackedandpressedtogetherateitherendofthestreet,unabletofleefurther.Whenthathappened,theblindterrorofthemobdrovethemback,turnedthemaroundtofindescapeintheotherdirection.Fromeitherendofthestreet,awaveofsquealing,snarlingskavencamestampeding.Betweenthe

twopanickedhordesstoodGreySeerThanquol,suddenlyfeelingverysmallandvulnerableforallthemagicburningthroughhisveins.Theassassinchitteredmaliciouslyfromhisperchuponthewall.Thanquolscowledspitefullyasthe

murdererclimbedtotheroofofthebuildingandretreatedfromview.Thishadbeentheplanallalong,herealised.Theassassinwasn’ttryingtokillThanquolwiththedarts,hewastryingtoprovokehimintousinghismagictodefendhimself,therebythrowingthemobintoapanic.WhenThanquolwascrushedbeneaththepawsofthecrowdtherewouldbenoevidencethathisdeathhadbeentheworkofClanEshin.Defiantly,Thanquolstoodhisground.Mostlybecausetherewasnowheretorun.Heraisedhis

staff,sentacracklingblastofgreenlightningsearingintotheforemostranksofthestampedingskaven.Severalratmenshriekedandfell,theirbodiesquicklycrushedbeneaththefeetofthemob.Inablindpanic,theskavenwereobliviouseventothedeath-dealingsorceryofThanquol.Thegreyseerturnedandsentasecondblastsearingthroughtheranksofthemassofskavenrushingtowardshimfromtheotherendofthestreet.Again,themobrefusedtobreak.Thanquolspurtedthemuskoffear.Hecouldblastahundredofthecravenverminintocindersand

stilltherewouldbeenoughofthemlefttocrushhisbodybeneaththeirfeet!Ashecontemplatedhisdoom,ahugeshapechargedathimfromacrossthestreet.Thanquolspun,

sendingablastoflightningcracklingpastBoneripper ’sface.ThepanicoftheskavenmobhadinfectedBoneripper ’stinybrain!Theslack-wittedbrutewasturningonhim!ThanquoldidnothavetimetosendanotherblastofmagicatBoneripperbeforethebeastwasupon

him.Hugeclawsclosedaroundthegreyseer ’sbody,pinninghisarmstohissidesandliftinghim

fromtheground.Thanquolstruggledandcursed,tryingtowrigglefreeofhistreacherousbodyguard’sgrip.Thepanickedmobofskavencamecrashingtogether,savagelyattackingoneanotherasthetwo

sidesmet.Thestreetbecameaseaofflashingfangsandrakingclawsasthefrightenedskaventoreateachother.ThepungentstinkofblackskavenbloodfilledThanquol’ssenses.Boneripperliftedthegreyseerstillhigher,keepinghimwellabovethefrenziedmob’sreach.FeardrainedoutofThanquolandhebitbackthelastofhecurseshehadbeenheapingonhis

bodyguard’shead.Suchacleverservant,heconsidered,toseehismaster ’sdistressandcomerushingtohisaid.HewouldneedtofindsomesuitablewaytorewardBoneripperforsuchselflessservice.PerhapshewouldletBonerippereatSneek’sheartafterhetoreitfromtheNightlord’smutilated

chest.

CHAPTERTWO

StreetsofSkavenblight

GreySeerThanquolsatinthegloomofhisrentedburrowandcarefullyplottedhisnextmove.NightlordSneekhadfailedinhisfirstattempttomurderhim,butheknewthemasterofClanEshinwouldtryagain.Oncetheassassinshadaskaven’sscent,theyneverlostit.Thewarpstone-inducedmadnesshadpassed.Thanquolwasn’tthinkingintermsofkillingSneek.

Theverythoughtsethisbodytremblingwithfear.No,theonlywaytosavehishidewastofindoutwhyClanEshinwantedhimdead.Thenhewouldneedtofindawaytomakethemchangetheirmind.TheonlyotheralternativewastotryandfindanallypowerfulenoughtoprotecthimfromSneek.Thatwouldn’tbeaneasytask.Noneofthewarlordclans,eventhemightyMors,wasstrongenoughtodefyEshin.Thewarlock-engineersofClanSkryrewerecosyasfleaswiththeassassins,developingallkindsofnewmurderdevicesforthem.Nohelpthere.ClanMoulderwasapossibility,iftheungratefulbeastmastersdidn’tblamehimfortheslaverevolt

thathadnearlydestroyedHellPit!NowwasnotthetimetoremindthemthattheattackontheircityhadbeentheworkoftherebelliousmutantLurkSnitchtongue,notthesteadfastandselflessGreySeerThanquol.Pestilens,thetraditionaladversariesofEshin,wasanevenworseproposition.ThanquolhadearnedhisfameattheexpenseofPestilensbydefeatingtherenegadePlaguelordSkratsquik.Nowhe’dunderminedtheireffortstostealtheWormstoneandbeenanunwillingparticipantinthedestructionofNurglitch’sfavouritedisciple,LordSkrolk.TheonlyreasontheplaguemonkswouldprotecthimfromSneekwouldbesotheycouldkillhimthemselves.Thanquolpickedafleafromhisfur,staringindistasteathisgrungysurroundings.Ithadbeentoo

dangeroustoreturntohisownchambers:thatwouldbethefirstplacehiswould-bekillerswouldlookforhim.Theburrowhisfailingstoreofwarp-tokenshadallowedhimtorentwaslittlemorethanaholeclawedoutfromthemuddyfoundationsofSkavenblight.Thedirtwallsdrippedwithmoisture,uglyorangerootsprotrudingfromthemateveryturn.Theceilingwassagging,afewrottenbeamsandpillarscobbledfrombrokenbrickstheonlythingkeepingitfromcollapsingintotheburrow.Foraccoutrements,Thanquolhadapileofinsect-infestedstrawthatsmelledlikeithadlastbeenchangedwhentheGreyLordswereinpower.AdilapidateddeskpilferedfromsomeTileanvillaleanedagainstacornerwhileaniron-bandedtrunkslowlyrottedinanother.This,theservicesofadiseasedhumanslave,threemealsadayandallthestagnantwaterhecouldsuckfromabronzepipeinthetunneloutsidehischamberhadcostThanquolseventeenpreciouswarp-tokens.Thatwaswhatangeredhimthemost.Hisformidablereputationshouldhavebeenenoughtobully

theburrow-masterdowntoatleastsevenwarp-tokens.Itwasalmostasiftheratmanhadn’twantedThanquolinhistunnels.EvenafterBoneripperbrokeafewoftheinsolentswine’sfingers,he’dstucktohisprice.ThefilthyratknewthatThanquolwasinhidingandhadusedthatknowledgetomercilesslyextortmoneyfromhim.Thanquoldidn’tliketothinkthatnewsofhisproblemswithClanEshinhadpercolateddownevenintothesqualoroftheSink,butitcertainlylookedthatway.Hehad

hopedtolosehimselfamongtheteemingmassesofSkavenblight’slesserclanswhileheplottedhisnextmove.ButifthewretchesaroundhimweremoreafraidofClanEshinthantheywereofGreySeerThanquol…Hegroundhisfangstogetherinaggravation.Ifthefilthysewerratsoftheflea-clansthoughtthey

couldsnitchtoSneekabouthisbeingdownintheSinkhe’dguteverylastoneofthevermin!He’dburndowntheirhovelsandcollapsetheirburrows!He’dstringtheirlivinggutsfromoneendofSkavenblighttotheother!He’dfeedtheirnethers…Thanquolsnappedfromhisvengefulruminations,hisnosebristlingasthestinkofhumanblood

struckhissenses.Hecouldseethedimoutlineoftheman-thingslaveattheentrancetohisburrow.Thedim-wittedthinghadprobablybeenstumblingaboutinthedarkagain.Humanswereasgoodasblinddowninthetunnelsanyway.ThanquolwassorelytemptedtoletBonerippertakeabiteoutoftheidiotthing,butwaslessthanoptimisticabouthischancesoftrainingtheratogretododomesticchores.‘Ididnotcallyou,’Thanquolsnappedirritably,lashinghistailagainstthefloor.TheslavestaggeredafewstepsdeeperintohisburrowandThanquolwasabletoseethewretch

better.Hecouldseethescabby,sicklyskinoftheslave,clingingtighttohisbones.Hecouldseethethin,scragglyhairgrowinginpatchesonthehuman’ssore-strewnscalp.Mostofall,however,hecouldseethewet,drippingwoundthatstretchedacrosstheman-thing’sneck.Someonehadslittheslave’sthroatfromeartoear.AlarmflareddownThanquol’sspinewhilefear-muskspurtedfromhisglands.Thegreyseerleapt

towardsthepileofstraw,tearingthroughittoretrievehisswordandstaff,cursinghimselfforusinghislastpieceofwarpstoneinthestreet.ClanEshinhadfoundhim!ClanEshinwashere!Somethingblackerthanblackoozedintotheburrowfromthedarknessofthetunnel.Forafrantic

moment,ThanquolimaginedthattheshadowwizardhadfollowedhimfromAltdorf.Thentheblacknessmovedtowardshim,movedwithaspeedbeyondevenawizard-thing.Hecouldseeablack-furredhandgrippingadrippingblade.ButGreySeerThanquolwasnottheonlyonewhosaw.Bellowinghisfury,Boneripperlurchedup

fromthefloor,hisbackcrackingagainstthesaggingceilingoftheburrow.Thumpinghisclawsagainsthischest,thecrouchingratogrelumberedtowardstheassassin.ThekillerspunawayfromThanquol,springingatBoneripperinafluidmotionthatcarriedhim

underthehulkingmonster ’sclaws.Theratogresnarledinpain,hisjawssnappingatthemurderousshadowasitsprangawayfromhim.Bonerippertookasinglestepinpursuit,thencrashednoisilytothefloor.Inthatbriefmomentofcontact,theassassinhadexpertlyseveredthetendonsineachoftheratogre’slegs.Bonerippersnarledandsnappedfromthefloor,dragginghimselfaftertheassassin.Thanquol

hopedkillingthebrutewoulddistracthisattackerlongenoughforhimtocalluponhisownpowerstoannihilatethescum.Hecouldfeelsorcerousenergiesgatheringabouthim,seepingdownintohisveins.Hefeltapangoflongingforwarpstonethatchurnedhisbellyintoalittleknotofagony.Hissystemfeltemptydrawingmagicintoitwithoutwarpstonetosupporttheeffort.Angrily,Thanquolgnashedhisfangsandredoubledhisexertions.Ifhedidnotstrikequickly,therewouldn’tbeanymorewarpstone,eithernoworlater.Impossibly,evenwitharagingratogreroaringathim,theassassinnoticedThanquol’sefforts.

Evenasthegreyseer ’seyesbegantoglowwithpower,asharpenedlengthofsteelflewthroughthedarkness.TheknifeslammedintoThanquol’sstaff,splinteringthewoodandmissingthegreyseerbyinches.Hestaredinhorrorattheevil-smellingbladeandthegreenvenomdrippingfromitsedge.Thepoisonwasn’tapplied,itwasoozingfromtheblackmetalitself.Aweepingblade,aweapon

carriedbyonlythemostexpertofEshin’skillers!Repulsed,horrified,Thanquolpulledtherevoltingthingfreeandthrewittothefloor.His

concentrationbroken,thegreyseer ’seyesnolongerglowedashecringedagainstthewallofhisburrow.Theassassin,however,wasagainfocuseduponBoneripper.Withaleapandaroll,theskaven

sweptbeneaththeratogre’sclaws,bringingthebladeshecarriedinhishandsscythingthroughthetendonsofthepowerfularms.ThekillerendedhisattackjustbeneathBoneripper ’slashingjaws.Athirdblade,clutchedinthecoilsoftheassassin’stail,stabbedupwards,scrapingpastBoneripper ’sfangstopunchthroughtheroofofhismouthandpiercethetinybraininsidehisthickskull.Bonerippershivered,gasped,andthencrashedagainstthefloor.Theassassinchitteredcoldlyand

steppedawayfromhiskill,turningtowardsThanquoloncemore.Thedeathofhisbodyguardhadtakenlessthanafewheartbeats,toolittletimeforevenThanquol

tofindanopportunitytoescape.Now,ashewatchedtheblack-cloakedmurderercreeptowardshim,sheerdesperationgrippedThanquol’smind.Drawingquicklyuponthedregsofmagicalenergystillleftinhisbodyfromhisstill-bornspell,Thanquolsentaboltofrawaethyricenergysizzlingtowardstheassassin.Thenimbleratmaneasilydivedoutofthespell’spath.Itcontinuedonwards,smashingintooneofthesupports.Agreatgroaningnoisesoundedfromoverhead.Eyeswidewithhorror,Thanquolwatchedastheceilingcamecrashingdown.Thanquolexpectedtobecrushed.Foraninstant,hethoughthehadbeenashisbodywasseizedand

alltheairsmashedfromhislungs.Onlywhenhewasinthetunneloutside,coughingdustfromhismouth,didherealisehewasstillalive.Atleastforthemoment.Lookingupfromthefloorofthetunnel,Thanquolfoundhimselfgazing

atasinisterfigureswathedinblack.Blackfur,blackleatherleggings,blacksilktrousersandblouse,blackcloakandhood.Eventheassassin’sscalytailhadbeendyedblackandtheteethinhismuzzlehadbeenstainedtomatchtherestofhim.Onlytheeyesweredifferent,redandgleamingwithamusedmalice.Theeyes,andthegreenpoisonglowingontheedgeoftheknifehestillheldinhistail.‘YouoweyourfurtotheNightlord,’theassassinsaid.HisvoicesentshiversdownThanquol’s

spine.Itwasathinwhisperingsound,thekindofnoiseadaggermakesasitsharpensagainstastone.Thanquol’sheadswamasheheardthewords.Clearlyithadbeennoeffortonhispartthathad

savedhimfromthecollapse.ButwhywouldtheassassinsavehimaftercomingsofarintothedepthsoftheSinktokillhim?Thegreyseerbaredhisfangsinathreateningdisplayandmadeashowofbrushingmudfromhis

robes.‘Sinceitwasyouwhoputmylifeinfear-doubt,Iam…’Theassassinbaredhisownfangs,histailarcingtohisside,itsmenacingbladepoisedtostrike.

‘YouoweyourfurtotheNightlord,’theskavenrepeated,hiswhisperbecomingagrowl.‘Becauseall-allhesentmetodowasfind-bringyou.’

Thanquolwasn’tsureexactlywhereinSkavenblightClanEshinhadbuiltSneek’spagoda.Itwassomewheredeepunderthecity,thepressureonhisearstoldhimthat,yettherewasalsothestagnantsmelloftheBlightedMarshesinhisnosethattoldhimhewasnearthesurface.Eshinmadeahabitofusingdwarfslavestobuildtheirstrongholds,andthedwarf-thingshadmanywaysoftrickingskaven.Perhapstheyusedextremelydenserockintheceilingtoincreasethesenseofpressure,ormaybetheyhadsomewayofpipingthesmellofthemarshesdeepunderground.ItwasapuzzleThanquolpromisedhimselfhewouldlookinto.Allowing,ofcourse,thatheeverleftthisplacealive.Hestoodinadark,spaciouschamber.Thefloorbeneathhisclawswaspiledwithelaborately

wovenrugs,theirpatternticklingthepadsofhispaws.Theceilingwaslostsomewhereinthe

darknessabovehim,thewallsobscuredbysilkenveilsthatswayedandtrembledinthewarmbreezethatcrawledthroughtheroom.Athick,headyscentofincensepressedinaroundhim,fillinghisnosewithanotunpleasantstingingfeeling,likeafaintechoofthewarpstonesnuffheenjoyeduponoccasion.Consideringhisfavouritediversion,Thanquoldugapawintothepocketofhisrobe.Hestaredin

confusionattheslow,clumsywayhishandmoved.Therewasawarningsnarlfrombehindhim,andapowerfulclawdugpainfullyintohisshoulder.Thanquolspunaroundatthecontact,aspasmoffearrunningthroughhimasherealisedhowslowhisreactionswere.Theincense!FarmorepotentthaneventhatemployedbytheLordsofDecayintheShattered

Tower,itwasintoxicatinghisnerveswithitssoporificstink,renderinghimslowandclumsy.Histhoughtswerenolesssharp,however,andagrimgleamcreptintoThanquol’seyeashesawhowslowlytheEshinguardmovedtorestrainhim.Whateverthevapourwas,theassassinswerenotimmunetoiteither.Theguardbaredhisblackenedfangs,readingthechangeinThanquol’spostureasasignofthe

greyseer ’sdiscovery.Likelightning,hispawdrewadrippingknifefrombeneathhisblouse.Thanquolpulledaway,tryingtowardawaytheassassinwithhispaws.ThiswasthesamekillerwhohadmurderedBoneripper.Hewasundernodelusionabouthisabilitytomeettheassassin’sspeed,evenwithouttheincensedullinghisreflexes.‘Peace,GreySeerThanquol,’avoicelikethewhisperofadrawndaggerscratchedattheedgeof

Thanquol’shearing.TheEshinguard-ratreleasedhimandheturnedbackaroundtofindhimselffacingaraiseddaisuponwhichstoodanelaboratelyengravedthrone,aseatofmusky-scentedwoodcarvedfromtoptofootwithwrithingdragonsandleeringdevils.Impossibly,thesputteringlightofthewarpstonebrazierssmoulderingtoeithersideofthechairilluminatedthecrownandsides,butlefttheseatitselfinperfectshadow.Fromthatshadow,apairofsinisterredeyesglistenedinserenemalevolence.AshivercrawleddownThanquol’sspineasheunderstoodwhoitwassittinginthedarkness.NightlordSneek’sblack-furredpawemergedintothelighttobeckonhimforwards.Thanquol

couldseethelong,ghastlynailsthattippedeachofSneek’sfingers,grotesquethingsthathadnotbeengnawedortrimmedsincehe’drisentotheranksoftheCouncil.NoweachwasalmostaslongastheNightlord’shands.Theyhadbeenpaintedwithcuriouscharacters,theweirdwritingofthemenofCathay.ItwasalanguageunknowneventomostoftheLordsofDecay,asecretknownonlytotheNightlordandhisclosestdisciples.Thanquolwonderedwhatsinistermessagewaswrittenonthosetalonsandwhowasmeanttoreadthem.Theguard-ratsheathedhisweepingblade,shufflingbacktoleanagainstoneoftheCathayan

columnsthatlinedthecentreofthechamber.Hiseyes,however,continuedtoregardThanquolwithunnervingintensity.‘Comeforward,GreySeerThanquol,’Sneekrepeated.‘ThereismuchIwouldspeak-saywiththe

famous-honouredThanquol.’TheNightlord’spawvanishedbackintotheshadowandtherecamethesoundofhandsclappingtogether.Frombehindthesilkenveils,atrainofskavenslavesemerged,bearingplattersofsweetmeatsandpungentTileancheeses,jugsofbloodwineandpotsofthepungentgreenliquidClanEshinhadbecomeaddictedtoduringtheirlongsojourninCathay.Thanquoleyedthevictualssuspiciously,evenashisstomachrebelliouslygrowled.Hestartedto

reachforatrayofsweetmeatsbeforecommonsensedrewhishandback.Itseemedalotofworktobringhimherejusttopoisonhim,buttheLordsofDecaywerenotknownforthepracticalityoftheiroften-murderouswhims.Thanquolpushedthetrayawayfromhim.HeknewenoughabouttheweirdritualsofEshintoturnandbowtotheNightlord’sthroneasherefusedhishospitality.Therewasjusttheslightesthintofachucklefromtheshadows,thenSneekclappedhishands

togetherasecondtime.Theslavecarryingthesmellypotofteascurriedupthestepsofthedaistopresentthebeveragetohismaster.‘YouarecuriouswhyIcallyou,Thanquol,’Sneek’sthinwhispercutthroughthedarknessofhis

lair.‘Ifindmyselfinneedofagreyseer.Onewitheveryreasontobeloyaltome.’Thanquollickedhisfangsnervously.LoyaltytoClanEshinwassomethingofalifetime

commitment,howevershortthatmightbe.‘I–Iamhonouredbyyourconfidence,exaltedmurder-master,butmyoath-servicetotheHornedRatismybond.Icanserve-obeynoother.’‘KritislikandTisqueekareevennowsellingyourmangypelttocurryfavourwithNurglitch,’

Sneeksaid.‘TheseerlordshopetouseClanPestilenstocurbtheambitionsofClanSkryre.GivingNurglitchyourglandsinawarpstonebowlwillgofartoimpressingthatdiseasedpustuleoftheirsincerity.’Thanquolfelthiskneesbucklebeneathhimandheslumpedtothefloor.Kritislikwasbetraying

himtoClanPestilens?AfterhehadselflesslyriskedhislifetokeeptheWormstoneoutofNurglitch’spaws?Theplaguemonkswereheretics,worshippingsomegrotesquedaemon-thingandpretendingitwastheHornedOne!HeknewKritislikhatedWarplordMorskittarwithapassion,buttocondonetheblasphemouswaysofPestilensinordertorestrainthewarlock-engineerswasuttermadness!AgehadfinallycrippledKritislik’ssenses,orelsethepoisonTisqueekkepttryingtolacetheseniorseerlord’sfoodwithwasfinallyhavinganeffect!AgainNightlordSneekclappedhispaws.Inresponse,theveilsbehindhisthroneparted.Apairof

sinister-lookingskavenemergedfromtheblacknessbeyondtheveils.Onewasacloakedkiller,hisfacewrappedinstripsofdarkenedleather,hislefthandencasedwithinawickedlysharpsteelfightingclaw.Theotherwasalean,emaciatedratmanwithasicklypeltofcharcoal-colouredfur.HeworeadarkrobeofCathayansilkandleaneduponagnarledstaff.Thanquolstaredinalarmatthetalismansdanglingfromthongsaffixedtothestaff.Thestoriesweretrue,then.ClanEshinhadtheirownheathensorcerers,versedinsomearcanearttheyhadlearnedinthemysteriouseast.‘ThisisShiwanStalkscent,’Sneeksaid,oneofhisgrotesquelylongclawsindicatingthecloaked

skaven.TheassassingaveThanquolamockingbow,thenranthebackofhispawacrosshisdrippingnose.Sneekindicatedtheotherskaven.‘ThisisShenTsinge,’hiswhisperyvoicerasped.ThesorcerersimplybaredhisfangsatThanquol.‘Theyhavebeenentrustedwithanhonour-taskofimportancetome.Toensuretheysucceed,Iamsendingyouwiththem,GreySeerThanquol.’Thanquolstaredatthetwosinisterskaven.Hecouldseethehateintheireyes.Shiwan,likemostof

Eshin’sassassins,hadhisscentglandsremovedsotherewasnothinginhissmelltomakeThanquolanywiserabouttheemotionscoursingthroughhim.Shen,however,stankofhostility,theenviousfugofawhelppushedfromitsbrood-mother ’steatbyastrongersibling.HisownexploitswereknownfarandwidethroughouttheUnder-Empire,yetthesetwoshowednottheslightesttraceofintimidationinhispresence.Tobesoopenaboutchallengingagreyseermeantmorethanimpiety.Itsuggestedahideousdegreeofabilityandambitionaswell.‘Iwish-praythemmuch-muchsuccessontheirventure,’Thanquolsaid,repeatinghisdeferential

bowtotheNightlord.‘UnfortunatelymydutydemandsIstay-stayinSkavenblight.’ThechillingchuckleofNightlordSneekwheezedfromthedarkness.‘Ifyouleave,Thanquol,it

willcausememuchunhappiness.’Sneekwavedhisopenpalmsinahelplessgesture.‘IwouldneedtosendDeathmasterSnikchlookingforyouagain.Onlythistimehewouldnotbringyouback.’Eyeswideassaucers,Thanquolturnedinhorrortotheguard-ratleaningagainsttheCathayan

column.DeathmasterSnikchgrinnedathimwithamuzzlefilledwithblackenedfangs.Thanquolcouldn’tkeepasquealofterrorfromrumblinguphisthroat.‘Perhapsyouhavereconsidered?’NightlordSneekdidnotevengiveThanquoltimetoanswerhim.

‘TooffsettheambitionsofSeerlordKritislikandpreventalliancebetweenthegreyseersandClan

Pestilens,Ifinditnecessarytotreatwiththeplaguepriestsinmyownway.’Sneekclappedhispawstogether.Inresponse,ShenTsingescurriedforward,approachingthebaseofthedais.‘Manybreedingsago,whenGreyLordsyetruledtheUnder-Empire,ClanPestilensbuild-make

ownempirefaracrossgreatwaters.Long-longtheystay,lost-forgotbyallskaven.’Shenliftedhisfingerforemphasisashemadehisnextpoint.‘Plaguemonksfight-fightcold-thingstorule-keepjungle.Many-manybattlestheyfight-fight,butalwaysplaguemonkswin.Thencold-thingscallgreatmagic.Bringnew-newgod-devilintoworld.’Thanquol’shearthammeredinhischest.Noskavenhadfailedtohearofthehorribledevil-godthat

hadroutedClanPestilensfromtheirancienthomelandandpursuedthemintotheswampsoftheSouthlands.SotektheSnakeDaemon,whosejawscouldswallowanentirewarreninasinglebite!‘Long-timeago,westeal-takemapfromplaguelords,’Shiwanboasted,wipinghispawacrosshis

noseagainasastringofmucusbrushedhiswhiskers.‘Mapshow-telloldcold-thingplacewheretheycallsnake-devil.’‘Cold-thingsbuild-maketempleofserpentthere,’Shenexplained.‘Keepsnake-devilfedwith

skavenhearts.Greatprophetofsnake-devilthere,listeningforsnake-devil’swords.’NightlordSneekclappedhispawstogetheragain.ShenandShiwanbowedtotheirmasterandwere

silent.SneekpointedoneofhistalonsatThanquol.‘Pestilenshastriedmanytimestokillthesnake-prophet.IfEshinsucceedswheretheplaguelordshavefailed,itwillmakethemafraid.Tooafraidtoopposemypower.’Thanquolshudderedattheidea.SneakingintotheverytempleofSotektokillthesnake-devil’s

highpriest!Itwasonhistonguetosuggestacertaindwarf-thingandhishumanpetforthejobwhenanevenmoredisturbingthoughtoccurredtohim.Sneekwasn’tworriedaboutPestilensmakingalliancesagainsttherestoftheCouncil;hewantedPestilenstoallywithEshin!Bymurderingthearch-foeoftheplaguelords,Eshinwouldbeabletotreatwiththemfromapositionofdominanceanddictatethetermsoftheiralliance.Inthelastcivilwar,onlytheoppositionoftheassassinshadpreventedtheplaguemonksfromoverwhelmingalltheotherclans.Ifthetwounitedtogethertheremightbenothingthatcouldstopthem!‘Youarequiet,GreySeerThanquol,’NightlordSneeksaid.‘Areyouthinkingofleavingus?’AneagerhissofanticipationraspedthroughDeathmasterSnikch’sfangsasSneekspoke.Thanquol

resistedtheurgetoturnandseeifhewasdrawingoneofhispoisonedblades.‘No-no!’ThanquolassuredtheNightlord.‘Iwasonlyworryingthattherearetraitorstryingto

stop-stopyourgreatandgloriousplan,ohmurderousdaimyo!OnlyafewdaysagoIwasattackedinthestreets…’TheNightlord’stalonsstabbedaccusinglyatthegreyseer.‘TherearenotraitorsinClanEshin!’

Sneek’svoicewasarumblinggrowlnow,theserenewhispercrackingintheheatofhisfury.‘Anadeptwouldsoonerslithisownbellythandefyme!’Thanquol’sfurcrawledashefelttheNightlord’sragefixedonhim.However,theonlywayto

escapethatangerwastofeedit.‘Grandslayerofkings,Idonotdoubt-questionyourmightypower!FirstamongtheLordsof

Decay,fearedevenbythosewhositupontheCouncil!YetIspeak-saynoliewhenItellyouanassassinofyourclantriedtomurdermeinthestreet!Theslinking-cowarduseddartsfromablowguntogoadmeintousingmymeagreknowledgeofmagictodefendmyself,knowingsuchadisplayofpowerwouldsetthecrowdintoamindlesspanic.Hethoughttohidehiscrimebycrushingmebeneaththeirpaws!’NightlordSneek’spawsdisappearedbackintotheshadow.‘Iwilllookintothis,Thanquol.Ifyou

havespokentrue,Iwillhavethetraitor ’sspleeninmyhand.Ifyouaretryingtotrickme,DeathmasterSnikchwillbringmeyourspleeninstead.’

Thanquolriskedasidewiseglanceattheloungingmaster-killer.Snikchgrinnedbackathim,hispinktonguelickinghispaintedteeth.TherewasnoplaceintheUnder-EmpireanyonecouldhidefromtheDeathmaster.ClappingpawsendedThanquol’saudiencewiththeNightlord.‘ShiwanandShenwillattendyou,’

Sneeksaid.‘Theyarefullyversedinmyplans.Follow-obeythem,Thanquol.DefytheirordersandIshallconsideritdefyingmyown.’DeathmasterSnikch’sbloodthirstychuckleattheNightlord’sthreatwasstillringinginThanquol’s

earsasShiwanandShenledhimintooneofthenarrowtunnelshiddenbehindtheveils.

ChangFangwasaskavenwithbigproblems.AshemadehiswaythroughthestreetsofSkavenblight,hehuggedthemanskincloaktightaroundhisbody.He’ddyedhisfur,rubbedthedisembodiedglandsoftwoclanratsintohisskin,discardedallofhisweaponsandequipmentlesttheirsmellbetrayhim.IneverywayandineverydetailhetriedtopresenttheappearanceofaClanMuskritboghunter.Fromsmelltoposturetoappearance,hetriedtomakehimselfinconspicuous.HewasrealisticabouthischancesoffoolinghiskinsratsofClanEshin.Ifheliveduntildawnit

wouldbeawonderworthyoftheHornedRat.Thedisguisedassassingroundhisfangstogetherandcursedforthethousandthtimethescentof

GreySeerThanquol.Themaggotshouldhavebeendead,crushedbeneaththestampedingpawsofahundredskaven.Anignobledeathforaconniving,cowardly,self-importantflea!Longoverdue,fartoolongdelayed.Thanquolneededtobeshownthathecouldnotbetrayhisfellowskavenwithimpunity.TherewereconsequencesandChangFangintendedthegreyseerwouldsufferthem!HisownruinwasThanquol’sfault.ThegreyseerhadusedChangSquikinhiscrazedschemeto

destroytheman-thingnestcalledNuln.Tocoverhisownincompetence,ThanquolhadabandonedChangSquiktodie,thenblamedhismanyfailuresonthedeadassassin.ChangSquikhadbeentrainedaspartofthesametriadofassassinsasChangFang;thedisgrace

sufferedbyChangSquikinfectedthereputationsofthesurvivorsofthetriad.Noonewouldhiretheservicesofanassassintaintedwiththestinkoffailure,evenClanEshin.Unabletoexpandthefortunesoftheirclanthroughmurder,ChangFangandChangKritchhadbeenexpungedfromtheranksoftheassassins.ChangKritchhadopenedhisbellyinshame,butChangFanghadendured.Theneedforvengeancehadsustainedhim.Hewouldsurvive!HewouldescapethedaggersofhiskinandhewouldfindGreySeerThanquol

again!ChangFanglashedhistailinannoyance,nearlytrippinganoverburdenedskavenslavescurrying

downthestreetbesidehim.Itwasunfair!HowwashetoknowtheNightlordwantedthedamngreyseerforoneofhisschemes!Bythetimehefoundout,he’dalreadymadetheattempttokillhishatedenemy.Ofcourse,thatonlymadethingsevenworse.TointerferewiththeNightlordwasbadenough,butforanassassin,evenadisgracedone,tofailtokillhistargetwasacrimethatcouldberedeemedonlywithblood.Ifitwasnottobehisown,thenhemustkillThanquol.OtherwisetheHornedRatwouldgnawonhissoulwhenhedied.Theassassin’sfacesplitinavicioussnarl,hisclawscurlingintohispalms.ItwouldbeThanquol’s

blood,nothisown!Somehow,hewouldfindtheslipperygreyseerandmakehimpay.Agreen-robedfigureintrudeduponChangFang’sthoughtsofvengeance.Sointentlyhadthe

assassinbeenwatchingforothersofhiskindthathehadnotnoticedtheplaguemonksastheyoozedtheirwaythroughtheteemingmassofskaventhatfilledthenarrowstreet.ChangFangmaintainedhisposeofbog-hunterandtriedtosquirmpasttheodiousmonk.Herealisedhismistakewhenthemonk’sdecayedpawclosedaroundhisarm.Hebroughthisfootsmashingintotheratman’sbellyinasavagekickthatsenthimcrashingthroughthethrongaroundthem.

ChangFangdidnotwaittoseehowbadlythekickhadcrippledtheplaguemonk,insteadturningtovanishintothecrowd.Hisescapewasblocked,however,byasolidmassoftatteredrobesandmangyfur.Arustyknifepressedagainsthischest.‘Greetings,murder-meat,’theknife-holdingplaguemonkcoughed.‘Ourmasterwouldspeak-say

much-much.Youcomewithus,yes-yes.’Theplaguemonksweresilentastheymarchedtheircaptivethroughthedingyalleywaysof

Skavenblight,downdarkcorridorssodesolatethattheybarelyhadtopushanyoneoutoftheirway.Soon,thestrangeprocessionstoodbeforeapartiallycollapsedstonestructure,itsbrokenblocksjuttingupfromthemudaroundit.Oneoftheplaguemonksindicatedawindowgapingafewfeetabovethemud.AnotherofthemonkspushedChangFangtowardsit.BrieflythethoughtoffightingbackflashedthroughChangFang’smind.Quicklyitwasdiscarded.

Evenifhewonclearofsomanyfoes,theskirmishwassuretobenoticed.TheNightlord’sspieswereeverywhere.Besides,iftheplaguemonkswantedhimdead,hewouldalreadybeso.ChangFangsquirmedthroughthewindow,slidingintotheroombeyond.Theflooroftheroom

abovehadbeentorndowntoopentheceilingofthemud-chokedchamberhenowfoundhimselfin.Theairwasrankwiththepestilentstenchofrotanddecay.Half-eatenthingswerepiledonthefloorbeforeabloatedwarpstoneidolonlythederangedimaginationoftheplaguelordswouldseeasrepresentingtheHornedRat.Ifhisglandshadn’tbeenremoved,ChangFangwouldhavespurtedthemuskoffearjustlookingatthenoxiousthing.Revolted,heturnedhiseyesfromtheidol.Nowhesawthatitwasnottheonlyoccupantofthe

slimyroom.Severalgreen-robedplaguemonkswereseatedonthefloor,eachofthemfuriouslypolishingasmallchunkofwarpstone.Behindthem,seatedatoponeofthefallenblocksofstone,wasashapealmostasghastlyastheobeseidol.Itwasabloatedratman,hisskinpeeling,hishairhanginginlumpypatches,hisfleshasicklygreenwhereitwasnotblotchedwithsoresandboils.Theratman’smuzzlewasadecayedstump,hisrottenlipsunabletocoverhisfangs.Mosthideousofallwerehiseyes.Onewasanemptyholeinhisface,theotherwasapolishedpieceofpurewarpstone.Despitetheimpossibility,ChangFangknewthecreaturecouldseehimwiththatwarpstoneeye.‘TheyworktofashionaneweyeforLordSkrolk,’thegrislythingonthestoneblockdeclared,

pointingawitheredfingerathisemptyeyesocket.‘TheonewhoseworkIchoosewillbemadeadeacon.Theotherswillbemadeintomeat.’ChangFangshiveredtoheartheplaguelord’sbubbling,decayedvoiceandthecallousindifference

hedisplayedtowardsthefateofhisunderlings.Ifhetreatedhisownclaninsuchfashion,whatcouldChangFangexpect?‘TerribleLordSkrolk,horrorofallskavendom,ifthiswretched-foolishonehas-hasoffended…’Skrolk’srottingfacepulledbackinasnarl.‘Donottest-temptmypatience!Iknow-seeyouare

ChangFang!’Theassassinrecoiledfromthethreateningvoiceasthoughitweretheroarofaswampdragon.

Unconsciously,hedroppedintoanEshinfightingstance.Hiseyesdartedacrosstheroomlookingforameansofescape.Itwouldtaketoolongtoclimbthewallsandthereweremoremonkswaitingoutsidethewindow.Perhapsbehindtheidol…LordSkrolkmadeaplacatinggesturewithhispaw.‘Wearefriends,ChangFang,’hecroaked.‘We

shareacommonenemy.’SuddenlyescapenolongerinterestedChangFang.‘Thanquol,’hegrowled.Theplaguelord’swormytaillashedangrilyagainstthestoneblock.‘I’vehadalong-longswim

thankstohim,’Skrolkhissed.‘Exceptforhistreason,Iwouldhavepresentedagreat-greattreasuretomymaster.Nowmytonguegrowsheavywithexcuses.’ChangFanggroundhisteethtogether.‘HeisprotectedbytheNightlord,’hecursed.‘Wecan’t

touchThanquolwithoutsufferinghiswrath.’‘GreySeerThanquolwillsoonbeleavingSkavenblight,’LordSkrolksaid.‘Sneekissendinghim

faraway,beyondeventheprotectionofEshin’sassassins.’ThereseemedtobeavengefulgleaminSkrolk’swarpstoneeyeashespoke.Thesamegleamthat

shoneinChangFang’seyesashelistened.‘SneekissendinganexpeditiontoLustria,sendingthemtokilltheProphetofSotek.’Lord

Skrolk’sloathsomelaughterbubbledthroughthesunkenroom.‘HeissendingThanquolwithhisskavenincasetheyneedhismagictoovercomethepowersofthesnake-devil.YouwillseethatThanquolfails.’‘HowcanIgettohimifhe’sinLustria?’ChangFangasked,fumblingovertheunfamiliarname.‘Myhenchratshavekill-killedoneofyourclanandmadeitseemhewastheonesniff-snifffor

Thanquol’sblood.Youwilltakehisplaceontheexpedition.Kill-slayThanquolwhenyoucan,thenmakesurenoneoftheotherscomeback.’ChangFang’sfurbristledasheheardLordSkrolk’sfinalcondition.‘Kill-slaymyownclan?’‘Theywouldkill-slayyou,’LordSkrolkpointedout.‘Thisexpeditionisafool’serrandSneekhas

beentrickedinto,yourclanwilltake-findnoprofit.Whenyoukill-slayThanquol,noneoftheotherscanreturntosqueak-speakofwhathappened.’TheassassinconsideredSkrolk’swords,thenbowedhishead.‘Thanquolwilldie,’ChangFangpromised.

CHAPTERTHREE

Shiprats

ThetrimsailingshipmadegoodtimeasshecutthroughthecoldwatersoftheGreatWesternOcean,spraydrippingfromthebuxom,serpentinefigureheadfittedtoherprow.Whitesailsbillowedhighaboveherswayingdecks,flagssnappinginthewindfromherthreetoweringmasts.Thebarqueseemedalmostathingalive,sogracefullydidsheglideuponthesea.TheCobraofKhemriwasoutoftheFreeCityofMarienburg.TheFreetradersofMarienburgwere

themostprosperousmerchantsinalltheOldWorld.Throughtheirhandspassedgoodsfromallpointsofthecompass:spicesfromAraby,silksfromCathay,weirdbeastsfromtheSouthlandsandstrangemetalsfromthesavageshoresofNorsca.Thebarque’svoyage,however,wastostillmoreexoticshores:theelfhomelandsofUlthuan.TradewiththeelvesofUlthuanwasstrictlyregulatedbytheirPhoenixKing,limitedtoonlyahandfulofguildsandtradingcompanies.ThesefewmercantileconcernswereallowedaccesstotheelvenportofLothern,theonlyplaceinallUlthuanwhereoutsiderswouldbetolerated.HoldingaveryrealmonopolyonelvengoodsbeingbroughtintotheOldWorld,thesemenandtheirelvensponsorscouldcommandtheirownpricesonelfcrafts,makingthetradeunspeakablylucrative.AfterasinglevoyagetoUlthuan,aseacaptaincouldearnenoughfromhisownmeagreshareofthecargotoretirecomfortably.Themerchantsthemselveslivedlikeprinces.TheCobraofKhemri,however,wasnotownedbyoneoftheselectfewtraderslicensedtodeal

withtheelves.Herholdfilledwithfurs,fruitsandtimberfromtheOldWorld,shewouldbeallowedtooffloadhercargoandsellitonthedockstothemerchantsofUlthuanforwhateverpittancetheelveswouldgiveforsuchcuriosities.Buttofillherholdswithelffabrics,dyes,perfumes,ceramicsandobjetsd’art,thepartofthevoyagewherethepromiseofrealwealthlay,wouldtakeaformaltradeagreementwiththeSealordsofLothern.Theship’sownerthoughtabouttheprecariousprospectofmakingthelongvoyagefornothing.

LukasvanSommerhauswasapatroon,oneofthewealthymerchantsofMarienburg.Oratleasthehadbeen.Underhisstewardship,theenterprisebuiltbyhisgreat-grandfatherhaddwindled,collapsinginuponitselfuntiltherewasalmostnothingleft.Fromafleetoffiftyships,theSommerhausnamenowcontrolledonlythree.VanSommerhausstaredoutatthesea,watchingthedarkwaterscrashagainsttheprow.The

backersoftheSommerhausTradingCompanyblamedhimforthefailuresthatbesetthebusiness.TheyheldhimtoaccountfortheridiculousantagonismofthedogmaticroyalistsoftheEmpire,menwhorefusedtoeitherunderstandorappreciategenius!They’dtriedtodestroyhimforrefusingtobeboundbytradition,andwhentheycouldn’tdothat,theyhadsetabouttryingtodestroyhisbusiness.Thesharkskinglovesonhishandscreakedasheclenchedhisfists.Theywerefools,blind

superstitiousfools!Andhismoney-grubbingpartnerswerenobetter!Whatwerethey,afterall,butsmallmenwithpettyideas!Hewasabovethem.Hewasapatroon!

‘Mourningthefamilybusiness?’VanSommerhausturnedasheheardthesoft,femininevoiceathiselbow.Thepatroonwasatall

manandhetoweredovertheshortwomanwhohadspokentohim.Hisheavy,dullfeaturescontortedintoanoutragedscowl.Hepulledawayfromtherailoftheship,hishandwhippingabout,crackingagainstthewoman’scheek.Shecrumpledtothedeck,herfingersclutchingatherfacewherethepatroon’sringshadtornherdelicateskin.Therewasresignation,notfear,inherexpressionasvanSommerhausloomedoverheranddrewhishandbackforanotherblow.Theslapneverstrucktheyoungwoman.VanSommerhausfoundhisarmunabletomove,saw

strongfingersclosedaroundhisarm,crumplingthevelvetmaterialofhisshirt.Heglaredintothefaceofthemanwhoheldhim.‘Youdaretouchapatroon?’vanSommerhaussnarled.‘Hitheragainandyou’llseehowdaringIam,’thebroad-shoulderedmanwhoheldhimgrowled

back.Hewasaheadshorterthanthetallpatroon,butmuchmorepowerfullybuiltthantheleanmerchant.Notthewirymusclesofthebarque’ssailors,butthedeadlybrawnofaprofessionalsoldier.‘Youforgetyourplace,Adalwolf,’vanSommerhaussaid.HewrenchedhisarmfreeasAdalwolf

allowedhisholdtoslacken.Puffingouthischest,thepatroonmadeapointofsmoothingthecrumpledmaterialofhisshirtbeforemarchingofftojointhebarque’scaptainonthequarterdeck.Themercenarywatchedhisemployerstompoff,shakinghisheadindisgust.He’dbeenemployed

bytheSommerhausTradingCompanyfornearlytenyears,butthisvoyagemarkedthelongesthehadbeencalledupontosufferthepatroon’scompany.Afteraweekatseawiththeman,hefoundhimselfwonderingiftherewereanygoblinwarlordswhoneededaswordsman.‘Thatwasstupid.’Adalwolflookeddownasheheardthewomanspeak.Hereachedahanddowntohelpherup,but

sheignoredthegesture,liftingherselfoffthedeckdespitethethickfoldsofthedresswrappedaroundherlegs.Themercenarycouldn’thelphiseyeslingeringoverher.HiltrudeKaestnerwasn’tthebestlooking

womanhe’deverseen.Shewasalittletooshortforhistastes,abittoofullinherfigure.Herfeatureswerepretty,notbeautiful,andherdarkhairwascurledandcoiledintooneoftheelaborateextravagancesthatremindedhimunpleasantlyofthearistocrats.Still,howevermuchshewasn’thistype,shewascertainlyeasierontheeyesthanthescruffyseadogswhocrewedtheCobraofKhemri.‘You’rewelcome,’Adalwolfgrumbled.Hiltrudepushedagainsthischestwithoneofherslenderhands.‘Mindyourownbusiness,’she

hissed.‘IknowwhatI’mdoing.’Adalwolfshruggedhisshoulders.‘Fine.NexttimeIlethimhityouallhelikes.’Sharpeyesglaredintothemercenary’s.‘Look,vanSommerhausretainsmetoentertainhim,just

likeheretainsyoutocarveuppiratesandmutineers.That’sthearrangement.’‘Seemstomeyoucoulddobetter,’Adalwolfsaid,handingherakerchieftodaubthebruiseonher

cheek.Hiltrudesnatchedtheclothfromhim,pressingittoherface.‘Hepayswell,’shesaid,asifthat

explainedeverything.Seeingthewordsmadenoimpact,shesighedandelaborated.‘He’sunderalotofstress.Thefamilyfortuneandallthat.Icantellwhenit’sgettingtohim.’ShecastasidewiseglanceatthequarterdeckwherevanSommerhauswasinaheateddiscussionwithCaptainSchachter.‘Ideliberatelyprovokedhim,gavehimsomeonetolashoutat.He’dfeelbetter,I’dgetknockedaroundabit.Nobigdeal.WhenwegetbacktoMarienburg,hespendssomeofwhat’sleftofthefamilyfortuneonme.’‘He’snoonetoblamebuthimself,’Adalwolftoldher.‘ThetroublewiththeEmpireishisown

fault,notyours.Ifhehadn’tdecidedhewasaplaywright…’

Despiteherself,Hiltrudecouldn’trepressachuckle.‘TheVictoriousLifeofVanHaltheVampireHunter,’shelaughed.‘Oneperformancebeforeitclosed,’Adalwolfgrinned.‘Oh,itdidn’tclose,’Hiltrudecorrectedhim.‘Itwasclosed.ByorderoftheLordProtector.Seems

thewitchhuntersdidn’tlikeoneoftheirheroesbeingrepresentedasashape-changingChildofUlric.ItwastheUniversityofAltdorfthatcondemneditforhistoricalinaccuracy.’‘VanHalhuntingdownVladvonCarstein,wasn’tit?’Adalwolfasked,tryingtorememberthe

detailsoftheplay.Hiltrudelaughedagainandnoddedherhead.‘VanHalbeingdeadfortwohundredyearsbeforethe

VampireWarswasn’tthesortofdetailLukaswouldletgetinthewayofhismasterpiece.Ididn’tseeit,butDetlefSierckdid.Ibelievehisexactwordswere“Thismoronicabominationisnottheatre”.’‘Idon’tknow,itwasbetterthanhisrewriteofPrinceofNehekhara.’Theinterruptioncamefroma

thinmandressedinblue-greyrobestrimmedwithawhitewavepattern,ascrimshawalbatrosspectoralstrungabouthisneck.Thelevitylefttheman’sleathery,sea-bittenfaceashenotedtheuglybruiseonHiltrude’sface.Heremovedaclam-shellflaskfromhisbelt,thenreachedforthekerchiefthewomanheld.Afteramomentofresistance,Hiltrudelethimhaveit.Thewoman’seyeswerefrightenedasshewatchedhimdripthecontentsoftheflaskontotheclothbeforehandingitbacktoher.‘BrotherDiethelmmeansnoharm,’Adalwolfassuredher.Thepriestsmiledatthemercenary.‘Thereisnothingtofear,’thepriestsaid.‘Itisjustseawater.Itwillsting,butitwillhelpyour

injuryhealfastandleavenoblemish.’Hiltrudestilllookedsuspicious,butshepressedtheclothtohercheek.Shewincedasthepriest’s

predictionaboutitstingingprovedtrue.‘IthoughthealingwasthedomainofShallya,notManann,’shequipped.Diethelmgrinnedbeneathhisshortblondbeard.‘Manannhastaughtusafewtricks,’hesaidwitha

wink.‘MaybehecouldteachafewofthemtovanSommerhaus,’Adalwolfsaid.‘Idon’tthinkthepatroonwouldlisten,’Diethelmanswered.‘He’sanobstinatesortoffellow.’ThatremarkbroughtnodsfrombothAdalwolfandHiltrude.‘He’sconvincedthatelfisgoingtohelphimrebuildhisfortune,’Adalwolfsaid.Alleyesturnedto

theforecastlewherethesubjectofhisremarkwasstanding,onebootsetupontheprow,hiseyeslockeduponthehorizon.EthrilFeyfarerwouldstandthereforhourswatchingthesea.TherewasnoquestionhewaseagertoreturntoUlthuan.ItwashisreasonforgoingbackthatAdalwolfwasdubiousabout.He’dnevermetapoorelf.Hewasfairlycertainthatstillheldtrue.‘Ihopehe’sbeinghonestwithLukas,’Hiltrudesaid,worryinhervoice.Shepressedtheclotha

littleclosertohercheek.‘Elvesareverycarefulwiththeirpromises,’Diethelmtoldthem.‘Anythingthisonehaspromised

vanSommerhaushewillhonour.Buthewillkeeptheletterofthebargain,notthespirit.Amanmustbecarefulmakingagreementswithelves.’Thepriestturnedawayfromtheprow.Hisfacegrewdour.‘However,Idon’tthinkEthrilholdsthefutureofvanSommerhausinhishands,’thepriestsaid,his

voiceheavy.AdalwolfandHiltrudefollowedthepriest’sstaringeyes.Atfirst,theycouldseenothing,thenthey

sawwhatDiethelm’seeriegazehadseenbeforethem.Blackcloudsrollingagainstthesternwardhorizon,skyandseaseemingtoboilwiththefuryoftheircoming.Itwasastorm,astormsuchasevenAdalwolfhadneverseen.Astormthatwasbearingdownonthemwithhorrificspeed.‘ThefutureofvanSommerhaus,andeveryoneonthisship,isinthehandsofLordManann,’the

priestsaid,hiswordslittlemorethananawedwhisper.

TheswelteringTileansunbeatdownupontheswarmingharbourofSartosaasthoughanangrygodglowereddownuponthepiratestrongholdwithdispleasure.Alessdivinefigure,CaptainVittorioBorghesegloweredfromthequarterdeckashiscrewtookon

thelastoftheirsupplies.Halfthescumwerestillbleary-eyedfromtwoweeksofdrinkingandwenching,andtheotherhalfweregrumblingaboutriggeddice.ThepiratecaptainrolledhiseyesashewatchedapairofduskyEstalianbuccaneersarguingabouthowtosetthestaysailsbetweentheship’smasts.Hecouldalmostsmelltherot-gutrumontheirbreathastheirrapid-fireargumentgrewmorevitriolic.HewonderedifLukaSilvaroeverhadthesekindsofdaysashiseyesrovedthedecklookingforhishulkingfirstmatetocracktheirheadstogetherbeforetheargumentwentanyfurther.Insteadofhismate,thepiratecaptainfoundhimselfwatchinganevil-lookingBretonnian

swaggeringdownthedocktowardshisship.Behindhim,ahalf-dozenmurderousthugspulledalongwoodencart.Vittoriohadonlyeverseenasimilarcontrivancewhenhe’dbeenaboyinMiraglianoandatravellingcircushadcometotown.Thecart,withitssteelbars,lookedlikenothingsomuchasamenageriewagon.Onlyinsteadofaleeringharpyortoothlessmanticore,thecagewasfilledwiththegroaningbodiesofmen.‘ClearingoutthedregsofPegStreet,Levasseur?’Vittoriodemandedasthestrangeprocession

approachedhisship.Thecold-eyedBretonniandoffedthetricornhatheworeinacourtlybow.‘IheardthattheBlack

Marywasinneedofcrew,’hesaid,acruelsmileonhisface.Vittorioturnedadisgustedglanceatthedeckofhisship.‘I’venotimetofetchtherestofmydogs

fromhalfthetavernsonSartosa,’heansweredwithanod.Hescratchedattheemptysocketbehindhiseyepatch,consideringLevasseur ’soffer.‘Whatwatersdidyoufindyourcatch?’Levasseur ’sgrinbroadened.‘TheHoleInnByTheHill,’heanswered.‘OnlythebestfortheBlack

Mary.’Thepiratecaptainnoddedagain.TheHoleInnByTheHillwasthemostnotoriousofSartosa’s

manytaverns,aplacefrequentedbyonlypiratesandtheirilk.Noweak-kneedpearl-diversorgutlessfishermenthere.‘SomehowIdoubtthey’rethebest,’VittoriotoldLevasseur,diggingthroughthepocketsofhisbrocadedvest,‘butthey’llhavetodo.’HetossedasmallpouchtothegrinningBretonnian,thecontentsofthebagclankingtogetherasLevasseurdeftlycaughtit.‘Alwaysapleasure,moncapitain,’Levasseursaidwithanotherflourishofhisfeatheredhat.He

snappedquickordersandthepressgangbeganunloadingtheirdrunkenchargesfromthecartandcarryingthemontotheship.‘Letthemsleepitoffinthehold,’Vittoriodirectedthepressgang.Whentheindenturedcrew

awoke,theBlackMarywouldbefaratseaandwellawayfromwherethemencouldcauseanyproblems.Dismissinghisnewcrewfromhismind,Vittorioreturnedhisattentiontohisoldcrew,barking

ordersatthemastheymadethetwo-hundredtonbrigantinereadytosail.HedidnotnoticetheunusualnumberofmenLevasseur ’sthugsbroughtonboard,northewaymanyofthemwerecoveredinraggedcloaksandwrappedinfrayedblankets.VittoriocertainlydidnotseethewickedgleaminLevasseur ’seyeastheBlackMarypulledout

fromtheDeadman’sDocks.‘Bonchance,moncapitain,’Levasseurlaughedashewatchedtheshipsailoutfromthepiratecity

ofSartosaforthelasttime.HefingeredthesmallbagofsilverVittoriohadpaidhim,tuckingitbeneathhistunicbesidethelargerbagofcoinshisspecialfriendshadgivenhimearlierthatnight.TheBlackMarywasgoingtoneedalltheluckshecouldget.

Aslightexertionofwill,soinsignificantonlythesmallestportionofitsmindwasfocuseduponthe

task,andtheheavygoldendaisbeneathTlaco’amoxtli’uemanrosefromtheground.Gravitywasaquestionofvalue;theslannhadsimplyunbalancedtheequation.Itwassomethingthathadlongagoceasedtoevenstirthemage-priest’sthoughts.LevitationandtelekinesiswereamongthefirstadjustmentstheOldOneshadtaughttheirminions.Skinkattendantslopedaftertheslann’sdaisasitglidedslowlythroughthestonehallsofthe

pyramid-temple.Beyondthegoldendoorsthatguardedthesacredwellofcontemplationattheheartofthepyramid,thedaisrotated,facinganangularcorridorwithasquaredceiling.OnlysensesattunedtotheGreatMathcoulddetectthemenacebehindthemanyglyphscarvedintothewalls,eachpossessingthepowertodispersethesumofanycreaturedaringtopassbetweenthem.Suchwardshadwithstoodthehungerofthenether-thingsintheAgeofStrife.LordTlacodidnotbreaktheirpowerwhenhepassedbetweenthem,insteadshiftingitsothatitcurvedaboutthedaisandtheskinksfollowingaftertheslann.Throughthelongcorridoranditsprotectingglyphs,thedaisenteredagrandhall.Monstrous

warriorswaitedhere,lizardmenofmoreformidableshapethantheslightskinks.Thewarriorsstoodtwicetheheightoftheslann’sattendants,thebodiesbeneaththeirthickbluescalesswollenwithmuscle.Theirheadssportedpowerfuljaws,sharpfangscurlingacrosstheirscalylips.Cold,passionlesseyesstaredfrombeneaththickbrows.Thesauruswarriorsworegildedarmouroffossilisedboneandborespikedclubsofbronzeintheirclaws.LordTlaco’stempleguardbobbedtheirheadsinrecognitionoftheirreveredmaster,silentlyformingranksaroundthemage-priest.Nowsurroundedbyhisbodyguard,LordTlaco’sdaisbegantoclimbasetofimmensestonesteps.

Thereweremoreprotectiveglyphsasthedaisreachedaraisedplatform,lesserwardstokeepparasiticmitesandwormsfromthepyramid.Ashortpassagewayopenedontotheplatform,andupthistheslann’sprocessionproceeded.ThehotstickinessoftheairwasathingbeneathLordTlaco’snotice,butskinkattendantsquicklyleapttotheirmaster ’scomfort,fanningthetoad-likecreatureandbathingitsmottledskinwithwaterdrawnfromtherazordonbladdersmanyofthemcarried.Sunlightbrokethedarkgloomofthepyramid.Thedaisrotatedagain,shiftingsothatitcouldface

thesunastheslannemergedfromthecave-likeopeningsetintothesideofthegreattemple.Hisguardsstillsurroundinghim,skinksstillbathinghishideandfanninghisskin,LordTlacoponderedthefractalsthathaddisturbedhismeditations.Xa’cotawereatthesourceoftheslann’sunease.Theunnaturalspawnoftherat-fractalhadcaused

noendofdisturbancetotheGreatMath.ManyofthecitiesthathadsurvivedtheCataclysmhadnotsurvivedthecomingofthexa’cota.Theiraberrantplagues,farmorevirileanddeadlythananythingengineeredasapartofthenaturalequation,haddevastatedthelizardmen.Entirespawningsofskinkshadbeenwipedoutbeforeevensettingeyeupontheirenemy.Thewarwiththerathadturnedatthetemple-cityofQuetzaandthedominanceofthexa’cotahad

beenbroken,manyofthemdrivenbackintothesea.ManyskinksclaimedthevictoryhadbeenbroughtaboutbyamammothserpenttheycalledSotekandwhichtheyworshippedinwarm-thingfashionasagod.Morethanthebreakingofthexa’cota,theriseofSotektroubledLordTlaco’smeditations.AmongthenamesoftheOldOnes,thatofSotekwasnottobefound.Upontheplaquesofprophecy,theadventoftheserpentwasnotforetold.ThecityofQuetzawassavedfromdestruction,buttheplaguesofthexa’cotafesteredwithinthe

verystones.IthadbecomeQuetzatheDefiledandwasabandonedbythelizardmen.Atleastforatime.Nowinhabitantsonceagainstirredwithinitswalls,thefollowersofXiuhcoatl,oneoftheProphetsofSotek.UnderXiuhcoatl’sleadership,theskinkserectedanewpyramidinQuetza,atempletotheirserpentgod.Spawningpoolshadbeendugfromthefoundationsofthetemple,holyserpentsbroughtfromthejungle.Here,wheretheskinksclaimedSotekhadmanifestedbeforethem,Xiuhcoatldidobeisancetohisgod.

WasthisapartoftheGreatMath?WasitthewilloftheOldOnes?LordTlacowasuncertain.Eventheslann’sbraincouldnotfollowthecalculationstotheirend.Theplaquesofprophecywereagainsilent.HadthejunglesofLustriabeendeliveredfromtheunbalanceofthexa’cotaonlytofalltoamoreinsidiouscorruption?LordTlacoclosedhiseyesasthewarmthoftherisingsunflowedintoitsdampbody.Manytimes

hadtheslannponderedtheproblemofXiuhcoatlandQuetzatheDefiled.Fortheskinkstosurvive,thereneededtobesomethingpreservingthem.ButwasitapartoftheGreatPlan?Thexa’cotawerecomingback.ThatfacthadendedLordTlaco’smeditativeslumber.Intheir

coming,itsawamenacetoQuetza.Therewereotherpossibilitiesthatarose,othersumsthatcouldbeintroducedintothealgorithm.Incastingitsmindthroughthelatticeofcreation,LordTlacobecameawareofasmallclusterofxho’za’khanx,theuntamedwarm-thingsthatinfestedsomuchoftheworld.Themage-priestcalculatedtheirpotentiality.Thespotsonitsskinshifted,settingskinkscribesintoafrenzyofactivity.LordTlacoconcentratedonthehumansandmadeaminoradjustmenttothegeomanticweb…

Thestorm’sfurydescendedupontheCobraofKhemrilikethehammerofatitan.Theshiprolledviolentlybetweeneachundulationoftheangrywaves.Punishingrainpeltedthedecks,stingingthebodiesofthecrewdesperatelytryingtosecuretheriggingandbringsomesemblanceofcontrolbacktotheirvessel.Ashriekingwindtorethroughthesails,settingthemcrackingandsnappingbeforethemasts,bulgingwiththemalignpowerofthestorm.Eventhemostexperiencedofthemarinerswasashen-faced;sun-bakedskinturnedpalebythe

malevolentpowerofthestorm.MenwhohadspentdecadesupontheGreatOceanwhimperedandwailedlikewhippeddogs,thosewithlessexperiencesimplyclungtotherailsandwept.Adalwolftriedtohelpapairofsailorssecurethewheel,unawareiftheeffortwasevenworthit.

Theviolencewithwhichthewheelspunthreatenedtosnapthetiller.Hegrimacedatthethought.Withoutthetillertherewouldbenowaytosteertheship’srudder.Theywouldbeutterlyatthemercyofthecapricioussea.Ashriekfromaloftandabodycamehurtlingdownfromtherigging.Ropesbrokebeneaththe

plungingweight.Thefallensailorstruckwithsuchviolencethathebouncedfromtheaftdeckbeforebeingthrownintothesea.Thecryofthelookoutwasechoedallacrossthemaindeckastheforemastbegantocrack.Men

scrambledtofitlinestothemast,tryingtostrengthenitagainstthewindbysheerbrawn.Themastcontinuedtogroanandsway,drawingmoresailorstothedesperateeffort.Adalwolfshookhisheadindisgust.Itwasabraveeffort,bututterlydoomedfromthestart.

Splintersaslongashisarmwerealreadyjuttingfromthesurfaceofthemast.Themenshouldbetryingtocutitfree,notholditinplace,butblindpanicsometimesoverwhelmseventhemostexperienced.Themercenarygroundhisteethtogether,waitingtohearthesickeningfinaleofthefarce.Itcamewithalowwoodengrowlthatshooktheshipmorefiercelythanthestorm.Likeatowering

Drakwaldgiant,theforemastcamesmashingdown,crashingthroughtherailingandchewingagreatgougeintheship’shullbeforeslippingoverthesideandplummetingintothedepths.Severalsailorswerecrushedbeneaththeimpact,ahalf-dozenmorewerepulledscreamingintothesea,unabletoloosentheropeswithwhichtheyhadstruggledtosavethemast.Adalwolffelthisstomachchurnatthehideousvision,violentlyturninghisheadawayfromthe

scene.Atoncehiseyesfoundasightjustasghastly.AclusterofsailorsweregatheredaroundBrotherDiethelm,boathooksandbelayingpinsclutched

intheirfists.ThemercenarycouldseevanSommerhausandCaptainSchachterstandingsomesmall

distanceaway,assilentasArabyansphinxes.OnlyHiltrude’sdrenchedfigurestoodbetweentheragingsailorsandtheirintendedvictim.‘Youdon’tdaredothisthing!’Hiltrudeshoutedatthemen.‘Thinkwhatyouaredoing!’Aburly,scarredruffian,hisleathervestplasteredtohisdrippingbody,glaredatthewoman.‘Some

priest!’thevillainscoffed.‘Whatgoodarehisprayers?’Hegesturedwiththelongdirkheheld,sweepingitasthoughanyofthemcouldforgetthestormragingaroundthem.Hisoutburstbroughtmurderousoathsfromthesailorsaroundhim.HiltrudeturneddesperateeyestowardsvanSommerhausandSchachter.‘Stopthem!’shepleaded.VanSommerhausturnedhisface,unwillingtomeethergaze.CaptainSchachtersimplyspatonthe

deck.‘EvenifIcould,Idon’tthinkIwould,’hemuttered.‘Enoughofyourlip,wench!’adusky,monkey-likesailorgrowled.‘Getoutofourwayoryougo

overthesidewith’im!’Heleeredwickedlyatthecourtesan.‘Maybeyougooverjustthesame.MaybeStromfelsishungryformorethanjustthepriest.’Thedeckmonkeyshriekedasafistsmashedintohisface,knockingyellowedteethfromhismouth.

Hestaggeredback,bloodgushingfrombetweenhisfingersasheclutchedathisjaw.Adalwolflettheheavychainuncoilfromaroundhishand,thesailor ’sblooddrippingfromtheironlinks.‘IftheSharkGodishungry,maybewestartbyfeedinghimyou,’Adalwolfthreatened.Inhisother

handhegrippedafat-bladedshortsword.Hewavedtheweaponmenacinglyatthesullencrewmen.Thescar-facedsailorglaredatthemercenary.‘Ifwedon’tappeasetheStormGod,thenwe’llall

drown!’Hedidn’twaitforAdalwolftorespond,butdrovehislegupwards,smashinghisbootintothewarrior ’sgroin.Adalwolfdoubledover.Beforehecouldrecover,sailorswereswarmingoverhim,rippingtheswordfromhisfingers.‘Firstthebitch,thenthefriar!’thesailorroared,lungingforHiltrude.Thecourtesantriedto

squirmaway,butthegreaterstrengthoftheseamanprevailed,pullinghercloseandcrushingheragainsthim.Diethelmrushedtohelpher,butthepriestwasquicklybeatendownbytwooftheothersailors.‘Damnyou,Marjus,leaveheralone!’Adalwolfraged,strainingtofreehimselfofthemenwho

heldhim.Marjussneeredatthemercenary,thenmovedtowardstherail,draggingHiltrudewithhim.‘You

betterhopethiscalmsStromfels,’thesailorwarned.‘OrIknowwhoelsegetsdroppedintothedrink.’Thesailor ’suglychucklefadedashesawashapeappearbetweenhimselfandtherail.While

Marjusandtheothersailorsstruggledtokeeptheirfeetonthewildlypitchingdeck,theapparitionbeforehimmovedwitheerieprecisionandgrace.Atall,leanfigure,hisfinegarmentsbarelymoistdespitethefuryofthestorm,Ethrilstareddownthesailors.Therewasnorageorwarninginthatlook,indeed,itwasthechillinglackofemotionthatstruckthemen,likethedisapprovinggazeofawearyteacher.‘Doyoureallythinkcallingouttodaemonsisgoingtohelp?’Ethril’ssolemnvoicewasbarelya

whisperyetitcarriedwithaqualitythatthewailingstormcouldnotsilence.Theelf’swordsmadethesailorscastuncertainlooksamongthemselves.Marjusglancedbackat

themforsupport.Whenhelookedback,hefoundEthrilhaddrawnacurveddaggerandthatitspointwasnowpressingagainsthisthroat.‘Letthegirlgo,’theelftoldhim.Reluctantly,MarjusreleasedHiltrude.Thecourtesanbackedaway

frombothsailorandelf,uncertainwhichtoregardwithmorehorror.Unliketheman,shehadseenEthril’shand.Theelfhadnotdrawnthedaggerfromsomehiddensheath.Ithadappearedthere,evokedfromnothingness.Marjussnarledatthecowedcrew,yellingatthemtohelpsecurethedeckandclearawaythedebris

fromtheforemast.Eveninthemidstofthestorm,therewasnohidingthehastewithwhichtheyfled

theelf.AdalwolfnoddedhisgratitudeasDiethelmhelpedhimoffthedeck.Thepriest’srobesweretorn,

hisfacemattedwithbloodwhereabelayingpinhadstruckhim.Hesmiledsadlytothemercenary,thenrepeatedthegesturewhenHiltrudejoinedthem.‘Ithankyouforyourfaith,orifnotthatthenatleastyourassistance,’hesaid.Diethelmsighedas

anothergreatwavecrashedagainstthedeck,showeringthemallinspray.‘ButIthinkperhapsitwouldhavebeenbestnottohaveinterfered.’‘Itwouldhaveservednopurpose,’Ethriltoldthem,stalkingacrosstherollingdeck.‘Thereis

magicbehindthisstorm,anditisnottheworkofyourStromfels.Thisstormblowsusfaroffcourse,defyingeveryeffort,physicalandmagical,toopposeit.’Theelfshookhishead,thenturnedtowithdrawintothecabinswithinthesterncastle.‘Itisalmostasthoughthestormhasamindandapurposebehindit.’

ScreamsandcriesofhorrorechoedacrossthedecksoftheBlackMary.CaptainVittorioBorghesestoodwithasmallknotofhiscrewuponthequarterdeck.Fromthesounds,itseemedtheywerethelastofthepiratesstillfighting.Theship’sattackershadboiledupfromtheholdliketheratstheysoloathsomelyresembled.

Vittoriodidnotknowhowmanyofthemtherewere.Itseemedlikehundreds,certainlydozens.Theywerewiry,agilecreatures,theirfurrybodieswrappedindarkcloaks.He’dgrownuponstoriesofthesecreatures,ofhowtheywouldsnatchbadchildrenandtakethemintotheirburrowsnevertoreturn.He’dseentheugly,man-likebodiesparadedthroughthestreetsbytherat-catchersafteroneoftheirexcursionsintothesewers.Theywereanightmarehehadgrownupwithandonehehadneverforgotten.Vittoriodidnotknowhowthemonstershadgottenaboardhisship,butastheBlackMarywasjust

leavingthePirate’sBay,theyhadstruck.Therewasnowarning.Onemoment,allwascalm,thenextthedeckwascrawlingwithbeastsofChaos.Hiscrewhadmanagedtodownafewoftheirinhumanattackers,butnotenoughtostemtheverminoustide.Therustybladesoftheskavenstabbedandslashedwithcruelabandon,theirchitteringlaughterscratchingathisearsastheycutdownhismen.TheBlackMary’squartermasterstoodbesidetheswivelgunmountedonthequarterdeck.He’d

refrainedfromfiringwhilethecrewwasstillfighting.Nowhehesitatedbecausetheskavenhadprisoners.Theratmenseemedintentontakingcaptives.ItwasathoughtthatevokedallofVittorio’soldestchildhoodfears.Hedrewoneofthepistolsfastenedtohisbeltandaimeditathisquartermaster.‘Blast’emdown,orIblastyou!’Vittoriosnarled.ThequartermasterpaledbeneathhisduskyTileancomplexion,butswungthegunaboutandtook

aim.Nosoonerwasthecannonpointedtowardsaclusterofskaventhanaslimthrowingknifecrunchedintothepirate’sforehead.Thequartermasterwasalreadydeadwhenhesmashedagainsttherailandtoppledintothesea.Skavenwereconvergingonthequarterdecknow.Vittorioshiftedtheaimofhispistolandexploded

thefaceofabrown-furredmonsterscurryingupthesideofthesterncastle.Hedrewanotherpistolandshotasecondratmancreepingalongtheriggingabovehim.Thepiratesaroundhimtriedtoholdbackthehissingmobofratkintryingtorushupthestairsfromthemaindeck.Vittoriocastaboutforanyavenueofescape.Whathesawsentrawpanicpulsingthroughhisheart.

