AWARHAMMERNOVEL

MANSLAYER

Gotrek&Felix-09

NathanLong

(AnUndeadScanv1.1)

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

“Onwepressed,norththroughtheBlackfirePass,totreadatlastonEmpiresoilforthefirsttimeintwentyyears.Andthoughmyheartsangtobehome,itwasagrimtimeinthelandofmybirth,anditgrievedmetoseeitsowrackedwithpanicandprivation.

“Gotrek was eager to reach Middenheim and find his doom in battle against the greathordes of Chaos that had again swept south to threaten the lands of men. In this desire,however,hewastobefrustrated,for,passingthroughNuln,westumbleduponavileandfar-reachingconspiracyintendedtodestroythebeatingheartoftheEmpirefromwithinattheveryhourwhenitsgreatestenemyattackeditfromwithout.

“Whileinpursuitofthesefoulvillains,itchancedthatGotrekmetanoldfriend,andIanoldlove—andnevercouldtworeunionshavebeenmoredifferent;forGotrek’swasfondandfortuitous,whileminewasbothsweet,andmorepainfulthanIcanexpress.”

—FromMyTravelswithGotrek,VolVII,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2528)

ONE“BySigmar ’sgoldenbeard,brother!”criedOtto.“Youhaven’tagedaday!”

“Er…”saidFelix,asOtto’sbutlertookhisswordandhisoldredcloakandclosedthefrontdoorbehindhim,shuttingoutthewarmraysofalatesummermorning.

Felixwouldhavelikedtoreturnhisbrother ’scompliment,butlookinghimovertoptobottom,thewordsstuckinhisthroat.Otto’sonceblondhairhadretreatedfromhisheadandturnedtosilveronhischin—chins,rather.Andthoughhewasexquisitelydressedinperfectlytailoredvelvetsandbrocades,thebesttailorintheworldcouldn’thavehiddentheprodigiousswellingofhisbelly.

Ottolimpedforward,grippingagold-toppedwalkingstick,andbrushedsomeoftheroaddustoffFelix’sshoulders.Gods,hewalkswithacanenow,Felixthought.

“Andyouhaven’tmaturedadayeither,Isee.”Ottochuckled.“Sameraggedcloak.Samepatchedbreeches.Samecrackedboots.Youvagabond,Ithoughtyouweregoingtofindyourfortune.”

“Ihavefoundit,”saidFelix.“Severaltimes.”Ottowasn’tlistening.Hewavedahandatthebutler,whowaswrinklinghisnosewithdistasteas

hehungFelix’scloakinaclosetatonesideoftheentrancehall.“Fritz!”Ottocalled.“Wineandcoldcutsinthestudy!”HemotionedtoFelixwithapudgyhand

ashestumpeddownacherry-panelledcorridortowardsthebackofthetownhouse.“Come,brother.Thiscallsforacelebration.Willyoustaytolunch?Annabella—youremembermywife?Shewillbemostinterestedtoseeyouagain.”

Felixfollowed,stomachgrowlingatthementionoffood.“Lunch?Thankyou,brother.Youaremostgenerous.”

It had been a lean journey from Karak Hirn, up from the wild lands of the Border PrincesthroughBlackfirePassthendowntheOldDwarfRoadintoAverlandandon.Inthistimeofwareventhebreadbasketof theEmpirehadbeenstrippedbare—all itswheat,woolandwinesentnorth tosupply the army fighting to stop Archaon’s encroaching hordes. Its men too had gone north,sometimes unwillingly. As he and Gotrek had boarded the riverboat Leopold at the Loningbruckdocksfor the longmeanderdowntheUpperReik toNuln,Felixhadseencompaniesofmiserable,pinch-facedfarmboyssittingon theirpacks,allkittedoutwithspearsandbowsandcheaplymadeuniforms in thecoloursof their lords.Burlysergeants inwell-wornbreastplateshadwatchedoverthemlikeprisonguards,makingsurenoneofthemslippedoffhomebeforethebargescametoshipthemnorth.Felixhadshakenhisheadatthesight.Howwasitpossiblethattheseuntrainedboys,mostofwhom had never been away from their villages, could turn back the supernaturalmight of thenumberlessarmiesoftheWastes?Andyet,forcenturies,theyhad.

“Now then, brother,” said Otto, settling noisily into a high-backed leather chair by the openwindowofhisopulentstudy.Sunshineandthedroningofcontentedbeesfilteredinfromthegarden.“Howlonghasitbeen?”

Felix sighed as he sat in the opposite chair.He felt as if hewas sinking into a leather cloud.Sigmar!Hehadforgottensuchluxuryexisted.Hesmiledwrylytohimself.Theremightbeawaron,andprivationallaround,butonecouldalwaystrustOttotodowellforhimself.Inthatregardhewasjustliketheirfather.“Ihaven’tbeenkeepingtrack,”hesaid.“HowlonghasitbeensincetheratmenattackedNuln?”

“Ratmen?” saidOtto, lookingupas thebutler setwineandmeat and fancypastriesona tablebetweenthem.“Beastmen,youmean.Thatwastwentyyearsago.”

Felix frowned. “The ones who came up from the sewers and destroyed the College of

Engineeringandspreadplagueandruin?Thosewereratmen.”Otto chuckled. “Yes, yes. I read your book when it came back from the printers. Very

entertaining.Butreally,therewasnoneedtoembellishthetruth.Thebeastmenwerebadenough.”Hetookasipofwine.“Itsoldverywellforatime,bytheway.Ashavetheothers.”

Felix gaped, Otto’s absurd insistence that the ratmen were beastmen forgotten. “You… youpublishedmyjournals?But…”

Ottosmiled,hiseyesalmostdisappearingbehindhisroundcheeks.“Well,youwouldn’tacceptmymoney, and Ihad some foolishnotion thatyouwouldn’tmakeanyyourself.”HegaveanotheramusedglanceatFelix’sthreadbareclothes.“SoItookituponmyselftoprovideforyouroldage.Annabellareadthemasyousentthemtous,andthoughttheywerequitegood.Absoluterubbishofcourse,daemonsanddragonsandvampiresandwhatnot,butjustthesortoftalltaverntalesthatsellthesedays.Certainlywentoverbetterthanyourpoetryeverdid.”Hehelpedhimselftoapastry.“Iputasidetheprofits,justincaseyoueverreturned.OfcourseIhadtodeducttheprintingcostsandwhatnot.”

“Ofcourseyoudid,”mutteredFelix.“ButIbelievethere’sstillatidysum,enoughforamanofyour,ah,frugalnaturetoliveonfora

bit,Ishouldthink.”Felixcouldfeel thebloodrisinginhischeeks.Partofhimwantedtoleapoutofthechairand

strangleOtto for his presumption and condescension.Howdarehe?Felix hadoften thought aboutpublishinghisjournals—aboutturningthemintobooks—buthehadmeantitforatimewhenhewassettled,whenhewouldhavetimetoeditthemproperly,tocheckhisfacts,tocomparenoteswithother learnedmen.He had thought tomake them scholarly treatises on the lands and cultures andmonsters he and the Slayer had encountered, not a series of penny dreadful melodramas. Peoplewouldthinkhewasahack!Ontheotherhand—atidysum?Therewascertainlysomethingtobesaidforthat.Herolledupasliceofhamandstuffeditintohismouth.Sigmar,thatwasgood!Hesippedhiswine.Heaven!

“Howmuchexactly,isa‘tidysum&’?”Ottowavedahand.“Oh,Idon’tknow.Ihaven’t lookedat thoseledgersinyears.Comebythe

officelaterthisweekandwe’ll—”“Father?”saidavoicefromthecorridor.Felixlookedaround.Atall,blondyouthwithathin,seriousfacestoodinthestudydoor.Hehad

astackofbooksunderonearm,andworetherobesandskullcapofauniversitystudent.“Yes,Gustav?”saidOtto.“IamgoingtotheVerenandebatingsocietymeetingtonight.Itmayrunlate.”“Verywell.I’llsendManniwiththecoachtowaitforyou.”Gustavmadeaface.Helookedaboutseventeen,perhapseighteen.“Idon’tneedthecoach.Ican

makeithomeverywellonmyown.”Otto’sfacewentred.Heopenedhismouthtospeak,thenshotalookatFelixandthoughtbetter

ofit.“Verywell,verywell.Justdon’twalkaloneuntilyougettotheKaufmanGate.”“Iknow,father,”saidGustav,withinfinitedisdain.Ottoforcedasmile.“ComeandmeetyouruncleFelix.”Theboy’seyeswidened.“The…thedeadone?”“Onlyalongawayfromhome,”saidFelix,standingandextendingahand.“Apleasuretomeet

you,nephew.”TheboyadvancedhesitantlyandgaveFelixalimphand.“Gustavstudies theologyand lawat theUniversityofNuln,”saidOtto.“Andhehaspublished

poetry.”“Really?”saidFelix.Hecoughedmodestly.“Ioncepublishedsomepoetry.InAltdorf.Perhaps

you’ve…?”“Idon’twriteold-fashionedstufflikethat,”saidGustavairily.“Old…oldfashioned?”stutteredFelix,tryingtokeephisvoicelevel.“Whatdoyoumeanby…”“Iamofthenewschool,theSchooloftheTrueVoice,”saidGustav.“Weeschewsentiment,and

speakonlyofwhatisreal.”“Soundshighlyentertaining,”saidFelixdryly.Gustavsniffed.“Entertainmentisforplebeians.Weedify.Ourphilosophy—”“Gustav,”saidOtto.“You’llbelateforyourlecture.”“Ah.”Gustavnodded.“Ofcourse.Goodday,uncle.Father.”Heinclinedhisheadsolemnlyand

left.OttorolledhiseyesatFelixandshrugged.“Ididn’tknowyouhadason,”saidFelix,resuminghisseat.“No?Hewasborn…Ohyes, that’s right.Hewasbornayearafteryou leftNuln.Verygrave,

isn’the?”Ottochuckled.“Remindsmeofyouatthatage,actually.”“Me?”saidFelix.“Iwasneversucha…”“Youwereworse.”“Iwasn’t.”Ottoraisedaneyebrow.“Haveyoureadthosepoemslately?”Felixsnortedandtookanothersipofwine.“So, what brings you back to Nuln?” asked Otto. “Are you still playing valet to that surly

dwarf?”“IamhisRememberer,”saidFelixstiffly.“Andwe’reonourwaytoMiddenheim,tohelpturn

backtheChaosinvasion.”Ottomadeaface.“Bitoldforthatnow,surely.Whydon’tyoustayhereandworkforme?You

canhelpthesoldiersupnorthandaddtoyournesteggatthesametime.”Felixsighed,amused.ItseemedeverytimehecametoNuln,hisbrotherofferedhimajob.Poor

Otto.Hedidn’tgiveadamnabouthelpingFelix“add tohisnestegg.”He justwantedhimtogetarespectablejobandstopbeinganembarrassmenttothefamily.“You’rehelpingwiththewareffort?”heasked,avoidingthequestion.

“Oh yes,” said Otto. “Jaeger ’s of Altdorf won the contract to ship raw iron from the BlackMountains down the Reik to Nuln. We are sole suppliers to the Imperial Gunnery School.” Hechuckledtohimself.“Neatbitofnegotiating,that.Therewerethreeshippingcompanieswithlowerbids,butIfootedthebillfortheCountess’annualWeaver ’sGuildBallandbutteredherupsomethingshockingand,heypresto,Igotthenod.”

Felix scowled. “So you’re not helping thewar effort.You’re gouging the cannonmakers foreverythingyoucanget.”

Ottoshookhisheadimpatiently.“Notabitofit.Ourbidmayhavebeenhigher,butourserviceisbetter. Jaeger ’s is the best in the Empire. Everyone knows that. It just took a little oil to get theCountesstoawardthecontractonmeritratherthanprice.That’sthewayitiswithbusiness.”

“Andthat’swhyI’mnotinbusiness,”saidFelix,abitmoresnootilythanhehadintended.“I’llpass,thanks.Whydon’tyouaskyourson?”

“Him?” Otto snorted. “He’s too much like you. Too high-minded and honourable to get hishandsdirtyintherealworld.Fatheralwaysdidwantustobecomenobles.Lookslikehesucceeded,at

leastwithyou,andhisgrandson.Well,Iwouldn’twanttocompromiseyourideals,m’lord.”Felix gripped the arms of the chair. The veins pulsed in his neck. He was no noble. He had

nothingbutcontemptforthenobility.Heopenedhismouth,thencloseditagain.Ifhedidn’tstophewouldsaysomethingheregretted,andtherewasthattidysumfromthesaleofhisbookstoconsider.Heeasedbackinthechair,forcinghimselftorelax.Twentyyearsgone,andheandhisbrotherstillcouldn’tcarryonapoliteconversationformorethanfiveminutes.

“Thesebooksofmine,”hesaidatlast.“CanIseethem?”“Certainly,”saidOtto.“Ithinkwestillhaveafewcopieslyingaroundsomewhere.”Helifteda

delicatesilverbellonthetableandshookit.Lunchwasvast,andwouldhavebeenagrimaffair,haditbeenjustthebrothersattable,fordespitehisattempts tobecivil,Felixhad foundhimselfboilingathisbrother ’severyotherword.Hewassuchapompousass, so ignorant and incuriousof the true stateof theworld, so sure that lifewasorderedforhispleasureandthathedeservedeveryluxuryhehad.

Fortunately,theyhadbeenjoinedbyAnnabella,Otto’sBretonnianwife—asplumpandsilverasOttothesedays,thoughstillahandsomewoman—andshehadkeptupaconstantstreamofquestionsaboutFelixandhisadventures,gigglingandgaspingatalltheappropriatemoments.Thissweetandflatteringbabblehaddone amarvellous jobof hiding that he andOttohardly spoke to eachotheronceduringthemeal.

The only awkward moment had come when, overwhelmed with the spirit of hospitality,Annabella had asked Felix if he wanted to stay with themwhile he was in Nuln. Otto’s head hadsnappedupatthat,andhehadglaredacrossthetable.

Heneedn’thaveworried.Felixfeltthesame.Ifthiswashowheandhisbrothergotalongafteronlyafewhourstogether,afewdaysunderthesameroofandtheywouldbeateachothers’throats.HepolitelydeclinedAnnabella’soffer,sayingthatheandGotrekwereverycomfortablylodgedinaninnandwouldn’tthinkofimposing.

Atthefrontdoorafterthemeal,asFelixcollectedhisswordandcloakfromthebutlerandtriedtofindroominhispackfortheleather-boundbookswithhisnameonthem,Ottocoughed.

“YoumightwanttostophomeinAltdorfonyourwaynorth,”hesaid.“Theoldmanisonhislastlegs.”Felix’sheadswamashewalkedthroughtheKaufmandistricttowardstheHighGate.Hehadreceivedtoomuch news too fast. Apparently a lot could change in twenty years. Otto had a son who wasattendinguniversity.Felix’spoetrywasold-fashioned.Hisadventureshadbeenmadeintobooks.Hisfatherwasdying.

The tall, gabled townhouses and walled and guarded estates of wealthy merchants passedunnoticed as he wound through the cobbled streets. The sniffs of prosperous burghers and theirplumpwivesas theystaredathisshabbyclotheswentunchallenged.Ottohadason.His fatherwasdying.

Hisfatherwasdying.Felixwas surprised that newswas affecting him somuch.Hewas surprised, actually, that his

fatherwasstillalive.Howoldmusthebe?Seventy?Eighty?Justlikethegraspingoldmisertowringeveryyearhepossiblycouldoutoflife,justtomakesurehegothismoney’sworth.

IftherewasonepersonintheworldthatFelixgotonwithlesswelleventhanhisbrother,itwashisfather.Theoldmanhaddisownedhimwhenhehaddecidedtobecomeapoetinsteadofjoiningthefamilybusiness.HehadsaidFelixwaswastingtheeducationhehadpaidfor.Funnyreally,whenitwasthateducationthathadopenedFelix’seyestothebeautyandvarietyoflifeandintroducedhimtotheworldsof literature, philosophyandpoetry.Gustav Jaegerhadwantedhis sons tohaveall that

knowledge,hadwantedthemtobeabletospoutitoncommand,butonlybecausesuchlearningwasoneofthequalitiesofrefinementthatmarkedamanasnoble,andGustavhaddesperatelywantedhissons to be the first noble Jaegers.As tight-fisted as hewas, the oldmanhadpoured gold into thecoffersofthehighandmightyofAltdorflikeitwaswater,tryingtobuyatitletopassontohissons—apparentlytonoavail.

Felixhadhatedhisfatherforhiscrassness,hisnarrow-mindedpragmatismthatleftnoroomforart or beauty or romance. Gustav Jaeger had sacrificed his childhood to claw his way out of thegutter,becomingoneoftherichestmerchantsintheEmpire.And,havingreachedthateminence,hehad seemed determined that his sons would sacrifice their childhoods as well. He had made noallowancesforyouthfulfolliesorindiscretions.

PerhapsthatwasoneofthereasonsFelixhadextendedwhatshouldhavebeenapassingfancyintoalifelongsidetrack.

Felix sidestepped a rushing carriage and passed under the iron portcullis of the High Gatewithoutlookingup.Shouldhegoseehim?Shouldhetrytomakeamends?Shouldhespitinhisface?Shouldheflauntthebooksthathadbeenmadeofhislife?Thatwouldshowhim!Orwouldit?Thethoughtofseeingtheoldbuzzard,evensickinhisdeathbed,wasdaunting.He’dneverbeenabletolookhimintheeye.EvenfullofyouthfulconfidenceafterthepublishingofhisfirstbookofpoemsandbeingthetoastofAltdorfUniversity,Gustavhadbeenabletomakehimfeel likehewassevenyearsoldandhadjustwetthebed.

The deep bark of a cannon firing woke Felix out of his reverie. He looked up, wary. Hadsomethinghappened?WasNulnunderattack?Nooneelseseemedtohavenoticed.Theycontinuedonwiththeirerrandsasifnothinghadhappened.Hadn’ttheyheard?Hadheimaginedit?

Thenhe remembered.ThiswasNuln, forgeof theEmpire.The ImperialGunnerySchool testfirednewcannonsseveraltimesaday.Whenhehadlivedherebefore,hehadbecomesousedtoitthathetoohadneverlookedupfromhisdailyroundwhentheysounded.

Helookedaroundhim,seeingforthefirsttimethestreetshepassedthrough.Nuln,outsidethewall that separated the old city from the new, was a noisy, busy place. The war may haveimpoverishedmuchoftherestoftheEmpire,butNulnmadecannons,gunsandswords.Itthrivedinwar. Everywhere he looked there was bustle and industry.Wagons hauled heavy loads of coal orsaltpetre or finished guns through the maze of streets and tall, soot-blackened brick and timberhouses. Grimy workers trudged wearily home from their shifts in the manufactories of theIndustrielplatz. Fat merchants trundled by in palanquins, their bodyguards jogging in front andbehind.

Sausageandpiesellersshoutedtheirwaresfromcartsfittedwithsizzlinggrills,andthesmellofcookingmeatmixedwithsewerstenchandtheacridreekofsmokeandblackpowdertocreatewhatwas,inFelix’smind,thesignaturesmellofNuln.

But thoughNuln’smenof industryweredoingwell, thesamecouldnotbesaid for the lowerclasses. Those sizzling pies and sausageswere selling for triple what they should have been, andlookedtohavebeenmadeofsweepingsfromtheslaughterhousefloor.Thestallsofthefruitsellersandcostermongersthatfringedthemarketsquaresweremostlybare,andthepricesforthemeagreproduceondisplaywereshocking.Thepressgangsofthestatemilitiaswereoutinforce,andtherewerefewable-bodiedyoungmenonthestreet.

On the other hand, thereweremorebeggars thanFelix could remember ever seeing inNuln.Theythrongedthestreets,andliftedtheirpalmsineverydoorway.Hesawwholefamiliescampedinalleysandcourtyards.

Patrolsofthecityguard,uniformedinNuln’scoloursofcharcoalandyellow,saunteredthrough

theshufflingcrowd,eyesmovingandtruncheonsswinging.Jugglersandsingersjostledelbowswithbroadsheet sellers,doomsayersanddemagogueson thestreetcorners.SistersofShallyaasked foralmsfortheupkeepoftheirhospitalsandtemples.

“The end times are upon us!” cried a wild-eyed Sigmarite ascetic who carried a hammerfashioned out of wood that was the size of an anvil. “The wolves of ruin swarm down from thesteppestodevourusall!BegalmightySigmarforforgivenessbeforeitistoolate!”

“Wemust send the children north!”wailed another,whowore nothing but a loincloth. “Theirpurity and innocence is the shield that will turn the sword of Chaos! They are our hope andsalvation!”

AgroupcalledthePloughmencalledfortheshuttingdownofthefoundries.“Wemustturnourswords into ploughshares.Wemust make peace with our neighbours to the north.” They weren’tgettingmuchofacrowd.

Anothergroup,TheSilverChalice,wascallingfortheclosingoftheCollegesofMagicandthedeathofallmagiciansintheEmpire.“Thecorruptioncomesfromwithin!”

Ayoungmaninamaskthatwasabrightyellowheadscarfwitheyeholescutinitheldaloftalittorchwhile a similarlymasked compatriot passed out cheaply printed leaflets. Theywore tabardsover their jerkins, emblazonedwith a crude symbolof a flaming torch. “Thecleansing flamewillburnawaythecorruptionthatchokesNulnlikethesmokefromthefoundries!”declaimedtheyouth.“Nomorewillthefatpriestssheartheirflocks!Nomorewilltheforgeownersandfactorsunderpaythebravemenwhopour the iron thatmakes them rich!Nomorewill the landlords raise rents onhovelsnot fit fordogs to live in!Raise the torch,brothers! Join theBrotherhoodof theCleansingFlameandburnthemout!Burnthecityclean!”

AsFelixwatched, themaskedmencaught sightof thewatchpatrolpushing towards themandtheyquicklygathereduptheirleafletsanddisappearedintoanalley.

Felixcontinuedon.AshegotclosertotheriverandtheareaknownasShantytown,thebuildingsbecame flimsier and taller, and the streets — neatly cobbled within the old city and around theuniversities—werehereunpavedswampsofmudandfilth.Felixnoticedthesymbolsofthevariousagitator groups scrawledmore often on thewalls of buildings the further hewent— thewedge-shapedploughofthePloughmen,thechaliceoftheSilverChalice,theflamingtorchoftheCleansingFlame. That last symbol made him shiver, for he remembered the fire that had burned thisneighbourhoodtothegroundduringtheattackoftheratmen,allthoseyearsago.Hefoundithardtobelievethatanyorganisationadvocatingflameasatoolofchangewouldgainfollowershere,butoneneverknew.Peoplehadshortmemories.

At last, in the very heart of Shantytown, he came to a rundown and ramshackle tavern. Theweatheredsignoverthedoorwaspaintedwithapictureofapigwithablindfoldtiedarounditshead.Afewroughmercenariesloungedonbenchesoutsidethenarrowdoor,sippingaleandbaskinginthelatesummersun.Apairoftoweringbouncersnoddedtohimasheapproached.

Felixduckedthroughthelowdoorandlookedaroundthetavern’sdiminterior.Gotreksatatthebar,hissquat,massiveformperchedonahighbarstool,his toweringcrestof redhairaflameinasolitaryshaftofsunlight.Hehunchedforward,massive,musculararmsrestingonthebartop,asOldHeinz, the owner of theBlind Pig and an old comrade fromGotrek’smercenary days, filled twotankardsfromakegofale.HehandedonetoGotrekandtheyraisedthemsolemnly.

“ToHamnir,”saidHeinz.“ToHamnir,”agreedGotrek.Theydrankdeep,drainingthetankards.Heinzwipedhismouthwiththebackofameatyhand.“Buthediedwellatleast?”heasked.

Gotrekfrownedandcoughedintohismug.“Aye,”saidFelix,steppingforwardandtakingaseatbesidetheSlayer.“Hediedwell.”“Good,”saidHeinz,andturnedtodrawthemallanotherpint.GotrekgaveFelixalookthatwasalmostgratitude.TheSlayerdidn’tliketolie,buttellingHeinz

thetruthobviouslywasn’tappealingeither.Hamnirhadnotdiedwell.Hehaddiedbetrayinghisrace,andithadbeenGotrekthathadkilledhim.Thiswasn’tthefirsttimeFelixhadsavedhimfromtellingthisuncomfortabletruth.Hehopeditwasthelast.

Gotrekstuckathickfingerunderhiseyepatchandrubbedhisemptysocket.“HeinzsaysthewarwillbewonorlostatMiddenheim.Weleavetomorrowatdawn.”

“Right.” Felix sighed. So much for a few days with a roof over their heads. But he wasn’tsurprised.Gotrekhadbeen likeahuntingdog thathadscentedafoxeversince theyhad learnedatBarakVarrthatthehordesofChaoshadonceagaincomedownfromthewastestothreatenthelandsofmen.NothingwasgoingtostoptheSlayerfromgettingnorthtochallengeanotherdaemon.

“Remember the timeHamnir tried to save the entire libraryofCountMoragiowhile theorcswerebreakingdownthedoors?”saidHeinzashesettankardsinfrontofGotrekandFelix.“Neverseenadwarfsoworriedaboutabunchofbooks.Mad,hewas.”

“Aye,”gruntedGotrek.“Mad.”Hesnatchedhisaleoffthebarandstumpedangrilyofftositinadarkcorner.

Heinzpeeredquizzicallyafterhimwithrheumyeyes.Theoldmercenarywasstillabigman,butoldagehadstoopedhisshoulders,andthebulkthathadoncebeenmusclenowsaggedoffhisbones.“What’sgotintohim?”

“Oldwounds,”saidFelix.“Aye,”saidHeinz,noddingsagely.“Iknowthekind.”

“Didyouseetheburningtoday?”askedtheharlot.“Whatdidyousay?”shoutedFelix.Itwaslaterthatsamenight.TheBlindPigwascrowdednow,andfilledwithnoiseandsmokeand

thereekofclosepackedbodies.Boisterousstudentsfromtheuniversitiesandcollegesyelledboastsandchallengesateachother.Mercenariesandsoldiershunchedaroundtables,tellingtalltalesatthetopoftheirlungs.Apprenticesandsmoke-blackenedironworkersfromtheforgesacrosstheriverbanteredwithgigglingharlotsandbarmaidseagertostripthemoftheirpay.Slummingnobles’sonskept theirbacks to thewalland laughed too loudlyas they tried tosoakup theatmospherewithoutgetting their clothes dirty. Tilean traders talked business with dwarf craftsmen in one corner. Ahalflingoversawadicegameinanother.

“Theburning.Didyousee it?”askedthegirl,achubbythingwithherhair inredringletsandrougecakingherroundcheeks.“OneoftheguardsattheGunnerySchool.ThewitchhuntersfoundouthehadamouthunderhisleftarmandburnedhimonTowerIslethisafternoon.”

“Youdon’tsay,”saidFelix,disinterestedly.Thegirlhadsqueezedinbesidehimatthebarhoursago,thinkinghimaneasymark,andhehad

fedherwinejusttohavesomethingtodo.Truthtotell,hewouldmuchratherhavebeenupstairsintheroomHeinzhadgivenhim,readingthebookshisbrotherhadmadefromhisjournals,butGotrekhadsunk intooneofhisblackermoodsandFelixhaddecided that itwouldbeagood idea tostaynearbyandkeepaneyeonhim.TheSlayerhadn’tmovedsincehehadwalkedawayfromHeinz,onlydrunktankardaftertankardofaleandstaredallnightatnothingwithhissingleangryeye.

HehadbeenthiswaysincehehadkilledHamnirdeepbelowtheminesofKarakHirn,grimmerandangrierthanFelixhadeverknownhim.Gotrekneverspokeofhisfeelings,soFelixdidn’tknowwhatwasgoingthroughhishead,butseeingsomeonewhohadoncebeenone’sbestfriendsuccumb

tothelureofChaosandthenkillinghimforitwouldbeenoughtomakeeventhemostcheerfulsoulbitter,andGotrekhadn’texactlybeenarayofsunshinetobeginwith.

“Hescreamedalmostlikeahumanwhenheburned,”saidthegirl.“Whodid?”askedFelix.“Themutant.Itmademeshiver.”“Veryempatheticofyou,I’msure,”saidFelix.“Whatdoesemfeticmean?”askedtheharlot.“Isitsomethingdirty?”Felixdidn’tanswer.Hehadheardsomeonesaytheword“Slayer”,andturnedhisheadtofindthe

speaker.Agroupofdrunkstudents,stillinthelongsleevelessrobestheyworetolectures,werestaring

openlyatGotrek.Achinlessonewiththinblondhairwasfrowning.“ASlayer?”Adark-hairedonewithahaughtysneernodded.“Aye.I’vereadofthem.Theyaredwarfswho

have vowed to expunge some great shame by dying in combatwith a terriblemonster. There aretrollslayers,dragonslayers,what-have-youslayers.”

Chinlessguffawed.“Thisonelookslikeaflagonslayer!”hesaidloudly.“He’shadhisnoseinthatmugsincewegothere.”

Theothersburstoutlaughingatthiswitticism.FelixcringedandlookedatGotrek.Fortunately,itseemedtheSlayerhadn’theard.Nowifonlythefoolswouldpassontoanothertargetallwouldbewell.

Itwasnottobe.TheotherslikedChinless’jokesomuchtheyfelttheneedtorepeatit,louder.“Flagonslayer!That’srich!”“Howaboutaleslayer?”“Aye!Aleslayer,baneofthetaproom!”“Hoy, Aleshlayer!” called one with jug ears, his words slurring with drink. “Shlay another

flagonforush!Showushyermight!”“Comenow,fellows,”saidFelix.Hepriedhimself fromtheharlotandsteppedforward,but it

wastoolate.Gotrekhadraisedhisheadandfixedthestudentswithablank,balefulstare.Mostofthempausedatthat,suddenlyawarethatthebeartheywerepokingwasn’tdeadafterall.

ButJugEarswasapparentlydimmer,anddrunker,thantherest.Hegiggledandpointed.“Wellat leashhe’llnevergetcrosh-eyeddrunk.Heonlyhashoneeye!”Heraisedhisglass in

mocksalute.“Hailflagonshlayer!Mightycyclopeandrainerofkegsh!”Gotrekstood,tankardinonehand,knockingtheheavyoaktablehesatattothefloor.“Whatdid

youcallme?”Felixsteppedbetweenthem.“Easy,Gotrek.They’reverydrunkandveryyoung.Wedon’twant

anytrouble.”“Speakforyourself,manling,”saidGotrek,pushinghimgentlybutinexorablyoutoftheway.

“TroubleisexactlywhatIwant.”TheotherstudentsbackedawayuneasilyasGotrekstumpedforward,butJugEarsstoodwhere

hewas,grinningfoolishly.“IdubtheeFlagonshlayer!Aleshlayer!Pintshlayer!”Helaughed.“Thas’it!Thepint-shizedpintshlay—”

Gotrek’sfistconnectedwithJugEars’jawwithacracklikeagravestonesnappingintwo.TheboyflewthroughtheairandcrashedintoatablefullofburlyHochlandhandgunners,knockingtheirdrinkstothefloorandsoakingthemallinale.Felix’sharlotsquealedandran,disappearingintothecrowd.

The leader of the handgunners, a black-bearded giant of amanwith leather bracers on bothwrists,liftedtheunconsciousJugEarsoffthetablebyhisshirtfrontastheotherstudentsrabbitedforthedoor.“Whothrewthistoff?”hegrowled.Hiseyebrowsdrippedwithale.

“I did,” saidGotrek. He grabbed an entirely blameless smith’s apprentice by the front of hisleatherapron.“Youwantanother?”

“I want these drinks paid for, is what I want,” said the giant. “And a cleaning for my bestuniform.”

“I’llcleanthefloorwithit,”saidGotrekand,stillholdinghistankardinhislefthand,hurledtheapprenticewithhisrightwithlesseffortthanFelixwouldhaveflungasackofonions.

Theapprenticehitthemercenaryhighinthechest,knockinghimbackwardthroughthetableandsendinghisHochlandersdivinginalldirections.Theyleapttotheirfeet,roaring,andchargedattheSlayer, fists and brass knuckles raised high. Gotrek ran tomeet them, his drink held protectivelybehindhim,bellowingincoherentinsults.

Withinsecondsthewholetavernwasfighting,violencesplashingoutwardfromGotrekandthehandgunners like ripples in a pond as elbowswere bumped, drinks spilled, then insults and blowsexchanged. The dwarfs and Tileans fought a gang of weaver ’s apprentices. Barmaids and harlotsshrieked and dived for cover. A dozen dock workers scrapped with three nobles and their sixbodyguards. Students of the university brawled with students of the School of Engineering. AcompanyofBretonniancrossbow-menseemedtobefightingeachother.Thehalflinggamblerrodetheshouldersofared-beardedTalabec-man,bangingonhisskullwithapewterdicecup.Everywheremugsflew,bottlessmashedandfurnituresplintered.OldHeinzbeatonthebarwithanaxehandle—roaringineffectivelyfororderwhilehisbouncersgrabbedthecollarsofanyonetheycouldgettheirhandsonandchuckedthemoutofthefrontdoor.

FelixfoughtbacktobackwithGotrekinaringofHochlanders,cursingallthewhile.Anotherstupidbarfightovernothing.AndGotrekhadstartedit.Heshouldlethimfighthisownbattles.Thiswasthelastthinghewantedtobedoing.Andyet,inthestateGotrekwasin,oneofthesevillainsjustmightgetinaluckyshot,andgettingtrouncedinatavernwoulddonothingfortheSlayer ’smood.

Heduckedablackjackandrabbit-punchedthemercenarywhoswungitinthekidneys.Themangroanedanddoubledup.Felixkneedhimintheface.Gotrekback-fistedthecaptain,sendingasprayofyellowteethflying.Thegiant’skneesbuckledandhefellforward.Gotrekjumpedback,holdinghistankardoutoftheway.Anothermercenarygrabbedhimaroundtheneck,tryingtostranglehim.Gotrekreachedupandcaughthimbythetopknotandflunghimoverhisshoulderintothreeothers.Theywentdowninaheap.

Fourmore leapt for thedwarf.Felix trippedoneandshoulderblockedanother.Gotrekkickedandelbowedtheotherstotheground.

The captain was up again, a long wooden bench raised over his head for a smashing blow.Gotrek lurched forward and punched up, driving his fist between the man’s legs. The captainsqueakedlikearat-manandtotteredback,eyeswide.

All around the bar the fight was slowing down, the combatants too battered or too drunk tocontinue.

Heinz’shoarsebellowroseabove themoansandgroans.“Whostarted this?Whosmashedupmytaproom?”

The giantmercenary toppled backwards and crashed to the floor like a felled tree, revealingGotrek, swaying in the centre of a pile of unconscious bodies, still holding his tankard of ale.Hehadn’tspilledadrop.

Heinz’sbrowlowered.“Gurnisson.Didyoustartthis?”

Gotrekdrainedhisdrinkinoneswallow,thensmashedthetankardonthefloor.“AndwhatifIdid?”heasked.

“Andyouwerebouncershereonce.”Heinzshookhishead,disgusted.“Getout.”Gotrekstumpedtowardshimmenacingly.“Andwho’sgoingtomakeme?”Thebouncersstartedmovingin.FelixsteppedbesideGotrekand leaneddown tospeak inhisear.“Youdon’twant to fightold

Heinz,doyou?Youroldcompanion?Yourbloodbrother?”Gotrekshruggedhimoff.“WhosaysIdon’t?”“Youwill,tomorrowmorning,”saidFelix.“Comeon.Ifyouwanttofight,let’sgofindatavern

whereyoudon’tknowtheowner.There’snobodylefthereworthfightinganyway.”TheSlayerstoppedunsteadilyandsquintedaround theroom, taking in thecrowdofgroaning

drunks and battered bouncers. He sneered. “You’re right, manling. Nothing here but a bunch ofcowards.Let’s find another place.”He turned and aimedhimself at the door, then started forward,rollinglikeasailor.

Ashe reached thedoor,Heinzcalledafterhim.“Itwasaquiet twentyyears,Gurnisson.Don’tcomebackforanothertwenty.”Afteraquarterofanhourofmeandering throughthecramped,overhungstreetsofShantytown—deserted at this late hour—withGotrekmuttering and cursing under his breath and changing hismindaboutwhichwaytheyweregoingeveryfewminutes,theSlayerstoppedinasmallsquarewithafountain in the centre. The fountain had once been grand—Magnus the Pious holding aloft thehammerofSig-marwithgriffinsathis feet spoutingwater intoacircularpool.Nowthepoolwasdry,thegriffins’beakscracked,revealingtheircopperpipes,andMagnus’hammermissingitsheadand most of its haft. The forms of sleeping beggars and vagrants clung to the walls of thesurroundingbuildingslikedirtyshadows.

Gotrekswayedforalongmomentinthemiddleofthesquare,asiflostinthought,thensteppedtothefountainandploppeddownontherimofthepool.

Felixjoinedhim.Hewasfeelingabitworseforwearanditwasarelieftosit.Therehadn’tbeenmanyopportunitiesfordrinkingontheroadfromKarakHirn,andalltheunaccustomedalcoholhadgonetohisheadsomewhat.

Gotreklaybackandlookedupatthesky,stillmutteringtohimself.Felixfrowneddownathim.“Ifyouwanttosleep,weshouldfindaninn.”“We’llfindaninn,manling,”saidGotrek,witheveryindicationoflucidity.“I’mjustthinking.”“Fine,”saidFelix.Afteramomenthe foundhimself lyingback too.Thewindwaspickingup

and itwasgetting toocool forcomfort,but lying therewasverypeaceful.Mannsliebwas full andbright, casting a delicate silver glamour over rooftops that by daywould have looked shabby andpoorlypatched.Starsshimmeredintheskylikefirefliespinnedtoblackvelvet.Felixpickedouttheconstellations.TheHammer, theWolf, theDove.Hiseyesclosed,andaftera longmomentopenedagain.Thenclosedagain.Hisbreathinggrewheavier.

Hefoughttoopenhiseyesagain.“Wereallyshouldfindsomeplace—”Hestopped,blinkingupat the sky.A huge black shadowwas pushing across his vision, blotting out the stars.Now itwaseclipsingMannslieb!He gaped, frozenwith dread and confusion.Whatwas it?Was he dreaming?Wasitsomestrangeswiftstorm?Wasitadaemoncometodevourthemall?Wasit…

Gotreksatboltuprightbesidehim,staringstraightup.“It’stheSpiritofGrungni!”

TWOGotrek and Felix caromed through the twisting, uncooperative streets of Shantytown like lunatics,tryingtokeeptherecedingairshipinsight.Itwasheadingdueeast,andallthestreetsseemedtoheadeverydirectionbut.Theywereconstantlyhavingtozigzaganddoublebackastheblackoblongshapedisappearedbehindtall,gabledtenementsandmassivecrenellatedwarehouses,onlytoappearagainastheyturnedacornerandfounditdriftingawayfromthemabovethemoon-washedrooftops.

Harlotsandother late-nightwalkersshiedawayasGotrekandFelixstaggereddrunkenlypast,shoutingcommandsandobscenitiesatthesky.Anundermannedwatchpatrolalmostmovedtoblockthem,thenthoughtbetterofitandletthempass.Catsanddogsandratsscurriedintotheshadowsattheirapproach.

TheSpirit ofGrungni led themout of Shantytown and through the government buildings andtradinghousesoftheNeuestadttowardstheUniversitat.Therethestreetsbecamewiderandthewayeasier,andtheairshipseemedtobeslowing.Thiswasgood,forGotrekandFelixwereslowingtoo.Felixwasgaspingandsuckingwind,weakenedbytoomuchwine.Gotrekshowednosignsoflosinghisbreath,buthewasgroaningandholdinghisbellywitheachstep.Felixthoughthecouldactuallyhearthealesloshinginsidethedwarf,butitwasprobablyhisownstomachheheard.

Atlast,witharoartheycouldhearfromtheground,theairshipreversedenginesandcametoaslowhaltoverthehighgreystoneturretsofthemassive,castlelikecentralbuildingoftheCollegeofEngineering.Lightsontheroofunderlit thebrassgondolaandFelixcouldjustseeropesdroppingfromit.

GotrekandFelixfetcheduppantingandgaspingagainsttheCollege’sintricateirongatesafewmoments later. Fourwary guards stepped out from a guard house just inside, spears at the ready.Morewatchedfromthetopsofthefortifiedwalls.

“Mak…” saidGotrek. “Mak…” then vomited a vast quantity of ale all over thewrought ironbars.

“Hoy!”saidtheguardcaptain,steppingforward.“Getaway,youfilthydrunks!I’mnotcleaningthatup.Gohomeandsleepitoff!”

Gotrek’shandshotthroughthebarsandcaughtthecaptainbythebelt,thenpulledhimdowntohislevel.“Makaisson,”hissedGotrek,astheotherguardsshoutedandsteppedforward,drawingtheirweapons.“FetchMalakaiMakaisson.TellhimGotrekGurnissonwantstoseehim.”

The other guards shouted atGotrek to let their captain go, butGotrekwrapped his powerfulfingersaroundtheman’sneckandhefranticallywavedthemoff.

“It’stoolate,”squeakedthecaptain.“Collegeisclosedforthenight.Novisitors.You’llhavetocomebackinthemorning.”

Gotrek shook him. “Fetch him now or I’ll come in there and feed you your sword, pommelfirst.”Heshovedhimbackintohismen.

Thecaptainchokedand recoveredhimself ashismen started forwardagain.For amoment itlookedlikehewasgoingto let themtry tochaseGotrekoff, thenhereconsideredandcalledthemback.

“Leavehim,butwatchhim,”hesaid,massaginghisbruised throat.“Brugel,goaskProfessorMakaissonifhe’llseeafilthydrunknamedGotrekGurnisson.”AfterwhatseemedlikeseveralhourstoFelix’sfoggybrain,heandGotreklookedupatthesoundofapproachingfootsteps.Outoftheshadowoftheentryofthecollege’smassivecentralbuildingcameasmallsquadofguardsescortingashort,broadfigureinathick,fleece-linedleatherjerkin.Hewore

apeculiarleathercapwithgogglespushedupoverhisshaggybrows,andaslotat thetoptomakeroomforashortcrestofbrightredhair.Itlookedlikehehadjustcomeofftheairship.

“Whur ’stheliarclaimin’taebeGotreksonofGurni?”spatthedwarfinhisstrange,thickaccent.“Whur ’stheeejitdinnaeknowtheDaemonslayer ’sbeendeidtheseseventeen—”

Hebrokeoffinmid-sentenceashecaughtsightofGotrekstandingatthegate.Hestoppedandstared.“Weelnoo,ye look likehim, rightenough.”HeshotaglanceatFelix.“And this looks likeyoungFelixan’aw.”Hecrossedhisarmsoverhismassivechest.“ButMaximillianSchriebersaidyewent intae some hell-gate in Sylvania and never returned. How am ah tae be sure ye ain’t somedaemonsofthevoidindisguise?”

Gotrekroaredandpluckedhisaxefromhisback.Heslashedleftandright,makingabigXintheairwith it, thenheld itat the readyandstumped towards thegate, shoulders lowered.“Areyoucallingmeadaemon,MalakaisonofMakai?”

Theguardsshoutedandadvanced,loweringtheirspears.Thecaptaindrewapistolfromhisbeltandaimeditthroughthebars,butMalakaijustgrinnedandwavedthemback.“Putitawa’,boys.Putitawa’andopenyongates.There’sbuttheonewhocanwieldyonaxe!”

Theguardshesitated,butatlasttheircaptainmotionedthemforwardandtheydrewtheboltsandpushedonthebars.

Malakai threwhisarmswideas thegatesswungoutandGotrekandFelixstepped in.“GotrekGurnisson,I’mgrievedtaeseeyehivnaemetyerdoom,butah’mgladtaeseeyeno’theless.”

HeclaspedGotrek’shandandslappedhimontheshoulder.“Wellmet,MalakaiMakaisson,”saidGotrekgruffly.“Ihopeyouhavesomealehere.Ilostsome

justnowandI’vegotabitofathirst.”***

“Whyamahhere?”Malakaishruggedashelitanoillampandsetitonalowdesk.“Achweel,waeonethingan’another,I’mno’welcomeinthedwarfholdsattheminute,sohereahcamean’offeredmaservices.Mademeaprofessor,ifyecanbelieveit.”

GotrekandFelixsatonanunmadedaybedinthemiddleofavast,highceilingedworkshopthatwas apparentlyMalakai’s office, located on the third floor of the college’s main building. It waschillyintheroom,forithadnoroofandtheeastwallwasonlyhalf-built.Scaffoldingrosebeforetheunfinished wall, and building stones and sacks of mortar were stacked at its foot. Night air andmoonlightpouredinthroughit,whilehighoverhead,acanvastarpaulinsnappedinthebreezelikethesailofaship.

Inthemoonglowbeyondtheyellowlightofthelamp,Felixcouldmakeouttheloomingshapesof partially assembledmachines, strangeweapons, odd bits of pipe, scrapmetal and glass tubing,short-leggedtablescoveredwithscribbled-uponsheetsofvellum,andwhatlookedlikeanenormousmetalhorse.Felixthoughtherecognisedoneofthemachinesasadrillofsomesort,andanotherasalathe,buttherestwerefarbeyondhisunderstanding.

Malakaipotteredaboutamongitalllikeagardenerseeingtohisprizeroses,straighteningandcheckingandadjustingthingsallaroundtheroom,andchatteringallthewhile.

“Ah’msorryforthestateo’theplace,butahheardtheskavenmadeaweemesso’thingshereatthecollegesometwentyyearspastandtheyhivnivergotaroundtofixingitupagain.”

“Er,yes,”saidFelix,faceflushing.“We’dheardaboutthat.”Andhadahandinthedestruction,hethoughtguiltily.Hedidn’tsayanything,however.Thewholeincidentwasabitembarrassing.

“That’ll change noo ah’m here,”Malakai continued. “Have this place straight in a jiffy. Andbetterthanitwasafore.”

“SoMaxSchriebersurvivedSylvania,”saidGotrek,sippingthemugofaleMalakaihadfound

forhim.“AndSnorriNosebiter?”“Ohaye,”saidMalakai.“TheybothofthemmadeitbacktoPraag,readyt’fightthehordescome

spring, justasahwis.But itniverhappened.Themaraudersmilledoutside thecity fora fewmairweeks, then just turned aroon an’ went back hame. Seemed tae’ve lost all heart, somehow.” Hesoundedsadatthememory.“Maxthoughtitmighthaesomethin’taedowiththevanishin’ofthemtaeweesorcerers,butnobodyeverreallylearn’tthewhyofit.”

“AreMaxandSnorristillalive?”askedFelix.“Maxis—weelwhenahsawhimfourdaysagohewus.He’satMiddenheim,wi’thedefenders,

whereah’vejustcomefrae.”Hisbrowcreased.“AstaeSnorri,ahdinnaenooforcertain.Afterthespring thawcametaeKislev thatyear,hewentaffwi’someEmpiremercenaries,chasin’aherdo’beastmensouthtowardstheMiddleMountains.No’heardo’himsince.Grimnirgrantthathemethisdoom.”He looked pensive for amoment, then shrugged and grinned. “But enough about aw that.Whurhaeyebeentheseseventeenyears?I’llwagerthat’sataleworththetelling.”

“Well,”saidFelix,frowning.“I’mnotsurewheretobegin.”HelookedoveratGotrekandsawthattheSlayerwaslyingbackonthedaybed,hisoneeyeclosed,snoringgently.

Malakailookedoverandclickedhistongue.“Och,theladdie’sfallenasleep.Achweel,no’abadideaatthat.Saveyerstory,youngFelix.It’llkeep.Comeon.Ah’llfindyeabed.”Felix woke with the familiar feeling of opening his eyes in an unfamiliar place that he hadexperiencedsomanytimesinhistravelswithGotrek.Hewasinasmall,clean,cell-likeroom,lyingon a narrow but comfortable bed.His head pounded and, strangely, the pounding seemed to echothroughthewakingworld.Foralong,disorientingmomenthehadnoideawherehewas.Theplacewas too nice to be a jail.He tried to think back. There had been a tavern, and a fight, and then adrunkenwalk.He had laid downbeneath a fountain.Had he fallen asleep there?No!TheSpirit ofGrungni!

Suddenly it all flooded back. He was in the dormitory of the College of Engineering. Thepounding in his head was from last night’s drinking. The pounding that shook the roomwas themorningartillerypracticeattheImperialGunnerySchool,afewstreetsawayFelixsatupandrubbedhistemples,groaning.Didtheyhavetostartsoearly?Itwashardlycivilized.

Afterpullingonhisbootsandbreechesandfinding thewashroomandwatercloset,heaskeddirectionsofafresh-facedandmuchtoochipperengineeringstudent,thenshuffledatlastbackintoMalakai’s enormous workroom. Felix squinted painfully in the blaze of sunlight that streamedthroughtheunfinishedwall,andlookedaround.AworktablehadbeenclearedoffandMalakaiandGotrekwerewolfingdownabreakfastofeggs,sausage,bacon,blackbread,ham,griddlecakes,palelager,andthatvileTileanimportthatsomecalledtheblackoilofNuln,coffee.

Gotrek’sappetiteseemednonetheworseforlastnight’sexcesses,butFelix’sstomachchurnedatthesightofallthegreasyfood.

“Welcome,youngFelix!”calledMalakai,muchtooloud.“SitdoonanddiginbeforeGurnissoneatsthelot.”

Felix fought down the urge to heave. He wiped his clammy brow. “Is… is there some tea,perhaps?”

“Ah’llhaveoneoftheladsbrewupapot,”saidMalakai, thenshoutedtowardsthebackoftheroom.“Petr!ApotofCathayfuroorguest!”

Felixclutchedhishead,certainitwasgoingtoshatter.Amoonfaced youthwithwild blond hair and a chin-strap beard poked his head up from the

innards of a dismantled steam tank. He had wide, watery blue eyes that he blinked rapidly. “Aye,professor,”hesaid.“Rightaway.”Heclamberedoutof thetank,butcaughthisfootonavalveand

sprawled face-first on the floor.Hewas up in an instant, blood leaking from his nose. “No harmdone,”hepiped.“Noharmdone.”Hescurriedoutoftheroom,bumpingintoatelescopeashewent.

Malakaishookhishead.“Poorweelad.Mybeststudent.Canset thecalibrationsonapressuregaugenearasweelasadwarf,butcannaeseepasthishaund,andhecouldtripo’eradustmote.”Hechuckledashestuffedachunkofhaminhismouth.“He’llbecomingtoMiddenheimtohelpootintheengineroom.Buthe’snooallowedonthebridge.He’dwreckus.”

Gotreklookedup,hissingleeyebright.“You’reflyingtoMiddenheim?”“Aye.TheImperialGunnerySchoolhasaskedmetaetakashipmentofcannonthere.”“You’retakingme,”saidGotrek.“Iwanttobetherebeforetheend.”“o’course,”saidMalakai.“AlwayshappytaehelpaSlayerfindhisdoom.”“Canweleavetoday?”askedGotrek.Malakai chuckled. “Much as ah’d like it, laddie, nae. The last cannon won’t be test-fired till

tomorrowmorning.We’llleavejistassoonasit’sloaded.”Gotrekgruntedunhappily,butFelixhidagratefulsmile.Anothernight inaproperbedwould

notgoamiss.“Ye’llstillgettheremairthanafortnightquickerthanifyemarched,”saidMalakai,amused.Petrrushedintotheroomwithateapotinonehandandacupandsaucerintheother.Hewove

successfully around a jewellers stove, but his feet got tangled in a block and tackle and he flewforwardwithacry.Hemanagedtotwistashefellandlandedonhisshoulder,savingtheteapotandcupfromdestruction,butsloppingscaldingteaalloverhishands.

HesprangupagainandsettheteapotandcupbeforeFelix,wincing.“Sorry!Sorry!”hesaid.Hishandswerelobsterred.

“Gosoakthoseincoldwater,laddie,”saidMalakai.“Yedinnaewantblisters.”“Aye,professor,”saidPetr.Hehurriedaway.Felixcouldn’tbeartowatchhimgo—“Cack-handed pillock,”mutteredMalakai. He turned to Gotrek and Felix with a sigh. “When

ye’vefinishedwi’yerbreakfast,ah’lltakeyouo’ertotheGunnerySchooltaemeetLordGroot,whoruns the place. As the trip is Imperial business, he has final approval on all ma crew. But dinnaworry.”Hewinked.“Ah’llputinagoodwordforye.”IftheCollegeofEngineeringwasbig,theImperialGunnerySchoolwasenormous,avastcomplexofworkshops,firingranges,forges,anddormitoriessurroundingthesoaringblackgranitemajestyoftheschoolbuildingitself,whichroseabovethecitylikeanunimaginablylargeengineofwar,allspires and spikes and saw-toothed crenellations. Fearsome soot-blackened gargoyles jutted fromeverycornerandcornice.Tall,narrow, red-glassedwindowsgleamedbetween toweringbuttressesliketheventsintheirondoorofsomeinfernalfurnace.

LordJulianusGrootdidnotlooklikeheshouldbeinchargeofsuchaforbiddingplace.Athick,cheerful, pot-bellied man with greying mutton chops and a few wisps of hair trailing across hisround,baldhead,Groot lookedmorelikeavillagesmiththantheHighChancellorof theImperialGunnerySchool,whichwashisofficialtitle.Heworeasingedleatherapronoverhisblackbrocaderobesofoffice,andhadhistrailingsleevestuckedintoheavyleathergloves.

“Any friend ofMalakaiMakaisson’s is a friend ofmine,” he said, crushingFelix’s hand in apowerfulgrip.“AbetterallytheEmpirecouldnothave.”

FelixandGotrekstoodwithLordGrootandMalakaiinaswelteringforgeroomwhereranksofsweatingsmithspoundedandshapedsteelonregimentedrowsofanvilsasoverseersmovedamongthem,observingandcriticising.ItdidnothingforFelix’sheadache.

Felix was surprised to hear the chancellor speaking with the flat, common accent of the

Handelbezirk—themercantileneighbourhoodthatwastheheartofNuln’sever-spreadingnetworkoftrade.Hewouldhaveexpectedamanwithatitletospeakinthemorerefinedandculturedspeechofthenobility.PerhapsGroothadboughthiswayintohistitle.RumourhaditthattheCountesshaddonestrangerthingsformoney.

“It’llbegoodtohaveseasonedwarriorsescortingourguns,”hesaid,grippingGotrek’shand.“Whenyou’re up against theRuinousPowers even a flying ship isn’t safe.Someof thembeastieshavewings.You’llhavesomesorceroushelptoo,Makaisson.”

“Oh?”saidMalakai,squintingsuspiciously.“Andjistwhomightthatbe?”Groot turnedandcalledback into thehazeofsmoke thatveiled theroom.“MagusLichtmann,

comemeetyourtravellingcompanions!”Gotrek,FelixandMalakailookedup.Felixwasn’tsurewhatheexpected.Somemaleficfigure

stridingoutofthesmokewithglowingeyes?Awizenedoldmaninapointyhat?Whathesawwasatall,beardlessmanofmiddleage,bentoverananvil,observingintentlyasasmithshapedacannonfitting.Heglancedupandfirelightwinkedoffhisspectacles.“Hmmm?Oh.Terriblysorry,mydearGroot.”

Themaguspickedhiswaythroughtheforgestothechancellor.Hewasthintothepointofbeingskeletal,withaprominentthroatapple,aweakchin,andabeakednosebeneathamushroomcapofreddish brown hair. Hewore the orange and red robes of the Bright College, and likeGroot, heprotectedhisattirewithasootyleatherapron.Hisspectaclesweremadeofdelicatesteelwire,andhiseyes,behindthem,weregreenwithflecksofgold.

“Terribly sorry,” he said again in a clear, educated voice as he nodded around at them all.“JulianusandIhavebeenattemptingtodevelopanewalloy,usingmagicalflametosmelt togethermetalsattemperaturesimpossibletoachievewithmundanefirealone.Iwasjustobservinghowourlatestsamplebehavedunderthehammer.”HesmiledatGroot.“Verymalleable,lulianus,butnotyetasstrongasitcouldbe,Ibelieve.”

“I’ll have a look in a moment, Waldemar,” said Groot. He turned to the others. “ProfessorMakaisson,SlayerGurnisson,HerrJaeger,mayIpresentMagusWaldemarLichtmann,aMagisteroftheBrightCollege,andalsoanengineerofgreatrenown.”

MagusLichtmannbowedandextendedhislefthand,anditwasonlythenthatFelixnoticedthatthemagusdidn’thavearighthand.Hisrightsleevewaspinnedupjustbelowtheelbow.“Adistinctpleasure,professor,”hesaid,shakingMalakai’shand.“Youradvancesinengineeringarewellknowntome.”

HegrinnedsheepishlyasheturnedtoshakeGotrek’shandandthenFelix’s.“Apologiesfortheleft-handedhandshake,”hesaid.“Peopleoftenfinditabitunnerving.Ilosttherightinafire.Highlyembarrassingforabrightwizard,butIwasyoungthen,andhadn’tyetlearnedcontrol.”

Malakairaisedanuneasyeyebrow.“Ihopeyehavethenoo.Airshipsareaweebitflammable.”TheBrightWizardlaughed,aloud,horsybray.“Ohyes,I’vegottenabitbettersincethen,thank

you.Icankeepmyflamestomyself.”“MagusLichtmannisgoingtoMiddenheimtohelpinthefighting,”saidGroot.“Iamverymuchlookingforwardto it,”saidLichtmann.“Ithasbeena longtimesinceIhave

beeninbattle,andneveranythingonthisscale.Butamanofconsciencecannot,ata timelikethis,continuetohideinthehallsofacademia.Hemustact.Hemustdohispartforhishomelandandhispeople.AndIamhopingtoputsomeofthenewideasthatGrootandIhavebeendevelopingtothetestofwar.”

“Weel,yerwelcomeaboard,magister,”saidMalakai.“Ah’llbehappytohivsomeonetaebletherwae.Thisalloysoundsinterestin’.”

“It certainly is,” said Lichtmann, his eyes brightening. “It’s a simple idea really, but hard toexecutewithoutaBrightWizard’sabilitytocontrolthetemperatureoffire.Yousee…”

AsLichtmannbegantoexplain—andFelix’seyesbegantoglazeover—ayoungmaninthecoloursofthecollegepokedhisheadthroughthedooroftheworkshop,sawGroot,andhurriedtohisside,hisfacetightwithtension.“Mylord,”hemurmuredinthechancellor ’sear.“MightIspeakwithyou?”

Grootnoddedandturnedtotheothers.“Wouldyouexcusemeamoment?”He stepped away and listened as the student whispered urgently in his ear. Felix and Gotrek

waited, sweating in theheat,whileMagusLichtmanncontinued tobabble toMalakaiaboutmeltingtemperaturesandtensilestrength,whateverthatwas.

AfteramomentGrootnoddedandsaid,“Aye,that’sbad,”thenrattledoffarapidseriesofordersandsenttheyouthrunningbackthewayhehadcome.

Thechancellorsighedandreturnedtohisguests.“Sorryabouttheinterruption.There’sbeenatheft.I’mafraidyourflightmightbedelayed,Malakai.”

“What?”barkedGotrek.Hissingleeyeblazed.“Whithappened?”askedtheengineer.“Abargefullofgunpowderwasstolenduringthenight,”saidGroot.“Gunpowdermeantforthe

cannonsyouwillbecarrying.TheDwarfBlackPowderGuilddeliveredityesterdaytoourlandingnearGloryBridge inpreparation for loading itonto theSpiritofGrungni tomorrow. Itwasunderheavyguardallnight,butbymorningtheguardshadvanishedalongwiththebargeandthepowder.”Heshruggedandscratchedhisbaldheadviolently.“Wishthey’dtoldmesooner,buttheywastedtwohoursrunningaboutseeingifsomeonefromtheCityCouncilhadorderedthebargemoved.”

“Youcan’tleavewithoutthepowder?”askedFelix.“Thecannonareuselesswi’nopowdertaefirethem,lad,”growledMalakai.“Wi’outitthey’re

jus’prettypiecesofiron,an’noreasontaetake‘emtoMiddenheim.”“Sabotage,”saidMagusLichtmann.“Thisisvile.Someonehasdonethistoweakenthedefences

oftheFauschlag.”“It’sworsethanthat,”saidGroot.“Thefiendscouldhavedonethatbysettingfiretothebarge

andblowingupthepowder.Insteadthey’vestolenit.Thatmeansthat,whoevertheyare,theyplantousethepowderfortheirownpurposes.”

“AndI’mguessin’itwon’betaemakefireworks,”saidMalakai,grimly.

THREEAstrongwindknockedcoldsprayofftheoilywavesoftheReikandblewthepungentstinksoftheIndustrielplatzacrossthewater.Felixwrinkledhisnoseandfoughtdownnausea.Hesmelledburningoil, sulphur, tanning hides, rendering fat, dead fish, and other odours he couldn’t name and didn’tcaretolearnthesourceof.Outinthecentreoftheriverwherethecurrentwasswift,long,flatbargesand high-prowed merchantmen manoeuvred to and from the main docks, further west. Gullsscreamedoverhead,muchtooloudforamaninhiscondition.

LordGroothadaskedMalakaiandMagusLichtmanntoaccompanyhimtotherivertoviewthesitewherethethefthadoccurred,andGotrekandFelixhadtaggedalongforwantofanythingbettertodo.NowtheywerewaitingwhileGrootandMalakaiandLichtmannandafewothermembersoftheGunnerySchoolarguedwithagaggleofcityofficialsanda representativeof theDwarfBlackPowderGuildontheembankmentabovethestonelandingfromwhichthebargehadbeenstolenthenightbefore.

Felix leaneddully on a piling off to one side, still suffering fromhis hangover, andwatchedGotrekprowlrestlesslyaboutonthelandingbelowhim,lookingdownintothewaterandexaminingthepilingsintently.

“Ifinditverysuspicious,”atrimmaninthecoloursof thecitywatchwassaying.“Thebargewastieduphere,intheopen,andyettherewerenowitnessestoitstheft,andthecrewandtheguardshavenotbeenfound.”Hesniffed.“TheywereGunnerySchoolguards,yes?”

LordGrootdrewhimselfup.“Surelyyoucan’tbesuggestingthatourguardsstolethebarge.”“Notatall,”saidtheman,inatonethatmadeitclearthathewasindeedsuggestingthat.“Ijust

finditpeculiar,isall.”HisnamewasapparentlyAdelbertWissen,theWardCaptainoftheNeuestadt,a position that gave him authority over every watch station north of the river and south of theAltestadt wall. He held himself like he thought he had authority over the winds, the tides and themovementof the sun—ahandsome,black-haireddandy in an immaculately tailoreduniformandpolishedsteelbreastplate,withthehaughty,damn-your-eyeslookofonenobleborn.Felixwassorelytemptedtosplashmudonhisperfectlypolishedboots.“Whatneedforguardsifthepowderhadbeenunloadedatonce?Thenthetheftwouldnothaveoccurred.”

“Didn’t I just tell you thatwe are forbidden by edict of theCountess to store somuch in theschool?”askedGroot, exasperated. “Wouldyouhavemebreak the law?Andwhyareyouwastingtimetalkingtome?Whyaren’tyoulookingforthebarge.Surelyitcan’thavevanished.”

“I havemen looking for it on both sides of the river,” saidWissen. “The situation iswell inhand.”

“WhatIwant toknowis,will Ihavetopaytwicefor thesamepowder,”saidapinch-mouthedoldermaninchocolatevelvetandaminkcloak.“Ionlyagreedtofinancethesegunsonce.IfthereismoreoutlaynowIwillhavetochargeMiddenheimmoreinterest.”

“Ifyouthinkwe’regoingtogiveyoufreepowderwhenyou’vegoneandlostwhatwe’vejustsoldyou,you’vegotanotherthingcoming!”barkedastoutred-beardeddwarfingreendoubletandbrownboots.“Carelessness,Icallit.”

“Whatpatriotism,LordPfaltz-Kappel,”saidMagusLichtmann,gesturingwithhissinglehand.“Andsuchaspiritofcooperation,GuildmasterFirgigsson.It issohearteningtoseethepeoplesoftheEmpireputtingasidetheirpettygrievancesandcomingtogethertohelpfightourcommonenemyinthistimeofwar.”

Neitherthenobleorthedwarfseemedtonotethesarcasminhisvoice.

“I’vedonemypart,”saidLordPfaltz-Kappel.“You’dhavenocannonsatallwereitnotforme.Itwouldbe just like thedwarfs tosteal thepowderbackandmakeusbuy it twice.Gold-hungry littlemisers.”

“Whoareyoucallingmiser,youtightfistedoldpennypincher?”retortedFirgigsson.“ImarkeddownmypricealmosttohalfbecauseitwasgoingtotheaidofMiddenheim.Mostlikeyoustoleitsoyoucouldgettwobargesforthepriceofone!”

“Whydinnayeleavethenamecallin’furlater?”saidMalakai,dryly.“Shouldnaeyebedecidin’whatyergoin’taedaeaboutfindin’thepowderandthemwhatstoleit?”

“Agitatorsstoleit,”saidWardCaptainWissen.“AndIdonotdoubttheymeantouseit. Ihavesent to theCountessandtheHighConstable toaskthatmenbeplacedaroundthegranariesandthepalace.Andjudgingbyevents,perhapssomemenshouldbeassignedtotheGunnerySchoolaswell,sincetheydon’tseemabletomounttheirowndefence.”

FelixsawGotrek’sshoulderstenseastheargumentgotlouderandlouder.Finallyhestompedupthestairsandglaredatthem.“Shutup!”hebellowed.

Themenallturnedtohim,looksofsurpriseandoutrageontheirfaces.Malakaigrinned.WardCaptainWissenputahandtohispolishedbreastplate.“Youdarespeaktoacommanderof

thewatchinsucha—”Gotrekcuthimoff.“Whatcolourwasthisbarge?”Themenlookedateachother,confused.GuildmasterFirgigssonraisedashaggyeyebrow.“Itwasredandblue,Slayer,”hesaid.“Witha

stripeofgoldbetween.Ourguildcolours,ifit’sanybusinessofyours.”“You interrupted us for that?” sneered Lord Pfaltz-Kappel. “Groot, is this person a guest of

yours?”Gotrek ignored them as their babbling erupted anew and stumped back down the stairs. Felix

followedhim,curious.TheSlayerbeganlookingatthepilingsagain,muttering“redgoldblue,redgoldblue,”overandover.

Felixstaredathim,concerned.WastheSlayerstilldrunk?Hadhegonemadatlast?“Ha!” Gotrek raised his head, grinning. “Red gold blue!” He turned to Felix. “Look here,

manling.Thepaintfromthebargehasscrapedoffontothepilings.”Felix leanedoutover thewater and lookedat the river sideof the roughwoodenposts.They

werecoveredinfaintstreaksofpaint—layeruponlayerofred,green,white,black,blue,yellow,greyandbrown.“Uh,Iseered,goldandblue.ButIseeothercolourstoo.Howcanyou…?”

“Humansareblind,”growledGotrek.He stabbedhisblunt fingers at threepointson thepost.“Here,hereandhere.Thered,goldandblueareovertheothercolours,andmuchfresher.”

Felixshrugged.“I’lltakeyourwordforit.Butwhatgooddoesitdous?”“Blindand thick-skulled,”Gotrek snorted.Hepointed to thewhite-cappedwater. “Lookat that

chop.I’llwageritsbeenthatwaysincethewindfreshenedlastnight.Nomatterwherethethievestiedup thepowderbarge, itwill have left itsmark.”He lookedwest. “Nowallwehave todo is checkeverydockandtie-updowntheriveruntilwefindred,goldandblueagain.”

Felixlaughed.“Isthatall?Thatcouldtakedays.”“Itbetternot,”Gotrekgrunted.“Whydon’twetellWardCaptainWissen,”saidFelix.“It’ll takelesstimeifwehavethewatch

looking.”Gotrekspatintothewater.“Doyouthinktheyseeanybetterthanyou?Iwanttobeawaytonight,

notamonthfromnow.Besides…”heshotaglareupatCaptainWissen.“Idon’tcareforthatone’smanners.”

TheSlayerstompedupthestairsandstartedoffdowntheembankmentwithoutawordorgesturetoMalakaiorGroot,hisheaddownlikeabloodhound’s.Felixsighedandstartedafterhim.Gotrekwasonetotalkaboutmanners.Fivehourslatertheywerestilllookingatpilings.Gotrekhadexaminedeveryinchoftheriverside;every landingand tie-up, every sidebranchandcanal, and theundersideofeverybridge, and theywereonly justnow reaching theofficial commercialdocks thatborderedShantytown.FelixwouldnothavebelievedthereweresomanynooksandcranniesandhiddenbackwatersbranchingfromtheReik’sstonebanks.Hisbackachedfrombendingoverdocksides.Hiseyeshurt.Hewashungryandheneededadrink.

“Thisisimpossible.We’llneverfindit,”hesaid.“That’sthetroublewithhumans,”mutteredGotrek.“They’renotthorough.Nopatience.”“That’sbecausewedon’tliveforfivehundredyears.”Thecommercialdocksstuckout intotheriver likecrackedgreyfingers.Theweatheredwood

boomedhollowlyundertheirheelsastheypacedeachone,outandback,checkingbothsides.Felixdidn’tseeanyred,goldandbluepaint,buthesawanothercrudelydrawntorchsymbolscrawledonapiling.Hehadseenscoresof themduringtheirsearch,aswellas thesymbolsof theotheragitatorgroups.Theywerealloverthewaterfront.

LongshoremenandcarterssteppedaroundGotrekandFelixastheyluggedgoodsfromshiptowagonandfromwagontoship.Cargoguardsglaredatthemasifexpectingthemtostealsomethingortrytostowaway.Felixfeltfoolishandintheway.Thiswasabadplan.Itwouldn’twork.Thesunwassettingbehindtheloomingranksofbrickwarehousesthatfrontedtheriver.Soonitwouldbetoodarktosee.Felix’sachingeyeswerealreadyhavingdifficultydistinguishingbetweenthefaintstreaksof paint. That one, for instance.Was it red or orange?And that one, gold or green?And the onebelowit,blueorblack?

“Red,goldandblue!”raspedGotrek.Hegotdownononekneeandleanedforward,sniffinglikea bloodhound. After a moment he ran a stubby finger down a crack between two warped planks.Grainsofblackstucktohisfingertip.Hesniffedthem.“Black-powder,”hesaid.Heliftedhisheadandlookedaround,takingintheships,thewarehouses,thesawtoothsilhouettesofShantytowntenementsrisingbehindthem.

Felix groaned. If the barrels hadbeenoffloadedhere they could be anywhere bynow.And ifGotrekwasgoingtobe“thorough”,itcouldbeaverylongnight.

“You,”saidGotrek,toapassinglongshoreman.“Didyouseesomeoneunloadingbarrelsfromaredandbluebargeherethismorning?”

“Thismorning?”saidtheman,withoutbreakingstride.“Iwasasleep.Istartatsunset.”Gotrekcursedandstrodetowardsthewarehouses,glaringspeculativelyatthementheypassed.Felixfollowed.“Letmetry,”hesaid,afraidGotrek’sbrusquenesswasgoingtolandthemina

fight.Helookedaroundthedockside.Therewasatavernheresomewhere.Heremembereditfromhis

dayscarousingwiththeothersewerjacks,whenheandGotrekhadlastlivedinNuln.Ah,thereitwas.Aplacardpaintedwithalaughingbearstandingonaredandyellowballswunginthebreezejust

a fewhundredyards to the east, and as he had expected, half a dozen shifty lookingmen loungedaroundoutsideit,sippingfromleatherjacksandwatchingthecomingsandgoingsofthedockswitheagleeyes.

Felixfeltinhisbeltpouchuntilhefoundagoldcrown,oneofhislast,thensidleduptoalikelylookingvillainwithathreedaybeardandagreasyforelockoveroneeye.

“Evening,brother,”Felixsaid,twirlingthecoininhisfingers.“Wereyouherethismorning?”

Themanturnedandstaredattherotatingcoin.“Couldhavebeen.”“Did you see somemen unloading some barrels from a red and blue barge at the dock over

there?”Hepointedwiththehandthatheldthecoin.ForelocklookedatFelix’sfaceforthefirsttime,andhiseyeswentasblankasbuttons.“Idon’t

seenothingfornojagger.”Heturnedawayandstartedintothetavern.Gotrek grabbed theman before he reached the door. He spun him around and slammed him

againstthewall,holdinghisaxeaninchfromhisforelock.“Doyouseethisaxe?”Themanchoked,facepaleandeyeswide.Theothermenstoodupfromtheirbenches,crying

outandreachingfordaggers.Felixdrewhisruneswordandfacedthem.Themenpaused,consideringtheirchances,thenshruggedandslouchedwithfeignednonchalanceintothetavern.

