TableofContents

CoverTitlePageWarhammer40,000PrologueChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenEpilogueAboutTheAuthorLegaleBooklicense

Warhammer40,000

It is the41stmillennium.FormorethanahundredcenturiestheEmperorhassat immobileontheGoldenThroneofEarth.Heis themasterofmankindbythewillofthegods,andmasterofamillionworldsbythemightofhisinexhaustiblearmies.HeisarottingcarcasswrithinginvisiblywithpowerfromtheDarkAgeofTechnology.HeistheCarrionLordoftheImperiumforwhomathousandsoulsaresacrificedeveryday,sothathemaynevertrulydie.

Yeteveninhisdeathlessstate,theEmperorcontinueshiseternalvigilance.Mightybattlefleetscrossthedaemon-infestedmiasmaofthewarp, theonlyroutebetweendistantstars, theirwaylitby theAstronomican, thepsychicmanifestationof theEmperor’swill.Vastarmies give battle in his nameonuncountedworlds.Greatest amongstHis soldiers are theAdeptusAstartes, theSpaceMarines, bio-engineered super-warriors. Their comrades in arms are legion: the Imperial Guard and countless planetary defence forces, the ever-vigilant Inquisition and the tech-priests of the AdeptusMechanicus to name only a few. But for all their multitudes, they are barelyenoughtoholdofftheever-presentthreatfromaliens,heretics,mutants-andworse.

Tobeamaninsuchtimesistobeoneamongstuntoldbillions.Itistoliveinthecruellestandmostbloodyregimeimaginable.Thesearethetalesofthosetimes.Forgetthepoweroftechnologyandscience,forsomuchhasbeenforgotten,nevertobere-learned.Forgetthepromiseofprogressandunderstanding, for in thegrimdark future there isonlywar.There isnopeaceamongst the stars,onlyaneternityofcarnageandslaughter,andthelaughterofthirstinggods.

PROLOGUE

Allaroundthebuildingsburned.Ragnarstrodethroughthemaelstromofbattle,shoutingcommandstohismen.‘BrotherHrolf–Iwanttwokrakmissilesintothatforwardemplacementnow!Therestofyou

formupandpreparetostorminassoonasthedoorisblown.’Acknowledgementsfilledtheearbeadlinkinghimtothecomm-net.Heracedfromthedoorway

wherehe’dbeenshelteringtoahugeblockoffallenmasonrysometwentymetresclosertohisobjective.Enemylaserblastsmeltedtheconcretebehindhisheelsbut,eveninhispoweredarmour,hemovedtooquicklyforthehereticstogetabeadonhim.Hethrewhimselfintoacrouchbehindtherubbleandwaitedforamoment.Thethunderofheavyordnancefilledtheair.Somewhereoffinthedistancehecouldhearthehowl

ofThunderhawkenginesandthemultiplesonicboomsastheyslowedtheirspeeddownfromthesub-orbital.Evenashewatched,brightyellowcontrailspiercedtheleadencloudsandthegunshipshoveintoview.Missileclustersdetachedthemselvesfromtheirwingsandhurtledgroundwardstosmashintotheheretics’positions.Hecheckedhisweaponswiththeprecisionbornofacenturyofexperience,tookadeepbreath,intonedaprayertotheEmperorandwaited.Hewasawareofeverything.Thebeatofhisprimaryheartwasregular.Hisbodywasalready

healingtheminorcutsandgrazeshehadtakenfromshrapnel.Hecouldfeelaslightnickonhisfaceclosingitself.Hissenses,farsharperthanthoseofthehumanhehadoncebeen,keptupasteadyflowofinformationonthebattlefieldaroundhim.Fromnearbyhecouldsmellthecomfortingpresenceofhisbattle-brothers,acompoundofhardenedceramite,oil,thefleshofFenrisandthesubtlemarkerswhichtoldtheywerenotquitehuman.Morethanthat,hecouldpickoutthefaintpheromonetracesofanger,painandwell-controlledfear.Hecheckedhisarmourtoensuretheintegrityhadnotbeenbreached.Hereandtherewereafew

scuffswhereshrapnelhadbouncedfromthehardenedceramiteofthecarapace.Intwospotshefoundblistersonthepaintworkthattoldofthefleetingkissofalasgunbeam.Inonespottherewasadistinctchipontheshoulderpadwhereaboltpistolshellhadtornthroughtheraisedrim.Nothingserious.Theservo-motorsthatpoweredthemightycombatsuitwerecurrentlyoperatingat75%efficiency,idlingonmostsystemstosavepower.Thesuit’sbuilt-inauto-sensorsinformedhimoffainttracesofpollutants,contaminantsandaresidueoftheneurotoxinsthatthehereticshadusedintheirsurpriseattackontheloyalistforceswhentheybegantheirrebellion.Nothingmuchtoworryabout,praiseRuss.Hisbody’sabilitytometabolisepoisonwasbarely

neededtodealwiththem.Hehadknownpoisonsstrongenoughtogivehimheadachesandmusclespasmsanddizzinesswhilehisbodyadaptedtotheirpresence.Theseoneswerenowhereclosetothatpotency.Allinallthen,thingsdidnotlooktoobad.Iftruthbetold,hewasenjoyingthesituation.AfteramonthofmeditationinhiscellbackintheFangandaweekcoopeduponboardoneofthegreatImperiumstarcruisersenroutetothisminorwar,herelishedtheaction.Itwashardlysurprising

really:itwaswhathehadbeenborntodo,andwhathehadtrainedfor.Hisentirelifehadbeenapreparationforthismoment.Hewas,afterall,anImperialSpaceMarineoftheSpaceWolvesChapter.Whatmorecouldhepossiblyaskfromlifethanthis?HehadaloadedboltguninhishandandtheEmperor ’senemiesbeforehim.Inthislife,therewasnogreaterpleasuretobefoundthanperforminghisdutyandendingthelivesofthosesorryheretics.Themasonryathisbackshuddered.Chunksofstoneclatteredoffhisarmour.Someonehadhithis

coverwithsomethingheavy,arocketperhapsoraveryheavyboltershell.Notthatitmattered.Heknewfromlongexperiencethatthemetal-reinforcedconcretecouldtakeit.Hestudiedthechronometerreadoutsuperimposedonhisfieldofvision.AminuteandfoursecondshadpassedsincehehadgivenhisorderstoBrotherHrolf.HeguessedthatitwouldtaketwominutesforHrolftogetintoposition,andanothertensecondsforhimtolineuphisshot.Thatwasmorethanenoughtimefortherestofhisforcetogetthemselvesintoposition.Inthattime,itwasimpossibleforthehereticstochipawayathiscoverunlesstheybroughtfarmorefirepowertobearthantheywerecurrentlyusing.Itwasathoughtthathadapparentlyoccurredtotheenemycommandertoo.Ragnarcouldhearthe

soundofmonstroustrackscomingcloser.Heknewthattheymustbelongtoanenemyvehicle.TheImperialforceshadjustbeguntheirdropfromorbitwiththeSpaceWolvesasaspearhead.ItwasfartooearlyforanyImperialarmourtobeontheground.Thelogicalconclusionwassimple.Whateverwasapproachingwasnotfriendly.Acallonthecomm-linksoonconfirmedthis.+ForceRagnar.EnemyPredatortankapproachingyourposition.Doyouwishassistance?Over.+Ragnarconsideredforaninstant.Atthispoint,theThunderhawks’air-coverwasneededmore

elsewhere,tosupporttroopsstillinthecriticalstageoflandingunderenemyguns.Hedidnotwanttodrawtheirhelpawayfromhisbattle-brothers.Particularlynottodealwithasingleenemytank.+Ragnarhere.Negative.WewilldealwiththePredatorourselves.Over.++Messagereceivedandunderstood.TheEmperorwatchoveryou.Over.+Ragnarconsideredhisoptions.Hecouldhearthetank’sapproach,smelltheacridchemicalfumes

ofitsexhaust.Concretewascrushedunderitstreadsasitmoved.HecouldrequestBrotherHrolfwiththesquad’sheavysupportweapontoblastthetankbutthatwouldmeancancellingtheattackonthebunkerwhileHrolfmovedintoanewposition,andRagnardoubtedthattherewasanyneedforthat,certainlynotwhenhecoulddealwiththetankhimself.Hecheckedhisbeltcompartments.Everythingwasinplace.Healingdrugsyrettes,grenade

dispensers,repairpatches.Hetappedthegrenadedispenserandakrakgrenadedroppedintohishand.Thatwoulddo.HeglancedoutofhiscoverandsawthelongsnoutofthePredator ’sgunbarrelcomingaroundthecorner.Momentslaterthewholetankhoveintoview.ItwasastandarddesignforanImperialtankbutinsteadoftheneatpatternsoftheImperiallyalignedplanetaryarmiesithadbeenhastilysprayedbloodred,andacrudeeight-armedChaossymbolhadbeenpaintedonthesideinyellow.Ragnarbaredhisteethinasnarlatthesightofthathatedemblem.ItwasthesignofdaemonworshipperssworntooverthroweverythingRagnarhadfoughttoupholdhiswholelonglife,andjustthesightofitbroughttheanimalferocitythatwassomuchapartofhisSpaceWolfnaturebubblingtothefore.Heraisedhimselftohisfeet,measuringthedistancebetweenhimselfandthetankwithapracticed

eye.Nomorethanahundredstrides,heguessed.Thedistancewasclosingfastasthetankrumbledforward.Hecouldseethattheturret-mountedbolterswerealreadyswivellingtobearonhim.Hispositionhadbeenflanked.Itwasjustaswellthathehaddecidedtoabandonitanyway.Theservo-motorsofhisarmourwhinedasheracedacrosstheopengroundtowardsthetank.Once

againlasgunfiredoggedhisheels,butashehadcountedon,thegunnersweretoosurprisedbyhissuddenbreakfromcoverinthedirectionofthetanktotargethimswiftly.Thetank’sgunners

obviouslycouldn’tbelievetheireyeseither.Tracerfirerippedtheairoverhisheadtargetedonaspotbehindhim.Thegunners’effortswerehalf-hearted.Theyseemedtohavereckonedthathewasgoingtobegroundtopiecesbeneaththeironrushingvehicle.Ragnarintendedtoswiftlyprovethemwrong.TheywouldpayforunderestimatingoneofthesonsofLemanRuss.Herusheddirectlyatthetank.Itswelledswiftlyinhisview.Eventhoughhehadoftenmarched

besidesuchvehiclesorclungtotheirsideastheycarriedhimselfandhisbattle-brothersintothefrayhewassurprisedbyhowbigthisonelookednow.Hesmiled.Itwasalwaysdifferentwhenyouactuallyhadtofightwithoneofthesethings.ThegapbetweenhimandthePredatorclosedquickly.Theairthrummedwiththevibrationofitsengine.Theexhauststinkbecamenear-overpoweringtohisnostrils.Theflickeringlasgunfirecameeverclosertohisheels.Atthelastsecondhethrewhimselftotheright,puttingthePredatorbetweenhimselfandthefire

fromtheenemybunker.Hereachedoutandlobbedthefirstkrakgrenadebetweenthedrivecogsandthetrackstheywerelinkedwith.Thechargewasshapedandthefusewassetforthreeseconds.PlentyoftimeforRagnartosetanothercharge.Whentheyexploded,wholesectionsoftreadwereblastedawayanddrivecogsbegantogrindtoa

haltasthepowertrainfailed.AhugesectionoftrackflappedfreeandalmosthitRagnar.Onlyhislightning-swiftreflexes,keyedtosuperhumankeennessbythestressofbattle,enabledhimtoduckbeneathit.Justaswell,really,sinceheguessedthesheerforcewithwhichthearticulatedmetalsegmentsweremovingwouldbeenoughtotakehisheadcleanoff.Robbedofthepowerofonesetoftreads,thePredatorbegantorotateslowlyonthespot.The

tracksontheothersidewerestillworkingandpushingitforwardbutitwasnotgoingtogoanywhereexceptincircles.Ragnarwasgladofthat.Sincetheturretwasalreadybeginningtoswivelinthedirectionofhissquaditwastimetomovetothenextphaseofhisplan.WithamightyleapRagnarsprangontothesideofthePredatorjustabovethetrackguard.He

landedeasily,ceramitebootsringingagainstthehull,andracedforward,hopingtoRussthatnooneinsidethetankhadyetrealisedwhatwasgoingon.Hecouldhearthemuffledbellowingofordersandconfusedshrieksfromwithinsoheguessedtheyhadnot.Good.Theywouldneverrealisewhathitthem.Heracedforwardtotheturretandsawthatthehatchwasclosed.Apity,Ragnarthought,butnonethelessitwaswhathehadexpected.Intheclosequarterscombatofacityfightnotankcommanderwasgoingtogoaroundwithhisheadexposed.Still,itwasfoolishforthemtohaveadvancedsofarwithoutcloseinfantrysupport.Itwouldhavebeenfarmoredifficultforhimtodowhatheplannedinthepresenceofarmedwarriors.Heguessedthatthetankhadcomeasquicklyaspossibleinresponsetoadesperatepleaforhelpfromthebunker.Well,hewouldmakesurethehereticspaidforthatmistake.Hereacheddownandgraspedthehandleonthetopoftheturretwithbothhandsthenbraced

himself.Hestrainedwithallthestrengthofhisenhancedmusclesandtugged.Nothinghappened.Hethrewmoreandmorepowerintotheservo-motorsofhisarmouruntilthemusclefibreswerealmostoverloadedandthemaintenancereadoutssuperimposedonhisfieldofvisionwerefarintothered.Slowlyatfirst,withanawfulgrindingsound,thehatchbegantocomeawayfromitshinges.CeramitebuckledundertheterriblestrengthoftheSpaceWolf.Ragnaralmostoverbalancedasthehatchcovercamefreeinhishands.Therewasarushoffoulairfromwithinthetank,andRagnarrecognisedthestinkofmutation.

Trulythesehereticshadpaidthepriceofswearingallegiancetotheirdarkmasters.Hetossedthehatchcoverawayandgrabbedafraggrenadefromhisbeltdispenser.Helookeddownintotheinteriorofthetank.Aquickglanceshowedhimhideouslyalteredmutantfaceslookingupathim.Onewasblotchedwithmonstrousredwartseachendinginaneye.Theotherhadmeltedandrunasifmadeofcandlewax.Themarkoftheirevilwasplainuponthem,theirexteriorselveshadbeen

alteredtomatchtheirinnercorruptionbytheevilpowerstheyworshipped.Oneofthemutantsreachedforhisholsteredpistol.Bythelookofblindpaniconitsface,Ragnar

knewthatthecreaturehadworkedoutwhatwasgoingtohappennext.Norwasitwrong.Ragnardroppedthegrenadeintotheopenhatchandleapedaway.Evenashedidsohegraspedanothergrenadeandlobbeditwithunerringaccuracybackintotheopeningontheturret’stop.Itwasjustpossiblethatthemutantsmightbeabletofindonegrenadeasitrolledaboutwithinandlobitclear.Heknewtheywouldnotbeabletogetboth.Thetankwasstillbetweenhimandthebunker.Hewhippedouthisweapons.Inthesideofthe

Predatorahatchhadhalfopened.Oneofthecrew,realisingwhatwashappening,wastryingtogetclear.Ragnarkickedthehatchclosedandsprangawayagainjustastwoenormousblastsshookthetank.Afountainofbloodandfleshjettedupthroughtheturrettop.Ragnarmovedquicklynowforcover,knowingthatitwasalltoopossiblethatthedrivesystemsofthetankwouldgoupintheexplosion.Fortunatelytheinhabitantsofthebunkerweredistractedbythefateoftheirsupportvehicleandhe

divedintothecoveroftherubbleinwhichhehadpreviouslycrouchedjustasawrackingexplosiontorethemightyvehicletopieces.Hugechunksofmetalarmourweretwistedoutwardbytheblastoftheexplodingpowerplant.Oilyblacksmoketwistedskywardsfromtheremains.JustatthatmomentthesoundofanotherexplosionassaultedRagnar ’sears.HeknewthatBrother

Hrolfhadhitthedoorofthebunkerwiththemissilelauncher.Ragnarsprangup,notingwithsatisfactionthattheplasteelentrancehadbeenblastedcompletelyoffitshingesbytheforceoftheexplosionandthattheflankingforceofSpaceWolveswasalreadymovingintopositionfromeitherside.EvenasRagnarwatchedBrotherSnaggathrewhimselfflat,wriggledonhisbellyunderthefiringslotofthebunkerandlobbedahandfulofmicrogrenadesthroughtheentrance.Explosionsandscreamsofpainwerehisreward.WithinsecondstwoSpaceWolveshadenteredthebunker.Shotsrangoutastheyfinishedoffthesurvivors.Ragnarsmiledrevealingtwohugewolfishfangs.Thegleamoftriumphappearedinhisyellowish

dog-likeeyes.Anothervictorywashis.Atthatmoment,hecaughtthefaintgleamofsunlighthittingglasssomewhereofftohisright.Instincttoldhimtothrowhimselfflatbuthewasalreadytoolate.Evenashesprang,thesniper ’sboltershell,rocket-poweredandarmourpiercing,wasrippingtowardshimtooquicklytobeavoided.Allhisleapdidwasgethisbodypartiallyoutoftheway.Theshellwhichhadbeenaimeddirectlyathisheartexplodedinsteadwithinhischest.Painblastedthroughhisbody.Messengersofagonyracedalonghisnerveendings.Hefellforwardintoamoltenlavapitoftorment.

‘Don’tworry,BrotherRagnar,’heheardavoicefromthefardistancesay.‘Wehaveyou.’Ragnarwonderedaboutthat,wonderediftheywerenottoolate.Alreadythevoicessoundedasif

theywerecomingfromthetopofahugewell.Itseemedtohimthathewasfallingdownwards,towardsthecoldhellofhispeople,theretobegreetedbyallhisfamilyandhisfriends,andalltheoldenemieshehadsenttherehimself.Itwasodd,hethought,thatheshouldbedyingsofarfromhome,solongafterhehadexpectedtodie.Therewassomethingcomfortingaboutthisstrangesensation.Heknewwhattoexpect.Heoughtto.Afterall,hehaddiedbefore.Icyclaritypossessedhisspirit.Hismemoryfloodedback.Hissoulventuredbackthroughthe

centuries.Remembering.

CHAPTERONE

‘We’reallgoingtodie!’YorviktheHarpoonerscreamed,glaringround,hiseyeswidewithfear.LightningslashedthroughtheskyofFenris,illuminatingtheman’stormentedface.Sheerterrormadehisshoutaudibleevenabovetheroarofthewindandthethunderofthewavesagainsttheship.Thedrivingrainrunningdownhisfacelookeduncannilyliketears.‘Besilent!’Ragnarshoutedandslappedtheterrifiedmanacrossthecheek.Shockedatbeinghitby

ayouthbarelyoldenoughtohavethedownofmanhoodonhischeeks,Yorvikreachedforhisaxe,hisfearmomentarilyforgotten.Ragnarshookhisheadandglaredattheoldermanwithhiscoldgreyeyes.Yorvikstopped,asifrealisingwherehewasandwhathewasdoing.Theystoodinfullviewofallthewarriorsontheprowoftheship.Attackingthesonofhiscaptainwouldgainhimnocreditintheeyesofthegodsorthecrew.TheflushofshamecametoYorvik’sfaceandRagnarlookedawaysoasnottoembarrassthemanfurther.Ragnartossedhisheadtogethismaneoflongblackhairfromhiseyes.Squintingthroughthelash

ofthewindandthesalt-sprayofthestorm-tossedsea,RagnarsilentlyagreedwithYorvik.Theyweregoingtodieunlessamiracleoccurred.Hehadbeengoingtoseasincehewasoldenoughtowalk,andneverhadheseenastormthisbad.Sullendarkcloudsscuddedacrossthesky.Itwasdarkasnighteventhoughitwasnoon.Spray

billowedastheprowoftheshipcleavedthroughanotherenormouswave.Thedragonhideofthedeckechoedlikeanenormousdrumwiththeforceoftheimpact.Hestruggledtokeephisbalanceontheconstantlymovingdeck.Evenoverthewind’sdaemonshriek,hecouldhearthecreakoftheship’sbones.Itwasonlyamatteroftime,hedecided,beforetheseakilledthevessel.ItwasaracetoseewhethertheforceofthewavessmashedtheSpearofRussintoathousandpieces,orwhetheritsimplystrippedthecureddragonhidefromtheship’sskeletonandleftthemtofounderanddrown.Ragnarshudderedandnotjustfromthechill,soddenwetnessofhisclothing.Forhim,asforallhis

people,drowningrepresentedtheworstofallpossibledeaths.Itmeantsimplysinkingintotheclutchesoftheseadaemons,wherehissoulwouldbeboundinaneternityofservitude.TherewouldbenochanceofearninghisplaceamongtheChosen.Hewouldnotdiewithspearoraxeinhand.HewouldnotfindhimselfagloriousdeathorswiftpassagetotheHallofHeroesintheMountainsoftheGods.Lookingbackalongtherain-lasheddeckRagnarsawthatallthemassivewarriorswereas

frightenedashe,thoughtheyhiditwell.Tensionwaswrittenoneverypallidface,andvisibleineveryblueeye.Rainmattedtheirlongblondhairandgavethemahopelessbedraggledlook.Theysathuddledattheirbenches,uselessoarsheldattheready,massivedragonskinrain-cloaksthrownaroundtheirshouldersorflappinginthewindlikethewingsofbats.Eachman’sweaponslaybesidehimonthesoakingdeck,impotentagainstthefoethatnowthreatenedtheirlives.Thewindhowled,hungryasthegreatwolvesofAsaheim.Theshipplungeddownthefarsideof

anotherenormouswave.Thedragontoothonitsprowsmashedthroughthefoamingwaterlikea

spear.Overhead,thesailsstruggledandflexed.Ragnarwasgladthattheyweremadefromthepurestdragongut;nothingelsewouldhavesurvivedthestorm’srendingclaws.Aheadanothermassivemountainofwaterloomed.Somehowitdidnotseempossiblethattheshipcouldsurviveitcrashingdownonthem.Ragnarcursedinfuryandfrustration.Itseemedthathisshortlifewasoveralmostbeforeitstarted.

Hewouldnotliveeventoseehisentryintomanhoodnextseason.Hisvoicehadbarelybrokenandnowhewasdoomedtobelostatsea.Heshieldedhiseyesandgazedoutintothestorm,hopingtocatchsightofthelongshipofhiskinfolk.Theywerenowheretobeseen.Mosthadlikelygonetothebottom.Theirbodieswouldbecomefoodforthedragonsandthekraken,theirsoulswouldprovidethrallsforthedaemons.Heturnedandaimedanangryglanceatthestrangerwhohadbroughtthemtothis.Therewassome

satisfactioninknowingthatiftheydied,hewouldtoo.Thatisifhewerenotasorcerer,orsomeseadaemonindisguisesenttoluretheThunderfistfolktotheirdoom.Watchingthewaytheoldmanstoodonthewater-covereddeck,fearlessandunafraid,thatseemedalltoopossibleatthepresentmoment.Therewassomethingsupernaturalaboutthisgnarledancient.Helookedstrongasawarriorinhis

primedespiteallthefurrowsagehadploughedinhisbrowandheheldhisbalancebetterthanmanyaseafarerhalfhisagedespitethewhiteinhishair.Ragnarknewthathewasasorcerer.Whobutasorcererwouldwearthepeltsofthoseenormouswolvesaroundhisshouldersandthatstrangemetalarmourencasinghisentirebody,sounliketheleathertunicsoftheseafolk?Whobutasorcererwouldcarryallthosestrangeamuletsandcharmsaroundhisperson?WhobutasorcerercouldofferhisfatherandtheirkinenoughingotsofpreciousirontoattemptthenearsuicidalpassageoftheSeaofDragonsinthis,theSeasonofStorms?Ragnarsawthatthestrangerwaspointingatsomething.Wasthissomesorcerer ’strick,he

wondered,orwasthestrangercastingaspell?Ragnarturnedtoseeandfelthismouthgodrywithfear.Lightningflaredonceagain.IntheflashRagnarsawahugeheadhadbrokenfromthewavesnexttotheship,almostasifthestrangerhadsummonedit.Anightmarefacefilledwithteeththesizeofdaggersloomedabovethem.Thelongneckflexedandtheheaddescendedsearchingforprey.Itwasaseadragon,andnomerehatchlingbutafull-sizedmonstrosity,largeastheship,stirredfromtheseabottombythefuryofthestorm.Thethunderspokeitsangrywords.Deathstruckanarm’slengthfromRagnar.Hefeltthewindof

itspassageasthehugejawsofthedragonclosedonYorvik.GreatfangspiercedthetoughleatherofYorvik’sarmourasifitwerepaper.Bonegaveway.Bloodgouted.Thescreamingmanwasliftedintotheair,armsflailing,theharpoondroppingfromhisfist.AsneercurledRagnar ’slips.HehadalwaysknownYorvikwasacowardandnowhehadproof.HewouldfindhimselfaplaceinthecoldhellsofFrostheim.ThedragonbitdownandgulpedandpartofYorvikdisappeareddownitsthroat.TheotherpartsplattereddownonthedecknearRagnar.Therushingwavescleansedhimofbloodandbile.Thewarriorsswarmedfromtheirbenches,raisingtheiraxesandtheirspearsindefiance.Ragnar

couldtellthatintheirheartstheywereglad.Herewasaquickdeathandaheroicone,fightingamonsterfromthedepths.TomanyitmustseemasifRusshadansweredtheirprayers,andsentthemthisbeasttograntagreatdoom.Theenormousheadbegantodescendoncemore.Atthesightofit,severalofthewarriorsfroze.

Asifithadbeensenttoweedoutcowards,thebeaststruckthemdown,bitingthemintwowithitsrendingfangs.OtherThunderfistwarriorslashedoutatitwiththeirweapons.Axesbouncedfutilelyfromtheheavyarmouredscales.Afewspearsbitdeepintofleshbutthecreaturepaidasmuchattentiontothemasamanmightpaytoapinprick.Thepainmerelygoadedittogreaterfury.Itopeneditsmawandletoutaterrifyingbellow,audibleevenoverthethunderofthewaves.The

sheervolumeofitparalysedallthewarriors.Theyfrozeasifoverwhelmedbyasorcerer ’sspell.Ragnarcouldseethatthecreaturehadrearedhalfoutofthewater.Itsenormouslengthtoweredovertheboat.Ithadmerelytofallforwardanditshugebulkwouldbreaktheshipintwo.SomethingsnappedwithinRagnar.Hisangeratthestorm,atthegods,atthisenormousbeastand

hiscowardlykinsmanbubbledover.HereacheddownandpickeduptheharpoonYorvikhaddropped.Notpausingtothink,notpausingtoaimlestfearofthoseenormousdrippingjawsshouldfreezehim,hethrewtheharpoondirectlyintothecreature’seye.Itwasagoodcast.Thebone-tippedspearflewtrueandburieditselfuptotheshaftinthedragon’seye.Themonsterpulleditselfupstillfurther,screaminginrageandpain.Ragnarthoughthewouldbe

deafenedbythechillevilofitscries.Hewascertainnowthathewasgoingtodie,thattheentireshipwasgoingtobesmashedtoflindersbytheenragedbeast.Thenheheardanothersound,astutteringroarthatcamefromthebackoftheship.Heriskedaglanceatthestrangerandsawthathewasthesourceofthenoise.Theancienthaddrawnsomekindofmassiveironiconfromhisside,whichheheldaloftand

pointedatthebeast.Asearingblastoffirespurtedfromtheendoftheholycharmalongwiththeroaringsound.LookingbackatthedragonRagnarcouldseethathugegapingwoundswerestitchedacrossitstorso–testimonytothestrengthofthestranger ’smagic.Itopeneditsmouthtoscreaminpainandthestrangerraisedhistalismanstillfurther.Aholeappearedintheroofofthedragon’smouthandthetopofitsheadexploded.Thecreaturetumbledbackwardstovanishbeneaththewaves.Thestrangerthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.Hisboomingmirthdrownedoutthesoundofthe

storm.Ragnarfeltashiverofsuperstitiousfear.Hecouldseethattwoenormousfangsjutteddownwardsfromthestranger ’smouth.HeborethemarkofRuss!Inhimflowedthebloodofthegods.Truly,hewasasorcererorsomethingmore.Crouchinglowonthedeck,keepinghisbalanceeasilydespitethemotionoftheship,Ragnar

turnedandmovedbacktowardsthehelm.Sprayrandownhisfaceliketears.Whenhelickedhislipshetastedsalt.Ashemovedpastthestranger,ahugewavebrokeovertheship.Hefeltthepressureoftonsofwaterandfloundered.Theforceofthewaveliftedhimclearofthedeckandsendhimtumbling.Inthewaves’furyhecouldgetnoclearviewofwherehewas.Hesimplyknewhewasgoingtobesweptoverboardandcarriedtohisdoom.Hegrowledwithrageandrestrainedfear.Itseemedthathehadsurvivedthedragon’sjawsonlyto

betakenbytheseadaemons.Theniron-strongfingersclampedonhiswrist.Enormousstrengthfoughtagainstthepowerofthesea.Thenthewaterwasgone.InamomentRagnarflounderedonthedeck,savedbythestrangerwhohadbanishedthedragon.‘Bestill,boy,’thesorcerersaid.‘Itisnotmydestinytodiehere.Norisityours,Ithink.’Sosayingthestrangerturnedandstrodeawaytotheprowoftheship.Hestoodtheregazing

forwardlikesomeeldergod.Filledwithfearandastrangesuperstitiousreverence,Ragnarmadehiswaytotheplacewherehisfatherstood.Lookinguphesawunderstandingthere.‘Isawit,myson,’hisfathershouted.Ragnarknewnofurtherexplanationwasnecessary.

Asifthekillingofthedragonhadbrokenanevilspell,theseabegantocalm.Merehourslater,itwasassmoothasglassandthemeasuredbeatoftheoarmaster ’sdrumwastheonlysoundsavethequietsloshingofthewavesagainsttheship’shull.Thestrangerstillstoodattheprow,asifkeepingguardagainstthedaemonsofthesea.Hescanned

thefarhorizon,shadinghiseyeswithonegnarledhand,seekingsomethingonlyhecouldsee.Overheadthesunbeatdown.Itwasnotthepalesmallsphereofwinter.Nowitwasahugefieryorbthatfilledtheskywithitsgoldenlight.TheEyeofRusswasfullyopen,surveyinghischosenpeopleastheyenduredtheterrorsofFenris’slonghardsummer.Theremainingwatersteamedfromthe

decksunderitsgaze.Thewarriorswerequiet.Awehadovercomethem.Therewasnoneoftheusualchatandboasting

thatonewouldnormallyhearfromthosewhohadsurvivedsuchaterriblestorm.Therewasnoneofthemirthorthesingingeither.Ragnar ’sfatherhadnotorderedthealecaskbroachedincelebration.Areverencethatwasclosetoterrorseemedtohavetakenholdofthecrew.Ragnarcouldeasilyunderstandwhy.Theyhadseenthestrangerdispatchadragonbythepowerof

hisspells.Withablastofhismagichehaddestroyedoneoftheterrorsofthedeep.Withhisgazehehadpacifiedthestorm.Wastherenothinghecouldnotdo?Stilltherewerequestionshere,Ragnarthought.Ifthestrangerweresopowerfulwhyhadhe

neededtohiretheirship,payinginpreciousironandpromisingmore,togettohisdestination?Whyhadhenotusedsorcery?Surelyhecouldhaveusedhismasteryoftherunestosummonaskyshiporawingedwolftocarryhimtohisgoal.Wastheresomesinisterulteriormotivetothisjourney?Ragnartriedtodismissthisthought.Perhapsthesorcererhadearnedtheenmityofthestorm

daemonsandcouldnotfly.Perhapshisloremasterydidnotruntocontrolofsuchrunes.HowwasRagnartoknow?Hehadnoknowledgeofspellcraft,norhadanyoneheknew,excepttheThunderfist’soldskald,Imogrim,andhehadlookedonthestrangerwithsuperstitiousaweandrefusedtosayanythingofhim,excepttotellhispeoplethatthestrangermustbeobeyed.Ragnardoubtedthateventhesuperstitiousawethatsurroundedthestrangerlikeacloakwouldhave

madeanyofhispeopleundertakethisvoyageiftheskaldhadnotrecommendedit.Theirdestination,theislandoftheIronMasters,wasshunnedbyalltheseafolkexceptduringtheseasonoftrade,duringthespring.Thelastspringhadendedoverfivehundreddaysagoandthetradetimewaslonggone.Whoknewhowthemysterioussmithsoftheislandswouldwelcomestrangersnow?Theykeptthemselvestothemselvesmostlyanddefendedtheirminesofpreciousironthewayatrollguardsitshoard.Still,Ragnarwondered,ifthestrangerhaddemandedtobetaken,evenwithouthishandsome

payment,couldtheyhaverefusedhim?RagnardoubtedthateventheentirevillageofbraveThunderfistwarriorscouldstandagainstthemagicthestrangerhadshown.Ragnardoubtedthattheirweaponscouldevenpiercethesecondskinofmetalthatsurroundedhisbody.Therewassomethingfascinatingabouttheoldman,andRagnarlongedtotalkwithhimand

questionhim.Thestrangerhadsavedhimandspokentohimandsurelythatmustmeansomething.Evenso,Ragnarstoodrootedtothedeck.Theideaoftalkingtothesorcererwasmoreintimidatingthanfacingthejawsofthedragon.Heremainedfrozenforamomentthenmusteredallhisresolve.Don’tbefoolish,hetoldhimself.

Youhavenoteventhankedhimforsavingyourlife.SilentlyRagnarwalkedforward.Cautiousasamanstalkingawildgoat,headvancedtowardstheprowoftheship.‘Whatisit,lad?’thestrangerasked,withoutturning,beforeRagnarhadevengotwithintenpaces

ofhim.Ragnarfrozeinshock.Herewasyetmoreproofofthestranger ’ssorcerouspowers.Ragnarknewthathehadmovedquietly.Hisfeethadmadenosoundonthedeck.Hewasconsideredagreathunteramonghispeople.Yetthestrangerhadknownhewasthere,andhewasRagnar,withouteventurninghishead.Ragnarfeltassuredthathemustpossesssomethingakintothesecondsight.‘Iaskedyouaquestion,boy,’thestrangersaid,turningtofaceRagnar.Therewasnoangerinhis

voice,justauthority.Hesoundedlikeamanwhowasusedtohavinghisownway.Therewassomethingoddabouthisspeechtoo.Hespokeveryslowly,andhisaccentwasantiquated.ItremindedRagnarofthewaytheskaldwouldspeakwhenquotingtheepicsofRussandtheAllFather.ItseemedtoRagnarthatthisoldmanmighthavesteppedstraightfromoneofthosesagas.Therewasaqualityabouthimthatoneoftheoldheroesmightpossess.‘Iwishedtothankyouforsavingmylife,jarl,’Ragnarsaid,usingthehighesttermofrespecthe

knew.Therewassomethingstrangeabouttheoldman’sface,herealised.Itwaslongandferal,thenosewashugewithmassiveflarednostrils.Theleatheryskinsunkenoverhischeeksgavehimanevenmorewolf-likeappearance.Andwhatwasthesignificanceofthosethreestudssetintohisforehead,Ragnarwondered?Andhowhadtheygotthere?Amonghisownpeople,hecouldthinkofnowayofdoingsuchathingthatwouldnotresultingangreneandthespiritsofinfectionsettingin.‘Itwasnotyourtimetodie,’thesorcerersaidandreturnedtoscanningthehorizon.Howcouldthe

strangerpossiblyknowthat,Ragnarwondered.‘Whatareyoulookingfor?’Ragnarasked,astonishedbyhisowntemerity.Thestrangerwassilent

forawhile,andRagnarfearedthathewasnotgoingtoanswer.Justthenthesorcererpointed.Ragnarcouldseethathisfingerwasshodinmetal,andreflectedthesunlight.Helookedatwhatthestrangerwaspointingtoandcaughthisbreath.Aheadofthemmightypeaksroseoverthehorizon,agreatbattlementofspearsthatpiercedthe

clouds.Thewallsofthepeakswerewhiteandsomethinglikeiceglitteredalongtheirslopesevenwheretheyfloweddownintothesea.‘TheWallsoftheGods,’Ragnarsaidandmadetherune-signofRussoverhisbreast.‘ThepeaksofAsaheim,’thestrangermurmuredsoftlyandsmiledtorevealthoseenormousfangs.

‘ImusthavebeenyouragewhenIfirstsawthem,lad,andthatwaswellnighthreehundredyearsago.’Ragnarlookedathimopen-mouthed.Thestrangerhadallbutadmittedthathewasasupernatural

entity.NomanofFenris,noteventheoldestgreybeard,livedmorethanthirty-fiveyears.‘IamgladIhadtheopportunitytoseethemagainthisway,’thestrangersaid,soundinglikeoneof

theoldmenofthevillagedidbeforehewentofftochanthisdeathpoem.ThestrangershookhisheadandgrinneddownatRagnarwiththosealarmingfangs.‘Imustbegettingsenile,tobabbleso,’hesaid.Ragnarsaidnothing,merelylookedathimandthenatthosedistantmountains.‘Runbackandtellyourfathertochangecourse.Beartostarboardandfollowthecoast.Wewillget

toourdestinationthesooner.’Hesaiditwithalltheforceofaprophecy,andRagnarbelievedhim.

ForthenexttwodaystheysailedalongthecoastofAsaheim.Twodaysofquietseasandcoldwinds,andastillnessbrokenonlybythecrashofhugechunksoficefallingfromthemountainsanddriftingouttosea.ThiswasindeedAsaheimtothenorthofthem,theplacewherethegreaticebergswerebirthed,the

frozenlandfromwhichtheicyfloatingmountainscame.Overhead,mightyseaeaglessoaredandoccasionallythemenspottedthespoutsofthegreatorcaherdsastheyrosefromthecold,purewaters.Theypassedthemouthsofgreatfjords,placesofastonishingbeauty,andsometimessawthestonevillagesofthepeopleoftheglacierperchedhighontheirslopes.Theyrowedswiftlythen,forthefolkofthefjordswerefierce,somesaidtroll-blooded,andwererumouredtodevourtheirprisonersratherthantakingthemthrall.Suchafatemadeeventheseadaemons’clutchesseemtempting.Duringthewholetimetheypassedthecoast,thestrangerneverlefthispostattheship’sprow.At

sunsethestoodtherelimnedbytheEyeofRuss’sdyingrays.Atdawnhewouldstillbethere,asthedaywatcharose.Ragnartalkedwiththenightwatchandwasnotsurprisedatallwhentheytoldhimthestrangerhadnotslept.Ifhefeltanyweariness,thestrangershowednosign.Hiseyesremainedasclearandbrightastheyhadthedayofthebattlewiththedragon.Ragnarhadnoideawhyhewatched,hemerelyfeltgladthattheoldmandidso.Whilehestoodguard,Ragnarfeltthatnoevilcouldtouchthem.

Thenoncemorethelandfellawaybehindthem,andtheywereontheopensea.Theweatherremainedfavourable.Thestrangersniffedthewindandpronouncedthattheseawouldremainquietuntiltheyreachedtheirdestination.Asifafraidtodisobeyhimtheseacomplied.Aftertwodaysatsea,theysawsmokeaheadofthem,andfireslitthenightsky.Themenprayedto

Russinsuperstitiousawe,butwereafraidhewouldnothearthem.Theyknewtheywereenteringanareasacredtothefiregiants,andhereRussandtheAllFatherheldlittlesway.Thenextday,astheyapproachedtheislands,Ragnarcouldseethattheywereafire.Theirtops

blazed.Themoltenorangespittleofthefiregiantsrandowntheirblacksidesandsizzledandsteamedasitenteredthewater.Theroaringoftheimprisonedgiantsmadethemshake.Filledwithtrepidation,Ragnarapproachedthesorcereroncemore.Hewasreassuredtoseethatthe

ancientshowednosignsoffear,merelyaquietpleasureandacertainsadness,likethatofamanwhohasbeenenjoyingajourneyandisnotlookingforwardtoitsend.‘TheysayGhorgheandSlaNaheshareimprisonedwithinthoseislands,’Ragnarsaid,repeating

somethinghehadheardtheskaldsayafterthespringtrading.Despitehisfear,hewasexcited.Neverbeforehadhesailedthisfarwithhisfather.‘TheysaythatRussboundthemtherewhentheworldwasyoung.’‘Thoseareevilnames,lad,’thesorcerersaid.‘Youshouldnotmentionthem.’‘Why?’saidRagnar,foronceundauntedbythestranger.Hiscuriosityovercominghisreverence.

Thestrangerlookeddownathimandsmiled.Hedidnotseemdispleasedbythequestion.‘Thosearethenamesofgreatevils,borninaplacemillionsofleaguesaway,andmanymillennia

inthepast.Russdidnotbindthem.Noonecould.NoteventheEmperor–theAllFatherhimself–inthedaysofhisglory.’Ragnarwasnotsurprisedtobetoldoftheirage.Afterall,Russhadfoughttheminthedawnages

beforehehadbanishedhispeoplefromAsaheim.Hewassurprisedtobetoldthattheyhadbeenbornmillionsofleaguesaway.Itwasadistancehecouldnotconceive.‘IthoughttheywerethechildrenofthedragongoddessSkrinneir,ofhermarriagetothedarkgod,

Horus.’‘Andthatisanothernameyoushouldnotspeak,lad.Foryouhavenoideaofitstruesignificance.’‘Willyoutellmeitsmeaningthen?’‘No,lad,Iwillnot.Ifitisyourdestinytoknowsuchthings,youwillfindthemoutsoonenough.’‘AndhowwillIdothat?’‘Bydying,laddie,andbybeingreborn.’‘Isthathowyougainedyourgreatwisdom?’Ragnarasked,annoyedbythestranger ’sresponseand

surprisedatthesarcasmofhisowntone.Tohissurprisethestrangermerelylaughed.‘Youhavecourage,youth,andnomistake.’HeturnedfromRagnarandgazedouttosea.Aheadof

themdarkcloudsrose,andtheseawasstainedanoilyblack.Tothewest,themountainshook,andahugejetoffireemergedfromitstip.‘TheFireMountainisangrytoday,’thesorcerersaid.‘Itisabadsign.’

CHAPTERTWO

‘ByRuss,haveyoueverseenanythinglikeit?’Ulliasked,aweevidentinhiswords.RagnarlookedathisWolfbrotherandshookhishead.Hewasforcedtoadmitthathehadnot.Theharbourwasvastandstrange,ahugecleftintheblackcliffswhichledtoamassivelake

enclosedbyablackbeach.Therewasroomenoughthereforathousanddragonshipstodockatoncewithoutiteverbeingcrowded,andRagnarknewthatduringthetradetimeitwasso.Peoplecamefromallacrossthegreatoceantobarterforaxeheads,spearpointsandallmannerofmetalgoods.ItwasnotthesheerscaleoftheharbourthatheldRagnar ’sattentionsoraptly.Itwasthebuildings

thatsurroundedit.Thesmallestofthemwastwicethesizeofthegreatlonghallbackhome,whichwasthelargeststructureRagnarhadseeninhiswholelife.Muchmorestrangewasthefactthattheywerebuiltfromstone.Stone,thoughtRagnarandshuddered.Itwasnearinconceivable.Whatifoneofthegreat

earthquakescameandsentthemtumblingtotheground?Wouldnoteveryoneinsidebecrushedtobloodypulpbytheavalancheoffallingrock?Thosehugesoot-blackenedstructuresweredeathtraps.Everyoneknewitwasonlysensibletobuildahouseasyouwouldbuildadragonship–fromdragonhideleatheraroundaframeofdragonbone.Orforsacredstructuresyoumightconsiderusingpreciouswood,thoughitmightburnifanoillanterngottumbledinthequake.Ragnarhadseensuchthingshappen.Everyonehad.TheislandsofFenriswereunstableandhadbeensincebeforeRusshadledhischosenpeoplehere.Itwasmadnesstobuildoutofstonebutthesepeoplehad.Andnotjustfromstonepileduponstone,

thewayyoumightmakeadrystonedyke.No,thesebuildingsweremadefromhugeblocksofdressedrock,carvedintoperfectcubesandplacedininterlockingpatterns.Andjudgingbythegreatlayersofsootencrustedonthebuildingsandtheblackenedmossontheirsides,thesestructureswereancient.Theylookedold,weather-worn,likethemostancientrunestonesinthegreatringatopThunderMountain.Andtheskaldclaimedthosehadbeentheresincethedawnoftime.Itwasnotjustonehugebuildingbuttherewerehundredsofthem,somelargeashills.Throughthe

roofsofothersprotrudedmightychimneysfromwhichblacksmokebelchedandgiantflaresofflamegouted.‘Theyhavetamedthefireelementals,’saidUlli.‘Theyaregreatmagicianshere.’Itcertainlylookedthatway,Ragnarthought.Thesepeopleassuredlydidnotfearfireeither.They

mustbemightymagiciansindeed,nottofearthetremblingoftheearthorthethreatoffire.Andhowhadtheybuilttheseenormoushalls?Didtheyusemagictosingthestonesintoplace?Ordidtheymaketheircaptivedaemonthrallsdoallthework?Thepowerandskillatworkherewasawe-inspiring.Still,Ragnarwasnotsurehewouldhavelikedtolivehere.Theairtastedfoulandacridwiththe

samechemicalstinkthatcamefromthetanneriesbackhome,onlymagnifiedandathousandtimesworse.Billowsofsootlikeblacksnowflakesdriftedthroughtheairandsettledintheirhairand

clothing.Thewaterwasanoddcolour,blackandviscous-lookinginsomeplaces,inotherscolouredredorgreenbyeffluentsbelchedoutoftheblackpipesthatranallthewaytotheharbour.‘BonesofRuss,’Ullibreathed.‘Lookatthat!’RagnarglancedinthedirectionindicatedbyUlli’spointingfingerandsawthemostamazingthing.

Itwasatowerbuiltallofiron,oneofthemostpreciousofmetals.Itrosefromthewater ’sedge.Lookingatitclosely,Ragnarcouldseetheconstructionwasodd.Itwasnotsolid.Itwaslikealatticeworkofmetalbeams,liketheskeletonaroundwhichahallwouldbebuilt.Exceptthatheretherewasnodragonhidestretchedaroundit.Theframewasopentotheairandtotheelements,andyoucouldseetheintricatemachineryitenclosed.Therewerehugecogwheelsandgreatmetalarmsthatroseupanddowninaregularrhythmic

movementlikethepulsingofagreatheart.Blackstuff,liquidandslimy,bubbledfrompipesonthetipofthetowerandrolleddownlongtubestobegatheredinwoodenvatsaroundthebase.Smallfiguresmovedaroundconstantlyshiftingthevatsandemptyingthemwithbuckets.Itwasatoncetheoddest,mostimpressiveandmostbafflingstructureRagnarhadeverseen.‘Whydothesepeoplenotfearthequakes?’RagnaraskedUlli,morejusttoairhiscuriositythan

becauseheexpectedanyanswer.‘Becausetheyhavenoneedto,laddie,’saidthevoiceofthesorcerer.‘Theseislandsarestableand

havebeenforcenturies.Theywillbeformanymore.’Ragnar ’smindrocked.Theconceptwasawesome.Alandwhichdidnotconstantlyshakeand

quiverlikealeashedbeast.Aplacewheretherewasnothreatoftheearthopeningandswallowingyou.AhavenfromthegreatestandmostcommonplaceofallthedisastersthatafflictedRuss’speople.Couldtheinhabitantsoftheseislandsreallybesoblessed?AnotherthoughtstruckRagnar,thenaturalthoughtthatwouldoccurtoanyofhiswar-likepeople.‘Thenwhyhasnoonetakenthemawayfromtheinhabitants?Theclanswouldkilltoownsucha

safehaven.Howhavethesepeoplesurvivedforsolongwithoutbeingoverwhelmed?’‘You’llseesoonenough,laddie.You’llseesoonenough.’Thestrangershookhisheadandseemed

tobetryingtocontainhismirth.

‘Stateyourbusiness,strangers,orpreparetodie!’Theislander ’svoicewasharshandgutturalandtherewasmenaceineveryword.Itwasamplifiedbythemetalbullhornheheldinhishandthatmadeitsoundevenflatter.Ragnargazedinwonderattheshipsthathadmovedoutfromtheislandtomeetthem.Suddenlyhe

feltveryafraid.Trulyherewerevesselsofgreatsorcery.Theshipshadnosailsandweremadeofmetal.Howwasitthattheydidnotsinklikestone?Andwhatpropelledthem?Boundfireelementals?Perhapsthatwaswhysmokebillowedfromthechimneyattherearoftheship.Suchathingseemedlikeanaffronttotheseadaemonsbutquiteobviouslyitworked.Perhapssomeoddpacthadbeenmade…BeforeRagnar ’sfathercouldreply,thesorcererboundedupontotheprowandextendedanarmy

ingreeting.‘TisI,RanekIcewalker.Theyhavebroughtmehereatmyrequest.IwouldhavespeechwiththeIronmaster.’Thisannouncementsetoffaflurryofactivityonthedecksofthemetalship.Severalfigures

huddledtogetherinconsultationbeforethespeakerraisedhisbullhornagain.‘WordisthatRanekisdead.Areyousomesea-ghostrisenfromthewaters?’ThisquestionsentashiverofhorroracrossthedecksoftheSpearofRuss.Ragnarcouldhearmen

moveuneasilyontheiroarbenches.Thesorcerer ’sgreatboominglaughroaredoutoverthewater.‘DoIlooklikeaghost?DoIsoundlikeaghost?WillmybootfeellikethatofaghostwhenIkickyourarseforyourimpudence?’

Therewasansweringlaughterfromthedeckoftheothership.‘Thencomeashore,WolfPriest,andbewelcomehere.Bringyourcompanionsandwewillfeast.’ThestrangeshipperformedamanoeuvrethatseemedsupernaturaltoRagnar.Withoutturningit

reverseddirectionandbegantomovebackwardstotheshore,allthewhilekeepingthedragonshipinsight.Thebeatoftheoarmaster ’sdrummadetheSpearofRussspringtolifeasitmadeitswaytodock.

RagnarfollowedtheWolfPriest,ifthatwashistitle,throughthestreets,uncertainofquitewhyhewasdoingso,butdeterminedtoaccompanyhimandaskquestionsforheneverknewifhewouldgetanothersuchopportunityinthislifetime.Therestofthecrewhadgonetowaitinadocksidetavernorscatteredtowanderthestreets.Ragnarwasonhisownwiththesorcerer.Ragnarwalkedthroughstreetscoveredincobbledstones,throughamazeofsootybuildingsand

crampedalleyways.Theairtastedfoulwiththesmellofsmokeandacridalchemicalodours.Thepeoplewerestrangeandnewtohimandtalkedinadialecthedidnotunderstand.Manyseemedsmallandhunchedandundernourished.Theywerecladintunicsandbritchesofdrabgreyandbrownandtheycarriednoweapons.Theycollectedscrapsinthestreetsandhurriedalongbearingburdensandperformingerrands.Evenhere,ontheseislandsrichwithmetal,therewaspoverty.Therulersoftheislandwerefewerandricher.Allofthemweregarbedinmetalarmourandallof

themcarriedbladesofsteelinscabbardsofdragonhideleather.Theyweretallmen,well-made,withdarkskinsandbrowneyes.Theynoddedtohimwithdistantpolitenessashepassed,andherespondedinkind.‘Whyareyoufollowingme,boy?’theWolfPriestasked.‘BecauseIwanttoaskyouquestions.’Theoldmanshookhisheadbuthesmiled,revealingthose

frighteningfangs.‘It’salwaysquestions,questions,atyourage,isn’tit?Askaway.’‘Whydidyoucomehere?Orreally,whydidyoupayustobringyouhere?Couldyounothave

usedyourmagicinstead?’‘Ihavenomagic,boy.Notinthesenseyoumean.’‘Butyourtalisman–thewayyoukilledthedragon–it…’‘Itwasnotmagic.The“talisman”asyoucallitwasaweapon,likeanaxeoraspear,onlymore…

complicated.’‘Aweapon?’‘Aweapon.’‘Youarenotamagicianthen?’‘Russforbid,no!Iknowsomeyouwouldcallmagicians,boy,andIwouldnotchangeplaceswith

themforalltheironontheseislands.’‘Why?’‘Theybearaterribleburden.’Ragnarwassilent.Itseemedevidentthattheoldmanwouldsaynomore.Ragnarwasabsolutely

certainthatRanek’sirontalismanrepresentedapowerfulmagic,whatevertheWolfPriestmightsay.Theytrudgedonthroughthestreets,pastopenshopfronts.LookinginsideRagnarcouldseethattheywereworkshopsfilledwithforges.Theshadowsoftheirinteriorswerebrightenedbytheglowofred-hotmetal.HecouldheartheclangofhammeronanvilandknewthatitwasintheseplacesthatthegoodsoftheIronMastersweremade.‘Youhaven’tansweredmyfirstquestion,’Ragnarsaid,astonishedbyhisowntemerity.‘I’mnotsureIcaninawaythatyouwouldunderstand–orthatIoughtto.’‘Whynot?’

Theoldman’sboominglaughechoeddownthealleyways.Ragnarsaweveryoneturntolookatthem,thenmakethesignofthehammerandlookaway.‘You’renoteasilydiscouraged,areyou,laddie?’‘No.’‘Fairenough.Iwasonamission.Therewasanaccident.Myvesselwasdestroyed.Ineededtoget

backhereandmakecontactwithmy…brethren.TocrosssuchanenormousdistancequicklyIneededyourfather ’sship,andforhisaidhewillberewarded.’‘Whatwasyourmission?’‘Icannottellyouthat,’Raneksaidinatonewhichbrookednoargument.‘Wasitforthegods?’‘Itwasformygods.’‘Arenotallgodsthesame?EveryoneontheislandsworshipsRussandtheAllFather.’‘SodoI,butinadifferentwayfromyou.’‘Howcanthatbe?’‘Oneday,laddie,youmayfindout.’‘Butnottoday?’‘No.Nottoday.’Theywalkedintoahugesquareatopthehill.Itwasrimmedaroundwithmassivebuildings.Each

wassobroadastoseemsquateventhoughittoweredtentimestheheightofaman.Thewallswerecarvedinanoddfashion.Eachofthemassivestoneblockswascarvedwithinterlockingcogwheels.Metalpipesflowedinandoutthroughthestonework,likeclustersofhugewormsemergingfromtheearthandplungingbackinagain.Sootblackenedthewalls,andfromthepipeseffluenthadleakedinthepast,stainingthewallsbeneathwithgreatblotchesthecolourofrust.Fromwithincamethesoundofmonstrousenginesatwork,aclatteringandabangingasifgiantsstruckfuriouslyatenormousanvils.ThesmellofsmokeandhotmetalsmoteRagnar ’snostrils.Hewonderedwhetherhewastheonlypersoninthewholeteemingthrongthatmindedthenoiseandthestink.Theystrodeacrossthesquaretothelargestofthehugestructures.‘ThisistheIronTemple,’RanektheWolfPriestsaidsoftly.‘Andthisiswherewepartourwaysfor

now.’Ragnarglancedupatthehugebuilding.Itwasasquat,massivefortressbutitdwarfedallthe

surroundingbuildings.Arrowslitsglaredoutfromitswallsliketheeyesofahungrybeast.Highatopthebuildingwasagreatmetalflower,aslargeasadragonship.Ragnarcouldnotbegintoguessatitspurpose.Greatmetal-bounddoorsbarredthewayforwardattheheadoftheramp.Ragnarcouldtellbythe

smoothnessandtheindentationsthatmanyfeethadpassedthiswayoverhundredsofyears.Strangerunes,mostunlikeanyRagnarhadeverseen,wereinscribedoveritsarchway.Twosentriesarmedwithmetaltippedharpoonsguardedtheway.Theyseemedasiftheyweremadeofmetal.Ironarmourcoveredthemlikeasecondskin.Metalhelmetsguardedtheirheads.Shieldsofsteelmarkedwiththesamerunesasthoseabovethedoorhungfromtheirleftarms.‘Aretheyyourkin?’heaskedRanek.Theoldman’sheadswungswiftlytolookdownathim.The

keeneyesboredinRagnar ’sown.ThiscloseRagnarrealisedhowbigtheWolfPriestwas.Hewasconsideredtallandwell-madeamonghisfolkbutcomparedtothisoldmanhewasbutthesizeofachild.Ranekwasheadandshoulderstallerthanheandwouldhavebeenfarmoremassiveevenwithouttheoddarmourthatencasedhisbody.‘No,laddie,theIronMastersarekinonlytothemselves.Therearenootherslikethemonallthe

islandsoftheGreatOcean.Theyareapeopleapart.’‘Idonotunderstand,’Ragnarsaid.‘Withallthismetalandallthis…magic,whyhavetheynot

soughtdominanceoveralltheworld.Surelytheycouldachieveit?’‘TheIronMastersseekdominanceovernothingsavemetalandfire.Conquestisnottheirway.

Theyfightonlytodefendthemselves.ItispartoftheAncientPact.’‘Pact?’‘Enoughquestions,laddie.Imustgo.’‘Ihopethatonedaywewillmeetagain,jarl,’Ragnarsaidseriously.Theoldmanturnedand

lookeddownathim.Therewasanoddlookinhiseye.‘Ilikeyoulad,soIwillgiveyousomeadvice.Praythatwenevermeetagain.Forifwedo,itwill

beonadayofdoomforyou.’Somethingintheoldman’stonechilledRagnartotheverybone.Thewordswereutteredwithall

theforceofaprophesy.‘Whatdoyoumean?Willyoukillme?’‘Youwillknowifeverithappens,’Raneksaid,thenturnedandstrodeaway.Ragnarwatchedtheoldmanstrideuptheramp.Ashedidso,thegreatdoorsswungopen

soundlessly.Hewasgreetedbyahunchedfiguregarbedallinblackrobes,itsfaceobscuredbyametalmask.Ragnarwatchedhimvanishintothegloomandthenstoodbemusedforlongminutes.Afterawhileheheardahumminggrindingnoise.Thegreatflowerontopofthebuildinghad

startedtomove,tofaceawaytowardsdistantAsaheim.Ashewatchedinwonder,itsmetalpetalsunfurled.Inthecentrelightspulsedeerily.Ragnarwasnotsurewhatthismagicmeantbuthewassureithadsomethingtodowiththeoldsorcerer.Leftbyhimselfinthehugesquare,somethinglikepanicseizedRagnar.Heturnedandhurriedback

tothedocks.

ThedrumbeatsoundedloudinRagnar ’searsastheSpearofRusspulledoutofthedarkwatersoftheIronMasters’harbourintotheopensea.Hebreatheddeeplyofthecleanfreshairandsmiled,gladtohaveleftthefoulandpollutedtown

behind.Theislandersmayhavebeenrich,hethought,buttheylivedinawaythatseemedlesshealthythanthelowliestofthralls.Attherearofthedragonshiplayacargoofironaxeandspearheads,wrappedallindragongutto

protectthemfromthecorrosiveeffectsofthesea.TheyrepresentedhugewealthtotheThunderfistclan,andRagnarwasproudtohavebeenpartofthevoyagethathadwonit.Still,therewassomethingworryingaboutittoo.Hesuspectedgoodfortune,andhebelievedtheoldadagethatthegodsmademenpayfortheirgifts.Noneoftheothersaboardseemedtosharehisconcern.Theysangcheerfuldrinkingsongs,relievedtobeoutoftheharbourandnolongertohavetheWolfPriestaboard.Muchastheyhadrespectedandbeeninaweofhim,hispresencehaddampedalloftheirspirits.Now,theyjokedandtoldtalesoftheeventsofthevoyage.Theyatetheirsaltedbeefjerkyhappilyanddrankstoopsofalewithglee.LaughterechoedacrossthedeckanditwokeanansweringjoyinRagnar ’sheart.Suddenlytherewasaboomlikethunder.Ragnarlookedupinfear.Therewasnotadarkcloudin

theskyandnosignofastorm.Therewasabsolutelynoreasonforthenoise.Hiskeeneyesscannedthehorizonlookingforthesource.AllaroundhimthelaughterstoppedandheheardprayersbeingoffereduptoRussforhisprotection.There!Inthedistance,comingfromthedirectionofAsaheimhesawit.Itwaslittlemorethana

blackdotinthedistance.Itleftbehinditawhitecontraillikethatofameteorinthenightsky,onlythiswasbroaddaylight,andthetrailwasawhitelinewrittenonthepaleblueofthesky.Evenashewatched,thedotturnedandswervedtowardsthem,andbegantogrowwithappallingspeed.Thecursesandprayersgrewlouder,andmenreachedfortheirweapons.Ragnarkepthiseyes

fixedonthedot,wonderingwhatitwas.Hecouldseenowthatithadtwowings,likethoseofabird,

onlytheydidnotmove.Whatsortofmonsterwasit?Adragon?Awyvern?Somedaemonconjuredupbyfellmagic?No,itdidnotappeartobeanythinglikealivingthing.Asitcamecloserhecouldseethatitwas

muchmorelikeoneofthoseironvesselsintheharbourbehindthem.Hismindreeled.Justasitseemedimpossiblethatthosethingscouldfloat,itwassurelyimpossibleforthisthingtofly.Andyetitquiteobviouslywasdoingso.Therewasnowayhecoulddisbelievehisowneyes.Itslowedasitapproached,losingsomeoftheappallingvelocitythatpropelleditacrossthesky

fasterthananybird.Andtheloudthundercrackboomhadstopped,tobereplacedbyawailingroarlikethecallofathousandlostsoulsintorment.Thethingwasflyinglowandhecouldseethewindofitspassagewaswhippinguptheseabelowit,

churningthewavestofoam.Itappearedtobecomingrightatthemnow,andRagnarwonderedwhethertheyhaddonesomethingtoangerthegods.Perhapsthisterribleapparitionhadbeensenttodestroythem.Itpassedalmostdirectlyoverhead.LookingatitfrombelowRagnarcouldseethatitwassomesort

ofmetalvehicle,awingedcruciformwiththeshapeofaneaglepaintedonitssidesandwings.Foramomenthethoughthecaughtsightofwindowsinitsfront,andhumanfaceslookingout,buthedismissedthatthoughtasamomentaryaberration.Lookingbackasitpassedhesawflameslickedfromitsrearlikethebreathofadragon.ItscreamedoffintothedistancetowardstheislandoftheIronMastersandthereithalted,greatjetsofflamebelchingforward.IthoveredintheairabovetheIronTempleforamomentandRagnarwatchedbreathlessly,notknowingquitewhattoexpect.Halfwonderingwhetheritwoulddestroythetownwithitsflames,halfbelievingthathewasabouttowitnesssomestrangeandappallingmagic.Nosuchthinghappened.ThevehicleslowlysettledontheroofoftheIronTemple.Everyone

watchedsilentlywonderingwhatwouldhappennext.Noonespoke.Ragnarcouldhearhisheartbeatingloudlyinhischest.Fiveminuteslaterthemetalbirdroseintotheskyoncemoreandhurtledbackinthedirectionit

hadcome.Asitpassedoverthem,itwaggleditswingsasifinsalute.Suddenly,somehow,RagnarknewthatRanektheWolfPriesthadfoundnewtransportationtotakehimwhereveritwashewantedtogo.EveryoneontheSpearofRusswassilentforhoursafterwards.

CHAPTERTHREE

Ragnarsmilednervously.Thiswasstupid,hetoldhimself.Hewasamannow.Hehadtakenhisoathofloyaltytotheancestorspiritsontherunealtar.Hehadhisownaxeandhisownshieldmadeofdragonhideleatherstretchedoveraframeofbone.HehadevenstartedtogrowhisblackhairlongasbefittedaWolfbrother.Hewasamannow.Heshouldnotbeafraidofaskingagirltodance.Andyethewasforcedtoadmitthathewas.Worseyet,hehadnorealideaofthereasonwhy.The

girl,Ana,seemedtolikehim.Shesmiledencouraginglyeverytimehesawher.Andofcoursehehadknownherforalltheyearsoftheirchildhood.Hecouldnotquiteputafingeronwhathadchangedbetweenthem,butheknewthatsomethinghad.EversincehehadreturnedfromtheislandoftheIronMastersallthosemoonsagosomethinghadbeendifferent.Helookedathiscompanions,theWolfbrotherswithwhomhehadswornbloodoaths,anditwas

hardnottolaugh.Theylookedlikeboyspretendingtobemen.Theystillhadthedownofyouthontheirlips.Theytriedhardtoemulatetheswaggeroftheadultwarriorsandyetsomehowitstillseemedwrong.Theylookedlikeboysplayingatwarriors,notwarriorsthemselves.Andyetthatwasnotthecase.Allofthemhadbeentosea.Allofthemhadpulledoarsthroughstormwind’slash.Allofthemhadaidedinthehuntingofthedragonandtheorca.Allofthemhadreceivedtheirsharesfromthekill.Smallsharesadmittedlybutsharesnonetheless.Bythecustomoftheirtribe,theyweremen.Ragnarlookedaround.Itwasalateautumnafternoonandtheweatherwasfine.ItwastheDayof

Remembering,thefirstdayofthelasthundred-dayoftheyear,thebeginningoftheshortautumnalperiodwhenforalltoobriefatimetheweatherwouldbefineandtheworldwouldbepeaceful.TheEyeofRusswasgrowingsmallerinthesky.Theperiodofquakesanderuptionswasallbutdone.Alltoosoon,thesnowswouldcomeandthelongwinterwoulddescendontheworld,astheEyegrewyetsmaller.ThebreathofRusswouldchilltheworldandlifewouldbecomeveryhardindeed.Hepushedthethoughtaside.Nowwasnotthetimeforthinkingofsuchthings.Nowwasthetime

forfeasting,andmakingmerryandbetrothalwhiletheweatherwasgoodandthedayswerestilllong.Helookedaround.Thefestivespiritpossessedeverybody.Thehutswerenewlycoveredinfreshdragonhide.Thewoodenwallsofthegreathallwerepaintedbrightwhiteandred.Ahugebonfirestoodunlitinthecentreofthevillage.Ragnarcouldsmellthemintyscentoftheherbsthatwouldperfumetheairwhenitwaslit.Thebrewmasterswerealreadydragginggreatbarrelsintotheopenair.MostpeoplewerestillworkingbutRagnarandhisfriendswerefromtheships.Thiswholedaywasaholidayforthemandtheyhadnothingtodobutloafarounddressedintheirbest.Theyhadbeenkickedoutoftheirhutssothattheirmotherscouldsweepandclean.TheirfatherswerealreadyinthelonghallswappingtalesofthegreatbattleagainsttheGrimskulls.Somewhereinthedistancehecouldheartheskaldtuninguphisinstrument,andhisapprenticesbeatingoutbasicrhythmsonthedrumswithwhichtheywouldaccompanyhim.Alongleandogcrossedhispathandlookedupathiminafriendlymanner.Hereachedoutand

strokeditbehindtheears,feelingthewarmthofthefuralreadylengtheninginpreparationforwinter.Itlickedhishandwithatongueasroughassandpaperandthenboundedoffdownthestreet,racingforthesheerjoyofit.SuddenlyRagnarknewhowitfelt.Hetookadeepbreathofthesalt-freshairandfelttheurgetohowlwiththesheerpleasureofbeingalive.InsteadheturnedtoUlli,reachedout,cuffedhisearandshouted,‘Tig!You’reit.’HeturnedandranbeforeUllihadachancetorealisewhatwasgoingon.Seeingthatthegamehad

startedtheotherWolfbrothersscattered,dashingamongthehutsandthebusypeople,sendingchickenssquawkingskyward.Ulliracedafterhim,shoutingchallenges.Ragnarturnedonthespot,almosttrippingfromhisownmomentumashedidsoandmadeaface

atUlli.Hisfriendboundedtowardshimarmoutstretched.Ragnarlethimgetalmostwithinreachbeforeturningoncemoreandracingon.Heduckedrightandraceddownanarrowstreet.Heboundedlefttoavoidslammingintooneofthebrewers’barrelsandashedidso,hisfootslidonaslickpieceofturfandhefell.BeforehecouldrecoverUlliwasonhimandtheywrestledonthegroundpittingmuscleagainstmusclelikeplayfulpuppies.Theyrolledoverandoverdowntheslopeuntiltheyheardgirlishshrieksandbumpedintosomething.RagnaropenedhiseyesandfoundhimselflookingupintoAna’slongprettyface.Shetuggedherbraidasshelookeddownathimandthenshesmiled.Ragnarsmiledbackandthenfelthisfaceflush.‘Whatareyoutwodoing?’Anaaskedinhersofthuskyvoice.‘Nothing,’RagnarandUllirepliedsimultaneously,thenburstoutlaughing.

StrybjornGrimskullstoodattheprowofthedragonshipandglaredferociouslyatthehorizon.Hehawkedahugegobofphlegmintohismouthandthenspatitcontemptuouslyintothesea.Insidehimhecouldfeelthebattleluststartingtobuild.Hehopedthatcombatwouldcomesoon.AheadofthefleetlaythehomeislandoftheGrimskulls,siteoftheirsacredrunestone,theplace

fromwhichtheyhadbeendriventwentylongyearsagobytheaccursedThunderfists.Ofcourse,thathadbeenbeforeStrybjornhadbeenbornbutthatdidnotmatter.Hehadgrownuphearingallabouttheisland’sbeautyandhefeltthathealreadyknewit.Itsimagewasclearinhismindfromhisfather ’stales.ThiswasthesacredlandfromwhichtheyhadbeendrivenbyThunderfisttreacheryallthoseyearsagoandwhichtoday,ontheanniversaryoftheirancientloss,theywouldatlastreclaim.Angerattheinterlopersfilledhim.Hefeltitaskeenlyasanyofthesurvivorsoftheattackandthe

massacrewhentheThunderfistshadarrivedfromtheseatoclaimthelandinforce.TendragonshipshadoverwhelmedtheoutnumberedGrimskullforcewhilethevastmajorityofthewarriorshadbeenatseafollowingtheorcaherds.Thosebravewarriorshadreturnedhometofindtheirownlandfortifiedagainstthem,andtheirwomenandchildrenenthralledbytheThunderfists.Afterabriefstruggleonthebeachestheyhadbeendrivenbacktotheirshipsandouttosea,theretoendurethemiseryoftheLongSearch.Strybjornsharedtheirbitternessonthatterriblevoyage.Thehopelessattacksonothersettlements,

thefruitlesseffortstofindanewhome.Herecalledthenamesofallthosewhohaddiedofhungerandthirstandwarfareasiftheyhadbeenhisowndeadforefathers.HesworeoncemorethathewouldavengetheirspiritsandappeasetheirghostswithThunderfistblood.Heknewitwouldbeso,forhaditnotbeenordainedbythegods?HadnotRusshimselfatlastseenfittorewardtheGrimskullwarriors’perseverancewiththeprize.