TheBlackMarywassailingpastthemid-pointofPirate’sBay.AsinglerockjuttedupfromthedepthsuponwhichhadbeencarvedanimmensestatueofJacko’theSea,thepatronofallpirates.Noonewascertainjustwhohadcarvedthestrangestatue,butpirateswerecarefultoleavesmallofferingstoiteachtimetheysailedintoSartosa.

Itwasn’tJacko’theSeawhocapturedVittorio’sattention,however.Thewatersaroundthestatuewerealmostblackwithships,aramshacklefleetofdinghies,bargesandflotsam,everyinchofthemcrawlingwithmoreskaven.AssoonastheBlackMarydrewnear,theghastlyfleetdebarkedfromtheirmooringsaroundtherockandbeganrowingtowardsthebrigantine.‘Everymanforhimself,lads,’Vittoriosnarled,hurlinghisspentpistolsintothebay.Thepirates

watchedinalarmastheircaptainclimbedontotherailandfollowedhisweaponsintothesea.

GreySeerThanquolstoodtallinthebowofhisboat,hisstaffclenchedtightinhisfist,hisrobeswhippingabouthiminthecrispoceanbreeze.Heenjoyedthesmellofthesea,itexcitedhissenseswithitssuggestionoffar-offplaces.Ofcourse,thevastnessofitwasprofoundlydisturbing.Sometimeshefelthisheadspinningwiththesheerimmensityofit.Noskavenlikedopenspaces,theypreferredthecomfortingfeelingofclosewalls,firmfloorandathickceilingoverhead.Thanquolwasn’timmunetothepsychologyofhiskind.Indeed,hewasfindingthisfirstphaseofNightlordSneek’splanunsettling.TheEshinflotillahadwaitedforhoursshelteringbesidethelonelyrockanditsuglyhumanstatue,

theirboatsswayingsickeninglybeneaththeirpaws.SomeofShiwanStalkscent’swarriorshadpassedthetimepokingthroughthejumbledheapoftrashtheman-thingshadpiledatthebaseofthestatue.Thanquoltookadetachedinterestintheirinvestigation.He’dseenenoughevidencethathumanswereallinsane,hedidn’treallyneedmore.Whytheywouldrowoutintothemiddleofsomuchwatertothrowsomethingawayhecouldn’tunderstand,evenlesswhenhesawlittlemetaldisksamongtherubbish.Man-thingswouldkilleachotherforlittlecirclesofgoldandsilver,yetheretheyhadgoneandleftapileofthemonthisabandonedrock.Perhapstheyweretryingtohideitfromtheirclanleaders?Itwastheonlyconclusionthatmadeanysortofsensetohim,thoughhewouldhavethoughtevenahumancouldhidesomethingalittlebetter.Thanquolshookhishornedheadandstaredonceagainattheshiphisminionshaddecidedtosteal.

Hewasn’tanykindofsailor,butevenhecouldappreciatethesleeklinesofthebrigantine,theintimidatingblackhulloftheshipwithheryawninggunports.Heknewenoughaboutseafaringtounderstandtheimportanceofthehugewhitesailsbillowingfromhertwomasts.Heevenlikedthelittleblackflagflyingfromherbow,theonewithagrinninghumanskullsetbetweentwolegbones.ItwasashipworthyofGreySeerThanquolandhisbrilliance.‘Sit-sitorhaveknifestuckinback,’ShiwanStalkscentgrowledfromthesternoftheirlittleboat.

Thanquolstaredbackovertheheadsofthecloakedskavensittingattheoars,hislipcurledbackinachallengingsnarl.Theassassinsnarledback,adrippingknifeinhispaw.Thanquoldecidedtocoverhisownfangsandsitdown.Itwasn’ttherighttimetochallengethe

upstartassassin,notwhenthatoldmage-ratShenTsingewassittingrightbesidehim.Thanquollashedhistailinannoyanceashethoughtaboutthesorcerer.ClearlyShenhadlittleconfidenceinhissupposedabilities,otherwisehewouldn’tbehidingbehindthebulkofaratogre.Hecouldn’timaginewhatkindofmagicsuchacowardwouldbegoodfor!Arealmage-rat,onewithrealpower,didn’tneedthemindlessbrawnofaratogretokeephimsafe!Arealmage-ratwasabletobendtheaethyrtohiswill,commanditsforcestoprotecthim,petitiontheHornedOneforhisdivinemight!Arealmage-ratdidn’tneedastupidratogrestumblingafterhim,gettinginthewayandmakinghisboatridedangerouslylowinthewater!Bruxinghisfangsinannoyanceatallso-calledsorcererswhofelttheneedtocompensatefortheir

inadequacieswitharatogrebodyguard,ThanquolturnedhiseyesagaintotheBlackMary.Hisfurbristledashestudiedtheship.Itwaslittlemorethanascow,probablysoworm-eatenthatitwouldsinkbeforeitleftthebay.Ifhewasinchargeofthings,hewouldhaveTsangKweekandhisgutterrunnersskinnedfortheirtemerityinstealingsuchadilapidatedvesselandendangeringthelivesof

theirbetters.Certainlytheycouldhavestolenonethatcouldactuallybeseenatnightandthatdidn’thavesuchaworryingover-abundanceofsail.Therewassuchathingasgoingtoofast,afterall.Andthatuglylittleflagwithitssmilingskull;whatkindofmorbidsadistthoughtthatwasappropriate?Yes,ThanquolwouldhavemuchtosaytoShiwanaboutthisrecklessdisplayofincompetencefrom

hisskaven.He’dwaituntilhecoulddiscussthematterinprivate,whenShenTsingeandhisratogreweren’taroundtoeavesdrop.TherewasnosenseembarrassingShiwanbeforehissubordinates,afterall.Takinganotherglancebehindhim,Thanquoldecidedhe’dalsowaituntiltheassassinputawayhis

knifebeforetalkingtohim.

CHAPTERFOUR

GreenHell

AdalwolfcouldnottakehiseyesofftheendlessgreenwallbeforetheprowoftheCobraofKhemri.Itwaslikewatchingahungrywolfslowlylickingitschops.Hecouldfeelthehot,stinkingdampofthejunglepawingathim,drivingbackthecleanocean

breezelikealionsnappingatjackals.Therewasaputrid,rottensmellintheair,acharnelreekofdeath.Thecoastlinewasthickwithtoweringpalms,theirthintrunksmottledwithparasiticgrowths,theirfrondsdrippingwithclingingvines.Bulky,nasty-lookingbushessquattedbeneaththetrees,theirthornybranchessometimessportingoversizedflowersofbrilliantcrimsonandvibrantorange.Stalk-likeplantsforwhichAdalwolfcouldthinkofnoname,butwhichlookedlikeanoversizedsortofgrasspepperedthefewdozenyardsofbeachbetweenseaandjungle,hordesoffliesbuzzingaboutthem.Raucouscroaks,insanecackles,piercingcries,alltoldoftheanimallifelurkingbeyondtheface

ofthejungle.Theincessantdroneofunseeninsectspoundeduponhisears,punishingthemwitharemorselessintensitythatmadeAdalwolflongforthedeafeningboomofabroadsideortheangryhowlofastorm.Thestorm.Ithadragedagainstthemfortwofulldays.Adalwolfwasnotafirmbelieverinthe

beneficenceofhisgods–hefelttheyhadbetterthingstodothanbotheraboutmen–buthewasconvincedonlyamiraclesentbyMananncouldhavekeptthebarqueinonepiecethroughoutthelongordeal.AsiftoillustratethelimitofManann’sindulgence,thekeeloftheshiphadsnappedasitgroundeditselfonthetwistedgreyrocksthatjuttedfromtheshore.‘ByKhaine’sfieryhell,wherearewe?’TheoutburstcamefromLukasvanSommerhaus.Liketherest,hehadclusteredattherailtostare

attheforbiddingjungle.TheCobraofKhemrihadcomeagroundinthemiddleofthenight,forcingthemtowaituntildawntodiscoverwhatnewlandhadreceivedthem.Ethrilturnedawitheringlookuponthepatroon,makingeventhearrogantburgherwilt.‘Donot

swearbythegodsofmypeople,human,’theelfsnapped.‘ItlooksliketheSouthlandsbeyondAraby,’CaptainSchachtersaidaftercontemplatingthejungle

foramoment.Therewasuncertaintyinhisvoiceashetrawledthedepthsofmemoryforeverysailor ’stalehe’deveryheardaboutthosemysteriouslandsbeyondthedesert.Hemovedstiffly,favouringhisleftleg.Tryingtokeeptheshipafloathadtaxedthestaminaofallhercrewandherpassengers.Onlythepatroonhadhadthenervetohideinhiscabinthroughsuchanordeal.‘Thatwouldbeimpossible,’Diethelmcorrectedthecaptain.Thepriest’stonewasdolorous,his

expressiondrawnandhaggard.‘Thestormblewussouthwest.Arabywouldhavebeentooureast.’‘Maybe…maybethisis…Ulthuan?’HiltrudeatleastpresentedabetterappearancethanDiethelm,

evenifhervoicewasmoreuncertain.VanSommerhaushadprovidedherwithaconsiderablewardrobeforthevoyage.Thelastthinghewantedwasaconsortunequippedtohangoffhisarmat

anysocialengagementstheymightencounter.ThepatroonwastheonlyonewholookedtoEthrilwithanyrealhopethattheelfwouldconfirm

thewoman’sfeeblesuggestion.Ethrilshookhisheadwithahumourlesssmileonhislips.‘Wedon’thavejunglesinUlthuan,’theelfsaid.‘This…thisistheplaceyoucallLustria.’Ababbleofexcitedconversationsweptthroughthecrew,seizingeventhecaptaininitsgrip.No

seaman,certainlynosailoroutofMarienburg,hadfailedtohearstoriesoffabledLustria,alandwheretherewereentirecitiesbuiltofgold,aplacewhereuntoldtreasureswaitedtobefound.ThemenwhohadbravedtheGreatOceanandenteredthejunglesofLustriareturnedricherthankings.‘Lustria?’vanSommerhausmused,rollingthewordoveronhistongue.‘Yes,wasn’tthattheplace

whereLordMelchinmadehisfortune?’‘MorethanjustLordMelchin!’scar-facedMarjusPfaffexclaimed.‘Pirazzocamebacksowealthy

thatPrinceBorgioofMiraglianotriedtoseizehisrichesandassassinatehim.’‘MarcoColumbocamebackrichenoughtomakehimselfPrinceofTrantio!’quippedoneofthe

othersailors.‘Aye!’agreedathirdseaman.‘TheycallLustriatheLandofGold,theJewelledJungle,the…’‘TheonlythingI’vehearditcalledisGreenHell,’Adalwolf’sgrimvoicedrownedoutthe

avariciousexuberanceofthecrew.Sullenfacesturnedtowardsthemercenary.Thewarriorignoredtheirannoyance.‘Youtalkaboutthemenwhocamebackrich.Whataboutalltheothers?Theoneswhonevercameback.’Thesailorsgrumbledandcursedamongthemselves,noneofthemwillingtoconcedeAdalwolf’s

point,butnoneofthemabletodenytheuglytruthbehindhiswords.VanSommerhaus,asusual,wasoblivioustothechangingmood.‘Thisisafantasticopportunity!’

heexclaimed.‘Ithinkyouareovercautious,Graetz,’hetoldthemercenary.‘ChanceandthegodshavefavouredmewithanopportunitygreatereventhanestablishingtradewithLothern!Why,IcanreturntoMarienburgwithaholdburstingwithtreasure,enoughtomakeeventheblinkeredfoolsintheEmpireforgettheirpettyprejudices.’‘What’llyouuseforaship?’Adalwolfgrowledback.Hestampedhisfootonthedeck,settingit

shaking.‘Orhaveyouforgottenourkeelisbroken?’Thepatroonwavedhishandinannoyanceatthemercenary.‘Smalldetails.Wecanjustcarveanew

one,’theremarkhadsomeofthesailorsrollingtheireyesindisbelief.‘Theimportantthingiswefindthegold.’‘Isuggestyouleavemindlessgreedtothedwarfs,’Ethril’smelodioustonespuncturedthe

patroon’sposturing.‘Theswordmanisquiterightwhenhespeaksofhowdangerousthisplaceis.Mypeoplehavelearnedtoleaveitalone.Youwouldbewisetodothesame.’VanSommerhausstaredhardattheelf,thengrinned.‘Areyouwarningmeawaybecausethereis

treasure?’‘Oh,thereiscertainlytreasure,’Ethrilreplied.‘Butdon’tthinkitisunguarded.Therearethingsin

thejungle,powersevenwehavelearnedtorespect.Theyarebestnotdisturbed.’ThepatroonlaughedatEthril’swarning.‘Iftheyaresopowerful,whydotheyhidethemselvesina

stinkingjungle?No,myfriend,youarejusttryingtokeepmefrommakingafortunehereinsteadofinUlthuan.’Ethrilspreadhishandsinahopelessgesture.‘Doasyoulike.Lustrianevertiresoffindingnew

waystokillfools.’

Thickcoilsofvinedangledfromthepalms,chokingthejunglelikesomemammothcobweb.Filthyblackmouldcarpetedtheearth,boilingupfromthedecayingplantmattercakedintotheground.Saw-edgedgrasssproutedwhereverthemouldhadnotfoundpurchase,eachbladeofgrassassharpasthe

edgeofadagger.Driedhuskscrasheddownwardsfromthetoweringpalms,smashingthroughthetangledcanopywithenoughforcetocrushaman’sskull.Deadtrees,theirinnardsdevouredbyparasitegrowthsandhungryinsects,leanedsicklyagainsttheirneighbours,onlytheclingingvinespreventingthemfromhurtlingtothejunglefloor.Droninginsects,chatteringmonkeys,growlingjaguarsandthethousandinsanecriesofunseen

birdsfilledtheairwithadeafeningdin.Hotandfoetid,theatmosphereofthejungleseepedthroughthetreeslikewetwool,stiflingthosewhotriedtodrawbreathfromit.Adalwolfdrovethemeatcleaverintohishundredthvine,snappingtheropeygrowthinaspurtof

rancidsap.Theothermeninthescoutingpartyturnedtheirfacesupward,theirearsperkedtocatchthefirstgroanofafallingtree.Twicetheyhadbeensurprisedbydeadtrunkscrashingdownonthemfromtheovergrowncanopyabovetheirheads.Ithadbeensimpleluckthathadpreventedthemfromsufferingcasualtiesfromeitherincident.Nowtheywerebetterprepared,readytoscattertheinstanttheyheardanykindofsoundabovethem.Themercenaryhesitated,listeningjustashardastheothers.Hewaitedamoment,thengrittedhis

teeth.Ifnothinghadmoved,thennothingwasaptto.Heheftedthemeatcleaveragain,shakinghisheadatitsalreadynotchedblade.Choppingthroughthevineswasharderthancuttingthroughbone,itwasliketryingtohackthroughironwrappedinwetleather.Muchfurtherandhe’dhavetousethecook’scleaverasasaw.Asslowastheirprogresswasalreadyproving,hewascertainitwouldn’timprovewhenthattimecame.Hewouldbedamned,however,ifhewasgoingtotakevanSommerhaus’sadviceandruintheedgeofhisswordonthecursedvines.‘Can’tyougofaster?’thequestioncamefromvanSommerhausforwhathadtobethehundredth

time.Thepatroon’sfacewasdrenchedinsweat,hisfineclothesscratchedandtorn,theostrich-plumefaninhisglovedhandwiltinginthehumidity.Discomfortdidnotbringoutthebestintheman.Adalwolfpausedinmid-stroke,thecleavergleaminginhishand.‘Maybeyoushouldgobackto

thebeachwiththeothers,’hesuggested.‘Maybeyoushouldrememberwhoisdirectingthisexpedition,’vanSommerhausgrowledback.

HewavedthedrippingfanatAdalwolf.‘Whileyou’reindulginginthenoveltyofthinking,considerwho’spayingyouwhileyou’reatit.’Thecleavercrunchednoisilyintothevine,notquitechoppingthroughit.Adalwolfclenchedhis

fistaroundthehandleofthehatchet,hisbreathanangryhissscrapingthroughhisteeth.Needstrangledprideevenasitstartedtofindpurchaseonhistongue.HehadfamilybackinMarienburg.Therewasawifehehadn’tseeninfouryears,threechildrenwhobarelyknewhisface.Theywerehisobligation,evenifthewomanhehadmarriedwouldn’tlethimshareherlife.She’dneveragreedtohistakingupthesword,butthegoldhisbladeearnedkepttheirchildrenwitharoofovertheirheadsandclothesontheirbacks.Theyneededhim,andbecausetheydid,Adalwolfheldhistongueandtookthepatroon’sabuse.‘I’msorry,patroon,’Adalwolfsaid.‘Iforgotmyplaceinmyeagernesstofindfreshwater.’‘Forgiven,’vanSommerhaussmiledinhismostmagnanimousfashion.‘However,wateristhe

leastofourconcerns.BrotherDiethelmhasanentireoceanhecanmumbleprayersoverandmakecleanforustodrink.’Thedismissivewaythepatroondiscussedthemiraclethepriesthadperformedearlythatmorning

shockedAdalwolfandthesailors.EventhemenwhohadbeenreadytosacrificeDiethelmtoStromfelsfelthorroratvanSommerhaus’swords.Commonerswouldacceptalotofabusefromtheirsocialbetters,buttheyexpectedevenemperorstorespectthegodsandtheirpowers.‘Ithinkyouhaveyourpriestconfusedwithawizard,’EthriltoldvanSommerhaus.‘Graetzisright.

Youshouldbelookingforfreshwater.IncaseDiethelm’sgoddecidestostoplisteningtohisprayers.’

VanSommerhausscrewedhisfaceintoasourexpression,droppingthedampfan.‘I’mnotsuchafoolasthat,’hesaid.‘Iwasjusttryingtoreassurethementherewasnothingtoworryaboutifwedon’tfindwater.’TheelffavouredvanSommerhauswithaslightbow.‘ThenIapologise,patroon.’Ethril’seyes

werecoldasKislevitesnowashespoke.‘Iforgotmyplace.’Themomentoftensionwasbrokenbythecrackandroarofafallingtree.Adalwolfdivedfor

cover,shelteringbehindascalydwarfpalm.Thesailorsscrambledineverydirection,vanSommerhausamongthem.Ethrilsimplyglancedupward.Ascasuallyasamannavigatinghisownparlour,theelftooktwosteps.Aninstantlater,thedeadtreeslammedintothegroundbesidehim.‘Ifyouaredonescamperingthroughtheforest,’Ethril’switheringvoicesnappedatthescattered

men,‘Isuggestwegetbacktowork.Atsomepointthesunwillsetandwedon’twanttobeinthejunglewhenitdoes.Beforethen,itwouldbeniceifwefoundgame,waterandsomesortofhillIcanseethecoastfrom.’Adalwolfextractedhimselffrombehindhisrefuge,brushingmuckfromhistunic.‘Youstillhope

torecognisethecoastline?’Theelfnoddedhishead.‘ThereisanasursettlementatthetipofLustria.Ifwecanfindapointhigh

enoughformetoseeagoodpartofthecoast,Ishouldbeabletodeterminehowfarfromitweare.’‘Whataboutthesetreasurecities?’ablack-beardedsailornamedJoostaskedeagerly.‘Youknow

whereanyofthemare?’‘IdoubtIcouldfindoneforyoubeforenightfall,’theelftoldhim,histonedrippingwithscorn.

Suddenlyhepointedoneofhislong,slenderfingersatthetreeAdalwolfhadtakenshelterbeneath.Hisfingerindicatedaclumpofwitheredhusksdanglingfromthepalmfronds.‘Youseethat,’Ethrilsaid.‘Itmightlooklikerottenfruit,butitisn’t.Thoseareblood-bats.They

sleepnow,butwhenthesunsets,theywilltakewing.Theyaren’tgreedythough.They’lljusttakeasmallbite,youwon’tevenfeelit.Thentheystartlappingupthebloodthatfillsthewound.Oncetheirlittlebelliesarefilled,theyflyoff.Ifonlyafewlandonyouandyoudon’tgetsickfromtheirbites,youshouldlive.Ifawholeflockdecidestofeed…’Ethrilleftthethreattotheimaginationofthesailor.HeturnedbacktoAdalwolf,motioningforthe

mercenarytocontinuehackingapaththroughtheundergrowth.Adalwolf’seyeswentwidewithshockasheturned.Thecleaverfellfromhisnumbedfingers.He

tookastaggeringpaceback,staringindisbelief.‘Thatwasn’tthereaminuteago,’hemuttered.‘Thatwasn’tthereaminuteago!’herepeated,almostasthoughtoassurehimselfofthefact.Thegreenwallofthejunglewaspartedasmalldistancefromwherethemercenarystood,opened

apartinapathaswideasanAltdorfboulevard,asregularasthoughboredthroughthejunglewithagiantcorkscrew.Nobeast,howevercolossal,hadtornsucharegularpaththroughthejungle.Ethrilstaredinamazementatthepathway.Theelf’seyeswerefilledwithanalmostreverentialawe,

thesortoflookanamateurcarpentermighthavewhenwalkingintoacathedralbuiltbyamasterarchitect.Quicklythelookpassedandtheelf’scolddemeanourreturned.Hebackedawayfromthemysteriouspathwithsomethingakintorepugnance.‘Weneedtogobacknow,’theelfsaid.‘Why?’vanSommerhausdemanded.‘Thejungleisopenahead.Wecanmakegoodtimenow.’EthrilsteppedinfrontofvanSommerhaus,blockinghimfromthestrangepathway.‘Evenyou

mustsensesomethingwronghere.’VanSommerhauslaughedintheelf’sface.‘Theonlythingwronghereisthatwearen’tsupposed

tomakeuseofagoodthingwhenwefindit.’‘Iratherthinkyour“goodthing”foundus,’Ethrilsaid.‘Wedidn’tfindit.Thiswholethingfeelsof

magic.’Theelfturnedhishead,castingfrightenedeyesovertheweirdtunnelthroughthejungle.

MarjusPfaffpushedpastEthril.‘Anelfafraidofsorcery!’hescoffed,spittingintotheunderbrush.‘Whateverdidthishasenoughpowerthatonlyacompletefoolwouldnotfearit,’Ethrilwarned.

‘ThereisasayinginCaledor.“Letsleepingdragonslie.”Iadviseyouusethesamewisdom.’‘Thelong-earedfeyistryingtokeepusfromfindingthetreasure!’exclaimedJoost.Thesailor

brandishedafat-bladedcutlassinhishand.‘Somebodycutthatroadthroughthismess,andI’llbetmybottomteethitgoessomeplace.Someplacewithlotsofgoldandjewelsjustwaitingtobescoopedup!’Ethrilshookhishead,thensteppedasidewithasigh.‘Ifyouaresoeagerfordeath,Iwillnotstand

inyourway.’Jooststaredsuspiciouslyattheelfashepassedhim.Anavariciousgleamwasinthesailor ’seyes

ashesteppedontothestrangepathway.Theothersailorswatchedhimproceedafewstepsdownthetrail.AdalwolfturnedhisattentioninsteadtoEthril.Itwashardtoreadtheexpressionontheelf’smask-likeface,butwhathesawtheresuggestedadeep-setfear,fearfargreaterthanwouldbeoccasionedsimplybytheprospectoflosingatradecontractwithvanSommerhaus.‘Joost!’Adalwolfcalledout,hurryingaftertheman.‘Wait!Don’tgo!Let’sthinkthisthroughfirst!’Comingnearthesailor,AdalwolfwasforcedbackbyadesultorysweepofJoost’scutlass.‘I’ve

waitedallmylifeforachancelikethis!’Joostsnarled.‘Keepoutofmyway,becauseyouaren’tstoppingme!’Adalwolf’shanddroppedtotheswordathisside.Sadly,heshookhishead.Thereweren’tmanyof

Schachter ’screwhewasfriendlywith.Itwasfate’ssickhumourthatJoostwasoneofthem.Grimly,helethisfingersslipawayfromtheswordandtightenedhisholdonthecleaverinhisotherhand.‘Joost,there’ssomethingwronghere!’Adalwolfpleaded.HegesturedbackatMarjusandtheother

sailors.Noneofthemhadmadethefirstmovetoenterthepathway.Theywerewatchingandwaiting.‘Theycanfeelit,’Adalwolfsaid,pointingbacktotheircomrades.‘Something’swronghere.’Thesailorglaredatthemercenary.Heswepthiscutlassthroughtheemptyairbetweenthem,

warningAdalwolfback.‘Letmebe!Idon’twanttohurtyou!’‘NorIyou,’Adalwolfsaid.Withaswiftlunge,hedivedbeneaththesweepofthesailor ’scutlass.

HisfistcrackedagainstJoost’sjaw,staggeringtheseaman.TheflatofthecleavercrackedagainstJoost’sshoulder,numbingthearmthatheldthecutlass.‘Letmebe,damnyou!’Joostshouted.ThesailordrovehiskneeintoAdalwolf’sgut,knockingthe

windoutofhim.Joostliftedthecutlasswithhisnumbedhand,makingasloppystrikeatthemercenary’sribs.AdalwolfbroughttheflatofthecleavercrackingagainstJoost’shand,knockingthecutlassfrom

hisgrip.Furious,thesailorchargedathim,hisfacetwistedwithrage.ThemercenarykickedJoostintheleg,knockinghimoffbalance.ThesailorhurtledpastAdalwolf,crashingintothefernsattheedgeofthepath.Adalwolfturnedtohelpthesailorbacktohisfeet,butapiercingscreamfrozehiminhissteps.He

watchedinhorrorasJoostleapedfromthegreentangleofvegetation,bloodstreamingfromhisface.Apairofghastlycreaturesclungtohisbeard,leangreythingswithsplotchesofblackalongtheirscalybacks.TheywerelizardsofsomebreedAdalwolfhadneverseen,reptilesaslongasaman’sforefingerandonlyslightlybroader.Morehideousthantheirappearance,however,waswhatthelizardsweredoingtothescreaming

sailor.Fromwheretheyclungtohisbeard,theblunt-facedreptilesdartedtheirheadsatJoost’sface,sinkingtheirfangsintohisflesh,rippinglittlesliversofmeatawaywithwrithingjerksoftheirbodies.Joostshriekedagain,tryingtotearthelizardsfromhisbeard.Adalwolfstartedtorushtohisaidwhenthefrenziedshakingofthefernsbehindthesailorfrozehiminhissteps.Theentireclusterofplantswasshakingandtrembling.Fromeverybranch,ascrawnygreyshape

crawled,anentireswarmoftheghastlylizards.Purpletongueslickedscalylipsasthereptilesconvergeduponthescreamingman,leapingathisbody,scramblinguphislegs.Atfirsttheyweredrawntohisface,butsoontheygatheredwhereverabitofskinwasexposedbythesailor ’statteredgarments.InlesstimethanittookforAdalwolftodrawabreath,Joosthadvanishedbeneathalivingmantle

ofsnapping,bitingdeath.Whenhisagonisedbodycrashedtotheground,thelizardsscatteredfromit,retreatinginalldirections.ThegoryspectaclethatreachedblindlytowardsAdalwolfwasbarelyrecognisableashuman.Quickly,thelizardsreturnedandJoostwaslostoncemorebeneathacarpetofhungrygreyscales.Horrified,themencouldonlywatchinmutefascinationasthereptilesmadeshortworkofthe

mariner.‘Canniballizards,’Ethril’ssombrevoicetoldAdalwolf.‘Oncetheysetuponprey,nothingcanbe

done.Theywillgorgethemselvesuntilonlybonesareleft.’Heturnedandfacedtheothersailors.‘Maybeyoustillwanttofollowthepath?’VanSommerhaus,hiseyeslockedonthehideoussight,triedtoanswerEthril,butinsteaddoubled

overandwasnoisilysick.‘We’regoingback,’Adalwolfsaid,marchingawayfromthegruesomespectacle.‘We’lltryagain

tomorrow,’hedecided.‘OnlynexttimewedoeverythingEthrilsayswedo.’‘Awisecourse,’Ethrilagreed.Adalwolflookedoverhisshoulderatthefeedingcanniballizards.‘Nothingwiseaboutit,justfear.

Idon’twanttoenduplikeJoost.You’retheonlyonewithanypracticalknowledgeofthisplace.Thatmeanswefollowyouandleavethetreasurehuntstothedead.’

Lidlesseyeswatchedasthewarm-bloodschoppedtheirwaybackthroughthejungle.Asthemenvanishedintothejungle,fiveshapesdetachedthemselvesfromwheretheyhadhiddenalongsidethestrangepath.Astheymovedthroughthejungle,thescalesthatcoveredthemshiftedcolourtomatchthefrondsandgrasstheymovedthrough.Astheyemergedontothepath,thereptilessavouredthewarmsunlighttricklingdownthroughthe

trees.Foramoment,instinctoverwhelmedthepurposethathadbroughtthemsoveryfarthroughthejungle.Thechameleonskinksbaskedinthewarmth,feelingtheheatinvigoratingtheircoldbodies.Thechromatophoresintheirbodiesrelaxed,thecamouflagecolouringoftheirscalesbrighteningintoadullyellowhue.Oneoftheskinksemergedfromitstorpor,stalkingtowardsthelizard-coveredcarcassofJoost.

Thechameleonmovedwithanodd,swayingmotion,eachstepofitstong-likefeetdeliberateandprecise.Itremovedalong,hollowtubeofbamboofromaslingwoundaboutitsscalychest.Carefully,theskinkproddedandpokedatthegreycanniballizardssittingonthecorpse.Therewassmallthreatofdangerfromthelizardsnowthattheyhadeatentheirfill.FarfromtheferociousswarmthathadengulfedJoost,nowtheywereslothfulandungainly.Theotherskinksnowjoinedthefirst,gatheringaroundthegorycorpse.Withadartingmotion,

oneofthechameleonsseizedacanniballizardinitssplayedhand,poppingthestrugglinglizardinitscrushingjaws.Theothercanniballizardsscurriedaway,butonlyforthefewpacesittooktheirtinybrainstoforgetwhathadfrightenedthem.Thefirstchameleonextendedhistongue,absorbingthescentofthedeadmanwiththeorgan’s

sensitivereceptors.Itwas,astheskinkexpected,thescenthehadbeentoldtoseekout.Itwaspuzzledatfirstoverthewaythewarm-bloodshadfailedtobehaveasexpected.Theanswer,itrealised,mustliewiththeonewhosmelleddifferentandwhohadtriedtodominatetheothers.Theskinkbobbedhisheadfromsidetoside,communicatingtheideatotheothers.Thewarm-

bloodsweremeanttofollowthepath.Ifthestrange-smellwaskeepingthemfromdoingwhattheywereexpectedtodo,thenthestrange-smellwouldbeeliminated.Soundlessly,thechameleonskinkswithdrewfromthebody,vanishingbackintothejungle,their

scalesagaincamouflagingtheireverymotion.

Theencampmentonthebeachwasaroughclusteroftentsfashionedfromsailclothandasomewhatmorerobustlean-tobuiltfromlumberscavengedfromtheship.CaptainSchachterhadsupervisedtheconstructionofthecampwhilethescoutingpartyhadpenetratedintothejungle.SuchsuppliesascouldbeeasilyremovedfromtheCobraofKhemriwerebroughtashore.Themannerinwhichtheshipwascaughtupontherocksmadeitunlikelythatitwouldsink,butSchachterwasamanwhodidn’tbelieveintakingunduechances.AstormthelikesofwhichhadbroughtthemtoLustriawasunlikelytoo.Asthescoutingpartyreturnedfromthejungle,theyweregreetedbytheunexpectedsmellof

cookingmeat.Theycouldseeaplumeofsmokerisingfromapitdugsomesmalldistancefromthetents.Acrossthebeachtherewasagreatswatheofblood-drenchedsand.Somedistancefromthesceneofviolence,themencouldseeanumberofsquat,sheep-sizedcreatureslounginginthefadingsunlight,soakingupthelastraysofwarmthbeforethehumidtropicalnightsettledin.Hiltrudeandafewsailorshurriedfromthecamptogreetthemenastheyreturned.Van

Sommerhausgavehisconsortalingeringkissastheymet,hishandscrumplingthevelvetofherdress.Thesailorsleeredlewdlyatthedisplay.Adalwolfturnedandlookedaway.Therewaslittleinthewayofpassioninthepatroon.Hiltrudewasjustanotherpossessiontohim,somethingtolordovertherestofthem.Likethelizardsbaskingonthebeach,vanSommerhausbaskedintheenvyofthoseunderhim.Adalwolfhopedheenjoyedhimselfwhilehecould.Oncetherealityoftheirsituationsetin,onceevenmenlikeMarjusPfaffunderstoodhowunlikelytheirreturntoMarienburgwas,allofthepatroon’spromisesofwealthandprivilegewhentheyreturnedtocivilizationwouldbeasworthlessastheman’stitlesandairs.‘Schachter ’screwcollectedsomebirdeggsandafewshellfish.Theykilledsomebiglizardswhile

youweregone,’HiltrudetoldvanSommerhaus,shiftinghergazetoincludetheothers.HereyeslingeredforamomentonAdalwolf.‘Theycameoutofthejungleandjustsatdownandwenttosleeponthebeach.Afewofthesailorswentoverandclubbedthemoverthehead.Theydidn’tevenputupanykindoffight.Almostlikethey’dneverseenpeoplebefore.’‘Theyprobablyhaven’t,’Adalwolfsaid.VanSommerhausletHiltrudeslipfromhisgrasp.‘Moreimportant,whatdotheytastelike?’‘Abitlikeiguana,’oneofthesailorssaid,hisheadscarfcarefullyheldbeforehimagainsthischest.

‘IsailedonanEstaliangalleonforafewyears,allupanddowntheArabycoast.Ateallsortsofstrangethings:monkey,bat,seal.’VanSommerhausgavethemanapatronisingsmile.‘Andwhatdoesiguanatastelike?’he

demanded.Thesailorlaughed,thencaughthimselfandforcedsolemnitybackintohisvoice.‘Well,itdon’t

reallytastelikenothin’.Thatis,youcanchewitandall,butit’slikewaterreally,whereitdon’thaveatasteofitsown.Notbadmind,anddecentfareifyouhavethespicestolivenitupabit.’Thepatroonrolledhiseyes.‘Iwillsticktothedryrations.Youcanhaveyourwater-flavoured

reptile.’AdalwolfcaughtvanSommerhaus’sarm.‘Weshouldsavethedryfoodforanemergency.’‘Mypalateistoosensitivetobesubjectedtocharredlizard,’vanSommerhaussaid,brushingoff

themercenary’shand.‘Thisthreatagainstmystomachisanemergencytome.’ThepatroondidnotlingertoarguewithAdalwolf.WithonearmcirclingHiltrude’swaist,hestrolleddownthebeach

towardsthelean-toSchachterhaderectedforhisemployer.‘Thatmanisbuckingforafall,’Adalwolfgrowledunderhisbreath.‘Nomorethantherestofyou,’Ethrilcautioned.Theelfpointedatthebloodysandalongthebeach.

‘Yourmenwoulddobetternottoslaughteranythingsoclosetotheircamp.Thereareanynumberofthingsthatcouldbedrawnbythesmellofblood.Nottheleastofwhicharegroundleeches.’TheelfsmiledgrimlyashesawAdalwolf’signoranceofthecreatures.‘Eachofthemislongerthanyourarmandtheymoveinaslitheringarmythroughthejungle.Theycansenseadropofbloodfromamileaway.Oncetheylatchontoflesh,theycan’tbepulledorcutoff.Theyhavetobeburnedawayandwhiletheyarebeingburned,theytrytochewtheirwaydeeperintotheirvictim.I’velistenedtoswordmastersbegfordeathratherthanenduresuchpain.’Adalwolflickedhislipsnervouslyandcastananxiousgazeatthejungle.‘Marjus!’hecalledout.

‘Getafewofyourladstogetherandhelpmecoverupallthisblood!’

Ethrilsatupononeofthecoastalrocksandwatchedthelittleencampmentbelow.Certainlythehumanshadpostedtheirownsentries,butEthrilknewfullwellhowfeeblethevisionofmenwascomparedtothatofhisownpeople.Witheverythingelsealreadystackedagainstthem,theelfknewtheyneededeveryadvantagetheycouldget.Watchingthestarssparklingonthesea,EthrilcouldalmostimaginehimselfbackinUlthuan.Ithad

beencenturiessincehehadlastsetfootinhisfather ’shouse.Hehadleftwiththeboldwordsofyouth,theprideofanelfdeterminedtowresthisowngloryfromtheworld,toreclaimsomeofthelostwondersoftheasur ’sfadingempire.Manylandshadpassedbeneathhisboots,yearshadfallenawaylikeleavesfromadyingtree.Alltheyhaddonewastocrushtheboldnessofyouth,replacingitwiththejadedwisdomofexperience.Itwasasorrythingtooutliveone’sdreams.Perhaps,Ethrilconsidered,thatwaswhythecivilizationoftheelvescontinuedtodiminishandpassintohistory.Fourcenturiesofwanderingandallhewasleftwithwasthehomesicklongingofthetravellerfor

theplacesofhisyouth.Hewouldseehisfather,seetheivoryhallsoftheirpalaceinLothern.HewouldliketofeelthecrispwindofUlthuanagainsthischeeksagain,towatchstarlightsparklingfromthewatersofhisownshores.EthrilhaddecidedhewouldnotreturntoLothernasavagabond,dependentuponthecharityof

otherelvestoreturnhimtohishome.HehadsettleduponaplanthatwouldbringhimbacktoUlthuanbyanotherroute.InMarienburgthereweremanymenwhotradedwiththeelves,andmanymorewhohopedtobreakintothelucrativemarket.IthadbeeneasytofindvanSommerhausandplayuponhishopes.Ethrilwascarefultomakenodirectpromisestotheman,leavingmostofthedetailsoftheirarrangemententirelytothepatroon’simagination.ReturningtoLothernaboardahumanshipwashardlytriumphant,butitwasbetterthanreturningasabeggaronanelfvessel.AbittersmileformedonEthril’sface.Thestormhaddashedthatdream.Hewaslostmore

completelythanbefore.ThejunglesofLustriawereaplacehehadhopednevertoseeagain.Hehadwatchedthemdevourarmies.Hedidnotratethechancesofhisill-equippedhumancomradesveryhighly,eveniftheycouldcleartheirheadsofidiotnotionsabouttreasureandfortune.Hehadconsideredleavingthem.Alonetherewasachance,asmallone,thathecouldfollowthe

coastlinesouthwarduntilhereachedtheTowerofDusk,thegreatportfortresstheasurhadbuiltonthesoutherntipofLustria.Withthehumansalong,hewasmoredubiousoftheirchances.Unlesstheywerefurthersouththanheimaginedthemtobe,wellpasttheswampsoftheVampireCoast,therewassmallchancethehumanscouldsurvivethejourney.Itwasstrange,theelfconsidered,howhefeltresponsibleforthehumans.Theyweresoshort-

lived,fragileasflowersintheirway.Itshouldhavebeeneasytoabandonthemtotheirownfoolishness,towashhishandsofthem.Yetheknewhecouldn’t.Hewastheironlyhopeforsurvival.

Hisintrigueshadledthemhere,nowitwashisobligationtoleadthemsafelyoutagain.Thelivesofmenwereshort,buttheguilthewouldfeelforthemwouldpainhimfarlonger.Therewassomethingmoreatworkthansimplythenaturaldangersofthejungle,however.Ethril

hadsensedsomemannerofterriblemagicbehindthestorm,magiconsuchascalethateventhemightiestarchmageswouldbaulkatevokingsuchpower.Hehadseenfurtherevidenceofsuchpowerfulsorceryinthejunglewhentheyhadsuddenlycomeuponthepathway.Noneofthehumanshadbeenquickenoughtoseethepathwayform,theirattentiongrippedbythefallingtree.Ethrilhad,watchingasleavesandbranchescontortedandreformedintonewshapes,asaninvisiblefistpunchedatrailthroughthesteaminggrowth.Somethingwasstirringinthejungle,somethingwithaninterestintheCobraofKhemriandher

crew.Ethrilcouldnotdecideiftheforcewasmalignantorcallouslyindifferent.FromwhatheknewoftheamphibianmastersofLustria,thebloatedmage-priests,heknewthatwhateverinterestwasbeingshownwouldnotbebenevolent.Thecold-bloodedslannwereincapableofbenevolence.Everythingwassimplyacoginthegreatmechanismoftheirminds.Theywouldspendthelivesoftheirownminionsbythethousandssimplytosettlesomequestionthatperplexedthem.Iftheydisplayedsuchindifferencetothelizardmen,theywouldhavenocompassionforforeigncreatureswhostumbledintotheirexperiments.Itwasaslightsound,butithadEthrilwhippingabout,hisswordinhishand.Theelf’seyesfocused

onthebeacharoundhim,ontherocksandthepoundingwaves.Heopenedhissenses,tryingtodiscerntheinfluenceofmagicintheaethyr.Therewasnothing,onlythecrawlingsensealongthebackofhisneckthatsomethingwaswrong.Anothersound.NowEthrilcouldidentifyitasasoftsplash.Hestaredhardatthewavescrashing

abouttherocks.Perhapsnothingmorethanacrabknockedloosebythewaves,butsomehowhedoubtedit.Finallyhiskeenvisionspottedtheincongruousspotonthebeach,theplacewherethewavesbroke

strangely.Itwasasthoughtherewasadelayinthisonespotasthefoamrushedupthesand.Eyeslesssharpthanthoseofanelfwouldnothavebeenabletopickitout,toseetheoutlineofathin,humanoidbodywithacrestedheadandalongcurledtail.Thechameleonblendedalmostperfectlywiththeshore,butthechromatophoresinhisscalyhideweren’tabletokeeppacewiththerollingwaves.Ethrilwatchedtheskinkslowlycreepingtowardshim.Heopenedhismouthtoshoutawarningto

thecamp,thenfeltastingagainsthisneck.Atoncethemusclesinhisthroatwentnumb,hisbreathbecominglikeburningfrostashedrewitdownintohislungs.AsecondstingandEthril’sswordfellthroughhiscoldfingersandclatteredacrosstherockbefore

slippingintothesea.Theelfslumpedtohisknees,staringthroughcloudyeyesatthefeathereddartstickingoutofhishand.Thethirddartstruckhimintheback.Ethrilgropedforitamomentbeforehisnumbbodyslammed

face-firstagainsttherock.Beforehecouldslideofftojoinhisswordbeneaththewaves,scaly,tong-likehandsclosedabouthim,liftinghimofftherocksandcarryinghimtoshore.Ethril’seyeshadbeensharperthanthoseofanyhuman.Hehadspottedoneofthechameleon

skinkslurkingonthebeach.Itwasnoslightuponhiswarinessthathehadfailedtoseetheotherfour.Silently,theskinksboretheirunmovingburdenacrossthestarlitbeach.Onechameleonlingered

behind,ablowgunclutchedinitsscalypaws,itsunblinkingeyesfixedonthecampofthehumans.Whenhiscomradesreachedtheshadowsofthejunglewithoutanystirfromthecamp,thechameleonreplaceditsweaponintheslinghecarriedandquicklyjoinedtheminthedarkness.

CHAPTERFIVE

ReturnoftheSkaven

TheBlackMaryswayedeversoslightlyasheranchorplungedintothecrystalbluewatersofthelittlebay.Beyondtheship,thewhitesandsofthebeachglistenedinthesun,shimmeringlikeafieldofdiamonds.Pastthebeach,thetreesofthejungleswayedandsighedinthecoolseabreeze.Aparrot,itsplumageabrightcrimson,squawkeditsannoyanceasitflewabovethebeach,unsettledbytheappearanceofthebigblackship.Theparrotquicklyretreatedintothetreeswhenlongboatswereloweredfromthesidesofthe

brigantine.ThedeckoftheBlackMaryswarmedwithfoullife,verminousshapescloakedinblack,staringupatthesunwithhatefuleyes.Theyclamberedovertherails,swingingdownonfrayedropesbeforedroppingintotheloweredboats.Onandontheratmencame,crawlingandscurryinguntiltheboatssaggedbeneaththeirweightandwaterbegantoswampthem.Angrily,thebiggerskaventhrewtheirsmallerkinintothebayuntiltheboatsrodethewavesmoreeasily.Clumsily,theyfumbledattheoars,graduallypullingawayfromtheBlackMary.Astheskavenrowedtowardsshore,theirdisplacedkinpaddledafterthem,whiningtheirdispleasuretoanuncaringaudience.GreySeerThanquolswamwiththerest,hiseyesglaringdaggersatthelastlongboatanditscargo

ofskaven.Alltheleadersoftheexpeditionhadtakenseatsintheboat,byrightshisplacewasthereamongthem.Instead,he’dbeenknockedoverthesidebyShenTsinge’sungainlyratogre.Oh,nodoubtthesorcererwouldclaimitwasanaccident!He’dtwisthistonguetosomecleverlieabouthownoinsulthadbeenmeant!He’dpretendtobeutterlyinnocentofanyslightuponThanquol’sauthorityandpositionasapriestoftheHornedRatandaninvaluableservantoftheCouncil!Thanquolknewbetter.Whenhereachedshore,therewouldbeareckoning!He’dshowtheseEshin

gutter-lickerswhowasthemasterandwhotheslave!He’dteachthemathingorthirteenaboutrespect!They’dgoslinkingbacktoCathaywiththeirtailstuckeduptheirnetherswhenhewasthroughwiththem!Chisel-likefangssankintoancientwood.Thanquolforcedhisangertoabatewhenheheardthe

staffclenchedinhisjawsstarttosplinter.TheStaffoftheHornedOnewashismosttreasuredpossession,besidethewarpstoneamuletthatwentwithit.He’dworkedhardandlongtoearntherighttocarrythemagicaltalismans,tobindtheirmagicsothatitcomplementedhisownincrediblecommandoftheaethyr.Hisoldmentorhadbeenreluctanttogivethemup,andhadtakenanunreasonableamountoftimetodiewhenThanquoldidpresenthisclaimontheartefactstohim.Somegreyseerssimplyweren’tgraciousenoughtostepasideintheirdotageandopenthewayfortheyoungandvibrant.SomethingbrushedagainstThanquol’sleg,somethingbigandcold.Thegreyseergrittedhisteeth

–thoughbeingcarefulnottosplinterthewoodofhisstaffagain–andbeganpaddlingabitmorequicklytowardstheshore.HepushedastrugglingyoungnightrunnerbeneaththewavesashefoundhispathchokedwiththeswimmingfiguresofClanEshinrunts.Thenightrunnerpawedfranticallyas

hisheadwaspushedunder,butThanquolhadalreadydismissedthewhelpfromhisthoughts.Hereachedoutandseizedthetailofthenextrunt,pullingsavagelyonitanddraggingthepaddlingratmanoutofhispath.Asharpsquealofmortalagonysnappedacrossthewaves.Thetangofskavenbloodstruck

Thanquol’ssensesandhetwistedabout.Thenightrunnerhe’dpushedunderwaterwasbackonthesurface–flailingaboutinthejawsofamonstrousfish.Thanquol’seyesfairlybulgedfromhisheadashesawtheimmensecreature.Itwasallgreyontopwithawhitebellyandeyesasblackascrushedwarpstone.Itsteethweregiganticsaw-edgedthingsthatfilleditsentireface.Whenittighteneditsholdonthescreamingskaven,itsjawsactuallyshotforwardsfromitsfacebeforerecoilingbackintotheleatherywhitemouth.Therewasamadscrambleofskavenastheshockofseeingthegreatfishworeoff.Knife-likefins

werealreadyslicingthroughthewaves,drawnbythenightrunner ’sblood.Theratmenhadnoideawhatasharkwas,buttheycouldappreciatewhattheyhadseenthefirstonedo.Snapping,biting,andclawing,theskavenflungthemselvestowardsshore.Oneknotofcloakedratkinswarmedalongboat,pitchingitsoccupantsintothesea.Aclusterofthemquicklysurfaced,scurryingontotheoverturnedboat.Acloudofbloodandasubmergingfinshowedatleastoneoftheirnumberwhosescramblefortheshorewasover.Warplockpistolscracked,swimmingskavenshriekedastheoccupantsoftheotherboatsensured

theirvesselswouldnotsufferthesamefate.Carefully,Thanquoledgedawayfromthelongboathehadbeenpaddlingtowards.Hesawahugedorsalfinglidepasthim,watchedasanarmouredratmandesperatelytryingtotreadwaterwasjerkedunder,vanishingintoawateryringofblood.Acloakedassassinrosefromthebottomofthelongboat,ablowgunclutchedinhispaws.Thanquol

couldnotseetheratman’sfacebeneaththeshadowcastbyhishood,buthecouldseetheskavenswingaroundtofacehim.Withaquickmotion,theassassinbroughttheblowguntohislips.Thanquol’sfurcrawledatthesight,rememberinghownearsuchaweaponhadcometokillinghiminSkavenblight.Despitethesharksinthewateraroundhim,heclenchedhiseyestightanddivedbeneaththesurface.DesperatelyThanquolclawedhiswaythroughthebloodysea.Hecouldsmellthesharksfrenziedly

tearingattheirpreyallaroundhim.Itwasareekthatsentstarkterrorpulsingdownhisspine.Hefelthislungsburningforwantofairasheblindlyswamthroughthewater.Somethingbrushedagainsthisarm.Franticallyhelashedoutatitwithhisclaws.Whenhediscoveredhistargetwascoveredinfur,hegrabbedit,holdingitinaterrifiedembrace.Thanquoltriedtoclimbthebodyoftheskavenhegripped,thenopenedhiseyesinhorrorashefoundtherewasnothingattachedtothelegheheld.ThelastofThanquol’sbreathescapedinaterrifiedburstofbubbles.Frantic,hefollowedthemto

thesurface,gaspingforairashisheadbobbedabovetheblackenedwaves.Almostassoonashebrokethesurface,awhistlingsoundwhizzedthroughhisears.Adartshotoverhishead,soneartohisskinthatThanquolcouldfeelhisfurrippleinitswake.Behindhim,Thanquolfelttheseaundulatewithviolence.Heturnedhimselfabouttowatchasan

immensesharkthrashedinthewater.Afterafewmoments,themonstrousfishrolledontoitsback,itseyesrolledintothebackofitshead,apoisoneddartprotrudingfromitssnout.Thanquolglancedbackatthelongboat.Itwasbeingswarmedbyterrifiedskaven,desperateto

escapethesharks.Hecouldmakeouttheshapeofthecloakedassassinwhoseshothadsavedhimfromtheshark.Thewretchdidn’tseemhappyaboutit,breakinghisblowgunacrosshiskneebeforeturningwithalongdaggertohelpfendofftheratmentryingtoswarmintotheboat.Therewasnopersonalscenttotheassassin,likemostofhiskindtheidentifyingglandshadbeen

surgicallyextracted.Thanquoltriedtofixthekiller ’sappearanceinhismind.Itwasnoeasytask–theskavenofClanEshinalllookedaliketohim.Whenaratmantreadingwaternearbycriedoutbeforea

sharkdraggedhimunder,Thanquoldecidedhe’dstudiedtheassassinlongenough.Ensuringhehadafirmholdonhisstaff,Thanquolpaddledtowardsthesandyshore.

‘Dung-chewingflea!Youread-saymapwrong-wrong!’ShiwanStalkscentsnatchedthemouldymapfromthepawsofShenTsinge.Thesorcererbaredhisfangsatthemasterassassin,butwavedaplacatinghandathisratogrewhenthebrutebegantomovetowardsShiwan.Thanquolreclinedbeneathapalmtree,quietlyeatingtheweirdyellowfruithe’dconfiscatedfrom

apairofgutterrunners.HewasratherenjoyingwatchingtheEshinbigshotsfalloutamongthemselves.Therewassomethingdeeplysatisfyingaboutwatchinghisenemiestearintoeachother.Heonlyhopedtheirargumentwouldcometoblowssoonerthanlater.GiventheEshinpenchantforpoison,theexpeditionwouldquicklyhaveafewlessleadersifthathappened.Ithadbeenalong,taxingvoyagetoLustriafromSartosa.They’dkeptthehumancrewalivefor

mostofthevoyage,usingthemtocrewtheship.Thevoyage,however,hadbeenabitfartherthantheyhadplannedon.Ithadtakenonlyafewweeksfortheskaventoexhausttheprovisionsinthehold.Thentheyhadstartedusingthehumanstosupplementtheirdiet.Onlyafewdaysandtheskavenhadexhaustedthatfoodsource.Fortunately,TsangKweek,headofthegutterrunners,hadthecunningtohavehisratmenwatchthepirates.Theyhadmanagedareasonableenoughjobofsailingtheshipwhenthelastpiratewasbutchered.Evenso,ithadtakenafurthertwoweekstosightland.Bythen,theskavenwerejustfinishingofftheiremergency-emergencyfoodsupply,theskavenslavesShiwanhadbroughtfromSkavenblight.Thanquoltookabiteofhisconfiscatedfruit,wonderingifperhapsitmightnottastebetterwiththe

fleshyyellowshellpeeledaway.Hewrinkledhisnoseatthestrangeidea.Thenagain,itwasn’tthefirststrangeideahe’dhad.Therewashisconvictionthatoneoftheassassinshadtriedtokillhimwhilethesharkswereeatingtheslow,lazyskaven.Norhadthatbeentheonlyincident.AfallingsparhadnearlysplithisskullonlyadayoutfromSartosa.Thentherehadbeenthetimehe’dbeenondeckatnightandbeenknockedovertherailbysomeonehedidn’tseeorsmell.OnlybythegraceoftheHornedRathadhemanagedtogripthehulloftheshipandclimbhiswaybackonboard.They’dblamedthataccidentonanuppitypirate,buttheireffortstoexplainawayhowhehadbeen

nearlysmotheredwhilehesleptandthrownintotheholdwiththehumanshadbeenagooddealharder.Ifhehadn’tawakenedintime,andifhehadn’thiddenafewnuggetsofwarpstoneinhischeekpouches,thevengefulpirateswouldhavekilledhimwiththeirbarehands.Asitwas,ithadtakeneveryounceofhiscunningandhissorcerytokeepthemoffhimbeforehewasfinallydiscoveredthreedayslater.Someone,itappeared,wasn’ttoohappyabouttheNightlord’sdecisiontosendhimonthis

expedition!Thanquolbruxedhisfangstogether,glaringatthelittlegroupofratmenarguingovertherat-hide

map.Anyoneofthemmightbetheone!Orwhydiditneedtobeonlyone?Yes!Itcouldbeaconspiracy,asubterfugebeingplottedbytwoofthem!Maybemore!Maybetheywereallinonit!Thegreyseerworkedhistonguetoextractthelast,minisculeportionofwarpstonefromhischeek

pouch.Hecouldswallowit,drawonitsinnatepowerandfuelaspellofsuchmagnitudethatalloftheEshinleaderswouldbecomenothingbutabloodysmearonthesand!Heblinkedhiseyesandshookhishead,movingthebitofwarpstonebackintothecornerofhis

mouth.Yes,hecouldblastallofhisenemiesatonego,andthenwhatwouldhedo.He’dstillbeathousandfood-stopsfromhome,surroundedbyimpenetrablejungle,shark-infestedwaterandafewhundredClanEshinwarriorsthatmightnottaketookindlytohisexterminationoftheirleaders–howeverjustified.Reluctantly,Thanquolletthemurderousvisionfadeandcockedhisearsforwardstolistentotheargumentunfold.

‘Maybeitwrongmap!’ShenTsingehissed,shakinghisstaffatthecloakedassassin.HespunandpointedaslenderclawatTsangKweek.‘Maybeyoustealmaptowrongplace!’Theleaderofthegutterrunnersbaredhisfangs,hisfurbristlingattheinsult.‘Wetake-snatchmap

fromplaguepriest!’Tsangprotested.Thebrown-furredratmanwasawiry,emaciatedcreaturebeneathhiscloak,takingpainstokeephimselftrimenoughtocrawlupadrain-pipeorwrigglethroughachimney.‘HimsayisforPestilenscome-takeLustriafromsnake-devil!Himsay-squeakmuch-much,’headdedwithalowsnarl,histhumbworkingalongthebackofaserrateddagger.‘Pirate-manmaybelie?’offeredthehulkingKongKrakback.Theblackskavenwasinchargeof

Eshin’sclanratwarriors,abrutishmonsterwhoworesegmentedarmourinpreferencetothecloaksandrobesofhisassassinmasters.Thehugeskavenleanedonhisfang-edgedglaive,itsedgepittedwithlittlecopperringsandotherprotectivetalismans.‘Man-thingnolie-lie!’snappedShiwan.‘Isay-tellhenotdie-diehelandshiprightplace!’‘Maybeman-thingknowyoulie-lie,’Shenobserved.‘Maybehethink-knowweeatanyway.’Sullenly,Shiwanswepthiscloaktightaroundhimself,histaillashingangrilyagainstthesand.

Immediately,theassassin’swhiskersstartedtotwitch.Forgettingthebickeringofhisratkin,hebentdownandscratchedatthesand.Therewasasinistergleaminhiseyeasherose,hisclawscurledaroundarustypieceofiron.‘Man-thingmetal!’Shiwanhissedintriumph.Hetossedthedecayedbitofironintothesand,nearly

hittingShenTsinge’sfeet.Thesorcererscowledandpickeduptherottenpieceofrust.Hesniffedatit,then,withasuspiciousglanceatShiwan,gaveitanexperimentallick.‘Man-thingmetal,’thesorcereragreed.Hiseyesnarrowedandhistaillashedbehindhimashe

staredatShiwan.‘Whatyousniff-scent?’Themasterassassinwipedadripofoozefromhisnoseandgrinnedthreateninglyattheothers.

Proudlyhehelduptheratskinmap.Hisclawtappedamarkupontheinkedsurface.‘Mapshowman-thingplace.Findman-thingplace,find-findwhereonmapweare!’Shiwan’sdeclarationexcitedtheotherskavenleaders.Theyallknewhowrarehumanswerein

Lustria.TherewereathousandthingsinthejunglethatwouldkillahumanfasterthanaClanEshinblade.Ahumansettlementofanysizewasanincrediblerarityinthejungle.AlandmarktheycouldusetogettheirbearingsandsnifftheirwaytothelostcityofQuetza.TsangKweeksnappedquickcommandstohisgutterrunners.Leanandthin,thegutterrunnershad

formedthebulkoftheswimmersatthebeachheadandhadsufferedtheheaviestcasualtiesfromthesharks.TheywereeagertoprovetheirworthandforestallworsetreatmentfromtheassassinsandKong’swarriors.Itwasnotaquestionofloyaltyorduty,butsimplyaquestionofsurvival.Thegutterrunnersfannedoutalongthebeach,sniffingatthesand.Sometimesonewouldstart

diggingattheearth,scrabblingatsomeburiedscrapofmetal.Eachdiscoveryformedapatternandsoontheskavenhadadefiniteideafromwhereinthejunglethetrailofrustedjunkhadstarted.ShiwansnarledtheorderfortheexpeditiontofollowTsang’sscoutsintothejungle.Whiningtheir

feebleprotests,thewarriorsandassassinsgottotheirfeetandscurriedintothetrees.Thanquolleanedinthecoolshadeofhispalmandwatchedthemgo.Forafleetinginstant,he

hopedtheyhadforgottenhim.Thenheturnedhiseyesbacktotheshore,watchingbadlychewedbitsofskavenrollinwiththetide.Helistenedtotheraucouscallsofjunglebirds,sniffedtheevilsmellofreptilesintheair.Anxiously,thegreyseerlickedhisfangs.OfcoursehecouldnotdesertthebraveClanEshinintheirtimeofneed!Whytheirleaders

couldn’tevenreadasimplemap!Iftherewastobeanychanceofsuccessonthismission,theywouldneedhisimpartialandselflessguidance.ThatwouldbetheonlywaytosparethemfromtheNightlord’swrath.Itwouldbeadangerousundertaking,butThanquolwasnotonetoshunhisobligationsmerelybecausetheymightprovehazardous.

Tuckinghisstaffunderhisarm,GreySeerThanquoldashedafterthelastofthewarriors.Hetriednottolooktooundignifiedasheracedtocatchup.

Thanquol’sfurwasplasteredtohisskin,hisrobesclingingtohisbodylikethewetragsusedbyratwivestosmothermalformedwhelps.Thegreyseerswattedirritablyatthenastyblueflytryingtobitehisneck.Allconsidered,hemusthavelostaquartofbloodtotheabominableinsects.Ithadbeensorelytemptingtodrawuponhispowertowardoffthebitingbugs,buthedecidedsuchadisplayofmagicalprowessmightbeunseemly.Besides,thatslinkingmage-ratShenTsingewasconservinghispowers,andthatmadeThanquoldoublykeentohusbandhisown.Hisfurbristledashewatchedthescabbylittlesorcerer.Notrudgingthroughthemuckandmudof

thejungleforhim!Ohno,notwhenhehadabigstrongratogretolughismangyskinaroundforhim!Thesorcererwascradledinthebrute’sarmslikeafavouredwhelpnuzzledagainstabreeder.Thanquolcouldswearthevillainwasdozing.Dozingwhiletherestofthemsufferedandsweatedandfoughtoffallthefilthyverminthejunglecouldthrowatthem.Leeches!Mosquitos!Poisonousspiders!Blindingcloudsofgnats!Snakes!Thanquol’sfurcrawledashethoughtofthesnakes.Theloathsomethingswereeverywhere,

watchingthemwiththeirunblinkingeyes,sniffingatthemwiththeirforkedtongues.He’dlostcountofallthehideoussnakesthey’dseen.Littleonesthecolourofman-thingbloodthatcouldkillaskavenwithasingleflashoftheirfangs.Bigonesthatdroppeddownfromthebranchestocoilaroundaratmanandcrushhisbonesintheircoils.Flatonesthatflewthroughthetreeslikegreatscalyribbons.Mosthorribleofallhadbeenthegiantonewithaheadoneachend.Fortunatelythatmonsterhadbeencontenttoeattwogutterrunnersandthenslitherbackintothescummystreamithadbeenhidingin.HereturnedhisangrygazetoShenTsinge.Ofcoursethesorcererdidn’thavetoworryabout

snakes,notupthereinthearmsofhisratogre!Thanquolstudiedthemonstrousbrute.Fromheadtofootthebeastwasasblackasanassassin’scloakandtheimmenseclawsonbothitshandsanditsfeetwerecoveredinsteel.Themonsterworeanecklaceofskullsarounditsneck:skullsofdwarf-thingsandman-thingsandgreen-things,butmostlythelong,narrowskullsofskaven.Thethreatwasobvious.Goji,thesorcererhadnamedhisbodyguardintypicalexcessivefashion.ClanEshinmusthave

trainedthebeastforsometime:itmovedwithaspeedandagilitythatbelieditsbulk,andwhenitmoveditdidsowithoutawhisperofsoundtobetrayit.EvenTsang’sgutterrunnersseemedclumsybesideGojiastheyscurriedthroughthejungle.ThanquolbristledandsnortedhisamusementatallthewastedtimeandexpenseShenTsingehad

squanderedtotrainhisratogre.Whatgoodwasaquietbodyguard?Whatusewasittohaveahulkingengineofdestructionthatcoulddaintilypickitswaythroughthejungle?Aratogrewassomethingtobeusedtoscareunderlingsandterrifyenemies!ShenTsingeobviouslyhadnottheslightestclueaboutratogres!Thegreyseerquicklymovedbehindapairofclanratwarriorsasthescoutsaheadcame

scamperingback.Hecouldsmelltheexcitementintheirscent.Hiskeenearssoonpickedouttheirhastyreport.Theyhadfoundsomethingahead!Carefully,thecolumnfollowedthescoutsbackalongthetrailtheyhadcarvedthroughthejungle.

Forsometime,thegroundhadbeengrowinglesssolid.Nowitfellawayintoafull-fledgedswamp.Gnarledmangrovesthrustthemselvesfromthescum-coatedwater,cloudsofinsectsbuzzingabovethefilth.Sandbarsprotrudedthroughthemuck,formingatwisty,brokenbridgeacrossthemorass.Immensegreencrocodilesloungeduponthesandbars,baskinginthesunlightdribblingdownthroughthetrees.

AllofthisThanquolsawandsmelledinaninstant,thenhisattentionwasdrawnlikealloftheotherskaventotheuglystonetowerrisingfromasmallisland.Thestructureleanedcrazilyoutovertheswamp,manyofitsstoneshavingcollapsedandfallenintothemudbanksaroundit.Therustedmouthofacannonprotrudedfromthesinglewindowthatcouldbeseen.Abovethebrokenwoodengatethatfrontedthetower,asetofhumanboneshadbeenfixedabovethearchwaywithmortar.Thanquolrecognisedtheshapetheyformed.ItwasthesameastheBlackMaryhadflown,askullabovetwolegbones.Thegreyseerwonderedifitwaspossibleifthemenwhohadbuiltthetowerandthepirateswhoseshiptheyhadtakencouldhavebelongedtothesameclan.SomeofTsangKweek’sgutterrunnersstartedtowardsthetower,asuggestionofgreedintheir

scent.ThesmellwaspickedupbyKongKrakback’swarriorsandthebiggerskavenstartedscurryingafterthesmallscouts.GreySeerThanquolstartedtomoveforwardsaswell,determinedtomediateanydisputeover

treasureforthegoodoftheexpedition–andanominalpercentage.Hisnosetwitchedasanewsmellstruckit.Acoldshivercreptthroughhisspineanditwasanefforttocontrolhisglands.Thiswasnoscenteventhekeenestassassinwouldknow.Itwasasmellonlythoseattunedtotheworldofmagiccouldknow.ThanquolhadlastsmelledsuchafoultaintwhenhehadfoughtthenecromancerVorghunofPraag.Itwasthestenchofthedarkestofsorcery,thesickeningreekoftheundead.Thanquolponderedhisoptions,thencarefullymadehiswaybacktowardsthejungle.LettheEshin

upstartswalkintotrouble!Itwouldservethemrightforalltheindignitiestheyhadforceduponhim!Besides,someoneamongthatmurderousrabblewastryingtokillhim.Maybehe’dgetluckyandwhateverevilwashangingaboutthetowerwouldtakecareofhisunknownenemyforhim.ShenTsinge’seyeswerenotquiteasclosedasThanquolhadsupposedthemtobe.Farfrom

dozing,thesorcererhadbeenwatchingallofhiscomrades,andmostparticularlythegreyseer.WhenhesawthecraftygleamcreepintoThanquol’seyes,thesorcererdroppeddownfromthearmsofGoji.Shensniffedattheair.Hisfurbristledatwhathesmelled.HestaredaccusinglyatThanquol,thenscrambledforwardstowarnhisclanoftheirdanger.

Itwastoolate.Theforemostoftheskavenhadalreadyreachedthetower.Asthefirstratmanleaptfromthesandbartothecrumblingfaceoftheisland,ashadowyfigureshambledoutofthedarknessinsidethetower.Itlookedsomethinglikeahuman,butitsclotheswerenothingbutshredsofclothhangingfromstarvedbones.Theskinwasgreenwithrot,blisteredandsplitbythejungleheat.Spotsofboneprotrudedfromthedecayingfleshandmaggotscrawledinwhatlittlemeatremained.Beneaththetatteredremainsofacaptain’shat,adesiccatedskullglaredattheratmen.Oneofthegutterrunnerssqueakedinterrorashesawtheapparition,scrabblingbackwardsinsuch

hastethathestumbledintothescummywater.Theothergutterrunnerbaredhisfangsandhurledapairofknivesintotheapproachinghuman.Thebladessankdeepintotheman’schest,transfixinghisheart.Themandidn’tevenseemtofeeltheirimpact,buttookanothershamblingsteptowardsthegutterrunner.Nowterrifiedlikehiscomrade,theratkinturnedtoflee.Butashedidso,arottenfistexploded

fromthegroundbeneathhimandseizedhisfootinacruelgrip.Thegutterrunnerwrithedinagony,hackingdesperatelyattheimprisoninghand.Thoughfingerssnappedbeneathhisblade,thehandrefusedtoreleasehim.Theskavenwailed,pleadingwithhiskinforhelp.Toolatehesawtherottenshadowofthecaptainfallacrosshim.Themoulderingzombieraisedtherustycutlassitcarriedandbroughtitslashingdown.Screamsechoedthroughouttheswamp.Otherzombieswerenowpullingthemselvesfreefromthe

muck,gropinginmutemalevolenceforanyskavennearthem.Theskavenrecoiledfromthefrightfulthings,horrifiedattheirinabilitytokillcreaturesthatwerealreadydead.Severalgutterrunnersfell

beneaththegropingclawsofthezombies,theirshrieksrisingtodeafeningsquealsastheywereslowlyrippedapart.Oneassassin,hisblackcloakbillowingabouthim,triedtofighthiswaybacktothetower,thinkingtoslaythecaptain.Everythrustofhispoisonedknivesstruckhome,yetnoneofhisvictimsfell.Thezombiessoonsurroundedtheloneassassin.Inafitofhorror,thecloakedkillerslicedhisdaggeracrosshisownneckratherthanfalltotheclawsoftheundead.Ablackwhirlwindcrackledintotherottenranksoftheundead,explodingadozenofthezombies

intoputridfragments.ShenTsingeandGojicamerushingtothesandbarwhereShiwanandmostofhiswarriorsweretrapped.Thesorcerergesturedwithhisstaffagain,howlingmagicexplodingfromittostrikedownanothermobofthecreatures.‘Flee-flee!Quick-quick!’Shenhissedatthemasterassassin.Shiwan’seyesdartedlonginglytothejungle,buthelashedhistailandstaredinsteadatthemapin

hishand.‘Usemagic!’hesnarledatthesorcerer.‘Keepdead-thingsback-back!’SomethingliketerrorfilledShen’sglands,butwhenhesawthecruelintensityinShiwan’seyes,he

knewanyargumentwouldbefatal.Drawingawarpstonecharmfromthetipofhisstaff,thesorcerernibbledasliverfromit.Hefelttheinvigoratingrushofpowerswellthroughhisveins.Heshuthiseyes.Whenheopenedthemagain,theywereblackpitsofpower.Snarling,heswepthishandthroughtheairbeforehim.Blackwispsofenergyshotfromhisfingerstoshatterthedecayedheadsofahalf-dozenzombies.Thesorcerersnarledandtightenedhisholdonthestaff.Asecondburstofdarkpowerandmorezombieswerebroken,theirfragmentssinkingbeneaththeslimeoftheswamp.ShiwanStalkscentwipedhissnoutandeagerlypointedwithhisclawtothenorth.Bullyingand

threatening,Kongbroughthiswarriorsintoasemblanceofformation.Withthethreatoftheirleader ’sglaiveattheirback,theclanratswereherdedtowardsthemobofzombiesblockingthemfromthejungle.Frenziedly,themassesofskavenhackedtheirwaythroughtheeerilysilentundead.Slowly,butdeliberately,theybegantocarvetheirwaythroughthehorde.Exhaustedbyhisexertionsandthenoxiousinfluenceofthewarpstonehehadsohastilyconsumed,

ShenTsingeslumpedintothearmsofhisbodyguard.Cradlinghismasterinthecrookofonearm,thehulkingGojilopedaftertheretreatingexpedition,hishugeclawsshearingthroughthefewzombiesstandingbetweenhimandShiwan’srearguard.