“Pleasedon’tkillme,”mewledForelock.GotrekjerkedhisbeardedchintowardsFelix.“Answerhisquestion.”“But…butthey’llkillme.”“Ikillyounow.Theykillyoulater.Takeyourpick.”Forelock swallowed. Sweat ran down his brow. “I-I-It was Big Nod’s boys! Offloaded this

morning“foredawn,thensetthebargeadriftdownriver.”“Wherearethey?”“Ican’t…”Themanhesitated,thenhiseyescamebacktotheaxe.“ColdHoleLane,bythedog

pit.Justfollowthedocksuntil…”Gotrekjerkedhimawayfromthewallandshovedhimforward.“Takeusthere!”“Butthey’llseeme!”pleadedtheman.“They’llseeyoudeadifyoudon’tmove.”Forelockbithislip,miserable,butthenturnedandledthewaythroughthetwilightgloom.Felix

trailedbehindGotrek,unreasonablyannoyedthatthevillainhadmarkedhimascomingfromwealth.Howhadheguessed?IthadbeenagessinceFelixhadbeenwealthy.HisclotheswereasraggedasthoseofanymaninShantytown—worseinfact.Thenheunderstood.Hisvoice.Hestillspokelikean educatedman. He had been so long out of the Empire that he had forgotten howmuch accentmatteredhere.Forelockbroughtthemtoacobbledsquarethatabuttedtheriver.Thefishmarketwasclosingupforthe day. Fishwives and whelk sellers dumped their heads and bones and shells in the river andgossipedastheypackeduptheircarts.Allalongthenorthedgeofthesquarewiderampssankdowninto theground,anglingbackunder it.At thebottomofeach rampwasahigh,wide,archeddoor,open,butcoveredwithsoiledleathercurtains.Menrolledcartsandbarrowsupanddowntheramps.Thoughhehadneverbeeninonebefore,Felixknewwhattheywere—commercialcoldcellars,builtwithonewallagainst the river so that itwould transfer itsconstantchill to them.Thecellarswereusedtostoreice,ale,fishandotherperishables.

Forelockstoppedatthewestendofthesquareandpointed,hishandshaking.“Thethirdonein.That’sNod’s.Idon’tdaregonofarther.They’dseeme.”

Gotreklookedathimsuspiciously,thensneeredandpushedhimaside.“Runaway,then.”Hestartedforward.Felixjoinedhim.“Hoy,”cameForelock’svoicefrombehindthem.“WhataboutthatKarl?”Felixsighed,thenflippedthecoinoverhisshoulder.Gotrek stopped at the top of the third ramp.A sign over the door saidHelder ’s IceHouse. It

lookednomorecriminalthantheothers.Menwereloweringafullyladenalewagondowntherampusingablockand tackle.Otherswere sliding still struggling sturgeondownawet canvas chute tomenatthebottomwhogaffedthemwithbillhooksandfloppedthemontoalowcart.

Asetofshallowstairswentdownonesideoftheramp.GotrekandFelixwalkeddownthemandpushedthroughtheleathercurtains.Itwasdiminside,andcold.HaloedtorchesglowedinthemoistairandFelixcouldseehisbreath.Ashiseyesgrewaccustomedtothegloom,hesawthatthecellarwasonelong,cavernoustunnelthatranunderthemarketsquareabove,allthewaytotheriverwall.The tunnelwas about thirty feetwide,with a double rowof crumbling stone columns forming anaisledownthecentre.Cratesandbarrelswerepiledtotheleftandrightoftheaisle,pushedupagainstwhatFelixatfirstthoughtweretoweringstacksofbaledhay.Thenhesawthatthebaleswereblocksofice,wrappedinhaytokeepthemfrommelting.Theentireroomwaslined,floortoceiling,withwallsof ice.Belowthearchedceilingwasa latticeofwoodenbeamsandstruts.Thesesupportedacrane and winch that could be moved the whole length of the tunnel to facilitate the loading andunloadingofcarts.

Asecondalewagonwasbeingunloadedastheyentered—hugeman-highkegswinchedupandswungacross,thensetdowngentlyontopofothers.Tothewagon’sleft,meninwintercoatswerelayingthetwitchingsturgeoninbedsofcrushedicewhile,deeperinthetunnel,othermenclimbedalloverthepilesofcrates,shoutingandwhistlingtoeachotherastheyplacedinventoryorcuticefromthegreatblocks.

Gotrek marched up to a burly bearded man who stood next to the ale wagon, checking amanifest.“Where’sBigNod?”hegrowled.

The man looked down at him, sizing him up, then shrugged and turned back to the wagon.“Neverheardofhim.”

Gotrekpunchedhiminthestomach,smashingtheairofouthiminarush.Themancollapsedtohisknees,whiteandwheezing.

Gotrekgrabbedhimbythebeardandyankedhisheadup.“Where’sBigNod?”“Get…getstuffed,”whisperedtheman.Gotrekslappedhimtotheground.Felixwinced.Violencewasallverywellifthemanwasathief,butwhatifhereallyneverhad

heard of Big Nod? What if the weasel with the greasy forelock had lied to them? All over theundergroundroommenwereturningtolookatthem.Somemovedbetweenthemandthedoor.

“Hie!”cameapiercingvoice.“What’sthetrouble?”Felixlookedoverhisshoulder.Aginger-hairedhalflingwithbushymuttonchopsstoodinthe

doorofanoffice,handsonhiships.Anenormousmanwithpigeyesandaslackjawstoodbehindhim,scratchinghimselfidly.

“Where’sBigNod?”saidGotrek.“Y’vegot thewrongplace,” said thehalfling. “Noonehereby that name.Nowawaywithye

beforeIcallthewatch.”Theworkmenedgedcloser,heftingbillhooksandcudgels.Gotrekstrodeforward.“Where’stheblackpowder?Whereareyouhidingit?”“Uh-oh,Nod,”saidPig-Eyes,dully.“Theyknowaboutthepowder.”Thehalfling’scheektwitched,andhekickedPig-Eyesintheshin.“Shutyerpiehole,yecloth-

headedorc!”Pig-Eyecringedaway.“Sorry,Nod.Sorry.”Thehalflingshotanod towards thedoors.Theybegan tocreakclosed.“Right, lads,”hesaid,

drawinganicepickaslongashisarm.“NowthatHollowHead’sletthecatout,lookslikewe’llhavetoteachanosydwarftomindhisownbusiness.Bleed‘em!”

Thewarehousemenswarmedin,weaponsswinging,asthebigdoorsboomedshut.GotrekandFelixweresurrounded.Felixdrewhisswordandparriedalongpolewithacruelhookattheend.A

guttingknifestabbedathisstomach.Hetwistedaway.Gotrekpickedupthemanhehadflattenedandheavedhimat thecrowd.Fourmenwentdown,butmoresurgedaroundthem,slashingwithbarrelhooks,daggersandclubs.Brassknucklesglintedonmeatyfists.BigNodscreechedencouragementbehindthem.

Felix blocked a cudgel, but checked his riposte, even though he had an opening. He feltconstrained.He had no compunction aboutwholesale slaughterwhen itwas orcs or bandits in themountains,orKurganorbeastmen in thewildsofKislev,but thiswasNuln.Thiswas theEmpire.Therewere lawshere, consequences.Even though thesevillainswere trying to riphis entrails outwiththeirhooksandlongknives,hedidn’tfeelrightmurderingthemsomehow.

Gotrektoodidnotkill,fightingonlywithhisfistsandwhateversticksandpoleshecouldtakefromtheirattackers.Hedealtterribledamageregardless.Menlaymoaningandwrithingallaroundhim,eyesblackeningandbrokennosesgushingblood.Hesnappedthearmofamantwicehisheightwithaflickfromastolenclub.Another ’skneebentsidewaysfromasavagekick.

“Practisingmercy?”grittedFelixastheyfoughtbacktoback.“Mercy?Bah!”saidGotrek.“Thesescumarenotworthyofmyaxe.”AmaninanapronroaredandchargedGotrekwithabarrowloadedwithahugesideofbeef.

ThemeatcaughttheSlayeramidshipsanddrovehimback,smashinghimintothetubsthatheldtheicedsturgeons.Hewentdownandthebarrowwentwithhim,tippingonitsside.Thehalf-carcassslidacrossthestoneflooronasmearofblood.

AdozenmenleaptontheSlayer,flailingwiththeirhooksandcudgels.Onedivedfromthetopofthealewagon.

“Gotrek!” Felix slashed aroundwith his sword, fanning back his attackers as he attempted toreachhiscompanion.Maybetheyshouldhavebeenkillingthesehoodlumsafterall.

Gotreksurgedup,kickingandpunching,abarrelhookburiedinthemeatofhisleftarm.Themendodgedback,thendartedinagain,stabbingandswinging.Gotrekreachedbehindhim,pawingforweapons,andfoundthetailsoftwosturgeons.Hesnatchedthemupandswungthemlikeclubs.EachwaslongerthanFelix’sswordandweighedmorethanahalfling.TheSlayercaughtonemanonthesideoftheheadwithawetsmackthatknockedhimflat.Hetookanother ’slegsoutfromunderhim.

Gotrekgrinnedsavagely.“Ha!Nowwe’llsee!”Hestrodeintothemob,thetwomassivefishwhirlingaroundhiminasilveryblur.Warehouse

menflewleftandright,theirheadsknockedsideways,spitandteethflying.Felixcaughtupacudgeland followed behind him, cracking the heads and hands of those who hadmanaged to dodge thedeadlyonslaught.

The tide turned.More than half theworkmenwere down, and the otherswere hanging back,wary.Gotrek’s left fish slappedaman in the stomach.His rightclubbedanother in thebackof thehead.Bitsofslimyfishfleshfleweverywhere.

Felix slashedwith his club andblockedwith his sword.His attackers dancedback, eyeswide.Washetrulythatfrightening?Whyweretheylookingoverhisshoulder?

Ahardhandshovedhimroughlytothefloorandsomethingbigwhooshedbyhisear.HelookedupintimetoseeGotrekknockedflatbyanenormouskegofalethatswungattheendofaropeandpulley.The keg caromedon,mowingdown a handful ofmen, then smashed into one of the stonesupportpillarsinanexplosionofale,smashedstavesandtumblingstones.

The ale slopped to the ground in a great spreading tide as men staggered to their feet. ThehalflingscreamedawarcryandranattheunmovingSlayer,icepickraised.Felixtriedtostand,butslippedintheswampofale,bloodandfilththatcoveredthefloor.Hisswordflewfromhisfingersas

hetriedtosteadyhimself.Hewasn’tgoingtomakeitintime.“Die,yenosydirteater!”criedthehalfling,andjabbeddownwiththepick.Gotrek’shand shotup andcaughtBigNod’swrist.Thehalfling screamed in thedwarf’s iron

grip.Gotrekgottohisfeetasthelittlevillainscrabbledandkickedathimineffectually.Stillholdinghimbythewrist,Gotrekraisedthehalflingoverhishead,thenflunghim.Hesplasheddowninthelakeofale.

Gotrekwadedinafterhimandsatonhischest.Hisfingersclosedaroundthehalfling’sthroat.“Whereisthepowder?”

“Please,no…”hesputtered.Amortar-crusted stone as big as a pumpkin bounced into the ale, drenching them both. The

halflinglookedup.Felixfollowedhisgaze.Thepillarthatthekeghadstruckwasfallingapart.Menwerepickingthemselvesupandrunningfromit.AsFelixwatched,ahugemassofstoneandmortarbrokefreeandsloughedtothegroundinanavalanche.Thenetworkofraftersgroaned.Dribblesofdustraineddownfromtheceilingabove.

Gotrekdidn’tlookup.“Whereisthepowder?”Felix backed towards thewall, staring upwarily. “Gotrek, get away…”He paused, frowning.

Wastheresomeoneintherafters?Hethoughthehadseenawhite-haired,black-cladfigureduckingunderacrossbeam,buttherewassomuchdustintheairhecouldn’tbesure.

Therestofthepillarexplodedinashowerofdustandstonesastheweightoftherooffinallybecametoomuch.Therafterswarpedandsplinteredwiththestrain.Menranforthedoorsandthrewthemopen,tryingtoescape.

“Thepowder,”repeatedGotrek,implacably,asstonescrasheddownallaroundhim.Aholewasopeningintheroof.“Areyemad?”squealedBigNod.“We’llbekilled!Letmeup!”Astoneimpactedinchesfrom

hishead.Heshrieked.Gotrekdidn’tevenflinch.“TellmeandI’llletyouup.”“ButIdon’tknowwhereitis!”Gotrek’shandtightenedaroundthehalfling’sneck.Theholeintheceilingwasgettingwideras

morestonesandmortarpeeledawayanddroppedtothefloor.Felixcouldjustseestarsinadeepblueskythroughthecloudsofdust.ArockthesizeofafistbouncedoffGotrek’sback.Hedidn’tseemtonotice.AnothersmashedBigNod’soutflunghand.

“Curseye!”hewailed.“Isoldit!Isoldittothemthatordereditstolen!Idon’tknowwheretheytookit!”

Gotrek surged up and dragged the dripping halfling to the wall. A huge chunk of masonrycrasheddownrightwheretheyhadbeen.Nodgulped,eyesbulging.

Gotrekpressedhimagainstthewallandleanedaforearmacrosshiswindpipe.“Whoboughtit?”“Idon’tknow.”Gotrek pressed harder. Nod’s workmen pressed past them, too intent on escaping to be

concernedabouttheirboss.“Comeon,Gotrek,”saidFelix.“Bringhimoutside.It’stimetogo.”“Notuntilhetalks.”“Idon’tknow!Truly!”squealedBigNod.“Theyworescarvesandhoodedcloaks.Ineversaw

theirfaces!”“It’s the truth,dwarf,” said theburly,beardedmanGotrekhad first spoken to. “Came tous at

night.Neversteppedintothelight.”

Another huge chunk of stone slammed down to the floor beside them. Felix felt the impactthroughthesolesofhisboots.BigNodwailed.

Gotrekgruntedanddragged thehalfling towards thedoors.Felixhurriedafter them,relieved.Halfway there, a flash of white drew his eye upward. Therewas someone up there. A black-cladfigurewasclimbingtherafters.Felixbarelyregistereditbeforeitdisappearedthroughtheholeintheroof, itswhitehair flashing in the starlight.Felix frowned.Therehadbeen somethingdisturbinglyfamiliar about the figure, something he was sure he should recognise, but the memory stayedtantalisinglyoutofreach.

Assoonastheywereoutsidetheleathercurtains,GotrekpinnedBigNodtothewallagain.“Whatnow?”criedthehalfling.“Wealreadytoldyou.Wedidn’tseetheirfaces.Leavemebe!”“Idon’tbelieveyou,”Gotrekgrowled.“Thievesalwaysmakesureoftheiremployers.”Burly shook his head and made the sign of Taal. “They was dangerous men.Magickers for

certain.”Heswallowed.“Saidtheycouldkillusinourdreamsifwecrossedthem.”“Andtheypaidtwicewhatthejobwasworth,”saidBigNod.Heglaredbacktowardshiscellar.

“Won’tbeenoughtofixthisthough,curseye.Ye’veruinedus!”“You’veruinedyourself,”gratedGotrek.“WeretheyNulners?”askedFelix.“Couldyoutellthatmuch?”“Theyweren’tShantytowners,”saidthehalfling.“Iknowthat.Talkedposh,likeyou.Bigwords.”Thatwassomethingatleast.Felixwasgoingtoaskanotherquestionwhenheheardshoutsand

thethudofblowsfromthetopoftheramp.Helookedup.Menintheuniformsofthecitywatchwerecomingdownit,tryingtocollarscurryingworkmen.

“Sergeant!” cried Big Nod, waving frantically in Gotrek’s grip. “Arrest these villains! Theyattackedmymenandsmashedupmyplace!Lookatmyroof!”

Thewatchmenstartedtowardsthem.“ThesearethethievesthatstoletheblackpowderfromtheImperialGunnerySchool,”countered

Felix.“They’vejustconfessedtous.”“Wenever!”saidthehalfling.“They’relunatics,sergeant.Mutants,Ishouldn’twonder.”“Now now,” said the sergeant, a square, stocky fellow with greying hair and enormous

moustaches.“Oneatatime.Andputthathalflingdown.”Gotrekglaredathimforamoment,thenreluctantlyloweredBigNodtothegroundandletgoof

hisneck.The halfling staggered back, gasping and clutching his bruised neck as he glared at Gotrek.

“Y’black-heartedwreckers!Nowyou’llsee!It’stheIronTowerforyou,youfilthy…!”“Pipedownifyouplease,sir,”saidthesergeant.“Noneofthat.You’llhaveyoursay.”Heturned

toFelix.“Nowthen,whomightyoube?Andwhat’syourinterestinwhostolewhatfromtheGunnerySchool?”

Felixhesitatedforaheartbeat,rememberingthatheandGotrekwerewantedmenintheEmpire—heforvandalismandincitement,GotrekforkillingImperialcavalrymenduringthewindowtaxriots.Thenhechidedhimselfforbeingfoolish.Allthatwasalongtimeago,andinAltdorf,notNuln.Surely no one would remember, would they? It seemed impossible. “I am Felix Jaeger. MycompanionisGotrekGurnisson.WeareguestsoftheCollegeofEngineering,and…”

Thesergeantblinked.“You’reFelixJaeger?”heinterrupted.“AndthisisGotrektheSlayer?”Felix’sheartsank.Theydidrememberthem.Afteralltheseyearstherewasstillapriceontheir

heads.Incredible.Hishanddroppedtohishilt.Gotrekreachedforhisaxe.But the sergeant laughed and turned to hismen. “Look here, lads! It’s the ‘Saviours ofNuln’

comebacktoprotectusfromsomenewmenace!”

Hismenlaughedtoo,darkandnasty,repeating“theSavioursofNuln,”derisively.“You’vequiteanimagination,HerrJaeger,”saidthesergeant,smirking.“Ratmeninthesewers

ofNuln—skavlingsdidyoucall‘em?Youandyourfriendtheonlyoneswhocouldsavetheday.Thewatch a lot of incompetent blunderers.Make for a good laugh around thewatch stationof anevening,yourbooks.”

Felixgaped.Thiswasthelastthinghehadexpected.“You’ve…you’vereadmybooks?”“CaptainNiederlingread‘emtous,ashecanread.Neverheardtallertalesinallmylife.”“Whatbooksarethese?”growledGotrek,hissingleeyeturningonFelix.Felixflushed.HehadmeanttotellGotrekthenightbefore,butthedwarfhadbeeninsuchafoul

moodthathehadputitoff,thenforgottenit.“I…I’llexplainlater.”“Idon’tcarewhotheyare,”saidthehalfling.“Theysmashedupmybusiness.Lock‘emup!”“Wewerelookingfortheblackpowder,”saidFelix.“TheystoleiffromtheGunneryCollege,

thensolditthismorning.”The sergeant cocked an eyebrow. “Playing out one of your books, Herr Jaeger?Maybe you

oughttokeepyouradventuresonpaperinthefuture.”HeheldupahandasFelixandthehalflingbothstarted talking at once. “Now now, I think both of you better come down to thewatch station andexplainitalltothecaptain.”Hegrinned.“Captainwillberightpleasedtomeetyou,HerrJaeger.Helovesyourbooks.Highlyimaginative,hecallsthem.”

GotrekgrowledinhisthroatandFelixshothimawarningglance.ItwouldnotdofortheSlayertomurderanofficerof thewatch.Theyhadonly just returned to theEmpire.Felixwasn’tkeenongoingintoexileagainsosoon.Ontheotherhand,anaxethroughtheforeheadofthissergeantandhiscaptainmightbejustthething.Highlyimaginative,indeed!Everywordhehadputinhisjournalswasthetruth.SkavenhadattackedNuln.AndheandGotrekhadhadsomepartindefeatingthem.Didtheythinkhewassomepurveyoroflowmelodrama?SomeDetlefSierck?Howdarethey!“Whatarethesebooks,manling?”

Felixswallowed,nervous.HehadbeenwaitingfortheSlayertoaskthatquestion.Itwasmany hours later.Gotrek and Felixwerewalking back to theCollege of Engineering,

trailing behind Malakai Makaisson and Lord Groot, who were talking eagerly about tomorrow.Apparently Lord Pfaltz-Kappel had found more funds, the Dwarf Black Powder Guild had foundmorepowder,andtheflightoftheSpiritofGrungniwasbackonschedule.

Intheend,ithadtakentheinterventionofGrootandMakaisson,andthereluctantconfessionsofthehalflingandhishenchmen,beforethewatchcouldbeconvincedtoletGotrekandFelixgo.TheyhadbeenreleasedintoLordGroot’scustodylikenaughtychildrenreturnedtotheirfather,andtoldtoleavetheinvestigatingtotheauthorities.

Gotrek had been remarkably well behaved throughout the whole ordeal. Not that he wascooperative inanyway.HehadcursedNulnand thewatchandrefused tosurrenderhisweaponoranswer anyquestions, but on theother hand, hehadn’t killed anyone, orwrecked the furniture, orpunched the captain in the face when he laughed at the sergeant’s witticism about them being the“SavioursofNuln,”andcalledFelix’sstoriesofratmen“amusingfancies’.

Indeed,everytimeFelix’sbookshadbeenmentioned,Gotrekhadturnedthatbalefulglitteringeye uponFelix, and stared silently at him. Felix quivered each time. It had reminded himofwhenGotrekhadattackedhiminthetomboftheSleeper,anexperiencehewasnoteagertorepeat.

NowGotrekhadatlastaskedthedreadedquestion.“Ah…” said Felix. “Well, as you know, over the years I’ve kept journals of our journeys—

notes for the epic poem of your death, you see.And… andwheneverwe’ve found ourselves in afriendlyport,I’vesentthosethatI’vefinishedhometomybrotherforsafekeeping.Andhe…well,

hepublishedthemwithoutmyknowledge.”Heswallowed.Gotrekjustcontinuedtostareathim.Washegoingtoattackhimhereandnow?“I-Imeanttotellyoulastnight,butsomehow…”

“Soyou’vealreadybeguntotellmysaga?”interruptedGotrek.“Ah,yes,”saidFelix.“Inaway.AlthoughIcan’tspeakfor thequality.Ihaven’tbeguntoread

themyetmyself,andIhavenoideawhatkindofeditingmybrother—”“Good,”saidGotrek,cuttinghimoffagain.“Ifmyfameisgreatenough,mydoommayseekme

outandsavemehuntingforit.Ioweyourbrotheradebt.”He stumped on without another word. Felix gaped after him. He had expected anger,

dismembermenteven.NeverhaditoccurredtohimthattheSlayermightapprove.Ontheotherhand,hehadaskedhimtowritetheepic.WhyshouldhebesurprisedthatGotrekwaspleasedthathehadbegun?

FOURFelixwokeagaintothunder.Thistimeitwasalloutsidehishead,andmuchlouderthanpreviously.The blast brought him bolt upright in bed.Was it a cannon firing? If so, itmust have beenmuchcloser.PerhapsoneofMakaisson’sinventionshadexploded.Itwouldn’tbethefirsttime.

Heblinked around sleepily in the pre-dawn light as the reverberations of the explosion fadedawayandpeopleinnearbyroomsraisedtheirvoicesinalarm.Hehadnotsleptwell.Hismindhadbeenrestive.Imagesoftheblack-clad,white-hairedfigureintheraftersofthecoldcellarhadspunendlesslythroughhishead,tryingtoresolvethemselvesintoamemorythatwouldn’tcome.

Peoplewererunninginthehallsnow.Hemoanedandclimbedwearilyoutofbed.Bythetimehehadfoundandpulledonhisclothesandsteppedintohisboots,someonewasknockingsharplyonhisdoor.Heopenedit.GotrekandMalakaistoodwithout,lookinggrim.

“There’sbeenanexplosionon theGunnerySchool’s testingfieldonAver Isle,”saidMalakai.“Thelastgunofourshipmentwastaebetestedthismorning.We’reofftaeseewhat’swhat.”Gotrekgrippedhisaxelikehemeanttobutchersomeonewithit.Hisfacewasrigidwithrage.“Thegodsconspiretokeepmefrommydoom,”herasped.

Felix nodded. It certainly seemed that someunearthly agencywas trying to stopGotrek fromreachingMiddenheimintimeforthesiege.HeandtheSlayerstoodontheneatlyclippedgreenlawnoftheGunnerySchool’stestrange,whichwassituatedonAverIsle,asmallislandinthecentreoftheRiverAver,andlinkedbybridgestotheNeuestadtdistricttoitsnorth,totheHalbinseldistricttothesouth, and to thewest, the forbidding Island of the Iron Tower, the notorious prison of thewitchhunters.Thetestingrangewasacoolandstrangelypeacefulplaceatthistimeofthemorning,silentandwreathedinswirlingmistsfromtheriver,butevidencethatterribletragedyhadrecentlyshatteredthatpeacesmoulderedbeforethem.

Anenormousironcannonsatbrokenuponthelawn,itslavishlydecoratedbarrelsplitintofivesplayedsections,peeledbacksothatitresembledsomeblackorchidfromthejunglesofLustria.Thewoodenguncarriagethecannonhadbeenmountedonwasshatteredandsmoking,andthegrassallarounditwasscorched.Patchesofredremainedonthegroundwherethebodiesofthecrewhadbeenflungwhenthegunhadexploded.

Malakai and Lord Groot and other men from the Gunnery School and the College ofEngineeringcircledthecannon,examiningitcloselyandtalkingamongstthemselves.Behindthem,asturdywagonwasbeingwheeledontothefieldinpreparationforcarryingthegunbacktotheschool.MagusLichtmannstood toone side,murmuring incantationsandmakingstrangegestureswithhislefthandandthestumpofhisrightarm.Bythearmourybuilding,WardCaptainWissentalkedwiththeadministratorsoftherange.Acompanyofcityguardwaitednearthegate.

LordPfaltz-KappelpacedbehindLordGroot,asourlookonhisface.“IsupposeI’llhavetopayforthistoo,”hewhined.

“Certainlynot,”saidGrootsharply.“Theschoolguaranteesallitswork.YoupaidforthefinestguntheEmpirecanbuild.You’llgetit.Nomatterhowmanytimeswehavetocastit.”

“Howlongtomakeanither?”askedMalakai.“Fromstarttofinish,shapingandcastingaguntakesfourteendays,”saidGroot.“Twelveifwe

rushit.”“Twelvedays,”growledGotrekunderhisbreath.Hisaxetwitched.“Fortunately,” continued Groot, “we have a gun just ready to be poured. It is meant for the

garrisonatCarroburg,buttheycanwait.Middenheim’sneedisgreater.Ifwepouritthismorning,it

canbereadyfourdaysfromnowatdawn.”Gotrekgruntedangrilybutsaidnothing.“Ah’veniverbefore seenagunexplodewae such force,” saidMalakai shakinghishead. “It’s

almostasthoughthemuzzlewisplugged.Groot,wereyeusingsomeexperimentalammunition?”Grootshookhishead.“Wewouldneverdothatforatestfire.Itwasloadedwithplainironshot.”“Perhapsitwasloadedwrong,”saidPfaltz-Kappel.Grootwheeledonhim,eyesblazing.“ThecrewsoftheImperialGunnerySchoolarethebestin

the world. The men who died here today were fifteen-year veterans. Great soldiers and personalfriendsofmine.Theydidnot‘loaditwrong’.”

Magus Lichtmann joined them, frowning. “I detect no residue of magic,” he said. “No spellcausedthistohappen.Itseemsitmayhavebeenanaccidentafterall.Somehiddenfaultintheiron.”

LordGrootmadeaface.Lichtmannshrugged.“Thesethingshappen,lulianus.”“Not tomyguns,”saidGroot.“Iwant to lookat itmorecloselywhenwebring itback to the

school.”“Itwassaboteurs,”saidCaptainWissen,crossingtowardsthem.“I’llstakemyreputationonit.

Thesamevillainswhostolethepowder.Someonefromwithintheschool,mostlikely.Secretcultistsamongthegunshapers.Theywanttodelaytheshipmenttoaidtheirmastersinthenorth.”

“TherearenocultistsintheGunnerySchool!”bellowedGroot.Wissen’slipcurled.“Therearecultistseverywhere.”Themensteppedasideasworkersfromtheschoolloweredplanksfromthebackofthewagon

andattachedchainstothewoundedcannon.Fourmenmannedcranksand,withaclatteringofgears,begantodragthemassiveguninchbyinchuptheplanks.

Grootwatchedinsadsilence,likehewasatafuneral.AgreyandgoldpalanquincarriedbyfourmenintheliveryofCountessEmmanuelle,Elector

CountessofWissenlandandrulerofNuln,camethroughthehighirongatesofthefiringrangeandcrossedthelawn.Murmursrippledthroughthenobles,andtheyturnedtowardsitexpectantly,waitingtoseewhoitcarried.CoulditbetheCountessherself,Felixwondered?Hehadn’tseenhersinceshehadthankedhimandGotrekfor theirhelpindefeatingtheratmenandsavinghercity twentyyearsago.Shehadbeenbeautifulthen.Hadshekeptherlooks?

ItwasnottheCountess.The bearers set down the palanquin, and one of them opened the door. Out stepped a tall,

stooped,delicateoldmaninseverebutexquisitely-tailoredblack.Hehadalong,horsyfaceandthickwhitehair.Themurmursfromthenoblesgrewlouder.Felixfrownedwhenhesawhim.Helookedfamiliar,andheknewhehadmetthemanbefore,butcouldn’trememberwhere.

“Greetings,gentlemen,”hesaidinasoftvoice.“IhavecomeattherequestoftheCountess.Shehasheardoftheschool’stroublesandwishestoknowwhatisbeingdone.”

Felix knew him as soon as he spoke. It was Hieronymous Ostwald, the Countess’ personalsecretary, though he was much changed since he had last seen him. Twenty years ago, when thecourtierhadcalledFelixtohisofficesintheCountess’palaceduringtheskavencrisis,hehadbeenadark-haired,slightlyfleshymaninhisfifties.Nowhelookedlikeafrailandkindlyoldgrandfather.

ButjudgingbythewaryglancesLordPfaltz-KappelandLordGrootandtheothersgavehim,hewasmoredangerousthanhelooked.

“Iunderstandthattherehasbeenatheftandsabotage,”Ostwaldcontinued.“Iwouldliketohearthedetails,andalsowhothesuspectsmightbe.Havethecultsbeeninvestigated?Haveyouentertainedthepossibilitythatitmightbethe…”Hepausedandlookedaroundfurtively,thenloweredhisvoice.

“That it might be our ‘enemies below’. I…” His eye fell on Felix and he paused, frowning. “BySigmar! Is it… are you related to Felix Jaeger? The bearer of the Templar ’s Sword? His sonperhaps?”

Felixbowed.“IamFelixJaegerhimself,sir,”hesaid.“Apleasuretoseeyouagain.”Hestifledasmile.Itwasfunnyhoweasilytheoldcourtesiescameback.

“Impossible,” saidOstwald, goggling at him. “You haven’t aged a day.Youmust have drunkfromthechaliceofyouth!”

Felixblushedanddidn’tknowwhattosay.“No,sir.I…Ifeeleveryoneofmyyears,I’mafraid.”“Myfriends,”saidOstwald, turning to theothers.Youknownotwhoyouhave inyourmidst!

ThisisFelixJaeger,who,withthehelpofhisstout—er,stouthearted—companion,helpedturnthetideagainsttheska…thebeastmenwhoinvadedourfaircityallthesemanyyearsago.”HelookedatWissen. “Captain, Iwould request that you ask theHighConstable to allowHerr Jaeger andHerrGurnissontoassistyouinyourinvestigations,andtosharewiththemallinformationyouhaveaboutthesecrimes.”

Wissen looked appalled, but hid it by bowing and clicking his heels together. “As you wish,excellency.”

The others looked at Felix and Gotrek with raised eyebrows. He couldn’t tell if they wereimpressedoramused.

Gotrekchuckledalmostinaudibly.Groot stepped forward.“My lord, ifyouwillcomebackwithme to theschool Iwill tellyou

whatweknow.”“Ofcourse,ofcourse,”saidOstwald.HemotionedtoFelixashestartedbacktohispalanquin.

“Come,Herr Jaeger.Walkbesidemychair so thatwemay talk. I amno longer able towalk longdistances.”

Grootandtheotherslinedupbehindthewagoncarryingtheexplodedcannon,andfolloweditoutofthetestgroundsandontothestonebridgethatconnectedAverIslewiththenorthbankoftheReik.Felixpacednext toLordOstwald’spalanquinwithGotrekbesidehim.Theoldmansatat thewindowandpulledasablerugaroundhisknees,asifthelatesummerweatherwastoocoldforhim.

A host of memories flooded Felix’s mind as they walked, brought on by Ostwald’s suddenreappearanceinhislife,thescenesandemotionscomingtohimasiftheyhadhappenedyesterday—killingvonHalstadt,theburningoftheBlindPig,Elissa’sdarkcurls,andherbetrayal,hideousrat-facescomingoutof thedark, the terrorof thepoisongas, thehorrorof thediseasedskavenin thecemetery, the doctorwho had given him the pomander that had protected him from their noxiousstew.Felixpaused.ThedoctorwasthesamemanwhohadintroducedhimtoLordOstwald.Thetwoofthemhadbelongedtoasecretorderofsomekind.Whathadhisnamebeen?Ohyes.

HeturnedtoOstwald.“DoyoustillseeDoctorDrexler,mylord?”heasked.“Doctor Drexler?” said Ostwald. “Oh, but I’m terribly sorry, my dear boy. Doctor Drexler

passedaway,manyyearsago.”“Oh.I’msorrytohearit,”saidFelix.Andhewas.Theoldphysicianhadbeenoneofthewisest,

mostlearnedmenhehadevermet,agreathealerwithadeepunderstandingofhumannature.“Yes,”saidOstwald.“Henevertrulyrecoveredfromhisfightwiththatvileskavenwarlock.His

healthremainedfeebleforafewyears,thenhesuccumbedtoacancerofthebrainanddied.”“That is sad news indeed,” said Felix, but Ostwald’s mention of the skaven sparked another

question.“Tellme,mylord,whynoonebelievesthatitwasratmenwhoattackedthecity?Everyone,evenmenwhowerethereandfoughtthevermin,seemtorememberthemasbeastmen.”

Ostwaldleanedclosertothewindowandputafingertohislips.“Quietly,HerrJaeger.Quietly.”

Helookedaround,thencontinued.“Itisstrange,Iknow,butitisforthegoodoftheEmpire.”“ThegoodoftheEmpire?”Felixlookedaroundtoo,thoughhecouldn’timaginewhowouldbe

eavesdroppingontheirconversation.Theywerehalfwayacrossthebridgenow,movingveryslowlybehind thewagon thatcarried thehugeshatteredgun.Theonlypersonnear themwasGotrek,whowasspittingoverthebalustradeintothewater.

“Yes.Don’tyousee?”continuedOstwald.“Themoraleofthepeopleislowenoughasitis,andtheknowledgethattheentireland,fromthewildsofKislevinthenorth,totheBorderPrincesinthesouth,isriddledandunderminedbytheburrowsofaninnumerable,implacablefoebentonourutterdestruction,wouldcausewidespreaddespair.So,thoughweknowoftheirexistence,forthegoodofthepeople,thoseofusinpossessionofthisdangerousknowledgemustremainsilentandfighttheminsecret.Therefore,theCountessandheradvisorstellthepeoplethatitwasnotskaventheyfought,butbeastmen,andthosewhosayotherwisearearrested—forthegoodofthecommunity,ofcourse.”

“Andthisworks?”askedFelix,confounded.“I have found,” said Ostwald, with a sad smile, “that if you tell a lie long enough and loud

enoughandfromahighenoughpositionofauthority,thatmostpeoplewillcometobelieveit,evenwiththetruthstaringthemintheface.Andthosewhodon’tbelieveitcanbedisposedofastraitorsormadmen.”

“I…Isee.”FelixwantedtosaythathethoughtthatthiswasadespicablepracticethatwouldonlycausethepeopletocometomistrusttheEmperorandhisservants,butsinceLordOstwaldwasoneofthoseservantshedecideditwasprobablyinhisbestintereststoholdhistongue.

“Idonotapproveofthispractice,”saidOstwald,pursinghislips.“ForIbelievethattheskaventhriveinthissecrecy.Ibelieveitwouldbebetterifweweretospeakopenly—”

A sound like the gabbling of a thousand geese interrupted him. It came from ahead of them,furtherdownthebridge.Felixlookedup,butcouldseenothingaroundthegreatbulkofthecannon.CaptainWissenandhistroopswereedgingarounditswagonasGrootandLordPfaltz-Kappelcranedtheirnecksandaskedwhatwashappening.

Gotrekstartedforward,pullinghisaxefromhisshoulder.“Trouble,”hesaid.“Excuseme,mylord,”saidFelix,duckinghisheadtoOstwald.Hedrewhisswordandfollowed

theSlayer.Thegunwagonwassowide that therewas little roombetween itand thestonebalustradeson

eithersideofthebridge.TheypushedarounditandstoppedbehindWissen’smen,whohadformedalinebeforethewagon.

Beyondthem,anangrymobofShantytownworkingmenandyoungmeninstudents’robeswasflowingontothebridge,screamingslogansandwavingcudgels,stavesandlittorches.Manyofthemworeyellowstripsofclotharoundtheirforeheadsorarms.Therewerehundredsofthem.Theyfilledthestreetbeyondthebridge.

“Grainforthepeople,notthearmy!”shoutedsome.“Ironworkersstarvewhilegunmakersgrowfatandconsortwithsorcerers!”criedothers.“Smashtheguns!Smashtheguns!”roaredstillothers.Standing on his toes, Felix could see men in yellow masks amongst the mob, chanting and

shakingtheirfistswiththerest.Asthecrowdgotcloser,themenatthefrontbegantothrowbricks,torchesandpavingcobbles

atWissen’smen.Thewatchmendodgedandducked.Theyhadnoshields,andnobowsorguns,sotheycouldn’tretaliate.

“You see?” saidWissen. “Agitators. Did I not say?Hold your line,men.”He looked back atGroot and Magus Lichtmann and Lord Pfaltz-Kappel, who were peeking around the gun wagon.

“Return to the isle,my lords, and ask LordOstwald to do the same. Therewill be violence.” Heglanced atGotrek andFelix as hismen set their spears. “You too,meinen herren,” he saidwith asneer.“Iwouldhatetoberesponsibleforthedeathsofthe‘heroesofNuln’.”

“Worryaboutyourownhide,watchman,”saidGotrek,sheathinghisaxeandsmackinghisfiststogether as the crowd swarmed closer.He caughtFelix’s look and snorted. “There’s nohonour inslaughteringuntrainedfools.”

Butthatwasn’twhatFelixhadbeenthinkingabout.Hewaswonderingiftherewasanyhonourinfightingthemobatall.Uncomfortablememoriesfloodedhismind.Hadn’theledthemobduringthewindowtaxriots?Hadn’thethrownbricksthroughthewindowsoftherich?Hadn’theurgedthepoortostormtheLordMayor ’soffice?Hadn’thefoughtthewatchinthestreets?Itfeltverystrangetobeontheothersideofthespears.Hehadmoresympathyforthemobthanhedidforthemenaroundhim.Heagreedwiththeagitators,atleastinprinciple.Thepoorshouldbefed.Workingmenshouldbepaidafairwage.

Ontheotherhand,smashingthingsandfightingthewatchnevergotanyoneanywhere,andhedoubted these fellowswere going towait for him to explain that hewas on their side before theycavedhisheadin.Hepulledhissheathfromhisbeltandsliditdownoverhissword.Gotrek’swayseemedbest.Therewasnohonourinslaughteringuntrainedfools,butatthesametime,therewasnohonourinlettingthemslaughteryoueither.

Inthemiddleofthisreverie,afamiliarshapecaughtthecornerofhiseye.Afiguredressedallinblackwithawhiteshockofhairpeekingfromavoluminoushood,watchingfromtheembankment.He liftedhisheadup togetabetter look,buta flyingstoneskippedoff the topofhisheadandheflincheddown, cursing.By the timehe stood again, vigorously rubbinghis crown, the figurewasgone—ifithadeverbeenthereinthefirstplace.

Alastvolleyofcobblesrattledallaroundthem,andthenthemobsmashedintothewatch’sline.Wissen’smengoreddozens,buttheywerebutonethinlinebeforeanunstoppablebatteringramofhumanity.Theyweredrivenbackbythesheermassofthecrowd.Someoftheagitatorssquirmedpastthem,shouting,“Smashthegun!Smashthegun!”

Gotrekclubbedthesetothegroundwithhisheavyfists.Felixlaidabouthimwithhissheathedsword,usingitasaclub.Butthereweretoomany.Moreandmorewerepushingthroughandslippingaroundthem.Felixsawawatchmantakeabricktothetempleandfall.Threeworkmendraggeddownanother,evenwhilehisspearrippedoutthegutsofoneoftheircompanions.Moreworkerspushedforward,tramplingthebodies.Theythrewglassbottlesatthegunwagon.Oilyliquidsplashedasthebottlesshattered.Torchesfollowed,andthewagonburstintoflames.

Wissen fired point blank into a protester ’s facewith his pistol and lashed about himwith hissword, but he stepped backwith every swing. “Fall back! Fall back!” he cried. “Use the gun as abarrier!”

“It’sthegunthey’reafter,”growledGotrek.Thewatchmendidn’thearhim.Theybackedaway,followingWissenasheretreatedaroundthe

gun.GotrekandFelixwere suddenlyalone ina seaofhowlingworkmen.They flattenedeveryone

theycouldreach,buttheywerebutasmallrockinawidestream.Themobflowedaroundthemonboth sides and began clambering onto the gun, some perilously close to the flames, hitting itineffectuallywiththeirclubsandrakes,stillshouting“Smashthegun!Smashthegun!”

“Pushitintheriver!”shoutedsomeonefromfurtherdownthebridge.“Pushitintheriver!”Themobtookupthecryandbegantorockthegunwagonbackandforth.“Intotheriver!Into

theriver!”

“Noyoudon’t,” saidGotrek,andspun towards themobaround thegun,pulling themoffandthrowingthemaside.

Felixhelped, braining the rioterswithhis sheathed sword andkicking them left and right.Heheard glass smash beside him and something spattered his arm and cheek.He turned.Gotrekwasdrenchedinoil.Shardsofstickyglassglitteredinhiscrestandsliddownhisnakedback.

Gotreklookedoverhisshoulder.“Who…”Atorchsailedovertheheadsofthemob.Gotrekwhippedhisaxeoffhisbackandblockedit.It

spunandglancedoffhisrightshoulder,thenbouncedintoFelix.FirebloomedonGotreklikeanorangeflower,flowingupthesideofhisheadandwreathinghis

crestinflame.Felix’scloakandjerkinwentupaswell.Theriotersflailedatthemwiththeircudgelsandstaves.

“Flame-throwingcowards!”roaredGotrek.“Comeandfacemesteeltosteel!”HeandFelixslappedattheflamesasthemobbatteredat them.Theyonlysucceededinsetting

theirhandsonfire.Thefirestucktoeverything.Felixcursed,hisfingersafieryagony.Heatblastedhisface.Gotrekhowledwithrage.Heslashedaroundwithaxe,decapitatingclubsandseveringhands,thensurgedforthebalustrade.Felixfollowed.Theriotersleaptbackfromtheirflames.

Gotrekdivedoffthebridge.Felixwasrightbehindhim.Theworldspunaroundhim—bridge,river,shore,sky,Gotrekonfire—then,withawetslap,heplungedintothewaves.Thecoldshockedacryoutofhimandhesuckedinamouthfulofwater.

Hekickedand flailed in a confusionofbubbles andmurk.After amomentofblind terrorhebrokethesurface,chokingandretching,eyestearing.

Gotrekbobbedbesidehim,throwinghisdrippingcrestoutofhiseyes.Onesideofhisfacewascoveredinblisters.“That’swhatIgetforbeingmerciful.”Helookedup,thenhisoneeyewidened.“Swim!”hebarked.

Felixfollowedhisgaze.Thebridgeroseupbesidethem,andloomingoutoverthebalustrade,directlyabovethem,wastheexplodedcannon.Itwasslidingofftherapidlytippinggunwagon.Felixstared, frozen, as it letgoentirely, smashed through thebalustrade inanexplosionofgranite, andbegantotoppleoffthebridge.

“Swim,manling!”Felixsnappedoutofhisparalysisandkickedforward,tryingtogetunderthebridge.Gotrekwas

aheadofhim,swimmingstrongly.Felixkickedandflailedforallhewasworth,butitseemedlikehewastreadingwater.Hewasn’tgoingtomakeit.

Withasoundlikeabatteringramhittinganirondoor,thecannonsmashedintotheriver.Felixfelthimselfbeingdrawnbackasthebiggunopenedavortexinthewater,thenhewaspushedforwardagainasthewatersurgedbackup.Hisshoulderslammedintoabridgepillarandhespunawayonaroilinghillofwater.

Astheyshotoutontheothersideofthebridge,Gotrekcaughthimandkepthimafloat.“Canyouswim?”

Felix rolled his shoulder and flexed his arm.Theywere sore, but nothingwas broken. “I… Ithinkso.”

“Thencomeon.”Gotrekstruckoutforthenorthbank.Felixfollowed,thenpausedandlookedup.Onthebridge,

the rioters were dispersing, running for the shore as they whooped and cheered at their victory,CaptainWissen’smenchasingafterthem.Felixcursedthem,hisearliersympathyentirelyevaporated.Themaniacshadsethimonfire.Hehopedtheyallroastedalive.

FIVE“Itwasagreat loss,”LordGroot said,asheandMagusLichtmann,MalakaiandGotrekandFelixwatchedthepouringofthenewgunwithagroupofGunnerySchoolofficialsfromametalplatformabove the casting room floor. “Not in iron, though that is not cheap these days,with the shippersgouginguswith‘wartimeprices’,butinmenandhonour.NotonlydidweloseoneofthebestcrewsintheEmpire,welostthebodyandspiritofJohannesBaer,whoseashesweremixedwiththeironofthegun.”

“Hisashes?”askedFelix.The heat from the forge was making the burns on Felix’s face sting, and his left hand was

sweatinganditchingunderhisbandages,but thehonourofbeinginvited towatchthepouringofagreat cannonwasnot tobe refused, sohemerely steppedbackapaceandhoped itwouldbeoversoon.

Felix’s left hand had been salved andwrapped, and hewaswearing clothes borrowed from astudentattheCollegeofEngineering,toreplacehiscloakandjerkin,whichhadbeenbadlyscorched,and everything else,whichwas soakingwet. The hand still throbbed, but he didn’t dare complain.Gotrek’sentirerightarm,therightsideofhisneck,hisrightearandpartofhisbackwereswathedinbandages,andhisSlayer ’screstwasseveral inchesshorter thanusualwhere theGunnerySchool’sbarber surgeon had cut away the blackened parts, and yetGotrek bore his pain and indignitywithstoicsilence.

“Aye,” said Groot. “It is a long-standing tradition, and a great honour. Artillery men ofdistinctionarecrematedwhentheydie,andtheirashesaddedtoanewcannon.Itisthoughttoimbuethegunwiththefortitudeandspiritthatthemenhadinlife.JohannesBaerwassuchaman.Agreatgunnerandabravesoldierwhodieddefendinghisgunwhenhispositionwasoverrun.”Hebowedhishead. “Themenwhodied todaywill soonbe joinedwith theirownguns.Today…”He lookedtowardstheenormousglowingcruciblethathungoverthecastingpit.“Today,LeopoltEnglewillbewed tohisgun.Hedied fourmonthsago in thesiegeofWolfenberg,when thecitywallcollapsedunder the bombardment of one of the enemy’s hell cannon. He had destroyed two of the foulmachineswithhismarksmanship.”

Abellchimedbelow.Grootsteppedforward.“Theyareready.”Theothersjoinedhim.Felixstayedwherehewas.Hecouldseejustfine,andGrootandGotrek’s

thickframesprotectedhimsomewhatfromthewavesofbrutalheat.Meninheavyleatherapronsandleatherhoodsthatcoveredtheirfacesandneckssteppedback

fromthecastingpit,asquareholeinthestonefloorthatwasfilledwithsand.Inthecentreofthepit,atthebottomofaslightdepression,wassetawidewhitering.Ashallowgroovehadbeenmadeinthesand,leadingtothering.

“Thatopening,”saidGroot,pointing,“isthetipofthecannonmould,madeofclay,andburieduprightinthesandpit.Thethickrodthathangsstraightdownintothecentreofitistheboremould.Themoltenironispouredintothemould,thenwhenitcools,theboremouldisremovedtomakethegun’sbarrelchamber.Weusesecretstaughtusbydwarfgunmakerstomakesurethatboththegunmouldandtheboremouldareperfectlyverticalandperfectlyaligned.Thisensuresthatthecannonshoots straight and is of uniform thickness all around when finished.” His chest puffed up.“Consequently,ourgunsarethemostaccurateintheOldWorld.”

Abovethecastingpitwasasturdywoodandmetalgantryfromwhichhungthemassivecruciblethatheldthemoltenironthatwouldbepouredintothemould.Atthemomentthecruciblesatovera

superheatedcoalfurnace.Foundryworkersstoodarounditinheavyleather,scoopingimpuritiesoffthetopwithlongsteelspoonsanddumpingtheminsand-filledstonebuckets.Anotherbellclangedandthemensteppedback.AdooropenedbehindthemandontothegantrysteppedapriestofSigmarandtwoinitiates.Thesetooworetheheavyscarredleatheroftheforgemen,buttheirgearhadtheshapeoftemplevestments,andwasstitcheduponthebreastwiththesymbolsofthehammerandthetwin-tailedcomet.Theirfaceswereuncoveredhowever,andFelixwonderedhowtheystoodit.

Thepriestheldaniron-boundBookofSigmarfoldedinhisarms.Hisface,hellishlyunder-litbytheliquidiron’scrimsonlight,waspockedwithcircularburnscars.Hehadobviouslyperformedthisdutymanytimesbefore.Oneoftheacolytescarriedagold-headedhammer,theothercarriedastoneurn.Theytoohadburnsontheirfaces,butnotsomany.

The workers on the gantry bowed their heads as the priest took the hammer from the firstacolyte,thenopenedthebookandbegantoreadaloud.LordGrootandtheothermenfromtheschoolwho watched the ceremony lowered their heads as well. Felix did not. The ceremony was toofascinatingnottowatch.GotrekandMalakaiwatchedtoo.Thepriest’swordswerelostintheroarofthefurnace,butwhatevertheinvocationwas,itwasbrief—necessarilyso,Felixthought.Whenhefinished,hesteppedbackandnoddedtothesecondacolyte.

The man stepped forward, his face running with sweat. His lips moved continuously as heopenedthestoneurnandupendeditoverthecrucible.Thedustthatpouredoutglitteredasitdrifteddownintothemoltenmetal,andaswirlofflamesandsparksshotupwhenittouched,splashingtheholymen.Theacolytewiththeurnflinchedbackandalmostdroppeditasasparkstruckhischeek.With an effort he controlled himself and stood solemnly as the priest finished the ceremony andclosedthebook.

As they backed away, the forge men stepped forward again, unlocking the crucible from itsmooringandthenpullingonchainsthatrolleditforwarduntilithungoverthesandpit.Otherchainslowered it until the bottomof themassive containerwas only inches above the sand.Twoheavilyglovedmenstepped to itandgrasped longhandles thatsproutedfromitsside.With long-practicedmotionstheytippedthecrucibleslowlyforwarduntilmoltenironbegantospillfromitsspoutintothe groove in the sand. Sparks leapt in all directions. Themen poured carefully,making sure thestreamwassmoothandconstant. Itwounddown thegrooveand into themould likeaglowingredsnakeslippingendlesslyintoahole.

Felixblinkedtomoistenhiseyes.Theblastofheatfromthepouringmetalmadetheroomevenhotter thanbefore, and theywere asdryas eggshells.Theentire frontofhisbody felt on fire.Helookedoverattheothers.Allweresweating,butnoneshowedanysignofdiscomfort,cursethem.

“LeopoltEngle,”intonedLordGroot.“Mayyou,indeath,bringvictorytotheEmpireanddefeattoherenemiesasyoudidinlife.”

“MaySigmarsogrant,”saidtheothermenoftheschool.For another interminable ten minutes the forge men trickled the metal into the mould while

Felix’sfacefeltlikeitwouldshrivelupandpeeloff.Atlastthemouldfilledtothebrimandthementippedthecruciblebackupright.

As thepriest stepped forward to sayone finalblessing,Felixnoticed that the initiatewhohadbeenburnedhadfainted.Helayonthegantry,stillclutchingtheurn,whilehisfellowacolytekneltoverhim,shakinghim.

Groot and the other men of the school bowed to the cooling gun and made the sign of thehammer,thenturnedtodepart.

GrootsmiledatGotrekandFelix.“Come,”hesaid.“TheheroeswhodefendedJohannesBaer ’scannonwhenWissenandhiscowards turnedandfledmustbehonoured.Youwill feastatmytable

tonight.”“Willtherebeale?”askedGotrek.“Ofcourse!”saidGroot.“Asmuchasyoulike.”“Good,”saidGotrek.“I’mparched.”AsmuchasGotreklikes,thoughtFelix.Grootmaycometoregretthosewords.

AstheywalkedthroughthegroundsoftheschooltowardsGroot’squartersinthemainbuilding,theysawguardsintheuniformoftheschoolleadingawayanotherguard.Themanwasraving.

“Theguns,”hecried.“Theywerelookingatme!Theywanttokillme!Grootstoppedthestrangeprocession,holdingupahand.“SergeantVolker,what is this?What

hashappened?”Thesergeantlookedpained.“It’sBreyermann,sir,whoguardsthegunsbeforethey’reshipped.

He’scometobelievethatthegunsarealive,andthattheymeanhimharm.”“Theystareatme!”wailedBreyermannfrombehindhim.“Theyhateusall!”Grootshookhishead.“Terrible.FirstFedereichmutates,andnowBreyermanngoesmad.What

aretheoddsthatsuchmisfortunestrikestwoofourladsinoneweek?”“We thought perhaps that Breyermann caught his madness from Federeich, sir,” said the

sergeant.“Wouldn’tbesurprisedifheshowsstigmatasoon.”Grootnodded.“Aye.Youundoubtedlyhavetherightofit.Verysad.Informhisfamily.Andgive

him to the Sisters of Shallya. Perhaps they can cure himbefore it becomes amatter for thewitchhunters.”

The sergeant saluted and he and his men led themadman away. Groot sighed and continuedtowards his quarters. Felix looked back at the sad procession, a jumble of half-formed thoughtschurninginhishead.HenoticedthatGotrekwaslookingbacktoo.Latethatnight,asGotrekandFelixstaggeredwithMalakaitowardstheCollegeofEngineeringafterGroot’slavishfeast,GotrekstoppedandturnedinthedirectionofShantytown.

“IwanttogototheBlindPig,”hesaid,slurringonlyalittle.Youwantmoretodrink?”askedFelix,amazed.TheSlayerhadputawayanenormousamountof

aleatdinner.FelixhadseenGrootwinceas the thirdkeghadbeenbroached.HesupposedGotrekmightbetryingtonumbthepainofhisburns—asFelixhadbeendoing—butthenheoftendranklikethat,sowhocouldsay?

Gotrekshookhishead,thensteadiedhimself.“IwanttotalktoHeinz.”“I’mnotsurehewantstotalktoyou,”saidFelix,butGotrekwasalreadystumpingawayintothe

night.FelixsighedandwavedgoodnighttoMalakai,thenfollowedhim.“Watchoutforthebig‘un,youngFelix,”calledMalakai.“He’sliabletogetintaetrouble.”Felixsnorted.Therewasnootherpossibleresponse.

“Yernottocomein,”saidthebigbouncerwhostood,hisarmsfoldedacrosshisbroadchest,infrontoftheBlindPig’sdoor.

“Trystoppingme,”growledGotrek,aiminghimselfatthedoor.The bouncer braced himself, thenwavered beforeGotrek’smad, one-eyed glare and stepped

aside.Heshrugged.“Ah,goon.There’snoonetofightanyway.”FelixfollowedGotrekinto thetavernandsawthat itwastrue.Itwasemptybutforonelonely

barmaidandoldHeinz,halfasleeponhiselbowsbehindthebar.Thebarman’sheadcameupashesawGotrek.“Itoldyounottocomeback,youwrecker!”He

didn’tseematallsurprisedthatGotrekwaswrappedinbandages.

“Istayedawaylastnight,didn’tI?”saidGotrek.HetossedagoldcoinmarkedwiththesigilofKarakHirnontothebar.“Chargemedoubleformydrinks,”hesaid.“That’llpaythedamagessoonenough.”

Heinzlookedatthecoinforalongmoment,thenpickeditupandpocketedit.“SupposeIcanuseallthebusinessIcanget.”Heturnedanddrewtwopints.

“Whathappened?”askedFelix.“Whereiseveryone?”Heinzsighedashesettheirpintsbeforethem.“It’sWardCaptainWissenandhisthugs.Sincethat

ruckonthebridgethey’vebeenprowlingShantytownandtheMaze,roughingupanyonetheyfindonthestreets, trying tofind the leadersof theCleansingFlame.Allmyregularsareholingupuntil itblowsover.”Hesnorted.“IcouldtellWissenhe’slookinginthewrongplace.Thosetroublemakersain’tfromaroundhere.”

“Wherearetheyfrom?”askedGotrek.Hesoundedsuddenlymuchlessdrunk.“They’re toffs,” sneered Heinz. “Altestadt brats with too much time on their hands. See

themselvesasdo-gooders,standingupfor thecommonman.TheTorch, their leadercallshimself.Gives fiery speechesabouthow thepoor should riseupandkill thepriests and thenoblesand thefactors.Butwhenthefolkstartsmashingthingsupandthewatchcomedownonthem,wherearetheTorchandhisrichmates?Nowhere.Theytakeofftheirmasksanddisappear.Cowards,Icalls‘em.”

“Icallthemworse,”raspedGotrek.“Sowhyaren’tthewatchlookingintheAltestadt?”askedFelix.“Theydon’tknow,”saidHeinz.“Theythinkthey’reallMaze-bornrabblerousers.”“Whydon’tyoutellthemdifferent?”HeinzscowledatFelix.“NoShantytownerwouldtellthewatchnothing.Nomatterwhatitwas,

they’dfindawaytoturnitagainstus.”“We’dfindthemintheAltestadt,then?”askedGotrek.“If you knewwho theywere,” saidHeinz. “But nobody knows that.Not even their followers.

TheyhaveameetinghouseintheMazethough.Hidden.”“Whereisit?”pressedGotrek.Heinz turnedand lookedathim, thenshookhishead.“No,Gurnisson. Idon’twant to lose the

Pig. They live up to their name, the Cleansing Flame, with themwhat cross them. Set fire to thehousesofmanyamantheythoughtbetrayedthem.Whydoyouwanttoknow?”

Gotrekraisedhisbandagedarm.“Theysetmeonfire.”Felixtouchedhisface.“Metoo.”Heinz lookedfromGotrek toFelixandback.His lipspulledback inasnarl.“Noonesetsmy

friendsonfireandgetsawaywithit!”Thenhepaused,uncertain.“They’redangerousmenthough.Asnakewithmanyheads.You’vefriendsinthepalace,ifIrecall.Maybetheycouldhelpyou.Saveusallsomestrife.”

Gotrekjustgruntedanddrankhisale.Heinz rubbedhiswhiskerychin,visiblymelting in theheatofGotrek’switheringsilence.“Of

course,there’snoconnectionbetweenusanymore,”hesaid.“Beentwentyyearssinceyouworkedforme.AndIthrewyououttwonightsago.Nobodywouldthinkitwasmewhosentyou.”Hechewedhislipthoughtfullythensighed.“Allright.Itmightstiruptrouble,butI’veweatheredtroublebefore,andIhatethemmuckrakersalmostasmuchasIhatethewatch.”

Helookedaroundwarily,despitethefactthattherewasnooneintheplace,thenleanedforwardandloweredhisvoice.“Ioverheardoneofthemtellinganewrecruithowtogetthereonce.They’reinthemiddleoftheMaze,behindaplacecalledtheBrokenCrown.Thefellowsaidthatthebuildinglookslikejustanotheroldtenement,butit’sbuiltatopanoldbrewery,andthecellarsgodownand

down.TheFlameboyskeepaneyeonitnightandday,sowatchyourselveswhenyougetclose.”Hedippedhisfingerinapuddleofaleandbegantodrawamaponthebar.“I’llshowyouhowtogettheBrokenCrown.Afterthat,you’reonyourown.”Felixwas less thaneager toenter theMaze,whichwasknownas the roughestpartof the roughestneighbourhoodinNuln,particularlynotinthedeadofnight,particularlywithGotrekweavingdrunkandhimnotmuchbetter.ButheknewnothingcouldstopaSlayerbentonvengeance,sohefollowedalongwarily, one handon the dragon-figured hilt of his runesword, and his eyes searching everyshadowtheypassed.

TheMazewas thehauntofgangstersandcultistsandwantedmen.Therewerenostreet lampshere,andfewlightsofanykind.ThoughMannsliebandMorrsliebwereout, thebuildingsweresocrowded together, and so tall— some looming five and six storeys above the alleys— that themoons’ light rarelyreached thestreet.Someof themsaggedagainsteachotherover thestreet likedrunkloversandblockedtheskyaltogether.

Inmostplaces,thelanternsoverthedoorsofthelawlesstavernsandgamblinghallsandlowrentbrothelsthatfilledthelowerfloorsofthericketytenementsprovidedtheonlyillumination.Mostoftheback alleyswerepitchblack andFelixhad to relyonGotrek’s keen tunnel-bredvision to leadthemsafely through thedark. Insomeplaces,newstructures,evenflimsier than theold,werebuiltupon the rubble of the buildings that had burned down during the skaven invasion, twenty yearsbefore.Inotherplacesthecharredtimberbonesstillstood,patchedtentsandmakeshiftlean-tosrisingintheirmidst.

Hard-eyed men watched Gotrek and Felix from doorways and windows. Women in low-cutdressesmade kissing noises as they passed.Groups of villains lounged outside open-fronted beerstalls,theirlegssplayedoutintothestreet,deliberatelyblockingtheway.

Gotrekstumpedpastthemall,ignoringthem,hisoneeyelookingforthelandmarksHeinzhadtoldthemtowatchfor,andturningwherehehadtoldthemtoturn.

Afteraquarterofanhourtheycametoafilthy,rubbishstrewnstreet.Ontheleftwasatavernbeneathacrudepaintingofabrokencrown.Analleyrandownthesideofthetavern.HeinzhadsaidthattheCleansingFlame’smeetinghousewasinatenementthatfacedthealleybehindtheCrown.

“Ontiptoesnow,eh?”saidFelix,thinkingofthemenHeinzhadsaidwatchedtheareanightandday.

Gotrekclompedforwardas ifhehadn’theard,hisbootsechoingdown thealley.Felixsighedandfollowed.Somuchforsubtlety.Hedrewhissword.

BehindtheCrownwasacrookedalley,sonarrowFelixcouldhavereachedoutandtouchedbothwallsatonce,ifhehadcaredtosoilhishands.Totheleftandrightthealleydisappearedintoshadow,but across from the rear entrance of the Crown, a slanting slash of moonlight illuminated adilapidated tenement with a dingy junk shop in its bottom floor, smashed and smoke-blackenedfurnitureandcrockeryspillingfromitsunlitbutopenfront.Wasthistheplace?Wasitthetenementtotheleft?Theonetotheright?UnfortunatelyHeinz’sknowledgehadendedattheBrokenCrown.Theywouldhave to start sticking theirnoses intodoors and lookingaround.Felix’s skin crawledat theprospect.

AsGotrekcrossedtothejunkshopandlookedintoit,Felixpeeredleftandright,tryingtoseeinto the shadows of the alley, looking forwatchers.He gave up. Itwas too dark, and if therewasanythingtosee,Gotrekwouldhaveseenit.

TheSlayerjabbedathumbattheopenjunkshopdoor.“Atrap,”hesaid.“Anopendoor,butnofootprints.”Hestudiedthegroundagain.Thealleyfloorwashard-packedearth,likeallthestreetsintheMaze.Gotrekfollowedtheprintsleadingtoacloseddoor,thenmovedfurtherleft,toaspotwhere

itlookedlikescraplumberhadbeenusedtopatchaholeinthewall.“Here,”hesaid,andpulledontheboards.

Theyresisted.AsGotreksteppedforwardtopullharder,Felixheardawhistlefromsomewhereaboveandbehind them.Heturnedand lookedup.Someonewasbackingawayfromanunshutteredwindow.Belowit,thebackdooroftheBrokenCrownslammedopenandsevenmenswaggeredout,swords anddaggers dangling casually from their hands.Eachof themwore a yellowcottonmaskoverhisface.

“Y’needakey fer thatdoor, stuntie,” saida tallmanwith thebuildofa longshoreman,as theothersspreadouttoencirclethem.

“Ihaveone,”saidGotrek,drawinghisaxeandholdingitsoitglintedinthemoons’light.Someofthemenmurmurednervouslyatthesightofit,butthebigmansneered,wavingthem

on.“Comeon,lads.TheywaslookingfortheCleansingFlame.Let’snotdisappoint‘em.”Themaskedmenlungedforward,swingingtheirweapons.Gotrekshatteredthebigman’ssword

with a slash, then gutted himwith a backhand and turned to face threemore. Felix backed into anangleofthealleywallsohewouldonlyhavetofacetwo.Heblockedoneandkickedattheotherasathirdtriedtofindspacebetweenthemtoattack.

Thesewere alley-bashers, not trained swordsmen. Felix countered their attackswith ease andbloodedbothhisopponentsonthefirstpass.Butasherecoveredtoguard,somethingbuzzedpasthisearandstuckintheplasterwallbesidehim.Heflinchedaway.Itwasacrossbowbolt.

Heriskedalookup.Someonewasreloadinginthesecondfloorwindow.Then,inaneyeblink,theyweregone—vanished!Someoneorsomethinghadyankedthemsavagelybackwardoutofsight.

Felixwassosurprisedhealmosttooktheleft-handbasher ’sswordthroughthebelly.Helurchedrightandthebladegrazedhiship.Themanontherightwasstabbingstraightforhiseyes.Felixbattedhisswordasideatthelastsecondanditstuckintheplasterwallnexttothecrossbowbolt.Hekickedthemanbetweenthelegs,thenduckedanotherthrustfromthemanontheleftandranhimthrough.

Asthedeadmanfell,Felixslashedathiscompanion,whowasstillclutchinghisgroin,andcuthalfwaythroughhisneck.Heturnedtofacetheonewhohadbeentryingtopushthroughtheothertwo,buttohissurprise,themanwasfallingforward.Acrossbowboltstickingoutofhisspine.

Helookeduptothewindowagain.Therewasnobodythere.Gotrekwaslookinguptoo.Allhisopponentsweredeadaswell,onefromaboltbehindtheear.“Wehaveafriend,itseems,”saidFelix.“Nooneinthisplaceisafriend,”mutteredGotrek.Hesidledtothehiddendoor,keepinghiseye

on thedarkwindow, then reachedbackandyankedsharplyon theplanks.They jerkedopenwithaping of snapped metal, revealing a pitch black opening. Gotrek stole a quick glance inside, thennoddedtoFelixwhilereturninghisgazetothewindow.“In,man-ling.”

Felixsteppedcautiouslytotheopening.Hefeltequallyreluctanttostepintothedarknessorstayout in thealleyat themercyofamarksman.Withacursehestrodeacross the thresholdandintoanarrow corridor. Gotrek backed in after him and closed the door behind him. The darkness wasabsolute,atleastforFelix.

Gotrekshiftedaroundinfrontofhim.“Putyourhandonmyshoulder,manling,”hesaid.“We’llgowithoutalight.”

FelixreachedforwardandtouchedtheclothofGotrek’sbandages.Heswitchedtotheoppositeshoulder. Gotrek started forward confidently, the wooden floor creaking beneath his feet. Felixfollowedbehind,fightingtheurgetoputhisswordhandinfrontofhisfacetoshieldoffanyunseenobstacles.

“Stairsdown,”saidGotrek,afterafewpaces.FelixgrippedtighterasGotrekdescended,andfelt

fortheedgesofeachstep.“Therewould have been a guard behind the door,” he said. “Hemust have gone towarn the

others.”“Aye,”saidGotrek.“Theyknowwe’recoming.”Atthebottomofthesteps,Gotrekfroze,holdingperfectlystill.Felixtriedtodothesame.Aftera

momentGotrekstartedforwardagain.Felixletoutabreath.“Doyouhearthemaheadofus?”“No,”saidGotrek.“Thefrontdooropened.”Felixswallowed,andthefleshofhisbackcrawledasheimaginedthemysterioussharpshooter

fromthealleypaddingdownaftertheminthedark.Gotrek turned a corner andFelix saw in the distance a faint sliver of flickeringorange from

underadoor.ItgavejustenoughlightforFelixtoseethatthecorridorleadinguptoithadnodoors.“Keeptothewalls,”saidGotrek.“Andtreadsoftly.”TheSlayerbeganedgingdowntheleftsideofthecorridor.Felixwentdowntheright,tryingto

stepontheboardsasclosetothewallsaspossible,wheretheywouldn’tcreaksomuch.Whentheyreachedthedoor,Gotrekputhisunburnedeartoitandlistened.Felixheldhisbreath.

“Empty,”breathedGotrek.Hetriedthelatch.Itwaslocked.Heputhispalmandshoulderagainstthedoor andpushed.Thedoorwasmuch sturdier andbettermounted than thehiddendoor above.FelixcouldhearthedeadboltgroaningwithcomplaintasGotrekpressedharderandharder.Finally,withasharppang,thelockgavewayandthedoorflewopen.Gotrekjumpedforwardandcaughtitbeforeitslammedagainstthewall.Thenhesteppedcautiouslyinside,hisaxeheldattheready.Felixfollowed.

The roomwithinwas littlemore thanawide space in thehall. It looked toFelix likeaguardstation.Alowtableandtwostoolssatalongonewall.Theyhadnotbeenabandonedlong.Therewasacharcoalbrazieronthefloornexttothemwithtwosausagescookingonit.Ahalf-eatenloafofbreadsatonthetable.Ayellowmaskwascrumpledbesideit.

Gotrekglancedaroundatthewalls.“Hiddenpanelseverywhere,”hemuttered.Hesteppedforward,peeringdownthehallbeyondtheroom,thenfrozeandlookedbackover

hisshouldertowardsthecorridorfromwhichtheyhadjustcome.HemotionedFelixtohidetotherightoftheopendoor,thentookuppositiontotheleft.Heputafingertohislips.Felixnodded.

TheywaitedforwhatseemedtoFelixaneternity.Fromwherehestoodhecouldnotseethroughthedoor,and thoughhestrainedhisears,hecouldhearnothingbut thesoundsofanoldbuilding:creaksandgroans,afaintsoundofmuffledvoices,eitherfarabovethemorfarbelowthem,thedripofwaterfromsomewherenearby,thescrabblingofratsinsidethewalls.

AndyetGotrekremainedtensed,axeready,legsbenttospring,hiseyefixedfirmlyontheframeoftheopendoor.Hemustbehearingsomething,butwhat?

Then,withamovementtooswifttosee,Gotrek’sfreehandshotforwardthroughthedoorwayandpulledafigureintotheroom,spunitaroundandslammeditintothesidewall.Hisaxewasatitsneck.Justasswiftly,astilettowasathis.

Felixgasped.Itwasthewhite-hairedfigure—themysteriousphantomhehadseeninBigNod’scoldcellarandattheriotonthebridge.Itraiseditsshock-hairedhead,revealingice-blueeyesandskinlikewhitesilk.Itsmiled,revealinggleamingincisors.

“Hello,Gotrek,”itsaid,inavoicelikehoneyandsand.“Hello,Felix.Youhaven’tagedaday.”ItwasUlrika.

SIXFelixstaredather,ahundredconflictingemotionswarringwithinhim:surprise, longing, loathing,anger,regret,nostalgia,bitterness,hope,happiness,grief.

Shewasbeautiful—morebeautiful,perhaps,thanshehadbeeninlife.Allherflawshadbeenpolishedaway.Herskinglowedwiththesoftlustreofalabaster.Hershort-croppedhair,onceasandyblonde,was now snow-white, her eyeswere amore piercing blue, her lips awanton red.A blackneckerchiefwasknottedlooselyaroundhergraceful,cordedneck.Shewasastallasever,andbothslimmerandharderunderher tight-fittingblackdoubletandbreeches,and looked thesameageaswhenhehadseenherlast—twenty-oneortwenty-twoyearsold.Abonehandledrapierhunglowathertrimwaist,andblackleathercavalrybootsencasedherlonglegstomid-thigh.Thehandthatheldtheneedle-thinstilettotoGotrek’sthroatworeblackkid-skinglovesofthefinestquality.

Andyet,forallherbeauty,therewassomethingsubtlyrepellentaboutheraswell.Herperfectionwas thatofa statue, lackingentirely inhumanity.Andasmesmerisingashereyeswere, theywereequallyasunnerving.Theylookedathimwiththeunwaveringintensityofahuntingcat’s—likeshesawhimonlyasprey.Shesmelledwrongaswell.Thecloyingscentofcinnamoncouldnothidethecopperytangofbloodthathoveredabouther,northefaintechoofcold,wetearth.

“Thebloodsucker.”Gotrekspatonthefloor.Hedidnotlowerhisaxe.“Yousparedmeonce,”shesaid,calmly.“Willyoubreakyouroathandkillmenow?”FelixnotedthatshestillhadherslightlyslurredKisleviteaccent.Itwasstillbewitching.“Haveyoubrokenyouroath?”counteredGotrek.“Imadenooath,”saidUlrika.“Iwasunconsciousatthetime,ifyourecall.Butifyoumeanthe

promise thatmymistressmade, to teachme to harm no one…” She smiled again, showing longincisors.“IwagerIhavekilledoneforeveryhundredyouhaveslaininthelasteighteenyears.Andnonethatdidn’tdeserveit.”

Gotreksnarledandpressedhisaxeclosertoherneck.Atthesametime,herstilettoprickedtheskinofhis.Abeadofbloodrandownanddisappearedbeneathhisbeard.

“Itwouldbeashame,”shepurred.“Toendsoillustriousacareerinaspatoverthemeaningofaword.”Sheglancedaroundtheroom.“Particularlywhenourgoalsappeartobethesame.”