TheyhadfoundthevillageofOrmskrikwiththeinhabitantshalfdeadofthewastingplagueandtheyhadoverwhelmedit,killingthemenandenslavingthewomenandchildrenaccordingtotheancienttraditions.Andthentheyhadsettleddowntobroodandbreedandrecovertheirnumbers.Andallthoselongyearstheyhadneverforgottenthesiteoftheancestralrunestone.Fortwentylongyearstheyhadplannedandprepared.Sonshadbeenborn.Thegodshadsmiled.A

newgenerationhadgrowntomanhood.ButalwaystheGrimskullshadrememberedthetreacheryoftheThunderfists,andthemightyoathsofvengeancethattheyhadsworn.TonightStrybjornknewthoseoathswouldbefulfilled.Andtrulythegodsdidsmile,forwasnottonighttheanniversaryoftheverydayuponwhichtheThunderfistshadattacked.Itwasonlyfittingthattwentyyearstothedaytheyhadlosttheirancestrallands,theGrimskullswouldreclaimthem.Strybjornwasproudofhisfolk.Itwouldhavebeeneasytoforget.Itwouldhavebeeneasytosink

intothecomfortsoftheirnewland.SuchwasnottheGrimskullway.Theyknewthevalueofanoath.Theywereboundtoseekvengeance.Theyhadboundtheirchildrentoseekvengeanceassoonastheywereoldenoughtotaketheirvowsofmanhood.WhenStrybjornhadbecomeaWolfbrother,hehadswornthathewouldneverrestuntiltherunestonewasreclaimed,andhehadwateredthesacredsoilofhisancestralhomelandwithfoulThunderfistblood.Hestrokedhiscraggybrowwithonebroadstronghand,andshieldinghiseyesstaredtowardsthe

farhorizon.Soonheknewtheywouldmakelandfall,andthenlettheThunderfistsbeware.

RagnarwatchedHighJarlTorvaldlightthegreatbeaconfires.Theburningbrandarcedontotheoil-soakedwoodandtheflamesleapthighlikedaemonsdancing.Thesmellofambergrisandherbsbillowedthroughthestreets.Theheatoftheflamesbroughtaflushtohisface.Helookedaroundandsawallthefolkofthevillagehadgatheredaroundthebonfireandwatchedthechiefperformhisceremonialduties.Torvaldbrandishedhisaxe.Firsttothenorth,towardsAsaheim,andthegreatMountainofthe

Gods,thentothesouthtotheseaindefianceofthedaemonsthatdwelledthere.Heraisedtheweaponhighabovehishead,holdingitwithbothhandsandturnedtofacethesettingsun.Heletoutamightyroarandthewholecrowdjoinedin,cheeringandchantingthenameofRuss,hopingtoinvokethegod’sfavourforanotheryear,astheyhaddoneeveryyearsinceRusshadsmileduponthemandgrantedthemvictory.Oncethechieftainhadfinishedandreturnedtotheranksofhiswarriors,theoldskaldImogrim

limpedintothefirelightandgesturedforsilence.Hisapprenticesfollowedhimcarryingtheirinstrumentsandsoftlybegantobeattimetohiswords.Imogrimraisedhisharpandpluckedafewchords.Hisfingersmovedgentlyoverthestringsashe

stoodforamomentidly,seemingtocomposehisthoughts.Asmileplayedoverhisthinbloodlesslips.Thefirelightilluminedeveryseamofhiscraggyface,andturnedhiseyesintodeepcaverns.Thewhiteofhislongbeardglistenedintheflickeringlight.Thecrowdwaitedbreathlessforhimtobegin.Allaroundthenightwasstill.RagnarlookedaroundandcaughtsightofAna.Itappearedthatshehadbeenlookingathim,fortheireyesmet,andshelookedaway,almostshyly,eyescastdowntowardstheground.Imogrimbegantochant.Hisvoicewassoftandyetsurprisinglyresonant,andhiswordsseemedto

flowoutintimewiththebeatofthedrums.Itwasasifhetappedsomehugespringofmemorywithinhimself,andithadbeguntoflowsoftlyyetinexorablyoutwards.HewassingingtheDeedoftheThunderfists,theirancestralsong,aworkwhichhadbeenbegunin

thelostreachesoftime,hundredsofgenerationsago,andwhichhadbeenaddedtobyeveryskaldwhohadheldthepositionsince.ItwasImogrim’slife’sworktomemorisethesong,andaddtoitandtopassitontohisapprenticesastheywould,intime,passitontotheirs.Therewasanancientsayingthatifthejarlwastheheartofhispeople,theskaldwasthememory.ItwasattimeslikethisthatRagnarunderstoodthetruthofit.Ofcoursetherewouldnotbetimeforthewholetalethis,oranyothernight,soImogrimcontented

himselfwithextracts.Healludedinpassingtothemostancienttimes,whenthepeoplehadsailedbetweenthestarsonshipsbuiltbythegods.HesangofRusswhohadcomeandtaughtthepeoplehow

tosurviveinthedarktimeswhentheworldhadshook,andoldevilshadenteredtheworld.HetoldofthetimeofchoosingwhenRusshadpickedthebesttenthousandwarriorsfromalltheclans,andledthemoff,nevertobeseenagain,tofightinthewarsofthegods.Hesangoftheancientwars,andallthemightydeedsoftheThunderfists.OfhowBerakhadslain

thegreatdragonThrunglingandclaimedacasketofironandthehandofthethunderspiritMaya.OfhowthegreatseafarerNialhadsailedaroundtheworldinhismightyship,theWindWolf.OfthenightwhenthetrollshadcomeanddriventheThunderfistsfromtheirancestralland.HebroughtthetaleuptodatewiththestoryofhowRagnar ’sfatherandhiskinhadfoundthis

island,ruledbythecruelandbrutishGrimskulls,andhadseizeditinadayofbloodyconflict.Atthispartofthesong,someofthosepresenthadcheered.Othersstaredoffintothefireasifrememberinglostcomradesandthebrutalfightingofthepast.Andatlastafterlonghours,thetalereachedthepresent.RagnarfelthisheartlurchwithprideasImogrimtoldoftheirvoyagetotaketheWolfPriestRanektotheislandoftheIronMasters,andofhowRagnarhadspearedthedragonthroughtheeyebeforeitwasdispatchedbytheoldsorcerer ’smagic.Heknewnowthathisnamewouldliveforever.Foraslongashisclanexisted,hisnamewouldbe

recalledbytheskaldandhisapprentices,andmaybeevensungonhighholydaysandotherfeasts.Evenafterhehadpassedintothehallsoftheslainhisnamewouldliveon.HelookedoverandsawthelookofprideonAna’sface.Hewassothrilledthathepaidlittleattentiontotherestofthesong.

HowconvenientoftheThunderfiststolightabeacontoguideus,Strybjornthought,lookingatthevastflickeringbonfireonthehorizon.Itgleamedbrilliantlyanditsreflection,caughtonthewaves,seemedonlytoamplifythelight.AtfirstStrybjornhadthoughtthebeaconwassomesortofwarningsign,thattheapproachofthe

Grimskullfleethadbeennoticed,buttherewasnosignofanypreparationforwar.Nowarriorshadassembledonthebeach.Nodragonshipshadmovedtomeetthem.Therehadbeensomeconsternationaswordhadbeenpassedaroundthefleetbutsofarnothinghadhappened.Strybjornhadsuspectedatfirstthatitmightbesomesortoftrap.Yetmoreproof,asifanywere

needed,ofThunderfisttreacheryandcunning.ThenwordhadbeenpasseduptheoarbenchesthatitwasmostlikelytheThunderfistswerecelebratingtheanniversaryoftheirinfamousvictory,andgloatingoverthebutcherytheyhadsotreacherouslyinflicted.Wellsoontheywouldknowhowitfelt.ThejarlhadorderedthemtomakelandfallatGrimbaneBay,outofsightofthevillage.Fromthereitwasbutashortmarchtoswiftandfinalvengeance.Strybjornhadfelthimselfsweptupbythewaveofangerthathadbrokenoverhiskinsmen.ByRuss,howthoseThunderfistswouldpay.

Soonthesingingwasoveranditwastimetofeastanddance.Thejarlandhisbodyguardledthewayintothegreathall.Therethetablesgroanedundertheweightofroastedchickenandnew-bakedbread.Mountainsofcheesestoweredoverthetrestles.Lakesofhoneygleamedintheirbowls.Thesmellofalefilledtheair.Thebrewerswerealreadyfillinghugejacksofit,anddrinkinghornswerebeingpassedfromhandtohand.Ulligrinnedathimandpassedhimaleathertankard.Ragnarthrewbackthebitter-tastingbrewlike

hehadseentheoldwarriorsdoing.Thiswasnottheweakbeerreservedforboys.Thiswasfeastdaydrinkforwarriorsanditwasstrongandpotent.Thebubblesalmostmadehimsputterandthestrongbitternessofitsurprisedhim.Hehelditdownthoughanddidnotdisgracehimself,downingthewholetankardinafewgulpstotheadmiringapplauseofhiscomrades.Aheadofhimhesawhisfathertippingbackthegreatdrinkinghornandwatchedasthecontents

flowedinexorablyintohismouthwhiletheolderwarriorscounteddownfromten.Thewhole

contentsweregonebythetimethecounthadreachedfive.Itwasagoodtime.Asthehornwasrefilledandpassed,thecountstartedatfivethistime,butthenewdrinkerwasnomatchforRagnar ’sfatheranddidnotcompletehisswillinguntilafterthecountwasdone.Sheepishlyhepassedthehorntothenextwarrior.RagnarmadehiswaytothetablessetfortheWolfbrothersandbegantohelphimselftohotchicken

andbread.Thewarmmeattastedwonderful.Thejuicesrandownhischinandhewipedthehardeninggreaseawaywithbitsofbreadbeforeconsumingtheminturn.Thealehadsettledinhisbellyandhewasfeelingfine,ifslightlyfuddledfromitsunaccustomedstrength.Ulliletoutalonghowlfollowedbyabelch.HelookedmeaningfullyatRagnarandthenglanced

overatthetableswheretheunwedgirlsweresat.Ragnarsmiledandnodded,nolongerquitesonervous.Soonitwouldbetimetodance.

Strybjornhelpedtheotherwarriorshaulthedragonshipashore,beachingitonthesand.Hismusclesachedfromtheexertion,andhisbreathcameingasps.Theshipwasheavyevenwiththefullcomplementoffortywarriorstuggingatit.Hisfeetwerewetfromthewaves,andhisbritchesweresoakeduptothekneefromwhenhehad

jumpeddownintothewater.Hefeltslightlyunsteadyonhisfeet,andunusedtothehardstabilityofland.Weeksatseahadhimstillcompensatingforthemotionoftheboat.Stillhetoldhimself,itwouldtakeonlyalittletimeforhimtogethislandlegsbackandthatwasgood,forhewouldneedthemsoonforfightingandforkilling.HemovedovertojoinhisWolfbrothers,youthslikehimeagertogaingloryinthistheirfirstgreat

battle,tryingtocarveoutanameforthemselvesandtogaintheeyeofthejarlandofthegods.HeofferedupaprayertoRussthathewouldfightwell,andifhedied,thathedidsowithhiswoundstotheforeandwiththeattentionoftheChoosersoftheFallenuponhim.AlongthebeachlonglinesofGrimskullwarriorshadbeguntoformup,weaponsattheready.

Onceassembledintotheirwarbands,theybegantomovequicklyandsilentlyalongthepathtowardstheThunderfistvillage.

RagnarwhoopedandreachedouttohookhisarmintoAna’s.Hewasdrunkandhewashappy.Thedancershadformedupintolonglinesandweavedinintricatepatternstothemusicoftheskaldandhisapprentices.Anasmiledathim,faceflushed,astheywhirledaroundinacirclebeforereturningtotheir

respectivelinesoneplacedown.Inthiswayalloftheyoungstersgottodancewitheachother.Itwasageneralreel.Morepersonaldancingwouldcomelater.Fromthedistancehecouldhearthesoundofsinginganddrinkingastheelderscontinuedtheir

feastinthegreathall.Slowly,themarriedcoupleswerecomingouttojoininthedancing.Dogsbarked.Geesehonked.Goatsbleated.Thefestivitiesstirredthemuplikenothingelsecould.Suddenlythemusicstopped,astheskaldandhisladsbrokeofftoquenchtheirthirstwithale.

Actingonimpulse,RagnarmovedovertowardsAna.Theyexchangedglances.Withoutspeakingtheymovedoff,arminarm,intothedarknessawayfromthehall.Ragnarcouldseethatthegirl’sfacewasflushed.Herhairwasindisarray.Hereyesseemedhugeinthegloomandthetorchlight.Ragnarreachedoutandputhisarmaroundherwaist,shedidthesametohim.Theylookedateachotherandgiggledlikeconspiratorsastheymovedintotheshadowsofthehuts.Standingintheshadows,listeningtothesoundsofmirthfromthevillage,Ragnarwasawarethat

somethingimportantwashappeninghere.Hefeltdrawntothegirlbythesameattractionthatdrewalodestonetowardsthenorth.Hetoldherthis,expectinghertolaugh.Shelookedupathimandsmiled,lipspartingslightly.Hewasimmediatelyawareofherbeautyandthesoftwarmthofherbodyagainsthis.Withoutthought,hereachedoutandpulledhertohim.Theirlipsmet.Herarmscameupbehind

hisheadtoclutchhisfacefromeithersideandtoguidehim.Afteralongmoment,theybrokeapartandsmiledconspirator ’ssmiles,thentheyreturnedto

kissing.

MovingonsilentpaddedfeetStrybjornandhisWolfbrothersapproachedtheThunderfistvillage.Hewasamazed.Thefoolsweresooverconfidenttheyhadnotevenpostedasentry.TheyhadbecomesoftlivingonthefatofStrybjorn’sancestors’land.Well,soon,hethought,theywouldpayfortheirmistake.HeknewthatallaroundthevillageGrimskullwarriorsweretakingupposition.Soonseasoned

warriorswouldslipoverthepalisadeandseizethegate.ThenStrybjornandhiskindwouldfallupontheirbesottedfoeslikewolvesdescendingonthefold.Nothingwasgoingtostopthemnow.

‘Makeawish,’Anasaid,rearrangingherdress.Ragnarstoppedbuttoninghistunicandlookedupinthedirectionsheindicated.Overheadhesawalightinthesky.Atfirsthethoughtasthegirlhadthatitwasafallingstarbutthenhenoticedthecomettrailoffirethatfollowedit.Itremindedhimofsomethingelse.Atthemoment,befuddledbybeerandhisrecentembracewiththegirl,hewasnotquitesurewhat.Inthedistancedogsbarkedasifinresponsetothesightofthemeteorfall.Herolledover,grabbedthegirl,andpulledherdowntokisshim.Sheresistedplayfullyfora

momentbeforejoininghimontheground.Hedidnotthinkhehadeverbeensohappyashewasatthatmoment,butthethoughtofthoseflamesfallingdownwardsniggledatthebackofhismind.Atlastherememberedwherehehadseensomethinglikethem.Theyhadbeenpouringfromthe

exhaustoftheskyshipthathadcometoclaimtheWolfPriestRanekfromtheislandoftheIronMasters.Whatcouldbetheirsignificance,heaskedhimselflazily,beforehestoppedthinkingaltogetherin

thepassionofthemoment.Hebarelynoticeditwhenthescreamingbegan.

Strybjornheldhisaxefirmlyinhishandandracedthroughtheopengate.AllaroundhimhisWolfbrotherspressedclose,theireyesbrightwithanticipation,theirmouthsopen.Strybjornfeltsuddenlyweakforamoment.Heknewitwouldpass:thissensationalwaysovercamehimjustbeforeheencountereddanger.Itwaslikeasignhisbodywaspreparedfortheencounter.Hewassuddenlyawareofhisbreathingquickening,hisheartbeatgrowingfaster,thesweatonhispalmsmakinghisaxedifficulttohold.Alongwithhiscomradeshelopedintothetown.Fromupahead,hecouldhearwhatsoundedlikemusicanddancing.Suddenly,aheadofthemwerepeople.TheywerenotGrimskulls.Hiseverysensekeyeduplikea

tauthawser,Strybjornneedednomoreprovocation.Helashedoutwithhisaxe.Therewashorridsuckingsoundasthebladebithomeandthenwaswithdrawn.Strybjornlashedoutagain,feelingwarmbloodspurtoutoftheman’sbodythatfellathisfeet.Hepressedforwardintothebodies.Strangelythemusickeptplaying.Offinthedistanceadogbarked.Asifannouncingtheattacksomewhereoverheadtherewasaboomlikethunder.

‘Whatwasthat?’Anaasked,alookoffearappearingonherface.Ragnardisentangledhimselffromherandlookedup.‘Idon’tknow,’hesaid,andthensuddenlyrealisedthathewaswrong.Hehadheardathunderous

soundlikethatbefore,whentheskyshiphadfirstapproached.Wasthissomesortofomenorsign?Andwhatwasthatnoise?Itsoundedlikeahugebrawlhadbrokenoutbackbythelonghall.Hepulledhimselftohisfeet.Anagotupbesidehim.Holdingherhandhemadehiswaybetween

thehutsbacktowardsthesoundofthecommotion.Whathesawwasworsethananythinghehadever

expected.Strangerswereamongtherevellers.Hugeburlymenwithdarkhair.Theirfeatureswerecraggyandtheirjawsweremassive.Theylookedalmosttrollish,andRagnarrecognisedtheminstantlyfromthesongsoftheskald.Itwasasiftheyhadsteppedoutofoneofhissongs.TheywereGrimskulls.ForamomentsuperstitiousfearfrozeRagnar.Hadtheyreturnedfromthegravetoclaimthesouls

oftheirconquerors?Wasdarkmagicatworkhere?Couldthedeadhaverisentotakevengeanceontheliving?Ashewatchedhesawonebrutal-featuredyouth,garbedlikeaWolfbrother,hackdownUlli’s

father.Theoldermanstilllookedbefuddledbybeerandsurprisethenheclutchedathisstomach,tryingtoholdintheropeofgutsthatspilledforth.‘We’reunderattack!’Ragnarshouted,pushingAnabackintotheshadows.‘It’saraid.’Inhisheartofhearts,heknewitwasnomereraid.Judgingbythequantityofwarriorspresentand

thenumberofbattlecrieshecouldhearcomingfromallaround,thiswasafull-scaleinvasionintendedtoenslaveordestroyhispeople.Hecursed,knowingthattheattackhadcomeattheworstpossibletime,whenallthewarriorsweredrunkordancing.Anditwastheirownfault.Theyshouldhavepostedsentries.Theyshouldhavebeenreadybuttheywerenot.ThelongyearsofpeacehadlulledthemintoafalsesenseofsecuritysuchasnomanofFenrisshouldpossess.Andnowtheywerepayingforit.AngeranddespairwarredinRagnar ’sheart.Foralongmomenthestoodfrozen,knowingthatit

wasallhopeless.Morethanhalfthevillagerswerealreadydeadordying,smashedlikerottingdragonbonebytheseterribleinvaders.Theirattackerswereready,fullyequipped,informationandfightingwithaterriblepurposefuldiscipline.TheThunderfistswereunarmed,disorganised,confusedandunabletodomuchmorethanbecutdownlikechickensbeingslaughtered.SuddenlyRagnarknewthatthedoomoftheThunderfistswasuponthem.

CHAPTERFOUR

‘Getback!’Ragnarshouted,pushingAnaintothenearesthut.Heknewthatitwouldprovidelittleprotectionforthem,thatsoontheinvadersmighttakeatorchtoallthebuildings.Still,hewantedtimetothink,andheknewthatwithoutashadowofadoubttherewouldbeweaponsinsidebetterthanthedaggerathisbelt.Notquiteunderstandingwhatwasgoingon,Anaresisted,buthewasstrongerandhewrestledher

indoors.Heputhishandoverhermouth.‘Bequietifyouvalueyourlife!’hetoldherandsawterrifiedknowledgeappearinhereyes,

swiftlytobefollowedbyfirmresolution.Shewasatruedaughterofherpeople,Ragnarcouldsee.Screamsandwarcriesfilledthenight,onlyslightlydulledbythetent’sdragonhidewalls.Insideit

wasgloomy.Ragnarfumbledfranticallyamongthepossessionsuntilhefoundashieldandanaxe.Swiftlyheboundtheshieldontohisarm,andheftedtheweapon.Hefeltalittlebetterbuthewasstillunsureofwhattodo.Thethingshehadseenhadalreadyburnedtheirwayintohisbrain.HerecalledthelookofhorroronthefaceofUlli’sfather.HerememberedseeingoldHorgrim

lyinginthedirt,thewholetopofhisheadremoved,thebrainsspillingout.HerememberedthehorriblepulsingwoundinthechestofRanaldthebrewer.Thingsthathehadbarelyrecognisedatthetimenowburnedintohismind.Wettearsrandownhisface.Thiswasnotwhathehadexpected.Thiswasnotthesortofbattleofwhichtheskaldssang.Thiswasbrutalslaughterofunarmedpeoplebyadeadlyfoe.Andyetsomesmallrationalpartofhismindtoldhim,thiswasbattle.Therewerealwaysdeadand

dyingandterriblewounds.Sideswererarelyfair.Andsuchthingsalwaysendedinterribledeathsforsomeone.Thequestionwas:whatwashegoingtodo?Washegoingtoremaincoweringinsidethishutlikeabeatendog,orwashegoingtostepoutside

andfacedeathlikeaman?Heknewtherewaslittlechoice.Hewasmostlikelygoingtodieanywayandbesttomeetthespiritsofyourancestorswithyourwoundstotheforeandyourweaponclutchedinyourcolddeadhand.Andyetsomethingstoppedhimfromdoingwhatheknewhemustdo.Hiseyesweredrawnbackto

thefrightenedgirl,standingdryeyedandpalefacedinthecorner.Shewipedawayhertearswiththehemofhersleeveandtriedtosmileathim.Itwasaterriblegrimaceandhefelthisheartwouldbreak.Howhislifehadchangedinamatterofminutes.Lessthananhouragohehadbeentotallyhappy.

HeandAnahadbeentogether.Thingsseemedsettledbetweentheminthemannerofthevillage.Theywouldhavebeenwed,hadchildren,livedtheirlivestogether.Nowthatfuturewasgone,ascertainlyasifsomeonehadtorchedit.Therewasnothingleftsaveblood,ashes,andperhapsthehonourlesslifeofathrall,ifhewasspared.Heknewhecouldnotfacethat.Whatwashetodo?Hecouldnotstay.Ifhedid,hewouldonlybeputtingherlifeatrisk.Abrawl

mightbreakout,andangrymenhadbeenknowntostrikedowninnocentbystanders.MostlikelyshewouldbesparedtobecomesomeGrimskull’swifeorthrall.Suchwasthewayoftheworld.The

thoughtpainedhimmorethanhecouldsaybutatleastshewouldlive.Andstillhecouldnotgo.Thesamemagnetismthathaddrawnhimtothegirlearlierpreventedhim

fromleavingnow.Insteadhesteppedtowardsher,puttheaxedownandreachedoutandtouchedherface,tracingthelineswithhisfingers,tryingtomemorisethemsothathecouldcarrythemdownintohellwithhimifneedbe.Ofallthathadhappenedinhislife,shewasthebest.Ittoreathisheartnowtoknowthattherewouldbenomore,thattheirliveswereoverbeforetheyhadbarelybegun.Hereacheddownandpulledhertohimforonelastkiss.Theirlipsmetforalongmomentandthen

hepushedheraway.‘Farewell,’hesaidsoftly.‘Itwouldhavebeensweet.’‘Farewell,’shesaid,enoughofachildofherpeoplenottotrytostophimgoing.Hesteppedoutintotheburningnight,intothehowlingchaosandmadness.Thenextthingheknew

amassivefigureloomedoverhim,axeheldhigh.

Strybjornstalkedthroughthenight,killingashewent.Hehowledexultantly,knowingthatthehourofhispeople’svengeancehadcome.Thetasteofbloodwassweetinhismouth.Helikedkilling.Helikedthefeelingofpoweritgavehim.Helikedthecontestofsinewagainstsinew,managainstman.AndyettheseThunderfistswerepoorfoes,barelyworthyofGrimskullsteel.Theyweredrunkand

ill-armedandseemedbarelytounderstandwhathadhappened.Howhadtheymanagedtodrivehiswarriorfolkfromtheirhomeland,hewondered.Inthebriefrespitefromthecombatathoughtstruckhim.Wasitpartofthepenaltyforlivingon

theseislands?Hadthegoodlifesoftenedhisancestors,thewayithadsoftenedtheThunderfists?Hadhispeopleoncelosttheirwarriors’witsthewaythesesheephad?Itwassomethingheshouldmentiontohisfather,herealised.Itmustneverhappenagain.Wouldneverhappenagain,whenhebecamechief.

DesperatelyRagnarparriedhisassailant’sblow.Theshockoftheimpactnumbedhisarmeventhoughtheshieldabsorbedsomeoftheforce.Ragnaraimedacounterattheman’shead,onlytohavethatparriedinturn.Hepunchedwithhisshieldarm,catchinghisassailantintheface.Asthemanreeledbackoff-

balanceRagnarsplithisskullwiththeaxe.Helookedaround.Hishomewasonfire.Thegreathallwasburning.Allwasmadness.Shadowy

figurescutandkilledinthegloom.Itwaslikeascenefromsomehell.Womenracedthroughthenight,carryingchildren.Dogsworriedatthelegsoftheinvaders.Achickenflappedsquawkingthroughthenight,itswingsablaze.Wherewashisfather,Ragnarwondered.Mostlikelyatthegreathallhelpingrallythewarriors.If

hewasstillalive.FranticallyRagnartriedtodismissthethoughtbutlikeaknifeitsankinthatbytheendofthisnight,notonlyhisfatherbuteveryotherwarriorheknew,andmostlikelyRagnarhimself,wouldbedead.Still,therewasnothingforitbuttofight,nomatterhowhopelesstheoddsseemed.Everysense

alertRagnarracedtowardsthegreathall,hopingagainsthopetofindhisfatherandtheothersalive.

Onceagainthestrangehowlingpassedoverhead,andStrybjornbecameawarethatahugewingedshadowhadfallenoverthebattlefield.Helookedupandsawitsburningcomettailpassinglowoverhead.Foramoment,thefightingstopped,andeveryonelookeduptogazeinaweandwonderatthesorcerousapparition.‘TheChoosersoftheFallen!’someoneshouted.StrybjornwasunsurewhetheritwasGrimskullor

Thunderfist.Heonlyknewthatwhoeverhadspokenwascorrect.Ashiverpassedthroughhim.Themessengersofthegodswerehere.Theyjudgedthecombatants.Now!Atthismoment,theylooked

downwiththeirburninggazetoseewhetheranyonewasworthytojointhegreatwarriorsintheHallofHeroes.ItwaspossiblethatthisnightsomeonewouldbebornelivingtothelegendarymountainwheretheChosenoftheGodsdwelledinimmortalsplendour.Strybjornknewtheywouldchooseonlythebravestofthebraveandthefiercestofthefierce.Only

theboldestwereworthyofimmortality.ThenamesoftheChosenwouldliveforeternity,sungbytheskaldsduringtheherochants.Blazingambitionwokeinhisheart.Heknewnowwhathemustdo.Somewhereamongthesewhippeddogshemustfindfoesworthyof

hissteel.Hemustfindenemiesworthytobecalledthenameandcallthemoutinsinglecombat.TheChoosersdidnotappearforeverybattle;perhapsthischancewouldneverhappenagain.Itwaspossiblethatneveragaininhislifetimewouldtherebephysicaltangibleevidenceofthepresenceofthesemysteriousbeings.Heglancedaround.Thesamerealisationseemedtohavetouchedeverywarriorregardlessofclan.

TheGrimskullssprangapartfromtheirfoes,givingthemtimetopickupbetterweapons.Strybjornwaitedanxiouslytoseewhatwouldhappennext.

InthelullofthefightingRagnarlookedupandsawtheskyshippassoverhead.ItseemedalifetimeagothathehadwatcheditfromthedeckoftheSpearofRuss,althoughinrealityithadbeenonlytwohundreddays.Perhapsitwasnotthesameship.Perhapstherewasmorethanone.Whobutthegodsknewaboutthesethings?SlowlythethoughtbubbledintohismindthattheChoosersmustbepresent.Mightbeobserving

himatthisverymoment.JudgingtoseeifhewasworthytoentertheHallofRuss.Itwasanoddlyupliftingthought.Itgavemeaningtothesavageryaroundhim.Suddenlythiswasnotsimplyabattleforsurvivalbutatestofhonourandworthiness.Ofcourse,allbattlesweresupposedlythatbutatveryfewwasthereactualevidenceofthepresenceofthegods’messengers.Thiswasonesuchbattle.Itwaspossibleforamantosteprightfromhereintolegend.Themassiveburlywarriorwithwhomhehadbeentradingblowsbutasecondagolookedathim,

andsomethinglikeunderstandingshowedinhisbrutalgreyeyes.Theysteppedapart.Ragnarbackingawaytowardstherestofhiskinaroundtheblazinggreathall,theGrimskullretreatingtowardshisownlines.Ragnarlookedaroundtoseewhohecouldrecognise.Ulliwasthere.Sowashisfather,hesawwith

asighofrelief.JarlTorvaldstillstood,thoughhisheadwasbleedingfromaraggedcut.EvenasRagnarwatchedthewarriorchieftaintorethesleevefromhistunicandbounditroundhishead.Allofthemexchangedstrangehauntedlooks.Allofthemknewtheyweredeadmen.Allofthemknewitwasonlyamatteroftime.LookingacrossattheassembledhordeofGrimskullsitwasobviousthattheywerenow

outnumberedatleastfivetoone.ManyoftheThunderfistwarriorshadfallenintheinitialrush.Therewasnowaytheycouldhopetoovercomesomany,eveniftheyprovedmuchbetterwarriorsthantheirfoes.AndjudgingbythesavageryoftheGrimskullsthattheyhadalreadywitnessedsuchwasnotthecase.Manformantheyseemedequallymatched–orperhapsevenoutmatched,Ragnarwasforcedreluctantlytoadmit.Still,theappearanceoftheskyshiphadcausedachangeintheatmosphereofthebattle.Thatmuch

wasobvious.TheGrimskullswereholdingbackrightnow.They,asmuchastheThunderfists,wantedtoimpressthecelestialwatchers.Theyhadgonefromseekingaslaughtertoseekingworthyfoes.AsparkofangerflaredinRagnar ’sheart.Now,theywerepreparedtofighthonourably.Knowingtheeyesofthegodswereuponthemthey

werepreparedtogranttheirenemiesafairfight.Afewminutesagotheyhadnotbeenreadytodoso.Ithardlyseemedfairorinkeepingwiththenatureoftruehonour.AsmallpartofRagnarlaughedat

hisownnaïveté.Whatwasthepointofprotestingaboutthefairnessortheunfairnessofit?Thegodswouldmaketheirjudgementsintheirusualinscrutableway,andtheywouldnotbefooled.Hehoped.Whyshouldheprotest?TheGrimskullswereallowinghimthechanceofaworthydeathevenif

theywerefoulhypocrites.AndtheywereatleastensuringthattheThunderfistswouldtakeafewoftheirnumberdownintodarknesswiththem.AsitbecameobviouswhatwashappeningafewoftheThunderfistwarriorsracedintotheblazing

hall,returningwitharmloadsofweaponsandshields.TheGrimskullsseemedquitepreparedtoletthemdoso,andtolettheirenemiesprepareforbattle.Therewasatensionintheairnow.Itwasquitepalpable,asifthepresenceoftheChoosershad

generateditsownelectricalenergy.Warriorslimberedupswipingtheairwiththeirweapons.TheGrimskullleaderswerehuddled,arguingamongthemselvesoverwhattodo–doubtlessdebatinghowtomakethemselveslookbestintheeyesofRuss.Well,therewerenosuchdebatesoverhereamongtheThunderfists,Ragnarthought.Theirduty

wasclear,toselltheirlivesasdearlyastheycouldandtofightwellandhonourablybeforetheydied.Therewasnootherchoice.Fromsomewheredownthelinehecouldhearthesoundofamancrying.ItsoundedlikeRanald

Onetooth.ThissurprisedRagnar,forallhislifehehadknownRanaldandhehadalwaysbeenasteadyman,unflappableeveninthefaceofthegreatestofstormsorthemightiestoforcas.Byallaccountshehadacquittedhimselfwellinalltheraidsandbattleshehadtakenpartintoo.InfacthehadfacedtheNightTrollofGauntinsinglecombatandemergedtriumphant.Whyhadhisnervebrokennow,Ragnarwondered.Ofallthemenpresenthewasonewhowould

haveseemedmostassuredoftheChoosers’favour.Hisbraveryhadbeentestedtimeandtimeagain.Wasitpossiblethatamanhadonlyalimitedstoreofcourageforhislife,andwhenthatwasconsumedhisbraveryfailed?OrwasitthepresenceoftheChoosersthemselvesthathadunmannedhim?Knowingthattheeyesofyourgodswereuponyoumightdostrangethingstoaman,Ragnarthought.OrperhapsitwasthesureandcertainknowledgeeveryThunderfistwarriornowhad,thatsoon

theywouldbejudgedandknowtheirultimatefate.Itwasonethingtoenterabattleorastormoranyotherdangerknowingthatyoumightlivebydintofluckorthefavourofthegodsoryourownstrengthorskill.Itwasanotherknowingbeyondanyshadowofadoubtthatyourlifewouldsoonbeover.Ragnarinspectedhisownsoulandfoundthattherewasfeartherebutitwasnotoverwhelming.He

wasnervousandhewasexcitedinanoddwaybuthewasnotterrified.More,therewasanangerinhim,andathirstforvengeanceontheGrimskullsfortheirtreacherythatmadehisfearseemlikeasmallandinsignificantthing.Hefelthimselfonthevergeofatoweringkillingrage.Inhishearthewasimpatienttogettogripswithhisenemies,desperateforthekillingtobegin.Andhewasforcedtoadmitthatadesireforthefavourofthegodshadnothingtodowiththis.He

wassurethathewouldenterhellhappyifhecouldtakeaGrimskullwithhim,andthathislifewouldnothavebeeninvainifhedraggeddowntwo.Knowingthathislifewasover,hehadnothinglefttolose.Allthatexistedforhimnowwasthechancetosellitdearly.Itwasoddthatinthecourseofoneevening,amancouldgothroughsomanychanges.Hetried

nowtorememberAna’sface,thefacehehadtriedsohardtomemoriseonlyminutesago,andfoundthathehadnoclearrecollectionofitnow.Apity,Ragnarthoughtcoldly.Itwouldhavebeengoodtotakethememoryofsomethingbeautifulintotheafterlife.TheThunderfistwarriorshadfinishedarmingandstoodready.TheGrimskullsseemedtohave

chosentheirwarriorsnow.Theyfacedeachotheracrosstheshadowsoftheburningsquare.Foralongmomenttheyeyedeachotherwithfearandhatred.Thenalleyesweredrawntoamassivefigure

thathademergedfromtheshadows.Itwasamonstrousburlyman,cladinmetalarmourwithanenormouswolfpeltthrownaroundhisshoulders.Ragnarfeltashockofrecognition.ItwastheWolfPriestwhotheyhadcarriedtotheIronMasters’

islethosefewshorthundreddaysago.SuddenlyandwithasurgeoffearRagnarrememberedtheWolfPriest’sfinalwords.Thishadindeedbeenadayofdoomforhim.ItseemedRanekwasaseeraswellasawizard.EveryonestoodnowwaitingtoseeiftheWolfPriestwouldintervenebuthedidnothing,merely

surveyedthemallwithhisblazingeyes.Atthatmoment,Ragnarsawwithutterclaritythattherewassomethinginhuman,orperhapsmorethanhuman,aboutRanek.Whateverhadhappenedtohim,ithadsethimapartfromtherunofhumanity,andturnedhimintosomethingthatwasquitemonstrous.Therewasnofearinhim.Hestoodtherewithutterconfidenceinhisowninvulnerabilitylikea

manwatchingchildrensquabble,notsomeonestandingontheedgeofabattlebetweenfullygrownandfullyarmedwarriors.Itwasasifheknewnothingcouldharmhim,asifhecouldkillthemallwithouteffortshouldtheyannoyhim.RememberinghowhehaddealtwiththeseadragonRagnardidnotdoubtthatthiswastrue.Anotherthoughtenteredhismind.Ranekhadarrivedwiththeskyship.Hewasnomeresorcerer.

HewasoneoftheChoosersoftheFallen,arepresentativeofthegodsthemselves.ThesamethoughtseemedtohavestruckallpresentastheywatchedthefirelightreflectofftheWolfPriest’sshiningarmour.Afeelingofawecameovereveryonepresent.Theyknewtheystoodinthepresenceofsomethingsupernatural.Theterribleancientwatchedthemimpatiently,asifwaitingforthemtobegin.Ragnarsuspected

thathispresencehadintimidatedallthewarriors.Forabriefmoment,lefttotheirowndevices,theymightconceivablystopfighting.Thentheoldmangesturedforthemtocontinue.Thetwoforcessteeledthemselveslikewolvespreparingtospringintocombatwitheachother,andthenleaptforwardintobattle.

Strybjornfeltathrillpassthroughhimasthemassivelyarmouredancientstrodefromtheshadows.InhisheartofheartsheknewthatthiswasoneoftheChoosers,abeingwhocouldgranthimimmortalityandaneternityofendlessbattleifhesochose.Hiseyesweredrawntothearmouredfigurelikeironfilingstoamagnet.TherewasasenseofawesomepowerabouttheChooserthatfilledStrybjornwithenvyandlonging.Hewantedtosharethatpower,tobeabletostandamidcarnagewiththesamecertainty.Hewantedtoownsomethingofthesamepride.HeknewthatherewasonecomparedtowhomthegreatestoftheGrimskullwarriorswasbutaclod.Whateveritwastheoldmanhad,hewantedit.Heresolvedthereandthentoperformlikeaherointhecomingbattleoratleasttodietrying.Ifhegotachance.HewasnotinthefirstwaveofwarriorstogointosinglecombatwiththeThunderfists.HeglancedovertryingtoguessthenumberswhoremainedandsawthatoneoftheThunderfists,a

youthabouthisownage,waslookingattheoldonewithrecognitionwrittenonhisface.WasitpossiblethatheknewtheChooser?No.Thatcouldnotbe.Itmustsimplybethatthedeathmadnesswasonhim.Strybjorndidhisbesttomemorisetheyouth’sface.Hewassuddenlypossessedofanunaccountabledislikeofhim,andheferventlyprayedtheladwouldsurvivetheinitialbattlesothathecouldkillhimhimself.Attheoldman’ssignaltheGrimskullscharged.

Ragnarduckedtheblowofahugeburlywarrior.Heswunghisaxeupandcaughtthemanthroughthechest.Bonessplintered,bloodandentrailsbillowedforth.HeturnedjustintimetoduckthesweepofanotherGrimskull’sweaponandthentohishorrorfelthimselfimmobilised.Thedyingmanhadreachedupfromwherehelayinapoolofhisownbloodandgrabbed

Ragnar ’sleg.Heseemeddeterminedthathisslayerwoulddiewithhim.Pinnedinplacebyhisstrengththissuddenlyseemedalltoopossible.ThesecondGrimskulllashedoutathimandRagnarbarelymanagedtoblocktheblowwithhisshield.Impairedbythedragonhislegitwasallhecoulddotokeephisbalance.Helaunchedacounterblowsendinghisassailantleapingback.Inthemomentofrespitehedecidedtotakeanawfulrisk.Therewasnowayhecouldsurvivepinnedinplaceashewas.Heneededtobreakfree.Forabriefmoment,heriskedtakinghiseyesoffhisunwoundedattacker,lookeddownandaimedablowatthewristofthearmthatheldhim.Itcameoffcleanly,thesharpaxebitingthroughfleshandboneandsinew.Hotbloodsoaked

Ragnar ’sleg.Thedyingmanletoutascreamlikethedamned.Ragnarleaptasidebarelyintimetoavoidhisnewassailant.Asthemansweptpast,Ragnarlashedoutwithhisaxe,catchinghimaterribleblowonthebackof

theneck.Theaxecleavedthroughthevertebrae,andtheman’sheadcamehalfoffthestumpoftheneck.Notyetknowingitwasdead,thecorpseranonwardsforafewstridesbeforetrippingoverthehandlessmanandfallingtotheblood-soakedearth.Ragnarstraightenedhimselfandboundedforward,lashingleftthenrightwithhisaxeashewent.

Hisfirstblowcaughtasurprisedwarrioronthetempleandcleavedthroughhisskull.Hissecondblowwasparriedbyasmall,squatGrimskullwarrior.WithblazingspeedheandRagnarexchangedaflurryofstrokes.AsurgeofpainlancedupRagnar ’sarmwheretheman’sspearpointbitdeep.Ragnar ’sreturnblowsentthemantopplingforwardintohell.Ragnarwassurprisedbyhowwellhewasfighting.Everythingseemedtobehappeninginslow

motion.Hefoughtwithperfectco-ordinationandaspeedhehadnotknownhepossessed.Hismindwascrystalclear,coldasasnow-fedmountainstream.Hefeltstrongandfastandhebarelyfeltthepainofhiswounds.Ofcourse,hehadheardthatthiswashowitsometimeswasfromtheolderwarriors,andheknewthathewouldpayforthewearandtearofbattleonhisbodylater.Rightnow,atthismoment,hefeltinvincible.Aswiftglancearoundtoldhimhowmisleadingthatfeelingwas.Therestillseemedtobean

endlesshordeofGrimskullwarriors.Asonefellanotherleaptforward,keentogetintobattle.TheThunderfistswereaccountingforthemselveswellnowbutmorethanhalfofthemweregone.AshelookedaroundRagnarsawhisfatherdeadupontheground.Hegazedskywardswithsightlesseyes,handsstillwrappedaroundhisaxe,twodeadGrimskullsathisfeet.HorrortookagriponRagnar ’sheart.Thiswasthemanwhohadraisedhimaloneeversincehis

motherhaddied.HehadbeenthereforaslongasRagnarcouldremember,apillarofindomitablestrength.Itsimplywasnotpossibleforhimtobedead.Cuttingfoesdownlikechaffashewent,Ragnarforcedapathtowherehisfatherlay.TheyoungThunderfistsquatteddownoverthebodyandreachedouttotouchhisfather ’sbrow.Thefleshwasalreadycold.Touchingthethroat,Ragnarfoundnopulse.Grieffilledhimandforamomenthewasparalysedbyit.AGrimskullracedtowardshim.Ragnarwatchedhimcome.Griefhardenedtosomethingascold

ashisfather ’scorpse.TheneedtokillwelledupwithinRagnar ’ssoul.TheGrimskullmovedsoslowlythatheseemedtobewadingthroughmolasses.Ragnarcouldmakeouteverydetailoftheattacker,fromthewartonthebackofhislefthandtothenotchesinthebrightsteelofhisblade.Everythinghadafatalclaritytoit.Hecouldseebythewaythemanwaslimpingthathehadtwistedhislegearlierbutitwasnotslowinghimmuch.HewatchedasthemandrewbackhisaxefortheswingthatwoulddecapitateRagnar.Itwasasifthewholethingwerehappeningtosomebodyelse.Thenpasttheattacker ’sshoulderhecouldseetheoldman,theWolfPriestRanek,watchinghim.

Therewassomethingintheoldman’seyes.Itmighthavebeencompassion,itmighthavebeencontempt.Ragnarcouldnottell.Thosewolf-likeeyeswereimpossibleforamortallikeRagnartoread.Andyetthegazebrokethespellthatheldhim.Coldrageandhothatefilledhim.Heeruptedinto

action,springingforwardfromhiscrouchundertheincomingblowandcannoningintohisassailant.Helashedout,kickingthemaninhisalreadywoundedlegandsendinghimtumblingoff-balance.

AshefellRagnarsplithisskulllikematchwoodandadvancedintotheranksoftheGrimskulls,killingashewent.Nowhefoughtlikeagod.Nothingcouldwithstandhim.Hishateandhisangerdrovehimtonew

heightsofspeedandferocity.Heknewnofear.Helivedonlytokillandhedidnotcarenowwhetherhelivedorhedied.InfuryheclovethroughtheGrimskullslikeadragonshipthroughastormysea.Anythingthatgotinhiswaywaschoppeddown.SomewhereinthemadnessablowfromaGrimskullaxesplithisshield.Hekilledthemanwhohad

thetemeritytodothisandcaughthisspinningaxeasitfell.Withaweaponineachhandhestormedforwardlikeawhirlwindofdeath,killingeverythingwithinhisreach.Helostcountofthenumberheslewafterheputdownthetwentieth.Hebecameusedtothelookoffearandhorrorhesawinthefacesofthemenwhofacedhim.Itwasthesamesortoflookyoumightgiveifyouconfrontedadaemon.Ragnardidnotcare;atthismoment,hefeltlikeadaemon.Maybeonehadpossessedhim.Ifthatwerethecasehewelcomedit,ashewouldwelcomeanythingthatallowedhimtokillGrimskulls.Foramoment,itseemedlikehemightturnthetideofbattlesingle-handed.TheThunderfists

ralliedbehindhimandformedaflyingwedge,ploughingthroughtheirfoes,heartenedbyRagnar ’sskillandstrength.Butitcouldnotlast.Onebyonehiskinsmenfell.NothingcouldmaintaintheterriblesuperhumanlevelofferocitythatRagnarpossessed.Hebledfromdozensofsmallcuts.Hisstrengthwassappedfromabsorbingdozensofnumbingblows.Heslowed,becameconsciousofpainandoncemorereturnedtothelevelofbeinghuman.

StrybjornslasheddownanotherThunderfistandtriedtolocatetheyouthhehadseenearlier.Hewasnowhereinsight,andmusthavemovedtosomeotherpartofthebattlefield.Itwasunfortunate.Still,Strybjornhadmanagedtogettheoldman,theonewhoborearesemblancetotheyouth.HehadputupquiteagoodfightforaThunderfist.Strybjornwasproudofhimself.NowthattheThunderfistshadregainedsomespirittheywereturningintoquiteworthyopponents,andhehadkilledfive.HefeltquitecertainthathehadfelttheChooser ’seyesuponhimashehaddoneso.Hehadpickedhisfoeswell.Allhadbeenwarriorsintheirprime.Allhadbeenskilfulandallhadfallentohisaxe.Oncemorethesheerjoyofbloodshedfilledhim.Herealisedthathewasashappyashehadever

beeninhisshorthate-filledlife.Theactofslayingbroughthimmorepleasurethanfoodorsleeporale.Itwassweeterthanhoneyorthekissesofamaiden.Indealingdeath,amangainedpowerequaltothatofthegods.Orperhapsnot,perhapstherewassomethingsweeterthanthis,somethingknownonlytotheChoosersandtheirmasters.Strybjorncertainlyhopedtofindout.Nowitwastimetofindhischosenprey.Itwastimetokillagain.

WearinessovertookRagnar.Hefelthimselfslowing.Strengthleechedfromhim.Speedwaslost.HeblockedablowfromaGrimskullwarrior,steppedbackoutofthewayofasecondswing.Theedgeoftheaxetorehistunic,andleftabloodywealonhischest.Helettheaxepass,steppedin,andchoppedahugechunkoutofhisattacker ’saxewithhissecondweapon.Ablowfromtherightsentthemantohisancestors.BehindhimweremanymoreGrimskulls.Itseemedthatforeveryonehekilledtwomorestepped

forwardtotaketheirplace.NotthatitmatteredtoRagnar.Hewasintentonlyonkilling,onmakingthempayforkillinghisfatherandstealingthelifeheshouldhavehadwithAna.Heknewthatwhenhestrodeintothecoldhellshewouldbegreetedbymanythathehadkilled,andthatknowledgemadehimglad.Hewasonlysorrythathewasnotgoingtobeabletokillthemall,andthathecouldnotmaintainthekillingragethatlethimoverpowersomany.AflurryofblowsoverwhelmedthenexttwoassailantsandthenRagnarknewhisstrengthwas

spent.Hehadburnedhisstrengthupinthisbattlelikeafireconsumingwood.Therewasnothinglefttouse.Hewasfightingnowonlyoninstinctandreflex.Hisblowslackedthekillingpowertheyhadoncehad,andthenhecamefacetofacewiththemanhefeltsurewasgoingtokillhim.ItwasaGrimskullyouthhehadnoticedearlier.AyouthofaboutRagnar ’sagewithacliff-like

browandanenormousunderslungjaw.Hesmiledsavagelyrevealingteethlikemillstones.Therewasalookofblood-crazedmadnessinhiseyesthatRagnarknewmustmatchhisown.Brieflytheypausedtoconfronteachother.Bothsensedthatinthismeetingtheyfeltthetouchofdestiny.

Strybjorngazedathischosenprey.Atlasthehadfoundhim.HehadfoundtheyouthwhohadleftsuchatrailofdestructionthroughStrybjorn’skin.Hehadfoundthetargethehadsingledoutearlierfordestruction,theonewhohadseemedtorecognisetheChooser.Hedidnotlooklikemuch,justanotherslim,broadshoulderedThunderfistladwithanunusual

maneofblackhair,butStrybjorndidnotunderestimatehim.Hehadseenfirsthandthehavocthisyouthhadwreaked.Wellthatwouldendhere.ItwasStrybjorn’sdestinytoslaythisgreatkillerandthuswintheapprovalofthegods.Thismeetinghadbeenfatedlongago,ofthathefeltsure.‘IamStrybjorn,’Strybjornsaid.‘AndIamgoingtokillyou.’‘IamRagnar,’theThunderfistyouthreplied.‘Goaheadandtry.’

RagnarsawthelookofhatredintheGrimskull’seye,caughttheflickeringglancethatsaidhewasabouttoattack,andduckedbackasStrybjornstruck.TheGrimskullwasfast,nodoubtaboutit.Ragnarbarelymanagedtodeflecttheblowwithhisaxe,

letalonegetoutoftheway.Andashedidso,Strybjornfollowedthrough,bashinghimfromhisfeetwithablowofhisshield.TheshockoftheimpactsentstarsflickeringbeforeRagnar ’seyes.Hetumbledbackwardsandcorpsessquishedunderhisweight.AlreadytheGrimskull’saxewasdescendinginablazingarc.Ragnarbarelyhadtimetorollaside.

Bloodsprayedoverhimastheaxebitintothedeadbodybelowwithasoundlikeabutcher ’scleaverhittingasideofbeef.Ragnarlashedoutwithhisboot,tryingtokicktheGrimskull’slegsoutfromunderhim,buthisfoeleaptovertheblowandbroughthisaxedownoncemore.ThistimeRagnarmanagedtogethisleftaxeintheway,buthewasawkwardlypositionedandtheforceoftheimpactdrovehisweaponbackathischestalongwiththeGrimskull’sblade.Hewincedwithpainattheimpact,andfelthisownbloodbegintoflowoverhischest.Strybjornraisedhisaxeforanotherblow.Ragnarrolledagainandscrambledtohisfeet,diving

forwardjustintimetoavoidit.Hesprawledhislengthonthegroundoncemoreandthenrolledtohisfeet.HefoundhimselffacinganotherGrimskullwarrior.Themanhadraisedhisbladeforakillingstrike.‘No,leavehim!Heismine!’heheardStrybjornbellowfrombehindhim.ThesecondGrimskull

pausedinsurprise.Ragnartookadvantageofhisconfusiontosmashhisaxeintotheman’sribsandthenturnedjustintimetoparryStrybjorn’sblow.Theforceoftheimpactthistimedidmorethanjustnumbhisleftarm.Hefeltsomethinggiveinhiswrist,andaflashofsearingagonyblazeduphisarm.Theaxefellfromhisnervelesslefthand.Strybjorn’sthickbrutallipstwistedupwardinagrinoftriumph.‘Nowyoudie,RagnarThunderfist,’hesnarled.Ragnarmethisgrinwithoneofhisownandlashedoutwithhisremainingweapon.Theblowwas

quick,fasterthantheGrimskull’sandStrybjornbarelyhadtimetoreactandduckbackoutoftheway.Therazor-sharpaxecutintohisfleshandraisedahugeflapofskin.BloodstartedtodribbledownintoStrybjorn’seyes.Heshookhisheadtoclearitaway.Ragnarsteppedbacktoadmirehishandiwork,knowingthatifhewaspatienttheadvantagenowlay

withhim.Bloodfromthecutwouldsoonblindhisfoe,andthenRagnarcouldkillhimathisleisure.

ThesamethoughthadobviouslyoccurredtoStrybjornwholetoutabellowofbruterageandchargedforwardlikeanangryboar.TheflurryofblowshelaunchedcameclosetooverwhelmingRagnarbutsomehowhemanagedtogivegroundwithouttakingmorethanafewnicks.Herealisedashedidso,though,thatitwashopeless.Strybjorn’sattackhaddrivenhimbackwardsintoahugesemi-circleofGrimskullwarriors,eachofwhomwaseagerforachancetoavengetheslaughterofhiskin.TherewasnowaytodefendhimselffromthemandfromStrybjornatthesametime.Instantlyhecametoadecision.Hewouldmakecertainthathewouldtakeonelastfoewithhiminto

thedarkness.Leavinghimselftotallyopen,hebracedhimselfforthekillingblowthensenthisaxehurtlingforward.Hefelttheweightofdeathinit,evenbeforethebladebithome.Heknewhisassailantwasdoomed.ItsmashedintoStrybjorn’schest.Ribscracked,entrailsspilledforth.Ragnarfeltamomentofsatisfactionthathisvengeancehadbeenachievedthenfeltasurgeofbrightagonyinhisownchest.WithareflexivekillingstrikeStrybjornhadsenthisownweapondeepintoRagnar ’sbreast,then

hiskinsfolkadvancedtofinishthejob.Wrackedwithagonyfromtheflurryofblows,Ragnartumbledforwardintothedarknessinwhichheknewdeathwaitedtowelcomehim.

CHAPTERFIVE

Ragnarfloatedinanoceanofpain.Hiswholebodyburned.Heachedinawaythathewouldnothavebelievedwaspossible,enduredagonythathewascertainnomortalwasmeanttoendure.Sothiswashell,hethought.Itwasnotwhatheexpected.Itwasnotcold.Therewasonlypain.

Whereweretheothershehadslain?Whyweretheynotheretogreethim?Wherewerethejudgesofthedead?Wherewerehisfatherandhismotherandtherestofhiskin?Throughhispainhewasawareofaterriblesenseofdisappointment.Hehadnotbeenchosen.He

hadnotawokenatthegreatfeasttableintheHallofHeroeshighontheMountainofEternity.Hehadnotprovenworthyenough.Hewasdiminished.Thethoughtstruckhimsourlyandthenhewasawareofnothingmore.

Onceagainhewasawareoftheagonybutitappearedtohavelessened.Therewasastrangethumpingsoundinhisearsandtheroarofamightywind.Slowlyitcametohimthatthethumpingsoundmightbehisheartandthewindmightbetheraspofhisbreath.Thenitwasasifpokersofredhotfireburnedhischest,ineveryplacewherehehadtakena

wound.Hewantedtoscreambuthecouldnotopenhismouth.Hecouldmakenosound.Hefeltasifneedlesoficewerebeingdrivenintohisskin,andathreadofmoltenleadwasbeingusedtostitchhiswounds.Hell,hethought,wasaplaceoftorment.Blackness.Silence.

Itwascoldnow.Icesurroundedhim,claspinghiminitschill,burninggrip.Thiswasmorelikeit.Thiswaswhattheskaldsandtheoldsongshadtoldhimtoexpect.Thiswastheplaceofendlesschillwherethelostsoulswanderedbeforeallmemoryfadedandtheywereabsorbedoncemoreintotheprimalstuffoftheuniverse.Butwhereweretheotherrestlessdead,hewondered.Andwhycouldhenotsee?Therewereno

answers.Hedriftedintheendlessimmensityforaeonsthenconsciousnesslefthimoncemore.

Hewasgettingwarmer.Hisbodyshook.Painandheatseemedindistinguishable.Theywrappedhimlikeacloak,likeashroud.Heseemedtobeshivering.Hefeltverytired.Hiswholebodyached.Hefeltlikehisspirithadwanderedalongway,andwasdevoidofallstrengthnow.Yethewasstillawareofhimself.Hesomehowstillexistedinwhateversolitaryvoidheoccupied.

Hewasawareonlyofthepainandofhisownmemoriesbuthewasaware.Itwassomethingtoclingonto.Justashemadethisdecision,hefelttheknivesbegintocutoncemore,andfellintothelongdarknessofoblivion.

Aweightlikethatofanislandpresseddownonhim,smotheringhim.Hecouldnotbreatheandforthefirsttimefeltthelackofair.Hewasconsciousofhislimbsbuttheyseemedtooheavytomove.Hewasawareofhiseyelidsbuthecouldnotopenthem.Itseemedtohimthatsomewhere,alongwayaway,someonewascallinghisname.

Coulditbethedead,heaskedhimself,alreadyawarethatitwasnot.Heforcedhimselftotryandremainaware.Hetriedtoopenhiseyes.Itwaslikestrainingwithan

infiniteweight.HeknewnowhowRussmusthavefeltpittinghimselfagainsttheawesomestrengthoftheMidworldSerpent.Thetaskseemedbeyondhim,andyethewouldnotallowhimselftogiveup.Hefocusedallhiswillpoweronthetaskofopeninghiseyes.Theyresistedhimasfirmlyasthe

earthofagravemightresistthestrugglesofadeadman.Hedidnotstoptrying,wouldnotallowhimselftogiveup.Heforcedhimselftogoon.Painlancedthroughallhislimbsoncemorebuthedidnotletitdistracthim.Wasthatsweat

runningdownhisbrow?Hedidnotknow,forhecouldnotraisehishandtomopitaway.Allhecoulddowasputallthestrengthofhislifeintotryingtoopenhiseyes.Itshouldhavebeenatrivialtaskforamanwhohadfoughtinsuchamightybattleashehadbutitwasnot.Itwasthehardestthinghehadeverdone.Hemadehimselfthinkofhisfatherandhismotherandhisfriends.Ifhecouldopenhiseyeshe

couldlookuponthemoncemore.Hewouldbeabletoseeintothelandofthedead.Thethoughtwasfrighteningbutwhatelsecouldhedo?Hewastherenow.Soonerorlaterhewouldhavetoconfrontit,andhewasnotacoward.Heknewhimselfwellenoughnowtoknowthatthiswastrue.Whythenwashereluctant?Whydidhefeelthisstrangefearinthepitofhisstomach?Washe

frightenedtolookoutontheunknownorwasitthathefearedlookingonthosehehadlovedoncemore,andexplaininghimselftothem?Heforcedhimselftocontinueandwasrewardedwithabriefglimpseoflight.Suddenlythedarknesswassplitwithaflashofblueandwhite.Thiswasnotwhatheexpectedatall.

Heforcedhimselftokeeptrying,toopenhiseyestotheirfullestextentandslowlyitdawnedonhimthathewaslookingupataskyexactlyliketheskyofFenris.Trulytheafterworldwasnotwhathehadbeenledtobelieveitwouldbe.Hefeltalittlecheated.Asifthesightoftheskywasasignal,othersensationsfloodedintohisbrain.Hebecameawareof

thescentoftheearth,thesongofthebirds,thedistantcrashofwavesontheshore.Thencamethebittersmellofashes,thesmokysmellofburningandthebittersweetstenchofhumanfleshonafuneralpyre.Somethingsoftwasbeneathhim.Hefeltgrassbeingcrushedbeneathhisfingersastheybitinto

softmoistearth.Hewasawareofpainandastrangenumbnessthatdistancedhimfromit,inthewaythatthebeerhadseparatedhimfromtheworld,onlythisnumbnesswasathousandtimesmorepotentthanalcohol.Ahugegrizzledheadcameintoview.Coldblueeyes,likechipssplinteredfromthedomeofthe

sky,glareddownintohisown.Herecognisedtheseamedwornface.ItbelongedtoRanek,theWolfPriest,theChooseroftheSlain.‘Soyouhavefollowedmehere,’hewantedtosaybutthewordscameoutanunrecognisable

gurgle.‘Don’ttrytosayanything,laddie,’Raneksaid.‘Youhavetravelledalongway.Itisanenormous

journeybackfromthelandofthedeadtothatoftheliving,andit’snotonemanymenaregiventomake.Saveyourstrength.Youaregoingtoneedit.’HesaidsomethinginalanguagethatRagnardidnotrecognisetosomeonewhowasjustoutside

hisfieldofvision.Ragnarfeltapainbitingintohisarm,andthensomethingcoolasglacialmeltwaterflowedintohisveins,andconsciousnesslefthimoncemore.

Hecameawakesuddenlyandinstantlythistime,awareofthesunonhisfaceandthecaressofthewind’sfingersonhischeek.Hefeltwellrested.Hefeltverylittlepain.Hetriedtositup.Itwasanenormouseffortbuthemanagedit.Hecouldseethathewasnaked.Instinctivelyheraisedhisfingers

toprobewhereStrybjorn’saxehadbittenintohischest.Tohissurprisehefoundonlythefaintesttraceofascarandanareaoftendernessthatgavehimpainasheprobed.Lookingdownhesawafreshpinkscarandayellowishareathatlookedlikeanoldbruise.There

wereotherscarsandotherbruisesalloverhischest,andhedidnotdoubtthathehadmoreonhisback.Whatwasgoingonhere,hewondered.Hesawthathelayclosetothemassiveskyship.Lookingaroundhecouldseewhatappearedtobetheremainsofaburned-outvillage.Itwasodd;theafterworldboreastartlingresemblancetotherealworld.Onlysomethingswere

notquitecorrect.WheretheThunderfistvillageshouldhavebeenwasacollectionofruins.Theroofofthetumbleddowngreathallstillsmouldered.Downbythebeachfuneralpyresburned.Groupsoflivingwomenandchildrenwerebeingherdedintodragonshipsthatlayoutamongthe

waves.SlowlyitdawnedonRagnarthatperhapshewasintheworldoftheliving.Herememberedthe

greatbattlewiththeGrimskulls,andthefiresthathadburnedthen.Hishomevillagewouldlooklikethisaftersuchabattle,hewascertain.Orperhapsthiswassomenewandunknownhellconjuredbydaemons.Perhapsitwasaplace

intendedtoshowhimtheconsequencesoftheThunderfistdefeat.Certainlythescenewasmournfulenoughtobethat.Heheardheavyfootstepscrunchingacrosstheturfbehindhim,andturnedtolookupatRanek.The

oldWolfPrieststudiedhimwithknowingeyes.‘Youarebackamongtheliving,laddie,’hesaid.Itwasn’taquestion.‘AmI?AreyounotoneoftheChoosersoftheSlain?’Theoldman’sboominglaughterechoedoutovertherubble.Severaldistantfiguresturnedtolook

athimasifstartled.‘Alwaysquestions,eh?Youhaven’tchangedmuch,boy.’‘I’mnotaboy.Igainedtherobeofmanhooddaysago.’‘Andwhatdaystheywere,eh?Well,youdistinguishedyourselfonthefieldofbattle.I’llsaythat

foryou.You’reafighter,laddie.Ihaven’tseensuchcarnagesincethetimeofBerekandthatwas…well,thatwasalongtimeago.’‘SoyouareaChooserthen?’‘Yes,laddie,thatIam.Butnotinthesenseyouthink.’‘Theninwhatsenseareyouone?Surelyyoueitherareoryouarenot.’‘Oneday,ifyoulive,youwillunderstand.Theuniverseisnotnearlysosimpleasyoubelieve.You

willfindthisoutsoonenough.’‘IfIlive?’Ragnarlookeddownatwherethewoundsinhischestshouldhavebeeninwonder.

‘Surely–’‘Surelyyouhavealreadybeendead?Isthatwhatyouweregoingtosay?Yes,youwere.Deador

thenextbestthingtoit.Yourhearthadstoppedbeatingandyouhadlostalotofblood.Yourbodytookalotofdamagebutnotenough.Ourhealergottoyoubeforebraindeathcouldoccur,andwhatailedyouwasnotbeyondthepowerofour…magic…tofix.’Ragnarwassurehehadmutteredanotherwordbeforehesaidmagicbuthehadneverheardthe

wordbeforeanditmadenosense,butthatwasonlytobeexpectedofwizards.Theyspokeinriddlesandnonsense.Still,hiswordsgaveRagnarhope.‘Youcanbringbackthedead?Thenmyfather–’‘Yourfatherisbeyondouraid,laddie,’Raneksaid.Hegesturedtowardsthedistantfires.‘Whydidn’tyouhelphimwhenyouhelpedme?Youcouldhavedoneit.’Ragnarwasashamedthat

griefkepthisvoicefrombeingtotallylevel.‘Hehadnotprovedhimselfworthyofouraidorourinterest.Youhave.Youhavebeenchosen,

laddie.’

‘Chosenforwhat?’‘You’llfindoutsoonenough,ifthatisyourdestiny.’‘Youkeepsayingthat.’‘Ikeepsayingitbecauseitistrue.’Theoldmanshowedhisfangsinthatdisturbingsmile.‘NowyoubelongtotheWolves.Bodyand

soul,youbelongtotheWolves.’

Ragnarraisedhimselftohisfeet,unsteadyasanew-bornkid.Hetriedtoputonefootinfrontoftheothertowalkbuthefoundhimselfreelingandstaggering.Almostatonce,heoverbalancedandthegroundrosetomeethim.Hewasslammedintotheearthwithpainfulforce.Hedidnotletitstophim:pushingagainstthegroundwithbothhandsherosetohisfeetoncemore.

Thistimehemanagedafewmorestepsandbeforehecouldfallhestoppedhimselfandstoodupright,swaying.Hefeltnauseous.Hisstomachchurned.Hefeltdreadfulbutatthesametimehefeltahugesenseofrelief.Hewasnotdead.Hewasamongtheliving.Forwhatevermysteriousreasonstheymighthave,

Ranekandhisfellowshadchosentosparehim.Indeed,itappearedthatinsomewaytheyhadchosenhim.Thoughitwasnotquitelikeanyoftheherotaleshehadheard,stillhehadbeenpickedout.Theyweremightymagesindeed.Theyhadhealedhiswounds.Theyhadbroughthimbackfrom

thedead.Orhadthey?Wasthissomekindoffoulsorcerysuchastheseadaemonsweresaidtopractise?Hadtheytakenhissoulandbounditintohiscorpseusingdarkwizardry?Wouldhisbodysoonbegintorotanddecompose?HeturnedtofacetheWolfPriest.‘AmIdead?’heasked.Itwasaninsanequestion,heknew,butRaneklookedathimwithwhat

appearedtobeunderstanding,andperhapsevensympathy.‘Asfarasthosepeopledownthereareconcerned,yes,laddie.Youareamongtheslain.Youwill

departfromthisplacenevertoreturn.Yourdestinylieselsewherenow,amongtheendlessice,andperhapsamongthestars.’RagnarthoughthesawAnabeingpushedoutontooneofthedragonships.Suddenlyheknew

beyondashadowofadoubtthathehadtogettoher.Hebegantomovetowardsthebeach,staggeringlikeadrunkard.HehalfexpectedRanektotryandstophimbuttheWolfPriestlethimgo.Ragnarhadnoideahowlongittookhimtoreachthebeach.Heknewthatwhenhegottherehewas

pantingashardasifhehadruntwentymilesoversand.HesawtheGrimskullwarriorsallturnandlookathim.Therewaswonderontheirfacesandhorror.TheymadethesignofRussovertheirbreastsandcontinuedtowadeoutintotheseaandclamberonboardtheirships.Ragnartriedtofollowthembutthewavesbeatagainsthimandhefell.Thewaterclosedoverhis

headandbegantofillhislungs.Herosetohisfeetandstartedtosplutter.Hetriedtopushonoutoncemorebutapowerfulhandclosedonhisshoulder.Heturnedaroundswiftlyandlashedoutwithhisfist.Agonyshotuphisarmanditfeltasifhemighthavebrokenhisfingers.‘Ceramitewillnotyieldtonakedflesh,laddie,’Raneksaid,liftinghimaseasilyasifhewerea

puppy,despitehisstruggles.‘You’llonlybreakyourhandsifyoukeepthatup.’Outonthewaters,thedrumshadbeguntobeat,oarssplashedintothewater.Thedragonships

begantopullawayfromland.‘Wherearetheygoing?’‘Theyarereturningtotheirhomeswiththeirnewchattels,laddie.Theywillnotliveherenow.

Afterthebattletheybelievethisislandwillbehaunted.Iimaginethatyourseemingresurrectionwillonlygivecredencetothatviewpoint.Thiswillbeasacredsitebeforelong.OfthatIhavenodoubt.‘Andthentheywillforget.Menalwaysforget.’Ragnarwatchedastheshipsbreastedthewavesandwonderedwhetherthatsmallfigurewho

seemedtobewavingtohimwasAna.Therewasnowaytotellnow,andhedoubtedthathewouldeverfindout.Raneksethimdownonthebeachandhewavedbackanyway,wonderingwhetherthesaltymoisture

inhiseyeswastearsormerelythesprayofthesea.

Ragnarstumbledbacktowardsthehillonwhichtheskyshiplay.Hetriedtofixthevillageinhismemory,forhebelievedRanekwhenthemansaidthathewouldnevercomehereagain.HepassedthetornhutnearthetumbledhallwhichhadbeenUlli’shome.Ulliwasdeadnow,he

knew.HemusthavediedwithhisfatherduringthebattleandhehadnotbeenselectedbytheChoosers.ItseemedimpossiblethathewouldneverseeUlliagain,butitwasthecase.Thefriendhehadplayedwiththroughouthischildhoodwasgone.Allofthemwere.Ragnarrememberedplayingtigandkickballandfight-the-monsteroverthisveryland.Ifhe

listenedharditseemedhecouldhearthephantomvoicesofthoseladsplayingbutofcourseitwasnonsense.Thatwasallinthepastnow,gone,nevertoreturn.Itwasascoldastheashesoftheburned-outhut.Ragnarpassedthespotwherehisfatherhadfallen,andhepushedthatthoughtfromhismind.