GreySeerThanquolblinkedindisbeliefashesawShiwan’sratmenfleeingtheswamp.Itwasnotsomuchthattheyhadbeendrivenoffbythezombies–he’dexpectedthatmuch.Itwasthefactthattheyweremakingtheirescapeonthewrongsideoftheswampthatincensedhim.He’dexpectedthemtocomeback,notpressforward!ThejungleseemedtopressinallaroundThanquolasthescentofhisfellowskavenbegantogrow

morefaint.Theswampwasstillalivewithzombies,thevilethingssurroundingandslaughteringthestragglersShiwanhadabandoned.Itwasahideoussight,madeevenmoregruesomebythewaythecrocodilesslidintothewatertosnatchupthefloatingbitsofmeatthezombiesleftbehind.Thanquolconsideredhimselfavaliantskaven,afraidofverylittle,buttoendupinthebellyofsomescalymonstrositywasoneofhispethorrors.Thanquollashedhistailandgroundhisfangs.ThesmellofShiwan’sretreatingcolumnwasjusta

feeblehintintheair.Ifhedidn’twanttolosethem,hehadtomovefast.Hisheartwasalreadythunderinginhischest,theterrorofbeingalonefloodingthroughhismind.Desperate,hedrewhisswordandtightenedhisgriponhisstaff.Hissingahasty,butmostsincere,prayertotheHornedRat,Thanquolrushedoutintotheswamp.Thesand,nowslimywithskavenbloodandthestagnantfluidsofthezombies,provedtreacherous

underThanquol’sfeetashescurriedalongthesandbarstocatchupwithShiwan’sratmen.Toeitherside,thewatersoftheswampwerealivewithcrocodiles,thehugereptileschurningthewaterintheir

brutehunger.Theywerecarefultokeepawayfromthezombies,however,anditwaswithasinkingsensationinhisstomachthatThanquolwatchedthewalkingcadaversclosinguponhim.Briefly,Thanquolcontemplatedblastinghiswaythroughtheshamblingcorpses.Forapettymage-

rat,ShenTsingehadexhibitedanimpressiveamountofpower.NotthatThanquolcouldn’tdofarbetter,evenonhisworstday.Still,theefforthadtaxedShenterribly,leavinghimtobecarriedoffbyhisratogre.Perhapsitwouldbebestnottoindulgeinanyexcessivedisplayofhisownmagicalability.Makingaquickcountofthezombiesstillrisingfromthemuckandmud,Thanquoldecidedagainstdrawingonhispowers.Theundeadtendedtofixateonsourcesofmagic.Spinningabout,Thanquolsprintedacrossthesandbar,throwinghisbodyforwardsatthefirstgap.

Helandedinacrouch,theimpactalmostjarringtheswordfromhishand.Hegrimacedatthehungrycrocodilestaringathimfromthemuckhehadjumpedover,thenscurriedquicklyawayfromthegruesomecreature.Distractedbythecrocodile,Thanquolalmostdidn’tseethezombiesuntilhewasrightinthemiddle

ofthem.Whenheturnedawayfromthefrustratedreptile,Thanquolfoundarottinghumanfacesmilingathim,wormsspillingfromitseyesocket.Thegreyseershriekedandduckedtheclub-likeswingofthezombie’sarm.Hebroughthisswordchoppingaround,cuttingthroughthezombie’slegjustaboveitsankle.Hisstaffcrackedagainsttheundeadpirate’swaist,spillingitintothescummywater.Beforehecouldappreciatedispatchinghisfoe,Thanquolfoundfivemorezombiesstaggering

towardshimlikeawallofflesh.Thegreyseerbackedaway,cringingwhentheundeadrefusedtobecowedbythethreatofhissword.Inapanic,hetonguedthenuggetofwarpstoneoutofhischeekpouch.Thetemptationtodrawonitspowertoannihilatethezombieswasalmostoverwhelming,buttheknowledgethattodosowoulddrawtheattentionofeveryundeadthingintheswamptemperedhisdespair.Thanquolbackedawayfromtheadvancingzombiesuntilhefelthisheelshangingoveremptiness.

Franticallyhedartedforward,liftinghistailjustintimetoescapethesnappingjawsofthecrocodile.Betweenthezombiesandthereptile,thegreyseerfoundhimselfbackedintoacorner.Whilethereiseventheslightestpossibilityofescape,askavenwillmakeeveryefforttosavehis

skin.Itiswhenthereisnohopeofescapethatafearsomefurycomesuponthem,aberserkmadnessthatroarsthroughtheirbrains.Thanquolfeltthedesperate,instinctivemadnessseizehim.Hisfangsgrindingtogether,hedroveintotheapproachingzombieswiththemindlesssavageryofanorcwarlord.Thefirstzombiestaggeredfromablowofhisswordthatsentitsforearmflyingthroughtheair.Thesecondhecaughtupontheshoulderwiththeheadofhisstaff,usingittotugthecreatureforwardsandsendittumblingintothejawsofthecrocodile.Afterthat,allbecamearedhazeoffear-crazedfrenzy.Whenitcleared,Thanquolstoodpantingtwentyyardsfromwherehehadstarted,hispathstrewnwithmangled,mutilatedbodies.GreySeerThanquoltooktwogreatgulpsofair.Thescentoftheotherskavenwasquicklyfading–

soonitwouldbelostcompletely.Therewasn’ttimetogloatoverthehavochehadcaused,oreventopraisetheHornedRatforwhateverslightrolehemighthavehadinThanquol’sescape.Terrifiedatbeingleftbehind,Thanquolbracedhimselfforanotherdesperategauntletacrossthesandbars.Beforehetookhisfirststep,thesandathisfeetexplodedupwards.Atfirsthethoughtitwas

anotherzombie,andthatmistakealmostprovedhisundoing.Thanquolrearedback,stabbinghisswordathisattacker.Withdistinctlyun-zombielikespeed,thecloakedambusherdartedtothesideandbroughtadrippingdaggerslashingathim.ThepoisonousbladecrunchedintoThanquol’sstaff,missinghisfleshbyamatterofinches.‘Die-die,murder-meat!’theassassinchittered,strugglingtofreehistrappedblade.Thanquol

swungathimwithhissword,atthesametimerelaxinghisgriponhisstaff.

Thestaffsmackedintotheassassin’ssnoutwithanimpactthatcrackedfangsandsentasprayofblackbloodexplodingfromhisnose.Thanquol’sswordchoppeddownatthestunnedassassin,hackingtheblack-furredearfromthesideofhishead.Beforethegreyseercouldexploitthereversal,theassassin’sclawedfootsmashedintohischest,knockinghimbackandalmostpitchinghimintotheswamp.Onlybyplantingthebuttofhisstaffintheloosesandwasheabletosavehimselffromhurtlingintothescummywater.Fangsbared,theassassinsnarledbackathim.Thekillerdidn’ttrytousehisdaggeragain,but

insteaddrewapairofthrowingstarsfromhisbelt.‘Think-thinkofChangSquikbeforeyoudie-die!’Thanquolgrinnedbackattheassassin.Thekillerneverhadthechancetothrowthedeadly

shuriken.Instead,deadclawsseizedhislegs.ThemoreintactpiecesofThanquol’sdefeatedenemieshadbeencrawlingsteadilyafterhim.Nowthemangledzombiesclosedupontheassassin.Thecloakedkillersqueakedinhorrorasthezombiebegantopullitselfuphisbody,itsentrailsdanglingfromwhereThanquolhadcutitinhalf.Asecondzombiefollowedthefirst,closingawormyhandaroundtheassassin’sshoulder.Twistingandshrieking,theassassintriedtoescapetherelentlessgripofhisattackers,onlytofind

hisfeetslippingonthesand.Adreadfulwailrosefromtheassassinasbothheandthezombiesgrippinghimpitchedheadlongovertheedgeofthesandbarandsplashedintotheswamp.Immediatelyseveralcrocodilesconvergedonthecommotion.Thanquolwishedthereptilesafullsupper.

CHAPTERSIX

ALostWorld

‘Khaine’sblackhells!’CaptainSchachter ’sshoutawakenedeveryoneinthesmallcamponthebeach.Menstumbledfrom

sailclothtents,cutlassesandbludgeonsclenchedintheirfists.Adalwolfwipedsleepfromhiseyesandshruggedintohisarmouredvest.Thechainmailfeltuncomfortableagainsthisbareskin,butthemercenarycouldthinkofmanythingsthatwouldfeelevenworse.Schachterstoodafewpacesfromthesmokingremainsofthegreatbonfireatthecentreofthe

camp.Foronce,theseacaptain’sfacewasdevoidoftheruddyglowofalcohol.Hisashenfeaturesweretwistedinhorror,hishandtremblingashepointedatsomethingjuttingupfromthepileofashes.Adalwolffelthisbloodruncoldashelookedatthethingthathadsoterrifiedthecaptain.Heheard

sailorsgrowsickbehindhim.‘Handrich’sPurse!’snarledtheimperiousvoiceofvanSommerhaus.Thepatroonwasfumblingat

thebucklesofhiscoatashestormedoutfromhislean-to.Wrappedinacoarseship’sblanket,Hiltrudedemurelyfollowedafterthefuriousmerchant.‘What’sallthisabout,Schachter?Don’tyouknowbetterthantodisturbmymorninglibations?’Thepatroonstifledagaspandpressedaglovedhandtohismouthashesawthegrislythingthat

hadcapturedtheattentionoftheentirecamp.Hiltrudegavevoicetoashriek,thencollapsedagainstthesandinafaint.Thethingrisingfromtheasheswasacrudewoodenpole,roughlytheheightofaman.Aclutchof

brightparrotfeatherswasboundtothething’stop,swayinginthetepidmorningbreezelikethefrondsofapalm.NestledamongthefeatherswerethreegrotesquethingsthatremindedAdalwolfofthesleepingbatstheyhadseeninthejungle.Likerottenfruit,thefist-sizedthingsdroopedfromthepole,butthesewerefruitwithghastly,shrivelledfaces!MarjusPfaffwasthefirstmantoworkupthenervetocloseupontheghastlypole.Hesquintedas

hestaredatthetortured,wrinklyfaces.Theywereboundtothepolebytheirhair,whichhadbeenpulledbackinalongknottoleavethehorriblefacesexposed.Eachwasdarkenedtothecolourofoldleather,lipsandeyessewnshut.Yettherewasanuncomfortablesenseoffamiliarityaboutthethings,foralltheirdiminutivesize.Marjusjostledoneofthegrislythingswiththetipofhiscutlass.Theshrunkenheadrolledwiththe

motion,displayingforallthelong,pointedearclingingtothesideoftheshrivelledskull.Itwasnohumanear,butthatofanelf.‘Ethril!’Adalwolfshuddered.Nowthattheconnectionwasmade,hecouldseethesemblanceofthe

asurwandereronthewitheredhusk.‘Theotherswillbethesentriesyoupostedlastnight,’Marjussaid,spittingintothesandand

makingthesignofManann.Aquickcallofthesailorsonthebeachconfirmedthemate’ssuspicions.

‘Whocouldhavedonethis?’wonderedvanSommerhauswhenhe’dfinallymanagedtocomposehimselfandassumesomesmallmeasureofhisarrogance.CaptainSchachterscratchedatthestubbleofbeardgrowingonhischin.‘I’veheardtalesof

cannibalhalflingsthatliveinthejungle,andstoriesofAmazonsthatwouldassoonskinamanasbedhim.’Adalwolfshookhishead.‘Itdoesn’tmatterwhodidthis,’hetoldSchachter.‘Whatdoesmatteris

themessagethey’resending.Itwasn’tenoughforthemtojustkillEthrilandtheguards.Theymadeapointoftellinguswhattheydid.Theycreptintotheverycentreofcampandputthis…this…horrorrightherewithusallsleepingaroundit!’‘They’resayingtheycancomebackanddothesameanytimetheylike,’Schachterhissedina

frightenedwhisper.Theeyesofeverymanonthebeachturnedtowardsthejungle,wonderingwhatmightbestaringbackatthem.‘We’resomeplacesomebodydoesn’twantus,’Adalwolfsaid.Hegesturedatthehideoustotem

again.‘Thisistheirwayoftellingusweshouldbemovingon.’

ThesurvivorsoftheCobraofKhemridebatedforanhouroverwhattodo.Itwasclearthattheycouldnotstaywiththewreckoftheship.Theyhadnowayofknowinghownumeroustheirunseenenemywas.Justbecausetheyhadn’twipedtheentirecampoutthenightbefore,Diethelmargued,didnotmeantheyweren’tabletodoso.Thepriestthoughttheirbestcourseofactionwastobuildaraftfromthewreckandsetbackoutupontheopenwater,trustinginthegraceofMananntospiritthemawayfromthisunholyshore.AdalwolfandSchachtersupportedamoresensiblecourse.FromEthril’swords,theyknewthere

wasanelfsettlementsomewhereonthesoutherntipofLustria.Howfarsouthwasanyman’sguess,butatleastitwassomethingtostrivefor.WhethertheelveswouldreceivethemnowthattheyhadlostEthrilwasadisturbingquestionneitherofthemcouldanswer.ItwasvanSommerhauswhoproposedathirdoption.Therewasthetrailtheyhadfoundinthe

jungle.Clearlyitledsomewhere,somewherebig.Sailors’storiesoflostcitiesofgoldhiddeninthejungleweretemperedbythepracticalobservationthatanycitywouldhavetheresourcescloseathandtosupportit.Eveniftheyfoundnothingbutadesertedruin,therewouldbefreshwaterandferalcropstobehad.Theycouldfortifythemselves,usetheruinsforshelterandplantheirnextmoveatleisurewithoutthethreatofheadhuntersandstarvationhangingoverthem.Iftheyindulgedinalittletreasurehuntingwhiletheywereatit–well,thatcouldhardlybecountenancedanillthing.Thecrewmighthaverejectedthepatroon’sargumentshadMarjusPfaffnotintervened.Themate

hadtakenituponhimselftoknockdownthetotemandburythesadremainsboundtoit.Hehadbeenquitecageyatthetime,uncharacteristicallyrefusingallofferstohelphiminthemorbidlabour.Nowhereluctantlyshowedeveryonethereasonbehindhiscraft.Thefeathersandshrunkenheadshadbeenboundtothepolewithloopsofwire–goldenwire!Gold!Eveninthemidstoftheirfear,themencouldfeelitsallure.Coilsoffinelywroughtgoldfar

beyondtheskillsofheadhuntingsavages.Treasurethatthesavagescouldonlyhavebarteredorstolenfromthecitybeyondthejungle.Thecitythatmustlieattheendofthetrailtheyhadfound!Despairandfearhadbeentheonlyemotionsthecrewhadshownsincethediscoveryofthe

shrunkenheads.Nowacruelsortofhopeflaredupwithintheirhearts:theblind,unreasoninghopethatisbornofgreed.Thevotewastakenagain.Thistime,evenCaptainSchachterbackedvanSommerhaus.Only

AdalwolfandDiethelmtriedtoargueagainstsucharecklesscourse.Thepriesttriedtoinvokethepowerofhisgod,warningthatthefurthertheystrayedfromthesea,thefarthertheywerefromManann’sprotection.Adalwolftriedamorepracticalcourse,tryingtomakethemenseereason.If

theywereworriedaboutacoldreceptionfromtheelvesfartothesouth,howmuchmorefoolishwasittothinktheywouldbewelcomedbywhateverstrangedenizenshadbuiltthecitytheyhopedtofind?Heremindedthemofstoriesoflizardsthatwalkedlikemenandwhodelightedinsacrificingthebeatingheartsoftheirenemiestotheirstrangedevil-gods.Hetoldthemofthemanydangersthejungleheld,andalltheotherdangerstheywouldbeignorantofnowthatEthrilwasgone.‘We’vesmallchanceenough’,CaptainSchachterdecided.‘Whicheverwayweturn,we’relikelyto

dieinthisdamnplace.Allthingsbeingequal,I’drathertakemychanceswheretheremightjustbeapotofgoldwaitingformeattheendofthejourney.’Thecaptain’ssentimentquelledthelastmisgivingsofthecrew.Adalwolflookedforanyofthemto

standbyhim,butevenHiltrudevotedtotakethejungletrail.Hestaredhardatherwhenshecasthervote,essentiallyparrotingvanSommerhaus.Thecourtesanlookedaway,aguiltyflushtingeinghercheeks.‘Ifthisisyourdecision,’Adalwolfsaid,castinghiseyesacrossthecrew,lettinghisgazelingeron

thesmirkingfaceofvanSommerhaus,‘thenI’llhelpyoutrytoseeitthrough.NotbecauseIthinkit’sright,butbecauseIdon’twanttodiealoneinthisplace.’Themercenarystaredattheimposingedgeofthejungle.‘I’lldiemucheasierwithanaudience,’hesaidgrimly.

Cold,unblinkingeyeswatchedastheraggedsurvivorsoftheCobraofKhemrigatheredwhatsuppliestheycouldcarryandbegantomarchintothejungle.Noneofthewarm-thingssomuchasglancedinthedirectionofthechameleonskinks,littleguessingthatthekillersofEthrilandthesentriesweresonearathand.Theshiftinghuesoftheirscalesallowedtheskinkstocreeprightuptotheedgeofthecamp.They

listenedtothecuriouschirpsandsquawksthewarm-thingsuttered,cockingtheirscalyheadsincuriosityastheywatchedtherobedmagic-thingmuttersoundsoverseveralbarrelsofseawater.Iftheskinkshadbeenlikementheymighthavelaughedasthesmellofbrineleftthewater.Itwasnotthepaltrydisplayofmagicthatinterestedtheskinks,butratherthegravesolemnitywithwhichthewarm-thingworkedhisspell.Theyhadseentheirownpriestsaccomplishsimilarfeats,butwithfarmorepracticality.Thesentinelswatchedasthewarm-thingsmadeastrangelittleplatformofflatwoodandfitteda

longlengthofropetooneend.Uponthistheysetthebarrelsandbeforeit,theyplacedthetwobiggestmembersoftheirtribe.Whentheysetout,thebigonesdraggedthelittleplatformbehindthem.Theskinkswatchedtheoperationinfascination,wonderingwhythewarm-thingsexpendedsomucheffort.Didtheynotknowtheycouldjustlickwaterfromtheleaveseachmorningwhentherainscame?Iftheskinkshadbeenlikemen,theymighthavequestionedthereasonstheyhadbeendispatchedby

mightyLordTlacotoherdthesestrangecreaturesintothejungleandseethattheyfollowedthetrailtheslannhadmadeforthem.Buttheskinkswerenotmenandthethoughtofquestioningamage-priestwasasalientothemastheirjungleworldwastothehumans.Sotheysatandwatchedandwaited,enjoyingthesunthatwarmedtheirscalybodies.Theskinks

kepttheirblowgunsreadyintheirstrangemitten-likehands.Ifthewarm-thingscameback,theywouldmakeanothertotemtoencouragethemtofollowLordTlaco’spath.

Theyfoundthepathmucheasierthanontheirfirstexcursionintothejungle.VanSommerhaussaiditwasbecausetheyhadalreadychoppedapaththroughthetangleofbushesandhangingvines.EventhejunglesofLustria,thepatroonargued,werenotsofecundastoeffaceatrailoverthecourseofasinglenight.

Adalwolfwasnotsosure.Therewassomethingwrong.Nothinghecouldputintowords,justacoldfeelingatthebackofhisneck.HewonderedwhatEthril,withhiselvenwisdom,mighthavesensed.Thejungledidn’tfeelright,notlikeanaturalplace.Itwasalmostlikesneakingthroughsomeone’shousewhiletheywereaway.No,thatwasn’tquiteright.Somethingknewtheywerehere.Hecouldfeelitwatchingthem,

watchingthemwithacalculatingregardthatwaschillinginitsindifference.Eventhebloodlustofheadhunterswouldhavebeenpreferabletothatcoldemotionlessscrutiny.AtleastthatwouldhavebeensomethingAdalwolfcouldunderstand.Itwasmuchasbefore,thepaththroughthejungle,likeagreattunnelboredthroughthetrees.Nota

vine,notabushorbladeofgrassdisturbedthepath.Uponthegroundwasonlythebarrenearth,overheadthetreesandvinesformedanarchwayfiftyfeetabovetheirheads,notsomuchasaleafdanglingbeneaththatpoint.Toeventhinkforamomentthatanynaturalartificecouldhavecreatedsuchapathwasabsurd.ConsideringtheenormityofthemagicthatmusthavebeeninvolvedmadeAdalwolfthinknotintermsofwizards,butofgods.‘Wemadeexcellenttime,’vanSommerhausdeclared,breakingtheawedsilencethathadfallen

overthemall.Hepuffedhimselfup,noddingashestudiedtheterrain.‘Itoldyouwewouldhavenoproblemfindingitagain.’Adalwolfrepressedashudder.‘Wedidn’tfindit,’hecorrectedthepatroon.‘Itfoundus.’‘Notthatmysticmumbo-jumbooftheelfagain,’scoffedvanSommerhaus.Hegesturedimpatiently

atthebroadpathbeforethem.‘Thepathishere.It’sasrealasIam.Thisisnophantomofafeverishimagination!Wemadegoodtime,that’swhyyouthinkit’scloserthanbefore.’Thesailorslookeduncertain,theirsuperstitiousdreadrisingtotheforeagain.Marjustriedto

bringthemenbackinline,strikingthosewhodaredspeaktheirfears.Adalwolfpointedatthepathaheadandmadeanobservationthatsentpureterrorfloodingthrough

thecrew.‘Ifthisisthesamepath,whereareJoost’sbones?’VanSommerhausbristledatthequestion.Hestaredatthegroundforamoment,thenshrugged.

‘Maybethoselizardsatehimrightdowntothemarrow,’hesuggested.‘Ormaybeajaguarcamealongandcarriedoffwhateverthelizardsleft.Yes,thatsoundspossibleenough.’‘AndafterwardsthecatcamebackwithanImperialsteamtankanddraggedawaythetree,’

Adalwolf’svoicewasasthinasaknife.Hesawtheconfusiononthepatroon’sface.Toemphasisehispoint,heswepthishandacrossthetrailtheyhadcutthepreviousday.‘Where’sthetree?Youremember,thatlasttreethatcamecrashingdownandnearlykilledEthril?’Thepatroontriedtosputtersomesortofanswer,butevenhisinventivemindcouldnotthinkof

anythingtoexplainawaytheundeniablefactthatthetreewasgone.Thislastproofofsorcerywastoomuchforthecrew.EventhethreatsofSchachterandMarjus

couldn’tholdthemnow.Theyturned,intentonretreatingbacktothebeach.Inthefaceofthisevidencethatthejungle’smagicwasn’tancientandplacidbutactiveandaware,thepromiseofgoldlostitslure.Theywereafraidoftheheadhunters,buttheywereterrifiedofthejungle.Quickly,theyhadnewreasontofear.Theforemostoftheretreatingsailorshadnotgonefarwhenhemadeasinisterdiscovery.Thetrail

theyhadcutthepreviousdaywasovergrownagain,overgrownwithgreatbloatedgreenplantswithfleshyyellowflowers.Theywereghastlylookingthingsandtheimpossibilityoftheirexistencesenteveryman’sskincrawling.Yetsuchwastheirdeterminationtoescapethejunglethatthesailorssoonovercametheirtrepidation.Boldlytheystalkedtowardsthegrowth,intentuponcuttingitdownwiththeiraxesandswords.Asthefirstsailorraisedhisarmtostrikeoneoftheplants,ropyvinesshotoutfromthefleshy

stalk,coilingabouthimlikethearmsofakraken.Themanshriekedasthetendrilspulledhim

towardsthemainbodyoftheplant.Nowthetruenatureoftheyellowflowerswasrevealed.Theyfoldedinwardsuponthemselves,eachpetalashardandunyieldingasafang.Theflowersnappedopenandclosed,likeahungrydoglickingitschops.Adalwolfrushedforwardstohelpthementryingtofreethetrappedsailor.Othertendrilsshot

towardsthem,wrappingaroundarmsandlegs,tryingtodragthemenbacktowardstheplantsfurtherbackalongthetrail.AdalwolfhadknownaTileanwhohadkeptapetpython–thestrengthofthetendrilsputthatpowerfulserpenttoshame.Hecouldswearhefelthisverybonesbeingrubbedrawasthevineabouthislegtightenedandtriedtopullhimoffhisfeet.Desperatelyhebroughttheedgeofhisswordchoppingdownintothetendril.Itbithalfwaythroughtheropeyplantfibrebutnofarther,forcinghimtosawhisswordfreebyworkingthebladebackandforth.Whenhislegwasfreeagain,Adalwolflimpedovertohelpasailorwithvinescoiledaboutbothof

hisarms.Thoseseamenwhohadnotbeencaughtbytheplantsrushedtohelptheirtrappedcrewmen.CaptainSchachtertriedtofendoffthetendrilswithamarlinpike,theonlylongweapontheyhadamongthem,whileMarjususedhisgreatstrengthtodragfreedsailorsfromwheretheplantscouldreachthem.EvenHiltrudeandDiethelmlenttheiraidtothecause,choppingsailorsfreewiththeknivestheycarried.AdalwolfglancedoncetowherevanSommerhausstooduponthepath,frozenwithhorror.Newscreamstoldthefateofthesailorwhohadfirstfallenintotheclutchesoftheplants.Unableto

getnearenoughtofreehim,theycouldonlywatchashewaspulledremorselesslytowardsthesnappingflowers.Onecloseduponhisoutstretchedarmandanagonisedwaileruptedfromtheseaman.Bubblingfoamoozedfromthefoldsoftheflower.Themanstruggledfuriouslyforseveralminutes,thenmanagedtopullawayfromtheflower.Hisshrieksbecameevenmorefranticwhenhestaredathisarm.Therewasnothingleftbeyondtheelbow;ithadbeendissolvedinthemawoftheplant.Nosimpleweeds,these,butcarnivorousmonstersofthejungle!Freedfromthefirstflowerbyhisefforts,thetendrilswrappedaboutthemanbegantopullathim

again,dragginghimtoasecondsnappingmaw.TearswereinCaptainSchachter ’seyesashepulledoneofthepistolshecarriedandaimeditathis

man.Whenthehammerfell,however,noshotcame.Thedampofthejunglehadfouledthepowder.MarjusPfaffroundedonvanSommerhaus,rippingoneoftheengravedduellingpistolshecarriedfromhisbelt.Thepatroonstartedtoprotest,morefromreflexthanthought.Themate’sfistsmashedintohisfaceandspilledvanSommerhausontheground.Grimly,Marjustookaimandfired.Preservedbythejewelledholsterofthepatroon,thepistol

dischargedwithaburstofsmokeandflame.Thescreamingmaninthecoilsofthecarnivorousplantfellsilentjustbeforeaflowersnappedclosedabouthiship.Likewhippeddogs,therestofthecrewretreatedfromthedeadlyplants.BrotherDiethelm

commendedthesoulofthedeadsailortothekeepingofManannandMorrwhiletherestofthemwatchedtheflowerstaketheirgrislyshareoftheman’sflesh.‘Maketorches,’Schachtergrowledvengefully.‘We’llburnthatfilthintoash!’Hiltrudecaughtatthecaptain’sarm.‘Wecan’tdothat!’shesaid,hereyeswidewithadifferentkind

offear.‘Ifyousetfiretothem,what’stokeeptheflamesfromcomingbackandgettingus!’Thewoman’sfearshadasoberingeffectonthecaptain.‘Belaythatorder!’hesnapped.Astringof

vividcursesshotfromhismouthasheglaredattheplants.‘Itwouldn’tdoanygood,’Diethelmtoldhimashefinishedhisprayers.‘Thereissomeinfernal

powerinthosethings,somethingevenfiremightnotbeabletopurify.’Whilehespoke,thepriestindicatedoneoftheghastlyflowers.Anuglyblueseedthesizeofa

man’sthumbdroppedfromtheflower.Uponstrikingtheground,itinstantlytookroot,asthoughsomeinvisiblehandwerepushingitintotheearth.Inamatterofmoments,agreenshootsprouted.A

fewminutes,andtheplantwasalreadyhalfthesizeofitssire.‘Wecan’tfightthat,’Adalwolfgrowled.‘Thenwhatarewesupposedtodo?’demandedSchachter.Adalwolfdidn’tanswerthecaptain,insteadstaringatthetrailahead.Schachtercursedlividly.The

trailaheadwaslikewisealivewiththehideousplants.Themercenaryturnedandpointedattheeeriepathwaythroughthejungle.‘Somethingwantsusto

gothisway,’hetoldSchachter.‘Anditwon’ttakenoforananswer.’Schachterfingeredthegripofhisuselesspistol.‘Wheredoyouthinkitgoes?’hewhispered.‘MaybetovanSommerhaus’scityofgold,’Adalwolfanswered,glancingatthepatroonasHiltrude

helpedhimofftheground.Hequicklylookedaway.‘SomehowIdoubtit,’Schachtersaid.

Thefoetidatmosphereofthejunglewasadampheatthatoppressedthelungsofthesmallbandofintruders.Whateverpowerhadsetthemuponthestrangepathhadclearedthewayforthembutseemedoblivioustotheinhospitablenatureoftheheatandhumidity.Perhapsthesewerethingsbeyonditspower,orperhapsitwasinsuchanatmospherethattheseunseenpowersthrived.Adalwolfcouldnotbecertain,heonlyknewthatthestrangetunnelthroughthetreeshadbeenlaid

outforapurpose.Whatthatpurposewas,hecouldnotbegintoguess.Animalsseemedtoshunthestrangepathforthemostpart.Atfirstthiswascountedasablessing,

thememoryofthecanniballizardsandJoost’sterribledeathstillfreshintheirminds.However,itquicklybecameobvioustheywouldneedtosupplementthestorestheyhadsalvagedfromtheshipwithfreshmeatandwhateverfruittheycouldfind.Todosomeantleavingthepathandeachoftheseexcursionsintothejungleborderingitwasfraughtwithperil.Quicksandnearlysuckeddownanentirehuntingpartywhileasecondcamebackshorttwomenafterencounteringsomethingtheycouldonlydescribeasabeakedbat-snake.ThemosthideouseventofallhappenedtoagrizzledsailornamedDirckwhoinvestigatedacuriouswailingsoundemanatingfrombesidethepath.Hediscoveredalittlegroupoftinyredfrogswithmottledmarkings.Thinkingtheirlegswouldmakegoodeating,hecaughtone.Assoonasthefrogwasinhishand,however,itgavevoicetoanotherterrifiedwailingsound.Itsslimybodybegantoexcreteavilebrownmucusthatsizzledasittouchedthesailor ’sskin.Bythetimehethrewthefrogaway,theacidicmucushadeatencleanthroughhishand,fingerbonesstandingexposedinthecorrodedflesh.Infection,sicknessanddeliriumhadbeenhisfateafterthat.Whenhedidfinallydie,itseemedalmostablessingtohiscomrades.Lustria.WellhadthosewhodareditsjunglesnamedittheGreenHell.Adalwolfscowledatascaly,monkey-likethingperchedinoneofthefern-liketrees.Thelizard

simplystaredbackathim,sometimesclosingoneeye,thentheother,asthoughtomakesurebothwereseeingthesamething.Thecolumncametoahalt.Menwithflagonsintheirhandscamejoggingbacktothewaterbarrels,

fillingtheirmugs.Mostofthemenslumpedtotheearthbesidethesledge,greedilydrinkingtheirfill.Afewjoggedbacktotheheadofthecolumn,wheretheyhandedtheircupstovanSommerhaus,whointurnpressedafewcoinsintotheiroutstretchedpalms.Evenintheircurrentcircumstances,thefadingwealthofthepatrooncommandedrespect.AdalwolfwassurprisedwhenhesawHiltrudeturnawayfromthewaterbarrelsandwalkinhis

directioninsteadofreturningtothepatroon’sside.Shesmiledathimandofferedhimthesilvercupshewascarrying.Themercenarystudiedthedelicatelyengravedcupforamoment,thenhandeditbacktothewoman.‘I’mafraidtakingadrinkfromthatwouldleaveabadtasteinmymouth,’hetoldher.Hiltrudeshruggedandtookasipofwater.Sheglancedaround,thensmoothedhertattereddress

beforesittingdownonabiggreyrockattheedgeofthepath.Shesmiledsadlyasshefelttheragged,tornshamblesofheroncefineclothes.‘Don’tworry,he’llbuyyouanewone,’Adalwolfassuredher.FireflashedinHiltrude’seyes.‘Hedidn’tbuyit.Iboughtit,ifyoumustknow.’‘I’llbethestillpaidforit,’themercenarygrumbled.‘Andwhopaidforyourarmourandyoursword?’Hiltrudesnarledback.‘IfyouthinkI’mawhore

fortakinghismoney,whatdoesthatmakeyou?’‘It’sdifferentforme,’Adalwolfsaid,uncomfortablewiththeturntheconversationhadtaken.Hiltrudecockedaneyebrowathim.‘Why?Becauseyou’reaman?Becauseit’srightforamanto

takemoneyfromsomeonehedespises,butwhenawomandoes,itmakeshercheapandwanton?’‘I’mnotsellingmybodytohim!’Thecourtesansnortedwithbitteramusement.‘Aren’tyou?Hepaysyoutofighthisenemiesand

protecthisships.Heexpectsyoutogetinthewayofswordsandaxes–andill-temperedplants!You’reright,that’snotsellingyourbody.That’ssellingyourlife!’Sheshookherhead,anarrogantexpressiononherface.‘EvenIhaven’tsunkthatlow.’Adalwolfshifteduncomfortably.Hehadn’texpectedHiltrudetodefendherrelationshipwithvan

Sommerhausbychallenginghisown.‘IhaveafamilydependingonmebackinMarienburg.That’swhyIdoit,’hesaidinaquietvoice.‘Idon’thaveeventhat,’Hiltrudesaid.‘MyfamilydiedwhenIwasalmosttooyoungtoremember

them.Therewasapoxintheneighbourhoodandtheplaguedoctorstriedtoburndowntheinfectedhouses.Thefiregotawayfromthem.Threestreetsendedupburningtotheground.’Shestaredsadlyatnothing,hercheekstremblingassherememberedthedistanttragedy.‘Eversincethen,I’vehadtomakemyownwayasbestIcan.’Adalwolfsteppedtowardsher.‘Hiltrude…’hesaidinasoftvoice.Thenthemercenary’seyes

becamehardagain.‘Hiltrude…don’tmove,’heordered.Itwasonthecourtesan’slipstoobjecttobeingorderedaroundbythemercenary,buttheintensity

ofhisexpressionandtonemadeherdoasshewastold.Carefully,sheturnedherheadtofollowthedirectionofthewarrior ’sgaze.Ashortgaspescapedthroughherlipsasshesawthethingthathadslitheredontotherockbesideher,warmingitselfinthelight.Itwaslikeathinbeltofscalyleather,bandedfromtiptoendinalternatingringsofcrimson,yellowandblack.Abluetonguedartedfromitslittlesnubofahead,tastingtheairwithlittletremblesofitsforkedtip.‘Don’tmove,’AdalwolfwhisperedagainasHiltrudeleanedawayfromthejunglesnake.Hecould

seehershivering,everymuscleinherbodyquiveringwithhorroratthethingsittingbesideher.Slowly,Adalwolfdrewhissword.Thebladehadnotcleareditsscabbardbeforeastronggriprestrainedhishand.Adalwolffound

BrotherDiethelmstandingbesidehim,thepriest’shandclosedaroundhisown.‘Notthatway,’Diethelmadvised.‘Fastasyoumightbe,thesnakemightbeevenfaster.Thereisanotherway.’Perplexed,Adalwolfwatchedasthepriestkneltdownbeforethesnake.Thereptilefixeditsblack

eyesonhim,watchinghiseverymove.Diethelmbegantomurmursoftlyintohisbeard,hisbodyswayingslightlyfromsidetoside.Theophidianheadfollowedhismotion,slowlyswingingfromonesidetoanother.Gradually,thepriestbegantocrawltowardsthesnake,stillswayingbackandforthashedidso.Thesnake’seyesneverleftDiethelm.‘Hiltrude,’thepriestsaidsoftly.‘Moveawayfromourlittlefriend.Itisquitesafe,solongasyou

donottouchhim.’Thewomanquicklyleaptawayfromthestone,clingingtoAdalwolf’sside.Togethertheywatched

asthepriestclosedthelastfewfeetbetweenhimselfandthesnake.Casually,almostwithoutapparentthought,Diethelmliftedhishandandtappedthesnake’shead.‘Goaway,’hetoldit.Totheir

amazement,insteadofbitinghim,theserpentturnedandslitheredbackintothejungle.‘Howdidyoudothat?’Adalwolfasked.‘Ithoughtyourpowersrelieduponthesea?’Diethelmbrusheddirtandleavesfromhisrobesandnodded.‘Indeed,myconnectiontomighty

Manannisfeeblehere,sofarfromtheocean.Icanonlyfaintlyfeelhispresenceinthisplace,foritisalandremovedfromthegodsweknow.TocalluponManann’sstrengthherewouldbeafruitlesseffort.’‘Thenhowwereyouabletotametheserpent?’Hiltrudewondered.Thepriestsmiled.‘DonotthinkIhavejourneyedupontheseasformostofmylifewithout

learningafewtricksofmyown.TherearemysticsinArabywhospecialiseinmesmerisingsnakes.Theyusethemtoclearratsfromtheirhomesinthataridland,youknow.Once,whenIwasaboardanEstaliangalleon,wemadeportinCopher.ItwasthereIlearnedtheskill.’Diethelmflushedwithembarrassment.‘Iadmit,IonlylearneditbecauseIthoughtitwouldallowmetocharmeels.TryasImight,however,I’veneverbeenabletogetasnake-fishtostaremeintheeyelongenoughtogetittowork.’

Sevendaysofmarchingalongthepathandthetravellerscameuponastrangesight.Previously,thejunglehadborderedthestrangepathwaylikeagreatwallofgreen.Indeed,theyhadbeenforcedtocutandchoptheirwaythroughtohuntandgatherfruit.Nowtheycameuponanenormousgashinthewall,agiantholewheresomethinghugehadtornits

waythroughthejungle.Thebareearthofthepathwasscarredandpittedwheremammothclawshadgougedtheground.Therewasacopperytangintheairandwithittheheavymuskofreptiles.Themeneyedthetorngroundwithfright,horrifiedbythesizeoftheclawedfootprintstheysaw.A

fearfulmurmurpassedamongthecrew,someofthemenstartingtoedgebackdownthepath.‘Whatdowedo?’SchachteraskedvanSommerhaus.Aftertheincidentwiththecarnivorousplants,

thepatroonhadbeenforcedtobecomequiteliberalwithhismoneytoreturntothegoodgracesofthecaptainandhiscrew.FewofthesailorsdidnotholdascriptobedrawnfromthevanSommerhauscoffersupontheirreturntoMarienburg.VanSommerhausconsideredthetornground,thencastanervouseyeontheholegougedthrough

thetrees.Hestrokedthesoggyrufflesofhisshirtasheconsideredthequestion.‘Thismighthavehappenedanytime,’hedecided.‘Whateverdidthiscouldbeleaguesawaybynow.Isaywesticktothepath.’‘Andwhatifyou’rewrong?’challengedMarjus.‘Whatifthisthingisstilllurkingaroundhere

someplace?’‘Morereasontostayonthepath,’Adalwolfinterjected.‘Ouronlyothercourseistotaketothe

jungle.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI’dprefertofacethisthingoutintheopenwhereIcanatleastseeitcoming.’Itwashardlyareassuringsentiment,butitdidquietthegrumblingsofMarjusandtheothers.The

tiredmensetoutagain,trudgingacrossthebrokenground,avoidingtheshatteredtreesthathadbeencastdownbythegiant’spassage.Everyonehelpedliftthesledgeandtheremainingbarrelsofwaterovertheworstofthedebris.Itwashot,back-breakingworkfortheweakenedcrewanddemandedalloftheirattention.Perhapsthatwaswhynoonecouldsaywhentheghastlycrunchingnoisesbegan.Theyseemedto

manifestoutofnowhereasthesailorssetdownthelastofthebarrels.Thesoundsweregruesome,slobberingnoises,likeadognuzzlingitsnoseinapileofoffal.Everyonestoppedandlistenedforatime,tryingtofixthesoundsintheirmind.Butthoughtheygrewlouder,thedeceitofthejungleanditsechoesmadeitimpossibletosayfromwhichdirectiontheycame.‘I’mnotstickingaroundheretofindoutwhat’smakingthat!’exclaimedoneofthesailors.The

mandashedoff,racingaroundthebendinthepathahead.Othersquicklyfollowedhisexample,vanSommerhausamongthemastheinfectiousfearclaimedhim.Schachtercalledhismenback,buttheywerebeyondlisteningtohim.Reluctantly,thosewhohadstayedbehindtookupthechase,knowingthattheironlyhopeofsurvivallayinkeepingtogether.Thefleeingsailorsdidnotgofar.Theyfrozeastheyroundedthebendinthepath,colourdraining

fromtheirfaces,theirheartshammeringagainsttheirchests.Fleeingfromtheghastlynoises,themenhadinsteaddiscoveredtheirsource.Gigantic,biggerthanaburgher ’stownhouse,thecreaturestoodinthepath,itsscalyback

glisteninginthesun.Inshapeitwassomethinglikeapluckedhawk,thoughwithlittleclawedarmsinsteadofwings.Bycontrastitslegswereimmense,thickeraroundthanaship’smainmastandpowerfullymuscled.Theclawsthattippedthething’sfeetwerehuge,biggerthanhalberds.Athicktail,easilyaslongastheCobraofKhemri’shull,slashedthroughtheairbehindthecreature,balancingitsgiantbody.Theheadwasmonstrous,heavyliketheskullofabulldogandsupportedbyashort,broadneck.Thething’sfacewassquashedlikethatofatoad,anditsmouthwasagreatgashbeneaththetinyslitsofitsnostrilsandtheamberpitsofitseyes.Enormousfangs,eachmorelikeaswordthanatooth,filledthemonster ’smaw.Incolour,itwasadullgreenstripedwithbrownandpossessingadistinctdiamondpatternoforangescalesrunningalongitsback.Aboutitsjaws,thescalyskinwaspaintedredandfromitsfangslongribbonsofgoredangled.Beneaththetitanicreptilesprawledabehemothevenlargerthanitself.Itwasbuiltnotunlikean

Arabyanelephant,butfarmoremassiveandcoveredinscalyhideratherthanleatheryskin.Theheadattachedtothegiant’slongneckseemedtoosmallinproportiontoitsimmensebodyandtheteeththatfilleditsjawsweredullandflat,notunlikethoseofacow.Agreatwoundgapedinthebeast’sneck,andhereitsthroathadbeencrushedalmostflatbythepressureofpowerfuljaws.Thegreatpredator-lizardpresseditssnoutintotheyawningholeithadchewedintothebellyofthe

behemoth.Noisily,itworkeditsjawstoripbloodysliversoffleshfromthecarcass.Suddenly,thetoweringlizard-monsterturned,itseyesnarrowed,itsfatpaletonguelickingatthe

air.Themenstoodtransfixedastheimmensecreaturestaredatthem.Nomanmoved,eachdesperatelyhopingthemonster ’sattentionwouldfixononeofhiscomrades.VanSommerhauscroakedinhorrorashefeltthecarnosaur ’seyesstudyinghim.Thesuddensound

arousedthemonsterandthegiantlizard-beastrearedback.Menscreamedandturnedtorun,castingasidetheirweaponsintheirhorror.Insteadofattacking,thehugereptilesankitsjawsintotheneckofthedeadthunderlizardand

draggedthecarcassadozenyardsdownthepath.Soonitwasagaintearingstripsofmeatfromthecarcass.‘Ithinkhe’safraidyou’regoingtostealhisdinner,’Adalwolflaughed,clappingvanSommerhaus

ontheback.Thepatroonbristledathishumourandpulledaway,glaringdaggersatthemercenary.Thehumour,however,hadthedesiredeffectontheothermen.Graduallythesailorscameback,

retrievingtheirweaponsfromtheground.Theypointedatthefeedingmonsterandjokednervouslyamongthemselvesatboththeirfearandthebeast’stimidity.Thesoundoftheirlaughterdisturbedthecarnosaur.Sinkingitsfangsintothecarcass,thehugereptiledraggeditskillclosertothejungle.Abruptlythehugepredatormovedagain,thistimedraggingitspreyawayfromtheedgeofthe

jungle.Itglaredatthetrees,ignoringcompletelythepuzzledmenwatchingit.Thereasonforthecarnosaur ’sactionsquicklyshowedthemselves.Ahalf-dozenlean,scaly

creatureshoppedoutfromamongthetrees.Inshapetheywerenotunlikethecarnosaur,thoughtheirarmswerenotquiteasscrawnyandtheirlegswerefarlessmuscled.Thecreaturesweredeepblueincolourwithmottledblackmarkingsrunningalongtheirsides.Thereptilescircledthecarnosauranditskill.Wheneverthebigbeastfocusedononeofthem,otherswoulddartinandtrytoripshredsof

meatfromthecarcass.Alwaysthebiggermonsterwastooquickforthesmalleronesandtheyleaptawayasthecarnosaur ’shugejawssnappedatthem.‘Likejackalsannoyingalion,’Adalwolfobserved.Hiltrudeshudderedathisobservation.‘Eventhosejackalsarebiggerthanweare,’shewarnedhim.

AdalwolfnoddedgrimlyandturnedtoadviseSchachterthattheyshouldbemovingon.Evenasthegroupbegantocarefullymaketheirwayaroundthequarrellingreptiles,disastercame

uponthem.Thesledgecarryingthewaterbecamecaughtagainsttheprojectingrootofamangrove.Intryingtoforcethesledgeforward,themenpullingitupsetoneofthebarrels,whichtoppledandcrashedtotheground.Thesoundupsetthereptiles.Thejackal-lizardsandthecarnosaurswungtheirheadsaround,

staringattheretreatinghumans.Thebigpredator-lizardagainsankhisjawsintothebehemoth’sneckandbegantodragitskillaway.Thesmallerscavengers,however,becametense,theirfleshytongueslickingtheair.Whenthecoldonescame,theycameatonceinahissing,snarlingpack.Themenwiththesledge

madealastfutileefforttofreeit,thenthrewdowntheropesandstartedtorun.Theyweretooslow.Leapingatthem,pouncingonthemlikeleopardsuponsheep,twoofthecoldonessmashedthemagainsttheground.Piteousscreamsrosefromthesailorsasthereptilesbegantoripthemapartwiththeirclawedfeetandfangedjaws.Therewasnothoughtgiventohelpingthelostmen.Theothersurvivorswerealreadyracingdown

thepathastherestofthereptilespursuedthem.Theirattentiondrawnawayfromthecarnosaur ’skill,thescavengerlizardshaddecidedthehumanswouldmakeeasierpreyandnowhuntedthemdownthepath,snappingattheirveryheels.Onemanrebelledagainsttheinstinctiveterrorthatsentthemfleeingbeforethehungryreptiles.Heturnedtochopatthecoldonechasinghim.Hisaxesankintoitsshoulder,syrupybloodspurtingfromthewound.Thelizardtooknonoticeofitswound,butinsteadcloseditsjawsabouttheman’sheadandcrushedhisskull.Itwouldbeseveralminutesbeforethesensationofpainregisteredinthecoldone’stinybrain,andbythenitsvictimwouldbelittlemorethanbones.Thesuccessoftheotherreptilesgoadedtherestofthepacktogreatereffort.Severalofthem

sprangatthefleeingmen,leapingclearovertheirpreytolandinsnappingcoilsofscalesandfangs.Anotherseamanwascrushedbeneathapouncingcoldone,smashedintoalifelessmushbeneathitsweight.Thereptilesniffedathim,jostlinghisbrokenneckwithitsmuzzlebeforeutteringahuffofannoyanceandspringingbacktoitsfeetinsearchoflivelierprey.Forthosebeingdrivenbeforethepack,thechaseassumedthedimensionsofanightmare.The

shrieksandhissesofthecoldoneswereadeafeningclamourintheirears,brokenonlybytheagonisedscreamsofthosewhofellbeneaththeirclaws.Theairwasasmotheringmiasma,makingtheveryactofforcingairintotheirpantingchestsanordeal.Thereseemednoescape,theironlyhopebeingthatthecoldoneswouldabandonthehuntoncetheyhadeatentheirfill.Athunderouscracksoundedfromthetreesloomingoverthepath.Menriskedtheirlivestoglance

upatthenaturalarchwayabovethem.Onelookwasenoughtospurthemonwards.Thetreeswerefalling,crashingdownlikethetalonsofanangrygod.Theyslammedintothegroundwithsuchimpactthatthemencouldfeeltremorsbeneaththeirfeet.Againandagaintreescamesmashingdownandittookeveryeffortforthetired,desperatementostayclearofthem.Sometimesashrill,bestialshriekwouldsoundfromsomewherebehindthem,butnoonetookthechanceofbeingcrushedtolookbackandseewhathadmadethenoise.Soontheexhaustedsurvivorscouldrunnofurther,evenifitmeantfallingtotheclawsandfangsof

thereptilesorbeingcrushedbeneaththefallingtrees.Theirbreathwasnownothingshortofutteragony,theirclothesclungtothemindrippingtatters.Adalwolfandafewoftheothersmadefeeble

displaysofdrawingtheirweapons,thougheachdoubtedhehadthestrengthtousethem.‘Look!’Hiltrudeshoutedbetweengasps.Shepointedatthetrees.Themenfollowedhergesture.

Thetreeshadfallenstillagain,asstillasthepillarsofacathedral.Adalwolfturnedandstaredatthepathbehindthem.Therewasnosignofthepursuinglizardsnow,

onlyagreatjumbleoffallentrees.Herememberedthebestialshriekstheyhadheardandcouldonlyimaginethepredatorstobecrushedsomewherebeneaththelog.‘Something,’Diethelmsaid,‘seemsinterestedinkeepingusalive.’Despitetheheatofthejungle,thepriest’sdourwordssentachillrushingupeachman’sspine.

CHAPTERSEVEN

TheLostCity

GreySeerThanquolgnashedhisteethtogetherashestubbedhisfootagainstthegnarledrootofamangrovetree.Spitefullyheswattedtherootwiththebuttofhisstaff.Itwasasoretemptationtodrawuponhissorcerytowithertheoffensiveplant,butreasonquelledthevengefulinstinct.Hehadtobeverycarefulaboutover-exertinghimself.Therewasnotellingwhenhewouldneedhispowers.Hecertainlycouldn’trelyuponhissupposedalliesforanyhelp.Afterthefightwiththezombies,theskavenhadregrouped.Thanquolhadbeenfortunatetocatchup

tothem,butassoonashemadehisappearance,ShenTsingestartedweavingallkindsofliesabouthowThanquolhadallowedthemtowalkintoatrapandtellingShiwanStalkscentthatthegreyseerwasnottobetrusted.Thanquolwantedtoripoutthelyingmage-rat’stongueforspewingsuchfalsehoods,butthewayGojiglaredathimmadethegreyseerkeepquiet.ItwasanexampleofhowgullibleShiwanwasthatheacceptedShen’sstory.Withthemaster

assassin’sknifeathisthroat,ThanquolwasforcedtostandstillwhileShensearchedhimforanywarpstone.Thecursedsorcererwasmostthorough,rippingopenthesecretpocketssewnintoThanquol’srobes.HeevenputhispawsinThanquol’smouthtofishoutthelittlepebbleofwarpstonehiddeninhischeekpouch.Thanquolenduredthehumiliatingtreatment,holdinghimselfproudandsuperiorevenastheEshin

leadersthreatenedandbulliedhim.Forthegoodofthemission,heagreedtotakethepointandleadtheway.Itwouldprovetotheirunreasonable,paranoidbrainsthathewascompletelyinnocentofShen’soutrageousclaimsagainsthim.Afterall,fromupfront,ifheledthemintoanykindoftrouble,thenhewouldbethefirsttosufferitseffects.Hestrodeboldlythroughthejungle,precededonlybythescrawnygutterrunnerswhoclearedthe

worstofthevinesandbranches.OftenhewouldpausetostarecontemptuouslyattheEshinleaderscringingatthebackofthecolumn,shelteringbehindthespearsofKong’sfighter-rats.SuchcravendisplaywasrepulsivecomingfromskavenofsuchstandingasShiwanStalkscentandShenTsinge!Thesewerethemightyleadersoftheexpedition!Thanquollashedhistailinfrustrationthatsuchsnivellingcurscouldbegintothinktheywerefittogivehimorders!‘Thanquol,see-scentcityyet?’Shiwan’sgratingvoicecalledouttohiminademandingshout.Thegreyseerturnedandgenuflectedinthemasterassassin’sdirectionashehadseentheEshin

clanratsdowhenaddressingtheirleader.‘Nothingyet-yet,boldandmightyslitterofthroats!’Thanquolsaid.HeglanceddownatthemapShiwanhadgivenhim.AssuringthemasterassassinhecouldreadtheillegiblescrawloftheplaguepriestswasoneofthethingsthathadkeptShiwanfromkillinghimaftertheincidentwiththezombies.Thanquoldearlyhopedhewasn’tlookingatitupsidedown.‘Thanquol-meattrytrick-foolEshin!’snappedTsangKweek,leaderofthegutterrunners.Tsang

wasamalicious,sadisticrodent,aslinkingthugwhoenjoyednothingmorethaninflictingasmuch

painaspossibleuponanythinghethoughtweakerthanhimself.Rightnow,thegutterrunnerconsideredThanquoltofallintothatcategory.ThanquolwonderedifperhapsithadbeenoneofTsang’sscoutsandnotoneofShiwan’sassassinsthathadlingeredbehindtoambushhimintheswamp.‘DoeshonourableBackstabberKweekspeak-squeaktrue-true?’Shiwangrowled.Theskaven

aroundhimbaredtheirfangsasthemasterassassinspoke.‘No-no!’ThanquolassuredShiwan,tryingtokeeppanicoutofhisvoice.Discreetlyheturnedthe

maparoundandstaredatit,makinganelaborateshowofstudyingit.Theskavenaroundhimjustglaredathimsuspiciously.‘Soon-soonwefind-findscaly-meatcity!’Shiwandrewalongdaggerfromthefoldsofhiscloak.ShenTsingechitteredwithamusementas

hesawThanquolflinchattheassassin’sapproach.‘FindQuetza!’Shiwangrowledagain.‘FindorIfeed-feedGojiyourspleen!’Thanquol’sglandsclenchedastheassassinsnarledhisthreat.Heshiveredasheheardtheratogre’s

bellygrumblewhenheheardShiwanspeakhisname.‘Soon-soon!’ThanquolreassuredShiwan.Quicklyheturnedbackaroundandscurriedtothefront

ofthetrail,snappingquickcommandstothegutterrunnerschoppingthroughthebrush.Theotherskavensnickeredathispredicament,butnonemore-sothanthecloakedassassinwiththe

missingear.ChangFanghadbeenfortunatetoescapetheswamp,hecouldstillfeelthefilthofthemireinhisfur.Morethanbefore,hewasdeterminedtosettlethingswithThanquol.HeonlyhopedhewouldgethischancebeforeShiwan’spatienceranout.Forhispart,Thanquolwasunawarehisenemyfromtheswamphadreturned.TheEshinpracticeof

removingthescentglandsfromtheirassassinsmadeitdifficultforotherskaventorecognisethem.Healreadyhadenoughenemiesathisback,however,thatevenChangFang’spresencecouldnothaveincreasedhisfright.HeknewthathewasquicklyrunningoutoftimetosquirmhiswaybackintothegoodgracesofShiwanStalkscent.Ifonlyhecouldmakesenseoftheaccursedmap!Whycouldn’tthediseasedmindsofClan

Pestilenswritelikenormalskaven?Howwashesupposedtomakesenseofabunchofscratchesandspit-stains?Nurglitchsneezesonascrapofrat-hideandtheplaguemonkscallitamap!Itwasunfairthathislifeshoulddependuponsucharidiculous,idioticthing!Theslinking

murderersofClanEshinwereclearlyasmadastheplaguemonkstoputanytrustinsuchamessofscribbles!Wasthatgreenslashsupposedtobeahillorariver?AndwhatbytheHornedRat’styrannicaltailwasthisthingthatlookedlikeaballofsnot!Thanquolclosedhiseyes,bruxinghisfangsinfrustration.Everyinchofjunglethegutterrunners

clearedawaybroughthimonestepclosertodestruction.Hecouldn’texpectahalf-witlikeShiwantogivehimanythinglikeareasonableamountoftimetofindthelostcity!Quietly,ThanquolmutteredaprayertotheHornedRat.Ifhisgodwouldonlyhelphimoutofthis

predicament,hewouldabasehimselfbeforeallhisaltars.Hewouldneveragainbeproudandboastful,butwoulddevotehimselftobecomingthemosthumbleandobedientservantoftheHornedOne.Excitedsquealssuddenlyeruptedamongthegutterrunners.Thanquolhalfturnedtoscurrybackto

themainbodyoftheexpedition,butquicklyrealisedthesqueakswerehappyones,notsoundsoffear.Heturnedhisspinintoaforwardsdash,kickingasidethescrawnyscouts.Beforehim,thejunglediminishedintoavastclearing.Theearthwaspavedwithimmensestone

blocks.Theseinturnsupportedhugestructuresofpiledstone.Thesmallestofthesehadcollapsedintojumblesofbrokenrock,butthelargestloomedovertheplazalikecrouchinggiants.Theyweresomethinglikethepyramidsthedead-thingsofNehekharabuilt,butwithstepscarvedintotheirfacesandflattenedtops.Inthedistance,beyondthestrangepyramids,Thanquolcouldseegreatmountains

juttingupfromthejungle,plumesofsmokecurlingfromtheirvolcanicpeaks.Thanquolgrinnedinsavagetriumph.Hehadfoundthecity!Herewaswhattheyhadbeenlooking

for!Hisbrilliantmindhaddecipheredthescrawloftheplaguemonksandbroughtthemtotheirgoal!‘GreatShiwanStalkscent,’Thanquolsaid,turningtobeckontheassassinforward.Hiseyes

narrowedwithsuspicion,Shiwanandthreeofhisguardscreptuptojointhesmuggreyseer.Thanquolextendedhisclaw,likeamerchantdisplayinghiswares.‘Behold!Thelostcityof

Quetza!’Hecouldn’tquitekeepthepridefromhistone.Shiwanstaredattheruins,thenbackatThanquol.‘Sure-certainthisQuetza?’hegrowled.Thanquolglancedbackattheruins.Hecouldfeelhisglandsstartingtoclenchagain.

Thanquol’sfearsthatShiwan’smaphadledthemtothewrongcitywerequelledwhentheskavendescendedintothewide,plaza-likeexpanse.Creepersandstuntedlittletreespokedupfrombetweenthegreatstoneblocks,vinesclungtothewallsoftheneglectedpyramids.Everywheretherewasevidenceofdecayandabandonment.Itlookedlikeadeadcity,annihilatedbytheancientplaguesofClanPestilens.Butitdidn’tsmelllikeadeadcity.Themuskofreptileswasthickintheair,apungentscentso

noxiousnoskavencouldmistakeit.Thanquolrememberedthataccordingtotheplaguemonks,Quetzahadbeendesertedbythelizardmen,onlythepriestsandservantsofthesnake-devilSotekremainingbehind.TheyweresupposedtodwellexclusivelywithintheTempleoftheSerpent.Itmadesensetheywouldtakelittleinterestinkeepinguptheotherpartsofthecity.Asharphissfromthegutterrunnerssentathrillofexcitementracingthroughalltheratmen.The

scoutshadspottedsomeofthehatedscaly-meat!Thescentintheairdidn’tlie,thecitywasn’tcompletelydeserted!Thanquolcreptforwardswiththerestandstaredattheweirdcreaturessprawledalongthesunward

sideofacrumblingpyramid.Theywereshorterthantheratmen,andfarthinner.Brightbluescalescoveredtheirbodiesandtheyborelong,whip-liketails.Fan-likecrestsrosefromthetopsoftheirblunt,reptilianheads.Theyworeonlyscantloincloutsabouttheirmiddlesandjewelledarmbandsofgoldandturquoise.Thelizardmenwerecompletelyoblivioustothepresenceoftheskaven,lounginginakindoftorporasthesunwarmedtheircoldbodies.Mostdidn’tevenhavetheireyesopen.ItwastoogreatanopportunityforthemurderousassassinsofClanEshintopassup.Stealthilythey

climbedthefaceofthepyramidthatwasstillinshadow.Relentlessly,thekillersmadetheirwayuptheshallowstonestepsuntiltheywerelevelwiththeirvictims.ShiwanStalkscentwasthefirsttoleapdownuponhisobliviousprey,slashingtheskink’snecksothoroughlyitsheadwentrollingdownthesideofthepyramid.Theotherskavenrushedtotheattacknowthattheirleaderhadmadethefirstkill.Assassinsfellon

thesleepingskinkswithruthlessabandon,theirknivesandswordslickingoutwithlethalprecision.Soonthesideofthepyramidwasdrippingwiththeclammybloodoflizardmen.Kong’swarriorsscurriedtointerceptthefewskinkswholivedlongenoughtoscrambledownthestonewalls,butcheringthembeforetheycouldevensetfootontheplaza.Itwasnotafight,itwasaslaughter,thesortofone-sidedconflicteveryskavendreamedabout.

Thanquolevenlenthisownsmallcontributiontothemassacre,sendingaboltofblacklightningcracklingfromhisstafftoincinerateatinyskinktryingtoescapetheattackbyclimbingoverthetopofthepyramid.Thelittlecreaturewasnothingmorethanablackenedhuskwhenitssmokingbodycamerollingdownthefaceofthepyramid.Thanquolexultedinhiscasualabuseofmagic.HegaveShenTsingeasmuglook,butbecameabit

moreconciliatorywhenGojigrowledathim.Itwouldbejustliketheslinkingsorcerertohavehisratogretakeabiteoutofthegreyseerandthenclaimithadbeenanaccident.

Theskavenrushedfromtheslaughter,theirbloodup,eagertocontinuethehavoctheyhadstarted.ThanquolthoughtatfirstShiwanhadmadeamistakeallowinghistroopstoindulgetheirbloodlustsorecklessly,butnowhegrudginglyappreciatedthemasterassassin’scraft.Excitedastheywere,histroopsweren’thesitatingateveryturnandcrossroad,tryingtosniffoutanylurkingdanger.No,insteadtheyweresprintingstraighttowardstheirgoal–theimmensepyramidthatloomedatthecentreofQuetza.Thereseemedlittledangeritcouldbethewrongplacetogo.Eventhemostdull-wittedofthe

skavencouldsensethepoweremanatingfromwithinthosestones.Thestepsofthepyramidwerelaidouttoresembleagiantsnakecrawlingdownfromitsflattenedroofanditsstairswereinlaidwithpolishedgoldthatglimmeredinthesunlight.Noneglectordecayhadbeenallowedtoaffectthisplace.Everyratmanintheexpeditionknewthecolossalstructurewaswhattheyhadbeenlookingfor:theTempleoftheSerpent.TheProphetofSotekwouldbesomewhereinside,waitingforthedaggersofClanEshintoendhis

wretchedexistence.TheywouldbringhisskinbacktotheNightlordandSneekwouldrewardthemalloncehisalliancewithNurglitchbecameareality.Ofcourse,Thanquolratherhopedtosecureagreateramountofthecreditandtherewardfor

himself.Towardsthatend,hehungbackastheEshinwarriorsmadetheirrushtowardsthepyramid.HehadseenShiwandothesameandunderstoodthecallouswaytheskavenleaderwasusinghisfollowers.ItwouldonlytakeoneknifetoendthelifeofXiuhcoatl,theserpent-priest.Hewasusingthechargeofhisfollowerstolureoutanyguardsthelizardmenmighthaveprotectingthepyramid.Whiletheywerebusyfightinghistroops,ShiwanwouldbefreetosneakinsidethetempleandkillXiuhcoatl.Itwasacunningplan,butThanquoldidn’tappreciatebeinglumpedinamongShiwan’sdisposableassets.Hemadeaconsciousefforttostayclosetothemasterassassininwhateverwascoming.Strangely,noscalytroopsemergedfromtheruinstoblocktheirpathastheyrushedtowardsthe

temple.Thanquolbracedhimselfforthewhistleofarrowsandthecoughofblowgunsastheyracedpastthetumbledheapsofcollapsedbuildings,butnothingansweredhisfear.Couldtherestofthetemple’sguardianstrulybeaswitlessastheonestheyhadalreadykilled?Or,perhaps,theonestheassassinshadslaughteredwerethesumtotalofallthetemple’sminions?MaybeXiuhcoatlwasalreadydead,perhapshewaseventhetinyskinkThanquolhadblastedwithhismagic!Thedark,cave-likeopeningatthebaseofthepyramidyawnedbeforethemnow.Adifferentsmell

wasintheair,astrongerscentthanthelizard-stinkofthecity.Itwastheloathsomescentofserpents,asmellthathadevenShenTsingespurtingthemuskoffear.Therewasnosmellmoreterrifyingtotheskaven,ascentthatwasimprintedupontheirpsychefromatimewhentheywerestillmoreratthanratkin.ThestenchkilledthebloodthirstyenthusiasmShiwanhadsocraftilyexploited.Nowtheskavenstaredfearfullyateveryshadowandcringedagainsteachotherinlittlehuddlesofshiveringfur.Shiwansnarled,showinghisfangstohisunderlings.Themasterassassinlashedhistail,frustrated

bytheirmindlessterror.Hetookaboldsteptowardstheopening,thenreconsidered.Angrily,hesnappedacommandtoTsangKweek.Thebackstabberlaidintoapairofhisgutterrunners,cuffingthescoutsabouttheearsandsnappinghisfangsattheirnecksuntiltheyreluctantlyscamperedtowardsthedarkenedopening.Assoonasthetwoscoutsenteredthepassage,theysquealedinalarm.Itwasaquicksound,ithadto

bebecauseaninstantlaterarcsofscintillatinglightengulfedthetworatmen.Aninstantofblindingwhiteandtheskavenweregone,leavingbehindonlylittlepilesofsmoulderingash.Shiwanstaredinhorroratthesight.Toappeasehisleader,Tsangsentanothersetofscouts

forward,butthesewereannihilatedinthesamewayastheircomrades.ShiwanroundedonThanquolandthegreyseercringedwhenhesawthefuryinthemaster

assassin’seyes.Perhapsstayingclosetohimhadn’tbeensuchagoodideaafterall.‘Lizard-magic!’Shiwansnapped,pointingatremblingclawatthefourpilesofsmokingash.‘Fix-

fix,quick-quick!’Thanquolthoughtaboutprotestingtheassassin’sorders,butsomethingaboutthewayhishandwas

clenchinghisknifemadethegreyseerdecidethatmightbeabadideatoo.Timidly,Thanquolstartedtoshuffletowardsthecave-likeopening.HisslownessbegantovexShiwan.AsnarledcommandandthegreyseerfoundhimselfsurroundedbysomeofKong’swarriors,eachoftheburlyskavenpushinghimforwardswhenhehesitated.ShenTsingeandGojifollowedbehindthem.ThesorcererwaskeepingjustcloseenoughtoThanquoltoclaimanycreditforanythingthegreyseermanagedtodo,butfarenoughbacktoavoidanydangertohimself.Thanquolwasreallycomingtohatethatcravenmage-ratandhisbrainlessratogre.Theauraofpowerwasheavyaroundthedoor.Thanquolcouldactuallysmellthemagicrippling

throughtheverystonesofthetemple.Itwasamalignant,hostilesortofmagic,magicthatwassomehowawareinitsownright.He’dneverencounteredanythingquitelikeit,exceptperhapswhenhe’dhelpedClanMoulderexterminatethearmyoftheChaosLordAlarikLionmane.Studyingthewaythelinesofpowerwereconcentrated,Thanquolcouldfindnexuspointssetinto

thewallsofthecorridor.Theyweresomethingliketheconductorsthewarlock-engineersofClanSkryreusedtoharnesswarp-lightning.Hecouldseethattheglyphsonthestonessetatthesenexuspointsweredifferentthanthosethatadornedtheblocksaroundthem.Heshiveredashesawthecruderepresentationofagiantsnakeswallowingaskavenrepeatedoverandover.Butitdidgivehimanideaexactlywhatthepurposeofthestoneswereandwhytherewerenoguardstryingtokeepthemoutofthetemple.Toprovehistheory,Thanquolswungaroundandseizedthecloakofthewarrior-ratstanding

behindhim.Beforetheclanratcouldrecoverfromhissurprise,Thanquolpushedhimforwardsandsenthimstaggeringintothetunnel.Likethegutterrunners,thewarriorshriekedonceandthenwasreducedtoapileofash.‘ItisasIthought,’Thanquoldeclaredinhismostimperioustone.Thewarrior-ratssnarledathim,

butbackedaway.Theystillhadenoughrespectforthegreyseer ’spowersthattheydidn’twanttoattackhimwhilehewaslooking.‘Whatyouthink-think,bone-skull?’Shenhissed.Gojilickedhisfangsasheheardtheannoyancein

hismaster ’stone.Thanquolstrodetowardsthesorcerer,pleasedhehadirritatedthemage-rat.Shenhadnoideawhat

Thanquolhadlearned.Hewonderedifthesorcererhadeverevenheardofguardianwards,magicalsigilsthatweredesignedtodestroyanyonetheyrecognisedasintruders.Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,Thanquolhadsomethingthesorcererwanted–knowledge.AndhewasgoingtomakeShenpaydearlytogetit.‘Iknowmuch-much,’ThanquolgrinnedandforonceheignoredthewayGojigrowledathim.