“WhatdoyouwantwiththeCleansingFlame?”askedFelix.HecouldhavewishedthathisfirstwordstoUlrikaaftereighteenyearshadbeensomethingmorepersonal.HealsowishedthatsheandGotrekwouldlowertheirweapons,buthedoubtedaskingwoulddoanygood.

“Surelyyouwantwhat Iwant,”saidUlrika.“Todiscoverwhere thesevillainshavehidden theblackpowder.”

“TheCleansingFlamehavetheblackpowder?”askedFelix.Ulrikaraisedaneyebrow.“Youdon’tknowthat?Perhaps,then,Icanbemoreusefultoyoualive

thandead?”“Howdidyoulearnthis?”askedFelix.Ulrikashrugged.“Iwouldfinditmucheasiertotalkifyourdwarffriendwouldremovehisaxe

frommyneck.”Gotrekdidn’tmove.“Gotrek,”saidFelix.“It’sUlrika.”“Notanymore,”Gotrekrasped.“Willyoubreakanoath?”pressedFelix.

“Shehaskilled.”“Thentakeitupwithhermistress,”saidFelix.“Iwill,”Gotrekgrowled.“WhenI’vefinishedwithher.”Heleanedin,lookingasifhemeanttosawUlrika’sheadfromhershoulders,butthen,fromall

aroundthemcamethesoundofrunningfeet.Eventheceilingresoundedwithfootsteps.GotreksteppedbackfromUlrika,goingonguard.Thevampiredrewhersword.“Cockroaches,”shehissed.Felixturnedinawarycircle,scanningthewallsandceiling.Hiddenpanels,Gotrekhadsaid,but

where?Thewholeplacewassopatchedtogetherandmakeshiftanythingcouldbeadoor.Thewall in front of him flew out like the shutters of a cuckoo clock, and fourmaskedmen

surgedout, slashingathimwithdaggers, axesandcleavers.Thereweremorebehind them.At thesameinstant,panelsintheotherwallandtheceilingslammedopen.MenchargedGotrekandUlrika.Moredroppeddownin theirmidst,stabbing ineverydirection.The tinyguardroomwassuddenlymorecrowdedthantheBlindPigduringPowderWeek.

Felix parried and blocked themen in front of him.A dagger frombehind gashed his burnedshoulder.Hehissedinpainandtriedtoreturntheattack,buthislongswordwascumbersomeinthistightspace.Stillblockingthethreemeninfrontofhim,Felixtwitchedawayfromanotherbackstaband kicked behind him like amule. The attacker grunted and doubled up, and a back swing fromGotrek’saxetookoffthetopoftheman’shead.

Amanwith a short, curved cutlass thrust at Felix andhe ran him through.A cutlass!Amuchbetterclosequartersweapon.Felixlefthisruneswordintheman’sgutsandstrippedthecutlassanddaggerfromhisslackhands.Heusedthemtoparrycutsfromhisothertwoattackers,thenglancedoverhisshoulderfordangerfrombehind.

Ablinktookintherestoftheroom.Allthemenwhohaddroppedfromtheroofweredead,theirlimbsandheadsloppedoff—Gotrek’swork.TheSlayerfoughtfivemenwhowerepushingforwardthroughthefarwall.Moreweredeadathisfeet.Ulrikastoodatthemouthoftheinnercorridor,teethbared,herrapieranddaggerflickeringlikehummingbirdsinthebrazier-glow.Menfellawayfromher,bloomingredfromthechests,necksandgroins.Aknifewasburiedto thehilt inherstomach.Sheappearednottonotice.

Anotherblinkandhewasbacktohisownopponents.Heduckedaheavycleaverswingingforhishead,thenstabbedthecleaver-manwithhisdaggerandusedhiscutlasstogashawristbehindalungingknife.Hehadnoideawhothewristbelongedto.Hisvisionhadnarrowedtojustthebladescomingtowardshim.Ashortswordthrustathisgroin.Hesmasheddownonthefingersholdingitanditclatteredto thefloor.Ahandaxehackedathishead.Heduckedandslippedleft,shoulderingsomeoneintheribs,andguttingsomeoneelse.Thehandaxecuthisshoulder—thesameshoulderthedaggerhadhit!Hehissedandstabbedbackangrily,andwasgratifiedtohearascream.Aknifegrazedhis cheekandhe lashedoutwithhis cutlass.Theknife-mancrumpled,hisneckopen to thebone.

Thelasttwomenbackedawayfromhim,squeezingbackthroughthetrapandrunningintothedarknessbeyond.Felixstartedforward,snarling.

“Don’tbedrawn,manling,”saidGotrek’sfrombehindhim.Withaneffort,Felixrestrainedhimselffromchasingthemen.Italwaysamazedhimhow,when

hisbloodwasup,hefoundhimselfreadytodothingsyoucouldn’thavepaidhimtodowhenhewascalmandthinkingclearly.

He turned.All themenwhohadattacked themweredeador fleeing.The roomwasacharnelhouse.Thebodieswerekneedeep.Gotrekhadafewminorcuts,butwasotherwiseunwounded.The

SlayerwasglaringatUlrikaasshedrewthedaggerfromherstomachandtosseditasidewithasniffofannoyance.

“MyTileandoublet,” she said. “Thatwill take some…”Shepausedas shemetGotrek’sgaze,thenrolledhereyes.“Doyoustillwishtoslayme,Slayer?”

“Youareamonster,”growledGotrek.“Amonsterthatyouallowedtocomeintoexistence.”Gotrekbaredhisteeth.“Thatmakesitworse.”“Perhapswe should settle this later,” said Felix, looking around uneasily as he recovered his

runeswordfromthestomachofthemanithadkilled.Ulrika’schincameup.Shecockedherhead.“Goodidea.Morearecoming.”“Where?”saidGotrekeagerly.Shenoddedtowardstheleftwall.“Weshouldeludethem.”“Eludethem?”Gotreksoundedasdisgustedasifshehadsuggestedhekissanorc.Ulrika sighed. “You were never long on strategy, were you, Slayer?” She continued as if

speakingtoanunusuallyslowchild.“Ifwefighteverystepoftheway,theleaderswillhavetimetosneakawayormovethepowder.”

Now even Felix could hear footsteps, and they were coming from more than one direction.“Thenlet’sgo.”

ButGotrekwasstillglaringatUlrika.“What?”shesnapped,impatient.Atlasthesnarledandturnedtowardstheinnercorridor.“Followme.”UlrikagaveFelixaquizzicalglance, as if to say“didhemeanme?”Felix shruggedand they

followedthedwarfintothecorridor.Felixcouldseealmostnothing,butheheardmencomingaheadofthem.“Youcallthiseludingthem?”saidUlrika.“Shutup,leech,”growledGotrek.Hefeltalongthewallswithhisfingers.Thecompositionof

thewallschangedwithalmosteverypace—brick,wood,plaster,stone.Thesecellarshadobviouslybeenrebuiltcountlesstimes.Gotrekturnedacorner.Thefootstepsgotlouder,andthereweremoreapproachingfrombehindthem.

“Ha!”saidtheSlayer,thenfeltupanddownasectionofbrick.“Iknewtherewouldbeanother.”Felix looked up and down the corridor anxiously. It sounded like both groups of men were

almostonthem.Withagruntofsatisfaction,Gotrekusedathickfingernailtopryoutwhatlookedlikealoose

chunkofmortar.Therewasaclickandasectionofthewallswungback,revealingastairwaygoingdown.“In.Quick,”saidtheSlayer.

FelixandUlrikaslippedthroughthesecretdoorandGotrekpulleditclosed,envelopingthemindarkness.Justasitclickedshutagain,bootsrumbledupfrombothdirectionsjustoutside.

“Wherearethey?”saidaharshvoice.“Theywereheadingtowardsyou,”saidanother.“Don’ttellmeyouletthemslipby.”“Noone got by us!” said the first voice. “Youmust have lost them.Search back thewayyou

came!”Thetwogroupssplitupagainandthebootstepsfadedintothedistance.“Aholeeventheroachesdon’tknowof,”saidUlrika.“Interesting.”Gotreksniffed.“Ismellsmokeandmeat.Theyarebelow.”Hesteppedtothestairs.“Handonmy

shoulder,manling.”

They started down the stairs, Gotrek and Ulrika in front, Felix stumbling along behind. Hegroundhisteethinfrustration.Whywashealwaystheonewhocouldn’tseeinthedark?

“So,howwasitthatyoulearnedthatthesemadmenhadtheblackpowder?”Felixaskedaftertheyhaddescendedafewflights.

“Countess Gabriella hears many things,” said Ulrika. “Among them was a rumour that theCleansing Flame would soon make an attack on the Imperial Gunnery School that would be thebeginningoftheburningofallofNuln.”

“What!”saidFelix.“Theymeantoblowuptheschool?”“Aye,” said Ulrika. “When the countess heard that the black powder had been stolen, she

wonderedifitmightbetheCleansingFlamewhohadpurchaseditfromthethieves.Shesentmetoinvestigate.WhileyouweregoingforyourswimintheReik,Ipulledasideoneoftheyellow-maskedagitatorswhowas leading the rioters andquestionedhim.He toldme that thecountess’ suspicionswerecorrect.”

“Hetalked?”saidFelix,surprised.“Ohyes.”Ulrikachuckled.“Ibledhimforeverythingheknew.”Gotrekspat,disgusted.“AndwhatdoesyourmistresscareforthesafetyofNuln,”heasked.“ShecaresforNulnpreciselythewayashepherdesscaresforhersheep,”cameUlrika’sprim

reply.Gotrekgrowledinhisthroat,butsaidnothing.After another flight, the Slayer stopped at a landing. “Keep back,” he said, and shrugged out

fromunderFelix’shand.Felixlistened, tryingtounderstandfromthesoftsoundsthatfollowedwhatGotrekwasdoing.

ThensuddenlytherewasathinlineoftorchglowilluminatingGotrek’suglyface,andcastingadimlightontherestofthelanding,revealingthatthestairscontinuedfurtherdown.

Gotrekpeered through thecrackeddoorwithhisonegoodeye.Felixsteppedbehindhimandlookedoverhisshoulder.

Thoughhecouldonlyseeanarrowsliveroftheroombeyond,hesawthatitwasbig,withahighceilingandafarwallmorethanthirtypacesaway.Therewasalargesquareofyellowclothontheleftwallabovewhatappearedtobeastageofsomekind—plankslaidoveranunderstructureofoldbarrels.

“Theymusthaveescaped,”echoedaplaintivevoicefromtheroom.“Wesearchedalloverthecellars.”

“Escaped?” said an upper class voice. “I find that hard to believe. Search again. From top tobottom.Theycannotbeallowedtointerruptusnow.Go!”

“Yes,brother.Rightaway,brother.”Gotrekclosedthedoor.“Furtherdown,”hesaid.Theyresumedtheirdescent.Fourflightslater,thestairsendedatanotherhiddendoor.Gotreklistenedatit,thentuggedonthe

catchandpusheditopenacrack.Hepeeredthrough, thenopeneditwider.Therewasahangingofsomekindinfrontofthedoor.Gotrekdrewhisaxe,hesitating.Felixstrainedhisears,listeningformovement.

“Worrynot,”saidUlrika.“Ismellnothingwithapulseinthisroom.”Gotrekshotheralook,theneasedthroughthedoorandlookedaroundtheedgeofthehanging.

Hemotionedhiscompanionsout.FelixandUlrikasteppedthroughandpushedpastthecurtain.TheywereinasmallroomthatlookedsomethinglikeFelix’sfather ’sofficeinhiscountinghouse.Adeskwithpigeonholesandledgershelvesstoodontheleftsideoftheroom,ahornlampilluminatingit.

ThehangingwasayellowbannerwiththetorchsymboloftheCleansingFlamestitchedontoit.Anarmoirestoodagainsttherightwall.Thefarwallhadastoutdoorinit.

Gotrekcrossedtothedoor,listened,thentriedit.FelixandUlrikastoodbehindhimasheopenedit.Ashortcorridorendedata large,well-litwarehouse room.Felixcouldseemenrollingbarrelspastthedoorunderthedirectionofmaskedoverseers.

“Theblackpowder,”murmuredUlrika.“Aye,”saidGotrek.“Butwherearetheytakingit?”HecreptintothecorridorwithFelixandUlrikaonhisheels.Theystoppedjustoutofthesquare

of light thatshonefromthehigh,vault-ceilingedroom.It looked like thestoreroomatagarrisonfort.Boxesof steel shotwerepilednext topyramidsof cannonballs, racksof spears, swords andbows,asmalldeckcannonthatlookedlikeithadbeenstolenoffanEstaliangalley,and…thestolenbarrelsofblackpowder.

Ontheright-handsideoftheroomwasawoodenloft.Stackeduponitweresacksofflour,racksoflongguns,kegsofale,barrelsofsaltedbeefandbuttsofwater,aswellassmallbarrelsofpitchandparaffin.

Thework crewwas rolling the black powder barrels out from under the loft, and through araggedhole in the farwall that led into abrickwalled tunnel.The sewers.Felix could smell themfromwherehestood.Smallboatsbobbedinthechannelofliquidfilth.Themenloadedtwobarrelsoneachboatandthenothermenpoledthemaway.Onlyhalfadozenbarrelsremained.

“Destinedfor theGunnerySchool?”askedFelix.“Weshouldgobackand tellLordOstwald,”saidFelix.

“Goback?”Gotreksnorted.“Waittenminutesandyoucantellhimit’sover.”Hestrodeforwardintothelight.

“Fool!Wait!”hissedUlrika.“Haveyouneverheardofsubtlety!”Itwastoolate.OneofthemaskedoverseerswaslookingdirectlyatGotrek.Hepointed,shouting

an order. Themen pushing the barrels righted them, then drewweapons and charged.Moremenpoured out of side rooms, snatching up spears and swords from the weapon racks. On the loftplatform,othersbegantakingthelonggunsfromtheracksandfeedingthempowderandshot.Themaskedoverseerstartedshoutingarcanephrases.

Gotrekgrinned,hisoneeyeglittering.Heranforward,bellowingadwarfishwarcry.Ulrikastaredafterhim.“He’sinsane.”Felixshrugged.“He’saSlayer.”HeracedinafterGotrek,screamingwordlessly.Ulrikaranrightbesidehim.Thetwosidescametogetherwithaclashofsteelinthecentreofthebigroom.Gotrekkilledfive

men instantly,his fellaxeshatteringspears, swordsandbodieswithequalease.Felixhackeddownthroughtheshoulderofaspearmanandintohisribcage.Ulrikalunged,recoveredandlungedagaininablur,killingtwomeninthetimeittookFelixtopullhisswordfromthespearman’schest.

Thentheyweresurrounded—threewhirlwindsfightingbacktobackintheeyeofahurricaneof steel. Spears and swords and hand-axes stabbed in at them from all sides. A sword opened ashallowgashinFelix’schest,tearingandbloodyinghisborrowedshirt.Aspeartorehisthigh.Thiswasmadness!Whywasn’thewearinghis trustymail?Becausehehad thoughtheandGotrekweregoingoutforadrink,that’swhy!

Moremenpoured in fromtheentrances—patrols returningfromhunting thepassages,Felixguessed— and surged forward to join the press, pushing the melee into the shadow of the loft.Gotrek slew them as they came, wreaking terrible carnage with every stroke. Ulrika floated andflowedlikeadancer,herswordeverywhereatonce.Bodiestoppledinherwake,dyingfromwounds

thatbarelybled.Felixhackedandblocked,moreconcernedwithkeepingthespearsandswordsatbaythan with killing anyone. Attacking was too dangerous. Every lunge was an opportunity for fiveenemiestofindanopeningandrunhimthrough.

Themaskedoverseerfinishedhisincantationandthrusthishandstowardsthecentreofthefight.Nothinghappened.PerhapsGotrek’s axehadprotected them, thoughtFelix. It haddissipated spellsbefore.Or perhapsUlrika could countermagic now that shewas a vampire. It gave Felix a goodfeelingknowinghiscompanionsweresopowerful—asenseofsecurity.With themathissideheknew he could face the greatest armies and come out on top.Gotrekwas unstoppable, andUlrikaappearedtohavebecomeanevenbetterswordswomanthanshehadbeenwhenshewasalive.Infact,theyweresogoodthatFelixdidn’treallyhavetodoanything.Hewastiredanyway.Whydidn’thejustlowerhisweaponsandwatchthetwoofthemwork?Theywouldprotecthim.Hehadnothingtoworryabout.Allwaswell.Everythingwouldbe…

“Wakeup,Felix!”A sharp pain in his cheek snapped his eyes open.Half a dozen spear and sword bladeswere

stabbingtowardshim.Heyelpedandleaptbackwildly,andsmackedintooneofthewoodenpoststhathelduptheloft,knockingthewindoutofhim.

TohisleftUlrikashoutedathimassheimpaledoneattackerandelbowedanothertotheground.“Beware!”shesnapped.“Themagetriestoglamourus.”

Felixgrowled,furiousattheviolation.Hismindwashisown!Herenewedhisattacks,glaringatthemaskedsorcerer.

A tattooofdeafeningbangssoundedfromabove.Menscreamed.Felix felthotagonysearhisneck.Helookedup.Thegunnersinthelofthadgotoffavolley.Theyhadhitsomeoftheirownmen,butbothGotrekandUlrikahadbeenshotaswell.Gotrekhadableedingstripejustabovehisear,andUlrikawasclutchingherbreast.

“Cowards!”roaredGotrek.“Comedownhereandfight!”Helashedoutatthesupportpostandchoppeditintwowithonestrike.Theplatformgroanedand

sagged in themiddle.A flour sack slidoff a stackanddroppeddown into themelee, smackinganagitatoronthehead.Gotrekpushedfortheotherpost,cuttingaswathethroughhisattackers.

“Gotrek,don’t!”criedFelix.Butitwastoolate.Withafiercebackhand,Gotreksmashedthroughthesecondpost.“Run!”roaredFelix,andbulledintothemeninfrontofhim,tryingtogetclear.Theyshouted

andbackedaway, trippingovereachotheras theplanksandbeamsof the loft twistedandsnappedabovethem.Ulrikadancedthroughthemob.Gotreklaughedmaniacally,shovingthemenasideandgrinningbackoverhisshoulder.

Withasplinteringroar,theloftgavewayallatonce.Thefrontedgeslammeddowninarainofmen,guns,kegs,barrelsofwaterandsacksofflour,andcrashedrightthroughtheancientwarehousefloor, collapsing the supports that held it up, and sending the cannon, the cannonballs, and all thecratesofshotsmashingintothelevelbelow.ThesaggingplanksslantedsteeplyunderFelix’sfeetashe tried to run,andsuddenlyheandGotrekandUlrika,andall themen that surrounded them,slidbackwards down into the hole and fell on top of the heap of debris at the bottom. Felix thuddedshoulderfirst—thesameshoulderagain—into thecornerofawoodenguncase,buriedunderasquirming,moaning,coughingpileofbodies.Allaround,mencalledordersandshoutedquestions.Somewherenearby,Gotrekchortledmadly.

Felixclawedandelbowedhiswaytothesurface.Hecouldseenothing.Acloudofchokingdustobscuredeverything.

Ulrikasatupoutofthemound,shovingabodyaside.Shewascoveredindust,makingherblack

clothesmatchherwhiteskin.Shespat.“Welldone,Slayer.Welldone.”“Getthem!”thesorcerer ’svoicerangoutfromabove.“Killthem!”Hebeganchantinganother

spell.Felixcursedandtriedtostiffenhismind.All around,menwerepushing themselves to theirknees andgroping for theirweapons, their

cloaksofdustmakingthemlooklikesomestrangesnowtribeonthewarpath.TheyturnedhaltinglytowardsGotrek,FelixandUlrika,groaningastheyattacked.Thevampireslashedaroundher,killingallwithinreach,thenhelpedFelixtohisfeet.Hechoppedtohisleftandright.Everyinchofhisbodyfeltbatteredandbruised.Hisswordweighedasmuchasacannon.Sig-mar!Itwasheavy!Hecouldbarelyliftitofftheground,letaloneblockwithit.Besidehim,Ulrikawashavingthesamedifficulty,losingherbalancewitheveryswingofherrapier.Theiropponentswerenothavingthesametrouble.

“Sorcery!”Ulrikacursed,andtriedtoscramblebackuptheslantingfloortowardsthesorcerer.Athrustingspeartrippedherandsheslidback.

Aman split in two in frontofFelix, andGotrek stepped through thepieces, glaringupat themaskedsorcerer.

“Enoughofyournoise!”hebarked,thenpluckedacannonballthesizeofacantaloupefromthedebrisattheirfeetandhurleditatthemagician.

Themagiciansquawkedandducked,butnotfastenough.Thecannonballcrushedthesideofhisheadlikeaneggshellandhefellintothehole,aslimpasasawdustdoll.

Immediately Felix’s swordwas lighter again, and he attacked their foeswith renewed energy.Ulrikadidthesame.

The dust in the air settled as they fought, and the outlines of the chamber they had landed inslowly emerged into clarity.Themoundunder their feetwas a grisly, treacherous jumble.Bloodylimbsandcrushedheadsstuckupoutofthemessofshatteredtimber,spilledlongguns,cannonballsand bags of shot. The deck cannon had pinned half a dozen men. They squirmed under it likesquashedbugs.Thescreamswereunbearable.

Morefigureswerecreepingoutofshadowedarchesattheedgesofthechamber,andatthefarend…

Felixfroze,andalmosttookanaxeinthekneebecauseofit.Hestumbledbackastheairclearedandthethingatthefarendofthechamberwasrevealed.“Sigmarsaveus,”hechoked.

GotrekandUlrikaglancedupfromtheirfights.Gotrekgrunted.Ulrikasnarled.Atfirstitseemedtobeatwistedtree,growingfromastonealtarandhungwithbodies,butthen

Felix saw that the treewas a sculpture—at least he hoped itwas a sculpture—made entirely ofbones,ofagiant,bird-headeddeity,fourbodieshangingfromitsfouroutstretchedhandsbyhooksthatpiercedtheirflesh.Thebonesofthesculpturewerehuman—legbones,armbones,hipbones,skullsandribcages—allfusedtogetherasiftheyhadmeltedinafurnace.Therewasnoordertotheconstruction.Eachofthesculpture’sarmsandlegswasmadeofhundredsofrandombones—skullsandribs,fibulaandtibia—everyoneofthemdecoratedwithswirlsofbeatengold.Thething’sheadwas long and narrow and came to a beak-like point. Two gold-sheathed skulls served it for eyes.Dozensoffingerbones—stillattachedtoskeletalhands—wereitsteeth.Fromtheeyeholesoftheskull-eyesglowedasicklygreenishlight.

The same light shone down into its torso, a lacy, ovoid cage of bones.Therewas somethingwithinthecage,somethingthatwrithedandtwisted.Thebodiesthathungfromitshandsswayedlikeheavyfruit.

Felixshiveredwithdread. Itappeared that theBrothersof theCleansingFlamewerenotmereagitators.

SEVEN“Fools,”growledGotrek,cuttingdowntwomen.

“DupesofChaos,”agreedUlrika,impalinganother.“Theymustnot leavehere!”saidanewvoicefromabove.“Slaythem,changedones!Slaythe

unbelievers!”Felixlookedaround.Changedones?The figures emerging from the temple doors roared and surged forward, clambering up the

mountainofdebrisandclawingatthecompanions.Felixflinchedashefoughtthem.Itwasasifhewerelookingatthemthroughwarpedglass.Theirlimbswerestretchedandbent,theirheadslopsidedandbobbing on elongated necks.Hideous goitres and lumps grew from their skin. Somehad newlimbs—stumpyarmsor tentaclesor clawsgrowing from their torsos.Somehad eyesormouthswheretheyshouldn’t.

Buttherewasworsetobeseenbeyondthem.Thebodieshangingfromthebonegodstirredandpulled themselves free of the hooks to drop, cat-like to the ground. The thing in the bone cageuncoiledandslitheredoutthroughaholenearthepelvis.Itwaspinkandblindandfoetal,buthadstilt-like spider legs that carried it swiftly towards the fight, and the coiled, flexing proboscis of abutterfly.

These new troops swarmed in behind their twisted brethren. Felix’s stomach churned as heburied his blade in the spongy head of amanwith scaly, seven-jointed fingers. He hated fightingmutants.Itwashardtofightsomethingyoufeltpityfor.Itwaslikekillingsomeonewiththeplague—a necessary, but soul-crushing, task.Not allmutants had dabbled in the black arts.With some, themutationsjustcame,andtherewasnothingtheycoulddoaboutit.Andoncetheycame,therevulsionoftheirfamilyandfriends,andthepersecutionofthewitchhunters,drovethemundergroundtoseekouttheirownkind.SmallwonderthattheygravitatedtothecultsoftheRuinousPowers.Theyweretheonlyoneswhowouldwelcomesuchcreatureswithopenarms,theonlyoneswhowouldshelterthemandpromisethemafuture.

Thatwasthetrouble.Itwashardtokillamanwhen,inthesamecircumstances,youmighthavefollowedthesamepath.Ofcourse,itbecamemucheasierwhenthatmanwastryingtoripyourgutsoutwithamouthfullofsharkteeth,butitstilldidn’tmakeFelixhappytodoit.

NeitherGotreknorUlrikaseemedtohaveanysecondthoughts.Gotrekstoodonthebuttofthefallencannon,butcheringanythatcamewithinreachandroaringforthethingfromthebonecagetocomeandtastehisaxe.Hesplitamutantwithskinlikealobsterfromheadtocrotch.Thefourmenwhohaddangled fromthestatue leapt to take itsplace.Theyappeared tohavebeenskinned.Theirexposedmuscleswereglisteningcrimson.Theybledendlessly.

Ulrikawasablurofblackandgreyoutofwhichshotthesilverlightningofherblade.Mutantsdiedallaroundher.Amanleaptonherfromthewarehouseabove,stabbingatherchest.Shecaughthiswristandpulledhimoffherback,thensankherjuttingfangsintohisneck,rippingoutmeatandveinsinasprayofblood.

Felixwhirledmadly,hackingoffaclawedhand,duckingahornedfist,thenguttingamanwithtranslucentflesh.Atentaclecurledaroundhisleftankle.Heslasheddownatit,buttoolate.Itjerkedhislegsoutfromunderhim,andhefellhardonabagofshot,hissingwithpain.Athingwithprayingmantisarmsandafaceofmeltedwaxleaptonhischest.Heknockeditoffwithhisarms,thenlashedatitwithhissword,butthetentaclewasstillpullinghimdownthemound,andhemissed.

Helookeddown.ThetentaclebelongedtoawomandressedlikeaShantytownharlot.Itcameout

fromunderhershortskirt.Felixshudderedattheimplication.Thewomanraiseddaggerlikehands,lickingherlipsasshedraggedhimcloser.

Suddenlytherewasaflashofsteelandtheharlot’sheadrolledfromhershouldersinaspoutofblood.Itthuddedtothefloorandhertentaclewentslack.Felixlookedup.Ulrikawassmirkingdownathim.

“Incaseyouhaveanycompunctionaboutkillingalady,”shesaid.Theprayingmantisthinglashedoutatherfrombehind.Shestumbledforward,grunting,andit

sprangatherlikeaflea.Stillonhisback,Felixthrustupwithhisswordandgutteditinmid-leap.Itlandedonhim,dead.

Ulrikakickeditoffhim,thengraspedhishandandhauledhimtohisfeetwhilefendingoffthreeothers.Herstrengthwasfrightening.

“Thankyou,”shesaid.“Thesametoyou,”saidFelix.Hereturnedtothefray.Hishandtingledwheretheyhadtouched.

Histhoughtsflashedunbiddenbacktoothertimestheyhadtouched.Hefoughtthememoriesoffasdesperatelyashefoughtthemutants.

The skinned things were dead, but Gotrek was soaked in their sticky blood. It seemed to beclottingasFelixwatched,slowingtheSlayer ’smovements.

ThefoetalspiderclickedforwardandlungedatGotrek.Fasterthantheeyecouldseeitscurledtonguestraightenedand jabbed.TheSlayerblockedwithhisaxeandmissed, slowedby theswiftlydryingblood,thenstaggeredback,aholelikeagunwoundinhisrightarm.Heroaredinpain.

FelixbeckonedtoUlrika.“Comeon.”They fought forward toguardGotrek’s flanks,holdingoffmutants tohis right and left ashe

launchedabarrageofattacksatthefoetalthingwithhisaxe,crustedbloodexplodingfromhisbodylikebrickdust.None struckhome.Thecreature’s spider legs seemed tohave theability to jerk itstorsooutofharm’swayintheblinkofaneye.Gotreklashedataleg,butthethingwhippeditaway,backingdownthemound.

TheSlayercursed,frustrated,thenthrewhisarmswide,crackingoffmoreblood.“Rightthen.Haveago.”

The thing lunged in again, snapping out its needlelike snout straight for Gotrek’s heart. TheSlayer ’sfreehandblurredandhecaughtthespikeatitsfleshyroot.Thespiderfoetuskeenedlikeanewbornandtriedtojerkaway.Gotrekhelditfast,laughing,thenbroughthisaxedowninthecentreofthecreature’sunformedbody.Itdisintegratedinanexplosionofgelidpinkflesh.

Felix heard a ripple of dismay go through the mutants. “The blessed one is dead,” theywhispered,fallingback.“HekilledthefavouredoftheChanger.”

Abovethemavoicecalledout.“Brothers,escape!Thisplaceislost!Youwillbecontactedintheusualways!Theplansproceed!”

Gotrekspun,glaringuptowardsthevoice.“Gethim!Heknowswhat’swhat!”Gotrek,FelixandUlrikatriedtorunupthebrokenslantedfloorasthemutantsscatteredforthe

exits,butjustthenablackpowderbarreltoppledintotheholeandbounceddowntheplanks,alengthofmatchcordfizzingandsparkingfromits top.Felixthrewhimselfright.GotrekandUlrikawentleft.Anotherbarrelrolledby.TheycareenedacrosstheflooroftheunholytempleandsmashedintothestatueoftheChangerofWays,topplingit.

“Down!”shoutedGotrek.“Behindthepile.”Felixscrabbledoverthemoundofcratesandgunsanddivedforthegroundontheotherside.Athunderclappunchedhiminbothears,andawaveofblisteringairliftedhimupandslammed

him into thewall behind themound.Aboiling cloudof fire roiled abovehimas a rainof bricks,

boardsandbodypartsbatteredhim.Something struckhimon thehead, and for an instant allwentblack.Hiswholeworldwasnoise,heatandpain.

Afteramomentthenoiseandblacknessreceded,thoughtheheatandpainremained.Helookedup.Throughtheholeabovehimhecouldseethatthewarehouseroomwasonfire.Anotherexplosionrocked it as hewatched. Smoke obscured the vaulted brick roof. The templewas ablaze too. Firelickeduptheplasterwallbesidehim,wakingnewpainintheburnshehadtakenonthebridge.Ontheothersideoftherubbleheap,mutantshowledinagony.Thehideousstatuewasgone,blowntopieces,andthatendofthechamberwasengulfedinflame.

Gotrekstaggeredtohisfeetandbrusheddustandglowingcindersoffhisshoulders.Helookedlikehe’dlostafightwithadragon.“Timetogo,manling.”

“Gowhere?”askedFelix.Theyweresurroundedbyfire.“Thesewers,”saidGotrek.Ulrika pushed up to her hands and knees, dislodging a long plank.Her beautiful doubletwas

ruined.Thehairontheleftsideofherheadwassingedandblack.“Awiseplan,Slayer.Yousurpriseme.”

Gotrekgrunted,apparentlydisappointedthatshehadsurvived.“Wegothroughthat?”askedFelix,pointingupatthewarehouseinferno.Gotrekshrugged.“Betterthanstayinghere.”Felixnoddedandstoodwearily.Hedidn’tfeellikehecouldwalkastep,letalonerunthrougha

burningcellar,butstayingherewasdeath.Thesenseofwherehewasandwhatlaybetweenhimandfreshairsuddenlypresseddownonhimlikeacartsittingonhischest.Hislimbswentweak.Hewasfive floors below ground in a burning building, thewalls ofwhichwere a jumble of old, rottingtimber,poorlymortaredstone,brickandcheap,dryplaster.Hehadbeenfardeeperindwarfmines,but therehehadhadsomeconfidence that theyhadbeenshapedbymastermasons.Thisplacehadbeenbuiltbyasuccessionofslumlordsandcriminals.Suddenlyhewantedtoseetheskymorethananythinginhislife.

HescrambleduptheslantedfloorbehindGotrekandUlrikaintotheburningwarehouse,forcinghis trembling, exhausted limbs to move. Flames were everywhere. The heat beat on Felix like ahammer.Every breathwas like inhaling glass.The sewerswere only ten paces away, and the pathclear.Onlyafewstepsandtheywouldbesafe.

Gotrek started forward, then stopped at a sound from above and looked up. “Back!” he said,throwinghisarmsout.“Back!”

Witharumblingandsnapping,thebrickceilingabovetheholetothesewerscavedin,followedby timbers fromthe floorsabove it,allon fire.Thedebrisblocked thehole to thesewers,and theceilingkeptcomingdown,arainofbricks,timberandfire,thatadvancedonGotrek,FelixandUlrikaliketheleadingedgeofastorm.Dustbillowedouttowardstheminaflamingcloud.

“Thehiddenstair!”criedUlrika.Gotrekmadenoargument,onlyturnedandranwithUlrikafortheofficewiththesecretdoor.InhisyearswithGotrek,FelixhadbecomeusedtoshorteninghisstridetomatchtheSlayer ’s.

Nothere.Fearlenthimwings,andhenearlybeatUlrikatotheoffice,andbestedGotrekbytenpaces.Theofficewasfilledwithsmoke,butwasonlyjustbeginningtocatchfire.Ulrikatoredownthe

bannerthathidthedoorandfeltupanddownthewall.“Yebat!”shecursed,scrabblingdesperately.“Whereisit.”“Standaside,parasite,”saidGotrek.Hejabbedafingeratanailheadinasupportbeamandthe

doorswungopen.Ulrikapushedinfirst,herfacerigidwithpanic.GotrekandFelixfiledinafterherandGotrekclosedthedoor.

Thestairsweredark,butat leastfreeofsmokeandfire.Theyhurriedupthemasthebuildingroaredandmoanedandcreakedallaroundthem.

FelixheardUlrikamumblingsomethingthatsoundedlikesomeKisleviteprayer.“Scared,bloodsucker?”askedGotrek.Ulrikalaughed,highandtight.“Swords,daggers,pistolballs;theycannotkillme.Butfire,fire

meansthetruedeath.”“I’llkeepthatinmind,”Gotrekgrowled.As they raced up, Felix saw firelight glinting through cracks in thewalls. Sometimes smoke

trickledthroughandthewallsradiatedheatlikeanoven,andmoreandmoresmokewasfilteringupthestairwellfrombelow.Felixcoughed,hiseyeswateringandhisthroatraw.

Fiveflightsup,anorangelightflickeredfromabovethem,andFelixcouldhearthecracklingofflames.

Gotrekstopped.“Blocked,”hesaid.“Backdown,then?”askedFelix.Theylookedovertherailing.Thesmokebelowthemglowed

fromwithinwith a hellish red, and the light seemed to be getting closer by the second.The stairsgroanedandshiftedundertheirfeet,thensuddenlydroppedseveralinchesandlurchedtooneside.

“Idon’tthinkso,”saidGotrek.“We’retrapped!”whimperedUlrika.Gotrek snorted and turned to feel the building’s exterior wall, an unplasteredmess of thinly

mortaredbrick.Felixcopiedhim.Itwascooltothetouch.Gotrek flipped his axe around so that the square end faced out. He smashed it into the wall.

Bricksflew.Heswungagain.“Ha!” saidUlrika,grinningwith relief.She steppedbackandkickedat thewallwithherboot

heel.Mortarcrumbled.Felixjoinedher,kickingandstabbingatthebrickswithhisrunesword.Sacrilege,nodoubt,to

usesograndaweaponforsopedestrianapurpose,butifGotrekwasusinghissacredruneaxe,andifitsavedhislife…

Aholeopenedupinseconds,Gotreksmashingthroughthetwolayersofbrickwithease.FelixandUlrika’skickshelpedhimwidenitastheflamesfrombelowandabovecreptcloser.Felixsuckedingreatbreathsofthecool,clearairthatblewinfromthehole.Hehadnevertastedsweeter.

Atlast theopeningwaswideenoughforGotrek’sbroadshouldersandtheyclamberedthoughintoanothercellar;thisoneblissfullyfreeoffire.

Butastheyreachedthegroundflooritbecameclearthatthebuildinghadnotescapedtheblaze.Thenarrowcorridorthatledtothestreetwasfilledwithweeping,wailingpeople,alltryingtogetoutatonce.Felixcouldhearcracklingandscreamingfromtheupperfloors.

The alley, as Felix, Gotrek and Ulrika pushed out into it, was just as crowded. The nearbytenements had emptied and peoplemilled around in panicked circles.Others ran away.Men in themasksoftheCleansingFlameweredottedthroughthecrowd,shoutingordersthatnoonelistenedto.Thecult’smeetinghousewasaroaringhellofflameandblackenedbeams,halfitsoriginalheight.The buildings to its left and rightwere burning too, and thewooden shingles of the building thathousedtheBrokenCrownweresmouldering.

People in further tenementswerespreadingwetblanketson their roofs, trying toprotect themfrom the flurries of fiery sparks that whirled up and away over the gables. Others were formingbucketlinesthattrailedtoasmallwellwheretwomenwerehaulingupasinglebucketandloweringitoverandoveragain.Themeagresplashesofwaterthatthemenatthefrontofthelinethrewonthefireweredoinglittle.

“Sigmar,”breathedFelix.“AllofShantytownisgoingtoburn!”Gotrekgrunted,hismassivefistsballedinanger.Ulrikashookherheadindismay.“Whatterriblevillainy.”Gotreksneeredather.“What’sthematter?Youdon’tlikeyourdinnercooked?”She drew herself up, offended. “I’m beginning to think that you are deliberately

misunderstandingtheLhamianway.”“Ormaybeyouare,”saidGotrek.Hestartedforthewell.“Findabigtub,manling,”hesaidover

hisshoulder.“Weneedtodrawmorewater.”Felixnodded,andwasabouttoenteranunburnedtenement,whenavoicescreechednearby.“Theretheyare!Therearethemurdererswhostartedthefire!”FelixturnedwithGotrekandUlrikatoseeoneofthemaskedmenpointingdirectlyathim.Anothercultistjoinedthefirst.“Getthem!”hecried.“Stringthemup!Throwtheminthefire!”“Itwasn’tus!”shoutedFelix.“Itwasthem!”Buthisvoicewaslost in theroarof thecrowdas

theyturnedangryeyesonthem.“Killthefirestarters!”bellowedaman.“Theyburnedmybaby!”shriekedawoman.Allatoncethecrowdsurgedinfromallsides,snatchingupstonesandbitsofsmokingwood.Gotrek bared his teeth in fury and frustration, and Felixwasmomentarily afraid that hewas

goingtolashoutatthemob,butthen,withadwarfishcurse,heturnedandmadeforanarrowalley,shovingtheshoutingpeopleinfrontofhimroughlyaside.FelixandUlrikafollowedhim,hunchingtheir shoulders against a rain of sticks and stones. Felix didn’t want to hurt the poor souls in thecrowd,but theywere trying to tearhimapart.Hekickedandelbowed themaside,menandwomenalike.

Theyreachedthealleymouth.GotrekletFelixandUlrikainfirstandthenfollowed.Here, themob could only press them from behind. Alone, Felix could have outdistanced them easily, butGotrek, with his short legs, was too slow, and they railed unmercifully on his back with theirmakeshiftweapons, the cultists urging them on. The Slayer cursed and grunted, but did not strikeback.Theendofthealleywasrapidlyapproaching.Theywouldbesurroundedagain.

Theydodgedaroundaricketyexteriorstairway.Gotrekstoppedsuddenly.Hisaxelashedout—once,twice—choppingthroughthestair ’ssupports,thenranonwithFelixandUlrika.

Thecrowdfloodedafter them,but then,withasquealof torturednailsand twistingwood, thestairwaypeeledawayfromtheoutsideofthetenement.

The crowd screamed and backed away, pushing back against their comrades who werecontinuingtopressdownthealleyasthestairsaccordioneddownonthemselvesandcrashedtotheground.A dozen or soMaze residents hadmade it past the crash. They ran out of the alley afterGotrek,FelixandUlrika.

Gotrekspunonthemastheyspreadout,baringhisteeth.FelixandUlrikadrewtoo.Themenandwomenslowed,uneasy.

“Go back,” said Gotrek. “Fight the fire.” He raised his axe. It flashed red in the light of theinferno.“Youdonotwantthisdeath.”

Heturnedagainandthecompanionsranon.Thecrowddidnotfollow.TheMazewas filledwith people and noise. Bells rang. People shouted.Men andwomen ran

awayfromthefireortowardsit.Teamsofmenranpastwithladders.Twowomenpushedasloshinghogsheadofwateronabarrow.Otherscarriedemptybuckets,oldblanketsandbrooms.

Felix’s heart hung as heavy as a lead brick in his chest as he andGotrek andUlrika dodged

throughthemall.Hefeltuselessandmiserable.HewantedtodosomethingtohelptheinnocentswhoweredyingandlosingtheirhomesbecauseoftheCleansingFlame’scallousarson,buthecouldn’tthinkofathing.HeandGotrekwereverygoodatkillinganddestroyingthings.Askthemtofightatrolloradragon,orbringdownacorruptking,orsmashsomeeldritchtempleandtheywouldgettoworkwith awill, andmore than likely succeed, but ask them to protect someone fromhunger ordisease,ortosavetheirhomefromfireorflood,andtheywereaspowerlessasthenextman.Youcouldn’tslayhungerwithanaxe.Youcouldn’tkillfirewithasword.

As they came around a corner near the edge of the Maze, they saw Ward Captain Wissenhurrying towards themwith a company of thewatch.His polished breastplate glinted yellowwithreflectedfire.

Hiseyeswidenedashesawthem.“You!”hecried,pointing.“Isityouatthebottomofthis?”Gotrekdidn’tslowdown.“Outofmyway,fool!”“Arrestthem!”shoutedWissen.Thewatchmenspreadacrosstheroad,loweringtheirspears.Gotrekstopped,growlingandstaringthemdown.“TheculpritsaretheCleansingFlame,wardcaptain,”saidFelixquickly.Itwouldn’tdotohave

theSlayer slaughter thewatch.“Youragitatorsarecultists,worshippersof theChangerofWays. Itwas theywho started the fire. And they planworse. Theymean to blow up the Imperial GunnerySchoolwiththestolenpowder.”

Anger flashed across Wissen’s face. Jealousy perhaps? “And how do you know this?” hesneered.

FelixlookedaroundtogetconfirmationfromUlrika,andrealisedthatshewasnolongerwiththem.

Helookedbackoverhisshoulder.Shewasnowheretobeseen.Wherehadshegone?Whenhadsheleft?“Wehearditfromthecultiststhemselves,”hesaid,facingWissenagain.“Andwesawthemtakingthepowderintothesewers.”

“Butyouhavenoevidenceofthis?”askedWissen.Felix grunted with frustration. “I don’t understand you, ward captain. All along you have

suspected agitators of having been behind the thefts, but now that we bring you word that yoursuspicionsarecorrect,youquestionit?Whatisthedifficulty?”

The difficulty is you,” saidWissen, stepping forward and jabbing his finger. “I have had theCleansingFlameunderobservationforthesepastseveralmonths.Mymenhavecomeveryclosetodiscoveringwhotheirleadersare,andwhattheirultimategoalsare.Wewerethisclose!”heheldhisfingerandthumblessthanahalfinchapart.“Thisclosetoscoopingthemallupinabagandjailingthelotofthem.Wemighthaveuncoveredavastnetworkofagitatorsandcollaboratorshadwebeenabletoputthescrewstothem,butthenherecomethe‘SavioursofNuln’,waltzingintotownlikeapair of drunken ogres, and smash up everything they touch.We’ll never catch them now!You’vescatteredthemtothefourwinds!”Hecursedandturnedtohismen.“Arrestthem!”hecried.“Arrestthemforinterferingwiththeworkoftheconstabulary.”

Gotrekwentonguard.“You’lltakemewhenI’mdead.”Felixgroaned.Thiswasbad.Gotrekwasgoingtokillacaptainofthewatchandtheywouldhave

togoontherunagainbeforetheycouldwarnGrootandMakaissonoftheCleansingFlame’splans.“Captain,”hesaid,fightingtokeephisvoicecalm.“Wardcaptain,bereasonable.DoIneedtoremindyou that we have been ordered by Lord Hieronymous Ostwald himself to assist you in yourinvestigations?Howwill you explain tohimour arrest?Shouldyounot at least consultwithyoursuperiors?”

Wissenpaused,grindinghisteeth.Hismenhesitated.“WewereonourwaytotellLordGrootofthedangertotheGunnerySchool,”Felixcontinued.

“Ifyouwouldcaretoaccompanyus,I’msurethatthetruthofourstorywillbefoundbelowit.”AnastysmilespreadslowlyacrossWissen’s face.“Ha!”hesaid.“I’msure itwill.”Hebowed

elaboratelytoFelix.“Verywell,sir.Leadon.Leadonandwewillsee.”

EIGHTLordGrootunlockedaheavy,iron-bounddoorandthrewitopen.“Thesearethelowestroomsintheschool,”hesaidinacrossvoice.“Andthelastthatwehavenotexamined—adungeonwehaveneverfounditnecessarytoputtouse.”HesteppedasideandletGotrek,Felix,Malakai,MagusLichtmannandCaptainWissenstepin.

Groothadbeenrousedfromhisbedmorethananhourago,andwasnotinthebestofmoods.HehadallofFelix’ssympathy.Felixwassotiredandsorefromallthenight’sfightingandfallingandbatteringthathecouldbarelyputonefootinfrontoftheother.Hiseyeskeptcrossinganditwasanefforttofocusthemagain.

Thedungeonwasaverysmallaffair.Aguardroomwithtencellsbeyondit,anda“questioning”room beyond that. It looked indeed like it had never been used. The corners of the few sparsefurnishingsweresharpandunbluntedbyuse,andeverythingwasfurredinathickcoatofdust.Nonetheless,thepartymadeadutifultouroftheplace,pokingtheirheadsintoeachcellandscanningthequestioningroom.GotrekandMalakaimadeamorecarefulexamination,runningtheirhandsovereverywall, and scrutinising the floors and ceilings closely,whileMagus Lichtmannmuttered andgesturedwithhissinglehand.GrootandWissenwaitedforthemtofinishwithexaggeratedpatience.

AtlastthetwoSlayersexchangedanunhappyglanceandreturnedtothedoor.“Nithin’,” saidMalakaiwith a sigh. “Naehiddendoors, nae hollowwalls, nae trapped floors.

Sameasa’therest.”Wissengavealittlesnortoftriumph.“Andyou’llagreethatwe’veseeneverythingthereistosee?”askedGroot.“Aye,thatahdae,”saidMalakai.“Naught’sbeenleftoot.We’veseenita’.”“AndIdetectnothinghiddenwithmagicofanykind,”saidMagusLichtmann.Grootnodded.“Thenlet’sreturntosomeplacewarmerandwaitforthesewerdetail’sreport.”Heledthewaybackupthroughthemanycellarstothereceivingroomoftheschool.Leadersof

the sewerdetailwerewaiting for them—acaptainanda sergeantof the schoolguard standingatattentionattheentrancewithahunched,haggardmaninfilthyclotheswhocarriedalantern,along-poledhook,andashortswordanddaggeronhisbelt.

Felix recognised theman’s accoutrements instantly.Hewasa sewer jack.Ahostofmemoriesfloodedhismindatthesight—Gotrekandhecarryingthoseveryimplements,theothermenoftheirpatrol — Gant, Rudi, Hef and Spider, the twin brothers who had shared the same girl. He alsorememberedthevilesmell thathadtakenforever toscrubfromhisskinandhishair.Thememorywassovividthathethoughthecouldsmelltheodourevennow.

No,no,hethoughtashesawMagusLichtmannwrinklinghisnose,itwasn’tthememoryafterall.Itwasthesewerjack.

“Whathaveyoutoreport,captain?”askedGroot.The guard captain saluted him and stepped forward. “Nothing,my lord. Steiger here took us

throughevery tunnelandchannel thatcrossesunder theschool.Therewasnothing.Nobarrels.Noloosepowder.Nofuses.Noevidenceofdiggingorrecentconstruction.Weeven…”Hecoughed.“Weevenhadhimprobethestewforanythinghiddenunderthesurface.Therewasnothingthereeither.”

Groot nodded. “Very good, captain. You are dismissed. Get some rest. And give this man acrownforhispains.”

“Aye,mylord,”saidthecaptain.Thesewer jack touchedhisforelocktoGrootas thecaptainandthesergeant ledhimout.The

lightofearlydawnshoneintotheentryhallastheyopenedthedoor.“You see, Lord Groot?” saidWissen, eagerly, as he and the others followed Groot into the

receivingroom.“Nothing!Nopowder.NosignoftheCleansingFlame.”Grootonlygroanedandsankwearilyintoadeepleatherchair.“Couldbeithisnaebeenplacedyet,”saidMalakai.“Or it was never sold to the Cleansing Flame in the first place, perhaps,” suggested Magus

Lichtmann.CaptainWissenscowledatGotrekandFelix.“Ibegintowonderifanypartoftheirstoryistrue.

We only have their word that they found the Cleansing Flame’s quarters. Or that the Flame arecultists.”

Gotrekroundedonhim,hisfistsballing.“DoyouthinkIgotthesecutsfallingdownstairs?”“Fallingoffabarstool,perhaps,”sneeredWissen.Gotreksurgedforward,loweringhishead.“Right.That’sit.”Malakaisteppedinhiswayandputoutarestrainingarm.“Easyladdie,easy.You’llno’catchyer

villainslikethis.”“Yousee?”criedWissen,backingaway. “Yousee?Whateveractsofheroism these twomight

haveperformedinthepast, they’remeretaproombrawlersnow.ItmaybetruethattheyuncoveredsorceryandmutationamongtheBrotherhoodoftheCleansingFlame,butitcouldbejustastruethattheywerecarousinginsomeMazealecellarandkickedoveralantern,thenthoughttotellthiswildtaletocovertheirvillainy.”

GotrekpushedatMalakai’sarm.“Doyoucallmealiar?”“Notatall,”saidWissen.“Imerelysaythatwecan’tknow,becauseyouburnedalltheevidence,

andwefoundnothingbelowtheschool.”“We didn’t burn it!” snapped Felix, his anger finally winning out over his exhaustion. “The

cultistsburneditwhentheysawthatwewereindangerofexposingthem!”“Anddoesthatmakeitanylessyourfault?”askedWissen.“Ifyouhadnotenteredtheirlairthey

wouldhavehadnoneedtodestroytheiridols.”Hepointedtothelineoftallwindowsthatranalongthefrontwalloftheroom.“Lookthere!Look!”

Allheadsturnedtothewindows.ThroughthediamondpanesFelixcouldsee,smudgedacrosstheshell-pinkdawnlikeablacksmearofdunguponalady’sballgown,a twistingpillarofsmokethatrosefromthecentreoftheShantytowndistrict.Theorangeglowoffirestillunderlititatitsbase.

“That is yourwork,” saidWissen. “Whether you set it or no. Scores dead.Hundredswithouthomes.Victimstoyourbullheadedness.”

Felixcouldn’ttearhiseyesfromtherisingsmoke.Hefeltasifthewordswerebeingstackedontopofhisheartlikestoneslabs,oneatatime,crushingit.Asmuchashehatedtheman,hecouldn’thelpbut think thatWissenwas right. Itwas their fault.Theyhadbarged in as they alwaysdid, andinnocentshadbeenhurt.HelookedoveratGotrek,expectinghimtobetryingtopushpastMalakaiforWissenagain,buttheSlayerwaslookingatthefloor,hishandsclenched.Itseemedthewordshadhithimtoo.Somehowthatmadeitworse.

Wissen turned to the others, bowing. “My lords, I will place men in the sewers below theGunnerySchool,justincaseHerrJaeger ’sstoryistrue.Itisonlyprudent.ButmayIsuggestthatheandGurnissonbeconfinedtotheCollegeofEngineeringatleastuntilthematteroftheiractionscanbeputbeforeLordOstwald.”

“I think that iswise,” saidMagusLichtmann,his spectacleswinking in thedawn light. “It is aterriblepity.MuchasIadmiretheirzeal,IfearthattheSlayerandhiscompanionhavebeenperhapstoohasty.IftheyhadreportedwhattheyhaddiscoveredtoWardCaptainWissen,insteadoftryingto

destroy the cult— if that is indeed what it was— single handed, much tragedy could have beenavoided.”

LordGrootnodded.“Aye,”hesaid.“Maybe it’sbest.Thesesortof tacticsnodoubtworkwellenough in the landsof our enemies, but this…”He shookhis head sadly. “This took the lives andlivelihoodsofhonestNulners.Thatcan’tbeallowed.”

Malakaibangedasidetablewithhishugefist.Hisfacewasasredashiscrest.“Yeempty-headedeejits!”hebarked.“Haveyenaemoresensethanabuncho’hens?Yerlockingupthewronglads!”HeswepthishandtowardsGotrekandFelix.“Whowisitfoundthethievesthatstolethepowder?Whouncoveredtheverminwhoboughtit,andlearnedo’theirwickedplans?”

“Wehaveonlytheirwordforthat,”pipedupWissen,raisingafinger.“Shutit,yoo!”saidMalakai.“I’mtalkin’.”HeturnedtoGroot.“Andastowho’staeblamefor

the fire. Do ye think this weemannie,” he pointed atWissen, “and his lads would hae’ fared anybetter? By Grungni’s beard, them Flame boys would have heard ‘em coming before they walkeddownthreeflights,andsetthewholeworksablaze.Yewouldha’lostafullcompanyo’thewatchaswell as all those poor wee beggars in the warrens.” His finger moved to Gotrek and Felix.“Gurnissonan’youngFelixhaecomecloser thanany tocatching these lunatics.And it’s themyergoingtaelockup?Awa‘nboilyerheids!”

Grootraisedhishandsplacatingly.“Notlockedup,Malakai,”hesaid.“Notlockedup.Only,erm,takingarest,let’ssay,untilLordOstwaldcanreviewwhat’shappened.Idon’tdoubthe’llapproveofallthey’vedone,andsetthemonthetrailassoonashe’sspokentothem.”

“AndwhencanLordOstwaldseeus?”askedFelix.“Ah,”saidGroot,scratchinghisheadviolently.“Well,he’sbeensentfor.”Lichtmannstepped forward.“Pardon, Julianus,but IbelieveLordOstwald is closetedwith the

CityCounciltodayandtomorrow,reviewingsomesortoffiscalmatters.”GrootlookedatGotrek,FelixandMalakai,embarrassed.“So,adayortwothen?Therestwill

doyougood.Youdolookabittheworseforwear.”Gotrekgrowled.“Imakenopromises.”GrootandWissenlookedabouttoprotest,butMalakaisteppedforward.“Ido,”hesaid.“NeitherGurnissonnoryoungFelixwillpassthroughthegatesoftheCollegeof

EngineeringuntilLordOstwaldcomestaesee‘em.”Grootfrownedandexchangedglanceswiththeothers,asGotrekglaredatMalakai.“Youwillvouchfortheirgoodbehaviour?”askedGrootatlast.“Aye,” said Malakai. “If they step through that gate, ah’ll take full responsibility for their

actions.”Grootnodded.“Verywell.ThenIreleasethemintoyourcustody.Andthankyou,Malakai,for

yourunderstanding.”Malakaisnorted.“Oh,Iunderstandfu’weel.”

***AstheysteppedoutofthegatesoftheImperialGunnerySchoolandstarteddownthestreettowardstheCollegeofEngineering,GotrekshotasidelongglanceatMalakai.

“Youtrulymeantotrytokeepmelockedup?”heasked.Malakaichuckled.“Eh?o’courseno’!Oh,ye’llno’leavebythegate.Adwarfdoesno’breaka

promise.Butthere’saweeholedowntaethesewers.Isaidnaughtaboutweeholes.”When they got to the college, Felixwent to his room, closed his shutters and his curtains and laydown inbed.But tired as hewas, hehaddifficulty getting to sleep.Hismind remained filledwithWissen’s damningwords.Malakai hadmade a spirited defence, but Felix still could not convince

himselfthatthefirehadn’tbeen,atleastinpart,theirfault.Shouldtheyhavegonebackandtoldtheauthorities insteadofwading in?Should theyhavefought thecultists inadifferentway?Was theresomethingelsetheycouldhavedone?

When he did fall asleep, his dreamswere haunted by the sounds of crackling flames and thescreamsofthedying.Felixwoketoagentletappingonhisdoor.Whenheraisedhisheadfromthepillows,amanintherobesofaphysicianwaspokinghisheadin.HesmiledatFelix.

“Sorrytowakeyou,”hesaid.“ButProfessorMakaissonaskedmetolookinonyouandchangeyourbandages.”

Felixmumbledforthemantocomeinandtriedtosituptoreceivehim.Hewassostiffandsorehecouldbarelymove.Thephysiciancameinandhelpedhimup,thenwentgentlybutfirmlyabouthiswork.Felixsmiled throughhisgruntsandgroans.Makaissonmightbemad,buthedidwellbyhisguests.

Onceallhisburnsandcutshadbeensalvedanddressedandhehadgoneabouttheslow,painfulprocessofpullinghisclotheson,hehobbledthroughtheschooltoMalakai’sworkshop.OnceagainhefoundGotrekwolfingdownanenormousbreakfastwhileMalakaipotteredamonghisinventions.TheSlayertoohadfreshbandages,butnotnearlyasmanyasyesterday.Felixshookhishead.Thoughhehadseenevidenceof itmanytimesbefore,hewasyetagainamazedathowquickly thedwarf’swounds healed.Many of his burnswere only shiny pink spots, like punctuationmarks among histattoos.

Felixstepped to theunfinished room’smissingwalland lookedoutover thecity.The fires inShantytownseemed tohavedieddown for themostpart,but therewas still anashypall above theskyline thatwas not clouds.He sighed and sat down at the table and helped himself to ham, blackbreadandtea.

“Thebestcureforyergloom,youngFelix,istocatchyonmadmenbeforetheydaeworse,”saidMalakai.Hesnorted.WardCaptainWissenwillnaecatch‘em,that’scertain.“Nodoubte’souttherenow,flogginganypoorsoulhecancatch,butgettin’naeanswers,I’llwarrantye.”

Felixnodded,butwasnotconvinced.Thebestcurewouldhavebeentonotletthemadmenstartthefiresinthefirstplace.

PetrappearedinthedoorasFelixtookhisfirstsipoftea.Hehurriedforward,trippingoveracoilofrope,thenstoppedatthetableandpushedhiswildhairoutofhisface.

“Goodnews,professor,”hesaid,beamingmyopically.“MeyerattheGunnerySchoolsaysthatthenewcannonhascooledandseemstobewithoutfault.”

“Aye.Goodnewsindeed,”saidMalakai.“All that remains,” continued Petr, “is for the sprue to be cut and the barrel to be smoothed

withinandcleanedandpolishedwithout.”“Andhowlongwillthattake?”askedFelix.“Meyersaidthatthesmithsareawareoftheurgencyofthesituationandwillworkaroundthe

clocktogetitdone,”saidPetr.“Theysayitwillbedonetwomorningsfromnow.”Malakaishookhisheadsadly.“Menrushthings.Dwarfsmithswouldtakeafortnighttaedoit,at

theleast.”Heshrugged.“Butaswehavetaebeawa’assoonascanbe,Isupposequickermayjistbebetter.”

“Twodays.”Gotrekgrunted.“Timeenoughtofindthosemaskedcowards.Eatfaster,manling.Iwantalookinthesewers.”

“Petr,”saidMalakai.“Gaetaethestewardandgetthekeytothesewerdoor.”“Aye,professor,”saidPetr.He turnedandranoutof theroom, trippingover thesamecoilof

ropeagainashewent.Felixshookhishead.Howhadtheboysurvivedaslongashehad?

***FelixshiveredasheandGotreksteppedthroughadoorwayintothesewersfromacellarundertheCollegeofEngineering.Itwasallasithadbeentwentyyearsago,thecrumblingbrickwalls,thelowarchedceiling,theriveroffilthflowingsluggishlybetweenthetwonarrowledges,theratsscurryingaway into darkness, the constant echoing plops and drips, themoist reek that flooded his nostrils.Memoryonceagainoverwhelmedhim—itwasherethatthefightwiththeskavenintheCollegeofEngineering had ended all those years ago, with the steam tank crashing through the floor andcomingtoresthalfsubmergedinthestew.Heshivered.Nogoodevercameofenteringthesewers.

“Goodluck,sirs,”saidPetr,ashepushedtheheavydoorclosedbehindthem.Theboomofitclosingwasdrownedoutbyashriek.Gotrek and Felix spun back, drawing theirweapons and holding up their lanterns. Therewas

nothingbehindthem.“Allright,Petr?”calledFelixasthedoorinchedopenagain.“It’snothing,”squeakedPetr.“Nothing.Justpinchedmyfingera…alittle.Goodluck.”Thedoorclosedmoreslowlythistime,andtheyheardlocksandboltsclackingshut,andasoft

moaning.Gotrekgrunted.“Adwarfsoclumsywouldhavebeensmotheredatbirth.”Felixfrowned.“Howwouldyouknowhewasclumsyatbirth?”“Thatone?I’venodoubthetrippedcomingoutofthewomb.”Hestarteddownthesewertunnel.

“Come,manling,theGunnerySchoolisthisway.”Theycontinueddownthetunnel,travellingslowlyasGotrekexaminedthewallsonbothsides,

crossingbackandforthoverthegraniteslabsthatbridgedthestewatregularintervals.TheSlayermutteredunderhisbreathfromtimetotime,butsaidnothingoutloud.

Ashortwhilelater,Gotreklookedup.“Someoneahead.”Hecreptforward,readyinghisaxe.Felixgotabettergriponhissword.Allmannerofpossible

horrorsroseupinhismindastheyroundedacurveinthetunnelandtheflickeringglowofatorchgrewstrongerbeforethem.Wasitratmen?CultistsoftheCleansingFlame?Mutants?

“Halt!”saidavoice.“Whogoesthere?”AtrioofNulncitywatchcameroundthecurve,torchesheldhigh.Theystoppedwhentheysaw

GotrekandFelixandthrusttheirspearsnervouslybeforethem.“Who’sthere?”calledthesergeant.“Stateyourbusiness!”Gotrekgrunted,annoyed.Felixsighed.HehadforgottenthatWissenhadsaidhewasgoingto

placepatrolsdownhere.Thiswasgoingtobeabitawkward.“Perhapsweshouldretire,”hemurmuredtoGotrek,asthewatchmencamecloser.“Weneedtofindthepowder,”saidGotrek.“Aye,”saidFelix.“Butwecan’tkillthewatchtodoit.We’reinenoughtroubleasitis.”“Comeforward,curseyou!”saidthesergeant.“Intothelight.Whatareyoudoingdownhere?”“Wecanreturnlater,”continuedFelix.“Nowweknowthey’rehere,wecanavoidthemnexttime,

oncetheirguardisdown.”Gotrekgrowled,butfinallynoddedandbeganbackingaway.“It’stheSlayerandtheotherone,”saidoneofthewatchmen.“ThemthatburnedShantytown!”“Whysoitis,”saidtheother.“Stop,you!”calledthesergeant.“You’renotmeanttobeoutsidetheCollege!”

Heandhismenstartedforwardatatrot.Gotrekcursedandstopped.Felixgroanedandlinedupbesidehim.Thesergeanthaltedbeforethemandpointedhisspear.“Handoveryourweaponsandcomewith

me.WatchCaptainWissenwillwanttohearaboutthis.”“Tellhimaboutthis,”saidGotrek.Hishandshotforwardandcaughttheshaftofthesergeant’s

spear.Hetwisteditandthesergeantstaggeredleft,thentoppledintothestewwithathicksplash.Gotrek advanced on the other watchmen, as the sergeant came to the surface gasping and

chokingandcoveredinfilth.“Youwanttojoinhim?”theSlayerrasped.The watchmen backed off, wide-eyed, then turned and ran, calling and whistling for

reinforcements.Thesergeantsloggedafter them,waistdeepin theflow.“Comeback,cowards!Howdareyou

desertaseniorofficer!”Gotrek chuckled nastily and made to continue forward, but there were answering cries and

whistlesfromfurtherdownthetunnel.Hecursedagainandturnedaway.“Right,manling,”hesaid.“We’llreturnlater.Let’sseewhatwecanturnupintheMaze.”Felixfrowned.“TheMaze?Isthatwise?We’renotwelllikeddownthereatthemoment.”“Andwhereareweliked?”askedGotrek.

FelixwalkedthroughShantytownwithaheavyheart.ThemenandwomenoftheMazewerewheelingtheircharredbelongingsthroughthestreetsonbarrowsanddogcarts, theirchildrentailingbehindthem.Largerwagonswerecarryingfreshtimber,bricksandplasterintheotherdirection.PriestsofMorrcarriedburnedbodiesawayoncartsandstretchers.

Felixworethehoodofhiscloakuptohidehisface,butGotrekwalkedopenly,hissingedcrestand his bum scars showing, and just as Felix had feared, theywere getting a lot of looks. Peopleglared.Somewhisperedbehindtheirhandstoeachother,butnoneapproached.Perhaps,inthelightofday,with the firesofhate somewhatcooled, theydidn’t relishconfrontingadwarfas fearsomelooking as Gotrek. Felix was not reassured. It wouldn’t take much to spark the Shantytowners toviolenceagain.Onevoiceraisedinanger,onepointedfinger,andtheywouldbeswarmedagain.

He held his breath every time they passed another street corner orator. Each was telling thecrowdsthatclusteredaroundthemthatitwastheCountess,orthenobles,orthemerchants,thatweretoblameforthefire—that therichwereburningthepoorouttomakeroomfornewwarehousesandmanufactories.TheoratorsurgedtheShantytownerstoriseupandsmashthemerchantsandthenoblesandthefatpriestswhosupportedthem.

Gotrekstoppedattheedgeofonesuchcrowdandlistenedtothespeaker,staringintentlyathim.Themanstoodonawoodencratenearthemouthofanalley.Ahandfulofothermensurroundedhim,handingout leaflets and talking in low toneswith the listeners.Felixhoveredbesidehimuneasily,anxioustomoveonbeforesomebodynoticedthemandstartedcallingfortheirheads.

“Didwehearthatvoicelastnight?”Gotrekasked.Felixclosedhiseyesandlistened.Thevoicesoundedfamiliar,buthecouldn’tbesure.“Idon’t

know.Themessagecertainly sounds likewhat theCleansingFlamewerepreaching,but thesemendon’twearmasks.”

Gotrekstartedpushingforward.“Ifitsquawkslikeagoblin,anditsmellslikeagoblin…”“Gotrek,wait,”whisperedFelix.“We’llhavethewholeneighbourhoodafterus!We’realready

gettinglooks.”Gotrekpaused,considering, thennodded.“Aye.Weneed togetonealone.”He roseuponhis

toesandpeeredthroughthecrowd.“Thisway,”hesaid,andstarteddownthestreet,awayfromthe

orators.Felixfollowedhimaroundtheblockandthenintoanalley.Gotrekstrodeunerringlythoughthe

zigzaglabyrinthofbackstreetsandmewsuntiltheystoodintheshadowsofanalleyjustbehindtheoratorandhisfellows.

“Right,”saidGotrek.“Lureonein.”“Lure…?How?”Gotrekshrugged.“You’rethesubtleone.”Felixgroaned.“Allright.I’lltry.”Heedgedtothemouthofthealleyandlookedaround.Hewasstandingbehindandabittothe

left of the agitators. From this angle he couldwatch the faces of the crowd as they listened to thespeech.Theoratorwasstirring themwell.Theycheeredoncue.Theyshook their fists.Theywereangry,andlookedtobespoilingforafight.Oneofthespeaker ’sfellowswasfacingthecrowdjustinfrontofFelix,holdingafistfulofleaflets.

Felixtuggedhishooddownoverhiseyes,thensteppedoutoftheshadowsandwavedattheman.“HoyLetmeseeoneofthose.”

“Certainlybrother,”said theman.HecrossedtoFelix,holdingoneout.“Didyousee thefireslastnight?Didyouloseyourhometothevillainyofthelandlords?”

“Ohyes,” saidFelix, taking the leaflet and in the samemotion pressing the tip of his daggeragainsttheman’sstomach.“AndIsawwhostartedthemtoo.”

Theagitatorlookeddown,thenup,meetingFelix’seyesunderhishood.“You!”hegasped.“Shoutandyou’redead,”saidFelix.“Now,intothealley.”Themanhesitated,andmadetobackaway.Felixcaughthisarmandtwistedit,pressingharder

withthedagger.Themanwhimpered,eyeswide.“Shhhh,”saidFelix.“Comeon.”Heturnedwiththemanintothealley,bendingovertheleafletasifhewasdiscussingitwithhim,

allthewhilekeepingthetipofthedaggerpushedfirmlyagainsthisabdomen.“Whatdoyouwantwithme?”whisperedtheagitator,astheshadowsswallowedthem.“Me?”saidFelix.“Iwantnothing.It’shimthatwantstospeaktoyou.”Henoddedfurtherdown

thealley.Gotreksteppedforward,thelightfromtheendofthealleyglitteringinhissingleangryeye.The agitator flinched back, almost escaping Felix’s grip. “The dwarf!” he cried. “Powers of

darknessprotectme!”Gotrek’shandshotoutandcaughthimbytheneck.Heyankedhimdowntohisknees.“Whoare

yourleaders?”hegrowled.“Leaders?”saidtheagitator.“Idon’tknowwhatyou…”Gotrek’sthickfingerstightened,andtheman’ssentenceendedinastrangledsquawk.“Whoareyourleaders?”theSlayerrepeated.“I…I…”squeakedtheman.“Idon’tknow.”Gotrekslappedhimacrosstheear.Itsoundedlikeabranchsnapping.Themanwailed in pain.Gotrek clamped a handover hismouth until he stopped, then let up.

“Who?”“IswearIdon’tknow!”gaspedtheman.“Weneverseethemwithouttheirmasks!”“Whataboutthemanspeaking?”askedFelix.“Heisaboveme,”saidtheman.“Butheisonlytheleaderof thirteenmen.Heonlydoeswhat

he’stold,liketherestofus.”“Andwhotellshimwhattodo?”“Theleaders,”saidtheman.“Themaskedones.”“Maybeheknowswhotheyare,”saidFelix.“Nooneknows,”saidtheagitator.“I’ll hear it from him.” said Gotrek. He looked around. There was a flimsy wooden door

openingintothebackofatenementbesidehim.“Openthat,”hesaidtoFelix,thendraggedthecultistclosertothemouthofthealley.

Felixtriedthedoor.Itwasn’tlocked.Hehelditopen.Gotrekshooktheagitator.“Callaname,”herasped.“Aname?”“Oneofyour‘brothers’.Callhisname.Askhimtocomehere.”“Er,I…”Gotrekslappedhimagain.“Call!”Themancriedoutinpain.“Harald,”hewhimpered.Gotrekraisedhisfist.“Louder!”“Harald,comehere!”squealedtheman.“Hurry!Ineedyou!”“Good,”saidGotrek,andsnappedthecultist’sneckwithatwistofhishands.Theman slumped bonelessly to the ground, dead. Gotrek left him in front of the door, then

enteredthebuildingandpulledhisaxefromhisback.Felixsteppedinafterhim.“Closeit.”Felixpulledthedoorshutanddrewhissword.HelookedatGotrek.“Youkilledhim.”“Aye.”Gotrekpressedhiseartothedoor.Felixfrowned,thenjoinedhim.Theyheardstepsandaquestion,thenacryofalarm.Thestepscamecloser.“Dolf!”cameavoice,rightontheothersideofthedoor.“Dolf!Whathappened?”Felixtensed.“Notyet,”murmuredGotrek.ThestepsranoffagainandFelixheardraisedvoicesfrombeyondthealley.Theorator ’srant

faltered,thencontinuedinthebackground.Thevoicesgotcloser.Itsoundedlikefourmen.“Whathappenedtohim?”“Idon’tknow.ButIthinkhe’sdead.”“Washeattacked?”“Iseenowound.”“Perhapshisheartjuststopped.”“Comeon.Let’sgethimup.”“Now,”saidGotrek.“Andstayquiet.”He pushed the door open. Four men hunched over the body of the dead cultist, lifting him.

Gotrekcutdownthetwonearestbeforetheyevenhadachancetolookup.Felixlungedatathirdandranhimthroughasheletgoofthebodyandreachedforhissword.Thefourthopenedhismouthtoscream.Gotreksplithisheaddowntohisneckbeforehemadeasound.

“Inside,”saidtheSlayer.“Leavethefirst.”Hegrabbedtwobodiesbytheircollarsanddraggedthemintothetenement.

Felixcaughtanotherbythewristsandhauledatit.Thebodybumpedheavilyoverthelinteland

heletitdropnexttotheothers.Gotrekthrewthelastontopoftheothers.Felix’sstomachfeltqueasy.Hecouldnot rememberkillinganyoneasunpreparedas themenwhohad justdied. Itdidnot feelhonourableorheroic.HeandGotrekhadquiteliterallycaughtthemstooping.