Therewouldbetimetodealwithitlater.Rightnowitwasjusttooimmenseaconceptforhimtocopewith.Ifheevenallowedittotouchhisconsciousmindhefeltsurethatrageandgriefwoulddevourhim.Heconsciouslyavoidedtheplacewherehisfather ’shuthadbeen,theonlyhomehecouldever

remembersaveforthedeckoftheSpearofRuss.Hiswanderingstepspushedhimouttotheedgeofthevillage.Heknewithadbeenamistakemovingthroughtheremains.Thememoryandthehorrorweretoofreshtobedealtwith.Hejustwantedtogetaway.Asfastashecould,hewalkedtowardstheskyshipoftheChoosers.

AsheapproachedtheshipRagnarnoticedanotherbodylyingontheground.Itwasonsomesortofmetallicstretcherandallmanneroftranslucenttubesseemedtobeburiedintoitsflesh.Allofthetubesconnectedtoametaldevicethatsatlikeagreatspiderontheyouth’schest.Fluidsgurgledthroughthem.Oddrunespulsedinharshredsandgreens.AsRagnargotcloserhesawthatitwasStrybjorn,theGrimskullwithwhomhehadfought.It

appearedthattheChooserswereworkingtheirmagiconhimtoo,andslowlytherealisationdawnedonRagnarthatthiscouldmeanonlyonething,thatStrybjorntoohadbeenchosen.HatredandcoldfurytoreatRagnar ’sbowels.Itseemedthattheenemyhethoughthehadkilledhadescapedhisdoom.Thinkingofthewaythe

Grimskullyouthhadslaughteredhiskin,rememberingthelookofhatredonhisfaceastheirfightbegan,Ragnarwonderedwhetherthegodsweremockinghimbysparinghisenemy,justastheyhadsparedhim.Withoutthinkinghereacheddownandpickedupalargestone.Hefullyintendedtotakeitandbash

Strybjorn’sbrainsout,thensmashthestrangemysticaldevicethatclungtohischest.Hedidnotknowwhetheritwouldwork.PerhapstheChooserswouldbeabletoraisehimfromthedeadagain.Perhapstheirmagicwasthatpotent.Ragnarhadnoideabuthefullyintendedtofindout.HestalkedclosertotherecumbentformofStrybjornwithmurderinhisheart.Helookeddownonhisintendedvictim.Strybjornlookedfierceeveninrepose.Hishugejawand

beetlingbrowmadehimlooklikeaprimitivesavage.Ragnarfeltaterriblesickjoyclutchathimasheraisedtherock.AtthatmomenthedidnotcarewhattheChoosersmightthink.Hedidnotcarewhetherhemightbedefyingthewillofthegods.Allhecaredaboutwasrevenge.Andhefullyintendedtotakeit.Exultationfilledhimashesenthisarmarcingdown.Hegrinnedinexpectationofthemoment

whentherockwouldcollidewithStrybjorn’sheadandturnhisskulltojelly.Itneverconnected.Steel-strongfingersencircledhisarm,stoppingtheblowinstantly.Ragnar ’sattemptstomoveitwereasfutileasifhehadtriedtoliftamountain.‘ByRuss,laddie,you’reafierceone,’saidRanek’svoice.‘Anaturalkillerrightenough.Stillthis

oneisnotforyou.Hehasbeenchosenaswell,andheisnotyourstoslay.’‘Iwillseehimdie,’Ragnarsaid,aterribleearnestnessinhisvoice.‘Whereyouaregoing,laddie,youwellmight.Ontheotherhand,it’sequallypossiblehewill

watchyourend.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Youwillfindoutsoonenough.Nowgo!GetintotheThunderhawk!’Theoldmangestured

towardstheflyingship.Filledwithtrepidation,Ragnarclamberedinside.

TheinterioroftheskyshiplookedlikenothingRagnarcouldhaveeverimagined.Thefloorswereallofmetal.Thewallswerelikewise,savewheresmallcircularcrystalwindowsallowedonetolookout.Theseatintowhichhehadbeenstrappedwasmadeofsomeoddmustyleather.Unknownrunesflickeredonpanelsnearhishead.Strangeroaringnoisesmadetheentirevesselshiverasitstrainedtofly.Ragnarfidgeted.ThenewgarmenttheWolfPriestshadgivenhimfeltodd.Itwasaone-piecetunic

allofgreythatclungtohisbodylikeasecondskin.Overhisheartwasapictureofawolf’shead,thesignofRuss.Thegarmentcoveredallofhimexcepthishead.ItwasmadeofsomefabricthelikeofwhichRagnarhadneverencounteredbefore.Itstretchedtofithimyetwaslightandbreathable.Itdidnotfeelclammybutonlyslightlywarm.WhilewearingitRagnarfeltlikehemightbeabletowalkthroughablizzardwithoutfeelingthecold,whichwasodd,forthefabricwasnothickerthanthefinestcalfgut.Suddenlythewholevesselshook.Theroaringnoiseincreasedinpitchandvolume.Hewaspushed

downintotheseat.Lookingthroughthewindowhefeltabriefsickeningsensationasthelandrecededbelowhim.Itwasunnaturalwatchingtheislandfallaway,astheskyshipescapedtheclutchesofgravityandleaptintothesky.Everythingbecamesmaller.Hecouldmakeouttheruinedvillagelyingtherelikeachild’stoy.He

sawthebeachesthatstretchedaroundtheislandcomeintoview.Slowlytheyroseabovetheheightofthehillsandtheskyshipgainedforwardmotion.LookingattheinterioroncemoreRagnarcouldseethewholedeckhadtiltedastheprowofthe

shipfacedupwards.Heglancedoutofthewindowoncemoreandsawthattheyweregainingforwardmotionaswellasheightandthathishomeislandwasalreadyshrinkingintothedistance.DownontheseahecaughtsightoftheshipsoftheGrimskullfleetploughingthroughthewaves,andoncemorewonderedaboutthepeopleheknewwhowereuponthem.Thengreymistgatheredaroundtheskyshipandthevesselbegantoshake.FearclutchedatRagnar

ashewonderedwhetherthewinddaemonsweregoingtopluckthemfromtheskyorwhethersomeevilmagichadtheminitsclutches.Thenitslowlydawnedonhimthattheywerepassingthroughtheclouds.Nosoonerhadthisthoughtstruckhimthantheyemergedintobrightsunlightandtheshaking

stopped.BelowhimRagnarcouldseeanendlessoceanofwhite,cutthroughoccasionallywithpatchesofblue.Itcametohimthathewaslookingdownonthetopsoftheclouds,glancinguponasightthatitwasgiventofewmortalstosee.Foramomenthefeltasurgeofwonderandgratitude.Theskyshipcontinuedtorise.Ragnarwasstillbeingpushedbackintohischair.Hefeltasifagiant

fistwerepressingdownonhimandthreatenedtoflattenhim.HeglancedaroundattheothersandsawthatthefleshofRanek’scheekswasbeingpushedbackasifbyinvisiblefingers.Whatnewsorcery

wasthis,hewondered,tooamazedtofeelafraid.Whateveritwasitdidnotseemtotroubletheoldman,hemerelygrinnedandgaveRagnarathumbs-upsign.Ragnarglancedbackthroughthewindowandsawthatitwasdarkoutsideandstarswerevisible.

Belowthemwasagigantichemisphere,sobigthatitscurvefilledmostoftheview.Itwasmostlyblueandwhitebuthereandtheremottledpatternsofgreenwerevisible.ItcametoRagnarthatperhapshewaslookingdownontheworldglobeandthatthebluewasthesea,thewhitewasthecloudsandthegreenwastheland.Thepressureonhischesteasedupwithamazingsuddennessandhefelthimselfbegintoriseoutof

thechair.Itseemedlikeonlythestrapsrestrainedhim.Hefeltasifhisbodyhadnoweightforamoment,astrangeandnotunpleasantsensation.Thenoiseoftheshiphadceasedandthesilencewaseerieandalmostdeafening.Suddenlyweightreturned.Thenoseoftheskyshiptilteddownwardsandtheorboftheworldgrew

untilitfilledtheentirefieldofvision.Onceagaintheshipbegantoshake.LookingoutofthewindowRagnarcouldseethatthetipsofthe

wingshadstartedtoglowcherryredlikecoalsonafire.Asurgeofterrorfilledhim.Wasthewholeshipabouttobeconsumedbymagicalflames?Weretheskydaemonsangered?HeriskedanotherlookatRanek.TheWolfPriesthadhiseyesshutandlookedutterlyatpeace.Ragnarfoughtforcontrolforalongmomentthendecidednottoworry.Perhapstheblazingwingsweremerelypartofthespellthatkepttheskyshipaloft.Itwasallbeyondhiscomprehension.CertainlyRanekdidnotseematalltroubled.Aslongasnooneelseseemedworriedheresolvednottoworryhimself.Theskyshipcontinuedtoshakeforlongminutes.InawayitremindedRagnarofsleddingdownhill

inthedeadofwinter.Thenoncemoretheskyshiproaredtolife.Therewasthesensationofenormousamountsofpowerbeingapplied.ThepressureonRagnar ’schestreturnedasthevehiclebegantodecelerate.Thestarsdisappeared.Theskywentfromdeepblacktoshadowytodeepbluetoblue.Theclouds

rosetomeetthemandtheyplungeddownintothemistyvoidoncemore.ThewholeshiptiltedsickeninglylikeaboatcaughtsidelongbyawavethenitrighteditselfandforthefirsttimeRagnarcaughtsightofthelandbelowthem.Itwasimmense:ashatteredlandscapeofrockandmountain,oflichenandsnow.Thehorizon

seemedfaroff.Hugeglacierswriggledthroughthepeaks.Inallthatdistance,therewasnosignoflife.Itseemedasdeadandalienasthesurfaceofthemoon.Theskyshipracedonoverthebleakendlessimmensityunlikeanythinghehadeverseenbefore.‘Asaheim,’heheardRanekmurmur.Thelandofthegods,Ragnarthought,andwonderedwhatawaitedhimthere.

CHAPTERSIX

‘Youhaveallbeenchosen,’Raneksaid,gazingdownfromtheSpeaker ’sRockatthenewcomers.Theenormouspieceofstonejutteduplikeafang;partofthetiphadbeenchiselledawaytomakeapodium.Thewholestonehadbeencarvedsothatthepartfacingtheaudienceresembledasnarlingwolf’shead.‘Andnowyouareallwonderingwhy.’RagnarstaredbeyondRanekatthedistantmountainsandshivered.Yes,hewaswonderingthat.He

lookedaroundattheothers.Fromtheexpressionontheirfaceshecouldtelltheywereallthinkingthesamething.TheireyesweregluedtothefigureoftheoldWolfPriestwithanearfanaticintensity.Therewerenearlytwoscoreotherspresentbesidehimself.Theyhadbeenassembledontheflat

groundattheedgeofthevillageatfirstlightinordertoheartheWolfPriestspeak.AllofthemworetheoddtunicsthatRagnarhadwornontheskyship,andmanyofthemshowedbruisingandscarsontheirfacesandhandsthattoldRagnarthattheyhadbeensubjectedtosimilarhealingtothatwhichhehadundergone.Ragnarshiveredagain.Theairwascold,andhisbreathemergedinacloud.Henoticedthestrangequalitythatthelighthadhereinthemountains.Everythingseemedbrighter,andtheairseemedunnaturallythinandclear.Hefeltasifhecouldseemuchfurtherthaneverhecouldontheislands.‘Youhaveallbeenchosenbyme,orbyaWolfPriestlikeme,becausewesawthepossibilitythat

youmightbeworthytojoinus.Iemphasisetheword“might”.‘Firstly,though,youwillhavetounlearnmanythings.Youhavebeentoldthatyouhavetodieto

jointheheroesofRussintheirlonghall.Insomecases,forsomeofyou,thishasproventrue.Youweredeadandwebroughtyoubackthroughourmagic.Othersamongyouhavebeenbroughtherewhileyouwerestillalive.Itmakesnodifference.Beawareofonething.‘Therewillbenomoresecondchances.Ifyoudiehere,youdie.Yourspiritwillstepintothe

beyondandgotojoinyourancestors.Andbeawareofanotherthing–ifyoudiehere,itwillbebecauseyouarenotworthytobelongamongheroes.‘Inthisplace,atthistime,youarebeinggivenanopportunitytoprovethatyouareworthytostand

amongthegreatestheroesofourworld.YouwillbegiventhechancetoshowthatyouaresuitabletobeamongthechosenofRuss,tojointhecompaniesoftheWolves.‘Rightnow,youcannotunderstandwhatanhonourthatis,orwhataweightofresponsibilityitmay

onedayforceyoutocarry.Fornowyouwillhavetotakemywordforit.Itisnosmallthingyouarebeingaskedtodo.Itisnosmalltaskyouarebeingaskedtoundertake.Intimestocomeitmayleadyouintoterribledarkness,tofacethemostwickedoffoes,inplacesbeyondyourabilitynowtoimagine.‘Youmaybecalledupontostandbetweenhumanityanditsultimateenemies,tofightagainst

monstersterriblebeyondthedescriptionsoflegend.ItmaybethatyouwillstandbesideRusshimselfinthosefinaldayswhentheforcesofevilarisetodestroyallthatexists.Allofthismaybe–ifyouproveyourselfworthy.

‘Weofferyouataskworthyofheroes.Andtheprizeisnottawdry.Ifyouaresuccessfulyouwillgainalifefarlongerthananynormalmortal’s,andpowersasgreatasthoseofanydemi-godoflegend.Youwilltravelbeyondthesky,tothefurtheststars,andfightinbattlesthatwilltestthemeasureofanywarrior.Therewillbeopportunitiesforgloryandforhonourandtherespectofthosewhoserespectisworthsomething.‘Ifyouproveyourself:thenpower,gloryandimmortality.Ifyoufail:deatheverlasting.Theseare

thepathsbeforeyou.Fromthisday,fromthisminute,therearenoothers.Youwilleithertriumphoryouwilldie.Doyouunderstandme?’RagnarlookedattheWolfPriest.Therewasnofriendlinessandnocompassioninhimnow.This

wasthesorcererhehadfirstmetontheSpearofRusswhatseemedalifetimeago.Theoldmanseemedtohavegrownhugeinstatureandwaswrappedinacloakofawesomepresence.Hiswordshadtheforceofaprophet’sandburnedtheirwaydirectlyintoRagnar ’sconsciousness.Theywereatoncefrighteningandinspiring,andeventhoughRagnardidnotunderstandmuchofwhathehadheard,hesensedtheimportancetheWolfPriestputinwhathewassaying,andthatmadeitimportanttoRagnartoo.‘Doyouunderstandme?’theoldmanrepeated.‘Yes,’ascoreofvoicesrespondedinunison.‘Good.YouarenowaspirantstotheChapteroftheSpaceWolves.Whenyouunderstandthe

meaningofthat,youwillunderstandthegreatnessofthehonourbeingofferedyou.Now,letmetointroduceyoutoHakon.Heisthemanwhowillteachyouwhatyouneedtoknow,andjudgewhetheryouareworthytoliveordie.Listentohiswordscarefully,fortheymeanlifeordeathtoyounow.’TheWolfPriestgesturedtoanewcomerwhostrodeupontotheplatformandregardedthemwith

brightwolf-likeeyesandacontemptuoussmile.Ragnarstudiedtheman’sfaceclosely.Itwasnarrowandalmostskeletal.Thefleshseemedtootight,drawntautbythedozensofscarsthatturnedhischeeksintoapatchworkquiltofflesh.Hishairwasgreyandheldinalongpony-tail.Hisfacewasdominatedbyhugeeyes,ahugeblade-likenoseandthin,cruellips.Helookedlikeapredator,likeawolfgivenhumanshape,andrightnowhewaslookingattheassembledyouthsinthewayawolfmightlookataflockofsheep.Therewasnothingwhatsoeverreassuringabouthiscoldgaze.Havingperformedtheintroduction,Ranekvaulteddownfromtheplatformwithoutanyfurther

ceremonyandstrodeoffbacktowardsthevillage.RagnarnotedthatHakondidnotclimbontotherockhimself.Insteadhemovedaroundtostandinfrontofit.Thehugestonewolfheadappearedtoglareoverhisshoulders,anditwashardtotellwhichlookedmoresavage,thecarvingortheman.‘WelcometoRussvik,dogs!Idoubtyouwillsurvivehere.Asyouheard,IamHakon,’the

newcomersaid.‘IamSergeantHakon.Thatismytitle.Youwilluseit.Or,byRuss,Iwilltearoffyourlimbslikeasmallboytormentingflies.’Ragnarstaredatthespeakerandfoughtdownanimmediatefeelingofhatred.SergeantHakonwas

aterrifyingfigurebutatthatmomentRagnarfeltnothingbutloathingforhim.Hakonwastallandstrong.LikeRanek,hewasmuchtallerthananormalmanandwouldhavebeen

farbroaderevenwithoutthegleamingarmourthatencasedhisbody.LikeRanekhehadthesamefangsvisiblewhenhesmiled,whichwasoftenandcruelly.LikeRanekhecarriedmanysmalltalismansofobviousmysticalsignificance.Hehadahugeswordwithserratededges,amysticalweaponofthetypeRanekhadusedtodispatchthedragon,andvariousotheraccoutrements.NeitherhisarmournorhisfetisheswereasornateastheWolfPriest’sbuttheywerequitevisiblyofthesamemanufactureandmusthavecomefromthesameforges.Ragnarwonderedwherethosewere.Lookingaroundhecouldseenosignofanyfoundriesor

smithies.Allhecouldseewasthesmallfortifiedcampwithitshutsbuiltofwoodandstonesounlikethebuildingsbackhome.Orbackwherehomeusedtobe,hecorrectedhimself.Nowtherewasno

placetogobackto.‘Youmaybelieveyouhavebeenchosen.Youhavenot!Youhavebeenchosentoprovethatyouare

worthytobeamongtheChosen.LookingatallofyousorryswineIdoubtthatanyofyouare.IthinktheWolfPriestshavemadeamistakeandbroughtmealitterofstupid,uselessfoolishpiglets.Whatdoyouthink?’Noonewasstupidenoughtoreply.Hakon’svoicewasharshandguttural.Thetonewasa

permanentsneerandanaffronttotheirmanhood.BackintheThunderfistvillagesuchamannerwouldhaveresultedinHakonbeingcalledouttoduel.Here,itappearedhecouldspeakinwhatevermannerhechose.DespitehisloathingRagnardoubtedthattherewasanythinganyofthenewcomerscoulddo.Hakonwasarmedandtheywerenot,andthatwasnotevencountinganymagicthathemightchoosetoemploy.‘Noneofyouhaveanyguts,eh?’Hakonsaid.‘Allspinelessareyou?AsIsuspected.Notaman

amongyou.’‘Youarearmedandwearenot,’saidavoicethatRagnarwassurprisedtohearwasStrybjorn’s.He

wasshockedthattheGrimskullhaddaredtospeakwhennooneelsehad.‘What’syourname,boy?’‘StrybjornGrimskull,andIamnotaboy.Ihavepassedthroughthemanhoodrite.’Asnarltwisted

Strybjorn’sthick,brutallips.Angerflaredinhiscoldeyes.‘StrybjornThickskullmorelike.Areyoustupid,boy?’‘No.’Strybjorntookastepforward,hisfistsclenched.Therewasasharpintakeofbreathfromthe

assembledaspirants.NoonecouldquitebelievetheGrimskull’stemerity.‘ThenwhydoyouthinkIwouldneedweaponstodealwithaninsolentpuppylikeyou?’‘Wouldn’tyou?Youtalkbigforamanstandingthereinarmourcarryingablade.Maybeyou

wouldn’tbequitesotoughwithoutthem.’Thesergeantsmiledasifhehadbeenhopingsomeonewouldsaythis.Hestrodeforwarduntilhe

wasloomingoverStrybjorn.TheGrimskullwastallandstrongbutHakonwasmuchtallerandmuchheavier.Hissmilerevealedthoseuncannyfangs.ConflictingemotionssurgedthroughRagnar ’smind.ItlookedasiftheGrimskullhadmadeaterribleerrorandthattherewasthepossibilitythatHakonmightkillhim.Ragnardidn’tmindtheGrimskull’sdeathsomuchasthefactthathewouldnotbetheonetoslayhim.Still,theredidnotappeartobeanythingtobedoneaboutthatrightatthismoment.Thesergeantpulledhisbladefromitsscabbardandraisedithigh.Strybjorndidnotevenflinch.

RagnarwasforcedtoadmitthattheGrimskullwasbrave–evenifhewasfoolish.HakondrovethebladeintothegroundinfrontofStrybjorn.Itstoodtherequivering,pointfirst,downintheturf.Ragnarcouldseethattheweaponwasstrangeandcomplicated-looking.Serratedbladeswerefittedrounditsedgesandthebladeitselfappearedtocontainacomplexmechanism.‘Pickitup,boy,’thesergeantsaid.‘Useit–ifyoucan.YouwillbearmedandIwon’tbe.’ForamomentStrybjornlookedatHakon.Heseemedconfusedandalittleshocked.Thenthelight

ofbloodlustappearedinhiseyesandabrutalsmiletwistedhisthicklips.Hereachedoutandgrabbedthehiltofthemassiveweapon.Hetuggedatit,obviouslyexpectingtoliftitaseffortlesslyasthesergeanthad.Nosuchthinghappened.Thebladerefusedtobudge.Strybjorngraspeditwithbothhands.Themusclesonhisneckstoodoutliketautguyropes.Hisbicepsbulged.Hisfaceturnedred.Eventually,withmucheffort,hepulledtheweaponfreeoftheground.‘Tooheavyforyou?’Hakonsneered.‘Perhapsyouwouldlikesomethinglighter?Ihaveaknife

here.’WitharoarofincoherentfuryStrybjornthrewhimselfforward,bringingthebladearcingdown

towardsthesergeant’sunprotectedhead.Giventheweapon’sweightandStrybjorn’sobviousstrength

andspeedifitconnectedtherewasnowaythesergeantcouldsurvive.Anditseemedtobeabouttoconnect.Theblademovedthroughawhistlingarcandthesergeantmadenoattempttodeflectitorgetoutoftheway.Thensuddenly,justasitseemedhisskullwouldbesmashed,Hakonwasnolongerthere.Hesimplysteppedbackandthebladepassedthroughwherehehadbeenlessthanatenthofaheartbeatbefore.‘Youusethebladelikeawoman,boy.Youcouldnotsplitsticks.Tryharder!’Strybjornroaredandswungthebladeatwaistheight.Hisfacewasredandcontortedwithfury.He

obviouslydidnotlikebeingmocked.Ragnarstoredthisfactawayinhismemoryincaseitmightproveusefullater,fortheinevitabledaywhenhegotthechancetotakehisrevenge.OnceagainHakonwaiteduntilthelastmomentandthensimplyleaptintotheair.Themomentum

oftheblowcarriedthebladebeneathhim.HelandedeasilyonthegroundasStrybjornalmostoverbalancedfromhisstroke.‘You’reclumsy,boy.I’llgiveyouonelastchanceifyouhavethecouragetotakeit.Butbewarned

itwillgoillforyouifyoufail.’Strybjornaimedhighthistime,swipingsidewaysatthesergeant’shead.Thesergeantduckedand

allowedtheclumsyswingtopassoverhim.Hestoodthereforamomentgrinningnastilyandthenhestruck.Keyedashewastotheslightestmovement,stilltheblowhappenedalmosttooswiftlyforRagnartofollow.Hakonlashedoutwithafist.ItconnectedwithStrybjorn’sjawwithasickeningsmack.TheGrimskulltoppledbackwards,unconsciousbeforehehittheground.Theweaponfellfromhishand.Hakonpickedthetumblingbladeoutoftheairwithoutanyapparenteffort,catchingitone-handedandthenholdingitaloft.Hetouchedastudonthehandleandsuddenlytheweaponeruptedintosorcerouslife.Theblades

arounditsedgesbegantomoveroundandround,acceleratingsoswiftlythattheybecameinvisible.AllofthenewcomerswatchedappalledasHakonmovedthebladethroughtheair,waitingtoseewhatthesergeantwoulddo.WashegoingtodecapitateStrybjornandusehisheadforatrophy?Itseemedalltoopossible.Thedirtwhichhadclungtoitfromwhereitwasdrivenintothegroundsprayedoutwards.Aftera

fewmomentsHakontouchedthestudagainandwithanerve-wrenchingscreechthebladesstoppedmoving.Hakoninspectedthemfastidiously,obviouslymakingsuretheywerecleanbeforereturningtheweapontoitsscabbard.ThenhestrodeovertotheunconsciousformofStrybjornandlookeddownonhimcontemptuously.RagnarcouldseethattheGrimskull’schestwasstillrisingandfalling.Hedidnotknowwhethertobepleasedordisappointed.‘“Thickskull”wasright,’Hakonsaid.‘Thatpunchwouldhavebrokentheheadofanymanwhodid

nothavetheskullofanox.’Inanexplosionofnervoustensionallthenewcomersbegantolaugh.Ragnarwassurprisedtohear

himselfjoinin.Hakon’sglareswiftlysilencedthem.‘You’llallbelaughingontheothersideofyourfaceinafewminutes.Youtwocarryhimdownto

secondlonghallandthenreporttotheforges.Therestofyoufollowme.It’stimetoseeyou’reallproperlyequipped.’

ThenewcomerswalkedsilentlythroughthelittlevillageofRussvikbehindSergeantHakon.Theypassedovertheditchthatranoutsidethewoodenwallssurroundingtheplaceandthroughtheopengate.Guardsarmedwithspearslookedatthemfromwoodenwatchtowersoneithersideoftheentrance.Ragnarlookedaroundatthebuildingsinsurprise.Thiswashisfirstrealchancetostudythem

closely,andhesawhowdifferenttheyweretotheonesamidwhichhehadgrownup.Herethemainbuildingmaterialwasnotdragonhideanddragonbone.Itwaswood,andstoneandthatch.Someofthe

buildingswereloghouses:squatsquarestructuresmadefromthetrunksofdeadtreesandroofedoverwithturf.Othersweremadefromstonessetoneontopoftheotherlikethoseusedtomakedrystonedykesontheislands.Thesetoowereroofedwithturf.Bothsortsofbuildingshadholescutintheroofstoactaschimneysforthewoodfireswithin.Thestreetsthemselveswereallofmud.Pigsrootedamidthegarbageandchickensfluttered

squawkingaroundmakeshiftcoops.Therewassomethingoddlyhomelyaboutthepresenceofthesedomesticanimals.TheyremindedRagnaralittleofhome.Whatdidnotweretheoddcarvingsthatmarkedallthejunctions.Theseweremadefromwood,andallofthemrepresentedwolves,rearing,stalkingprey,snarling,leaping.Allofthemwerebeautifullymade,andallofthemwerestrangelylifelike.Ragnarhadnoideawhattherunescarvedonthemmeantbuthewassuretheypossessedsomemysticalsignificance.Thestreetswerefilledwithyoungmen,allcarryingweapons,allgoingabouttheirbusinesswith

anairofcalmcompetencethatnoneofRagnar ’sgrouppossessed.Theylookedatthenewcomerswithamixtureofpityandcontemptastheypassed.HereandthereotherolderwarriorsgarbedlikeHakonwerevisible.Theseweretreatedwithwaryrespectbyallwhoencounteredthem.SomeofRagnar ’sgrouplookedatthestonebuildingswithawide-eyedwonderthattoldRagnar

theywereislanderslikehimselfbutthat,unlikehim,theyhadneverseentheislandoftheIronMasters.Itwasalltoostrange.Russvikoccupiedalongvalley,besideadeepbluelake.Oneithersidewere

toweringmountainsonascaleunlikeanythingRagnarhadeverseenbefore.Thesepeaksdwarfedeverythingaroundthem,madealltheworksofmanseeminsignificant.Itwasalmostasifthislocationhadbeenchosendeliberatelytomakethenewcomersfeelsmall.Perhapsithad,Ragnarrealised.Perhapsthiswholeprocesswasdesignedtomakethemfeelutterlyinsignificant.Hehadnoideawhythatmightbe,buthecoulddefinitelyseehowitwaspossible.Thelocation,the

WolfPriest’sspeech,Hakon’smannerwereallofapiece.Theytoldyouthatyoudidnotmatter,thatyouhadeverythingtoprove.SomewheredeepwithinhimselfRagnarfeltasmallsparkofrebellionkindleandcatchflame.Hewasnotquitesurewhathewasgoingtorebelagainstbuthewassurehewouldfindsomething,andperhapsevengettofinishthehatedStrybjornintothebargain!Helookedaroundandtriedtomakeeyecontactwiththeothers.Onlyonelookedbackathimand

smiled.Alloftheothersseemedtobelostinareverieoftheirown.Ragnarwasnotsurprised.Therewasmuchtothinkabout.Hehadseensomanynewthingsthatitseemedhardtobelieveitwasonlyonedayagothathehadarrivedhere.HehadspentsomeoftheeveningbeingquizzedbyRanek.AllofthedetailshehadgiveninanswertotheWolfPriest’squestionshadbeenenteredinahugeleather-boundtomeinthecentralhall.ThenhehadbeensubjectedtoaphysicalexaminationbythoseRanekhadreferredtoasIronPriests.Theyhadpassedmanyodd-lookingamuletsoverhim,andinspectedhisbodyminutelyasiflookingforthestigmataofmutation.IfthesituationhadnotbeensooddRagnarwouldalmosthavebeeninsulted.TherehadbeennomutantsamongtheThunderfists.AnybabewhichshowedtracesofthemarkofChaoshadbeendrownedatbirth.Ithadbeendarkbythetimehehadbeenallowedtogo.Hehadbeenshowntoalonghousebuiltall

oflogs.Theinteriorsmelledofpinesap.Therehadbeensomegrumblingfromthosealreadytherewhenhearrived.Hehadfoundastrawpallet,laindownandfallenasleepinstantly.ItwasonlyinthemorningthathehadcaughtsightofhiscompanionsandrealisedthatStrybjorn

wasamongthem.HemusthaveenteredthehallafterRagnarhaddozed.Whateverwoundshehadtakeninthebattlehadalsobeenmendedbythehealer ’smagic.ItmadeRagnar ’sfleshcrawltothinkthathehadspentthenightunderthesameroofasaswornenemy.Anenemyhehadalreadykilledonce!Ragnarspatontheearthenfloorindisgust.Therehadbeennotimetodoanythingaboutitthough,fortheWolfPriesthadarrivedandledthem

allofftolistentohisspeechandmeetSergeantHakon.Therehadnotevenbeentimetointroducehimselftoanyofthestrangers.NowmorethaneverRagnarfelttheoddnessofthesituation.Hewassurroundedbypeoplefromdozensofdifferentclans.Undernormalcircumstancesallofthemwouldhavebeenhisenemiesexceptiftheymetduringoneofthegreatfestivals.Yetherenoneofthemwerearmed,andnoneofthemseemedatalldisposedtowardshostilityrightatthismoment.SergeantHakonhadgiventhemmuchelsetothinkof.ItalsocametoRagnarthatmostoftheothersseemedtoknowwheretheyweregoing.Certainlythe

twowhohadbeenorderedtocarryStrybjornawayknewwheretheyweretakinghim.ThisindicatedtoRagnarthatmostoftheyoungwarriorshadbeeninthedesolatecamplongenoughtofindtheirwayabout,andtohavesomeideawhatHakonwastalkingabout.HeknewhewasanewcomerhereandforthemomentRagnarresolvedthatitwaswisesttokeephismouthshutandeyesopen.TheyarrivedatoneofthelargestofRussvik’swoodenhalls.Hakonstrodeinsideandwithin

minutesreturnedwithapileofweapons.Immediatelyhebegantocalloutnames.AseachnamedyouthstrodeforwardHakonthrustaspearandadaggerintohishandandthenorderedhimtoreturntotheranks.‘RagnarThunderfist!’Ragnarheardhisownnamecalledoutandstrodeforward.Thesergeant

loomedoverhim.UntilhehadgotcloseRagnarhadnorealideaofhowbigHakonactuallywas.Nowhecouldseethatthesergeantwasthebiggestmanhehadeverencountered,tallerandbroadereventhanRanek.Ragnarcouldseetoothatthearmourheworewascoveredinsmallmechanismssuchastheonesheassumedhadmadethebladesonthesergeant’senchantedswordrotate.Ragnar ’srespectforStrybjorn’sbravery–andfoolishness–increasedbyanotch.‘Whatareyoustaringat,boy?’‘You,sergeant!’Hakon’sblowwasalmostblindinglyswiftyetsomehowRagnarsawitcoming.He

threwhimselfbackwardwithjustenoughforcetolessentheimpact.Theforceoftheimpactstillsenthimsprawlingbackintothedustbuthekeptrollingandcametohisfeet.Itfeltasifhehadbeenhitwithablacksmith’shammer,sparksdancedbeforehiseyesbutatleasthewasstillconscious.‘Youhavegoodreflexes,boy,’thesergeantsaid,andtossedthescabbardedknifeandspearto

Ragnar.Ragnarmanagedtopluckthemfromtheairandstillkeeponhisfeet.Hesawthattheotherswerelookingathimwithwhatmighthavebeenenvy,orperhapsrespect.Forthis,hefeltasmallsurgeofsatisfaction.Thescabbardwasleather.Thesteelbucklewasintheshapeofawolf’shead.Ragnarwasamazed

bytheostentation.Inallhislife,hehadseensuchrichesonlyonce,ontheislandoftheIronMasters.Amongstthefolkoftheislandsprecioussteelwasforblades,andspearpointsandtools.Maybeawealthyjarlmightpossessafewironarmletsastransportablewealthbutitwasrare.Hepulledthebladefromtheoiledleatherscabbardandinspectedit.Thequalitywasofthefinest,theedgewasrazorkeen.Thepommelwastippedwithasmallwolf’sheadidenticaltotheoneonthebeltbuckle.Thespearshaftwasofthefinestygra-wood.Thepointwasneedlesharpsteelwithnottheslightesttraceofrust.Smallruneshadbeencarvedintotheshaft.Thewholeweapongavetheimpressionofbeingwell-used.Ragnarhadasuddenvisionofgenerationsofnewcomersbeforehimusingtheweapon.Hedidnotknowwhetherhefoundthatreassuringornot.Hakonwasspeakingagain.‘Theseareyourweaponsnow.Lookafterthem.Theymaysaveyour

worthlesslives.Anddonotlosethemandcomerunningtomeeither.Therewillbenoreplacements.Intheunlikelyeventofanyofyousurvivingyourtimehere,youwillbeexpectedtoreturnthem.Ifanyofyoudie,thesurvivorsareexpectedtobringbackhisweapons.Leavethecorpseforthecrowsifyoulike–butbringbackthoseblades.‘NowIamgoingtoassignyoutoyourClaws.Thisisyourbasicfightingunit.Everyoneofyouin

aClawwilltraintogether,eattogether,hunttogetherandmostlikelydietogether.WhenIcallout

yournamesstepforward.’HakoncalledoutfivenamesRagnardidnotrecognise.Fiveofthenewcomersstrodeforwardto

standbeforethesergeant.Hegesturedforthemtomovetoonesideandthencalledoutanotherfivenames.Ragnarwonderedifhisnamewouldbecalledbutitwasnot.FivemorenameswerecalledandthenfivemoreandstillRagnar ’snamewasnotmentioned.Soononlyhimselfandthreeotheryouthsstoodthere.‘KjelFalconer,SvenDragonfire,StrybjornGrimskull,RagnarThunderfist,HenkWinterwolf.’Ragnarlookedathiscompanions.Hesawashortsullen-lookingyouth,verybroadandverystrong

looking.Afresh-facedboywholookedyoungerthananyonepresentandatallfreckledfair-hairedladwithanopensmilingface.HisheartsankwhenherealisedthathehadbeenassignedtothesamegroupastheGrimskull.BrieflyheconsideredprotestingbutonelookatHakontoldhimthatitwoulddonogood.Infact,judgingbythemalicioussmiletwistingthesergeant’slips,RagnarsuspectedthatHakonknewexactlywhathewasdoingandhownastyhewasbeing.Still,thoughtRagnar,thearrangementhaditsadvantages.AtleasttheGrimskullwouldbeineasy

reachforhisrevenge.Hakon’sdisturbingsmilewidened.‘Takealookaround,’hesaid.‘Lookatyourcomrades.

Remembereachother ’sfacesandknowthis–unlessyouarevery,veryspecial,andIdon’tthinkanyofyouare–atleasthalfofyouwillbedeadbythetimeyouleavethisplace.’Ragnarfeltashiverpassuphisspine.Thesergeant’swordshadthedisturbingringoftruth.

Outsidethelonghallthewindshowled.Itseemedaschillastheinsideofanicecave.Theaspirantslayontheirpalletsandwishedforafire.Therewasafireplaceinonecornerbutnowood.Eachofthegroupshadarrivedtogetherandtakenpalletsneareachother.TherewasanemptypalletamongRagnar ’sgroupwhichhadbeenreservedforStrybjorn.Ragnarlayonhisbackandstaredattheceilingandthoughtabouttheeventsoftheday.Moreexaminations.MorespeechesfromHakon.Alotofhardexercise.Amealofporridgeandturnipandsomethingthatresembledpigfat.‘OldHakonisabitfierce,don’tyouthink?’saidacalm,pleasantvoice.Ragnarlookeduptosee

thefreckle-facedyouthhehadnoticedearlierwaslookingaroundandgrinningatthemall.Hisfeatureswerelongandhehadasmallupturnednosethatmadehimseematoncecheekyandcheerful.Longblondhairframedhisface.Heseemedinsanelyhappyconsideringthecircumstances.Ragnarcouldnothelpbutsmileback.‘Yes,’saidRagnar.‘Abitfierce.’‘IamKjeloftheFalconers.’KjelextendedhishandinafriendlyfashionandRagnarshookit.‘Ragnarofthe…Thunderfists.’‘Youdon’tseemverysureofthat.’‘IamnotsurethatthereareanyThunderfistsanymore,’saidRagnarsimply.‘Likethat,isit?’‘Yes.’‘Iassumeyouwerechosenafterthebattleinwhichyourclanwas….harmed.’‘Yes.’‘Itwasagreatbattle?’‘Itwasafierceandhardone.I’mnotsureIwouldcallitgreat.Myvillagewasburned.Mypeople

puttothesword.Mygirl–’‘Yes?’Kjelasked.Heappearedsympathetic.‘Idon’tknow.’‘Bestforgetherthen,’saidthesquatbrutalyouthonthenextpallet.Hesmiledasifheenjoyed

beingthebearerofbadnews.Ragnarcouldseethathisteethwerelargeandsquareandeven.Hisnose

hadbeenbrokenandbadlyset.HisreddishhairwascutinastylethatseemedunusualtoanislanderlikeRagnar,croppedshortandtotheskull.‘You’llneverseeheragain.You’llneverseeanybodyyouknowagain.’‘There’snoneedtosoundsopleasedaboutit,’Ragnarsaid.Theotheryouthshookhisheadand

clenchedhisfist.Itwasnotagestureofmenacethough,Ragnarcouldsee,moreanexpressionofanger.‘ByRuss’sironbollocks,Iamnotpleasedaboutit!Iamnotpleasedaboutanyofthis.Iexpectedto

jointheChosen,toentertheHallofHeroes.InsteadwhatdidIget?SergeantbloodyHakonandhisbloodyspeechabouthowbloodyuselessweallare.’‘Maybeyoushouldtakethatupwithhim,’Kjelsuggestedwithagrin.‘MaybeIwill.Ontheotherhand,afterseeingwhathappenedtoStrybjornandRagnarmaybeI

won’t.AtleastnotuntilIlearnwhatmakeshimsodifferentfromtherestofus.’‘Youthinkthatsomethingmadehimthatway?’Ragnaraskedwithinterest.‘Youdon’tthink…’‘It’sjustwhatI’veheardroundthecampbutitseemsthesurvivorsoftheselittlebandsaretaken

awaytosomeancienttempleandmagicisworkedonthem.TheyaretransformedintobeastsorintomenlikeHakonandRanek.BytheIceBear ’sivorydroppings,I’mbloodyhungry.Whendoyouthinkthey’llfeedus?’‘YouthinkHakonisaman?’saidthefourthmemberofthegroup,theonewholookedtooyoung

tobethere.Ragnarlookedathimclosely.Hisfeatureswerefineandhelookeddelicateandintelligent,morelikeaskaldthanawarrior.‘Imean,thosefangsandeverything.’‘Heissurelynotaghost,’Ragnarsaid.‘Notthewayhehitmetodayanyway.’‘Iwasamazedthatyoualmostgotoutofhisway,’theyounglingsaid.‘Ididn’tthinkanybodycould

dothat.’‘Ragnardidn’t,’thesurlyonesaid.‘Healmostdid.’‘Whichareyou,SvenDragonfireorHenkWinterwolf?’Ragnarasked.‘I’mbloodySven,’theshortsquatonesaid.‘And,bytheIceBear ’ssacredrightbuttock,youhavea

goodmemory.’‘I’mHenk,’saidtheyoungestandrosetoshakehandswiththemall.Ragnarclaspedhands.Sodid

KjelbutSvenmerelylaytherewithhishandsbehindhisheadstaringattheceiling.‘ThatwouldmeanthelastofourbloodymerrylittlebandisStrybjornGrimskull,’saidSven.‘Yes,’Ragnarspat.Evenhewassurprisedbythevenomwhichshowedinhisvoice.Sven’sgrey

eyesflickeredrighttolookathim.‘Youdon’tlikehim,doyou,Ragnar?Why?’‘Hewasoneofthescumwhoattackedmyvillage.’‘That’snotgood,’saidKjel.‘Heshouldbedead.IthoughtIkilledhim,’Ragnarsaid.‘Youdidn’tdoaverygoodbloodyjobthen,’Svensaid.‘Consideringhe’supandwalkingabout–

oratleasthewasuntiloldHakonknockedhimintothelandofdreams.’‘TheWolfPriestsusedtheirmagictohealhim.Theydidthesameforme,’saidRagnar.‘Ithinktheymayhavedonethesameforallofus,’Kjelsaid.Hepulledopenhistunictoreveala

longscarrunningrightacrosshischestanddownacrosshisbelly.‘Idon’tthinkanyonecouldhavesurvivedthewoundthatputmeherewithoutmagic.’‘Howdidyoucometobehere?’Ragnarasked.‘Therewasabattle,’saidKjel.‘Ithinkthatgoeswithoutbloodysaying,’Svensneered.Kjelshothimadisgustedlook.‘Iwaswitharaidingpartygoingdownthegreatglacier.Wewerelookingforsheeptocarryoff–’

‘Sheep!’snortedSven.‘WhatwereyougoingtodowiththemIwonder?’‘Inthevalleysaman’sworthismeasuredbythesizeofhisflocks.’‘I’llbloodywellbetitis,’Svensaid,hisvoiceallinnuendo.‘Anyway,wewereambushedbytheWolfsheadsjustasnightfell.Thebattlewassharpandfierce.I

musthavekilledorwoundedaboutfiveoftheWolfsheadsbeforeoneofthemputhisspearinme.IthoughtitwasalloverthenbutIlookedupandIsawanoldmanlookingdownfromthehillsidejustbeforethedarknesstookme.WhenIwokethesameoldmanwastherebutIwasinoneoftheflyingshipsonmywayhere.Howaboutyou,Sven–whatfeatofgreatheroismdidyouperformtobechosen?’‘Ikilledeightmeninsinglecombat.’‘Eight?Atonce?’‘No.Oneafterthebloodyother.Theywereallbrothers.Theykilledmyuncleandrefusedtopay

weregeldsoIcalledthemoutattheAllthingFeast.TheWolfPriestwatchedwhileIkilledthemandthenhetoldmeIwaschosen.’‘Youweren’twounded?Youdidn’t…die?’‘Eightmendied.Eightgrownmenandwarriors.Theydied,notme.Therewasn’tawoundonme.’‘TrulySven,youmustbeamightywarrior,’Henksaid.‘Truly,’Ragnarsaiddryly.‘Youdon’tbloodywellbelieveme?’saidSvensuddenly.Thelightofviolenceflickeredinhiseyes.‘Ineversaidthat,’Ragnarsaid.‘Afterall,you’reherearen’tyou?’‘Anddon’tyoubloodywellforgetit,’saidSven.‘Whataboutyou,Henk?’Kjelasked.Theyounglingblushedandseemedembarrassed.‘Ifoughtwithatroll,’hesaid.‘Killeditwithmyspear.Ithadkilledmyuncleandallhisbrothers

anditwasalreadywoundedsoitwasn’tthatgreatafeat.’‘TheWolfPriestmusthavethoughtso.’‘HewouldmostlikelyhavekillediteasilyifIhadn’t.’‘Whywashethere?’Svenasked.‘Idon’tknow.Maybeourcroftbeingonfireattractedhisattention.Whocansay?’Ragnarlookedattheyounglinginastonishment.Hehadfacedandkilledthedeadliestcreatureever

towalkthesurfaceofFenrisafterithaddoneforhisfamily,andhetalkedaboutitasifitwerenothing.Indeedheseemedembarrassedabouttakingthecredit.Giventheirtalesitseemedthatallofhiscompanionswereworthyofrespect.EventheGrimskull,perhaps.Therewasagustofwindandalleyespresentturnedtolookattheopendoor.SergeantHakon

entered,carryingthestillunconsciousformofStrybjorn.Hestompedovertoanemptypalletanddumpedhimunceremoniouslyonthestraw.‘Bestgetsomesleep,’Hakonsaid.‘You’llneedallofyourstrengthtomorrow.’Withoutsayinganotherwordhewalkedaroundtheroomandsnuffedthewhale-oillampswithhis

armouredfingersthenhewalkedtothedooragaininthedarkness,pickinghiswayoverrecumbentbodieswithnoapparentdifficulty.Thedoorslammedshutbehindhimtoannouncehisdeparture.Silencefelloverthelonghall.Ragnarlayforalongtimeinthedarknesswonderingwhetherto

takehisknifeandslittheGrimskull’sthroat.Intheendhedecidedagainstit.Hewantedhisfoetobeconsciouswhenhekilledhim.‘Thatstrangegurglingsoundyoucanhearismybloodystomach,’Svenmuttered.‘Bytheballsof

theIceBear,I’mbloodyhungry.’

CHAPTERSEVEN

Ragnarlashedoutwithhiswoodenbaton,catchingStrybjornontheeye.Itwasdeflectedbyhisthick,beetlingbrowandbouncedback.‘Theeye!Mykill!’heshouted,backingaway.Thecirclingofwatchingaspirantsroaredtheirapproval.RagnarriskedaglanceatSergeantHakontoseewhetherhewouldconfirmthekill.TheGrimskullsnarledandstruckoutwithhisownwoodenrod.ThecurvedpointcaughtRagnar

justbelowtheribsandsentalltheairfromhislungs.ItwasthrusthomewithallthestrengthandweightoftheGrimskull’smassivebodybehindit.Thiswasknifepracticeandnoblowswerepulled.Hakondidnotwantthemtogetusedtofightingagainstfoeswhodidnotstrikeashardandfastastherealthing.ThepaindoubledRagnarupandmadehimwanttobesick.Hefeltbarelyabletostand.Hissensesreeled.Allaroundhimhecouldseethegrinning,jeeringfacesoftheotheraspirants.Theywerearrangedinacircletowatchthefight.StrybjornbroughtthebatoncrackingdownonRagnar ’sskull.StarsflaredintheThunderfist

youth’sfieldofvision.Heletoutalonggruntofpainandfelltohisknees.HesawStrybjorndrawbackhisfoottokickhim.Suddenlycold,hardangereruptedfromsomewheredeepwithinRagnar.Heallowedhimselftofall

forwardandatthelastsecondwrappedhisarmsaroundtheGrimskull’slegs.WithaheavehetoppledStrybjornover.Therewasaloudcrackashisfoe’sheadhitoneoftherocksprotrudingfromthesoftturf.RagnarallowedhimselfatriumphantsnarlandcrawledforwardtostraddleStrybjorn’sbody.HetookhisownwoodenbatonandplaceditacrosstheGrimskull’swindpipeandpushedforward,fullyintendingtostopofftheflowofair,andchokehisfoetodeath.Thecrowd’scheeringfilledhisears;obviouslytheydidnotunderstandhisintention.Suddenlyacold,armouredhandgraspedRagnar ’sneckandliftedhimoffStrybjorn.Ragnar

lashedoutwiththebatonbutithitthehardcarapaceofHakon’sarmourandbroke.Thesergeantlookeddownathim.‘Someunorthodoxknifeworkthere,bybothofyou.Still,atleastyouwerefightingasifyou

meantit.’HesetRagnardownonthegroundandglancedoveratStrybjorn.TheGrimskullcoughed,

splutteredandglaredoveratRagnarwitheyesfullofhatred.‘Iwon,’hegasped.‘No,youdidn’t,’Hakonsaid.‘YourlaststrokewouldhavedisembowelledRagnar,sure,butifhe

hadbeenusingarealknifeinsteadofthesecurvedbitsofwoodhislastblowwouldhavepiercedyoureyeandgoneintoyourbrain.’Ragnarallowedhimselfagrinoftriumph.Thecoldclearmountainairtastedsweetwithvictory.

Heevenmanagedtoignorethepaininhisribs.‘Istillwouldhavekilledhimwithmyreturn,’Strybjornsaidsullenly.‘Maybeyouwouldhaveatthat,’Hakonsaid.‘You’refierceenough.’HeturnedtothecrowdandpointedatKjelandoneofthenewcomersRagnardidnotrecognise.

‘Youtwo!Comeon!Wedon’thaveallday.’RagnarglaredoveratStrybjornoncemore,knowingthathewouldhavekilledtheGrimskullfor

sure,ifHakonhadnotintervened.

Ragnarfelthisbreathcomingingasps.Themountainairsuddenlydidnotseemthickenoughtosustainhim.Theearlymorningchillbitintohisflesh.Hisheartbeatsoundedloudinhisears.Sweatrandownhisbrowandstunghiseyes.Hislongblackhairwasplasteredtohisforehead.Hislegsfeltlikejelly.Theslopebeforehimseemedendless.‘Comeon!’SergeantHakonyelled.‘Youcandobetterthanthis.Thisisjustonelittlehillock.’KjelcameabreastofRagnarandmanagedasicklygrin.‘Easyforhimtosay.We’renotallhalf

goatandhalfwolf,’hepanted.‘Saveyourbreathforrunning,’Ragnargaspedout.‘Remember,lastonetothetophastodoitall

again.’‘I’dbetterleaveyoubehindthen,’Kjelsaidandlopedahead,hislongstridecoveringthebroken

groundswiftly.Ragnarmusteredthelastofhisstrengthandchargedon,thinkingthatKjelhadbeenright.Thesergeanthadmadeitlookeasy.Hehadstartedafterthem,buteveninhisheavyarmourhadswiftlyovertakenthelightlycladaspirants.Hehadreachedthetopofthehillwhiletheywereonlyhalfwayupandnowhestoodthere,lookingutterlyunweariedandbellowingatthem.Whatwashissecret,Ragnarwondered.‘Comeon!Run!’shoutedHakon.Ragnarriskedaglanceoverhisshoulder.Alongwaybelow

them,inthelowvalley,hecouldseeRussvik.Itlookedtinyfromthisheight.Theyhadcoveredanenormousdistancesofar.Seeingthesmallfiguresofhisfellowsstrungoutbehind,hewasgratefultorealisethatatleasthewasnotlast.Andhe’dbettermakesurethathestayedthatway.Onshakylegshestumbledwearilyontowardsthebrowofthehill.

‘Whoamongyoucanhunt?’SergeantHakonasked.Abouthalfadozenwearyvoicesansweredintheaffirmative.Theywerealltired.Forthepastweekitseemedtheyhaddonenothingbuthardphysicalexercise.TheyhadrunuptothetopofthehillsoverlookingthecampsooftenthatRagnarfeltasifhecoulddoitinhissleep.Theyhadchoppedwood.Theyhadrunupthehillcarryingalogofthewoodtheyhadchopped.ThosewhohadnotbeenfastenoughforHakon’slikingweremadetodoitagainandagainuntiltheycollapsedwithexhaustion.Theyhaddoneendlessexerciseswhichhadcontortedtheirbodiesandpushedtheirphysical

endurancetothelimits,leavingthemgaspingforbreathonthecoldgroundastheirmusclesspasmedandconvulsed.Theyhaddrilledwithspearanddagger.Theyhadbeenshownhowtofightwiththeaxestheyusedforchoppingwood.Theyhadthrownspearsatstrawmen.Thebitsthathadinvolvedfightingorpractisingtofighthadbeenalmostenjoyable,Ragnar

thought,andhehadexcelledatthem.HehadalwaysbeenchosenasthebestinhisgroupoffivetofacethebestoftheotherClaws.ItwassomethingthatseemedtorankleStrybjornandSvenbuttherewasnothingtheycoulddoaboutit.Hehadconsistentlybestedtheminpractice.Withweaponshewasbetterthaneither.Atwrestlingtheyhadrepaidhimfortheknockshehadgiventhemwiththebluntedweapons.Bothofthemwerestrongandquickandcruel.Ragnarhopedthatsoontheywouldstartpractisingwithrealedgedweapons.Thentherewouldbe

anaccidentandStrybjornGrimskullwouldgotogreethisancestorsknowingthatRagnarhadsenthimthere.‘Surelymoreofyouthanthatknowhowtohunt?’Hakonsaidwithasneer.Theaspirantsalllooked

ateachotherwarily.Theyhadlearnednottomakeclaimstothesergeant.ItusuallyendedupwithextradutiesoraseveredrubbingwhentheirlevelofcompetencedidnotreachHakon’sexaltedexpectations.

‘Well,ifnoneofyouknowhowtohunt,Isupposewewillhavetoteachyou.It’stheonlywayyou’reevergoingtoseemeatagain.’

Thelittlebandofhuntersmovedinsinglefileupthelongrockypath.Ragnarturnedandlookedbackthewaytheyhadcome.Thechillwindwhippedhislongblackhairaroundhisface.Thecloudsscurryingacrosstheskyseemedsomehowcloserthanever.Atleast,though,theywerewhiteandintermittent,notdarkandheavywiththethreatofrain.Hesniffedtheairandcaughtthescentofpine.Strangestofalltohimwastheabsenceofthesaltyseatanghehadknownallhislife.Farbelowthem,Russvikwasvisibleasatinycollectionofhutssurroundedbyitswoodenparapet

andthedeepditch.Allaroundthemmassivepeaksloomedskywards.Hewasbreathinghard.Theyallwere.Histhighsfeltlikejellyfromtheprolongedeffortofclimbingthesteepslope.Hiskneesfeltweak.Hisfacewasflushed.Itwasarelieftoseethatnoneoftheotherslookedanybetter.Allthatrunningupanddownthenearerhillsstartedtomakesensenow.Ragnardoubtedthatanyof

themcouldhavemadeittothisheightwithoutrestiftheyhadnotbeenpreparedforitbythetraining.Itwasexhilaratingthough.TheyhadcomefurtherinthepastdaythanithadbeenpossibletowalkwithoutgoingintotheseaonRagnar ’shomeisland,andtheyhadbarelyseenatinyfractionofthisvastland.Itseemedtogoonforever.Thepillarsofthepeaksseemedtosupportthedomeofaskythatlayinfinitelyfarabovethem.Thecloudsweregreyish-whiteandpregnantwiththethreatofsnow.Strangetreescoveredthehills.Theyhadneedlesinsteadofleavesandconesofwoodlitteredthegroundbeneaththem.Theyhadbeentaughtthatifthoseconeswereopenitwasmostlikelygoingtorain.Iftheywereclosedtheweathermightstayfine.ItwasanotherpartofthestrangeloretheyhadbeentaughtinRussvik.Largebirdsnestedinthosetrees.Svenhadalreadysuggestedforagingupthereforeggsbuttheothershadwantedtopushon,tofindsomethingbigger,adeerorawildgoatthattheycouldtakebackandshowofftotheotherClaws.ThiswasthefirsttimeRagnar ’sClawhadbeendispatchedtohunt.Itwasconsideredanhonourto

betrustedbeyondsightofRussvikontheirown,whichinitselfwasgalling,acuttinginsulttotheprideofthefierceyoungwarriors.NonehaddaredtocomplaintoSergeantHakonthattheywerebeingtreatedlikechildren.Now,theywereconfidentoftheirnewfoundskills.Theyhadspentmanydaysbeingtaughtbasicsurvivaltechniques.HowtosurviveinthehowlingAsaheimblizzards.Howtofindtheirwaybythestarsalone.Ragnarhadfoundthelastquiteeasy,beingusedashewastotravellingatsea.Granted,thestarshereinAsaheimwereslightlydifferent,buttheconstellationswerethesame.Theyhadbeentaughthowtolightfiresquicklyandefficiently.Howtomakelean-tosfrombranches,togivethematleastsomeshelterfromtheharshelements.Theyhadbeenshownthebasicsoftrackinginthewilds.Itwasnotallthatdifficulttomaster.Theynowknewtolookfortheplacesthebeastscametodrink,andtokeeptheireyesopenfortracks.Theyknewhowtobuildsnaresforrabbitsandharesandothersmallanimals.Thosewhohadneverlearnedweretaughthowtogutananimal,stripoffthepelt,slitthebellyandlettheentrailspourout.OnceagainRagnar,whohadbeenguttingfishallhislife,founditeasy.Now,armedwiththeirspearsandshieldsanddaggers,theyhadbeensentoutintothewilds.Itwas

assimpleasthat.Theyweretogoandtheywerenottocomebackuntiltheyhadhuntedfreshfoodtoeat,orlostawarriortrying.ItseemedthattrainingtobeaWolfconsistedofbeingthrownintothewater,andthenthrashingaboutuntilyoulearnedtoswim.ToRagnar,itseemedthattheattitudeofHakonandtheothersbackinRussvikwasthattherewereplentymoreinitiateswheretheycamefrom.ItwasRagnar ’sdutytoprovehimself,andherealisedthatnooneelsewouldlookafterhimnow.Infact,insomewaysRagnarwasgladtobeoutfromunderthewatchingeyeofHakon.Hewas

happythattheClawhadbeensentoutonitsown.HeknewthatbeforethistripwasovertherewaseverychancethatStrybjornwouldhaveafatalaccident.CertainlyhewouldifRagnarhadanythingto

dowithit.HeturnedandlookedbackattheGrimskullandnoticedwithoutmuchsurprisethatStrybjornwaslookingathim.Ragnarshiveredalittlemeetinghisenemy’sburninggaze.ItwasalltoopossiblethattheGrimskullwasthinkingexactlythesameabouthim.Withadullgrunt,Ragnarrealisedthathewasgoingtohavetobecarefulouthereinthewilderness.Hecouldbetheonewhomightfallfromoneofthecliff-sidepathsorfindhimselfinthepathofanavalancheifhedidnotwatchout.Rightnow,though,hewasincharge.SergeantHakonhaddecidedthatRagnarwastheonebestsuitedtogivingorderstotheClaw.SofartherehadbeennotproblemsfromKjelorHenk.OnlySvenandStrybjornhadgrumbled.Pausinginhisstride,Ragnarlookedupatthesky.Theredsunwasstartingtosinkinthewest.The

skythereonthefarhorizonwasthecolourofblood,crimsonlightfilteringthroughthecloudcanopytogivethemountainsadistinctlysinisterlook.ItseemedtoRagnaralltoopossiblethatthisplacecouldbethehauntoftrollsorothermorehideousandsavagebeasts.Talesofacreaturecalledthewulfenhadbeenrifeinthecampoverthepastfewdays.Noonewasexactlysurewhohadstartedtellingthehorrorstories,butiftherewasanytruthinthetalesofdismembermentandgrislydeath,thenthewulfenwasabeasttobefearedindeed.RagnarsuspectedthatthescaremongeringwasprobablytheworkofHakon.Thisdreadcreaturewassaidtobeamonster,partmanandpartwolf,andwhollyfierce.Near

invulnerabletonormalweapons,thetalesclaimed.Thestoriesspokeofawulfen-daemonwhichcreptintoRussvikandcarriedoffaspirants.Noonewassurewhetherthiswasthecaseornot,althougheveryoneknewthatafewdaysagoanaspirantcalledLokahadvanishedwhileonsentryduty.Noonewassurewhetherhehadsimplydesertedhispost.Itwaspossiblethathehadbeenspiritedawaybytrollsorevilsorcerers.Butsomehow,talesofthewulfenhadgonearound.Hakonandtheotherleadershadarmedthemselvesandgoneoff,followingatrailthatseeminglyonlytheywiththeirheightenedsensescoulddiscern.Iftheyhadfoundanythingtheyhadnotsaid.Ragnarguessedfromthesetoftheirshouldersandthegrimexpressionsontheirfaceswhentheyreturnedthattheyhadnotfoundanything.Theirhunthadbeeninvain.Now,inthegatheringgloom,withsuchtalescrowdinginonhistiredmind,Ragnartriednotto

thinkofwhatmonstersmightlieinwaitfortheminthismightymountainrange.Afewmilesbacktheyhadpassedacave.ItcouldhaveprovidedthemwithshelterfortheeveningbutasifbycommonconsentthewholeClawhadwalkedpastitwithoutsayingaword.Noneofthemwantedtoencounterwhatmightalreadybeshelteredinthecave.Chanceswerethattherewouldbenothing,butwhoknew?Theremightbeatroll,awizard,abearorawulfen.NotevenSvenorStrybjornseemedinclinedtogoandfindout.Ragnarwasgladtheyhadcollectedfirewoodearlier.Eventually,withduskwelladvanced,hechose

alikelysitetomakecamp.Nearby,asmallstreamtinkleddowntheslope,bringingthemwater.Itrandowntotheboulder-strewnshingleshoreofasmalllakeatthefarendoftheclearing.Thestill,blackwaterslookedasdeepastheocean,andRagnarwonderedwhetheritwouldyieldfishforthemtoeat.Fortonight,though,theywouldmakedowithwhatprovisionstheyhad,asnightwasdrawingswiftlyon.RagnarorderedKjelandHenktobegintobuildthefirewhileStrybjornandSvencollectedbranchestobuildamakeshiftshelterforthenightastheyhadbeentaughtatRussvik.Hehimselfwandereddowntothestreamandbegantocollectwater.Hewantedtotaketheopportunitytobeapartfromtheothersforalittlewhile,andalsosimplytomaketimetostudytheirsurroundings.Eveninthegatheringtwilight,ashesurveyedthewildhills,therockycanyonsandsweeping

forestswhichstretchedawayforcountlessleaguesineverydirection,Ragnarfeltcertainthatifitwerenotforthebeastsandmonstersthatweresaidtohauntthissavageland,amancouldbehappyhere.Henoddedsilentapprovalathisownthoughts.Here,onthemountainside,therewasspaceenoughforafreeholding,therewaswaterandtherewaswood.Fromwhattheothershadsaid,such

hillswouldmakegoodgrazingforsheeporgoats.Amancouldraiseafamilyhere,liveinpeace.Perhapsevenfindadegreeofcontentment,anescapefromhatredandstrife.Withthat,Ragnar ’sthoughtsreturnedtoAna,andhefeltthenowfamiliarsadnesswellingwithinhissoul.LookingbackuptheslopeatStrybjornhefeltsorrowturntobitterhate.RagnarwasgoingtomaketheGrimskullpay.Thatwastheonecertaintyinhislifenow.Snarling,Ragnarplungedhiswaterskinintothestreamangrily,almostasifitweretheGrimskull’s

head,whichheintendedtokeepbeneaththesurfaceuntiltheflowofsilverybubblesstoppedonceandforall.AsheforcedthewaterskinintotheicystreamRagnargaspedatthebitingcold.Thewaterwassochillitseemedtoburnhimtothebone.Withinsecondshishandswerenumb.Forcinghimselftoendurethepain,Ragnarpulledthedrippingsackup,andscowledatthedistantpeaks.Thiswasmeltwater,Ragnarrealised,flowingfromthesnowsofthemountains.Itwascolderbyfarthanthestufffoundineventhedeepestwellsoftheislands.Suchthoughtsabruptlyremindedhimthathewasalongwayfromhome.Notthathehadahometo

gobackto.Ragnar ’sharshlaughterechoedamongstthedarkeningshadows.

Thefirewasbuilt.Theshadowsgatheredaroundthelean-to.StrybjornandSvenhadputtogetheraveryserviceableshelterfromtheevergreenbrancheswhichtheyhadrippedfromthetoweringtreesaroundtheclearing.Thecookingpotwasfilledwithbubblingoatmeal,theonlyfoodtheycarriedwiththem.Eachhadasackofthestuffandsomesalt.Itwasnotexactlyappetisingbutitwouldbefilling,onceithadbeenladledoutintothewoodenbowlswhichtheycarriedintheirpacks.Ragnarglancedaroundthefire,seeingthefacesofhiscompanionsalteredstrangelybythe

flickeringunderlight.Itchangedtheanglesoftheirfaces,madethemseemsubtlydifferent.Sodidthesetting.InthefewdaystheyhadbeeninRussvik,Ragnarhadbecomeusedtothecamp.Evenwithitsprivationsandhardships,ithadsomehowbecometheplacehewasusedtoassociatingwithhisnew-foundcompanions.Nowtheyweresomewhereelse,yetanotherstrangeanddifferentplaceandinsomeway,thischangedtheminhismindtodifferentpeople.Tostrangers.Thefullmoonhademergedbrightandwelcoming.Thewolf-facewasvisibleonitssurface,a

greatpatchofshadowroughlytheshapeofasnarlingwolf’shead.ItwassaidthatRusshimselfhadputhispetwolfGreymanetheretowatchoverhisworlduntilhisreturn.Asifinanswertothesight,somewhereinthedistancecameaterrifyinghowling,asoundofunsurpassablelonelinessandhunger.AlloftheClawlookedateachother.‘It’sonlyawolf,’Kjelsaidwithwhatwasclearlymeanttobeanencouraginggrin.Itwouldhave

beenalotmoreconvincinghadtheyouth’sfacenotseemedsopaleinthemoonlight.‘RussknowsI’veheardenoughofthem.Theyusedtoworryoursheepsomethingfierceinthevalleys.’‘I’llbetthat’snottheonlythingthatworriedyourbloodysheep,’saidSvennastily.‘Whatdoyoumeanbythat?’BeforeSvencouldreplythewolf’showlwasansweredfromtheothersideofthevalley.Thelong

wailingnoteechoedoverthedistanceanddrovethoughtsofanythingelsefromRagnar ’smind.Itseemedtobethesignalforawholechorusofhowls.Fromeverypeak,orsoitseemed,hugewolvesbayedatthemoon.‘Apackisouthunting,’Kjelsaid.‘Youdon’tsay,’Strybjornsaid.‘Iwouldneverhadbloodyguessed,’addedSven.‘That’senough,’Ragnarsaidtestily.‘Don’tworry,’Kjelsaid.‘Wolvesrarelyattackarmedmen.Theywon’tusuallycomenearafire

either.Unlessthey’restarvingordesperate.’

‘Idon’tknowaboutthem,’Svensaid,‘but,bytheIceBear ’sblessedrightbuttock,I’mcertainlybloodystarving.Iftheycomenearme,I’llskinandeatthem!’‘Sowhatelseisnew?’Ragnarsaid.Allthesame,hehadtoagreewithSven.‘Henk,serveupthe

gruel.’‘Surely,’agreedtheyoungestaspirant,leaningforwardandbeginningtoladletheporridgeinto

theiroutstretchedbowls.‘InRuss’sname,whatIwouldn’tgiveforanicebitoffish,’saidSven.‘Orchicken,’saidStrybjorn.‘Ormutton,’Kjelsaid.Thesoundofthebayingincreased.‘Itseemslikethewolvesagreewithyou,’Ragnarsaid.Noonelaughed.

Itwaslate.Thesoundofthewolveshadrecededintothedistance.Perhapstheyhadfoundotherprey,Ragnarthought.Orperhapstheyweremerelysilentlyandstealthilyapproaching.Fromthemakeshiftsheltersonthefarsideofthefirecamethesoundofsnoring.Itwasloudandwheezing,acombinationofablacksmith’sbellowsandahacksawraspingonalog.ItwasalmostenoughtodriveallthoughtsofsleepfromRagnar ’smind.Ragnarstaredoutwardawayfromthefire,asHakonhadtaughtthem.Nosenseinruiningyour

nightvisionwhenyouwereonwatch.Heclutchedhisspearfirmlyinhishands,wonderingwhathewoulddoifthewolvesorsomevilemonsterofthedarkattacked.Therewasastrangeeeriequalitytothismountainnightquiteunlikeanythinghehadknownbackhome.Perhapsitwasthesenseofvastnessandemptinessofthemountainswhichsomehowsuggested

therewasaplaceouthereforanythingnomatterhowinhumanoreviltohide.Backontheisland,Ragnarhadfeltitwaspossibletoknowvirtuallyeverythingabouttherockyoutcrophistribehadlivedanddiedon.Asboys,whentheyhadgonecamping,theywereneverfarfromthevillage,andhadinevitablyroamedacrosslandwhichtheyhadseenorplayedonahundredtimesbefore.Hereamongthemountains,Ragnarfeltthatamanmightwanderforahundredlifetimesandstillnotseeeverything.Itwasafrighteningandinspiringthought.Ragnarwondered,though,athowquicklyhehadadapted.Despitethestrangeandaliennatureof

theplace,herecognisedthathehadswiftlybecomeusedtolivinginRussvik,tothefacesofhisnewcompanions,tothelifeoftrainingandharshdiscipline.Thereweretimesnowwhenhislifeontheislandsalreadyseemedlikeadream,andallthepeoplehehadonceknownlittlemorethanphantoms.HadhereallyoncestrodethedecksoftheSpearofRussduringastorm?Hadheoncehaulednetsfulloffishfromthesea?Hadhewatchedorcaharpoonedandseadragonsslaughtered?Intellectuallyheknewhehad.Inhisheart,though,itwassometimeshardtofeelitasrealanymore.