Shenwouldn’tlethismonstertouchhim.Notnow.‘Iknowyouflea-bittenwhelp-cuttersaren’tgettinganywherenearthisplacewithoutmyhelp,’

Thanquolstated.ShenTsingeglareddaggersathim,butThanquolcouldtellfromthesorcerer ’sposturethathewas

beaten.ShenknewThanquolwouldn’tbesoboldinhisapproachunlesshewascertainhewasright.Abruptly,ShenTsingewaswavinghishandswildlybeforehim,gnawingonachunkofwarpstone

ashedidso.ThanquolcouldfeelthesorcerersummoningpowerandhisownmagicalattunementmadehimawareoftheprotectivenatureofShen’sspell.Quickly,Thanquoldivedbehindthesorcerer,shelteringbetweenShenandthetoweringbulkofGoji.Theworldaroundthetwomage-ratsexplodedintoapillaroffire.Gutterrunnersandclanrats

closetothemwereimmolatedintheblastofmagicalflame,theirshadowsburnedintothesideofthepyramid.Whentheflamesfaded,Thanquol’sgazewasdrawnuptheshallowstonestepssetintothewall.Heblinkedindisbeliefattheauraofsorcerousmightswirlingaroundthecreaturethatstooduponthestructure’sflattenedroof.Thecreaturewasaskink,hisscalesthesamedarkblueasthelizardmenShiwanandtheassassins

hadkilled.Thecrestthatrosefromhisheadwasabrilliantred,however,andheworeamoreelaboraterobe-likegarmentthatwasloopedoveroneshoulder,boundabouthiswaistbyagoldenbelt.Hisarmsgleamedassunlightreflectedoffthegoldentalismansandringshewore.Inhishand,thereptileheldamassivestafftippedwithagreatgoldenicon–thestylisedheadofafangedserpent.Xiuhcoatl!TheProphetofSotek!Thanquolstaredinhorrorattheobjectoftheirmission.Hehad

imaginedsomeslovenly,nakedsavagewhosesumtotalknowledgeofmagicwastobrewafewpoisonstokeephisenemiesaway.Notinhiswildestfearshadheimaginedhisenemywouldbelikethis!Hecouldalmostseethesnake-devil’scoilswrappedprotectivelyaroundthelizardman,guardinghimagainstanywhowoulddarestrikehim.ItwouldtaketheHornedRathimselftodefeatsuchamightyfoe.Unfortunately,ShenTsingeseemedtohavethesameidea.ThesorcererpushedThanquolforward.

‘CallupontheHornedOnetosaveus!’hesqueakedinterror.SuddenlythearrowsThanquolhadbeenexpectingearlierbegantoclatteragainstthestonesaround

them.HetookhiseyesawayfromXiuhcoatllongenoughtoseeblue-scaledskinksswarmingoverthetopsoftheruinedbuildingsallaroundthem,tinybowsclutchedintheirclaws.Moreofthecreatureswerepouringdownthestreetscarryingjavelinsandholdingblowgunstotheirmouths.‘TheHornedOnehelpsthosewhorunfastest!’Thanquolsnarled,pushingShendownandracing

awayfromthetemple.Hecouldhearthesorcererhurlingcursesonhishead,butdoubtedifShenwasenragedenoughtosendGojilumberingafterhim.Thesorcererwasgoingtoneedtheratogretomakehisownescape.FleeingskavenwereallaroundThanquolnow.Forabriefmoment,Konghadtriedtomusterhis

warriorsintoformationtoopposethelizardmen.Anythoughtsofmakingastandevaporatedhoweverwhentheskinkscamerushingatthem.Theyherdedapairofbiguglyreptilesbeforethem,ghastlythingswithredscalesandhugesail-likefrillsrunningalongtheirbacks.Thereptileshesitatedbeforechargingintothemassedskaven,insteadopeningtheirjawsandspittingastreamofflamefullintothefacesoftheratmen.TheonlythingthatallowedanyofKong’swarriorstoescapewasthefactthatthesalamandershadstoppedtoeattheburningfleshoftheskaventheyhadkilledandnoamountofgoadingfromtheirhandlerscouldgetthemtomoveon.Thanquolfelthisheartthunderinginhischestashedasheddownthebroadstreet.Theexpedition

wasinfullrout,gutterrunnersandassassinssprintingpasthimoneveryside.Thegreyseercursedeveryskaventhatranaheadofhim,knowingthateachonemeantonelessbodybetweenhimselfandthearrowsoftheskinks.Heearnestlyhopedthatifhefellinthisblightedplace,theHornedRatwouldremembertopunishtheverminfortheircowardice!

Pantingwithexhaustion,Thanquoldarteddownoneofthesidestreets,thinkingthatperhapsthelizardmenwouldignorealoneskavenandinsteadconcentrateuponthegroupasawhole.Heranalongthedesertedstreet,stickingclosetothewalls,reassuredbythefeelofsomethingsolidagainsthiswhiskers.Behindhimhecouldhearthesoundsofbattleandknewthatatleastsomeoftheexpeditionhadbeencaught.Onceagain,hepridedhimselfuponhiswisdomandforesight.Suddenlyapairofskinksappearedaroundthecornerbeforehim.Theuglymonsterslifted

blowgunstotheirscalylipsandtookaim.Inapanic,Thanquolpointedhisstaffatthemandsentaboltofwarp-lightningsizzlingthroughthem.Theambushersfell,smokerisingfromtheircharred

husks.Itwasasatisfyingresult,butthepoundingacheinhisskullwasn’t.Hehadn’thadtimetopreparehimselfforsuchaspelland–moreover–hadn’thadanywarpstonetoeasetheeffort.Thanquolstaggeredawayfromthewall,reelingdizzilyashetriedtofocushissenses.Asheleft

theprotectionofthewall,heheardsomethingcrashbehindhim.Hisreflexeswerequickenoughtoseesomethingdarkleapingacrosstherooftop.Ahugestoneblockhadfallenintothestreet,aplumeofdustrisingfromit.Angrily,Thanquolgroundhisfangstogether.Theskinksdidn’twearblackcloaks!Andthestone

didn’tfall!Ithadbeenpushed!Ifhehadn’tmovedawayfromthewallwhenhedid,hewouldhavebeencrushedbeneathit!RedfurybanishedthelastofThanquol’sheadache.Hehadthoughtitstrangethattwoskinksshould

bewaitingforhimsofarfromthemainbattle.Nowheunderstood–hiswould-bemurdererhadluredthemheretoambushhim.Whentheyfailed,hehadtriedtomurderThanquolhimself.Itwasacold,craftysortofplan.Eitherway,noonewouldbeabletosayhehadbeenkilledby

anotherskaven.ThanquolrememberedalltheotherattemptsonhislifesincehisreturntoSkavenblightandthroughoutthevoyagetoLustria.Hethoughtalsoofacold,craftyskavenwhohadbeenpreparedtousehisentireexpeditionasadiversionsohecouldsneakintothetemple.Thanquol’sclawsclosedtightlyaroundhisstaff.Nowheknewwhowastryingtomurderhim.Andthegreyseerwasn’tgoingtogiveShiwanStalkscentanotherchance!

ThanquolhurriedthroughthesidestreetsofQuetza,alwaysrunningparalleltothemainavenuedownwhichtheskavenwerefleeing.Hefollowedthesmelloftheratkin.Shiwan’slackofscentglandsmadefindinghimabitdifficult,butThanquolwasreasonablycertainhecoulddoit.Hehadthepropermotivationnow.Besides,whatotherskavenwouldbetryingtostemtheretreatandforcetheratmenbackintothefight?Shiwandidn’tcareifhisfollowersdied,buthedidneedthemtodistractthelizardmenlongenoughforhimtogetclosetoXiuhcoatl.ThegreyseerspottedShiwanclosetothebackofthefleeingskaven.Hewasn’tsurehowthe

masterassassinhadgottenbacktohistroopssoquickly,butheknewthesneaksofClanEshinwerecapableofmanyseeminglyimpossiblefeats.Behindtheskaven,thelizardmenweremakingasteadyadvance,herdingtheirflame-spitting

salamandersbeforethem.ThanquolwatchedthefewratmenShiwanwasabletothrowbackintothefightbeingburnedalivebythecausticbreathofthereptiles.Hegrittedhisteethasasinisterplanoccurredtohim.Waitinguntiltherewerenoskavennearthelittlecornerhewascrouchedbehind,Thanquolcrept

forward.Usinghisstafftofocushisconcentration,hegesturedwithhishandatthemasterassassin.NoboltoflightningforShiwanStalkscent,ohno!Thanquolintendedtodealwithhimastheassassinhadintendedtodealwiththegreyseer.Hewouldbesubtleandmakeitlooklikesomethingelsewasresponsible.FixingShiwan’simageinhismind,Thanquolconcentrateduponhisspell.Againhefeltthesharp

pangoflongingashewasforcedtoworkhismagicwithoutwarpstonetosustainhisenergies,butheknewthisspellwasimportantenoughthathecouldendurealittlesuffering.Thanquolclosedhishand,makingafist,slowlycollectingmagicalenergyinhispalm.Whenhehadenough,heopenedhishandandsenttheenergyspeedingintoShiwan’sbody.Itwasn’tenoughenergytokilltheassassin.Whenitstruckhim,itfeltlikenothingworsethan

beingaccidentallyslappedbyanexcitedslave’stail.However,itstruckhiminthekneeandevensoslightablowwasenoughtotriphimasheran.Themasterassassinsquealedinfrightashecrashedface-firstintothepavingstones.Beforehecouldrecover,thefierybreathofasalamanderengulfedhim.Shiwanstaggeredtohisfeet,hisbodyburninglikealivingtorch.Hetookonlyafewshuddering

stepsbeforehefellagain.Thesalamandersprangathim,itsmassivejawsrippingawayathisscorchedflesh.Thanquolwatchedthesalamanderfeedforamomentbeforeturningandfleeingbackintothe

jungle.Hehopedthedull-wittedbeastdidn’tchokeonanythinguntilafterithadgobbleddowneverylastscrapofhisenemy.

CHAPTEREIGHT

NewPlans,NewMinions

Thejungleclearingslowlyfilledwithpanting,gaspingratmen.Althoughthelizardmenhadn’tpursuedthembeyondthebordersoftheircity,noneoftheskavenwaswillingtotakethechancethatitwassomekindoftrick.Sotheyhadn’tstoppedrunninguntiltheyweredeepinthejungle.Stragglerscontinuedtocreepoutofthejungle,drawnbythesmelloftheratkin.Evenwiththese

latecomers,Thanquoljudgedtheexpeditionhadlostnearlyhalfitsnumberintheambush.Hefeltnosorrowfortheirlosses,hisonlyworrywasthatthereweren’tenoughofthemtofightoffthebeastsofthejunglewhentheymadetheirwaybacktothebeach.Percheduponafallenlog,Thanquolleanedbackandpickedleechesfromhisfurwhilehewaited

forthebickeringassassinstomakeuptheirmindsandheadbacktotheship.Itwas,afterall,theonlysensiblethingtheslinkingkillerscoulddonow.‘Shiwanwouldnot-notleavewithoutkillingscaly-meat,’KongKrakbackwasgrumbling.Thebig

blackskavensportedanuglygashacrosshisfacewhereaskinkjavelinhadcuthim.Hewasluckytheweaponhadn’tbeenpoisoned.TsangKweek’sfurbristledandhisfangsgleamedinhisfaceashesnarledbackatthewarrior.

‘Shiwanisdead-dead!’thegutterrunnerhissed.‘Whocare-thinkwhathedo-don’t?Isay-tellweleave!Now-now!’‘Wecan’tleave.’ShenTsinge’scoldtonescontrastedwiththegutterrunner ’sfrightenedsqueak.

‘Wehavetofinishmission!’Tsangspunaroundandscowledatthethinsorcerer.‘Temple-placeprotectedbymagic!Burn-slay

anyskavenwalkinside!’‘Scaly-meatwillbelookingforusnow,’oneofthecloakedassassinssaid,supportingTsang’s

movethattheyallheadbacktotheship.‘Can’tsneak-surprisescaly-meatnow!’Shenshookaclawedfingerintheassassin’sface.‘Think-findway,fool-fur!Wedon’tgoback

untilXiuhcoatlisdead!’‘Wecan’tgetintotemple-place!’persistedTsang.‘Howdowekill-slayscaly-meatifwecan’tget

inside!’Foraninstant,itlookedlikeShenwasgoingtopounceonTsang.Thesorcerer ’sfurbristledwith

rage,hisfangsgleamedsavagely.Suddenlyacunninggleamcameintothesorcerer ’seyes.Helookedasideatthelogandthehornedratmansittingonit.‘Wefind-findwayinside!’hesnapped.Leaningonhisstaff,ShenTsingewalkedovertoThanquol’sperch,theotherEshinleaders

followingbehindhim.Thesorcererstaredupatthegreyseer.‘Thanquol!’Shensnapped.‘Wehavedecidedtogobacktotemple-place!Youmustbreak-kill

scaly-spellskeepingusout!’Thanquoldidn’tlookatthesorcerer,insteadmakingastudyoftheleechhehadpluckedfromhis

leg.‘Idon’tthinkso,’hesaid,poppingtheparasitebetweenhisfingers.‘IthinkBackstabberTsang

hastherightidea.Wegoback.’‘Wecan’tgoback,’Shensnarledthroughclenchedfangs.‘NightlordSneekwillkill-eatallofusif

wefail!’Thereminderoftheirclanlord’sinevitablevengeanceforfailuresentafreshpulseofterror

coursingthroughtheratmen.Thanquolcouldsmellthemuskdrippingdowntheirlegs.Hedidn’thavetoasktoknowthathewouldbeincludedinSneek’srevenge.Ifitwasanyotherskaven,hemighthavesuggestedsailingawayandfindingsomeplacetohide,butheknewtherewasnohidingfromtheNightlord.Itwasadesperatesituation.Shenwasright,theycouldn’tgobackuntilXiuhcoatlwasdead.Having

seentheProphetofSotekinaction,heknewthattheonlywaytokillasorcererofsuchawesomeabilitywastotakehimunawares.Todothat,theywouldhavetogetinsidethepyramid.Andtogetinsidethepyramid,theyneededThanquoltobreakthewardsthathadbeenplacedtheretodestroytheirkind.ThanquolshiveredwithfearattheprospectofreturningtoQuetzaandfacingXiuhcoatlagain.

Then,ashiseyessweptacrosstheclearing,henoticedsomethingstrange.Alltheskavenwerelookingupathim.Therewasadesperatehopeintheireyes.LikeShen,theyknewthegreyseerwastheironlyhopeofgettinginsidethetempleandkillingXiuhcoatl.HestareddownatShenandtheotherleaders,lipspulledbackinafiercegrin.‘Imighthelp-save

you,’Thanquolsaid.‘Buttherehasbeentoomuchbunglingfromyoumouse-murderers!’Hepointedhisclawthreateninglyattheassembledskaven.‘YouthoughtyouknewbetterthanGreySeerThanquolhowtodowhattheNightlordtoldyoutodo!Nowyouknowhowwrongyouwere!Ishouldletyouallrot-fester!Letyourboneswarmthebelliesofsnakes!’KongKrakbackthrewhimselftotheground,grovellingbeforeThanquol’sfeet.‘Please,great

master,donotabandonus!’Kong’spleadingwassoontakenupbyotherskaven,eachtryingtoout-dotheotherinhisobeisance.‘Imighthelp-saveyouungratefultick-nibblers,’Thanquolmused,scratchinghischin.‘ButIhave

beenbadlytreatedbyyourleaders…’‘ThatwasallShiwan’sidea!’insistedTsangKweek,wringinghispawstogether.‘Noneofuswould

havedaredtreatyouwithdishonourifhehadn’ttold-ordereditso!’Thanquolsneeredatthelie.Theyhadalltakenpartinmaltreatinghim.However,hecouldstilluse

thefaithlessvermin.‘IfIhelp-saveyou,’Thanquolpronounced,onefingerliftedinwarning,‘thenImust-musthave

totalcontrol.Imust-mustbeleaderandeveryonemust-mustdowhatIsay!’Thatannouncementhadmorethanafewoftheskavengnashingtheirteeth.Yeteventhesebitdown

ontheirprideandbobbedtheirheadsinagreementtoThanquol’sterms.EvenTsangKweekandKongKrakbackacceptedThanquol’sleadership.Rubbinghishandstogetherintriumph,Thanquolhoppeddownfromhisperch.HegrinnedatShen

Tsinge.Thesorcererandhisratogrehadbeentheonlyskaventoremainstandingduringthedisplayofgrovellingandpleading.Shensnarledbackatthegreyseer,buthecouldn’thidetheicyfearinthedepthsofhiseyes.Thanquolknewthenthatthesorcererwasbroken.‘I’llneedallthewarpstone,’ThanquoltoldShen.Thesorcererlashedhistailinoutrageat

Thanquol’sdemand,butbeganremovingnuggetsoftheblackstonefromhispocketsjustthesame.‘Don’tforgetanylittlebitsyoumighthavehidinginyourcheekpouches,’ThanquolspitefullyremindedShen.Shen’seyesblazedwithfuryattheinsult,hishandfallingtotheswordhewore.Behindhim,Goji

tookamenacingstepforwards.Itwasaneffort,butThanquolmanagedtokeepanyhintoffearfromhispostureashecoldlyregardedthetwinthreatsofShenandtheratogre.

‘Asleader,I’llneedprotection,’ThanquoltoldShen.‘Iwantyourratogre.’Shenalmostdrewhissword,butonelookattheskavenaroundhimstayedhishand.Theyknew

Thanquolwastheironlyhopenow.IfShenkilledthegreyseertheywouldfallonhimlikeapackofrabidwolf-ratsandtearhimtopieces.Chokingonhisrage,thesorcererbowedhisheadandwavedGojiforward.Thanquolchitteredhisdelightashewalkedaroundthehulkingratogreandinspectedhisnew

property.Themonsterwasanimpressivespecimen,muchmoresothantheweaklingruntshe’downedbefore.Thebeast’sclawswerethebiggestandsharpesthe’deverseenonaratogre,therewasanintelligenceinhiseyesthatwasalmostskaven-likeintheirdepthandunderstanding.Theratogre’sfurwasthickandlustrous,asblackasmidnight.Heevenfoundthenecklaceofskullsaroundthemonster ’sneckapleasingtouch.‘YouneedabetternamethanGoji,’Thanquolmusedashecircledtheratogre.‘IthinkIshallcall

you…’Hepausedinthought,pickingathisearasheconsideredwhathewouldcallhisnewbodyguard.Theratogrestareddownathim,analmostexpectantlookinhisbeadyeyes.‘Boneripper,’Thanquoldecided.Itwasagoodnameforaratogre,thekindofnamethatscared

enemiesjusttohearit.AndBoneripperwasgoingtoscarehisenemies.Thanquolwasgoingtomakesureofthat.

GreySeerThanquolrestedwithhisbackagainstapalm,casuallynibblingontheparrotinhispaws.Thebirdhadacurioustaste,andnotonethathewascertainheappreciated.Butmeatwasmeat,anditwouldbeasignofweaknesstoforfeittheprovisionshisloyalfollowershadbroughthim.Helookedupfromhismeal,savouringthesullenstaresoftheEshinskaven.Lettheratsskulk!Itwasnolessthantheydeservedforalltheindignitiestheyhadheapedonhim!Calmly,Thanquolhandedtherestoftheparrottohisbodyguard.Thebird’sbonescrunchednoisily

asBonerippercrusheditinhispowerfuljaws.Beingcarefultokeeptheratogrewell-fedhaddonewondersforshiftinghisloyaltyfromShenTsinge.Thanquolwasimpressedbyhisintelligenceandpracticality.Thesorcererhadalwaystreatedhisbodyguardasnothingbutanotherlackey,somethingthatwassecondbest.Boneripperdeservedbettertreatment,andThanquolwascarefultoputtheratogre’sneedsaheadofevenhisown.Thinkingaboutneeds,Thanquolstudiedthefruitbasketthegutterrunnershadbroughthim.He

pickedthroughtheassortednutsandberries,sniffingsuspiciouslyattheoneshewasn’tcertainwereedibleandglancingupmaliciouslytoseewhichofhisminionshewouldchoosetotestthesuspectberries.Heselectedaripebanana.He’ddevelopedabitofatasteforthemushyfruit.Pickingoutaleather-skinnedmelonatthesametime,ThanquolletBonerippergorgehimselfontherestofthefoodthatlookedsafe.‘Ifyouarefinishedeating,grimandterribleslayer-lord,’oneofthebowinghunter-ratsstartedto

addressThanquol.AflashoffrightracedalongThanquol’sspine.Hiseyesnarrowedwithhateandhisfootkicked

out,crackingagainstthehunter ’smuzzle.‘Don’tcallmethat!’hesnarled,tryingtobanishthemomentaryimageofaginger-haireddwarf-thingthathadriseninhismind.‘Don’teverdothatagain,youpaw-lickingwhelp-stealer!’Hestood,glaringdownatthetremblingvictimofhisill-temper.Thanquolwasprettysureheknewwhowouldbetestingthesuspiciousberries.‘Beggingindulgence,mightytyrant,’ShenTsinge’singratiatingtonesreachedThanquol’sears.He

turnedtofindthethinsorcerershufflingtowardshim,leaningonhisstaff.ThanquolwaspleasedwhenheheardBonerippergrowlathisoldmaster ’sapproach.‘Whatdoyouwant,mage-rat?’Thanquoldemanded,givinganotherspitefulkicktotheprostrate

hunter.

Foraninstant,Shen’sfacepulledbackinachallenginggrin,buthequicklycoveredhisfangsagain.‘Thanquol…’‘GreySeerThanquol!’Thanquolsnarledatthesorcerer.Shenbentandbowedincontritionfortheimproperaddress.‘GreySeerThanquol,wehavebeen

hidinginjungle-placeformany-manysun-moon.’‘Yes?’ThanquolhissedatShen,remindingthesorcerertobeverycarefulwithwhateverhewas

goingtosay.‘GreySeerThanquol,wehavebeenherelong-long,’Shensaid.‘Wefollow-obeywhatever

Thanquolspeak-squeak.Webring-takewaterforThanquol’sbathwhilewearethirsty.Webring-takemeatforThanquol’smealswhileweeatantsandroots.’‘Yes?’Thanquoldemandedagain.Thegreyseercastawaryeyeattheotherskavenwhowere

listeningtotheexchange.He’dbeenforcedtoputdownoneinsurrectionalready.IfShenwasgoingtoleadanotheroneitmightbemoredifficulttosquash.‘WhenwegobackandkillXiuhcoatl!’Shensnarled,lashinghistailthroughtheunderbrush.‘We

stayinjungle-placewedie-die!’Thanquolbaredhisfangsattherebellioussorcerer.‘IamwaitingforasignfromtheHornedOne!’

Whenquestionedabouthisdecisions,Thanquolalwaysfounditwisesttoinvokehisgod.Thenifhisenemypersistedindoubtinghim,itwasthesameasifhewasdoubtingtheHornedRat.Itwasalwayseasytorouseskaventodestroyaratmanwhohadbeenbrandedaheretic.Unfortunately,Shenwasboldenoughtopersist.‘Whenyousee-scentsign?’Shengrowled.‘When

allEshin-ratsarebones?WhenonlyGreySeerThanquolstillhasstrengthtowalk-scurryfromjungle-place?’‘Heretic!’Thanquolsnapped,pointingaclawatthedefiantsorcerer.‘Seizehim!’heorderedthe

otherskaven.Noneofthemliftedapaw,butinsteadglaredathimwithangryeyes.Bonerippermovedbeside

Thanquol,buteventhethreatoftheratogredidn’tseemtomattertotheabusedandstarvingskaven.‘Iamyouronlychance!’Thanquolremindedtheskaven.‘Withoutme,youcan’tgetintotemple-

place!’‘Wearen’tgettinginsidewithyou,’TsangKweekhissed,fingeringoneofhisknives.‘Allwe’re

doingisgettingweakwhileyougetfat!’Thanquolglaredatthegutterrunner.‘TheHornedRatwillshrivelyournethersforspeakingtome

likethat!Iamwaitingforhisholyscenttoshowustheway!’‘Liar!Coward!’oneoftheassassinsshouted,emboldenedbyhislackofscenttohidehisidentity

fromThanquol’swrath.‘WhereisthissignfromtheHornedOne!’Suddenlyagroupofscoutscamescurryingbackintotheclearing.Despitethemutinyallaround

him,Thanquolmanagedtonoticewithsomemisgivingthatthehuntershadcomebackempty-handed.However,ratherthantryingtoslinkoffandavoidthegreyseer,theyexcitedlyrushedrighttowardshim.‘GreatandmightpawoftheHornedOne!’thehunterssqueaked.‘Thereareman-thingsinjungle-

place!Liveman-things!Wesaw-scentedthem!’Thanquolstrokedoneofhishornsashedigestedtheexcitedreport.Theonlyhumanstheyhadseen

sincelandinginthisaccursedplacehadbeenthewalkingdead-thingsintheswamp.Hehadbeguntobelievethattherewerenohumansontheentirecontinent.Ithadbeenhisexperiencethatonceman-thingswereestablishedinaplace,theyquicklybuiltnestseverywhere.Yettheyhadseennotraceofanyhumanvillages.Indeed,exceptforthezombietower,theonlybuildingstheyhadseenweretheruinsleftbythelizardmen.Whatwouldhumansbedoinghere,sofarfromanyplacetheyhadanyrighttobe?Theanswer

cametoThanquolasheglanceddownattheexcitedhunters.Ofcourse!Hecouldhavebithimselffornotseeingitsooner.Thiswasthesignhehadbeenwaitingfor!Assoonasthatrealisationcametohim,aplaninstantlybegantoforminThanquol’scrookedmind.‘Go-fetchman-things!’Thanquolsnarledathisminions.‘Iwantall-allman-things!Bringthemto

me,live-live!Ifyoukill-kill,I’llcutoutyourbrainsandfeedthemtoyou!’Hisminionsdidn’tstoptoquestiontheimpossibilityofThanquol’sthreat,butturnedbackand

racedintothejungle,eagertoobeyhiscommand.Thanquolwatchedthemgo,histaillashingbehindhimimpatiently.Nowthattheplanhadformedinhismind,hewantedtotryitout.Ifhewasright,verysoontheywouldbeinsidetheTempleoftheSerpent.Ifhewaswrong…Thanquolshudderedandstartedthinkingaboutwhathewoulddoifhewas

wrong.

Thetrekthroughthejunglehadbecometortureaftertheescapefromthecoldones.Withthelossofthewater,therewasnorelieffromthehot,swelteringmiserythatmadeeverybreathagony.EventhefineclothesofvanSommerhaushadbeenreducedtostripsofrottenclothhangingindamptattersoffhisstarvingbody.Therehadbeennomorestrayingoffthepathtofindfoodsincetheirencounterwiththegiantreptiles.Before,theyhadimaginedtheworsttheymightstumbleoninthejunglewasaprowlingjaguar.Nowtheyknewbetterandeventhegrumblingintheirstomachswasnotenoughtosendthemenbackamongthetrees.Onlyonehoperemainedtothem:thepromisethatthestrangepathwaywasguidingthem

somewhere.Theyhadallseentoomuchtodoubtthesorcerousnatureofthetrail.Ifmagicwasbehindthepath,thenithadtohavesomepurpose,somereasonforbeing.Ateachbend,theyexpectedtoseethegoldencityvanSommerhauscontinuedtotalkabout.Eachtimetheyfeltthebitterstingofdisappointment.Thereseemednoendtothejungle.Ifsomedistantpowerwaswatchingoverthem,itseemedtohavegreatlyoverestimatedtheirendurance.Orhadit?Adalwolfwonderedaboutthebriefglimpsesofthenightskyhecouldseethroughthe

treesoverhead.Hehadaslightenoughknowledgeofastronomytoknowtherewassomethingwrongaboutthosestars.CaptainSchachterandMarjus,menwithmuchgreaterknowledgeofnavigatingbythenightsky,werepositivelyterrifiedbywhattheysawtosuchanextentthatassoonasthesunwentdown,theystubbornlyrefusedtoevenglanceup.Onedayastheytrudgedalongthepath,BrotherDiethelmofferedanexplanationforwhathad

disturbedAdalwolfandfrightenedthesailors.‘Itisn’tthatthestarsarestrangetothem,’thepriestsaid.‘Itisthattheymoveinwaysnostarshouldfromnighttonight.’Heshookhishead.‘Nomagic,evensuchmagicasmakesthispathforus,isstrongenoughtoshiftthestarsfromtheirsettings.Itiswewhoaremovedinstrangeways,nottheheavens.Imagineasheetofparchmentuponwhichyoudrawaline.Nowtakethesamesheetandfoldituponitselfanddrawaline.Youhavestillcrossedtheparchmentwithyourline,butitisamuchshorterline.’ThemercenaryblinkedinconfusionatDiethelm’swords.‘Idon’tunderstand.’Diethelmfavouredhimwithapatientsmile.‘Thisroad,’hesaid.‘Weknowitisacreationof

sorcery.ButIthinkwemakeamistaketopresumeitsimplypassesthroughthejungle.Ibelieveitalsofoldsthespacearoundit.Theroad,likemyparchment,shortensthelineinsomestrangefashionwecannotfathom.Tooureyes,nothingseemsdifferent,becausewearewalkingwithinthisfoldanddonotknowhowgreatthedistanceshouldbe.Thestars,however,cannotbefooled,andwhentheyshineuponus,theyshinefromwheretheytrulysit,notwherewebelievetheyshouldsit.’Adalwolf’smouthwentdryatthepriest’sexplanation.‘I’veheardmadtalesofsuchthingsfrom

NorsesailorsaboutthelandsbeyondtheTrollCountry,butIneverbelievedthem.Cananymagicbesopowerfulastochangethelanditselfinsuchaway?’

‘Ifearwewalkwithinproofthatthereissuchmagic,’Diethelmsaid.‘Wecanonlypraythatthemindbehindsuchmagicbearsusnomalice.’Fromthepathaheadcameexcitedvoices.AdalwolfandDiethelmhurriedforwardstofindthe

remainingsailorshackingawayatthevinesborderingthepath.Schachterstoodnearby,armsfoldedacrosshischest,supervisingthelabourofhiscrewwhilevanSommerhausgavethemverbalencouragementbypromisingeachmanagoldguilderiftheyhurried.‘Whatgoesonhere?’AdalwolfaskedHiltrude.Thewomansmiledathim,herdrawnfaceliftinginanexpressionofbreathlessanticipation.‘One

ofthesailorsheardwaterflowingthroughthejungleclosetothepath!Hethinksitmustbesomekindofriver.’‘Water!’Adalwolfexclaimed.Hewonderedifanywordhadeversoundedmorebeautiful.Thelast

realwaterthey’dhadwaswhenthey’dlostthesledge.Sincethen,theyhadbeendrinkingwhatevertheycouldwringoutoftheirsoddenclothesafterthejungle’sfrequentrainstorms.‘Aretheysure?’‘Theyare,’Diethelmsaid.‘Icansmellagreatquantityofwaterclosetous.’Theaxesandcutlassesofthemenbrokethroughthewallofvines.Beyond,theyfoundthatthetrees

weremorewidelyspaced,thegroundbeingtoomoisttosupporttheovergrowththeyhadbecomeaccustomedto.Intheabsenceoftrees,fernbushesandsawgrasshadfoundroomtogrow,clingingclosetothemuddyearth.Theydidnotobscurethewelcomeviewthatwarmedtheheartsofthemenonthepathway:agreatriverslashingitswaythroughthetrees,itsgreenwatersmurmuringsoftlyastheywashedoverthemanybouldersliningitsboundaries.Hungerhadnotdriventhesurvivorstobravethehorrorsofthejungle,butthirstwasaneed

powerfulenoughtostifleeventheirfear.Withsomuchwatersonear,thesailorsrushedfortheriver,shoutingandlaughinglikechildren.AdalwolfandHiltrudejoinedthemadrushtotheriverandevenvanSommerhausforgothisdetacheddignityandthrewhimselfheadlongintotheemeraldwaters.OnlyBrotherDiethelmremainedwary,watchingeverytreeandbushforthefirstsignofdangerashecarefullywalkeddowntotheriverbank.Thecrewgreedilydranktheirfillofthewater,thenbegantowashthefilthfromtheirclothesand

bodies.Hiltrudetriedtocleansethestainsfromherraggeddress,doingherbesttoignorethelasciviouscatcallsfromtheseamenassheexposedherslenderlegsintheprocess.CaptainSchachterfilledhishatwithwaterthenturneditoverhishead,lettingthecoolliquidwashdownhisface.VanSommerhaus,afterhisfirstdiveintotheriver,loungedupononeoftheboulders,gentlysplashingwateracrosshisneckasthoughheweresomenobleladydaintilyapplyingperfume.Marjusandthesailorscavortedinthemiddleoftheshallowriver,revellingintheluxuryofthemoment.Aftertakingafewlongsipsfromtheriver,Adalwolfsathimselfonthesandyshoreandstarted

unbucklinghisarmour.Hewasstillthinkingclearlyenoughthathedidn’twanthisarmourgettinganymorerustythanitwasfromtherain.Carefully,hesettheweather-beatenvestagainstsomerocksandstartedtounfastenhisboots.Diethelm’shandonhisshouldercausedhimtostop.‘I’vebeenwatchingtheriver,’thepriestsaid.‘Whatdoyouthinkofthat?’Diethelmpointedtoapatchofriveradozenyardsfromwherethesailorswereswimming.Atfirst,

Adalwolfcouldn’ttellexactlywhathewaslookingat.Itlookedlikethewaterwasshivering,breakingoutinbumps.Iftherehadbeenanyrain,hemighthavethoughtitwasraindropsstrikingthewater.Hetrulyhadnoideawhatitwas.‘Fish?’hewondered.Still,thatwouldhardlyaccountforthechillthatcreptdownhisback.Surely

theriverwastooshallowtoharbouranythingthatcouldthreatenaman?Evenso,hewatchedtheshiveringpatchofwaterbegintomovetowardsthem,movingupstreamagainsttheflowoftheriver.Adalwolfroseandquicklymoveddowntotheriverbank.Sternly,hegrabbedHiltrude’sarmand

pulledtheprotestingcourtesanoutofthewater.Whenshemovedtograbhershoes,Adalwolf

savagelypulledherbackagain.‘Outofthewater!’themercenaryshouted.Hepointedhishandatthepatchofdancingwater.Thesailorssawwhathewaspointingatandlaughed,severalofthemshakingtheirfistsand

cursingAdalwolffortryingtoscarethem.Closertothedisturbance,theycouldseewhatwascausingit.Noterrifyingrivermonster,justaschoolofuglylittlesilver-colouredfish.Thejeeringshoutsofthesailorsbecamebloodcurdlingscreamsastheschooloffishswaminto

them.Thegreenwatersaroundthemturnedcloudyandred.Frantically,themenbeatatthewaterwiththeirhands,tryingtoscareawaytheirattackers.Onemanliftedhishandfromthewaterwithafishhangingfromit,theanimal’ssharpfangssunkdeepintohisflesh.Frenziedlythefishtwistedandwrithed,rippinggoryribbonsfromthesailor ’spalm.Horror-stricken,themenfledthewaterasquicklyastheycould.Thepiranhasconvergedonthe

slowest,rippingandtearingattheirbodiesastheytriedtomakeshore.Fromthebanksoftheriver,thosesafelyonlandcouldonlywatchtheghoulishdisplayasthefishdevouredtheirpreyalive.WhenMarjusscrambledoutofthewater,hesportedahideousgashacrosshislegwherethepiranhashadsavageditcleardowntothebone.Hewasthelasttoescape.Threeothersailorsneverleftthewater,theirbodiesfloatinggruesomelydowntheriver,pursuedbytheschoolofcannibalfish.

Alleyeswerefixedontheriverandtheterriblesceneplayingoutuponit,sononeofthesurvivorsnoticedthefirstcloakedshapeemergefromthejungle.Quietly,otherverminousshapesdetachedthemselvesfromthetrees,silentlyformingacordonaroundthehumans.Hiltrudewasthefirsttoturnherfaceindisgustfromthespectacleofthepiranhasfeedingonthe

deadseamen.Inturning,shefoundherselffacingasightevenmoreghastly.Along,rodent-likevisagestaredatherwithbeadyeyesandvicious,gleamingfangs.Thecreaturegrippedawicked-lookingdaggerinitsfurryhand.Thecourtesanletoutashriekofhorror,flinginghershoeatthemonster.Theskavenduckedthe

clumsyattackandsnarledatherthreateningly.Sheretreatedbeforethemonster,stoppingonlywhenshefeltwaterlappingagainsthernakedheel.AtHiltrude’scry,theothersswungaround.Herscreamwasechoedbythemenaroundher,men

whowereshakentotheirsoulsbytheawfulsight.Evenifthecoldoneshadreturned,orthecarnosaurhaddecidedtheywouldmakenicesnacksafterall,themenwouldnothaveshownsuchhorror.Thegiantreptileswerethingstheycouldaccept,menacestheyknewwerereal.Whatfacedthemnowwasnightmare,mythmadeflesh.Everymanamongthemhadbeenraisedonfairytalesaboutthebaby-stealingunderfolk,nurserystoriestomakebadchildrenbehave.TheyhadlaughedatTileansailorswhoinsistedsuchmonsterswererealandoftengotthemdrunksimplytohearsuchstoriessotheycouldlaughatthemagain.Theunderfolkweren’treal!Theycouldn’tbe!Theworldcouldn’tharboursuchfiendishthings!Yetwhatstoodbeforethem,knivesandswordsintheirhands,wereundeniablytheunderfolk!The

creatureshadformedasemicirclearoundthem,surroundingthemonthreesides.Totheirback,wastheriver.Adalwolfmadeadivetorecoverhisswordfromwherehehadleftitagainsttherocks.Oneofthe

ratmensnarledathim,andasharpthrowingknifeslashedacrosshisknucklesashegrabbedforhisblade.Themercenaryrecoiledinpain,glaringatthehideousmonsters,tryingtocontrolthefearpulsingthroughhisveins.Hishorroronlyincreasedwhenoneoftheratmenopeneditsmuzzleandbegantopushwordsthroughitsfangs.‘Man-thingscome-come!’theratmansnapped.Itswordsfadedintoapealofchitteringlaughter.

‘Orgoswim-die,’ithissed,pointingitsclawattheriver.Beforeanyoftheterrifiedhumanscouldconsidertheghoulishchoicetheratmanhadgiventhem,

itsfellowsrushedtheminasnarlingswarm,smashingthemdownwiththeflatsoftheirbladesandtherustypommelsoftheirswords.

ThanquolstrokedhiswhiskersthoughtfullyasTsangKweekbroughtthesorry-lookingpackofhumanstohim.Theylookedhalf-deadandsmelledlittlebetter.Hewasfamiliarenoughwiththedifferentbreedsofman-thingstoknowthatthesebelongedtothebigClanEmpire.Theirlandswerefaraway,beyondevenSkavenblight.Itmadelittlesensetohimthatthesehumansshouldbehere,butverylittlehumansdidmadesensetohim.TsangKweekhadbroughtthehumansbacktotheclearinginhaste.Thegutterrunnersand

assassinshadaneasytimecapturingthewitlessanimals–butafterallithadbeenThanquol’splan,sotheeaseoftheirsuccesswashardlysurprising.KongKrakbackandhiswarriorshadsearchedTsang’ssneaksforanycapturedplunder.They’dfoundafewthingsthatThanquolfoundinteresting.Alittleglassbottlewithsomestrangelyscentedliquidinside,acuriouscoppertubewithglassfittedateachendthatmadethingslooksmallerwhenhelookedintoit,andapairofgaudypistols,likeshabbylittlecousinsofthewarplockweaponsClanSkryremade.Thanquolhadbeenquicktotakethose.Heknewhoweasilyabulletcouldgoastrayifleftinthepawsofatreacherousunderling.ThehumanswerehuddledonthegroundbeforeThanquol’sperch,forcedintouncomfortable

bowsbythekicksandthreatsofhisloyalminions.Thegreyseerwassilentalongtime,enjoyingthefrightenedwaythehumanswerelookingathim.

Theyknewwhowastheirmaster,evenwithoutbeingtold!Theyhadsenseenoughtorecognisehisgreatness,hisauthority,simplybylookingathim!Onedayallofthedecadentlandsoftheman-thingswouldbebroughtundertheruleofskavendom.Thenallhumanswouldgrovelbeforehimwiththesamelookofrespectandfear.Eventhatscrawnyman-thingpetthatdamndwarfhadtaggingalongwithhim!Thanquolbruxedhisfangstogetherandlashedhistailangrilywhenherealisedtheprisoners

weren’tlookingathim,theywerelookingabovehim.Heglancedoverhisshoulderandhismoodbecameevenblacker.Thestupid,senselessbrutesthoughtBoneripperwastheleader!‘IamGreySeerThanquol!’hesnarledatthedull-eyedhumans,puttingafullmeasureofvenomin

histone.Hewaitedamoment,thengroundhisfangstogetherwhenthatannouncementdidn’timpressanyofthem.‘Iamleaderhere,’hecontinued.‘Youwillcall-knowmeasmaster-king!WhateverIsay-squeak,youdo!’Thanquolsmiled.Themorehespoke,themoreupsetthehumansbecame.Good!Soonhewould

havethemcompletelyterrifiedandwrappedaroundhistaillikeatrainedslug.‘Ifyouobey-pleaseme,Iwilllet-allowyoutolive,’Thanquolsaid.‘Filthymonster!’oneofthehumanssuddenlyshouted.Themanwasonhisfeetandleapingfor

Thanquolsoquickly,thegreyseerdidn’thavetimetoreact.Thehuman’shandsclosedabouthisrobeandThanquolfelthimselfbeingpulleddownfromthelog.Suddenlythegriponhimgrewslack.Thanquollookeddowntoseethehuman’storsolayingathis

feet,theman’slegsagooddozenyardsacrosstheclearing.Boneripperstoodabovethemess,lickingbloodfromhismassiveclaws.EventhoughheobscuredThanquol’sviewofthehumans,hedecidedtolettheratogrestaywherehewas.‘Thatisanexample-warning!’Thanquolhissedatthecoweringhumans.‘Defymeanddie-die!’He

lethisangrygazesweepacrossthetremblinghumans.Hesquintedinsurpriseashenoticedoneofthemwasfemale.‘Nexttime,IfeedyourbreedertoBoneripper!’Hefeltpleasedwhenhesawoneofthehumansinstantlywrapaprotectivearmaroundthefemale.Inhisexperience,humanswereneversomanageableaswhentherewerebreedersandwhelpsaroundtothreaten.Strangely,oneofthehumansactuallystaredathimwithouttheextremefeartheothersshowed.The

animal’stemerityonlyincreasedwhenhespoketoThanquol.‘Areyoutheonewhomadethepathwefollowed?’thehumanasked.Thanquol’sbrowwrinkledinconfusion.Hedidn’tlikethishuman,therewasafaintsmellofmagic

abouthim.Hewastemptedtohavethehumankilledjusttobesafe,butthatimpulsewasmitigatedbythefactthatifhewaswrongabouthowtogetinsidethepyramid,thehumanmightknowanotherway.Whatthispathwasthemage-thingwasbabblingabout,Thanquolhadnoidea,buthedecidedtorunwithit.‘Ofcourse,fool-thing!’Thanquolsnapped.‘WithmypowersIsent-madeatrail-pathtobringyou

tome.Nowyoumustserve-obeyGreySeerThanquolforsavingyou!’Thehumansdidn’tlookparticularlygrateful,butclearlytheywereevenmoreafraidofhimnow–

andthistimetheyweren’tlookingatBoneripperbymistake.Thatwasgood,themoretheyfearedhim,thequickertheywouldbetoobeyhiseverycommand.Brusquely,ThanquolsnappedorderstoKongandShen.Theyweretohavealloftheskavenready

tomarch.Nowthathehadthehumans,Thanquolwaseagertoputhistheorytothetest.Ifhewasright,theywouldsoonbeinsidethepyramidandtheycouldsurpriseXiuhcoatl.Ifhewaswrong…well,themoreskaventhelizardmenkilledwhentheyreturnedtoQuetza,the

betteritwouldbeforThanquol!

CHAPTERNINE

TheTempleoftheSerpent

ThecityofQuetzawaseerilyquietwhentheskavenmadetheirreturn.ThistimetherewerenosunningskinkstomassacreandexploitthewaythelateandunlamentedShiwanStalkscenthaddone.Thanquolfavouredamorecarefulapproachthistime.Theycircledaroundthecity,enteringitfromthenorthinsteadofthesouth,andtheywerecautioustokeepclearofthebroadmainroadsthatleddirectlytothepyramid,insteadscurryingthroughthecrumblingsidestreetsandkeepingtotheshadows.Itwasnotaneasything,movingahundredskavenandapawfulofhumanslavessilentlythrough

therubble.IfThanquolhadbeenlessofastrategicgenius,hemighthavedespairedofaccomplishingsuchaboldmanoeuvre.Ofcourse,itprobablyalsohelpedkeephistroopsintopformwhenBoneripperbitofftheheadofthefirstclanrattomakeanoise.Abitofterrordidwonderstoreinforceobedienceamongtherabble,Thanquolfound.Thehumans,ofcourse,wereclumsyandslow.Ifhedidn’tneedthemsomuch,Thanquolwould

haveguttedthembeforethey’dgonemorethanahundredyardsintotheruins.However,theywereavitalelementinhisplan,sohegroundhisteeth,kickedaconvenientunderling,andjustconcentratedonallthethingshewoulddototheuselesscreaturesoncethey’dservedtheirpurpose.Afullmoonshoneovertheancientcity,causingthecrumblingstonestoshineweirdlyinthesilver

light.ThegreatpyramidthatwastheTempleofSotekstoodlikeagleamingmountainamidthedecayingrubblearoundit.Thestinkofreptilesandserpentswasthickinthenosesoftheskavenassoonastheyenteredthecity,butastheycreptclosertothetempleanewsmellsentatwingeoffearshudderingthroughthem:thehotstagnantsmellofratmanblood.Closertothepyramidnow,Thanquolcouldseethattherewerelizardmenliningitssteps,swaying

theirbodiesinahideouslysnakelikeharmony.Betweentheranksoftheskinks,afewboundskavenshiveredandwhined,prisonerstakeninthefirstill-fatedassaultonthetemple.Alowhissingchantwhispereddownfromtheflattenedroofofthepyramid.Agreatgoldenaltar

stoodupontheroofandacrossitssurface,armsandlegsheldfirmlybyfourrobedreptilianpriests,astrugglingskavenwasstretched.HispitifulcryingmadeThanquolglancenervouslytowardsthejungleandwonderifperhapstheymightbebetterreturningtoitsshelter.ThoughtsofretreatvanishedfromThanquol’smindashesawafifthskinkloomoverthecaptive.Evenfromsuchadistance,Thanquolcouldsensetheawfulpowerofthelizardman.Thoughallthe

reptileslookedthesametohim,therewasnomistakingthatauraofbroodingmalignanceandancientenmity.ItwasXiuhcoatlhimself,thedreadProphetofSotek,whostoodbehindthealtarandliftedanobsidianknifeabovethebreastofthestrugglingprisoner!Xiuhcoatlliftedhisscalyfaceheavenward,singinghispraisestothemoonandthewatchingstars.

Thentheprophet’shandcamestabbingdown.Theratmanscreamedasthedaggerbitintohisbreast,thrashingwildlyintheremorselessgripoftheskinkpriests.Pitilessly,Xiuhcoatldugthedagger ’s

edgeintothefleshofhissacrifice,relentingonlywhenhehadcompletedaviciouscircle.Xiuhcoatlreachedintothegorymesswithhisotherclaw,rippingfreetheratman’sbeatingheart.Theprophetignoredthetwitchingcorpsesplayedbeneathhimasheliftedhisgruesomeoffering

highabovehishead.Xiuhcoatlheldtheheartupsothatthemoonandallthestarsmightseeit,thensteppedforwardsanddisplayedhistrophyfortheskinksstandinguponthestairs.Theyhissedinsatisfaction,thecrestsupontheirheadssnappingopentobetterexhibittheirpleasure.Xiuhcoatlhandedthehearttoaskinkstandinguponthetopmoststep.Utteringaquickchirptohonourhisleader,theskinktoreravenouslyatthelumpofbloodyflesh.Xiuhcoatlsteppedbackbehindthealtar.Aflickofhisheadsentthefourpriestsintoaction.Instark

contrasttothereverencewithwhichthehearthadbeentreated,thepriestssimplythrewthebodyoftheratmandownthesideofthepyramid,notevenwaitingtoseewhereitfell.Xiuhcoatl’sheadundulatedinanapprovingnodasanotherskavencaptivewaspulledupthestairsandlaidoutuponthegoldenaltar.Thanquolquivered,smellingthemuskoffearrisingfromhisfollowers.Itwasgoodthatthey

showedfear–itwouldmaskhisownfrightenedscent.Eventhehumanswereterrified,theirfacescolourlessastheywatchedXiuhcoatlbutcherhisprisoners.Perhapstheyweren’tasstupidasthegreyseerhadthought.‘We-wenotfight-slaythat-that!’ShenTsingewailed,histailclenchedtightlyinhishands.‘Run-run!Quick-quick!’addedTsangKweek,hisfangschatteringagainsteachother.‘Gotell-sayNightlordthatkill-killscaly-meatisimpossible!’insistedKongKrakback.Thanquolgrinnedateachofhisunderlingsinturn,makingeachofthemquailbeforehismerciless

gaze.Hewascarefultoconcealhisownfearasheupbraidedhisminionsfortheirs.‘He’soutofhisdamnhide-hole!’Thanquolsnarled,pointingaclawatthetopofthepyramid.‘Now-now!Westrike-kill!Lizard-meatpraytosnake-devil,neversee-smellusuntilitistoolate-late!‘Kong,youtakeyourwar-ratsandattack-killfromthisside!’Thanquoltoldthehulkingblack

skaven.‘Itake-takegutterrunnersandassassins.Westrike-killfromotherend!Nofear-fear!TheHornedOnewillprotectus!’Hisunderlingslookedratheruncertainaboutthatlastpart,buttheydidthinkhemighthaveapoint

abouttakingthelizardmenbysurprise.Thanquoltoyedwithatinynuggetofwarpstone,justenoughtopoweradeliciouslydestructivespell.Theimpliedthreatremovedthelastreservationstheskavenhadaboutfollowinghisplan.Quicklytheyseparatedintotwogroups.Kong’swarriorsmadethebiggestgroup,nearlytwo-thirdsoftheirnumber,andThanquolhadtoresisttheinstinctiveurgetojointhem.Instead,heturnedtoTsangKweekandthescoreofscoutsandassassinswithhim.Impatiently,hemotionedthemtostarthurryingaroundtothebackofthepyramid,tothefacetheyhadapproachedinthefirstattack.‘Whataboutman-things?’ShenTsingeasked,flickinghistailatthehumans.‘Iwilltakethemwithme,’Thanquolsaid.‘Theywillmakeagoodvictoryfeast.Now,hurryand

helpKong’swar-rats!’ShenstaredatThanquol,thenatthepyramid,thenatthehumanprisoners.‘IthinkIstaywithyou,’

thesorcerersaid,suspicioninhisvoice.Thanquolgnashedhisfangsinannoyance.Shenwastoocleverbyfar.Asmuchashewantedto

orderthesorcerertofollowKong,hecouldn’thavehimpassinghissuspicionsontotheblackskaven.‘Ofcourse,’Thanquolhissed,lashinghistail.‘IwasonlythinkingyourmagicwouldhelpKong.’Grudgingly,hemotionedforShentojointhegrouprushingtocirclethepyramid.Hemightbeforcedtokeepthesorcererwithhim,buthewasn’tgoingtohavehimathisback.

Ittooktheskavenonlyashorttimetomaketheirwayaroundthepyramid.Theywouldhavemadeit

evenfaster,butthehumansslowedthemdown.TsangevenpointedthisouttoThanquol,butthegreyseerstubbornlyrefusedtoleavehispetsbehind.Bythetimetheyreachedtheotherfaceofthepyramid,soundsofbattlewerealreadycomingfromtheotherside.Thanquollickedhisfangseagerlyasheheardthesoundsandwatchedskinksrushingoverthetop

ofthepyramidtojointhefightragingonthestepsbelow.Kong’swar-ratsshouldbeabletokeepthelizardmendistractedforalittlewhileatleast.Longenoughtosuithispurposes.‘TheyarefightingKong!’TsangKweekpointedout.‘Now’sourchance!’Thegutterrunnerstarted

toleadhistroopstowardsthestepswhenThanquol’ssnarlcalledhimback.‘Fool-meat!’Thanquolsnapped.HepointedaclawatthetopofthepyramidwhereXiuhcoatland

thefourskinkpriestsstillstood.Theyseemedtobewatchingthebattleragingontheothersideofthepyramid,butThanquolwasn’tdeceived.‘Xiuhcoatliswaitingforustoattack!It’satrap-trick,justlikebefore!’‘Thenwhat…’ThanquolswattedtheendofTsang’ssnoutwithhisstaff.‘Dung-suckingidiot!’hesnapped.He

gesturedwithhisstafftotheopening,themagicallyprotectedtunnelthatdisintegratedanyskavenwhosetpawwithinit.‘We’regoinginthere,exactlywhereXiuhcoatlwon’texpectus!’UnderstandingstartedtodawninTsang’seyes,butThanquoldidn’twaitforhimtocomearound.

Impatiently,hesnarledatBonerippertobringthehumanstothetunnel.Snarling,hishugearmsspreadwidetopreventanyonefromslippingpasthim,theratogreherdedtheprisonerstowardsthepyramid.Thanquolscurriedafterthehugebeast,keepingoneanxiouseyeonthetopofthepyramid.If

Xiuhcoatlcaughtontowhathewasdoing,theremightnotbeenoughtimetomakeitbacktothejunglebeforethefullforceofthelizardmencamedownuponthem.Thegreyseergloweredatthesinisterpassageway.Theskinkshadcleanedawaytheashes,but

Thanquolcouldstillsmellthestinkoffierydeathintheair.Hestaredhatefullyattheglyphswiththeirdepictionofasnakeeatingarat.Irritably,heturnedandsnarledathisslaves.Theyhadnames,butthegreyseerfounditannoyingto

trytorememberthem.Theyallsmelledprettymuchthesameanditwasdifficulttomatchthescenttoanameanyway.‘Whichman-thingisleader?’Thanquoldemanded.VanSommerhauspointedfranticallyatCaptainSchachter.‘Him!Him,he’sthecaptain!’Schachtergavethepatroonanicystare.‘Thanks,Lukas.’AtThanquol’sgesture,Bonerippershovedthemanforward.Schachterstraightenedhimselfup,

tryingtoappearunafraidashestoodbeforethehornedratman.Hisbravadoquicklyfailedandsoonhewaswringinghishatbetweenhishandsandnoddinghisheadineagerservilitytoeverythingthatwassaidtohim.‘Go-go!’Thanquolsnarled.‘Takedownsnake-stones!Takedownallsnake-stonesyousee-find!’

Whenhesawthathisslavedidn’tunderstand,ThanquolgrowledatBoneripper.Beforeanyonecouldreact,Boneripperswungaroundandsnatchedagutterrunnerfromthe

ground.Theratmansquirmedinhisgrip,butthehugebeastwasoblivioustohisvictim’sclawingandbiting.Grimly,Boneripperturnedbacktowardsthetunnelandwithasingleheaveofhispowerfularmhethrewthegutterrunnerdownthetunnel.Assoonastheskavenpassedtheinvisiblebarrier,theglyphsburnedwithpower.Therewasa

scream,aflashoflight,andthenalittlepileofashesonthefloor.‘Understandnow,fool-meat?’ThanquolhissedatSchachter.‘Skavencan’tgoinside,butstupid

man-thingscan!’Thecaptainnoddedhisunderstanding.‘Youwantthemcarvingstoredownso’syoucangoinside!’

Schachterflinchedasthegreyseerbaredhisfangs.HeguessedthatThanquolwasquicklylosinghis

patience.‘Icandoit!ButI’llneedhelptodoit.’Thanquolglaredsuspiciouslyatthehuman,thenglancedattheotherslaves.‘One,’hesaid,liftinga

claw.‘Take-takeonetohelp.’Schachternoddedhisunderstanding.Helookedovertheothercaptives.Foramoment,helocked

eyeswithAdalwolf.AhintofregretcameacrossSchachter ’sfeatures,thenhepointedatMarjusPfaff.‘Him.He’stheoneIwant.’Thanquolwatchedasthetwomenstartedtimidlytowardstheopening,bothofthemlookingdown

frequentlyatthesmokingpileofash.‘Quick-quick!’hesnapped.‘Gofast-fastorIkillotherman-things!’Thethreatseemedtowork.Thetwomensteppedboldlyoverthepileofash.Thanquolclosedhis

eyesandcoveredhisears,expectinganotherexplosivedisplayofmagic.Whennothinghappened,amaliciousgrinoftriumphspreadacrosshisface.Hewasright!Thewardsonlyguardedagainstskaven,nothumans!AnysenseoftriumphhefeltfadedwhenThanquolstareddownthetunnel.Thehumansshouldhave

stoppedandstartedtearingdownthewards.Insteadtheywererunningdownthecorridorasfastastheycould!‘Stop-stop!Ikill-killotherman-things!’Thanquolshouted.Schachterturnedandflickedhishand

underhischinatthegreyseerbeforeracingoff.Soonbothmenwerelostinthegloomofthetunnel.Thanquolgnashedhisfangsinfuryanddrewhissword.Heroundedonthelastofhisslaves,fully

intentoncarryingouthisthreat.Onlycoldpragmatismstayedhishand.Ifhekilledthehumans,hewouldnevergetinsidethepyramid.Heglaredatthetremblingcaptives,smellingtheirfear-stink.Thenherememberedsomethingelseabouttheirsmell.SavagelyThanquolgrabbedHiltrude’shair,pullingthewomanawayfromtheothers.Humans

wereveryprotectiveoftheirbreeders,heknew,andthisknowledgewasbornoutwhenAdalwolfclenchedhisfistsandlungedatthegreyseer.Themercenarydidn’tcomeclosetostrikingThanquol.Boneripper ’senormouspawclosedaroundhimlikeavicebeforehecouldtakemorethanafewstepstowardsthegreyseer.OnlyaquickcommandfromThanquolpreventedtheratogrefromcrushinghimlikeagrape.‘Good-good,’ThanquolcrowedashereturnedAdalwolf’senragedgaze.‘Youaren’tlikeleader

man-thing.’Hepaused,wonderingifperhapshumanleadersandskavenleadersweren’treallythesamewhenitcametothelivesoftheirunderlings.‘Youdon’twantsee-smellprettybreedergethurt.’‘Takeyourfilthypawsoffher,youscum!’Adalwolfraged.Thanquolchuckleddarkly.HepulledHiltrude’shair,forcingherheadbackandexposinghersoft

throat.‘Notalk-speak!’Thanquolhissed.‘YoudowhatIsay,orIeatshe-thing’stongue!’Foremphasis,hebaredhisfangs,displayingthemurderousincisorsandsnappingthemtogether.Hepointedatthetunnelwithhisstaff.‘Godowhatleader-mandidn’tdo!Breaksnake-stones!Breakallsnake-stonesorshe-thingdie-die!’SeeingthatAdalwolfunderstoodthathemeanthisthreat,ThanquolmotionedforBoneripperto

releasetheman.‘Areyouallright?’AdalwolfaskedHiltrude.Thewomantriedtonod,butThanquoltuggedher

headback.‘Stoptalk-speak!’thegreyseerfumed.‘Work-work!’Glaringattheskaven,Adalwolfmarchedintothedarknessofthetunnel.Soonhestartedattacking

thenearestofthesnake-glyphs.Withnoothertoolstouse,themanremovedhisboot,batteringatthewardwiththeheavyheel.Thanquolwatchedtheoperationwithkeeninterest.Hecouldsensesomethinglikeasighintheair

astheglyphswerebatteredintodust.Itwasthemagicalenergyithadcontainedbeingreleased.The

wardwasbroken!Itspowersweregone!Ofcourse,hecouldhaveBoneripperpersuadeoneofthegutterrunnerstotestthecorridorfirst

justincasehewaswrong…

Flatteneddisksofblacknessabruptlyexpandedintogreatpoolsastheeyesoftheslannfocusedoncemoreonthemundaneplaneofmatterandspiritthatsurroundedthemage-priest.SkinkscribeshurriedaroundLordTlaco,recordingeverychangeinhismottledskin.LordTlacoloungedinhisgildedseat,thebaserelementsofhisconsciousnesssavouringthecool

waterskinkattendantssplashedacrosshisrubberyskin.Itwasacrudepleasure,aweaknessofthefleshyvesselLordTlaco’smindinhabited.Themage-priestquicklysuppressedthesensation,concentratingagainuponprobabilitiesandunknownquotients.ThelowphasealgorithmshadreachedQuetzaandthroughthem,thedecayingfractalshadbrokentheequationsthatrestrainedthem.Forthefirsttimesincethecityhadbeenretaken,theTempleoftheSerpentwasbeinginvaded.Everythingwasproceedingasthemage-priesthadpredicted,butstillhecouldnotdecipherthe

finalvariables.Alltheelementsoftheequationwereinplace,butstillhecouldnotforeseethesolution.Forthisreason,itwasimportantthatLordTlacobetheretoobservetheeventsthatithadengineered.OneoftheskinkattendantslockedeyeswithLordTlacoastheslannsetathought-imageinthe

lizardman’smind.Assoonasthethoughthadtakenform,theskinkhurriedawaytopreparethings.Therewasmuchtodo:skinkstomusterfromtheirvillages,sauruswarriorstorousefromtheircaves,beaststogatherfromtheirlairs.LordTlacowasstirringfromhistempleforthefirsttimeinmillennia,buttheslannhadnotforgottentheneedtoprotecthisfleshyshell.Whenthemage-priestbegantotravelthroughthegeo-spatialfoldsanentirearmywouldmarchwithLordTlaco.AnarmythatwouldsurroundtheabandonedcityofQuetzaandensurethatnothingescapeduntil

LordTlaco’sequationhadbeensolved.

GreySeerThanquolcongratulatedhimselfonhiscraftinessashestalkeddownthegloomystonecorridors.WhobutthemightyGreySeerThanquolcouldhavesolvedtheriddleofgettingpasttheancientwardsthathadbeensetinplacetodestroyanyskaventhatdaredtrespasswithinthepyramid?Noone,ofcourse.ItwasafeatofgeniusworthyoftheHornedRathimself!Hehadtogivesomegrudgingadmirationtothereptilianwizardsthathadcreatedthecunningtrap.

Therehadbeenfivelayersofwardsinall,fiveseparatearrangementsofthedeadlyglyph-stoneseachplacedtenyardsdeeperintothetunnelthanthelast.Evenifonesetofwardshadfailed,thelizardmenhadpreparedotherstoguardtheway.Thehumanhadperformedwellenough,smashingeachglyph-stoneinturn.Thanquolhad

consideredkillinghimoncethelastlayerofwardswasbrokenandthetunnelbrokeintoajunctionofintersectingcorridors.Hisnaturalparanoiakepthimfromgivingtheorder,however.Theremightbestillotherwardswaitingfortheminsidethepyramid.Ifso,hewouldneedthehumantosmashthem.Theothershewouldkeeptoensuretheslave’sobedience.Thanquolsniffedattheair.Itwasthickandmustywiththestinkofsnakes,enoughtosethisfur

crawlinginfear.Buttherewassomethingelse,somethinghecouldsmelleachtimehetookapinchofwarpstonesnuff.Therewasasuggestionofpowerintheair,abroodingarcaneenergythatcoursedthroughtheverystones.TsangKweekandtheassassinswantedtofindthestairsandfollowthemtotheroofofthepyramid

sotheycouldkillXiuhcoatl.Angrily,Thanquolupbraidedthemfortheirstupidlysuicidalplan.Hepointedouttothemthattheprophetwouldbeabletoobliteratethemallwithhismagicbeforetheycouldevengetwithinspittingdistanceofhim.No,theyhadtofindthesourceofXiuhcoatl’spower

anddestroyitiftheyweretohaveanychanceofcompletingtheirmission.Intruth,ThanquolwasnolongerthinkingintermsofNightlordSneekandhistyrannicalwhims.

Smellingthepowerinsidethepyramidhadgivenhimamuchdifferentidea.AnysorcereraspowerfulasXiuhcoatlcouldn’tpossiblyharnesssuchenergieswithouthelp.Thelizardmanmusthavemanyarcaneartefactshiddenawaywithinthetemple,fociforhismalignantspells.Thanquolwasdeterminednowtofindthem.Withsuchartefactsinhiscontrol,he’dbeabletolaughatNightlordSneek’sthreats!AtalloftheLordsofDecayforthatmatter!Noneofthemwoulddaretouchhim!HewouldplacehispawuponthePillarofCommandmentswheretheHornedRathimselfwoulddecreeThanquol’srighttositupontheCouncil!He’dmakeshortbloodyworkofthatdecrepitvillainKritislikandthenitwouldbeSeerlordThanquol’sbrilliancethatwouldgoverntheCouncil.Yes!WithXiuhcoatl’streasureinhispaws,Thanquolcouldleavethisjunglehellbehindandreturn

ingloryandtriumphtoSkavenblight!Thanquollashedhistailanxiouslyagainstthewallofthecorridor.Besides,iftheywerequick

enoughintheirstealing,they’dbeabletogetoutofthepyramidbeforeXiuhcoatlnoticedthem.Hewasverykeentoavoidconfrontingthatscalynightmare,justincasehewaswrongaboutthelizardman’srelianceonrelicsandartefactstobolsterhispower.Insteadofupwards,Thanquolfollowedhisnoseandorderedhisminionstoheaddown,deeper

insidethepyramid.Thehumansledtheway,TsangKweek’sknifealwaysclosetotheshe-slave’snecktoensuretheobedienceoftheothers.Theothergutterrunnersclungclosetotheirleader.AfterthemfollowedtheassassinsandShenTsinge.ThanquolandBonerippertooktherearposition.Thegreyseerdidn’tlikebeingexposedtowhateverenemiesmightbecreepingupbehindthem,buthewasevenmorenervousabouthavinganyofhis‘allies’athisback.Itwasbettertokeepeveryonewherehecouldseethem.Theyhadproceededforseveralhundredyardswhenthecorridorbegantoshudder.Greatstone

blocksdroppeddownfromtheceiling,smashingflatagainstthefloorandbarringbothadvanceandretreat.Theskavenintrudersweretrappedinasectionofcorridorfiftyyardslong,surroundedonallsidesbyunyieldinggranite.Panicseizedtheskaven,andtheirwailsofshockandfearbecameadeafeningclamour.Thanquol

resistedtheimpulsetojoinintheirterror,insteadtryingtofocusonawaytogethimselfoutofthetrap.Hismindracedwithhorribleimagesofthecorridorslowlyfillingwithsandtosmotherthemorscummyswampwatertodrownthemorhugearmyantstodevourthem.Hefoughtdownthehideousvisions,staringdesperatelyatthestoneblockbehindhimforanycluehowtomoveit.Thanquolfoundhiseyeswateringastheairtrappedwiththembecamefoulwithfearmusk.Perhapsthatwastheirintention,tolettheskavensimplysuffocate!ItwasonhistonguetoorderBonerippertostartkillingthingssotheoxygenwouldlastlonger

whenanewsoundreachedThanquol’sears.Itwasadull,grindingnoisethatthrobbedthroughthewallsofthecorridor.Atfirsthethoughtitwasadelusionofhisfear,butsoonthegreyseercouldnotdenythatthewallsweremoving.Inchbyinchtheywerebeingpressedinwards.Hethoughtaboutthemannerinwhichslugjellywasmadeandnewhorrorgrippedhim.‘Boneripper!’Thanquolshriekedathisbodyguard,strainingtomakehimselfheardabovethe

terrifiedsquealsoftheotherskavenandthescreamsofthehumans.‘Open-open!Quick-quick!’Thegreyseerpushedagainsttheheavystoneblockchokingthecorridor.ToThanquol’shorror,thestupidratogresimplyturnedandtrudgeddeeperdownthehall,swatting

asidetheskaventhatgotinhisway.Thegreyseerhurledcurseaftercurseafterthelumberingbrute,threateninghimwithallmannerofterribledeathsifhedidn’tcomebackandmovetheblock.Thanquolreturnedtohisdesperateattackonthestoneblock.Hesentaboltofblacklightning

crashingagainstit,butallthespelldidwastowarmtherock.Hetriedtofocushismindaroundan

escapespell,butknewhisconcentrationwasn’tequaltothechallenge.HekeptthinkingthatevenifhesuccessfullyslippedintotheRealmofChaosandbackagain,hemightreappearontheroofofthepyramidwithXiuhcoatl.Thatwouldbelikejumpingoutofthecatandintothesnake!Thegreyseerspunaboutashefeltsomethingbrushagainsthim.Hishandlashedout,andheheard

askavencryoutinpain.Thenhefeltatremorintheaethyr.Therewasacrimsonflashoflight,asoundlikethunderandthestinkofbrimstone.Thanquolquicklypattedhisrobesandfoundthatsomeofhiswarpstonewasmissing.Hegroundhisfangstogetherinfury,willingtobetthatflea-riddensorcererShenTsingewasn’twiththemanymore.Itwouldbejustlikethecowardtoabandonhisfriendsandsavehisownfur!Boneripperhadreachedthemiddleofthepassage.Thewallsweresoclosetogethernowthatthe

ratogrewasforcedtomovesideways,andeventhenitwasatightsqueezeforhim.Hemovedwithoneearpressedagainstthewall.Whenhegottothemiddleofthecorridor,hestopped.Crouchinglowtothefloor,Boneripperdroveoneofhismammothfistsagainstthewall.Stonecrumbledbeneaththeblow.Asecondpunchandanentireblockcrackedaway.Boneripperreachedintotheholehehadmade,hisclawsscrabblingaboutinthedarkness.Thanquolscrabbleddesperatelyatthestoneblockinghisretreatasthewallscamegrindingstill

closer.Then,suddenly,theystopped.Atfirstheblinkedindisbelief,butitwastrue,thewallshadstoppedmoving.HeglancedbackdownthecorridorandsawBoneripperpullingtwistedcopperrodsandgearsfromtheholehehadmade.Theclever,loyalratogrehadstoppedthewallsjustintime!Thanquolstalkedthroughthehuddledmassesofhisshiveringminions.Itwasimportanttoshow

themthattheordealhadn’tfrightenedhimintheleast.Afterall,he’dtoldhisbodyguardtogetthemoutofthetrap.Hecouldhaveeasilytriedtoescapebyusinghismagic,buthehadstayedbehindtomakecertainhisfollowersweresafetoo.Hecouldseetheyappreciatedthatbythewaytheystaredathiminreverenceandawe.‘Boneripper!’Thanquolcalled.Hepointedhisstaffattheblockchokingthefarendofthepassage.