“Thatwas…”“Quiet,”saidGotrek.Heclosedthedoorandpressedhiseartoitagain,hisaxeattheready.It took a few minutes, but finally another questioning voice called down the alley, and then

anothercryofalarm.Thistimetheorator ’sspeechstopped,andFelixheardhimcallingtothecrowdtoexcusehimforamoment.

Hisvoiceroseagaininthealley.“Whatdoyoumean,vanished?Howcouldtheyhavevanished?What…?” Footsteps stopped right outside the door. “Is he drunk?Dolf!Get up! Bah.Get him up.Harald!Feodor!Whereareyou?”

Gotrek opened the door. Twomen were bent over the body, while a third, the orator, stoodbehindthem,handsonhiships.Gotrekslashedleftandright,killingthefirsttwocultists,thenleaptatthe orator and punched him in the stomach. Theman folded up with an explosion of breath, andcollapsedmoaningovertheSlayer ’sshoulder.Gotrekturnedbacktothedoor,carryinghim.

Achorusofcriescamefromthemouthofthealley.Felixlookedupandsawaclutchofcuriouscrowdmemberspointingandshouting.Theycalledbehindthemandstarteddownthealley.

Gotrek stepped through the door. Felix closed it.Gotrek threw the orator to the ground, thenbeganpilingthedeadcultistsagainstthedoor.Fistspoundedonitfromtheotherside,butcouldnotbudgeit.

Gotrekpickeduptheoratorandslunghimoverhisshoulderagain.“Comeon,manling.”He carried the orator through the tenement and out onto the street, then immediately entered

anothertenementontheoppositesideandfoundthestairstothecellar.Theywentdown,andGotrekdroppedthemanontothedirtflooramidheapsoftrashandbroken

furniture.Hekneltonhischestwithonekneeandloweredhisaxetotheman’sneck.“Whoareyourleaders?”herasped.Theoratorblinkedupathim,dazedandfrightened.Heswallowed.“I…Ihavenoleaders.Iam

theleader.”Gotrekbrokehisnosewithhisbonyfist.“Whoareyourleaders?”Bloodspilledacrosstheorator ’scheekslikearedriver.“I…Idon’tknow!Theywearmasks!”Gotrekraisedhisfist.Felixwincedandsteppedforward,holdingupahand.“Whodoyouthinktheyare?”Theman’seyeswentwide.“Idarenot!Icannot!”Gotrekpunchedhimagain,furthershatteringhisnose.Hescreamed.“Doyoudarenow?”growledGotrek.TheoratorspatbloodandglaredupatGotrek.Amadlighthadcomeintohiseyes.“Doyour

worst,dwarf.Painendswithdeath,butifIbetraymymasters,deathisonlythebeginningofpain.”Gotrek leanedforward,crushing themanunderhisenormousweight.Hepressed thebladeof

hisaxeintotheman’sneck.“Andwhatifdeathisalongtimecoming?”“Itcomesnow!”criedtheorator,thenthrusthisheadforwardandtwisted,sothathecuthisown

throatagainsttheaxeblade.Felix gasped as the man’s head slumped back and the clean-edged wound gaped open like a

secondmouth.Bloodpumpedfromitinatorrent.Gotreksatback,annoyed.Felix let out a breath.He disliked this sort of business. “Awasted effort,” he said. “Weknow

nothingmorethanwhenwestarted.”“KillingsevenservantsoftheRuinousPowersisn’tawaste,”saidGotrek,standing.“Butyouare

right.Theserankersknownothing.Wewilllearnnothingoftheirmastersfromthem.”Felixnodded.“AndIdon’tthinkwe’llfindtheirmastersintheMaze.”Gotrek cleaned his axe on the shirt of the orator, his brow furrowed. “They have protected

themselveswell,cursethem.”Heputhisaxeonhisbackandturnedtothestairs.“Comeon,manling.Adrinkwillhelpmethink.”AstheyturnedthecornerontothestreetthattheBlindPigoccupied,Gotrekgruntedasifhe’dbeenshot. Felix looked up, then gaped. The tavernwas gone— reduced, alongwithmost of the otherbuildingsaroundit,tocharredbeamsandmoundsofsmoulderingblackrubble.Inthestreetbeforeit,sitting slumpedonanoverturnedwaterbucket,wasHeinz,his faceburied inhis arms.His clotheswerestainedwithsoot.Thebacksofhishandswereburned.

Gotrekstoppedinthemiddleofthestreet,staringatthesadtableau.Felixstoppedbehindhim.Acarriagepulledtoanabrupthaltbehindthem.

“Someonewilldieforthis,”saidGotrek.Felixnodded,butanaggingvoiceinhisheadwonderedagainifheandGotrekwereresponsible

forthefire.Andiftheywere,wouldtheSlayerkillthem?“Hello,Felix,”saidafamiliarvoicebehindthem.“Hello,Slayer.”Felixturned.Leaningoutofthewindowofthecarriagebehindthemwasaheavilyhoodedand

veiledfigure.Ashockofwhitehairshonethroughtheblacklaceoftheveil.“Ulrika,”saidFelix.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”“Ihavebeenlookingforyou,”shesaid.“Mymistresswishestospeaktoyou.Toaskafavourof

you.”Gotrek torehiseyes from the ruinsofHeinz’s tavernandglaredupather.“Theoathbreaker

wantsafavour?”Therewasadangerousnoteinhisvoice.“ItpertainstotheCleansingFlame,andmayhelpuncovertheirleadersandwhattheyhavedone

withthepowder.”

NINEGotrekstaredlevellyatUlrikafora longmoment, thenturnedbackto theBlindPig.“Yougo,”hesaidtoFelix.“Ihavethingstodo.”

“Me?”Felixdidn’tliketheideaofwalkingintothedenofthevampirecountessalone.Shehaddealt honourably with him before, but one never knew with vampires. “But this might be theinformationwehavebeenlookingfor.”

“You’rebetteroffwithoutme,”saidGotrek.“Idon’ttrustmyaxeinherpresence.”“I don’t trustmyneck in her presence,” saidFelix, butGotrekwas already stumping towards

Heinzanddidn’tlookback.“Allright,I…IsupposeI’llgo,then.”Felixturnedbacktothecarriage.Ulrikawasholdingthedooropenforhim.Hecouldseeher

sharpwhiteteethsmilingthroughtheveil.Heswallowed,dreadandexcitementwarringinthepitofhisstomach,thenshruggedandclimbedin.

Ulrika rapped the ceiling with her knuckles and they started forward. She closed the blindsagainst the twilight, then removed her hood and veil and leaned back, looking at him, her eyestwinklinginthelightofahornlantern.Herhairhadbeentrimmedverycloseinordertocutoutthesectionsthathadbeenburnedthenightbefore,andshelookedevenmoreandrogynousthanusual.

Felixshifteduncomfortably,uncertainwhat tosayorwhere to look.Shewassobeautiful,andyet so unnerving. So much like the woman he had once known and loved, and at the same timenothinglikeheratall.

“I remember youwith fondness, Felix,” she said after amoment. “Is that howyou rememberme?”

Felixfrowned.Hismemoriesoftheirtimestogetherroseupbeforehiseyesandhecouldfeeldesirestirringwithinhim.Atthesametime,thesmugsmirkthathadtwistedhermouthassheaskedthequestionremindedhimunpleasantlyofherinbornsenseofentitlement,whichhadalwaysrubbedhimthewrongway.Therehadbeensomanyfights,oversolittle.Shehadbeensoforeigntohim,eventhen.Anoblewoman.AKislevite.Abornwarrior.Shehadsolittle incommonwithanoverlyeducatedmerchant’ssonfromAltdorf,whothoughthimselfmorepoetthansoldier.Theirideasoftheworldhadbeensodissimilartheymighthavebeendifferentspecies.

Nowtheywere.Andyet,hismost lastingmemoriesofherwerenot the fights and the sullen silences,nor the

jealousies and sadness at the endwhen thingswere falling apart, but instead of laughingwith her,ridingwith her, rollingwith her, fencingwith her, bothwith sword andword, andmost of all, ofenjoyingthechallengeofher.

“Yes,”hesaidatlast.“Forallourtroubles,Istillthinkofyou…fondly.”Hecoughedasanotherthoughtcametohim.“Ah,haveyouspokento…toMaxsince…”

Herwidegrinflashedagain.“Stilljealous,Felix?”“Notatall!”saidFelix,hotly.“Iwasjustwonderingwhathethoughtof…ofwhathasoccurred.”“Of course,” she purred. “Of course. No, I have not spoken to Herr Schreiber since my…

‘demise’.He is inAltdorf, I believe.Teaching. I amnot sure hewouldwelcome a visit and, to behonest,Ihavenotthoughttoseekhimout.”Shefrownedandtouchedherbreast.“Myheartnolongerworksasitdid.Nothingcantouchitnow.”

ForthefirsttimehermaskofslyamusementseemedtoslipalittleandFelixthoughthesawaghostofpainflitacrossherface.

“Uh,”saidFelix,intothesilence.“So,howhaveyoubeen?”Ulrikasnorted, thenchuckled, thendoubledoverwith laughter.At lastshefloppedbackinher

seat and looked at him throughhalf-closed eyes. “Oh,Felix, Ihavemissed you.” She sighed, thengazedupatthereddamaskceiling,herlongwhitefingerstrailingaimlesslyacrosstheleatherbench.“It is not an easy thing, becomingone of night’s darkmasters,” she said. “Onemust learn first tomasteroneself,one’sappetites.Thisisdifficult.Thehungerisattimes…overwhelming.

“The urge to rend and kill and drink one’s victims dry…” She licked her lips and her eyesflickedtoFelix’sneck,thenswiftlyaway.Shecoughed.“Well,itisconstantlywithone.Fortunately,Ihavehadaverywise,verypatientteacher,whohasopenedthewisdomofhercenturies-longlifetomewithoutstint.CountessGabriella,despitewhatyoursurlycompanionbelieves,hasliveduptohervowandtaughtmehowtocontrolmyanimalhungers,howtosipandsavour,ratherthanguzzleandslaughter.Shehastaughtmehowtousemynewbornpowers,andalso,moreimportantly,howtohidethem.And she has tutoredme in the twisted family trees of theNehekharan bloodlines, and in thefeudsandinternecinejealousiesthatthreatenthem.”

Felixfrowned.Afamilytreewherenoonewasrelatedwasastrangethingtoimagine.“Shehasnotalwaysbeenthekindestmistress,”Ulrikacontinued,andaflickerofsomeemotion

came and went in her eyes that Felix thought might have been pain or anger or fear. “She issometimes cruel. It is, I think, part of our nature.And there have been timeswhen I have cringedunderthelashofherdispleasure.Sheiswary,asanyoneinherprecariouspositionmustbe—alwayson guard against betrayal, or incautious words and actions that might expose what she really is.Because of these concerns, she has occasionally scolded me for taking unnecessary risks, or forbefriending people not fully undermy control.” She shrugged. “But I owe hermy life— ormyundeath,rather.ForhadshenottakenmeunderherwingafterthatmadidiotAdolphusKriegerturnedme,Iwouldhavebeendead—trulydead—withintheday,eitherbythesun,orGurnisson’sdreadaxe,orsomepeasant’sbonfire,soIcannotspeak tooharshlyagainsther.”Shechuckled.“In that, IsupposeIfeelforherlikeanydaughterfeelsforhermother,eh?”

All at once, she leaned forward, her face troubled. “Listen, Felix. You have met her before.Indeed,youknewherbeforeIdid.Shewascautiousthen.Butyoushouldbeawarebeforeyouspeaktoheragainthat,duetothecrazedschemesofAdolphusKriegerandotherdeludedmadmenamongour aristocracy, this tendency towards caution has grown. She is, in herway, as suspicious as theSlayer,andextremelyunwillingtoletlivethoseshefeelsthreatenherexistence.So…”Shehesitated,thenshruggedapologetically.“So,bepolite,eh,Felix?”Felixswallowed.“I…Iwilldomybest.”

“Thankyou,”shesaid,thenchuckled.“Imustsay,IamverygladGotrekdecidednottocome.”After ridingeastonCommerceStreet through theReikPlateandonpast thesquatgreypileof theNulntownhall,Ulrika’scoachturnedsouthintothetidystreetsoftheHandelbezirk,stillalivewithwealthy merchants closing up their offices and walking to their clubs or homes, or chatting anddrinkinginthecafesandtavernsthatlinedthestreets.

Anotherturntotheeast,andthecoachwasrollingdownaquietsidestreet,flankedonbothsidesby prosperous, well kept townhouses. The warm glow of lamp light shone from diamond-panedwindows.Thecoachmadearightdownasidealleyandpulledatlastthroughacoachyardgate.

FelixsteppedoutofthecarriagebehindUlrikaandlookedupattherearofasturdy,respectablefourstoreytownhouse.Hewasn’tsurewhathehadexpected,butitwasn’tthis.ItwascertainlynothinglikeKrieger ’svast,broodingcastleinmist-shroudedSylvania.Therewasadistinctlackoftoweringbasaltwallsandleeringgargoylesanddarkforeboding.

Ulrikaledthewaytothereardoorasgroomscameoutofacoachhouseandbeganunhitchingthehorses.“Itwouldhavebeenmorecorrecttoreceiveyouatthefrontdoor,”shesaid.“Butthereare

prying eyes everywhere, as the countess says, and she doesn’t want any connection to be madebetweenyou,forbothyoursakes.”ShepausedwithherhandonthelatchandlookedbackatFelix.“One more thing I forgot to mention. Here in Nuln, the countess is not Countess Gabriella ofSylvania,butMadameCelesteduVilmorin,lateofCaronne,aBretonniannoblewoman.”

“Verywell,”saidFelix,unsurewhathewastomakeofthisinformation.Ulrika opened the door and led him into a small room with dark passages leading off into

shadows.FromfurtherinthehouseFelixcouldhearfemalelaughterandquietmusic.Ulrikasteppedtoanarrowwindingstairintheleftwallandbegantoascend.Felixfollowed.

“Thecountess…”Hecaughthimself.“Sorry,MadameduVilmorinisentertaining?”“Herladiesare,”saidUlrika.“Oh,”saidFelix.Heblushed.“Oh,Isee.”Ulrikasmiled.“Thereisnobetterthiefofsecretsthanaharlot.”Thestairswoundpastthreemorefloors,andateachFelixcouldhearlaughterandsingingand

moreintimatesounds.The fourth floorwasmuch quieter.A thick redAraby carpet ran down the centre of awide,

panelledhallway.Beadedcrimsonlampshungfromthewallsatregularintervals,castingarubyglowover every surface.Ulrika stepped to adoorhalfwayalong thehall and tapped softly at it.After ashortwait,thedooropenedandayounggirlinabluesilkdresslookedout.Felixalmostgasped.Shewasthemostbeautifulgirlhehadeverseen,a littleporcelaindollwithblonderinglets,aknowingsmile,andenormousblueeyes.Shecouldn’thavebeenmorethanfifteen.

“HerrJaeger,”murmuredUlrika,duckingherhead.TheblondegirlcurtsiedtoFelix.“Welcome,sir.Youareexpected.Pleasecomein.”FelixlookeduncertainlyatUlrika.Shesmirked.“Perfectlyharmless,Felix.Iassureyou.”Shestarteddownthehall.“I’mgoingto

getoutofmyhuntingclothes.Iwilljoinyoushortly.”Felix hesitantly followed the diminutive beauty into a lushly appointed ante-chamber. Tiny,

femininechairsweregatheredaroundlow,lacqueredtables,allcrowdedwithvasesoflushflowersandexquisitestatuettes.Crystalchandelierscastshardsofgentlelightacrosstheaccoutrementsofthelifeofawomanofleisure—aharpsichord,anembroideryframe,abookopentoanillustrationofaflower.Everythingseemedtoodelicatetobetouched.

“Please have a seat,Herr Jaeger,” said the blonde girl. “Iwill informmadame that you havearrived.”

Shedisappeared intoa further roomandFelix loweredhimselfwarily intooneof thefiligreechairs,tryingtokeephisscabbardfrombumpingintoanything.Thechairheld.Heletoutabreath,and looked around. Therewas somethingwrongwith the room. Though it appeared calculated toseempeacefulandexquisiteandfeminine,itunnervedhimsomehow,andhedidn’tknowwhy.Whatwasthediscordantelement?Hiseyesroamedfromplacetoplace.Anenamelledclocktickedquietlyon the mantelpiece. Paintings of young lovers walking down sunlit lanes and girls in flower-garlandedswingshungonredbrocadewalls.Agoldenewerandcupssatonasideboard.

Thenitstruckhim.Therewerenowindows.Itwasn’tjustthatthewindowshadbeenblockedorcurtained.Theyhadbeenremovedentirely.

The inner door opened. Felix turned and made to stand, then stopped, halfway to his feet,paralysedbythesightthatmethiseyes.Filingoutoftheinnerroomwasalineofyoungwomen,allin simple, elegantwhite dresses, like novitiates at aShallyan convent, except that their headswereuncovered,andthattheywereallastonishingly,painfully,beautiful.

Felix’sheartstoppedasthefirstinlinelookedhimintheeye.Shewasthemostgorgeousgirlhe

hadeverseen,adarkeyedbrunettewithlushredlipsandafiguretomatch.Thenhisgazewascaughtbytheeyesofthegirlthatfollowedher.Hisheartstopped.Shewasthemostbeautifulgirlhehadeverseen,anetherealblondewiththeregalnoseandstatuesquebearingofaprincessfromafairytale.Thegirlbehindher…

Hetorehiseyesawayandgathereduphisjaw.Hewasmakingafoolofhimself.Butwhatmanwould not? Each was more bewitching than all the others, and each in an entirely different way.Wherehadtheycomefrom?Andwhyweretheyhere?Hecouldn’thelplookingafter themastheyglidedbyandsashayedoutintothehallway.

“Madamewillseeyounow,HerrJaeger,”saidavoicebehindhim.Felixjumpedandturnedguiltily,nearlyknockingoveraspindlylittletablewhichheldaCathay

vase.He grabbed at the vase as it tottered, and nearly succeeded in upsetting it entirely before hemanagedatlasttosteadyit.

Thelittleblondegirlheldtheinnerdooropen,ahandoverhermouthtohideanamusedsmile.“Thisway,HerrJaeger,”shesaid.

Felix followed her through the doorway into a warm, candle-lit boudoir. This was a muchdarker,more sombre, room, though no less feminine.Books and paintings of beautifulwomen inancientdresslinedeverywall.Richvelvetsandbrocadesinburgundyandcobaltupholsteredgracefulcouchesandchairs.Amassivecanopiedbedstoodlikeanaltaruponadaisatthefarend.Itscanopieswereclosed.

Tooneside,beforeagrandfireplacesurroundedbyabaroquelycarvedmantelpiecethatrose,urnuponcorbeluponpillar,all thewaytotheceiling,wasaluxurioustasselledandfringedchaiselongue,uponwhichreclinedthewomanFelixknewasCountessGabriellaofNachthafen,dressedinarobe of crimson silk that spilled off onto the floor like a flow of blood. She had not changedphysically in the slightest since the last timehehad seenher.She still appeared tobeanalabaster-skinnedbeautyofperhapsthirty,withthickblackhairandsparklingblackeyes.Herfigurewaspetitebutexquisite,andhersmallestmovefulloffluid,felinegrace.

“Welcome, Herr Jaeger,” said the countess, her voice silky with soft Bretonnian consonants.“Youhavenotagedaday.”Sheraisedherhandtohim.

“Nor have you,madame.” Felix smiled as he took her hand and bent over it. She had had anAltdorfaccentwhenlasttheymet.ItappearedshetookherBretonnianimpostureseriously.

Thecountessmotionedbehindhim.“Pleasesit.”“Thankyou,madame.”Felixsankintoavelvetcoveredchair.“Astrid,”saidthecountess,asthelittleblondegirlappearedatFelix’ssideandplacedaglassof

wineandatrayofsweetsathiselbow,“PleasemakesurethatCaptainReingeltstillslumbers,andthenyoumayretire.”

“Yes,my lady.”Thegirlcurtsied, thenstepped to thecanopiedbed.Shedrewasideoneof thecurtainsandlookedwithin,thenturnedbacktothecountess.“Hedoes,mylady.”

“Verygood,”saidthecountess.Thegirlcurtsiedagainandthendriftedsilentlyoutintotheantechamber.Felixstareduneasilyat

thehiddenbed,alarmed.WhathadhappenedtopoorCaptainReingelt,whoeverhemightbe?HeturnedbacktoCountessGabriellaandfoundhergazinguponhim.Heflinched.Shesmiled.

“Areyoucomfortable,HerrJaeger?”Felix chuckled. “I don’t know if I have ever been more comfortable and at the same time

uncomfortableinallmylife.”Thecountesslaughed,asilverywaterfallofdelight.“Youarenotthefirst,HerrJaeger,”shesaid,“uponwhomthisplacehashadthateffect.”

“Ah,”saidFelix,motioningbackoverhisshoulder.“Those…youngwomen.Weretheyall…?”“Notaone,”saidthecountess.“Weofthesisterhooddonotgrantthebloodgiftinsoprofligate

a manner. They are merely girls— children made victims of their own beauty— whom I haverescuedandbroughtheresothattheymaylearnthewomanlyartsatmy…hmm…myatelier.”

IttookamomentforFelixtofighthiswaythroughthefloweryphrasingtothemeaningofherwords.“Youkidnapprettylittlegirlsandtrainthemtobeharlots?”

CountessGabriellasmiledwithpracticedease.“Itamusesyoutobeblunt,HerrJaeger.Butno,thegirlsarepurchasedfromorphanagesorsavedfromthestreet,andthoughitistruethattheleastofthemmayindeedfindemploymentwithinthesewalls,thebestwillbecomethewivesandmistressesoftherichest,mostinfluentialnoblemenandmerchantsintheOldWorld,andlivelivesofluxuryandleisureofwhich,intheirpreviouslives,theycouldneverhavedreamed.”

“Allthewhilespyingforyouandyour‘sisterhood’,”saidFelix.Thecountessnodded.“Butofcourse.Onelikestoseeareturnonone’sinvestment.”Felixopenedhismouthtomakeawittyreply,butallatoncethecountess’smilevanishedasifit

hadneverbeen.“Butnowtobusiness,”shesaid.Felixsatupandwaitedforhertospeak,butdespiteherwords,shepaused,hereyesboringinto

himlikeaSigmaritewitchhuntertryingtoseeintohissoul.“Beforewebegin,”shesaidatlast.“Imustaskyouaquestion.”Shesatalittleforward,herrobe

fallingopentorevealthesoftwhitecontoursofherbreasts.“Ihaveinformationtoimparttoyouthatwillhelpusbothinourfightagainstthesevilecultists,butfirstImustknowthatyouandyourfellcompaniondonotmeanmeandmineanyharm,andwillnotexposeorattackusafterourmutualfoeisdefeated.”

Felixhesitated.Forreasonsofetiquetteandmanners,hewasgladGotrekwasnotpresent—hadhebeenheretherewouldalmostcertainlyhavebeenbloodshedalready—buttheSlayershouldhavebeenhere toanswer thisquestion forhimself.“Imeanyounoharm,”hesaidat last.“But IcannotspeakfortheSlayer.HehassaidthathefeelsyouforsworetheoathyoumadethatyouwouldteachUlrikatodonoharm.”

CountessGabriella’seyesflashed.“Doesheindeed?Andwhydoeshebelievesuchathing?”Felixcoughed.“Well,bothofuswitnessedherkillseveralmenlastnight.”Thecountesswavedadismissivehand.“Shedefendedherself,andyou.ItislessthantheSlayer

does himself.Did he think Iwouldmake a sister of Shallya of her?” She raised her chin, defiant.“SinceIacceptedherasmyget,Ulrikahasnotkilledasinglemanwhileslakingherthirst.Thiswasthesumofmypromise.Morehecannotexpect.Ulrikaisawarrior.Shekilledscoresofmenbeforeenteringmyservice,someofthemwhilefightingattheSlayer ’sside.Inthecourseofherdutiesasmy bodyguard andmy envoy, she has killed to defendme and to protectmy interests.Would theSlayerconsiderthesethingsabreachofmyoath?”

Felixpursedhislips,rememberingGotrek’sfeudwithHamnir,andmanyothers.“Icannotsay,but I know Gotrek has demanded that those who make vows with him honour their most minutepoints,sometimesbeyondallcommonsense.”Heshrugged.“Heisadwarf.”

Thecountessslappedthearmofthechaise,annoyed.“Youcannotsay?Thenwhyishenotheretospeakforhimself?”sheasked.“TheinformationIhavemaybethekeytodestroyingthesefiends.ButIdarenotrevealittoyouwithoutprotectingmyselfSheglaredatFelix.“Canyounotgivemeaguaranteeforthedwarf’sbehaviour?”

Felix laughed, then recovered himself as she sawher anger flare. “Forgiveme, countess, butGotrekobeysnoonebuthimself.HewouldnothonouranypledgethatIoranyoneelsemadeinhis

name.”Thecountess’jawclenched.“Ontheotherhand,”saidFelix.“TheSlayerdoesnothesitateoncehemakesuphismind.Ifhe

haddecidedthatyouhadtrulybrokenyourvow,hewouldalreadyhaveacted.Hewouldbehere,andyouwouldbe…defendingyourself.”Hehadalmostsaid,“youwouldbedead,”butdecidedatthelastsecondthatthatwouldnotbeverydiplomatic.

Asthecountessmulledthisover, thedooropenedbehindFelixandatallwomaninacorsetedgreensatindressenteredandtookaseatonachairnearthechaise.Shehadlongwavyauburnhairthathungalmosttoherwaistandatrim,elegantfigure.Felixfoundithardnottostareather.Anotherbeauty! Was there no end to them? This one seemed more mature than the rest of the countess’students—awoman,notagirl—butasgracefulasaleopardessandasproudasaswan.Shemethisgazesteadily,thenwinkedaniceblueeyeathim.Hejerkedbackinhisseat,surprised.ItwasUlrika!Theauburnhairwasawig.Shegrinnedathissurprise,andputafingertoherlips.

Felix stared anew.He hadn’t seen her dressed in sowomanly a fashion since their first nighttogether,backonherfather ’sestate.Thememoryofitmadehisheartskipabeat.

“So,”saidCountessGabriella,finally.“Youdon’tthinktheSlayermeansmeharm?”“Icannotsay,countess—er,madame,”saidFelix,pullinghiseyesawayfromUlrikaandhis

mindbacktothepresentwithdifficulty.“Histemperischangeable,tosaytheleast.Idoknowthatatpresent he wants two things above all others. He wishes vengeance on the Brotherhood of theCleansingFlamefortheburningofthetavernofhisfriend,andhewishestoreachMiddenheimanddiefacingadaemoninbattle.Ifyoucanaidhiminachievingeitherorboth…”

“Mistress,”saidUlrika,interrupting.“IfImightmakeanobservation.”“Ofcourse,daughter,”saidthecountess.“Ithinkitisperhapsimpossibletoremovetheriskfromthisventure.IdonotthinktheSlayer

willgiveyoutheguaranteeyouwish.But…”shesaid,raisinghervoiceasthecountessopenedhermouthtointerrupt.“But,I thinkthattheriskisjustified.TheCleansingFlamewantnolessthanthedestructionoftheEmpireandtheendofourwayoflife.TheyhavesidedwiththeRuinousPowers,and will undoubtedly call upon them for aid. They will bring sorcerers and beasts and daemonsagainst us. Theywill summon their dark gods to smite us. These are foes that the followers youcurrentlycommand,loyalthoughtheymaybe,cannotprevailagainst.”

“Evenyourself,daughter?”“Evenmyself,”agreedUlrika,thencontinued.“Ifwewanttoensurethedestructionoftheseevil

men,andthedefeatoftheirvilemasters.Ifwewanttopreservethelifewehavenowandthefuturewecrave,thenwemustriskthisalliance.HerrJaegerandSlayerGurnissonhavewonbattlesagainstthedeadliestoffoes.IhaveseenHerrJaegerkilladragon.IhavewitnessedtheSlayerdestroydaemons.Tidesofbeastmenhavefallenbeforethem.Theyareourbestweaponagainstthesecorrupters.”

Felixswallowed.Noneedtolayitonsothick,hethought.Justbecausetheyhadfoughtallthosethingsandwondidn’tmeantheycoulddoitagain,orwantedtodoitagain.Well,hedidn’tanyway.

Countess Gabriella pressed her fingertips together, her eyes turned inward, thinking. As thesilencelengthened,FelixcaughtUlrikalookingathim.Shespreadherhandsinapleadinggesture.

Felix grunted.He didn’twant to convince the countess to dig them deeper into thismess.Hedidn’t like this kindof fight—whereoneneverknewwhoone’s enemieswere.Hedidn’t care toguesswhichofthemenaroundhimhadwornamaskthenightbeforeandtriedtoblowhimupwithblack powder. He didn’t like wondering when a friend or companionmight turn on him, daggerraised, themad light of fanaticismblazing fromhis eyes.Themore he thought about it, themoreflying off to Middenheim and fighting enemies out on an open battlefield seemed like the most

appealingoption.Butheknewitwasuseless.HehadseenthelookinGotrek’seyeswhenhehadfoundFritzsitting

beforetheblackenedruinsoftheBlindPig.TheyweregoingnowhereuntiltheSlayerhadfoundthemen responsible for hurting his friend, so if the countess could help them get it over withmorequickly,somuchthebetter.

Felixcoughedpolitely.“Countess,therewasatime,someyearsago,whenyouaskedmetotrustyou.WhenIwasforcedtoovercomemyfearanddistrustofyourkindsothatwecouldworktogethertodefeatacommonfoe.Iwasashesitantthenasyouarenow,andyet,when,againsteveryinstinct,Iagreedandwejoinedtogether,wetriumphed.”Hespreadhishands.“AsIsaid,IcanmakenovowforGotrek,butIknowhehatesthesemenasmuch,ifnotmore,thanyoudo.Ifyougivehimawaytoconfrontthem,hewilltakeit.That,youcantrust.”

Thecountessnodded,stillunseeing,thenatlastsighedandlookedup,fixingFelixwithastareascold and bottomless as the depths of Black Water Lake. “I suppose I have no choice,” she said.“ParticularlysinceIcandonothingwiththeinformationIhavewithoutyou,at leastnotquicklyorwithoutweakeningmyposition.Butknowthis;youwillnotbetraymeandlive.Youmaybeagreathero,andyourcompaniona fellwarrior,but thedaughtersof thedeathlessqueenareeverywhere,behind every beautiful smile, and they seldom strike from the front.” She glanced meaningfullytowardsthecanopiedbed,thensmiledathim.“Youwouldnotdieinbattle.”

Felixshuddered.“Threatsarenotnecessary,madame,”hesaid.“Yourreputationisenough.”“Good,”saidthecountess.ShelookedtoUlrika.“Tellhim.”Ulrika lowered her head, then turned to Felix. “As Iwas ripping out the throat of one of the

cultistslastnight,thiscameawaywithhisflesh.”Sheliftedagoldenchainfromherbodice,unhookedtheclaspandpassedittoFelix.Hetookit

reluctantly,butitseemedshehadremovedalltracesofgore.Helookedatit.Onthechainwasasmallgoldenpendant, intheshapeofashieldemblazonedwithawolf’shead.Hevaguelyrecognisedthedevice,butcouldn’trememberfromwhere.

“Whatisit?”heasked.“AsignetchainwornbymembersofWulf’s,aprivategentlemen’sclub in theHandelbezirk,”

saidUlrika.“Ah, of course.”Once she said it, Felix recognised it instantly.Back in the dayswhenhe and

GotrekhadbeenbouncersattheBlindPig,hehadfromtimetotimethrownoutmembersofWulf’swhohadcomeinlookingtostarttrouble.Theclubhadoriginallybeenaclubforrichmerchants,butwhen themore elegantGoldenHammerhadopened, themerchants began to go there instead, andWulf’swastakenoverbytheirsons,idlelayaboutswithtoomuchmoneyandtoomuchtimeontheirhands.Theyapedthemannersof thenobilityandlikedtoprovetheirsuperiorityover theirpoorerbrethrenwiththepointofarapier.

Strange that one such would belong to a group that seemed dedicated to overthrowing theestablishedorder.

“WewanttolearnifothermembersofWulf’salsobelongtotheCleansingFlame,”saidUlrika.“Butitisagentlemen’sclub.Nowomenareallowed.Eventheservantsareallmale.”

“Andyouknownomenbutme?”askedFelix, incredulous.“Unless Ihave thepurposeof thisestablishmententirelywrong,youmustknowhalftherichmeninthiscity.NonebelongtoWulf’s?”

“Mycustomersarenotmyconfidants,”saidthecountess,asifexplainingsomethingtoachild.“I extract secrets from them without their knowledge. Asking them openly to spy for me wouldexposetothemmytruepurpose.Thosefewmenwhoaremyconfidantsandservants…”Shenoddedtowardsthebed.“SomearesobesottedthatIcannottrusttheir judgement.Others…well,Iwillnot

boreyouwithinternecineintriguesandtalesofdividedloyalties.SufficetosaythatthereisnomanalreadywithinmycircleuponwhomIcanentirelyplacemytrust.So…”Sheraisedhereyestomeethis.“Thatleavesyou.”

Felixfrowned,stillconfused.“ButIdon’tunderstand.Ican’thelpyoueither.I’mnotamember.”“No,” said the countess. “But your brother is.Thoughhe no longer dines there, he has never

resignedhismembership.”“Wha…How…Howdoyouknowthat?”gabbledFelix.Thecountesssmiled.“Asyousaid,HerrJaeger,weknowhalftherichmeninthiscity.Andthe

otherhalftoo.”“Ottocomeshere…?”Felixwasdumbfounded, thoughhecouldn’t thinkwhy.Whyshouldhis

brotherbeanydifferentfromanyotherrichmanhehadeverknown?“Youwillaskhimtotakeyoutodinnerthere,”saidthecountess,placidly.“Onceinsideyouwill

hopefully hear a voice you heard in the burning cellar, or recognise someone by theirwalk.Andthen…”shesmiledprettily.“Well,you’rethehero.Iexpectyou’llknowwhattodo.”

Felix groaned, recalling how he and his brother had left things at the end of their lastconversation.HowintheworldwashegoingtogetOttototakehimanywhere,letalonetoaclubhenolongerfrequented?

“You will report to Ulrika all you find, is that clear?” asked the countess. “I want to knoweverythingbeforeyouact.”

“Yes, countess.Certainly,” saidFelix, distracted.He rose to go, playing out differentways hemightapproachhisbrother,andnotlikingtheoutcomesofanyofthem.

Thecountessraisedatinygoldenbell,butUlrikastoodandheldupahand.“Noneed,madame.I’llseehimout.”Theanteroomdoorslammedopen.Thelittleblondegirltumbledinandhitthecarpetchin-first

astwosilhouettesfilledthedoorway.Morefigurescrowdedtheanteroombehindthem.Felix’shanddroppedtohishilt.

“What’s this!”CountessGabriellawasonher feet instantly,adagger inherhand.“Whodaresentermychambersuninvited?”

Ulrikatoogrippedadagger,andwaslookinglikesheregrettedhavingchangedintowomanlygarb.ShesteppedprotectivelyinfrontofFelix.Thelittleblondegirlwascrabbingbackwardsawayfromthedoor,wide-eyed,asmearofbloodonherlip.

Twowomen stepped into the room—well, one of themwas awoman. Felixwasn’t sure theotherwasevenhuman—oreverhadbeen.

“Goodevening,MadameduVilmorin,”saidthemorehumanofthetwo,throwingbackarich,velvetcloak.Shewasbeautiful—asbeautifulasanyofthecountess’students—anolivecomplexionlike an Estalian,with pouting lips and heavy lidded eyes as black and cold as awinter sea. Thickwavesofglossyblackhairspilleddownpastherbareshoulderstoawide-skirteddressofoxbloodsatinandblackembroidery,soexquisitelymadethataqueenmightenvyit.

“What is the meaning of this intrusion, Lady Hermione?” snapped the countess. “And you,MistressWither?”Thecountess’robehadfallenopenentirelyandhernakedwhitecurvesshoneinthe dark room like alabaster lit fromwithin. “Giveme a reasonwhy I should not setUlrika uponyou,”shesaidasthelittleblondegirlclungtoherrightleg.

“We heard a rumour,” said Lady Hermione coolly, as she tugged off black lace gloves onefingeratatime,thentuckedthemintoabeadeddrawstringpursethatmatchedthecoloursofherdressexactly.“Thatyouthoughttobringanoutsiderintoourbusiness.”SheranhereyesupanddownFelixwithadismissivesneer.“Itseemsweheardcorrectly.”

Theotherwoman—MistressWither—raspedwordlesslyat this inavoice thatsounded likewater splashing on a hot stove. She was tall— taller than Felix by half a head— and appearedskeletallythinunderthehoodedshroudthathideveryinchofherandhissedagainstthecarpetassheglidedfromplacetoplace.Longsleeveshungdownpastherhands.Herfacewascoveredwithathickblackveilthatmadeitlookliketherewasnothingwithinherhoodbutshadows.

“Whatbusinessisitofyours,”askedthecountess,“whattoolIusetoachievemyends?”Tool,thoughtFelix.Well,goodtoknowhertrueopinionofhim,hesupposed.LadyHermioneflickedaneyeoverFelixagain.“Hehasneverbeentasted.Youhavenoholdon

him.You treatwithhimasanequal.Weheardyou.”Shegave thecountessa sad look.“Youknowbetterthanthis,sister.Wedonotusementhatarenotfullyboundtous.Youcannotallowhimtoleavelikethis.Hewillbetrayus.HewillexposeustoallofNuln.Ourworkwillbeundone.”

FelixopenedhismouthbutUlrikatouchedhisarmwithawarninghand.“OurworkwillbeundoneifNulnfallstothebarbarians,”saidthecountess.“Ourliveswillbe

undone.Thismancandowhatwecannot.Gowherewecannot.”“What?” sniffed Hermione. “To Wulf’s? Yes, we heard that too. Don’t be ridiculous.” She

motionedbehindher.“AnynumberofmygentlemenaremembersofWulf’s.Youhadbuttoask.”Felixlookedthroughthedoor.Lounginglanguidlyonthefragilechairsintheanteroomwerea

handfulofdashing,mustachioedheroes,eachashandsomeasastatueofSigmar,andcertainlyjustasmuchaworkofart.TheydidindeedlookthesortthatwouldbelongtoWulf’s.

ItwasCountessGabriella’s turn to sneer. “Do you think Iwould trust any of your creatures?Whoseinterestswouldtheyserve,Iwonder?”

“Surelyallourinterestsareoneinthiscalamity,”saidHermione.“Therecanbenorivalrywhenallourlivesareatstake.”

“Cantherenot?”askedthecountess.“Ifthisvictorywereyours,andnotoursormine,wouldyounotriseintheesteemofourlady,whileIsank?Wouldyounotcomeonestepclosertowinningmyposition, asyouhavebeen trying todoall thesedecades?”Thecountesswavedan impatienthand.“Oh,enoughofthis.Itmattersnot,foryour‘gentlemen’cannotwintheinformationthatHerrJaegercan.Onlyhecandoit.”

“Is he so great a hero as all that?” asked Lady Hermione, raising a sceptical eyebrow. “MygentlemenaresomeofthefinestduellistsinalltheEmpire.”

“Nodoubt,”saidcountessasifshedidn’tbelieveawordofit.“ButtheywerenotintheburningcellarundertheMaze.TheydidnotheartheleadersoftheCleansingFlameordertheirfollowerstoattack.Sohowcantheyhearthevoiceofaclubmanandknowthatinanotherpartoftownhewearsayellowmaskandconsortswithmutants?”

LadyHermionesniffed, frustrated.“Surely theremustbeanotherway to learnwho thesemenare!”

“Theremightbe,butthereisnottimetofindone,”saidthecountess.“ThemadmencouldburnNulnatanytime—tonightperhaps!”

LadyHermioneexchangedaglancewithMistressWither,thenturnedbacktothecountess.Herfacewassetandhard.“Bethatasitmay,youmuststillfindanotherway,”shesaidatlast.“Becausethismanwillnotleaveherealivehavingseenusandheardournames.”

TEN“Youdaremakedemandsinmyhouse!”criedCountessGabriella.“IstillrulehereinNuln,nomatterhowmuchitmightpainyou.”

“Youwon’taftershegetswordof this foolishness,”saidLadyHermione.“Trustingcattle.Nogoodevercomesofit.”

Behindher,herexquisitecompanionsweregettingtotheirfeetandrestingtheirhandsontheirhilts.

“Ladies,”pleadedFelix.“Thereisnoneedforthis.IandmycompanionleaveinafewdaysforMiddenheim,whereweareverylikelytodieinthefighting.Yoursecretwilldiewithus.”

Thevampiressesignoredhimutterly.“The foolishness,” said the countess, “is allowingNuln todie topreserveyour standing in it.

Willyoubequeenoftheashes?”“Therewillbenoashes.Wewillfindanotherway.Nowstandaside.MistressWitherthirsts.”ThetallshadowglidedtowardsFelix,armsraising.Felixsteppedback,drawinghisrunesword.Ulrikasnarledandadvanced,drawingasecondbladefromhersleeve—abonehandledstiletto

thatgleamedlikecapturedmoonlightinthedarkroom.“Comeendyourmisery,mistress,”shesaid.MistressWithershrankbackfromtheblade,hissing.“Silver!”gaspedLadyHermione.“Youwouldusepoisonagainstyourown?”Hermione’sgentlemendrewtheirrapiersandpushedinthroughthedoorbehindher.Atthesame

time, the curtains of the canopied bed were thrown roughly open, and a powerful looking manstumbledout,entirelynaked,brushingthehairoutofhiseyesandgropingforalongswordthatwasproppedagainstasidetable.“Ism’ladythreatened?”themanslurred.

“Peace,captain,”saidthecountess,holdingupherhandashedrewhissword.Themanstayedwherehewas,butremainedonguard.Thetableauheldforalongmomentasthetwosidessizedeachotherup.Atlastthecountesslaughed.“Sisters,youamuseme.Topreserveyoursecrecyyouwillstarta

fightthatallthegentlemenoftheAltestadtwhoareattheirleisureonefloorbelowuswillhear.Willyouthenkillallofthemwhentheycometoseewhatisthematter?Yoursecrecyisingreaterperilifyouattackthanifyouwithdraw.Nowcome,loweryourweapons.”

Thewomenstayedwheretheywere.“Thefightmaybeoverquickerthanyouthink,”saidLadyHermione.“Aye,”saidthecountess.“Andwithatleastoneofustrulydead.Whatdoyouthinkshewillsay

ofthat?Hasshenotsaidthatmurderamongusisthegreatestsin?”“Itisyouwhodrewsilver!”“And youwho forced silver to be drawn,” said the countess. She lowered her dagger. “Now,

come,listentoreason.Themanwillgoandlearnwhothesecultistsareandwhattheyplan,andhewillbewatched.Indeed,youmaywatchhim,ifthatisyourwish.IfhespeaksofourexistencebeforeheleavesNuln,thendowhatyouwill.”

“AndafterheleavesNuln?Howcanyouguaranteehissilencethen?”askedLadyHermione.CountessGabriellalookedfromFelixtoUlrikaandsmiled.“Thoughheisnotboundtousby

thebloodkiss,thereareothertiesthatwillstayhishand.”LadyHermionecurledherlip.“Andallknowhowgreatistheconstancyofman.”

“Greaterthanthatofsisters,soitseems,”saidUlrikadisdainfully.Lady Hermione remained on guard, glaring at Felix, and though he could not see Mistress

Wither ’seyes,Felixfeltcertainthattheywerefixeduponhimtoo.“Sisters,”said thecountessquietly.“Wefightwhileourenemies light theirfuses.Wemustact.

Now.LetusresumethisargumentwhenweknowthatNulnissafe.”Lady Hermione and Mistress Wither exchanged a glance, then at last stepped back. Lady

Hermione’smenloweredtheirswords.Ulrikahesitated,thensheathedthesilverstiletto.“Itseemsitmustgoasyousay,”saidHermione,bitternessdrippingfromeachword.“Butafter,

wewillsee.After,wewillbringallbeforethelady,andwewillsee.”CountessGabriellainclinedherhead.“SolongastheEmpirestands,Iwillbecontentwithher

verdict.”LadyHermionesnorted.“Oh,thenobility.Itmovesonetotears.”MistressWitherlaughedlikeasteampiston.The twovampiresses stepped to the rightand leftof thedoor.Hermionecurtsied toFelixand

sweptahandtothedoor.“Gothen,ohfairandgentleknight.Saveusfromthemachinationsofourenemies.Butknow,champion,thatoureyeswilleverbeuponyou.”

Felix’sfleshcrawledasUlrikaledhimforwardbetweenthemandoutthroughtheantechamberunderthegloweringscrutinyofLadyHermione’sgentlemen.Hedidn’tlikethisatall.Whatguaranteedid he have that thewomenwouldn’t strike out of spite once he had outlived his usefulness?Andwouldtheywatchhimeverywhere?Whenheslept?Whenhewenttothejakes?Hegroanedsilently.Itmighthavebeenbettertohavehadthefightthenandthereandgottenitoverwith.“I apologise,” saidUlrika, as the coach swayed smoothly through the streets towards Shantytown.“Familycanbeembarrassing.”

“Whoarethey?”askedFelix.Ulrikapursedher lips.“LadyHermioneis thecountess’chiefrivalhereinNuln.Shehasbeen

longer in the city— almost fifty years.And sowas understandably upsetwhen the countess,whothoughshedoesnot lookit, isyoungerthanherbyseveralcenturies,wasgiventherulingofNulninsteadofher.But it isherownfault.Thoughshehasnoequalswhenitcomestoseduction,sheisquicktoanger,andunwillingtocompromise.Shehasn’tthetemperamenttolead.”

“Yes,Isawthat.”“MistressWither…”Ulrikashookherhead.“MistressWitherisacautiontousall.Shewastoo

flagrantinheryouth.Tooviolent.Shewascaughtbyhunters,andleftnakedandshackledtoarocktoawaittherisingsun.Shewasrescuedbyherthralls,butnotbeforedawnhadcome.”Ulrikashivered.“Itmighthavebeenbetterhadshedied then.Herskin is likeburnedpaper. Itneverheals.She is inagonyeverymomentofhereternal life.Onlyfeedinggiveshersomerelief,butnotmuch,andnotforlong.Shehatesmenbeyondallreason.”

“Wonderful,”saidFelix.“Anddoyoutrustthemnottoattackusafterthisisover?”“Idonotknow.”Ulrikasighedandlookedoutofthewindowintothetorchlitnight.“SadasIwill

betoseeyougo,Ithinkitisgoodthatyouareleavingsoon.”“Aye,”saidFelix.Runningtowardsthedaemonstoescapethevampires.Whatalife.

Ulrika dropped Felix off in Shantytownwhere she had picked him up. As he walked towards theremains of theBlindPig, he saw a swarmof activity under the yellowglowof bright lanterns.Awagon had been drawn up beside the ruined tavern, and Heinz and his bouncers were throwingblackenedtimbersontoit.

“Warebelow!”cameafamiliarvoice,andasectionofthetavern’srooffoldedinonitselfandcrashedtotheground.

Gotrekwasrevealedontheremainsoftheupperfloor.Hewasblackwithsootfromheadtotoe,andhadakerchieftiedaroundhisnoseandmouth.

“This iswhydwarfshate trees,”hecalleddown toHeinzashechopped throughsome ruinedbeams.“Treesburn.Stonedoesnot.”

“Aye,well,notallofuscanaffordtobuildwithstone,”saidHeinz.“Youcannow,”saidGotrek.“Iwon’ttakeyourgold,curseyou!”saidHeinz,standingstraightandglaringupattheSlayer.“I

toldyouoncealready.”Gold,thoughtFelix.Gotrekstillhasgold?“YouthinkI’mgivingittoyou?”askedGotrek.“I’mpayingformynextthousanddrinks.”“Thatbraceletisworthathousandthousanddrinks,”saidHeinzpeevishly.“I’llbringsomefriends.”Heinzsnortedandturnedawaytoliftanotherburnedboard.“Andwhatfriendshaveyougot,you

miserablegrouch?”hemutteredtohimself,buthewassmilinginspiteofhimself.GotreksawFelixcomingandswungdownaladdertojoinhimbythewagon.Therewasanopen

halfkegofalenexttoit.Gotrekdippedamuginitanddrankdeep,thenwipedhismouth,smearingawayathicklayerofsoot.

“Whatdidtheparasitesay?”heasked.Felixhesitated,consideringhowmuchtotellhimabouthisvisittothecountess’brothel.Didhe

mention the countess’ attempt to force a promise of Gotrek’s good behaviour from him? Did hementionLadyHermioneandMistressWitherandtheirintentiontomurderthemiftheyrevealedtheirexistence?Perhapsitwasbettertoletsleepingdogslie.Ontheotherhand,heshouldknowtheotherplayersinthegame.

“Thecountessisaswaryofyouasyouareofher.”“Shehasreasontobe,”growledGotrek.“Andshehasallies—rivals,really—whodon’twantusinvolvedatall.”“Allies?”“Two other vampire women,” said Felix. “A beautiful seductress and a… a shrouded thing,

burnedbythesun,apparently,andhidingitunderrobes.Thecountessconvincedthemintheendthatwewereneededtodefeatthecultists,butIthinktheywouldsoonerkillus.”

“Letthemtry,”saidGotrek.“Imadenovowwiththem.”Felixcoughed.“Allthesame,thecountessmayhaveprovidedthelinktotheCleansingFlamewe

havebeenseeking.Itmightbepolitictostayyourhand,atleastuntilwefindthemandthepowder.”“Politic.”Gotrekspatoutthewordasifitwasthevilestprofanity.“Whatisthislink?”Felixpulledthewolfsheadpendantfromhispouch.“Ulrikatookthisfromoneofthecultistslast

night. It’s an insigniawornbymembers ofWulf’s, a club for rich burghers. She and the countessthinkthatsomeoftheothercultleadersmightbemembersoftheclubtoo.Theywantmetogothereandlisten,inhopesIwillhearavoiceIrecognisefromthefight.”

“Thatisaslimhope,manling.Notworththealliance.”“Iagree,”saidFelix.“Butit’stheonlyhopewehaveatthemoment.”Gotrekgrunted,dissatisfied.Hisgazetravelledbackuptothetavern’sskeletalupperfloor.“I’llseemybrotheraboutgoingtoWulf’stomorrownight,”saidFelix.“Heisamember.”Gotrek nodded, distracted. He finished his mug of ale in a single swallow and started back

towards the ladder. “Doesn’t sound like my sort of work. Come back when you’ve found mesomethingtokill.”

“Ah,Gotrek,”calledFelixafterhim.Gotrekstoppedandturned.“Hey?”“You’re…you’regivingHeinzgoldtofixtheBlindPig?”“Aye.”Felixfrowned.“Yousaidwewerebroke.Wedidn’teatourlasttwodaysbeforeNuln.”“Wearebroke,”growledGotrek.Hehelduphis thick leftwrist, fullofgoldbracelets, letting

themglintinthelamplight.“Somegold’snotforspending.”“Unlessafriend’stavernburnsdown,”saidFelix.“Aye,”saidGotrek,andstartedtowardstheladderagain.Felixwatched as the Slayer climbed it andmoved carefully through the ruined upper storey,

expertlychoosingthenextpartstodemolish.Therewasasatisfactiononhisuglyfacethatwasalmosthappiness.Felixsuddenlyremembered thatGotrekhadbeenanengineerbeforeheshavedhisheadandtooktheSlayer ’sOath.Astrangemelancholypassedoverhimwhenhethoughtthat,ifwhatevertragedyhadcausedGotrektobecomeaSlayerhadn’thappened, this iswhathewouldhavebeen,abuilderofhousesandhalls.Wouldhehavebeenhappywith just that?Had there reallybeena timewhensimplelabourcouldhavefulfilledGotrek’sheart?Felixvisited theNulnofficeofJaegerandSons thenextmorning justbeforenoon.The long,dimroomwasfilledwithrowsofbookkeepers,perchedonhighstoolsandbentovertheirledgerslikeanarmyofhunchbackedstorks,quillsflyingfrominkpottoparchmentandback.Youngboysscurriedamong themcarryingaccountbooksnearlyasheavyas themselves.Theairsmelledofcandlewickanddust.

“MayIhelpyou?”askedapalemanwithspectaclesandheavyjowlswhosatatahighdesknearthefrontdoor.Hehadinkstainsonhisfingersandhislips.

“I’mlookingforOttoJaeger.I’mhisbrother.”“Doyouhaveanappointment?”“No.I’mhisbrother.”Thebookkeepersniffedasifthismadenodifferencewhatsoever.“I’llseeifhe’sreceiving.”He

shoutedoverhisshoulder.“Rodik!AskHerrJaegerifhewillseehisbrother.”A thin little boy saluted, then scurried back through the rows of tall desks and disappeared

aroundacornerasthebookkeeperwentbacktohisaccounts,ignoringFelix.Thescritchofquillnibsonpaperfilledtheroomashewaited.ItsoundedtoFelixlikeahundredratsclawingatthewallsofahundredcages.Ashudderwentthroughhim.Imagineifhehadremainedonthepathhisfatherhadsetfor him. He would have spent his life in a room like this, adding up accounts, fretting over thedeliveryofgoods,worryingaboutthepriceofoatsandabouthowmuchtobribethelocalauthorities.

Athoughtmadehimsmile.Whywasitthat,whenfacedwithahordeofhowlingorcshewishedsodearlyforthislife,andwhenfacedwiththislife,hewishedsodearlyforahordeofhowlingorcs?Atruismcouldhavebeenfoundsomewhereinthatconundrum,ifhehadhadanyenergyforthatsortofthinganymore.

Thelittleboypoppedhisheadaroundthecorner.“Hesayshe’llseehim,sir!”hesquealed.Thebookkeeperslappedhisdeskandstood,roaring.“Don’tshout,youlittlegoblin!Youdisturb

theothers!Comeupandtellmepolitely,likeagentleman.”Aveinthrobbedinhispaleforehead.Thelittleboycringedandhurriedforward,headdown,astheclerksstifledamusedlaughterand

shotslysmirksateachother.“Sorry,HerrBartlemaas,”saidthelittleboy,hiseyesontheground.“HerrJaegerwillsee,er,

HerrJaeger.”“Better,”saidtheheadclerk.“NowshowourguestbacktoHerrJaeger ’soffice.Andnomore

shouting,oryou’llnotgetyourpennytoday.”Felix followed the boy’s slumped shoulders through the office, fighting the urge to draw his

swordandchopthewholeplacetoflinders.“You’llhave tobebrief,brother,” saidOttowithout lookingup from thepapers spreadacrosshismassivedesk.“I’mexpectingrepresentativesfromthebargemen’sguildatanymoment.Icannotkeepthemwaiting.”

Incomparisonwiththeopulenceofhishome,Otto’sofficewasasplainasamonk’scell—asmallroomwithanironstoveinonecorner,apairofchairsbeforethebigdesk,andfloortoceilingbookshelvesoneverywall,allfilledwithmassiveledgers,eachwithamonthandyearprintedneatlyonthespine.Otto’spensandblottersandinkbottleswereallofcheapmanufacture.Thelanternheusedtolighthisworkthesameasanyfarmerwouldhave.Felixwonderedifhisbrotherdressedhisoffice down on purpose in order to be able to plead poor mouth to his business associates. Hecertainlywouldn’tputitpasthim.

“Well,I…”Felixpaused,thensummonedhiscourageandcontinued.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutyouroffer.”

Ottoraisedhiseyesinmocksurprise.“What’sthis?Youwishtogetyourhandsdirty,m’lord?Youwishtodescendfromyourloftyperchandjoinusmeremortalsintherealworld?”Hechuckled,thencontinued inhisnormal tone.“Whathappened?Has the littlemaniacwith theaxe firedyouatlast?”

Felixbithistongue.Asmartreplywouldn’tgetthejobdone.“Firedme?No.Buthealmostgotmeburnedtoacinder.I’mgrowingtiredofcollectingscars.”

“Don’t tell me you were behind those fires in Shantytown last night?” said Otto, his eyeswidening.

“Notbehindthem,exactly,”saidFelix.“Butcertainlyinthemiddleofthem.”Ottoshrugged.“Well,yougotoutofitatleast.Andyou’vedonemeagoodturn.I’llmakeatidy

profitsellingbricksandtimbertorebuilditall.”“Atwartimeprices,”saidFelixdryly.“Naturally,”saidOtto.“So,whatwouldyouliketodo?”The vile little profiteer, thought Felix. Was it any wonder cults like the Cleansing Flame

flourishedwhenmen likeOttopreyedon thepoorand theunfortunate?He tookadeepbreathandrelaxedhisclenchedfists.

“That’swhatI’dliketodiscusswithyou,”hesaidatlast.“ButIdon’twanttotakeupyourtimehere.Perhaps…”

Aknockcameatthedoorandthelittleboylookedin.“Thebargemenarehere,sir,”hesaid.“Thankyou,Rodik,”saidOtto.“Tell themI’llseetheminjustamoment.”Hestoodandcame

around the desk as the boy disappeared again. “Come have dinner withme tonight at the GoldenHammer,”hesaidtoFelix,thenlookedhimupanddown.“Haveyougotagoodsuitofclothes?”

“Ah,no.Mineweresingedsomewhat.Andtheseareborrowed,”saidFelix.“AndIdon’tsupposewecouldeatatWulf’sinstead?”

Ottomadeaface.“Wulf’s?Whywouldyouwanttogothere?It’sadreadfulplace.”“Ihearit’smore,ah,sportingthantheGoldenHammer,”saidFelix.Ottosneered.“Bunchofpreeningjackdawswho’veneverdoneaday’sworkintheirlives.Alot

ofGustav’sschoolmatesgothere.”“DoesGustavgothere?”askedFelix,suddenlyhopeful.Thatwouldmakethingseasier.Hecould

asktheboyabouttheothermembers.Perhapshewouldhavenoticedsomething.Otto shook his head. “Not Wulf’s. He thinks it represents the antipathy of true speech, or

whateverhecallsit.Besides,theybullyhissortthere.”“I still want to see it,” said Felix. “If I’m going to live here, I want to know what sort of

amusementsareonoffer.”Ottosmirkedknowingly.“Iseehowitis.Tiredoftheprivationsoftheroadandwanttolivea

little.Well, I don’t blame you.Wulf’s is certainly sporting. The evening isn’t complete there untilsomeyoungfooliscarriedtothesurgeonsbyhisfriends.Butifyouwanttogo…”

“Soundsamusing,”saidFelix,withwhathehopedwasaproperlysnobbishvoice.“Verywell.”Ottofumbledinhispouch.“Goseemytailor.Yourememberwhereheis?Good.

Tellhimit’sonmyaccount.I’llsubtractitfromyourbookprofitslater.Andtakethisandgetyourselfashaveandatrim.YoulooklikeaKurgan.”HedroppedahandfulofcoinsinFelix’shand—gold,silverandcopper.“Rodi!”heshouted.

Afteramomentthelittleboylookedin.“Aye,sir?”“Showmybrotheroutandaskinthebargemen.”“Aye,sir.”“Comebymyhouseatseven,Felix,”saidOtto.“We’llgofromthere.”“Right,”saidFelix.“Seeyoutonight.”HefollowedRodioutintotheoffice.BeforetheygottothefrontFelixpaused.“Rodi,”hesaid.“Aye,sir,”saidtheboy,stopping.“Doyouwanttobeaclerk?”Aterrifiedexpressionflashedacrosshisface,andheshotquicklookstowardsHerrBartlemaas

andOtto’soffice.“Oh,yes,sir!Morethananything,sir.”Felixscowled.“Isee,”hesaid.“And ifyoudidn’twant tobeaclerk,whatwouldyouwant to

be?”“A sailor on a ship,” said Rodi instantly. “My cousin Lani was amate, sir. He told themost

wonderfulstories.Beeneverywhere,mycousinhas.Doyouknowwhatapesis,sir?Mycousinseenoneonce.”

Felixshuddered,rememberinganightunderjunglemoons,withhuge,shaggyshapeslumberingupthestepsofaruinedtempletowardsthem.HepushedthesceneawayandsmiledatRodi.“Asailor,eh?Well, in case you ever change yourmind about clerking, here’s something towards your seachest.”HepickedasilvercoinfromthosehisbrotherhadgivenhimandhandedittoRodi.

Theboy’seyesgrewwideashestaredatthecoin.“Thankyou,sir!”hesaid,thendartedawarylookattheotherboysintheroomandslippedthecoinquicklyintohisbeltpouch.

Felix shrugged as hewove through the streets towardsOtto’s tailor. ThemoneywouldmostlikelygotoRodi’smotherorfatherandtheboywouldneverleaveOtto’soffice,butatleastFelixhadtried.Hewonderedifhewouldhavegivenhimthemoneyifhehadsaidhewantedtobeasoldieroranadventurer.

Probablynot.Wulf’s occupied a grand brick and stone building on Commerce Street in the heart of theHandelbezirk.Golden lightspilledfromits tallwindows,eachdecoratedwithastainedglasswolfshead.Widestonestepsleduptoitsstoutoakdoors.Ahuge,uniformedmanwiththelookofanex-soldier pulled them open for the garishly dressed young men who came and went, chattingboisterously with each other. He seemed to know them all by name, and jokedwith them as theypassed.

ThegiantsizedOttoandFelixupastheysteppedoutofOtto’senclosedcoachandOttotoldhiscoachmanandtwobodyguardstowaitforthemdownthestreet.Felixblushedunderhisscrutiny.He

wascertainthemanhadseeninaninstantthathisdoubletandbreecheswerebrandnew,andthathisgazecouldsee through the finery to thepennilesswandererbeneath.He feltanutter fraud in theseclothes, anactormasqueradingas a richman.Anuncomfortableactor at that.The stiff laceof thecollarchafedhisneck.Thetightgreenvelvetofthedoubletconstrictedhischest.Theglossy,knee-highbootspinchedhisfeet.Hisfacefeltdryandhotwherethebarberhadscrapedhischinandcheeksclean.

“Yournames,meinenherren?”rumbledthegiantdeferentiallyasheandOttomountedthesteps.“OttoJaegerandaguest,”saidOtto.“HerrJaeger,”saidthegiant,bowing.“Forgivemefornotrecognisingyouatonce,sir. Ithas

beensometimesinceyouvisited.Welcome.”Hepulledonahugebrassringthatwasclampedinthejawsofabrasswolfshead,andthedoorswungopen.“Pleaserememberthatguestsareonlyallowedinthediningroomandsmokingroom,sir.”

Otto nodded and they stepped inside. The entry way was clad in dark wood. The banners ofseveralmercantileguildshungfromthewalls.Youngmenlaughedandgossipedonawidestairwaythatroseuptoupperfloors.Adeafeningtorrentofmerrimentandclinkingplatespouredfromadoortotheright.

Afterdepositingtheircloaksandswordswithaporter,OttoandFelixpassedthroughthedoorintothediningroom.SomethingflewpastFelix’sfaceandheflinchedback,wary.Themissilehitayoungdinerinthebackoftheheadandploppedtothefloor.Itwasahunkofblackbread.LaughtereruptedtoFelix’sleft.

Thedinerjumpedup,armedwithahunkofbreadofhisown.“Whothrewthat?”hecalled,eyesflashing.“Mieritz!Wasityou?”

Ayoungmaninorangeandgreenvelvetspreadhishands,grinning.“Me,Fetteroff?Whywouldyoususpectme?”

Fetteroffflunghisbread.Mieritzsnatcheditdeftlyfromtheairandtookabite.“Mythanks,sir,”hemumphedashechewed.“Mybreadseemstohavefallenonthefloor.”

Hisfriendseruptedatthiswitticism,asdidFetteroff,andeveryonereturnedtotheirdinners.“Iwarnedyou,”saidOttooutofthesideofhismouth.Astewardinahighcollarbowedandledthemtoatablefortwoagainstthefarwall.Thedining

roomwaslargeandhighceilinged,withroaringfiresingrandfireplacesatbothends.Richtapestries— all of them depicting wolves on the hunt— hid the plaster walls, and gold stencilled woodenpillars rose to carved and painted beams. Large circular tables filled the centre of the room, allcrowded with preening, posturing young men, each apparently trying to outdo all the rest in therichnessandelaboratenessoftheirclothes.Felixhadneverseensomanycoloursunderoneroof.Itwasasifarainbowhadbeenviolentlysick.

“Sigmar ’sbeard,whatacacophony,”saidOtto,wincingasloudlaughtereruptedagainfromoneofthetables.“DoyoureallypreferthistotheGoldenHammer?”

“I’mnotsureIdo,”saidFelix.“ButIwantedtoseeformyself.”Aservercame.FelixorderedduckinplumsaucewhileOttoorderedroastbeef,andBretonnian

wineforthetwoofthem.FelixtriedtolistentohisfellowdinerswhileOttotalkedaboutwhatjobhemightdoforJaeger

andSons.Hewishedhecouldclosehiseyesinordertoconcentratebetterontheirvoices,butOttowouldremarkonthat,sohekeptthemopen.Hecursedattheconstantdin.Theroomwastooloudandechoedtoomuch.

Hetriedtoconcentrateonpickingonevoiceoutfromthehubbub,thenanother,butfoundithardtofocusonthemwithoutgettingcaughtupintheirconversations,andthemoreheheard,themorehis

teeth clenched andhis hackles rose. Itwasn’t thenoiseor thehigh spirits of theyoungmen at thetablesthatmadehimangry—inhistravelswithGotrekhehadseenmorethanhisfairshareofwildtaverns and boisterous inns. In fact he liked carousing now and then; singing bawdy songs, armwrestling, dancing with ladies of less than sterling reputations, having deep philosophicalconversationswith totalstrangers thatheforgotentirely thenextdayHehadmetGotrekonsuchanight.

Thiswasdifferent.Therewasacrueltytothelaughter,ahatefulnesstothejokesandjibesthatwerebandiedbetweenthetables,thatwaspeculiartotheidlerich.Theseyoungmenwerenotfriends,theywererivals,anddeadlyrivalsatthat,foralltheirblaringbonhomie.Theirjokeswerenotmeantto entertain, but to belittle their victims and bolster themselves. They chose their companions notbecausetheylikedthem,butbecauseknowingthemofferedsomeadvantage.Thesymbolofthewolfhadbeenwellchosenforthisplace,Felixthought,forthesocietyofitsmembersseemedbasedonthepeckingorderofthewolfpack,wherethebiggest,meanest,andmostcunningpredatorsavagedthosebelowhim,andtheyinturnsavagedthosebelowthem.

Felixhadalwaysdespisedsuchbehaviour,eversincehisdaysattheUniversityinAltdorfwhenthenobleshadsneeredathimforhismercantileupbringinganddeniedhimentrytotheirclubsandfraternities. It distressedhim to see the sonsofmerchants apingprecisely this vile behaviour.Onewouldhavethoughtthat,havingbeensnubbedandcondescendedtobytheir“betters’,theywouldhavewished to belong to a more egalitarian society. Instead, they were worse snobs than the nobility,exaggeratingtheirviciousnessandvaingloryuntiltheywerelittlebetterthanbeastsinvelvet.

Thewinecame.Theserverpouredglassesforthemandretired.Otto had a sip of his andmade a face. “Gods,” he said. “Their cellar isn’twhat it used to be

either.Theirimportermustbecheatingthem.”Felixtookasip.Ittastedallrighttohim,butthen,afterallhisyearswithGotrek,hewasmore

usedtoale.“Ahwell,”saidOtto.“AsIwassaying…”Felixturnedhisattentiontotheotherdinersagain,tryingtoblotouttheirwordsandconcentrate

ontheirtimbreandtonewhilethinkingbacktovoicesoftheCleansingFlame.Hegroaned.WhyhadUlrikaandthecountessinvestedsomuchhopeinsotenuousathread?TheremightbenoconnectionbetweenWulf’sandtheBrotherhoodoftheCleansingFlameexceptthattheysharedonememberincommon—themanUlrikahadkilledwhenshetookhispendant.Thiswholeeveningmightcometonothing.Hemightbesubjectinghimselftodinnerwithhisbrotherfornoreasonatall.

Hegazedaroundathisfellowdiners,hopingsomequirkofgesturemightsparkamemory.Hesighed.Theyalllookedlikevillainstohim,buthetriedtomeasurethemobjectively.Itwasdifficult.That fop in the purple,with the rouge on his cheeks and the ruff sowide it nearly hung over hisshoulders,hecertainlylookedlikethememberofsomesortofdebauchedcult.Andthatfellowinthelemonyellow,with thepermanent sneer and the earring.Felix could just imaginehimperformingbloodsacrificeswhenMorrsliebwasfull.Andtherogueinredandgoldwhowasplayingcardswithhiscompanions,washeusingmagictochangethecards?Andthehandsome,sallow-cheekeddandywho was coughing convulsively into his handkerchief. Was he spreading the pox through everybrothelinNuln?Andthatfellow…

Healmostspatouthismouthfulofwineashesawamanwatchinghimsuspiciouslyfromacrosstheroom.Wasitacultist?No.Waitamoment.Herecognisedhim.Butfromwhere?Wherehadheseethatstrongjawbefore?Thatperfectlycurledmoustache?

Thatproudnose?Thenheknew,andalmost laughed.ItwasoneofLadyHermione’sbeautifulgentlemen,keepinganeyeonhim.Almostliterally.Hecouldn’thavebeenmoreobviousifhetried.

Perhaps thatwas the point. LadyHermionewas reminding Felix of her omniscience. Suddenly hedidn’tfeellikelaughinganymore.

Hegavethemanaglareandcontinuedtosurveytheroom.Thenstoppedagainashesawanotheralmost-familiar face peeking out from behind the nearest pillar.Whowas this?He knew the hair,whichhungdownbeforetheman’ssleepyeyes,buttheclothingwasunfamiliar.Ofcourse!Thatwasbecausethelast timehehadseenhim,hehadbeennaked.ItwastheCaptainReingelt, thecountess’currentswain.Itseemedshedidn’ttrustLadyHermionetoshareinformation.Andwhyshouldshe?

Theirdinnerscame,andOttotuckedhislinennapkinunderhischinanddugin.Felixgaveuphissearch and joined him. Trying to pick out cultists by sight seemed as impossible as trying torecognisethembytheirspeech.Hewasnowitchhunter.Hedidn’tknowhowtodifferentiatenormalhumanvillainyfromthebaserhorrorsofdaemonworship.Hecouldrecogniseamutantifitlookedathimwithtwoheads,butuntiltheircorruptionshowedhewasaslostasthenextman.

“Iknowyou’renotmuchforsittingatadeskallday,”Ottowassaying.“Butwehaveplentyofjobsthatwouldhaveyououtanddoinginthefreshair.SomeoneneedstogotoMarienburgeveryspringforinstance.WebuymanyofourdyesforourwoolstherefromBretonnians,EstaliansandArabyans. Araby makes the best indigo. But getting the best prices and making certain the filthyforeigndevilsaren’tcheatingusrequiresbeingthereinperson.Doesthatappealtoyou?”

Felixshrugged.“I’veneverbeenmuchofaoneforhaggling.”“Hmmm,”saidOtto.“Well,wealsoprovideguardsforourconvoys,andwe’veexpandedthat

servicetoprovidingguardsfortheconvoysofothercompanies.Perhapsyou’dliketobeinvolvedintherecruitmentandtrainingofthesefellows.Thatsoundsmoreinyourline.”

Felixwastryingtothinkofanappropriateanswerwhenheoverheardanexchangefromagroupofyoungmenwhowerepassingtheirtable.

“That looks nasty,Gephardt.Get your hand caught in some lady’swindowwhenher husbandcamehome?”

“No.Burnedit.Stupid,really.Leftthepokerinthefirebymistake,andwhenIgrabbeditIsearedmyselfFelixlookedaroundatthespeakerastheyoungmenlaughed.Hewasawiryyouthwiththeunlaced doublet and tousled bedroom hair that seemed popular among the more fashionableuniversitystudentsthatyear.Heworelavenderandcreamvelvet,andhadabandagearoundhislefthand.

“Ha!”saidachinlessladinpink.“WhenIleavemypokerinthefiretoolong,itmelts!Haha!”Nobodylaughed.“Mypoker,yousee,”saidtheboyinpink,giggling.“Inthefire.”“Doshutup,Kalter,”saidtheyouthwiththebandage.Felixwatchedhimwalkingaway.Burnedhishand,hadhe?Andwas itFelix’s imagination,or

washehidingalimp?Hetriedtoimaginethatsly,sneeringvoiceraisedincommand.Itmighthavesoundedsomethinglikeoneofthevoiceshehadheardintheburningcellar,thenagainitmightnot,andheneededtobesure.Itwouldbeacrueltricktosetthevampiresonaninnocentman.

HeturnedtoOtto.“Whoisthat?Theyoungmaninpurpleandwhite?”“Eh?”saidOtto,lookingup.“What’sthis,now?Haveyoubeenlisteningtomeatall?”“OfcourseIhave,brother,butthatfellowlooksfamiliartome.Doyouknowwhoheis?”Ottofrowned,annoyed,andsquintedacrosstheroom.“Whichone?”“Theoneinpurpleandwhite,”repeatedFelix,turning.“Justnowsittingdown.Hehasabandage

onhishand,yousee?”“Isee,”saidOtto.“Theonenexttothefire,yes?I’venoidea.WhyyouwouldthinkIwouldpay

attention to the spoiled ne’r-do-wellswho frequentWulf’s I don’t know. This iswhy I dine at the

Hammer.”Hesniffed.“LooksabitlikeoldGephardt,thewineimporter,andhe’swearingthecoloursofGephardt’stradinghouse.Mightbeoneofhissons,Isuppose.Icouldn’tsay.”