Whatwashedoingheresittingonamountainsideinthedark,gazingintothegloom?Hehadnoproperidea.Hehadnorealnotionwhyhehadbeenchoseneither.Hehadsimplylivedwhileothershaddiedorbeencarriedawayintoslavery.Thatthoughtbroughtrawemotionsscreamingtohismindoncemore.Hesuddenlyremembered

thedeadandthedyingandthegirlthatmighthavebeenAnabeingcarriedoffbytheGrimskullfleet.TheknowledgethatoneofthoseresponsiblewaslyingsnoringnottwentystridesawaymadehimwanttoshoutwithrageortakehisspearandplungeitintoStrybjorn’sbelly.Hecouldalmostpicturedoingit,almostfeeltheglowofsatisfactionhewouldgetasheboredownwithallhisweightonthewornshaftanddrovethebrightpointofhardenedsteelhomeinsoftandyieldingflesh.Ragnar ’slipscurledintoasnarl,andhewassotemptedtogetupanddoitthereandthen–whenheheardthesoftpaddingoffeetcomingtowardshim.Instinctivelyhebroughthisspearupintothereadyposition,butaglancetoldhimthattheapproachingshadowwasonlyKjel.

Kjelsquatteddownbesidehim.‘Mayaswellendyourwatch,’hesaid.‘Ican’tgetanysleeprightnowanywaywiththatpairsnoringlikethunder.’‘Yousure?’Ragnarasked.‘You’renottootired?’‘MaybeifIgettiredenoughI’llbeabletosleeplater.’Ragnarnoddedbutdidnotmove.Hewasnottiredhimselfandhefeltliketalking.Hefeltcertain

thatunlesstheyshoutedneitherhenorKjelwouldwakethesleepers.‘Thisisastrangeplace,’hesaideventually.‘Thisvalleyorthesemountains?’‘Thisland.Ihaveneverseenanythingquitelikeit.Anyoneofthesemountainsseemslargerthan

theislandonwhichIgrewup.’‘Theyprobablyare,inaway.Ortheymightwellbethesamesizeatleast.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘I’vehearditsaidthattheislandswereoncemountainsthathavebeenswallowedbytheseasothat

onlytheirtipsnowstandabovethewaters.’‘Thatisastrangestory.’‘Itispartofanoldlegend.ItissaidthatinthedaysbeforethecomingofRussthereweremany

morelands,eachaslargeasAsaheim,butthentheFloodcameanditrainedforahundredyearsandallthelandssaveAsaheimweredrowned.It’ssaidthatseadaemonsliveamongtheruinsofdrownedcities,eachaslargeasanisland.’‘Doyoubelievethat,Kjel?’‘Whynot?Itmaybetrue.Ontheotherhanditmaynot.Mypeoplearenotgreatseafarers.They

liveamongthevalleysbeneaththegreatglaciersandspendtheirdaysmakingwarandhunting.’‘Ihaveheardtheonlytimethepeopleoftheglaciertakeashipoutofsightoflandistovisitthe

islandsoftheIronMasters.’‘Thatismoreorlesstrue.Whywouldanyonewanttosailoutofsightoflandanyway?Thesea

daemonswouldsurelytakethem.’‘Ihavealsoheardthatthepeopleoftheglacierarewell…cannibals.’Kjellaughed.‘Really?Ihadalwayshearditwastheislandersthatateeachother.Notenoughfood

onthosesmallislands.’‘There’salwaysfishandorcameat,’Ragnarspat.Hewasangryatbeingaccusedofcannibalism.

Ontheotherhand,hehadmoreorlessaccusedKjelofthesamethingsowhatrighthadhetobeoffended?Inthedarkness,hegrinnedattheironyoftheirlegends.Attheirignorance.‘Youwererightaboutthisvalleythough,’Kjelsaid.‘Thereisabadfeelingaboutit.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Idon’tknow.Somethingaboutitmakesmyfleshcrawl.It’slikethere’ssomethingoutthere,

watchingus.’‘Wolves?’‘Maybe.Maybetrollsornightgangers.’Ragnarshivered.‘Haveyoueverseennightgangers?’‘No,butIknewamanoncewhohad.Twistedevilthingstheywere,withglowingskin.Theydwell

intheoldplacesbeneaththeearth,soitissaid,andemergetofeastonhumanflesh.ItisalsosaidthattheyworshipthedarkonesofChaos.’‘I’veneverheardofsuchthings.Weshouldnottalkofthem.’Ragnarmadeaprotectivegestureof

wardingagainstevil.‘Youliveontheislands.Theseaiscleanofsuchfilth.’Ragnarnodded.DespitetheshiveroffearKjel’swordshadcausedhestretchedandyawned.Hewas

suddenlytired.

Hecasthimselfdownbythefireandfellintoahauntedsleep.Hedreamedofmanystrangeandterriblethings.Hedreamedoftheblindwormsthatswarmedontheocean’sbottomandgnawedattherootsofislands.Hedreamedoftwistednightgangers,andmonstrouswolves.Hedreamedofahugebeastintheshapeofamanbutwiththeheadofawolf.Themeresightofitinhisdreamsnappedhimtoconsciousnessandhesatupsuddenly,glaringaroundwithhauntedeyesandahammeringheart.Suddenlyfeartwistedhisgut,foritseemedtohimthatthere,justoutsidethefirelightstoodthe

creatureofwhichhehadjustbeendreaming.Heshookhisheadtoclearit,hopingthatwhathewaslookingatwasjustsomesimpleafter-imagefromhisdreambutitwasnot.Itstillstoodoutthere,inthedark,anditwasasrealasRagnarhimself.Ragnarfrozeforamomentandstudiedit.No.Itwasnotexactlylikethethinginhisdream.Itdid

nothavethewolf-likehead.Insteadhecouldseethatitsbodywasmonstrousandmisshapen.Hugehornedspikesprotrudedfromitsflesh,andaddedajagged,spikyqualitytothesilhouette.Itsheadwasmassive,withahugejawandenormousprotrudingbat-likeears.Itseyesglowedwithaneeriegreenishlight.SlowlyitdawnedonRagnarthathewasprobablylookingatatroll.Acreatureofthemostevilandhorrifyingtales.Andmostlikelyahungrytroll,foritwasslowlyadvancingtowardsthefirelight.WherewasKjel,Ragnarwondered,orwhoeverinRuss’snamewassupposedtobeonguard?Not

thatitmatteredmuchanyway.Hewasgoingtohavetodosomethinghimself.Stealthilyhereachedoutforhisspearandshield,prayingsoftlytoRussthatthetrolldidnotnoticehismovements.Heletoutaslowsighofreliefoncehehadhisweaponsnestledwithinhisfist,androsequietlyinto

afightingcrouch.Inthefirelight,hecouldseethattheothersstillslept.StrybjornandSvensnoredloudly.Kjellaybythefire.Henksatfacingoutintothedarkness,butthewayhisheadlaydownagainsthischesttoldRagnarthattheboywasasleep.Herealisedthatitwasgoingtobeuptohimtodistractthecreaturewhilehiscompanionsmade

ready.Andherealisedthathewasgoingtohavetodoitsoon.Buthold,partofhismindwhispered,perhapsifhewaitedthecreaturemighttakeStrybjornandworkhisvengeanceforhim.Ragnar ’slipstwistedinasickgrin.Thiswasagoodthought,partofhismindwhisperedtohim.No,hetoldhimself.Thatwasnotthewaytodothis.Hewantedtokillhisfoehimself,notslaythe

Grimskullscumbyanactoftreachery.And,anyway,therewasnoguaranteethatthetrollwouldtakeStrybjorn.Itmighttakeoneoftheothers,andhehadtoadmitthattheywerefastbecominghisfriends.Themonsterwasalmostatthefire,andRagnarknewthatthetimeforactionhadcome.‘Awake!’he

bellowed.‘Awake!Atrollisuponus!’Asheshoutedhesprangtohisfeet,andlaunchedhimselfforwardinthedirectionofthetroll.At

closerange,bythelightofthefirehecouldseeitbetter.Hecouldmakeoutthescaly,leatherylizard-likeskinandtheslimethatdrippedfromit,glisteninginthemoonlight.Thecreaturegavetheimpressionofhavingrecentlybeenwet,asifithadjustcomefromthenearbylake.Ragnarclosedtherangequickly.Thethingwasevenbiggerandmoreterrifyingcloseup.Itwas

nearlytwiceastallasRagnarandmuch,muchheavier.Itschestwasasmuscledasthatofthebiggestbear,anditswebbedfingeredhandswerealmostaslargeashisshield.Eachfingerendedinadagger-sizedtalon.Itopeneditsmouthandletoutanear-piercingbellow.Ragnarcouldseethatitsmouthwaslinedwithrowuponrowofhugesharpteeth.Helashedoutwithhisspear,hopingtopierceoneofthelarge,bowl-likeeyes,butthecreatureturneditsheadandRagnar ’sblademerelygrazeditscheek.ToRagnar ’shorror,evenashewatched,theleatheryskinbegantoknititselfbacktogetherwithahideoussuckingsound.Thisdoesnotlookgood,hethought.Thetrollstruckbackathim.Ragnarduckedbeneathablowthatwouldhavetornhisheadoffhadit

connectedandstabbedforwardatthething’sgroin.Hewasrewardedwithaneeriehigh-pitched

screechthatalmostdeafenedhim.Thethingretaliatedwithanotherpowerfulblow.Ragnarraisedhisshield,anglingitinanefforttodeflectatleastpartoftheimpact.Heguessedhewassuccessfulbutstilltheforceoftheblowsenthimtumblingbackwards.Helandedbesidethefireandsmelledthestinkofburninghairaspartofhisblackmanecaughtalight.Theimpactoftheblowlefthimfeelingdazedandweakbuthepulledhimselfuprightandglancedaroundtoseewhattheothersweredoing.Allofthemwereawakenowandhadgrabbedtheirweaponsandshields.EvenasRagnarwatched,

Kjeldrewbackhisspearandcastit.Itflewstraightandtrue,directlyintooneofthecreature’shugeeyes.Ragnar ’sheartleapt.Thatwasakillingcast,ifeverhehadseenone.Hewaitedforthetrolltokeeloveranddie,butitdidnosuchthing.Instead,itreachedupandgrabbedthespear.Itsclumsyattempttopullthethingclearmerelybroketheshaftandleftthebladeembeddedinitseyeball.Nowithissedinanger,likeagiantserpent.Thesoundwaspetrifying.StrybjornandSvenleaptforward,spearsstabbing.Thekeenironbladesbitintothetroll’sleathery

hide.Greenishbloodflowedforthforamomentbutyetagainthewoundsbegantohealunnaturallyquickly.ThetrollreachedforwardandgrabbedSvenwithitsmassivehand.RagnarcouldseebloodflowingfromwherethetalonshadpiercedSven’sfleshbutSvenshowednosignofpain.‘Takethis,youhell-spawnedtrolldog!’heshoutedandbroughthisspearroundanddownintothe

tendonsofthetroll’shand.Itbellowedinpainanddroppedhim.Forabrief,terriblemomentRagnarfearedthatSvenwasabouttobetrampledbeneaththemonster ’shugefeetbuthemanagedtorolltooneside.Strybjornmeanwhilehadsprungforwardandtookthethingcleaninthechest.Hisspearpassedupwardsunderitsribsandburieditselfdeepinthechestcavitywhereaman’sheartwouldhavebeen.Otherthanscreamingyetlouderthetrollgavenosignoftopplingover.Couldnothingstopthisthing,Ragnarwondered?Hebegantoknowfear.Thenhenoticedsomethingelse.Strangefumeswerewaftingoutfromtheareaofthecreature’s

piercedstomachandtheshaftofStrybjorn’sspearhadstartedtomeltaway.Ofcourse,Ragnarremembered,inallthetalesthedigestivejuicesoftrollsweresupposedtobesoacidicthattheycouldeatthroughsolidstone.Thingsweregoingfrombadtoworse.Withaback-handedswipe,themonstrousbeastsentStrybjorntumblingthroughtheairtocrashtothegroundalmosttenstridesaway.Thathadtohurt,hethought.UndernormalcircumstanceshewouldhavebeenexultantovertheGrimskull’spossibledemisebutherealisedthathereandnowtheyneededeverysinglewarrior.Sofartheyhadnotevensucceededinslowingthemonsterdown.‘Weneedtousefire!’Henkshouted.‘What?’‘Weneedtousefire.That’showIkilledthetrolllasttime.Imanagedtolureitintotheblazing

croft.Itswoundswon’tcloseiftheyarecausedbyfire.’SlowlyHenk’swordspiercedRagnar ’sbrain.Thatmadesense.Firewasmankind’sbestdefence

againstmanyofthehorrorsofthedarkandhehadoftenheardoldImogrim’staleofhowthemenofJarlKrakihaddrivenoffoneofthemonsterswithflamingtorchesandarrows.Hereacheddownandgrabbedabrandfromthefire,swingingitaroundhisheadtofantheflames.AsthebrandblazedupRagnarreturnedtothefray,withHenkrightbyhisside.Henktooboreafirebrand.Thetrollwasstoopeddownnow,reachingfortherecumbentSvenwho,scrabblingdesperatelyfor

afootholdinthestonysoil,justkeptthehideousmonsteratbaybyjabbingfrenziedlyatitsoneremaininggoodeyewithhisspear.Ragnarracedupandwavedthebrandinthetroll’sface.Itturnedtowardshimwithanalmightyroar.Ragnarcouldn’thelpbutnoticeasitsstagnantbreathwashedoverhimthatitsmelledlikerottingfish.Thestenchmadehimgag.Helashedoutwithhisfirebrandandcontactedflesh.Itsizzledandburnedandblackenedbutdidnotheal.PraisebetoRuss,thoughtRagnar,Henkhadbeenright.AbluroffirefromthecornerofhiseyetoldRagnarthatKjelhadjoinedthefray.Hecouldseethe

Falconerwieldedablazingbitofwoodineachhand.Whereverhetouchedtrollflesh,thethingburnedanddidnotheal.Thetrollhadturnednowlikeabeastatbay.Thebrandsconfusedit,anditwasnothelpedbytheblindnessofoneeye.Henkgaveashoutoftriumphandleaptforwardtosmitethemonsteracrosstheface,leavingagreatblackweal.‘Takethis,beast,’hecriedandlaughedvictoriously.Thetroll’sansweringbellowdrownedouthis

voice.ItreacheddownandpickedHenkup.Itstalonsbitintohisflesh,severingthearmthatheldthetorch.Itpushedtheboy’sheadintoitsenormouscavern-likemouthandthenbitdown.BloodgoutedandHenk’sscreamendedashisheadwasseveredandswallowedwhole.Ragnarstoodforamomentamazedwithshock.HecouldnotquitebelievethatHenkwasdead.One

momenttheyouthhadbeenthere,aliveandfighting.Nowhewasgone.Deathhadreachedoutanddecapitatedhim.TheterriblerealisationfilledRagnarthatthesamethingcouldeasilyhappentohim,thatthetroll,thoughwounded,wasstillacreatureofvastpower,andmightquicklyslaythemall.ItwasobviousthatthesamethoughthadoccurredtoeveryothermemberoftheClawfortheystoodfrozen,uncertainofwhattodo.TheurgetoturnandfleefilledRagnarbutheknewthatifhedidso,theotherswouldrunaswell,andthatHenk’sdeathwouldgounavenged.Worseyet,itwasquitepossiblethatthetrollwouldovertakethemandkillthemastheyfled.Inasecondofdecision,Ragnarrealisedthat,scaredthoughhewas,hewasnotgoingtorun.‘Comeon,youdogs!’heroared.‘Bestdiewithyourwoundstothefore,ifyou’regoingtodieat

all.’Theothersrespondedtohiscry.Svenclamberedtohisfeetandbegantostabthetroll.Kjelclosed

inwithhistorchwhileRagnarcameonfromtheotherside.Strybjornhadrisentohisfeet,andhetoohadacquiredafirebrand.Surroundedonallsidesbythehatedflames,dazedanddazzledandinpainfromitswoundedeye,thetrollturnedatbayandfled,followingthestream,stillclutchingHenk’sheadlesscorpseinitshugepaw.Bloodsplashedintotheicywaters,blackinthestarkmoonlight.Ragnarandtheothersfolloweditoverthebrokenground,brandsblazingbrighterastheair

whippedpast.Itwasaswiftbutvainpursuit.Forallitsvastsizeandlumberingappearancethetroll’sstridewasmuchlongerthantheirs.Itreachedthewatersofthelakeandplungedin,leavingatrailoffoaminitswake.Ragnarandtheothershaltedatthewater ’sedgeandwatchedasitwadedslowlyoutintothedeep.Atlastitsheadvanishedbeneaththesurfaceanditwasgone.‘Doyouthinkitdrowned?’Strybjornasked.‘No.’Kjelreplied.‘Trollscanlivebeneaththewater.Itslairisprobablydownthere.’‘Canweswimoutandkillit?’Svenasked.‘How?’Ragnarsaid.‘Torcheswon’tburnunderwater.’‘Butit’sgotbloodyHenk,’Svenreplied.‘Henkisdead.Andthere’snothingwecandoherenow.’Stilltheystoodbythewater ’sedgeandwatcheduntilthesuncameup.Thetrolldidnotreappear.‘Whatnow?’askedKjel.‘WegobacktoRussvikandrecountwhathappened,’saidRagnar.Hewasnotlookingforwardto

that.Afterall,hewastheleaderoftheClawandHenkhadbeenhisresponsibility.Allofthemexchangedlooks.Ragnarfeltasiftheyshouldbeaccusinghimbuthesawnothingbut

sympathyinalloftheireyes,evenStrybjorn’s.Itwasasiffightingonthesamesideinthebattlewiththetrollhadcreatedsomesortofbondbetweenthem.Ragnarpushedthethoughtaside.Therewouldbeatruceuntiltheygotbacktothecamp.Everywarriorwouldbeneededuntilthen,forwhoknewwhatotherhorrorsmightemergefromthesurroundinghills?Oncetheygotback,though,itwouldbeeverymanforhimself,Ragnardecided.ParticularlywhereStrybjornwasconcerned.TheGrimskullcouldkeephissympathy,Ragnarthought.

‘Youarecertainthatiswhathappened?’Hakonasked.Ragnarnodded.Thesergeantlookedathimappraisingly.HemadeRagnarrepeathisdescriptionoftheincidentallbutwordforword,thenwassilentfora

longmoment.Ragnarstaredoffoverthesergeant’sshoulder,rememberingthemarchbacktoRussvik.Ithadnotbeenapleasantone.AllthetimehehadwonderedaboutthefateofHenk.Hehadbeenfilledwiththeuncomfortablethoughtthathisfriend’sdoommightsoeasilyhavebeenhisown.Henkhadsimplybeeninthewrongplaceatthewrongtime.Withchillcertainty,Ragnarknewthathecouldjustaseasilyhavebeentheonetaken.Aglanceatthescaredandwearyfacesofhiscompanionstoldhimthatthesamethoughthad

occurredtothemall.Duringthelongmarchbacktothecamp,exhausted,theyhadallstartedatthedistanthowlingofthe

wolves.Jumpingatshadows,theyhadexpectedtofightanddiethen,butnothinghadhappened.Nothingexceptthattheeeriewailingofthebeastsseemedtoshiveritswayintotheirverybonesandechotherelikeagratingvoiceofdoom.Ragnarwassureitwouldechothroughhisdreamsfromthisnightforth,andthathewouldseetherethetrollandthewolvesandthedeadHenkallinextricablylinked.Hehimselffeltresponsibleforthelad’sdeathandhadsaidasmuchtoHakonwhenthesergeanthadbegunhisinterrogation.Hakonhadmerelylookedimpassive,neitherapprovingnordisapproving,andlethimcontinuetotalk.RagnarwasconsciousoftheweightofhisownfailureandthereweretimeswhenitseemedtohimthathecouldseeHenk’sfreshyoungfacelookingathimaccusingly.Itwasalmostasbadasthesensationhehadfeltafterthedestructionofhisvillage.Hewonderedhowthiscouldbe–afterall,hehadbarelyknownHenk,whilehehadknownhisclanallhislife.Partofhimsuspectedthathealreadyknewtheanswerthough.AmongtheThunderfistshehadbeenafollower,expectedonlytofightanddieforhispeople.WithhisClaw,outaloneinthewildsofFenris,hehadbeenaleader.HewasresponsibleforthefateoftheWolfclawheled.Perhapsthatwaswhatitwaslikebeingajarloraship’scaptain.Hewasnotsureheentirelyenjoyedthesituation,andforthefirsttimeinhislifeRagnarbegantogettheinklingthatrankandglorymightnotbeentirelyanunalloyedbenefit.‘Whatareyougoingtodonow?’Ragnarasked.‘Huntthetrolldown?’‘Whywouldwedothat?’‘Becauseitkilledoneofourpeople.’‘Ifoneofourpeoplewasweakenoughtoallowhimselftobekilledithasdoneusafavour.’‘Idon’tthinkthatisso.’‘Nooneaskedforyouropinion.’‘Arewefinishedhere?’Ragnaraskedindisgust.Hakonnodded.Suddenlyfeelingemptyand

drained,Ragnarrosefromthechairandturnedtogo.‘Ragnar!’Heturnedtoglareatthesergeantandwassurprisedtoseesomethinglikesympathywrittenon

Hakon’ssternfeatures.‘Yes,sergeant?’‘It’snevereasytoloseaman.Believeme,Iknow.’Ragnarnoddedandleftthehall.

CHAPTEREIGHT

‘Moretracks,’Ragnarsaid,shakinghishead.Helookedaroundthebleaklandscapeforanysignsofambushers.Thewoodsaboutthemseemedempty.Thepinetreesslopedawaybelow.Cragsblockedthewaytotheright.Therewasplentyofcoverbutnothingstirred.Hefeltnosenseofimpendingdanger.Hewipedthesweatfromhisforehead,andtuggedhishairfromhiseyes.Thegreatstaghadledthemamerrychase,andtheywerealongwayfromthepaththatledbacktoRussvik.‘That’sthefifthsetthisweek,’Kjelsaid.Hegrinned.‘Maybewe’rebeingscoutedout.’‘Maybe,’Ragnarsaid.Helookeddownatthesteamingcorpseofthedeaddeer.Strybjornhad

finishedguttingitwhileRagnarandKjelinspectedthesenewtracks.‘Tryandbeabitmorecarefulwiththeknife,Grimskull,’headded.Strybjornglaredbackathim.‘Ifyouthinkyoucoulddobetter,lastoftheThunderfists,whydon’t

youdrawyourdaggerandcomeoverhere?MaybeI’llshowyouhowtogutsomethingmorethanadeer.’Ragnar ’shandwenttothehiltofhisdagger.Hothatredfilledhim.Kjel,seeingwhatwas

happening,wasbetweenthemautomatically.Svenlookedon,waitingtoseewhatwouldhappen.‘That’senough,bothofyou,’Kjelsaid.‘There’sfewenoughofusnowthatHenk’sgone.Wedon’t

needtoloseanotherman.Notifthereareothersaboutandwehavetofightourwayback.AndStrybjorn,remember,HakonputRagnarincharge.’‘Ayeandmuchgoodit’sdoneus,’mutteredtheGrimskulldangerously.Ragnarbegantomove

forwardbutKjelpushedhimback.HenoticedtheimperceptibleshakeoftheFalconer ’shead.Slowlyhisangerreceded.Kjel’swordswereasmuchareminderforhimasforStrybjorn.Itwouldnotdoforanotherofhiswarriorstobelostwhilehewasleader,particularlynotifhekilledhim.Hefoundthethoughtalmostfunny,andthetensiondrainedoutofhim.HecontentedhimselfwithgrinningmaniacallyattheGrimskull.SvenandStrybjornwerealreadytyingthecorpsetothepoleonwhichtheywouldcarryitbackto

Russvik.Ragnardidnotfindthesightofthereddrippingmeatasdisturbingasheoncehad.Hewasusedtoitnow,havinghuntedandgutteddozensofthemagnificentcreatures.Anyway,adeadstagwashardlytheproblem.Theproblemwasthesetracks.Whodidtheybelongto?Whereweretheycomingfrom?Theycertainlyappearedtobethetracks

ofsomethingatleastman-like,buthavingneverseenthetracksofthewulfenorevennightgangers,Ragnarwaspreparedtobecautious.Hecouldtryandfollowthetracks,andperhapswanderintoanambush.Mostlikelyfollowingthetrackswouldbeauselessexercise.Thefreshwintersnowswhichdriftedinblizzardsonthehighergroundwouldcoverthembeforetheygotanywherenearthesourceandtheirpreywouldvanishlikeawulfeninthenight.Maybeverylikeawulfen,Ragnarthought.ItseemedasiftherumoursandlegendsaboutAsaheimwerewrongthough.Banishingthoughtsof

evilcreaturestrackingthemforamoment,Ragnarcouldseethattracksweretracks,andthatpeopleofonesortoranotherprobablydidlivehere.Thesetracksdidnotbelongtoanyoftheaspirantsat

Russvik,thatmuchwasplain.Theremustbesomeotherfolkamongthemountains.Ragnarfeltthathedidnotneedtoaskhimselfwhethertheywouldbehostileornot.OnthesurfaceofFenrisitseemedasthoughthenaturalstateofaffairswasthatallpeoplewererivalsandenemies.Thushaditalwaysbeen.Thuswoulditalwaysbe.Russhadordaineditsolongagoinordertokeephispeoplestrong.Thatthetrack-makerswouldbewarriors,Ragnardidnotdoubt.Hedoubtedthattheywouldbea

matchfortheaspirantsinstrengthofarms.Numbersthoughmightbesomethingelse.Hehadlearnedenoughtrackingskillsinthepastfewmonthstobeabletotakeagoodguessathowmanyhadbeeninthegroupthatpassednearhere:atleastadozen.ThequestionnowwaswhetherthetrackswhichtheothersfromRussvikhadfoundbelongedtothissamedozen,ortoanothergroupofstrangers.RagnarresolvedthathewouldreportthemattertoHakonwhenhereturned.Theredidnotseemverymuchelsehecoulddorightnow.

RagnartrudgeddowntheslopetowardsRussvik.Downbelowhecouldseethelightsofthelanternsglitteringinthelonghalls.Hecouldseetheflickerofsparksemergingfromthechimneyholesintheroofofthegreathallwhereitbulkedmassiveinthegloom.Unfamiliarstarsfilledthesky.Thehootingofnightbirdsfilledtheair.Hecouldsmellwoodsmokeandtheloamysmellsoftheoncomingnight.Asalwaysitseemedtohimthatasthelightfailedhisothersensesgrewstrongertocompensate.Somewhereinthedistanceawolfhowled.HeturnedtolookbackoverhisshoulderstomakesurethatSvenandStrybjornwerestillthere.He

couldmakeouttheirshadowyoutlinesinthegloom,thedeaddeerstillcarriedbetweenthem.LookingaheadhecouldseeKjellopingalonginthedark,scoutingtheway.HewasgoingtolosenomorewarriorsfromhisClawifhecouldhelpit.Notthatitseemedallthatlikelynow.InthemonthsthathadpassedsinceHenk’sdeath,hiscompanionshadgrownnothingbutharderandtougher.Theregimeofconstanttrainingandexercisehadfilledthemout,madethemstrongerandfitterandfasterthananyislanderladsRagnarhadeverknown.Hehimselffelttwiceasfitashehadwhenhecamehereandmaybetentimesascompetent.Hesighedreflectively.Hehadlearnedsomuchintheinterveningmonthsitstaggeredhim.He

couldidentifyalltheediblefloraandfaunainthesurroundinghills.Heknewhowtobuildsheltersandfires.Hecouldevenmakesmalligloosfromthewintersnowsinwhichtohuddle,protectedfromtheice-stormswhichwouldotherwisesurelyfreezetheskinfromhisbones.Heknewhowtotreatwoundsandfrostbite.HehadlearnedtofightwithhishandsandwasasproficientnowinunarmedcombatasSvenorStrybjorn.Hehadalwaysbeengoodwithaspearorharpoonbutnowhedoubtedtherewasanymaninhisoldvillagewhocouldhavematchedhispresentskill,noteventhemasterharpooners.Ithadnotbeeneasy.Halfoftheaspirantsweredeadnow.Ofthetwoscorefromthetimeofhis

arrivalonlyabouttwentywerestillalive.Somehadfallenfromthecliffsonwhichtheypractisedclimbing.Somehadvanishedwhileouthunting,takenbywulfenortrollsorbythewolves.Twohadbeenkilledduringweaponspracticewiththeaxeorspears.OnehadbeenexecutedbySergeantHakonforsomeunmentionablecrime.Ofcourse,newrecruitshadarrived,fresh-facedandfullofwonderandfear.Ragnarwonderedat

hisownfeelingsofsuperioritytothesenewcomers.Thefewmonthssincehischoosingmightaswellhavebeenalifetime.ThereseemedtobeagulfofagebetweenhimandthenewcomersgreaterthanthatwhichhadexistedbetweenWolfbrotherandgnarledancientbackinhishomevillage.Hewonderedwherethosewhohadbeenherewhenhearrivedhadgone.Manyofthemhadvanished,carriedawaytosomeunknowndestinationbyskyship.OnlySergeantHakonknewwheretheywentexactly,andnoonehadeverdaredaskhim.

Duringthistime,RagnarhadsomehowmostlymanagedtoholdhishatredofStrybjorninabeyance.Ithadnotvanished,itwassimplywaitingforanopportunekillingtime.Andinastrangeway,whileStrybjornyetlived,andRagnar ’shatredburnedcoldwithinhim,hehadatenuouslinktohisoldlifeontheisland.RagnardidnotwantStrybjorntodiewhilepartofhisClaw.HewaspreparedtosparehimnowuntilhewasnolongerpartofRagnar ’sresponsibilities.‘Let’shurryitup,’hesaid.‘TherearehungrymouthstofeedbackinRussvik.’‘Trynottoeatitallbeforewegetthere,Sven,’shoutedKjel.Ragnarhadnoticedthatalongtheway

Svenhadbeenstuffingportionsofrawmeatintohismouthandchewingthemasheworked.‘Yes,you’vehadenoughalready,’Ragnarsaid.‘Bloodyhavenot,’retortedSvenandbelchedloudly.Theaspirantslaughedaloud,spiritslifted,beforecontinuingdownthehilltowardstheflickering

lamplightofRussvik.

‘I’mtellingyou,thereweremorethanahundredofthem,’Nilssaid.Hewasasmallishyouthbutquick-witted,theleaderofanotheroftheaspirantClawsthathadbeenformedonthedayofRagnar ’sarrival.Sofarhehadlosttwoofhispeoplealthoughitseemedtobethroughnofaultofhisown.Justbadluckreally.Ragnarlookedathimwithinterest,asdidalltheotherseatingtheirvenisonandturnipstewinthelonghall.Thiswasthefirstdefinitesightingofalargebodyofnewcomersanyonehadmade.‘Wheredidyouseethem?’Strybjornasked.‘ComingovertheAxeheadPass.Wewereupthevalleyfromthem,lookingdownoutofthetrees.

Beentrailingabigbuckandhistwodoesforacoupleofhourswhenwesawthem.Thoughtwe’dbettercomebackandtellSergeantHakon.’‘Ahundredorso,’saidKjel.‘That’salot.’Ragnarknewtheywereallthinkingalongthesamelinesashimself.Withthenewintakeof

aspirantstherewereatmostfortywarriorsinRussvik,notcountingHakonoranyofthearmouredvisitors.Thosewerenotgoododdsifitcametoafight.Ontheotherhand,therewerealwaysthemagicweaponsthesergeantandhiskindcarried.Ahundredorathousand,itwouldnotmatteragainstthesorcerythatcouldtearafull-grownseadragontopieces.‘Whatdidthesergeantsay?’Hakonasked.‘Hejustlaughedandtoldusnottoworry.ItwasjustthewintermigrationoftheOutlanders.Hesaid

theywouldgiveusnotroubleifweleftthemalone.Notunlesstheywereveryhungry,anyway.’Ragnarconsideredthisinformation.Awintermigrationmadeitsoundlikethisgroupwaspartofa

muchlargermovementofpeople.Onceagain,hefelthisownignoranceaboutthelandinwhichtheskyshiphadsethimdown.Hewishedheknewmore.Hewishedsomeonewouldgivehimthechancetofindoutmore.Onethingwasbecomingincreasinglyobvious,however.Thenewcomerswerekillingagooddeal

ofgameastheypassedthroughthearea.ThedeerthatRagnar ’sClawhadbroughtinwasthefirstmeatanyoftheaspirantgroupshadmanagedtocatchinsometime.Itmightwellbethelastwithwinterdescending.Andthatwasnottheworstofit.Thefoodstoresinthehallswereslowlybecomingexhausted.Therewerestillsacksofgrainleft,andsomestringyvegetables,butnotmuchelse.Ragnarwonderedhowmuchlongertheywouldlastandwhentheirsupplieswouldpossiblybereplenished.HealsowonderedwhatitwasthatSergeantHakonandtheotherWolvesate.Hehadneverseenthemsharetheaspirants’food.Cometothinkofit,hehadneverevenseenthemeating.Therewassomethingsupernaturalaboutthat.Heshruggedandpushedthethoughtaside.Ofcourseitwasalwayspossiblethatthesergeantate

wherenoonecouldseehim.Maybehehadasecretcacheoffoodstuffsonwhichhegorgedhimself.

Thatthoughttooseemedridiculous.SergeantHakonwasnotthesorttodoanythinginsecret.Whywouldheneedto?Hewastheabsolutelordandmasterofthiscamp.Still,Ragnarwasworried.Winterwasdeepening.Foodwasgettingscarce.Moreaspirantshad

joinedthem.Itwasarecipefordisaster.

‘Killhim!Killtheswine!’thecrowdofhungryaspirantscried.Thefightinthelonghalleruptedswiftly,topplingthewoodentables,spillingsteamingbowlsofgruel.KjelhadaccidentallybumpedintoMikaandVol,twoofNil’sClaw,inthelineforgruel.Abowlhadbeenspilled,splatteringtheladswithfood.Tempersfrayedbyweeksofhunger,harshtrainingandabusefromSergeantHakonflared.InmomentsthetwoswarmedoverKjel.MikaheldhimpinnedtothetablewhileVolkickedandpunched.Ragnarcursed.BothMikaandVolwerebigandburlyandbothwereverygoodwrestlers.Neither

SvennorStrybjornwerehereyet.Therewasnothingelsetodo.IfnooneelseinterfereditlookedasifNil’stwoclawbrotherswouldhappilybeatKjeltodeath.Nooneelselookedliketheywantedtointerfere.Theywerealltoobusycheeringtheattackerson.Ragnarracedforward.Hesprangontoabench,sprintedacrossatableandleapt.Theweightofhis

bodyandthemomentumofhisjumpcarriedhimintothefray.HegrabbedMikaandVolbytheneckswithhisarmsandborethemtotheground.Mika’sheadsmackedthehard-packedearthofthehallfloor.Ragnarrolledfreeandsprangtohisfeet,twistingashedidsotofaceVol.Withamazingspeedtheaspirantwasalreadyrisingtohisfeet.Ragnarlashedoutandcaughthimjustunderthejawwithhisfoot.Hekepthistoescurledupashehadbeentaughtsothatitwastheballofhisfootthatconnected.TheforceofthekicksentVol’sheadsnappingbackwardandhetumbledbackontoanothertable,spillingfoodandgrueleverywhere.‘Youcan’tdothatandexpecttostaystanding!’saidaburlynewcomerwhoRagnardidn’t

recognise,ashevaultedoverthetabletoattackhim.‘Can’tI,stripling?’Ragnargrowled,droppinghimwithapunchbelowthechin.Thenewcomer ’s

friendsobviouslydidn’tlikethisandmovedtotheattack.Grinningfiercelyashelookedaroundforanewfoe,Ragnarfeltacolddraughtofairhithisback.Thelonghalldoorhadopened,andRagnarheardSvenandStrybjorn’showlsofjoyatthedevelopingbrawl.TwoheavybodiesploughingintohisattackerstoldRagnaroftheirarrival.Itwasasifasignalhadbeengivenforageneralmeleetobegin.Tempersfrayedtobreakingpoint

snapped.Fornogoodreasonbowlsofgruelstartedflyingeverywhere.Bencheswerebrokenassomeoftheaspirantsimprovisedweaponsfromthewood.Comradelashedoutatcomrade,friendagainstfriendinthemadness.Itbecameeverymanforhimself.Ragnarsteppedbackandbumpedintosomeone.Hewhirledfistreadytostrikeandsawthatitwas

Kjel.TheFalconerlookedjustasreadytohithimbutseeingwhoitwasshruggedandsmirked.‘Duck,’hesuddenlyshouted.Ragnaronlyjusthadtimetothrowhimselfflatasachunkofbroken

benchflewabovehishead.Notevenbotheringtolookround,helashedoutwithhisfootandwasrewardedwithahighpitchedshriekasitimpactedonhisassailant’sgroin.Herolledtoonesidetoavoidsomeone’sflashingbootandfoundhimselflyingbelowatable,temporarilyoutofthewhirlwindofthebrawl.Itwasmadnessoutthere.Roarsandscreamsandshrieksofpainfilledtheair.Bloodsplatteredon

thefloor.Theaspirantsfoughteachotherwithafurythatwouldhaveterrifiedanyenemy.Andinsomestrangewaytheyseemedtobeenjoyingthemselves.FightingandbrawlinghadalwaysbeenpartofthecultureofFenris,anditseemedtobedoingtheladsgoodtobeabletoventtheirfrustrationsinthisway.Ragnarfeltthetugofexcitementhimselfandsprangoutbackintothefray,justintimetotakeapunchinthefacefromNils.

TheforceoftheblowsentstarsflyingbeforeRagnar ’seyes.HegaveagrinofsavagejoythatfrozeNilsonthespot,beforeRagnardroppedthemanwithaflurryofblowstothehead,thenboundingforwardintothemelee,laughinglikeamaniac.‘Enough!’bellowedavoicelikethunder.Instantlytheviolenceceased.Ragnarfrozeasifpinnedto

thespot.SergeantHakonhoveintoview.Thegrinonhisfacewasnotapleasantsighttosee.‘So,’hesaid,‘you’venothingbettertodowithyourtimethanbrawl,eh?Andyoulikethefoodso

littlethatyouuseitforaweapon.I’mnotsurprised.Asacookstheporridgesolumpyyoucoulduseitforslingstones.Still,it’sawaste.‘Whostartedthisfight?’Nooneanswered.Thesergeantstaredaroundtheroom.HisgazemetRagnar ’s.Heforcedhimself

tomeetHakon’seye.‘Nobody,eh?WellIguessthatmeansyoucanalldotworunsupthehilltoworktheaggressionoutofyoubeforeyousleep.That’safteryoumuckoutthissty.’Loudgroansechoedroundtheroom.Nobodywashappywiththethoughtoftrudgingthroughthe

darkandthesnowbeforerest.Kjelstrodeforward.‘Itwasme,sergeant,’hesaid.‘Ididit.’‘How,boy?’‘Well…’Mikaspokeup.‘Hebumpedintome,sergeant,butIthrewthefirstpunch.’‘Thenwhat?’‘ThenIjoinedin,’Ragnarsaid.HesaidnothingaboutMikaandVolganginguponKjel.Thatwas

notsomethingforthesergeanttopunish.Itwassomethingthathadalreadybeensettledinblows.‘Youdid,didyou?’‘ThenIjoinedin,’Nilssaid.‘AndsodidI,’anothervoiceshouted.Suddenlytherewasaroararoundthehallasallofthe

aspirantsclaimedtheirshareoftheblame.You’dthinktheidiotswereclaimingcreditforkillingtrolls,thoughtRagnar,buthefeltstrangelyproudofthemalljustthesame.‘Wellthen,youalldeservetherun,don’tyou?’Hakonsaid.‘Aye!’theyshoutedback.‘Well,bestgetstartedthen,’hesaid.‘ExceptKjel,Ragnar,MikaandNils.Theycantidyuphere

first.’WiththatHakonturnedonhisheelandstrodeoutoftheroom.Theaspirantsfollowedhimoutinto

thesnow.Theremainingfourlookedateachother.‘Bestgetthebuckets,’Nilssaidsheepishly,asifexpectingRagnartohithimagain.Ragnarnodded.

Kjelglancedoverathimandgrinned.‘Thanks,Ragnar,forcomingtohelpme,’hesaid.‘Thinknothingofit,’Ragnarsaid.‘You’ddothesameforme.’‘Aye,Iwould.’Theyclaspedhandsandshookvigorously.‘Thanksfortheblackeye,Ragnar,’Nilssaid.‘Butnotmuch.’‘Ohwell,’Mikasaid,grinning.‘WasthebestfightI’vehadinages.Wemustdoitagainsometime.’Withthattheystartedtowork.

Ragnar ’sfingerswerebleeding,whichwasdangerous.Hehadnodoubtofthatfactsincehewashangingfromafrozenledgealmostahundredstridesabovetheground.Hehadwrappedthemindeerhideagainstthecoldbeforehebegantheclimbbutthetoughfabrichadfrayedashehadascendedtherockface,andnowthesharpstonedugintohisfingers.Thewindpluckedathistunicandthedeerskinovercoathehadmadeforhimself.Itpushedhislong

blackhairintohiseyesatthesametimeasitmadethemwater.Hisheartpounded.Coldsweatfeltasif

itwerefreezingonhisface.Hetriedtotellhimselfnottobefrightened,thattherewasnothingtoworryabout,thathehadsurvivedworsethings.Underthecircumstances,withtheabyssbelowhisheelsandthestormwindsclawinghisbody,thisdidnotseemallthatconvincing.Aspirantshaddiedonthisrockface.OnlyyesterdayVolhadplungedtohisdoom.Ragnardidnotwanttothinkaboutthewayhehadlainthereforlongminutes,hisbackbroken,hisinnardsmush,hisbloodreddeningthesnowashislifedrainedaway.Inmeresecondsthatsamefatecouldbehis.Ragnartriedtoshifthisgrip,buthisfingerscouldfindnothingtogriponthesmooth,icycold

stone.Franticallyhesoughtforpurchasewithhisfeetbutthefrozenrockresistedhim.Hewasbeginningtosliptohisdeath.Inhismind’seyehewasalreadypicturingthefall.Hecouldalmostfeeltheshortplummetthroughspace,thetriumphantwindwhistlinginhisears,theagonisingblazeofpainasthecoldearthembracedhisbodyandthenthelongdarknessofdeath.Partofhimalmostwelcomedit.Afterthetortureofthepastfewweeks,itwouldbealmostarelief.Sincethebrawlthingshadgot

worse.Foodhadbecomeevenscarcerandthetraininghadintensified.Therehadbeenmorebrawlsandbeatings.Oneofthenewaspirantshadbeenfoundkickedtodeathoutsidethelonghallandnoonehadcomeforwardtotaketheblamethistime.SergeantHakonhadnoteveninvestigatedveryhard.Hesaidthatthetruthwouldouteventuallyandtheguiltycouldnothideforever.Ragnarhadnotfoundthethoughtparticularlyreassuring.Hewishedthathesharedthesergeant’sconfidence.Othershadsimplybeenunabletotakethestrainanymoreandhadwalkedoutintothesnow.Theirfrozenbodieshadbeenfoundnearthecamp.Svenhadjokinglysuggestedthattheymightprovetobeasourceoffreshmeat.AtleastRagnarhopedhewasjoking.Heshookhishead.Whatwashethinkingabout?Asalwaysinmomentsofextremedangerhismind

seemedtobeworkingatincrediblespeedbuthewassimplyusingittodaydreamandrecallthepast.Heneededtosavehimselfandheneededtodoitnow,beforehisfingersskiddedrightofftheledgeandhefelltohisdoom.Hefranticallyliftedonehandofftheledgeandfelthimselfbegintotumblebackwards.Hetwisted,

throwinghisweightforward,stretchingouthisfreehandforpurchaseonthecoldstone.Hisfrozenfingersrefusedtorespondbuthebroughtalltheforceofhiswilltobearonthemandmadethemwork.Triumphantlyhefeltsomethingunderhisfingers.Itwasalmostlikehumanhair.Itmustbemossorlichen,hethought.Histriumphswiftlyturnedtodespairashefeltthestuffgiveway.Hisweightmustbepullingitoutbytheroots.Hisfingerslostpurchaseandhebegantofall.Forabriefdizzyinginstanthefelthisbodypartcompanyfromthecliffface.Hisbackarchedashe

beganthelongtumblethroughspace.Inthatinstantheknewthathewasabouttodieandnomagicorsorcerywouldbringhimbackthistime.Thenstrongfingersclaspedhiswristandhisdownwardprogresswashaltedforamoment.He

lookedupandsawKjellookingdownathim.HegavepraisetoRussthatKjelhadnoticedhisdifficultiesandreturned.Relieffloodedthroughhisbodyandhefeltweak.HenoticedthelookofstrainontheFalconer ’sface,aninstantbeforehefeltKjel’sgripstarttoslip.No,Ragnarthought,grittinghisteethandscrabblingforpurchaseoncemore,fearingasmuchthat

hewouldpullKjeltohisdoomasthathewoulddroptohisown.Thistime,withtheadditionalleverageprovidedbyKjel’sgrasp,hemanagedtogetagripandflopupontotheledge.‘Thatwastooclose,’Ragnargaspedafteramoment’srest.Fearandemotionalreactionhad

reducedhisvoicetoawhisperingcroak.‘Yes,’saidKjel,hisfacestillwhitewiththestrain.‘Ioweyoumylife,’saidRagnar.Kjellookedupattheremainderoftherockface.Itloomedalongwayabovethem.Ragnarcould

tellhewasmeasuringwhatlittlestrengththeyhadleftagainsttherestoftheclimb.Theexpressionon

Kjel’sfacetoldhimtheconclusionwasnothopeful.‘Thankmewhenwebothmakeitoutofhere,’Kjelsaid.Wearilytheybeganthelongclimb.Whentheyreachedthetop,limbstremblingfromweariness,

breathraspingfromtheirlungs,SergeantHakonstoodwaitingforthem.Therewasathoughtfulexpressiononhisface.‘Ragnar,beinthegreathallwithallyourClawatdawntomorrow.’Ragnarwasunsurefromhis

toneofvoicewhethershowingupwouldbeagoodorabadidea.

Thedullearlymorninglightfilteredinthroughtheslitsthatservedaswindowsinthegreathall.Theairsmelledofwoodsmokeandstalesweat.SergeantHakonloomedoverRagnar ’sClaw.Ragnarfeltlikeapygmystandinginhishugeshadow.Therewasastrangeglintinthesergeant’seyebutnoreadableexpressiononhisstone-likeface.Heseemedtobeconsideringthem,perhapswithaviewtokillingthem,perhapswithsomethingelseinmind.‘Youhavedonewell,’hesaideventually.‘Atleast,youhavedonewelltogetthisfar.Youhaveall

survived,andyouhavenotdisgracedyourselves.There’slittleelsethatyoucanlearnhereinRussvikandyou’reashardasyoursorrybodiesaregoingtoallowyoutobe.’Alleyeswerelockedonthesergeantnow.Thiswassomethingnew.Hiswordshintedatachangein

theirstatus.PerhapstheywouldgettojointheotherClawsthathadalreadyleft.Ragnarwonderedaboutthat.Noneofthoseaspirantshadeverreturned.Hishearthammeredagainsthisribswithnervousness.‘Youarebeinggivenachancetomoveonfromhere,’Hakoncontinued.‘Don’tthinkitwillbe

easy.Whereyou’regoingyouwilllookbackonyourdaysinRussvikasapleasantlittlecarnival.’Hepausedforamomenttolethiswordssinkin.FromanybodyelseRagnarwouldhaveassumed

thewordswereanexaggerationmeanttofrightenthem,butcomingfromHakonheknewtheywereacoldsimplestatementoffact.‘Youmaybeselectedtomoveontothenextstageofyourtraining.That’sassumingyoucanpass

throughtheGateofMorkai.’Ragnardidnotlikethesoundofthisatall.InthelegendsofhispeopleMorkaiwasthetwo-headed

houndofRuss.Heguardedthegatesofthelowesthell.Aglancearoundathisclawbrotherstoldhimthesignificanceofthenamewasnotlostonthemeither.‘Howwillwegetthere,sergeant?’Kjelasked.Ragnarcouldtellhewasdoinghisbesttosound

cheerfulbutcouldnotkeeptheleadentonesoffearfromhisvoice.‘You’llfindoutsoonenough.’

CHAPTERNINE

OncemoreRagnarfoundhimselfinsideoneofthegreatskyships.HeknewnowitwascalledaThunderhawk.PerhapsitwastheThunderhawkbutsomehowhedoubtedit.ThewayHakonandtheotherstalkedofithegottheimpressiontherewasmorethanone.Kjel,Strybjorn,Svenandhimselfwerenottheonlyonesclamberingaboardandstrapping

themselvesin.HenoticedthatNilsandMikatoohadbeensummoned.HealsorecognisedLars,HrolfandMagnusfromhisinitialintakeofaspirants.Itlookedliketheyweretheonlysurvivors.Noneofthemlookedparticularlycheerful,andRagnarguessedthattheytoohadbeenonthereceivingendofthesergeant’sspeech.Nils,atleast,triedtosmileatthembuthisexpressionwasmorethoughtfulthanhappy.LikeRagnarhewaswonderingwhatwaitedforthemattheGateofMorkai.TherewasaroarastheThunderhawkcametolifeandshookitselffromtheground.Lookingout

oftheroundportholeRagnarcouldseethatthesnowwassteamingofftheskyship’swingsasitliftedstraightupintotheair.Onceagainhewaspressedbackintohisseatbytheforceofacceleration.Hekepthiseyesgluedtothewindowthough,determinedtogetalastglimpseofRussvik.Insanethoughitseemedafterthehardshipstheyhadallenduredthere,Ragnarfeltanoddsenseofnostalgiafortheplace.Forthepastfewmonthsithadbecometheclosestthinghenowhadtoahome.Brutalthoughhislifetherehadbeenhehadbecomeusedtoit.Nowhewasoncemorebeingsentofftofacetheunknownandthatinitselfwasfrightening.NothinghehadencounteredsincearrivinginthefrozenwastesofAsaheimhadbeenpleasant,andhedoubtedthiswasgoingtochangeanytimesoon.ThinkingabouthomemadehimglanceoveratStrybjorn.Oncemorehefeltasurgeofhatred

whenhelookedontheGrimskull’sbrutalfeatures.Disturbingly,Ragnarrecognisedthathisenduringhatredgavehimagrimsenseofsatisfaction.Italonewasperhapshisonlyconstantanddependablecompanion.StrybjorncaughtRagnar ’sglanceandreturneditwithaglare.‘Frightened,lastofthe

Thunderfists?’heasked.‘No,’Ragnarsaid.Onedaysoonhewouldtakehisvengeance,heknew.Ofthathewascertain.The

trucewhichhadheldwhiletheywereinRussvikwasover.HewoulddealwithStrybjornsoonprovidedtheybothsurvivedtheirpassagethroughtheGateofMorkai.

TheThunderhawkracedacrossthesnow-coveredland.Thistimeitdidnotleapsohighitthreatenedtotouchthestars.Thistimeitroareddownthelongvalleysbetweenthemountains,andthethunderofitspassagestartledthebeastsfarbelowontheicefields.Ragnarhadnoideahowfasttheywereflyingbuttheirspeedwasincredible.Itseemedasifthey

werecoveringasmuchgroundinanhourasafitmanmightcoverinamonth.Theirshadowspedacrossthewildernessbelowthemfasterthanthatofanybirdofprey.Allthelandbelowthemwaswhitewithsnowsavewherethegreenofthepinetreescoveredthe

hills.Hereandthereafastflowingstreamrushedoveracrevassedroppinginalongfallofsprayto

theearthbelow.Strangely,themountainsseemedevenlargerfromtheirvantagepointaloftinthespeedingThunderhawk.Theyroseinendlessfrozenwavestothehorizon,mightysentinelsstandingshouldertoshoulderagainsttheendlessassaultofwindandrainanderosion.Nowthecraftpassedovertherockstrewnsurfaceofaglacier,glitteringcoldlyinthesunlight

filteringthroughtheclouds.Lookingdown,Ragnarcaughtsightofapartyofmenpassingoveritsfrozensurface.Theywerenotgarbedinfursasalltheotherpeoplehehadseenwere.InthebriefglancehegotRagnarwouldhavesworntheywerearmouredasSergeantHakonwas,andequippedwiththesameweapons.Theyseemedtobewavingattheskyshipasitpassed,andthenintheblinkofaneyeweregone.TatteredribbonsofcloudspassedbeneaththeThunderhawknow,anditshookslightlyasitpassed

overthem.OnceagainRagnarfeltasecretthrillinhisheart.Thismustbehowthegodsfeltwhentheylookeddownontheworld,hethought.ItcametohimthenthatHakonandhisbrothersweremightymagesandwereprivilegedwiththesecretsofasorcerystrongenoughtorulethisworldifonlytheywishedto.Thenthethoughtoccurredtohimthatmaybealreadytheydid,andthattheworldwasorderedasit

wasbecausetheywisheditsofortheirownunguessablepurposes.MaybealltheclansofFenriswerebutthecattleofthecruelgods.NosoonerhadtheideaflickeredthroughhisbrainthansomesubtleinstincttoldRagnarthatitwasthetruth.WashenotridingonavehiclesuchaswasusedbytheChoosersoftheSlain,andwerenottheythemessengersofthegods?Perhapsthatmeanttheydwelledalongsidethegods,orperhapsitmeantthattheywereinsomewaygodsthemselves.CertainlyRanekandHakonpossessedmanyofthelegendaryattributesofRuss.Theypossessedhisstrangewolf-likeeyes,andhislongfangs,hismightythewsandhisenormousphysicalstrength.Thattheywerehisundoubtedkinwassurelyobvious,orsoitseemedtoRagnar.Ragnardidnotdoubtthathewouldsoonfindoutmore.TheThunderhawkwasbearinghimever

deeperintotheheartofmystery.Aslonghourspassed,theterraintheypassedoverwasbecomingmoreandmoresavageandbleak.Hereandtheremightygeysersoflavajettedupintotheskyandthesnowmeltedawayinhissingcloudsfromthesteamingsurfaceoftheblackrock.ItstruckRagnarthatifevertherewasalandfittedtoholdingtheentrancetohell,thenthiswassurelyit.Themountainswerebecomingeverhigherandmorebarren.Hereandtheremonstrousfigures

lopedthroughthelichen-coveredrocks.PacksofgiganticwolvesraisedtheirheadsandhowledinsaluteastheThunderhawkpassed.Themouthsofenormouscavernspittedthebarrenslopes.Whatlittlevegetationtherewaswassereandstunted.Thevalleysbecameeverdeeper,theirunfathomabledepthsblackandforbidding,themountains

everhigher.IndeednowthecraggygiantsmadethepeaksaroundRussviklooklikemerefoothills,unfiteventobecalledmountains,althoughintruththeyhadbeenthehighestRagnarhadeverseen.Themountainsthroughwhichtheypassedweretrulyawesomeintheirscale,likeawallmadebythegodstoimprisondaemons.Theirsheersizewasmindnumbing.PinnedintheirseatsbythespeedoftheThunderhawk,theyhurtledthroughlongdarkvalleysfilledwithscree,overglaciersthatsparkledlikeriversoficewheretheprobingfingersofthesuntouchedthem.Theskyship’sfast-movingshadowfellonfrozenlakesanddroppedawayintothecloudsbeneathtoweringcrags.ThevoiceoftheThunderhawkroaredevenlouderasitpassedthroughthemountains,asifeven

thischariotofthegodswasstrugglingtoclimbthroughthethinningair.Theskywasbecomingdarkerastheyrose,andRagnarwasconvincedthathecouldseethecoldglitterofthestars.Thentheskyshipbankedsharply,andashisstomachlurched,Ragnarsawit:thelargestmountain

ofall,thelargestmountainhehadeverseenoreverwouldsee,whatcouldonlybethelargestmountaininthehistoryofcreation.Ittoweredoveralltheotherpeaksasagrownmanmighttoweroversmallchildren.Itslowerslopestumbledforleaguesintothecloudsbelowthem.Itwasa

mountainonanepicscale,amountainfittobethedwellingplaceofgods.Ragnarknewwithoutbeingtoldthatitwouldbetheirdestination,andlookingaroundthedarkenedinterioroftheThunderhawk,hecouldseethattheothersweresimilarlystunnedintoawe-strucksilencebythemagnificenceofthegreatpeakbeforethem.Heknewnow,lookingatthattoweringmountaininthelightofthemorningsun,thathewould

neverforgetthismomentforaslongashelived.Hewouldneverforgetthewonderandthefearthatthesightofthismightypinnacleevokedinhisheart.

Thetoneoftheskyship’svoicechangedastheymadetheirapproachtothepeak.Astheyclosedintheyslowedanddescended.Astheycameclosertothesurfaceofthepeak,theviewofthemountaininallitsimmensitywaslost,tobereplacedbyindividualdetailsofthelandbelowthem.Ragnarsawthatthesideofthemountainwaspittedwithgreatcaves,andwithineachofthegreat

caveswasanenormousmetaldoor,largebeyondhisabilitytocomprehend.Untilthatmoment,RagnarwouldnothaveguessedthatenoughmetalexistedinallofFenristocladjustoneofthoseimmensedoorsiniron.Hehadnoideawhatmightlurkbeyondsuchportalsandhehadnodesiretofindout.Ragnarsimplycouldnotimagineanythinglargeenoughtoneedsuchvastexits.Heshuddered,overcomewithawe.Therewereotherthings:hugecomplexesofmetallinkedbymonstroussnakingpipelines.Atfirst

Ragnarthoughtthattheworldserpentitselfheldthemountaininitscoilsbutashelookedclosertheideawasreplacedbythenolessshockingonethattheenormousmetalstructuresweretheworkofmen,orperhapsofgods.Theylinkedthesteelbuildingsfromwhichmightyjetsoffireflared.Hehadnoideawhatpurposetheseeldritchenginesservedbuthesensedthatitwasamightyone.Whyelsewouldtheybehereonthemountainofthegods?Astheydroppedfurther,hesawthateachofthegiganticmetalbuildingswasaslargeasasmall

island,averitablehillofprecioussteel.EnormousdisheswhichremindedhimoftheoneontheTempleofIronhehadseenashortlifetimeago,rotatedatopthosemightystructures.SeveralofthemseemedtoturnandlookattheThunderhawkasitapproached.Ragnarblinked,clutchedhisrestrainingharnessandgaspedforair,unabletotakeinallthewondersandterrorshewaswitnessing.TheThunderhawkcametoahaltintheairnearoneofthevastmetaldoors.LookingdownRagnar

couldseethattherewaswhatappearedtobeahugestonebull’s-eyeonthegroundbeneaththem.EvenashewatchedtheThunderhawkbegantodescendontopofit.Ragnarnoticedthatasthecrafttoucheddowntheylandedintheexactcentreofthatenormoustarget.Theastonishingprecisionofwhattheyhadjustdonestruckhimlikeablowfromasword.Theyhadcrossedhundredsofleaguesofland,flownoveravastcontinentandsomehowthehelmsmanoftheflyingshiphadmanagedtofindthisexactspotanddockhiscraftthere.Hewassurethatthisprecisionwasnoaccidentbuttheproductofamightysorcery,thelikeofwhichhecouldnotyetunderstand.Evenabovethedyinggroansoftheengines,andthroughthethickmetalskinoftheThunderhawk,

Ragnarheardastrangepumpinggrindingnoiseandterrorgrippedhimashesawthattheshipwassinkingintotheground.StonewallsseemedtorisefromthegroundaroundtheThunderhawkastheearthswallowedhim.Hisstomachleaptandhisheartsankuntilamoment’sconsiderationtoldhimthatthiswholeprocedurewasintentional,andthatthestonediscwassomesortofplatformintendedtocarrytheskyshipdownintothebowelsoftheearth.Hesquintedoutofthewindow,lookingup,andwasrewardedwithalastglanceofthepeak

recedingvertiginouslyintothesky,likeaspearpointeddirectlyatthebellyofheaven.

Theydescendedfromtheskyshipintoavastcavernthatseemedaslargeasthevaultofthesky.Thewallshadaglassysheenasiftheyhadbeenfusedinimmenseheat.Cloudsdriftedunderthegreat

archesandobscuredtheenormousmuralsthatfilledtheceiling.Ragnargapedinaweatthepartiallyobscuredscenesofbattlebetweenbeingsthatcouldonlybegodsanddaemons.Aroundthewallsofthehugechamberenormousstatuesoccupiedtitanicniches.Eachwasahundredtimesastallasaman,eachdepictedafigurearmedandarmouredlikeSergeantHakonorRanektheWolfPriest.Here,Ragnarthought,wassorceryonascalethatnumbedthemind.Ragnarhadneverseenanythingquitelikeitbefore.Thewholehugespacewaslitbymagical

lanternswhichgaveoffaglarebrighterthanathousandwhaleoillamps,makingthewholeenormousspacealmostasbrightasday.Allaroundstrangeandmysteriousfiguresmovedaboutonunguessableerrands.RagnarsawfiguresdressedinthesamearmourasSergeantHakonandtheirhelmsmanmoving

throughthecaverntowardsotherskyships,weaponsheldinposturesofreadiness.Hesawmenwhoappearedmorethanhalfmachineproddingtheskyshipswithlongmetalpolesfromwhichsparksandflamesflared.Hesawsimilarfiguresattachinglongpipestotheunderbellyoftheskycraft.Hesawhumanoidfiguresthatlookedtobemadeentirelyofmetalperformingmaintenanceonthevehicles.AstheywentabouttheirdutiestheyremindedRagnaroftheshipwrightsbackonhisformerhome.Theyhadthesameairofmentotallyabsorbedintheirtask.Thenoisewasdeafening.Theroaroftheskyshipsmingledwiththeclashofmetalonmetalandthe

shoutsofathousandvoices.Themetalmenclankedandwhirred.Themachinesonwhichtheyroderumbledlikethunder.Ragnarlistenedcarefullyandrealisedthelanguageinwhichthesepeoplebelloweddidnotintheslightestresemblehisnativetongue.Itwasevenharsherandmoreguttural,andyetatthesametimesomeofthewordsflowedsmoothly.Theairtastedofchemicals.Notinthesamewayasthetanneriesbackhomeorthestinkthat

surroundedthetownoftheIronMasters.ItsmelledcleanandmintywithahintofoilandothersubstancesthatRagnarassociatedwithmachinery.Theairinhislungsandthegroundbeneathhisfeetseemedtovibratewiththehubbub.Allofhis

senseswereassaultedbythingsthelikeofwhichhehadneverbeforeexperienced.Hesufferedamoment’sdisorientationandthenhiseyesfocusedontheonethinginallthisstrangenessthatherecognised.FromoutoftheshadowydistancetheWolfPriestRanekstrodetowardsthem.Ragnarfeltasudden

shiveroffear.Theappearanceofthesorcererhadalwayspresagedmightychangesinhislife.‘WelcometotheFang!TotheabodeoftheWolves!’hebellowed.‘Ihopeyouarereadytofacethe

GateofMorkai.’

Ranekledthemthroughlongdarkcorridorsdeepintothebowelsofthemountain.Hestrodewiththepurposefulconfidentstrideofanoldwolf.Heknewexactlywherehewasgoingandhowtogetthere.ForthisRagnarwasglad,forthewholecomplexwasamazeonascalewhichhecouldneverhaveimagined.Allofhishomeislandcouldfitintooneofthesmallerchambersinthisvastplace.Thereweretimeswhenhehadtofightdowntheterrorthatfilledhim.Frighteningthoughts

constantlyassailedhismind.Whatwaskeepingthisvasthoneycombedmountainfromfallingonthem?Whatifitweretocollapseburyingthemallalive?Howwouldheeverfindhiswayoutagain?Aglanceatthepalefacesoftheotherstoldhimthattheysharedhisfears.Machinesandwarriorsandtheotherthings,partman,partmachine,movedalongsidethem.They

wereovertakenbyhugewheeledcartswhichhadnovisiblemeansofpropulsionandwhichcarriedburdenstooheavytobemovedbytwentystrongmen.Truly,Ragnarthought,mightymagicwasatworkhere.TheinhabitantsoftheFangpossessedengineswhichmadethegreatestmachinesoftheIronMasterslooklikechild’stoys.Hefeltthatatlasthehadarrivedatthesecretheartoftheworld.Itwasasifacurtainhadbeen

pulledawaytorevealtheplacewheretheDarkWeaversspunoutthefatesofmen.Themechanismsofdestinywerebeinglaidbare.Hecouldseenowhowthegodslived,anditwasanawesomesight.Ranekledthemtotwocave-likeopeningsinthesideofthemountain.Frominsidecameastrange

whooshingnoise.Overbothopeningswerecarvedthesignofagreattwo-headedeagle.Initsclawsitheldadiscwhichshowedthewolf’sheademblemofRuss.Alongsideoneopeningwaspaintedafluorescentarrowindicatingup.Besidetheotheranarrowindicateddown.‘Stepinside,’Raneksaid,gesturingtowardstheleftopeningwithonemetal-cladhand.Without

thinkingKjelsteppedthrough.Therewasasoundlikeascreamashepromptlydroppedfromview.Theothersfrozeonthespot.Wasthisatrap,Ragnarwondered?Wasthereahugepitthere?WasthistheGateofMorkai?Hadtheybeenbroughtallthiswaysimplytobeslaughteredlikesheep?Itwasunlikely.Wasthis

somestrangeformofmagicalsacrifice?Hecouldnotbegintoguess.Thethingshehadseenherewerebeyondhiscomprehension.‘Go!’Ranekordered.Despitetheterrorwhichclawedathisheart,Ragnardecidedthathewas

simplygoingtohavetotrusttheoldsorcerer.Hesteppedintotheopening.Foroneheart-stoppingmomenthefeltnothingbutemptyairbeneathhisfeet,thenhesteppedoutandbegantofall.Eventhoughhewasdeterminednottoscreamamoanoffearpassedhislips.Hisstomachchurnedasheplummeteddownalongshaft.Redandyellowlightsflickeredpasthiseyesashedroppedswiftlyandwitheverincreasingvelocity.Heknewnowthatindeedithadbeenatrapandhislifewasover.Justashefeltblackragebegintoovertakehimatthesenselessnatureofhisownimpendingdeath,someunseenforcegraspedhiminitsinvisiblegripandslowedhisdescentsothathecameslowlytorestonthegroundatthebottomoftheshaft.Ashetoucheddownlightasafeatherandrealisedthathewasnotgoingtodie,laughterbubbledfromhislips.HesawanotherexitandKjelstandingtherewithabroadgrinonhisface.‘Thatwasamazing,’theFalconersaid.Ragnarcouldonlynodandgrinback.‘Lookout!’shoutedavoicefromabovehim.RagnarlookedupandsawSven’sbootsdescending

towardshishead.HehadonlytimetothrowhimselfoutthroughtheexitbeforeSventoucheddown.Svenwastednotimeinfollowinghim,asonebyonetherestoftheaspirantsdroppedintoview.AtlastRanekappeared.Helandedlightlywithaflexofhiskneesthattoldhehaddonesuchathing

countlesstimesbefore.Hisfaceworenoidiotgrin.Ragnarrealisedthatwhatevermagictherewasinthatshaftithadlongagoceasedtoholdanywondersforthesorcerer.Gesturingforthemtofollow,Ranekstrodeon.

Theplacethroughwhichtheypassedcouldalmosthavebeenchosentoevoketerror,Ragnarthought,andthenrealisedthatmostlikelythiswerethecase.Itwasdark.Therewerenoneoftheglowingceilingglobesherethathadilluminatedtherestofthelabyrinth.Theonlysourceoflightwastheblazingfirepitsandthecherryglowfromthebubblingpoolsofmoltenlavathatsurroundedthem.Theairherewaswarmandsmelledofsulphur.Cloudsofscaldingmistbillowedacrossthepathways.Ragnarpaidcarefulattentiontothecausewaysacrosswhichtheywalked.Toloseyourfootingheremeantaplungeintocertaindeath.Ranekstrodeon,neverlookingback,confidentthattheywerefollowinghim.Hehadeveryreason

tobeconfident,Ragnarrealised.Whatelsecouldtheaspirantsdo?Noneofthemknewthewaybackorhadanyideaofwhatsecretsanddangersthisplacemightconcealfromtheunwaryinterloper.Aheadofthemloomedanothermassivearchway.Thisonewascarvedwithgrinningwolves’heads

andrunesofaneldritchtypewhichRagnarhadnoideahowtoread.Ranekstoppedandturnedtofacethem.Onebyonetheaspirantsassembledonthecauseway.Subconsciousdiscipline,drilledintothematRussvik,causedthemtodrawthemselvesupinranks.

Therewasanauraoffearthathungoverthisplace.Ragnarcouldsenseitspresenceinthehotsulphurousair.Sweatplasteredhishairtohisbrow.Heknewhisfacewasredfromtheheat.Itfeltlikehewasintheabodeofthefiredaemons.AncientandpowerfulforceswereatworkhereandRagnarsensedinvisiblepresences,perhapsghostsorspirits.Therewaspowerinthisarchwayandwhateverlaybeyondit.‘BeholdtheGateofMorkai,’Raneksaid,gesturingtothearchway.‘Throughitliesthepathto

deathorglory.BeyondthisthereisnoreturnsaveasoneworthytobelongtotheWolvesinbodyandinsoul.’‘Thereisnootherwayforwardforyounow.Youcannotleavethisplacealivewithoutpassing

throughthisgate.AnyonewhorefusesIwillthrowintothefirepitsandthedaemonswillconsumetheirsouls.Thereisonlyonequestionhere–whoamongyouwillgofirst?’Silence.Alleyeswerelockedonthearchway.Thesenseofawaitingevilpresenceintensified.