‘Movethatthingandopenthewayforus.’Obediently,Bonerippersqueezedhiswayalongthecorridorandbeganpushingtheheavyblock.It

tookalongtimetogetthestonemovedandThanquolwasforcedtohavethehumansandsomeofthegutterrunnershelptheratogre.Buttheydidgetitopenatlast.Ashadowyfigureracedatthemfromthedarknessassoonastheyemergedfromthetrapped

corridor.ThescentoftheapparitiontoldThanquolwhoitwasbeforehesawhim.Briefly,ThanquolconsideredblastingShenTsingewithaboltofwarp-lightninganyway.‘Greatmaster,youhaveescaped!’Shenwhimpered,throwinghimselfatThanquol’sfeet.There

wasgenuineterrorinthesorcerer ’svoice.Afterescapingthecrushingwalls,Shenhadfoundhimselfaloneintheblacknessofthepyramid.Unabletosmellanotherskaven,hisnosefilledwiththereekofsnakesinstead,Shen’sinstinctsoverwhelmedhimandhe’dcomerunningback.ThanquoldrovetheheadofhisstaffintoShen’sbelly,knockingthewindoutofhimanddoubling

himover.Whilethesorcerertriedtosuckbreathbackintohislungs,Thanquolfriskedhimandremovedthewarpstonenuggetshehadstolen.‘BethankfulImightstillneedyou,’ThanquolhissedinShen’sear.‘OtherwiseIwouldgiveyouto

them.’HegesturedattheotherEshinratmenwhostaredatShenwithmurderouseyes.‘Idon’tthinktheyappreciatethewayyoulefteveryonebehind.’ThanquolmotionedforTsangtoleadthehumansforwardsagain.‘Youshouldunderstand,mage-

rat.Whenyouareleader,youneedtolookafteryourunderlingsasthoughtheywereyourownwhelps.’

Adalwolfkeptwatchinghisverminouscaptors,waitingforthefiendstorelaxtheirguard.

Unfortunatelytheyseemedperpetuallyparanoid,leapingatshadowsandwhiningateverychangeintheair.OnlywhentheyhadallbeentrappedinthecorridorwiththemovingwallshadtheunderfolkbeeninattentiveenoughtogiveAdalwolftheopportunityhewanted,buttherehadbeennoplacetogo.Thejourneythroughthedarknessofthepyramidwasaterrifyingordeal.Onlysporadicallydidthe

ratmenlightatorchsohecouldseewherehewasexpectedtoleadthem.Mostofthetimehewasforcedtofeelhisway,theimageofanopenpitanomnipresentfear.Theverminwereobliviousanduncaringtohisblindness.Theyscratched,kickedandbithimeverytimetheirpatienceworethin.Hecouldhearthecriesofhiscompanionseachtimetheratmenbecameimpatientandventedtheirfrustrations.Hiltrude’ssharpmoans,Diethelm’swearygaspsandthepainedcursesofthetworemainingsailorswereknivesofguilttwistinginhisbellyeachtimeheheardthem.EventhewhinesandpleasofvanSommerhaushadceasedtoprovideAdalwolfwithsardonicsatisfaction.Whateverhismanyfaults,atleastthepatroonwashuman.Inahorribleway,Adalwolfcouldn’tevenblameSchachterandMarjusforabandoningthem.They

hadseenachanceforescapeandtheyhadtakenit.Undersuchghastlycircumstances,hewonderedifhewouldhavedonethesame.Helikedtothinkhewouldn’thave.Exceptatthosetimeswhenhewasallowedlight,theratmenwerenothingbutchittersandstenchto

Adalwolf.Allhecouldseeofthemweretheirbalefulredeyesgleaminginthedarkness.Theunderfolkappearedperfectlycapableofnavigatingthedark,buttheirhornedleader ’sfearabouttrapscausedAdalwolftocontinuetowalkpoint.Thecraventhingsintendedthatheshouldfindanymoreofthestoneswiththesnake-glyphonthem.Adalwolfwishedthathewouldfindothers.Itmightofferachanceforescape.Hethoughtofthestrangecreatureswhohadbuiltthisplace.Thatsightofthereptilianpriestcutting

outtheheartofaratmanwasburnedintohisbrain.He’dneverseenanythingquiteashorribleinallhislifeasthatgruesomespectacle.Indeed,foralltheirapparentenmitytowardstheunderfolk,Adalwolfwasn’tcertainwhichofthemhewasmoreafraidof:theratmenorthelizardmen.Duringoneofthefrequentreststheywereallowedwhiletheratmenbickeredamongthemselves,

Diethelmhadwhisperedhisownobservationstotheothers.Hewasattunedenoughtothegodsandtheirwaystofeelthedivinepowerradiatingfromthelizardmantheyhadseenconductingthesacrifice.Itwasn’tthewarm,wholesomeauraofthegodstheyknew,butrathersomethingcold,distantanduncaring.However,therewasnodenyingthemagnitudeofthepowerhesensedwithinthereptile-priest.Itwas,Diethelmconfessedwithashudder,likethepresenceoftheHighMatriarchofManann,onlyevengreater.ThepriestalsowonderedifThanquolhadn’tliedtothemwhentheywerecapturedaboutcreating

thestrangepaththroughthejungleforthem.Itseemedafeatofmagicthatwasbeyondtheratmen.Diethelmwasn’tsureitwasbeyondthestrange,scalylizardmen.Butifthelizardmenhadbroughtthem,thequestionremainedastowhytheyhadbroughtthem.Adalwolfshruggedasidethelingeringquestion.Itwasaproblemtoworryaboutlater.Fornow,

escapingfromtheratmenwastheonlything.Thechancethemercenaryhadbeenwatchingforcamewhenthecorridortheyhadbeentravelling

suddenlyopenedoutintoavastnaturalcavern.Thelightfromthetorchoneoftheratmenheldcastweirdshimmersacrossthefloorandtheairwasthickwithastagnantdampness.AfewstepsintotheroomandAdalwolfdiscoveredwhythefloorreflectedthelight.Itwasn’taflooratall,butavastpool.Thewaterwasalmostlevelwiththeledgethatsurroundeditandsofilmedoverwithscumthatitwaseasytomistakeitforsolidgroundinthedarkness.Therewassomethingmore,however.Adalwolfcouldseeuglyyellowbulbsfloatingjustbeneath

thesurface.Ittookhimamomenttodecidethattheyweresomemannerofegg.Thespawnofthe

lizardmen?Hecrouchedandputhishandintothewater,findingitalmosthottohistouch.Quicklyhewaspulledawaybyoneoftheviciousratmen.Greedily,theverminpawedatthewater,scoopingoutoneoftheyellowishbulbs.Adalwolf’ssuspicionthatthebulbswereeggswasquicklyconfirmedastheratmanbrokeitopen

andbeganslurpingouttheyolk.ThemonsterthathadbeenkeepingaknifeonHiltrudemadeajealoussnarlandrushedthefirstratman.TsangKweektoretheeggfromtheunderling’spawsandgavehimaspitefulkickthatknockedhimintothepool.Viciously,Tsangtoreaparttheleatheryshellandbegangnawingonthehalf-formedreptileinside.Themercenaryturnedawayfromthehideoussight.Indoingso,henoticedsomethingmovingin

thewater,slidingthroughthescummyfilmtowardstheratmanTsanghadthrownintothepool.Hequicklylookedbackathiscaptors,buttheyweretoobusypawingatthewatertograbmoreeggstoseethemenacemovingtowardsthem.‘WhenIsaymove,’Adalwolfwhisperedtohiscompanions,‘weallmakearushforthosestairs.’

Henoddedhischintoasetofstonestepsafewdozenyardsfurtheralongtheledgethatcircledthepool.Itwasjustvisibleintheflickeringlightoftheratman’storch.‘Wecan’t!’protestedvanSommerhaus.‘They’llcatchus!’Adalwolfwincedatthepatroon’scravenwordsandmoreparticularlythevolumewithwhichthey

weresaid.Heglancedattheratmen,butnoneofthemseemedtohaveheard.HegrabbedvanSommerhausbyhisfrilledvest.‘Staywiththemthen,butdon’tgetinmyway!’‘We’rewithyou,’Hiltrudetoldhim,glancingwithdisgustatherbenefactor.Thesailorsand

Diethelmgavenodsofapproval.Adalwolflookedbackatthepool,watchingforanysignoftheswimmingcreaturehehadseen.He

couldn’tbecertain,buthehadtheimpressionofotherbeastsmovingthroughthewaternow.‘Theunderfolkaregoingtohavesomeproblemsinalittlewhile.Whenthey’rebusy,makeforthestairs.I’llberightbehindyouafterIgetthetorch.’Hisinstructionshadonlyjustbeenwhisperedwhentheratmaninthepoolsuddenlyvanished.The

suddendisappearancewasn’tnoticedbytherestoftheunderfolk,butwhenahugescalyhanderuptedfromthepoolandpulledoneoftheeggthievesunderthewater,theentirepackbegantosquealinfright.Theyscurriedawayfromtheedgeofthepool,buttheirquickretreatwasn’tenoughtosavethem.Threeenormouslizardmenleaptfromthepool,landinguponthestoneledgeandhissingatthe

underfolk.Theyweregiganticcreatures,theirbodiesencasedinthickdarkscales,theirenormousjawssportinghugefangs.Theremighthavebeensomekinshipbetweenthesebeastsandthesmall,wirylizardmentheyhadseenoutside,butifsoitwasmoredistanteventhanthatbetweentheratmenandthegiantbrutetheirleaderkeptashisbodyguard.Atthefirstsightofthelizardmen,theunderfolkcringedawayinfear.Thehissingreptilessoon

laidintothemwithgiantclubsandaxes,weaponsthatshonewiththefierylustreofgold.Thedeathshrieksofratmenbecamedeafeningasthehulkingreptilesattackedtheintruders.Adalwolfknewthattheratmenwouldquicklyovercometheirfear.Eithertheirmercilessmaster

wouldgoadthemintofightingthetroll-likelizardmenorelsetheywouldretreat.Whicheverchoicetheymade,Adalwolfhadnointentionoffollowingthem.Hiltrudeandtheothersweremakingtheirpanickedracetothestairs,evenvanSommerhaus

runningalongwiththem.Adalwolfspunabout,leapingattheratmanwiththetorch.Thecreature’sattentionwasentirelyuponthelizardmen,hehadforgottentheprisoners.Itwasthelastmistaketheverminevermade.Inbrutallyshortorder,Adalwolf’sarmlockedaroundthemonster ’sneck,breakingitwithasavagetwist.Swiftly,Adalwolfretrievedthetorchfromwhereitblazedonthefloor.Heturnedandrippedthe

rustyswordfromtheratman’sbelt.Nowthebattlewasjoined.Thanquol’sshrillvoicerangout,imperiousandtyrannical,snarlingat

hisminionstoattackthelizardmen.Acracklingsheetoflightningrosefromthehornedratman’sstaff,engulfingoneofthehugelizardmen,electrocutingbothitandthetwounderfolkcaughtinthereptile’spaws.Adalwolfdidn’twaittoseemore.Hespunaboutandmadeamaddashforthestairs.Hecouldsee

hisfriendscrossingtheledgeaheadofhim.Hecouldalsoseeascalybackmovingthroughthewatersofthepooltowardsthem.Themercenaryopenedhismouthtoshoutawarning,buthewastoolate.Anothergiantlizardman

burstfromthepool,seizingoneofthesailorsinitsclaws.Theseamanscreamedpiteouslyasthemonstertwistedhisbodyapartwithahorriblewrenchingmotionofitshands.Adalwolfroaredhismostfiercewarcryashesawthebeastdiscarditsfirstvictimandreachfor

another.ThemonsterturnedathiscallandAdalwolfshovedhistorchintoitseyes.Thelizardmanreeledback,butinaslowandclumsyfashion.Itslethargicnervoussystemhadn’tregisteredthebiteoftheflameuntilthescalesofitsfacewereblackenedandcharred.Asthegiantreptilestumbled,Adalwolfdrovehisswordintoitsgut.Foraninstant,hethoughtthe

rustyunderfolkbladewouldbuckleandfailtopiercethethickscalyhide,butatlasttheswordsankintothelizardman’sflesh.Adalwolfmadeoneefforttopullthebladefreebeforehewasforcedtoduckasweepofthemonster ’slashingtail.Thelizardmanstaredathimfromitsburntfaceandopeneditsjawsinavicioushiss.Iftherehadbeenanywheretorun,Adalwolfwouldhavefledfromthemonster.Butthebeaststood

betweenhimselfandthestairs,completelyblockinghisway.Hisonlyhopelayinthebrute’sslowreactions.Itstillseemedhalfasleep,perhapsadjustingitscoldbodytothechangefromthehotpooltotheclammyatmosphereofthepyramid’scellars.Roaringatthelizardman,Adalwolflungedatthehulkingbrute,throwinghimselfflatanddiving

betweenitsclawedlegs.Hescreamedinpainashewasbatteredbythebeast’stailashescrambledunderneaththemonster,feelingasthoughadragonhadbouncedhisskullagainstthefloor.Vengefully,hestruckthemonsterwiththetorchagain.Theflamefailedtoburnthedrippingscalesofthelizardman’stail,buttheheatwasenoughtodriveitback.Adalwolfleapttohisfeet,stumblingtowardsthestairs.Hesawthehugelizardmanturntopursue

him,butatthatmomentthebeastwassetuponfrombehind.ThereptilewaslockedinthecrushingembraceofThanquol’sratogre.Thelizardmanflailedandclawedatitsattacker,butBonerippertooksmallnoticeofthewhippingtailandslashingclaws.Theratogreburiedhisfangsinthelizardman’sneck,bitingdeepintoitsthroat.Themercenarydidn’twaittowatchtheendofthatstruggle,butasheclimbedthestairs,hethought

hecouldhearthelizardman’sribscrackingonebyoneasBonerippercrushedthelifefromit.‘Hurry!’heshoutedatHiltrudeandtheothers,impressedbeyondwordsthattheyhadwaitedfor

him.‘ItlooksliketheunderfolkaregoingtowinthatfightandIdon’twanttobearoundwhentheydo!’Panickedbyhiswords,thesmallbandofrefugeesfledupthestairs,hopingthatwhateverhorrors

thedarknessaheadheld,theywouldbebetterthanthenightmaretheyhadleftbehind.

CHAPTERTEN

TheSacredSerpentofSotek

Asthefugitivesfledupthestairs,thestinkofreptilianmuskintensified,becominganoverwhelmingreekthatmadetheirskincrawlwithloathing.Afterthehorrificattackbythelizardmeninthespawningpools,thehumanshadnewreasonstofindthesmellintimidating,reasonsthatwentbeyondeventhenaturalrepugnanceofallmammalianlifeforthereptilesthathadruledbeforethem.Adalwolfforcedhiscompanionstopressonwhentheywouldhavesuccumbedtotheirfearand

triedtoturnback.Therewasnothingtoreturnto.Eithertheratmenhadtriumphedovertheguardiansofthepool,orthelizardmenhadslaughteredtheinvaders.Whicheversidehadwon,therewasonlydeathwaitingforthembackthere.Theycouldonlypressonandhopetheywouldfindsomewayoutofthismazeofancienthorrors.Therewasonethingthatthemercenaryfoundreassuringaboutthethickophidianstench.Inhis

brieftimewiththeratkin,hehadseenthewaytheyreliedmoreupontheirsenseofsmellthantheirsenseofsight.Heknewtheywereevenmorefrightenedofthereptilesthanhewas.Thegreaterthemuskyreekofsnakesbecame,thegreaterthelikelihoodthattheskavenwouldn’tfollowthem.Themercenaryledtheway,holdingthesputteringtorchbeforehim,watchingitsflamewithan

uneasyeye.HewhisperedasoftprayertoMyrmidiatokeeptheflamealive,glancingatDiethelmashedidsoandwonderingifitwasimpioustoinvokethegoddesswhilethepriestofanothergodwasstandingbesidehim.SweatyfingersclosedaroundAdalwolf’sarm,quiveringastheygrippedhim.Heturnedtofind

Hiltrude’sashenfacestaringathimwithwideeyesandtremblinglips.‘Wecan’tgoon,’shegasped.‘Please,wecan’tgoanymore!’Herhandfellawayfromthe

mercenary’sarm.Franticallyshebeganrubbingthetattersofherdress,asthoughsheweretryingtowipesomethinguncleanfromherclothes.‘Icanfeelitcrawlingonme!’‘There’snothingthere,’Diethelmassuredher,tryingtousethecalmnessinhisvoicetocounterthe

panicinhers.‘Youaresafe.’Hiltrudewasunconvinced,herheadmakingerraticjerkingmotionsasshelookeddownatthe

stairs.Therewasutterterrorinhereyesnow.Herboots,rottenfromthejungle,stompedrelentlesslyagainstthesteps.Adalwolflowerhistorchandfeltachillracedownhisspinewhenhefailedtoseeanythingexceptthecourtesan’sfeet.‘She’soutofhermind,’vanSommerhausdeclared.‘Forgetherandlet’sgetoutofthishellhole.’Adalwolfglaredatthepatroon,hisfistraisedtobreakthemerchant’saquilinenose.‘We’renot

leavinganybody,’hegrowled.‘Lookather,’vanSommerhauspersisted.‘She’sgonemad!Amadwoman’sonlygoingtoslowus

down!Ruinourownchancetoescape!’‘Onlyalittlewhileago,shespokeupforyouwhenyouwantedtostaywiththeunderfolk,’

AdalwolfsnarledatvanSommerhaus.Theremindervisiblyshamedthepatroonandhelookedaway.

ThemercenaryturnedfromhimandgrabbedHiltrudebytheshoulders.‘Wehavetogo,’hetoldher.‘It’sonlyalittlefarther,’headded,feelingguiltyashespokethelie.Hiltrudedidn’tevenraiseherheadbutkeptstaringatthesteps,stampingherfootagainstevery

shadow.‘Snakeseverywhere!’shealmostshrieked.‘Don’tletthemtouchme!Can’tyoufeelthem!’Adalwolfhadtoadmittherewassomethingbeyondtheheavyreptilianmuskfillingtheair.There

wassomethingelse,anoilysensation,likephantomsrunningtheirwispyhandsalonghisskin.Diethelmhadsaiditwasaethyricpowerthemercenarysensed,thatthepyramidwassaturatedwithmagicalenergyandtheyweredrawingneartoitssource.ThethoughtmadeAdalwolfevenmoreuneasy.Iftherewasonethingthatwouldgoadthathornedratmanintobravingthesnakesmell,itwouldbethelureofpower.‘There’snothingthere,’Adalwolfassuredher,ignoringhisowndoubts.Heloweredthetorch

again,lightingthestepsforher.‘Nosnakes,see.’Thewomanshookherhead,butatleastsomeofthefearhaddrainedoutofhereyes.Withalittle

moretime,Adalwolfwassurehecouldmakeherseereason.Unfortunately,timewasonethingtheydidn’thave.Hiltrude’spanickedshoutswouldtravelfar

withinthestonevaultsofthepyramidandAdalwolfwasn’tsurewhatmighthavebeenlistening.Alreadyhefanciedhecouldhearsomethingmovingfarbehindthemonthedarkenedstairway.‘Ineedyoutoholdthis,’AdalwolftoldDiethelm.Thepriestlookedathimwithsomeperplexityas

heplacedthesputteringtorchinDiethelm’shand.Withoutwarning,Adalwolfspunaboutagain,hisfistsmackingagainstthesideofHiltrude’shead.

Hereyesflutteredandhecaughtherbeforethestunnedwomancouldfalltothefloor.Slingingthewomanoverhisshoulder,Adalwolfmotionedfortheotherstohurryupthestairs.AlastworriedlookintotheblacknessbelowandAdalwolftrudgedafterthem.

ItwassometimelaterbeforeHiltruderecoveredhersenses.ShestruggledinAdalwolf’sgrip,beatingherfistsagainsthisbackuntilhethreatenedtoknockherheadagainstthewallifshedidn’tstop.Thecourtesanwasagooddealmorereasonablethanbeforeandquicklyrelented.Adalwolfbreathedaquietsighofrelief.Itmeantshewasn’tmadasvanSommerhaushadinsisted,justafraid.Handrichknewshehadeveryrighttobe.‘Youcansetmedown,’Hiltrudetoldhim.‘I’mallrightnow.’‘Happytohearit,’Adalwolfanswered,makingnomovetoslideheroffhisshoulder.Hetrudged

onward,keepinghiseyesontheflickeringlightofDiethelm’storch.‘Really,Iwon’tcauseanymoreproblems,’Hiltrudeinsisted,atraceofannoyanceinhertone.‘Iknowyouwon’t,’Adalwolfsaid,stillclimbingthesteps.‘Lookyoufilthypirate-stabber!’Hiltrudesnapped.‘Tellmeyou’veneverbeenafraidof

something!’Adalwolfcouldfeelherbodyshiveragainsthis.‘Itwasthesmell.Thesmellofthoseslithering…’Sheshuddered,forcingAdalwolftosteadyherwithhisarm.‘I’dratherbebackdowntherewiththeratkinthan…’‘Andthat’swhyI’mnotsettingyoudown,’Adalwolftoldher.‘Thesmellisgettingworse,not

better.There’sasnakenestsomewhereandIfearwe’llhavetocrossitbeforewegetoutofthisplace.’Hiltrude’sfistpoundedagainsthisneck.Adalwolfbroughthispalmcrackingagainstthefirm

bottomdrapedoverhisshoulder.Thewomanyippedinalarmatthestingingslap.‘Aguildersaysyourarsewearsoutbeforemyneck,’Adalwolfwarnedher.Hiltruderelented,

saggingdesolatelyagainsthisback.Itpainedthemercenarytohearhersoftsobs.Itwasforherowngood,hecouldn’ttrusthertomasterherfear.TheideaofherracingbackdownthestairsandintotheclutchesofThanquolwassomethingthatsickenedhisverysoultothinkabout.Shehadtoface

whateverwaswaitingforthemabove,whethershewantedtoornot.AdalwolfstoppedashesawDiethelm’storchfinallygoout.HeheardvanSommerhausandthe

sailorcryoutinagonyasthelightdied.Terrorgnawedathisownmindastheywereplungedintodarknessandhefelthislegswobblebeneathhim.OnlythethoughtofHiltrude’sdependenceonhimsteadiedhisnerves.Hehadtostaystrongortheywerebothlost.Gradually,asthedarknesssurroundedhim,Adalwolf’seyesadjustedtothegloom.Withagasp,he

sawthattheblacknesswasnotabsolute.Therewaslightaheadofthem,distantbutdistinct.Heforgothisfearofverminousshapesstalkingafterthemfrombelowandshoutedthenewstohiscompanions.Thinkingitwasthelightofdaybeckoningthem,themenracedupthestairs,fatigueandhorror

overwhelmedbyasurgeofrenewedhope.VanSommerhausandthesailorwerewellaheadofAdalwolfandtheywerethefirsttoemergefromthedarknessandintothelight.Theirjubilantcriesdriftedbackdownthestairs,makingevenHiltrudeforgetherfear.Adalwolfsetherdownandtogethertheyclimbedthelastsection,eagertofeelthecleanlightofdayagainsttheirfaces.Thelightwasn’tcleananditdidn’tcomefromthesun.Itcamefromdozensofgreatstonepotsand

thefiresthatflickeredwithinthem.Thesmokeofwhateversmoulderedwithinthepotshadathin,pastytastetoitbutalmostnosmelltocallitsown.Itdidnothingtoovercomethemuskyserpentreekoftheplace,whichhadnowgrowntothenighunbearable.IfAdalwolfhadwrappedapythonabouthisface,hecouldn’timaginethesmellbeinghalfasbad.Theroomthatshelteredthestonepotswasimmense,sobigthattheCobraofKhemriandthree

sistershipsmighthavebeensetsterntoprowacrossthemiddleofthefloorandstillnottouchthewalls.Greatcurledcolumnsrosefromthefloorlikeastoneforesttosupporttheceilingofthechamber,theirspiralcontoursseemingtowritheandslitherastheflickeringlightsetweirdshadowsdancinguponthem.Asfarastheycouldseeeverywallwascoveredfromfloortoceilinginstrangeglyphs,sometimes

brokenbygreatstonemurals.Adalwolfshiveredtostareatthemuralsfortherewasanairofimpossibleancientnessaboutthem.Theydepictedthelizardmenmakingwarwithcreaturesthatdefiedimagination:foulcyclopeandevil-beasts,dragon-likecentaursanddaemon-thingsofeverydescription.Therewerementoo,hugeandhorribleandhoarywithevil,wearingarmourmadefrombonesandcarryingstoneaxesastheywagedwaruponthereptiles.Thelizardmen,however,werenoeasypreyandAdalwolfcouldseeranksofhugescalywarriorsfightingalongsidethesmallerreptilestheyhadseenuponthestepsofthepyramidandthegiantguardiansofthespawningpool.Sometimestherewouldbeabloated,toadlikebeingdepictedonthemurals,butalwaysrenderedinsuchawayastocompelthesamesensationofaweandreverenceashadmovedthechiseloftheartisanwhocarvedit.Manydoorwaysgapedinthewalls,darkpassagewaysthatledbackintothedepthsofthepyramid.

Oneglanceatthesimplenumberoftheseopeningsmadeitclearthatthiswasthecentreofthestructure,theveryheartofthetemple.Adalwolfnotedwithastartthateacharchwayglistenedintheflickeringlight,foreachofthegatewayswasedgedingoldandjade.ItwasnotthiswealththathadmadevanSommerhausandthesailorcryoutinglee,however.The

twomenstoodinthemiddleofthechamber,havingascendedashortdaisthatrosefromthefloor.Atthetopofthedaiswasagreataltar.Adalwolfshookhisheadindisbeliefashegazeduponit,forthealtarwasbiggerthanaship’slongboatyetitshonewiththesamelustreasthegildedarchways.Theimmensealtarwasmadeofgold!Cautionvanishedaseveryavariciousthoughthe’deverhadthunderedthroughhisheart.Adalwolf

releasedHiltrudeanddashedacrossthechamber.Heranhishandslovinglyacrossthesleeksurfaceofthegoldenaltar.Itwascunninglywroughtintheshapeofhundredsofserpents,theircoilsintertwinedinacomplexlatticeofpricelesswealth.Thegleamingeyesofeachsnakewerepickedout

withthefinestrubieshe’deverseen,theirbluetongueswerecraftedfromcrushedsapphiresandtheirshiningfangsweremadeofpearl.Themercenarycouldonlygawkatthedisplayofwealthbeneathhishands.AmancouldrepaythebribethathadboughtMarienburg’sindependencefromtheEmpirewiththisaltarandhaveenoughleftovertoleasetheentirecityofCarroburgaswell!‘AndyouthoughtIwascrazy!’vanSommerhausboasted,runninghishandalongoneofthe

snakes.‘Here’senoughgoldtochokeadwarf!’Thepatroonlaughed.‘Adwarf?Handrich’sPurse,there’senoughheretochokeadragon!’Thesailorbegantryingtopryoneoftherubiesfromthealtar,havingtwistedhisbeltbuckleintoa

crudechisel.Hecursedlividlyasthestonepoppedoutandbouncedaway.Hegropedforitforamomentinthedarkness,thencursedagain.Turning,theseamanraceddowntooneofthefirepotsandtoreastripofclothfromhistatteredshirt.Holdingitoverthefire,hesoonhadaserviceabletorch.Asheswungbackaroundtorunbackuptothealtar,however,hefrozeinplaceandpointeddramaticallyatthecolumns.‘They’reedgedinjewels!’thesailorshouted.Heforgotaboutthelostrubyandpouncedonthe

nearestofthecolumns,grinninggreedilyashestudiedit.‘Emeralds!Sapphires!Adiamondasbigasmyfist!’AdalwolfsharedalookofjubilationwithvanSommerhausandbothmenrusheddowntoseewhat

thesailorhadfound.Astheyrantowardsthecolumn,Adalwolffeltsomethingsnapbeneathhisboot.Hebentdown,pickingitoffthefloor.Colourdrainedfromhisfaceashefoundtheobjecthehadsteppedontobeanarrow,itsobsidianheadstillwetwithblood.Itwasastarkreminderthatthisplacewasnotabandoned,acoldslaptocoolhisdreamsofgoldandglory.‘Wemustleavethisplace,’Diethelm’swhispersoundedinAdalwolf’sear.Therewasalookof

mutehorroronthepriest’sface,anexpressionthatwasalmostprimalinitsterror.‘Ifeelthatwestandinthehouseofanaliengod,onewhodoesnotlookuponourkindwithfriendlyeyes.Wemustleavebeforewearouseit.’Adalwolftriedtoshovethepriestaway.Diethelm’swordsofwarningmadeanangryresentment

swellwithinthemercenary.WhatdidasimpleclericofManannknowabouttheworthofgold?Whatdidheknowabouttryingtokeepanestrangedfamilyfedandsheltered?Whatdidheknowabouthavingenoughmoneytobuyanewlifeforhimself?Withthegoldhesawondisplayallaroundhim,Adalwolfwouldbewealthyandrespected!He’dbesomebody,notjustapirate-stabbingsellsword!He’dbeabletoaffordtheloveofawomanofquality…HeglancedabouttofindHiltrude.Hesawherandasenseofrelieffilledhim.Shehadquite

forgottenherfearandwasjustasenthralledastherestofthem.SheracedlikeaschoolgirltohelpvanSommerhausandthesailorprygemsfromthecolumns,herfacebrightwiththeraptureofwealth.Thenherfacewentpaleandhereyesbecamepitsofdespair.Shefrozealmostinmidstep,staringin

mutehorrorintothegloomofthetemple.Adalwolfheardasoundlikesailclothbeingunrolledandfollowingithediscoveredbothitscause

andthesourceofHiltrude’sterror.Hefelltohiskneesaseverymuscleinhisbodyseemedtoturntojelly.Thedarknessofthetemplewasn’tempty,butwhatithadshelteredwasanabominationthatmadeeventhehorrorsdepicteduponthestonemuralsseemtame.Gigantic,thegreatserpentslitheredfromtheshadowsoftheinnertemple.Itssleekbodyglistened

wetlyinthefirelight,armouredscalesofbrownandblackraspingagainstthecolumns,leavingsliversofgrey,lifelessskinbehind.Abluntheadasbigasariverbargeroseupfromthefloor,theblackpoolsofitseyesstaringacrossthetemple,thebluelashofitsforkedtongueflickeringanddancingbeforeitssnoutasitsmelledtheair.Theenormoussnakecontinuedtocrawlfromthedarkness,coiluponcoilofitsscalybulkundulatingacrosstheflooruntilAdalwolfthoughteventhis

vastchambercouldnotcontainitstitanicdimensions.VanSommerhausandthesailorwerelateinrealisingtheperilthatcrawledtowardsthem.Itwas

onlywhentheseamanagainlostagemhehadpriedlooseandstartedtochaseitacrossthefloorthathebecameawareofthegiantserpent.Heshriekedashesawthemonsteranddivedbacktocowerbehindthecolumn.Asheran,thegreatsnakelungedathim,drivingitsenormitytowardsthesailor.Narrowlyitmissedthesailor,butasthemantriedtoseekrefugebehindthecolumn,van

Sommerhausthrusthimback,unwillingtojeopardisehisownsanctuarybysharingitwiththeman.Thesailorsprawledonthefloor,thegreatserpentloomingabovehim.Itscoldeyesstaredathimforaninstant,thengreatfoldsoffleshsnappedopenoneithersideofitsneck,makingitsterribleheadappearthreetimesasimmense.Thebluntheadstruck,thegreatjawsopenedandthesailorwasgone.Hideously,Adalwolfcouldstillheartheman’smuffledscreamsrisingfromtheserpent’smawandhecouldseethehorriblebulgeinthesnake’sthroatasitpusheditsmealdowntowardsitsstomach.Theserpentwasnotcontentwithonevictim,however.Itstonguelashedoutagainanditbeganto

studythecolumnbehindwhichvanSommerhausshiveredinterror.Firstfromoneside,thenfromtheother,thesnakestudiedthecolumn.Itslash-liketonguealmostbrushedthepatroon’scheekasthesnakesniffedformoreprey.VanSommerhaus,crushinghimselfagainstthecolumn,didnotmoveamusclethroughouttheordeal.Thesnake’sbodytrembled,angryhissesseethedthroughitsscalyjaws,yetstillitfailedtofindtheman.Suddenlythegreatserpentspunitsheadaround.Againitstongueflickeredandtastedtheair.It

begantoslitherforwardsagain.Atfirstitseemedthemonsterwasinterestedinthealtar,thenitswungbackaround.Adalwolf’sstomachturnedwhenhesawthatitwasstaringatHiltrude.Thecourtesanwasstillfrozenwithterror,unabletolookawayfromthegiantsnake.Evenasit

begantoslithertowardsher,Hiltrudedidnotrun.‘She’llbekilled,’Diethelmshuddered.Adalwolfclenchedhisfistswithimpotentrage,hisonlyweaponabrokenarrowhead.Adesperate

thoughtcametohim.‘Ifshedoesn’tmove,maybeitwon’tseeher!’hegasped.‘Itcouldn’tfindvanSommerhaus.’Diethelmshookhishead.‘Itcouldn’tpickhimoutfromthecolumn,’hesaid.‘Itcouldstillsmell

him.Shedoesn’thaveacolumntohidebehindandconfuseit.’TerrordrippedfromAdalwolf’sbrowashewatchedthesnake’ssteadyprogresstowardsHiltrude.

Heknewitwasdeath,buthecouldn’twatchsuchanatrocityunfoldbeforehiseyes.Grippingthearrowlikeadagger,hemadereadytochargethereptile.Diethelm’shandrestrainedhim.BeforeAdalwolfcouldshakehimoff,DiethelmpointedhimtowardsHiltrude.‘Savethegirl,’the

priesttoldhim.‘Ihavenoideaifthiswillwork.MostlikelyIwalktomydeath,farfromthefaceofmygod.Butevenmydeathmightbuyyouthetimeyouneed.’Diethelmwalkedaway,marchingstraighttowardsthemonstrousserpent.Heshoutedandshrieked

atthereptile,thenbeganstampinghisfeetonthefloor.Thegiantsnakeswungitsheadaround,itsflickeringtonguepullingthepriest’ssmellfromtheair.Slowlyitturneditsbodyandbegantoslithertowardshim.UnderstandingcametoAdalwolfinaninstantandhemarvelledattheboldnessofthepriest’splan.

ThesharpstingofshamepainedhimateverystepasheabandonedDiethelmtotheapproachoftheserpent,butheknewifhedidn’tgetHiltrudeawaythenthepriest’ssacrificewasfornothing.AdalwolfreachedHiltrudeatabound.Hestruckheracrosstheface,tryingtosnaphermindback

fromitsterriblefascination.Thewomanscreamed,clutchingatAdalwolf,tremblingandmoaninginhisarms.Shepointedatthegreatserpentandshriekedagain.Themercenaryriskedonelookback,thenhesitated.Heblinkedindisbelief,butitwastrue.

Diethelmsatuponthefloor,hisbodyslowlyswayingfromsidetoside.Abovehim,itsawfulhoodof

scalesopenoneithersideofitsblunthead,thegreatserpentwaslikewiseswayingbackandforth.Thepriesthaddonetheimpossible.Hehadmesmerisedthegreatserpent,justashehaddonetothejungleviperdaysbefore.Now,morethanever,themercenaryfelttheimpossibilityofabandoningDiethelm.Thepriesthad

madeaboldgambleandwon.Adalwolfknewhecouldnevercallhimselfamanifheleftsuchacourageoussoulbehind.HestaredhardintoHiltrude’seyes,tryingtofindanyflickerofreasonbeneathherfear.‘Godownthathallwayandstaythere,’hetoldher,prayingshewouldunderstandhim.The

doorwaysweretoosmallfortheserpenttocrawlinto,ifhecouldgetherintooneofthecorridorsshe’dbesafefromthegiantsnake.Buttherewasnosignofunderstandingonherashenface.‘Please,’hepleaded.‘IhavetogohelpDiethelm.Youmustgodownthehallway!’‘Nooneisgoinganywhere!’Adalwolfspunaroundasheheardthethreateningvoice.HewatchedasCaptainSchachterand

MarjusPfaffcamecreepingoutfromoneofthecorridors.Thetwoseamenheldtinybowsintheirhandsandstrangegoldenswordstuckedbeneaththeirbelts.Theygrinnedevillyatthemercenary.‘Mythanksfortakingcareofthesnake,’Schachtercontinued,noddinghisheadtowardsDiethelm.

‘Iforgotthepriestcoulddothat.See,Marjus,it’sagoodthingyoudidn’tsacrificehimtoStromfels.’‘Schachter!’vanSommerhauscriedout,emergingfrombehindhiscolumn.‘PraiseHandrich

you’rehere!I’llrememberthisandyou’llbewellrewardedwhenwegetbacktoMarienburg!’Theseacaptainturnedandaimedhisbowatthepatroon.‘Lukas,’hesaid,hisvoicedrippingwith

scorn.‘Ididn’tseeyouthere.Iwasratherhopingtheratmenhadeatenyoubynow.Ifyoudon’twantanarrowinyourbelly,Isuggestyoustoprightwhereyouare.’Thepatroonfroze,disbeliefonhisface.Hemadeaplacatinggesturewithhishands.‘Please,

Schachter,we’reoldfriends.Youshouldn’tjokelikethis.’‘Let’skillhimnow,’Marjussnarled.‘Thenwedon’thavetolistentohismouth.’CaptainSchachtershookhisheadandawickedsmiletwistedhismouth.‘Idon’tthinkso.Notwhile

he’suseful.Adalwolf,IwonderifyouandLukasandthegirlwouldn’tbeniceenoughtogoandcollectafewofthoseshinystonesforus.’‘Whynotgetthemyourself?’Adalwolfgrowledback.Schachterlaughed.‘Tobehonest,Idon’tliketheideaofgoingbackoutthere.Wealreadyhada

runinwiththesnake.Hewasn’tsoobligingasthelizardmenwhodonatedtheirweaponstous.Fivepoisonedarrowsinitandthethingstillwantedtoeatus.’Marjusdrewbackhisarm,thearrownockedtohisbowtremblingfromthetension.‘Fivedidn’t

killthesnake,butonewilldoforyou,hero.’Adalwolfcouldseemurderinthemate’seyes,theunreasoningbloodlustbornofgreed.Hetooka

stepback,movingHiltrudebehindhim.Iftheycouldjustreachoneofthecolumnsbeforethesailorloosedhisarrow...‘Noneedforthat,’SchachterscoldedMarjus.‘Adalwolfisamanofhonour.That’swhywecan

trusthim.That’swhyIpickedyoutoescapewithmeinsteadofhim.Iknewhe’dneverleavetheothersbehind.Withthatbeingthewaythingsstand,ImustadmitI’vechangedmymind.Sendthegirlover,we’llhangontoherasanincentivetomakeyouworkfast.’Hiltrudeshookherhead,clingingtoAdalwolf’sshoulders.Betweentheserpentandthemurderous

humansnakesnowthreateningthem,thelastthingshewantedtodowasleavethemercenary’sside.VanSommerhausnotedherhesitancy.‘Thewhorewillgiveyoutrouble,Schachter.Takemeas

yourhostageinstead!’Thetwoseamenlaughedgrimlyatthepatroon’soffer.‘Lukas,Iwouldn’tbreakwindtosaveyour

life,’Schachtersneered.‘Idon’tknowmanymenwhowould.Soyougetyourarseoverthereand

startpullingdiamondsoutofthewalls.It’llbeararenoveltytoseeyoudosomehonestworkforonce!‘Sendthegirlover,Adalwolf,’thecaptaindemanded,turningbacktothewarrior.‘Idon’tknow

howlongthepriestcankeepthatsnakebusyandIintendtobeveryrichandveryfarawaywhenitlosesinterestinhim.NowsendheroverorI’llstickanarrowinbothyourgizzards!’Regretfully,AdalwolfpushedHiltrudeaway,motioningforhertodoasthesailorssaid.Hefelta

stabofguiltashewatchedherstaggertowardsSchachter.‘Ifyouhurther…’‘We’lldowhatwedamnwellplease!’roaredMarjus,drowningoutthemercenary’sthreat.The

sailor ’sfacewascrimsonwithrage,allofhisresentmentforAdalwolfrisingtothefore.‘CurseusfromthesunkenhellsofMermedus,youstinkingbilgerat!’Marjusdrewhisarmbackagain,thepoisonedarrowtremblinginhishand.Marjusneverloosedhisarrow.Insteadhescreamed.Hescreamedassicklygreenlightning

crackledandsizzledaroundhisbody,ashisskinblackenedandtheteethrattledfromhismouth,ashishairshrivelledandhisbloodboiled.Whatfinallycollapsedtothetemplefloorwaslittlemorethanasmokinghusk.SchachterturnedtofacethedarkenedmouthofthetunnelAdalwolfandtheothershadfollowedup

fromthespawningpools.Whathesawhadhimflinginghisbowtothefloorandliftinghishandsoverhisheadinsurrender.Attheheadofamoboffuriousratmen,GreySeerThanquolglaredatthefugitive.Sorcerousfire

continuedtoburnaroundtheheadofhisstaff.Withachitteringlaugh,ThanquolpointedhisstafftowardsSchachter.

‘Thanquol!’Adalwolfshouted,tryingtodrawthegreyseer ’sattentionawayfromSchachter.ThecaptaindeservedtoburnthewayMarjushad,buthewasafraidthatHiltrudewastooclosetothetreacherousseamanandwouldbecaughtbyThanquol’svengefulmagic.‘Thanquol,youfilthyrat’spizzle!’Thegreyseer ’shornedheadspunaround,histeethbaredinaferalsnarl.Foraninstant,Adalwolf

thoughtThanquolwasgoingtoblasthim,butthenhesawtheratman’sgazedriftpasthim,staringinwide-eyedhorroratthegiganticserpentbehindhim.Afoul,sicklystenchrosefromtherobedratkin.SquealsofpureterrorrosefromtheunderfolkbehindThanquol,onlythefactthathishugeratogreblockedthewaykeepingthemfromscramblingbackdownthestairs.Adalwolfcouldalmostlaughatthescene.HewonderedwhatliesandthreatsThanquolhadusedto

forcehisunderlingstoignorethesnake-stinkintheirnosestogetthemthisfar.Now,facedwiththetitanicsourceofthatmuskyscent,Thanquol’scontrolofthemhadalmostcompletelyshattered.‘IseeIhaveyourattention,’Adalwolfsaid.‘Nowlistentome.Myfriendistheonlythingkeeping

thatsnakefromcrawlingoverhereandeatingthelotofyou!Ifhestopsdistractingit,you’realldead!’Thanquolbruxedhisfangstogetherandlashedhistailagainstthefloor,butAdalwolfcouldseethat

hisangerwasnothingbesidetheterrordrippingdownhisrobes.‘What-whatdoesman-thingwant-take?’Thanquolsnarled.

ChangFanglingeredtowardsthebackoftheskavenmob,listeningwithcontemptasThanquolnegotiatedwiththeescapedslave.Givenachance,thegreyseerwouldnodoubtfindawaytosquirmoutofwhateverdealhewasbrewingwiththehuman,buttheassassinwasgoingtoseetoitthathedidn’tgetthatchance.He’dlostcountofhowmanytimesThanquolhadescapedhistraps.Witheachfailure,Chang

Fang’sangerandfrustrationgrew.Thatwaswhyhe’dmadehisrecklessattackonThanquolinthe

swamp,afailurethathadcosthimhisearandverynearlyhislife.He’dbeenmuchmorecarefularrangingthetrapintheruins,usingtheskinksandtheircrumblingcitytoannihilatethegreyseer.Stillhehadescaped!Whatwasmore,he’dtakenovercommandoftheexpedition!ChangFangbegantobelieveThanquol’smadboaststhattheHornedRathimselfwaswatchingoverhim!StandingwithintheprofaneTempleoftheSerpent,watchingthegiganticsnakeswayingfromside

tosideabovethefloor,ChangFang’sheartthreatenedtoburstfromsheerterror.Buthewasnotsolosttohisfearthatheforgothismurderouspurpose,theonedrivinggoalleftinhislife.HewouldavengethebetrayalofChangSquikandhisowndisgrace!Thanquolwoulddie!He’dtriedtousethelizardmenandtheircitytodestroyThanquol.Nowhewouldusetheirgod!He

wouldpittheprotectionoftheHornedRatagainstthesacredserpentofSotek!SwiftlyChangFangpulledtheblowgunfrombeneathhiscloakandplacedittohislips.Thedart

spedacrossthetemple,strikingitstargetintheneck.ChangFangbithistonguetokeepfromlaughingashewatchedhisvictimswayandfall.

‘Fine-good,’Thanquolsnappedatthearroganthuman.‘Ilet-allowyoutake-leavewithotherman-things.Inreturnyoumake-makesnakestay-sleep.’Hehadnointentionofkeepinghiswordofcourse,buthestillfounditdistastefultolietocreaturessofarbeneathhisstation.Askavenliedonlytothosehefeared,andThanquolmostcertainlydidn’tfearabunchoffurlessman-things!Oncethehumanlethimgetaway,he’dsendafewoftheassassinsbacktodealwithhimandhisherd.Thatwouldbeafairtollfortheanimal’sbrazenarrogance!Thanquolwaschucklingtohimselfaboutfuturetreacherieswhenhenoticedthehumankneeling

beforethebigsnakesuddenlyfallover.ColdfearrandownThanquol’sspineasheheardtheimpactoftheman’sbodyagainstthefloor.Immediatelyheraisedhiseyes,squealinginhorrorwhenhesawthatthesnakewasnolongerswayingfromsidetoside.No,itwasturning,turninginhisdirection.Thebreathcaughtinhisthroatashesawtheloathsometongueflickeroutfromthesnubbedface,pullingthesmellofskavenfromtheair.Frantically,Thanquolthrustanuggetofwarpstonebetweenhisfangs.Heswallowedtherock

whole,almostgaggingasheforcedthestonedownhisthroat.Foronce,hedidn’trevelintheintoxicatingrushofmagicalenergythatfilledhim,insteadharnessingitatonce,focusingitintotheheadofhisstaff.Greenenergyflickeredandcrackledabouthim.Thanquoltriedtoforcedownhisterror,triedtocontrolhispanic.ThenthegreatserpenthissedandthesounddroveallreasonfromThanquol’sbrain.Shriekinglike

awhelp,thegreyseerpointedhisstaffatthegiantsnake.Ahalf-formed,raggednimbusofenergysplashedharmlesslyagainstthearmouredscales.Theserpenthissedagainandrearedupfromthefloor.Thanquolglancedabouthim,buthis

minionshadtreacherouslydesertedhim,stampedingoverBoneripperintheircravenurgetoescape.Eventheupstarthumanwasrunning,divingbehindoneofthecolumns.Thanquoldecidedthatwasagoodideaandtriedtodothesame,buthislegswereparalysedwithfear.Thesnake’shoodsnappedopen,itsmouthdroppingopeninawideyawn.Thanquolthrewdown

hisstaff,hopingagainsthopethesnakewouldn’tthinkhewastheonewhohadtriedtoburnitwithaspell.Ifthereptilenoticed,itgavenosign.Thegreatwedge-likeheadcamehurtlingdown,themammoth

jawsclosingaroundThanquolbeforehecouldevenscream.Lashingitsheadfromsidetoside,thesacredserpentofSotekswallowedGreySeerThanquolina

singlegulp.

CHAPTERELEVEN

TheSerpentandtheRat

Asthegreatserpentstartedtomove,everythingwithintheTempleofSotekdescendedintochaos.Theratmen,somenacingonlyaninstantbefore,beganamadcapscramblebackdownthestairs.Adalwolfwatchedthemoverwhelmeventhehugeratogreintheirterror-riddenflight.Adalwolfranforthenearestcolumn,thinkingtohidehimselffromthesnakethewayvan

Sommerhaushad.HeshoutedforHiltrudetodothesameandriskedaglanceinherdirection,fearingthatshewouldbefrozenwithhorroragain.Hebreathedeasierwhenhesawthewomanscramblingforcover.InsteaditwasGreySeerThanquolwhostoodtransfixedbeforetheserpent’sapproach.Themercenaryshoutedjoyfullywhenhesawthesnakeslitherunharmedthroughthevillain’sspellsandswallowthesorcererwithasinglebite.ThinkingofThanquol’smagicmadeAdalwolfrememberDiethelm.Cursingthefearthathadmade

himhidefromthesnake,helookedacrossthefloorofthetempletothepriest’spronefigure.Hecouldn’tthinkwhathadhappenedtoDiethelm,heonlyknewhehadtotryandhelptheman.Honourwoulddemandnothingless.Forthemomentthesnakewasoccupiedtryingtoswallowitslatestmeal.Ifhewasfast,Adalwolfknewhewouldbeabletopassitinsafety.Steelinghisheartfortheeffort,andwithonewatchfuleyeonthesnake,thewarriormadeafranticdashtothefallenpriest.WhenheturnedDiethelmontohisback,Adalwolfknewthepriestwasdead.Healsodiscoveredthe

reasonfortheman’scollapse.Ithadnotbeenthestrainofkeepingthegreatserpentmesmerised,asthemercenaryhadthought.Therewasaninch-longdartstickingfromDiethelm’sneck,andtheveinssurroundingtheuglysliverwereblackwiththepoisonthathadcoatedit.Adalwolfclenchedhisfistsinimpotentfuryatsuchacowardlywayofdealingdeath.Oneoftheratmen,nodoubt,tryingtoremovetheonemanwhocouldthreatenthem.Adalwolfglaredatthebulgeintheserpent’sneck.Thanquolhadpaidforthemurderoustreachery

ofhisminions.WhateverhehadthoughttoaccomplishbykillingDiethelm,themercenarywascertainthatendingupasamealforthesnakehadbeenthelastthingThanquolhadplannedon.AsharpscreampiercedAdalwolf’sears.Heturnedawayfromthegreatserpent,lookingagain

acrossthefloorofthetemple.HecouldseeSchachter,thegoldswordclenchedinhisfist,pullingHiltrudefromherhidingplace.Theseacaptainwastryingtotakeherwithhimdownoneofthemanytunnelsopeningintothetemple.Withoneofhishandsclosedaboutherthroat,thecourtesanhadlittlechoicebuttogowithhim.‘Sommerhaus!’Adalwolfcriedout,gesturingmadlytothepatroon.VanSommerhauspeeredout

frombehindhiscolumnandAdalwolfcouldseethatheunderstoodthemeaningofthemercenary’swildgestures.HeglancedatSchachter,tookafewtenuousstepsintheman’sdirection,thenretreatedwhenthecaptainwavedhisswordathim.Therewasn’tevenaflushofguiltontheman’sfaceasheabandonedtherescueeffort.Hesimplyshruggedhisshouldersandranintooneoftheothertunnels.Therewasnotimetocursethepatroon’sretreat.AdalwolfshoutedatSchachter,demandinghe

leaveHiltrudealone.Thecaptain’sonlyresponsewasanastysmileandaquickeningofhisownwithdrawalfromthetemple.Adalwolfforcedhimselftodashbackacrossthefloorofthetemple.Thegiantsnakehadpushedits

lastmealsomedistancedownitsthroatandwasnowbeginningtomoveitsheadfromsidetoside,itstongueflickeringfrombetweenitsscalylips.Themercenaryknewitwaslookingformoreprey,buthealsoknewhehadonlymomentsifhewantedtoreachSchachterbeforeheescapedintothetunnels.ThinkingofHiltrudeintheclutchesofthedesperatecaptainremovedthelastofhisconcerns.Themercenarywasn’tevenhalfwayacrossthetemplebeforethegreatserpentlungedathim.The

reptile’sfoulbreathwashedoverhimasitnarrowlymissedAdalwolf,itsjawssnappingagainstthestonefloorinstead.Hedodgedbackastheserpentrearedupforanotherstrike,placingitsscalybulkbetweenhimselfandhisgoal.Hiltrude’slastdesperatecrytormentedhimashewatchedhercaptordragheroffintooneofthedarktunnels.ThenAdalwolfhadnotimetothinkofthehelplesswoman.Thegreatserpent’shoodflaredopen,

itsimmensejawscamehurtlingathimliketheswordofanangrygod.Hedivedbeneaththescalyjaw,nearlycrushedbeneaththesnakeasitlasheditsheadangrily,frustratedbyitsnimblepreyandslowedbythemorselstilllodgedinitsthroat.Hissingfuriously,thegreatserpentrearedbackathirdtime.Thehoodflaredopen,theeye-like

patternofitsmarkingstaringdownatAdalwolf.Themercenarybracedhimself,prayingtohisgodsthathewouldagainprovequickenoughtodefythereptile’shideouspurpose.SuddenlyAdalwolffelthimselfflungthroughtheairbyapowerfulblow.Foraninstanthethought

thesnakehadstruckhim,butashecrashedagainstthestonefloor,hesawthetruth.Hehadbeenthrown,yes,butithadnotbeentheserpent’sjawsthathadstruckhim.He’dbeentossedasidebyadifferentmonster.WhereAdalwolfhadstoodonlymomentsbefore,henowsawthefurry,verminousbulkof

Thanquol’simmensebodyguard.Theratogrewasgrapplingwiththehugesnake,itsclawssunkdeepintotheophidiansnout,thinreptilianbloodspurtingfromthehorriblewounds.GrowlingwithafuryAdalwolfhadseenbeforeonlyintheberserkersoftheNorsii,theratogrewastryingtomaulthegiantserpent!

Boneripperrakedhisgiantclawsacrossthegreatserpent’sface,slashingthroughitsthickscalesliketheywerepaper.Thereptiletriedtorearbackbuttheratogreheldfast,hisenormousmusclesbulgingbeneathhisfurasheforcedtheophidianheadagainstthecoldstonefloor.Hesethisclawedfootagainstthesnake’sneck,tryingtopinitinplacewhileheslashedagainatthemonster ’sface,tearingthroughitsjaw.Thegreatserpentlashedout,whippingitstailagainstBoneripper,sendingtheratogrerolling

acrossthefloor.Thesnake’scoilsfollowedafterhim,lashingaboutinasquirmingdanceintheirefforttocatchhimwithintheirlethalembrace.Forallhisbulk,however,Boneripperdefiedthedeadlyeffortsofthesnaketotraphim.ReflexeshardenedbythecrueltrainingregimensofClanEshinwerenimbleeveninthehugebodyofaratogre.Hedivedbeneaththecrushingcoils,dodgedasthelashingtailofthesnaketriedtoswathimbeforehecouldescape.Theserpenthissedinfrustration,itscowlsnappingopenasitopeneditsmangledjaw.Againthesnake’sstrikefailed,reptilianfangsscrapingagainststoneinsteadofclosingaround

flesh.Aflashofpainflaredthroughthemonsterasitswoundwasworsenedbytheroughimpactagainstthefloor.Itreeledback,itstailwrithinginsympathywiththepaininitsface.Givenachance,thegreatserpentwouldhaveslitheredbackintoitslairtolickitswoundsanddigestitsmeal.Hugeclawsseizedthesideofthesnake’sheadasitturnedtoflee.Bonerippersankhissword-like

clawsintothereptile’sneck,shreddingtheloosefoldsoffleshthatformeditshood.Theratogre

pulledhimselfupthereptile’sbody,stubbornlyrefusingtobeknockedloosewhenthesnake’scoilsslammedintohim.Thereptile’shissingbecamelouder,almostpanicked,asBoneripperbrutallywithdrewhisclawsonlytostabtheminagainsothathemightpullhimselfhigheralongthemonster ’sneck.WhenitfeltoneofBoneripper ’sclawsstabintothebaseofitshead,theserpent’sbodyflaredwith

maddenedconvulsions.Itsenormousbodyrolledalongthefloor,crashingintocolumnsandshatteringthem.Brickandstoneraineddownfromtheceiling,theentiretempleseemedtotrembleinitspainedthroes.Predationandescapewerealienthoughtstothesnake’sprimitivemindnow,onlytheinstincttoremovethepainthatassaileditremained.Thegiantreptilethoughttocrushitstormentorbeneathitsowntremendousweight,tosmashBoneripperandgrindhimbeneathitsthrashingbody.Overandacrossthetemplethegreatserpentwrithed,topplingfirepotsandcrumplingthepriceless

altarintoamassofflattenedgoldandcrushedgems.Themonster ’shissingbecameadeafeningsusurrus,echoingfromthewalls,bouncingfromthefloorandceiling.Againandagainthesnake’scoilsthrashedandrolledaboutthetemple,obliteratingeverythingintheirpath.Asthesnaketiredandfellstilloncemore,Bone-ripperleapeddownuponit.Theratogrehad

jumpedclearofthesnakethemomentithadstartedtorollover,thoughitsprimitivebrainhadfailedtorecognisethefact.Whilethegiantreptileragedthroughthetemple,Boneripperhadwatcheditfromthecolumnhehadclimbed.Theratogrehadnearlybeenknockedfromhisperchwhentheserpent’sagonieshadcausedittostrikethepillar,butheclungfiercelytotheshakingstoneandwhenthesnakehadpassed,heremainedwiththebrokenstonestubstillhangingfromtheceiling.NowBoneripperassaultedtheserpentwithtwicethefuryasbefore.Thewearymonsterdidnotsee

himuntiltheinstantbeforehishugeclawswereagainslashingintothescalyfleshclothingitsjaws.Bloodyfrothbubbledfromthecornersofthesnake’smouthasBoneripperdislocateditsjaws.The

serpentlashedandflailedinagony,tryingtobatteritsattackerwithitsheavycoils,buttheratogreheldfast.Exertinghistremendousstrength,hewrenchedthesnake’slowerjawclearofitssocket.Thedislocatedjawfloppedobscenelybeneaththeserpent’shead,itsflickeringtonguethrashingwildly.Boneripperseizedthelowerjawinbothhandsandbegantopullsavagelyatit.Theserpent

struggledagainstthebrutalattack,butitlackedthestrengthtorollitsbodyagainandcrushtheratogrebeneathit.ItstailwhippedatBoneripper,slashingdeepcutsacrosshislimbsandback,buteventhesehurtswerenotenoughtomakehimrelent.Straining,everyveinstandingoutuponhisbrow,Boneripperbegantotearthesnake’slowerjaw

loose,rippingitfreefromitsmouthinasinglescalystrip.Theserpent’sstrugglesbecamemoredesperateandagonised,butstillitcouldnotdriveoffthehulkingratogre.Hecontinuedtopullonthejaw,usingittoripalongsliveroffleshfromtheundersideofthesnake’sneck,exposingthelongoesophagusbeneath.Thegreatserpenttwistedinapoolofitsownblood.Nolongerdiditconsciouslytrytoescape

Boneripper,thoughitscoilscontinuedtowrithewithamindlessagonyoftheirown.Theratogrecontinuedtotearalong,scalystripoffleshfromthereptile’sthroat,rippingagreatdrippingswathedownitsneck.Onlywhenhereachedthebulgeinthemonster ’sthroatdidBoneripperrelent.Asthelaststripofscalyfleshwaspulledback,somethingmorethanreptilianmeatandbonerewardedtheratogre’sefforts.Eagerlyhereachedintotheghastlyfissure,pullingfreeaslimy,drippingmass.GreySeerThanquolcoughedandsputtered,strainingtodrawairintohissuffocatedlungs.He

founditimpossibletostand,hisheadswimmingfromtheviolentrollingoftheserpent.Dizzy,hecrashedtothefloor,yelpinginpainasthefallhurthistail.Foulandslimywiththereptile’sjuices,hisrobesandfurplasteredagainsthisskin,histalismans

andamuletshangingfromhiminwilddisorder,Thanquolpresentedamiserable,patheticspectacle.

Heblinkedlikeanewbornwhelp,tryingtoforcetheworldtostopspinningwheneverhelookedatit.Thesnakefilthcoatinghimchokedhisnose,makingitalmostimpossibletosmellanythingbutthereptile’smuck.Hisearswerestillringingfromthepoundingofthereptile’sheart.Hackingfilthfromhisthroat,theslimyskavenstaredupatBoneripper,waitinguntilthethreerat

ogreshesawmergedintoasinglecreature.Angrily,Thanquolkickedthebrute’sleg.‘What-whattook-takeyousolong-long,flea-weaningmaggot-spawn!’thegreyseerraged.Therat

ogrelookedsuitablychastened,cringingbeforeThanquol’swrath.Thegreyseerwipedfilthfromhissnoutandglaredatthechamberaroundhim.Boneripperwasthe

onlyoneofhiscravenminionstostandbyhim,theothershadfledlikelicebeforethegiantsnake.WhenThanquolcaughtuptothem,theywouldpaydearlyforsuchcraventreachery!He’dsewupthelotoftheminsidethesnake’scarcassandletthemseehowitfelt!VengefulthoughtsmadeThanquolspinaboutwhenheheardthesoundofbootsmovingacrossthe

templefloor.Hecouldseethearroganthumanwhohaddaredtosetthesnakeonhimfleeingacrossthechamber,makingforoneoftheopeningsinthewall.Hefelttheimpulsetoblasttheman-thingwithaboltofwarp-lightningortosetBoneripperafterhim.OnlytheconsiderationthatthesnakemighthaveamateslitheringaboutsomewheremadeThanquolfightbacktheimpulse.Ifonlyhiscowardlyunderlingshadn’trunoffatthefirstchance!Soundsofskavenpawsscamperingupstonestepsmadeamalevolentgrinspreadacross

Thanquol’sface.Sothecowardswerecomingback!They’drealisedtheycouldn’tsurvivewithouthisbrilliantleadership!Thanquolquicklywipedawaytheworstofthesnake-slimecoatinghimandstruckhismost

imperiouspose.Hepointedhisstaffattherunninghumanandgrowledattheskavenhesawrunningupthestairs.‘Kill-killman-thingandbring-takehisspleentome!’Audaciously,theratmenignoredThanquol’sorderbutsimplyrandeeperintothetemple.Furious,

ThanquolorderedBonerippertointerceptthemobofgutterrunnersandassassins.Theobedientratogrepouncedupontheforemostgutterrunner,crushinghimbeneathhispaws.Thatspectacleatleaststoppedtheskavenfromrunning,butThanquolfeltacoldchillcreepalong

hisspinewhen,insteadofstaringfearfullyatthegreyseerandhisbodyguard,theratmencastterrifiedlooksovertheirshouldersatthetunneltheyhadjustemergedfrom.Thanquolfollowedtheirgazeandfeltashockofhorrorashewatchedaswarmofblue-scaled

skinksandtoweringkroxigorrushoutofthedarknessandintothetemple.Attheirhead,carryinghisgoldenstaff,wasXiuhcoatl,theterribleProphetofSotek.Thelizardmenstaredpasttheskaventheyhadbeenpursuing,notingtheenormousbloodybulkof

theirsacredserpentstrewnaboutThanquol’sfeet.Thegreyseerfelttheurgetocowerashefeltthosecoldeyesstaringathim.Hecouldimaginethefurysurgingthroughtheirreptilianhearts,themurderousoutrageofreligiouszealotswhohaveseentheirholyofholiesviolatedanddefiled.HerememberedtheawfulvengeanceGreySeerGnawdoomhadvisitedupontheman-wizardBagrainfordesecratingtheBlackArk.AnyinstantheexpectedtohearXiuhcoatlshriekinrage,tosendhisfollowerssweepingforwardsinamurderousfrenzy.Instead,thelizardmenregardedtheirslaughteredgodlingwithanicy,passionlessdetachment.

Therewasnoemotionastheysilentlycreptintothetemple,onlyasinistercalculatinggleamintheirunblinkingeyes.AsThanquolbackedawayfromthereptileshethoughtthatadisplayofhonesthateandanger

mighthavebeenwelcomebesidethecold,utterlyalienserenityofthelizardmen.

ThanquolhadonlythebriefestvisionofXiuhcoatlandhiswarriors.Awallofinkydarknesssuddenly

spreadbetweenthelizardmenandtheskaven,cuttingthemofffromoneanother.HecouldseeShenTsingegesturingmadlywithhisstaff,thesorcerer ’sfurstandingonendashedrewupontheforcesoftheaethyr.Hefeltatwingeoffearashewatchedthesorcererwieldhismagic,rememberingthedarkmagicoftheshadowmancerwhohadnearlydestroyedhimbeneathAltdorfnotlongago.Morethanbefore,Thanquoldeterminedtoarrangeanaccidentforthetreacheroussorcerer.AthunderousexplosionshookthetempleandShen’swallofshadowvanishedinaburstof

blindinglight.Throughthelightstalkedthelizardmen,theirgoldenweaponsraisedhigh,theirfangsbaredandathreateninghissraspingfromtheirthroats.Xiuhcoatlstrodeforwardswithhiswarriors,hisstaffstillburningwiththepowerhehadusedtobanishShen’ssorcery.Onceagain,Thanquolwasawedbythecreature’sability,bythesenseofarcanemightthattheskinkexuded.Aweturnedtoblindpanic,forasThanquolwatchedtheProphetofSotekstalkcloserinhismind’s

eyehecouldseehimselflyingboundatthetopofthepyramidandtheskink’shandtearingouthisbeatingheart.Thegreyseergnashedhisfangsagainstthehorribleimageandhethrustanuggetofwarpstonebetweenhisjaws.Hastilyhewovethewindsofmagictogether,usingthewarpstonetofuelhisdesperatespell.AlmostheforgottomutterapraytotheHornedRatbeforeheunleashedhismagic,butevenwithXiuhcoatlmarchingtowardshim,Thanquolcouldnotcompletelyforgetfearofhisowngod.Anicywindexplodedfromthegreyseer ’sstaff,agaledrawnfromthechillRealmofChaositself.

Thanquolsquealedindelightashesawthelizardmenfalterbeforehismagic,theirmovementsturningsluggish,theirweaponsfallingslackagainsttheirsides.‘Now-now!’Thanquolshriekedathisminions.‘Kill-killscaly-meat!’Theskavendidnothavetobetoldtwice.Predatoryinstinctsovercameancientfearandtheratmen

felluponthereptilesinafurioustideofslashingswordsandsnappingfangs.Thelizardmen,renderedallbuthelplessbyThanquol’sfrozenspell,wereeasypreyfortheagileskaven.Hugekroxigorsfell,theirbelliessplitopen,theirmassivemaulsandaxesclatteringagainstthefloorbesidethem.Skinkarchersfittedarrowstotheirbowsbutsoslowhadtheybecomethattheratmenwereuponthembeforetheycouldfire.Dozensofthecold-bloodedcreatureswerecutdown,butcheredbythebladesoftheskaven.Inalmosttheblinkofaneye,thefloorofthetemplewaslitteredwithlizardmandead.ThenaflashoflightburstfromXiuhcoatl’sstaff.TheProphetglaredattheskavenaroundhimas

theyslaughteredhisfollowers.Theratmenwheeledawayfromtheskinkpriest,recoilingasanotherpulseofenergythunderedfromhisgoldenstaff.Witheachpulseofenergy,awaveofheatwashedoverthelizardmen,invigoratingtheirsluggishbodiesandwarmingthechillbloodintheirveins.Nowtheskavendidnothavesuchaneasytimeslayingtheirenemies.Agroupofgutterrunners

rushedasquareofskinkspearmenonlytofallwithjavelinspiercingtheirbodieswhenthelizardmensuddenlythrewtheirweapons.Anassassinleaptuponthebackofakroxigor,tryingtoslitthehugemonster ’sscalythroat,butthetoweringlizardmansimplyturnedhisheadandsnappedhisjaws,catchingoneoftheskaven’spawsinhisteeth.Beforetheassassincouldlashout,thekroxigorthrewhimwithasavageturnofhishead,thencrushedthefallenkiller ’schestwithastompofhisscalyfoot.Thanquolsentaboltofwarp-lightningcracklingatXiuhcoatl’shead.Hiseyeswentroundwith

horrorashesawthespellevaporatebeforeitcouldevenstriketheskink.Histerroronlyincreasedwhenhefeltthelizardman’seyesstaringathim.‘Kill-killXiuhcoatl!’heshrieked,divingbehindthecarcassofthegiantsnakebeforetheskinkcouldtargethimwithaspell.Peeringfrombehindhisgoryrefuge,ThanquolsawTsangKweekandapairofassassinsrush

Xiuhcoatlfromeveryside.Thegreyseerrubbedhispawsinanticipation.Theskinkmightstoponeoreventwooftheratmen,butcertainlynotallthree!ThesewerethecloakedkillersofClanEshin,thefinestmurderersinalltheUnder-Empire!

Xiuhcoatldidnotseemtoappreciateornoticethedeathrushingtowardshim.Theskinkpriestcontinuedtomarchacrossthetemplefloor,hiseyesfocuseduponThanquol’shidingplace.Thanquolfelthisglandsclenchwhenherealisedtheskinkwasintentuponconfrontinghim,buthegrinnedsavagelywhenhethoughtaboutthethreekillersclosinguponhisenemy.ThefirstassassinleaptuponXiuhcoatlasthoughtheskinkwereapieceofMarienburgcheese.

Withdaggersclenchedinfists,mouthandtail,theassassinseemedcertaininhistriumph.Xiuhcoatldidn’tevenlookattheskaven,simplypointingaclawinhisdirection.Whiteflamesengulfedtheshriekingassassin,devouringhimsoswiftlythatwhenhestruckthestonefloorhisbodycollapsedintoapileofash.ThesecondassassintriedanoldEshintrickofrollingacrossthefloorandendingthemanoeuvre

inanupwardstabofhissword.Again,theskinkdidnotdeigntonoticehim,butsimplypointedinhisdirection.Afingerofcracklingblueenergyshotfromthelizardman’sclawsearingintotheassassin’sface.Theskavenwailedinagony,thencrashedtothefloor,daggersslippingfromlifelesshands,hisheadreducedtoasmokingskull.TsangKweekgaveaterrifiedcry,hurlinghisswordatXiuhcoatl’sbackbeforeturningtailtorun.