Felixnodded.Gephardtwasthenametheyouth’scompanionhadcalledhim.GiveOttocreditforkeen observation. Now the question was, was he a member of the Brotherhood of the CleansingFlame,orhadheonlyburnedhimselfonahotpokerlikehehadsaid?IfonlyFelixcouldgetcloserandeavesdroponhisconversation.

Gephardt looked idlyaroundthediningroomasoneofhiscompanions toldastory.HiseyesflickedpastFelix,thencameback.Felixlookedawayheartracing.Hehadforgottenhewasstaring.

“So,doesthatappealtoyou?”askedOtto,pickinguptheirconversationagain.“Wouldyouliketo help uswith findingmen to guard ourwagons?With all your experience fighting— ahem—ratmenanddragons,andsoforth,Iimagineyouknowapracticedbladewhenyoumeetone.”

Felixstoleanotherlookoverhisshoulder.Gephardtwasstaringfixedlyathim,hiseyeswide,whether in fear or anger Felix couldn’t be sure. Felix turned back, heart sinking.Well, he had hisanswer. Gephardt recognised him. He must have seen him during the fighting in the CleansingFlame’smeeting house. Felix could havewished he had learned the informationwithout revealinghimself in theprocess.NowGephardtknewheknew.Felixwouldhave tocatchhimbeforehe leftWulf’s,orsoonalloftheCleansingFlamewouldknowaswell.Buthowwashegoingtodothatwithhisbrotheraround?Hecouldn’tverywellsay“Excuseme,brother,Ihavetoknockoutandcapturethisyoungman.Doyoumindhelpingmebringhim to theCollegeofEngineering soGotrekcanhaveawordwithhim?”

Perhapshissocalledallieswouldhelphim.HelookedoveratLadyHermione’sman.Hewasgetting up to leave, his gaze fixed on Gephardt. He must have seen the exchange of glances anddeducedwhattheymeant.FelixturnedtowardsCaptainReingelt.Hetoowasrising,eyesdartingfromGephardttoHermione’sspytoFelixandbackagain.Heknewtoo.Butwhyweretheyleaving?WerethetwoofthemgoingtogowaitforGephardttoexittheclub,orweretheyofftotheirmistressestotellthemwhattheyhadlearned?Whateverthecase,hecouldn’trelyoneitherofthem.HewouldhavetotakecareofGephardthimself,somehow.

“Felix?Didyouhearme?”Ottowaslookingathimstrangely.“Er,” Felix said, struggling to rememberwhat his brother had been saying. “Er, yes, that, uh,

certainly sounds like themost appealing alternative. I’llmost definitely give it some thought.Youmakeacompellingargument.”

Otto’schestpuffedup.“Well,youknow,Ipridemyselfonfittingthemantothejobandthejobtotheman.Partofthesecretofmysuccess.Shallweorderasweetmeatforafter?Andalittlemorewine?”

“Yes,thatsoundslikeagoodidea,”saidFelix.ThatwouldgivehimmoretimetocomeupwithawaytokidnapGephardt.FelixlookedacrosstheroomagainasOttosummonedtheserver.Gephardtwasgone!

Felix’sheartthuddedviolently.Hehadn’texpectedthemantomovesoquickly!Hewasalreadyonhiswaytowarnhismasters,nodoubt.Thiswasbad.HehadtogetbackandtellGotrek.If theymovedimmediately,theymightbeabletocatchGephardtbeforehetalkedtotheCleansingFlame.

Felix turned back to Otto. “On second thought, perhaps we should be getting back,” he said.“You’vegivenmealottothinkabout.”

Ottofrowned.“Areyouwell,Felix?Youlookabitgreen.”Felixswallowed.“Theduck,Ithink.I’mnotaccustomedtosuchrichfoodanymore.”Hesmiled

weakly.“IsupposeI’llhavetogetusedtoit.”AfewfitfulraindropsspatteredthestepsasFelixandOttosteppedoutofWulf’s.Thickcloudshidthe

moonsandthewindwascoolandwet.Ottosummonedhiscoachandittrottedup.FelixfollowedOttointoit,gladthatitwascovered.Itlookedlikeastormwascoming.

AstheystartedupCommerceStreettowardsKaufmandistrictgate,Ottocrossedhishandsoverhis broadbelly andburped contentedly. “You’re staying at theCollegeofEngineering?”he asked.“ShallIdropyouthere?”

“Thankyou,”saidFelix.Thefasterhegotbackthebetter.“Veryniceofyou.Andthankyouforthedinner.”

“Notatall.Happyto.I’mjustgladyou’vefinallycomearoundtodecidingtomakesomethingofyourself.Onceyoustartwith thecompanywe’lldineout like thisall the time.Though Ihopeyoudon’twanttogotoWulf’snext—”

Ottowasinterruptedbyashout,andthecoachslewedtoanabruptstopwithaneighingofhorsesandaskiddingofhoofsonwetcobbles.FelixandOttoflewforwardoutoftheirseats.Felixheardthebodyguardscurseastheywerethrownfromtheirperchesandtriedtolandontheirfeetonthestreet.

Felixpulledhimselfupanddroppedhishandtohissword.“Manni!Yan!Olaf!Whatisit!”calledOtto.“Men,sir,”camethecoachman’svoice.“Menwithswords,”saidoneofthebodyguards.“Nearadozen.”FeargrippedFelix’sheart.Whowasit?Hermione’sgentlemen?MenfromtheCleansingFlame?

HadCountessGabrielladecidedtokillhimafterall?“Easy,gentles,easy,”saidaShantytownvoice.“Weonlywantyervaluables,notyerlives.Hand

‘emoverpeaceableandthere’llbenoneedforviolence.”Felixgaped,amazed.Shallya’sMercy!Wasitonlyarobbery?Couldhebesolucky?“Standaway,youruffians!”retortedtheotherbodyguard.“You’llgetsteelbeforeyougetgold.”“Nono!”criedOtto.“Don’tfightthem!Itisn’tworthyourlives.Standdown.”Hepulledhimself

upandpeekedoutthewindow.“Comeforward,gentlemen.We’llgiveyouwhatwehave.”“That’stheway,m’lords,”saidtheShantytownvoiceasbootsapproachedthecoachfromeither

side.“Niceandeasy.”“Youwatchyourselves,”growledabodyguard.“Notricks.”“Sigmar ’s beard!” saidOtto as hewiggled the rings off his fingers and started stuffing them

underthecushionsofthebench.“Thebrassofthesefellows.RightinthemiddleofCommerceStreet!Whereisthewatchwhenthey’rewanted?”

Felixsatbackonthebenchasthebootstepsreachedthecoach’stwodoors.Hishandwenttohisdagger.Thecoachrockedonitsspringsandtwoscarred,grinningfacesappearedinthewindows.

“Evening,gentles,”saidtheoneonFelix’sside,aswarthyfellowinasofthat.Theother,wholackedarighteye, lookedfromOttotoFelixandback.“Aye,”hesaid.“These

aretheones.”Thetworobbersdrewpistolsfromtheirdoubletsandstuckthemthroughthewindows.Felixstruckoutintwodirectionsatonce,kickinghardagainsthisdoorwiththeheelofhisboot,

whileatthesametimebackhandinghisdaggeratthemaninOtto’swindow.Therewas a splintering ofwood and both pistols fired, deafeningFelix and filling the coach

withsmoke.Felixheardacry,butcouldn’ttellwhoitwas.Hedidn’tthinkhe’dbeenhit,sohehopeditwasn’thim.He launchedhimselfathisdoorandwasgratified to feel it slamopenand tohearabodyhitthestreet.

Thewords,“thesearetheones,”echoedthroughFelix’sheadashestoppedandsurgedfortheoppositedoor.Hecameuphardagainstit.Thewindowwasempty.Helookedout.Theone-eyedman

layontheground,amessyholeinhis throat,shotbyhiscompanionitseemed.Beyondhim,morethugswere runningforward.Anambush then,nota robbery.Theonlyquestion that remainedwas,werethesecultistsfromtheCleansingFlame,orhirelingsofLadyHermioneorCountessGabriella?

FelixturnedtoOtto,justvisiblenowthroughtheclearingsmoke.Hecoweredagainstthebackofthebench,eyeswideanddarting,hisfatchinstrembling.

“Stayinthecoach!”Felixbarked.“Anddefendyourself!”He leaptoutof the smasheddoor, andalmost fell ashisnewboots slidon thewet street.The

taller of Otto’s bodyguards — Yan, his name was, Felix remembered — had killed the swarthyshooterandwasturningtofacethechargingthugs.Felixdrewhisruneswordandjoinedhim.

Oneofthethugsfellbeforehereachedthem,afletchedboltinhisleg.Outofthecornerofhiseye,FelixsawManni,thecoachman,crankingasmallcrossbow.

ThenFelixandYanweresurrounded,swordsandclubsswingingatthemfromeverydirection.Felixknockedacudgelfromsomeone’shandandranthroughaswordsman.HewasrelievedtoseethatYanwasaveteran.Hedidnot flinchorpanic.Hemet thegreaternumberscalmandalert,andthoughhemadeno touches,he tooknoneeither. It seemed thatOttohadspentwiselywhenhehadhiredhisguards.

Felixkilledanother thug,gashinghis throat, thenunstrunganother ’sknee.Theassassinsworenoarmour,andKaraghulwasaheavier,keenerswordthantheirrapiersandshortswords.Hebattedthemoutofthewaywithease.Thegreatestdifficultywaskeepinghisfeetontheslickcobbles.

Ashoutcamefromtheothersideofthecoach,andthenashriekfromOtto.“MasterFelix!”calledthecoachman.“They’regettingin!”Felixcursed.“Fallbackwithme,”heshoutedtoYan,thenflourishedwildlywithhisswordand

jumpedbackoutof combat.Yan ranwithhimashe turnedand ran for thebackof the coach.Yangaspedandalmostfellasathugslashedhimacrosstheback.Felixcaughthisarmandtheysurgedon,theirthreeremainingopponentsclosebehindthem.

Olafhadacquittedhimselfwell.Twocorpseslayathisfeet,andanotherwasstaggeringaway,trying toholdhisguts in.But thebodyguardwas slumped,motionless, against thecoachdoor,hischestandfacepaintedwithblood.Athugkickedhimasideandgrabbedatthecoachdoor.Therewerethreemorebehindhim.

Felixbellowed toget their attention, thenbarrelled into them, slashing left and right.One fellback,torsosplitfromshouldertohip,andtheothersdodgedaway,butonegashedFelixundertheleftarmandthecoldshockofsteelburnedacrosshisribs.Hegruntedandstumbledaside.

Yanhacked themandown, then coveredFelix ashe turned.Felix’s first thought, ridiculously,was that they had ruined his new doublet. Then the pain came in earnest and he forgot about thedoublet.

There were seven assassins left between Felix and the coach. Seven against two, and he waswounded,bloodrunningdownhisside.Itwouldbequiteajokeif,afterperseveringagainstnearlyeveryhorrortheOldWorldhadtooffer,hewasfinallykilledbycommonalleybashersonthehighstreetinNuln.

Athugatthebackshovedsomeoftheothersforward.“Holdthemoffwhilewekillthefatone!”he said, then screamed as a bolt from the coachman’s crossbow punched down through hiscollarbone.

The others turned their heads at the noise. Felix andYan charged instinctively. The thugs fellback, caught off guard. Felix and Yan pressed them against the coach, swinging wildly. Felixdisarmedoneandchoppedanother ’sclubinhalf.Yanpinnedonetothecoach,buttookaknifepointacross thecheek.Felixgutted theonehehaddisarmed, andclubbedanother in the templewith the

dragon-headedpommelofhissword.Theassassinshadhadenough.Theybrokeandran,scatteringtotheshadowsonbothsidesofthe

street.FelixandYanmadenoattempttofollow.Felix put the point of his sword to the neck of the man who had taken Manni’s bolt in the

collarboneasYandespatchedtherestofthewoundedwithprofessionalefficiency.“Whosentyou?”Themanspatathim,hiseyeswildwith fanaticalardour.“Youaredead!”hesaid.“The flame

willconsumeyou!Youandallyourkind!”Hepushedhimselfforwarddeliberately,impalinghisneckuponFelix’ssword,andlaughedwetlyasthebloodpumpedfromhisthroat.“Changeiscoming!”hehissed,thenslumpedback,dead.Felixshivered.JustliketheonewhohadkilledhimselfonGotrek’saxe.Theirfanaticismwasfrightening.Atleastnowheknewwhohadsentthem.

“Isitover?”askedOtto,peekingoutfromthecoach.Felixnodded.“It’sover.”HekneltdownbesideOlaf.Thebodyguardwasbreathing,butonlybarely.Yansquatteddown

andthetwoofthempickedhimup.Ottoopenedthecoachdoorandtheylaidhimonthefloor.“ToDoctorKoln’shouse,Manni,”he

said.“Hurry.”AsYanpulledhimself ontohis perchbehind,Felix climbedback in the coach.He easedback

ontothebenchwithawearyhissandclosedhiseyes.Thecoachlurchedforward,jarringhiswound.Hegrunted,inpain,andopenedhiseyes.

Ottowasglaringathim.“Thiswasnosimplerobbery.”hesaid.“Theywereafterus.Afteryou!”“I’msorry,Otto,”saidFelix.“I…”Ottowasn’tlistening.Hewastooangry.ThishassomethingtodowithGephardt’sson,doesn’t

it?That’swhyyouwantedtogotoWulf’s!Youhadnointerestintalkingtomeaboutworkingforthecompany.Youwerehavingoneofyouradventures,andnowyou’vegotmecaughtupinit!Sigmar!Imighthavebeenkilled!”Hisfacesuddenlypaled.“Gods!Istillmight!Gephardtmusthaveknownmeassurelyas Iknewhim.Hewillcomeafterme.HewillcomeafterAnnabellaandGustav!”Otto’seyes blazedwith fury.His round cheeks flushed red. “Howdare you!Howdare you endangermyfamilywithyourmadantics!”

Felixhunghishead.“I’msorry,Otto.Ididn’tthinkit…”“Clearly, you didn’t think!” shouted Otto. “You are insane! Get out! Get out and don’t come

back!”“I…”Felixfeltlikeadaemonwastwistinghisintestineswithbothhands.Itwastrue.Hehadn’t

thought—not until itwas too late.He had been so intent on finding the leaders of theCleansingFlamethathehadn’tconsideredfullytheconsequencesforthosearoundhim.Itdidn’tmatterthatOttodidn’tknowanything.Thecultistshad seenhimwithFelix, andwouldassumehewasa threat. “Atleastletmeseeyoutoyourhouse,”hesaid.“Theymightcomeback.”

“No!”saidOtto.“Idon’twantyounearmeor…”Hehesitated,hiseyesflickingnervouslytothecoachwindow,thennodded.“Allright,tomyhouse.Butnevercomeagain.Iwillnotletyouinmydoor.”

“Iunderstand,”saidFelixsadly.Hecouldn’targue.Ottowasintheright.Hebroughtwrackandruinwithhimwhereverhewent.Firstheburneddownwholeneighbourhoods,nowhehadmarkedhisbrother ’sfamilyfordeath.TheheroofNulnindeed!TheydepositedOlafwiththedoctor—andOttowaitedimpatientlyastheoldmansalvedandstitchedandboundthe longgashunderFelix’sarmaswell—thenhurriedonunderclouds that threatenedrain,butdidlittlemorethanspit.

As the coachpulledup toOtto’shouse, the frontdooropened, andyoungGustav steppedout

wearingaraincloakoverhisscholar ’srobes.Hehadalanterninonehandandasatchelintheother.Otto practically leapt out of the coach. “No!” he said, waving his hands. “Back in the house!

You’renotgoingout!”“What?”askedGustav.“Don’tberidiculous,father.I’monlygoingto—”“No!You’renotgoinganywhere!”“But…butwhy?”“Becauseyouruncle…”OttoturnedtoglareatFelixashesteppedoutafterhim,“Hasmadeus

thetargetofsomecrazedmadmenwhoheisatfeudwith!”Gustavfrowned.“Idon’tunderstand.”“Nor do I,” said Otto. “Nor do I wish to. One moment he is asking questions about Linus

Gephardt’sson,thenextweareattackedinthestreetby…”“Gephardt’sson?”askedGustav,hisbrowknotted.“YoumeanNikolas?WhatdoesNikolashave

todowith—”“Youknowhim?”askedFelixeagerly.“Nikolas?Heisaclassmateatuniversity.”Gustavsneered.“Fancieshimselfapamphleteer.I’ve

readbetterproseinanaccountledger.”“Doyouknowwherehelives?”continuedFelix.“Helivesathisfather ’shouse,just—”“No!”criedOtto.“Iforbidit!Hehasalreadywoundustooclosetohisfolly.Youwillnotassist

him!”He turned on Felix and pointed towards the streetwith a shaking finger. “You have hurt usenough.Go.Goanddon’tcomeback.”

Felix nodded sadly. “Very well.” He bowed to his brother. “I am sorry, Otto. And I will doeverythingIcantofixthis.”

“Idon’twanttohearanymore,”saidOtto.“Justgo.Go!”FelixsighedandstarteddownthestreettowardsthegatetotheNeuestadt,hismindboilingwith

guiltandangerandadeterminationtohonourhispromisetoOttoandmakethingsrightforhimandhisfamily.Therainpickedup.Hepulledupthehoodofhisfancynewcloak.It,atleast,wasstillinonepiece.

ELEVENFelix walked out onto the roof of the College of Engineering, his brother ’s words still echoingthroughhismind.Bright lanternspushedback thenight,making the flatgreencopper roofand itscrenellatededgesappeartobeaislandinadarkandendlesssea.Slantingraindropsslashedpastthelanternslikelittlecomets.

StudentswererollingbarrelsofblackpowderoutfromthestairwellandstackingtheminpilesbeneaththeSpiritofGrungni,whichhoveredabovethemlikeanironcloud.Awinchwasliftinganetfullofbarrelsup throughahatch into thebellyof thegondola.Anothernetwasspreadouton therooftopandbarrelswerebeingplacedinitscentre.Beyondalltheactivity,agyrocoptersatlikethewitheredhuskofsomegiganticinsect,chainssecuringittotheroof.

Malakai stoodby thenet, supervising the loading.Gotrekwaswithhim.Felix limped towardsthem.Therewasnothingwrongwithhislegs,buthiswoundedsidewassostiffhecouldhardlywalkstraight.Itthrobbedwithblunt,insistentagonyAllhewantedtodowasdullhisbrainwithaleandtrytosleep,buttheSlayerneededtohearofthenight’sevents.

Thetwodwarfslookedupasheapproached.“Evening,youngFelix,”saidMalakai.“Youmusthavefoundsomething,”saidGotrek.“You’vebeenfighting.”“Aye,”saidFelix.“IfoundoutwhatafoolIcanbe.”Hecastadistractedeyeupatthebarrelsthat

were disappearing into the hatch. “I don’t dare to hope that you’ve recovered the powder in myabsence.”

Malakaishookhishead.“This is thenewpowder,boughtwithLordSkinflint-Keppel’smoney.Butwhathappenedtaeye?”

Felixsighed.“IwenttoWulf’s.Oneofthecultistswefoughtlastnightwore—”“Aye,awolf’sheadpendant.Ahnooa’abootit,”saidMalakai.“Gurnissontoldmeallo’what

wentoninyoncellar.Naeneedtaeexplain.Goon.”Felix frowned, uneasy. How much had Gotrek said? Had he mentioned Ulrika? Countess

Gabriellawouldn’tlikethat.Well,hecouldn’tverywellaskGotrekthatinMalakai’spresence,couldhe?Hecoughedandcontinued.“Well,Isawamanattheclubwithaburnedhand.Unfortunatelyhesawme too, and he sent some thugs towaylayme andmybrother on ourwayback to his house.Therewasafight.Mybrother…mybrotherhastoldmetonevercomebacktohishouse.”

“Andwhy,praytell?”askedMalakai.“Heblamesmeforgettinghiminvolvedandbringingtroubletohisdoor.”Felixsighedasthe

daggers of guilt stabbed at him again, almost as painful as the cut in his side. “And he is right. IshouldhavefoundsomeotherwayintoWulf’s.NowtheCleansingFlameareafterhimaswell.Andhisfamily.IfearIhavedoomedthemwithadeathmeantforme.”

GotrekandMalakaisnortedinunison.“Men,”gruntedGotrek,contemptuously.“A dwarf would have added his axe tae his brother ’s and faced his enemy at his side,” said

Malakai.“Didyoucatchthisburnedman?”askedGotrek.“No,”saidFelix.“ButIlearnedhisname,andwherehelives.”“Good,”saidGotrek,turningtowardsthestairs.“Let’sgo—”“Gurnisson!”snappedMalakai.“Don’tbeanass.Can’tyeseetheladneedsaweeliedoon?”

Gotrekstoppedandlookedback,glaringatFelix’sblood-soakedshirt.HeseemedoffendedthatFelixhadgothimselfwounded.“There’snotime.Thesefoolscouldusethepowdertonight.AndtheSpiritofGrungnileavesinlessthantwodays.”

“I’mfine,”saidFelix, thoughhefeltanythingbut, inbodyorsoul.“ButIdon’t thinkwe’llbeabletoreachhimtonightanyway.”

“Whosayswewon’t?”Gotreksnarled.“He’sarichman’sson,”saidFelix.“Helivesathisfather ’shouseintheKaufmandistrict.The

citywatchdoesn’t let commoners through theAltestadt gates at this timeof night. Particularly notwhentheyarewantedcriminalssuchasourselves.”

“Thenwe’lltakethesewers,”saidGotrek.“Comeon.”ThementionofthesewersandoftheiroutlawstatusremindedFelixoftheencountertheyhad

hadwiththewatchundertheGunnerySchoolearlierthatday.HeturnedtoMalakai.“Didyougetavisitfromthewatchtodayaboutus?”

“Oh,aye,”saidMalakai.“ItoldGurnissono’italready.Theycameaskingafterye.”“And?”Malakaishrugged.“Itold‘emIdidnaeknowwhereyewis,whichwasthetruth.AndItoldthem

I’dtellye,ifyereturned,no’taedaeitagain.”Hegrinned.“So,dinnaedaeitagain.Anddinnaetellmewhothisrichladdieis,orwherehishouseis,neither.Adwarfniverlies.”

Felixgaveahalf-heartedchuckle,thengroanedandpressedhisribs.Malakaicluckedhistongue.“Yeshouldnaebegoin’anywhere,laddie,excepttoyerbed.”“I’llsleepwhenthisisover,”saidFelix,andturnedafterGotrek.IfI’mstillalive,hethought.

Felixwalked besideGotrek as they travelled again through the stinking brick tunnels towards theAltestadtdistrict,hisheaddownandhismindchurninglikeastewontheboil.Athoughtwouldcometothesurfacelikeamushyonionorabitofmeatorcarrot,andthensinkbackdownintothedepthsas another one roiled up, demanding his attention— his culpability in his brother ’s danger, hisresponsibilityforthefireintheMaze,thethreatsofthecountessandherevenmoreviciousrivals,thedoomthatwouldcomeupontheGunnerySchoolif theyfailedtofindthepowder, thefactthat,nottwoweeksbackintheEmpireandtheywereonceagainoutlaws.

He lookedover atGotrek, striding alongwithhis beard jutting forward, his brow lowered, apictureofunwaveringdetermination.Didheeverhavedoubtsorsecondthoughts?Didheeverhaveregrets?ThenherecalledtheSlayerhunchedoverthebodyofhisfriendHamnir,whomhehadjustkilled.Ofcoursehedid—morethanFelixwouldeverknowof,nodoubt.

Felixshookhimselfandtriedtoclearhismindforthetaskahead.“So,”hesaidatlast.“Whenwegetthere,isyourplantobeatthisGephardtuntilhetellsuswherethepowderisandwhohisleadersare?”

“Aye,”saidGotrek.“Whatelse?”“Idon’tthinkitwillwork.”saidFelix.“TheoratorwecapturedinShantytownyesterdaycuthis

ownthroatonyouraxeratherthantalk.Andtheleaderofthemenwhoattackedmybrother ’scoachdid the same thingwhen I tried to question him tonight.He threw himself onmy sword and diedlaughingatme.”

Gotrekgrunted.“They’renotcowards,atleast,”hesaid.“No,”saidFelix.“They’remad.”Hehissedasthecutoverhisribsflaredagain.“Ithinkourbest

betistowatchGephardt,andfollowhimuntilhebringsustotheleadersofthecult.”Gotrekshrugged.Allright.Butifhedoesn’tleadustothembeforetheSpiritofGrungniisready

toleave,we’lltryitmyway.”“Fairenough,”saidFelix.

Theywalkedon,theflowofsludgeinthesewerchannelwashigherandquickerthanusualfromtherain,andineverydirectionFelixheardtherushandsplashofwaterpouringdownthroughirongratings.Thebrickwallswereslickwithmoisture.

Alittlefurtheron,Felixslowedandlookedaroundasafamiliarfetidsmellreachedhisnostrils.Heinhaleddeeper,tryingtoseparateitfromthepungentbackgroundodourofthesewer.Wasit?Yesitwas.Therewasnomistakingit—therancidmuskyreekofratman—faintbutunmistakable.WasitsomeoldspoorheandGotrekhadstumbledover,orhadtheskavenreturnedtoNuln?

Gotrekwasturninghisheadbackandforthlikeadogsniffingthewind.HecaughtFelix’seye.“Aye,manling.Ismellittoo.Butwe’venotimefordiversions.”

He strode on. Felix shook his head as he followed. Only Gotrek could call those horrificabominationsa“diversion’.

Afewtunnelson,FelixrememberedwhatMalakaihadsaidontheroof,andhisheartthuddedinhischest.“Ah,Gotrek,didyoutellMakaissonaboutouralliancewithUlrika?”

“Ofcoursenot,”saidGotrek.“Imightkillher,butI’dnotbetrayher.”Felixflushed.“Ididn’tthinkso,butwhenhesaidyouhadtoldhimaboutthependant…”“Ikeptheroutofit.”“Good.”Felixwasrelieved.Thatwasonelumpinhisroilingstewoffearsthatcouldsubside.He

couldconfidentlytellthecountessandhercompatriotsthatheandGotrekhadkepttheirexistenceasecret.Thoughwhether thatwouldmatter toLadyHermioneandMistressWitherhecouldnot say.Theirmistrustofmenseemedtoruntoodeep.

Gotreklookedup.“We’reundertheAltestadtnow.Thisway.”HeledFelixtoasidetunnelwithanironladderasifithadbeenyesterdaythathehadusedit,not

twenty years ago. Felix’swounded side ached as he pulled himself up.The rungswerewet, and asteady stream of drips rattled on their heads as they climbed. At the top of the ladder, GotrekshoulderedupanirongrateandhelpedFelixoutintoanalleybehindarowofshops.Therainhadfinallystartedinearnest.Itwaspouring.Theywerewetinseconds.

Felixsighed.“Aperfectnightforspying.”The Gephardt house stood in the middle of a row of elegant town homes: a four storey granitemansionwith tall,narrowwindowsateachfloorandabalconyover thefrontdoor. ItwasnearingmidnightwhenGotrekandFelixfoundtheplace,anhourwhenmosthonestNulnerswereabed—andthesaneoneswereoutoftherain,thoughtFelixmiserably,asadriprandownhisnose—buttherewasalightbehindoneofthewindowsonthegroundfloor,andwhentheylookedin,theycouldseeyoungNikolaspacingbeforeahugefireplace,anddrinkingdeeplyfromawinebottle.Theredidn’tappeartobeanyonewithhim.

Theyoungmanwasnervous,butwhatabout?HadhisthugsreportedthatFelixandOttoescapedthem?Washefrightenedthathewasgoingtobeexposed?HadhesenthismenbackouttofindFelix?HadtheyregroupedandgoneafterOtto?ThethoughtmadeFelixwanttorunbacktohisbrother ’shouse and defend it, butOtto had said he didn’twant him there and, truth be told, the bestwayofsavinghimandhis family fromthe threatof theCleansingFlamewas to find thecultistsandwipethemout.Felixjusthopedthatwaspossible.

Theycouldnotstaytoolongatthewindow.UnlikeShantytownandtheNeuestadt,theKaufmandistrict was well patrolled. Gotrek and Felix heard the tap of the watch’s spear butts striking thecobblesfurtherdowntheblockbeforetheysawthem,andretreatedintoaservicealley,thenwatchedasthemenpassed,lookingwetandoutofsorts,theircaptaincarryingalanternonalongpolebeforethem.

After the watchmen had turned a corner and vanished again into the night, they returned to

Gephardt’swindow.Nikolaswasgone,andanoldservantwascovering the fireand tidyingup thewinebottle.

“Aroundtheback,”saidGotrek.They circled theblock.The alleybehind thehouseswasnot as neatly cobbled as the street in

frontandtheysplashedthroughpuddlesandmuddyrutsuntiltheycametotherightgate.Thebackofthepropertywaslarge,anddividedintocoachyardandgarden.Astheycranedtheirneckstoseeoverthewall,alightwentoutinawindowonthetopfloor.

“Gonetosleep,”saidFelix.“Perhaps,” said Gotrek. “Perhaps not.” He looked around. The coach house of the mansion

acrossthealleyfromGephardt’sbuttedupagainstthealley.Gotrekcrossedtoitandstartedclimbingthewall to theroof,whichwas lowandpartiallyscreenedbyyewtrees.“I’llwatchfromhere,”hesaidoverhisshoulder.“Yougobacktowherewewere.Ifheleavesfromthefront,strikeyourswordagainststone.I’llhearit.”

“Andifheleavesfromtheback?”askedFelix.“Idon’thaveyourhearing.”Gotrekpulledhimselfupontotheroofanddrewhisaxe.Hehelditupandgrinned.“Youwon’t

needit.”Felixshrugged.“Allright.Let’shopeheleavesquickly,though.IthinkI’mcatchingachill.”Gotrek snorted. “Humans are soft.” He settled himself in a valley between the peaks of the

carriagehouseroof.Felixrolledhiseyes,thentrudgeddownthealleyandbacktothestreet.

ItseemedNikolasmightneverleave.Felixstoodshiveringandsniffingintheservicealleyacrossthestreet from theGephardtmansion for hourswhile the rain beat down on his head and hiswoundachedanditchedasifimpswereclawingatitfromtheinside.Nothinghappened.OnceeveryhourthewatchwalkedbyandFelixsteppedfurtherbackintotheshadowsofthealley,butotherthanthat,allwasquiet.Therainrained,catsandratsprowled,veryoccasionallyacoachrolledbyordepositedsomeoneatoneof thegrandhouses—onceeven to thehousehewashunchedagainst—butnonestoppedatGephardt’shouse..

AfteratimeFelix’slegsgrewtiredandhesquattedonhishaunches,butthenhisnewbootscutoffthecirculationinhislegsandhestoodagain,stompingawaythepinsandneedles.Atlasthesatdownonthedriestcobbleshecouldfindandtriedtokeephiseyesopenwhilehisseatgotwetterandcolder.Won’tbelongnow,hethought.AnyminuteGephardt’sfrontdoorwillopen,ortheclashofGotrek’saxewillringout,andwe’llbeoffandrunning.Anyminutenow.Anyminutenow.“What’sallthis?”saidavoiceinFelix’sear.“Areyouwell,m’lord?”

Felixflinchedawake,blinkingaroundinconfusion.Bootedlegsandspearshaftsringedhimlikea fence. A square face with a broken nose was inches from his, and a loud voice buffeted hiseardrums,accompaniedbyagustofonionsandbeerandcheapmeatpie.Itwasstillraining.

“Lostyerwayhomefromtheclub,hey,m’lord?”saidthewatchman,notunkindly.HeofferedFelixhisarm.Felix took it,and themanhauledhimtohis feet.“Upsydaisy,m’lord.That’s it.”HedustedFelixdownandsmiledathim, revealing rotten teeth.“Best to findyourownbed then,hey?You’llcatchyourdeathouthereinthiswet.”

“Thankyou,”saidFelix,still tryingtoclearhishead.Itappearedtobedawn,oralmostdawn.Howlonghadhebeenasleep?HadhemissedNikolas leaving?HadhemissedGotrek’ssignal?Atleastwithhisnewclothestheyseemedtohavemistakenhimforanoblemanandweren’tsuspiciousofhisbeinghere.“I…Well,IguessI’llbegoing.”

Butwhere,hewondered?Hepulledhissoddencloakaroundhisshoulders.WouldtheyfollowhimifhewentaroundtheblocktofindGotrek?AndwhatifNikolasslippedoutbeforehecouldget

backinposition?Ashestartedtowardsthestreetoneofthewatchmensteppedtothesergeantandwhisperedinhis

ear.Felixsawthisandpickeduphispace.Itwasnogood.“Justaminute,m’lord,”saidthesergeantfrombehindhim.Felixturnedatthemouthofthealley.“Yes?”“Beggingyourpardon,”said thesergeant,“butcouldyou tellmeyourname?Andwhereyou

live,exactly?”“My name?” said Felix, panic rising in his throat. He tried an aristocratic sneer. “And what

businessisitofyourswhatmynameis?”“Well, er, ye see, yer lordship,” said the sergeant, looking uncomfortable. “Edard here thinks

youlooklikeafellowwhat’ssupposedtobeunderhousearrestintheCollegeofEngineering.Thatone were described as having a sword with a dragon hilt, just like the one you’re wearing, and,well…”

“Oh,sergeant,”cameasilveryvoicefromabovethem.Everyone looked up. A beautiful woman in green, with long auburn hair trailing out from

beneathashawl,wasleaningoutofawindowofthetownhousebesidethealley.Shesmileddownatthem.

Felixstared.ItwasUlrika.

TWELVEThesergeanttouchedhisfingerstohiscap.“Morning,m’lady.Terriblesorryifwewokeyou.”

“Notatall,sergeant,”shesaidsweetly,andwithoutatraceofKislevaccent.“ButImustaskyoutoreleasethisman,ruffianthoughhemaybe.Ithrewhimoutlastnightafterwehadalittlelover ’squarrel.Hehaspinedbeneathmywindoweversince,butIbelievehehassufferedenough,andIhaveforgivenhim.LethimgoandIwillopenthedoorforhim.”

“Aye,lady,”saidthesergeant,uncertainly.“It’s just thatwehavereasontobelievehemightbe—”

“Nonsense,” said Ulrika, even more sweetly. “He couldn’t possibly be anyone you had anyinterest in.Heismerelymypoor,sweet,bedraggledlover,heartsickin therain.”Hervoicewasassyrupyandcloyingashoney,andhereyesseemedtohavegottenverylargeandverydeep.“Mypoor,sweet,bedraggledlover,”sherepeated.“Heartsickintherain.”

“Aye,lady,”thesergeantmumbled.“Heartsickintherain.Aye,ofcourse.Thankye.Andwe’llbegoingnow.”

“Yes,youwill,”agreedUlrika.“Goodbye.”Thewatchmenturnedandshuffledoffdownthestreetlikesleepwalkers.Felixwatchedthemgo,

thenlookedupatUlrikaagain.“Howareyouhere…?”Ulrikaputafingertoherlipsandmotionedtothefrontofthehouse,thenclosedthewindow.Felixwalkedaroundtothefrontdoor,givingthebefuddledwatchmenawideberth.Afterashort

wait, thedooropened,andagravelookingbutlerbowedhimin.AshewastakingFelix’sdrippingcloak,Ulrikaappearedatthetopofacurvedmahoganystaircaseandsmiledsourlydownathim.

“You see how much nicer things could have been if you and Gotrek had honoured yourpromise?”shesaid.“ComeupandIwillfindyousomedryclothes.”

“Idon’tunderstand,”saidFelixcrossly, startingup thestairs. Itwasdeliriouslywarminhere,anddry.Thesmellofeggsandbaconandspicedteawaftingfromthebackofthehousewasmakinghis stomach growl. To think he had spent thewhole night getting soaked in the alley, while rightbehindthewallhehadslumpedagainst,Ulrikawassittinginthelapofluxury.“WhatpromisedidInothonour?Andhowdoyoucometobeinthishouse?”

“Youbrokeonepromise,andGotrekbrokeanother.”saidUlrika,assheledhimalongthehall.“Youdidnotreturntothecountessandtellherwhatyouhaddiscovered.”

Felix scowled. “Was there any need? Her besotted knight — what was his name? CaptainReingelt?Hewasthere.Hesawitall.AsdidoneofLadyHermione’sdandies.Theymusthavetoldtheirmistresses,elseyouwouldn’tbehere.”

“Aye,theydid,butyouforgetwhatIsaidofthecountess’natureoflate.Shewouldtakeevensosmalla lapseasadeliberate slight.”Sheopened thedoor toabedroomandstoodaside to lethimenter.Itwasacomfortableroom,withalargecanopiedbedononesideandacracklingfireontheother.“Butthatisbytheby.ItisGotrekwhosetreacheryisunforgiveable.”

“Ohcome,”saidFelix.“Gotrekhasneverbrokenapromiseinhislife!”“Indeedhehas,”saidUlrika,closingthedoorbehindhimandturning,hereyessuddenlyascold

andhardassapphires.“Andyouknowit.”“What?”“MistressWitherfollowedyoufromWulf’slastnight,atLadyHermione’sbidding.Shewason

theroofwhenyouspoketoGotrekandMalakai.SheheardMalakaisay,justasyouheardhim,that

Gotrekhadrevealedmyexistencetohim.”Felixblinked,confused.“What?Hedidn’t.”“Doyoulienowtoo,Felix?”sheasked,advancingonhim.Allherformerhumourhaddrained

awayasifithadneverbeen.“TheSlayerspeaksmuchabouthonourandkeepingvows.Apparentlyhedoesn’tholdhimselftosohighastandard.”

Felixtookaninvoluntarystepbackwards.Shewasterrifying.“Wait!Youhaveitwrong.ItmustbeMistressWitherthatlied.”

“Didshe?”shesaid,stillcomingforward.“Shereportedtous thatMakaissonsaidGotrekhadtold him all about the pendant, and thewhole truth about the fightwith theCleansingFlame.”Shereachedoutandgraspedhiscollar.“Andthewholetruthincludesme.”

Felixbackedintothebed,banginghisheadagainstoneoftheposts.“Wait!Listen!IcanseehowshemighthaveconstruedMalakai’swords thatway.But shedoesn’tknowGotrek.Hedidnotgiveyouaway.HetoldMalakaiallofitbutyourpart.Heleftyouout.”

Ulrikawas inches fromhim.Her sharp teeth glinted in the firelight. “And howdo you knowthis?”

“Iasked!”Felixswallowed.Shewasgoingtokillhim!“It…ittroubledmetoo!Gotrekdoesn’tdothingslikethat,butknowinghowhefeelsaboutyouandyourmistress,Ithoughtperhaps…”

“Youthought?”“Iwaswrong!”criedFelix.“Hesaidhemightkillyou,buthewouldneverbetrayyou.”Ulrikaglaredathim,herice-blueeyesboringintohisasifshecoulddissecthissoulwiththem.

Thenafteralongmomentshesighedandbackedaway,shakingherheadandchuckling.“Hemightkillmebuthewouldn’tbetrayme?Ha!ThatdoessoundliketheSlayer.”

“Youbelieveme,then?”askedFelix,barelydaringtobreathe.“Aye,”saidUlrika.“Ibelieveyou.”Thenshefrowned.“Butthisisunfortunate.”“Whatis?”Ulrikalookedupathimapologetically.“ThecountessbelievedMistressWithersstory,asIdid.

ThereforeshebelievesthatyouandGotrekbetrayedme.Sheisnotpleased.Infact,shegaveMistressWither,LadyHermioneandmyselfpermissiontokillyoubothifwefoundyou.”

“Sigmar!”Felix’shearthammered.Threeancient,powerful,insane,vampiresses,alloutforhisblood!Coulditgetanyworse?“Youhavetotellthem!Youhavetocallthemoff!”

“Haveno fear,Felix,” saidUlrika. “Iwill repair thedamage. Iwill tell the countesswhatyouhavesaid.Allwillbewell.”

Felixswallowedandtriedtocalmhisbreathing.“Ihopeso.”“Worrynot,”shesaidsmilingreassuringly.“Iamherfavourite,andMistressWitherisarival.

Shewillbelieveme.”HereyesdroppedtoFelix’sclothes.“Butlookatyou!You’redrippingonthecarpet.WhatsortofhostessamI?”Shecrossedtoawardrobe.“Let’sseewhatwecanfindforyou.”

Felix blinked at this quick change of subject andmood.Ulrika seemed to have dismissed thecountess’death sentencewithout another thought,buthewashavingahard time imagining that allwouldgoaswellassheseemedtothink.

He looked around the luxurious room as she rummaged in the armoire. Gephardt’s father ’shousewasvisiblethroughthefrontwindow.“Howdidyoufindthisplacetowatchfrom?”heasked.“Don’ttellmethecountessjusthappenstoownahousedirectlyacrossfromGephardt’s?”

Ulrika pulled a dressing gownof blueCathay silk from thewardrobe and held it out to him.“Here.Thisshouldfit.Putiton.”

Felixtookitandsetitonthebed,waitingforhertowithdraw.

Shesatdowninanarmchair.“AsImentionedoncebefore,thecountesshasmanyclientsamongthenobility,andsheisverygoodat…”ShefrownedatFelix.“What’sthematter.Getdressed.You’llcatchyourdeath.”

“Ah…”saidFelix,colouring.“Oh,don’tbeanidiot,”saidUlrika,rollinghereyes.“It’snotasifIhaven’tseenitallbefore,

whenwewere…”ShestoppedasshesawFelix’sexpression,andsnorted.“Allright,allright.”Shestoodandpickedupthechair—aheavyoakandleatherbehemoth—asifitweighednothing,thenturnedittofacethefire.“Now,goon.Iwon’tlook.Ipromise.”Shesatdowninitandlookedintotheflames.

Felixglaredatherback,thenshruggedandbegantopeeloffhissoppingclothes.“WherewasI?”saidUlrikatothefireplace.“Ahyes.Thecountesshasmanyrichclients,andshe

isverygoodatgettingthemtodowhatshewants.Hervoicecanbeveryhypnoticwhenshewishes.”“Ascanyours,”saidFelix,recallingthebefuddlementofthewatchmen.“I am learning,” said Ulrika, then continued. “This is the house of Lord Jorgen Kirstfauver.

WhenCaptainReingelt reported to thecountess—that is, toMadameduVilmorin—thatyouhadrevealed thesonofLinusGephardt tobeoneof theCleansingFlame,sheknewwherehe lived—Gephardtseniorbeingofcourseanotherclientofourhouse.SoitwassimplicityitselfforhertocalluponLordKirstfauverand invitehim to sample thenewestandyoungestgirls in thehouse, foraslong as he liked, in exchange for the use of his house and servants for a day—with the greatestdiscretion,ofcourse.LordKirstfauverisbesottedwithMadameduVilmorin,asareallmen,sohereadilyagreed.”

“And ifwemustwait longer thanaday?”askedFelix, shuckingoutofhiswet linenshirtandtakinguptherobe.

Ulrikachuckled.“TimehasawayofpassingalmostunnoticedinMadameduVilmorin’shouse.LordKirstfauverwillfindthathewassobewitchedbythebeautyofhisbedmatesthat thedaysjustslippedaway.”Shepaused,frowning.“WhereisGotrek,bytheway?”

Felixfeltahotflashofshame.HehadbeenheretalkingallthistimewhileGotrekwasstilloutintherain,watchingfromthebackalley.“Sigmar!He’swatchingGephardt’scoachyard.AsIshouldbefromthefront.”Hestartedangrilyforthedoor.“You’veluredmefrommypost.Gephardtmayhavegottenaway.”

“Fear not, Felix,” said Ulrika. “I have seven spies watching the house. We will know if heleaves.”

“Seven!”Felixstaredather.Sevenspies?Andhehadseennoneofthem?Shespreadherhands.“Yousee?Hadyoutoldusasyoushouldhave,youmighthavesleptina

warmbed tonight.Your stubborn insistenceongoing it alone soakedyou to thebone, and the foxmight have slipped awaywhile you slept.”She smirked. “Doyouwant to relieveGotrek fromhismiserynow?”

Felixflushedagain.HedidwanttobringGotrekinoutoftherain,butthethoughtoftheSlayerfindinghiminasilkrobeinthecompanyofUlrikamadehimcringe.“Yes,I’ll…Justamoment.”

Hecrossed tohis swordandunsheathed it.Ulrika lookedalarmeduntil he stepped to the sidewindow,whichlookedoverthealleyhehadspentthenightin.Heopeneditandrangtheflatofthebladeagainstthestonewindowledge.Ulrikalookedathimcuriously.

“Oursignal,”Felixexplained.HeleanedoutofthewindowuntilhesawGotrek’ssquatformappearattheendoftheblockand

lookdownthestreettowardsGephardt’shouse.“Hssst!”saidFelix.

TheSlayerlookedup,andFelixwavedathim,thenpointedtothefrontdoor.HesawalookofangryconfusioncrossGotrek’sfacebeforehestartedacrossthestreet.

FelixandUlrikareachedtheentrywayjustasthebutleropenedthedoor.“Whatisthisfoolishness?”saidGotrekashesteppedthroughthedoor,waterdrippingfromhis

beard in rivulets. “Youwere only to signal if…”He stoppedwhen he saw Felix’s silk robe, thenlookedpasthimtoUlrika.Hesneered.“Ah.Notinterruptinganything,amI?”

“Letmeexplain,”saidFelix.“Isityouexplaining?”askedGotrek.Heclosedthedoorbehindhim.“Orisither,jerkingyour

strings?”“I…”saidFelix.“Felix is not beglamoured, Slayer,” saidUlrika. “Imerely invited him in out of the rain, as I

inviteyounow.Hadyoubothcomeimmediately to thecountesswhenyoulearnedaboutGephardt,youmighthavewaitedoutthenightincomforthereinsteadofsoakingyourselvesoutthere.”

Gotrekgrowled.“Andwhowatchesthehousewhilewewaitincomfort?”“Ihavesevenspieswatchingthehouse,”saidUlrika.“Trustme,yourquarrywillnotslipaway

whileyouenjoythecountess’hospitality.”TheSlayergrunted,apparentlyunhappythatallhisquestionshadbeenansweredsoreasonably.

Foramomenthelookedreadytoturnaroundandwalkbackoutintotherain,butfinallyheranhisthickhandthroughhiswiltedcrestandflickedthewateronthefloor.“Thengetmeaclothandsomefoodandapint.”

Ulrikacurtsied,herlipstwistingintoaslysmile.“Atonce,sirdwarf.Weliveonlytoserve.Youwillfindafireintheparlourtoyourleft.”

Sheturnedanddisappearedthroughaservant’sdoor.Gotrekcrossedtotheparlourdoor,thenlookedbackatFelix.“Goandsleep,manling.Alone.”Felixstiffened.“Alltheseyears,andyoudon’ttrustmenottobeafool?”Gotreklookedasifhewasgoingtosnapbackwithsomeretort,thenhepausedandshrugged,

lookingalmostcontrite.“Itrustnohumanwhenoneofthosethingsisaround.Nowgetsomesleep.”Heturnedandenteredtheparlour.Felixglaredafterhimforamoment,thenstartedupthestairs

forthebedroomwherehehadlefthisclothes.Felixwokeslowly.Theroomwasdarkbutforthelowflickeroffirelight.Thebigfour-posterbedwas soft andwarmandenveloping.Thepatterof rainon thewindowswas soothing.The smelloffreshlinenandwoolwascomforting.Heyawnedandstretched—andyelpedlikeatrodden-ondogasthestitchesinhissidestabbedathimanew.

Hecurledup inaball,hissingandblinkingaway tears.Hesawa face in theblurreddimness.Therewassomeonenexttohisbed!Hejerkedbackandyelpedagainasthewoundcaughthimoncemore.

“Goodevening,Felix,”saidUlrika,laughing.Felixglaredather,pantingandsweating.Shesatslouchedinthearmchair,dressedinhermanly

garbagain,lookingasifshehadbeenthereforalongwhile.“What…what…whatdoyouwant?”hefinallymanaged.“Isittime?”“Nono.Ourfoxhasnotyetlefthisden,”shesaid.“Butnighthascome.Hemaysoon.Ithought

youmightwanttofeed—sorry—toeat,beforehemoves.”“Yes.”Felixsatupgingerly.“Yes.That’sagoodplan.”Shestoodandturnedthechairaround,aseasilyasbefore,thensatdownagainfacingawayfrom

himandpointed to thechestat theendof thebed.“Yourclotheshavebeendriedandmended,and

thereisawashbasinbythefireandapitcherofwaterwarmingbeforeit.”Felixrubbedthesleepfromhiseyes,thengruntedandhissedhiswayoutofbed.Hepulledon

hishoseandbreechesandpaddedtothefire.“Youwillberelievedtohear,”shesaidfrombehindhim.“Thatwhileyouslept,Isentamessage

tothecountess,tellingherthatyouandtheSlayerdidnotbetraymyexistencetoMakaissonafterall,andaskinghertocalloffLadyHermioneandMistressWither.”

“Thankyou,”saidFelix.“Andhasshereplied?”Hepoured thewater into thebasin. Itwas theperfecttemperature.

“Notyet,” saidUlrika. “She isunlikely to tonight.Mostofher servants arebusy, either at thebrothel,orlookingfortheCleansingFlame.”

Felixshiveredashesoapedhishandsandface.HewasgladtohearthatUlrikahadsentthenote,but he would be unable to relax entirely until he knew the countess had withdrawn her order ofexecution.

“Youlookveryyoungwhenyousleep,Felix,”saidUlrika.“Likeyoudidwhenwefirstmet.”Felixchoked.He lookedup,covered insuds.“You…Howlongwereyouwatchingme?”The

thoughtmadehimuneasy.“Ourkinddonotsleep,”saidUlrika.Felixfrownedandsplashedhisface.Thatwasn’treallyananswer.“Which is unfortunate,” she continued. “For it leads to contemplation, and perhapsmadness.”

Felix heard her sigh. “Iwas remembering how itwaswith us,when lastwe knew each other, andwonderingifthingswouldhavebeendifferent—ifthismightnothavehappened—hadyounotlostinterestinme.”

Felixsnortedandwatersquirtedpainfullythroughhisnose.Hecoughedandhacked,convulsing,tears streaming from his eyes and thewound in his side screaming. “I…!”Hewretched and triedagain.7lostinterestinyou?YouleftmeforMax!”

Sheturnedinherchairandlookedathim,raisinganeyebrow.“Comenow,Felix.Thatwaslongafterthingswereoverbetweenus.”

Felixglaredather.Hewassurprisedathowmuchtheoldwoundsstillstung.“Isthatso?Iwishyouhadthoughttotellme.”

“Maybewedidn’tspeakofit,”saidUlrika,thenchuckled.“Wewereverygoodatnotspeakingofthingsthen,weren’twe?Butwebothknew.”

“I’mnotsureIdid,”saidFelixstiffly“IseemtorecallyourlosinginterestinmebeforeIlostinterestinyou.Whyelsedidyoustartallthosepointlessarguments?Whyelsethesullenmoods?Thesuddenanger?”

Ulrikabarkedalaugh.“Youdescribeyourself!”“Iwasonlyreactingtoyou!”Ulrika’seyesflashedlikeacat’s,andshesprangfromthechairtofacehim.Felixshrankback,

suddenlyawarethathewashalfnakedandfacingawell-armedandinhumanlystrongmonster.Ulrikaseemedtocometothesamerealisation,forallatonceshedeflatedandsatdownonthe

armofthechair,hangingherhead.“Iapologise,Felix.Youareentirelyright.Istartedmanyofthosefights,andIdidhaveboutsofsullennessandanger.Butyoudidaswell.”

“I…IsupposeIdid.”“We were both very young then,” she said. “Perhaps we still are.” She laughed bitterly. “I

certainlyhaven’tgottenanyolder.”Felixcrossedtohisshirtanddrewitonasmemoriesfloodedbacktohimacrosstheyears.“You

wereveryhardtofigureout,”hesaid.“Attimesitfeltasifyouthoughtmeanamusingcommoner,

notworthmore than a summer fling. Other times you seemed to act as if I was your saviour—someonetoleadyououtoftheoblastandshowyoutheworld.Ididn’tknowwhatyouwanted.”

“ThatisbecauseIdidn’tknowwhatIwanted,”saidUlrika.“Iwanted…Iwanted…”Shepaused,her eyes far away, then laughed suddenly, agreatguffawof surprise, and stood, runningherhandroughlythroughhershortwhitehair.“ShallItellyouwhenitwasover?”Sheheldupafinger.“Andthiswillprovethatyouwerecorrect,andthatitwasmewhodecidedtoendit,thoughIdidn’trealisethatthatwassountilthisverymoment.”

“Allright,”saidFelix,ashetuggedonhisboots,thoughhewasn’tsure,nowthatshesaidit,thathedidwant toknow.Hadhe said something ridiculous?Hadheprovedhimself apeasant in someobscuremanner?

“I set you a test,” she said, leaning against themantelpiece and crossingher arms. “Though Ididn’tknowthatwaswhatitwasatthetime.Anditwasatestthatyoucouldnotwin,nomatteryouranswer.”

“Idon’tunderstand,”saidFelix.“Whattest?”Ulrika smiled. “Doyou remember, atKarakKadrin,when I askedyou ifyouwould leave the

SlayerandcomeawaywithmetoKislev?”Felix’sfacehardened.“Idoremember.Isaidyes,Iwould.ItistheonlytimeIhaveeverbetrayed

myoathtoGotrek.”“Yes,”saidUlrika,nodding.“Andbecauseof that,youfailed the test.FromthenonIbeganto

thinkofyouasamanwhowouldgobackonavow,andInolongerhadtherespectforyouthatIhadpreviously.”

“So,”Felixsaid,angerrisinginhim,“IwouldhavepassedthetestifIhadsaidIwouldnotgowithyou?”

“No!Ofcoursenot,”saidUlrika.“Hadyousaidno,itwouldhaveprovedthatyoudidnotlovemeenoughtogobackonavow.”

Felixblinked.“Butthenitwas…”“Impossible. Absolutely!” Ulrika laughed. “You see? Young and foolish! I thought myself a

noblewoman,andanoblewomanmusthavealoverofunimpeachablehonour—amanwhowoulddie before he broke an oath.Andyet, at the same time, Iwanted frommy lover such passion anddevotionthathewouldbewillingtotramplehishonourinthemudandforsakehisfriendsandfamilyatmylightestword.”

Felixshookhisheadinwonder.“Shallya’smercy, itwasn’tKriegerwhomadeyouamonster.Whatmadness!”

Ulrikaflashedasharp-toothedgrin.“Thereisnomoredangerousmonsterthananineteen-year-oldgirlwithideals.”

Felixlaughed,thenwinced,andeasedgingerlyintohisdoublet.“I…Imustconfesstoasimilarstruggle.”

“Oh?”Felixlookedathersheepishly.“YouwereeverythingIeverwanted—abeautifulgirlwithspirit

andintelligence,wholovedlifeandadventureand…”Hepaused,“…andlove.Andyet,youwerealsoeverythingIeverhated,anoblewomanwho’dneverdoneaday’swork inher life.Asportswomanwhowouldratherhuntthanread,andwhoseideaofpoetrywasaKossardrinkingsong.”

“Lies!”criedUlrika,interrupting.“Iworkedharderthanyouever—”Felixhelduphishands.“Iknow.Iknow.Youwerenotreallyanyofthosethings.Onlyasymbol

ofthem.Iknewitthentoo,butIcouldn’thelpit.Ispentallmyschoolyearsbeingsnubbedbythesonsanddaughtersofnobles,andIhelditagainstyou.Bylovingyou,IwasbetrayingeveryidealIever

held about overturning privilege and ending the tyranny of class, and so I felt guilty. But when Ilookedatyou,andlistenedtoyou,andsawyouforwhoyouwere,ratherthanwhatyoustoodfor,IfeltguiltyforthepigeonholeIhadputyouin.”

“Andsogrewsullen,”saidUlrika.Felixnodded.“Andangry.”“Andstartedargumentsfornoreason,”theysaidinunison,thenlaughedandcaughteachother ’s

eyes.Awhole conversation flashedbetween them in that look.A recognitionof regret, of longing,

guilt,ofunderstandingcometoolate—andapainwentthroughFelix’schestthathadnothingtodowithhisstitches.Heturnedaway,suddenlyangry,thoughwhetheratUlrika,orhimself,orcruelfate,hedidn’tknow.Bythegods,thefoolishnothingsthatdrovepeopleapart!Itwasallsounfair.

“Whycouldn’twehavehadthisconversationtwentyyearsago?”heasked.“Becauseweweretwentyyearsyounger,”saidUlrika,sighing.“Andtwentyyearsmorefoolish.

Andcouldnotnameourtroubletoourselves,letaloneeachother.”Felixspunbacktoher.“Butthinkwhatthoseyearsmighthaveheldforus!Thinkhowdifferent

ourlivesmighthavebeenif…”“Aye,”saidUlrika,andthepaininhereyeswaslikeanopenwound.“Idothinkonit.Often.”Felixflushed.“Ulrika.”Hesteppedtowardsher.“Forgiveme.Itdidn’tevenoccurtome.”Heraisedahandtoclasphershoulder,butsheflinchedback,thrustingoutawardinghandand

showingherfangs.“No!Youmaynottouchme!”Felixstopped,confused.Ulrikaturnedawayandstaredintothefire,huggingherself.“Icouldnotbearit.”Felix’shanddropped,hisheartbreaking.Hewantedcomforther,buthow?Hestaredatherback,

unabletothinkofanythingtosay.Thedooropened.Gotrekstoodinit.“He’sleaving.”Ulrikasighed.ItsoundedtoFelixlikeasighofrelief.

ButallGephardtdidwasgo todinnerat anearby restaurant, alone,and then,afteranhour, returnhome,stillalone.Itwasmaddening.FelixwascertainthatsomewhereinNulntheBrotherhoodoftheCleansing Flame was preparing to use the black powder for some nefarious purpose, and thatsomething terriblemight happen at anyminute.Butwhere?When?Andwhatwould it be?He hadthoughtGephardtwouldbepartof it, andwouldbring them to it, butheappeared tobe in for thenight.

“MaybeImadeamistake,”hesaid.“MaybeIpickedthewrongman.”HavingreturnedfromspyingonGephardt’sdinner,heandGotrekandUlrikanowwatchedhis

father ’shousefromthewindowofLordKirstfauver ’sdarkenedfrontsittingroom.Gephardt’slampswereonandhisfiguremovedbackandforththroughtherooms.

“MaybethelookIsawinGephardt’seyewasnothingbutindigestion,”saidFelixmiserably.“Youwereattacked,”saidUlrika.“ItcouldhavebeensomeothermemberofWulf’swhorecognisedmeandsentthosemen.”“It’s him,” said Gotrek. “He is nervous. He paces. He drinks. He is waiting for something.

Somethingwillhappentonight.”“Ithadbetter,”saidFelix.“TheSpiritofGrungnifliesatdawn.”“AndIwillletitfly,ifneedbe,”saidGotrek.Felixlookedathim,surprised.“IwillnotleaveuntilHeinzisavenged,”Gotrekrumbled.“Nomatterhowlongittakes.”

Anotherhourpassed.“WhatifGephardt’snotpartofwhatisgoingtohappen?”saidFelix,fromwhereheslumpedin

a chair. “What if he’s only waiting to hear of the success of the plan? What if it has alreadyoccurred?”

Gotrek snorted. “If somebody set off that much powder somewhere in Nuln, we would haveheardit.”

Midnightcameandwent.Gotrekremainedatthewindow,watchingintently,apparentlyuntiring.Ulrikaprowledfromroomtoroom,restless.

Felixdozedfitfully,dreaminguncomfortabledreamsofhistimeswithher.Ithadbeendifficulttothinkofanythingelsesincetheirconversation.Daggersofregretwouldstabhimintheheartwhenhewould turn his head and see her looking out of thewindow. Shards ofmemorywould tumblethrough his mind, cutting everything in their path with their sharp edges. He would find himselfthinking,theremustbesomewaytofixthis.Theremustbesomewaythat,nowthattheykneweachotherandthemselves,theycouldreturntowhattheyhad,older,wiser,andforever.Buttherewasnoway.Ulrika had died seventeen years before, in the arms ofAdolphusKrieger, andwas given thesemblanceoflifeonlybydarkestsorceryfromthemistsoftime.Therewasnowaybackfromwhatshehadbecome.Therewasnowaytocureherbutthestakeorthefireorthesun.

Felixragedsilentlyattheunfairnessofitall.Howcruelwasfatetoallowthemsuchanepiphanydecadestoolate?Hadtheytalkedthenastheytalkednow,theymighthavesharedtheirlifetogether,travellingtheworldsidebyside,sharinglife’swondersandhorrorsandjoys.Insteadtheyhadbothwanderedaloneamong theircompanions,dividedfromeachotherbyunbreachablewallsofdeath,distance andmisunderstanding. Itwas enough tomakeFelixwant toweep, or fight something thatwouldkillhim.

It occurred to him that, hadUlrika not been turned byKrieger, Felixmight have triedmuchharderandmuchsooner,toturnGotrekbacktowardstheshoresoftheOldWorld.

Atlast,almostthreehoursaftermidnight,Gotrekgrunted,wakingFelixfromhisfitfulslumbers.“Avisitor,”saidtheSlayer.FelixandUlrikasteppedtothewindow.AcoachwaspullingupbeforeGephardt’sdoor.Aman

inaheavycloakgotout.Gephardt’sdooropenedforhim,andthecoachdroveoffasheenteredthehouse.ItwasGephardtthatusheredhimin.

“Ishethrowingaparty?”askedFelix.“Atthistimeofnight?”“Ahuntingparty,perhaps,”saidUlrika.ForanotherhalfhourGephardtandhisguestmovedbehindthewindows,talkinganddrinking,

thenanotherman,thisoneonfoot,approachedthehouse.Again,thedooropenedbeforeheknockedandGephardtlethimin.

Now,however,Gephardtdidnotentertain.Thelanternswerequicklysnuffedandthehousewentdark.Felixlookedbackandforthfromthefrontdoortotheupperfloors,expectingthemtoleaveorretireabove.

Theydidneither.“Theyareleavingfromthecoachyard,”saidUlrika.“I’msureofit.Myspieswilltellmeina

moment.”Shescanned theroofsof thehouses toeithersideofGephardt’shouse.Afterasecond,adark

figureappearedandwavedahand,thenpointedleft.“Ah.Iwasright.”Ulrikaturnedtothedoor.“Come.Theyareheadingsouth.”

THIRTEENItwouldhavebeentooconspicuoustofollowinUlrika’scoach,soGotrek,FelixandUlrikatrailedGephardt’s carriage through the Kaufman district on foot. With his short legs, Gotrek was at adisadvantage for thiskindofwork,butheploddedon tirelesslybehindFelixwhileUlrikasprintedahead,disappearing into theshadowsandkeeping thecoach insight.Felixwasn’tmuchfaster thanGotrek.Theday’sresthadrevivedhim,butithadalsostiffenedhiswoundsandtorturedmuscles.Helimpedandgrittedhisteethwitheverystep.

Thenightwascoldandblustery.Shuttersrattledandtreesrustled.Therainsofthepreviousnighthad tapered off to sporadic sprinkles, and the moons appeared and disappeared behind a herd ofracingcloudsthatfilledtheskylikeastampedeofgreybulls.

Ulrikasoonvanishedentirelyaheadofthem.Felixcarriedoninthedirectionhehopedshehadgone,allthewhilewonderingifshewasleavingthembehindintentionally—revengeperhapsforhisnotinformingherandthecountessaboutGephardt.Butthen,afterafewminutes,shereappearedinthedistance,wavinghimforward.

“They’regoingintotheNeuestadt,”shesaid,ashetrotteduptoher.“Throughthegate.Idon’tthinkthewatchwillletyouthrough.”

“Butyoutheywill?”Felixasked,sceptical.“Idon’tneedthegate.”“Youhavewings?”“Somethinglikethat.”FelixlookeddownCommercialWay.Gephardt’scoachwasstoppedattheAltestadtGatewhile

hiscoachman talkedwith theguards.HowwereheandGotrekgoing toget through,anddo it fastenoughtokeepthecoachinview?

Gephardt was the son of a rich man, with all a rich man’s trappings. He had the coach andcoachman,faultlessclothes,well-bredfriends.IfhesaidhewasgoingtosomebrothelorgamblinghallintheNeuestadt,thewatchwouldtouchtheircapsandbowhimthrough.WouldtheydothesameforFelixandtheSlayer?

Felixlookeddownathimself,takingstock.Hewasdressedwellenoughatthemoment,andwaswellshaved,andthatcountedforsomething—theguardhadwokenhimpolitelyenoughwhentheyhadfoundhiminthealleythismorning,insteadofdrivinghimoutofthedistrictwithkicksandhead-knocks—and even though he andGotrekwere being sought by thewatch, his facewas ordinaryenoughthathemightbeabletopasswithoutthemgivinghimasecondglance,butGotrek…

Gotrekcouldnotbecalledordinary—notevenbySlayerstandards.Iftheguardsatthegatehadbeengivenadescriptionofhim—andFelixhadnodoubtthattheyhad—hewouldberecognisedinaninstant.Theywouldbestopped.Therewouldbequestions,andmostlikelyviolence.InnocentmenwouldbehurtandGephardt’scoachwouldgetaway.

Maybetheyshouldgoviathesewersagain.Butthatwouldtaketoomuchtime.Gephardtmightbeanywherebythetimetheyresurfaced.

Gotrekstrodeup.“What’sthetrouble?”“They’regoingintotheNeuestadt,”saidUlrika.“Thewatchisn’tgoingtoletusfollow,”saidFelix.“They’llquestionus.Arrestus.”Thegateswereswingingopen,andGephardt’scoachmanwaswhippingupthehorses.Gotrekgrowled.“Iftheywanttoarrestus,let’sgivethemareason.”“Wecan’tdothat.We…”HepausedandgapedatGotrek.“Wait!That’sgood.Theywanttoarrest

us.We’llletthem.”“Hey?”saidGotrek.Ulrikacockedaneyebrow.“Justlongenoughtohavethemtakeusthroughthegate.”“Ah,”saidGotrek.“Goodthinking,manling.Leadon.”FelixturnedtoUlrika.“Keeptheminsight.We’llcatchyouupontheotherside.”“I’dratherstayandseethis,”saidUlrika,grinning.“Butverywell.Goodluck.”Sheturnedandrandownasidestreet,thendisappearedintoanalleyinthedirectionofthewall.

Felixstaredafterher.Hermerrygrinhadgonethroughhimlikeahotpoker.“Well,manling?”“Right,”saidFelix,snappingoutofit.“Sorry.”HeandGotrekstartedtowardsthegate.“We can’t just turn ourselves in,” he said, out of the corner of his mouth. “They’d know

somethingwasup.Weneedtolooklikewe’retryingnottogetarrested.”“Andhowarewegoingtodothat?”askedGotrek.

“Halt!”calledthewatchsergeant,holdingupahand.Hehadsixstoutspearmenbehindhim,standinginfrontofthegate,allinbreastplatesandhelmets.“Stateyourbusiness,sirs.”

Felix and Gotrek halted. Gephardt’s coach was still just visible through the bars of the gate,trundlingdownCommerceStreetasitcurvedeastthroughtheHandelbezirk.

“Openthegates,mygoodman,”saidFelixinhissnootiestvoice.“IhaveurgentbusinessattheGunnerySchool.”

“Atthishour,sir?Theschooldon’treceivevisitorsatthistimeofnight,sir,”saidthesergeantashelookedthemoverinthelightoftheguardhouselantern.“Andnoonegoesthroughthisgateuntilsunup.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You let a coach through just now. Let us through.” Felix waved animperioushand.

“The gentleman was known to us,” said the sergeant. He couldn’t seem to keep his eyes offGotrek.“Andoftenhasbusinessatthishour.”

Andslipsyouahealthybribeeverynight,thoughtFelix.“Idemandyouletusthrough,”saidFelix.“CountessEmmanuellewillhearofthisifyoudon’t!”Thesergeantshotaglancebackathismenandtheybegantospreadout.“I’llhaveyournames

sir.Youandyourcompanion.”“Myname?”saidFelix.“DamnedifIwill.I’llhaveyourcommission,youlout.Letmethrough!”“Yournames,sirs,”growledthesergeant.“My name is… is… Lord Gesundheit, damn your eyes! And this is my servant, ah… Snorri

Nosebiter.”Thesergeantblinkedforamoment,thenshookhisheadinwonder.“GesundheitandNosebiter.

ThosearetheworstfalsenamesI’veeverheard.”Heturnedtohismen.“Taketheirweaponsandputtheminirons.Ibelievethesearethe‘HeroesofNuln’whoaremeanttobelockedupintheCollegeofEngineering just now.We’ll put ‘em inUniversitat station house until someone can be sent fortomorrowmorning.Openthegate!”

“Howdareyou!”saidFelix,as theguardsstartedforward,spearsat the ready.HesawGotrekstiffen.“Playalong!”hemutteredoutofthecornerofhismouth.

“Ayeaye,”grumbledGotrek.“Yourweapons,sirs,”saidawatchman.

Felix sighed and unbuckled his sword belt as the gate began to swing open. “This is a greatindignity,”hesaid,ashegavethedragon-hiltedswordtoayoungwatchman.

Gotrektookhisruneaxeoffhisback,thenpausedasifhewasreconsidering,hiseyeblazing.Itlookedlikehemightslaughterthewatchmaninsteadofhandingitover.Atlast,withareluctantgrunthe held it out. The young watchman took hold of it, then stumbled to his knees, his arms nearlywrenchingoutoftheirsocketsasGotrekletgo.Itclangedoffthecobbles.

“Don’tdentit,”Gotrekgrumbled.Thewatchmanstruggledtolifttheaxeashestaredwide-eyedatGotrek.Hefinallygotitupto

hischestandcradleditlikeamancarryingabarrel.“Yourwrists,”saidthefirstwatchman.Gotrek and Felix put their hands behind their backs and a third watchman slipped horseshoe

ironsaroundthemandlockedthem.“Right,” said the sergeant. “Four of youwithKulich.March!”He bowed slyly toGotrek and

Felix as four watchmen prodded them forward through the gate, followed by the boy who wascarryingtheirweapons.“Yourlordship,”hemurmuredwithmockrespect.“MasterNosebiter.”

Felix could hear the sergeant’s men laughing as the others led them into the Handelbezirk.Gotrekrumbledinhisthroat,butsaidnothing.

Felixlookedahead.Gephardt’scoachwasjustdisappearingaroundthecurveofCommerceWay,far in thedistance.Theyneeded tohurry,or theywould lose them,but theycouldn’t act until theywereoutofsightandearshotofthegate.HehopedUlrikahadmadeitoverthewallaseasilyasshehadsaidshecould.Herscoutingwasessential.

“Dorfmann, take thisaxe!” rasped theyoungwatchman,aftera fewstreets.Hewasstaggeringunderthemonstrousweightoftheancientweapon.EveninthedarkofthestreetFelixcouldseethathisfacewasbeetred.

“Yerdoing fine,Mittleberger,” saidanotherwatchman, chuckling. “Be therebeforeyouknowit.”

Theotherslaughed.“Imeanit,”whinedMittleberger.“It’sslipping.”Thewatchmenonlylaughedharder.Felixlookedoverhisshoulder.Thegatewasfiveblocksbehindnow,andedgingoutofsight.

“Now,”hesaidquietly.“About time,” said Gotrek. He shrugged his massive shoulders and the chain between his

shacklessnappedlikeapretzel.Themovementwassosmallandcalmthatforasecondtheguardsdidn’tnotice.Itwasn’tuntilhe

stepped to the strugglingMittleberger and plucked his axe and Felix’s sword from him, that theyturnedandcriedoutinsurprise.

GotrekbuttedMittlebergerinthesolarplexuswithhisforehead.Theboyfellback,gaspinglikealandedfish.

Two guards rushed the Slayer ’s back. Felix lurched right and shouldered into them. Onestumbledintotheotherandfell.Theothercontinuedon.Gotrekspunandchoppedthroughhisspear,thenshovedhimtothecobbles.

Theotherwatchmenhoppedback,loweringtheirspearsandshoutingatGotrektodrophisaxe.Gotrek slashed down at Felix’s back. Felix flinched, but the Slayer ’s aimwas true. The axe bladepartedhischainswithaching,andhewasloose.Gotrektossedhimhissword.

Felixcaughtitandbrainedthefallenguardwiththescabbard.The last twoguards chargedGotrek.He sidesteppedone andknocked aside theother ’s spear,

thenupendedhimoverhisshoulder.Felixcrackedthatoneovertheheadtoo,thendidthesametotheonewiththehalvedspear.That

leftonlytheonewhohadchargedpastGotrekstillonhisfeetandfullyconscious.FelixandtheSlayerturnedtofacehim.Hestaredatthemforamoment,thenturnedandranback

towardsthegate,screamingforthesergeant.Twostepslaterhestaggeredsideways,squawking,andfellonhisface,unconscious.Aboltwithabluntfowlingtipclatteredtothecobblesbesidehim.

“Who…?”saidFelix,lookingaround.Amovementabovehimcaughthiseye.Helookedup.Ulrikasalutedfromanearbyrooftop,a

meresilhouetteagainstthegreyclouds,thenwavedthemon.“Onward,”saidGotrek,and theyhurrieddownCommerceStreet, leaving thedazedwatchmen

moaningandwrithingbehindthem.Felixrolledhisheadaroundonhisneck.Hefeltbetter.Thefighthadloosenedhimupabit.AfewblockspasttheReikPlatz,Gephardt’scoachstoppedandoneofthemengotout.Hisfacewasnowhiddenbehindayellowmask,butFelixcouldtellitwasn’tGephardt.Thismanwastooshortandbroad.