Superstitiousfearenteredalltheirmindsonstealthyfeet.Ragnarknewthattheyallfeltthesameashedid.Itwasnolongerasiftheywerelookingthroughamist-filledarch.Itwasasiftheyweregazingintothemouthofagiganticbeastwhichwouldswallowtheminjustonegulp.Allofthemknewtheyshouldbeclamouringforthehonourofgoingfirstandyetnoneofthemmoved.Ragnarknewthatsomepowerfulmagicwasatworkhere,freezinghisheartwithdread,sending

thecoldfingersoffearuphisspine.Witheverysecondthatpasseditbecamehardertomove,hardertospeak,hardereventothink.Itwasasifhewereasmallbirdhypnotisedbyaserpent.Hewantedtobeabletodosomethingandyethecouldnot.Butevenashestoodthereitoccurredtohimthatthetesthadalreadybegun,thatthisstrangemagic

waspartofit,thatcouragewasoneofthemostimportantmeasuresbywhichhewouldbejudgedworthy.Heforcedhisthicktonguetomove.Heforcedhisfrozenlipstoopen.Withasenseofimmensetrepidationheheardhimselfsay:‘Iwillpassthroughthegate.’‘Thengo,laddie!Whatareyouwaitingfor?’Likeamechanicalmanorthevictimofanenchantmentinasaga,Ragnarstrodeforwardonstiff

legstopassthroughtheGateofMorkai.Ashedidsoawaveofdizzinesssweptoverhim.Therunesonthegateglowed.Thewolves’headscarvedinitseemedtocomealiveandflowouttogreethim:wolfspirits,mistyandvague,draggingbehindthemacomettailofectoplasm.Inhisearshethoughtheheardafainthigh-pitchedhowlingsuchastheghostsofalongdeadwolfpackmightmake.Thespiritsswirledaroundhimashestrodetowardsthearch.Theyflowedintohisopenmouthand

nostrils.Hefeltthevapourbillowdownhisthroatandfillhislungs.Hethoughthewouldchokeontheacrid,fustyairbutstillheforcedhimselftowalkforward,tocomeeverclosertothemightyarchway…

Foramomenthethoughthewasthrough.Hecaughtabriefglimpseofthreeterribleoldmen,cladinarmour,thepeltsofgreatwhitewolvesdrapedaroundtheirshouldersthentherewasasenseofterriblefreezingchill,asurgeofagonisingheatandasenseoffallingfarworsethananythinghehadenduredinthedropshaft.Timeandspacetwistedandshifted.Hisfleshseemedtobubbleandmeltandsuddenlyhewaselsewhere.Hestoodonafrozenplain.Farintothedistancehecouldseemenandmachines.Somewere

garbedinthegreyarmourofthetypethatHakonandRanekwore.Othersweregarbedinbloodredarmourcoveredinornatebrazenskulls,yetoddlysimilarindesigntothearmourofthemeningrey.Themeningreyfoughtthemeninredbeneaththechilllightofapalewhitesun.Ragnarsawthathewasstandingontopofapileofbodies.Aseveredheadrolledawayfromhisfeet.Limbssquelchedbeneathhisboots.Herealisedthathetoowascladinthegreyarmouranditwasnickedandchippedinathousandplaces.Oilandfluidmingledwithhisownbloodandthegoreofhisenemiesonits

oncesleeksurface.HeheldoneofthestrangemagicalswordsthatHakonalwayscarriedineachhand.Onehadceasedtowork.Thebladewasbroken,theteethchippedaway.Theotherworkedfitfully,comingtolifemomentarily,shriekingandvibratinginhishandsandthenstoppingasifthespellanimatingithadceasedtofunction.LookingaroundhimhesawthedeadbodiesofKjelandSvenandStrybjornandeventhoseof

SergeantHakonandRanek.Hewassurroundedbythemeninred.Someofthemhadtheirhelmetsthrownbackandtheirfacesweretwistedanddistortedintoterribleparodiesofhumanity.Redglowingeyesglaredoutwithterriblehatredfromwithinthehelmetsofothers.Heknewthatthereweretoomanyofthem,andthattheyweretoostrongforhim.HeknewwithouthavingtobetoldthattheseweretheservantsofHorus,thefollowersofultimatedarkness,theenemiesofRuss.Heknewthattherewerenodeadlierkillersinalltheuniverse.Andheknewthathewasmereinstantsawayfromdeath.Oneofthered-armouredonesgesturedforhisfollowerstohalt.Theystoppedforamomentlike

houndsobeyingthecommandofamaster,butRagnarknewthatthereprievewasonlyforamoment.Theystillthirstedforhisbloodandeventhewilloftheirdreadfulleadercouldnotrestrainthemforlong.Theleaderspokenowandhisbrazenvoicewaspersuasiveandsincere.‘Youareamightywarrior,Ragnar,’hesaid.‘Youareagreatkiller.Youareworthytojoinus.

Throwdownyourweapons.Partakeintheritualofblood.OfferyourspirittoKhorne.Liveforeverandknowtheecstasyofendlessbattle.’WhowasKhorne,Ragnarwondered?Thenamesoundedoddlyfamiliar,andresonantwithevil.

AndwhydidhisfollowersseekRagnar ’sallegiance?Notthatitmatteredmuch.Ragnarknewthatthiswasagenuineofferandpartofhimthrilledtoit.Thered-garbedwarriorwasofferinghimaneternityofgore-splatteredcombatsuchaswaspromisedtotheheroeswhofollowedRuss.More,heknewthatoncehepartookoftheirritualsanddonnedtheirredarmour,hewouldtakemorejoyintheslaughterthaneverhehad,andhewouldberewardedforit,byapowerasgreatasagod’s.Foramomenthefeltthethrilloftemptation.Whynotjointhesegreatwarriors?WhynotofferuphissoultothisKhorne?Whynotgainimmortality?Butevenashethoughtthis,anotherpartofhimrecoiledindisgust.Hesawthatthesefollowersof

darknesswerelostanddamned.Somethinghadgoneoutofthem,somethingimportant,anditslosshadmadethemintosomethinglessthanmen.TheymighthavehonourofasortbutitwasnothonourasRagnarunderstoodit.Theirtwistedformsreflectedtheirtwistedsoulsandnotalltheintricatelyworkedbeautyoftheirornatearmourcouldconcealthatfact.Ragnarlaughedandspatintheleader ’sface,thenleaptintothefraysmitingrightandleft.Noteven

thebiteofChaosbladesintohisbreakingbonescausedhimtoregretthedecision.Apitofdarknessopenedathisfeet,andtoosuddenlyforhimtocomprehendthemannerofhistransitionhewaselsewhereinadifferentplaceandadifferenttime.Allaroundhimwerewallsoffleshthecolourofbruisedmeat.Greatveinouspipesburrowed

throughthem,oddfluidsgurglingwithinthem.Yellowisharchesofboneandgristle,thecolourofoldrottingteeth,supportedtheceiling.Aloathsomestickyredslimecoveredeverything.Hisbootsmadeahideoussuckingsoundeverytimeheliftedthemfromthetongue-likefloor.Theairwasthetemperatureofblood.Itfeltcloseandsticky.Hesensedlifeofanaliensortallaroundhim.Hefeltasifhehadbeenswallowedalivebysomehugeandmonstrousbeast.Onceagainheworethegreyarmour.Onceagainthestrangeandpotentweaponswereclutchedin

hisfist.Inhisear,atoncesomehowremoteandimmediate,hecouldhearthechatterofvoicesherecognised:Kjel,Strybjorn,Sven.Somemagiccarriedtheirwords,strangelyflatandunemotionalsounding,tohisears.Hecouldhearthemspeakandtheirvoiceswerehushedwithwonderandfear.Isthisreal?heaskedhimself.Hewasnotsureoftheanswer.Itfeltreal.Beneathhisfeethecould

feelthefloorvibrateintimetothebellows-breathingofthegreatbeast.Hecouldsmelltheexoticstinkofitsinnards.Thetasteofoddperfumeslingeredlikepoisoninhismouth.Buthowcouldthisbereal?Hehaddiedunderthebladesofthered-cladwarriors.HadhebeenresurrectedoncemoreashehadbeenafterthebattlewiththeGrimskulls?Orwasnoneofthisreal?Washetrappedinthecoilsofsomepotentspell?Thisonehasastrongsoul.Thevoicethunderedinsidehishead.Hecouldnotrecogniseitbutit

soundedancientandwise.Almostimmediatelyafterheheardthewordshefeltaflowofforceintohismind,easinghisdoubts,alteringhismemories,forcinghimtoliveinthemoment.Hisdoubtsflowedawaylikebloodinamountainstream.Allthoughtsofanythingexceptimmediatedangervanishedasheheardthedistantbellowingofsomemightybeast.Thevoicesofhisfellowaspirantssoundedloudinhisears.Theywerealmostpanicky.Heriskeda

glanceoverhisshoulderandsawfearandhorrorwrittenonKjel’sface.Theothersstraggledalongbehindthem.ClutchedineveryhandwereweaponssuchasthoseRanekhadusedtodestroytheseadragonsolongagoinRagnar ’sotherlife.Hecouldtellthatallofthemwerewonderingwhattheyweredoinghere.Allofthemwerelooking

tohimforleadershipjustastheyhaddoneonthenightthetrollhadtakenHenk.Theyreliedonhisnerve,hiscourage,hisknowledge.Andtheworstofitwasthathehadnoideaofwhattodo.Hedidnotknowwheretheywereorhowtheyhadgotthereorevenwhatsortoffoewasapproaching.Allhewassureofwasthatsomesortoffoewascoming,andthatitwasbearingdownonthemwithawfulspeed.‘Becalm,’hetoldthem,hopingthatnoneofthemnoticedthenervousnessandinsecurityinhis

voice.Oncemorethebellowingsounded,andashiverpassedupRagnar ’sspine.Whatevermadethatnoisewasbig.Andtherewasmorethanoneofit.Thesoundhadcomefromadifferentdirectionthantheother.Itwasansweredbyanotherstrangecallfromthecorridorupahead.Anoisethatsoundedlikethechitteringofthousandsofrats,orperhapstheclickingofhundredsofchitinousclaws.Thenoisewascomingcloser.HeheardKjelcryoutinfearandhefoughttocontrolhimself,to

stopKjel’shorrorcommunicatingitselftohim.Inthishewasonlypartiallysuccessful.Thesightofwhatspedtowardshimdownthecorridoralmostunmannedhim.Therewerehundredsofthecreatures.Monstersbiggerthanaman.Eachwithfourarmsthatended

inmassiveclaws.Nightmarefacesoftinyeyesandmonstrousjaws.Fast.Muchfasterthanaman,coveringthedistancebetweenthemalmosttooquicklyfortheeyetofollow.‘We’reallgoingtodie!’Kjelshouted,andRagnarwasforcedtoagreewithhim.Stillifhewas

goingtodie,hewasgoingtotakeafewofthebeastswithhim.Andhewasdamnedwellgoingtomakesurethattheothersdidthesame.‘Standandfight,’heshouted.‘OrI’llkillyoumyself,yougutlesscowards!’Theroarofsorcerousweaponsfilledtheair.Thesamemagicwhichhadkilledthedragonbeganto

takeeffectontheirattackers.Ragnarduckedasboltsoffirepassedoverhisheadandrakedthemonsters.Theyweredyingbutnotquicklyenough.Headsexploded.Bodiesweretornapart.Bloodandnauseatingfluidsstreamedoutontothelivingcarpet.Stilltheirassailantscameon,anunstoppabletideofalienhungerandhate.DespairthreatenedtoovertakeRagnar.Whatusewasfighting?Whynotsimplyliedownanddie?Herefusedtogiveway.Screamingwithrageandhatredheleaptforwardintothemassof

monsters,lashingleftandrightwithhisblades.Afewstoppedtoengagehim,moresweptpasttogettohiscomrades.Hewassurroundedbyawhirlwindofjawsandclawsthattorethroughhisarmourandhisflesh.Stillfighting,stilltryingtokill,hefoughttheagonythatthreatenedtooverwhelmhimashedescendedintodarkness.Oncemoreheawokeunharmed.Hiseyestookinhissurroundingsataglance.Itwasdark.Thesky

waslitbyenormousburstsoflight.Anoiselikethundermadetheairshiver.Allaroundweretheruinsofamassivecity,largerthananythingRagnarhadeverseenexcept,perhaps,theFang.Theblackenedstumpsoftoweringbuildingsloomedoverhim.Eachseemedalmostaslargeasamountain.Inthedistance,attheendofthestreet,hecouldseehugemetalbeast-machinesmoving.Theywere

shapedlikemen,butmaybetentimesashigh.Intheirfistswereenormousweaponsthatsentbeamsoflightlashingacrosstheskylikethelightningofthegods.Fromtheirshouldersthunderboltsflashed.Forafewmomentstheairwasfilledwithhigh-pitchedwhining,andtheninthedistancecouldbeheardtheworld-shakingroarofanexplosion.Thegroundtrembledunderfootlikeawhippedbeast.Acloudofblacksmokeanddebrisleaptintotheskybeforesettlingbacktoearthinasurprisinglyslowseemingmotion.Ragnarsurveyedthescene.Onceagainhewasinthegreyarmourwiththewolf-signonit.Hewas

usedtoitnow.Itfittedhimlikeasecondskin,andmadehimfasterandstronger.Onceagainhehadthoseoddpotentweaponsinhishands.Foramoment,hewonderedwhathewasdoinghere,butonceagainhesensedthepowerfulpresenceofthoseancientmindsandalldoubtsweresweptaway.Helookedaround.Hewasonhisown.Hehadbecomeseparatedfromhiscomrades.Forthefirst

timeinRussaloneknewhowmanymonthshewasbyhimself.Therewasnoonearoundtobackhimup,tohelphimifhefell,towatchoverhimwhilehewasinjured.Hehadnoideawheretheotherswereorhowhehadgotseparatedfromtheminthisvastandterrifyingalienplace.Henoticedthatthesunwasahugebloatedredorb,andtheskywasashadeofcobaltbluethelikeofwhichhehadneverseenbefore.Hehadasenseofremoteness,ofbeingsofarfromhomethathecouldnotcomprehendthedistance.Heknewthathemustfindtheothers,thattheywereouttheresomewhereinneedofhisleadership,

buthehadnowayofknowingwhereorwhy.Hefeltsuddenlyinsignificant,lostandalonelikeachildinthewilderness.Hefoughtdownthefeelingofblacknessanddespairandstrodeoffinthedirectionofthebattlefield.Ashemovedhebecamemoreawareofhissurroundings,andmorefilledwithwonder.Menhadbuiltthisplace.Hecouldtellbytheartefactshefoundlyingamidtherubble.Picturesof

familiespaintedwithadetailthatmadethemseemalmostreal,imprisonedincrystalsthatshowedthescenefromdifferentanglesasyourotatedthem.BooksinalanguagehecouldnotunderstandprintedwithanoddmechanicalregularitythelikeofwhichitwasimpossibletoproduceonFenris.Children’stoysmadefromexoticaliensubstancesthatweresmoothandchilltothetouch.Slowlythescaleofwhathewaswitnessingheredawnedonhim.Thiswaswarfoughtinawaythat

wasunimaginableamonghispeople.Thiscitymusthaveheldmorepeoplethanhisentireworld,andithadbeenlevelledbytheforcesunleashedhereassurelyasifthegodshadleaneddownfromheavenandsmasheditflat.Perhapsthatwasexactlywhathadhappened.Hismindreeledashetriedtopicturethesheerdestructivepowerwhichhadbeenfocusedonthiscity.Powerbeyondthescopeofhisimaginationtoevenbegintocomprehend.Ragnarsensedthatperhapshewasbeingchallengedandtestedhere,andthatpartofhistrialwasto

beabletoadapttowhathewasseeing,tounderstanditandtocontinuefunctioning.Heknewthatsomeofhiskinfolkwouldhavebeenparalysedbyfear,bythesheerdreadofwalkingamidthesetitanicruins.Hedecidedswiftlythatitwouldmeannothingtohim.HewasRagnarandhewouldfightjustaswellhereasonthedeckofadragonshipandhewouldcontinuefightingregardlessofthepresenceorabsenceofanycompanions.Hewascongratulatinghimselfonhisfortitudewhenthegroundshookandheheardthemenacing

thump,thump,thumpofapproachingfootfalls.Oneofthedistantgiantfigureshehadseenearlierturnedthecornerandhoveintoview.Itwasnearlytentimeshisheight,proportionedsomewhatlikea

manonlytallerandmoreslender.Theheadwaslongandsleekandovularandfromthewayitturnedalertlyhecouldtellitwasawareofhim.Redandyellowpennonsimplantedonitsshouldersflutteredinthewind.Itsmightytalonsgrippedstrangeelongatedweapons.Itboundedforward,coveringthegroundfarquickerthanaman.Ragnarfelthimselffrozenwith

horror.Therewasnothinghecoulddoagainstthisthing.Hisswordseemedaspitifulasasplinterwieldedbyachildagainstagrownwarrior.Thisthingcouldcrushhimtojellybeneathitsenormousbootwithoutevenslowingdown.Infactitappearedthatwasexactlywhatitintended.DisplacedairwhippedpastRagnar ’sface.Ahugeshadowflickeredacrossthesunasthemonstrous

footdescended.Atthelastmoment,hemasteredhimself,determinedtodosomething.Hetriedtothrowhimselftooneside,outoftheareacoveredbythedescendinglimbbutitwastoolarge.Therewasnowayhecouldavoidit.Howlingwithfrustratedrage,determinedtodosomethingtothethingthatwaskillinghim,heraisedhisswordinalastfutilegestureofdefiance.Sparksflaredastheblade’steethencounteredmetal.Itwasthelastthinghesawbeforeanenormousweightdescendedandcrushedhisbonestojelly.Stillscreaminghesatboltuprightandfoundhimselfinanewscene.Thiswashell,hewas

convinced.Hewasdoomedtospendeternitydyingathousanddeathsinplaceswhichhedidnotunderstand,fightingagainstforceshecouldnotcomprehend.No,hetoldhimself,screamingintormenteddefiance,thiswasallanillusion,aspellwovenbythosebitterancientswhowaitedbeyondtheGateofMorkai,andhewouldnotletitdefeathim.Thisoneisstrongindeed,brothers,saidthethunderousvoiceinsidehishead.Ifheliveshewillbe

numberedamongthemighty.OnceagainRagnarfeltanenormouswaveofpowersweepingthroughhismind,numbinghiswill,

draininghisresistance.Thistimehefoughtagainstit,usingeveryounceofhissavageryandhate.Hewasnotgoingtobeforcedbackintothosealienworldsagainsthiswill.Hewasnotgoingtobethepuppetofsomeancientwizards.Hewasnotgoingtogivewayto…What?Hewasnotgoingtogivewaytowhat?Hecouldnotremember.Therewasnoneedto

remember.Hestoodonabeachwatchingthesunset.Oddlookingtreesswayedinthesoftbreeze.Theairwaswarmandscentedwithstrangeperfumes.FlowersmorelushthananythingthateverbloomedinthebleakwastelandsofFenrisswayedunderthewind’sprobingfingers.‘Ragnar.’Heturned.Themostbeautifulwomanhehadeverseenwalkedtowardshim.But‘walked’wasnota

lovelyenoughwordtodescribetheswayinggraceofhermovements.Herskinwasamber.Herhairwasliquidjet.TherewassomethingaboutherfeaturesthatremindedhimofAna,onlyanAnawithnoflaws,anAnaoutofwhichalldefectshadbeensubtlyerased.ShesmiledandRagnarfelthisheartskip.Itwasasmilethatwarmedhissurroundingslikethesunmight.Hefeltdrawntoherbyasubtleforce,eventhoughhersmilerevealedsmallsharpfangslikethoseofsomevampiricbeast.‘Youhavedecidedthen,’shesaid.Hervoicewasmusical,thrillingassin.Themeresoundofit

madehimdrunkasaskinfulofwine.‘Decidedwhat?’‘Donottoywithme.Youhavedecidedtojoinus?Tobondwithourcovenandofferupyoursoul

toourgreatmasterSlaanesh?’Whatwasshetalkingabout?WhowasSlaanesh?Hehadnorealideabutoncemoretheveryname

evokedasenseofevilonanalmostcellularlevelinhim.More,hesensedtherewassomedeepermeaningbehindherwords,justashertaintedbeautysignifiedsomedeeperreality.Wasthatahintofpetulanceinhertone?Wasshemistakinghismisunderstandingforrefusal?Justwhatwasgoingonhere?‘Ihavedecidednothingyet,’hesaid,togivehimselftime.

‘Thatisunfortunate,’thegirlreplied,andleanedforwardtokisshim.Hislipstingledfromhertouch.Herskinseemedtoexudesubtlenarcotics.Herverytouchcausedpleasuresointenseitwasalmostpainful.Asthekisscontinued,hefeltasifsomethingwasbeingdrawnfromhim,theveryessenceofhis

personality,hissoul.Itwasnotpainful.Itwaspleasurable,ratherlikefallingasleeponasoftdownybedwithabeautifulwomanbyhisside,havingsatedhimselfonallthepleasuresimaginable.Andyet,somethingwaswrong.ThiswasnothowhehadfeltwithAna.Suddenly,Ragnarrealisedthathedidnotwanttosubmittothisgentledestructionofallthathewas,

anymorethanhewouldwelcomebeingcrushedbythesteelfootofamightywarmachine.Hefoughtagainstit,andindoingsocametorealiseitsstrength.Itwaslikebeingpulleddownintheundertowofapowerfulcurrent.Youcouldstruggleallyoulikeandstillyouwouldbedraggeddowntomeettheseadaemons.Hetriedtoresistandstillhislifeforcewasdrainedawayandblacknesscloudedthecornersofhisvision.Againhewokeintonightmare.Thistimehestoodbeforeavastblackaltar.Allaroundweird

figurescapered.Highoverheadahornedsorcereronagreatglowingdiscfloated,defyinggravitybythestrengthofhismagic.EvenasRagnarwatchedhefloateddown.Animbusoflightplayedaroundthesorcerer ’sclawedhandsbutsofarhehadmadenothreateningmove.Ragnarraisedhisweaponbutdidnotstrikeforhewantedtoseewhatwouldhappen.‘Whatcanmymastergrantyouinexchangeforyoursoul?’thesorcereraskedinavoicemolten

withsorcerouspower.‘Whatisitthatyouwish?Youneedbutthinkofit,anditwillbeyours.’InstantlyandunbiddentheimageofStrybjorn’scorpsesprangintohismind.Beforehecouldeven

tryandcoverhisthoughts,StrybjornappearedboundonthealtarandahugesacrificialknifewasgrippedfirmlyinRagnar ’shands.Hatredtwistedhisguts.Hesawagainhisfatherlyingdeadintheburnedoutruinsofhishome

village.HesawhispeoplebeingledawayasthrallsintheGrimskulldragonships.HerelivedtheduelinwhichhethoughthehadslainStrybjornandinwhichtheGrimskullhadcomesoclosetoslayinghim.Theurgetostrikedownathisenemy’sunprotectedbreastwasthere,andalmosthebroughttheknifedown.HewantedtofeelthebladeplungeintoStrybjorn’schest,wantedtofeeltheshockofsteelagainstbone,wantedtofeelbloodspoutforth.TheonlythingthatstayedhishandevenforamomentwasthefactthatStrybjornworeanamuletthatborethesamewolf’sheadiconthatwasinscribedonRagnar ’sowngreyarmour.‘Goahead!Strike!’saidthesorcerer.‘Takeyourvengeance.Thesoulsofyourancestorsclamour

forit.Strikeanditshallbeyours.’Ragnar ’shandtrembledwithhisurgetobringthebladedown.Hehadwantednothingmoreinhis

entirelifethantostrike.Eventhoughheknewhissoulwouldbeforfeittothesorcerer ’sgodthemomenthedidso,theurgetobringthedaggerplungingdownwasalmosttoomuchforhim.Eventhoughheknewitwouldbeabetrayalofthearmourheworeandthepeoplehehadtrainedalongside,stillthedesirefilledhim.Subtleknowledgefloodedintohishead.Heknewthatifhestrucknow,hewouldbecomeatraitor

toallhispeople,thathewouldreturntotheFangandbetraytheservantsofRusstotheirenemies.Ifhestruck,allofFenrisandallofhispeoplewouldfallintothepitofdestructionandslavery.Hestoodforamomentbalancedonaknifeedgewithhatredononesideanddutyontheother.Thefateoftheworldteeteredinthebalance.Inonescalewashisownall-consuminghatred.Intheotherscalewastheknowledgethathisnamewouldliveforeverininfamy.Whatdidthatmatter?saidastill,smallvoice.WhatdidallofthepeopleofFenrismeantohim?All

ofhisbloodkinweredead,slainbythismanandhispeople.AlltheinhabitantsoftheFanghadeverdonewasforcehimtoendurepain,humiliationandprivation.IfbyslayingStrybjornhecausedhis

world’sdestruction,whatofit?IntheensuinguniversaldeaththeGrimskullswouldbesweptawayinatideofbloodandfinalvengeancewouldbehis.Avengeancesocompletethatitwouldneverbeexceeded.Hishandtrembledandthebladebegantodescend.Hefoughtagainsttheurge.Thiswasnotthesort

ofvengeancehehadwanted.Thiswasnotacleankillinthehotbloodofmortalcombat.Thiswastheslaughterofaboundfoewhosesoulwouldbedevouredbyadarkpower.Thiswasnotaworthymannerofvengeance.‘Takeyourvengeancehowyoulike,’thesorcerersaid.‘Buttakeit!’HegesturedandthechainsfellawayfromStrybjorn.TheGrimskullsprangupright.‘Traitor!’heshriekedandlaunchedhimselfatRagnar.Ragnardroppedhimwithablowofhisfist

andreflexactionalmostsenttheknifeplungingintoStrybjorn’sbreast.Onceagainhestoppedhimself.Onceagainhebecameconsciousofbeingapawnofforcesgreaterthanhe.Onceagainthevision

ofthoseterribleoldmenwholurkedbeyondtheGateofMorkaisprangintohismind.Heknewtheywereouttheresomewhere,toyingwithhim,examiningtheinnermostsecretsofhisbeing,siftinghisverythoughtsandjudginghisworthiness.Thethoughtfilledhimwithanangerhotterthanhishatred.Whoweretheytojudgehim?Who

weretheytomouldhismindtotheirwill?Hewouldhavenomoreofit.Hebithistongueuntilpainsearedthroughhim.Hetooktheknifeandplungeditintohisownstomach.‘Nomoreofthesegames!’heshouted,fallingtohiskneesandwatchinghisownbloodasitpooled

athisfeet.Agonysearedthroughhisveins.Hislipstwistedinasnarlofrageandpain.Theworldtrembled.Rockstumbleddownfromtheceiling.Everythingseemedtoshiftanddance

andmelt.‘IamRagnarandIdefyyou!’heraved,asdarknesscompleteandutterlytookhimforthelasttime.

CHAPTERTEN

Ragnarawokeslowlyandpainfully.Hefelttiredasamanmightwhohadrisenoncemorefromthedead.Allofhisenergy,allofhislife-forceseemedspent.Hecouldrememberverylittleofhisordeal.Itwasanendless-seemingnightmareofviolenceanddeathwhereeveryweaknessofhispsychehadbeenprobedandexposed.Whenhelookeddownathisbodyhewassurprisedtoseethattherewerenomarksonit,nowoundsorbruises.Hecouldnothelpbutfeelthatthereshouldbe.Hewasnaked.Helayonacoldslabofstoneinacave.Thelightcamefromoneofthestrange

sorcerousglobes.Ontheotherslabslayotheraspirants.HerecognisedSven,StrybjornandKjel.Coldmistybreathescapedfromtheirmouths,congealingintocloudswhenitencounteredthechillofthecave.Ragnarshiveredandrealisedhowcoldhewas.Hepickedhimselfupfromtheslabandinspectedtheotherbodies.Oneofthem,anaspiranthedidnotrecognise,didnotappeartobebreathing.Ragnarwalkedover,theicycoldnessnumbinghisfeet,andcheckedthebody.Helaidahandonthe

youth’sbreast.Itwascoldandtherewasnoheartbeat.Thelimbswerealreadystiffwithrigour.Soitwastruethen,Ragnarthought,youcoulddiewhenyoupassedthroughtheGateofMorkai.Heshiveredagain,notsurewhetheritwasfromthechillorfromfear.Hefeltsurethathehadnarrowlyevadedthesamedoomasthispoorsoul.Hefeltacalmicyangerbeingbornwithinhimself.Hewasangrythatanyoneshouldriflethrough

histhoughtsandmemorieslikeareaverransackingahouse.Whatgavethesepeopletherighttodosuchathing,hewondered?Orrather,whatmadethemfeelasiftheyhadtherighttodosuchathing?Somethingmadehimpausetoconsider.Whoevertheywere,theysurelymustbedoingitforsome

purpose.Behindthisrelentlesstestingandwinnowing,behindthisunendingweedingoutoftheweakandtheunworthytheremustbesomegreatplan.Itmadenosenseotherwise.Itcouldnotsimplybeaformofcruelamusementforthegods,couldit?Hedidnotknow.Heonlyknewthathewascoldandtiredandhungryandthathewantedoutofthis

terribleplace.Hestalkedovertothecavemouthandsawtherewasanothercavebeyond.Initweremorestoneslabs,buttheseoneswereempty.Oneofthestrangecreatures,halfman,halfmachine,stoodwatchinghim.Oneeyewashumanandblue.Theotherwasofglassandsteelandreflectedthelightlikeatinysun.Itturnedtolookathim,andasitmoveditsheadtherewasastrangewhirringnoise.Ragnarcouldseeitsneckwaspartiallycoveredinmetal,andacollarofsteelfittedintothemetallicbreastplatethatcovereditschest.‘Comewithme,’itsaid,inastrangeemotionlessvoice,inanaccentthatRagnarcouldnot

recognise.Hefolloweditthroughseveralmetaldoors.Passingthrougheachtheairtemperaturegrewwarmer.InthelastchambertherewererobesofthesamestretchablematerialasthetunicstheaspirantshadbeengiveninRussvik.Theseonesthoughhadclaw-likestripesontheirchestaswellasthewolf’sheademblem.Ragnarpausedandwithoutbeingtoldputoneon.Hethenfollowedtheman-machineintoalargechamberwhereRanekwaitedwiththethreeterribleoldmenwhohadwatched

beyondtheGateofMorkai.HelookedatRagnaroddlyandthensmiledcoldly,showingthosemassivefangs.‘You’vesetusa

puzzle,laddie.’Ragnarjustlookedathim,thenlethiseyesslidebeyondtotakeintheoldmenintheirarmourand

wolfpelts.TheylookedonlyslightlylessgrizzledthanRanekandtherewasaboutthemanauraofpowerandstrangeness.Theseoneshadatouchoftheweirdling,Ragnarthought,andnomistake.HehadoftensuspectedRanekofbeingasorcererbuthecouldseenowthathewasmistaken.Thesewerethetruesorcerers,theruneweavers,theseerswhocouldseeintomen’sminds.Hefelthisangerandhisfearfocusonthem.Iftheysensedittheygavenosign.Theylookedathimasamanmightlookatadogtheywere

consideringpurchasing.RagnargavehisattentionbacktoRanek.‘Noonehasevercomeclosertobeingfailed,’Raneksaid.‘Thereisaflawinyou,boy,andit

mightyetbeyourundoing.’‘Aflaw?’‘Hatred.Youhaveacapacityforhatethatissostrong.’‘Sincewhenhashatredbeenaflawinawarrior?Hatinghisenemiesmakesamanstrong.’‘Aye,buthatinghiscomradesisanindulgencethatawarriorcannotafford.’‘Oh?’‘YouhatetheGrimskullandyouwantrevengeonhim.’Ragnarsawnopointindenyingit.‘Yes.’‘Youarenotthefirsttocomeherethatway,laddie.Oftenwechoosewarriorsfrombothsidesina

struggle.Oftenoldenemiesjoinourranksatthesametime.Theylearntofighttogethersidebyside.’‘Thatsurprisesme.’‘Itshouldnot.Theprocessofbeingaspirantscreatesstrongbonds.Onlyinyourcaseithasnot

beenquitesuccessful.’‘Icannotbeexpectedtoletmyenemylive.’‘Youmustdecidewhatismoreimportant.Killingyourenemyorlivingyourlifewithhonourin

theserviceofagreatcause.Thegreatest.Believeme,inthefuture,ifyoulive,youwillhaveenemiesenoughtoslakeyourlustforbattle.’‘SoImustspareStrybjornorIwillfailyourtests?’‘No,youmustspareStrybjornoryouwilldie.’‘Whyareyoutellingmethis?’‘Becauseyouhaveitinyoutobeagreatwarrior,laddie.Andwehavedesperateneedofgreat

warriors.Butthosewarriorsmustbeloyalandtruetotheircomradesortheyareuselessbothtothemselvesandtous.Beware,laddie,thepathforthedarknesstoyourheartliesthroughyourhatred.Bearthatinmind,always.’Ragnarlookedattheoldmanthoughtfully.Hecouldthinkofnoreplysohekeptsilent.Heglanced

attheothersbuttheirseamedfaceswereunreadable.‘Gototheantechamberandwait,’Ranektoldhim.‘Soonenoughyouwilllearnwhatthisisall

about.’

RagnarstoodontheedgeofahugeamphitheatreonthesideoftheFang.Itwassolargeitmighthaveheldtensofthousandsinsteadofthemeagrefewscoreaspirantswhowaitedthere.Shaftsofsunlightbrokethroughtheturbulentclouds.Theairwaschillandsmallsnowflakesdriftedonthewind.Inthecentreofthearenawasanenormousdaisonwhichwasinscribedthewolf’sheadsymbol.Hugewolf-headedstatuesguardedtheentrance.Ranekstoodinthecentrelookingatthem.HischillgazemadeRagnarfeelsmall.

‘Youhavedonewelltogetthisfar,’theWolfPriestsaid.Hiscalm,gruffvoicecarriedeffortlesslyacrossthearena.Hewasagoodspeakerandtheacousticswereperfect,Ragnarrealised.HiswordsaffectedRagnaroddly.Hefeltaswellingofprideinhisbreast.Thiswasthefirstpraisetheaspirantshadeverreceivedfromhimoranyoftheothermasters.‘YouhavecomefromRussvik,GrimnirandValksberg,allplaceswhereaspirantsarejudged.Youhavesurvivedwhereothershavedied.Youhaveprovenyourselfworthyofconsiderationtojoinourranks.’Hepausedforamomenttolethiswordssinkin.Ragnarcouldseethesmilesonthefacesofthe

others,andhecouldtellthatRanek’swordshadaffectedtheminexactlythesamewayastheyhadhim.Astheyhadbeenintendedto,hethoughtsourly.‘Yes.Butthatisallyouhaveproven.Everythingyouhaveundergonesofarhasbeenbutchildren’s

gamescomparedtowhatyoumustgothroughnow.Therealtestingisjustbeginning.’Groansescapedthelipsofalltheaspirants.Raneksmiledevillybeforecontinuing.‘Donotwhine.

Onceyouunderstandwhythismustbedone,youwillseeourpurpose.Youwillknowwhatitisyouendureandyouwillknowthereasonwhyyouendureit.Youhavecomethisfarandyoudeservetoknowthismuch.’Allweresilentnow.Theysensedthattheywereabouttobecomepartytoagreatsecret.Ragnar

foundthathewasleaningforward,hisearsprickedfortheWolfPriest’sleastword.Likeallofthem,hedesperatelywantedtoknowwhatthiswasabout.‘Whodoyouthinkweare?’Ranekasked.‘Whodoyouthinklivesinthisvastmountain?’‘Russ’swarriors!’Strybjornbellowed.Raneklaughedandhislaughterwaschilling.‘Aye,thatiswhatweare.WeareindeedtheChosen

Ones.Justasthosewhocamebeforeuswerechosen.Andthosewhocamebeforethem.Andsoon.AndsoonbacktothedawnoftimewhenRusswalkedamongmen,andtheAllFather,theEmperor,foughthisgreatwarsagainstthepowersofdarkness.‘Youstandindeedintheplaceofthechosen.ThisistheFang.Itisamightyfortressinavast

strugglethatiswagedendlesslybetweentheforcesofmankindandtheforcesthatwoulddestroyit.Itisaplacefromwhichgreatwarriorssetforthtowalkamongthestars,andperformmissionsthatwillaffectthedestinyofmillions.‘Youhavenoideahowmomentousthosemissionsare.Thereisnowayyoupossiblycould.Ifyou

surviveitwillbemanyyears,perhapsmanylifetimesasmenmeasurethesethings,beforeyouhavethefaintestinklingofit.‘Youthinkyouhavebeenchosentojointheranksoftheimmortals,tofightalongsideRussonthe

DayofWrath.Thisisnothinglessthanthetruth.TheFangisthehometoabrotherhoodofwarriors,aChapteraswecallit.WearethesonsofRuss,drawnfromhispeople.WecallourselvestheSpaceWolves,andsomedayyouwillcometounderstandwhy.‘LetmetellyouofRuss.Someofyoumaythinkofhimasapowerfulspirit,agodwhowatches

overyou.Hewasnot.Atleastnotinthesenseyouthink.Hewasaman.Aye,andsomethingmorethanaman.Hewasaprimarch,asuperhumanbeingraisedabovethelevelofnormalmortalsbythepowerandtechnologyoftheAllFather.Hewasstronger,faster,tougher,moreresilient,morepotentthananythingyoucanimagine.HefoundedourChaptertofollowhimintobattle.Hechoseourpeople,thefolkofFenris,tobehiswarriors.Hechoseonlythehardiestandthebestofourancestors,foronlytheywereworthyofthisultimateaccolade.Thisisatraditionthatwekeepevenintheselesserdays.’Hepausedforaminuteandgazedatthem.Hiseyescaughtthelightandseemedtoburnlikefire.

Noneofthemcouldmeethisgaze.‘IbearwithinmethemarkofRuss.AlloftheWolvesyouwillmeetinthisfortressdo.Itisathingthathaschangedme.Mademedifferentfrommortalmen.Ithasextendedmylifeforcenturies,mademefaster,stronger,morepowerfulthananymortalmanyou

haveevermetoreverwillmeet.Itmaydothesameforyou.’Hepausedagain.Alloftheaspirantslookedateachother.Theywereallwonderingwhathemeant,

Ragnarknew.Hisownmindreeledfromwhathehadheard.HowcouldthisoldmanknowwhatRusswaslike?Howcouldhespeakwithsuchcertaintyabouttheancienttimes?Hewasnotmad,asfarasRagnarcouldtell.Hesoundedconvincedofhisrightness.AndofcoursehewasdifferentfromallofthemortalsRagnarhadevermet.Hewaslarger,stronger,faster.Hepossessedthoseterrifyingfangsandthoseoddwolf-likeeyes.‘Isay“may”becausethereisanotherpossibility.Itmaykillyouoritmaydoworsethankillyou.It

maytransformyouintoamonstrousbeast,awulfen,athingmorethananimalandlessthanman.Otherthingsmaygowrongtoo.’Theoldmangesturedandsuddenlythechamberwentdark.Healonewasilluminated,standingina

pooloflight.Ragnarheardsomeoftheaspirantsmutteraboutsorcerybuthewondered.Hehadseenmanythingssincehecamehere.Itwasjustaslikelythattheoldmanhadsomehiddenmeansofcontrollingthoseever-burninglanterns.Itseemedpossiblethattheyweresimplymachines,vastlymorecomplexversionsofthelampshehadseenathome.Whathappenednextcausedhimtodoubthiscomplacentassessment.‘Payattentionnow,’Raneksaid.‘Youareabouttotakethefirststepalongthepathofknowledge.’Hegesturedagain,andsuddenlyfloatingintheairabovehimwasanakedyouthofaboutthesame

ageastheaspirants.HelookedsorealthatatfirstRagnarsuspectedthathehadmaterialised,beensummonedlikeaspiritoutofthinair.Ashewatchedthoughhesawthattherewasnomovementofanysort,andthatifyoulookedvery,verycloselyyoucouldseethroughhim.Hewastranslucentasaspiritindeed.Ragnarwonderedatthemagicofit.‘Thisisahumanyouth.Aladverymuchlikeyourselves.Watchwhathappensnext.Youwillsee

whathappenswhenthecanishelixisadded;thisisthemarkofRuss.’AsRagnarwatched,theyouthbegantochange.Hisbodybecamemoremuscularandhairy.The

fingernailsthickenedandbecametalon-like.Theeyestookontheoddwolf-likelookthatRanek’sandHakon’shad.Fangsbegantoprotrudefromthegums.HetookontheauraofstrangenessandpowerthatRagnarhadcometoassociatewiththemastersoftheFang.Hecouldheargaspsofamazementfromtheotheraspirantsastheywatched.‘Attheendofthetransformation,ifallgoeswell,youwillbemanytimesstrongerandfasterthan

youarenow.Youwillhealquicker.Yoursenseswillbemuchkeener.Youwillbebraverandmoreferociousthaneveryouwere.Ifallgoeswell.‘Ifthechangegoesbadlyworsethingsmaybefallyou.’Alookofidiotferocityandmadnesscameintotheprojection’seyes.Itslumpedforwardina

disgustinglyferalway.Allintelligencedrainedfromitsface.‘Youmaygomadorbecomeanidiot.’Thechangecontinued.Thethickgrowthofhaircontinuedtosproutuntilitcoveredthewholebody

likeananimal’spelt.Thefeaturesofthefacewereobscuredasifbyfur.Thetalonsonthefingersandtoesgrewlongeruntiltheybecamefullclaws.Thefangsbecamesolargetheydistendedtheface.Alookofutterferocioushungerdistortedtheyouth’sfeatures.Ragnarrememberedthecreaturehehadoncedreamedabout.Ithadlookedexactlylikethisexceptthatthecolourofthefurwasslightlydifferent.Hedidnotdoubtnowthathehadlookeduponawulfen.‘Oryoumaybecomeawulfen.Whyisthis,youarewondering?ItisbecausethemarkofRuss

unleashesthespiritofthebeastthatiswithinusall.Somemenarestrongenoughtocontrolthebeast.Othersletthebeastcontrolthem.Whentheydo,awulfenisborn.‘AllofthesethingsarethingsthatmighthappenonceyoudrinkfromtheCupofWulfen.Ifyou

survivethisfirsttransformationyouwillbewellonyourwaytobecomingaSpaceWolf.Thequestionthatfacesyounowisdoyouhavewhatittakestofacethebeastwithinyou?Orwillyoufail

utterlyandbeconsumed?’Ragnarlookedattheoldmanandwonderedathiswords.Itseemedthattheywerenotbeinggiven

achoice.Thiswasyetanothertesttheymustpass.Wouldtheyneverend?

IntheFanghehadnowayoftellingnightfromday.Theywereshowntoindividualcellsandlockedwithinthem.Amealwaitedforhiminthesmallchamber.Itconsistedofhotmeat,freshcookedbreadandalewhichtastedslightlymetallic.Hegulpeditalldownasifthemealcouldbehislast.Ittastedbetterthananythinghehadevereaten.Assoonashehadfinishedithestalkedupanddownhiscell.Hetestedthedoorbutitwaslocked

andbeyondhisstrengthtoopen.Momentslaterthelightwentoutandtheroomwasplungedintodarkness.Unabletodoanythingelsehelaydownonthepalletandwithinmomentswasasleep.Hisdreamsweredark.Hewasstalkedthroughamazebyamonster.Nomatterhowhardheranand

howcunninglyhehiditwasalwaysthere,afewstepsbehind.Andheknewhedidnotdarelookbehindhim,forifhedid,hewouldseethatthemonster ’sfeatureswerehisown.Hisbodywascoveredincoldsweatwhenhewoke.

Thetemplewaselaborate,intricatelydecoratedwithfinelyworkedstonewornwithpassingages.Yetforallitssplendour,Ragnarfoundtheplacegloomy.Artificialglowlampsthrewtheirsodiumglareintoacarefullydirectedpoolofyellowlight,inwhichstoodthecentrepieceoftheancientchamber.Wolfheadsdecoratedthealtar,whichappearedcarvedfromasinglerock.Onitsintricatelycarvedstoneworkrestedachaliceofsomeunknownmetal,whichalsoborethewolf’sheadsymboloftheSpaceWolves.Ranekwasthere,lookingoldasthemountainitself.Hewasflankedbytwomaskedwarriorsinsimilararmourtohisown.Ragnarcouldseethatoneofthemaskedwarriorshadanarmthatwasmadeallofmetal.Exposedbitsofitclickedandwhirredasitmoved.Eachofthemheldadevicethatlookedlikeahammer.RagnarthoughtimmediatelyofthehammerofRuss,theLightningBringer.Perhapstheseweaponswereitskin.Ranekglaredatthemallthenstrodeforwardtothealtar.Hegraspedthegreatchalicewithhis

massivegnarledhandsthenraiseditaloftalmostasifhewereabouttodashitupontheground.‘BeholdtheCupofWulfen,’hesaid.TherewashoarsenessinhisvoicethattookRagnaramoment

toworkoutwasreverence.‘Lookuponitandwonder.Youlookatanobjectolderthanthisfortress:anartefactforgedinthedawnoftimebytheservantsoftheAllFather.ThischalicewascarriedbytheChapterallthroughtheGreatCrusade.ItwaspartofourheritageduringthedarktimesoftheGreatHeresyandthewarwithHorus.ThehandsofRusshimselfwereclaspedaroundthischaliceinthedimdawnoftime.Lookuponitandthinkuponmywords.’Ragnarlookedagain.IfwhatRanekclaimedwastrue,andhesawnoreasontodoubttheWolf

Priest,thiswasanartefactwhichhadoncebeenheldinthehandsofthegodofhispeople.Itwasolderbyfarthananythingelsehehadeverencountered.Atfirstglanceitdidnotlooklikemuch,butevenashewatched,hethoughthecouldseeglitteringrunesoflightappearinitsside.Andanimbusofstrangeenergiesplayedaboutit.‘WecallthistheCupofWulfenforareason.Theancientswhomadethisvesselimbueditwith

potentmagics.Whoeverdrinksfromthisvesselwill,iftheyareworthy,takeuponthemselvesthemarkofRuss,andwithitaportionoftheman-god’spowers.Iftheyareunworthy,theywillpayaterribleprice.Listenthentothetaleofthewulfen,andknowwhy.‘BackinthedayswhenRussfirstcametoFenristorecruithiswarriors,therewasajarlnamed

Wulfen.Hewasamightyman,fellandstrong,proudinhispower.Hewasamangiftedbeyondallothersintheartofwarandhewasbestedonlyonceinhislife,andthatwasbyRuss,whohumbledhimbeforeallhispeoplebutseeingaworthywarriorsparedhim,andofferedhimaplaceamonghiswarriors.

‘RussspoketotheassembledmenofFenrisandtoldthemofhisplan.Heofferedthempowerandavastspanofyearsiftheyfollowedhimtomakewaramongthestars.Theyroaredtheiracceptance,andhailedRussastheirchief.Hetoldthemthattheymustdrinkapotentbrewfromthegreatcupandthuswouldtheirtransformationbegin.WulfenwasthefirsttostepforwardandheswiggedthegloriousmeadofRussfromthechalice.‘ButevillurkedstillinWulfen.HewasconsumedbyasecretgnawinghatredofRussandhe

plannedtotaketreacherousrevengeupontheman-god.TheguardianspiritwithinthecupsawthisthemomentWulfenputittohislips,anditworkedaspellonhim,makinghisouterselfmatchhisinnerevil.Tothehorrorofthosewholookedon,thegreatchieftainchanged.Heturnedintoadreadfulthing,half-man,half-wolfandhesprangonRusswithahowlofhatred.ButRusswasnotdismayed.Withoneblow,hecrushedWulfen’sskullandslewthebeastthathadbeenrevealed.‘HelookeduponhisfollowersandtoldthemthatWulfenwasunworthy,andthatthiswouldbethe

fateofallthosewhodrankfromthechalicewithevilintheirhearts.Hetoldthemthatthosewhowishedcouldnowdepartwithoutdrinking.Toourancestors’credit,nomandeparted,andalldrankandallgainedthepowerthatRusshadmadetheirdue.AndthusbeganthefoundingofourChapter.Thosemenstrodeforthtowritetheirnameinthehistoryofalltheworldsofmen.Thosewhodrinkfromthischalicenowwilldolikewise.Iftheyareworthy.Thinkonthisforamoment.’Ragnarthought.Wasthisjustastory?Somehowhedoubtedit.Sofartheyhadbeentoldnothing

withoutapurpose,andRanekdidnotlooklikethesortofmanwhowasgoingtostartmakingthingsupnow.EvenashewatchedthetwoarmouredwarriorshadbeguntoemptyastrangebrewintothechalicethatRanekheldbeforehim.Theingredientscamefromtwoseparateflasksandastheymingledinthechalice,theybegantobubbleandsteam.Allthewhiletheydidthis,RanekspokewordsinthestrangetonguethatRagnarhadheardbefore.Itseemedthatifhedrankfromthischalicewithevilinhisheart,hewasdoomedtobecomea

monster,anddoubtlesstobekilledliketheoriginalWulfen.Hewonderedthoughwherethemonsterstheycalledwulfencamefromthen.Iftheywereunworthyaspirants,whyweretheystillalive?HowdidtheyescapefromtheFang?Yetagainhesensedamysteryhere.Onehewasinnopositiontoansweryet.Anotherquestionnaggedathim.Didhehaveevilinhisheart?Wouldtheterriblefatethatbefell

Wulfenbehis?HeconsideredwhathehadbeentoldearlierabouthishatredforStrybjorn.Wasthatevil?Hedidnotthinkso.ItwassimplythewayanywarriorofFenriswouldfeelaboutoneofthekillersofhisclan.Still,whyhadtheywarnedhimthen?Thepriestshadfinishedminglingthecontentsoftheflasksnow.Raneksetthecupdownonthe

altar.Insideittheycouldseethebrewbubblinglikeadevil’sbroth.TheWolfPriestglancedaroundatallofthem,thenreachedwithinhispouchandproducedahandfulofwoodenstraws.‘Eachofyoumustdrink.Youarenotaskedtovolunteer.Itwouldbepointless.WewillletRuss

decidetheorder.Inmyhandareanumberofspillsofwood.Oneachiscutanumberofnotches.Eachofyouwilltakeonespill.Startingwiththeonewhosespillhasthehighestnumberofnotches,youwilldrink.Youwillcomeforwardinorder,kneelbeforethealtarandtakeamouthfuloftheholymeadfromthechalice.Isthatclear?’Allofthemyelledtheirassent.Therewasanervousqualitytoeveryvoice,Ragnarthought.Andno

wonder.Eachofthemmustbethinkingaboutthepossibilityofbecomingaraveningbeast.Ranekadvancedtowardsthemwithhishandsoutstretched.Onebyonetheaspirantstookapieceofwoodfromhishand.Ragnarwatchedtheirfacesforaresponse.HewasgratifiedtoseeStrybjorn’stwistwithsomethinglikedismay.Whenhisownturncame,hishandwassteadywhenhereachedouttotakethesmallsplinterofwood.Beforeheevenlookedatithisfingershadfeltitssideandhediscoveredonlyonenotch.Itappearedthathewouldbegoinglast.Hedidnotknowwhethertobe

gladorsorry.Ranektoldthemalltoopentheirhands,andlookedatthespilltheyhadchosen.Hearrangedthem

inorderoftheirnumbersandthenreturnedtothealtar.RagnarsawthatStrybjornwasatthefront,thenSven,thenKjel.Therewereothersbetweenhimandhiscomrades.Ashehadsuspectedhewasgoinglast.‘Advancetothealtar,’Raneksaid.Strybjornwalkedforward.Hisfacewaspalebutdetermined.Heknewthatalleyeswereuponhim,

waitingtoseehisresponse.Hewasnotgoingtoshowanyfear.HatredwarredwithadmirationfortheGrimskull’scouragewithinRagnarashewatchedStrybjorn’sfirmstride.StrybjornkneltbeforethealtarthenroseproudlytotaketheCupofWulfenwithafirmhand.Heraisedittohislips,threwbackhisheadanddrank.Ranekhadtoreachforwardandpullthecupdowntostophimdrinkingitall.Strybjornstoodthereforamoment.Allofthemwatchedwithbaitedbreathtoseewhatwould

happen.Ragnarcouldhearthebeatofhisownheart,feelthesweatonhispalmsashewaited.HewasreadytoleapforwardandstrikeStrybjorndownwithhisbarehandsifheshowedtheslightestsignofachange.HedoubtedthathewouldhavetimetodoanythingbeforeRanekbuthewouldatleasttry.Momentspassed.Nothinghappened.RanekgesturedforStrybjorntostepback,andtheGrimskull

backedaway.Svenstrodeforwardnext.Hismovementswerejaunty;hischinwasheldhigh.Heforgottokneel,though,andRanekbroughthimtohiskneeswithablow.Svenshookhishead,grinnedattheWolfPriestwithoutmaliceandrosetodrinkfromthechalice.Heevensmackedhislipswhenhefinishedandmanagedabelch.RagnarwassurprisedthatRanekdidnothithimagain.InsteadhemerelylaughedandtoldSventomoveaway.Onceagainnochangeoccurred.Kjelmovedforward.Helookedpaleandshakenbuthetookthechaliceanddrank.Hegrimacedas

hefinishedthemeadandlookedasifhewantedtospititoutbutsomehowheforceditalldownthenhetoobackedaway.Nochangesweptoverhim.Onebyonetheaspirantsadvanced.Onebyonetheydrank.Noneofthembecamemonsters.Then

alltooquicklyitwasRagnar ’sturn.Hemarchedforward,feelingtheeyesofalltheothersburningintohisback.Theywereallwatchinghimnow,wonderingifhewouldbetheonetofail.Theyhadallpassed.Theyweresecure.Hewasnot.Hekepthistreadsteadyashemarchedtowardsthealtar.Hekneeledbeforeit,offeredupasilent

prayertoRussandthenrosetotaketheCupofWulfenfromRanek’shands.Itwasheavierthanheexpected.Themetalwascooltothetouchandhishandstingledwiththecontact.Yes,therewasindeedmagichere,hethought.Heraisedittohislipsandpausedforamoment.HepausedandthewarninghehadbeengivenafterhehadpassedthroughtheGateofMorkaiflashedthroughhismind.DidhishatredofStrybjornrepresentthekindofflawwhichwouldunleashthebeastwithinhim?Amomentaryurgetodropthethingpassedthroughhim,tothrowitawayasifithadturnedintoa

poisonousserpentinhishands.Ifthefluidwasspilledhewouldnothavetodrinkit,hecouldnotbecomeamonster.Hadtheothersallfeltthisway,hewondered.Hadtheybeentemptedtocastthechaliceaway?Hadtheyconsideredtheirownflawsbeforedrinking?Hesteeledhimself.Hewasnotgoingtodisgracehimselfnow.Noneoftheothershad,andhewouldnotbringshametotheThunderfistname.Hewasthelastofthem.Ifitwerehisdestinytobecomeahideousbeast,sobeit.Hewouldfacethedoomthefateswoveforhimlikeawarrior.Heraisedthecuptohislipsanddrank.Fromthesmellheexpectedittotasteterrible.Itdidnot.In

fact,hecouldnotdetectwhatittastedlikeatall.Histonguetingledandtheroofofhismouthbecamenumb.Thebackofhisthroatfeltlikehewasdowningadraftoficecoldwater.HekeptdrinkinganddrinkinguntileventuallyhefeltthechalicebeingpulledgentlyfromhishandsbytheWolfPriest.Nowhisskinfeltlikeitwastingling.Hiswholebodyfeltcold.Wasthisit,hewondered?Wasthis

thepreludetobecomingabeast?Washeabouttobecomeamonsterandbeslain?Heglancedupand

lookedintotheeyesofRanek.Hesawnothingthere.Nosympathy,nohorror,noalarm.Hefeltalittledizzyanditseemedasifthestrengthweregoingtodrainoutofhim.Hecouldhearhisheartbeatloudasthundernow,andhefeltcertainthatatanymomenthewasgoingtofeelhismusclestwistandtearasthetransformationovertookhim.

CHAPTERELEVEN

Itwasthedreamagain.Hewasrunningdownadarkcorridor,inanendlessmaze,beneathamightymountain.Behindhimthebeastcameon.Itwashugeanditwasfierceandheknewthatifitcaughthimitwoulddevourhim.Hisfeetwerelikelead.Thefloorstucktohissolesliketar,slowinghimdown,butleavinghispursuerfreetorunatfullspeed.Itshowlsechoedthroughthedarkenedhalls.Itsbreathwashotonhisneck.Itsfoulslaverdrippedonhisfleshandwhenheturnedtofaceit,ithadhisface,yetterriblyaltered,justashe’dknownitwould.Heraisedhishandstotryandprotecthimselfbutitwasnouse.Itreachedoutwithmightyclaws.Theypiercedhisfleshanddrewblood.Thepainwaslikeredhotironsinhisside.Hewoke,hismouthwideopenandonlyjustmanagedtostophimselffromshrieking.Foramoment,hesawoneoftheectoplasmicwolfspiritsthathadenteredhimattheGateof

Morkaidriftingjustoutofreach.Ashebreatheditshimmeredandvanished,seeminglydrawnbackintohislungswiththeintakeofair.Ahallucination,Ragnartoldhimself.Justatrickofhisfeveredbrain.Hiswholebodyached.Hefeltlikehehadbeenstretcheduponarack.Hisheadwassore.Hisgums

bled.Hishandshurt.Hefeltalternatelytoohotandtoocold.Sweatbeadedhisfleshfornoreasonthathecouldthinkof.Itwashardtothink.Histhoughtsfeltslowasmolasses.Thepainmadeitevenmoredifficult.Hewasnumbed.Cold.Devoidoffeeling.Ragnargazeddownathishandsinwonder,squintingtomakethingsclearer.Hishandlooked

different.Itwasbroaderandflatter.Themuscleshadmoredefinition.Thenailswerebecomingthickerandsharper.Actually,thewholeworldlookeddifferent.Hiseyeswerewateringagain.Atleastitwasbetterthanthesearingpainthatsometimesmadeitfeellikesomeonehadstuckahotneedlethroughhiseyeball.Hesniffedtheair.Therewasthatstrangescentagain.Whatwasit?Heshookhishead.Hehadnoidea.Forthepastweekhisnostrilshadbeenassaultedbyatidalwaveofscentssostrongtheythreatenedtooverwhelmhim.Thesmoothsheetsbelowhimstucktohisskin.Hepeeledhimselfoff.Thefrictionofpartingskin

fromsilkfeltlikesomeonewasgoingoverhisskinwitharasp.Hehadbecomefartoosensitive.Somewhere,farinthedistance,hecouldhearsomeonemuttering.FromthenextcellhecouldhearSven’sbreathing.Thenoisewasappalling,likesomeoneworkingabellows.Heshookhisheadagainandwaitedforthesensationstosubside.Theydidn’t.Thisdidnotsurprisehim.Sometimestheydid.Sometimestheydidn’t.Infact,most

oftentheydidn’t.Hesometimesthoughtthatitwasnotthesensationsthatsubsidedbuthisabilitytoendurethemthatincreased.Hewasnotsurethough.Hewasnotsureofanything.Hewassickallthetime.Hefeltnauseousbuthealsofelthungry.Itwasatormentalmostbeyondenduring.Wildangersurgedthroughhim.Hebittheinsideofhischeeksuntilthesaltytangofbloodtouched

hislips.Hebatteredhishandsagainstthewallinblindrageuntilthebloodflowed.Thepainwasalmostunendurabletohisheightenedsensesbutinsomestrangewayithelpedtocalmhim,tobring

himbacktoreason.Herubbedtheinterwovenstretchablelinksofthemetalbraceletonhisarm,stoppingwhenhis

fingerscametothemetaldiscthathadbeeninscribedwithhisrune.IthadbeenputtherebytheIronPriestsafterhehaddrunkfromtheCupofWulfen.Everyaspiranthadone.Therewasnothingmagicalaboutitasfarashecouldtellalthoughitdidhavearuneinscribedonit.Everyaspirant’srunewasdifferent.HeandKjelandtheothershadcomparedthem.Ragnar ’sbraceletborearunelikethefigureofamanwithtwowavylinesaboveit.Thelinesmightdenotecloudsornothingatall.Kjel’sruneshowedastylisedhawk.Consideringthatitboreaslightresemblancetothedouble-headedeagleemblemtheysaweverywherethismightbeconsideredagoodsign.Hismindslippedinandoutoffocus.Think,hetoldhimself.Remember!YournameisRagnar.You

arethelastoftheThunderfists.Youareahumanbeing.Notsomemindlessbeast.Youarenotill.Youarechanging.ThemarkofRussisuponyou.Helookedathishandsagain.Yes.Therewasdefinitelymorehairtherenowthantherehadbeenyesterday.Therewasmorehaironhischest.Onhiswholebody.Heroseunsteadilytohisfeet,fightingoffawaveofdizziness.Hestoodthereforamoment,weakandshakingandfeeble,andthenasquicklyasithadcometheweaknesspassed,andhefeltstrong,strongbeyondbelief,strongenoughtoripsteel,totearthroughstone.Heracedoutofthechamberanddownthecorridor,determinedtofindfoodtoassuagethehungerthatburnedinhisbelly.Thecorridorswerecomfortablydarkened.Itdidnotmatter.Hiseyescouldseeinthedarknow

betterthantheyoncecould.Hedidnotneedthemanywaytofindthefood.Hecouldsmellit.Hecouldsmelltherawfreshmeateventhoughitwashundredsofyardsaway.Heboundedalongpastthecellswheretheotherslay.Noneofthemlookedanybetterthanhim.Infactmanyofthemlookedworse.Allofthemlookeddifferent.AshepassedKjel’scellhesawtheFalconerlyingthere.Hiseyeswereopenandtheyreflectedthe

dimlightlikeadog’sorawolf’s.TheywerebecomingjustliketheeyesofRanekandHakonandalltheotherstheyhadseenhereintheFang.Ragnarguessedhisownweretoo.Kjellookedbigger,moremusculartoo.Heseemedtobesproutinglikeaweed,gainingheightandmusclemass.Theyallwere.PartofRagnar ’smindwhichwasstillfunctioningwonderedwhetherthatwasoneofthereasonstheworldlookedsubtlydifferent.Hehadgainedsomuchheightinthepastfewdaysthathiseyeswerefurtherabovetheground.Hiswholeperspectivehadaltered.Itwasasourceofwondertohim.Anotherpartofhimdidnotcareatall.Itonlywantedmeat.Itwantedtoslakeitshungerandthenits

thirstandthenitwantedtothrowitselfonthefloorandsleep.Anditwaspreparedtokillanythingthatsoughttopreventitfromdoingso.ThepartofRagnarthatwasstillhumanwantedtoshudder.Heknewthebestialpartofhimwasgettingstronger,wasbecomingsostrongattimesthatitsubmergedhisconsciousness,droveoutallrationalthought.Hetriedtofightagainstit,knowingthatthemorethishappened,theeasieritwouldbeforthewolfspirittogaincontrolagain.EventuallyitwouldgaincontrolpermanentlyandthentoallintentsandpurposesRagnarmightaswellbedead,forhewouldnolongerexistasaman.Hemadehimselfthink.Itwasasifhehadtwosoulsnow,onehumanandonebeast.No,itwasmore

likehissoulhadbeensplitintotwo,onepartanimal,oneparthuman,andtheywerefightingforcontrol.HeknewnowthattheyhadbeenwrongtothinktheyhadtriumphedwhennoneofthemhadchangedafterdrinkingfromtheCupofWulfen.ThechangewasnotlikethatinthetaleRanekhadtold.Itwasnotinstantaneous.Itwasslower,moresubtle.Ithadtakendaysforthebeasttobegintoemergeandfortheevidenceoftheinternalchangestobegintobecomevisibleontheoutside.Theyhadallbeentooquicktothinktheyhadwon.Ranekandtheothers,thetwoIronPriestsashehadcalledthem,hadknowndifferently.RagnarforcedhimselftorememberbeingledthroughthecorridorsoftheFangtothesecells.At

firstithadseemedstrangethattheareahadbeensectionedoffwithbarredmetaldoors.Ithadseemedlikeaprison,notaplaceforaspirantswhohadjustpassedaninitiationtest,andthatwasjustwhatitwas–ablockofsecureprisoncells.Theyhadbeenlockedintheseshadowycorridorstoendurethechangesand,itseemed,togomad.Atfirsttheyhadnotrealisedwhatwasgoingon.Thentheyhadstartedtofeelill.Thenthefightshadbrokenoutastheyhadbecomeaggressiveandhungryandthecravingformeattookthem.Ragnarshookhisheadasawaveofferalangerpassedthroughhim.Justthethoughtofanyone

tryingtostophimfromgettinghisfoodfilledhimwithrage.Letthemtry,hethought.Hewouldteartheirfleshfromtheirboneswithhisbarehandsandhewouldconsumeit.Stop,hetoldhimself.Thatisnotthewayamanbehaves.Thatisnotthewayawarriorbehaves.Awarriorhaspride.Awarriorhascontrol.Somewheredeepwithinhim,thebeasthowledmockingly.Hereachedtheareawherethefoodlay.Thebloodycarcassofahugedeerhadbeenthrowndown

ontothecoldstoneflags.Hewaslucky.Noneoftheotherswereawakeyet.No.Wait!Whatwasthat?Ragnarwassuddenlyawareofthesoundofpaddingfeetbehindhim.Barefleshslappedthestone.

HeturnedtoseeStrybjornracingtowardshim.Facetwistedwithhatredandhunger,StrybjornlookeddifferentfromtheyouthRagnarhadknownbackinRussvik.Hisfeatureswerebroader,harsher,evenmorebrutal.Hiseyeswerewild.Hisnosewaslarger,nostrilswider.Hewastaller,broader,moremuscularwiththerangystrengthofafull-grownwarrior.‘Mine,’heshriekedanddivedforward,fingersoutstretched,nailslikerakingtalons.Forthebarest

ofmoments,Ragnarstoodfrozen.Thepartofhimthatwasstillhumanwashorrified.IftheGrimskullhadbeentakenpossessionofbydaemonsitcouldnothavebeenmorehorrible.Therewasatransformed,bestialexpressionpaintedonhisfacethatwasappallingtobehold.Hisfacewasbrightwithanger.Atthatmoment,helookedasifhefullyintendedtokillRagnar.PartofRagnardidnotmind.Partofhimwelcomedit.Nowwashischancetotakefinalvengeanceonhisfoe.AtthelastsecondRagnarsprangtooneside.Strybjorn’snailsrakedhisribs,drawingblood.The

salttangofitassaultedRagnar ’snostrilsandsomewheredeepwithinhim,thebeaststirred.Suddenlyhewasfuriousagain,filledwithangerandablackbroodingrage.Consciousthoughtfaded,tobereplacedbyadesiretotearandrend.Animalsavageryfloodedhisbrain.Itseemedlikehismindwouldbedrownedlikeadragonshipfounderinginastormysea.Hefoughtback,tryingtoholdthewaveofanimalemotionincheck,knowingthathewouldneed

hisintelligenceaswellasanimalcunningandferocitytosurvivethecomingstruggle.Strybjornsprangagain.ThistimeRagnarbentdoubleandallowedhimtopassoverhishead.Ashedidso,Ragnarstraightened,grabbedhimandthrewhimtotheground.Strybjorntumbledaway.Ragnartwistedintimetoseehimlandbadlybutkeeprolling,dissipatingthemomentumofthefall,andeventuallyrisetohisfeetoncemore.PartofRagnarwasawarethatifthisstrugglewasfoughtouttoitslogicalconclusionthenoneor

theotherofthemwasgoingtodie,oratleastbeseriouslyhurt.Thebeastwithinhowledandjabbered.Itdidnotcare.Itwantedonlytofight.Tokillorbekilledandthen,ifitsurvived,toeatitsfill.AndpartofthehumanRagnardesperatelywantedtodothesame.Ragnarwasawarenowthathewasfightingthisbattleonnumerouslevels:notjustwithStrybjorn

butwithhimself,withthethingthatlurkedwithinhim.Heknewnowthatifhegavewaytothebeastitwouldonlybecomestronger,andthatintheendwouldleadtoadestructionasinevitableasanythingthatStrybjorncouldmeteouttohim.AlreadyStrybjornwasreturningtotheattack,movingforwardwithswiftpaddingsteps,mouth

open,teethbaredinahideousgrinthatrevealedhisemergentfangs.Inthatmoment,hetrulylookeddaemonic.Helashedout,fingersflexed,handsbecametalonstorakeandrend.Oncemorehedrewblood.OncemoreRagnarfoundhimselffightingnotjustagainstthepainbutagainstthenear

irresistibletideofangerandhatethaturgedhimtoleapforwardandburyhisteethinStrybjorn’sthroat.ThewarningRanekhadgivenhimaftertheGateofMorkaiflickeredthroughhisbrain.Hesawnowthathishatredwasindeedaweakness,onethatwouldallowthebeastwithinhimtooverpowerhishumanself.Givingwaynowwouldmerelyleadtohissoul’sdestruction.Revengenowwasnotworththelossofhisself.Hewouldwait,andtakeitlater,ifhecould.Insteadofattackinginbestialfrenzy,heballedhishandintoafistandlashedout,catching

Strybjornablowjustabovetheheart.AstheGrimskullreeledbackwards,Ragnarstruckagain.HisfistcaughtStrybjornjustbeneaththejaw,hittingsohardthatheroseontotheballsofhisfeetbeforeslumpingbackwardsunconsciousupontheground.Ragnarfoughtdowntheurgetoleapuponhisrecumbentbody,torendandtearuntilhedrewblood,tokillanddevour.Atthatmomenthefeltasifhissanity,hissoul,teeteredontheedgeofavastprecipice,amistygulfintowhichhisspiritwouldfall,nevertoreturntotheworldofmen.Heknewthatifhegavewaytothisurge,hewouldforfeithishumanity,finallyandforever.Eating

humanfleshwasoneofthestrongesttaboosofhispeople,givingwaytoitwouldmakehimashamedofhimself,wouldbeanotherwaytomakeRagnarthebeaststrongerandRagnarthemanweaker.Hecouldnotaffordtoletthishappen.Andyetpartofhimwantedtodoitanyway,wantedtogivein,tosurrendertheconstantheavyburdenofthoughtandbecomelessthanaman,yetmorethanabeast.Heknewthattherewasatraitorinhimthatwantedsimplytogiveway,togetitalloverwith,toendthisone-sidedstruggleandenteraworldwhereeverythingwassimpleandbasic,wheretherewasnoneedforreasonorthoughtorhonour.Partofhimwantedtogivewaytotheforbiddenurgeanddrinkhumanblood.Andworse,herealisedthatdarkthinghadalwaysbeenthere,waitingonlyforthestuffwithintheCupofWulfentobringittolight,tomakeitstrong.AndnowRagnarwasnotsureifhecouldstopitconsuminghim,evenifhewantedto.Foradozenheartbeatshestoodthere,atwarwithhimself,strugglingforcontrol.Itwasafightas

swiftandfierceanddeadlyastheonehehadjusthadwithStrybjornandheknewtheoutcomewasjustasimportant.Hefoughtforcontrol,lookedforawayofbindingthebeast.Heforcedhimselftorememberalltheunfinishedbusinesshehadthatwouldnotbedealtwithifhesurrenderedtothebeast.HewouldneverpenetratethesecretsoftheSpaceWolves.Hewouldneverunderstandtheirmagic.Slowly,abreathatatime,hecalmeddown.Hisheartceasedtorace.HemanagedtofocushiseyesonthefoodthathadbeentheinitialcauseofhisbrawlwithStrybjorn.Hereacheddownandrippedoutahugechunkofrawbleedingmeatwithhisfingers.Heforcedit

intohismouthandbegantochewthecoldmoistfleshhungrily.Heswallowedquickly,andgulpedmoredown,determinedtoeathisfillbeforeanyonecouldstophim.Hebitandcheweduntilhishungerwasassuagedandonlythendidsomesemblanceofsanityreturn.Hewalkedovertothedrinkingfountainwherecoldwaterpoureddownintoastonetrough.By

somemagicitneveroverflowed.Thewaterceasedtoemergeasthetroughwasfilled.Heloweredhisheadtodrinkandfrozeashecaughtsightofhisreflection.Hesawhimselfanditwasnotareassuringsight.Hishairwaswild.Hiseyesglowedstrangely.Bloodhaddribbledfromthecornersofhismouthandcoveredhishandsandhisclothes.Hisfacewasgauntasamadman’s.Heopenedhismouthandsawthathisteethwerelongerandsharper.Hiscanineswerebecomingfang-like.Helookedmonstrousandferal.Thusmustawulfenlook,hethought,whenitemergesfromitsnightedlairtofeast.Quicklyhedroppedhishandsintothewaterandcuppedthemtodrink.Hetoldhimselfthatitwas

becausehewasthirsty.Inhissoul,however,Ragnarknewthattherealreasonwastosmashhisreflectionwiththeendlessripples.