Theblademeltedinmid-airbeforeeverstrikingtheProphet.Theskinkslowlyturnedtoregardthefleeingratman.Xiuhcoatlclenchedhisfistandafierystoneshotfromthefangediconuponhisstaff.Thetinymeteorrocketedacrossthetemple,smashingintoTsangKweekwiththeforceofacannonball.Thegutterrunnerstareddumblyatthegapingholetheburningstonehadpunchedthroughhischest,thenslumpedontohissideandwasstill.GreySeerThanquolbruxedhisfangstogetherandcursedtheincompetentunderlings.Finest

killersinalltheUnder-Empire!Thefilthyvermincouldn’tevenkillafleawithoutsomeonespellingouteverystepforthem!Themiserablemaggotsweren’tfittopopticksonabrood-mother ’sarse!Thanquolspunaboutashefeltpawsfumblingathisrobes.Asheturned,hewasrewardedbya

sharpblowagainsthissnout.Recoilinginpain,ThanquolliftedhisstafftoblockShenTsinge’sasthesorcerertriedtostrikehimasecondtime.‘Filthyseer-rat-scum!’Shensnarled.‘All-alllost-failbecauseThanquolisfool-fool!’Thesorcerer

raisedhisotherpaw,displayingthewarpstonehehadpickedfromThanquol’spockets.‘Give-giveall-allwarpstone,Thanquol-meat,andShenTsingeleaveyouforlizard-things!’Thanquolbaredhisfangsatthesorcerer.‘Aren’tyouforgettingsomething?’ShenTsingegrinnedback,murderousandtriumphant.Henoddedatthehugebulkoftheratogre

standingbehindhim.‘Yes-yes,’heagreed.‘GojishouldbetheonetocrushThanquol-meatinhisclaws!’Hepointedatthegreyseerandgrowledattheratogre.‘Goji!Kill-smashThanquol-meat!’‘Boneripper!’Thanquolshriekedback.‘Hold-takethistraitor-rat!’Theratogrestompedforward,hisbeadyeyesglaringfirstatThanquol,thenatShenTsingeand

finallybackatThanquol.Thegreyseershrankbackashefelttheratogrestarttoreachforhim.Then,suddenly,Boneripperspunaround,hishugehandsclosingaboutShenTsinge,splinteringthesorcerer ’sstaffashecrusheditagainsthisbody.‘Goji!No-no!ShenTsingeismaster!’thesorcererscreeched.Thanquolgrinnedmaliciouslyatthestrugglingsorcerer,thenglancedoverthecarcassofthe

serpent.Xiuhcoatlhadbeendistractedbyanotherpairofassassins,butthatdiversionwascertaintobeshort.Heneededsomethingmoresubstantialtokeeptheskinkoccupied.AgruesomelaughchitteredthroughThanquol’sfangs.‘Youwant-takemywarpstone?’thegreyseerasked,removingseveralnuggetsfromhisrobe.‘I

willgivethemtoyou,ShenTsinge,tohonouryourfaithfulservice.’ShenTsingestruggledinBoneripper ’sirongrip,tryingtowrigglefree.Thanquolwouldhave

enjoyedwatchinghisfutileefforts,butheknewtherewasnotime.Pinchingthesorcerer ’snoseshut

withoneclaw,hewaiteduntilShenwasforcedtodrawanotherbreath.Assoonasheopenedhismouthtosuckdownair,ThanquolthrusttheentiremassofwarpstonedownShen’sthroat.Holdingthesorcerer ’smouthshut,Thanquolgavehimasimplechoice:chokeorswallow.Atlastthesorcerercouldenduretheordealnolongerandhegaggeddownthedeadlyblackrocks.

Insmallamountswarpstonewasthelifebloodofskavendom,fuellingtheirindustry,theirmagicandtheirdiet.Ingreateramounts,however,eventhecorruptconstitutionoftheratmenwasunabletoassimilatethelethalqualitiesofwarpstone.WhatThanquolhadfedShenTsingewasenoughtokillahundredratmen.Inonesense,itwasawaste,butinanotherThanquolknewitwaswealthwellspent.BoneripperdroppedShenTsingeasthesorcerer ’sbodybegantoburnfromwithin.Glowinggreen

pulsesoflightbegantosearthroughthesorcerer ’sfurandrobes.Hisbodybegantotwistandswellastheunrestrained,unfocusedenergiescontinuedtogather.Thanquolthoughtofaratskinbagbeingfilledtoburstingwithdwarfbloodwine.Hedidn’twanttobearoundwhenthebagburst.‘Boneripper!’Thanquolcried,pointingattheexithehadseenAdalwolffleetowards.‘Quick-

quick!’Greyseerandratogredashedfrombehindtheirrefuge,racingacrosstheblood-slickfloorforthe

exit.Arrowsloosedfromthetinyskinkbowsclatteredaroundthem,butthedistancewastoogreatforeventhejunglehunterstodelivermuchaccuracy.OtherlizardmenbrokeofffromcapturingthefewskaventhathadsurvivedthefightandsetoffinpursuitofThanquolandBoneripper.ThestinkoftheirscalybodiesgrewstrongerandstrongerinhisnoseandThanquolbegantodespairofeverreachingthetunnel.HethoughtofXiuhcoatlstandingoverhimwithhisheartdrippingthroughtheskink’sscalyfingers.Fearlentthegreyseeranewburstofspeed.Thentheentiretempleshook,ahowlingmaelstromofenergycrashingandroaringthroughthe

colossalchamber.Lizardmenwerebatteredandtornbytheunleashedenergies,dashedagainstthewallsandcrushedagainstthepillars.Thanquolhimselfwasthrownbytheexplosion,onlyhishornssavinghimfromabrokenskullwhenheslidheadfirstintothewall.Heshookthespotsfromhisvisionandspatacrackedfangfromhismouth.Risingtohisfeet,Thanquolsawthechaosthathadfallenuponhisenemies.WhenShenTsinge’s

warpstone-gorgedbodyhadburst,theunleashedpowerhadhurledlizardmenpell-mellthroughoutthetemple.Manywerelimpingonbrokenlegsorholdingtwistedarmstotheirsides.Otherswereunmovingwrecks,necksandbacksbrokenbythesorcerousexplosion.XiuhcoatlhimselfwasbusytryingtocontainthefuriousenergiesShenTsinge’sdestructionhad

unleashed.ApurplefireglowedwhereThanquolhadleftthesorcererandinitslightthetempleitselfbegantocorrode,theancientstonescrumblingintopowderlikebreadinfestedwithmould.ThanquoldidnotknowhowfarorfastthemagicalcorruptionwouldspreadorifXiuhcoatlwouldactuallybeabletopurgeit.Heonlyknewhewantedtobeveryfarawaybeforehediscoveredanyofthoseanswers.‘Thisway!’ThanquolsnarledasBonerippercamelimpingovertohim.AlastglanceatXiuhcoatl

showedtheskinkpriestwavingaclawfranticallyinThanquol’sdirectionandalargenumberoflizardmenlopingoffinpursuit.‘Quick-quick!’Thanquolshrieked,half-pullingthestunnedratogreafterhimintothedarknessof

thetunnel.Thanquolwasinstantlystruckbythesimilarityitboretothecorridortheskavenhadusedtoenterthepyramid.Theglyphs!AthrillofterrorrushedthroughhimasThanquolthoughtofthewardsthathad

protectedthefirsttunnel.OnlythethoughtofdyingonXiuhcoatl’saltarkeptthegreyseermoving.Anew,desperatepurposeguidedhim.Theyhadtofollowtheman-thing’sscentandfindhimsohecouldclearawayanywardstheyfound!Andtheyhadtodoitbeforethelizardmenfoundthemfirst!

CHAPTERTWELVE

TheBreeder’sScent

Schachterwipedthecoldsweatfromhisbrow,dearlywishinghehadagoodbottleofEstalianbrandytodriveawaythetremblinghefeltinhisbones.Hestaredintothelongstretchofdarknessthatlaybetweenhimselfandthesputteringtorchfurtherdownthecorridor.Itseemedanimpossiblylongwayaway.Hefelthisstomachchurnattheverythoughtofrunningthroughit.Thatprimitive,primalpartofthehumanbrainthattoldhimtofearthenight,tofearthedark,waslikeathunderinsidehishead.Stay,itseemedtosay.Stayinthelightwhereyouaresafe.Hiltrudetuggedathim,tryingtopullfreefromhisgrip.Theactionmadehimroundonher

irritably.Acrueltwistoftheclothtetherhe’dtiedaboutherwristsbroughtthecourtesantoherknees,whimperinginpain.‘Stupidwench!’Schachtersnarleddownather,hisfearturningtoangernowthathehadanexcuse

tovent.Heslappedherhead,thecrackofhispalmechoinginthestonecorridor.Heglancedupinalarmattheloudnessofthesound,butthestonelizardsandsnakescarvedintothewallscontinuedtostaredownathimwiththesameicyindifferenceasbefore.Hiltrudetriedtopullawayagain,butSchachterpulledherarmsbackatsuchanangleshewas

forceduptoherfeet.‘Whatdoyouthink’sbackthere?’Schachterasked.‘Whicheverpackofmonsterswonthatfight,

Adalwolf’sdead!’ThewomanglareddefiantlyatSchachter,shakingherheadfuriously,tearsstreamingdownher

face.Shewouldn’tlistentohiswords.Shewouldn’tbelievethem.Adalwolfwasn’tdead.Hecouldn’tbe.Itwasstrange,Hiltrudethought.Itwasn’tuntilshe’dlosthimthatsheappreciatedherfeelingsfor

thehardenedwarrior.Gruff,crude,arroganteven,yetshefelttherewasmorenobilityaboutAdalwolfthanalltherefinedburghersandaristocratsshehadentertainedovertheyears.Shewonderedaboutthewifehe’dleftbehindinMarienburgandthechildrenshe’dbornehim.Perhaps,ifthingshadbeendifferent,thatwomanmighthavebeenher.She’dneverknowwhathadbecomeofherhusband.She’dneverknowhowhe’dfallentryingto

saveaperfumedharlotfromtheclutchesofgruesomemonstersfarfromthelandsofmen.She’dneverknowthatAdalwolfhadnotabandonedher.Ifithadbeenme,Hiltrudetoldherself,Iwouldknow.Atleastshewantedtobelievethat.‘Comeon,’Schachtertoldher.Thistimethecaptain’svoicewasn’tsogruffandherelaxedhishold

onthetethersoitdidn’tbiteintoherskin.‘Wecan’tstayhere.Wehavetofindawayoutbeforetheyfindus.’Hiltrudedidn’tknowwhich‘they’Schachtermeant.Shesupposeditdidn’tmatter.Thelizardmen

hadnomorereasontolookkindlyonthemthanThanquolandhisbrood.Shewasn’tsurewhichfateshedreadedmore.Shehadseenthehideoussacrificesofthelizardmenandtheirred-clawedpriest.

Somehowthecold,passionlesswaythereptileshadbutcheredtheircaptivesmadehermoreafraidthanwhateverhorriblerevengeThanquolmightthinkof.Schachterpushedheraheadofhimintothedarknessbetweenthesputteringtorches.Shecouldfeel

theseacaptaintremblingashefollowedher.Hiltrudefoundsomecomfortinthefact.Ifshecouldstaycalm,ifshecouldkeepherwitsabouther,shemightescapehercaptor.WhileSchachterwasbusyjumpingatshadows,she’dhaveherchancetogetaway.Whatshewoulddothen,shehadnoidea.ThepragmaticsideofhertoldhertostaywithSchachter,

thathewasherbesthopeofgettingoutofthepyramidalive.Hiltrudefeltsickatthethought.She’dlistenedtoherpragmaticsidefartoomuchinherlife,letitleadhertoplacesanddothingsthat…No,shewouldn’tbepragmaticnow.Shewouldwaitforherchanceandshewouldtakeit.She

wouldgobacktothetempleandshewouldfindoutwhathadhappenedtoAdalwolf.Afterthat,shedidn’tcarewhatbecameofher.Hiltrudewatchedasthecircleoflightdrewnearer,likeabeacononadistantshore.Twentypaces,

perhapsthirty,andtheywouldbeoutofthedarkness.Schachterwouldrelaxagainoncehewassafeonthatlittleislandoflight.Thatwouldbeherchance.Schachtermoanedinterrorbehindher.‘They’vefoundus!’hegasped,thrustingHiltrudeaheadof

him.Shestumbledaheadasthecaptainforcedherintoarun.Shewasabletoglancebackonlyonce.Therewasanimpressionofshapesrushingthroughthebitofilluminationtheyhadjustleftbehind,butshecouldn’ttellfromsoquickalookwhethertheywereratsorreptiles.‘Run!Run!’Schachter ’sfranticvoiceboomedinherears.Hiltrudesprintedaheadofhim,impelled

bythecaptain’sterror,frightenedthathewouldtrampleherunderfootifshefell.TwiceshefelttheswordinSchachter ’sfistjabatherback.Shewasn’tsureifitwasaconsciousthreatoranunconsciousmotion,butshewascertainshedidn’twanttotesttheman’sintentions.Theyreachedthelittlecircleoflight.Bynowtherewasnomistakingthepadofclawedfeetonthe

stonefloorbehindthem.Schachterpushedherforward,intendingtorushfurtherdownthecorridor,lightornolight,butHiltrudestaggeredbackintothelight.Blue-scaledcreaturesstrodeoutfromthedarknessaheadofthem,uglylittlespearsclutchedin

theirclawedhands.Theyregardedthetwohumanswithhuge,unblinkingeyesandtheirsharplittlefangsseemedtoglistenintheflickeringlight.ThesightwastoomuchforSchachter.Withahowl,hebroughthisswordchoppingdownintooneofthelizardmen.Theskinkgavevoicetoasinglesharpbarkofpain,thencloseditsclawsaroundthegoldenblade

thathadsplititfromshouldertosternum.Schachtertriedtoripthecleaver-likeedgefree,butthereptile’stenaciousgripwastoostrong.Dying,thelizardmanhadpreventedSchachterfromcontinuingthefight.WithSchachter ’sswordtrappedinthebodyoftheskink,theotherlizardmenlungedforward.By

nowthepursuersfollowingfrombehindhadclosedthegap.SchachterandHiltrudeweredraggedtothegroundbeneathamassofclawing,clingingreptiles.Thethicktailsoftheskinksbatteredthemmercilessly,raisinguglyweltswherevertheystruck.Sometimesthegoldenbuttofaspearwouldcrackagainsttheirskulls,rattlingtheirsensesastheytriedtothrowofftheirscalyantagonists.AlreadyboundbySchachter,Hiltrudewasthefirsttocollapsebeneaththeabuseofthelizardmen.

Astheskinkslashedherlegsandarmstogetherwithheavyropes,shecouldseethembeatingthefightoutofSchachtersotheycoulddothesametohim.Duringthestruggle,thecaptain’sbootkickedthecorpseofthedeadskink,hisswordstillembeddedinitschest.Shefounditstrangethatthelizardmendidn’ttrytokillSchachterforwhathehaddone.Thenanicychillsweptthroughher,asenseofterriblepower.Hiltrudetwistedherheadagainstthe

roughfloor,raisinghereyesasarobedskinkemergedfromthedarkness.Herskincrawledasshefeltreptilianeyesstudyingher,appraisingherlikeafishmongerappraisingacatch.Xiuhcoatl’screst

flaredintoabrilliantcombofcrimson,contrastingbrilliantlywithhisbluescalesandwhiterobes.EventhoughsheknewtherewasdeathinXiuhcoatl’svoiceastheProphethissedcommandstothe

otherskinksandthetwohumanswereliftedfromthefloor,Hiltrudeknewtherewasnomaliceinthelizardman’sdirection.SheandSchachterwoulddieuponthealtar,buttheirkillerswouldtakenodelightfromit.They

wereabove,orperhapsbeneath,suchthingsasemotionsanddesires.Thatpartofherthatshehadcometohatefounditallquitepragmatic.

Adalwolfcautiouslyroundedthebendinthecorridor,holdinghistorchhightoilluminateasmuchofthedarknessashecould.Heknewheriskeddiscoverybycarryingthelight,buthealsoknewheneededtoseeifhewastodefendhimself.BynowthelizardmenhadfinishedoffThanquol’svermin,buthedoubtediftheywouldstopthere.Theirtemplehadbeenviolated,theirlivinggodslain,theirkinkilled.No,theywouldnotstopwiththeslaughterofThanquolandhisratmen.Theywouldheadintothetunnelstopursuethehumanswhohadescaped.Perhaps,herealisedwithafeelingofsickdread,thereptilesdidn’tevenknowthedifferencebetweenmanandratman.Thethoughtwasmadeallthemorehideouswhenherememberedtheawfulritualtheyhadseenthe

skinkpriestsperformingatopthepyramid.Certainlytheywerenofriendsoftheunderfolk,butthatdidn’tmeantheyharbouredanykindnesstowardsmankind.FearflaredthroughAdalwolf’sheart.HehadtofindHiltrudebeforethelizardmendid.Tothinkof

heralonewiththatscoundrelSchachter,ahostofcold-bloodedmonstershuntingthem…Thewarriorscarcelystoppedtoconsiderthathisownsituationwasworse.Schachteratleasthada

weapontodefendthem.Adalwolfhadonlythetorchhe’dpluckedfromthewallofthecorridor.Thesamemenacehuntedhimthathuntedthem,onlyhisownflightfromthetemplehadbeenmuchlaterthantheirs.Whateverpursuittheskinkprophethadsenttoscourthetunnels,theywouldbemuchclosertohimthanthem.Still,Adalwolfcouldnotgetthecourtesan’splightoutofhismind.Howeversorryhisown

situation,heknewhehadtomaketheefforttorescueher.Hefeltthatmorethanmerelyhisliferestedontrying.He’dforsakewhateverdignityyearsofworkingforcreatureslikevanSommerhaushadlefthimifheabandonedhernow.Hishonourhungupongettinghersafelyfromthepyramidandhewasnotsorottenwiththemercenarycreedthathedidnotstillvaluehonour.Somethingstirredinthedarknessahead.ThemuskystinkofreptilianfleshstruckAdalwolf’snose

asashort,wirylizardmanscurriedintothelightofhistorch.Itpausedwhenitsawhim,shiftingitsgripontheshortspearitcarried.Adalwolfdidnotgivetheskinkachancetodecidewhatitwasgoingtodo.Swiftly,hebroughthistorchslammingdownintothereptile’shead,knockingitagainstthefloor.Hekickedthespearawayfromitsgraspingclaws.HissesraspedthroughtheshadowsandAdalwolfsawmorelizardmenemergingfromthe

blackness.Theywereofthesamewirybreedastheonehehadknockeddownandtheirclawsheldthesamelittlespearsastheirpronecomrade.Themercenarytriedtoreadsomeemotionontheirscalyfacesandintheirgapingeyes,buttheymighthavebeencarvedfromstoneforalltheexpressionhecouldfind.‘Stayback!Idon’twanttohurtyou!’Adalwolfwarned,wavingtheflamingtorchbeforehim.The

skinksdidn’tseemespeciallyimpressedbyhisdisplayofbravado,buttheydidhangbackabit.Adalwolfbegantothinkhemightbeabletobluffhiswaypastthetimidreptileswhenhesawthereasonfortheirtimiditylumberoutoftheshadows.Hisbloodbecameiceashesawoneofthehugeogre-likelizardmenfromthespawningpoolmarchbetweenthepartedranksofitssmallerfellows.Thekroxigorcarriedanimmenseaxeseeminglycraftedfromsolidgoldinitsover-sizedclaws,

thebladealreadyclottedwithbitsoffurandblackblood.Adalwolfcouldsmellthecarrionreekof

themonster ’sbreathasarumblingbellowpulsedupitsthroatandthroughitsgiantfangs.Suddenlythetorchinhishandfeltevenpunierthanithadamomentbefore.Dragonfiremightnotbeweaponenoughtofazesuchabrute!Adalwolfretreatedbeforethekroxigor ’sapproach.Battle-hardenedreflexesmadehimturnabout

beforehehadtakenmorethanafewsteps.Hecaughttheshaftofaspearoneoftheskinksbehindhimwasstabbingathisbackjustbeforeitstruck.Hewrenchedtheweaponfromthesurprisedreptile’shandsthendrovetheburningendofhistorchintothecreature’sface.Theskinkbarkedinpainandcollapsedinawrithingmassofflailinglimbs,itsagonieseffectivelyblockingtheadvanceofitsfellows.Thekroxigorbellowedagain,chargingforAdalwolf.Themercenaryduckedbeneaththesweepof

itsaxe.Stoneshardssprayedfromthewallastheaxesmackedintostoneinsteadofflesh.Beforethehugebrutecouldrecover,Adalwolfstabbedhisstolenspearintoitsbelly.Theflimsyjavelinfailedtopenetratethethickscalesandtheknottedmusclebeneath,bucklinglikeanailuponananvil.Adalwolfhurledtheuselessweaponintothekroxigor ’sface,pleasedtoseethelizardmanblinkin

surprise.Beforehecouldexploitthedistraction,however,hefeltscalyarmsgrabbingathimfrombehind.Asinewyarmwrappedaroundhisthroat,tryingtopullhimdowntothefloor.Themercenarygavescantattentiontotheskinksgrapplinghim.Hiseyeswerelockedonthe

immenselizardmaninfrontofhim.Thekroxigorhefteditsaxeagain,raisingitforanoverheadblowthatwouldsplitAdalwolf’sbodylikeafencepost.Adalwolfsqueezedhiseyesshuttokeepfromseeingthedeathblow.Afterafewmoments,he

openedthemagain.Hisfirstsurprisewasthathewasalive.Hissecondwastoseeashapefullyasbigasthekroxigorwrestlingwiththereptile,rippingatitwithmassiveclawsandsmashingitagainstthewallsateveryturn.Healmostlaughedwhenherealisedheknewhisrescuer.ItwasBoneripper,thegiantratmanwhohadbeenThanquol’sbodyguard.Fromthedarknesstherewasaflashofflameandacracklikethunder.Oneoftheskinksgrappling

Adalwolfchirpedinpainandrolledawayacrossthefloorclutchingatableedinghip.Asecondflashandasecondskinkwasquiveringbesidethefirstone,itschestaruinedmessofgore.Themercenarywasasshockedasthelizardmenwhenacrazedfigurecloakedingreycame

rushingoutfromtheshadows.Thanquol’sstaffsplittheskullofoneskink,hisswordopenedthebellyofanother.Thegreyseerwasalmostfrothingatthemouth,hiseyeswidewithterrorasheruthlesslyflunghimselfintothefray.Skinkscrumpledateveryturn,unabletomatchthecrazedfuryoftheratman.Adalwolfthrewoffthelastofthelizardmenholdinghim.Hesmashedtheheadofoneintothewall,

hearingitsskullcrack.Theothersseemedtolosetheirtasteforfightingthehumanafterthat,releasinghimandscurryingbackintothedarkness.OrperhapstheyhadsimplyseenwhatAdalwolfnowsaw.Boneripperstoodoveradripping,

mangledthingthathadlatelybeenthekroxigor.Thehugelizardman’sneckwasbroken,itsheadspuncompletelyaroundsothatitslifelesseyesstaredstraightdownthelengthofitsspine.Theratogreshookthedeadbulkofhisfoe,makingitsheadrollalongitsshouldersinaparticularlynauseatingfashion.GreySeerThanquolleanedagainsthisstaff,atangleofdeadskinksscatteredallaroundhim.The

ratman’steethwerechattering,hischestheavingwithsuchafranticefforttodrawbreathintohislungsthatAdalwolfthoughtthecreature’sentirebodywasgoingtoburst.Finally,Thanquol’sshiveringhandfelltooneofthepoucheslashedtothebeltofhisrobe.Hedrewwhatlookedlikeapinchofblackdirtfromthebagandquicklypressedhispawagainsthisnose.Hecouldheartheratmaninhaledeeply,thenquiverasafitoffurioussneezingwrackedhisbody.WhenThanquolwasrecoveredfromthefit,histeethhadstoppedchatteringandhiseyeswereno

longerthebulgingpoolsofpureterrortheyhadbeenduringthefight.Indeed,theratman’sentirefigureseemedtoswell,tobristlewithpowerandwhenthegreyseerstaredatAdalwolfhiseyeswerealmostglowingwithhellishenergies.‘Man-thingowe-givelife-skintoGreySeerThanquol!’hesnapped,lashinghistailagainstthepile

ofdeadskinks.‘Man-thingserve-dotrue-truewhatThanquolsqueak-say!’GreySeerThanquolbaredhisteeth,displayinghisrat-likefangs.‘OrIeat-takeman-thing’s

spleen!’

LukasvanSommerhausleanedagainstthecoldstoneofthecorridorandfoughttostiflethewrackingsobthatthreatenedtoshudderpasthislips.Thepatroonwastemptedtogrindhistorchagainstthefloortoblotoutthehideoussightofthecrawlingcarvingsthatcoveredthewalls.Heknewtodosowasmadness,toabandonhimselftothedarknessofthetunnels.Hewouldbeashelplessasafishthrownfromthewaterifhedidso,asvulnerableasabirdknockedfromthesky.Darknessofferednosafetyfromthethingsthathuntedhim.Heonlysuspectedthattheyneeded

lighttosee.Hehadonlytorememberhisghastlyordealasthecaptiveoftheunderfolktoknowthattherewerecreaturesforwhichsightwasnotthechiefestoftheirsenses.Perhapsthescalymonstersweresniffinghimoutevennowwiththeirflickeringtongues,stalkinghimevenasthemammothserpenthadinthatawfultemple!VanSommerhausfingeredthegoldenguilderinhispocket,rubbingtheedgeofthecoinwithhis

thumbasheinvokedthenameofHandrich.Thepatroonhadalwaysbeencontemptuousofthegodofmerchantsandtrade:Handrichhadseemedtotakeaperversedelightinrefusinghisprayers.Butnow,inhisagonyofterror,hebeseechedHandrichforsuccour.Rubbingacoinwassaidtoarousethegod’sinterest.Theyhadfollowedhimintothetunnels,vanSommerhauswassureofthat.He’dheardthem,their

hissingspeechechoingfromthestones,theirclawsscratchingonthefloor,theirscalytailsslappingagainstthewalls.Hecouldsmelltheirreptilianmuskfoulingtheair,warninghimoftheirpursuit.Hisskincrawled,expectingatanyinstanttofeeltheprickofanarrow.Thatwasahorrorhecouldnotbear,toknowthateventheslightestscratchwouldkillhim,wouldsendthepoisonofthelizardmenrushingthroughhisveins.Itwastheignominyofsuchadeaththatterrifiedhim.Itoffendedhispatroonbloodtodielikesometrappedvermin,murderedbysomenamelessmonster!VanSommerhaushadthoughtmuchofhisdeathinthelonghourshehadspenthidinginthestone

corridors.Hethoughtaboutthekindofdeaththatsuitedhisstation.Tofallnoblyinbattle,makinganendofhimselfthatwouldbesungbytheminstrelsforhundredsofyears,thatwouldbethemostfittingcapstonetohiscareer.Toberememberedasmerchant,mariner,playwrightandhero,thatwasthefinishhewouldnotrunfrom.Thepatrooncaughthisbreathandhurrieddownthecorridor,turninghisgazeawayfroma

carvingofabloatedtoadthatseemedtowatchhimwithitssapphireeyes.Ifheescapedthishorribleplace,perhapshewouldreturntotheEmpire.Hecouldfacehispersecutors,challengetheirsmall-mindedbigotries.Why,he’dconfrontThaddeusGamow,theLordProtectorofSigmar ’switchhuntersanddarethevillaintofacehimacrossbaresteel!ThatwouldbeaconfrontationthatwouldtrulybetheepicendingworthyofLukasvanSommerhaus!Arasping,hissingnoisefromfurtherupthecorridormadevanSommerhausfreezeinhissteps.He

turnedananxiouseyebackupthecorridor,butallhecouldseewerethesapphiregleamsofthestonetoadswatchinghimfromtheedgeofthetorchlight.Nervously,hecontinuedtorubthegoldcoinuntilhisthumbbegantobleed.Afterfindingthetorchhenowcarriedsetintoagildedsconce,he’dtriedtoavoidanytunnelthat

flickeredwithlight.Hereasonedthattheyhadthemostchanceofbeingpopulated.Bystickingtothe

darkness,vanSommerhaushopedtoavoidtheinhabitantsofthepyramid.Afterall,hehadnotescapedthehungeroftheratmensimplytoendupinthecookingpotsofwalkinglizards!VanSommerhaussmiledashefanciedthatthehissingsoundswerewithdrawingbackupthe

corridor.Againhehadoutwittedtheprimitive,reptilianbrutes!Hewouldsticktohiscourse,keeptotheshadowsandeventuallymakehiswayoutoftheghastlytemple.Hetriedtoignoretheuglyobservationhehadearliermade.Hetriedtoforgetthatthecorridorshe

followed,theonesthatwerenotlitbytorches,wereleadinghimdownward,notupward.Hetriedtosilencethenaggingfearthathewasrunningfartherandfartherfromanyexitfromthepyramid.Hetriedtotellhimselfthatheimaginedthesenseofpressurethatmadehisearsring.Hewasn’tdeepbelowtheearth.Hewouldn’tallowhimselftoentertaintheidea.Onemoreturn,

onemorearchway,andhewouldseethesunshining.Hewouldfeelthedampheatofthejungleandhewouldbefree.VanSommerhausturnedhiscornerandpassedthroughhisarchway.Hestoppedrubbingthecoinin

hispocket.Abrilliantlightshonebackathim.Itwasn’tthelightofthesun.Itwasbetter.Almostthepatroonwishedsomeonewaswithhim,someonetoappreciatethemagnitudeofwhathe

hadfound.HethoughtofAdalwolfandHiltrudeandeventhetraitorousCaptainSchachter.Noneofthemwouldeverknowofhisfind.VanSommerhausfeltsorryforthem,huntedlikeratsinthemaze.Theywouldneverknowtherichesthatcouldhavebeentheirs,therichesthatfatehadreservedtoreforgethefortuneoftheHousevanSommerhaus!Trembling,vanSommerhaussteppedthroughthearchwayandintoachambersovastthathis

torchlightfailedtoilluminatemorethanafragmentofitsenormity.Hestoopedandranhishandalongthefloor–thefloorthatwaspavedingold.Hestaredattheceilingabove–theceilingthatwasroofedingold.Thecolumnsthatsupportedtheroofwerelikewisegold.Sotoowerethegreatshelvesthatranalongthewallsandthehugesquarealtarsthatsatonthefloor.Handrichhadansweredthepatroon’sprayersinawayonlythegodofmerchantscould.Itwaslikewalkingintoagildedheaven,amiser ’svisionofNorscanValhal.TheonlythingthatruinedtheeffectforvanSommerhauswerethelong,shrivelled,cloth-wrapped

shapesthatstretchedalongtheshelvesonthewalls.Thepatroonfeltatwingeofuneasinessashethoughtaboutwhatthethingsmighthavelookedlikeonce,tryingtoimagineaserpenttwicethesizeoftheonethathadtriedtoswallowhim.Hebrushedasidethefoolishimageandreturnedhisattentiontothewealthsurroundinghimon

everyside.Whateverthethingsmighthavebeenonce,theyweredeadnow.VanSommerhauswouldbedamnedifhewasgoingtobefrightenedbyabunchofmoulderingold

mummies.

GreySeerThanquolglaredattheinsolentslave-thing.Howdareitrefusehim!He’dsavedtheworthless,hairlessmonkeyfromthescaly-things!He’driskedhispeltgettinghimawayfromtheabominablelizardmenandthiswashowthefilthythingthankedhim!Hedrewanotherpinchofwarpstonesnufftocalmhisexcitednerves.Theterrorofhisdesperate

battlewasstillthrobbingthroughhisblood.Hewouldneverhaveriskedhimselfiftherehadbeenanotherway,butthatidiotBoneripperwasn’tabletodoanythingmorethanwrestlewiththekroxigor,leavingalltheotherlizardmenforThanquoltotakecareof!Ofcourseitwouldhavebeenasimplematterifhe’dbeenabletocalluponhissuprememasteryoftheblackarts.Asinglespellwouldhavereducedtheentirepackofreptilesintocharredhusks.NothingcouldwithstandthemagicofThanquolonceithadprovokedhiswrath!

ButtherewasXiuhcoatltothinkabout.ThanquoltriedtokeephisglandsfromclenchingashedidthinkabouttheProphetofSotekandhisformidablepowers.Xiuhcoatlmightsenseanyuseofmagicwithinhispyramid.ThelastthingThanquolneededwastodrawXiuhcoatl’sattention.WithoutmagicandwithBonerippermakingabigsqueakanddanceaboutkillingonescrawny

kroxigor,Thanquolhadbeenforcedtorelyuponhiswitsandmartialprowesstocarrythefight.He’demptiedbothofthepistolshe’dconfiscatedfromthehumans,hopingtheshotswouldbeenoughtosendthelizardmenrunning.Whentheyweren’t,he’dsummoneduphiscourage(andabitofwarpstonesnuff)andchargedintobattle.Whathappenednextwasonebigblurtohim,butthepileofdeadaroundhispawswastestimonytohisvalour.Ifonlyhedidn’tneedthehumansobadly,hewouldneverhaveputhimselfatsuchrisk.Buthe

neededthehuman,asmuchasheneededhisownskin!Xiuhcoatlwouldknoweveryexitfromthepyramidandwouldhaveplacedwardstheretoguardagainstinvasionbytheskaven.Itwasdeathforanyskaventopassnearthewards.Thanquolneededalessercreaturetoclearthepathforhim.Asbefore,thatmeantusingthehuman.Unfortunately,thehumanknewit!Thestubborn,stupidbeastwasexploitingitsownusefulnessto

bargainwithhim!Him,GreySeerThanquol,bickeringwithalowlyman-thinglikesomerat-wifeshoppingtheskrawlsofSkavenblight!AndaftertheselflesswayThanquolhadrescuedthemiserablecreature!‘I’mnotleavingwithoutHiltrude,’AdalwolftoldThanquolforthethirdtime.Thanquolgnashedhisfangstogether.‘Idon’tcare-wantbreeder-slave!’hesnarled.‘Weleave-leave

now-now!Youlead-showway!’‘EvenifIknewthewayout,I’mnotleavingwithouther,’Adalwolfsaid.Hetrembledwhen

Bonerippergrowledathim,buthestoodhisground.ThanquolsetarestrainingpawonBoneripper ’sleg.‘Ismell-scentwayout,’heassuredAdalwolf,

brushingthesideofhisfurrysnout.‘Yousmashsnake-stones,Ifollow,weallescape-flee!’‘Agoodplan,’AdalwolftoldThanquol.‘Butwe’renotleavingwithoutHiltrude.’Thanquol’steethgroundagainsteachother,hisclawsclenchingsotighttheybitintohispalms.

‘Forget-leavebreeder-thing!’hesnapped.‘Ibuy-barteryoumuch-muchbreeder-things!Allbreeder-thingsyouwant!’ThemercenarysmiledatThanquol,agesturehehadlearnedtheratmentookasoneofchallenge.

‘WeleavewithHiltrudeoryoucansmashyourownsnake-stones!’‘Stupidfool-meat!’Thanquolgrowled.Hesnappedhisclawstogether.BeforeAdalwolfwaseven

awarethehugebeastwasinmotion,Bonerippersprangforwardsandseizedtheman’sarm,liftinghimofftheground.‘Obey-listenorsuffer-suffer!’Thanquolhissed.‘NotwithoutHiltrude,’themercenaryinsisted.ThanquolnoddedtoBoneripper.Withasavagetwist,theratogrebrokeAdalwolf’sarmand

droppedhimbackontothefloor.Thewarriorlandedhard,screaminginpainasheclutchedhisshatteredarm.‘Ilose-forgetpatience,slave-meat!’Thanquoltoldthemoaningman.‘Obey-listen!’‘Getskinned!’Adalwolfsnarledback,carefultobareallofhisteethatthefuminggreyseer.Thanquol’staillashedfuriouslybehindhim,hisfurbristlingasrawragerippledthroughhisbody.

Hethoughtaboutblastingtheinsufferablehumanwithaburstofwarp-lightning,butthatwouldhardlygethimoutofthepyramid.‘Fine-good,’Thanquolhissedthroughclenchedfangs.‘Youlead-showsafepath,smash-wreckall

snake-stones,Itakeyoutobreeder-thing.’IttookThanquolalongtimetorealisethatthecoughingcryshudderingthroughAdalwolf’sbodywaslaughter.‘YouthinkI’dtrustyou?’themercenaryscoffed.‘HowcanyoufindHiltrudeinthismaze?’

‘Same-sameIfindstupidslave-meat!’Thanquolraged.Hetappedthesideofhisnoseagain.‘Ifollow-findyourscent.Icanfollow-findbreeder-thing’sstinkevenbetter.’Adalwolfseemedtoconsiderthatforamoment.Evenadull-wittedman-thinghadtoappreciatethe

greatersensesoftheskaven.ItneverceasedtoamazeThanquolhowdullthehumanabilitytosmellwas,thoughitwentfartoexplainthereekoftheircities.‘HowdoIknowyouaren’ttryingtotrickme?’Adalwolfasked.‘BecauseIcanjusthaveBonerippersmash-crushslave-meat’semptyskull!’Thanquolspat.Therat

ogretookamenacingsteptowardsAdalwolf.‘Goahead,’themercenarymocked.‘You’llmakeaprettypileofash.’ThanquolswattedBoneripperwiththeheadofhisstaff,movingthehulkingbeastawayfrom

Adalwolf.Itwasbecomingcleartohimthatthreatswouldn’tworkwiththisderangedhuman.He’dlostallsenseofself-preservation.Thegreyseertriedtoremembereverythinghe’dlearnedinhisdealingswithhumans.Hegrinnedasaparticularbitofnonsensethatseemedtohaveastrangeeffectonhumansoccurredtohim.‘Youhavemyword,’hetoldAdalwolf.Again,thehuman’sbodyshudderedaschokinglaughterseizedhim.‘Youwantmetotrustyou,I

wantvanSommerhaus’spistols,’hesaid,pointingatThanquol’sbelt.ThegreyseerwastemptedtoletBonerippersquashthearrogantslave-thing,buthisneedmade

himrelent.Witheverymuscletwitchinginrebelliontohisaction,Thanquolunfastenedtheweaponsandtossedthemovertothewoundedman.‘Youneed-needme,’ThanquolremindedAdalwolf.Hetappedthesideofhissnout.‘Icansmell-

findbreeder-thing.Slave-meatcannot.’Grittinghisteethagainstthepainofhisbrokenarm,Adalwolfstoodandawkwardlybuckledthe

pistolbeltaroundhiswaist.‘Allright,’heconceded.‘Ineedyouandyouneedme.ButIalsoneedthegunpowder.Andthebullets.’Snarling,Thanquoltossedtheflaskofgunpowderandthelittleleatherbagofshottothehuman.

They’dwastedenoughtimenegotiating.AnymomentmightseethelizardmenreturnandThanquolwantedtobefarawaywhentheydid.Besides,evenifthehumandidhavethepistols,ThanquolhadBoneripperandhismagic.Thoughtobeonthesafeside,he’dkeepBonerippercloseenoughtohidebehindifthehuman

lookedlikehewasgoingtouseoneofthepistols.

Thepatroonsmiledashestudiedthepileofgoldbrickshe’dbeenabletopryfromthefloor.IfhecouldgetevenhalfofitbacktoMarienburg,he’dbeabletofundanexpeditiontoreturnfortherest.He’dbeabletohireanentirearmytoscourthejungleofthewalkingreptiles,engageanentireclanofdwarfengineerstobuildaroadbacktothebeach.Itmighttakeafullfleettocarryeverythingback,buthewassurewhentheguildmasterssawwhathewasabletobringbackonhisown,they’dcertainlybacktheenterprise.VanSommerhausscowledasheconsideredexactlyhowhewasgoingtogethistreasureoutofthe

pyramid.IfonlythatidiotAdalwolfhadn’twastedhistimewiththegirl!Hisbrawnwouldbeagreatboontothepatroonrightnow.OrifSchachterhadn’tbeensuchagreedybastard!Evenspliteighty-twentytherewouldbeenoughheretoputthemiserableoldpirateupinastylefarabovehisstationinlife!VanSommerhauswouldevenwelcomeThanquolbackintohisliferightnow.Surelyeventheunderfolkunderstoodthevalueofgold.Thanquol’sratscoulddragthestuffawayandthentheycouldsplitthetreasureattheirleisuresomeplacefarawayfromsnakesandreptiles.Shakinghisheadinfrustration,vanSommerhausstoppeddreamingofaneasywayout.He’dhave

tocarrythegoldonhisown.Hewasn’tamanwhoenjoyedphysicallabour,itwasanactivityfarbelowhisclass.Buttherewasn’tanythingdifficultaboutiteither.Afterall,iftheunwashed,illiterate

stoogeswhoinfestedthedocksofMarienburgcoulddoit,certainlyamanofhisintelligencecould.He’dneedtocraftsomekindofslingtodragthegoldbehindhim.Thatwouldbethebestway.He

couldpullfarmorethanhecouldlift.VanSommerhausranahandalongthetatteredshredsofhiselegantcoat,bitterlyfeelingthefrayedcuffsandbuttonholes.No,heneededsomethingagoodbitsturdier.Hiseyescametorestononeofthegiantmummiesstretchedoutalongtheshelves.Van

Sommerhausstudiedthewrappingswithkeeninterest.Theylookedtobeasthickassail-clothandaboutastoughasleather.Certainlytheyshouldbeuptothetask.VanSommerhausapproachedtheserpentinemummy.Evenoverthesmellofmustyherbstherewas

stillanophidianreekaboutthething.Hepulledhisshirtupoverhisnoseandtriedtobreathethroughhismouthashecontemplatedtheunpleasanttaskaheadofhim.Atlastovercominghisrepugnance,vanSommerhausgrippedtheedgeofoneofthewrappingsand

startedtopullitawayfromtheshrivelledbodybeneath.Hedidn’tnoticewhenhiseffortscausedthescabonhisthumbtocrack.BlooddrippeddownhisfingerwherehehadwornitrawduringhisprayerstoHandrich.Asalongstripofclothcamefree,abeadofthepatroon’sbloodsplatteredagainstthedesiccated

huskofthegiantserpent.Hedidn’tnoticethewaytheancientcorpseabsorbedtheliquid,ortheslightshudderthatpassedthroughitssinuousbulk.ItwaswhenvanSommerhausturnedtoripfreeasecondstripofcloththathediscovered

somethingwaswrong.Hehadjustsetthefirstclothdownbesidehisplunderandwasturningbacktothemummywhenhesawitmove.Therewasnothingsubtleaboutthemotion,nochancetoscoffandtrytodenytheevidenceofhiseyes.Theheadandneckofthemummifiedsnakerearedupofftheshelf,risingintotheairandstaringdownathim.Greatemeraldsshonefromtheskullofthesnake,jewelledreplacementsfortheeyesdecayhadclaimed.Lifeless,yetgleamingwithahideousintelligence,theemeraldsglaredatthemanwhocoweredbelow.VanSommerhausbackedawayfromtheghastlymummy.Heunderstoodnowwhatthisplacewas–

atombforthegiantsnakesthelizardmenkeptintheirtemple.Reptilessacredtotheirstrangegod,thegreatserpentswerepreservedindeathastheywerenurturedinlife.Unfortunately,thelizardmenhadpreservedthemonstersonlytoowell.Thepatroonstumbledasheretreated,fallingoverthepileofgoldhehadrippedfromthefloor.

Desperate,heseizedabrickineachhand.Turningbacktothetoweringserpent,heheldtheplunderedtreasureouttoit.ThegiantserpentseemedtoregardvanSommerhaus’sofferingforaninstant.Thengreatleathery

foldsofskinsnappedopentoeithersideofitswitheredhead.Decayedjawsfellopenandthemummifiedcobralungeddownward.LukasvanSommerhausshriekedashevanishedintothemawofthecobra,hisdreamsofwealth

andpowerengulfedbythedarknessoftheserpent’sbelly.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

TheProphet’sTest

Adalwolffinishedhisinspectionofthewallsattheintersection,thenwavedhisgruesomecompanionsforwardswithhistorch.TherewasnomistakingthesuspicioninThanquol’sfacedespitehisbestialcountenance.ThemercenaryfeltatwingeofdisgustwhenhesawthegreyseerprodBoneripperaheadofhimonthechancethatAdalwolfwastryingtobetrayhimandhadn’treportedoneofthedeadlysnake-stones.Itwasanideathatseemedtooccurtotheratmaneveryhundredfeetorso.BecauseofThanquol’sparanoidprecautions,whateverprogresstheyweremakinginfinding

Hiltrudehadslowedtoacrawl.AdalwolffeltsorelytemptedtoabandontheskavenandfindHiltrudeonhisown,butheknewhecouldn’t.Thecraftygreyseerwasright.He’dneverbeabletofindheronhisown.Hehadtorelyontheratman’ssenseofsmellifhewasgoingtorescueHiltrude.Ifitwasn’talreadytoolate.Boneripperslippedintotheintersection,movingwiththeeeriesmoothnessandsilencethatwasso

incongruouswithhishugeframe.Theratogre’scrimsoneyesglaredintothedarkness,carefultoavoiddirectlylookingatAdalwolfandhistorchlestthelightspoilthemonster ’snight-vision.Thanquolwaitedseveralheartbeats,tappingoutthetimeonthefloorwithhisstaff.When

Boneripperfailedtoexplodeorcrumbleintopowder,thegreyseercamescurryinguptojoinhim,clingingtohisleglikeapilotfishtoashark’sfin.‘Whichwaynow?’Adalwolfaskedthegreyseer.Thanquolgavehimacuriousstare,thekindoflooksomeonemightgiveafeeble-mindedidiot.He

tuggedathiswhiskersandhiseyesnarrowedintocraftylittleslits.Adalwolffoughttheurgetofeedthemonsterhisfist.‘Thisway,’Thanquoltoldhim,liftinghisheadandmakingashowofsniffingattheair.‘Yes-yes,

breeder-thingsmellstrongthisway,’heelaborated,pointingthemetalheadofhisstaffdowntheleft-handturninthecorridor.‘You’resure?’Adalwolfsaid.‘I’dhateforyoutobewrong.Imightmisssomeofthoseglyphs

you’resoworriedaboutifHiltrudeisn’twithme.’Thanquolgnashedhisteethtogether.‘Yes-yes,’hesaid.‘Slave-meatwantstomakewhelps.Ifind-

scentbreeder-thing.Don’tworry-fear!’Hegesturedatthepassagewayagainwithhisstaff.‘Thisway.Yes-yes.’AdalwolfwasabouttowarnThanquolaboutwhatwouldhappenifhetriedanytrickswhenthe

passagebehindthemwassuddenlyfilledwithhissing,charginglizardmen.Instinctively,themercenarydroppedhistorchanddrewoneofthepistols.He’dreloadedtheweapons,atortuousprocesswithoneofhisarmsbroken,buthe’ddonesoforverydifferentreasons.Now,beforehecouldeventhinkaboutit,hewassightingdownthebarrelandsendingabulletsmashingintotheforemostofthescalybluemassofreptiles.Heheardthesharpbarkofaskinkasoneofthesmaller

lizardmenwasthrownbackbytheimpactofthebullet.Adalwolfstartedtodrawthesecondpistolbeforeherememberedthatthelizardmenweren’tthe

onlythingshehadtoworryabout.Evenifhehaddrawntheweapon,hewouldnothavehadtimetofire.Roaringlikeablood-madbull,Boneripperchargedintothereptiles.Theratogre’shugeclawsrippedagoryswathethroughthesmallskinks,tossingtheirmangledbodiesbeforehimlikechaffbeforeasickle.TheskinksretreatedbeforeBoneripper ’sassault.ForaninstantAdalwolfthoughtthemonsterhad

routedthem,butthenhesawtherealreasonfortheirflight.Thesmallerlizardmenwereclearingapathfortwooftheirhugecousins.Bonerippergrowledachallengetothetwokroxigorandsoonhewaslockedinmortalcombatwiththescalybrutes.Adalwolfwatchedthebattleforonlyafewsecondsbeforefurryhandswereturninghimaround.

GreySeerThanquolpressedthefallentorchintohishandandgesturedfranticallyatthecorridorahead.‘Fast-quick!Run-flee!’Thanquolsqueaked.Adalwolfsquirmedfreeoftheratman’sfilthytouch.HelookedinshockatThanquol.‘You’re

goingtojustleavehim?’heasked,pointingbacktowhereBoneripperstruggledwiththekroxigor.‘Yes-yes!’Thanquolsnapped.‘Hurry-quick!Breeder-thingclose-close!’Shakinghisheadindisbeliefatthecallousnessofthegreyseer,Adalwolfsprinteddownthe

corridoratwhathehopedwasafastenoughpacetokeephimaheadofthelizardmenoncetheygotpastBoneripper.HecouldhearThanquol’sscurryingfeetclosebehindhim.Hedidn’tseethecraftygleaminthegreyseer ’seyes,orthewayhegroundhisfangstogetheras

thoughimaginingthemlockedaboutacertainslave-thing’sthroat.

Theairwasheavywiththehot,damp,rottenreekofthejungleasHiltrudeandSchachterwerecarriedfromthepyramid.Eachofthehumanswasheldbyahulkingkroxigor,slungoverthebacksofthegiantlizardmenlikesacksofpotatoes.Thehugereptilessetthemdownroughlyonalittleflatledgethatcircledthepyramidatitsmidsection.Thecaptivesblinkedpainfullyattheblazingsun,blindingafterthegloomofthetunnel-likehallswithinthetemple.Theircaptorsdidnotallowthemtimetorecovertheirsight.Almostassoonasthekroxigorset

themdown,skinkswerescramblingoverthem.Thesmallerlizardmenslashedtheirbindingswithlittleobsidiankniveswhileatthesametimeretyingtheirarmsbehindtheirbacks.Assoonastheyweretied,theskinksforcedthemtotheirfeet,proddingandpushingthemtothelongflightofstonestepssetintothefaceofthepyramid.Hiltrudestumbledasshetriedtomountthestairway.Thestepswereshallow,theinclinewasnearly

verticalandshecouldn’tbalanceherselfproperlywithherarmsfoldedagainstthesmallofherback.Shehadtakenonlyafewstepsbeforeshefell,smashingpainfullyagainstthejaggedstairs.Herbodybegantoslidedownthestairs.Shecouldseethecrackedpavingstonesoftheplazafarbelowandathrillofhorrorsweptthroughher.Frantically,shebracedherlegstocatchherweightandarrestherfall.Itwasonlywhenshestoppedslidingthattheskinksmovedin,pullingherbackontoherfeetandpushingheraheadofthem.ShecouldseetherobedfigureofXiuhcoatlclimbingthestairs,scramblingupthemaseffortlessly

asasquirrelclimbingatree.Herbloodturnedcoldwhenshesawtheotherskinkpriestswaitingforhimatthetopofthepyramid.Theywerestandingaroundthealtar,thesamealtartheyhadseenthelizardmenmakingtheirgorysacrificesupon.Hiltrudescreamedthen.Shetwistedherbodyaround,tryingtothrowherselffromthesideofthe

pyramid.BettertobesmashedagainsttheplazabelowthanbebutcheredonXiuhcoatl’saltar.Butthistimethelizardmenwerereadyforher.Cold,scalyhandscaughtherbeforeshecouldfall,pullingher

back.Skinkssurroundedheroneveryside,proddingandnudginghertowardsthewaitingpriests.‘Don’tworry,’Schachtercalledtoherfrombelow.‘Thebastardscanonlykillusonce.’AsHiltrudelookedupandsawXiuhcoatlgazingdownather,shewasn’tsureifthecaptainwas

right.Itwasn’tangershesawintheprophet’seyes,itwasmoreemotionlessthanthat.Buttherewasjudgementthere,sternandwithoutpity.Heknewtheyweretheoneswhohadbrokenthemagicthatkepttheunderfolkfromviolatinghistemple.TheTempleofSotekhadbeenprofanedandtheywereresponsible.ShereadthatinXiuhcoatl’sstaringeyes,andmore.Topurifythetemplewouldtakemuchblood

andmuchpain.Theirblood.Theirpain.

Thestrangesnake-glyphshatteredbeneaththeblowoftheweirdgoldenclubAdalwolfhadtakenfromthecorpseofoneoftheskinks.Hecouldalmostimaginelittlewispsofenergyrisingfromthestoneasitcrumbledaway.Therewasnomistaking,however,theeagerglintthatfilledThanquol’sbeadyeyes.‘Quick-quick!’Thanquolurgedhim,pointingdownthecorridorwhereanotheroftheserpent

glyphscouldbeseenjuttingfromthewall.‘Scaly-thingsclose-close!’Adalwolfdidn’thavetoasktheratmanhowheknewthat.Hecouldheartheskinksrunningupthe

hallbehindthem,theirclawsscratchingagainstthestonefloor.Itcouldbeonlyamatterofminutesbeforethereptilescaughtthem,andthistimetheydidn’thaveBonerippertoholdthemonstersback.ThemercenaryranpastThanquol,attackingthesnake-stonewithhisclub.Theophidianhead

crackedashestruckit.Asecondblowsenttheglyphscrumblingtothefloor.ThehaironAdalwolf’sarmsstoodonendashefeltthepowerwithinthewardescapingintothedarkness.Thanquolchitteredexcitedly,racingpastthemanandgesturingimpatientlyatstillanotherofthesnake-stones.Adalwolfglancedbehindhim.Thelizardmenweremuchclosernow.Perhapsthereptileswere

usingthestinkofThanquol’sfurtoguidethemthroughthedark.Theideacausedatroublingthoughttooccurtohim.HowwasitthatThanquolhadn’tsmelledthelizardmenbefore?Withhissharpnoseheshouldhavepickeduptheirscentlongbeforetheskinksambushedthem?ButwhywouldThanquolletthembeambushed?Ithadcosthimhisgiantbodyguardtoescapetheattack.‘Fast-hurry,quick-quick!’Thanquolsquealedathim,hoppingononefootinhisfranticeagerness.Therewashisanswer,Adalwolfrealised.Thegreyseerhadallowedthelizardmentofindthemand

chasethemsothathecouldforceAdalwolftohurry,tobedrivenlikeahuntedbeast,toactwithoutthinkingaboutwhathedid.ThemercenarysmiledcoldlyatThanquol,glaringathimasheslowlymarchedtowardsthe

ratman.‘JustwhereisHiltrude?’Thanquollashedhistail,thenliftedhisheadandmadeagreatshowofsniffingtheair.‘Breeder-

thingnear!Fast-quick!’Hepointedashakingclawatthesnake-stone.‘You’relying,’Adalwolftoldhim.Hisfingerstightenedaboutthegripofhisclub.Hestaredpast

Thanquol,notingthewaythecorridorseemedbrighterahead.Nottheflickerofatorch,butsomethingcleaner.Ragebuiltupinsidehimasherealisedhewaslookingatdaylight.Thanquolsawhisanger.Thegreyseerdroppedintoacrouch,dragginghisswordfromitssheath.

‘Fool-meat!Scaly-thingscatch-killbothofus!’‘Idon’tcareaboutthat,’Adalwolfsnarled.‘Youtrickedme!Youletmehavehope!’Hetookastep

towardstheratman,swingingtheclubbeforehim.‘Wait-listen!Breeder-thingnear-close!’Thanquolinsisted,parryingthesweepofAdalwolf’sclub

withhissword.Evenwithonlyonearm,themercenary’sgreaterstrengthsentthegreyseerreeling.

Thanquolshriekedinabjectterrorashestumbledclosetothesnake-stone.‘It’smeorthemagicfire,monster!’Adalwolfshouted.HeswungtheclubatThanquol’shead,the

blowcomingsoclosetostrikinghomethatitgratedagainstoneofhishorns.‘Eitherwaywillsuitmefine.’‘Listen-listen!’Thanquolpleaded,throwinghimselflowtoavoidAdalwolf’sclub.Thegreyseer

scrambledacrossthefloorlikeagiantrat,cringingagainstthewall.‘Ifind-takebreeder-thing!Smell-scent!’hewhined,tappinghisnosewiththesideofhissword.Adalwolfdidn’tgiveanycredittothegreyseer ’sbegging.Themonsterhadtrickedhimonce,he

wasn’tgoingtoletithappenagain.HewouldnotputitpastThanquoltosimplybeplayingfortimesothathecouldbecapturedbythelizardmenratherthankilledbytheenragedmercenary.Thegoldenclubcamesmashingdown,dentingitselfonthehardfloorasThanquoldivedaway

fromthecrushingblow.Hemadeadesperateslashofhissword,butthestrikemissedAdalwolf’slegbyagoodsixinches.ThemercenaryspunonthecringingmonsterandbroughttheclubswingingaroundinasavagearcthatwouldspatterThanquol’sbrainsonthewall.Thegreyseerthrewhimselfflat,theclubwhistlingoverhisheadbeforesmashingintothewall.

Adalwolffelttheterrificimpactthrobthroughhisbones,hishandgoingsonumbthattheclubnearlyfellfromhisfingers.Hisfleshcrawledasherealisedhe’dnotonlymissedhisenemybuthadlefthimselfcompletelyhelpless.Thanquoldidn’tspringathimwithhisrustysword.Instead,theskavenleapttohisfeet,chittering

laughterripplingpasthisfangs.Heturnedtailandran,notintothedarknesswherethesoundsofthepursuinglizardmenweregrowinglouder,butahead,towardsthedaylight.RawhorrorraceddownAdalwolf’sspinewhenheunderstoodthereasonforThanquol’slaughter.

Thelastblowhehadaimedatthegreyseerhadmissedhim,strikingthewallinstead.Butnotjustanypartofthewall.Unintentionallyhehadshatteredthelastofthesnake-stones!WhetherThanquolhadgoadedhimintoaccidentallybreakingthewardorifitwasjustanotherexampleofthedevil’sluckthatseemedtosurroundthemonster,Adalwolfdidnotknow.Allthatheknewwashisenemywasgoingtoescape.Alreadyresignedtoalonelydeath,themercenarywasdeterminedtoseeThanquolprecedehimon

thelongroadtohell.Tossingasidethegoldenclubindisgust,Adalwolfdrewtheduellingpistolfromhisbeltandraced

afterthefleeingratman.ThegreaterspeedoftheskavengaveAdalwolfsmallhopeofcatchingthemonster,buthewasdeterminedtotry.HecalleduponMyrmidiaandVerenaandallhisgodsandgoddesses,beggingthemforthisonesmallfavour.Lethimavengehimselfonhisenemy.Thanquolvanishedthroughthestonearchwaythatformedtheentrancetothecorridor.The

daylightwasalmostblindingasAdalwolfhurriedafterhim.Suchwashisdisorientationandtheurgencythatspedhislegsthathenearlypitchedheadfirstdownthesideofthepyramidwhenheleftthetunnel.Onlythemerestchanceallowedhimtoshifthisweightbackintime,tofallbackagainstthewallofthepyramidinsteadofcrashingdowntotheplazafarbelow.Hisvisionwasstillmostlyastingingblur,allcolourswashedoutintodifferentvibranciesofwhite.

Adalwolfcursedthebitinglightofthesun,cursedthevaluablemomentsitgaveThanquoltoescapehim.Inthemidstofhiscursing,asnarlingfigurepouncedintotheedgeofhisvision.Thanquol’sheavy

staffcrackedagainsthisface,nearlybreakinghisjawasitknockedhimdown.Hescreamedinpainashefell,landinguponhisbrokenarm.Thepistoltumbledthroughhisfingers,clatteringalongthenarrowledge.Morefrominstinctthanconsciousthought,Adalwolfrolledhispainwrackedbodyassoonashe

landed.InstantlyheheardtheedgeofThanquol’sswordscrapingthestoneshehadbeenlyingon.He

kickedoutwithhisboottowardsthesourceofthesoundandgrinnedsavagelywhenhewasrewardedbyThanquol’spainedsqueak.‘Dung-ruttingslave-meat!’Thanquolsnarledathim.‘I’llcut-gutyournethersandfeedthemto

you!’Thanquol’sstaffcrackedagainstAdalwolf’sside,sendingsliversofpureagonyrushingthrough

himashisbrokenbonesscrapedagainsteachother.Butthemercenarydidnotletthepainovercomehim.HeseizedtheheadofThanquol’sstaff,usingitasaleveragainsthisenemy.Howeverfastandsneakytheskavenwas,Adalwolfwasbiggerandstronger.BeforeThanquolwasevenawareofwhatwashappening,Adalwolfswungthegreyseeraround,slamminghimintothewallofthepyramid.Thegreyseerwasmoredistinctnow,nolongerablurofbrightnessinAdalwolf’swhitewashed

eyes.Hecouldseethegreyfurstandinguponthemonster ’sneck,theuglyfangsgleaminginhismouth.Thanquol’sclawstightenedabouthisswordandhestartedtorushforwardstodeliverastabbingthrusttotheman’sbelly.Suddenly,Thanquol’seyesbecamewidewithterror,anuglymuskysmellrisingfromhisbody.

Theswordclatteredfromhisfingers,bouncingdownthenarrowstonestepssetintothefaceofthepyramid.Quivering,theskavengaveashortsharpsqueakoffear,thenrippedhisstafffreefromAdalwolf’sgrasp.Frantically,Thanquolrandownthesideofthepyramid,droppingtoallfoursasheracedfortheruinsfarbelow.Adalwolfturnedhishead,wonderingifThanquolhadseenthelizardmenemergefromthe

corridor.Insteadhefoundhimselfstaringatthedesolatecitybeyondthepyramidandthejunglethatsurroundedit.Therewerethingsinthejunglenow,agreatmultitudeofreptilesofallsizesanddescription.Hesawlumberingarmouredbehemoths,howdahslashedacrosstheirscalybacksasthoughtheywereArabyanwarelephants.Hesawgreatcarnivorousbrutesliketheonetheyhadseenonthetrail,onlytheseweresaddledafterthefashionofBretonniandestriers.Hesawahordeoftall,powerfullizardmen,warriorreptilesthatwereneitherthehulkingkroxigorofthespawningpoolsorthewiryskinksofthetemple.Thesoldierlizardsformedranksandcolumns,marchingtothesoundofstrangepipesandominousdrums.Therewasanentirearmymusteringattheedgeofthejungle,fanningouttoformaringaroundthe

ruinedcity.Inthemidstofthestrangearmy,hiseyesdrawntoitlikethoseofaflytoaspider,wasaweird,bloated,toadlikecreaturehoveringuponagreatgoldendais.EvenAdalwolfcouldsensethepowerofthestrangebeing.Itwasasthoughapieceofthesunhadbrokenoffandfallenintothejungle,suchwasitsmagnitude.TheskinkprophetthathadsoterrifiedThanquolwasnothingbesidetheauraofancientmightthatemanatedfromthetoad-creature.Nowondertheratmanhadturnedtailandrun!ThinkingofThanquolmadeAdalwolfglancebackdownthesideofthepyramid.Thefleeing

skavenhadcoveredalmosthalfofthedistancebetweenhimselfandtheplazabelow.Adalwolfglancedabouthimforaloosebrick,anoldbone,anythinghemighthurlafterThanquolandperhapsmakehimfall.Hesmiledassomethingbetterrewardedhisquicksearch.HehadthoughthispistollostwhenThanquolpouncedonhim,buttheweaponhadnotrolledoverthelipoftheledge.Grinning,AdalwolfstoodandcoldlyaimedthepistolatThanquol’sback.Beforehecouldfire,asharpscreamrosefromsomewherebehindandabovehim.Adalwolfspun

around,certainitwasHiltrude’svoice.Hegazedupthefaceofthepyramid,staringattheflatsummitwherethealtarstood.Theskinkpriestswereoncemoregatheredthere,therobesandfeathersofXiuhcoatlflutteringabouthiminthehot,dampwind.Theskinkprophetheldagleamingknifeinhisclawedhandasheleanedoverthealtar.Uponthealtar,stretchedandtiedastheratmenhadbeen,shriekinginterror,wasHiltrude!AdalwolfgavenofurtherthoughttoThanquol.Hesighteddownthebarrelofhispistol,aimingat

thedistantshapeofXiuhcoatl.Therewaslittlechanceofthebulletstrikingtheprophetatsuchadistance,butAdalwolfprayedthatthenoiseofthedischargemightfrightenhimoff.Takingcarefulaimandprayingoncemoretohisgods,Adalwolfslowlypulledthetrigger.

LordTlacowatchedthecorruptedalgorithmasitscurrieddownthefaceoftheTempleoftheSerpent.Theslannshiftedhisattentionawayfromthenoxiousdisharmonyandinsteadfocuseduponthelowphasealgorithm,theunknownquotient,standingupontheledgeabovethefleeingxa’cota.Hecouldseethewarm-quickemotionsasirrationalsumswarringforcontroloftheunknownquotient’smentalprocesses.Atthetopofthetemple,LordTlacocouldseeXiuhcoatl,theskink’spresenceasinscrutableastheothertimesthemage-priesthadcontemplatedhim.Throughtheconfusionofirrationalitiesthatfilledthemindoftheunknownquotient,LordTlaco

couldseepatterns.Onesetofpatternswouldspelldestructionforthexa’cota.AnothersetbroughtchallengetotheProphetofSotek.Whichpatternwouldtheunknownquotientaddintoitself?Whichalgorithmwoulditseektonegate?TheOldOneshadapurposewhentheyhadaddedthelowphasealgorithmstotheGreatMath.It

didnotmatterthatnoneoftheslannhadevertrulydecideduponthepurposeofthataddition,oreveniftheworktheOldOneshadbegunhadbeenfinishedorleftincomplete.Unlikethepersistentfractalsandthecorruptedalgorithms,thewarm-quickhadtheirplacewithintheharmony.Theyhadpurpose.LordTlacohadinvestedmuchattentiontobringingtheunknownquotientheretoservesucha

purpose.Whichwoulditchoose?Xiuhcoatlorthexa’cota?Whichwoulditsirrationalsumstellitwastheanswertotheequation?Theslann’seyesnarrowedashesawtheunknownquotient’sthoughtsbecomeconstant.Ithadmade

itschoice.LordTlacowatchedasthehumanpointedhisweaponatXiuhcoatlandfired.Thatistheanswertotheproblem,LordTlacodecided,shiftingoneofitsflabbyfingers,usingitto

manipulatethepatternsoftheGreatMath.Theequationissolved,theslannthought.Thenewunknownwaswhy.

AdalwolfwatchedindisbeliefashisbulletexplodedthetopofXiuhcoatl’sskull.Theskinkprophetdidn’tevencryoutastheimpactoftheshotliftedhimoffhisfeet.Thebodyflewoverthesideofthepyramid,clatteringdowntheshallowstairwayinatangleoffeatheredtalismansandgoldencharms.TheotherskinkpriestswereasshockedbythesuddenandviolentdeathofXiuhcoatlasAdalwolf.

Thelizardmenblinkedabouttheminconfusion,theirmouthsgapinginstunnedsilence.Hedidn’tknowhowlonghecouldexpectthelizardmentobeovercomebythedeathoftheir

leader.Shiftinghisgriponthepistolsothathemightuseitsheavybuttlikeabludgeon,Adalwolftooktothestairs,rushingupthematafrenziedpace,heedlessofthelethalfallwaitingforhimifhestumbledinhismadrushupthefaceofthepyramid.ThedangerthatthreatenedhimwaslittlecomparedtotherevengethelizardmenweresuretotakeuponHiltrudewhentheyrecovered.Thevisionofherdrippingheartbeingrippedfromherbodybythereptilianpriestsspurredhimon.Heignoredtheflareofpainthatshotthroughhimwitheverystepasthebonesofhisshatteredarmgroundagainsteachother.Hewasoblivioustothehot,stingingbreaththatraspedthroughhislungs.Allthatmatteredtohimwasreachingthegirlintime.Adalwolfclearedthelastfewstepsinaboundingleap,landingupontheroofofthepyramidina

pantherishcrouch.Theskinkpriestsblinked,theirpupilswideninginsurpriseastheyfoundthiswildmankneelingbesidethealtar.Oneofthepriestsstartedtolifthisfeatheredstaff.Themercenarysprangathim,smashingthepistolagainstthetopofhisskull.Theskinkstaggeredunderthefirstblow,thenslumpedlifelesslyagainstthealtarasAdalwolfpressedhisattack.AsharphisswarnedAdalwolfthatasecondskinkwasrushingathimfrombehind.Hespun,

hurlingthebloodypistolattheskink’sface.Fangscrackedastheweaponsmashedintothelizardman’smouth,causinghimtoveerawayfromthemercenaryandclutchathisbleedingface.Therewasnotimetopursuethewoundedpriest,foralreadythethirdofitsfellowswasrushingat

Adalwolf,thesharptipofitsstaffaimedathimlikeaspear.Hebracedhimself,waitingforthemomenthewanted.Astheskinkrushedathim,heshiftedandgrabbedatthestaff.MuchashehadwhenfightingThanquol,hecaughtthestaffinagripofironandusedhisgreaterstrengthandsizetoswinghisfoearound.TheleanskinkwasevenlessofaburdenthanthehornedskavenandAdalwolf’sspinflungthereptilefaroutoverthesideoftheroof.Thelizardmanutteredachirpoffrightasitplummetedtotheplazabelow.ThelastoftheskinkpriestsglaredatAdalwolfwithcold,unblinkingeyes.Slitheringnoises

whisperedthroughitsteethandanawfullightbegantogatheraboutitsscalyclaws.Themercenaryunderstoodthereasonfortheboldattacksoftheotherpriests.Theyhadbeenmeanttodistracthimtogivethislastpriesttimetoworkitsmagic.Adalwolfthrewthefeatheredstaffheheldattheskink,butthehurledweaponseemedtolosemomentumbeforeitevencameneartheskink,clatteringharmlesslyonthestonesinfrontofthepriest’sfeet.Gleamingteethshoneintheskink’sfaceasthepriestraisedoneofhisglowingclaws.Adalwolf

lookedforsomeplacehemighttakecover.TheonlyhidingplacewasthealtarandtotakeadvantageofitwouldbetoexposeHiltrudetowhatevermagicthereptilewasevoking.Adalwolfstoodwherehewasandglareddefiantlyatthelizardman.‘Ihopeyouchokeonthose

words,’hespat.Theskinkabruptlystoppedhisincantation,theglowfadingfromhisclaws.Itcockedhisheadto

theside,staringatAdalwolfwithalookofsurpriseandconfusionthatwasevengreaterthanhisshockatXiuhcoatl’sdeath.Calmly,thepriestsetitsstaffdownontheground,thensatdownbesideit,foldinghislegsandtailbeneathhisbody.Adalwolfstaredsuspiciouslyattheskink,wonderingwhattrickitwasplayingat.Hewatchedthe

creaturecarefully,circlingaroundittoreachthealtar.Theskinkgavenofurthernoticeoftheman,butkeptitseyesstaringatthepalmsofitsownhands.HiltrudesobbedwhenshesawAdalwolf’sfaceappearaboveher,tearsofreliefrollingdownher

cheeks.Themercenarygaveherareassuringsmile,thenfumbledatthethongsthelizardmenhadusedtobindhertothealtar.Whateverknotstheskinkshadused,theywerecomplexenoughtobaffleevenaseafaringman.Adalwolfsoonabandonedanyhopeofuntyingherandlookedforsomethingtocutherfreeinstead.TheceremonialknifeXiuhcoatlhadthoughttouseonHiltrudewasrestingonthegroundbeside

thealtar.Adalwolfleaneddownandquicklygrabbedit.Ashedidso,hesawtheshiveringmasslyingsprawledatthefootofthealtar.AgrimsmileappearedonhisfaceashesawCaptainSchachter ’ssituation.Thetreacherousseacaptaincouldwait.AdalwolfstoodandreturnedhisattentiontoHiltrude.With

alastlookattheskinktomakesurehewasstillbehaving,themercenarybegansawingatthetiesthatboundHiltrude’shands.Assoonasherarmswerefree,HiltrudewrappedthemaroundAdalwolf’sneckinacrushing

embrace.Shepulledherselfoffthealtarandcrushedhersoftlipsagainsthis.Ittookmoreeffortthanhewouldhavebelievedpossibletofreehimselffromherarms.‘Ihavetofreeyourlegs,’Adalwolftoldher,gentlypushingheraway.Asuddenthoughtcameto

him.Hewouldneedtoturnhisbackontheskink.‘Keepyoureyesonthatmonster.Warnmeifhemoves.’‘Iprayedyouwouldcome,’Hiltrudetoldhimashesawedatthecords.‘Ididn’tdaretohopeyou’d

comeintime.’