Fromtheshadowofatradingcompanyoffice,GotrekandFelixwatchedasthemannoddedtothecoach,thenvanisheddownanalleybetweentwotenements.

“Dowefollowhim,orthecoach?”murmuredFelix.“Gephardtistheleader,”saidGotrek.“Theotherscametohim.Wefollowhim.”Felixnoddedandtheycontinueddownthestreetasthecoachstartedforwardagain.Faraheadof

themhesawablurofshadowleap fromonerooftop toanother,an impossible jump.Heshivered.Whateverremnantsofheroldselfremained,leapslikethatprovedthatUlrikawasnolongeroneofhis race.The shiverwas followedbya sigh. If only the rest ofherwere as alien,hemight find iteasiertoacceptthatwhathadhappenedtoherwasirreversible.Butshewasstilltoohuman—muchtoohuman.

Awhile later the coach turned north into theWeston district. Felix andGotrek hurried to thecorner,thenpeeredaroundit.Thecoachwasmakingaleftintoasidestreet.Theytrottedtothenextcorner.Thecoachturnedagain.

Fromanotherrooftop,Ulrikawavedtogettheirattention,thenmotionedforthemtohold.Felixsawthewisdomofthis.Thestreetswerewiderandstraighterinthisstolid,burgherneighbourhood,andtherewerefewerplacestokeepoutofsight.Iftheyfollowedtoocloselytheymightbeseen.

After a few moments, Ulrika waved them ahead and they moved to the next corner. Theytravelledforawhileinthisstopandstartfashionuntilthecoachpulledupatagenteellookingtavern,dark and apparently shuttered for the night. Anotherman got out of the coach and rapped on thetaverndoor—twoshortknocks,apause, then threeknocks,anotherpause, then twoshortknocksagain.Itopenedandheslippedin.

FelixlookedatGotrek,forthemanhadbeentallandthin,likeGephardt.TheSlayershookhishead.“Toothinintheshoulders.”Felixnodded.Gotrekhadabettereyeforscaleandproportionthananyoneheknew.Ifhesaidit

wasn’tGephardt,thenitwasn’t.Theymadetofollowthecoachagain,butitdoubledbackonthemandtheyhadtoscrambleto

findahidingplaceintheshadowofadeepdoorwellasitturnedontotheirstreet.Theyheldstillasstatuesasitpassedthembyandcontinuedonthewayithadcome.

WithUlrikamotioningthemaheadateverycorner,theytrailedthecoachsouthagainuntil,aftercrossingCommerceStreet, it entered theShantytowndistrict and stopped at last at a longwoodenwarehouseastreetawayfromthewharves.

GotrekandFelixhid in the shadowof the archedgateof aboatmaker ’syard, andwatchedasGephardtdescendedfromthecoach.AnditwasGephardt.Felixrecognisedhimbyhisstruttingwalk.Themaskedyouthknocked,usingthesamerhythmashiscompanionhadatthetavern,thenslippedinto thewarehouse.Thecoachpulled awayand startedback in thedirectionof theAltestadt again.Felixfrowned.WhateverGephardtwasupto,hedidn’tintendtoreturnhometonight.

“Thisishisfinalstop,”hewhispered.Gotrekgrowled.“Morefinalthanheknows.”Ulrika droppeddownbeside them, as silent as a falling cloak. “Abig gathering,” she said. “I

smellmanyscents.”“Good,”saidGotrek.“Myaxethirsts.”“Weshouldlearnwhatthey’reuptofirst,”saidFelix.Gotrekgrunted,impatient,butthennodded.“Aye.”FelixturnedtoUlrika.“Canyouhearthemthroughthewall?”“Notwellenough,butIhaveabetteridea.”“Yes?”Shenoddedoverhisshoulder.“Look.”Felixturned.Twomeninmasksandcloakswerewalkingdownthestreettowardsthewarehouse.

Theywouldsoonpasstheirhidingplace.“Disguises?”Shegrinned.“Aye.”Felix’sskinprickled.Hedidn’tlikedisguises.Somanythingscouldgowrong.“Andhowwill

wedisguiseGotrek?Amaskandacloakwon’tbeenough.”“Ineednodisguise,”Gotreksaid.“Whenthefightingstarts,I’llcomein.”Andwhatifyoucomeintoolate,thoughtFelix?HeandUlrikacouldbeoverwhelmedbeforethe

Slayerarrived.Buthekeptittohimself.Itwouldsoundlikewhining.“Thereareskylightsontheroof,”saidUlrika,thenlookedGotrekupanddown.“Ifyoucanget

totheroof.”Gotrekgrowled.“I’madwarf.Therearenobetterclimbers.”“Shhh!”saidFelix.“Theycome.”Gotrek,FelixandUlrikasteppedfurtherbackintothearchoftheboatyard’sgate.Thetwomen

walkedpast,lookingnervouslyovertheirshoulders,butnotintotheshadowsbesidethem.Gotrekreachedoutandgrabbedonebythebelt.Ulrikatooktheotherbythecollar.Theyyanked

themenintothearchwayandbroketheirneckswithbrutalefficiency.Felixwincedinsympathy,thenpulledtheirmasksandcloaksoff.Herecognisedneitherofthem.Theylookedlikeshopkeeps.

AsGotrekheaved thebodiesover theboatyardgate,Felixhandedamaskandcloak toUlrikaanddonnedtheotherhimself.Hismasksmelledofsausageandsoursweat.HefoughtdownnauseaandlookedatUlrikaandGotrekthroughthesmalleyeholes.

“Ready?”“Ready,”saidUlrika.“Aye,”saidGotrek.Theysteppedoutofthearchwayandstartedtowardsthewarehouse,FelixandUlrikamakingfor

thefrontdoor,Gotrekanglingforthealleythatranbetweenitandthenext.When they reached the door, Felix stretched out his hand to knock, then paused.What had it

been?Ahyes.Herappedsharplyonthedoortwice,thenthreetimes,thentwiceagain.Thedooropened,andashort,maskedmaninworkman’sclotheslookedupatthem.“Welcome,

brothers.Thepassword?”Felixfroze,hisheartthudding.Therewasapassword?Sigmar,theyweresunkbeforetheyhad

begun!“Er,”hesaid,forwantofanythingbettertosay.“Wehavealreadytoldyouthepassword,”saidUlrika,speakinginahuskyvoiceandstepping

forward.“Youhave?saidthecultist,hisbrowcrinkling.“Noyouhaven’t.Iwouldhaveheard.”Ulrikapressedhermaskclosetoherfacesothathecouldseeherpiercingblueeyes.“Wehave

alreadytoldyouthepassword.”Shetookanotherstepforward.Felixfollowedherleadandadvancedaswell.Theywereinthe

doornow.“But…”saidthemansteppingbackunhappily.Hesoundedlikehewasgoingtocry.“But…”“Don’tyousee?Wemusthavetoldyouthepassword,”saidUlrika,soothingly,assheeasedpast

him.“Oryouwouldn’thaveletusin.Youarenottoletanyoneinwhodoesn’tknowthepassword,

correct?”“That’sright,”saidtheman.“And…”“Andyouareastalwartmanwhowouldnotforsakeyourduty,aren’tyou?”“OfcourseIam!TherearenonemoreloyaltothebrotherhoodthanI.”“Yes.Youaredutifulandloyal,andwouldnothaveallowedanyoneinwhohadn’ttoldyouthe

password.”“Never,”heagreed.“Sosincewearein…?”sheletithang.“I…Isupposeyoumusthave toldme thepassword,”said thecultist.“Yes,ofcourseyoudid.

WhyelsewouldIhaveletyouin?”“Yes,”saidUlrikasoftly.“Nothingelsemakessense.”“Yes.”Hesighed,gladtohaveitallresolved.“Nothingelsemakessense.”Hepointedtothedoor

atthebackofthesmallofficetheywerein.“Theothersareintheback.”“Thankyou,brother,”murmuredUlrika.Felixshotheralookastheysteppedtotheinnerdoor.Hereyesbehindthemasktwinkledwith

amusement.Felixswallowed.Hehadn’t seenanythingamusing in theexchange.Hefelt likehehadjustwatchedacattoywithamouseandtheneatitshead.

Thewarehousebeyond theofficewasdarkbut fora flickerof lantern light thatglowed fromsomewherebeyondablockymountainrangeofstackedbarrelsandcrates.Lowmurmursdisturbedthedustysilence.FelixandUlrikafollowedthevoicesaroundthetoweringpilesofcargoandfoundagroupofmensittingonandstandingaroundaringofrolledcarpets,inthecentreofwhichstoodafigurethatFelixwasnearlycertainwasGephardt.Therewasalanternathisfeet.

“Brothers,welcome,”said the figure. Itwas indeedGephardt.“Wewillbeginshortly.Wewaitonlyfortwomore.”

FelixandUlrikanodded,butsaidnothing.Theyjoinedthemenleaningagainstawallofcratesattheedgeofthecircle,stayingasfaroutofthelamplightastheydared.Felixglancedupattheroof.Throughtheraftersthatsupportedithecouldseealineofsquareskylights.HedidnotseeGotrek.

Afterafewminutes,anothermancamein,andrightafterhim,theguardwhohadwatchedthedoor.Felixcountednineteeninall—twenty-oneincludingUlrikaandhimself.

“Good,”saidGephardt,as thedoorguard tookaseatonarolledrug.“Nowwearecomplete.

Andsoonourplanswillbecomplete.”Hestoodstraighterandspreadhisarms.“Brothers,”hesaid.“ThetimeoftherisingoftheBrotherhoodoftheCleansingFlamehascomeatlast.Alloverthecityourfellowsmeet.TonightisthelastnightofNuln.Tomorrowcomesthechange!”

Themenmurmuredsoftcheers.FelixandUlrikafollowedsuit.“Iwillnowtelleachofyouyourtarget.Whenwehavefinishedhere,gotoitandwaitinsecret

untilthesignal.Thiswillcomeinafewshorthourswhenthemenoftheschooltestthelastcannontheyshallevermake.Whenthatgunfires,ourbraveleaderwilllightthepowderthatwillblowtheImperialGunnerySchooltotheheavens.Thatexplosionisyoursignal.Whenyouhearit—andhavenofear,youwillhearit—youwillsetfiretoyourprimarytarget,then,whenitisburningwell,lightas many nearby buildings as you are able. The houses will burn! The foundries will fall! Themanufactorieswillcollapse!”Heraisedhisfists.“WewillraisesuchacloudofsmokethatNulnwillknownodawntoday,andnotomorroweverafter.”

Themencheered.Gephardtraisedhisvoicetobeheardoverthem.“Theflamesofthecitywilllightthewayfor

Tzeentch’sgloriousarmiesastheymarchacrossthebrokenempirethatwillbetheirs,andours!”Themencheered louder.Felix’sheartalmoststopped inhischest.Byall thegods, theymeant

nothinglessthanthedestructionoftheEmpire!For,thoughtheyintendedtoburnonlyNuln—only!—Nulnwasmore than a city. Itwas theEmpire’s armoury!Out of it came the cannons and blackpowderandhandweaponsthatkeptherstrongandsecure.IfNuln’sforgesweredestroyedandherfoundriesstilled,noamountofmencoulddefendtheEmpire’sborders,fortheywouldhavenoarmstodoitwith.ThehordesofChaosthatevennowassaultedtheirnorthernborderswouldlumbersouthunimpeded,andeverythingthatFelixcalledhomewouldbegroundtopulpbeneaththeir iron-shodhooves.Theenemywasstrikingfromwithin,farfromMiddenheimandthefront,andunlessheandGotrekandUlrikacouldprevail,nooneinpowerwouldknowituntilitwasfartoolate.

Gephardtloweredhisarmsandmotionedforquiet.“BrotherMatchcord!”hecalled.“Aye?”saidasturdyfellowatthefront.“Yourshiftatthegranariesstartsinanhour,yes?”“Aye,sir.”“Gotoworkasusual,butwhenthesignalcomes.Lightthesilos.”“Aye,sir!AllglorytoTzeentch!”“BrotherCandlewick!”“Aye,”saidastoopedolderman.“Handelhoff’sliverystables.Startinthehayloft.”“Aye,sir.”“BrotherLampblack!”“Here,sir!”And so on through the assembly — Brother Flint, Brother Tinder, Brother Flame, Brother

Brand,witheachbeinggivenatargetinthegeneralvicinityofShantytown.Felix’sheartlurchedasheallatoncerealisedthattheywouldsooncallhisname,andhedidn’tknowwhatitwas!HelookedatUlrikaandshenoddedandshrugged.Theybothglancedtowardstheceiling.TherewasstillnosignofGotrek.Whatwaskeepinghim?Hadhemetwithsomeaccident?Washealreadyhere?

“BrotherTorch!”Therewasnoanswer.Themenlookedaround.

FOURTEEN“BrotherTorch!”repeatedGephardt,scanningthecrowd.

“H-here!”saidFelixatlast.Gephardt lookedathim,hiseyesseemingtoburnthroughFelix’smask.“YouarenotBrother

Torch.”“WhosaysI’mnot,”saidFelix,rememberingbelatedlytoaffectaShantytownaccent.“Wait amoment,” said the door guard, shaking his head as ifwaking from a dream. “Wait a

moment. They’re the ones who told me they gave me the password when they didn’t. I knewsomethingwasn’trightaboutthem!”

Themaskedmenallstood,drawingdaggersandcutlassesandcudgelsfromundertheircloaks.“Friends,”saidGephardt.“Youhavemadeyourlastmistake.Getthem!”HisfollowerssurgedtowardsFelixandUlrikainamass.Felixthrewbackhiscloakanddrew

hissword.Beside him, Ulrika did the same. Two versus nineteen, thought Felix grimly. Ulrika might

surviveit,buthewouldnot.Thereweretoomany.IfonlyGotrekwerehere.“Warebelow,”gratedafamiliarvoicefromabove,asthecultistsslammedintothem.Felixdidn’tdarelookup.Hewastoobusyblockingandparryingadozenattackers.Butthena

groaningoftorturedwoodfollowedthewords.Hestoleaglanceoverhisshoulder.Theclifffaceofcrateswasleaningprecariouslyoutovertheirheads.Felixyelpedanddivedleft,hisstitchestearingashebattedasidethecultists’bladesandhitthefloor,hissingwithpain.

Fourbigcratestoppleddownonthemaskedmenjustastheyrealisedwhatwashappening.Theyscreamed,andmorethanhalfadozenofthemwerecaughtunderthecratesastheyexplodedonthefloorinaneruptionofplanks,splintersandbrasschamberpots,oneofwhichbouncedandclonkedFelixonthehead.

Gotrekleaptdownfromthegaphehadmade,bellowingKhazalidwarcries,andcutdownthreecultistswithtwoswings.Felixsurgedupunsteadily,thepainfromhisreopenedwoundmakinghimdizzy.Heslashedaroundhimself,halfblindedbyhismask,whichhadturnedaskew.HetoreitoffandhackedatacultistwhowasengagedwiththeSlayer.Themanscreamedinpainandturned,swingingahandaxeatFelix.Gotrekdecapitatedhimwithoutlookingaround.BeyondtheSlayer,Ulrikaranthedoorguardthroughthestomach.Hesquealedashedied.

“Killthem!”criedGephardt,frombehindthepack.“Theyknowall!Theycannotbeallowedtoescape!”

Thecultistspressedforward,callingontheirheathengod.Gotrekroaredastheycame,cleavingonedowntohisguts,thenturningonthreemore.Felixslashedleftandrighttokeeptheoneshefacedat bay, then ducked instinctively as something bright flashed overhead. It was Gephardt’s lantern,sailingovertheheadsoftheattackerstosmashbehindUlrika.Itsplashedherbackwithflamingoil.Sheshriekedanddropped,rollingtoputtheflamesout.Acultiststabbedherthroughtheleg.Anothersmashedherinthechestwithahugemallet.

“Ulrika!”Felixcried,andtriedtoscramblethroughthejumbleofcrates toreachher.Hemis-stepped,andjammedhisfootinachamberpot.Heslippedasthepotskiddedonthewoodfloor.Thefirewasspreadingacrossthefloor.Thewreckageandthewallofcrateswerecatching.

Gotrekgrowled,annoyed,butpushed towardsUlrika, fanningbackherattackerswithhisaxe.Felixtriedtofreehisfoot,butthreecultistswereonhim.Hesmashedone’sswordoutofhishand,butslippedagain.Acultistwithacutlasslungedin,tryingtotakeadvantage.Felixparrieddesperately

andnearlyfell.BeyondthemeleehesawGephardtandanothermandisappearingaroundamoundofcrates.

“Gephardt’srunningforit!”hesaid.“Well, get him!” said Gotrek, holding off four cultists as Ulrika rolled behind him, still

smouldering.Felixgrunted.Hecouldbarelystandwiththisfoolishpissbucketonhisfoot,letalonerun.He

blockedasmashfromaniron-shodclubandkickedthecutlasswielderinthefacewiththepot.Thebrass split from the impact, and theman dropped like an empty sack. Felix shook his foot as heblockedanotherbash from theclub,butcouldn’t free it.Curse it!He’d justhave to runwith it.Hebulledpasthisthreeattackers,knockingtwotothefloor,thenraninthedirectionGephardthadgone,clankingridiculouslywitheverystep,hisattackersinhotpursuit.

AsFelixroundedthemoundofcrates,hesawadooropeninthefarwallandGephardtandtheotherman’ssilhouettesfillit.Heracedtowardsthemasfastashecouldgo,clang,thud,clang,thud,clang,thud,whichwasn’tveryfast.Hecouldfeelbloodtricklingdownhissidefromhistornstitches.Heheardhispursuersgainingonhimandglancedback.He’dhavetofightthembeforehecouldfightGephardt,curseit.

He turned to face them,but ashedid, ablack shadowdroppeddownbehind them, silhouettedagainsttheglowofflamesfromthefrontofthewarehouse.Abrightspikeofsteelsproutedfromthelastone’sribs.Ulrika!Theothersturnedandcriedoutasthevampiresslaidintothem.Shewasstillsmokingslightly.

Felixturnedandclankedon,hiscaughtfootcrampingterribly.Gephardtturnedandpausedinthedoor.

“Go!”hecalledoverhisshoulder.“Spreadtheword!Theremaybemorespiesamongus!Telltheotherstostartthefiresearly!”Hetoreoffhismaskanddrewhissword,glaringatFelixwithwildeyes.“I’llhandlethisfool.”

Felixchargedathim,swinging,butGephardtbackedoutofthedoor,andFelix’sswordbitintothewall beside it.Gephardt lunged through the frame, forcingFelix to twist ungracefully aside toavoidhispoint.Hisstitchesrippedfurther.Hecursedthroughclenchedteeth.Thelittlesnothadhimatadisadvantage.Karaghulmightbearuneswordandadragonkiller,butitwasaslashingweapon,notmadeforquickthrusts,whereasGephardt’sweaponwasaslimrapier,acourtier ’sweapon,madeforthelunge.Felixcouldn’tgetagoodswingin,withthedoorframeintheway.

Hethrust,butGephardtparriedeasily,andreturnedaripostethatpinkedhisarm.Felixfellback,histrappedfootslippingsidewaysandwrenchinghisgroin.Cursethisstupidpot,Felixthought.Hekickedsavagelytotrytodislodgeit.Itflewoffhisfootandthroughthedoor,glancingoffGephardt’sforehead.

Felix leapt forward before the cultist could recover, and ran him through the belly, tearing ithorribly. Gephardt flopped back in the mud of the street, gasping and staring at the ropes of hisintestinesastheyslitheredoutthroughtheholeinhisabdomen.

Felixraisedhisswordtoputthemanoutofhismisery,butablackformblurredpasthimandshovedhimaside.

“No!”UlrikastraddledGephardt’schestandthrustherheadforward,baringherfangs.“Burnme,will

you?” she snarled, then sank her clawed fingers into his neck as if it was soft butter. Gephardtsputteredandthrashed,butcouldnotthrowheroff.Sherippedhisoesophagusoutwithonehandandshowedittohisdyingeyes.“Burninyourmaster ’sflames,fool.”

ShetossedthemessasideandwipedherhandonGephardt’sbeautifulcloak,thencaughtFelix’s

horrifiedlook.Sheshrugged.“Idon’tlikefire.”Gotrekappearedinthedoor.“Wasthatthelast?”Felixshookhisheadandlookedupanddowntheemptystreet.“Therewasonemore.Andwe

mustcatchhim.Gephardtsenthimtotelltheotherstostarttheburningearly.”“Whichwaydidhego?”askedUlrika.“Idon’tknow,”saidFelix.“I…”Hepausedashesawsomethingontheground.Hepickeditup.Itwasamask.Hegroaned.They

weresunk.Themancouldbeblocksawaybynow,andtheydidn’tknowwhathelookedlike.Halfthecitycouldbeaflamewithinthehour.

FIFTEEN“Givemethat,”saidUlrika.ShesnatchedthemaskfromFelix’shandandcoveredhernosewithit,inhaling deeply. After a moment she lowered the mask and tucked it away in her doublet, thencrouched like a caton theprowl, sniffing the air and theground.She tooka fewstepsnorth, thennoddedandstood.

“I’llfindhim,”shesaid.Thenshesprintedoffintothenight.“This isbad,”saidFelix,ashehelpedGotrekcarryGephardt’sbodyback into thewarehouse.

Theplacewasfillingwithsmokefromtherapidlyspreadingfire.“Didyou…”Hecoughedviolently.“Didyouheartheirplan?”

“Notallofit,”saidGotrek.“TheyaregoingtoblowuptheGunnerySchoolafterall,theminutethelastMiddenheimgunis

testfired,andtheexplosionwillbethesignalfortherestoftheCleansingFlametostartfiresalloverNuln.”He shook his head. “We’ll never stop them all.”He looked despairingly at the inferno thatragedatthefarsideoftheroom.“Wewon’tstopeventhisone.”

“Wedon’thavetostopthemall,”saidGotrek,“justtheexplosionattheschool.Thentheirsignalwillnevercome.”

“Butwecan’tjustletthisburn!”saidFelix.“Wealreadyburneddownthisneighbourhoodonce!Iwon’tdoitagain.”

“Betteroneneighbourhood thanallof them,”saidGotrek.Hestartedfor thedoor.“Comeon,manling.Notimetowaste.Ifthatgunisreadytheymayfireitbeforedawn.”

Felixfollowed,reluctantandheartsick.Thoughheknewinhisheadthatitwasthecultistswhowereresponsibleforthefires,healsoknewthattheywouldn’thavebeensetifheandGotrekhadn’tcomestickingtheirnosesin.Andyet,hadtheynotinvestigated,theywouldnothavelearnedthatthecultistsmeanttoburnthewholecity.

As they stepped into the street they sawUlrika approaching,wipingher facewith the cultist’syellowmask.Herlipsandchinweresmearedwithblood,andhereyesglowedwithfeverishlife.

“Ifoundhim,”shesaid,tossingthemaskaside.Shelickedherlipsclean.Felix shuddered.Gotrek spat, then stumped forward, pushing past her as if sheweren’t there.

Ulrikafellinbehindhim.Felixmadetofollowthem,thenpausedandturned,lookingbackattheburningwarehouse.He

couldn’tjustleaveanddonothing.Hiseyesturnedtothesurroundingtenements.“Fire!”heshouted.“FireinPappenheimer ’sWarehouse!Fire!”

GotrekandUlrikastoppedandlookedbackathim.Afterasecond,Gotrekraisedhisvoicetoo.“Fire!”hebellowed.“Wakeup!Fire!”Hebangedon

astonepostwiththeflatofhisaxe,makingahorrendousracket.Ulrikajoinedthem,hervoicehighandclear.“Help!Help!They’reburningShantytownagain!”Felixheardshuttersopeningandvoicescallingquestionsinthetenementsaroundthem.Theyran

on.Itwasn’tmuch.Butatleastitwassomething.“Idon’tunderstand,”saidFelixastheytrottedthroughtheNeuestadttowardstheUniversitatarea.“Wesearchedtheschoolandthewatchsearchedundertheschool.Andthey’vebeenpatrollingdownthereeversince.Thepowderhasn’tbeenfound.WherehastheCleansingFlamehiddenit?”

“Somewherewedidn’tlook,”saidGotrek.Ulrikalaughed.

Felixrolledhiseyes.Hewasgoingtosaysomethingsnide,buthesawthatGotrekwasdeepinthought,andsokeptquiet.

“The skaven tunnels,” Gotrek said at last. “The ones that the vermin came out of when theyattackedNuln.Theselunaticsmusthavefoundthem.”

Ulrikafrowned.“ButwouldpowderplacedallthewaydowntherebeenoughtobringdowntheGunnerySchool?”sheaskedasthethreeofthementeredtheReikPlatzandpassedbytheDeutzElm,continuingwest.

“Aye,” said Gotrek. “If it were set correctly. The sewers run under the school. If they foundtunnelsthatrununderthesewers,theycouldcavethesewersintothetunnels.Theschoolwouldsinklikeaship.”Hegrowleddeepinhisthroat.“Theymusthaveanengineeramongthem.”

Felixgroaned.“Buthowarewetostopit?Ifwegodownthereandtrytowarnthewatch,they’llonlytrytoarrestusagain,astheydidlasttime.Theywon’tlistentoanythingwehavetosayDamnWissenforathickskulledfool.”

“I’ll beat it into their heads,” rasped Gotrek, but then he sighed. “No, you’re right, manling.Arguingwiththosefoolswouldonlyslowusdown.”Hepausedandlookedaround,thenstarteddownasidestreet.“Come.Wewillfindaratholeherethatwilltakeusunderthesewerstothepowder.”

FelixandUlrikafollowedhimhalfablocktoanirongratesetinthestreet.Gotrekheaveditupandhelditopen.

“In,”hesaid.“Wait,”saidavoicebehindthem.Gotrek, Felix andUlrika looked around.Gotrek dropped the grate back into its framewith a

clangandpulledhisaxeoffhisback.Ulrikadrewherswordandwentonguard.“Whatdoyouwant?”sheasked.Striding towards them from the main street was a phalanx of dark figures. Some Felix

recognised from his visit to the countess’ brothel— the tall, impossibly thin shadow ofMistressWither,hiddenentirelywithinhertrailingblackrobesandimpenetrableveil;thebeautiful,cold-eyedLadyHermione,whowore a hooded cloak over her dark blue attire, andwhowas followed by ahandfulofherswaggering, immaculatelydressedheroes,whowerenowclad inperfectlypolishedbreastplatesandmorionhelmets.

BesidethemwerepersonsFelixhadneverseenbefore—aclusterofskulkingvillainsledbyavoluptuous, coarse-looking vampiress, fairly bursting from the low-cut red bodice and hitched-upredskirtsofastreettrull.Shemighthavebeenravishing,wereitnotforthescarthatpulleduptheleftcornerofhermouthintoapermanentleer.Herfollowerswerejustasunnerving—vicious-lookingdoxies and alley bashers, all scarred and wild-eyed, and armed to the teeth with daggers, cheapswordsandironshodcudgels.AmoredisreputablecollectionofhumanscumFelixhadneverseen.One of them towered above the rest, a filthy, bearded giant of amanwho carried a stone-headedhammerinahuge,hairyfist.Felixcouldsmellhimfromtwentypacesaway.

“Goodevening,friends,”saidLadyHermionesweetly.Gotrekgrowledlowinhisthroat.Ulrikadidnotlowerherguard.“Areyouheretofightus?”sheasked.“Haveyounotspokento

thecountess?”LadyHermione smiled. “Fearnot, sister.The countess informedusofyourmessage, andhas

sentustoaidyou.”Shecastasidewaysglanceat thevampireharlotbesideher.“MadameMathildahasaddedhersupportaswell.”

Ulrikafrowned,suspicious.“You’reheretohelp?”“Andwhyshouldn’twebe?”askedMadameMathilda,inalowaccent.“It’sourcityasmuchasit

isyers.”ShegrinnedandnoddedatFelix.“Thisyerloverboy,Kossar?Rightsweetlittlebuttercup,ain’the?Worthturnin’,ofasurety.”

“Wedonotturnmen,Mathilda,”saidLadyHermionewithasniff.“Itonlyweakenstheline.AsdearestGabriellalearnedtohercost.”

“No!” saidGotrek suddenly. “Iwon’t do it!”He glared atUlrika. “I’ve stood for you,UlrikaIvansdaughter.Youwereagoodcompaniononce,andyour fatheraDwarfFriendandOathkeeper,butthese…these…”Hecouldn’tseemtofindawordvileenoughtodescribetheassembledvampires.“Thesewilldiebymyaxebeforetheyfightbymyside.”

“You haven’t time to fight us, Slayer,” said Lady Hermione calmly. “And you waste timearguing.”

“Thelady’sright,dwarf,”saidMathilda,scratchingherselfintimately.“Don’twasteyerenergyfightingthelikesofuswhenwewantthesameasyouwant.Itain’tcommonsense.”

“Damncommonsense!”snarledGotrek.“Youdiehere,orIdo.”Hedroppedintoafightingstance.Hermione’shandsomeswainsandMathilda’sraggedbashers

didthesame.MistressWitherrattledlikedeadleavesinawind.Ulrikalookedfromonesidetotheother,asifuncertainwhotohelp.

Felix cursed under his breath. This fight couldn’t happen.Hewas no happier fighting on thesame side asLadyHermione andMistressWither thanGotrekwas, but therewasno time.Winorlose,thefightwouldslowthemandpossiblywoundthemsobadlythattheywouldnotbeabletowinthefightthatmattered.HehatedtoplayontheSlayer ’ssenseofhonour.Itseemedalowthingtodo,but as regrettable as itwas, the vampireswere right. “Gotrek.Did you not vow vengeance on theBrotherhoodoftheCleansingFlameforthedestructionofHeinz’stavern?Didyounotsaythatyouwereevenwilling togiveupgoing toMiddenheimtodefeat them?Willyou then let theCleansingFlametriumphinordertofightastreetbrawlwithunworthyopponents?”

“Unworthy?”snappedHermione,butnoonepaidheranyattention.Foralongmoment,Gotrekremainedglaringatthevampires,hismassivechestheavingandhis

huge fists clenching.Then, at last,he letout abreathand loweredhis axe. “You’re right,manling.You’re always right.”He turnedback to the sewer hole. “Oneof thesedays itwill be the deathofyou.”Hewrenchedupthegrateandtosseditasideasifitweighednothing.“Letthemfollowiftheycan,”hesaid,thenjumpeddownintothehole.UnfortunatelyforGotrek,thevampiresandtheirminionsfollowedhimwithease.Thoughhetrottedthroughthefoulbricktunnelsatabriskclip,theSlayerwasadwarf,andhisshortlegswerenomatchforhumanstrides,letalonethevampires’inhumanvitality.AndGotrekwasn’tabletotravelasfastashemightlike,forhestoppedtoexaminethewallsandwalkwaysashewent,thoughwhatexactlyhewas looking for Felixwasn’t sure. Felix could hardly see his footing in the uncertain light of thelanternsthatLadyHermione’sgentlemencarried,nevermindsignsandtraces.

TheSlayer sparednot a singleglance for their companions, only trottedonwithhis axe in adeathgrip,allthewhilecursingbitterlyinKhazalidunderhisbreath.

“Ain’tnosewersintheFaulestadt,”saidMadameMathildafrombehindthem.“More’sthepity.Nothinglikeasewerforsneakingabout,Isay.”

“Howsad,”saidLadyHermione.“You’llhavetomakedowiththegutter.”MadameMathildalaughed,theechoboomingdownthetunnel.“Nownow,dearie.Nofightingin

frontofcompany.”UlrikarolledhereyesandgaveFelixanapologeticshrugatthisexchange.“WhoisMadameMathilda?”heasked,leaningclosetoherear.“Anotherofthecountess’rivals,”repliedUlrikaquietly.“Sherulestheslumssouthoftheriver

asCountessGabriellarulestheNeuestadt.HerwebofspiesstretchesthroughthemobsandgangsandbrothelsoftheFaulestadtasCountessGabriella’sstretchesthroughthenoblehousesandthepalace.Averydangerouswoman.”

“ThatmuchIgathered.”“Whispering sweet nothings, are you?” said Mathilda with a dirty chuckle. “Ain’t they just

darling.”FelixandUlrikadrewapart.After a fewmoreminutes,Gotrek stopped suddenly and faced the tunnelwall. “Ha!” he said,

then,“Hmmmf!Evenhumanscouldhavedoneabetterjob.”“Abetterjobofwhat?”askedFelix.Hecouldseenodifferencebetween thisandanyotherpartof the tunnel,buthehad longago

givenuptryingtoseethesubtletiesofconstructionanddesignthatwereasobvioustotheSlayerasthedifferencesintheprosestylesoftwodifferentauthorsweretoFelix.

Gotrekdidn’tanswer,onlysteppeduptothewall,reversedhisaxe,andswungthebluntsideatit.Itsmashedrightthrough,andafallofcrumblingbricksclatteredtothefloor,leavingaraggedblackgap.Acoldwindblewfromitthatreekedofskaven.Felixgagged.

“Yousaytheskavenbrickedthisup?”heasked.“Aye,”saidGotrek.“Hidingtheirtunnels.”hesneered.“Ortryingto.”Felixshrugged.Hewouldneverhavefoundthetunnel,anditdidn’tappearthatanyotherhuman

hadeither.Gotrekswungagainand theholewidened.Felix joinedhim,kickingat thewallwithhisboot.

Ulrikadidthesame.“Here,Pinky,”calledMadameMathilda.“Giveitago.”Thehairygiantedgedforward,pushinghisfoulstenchaheadofhim.Heswunghisstone-headed

hammerwildly,nearlytakingFelix’sheadoff,andknockedahugeholeinthewall.Gotrek ignored even this, merelywidening the hole with a fewmore strokes of his axe and

steppingthroughasiftheothersweren’tthere.FelixandUlrikafollowedhim.Theotherscrowdedinbehind.

Theskaventunnelswereroundandirregular,liketheanimalburrowsthattheywere,thewallscross-hatchedwithclawmarksof thevermin thathaddug them.Theair insidewascoldand stale.Spider webs hung like drifting lace from the curving ceilings. Felix scanned ahead nervously,looking for signs of recent usage, but did not see any fresh dung or rotting garbage. Perhaps thetunnelshadbeenabandonedsincetheirattackonNulnhadbeendrivenback.Butifso,whywasthesmellofthemstillsopresent?

Though the tunnels twistedand turnedand roseand fell andbranched like the rootsof a tree,Gotrekstumpedthroughthemasifhehadwalkedthroughthemathousandtimesbefore.Hedidnotpauseatintersections.Hedidnotstoptogethisbearings.Hejustturnedleft,thenright,thenup,downandbackwithout hesitation. Felixwas thoroughly lost inminutes, and it seemed their companionsweretoo.

“Areyoucertainwegotherightway?”askedLadyHermioneimperiously.“If yer leadingus into a trap,” saidMadameMathilda. “Ye’ll getmore thanyebargained for,

dwarf.”Gotrekonlygrunted.Felixtranslatedforhim.“Youaremorethanwelcometogoyourownway.”“Ha!”barkedMathilda.“Nofear!Ye’llnotloseusinthisstinkingwarren.”“Youdon’tfeelathome?”sneeredHermione.

A fewminutes later Felix found himself walking beside Ulrika, who was apparently deep inthought.Herprofile,inthelowlight,washeartbreakinglybeautiful.Helookedquicklyforwardandback. Gotrek was ten paces ahead of them. The vampires and their minions were a ways behind,bickeringwitheachotherinlowtones.

Heleanedintowardsher.“Ulrika.”Shelookedup.“Hmmm?”Hehesitatedandlickedhislips.“Ulrika,Ijust…”“Don’t,Felix,”shesaid,lookingaway.“Thereisnothingtosay.”“But…”“Please,”shesaid.“Don’tyousee?There isnoway to fix it.There isnoway togobackand

changeourfate,sotalkingofit—ofwhatmighthavebeen—willonlymakeitworse.”Felixpaused,hismouthopen,wantedtocontradicther,buthecouldn’t.Hehunghishead.“Aye,I

supposeyou’reright.”“Infact,”saidUlrika,“itmightbebetterifweneversawoneanotheragain.”“What?”Felixlookedupather.Buthehadonlyjustfoundheragain!“That…thatseemscruel.”“Seeingyouiscrueller,forthenthewoundstaysopen,andwillnotheal.”Felix hated the cold logic of it, but shewas right. Remaining in her presencewould only be

torture. Itwouldonly remindhimofwhathecouldneverhave.Andyetseparating fromheragainwasjustasintolerable.Whatachoice.Whata…

He looked back at her suddenly, struck by a thought. “This isn’t another test, is it? SomeimpossibleconundrumofhonourthatIcannothopetowin?”

Ulrika smiled, then looked at himwryly, her eyes gleaming sapphires in the torchlight. “No,Felix.It’snotatest.We’veoutgrownthat,remember.It’sjustthecold,sadtruth.Weneedtofindourhappinessamongourownkind,where…”Shepausedandtookadeepbreath.“Whereitispossibletofindit.”

Felixsighedandnodded.“Aye.Thoughatthemomentthepossibilityseemshardtoimagine.”“Whenthewoundheals,Felix,”shesaid.“Whenthewoundheals.”“Hssst!”saidGotreksuddenly.Heheldupahandandcockedhisheaddownacrosstunnel.Theothersfellsilent.Felixstrainedhisears.Atfirsthecouldhearnothingbuthisownbreathing,butthen,atthevery

edgeofhishearingcamethefaintestchitteringandsqueaking.Itmighthavebeenrats,andthenagainitmightnothave.Ashelistened,itfadedaway.

“They’restillhere?”askedLadyHermione,hervoicerigidwithdisgust.“Oh,aye,”saidMathilda.“Wesee‘emnowandthen,orrathertheirspoor,butnotmuch,andnot

often.Thinkthey’restillscaredofNuln—thankstohandsomehere,andhisgrumpylittlefriend.”FelixheardGotrek’steethgrindingashestartedforwardagain.Itsoundedlikehewaschewing

rocks.Abouthalfanhourlater,Gotrekslowed.“We’reclosetotheschool,”hesaidtoFelix.“Tellthemtocovertheirlanterns.”

Felixturnedbacktotheothers.“Coveryourlanterns,”hesaid.Hermionemotioned to her gentlemen and they closed the slots of their lanterns andhid them

under their cloaks.Felix cursed inwardly as the tunnelwentblack.Hedidn’twant tobumparoundblindlyinthedark,butatthesametime,askingGotrektoguidehiminfrontofUlrikaandtheotherswas embarrassing. But then, just as he was about to give in and ask Gotrek for his shoulder, herealiseditwasinfactnotentirelydark.Faraheadtherewasafaintredglowonthewallofthecurving

tunnel.Gotrek crept forward, his axe at the ready. Felix put a hand on the wall and followed along

behindhim,Ulrikaathisside.Theotherscameafterthem,movingwithuncannysilence.Astheygotcloser to thered light,Felixbegantohearsoundsofactivity—lowvoices, thuds,

clunks,scrapes,andintermittenthammering.Thereweremorecrosstunnelsinthisarea,andeventoFelix’s untrained eye, it seemed apparent that some of them had been shaped bymen, not ratmen.Therewerewoodensupportbeamsholdinguptheceilingsofsomeofthem,andunlitlanternshungfromthewallsthatappearedtobeofhumanmake.

Justbeyondoneofthebranchingcorridors,thetunnelslantedsteeplydown,droppingeightfeetinroughlytenpaces,thenturnedsharplytotherightandoutofsight.Reflectedlightfloodedthebaseoftheslopefromaroundthecorner,andthesoundsofactivityweremuchlouder.AwaveofsewersmellmadeFelixwrinklehisnose.

Gotrek,Felix andUlrika creptdown the ramp, then edged forward and leanedout around thecorner.Gotrekgruntedashesawthesourceofthesounds.Ulrikahissed.Felixchoked.

Beforethemwasalarge,low-roofedchamber,longerthanitwaswide,crudelyhollowedoutoftheearthandlitbylanternshungfromhookspoundedintotherockwalls.Theroofwassupportedbytworowsofroughpillars—nomorethanthincolumnsofrockthathadnotbeendugout.Felixwasamazed that they could hold up theweight of the earth above them at all. They seemedmuch tooslender.Thefloorwasamuddysoup,dottedwithpuddlesofwaterthatdrippedconstantlyfromtheroof.

Figuresmovedamongthepillars,ropingbarrelsofblackpowdertothem,drillingholesinthebarrel tops, and spoolingout long lengthsofmatchcord that they laidon topofplanks seton thegroundtokeepthemoutofthemud.Mostofthesefigureswerehuman,butotherswerenot—notanymore.ThesightoftheworstafflictedamongthemmadeFelixwanttogag.

A flash of green drew his gaze away from a hideouswomanwith a head like a rotten apple.Betweentherowsofpillarsapairofmutants—onehugeandcoveredinmaroonfurlikethatofalong-haired cat, the other a translucent blue thing like anupright,man-sized frog—walked frombarreltobarrel.Thefurredbeastcarriedanironcauldronthatglowedfromwithinwithapalegreenlight,andateachbarrel,thebluefrogdugitswebbedhandintothecauldronandpulledoutafistfulofglowinggreenembers.Hetrickledtheembersintotheholethathadbeendrilledineachbarreltop,thenusedamallettopoundawoodenplugintoitandwalkedtothenext,lickingglitteringgreendustfromhisclawswithatonguelikeasnake.

Felix’sheartthuddedasheandGotrekandUlrikapulledbackintothetunnelandclimbedbackupthesteepslopetowheretheotherswaited.

“Well,”saidFelixwithashudder.“We’vefoundthepowder.”“Andthecultists,”saidUlrika.“Acrudebitofsapping,”saidGotrek.“Butit’lldothetrick.Thechamberrunsunderthesewer

thatrunsundertheGunnerySchool.Whentheyblowthosepillars,everythingcomesdown.”“Butwhatweretheydoingwiththewarpstone?”askedFelix.“Willitworsentheexplosions?”Gotrekshrugged.“Itmight.Butworse; itwillpoison theground forcenturies.Anyone living

abovewillenduptwistedandcorrupt.”Felixswallowed,sickandangryandafraidallatonce.TheCleansingFlamewasn’tjustplanning

tokillNuln,theymeanttomutilateitscorpseaswell.Thecitymightneverbeinhabitableagain.“Howmanyarethere?”askedLadyHermione,steppingtothem.Gotrekgrowledandlookedawayfromher.“Aboutfifty,lady,”saidUlrika.“Nearlyhalfofthemmutants.”

MadameMathildalaughed.“Onlythat?We’remorethanenough,then.Let’sgettoit.”“Yes,”saidFelix.“Buthowdowekeepthemfromlightingthepowder?”Thevampirespausedatthat.“Oh,”saidLadyHermione.“Theywon’tlightthepowder,”saidGotrek.Theothersturnedtohim.“Notifweattacknow,beforethey’reset,”Gotrekcontinued.“Theycan’triskapartialexplosion.

Theschoolmightnotcomedown.”Heturnedbacktowardsthechamber.“Comeon,manling.”“Slayer,wait!”hissedUlrika.“Letusall—”Shepausedsuddenlyand looked into thebranchingpassage.Theothervampiresdid thesame.

GotrekandFelixfollowedtheirgaze.Aglowoflanternlightwasbobbingtowardsthem,andinit,Felixcouldseetheshadowsofwalkingmen.

Quickerthanwinking,thevampiresandtheirminionsvanishedsilentlyintothedarknessofthetunnel. Gotrek and Felix started after them, but before they got two steps, a voice rang from thepassage.

“Who’sthat?”itsaid.Gotrekstoppedandturnedback.“Nothim,”hegroaned.“Him?”askedFelix.“Himwho?”Outof thepassagecameWardCaptainWissenof thecitywatch,sixwatchmenathisback.He

gapedwhenhesawGotrekandFelix.Hismenwentonguard.“You!”hesaidloudly.“Whatareyoudoinghere?Whathaveyou…?”“Shhh, captain!” hissed Felix, looking uneasily down the slope towards the big chamber.

“They’llhearyou!”“Eh?”saidWissen,justasloudly.“Who?Whatdoyou…?”“Thecultists,”whisperedFelix,pointing.“Downthere,aroundthecorner.They’reprimingthe

powder.”“No wonder he never catches them,” said muttered Gotrek. “Stomping around like a drunk

ogre.”CaptainWissenblinked,apparentlyconfused,thenhiseyesnarrowed.“Thepowder?Here?”He

smiled.“Soyouwererightafterall,eh?They’regoingtoblowuptheGunnerySchool?Howmanyofthemarethere?”

“Fiftyorso,”saidFelix.“Hmmm,”saidWissen.“Toomanyforus.Areyoualone?”“Toomany?”Gotreksnorted.FelixlookedupthetunnelinthedirectionUlrikaandtheothervampireshadgone,searchingfor

some sign of them. Theywere nowhere to be seen. Had they lost their assistance because of thisinterruption?Would theynotshowtheir faceswithWissenaround?Dangerousanduncertainalliestheymighthavebeen,butgiventhechoiceofthemorWissenandhismen,therewasnoquestionwhohewouldratherhavehadfightingbyhisside.Hesighed.“Ah,yes.We’realone.Listen.Maybeyou’dbettergobackandgetreinforcements.We’ll…we’llkeepaneyeonthem.”

“What?” sneeredWissen.“Andhaveyouburndown thecityagainwithyourclumsiness?”Hewavedahand.“Showmewheretheyare.Iwanttoseeformyself.”

Gotrekrumbledinhisthroat.Felixshothimawarningglance.Hedidn’tlikeitanybetterthantheSlayerdid,butstartingafightwithWissenwouldonlyalertthecultists.“Thisway.”

FelixandGotrekledthewaydowntheslope,thenslippedaroundthecornerandedgedtowards

theopeningof thechamberwithWissenandhismenshufflingbehind them. It looked like the twomutants had finished seeding the barrels with the green embers, and the others were nearly donelaying all thematch cord. Felix swallowed, anxious. If they didn’t attack soon theywould have toworryaboutthecultistslightingthepowderafterall.

“Yousee?”whisperedFelix,pointingtothepillars.“Theymeantobringdownthesewer,whichinturnwillbringdowntheGunnerySchool.Andifwedon’tattackrightaway…”

“Brothers!” criedWissen at the topofhis voice. “Look!Braveheroeshave come to stopourvillainousplan!”

SIXTEENFelixandGotrekspunaround.Wissen’ssixwatchmenhadlevelledtheirspearsatthem.Wissenstoodwiththem,grinningandtuggingatthebucklesofhisbreastplate.

Felix blinked, uncomprehending. “What did you say?” He looked over his shoulder into thechamber.Thecultistswereturningandstartingtowardsthem,mutantsofeverysizeanddescriptionintermingledwiththeirhumancomrades.HelookedbackatWissen.Hadthemangonemad?

Gotreklungedforward,slashingatWissen.“PawnofChaos!”hespat.Wissen’smenjumpedinfrontofhim,stabbingatGotrekandFelixasthecaptainsteppedback.

Gotrek chopped through spear shafts and arms. Two men fell. Felix blocked a spear and duckedanother,stilloffbalancebythisbizarreturnofevents.

“Pawn?”Wissenlaughed.“I’maknight,attheleast.”Heletthebreastplatefall.Forsuchatrimman,hisstomachbulgedobscenely.InfactitseemedtobeexpandingasFelixwatched.ThenWissen’sshirtsplit,andangularblackshapesrippedthroughit,unfoldingastheythrustforward.

Felixrecoiled,hisgorgerising.Wissenwasamutant!Blackmantisarmsgrewfromhischestwherehisnipplesshouldhavebeen.Theywerecoveredincoarsefurandtippedwithcruelpincers.TheydartedforGotrekovertheshouldersofhismen.Gotreklashedoutatone,butit jerkedback,fasterthantheeyecouldsee.TheSlayermissed.

The thudof approachingbootswas loud inFelix’s ears.He andGotrekwhipped around.Thecultists from the chamber had reached them, mutants to the fore. Gotrek lurched to one side andguttedagianthumanoidslugasitlumberedpast.ItsquashedWissen’sremainingwatchmenasitfell,anevilsmelling,custard-likeoozepumpingfromitsbellywound.Felixduckedtheclawsofathinglikeaskinnedape, thenchopped through itscordedneckwithhis runeswordandendedupback toback with Gotrek in the centre of a frenzied sea of men andmutants. Swords, clubs, pincers andtentaclescameatthemfromeverycorner.

Wissenlaughedmaniacallyfrombehindhiscomrades.“Yousee?YoushouldhavestayedwithMakaisson!Itriedtosaveyou.”Helashedoutagainfrombehindtheothers.“Killthem,brothers!”Heseemedtohavenointerestinleadingfromthefront.

Gotrekroaredwithsomethingthatsoundedsuspiciouslylikejoyashelashedoutallaroundhim,doingterribledamagetoallwhocamenear.Felix,ontheotherhand,foughtdownarisingsurgeofpanic.Theyweresurrounded.Twoagainstmorethanfifty.Gotrekmighthavefacedsuchoddsbeforeandwon,butFelixwaswoundedandweary,andhadn’ttheSlayer ’sstrength,quicknessorstaminatobeginwith.Hewasquicklybecomingoverwhelmed.WhereinSigmar ’snamewasUlrika?Wouldshecomeatall?Wouldtheothervampiresses?

Thepressofthecultists’attackspushedGotrekandFelixintothebigchamber.Themassive,cat-furredmutantswungatGotrekwiththeglowingcauldron.Gotrekdodgedbackandthemutantkeptspinning,theweightofthecauldronpullingitaround.Itclobberedahandfulofitscomradeswithit,staggeringwildly.Felixduckedthehugepotasitcamearoundagainandfelthisskincrawlandhismindtwitterasitbreezedpasthim.ThewarpstoneinsideitradiatedChaoslikeafireradiatedheat.

Gotrekdartedinandburiedhisaxeinthefurredmutant’sspine.Itshriekedlikeascaldedbabyandcrashedtotheground,itscauldronbouncingnoisilyawayintothechamber,sprinklingwarpstoneembersasitwent.

Felix cut down a thingwith legs like a stork, thenwhipped around to parry attacks from twonormal-appearingmen.Hefound thathis lefthandwasbleeding,buthewasn’tsure fromwhat.Hehackedmadlyinalldirections,thoughtheredidn’tseemtobeanypoint.Thetideofmenandmutants

wasendless.Butthenthecultistsattheedgesofthemeleebegantocryoutandturn.Throughclawinglimbs,

Felix saw Lady Hermione’s gentlemen charging from the dark tunnel, swords high. MadameMathilda’svillainswererunningforwardtoo,ledbyahugeblackwolfbitchwithascartwistingoneside of her long snout. She leapt at amassivemutant and ripped out one of its throats. The giantbearded alley basher waded into a pack of cultists, swinging his stone-headed hammer mightily.Mutantsandmenflewleftandright,theirheadsandribcagescrushedtopulp.

Felixexhaled, relieved, though itwasa strange feeling tobeglad for thearrivalof ahostofthrallsandaskin-changingvampiress.ItwasevenstrangertorealisethathislifehadbecomesofilledwithmadnessandhorrorthathecouldacceptthefactthatLadyMathildahadchangedintoawolfwithlittlemorethanashrug.

Ulrikavaulteda squat cultist, impalinghimwithher rapier inmid-flight, thendroppedbesideFelixtoguardhisback.

“Cutitabitfine,didn’tyou?”Felixsaidoverhisshoulder.“Iapologise,Felix,”saidUlrika.“Theotherspausedtodiscuss,er,‘tactics’.”“Ha,”barkedGotrek.“And where are Lady Hermione and Mistress Wither?” asked Felix dryly. “Is their tactic to

hide?”“Theirskillsarenotintheartofcutandthrust,”saidUlrika,hackingofftheheadofawoman

withhairlikewrithingvines.FelixheardWissencursingfromsomewheretohisleft.“Wheredidthesecomefrom?”hecried.

“This is taking toomuch time!Leibold,Goetz,Zigmund,breakoff.Finish setting thecharges.Wemustbeready.”

Threecultistsbrokeawayandranbacktowardsthebarrelsofblackpowder.TherewasnowayFelixorGotrekorUlrikacouldgoafter them.Themadmenwerefourdeeparoundthem,fightingwiththefearlessfervourFelixhadnotedinthemearlier.Theyseemedtocarenotatalliftheylivedordied, so long as thewill of theirmasterTzeentchwasdone.Some threw themselvesonFelix’sswordmerelytoweighitdownsothatothersmightgetastrikein.

Gotrekfoughtanenormous,naked,bloatedthingthatsmelledlikerancidcookingoil.Ithadtheheadofakindlyoldgrandmotherperchedatopamountainous,wobblingtorso.Thehandsattheendofitsfatarmswerelikemittens,unabletoholdaweapon.Thefightshouldhavebeenoverbeforeitstarted,buteverytimeGotrekswungat the thing,agaping,shark-toothedmouthopenedin itsskinwhereverGotrekhadaimed,andbitdownonhisaxe,trappingit,whiletheheavyarmsclubbedhimunceasingly. It didn’tmatterwhereGotrek swung—at the thing’s arms, its stomach, its side—amouthopenedthereandsnappedathisweapon.

“Littleboysshouldn’tplaywithaxes,dearie,”itsaid,inasweet,quaveryvoiceasitbashedhiminthehead.

Gotreksworeandslashedatitagain,andagainamouthcaughthisaxe.Beyond this fight, Felix saw the blackwolf clamp down on one ofWissen’s insect arms.He

slashedherhorriblywiththeother,butthenshedidn’tletgo.Wissenscreamedandflailedatherwithhissword.Shepaidtheblowsnomind.

“DoctorRaschke!”Wissencalled,hisvoicetingedwithpanic.“Aye,aye,coming!”saidaharshvoice.“Turnabout,damnye!Turnabout!”Felixstoleaglancetowardsthevoice.Atoweringwomanwiththeplump,powerfulbodyofa

farmgirlwastotteringslowlytowardsthemeleeonthicklegs,alookofblankidiocyonhermoonface. Surely it couldn’t have been her that had spoken. She looked slightly less intelligent than a

turnip.Thenhenoticedshehadsomesortofbasketstrappedtoherback.“Turn about, ye great lumbering cow!” the voice said. “Turn about, or I’ll rend your fat for

soap!”Somethingthinslappedthegiantessontheleftshoulderandsheshuffledinacircleuntilshewas

facingawayfromthebattle.Therewasindeedabasketonherback,andstrappedintoit,likeaninfantinabassinet,wasawizenedoldmanwithshrivelledlimbsandanenormousbaldheadthatseemedmuchtooheavyforhiswrinkledchickenneck.Hispaleblueeyesflashedwithanevil intelligence,andhisteethhadbeenfiledtopoints.Heheldahorsewhipinonehand,andworewhatappearedtobeafortuneingoldandlapislazulinecklaces,pendants,braceletsandrings.

“Now,skinchanger!”hecried.“FeelthewrathofTzeentch!”Theoldmanpointedhiswhipattheblackwolfandbegantochantinagratingsing-song.Aball

ofblueandgoldlightswirledintoexistencebeforehim.Orperhapsitwasaholeintheworldthatopenedintoablueandgoldinferno.Felixcouldn’ttell.Helookeddeeperintoit.Itwasfascinating.

AhookgashedFelix’sarm.Heblinkedandtorehiseyesaway,cursing,thenhackedatthemanwiththehook.Gods,hehatedmagic.

Witha shriek, thewarlockpushedviolentlyat the swirlingballwithhis splay-fingeredhands,anditflewattheblackwolf—andenteredher.

Thewolfleaptback,rollingandhowlinglikeshewasbeingattackedbybees,andsuddenlyshewasMadameMathildaagain,screamingandwrithingnakedonthefloor.Shecameupsnarlingtoherfeet, voluptuous curves swaying, and glared at the sorcerer. “Ye’ll pay for that, witch-man,” shesnarled.

“Ihavethewarlock,sister,”calledLadyHermionefromtheshadowsofthetunnelmouth.“Getthe others.” She raised her hands,murmuring under her breath, and squirming shadows began toweavearoundherfingers.

“Ta,Missy,” saidMathilda.She snatchedup a swordand launchedherself into the fray again,nakedfromheadtotoe.Herguttersnipesanddoxieschargedafterher,howling.

TheshadowsaroundLadyHermione’shandsgrewsolidandstretchedouttowardsthewarlock.Theoldmanliftedhisvoiceinacounterspellandtheairflexedandstiffenedbetweenthem.AlookofstrainappearedonLadyHermione’sface.Hershadowsnakesfalteredandnosedaroundasiftheyhadhitawall.Sheforcedherwordsoutthroughtightenedlips.

“BrotherWissen!” cried awounded cultist. “They are too strong! Light the powder now!Wecannotriskthemdefeatingus!”

“No!”shoutedWissen.“Notbeforethesignal!Holdyourground!Onlyafewmoremoments!”Whywas it so important towait for the signal,Felixwonderedashe foughton.Whatwas so

important about test firing the gun?Were they also going to blowup the testing range?He didn’tunderstandit.

Beside Felix, Gotrek pulled his axe free from another of the blubbery grandmother-thing’smouths.Hestaggeredback,swipingaroundhimtofanbackmorecultists.

Thegrandmother-thingbobbledafterhim.“Givetomommy,”itsaidinitskindlyoldvoice.“Beagoodboy.”

“Eatthis!”snarledGotrek,slashingagain.Anothermouth opened under the thing’s left breast, but this time, just as it bit down,Gotrek

twisted the axe so that the bladewas facing up.The razor-sharpmetal cut through the roof of theclosingmouth.Gotrekjerkedbackhard,andrippedtheaxeoutthroughitsbellyfleshinaneruptionofmeatandgore.Thethingsquealedlikeastuckpig.

Gotrekslashedagain,andthis timefoundmeat.Felix joinedhim,hackingoffoneof itsarms.

Gotreksplititshead,andtheyturnedtofacenewopponentsasthebattleswirledaroundthem.Ulrikakilledamutantwitha face likeaneel.Mathilda’shairygiant spattered thewallswitha

cultist’sbrains,buthewasbreathingheavily,alreadyexhaustedfromwieldinghistoo-heavyweapon.LadyHermioneandtheshrivelledwarlockcontinuedtostrainbackandforth,neitherabletogainanyadvantage.Deadmutantsandcultists layeverywhere,mostly ina ringaroundGotrek,but the fighthadnotbeenentirelyone-sided.OnlyhalfofHermione’sgentlemenwerestillontheirfeet,andlessthanhalfofMathilda’sguttertrash.

Felixfoundhimselffightingamanwholookedineveryaspectlikeacountinghouseclerk,fromhisspectaclestohisbuckleshoes,exceptforthehuge,tentacledtumourthatgrewfromhisneck.Thethingrestedontheclerk’sshoulder,asbigandlumpyasasackoflaundry,pushinghisheadasideatanawkwardangle.HestaggeredunderitsweightandapologisedmeeklyasthetentacleslashedoutatFelixandeveryoneelsearoundhim.

“Terriblysorry,”theclerksaidwitheachattack.“Can’tcontrolit.Notmydoing.Sorry.”Thetentaclessparkedwithviolentblackenergywherevertheytouched.OneofHermione’smen

fell, twitching, as one slapped him across the face. One of Mathilda’s doxies jumped back anddroppedhercarvingknifeasanothercaressedherneck.Cultistskilledthestrickenbeforetheycouldrecover.

Felixhackedatatentacleasitsnakedtowardshim.Ashockranuphisbladeandforaninstanthiswholebodystiffened.Hestaggeredback,armspasminguncontrollably,numbtotheshoulder.Ulrikapushedforwardtocoverhim.

“Apologies,”saidtheclerktoFelixasthetentaclesreachedforUlrika.“Idon’tcareforitanymorethanyoudo.”

“Noiron!”criedFelixashemassagedhisarmandduckedawayfrommorecultists.Ulrikanoddedandwhippedherrapieroutoftheway,thensnatchedupafallenspearinsteadas

Felixtookhisswordinhisclumsylefthandandsteppedintodefendherflanks.Heflailedawkwardlyat a mutant as Ulrika swung the butt end of the spear at the clerk. The tentacles caught it. Withdifficulty,shewrencheditfromtheirclutchesandswepttheclerk’slegsoutfromunderhim.Hewentdowninaheap,tumourfirst,andshethwackeditwithallherstrength.Itburst,spillingstinkingredjelly, and the tentacles slapped at the clerk, shocking him over and over again as he twitchedconvulsively.Ulrikaranhimthrough.Thetentaclesflopped,limp,tothefloor.

Therewasnotimetotakeabreath.Morecultistsattackedthemfromallsides.Gotrekfoughtamutantwithaxesineachofitsfourhands.Theirfightsoundedlikeabusyfoundry.Mathilda’sgiantstaggeredas thetransparentbluefrog-thingclawedouthiseyesfrombehind.Thegiantroaredanddroppedhishammer tograb for it.The frog torehis throatout.Thegiant toppled,bloodpouringdownhisfilthyjerkinfromunderhisbeard.

Allaroundthemthevampiress’thrallsweredyingatthehandsofthecultists.Felix’sheartsank.Itseemedtheywouldnotbeenoughtoturnthetideafterall.Hegrippedhisswordtwo-handedasthefeeling tingled painfully back into his right arm. His blocks and attacks were weak and soft. Hewouldn’tlastlong.

Thenachorusofshrieksbroughthisheadup.Thecultistsandmutantsnearesttheentrancewerescreamingandbackingaway.Felixcranedhisneck.Whatcouldfrightenamutant?Andthenhesawthem — shambling figures with long, shadow-eyed faces, clad in rags and scraps of armour,staggeringoutofthedarknessofthetunnelsandreachingforthecultistswithcruellycurvedclaws.

Felixgaped,andhadtoparrydesperatelyasanaxenearlyblindsidedhim.Skaven!Thechisel-toothed headswere unmistakable, but therewas somethingwrong.Theywere painfully thin.Morethanthin!Heriskedanotherlook.Theywereskeletons!BySigmar,hadthevileratmeninventedsome

newwaytoconquerNuln?“Skavenskeletons?”hechoked,incredulous.“Werethemutantsnotenough?”“Fearnot,”saidUlrika,blockingameataxe.“TheyareMistressWither ’swork.”“She…sheraisedthem?”Felixswallowed.“Ratmen?”Ulrikashruggedandranheropponent through.“Shemustuse thematerialsavailable toher, I

suppose.”FelixheardGotrekcurseviciouslyinKhazalid.Felixknewhowhefelt.Howhadtheyendedup

on the same sideof abattlewith anecromancer?Theyhad fought againstnecromancers and theirminionswhenever theyencountered themforas longashecould remember.Andyetherehewas,almostrelievedastheundeadservantsofoneofhisalliescametohisrescue.Howhadthishappened?Whathadledhimtothismadoutcome?

His eyes slid to Ulrika, fighting valiantly beside him. It was she who had brought him here.Thesewereherallies.Ifheacceptedherasafriend,diditmeanhemustacceptherkinaswell?

Theskeletal skavenswarmed thecultists,clawingandsnappingandrattling likedice inacup.Theywerenotfast.Theywerenotstrong.Norweretheydifficulttokill.Afewbashesandtheywerereducedtoboneshardsandpowder,buttherewerehundredsofthem.Cultistsweredraggeddownbytheirsheernumbers,ordiedatthehandsofMathilda’svillainsorHermione’sheroeswhiletheyweredistractedbysomemeagrescratchorbitefrombehind.

FelixwasaghastathowmanyofthethingsMistressWitherhadfoundtoraise.Thetunnelsmustbe fullofdeadskaven.He rememberedhelping thecitizensofNulnkillhundredsof ratmen in thestreetsduringtheir invasion,buthecouldn’trecallanyonetakingthefight to the tunnels.Whathadkilledthemdownhere?

Thecultistsfellbackbeforetheskeletalhorde,panicripplingthroughtheirranks.SecondsagotheyhadoutnumberedGotrekandFelixandtheiralliesthreetoone.Nowtheywereoutnumberedtentoone,andmorecultistswerefallingeverymoment.

Felixcrossedswordswithamanwhohadstrange,circularburnscarsalloverhisfaceandhands—afewofthemstillafresh,angryred.Felixfrownedasheturnedtheman’sthrustandmadeoneofhis own. He looked familiar. Where had he seen that face before? In the burning cellars belowShantytown?Onthestreet?Duringtheriotonthebridge?

A dimmemorywas just coming to the surface of hismindwhen aman in the uniform of aGunnerySchoolguardranintothechamberfromthefarend.

“Brothers! Master Wissen!” he cried. “Rejoice! The cannon has sounded! The test wassuccessful!Theyareloadingitontheairshipnow!”

Thecultistscheered.FelixheardWissensighwithrelief.“Atlast!”hesaid,thenraisedhisvoice.“Liebold!Lightthefuses!Therest,holdthesemeddlers

wheretheyare!WewilltaketheirsoulswithuswhenwegotomeetTzeentch!”ThecultistsshoutedexultantlyandattackedGotrek,Felixandthevampireswithrenewedfuryas

acultistwithamaneofblackhairranforthefarendoftheroom,wheretheendsofall thematchcordscametogether.

“Push through!”shoutedGotrek.Hebegansurgingforward,butchering thecultists in frontofhim.

Felix cursedashegutted themanwith thehalf-remembered face and slashed left and right todrivebackhalfadozenattackers.Itseemedthelunaticswerewillingtodieheretomakesuretheirenemiesdiedaswell.TheyweremadderthanGotrek—allgleefullylookingforwardtosacrificingthemselvesforthegreatergloryoftheirdaemongod.

Gotrekhackeddown fourcultists and tried topushpast sixmore.Hewasn’t fast enough.The

black-hairedcultisttookupatorchandbeganlightingtheendsofmatchcords,alllaidoutinalinebeforehim.Sparkingflamesracedacrossthefloorinalldirectionsasthecordsburnedtowardsthebarrels.

“Killthebastard!”shriekedMadameMathilda.“Forgethim!”roaredGotrek.“Getthecords!”Hebatteredasideatrioofcultistsandtriedtorun

for the nearest barrel, but a broad shouldered mutant with plates of orange, coral-like armourgrowing from its skin got in hisway and swung a fist like a huge, barnacled club at him.Gotrekblockedandslashedback,sendingorangegravelflyingashechoppedintothecrustyarmour.

UlrikahissedaKislevitecurseandleaptoverthewallofcultistswithagazelle-likespring.Butbeforeherfeettouchedtheground,atranslucentappendageshotoutandcaughtheraroundtheankle.She fell flat on her face and the blue frog thing jumped on her back, clawing at herwithwebbedtalons.Ithadbeenitstonguethattrippedher.

Felixcursedandshovedforward,hackingrightandlefttoreachher.Heswungdownatthefrog-man.Itrolledawayandshotoutitstongue,jerkingFelixforwardbythewristwhileslashingathisface with his claws. Felix blocked with his free arm and the talons tore bloody trenches in hisforearm.

Ulrikasurgedupandaimedacutatthefrog-man’sback.“No!”saidFelix,kickingthefroginthestomachandcatchingoneofitsarms.“Thefuses!Ihave

him!”“Right.”Ulrikaturnedandsprintedforthefurthestbarrels.MadameMathildawasrightbehind

her,breakingfreeofaclutchofmutants.Thetwovampirewomenbegansnatchingupmatchcordsandyankingtheirendsoutofthebarrels.

“Stopthem!”shoutedWissen.“Putthecordsback!Theymustallgoupatonce!”Cultistsbrokeawayfromthemainfighttoprotectthebarrels.WissenscuttledafterUlrika,using

hismantis arms as an extra pair of legs, and launched himself at her back. She spun around andshearedoffoneofhispincers.Heshrieked,but lashedatherwithbothswordandremainingclaw.Sheparriedandreturnedhisattacks.

ThefrogthingrakedFelix’sarmsagain.Felixhissedinpainandpuncheditinoneofitssaucer-sizedeyes.Itsquawkedanditstongueletgoofhisswordarm.Felixslashedatit,butitdodgedback,outofrange,clutchingitseye.Felixraisedhissword,thenranfortheclosestbarrelinstead.Thiswasnotimetofight.Hepulledoutthecord,thenhurriedtothenext.

Thevampires’survivingminionsswarmedallovertheroom,choppingthroughfizzingmatchcordorrippingitoutofthebarrelsastheyfendedoffcultistsandmutants.Gotreksteppedoverthecorpseofthecoralmutantandrantodothesame.Theskeletalskavenlurchedforwardaswell.OnlyLadyHermioneand thewizenedwarlockremainedwhere theywere,still frozen in theircontestofwills.

BySigmar,we’regoingtodoit,thoughtFelixashetuggedoutanothermatchcordandstartedfor the next.The frog-man’s tongue caught him around the neck and slammedhim to the ground,knockingthebreathfromhislungsandhisswordfromhisgrip.Heclawedathisneck,butthetonguewasalreadygone.

The frog-mansprang, slashingathis facewith its talons.Felix rolledover,hunching, and thetalonsshreddedhisshoulderandback.Hegrabbedhisswordandswungit inawildarc.Thefrog-manhoppedaway.

Felixscrambledupandfacedit.Thefrog-manwasbetweenhimandthenextbarrel.Theflamewasracingcloseralongthematchcord.Thefrog-mancrouched.Felixwentonguard.

“No,Rombaugh!”screamedWissen.“Pulloutthecord!Oneblastwillonlyruinus.Wemustkill

thesevillainsfirsttokeepthemfrominterfering!It’sallornone!”Thefrog-manbackedup,eyesonFelix.“Stophim,manling!”saidGotrek,poundingtowardsthem.“Letitblow!”Felixhesitated,confusedbythissuddenchangeinobjectives.Letitblow?Why?Theexplosion

wouldkillhim.Thefrog-manpulledthecordoutandsprangawaywithit.Felixlungedafterhim,buttoolate.“Nowkillthem!”shoutedWissen.“Killthemallsowecanresetthecharges!”HeleaptatUlrika

again,snarlingwithfury.“Cursedspoilers!”“Iwillsetthecharges!”raspedavoicefrombehindthem.Everyoneturned.Itwasthewizenedwarlock.AllFelixcouldseeoftheoldmanbehindthefat

farm girl’s bulk were his outstretched arms, trembling with tension. Glowing blue light stretchedtowardsLadyHermionefromthe lapis lazulionhisgoldbracelets,andwoveapulsingnetaroundher.Felixcouldseethatthevampiresorceresswasfightingtoescapethecagewithallhermight,butit was not enough.Her strands of shadowwere dissipating like smoke in a strongwind. Shewascurlinginonherself,herfacetwistedwithagonyandimpotentrage.

“Lady!” cried Hermione’s last remaining gentleman. He rushed towards her. The skavenskeletonsranattheoldman.Mutantsrantointerceptthem.

ThewarlockclashedhiswriststogetherandthenetofbluelighttightenedaroundHermionelikeanoose.Shejerkedanddropped,unconscious,flickersofglowingbluefirecrawlingoverherlikescuttlingrats.Herhandsomethrallcriedoutinanguishashetriedtofightpasttwomutants.

Thewarlockcackled,triumphant,thenraisedhisvoiceinaclimbingwailoftorturedsyllables.Purplecloudsbegantocoalesceoverhishead.Thefarmgirljuststoodthereplacidly,staringstraightahead.

“No you don’t, sorcerer,” Gotrek growled. He ran towards the warlock, knocking aside theskavenskeletonsandthemutantsasiftheyweren’tthere.

Felixrantoo.Hedidn’tknowwhatthewarlockmeanttodo,butithadtobebad.HesawUlrikaandMathildaconvergingonhimtoo,cultists inhotpursuit.Thepurplecloudswereboilingacrosstheroofofthechamberlikesmoke.

SomethinggrabbedFelix’sankleandhefellflat.Thedamnedfrog!Itstonguedraggedhimback.Hewhippedbehindhimwithhisswordandchoppedthetongueintwo.Thefrog-manfellbackonitsarseasitstonguesnappedbackintoitsmouth.Felixscrambledupandranon.

WissenspideredinfrontofUlrika,slashingatherwithhisremainingclaw.Shefencedwithhim.MathildaandGotrekangledaroundthem,neckandneck,andclosedinonthefarmgirl.Felixdidn’twanttolook.Thepoorgirlhadn’tabraininherhead.Killingherwouldbelikekillingapuppy.

Gotrekraisedhisaxe.Mathildaraisedhersword.Butjustastheyreachedher,thegirl,asblankas ever, opened hermouth and vomited, sprayingGotrek andMathildawith vile green liquid thathissedwhenittouchedtheirskin.

Mathilda fell to theground, shriekingandwrithingas thebileburnedhernaked flesh.Gotrekstumbledback,cursingandmoppingathisbubblingfacewithhishand,thensurgedforwardagain,his left arm shielding his head. The warlock’s voice reached a screeching crescendo as Gotrekchoppedthroughthegirl’sleg,severingit.Shetoppledsideways,herpiteouslittle-girlcrylostinthefoultorrentoftheoldman’swords.

Asound like thunder rumbledoverheadas thegirlpawed feeblyat thegroundbeforeGotrek.FelixranupintimetoseetheshrivelledlittlewarlockgrinningupatGotrekfromthebasketonherback.“Ihavedoneit,”hegiggled,hiseyesshining.“Themaster ’swillisdone.”

“Andsoareyou,”snarledGotrek.Heslammedtheruneaxeintothewarlock’sface,splittinghis

enormousheadintwoandsinkingthebladedeepintothegirl’sback.Herstrugglesceased.ThethunderrumbledagainandFelixfeltsomethinghotonhisback.Thenonhisarm.Helooked

down.Hiscloakwasonfire.Tinypinkflamesdotteditinadozenplaces.Hebeatatthem.Theydidn’tgoout!Wherehadtheycomefrom?