Ragnarfeltcalmernow.Hehadnoideahowmuchtimehadpassed,onlythatithaddoneso.Atfirst

hehadtriedtokeeptrackofthenumberofdaysthathadgoneby,oratleastthenumberoftimesthelightshaddimmedandbrightened,byscratchingmarksonthewallsofhiscell.Heknewthatthishadnotalwaysworked.Heknewthatlongperiodshadgonebywhilehelayindeliriumorsubmergedinbestialfrenzy,andhehadbeenunabletomakehismark.Hegotupandmadehiswaydowntothefeedingpit,forsuchwashowhenowthoughtofit.Hewas

hungrystillbutnotnowwiththeravenousburninghungerthathadthreatenedtoconsumehissoul.Thebeastwasstillthere,hethought,buthehaditsmeasurenow.Itwaspartofhimbuthewasincontrolofit.Hissensesnolongerseemedsokeentheyhurt.Heknewtheywerefarbetternowthanevertheyhadbeenbeforebuthehadgrownaccustomedtothem.Hecouldsiftthroughtheinformationtheypresentedhimwithandunderstandit.Inawayitwaslittleshortofmiraculous.Hecouldseethingsinthedarkness,trackpeoplebyscent,hearafeatherdrop.Andhefeltfasterandstrongerthanheeverhad.Hedidnotdoubtthatmostnormalpeoplewould

seemtobemovinglikeslugstohimnow,ifeveritcametocombat.Hewasbroadertoo.Hecouldliftthegreatstonebenchinhisroom,afeatthatwouldhavebrokenhisbackduringhistimeinRussvik.Hefeltasifhecouldrunforleaguesnowwithouttiring,andhewassurehewasmuchtougherandhealthier.Hehadneverfeltbetterinhisentirelife.Noteveryonehadbeensolucky.Hesquirmedwhenherememberedsomeofthethingsthathad

occurred.Theywerelikedimlyrecalledscenesfromsometerriblenightmare.Someoftheaspirantshadgonemad.HerememberedBlarakdashinghisbrainsoutagainstawall,andsomeoneelsetryingtoeatthem.Hewasonlygladthatithadnotbeenhim.Itcouldsoeasilyhavebeenwhenthemadnesswasuponhim.Heshivered,wonderingiftrulyitwasallover,whetherhereallywashisownmasteroncemore,

orwhetherthemadnesshadmerelyabatedtemporarily.Inthefeedingpit,heknew,freshrawmeatawaitedhim.

TheIronPriestspulledRagnarfromthesensorcoffin.Itwasjustaswell,hethought.Hewasnotsurethathecouldhavestooditformuchlonger.Themetalwallsenclosinghimintheircoldgrip,thesensorprobewireswrigglinglikesnakesacrosshisskin,thestrangejoltsofsensationasthePriestsinvokedtheirmagicalengineshadallconspiredtodrivehimtotheedgeofsanity.Hadhebeenincarceratedinthiscoldtombforhours,daysorperhapsyears?Hehadnowayoftelling!Thebeastwithinhimhadhowledandraved,sickenedbyitsimprisonment,desperatetoescape,andforonceRagnarhadfoundhimselfincompleteagreement.Heknewnowthatthisservedapurpose,thattheIronPriestsweretestinghim,seeinghowhisbody

wasadaptingtothechanges,monitoringhimtoseeifanythinghadgonewrong.Heknewthatthebloodsamplestheydrewfromhisbodywiththeirbrassneedlesweresentsomewheretobeanalysedwithancientmachines,andthatthereflextestsadministeredwithjoltsofchainedlightningwerecarefullyassessedbythepriests.Evenso,knowingthatthisrigour,thistesting,wasforthegood,somehowdidnothingtoallaythemaddeningclaustrophobiawhichRagnarexperiencedasitfeltlikehewasabouttobecrushedinaconfinedspace,andhismindcriedforthewideopenspacesoftheoutsideworld.And,ofcourse,hethoughtsourly,noneofthiswasforhisbenefit.Theirmagiccouldallowthe

prieststopredictwhatwasgoingtohappentohim.Itseemedthatoncetheirchangeshadbeguntheycouldtellwhowasgoingtodescendintomadness,whowasgoingtomutate,andwhowasgoingtodescendintothemonstrousconditionofbeingawulfen.Theyjustwouldnotdoanythingaboutit.Theyseemedcontenttoletthesethingstaketheircourseandinscribetheresultsintheirgreatmustyleather-boundtomes.Theirattitudeseemedtobethattherewereplentymoreaspirantstochoosefrom,andifanindividualfailed,well,itwasthewillofthegods.

Heshookhisheadandgazedaroundthechamber.Itwashugeandlitbytheflickeringlightofancientglowglobes.Allaround,massivemachineshummedandwhirred.Theyseemedincomprehensiblyancient,andinplacestheywererusted.HugeclumpsofwiresboundbycoppercoilsandinscribedwithhoaryrunesranfromenginetoengineandconnectedthemtothemassivecontrolaltarsbehindwhichtheIronPriestssatandprayedandinvokedthestrangeelectricalspiritswhichtheyworshipped.Theairsmelledofozoneandoilandtheunguentsusedtopolishthemachinery.Halosofluminescenceplayedaroundtheactiveenginesshowingthepresenceofthespiritstheyhadsummoned.FromwherehestoodRagnarcouldseeStrybjornstrappedintoamonstrouscoppercircle.Hisarmsandlegsweresplayedasifhehadbeencrucified.ThecirclefloatedinsideanothercircleandslowlyrotatedfirsttotheleftthentotherightthenupwardssothatStrybjornwassuspendedupsidedownandthenbacktoitsnormalposition.Asitdidso,intheairnexttothemachineanimageformed.ItwasroughlythesamesizeasStrybjornandhadhisoutlinemadeallofglowinglinesoflight.Insomeareas,mostlyaroundtheheadandchestthelineswereadeepangryred;inmostotherplacestheyweregreenoryellow.Ragnarguessedthattheindividualcoloursindicatedtheareasinwhichmostchangesweretakingplaceintheaspirant’sbody,butaswitheverynewthingheexperiencedhere,hedidnotknowforcertain.Afteramoment’shesitation,Ragnarresolvedthattherewasonlyonewaytofindout.‘Whatdothelinesonthatglowingfiguremean?’heaskedpointinginStrybjorn’sdirection.The

IronPriestturnedtolookathim,hisfeaturescoveredbyhisexpressionlessmetalmask.HefingeredoneoftherunesinscribedontheingotsofironaroundhisneckandstaredatRagnarasifconsideringwhethertorevealoneofthesecretmysteriesofhisorder.RagnarnoticedwithafaintshockofrecognitionthattherunewasthesameasoneoftherunesinscribedonthesidesoftheTempleofIronontheIslandsofFire.Wasthereaconnectionbetweenthetwoorders,hewondered?‘Theredareasontheholoshadowindicateplaceswithintheaspirant’sbodywheregreatchangesto

itsinternalchemistryarestilltakingplace.Theyellowareasaretheoneswhichareeitherstabilisingorbeginningtochange.Thegreenareasarestable.’Ragnarhadnoideawhattheword‘chemistry’meantbuthesawthathisgeneralideahadbeen

correct.Hewassurprisedthatthepriestwastellinghimthistoo.InthepasttheseservantsofRusshadbeenterseanduncommunicative,butnowperhapsachangeseemedtobecomingoverthem.Thisonestilldidnotquiteseemtoregardhimasanequalbutatleastnowappearedtoconsiderhimtobesomeoneofsomesmallmerit.AbriefsurgeofexcitementpassedthroughRagnar.PerhapshecouldseehowRagnar ’schangewasgoingandwhethertheomenswerefavourable.Orperhapsitwouldbebetternottoknow,tosinkinignoranceintoravingbestiality,ifthatwastobehisfate.Hedecidedtoseeifhecouldfindout.OncemoretheIronPriestconsideredhisquestionforalongtimebeforerespondinginhisslow

coldvoice.ThistimeRagnarwasquitecertainherecognisedtheaccentsoftheIslandofFireintheman’sspeech.‘Yourtransformationisproceedingslowlyandinacontrolledfashion,’hesaideventually.‘Isthatbad?’Ragnarasked,worrygrippinghisbowels.‘Negative.Generallyitisapositiveindicator.Abodywhichadaptsinaslow,steadyfashionusually

adaptstothegeneticimplantsfavourably.Normallyitiswhenchangeoccursinrapid,uncontrolledspurtsthatweseeunfortunatedegradationinthesubject.’‘SoI’mgoingtosurvive.’‘Wedidnotsaythat.Thereisalwayssomeroomforerrorintheseauguries.Sometimesanaspirant

appearsfineformonthsandappearstosuccessfullycompletethetransformation,thendevolvesatthelastsecond.Sometimesaspirantsbegintodegradeandthenrecover.Nothingiscertain.AllofitischanceanddowntothewillofRussandthebloodspirits.’

Ragnarshivered.Hemighthaveguessedhowthepriest’sanswerwasgoingtosound.Itseemedtherewasstilleverypossibilitythathewasgoingtofail.

Weekspassed.Ragnarfeltalotbetternow.Hefeltthesamewayhehadwhenherecoveredfromthepurplefeverasachild.Whilehewassickithadseemedasifhewerenevergoingtofeelwellagain.Nowthathehadrecovered,hewasprofoundlygratefulforthefeelingofhealthandstrengththathepossessed.Everythinglookedbrighter,morecolourful.Theairsmelledsweeter.Foodtastedbetter.Thefeelingofthestrangefabricagainsthisskinwasnolongeratormentbutapleasure.Ofcourse,hetoldhimself,thattoomightnotsimplybetodowithhisfeelingbetter.Itmightwell

bebecauseofthechangeswroughtbydrinkingfromtheCupofWulfen.Allofhissensesseemedmuchkeenernow,andintermsofstrengthandfitnesshefeltbetterthanheeverhad.TheIronPriestshadpronouncedthemselveswellsatisfiedwithhistransformation,althoughtheyhad,asever,managedtoaddafewcrypticwarnings,sayingtherewasstilladangerofsomethinggoingwrong.Ragnardidnotneedtheirwarningstotellhimthis.Hecouldstillsensethebeastspiritwaiting

withinhimself,althoughtotellthetrutheverydayhewasbecomingmorecomfortablewithitspresence.Itwassimplypartofhimnow,athingthatwouldgivehimstrengthandferocitywhencalledon,andwhichenabledhimtounderstandtheinformationhisalteredsensesgavehim.Hefeltnowlikehewaspartmanandpartwolf,orperhapssomethinggreaterthaneither.Justfromlookingattheotheraspirantshecouldtellthatnotallofthemfeltthesameway.Perhapstheywerefindingitmoredifficulttoadapt.Kjellookedhaunted.Therewasastrangefeylookinhiseyesandhisfacewasgauntandstrained.

Heconstantlyglaredabouthimlikeacorneredbeast.WhenhesensedRagnar ’seyesuponhim,hegrowledandspatasifsendingawarning.RagnarnoticedthatKjelwasbeginningtosprouthairallover.Itcoveredthebacksofhishandsandprotrudedfromthecollarandwristbandsofhistunic.Hisposturehadchangedtoo.Hehunchedforwardwithhishandsheldlowandhisfingershookedlikeclaws.Ragnarfoundithardtoseethebright,cheeryKjelhehadoncebeeninthiswild-lookingcreature.Kjelscratchedatthebraceletonhiswrist,clawingaroundituntilhedrewbloodfromhisownflesh.TherewassomethingabouthimthatremindedRagnarofawolfwithapawcaughtinatrap.Sven,ontheotherhand,waslesschangedinappearance,perhapsbecausehehadalwaysbeenmore

savagetobeginwith.HegrinnedatRagnar,showinghisnewfangs,andhiseyescaughtthelightoftheglowglobes,reflectingiteerily.IfanythingSvenhadbecomeevenbroaderandmoremuscular.HisarmswerenowthesizeofRagnar ’sthighsandhischestwasroundasabarrel.RagnarsensedthatSvenwasenjoyingthetransformationnowandalmostatpeacewiththebeastwhichundoubtedlyragedwithinhim.Awareofaburninggazeuponhimself,heturnedtolookatStrybjorn.Nowtherewasamanwho

wasnotatallrelaxed.TheGrimskullwastautasahawserdrawntightinthewind.Therewassomethingwildabouthim;amadrageranamokinhiseyes,anditwasevidentinhisposturetoo.Strybjornlookedasifhewerereadytoleapintoactionatanysecond,attheslightestprovocation.Lookingintohisdeep,cave-likeeyesocketsitwasalltooeasyforRagnartoperceivethebeastlurkingwithin.Ragnarstillfounditodd,almostuncomfortablehowheseemedabletosensetheothers’moods

andperhapsgleansomethingoftheirthoughts.Perhapsthatwasanothereffectofthetransformation.Perhapstheywerebecomingmorelikewolvesinapack,abletounderstandeachotherbymeansotherthanwordsandgesture.Perhapshewasreadingthingsinhisfellowaspirantspostureandscent.Thatwaspartlyit,Ragnarrealised.Hefeltasifhecouldalmostsmelltheirmoods.Kjel’sstrangenesshadanoddacridodour.ThesmellofStrybjorn’srestrainedwrathremindedhimofsmouldering

wood.Sven’scheerinessofthescentofale.Heknewthesewereimprecisewaysofdescribingthethingseventohimself,buthedidnothavethewordstodootherwise.Therewasnothinginhislanguagetoexpresstheideas,todescribethesmellsortodistinguishthemillionsubtlealterationsinthescentswhichRagnarnowknewhappenedwitheveryheartbeat.Ragnarlookedaroundattheothersandhisheartfell.Sofewremained.Nilswasstillthere,anda

strangercalledMikal.Therewasnosignofanyoftheothers.Hehadnoideawhathadhappenedtothem.Somewhereinthefever-dreammadnessthatwerethememoriesofhistransformation,hethoughthecoulddiscernimagesoftheIronPriestsenteringandcarryingawayaspirantswhohadbecomeslinkingmonstersorwhohaddescendedintogibberingmadness,buthewasnotsure.Heknewthatforaslongashelivedhewouldneverbeentirelycertainofwhathadhappenedduringthisperiodofhislife,andinawayhewasglad.Hewassuretherewereactionsintherethathewouldrathernotrecall.Themetaldoorswishedopenmagically,partingintotwodistinctsections.Ranekstoodthereinhis

fullmysticalregalia.Hesurveyedthemforamomentandthensmiledgrimly.WhathesaidnextsentashiveroffeartoRagnar ’score.‘Notmanynow,’Raneksaid.‘Notmanyatall.Andsoontheremaybeless.Itistimeforthe

ultimatetest.’

CHAPTERTWELVE

Ragnarshivered.Itwascoldanditwasdarkandhewasalone.Helookedoutacrossthechilllandscapeandthetitanicpeaksandrealisedthathecouldquiteeasilydiehere.Forthefirsttimeinmonths,hewasreallyandtrulyonhisown.Therewasnoonearoundforahundredleagues.AlreadytheThunderhawkwasrecedingintothedistance,vanishingintotheheavygreycloudsinthedirectionoftheFang.Hehadbeenthelasttobedroppedintothesnow.Theothershadbeensetdownalreadysomewhereoffinthefardistanceamongtheisolatedpeaks.Ragnarhadnotrealisedthattherewerequitesomanyaspirantsuntilhehadseenthemalltroopaboardthegunship.Alltold,hehadcountedoverascoreofthemontheThunderhawk.Obviously,Ragnarthought,SpaceWolfcandidateswerebroughtinfromplacesotherthanRussvikandkeptinmanyseparateareasoftheFang.Hehadnoideawhythiswas,hejustknewitmustbeso.Itwastheonlyexplanationhecouldthinkof.Swiftlyhedismissedthethoughtasirrelevanttothematterathand.Hehadhissurvivaltothinkof.Ragnarglancedaroundhimatthebleakanddrearylandscape.Hugebouldershadtumbledintothe

valleyandobscuredmuchofitfromview.Someofthemassiverockswerecoveredinlichen,whichshowedthatitwasatleastpossibleforplantlifetosurviveinthisbarrenwilderness.Manyoftheboulderswerealreadypartiallycoveredinsnow.Largeflakeswerestartingtofall,slowly,softlybutinexorably.Afteramomentortwocontemplatingthedismalscenebeforehim,Ragnarshookhisheadtoclearhisbefuddledthoughts,tookabreathofthechillairandtookstockofhissituation.Allheworewasthegreytunicofanaspirantandtheleatherbeltthatheldhisscabbardanddagger.

Thatwasit.Hehadnosuppliesofanysort.Nothingelsetohelphimsurviveinthisdeadlyplace.Ragnarknewthatatfirstglance,histaskmightseemasimpleone:hehadtoreturntotheFangandpresenthimselftotheSpaceWolves.Ifhesurvived,hewouldbeinitiatedasatrueSpaceMarine.Ifhefailed,hewouldmostlikelybedead.Itwasassimpleasthat.Thingswerenotsobad,Ragnartoldhimself.Itcouldbeworse.Atleasthisaspirant’stunic,woven

asitwasfromsomestrangegreymaterial,wasuncannilywarm.Andhehadhisknife.ItdidnotsoundlikemucheventoRagnar,standingaloneinthedarknessinthesnowywasteshighinthemountainsofAsaheim.However,atleasttheFangwaseasytofind.Ittoweredaboveeveryotherpeakintherangeandwasvisibleonthehorizon.Butevenashethoughtthis,anotherpartofhismindwhisperedthathewasdoomed.Therewassomuchthatcouldgowrong.Warmthoughhistunicwas,hedoubtedthatitwouldprovewarmenoughifthewindsreallystartedtoblowandthetemperaturebegandropping.Andtherewasalwaysthepossibilityofitbeingrippedandtornashetravelled.Ragnarwonderedwhetheritcouldmaintainitsmiraculouswarmingqualitiesthen.Yes,theFangwasvisible,butfromhistimeinthefarlessermountainsaroundRussvik,Ragnar

knewthatcloudsandfreezingfogcoulddescendatanytime,reducingvisibilitytozero.Thesevalleysweremostlikelyamazeanditwouldbealltooeasytogetlostifthathappened.Andwhatwashegoingtodoforfood?Thislandscapewasasstarkandbareastheplainsofhell.Hedoubtedthathewouldfindanythingediblehere.Andifhedid,itwouldperhapsfindhimjustasedible.

Theremightwellbepacksofthegreatirongreywolvesatlargeinthesepeaks,ortrolls,ornightgangersorcannibaltribesmenor,worstofall,therecouldeasilybewulfen.Notevenhisknowledgeofhowwulfenwereborncouldshakehimofhisfearofthemonsters.Well,Ragnarthought,therewouldbetimeenoughtoworryaboutthesethingswhenorifhe

encounteredthem.Rightnow,hehadbetterstartmoving.Perhapshecouldfindacavebeforeitreallygotdark.

Aheadofhimwasastuntedtree.Ragnarwasstrangelyreassuredandcheeredbythepluckytree.Itwassmallandwarped,butatleastitwasgrowing,clingingtothehillsidewithitsroots.Itwasdefyingthemountain,anditshowedthatlivingthingscouldsurvivehere.More,ifhewereclever,itwouldhelphimsurvive.Heknewthatsoon,ifhecontinuedtodescend,hewouldseeothertrees.Hehadbeenamongmountainslongenoughtoknownowthattherewasalineabovewhichtreesdidnotgrow,andthatthehighestridgesandpeakswerebareofallvegetationexceptmoss.Hetookupanotherhandfulofsnowandstuffeditinhismouth.Atleasthewouldnotdieofthirstas

longasitlayontheground.FromthethingsHakonhadtoldthembackatRussvikheknewitwaspossiblethatdiseasespiritsmightlurkintheunpurifiedwaterbutrightnowhedidnotcare.Thirstwasafarmorerealandimminentdanger,andhehadnowayyetofmakingfirenoranypottoboilwater.Thesnowfrozehisgumsandchilledhistongue,butitmeltedandhegulpeditdown.Inhishand

Ragnarheldachunkofflintwhichhehadpickedupamongstthetreacherousbanksofshaleandscreeonthemountainside.Hewishedhehadapouchtocarryitin,buthedidnot,soholdingitinaclenchedfistwashisonlyoption.Therockwouldservetwopurposes,Ragnarhoped.Thefirstwasthathecouldthrowitatanymaraudingbeasts.Andwithhisnew-foundsheermusclepower,Ragnarwasutterlyconfidentthathecouldthrowasharpstoneveryhardindeed.Thethoughtbroughtawolfishsmiletohisface.Thesecondusefortheflintwasthathecouldstrikeitwithhisknifetocreatesparks,andthusmakeafire.Somehope,Ragnarthought,strengthdrainingoutofhimashelookedatthedampbarkofthetree.

Nowhehadwoodaplenty,butitwaswetandcold,andRagnarknewthattherewasnochanceofgettingittocatchfireundertheseconditions.Ragnarshiveredagain,andbrieflywonderedhowtheothersweredoing.Hadtheirpastfewdays

beenashardashis,alongwearytrudgethroughthesnowandcold,tryingtofollowthevalleypathsandtoalwayskeepthegreatpeakoftheFangvisibleaheadofthem?Hadtheyshiveredatthewind’schillblastastheypassedalongnarrowandslipperyledgeswhichhungoutoverawfulrockstrewngorges?Hadtheykepttheirearspeeledforthecallsofthegreatbeast,thewulfenwhichtheyallfearedso?Hadtheywatchedinaweasamightyrockeaglepassedoverheadscanningthebleaklandscapeforpreywitheyeskeenenoughtospotamousemovingfromathousandfeetup?Hadtheytoosurvivedbychewingediblemoss,andeatingeggsstolenfromthenestsofmountainbirds?Ragnarshivered.Itwaspossiblethattheotherswerealreadydead.Hehadseensomanywaystodie

onhismarchsofar,andhewasonlyafewdaysin.Inthestorm-wrackedmountains,therewastheconstantpossibilityofavalancheandrockfalls.Therewasthestrength-sappingchillallaroundthatmadeyoujustwanttoliedownanddie.Therewerethenarrowpathswhereasinglemisstepwouldcastthecarelessdownintoagreatabyss.Perhapstheyhadbeeneatenbybeasts.Perhapstheyhadgonemad.Perhapsthedelayedeffectsofthetransformationhadtakenthemandtheyhadbecomemonstersthemselves,evennowhuntingforRagnartorendhimlimbfromlimb.Ofallthepossiblefateswhichpreyedonhismind,thiswastheonethataffectedRagnarthemost.

Heknewthattherewasstillthepossibilitythatsomethingmightgowrongevennow.TheIronPriestshadtoldhimthatnoaspirantwassafeforatleastamonthafterthetransformationandpossiblynot

eventhen.Thebeastthatlaydeepinhismindmightstillleapforthtodevourhissoul.Perhapsthiswildplacewasallitneededtoleapoutandpossesshimutterly.Itwasnotareassuringthought.Ragnarforcedhimselftoputonefootinfrontoftheother,knowingthatsoonhewouldhaveto

findaplacetorestforthenightoncemore.Evenwithhisnewlyalteredeyes,travellingindarknessinthesemountainswouldmostlikelyprovesuicidal.Therewasalwaysthepossibilityofmissingsomething,ofsteppingonapatchofscreeandtumblingdownslope,ofstumblingintoanunseenpit.Besides,atnightthetemperaturewouldsoondropevenfurtherandhehadnowishtotesttheheat-retainingabilitiesofhistunicanymorethanhehadto.OnethingRagnarhadlearnedduringhistimeatRussvikwasthatsurvivalinthesecircumstanceswasmostlyamatterofdoingnothingtoprovoketheFates.Ratherlikeplayingagameofchance,thetrickwastokeepasmanyoftheoddsinyourfavourasyoucould.Thismeantnottakingrisksunlessyouhadto.Evenifyouwerestrongandcapableandconfident,asRagnarmostcertainlywaswithhisnewfoundstrengthandcombatskills,aslightmishapwouldbeenoughtoendyourlifeundertheseharshconditions.Evenaminoraccident,asprainedankle,atwistedlimb,aminorailmentcouldbeenough.Ragnarknewthatsuchanaccidentwouldbringweariness,numbingthemind,sappingthestrength,makingthetoughestwarrioreasypreytootherdangers.OvertimesuchminorscrapesorinjuriescouldgrowgraduallyworseuntileventuallytheyimmobilisedeventhestrongestamongsttheSpaceWolves.Ragnarresolvedthatthetrick,then,wasnottofallvictimtotheslightestavoidablemishapinthefirstplace.Easiersaidthandone,hethought.Helookedaroundforaplacetorestandsawthatnearthetreetherewasasmallindentationwithan

overhangingledgewhichprotectedthehollowfromtheworstofthewindandfallingsnow.Ragnardecidedthatthiswasasgoodashelterashewaslikelytofindthisnight.Hebegantohackatthetree,collectingtwigsandneedlesandconesforfirewoodandalongheavybranchthatwouldserveasbothclubandwalkingstick.Aftersomeeffort,heevenmanagedtocutoffalonger,straighter,narrowerbranchwhichRagnarhopedhemightbeabletosharpenanduseasaspear.IttookRagnarsometimetocollecthisbootyandreturntohisrestingplace.Ittookhimalonger

timeyettogiveuptryingtogetafirestartedusingsparksfromhisknifeandflintoverapileofneedlesandcones.Theneedlesweredampandinnoconditiontocatchlight.Atleastsuchactivitykepthimawake,andRagnarthoughtthatthiswasprobablyagoodthinginthisfrozenanddesolatelandscape.Eventually,chilledandweary,hemadeacarpetofneedlestoprovidesomeinsulationfromthecoldrockandthenlaydownandfellasleep.Hislastthoughtwastowonderwhetherhewouldeverawaken.

Ragnardreamedofwolves.Hedreamedofbeaststhatwerehalf-man,half-wolf.Hedreamedtheywerestalkinghimthroughtheendlessstonecanyonsthatlayintheshadowsofthemountains.Inhisdreamhewascold.Inhismindhesensedthepresenceoftheother,ofthebeastthathadawakenedwithinhimwhenhedrankfromtheCupofWulfen.Ittoorespondedtothehowls.Foronceitdidnotseemtowanttostruggleagainsthiscontrol.Itseemedtorealisethattheysharedabody,andthatifRagnardiedthenitsexistencetoowouldend.Itwasjustaswaryofanythreatsashewas,andforthefirsttimeRagnarbegantoseethepossibilityofsomethingotherthananuneasytrucebetweenhimandhisdarkermoreferalside.Inhisdream,Ragnarbegantostalkhisenemy,ratherthanslinkingaway,andguidedbythewolf

spiritwithinhim,heknewthathewouldfindpreywithinthestonevalleys,thatsoonhewouldbeabletoburyhisownfangsintohot,blood-soakedmeat.

Heawokeindarknesstobone-chillingcold,shivering,unsurewhetherthesoundhewashearingwassomethingfromtheshadowworldofhisdreamorfromtheharsh,flintyrealmofrealitythatsurroundedhim.Hedidnothavetowaitlongtofindout.Thehowlsoundedagain,louderandcloser

now.Surelyitwasthewailofastormdaemonsummoningitsbrethren.Acryofunutterablehungerandpainandweariness.RagnarrecogniseditasthehowlingofoneofthegreatwolvesofAsaheim.Heshivered,knowingthatifanyofthecreature’skinwerenear,hislifewouldsoonbeover.Assumingsurprise,hemightbeabletoovercomeoneofthegreatbeastsincombatbuttherewasnowayhecoulddefeatapack.RagnarknewthatactingenmassethewolvesofFenriscoulddragdownatrollorevenanicedragon.InallthewastelandsofAsaheimtherewerenomorefellcreatures.Hestrainedhisearstolistenandtestedthenightwindswithhisnostrils.Hethoughthesmelled

something,thetatteredremnantsofasourodourfragmentedbythewind’scoldfingers.Itwasasmellthatheinstinctivelyrecognisedasbelongingtooneofthegreatwolves.Hepulledhimselflowinhislurkingplaceandconsideredhisoptions.Therewasatleastonegoodthingabouthissituation.Atthemomenthewasdownwindofthewolf.Hecouldsmellitbutitcouldnotsmellhim.Ofcoursethatcouldchangeasquicklyasthewindcouldshiftdirectionbuttherewasnothinghecoulddoaboutthis,otherthanpraytoRussthatitdidnothappen.Andtherewassomethingelseaboutthewolfscenttoo–ataint,astink,anodourasofsicknessordisease.Ragnarwasnotyetexperiencedenoughtoknowexactlywhatsuchasmellmeantbuthehopedthatitindicatedthecreaturewasmerelyillandnotthecarrierofsomeplaguetaint.Hecheckedhisweapons.Heheldhisknifeinhislefthandandhisspearinhisright.Theclublay

nearby,readytobeseizedupafterthesharpenedstickwascast.Ragnardidnothopeformuchfromit;hehadintendedtohardenthepointintheflamesofthefirehehadnevermanagedtostart,sohehadnoideahoweffectiveitwouldbe.Still,ithadtobebetterthannothing.Ragnarthoughtitapityhehadnoshield.Heshrugged.HemightjustaswellwishforoneofRanek’smagicalweapons.Boththingswerejustasunavailabletohim.Ragnarstilledhimself.Thehaironthebackofhisneckroseasheheardthefaintscrapingoftalon

onstone,andthenlopingdownthelongtracktheFenrisianwolfcameintoview.Marvellingattheabilityofhiseyestopickoutdetaileveninthedarkofnight,instantlyRagnarcouldseethatthewolfwasoldandwounded.Itsfurwaswhiteandmangy,anoldwoundgoinggangrenousinitssidewasthesourceoftherottenstink.Itwaslimpingalittleandfavouringitsrightfrontfoot.Ragnarheldhisbreath.Itwasanoldwolf,perhapsapackleaderthathadlostitsstruggleagainst

youngermorefearsomewolvesandhadthusbeendrivenout.Itwasobviouslyweakenedandstarving,andyetitstilllookedlikeafearsomefoe.ItwasashighattheshoulderasRagnarwasandeveninitsweakenedstatemustoutweighhimbyalmosttwotoone.Itsfangswerelikedaggersanditseyesburnedwithredmadness.EvenasRagnarsawallthis,itappearedtonoticehimforthefirsttime.Itopeneditsmouthandletoutanotherlonglonelyhowlofrageandhatred,andthenitsprang.Ragnarreactedinstantly,castinghisspeardirectlyatthemightybeast’sbreast.Thepointofthe

weaponstruckhomedrivenbythefullpowerofRagnar ’ssteelymuscles.Bloodflowedwherethefurparted.Thewolftumbledandtheshaftbroke.Ragnarhopedthetipwasleftembeddedinthewound.Hedidnotwaittopickuptheclub,butseizinghisadvantageleaptforwardhimself.Theimmensewolfsnarledandlungedathim.Ragnarsprangtoonesideandcaughttheenragedbrutearoundtheneck,avoidingitsdeadlyfangs.Hehadnodoubtthatonebitewouldriphisthroatoutorsmashalimbtoabloodypulp.Ragnarintendedtowrestlethebeastdown,confidentofthepowerinhissuperhumanmusclestoovercomeanymerewolf.Asthebeastgrowledandstrainedtobesttheaspirant,Ragnarquicklylearnedthathisblindconfidencewasmisplaced.Itwasliketryingtoholdbackanavalanche.Enormouscable-likesinewsbunchedbeneaththe

mattedfur.Thescentofthewolf’sfoetidbreathstungRagnar ’snostrils.Withthecunningofyears,thegreatwolfhurleditsweightagainstRagnar,smashinghimagainstthesharprockswhichlaystrewnaboutthevalleyfloor.Razorshardscuthisarmsinadozenplaces,andhishandssoonranslickwithhisownblood.Withtheweightoftheoldbeastonhischest,Ragnarfeltthebreathbeing

forcedoutofhislungs.Soonhewasgasping,andlightsdancedbeforehiseyes.Thewolfgrowleddeepinitsthroat.Hehookedhisarmarounditsthroatandstruggledwithallhisstrengthtoholdthebeastinplace.Itturnedandsnappedupathim.ThehorridjawsclosedlikeabeartrapmereinchesfromRagnar ’snose.Withhisbreathcominginraggedgasps,Ragnarswiftlybroughthisknifeupandstabbeditrepeatedlyandfrenziedlyintothewarmyieldingfleshofthewolf’sthroat.Hepulledtheknifecrossways,feelingthedragofmuscle,sinewandartery.Bloodspurtedasthebeast’sthroatwascut.Warmandcrimsonfluidjettedoutontothecoldgreystone.Asthebloodsteamedinthecoldnightair,Ragnarheldthewolfinplaceuntilitsthrashingstruggleslessened,becamefeeble,andthenfinallyceased.Thenhesettoworkbutcheringthecreature.

Ragnarwaswellpleasedwithhisnight’swork.Hehadanewcloakofuncuredwolfskinhide.Granted,thescrapedfurstank,butitservedasanotherlayerofinsulationaroundhisbody.Therawmeatofthecreature’sfleshandinnardshadassuagedhisachinghungeranddrinkingitswarmbloodinhiscuppedhandshadrefreshedhim.Betteryet,thewolf’ssinewswouldprovidehimwithcordtobindhisknifetothetipofaspear,turningitintoareallyformidableweapon,oncehefoundanothersuitablebranch.Atatteredscrapoffurhadalreadyprovidedhimwithapouchtocarryhisflintsin.Hehadusedafinalstriptocreateamakeshiftslingwithwhichhecouldhurljaggedfragmentsofrockatgreatspeedanddistance.Ashemarchedalonghepractisedwithit,achievingatolerableproficiency.Ragnarstudiedthesky,notlikingthelookofit.HugeblacksootycloudsobscuredtheFangandthe

southernmostportionoftheheavens.Hethoughthecouldhearthedistantrumbleofthunder.Still,thereseemedtobenothingelsehecoulddoexceptpushon.Munchingonastillmoiststripofwolffleshhesetoutataneasylopedowntheslope.

Usinghisnewly-madespearlikeastaff,Ragnarcontinuedonthroughthewood.Hewashappywithhisnewweapon.Thelongbranchwasstrong.Thedaggerwasfixedfirmlyinplaceatitstip.Hefeltreadynowtotakeonalmostanything.Helikeditbetterhere,hethought,lookingatthemassofpinesthatsurroundedthetrail.Theforest

seemedendlessbutitwaswarmerandhewasnowfarbelowthebarrenridgesabovethetreeline.Streamsraceddownwards,carryingmeltwaterandrainfromthepeaks.Birdswhistledandsangandthereweresignsofsmallanimalseverywhere.Heknewnowthatatleasthewasnotgoingtostarveordieofthirst.Alreadyhehadclamberedintothetreesandrecoveredsomeeggs,suckingthecontentsoutthrough

asmallholehehadpunchedinthetop.Thestreamwaterwascoldandrefreshingandhewishedhehadsomethingtocarryitin.Ifhestayedinthisforest,itwouldbepossibletolivehere,Ragnarthought.Perhapsheshouldtry.Afterall,hedidnothavetogobacktotheFang,andheowednothinginparticulartotheWolvesexceptalotofpain.Ragnardoubtedthatanyonewouldeverfindhimifhechosetoremainhereinisolation.Infacthequitesincerelydoubtedwhetheranyonewouldeventry.TheSpaceWolves’attitudeseemedtobethattheydidnotwantanyonewhocouldnotmeettheirstandardsanyway,andsimplybynotreturning,Ragnarknewhewouldfailthattest.Lookingaroundashewalked,Ragnarsawmoreandmoreevidencethatintruthamancouldlive

inthesewoodsquitewell.Hecouldbuildalean-toashehadbeentaught,whichhecoulduseuntilhefoundasuitablecave.Hecoulddryoutwood.Hecouldbuildafire.Hecouldhunt,andfindediblevegetables.Hecouldhavealonglifehere,livingbyhisownrulesinalandwhichwouldbehisownsmallkingdom.Andyet,Ragnarknewinhisheartofheartsthathecouldnotabandonhisquest.Itwasnotsimplya

matterofpride,either,althoughthatmostcertainlyplayeditspart.Hehadunfinishedbusinessbackat

theFangwithStrybjorn,iftheGrimskullbastardwasstillalive.Butmorethanthattherewassomethingelse.Ragnardidnotwanttoexistaloneouthereinthemountainforests.SomethingattheFangcalledtohim,asthefellowshipofthepackmightcallouttoawolf.RagnarhadbeenchangedwhenhedrankfromtheCupofWulfen,heknew.Hehadbecomesomethingmorethanandlessthanaman.Itwasasifthebeastthathadawakenedwithinhimhadmadehimatleastpartwolf,andthewolfwithinhimcravedthecompanyofthepack.Hecravedtofindaplaceinit.Hecravedtocarveouthisownpositionwithinitshierarchy.Morethanthat,RagnarknewnowthattherewassomethingbackattheFangitselfhealsocraved.

WhilehehadtakennothingbuthardknocksfromRanekandHakonandtheirilk,heknewnowthattheyweresupermenworthyofrespect,andthattheyconsideredtheirtasksinthislifetobeworthyandhonourable.Ragnarknewthathewantedwhattheyhad:theircertainty,theirpride,theirpower,theirmagic.Hewantedtobecomeoneofthesecretmastersofthisworld,andmorethanthathewantedtobeworthytobeoneofthem.AndRagnarknewhewouldnotdosobyremaininghereamongthewoodsandmountainsnomatterhowappealingthethoughtmightbe.Ragnarknewthatsincehehadbeenchosen,hehadchanged,andnotsimplybecausehehaddrunk

oftheCupofWulfen.Awholenewworldhadopenedupforhim,aplacewilderandvasterthananythinghehadeverimaginedbackonhishomeisland.Hehaddonethingsthatnoneofhispeopleeverhad:hehadriddeninflyingships,passedthroughtheGateofMorkai,lookeduponthecloud-cappedspiresoftheFang.Hehadbeguntounderstandthattheworldwasnotashehadalwaysthoughtitwas,andthatthereweregreaterandmoreterriblethingsintheuniversethantribalwarsandlongseavoyages.HehadbeguntosensethattheSpaceWolveshadagreatandterriblepurpose,andthatalltheseteststhatseemedsothreateningtohimwereinawaynecessarytothatpurpose.InthevisionshehadseenattheGateofMorkaihehadbeguntogetsomeinklingofthemightyandterriblenatureoftheirother-worldlyfoes,andofthedestinythatmightawaithimshouldheproveworthy.Ragnarwascertainthatitwasnoaccidentthatheseenwhathehad.Hewascertainthathispossessionofthisprofoundknowledgewasintentionalonthepartofthoseancientswhotestedhim,andhefeltthatwhathedidwiththatknowledgemightevenbepartofthetest.Ragnarknewfromtalkingwithhisfellowaspirantsthatsomeofthemsimplyrefusedtobelievetheterriblevisions,nevermindacceptthem,andhefeltsurethatthiswasamistake.Inastrangeway,Ragnarwasevenpleasedtobehere,now,amidthetoweringmountains.Heknew

thathewaslookinguponnature’swildandterriblebeautyinaplacehefeltsurenomanhadeverseenbefore.Likesailingtheoceanstorm,orseeingtheredsunsinkbelowtheseaattheendofaharddayattheoar,thatinitselfwasthrilling.HeevenfeltsomethinglikegratitudetotheSpaceWolvesforputtinghimhere,wherehemightexperiencetheawesomelonelinessofthisplace.Shakinghishead,Ragnarexhaled,hisbreathfogginginthecrispair.Heknewthatheneededto

pushon.HeintendedtofindhiswaybacktotheFang.Andheintendedthathewouldnotbethelast.

Themistwasthickandclingingandreducedeverythingtoashadowyoutline.TherocksaroundRagnarwerephantoms.Thepathwasbarelyvisiblejustafewstridesahead.Sometimesthecloudswouldshiftandbillowandhewouldbeabletoseealittlefurtherbutmostlyhewasshutinbydim,insubstantialwallsthatmuffledsoundandsightandmadethewayaheadinvisible.Ragnarwasremindedofhispeople’sideaofhell–acoldandmistyplacewheretheshadesofthe

deadroamedadryandrockyland.ThisplacemetthatdescriptionalmostexactlyandatthatmomentitseemedalltoopossibletoRagnarthatsomehowhehaddiedwithoutknowingitandstumbledthroughthegatesofdeath.Helistenedtothesoftmovementofthewindcurrents,testedtheairforscentsandprayedthatthiswasnottrue.Ifitwas,atleastitseemedthatevenindeathhewasabletokeephisnewfoundpowers.Still,Ragnarfeltthatitwouldnotbefairforhimtohavecomesofarand

tohavediedwithoutknowingit.Hepushedthethoughtasideasafigmentofhisoveractiveimagination.Heyetlived.Bloodstill

flowedinhisveins.Hisskinstilltingledwiththecold.Condensationglistenedonthefabricofhistunicandhecouldfeelthemoistdropletsashewipeditaway.Thiswasreal.Trulyhemightdiehere,buthewasnotdeadyet.Hegrinnedgrimlytohimself.Themistwasdangerous.OfthisRagnarhadnodoubt.Hewasfollowingalongridgelinebetween

twomightypeaksandthepathwasahardone.Inplacesitwasexceedinglynarrowandthreatenedtocrumbleunderfoot.OftenitwasamereledgealongsideadropthatRagnarhadnoideaofthedepthof.Hemerelyknewthathedidnotwanttotestitbyfallingintoit.PerhapstheworstofitwasthatthepathcontinuallytwistedandturnedsothattherewasalwaysthethreatthatitwouldveerawaysuddenlytoleftorrightandRagnarwouldplacehisfootonemptinessbeforetumblingtohismistenshroudeddoom.Ragnarusedthebuttofhisimprovisedspearasastaffandtestedthewayasheinchedalongthe

ledge.Hehadnoideaatallwhetherhewasgoingintherightdirectionornot,butwassimplyconvincedthatheneededtopresson.Suddenly,andonlyforamoment,themistparted,andRagnarhadaclearviewalongtheridge.Foramomenthefeltasifheweresoaringonwingsabovetheclouds.Far,farbelowhimthevalleysandridgeswereobscuredbythegloombutallaroundhimthepeaksemergedfromthecloudslikeislandsfromtheseasofFenris.Theshrunkensunsentspearsoflightintothemist.Ragnargaspedaloud,asaheadofhimhesawthemightycolumnoftheFang,rearingwithsinistermajestythroughtheswirlinggreyclouds.Trulyitwasasightofwondrousbeauty.Ragnarfelthewasscalingtheverywallsofheaven,thathewalkedupontheclouds.Thismustbe

whatitwasliketobeRuss,hethought,ortobeagod.Itwas,inastrangeway,byfarthemostimpressivesighthehadeverseen,anditmovedhimdeeply.Ragnar ’sheartswelledwithinhisbreastandafiercejoyovercamehim.Hewouldsurvive!HewouldreturnvictorioustotheFang,totakehisrightfulplaceamongstthewolves!Theninamomentthecloudsroseagain,likehugebreakersthrowingthemselvesontoastorm-

wrackedbeach.Thewetmistandcloyingfogclosedinoncemore.Thevisiondisappeared.Suppressingashiver,Ragnarpulledhisstinkingwolfskincloaktightaroundhisshouldersandtrudgedforwardsintotherealmofshadows.

Forsometimenow,Ragnarhadsensedsomethingoutthereinthedarkgreyoftheclingingfog.Hewasnotsurewhereorwhatitwas,buthewassurethattherewassomethingwatchinghim.Heimaginedhecouldfeelitsburninggazeboringintohisbacklikeablade.Ragnarlookedbackoverhisshoulderintothegloomforthetenthtimeinasmanyminutes,andsawnothing.Hetestedtheairconstantly,andwassurehecaughtthescentofsomethingatoncefamiliaryetsomehowstrange,abittertangintheair,ascentthatmadehimshudder.RagnarknewthathewasgettingclosetotheFangnow.Afteratroublednightasleeponahigh

ridge,thisverymorninghehadcaughtsightoftheFang’slowerslopesfromtheeverrisinghills.Atduskasthedarknessclosedin,hesawtheregularpatternsoflightonthehillsidethatmarkedthepresenceofhumanbeings.Hecouldpictureinhismind’seyetheenormousstructureshehadseenwhenhehadfirstarrived,andhecouldmakethelightsconformtotheoutlinesofthosegiganticmachineswithverylittleeffort.Nowtheyseemedaswelcomingastheyonceseemedterrifyingandstrange.Ithadbeenalongtrek.Sevenharddaysfromtheplacewherehehadbeendroppedtothisultimate

mountain.Hewasweary,hungryandcoldbuthefeltasenseofachievementsuchashehadneverknownbefore.AllthelessonshehadlearnedatRussvikhehadputtogooduse.Hehadfoundshelter

andfoodandwater.Hehadpreservedhishealthandhissanity.Hehadusedhisnewlyhonedsensestothemaximumextent.HehadkepthimselfalivewithnothingandnoonetohelphimsavetheblessingofRuss.Andthetruthwasthatuntilafewmomentsagohehadrarelyfeltbetterabouthimselfortheworld.Now,however,hefeltashiveroffearpassthroughhimatthesensethatsomeinhumanevilpresencedoggedhissteps.Ragnarguessedthatanotherday’smarchwouldbringhimtooneoftheoutpostsoftheSpace

Wolves,barringaccidents,andhehadbeenkeentorestthiseveningandpressonatdawn.Now,hesimplyfelttheurgetokeepmovingwhilethefullmoonbeameddown.Itwasallhecoulddotokeepfrombreakingintoarun,likeaharepursuedbyafox.HishumanlogictoldRagnarthathehadnoproofthatanythingfollowedhimatall,thathisnervesweresimplyfrayedbyhislongordeal.Theanimalinstinctofthebeastwithinhimtoldadifferentstory.Itscreamedathimtofleeorfight,torunorstandhisground.AndRagnarhadcometorespectthebeast.Hesensedthatrunningwouldbenogood.Runningoverbrokengroundinuncertainlightwouldbe

suretoleadtoanaccident,onethatwouldmostlikelyprovefatalifhewerethenattacked.Ragnarknewitwouldbebesttomakecamp,tobuildafireusinghispouchfullofdriedleaves,twigsandsticksandtrytorest.Perhapstheflameswouldfrightenoffwhateveritwasthatwatchedhim.Perhapsnot.Itmightbeworthatry.Somewheredeepwithinhimhefeltthepresenceofthebeast.Itwatchedandwaitedandinita

furiousangerwasbuildingup.Itdidnotlikebeinghunted.Itdidnotappreciatebeingpreyratherthanpredator.Itwantedtoturnatbayandconfrontwhateverfolloweditwithtoothandnail.Ragnarwasstrangelyreassuredbythat,andfoundhimselfinagreement.Runningthroughthedarkwasnotgoingtohelp,neitherwasworryorfear.Theywouldonlyparalysehimandsaphisenergy.Withafiercegrunt,Ragnarrealisedthathehadcometoadecisionofsorts.Nearbystoodseveralhugeboulders,enormousshadowsinthegloom.Intheirleewouldbesomeshelterfromthewindandtheelements.Hemovedintheirdirection,

determinedthathewouldbuildafire.Andwait.

Theflamesflickered.ThesmellofwoodsmokereachedRagnar ’snostrils.Hemunchedonthenutsandberrieshehadcollectedearlierandwishedthathehadsomewatertomoistenhismouth.Tomorrowhewouldfindastream,hetoldhimself.Ifhestilllived.Heavoidedlookingdirectlyattheflamessoasnottoruinhismuchenhancednightvision.Hewas

stillkeenlyawareofthatsenseofpresence.Ragnarlistenedtothesoundsofthenight,andsniffedatthecoldair.Thehairsonthebackofhisneckrosenowasheheardthesoundofpebblesrollingdownthescree,disturbedbytheapproachofsomethingheavy,somethingthatmovedwithfurtivecare.Ragnarreachedforhisspearandrosetoacrouch,placinghisbacktothelargestoftheboulders,astonehalfagainastallashe.Atleastinthiswayhewouldnotbetakenbysurprisefrombehind.Whateveritwaswouldhavetofacehiswrath.Andifhehadto,Ragnarknewhewoulddiewithhiswoundstothefore,ashisfatherhadtaughthim.Helickedhislips,hishandsclenchingandunclenchingontheroughshaftofhisspear.Thestinkhehadsmelledearlierbecamestronger.Initwasahintofsomethinghuman,andof

somethinganimal.Therewasasmelllikethatofawolf’sfur.Nowhecouldhearafaintsnufflingsound,asofalargebeastsniffingtheair.Hisfingerstightenedevenharderaroundthespearshaft,hisbodytensedlikeacoiledspringashemadehimselfreadytostrikeattheunseenenemy.Fearboiledinthepitofhisstomach.Thesmallhairsofhisbodyrose.Herecognisedtheoutlineof

thethingthatappearedinthefirelight.Itwastallandheavyandmanlike.Itstorsowascoveredintheremainsofarippedgreytunicthatnowappearedfartoosmallforitsmassivemuscularform.Itshandsendedinlongtalon-likeclaws.Itsheadwasstillhumanbutcoveredinthick,mattedfur,andits

snarlingmouthrevealedmassivefangs.Initseyesburnedhunger,rageandastartlingintelligence.Itopeneditsmouthandgavealowferalgrowl.AnansweringgrowlwastornunbiddenfromRagnar ’slips.Itwaswulfen.Ragnarknewnowwhathadbeenstalkinghim,knewthathehadsuspecteditallalong

andthishadbeenthesourceofhisfearandhisunease.Thebeastwithinhimhadrecognisedthewulfen.Thatthethingintendedtokillhimandfeastonhisfleshhehadabsolutelynodoubt.Itwasgoingtobeamatterofkillorbekilled.Heknewhewouldhavetostrikequicklyandwithoutmercyifheweretohaveanychancetolive.Hebroughthisimprovisedspearupandbracedforthekillingstroke.Withinhimselfthebeaststoodreadytostrike.Andinthatmomenthishandwasstayed.Hefoundthathecouldnotbringhimselftomakethecast.

Thiswulfenhadoncebeenamanjustlikehim.Ithadbeenanaspirant.Ithaddrunkfromthecup.Ithadundergonethesamechangesandtormentsthathehad.InRuss’snameitcouldsoeasilyhavebeenhim,ifthebeasthadgainedcontrol.Indeed,itwasalltoopossiblethatthiscreaturewassomeoneheknew.ItmightbeKjelorSvenorevenStrybjorn.Couldhereallyjustkillitoutofhand?Itappearedthecreaturefeltsomethinglikethesameemotion.Ithaltedforamoment.Itseyes

movedfromRagnartothefireandthenbacktoRagnaragain.Itgrowledoncemore.Ragnarcouldseeitsmusclestensing.Hecouldseenowthatabraceletsimilartotheoneonhisownarmglitteredonthething’swrist,andknewwithathrillofhorrorthatitwasmostlikelyoneofhisownformercompanions.Butwhichone,heaskedhimself.Wasitafriendorfoe?Inamomentallsuchconsiderationsbecamemoot.Thewulfensprang.Byinstinctivereflexaction

Ragnarsentthespearhurtlingintoitschest.Thelongbladepierceditsribsandburieditselfinthemonster ’sheart.Theshaftbentandthenbrokeunderthecreature’sweightandtheforceofitsleap.Ragnarwasslammedbackintotheboulderandforamomentfoundhimselfgazingintothecreature’seyes.Humanintelligenceseemedtofloodbackintothem.Thetwistedlipsformedasingleword,‘Ragnar,’thenthewulfendied.Ragnarlookeddownontheslumpedform,filledwithbothhorrorandtriumphbywhathehad

done.Hehadkilledawulfen.Alone.Buthehadalsoknownitasaman,agoodfriend.Ragnarbentdowntoinspectthebraceletonthecreature’sarmtofindoutwhoithadbeen,hopingagainsthopethatitwasStrybjorn.Intheflickeringlighttheruneetchedontothemetalwasclearlyvisible.Itshowedthesignofthe

hawk.Ragnarventedalonghowlofrageandgriefintothecold,uncaringnight,knowingthathehadjustkilledKjel,hisonlytruefriend.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Ragnarlayonthesurgicalaltaroncemore.HelookeduptoseethemaskedfacesoftheIronPriests.Hecouldhearthedimthrumoftheirmachinery,theoddsoul-chillingmusicoftheirritualchants,theoccasionalscreamorhowlofawarriorinpainastherazorsawcircularknivesofthepriestsbitintotheirflesh.Thetablebeneathhimwasstickywithhisowncoagulatedblood,thesmellofitandofvarious

chemicalsassaultedhisnostrils.Hisfingersbunchedaroundthemetalgripsonthesideofthealtar.Hetookadeepbreathandwilledhimselftobecalm.SincehegotbacktotheFangtherehadbeenmanystrangemedicalritualsperformedoverhim.He

hadbeenputinvarioustechnicalenginesandscanned.IronPriestshadproddedhimwithsensorwands,encasedhisheadinscannerhelmets,clippedmonitoringfilamentstohislimbs.Hehadbeenfedadietofmeatandalecontainingthechemicaltaintofmanystrangedrugs.Hisenhancedsenseshadtoldhimoftheirpresence,butheassumedthattheyhadbeenputthereforhisowngoodsohehadnotworried.Notthatworryingwouldhavedonemuchgoodanyway,sincehewasentirelyatthemercyoftheIronPriests.Atleasthewasstillalive.Notalloftheotheraspirantswere.Svenhadreturned.SohadStrybjorn.

Sohadmanyoftheothersbutnotall.Atleastfive,includingKjel,hadnotcomebackfromtheultimatetest.Afullmonthhadpassedanditseemedunlikelynowthattheyeverwould.RagnarforcedthethoughtofKjeltothebackofhismind.Hedidnotliketothinkaboutit.Kjelhad

beentheclosestthingtoafriendhehadpossessedamongtheaspirants,andnowKjelwasgone.ManytimesrecentlyRagnarhadlainawakewonderingwhatitmusthavebeenlikefortheFalconer,wanderingalonethroughthegreatwildernesswhilehisbodyalteredintosomethingotherthanhuman,andthebeastwithindevouredhismindandhissoul.Hadhebeenawareofwhatwashappeningthewholetime?Orhadhefallenearlyintomercifuloblivion?Ragnarrealisedthathewouldneverknow.TheIronPriestsassuredhimthatthechangeswroughtbytheCupofWulfenwerecomplete,that

hisbodyhadnowfullyintegratedthemagicalthingtheycalledthecanishelix,andthathewasreadytomoveontothenextpartoftheprocessthatwouldturnhimintooneoftheWolves.Hewasreadytohavethethingtheycalledthegeneseedimplanted.Ragnartookanotherdeepbreathandstrovetoremaincalm.Thebeast,theanimalsideofhis

nature,didnotlikethis.Ithatedbeingstrappeddown,caged,subjecttothewillofothers.Itdidnotlikethisbusinessatall.Therewasnothinghecoulddo.HeturnedhisheadfractionallyandsawthatoneofthehighIronPriestswasapproaching.Heheldaglasschalicereverentlyinbothhands.Initwasapulpyfleshythingfromwhichemergedvariousnodulesandtubesoftissue.ThechantingofthepriestsaroundRagnar ’saltargrewlouderandmorerhythmicalasthewarriorapproached.Thiswasthegeneseed,Ragnarknew,rememberingthethingshehadbeentaughtoverthepastfew

weeks.Thiswasthemastercomponentthatcontrolledalltheothersandwouldenablehis

transformationintoafullSpaceWolf.ItwouldenablehisbodytoadaptanditwouldcontrolthehostofotherimplantstheIronPriestsweregoingtoplacewithinhisflesh.Itdidnotlooklikemuch,butitwasasacredthing.ThisscrapofbloodyfleshhadbeenbornebymanyWolvesbeforeRagnar,hadoriginallybeentakenfromthefleshandbloodofRusshimself.Itwasadirectlinkwiththeancienttimesandwiththegodofhispeople.ItwasastaggeringthoughttoRagnarthatsoonwithinhisownbodywouldbepartofhisgod.However,itwassomethingthatalltheotherSpaceWolvespossessed,andwentalongwaytowardsexplainingthesuperhumanattributestheypossessed.Inaveryrealsensetheywerekintothegods.Andsoon,Ragnarthought,ifallwentwell,sotoowouldhebe!TheIronPriestcameevercloser.Ragnarfeltaneedlespikegoingintohisarm.Inhishyper-

sensitisedconditionitfeltlikeastabfromasword.Therewasbriefflashofagonyandthencoolnessflowedthroughhisveins,spreadingfromthepointwheretheneedlewentin.Inmomentshewasrelaxedandnumbedandawareofhisbodyasaremoteanddistantthing.Itwasasifhissoulfloatedonacloudoficeandlookeddownuponthethingsthathappenedtohisflesh.HefelthisskinshakeandasoftpressureonhischestasoneoftheIronPriestsreachedforward

andcuthimwitharipsaw.Fleshparted.Bloodflowed.Ragnardoubtedthatmoredamagecouldhavebeeninflictedwithablowfromanaxeandyethewasawareofitonlyasapassingdiscomfort.HesawthehighIronPriestmakeacomplexgestureoverthevesselinwhichthegeneseedrestedbeforereachinginwithonegauntletedhandandpullingthefleshythingout.Heheardanoddsuckingsoundasthegeneseedwasplacedwithinhisribcageandbeganthetaskofgraftingitselftohisnervesandveinsandsinews.Itwasanoddsensationthelikeofwhichhehadneverenduredbefore.Itwasasifalivingthing

werecrawlingaboutinsidehischestcavity.Heimaginedtentaclesoffleshemergingfromthething’scarapace,ofveinssproutingfromitlikerootsfromaseed,ofbitsofnervebindingthemselvestohisown.Theimagefilledhismindasanotherneedlewasdrivenhome.Moltenpainflashedthroughhim,dispersingthecoolness,andhisspirittoppledforwardintoablackabyss.

Ragnarkneltinthemeditationchamber.Hefeltbetternow.Hischestnolongerfeltswollenandconstrictedbythepresenceofthegeneseed.Thescarsoftheceremonywerealreadyfadingeventhoughonlydayshadpassed.Hewasawareonlyofaslightsensitivityaroundthewholeareawhereitwastendertothetouch.Hehadfoundhimselfpokingatitdailylikeamantouchingacavityinhistoothwithhistongue.ItseemedinconceivabletohimatthismomentthatthescarsandthetendernessbothweremarksofthefavourofRuss,yetheknewitmustbeso.Thethingshehadlearnedoverthepastfewdaysmadethatalltooclear.HeforcedthethoughtsfromhismindandconcentratedonRanek.TheWolfPrieststoodbeforethe

aspirantsoncemoreandbadethembegintheritual.Ragnarclearedhismindashehadbeentaughtandbegantointonethestrangeprayer.Hefelthimselfrelaxashereachedforwardandpickedupthecrownofknowledge.Itwasamysteriousandage-oldthingofbrassandiron,connectedtotheenginesofknowledgebypulsingcablesofcopperandglass.Ranekhadtoldthemthecrownswereconnectedtogreatmachineswhereallthehistoryofthe

Chapterwasstored,andmuchancientlore.Bydonningthecrowns,thatlorecouldbepumpeddirectlyintohisheadataratefarbeyondthatatwhichapersoncouldnormallymemoriseit.Ragnarfoundthewholeprocessafrighteningandmagicalone.Oncethecrownwasinplace,andthecorrectlitaniesintonedbythepriests,thentheknowledgecame.Notonlyintheformsofwordsandmemories,butalsoofsoundsandpicturesandemotions.Ragnarknewhisownfeelingswerebeingsubtlyalteredbythemachines,buthedidnotcare:thepossessionofthelorewasworththeprice.Hehadlearnedsomuchinonlyafewdays.Itwasanenlighteningexperienceinitsownway.Themorehelearned,themoreheunderstoodtheSpaceWolves,andthemoreheunderstoodtheChapterthe

morehelongedtoservethemandbeapartofthem.Heknewnowthattheworldwasafargreaterandmorecomplexplacethaneverhehadbelieved.

Indeedtherewasnotjustoneworldbutmany.FenriswasanorbthatcircledtheEyeofRuss.Itwasmerelyoneofmanysuchworldsthatfloatedinthespacearoundthathugesun.AndinturntheEyeofRusswasjustoneofmillionsofsunsthatmadeupthegalaxyandaroundmanyofwhichorbitedotherinhabitedworlds.Strangestofall,notalloftheseworldswereinhabitedbyhumans.Somewereruledbygreen-skinnedmonsterscalledorks.Somewerethehomesofatallbeautifulyetutterlyalienpeoplecalledtheeldar.Onewholesectorofthegalaxywasthehomeofdaemonsandthosewhoservedthem.ThevastbulkofthehumanworldswereruledbytheImperium,whichtheSpaceWolvesserved.

TheImperiumwasruledbytheEmperor,theAllFather,thecrippledgodwhohadgivenlifetoRussandhisbrothersandwhoseshatteredshellnowexistedinagreatmachineontheancestralworldofTerra.TheEmperorwasservedbyanenormouscorpsofpriestsandmagistratesandrulersandtaxcollectors.Inhisnamemassivearmiesmovedacrossthegalaxycarriedbyhugeshipscapableofsailingbetweenthestars.AlltheotherracesandnationsandkingdomsRagnarhadlearnedofweretheenemiesoftheEmperorandofhumanity,andwoulddoanythingtounderminetheAllFather ’sruleanddestroyhisrealm.Acrossthegalaxy,savagewarsragedbetweentheEmperor ’slegionsandthoseofhisfoes,andintheforefrontofmanyofthesewarsweretheWolves.HesawthefoundingoftheWolvesallthoselongagesagowhentheAllFatherwasyoungand

walkedamongmen.HesawthecomingofRusstoFenris,andthenthearrivaloftheAllFatherseekinghislostson.HesawRussrecruithishonourguardofwarriorsandnamethemtheWolvesofSpace.HesawtoothattheAllFatherhadmanystrongsons,calledprimarchs,whofoundedtheirownChapters,justasRusshaddone.Helearnedthatthesewarriors,whoallsharedthegeneseedoftheirprimarchs,wereknowncollectivelyasSpaceMarines.RagnarsawthefoundingoftheImperium,andthentheterriblewarwiththearch-hereticandtraitor

Horuswhichtorethenew-bornempireapartandresultedinthecripplingoftheAllFatherandthedeathofHorus.HesawthatmanyoftheSpaceMarinesandtheirprimarchsfollowedHorusinhisfollyandbetrayedtheiroathstotheEmperor.HesawthemdepartforthestrangewarpedareaofthegalaxyknownastheEyeofTerrorandwatchedthemdevolveintothingslessthanhuman.Ragnarknewnowthathewasbeingmadeprivytoknowledgekeptsecretfromthevastmajorityofpeople,andthathemustneverdivulgethisloretoanyonewhodidnotalreadyknowofit.HeshudderedwhenhefoundoutaboutthefourgreatpowersofChaos,theultimatearch-daemonswhowereforeveratworktounderminetheempireofhumanity.TherewasKhorne,theBloodGod,lordofslaughter,whosefollowerswentlaughingintobattle

filledwithanunslakablethirstforcarnage.TherewasTzeentch,theGreatMutator,whotransformedhisworshippersandmadethemprivytothedarkestsecretsofsorcery.TherewasNurgle,thePlagueLord,whosefollowersspreadblightanddiseasetothefurthestreachesofthecosmos.TherewasSlaanesh,depravedgodofunspeakablepleasures.HeknewenoughnowtorecognisesomeoftheirworshippersasthebeingshehadencounteredinhisvisionsbeyondtheGateofMorkai.Ragnarprayedmostearnestlythatheneedneverlearnmore.HelearnedofRuss’sdisappearanceonhisgreatquesttofindtheseedsofthetreeoflifewhich

wouldcurehisEmperor.HelearnedofthelongandhonourablehistoryoftheWolvesuntothepresentage.Moreandmoreknowledgepouredintohiswillingbrainandhesoakedituplikeasponge.Hesawhowvastandterribletheenemiesofmankindwere,andhowgreatwastheneedformighty

warriorstoopposethem.Heunderstoodnowwhythetestingoftheaspirantshadbeensosavageandbrutal.Inthesedarktimesnoflawcouldbeallowedinthosewhoweretostandbetweenhumanityand

itsenemies.Chantsandlitaniesandprayersfilledhismind.Heunderstoodmanyofthemnow.Theywereto

focusawarrior ’smind,tokeephisfaithasstrongashisarm.HeknewthatothersweretohelphimusethenewabilitieshewasgainingdailyastheIronPriestsdidtheirwork.Heunderstoodthechangesthatwerebeingwroughtinhisbodybetternow.Hewasbeinggiventhe

knowledgetohelphimdoso.Heknewthathehadbeengivenasecondheart,andaugmentedmusclesandglandsthatwouldenablehimtobreathepoisonedairandeatpoisonedfoodwithoutcomingtoharm.Hissenseshadbeenmadeevenkeenerandhisbodyfarmoreresilient.Heknewthathecouldnowrecoverfromalmostanywoundthatdidnotkillhimoutright,evenwithoutmedicalcare,giventime.Helearnedthebasicsoffieldmedicineforcauterisingamputations.Mostofhisbodywasenclosedinaflexibleblackmetalliccarapace.Heknewthatthevarious

plasteelnodesprotrudingfromitwerecontactpointsthatwouldenablehisbodytointerfacewiththearmourthatallSpaceMarinesworelikeasecondskin.Hewasastonishedthathenowpossessedthevocabularyandtheknowledgetounderstandtheseconcepts.Trulythepoweroftheseancientengineswasgreat.Moreandmoreknowledgeflowedintohismind.Helearnedofweaponsandtheiruse.Helearned

oftacticsandorganisationalstructures.Helearnedthetenbasicoffensivemanoeuvresandthefourstrongdefences.Andhesmiledashedidso,thepleasurecentresofhisbrainstimulatedbytheawesomeintricatesubtlemechanismsoftheoldmachines.HesawtheorganisationofhisChapter.Hesawthatitwasarrangedintotwelvegreatcompanies,

eachledbyamightywarleaderfromwhomthecompanytookitsname.HesawthattherewasathirteenthgreatcompanybelongingtotheChapter ’sleaderwhichconsistedofallthepriestsandothertypesofwarrior.HesawtheprogressthathewouldneedtomakethroughtheChapter.HelearnedthatifhewereacceptedhewouldbecomeaBloodClaw,partofapackofsimilaryouthfulwarriorsstrugglingtotametheunrulybeastwithin.IfhelivedhewouldbecomefirstaGreyHunter,thenaLongFang,growingolder,wiser,mightierandmorecunning.Onandonwenttheendlessflowofknowledge,burningitselfintohismemory,makinghimwiser,

andcausinghisbraintoglowwithloveofhisChapterandRussandtheEmperor.

‘Liftyourarm,’theIronPriestsaid.Servo-motorswhinedasRagnardidso.Thepriestnoddedhismaskedhead,andthentightenedajointwithhispowerwrench.Ragnarfelthimdoit.Thesensationwasanoddone,notpainfulexactly,butitlethimknowthatsomethingwashappeningwithhisplasteelcarapace.Theknowledgeimplantedinhisbraintoldhimthatoverthecomingmonthsandyearshewouldgetbetteratrecognisingthemeaningofthesesensations.‘Nowmoveyourfingers.’Ragnardidashewastold.Oncemorethepriestmadeafewadjustments.

Immediatelyhishandfeltbetter,moreflexible,stronger.Thepriestintonedalitanytothemachinespiritsandthenbowedhisheadoncemore.Itappearedtheworkwascomplete.‘Youmayrise,’thepriestsaid.Ragnarraisedhimselffromthealtar.Ashedidsothevariouscables

andattachmentsthepriesthadfittedretractedbackintothesacredstonework.Hewasfreetomove.Ragnarsmiledandlookeddownathisbody.Theentirelengthofhismassiveframehadbeenencasedinplasteelandceramiteyethedidnotfeeltoomuchdifferent.Therewasnosensationofbeingencumberedbyheavyarmour.Infact,ifanythinghefeltlighter,fitterandstronger.Heknewnowthatthepowerfulservo-motorswithinthearmourweredoingtheirwork,helpingsupporthisweight,makehimmobile.TheIronPriestobviouslyrecognisedthatsmileandknewitsmeaning.‘Youmustbeverycarefuloverthenextfewdays,foryoudonotyetknowyourownstrength.’Ragnarlookedathim,notquitefollowinghismeaning.Asmallservitorrobotmovedcloseratthe

priest’sgesture.Acompartmentinitschestopenedandalongtelescopicarmstretchedoutandplaced

astoneinthepriest’shand.Ragnarwasamazedbytheseeminglymysticalmannerinwhichthepriestandhismachinecommunicated.Notawordhadbeenspoken.‘Takethisstone,’theIronPriestsaid.‘Donotworry;ithasnosignificanceatall.Itismerelyto

demonstrateathing.’Ragnartookthestone,marvellingatthesensitivityofthegauntletsthatlethimfeelitstexture

despitebeingthickenoughtostoptheblowofanaxe.Itwasnotquiteliketouchingthestonewithhisbareflesh.Itfeltmoreasifhewerewearingthingloves.TheIronPriestwasright.Thiswasgoingtotakesomegettingusedto.‘Crushthestone,’theIronPriestsaid.Ragnarlookedathim,notquiteabletocomprehendwhathewassaying.Heknewthatitwas

theoreticallypossibleforthesystemsinhisgauntletstogenerateenoughpressuretodoso,yetsomethinginstinctiveinhisbrainrebelledagainsttheconcept.Itwasnotpossible.Humanbeingscouldnotcrushrockswiththeirbarehands.‘Doit,’thepriestsaid.Therewasanoteofcommandinhisvoicethatcouldnotbedisobeyed.