AdalwolfslashedthelastofthecordsandhelpedHiltrudelowerherselffromthealtar.‘YoucanthankthatslinkingcowardThanquolIfoundyouintime,’Adalwolfsaid.‘Hepromisedhe’dleadmetoyouifIhelpedhimgetout,thoughI’msureheneverintendedtokeephisword.Sometimesevenliarsgetcaughtintheirownlies.’Hiltrudestartedtohughimagain,thennoticedtheflareofpainthatsweptacrosshisfacewhenshe

touchedhisarm.AmixtureofpityandconcernfilledhereyesasshenoticedAdalwolf’sinjury.Shestudiedthecrudebindinghehadmadeforhimselffromoneofhispantlegs.Shakingherheadindisapproval,shestartedtoripatthetattersofherowndresstomakeamoresecurebandage.‘Notimeforthat,’Adalwolfscoldedher.‘TherewasanentiremobofreptileschasingmewhenI

escapedthepyramidandthere’sanentirearmyofthemmovingtosurroundthecity!Wehavetogetoutofhere!Now!’ThemercenarygrabbedHiltrude’shandandstartedtoleadhertowardsthestairswhenSchachter ’s

voicecriedout.‘FortheloveofShallyaandthegraceofManann,don’tleaveme!’thecaptainwailed.Adalwolfstaredcoldlyattheman,thenhisgazeshiftedtothenowemptyaltar.Itwasnobetterthan

thevillaindeserved.Hiltrude’ssofthandpressedagainsthischestasheturnedaway.‘Youcan’tleavehim,’shesaid.‘Notlikethis.Notwiththem.’AstabofguiltmadeAdalwolffrown.WhateverSchachterhaddone,hewasstillhuman.Hiltrude

wasright;nomanofconsciencecouldabandonanothertothemerciesofinhumanmonsters.Exceptforher,though,herealisedthatwasexactlywhathewouldhavedone.ThemercenaryleanedoverSchachter,sawingthroughthecordswithadeftmotionoftheknife.

TheseacaptainrubbedhisbruisedwristsandgrinnedatAdalwolf.‘Don’tgettheideaIdidthisforyou,’themercenarywarnedhim.‘Ijustdon’twantyoursorryfacehauntingmeatnightisall.’‘Iwon’tforgetthis,’Schachterassuredhim.‘ByHandrichandoldJacko’theSea,Iwon’t!’The

captainstoodandrubbedhislegs,workingcirculationbackintothem.‘What’stheplannow?YoumeantogobackinsideandlookforvanSommerhaus?’AdalwolfturnedawayasHiltrudelookedathimhopefully.Afterherownimpossiblerescue,she

seemedtothinkhecoulddoanything.Inaway,hewasalmostsadhewastoorationaltothinkhecould.Ifthepatroonwasstillinsidethepyramid,they’dneverfindhim.Hestaredoutacrosstheruins,watchingasthearmyoflizardmenslowlysurroundedit.Soontherewouldbenoescape.Butwherewouldtheyescapeto?Asmilespreadacrosshisfaceashespottedagreyrobedfigureracingthroughtheruins.If

anybodyknewanescaperoute,itwouldbeThanquol!Thewarriorpointedatthedistantratman.‘WehavetofollowThanquol!’hesaid.‘He’llknowa

wayoutofhereandI’msurehecanbeconvincedtheonlywaytosavehisskinistosaveourstoo.’Hiltrudegaspedinhorrorattheidea.‘WeescapethelizardmenonlytorunbackintoThanquol’s

paws!’Adalwolfshookhishead.‘He’slostallofhisfollowers.It’sjusthimandusnow.’Hegazedout

acrosstheruins,unpleasantlyawareofthecordonthelizardmenwerethrowingaroundthecityandthepresenceofthetoad-creatureattheedgeofthejungle.‘Wehavetohurrybeforewelosehim.’‘I’llbewithyouinamoment,’Schachtertoldtheothers.Hepickeduponeofthefeatheredstaves

lyingontheroofandstrodetowardsthesittingskink.‘Schachter!Leaveitalone!’Adalwolfcried,afraidthemanwouldprovokethereptilianpriestinto

unleashingwhatevermagichehadbeenconjuring.Theseacaptainhesitatedasheliftedthestaff,butitwasn’tbecauseofAdalwolf’sshout.Schachter

studiedtheunmovinglizardman,staringatthecuriouswhitespotsthatwerespreadingacrosstheskink’sscalyhide.Itwaslikewatchingmouldgrowingonbread.Hebackedawayfromthereptile,

suddenlylosinghisinterestinbashingitsheadin.‘Plague!’Schachtergasped,makingthesignofShallyaashespoketheghastlyword.Adalwolfstartedtowardsthesittingpriesttoseeforhimself,butHiltrudeheldhimback.‘Yousaid

wehadtogo.Let’sgo,’shesaid,hervoicequiveringwithterrormuchasithadwhenthesailorshadproposedusingfiretoburnawaytheman-eatingplants.Themercenaryrelented.Theskinkcouldkeepthesecretofwhateverweirddoomhadclaimedit.

Carefully,hemadehiswaytothestairs,gratefulthathehadHiltrudebesidehimtokeephisbalance.Descendingwasgoingtobeharderthanhismadrushtothetop.Foronething,therewasnowaytoavoidnoticinghowfaritwastothebottom.HalfwaydowntheyfoundtheentrancewayThanquolandAdalwolfhadusedtoescapethepyramid.

Theopeningwaslitteredwiththebodiesoflizardmennow,allofthemsportingthemosthideouswounds.Adalwolffeltallthewarmthdrainoutofhimwhenhesawthebodies.Heknewwhatkindofcreaturewascapableofwreakingsuchhavoc.Hekeptsilent,though.Itwouldn’tdoanygoodtotelltheothersthatThanquolmightnotbealoneforlong.Therewereothersthough,lizardmenthathadn’tquitebeenfinishedoffinthefight.Noneofthem

wereinanyconditiontocausetrouble,simplylyingstrewnabouttheledge,theirlifebloodseepingoutoftheirmangledframes.Themouthsoftheskinksgapedastheytriedtosuckairintotheirbodiesandtheireyeswereswollenandcrustedover.ThesameghastlywhitefungusSchachterhaddescribedwasquicklyspreadingacrosstheirscalyskin,visiblyexpandingevenastheywatched.Schachterstoopedoveroneofthemutilatedskinksandremovedthegoldenswordclutchedinits

deadclaw.Hetestedthebalanceoftheunwieldyblade.Grinning,heturnedbacktowardsAdalwolf.‘Damnsightbetterthanaknife,’Schachtertoldthemercenary.HiltrudecouldfeelAdalwolf’sbody

growtense.SchachterlaughedandtossedtheweapontoAdalwolf.‘Thisone’syours,’hesaid.‘I’llseeabout

findingothersformyselfandthegirl.’‘Ifwegetback,these’llbeworthafewguilders,’Adalwolfcommentedashestudiedthestrange

double-headedsword.‘Iwasthinkingthesamething,’Schachteranswered,agleaminhiseye.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

HuntersandPrey

Whenheheardthepistolshot,Thanquol’spawsinstantlyflewtohischest.Ittookseveralminutesofpokingandpattingtoassurehimselfthathehadn’tbeenshot.Hegrittedhisteethinaferalscowl.Heknewithadbeenamistaketogivethatsimperinghumanaweapon!Thevillainous,unthankfulwretchhadtriedtoputabulletinhisback!ThanquolmutteredaquietprayerofgratitudetotheHornedRatforspoilingtheman-thing’saim.

Howeverdirehiscircumstances,heshouldhaveknownbetterthantoarmanunpredictableanimal.Humanscouldn’tbetrustedwithalltheirinsaneideasandirrationalattachments.Anythinkingcreaturewouldhavebeencontenttobeledoutofthepyramid,butnotahuman!Ohno,thefool-meathadtodemandtobeledtohisbreederfirst!Thegreyseerlookedbackatthepyramidasheleapedtothecrackedstonesoftheplaza.He

wonderedifhedaredsendaspellsearingintothehuman.AsafraidashewasofdrawingXiuhcoatl’sattention,hewasevenmoreafraidthatthegreatfatfrog-thinghe’dspottedinthejunglewouldnotice.ThatcreaturehadappearedtoThanquol’ssenseslessasathingoffleshandbloodbutmoreasabloatedsackofrawmagicalenergy.He’dseenwarpstonedepositsthatwerepunybesidethepowerhesensedinthefatfrog-thing.Seeingthefrog-mageupclosehadrisenratherprominentlytothetopofThanquol’sphobias.GoingbacktoSkavenblightandexplaininghisfailuretotheNightlordwasn’tsuchapoorprospectbycomparison.Thanquollashedhistailinannoyance.Hewouldn’tgetbacktoSkavenblightiftheback-shooting

man-thingputabulletthroughhisspine.PerhapsXiuhcoatlandthefrog-magewouldn’tnoticeasmallspell;oneonlybigenoughtoscorchthehuman’seyesoutofhisface.HisbeadyredeyesblinkedinconfusionasThanquolstaredupatthepyramid.Thehumanwasn’t

evenlookingathim,hewasdashingupthestairsasfastashecould,makingfortheroofofthedreadfultemple.Hewasjustthinkingthatterrorofthegreyseer ’spowershadsenttheman-thingrunningwhenThanquolnoticedthegreasytangofreptilebloodintheair.Heshiftedhisgazeinthedirectionofthesmellandwasshockedtoseeascalybluebodytumblingdownthestepsofthepyramid.ThefaintsmellofgunpowderrisingfromthelizardmantoldThanquolhowhehadmethisend.ThewhiterobeandfeatheredornamentsmadehimrealisethatthevictimofAdalwolf’sbullethadbeenXiuhcoatl.Thanquolclappedhispawstogetherandleapedofftheground,squeakingindelight.Theclever,boldlittleslave-thing!Heknewtherewasareasonhehadconqueredhisownpetty

fearsanddoubtsandgiventhehumanthosepistols.Lesserskavenwouldhavethoughtonlyoftheirownskins,unabletothinkpastgettingabulletintheirback.Nothe!Hiswasthesortofgeniusthatmightexhibititselfonceinageneration.Hehadforeseenthepossibilitiesofahumanwithapistol.Forthegoodofthequest,hehaddismissedhisownfearsandputtheman-thinginthepositiontokillXiuhcoatl!

Actually,themorehethoughtaboutit,thestorywouldprobablysoundevenmoreheroicifheavoidedanymentionofthehumanatall.Thanquolwonderedifheshouldsayhe’dshotthecursedProphetofSotekorifitwouldbeevenmoreawe-inspiringtosayhe’dslaughteredthelizardmanwithoneofhisspells.Theproblemwasstillvexingthegreyseerwhenhesawapackofexcitedskinkseruptfromthe

tunnelheandthehumanhadescapedthrough.Thanquolglaredatthelizardmen,thumbedapieceofwarpstonefromhispocketandstartedtoimaginethespellhewouldevoke.Thenherememberedthefrog-mageoutinthejungle.Magicprobablywasn’tagoodideajustnow,Thanquoldecidedasheturnedtailandscurriedaway

fromtheTempleoftheSerpent.Theverylastthinghewantedwastodrawthatthing’sattention.ItmightevendrawtheawfulconclusionthatithadbeenheandnotthehumanwhohadkilledXiuhcoatl.Thanquolwasn’tsureiffrog-thingscouldgetangry,buthewassurehedidn’twanttofindout.

AdalwolfwincedasHiltrudetightenedthebindingaroundhisbrokenarm.Staringdownatthemouldycorpsesofthelizardmen,themercenarywascertainthemaimedlimbwasinfectedwiththesameputrescence.Hewonderedhowquicklythediseasewouldoverwhelmhimandhowmuchitwouldhurt.Somehow,hedidn’ttaketheskinkpriest’squietacceptanceofthesicknessasagoodexampleofhowitfelttohavewhitemoulderuptingfromyourskin.Helookedlonginglydownthesideofthepyramid.Aquickfallanditwouldbeallover,Adalwolf

thought.ButthatwouldleaveHiltrudealonewithSchachteragain.Themercenaryshookhishead.Hecouldn’tabandonhertothevillain.Ifitcametoit,hecutSchachter ’sthroatbeforehisown.TheseacaptainalmostseemedtosenseAdalwolf’sthoughts.Hebackedawayfromthesprawled

bodiesofthelizardmen.Threegoldswordsandtwoclubswerestuffedbeneathhisbeltandhehadtiedthearmsofhiscoattogethertomakeabagtocarrystillmoreloothe’dpulledoffthebodies.Schachter ’sfaceflushedwithembarrassmentwhenhesawHiltrudeandAdalwolfstaringathim.‘Ifwegetoutofhere,you’llbegladIbroughtthisalong,’Schachtertoldthem,heftingtheheavy

sackontohisshoulder.‘There’senoughheretosetthethreeofusupprettygoodifwegetback.’‘Yousureaboutthat?’Hiltrudechallenged.‘Imean,aboutsplittingit?’Schachtercouldn’tlookinhereyes,insteadstaringathisfeet.‘Youwantmetoleaveitthen?’‘Itmightremovecertaintemptations,’thecourtesanshotback.Adalwolfshookhishead.‘Bringthebag,Schachter,’hesaid.‘We’vewastedenoughtimeonit.

Thanquol’sprobablyoutofthecitybynow.’‘Notthewayhe’sleaking,’Schachtersmiled,noddinghisheadatthetrailofblackbloodstaining

thestepsofthepyramid.‘Youmusthavecuthimprettygoodinyourscuffle.’Adalwolfthoughtaboutthat.Thanquolhadn’tlookedhurtwhenhescurriedoff.Heglancedagain

atthemangledlizardmenandshudderedasheconsideredwhattheblackbloodwasmorelikelytobelongto.Still,evenifhewaswronginhisassumption,Schachter ’sadvicewassound.IfitwasBoneripper ’sblood,thentheratogrecouldonlybefollowingThanquol’sscent.Thatmeantiftheyfollowedtheblood,theywouldstillfindThanquol.HeonlyhopedtheydidsobeforeBoneripper.Adalwolfwascertainthebeastwouldriptheratman

apartwhenhecaughtuptohim.Hewasn’tconcernedabouttheratman,ofcourse,buttheyneededwhateverescaperoutetheslinkingsorcererhadwaitingtogethimoutofLustria.‘Wecan’tcountonthat,’Adalwolfobjected.‘He’samagician,remember?Oncehe’sfarenough

awayfromthepyramid,he’llwhistleupsomekindofspelltosethimright.Thenwherewillwebe?’Hedidn’twanttofrightentheotherswithhissuspicionsthatThanquolwasnotalone,butneitherdidhewantthemtobecaughtoff-guard.IfBoneripperhadrejoinedhistyrannicalmaster,theywouldneedalltheirwitssharp,notlulledintoafalseconfidencebythethoughtoftrailingalonewounded

ratman.ThethoughtsoberedSchachter.Strainingundertheweightofhiscoat,theseamanhurrieddownthe

narrowstairway,recklesslytakingthemthreeandfouratatime.‘Whatareyoustandingaroundfor!’Schachtershouted.‘We’vegotarattocatch!’

ThroughoutThanquol’slongflightthroughtheruinedstreetsofQuetza,he’dhadtheimpressionofbeingpursued.Sometimeshewouldhearthefaintscuffleoffeetagainststone,ortheclatterofrubblebeingdisturbed,orthescrapeofclawsagainstthecrumblingwalls.Hemanagedtokeeponestepaheadofhispursuers,however,constantlydartingintotheconfusingmazeofalleywaysandcollapsedbuildingsthatformedmuchofthesprawlingcity.Allofhistricks,however,weren’tenoughtofoolhishunters.Theykeptfollowinghim,alwaysjust

outofsight,alwaysjustattheedgeofhishearing.Thanquoltriedtopickuptheirscent,butwhenhesniffedtheairhefoundhisnosefilledwithafoulnessthatcausedittorun.Anabominabletaintwasintheatmosphere,asicklyvapourthatseemedtorisefromtheverystonesofQuetza.ThanquolthoughtofthelongwarbetweenClanPestilensandthelizardmenandwonderedwhatmannerofcontagionstheplaguepriestshadbrewedtoconquerthecity.Whatevervilediseasestheplaguemonkshadcreated,theyhadlingeredlongaftertheserpent-devil

Sotekdrovethemintothesea.Thefoulvapourshadseepedintotheverystones,lurkingandwaitinglikesomevenomousspider.Thanquolwonderedwhyhehadn’tdetecteditbefore.Theonlyanswerwasthatsomehow,insomefeatofsorceryofsuchmagnitudethatitmadethegreyseer ’sfurcrawl,XiuhcoatlhadsuppressedthelingeringplaguevapourssothatQuetzawouldbesafeforthelizardmentobuildtheirtemple.Iftrue,itwasanotherexampleofthepotencyofthescalycreaturesandtheirmagic.Morethan

ever,ThanquolwasdeterminedtogethistailoutofLustriaandbacktocivilisedlands.ThederangedmaniacsofClanPestilenscouldkeepthedamnjungles!Infact,ThanquolwouldsuggesttotheCouncilofThirteenthattheyshipalloftheUnder-Empire’smalcontentsandundesirablestoLustriaasanefficientmethodofdisposal.Thegreyseerbreathedagooddealeasieroncehewasbackundertheshadowyoverhangofthe

jungle.WhenhereachedtheedgeofQuetza,hegaveonelastlookback,tryingtospothispursuers.Hewascertaintheyhadn’tgivenup.TheeasewithwhichtheynavigatedthecitymadehimcertaintheywereXiuhcoatl’sfollowers.Strangely,theideawasmoreappealingthanthealternative:scoutsfromthefrog-mage’sarmy.Thanquolquicklyglancedfromsidetosideandsniffedattheair,buttherewasnosignthattheclosingpincersofthelizardmenwerenear.Hechitteredinamusementasheconsideredthehugearmyofreptilessurroundingthecity.TheywouldbetoolateintheirencirclementofQuetza–becausehewouldalreadybelonggone!Stillchitteringwithnervoushumour,ThanquoldarteddownthejungletrailsTsangKweek’sgutter

runnershadchoppedthroughthejungle.Alreadyvinesandcreeperswerestartingtochokethepathagain,butitwasclearenoughforThanquoltofollow.Therewasevenastrongsmellofskavenclingingtothepath,makingitdoublyeasyforhimtofindhisway.ItwascertainlyasignoftheHornedOne’sfavourthatThanquolhadsurvivedwheresomanyofClanEshin’svauntedkillersandmurderershaddied.Thanquolsmiledviciouslyasherememberedhisfallencomrades.ShiwanStalkscent,thearrogant

littlemurder-master.ShenTsinge,thetreacherouslittlesorcerer.TsangKweek,theslinkinglittlespy.KongKrakback,thebullyinglittlethug.Blinkinginbewilderment,Thanquolpausedasherandownthejungletrail.Foramoment,he’d

thoughthe’dheardKong’svoice.Butthatwas,ofcourse,impossible.Kongwasdead,alongwithallofhiswarriors.Theyhadsacrificedtheirlivessothattherestoftheexpeditioncouldgetinsidethe

TempleoftheSerpent.Ifhe’dheardanything,ithadbeenKong’sghost,andsincehedidn’tlikethatidea,hedecidedhehadn’theardanythingatall.ThesmellofskavenwasmuchstrongernowandThanquolwascertainhe’dreachedtheclearing

wheretheyhadmadetheircamp.He’dneedsomeofthesuppliesthey’dleftbehindtoprovisionhimselfonthetrekbacktothebeach.Withenoughfoodburiedaroundthecampsitetofeedafewhundredskaven,hewascertaintherewouldbeenoughtokeephimselfingoodstateforsometime.GreySeerThanquolemergedintotheclearingandimmediatelyhisfacetwistedintoascowl.The

groundwastornupineverydirection,churnedbytheclawsofanimals.SomefilthyjunglebeasthadbeendiggingupThanquol’ssupplies!Thenthegreyseer ’seyesnoticedthecarefullystackedpilesofrootsandtubersandwitheredsheets

ofsaltedmeat.Animalswouldn’tdothatherealised,achillsweepingdownhisspine.Itcouldonlymeanthatthelizardmenhadalreadybeenhereandfoundthisplace!Spinningabouttofleebackintothejungle,Thanquolwasthrownbackintotheclearingbya

powerfulblow.Hismouthfilledwithbloodashisfangsbitintohisowntongue,hislungsgaspingforairasthewindwasknockedoutofhimbyhisviolentfall.Asavagetugrippedhisstafffromhishandwhileaclawedfootpresseddownonhischest.Thanquolsputteredandspatfoul-tastingbloodfromhismouth.Hetriedtothinkwhatsortof

appealwouldingratiatehimselftothelizardmen.PerhapshecouldoffertoshowthemwhereClanPestilensstillhadstrongholdsinthejungle?Surelythereptileshadn’twipedoutalloftheplaguemonksandthey’dprobablybemosteagertofinishthejobtoavoidanotheroftheircitiesendinguplikeQuetza!Hismindracingwiththoughtsofhowtosavehisskinbybetrayinghisrace,Thanquolwasslowto

noticethathisattackersweren’tscaly.Big,black-furredskavensurroundedhim,theirarmourcakedinblood,theirbodiesstripedwithcrustywounds.HesawKongKrakback’suglysneerasthehulkingskavenwarriorglaredathimfromtheedgeoftheclearing.‘Kong!’Thanquolcoughed,findingthevocalisationdifficultwiththefootofaskavenwarrior

plantedonhischest.‘Iamhappy-pleasedtosee-findyoualive!Wearevictorious!Serpent-priestisdead-dead!’Thebigskavendidn’tseemtohearhim,insteadrunninghispawalongthelengthofthenotched

swordheheldinhisotherhand.ThetoothysmileonKong’sfacewasperfectlyprimalinitsexpressionofmurderoushate.‘Theywon’tlisten-hearyourlies,greytraitor!’ashrill,snickeringvoicerakedacrossThanquol’s

ears.Hehadtotwisthisnecktoanuncomfortableangletostareatthespeaker.Whathesawwasablack-cloakedassassincroucheduponthesamefallenlogThanquolhadusedashisownperchafterassumingcontroloftheexpedition.Theassassin,liketheskavenwarriors,borethemarksofhardfightingonhisbodyandhiscloakwasamassofbloodyrags.Itwasn’tthekiller ’snewinjuriesthatinterestedThanquol,however,buttheoldonehesawthrougharentintheratman’shood,thescabbysplotchagainstthesideofhisheadwhereanearhadbeencutoff.‘You!’wasallthegreyseercouldthinktosay.ChangFanggrinnedbackathimandlashedhistailinamusement.‘So,Thanquol-meat,you

rememberme!Youhavebetray-tricksomany,Iworry-fearyouwouldnotknowme!IamChangFang,’theassassindeclared,straighteninghimselfintoaproudpose.‘ChangSquikwasmytriad-kin.Whenyoubetrayedhim,youbetrayedme.Forthat,youdie-suffer!’Thanquol’sbodyshiveredinaspasmofpurefear.ChangSquik?Butthatbumblingkillerhadbeen

deadforyears!Whatkindoflunaticheldagrudgeforsuchalongtime!Itwasmadness!Besides,hewasn’ttheonewhohadcausedChangSquik’sdeath,ithadbeenthatdamnabledwarfandhispethuman!

‘Youdieslow,’ChangFanghissed,hoppingdownfromhisperchanddrawingoneofhiswickedknives.‘Imakeyousuffer-screammuch-much,’headdedwithaninsanegiggle.‘Butwecangoback!’Thanquolshouted.Hecouldseeitwasuselesstryingtoreasonwiththe

assassin,butsurelyKongandhiswarriorsweren’tsofargoneastoignorehim.‘Xiuhcoatl’sdead!Ikilledhim!WecangobackandclaimtheNightlord’sreward!’Thanquol’swordsonlybroughtchitteringlaughterfromtheotherskaven.Theratmanpinninghim

tothegroundlashedhisscalytailacrossthegreyseer ’sface.Theimpactstunglikethatofawhip.‘Nolie-words!’thewarriorsnarled,leaninghisweightontoThanquol,drivingthebreathfromhis

lungs.‘Thanquolkill-slayscaly-meat?’laughedKongKrakback.Thebigblackskavenwasfingeringhis

swordinsuchawaynowthatthegreyseerthoughtifChangFangdidn’thurrythewarriorwasgoingtodothejobfirst.‘HowThanquol-meatkill-slaysnake-priest?Tripoversnake-priestwhilerunningaway?’ThegreyseergnashedhisfangsatKong’scasualinsultagainsthiscourage,thentriedtothinkofa

liethatwouldsoundbelievabletotheblackskaven.They’dneverbelievehe’darrangedforoneofthehumanstokillXiuhcoatl,evenifhecouchedthestoryintermsthatmadeitsoundlikeahappyaccidentratherthanbrilliantplanningandcarefulstrategy.Acunninggleamcameintohiseye.‘Boneripper!’thegreyseersquealed.‘Isent-toldBoneripperto

slay-kill!’ChangFangleanedovertheproneThanquol,astringofdroolhangingfromtheassassin’seager

fangs.‘Toobadyounotkeep-takeratogre,’hegiggled.‘Nowyousuffer-screammuch-much.Thendie-rot!’Theassassinraisedhisknife,thebladegleaminginthehotsunlight.Thanquolscrewedhiseyesshut,hisentirebodyflailingashetriedtoescapethewarriorpinning

himtotheground.‘Xiuhcoatldead-dead!’heyelled.‘Boneripperslay-kill!Boneripper!Boneripper!’

LordTlacoshifteduponhisdais,allowinghisattendantskinkstopourcoolspringwateroverhismottledskin.Thedarkspotsupontheslann’shideshiftedpositioneversoslightly,settingtheskinkscribessurroundingitintoafrenzyofactivityastheyrecordedthenewmarkings.Themage-priestpaidthemscantattention,allowingonlythelowerhemispheresofitsbraintoguidetheminpositioningthearmyaroundQuetza.NoneoftheservantsofSotekcouldbeallowedtoleavethecity.LordTlacohadsentthatmessage

intothebrainsofthepriestswhohadsurvivedXiuhcoatl.Theyunderstoodtheneedfortheirowndestruction.WithXiuhcoatl’sdeath,theProphet’smagichadbeenbroken.ThepowerfulwardswhichrestrainedthesorcerousdiseasesinfestingtheverystonesofQuetzahadbeenbroken.Everylizardmaninthecitywasnowacarrieroftheplaguesthathadcausedittobeabandonedmanysun-cyclespast.Theycouldnotbeallowedtobringthecontagiontoothercities.ThepriestsLordTlacohadtelepathicallycontactedhadmetthenewswiththefatalisticacceptance

thatdenotedthosewhounderstoodtheGreatMathandtheirownvaluewithinit.Theslanndidnothavetoworryaboutthemirrationallybehavinglikelow-phasealgorithmsdesperatetodelaytheirownnegation.However,thereweremanyotherswhoservedtheTempleoftheSerpent,minionslessawareoftheGreatMath.Thesemighttrytoescapeandbearthecontagionawaywiththem.Themage-priestflickedoneofhiswebbedhands.Aphalanxofsauruswarriorsbobbedtheirheads

inunison,acknowledgingthecommand.Thedark-scaledsoldier-lizardsjoggedoffataquickmarch,movingtoencirclethenorthernperimeterofQuetza.Theywouldreinforcetheskinkskirmishersalreadylurkingatthejungle’sedge,waitingwiththeirbowstostrikedownanylizardmentryingtoleavethecity.Theywouldmaintaintheirpositionsforthenextthreelunarcycles.Bythentherewould

benothingtofearfromQuetza.Nothingwouldbeleftalivewithintheruinstoactasacourierfortheplague.LordTlaco’seyeswidenedasoneofhisarmy’sscoutscamescurryingtowardstheslann’sdais.

Instinctively,themage-priest’sarmouredtempleguardclosedranksaroundthelevitatingdais.Aslightshiftingofitsskinspotshadtheskull-helmedlizardmensteppingasideforthescout.Inarapidseriesofgesturesandhisses,thechameleonskinkexplainedthatseverallow-phase

algorithms–whatthescoutcalled‘soft-skins’–hademergedfromthecityandwerefleeingintothejungletothesouth.Theskirmishershadwatchedthemgo,buthadobeyedLordTlaco’scommandthatthehumanswerenottobeharmed.Itwasaslightmisinterpretationofitsorders,butoverallLordTlacowaspleased.Theslanndidn’t

needallofthelow-phasealgorithms.ItonlyneededtheonethathadbeenusedtoresolvethethoughtproblemthathadvexedLordTlaco.Theslannhaditssolution,Xiuhcoatlhadbeenkilled.ButdidtheProphet’sdeathcondemnhisgodorexonerateit?ThatwasaproblemthatcouldonlyberesolvedbystudyingthevectorthathadnegatedXiuhcoatl’svalue.Didthelow-phasealgorithmpossessarationalvalueorwasitadecayingfractal,acorruptedalgorithmlikethexa’cota?Thatwasananswerthatcouldonlybedeterminedbystudyingthehumanwhohadmadethe

decisiontoshootXiuhcoatlinsteadofthexa’cota.LordTlacowasn’tcertainsimpledissectionwouldallowhimtounderstandwhythelow-phasealgorithmmadeitschoice.Itwaspreferabletostudyitsvaluebeforenegationratherthanafter.Tryingtoimpressthatfactorintoeverymindinhisarmyaswellasthethought-picturesthatwouldensurethelizardmencoulddifferentiateLordTlaco’ssubjectfromtheothersdemandedanuncomfortableamountofconcentrationontheslann’spart.HewouldhavetotapintothosehemispheresofitsbrainthatwerealreadyworkinguponotherdisharmoniesintheGreatMathtodoso.Ithadbeeneasierjusttoorderthearmytoallowanythingthatwasn’talizardmantoleavethecity.

Warm-bloodscouldnotcarrytheplaguethexa’cotahadusedtokillQuetza,sotherewasnodangerinallowingthemtopass.Nowthattheirescapehadbeenreported,however,LordTlacodecideditwastimetocollectits

subject.Theslann’sspotsshiftedintoadeterminedpatternandtheskinkscribessetdowntheirstylusesandbowedtheirheads.Thoseelementsofthearmytheslannhadkeptinreserveforjustthispurposeturnedtheirheadssothat,fromthemightiestsauruswar-chieftothesmall-brainedterradonsandrazordons,everyeyewasfixeduponLordTlaco.Themage-priestsentthenecessaryimpressionsandfactorsintothemindsofthisfragmentofitsarmy.Likeasinglegiganticcreature,thelizardmenhurriedintothedepthsofthejungle,onepurpose

drivingthemall:tocollectLordTlaco’sspecimenandreturnwithittothemage-priest.

ChangFang’sknifehurtleddownwards.Theassassinheldhisweaponnotinthestabbingthrustofanexpertkiller,butintheslashingstrokeofacrazedbutcher.HehaddecidedhewouldstarthisrevengebycuttingThanquol’shornsfromhisskull.Thenhewouldmovetolowerandmoretenderbitsofthegreyseer ’sanatomy.Beforetheassassin’sknifecouldevennickthegreyseer ’shorn,hefoundhimselfflyingthrough

theair.ChangFangwassointentuponhisvengeancethathedidn’tseethebloodymangledmassuntilitslammedintohim,carryinghimawaywithitacrosstheclearing.Theassassintwistedhisbodyinmid-airsothatitwasthetornmassofthecorpsethatsmackedintotheboleofamangroveinsteadofhisownback.TheassassintoppledbacktoearthalongwithwhathenowknewwasthewreckageofoneofKong’sclanrats.Hetriedtobracehimselfforthefall,buthisbestefforthadgoneintotwistingthecorpseaboutsoitwouldabsorbthecollisionwiththetree.Hestruckthegroundhardandittookseveralprecioussecondstoblinkawaythespotsthatdancedbeforehiseyes.

Acrosstheclearing,KongandhiswarriorswereshowingnolesssurprisethanChangFang.Theystaredingapinghorroratthehulkingshapethatloomedoutofthejungletowardsthem.Therewasnoquestionwhohadkilledtheclanratandthenthrownthestilltwitchingcorpseacrosstheclearingtoknockdowntheassassin.Afterkillingthekroxigor,BoneripperhadfollowedThanquol’sscentthroughthepyramid,

mutilatinganylizardmenthatgotinhisway.WhenthegreyseermadehisretreatfromQuetza,itwasBoneripperwhofollowedhimthroughtheruinsandlaterintothejungle.Perhapssomedimsenseofbetrayalandabandonmentwasworkingontheratogre’smind,confusinghisfeelingstowardsThanquol.Perhapshewassimplytoowearyfromhisbattleswiththelizardmentocatchuptohisfleeingmasterbefore.Whateverhisreasons,BoneripperhadbeencontenttolingerafterThanquol,makingnoefforttocatchhim.AtleastuntilheheardThanquolfranticallycryinghisname.Anyresentfulthoughtsvanishedasthe

obediencethathadbeenbeatenintotheratogre’sbraintookover.Movingwiththespeedandstealthofajaguar,thehugemonsterrushedthroughtheforest,alivingengineofhavoc.BoneripperbeathishugeclawsuponhischestandroaredatThanquol’senemies.Theferocious

displaymighthavefrightenedKongandhiswarriorsmoreifthesuddenmovementhadn’topenedsomeofthewoundsBoneripperhadsufferedinhisfightwiththekroxigor.Thesightandsmellofbloodexcitedtheskavenatthemostprimitiveleveloftheirminds.Thehulkingratogrehadgonefromterrifyingfoetowoundedprey.TwoofKong’swarriorsrushedatBoneripperfromeitherside,whiletheleaderhimselfandathird

skavenchargedathimfromthefore.Theratogreroaredasecondtime,thenbroughtbothofhisclawedhandsslashinginanarcbeforehisbody.Theclanratchargingathimfromtherightwasevisceratedbytheunexpectedspeedofthemonster ’sattack.Hecollapsedinasqueakingmess,frenziedlypawingatthedirtinhisdeathagonies.TheskaventoBoneripper ’sleftcameupshort,recallingthehorrificspeedwithwhichthemonster

couldmove.Foramoment,however,hiseyeswerelockedonthemangledshapeofhiscomrade.Itwasafragmentofdistractionthattheratmanwouldneverrepeat.Bonerippersprangathim,smashinghimflatwiththepalmofhispawandgrindinghisskullintotheearthuntilitwasjelly.KongKrakbackslashedatBoneripper ’sflank,openingagreatgashjustabovethemonster ’sknee.

Outofthecornerofhiseye,however,hecouldseetheratmanwhohadjoinedhisattackturningtoflee.Heturnedhisheadtosnapawrathfulordertothecoward,butthewordsneverlefthisthroat.FeelingthebiteofKong’ssword,Boneripperspun,swingingthecrushedbodyhehadbeen

poundingintotheground.TheflailinglegsofthecorpsesmashedintoKong’shead,spillinghimontothegroundandknockingtheswordfromhishand.Boneripperdabbedapawtothefreshwoundinhisleg.Hesniffedatthedarkbloodthatcoatedhis

fingersandglaredattheblackskaventryingtocrawlawayfromhim.Roaringlikeagold-maddragon,BoneripperdescendeduponthedazedKong.Theratogre’sscythe-likeclawsclosedaroundthesquirmingskaven’sbodyandliftedhimintotheair.KongshriekedashewashelddanglingbeforeBoneripper ’shate-filledeyes.Slowlyandmaliciously,theratogretoreKongKrakbacklimbfromlimb.

WhileBoneripperfinishedwithKongandhisclanrats,adesperateThanquolstruggledagainstthewarriorstillpinninghimtotheground.Atwistofhisbodyhadcaughttheratmanunawares,knockinghimdown.UnfortunatelyforThanquol,thetreacherouswretchhadthetemeritytofallacrosshisownbody,effectivelytrappinghimevenmorecompletelythanbefore.Thanquolsquirmedandstruggledbeneaththefallenwarrior.Theclanratabusedhimmercilessly

withfangandclaw,justasdesperatetokeepThanquoltrappedasthegreyseerwastobefree.Fearof

beingwitheredbyoneofThanquol’sspellsgavetheclanratafrantictenacity.Thanquolgoredtheratman’sshoulderwithoneofhishornsandstillhisenemyrefusedtoreleasehim.Evenaluckybitethatseveredafewfurryfingerswasn’tenoughtomakehimletgo.AnewmenacerearedupattheedgeofThanquol’svision.Actuallyitwasanoldmenace,butthe

greyseerwasn’tofamindtoquibbleoversemantics.OneglanceatthelookinChangFang’seyestoldhimtheassassinhadabandonedhisideasaboutkillingthegreyseerslowly.He’ddrawnadifferentknife,anuglyblackthingfromwhichcorrosivegreendropssizzled.Aweepingblade!ThedeadliestofClanEshin’sweapons!Onenick,onedropofpoisononhisbodyandThanquolwouldbeasdeadastheGreyLords!Desperately,Thanquolworkedhislegsbeneaththebodyoftheclanratontopofhim.Heignored

thebitesandscratchesnow,keepinghiseyeslockedontheapproachingChangFang.Hehadtotimethingsjustrightorwhathehadinmindwouldn’twork.Astheassassinglareddownathim,astheweepingbladestarteditsdescent,ThanquolsquealedaquickprayertotheHornedRatandseteverymuscleinhisbodyintomotion.Legsandarmspressedagainsttheclanrat’sbody,liftinghimupandpushinghimforward.Atthe

sametime,Thanquolusedhisflanksandshoulderstoslithercompletelyundertheskavenwarrior.Hecouldimaginetheratman’sconfusion,buthewouldn’tbeconfusedforlong.AsharpsqueaktoldThanquolthatChangFang’sbladehadfoundavictim,thevictimhisown

franticeffortshadpresentedit.QuicklyThanquolflungthenowslackbodyoftheclanratforward,hurlingitattheassassin.ChangFangleaptnimblyawayfromthemacabremissile,butindoingsohe’dbeenforcedtoleavetheweepingbladetrappedinthebody.NowhesnarledatThanquolfromacrossthetwitchingcorpse.Thanquolscowledatthemurderoustraitorandraisedoneofhispaws.Greenlightglowedinhis

eyes,energycrackledaroundhisfingers.HesawthesuddenterrorthatcreptacrossChangFang.Theassassindidn’tknowaboutthesliverofwarpstoneThanquolhadcrushedbetweenhisfangsevenbeforeregaininghisfeet,notthattheknowledgewouldhavedonehimanygood.‘SayhellotoChangSquik,fool-meat,’Thanquolsnappedashesentablastoflightningcrackling

intoChangFang’sface.Thegreyseerrecoiledasablindingflashoflightexplodedbeforehim.Whenhisvisionclearedhe

couldseeChangFangtearingintothejungle,histatteredcloaksmokingbutotherwiseunharmed.Thanquolhadamomentofhorror,wonderingifhe’dnibbledabadpieceofwarpstoneandhisbodyhadinternalisedtoomuchofitsenergies.Afterafewheartbeatswithoutburstingintoaballoffire,Thanquoldecidedhisfearwasunfounded.HestaredandsawamoltenblobofmetallyingonthegroundwhereChangFanghadbeenstandingwhenheunleashedhisspell.Apparentlytheassassinhadcarriedanamulettoprotecthimagainstthegreyseer ’smagic.Anintelligentprecaution,Thanquolconceded.Butitwasn’tgoingtosaveChangFangnow.‘Boneripper!’Thanquolshouted.Hepointedaclawatthejungleintowhichtheassassinhadfled.

Theratogrestalkedtowardsthetrees,absentlytossingasidethelastshredsofwhathadbeenKongKrakback.‘Fetchthetraitor-meat!’Bonerippergrowledaninarticulateacknowledgementandbegantosmashhiswaythroughthe

smalltreesthatbarredhispath.Thanquolgrinnedashewatchedthemonstermakeshortworkofthetrees.Withouthisweepingblade,ChangFangwasasgoodasdeadwhenBonerippercaughtupwithhim.Andtheratogrewould.Theskavenhadn’tbeenweanedwhocouldmatchtheenduranceofClanMoulder ’screations.ThegrinfadedonThanquol’sfaceasatroublingthoughtcametohim.He’dusedaspelljusta

momentago.Hisglandsclenchedasheconsideredwhathehaddone.‘Boneripper,youstupiddolt!’Thanquolraged,rushinguptotheratogreandsmackinghimwith

hisstaff.‘You’resupposedtoprotectme!’Theratogreblinkedathiminconfusion,thenhunghisheadinguiltandmovedawayfromthe

trees.Thanquoltappedhisclawsagainsttheheadofhisstaffandlashedhistailnervously.Maybethe

frog-magehadn’tnoticed?Thatwascertainlypossible.Surelyanythingthatpowerfulmusthavebetterthingstothinkabout.Whatkindoffliesitwasgoingtoeat,forinstance.ThenanuglierthoughtcametoThanquol.ChangFangwasgettingaway.Hemightbeabletolive

withthatfact,exceptforanotherfactthatwentwithit.ChangFangknewwheretheirshipwas!Deniedanyotherchancetokillthegreyseer,theassassincouldstillsetsailandstrandhiminthisgreenhell!Panicinhiseyes,ThanquolsmackedBoneripperwithhisstaffandturnedtheratogrebacktowards

thejungle.‘Hurry-quick,whelp-licker!Fetch-findtraitor-meat!’Boneripperjuststaredathismasterforamoment.Then,withwhatmightalmosthavebeenasigh,

hebegantearinghiswaythroughthethickgrowthofthejungleoncemore.Thanquolwatchedtheratogremakerapidprogress.Innotimeatall,Boneripperwasoutofview.

Thegreyseerstrokedhiswhiskers,quitepleasedwithhimself.HisbodyguardwouldcatchupwithChangFangandonceBoneripperwasthroughwithhim,theonlyboattheassassinwouldneedwasafuneralbarge.Thegreyseerstoppedstrokinghiswhiskersasheglancedatthejunglearoundhim,listeningtoall

itsstrangesounds,breathingallofitsstrangesmells.Hethoughtaboutthefrog-mageanditsarmy.Hikinguphisrobessohewouldn’ttriponthem,ThanquolrusheddownthetrailBoneripperwas

making.‘Waitforme,youmoron!’

‘Waitforus,youmoron!’Hiltrude’scrybroughtSchachtertoahalt.Theseacaptaintookthedelaytosetdownhisbagand

wipethesweatfromhisforehead.Thoughhewouldn’tadmitit,luggingtheheavysackofplunderwastakingitstollonhisstrength.Whentheyhadfirstsetout,trekkingacrossthesilent,crumblingstreetsofQuetza,therehadbeenarealchancehemighthavelefthiscompanionsbehindinhiseagernesstocatchuptoThanquol.Now,afterhourscreepingfirstthroughtheruinsandthenintothehumidhellofthejungle,Hiltrude’speevishscoldingwasmoresoshecouldventherownfrustrationattheirprogressthananythreathewouldgettoofarahead.Adalwolfgroundhisteethandcursedunderhisbreath.Somethingwascertainlywrongwithhis

arm.Hedidn’tdaretolookatit,buthecouldfeelitthrobbingagainsthisbody.Itfeltcold,asiftherewasn’tadropofbloodinit.Hehadtokeepfromlaughingattheironyofthesensation.HeretheyweresweatinginthedampheatofthejungleandhisarmfeltascoldasapieceofNorsca.Heknewifhestartedlaughing,hemightneverstop.Hiltrudestuckbyhim,lettingherstrengthcompensateforhis.Themercenaryconsideredthe

strangesortofcourageshepossessed.Thereweredifferentkindsofbravery,heknew.Hiskindwasthesteelbackboneofbattle.Herswasthequiettendernessthatrefusedtoabandonafriendinneed.Stromfels’sTeeth!Shehadn’tevenbeenabletoabandonSchachterwhenshehadeveryreasontoleavehimtothelizardmen!SheusedSchachter ’sdelaytoinspectAdalwolf’sarm.Shetriedtohideit,buthesawthegrim

flickerthatcrossedherexpression.Thatbad,hethought.Ifitwasn’tforher,he’djustliedownandwaitforMorrtoopenthegatesforhim.Butshewashere.Justasshewouldn’tabandonhim,hecouldn’tabandonher.NottoSchachter,not

tothejungle.NottoThanquol,iftheyeverfoundthatslinkingrat.Thebloodtrailwasstilleasyenoughtofollow.Adalwolfwascertainnowitwascomingfrom

Bone-ripper.TherewasnowayThanquolcouldhaveleakedsomuchandkeptgoing.Hedidn’tliketheideaofrunningintothemonsteragain.Ateveryturninthetrailhekepthopingtoseetheratogre’shugebodylyingontheground.Itwouldbeonelessthingtotroublehismind.Myrmidiaknewtherewereenoughofthosetooccupyhisthoughts.Whenthey’dmanagedto

escapeintothejungle,hethoughtthey’dbeenquickenoughtomakeitbeforethearmyoflizardmencompletedtheirringaroundtheruins.Nowhewasn’tsosure.Therewassomethingsinisteraboutthefrequentrustlingtheyheardrisingfromthejunglearoundthem.Healmostwishedhewasoneoftheunderfolkwhenafaint,muskyreptilesmellwafteditswayoutofthejungle.Theratmenwouldknowifthesmellbelongedtosimplebeastsorsomethingmoresinister.Histhoughtsdriftedtohisglimpseofthetoad-creatureandtheauraofawesomepowerhehad

sensedsurroundingit.Somehow,hecouldnotovercometheideathattheterriblecreaturehadbeenawareofhimasmuchashehadbeenawareofit.Adalwolfdidn’tknowwhatinterestsuchabeingcouldhaveinamereman.Hethoughtaboutanalchemisthehadoncehaddealingswith,backwhenhiswifewaswiththeirfirstchild.Thealchemisthadagrislyhobby.Hewouldcollectmolluscsandpullthemapartinadesiretounderstandhowtheycouldfunctionwithoutanybonestosupportthem.Adalwolffeltanicychillrunthroughhisbody,achillthathadnothingtodowithhisbrokenarm.

Hedidn’tliketheideathatthetoad-creaturethoughtofhimlikethealchemisthadthoughtofhissnailsandslugs.‘Breaktime’sover,’Hiltrudedeclared,notquitekeepingaslightgroanoutofhervoice.Adalwolf

staredatherinconfusion,unabletorememberwhenshehadsethimdownatthesideofthetrail.Hedidhisbesttohelpassheliftedhimbacktohisfeet.‘Ididn’tfancythisspotanyway,’Schachtersaid,gruntingasheslunghisbagoverhisshoulder.‘In

fact,I’mnotevengoingtoputitinmymemoirs.’Thepoorjokebroughtsmilestothefacesofhiscompanions.Adalwolf’sexpressiondarkenedan

instantlater.Schachter ’sfriendlyhumourwasmeanttogetthemofftheirguard.He’dalreadyseenthecaptain’struecolours.Nothingwasgoingtomakehimforgetthekindofmanhereallywas.Nothingexceptmaybefeverfromaninfectedarm.Schachterhadonlytakenafewstepswhenhehelduphishandinwarning.Thecaptainturnedhis

eyestoeithersideofthetrail.Aninstantlaterhedroppedhisbagtothegroundanddrewtwooftheswordsthrustbeneathhisbelt.BeforeAdalwolfhadachancetothinkSchachterwashimselfdevelopingafever,thebushes

seemedtoburstapartastwoscalybluebodiesleaptontothetrail.Theseweren’tthescrawnyskinkstheyhadfoughtinthetemple.Theywerethebigwarrior-lizards

Adalwolfhadseenfromthetopofthepyramid.Eachofthereptileswastallerthanaman,thoughmuchmorelean.Powerfultalonstippedtheirmuscularlegsandtheirthicktailslookedstrongenoughtobreakaman’sbones.Thelizardmenworechequeredloincloutsandnecklacesofanimalfangsloopedthroughgoldwire.Eachofthemonstersheldasaw-edgedgoldenswordthatmadetheweaponsSchachterbrandishedlooklikeparingknives.Thesauruswarriorsstaredatthehumans,theirthicktonguesflittingbetweenjawsfilledwithlong

fangs.Forthespaceofaheartbeat,thelizardmendidn’tmove,theysimplystared,almostasthoughtheywerestudyingthestrangeintruders.Thenbothofthereptilesbobbedtheirheadsinaweird,somehowthreateninggesture.Adalwolf

couldactuallyseetheirscalyhandstighteningaroundtheirweaponsasthelizardmencamestalkingtowardsthem.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

RatHunt

AdalwolfdrewtheungainlyswordfromhisbeltandshuffledinfrontofHiltrude,tryingtoplacehimselfbetweenthecourtesanandtheadvancinglizardmen.Hisarmtrembledastheweightofthebladetaxedhisweakenedmusclesandasheenofsweatbegantoriseonhisforehead.‘Getheroutofhere,’hetoldSchachter.Themercenarytookanotherstaggeringsteptowardsthe

reptiles.Acryofalarmrosefrombehindhimandhisadvancewasbroken.Hiltrude’sarmswrappedabouthiswaist,pullingathim,tryingtodraghimback.‘They’llkillyou!’sheyelledathim,hervoicecrackingwithemotion.Adalwolftriedtotwistoutofhergrasp.‘Icanstillbuytimeforyoutogetaway,’hegrowledather

ashestruggledtogetfree.‘Takeyourownadvice,sell-sword,’Schachter ’sgrimvoicedeclared.Theseacaptaingave

AdalwolfandHiltrudeahardstare.‘I’llholdthemaslongasIcan.’Hedidn’twaitforanyargument.Withalastwistfullookatthebagofloothe’dleftontheground,Schachterchargedthesauruswarriors.Thereptilesweren’talarmedbythecharginghumanandtheshrillbattlecrythatrosefromhislips.

Theydidn’tsomuchasblinkasthedesperate,raggedfigurestormeddownthetrailatthem.Waitingwitheerie,emotionlesspatience,thesauruswarriorsmetSchachter ’sattack.Schachterchoppedatthefirstoftheunmovinglizardmenwithanoverhandswingofoneofhis

swordsthatshouldhaveopeneditfrombellytogroin.Evenashissword-armwaslashingout,however,thesaurussnappedfromitsseeminglyimbeciliclethargy.Thereptiletwisteditsbodyinawrithing,undulatingspasmthatshouldhavesnappedthespineofahuman.Schachter ’sgoldenswordslashedthroughonlyemptinessasitmadeitsbutcheringsweep.Thesauruscontinuedthesinuousmotionofitsscalyframe,rollingalongthebackofSchachter ’sarmastheseacaptain’smomentumcausedhimtooverextendhimself.Thelizardmanraiseditsownsword,bringingitcrunchingdownintoSchachter ’sbody.Screaminginagony,Schachtercrumpledtotheearth,hissword-armcutthroughnearlytothe

bone.Doubledoverinpain,hecringedawayfromthelizardmanasthereptilehackedathimagain.Theslashingblowmissedhimbyahair ’s-breadth.Desperately,hethrusttheswordclutchedinhisgoodarmatthesaurus,forgettinginhisfrightthatthebladesofthelizardmenweremadeforcuttingratherthanstabbing.Thebluntheadoftheswordsmackedineffectuallyagainstthethickscalesofthereptile’sbody.Aninstantlater,thesauruspivotedandbroughtitspowerfultailcrackingaround.TheblowcrashedintoSchachter ’slegs,spillinghimontotheground.TheothersaurusleftSchachtertohiscomradeandcontinueditsmenacingadvance.Adalwolf

lockedeyeswiththereptile,tryingtofindanythingherecognisedasthoughtorintentionintheslittedinhumanorbs.Thelizardmanpausedonlyafewfeetfromhim,crookingitsheadinagestureofcuriosity,studyinghimwithkeeninterest.

Withoutwarning,thereptilesuddenlysprang.Adalwolfraisedhisweapontoparrythesweepofthelizardman’ssword.Thetwobladesclangedsharplyastheycrashedagainsteachother.Adalwolfwasthrownbackasthemomentumofthesaurusnearlythrewhimoffhisfeet.Thereptile’sscalymuzzlehissedathim,inchesfromhisownface,themonster ’seyesfixedonhimwithaweird,almostfascinatedintensity.Thelizardmanpressedinclose,usingitsgreaterstrengthtopushAdalwolfback.Thesaurusknew

itsstrangefoewasweak,couldfeelthevigourinthemercenary’sgoodarmfalteringwitheachbackwardstep.Itwouldbeeasyforittofinishthefightquickly,butkillingthewarm-bloodwasnotanoption.LordTlaconeededthestrangecreaturealiveandalivewashowhewouldbebroughttotheslann.Usingitsentirebodyasabludgeon,thelizardmansurgedagainstAdalwolf,forcinghimbackseveralsteps.Thehuman’sswordgratedalongtheedgeofthelizardman’sbladeashisarmshiveredwiththestrainofholdingthereptileback.Hiltrude’swailingcrysplittheairandthesaurusshudderedasitshipwasgouged.LikeanArabyan

harridan,thewomanhadcomefrombehindAdalwolfandchargedatthereptile.Concentratingonthemercenary,thelizardmanwastooslowtoreact.HiltrudeswungthegoldenbladeSchachterhadgivenherinaclumsy,overhandedfashion,butwithenoughmomentumtodrivetheedgedeepintothescalyhipofthemonster.Hissinginchallenge,thesaurusroundedonitsattacker.Thewomanretreatedbeforetheviolent

savageryofthereptile,thebloodyswordfallingthroughherslackenedfingers.ThelizardmanshovedAdalwolf,sendingthemercenarystaggeringaway.Bobbingitsheadinathreatdisplay,thereptileturnedtowardsHiltrude.Ittookonlyonestalkingstep,thennearlyfellasthedeepwoundinitshipcauseditslegtobuckle.Thepainofitsinjurywassomethingitwouldtakeafewminutesforhisprimitivenervoussystemtotransmittoitsbrain,butthesauruscouldnotignorethedamagethathadbeendone.Itstaredatthebleedinggash,clappedaclawedhandtotheinjurytokeepthebonefrompokingthroughtheskin,thencoldlyreturneditattentiontoHiltrude.Thecourtesantriedtoretreatbeforethelizardman,watchinginhorrorasthereptilestalkedafter

her,draggingitsinjuredlegbehindhimandbalancinghimselfwithfrequentslapsofitstailagainsttheground.Shelookedwithdespairattheswordshehadletfallfromherhand,knowingthatherfearandinexperiencehadleftherdefencelessbeforethismonster.IthadbeenarecklessimpulsethathadmadeHiltruderushtoaidAdalwolfdespitethewarrior ’sconstantpleasforhertorun.Shehadhopedshecouldtakethereptilebysurprise,buthadbeenunreadyforthedragoftheheavyswordinherhandsortheterrorofactuallystrikingsuchaformidablecreature.Shedidn’thaveawarrior ’sknowledgeofwhatconstitutedakillingwound,lashingoutalmostblindlyagainstthelizardman.Nowshewasappreciatingthemagnitudeofhermistake.Therewasnopity,nocompassioninthe

lizardman’scoldeyesasthecreaturelimpedafterher.Evenhatemighthavecomfortedher,atleastitwouldhavegiventhereptileahintofhumanityaboutit.Insteadshesawonlyamercilessdetermination,aspassionlessasthehungerofasharkorthepredationofaspider.Withhereyesonthesaurus,Hiltrudewasunawarewhenherslowretreatbroughthertotheedgeof

thetrail.Herfeetslidoutfromunderherassheencounteredapileofleavesslimywithrotanddecay.Shelandedonherback,groaninginpainasarockbitintohersoftflesh.Thesaurusquickeneditspace,primalhuntinginstinctsexcitingitattheprospectofhelplessprey.Thelizardmanlopedforwards,itsheadstillundulatinginitsthreateningfashion.Hiltrudescreamedasthelizardmanloomedoverher,itsswordraisedforthekillingblow.She

kickedoutatit,herlegslockingarounditsinjuredone.Sherolledherbody,usingalltheleverageshecouldtotwistthelizardman’swoundedleg.Thetacticworked.Thesaurusutteredafrightenedchirpthencrashedloudlyasitslegwaspulledoutfromunderit.RakingpainsearedupHiltrude’sbodyasthelizardman’sscrabblingclawsgougedherlegs.The

reptilehissedatherasitstruggledtorise,itsmouthgapinginamonstrousfashionthatdisplayedeachofitslongfangsandthepowerfuljawsinwhichtheywereset.Untilnow,Hiltrudehadn’tthoughtitwaspossibletomakethelizardmenmad.Nowshewishedtheywereasdevoidofemotionasshehadimagined.Thesword,shewassure,wouldhavebeenmuchquickerthanthereptile’sclawsandfangs.Pullingitselfalongherbody,itsclawsdiggingintohersoftflesh,thesauruspropelleditself

towardsHiltrude’sthroat.Thewomanbeathertinyfistsonitshead,buttheblowscouldn’tdomuchmorethanannoyitandmakeitblinkitseyes.Onceitsnappedatoneofthedaintyfists,itsfangsscrapingalongtheknucklesanddrawingawelterofbloodfromhertornskin.Thetasteofbloodinitsmouthonlygoadedthelizardmanfurtheranditdugitsclawsevendeeperintothewoman’sbodyasitstretcheditsheadtowardsthepulsingveinsinherneck.Thesaurusrecoiled,agaspingcroakbubblingupitsthroat.Ittriedtoreachbehinditself,butits

handscouldn’tfindthebladethathadcrunchedthroughitsspine.Adalwolfhadalreadyrippedtheungainlyswordfree.Nowhedroveitdownagain,cleavingthroughthetopofthelizardman’sskull.Thereptile’sentirebodyshivered,itstaillashingfuriouslyinthemudandleaves.Themercenarygrunted,strugglingtopulltheswordfree,butithadbittentoodeeply.Atlast,hesimplykickedthetwitchingbodyontoitssideandhelpedHiltrudeslideoutfromunderit.ThemercenarystaredpityinglyatHiltrude,sorryforthecutsandbruisesshehadsuffered,

embarrassedbecausehehadn’tbeenabletoprotecther.Sheseemedtoreadhisthoughts,givinghimalookofsympathy.Shestartedtoopenhermouthtospeak,butsuddenlyhereyeswentwidewithrenewedfear.Adalwolfspunaroundandfoundhimselfstaringintothecountenanceoftheothersauruswarrior.

Thereptile’sfangswerebared,itsheadundulatinginwhatthemercenarynowunderstoodwasakindofsilentbattlecrytothesecreatures.Theswordinthelizardman’shandwasslickwithSchachter ’sblood.Themercenaryclenchedhisownemptyfistandstaredatthebladeburiedinthedeadreptile’sskull.LikeHiltrude,hecursedhimselfforallowinghisswordtoleavehishand.Thesaurushissedangrilyasitcamecreepingforwards,itseyesdartingfromAdalwolftoHiltrude

andback.Atthefirstsignoftroublefromitscomrade,thelizardmanhadbrokenoffitsfightwithSchachtertoaidtheothersaurus.Toolatetohelp,thereptilelookedquitereadytoavenge.AdalwolftriedtopushHiltrudeintothejungle.Withluck,shecouldgetafewminutestoescape

beforethelizardmanfinishedwithhim.Thecourtesanresisted,however,insteadclosingherhandaroundhisown.Herliptrembledwithfear,butshestareddefiantlyatthereptile,offeringthesaurusherownsilentchallenge.Thelizardmancockeditsheadtooneside,puzzledbythecuriousbehaviourofthehumans.Fora

moment,itwasstill,evenitsheadunmoving.Beforeitcouldmovebacktotheattack,however,thelizardmanwasthrownforwardsasashriekingbodycrashedintohimfrombehind.Schachterwasabloodymess,hisshoulderlaidopentothebone,hissidegashedsodeeplythatribs

pokedthroughhisflesheverytimehetookabreath.Hisscalphadbeentorn,paintinghisfacecrimson.Buthestillhadhisswordandhestillknewhowtouseit.Pureadrenalinepoweredtheseacaptain’sfrenziedassaultonthelizardman.Afterpitchingthereptileforward,Schachter ’sswordcrunchedintothecreature’sarm,allbutseveringitattheelbow.Thestunnedreptilespunabouttoconfronttheraginghuman,itsmusculartailsweepingaboutlike

thewhipofacoachman.Schachterleaptoverthebludgeoningtail,cominginclosetothelizardman.Hisswordsmashedintothereptile’sthroat,causingittogagnoisilyandstagger.Hepressedtheattack,kickingthesaurusinitsknee,droppingittotheground.Buryingtheedgeofhisswordinthelizardman’sside,Schachterscreamedasthereptile’sjawslockedaroundhisotherhand.Heletthesworddropfromhisgraspandtriedtogougethelizardman’seyesinanefforttomakethereptile

releasehim.Hiseffortsonlymadethemonsterbitedownharder.Bloodstreamedfromthesocketofthelizardman’smutilatedeye.Thecreature’sentirebody

twitchedandwrithedasitslungsstartedtofillwithbloodfromitsthroatwound.Amuscularspasmbroughtthelizardman’sjawssnappingtogetherwithabone-crushingpop.Schachterfellawayfromthedyinglizardman,bloodfountainingfromhisseveredwrist.Hetried

tostaunchthespurtingblood,butdroppedtohiskneesinstead.Amomentlaterhewassprawledonhisback,colourdrainingoutofhim.AdalwolfandHiltruderushedbesidethedyingseacaptain.Themercenarycouldtellitwasmuch

toolatetohelphim.Evenwithoutbloodloss,thewoundinhissidewasamortalone.Thetwosurvivorscouldonlylookoninhelplessness.Schachtersawthelookofwonderintheirfacesandabitterlaughtorturedhisravagedbody.

‘Couldn’t…runout…on…you,’hegasped.‘Not…after…yousaved…’Thecaptain’seyesbecameglassy,hisbreathfellsilent.Adalwolfcouldonlyshakehishead.A

roughkindofhonourhadruledthemanafterall,somethingdeeperthanthelustforwealth.Adalwolfknewthatheowedhislifetotheunexpectedgratitudeofthemanhewouldhaveleftbehind.TherewasnotimetosparetoburySchachter,evenifHiltrudeorAdalwolfhadfeltuptothetask.

Instead,thetwodraggedthebagofgoldacrossthetrailandsetitbesidethedeadseacaptain.Somehow,theyfelthewouldunderstandthegesture.

Theshriekofparrots,thestenchofrottingjunglegrowth,andthedamp,smotheringgripofairthatfeltlikeithadbeensoakedinboiledurine–thesewereThanquol’scomplaintsoftheday.HetriedtokeepinBoneripper ’smonstrousshadowasmuchaswaspossible,thougheventhateffortdidlittletoeasethefuryofthesunburningdownfromtheLustriansky.ThegreyseerwassorelytemptedtocallofftheirpursuitofChangFanguntilnightfall.Thehideousthoughtofbeingstrandedbytheassassinmadehimreluctantlysetasidesuchpleasantideas.TheslinkingEshintraitorwouldhavemuchtoanswerforwhenThanquolcaughthim!HewonderedifhewouldstakeChangFangoutfortheantsorjustfeedhimpiecebypiecetothesharks.Perhapshecoulddeviseawaytodoboth…Agroaningrumbleshudderedthroughthejungle,frighteningThanquolfromhisschemesof

vengeance.Heleapedofftheground,landingonallfourpaws,hisbreathcominginwheezinggasps.Helookedabout,tryingtofindthesourceoftheterriblesound.HiseyesnarrowedspitefullyandhebruxedhisfangswhenhesawBoneripperuprootinganothertreethatstoodinthepathwithmuchthesameclamour.‘Mouse-brainedoaf!’Thanquolcursedtheratogre,smackinghisflankwiththeheadofhisstaff.

Boneripperturnedaround,staringathimstupidlywithhisdulleyes.ThanquolwincedwhenhesawthetangleofleechesfastenedtoBoneripper ’sarms,theirbodiesbloatedwiththeratogre’sblood.Hequicklyscratchedathisownarmstomakesurehehadn’tacquiredasimilarmantleofparasites.‘FindChangFang!’hesnapped.‘Quick-quick!’Boneripperdidn’tmove,insteadcontinuingtostareathismaster.Thelongerthebigbrute

continuedtostandtherelookingathim,themoreThanquolstartedtoappreciatetheimmensemusclesbeneathhisleech-drapedarms,thesword-likeclawsthattippedhisfingers,thenecklaceofskullsthathungabouthisneck.Maybehe’dbeenjustalittlehastyreprimandinghisdutifulbodyguard.‘Good-niceBoneripper,’Thanquolsaid,takingatenuousstepback.Hefingeredalittlenuggetof

warpstone,wonderingifhewasfarenoughawayfromthefrog-thingtodareusehismagic.Beforethegreyseercouldact,thehugeratogrewaschargingtowardshim,thegroundshaking

fromhisthunderousfootfalls.Thanquolsqueakedinfright,leapingoutofthecrazedratogre’sway,hugginghisstaffacrosshisbodyandfranticallythrustingthewarpstoneintohismouth.Hecrashedintoathicket,feelingthethornsdigintohisfurandsnaginhisrobes.Hethrashedaboutintheugly

plantstryingtopullhimselffreeenoughthathemightweavetheaethyrintoaspellthatwouldsettletheproblemofBoneripper ’srebellion.Justashepulledhimselffree,ThanquolnoticedthatBoneripperwasn’tinterestedinhim.Therat

ogrewasstormingbackdownthepath,beatinghischestinchallengewithhisclawedhands.Thegreyseerwasstartingtothinkthejungleheathadderangedhisbodyguardwhenapatchoftreessuddenlyburstapartandanenormousreptilelumberedontothetrail.ThesourstinkofmuskdrippingdownhislegbarelyregisteredasThanquolstaredinhorroratthe

giganticbeast.Itwaslikesomegreatscalybirdcrossedwithacrocodile,lumberingaboutontwoimmense,tree-likelegswhilescrawnyuseless-lookingarmsdangledfromitschest.Itsheadlookedlikenothingsomuchasadwarfsteam-shovelhe’doncehelpedsomeClanSkryrewarlock-engineerssteal,itsfangsimpossiblylargeevenforsomassiveahead.Alongtailsmashedthetreesbehindit,splinteringthemlikeoldmousebones.MorefrighteningtoThanquolthanthebeastitselfwasthemonsterwhorodeit.Asnakeskinsaddle

adornedwithtalismansofgoldwaslashedaboutthebigreptileandfromthisseatrearedamassivelybuiltsauruswarrior,itspowerfulbodypittedandslashedwitholdscarsfromcountlessbattles.Thelizardmanworearmourfashionedfrombonesandmanyofitsscaleshadbeenpaintedwithstrangeglyphsthathurttheratman’seyestolookupon.Theheadofthesauruschiefwaslockedwithinahelmfashionedfromtheskullofahornedreptileandinitsclawsitcarriedamurderouslancewithagoldenblade.Thelizardmanroaredsomethinginitsownlanguageofhissesandthenbegantoundulateitshead

inrapid–andthreatening–fashion.Thecarnosauritrodelowereditshugeheadandlungedforwards.ThesauruschiefurgeditsmounttowardsThanquol,itsyelloweyeslockedupontheterrifiedgreyseer.Openingitsmawtoutteritsowndeafeningroar,thecarnosaurcharged,swattingBoneripperasidewithasidewisesweepofitshead.SeeingtwentytonsofreptiliandeathbarrellingdownathimmadeThanquolrememberthenugget

ofwarpstonehe’dpoppedintohismouth.Fatfrog-thingswereforgottenashebitdownontherock,grindingitintopowderwithhisfangs.Frantically,Thanquolswallowedeachportionasitslidontohistongue.Invigoratingpowerswelledwithinhim,quickeninghispulse,makinghislimbsfeelasthoughsteel

hadbeenpouredontohisbones.Thanquolstraightenedoutofhiscringingposture,glaringdefianceattheonrushingsauruschief.Whatwassuchacrudecreaturebesidethegodlikepowerthatnowcoursedthroughhisveins?Nothing!Lessthannothing!WithasingleflickofhisclawhewouldhurlthelizardmananditsslaveringmountacrossthejungleandbacktoQuetza!He’dsmashtheirscalycarcassesintopasteandthengrindthatpasteintopowdersofineevenanantcouldn’tmakeamealofit!Thenhe’dfindthatimpertinentfrog-thingandpopeverywartonhisslimybodybeforeburningouthiseyesand…Intoxicatingvisionsofwhathewoulddotohisenemieswiththepowersearingthroughhisbody

almostmadeThanquolforgetaboutthereptilesthunderingdownthetrailtowardshim.Somethinglikepanicmadehimflinchwhenherealisedtheywereonlyafewdozenyardsaway.Thenherememberedwhohewasandthepowersathiscommand.Calmly,GreySeerThanquolpointedhisstaffatthecarnosauranditsrider.Afewsharpcurses,a

fewfocusedthoughts,andhesentastormofwarp-lightningcrashingintothereptiles.Hegrinnedinsavagetriumph.Thenhiseyeswidenedinappreciativehorrorashesawthewarp-lightningbeingfunnelledintothegoldenamuletsrivetedintothesauruschief’sscales.Beastandmastercameroaringthroughthemagicalonslaughtasunfazedasafishinaflood!Whininginsheerterror,Thanquoldivedbackintothethicket.Thechief’slancecamesocloseto

himthatittoreagreatflapinthebackofhisrobe.Butthemomentumofthecarnosaurcouldnotbe

stopped.Theimmensemonsterkeptthunderingdownthetrail.Itwasseveraldozenyardsbeforethelizardmancouldturnitbackaround.Bythattime,Thanquolwasbackonthetrail,conjuringanotherspelltodestroyhisenemy.Still

invigoratedbythewarpstone,heheldhisstaffonhigh,mutteringinvocationstotheHornedRat.Asthecarnosaurturnedtochargehimagain,hebroughtthestaffsmashingdownagainsttheground.Theearthtrembledandshudderedasthefocusedmalignancyofhismagiccoursedthroughit.Treescrackedandtoppled,stonesweresentbouncingintothejungle.Ajaggedfissureopened,snakingstraightdownthetrailtowardstheonrushingcarnosaur.Justasthesorcerousfissureshouldreachthereptile’sfeet,itstopped.Evenmoreincredible,asthe

monsterlumberedforwards,thegroundclosedupbeforeit.Thanquolcouldseethecharmsnailedintothesauruschief’shideblazingwithmagicalenergies.Thoseancientamuletsweredoingmorethansimplywardingoffhissorcery,theywereactivelyundoingit!Thanquolfelthisgorgeriseandhisnethersshrinkasthecarnosaurchargedathimforthesecond

time.Hecouldnottearhiseyesfromthecoldorbsofthesauruschief.Hecouldsensetheprimordial,passionlesshateinthelizardman’smindandknewthatherewasanoldenemytoallhiskind.Therewouldbenotreatingwiththisbeast,nobribehecouldofferthelizardmantosparehislife.Helplesstoturnaway,Thanquolcouldonlywatchasthechief’sgoldenlancecamestabbingtowardshim.Beforethelancecouldbedrivenhome,thecarnosaurrearedback,almostthrowingitsrider.