Beside him, Gotrek cursed as he slapped at his arms and shoulders. There were shouts andsquealsbehindthem.Felixspunaround.Hegaped.

Thewarlock’spurplecloudshid theroofof thechamberfromendtoend,andwererainingasteadyshoweroftinypinkcandleflames.Wherevertheylanded,firespread.Thecultists,themutants,Wissen,Ulrika,Mathilda,herguttersnipesandLadyHermione’s lastgentlemanwereallcryingoutand running for cover, swattingmadly at the flames that burned their clothes and skin.The topofeveryblackpowderbarrelwasburningwithlittlepinkblazes,andthewoodwasstartingtoblacken.Itwouldbemeremomentsbeforethefireburnedthroughthewoodtothepowder.

“Sigmar save us,” said Felix in a hollow voice as he backed towards the tunnelwithGotrek.“We’llneverputthemalloutintime.Thisistheend.”

“Fah!”saidGotrek.“Weneedtofightfirewithfire,isall.”Hisfaceandforearmswereamassofhideous,pus-filledblisters,andhestillstankofthefarm-girl’sviscousvomit.Heseemedtofeelnoneofit.

“Firewithfire?”saidFelix,confused.Gotrekputhisaxeonhisbackandlookedaroundthefloor, thenbarkedapleasedlaughashe

sawMathilda’sgiantlyingdeadwherethefrog-manhadrippedouthisthroat.TheSlayercrossedtothegiant andpickeduphis ridiculous stone-headedhammer.Hehad less trouble lifting it than thegianthad.Butwhatdidhewantitfor?

“Intothetunnel,manling,”saidGotrek.Hebegantospininacircle.Ulrika heard and dragged Lady Hermione towards the tunnel mouth. Madame Mathilda’s

guttersnipesdidthesamefortheirbarelyconsciousmistress.Wissenandthecultistshadtakencoverinanalcoveonthefarsideoftheroom.

Thebarreltopswereblazingliketorchesnow.Gotrekturned,fasterandfaster,holdingthehugehammerattheveryendofthehaft.WashegoingtoflingitatWissen,wonderedFelixashebackedoutofthechamber.Whatgoodwouldthatdo?

“Back, I said!”Gotrek roared, and let goof thehammer. It flew straight for the closest blackpowderbarrel.

Felixduckedback,gapingwithshockasGotrekdivedtowardhim,laughingmadly.Ahugeexplosionrockedthetunnel.AfistofhotairpunchedFelixinthechestandpoppedhis

earspainfully.ItthrewGotrekintohimandsentthemrollingbackwardsintothetunnel.Theycametorest inaheapnext toUlrikaandMathildaat thebaseof the sloping ramp.Pebblesanddust raineddownonFelix’sheadandblisteringheatwashedoverhim inawave.He tensed,waiting formoreexplosions.Theydidn’tcome.Aloudroarcamefromthechamber,butitwasn’tanexplosion.Itwasastrangesustainedthunder.Andwhatwasthathorriblesmell?

“Yemadman!”screamedMistressMathilda,sittingupandglaringatGotrek.“Whatdidyedo?”Her face and shoulders where the farm-girl’s vomit had splattered them were as blistered as theSlayer ’s.

“Saved your sorry, undead arse,” rasped Gotrek. “More’s the pity.” He turned to Felix. “Up,manling.Oryou’llbesweptaway.”

Felixgroanedandpushedhimselfpainfullytohisfeet.“Sweptaway?”Aknee-highbow-waveoffrothingbrownwaterrushedintothetunnel,nearlyknockinghimoff

his feet.Corpses andbitsof shatteredbarrel floated in it, and it reekedof excrement andgarbage.

MathildaandUlrikastaggeredandbracedthemselvesagainstthetide,whichwasrisingswiftly.LadyHermione’slastgentlemanliftedherunconsciousforminhisarmsandheldheraboveit.Hebegancarryingheruptheslope,outofthewater.MadameMathildaandherlastfewguttersnipesfollowedwearily.

Felix andUlrika slogged forward against the current and looked into the chamber, eyeswidewithwonder.Therewasacrumblingholein theroofdirectlyabovetheplacewherethebarrelhadbeen,and through itpouredasolid, tree-thickcolumnofbrownwater thatwasfilling thechamberlikeateapotfilledateacup.Thetopsofthebarrelswerestillburningwithpinkfire,butthewaterwasalreadythree-quartersofthewayuptheirsides,andclimbingfast.

“Whataterrifyingrace,”breathedUlrika.Felix nodded,mesmerised. The barrels could still explode at any second. They should all be

runningforhighground,buthecouldn’ttearhiseyesaway.Thenanotherexplosion,farbackinthechamber,knockedthembackintothetunnelasaballof

firebillowedoutacrosstheroof.Ulrikashookherheadasshepickedherselfupoutofthewater.ShelookedatGotrek.“Itwasa

goodtry,Slayer,”shesaid.“Butnotenough,Ithink.”“Neverdoubtadwarf,bloodsucker,”saidGotrek,grinningashepushedpasther.Thewaterwas

uptohischestnow,andhisbeardwasbeginningtofloat.“Look.”FelixandUlrikafollowedhimbacktothedoorofthechamber.Therewasanotherholeinthe

roof now, above where the second barrel had exploded, and another thick column of water waspouringdown.Thetidewasrisingtwiceasfast.Evenastheywatched,itbeganlappingoverthetopsofthebarrels.Onebyonethepinkfiresbegantowinkout.

“Sigmar ’shammer,”saidFelix,shakinghisheadinwonderasfloatingcorpsesandbarrelstavesbumpedintohim.“Wedidit!Er,youdidit.Ah,it’sdone.”

Ulrika inclinedherhead toGotrek.“Neveragainwill Iquestionyour judgement,Slayer.”Shewrinkledhernose.“Nowcome.Letusfindhigherground.Itstinks.”

Withagaspingscream,thebodyfloatingnexttoFelixrearedoutofthewater.ItwasWissen!HelungedatFelix,hisremainingpincercrushingFelix’sarmandpullinghimclosewhileheclampedhishandsaroundFelix’sthroat.

“Youruinedit!”hescreamed,hiseyesafirewithfanaticalhate,hisfacepock-markedwithlittlecircularburnsfromtherainofpinkfire.“Youruineditall!Ourgloriousfuture,drownedinatideofshit!I’llkillyou!InthenameofTzeentch,I’ll…”

FelixpunchedWisseninthenose.Ulrikaranhimthrough.Gotrekswunghisaxeunderwaterandbitintohimsomewherebelow.Felixcouldfeelthebrutalimpactthroughthehandsthatclutchedhisthroat.

Wissen’sfingersslackened,andhiseyesglazedoverasthewateraroundhimbegantoswirlwithred. “At least there is still the master…” he murmured. His skin, around the circular burns, wasturningwhitefromlackofblood.

Felixfrowned.Theburns.Thecircularburns.Likethemanhehadkilledearlier.Likethe…Hisheartslammedagainsthischestasrealisationdawned.Nowheknewwherehehadseenthemanwiththecircularburnsbefore!Hehadn’trecognisedhimatfirstwithouthisleatherrobes.HehadbeenoneoftheSigmaritepriestsatthepouringofthelastcannon.Theinitiatewhohadfainted.Theonewhohadpouredtheashesintothemolteniron!

FelixgrabbedWissenbythecollar.“Wissen!Don’tyoudie,youfiend!Thecannons!Whatdidyoudotothecannons?”

Wissen’s eyes regained some of their focus and he chuckledweakly. “Too… late. They have

flown.”Felixshookhim.“Whatdidyoudotothem?”“Tainted. All of them,” he said, dreamily. “Warpstone… in the iron. Once on the walls of…

Middenheim,themasterwill…wakethem.Theircrews…drivenmad…turnthemagainstthegatesoftheFauschlag…shotdownfrom…within.Archaonwillenter…Chaos…triumphantatlast!”

Felix stared at him, stunned. His arms sagged andWissen slipped beneath the filthy, bloodywater.

Gotreksteppedforwardandhauledthecaptainupagain.“Themaster!”hegrowled.“Whoisthemaster?”

Wissen’sheadtippedback,ablissfulsmileonhislips.Gotrekshookhim.“Grimnircurseyou!Talk,vermin!”Wissen’sextremitiesswayedlooselyinthecurrent.Hiseyesstaredatnothing.GotreksworefuriouslyandletWissen’sbodysubmerge.Hestarteduptheslopeof thetunnel,

anglingtowardsthesidepassageWissenandthewatchmenhadenteredfrom.“Hurry,manling,”hesaid.“WehavetostopMakaissonbeforeheflies.”

Felixnoddedandfollowed,thoughhewasafraiditwasalreadytoolate.TheSpiritofGrungnimustcertainlyhaveliftedoffbynow.Still,theyhadtotry.

Ulrikajoinedthem.Thethreeofthempushedforward,risingslowlyupoutofthewater, theirclothessoakingandsmearedwithfilth.Atthetopoftherise,betweenthemandthesidetunnel,LadyHermione,MadameMathilda andMistressWither looked down at them. Lady Hermione proppedherself againsthergentleman.Mathilda stoodnakedandblisteredanddripping,handsonherhips.MistressWitherwasatallshadowbehindthem.

“Getoutoftheway,”saidGotrek.Thevampirewomendidn’tmove.“Ourapologies,Slayer.HerrJaeger,”saidLadyHermione.“YouhavesavedNuln,andweare

grateful.“But you have also betrayed the countess, making her existence known to Makaisson, the

engineer,andperhapsothers.”“Ididwhat?”growledGotrek.“For this oathbreaking,” continued LadyHermione, as if he hadn’t spoken, “she has ordered

yourdeath.”“What!”criedUlrika.Behind the three vampiresses, the corridor began to fillwith a numberless throng of skeletal

skaven.

SEVENTEEN“Comeanddie,then!”snappedGotrek,raisinghisaxeoutofthewater.

“Wait,Slayer,please!”saidUlrika,sloshingaheadofhim.“There’snotime,”Gotrekrumbled,pushingforward.“Makeforthesidetunnel,manling.”Felixjoinedhim.LadyHermione’sgentlemantookherupinhisarmsandbackedawaywithher.

MadameMathilda and her guttersnipes edged away.MistressWither drifted back like a ghost andpointed a bandaged hand at them. Her army of dead skaven advanced, sounding like a thousandmarionettes all rattling together at once. They crowded down the slope towardsGotrek and Felix,wadingintothewaterandclawingatthem.

Ulrikaglaredupover theadvancinghordeatHermioneasGotrekandFelixchopped into thefirstwave.“Idon’tunderstand,sister!Yousaidthatthecountesshadsentyoutohelpus!YousaidthecountessunderstoodthatIwasmistaken—thattheSlayerhadnotmentionedherormyselfafterall!”

“Isaidshehadreceivedthemessage,”saidHermione.“Ididnotsaythatshebelievedyou.”“What?Why?”criedUlrikabackingintothewater,astheskeletonsadvanced.“Shethinksthatyourloyaltiesareinconflict.”AsneeringsmilecurledHermione’slips.“That

youarebesottedwithcattle.”Ulrika stiffenedwith outrage. “I am awoman of honour, the daughter of a boyar and kin to

royalty.Idonotlie.Idonotbreakoath.”GotrekandFelixadvancedanotherstepuptheslope,leavingshatteredbonesandrustedweapons

stickingupfromthewaterbehind them.Theskeletonswerepitiful foes,but thereweresomany. Itwasmaddening.Thesidepassagewasonlyfivestridesabovethem,butitseemedtheymightneverreachit.

“Perhapsnot,”Hermionecontinued.“Perhapsyouonlybelievedwhatyouwishedtobelieve.Itisacommonhumanfailing.But…”shesaid,raisinghervoiceoverUlrika’sprotestsandthesoundsofbattle.“Whetheryouliedorwereliedto,theSlayerandthepoetmustdie.”

Felixfrowned.Wouldthecountesstrulysaythis?“Ulrika!”hecalled,asheshatteredadirt-cakedskaven ribcagewith a savagecut. “What if it isHermionewho lies?What if the countessbelievedyou?”

Ulrikalookedathim,thelightofhopekindlinginhereyes,butthen,justasquickly,itdied.“Butif she didn’t, then I would be going against her.” Her eyes narrowed. She turned back to LadyHermione.“AndI?AmItodieaswell?”

Hermioneshookherhead.“Amotherdoesnotsoeasilycastasideadaughter.Evenanadoptedone.”Shesmiled.“Sothatyoudonothingtointerfere,youareforgiven,and,wereyoutokillthemyourself,why,Ibelievethecountesscouldneverhavecausetomistrustyouagain.”

Ulrika’sglanceflickedtoFelixandthenawayagain.“I…No!Icannotbetraymyfriends.”“Butyoucanbetrayyourmother?”“I did not betray her!”wailedUlrika. “Felix and the Slayer did not expose her! They do not

deserveherwrath!”“Whatever they deserve,” saidHermione coolly, “their death iswhat the countesswishes.Did

younotsweartoserveherwhenshesavedyoufromKrieger?Youwhoclaimtoneverbreakanoath.Willyourvowtohershatteratitsfirsttesting?”

Ifvampirescouldcry,Ulrikawouldhavebeenweeping.Shestoodparalysed,kneedeepinsewerwater,herfacecontortedinanguish.FelixcursedHermioneunderhisbreath.Thereweretwobattlesbeingfoughthere,andhecouldnotsaywhichwasmoresavage.

“Ulrika…”hesaid.“Don’tbother,manling,”saidGotrek.“She’smadeherdecision.Orshewouldhavekilled the

bitch already.” He stepped back from the avalanche of skaven and slashed backhanded at Ulrika.“Defendyourself,bloodsucker.”

“No!shecried,splashingawayuptheslopethroughtheskeletons.“No!”Sheturnedat the topand looked intoFelix’seyes,herbeautiful face twistedwithmisery.“I’msorry,Felix,” shesaid.“Iwillnotfightyou,butIcannotgoagainstmymistress.”

“Butperhapsyoudon’t!”criedFelix,frustrated.“Perhapsit’sallalie!”“I…Icannottakethatchance,”saidUlrikasadly.“Iamaloneinthisworldwithoutthecountess.

Shesavedme.Sheismymother.”Andwiththatsheturnedandrandownthetunnel,pushingthroughthearmyofdeadratmen,and

intothedarkness.Felix’seyesstung,andhefoundithardtoswallowaroundthelumpinhisthroat.Nomatter.Fightingwouldfixthat.

Heploughedup the slopewithGotrek,wading into the skavenwith fevered fury.SuddenlyhewantedtoseeLadyHermionedeadmorethananythingintheworld.TheconnivingbitchhadbrokenUlrika’sspiritanddividedherfromGotrekandFelixasneatlyasanexecutionerloppedofftheheadofatraitor.Sheneededtodiebyhissword.Ifonlythesecursedskeletonswouldgetoutoftheway.

“Thesepuppetswon’tstop‘em,”snarledMadameMathilda.“Comeon,mebraveones.”Shedroppedintoasquat,thenlaunchedherselfatGotrek,transforminginmid-air—herbody

twisting and sproutingblackhair, her jaw lengthening, her fingers clumping together intoyellow-clawedpaws.Herfewremainingguttersnipeschargeddowntheslopebehindher,howling.

GotrekhackedoffMathilda’s left forelegasshehithimin thechest.They tumbledbackwardstogetherintothewater.

Mathilda’shalf-transformed limb splashedbesideFelix, and thenherdoxies andalleybasherswereonhim,pushing through theskeletons tostabathimwithknivesandcutlassesandhooks.Heblockedandparriedasbesthecould,butquicklylostallthegroundheandGotrekhadwon.

Besidehim,GotrekandMathildafoughtunderwaterinachurningfrothoflimbs.Heglimpsedwolfteeth,thenGotrek’saxe,thenatail,afoot.

Then he could look no more. He was surrounded. The bashers and doxies and dead ratmenhackingandlungingathimfromallsides.Hecoulddonothingbutspininanendlesscircle,weavingfigureeightsintheairwithKaraghul.Itkeptthematbayfornow,buthowlongcouldhekeepitup?He felt like he had been fighting for hours. The water dragged at his legs, and the footing wasuncertain. Skeleton limbs splintered and spun away as they reached for him andmet his blade. Asnaggle-toothedharlotgashedhisarmwithanicepick.

“Gotrek?”hecalled.Therewasnothingbutthrashingbehindhim.Abasherleaptathim,tryingtobringhimdownlikehismistresshadGotrek.Felixsidestepped

himandhesplashedintothewaterbehindhim.Felixstabbeddownintothewaterandfoundflesh.Theskeletonsandbashersclosedin,hemminghiminonallsides.Clawscaughthislegsandarms.

“Gotrek!”Therewas a yelp frombehind him, and a great splashing, and the blackwolf charged up the

slopeonthreelegs,shoulderingtheskeletonsoutofherway.“Cursedwolf bitch!” roaredGotrek, surging up out of thewater and charging past Felix, his

armsandshouldersrunningredfromadozendeepwolfbites.TheskeletonsandbashersturnedawayfromFelixtostophim.TheSlayerslashedallaroundat

them.Deadratmenexplodedinshowersofbone.Thebashersmerelydied.

Felixbreathed a sighof relief and tookuphis usual positionbehind and a little to the left ofGotrek,choppingdownanyskeletonsorguttersnipesthatgotpasthim.Thiswashowthingsworkedbest—GotrektakingthebruntandFelixcleaningupbehindhim.Nowtheymightgetsomewhere.

Gotrekpressedforwardrelentlesslyagainstthetide.Thelastofthealleybashersfellandthingswentquicker.TheSlayerdestroyedhalfadozenboneskavenwitheveryswing.Theywerealmostoutofthewater.Felixcranedhisneck,tryingtofindLadyHermionebeyondtheskeletons.

lustthen,whatlittlelighttherewasinthetunnelwinkedoutallatonce.Theyhadbeenseeingbythereflectedglowofthelanternsfromtheblackpowderchamber.Noweverythingwasblack.

“Whathappened?”hecalled.Hadthewaterrisenhighenoughtosnuffoutthelanternshighonthewalls?No.Thatwasimpossible.Itwasstillonlyribdeep.

Askeletonrippedathischestinthedark.Heswungblindlyatitandhearditshatter.Moreclawedathim.Hisskincrawledattheirtouchandhelashedout.Heheardthemsnapandsmashallaroundhim,butstillthereweremore.Gotrek’saxewhooshedandwhizzednearby,crushingmoreofthem.

“Sorcery,”gruntedGotrek.“Ican’tsee.”Felixgulped.IfGotrekwasblinditwasindeedsorcery.HehadknowntheSlayertobeableto

seeinlightlessmines.“Whatdowedo?”saidFelix,fightingoffpanic.Hehackedallaroundhim,butkepthisstrokes

tight,afraidofhittingGotrek.“Presson,manling,”saidtheSlayer.“Thepassagehasn’tmoved.”Felixnodded,thenrealisedthatthatwasfoolishinthedark,andopenedhismouthtospeak.But

just as hedid, something slithered aroundhis neck and chokedhim, constrictinghiswindpipe andcuttingoffhisair.Hecriedoutandclawedathisneck,expectingtofindsomeslimytentaclewrappedaroundit.Therewasnothingthere!

Teethandclawscontinuedattackinghiminthedark.Heflailedaboutone-handedwithhissword,futilelyclutchingathisthroatwithhisleftwhilepanicconsumedhim.HetriedtocalltoGotrek,butcouldonlyhiss.

“What’sthat,manling?”“Chhhikik,” saidFelix. “Chhhhtbttthhhh.”Dimstars flaredbeforehis eyes.His sword strokes

wereweakening.Hefoughttotakeabreath.AhardhandgrippedhisarmandhealmoststabbedtowardsitbeforeherealiseditwasGotrek.

Somethingheavywhippedpasthisear,andthenhisotherear.Thebreezeruffledhishair.Gotrek’saxe!Washeattackinghim?Washemistakinghimforanenemy?

Teethandclawsbithisarmsandlegs.Hetriedtoscreaminpain,butonlyrasped.Gotrekcursedand,withaswishandaclatter,theteethandclawsfellaway.TheSlayer ’shugehandmovedtohisneckandfeltaround.Thenasnarl.“Moresorcery.Fight

her,manling.Andkeepmoving.”The callused hand grabbed his arm again and tugged him forward. Felix stumbled after him,

swinginghisswordinweakarcsandtryingtoforcedownthepanicthatwasconsuminghimas,allaround him, came the sounds of clattering movement and the whoosh and clash of heavy steelchoppingbone.

Fight her, Gotrek had said. Fight who? The image of shadowy snakes spilling from LadyHermione’shands flashed throughhismind—stretchingout, reaching, strangling.Theevilwitch.Shehad snuffedoutUlrika’swillwithaword.Nowshewas trying to snuffouthis lifewithblacksorcery.Hewavedhisswordinfrontofhisthroat,asifdoingsocouldseverthecoils.Nothing.

He staggered on behind Gotrek, weak-kneed, the stars in front of his eyes blooming intofireworks,burstingoneafteranotherinpurples,pinksandyellows.Hetriedtopicturetheblackcoils

dissipatingintocandlesmoke.Triedtofeelthemrelaxingtheirgriponhisneck.Theyremainedastightasever.Thegroundbeneathhisfeetbecamelevel.Theyhadreachedthetopoftheslope.Gotrekjerkedhimleft.Hisshoulderhitthewall.Hefeltacross-breezeonhischeek.Theclatterofexplodingskeletonsfilledhisears.

“Move!”Gotrekshovedhimtowardsthebreeze,andallatoncetherewerenoskeletonsaroundhim.Itdidn’tmatter.Hewassuffocatingtodeath.Hecouldn’tlifthisswordanymore.Hecouldbarely

putonefootinfrontoftheother.Hispulsewaspoundinginhisearslikeahammeronananvil.Hecouldnolongerhearanythingelse.Hischestwasgoingtoimplodeforwantofair.Histonguewasswellingtofillhismouth.Hisfingerspawedweaklyathisthroat.

Something hard hit him in the stomach and hewas lifted off his feet.His head flopped downtowards the ground. His sword dragged on stone. The hard thing bounced him up and down andswayedhimfromsidetoside.Hecouldhardlyfeelitanymore.Allhecouldfeelwasthepaininhischestandthecoilscrushinghiswindpipe,constrictingtighterandtighter.Ifonlythebouncingwouldstopandlethimdieinpeace.

Then,slowly,peacecame,blackandsoft.Thebouncingfaded.Thepain inhischesteased.Hehad the sensation of drifting down, like a snowflake, through a sweet murmuring darkness. Thiswasn’tsobad.Nopain.Noloudnoises.Nohorriblesmells.

Ahardbounce joltedhimawake. It knocked thewindoutofhim.Hegasped.Sigmar!Hehadgasped!Therewasair inhis lungs!Hetriedagain.Itwasliketryingtosuckair throughacloggedpipestem,buthewasbreathing.Ithurtlikeswallowingglass.

Anotherhardbounce.Anothergasp.Theworldfloodedbackaroundhim—painandnoiseandstink.Hisheadthrobbed.Hisstomachscreamed.Hischestfeltlikeitwasfilledwithrocks.Hisearswerebatteredwiththudsandgruntsandclanks.Hisnosewasassaultedbythereekofsweatandsewersludge.Helookedaround.Foramomenthecouldseenothing.Thencamemovementandshadow.Adimglowoftorches—allupsidedown.Itslowlycametohimwherehewasandwhatwashappeningtohim.HewasdrapedoverGotrek’s shoulder, and theSlayerwas runninghard.Anearthen floorblurredpast,inchesfromhisface.Theywereinalantern-littunnel.Beyondthathedidn’tknow.

“Got…rek,”hemumbled.“Alivethen?”saidaharshvoice.“Good.”Felixfrowned.Howwashealive?Howcouldhesee?HadhefoughtoffHermione’ssorcery?

Hadhewilledthesnakesaway?HadGotrekdoneit?HadtheSlayer ’sbrutaljostlingbrokenthespellsomehow?Hadtheduelwiththewarlockweakenedhersomuchthatshecouldn’tprolongthespell?Hadtheysimplygottentoofaraway?

Gotrek stopped and set him down. He groaned in agony. Somewhere in the distance came aclickingandclattering.GotrekdidsomethingofftoFelix’sright.AbreezepuffedonFelix’scheek,andmore sewer smell filledhisnose.He looked towards thebreeze.A secretdoor. Into the sewertunnels.

Gotrekleanedoverhimandtookhisarm.“I…Icanwalk.”“Not fast enough,” said Gotrek, and hoisted him over his shoulder again. Felix’s bruised

stomachthrobbedwithagony.AsGotrekcarriedhimthroughthedoorFelixsawmovementbehindthem,amillingthrongof

wedge-skulledskeletonsshufflingtowardsthem.Andthereweredarkerfiguresamongthem,pushingthroughthem,pastthem.

Gotrek kicked the door closed, then ran on.The dimgrey dawn filtered down into the sewer

fromabove.Felixlookedatthesewerchannelastheyjoggedpastit.Thestewwasverylow.Hehadneverseenitsolow.Agummybrowntidemarkwasdryinghighaboveasluggishtrickle.TheholesGotrek’sblackpowdertrickhadblastedintothechannelmusthaveemptiedthesewers.Hechuckled.Thatwouldtakesomefixing.

Acrashbehindthem.Felixtwistedhisheadawkwardlytolookback.Abrokendoorwastopplingintothechannel.Twodarkfiguresemergedfromtheholeinthewall.Orwasitthree?Theysurgedforward.

“Grimnirtakethem,”cursedGotrek.“Notime.Notime.”Heranon.Felixlookedbackagain.Thedarkfigureswerecloser—muchcloser.Gotrekturnedacorner

intoasmallsquarespaceandstopped.HeliftedFelixoffhisshoulderandsteadiedhimagainst thewall.Asetofironrungsranupit.

“Ihopeyoucanclimb,”saidGotrek.“IhopeIcantoo,”saidFelix.Gotrekstarteduptherungs.“Comeon.Rightbehindme.”Felixnoddedandpushedhimselfawayfromthewall.Theworldswirledvertiginouslyaround

him.Heclutchedarungandheldon.Theworldsteadied.Hebegantoclimb.Onerung.Tworungs.Heheardasoftthudding.Itgotlouder.Wasithisheart?

Abovehim,Gotrek reached the topof the ladder andputhis shoulder to thegrate.A shaft ofweaksunlightslantedinandlitupasquareofbricksbesidetheladder.TheSlayerpushedthegrateupuntilitfellasidewithaclang.

Felix kept climbing. Halfway there. His vision dimmed. His head pounded. Or was that thethuddingsound,growinglouderstill?

Gotrekclimbedoutofthehole.Felixlookedback.Ablackwolfboundedintotheroomfromthetunnel,apetitewomanclinging

toherback.Thewolfhadfourlegs,butonewaspaleandshinyandhadnofur.Behindthewolfandriderwasaloomingshadow,asthinasadeadtree.

Felixclimbedfaster,atleasthetriedto,urginghislegstoextend,hisarmstopullandgrasp.Hewassweatinglikeapump.

“Comeon,manling!”calledGotrekfromabove.Heheldhishanddownintothehole.Thewolfshookoffitsriderandleaptathim,snapping.Herteethclashedshutaninchfromhis

ankle.Felixclimbedanotherrung.Onlythreemore!Thewolfhowledangrily,andtransformed.Thehowlbecamewordsasthepawsbecamehandsandclambereduptheladderbehindhim.

“Noyedon’t,pet!”saidMadameMathilda.“Haven’thadmydinner.”Shegrabbedhisankleinagriplikeasteeltalonandyankeddown,hard.

Felix’sslickfingersslippedofftherungs.Butjustashefell,Gotrek’smeatyhandgrabbedhisrightwristandpulledup,hard.Felixbarkedinagony.Hewasbeingstretchedliketaffy.Anotherfewstitchespopped.Everywoundonhisbodyscreamed.

“Yourotherarm!”raspedGotrek.Felixthrewuphisleftarm.Gotrekcaughtitandpulled,hislegsbracedoneithersideofthehole.

Mathildahauledbacktheotherway.Felixgroanedwithpain.BelowMathilda,LadyHermionewasstandingwearilyandmakinggestureswithherhandsand

MistressWitherwasfloatingupwardslikeadryleaf,scrawny,bandagedfingersstretchingoutofherdroopingsleevestowardshim.

FelixkickedMadameMathildainthefacewithhisfreefoot.Shesnarledandgrabbedhisotherankle,pullingwithallherweight.Abovehim,Gotrekheavedmightily.Felixfelthisspinepop.Hismusclestoreandspasmed.Buthewasrising,slowly—tooslowly.MistressWitherwasclosingfast.

Gotrek pulled harder. Felix’s legs raised up into the slanting shaft of sunlight.The edge of ittouchedMathilda’sfingers.Shescreamedandletgo,herhandssmoking.

Felixcameupallatonce,scrapinghisshouldersontheframeoftheholeasheshotthroughitandlandedontopofGotrek.Hegroaned,intoomuchagonytomove.

Gotrekshovedhimoffandstaggeredup,pullinghisaxeoffhisback,hiseyefixedonthesewerhole.

“Notcomingout,maggots?”hecalled.Therewasnoanswer.Heshrugged,thenturnedbacktoFelixandhauledhimtohisfeet.Felixhissed,nearlypassingoutfromthepain.“Easy.”“Notimeforeasy,manling,”hesaid,startingaway.“Comeon.”FelixlookedaroundashelimpedaftertheSlayer.TheywereinasidestreetnexttotheImperial

GunnerySchool.Gotrek’suncannysenseofdirectionhadcomethroughagain.Halfway to the corner, a faint, echoey voice reached his ears. “It won’t always be daylight,

heroes.”GotrekandFelixlimpedthroughthegatesoftheImperialGunnerySchoolandheadedforthebroadflat lawn that stretchedalong itswest side.Menof theCollegeofEngineeringandof theGunnerySchoolwereworkingtogethertodismantleatowermadeofsteelbeamsandguywires.Othermenloadedthepiecesontothebacksofalineofwagonsandmadethemsecureasthedrayhorsesstampedthegrassandsnortedsteamintothecoldmorningair.

Off to one side, Lord Groot stood talking with Lord Pfaltz-Kappel and Lord HieronymousOstwald.TheylookedupasthepoetandtheSlayerapproached,thengasped.

TheSpiritofGrungni,”barkedGotrek.“Whereisit?”“You…youhavemissedit,Slayer,”saidGroot.“Look.”GotrekandFelixfollowedGroot’sfingerashepointedwest.AtfirstFelixcouldseenothingbut

the towers and roofpeaksof the city, outlined inpinkby the light of the rising sun.But at last hefound,justbetweenthesturdymassofthetownhallandthesharpspiresoftheUniversityofNuln,asmallblackoblongshapenosingnorthandwestbeforeahighbankoflavenderclouds.

Gotrek’sshouldersslumped.Hecursed.Felix groaned. Theywere too late. The tainted cannonwere on their way toMiddenheim, to

wreakhavocontheFauschlag’sdefencesfromwithin.Butmaybeitwasn’ttoolate.Maybetherewassomewaytowarnthem,tocalltheairshipback—carrierpigeonsorflaresorsomesuch.

HeturnedtoLordGroot.“Mylord…”Groot,OstwaldandPfaltz-Kappelwereallbackingawayfromthemandcovering theirnoses,

theireyeswidewithdismayandapprehension.“Didyoufallinthesewer,HerrJaeger?”askedLordOstwald,gagging.“Wereyouinafight?”askedGroot.“Areyoudiseased?”askedLordPfaltz-Kappel.Felixlookeddownathimself,thenoveratGotrek.Hecouldunderstandthelords’reactions.He

andtheSlayerlookedamess.Felix’sbeautifulnewclothesweretornandbloodiedandsmearedwithfilth,andhewasstillbleedingfromthegashes thefrogthinghadtornonhisarm.TheSlayerwasworse. His bodywas amass of bleeding wounds. His bandages were soaked and partially peeledaway, revealinghishealingburnscars,hiscrestandbeardwere singedblack inplacesandclottedwithsewermuck,andhisface,neckandshoulderswerecoveredinangry,pus-filledblistersfromthefarmgirl’svomit.Helookedlikehehadcontractedsomevirulentplagueandwasinitslaterstages.Well,perhapstheirbatteredconditionwouldaddurgencytotheirwords.

“Thesewerfellonus,”saidFelix.“Butlisten,please,mylords.Somethingterriblehasoccurred.Thecannon…”

“Another secret plot like the last one you invented?” sneered Pfaltz-Kappel, waving hishandkerchiefinfrontofhisface.“TheGunnerySchoolseemstohavefailedtoexplode.”

“Weonlyjuststoppeditfromhappening,mylord,”saidFelix.“Downinthesewer.Henceour,er,disarray.Butpleaselisten…”

“What!”saidLordGroot.“Yousaysomeonewastryingtoblowuptheschoolafterall?”“Yes, my lord,” said Felix, impatiently. “Ward Captain Wissen. He was the leader of the

CleansingFlame.Heandhisfollowers…”“CaptainWissenacultist?”saidPfaltz-Kappel.“Preposterous.Nomorezealousdefenderofthe

publicgoodexistsinNuln.”“Thatwashowhecoveredhisactions,”saidFelix.“Butwhoperpetratedtheplotisn’timportant

anymore.Wissen has been defeated and his bombs defused.What is important is the fact that thecannons…”

“Wissenhasbeen‘defeated’?”askedLordOstwald,raisinganeyebrow.“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”

“We…” Felix paused, suddenly realising how awkward this could become.He shot a look atGotrek,buttheSlayerwasstaringfixedlyattheground,mumblingtohimself.Hedidn’tseemtobelisteningatall.Well, itwouldallcomeout in theend.And ithad tobe told.“We…wefoughtanddefeated him and his followers, in order to stop the destruction of the Gunnery School. Butunfortunately,partoftheirplanhassucceeded.Yousee,thecannon…”

“Doyoumeanyoukilledhim?”pressedOstwald.“Er,”saidFelix.“Well,hewaskilled,yes.ButasIsay,wediscoveredpartofhisplantoolate,

and…”“YoukilledCaptainWissen!”criedallthree,steppingbackfromthem.“AnddidyoualsoassaulttheguardsoftheAltestadtGatelastnight?”askedLordOstwald.“AndalsooneofthepatrolsCaptainWissenplacedinthesewersthedaybefore?”askedLord

Pfaltz-Kappel.“Mylords,please,”Felixpleaded.“Icananswerall thesecharges later.Butyoumusthearme

aboutthecannon.Theyhavebeen…”But LordGroot was waving over a detail of Gunnery School guards as Ostwald and Pfaltz-

Kappelcontinuedtobackaway,handsonthehiltsoftheirswords.“Herr Jaeger,” saidOstwald. “I am very disappointed in you. I believed you to be a true and

noble knight, a defender of humanity against the horrors that besiege us from all sides, but theseactions of yours are very disturbing— assaulting the watch, killing a ward captain of the watch,Sigmaronlyknowswhatothervillainy.IamafraidIwillhavetoplaceyouunderarrestuntil thesematterscanbeinvestigatedfurther.”

“Fine!”saidFelixangrily.“Lockusup!Dowhatyouwill!OnlyletmefinishwhatIhavebeentryingtotell…”

Gotrek’sheadsnappedup.“Thegyrocopter!”Hebarked,thenstartedacrossthelawntowardsthefrontgates.“Comeon,manling.We’venotimetolose.”

“Stop them!” shouted Lord Ostwald. “Arrest them for the murder ofWard Captain AdelbertWissen!”

EIGHTEENGotrek glared around, pulling his axe off his back. “What’s this?” he growledmenacingly as theGunnerySchoolguardsbeganclosingin.

Felixdrewhissword.“Itriedtoexplainaboutthecannon,buttheywouldn’tlisten.Theywon’tbelievethatWissenwasacultist,and.

“Nevermind,manling,”saidGotrek.“There’snotimeforexplanations.”Helashedaboutwithhis axe, making the guards dance back. “Stay clear if you want to live!” he shouted, then lookedaround.“Here,man-ling,”hesaid,trottingoff.“Hurry.”

Felix limped after the Slayer and saw that he was heading for the line of wagons from theCollegeofEngineering.Good.Asfragileashefeltatthemoment,theideaofsprintingtothecollegewithatroopofguardsathisheelsdidn’tsoundappetising,orpossible.

Theguardsmovedwiththem,maintainingacautiousdistancefromtheirweapons,butwhentheyrealisedGotrekandFelixwereheadingforthewagons,theyblockedtheirway,drawingtheirpistolsandrestingthemacrosstheirforearms.

“Shoot,then,”growledGotrek,withoutbreakingstride.“Butaimwell,oritwillbethelastthingyoudo.”

“No!”shoutedOstwald.“Don’tshoot!”“What,mylord?”criedLordPfaltz-Kappel.“Theyaremurderers.Groot!Tellthemtofire.”“No,Groot!Hold!”saidOstwald.“Thereisastoryherethatmayhavebearingonthesecurityof

Nuln,perhapsalltheEmpire,andIwillhearit.”HeglaredatPfaltz-Kappel.“Andwitchhuntershavedifficultywringingconfessionsfromdeadmen,mylord.”

Gotrekslashedattheguardsandtheydancedbackoutoftheway.HeandFelixclimbedonthefirstwagon.Felixtookthereins.

Grootsteppedinthewayofthewagon.“Bereasonablenow,sirs.Turnyourselvesin.”“Andfacethewitchhunters?”saidFelix,flickingthereins.“Nofear.”Thehorsesstartedslowlyforward.Grootbackedaway,thenpacedthem.“Butyoucannothopetoescapethecity.”“Wanttobetonit?”saidGotrek.“Hoy!” said an engineer as he noticed the wagon moving. “What are you doing? That’s the

propertyoftheCollegeofEngineering!Getoffofthere!”Heranatthemandtriedtoclimbonboard.Gotrekshovedthemandown.Felixslappedthereinsagainandthehorsespickedupspeed.More

engineers started running forward, joining the guards as they ran after them. Gotrek stood wide-leggedinthewagonbed,snarlingbackatthemasthewagonbumpedandbounced.

“Closethegates!”calledGroot,wavingtowardsthefrontoftheschool.“Callforthewatch!Callforthearmy!”

Thegateguards frownedandcupped theirears,momentarilyuncomprehending,as thehorsespoundedtowardsthemacrossthelawn.

“Close…the…gate!”screamedGroot.Theguardsunderstoodhimatlastandscrambledintoaction,runningtotheirongates.Thewagonjoltedoveralowcurbandfish-tailedthroughthegravelofthedriveasFelixpointed

thehorsesattheentrance.Theguardspushedonthegates.Theygroaned,closingslowly,butpickingupspeed.

“Faster!”shoutedFelix,andslappedthereinsagain.

Thehorsesstrainedforward,stretchingoutintoagallop.Itwasgoingtobeclose.“Holdon!”Felixcalledoverhisshoulder.Gotrekgrabbedthebackofthedriver ’sbench.Thehorsesshotthegapeasily.Unfortunately,thesidesofthewagonstuckoutmorethanafoot

toeithersideofthem.Theleftfrontcornercaughttheclosingedgeoftheleftgatewithasplinteringcrack, bending the ironwork and ripping away thewagon’s left side. Thewagon swerved crazily,banged sideways against the right gate, then straightened as the horses plunged into the street,screamingwithfrightandtryingtogetawayfromallthenoiseandviolencebehindthem.

FelixpulledleftonthereinsandtheycareeneddownCommerceStreetasstudentsandlabourersandfruitsellersscatteredbeforetheminterror.FaintandfarbehindheheardGrootcalling,“Openthegates!Openthegates!”

AttheendofthestreetFelixturnedleftagainandtheythundereddowntheWandstrasse,whichparalleled the Altestadt wall. The gallop came to an abrupt end just before the Emmanuelleplatz,where it passed through theGreatGate into theAltestadt. Thewaywas blocked bymerchants andtradesmenincartsandonfoot,allwaitingtogetthroughthegatetoservicetheirrichclientsontheotherside.GotrekandFelix’sstolenwagoncouldgonofurther.

Gotrekjumpeddown.“Comeon,manling.”Felixhissedandclimbeddowngingerly,lookingbackdowntheWandstrasse.Bobbinghelmets

glintedat thefarend.TheGunnerySchoolguardswerestillcoming.HelimpedafterGotrekasheturned left onto the Emmanuelleplatz. The towers of theCollege of Engineering loomed over thestreet,halfwaydown,castingalongshadowoverthetenementsontheotherside.GotrekandFelixcrossedthestreet,pushingthroughthecrowds,andhurriedtotheentrancetothecollege.

Thesergeantatthegatesteppedoutastheyentered.“ProfessorMakaissonisgone,sirs.Leftwiththeairship.I’mafraidIcan’t…”

“It’sallright,sergeant,”saidFelix,overhisshoulderasGotrekstumpedonunheeding.“We…we’rejustcollectingourbelongings.Won’tbeaminute.”

HepressedafterGotrekbeforethesergeantcouldreply.Inside themain building they wound their way through themaze of corridors and stairwells

towardstheroof.AstheypassednearMakaisson’sworkshop,afewofthestudentsgavethemcheerysalutes,then

staredafterthemwhentheysawtheconditiontheywerein.Gotrekpointedhisaxeatone.“Where’stheclumsyone?Theblindone?”Thestudentshrankfromtheaxe,andundoubtedlyfromthesmellandGotrek’sblistersaswell.

“Who?D’yemeanPetr?”“Aye.Him.Whereishe?”“He,ah,hewentwithProfessorMakaisson,”saidthestudent,quaking.“Intheairship.”“You’lldo,then,”saidGotrek,advancingonhim.“Isthegyrocopterfuelled?Isitreadytofly?”“I…Idon’tknow.”Thestudentcoweredbackagainstthewall.“Professordoesn’tletustouchit.”“Whereistheblackwaterstored?”Gotrekbarked.“Ontheroof,”saidthestudent.“Pleasedon’tkillme.”Gotrekgruntedandpushedpasthim,stridingtowardsthestairs.“But it’s locked up!” the student called after him. “You have to get the key from the supply

steward.”Gotreksnortedandstartedupthestairs.Ashemadetofollow,Felixheardacommotioncoming

fromoutside—raisedvoicesandangryargument. Itsoundedlike theGunnerySchoolguardshad

reached the college and were arguing with their counterparts at the college gate. He hurried on,groaningwitheachstep.Therewasnoplaceonhisbodythatdidn’thurt.

Threewearyflightslaterhesteppedpantingontothelong,narrowroof.Gotrekwaswaitingtoclosethedoor.

“They’recoming,”Felixgasped.“Iheardthem,manling,”saidGotrek.The Slayer looked around the roof. A sturdy cart loaded with heavy brass tanks labelled

“Heberluft”satatoneside.Hesteppedtoit,graspedthehandles,andpushedatit,anglingitaround.Felixpushedtoo,thoughhewasn’tsurehewashelping.Overthesoundofthewheelsgrindingacrossthe copper sheeting he heard a swarm of footsteps pounding up the stairs. Gotrek pushed harder,wrenchingonthehandlestobringthecartintoposition.

Justastheyeaseditside-ontothestairwelldoor,thedoorbangedopenhalfaninchandslammedagainstthecart.Fistspoundedandknockedonthewoodenpanels.

“InthenameofCountessEmmanuelle,openthisdoor!”saidanangryvoice.“Youareunderarrest!”bawledanother.Gotreklaughedandstumpedtoapadlockedshedhalfwayalongtheroof.Heslashedatthelock

withhisaxeanditfellinpieces.Felixlookedbackasheheardbangingandsmashingbehindhim.Themeninthestairwellwere

attackingthedoor.Itrattledandshook.Gotrekenteredtheshed,thenreturnedamomentlatercarryingtwobrasstanksandatinfunnel.

Heluggedthemtothegyrocopter,whichwastieddownwithropesat thefarendoftheroof.Felixfollowed,eyeingtheflimsy-lookingmachinewarily,asGotrekchoppedthroughitsropesandthrewthemaside.Thethingonlyhadoneseat.

“Areyoucertainthiswillcarrybothofus?”heasked.“No,”saidGotrek.Heuncappedabrass tankbehind thepilot’s seat, stuck the funnel in, andbegan topour in the

blackwater.ThesmellmadeFelix’seyesburn.“Wemightnothaveenoughfueleither,”saidtheSlayer,squintingtowardsthewesternhorizon.

Felixfollowedhisgaze.TheSpiritofGrungnihaddisappearedbehindtheclouds.Gotreklookedinthecockpit.“Takeoutthosegrenades,”hesaid,pointingwithhisbeardedchin.

“That’llshedsomeweight.Andfindmeaspanner.We’llhavethecannonofftoo.”Felixlookedbackatthedooragain.“Dowehavetime?”“Theboilertakestenminutestobuildupsteam,”saidGotrek,settingdowntheemptyfuelcan.

“Wecan’tleavebeforethen.”“Ten minutes!” Felix cried. He had vague memories of what a boiler was from the lessons

Makaissonhadgivenhimlongago,butcouldn’trememberexactlywhatitdid.Whateveritwas,hedidn’tthinkitwasgoingtodoitfastenough.Helookedtothedooragain.Anaxebladebitthroughtimbers.Itwouldneverlasttenminutes.“We’llbekneedeepinGunnerySchoolguardsbythen.”

“Justfindaspanner.”Gotrekpulled flint, steel and a curl of tinder paper fromhis belt pouch asFelix limpedback

towardstheshed.Felixcringedasheheardawhumpofflame,butwhenhelookedback,Gotrekwasclosingadoorinthesideofthemachineasifnothingwasamiss.

There were no spanners in the fuel shed, but as Felix stepped out again, he noticed a half-dismantled contraption just to his left. It looked like some sort of telescope, or perhaps anexperimental catapult. Rusty parts and tools were scattered all around it like fallen leaves. Felixhurriedtoitandscoopedupasmanytoolsashecouldcarry.

HeranbackandspilledthematGotrek’sfeet.“Willthesedo?”“Aye,fine.Nowremovethegrenades.”Gotrektookupaspannerandaprybarandrolledunder

thefrontofthegyrocopter,fromwhichastubbycannonsprouted.“Andwatchthegaugeonthesideofthetank,”hesaidashereachedupintothemachinesinnards.“Whentheneedlepointsstraightup,we’reaway.”

Felixpeeredatthegauge.Theneedlepointedleft,paralleltotheground,butwasrisingslowly,inquiveringstartsandstops.He lookedback to thedoor.Therewasa long,narrowhole in it,andaxesandswordshackedatitfromtheotherside.

LordGroot’svoice came through it, risingover the clamour. “Comenow,Herr Jaeger!HerrGurnisson!Giveyourselvesup!Youhavenochanceofescape!”

Felix swallowedashe leaned into the cockpit andbegangingerly taking theheavyblack ironspheres from the racks thatheld them.Heset themcarefullyon the roof.He remembered toowellhowdeadlyandunpredictable the littlebombswere. ImagesofBorek’sbespectaclednephewVarekhandling them as if theywere harmless toys flashed through hismind andmade him shiver. Andthinking of Varek reminded him of how the young dwarf scholar had died — by crashing agyrocopterjustlikethisoneintotheflankofaChaos-twisteddragon.Felix’sshiverturnedintofull-fledgedtrembling.

Underthegyrocoptertherewasaclang,andGotrekcursed.“Givemeabiggerspanner,manling.Andahammer.”

Felixsortedthroughthetoolsandputahugespannerandaball-headedhammerintoGotrek’soutstretched hand. They disappeared under the gyro-copter and it began to shake as a deafeningbangingrangacrosstheroof.

Felixchecked thegaugeagainashe resumedunloading thegrenades.Hemoaned.Theneedlehadn’traisedmorethanahair ’swidth,andtheguardswouldbethroughthedooratanymoment.Ofcourse,theywouldstillhavesomedifficultyafterthat,havingtoclimboverthecartorunderit,butjustonemanwithapistolwouldbeenoughtoendGotrekandFelix’sflightbeforeitbegan.

Helookedatthegrenadeinhishand.Thatwouldbeonewaytosolvetheproblem.Onegrenadeunderthoselift-gastanksandeverythingonthatsideoftheroofwouldbeblowntothefourwinds.IfonlyitwereorcsormutantsorratmenontheothersideofthedoorinsteadofImperialcitizens.Ifheweretheblack-heartedvillainOstwaldandGrootandeverybodyelseinNulnapparentlythoughthewas,hewouldhavehadnoqualmsaboutkillingthemall.Alas,temptingasitwas,hewasnokiller,atleast not of innocent men— at least, he thought with a shudder of guilt as he remembered thecolumnsofsmokerisingoverShantytown,notonpurpose.Hewasnotgoingtochangethatnow.

Hesighedandplacedthegrenadenexttotheothers, thenpausedandlookedagaintowardsthedoor.Sothemenbehinditthoughthimabloodthirstykiller,capableofanything,didthey?Whynotusethattohisadvantage?Hegrinnedandpickedupthegrenadeagain.

“I’llbeback,”hesaid,thenstartedtothedoor.Gotrekjustgrunted.Thebangingfromunderthegyrocoptercontinued.Felix stopped about ten paces from the lift-gas cart. The hole in the door was bigger than a

Verenantomeoflawnow.“Groot!”hecalled.“LordGroot!Showyourself!Iwanttotalk!”Therewasababbleofvoicesbehindthedoor,andthechoppingandbangingslowedtoastop.

Afterasecond,Groot’sfaceappearedbehindthehole,eyeswideandnervous.“HerrJaeger?”saidGroot.“Youwishtospeaktome?Didyouwishtogiveyourselfup?”“No,”saidFelix.“I justwanted tosaygoodbye.”Heraised thegrenadesoGrootcouldsee it,

thenmimedjerkingthepinout,androlledthebombunderthecart.Grootshriekedanddisappearedfromthehole.

“Abomb!Abomb!”camehisscream.“Downthestairs!Downthestairs!Hurry!”The sounds of bedlamcame through the door—bellows and shouts, the clank and clatter of

droppedweapons,thethudofbootsandfallingbodies.Felix laughed, thenfeltashamed.Itwasacruel trick,butwhenthealternativewasmurder?He

shruggedandlimpedquicklybacktothegyrocopter.Theneedlewasclimbingsteadily.Itwaslessthanthewidthofhisfingerawayfromstraightup.

Felix quickly removed the remaining grenades, then looked over themachine again. He frowned.Lighteningtheloadwasallverywell,buttherewasstillonlyoneseat.

“WhereamItosit?”“Onyourarse,”growledGotrek.Aheavythudcamefromunderthegyrocopter.Felixlookeddown.Gotrekwasrollingoutfrom

underit.Thecannonlayontheroof,surroundedbybrasslugs.TheSlayerstoodandscowledat thegyrocopter, scratchinghisscalp throughhismattedcrest.

“Hmmm.You’llhavetositbehindme,orthebalancewon’tberight.”Felixlookedintothecockpit,frowning.“Butthere’snoroombehindyourseat.”“Aye,”saidGotrek.“You’llhavetositonthecowling.”“Thecowling?”saidFelix.Hedidn’tknowtheword.“Youmeanontopofit?Ontheoutside?”“Aye,”saidGotrekagain.“It’stheonlyway.”Hecheckedthegauge.“It’sready.Geton.”“Nono!”saidFelix.“Iwon’t!Theairshipwasbadenough!I’mnotgoingtoflitthroughthesky

clingingtothebackofamechanicaldragonfly!It’simpossible!”“Usesomerope,then.”“Rope!Andwhatifwecrash?Orexplode?HowwillIgetaway?”“Staybehind,then,”saidGotrek,startingtoclimbupthewoodenstepladdertothecockpit.“Do

whatyouwant.I’mflying.”There was a loud crack and something whistled past Felix’s ear. He ducked behind the

gyrocopter and looked towards the stairwell door. The muzzle of a long gun was withdrawingthroughthehole.

“Trytoblowusup,willyou?”cameanangryvoice.“FiendsofChaos!”Felix groaned.His ruse hadn’t bought them asmuch time as he’d hoped.Another gun poked

throughthehole,andanotherballwhizzedpast.Felixswallowedconvulsively.“I’ll…I’llget therope.”Hedartedoutfromcover,snatchedup

one of the ropes that had held down the gyrocopter, then clambered up onto themachine, feelinghorribly exposed.He sat downon the skin of it, his back against the column fromwhich rose thespindlethatheldthethreeveryflimsylookingliftblades.HestartedlashinghimselftoitasGotrekloweredthesecondcanisterofblackwaterintothecockpitandclimbedinafterit.

Therewasasplinteringcrashfromthefarendoftheroof.Felixlookedup.Thedoorhadcomedownatlast.Menwithswordsandgunsweresquirmingunderandovertheliftgaswagon.

“Hurry!”hesaid.“Easy, manling,” said Gotrek, situating himself and running his hands over the controls. “I

haven’t flown one of these in over a century.” He murmured to himself. “Gear engage. Rudder.Forwarddown.Backwardup.Aye,that’sthewayofit.Right.”Hereachedforward,releasedalock,andpulledslowlybackonalever.“Holdon.”

Withahissofsteamandaclunkofpistons, thebladesoverFelix’sheadbeganveryslowlytospin.Tooslowly.

Moreguardswere pushingout fromunder thewagon.They stood and fired their guns.Balls

whistledpastonallsidesofFelix.Onericochetedoffthefueltank.Thebladesturnedfasterandfaster,makingthemachinerockandvibratelikealivingthing.The

firstguardskneltandreloadedasmorecrawledunderthecartontotheroofandrantowardsthem.Upupup,thoughtFelixtohimself,willingthegyro-coptertofly.Upupup,damnyou!AsGotrekpulledtheleverallthewayback,therhythmicthumpofthebladessmoothedoutinto

asteadyroar.Thegyrocoptershimmiedanddanced,likeakitestrainingagainstitsstringinahighwind.

Thehandgunnerswerestandingandaimingagain,shouldertoshoulder.AguardrandirectlyatFelix,swordheldhigh.

“Up!”shoutedFelix,terrified.The long guns cracked. Gotrek pulled backward on the rudder stick. The gyrocopter leaped

sidewaysupintotheskyoverthebullets.Therunnersclubbedthesprintingguardtotheroof.Felixfloppedovertooneside,clutchingfutilelyatthemachine’ssmoothexterior.Theropescut

painfully intohiswounded ribs, but at least theyheld.Gotrek correctedhis tilt and thegyrocopterziggedviolentlybacktheotherway,throwingFelixagainsttheropesontheotherside.

“Controlsareabitsensitive,”shoutedGotrekoverthepropwash.“Really?”moanedFelix.Vertigochurnedhisgutsasthemachineveeredovertheedgeoftheroofandhiseyeszoomed

downthesideofthebuildingtothecourtyardbelow.Withasickeninglurchthegyrocopterdroppedandthegroundshotupathim.Hescreamed.HeandGotrekweretooheavy.Theyhadoverburdenedthething.Thebladescouldn’tkeepthemairborne.Theyweregoingtosmashontheflagstonesanddie!

Gotrekpulledbackontherudderandbroughtthemupshort,abouttwentyfeetabovetheground.Felix’scrotchslammedpainfullydownontothefuselage.Theworlddimmedashecurledforwardinagony.

“IthinkI’vegotitnow,”calledGotrekoverhisshoulder.“Oh…good,”saidFelix,clutchinghimself.HesaggedwearilyagainsttheropesasGotrekmanipulatedthecontrols—moregentlythistime

—andthegyrocopterwobbledforward,glancingoffachimneyasitroseoverthetenementsacrossfromthecollegeandstartedunsteadilyacrossthecity.Afterawhileeventerrorgiveswaytoboredom.

AtfirstFelixflinchedateverydipandswoopthatthetinyairshipmade,hisstomachandbowelsthreatening to void themselves with every midair shimmy. Gotrek might have been the greatestwarrior of his age, but he was a middling pilot at best. He flew dangerously close to spires andtowers,andseemedtohavedifficultystayinghighenoughtocleartherooftops.

Things got better once they passed over the Nuln city walls and started flying above thecountryside—therewerefewerthingstohit—butthemachineseemedtobestrainingtocarrythem,andGotrekconstantlyhadtocorrecttheiraltitudesotheywouldn’tploughintothetopsoftrees.

FlyinglikethiswasinfinitelyworsethanflyingintheSpiritofGrungni,Felixdecided.Hehadhatedthattoo,atfirst—terrifiedoftheunnaturalfeelingoffloatinghighabovetheground—butoncehehadunderstoodhowthecellsofliftgasworked,andhowresilientthegondolawas,hehadacceptedthefact that itprobablywouldn’tfalloutoftheairatamoment’snotice,andhadcometoenjoyit.Thishorridcontraptionwasanothermatterentirely.Herehewasexposedtothewindandthecoldandtheweather,andtheonlythingsthatheldhimupwerethreedelicatespinningbladespoweredbya steamengine thatmight stutter anddieat anymoment.Thatwaswhathadbeen so reassuringabout theSpirit ofGrungni.Even if its engines stopped, itwould remain floating in the air. If the

gyrocopter ’senginesstopped,itwouldplummettothegroundlikeacowdroppedfromabattlement.Butafterthefirsthour,histerrorfadedtoadull tensionthatsettledinhisshouldersandmade

themache.HewatchedlistlesslyastheendlessgreenoftheReikwaldscrolledpastbelowthemandthesunrosehigherbehindthem.Hismind,whichuntiltheyhadrisenofftheroofandoutoftheclutchesoftheirpursuers,hadbeenentirelyoccupiedwitheitherchasingorescapingtheirvariousenemies,began to think back over recent events and link together things that had, at the time, seemedunconnected.

Thetaintingofthecannonswithpowderedwarp-stoneexplainedsomuch.TheGunnerySchoolguardwhohadbeenhangedasamutant,andtheotherwhohadgoneinsaneandsaidthatthecannonswere lookingathim—thepoor fellowsmusthavebeenwarpedby the taintedguns theyhadbeenguarding.Thecannon thathadexplodedon the testing range— theadditionof thewarpstonedustmusthavecauseda fatal flaw in thecasting.The rioton thebridge thathadendedwith thecannonbeingpushedintotheriver—theCleansingFlamemusthaveorchestrateditsothatthesmithsoftheGunnerySchoolcouldn’texaminethecannoncloselyanddiscoverthetaint.Wissen’sinsistencethatthecultistswaituntil thenewgunhadbeen test firedbeforeblowingup theGunnerySchool—hewantedtobesurethelasttaintedgundidn’tblowupliketheotherhad,andsowouldbeabletodoitsevilworkinMiddenheim.

ItoccurredtoFelixthattheexplosionofthecannononthetestingrangemusthavebeenjustasfrustratingforWissenandtheCleansingFlameasitwasforGotrekandMalakaiandtheothers.Ifthegunhadfiredsuccessfully,theGrungniwouldhavebeenawaythatsameafternoon,andtheshipmentoftaintedcannonwouldhavereachedMiddenheimdaysago.Hadthathappened,themountaintopcitymighthavealreadyfallentoArchaon’shordes!

ForamomentWissen’sotheractionspuzzledFelix.WhyhadtheleaderoftheBrotherhoodoftheCleansingFlame,inhisguiseasWardCaptainoftheNulnWatch,persecutedtheCleansingFlamesostrongly?WhyhadhegoneintoShantytownandbeatenandarrestedsomanypeople?Wasitonlyto deflect suspicion that hemight be a cultist himself? Felix didn’t think so. No one had had anyreason to suspectWissen anyway. On the other hand, what better way tomake the people rise upagainstthebrutalityofthewatchthantocommandthewatchtocommitworseandworsebrutalities?The common people who Wissen, when he wore the yellow mask of the Brotherhood of theCleansingFlame,stirredupagainst“theviciousbulliesofthecitywatch”,hadnoideathat,unmasked,hewastheverysameWardCaptainWissenthatroustedthemoutoftheirbedsandbeatandarrestedtheirsonsforcrimestheydidn’tcommit. Itwasabrilliantscheme.WissenhaddriventhecommonfolktowardsChaoswithagauntletedrighthand,andthenchangedmasksandluredthemtoitwithawelcominglefthand.

OnethingFelixcouldstillnotexplain.MagusLichtmannhadsaidthathehadsensednomagicalenergyatthetestingrangeafterthecannonhadexploded.Whyhadn’thesensedthewarpstone?Hadanothersorcerercloakeditspresencesomehow?Theoldmaninthebasketperhaps?Orwasit thatLichtmannwasn’tmuchofasorcerer?HehadseemedmoreofanengineertoFelix.

“Whenwillwecatchuptothem?”FelixcalledtoGotrek.Gotrekshrugged.“Notsoon.Itwilltakehoursevenafterweseethem.”Felix nodded glumly. And what if they never saw them? It was hard to believe they were

travelling fast enough.Andwhat if theywereblownoff course?What if theSpiritofGrungnihadbeen?Ithadhappenedbefore.Twice!HesaidnoneofthistoGotrek.Hewouldonlygetsarcasminreturn.Hesighed.Hours.Hisrumpandlegswerealreadyachingabominably,nottomentiontherestof his battered and bruised and sewer-drenched body. He glared enviously at the comfortablecushionedseatGotreksaton.Itwasgoingtobealongflight.

“Manling,wakeup.”Felixmoanedandopenedhiseyes,andyelped!Hewas falling!Thegroundwasamileaway!

He…No.No.Nowheremembered.Hewasonthedwarfgyro-copter.HeandGotrekwereflying,notfalling.Hewashangingsideways,leaningagainsttheropesthatheldhimtothespindlecolumn.Hesatupwithagroan.Everyboneandmuscleinhisbodyached,asifhehadbeenbeatentowithinaninchofhislife.Hepaused.

Thatwasprobablybecausehehadbeenbeaten towithin an inchofhis life.Whenhadhe lastslept?Inabed?Withpillows?Ah,pillows.Pillowswerenice.Thosecloudslookedlikepillows.

“Manling!”Felix jerked. He had drifted off again. “Aye?” He blinked around. They were still over the

Reikwald—orwas it theDrakwaldnow?From thepositionof the sun, it appearedanhouror sobeforenoon.Hischeeksburnedfromwindandsun.Infrontofhim,Gotrekwaswrestlingthecanisterofblackwateroutfrombetweenhislegs.HelifteditoverhisheadonehandedandreacheditbacktowardsFelix.

“Takethisandfillthereservoir,”hesaid.“You’llneedthefunnel.”Felixgrabbedthecanister,andalmostdroppedit!Itwasridiculouslyheavy.“Easy!”barkedGotrek.“We’resunkwithoutthat.”FelixhuggedittohischestlikealoverandtookthefunnelthatGotrekhandedbacktohim.He

heldontoitwithonehand,thenleanedforwardagainsthisropesandstretchedouthishand.Thefuelreservoir ’scapwasalmostoutofreach.Heunscreweditwiththetipsofhisfingers,andthenfumbledit.Itfell,thenjerkedtoastopanddangledattheendofachain.Felixbreathedasighofrelief.Dwarfsthoughtofeverything.

Hestuckthefunnelinthetank,thenleanedouttothelimitofhisropesandinchedthecanisterforward,restingitonthefuselage.Anysuddenmovesandhewouldlosehisgrip.Hetippeditdownandblackliquidpouredfromthespoutandgurgledintothefunnel.

“Ha!”saidGotrek.Felix jerkedandalmostdropped thecanister.The streamofblackwater splashedeverywhere.

“What!”hesaid,lookingaround.“What’swrong?”“TheSpiritofGrungni,”saidGotrek.Felixraisedhisheadandscannedahead.Far infrontof themandalittle totheirnorth,a long

blackoblongshapehungintheair,justbelowtheclouds.“Atlast,”saidFelix.Heletoutabreathhehadn’tknownhewasholding.Theyhadfounditafter

all.Hereturnedtofillingthereservoir.It took an agonisingly long time to closewith theSpirit ofGrungni, and the frustrationwasmadeworsebecauseitwasrightthere,directlyaheadofthem,andyetneverseemedtogetanycloser.Thesunclimbedtoitsnoonapexandsankanhourpastitandtheywerestillmilesaway.Hekepthopingtoseeitturnabout,ortoseesomeothersignalthatthecrewhadspottedthem,butitdidn’thappen.

Felix realized that he hadbeen thinkingof theSpirit ofGrungni as their journey’s end, but itwasn’t,wasit?Whatdidtheydothen?DidtheyreturnthecannonstoNuln?Didtheyflyduewestanddroptheminthesea?Howdidonesafelydisposeofawarpstonetaintedcannonanyway?DidtheygoontoMiddenheimandtrytodiscoverwhothis“master”wasthatWissenhadmentioned?

Felixwonderedwhothemastercouldbe.Hewouldhavetobeafairlypowerfulwizardtobringthegunsto life thewayWissenhaddescribed.SomeonealreadyinMiddenheim?AsuddenthoughtmadeFelix’sheart lurch.MaxSchreiber!Malakaihad said theiroldcompanionwas there,helpingwiththedefences.Coulditbehim?Felixhadalwaysbeenslightlysuspiciousofhim.Certainlyhehadalways seemed to fight on the side of theEmpire and humanity, but therewas also no denying he

enjoyedhispower,andhadseemedattimestemptedtouseitforpersonalgoals,ratherthanforthegoodofall.Hadtheyearsandhisconstantcontactwiththewindsofmagictwistedhiminsomeway?HadhesuccumbedtothelureofChaosatlast?Felixshivered.MaxmustbeaWizardLordbynow.Hedidnotlookforwardtofacinghiminafight,andifhehadturnedtraitor,Felixhadnodoubtthathewouldindeedbefightinghim,becauseGotrekwouldnotsufferhimtolive.

At last, with the sun halfway down the sky and glaring in Felix’s eyes, the Spirit of Grungniloomedaheadandabovethemlikeagreatblackcloud.

FelixgazedupatitinwonderasGotrektiltedtherudderstickbackandtheyroseslowlytowardsit.Hehadneverseen it like thisbefore.Hehadbeen in it, lookingout,andseen it flyingfromtheground, but therewas something beautiful andwonderful about seeing it as a birdwould, passingunder the riveted brass gondola, rising up beside it, like a salmon pacing a whale, hearing thethrumming of the cables that fixed the gondola to the rigid balloon above it. Who could haveimaginedthatsoincredibleathingexistedintheworld?

GotrekangledthegyrocoptertocrossinfrontoftheGrungni’sgondola, thenheld it steadyasbesthecouldbeforeit.Felixwavedatthelargeviewingportsthatlookedintothecommanddeck.Hesawyoungmenshoutingandpointingatthem,andthenthebroad,squatfigureofMalakaisteppedtothe port and stared out, a look of confusion and concern on his usually cheerful face. MagusLichtmannjoinedhimattheglass.Hegaped,hiseyesagogbehindhisspectacles.

Malakaiturnedandbarkedsomeordertohishumancrew,thenwavedatGotrekandFelixandmotionedforthemtocirclebehindtheairship.Gotreksaluted,thenturnedthegyrocopterandangledofftobuzzdowntheairship’sside.

In the stern of theSpirit ofGrungni, a brass door like a drawbridgewas lowered on chains,revealinganarrowhangarconstructedofbaremetalbulkheads.Anothergyrocopterwasparkedonthemetal deck at the far end.Felix didn’t understandhow it had got in there, for the door lookedbarelybig enough to admit twomenwalking abreast, let alone a contraption almost as tall as twomen, with a wing span considerably wider than that. None the less, Petr, the wild-haired youngengineeringstudent,waswavingthemonasifhehadeveryconfidencethattheywouldfitthoughthegap.

Gotrektippedtherudderstickforwardandtheyapproacheditrapidly,toorapidly!“Slow!Slowdown!”criedFelix.“You’llwreckus!”“IknowwhatI’mdoing,”Gotrekmuttered,butheeasedbackonthestickalittlejustthesame.Thedoor appeared to get slightly bigger as they approached, but not bymuch.Felix heldhis

breathasGotreknosed thegyrocopterahead in little fitsandstarts, raising itand lowering it, thenraisingitagain,ashejudgedtheheightofthedoorandPetrwavedhishandsthiswayandthat.FinallytheSlayerpushedindecisively,andalmostprecisely.

TherewasagreatclangingracketandthegyrocopterslammedtothedeckhardenoughtosnapFelix’steethtogether.Hecoveredhisheadandlookedup.Oneoftherotorbladeswasbent,andthewholerotorassemblywobbled inaslowoffkiltercircle.He lookedbackat thedoor.Therewasabrightgougeinthemetaloftheframeontherightside.

“Welcome, sirs!” cried Petr, hurrying forward with a wooden step ladder. He tripped over ariveted seam in thedeckand the ladder flewoutofhishandsashe tried to regainhisbalance.Hefetchedupfacefirstagainstthegyrocopter ’sflank.“Sorry.Sorry.Noharmdone.”

Hescrabbledunderthefuselage,foundtheladderandsetitupnexttothecockpit.“WelcometotheSpiritofGrungni,sirs.”Hisforeheadwasbleeding.

“Ah,thankyou,Petr,”saidFelix.Itwasawondertheairshiphadn’tgonedownwithallhands,withthiswalkingdisasteronboard.

Malakaisliddownaladderintothehangar,thenturned,scowlingashecrossedtowardsGotrek.“What inGrimnir ’snameis this?Didyecomeall thisway just taewreckyinofmyflyin’…?”HechokedwhenhegotacloselookattheSlayer ’sface.“Bymyancestor ’sancestors,what’shappenedtoye,Gurnisson?Yedon’tlookwell.”

“Mutants,”saidGotrek,asheclimbedstifflydownfromthecockpit.“Now,turnabout,”hesaid.“Thegunsaresabotaged.”

“Whit?” saidMalakai, raising a shaggy eyebrow. “Sabotaged?Whatdaeyemean?Theyweretested.Passedbytheschool.”

MagusLichtmanncamecarefullydown the ladderbehindhim,hisonehand lettinggoofonerung,thenquicklycatchingholdofthenextbeforehefell.

“Tainted,”saidFelix,untyinghimself fromthespindlepillarandslidingdownthefuselage tothedeck.Hisstiffmusclesscreamedashe landed,stabbingpainshooting through themandalmostdroppinghimtohisknees.Heclutchedthesideofthegyrocopterforsupport.“Warpstone,mixedintothe molten iron. We saw it happen, though we didn’t know it.” He stood straight, wincing andgrimacing.“Theinitiatewhopouredtheashesoftheguncaptainintothecruciblewasasecretcultist,amemberoftheBrotherhoodoftheCleansingFlame.Therewaspowderedwarpstonemixedintotheashes.”

Petr and theother crewmemberswhowere lashingGotrekandFelix’sgyrocopter to thedeckgaped,horrified.

Malakailookedaghast.“Canitbetrue?Butwhywouldtheydaeit?Towhitpurpose?”Felix shook his headwearily. “I don’t knowmany details.Wissen died too quickly to tell us,

but…”“CaptainWissenisdead?”askedMagusLichtmann,steppingforwardalarmed.Felix nodded. “Aye. Another cultist. One of the leaders of the cult. We stopped him and his

minionsfromblowinguptheGunnerySchool.”“Didyou?”saidLichtmann,allagog.“Bythegods!”“Wissenwasacultist?”saidMalakai.Hemadeaface.“Ah,weel,neverdidliketheweestuck-up

numpty,anyhow.”“He said that some ‘master ’ was to wake the guns once they were in place on the walls of

Middenheim,”continuedFelix.“Andthatthegunswoulddrivetheircrewsmadandcausethemtoturnthemonthedefenders.”

“Wake the guns?”Malakai gaped again and turned toGotrek, as if for assurance. The Slayernodded.

Theengineeropenedhismouthandcloseditafewtimes,momentarilyunabletoputhishorrorandoutrageintowords.“It’sno’right!”hesaidatlast.“Befoulingcannonwi’blacksorcery!Makin’instrumentso’Chaosouto’ thepurrweethings!Thevillains!I’llnohaeit! It’sasbadas theDawiZharr and yon daemon gun!”He turned and started for the ladder, his jaw thrust forward. “Right.We’returnin’about.Makeallfast.”

“ProfessorMakaisson,”calledMagusLichtmannafterhim.Malakaistoppedandlookedback.“Aye,whatisit,magus?Makeitquick.”MagusLichtmannunpinnedhisemptyrightsleeveandpulledituptohisshoulder,revealinga

stumptightlyboundinlinenbandages.“Wewillnotturnback,”hesaidcalmly.“WewillcontinueontoMiddenheim,anddeliverthegunsaswehavebeencontractedtodo.”

“Whit?”saidMalakai.“Areyesaftintheheid,laddie?Haveyeno’heardwhat’sjistbeensaid?Whywouldyewannaedaethat?”

“Because,” said Lichtmann, tugging at the bandages, “I am themaster.” There was a ripping

sound,andthebandages loosened, thenuncoiledanddroppedto thefloor.Beneath themwas,notastump,butsomethingblackanddryandcrusted.Itunfoldedwithsinewygrace,revealingitselftobeaskinnyblackarm,whichcrawledwithlinesofglowingred,likeanemberedlog.Flameyellowclawstippedeachofthelong,skeletalfingers.

Felixstaredattheunnaturalappendage,asdidMalakaiandhiscrew.Gotrekcursed,andstartedforward,headlowered,drawinghisaxeoffhisback.“Warlock,”he

spat.“Youdiehere.”Withhisfaceblisteredandhisbodyburnedandcoveredinscabbingwoundsandfilth,theSlayerlookedlikesomethingescapedfromhell.