Ragnarclosedhisfist.InstantlyhefeltresistanceandinstinctivelyhebegantoloosenhisgripbuttheIronPriestmerelyrepeatedhiscommand.Ragnarclosedhisfingersoncemore.Therewasacrackingsoundasthestonebrokelikeaneggshellcrushedbyastrongman.Ragnaropenedhishandtoseethatthehardstonehadbeenreducedtoseveralsmallchipsofrock.Heletouthisbreathinonelongslowexhalation.Nowhetrulybegantounderstandthepowerthat

hadbeengrantedtohim.

‘Theseareyourownpersonalweapons,’thearmourersaid.‘Youareresponsibleforthem.Eachhasbeenstampedwithyourrune-signsoyouwillknowthem,andwewillbeabletoidentifythemintheeventofyourdeath.’Ragnarpickeduptheweaponsreverently.Therewasaprojectileweapon,calledaboltpistol.Itwas

likethemagicalweaponwithwhichRanekhaddispatchedtheseadragon,onlysmaller.Andtherewasachainsword,oneofthepotentweaponsthatSergeantHakonhadcarried.Inthebeltonwhichthepistolwasscabbardedwasadispenserofothersmallbutnolesspotentweaponsknownasmicrogrenades.‘Becarefulwiththese,’thearmourersaid.‘Theyareasdangeroustofoolsastheyaretoenemies.

Nowfollowtheservitorandreporttothetrainingranges.’RagnarlookedaroundandsawSven,Nils,Strybjornandtheothersallstandinginspectingtheir

weapons.Theyalllookeddifferentnow,taller,heavierandmoreburlywiththeirheadsshavedsaveforonelongstripofhair,andtheirbodiesencasedinarmour.Ontheirfaceswasthesamelookofprideandwonderthatheknewmustbeonhis.Theyalllooked

asiftheyhadjustbeengivenenchantedweaponsoutoflegend,andinawaytheyhad.HegaveStrybjornanotherlonghardlook.Itwasjustpossible,hethought,thattheGrimskullmighthaveanaccidentonthetrainingranges.Strybjornlookedupandmethisgaze,andRagnarfeltthatitwasalltoopossiblethathisenemywasthinkingthesamethingabouthim.

TheboltpistolkickedinRagnar ’shand.Evenwiththeenhancedstrengthgrantedbyhisarmourandhisalteredbody,therecoilwassomethingfierce.Thegunmovedlikeawildthingheheldtrappedinhisvice-likegrip.Theshellblazedpastthetargetandhitthestonewallbehind,blowingahugechunkoutofthe

cavernwall.Ragnarwasexhilaratedbythesheersenseofpowerusingtheweapongavehimatthesametimeashewasfrustratedbyhisinabilitytohitthetarget.Notforthefirsttimehebecameawareofthedifferencebetweenthetheoreticalknowledgetheancientengineshadplacedinhishead,andtheactualpracticalabilitytodosomething.

Heknewallaboutthisweapon.Heknewhowitworked.Heknewthatitfiredcaselessself-propelledammunitioncapableofpiercingarmouruptoseveralhundredstrides.Heknewthemagazinecapacity.Heknewintheoryhowtodisassemble,cleanandrepairit.Heknewallaboutfiringit.Heknewaboutrelaxingasyoutookaim,breathingoutgentlyasyoufired.Unfortunatelytherewasabigdifferencebetweenknowingthisstuffandbeingabletodoit.‘Donotworry,lad,’saidSergeantHengist,theirweaponsinstructor.‘Justkeepatit.Itwillcome

eventually.Anythingcanbemasteredwithpractice.Andyoudoneedtomasterthis.Believeitornot,therewasatimewhenIcouldn’thitthesideofabarndoor.Now…’Inonesmoothfluidaction,withoutseemingtoaimorconcentrate,Hengistdrewhisownpistol,

seemedonlytoextendhisarm,pointitandpullthetrigger.Aclusterofthreeshotshitthebull’s-eyedirectlyovertheheartoftheman-shapedtarget.Ragnarwatchedinawe.‘Youmakeitlooksoeasy,sergeant,’hesaid.‘Nothingiseveraseasyasitlooks,lad.Andit’sthemarkofamasterthattheymakedifficultthings

lookeasy.’Ragnarnodded.HeenjoyedlisteningtoHengisttalk,andheenjoyedlearningfromthegrizzled

veteran.Itwasoneofthemostpleasantthingsabouthisnewstatus.Heandtheotheraspirantsweren’texactlyacceptedbutatleasttheywerenottreatedasexpendablethings.TheyhadvaluetotheSpaceWolvesnow.TheymightbecomepartoftheChapteratsomefuturedate.OrmaybeHengistwassimplymorepleasantthantheotherSpaceMarines.OnethingRagnarwasbecomingawareofwasthatalltheseawesomefearsomecharactersweredifferent.Theywerepeopleinandofthemselves,asdistinctiveasallthefolkbackinhishomevillage.Hisformerhomevillage,hecorrectedhimself.Inanother,fardistant,life.Hedidnotknowwhythissurprisedhim.Perhapsitwassimplythathehadbecomeusedtoseeing

alloftheSpaceWolvesasthesame.Theycertainlyalllookedsimilar.Theywereallfartallerandstrongerthanmortalmen,andtheyallpossessedthoseoddwolfisheyesandfrighteningfangs.Andtheyallhadasimilarfierceandferalmannerinsomeways.And,ofcourse,theyallworethegreyisharmour,whichsometimesmadethemlookmorelikemachinesthanmen.Still,Ragnarwascomingtorealisethatforallthattheyweremenjustlikehewas.Andhewasalsocomingtorespectthem,forheknewthatallofthemtherehadcomethrougheverythinghehaddone,orworse,andhadsurvivedyearsofterriblewarfarebesides.‘Tryagain,lad,’Hengistsaid,notunkindly.‘Andthistimedon’tthinksohardaboutwhatyou’re

doing.Justrelaxanddoit.Doitathousandtimesifneedbe,butkeepdoingit.Onedayyourlifeandthelifeofyourcomradeswilldependonyouraccuracy.SureasRusswasadrinker,that’sthetruth.’Ragnarnoddedandraisedthepistoloncemore.HeturnedtoseeifHengistwaswatchinghim,but

thesergeanthadalreadywalkeddownthelineofaspirantsandwastalkingquietlytoSven.Ragnarclosedoneeye,breatheddeeplyandasheexhaledpulledthetrigger.Theboltershellspedpastthetargetandburieditselfinthewall.Ragnarletoutalongsighoffrustration.Thiswasgoingtotakealotofpractice.

Ragnarchargedthroughthejunglethicket.Theairwashotandhumid.Greenfrondswhippedhisface.Carnivorousplantssnappedathisknees.Heduckedastranglervine,skiddedontohiskneesandrolledforwardthroughtheleafymulchintocoverbehindthetoppledremainsofsometitanicfallentree.Heheardadisturbanceintheundergrowthaheadofhim.Hewipedsporesfromhisface,sighted

alongthebarrelofhispistolandwhippedoffashot.ItsmashedthroughtheleavesandexplodedsendingacloudofpaintanddyeoverthecrouchedfigureofSven.‘Gotyou,’Ragnarcried.Withagroan,Svenputhishandoverhisheart,pushingthebuttonthatwoulddeactivatehiscomm-

linksthentoppledtheatricallybackontotheground.Ragnarsmiledwithsatisfaction.ThatwasthethirdoftheRedteamhehadpickedoffthisexercise.Onemoreandhissquadwouldhavewon.Hewouldhavewipedoutalltherivalteam.Hewasenjoyinghimself.Helikedthisstrangeplaceandheenjoyedthesetrainingexercises.Thisvastcavernfullofalienflorawastheplacewheretherecruitswereinductedintothebasicsofjunglewarfare.ItwasacontrolledenvironmentdeepbelowtheFang,wheretheheatandthehumiditywerecarefullyadaptedtocreateaplacejustliketherealthing.Hewaspleasedwithhimself.Hisshootinghadimprovedgreatlywithpractice,justasSergeantHengisthadpromisedhimitwould.‘Gotyou,’hemurmured,knowingallhehadtodonowwasfindStrybjorn,thelastmemberofthe

Redteam.‘AndI’vegotyou,Ragnar,’avoicesaidfrombehindhim.Ragnartwistedaroundstrivingtobring

hispistoltobearbuthewastoolate.Strybjornstoodtherehispistolalreadypointed.HesqueezedthetriggerandtheimpactoftheshellknockedRagnarover.Acloudofpaintcoveredhisarmour.BrieflyRagnarconsideredignoringthehitandfiringbackatStrybjornbuthissenseofhonourwouldnotlethim.Well,thatandhisknowledgethatSergeantHengistwasprobablywatchinghimthroughoneofthecameraeyesofthefloatingdronesthatmovedthroughthecaves.Frustrated,hepunchedthebuttononhischestcommunitandcuthimselfoutofthelink.Ragnarcursed.Itwasgoingtotakealongnightofscrubbingtogethisarmourcleanagain.Still,

hewasgratefulthatithadbeenonlyapaintshellandnotliveammunitionwhenStrybjornfired.HewonderedwhethertheGrimskullwouldhavebeensoquicktopullthetriggerifhehadbeen

firingarealbullet.Ragnarknewthathehimselfwouldhavebeen.

RagnarlookeddownonVrotwulf’scorpse.Thingslookedlikeamess.Thewholebackofhisheadwasgoneandapulpymassofbloodandbrainsdecoratedthewallovertheaspirant’sbunk.‘BonesofRuss,’Ragnarbreathed.OnemomentVrotwulfhadbeensittingtherelaughingand

jokingandpolishinghisboltpistol.Thentherehadbeenabangandaroarandhisheadhaddisintegrated.Ithadallhappenedsoquicklythattheyouthhadnotevenhadachancetoscream.Svencameoverandlookeddownatthecorpse.Hepickedupthegunandlookedatit.‘Idiot!’he

muttered.‘Themagazinewasstillinit.’Ragnarlookedclosely.‘Andthesafetystudwasn’tpushedin,’headded.Theylookedateachother.

Ragnarguessedthattheywereboththinkingthesamething.Deathsintrainingstillhappened,andmostofthetimethroughsheercarelessness.Hewascomingtorecognisethesigns.Thiswasindeedpartoftheproblemwiththewayknowledgehadbeenimpartedtothem.Alloftheaspirantsknewthingsbuttheknowledgewasnotyetfullypartofthem.Theyallknewtheproceduresforcleaningtheirweaponsbuttheyhadnotyetlearnedthetotalrespectthatthefirearmsdemanded.Itwasthatwaywithmuchoftheloretheyhadlearned.Asalwaystherewasahugedifferencebetweenknowingthetheoryandbeingabletoimplementthepractice.‘Isupposesomeonebettergotellthepowers-that-be,’Svensaid.HelookedmeaningfullyatRagnar

hopingthathewouldvolunteer.‘Offyougothen,’saidRagnar.Svensnarled,showinghisdevelopingfangsbutdidnotargue.He

andRagnarhadclashedofteninthepastfewweeks,establishingtheirpositionswithinthepack,andRagnarhadalwayscomeoffthebest.Theotherswerelearningnottochallengehimwhetherinasimplecontestofwillsoranexchangeofblows.Ragnarreturnedtocontemplatingthebody.HeofferedupaprayertoRuss.Well,hethought,theywerelearningrespect,thehardway.Hejustwonderedhowmanymoreof

themwoulddiebeforethetrainingwasover.

Onlytwomoredied,toRagnar ’sknowledge.AnaspirantknownasLogimanagedtoblowhimselfup

withhisownkrakgrenadeduringliveammunitiontraining.Anotheraspirant,Hrald,hadsimplykeeledoveranddiedwhileeatingoneday,andhisbodywascartedoffbyservitorstobedissectedbytheIronPriests.Noonereallyunderstoodwhathadgonewrong,althoughwordwentaroundthathisbodyhadrejectedeitherthegeneseedortheneworgansthathadbeenimplanted.Ragnarwasnotquitesurehowthiscouldhappenbutthenewloreimplantedinhisbraintoldhimthatsometimeshumanbodiessimplywouldnotacceptimplants,thattheyrebelledagainstanyalteration,andthesubjectsimplydied.ThiswasnotacheeringthoughttoRagnarortoanyoftheotheraspirantsbuttherewasnothingtheycoulddoaboutitexceptlieawakeatnightsintheircellsandwonderwhetheritwouldhappentothem.AfterafewdaysRagnarsimplyquitworrying.Hehadnotdiedandwonderingaboutitseemedlikeaneedlesswasteofenergy.Besides,therewassomuchtolearnandtodothathisentiremindandspiritwerekeptoccupied.

Eachdayatdawnheroseandenteredoneofthegreatmeditationchambers,wherehebusiedhimselfrecitingthelitaniesthathadbeenplacedinhisbrainthepreviousday.Afterthreehoursofcontemplationofthereligiousmysteriesandhoninghisspiritforwar,heateaheartybreakfast.Whilehisbodydigestedthishewashookeduptooneoftheancienttutelaryenginesandmoreknowledgewaspumpedintohisbrain,alongwithanunquestioningadorationofRussandtheEmperor.Bynoon,stiffbutunwearied,hewasunhookedfromtheseancientcrypticdevicesandwenttothe

chambersofarmaments.Fortheremainderoftheday,dependingontheschedulesetforhim,heeitherexercised,orpractisedunarmedcombat,ortrainedendlesslywiththeweaponshehadbeenissued.Everyfewdays,theywouldbesenttooneoftheenvironmentalchambers,sculptedtoresemblesomealienlandscape,andpractisethedisciplinesofwarandsurvivalinthosestrangeplaces.Ragnarcametorecognisequicklywhatdaysthosewouldbe,forsomeknowledgeofthemwouldhavebeenplacedinhisbrainthedaybefore.Afterthistheywouldretiretotherefectoryfortheeveningmeal,andthenanothersessioneither

withthetutelarymachinesorwiththeIronPriests.Thethingstheylearnednowwerealwaystechnicalinnature,usuallyconcerningthemaintenanceoftheirweaponsandarmour,ortheneworgansthathadbeenimplantedintheirbodies.ThedaywouldconcludewithseveralhoursinthemeditationcellsandthentobedwhereRagnarwoulddropintoanexhaustedsleep.Everyseventhday,theywouldassembleintheChamberoftheAspirantswhereRanekhadfirst

explainedtheirpurposetothem.TheWolfPriesthimselfwouldarriveandpreachtothem,tellingthemoldtalesoftheChapter ’sglory,stirringtheirheartsandmindswiththedeedsofthosewhohadgonebeforethem.TheywerethentakenaroundtheFang,alwaystoplacestheyhadnotseenbefore.Thenatureandpurposeofthegreatdeviceswhichtheywerepermittedtoseewereexplainedtothem,alongwiththeirgloriousplacesintheChapterhistory.RagnarlookedwithaweuponthesitesofancientbattleswiththeforcesofChaosfromthosedark

periodswhentheFangitselfhadbeeninvaded.Hewatchedinwonderasmightyskyshipstookoff,destinedhenowknewtopiercetheenvelopeofairthatsurroundedFenrisandrendezvouswiththosemightyvesselsthatpliedtheunimaginabledistancesbetweenthestars.HestaredatthevastautomatedfactorieswheretheweaponsandmunitionsoftheSpaceWolveswerecreatedfromtheverybonesoftheplanet,fromdeepminedmetalsandmineralsandoil.Asthedaysbecameweeksandtheweeksbecamemonthshefoundhimselfbecomingmoreand

morecomfortablewithhisnewroleandhisnewposition.HegottoknowmanyofthepeoplearoundtheFangbyname,andhesawthatslowly,ashelearnedandgrewandsurvived,thattheywerecomingtoaccepthimasoneofthem.HebecamemoreawareoftherhythmsoftheplaceandofthefactthatitwasmoreorlessemptyoftheSpaceWolvesthemselveswhowereforeveronthemovearoundthegalaxyontheEmperor ’sbusiness.

HeknewmorenowofhowtheChapterwasdividedupintoanumberofgreatcompanies,thearmedretinuesofmightywarleaders,andthatitwasrareindeedformorethanoneofthosegreatcompaniestobeattheFangatanygiventime.Sometimesthecompanieswouldreturnhomebrieflytobere-armedandre-equippedandtoreplacelossestakeninbattlewithnewrecruitsfromamongtheaspirants.HeknewthattherewasaconstantsteadyflowofaspirantspassingthroughtheFang,andthatonedayitwouldbehisdestinytobechosentoaccompanyoneofthosegreatcompaniesouttothestars.Hesawmanynewaspirantsarrive,broughtinfromRussvikandotherplaceslikeitscattered

aroundAsaheim,andboundfortheGateofMorkai.Hestartedtorecognisethosewhohadarrivedbeforehim.Sometimes,inthemeditationchambers,hewouldseetrueSpaceWolves.Grizzledwarriorsreturnedfromtheirincredibleadventures,andpausingforamoment’speaceinthesanctuariesoftheFangbeforereturningtotheirduties.Atsuchtimeshewantednothingmorethantojointhem,andtobeonhiswaytothegreatbattlesinfarflungpartsoftheuniverse,butinhisheart,heknewhehadalongtimetogobeforethatdaywouldcome.Ragnarhadtalkedtotheolderaspirantsandlearnedthatsometimesyearscouldpassbeforetheywereshippedouttojointheirmoreexperiencedbrethren.Still,hetoldhimself,thiswasnobadthing;itwouldmeanhehadplentyoftimetohonehisskillsandensurethathedidnotdisgracehimselfwhenthatgreatdaycame.HishatredofStrybjornbecameadullachethatgnawedathim,butevensotheGrimskullhad

becomepartofhisnewlife,likeSvenandNilsandtheothers.Theyalltrainedtogetherasateamnow,andtheyallrealisedthattheywerepartofonewarbandandwouldbeshippedouttogetherwhenthetimecame.TheyhadstillnotbeenmadefullBloodClawsorbeenassignedawarleader,buttheyknewthedaywouldcomewhenthatwouldhappen.Noonedoubtedanymorethattheyweregoodenough,orthattheywouldmakethegrade.Allofthemrealisedthatitwasjustamatteroftime.

Raneklookeddownonthemfromthedais.HisscarredfacewasfilledwithapridethatwasreflectedinRagnar ’sheartandonthefeaturesofalltheaspirantspresent.‘Youhavedonewell,’hetoldthem.‘Youhavelearnedallthatwassettoyouandyouhavelived

throughtrialsthatitisnotgiventomanymentoendureletalonesurvive.Youhavearighttobeproud.‘Butnottooproud,forallthatyouhavelearnedhereshouldpointyourthoughtsinthedirectionof

onegreattruth.ThelifeofaSpaceWolfisonelongtrialandtherearemanywaysstillawarriormayfailthattrial.Hemightbecomecowardlyorlaxinhisdutiesorhemightfallintoerrororsin.Hemightletsomesmallchinkofdoubtorhate…’WasitRagnar ’simagination,hewondered,orhadtheWolfPriestlookeddirectlyathimwhenhe

saidthis.‘…ortaintofweaknessthroughwhichourdaemonicenemiesmayenterhissoulandcorrupthim.

WemustneverforgetthatthishappenedtosomeofourforebearChaptersinancienttimes,andthattheywereinmanywaysmightymen,greatereventhanus.Wemustneverforgetthatthewarswefightareinmanywaysasmuchspiritualstrugglesasphysicalbattles,andthatourfaithinRussandintheAllFatherisourshield.‘Andwemustneverforgetthepurposeofthislonglifeoftribulationandtesting.Itistoseeifwe

areworthytostandbesideourprimarchinthoselastdayswhenthepowersofChaosemergelikedragonstoswallowtheuniverse,andtheendofallthingsisathand.Forinthosedays,thechosenoneswillstandbesideRussandmakewarontheevilones,andthuswillthefateofeverythingbedecided.BearthisinmindinthefuturewhenyouareaskedtolaydownyourlifeforyourcomradesandyourChapter.Ifyouproveworthy,itwillbeyourrewardtostandalongsidethegreatestofallheroesinthemostimportantofallbattles,andsurelynowarriorcanaskformorethanthat.

‘NowyouhavebeenjudgedworthytopledgeyourselfatthesacredAltarofRussandtojointheranksoftheWolves.Advance,kneelbeforethealtarandswearthatyouwillservethisChapterinallwaysandatalltimes,untodeathandbeyond,withbody,mindandsoul.’ItwastheproudestmomentofRagnar ’slifewhenhedidso.

RagnarandSvenclashedsteinsofale.Ragnarraisedhislipsandthrewthefoamingbrewbackinonelongpull.Hewipedhislipswiththebackofhisarmouredforearmandletoutalongbelch.Hewasdrunkandheknewit.Thisalemustbepotentindeedherealisedtobeabletoaffecthimdespitehisbody’sabilitytometabolisepoisons.Perhapsthiswasthesourceofthelegendsofthosewhodiedafterdrinkingthealeofthegods.Notthatitmatteredmuchtohimnow.Heglancedaroundthehall.Theplacewasfull.ItseemedlikeeveryoneintheFanghadbeen

assembledforthisfeastofacceptance.Longtrellistablesfilledthechamber.Thenewlyacceptedaspirantshadonemassivebenchtothemselves.Creatureshalfman,halfmachinebroughtthemanendlesssupplyofale,andplattersoffreshvenisontakenfromtheenormousspitsattheendoftheroom.Onthetableinfrontofhimwereplatespiledhighwithbreadandbutterandcheese.Hethoughthehadnevertastedfoodsogood.PerhapsthatwassimplybecauseofhisimprovedsensesormaybeitwasallmuchbetterprovenderthanRagnarhadbeenusedto.‘Onemore,Ragnar,’Svensaid,hisfaceredandflushedwithhappinessandbooze,‘andthenwe

armwrestle.’‘Fine!’RagnarswiggedmorealeandfelttheeyesofRanekuponhim.Heraisedhistankardand

toastedtheWolfPriest.Ranekreturnedthegestureheartily.Itwasechoedbythearmouredfiguresthatflankedhimonallsides.SuddenlyandspontaneouslytheassembledWolvesburstoutintoaroaringlustysong.Eventhoughhedidnotknowthewords,Ragnarjoinedin,bellowingoutthetunewordlessly,pausingonlytostuffmorefoodandmorealeintohismouth.TheonlythingthatcloudedhishappinesswasthepresenceofStrybjornatthetable.Soonthere

wouldbeareckoning,hethought.Hehadputoffhisvengeancetoolong.AfterthatrealisationdawnedwithinRagnar ’sbefuddledmind,somehowtheeveningdidnotseemsobright,thebeerdidnottastesofine,northesongssorousing.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

RagnargrippedthehiltofthechainswordtighterashewatchedtheThunderhawktakeoff.Theskyship’sexhaustflaredasitacceleratedawayoverthemountains.Withinsecondstherewasasoundlikeathundercrackandthevehiclehadvanished.Heglancedaroundattheotherstoseehowtheyweretakingthings.NooneinthepacklookednervousoroutofsortswhichwasgoodconsideringthiswastheBlood

Claws’firstactivemission.AllofthemwerelookingatSergeantHengistandwaitingforhiscommands.RagnarglancedatthesergeantbuttheolderSpaceWolfseemedlostinthoughtatthismoment,soRagnargavehisattentionbacktohissurroundings.Thepackwasinableakplace.Notquiteaswildasthemountainshehadtrekkedthroughbefore

beingaccepted,butstillruggedenoughtogivemostpeoplepauseforthought.Theystoodinaclearinginawoodinalongvalley.Allaroundthemmassivepeaksraisedtheirsnow-cappedheadstothesky.Somewhereinthedistancehecouldhearthesoundoffast-flowingwater.Itmustbetherivertheyhadseenfromtheairearlier,hethought,racingdowntheslopetojointhelakesbelow.Thewoodsaroundweredarkandgloomy.Hecouldsmellpineandgreyleaf,andothertoughand

hardytypesoftreethatcouldgrowatthisaltitude.Hecouldhearthescuttlingofsmallanimalsintheundergrowthandbirdssinging.Spearsofearlymorninglightpiercedtheclouds,andlightenedtheovercastmorning.Offinthedistancehecouldseesoot-blackthundercloudsgathering,andherealisedthatbeforenightfalltherewouldbeastorm.Thisdidnottroublehim.Hehadbecomeusedtotheinfinitelyvariableweatherofthemountains.Oratleasthehopedhehad.Asmallcautiousvoicewithinhimarguedthatnomanwasevercompletelyaccustomedtotheclimatehere,andanymanwhothoughtdifferentlywasdestinedforafool’searlygrave.Itwasalwaysbesttorespecttheelementalforcesofnature.Asfarashecouldtelltherewerenoimmediatethreats,butthatmeantnothingeither.Hehadbeen

taughttobealwaysreadyfortrouble.Whocouldtell?Anythingmightlieinambushoutthere.Maybethatwaswhathadhappenedtothepreviouspack.Ragnarsightedalongthebarrelofhisboltpistollookingfortargets.Nothingsprangintoview

exceptsomesquirrelsgatheringnutsatthefootofonethenearesttrees.Nodarkandsinisterforceswereevident.Perhapsthepackhadsimplygotlost,orbeendelayed,orperhapstheircommunicationsequipmenthadfailed.Ragnarsmiledtohimself.Hedoubtedthatsuchsimpleexplanationswerelikely.ApackofBloodClawsledbyanexperiencedSpaceWolfsergeantwereunlikelytohavegotthemselveslostinthemountainsofAsaheim.Theyhadcompasses,andlocatorsandallmannerofreliableequipmenttheuseofwhichstillastoundedRagnar.Ofcourse,radstormscoulddisruptthelocatorbeaconsandcommunicationsnets,andmagneticvorticescouldimpaircompasses.Butwhatwerethechancesofboththosethingshappeningatonce?Andforafogtospringupthatmadedeadreckoningimpossible?Notlikelyhethought,butstill,wasitpossible?Thefactremainedthattheotherpackwasoverdue,andhadnotmadeitsrendezvouswiththeThunderhawk.Somethinghad

undoubtedlyhappened,anditwasHengist’spack’stasknowtofindoutwhat.Ragnarglancedoveratthesergeant.Hewascastingaboutatthemanytrailsleadingfromthis

clearing.Ragnardoubtedthathewouldfindanysign.Scentswouldbeoveraweekoldandtherainmostlikelywouldhavewashedawayanytracks.Ontheotherhand,theywouldneverknowunlesstheylooked.TheotherBloodClawsseemedjustasimpatienttobeabouttheirtaskashewas.Therewerea

dozenpresent,thesurvivorsofallthegroupsofaspirantswithwhomRagnarhadbeeninducted.TherewasStrybjorn,andSvenandNils.HecouldseethestrangefeyyouthLarswhoeverybodysaidwasdestinedtobeaRunePriestoneday.TherewasSnoriandWulfandKezanandseveralothersthatRagnardidnotknowtoowell.Theywereallkeentobeoff,wantingtotakethisopportunitytoprovethemselvesinSergeantHengist’seyes.RagnarwasgladthatHengistwastheirleader.Theoldwarrior ’spresencewasimmensely

reassuring.Heseemedtopossessawisdomandaself-controltheyalllacked.Perhapsitcamewiththescarsandthelongfangs,Ragnarthought.TherewasanairofsadnessaboutHengist,ofamanwhohadlivedonbeyondhistime.RagnarknewthatlikemanyoftheinstructorsintheFangandplaceslikeRussvik,Hengistwasthesolesurvivorofhispack.Alltheoldcomradeshehadgonethroughhisbasictrainingwith,andwhomhehadfoughtalongsidethroughouthiscareerweredeadandgone,leavingHengisttoliveouthislastdaysalone.Ragnarlookedaroundhim,and,seeingallhiscompanions,realisedthatitwasperfectlypossiblethatoneofthemwouldendupinthisposition.HejustprayedtoRussitwasn’thim.Nowandagainthesergeantwouldpauseandconsultwiththesmalllocatorunitheheldinhisright

hand.Ragnarrealisedthatthesergeantwasnotsimplylookingforasign,hewasexercisinghislogicalfaculties,decidingwhichtrailitwasmostlikelytheirquarryhadtakenfromheretotheirlastknownposition.Afteraboutfiveminutesthesergeantnoddedwithsatisfactionandgesturedforthemtofollowhim

ashestrodealongthetrailhehadchosen.Astheyenteredbeneaththeshadowsofthetrees,abirdcalledsomewherefar-off.Ragnardidnotrecogniseitscrybuttherewassomethingaboutitthatwasdisturbing.Heshivered,touchedmomentarilybyapremonitionofdisaster.HelookedaroundandsawthatLarsapparentlyfeltthesameway.Hisleanasceticfacewastwistedandhiseyesbrieflyheldawildexpression.Ragnarlookedaway.EvenbythestandardsofBloodClawsnewlyadaptedtotheeffectsoftheCup

ofWulfen,Larswasregardedasawildone.

Ragnar ’sarmourwhinedashestrodepurposefullyupthehill.Theservo-motorsandgyrostabiliserswereworkinghardtokeephimbalancedontheselongslopes,andhisarmouredfeetduggreatclodsoutoftheearthastheSpaceMarinespoweredonwards.Ragnarforonewasexhilaratedbythecoldclearairandthebeautyoftheirsurroundings.Hisaugmentedmusclesdidnotfeelintheslightesttired.Itseemedlikethearmourwasdoingmostoftheworkofmarchingforhim,andthathecouldkeepgoingforeverifhewantedto.AheadofhimhecouldhearSvengrumblingashewalked.Thecanishelixseemedtohavewarped

hismindstrangely.Hetalkedtohimselfmore,gripedagreatdeal,andgenerallyworeanauraofgloominess.Thatwasjustthewayitwas,Ragnarthought,shruggingtohimself.ItwouldtakemorethanSvenbeingmiserabletobreakintoRagnar ’ssenseofwell-beingtoday.Ofcourse,Ragnarremindedhimself,noneofthemhadremaineduntouchedbytheawakeningofthebeastwithinthem.Hefullyrecognisedthathehimselfhadbecomeshortertempered,morereadytosnapwithlittleprovocation.AnytimeanyonequestionedRagnarortriedtoputhiminhisplace,hefeltanurgetofallonthemandshowhismasterybypurephysicalstrength.Atitsworsthefelttheurgetotearout

theirthroatswithhisteeth.Atsuchtimesheneededallhiswillpowertorestrainthebeast,andallthecalmnessthatrepeatingtheancientlitaniesgrantedhim.Theworstofitwasthathehardlynoticedthesefitsuntiltheypassed.Theysimplyseemedanaturalresponse.Andthesewerejustthechangeshehadnoticed.Heoftenwonderediftherewereotherdeeperonesthathewassimplyunawareof.Heknewthiswasthecasewithsomeoftheothers.Svendidnotseemtonoticethathetalkedtohimself.Nilswasunawarethatheconstantlysniffedthe

airasiftestingforthepresenceofenemies.Strybjornwasevenmoresilentandgrimandbroodingthanhehadeverbeenbefore.Itseemedthattherewasapricetobepaidforthegreatpowerstheyhadgained,andthattheywereallpayingitintheirdifferentways.Itwasadisturbingthought.Hehadbeentoldthatwithtimetheywouldalladapt,but,rightatthismoment,Ragnarfoundthishardtobelieve.Todistracthimselffromthesegloomyreflections,Ragnarconsideredtheirmission.Theoriginal

packhadbeendispatchedtothisremotespottoinvestigatethefallingofanoddmeteorshower.Apparently,thiswassomethingthathappenedquiteofteninthispartofAsaheim.Butsuchanoccurrencestillhadtobelookedinto,forsometimesenemiestriedtoinfiltratetheirwayontotheplanetarysurfaceusingmeteorshowersforcover.RagnarwasnotsurewhattheseenemiesmightdooncetheygotherebuthehadlearnedthattheSpaceWolvesrarelydidanythingwithoutgoodreason.Thinkingoftheawesomepowersoftheenemiesofhumanity,RagnarrealisedthathisChapterhad

goodreasontobewary.Therewereallmannerofstrangemagicsandtechnologiesthatcouldbedeployedfromtheseremotelocations.AspycouldperhapslearnallthesecretsoftheFangpreparatorytoafullblowninvasion.Heknewsuchthingshadhappenedinthepast,andcouldeasilyhappenagain.Inanycase,theunitwastofindthesurvivorsofthepreviouspatrol,iftherewereany,andrender

allassistancepossible.Iftherewerenosurvivorstheyweresupposedtolocatethebodiesandrecoverthesacredgeneseedaswellasfindoutwhathadkilledthefirstpack.AssumingthatwhateverhaddoneitdidnotwipeoutHengist’spackaswell.Thatwasalwaysapossibility,Ragnarthought.Afterall,thepreviousunithadbeenjustasnumerousandaswellarmedastheywere.Thedifferencewas,Ragnartoldhimself,thatwearepreparedforsomethingtohappen.Hewas

forcedtosmileatthat.ASpaceMarinewasalwaysprepared.Everymissionwastobeperformedasifitwereamatteroflifeanddeath.Afterall,soonerorlaterthatsoundpremisewasboundtoberevealedasthepainfultruth.

Theymadecampthatnightnotsomuchbecausetheyneededtherestbutincasetheymissedsomethingwhentheysearchedinthedarkness.Theyweremuchclosertothelastknownlocationoftheonestheysought.Ragnarcouldnowunderstandthewisdomofdroppingtheaspirantssomedistanceaway,andgettingtheSpaceWolvestowalktherestofthewayonfoot.TheywereinlongnarrowwoodedvalleyswithnoobviousplaceforaThunderhawktosetdown.Theonlyreasonablewayinwasonfoot.Plustheyhaddiscoveredsometracesofthemissingpack:discardedfoodtubes,areaswheretheundergrowthhadbeenhackedawaywithchainswords.Inawaytheseweresignsofcarelessnessoroverconfidence.Hengist’sbandweretakingcaretoleavenotrace.Ragnarhadnoideawhatthesergeantfearedtheymightencounter,buthewasobviouslytakingnochances.Nofireshadbeenlit.Sentrieshadbeenpostedatstrategicpointsaroundthecamp.All

communicationwasondirectionalscrambledlinksinthecomm-net.Itwouldbeverydifficultforanyonetoeavesdropontheircommunication.RagnarwasstillgettingusedtothefactthatasmallbeadinhisearandanotheroneonhisthroatcouldlethimtalkwithotherBloodClawsatadistancewithoutshouting,buthewasprofoundlygladthiswasthecase.Asentrycouldwarnthemquicklyandnearlysilentlyassoonashespottedsomething.Anythinghopingtosneakupandsurprisethemwouldswiftlyfindthetablesturned.

RagnarlookedoveratSven.Themutteringfitseemedtohavepassedandhewashisoldselfagain.Hesuckedfoodpastefromaself-sealingtubewithagrimace.‘Iwonderiftheyputthisdogexcrementstraightintothetubesorwhethertheyaddsomecatpukeintothemixfirst,’hesaid,grinningruefullyevenashesuckedhistubedry.RagnarknewwhatSvenmeant.Fieldrationsmightwellbenutritious,containingeverythingawarriorneededtoliveoninthefield,buttheydidnottasteanythinglikerealfood.‘Ifyoudon’twantyours,giveithere,’Nilssaid.Ragnarcouldneverunderstandhowsomeoneso

gauntandskeletalcouldeatsomuch.ItwasasentimentSvenobviouslyshared.‘Youwantmoreofthis?’heasked.‘There’snothingwrongwiththisstuff.Ilikeit.’AdisbelievinglookflickeredoverSven’sface.Ragnarnoticedthatdespitehisprotesthemadeno

attempttohandoverhisfoodtube.‘Istherenothingyouwon’teat?’Svenasked.‘Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tfoundanythingyet.Apparentlywithmynewandimprovedstomachthere’s

verylittleIcan’teat.’Thiswastrue.Theyhadbeenschooledthatallmannerof‘enzymes’and‘glands’hadbeenaddedto

theirstomachsalongwiththegeneseed.Theycouldeatwoodiftheyhadtonow,andpoison,theyhadbeentold,wouldhavenoeffectonthem.PersonallyRagnarwasgladthathe’dneverhadanycalltotestanyofthisyet.‘Isawhimeatingabunchoftwigsearlier,’Strybjornsaid.‘Therewasanicefatslugononeofthem,’Nilssaidwithalookofrelishonhisface.Ragnarwas

notsurewhetherhereallyhaddonethisorwasjustmakingituptodisgusttherestoftheBloodClaws.‘Anyway,Idon’tknowwhySvenisalwaysgoingonaboutwhatIeat.I’veneverseenanybodyputawayasmuchfoodashedoes.’Svengrinned.‘Yes,butthat’srealfood.Venisonandbreadandcheeseandale.Notthisstuff.’‘Iwouldkillforabitofcheeserightnow,’Larssaid.Ragnaragreedwithhim.Justtalkingabout

realfoodmadehismouthwater.Thefoodpastesuddenlytastedevenworsethanusual.‘Getsomesleep,’SergeantHengistsaid.‘Whoknows–youmightwellgetachancetokill

somethingsoon.’

Ragnarwatchedthedawnbreakoverthemountains.Itwastheendofhiswatchandhewasnotevenslightlytired.Thebeautyofthethingwasbreathtakinginitsownway.Atfirstthemountainswereonlyslightlymorethaninvisible.Theiroutlineswerelikeajaggedholecutinthefabricofthenight.Astheskylightenedtheybegantocomeintoviewbutyetappearingflat,likepaintedscenesonastonewall.Asthelightintensified,theyacquiredmoresubstance,moredepth,moredetailuntiltheysuddenlysparkled,asifnewlymade,inthesun.Mistroselikesmokefromthetreesbelowthem.Itwasasifthemountainsweregivingbirthto

cloudsinthemorninglight.Orasifsomewizardhadusedaspelltosettheforestalightwithsomearcanetrickerywhichcreatedsmokebutnotflame.Ragnarknewthatsuchwasnotthecase,thatsoonthemistwouldevaporatelikeaghostinsunlight.Stillheenjoyedlookingattherebornworldandlisteningtothechorusofbirdsgreetingthesun.InthedistanceheheardSvenandNilsbegintobickeroverfoodoncemore.Svenwasaccusingthe

otherBloodClawofstealinghisfoodtubesinthenight.

Theypaceddowntheslopetowardsastrangewarpedareaoftheforest.Allofthemweresilentnow,andallofthemwerewary.Astheypickedtheirwaydownthetrailtheyhadseentheareabelowthem.Theforestlookeddeeperanddarkerandmoretangled.Thetreeslookedblotchedandsickly.SergeantHengiststudiedthemthroughmagnocularsbeforespeaking.

‘Thisisdifferent,’hesaid.‘ThiswasnotinUrlek’sreport.’‘Lookslikethosetreeshavegottheplague,’Ragnarsaid.‘Don’tsaythat,’Svensaid.‘Nilswillwanttoeatthem.’Itreallydidlookasifthetreeshadcaughtsomesortofplague,Ragnarthought.Theywerestunted

andhunchedoverlikesickmen.Theyalllookedasiftheywererottinganddying.Strangeluminescentfungusclungtotheirsides,itsfaintglowvisibleeveninthewaterydaylightthatbrokethroughtheforestcanopy.Ragnarhadneverseenanythingevenremotelylikethis.Helookedaround.Lars’sfacewasagaintwistedinagrimace.Ragnarcouldunderstandwhy.He

toohadaverybadfeelingaboutthis.Somethingsmelledwrong.Thewholeareagaveoffanodourofcorruptionordecay,andtherewasaveryslightyetdisturbingtangtothescentintheairwhichmadethehairsonthebackofhisneckrise.ItwasobviousthatSergeantHengistfeltthesameway.HeopenedabroadbandchanneltotheFangandbegantospeakhisreport.Therewasacrackleofstatic.Somephenomenonwasinterferingwithhiscomm-signal.ForamomentRagnarhadtheeeriepremonitionthatthesicknessofthetreeshadsomethingtodowiththeinterference,buthedismissedthethoughtasludicrous.Howcouldthatbe?Somewheredeepwithinhisbrain,theancientengineshadplacedtheknowledgethatfarstrangerthingshadbeenknowntohappen.Ragnarwonderedwhatthesergeantwoulddo.Hecouldorderthembacktothehighgroundand

hopetogetbeyondtherangeoftheinterference,orhecouldorderthemtopushon.ForamomentitseemedlikeHengisthimselfwasundecided,butthenhegavethesignalforthemtomoveout.Itlookedasiftheyweregoingtocarryon.

Theystoodnowatthelastrecordedpositionofthemissingpack.ThiswasthefinalreferencepointwheretheFang’ssophisticatedlocationsystemshadbeenabletodetectthem.Ragnarnowunderstoodwhy.Thetrailthroughthetaintedwoodsendedinasheerrockface.Theonlywayforwardwasthroughacavemouthwhichgapedinthemountainside.SergeantHengistgaveahandsignalthattoldRagnartoadvanceandinvestigate.Holdinghis

weaponsreadyhelopedforwardcautiously,asifthecaveweresomedragon’smouththatmightsnapshutanddevourhim.AshemovedclosertheoddstinkbecamesomewhatstrongerandRagnar ’suneaseintensified.Somehow,hesensedthattherewassomethingintheinkydarknessofthecavethathereallydidnottrustorlike,ahintofrottennessfargreaterthananythinginthecorruptforestthatsurroundedthem.Carefully,Ragnarpickedhiswayuptothecavemouthandpeeredintothegloom.Hesawnothing

exceptalongtrailleadingdownintothedarknessbelowthemountain.Hefeltasifhewerelookingdownthegulletofsomevastbeast.+Seeanything?+Hengistwasusingthecomm-net.‘Onlyatunnel,’Ragnarreplied.‘Whatnow?’+Wegoin.+Hengistsaid.RagnarhadbeenafraidHengistwasgoingtosaythat.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Ragnarglancedaroundintothegloom.Theshoulderlamponhisarmoursentabrightfingeroflightouttopiercethestygiandarkness.Atthemomentitrevealedonlytheclammywallofthecavern,butRagnarhadadistinctfeelingthatwaslikelytochangesoon.Thewallsglittered,pearlescentinthetorchbeam.Somethingjustwasn’tright.EveryaugmentedandsupertrainedsensewhichRagnarpossessedscreamedthisfactathim.Onedge,helistenedontheassignedcommunicatorchannel,butallhecouldhearwasthecrackleofstatic.Someforce,perhapsbackgroundradiationfromthesurroundingrocks,interferedwiththecomm-net.Thatwasnotgood.AllthetrainingmissionsRagnarhadbeenpartofhadstressedhowmuchgoodcommunicationwasessentialtoaunit’seffectiveness.‘What’sthat?’Svenasked.RagnarcouldseethatSven,whowasonpoint,hadstoppedmovingand

wasbendingdowntoinspectsomethinginthewetsandofthetunnelfloor.Ragnarkepthiseyesfocusedontheareabeyondhiscomradejustincasesomethingunexpectedanddoubtlessthreateningshouldemergeoutofthedarkness.Hekeptmoving,untilhehadpassedSvenandtookupapositionwherehecouldcovertheroughcutcorridor.AshedidsohecaughtaquickglanceofthethingSvenwasstudying.Ceramiteglintedupfromthesandinreflectionoftheblue-whitegleamfromSven’sshoulderlamp.ItappearedtobeapieceofSpaceMarinearmour,halfcoveredbysand.Perhapsachunkofchestplate.AnisolatedpartofRagnar ’smindalmostabsentlynotedthatthefragmentofinsigniavisiblecouldeasilybeextrapolatedtocompletetheWolfHeadrune.Mentallyfilingthisfactaway,Ragnarstareddownthetunnel,stayingontheballsofhisfeet,doing

hisbesttokeepalertwhilehismindwrestledwiththisinformation.Thisnewdevelopmentwasnotgood.Veryfewnaturalforcescouldfractureceramitearmour.Ragnarassessedthatitprobablywasn’tarockslideorananimalwhichhadkilledthearmour ’swearer.Ifindeedthebearerwaskilled,andnotsimplylyinginjuredorimprisonedsomewherewithintheseseeminglyendlesspassages.Allofwhichledtoanotherdisturbingthought.Ragnarwonderedifhehadknownthepersonwho

hadwornthatarmour?HaditbelongedtooneoftheolderBloodClawswhohadbeenacceptedintothechapteraheadofhim?HehadseenmanyofthemwithintheFang.Ragnarbegantosilentlyreciteoneoftheoldlitaniesinhismind,ashehadbeentrained.Turningthewordsoverinhismind,theyfeltlikeoldfriends,remindinghimtostayinthemoment,tofocusonhissurroundings,andnottoletmemoriesdistracthim.Inthisdarkplaceallofthesewell-learntinstructionsthingsseemedlikeverygoodadvice.Ragnartriedtoestimatehowfartheyhadcome.Itseemedliketheyhadwanderedforleagues

throughthesetunnelsfollowingthefaintesthintofatrail.AccordingtothepedometerbuiltintohisarmourtheyhadcoveredexactlyfivepointzerosixImperialkilometres,butthatstilldidnotgivehimanyideahowdeeptheywereunderground.Thecorridorshadwoundandtwistedlikeadrunkenserpent.TheymightbedeepwithinthebowelsofFenris,ortheymightonlybeahundredstridesfromwheretheystarted.Itwasimpossibletotell.

Hewascertainofonething.Hedidnotlikethesmellofthisplace.Therewasataintofsomethinglikecorruptioninthecool,clammyair,andthehintofascentthatmadehimwanttobarehisfangsandstrikeatthefirstthingthatcamewithinrange.Itwassomethingunnatural,andthebeastwithinhiminstinctivelyrevoltedatitspresence.Onlythepresenceofhisbattle-brothersgaveRagnaranyassurance.‘Ceramitearmour,’heheardHengistsayinhisgravelly,matter-of-factvoice.‘Cleanfracturetoo.

Lookslikesomeoneusedamagsteelbladejudgingbythebreak.Veryinteresting.’Hengistcouldhavebeendescribingthesalientfeaturesofoneoftheautomatedcombatdronesinthetrainingpitsofthefangforalltheemotioninhisvoice.‘IneverknewtheOutlandershadmagsteelforges,’Svensaid.‘Maybetheydon’t,’Hengistreplied.‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘We’llsee.Let’spushon.Ragnar,youseemtohavetakenoverpoint.Mightaswellstaythere.’‘Yes,sergeant.’Ragnarpushedon,deeperintotheall-enclosingdarkness.

‘Lookslikesomesortofstorageplace,’Ragnarsaid,staringaroundthevastcavern.Roughlyhewnwallsofagrey-greenhuearchedawayabovethem,rearingupintocompletedarknessoverhead.Rustmarksfrommineraloresstainedthewallslikeoldblood.Ragnardoubtedthatthiscavewasentirelyofnaturalorigin.Theruddysandbeneaththeirbootedfeetwasdryerhere,andcrunchedastheywalked.Bat-wingedcreaturesflickeredawayfromtheirlightsliketornscrapsofshadow.Searchbeamsflickeredoutinquisitivelyfromadozenorsoshoulderlights,castinglongshadowsinthegloom.Thefaintwhineofarmour-servosandtheflappingofthebat-creatureswastheonlysound.Allaroundthewallswereclayurns.Ragnarwalkedovertothenearestone,wonderingwhetherheshouldliftoffthelid.Hengiststrodepastandsmasheditwithhisfist.AstaleodourofoldgrainandmouldimmediatelyassaultedRagnar ’snostrils.‘Lookslikeyou’reright,’Hengistsaid.Ragnargazedaroundastherestofthepackmovedintothe

cavern.Therewassomethingverystrangeaboutthisplace,herealised.Partsofthecavernwerenaturalandpartsdefinitelydidlooksomewhatman-made.Ragnarwouldhaveswornthathecouldseeapartofaplasteelgirderalmostentirelyenclosedinrock.Hepointedthisouttothesergeant.‘Takealook,’Hengistsaid.Ragnarlookedforhandholdsinthewallandbegantopullhimselfup.

Ashedidso,afoulsmellofexcrementwaftedintohisnostrils.Thiswasobviouslywherethebat-likecreaturesmadetheirlair.Soonhehadclimbedfarupthewalls,pastmanynichesthatlookedlikenests.Therestofthepackwasalongwaybelowhim,illuminatedbytheflickeringfingerofhisshoulderlight.Thenhereachedthecavernroof,andwasnotentirelysurprisedtofindthathisinitialsupposition

wascorrect.Theseweregirdersofplasteel,partiallycorroded.TheknowledgetheFang’steachingmachineshadplacedinhisheadtoldhimthattheymustbeimmeasurablyancient.Ittookmillenniaforplasteeltobegintocorrode.HeloweredhimselfbackdowntothegroundandreportedhisfindingstoHengist.‘Itlookslikewe’vefoundoneoftheAncients’sitesthen,’thesergeantsaid.‘Andobviouslywe’re

notthefirst.’Ragnarlookedathimquestioningly.‘MankindisoldonFenris.PeoplewereherelongbeforeRussandtheImperium.Theoriginal

settlersweresupposedtohaveshelteredfromtheelementsinthesecaverns,andhidhereduringtheAgeofCatastrophe.’Ragnarnodded.Thatmadesense.Thesecavesweretheperfectplacetohidefromthecold,the

storms,themeteorshowers.AndthispartofAsaheimwasstable.Noquakes.Ofcourse,thatonlybeggedthequestionofwhytheyhadbeenabandoned.RagnaraskedHengist.Thesergeantgrimacedandshookhishead.‘Thereareonlylegendsnowbutitissaidtherewassomeancientforcepresentintherockswhich

causedmutationandmadetheinhabitantssusceptibletotheinfluenceofChaos.Somesaythatthiswasanaturalthing,othersthatitwastheresultofancientforbiddenweaponsbeingunleashed.Nooneknowsnow.Allthatisknownisthatthecaverncitieswereabandoned,andthatRusshimselfforbadeanytomaketheirhomesthere.’‘ItlookslikeRuss’sedictwasdisobeyed,’Ragnarsaid.‘Yes,’Hengistagreed.‘Therearealwaysthosewhowilldoforbiddenthings,simplybecausethey

areforbidden.Itispartofthefollyofmankind.’Ragnarwassurprisedtofindhimselfatleastpartlysympathetictotheviewsofthosewhowould

inhabitthecaves.Afterall,theymadeaperfectshelterfromthewildstormsofAsaheim.Heknewthatpresentnecessitywasoftenstrongerthanancienttaboo.Whilethesethoughtsflickeredthroughhismind,heheldhistongue.Brieflysuspicionflaredthatsuchself-questioningthoughtsmightnothavebeenhisown,buttheproductofsomeoutsideinfluenceinsidiouslyplayingonhismind,butRagnardismissedtheideaasirrational.‘We’dbestpushon,ifwe’regoingtofindanytraceofourmissingbrethren,’saidHengist.

AheadofhimRagnarcouldheartheconstantdrip-drip-dripofmoisturecondensingonacavernceilingandthendroppingintosomedeepundergroundpool.Hewassurprisedtoroundacornerandseeafaintpaleyellowglowaheadofhim.Hedimmedhisshoulderlamp,madeahandsignalfortheBloodClawsbehindhimtoholdtheirposition,croucheddownandadvancedslowlytowardsthesourceoftheillumination.Thetunnelnarrowedandthefloorofthepassageroseslightlyashemoved.Hewasforcedtouse

onehandtobalancehimselfashemoveduptheslope.Heheldhisboltpistolreadyinhisrighthand.Ashisheadroseabovethelevelofthepassage,astrangevistacameintoview.Hesawthathewaslookingdownfromanopeninghighinthesideofanothervastcavern,andthat

farbelowhim,cuppedinthebowlmadebythefloorofthecave,wasahugebodyofwater.Phosphorescentalgaeswirledliketrappednebulainthewater ’sblackandoilysurface.Itwasthisthatgaveoffthegreenish-yellowglow.Ripplesexpandedfromtheplaceswheremoisturebeads,likesalivadrippingfromthegiantstalactitefangsoftheceiling,disturbedthesurface.ItalmostseemedtoRagnarthatheandhisfellowBloodClawswerebeingconsumedalivebysomehugebeast.Itwasasifthemountainwerealiveandhewasbeingdraggedeverdeeperintoitsstomachfordigestion.Thesensationmadehimshiver.Arampofcollapsedrockandsandledsteeplydowntothepool.RagnarturnedandgesturedforSvenandStrybjorntoadvance.Histwocomradesmovedupand

pasthim.Whilehecoveredthemfromhisperch,theyscuttledcrab-likedowntheslopetowardsthesurfaceofthewater.Ragnarwaitedtensely,halfexpectingsomemonstrousheadtoemergefromthepoolandsnapatthem,butnothinghappened.TheonlysoundwasthefaintdrippingofthewaterandthescuffofthetwoBloodClaws’feetontheslipperyrocksurface,punctuatedbytheoccasionalhissorwhirrofacompensatorstrugglingtoadjustasrocksslidawayundertheweightofSpaceMarinearmour.SvenandStrybjornstoodforlongmomentswaiting,headscockedtoonesideastheytestedtheair,

thentheygavetheallclearsignal.Onebyone,theremainderoftheBloodClawsadvancedintothechamber,tobejoinedbySergeantHengist.Oncetheywereallwithin,Ragnarmoveddowntheslopetojointhem.‘Thisishopeless,’heheardSvenmutter.‘We’llneverfindthem.’Heemphaticallyspatagobof

phlegmintothelake.‘Thatis,iftheywereeverhere.’Hengist’skeenearscaughteventhesefaintwords.‘Wewillcontinueuntilwehaveestablishedthe

fateofourWolfbrothers,’theoldsergeantgrowled.‘Thatisourdutyandourway.’‘Aye,’Svensaid.‘Fairenough.’Hekickedabsentlyatarockwithhisbootedfoot.Itarcedintothe

pool,disappearingwithadullsplash.‘Still,thisisafell-lookingplacerightenough.Ihalfexpecttoseeadenoftrollsanyminute.’Forhimself,Ragnarwouldalmosthavewelcomedthepresenceofsuchmonstrouscreatures.It

wouldhavehelpeddispelthestrangetensionhewasstartingtofeel,andwouldhavehelpedhimforgettheweirdsensationofbeingwatchedbyhostileeyes,asensationthatwasstartingtomakethefleshbetweenhisshoulderbladescrawl.Maybethiswasjusthisoveractiveimaginationplayingtricks.Somehow,thistime,hedoubtedthat.

‘It’slikeabloodysea,’Svensaidwithatraceofironichumour.‘Maybewecancatchsomefishforoursupper.’‘Iwouldnotdineonthefleshofanythingpluckedfromthosefoulwaters,’saidLars.‘NorwouldI

drinkofthem.’Ragnarwasforcedtoagree.Therewassomethingdeeplydisquietingtohimaboutthishuge

undergroundlakeanditsglowingsurface.Hecouldnotseethefarshorefromwherehestood.Hisfearofithadnotintheslightestdecreased.Nordidthesuspicionthatatanymomentamonstrousheadwasgoingtobreakthesurface.Ragnarwonderedifthegreatseadragonsperhapshadkinwhichdweltbeneaththewatersinthesedeepcaverns?Everyfewheartbeatshecaughthimselfshootingswiftnervousglancesatthewater ’ssurfacebeforeglancingbacktomakesurenothingwassneakingupbehindhim.SomethingabouttheotherBloodClaws’scentandstancestoldhimthattheyfeltthesameway,despitealltheireffortstoconcealtheirnervousness.Noneofthemcouldforgetthatanotherpackoftheirbrethrenhadbecomelostandhadperhaps

dieddownhere.Everynowandagainhefeltsurethatheheardthefaintpaddingoffeetbehindhim,butwhenheglancedbackhecoulddiscernnothinginthedim,boulder-strewnimmensenessofthecavern.ItsurprisedhimwhenSergeantHengistbegantomovebackdowntheline,pausingoccasionallytomutterinstructionstoeachBloodClaw.WhenhegotbacktoRagnarhemovedalongsidehimandwhispered.‘Switchoffyourshoulderlamp.YouandIaregoingtowaithere,andsurprisewhoeverissneaking

alongourtrail.’Ragnarnoddedandobeyed.Nowheknewhisinstinctsservedhimwell.Thatknowledgegavehim

somesmall,grimsatisfaction.

Ragnar ’seyesswiftlyadjustedtothegloom.Thefaintglowofthelakegavehimjustenoughlighttoseeby.Inthedistancehecouldseethelightsoftherestofthepackrecedingintothedistance.Hecouldheartheirfaintfootfallsontherock.Excitementandfearchurnedinhisstomach.Heknewtheotherswouldturnandracebackatthefirsthintoftrouble,buthewonderedwhethertheywouldbeintime.ThepresenceofSergeantHengistcrouchedbehindanearbyrockwasveryreassuring.Hengistwas

alongprovenandbattle-testedwarrior,forwhomRagnarhadeveryrespect.Atsuchatimeasthis,withhisfirstrealbattlesincethestruggleinhishomevillageimpending,thatwasanimportantconsideration.HeforcedhimselftoconcentrateonthelitanieshehadlearnedbackintheFang,toclearhismindoffearandworryandallotheremotionsthatmightreducehischancesofsurvival.HeprayedtoRussandtotheAllFathertomakehisarmstrongandhiseyesureandtoguidehimthroughthecomingconflict.Readyiconsflickeredacrosshissenses,ashispowersuittoldhimthatallhisbattlesystemswerefullyfunction.Ragnarwaspreparedforthecomingfight.

Thatwas,iftherewastobeaconflict.Ragnarwasstillnotentirelysurethattherewouldbe.Sofarhiskeensenseshadbeenunabletodetectanysignofanyoneoranythingfollowingthem.PerhapsHengistwassimplyimaginingthings.Atthesametime,heknewthiswasmerewishfulthinking.Hengist’ssensesweremuchkeenerthanhisown,andthesergeanthadmanymoreyearsofexperienceatinterpretingthedatatheyabsorbed.ItdidnotseematalllikelythatHengisthadmadeamistake.Furthermore,Ragnar ’sowndireforebodingandkeeninstinctsspoketohimatsomedeeperlevel,tellinghimthatdangerwasnear.Somewhereinthedepthofhismind,thebeaststirred,respondingtothethreat.SuddenlyRagnarwasgladofitspresence,gladofalltheimplantsandthetraininghehadreceivedbackattheFang.Hefeltstrongandpowerfulandcapable.Heknewthatnoordinarymortalscouldpossiblyproveamatchforhim,andthepotentweaponshecarried.Themorecautiouspartofhismindremindedhimthatapackofhisbrethren,equallycapableandequallywellequipped,hadalreadygonemissingdownhere,andhisforebodingreturnedredoubled.TheflickerofahandsignalcaughtfromthecornerofhiseyetoldhimthatHengisthadspotted

something.AmomentlaterRagnarheardafaintsoftpadding,asofunshodfeetonthewetsand–andheknewthatthesergeantwasright,thattheywerebeingfollowed.Heclutchedhisweaponstightandsteeledhimselfforaction.Hisbodytensedandcoiledlikea

greatspring,andhemadehimselfreadytomoveandstrikeataheartbeat’snotice.Nearbyhesensedthesergeantalsohadmadehimselfready.Ragnarpeeredoutintothegloomandbecameawarethatawaveofshadowyhumanoidfigureswasmovingtowardsthem,asquiet,stealthyandinexorableasatidemovingupabeach.Hisheartsankwhenhesawquitehowlargethecrowdwas.Theremustbehundredsofpeople

followingthem.Itseemedtohiminthatmomentthattheoddsmustbeinsuperable.Heshookhishead,commendedhissoultoRussandtotheEmperor,andmadehimselfreadytodie.ThensuddenlyhesensedHengistmove,heardthesoundofsomethingwhipthroughtheaircloseby.Amomentlater,lightblazedthroughthecavern,andtherewasaroarlikethunderassomethingexplodedinthemidstoftheoncomingcrowd.Ragnarhadasecondtorealisethatthesergeanthadthrownagrenadebeforethefullhorrorofthe

sceneilluminatedbytheterrificdetonationetcheditselfonhisbrain.Inthatbriefblazinginstant,inthathellishlight,hecaughthisfirstrealglimpseofthedenizensoftheterribleundercavernsdeepbeneaththesurfaceofFenris.Fromthedescriptionshehadheard,hesawthattheywereundeniablynightgangers.Theywerebestial.Theyhadbodiesroughlyhumanoidinoutlinebutslouchingandape-like.Huge

saucereyesevolvedtocapturetheslightesthintoflightdominatedtheirape-likefaces.Theirskinswerepalewhiteandleprous,blotchedinplaceswithbizarrebirthmarksandthestigmataofmutationanddisease.Ragnarwasremindedinanoddwayofthetwistedforestoutsidethecavern’smouth,andherealisedthatinsomewaythesepeoplewereprobablythehumanequivalentofthosedisfiguredtreesthere.Andyetthemosthorrifyingthingwasthatthesecreaturesquiteobviouslywere,orhadoncebeen,

people.They,ortheirancestors,hadbeenashumanashisownclan.Howlonghadittakenforthistohappen,Ragnarwondered?Howmanyaeonsspentinslowdevolutionundergroundhadbeenneededtoproducethisraceofmonsters?Hadthestigmataofmutationbeenpassedonfromgenerationtogenerationgrowingslowlyworseasthecavernfolkbecamemorebestialandunknowing?Orhaditallhappenedatonce,theproductofsomestrangemagicunleashedinthisdarkworlddeepbelowthemountainpeaks?Notthatitmatteredmuchatthismoment.Evenashewatched,thenightgangersrecoveredfromthe

shockoftheexplosionthathadrentthroughtheirmidst.Theymilledaroundlookingforacause.Hengistchosethatmomenttolobanothergrenade.Onceagainthemightyflashrenttheage-old

gloom.Oncemorethemisshapenfolkoftheunderworlddied,fleshtorn,bloodrainingdownonthesurvivors.Blindedbytheunaccustomedlightoftheexplosion,theyrecoiled,clawedandwebbedhandsclaspedoversaucer-likeeyes.ThescentofthebloodcombinedwiththetensionofthewaitgoadedthebeastwithinRagnarto

fury.Heleaptupfromhishidingplace,boltpistolspittingdeath.Heunleashedshotaftershotintothecrowdofpursuers.Theyweresoclosepackedthateveryshellfoundahomemoreoftenthannot.Sometimestheyblastedthroughthetightlypackedmassoffleshandburiedthemselvesinanothertarget.Screamsofpainmingledwithroarsofbestialfury.Andyet,misshapenthoughtheywere,thenightgangerswerenotlackingincourage.Eitherthator

theywereover-blessedwithstupidity.Ragnarknewhisownpeoplewouldmostlikelyhavebrokenandfledatleastmomentarilybeforethetorrentofsupernaturaldeathrainingdownonthembutthesedenizensoftheunderworlddidnotrun.Theyweremadeofsterner,orperhapsmadder,stuff.SwiftlyRagnarrealisedthatopeningfirehadbeenamistake.Themuzzleflashofhisgunandtheblazingcontrailofhisboltershellsunmistakablygaveawayhispositiontothenightgangers.Theycouldnothelpbutnoticewherehewas,andwithamightyroaroffrenziedragetheyracedtowardshim.Ragnaransweredtheirwarcrywithawolfishhowlofhisown,andwasreassuredtohearitechoed

backfromthethroatsoftheapproachingBloodClaws.Hepulledthetriggeragainandagainasthefrenziedmassofmutantsapproached,sendingboltershellafterboltershellrocketingintohistargets.Headsburst,chestsweretornapartastheshellsexplodedintheirtargets.Thenightgangershadnoarmourcapableofresistingthoseterribleshots.Alltheyhadintheirfavourwassheerweightofnumbers,thatandaninsanelyferociouscourage.Hengistlobbedgrenadeaftergrenadefromhisownhidingplace,andeveryoneexactedahideous

tollonthenightgangers.ItseemedtoRagnaralmostasifagianthandwasreachingdownintothemiddleofhisfoesandtossingthemaboutlikeleavesbeforethewind.Thenightgangerswerecloseenoughnowsothathecouldmakeoutdetailsoftheirindividual

appearance.Hewasshockedtodiscovertheextentthatmutationhadaffectedthem.Someofthemiserablecreatureswerecoveredinfur,someofthemhadhornsprotrudingfromtheirheads,someofthemhadhoovesandclawsandshark-likerowsofteethintheirhideouslydistendedjaws.Theywerelikeaberrationsfromthewildestdepthsofnightmare.Itwasasifthegatesofhellhadopenedtoletahordeofgibberingmisshapenthingsflopthroughintotheworld.Evenashefired,adetachedandcalculatingpartofRagnar ’smindfounditselfwonderingifthe

nightgangerswerereallysodifferentfromhim.Afterall,hetoonowpossessedanexcessofbodyhairvergingonfur,andhehadfangs,andhiseyeshadaltered.Heswiftlypushedthesethoughtsaside.Theyhadnothingtodowiththefightinwhichhewasengaged,andtheyvergeddangerouslyclosetoheresy.ThealterationstohisbodyweresignsofhiskinshiptoRuss,marksoftheEmperor ’sfavourandblessing.TheywereproductsofanancientmysticalprocessthatdatedbacktotheDarkAgeofTechnology.Thestigmatashownbythesenightgangersweresignsofsomethingelse.PerhapstheywerethebadgeofChaos,ofthosewhosesoulshadbeenascorruptedbyitswarpinginfluenceastheirbodieshadbeen.Thenightgangerswerealmostuponhimnow.Ragnarleaptatoptherockbehindwhichhehadbeen

waiting.Thenightgangershadnotrespondedwithmissilefireandhehadnoneedofcover.Inhand-to-handcombat,occupyingthehighergroundwouldgivehimatemporaryadvantage.Withaswiftmentalcommandheuppedthemagnificationofhisshoulderlampsothatitwoulddazzleanynightgangerwholookeddirectlyatit.Atouchofaswitchactivatedhischainsword.Itvibratedangrilyinhishandastheserratededgesofitsbladesaccelerateduptotheirmaximumcuttingspeed.Ragnarlaughedaloud,feelingthefullbattleragecomeuponhim.Thebeastroaredwithinhissoul,demandingtobeunleashed.

Thenightgangerswerealmostuponhim.HengisttossedalastgrenadethattoreanotherapartandthenRagnarheardthesergeant’schainswordactivateaswell.Helookeddownintotheseaofmutantfaces,letoutalongangryhowlandthendivedintotheirmidstlikeaswimmerleapingintoaturbulentsea.Evenbeforehelandedhelashedoutwithhischainsword.Itpassedthroughfleshlikeacleaver

throughmeat.Thesmelloffriction-heatedbonereachedRagnar ’snostrilsasthescreamofthechainswordhitanewhighnotecuttingthroughbone.Themomentpassedasthechainswordtookthelimbcleanoff.Bloodgoutedfromthestump.Ragnartookoffahead,severingvertebraecleanlyandeasilybeforetakingthetopoffanother.Ashedidsohekeptupasteadystreamofshotsfromhisboltpistolagainstbodiestoocloselypackedforhimtomiss.Thescreamsandhowlsofhisvictimsechoedinhisears,goadingthebeastwithinhimtoevergreaterfuryandlendingevermorestrengthtohisfrenziedlimbs.Inmomentsthenightgangersrecoveredfromtheshockofhischarge,andleapttomeethim.They

werearmedonlywithcrudehatchets,stone-tippedclubsandspears.Theystruckathimwildlyatfirst,andtheirblows,unabletomakepropercontactwithhisfastmovingform,slidharmlesslyoffthesmoothcurvedceramiteofhisarmour.Hewasawareoftheirstrikesinmuchthesamewayasamanwouldbeofrainstrikinghiscloak.Thesensationwasatmostuncomfortable,butcertainlynotpainful.Hemovedthroughhisfoeslikeawhirlwindofdeath,leavingdeadanddyingnightgangersinhis

wake.Forabrieftriumphantinstanthefeltlikenothingcouldstandagainsthim.Hewasinvincible,unstoppable,agodofdeathreapingthelivesofhisenemies.InthatecstaticinstanthehadsomeinklingofhowRussmusthavefeltafterhisapotheosis.Hewhirledandstruckandkicked,feelingbonescrunchbeneathhisblade.Hestampeddownandreducedthefingersandskullsoffallenenemiestojelly.Hehowledlongandexultantlyandhisbloodlustwasechoedinthecallsofhiscomrades.AtthatmomentRagnarfeltasifhedidnotneedthem,thathewascapableofroutingandkillingallthenightgangersonhisown.Itdidnotmatterhowmanyofthemtherewereorhowbrave.Therewassimplynowayforthemtoovercomehim.Thestrugglewasgoingtobesoone-sided.Thenhefeltabiteofpaininhisribcage.Helookeddowntoseeanaxebladelodgedinthe

hardenedceramiteofhisarmour.ItwasmadeofblackironandyetithadcutthroughoneofthehardestsubstanceseverproducedinthefoundriesoftheFang.Howcouldthisbe?Thenhenoticedtheredglowingrunesthatblazedonitssurfaceandhehadhisanswer.Evilsorcerywasatworkhere.Foramomenthefeltasurgeofpanic.Hehalfexpectedtofeelevilmagicalpowerflowthrough

hisbodylikepoison.Heknewofsuchfellweapons,talesoftheirpowerhadbeenimplantedinhisbrainbytheteachingmachinesoftheSpaceWolves.Theycouldhaveallmannerofdreadfulpowers,builtintothembytheirdaemonicmakers.Whoknewwhatthisonewouldbecapableof?Hestoodfrozenforamomentandthenightgangerstookadvantageofhisconfusiontoswarm

overhim,strikingandrendingastheycame.Ablowfromastoneclubsenthispistoltotheground.Anotherblowfromanaxegrazedhisforeheaddrawingblood.Somenightgangersgrabbedhislegs,othersgrabbedhisarms.Theyhowledwithtriumphantbloodlustconvincedthattheyhadcapturedtheirprey.‘InthenameoftheEmperor,fightboy!’heheardHengistshout.Thewordsstirredhimfromhis

dazeandhesuddenlyrealisedthatitdidnotmatterifhewerepoisonedorcursed.Ifhedidnotstarttofightbackhewouldbedeadinamatterofmomentsanywayasthenightgangers’weaponsburiedthemselvesinthejointsandchinksofhisarmour.Witharoarheflexedhislimbs.Servo-motorswhinedwiththestrainashecastthenightgangersoff,hurlingthemasideasiftheyweremadeofstraw.Hewhirledaround,wieldinghischainswordwithbothhands,loppinglimbsandheadsoffeverythingwithinhisreach.