InterposingitselfbetweenthereptilesandThanquolwasabigblackshape.Bonerippersnarledupatthesaurus,thendivedstraightatthecarnosaur.ThanquolblinkedinamazementashewatchedBoneripper ’sclawstearthroughthecarnosaur ’s

thickscales,openingagreatgashinitschestwherethosetinyarmsdangleduselessly.Thecarnosaurswattedathimwiththosearms,butBoneripperseizedoneinhisjawsandwithasidewisetwistofhisheadpoppeditfromitssocket.Maddenedwithpain,thecarnosaurjerkedawayfromBoneripper.Thesauruschiefmadethe

mistakeoftryingtorestrainitsretreat.Twistingabout,thegiantreptilearcheditsbackandneck,writhingandturning,tryingtounseatthelizardmanuponitsback,itstinybrainshiftingblameforitspainontoitsridernowthathehaddrawnitsattention.Quickly,Thanquolraisedhisstaff,hopingthatwhathehadinmindwouldwork.Potentwardsof

protectionsuchasthelizardmanworeoftenrequiredatleastsomeconcentrationonthepartoftheirwearers.Atthemoment,thesauruschiefwasfullyoccupiedjuststayinginhissaddle.GreenlightningburstfromThanquol’sstaff,searingacrossthetrailandsmashingfullintothe

sauruschief.Unlikethefirsttime,theamuletsrivetedintoitsscalesdidn’tabsorbtheenergies.Thistimethedeadlyburstofmagicalenergyswirledandcrackledaroundit,blackeningitsscalesandmeltingthegoldentrinketsembeddedinitsskin.Thestrapsholdingitintothesaddlesnappedasthelightningseareditanditwaspitchedfromthebackofthefuriouscarnosaur,thensmashedbeneathitspoundingfeet.Thecarnosaurcontinueditsmindlessmadness,snappingatitsbackwhereThanquol’sfirehad

burnedit.Thegreatbrutewasoblivioustotheratogrewhocircledit.Boneripperwatchedandwaited,choosingthemomentwhenthereptile’sweightwasshiftedtoonesidetopounce.Theratogrecrashedintothesideoftheunbalancedcarnosaur,usingitsownweighttothrowitacrossthetrail.Astandofbamboosplinteredasthebeastsmashedintoit,thejaggedshaftspunchingthroughitsscalybodyasitimpaleditselfuponthemwithitsownmomentum.Boneripperrakedhisclawsacrossthebellyofthepinnedcarnosaur,thesword-liketalons

shreddingthesoftscalesofitsunderside.Thereptilestruggledtopullitselfoffthebamboostakes,tryingtosnapatBoneripperwithitsjaws.Oneofitslegshadbeenbrokeninthefall,buttheotherprovedagreatermenacetotheratogre,slashinghisshoulderopen.Hestaggeredawayfromthe

attack,glaringattheflailingreptile.IgnoringThanquol’sdemandstoleavethedyingbeastalone,Boneripperleaptontopofthe

reptile’sbody,scramblingaroundsothathecouldgrabthemonster ’slegatthehip,wellawayfromtheflashingclaws.Gruntingwitheffort,theratogrelockedbothofhisarmsaroundtheoffendinglimbandbegantopull.Thanquolstoppedcallingonhisbodyguardtoleavethecarnosauralone.Insteadhewatchedthe

goryspectacleplayitselfout,earnestlyhopingallthewhilethatBoneripperwouldbealotcalmerwhenhewasfinished.Infact,thegreyseerwasthinkingitmightbeagoodideatostartbeingnicertoBoneripper.It

wouldbesomewhatsaferthatway.

Theycouldfeelthejunglewatchingthem.AtfirstAdalwolflaidthesensationdowntohisownfearfulimagination,butasheandHiltrudepenetrateddeeperintotheforest,heknewitwassomethingmore.Everyhaironhisbodywascrawlingwithapprehension.Itwasmorethansimpleimagination.HecouldseethatHiltrudefeltittoo,butdecidednottoaddtoherfearbyvoicinghisownconcerns.Thefightwiththesoldier-lizardshadmadeasinisterimpression.Woundedandaloneinastrange

land,eventhesmallerlizardmenthathadservedintheTempleoftheSerpentwouldhavebeenenoughofachallengeforthem.Adalwolfknewtheyhadbeenluckytosurviveoneencounterwiththesauruswarriors.Iftheywouldlive,theywouldneedtokeeptheirwitsaboutthem,trytoavoiddrawingtheattentionofthereptiles.Evenbeforethestrangesensationofbeingwatched,themercenarydidn’tfindthatalikely

prospect.Theimageofthetoad-creature’sarmysurroundingtheruinsofQuetzawastoofreshinhismind.Alegionofthepowerfulsoldier-lizardshademergedfromthejungletoencirclethecity.Therecouldbehundreds,eventhousandsofthemonstersprowlingthejunglelookingforthem,everyonefarmoreathomeinthesavagerainforeststhanthehumans.Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethelizardmenfoundthem.Theironehopewastheblackdropsofbloodtheyfollowed.Adalwolfwascertainnowthatthetrail

couldonlybelongtoBoneripper.Anythingelsewouldhavediedfromsuchbloodlossbuttheratogrewastoostupidandtoostubborntorealisethefact.Perhapswhateversorcerousartshadallowedtheunderfolktobreedsuchabeasthadalsoendoweditwithasuper-normalvitality.Adalwolfdidn’tknow,heonlyknewthatthebeastlivedandwhileitliveditgavethemhope:atrailtofollowthatwouldleadthemtoThanquol’sescaperouteoutofthisgreenhell.Itwasahorriblethoughttounderstandthattheironlyprayerofsalvationlayinthetreacherous

pawsofThanquol.AdalwolfwouldhaveratherentrustedhislifetooneofthemerwyrmsthatguardedtheshoresofUlthuan,buttherewasnootherchoice.TheycouldfollowThanquolandhopetoeitherstealorsharehiswayoutofLustriaortheycouldsimplysitdownandwaitforthelizardmentocatchthem.AtleasttherewasnosignthatThanquolhadanyhelpotherthanBoneripper.Whentheyhad

followedthetrailbacktotheskavenencampment,Adalwolfhadfearedtheworst.Theairhadbeensothickwiththesmellofratmen,he’dexpectedanentireswarmofthefiendstobewaitingforthem.Insteadtheyhadfoundahalf-dozenratkinrippedapartinavarietyofghastlywayshewascertainonlyBonerippercouldmanage.ItseemedThanquolhadhadaveryfinalfallingoutwiththoseminionswhohadescapedfromQuetza.Thetwohumanshadlingeredintheghoulishclearingonlylongenoughtoscavengesuppliesfrom

theunderfolk’sstores.Hiltrudehadbecomesickattheveryideaofcarryingtheratmen’sprovisions,muchlessthethoughtofeatingthem.Themostappealingthingsappearedtobethepulpyinnardsofenormousbeetles.Themenuonlygotworsefromthere.IthadtakenallofAdalwolf’sskillsof

persuasiontoinducethecourtesantopickuptheghastlyfodder,assuringhertheywouldonlyeatthefilthasalastresort.Evenworsethanthefoodwasthewater.Theratmenhadusedanassortmentofincreasinglyfoul-

smellingbladderstocarrytheirwater.Adalwolftriedtoconvincehimselftheabominable-lookingthingshadn’tbeenstitchedtogetherfromthekidneysofdeadskaven.Thebladdersgavethewaterinsidethemapungentreekandanevenmoreloathsometaste,butthemercenaryknewfromexperiencethatafewhoursundertheLustriansunwouldmakethemdrinkeventhisfilthandpraisethegodsforprovidingit.Fromtheencampment,theyfollowedBoneripper ’straildeeperintothejungle.Itwasimpossibleto

becertainafterthepeculiaritiesofthepaththeyhadfollowedfromthebeach,butAdalwolfhadtheimpressiontheyweretravellinginalargelysouthwarddirection.Hewasthankfulfortheratogre’ssavagefacilityattearingapartthefoliage,makingtheirownprogressmucheasier.Evenso,hewascarefultosetapacethatbothheandHiltrudewouldbeabletomaintain.Exhaustingthemselveswouldn’tletthemcatchThanquol.SeveraltimesthetrailmadebyBoneripperwouldcrossoverintoalargertrail.Adalwolfcouldtell

fromthesmellthatthewidertrailhadbeencutbyagreatnumberofratmen.PerhapsitmarkedthewayThanquol’sexpeditionhadjourneyedtoQuetza.Butifso,whydidn’tthegreyseersticktoit?Ifhefearedpursuit,clearlyhewouldhavecompelledBonerippertobemorecarefulabouthackingatrailthroughthejungle.TheonlyanswerAdalwolfcouldcomeupwithwasthatThanquolwaslookingforsomething,

somethingimportantenoughthathewouldn’tleaveLustriawithoutit.Theinfrequentreturnstotheoldpathhisratmenhadmadewereperhapsdonesothathecouldregainhisbearings.Themercenarywasthankfulforwhateverdelaymadethegreyseershunastraightruntowhereverhewasgoing.Anythingthatslowedhimdownwastotheadvantageofthedesperatehumanswhofollowedhim.Dayspassedbeforetheysawamoretangiblesignoftheirquarrybeyondtheoccasionalfootprint

orsometrinketThanquolhaddecidedwastooheavytocontinuecarrying.Itwasalsoagrimreminderthatevenastheyhuntedtheratman,otherthingshuntedtheminturn.Thecarcassofthegiantreptilewasstrewnacrossthetrail,impaleduponthebambootreesthat

flankedtheleftsideofthepath.Adalwolfshudderedtoseethething,remindedofthegreatcarnosaurtheyhadencounteredsolongago.Therewasnoquestionastothething’sdeath–oneofitshindlegshadbeentornfromitssocket.Eventherobustvigourofacarnosaurwasn’tabletoovercomethatsortofmutilation.Adalwolfwassurprisedtofindasaddlestrappedtothereptile’sback.Hesmiledbitterlyashenoted

thegoldadornmentsdanglingfromthesnakeskinharness.TherewaswealthenoughinthishideousplacetochokeeverykingintheOldWorldandeverybitofitwasasuselesstothemasavolumeofTarradashwastoanorc.Somelittlewayfromthedeadcarnosaur,theyfoundthecorpseofalizardman,oneofthehulking

warriorbreed.Itsbodywasstrangelyburntandtherewasasulphurousreekrisingfromit.‘LookslikeThanquol’snotsotimidaboutusinghismagicnow,’Adalwolfsaid.Hiltrudeshudderedandturnedawayfromthegrislycorpse.Shecoveredherfaceinherhands.‘It’s

hopeless!’shesobbed.‘Thosethingsaregoingtocatchus!’Adalwolfreachedhisarmaroundher,tryingtosootheherdespair.Hewincedasshepressed

againsthim,hershoulderbrushingthebrokenlimbtiedagainsthischest.‘Maybetheylikethetasteofratbetterthanus,’hesaid.‘Wehaven’tseenanyofthemindays.Maybethat’sbecausetheyhavebeenbotheringThanquolinstead.’‘Butiftheydocatchhim!’Hiltrudecried.‘He’stheonlyonethatmightknowhowtogetoutof

here!’

Adalwolfstrokedhertangledhair.‘Oneworryatatime,’hetoldher.Hiseyeshardenedashelookedoverhershoulder.Gently,henudgedherawayfromthesideofthetrail,turningheraroundsothatshewouldn’tseewhathehadseen.Themercenaryrepressedashiverastheylimpedbackdownthetrail.Ithadn’tbeenthesightofthe

littlecanniballizardsthathadsoupsethim,thoughhehadseentheirhideouscapabilitiesfirsthand.No,ithadbeenthewaytheystaredbackathim,dozensofsetsofunblinkingeyeswatchinghimwithanairofraptattention.Itwasmorethanthewayananimalwatchedprey.Therehadbeenachillingsenseofpurpose,ofintelligenceinthatstare.Onceagain,Adalwolfthoughtofthetremendouspowerhehadfeltrisingfromthetoad-creature.

Hewonderedwhatitwasdoingandifithadusedsomeofitsmagictomaketheverminofthejungleitsspies.

LordTlacosatuponhisdais,unheedingoftheswayingrhythmofhisstrangechariot.Dispensingwiththeancientmagicsthatkeptthegoldendaisindefianceofgravity,theslannallowedhistempleguardtoconductitthroughthejungle.Thebrawnysauruswarriorsbenttheirbacksbeneaththelongbronzerodsuponwhichthedaisrested.Theymovedineerieunison,eachsaurusmirroringhisoppositeastheymarchedthroughtheprimordialforest.Theslanndevotedafractionofitsawarenessuponhissurroundings,usingaportionofits

knowledgeoftheGreatMathtobendtreesawayfromthepathofitsminions,todrainpondsandfillgulliesthatmightotherwiseinterferewiththemarch.Beastsofthejunglerecoiledfromthementalcallofthemage-priest,orelsecameintheircrawling,slithering,hoppingmultitudestoobeytheslann’scommand.Anumberlesslegionspreadthroughthejungle,peeringundereverybush,listeningateverythicket,tastingtheairofeverypathwithforkedtongues.Allwerelookingforthefragilewarm-bloodLordTlacosought,theunknownquotientthatmustbequantifiedtoexplaintheequation.ManyweretheeyesofLordTlaco,buttherewasalimittowhatthetinymindsoftreefrogsand

mudsnakescouldaccomplish,whatevertheirnumbers.Theswarmingreptilesofthejunglecouldbetrustedtofindthedecayingalgorithm,buttheycouldnotbedependedupontocontainit.Theblemishesontheslann’sskinshiftedandexpanded.Thepaleskinkattendantcrouchingbeside

LordTlacostoodinresponse,thefoldofskinatthetopofitsheadflutteringlikethesignalflagofawarship.Theskinkgesturedandhissedattheslann’sretinue,impartingtothemthecommandsithadreadinthemage-priest’sshiftinghue.Lizardmenhissedinreply,arollingsusurrusthatcrawledthroughthejunglelikeaprimalforce.

Birdsfledfromthetreesasthesoundofthereptileswashedoverthem,monkeysscrambledtotheforestfloor,panthersretreatedstilldeeperintotheirshadowylairs.Thesimplebeastsofthejungleknewthatsound.ThelordsofLustriawereonthehunt.Likewavesbreakinguponarockyshore,LordTlaco’sretinueevaporatedintothejungle,

spreadingouttoscourtheforestforthespecimentheirmasterrequired.Soon,onlytheslann,histempleguardandafewskinkattendantsremained.Themage-priestmadeaslightmotionofhishandandhissmallcompanybegantomarchonce

more.TherewasneitherchanceorcoincidencetoonewhotrulyunderstoodtheGreatMath,onlyaquestionofprobabilities,greaterandlesser.Fortheunknownquotienttoescapetheslann’shunterswasalesserprobability.However,itwasonethatLordTlacowasnotgoingtoignore.AnythingwithpurposecouldbepredictedaccordingtotheLawsoftheOldOnes.Adecaying

algorithmwasstillafragmentofharmony,avaluewithintheGreatMath.LordTlacoknewwherethespecimenwasgoing.Heknewwhyandhow.Theslannalsoknewthewarm-bloodwouldnevergetthere.

Eventheleastprobabilitieswereagainsthim.

Soppingwet,ChangFangdroppedontothedeckoftheBlackMaryandbegantowringoutthedrippingtattersofhiscloak.Theassassinbruxedhisfangsinannoyance.HehadGreySeerThanquoltothankforallofhismisfortunes.Thanquolandthatstupidlyloyalratogreofhis!Ifhe’dknownwhattroublethatbrutewasgoingtocause,hewouldhaveslititsthroatonthevoyageover!Thatworthlessconjure-ratShenTsingetoo!ChangFangtriedtocalmhimself.He’dreachedtheshipwellaheadofThanquol.Thatwasallthat

mattered.Itwouldtakeonlyafewhourstogetthevesselreadyandthenhe’dbeabletoleaveLustriabehind.Withalittleluck,thecurrentsmighttaketheshipsomeplaceconnectedtotheUnder-Empire.Still,evenifheneversawanotherskavenagain,hecouldatleastcomforthimselfwiththeimageofThanquolrottingawayinthejungle.Maybethegreyseerwouldevengetasfarasthebeach.ChangFangalmostsquealedindelight

imaginingthelookonThanquol’sfacewhenhesawhisonlyhopeofescapesailingoffoverthehorizon–withouthim!Theassassinclappedhispawstogetherandlookedabouthim,wonderingwhereheshouldstartto

gettheshipreadytosail.Hetwitchedhiswhiskersinconfusionwhenhenoticedthatthemainsailwasalreadyraised.Suddenlyanannoyancehehadn’treallythoughtaboutinhisfranticswimtoreachtheshipbeforeThanquoloccurredtohim.Whohadmovedtheboatsfromthebeach?Andwhohadfastenedthemintotheirplacesagainstthe

ship’shull?ChangFangdrewtheknivesfromthefoldsofhiscloakandstaredsuspiciouslyathissuddenly

sinistersurroundings.Heheardaplankcreaksomewherebeneathhim,thenanotherandanother.Everyhaironhisbodyshiveredasadecayed,putridstenchrosefromtheBlackMary’shold.Therewassomethinguncomfortablyfamiliaraboutthatsmell.

Chaptersixteen

EscapefromLustria

Hiltrudecouldfeelherheartpoundingagainstherribs,feelingasthoughitweretryingtohammeritswayoutofherbody.Herlungsfeltliketheywereonfireandherlegsfeltlikelead.Shewascertainthateverystepshetookwouldbeherlast,butsomehowherfearmadehergoon.AnyhopethatthelizardmenwouldignoretheminfavouroftrackingdownThanquolhad

vanished.Forhourstheyhadheardthereptilesscramblingthroughtheundergrowth,followingthemjustoutofeyesight.Sometimesastrangechirporbarkwouldsoundfromthetrees,risingwithasinistersenseofpurposethatmadeHiltrude’sskincrawl.Sheknewthesoundsweren’ttheidlechatterofmonkeysorthecriesofbirds,butthecallsofskinkhuntersshadowingtheirprey.Sometimestheywouldcatchafleetingglimpseofblue-scaledstalkersmovingthroughthetrees.

SuchinstancesseemeddeliberatetoHiltrude,asthoughthelurkinglizardmenwererevealingthemselvesinordertofrightenthetwohumansawayfromaparticularpath.Intheirsorrycondition,wrackedwithfever,tiredfromdaysoftrudgingthroughtheswelteringheat,sickenedbytheabominablerationsoftheratmen,thetwofugitivesdidn’tanswerwhateverchallengetheskinksoffered.Insteadtheyturned,tryingtofindadifferentwaythroughthejungle.WhateverhopetheyhadofkeepingtoThanquol’strailwaslostnow.Forcedfromthegreyseer ’s

pathbytheencroachinglizardmen,theynowmadetheirwayalmostatrandomthroughtherainforest.Hiltrudecouldn’tescapetheideathatthelizardmenwereguidingthemsomewhere,herdingthemlikecattletowardssomedefiniteend.Itwasathoughtthatmadehergaginhorror,memoriesofXiuhcoatlandthealtaratopthepyramidrisinginhermind.Adalwolf’sfeverwasworse,hismovementsreducedtoapainedstumble.Moreandmorehewas

forcedtoleanuponHiltrudeforsupport.Thecourtesandidn’tbegrudgehisweakness,sheonlyhopedthatshewouldbeabletofindthestrengthwithinhertobringthemboththroughtheirordealsafely.Thatcold,practicalsideofherthathadsodominatedherlifewasonlyatinyvoicenow,chidingherfornotleavingthesickmanandtakingherchancesonherown.Shedidn’tlistentothatuglypartofhersoul.Adalwolfhadn’tleftherbehind.Evenifshefeltnothingforhim,thatalonewouldbereasonenoughtostaybyhisside.Thechirpsandbarksoftheskinksrosefromthebushesaroundthemoncemore.Therecouldnot

bemanyofthereptiles,Hiltrudethought,otherwisethecreatureswouldhavealreadyoverwhelmedthem.Whytheydidnotattackwithpoisonedarrowsandjavelinsastheyhadtheratmen,shedidnotknow.Thattherewassomesinistermeaningintheirreluctancetoattackshewascertain.Thelizardmenwereleadingthemsomewhere.Butwhere?Theysoonhadtheiranswer.Drivenonwardsbythechirpsoftheskinks,thetwofugitivesjogged

downthegametrailtheyhadbeenfollowing,musteringsuchspeedaswasstillleftintheirbodies.Beyondthelimitofherendurance,Hiltrudecollapsedwhenthetrailsuddenlyopenedintoagrassyclearing.Somegiantoftheforesthadoncestoodhereuntiltheelementshadfinallybroughtit

crashingdown.Rottenpilesofwoodshowedwherethecarcassofthetreehadcollapsedlongago.Now,atthecentreoftheclearing,agreen-leafedsuccessorgrew.AdalwolfcrashedtothegroundbesideHiltrude.Helandedonhisbrokenarm,apainedscream

scrapingthroughhisclenchedteeth.Hiltruderolledhimontohisback,tryingtoeasehissuffering.Aloudershriekboomedacrosstheclearing,asoundatoncemagnificentandterrible.Itwaslike

theroarofsteelinafurnaceandthegroanofawarshipuponatroubledsea.Thesoundpulsedthroughtheearsofthetwohumans,throbbingthroughtheirbodieswithastinglikeelectricity.Theyliftedtheirheads,Adalwolf’sbrokenarmforgottenastheyfocuseduponthesourceoftheawfulscream.Withinthebranchesofthelonelytree,somethingmoved.Theyhadnotnoticedthereptilebefore,

sostillhaditbeen,itsgreenscalesblendingintotheleavesaroundit.Now,however,thebeasthadbeenaroused.Itcreptalongthethickbranchuponwhichitstoodwithgreatcrawlinghopsofitsbody.Twoshort,clawedlegsletthereptilegripthetree,therestofitsbodyrisinginalurching,hunchbackedfashion.Whenthecreaturereachedtheedgeofthebranch,itsatforamoment,studyingthetwohumanswithaglazed,hungrycastinitsdullyelloweyes.Thereptilecroucheduponthebranchforatime,loomingoverthemlikesomescalyvulture.Then

thefoldsofitswrinkledbodyopenedwide,snappingintogreatleatherypinions.Thewingedreptilethrewbackitsbeakedhead,itswarblingshriekagainpulsingthroughthejungle.Swiftlythereptilelauncheditselffromthebranch,soaringdownfromthetree,itseyesfixeduponthepreytheskinkshaddriventoit.Astheterradontookwing,Hiltrudenoticedthepatchofscalyblueskinclingingtoitsback.Only

whenthebluescalesstartedtomoveontheirowndidsherealisethattherewasaskinkclutchingthewingedmonster ’sback,ridingtheflyingreptileasamanmightrideahorse!Theskinkborealongstabbingspearinitsclawsandwithadeftmotionoftheweapon,itbroughttheterradonhurtlingevenfasteruponthetwofugitives.HiltrudecastaboutherforthegoldenswordSchachterhadgivenher.Sherosetoherknees,

huddlingclosetoAdalwolf,flailingtheswordinadesperatearcbeforethem,tryingtoplaceabarrierofbitingmetalbetweenthemandtheflyingreptile.Thewoman’sfranticeffortscausedtheterradontoshriekinsurpriseandrearbackfromthe

flashingblade.Itsskinkrider,however,hadmoreintelligencethanthebeast.AsingleexpertjabwithitsspearandthelizardmantoretheswordfromHiltrude’sfingers,sendingitflyingacrosstheclearing.Hiltrude’sfirstimpulsewastorunafterthesword,butAdalwolfgrabbedheranklebeforeshe

couldmove,pullingherdownbeforetheskinkcouldrunherthroughwithhisspear.Themercenaryrosetohisfeet,shoutingandleaping,wavinghishandoverhisheadinanefforttograbtheattentionoftheirattackers.Seeingtheterradonfixitseyesonhim,heranacrosstheclearing,intentondrawingthereptilesawayfromHiltrude.Theterradonshriekedanddivedafterthemercenary.Hiltrudecouldseetheskinkonitsbackpull

onthebonyheadcrestthatjuttedfromthebackofthereptile’shead,causingittoveerawayfromAdalwolfbeforeitcouldsinkitstalonsintohim.Theterradoncroakedandsnarledinfrustration,buttheskinkdidnotreleaseitsheadcrestuntilitwassureitwasbackundercontrol.BythattimeAdalwolfhaddrawnhisownswordandwasbracinghimselffortheterradon’ssecond

attack.Hiltrudewatchedthemantremblingwiththeeffort,hisarmshakingasthoughwithanague.Theterradonhoveredabovehim,makingitsgrislycroakingsounds,snappingattheskinkonitsbackwithitsfangedbeak.Finallytheterradonwasallowedtodiveatthemanoncemore.Theskink’sspearlashedoutagain,

tearingtheswordfromAdalwolf’sfingerswiththesameprecise,experttwistingmotionthathad

disarmedHiltrudesoeffectively.Thecourtesancriedout,expectingtoseetheskinkimpaleAdalwolfwithasecondthrustofhisspear,ashehadnearlydonetoher.Insteadthecrestontheskink’sneckflutteredopenanditshifteditsgriponthespear,drivingatAdalwolfwiththebluntendoftheweaponratherthanthejaggedtip.ColdhorrorrushedthroughHiltrude’sbodyassheunderstoodtheskink’sintention.Thelizardman

wantedtotakeAdalwolfalive,tousetheflyingsteedtocarryhimbacktotheTempleoftheSerpentanditswaitingaltar!Hiltrude’scrydidn’tfazetheskinkasitstruckoutatAdalwolfwithitsspear,butthesoundwas

enoughtodistractthehoveringterradonthatitshifteditspositionandfoiledthelizardman’saim.Thejabbingthrustofthespear ’sbluntend,insteadofcrashingintoAdalwolf’sheadandstunninghiminsteadpassedharmlesslyoverhisshoulder.MartialinstinctshonedinhundredsofbattlesmadeAdalwolfgrabtheendofthespearwithout

thinking.Savagelyhepulledattheweapon,rippingitfromthehandsoftheskinkandnearlycausingthelizardmantoloseitsgripontheterradon’sback.Confusedandenragedbytheconflictaroundit,theterradondivedbackatAdalwolf,itstalons

spreadforslaughter.Themercenaryawkwardlyfumbledwiththeskink’sspear,tryingtoturnitaroundsothathemightstabatthereptilewiththeweapon’sedge.Theone-armedmanlookedup,hiseyeswidewithhorrorashesawthereptilenearlyuponhim.Hiltrudescreamedagain,hopingtodrawtheterradonbackawayfromthehelplessAdalwolf.The

soundwasn’teffectiveasithadbeenbefore.Quicklysheunslungthepackofskavenprovisionsshecarried.Grippingtherottenbagbyitsstraps,shespunherbodyaroundandflungthepackatthewingedreptile.Theprovisionssplatteredacrosstheterradon’sback,coveringitinunspeakablebitsofwormy

meatandrancidfruit.Thereptileshriekedinalarm,risinghighintotheair.Itseyesshiftedangrily,studyingtheclearingandnarrowingwhentheyfocuseduponHiltrude.Screamingitswarblingcry,theterradondivedtowardsHiltrude.Again,theskinkriderpulledatthecrestofitsalmostbrainlessmount.Theterradonhissedin

protest,snappingatitsmaster.Theskinkhadnearlyturnedthebeastaboutwhensuddenlyitsbodywaspiercedfrombehind.Thebarbedheadofitsownspeareruptedfromitschest.Theskinkreleasedtheterradonandpawedfutilelyatitsmortalwound.TheweightoftheskinkontheendofthespearpulledtheweaponfromAdalwolf’shands.The

terradonroseintotheairagain,thelifelessskinktumblingoffitsbackandcrashingtoearth.Adalwolfrushedtorecoverthespearbeforethewingedmonstercouldturnonhimagain.Hedidnotcountuponthesingle-mindednessofthebeast,however.Insteadofturninguponhim,theterradondivedstraightatHiltrude.Thistimetherewasnoguidingintelligencetocurbtheterradon’spredatoryinstincts.Thereptile

camehurtlingatHiltrudelikealeatherythunderbolt.Itstalonsslashedthroughhersoftskin,sinkingdeepintoherflesh.Flutteringitswings,itswarblingcryallbutdrowningoutHiltrude’sscreams,theterradonlifteditspreyintothesky.Adalwolfrushedafterthefleeingmonster,shoutingandwavinghisarm,tryinganythingtogetitto

takeinterestinhimagain.Buttheterradoncouldnotbetrickedintoreleasingitscatch.Themercenarycouldonlywatchhelplesslyfromthegroundastheterradonsettledintothebranchesofthetallesttreeborderingtheclearing.Hemadeadesperatecastofthespearatthereptileasitlanded,buttheshaftfellwellshortofitstarget.Helookeddesperatelyatthetree,butknewhecouldneverclimbitwithabrokenarm.Bythen,itwastoolate.Thescreamshadstopped.Desolate,Adalwolfstumbledawayfromtheclearing.Henolongercaredwherehisstepstookhim,

onlythattheytookhimawayfromthegrotesqueslobberingsoundsdescendingfromtheterradon’sperchasitfeastedonitsprey.

GreySeerThanquolpeeredthroughthebranchesofthemangroves,studyingtheswamp.Hewrinkledhisfaceasthestagnant,sourreekoftheplacesmashedagainsthissenses.Hisfirstinstinctwastoavoidthisplace,todetourhowevermanyleagueswerenecessarytoavoidsettingonepawonitsslimyground.Thatwasaluxuryhecouldn’tafford.ChangFanghadcomethisway,Boneripper ’sinsistencethattheassassin’strailledherewasproofofthat.Theratogrecouldn’tcommunicatehowlongagoThanquol’senemyhadbeenhere,butitdidn’treallymatter.Hewasstillaheadofthegreyseer,stillwellonhiswaytogettingtotheshipbeforeThanquol.Sidesteppingtheswampwasn’tanoption.Therewasn’tthetimetogoaround.Thanquol’ssecond

instinctwastotuckhistailbetweenhislegsandscurryacrossthebogasfastashisfeetwouldcarryhim.Thistoohedismissedwithaneffortofself-control.Therewasnowaytotellwherethedecayedzombiesmightbelurking,waitingforfreshmeattorendwiththeirrottenclaws.Theundeadmightbelyinginwaitunderthemudorhiddenbeneaththescummywater.Therewasnotellingandnowaytopicktheirscentoutfromtherancidstinkoftheswampitself.Thanquolsquintedashestaredatthecrumblingfortthehumanpirateshadbuiltlongago.There

wasnosignofactivitythere,butlasttimetherehadn’tbeenanysigneither.Notuntilfesteringcorpseshadlurchedoutoftheruinstoattacktheskaven.Thegreyseerbruxedhisfangsandtuggedathiswhiskers.Cautionwasagoodthing,butit

wouldn’thelphimifChangFangsailedawayintheship.Screwinguphiscourage,Thanquoldroppeddownfromhisperchinthebranchesofamangrove

tree.HescurriedovertoBoneripper,swattingtheratogre’sflankwithhisstaffandpointingaclawattheswamp.‘Go-quick!’hesnarled.‘First-lead,Iwillfollow!’Theratogrewrinkledhisfaceindistasteasheturnedanddrewalungfulofstagnantswampsmell

intohislungs.Foranuglymoment,ThanquolthoughtBoneripperwasgoingtodefyhiscommands.Thenthehulkingbeast’sbodyrumbledasasighshookthroughhim.Withanairofresignation,Boneripperlopedoffintothemud.Thanquolwaitedafewmomentstoseeifanythingroseupoutoftheslimetoattackhisbodyguard,

thenquicklyscurriedafterBoneripper.Heglancedatthescummywatertoeithersideofthesandbank,unsettledtoseethecoldeyesofcrocodileswatchinghimwithapredatoryregard.Fumblingattheclasp,Thanquolthumbedopenthelittleratskullboxthatheldhissnuff.Heinhaledanosefulofthewarpstonepowder,feelingathrillofwarmthandvigourrushthroughhim.Thesnuffdidn’tmakehimlikethecrocodilesanybetter,butatleasthismindfoundithardertofocusonthemasatideofcontrastingemotionsflitteredthroughhisbrain.Ofcourse,eventhewarpstonesnuffwasn’tenoughtomakeThanquolforgetaboutthezombies.

Everystepclosertothetowerheexpectedtoseetheundeadrearupoutofthemuck.Hisfirstencounterwiththethingshadbeenbadenough.Thenagain,hedidn’thaveChangFangaroundtryingtofeedhimtothethingseither.Thanquol

couldbehappyaboutthat.Oratleasthewouldbeiftheassassin’sabsencedidn’tmeanhewasprobablyontheshipgettingitreadytosailawayandmaroonthegreyseerinthislostworldoflizardsandsnakes!‘Fast-quick!’Thanquolgrowled,strikingBoneripper ’sbacktoencouragethebrutetogreater

speed.

ThechirpsandbarksofthelizardmensoundedaroundhimoncemoreafterAdalwolffledtheclearing.Therewasafranticqualitytothesoundsnow.Perhapsthelizardmenwereaskingeachother

whattheyshoulddonowthathe’dkilledtheirchiefandtheirflyingmonsterwasonlyinterestedinfillingitsgullet.Themercenarythoughtaboutjustsittingdownandwaitingfortheskinkstocomeforhim,buthe

didn’tthinktheywould.Theywerewatchers,senttomonitorhim,toherdhimtotheirmasters.Evenifthereptilesstoodandfought,theywouldsoonovercomehim.Histhoughtsweren’taboutescapenow.ThatideahaddiedwithHiltrude.Nowtheonlythingthatgoadedhimonwasthehopeofrevenge.Hewouldmakethelizardmensuffer.Killingthelowercreatureswouldn’thurtthereptilesgreatly,butifhecouldfindthetoad-creature...Adalwolfignoredthecommonsensethattoldhimitwasmadnesstothinkhecouldkillthetoad-

creature.Ifevenamanwhoknewlessaboutwizardrythanastreetsweepercouldsensetheauraofmagicsurroundingtheamphibian,thensurelyitwasmorethancapableofusingthatmagictoprotectitself.Buthewasfarbeyondreasonnow.Itwassomethingtokeephimgoing.Hedidn’tthinkfindingthetoad-creaturewouldbeaproblem.Adalwolfhadnoticedthewaythe

lizardmenseemedhesitanttokillhim.Eventheskinkchiefontheterradonhadmadeeveryefforttokeephisbeastfromhurtingthemercenary.Thereptileswantedhimalive,tobringhimsomewhere.Hewascertainthatwhereverthatwas,thetoad-creaturewouldbethere.Itwoulddonogoodtofallintotheclawsofthelizardmenthough.Hehadtokeepoutoftheir

clutches,toforcethetoad-creaturetocometohim,tomeethimonhisowntermsandongroundofhisownchoosing.Thatwashisonlyhopenow.Hisonlyhopeforrevenge.Thrashingsoundsinthebrushaheadannouncedaneweffortbytheskinkstocapturehim.

Adalwolfsprangbehindthecoverofafallenlogjustasanarmouredreptilethesizeofalionthrustitselffromwhereithadburieditselfintheground.Theburrowingmonsterwasadullbrownincolour,itsbodyheavywithbigthorn-likespikesthatcovereditfromthetipofitssnouttotheendofitsclub-liketail.Thereptilehissedmenacinglyathimasitshooktheearthfromitsback.Beforetherazordoncouldlungeattheman,however,askinkcamescramblingarounditsflank,

jabbingitwithashortspear.Thebiggerreptile’sfuryebbedanditjuststaredatAdalwolf,contentnowtosimplyblockhisway.Thegroundbehindthemercenarynowroseupandasecondrazordonemerged,blockingtheway

back.Likethefirstreptile,thisonetoohaditsentourageofskinktenders.Goadingthearmouredreptilewiththeirspears,theskinksmovedtheirmonstertowardsAdalwolf,tryingtotrapthemanbetweenthebeasts.Cryingoutinchallenge,Adalwolfthrewthebladderoffoulwaterintothefaceofthebeastbehind

him.Thecreaturewasblindedforaninstant,itshornedbodyheavingasitsentspikesshootingoutofitsskinineverydirection.Skinksdroppedflattotheearthtoavoidthedeadlymissiles.Alreadyturnedtofacethefirstrazordon,Adalwolfdidnotseetheunexpectedreactiontheone

behindhimhadwhentheblackwatersplashedinitseyes.UnfamiliarwiththecreaturesofLustria,hisfirstawarenessoftherazordon’sabilitytothrowitsspineswaswhensixofthemcamestabbingintohisback.Screaminginpain,ittookeverylastpieceofwillpowerforAdalwolftostayonhisfeet.He

reachedbehindhisback,franticallytryingtopullthespinesfromhisflesh.Hisskinthrobbedwherethespineshadhurthim,astingingburnasthoughhehadbackedagainstahotstove.Askinkrushedathimwithaclub,butAdalwolfdrovehisbootintothelizardman’sbelly,pitching

himontotheground.Themercenarycouldseemoreofthewirylizardmenemergingfromthejungle,surroundinghimoneachside.OneoftherazordontendersencouragedthebeasttoshootavolleyofspinesintothegroundnearAdalwolf.Themeaningwasclear.Hewastostaywherehestood.Adalwolfglaredattheskinkandspatonthelittlelineofspines.Grittinghisteeth,hethrewhimself

offthetrail,crashingintotheundergrowth.Vinesslashedhisface,thornscuthisskin,buthewouldnotrelent.Ifthelizardmenwantedhim,theyweregoingtohavetoworkfortheirprize.

ScramblingoverthesideoftheBlackMary,GreySeerThanquolfloppedtothedeck.Hisheartwaspoundinglikeadrum,electrifiedbytheterrorthathadgrippedhimduringhisfranticswimfromthebeach.Witheverystrokehe’drelivedtheawfulhorrorofthelandinginLustria,smellingagainthetangofskavenbloodinthewaterasthesharksfeasted,knowingthatatanymomenthemightbethenexttofilltheirjaws.ThanquolcursedChangFangasheshooktheseafromhisdrippingfur.Itwasjustliketheslinking

murderertotakealloftheboatsbacktotheship,forcingThanquolandBonerippertomakethedangerousswimiftheywouldgaintheBlackMaryintime.Everyinstantthegreyseerhadexpectedasharktodraghimunder,forallofhismagnificentambitionsandschemestoendinthebellyofahungryfish.ButthefavouroftheHornedRatwasstilluponhim.Hisgodwouldnotsufferthemostbrilliant

geniusinallskavendomtodieinsuchasenselessway!Thanquolhadnotseenasingleshark,notevenasuggestionofadorsalfinsplittingthewaves.EvenBoneripper,withhistornbodystilldrippingblood,hadbeenabletomaketheswimsafely.Thegreyseerhadwatchedmostcarefullyfortheslightestsniffofasharkwhenhehadsenttheratogretotestthewaters.Perhapsthesharkswereallasleep,digestingthefeastofskavenfleshthey’denjoyedwhenthe

BlackMarylanded.ItwasjustlikeThanquol’sreturntotheswamp.Therehadn’tevenbeenawhiffofanyzombiesabout.SurelytheHornedRatwasbestowinghisprotectionuponthegreyseer,strikingfearintothecravenheartsofhisenemiesandmakingthemcowerintheirholesuntilhehadpassed!Thanquolpinchedthefoldsofhisrobe,wringingastreamofwaterfromthesoakedgarment.He

hatedthesaltystinkofthesea,butatleastitwasbetterthanthehumidclingingheatofthejungle.Anditwasasmellheknewmeanthewasgoinghome,sohecouldn’tcompletelydespiseit.Soonhewouldbesailingbacktocivilization,tostalkoncemorethroughthestreetsofSkavenblight.Hewouldreturnintriumph,victoriouslypresentinghimselfbeforetheNightlordandhumblyrelatingthemagnificentdestructionhehadbroughtuponXiuhcoatlandtheTempleoftheSerpent!ClanEshinwouldbeindebtedtohim,andThanquolwouldusetheirfavourswell!Hewouldsendtheirspiesandkillerstolookafterhismanyenemies.Thosehecouldnotthreatenintosubmissionwoulddie,andtheirdeathswouldmakeallskavendomtremble.TisqueekandtheotherseerlordswouldlearntheirplaceandthenitwouldbetimeforhimtoturnhisattentionstothatincompetentfoolSeerlordKritislik.WiththestrengthofClanEshinhistocommand,ThanquolwouldarrangeanaccidentforthedecrepitSeerlordandthentherewouldbeanewscentintheShatteredTower–thescentofSeerlordThanquol!VengefulthoughtsremindedThanquolofsomethinghe’dleftunfinished.Heclappedhispaws

togetherandrubbedthemeagerly.ItwassokindofChangFangtotakesomuchtimegettingalltheboatsbacktotheship.Withoutthatdelay,theidiotmighthavesucceededinhisplantostrandThanquolinLustria.But,ofcourse,thefoolhadpittedhimselfagainstaforceofdestinywhenhesethispunybrainagainstthegeniusofThanquol!‘ChangFang!’Thanquolcriedout.‘Youcancomeoutnow,youturd-sniffingdung-licker!Iwon’t

hurt-hurtyou!’Ashespoke,Thanquoltuckedasmallpieceofwarpstoneintohischeekpouch.Hethoughthe’dstartbyburningoffoneoftheassassin’slegswithaboltofwarp-lightning.Thenhe’dseewherethemoodtookhimfromthere.Onlythesoundoftheship’screakinghullandthewavesrollingagainsttheshoreanswered

Thanquol’scall.Thegreyseerlashedhistailinannoyance.Hedidn’tliketheideaofsettingsailwithanassassinhiddensomewhereaboard.HealmostwishedthatShiwanStalkscenthadleftguards

behindtokeepcowardslikeChangFangfromsneakingbackonboard.Thenagain,hehadtogrudginglyconcedethatShiwanhadapointwhenhedecidedanyskavenheleftwiththeshipwouldbetemptedtoheadbacktotheUnder-Empireassoonastheirleaderswereoutofsight.‘ChangFang,youcringingwhelp-chewer!Yourmotherwasahe-mouseandyoursirewasan

asthmaticbat!’Thanquolsnarled,shoutingsothathisvoicewouldcarrytothequarterdeckandthecabinsbelow.Heglaredangrilyattheshiparoundhim,tryingnottojumpeverytimetheshadowofasailmoved.Theassassinmightbeanywhere,waitingtosinkaknifeinhisribs!Baringhisfangs,ThanquolroundedonBoneripper,strikingtheratogrewithhisstaff.‘Idiot-

meat!’hehissedathisbodyguard.‘Find-fetchChangFang!’BoneripperstaredstupidlyatThanquol.Theratogredidn’tbudge.Insteadhejustturnedhishead

andlookedstraightupintotheriggingoftheship.Thanquolcringed,expectingaferociousassassintodropdownonhim,eyesagleamwithmurder,

daggersdrippingwithpoison.HescurriedaroundtotakeshelterbehindBoneripper,hopingChangFangmightbetoobusytacklingtheratogretokillthegreyseer.Whenhetookafewbreathswithoutaknifestabbingintohisflesh,Thanquolbecamecurious.

CautiouslyhepeeredaroundBoneripper ’sbulk.Carefullyhefollowedtheratogre’sgazeupwards.Flutteringfromthemainmastwassomethingthathadn’tbeentherebefore.Itwasasquareofblack

clothbrokenbytheghoulishimageofaskullhoveringovercrossedblades.IttookamomentforThanquoltoremembertheflagthepiratestheyhadtakentheshipfromhadflown.Thiswassimilartothebannertheskavenhadcutdownandthrownintothesea,butthelongerThanquolstaredatit,themorehebegantonoticedisturbingdifferencesfromtheflagheremembered.Theblackfieldwasn’tsmoothcloth,itwasfurry,fashionedfromtheuncuredhideofsomeanimal.Thebladesweren’tcolourfulpatchesstitchedintotheflag,butwererealknivestiedagainsttheirfurrysetting.Andtheskullwasn’tsewn,itwasarealskullsetintothemiddleoftheflag.Anditwasn’tahumanskull:itwasthelong,leanskullofaskaven!BoneripperhadfoundChangFang.ThanquolstaredatthegruesomeJollyRogerforalongtime,amixtureofelationandhorror

pulsingthroughhim.Theassassinwasdead,therewasnoneedtofearhimsneakingaroundtheblackgutsoftheshipwaitingforhischancetomurderThanquol.Thatwasacauseforcelebration.Unfortunately,itleftthedisturbingquestionofwhathadkilledChangFang.Thegreyseer ’snosetwitchedasarottensmellrosefromtheholdoftheship.Hiskeenearscould

hearaclumsysortofshufflingbeneathhisfeet.AcoldchillrandownThanquol’slegsasheventedthemuskoffear.Heknewthatsmellandhecouldguesswhatkindoffeetmadethosestumblingsounds.Turning,thegreyseersawaskeletalshapelumberoutfromthedarkdoorwaysetintothefaceof

thequarterdeck.Itgrinnedathimwithafleshlesssmile,arustycutlassclenchedinitsbonyfist.Thezombiepirate’seyeshonewithanemptyhunger,thesamepitilesshatredofallthingslivingithadshownwhenithademergedfromthefortintheswamp.Thanquolunderstoodnowwhyhehadn’tbeenattackedintheswamp.Aftertheskavenfled,the

zombieshadfollowedtheirtrailbacktothebeach.Inlifetheyhadbeenpirates,indeaththeyhadbeenabandonedtothestinkingjunglesofLustria.Atleastuntiltheskavenhadbroughtanewshiptothem.

Adalwolfstoodatopalittlegrassymound.Itwasaneffortjusttostandnow,furtherflightfromthelizardmenwassomethingthatalmostbroughttearsoflaughtertohimashethoughtaboutit.Hisbackwasswollenwheretherazordonspineshadstruckhim,thevenominthewoundsdrawingeveryinsectinthejungletohim.Hisbrokenarmwascompletelynumbbycontrast,adeadicyweightagainsthischest.Morethanthephysicalpain,itwasthefatigueofhissoulthatcrippledhim.Hehadnopurpose

now.Therewouldbenoreckoningwiththetoad-creature,norevengeforHiltrude.Skinkssurroundedhimoneverysidenow.Whereverheturnedhecouldseetheirscalyblue

bodies,littlearrowsnockedinthestringsoftheirshortbows,theirunblinkingeyesstaringbackathim.Evenifhehadthestrengthtogoon,therewasnoescapefromthisplace.Atfirsthethoughtitwasthefeverplayingtricksonhismindwhenhesawthetreesstarttochange.

Itwasasthoughsomeomnipotentforcewasfoldingthejungle,partingitlikeagamblershufflingcards.Thejungleswirledaroundhim,churningandundulatinglikeanangrysea.Theskinksvanished,thetreesvanished,thethicketsandsawgrass.Inthetwinklingofaneye,everythingaroundhimchanged,onlythegrassymoundbeneathhisfeethadstayedthesame.Itwasananchorofrealitythatsecuredhisreelingmindashetriedtocopewiththeimpossiblethinghehadexperienced.Diethelmhadexpoundedupontheweirdqualitiesofthepaththeyhadfollowedthroughthejungle.

NowAdalwolfknewthepriesthadbeenright.Hefeltverysmallwhenheconsideredthekindofpoweritmusttakeforeventhemightiestwizardtobendspaceandtimeinsuchafashion.Hisnewsurroundingswereasandystripalongtheshoreofthesea.Thesmellofbrine

overwhelmedthestinkofthejungleandeventheharshlightofthesunseemedsomehowcleanerwithouttheleavesofthejunglefilteringit.AbitterjoyflashedthroughAdalwolf’sheartwhenhesawadistantspeckbobbingatanchorfar

downthebeach.Itwasaship,hecouldn’tbemistaken.Healmostcriedtoseethesight,thehopethathehadlongedtofind.Butitwastoolateforthatnow.Hewouldneverleavethisplace.HisboneswouldlieinthejunglewiththoseofHiltrude,forgottenbytheworld.Adalwolfturnedtofacethegreenwallofthejungleandforthefirsttimehewasawarethathewas

notalone.Aphalanxofsauruswarriors,evenbiggerthantheonestheyhadfoughtinthejungle,stoodwatchinghimwiththesamepassionlessinterestastheskinkshehadleftbehind.Butheonlygavescantnoticetothefearsomelizardmen.Adalwolf’sinterestwasalmostinstantly

captivatedbythebloatedfrog-likethingthatsquatteduponagoldendaisinthemidstofthesauruswarriors.Theslann’seyeswerelimpidpoolsofamberastheystudiedthemercenary.Adalwolfrelaxedhisholdonthesword.Thisclosetothemage-priest,evenhismadlustfor

revengecouldn’tmakehimignoretheamphibian’sauraofpower.Amousewouldhavebetterchancesagainstadragonthanhewouldfightingsuchabeing.Theslann’seyesnarrowedwithinterestasAdalwolfloweredhisweapon.Avoice,neitherharsh

norsoothing,echoedthroughhisbrain.Itpromisedsuccour.Hiswoundswouldbetended,hishurtshealed,thefeverdrivenfromhisbody,thevenomdrainedfromhisveins.Allhehadtodowassubmit,toaccepthispartintheGreatMath.Therewasnoneedforhissumtobenegatedprematurely.Adalwolfshookhishead,tryingtodrivethevoiceoutofhishead.Heglaredatthebloatedslann.It

wasofferinghimlife,butthatwasn’tsomethinghewantedanymore.

LordTlacostaredbackattheunknownquotient.Thewarm-bloodhadakindofintelligence,butithadnoconceptoftheGreatMath.Whatitwantedandwhatitdidn’twanthadnothingtodowiththeharmoniesoftheOldOnes.Themage-priestshiftedthespotsonhisskin.Theskinkperchedonthedaisbesidetheslannquicklyinterpretedthechangesinhisskin.Liftingitshead,theskinkchirrupedandhissedtoLordTlaco’stempleguard.Almostasasingleentity,thetempleguarddroppedtheirswordsandpulledheavyclubsfromtheir

snakeskinbelts.TheystalkedawayfromLordTlaco’sdaisandmarchedtowardsthegrassymoundandthesicklycreaturestandingonit.

Adalwolf’sfisttightenedabouttheswordinhishandashesawthelizardmenmarchingtowardshim.Heknewhecouldn’thopetofightthemanymorethanhecouldhopetofighttheirmaster.They

wouldbeathimintosubmission,draghimoffforwhateverpurposetheslannneededhimfor.Therewasnohopeofvictoryhere.Buttherewasstillawaytocheathisenemiesanddenythemtheirtriumph.

LordTlacoactuallyleanedforwardsinhisseat,hisskinspotsopeningwideassomethinglikeamazementflushedthroughtheslann’sbody.Beforehisorderedmindcouldcometogripswiththeabsolutemadnessofthewarm-blooditwasalreadytoolatetostopit.Adalwolfbroughttheserratededgeofhisswordagainsthisneckandwithonesavagepullcutopenhiscarotidartery.Thedyinghumantoppledfromthemound,rollingagainstthefeetofthetempleguard.The

lizardmenkneltbesidethebody,staringbackatLordTlaco,lookingtotheslannforguidance.Themage-priestslumpedbackintohisseat.HeknewfartoolittleabouttheanatomyofdecayingalgorithmstorepairthedamageAdalwolfhaddone.Givenalittletime,LordTlacowouldbeabletotelepathicallyconferwithanotherslannwhohadcontemplatedthebiologyoflowerphaseorganisms.Bythattime,however,thehumanwouldbelongdead.Unabletounderstandtheself-negationofitsunknownquotient,LordTlacoorderedhistemple

guardtogatherthebody.DissectionwasunlikelytoyieldtheresultstheslannrequiredtoexplainthedecisionAdalwolfhadmade,thechoicetokillXiuhcoatlinsteadofThanquol.Still,themage-priestwouldbethoroughinhisexperiment.ThecondemnationorvindicationofthecultofSotekmightyetbefoundwithinLordTlaco’sresults.

GreySeerThanquolscurriedupintotheBlackMary’srigging,terrorthrobbingthroughhisbrain.Thepiratecaptainstaredathimwithitsdecayedface,wormsdrippingfromthecornersofitsmouthandpokingfromthegashesinitsforehead.Thezombiepointedafleshlesstalonatthegreyseeranditsundeadcrewbegantoshuffleoutfromtheshadowofthequarterdeck.‘Boneripper!’Thanquolshriekeddowntohisbodyguard.‘Kill-slay!Kill-slay!’Theratogrelumberedintotheadvancingpackofzombies,growlingattheundeadpirates.He

broughtoneofhismassiveclawssweepingaround,tearingapartazombieatitswaistandhurlingthething’storsoagainsttherailoftheship.Asecondflashofhisclawsopenedanotherzombiefromgrointochin,decayedinnardstumblingfromtheghastlywoundtoslopacrossthedeck.Theratogretoreatathirdpirate,wrenchingbothitsarmscleanfromtheirsocketsandknockingthecreaturefromoffitsfeet.AneagergleamcreptintoThanquol’seyesasheclungtotherigging.Thesethingswerenomatch

forBoneripper!Theratogrewouldquicklyslaughterthedecayedhumansandthistimethedamnedpirateswouldstaydead!TherewasnowayapackofstumblingcorpsescouldmatchthestrengthandswiftnessofaratogretrainedbythemasterkillersofClanEshin!Evenashisspiritsstartedtorise,Thanquol’stailtwitchedinfear.ThezombiesBoneripperhad

attackedwerestillmoving!Theleglesstorsowascrawlingalongthedecktowardstheratogre,thesecondzombiestaggeredonwardswithitsgutsdraggingbehindit,thearmlesshuskfloppedandslitheredlikesomehideousworm.Morezombiesshambledoutfromtheship’scabin,silentlyobeyingthepointingtalonoftheircaptain.Thedeckitselfcreakedandgroanedaszombiesdownintheholdpoundedagainsttheplanks,clawingtheirwayupfromthedarknesstojointheattack.Boneripperroaredandwadedintotheeverincreasinghorde.Headsweresmashedintopastebyhis

fists,bodieswererippedasunderbyhisclaws,bonessnappedbetweenhisfangsandstillthezombiescame,relentlessandremorseless.Theyslashedattheratogrewithcorrodedswords,hackedathimwithdecayedaxesandstabbedathimwithrustyspears.Bonerippercouldeasilydodgetheclumsyattacks,buthecouldn’tavoidthemall.Bitbybit,thepirateswereoverwhelmingthegiantbrute.Thesplinteringofwoodannouncedthesuccessofthezombiesdownintheholdtearingtheirway

upthroughthedeck.Stifflythecreaturespulledthemselvesupthroughtheraggedholestheyhadtorn,heedlessofthesliversofwoodthatstabbedintotheirfleshastheyemerged.Foralltheirungainlymotion,Thanquolwasimpressedathowquicklyasizablemobofzombiesrosefromtheholdtosurroundhisbodyguard.Thegreyseerbruxedhisfangs.He’dhopedtoletBonerippersettlewiththeundead,justincase

anyofthethingsdecidedtocomebackandhaunttheirdestroyer.TheexampleofVorghunofPraagwasalittletoofreshinThanquol’smindtomakehimespeciallyeagertotesthisluckagainstthelivingdead.Onereanimatedlichehungryforhissoulwasenoughtogivehimnightmares.Now,however,hesawthathehadnochoice.HecouldeitherhelpBoneripperfightthezombies,or

hecouldletthepiratesovercomehisbodyguard.Oncethathappened,heknewtheirnexttargetwouldbehimself.BrieflytheideaofswimmingbacktoshorecametoThanquol,buthequicklydismisseditwithashudder.He’dtakehischanceswithghostsandwraiths.Flickingthebitofwarpstonefromhischeekpouchwithhistongue,GreySeerThanquolbitdown

onthelittlerock,feelingitsmagicalenergiescoursethroughhisveins.Agreenlightblazedfromhiseyesastheintoxicatingflushofpowerroaredthroughhisbrain.Hesnickeredathisownfearsofonlyamomentbefore.Whatdidhehavetofearfromghosts!Ifanyofthesethingsdaredtrytohaunthimhe’dblasttheirsoulsbacktoNagashtheFoulandgrindtheirbonesintodust!Thanquolglareddownatthepiratecaptain.Clingingtotheriggingwithonepaw,heextendedthe

otherandpointedatthezombie.Ashrill,snarlingincantationscrapedtheair.TherewasaburstoflightaboutThanquol’shand,thenthepiratecaptainwasenvelopedinflame!Thanquolchitteredevillyashewatchedthezombiestumbleabout,awalkingtorch.Thecutlassfelltothedeckasthearmholdingitwasburnedfromthecaptain’sbody,therestofthezombie’sremainsslumpingtothedecksoonafter.Cacklingwithglee,Thanquolturnedhisattentiontothetwice-deadcaptain’screw.Pointinghis

clawatanotherzombie,thegreyseercausedittoalsobeengulfedingreenfire.Thecreaturebumbledintooneofitsfellows,theflamesfromitsbodyscorchingtheotherzombieaswell.Hisbrainroaringwiththeintoxicatingrushofpower,Thanquolstartedhurlingspellsdownintotheundead.WiththeirranksbeingdepletedbyThanquol’smagic,thezombieslosttheirnumericaladvantage

againstBoneripper.Theratogrerallied,leapingbackintothecombatwithrenewedvigour.Onceagain,thetornandmangleddebrisoftheundeadwerehurledacrossthedeck.Wholeordismembered,Boneripperattackedthemonsterswithequalferocity,evenclawingattheburningzombieswhentheystaggeredblindlytowardshim.Thanquolgrinned,baringhisfangsinawickedsmile.Theundeadpirateswerenomenacenow.

Soontheshipwouldbehis.HewouldsailbacktotheUnder-EmpireintriumphandneveragainsmellthejunglestinkofLustria!Thegreyseerrelentedinhissorcerousassaultonthezombies,contentnowtosimplywatchBone-

ripperfinishthejob.Evenwiththeslightassistanceprovidedbywarpstone,Thanquoldidn’tliketooverexerthispowers.ItwasanunseemlyabuseofthegiftstheHornedRathadbestoweduponhim.Thanquollaughedashewatchedsomeofthezombieshe’dsetonfirestaggeringacrossthedeck.

Theblindstupidthingsdidn’tevennoticeBoneripperuntiltheratogretorethemapart!Otherzombiesstumbledintoeachotherorcrackedtheirheadsagainstthemast.Oneoftheburningpiratesevenfellintooneoftheholesthezombieshadtorninthedeck,pitchingheadfirstintotheholdbelow.AthrillofhorrorbanishedthelastinvigoratingeffectsofthewarpstonefromThanquol’sbrain.A

suddennaggingmemoryroseinhismind,amemoryofthelongvoyageacrosstheseaandhowThanquolhadpacedtheshipfromtoptobottomduringthattime.Sheerboredomhadmadehimlearneverynookandcrannyonthevessel.Nowthatknowledgescreamedathim,screamedathimwith

suchpanicthatheventedhisglands.TheholetheburningzombiefelldownwasrightabovetheBlackMary’spowdermagazine!Squealinginfright,Thanquolscrambledashighashecouldintherigging,thendivedintothesea.

Heplungeddeepintothewarmwaters,sodeepitwasafightforhimtoclawhiswaybacktothesurface.Whenhisheadwasagainabovewaterandhe’dgulpedenoughairtosatisfyhisstarvedlungs,Thanquolglancedbackattheship.TheBlackMarywasstillthere,bobbinguponthewaves.Thanquolwasjuststartingtocurse

himselfforallowingamistakenmemorytothrowhimintoapanicwhentheshipsuddenlyexplodedinaviolentfireball.

Epilogue

GreySeerThanquolsputteredandcoughedashepulledhissoggymassoverthesideoftherowboat.Heshookhisentirebody,tryingtoflingtheworstoftheseawaterfromhisfur,thenslumpedwearilyagainstthegunwales.Acunninggrinspreadacrosshisface.Forallofhisordeals,theHornedOnehadnotabandonedhim.Howelsetoexplaintheprovidentialappearanceofthisboat–hurledintactfromthefierydeathoftheBlackMary?Thanquolhadspotteditalmostassoonashe’dfoughthiswaybacktothesurfaceafterhisdaringdiveintothesea.Likeadrownedwhelpbobbingaboutinawatertroughtheboathaddriftedawayfromtheburningdebrisofthepirateship.Ithadtakenhimonlyafewterrifiedminutestoclawhiswaythroughthewavestoreachthelittle

boat.Atanyinstantheexpectedtofeelthesharpjawsofasharktuggingathisleg,butifanyofthepredatorswereabouttheydidn’tnoticetheloneratmanswimmingabovethemandhereachedtheboatsafeifabitsoaked.ThinkingofsharksmadeThanquolsnapoutofhisfatigue.Inapanicheyankedhisdanglingtail

outofthewater,strokingthenaked,scalyextremitytoensurehimselfthatnothinghadnibbledatit.Breathingagaspofrelief,heslumpedbackintothebottomoftheboat.Hewassafeforthemoment.ChangFangwasdead.Thezombiesweredead–well,moredeadthantheyhadbeen.Xiuhcoatlwasdead.Allofhisenemiesweregonetotheirmostdeservedrewards.Oncemore,GreySeerThanquolhademergedtriumphant,hisgeniuscarryinghimtogloriesnootherratmanwoulddaredreamof!Although,Thanquolthoughtasheforgothisenemiesandconsideredhisownsituation,there

wasn’tmuchgloryaround.Hewaswetandaloneinalittleboatbobbingaboutinashark-infestedseathousandsoffood-stopsfromeventhemostremoteoutpostofskavendom.Theclosestlandwasareptile-riddenhellofbitinginsects,tropicaldiseasesandwitheringheat.Ashetookstockofthesituation,hemumbledacursetoolowfortheHornedRattohear.Therewasaskinofwaterstuffedunderthebenchesintheboatbutnotevenasniffoffood.Thanquol’sbellygrowledathimashemadetheobservationandhecouldfeelhismouthwateringattheverythoughtoffood.Therehadn’tbeenanytimetoreallystopandeatduringthemadracetoreachtheshipbeforeChangFang.Thanquolhadneverbeenmuchforprivation,evenwhennecessitycalledforit.Suddenlytheboatgaveanalarminglurchtotheside.Foraninstant,Thanquolthoughtoneofthe

sharkshadrisenuptochewitswaythroughtheboattogethim.Asthelittlevesselcontinuedtotiltlowerintothesea,waterstreamingoverthegunwales,thegreyseer ’sterrormounted.Itonlylessenedslightlywhenhesawahugeblackarmreachoverthesideandpullagiganticfurrybodyintotheboat.Evenwhenthecreaturesettleddown,saggingwearilyintothestern,therowboatsatalarminglylowinthewater.Thanquol’snosewrinkledattheunpleasantsmellofburnedfurrisingfromBoneripper ’sscorched

body.Woodensplintersjuttedfromtheratogre’shidewhereshrapnelfromtheexplodingshiphaddriventhemhome.Thebrutewascutindozensofplaces,histhickblackbloodoozingslowlyfromthewoundstomixwiththewatersloshingaboutThanquol’sankles.Therecouldn’tbemuchstrengthleftintheratogre.OnesnifftoldThanquolasmuch.Justlikethe

witlessslobtogethimselfcrippledrightwhenthegreyseerneededhimthemost!Whowasgoingtorowthelittleboatsomeplacesafe?CertainlyitwasunfairofBonerippertoexpecthismastertodo

suchathing!Thestupidlummoxshouldhavestayedinthewaterandfedthesharks…Thanquolpulledathiswhiskersandasinistergleamcreptintohiseyes.WhatdidBoneripper

weigh?Maybeeighthundredpounds?Certainlynotlessthanfivehundred.Thegreyseer ’sbellygrowledashequietlythankedtheHornedRatforhisbounty.

Upontheshore,LordTlacowatchedasGreySeerThanquolbegantorowawayfromtheburningwreckofthepirateship.Theslannconsideredthiscruellittlecreature,pluckinghisthoughtsfromthematrixoftheGreatMath.Howunliketheunknownquotient,thatcuriouswarm-bloodthathadtakenhisownlifewhenrescuewasofferedtohim.Thiscorruptedalgorithmwasutterlyselfish,fullyawareofhisowndecayanddeclinetowardsnegationandreachingoutwitheveryessenceofhisbeingtostaveoffthatinevitableeventuality.Itwasacontrasttobecertain.Thexa’cotamighthavemadeaninterestingspecimentocompare

withthehumanhadthewarm-bloodallowedhimselftobecaptured.Now,however,LordTlacodoubtediftherewasanyespecialvalueinacquiringtheratman.Thexa’cotacarrieddiseasesthatcouldharmtheskinksandotherminionbreedsandthroughtheirsicknessevenaslannmightfallillanddie.ThatwouldnotaiditsstudyoftheGreatMathifthemage-priestweretoperishinaplague.No,therewassomethingmoretothecorruptedalgorithmthaneventhethreatofdisease.Lord

TlacocouldsenseaconnectionbetweentheratmanandoneofthosedreadpersistentfractalsthathadcasttheirshadowupontheharmoniousequationsoftheOldOnes.Toinvitesuchabeingintohislaboratorieswouldbetoendangeralloftheslann’sotherresearches.Themerepresenceofanalgorithmconnectedtothepersistentfractalsinvitedcorruption.Theslann’sspotsshifted.Adozenofitstempleguardstartedtowadeintothewaves,theiraxes

clenchedtightlyintheirjaws.TheywouldoverturntheboatandbutcherthenoxiouscreatureandenditsmenacetotheGreatMath.Abruptly,LordTlaco’seyesdilatedandalowcroakrumbledfromhiswidemouth,arrestingthe

advanceofthelizardmen.Thelittleskinkminionperchedupontheslann’sdaischirpedandhissed,callingthewarriorsback.CastinghisthoughtsthroughthepotentialitiesoftheGreatMath,LordTlacotriedtoseethe

possibilitiesofthiscorruptedalgorithmthathaddrawnhisattention.Themage-priestwaspleasedbythewaythexa’cota’svalueingratiateditselfintootherequations.Iftheslannhadbeencapable,hewouldhavefoundthedegenerationofthoseproblemshighlyamusing.Thexa’cotawasagreatermenacetohisownkindthanhewastotheGreatMath.Throughhim,

muchcouldbedonetounderminetherestofhiskind.Thecorruptedalgorithm’sselfishness,greedandambitionwouldleadhimintoconflictwithothersofhiskind,conflictthatcouldgreatlyweakenthexu’cotaasaspecies.Yes,thepotentialitiesofprobabilitymadeitdesirablethatthexa’cotashouldreturntohisownkind.

Focusingitsconsciousnessuponthematrixofreality,LordTlacoexcitedthecurrentsofthesea,creatinganewunderseastreamthatwouldspeedthecorruptedalgorithmbackacrosstheWorldPond.Theslannwoulduncreatetheenvironmentalchangehismagichadcausedonceithadserveditspurpose.Ashiftofhisskin-spotstoldtheskinkattendanttoremindthemage-priesttodosobeforethenextlunarcycle.LordTlacoremainedwithhisretinueonthebeach,watchingthetinydotofThanquol’sboat

dwindlingonthehorizon.Onlywhenthegreyseerwascompletelylosttosightdidtheslanngivethecommandtoreturnintothejungle.Heexpendedsomeofhismagictoweaveacorridorthroughthetrees,apathwaythatwouldbringthemquicklybacktothepyramidsofXlanhuapec,theCityofMists.Nowthattheexperimentwasatanend,themage-priestwaskeentostudywhatresultshehad

acquired.

TheirinfluenceontheGreatMathwouldbeathingworthcontemplatingoverthenextcentury.

AboutTheAuthor

C.L.WernerwasadiseasedservantoftheHornedRatlongbeforehisfirststoryinInferno!

magazine.HisBlackLibrarycreditsincludetheChaosWastesbooksPalaceofthePlagueLordandBloodfortheBloodGod,MathiasThulmann:WitchHunter,RunefangandtheBrunnertheBountyHuntertrilogy.CurrentlylivingintheAmericansouth-west,hecontinuestowritestories

ofmayhemandmadnesssetintheWarhammerWorld.

Visittheauthor ’swebsiteatwww.clwerner.wordpress.com

ABLACKLIBRARYPUBLICATION

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TableofContentsCoverTitlePageWarhammerMapMapPrologueChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenEpilogueAboutTheAuthorLegaleBooklicense