“I think not.”MagusLichtmann stepped back through the door that led to the cargo hold andthrusthisclawforward.Theairbeforeitrippledlikewavesofheatrisingfromatarroof.Thefuelreservoirsofthetwogyrocoptersexplodedinbillowingballsofflame.

NINETEENFelix flewheels over head and slammed into thebulkhead as fire blossomed abovehim.His headranglikeagong.Burningshrapnelrattledagainstthemetalwallsandraineddownonhim,startinghisclothesonfire.Hewastoostunnedtobeatouttheflames—toostunnedtomove.Hefeltlikehehadbeenslappedbyagiant.Hiswholebodythrobbed.Gotreklayonhisbackbesidehim,hisoneeyeblinkingupattheroof,hisbeardandcrestsmouldering.

Theboilingfiredissipatedasquicklyasithadcome,buttheruinithadcausedremained.ThreeofMalakai’s crew, who had been standing next to the Spirit of Grungni’s gyrocopter, were dead,blastedintochunksofmeatthatwerestrewnacrosshalfthehangardeck.HadFelixandGotreknotexpendedalmostalloftheirmachine’sfuelchasingtheairship,theywouldhavebeendeadtoo.Asitwas,theexplosionoftheirgyrocopterwasminisculecomparedtothefullyfuelledone.

Felixraisedhisheadandlookedaround.Petr layinaheapbesidehim,strugglingtogetup,adeeplacerationopeninghisleftforearmtothebone.Intheceilingabove,crewmenontheupperdeckweregapingdown through the ladderhatchat thecarnageandcallingout toMalakai.ThestunnedSlayerengineerwasintheclutchesofLichtmann,whostoodinthecargoholddoor,haulinghimtohisfeetwithsurprisingstrength.Heputalongflame-shapedgoldendaggertoMakaisson’sneck.Theedgesofitshimmeredlikeheatwavesoverahotroof.

“Iregretthedestructionofsuchfinemachines,”saidthemagus.“Butnoonemustbeallowedtobringwordbeforewereachourgoal.Now,Makaisson,havethesetwoheroesthrownoutofthedoorandmaintaincoursetoMiddenheim,orIshallbeforcedtokillyou.”

Malakailaughedupathim,eyeswild.“Yeeejit!I’maSlayer!D’yethinkahcareifahdie?”HelashedoutwithabootedfootandkickedLichtmannbetweenthelegs.Themagussqueaked

andstaggeredbackagainst the railingof the landing that lookedover thecargohold,gaspingandholdinghimself asmore ofMalakai’s crew slid down the ladder fromabove, armedwith swords,hammersandhugespanners.

FelixsawMalakaistridethroughthecargoholddoorandpunchLichtmanninthejawwithhismassive fist.Lichtmannflippedbackwardover the railanddroppedoutofFelix’ssight,hitting thefloorofthecargoholdwithasatisfyingclang.Malakai’screwmenpushedthroughintotheholdtostandattheircaptain’sside.

Gotrekstaggeredupandstartedafterthem.Therunesontheheadofhisaxeglowedcherryred.Felix groaned and levered himself up to follow. Lichtmann. Why hadn’t he thought of

Lichtmann?Perhapsbecausethemanhadhardlyseemedasorcerer—moreascholarlyengineer.ThehangarspunsickeninglyaroundFelix,andhehadtosteadyhimselfagainstthebulkheadashelimpedforwardtothecargoholddoor.Besidehim,Petrpickedhimselfup,moaning,andstartedafterhim,clutchinghiswoundedarm.

Thecargoholdwasaswideastheairship,almostaslong,andtwodecksdeep.Thedoorfromthehangaropenedontoametallandingwithstairsontherightthatleddowntothedeckbelow.Justbelow the landing the cannons andmortarswere chained to the deck in neat rows, andwith theirwheelssecurelyblocked.Beyondthemwerecratesofcannonballs,grapeshotandothersupplies,andbeyondthose,stackedagainstthefarwallandropedinplace,werethebarrelsofblackpowder.Apairofcrewmenstoodamongthecargo,lookingwithwideeyestowardstheactionatthedoor.

MagusLichtmannwasjustpickinghimselfupbehindarowofchained-downcannonsasFelixlimped into the hold behindGotrek. Thewarlock’s spectacleswere smashed, and his gold-fleckedgreeneyes,behindthem,flashedwithfury.

“Youwillcometoregretthat,engineer,”hesaid.Gotrekmadetolaunchhimselfovertherail,butMalakaithrewoutahand.“No!Thisyin’smine.”hesaid, takingahammerfromoneofhiscrew.“Iwant this two-faced

gowk’sheadonaplatter.”He tskedangrilyandstarted for thestairs. “Callin’me friend.Takin’aninterestinmydesigns…”

Lichtmannopenedhismouth and spat out a streamof harsh foreign syllables, his black handtwistingandthrustingatMalakaiandGotrek.FelixandthestudentscringedawayasablastofpinkfireshotattheSlayers.Felixfelttheedgesofthespell,flamesoffuryandmadnessthatboiledupinhisheadandmadehimwanttokilleveryonearoundhim,butGotrekandMalakaididn’tevenflinch.TheSlayerlaughed.

“Yefool,”sneeredMalakai.“Willadwarfsuccumbtomagic?Bah!”Lichtmann backed away, squeezing through the next rank of cannon. “Then I must try more

pedestrianmeans.Grieg!”Malakaifrownedandlookedaround.Oneoftheengineeringstudentscrackedhimbetweenthe

eyeswith a heavy spanner as long as a sword.The engineer staggered and the student caught himagainhardovertheear.Malakaihitthefloorinalooseflop.

“No!”criedPetr,andleaptatGrieg.Theotherstudentsfollowed.Gotrekroaredand launchedhimselfover therailatLichtmann,axeheldhigh.Themagusfell

back,cryingoutavileword,andashimmerofpurplesnapped intoexistencebetweenhimand theSlayer.Gotrekstrodetowardshim.

On the landing,Petr tripped,knocking the traitorous student into the railingas themurderousspannerswishedoverhishead.TheothercrewmenswarmedGrieg,anditseemedthattheeffectsofLichtmann’sspellstilllingered,fortheyhackedathimunmercifullywiththeirhatchetsandtools.

Gotrek’s axe smashed into the warlock’s magical barrier and it exploded in pink sparks.Lichtmannflewbackadozenpacesattheimpact,asifhitbyawave,andcrashedtothedeckbehindanotherrankofcannon.Gotrekstartedafterhim.Thecrewmenwhohadbeencrouchingamidstthecratesmoved towards the sorcerer too, drawing hand axes. Felix crept down the stairs and startededgingalongtherightbulkhead.

Lichtmannlurchedupbeyondthesecondlineofcannons,glaringatGotrek,hisspectaclesgoneandhiseyesglowingwithahellishinnerlight.“Thatisindeedamightyaxe,”hesaid.“Itdeservesamightyopponent.”

Hespreadhisarmsandraisedhisvoiceinanear-gougingscreechofarcaneverse.Theflame-shapeddaggerglintedandrippledinhislefthand.Hisblackenedrighthandglowedredfromwithin.Flickersofpurpleandgoldlightflashedintheairaroundhim.

GotrekclamberedoverthelineofcannonasthetwobravecrewmenleaptatLichtmann’sback,hatchetshigh.

Lichtmann spun like a dancer, dodging their attacks, then lashed out at their throatswith twogracefulflicksofhisgoldendagger,allthewhilescreaminghisvileincantation.Themenstaggeredpasthimand,asFelixstaredinhorror,theirheadstoppledfromtheirnecksandgreatjetsofbloodsprayedfromthestumps inalldirections,showering thenearbycannonsandmortars ina redrainbeforetheirbodiescollapsedtothedeck.Howcouldsoslightabladeandsothinamanhavemadesuchhorriblewounds?Itseemedimpossible.

Gotrekcharged,roaringandswinginghisaxe.LichtmanndodgednimblybackaroundamortarandtheSlayer ’sblowglancedoffiron.Hecontinuedafterthewarlock,slowbutimplacable.

Felixstartedforwardtoo,butashemovedcloser,heheardastrangehissingandbubbling.Hiseyesfollowedthesoundtotheguns,andhestaredatwhathesaw,thehairsrisingonthebackofhis

neck.The blood ofLichtmann’s victimswas sinking into the iron.The cannons andmortarswereabsorbingitlikesponges,andagreenglowbegantoshimmerfromthem.Thechainsthatheldthemrattledandshook.

“Gotrek?”Felixcalled,uneasily.Gotrekignoredhim.HewastoobusystalkingLichtmannthroughthemazeofguns.Thewarlock’sincantationwasreachingacrescendo.Hegashedhisunmutatedarmwiththegold

dagger, thenraisedbotharmsoverhisheadasbloodwelledfromthecut.Withafinalcataclysmicsyllable,hepressedhisarmstogether.Theblackenedfleshtouchedthebleedingwound.Therewasasizzlinghiss,andthescentofburnedflesh,andLichtmanncriedout,doublingupinpain.

Gotrekrushedhim,but thesorcerer threwhimselfbackwardoveracannonandcrasheddownbehindit.Felixhurriedforward.Lichtmannwasdown.Thiscouldbetheirchance.

Butbeforehecould reachhim,hegaggedandstumbled,eyeswatering.Theairwas suddenlyfullofthescentofsulphurandspoiledmeat,andtherewasanoiseinthecentreoftheroomlikestewontheboil.

Felixlookedupthroughhistears.Gotrekturned.Thebloodedgunswereglowingbrighter now—apulsatinggreen corona that hurt the eyes.

Arcs of arcane energy leapt between them, humming and crackling, and growing stronger by thesecond.Felix’s skincrawledas the feeling that thegunswere lookingathimovercamehim.Theirmalevolencewastangible.

Gotrekspat,“Sorcery.”Therewasmovementinthemidstoftheguns.ThebodiesofthemenLichtmannhadsacrificed

were twitching and flopping like dying fish as blood gushed from their severed necks in arcingstreams.Therewastoomuchblood.Gallonsofit.Humanbodiesdidnotcontainsomuchblood.Itmadeaspreadingpoolonthedeckinthecentreofthebigguns.

Felix steppedback involuntarilyas thepoolbegan tobubbleandsplash.Thesmellof sulphuranddeathgotthicker,andFelix’ssenseofforebodingbecameacloudofoppressionthatthreatenedtocrushhissoul.Foulwhisperstickledhisbrain.Thesplashingbloodrosehigherandhigher,likesomegrisly ornamental fountain, until it was the height of aman, and still it rose.At the same time, itbecamemoreviscous, like redhoney, and the streamsbecame ropy and thick.The studentson thelandingscreamedinterrorandscrambledforthedoor.

“Sigmarsaveus,”chokedFelix.“Whatisit?”“Foodformyaxe,”saidGotrek.Hestartedtowardsthething,growlingdeepinhisthroat.Felixwantedtoscreamandrunasthestudentshad,butknewthathecouldnot.HisvowtoGotrek

wouldn’tallowit.Heclampeddownonhissanity,willingthemadwhisperstobesilent.HelookedtowhereLichtmannhadfallen.Thewarlockwasgone.

Felixturned,onguard,searchingforhim,andfoundhimcirclingontheothersideoftheChaosthing,laughingmaniacally.Theshapelesshorrorpickedupthetwodeadcrewmenwithtwodrippingpseudopods,thendrewthemwithinthefrothing,flowingcolumnofbloodthatwasitsbody.Thegoreflowedallaroundthecorpses,takingontheirstructure—arms,legs,torsos—andthickeningthemwithlayersofredputrescenceuntilthethinglookedlikeapairofhulking,headlessconjoinedtwins,fusedatthespine,madeentirelyofrunningredcandlewax.Facesandmouthsformedoneverypartofthefour-armed,four-leggedhorror,thenmeltedawayagaintoappearelsewhere,andFelixheardscreamsofunimaginableanguishjointhevilewhispersinhisbrain.Thethinghadnotjustconsumedthecrewmen’scorpses,buttheirsoulsaswell.Heshuddered.

“Malakai toldme that youhavebeen seekingyour doom formanyyears,Slayer,”Lichtmanncalled.“Well,nowyou’vefoundit.”

“Promises,promises,”growledGotrek,pushingthroughtheranksofcannon.Foronce,FelixhadreasontoshareGotrek’sscepticism.Ashugeandhorribleasthethingwas,

hehadseentheSlayerdestroybiggerdaemonsbeforewithlittletrouble.Thedaemon-poweredsiegetowersthathadthreatenedthewallsofPraagduringArekDaemonclaw’sinvasion,forinstance,hadliterallyexplodedatthemeresttouchofthehisaxe.Thisthinglookedpunybycomparison.

Gotrekchargedit,slashing,andopenedagreattrenchinitstorso.Thehorrorhowledinagonyasitsgelatinousbloodboiledawayfromthetouchoftheaxe.Felixleaptback,expectinganexplosionofgoreandpinkfire.

Itdidn’tcome.Thewoundmeltedtogetheragainasifithadneverexisted.Gotrekblinked,nonplussed.Anarmlikeasackfullofwetsandbackhandedhimacrosstheface.

Heflewback,drenchedinclottedredmucus,andslammedagainstaguncarriage.Felixrantohim,aghast.Whathadhappened?Thedaemonshouldhavevanishedinaburstofbrimstone.

“Allright,Gotrek?”Gotrekliftedhishead.Stinkingredslimerandownhisface.Hegrowledsavagely,glaringatthe

thingwithhissingleeye.“Nothing’srightwiththisfilth.”“You will not banish it so easily from this plane, Slayer!” cried Lichtmann from behind the

horror. “Not when the warpstone in the guns strengthens it. Not when the souls of the greatestsorcerersoftheagewillittoremain!”

Sorcerers?Felixdidn’tunderstand.Helookedaround,almostexpectingaphalanxofwizardstostepoutfrombehindthecargocrateslikethevillainsinapantomime.“Whatsorcerersarethese?”

Gotrekwipedhisblisteredfacewiththebackofhishand.“They’reintheguns,manling.Morefoulsorcery.”Hepulledhimselfslowlytohisfeet.

“Intheguns?”Felixsaid.Lichtmann laughed. “Doyou thinkwewould sully such fineweaponswith the bones ofmere

soldiers?SomeofthemostpowerfulsorcerersofTzeentchhavesacrificedthemselvestojoinwiththeseguns. Itwas their ashes thatwereadded to them. It is theirwills thatwill turn thegunnersofMiddenheimagainsttheirbrothersandbringtheFauschlagdownfromwithin.”

AsLichtmannspoke, thebubblinghorrorreachedout itsmassive,constantlymutatingarmstofour of the glowing, pulsing cannon,while at the same time a ropy tentacle stretchedout from itschesttowardsamortar.Asthedrippinglimbstouchedtheguns,theirflowingcrimsonfleshspilleddownoverthem,coveringthem,ingestingthem.Thearmsandthetentaclestrainedandbulged.Thechainsthathelddownthecannonssnapped,andthehorrorliftedthemoutoftheircarriagesasiftheywere enormous armoured gauntlets. The long tentacle retracted, settling the mortar between thething’spowerful shoulders.Streamsof cracklinggreenbale-fire arcedbetween themortar and thefour cannons, forming a glowing cage of eldritch power around the horror. It roared a challengefrom a dozenmeltingmouths as themortar swivelled towardsGotrek and Felix like the eye of acyclops.Felixcouldfeelitshatelikeheatfromafurnace.

Gotrekranatit.Felixgulpedandfollowed,prayingtoSigmarforstrength.Thedaemonswungan iron arm. They slashed at it together. Felix’s sword clanged off ineffectually and his handsthrobbedpainfullyasittouchedthegreenenergy,buttheSlayer ’saxestruckhome.Thethickslimeofsulphurousredmatterthatcoveredthegunsplashedawayfromtherunedbladelikemudafterastonehas hit it, showing a bright wound on the cannon’s polished surface, then flowed closed againinstantly.

Twomoreironarmsstruckdown.Felix lurchedback,barely in time,butGotrekduckedthemboth,slashingforthehorror ’storso.Theaxebitdeep,findingwhiteribsbeneathcrimsonflesh.

Thehorrorhowledandfellback.Behindit,Lichtmannthrustouthistwistedarmandaballof

fire exploded aroundGotrek.TheSlayer staggered in themidst of the flames, and a third cannongrazedthetopofhishead,knockinghimflat.Herolledaway,smoking,astwomorearmsslammeddown,smashingdeepcreasesinthemetaldeck.Hescrambledbackoutofrange,puttingthehorror ’smassivebulkbetweenhimandLichtmann.

“Kill thewarlock,manling,” he said out of the side of hismouth. “The daemon ismine.” Apurplebruisewasspreadingacrosshisscalptotheleftofhiscrest.

“Aye,”saidFelix, thoughhewasless thanenthusiasticaboutfacingLichtmannoneonone.Helookedaround,hopingtheothersmightbeabletohelp,thatMalakaihadperhapsrecovered.Hehadnot.Petrandtheotherstudentswerecarryingtheengineer ’sbodythroughthedoorintothehangar.AthrilloffearwentthroughFelix.CouldMakaissonbedead?

Gotrek charged the horror again. Felix summoned his courage and sprinted at Lichtmann,hopingtorunhimdownbeforehecouldcompleteanotherspell.Nosuchluck.Thewarlock’scharredarmblazed,andablossomofflameshotatFelix.

Felixyelpedanddivedaside,crashingdownbehindastackofcratesandcoveringhisfaceasthefirebillowedabovehim.Thecloudoffireevaporated.Heraisedhishead.Allaroundhimthecrateswereburning.Herosetoacrouch,swordattheready,andlookedthroughtheflames.HowwashesupposedtokillLichtmannifhecouldn’treachhim?

Ontheothersideof thecrates,Gotrekonceagaindodgedthroughthehorror ’sslime-coveredironarmsandslashedatit,butthistimehedidn’taimatthelimbsoritschest.Thistimehechoppedatthearmjustaboveoneofthecannons.Theaxehackedthroughthemuckasifitwaswater,andthecannondroppedtothedeckwithaclang,flashingandsparking.

Thedaemonhowled in agony, and for themerest instant its crimson fleshbecame translucentandinsubstantialandalltheothercannonitcarrieddrooped,asiftheyhadbecometooheavyforit.The green nimbus around them flickered and hissed. Gotrek pressed his attack, his eye gleamingfeverishly.

Lichtmannscreeched,horrified,andbegancarvingsymbolsintheair.Felixchargedhim,swordraised.Sigmar ’sblood!Theyweregoingtodoit.Lichtmannsawhimcoming.Hemadeacirclewithhisblackhandandsuddenlyaroaringringof

flamespranguparoundhim.Felixskiddedtoastop,throwinguphishandsasawaveofheatrushedoverhim.

Gotrekhackedoffoneofthehorror ’slegs,thenanother.Itsfleshbecamenearlytransparent.Ittoppled, cannon dropping. Gotrek tried to spring clear, but one of the falling guns caught him aglancing blow on the shoulder, knocking him sprawling.Another cannon arm smashed through acrate.Cannonballsspilledacross thedeck.Thehorror landedon topof thewreckage,all its formlost.

FelixlungedatLichtmannwithhissword,tryingtostabhimthroughthewalloffire.Hejerkedback as the flames seared his arm.Lichtmann ignored him, his eyes onGotrek.He began anotherincantation.Felixcursedandlookedaroundforsomethingtothrowthroughtheflames.There!Oneofthedeadcrewmen’shatchetslayonthedecknottenpacesaway.Herantowardsit.

Gotrekpushedhimselfup,hisshouldertornandbloody.Onthedeckinfrontofhim,bathedinthepulsingenergyof thepossessedguns, thehorrorwas reassembling itself, its legs reconnectingwithitstorsoanditsarmsonceagainabsorbingthedroppedcannon.Thecannonballsithadfallenuponweredisappearingintoitsfleshaswell.

Gotrekstoodandlimpedforward,hurryingtoattackthethingbeforeitcompletelyrecovered.FelixpickedupthehatchetasLichtmannpointedhisblackclawatGotrek, theemberedcracks

glowing.

“Gotrek!“Ware!”Gotreklookedup.FelixhurledthehatchetatLichtmannthroughthecurtainoffire.Itwasaclumsythrow.Theflat

oftheaxehitthewarlockintheback.Hestumbled,butstillloosedthefireball.TheSlayerdivedaside,rollingbehindamortar.Theflamesexplodedabovehim.LichtmannturnedonFelix,flamesplayingaroundhisrighthand.“It’sapitywedonotfighton

thesameside,”hesaid,startingforward,hiscircleofflamesmovingwithhim.“Yourbraveryandresourcefulnessareunquestionable.”

Felixbackedaway,dodgingbehindanotherstackofcrates.“It’sapityyoufightonthesideofruin,”hecalled.HelookedtowardstheSlayer,tryingtoseeifhehadsurvivedtheblast.

“WhatchoicedidIhave?”Lichtmannasked,following.“Iwouldbea loyalsonof theEmpireyet,hadmyhandnotbeguntochange.Ididnothingtomakeitoccur.Ireadnoproscribedbooks.Ilearnednoprofanerituals.Ifollowedmyteachers’instructionstotheletter,andstillIchanged.”Anedgeofangercreptintohisvoice.

Felixranbehindapileofbarrels.Acrosstheroom,Gotrekstaggeredtohisfeet,beardandeyebrowssmouldering.The horror rose before him, once again solid and complete, its pulsing corona of balefire

glowingbrightly. It lumbered towardshim, thecannonballs ithadabsorbedboilingand subsidingunderitsskinlikeblackbubbles.ItwasasifGotrek’saxehadnevertouchedit.TheSlayergrowledandrushed tomeet it,undaunted.Steel rangonsteel.Felixgroanedashewatched.Theywerebackwheretheystarted,onlyworseforwear.

Lichtmannsteppedaroundthebarrels,hisringofflamessettingthemonfire.“CouldIgotomyprofessorsandtellthemmyplight?”hecontinuedconversationally,asFelixrananddodgedbeforehim. “Could I ask formercy at the Temple of Sigmar?No. The onlymercy the Empire gives itstwistedchildrenistheaxe.WhatcouldIdo?Iwantedtolive.Ididnotwantmygreatmindtogotowastemerelybecauseoneofmylimbshadbetrayedme.”

Felixsqueezed inbetween tworowsofcratesas thesoundofGotrek’sbattle rang inhisears.Thiswasmadness.Therewasnowheretogo.Theholdwastoosmall.

Lichtmanncircledtherows,lookingforhim.“SowhenArchaonbeganhismarchsouth,Isawthat,thoughIloathedhimandhisunculturedbarbarianfollowers,histriumphwasmyonlyhopeforsurvival.”

AloudclangmadebothFelixandLichtmannturn.Gotrekwasflyingbackwardsthroughtheair.Hecrasheddown,shouldersfirst,onthebarrelofacannon,thenslidtothefloor,dazed.

As the horror slogged after him, themortar that served it as a head sank into the roiling redprotoplasmofitschest,likeabucketdisappearingintoaswamp.

Felixfrowned.Hedidn’tunderstandwhatitwasdoing.Gotrekstruggledtohisfeetandbackedawaythroughthegunswhileherecoveredhimself.The mortar pushed up out of the horror ’s neck and swivelled towards Gotrek, strands of

crimsonslimeclingingtoit.Felix still didn’t understand. Then green fire flickered in the mortar ’s breach hole, and all

becamehorrifyinglyclear.Gotreksawtheflashtoo,anddivedawayjustasthemortarfiredinabillowingburstofsmoke

andnoise.ThecannonballsmashedthroughtherightwheelofacannonandpunchedaraggedholeinthedeckrightwheretheSlayerhadbeen.Sunlightshoneupthroughit.

“No!”shoutedLichtmann.Felixcouldbarelyhearhimovertheringinginhisears.

“Donotdamageyourbrothers,”Lichtmanncried to thehorror. “Theymustbewholeor theywill notbeplacedon thewallsofMiddenheim.”He lookedaround thehold at all the fireshehadstarted with his magic. “In fact, we have caused too much damage already.” He stretched out hisblackenedclaw,andthefiressnuffedoutoneaftertheother.

Ofcourse, thoughtFelix.Lichtmannhastoprotect thecannonsorhisplanwon’tsucceed.Andthatmade them perfect cover. Felix sprinted for the cluster of guns and ducked down behind one.Neitherthewarlockorthehorrorwoulddaretofireathimifhestayedamongthem.

Gotrekseemedtorealisethistoo.Hewasbackonhisfeet,beckoningtothedaemonwithameatyhand.“Comeon,youovergrownnightmare.Comeandfacemesteeltosteel.”

Thehorrorobligedhimandwadedintothemazeofcannon,howlingitsfuryfromamultitudeofmouths.Thedwarfandthedaemonclashedtogetherdeafeningly.

Felix turned and sawLichtmann striding towards him, his flame-shaped dagger in his humanhand.Felixreadiedhissword.Thismightbeafighthecouldwin.

“Die,foulsorcerer!”shoutedavoicefrombehindhim.Felix looked back. Petr and a few other students had returned to the landing, long guns and

pistolslevelledatLichtmann.Theyfired.Lichtmannthrewupawardinghandandthebulletsricochetedofftheairinfrontofhim.Felix

ducked.Onewentthroughhisshirtsleeve.Severalthwackedintothetorsoofthehorror,tonoeffect.Othersshotoffatwildangles,bouncingalloverthehold.

“Don’tfire,curseyou!”shoutedFelix.“You’llkillusall!”Lichtmannlaughed.“Twocanplayatthatgame,fools.”Hesangoutastringofprofanewordsandraisedhistwistedarm.Fireflaredfromitsembered

cracks.Thehorrorturneditsmortar-headasitsarmscontinuedtobatteratGotrek.“No!”shoutedFelix.Heranatthewarlock,swordraised.Thestudentssawwhatwascoming.Theymadeamaddashforthedoor,fightingeachotherto

getthroughit.Petrslippedandfell,thenstruggledtohisfeetagain.Almostasone,Lichtmannandthedaemonloosedtheirattacks.Amortarballpunchedthrough

Petr ’s body, bursting him. A mess of limbs and viscera showered down on the guns below thelanding,bloodsplashingeverywhere.ThestudentscaughtinthedoorwereenvelopedinLichtmann’sfire.The luckyonesscreamedand ran into thehangar,beatingat their flamingclothes.Theotherscollapsedwheretheywere,writhingandburningliketorches.

Felix slashed down at Lichtmann, enraged at the death of earnest, clumsy Petr. The warlocksideslippedandstabbedbackwardwithhisdagger.Felixsquirmedaside,barelyavoidingitspoint.Ahorribleheatradiatedfromtheshimmeringblade.

Lichtmannlungedagain,lightningquick.Felixswipedwithhisbladeandjumpedaway,stilloffbalance.Hebackedintoacannonandputahandonittosteadyhimself.Theirontingledtothetouch.Heglancedbackatit.Petr ’sbloodwassinkingintoitand,justashadhappenedwiththeothers,itwasbeginningtoglowandcracklewithpoisonousgreenenergy,asweretherestofthebloodiedguns.

Lichtmannsmiled.“Yes,HerrJaeger.Moreofmybrotherswake.AndIwilluseyourbloodtowaketherest.”

Felixbackedaway,flinchingasthewhispersreturned,morestronglythanever,wormingtheirwayintohismind.Hecouldfeeltherageofthedeadwarlocks,theirlustforhisdestruction.Forthedestructionofallhiskind.Theyprobedhismindwith tendrilsofcorruption, they rippedat itwiththoughtslikeclaws.

Pulsing streams of balefire leapt from cannon to cannon as the spirits within them woke,formingacrackling,criss-crossinglatticeofsorcerousenergythatmadethewholeroomthrum.The

energyarcedtothedaemon’scannons,andtheyflaredandfizzedwithpower.Thedaemonroaredandraiseditsarms.ItseemedtogrowlargerasFelixwatched.

Felix’sheartsank.Thegunswerefeedingit,makingitstronger.Theyweredoomed.Lichtmanncameon,stabbingagain.ItwasallFelixcoulddotolifthisswordtoblockhisattack.

Hecouldn’tthink.Hismindwastoofullofvoices.Hewantedtodrophisswordandtearathisscalptomakethewhispersstop.

TohisleftFelixsawGotrekgodownhard,abloodygashacrosshismassivechest.Thehorroredged through thecannons towardshim.Felixknewheshoulddosomething,buthecouldn’t thinkwhat.Hecouldn’tthinkatall.

Lichtmann slashed again with his dagger. Felix’s arms wouldn’t answer him. He could donothing but stumble helplessly away through the cannon. He tripped over something and landedbesideGotrek.Thesorcerercontinuedafterhim.PanicroseinFelix’sthroat.Thewhisperstoldhimthere was no hope, that he should just give up, that he should offer his throat to Lichtmann’sshimmeringblade.

GotrekrosetohishandsandkneesbesideFelix,shakinghishead.HeglaredatLichtmannandthehorror,nowonlypacesaway,thengrabbedFelix’sarm.“Comeon,manling.Getup.”

Felixtriedtogethislimbstomove.Theywouldn’t.Thewhisperswereintheway.“Wakeup,Manling!”Gotrek slapped him, hard. The crack was deafening. Pain exploded through Felix’s jaw,

knockingthevoicesfromhisbrain.Thedaemonloomedabovethem,raisingthehellishcannons.GotrekyankedFelixasideasthey

smasheddown.TheymissedFelix’slegsbyinchesandrippedgapingholesinthemetaldeck.Felixscrambledup,hismusclesfinallyresponding,andfollowedGotrek,whowaschargingstraight forLichtmann.Thehorrorcrashedafterthem.

“Thank…thankyou,”hesaidthroughachingteeth.Gotrekgrunted.Thesorcererbackedawayfromthem,thenturnedandranasGotreklashedoutathimwithhis

axe.ToFelix’ssurprise,Gotrekdidn’tpursuehim,butcontinuedontowardsthestairstothelanding.“Where…wherearewegoing?”askedFelix.Gotrek started up the stairs. Felix swallowed. They were leaving the cover of the guns.

Lichtmannwouldbeabletoblastthem!Andhedid.Gotrek shovedFelix forward onto the landing and dived after him as a ball of fire exploded

above the stairs. A cannon ball whistled overhead, then another. They blasted huge holes in thebulkhead.

Felixlookedaround.Twoshots?Thehorrorwasfiringwithitsarmsaswellasitshead!Itwasbringingtheothertwocannontobear.

GotrekhauledFelixupandpushedhimthroughthehangardooraheadofhim.Felixstumbledover theburningbodiesof thestudents that layacross the threshold,andsprawledfacefirston thehangardeckasGotrekdivedpasthim.Amortarroundsmashedaholeinthedoorframebehindthem.

“After them, brothers!” came Lichtmann’s voice. The airship shook as the horror stompedtowardsthelanding.

“Whatarewedoing?”askedFelix,gettingup.Helookedaroundthehangar.Thewreckageofthegyrocopterswasstillburning.Theremainingstudentswerecoweringinthefarcorner.Malakailayprostrateonthefloorattheirfeet.“Arewerunningaway?”

Gotreksnarledderisivelyashesmashedopenalockedcabinetandpulledout twocanistersofblackwater.“We’re takingthedaemonawayfromthoseiron-befoulingdeadwarlocks.”HehandedFelixalantern.“Outside.”

“Outside?”Buttheywereinthemiddleofthesky.Felixglancedbackthroughthedoorintothecargohold.Thehorrorwaspullingitselfontothe

landing.Themetalgroanedunderitsweight.“Uptheladder,manling.”GotrekpushedFelixtowardstherungsthatweresetinthewallbeside

thedoor,thenpickedupapieceoftheburninggyro-copter ’swoodenframe.AsFelixstartedclimbingtherungs,Gotreksplitoneofthecanistersofblackwaterwithhisaxe,

thenheaved it out into the cargohold. It bouncedoff a cannon, splashingblackwater everywhere.Gotrekpitchedtheburningwoodafterit,thenclambereduptheladderafterFelix.

There was a huge ear-popping whump from the cargo hold as the black water caught fire,followedbyablastofheatandorangelight.ThenashriekfromLichtmann.

“No!”hecried.“Theguns!”“That’sonlythebeginning,sorcerer!”shoutedGotrek,climbing.“ASlayerisnotafraidtodie.

I’msettingfiretotheballoonandkillingusall!”Felixstopped,heartpounding.“You…you’rewhat?”“Keepmoving,manling!”Thehorrorpushed twocannonarms through thedoor and startedoozing in after them.Felix

yelpedandscrambleduptheladder,terrorinhisgutsbuthismindawhirl.WasGotrekserious?Washereallygoingtoblowuptheairship?ItwouldcertainlyfinishoffLichtmannandfoilhisplans,butitwouldkillnotjustGotrekandFelix,butMalakaiandallhissurvivingstudentsaswell.

Felixclawedupthroughthecircularhatchintotheupperdeck’scentralgangway,thentookthecanisterofblackwaterfromGotrekasheheavedhimselfupthroughthehole.

Theairshipshookviolentlyasoneof thehorror ’sarmssmashed the ladder just inchesbelowGotrek’sboots.

Gotreklurchedupandgrabbedthecanister.“Run,manling.Theladdertotheroof!”They ran, though Felix wondered if there was any reason. Could the huge daemon even fit

throughtheholetochasethem?Withanoiselikeasteamtankcrash,oneofthecannonarmsrippedupthroughthemetaldeck,

tearingitasifitwaspaper.TheimpactknockedFelixoffhisfeet.Gotrekpickedhimupandshovedhimahead.Helookedback.Asecondsmashwidenedthehole.Twoglowing,muck-coveredcannonssnakedupthroughitandthehorrorpulleditselfup,deforminglikehotwaxtofitintothecrampedconfinesofthegangway.Lichtmannappearedbehindit.

“Yourfireisout,Slayer,”laughedthesorcerer.“Ifoiledyourlittlesabotage.”Thehorrorthunderedtowardsthemonfourironlegs.Felix sprintedon, sweatingwith terror.The ladder to the roofwas just ahead to the right.He

reachedforitandglancedbackagain.Themortarburstthroughthechurningskinofthedaemon’schest,thewidebarrelaimingahead.

Greenflameflaredinitsbreach.“Lookout!”Felixthrewhimselfagainsttherightbulkhead.Gotrekdidthesame.Themortar fired,batteringFelix’searswith its roar.Theball rippedpast, inchesaway,as the

gangwaydisappearedinsmokeandflame.Somewhereglassshatteredandamanshouted.Felixgropedinthesmokefortheladder.Hefounditandhauledhimselfup,blindedandnumb,

thelanternheheldbangingoffeveryrung.Gotrekclumpedupbehindhim.Thebulkheadsvibratedwiththethuddingstepsoftheapproachinghorror.

“Faster,manling!”Felix’s head banged into the heavy hatch above him. He fumbled for the lever as something

slammedintotheladderbelow.Heshoulderedthehatchback.Sunlightandcoldwindslappedhimintheface.Hescrambledoutontothesurface,thenturnedtotakethecanisterfromGotrekagain.

TheSlayersqueezedthroughthehatchandrolledtooneside,cominguponhisfeetwithhisaxeattheready.

Felixsetthecanisterandthelanterndowninametalboxthatlookedlikeitwasmeanttoholdgrenades,thendrewhissword.HefacedthehatchwithGotrek.Nothinghappened.Therewassilencefrombelow.Hadthehorrorgotstuckinthetightgangway?

Felixglancedaround.Thesurfaceofthegondolawasflat,withalowrailattheedgeswherethemetalcurveddownonallsides.Ascoreoftautmetalcablesstretchedfromsturdyringsintheroofuptotheenormousexpanseoftheballoon,twentyfeetabovetheirheads.Therewasaladdernexttothehatchthatrose,encasedinacircularsafetycage,uptoahatchinthebellyoftheballoon.Allaroundthemwasblueskyandsunsetclouds.Felixfeltalmostasexposedandprecarioushereashehadonthegyrocopter.Thelasttimehehadstoodonthisdeck,hehadfacedthedragonSkjalandir.Memoriesofthatnightdidnoteasehismind.Thiswasnotthefirstplacehewouldhavepickedforafighttothedeath.

“Lightthelantern,manling,”saidGotrek.Hedidn’ttakehiseyesfromthehatch.Felixswallowed.Hegotouthis tinderandflintandknelt, thenopenedthe lantern’sdoor.“But

thisisjustaRise,isn’tit?”heaskedashesparkedaflame.“IfIkillthedaemonandthesorcerer,it’saruse,”saidGotrek.“IfIfindmydoomfirst,thenit’s

not.You’llhavetofinishit.”Felixlitthelantern,thenlookedup,followingtheladderuptotheballoonwithhiseyes.Tobe

certainofdestroyingtheairship,hewouldhavetoentertheenvelope,pourtheblackwaterfromthecanister all along the catwalk that ran through the centre of all the lift-gas cells, then light it. Heshivered.Thatwouldbethelastthinghedidinthislife,forwhenthegascellscaught,theexplosionwouldvaporisehim.

“AndifIdiebeforeIhavethechance?”“ThenSigmarandUlrichavemercyontheirEmpire,”saidGotrek.“ForMiddenheimwillfall.”Aglowingcannonshovedupoutofthehatchattheendofathickredtentacle,swayinglikean

iron-headedsnake.Gotrek lunged forward instantly and slashed with his axe, decapitating it with a single blow.

Greensparksshoweredandgoresplashedasthecannondroppedtothedeckwithadeafeningclang.It bounced towards the side, hit the low railing and flipped over it, spinning off into space. TheslitheringvoicesinFelix’sheadroseinakeeningwailofrageandloss.

“Ha!”saidGotrek.“Youwon’tgetthatoneback,daemon.”ThebeheadedtentacleflailedattheSlayerwildly.Hedodgedback,continuingtowatchthehatch.

Felix backed away, a spark of hope flaring in his heart. For once they had the horror at adisadvantage.Ifithadtopushitscannonoutthroughthehatchonebyone,Gotrekmightbeabletocutthemoffastheycame.Hecoulddestroyitwithoutafight.

A second cannon-tipped arm pushed up through the hatch. Gotrek dodged around the firsttentacleandhackedatit.Ittooclangedtothedeck,flashingandsputtering.Gotreksteppedbackasitbouncedpasthimandcrushedasectionoftherailingbeforetippingandslidingdownthesideofthegondolaandaway.Thevoiceswailedagain.

Thetwoheadlesstentaclesshudderedandforamomentgrewtranslucent,theircoronaofgreenenergyflickeringanddimming.ButbeforeGotrekcouldtakeadvantage,theygrewsolidagainand

lashedathim.Hehackedatthemandcircledthehatch.Felix’sheartsurged.BySigmar,itwasgoingtowork!Onlytwomorecannonandthemortarto

severandthehorrorwouldbesoweakthatGotrekwouldbeabletovanquishitwithameretouchofhisaxe.

Athirdcannontentacleshotupthroughthehatch.Gotreksprangforit,duckingtheattacksoftheothertwoandlashedatit.Itrearedbackandhemissed.Helungedforwardagain,butallatoncehewashangingupsidedownintheair.Thefirsttentaclehadhimbytheankle.

“Gotrek!” Felix ran forward and slashed the thing with his sword as the Slayer flailed andcursed.Theattackdidnothing.Hedrewbackforanotherswing,butthesecondtentacleclubbedhimtothedeck.

ThefirstraisedGotrekhigher,swinginghimabout.Itmeanttothrowhimoffthegondola!Felixstruggledtorise.Hewasgoingtobetoolate.

Withaviolenttwist,Gotrekchoppedbackwardsatthetentacle,justbelowhisfoot.Itpartedinaspray of gore and sparks. The Slayer flew across the deck and crashed down on the railing, thenrolledoverit,slidingtowardsoblivion.

“Gotrek!”TheSlayermadeaone-handedgrabandcaughttherailing.Felixrantohimandofferedhima

hand.Gotrektookitandpulledhimselfbackontotheroof.Theyturned.Intheinterval,thehorrorhademergedfullyfromthehatch.Itstoodonfourtree-trunklegs,its

constantlyflowingskinglisteninginthecrimsonsunsetlightasmoaningmouthsformedandmeltedawayalloverit.Itstworemainingcannonhungatitssides,thebrightendsoftheirmuzzlespokingoutfromthemuckthatheldthemandgreenenergycoursingbackandforthbetweenthem.Theothertwotentaclesrosefrombehinditsbackliketwincobras.ItsmortarheadturnedtowardsGotrekandFelixmenacingly.

TheSlayerloweredhimselfintoafightingstance.Heranhisthumbalongthebladeofhisaxe,drawingblood.Hegrinnedsavagely.“Now,daemon,youdie!”

Hechargedtowardsit,roaringaKhazalidbattlecry.Felixranafterhim,commendinghissoultoSigmar.

Theredhorrorcametomeetthem,clubbingdownatthemwithitsironarmsandsmashinggreatdentsinthegondola’smetalskinasthetentaclessnakedforwardtograbatthem.Gotrekmetitblowforblow,bashingatthecannonsandhackingthroughatentacle.Itgrewbackinstantly.Felixhackedatthetentaclestoo,hopingtokeepthemawayfromGotreksothathewouldbeabletotakeoffanotherofitsarms.Hisswordbarelyscarredthem.Itwaslikechoppingatatreelimb.

Suddenlyhesawgreenfireflashatthebackofthemortar.“Gotrek!Lookout!”.Gotreklookedup,thenthrewuphisaxeasthemortarbelchedflameandsmoke.Hecaughtthe

cannonballontheflatoftheaxeanditglancedawaytoskipoffthedeckandoutintothinair.Buttheforceoftheblowwastoomuch.ItslammedthebackoftheaxeintoGotrek’stempleandhestumbled,hislegsbuckling.

ThehorrorknockedhimflatwithatentacleandtheSlayerslidacrosstherivetedplatesonhisback.Felixranbacktohimasthehorrorthunderedafterthem.

TheSlayerlurchedupinstantly,buthisbalancewasshot.Heshookhisheadtoclearitandnearlyfellagain.Ableedinglumpwasgrowingoverhispatchedeye.Thehorrorswunginagain,rainingdowncrushingblows.Gotrekstaggeredback,blockingandducking,butonlyathalfstrength.Felixbackedwithhim.Thehorrorpressedforward,pushingthembacktowardsthenoseofthegondola.

Beyondthebattle,Lichtmannclimbedfromthehatch,hiseyesblazingwithfury.“Thecannons

youjustcastawaycontainedthesoulsofMagisterValintinSchongauerandMagusErmutZiegel—greatermenthanyouwilleverbe.Youwillpayfortheirloss!”

“I’ll pay you in steel, warlock!” snarled Gotrek, ducking another cannon blow. He was stillunsteadyonhisfeet.

Lichtmannsneered.“Yes.Youwill.Iwilltakeyouraxe,andIwillmeltitdownasanofferingtoTzeentch.”

Heraisedhischarredclaw,intoningaspell.Hishandflickeredwithfire.Felix flinched back, terrified, and almost stepped into a tentacle’s grasp. One blast from

Lichtmannandtheballoonmighterupt!Wait!Thatwasit.Helookedtothesorcerer,pointingup.“Doit!”hesaid.“Doitandfinishusall!”

Lichtmannpaused inhis incantation.He lookedupat theballoonand frowned, thenshrugged.“Nomatter.Thereismorethanonewaytoshapeaflame.”Hestartedforthefight,drawinghisgolddaggerwithhislefthandandmurmuringanewincantation.Heballedhisblackclawintoafist,andtheflamesthatwreatheditgrewbrighter.

Felixeyedhimwarily.Amanarmedonlywithadaggershouldnothaveconcernedhim,buthehadseenLichtmannsevertheheadsoftwomenwiththatdagger,aseasilyashemighthaveclippedarosefromitsstem.Hehadfelttheheatthatradiatedfromit.AtleastwithKaraghulhehadreachonhim.

ButjustasthethoughtformedinFelix’shead,theflamesaroundLichtmann’sfistextendedfromittobecomeablazingsword.Thewarlockchargedhim.

Felix steppedbackandparried,almostcollidingwithGotrekas theSlayerduckedawhistlingswipefromthehorror.TheswordofflamesmashedintoFelix’srunesword,emberssplashingfromitlikewater.Hewasshoweredwithhissingsparks.Felixstaggered,theflamesprickinghishandsandface.Thefirebladehadweight! Ithit likeagreatsword,andLichtmannseemedinhumanlystrong.ThegolddaggerdartedforFelix’sstomach.Felixtwistedawayfromit,andwasknockedsidewaysbya tentacle. Felix slashed around him blindly, trying to keep Lichtmann at bay until he recoveredhimself.

The sorcerer laughedandpressedhis attack. “Youare runningoutof roof,Herr Jaeger.”Hiseyes glowed. In fact his whole aspect was changing. His reddish hair was now flame orange andgrowing longandwild,andhisoncehairless facewassproutingcurlingorangemoustachesandabeard.

Besidehim,thehorrorbatteredattheSlayerwithawhirlwindofglowingironandredtentacles.ArcsofChaosenergy flaredall around.Gotrekblockedeveryattack,hisaxeseeming tobe in sixplacesatonce,buthewas stillnot fully recovered,andcouldnotpenetrate the thing’sdefence.Hetookastepback,andanother,hismuscle-knottedtorsoredtothewaistfromthedeepgashacrosshischest.

FelixbeatasideLichtmann’sswordof flameand lunged forhischest.Thewarlock turned thethrustwiththegolddaggerthenstabbeditforFelix’sface.Thevileweaponhissedlikeasnake.Felixjerkedbackfromitandbroughthisswordup,openingLichtmann’sforearm.

Thewarlock howled in pain and slashed furiously at him. Felix parried desperately and tookanotherstepback.Somethingpressedagainstthebackofhislegs.Heglancedback.Hewasattherail.Beyondit,thegreencarpetoftheDrakwaldspunvertiginouslyfarbelowhim.

Gotrekthrewhimselfbackasoneofthedaemon’sironarmsslammedintothedeck,tearingahugetrenchinthebrassplates.Hebouncedoffoneofthewrist-thickcablesthatheldtheballoon.Hetoohadnowheretogo.

“Ha!”criedLichtmann.“Goodbye,bravefools!”

Heandthehorrorattackedasone,LichtmannlashingoutatFelixwithbothswordanddagger,thehorrorswingingitsironarmsatGotrek’shead.TheSlayerdivedleft.Felixdivedright,landingonhisface.Therewasaspanglikeanenormousguitarstringsnapping,andtherooflurchedunderhim.

Felixrolledoverandlookedup.Lichtmannwasstaggeringbackfromtheedge,hisarmsinfrontofhisface,oneofthesteelcableslooseandwhippingaroundbehindhim.

Thehorrorplunged afterGotrek,whowas rolling tohis feet beside the rail. Its cannonarmsswungagain.TheSlayerducked.Twomorecablessnapped.

Lichtmannfelltohiskneesastheroofjolteddownafoot,brokencableslashinglikesnakes.Thehorrorstaggeredsideways,almosttippingofftheedgeoftheslantinggondola,thencaughtitselfwithitstentaclesandcontinuedafterGotrek.Theremainingcablescreakedandgroanedalarminglyasitmovedalongtheedge.

“No,brothers!”shoutedLichtmann,tryingtostandonthemetalslope.“Donotdamagetheship!WemustmakeittoMiddenheim!”

Thehorrordidn’tappeartohear.Itswungagain.AfourthcablesnappedandGotrekslammedtothedeck,blood spraying fromhis forehead.Thenoseof thegondola sank further, tilting the roofalarminglyMorecablescreakedandstretched.

Felixheardthingsshiftingandthuddingbelowhim,deepinsidetheairship.HepushedhimselftohisfeetandrantotheSlayer.Hisfeetslippedontheslopeandhefellagain.

TheSlayerpushedup,hisburnedandblisteredfaceamaskofblood,whichpouredfromagashlikeawhitesmileacrosshisforehead.FelixgaggedasherealisedhewasseeingGotrek’sskull.

The horror howled and raised its two iron arms to smash the Slayer to a pulp, but it lost itsbalanceandslidbacktowardstheedge.

Witharoaroffury,theSlayerthrewhimselfdowntheslantingroofatit.Itflailedwildlyathimwithitstwocannon.Gotrekduckedthemandswunghisaxeupfrombelow.Hechoppedthroughtheleftarmattheroot,severingitinaflashofgreenfire.Thehugecannondropped,andcrasheddownrightonGotrek’sheadandupraisedrightarm,mashinghimflattothedeck,thenitrolledoffhimandbounceddowntheslantedrooftotumbleoffintospace.Gotreksliddowntheslopeonhisfaceafterit,unmoving.

LichtmannandFelixstaredatGotrek’sbodyasitbumpedtoastopagainsttherailattheprowendofthegondolaandlaytheremotionless.Felixwasfrozeninshock.BySigmar,hadhejustseentheSlayer ’sdeath?

Lichtmann laughed triumphantly and grinned at Felix. “A good trade,wouldn’t you say,HerrJaeger?”he asked. “Anarm for an enemy’s life?”He turned to thehorror,who stoodbesidehim.“Throwhimovertheside.”

Thethingswayeddowntheincline,tentaclesreachingoutfortheSlayer.Felix’sheartslammedagainsthisribs.Hehadtodosomething.Hehadtostopit!Whatcouldhe

do?“AtleasttheSlayerwon’thavediedinvain!”hecried,thenturnedandscrabbleduptheslanting

rooftowardstheladder.Hisfeetslippedandskiddedwitheverystep.“Preparetoburn,sorcerer!”“Stop!”shoutedLichtmann,andthen,“Stophim!”Felixheard the thudding stepsof thehorrorcomingafterhimand lookedback,notdaring to

hope,thengroanedwithrelief.Gotrekstilllayattherail.LichtmannandthehorrorhadlefttheSlayerbehindtochasehim.

Now if onlyGotrekwouldwakeup and finish themoff, thoughtFelix, allwouldbewell.Hewouldn’thave togo throughwithhis threat.Hewouldn’thave toblowup theairship.Hewouldn’t

havetodie.He…hewouldn’thavetofacethefactthattheSlayerwasdead.He looked back again. The horror was gaining, driving its remaining cannon down into the

metalof theroofforpurchaseas if itwasacane, leavinga trailofring-likedents.Lichtmannwasrightbehindit,litfrombelowbyhisswordofflame.

Felixreachedthehatchandsnatchedthefuelcanisterandthelanternfromthegrenadebox,thenran to the ladder.He started up it one-handed, as fast as he could,which, in his current condition,wasn’tterriblyfast.Thecanisterclangedoffthebarsofthesafetycagewitheverystep,slowinghim.

“Areyoucertainyouwanttomakethissacrifice,HerrJaeger?”calledLichtmann.“YouarenoSlayer.”

Felix cursed and tried to climb faster, but his battered body didn’t respond. The fiends weregoing to reach the ladder before he reached the top.Hewas still a dozen rungs away.He felt likeweeping.“Icanstilldiedoingtherightthing.”

Tenmorerungs.Nine.“Verynoble,HerrJaeger,”calledLichtmann,pacingthehorror.“AsacrificeworthyofSigmar.”Eight.Seven.“Agrandgesturetobesungaboutforalleternity.”Six.Five.Lichtmannand thehorror reached thebaseof the ladder.Lichtmannsneered.“Ifonlyyouhad

succeeded.”Thedaemon’sironarmswattedtheladderwithahorrendouscrunch,manglingthesafetycage

andpinchingitshutat thebase.Felixlosthisgripandslippedseveralrungs,droppingthefuelandlantern.Theyrattledthroughthebarstothedeckandclatteredawaydowntheslant.

Felixclimbedfranticallyon.Sixagain.Fiveagain.Ohgods!Thehorrorsmashedtheladderagain,andthistimerippeditfreeoftheboltsthatheldittothe

bellyoftheballoon.Withascreamoftorturedmetal,thecageandladdertoppledsidewaystowardsthenoseof thegondola,Felix trappedinside.Theairexplodedfromhis lungsandpainblasted thewitsfromhisheadashisprisonslammedtotheroof,thenrolledtowardsthesideandhittherailing.Foramomentitseemedthatitmightstopthere,buttheninertiapusheditupandover.Felixclaweduptheladdertowardstheopenendofthecageashefeltthetwistedbottomhalfdipearthwardandstartscrapingdownthesideofthegondola.

WithalastdesperatesurgeFelixpushedhisheadandshouldersfreeofthecageandthrewoutahand.Thegondola’s railingsmashedagainsthispalmasheslidpast it.Heclutchedat it,caught it,thenlostit,andwasdraggedwiththecagedownthesideofthegondola.Hescreamedandscrabbledwithhishandsatthesmoothsurface.Therewasnothingtoholdonto.

Asharpridgecrackedhimunderthechin.Hegrabbedatit—aporthole—brass,andstuddedwithrivets.Hisfingersclungtoitwithhystericalstrengthandhestoppedhisslideastheladderandcagefellaway,droppingdownthroughwispy,sunset-pinkcloudstowardsthegroundfarbelow.

Felix’slegsswayedandbangedagainstthesideofthegondolaasheheldontotheporthole.Thewindwhippedathim,andhisfingerswereslickwithpanicsweat.Hewouldn’tbeablekeephisgripvery long.Alreadyhis fingerswerecramping.Hedidn’tdare lookdownagain,or theviewwouldparalysehim,sohelookedup.

Thatwasnobetter.Lichtmann and the horror loomed above him. Lichtmann shook his head admiringly. “Such

tenacity,HerrJaeger,”hesaid.“IdobelieveifIjustleftyoutodie,youwouldsomehowfindawaytoclimbbackupandattackmeagain.I’mafraidIcan’tleavethattochance.”Helookedtothehorror.“Brothers,HerrJaegerandhisuncouthcompanionhave tossed threeofourdearcolleagues to the

winds.Ithinkitonlyfittingthatyoudothesameforhim.”The horror howled from itsmeltingmouths. The hateful whispers in Felix’s head joined the

chorus.Themortarandthecannonthatwereallthatwereleftofthething’sarmamentscrackledwithhaloesofscintillatinggreenenergy.Themortarsankdownintothechurningmassthatwasitschest,andacannonballfloateduptomeetit.

Felixswallowed,eyeswide.BySigmar,itwasgoingtoshoothimpointblank!Helookeddownand to either side. There was nowhere to go. The skin of the gondola was smooth until the nextporthole,morethanabody’slengthaway.

Themortarroseagainfrombetweenthehorror ’sshoulders,breakingthroughthepulsingredflesh,thenswivelleddowntowardsFelixlikeadeadblackeye.Greenfireflaredatitsbreach.

Lichtmannsmiled.“Goodbye,Herr—”Therewas a blur ofmovement behind the daemon, and then a bright flash of steel appeared

underthemortar,slashingthroughitsfibrouscrimsonneck.Themortar toppledfromthehorror ’sshoulders,turningasitfell.

Itfired.Thedeafening reportalmostshookFelix’s fingers fromtheporthole.Hecringed.Washehit?

No.He looked up, and ducked. Themortar clanged off the deck just above his head and bounceddownandaway.

Thesmokefromtheexplosioncleared,revealingthesceneontheroof.Lichtmannwasstaringdownathimself,anexpressionofdisbeliefonhischinlessface.Hisblackenedarmwasgone,blastedawaybythecannonball.Bloodgoutedfromthestumpinatorrent.Withaweakwhimperthesorcerertotteredandfelltothedeck.

Beside him, the headless horror was turning and swinging its sole remaining cannon atsomethingbehindit,itsmultitudinousmouthsroaringinfury.

Anotherbrightflashofsteelandthelastcannonseparatedfromthedaemon’sarminaburstofgreenfire,thensailedoutfarbeyondtheedgeofthegondolabeforeplummetingoutofsight.

Thethingshrieked.Itstentacleslashedforwardtosnatchsomethingupandraiseithigh.ItwasGotrek,axeraisedanddrenchedinblood,roaringwithwordlessrage.Heswungdownonehanded,andburiedtheaxedeepinthedaemon’schest.

Itexploded.Crimsongorespatteredeverywhere,thenevaporatedintoasulphurouspinkcloudthatwhipped

awayonthewind.Outofthedissipatingcloudfellthemangledwetbodiesofthetwocrewmenithadingested.Gotrek fellwith them,hitting thedeck ina loose jumbleof limbs.Hisaxe flew fromhisfingersandslidalittlewaydowntheslantingdeck.Felixcranedhisneck.WastheSlayerdead?Haddefeatingthedaemontakenthelastofhisstrength?

No.Gotrekwasmoving.Hecouldjustseehimoverthecurveofthegondola,strugglingtorise.“Gotrek?”calledFelixweakly.“Gotrek.Downhere.”TheSlayerdidn’tseemtohearhim.Heslowlypushedhimselftohisfeet,wincingandpressing

hisribswithhislefthand.Hisrightarmhunguselessathisside.Heswayedunsteadilyontheangleddeck.

“Gotrek!”GotreksteppedoutofFelix’slineofvision,thenreturned,dragginghisaxebehindhimtostand

overLichtmann,wholayhuddledbythelowrailingattheedgeoftheroof.Gotrekraisedtheaxewithhislefthand.

Felixcouldn’tseethesorcerer ’sface,buthesawhisremaininghandriseinsupplication.

“Mercy,”whisperedLichtmann.“Mercy,Ibegyou.Idon’twanttodie.”“Askyourmasterformercy,sorcerer,”raspedGotrek,spittingblood.He let the axe fall.Felixheard it chunk intomeat, and therewas a sprayofblood.Lichtmann

twitchedonceandlaystill.Gotrekstareddownathim,hisfaceblank,bloodfromhishorriblescalpwounddrippingfromhisnoseandmattinghisorangebeard.

“Gotrek,”calledFelix.“Gotrek,getarope.”TheSlayerswayedandtookastep,thentoppledbackwardsoutofsight,hisoneeyerollingupin

hishead.

TWENTYFelixgroanedandhisheaddroopedforward topressagainst theglassof theporthole.His fingersscreamedwithagony.Theywereslippingslowlybutinexorablydownthecurveoftherim.Ofallthecruel jokes.Gotrekhadkilled the sorcerer.Theairship, thoughwounded,was still air-worthy, andhadnotbeenblowntoflinders,andFelixhadmiraculouslysurviveditall,butnowthatitwasalloverandthedaywassaved,hewasgoingtodie,withnoonetoseeorcare.

Forallheknew,Gotrekmightbedeadabovehim.Hemighthavemethisdoomatlast,andasheroicallyashecouldhavewished,savingthecityofMiddenheimfromthemostdevious,destructivesabotage imaginable.And,wonder ofwonders, Felixwas alive to record the doom… for perhapsanother minute. He giggled hysterically at the ridiculousness of it all, and almost lost his grip.Perhapshe could composeGotrek’s epicon thewaydown, crafting the final rhymingcouplet justbefore he slammed into the ground. Bizarrely the verses began to flood into his mind. He knewexactlyhowitwouldgo.Hecouldseeitalltranscribedonthepagebeforehim.Ateartrickleddownhischeek.Itwasallsosad.Hisgreatestwork,lostbeforeitwaswritten.Noonewouldknowhistruegenius.

Voicesrangoutabovehim.“Hurry!Hurry!Out!Out!”“I’mhurrying,curseyou!Comeon,handthemout.”“Look!TheSlayer!”“Andthesorcerer!”“Sigmar ’shammer!Hedidit!Hekilledthedirtytraitor!”“Ithinkhekilledhimselfaswell.TearsoftheLady,lookatthestateofhim.”“Andwhere’stheswordsman?Jaeger.”“Professor!Comeup!They’reuphere!Look!”“Help,”whisperedFelix.Andthen,“Help!”ashecaughthisbreath.Hisfingersslippedanother

inch.Hisarmstrembledwithfatigue.“GrimnirandGrungni,”cameafamiliarvoice.“Theysnappedthecables.That’sthecauseofit.

Herenoo,seetotheSlayer,andgiehima…”“Help!”criedFelixagain.“Malakai!Makaisson!”“Hsst!”saidMalakai.“Daeyehearsomething?Wistha’myname?”Thevoicesstopped.“Help!”bellowedFelix.“Overtheside,”saidsomeone.Malakai’sround,bewhiskeredfaceappearedoverthecurveofthegondola.Hehadalumponhis

forehead as big and purple as a plum, and another over his ear.His eyes grewwide. “Why,HerrJaeger,whatareyedoin’doonthere?”

He turned away before Felix could say anything, and was back an instant later with a weirdleatherbagthatlookedsomethinglikeabackpack,butwithlong,loopedstrapsthatwouldhavethethingbangingaroundyourcalvesifyoutriedtowearit.MakaissonheldontooneloopandflippedtheotherdowntowardsFelix.Itslappedagainstthesideofthegondolajustabovehishead.

“Catchaholdoftha’,youngFelix,”hesaid.“Andhaudontight.”Felixwasalmosttooterrifiedtoletgo,buttherewasnothingforit.Hethrewadesperatearmup

andhookedhishandthroughtheloop.Hecouldn’tgraspitashenormallywould.Hisfingerswere

toocrampedtoclose.Heinchedhishandforwarduntiltheloopwasfirmlyinthecrookofhisarm.“Pull,”hegasped.Malakaipulled, twoofhiscrewholdingontohisshoulderstosteadyhim.Felixbegantoslide

slowlyupthecurveofthegondola,groaningwithbothreliefandpain.Hisfingersfeltliketheywereonfire.Atlaststronghandsreachedoutandpulledhimovertherailingandhecollapsedgratefullyontheroof,pantinglikeadog.

HeliftedhisheadandlookedaroundforGotrek.TheSlayerwasstanding,barely,supportedbyseveralofMakaisson’screw.Whatweretheydoingtohim?

“Notimeforakip,youngFelix,”saidMalakai.“Wehivtaeabandonship.Now!”Felixsquintedupathim,confused.“Abandonship?”Hedidn’tunderstand.Andwhywereallthe

youngmenwhostareddownathimwearingthestrangesaggingpacks?Malakaipulledhimroughlytohisfeetandhandedhimthepackhehadpulledhimupwith.“Aye.

Put this on. Some burning crates slid into the black powder barrels when the gondola tipped.Wecannaeputitout.”

Felixgapedashemechanicallyputonthepack.Thepowderwouldblowtheshiptopiecesandthefirewouldsetthegascellsalight.“Thenwe’realldead.”

“Nae,nae.Notata’,”saidMakaisson.“Mynewestinventionwillgetusallsafetaetheground.Butwehavetogo,noo.”

Newinvention?Felixlookedaroundtheroof,expectingtoseesomeweirdcontraption—aten-mangyrocopterperhaps.Therewasnothing.WhatwasMakaissontalkingabout?

The engineer turned toGotrek,who leanedwearily against the railing, trying to get his limprightarmthroughthestrapofoneofthepacks.“Areyeready,Gurnisson?”

OneofMakaisson’screwtooktheSlayer ’sarm,tryingtohelp.Gotrekwincedandshovedhimaway.“Leaveoff,”hegrowled,thenforcedthearmthroughthe

strap,grittinghisteeth.“Ready,”hesaid.Somethingwhiteglintedhalfwayuphisforearm.Itwasthejaggedendofabone,stickingoutfromtheSlayer ’sskin.

Felix blanched at the sight.He had never seenGotrek so hurt. Then again,Gotrek had neverfought a daemon with arms of iron before. Could even the Slayer recover from such grievouswounds?

Malakai stepped to the Slayer and shook a brass ring that dangled from the pack’s left strap.“Onceyejump,yecounttaefive,thenpullthering.Aye?”

Gotreknodded.Hepickeduphisaxe.“Aye.”MalakailookedbackatFelix.“Yehaveit,youngFelix?Counttofiveandpull?”“Counttofiveandpull,”repeatedFelix,notunderstandingintheslightest.Thepack?Thepack

wastheinvention?“Butwhatisit?Whatdoesitdo?Whatdoesitcarry?”Malakaiputafootupontherail.“It’sawearableair-catcher.Ahcallita‘reliable’.”Hetooka

lastlookaroundatthebatteredgondolaoftheSpiritofGrungni,andtheballoonthatroseaboveit.Achweel,”hesaidwithashrug.“Ahalwaysdidwanttaebuildabiggerone.”Heloweredhisflyinggogglesandwavedahandoverhishead.“Awa,lads.Awa!”

Andwiththat,Makaissonjumpedoffthegondolaanddroppedoutofsight.Hisfewremainingcrewmengaveeachotherwild-eyedlooks,thenshruggedandleaptafterhim,screaming“Awaaaaay!”atthetopoftheirvoices.

Felixswallowedashewatchedthemplummettowardstheearth.HeturnedtoGotrek.TheSlayerwasliftingastifflegovertherailing.“Comeon,manling.It’salongwalktoMiddenheim.”

Felixputafootupontherail, thenhesitated.Amuffledexplosionrockedthegondola, joltinghimsideways.Anotherfollowedrightontheheelsofthefirst.

Gotrek leapt into the air, bellowing a dwarfish war cry. Felix jumped after him, a prayer toSigmaronhislipsthat,whateveritwassupposedtodo,the“reliable”hehadstrappedtohisbackwasmoreofasuccessthanMakaisson’s“Unsinkable”orhis“Unstoppable.”

He dropped towards the ground at an alarming rate. The landscape rushed up at him likesomethingoutofadream—riversandfieldsandtreesgrowinglargerandmoreclearwitheverypassingsecond.Itwasmesmerising.Sigmar!Hehadforgottentocount!Haditbeenfiveyet?Hadhewaitedtoolong?

Withaloudwhump,ahugewhiteshapeblossomedbesidehim,thenwhippedupoutofsightashe shot below it. That was Gotrek! The Slayer would not have forgotten to count. With panickyfingers,Felixfumbledattheringandpulled.

Anotherwhump,andsomethinggrabbedhimroughlyunderthearmsandjerkedhimtoastopinmid-air.Itwasagonyonhiswounds,andhenearlyblackedout.Thepressurelessenedquicklyandhelookedup.Agiantwhitemushroomcapasbigasatentfloatedoverhishead.Felixblinked.Hewasdangling from it by a score of thin silk cords.An aircatcher.Astounding.He looked down.Moremushroomcapswerefloatinglazilydowntowardsthetreesbelowhiminthegolden,late-afternoonlight.Therewasnosound.Thebeautyofitalltookhisbreathaway.Howstrangetofeelsopeacefulsohighup,withnothingunderhisfeetbutair.

An explosion like a hundred thunderclaps punched his eardrums and knocked him down andsidewaysintheair.Heatlikeahammerslammedtheleftsideofhisbody.Helookedup.Beyondtheshadowingwhitecircleoftheair-catcher,ablackcloudofsmokewasblottingoutthesun.Heheardarushingcracklelikecoachwheelsridingoverdryleaves.

As the hotwind buffeted his air-catcher to the side he could seemore of the sky above. Thegondolaof theSpiritofGrungnihungnosedown from theballoonbyahandfulofcables, ahugeholeblowninitsbelly.Theballoonpointeduptowardsthesun,itsundersideonfire.

Whydoesn’titexplode,thoughtFelix?Itexploded.Acontinentoffireeruptedintoexistenceabovehim,fillingthesky,andatidalwaveofsound

and heat smashed into him, knocking himup, down and sideways, as if hewas a ship caught in astorm.Debrispattereddownontotheclothoftheair-catcherabovehim,thensomethingstruckhimviolentlyabovethetempleandhisvisiondimmed.ThelastthinghesawwastheSpiritofGrungni’sgondolaplummetingnose-first towards theground, andGotrek’s reliable driftingpast belowhim,coveredinsmoulderingblackrubbish.

Thenheknewnomore.Inhisprivatequartersdeepbelowthecity thesurfacedwellerscalledBilbali, theancientgreyseerpouredoverthecorrespondencehehadjustreceivedfromSkavenblight, thewordsinscribedbyanelegantpawon the finestman-skinvellum, sealedwith the insigniaof theCouncil ofThirteen.Hesnarledtohimselfandcrumpledthescrollbetweenhisclaws,thenthrewitonthefire.

Itmatterednothowbeautifulthevessel,ifwhatitcarriedwaspoison.Howcouldtheydenyhimagain?Howcouldtheyrefusehimhisrightfulpositioninthearistocracyofthegreatestofallskavencities?Howcouldtheyaskthathecontinuethisexile,thisbanishment,thisinsultofaproconsulshipinthisforgottenbackwater,sofarfromthehubofskavensociety?Weren’tallhisfailures—rather,thefailuresthatvilebetrayershadfalselycalledhis—almosttwentyyearsgone?Couldn’t thecouncilput itallbehindthem?Couldn’t theyforgiveandforget?Twentywasmoreyears thanmostskavenlivedtosee.Hadhenotlivedalmostthreetimesthatnumber?Washenotthereforethreetimes—nay,threehundredtimes—morewise?Washenotthekeenestmindofthreegenerations?

Oh,heknewhehadlittletoshowforit.Allhisgreatestplanshadbeenstymied,allhiscertain

triumphsbroughttocrashing,calamitousruin.Buthowcouldtheyblamehim?Wasithisfaultthathehad alwaysbeen cursedwith incompetent underlings?Was it his fault that his colleagues hadbeenjealousbackstabberswhohadclaimedhisbestideasfortheirown,andsabotagedthosetheycouldnottakeadvantageof?Was ithis fault thathehadbeen stalkedby twoof themost ruthless, relentless,remorselessenemiesevertocrossthepathofskaven-kind?

Themerethoughtofthosefiendishbeingssenthimscrabblingthroughhispapersuntilhefoundthestopperedbottleofpowderedwarpstone.Heuncappeditwithshakingpawsandtookageneroussnortupbothnostrils,thensankbackwithasighashefeltthemellowwarmthofittricklesoothinglythroughhis veins.Therewas nothing like it to calmhis nerves.These last yearswould have beenunbearabletorturewithoutit.

Atleastthetwomonstersweregone,hethoughthappily.Hehadn’theardevenarumourofthemforalmost twentyyears. Ithadbeen theonesolaceofhis longexile that theyhadceased toplaguehim.Ofcourseitwouldhavebeenfarmorepleasurabletohavehadthemunderhispower,runningthemthroughhismaze,testingexperimentalpoisonsonthem,makingtheireverywakingmomentalivinghellof…

Ascratchingcameathisdoor.“Whoisit?”hesnapped,angrytohavebeendisturbedfromsuchadeliciousdaydream.“OnlyI,ohmostancientofgreyseers,”saidanobsequiousvoice.“Yourhumbleservant,Issfet

Loptail.”“Comecome,”saidthegreyseer.“Quickquick.”Thedooropenedandascrawnyskavenwithafoolish,simperinglookentered,hisheadbobbing

respectfully.Hestoppedarespectfuldistancefromthegreyseer ’sdeskandswayedinplace.Hewasapitiful thing.Hehad losthis tail ina raidonahumanfarmonce—toa femaleno less—andnolongerhadanybalance.Buthewassmart,andlistenedwell,and—mostimportantly—obeyedhismaster ’sorderswithoutquestion.

“Speakspeak,simpleton,”squeakedthegreyseerimperiously.“Yourmasterisbusy.Verybusy.”“Yes,ohperniciousone,”saidIssfet,bowingandalmostfallingover.“IhavenewsfromNuln.”“Nuln?”saidtheseersharply.“Iwishtohearnonewsfromthat ill-favouredplace.HaveInot

toldyouthatI…”“You have toldme always to listen for certain rumours,master, nomatterwhere they spring

from.”“Rumours?Whatrumours?”theseerasked.“Speak!Quickquick!”“Yes, your superfluousness,” said Issfet. “I discovered a report from our outpost there. Two

warriorswereseeninourtunnels,travellingwithagroupofblooddrinkers.Oneofthewarriorswasadwarf,withoneeyeandfurthecolourofflame.Theother…”

Thegreyseerreeledbackinhischairandnearlyfell.Hegrabbedthestopperedbottleagainandupended it on his tongue. “My nemeses!” he moaned as he swallowed the warpstone snuff. “Mynemeseshavereturned!HornedRatprotectme!”

“Master!”saidIssfet,alookofconcernonhissnaggle-toothedface.“Master,wait.Listenfurther.Thenewsisperhapsnotasbadasitseems.Therecomesafurtherrumourthatthesesamewarriorswerekilledinanexplosionuponadwarfairship.”

“Killed?” said the seer, rising fromhis seat, his eyesblazingwithweirdgreen light. “Killed?Thosetwo?Never!Iamnotsofortunate.”Hisclawsclutchedconvulsively.“No.Theyarenotdead.Buttheysoonwillbe.ThistimeIwillbecertainoftheirdestruction!”

“Yes,ohmost impotentofskaven,”saidIssfet.“Howcouldsowizened,sodevoidagreyseerfailtodestroysuchlowlycreatures?”

“Howindeed?”said theseer, thinkingbackwithashudder tohispreviousencounterswith thedangerouspair.“Howindeed.”Heturnedtothefire,gazingintoit.“Gogo,”hesaidwithoutlookingaround.“Disturbmenot.Imustthink.”

“Yes,master.”“Oh,andIssfet,”theseersaid,turningasthecrippledskavenbackedtowardsthedoor.“Yes,master?”“Speakofthistonoone.Therehavebeentimesinthepastwhenmyrivalshaveusedthesetwo

againstme.Itwillnothappenagain.”“Ofcoursenot,ohmostparsimoniousofmasters,”saidIssfet,bowinglow.“Noneshallhearof

it.Mysnoutissealed.”“Goodgood,”said thegreyseerand turnedback to the fireashisservantbacked through the

doorandclosed itbehindhim.Hewarmedhis coldpawsover the flames, thenpausedand lookedoverhis shoulder, squintingsuspiciously.Had therebeen just the faintesthintof slynesson Issfet’sfaceashebowed?Hadtherebeentheshadowofacunningsmile?

Perhapsthetaillesslittlespywastoosmart.Thanquolwouldhavetokeepaneyeonhim.

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