Fromthecornerofhiseyehecaughtsightofanightgangerchieftainorshamanliftinganotherofthecursedaxestothrowathim.SnarlingwithrageRagnarboundedforwardbringinghischainsworddowninamightyarcofdeath.Ittooktheshamanontheskullandcleaveditinhalf,passedrightthroughhisneck,hischest,hisstomach,hishipbone.Withoneblowheclovetheshamancleanintwosendingentrailsandinternalorganstopplingoutontothestonefloorofthecavern.Inthatmoment,hesawthathehadclearedthewholeareaaroundhim.Hereacheddownandpluckedtheaxefromhisarmour,castingthefoulthingasfarawayfromhimashecould.LookingaroundhesawthatHengisthadleftatrailofdestructionrightthroughthenightgangers

andhadnowturnedatbaytoconfrontthem.EvenasthesergeantbracedhimselftostrikeoncemoretherewasahowlofdismayfromthenightgangersastheotherBloodClawsploughedintotheirranks.TogetherHengistandRagnarleaptintothefrayoncemore.Itwasalltoomuchforeventhenightgangers’courage.Thistimetheyturnedandfled,leavingthe

corpsesoftheirmanydeadstrewnacrossthefloorofthecavern.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

Ragnarlookedatthesceneofcarnage.Hecouldnotbegintocountthedeadnightgangers.Hecouldonlyguessthatatleastahundredhaddied.AllaroundhecouldhearsporadicfireastheotherBloodClawsblazedawayattheirretreatingfoes.HewouldhavecarriedonshootingtoobuthewasmoreinterestedinwhatSergeantHengistwasupto.Hengisthadbentoverthebodyofthedeadshamanandwasinspectinghisthrowingaxewithout

touchingit.Ragnarmovedovertobesidehisleader.‘Whatisit,sergeant?’heasked.‘TheseweaponshavebeentouchedbythepowerofChaos,’Hengistreplied.‘Ithoughtasmuch.Oneofthempiercedmyarmourduringthecombat.’‘What?Letmesee.’Hengistbentforwardandlookedattheplacewheretheaxehadsmashed

throughceramite.Heinspectedthebreakcloselythensniffed.‘Noblood,’hesaid.‘Itdidnotbreakflesh.Youwerelucky.’‘Lucky?’‘Sometimestheseweaponsbearapoisonouspower.SometimestheycarrythetaintofChaositself.

Thatalonecanbeenoughtodrivemenmad.’HetappedtheutilitybeltatRagnar ’swaist.‘Bestuserepaircementonthatbreak.Itshouldatleast

holdyourarmourtogetheruntilwegetbacktotheFang.’Ragnardidashewastold,smearingthequick-hardeningpasteintothegapsinhisarmourand

waitingforthefewmomentsittooktohardenoncontactwithair.‘Whatnow?’heasked.‘Wegoon,’Hengistsaid.

TheBloodClawpackpushedondeeperintothemountain.Astheyprogressed,Ragnarbecamemoreandmoreawareofsignsofoccupation.Hereandtherebonescrackedformarrowlayscatteredthroughthepassage.Closeexaminationshowedthattheyhadoncebelongedtosomeonehumanornear-human.‘Whatdothesepeopleeat?’Svenasked.‘Alwaysthinkingaboutfood,eh?’Nilsreplied.‘Whenthey’renoteatingeachother,youmean?’Strybjornadded.Ragnarnodded.Tryashemightitwasdifficulttopicturewhatthenightgangerssubsistedon.

Unlesstheyatethehugeroachesthatoccasionallyscuttledawayfromthelight.Perhapstheyatethebatsortheeldritchlyglowingfungithatspottedsomeofthewalls.Orperhapstheymadeforaysontothesurfacetohunt.Strybjorn’swordsconjuredupanotherimageofwarringclansofthehideousmutantsfightingeachotherinthedarkandconsumingtheirdeadvictims.Wasthatwhathadhappenedtothepreviouspack,hewondered?Hadtheyhadtheirarmoursplitand

theirfleshwinkledfromitthewayRagnarusedtogetcrabmeatfromashell?Butifso,howhadit

happened?ItdidnotseempossiblethatthenightgangerscouldovercomeafullyarmedandpreparedpackofBloodClaws.ByRuss,heandSergeantHengisthadroutedwhatmusthavebeenawholetribeofthemvirtuallyontheirown.Theirweaponsweretooprimitive,theirtacticstoosimpleforthemtohaveovercomeawholeunit.Andwhyhadtheotherpackcomehereinthefirstplace?Theirmissionhadbeentoconducta

routineinvestigationoftheareainwhichthegreatmeteorshowerhadfallen.Hadtheysomehowbeenlureddownheretotheirdooms?WasthatwhatwashappeningtoRagnarandhiscomradesevennow?Hewishedhehadanswersforthesequestions,buthedidnot.Still,hetoldhimself,hewoulddoubtlessfindoutthetruthsoonenough.

‘Lookslikethiscavecomplexhasjustbeenabandoned,’Larssaid.‘You’reright,’Ragnarsaidwithaquickglancearoundthearea.Potsandpans,smallstonestatues,

necklacesoffingerbones,leathersacksfullofunidentifiablestufflaystrewneverywhereasiftheyhadjustbeenabandoned.Ragnarsniffedtheair.Thescentofthenightgangerswasstilleverywhere,freshandstrong.Someofthescenttracesweresubtlydifferent.Womenandchildren,mostlikely,Ragnarthought.‘Musthaveknownwewerecoming,’Svensaid,anastygrintwistinghisuglyface.‘Maybethe

survivorsofourlastbattlecameheretowarnthemnottocrossus.’‘Ormaybetheyjustwantedtheirwomenfolkoutofthewaybeforetheycollapsetheroofonus,’

Larssuggested.Svenbaredhisteethinasnarl.HehadnotlikedtheotherBloodClaw’stone.Hengistmoved

betweenthem,tobreakupanypotentialbrawl.Nowwasnotthetimeforasquabbleoverprecedenceinthepack.InstantlySvenandLarsmovedapart.‘Idon’tthinkthat’swhat’sgoingtohappen,’Hengistsaid.‘No,Ithinkwe’reinforsomething

different.’‘Likewhat?’Ragnarasked.‘IwishtohellIknew.Whateveritis,onething’sforsure.Itwon’tbepleasant.’Ragnarwasforcedtoagree.Likethesergeant,likeallofthem,hecouldsensethepresenceof

somethingelseintheair,couldsensethegatheringofforcestoopposethem.Therewasapowerhere,deepbeneaththismountain.Hewascertainofit.Andhewascertainthatthispowerwasstrongandancientandevil.HedecidedthathehadbettergivevoicetoathoughtthatwasobviouslyonthemindofeveryBloodClaw.‘Perhapsweshouldturnback,sergeant,’hesaid.‘Notyet,’Hengistsaid.‘Wehaven’tfoundwhatwecameforyet.’‘AndIdoubtwe’regoingto,’mutteredSven.Notunlesswhatwecametofindwasdeath,thoughtRagnar.

‘Whatwasthat?’askedLars.Ragnarlookedathim.Therewasnoneedtoaskwhattheblond-hairedBloodClawhadmeant.Hehadheardittoo.Somewhereoffinthedistanceagreatdrumwasbeating.Itsvibrationscouldbefeltthroughthewallslikethethrobbingofamassiveheart.‘It’soursubhumanfriendslettingtheirkinfolkknowthatdinnerwillsoonbeservedup.Andthatit

consistsoftenderyoungBloodClaws,’Svensaidinhissurliestvoice.Nilsshookhishead.‘Food.Alwaysthinkingoffood,’hesaidmockingly.

Thecorridordescendeddownwards.Thewaywasilluminatedbyglowingfungi.Vastmushroomsblotchedthedampfloorsandwallsandsentaneeriegreenishglowshimmeringthroughtheair.Ragnarcouldtastetheirsporesonhistongue,andtheirscentalmostoverpoweredallothers.Itwassweetandsicklyandsmelledofrotandcorruption.Therewassomethingaboutitthatremindedhim

ofcorpses.Hereandtheretrailsofluminescentslimethreadedtheirwaybetweenthegrowthsandvanishedintoholesthesizeofaman’sheadinthewallsofthetunnel.Theimageofloathsomeslug-likecreaturesfasteneditselfinRagnar ’smindandwouldnotdepart.Perhapssuchcreatureswerewhatthenightgangersate.Heknewthatthereweretunnelsrunningparalleltotheonetheywerein.Hecouldsensethatthose

tunnelswerefilledwithvasthordesofnightgangers.Occasionallyhewouldcatchsightoftheirformsfleetinglyastheypassedthemouthofasidetunnel,butthemutantskepttheirdistanceanddidnotcomewithinstrikingdistance.Eithertheyhadlearnedtheirlesson,ortheywerewaitingforsomethingtheyknewwastohappen.Ragnarsuspectedthatitwasthelatter.Hengistpushedonoblivious,followingatrailthatseemed

obviousonlytohim.Ragnarwasnotsurewhetherthiswasbecauseofthesergeant’skeenersensesandgreaterexperienceoftrackingorbecausethesergeant’sweirdwasuponhim,andhewasfollowinghisdeath-path.Ragnarhadheardofthishappeningtoothersbackintheisland.Menwouldhearthesirencalloftheirdoomandrisefromthetabletomarchtotheirdeathsinatroll’slair.HedidnotseewhyaSpaceWolfshouldnecessarilybeexemptfromsuchathing,althoughatthemomenthethoughtitbesttokeephissuspicionstohimself.Ragnarriskedaglanceoverhisshoulder.Far,faroffinthedistancehethoughthecaughtthe

glimmerofglowingeyes.Hehurriedontocatchupwiththerestofthepack.

Suddenlythetrailended.Aheadofthemwasalongstonebridgeoveravastchasm.Ragnarstoodonthechasm’sedge.Somewherefarbelowhethoughtheheardthesoundofwater.Svenpickedupapebbleandtosseditintotheabyss.Theybothstoodtherecountingbuttherewasnosoundofthestonehittingbottom.Onthefarsideofthechasmwasanarchwayinthewall.Itwasofdressedstone,andevenatthis

distanceRagnarcouldseeeachblockhadbeencarvedwithaleeringdaemonhead.ItseemedthatHengist’strackingskillshadnotledthemfalse,andthattheyhadindeedfoundwhattheyhadcomefor.ThesergeantturnedandlookedbackattheBloodClaws.Hisancient,linedfacelookedpaleand

drawninthelightoftheirshoulderlamps.Hiseyesglitteredfeverishlyintheirsockets.‘AsIsuspected,’hesaid.‘AtempleofChaos.’‘Maybeweshouldgobacknow,andreportit,’saidLars.Hengistturnedonhisheel,readiedhisweaponandstrodetowardsthebridge.Hepausedatthe

edge,knowingthatitwasnottheleader ’sdutytoplacehimselfunnecessarilyatrisk.Hehaltedforalongmoment,andthensaid:‘Ragnar,advanceandscoutoutthedoorway.Becareful.Thebridgemightnotbesafe.’AsifIneededanyonetotellmethat,Ragnarthoughtashepacedforward.Inthedistance,behind

them,hewassureheheardthemurmuringasofagreatcrowd.

WideenoughforjustoneSpaceMarineatatime,andstretchingseveralhundredpacesacrossthechasm,thestonefeltsolidbeneathhisfeet,butRagnarwastakingnochances.Headvancedcautiously,placingonefootslowlyinfrontoftheother,onlygraduallyplacinghisfullweightonhisleadingfoot.Itwouldnotdotoforgethowheavyhewasnowinhispowerarmour,despitehisagilityandspeed.Also,therecouldbetrapsordeadfallsonthebridge.RagnarknewthatanythingwaspossiblewherethedevilishmindsofChaosworshipperswereconcerned.Thestoneslookedsolidbutiftherewasevenaslimchanceofthemgivingwayandsendinghimplummetingdownintotheabyssbelow,Ragnarwantedtobeprepared.Ifhewasgoingtodiehere,hewantedtodieinbattle.Thatwastheonlywayawarriorshouldgo.Nowwherehadthatthoughtcomefrom,Ragnarwondered,feelingthebeaststirwarilywithinhim.

Haditcomefromwhateverwasinthetempleahead?Hecouldfeelthepresenceofsomethingthere,justassurelyashecouldfeelthecoldmoistbreezeonhisbrow.Itpulsedoutwardsthroughthegloomlikeaninvisible,spectralbeacon.HeofferedupaprayertoRussandtotheEmperorforthesafetyofhissoul,andpushedon,hisarmouredfeetscuffingdustfromthenarrowcauseway.Aheadofhim,thearchwaygrewlarger.Herealisedthatitwasimmense.Justasthisbridgewas

longerthanithadfirstappeared,sowastheopeningcorrespondinglymorehuge.Hebegantoappreciatehowmuchlabourhadgoneintothecreationofthisobsceneplace.Thiswholestructurewasnorecentwork.Theflagstonesoverwhichhepassedhadbeenworndownbymanyfeet.Thethingwascenturies,ifnotmillenniaold.Inthegloomanddistancehiseyeshadbeenfooled.Nowhewasstartingtorealisethescaleofthe

deception.Heguessedthatthearchwasmaybetentimeshisheight,andthateachoftheblocksmakinguppartofitwasatleastastallashewas.Thehideoustwistedheadschiselledfromthestonelookedlargeenoughtoswallowagrownmanatabite.Inaway,theartistrythathadgoneintotheircreationwaswonderful.Theylookedliketheheadsofreallivingmonstersabouttoemergefull-grownfromthestone.Hehalfexpectedthoseyawningmouthstogapewiderandsnapathimasheapproached.Fromupahead,throughthetoweringblackarchway,Ragnarthoughtheheardafaintmurmuring

orchanting,buthecouldnotbesure.Hemovedacrosstheflagstonesuptothearchwayitself.Hepausedthereforamoment,andglancedthrough,andwhathesawtookhisbreathaway.Helookeddownavastflightofmarbledstepsintoanenormouschambercarvedfromthevery

heartofthemountain.AtthefarendofthechamberstoodamassivestatueofwhatRagnarperceivedcouldonlybeanenormousdaemon.Thestatueappearedtobemadeofsomeformofcrystalandinlaidwithbone.Eachscaleofitsshimmeringskinwasajewel.Coloursconstantlyshiftedandmovedacrossitssurface,minglingandshiftingendlessly.Thestatuewasperhapsfivetimestheheightofamanbutsuchwastheauraofpowerthatsurroundeditthatitseemedmuchlargerstill.Itseyesflickeredlikeflames.Therewassomethingabouttheglowofitsskinthatmadeithardtofocuson,thatbaffledRagnar ’seyes,seemingtosuggestthatatanymomentthestatuemightchangeformintosomethingelse,orspringintosorcerouslife.Greatmetalwingswerefoldedroundthestatue’sshoulderslikeacloak.Itsheadwascuriously

bird-like.Itstretchedoutmonstroustalonsinagesturethatwasatoncecuriouslyhumanandsupremelymenacing.Thethinggavetheimpressionofsomethingatoncebestialandgod-like,ofbeingatthesametimesomethingfargreaterandfarworsethanhuman.Andfromit,wavesofdarkpowerseemedtopulselikethemaliciousheartbeatofaninsanegod.RagnarknewwithouthavingtobetoldthatthiswasaneffigyofsomeaspectofTzeentch,theGreatMutator,thedaemonlordofvilesorcery.Hisimplantedknowledgegavehimabsolutecertaintyofthatawfulfact.Ragnar ’sskintingledfromthesorcerousemanationsthethingprojected.Sogreatwastheimpressionofthestatue,andsomuchdiditdrawhiseye,thatitwasseveral

heartbeatsbeforeRagnarcouldbegintotakeintherestofthechamber.Itwasassickeningasthestatuewasimpressive.Multi-colouredflamesjettedfromthewallsofthechambercastingtheirhellishilluminationtothefurthestcorners.FromthewaytheydancedandfromtheirpungentsmellRagnarcouldtellthatthesewerejetsofnaturalgas.Itwaswhattheirlightrevealedthatwassodaunting.Scatteredacrossthefloorwerepilesof

hideouslymutatedcorpses,bloatedandtwistedbutimmediatelyrecognisableashavingoncebeenhuman.Itlookedasiftheirfleshhadbeenheateduntoliquefactionandflowedintonewandbizarreshapes.Headshadswollenlikeballoonstotwicetheirprevioussize.Fingershadfusedtogethertoformflippers.Massesofentrailshadexplodedfromstomachs,becometwistedtentacleswhichlookedtohavestrangledtheirowners.Insomecasesthesmallfangsintheirmouthshadbecomehugetusks.Furhadsproutedfromsomeoftheirskins.Inothercasestheskinhadbecometransparent

torevealthemassofinternalorgans.Onepoorwretchhadsloughedawayhisskinlikeasnaketorevealthepinkmassofmuscleandveinbeneath.HerewasanawfulexampleofthetruepowerofTzeentch.AtlastRagnarknewthefateofthepreviouspack.Hangingfromgreatstructuresofcarvedbone

weretheirarmourandtheirweapons.AhowlofhorrorandragewasdrawnfromRagnar ’sopenmouth.IntheflickeringlightofthegasjetsthegreatstatueofTzeentchseemedtosmilemockingly.Heturnedandbeckonedforhiscomradestofollowhimacross.Theycameoverfarmorequickly

thanhehad,lopingfromflagstonetoflagstone.‘ByRuss!’heheardSvenmutter.‘Thisisafoulplace.’‘ATempleofTzeentch,’Hengistsaid.‘TheGreatMutator.OneoftheAllFather ’sfourgreatest

enemies.’‘Wemustdestroyit,’Strybjornsaid.‘Excellentidea,’Larssaid.‘Buthow?’‘Usegrenades,’Nilssaid.‘Thatwillnotwork,’Hengistsaid.‘UnlessImissmyguess,thatevilthingisboundwithfoul

sorcery.Itwilltakegreaterweaponsthanwepossesstodestroyit.WemustinformtheChapterofwhatwehavefoundhere.’‘Ithinkyouwillhaveotherthingstoworryabout,falsemarine,’saidacoldandmockingvoice.Ragnarlookedup.AfigurehadappearedbeforethealtarofTzeentch.Hewasnotquitesurehowit

hadcometobethere.Hehadseennooneenterthetemple.Ragnarfoundhiseyesdrawntothespeaker.Itwashardtoresisttheimpulsetostare.ThenewcomerwasgarbedlikeanoddparodyofaSpaceMarine.Hisarmourwasbulkyand

appearedtobeofarchaicdesign.More,itlookedasifpartshadbeenremoved,andreplacedorrepairedormodifiedwithbandsofgoldorblackiron.Redglowingeyesburnedoutfromwithinamassiveandintricatelyhornedhelmet.Itheldaboltpistolofequallyantiquedesignineachhand.Ragnarcouldseethatitsarmourwasimpossiblyornate.Glitteringjewelsanddaemonheadswere

inlaidalloveritssurfaceandshimmeredinthelightofthegasjets.Perhapsitwasjustatrickofthelightbutsomeofthoseheadsseemtoleerandyawnandwink,stretchinginamannernonaturalmetalcould.FromthememoriesplacedinhisbrainbytheFang’steachingmachines,Ragnarknewhelookedupononeofhumanity’sdeadliestfoes,aChaosMarine.‘ItisyouwhoarethefalseMarine,’repliedHengist.‘Itwasyourkindwhobrokeyourvowstothe

Emperorandtohumanity.’‘Itwasyoursenilegodwhobrokefaithwithus.Hewastooweak.Andhumanityproveditself

ungratefulandunworthyofourrule.’Thevoicecarriedataintofarrogance,perhapsevenboredom.‘Theruleofdaemonsanddaemonworshippers.Theruleofthosewhobenttheirkneebeforeour

mostancientenemies.Youarescum,worsethanscum.’‘Andyouwillhavealongtimeinwhichtorepentthosewords,andtowhimperprayersofmercy

toHewhowillsoonconsumeyoursoul.Andbelieveme,yourprayerswillnotbeanswered.’‘YouwillnottalksoproudlyonceIhavetakenyourheadandcastyourfoulcorpseintotheabyss.’TheChaosMarinelaughed.Itwasnotapleasantlaugh,Ragnarthought.Itwastoomockingandtoo

fullofconfidencebyfar.NowarriorshouldbeabletolaughthatwaywhenconfrontedbyafullpackofSpaceWolves.Theblueandgoldarmouredwarriorappearedtoreadhisthoughts.‘Youandallyouryappingpuppiescouldnotmanagethat.’‘Couldtheynot?TheleastoftheseBloodClawsisabetterandtruerwarriorthanyou,

oathbreaker.’HengistspatonthepolishedflooroftheChaostemple.‘IadmittheywerehandyenoughagainstignorantsuperstitioussubhumansbutasyoucanseeIam

armedandequippedatleastaswellasyou.’Thesorcerer-marinegesturedtheatricallyabouthim.’

PerhapsIshouldremovemyweaponsandfightyouwithaspear.Thatwayyoumightatleasthaveachance.Butno,thatwouldstillbetooeasyforme.Icouldusemybarehands.’‘Youtalkabravefight,foronewhohidesinthedarknessbelowtheworld!’Ragnarinterjected,

feelinghisangermount.‘Ihavenothingtoprove,slavetoafalsegod.FortenthousandyearsthenameofMadoxhad

causedhisenemiestotremble.’‘Onlyiftheywereweak-willedfoolscowedbyemptyboasts.’‘Yourprattleweariesme,youth,andsinceyouhavebeengoodenoughtogivemybrethrentimeto

arrive,Ithinkweshouldproceedwiththeslaughter.’AsMadoxspokedoorsinthesideofthetempleslidopenandmoreChaosMarineswererevealed.

HengistraisedhisguntofirebutMadoxwasquicker.Bothhispistolsleaptupandbeganblazingaway.Boltershellsclippedthesergeant’sarmourashedivedintocoverbehindthearchway.TwoofthepackwerenotsoluckyandwerecutdownbyablazeoffirefromtheChaosMarines.RagnarfollowedHengist’sexampleandleaptoutofthelineoffire.StrybjornandSvenandseveral

othersofthepackheldtheirgroundandresponded.Theirshellsflashedacrossthetemplebutsomeevilpowerseemedtosendthemastray,andtheyexplodedharmlesslyontheflagstonesaroundtheChaosMarines.RagnarlookedacrossatHengistfororders.ThesergeantracedacrossthearchwayandrolledintopositionbesideRagnar.‘TheremustbeafullsquadofChaosMarinesinthere,maybemore.Theywillprovetoomuchfor

apackofBloodClaws.TheChaptermustbewarnedofthis.TakeSven,Strybjorn,NilsandLarsandheadbacktothesurface.Therestofuswillholdthemoffforaslongaspossible.’Ragnarwantedtoprotest.Thebeastwithinhimwasstrong.Thesmellofbloodmadehishackles

riseandfilledhimwiththelusttokill.Morethanthathefeltitunfairthatheshouldbedeniedthechanceofahero’sdeath.Hengistseemedtosensetheemotionspassingthroughhismind.‘SometimesthelifeofaSpaceMarineisnoteasy,’hesaid.‘Nowtaketheothersandgo.’He

bellowedfortheBloodClawswhoweretofollowRagnartofallback.Evenashewatched,Ragnar,sawKrakiandVolgardgodowntotheChaosMarines’fire.Hesawtoothattheyhadyettotakeacasualtyeventhoughtheywereadvancingslowlyandrelentlesslyasautomatonsacrosstheopenfloorofthetemple.Hecouldheartheirotherworldly,unnervinglaughterastheycameon.Surelyindeedtheywereprotectedbysomemalignpower,Ragnarthought.Thenheknewforcertainthatitwastimetogo.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

‘Let’sgo!’Ragnaryelledandracedbackacrossthestonebridgeawayfromthetemple.Hedidnotneedtolookbacktoseeiftheotherswerefollowinghim.Hesensedtheirpresencebehindhimandcaughttheirscared,angryscents.Likehim,heguessedtheywerefrustratedandfuriousatbeingforcedtoleavethecombatwiththeChaostraitors.HecursedthatsuchablasphemyhadbeenperpetratedontheholysoilofFenrisatall,andwonderedhowlongtheChaosscumhadbeenlurkingbelowthesurfaceofAsaheim.Heguessedthattheyhadcomeundercoverofthelastmeteorstorm,butpartofhimgaggedatthethoughtthatperhapstheyhadbeenhereformonths,years,decadeseven.Impossible!Ragnarrefusedtocountenancesuchathought.Andnow,havinguncoveredsuchanestofvipersintheirmidst,theymustflee!Notthattheyweregoingtobesparedanyfighting,Ragnarknew.Upaheadofthemhecouldsee

thatthewaywasblockedbyahordeofnightgangers,ledbywhatlookedtobearune-weaponwieldingshaman.Thecreaturepointedalong,skull-tippedstaffatRagnar.Hesawahaloofeeriereddishlightcracklearounditstipandthenaboltofsearingmysticalenergyarcedtowardshim.TheSpaceWolfsprangtoonesidejustintimeanditshatteredthestoneswherehehadbeen.WithoutthinkingRagnarraisedhisboltpistolandsnappedoffashot.Allthelonghoursofpractice

ontherangesprovedtheirworth.Theboltershellflashedstraightandtruetowardsitstarget.Theshaman’sheadexplodedlikeajellyfishhitwithablacksmith’shammer.Thenightgangerssetupabestialroarandbegantoraceforwardontothebridge.Theywavedtheir

clubsandaxesfuriouslyandchantedthenameofTzeentch.RagnarwasnotsomuchworriedbytheirnumbersandweaponsashewasbythefactthatthesheermassofbodiesmightslowthemdownandpreventthemmakingtheirescapebeforetheChaosMarinesbehindovertookthem.HewasdeterminedthatSergeantHengist’smessagewouldreachtheChapter.‘Grenades!’heordered.‘Now!’AsonetheBloodClawstookmicrogrenadesfromthedispensersontheirutilitybeltsandbegan

lobbingthemattheoncominghorde.Awaveofexplosionspassedthroughthecrowdkillingastheywent.Gobbetsoffleshandgallonsofbloodflowedeverywhere.Thesheercataclysmicfuryoftheonslaughtstoppedthenightgangers’charge.Thewholevastmassofthemwaveredforamoment.‘Pouriton!’RagnaryelledandtheBloodClawshurledtheirgrenadeswithredoubledfury.More

andmorenightgangersfell.Thesmellofbloodandshatteredbodiesfilledtheair.ThenatthelastsecondRagnarrealisedhismistake.Thesheerforceofsuchalargenumberofdetonationsconcentratedononespothadbeguntoweakenthebridge.Evenashewatchedhugechunksbegantocrumbleanddropawayintothechasmbelow.Herealisedthatifthepackdidnotgetclearsoonthewholebridgewouldcollapseandtheywouldtumbleintothegreatabyss.Tomakemattersworse,aboltershellchippedthewallofthebridgeclosetohisarm.Heglanced

backwardstoseeifanyonewasfiringathimfromthetempleentrancebuthesawonlytheremnantsofHengist’sforcestillfiringawayfromthepositionwheretheywerepinneddown.Heglancedback

atthenightgangersandhiskeeneyessawwhathesought.Afewofthemutantleadersbrandishedboltpistols.Someofthemwereofafamiliardesign,exactlythesameastheweaponheheld.DoubtlesstheyhadbeenlootedfromthecorpsesofthedeadSpaceWolvesbackinthetemple.AfewmorewereofasimilararchaicdesigntothosecarriedbytheChaosMarines.Theymusthavearrivedontheplanetwiththeheretics,Ragnarthought.Notthatanyofthiswouldmatterifhedidnotgetoffthebridgesoon.Heglancedaroundtoseethatalltheothershadnoticedwhathehad.Heknewatoncefromtheir

scentsandtheirposturethattheyhad.Hehadnotneededtoorderthemtostopthrowinggrenades.WiththeindependenceoftrueSpaceWolvestheyhadmadethedecisionforthemselves.Stilltheystoodandkeptupahurricaneoffireontheenemy,killingwitheveryshot.Ragnarsawatoncethattherewasonlyonethingtodo.‘Forward!’hecried.‘Quickly!Comeon!’Heracedforward,feelingthebridgebegintoshudder

andtrembleathiseverystep.Itwasobviouslyonlyafewheartbeatsfromtotalcollapse.Aheadofhimmoreandmoreoftheflagstonesweretumblingintothechasmbelow.Theyawninggapbetweenthestillstablepartofthebridgeandtheledgeontheothersidegreweverwider.Asheranhewonderedwhetherevenhisenhancedmuscleswouldenablehimtoleapsowideadistance.Well,hethought,grittinghisteethinaferalgrin,therewasonlyonewaytofindout.EachstepbroughtRagnarcloserandclosertotheedge.Heheardhisheartbeatloudinhisears,

smelledhisowntensionandexcitement.Heknewthathewouldhavetotimethingsjustright.Asinglemisstepcouldtakehimovertheedgeandsendhimtumblingtohisdoom.Leapingtooearlywouldbejustasfatalifhecouldnotcoverthefulldistance.Grippinghispistolandswordtight,heranasclosetotheedgeashedaredandthensprang.Instantlyhewasvividlyawareoftheenormousgulfbeneathhisfeet.Windtuggedathishair.He

feltasifheweremovinginslowmotion.Hecouldpickouteverydetailofthemutants’featuresaheadofhim.Seeeverywartandboilthatdisfiguredtheirtwistedfaces,counttheporesontheirskin.Hehadneverbeensoawareofanythinginhiswholelife.Allofhissuperhumansenseswerekeyeduptoanewlevelofawarenessthatwaspositivelyastounding.Soclosetodeath,Ragnarhadneverfeltsoalive.Heletoutalonghowlingwarcry.EvenashehurtledforwardthroughtheairRagnarraisedhis

pistolandsnappedoffashotatanightgangeratthefrontoftheprecipice’sedge.Themutantclutchedhisstomachandslumpedforwardtumblingdownintothegloomandthedarkness.Ragnarfiredanothershotanddroppedanotherofhisfoes,thenwithasurgeofreliefhefeltthesolidgroundbeneathhisbootsoncemore.Hiskneesflexingattheimpactwiththerockyedgeofthefarcavern,Ragnarshoutedhisdefianceintotheassembledmassofnightgangers.Hewasalive,andnowtheywouldpay!NowtheywouldknowfirsthandthetruewrathofaSpaceWolf!Hesurgedforward,chainswordswinging,tryingdesperatelytoclearapaththroughthetightlypackednightgangersbeforehisbrethrenlandedontopofthem.Heknewitwasalltoopossibleunderthesecircumstancesthattheymightgetentangledandoverbalanceandfalltogetherintothegloom.Fleshparted,bonessplinteredundertheimpactofhischainsword.Hesimplypulledthetriggerof

hisboltpistolknowingthateveryshellwouldfindahomeinthismassofbodies.Ragnarcleavedhiswaythroughthenightgangerslikeashipcrashingthroughastormysea.He

becamealivingengineofdestruction,awhirlwindofdeaththattwistedandhowledandwritheditswaythroughthemassedranksofmutants.Behindhimhecouldhearthechantingofhisbrethrenastheydidthesame.Soonafineredmistofbloodydropletsfilledhissightfromwherehischainswordhadsplitfleshandseveredtendonsandveins.Thescreamsofthedyingwerealmostdeafening,evenwiththesonicdampenerswithinhishelm.Deepwithinhissoul,urgedonbythescentofcarnage,thebeastgrewstronger.

Ragnarfoughtnowbypureinstinct.Hedidnotneedtothink.Thebeastwasincontrol.Reflexes,nervesandsinewwereinperfectharmony.Hereactedtoanythreatperceivedbyhishyper-keensenseswiththespeedofthought.Atthatmomenthiscombatabilityfartranscendedthatofanymortal.Nothingcouldordidstandinhisway.Behindhim,theotherBloodClawsrippedthroughthemutantlinelikeagoodsharpaxethroughrottenwood.Nightmarefacesleered,jawswidetoscream,ashechoppedthemdown.Twistedbodiesgaveway

undertheimpactofhisblade.Theblowsofstoneclubsricochetedoffhisarmour.Heduckedawhirringstonefromaslingshot.Hissensesweresokeenthatitappearedtobemovingtowardshiminslowmotion,andheseemedtohaveallthetimeintheworldtogetoutofitsway.Heshiftedhisheadandwasrewardedbythescreamofanightgangerbehindhimwhogotinthestone’sway.Withaswiftsnapshot,heshatteredtheskulloftheslingerandcontinuedtohackhiswaytowardsfreedom.Ablastofsorcerousenergycleavedthroughtheair,amulti-colouredserpentofpurplish-bluelight

thatwritheditswaytowardshim.Hesmelledozoneandabitterperfumeasitdrewcloser.Ragnartriedtoleaptooneside,springingcleanovertheheadofanightganger,butthecracklingboltaltereditscourseandcamestraightathimoncemore.Heraisedhisbladetoparry,butfasterthanthoughtthefingerofwrithing,hideousenergyswervedaroundandstruckRagnar ’sarmourfullonthebreastplate.InstantlyhiswholebodywasbathedinagonysuchasRagnarhadneverknownorguessedwas

possible.Everynerveendingscreameditspain.Ragnarfelthisarmourblisterandbegintomelt.Sparksflewoutwardsassystemsstartedtoshort.Madinterferencepatternsflashedacrosshisvisorandcracklingstaticroaredinhisears.Hishairstoodonend.Surgesofenergycausedhispower-assistedlimbstojudderandspasmoftheirownaccord.Ragnarfeltlikehiseyeswouldboilintheirsockets.Hecouldsmellhishairburning.Hestaggeredlikeadrunk,engulfedinpurplefire.Withahugeeffortofwill,Ragnarforcedhimselftoconcentrateandsearchforhisfoe.Grittinghis

teeth,hetastedthecopperytangofhisownbloodinhismouth.Lookinguphesawacackling,subhumanshamancaperingmadlyonafloatingdiscoflight,highabovethecrowd,towardstheveryroofofthecavern.Morecursedsorcery,Ragnarthought.Theserpentofenergywrithedfromtheendofaskull-tippedstaffheldintheheretic’sclaw-likehand.Desperately,Ragnartriedtobringhispistoltobear,buttearsofpainfilledhiseyes,andblurredhisvision.Itwasbecomingdifficulttofocus.Blackandpurplestarsdancedacrosshiseyesandhistonguewasstucktotheroofofhismouth.Ragnarknewwithoutadoubtthatinmeremomentshewouldbedead.Thensuddenlyaboltershellflewstraightandtrueandburieditselfintheshaman’sheart,knocking

thefiendoffthealreadyfadingdisc.Ashefell,theshamanspreadhisarmswideandtheserpentoflightflickeredandfaded.Evenashetumbleddown,anothershellblazedtowardsthenightgangermage,temporarilyavertinghisdownwardprogressthroughsheerforceofimpact.Theboltroundenteredoneeyeandexitedthebackofhisheadinafountainofbrainsandblood.Ragnarlookedaroundtoseewhohadshothisenemy,andtohissurprisesawthatitwasthehatedStrybjorn.Hisswornrivalraisedonehandinasaluteandthengavehisattentionbacktosmitingthemutants.Ragnarfoughtthedizzinessthatthreatenedtooverwhelmhim.Hisarmourwasalreadyrunning

automatedsystemchecks,andendlesslinesoficonsflashedandflickeredintheperipheryofhisvision.Outofthecornerofhiseyehecaughtsightofagrenadehurtlingtowardshim.Judgingfromthedirectionithadnotbeenthrownbyanyofhiscomrades.ItmustbeoneofthoseweaponsthenightgangershadtakenfromthedeadSpaceMarines.Onethingwascertain,whoeverhadthrownitcarednothingforhiscomrades’lives.Ragnarwassurroundedbyhowlingnightgangers,allofwhomwoulddieifagrenadeexplodedanywherenearby.Eveninhissemi-stunnedstateRagnarknewhisarmourwasinnoconditiontotakeadirecthit

fromakrakgrenade.Hecouldhearthedamageintheatonalwhiningoftheservos,andtheflashing

rediconsinhisreadouttoldtheirowndismaltale.Heknewhehadonlyonechanceandthatdependedonhowshortafusethehurtlingexplosivewason.Asitsweptcloserhereachedupwiththeflatofhischainswordandbatteditaway,hopingagainsthopethattheshockoftheimpactdidnottriggerthedetonationhefeared.Foronebriefheart-stoppingmoment,Ragnarhalfexpectedtofeelhisarmwrenchedfromitssocketbytheexplosionbutthenthegrenadewasflyingbackwardsintothepackedmassofnightgangers.Amomentlatercametheblastthatsentsubhumanformsblownintomyriadpiecestumblingthroughtheair.Ragnarreeledonwards.Thenightgangerssensedhisweaknessandswarmedoverhim.Stone

hatchetsandclubssmashedintothefracturelinesonhisdamagedarmour.Chunksofceramitefellontothestonefloor.Ragnarlashedoutwiththebuttofhispistol,smashingaskull,drovehischainswordpointfirstthroughthechestofthenearestnightganger,thensplithisbodyintwowithaswiftupanddownmotion.Thenearestmutants,seeingthestalwartdeterminationwrittenonhisface,startedtobackaway.ThisgaveRagnarthespacetosendhischainswordinaswirlingberserkercirclearoundhim,cleavingheadsandbodiesintwain.Hewhirledthroughthemasslikearazor-edgedcycloneandtheninamomentrealisedthathewasintheclear.Therewerenomorenightgangersaroundhim.Pantingandoutofbreath,RagnarglancedbackwardsandsawSven,Nils,LarsandStrybjornall

hackingtheirwaythroughthemassofstrugglingmutants.Theyseemedtobeswimmingthroughaseaofrawfleshandspurtingblood.Allaroundthem,nightgangersfelllikewheatbeforethescytheofareaper.TheBloodClawsseemedinhuman,invincible,unstoppable.ButthenRagnarcaughtsightofanothergrenadehurtlingtowardsStrybjornandSven.Hehowledawarning,sawtheBloodClawsbegintoreactandknewinstinctivelythathiscryhadcometoolate.Svenmanagedtothrowhimselftooneside,justintime.Hedivedheadlongintoamassof

nightgangers,howlingandchoppingashewent.Strybjornwasjustafractiontooslow.Hewasgrappledbyseveralnightgangersallintentonpullinghimdownsotheycouldbludgeonhisexposedheadwiththeircudgels.Atthelastmoment,hethrewthemoffwithamightyroarandattemptedtoevadethegrenade.Healmostmanagedit,butbeganhisleapjustasthedetonationerupted,catchinghisarmourandsendinghimtumblingthroughtheairlikearagdolltossedasidebyacruelchild.Ragnarstoodmomentarilyparalysed,overwhelmedbystrangelymixedemotions.Itseemedhis

hatedenemywasdead,killedbytheexplosion,robbingRagnarofhisvengeance.Butthatwasnottheworstofit.SuddenlyitseemedtoRagnarthathisrevengewasasmallthingtoconsiderindeedcomparedwiththemenaceoftheChaosMarinesandtheevilgodtheyworshipped.Thatwasathreattoallhumanity,andStrybjornhadfalleninbattleagainstit.Morethanthat,hehadsavedRagnar ’slifefromtheshaman’sevilspell,andtherewasnowaynowRagnarcouldrepaythatdebt.Hehowledinrageandfrustration,suddenlyawareafterallthesemonthsofdullhatredthathedidnotwantStrybjorntodiethisway,thatpossiblyhedidnotwanttheGrimskulltodieatall.Comparedtothemenacethatwasunleasheddeepbelowthismountain,theiroldtribalenmitiesseemedpettyandfoolish.HenoticedthatSvenhadturnedandwasmakinghiswaythroughthemasstowhereStrybjornhad

gonedown.EvenasRagnarwatchedhesawStrybjornsuddenlyemergefromtheseaofstinkingbodiesandreeltohisfeet.Hisarmourwascracked.Internalmachinerywasvisible.Halftheskinofhisfacewaspeeledawayandteethandjawbonewerevisible.Onearmhunglimpandbloodybyhisside,butstillhefoughton,chainswordflashing,killingashewent.ByRuss,ifnothingelsehewasamightywarrior,Ragnarthought,thentheparalysislefthimandheleaptintoaction,choppingandhewinghiswaythroughthenightgangerstowardswhereSvenandStrybjornmadetheirstand.Inmoments,hehadclearedapath,andheandtheotherBloodClawswereclear.Hegrabbedthe

reelingStrybjornbythearmandhelpedsupporthimashemovedon.TurningtoSvenandNils,he

shouted,‘Grenades!’Svengrinnedevillyandbegantohurtlegrenadeaftergrenadeintothepressofnightgangers.

Heartbeatslater,Nilsdidthesame.Thecavesechoedwiththethunderofexplosions,theflashofdetonationlittheairlikelightning.Oncemoreitwasalltoomuchforthenightgangers.Leaderlesssincethedeathoftheirshaman,theyturnedandbegantoretreatinthedirectionofthechasm.Thesheerweightofnumbersandpressofbodiescarriedthemovertheedge.Ragnarcouldheartheirscreamsastheyfelldownintotheeternaldarkness.Swiftlyhepulledthemedicalpackfromhisbelt.Ragnarknewhewouldhavetoactquicklytosave

Strybjorn’slife.Heknewitwasonlyamatterofminutes,ifthat,beforetheChaosMarineswereinpursuit.HelookeduptoseeSvenstandingoverhim.Hisarmourwasspatteredwithblood,goreandcongealingbrains.‘Goodfight,’Svengrunted.Ragnarlookedathimandnodded,wonderinghowlongtheyhad

beforetheChaosMarinessweptoverthem.HeknewthatitwasimperativetowarntheChapterofwhattheyhadfoundhere,yethealsoknewthathewasnotgoingtoleaveStrybjornherewoundedandalonetofacethecomingofthoseevilones.HerememberedwhattheoldwizardsbeyondtheGateofMorkaihadtoldhimabouthowhishatewasaweaknessthatwouldallowevilintohissoul.Heknewnowtheyhadbeencorrect,andthattherewasonlyonewayforhimtoridhimselfofthathate.Swiftlyhecametoadecision,prayingthatitwastherightone.‘Sven,takeLarsandNilsandgetoutofhere.Gettothesurface.Getasfarfromthiscursedplaceas

youneedtoforyourcommunicatortowork,andthensummontheChapter.’Bywayofanswer,Svenreachedupandreleasedhishelmetclaps.Thehelmfellawayontothewet

sandwithadullthud,revealingtheSpaceWolf’sferalface,contortedwithrageandlookingforalltheworldlikeadaemoninthestutteringlightofRagnar ’sshoulderbeam.‘AndleaveyouandStrybjornhereallalonetohogthefightingandalltheglory?’Svenshookhisheadviolently.‘Areyoumad,ordoyouthinkIam?’Despitethediresituationtheywerein,Ragnarcouldnotsuppressasmile.Heclaspedanarmoured

handontoSven’sshoulder.‘Getyourhelmetonandgonow,youidiot,orI’llripyourthroatoutwithmyteeth.Can’tyouseethatitismoreimportantthattheSpaceWolvesfindoutwhat’sgoingonherethanforyoutodieheroically?’‘Soyousay!Inoticethatyou’restaying.’SvenglaredatRagnarthrougheyeswhichwere

narrowedtomereslits,hisvoiceamenacingwhisper.‘That’sbecauseStrybjornsavedmylife,andI’mnotgoingtoleavehimhere.’‘Yougo!I’llstay!’ThefeverofbattlewasbrightinSven’seyes,andhenervouslyfingeredthe

teethofhischainsword.RagnarlosthispatienceatSven’sobstinacy.‘I’mnotgoingtotellyouagain!’heroared.‘Gonow

orI’llkillyoumyself.’Theireyeslocked.Theirteethbared.Thestinkofangerandconfrontationwasintheair.Ragnarfeltthehaironthebackofhisneckrise.Amomentlater,SvenapparentlysensedRagnar ’sdetermination,insomeinstinctiveway,andlikeawolfgivinggroundbeforethepackleader,hebackeddown.‘Allright,’hesaid,pickinguphishelmetandbrushingbloodfleckedgranulesofsandfromthe

ceramitevisor.‘I’mgoing.Butnexttimeitwillbemyturntostaybehindwiththewounded.’Ragnargrinnedathim.‘Fairenough,’hesaid.Svenlookedawayforamoment,thenbarkedorders

toNilsandLars.‘Rightyoutwo,youheardthehero.Let’sgetmoving.AndnoargumentorI’llripyourheartsout

andeatthembeforeyoureyes.’‘Alwaysthinkingaboutfood,’Nilsmuttered.HegaveRagnarthethumbs-upashemovedpast.‘We’llmeetagain,’Larssaid.‘Iknowit.’

‘IpraytoRussthatyouareright,’Ragnarsaid,watchingasthetrioretreatedintothedarknessandthenweregone.

Ragnartookoutacanisterofsynthi-fleshandsprayeditontoStrybjorn’sface.Itcongealedinstantlytocoverthebareboneandteeth.Itdidnotlookprettybutatleastitwouldkeepthewoundcleanandsterile.HetooktherepaircementandjustasquicklypluggedthecracksinStrybjorn’sarmour,butnotbeforereconnectingandsplicingthepower-fibres.Lastly,afteraquickglancetomakesureeverythingwasinplace,heinjectedthewoundedBloodClawwithapowerfulstimulant.Strybjorn’seyesopenedandheletoutahowlofpainandrage.‘You’restillhere,Thunderfist.Iamsurprised.’Hisvoicewasviolentandragged,colouredbythe

paincoursingthroughhisinjuredframe.‘Yousavedmylife.I’mpayingmydebt.’‘Idon’tneedyourhelp,’Strybjornhissedthroughgrittedteeth,andtriedtorise.Hemanagedtoget

tohisknees,butthenstartedtotopple.Ragnarreachedoutandgrabbedhim,puttinghishandunderStrybjorn’sleftarm.Hischainswordwasholsteredandheheldhisboltpistolinhislefthand.BloodtrickledinrivuletsthroughthecracksinStrybjorn’sarmourandstainedRagnar ’sarmred.‘We’dbestgetgoing.It’sonlyamatteroftimebeforethenightgangersfindtheircourageagain.

OrtheChaosMarinesfinditforthem.’Eventhroughhispain,Strybjornmanagedtolookthoughtful.‘IwonderhowHengistandthe

othersaredoing.’Ragnarstrainedhisearstolisten.Hecouldhearnosoundsofconflictinthedistance.Itappeared

Hengist’sforcewasdeadorworseyet,captured.RagnarhopedthatthetumbledbridgewouldholdbacktheChaosMarinesforalittlewhilebutsomehowhejustknewitwouldnotstopthepursuitforlong.StrybjornleanedagainstRagnarastheymovedoffintothegloom.

Ragnartriedtoretracethestepsthathadbroughtthemdowntothetemple.Itwasdifficult.HecouldcatchscenttracesoftheSpaceWolvesbuttheywereoverlaidbytheacridstenchofthenightgangerstothepointwhereitwasdifficulttopickouthisClawbrothersatall.Ragnarrealisednowhowtheyhadbeensuckedintoatrap,allowedtomoveeverdeeperbeneaththemountainwhileahugeforceofnightgangersassembledallaroundthem.Theyhadbeenallowedtoreachthetemple,andtheyhadwalkedinlikelivingsacrificestotheChangerofWays.Itwasnotacheeringthought.Ragnar ’sshoulderlampprobedthegloomahead.HebentdownandsawrecenttracesthatSvenand

theothershadbeenhere.Thatatleastwasreassuring.AgroanfrombehindhimtoldhimthatStrybjornwasnotinagoodway.RagnarturnedtoseethattheGrimskullwaspale-faced,hisskintakingonayellowishpallorthatRagnarhadcometoassociatewithdeathduringhisformerlifeontheislands.HeonlyhopedthatStrybjorn’ssuperhumanstrengthwouldmakethedifferenceandpullhimthrough.Ragnarwonderedhowhecoulddiscernwhatwaswrong.Perhapstherehadbeeninternalinjuriesthathedidnothavetheskillortheequipmenttotreat.Heknewthatwasalltoopossible.Oftenitwasnottheobviouswoundsthatkilledwarriors.Whenhewasalad,Ragnarhadheardtalesofmentakingwhatappearedtobealighttaptotheskull,fightingonthroughabattle,andthenkeelingoverstonedeadintheirmomentoftriumph.MaybethatwasgoingtohappentoStrybjorn.‘Yougoonwithoutme,Thunderfist,’Strybjornsaid.Thewordssoundedstrangecomingfromhis

mangledjaw.‘I’llwaithere.IfanyarepursuingyouIwillholdthemoff.’‘Youarecomingwithme,Grimskull,ifIhavetoknockyoudownandcarryyou.You’vecomethis

far.Bemanenoughtogothewholeway.’Theireyeslocked.AswithSvenhesensedtheresistancethere,andaswithSvenhebeatitdown.He

feltthathadStrybjornbeenathisfullstrength,hemightnothaveobeyed,butinhisweakenedcondition,hedidnothavethewillpowertodefyRagnar.‘Youwin,’hesaid.‘Onwards.’ThemotorsinStrybjorn’sarmourwheezedasthmaticallyashe

moved,andrupturedfeedpipesventedsteamfromhisbackpack,buttheGrimskullmovedoffatalimpingstaggeralongthetunnel.Ragnarcouldseethatitwasallhecoulddotokeeponhisfeet.

Ragnarbreathedasighofrelief.Herecognisedthisplace.Itwasthegreatundergroundlake.Hehadneverimaginedthathewouldbegladtoseeitsfoulwaters,butcertainlyhewasnow.Sightingthewatersaroundhishomeislandwouldnothavemadehimanyhappieratthatmoment.Nomatterhowbleakandfoulthisplace,itwasalandmarkRagnarrecognised,andheknewhewasontherighttrack.Therehadbeentimesoverthelastfewhourswhenhehadthoughthewaslost.Thepathlooked

verydifferentonthewaybackuptothesurface.Ragnarunderstoodonlytoowellwhy.Itwassimplythathewasnowgoinginadifferentdirection,experiencingthetunnelsandcavesfromanoppositepointofviewtothatofafewhoursago.Asifthatwasnotenough,heknewhewastired.HewasaloneexceptforStrybjorn.Allofthesethingshadconspiredtoalterhisperceptionsoftheplace,renderingitunfamiliar,menacingandhostile.Heshookhisheadandremindedhimselfthatintruthitwasallofthosethings.‘Isthisthelakeofthedead?’Strybjornasked,hisvoiceabubblingwhisper.Ragnarrealisedthathis

fellowBloodClawwashallucinating.‘Arewehereatlast?’‘No,’Ragnarsaid.‘Itisnot.It’sjustthatfoul,Chaos-taintedpondSvenspatinonthewaydown.’

Ragnartriedtosmile,butthebesthecouldmanagewasanexhaustedgrimace.‘It’syou,Thunderfist.Ikilledyouthen,andyoukilledme,andwe’vecometohelltogether.’Ragnarshuddered.Foramoment,itseemedquitepossible.Hismindreeledwiththeconcept.

PerhapsStrybjornwasright.PerhapstheircorpseslaybackintheruinsoftheThunderfistvillage.PerhapsthewholetriptoRussvik,thewholeprocessofinductionintotheWolveshadbeenmerelyahallucination,alastdream-likefantasyconjuredupbyhispain-wrackedbrainashefellforwardintodeath.Perhapsnowtheyreallyweredead.Mutuallyslain,maybetheyhadenteredhelltogether.Ragnarfoughtforaholdonsanity.Hebreatheddeeplyofthefoulair,catchingthescentof

stagnantwater,andmouldandfungus.Hesawthetrailsofbloodwherethecorpsesofthenightgangerstheyhadslainearlierhadbeendraggedaway,mostlikelytobedevoured.Hefeltthecoolceramitegauntletsencasinghisfingers,andthehiltoftheboltpistolinhishand.Hescannedthearea,senseskeenerthanthosepossessedbyanymortalman.No,hetoldhimself.Iamnotdead.NorisStrybjorn.Notyetanyway.WeareSpaceWolves,chosen

ofRuss,andwewillnotgiveup.Heunclippedanothervialofpainkiller,andpresseditagainsttheinductionvalveinStrybjorn’s

armour.WithahissthevialemptiedasthechemicalsenteredtheBloodClaw’ssystem.Strybjornletoutalonggroan,shookhishead,lookedaround,hiscavernouseyesfilledwithpain,butnolongerperhapsquitesofeverish.‘Letusgoon,’hesaid.Ragnarnoddedhisagreement.Inthedistance,hethoughtheheardthe

soundsofpursuit.

‘Whatwasthat?’Strybjornasked.RagnarwassurprisedthattheGrimskullhadheardanything.Forthepasthourhehadbecomeincreasinglyfeverish,barelyabletostandonhisfeet.‘Itwasnothing,’saidRagnar.Hewaslying.Itwasthesoundofmetal-shodfeetmovingupthe

corridorbehindthem.Theechoesrangharshlyonthestone.ItwasdifficulttoguessthedistancethatseparatedthemfromthesourceofthenoisebutRagnarcouldnotbelieveitwasfar.Whoeverwasfollowingthemwasconfident.Theyweremakingnoattemptatstealth.Theywerecomingonwithall

speed.Ragnarcursed.Herealisedthattheywereinthelonggallerywherehehadclimbedtospotthe

ancientgirders.ItseemedtoRagnarasifdaysorweekshadpassedsincetheywerelasthere.Thesurfacewasnottoofarawaynow,asfarasheremembered.Theyhadalmostmadeit.Almost.Still,heconsoledhimselfwiththethoughtthatSvenandtheothersseemedtohaveescaped.Hehadcomeacrossnosignthatdisasterhadovertakenthemorthattheyhadbeencaptured.Theymusthavereachedthesurfacebynow,Ragnarthought.Theymightevenhavegotclearofthezoneofinterferenceandbeenabletosummonhelp.Theymusthavemademuchbettertimethanhimonthelongclimbfromthedarkheartofthemountain.TheyhadnotbeenburdenedbythewoundedStrybjorn.‘Let’sgetgoing,’Ragnarsaid.‘Notmuchfurthernow.’Strybjornnoddedandlimpedonwards.TheyhadalmostcrossedthegallerywhenRagnarheardafamiliarmelodiousyetsinistervoice

ringoutbehindhim.‘Whereareyougoing,puppy?Doturnaround,please.Iwanttolookatyou,forIneverlike

shootinganyoneintheback.’Ragnarrecognisedthevoice.ItbelongedtotheChaosMarinewhohadtauntedSergeantHengist.

Slowlyheturnedaround,lettingStrybjornslumptothegroundashereacheduptodrawhischainsword.Ragnaralmostflinchedashefacedhisenemy.Hehadhalfexpectedtoseeafullsquadofdreaded

ChaosMarinesandahordeofnightgangers.Allhecouldmakeoutwasasolitaryfigure.‘Madox!’hespat.RagnarnoticedthatsomeoftheiconsontheChaosMarine’sarmourwere

glowing,doubtlesswithmalignenergies.ThehairsonthebackofRagnar ’sneckprickled.Whatwasgoingon?Wasthereacursedspellbeingcasthere?‘Youremember.I’mflattered.That’sgoodtoo.Whenyoursoulreacheshell,youwillbeableto

telleveryonewhokilledyou.’Thewordshissedflatlythroughthedankairofthecavern.‘I’mnotdeadyet.’‘Believeme,it’sonlyamatterofmomentsbeforeIchangethat.’‘Whereareyourbrethren?Alldead?’‘No.Theyarehuntingdownthefewsurvivorsofyourlittlepartywhofledthebattlefieldlikethe

cowardstheyare.’‘Idon’tbelieveyou.’Ragnarcouldfeelthebeastwithinhissoulsnarlattheinsultandbegintorise

tothefore.‘Whatyoubelieveordon’tbelieveisirrelevant.’Onceagain,Ragnarthoughtthathecouldheara

hintofboredomintheChaosfollower ’svoice.‘Thenwhyareyoutellingittome,filth?’Thearmouredsorcerersighed,asifwonderingatthesheerignoranceofthewhelpbeforehim.

‘Becauseit’sbeenalongtimesinceI’vehadthepleasureoftauntingoneofyourkindfromsoclose.AndIintendtosavourit.It’soneminusculespeckofrevengefortheburningofProspero,butthesedaysItakemypleasureswhereIcan.’‘YouareoftheThousandSonsthen.’RagnarknewnowthatMadoxwasoneofhisChapter ’smostancientandfearedfoes,devilish

magiciansaswellasfearsomewarriors.TheSpaceWolveshadcleansedtheThousandSons’homeworldofProsperointheaftermathofHorus’srebellionthousandsofyearsago.TheTraitorMarineshadneverforgiventhemforit.SeveraltimessincetheyhadattackedFenris,apparentlywiththeintentionofrepayingthefavour.RagnarwonderedifMadox’spresencenowwasindicativeofanothersuchplot.Ofcourse,hethought,ithadtobe.Thatwaswhyitwassoimperativethatsomeone

getawaytowarntheSpaceWolves.RagnargleanedasmallcrumbofsolaceandconfidencefromthethoughtofSvenpassingonthemessage,andtheretributionwhichwouldswiftlyfollow.‘Bravo.TheidiotsintheFangstillteachsomeaspectsoftheancienttruthsthen.’‘Theytoldmeenoughaboutyourtreacherouskindtorecogniseatwistedandirredeemablefoeof

humanitywhenIseeone.’ToRagnar ’ssurprise,Madoxlaughed.Hismockingvoicetookonascholarlytone.‘Theytoldyou

nothing.ItwasnotuswhoattackedyourChapter.Itwasyouwhotreacherouslyattackedourhome.’‘AfteryouhadforswornyourdutytohumanityandtheEmperor.’Madoxshookhishead.‘Somuchcertainty.Solittleknowledge.WedidnotforsweartheEmperor.

Heforsookus.HesenthisWolvestoattackussimplybecausehedidnotlikethepathourprimarch,thereveredMagnus,haduncovered:thepathtoknowledgeandlimitlesspower.’‘Limitlessevil,youmean.’Madoxshookhisheadsorrowfully.‘Trulyitissaidthatitisfoolishtoarguewiththosewhosemindsareclosed.AndnoChapterhas

everhadmindsmoreclosedoruncivilisedthantheSpaceWolves.Idon’tknowwhyIhavewastedmytimetryingtoenlightenyou.’Ragnarwonderedthattoo.WastheChaosMarinewaitingforsomething,hewondered?Perhapshe

washopingthathiscompanionswouldarriveandhelphimcaptureRagnar.AtthatprecisemomentRagnardidnotcare.EverymomenthedelayedMadoxwasamomentmoreforSventobringwordtothebrethrenattheFang.‘Wemaybeuncivilisedbutweareloyaltoouroaths,’Ragnargrowled.‘You’recertainlypersistentinyourfolly.’RagnarwonderedwhatMadoxmeant.Hewasstartingtodetectsomethingnow,someenchantment

thattuggedathissensesandcompelledhimtolistentowhattheChaosMarinehadtosay.Wasthissomesubtlespelldesignedtomakehimvulnerabletoheresy?Hedecidedhe’dbetterdosomething.Yetsomethingpreventedhimfromacting.Hismindfeltasif

itwassnaggedinanet.WeretheglitteringjewelsonMadox’sarmourglowingmorebrightly?Weretheythecauseofhiscaution?ShakinghisheadtoclearhisthoughtsRagnaraskedtheChaossorcerer,‘Howdidyougethere?’‘WecameinanswertotheprayersofthosewhoworshiptheGreatMutator.Wecameinunder

coverofthemeteorswarmthatyourchildishbrethrencametoinvestigate.Wecameinanswertothosewhoworshipus.ThetemplebelowwasconsecratedbyoneofmybrethrenleftonthisworldafterourlastattackontheFang.Hetaughtthetruewaytothosemutants.Heledthemoutoferrorandintofreedom.’Ragnarnodded.Thelastpieceofthepuzzlewasinplace.Heforcedhisarmtomove,tofightthe

spellthathewassureMadoxwasplacingonhim.Slowly,asiffightingagainstagreatweight,heraisedhisboltpistoluntilitwasalmostaimeddirectlyattheChaosMarine.AsifRagnarhadbrokentheirspell,thegemstonesontheChaosMarine’sarmourceasedtoglow.‘Youarestronger-willedthanIthought,puppy,’Madoxsaid,hisvoicedrippingscornandhatred.‘I

supposenowIwillhavetokillyou.Apity.ItwouldhavebeenpleasingtohaveyoumarchwillinglytothealtarofTzeentchandhaveyouofferyourselfuptotheChangerofWays.Still,Isupposewecan’thaveeverything.’Witheye-blurringspeed,Madoxbroughtuphisweaponandfired.Ragnar ’ssluggishreflexeswere

notuptomatchinghim.BeforeRagnarcouldevenreactthepistolwasblownfromhishandswithoneshot.Itwasanawesomefeatofmarksmanship.KnowingnowhehadbutoncechanceRagnarraisedhischainswordandrushedforward.ThebarrelofMadox’sboltermovedtocoverhim.Itappearedhugeasthemouthofacave.Ragnar ’skeyed-upsensessawthebarrelwasindeedshapedlikea

daemon’sheadwhosemouthwouldspitbullets.Heknewatthatmomenthewasgoingtodie.TherewasnowayatthisrangethatawarriorlikeMadoxwasgoingtomiss.Heflinchedasheheardtheroarofashot,beforerealisingthatsomehow,impossibly,hewasnot

hit.InsteadhesawagreatchunkhadbeenbittenoutoftheChaosMarine’sarmour,forcingthesorcerertostaggerback.Ofcourse,Ragnargrinned,Strybjornstillhadhispistol;hemusthaveregainedconsciousnessandopenedfire.Madoxreeledbackwardsandthenregainedhisbalanceinaninstant,almostcasuallysendingashotpastRagnar.TheshriekofshatteringarmourandagroanofpaintoldRagnarthattheshellhadfoundahomeinStrybjorn’sbody.Still,theGrimskullhadgivenhimachance,andRagnarfullyintendedtotakeit.Asheran,thelast

traceofspell-inducedlethargyfellfromhim.Ragnarknewhewashimselfagain;aSpaceWolfinfullbattlefrenzy.Withahowlingwarcryhesenthischainswordthroughavastarc,intendingtodriveitcleanthroughtheheretic’sbody.Madoxswivelleddesperately,tryingtobringhisguntobear.Healmostmadeit.Instead,hejustmanagedtointerposeitinthewayofRagnar ’sblade.Therewasashriekofmetalonmetal.Sparksflewasthetwoweaponscameintocontactthenthe

chainswordcleavedcleanthroughtheChaosMarine’sgun.StillMadoxhadtimetodropitandstepback.Thesorcererextendedhishandwithagraspinggestureandaruneswordflashedfromthescabbardathissideandleaptintohishand.Itsbladewasblack.Redrunesgleamedwithpent-upsorcerousenergyalongitslength.Ragnarknewwithouthavingtobetoldthatitstouchwouldbedeadly.Hechoppedagainusingtwohandstodrivehisbladehome.Madox’sdaemonswordrosetoparry.Bladerangagainstbladewithaclangourlikeahammerhittingananvil.MadoxstruckbackatRagnar.TheBloodClawleapedclearandsentacounterstrokehurtlingatthe

ChaosMarine.OnceagainMadoxparriedeasily.Theycircledeachotherwarilynow,weaponsheldattheready.Ragnar ’shairstoodonendasMadox’sbladeemittedaloweeriemoan.Itwassomehowaliveandsentient,Ragnarsensed.‘Thatiscorrect,’Madoxpurred,guessingthechainofRagnar ’sthoughts.‘Thisdaemonweapon

willconsumeyoursoulevenasitdrinksyourblood.Itthirsts,yousee.’‘Firstitwillhavetohitme,’Ragnarsaid,alowgrowlemergingfromhisthroatashelashedoutat

theChaosMarine.Madoxduckedbelowthestrokeandlashedoutwithalightning-quickcounter.‘Idon’tthinkthatwillbeaproblem,’hesaid,unleashingaflurryofblowswhichRagnarstrove

desperatelytoavoid.Heparried,barelymanagingtospringasidefromtheonslaught.ThespeedandpoweroftheChaosMarinewereincredible.Ragnarknewhowstronghehimselfwas,butcomparedtoMadoxhemightaswellhavebeenachild.Andwhynot,Ragnarthought,ashemanagedtoturnasideanotherthunderousblow?Theshockof

theimpactlefthisarmfeelingnumb.ComparedtotheChaosMarinehewasbutachild.MadoxhadmillenniaofexperienceandallthegiftsthatthepowersofChaoscouldlavishonhim.Fightingagainstsuchamanwasmorethanmadness,itwassheerfolly.Therewasnowaytoovercomesuchafellfoe.Ragnarfeltthathemightaswelljustgiveup.Itwouldbelesspainfulintheend.OnceagainRagnarbecameawarethatthesethoughtswerecomingfromoutsidehimself,thathe

wasbeingsubjectedtotheinfluenceofsomeexternalpower.Thewoefuldirgebeingsungbytheruneswordwasaffectinghim.Theeffectwassubtleanddemoralising.ItshellishshriekingsappedthecourageandstrengthfromRagnar ’sarmandwill.Oncemorehesteeledhimselfandthrewoffthespell,parryingMadox’sbladeandthrowinghimselfintoafuriousoffensivethatsenttheChaosMarinebackwardsstepbystepuntilRagnarhadregainedallthegroundhehadlosttoMadox’sonslaught.HecouldsensetheChaosMarine’schagrinatthisunexpectedresistance.Hislipstwistedintoa

wolfishgrinashehammeredanotherblowdown.ThisonemadeitpastMadox’sguardandshearedoneoftheleeringdaemonheadsfromhisarmour.ForamomentRagnarthoughthehadstruckflesh

butthenhesawthatsomesortofred-hotliquidmetalwaspouringforth.Itbubbledlikemagmathenevaporatedintoasilverishpoisonouscloud.HastilyRagnarsteppedback,knowinginstinctivelythattobreathethefoulstuffmeantdeath.HeknewthatsuchwasthemagicsurroundingtheChaosMarinethatnotevenhisownbody’ssuperhumanabilitytoadapttopoisonwouldbegoodenoughtosavehim.‘Agoodblow,’Madoxsaidsardonically.Suddenlyandunexpectedlyhelashedoutwithhisboot.It

caughtRagnarinthegroin,andhefeltthecodpieceofhisarmourcrumpleunderthesledgehammerforceoftheimpact.ThesheerpoweroftheblowsenthimtumblingthroughtheairtosprawlheadlongonthestoneworknexttotherecumbentformofStrybjorn.Ragnarletthemomentumofhisfallcarryhim,andherolledbackwards,gothisfeetbeneathhim

andsprangupright.Painsurgedthroughhimfromtheareaofhisgroin.Hefeltbarelyabletostanduprightandheshookhisheadinadesperateefforttoclearhissenses.WhilehehadbeentumblingMadoxhadclosedthegroundbetweenthemwithappallingspeed.Hishowlingruneswordwasheldhigh,readyforthefinalstroke.Atthatmoment,Ragnarfeltamind-numbingweaknessspreadthroughhim.Heknewhedidnot

havethestrengthtostopthekillingblow,andthathislifewassurelyover.AllRagnarcoulddowaswatchtheChaosMarinecomeevercloser.Hewasfascinatedbytheglowingrunesandthewailingsongofhisdeadlyblade.Heknewthatinmeremoments,hewouldfeelitschillybite,andifwhattheheretichadsaidwastrue,hewouldfeelhissoulsuckedfromhisstill-livingframe.AsMadoxstrodepastStrybjorn’smangledform,theGrimskull’seyescameopen.Withagaspof

effortandwillpower,hereachedoutwithhisonegoodarm,andwiththelastofhisstrengthgrabbedtheChaosMarine’sankle,pullinghimoff-balance.Notexpectinganattackfromthisquarter,Madoxstartedtotumbleandfall.Instinctively,Ragnarraisedhischainswordtoprotecthimselffromthefallingwarrior.Therewasthewailofmetalonmetalastherotatingbladesbithome.SparksflewasheslicedthroughthehellmetalofMadox’sarmour.RagnarjusthadtimetorollclearasthepoisonousgasspurtedforthandMadoxhittheground,drivingthewhirring,chewingbladesstilldeeperintohischestuntilitpassedallthewaythroughhistorsoandemergedfromhisback.Agreat,roilinggeyseroffoulsmokeeruptedtowardstheceilingandslowlydispersed,asalongwailofaeonsofdespairassaultedRagnar ’ssenses.Madox’shelmetrolledclearfromthechestplateofhisarmour,andRagnarcouldseethatitwas

empty,asifnoonehadbeenwearingit.Perhapsthatwasthecase,hethought.PerhapsthephysicalformoftheChaosMarinehadfadedlongago,leavinghisarmouranimatedonlybysomefoulresidue,orthevileessenceofhisevilsoul.Briefly,Ragnarstoodpantingheavilyinthecave.Painwrackedhisbody.Hefeltnosenseof

triumphrightatthatmoment,thoughheknewheshouldhave.Betweenthem,heandStrybjornhadovercomeoneofthemostpowerfulfoesaSpaceMarinecouldface.Againstallodds,theyhadwon.Yes,Ragnarthought,morebyluckthanskill.That,andtheirenemy’soverconfidence.Underthecircumstances,Ragnarwashappywithavictorywhateverthereasons.Itwasthebestthatcouldbehopedfor.Ragnarreacheddownanddrewhisbladefromtherecumbentformofhisenemy.Hepickedup

Strybjorn’sfallenpistolandstuckitinhisholster.HebentdownandhoistedthebodyoftheGrimskullontohisshouldersandthen,bracinghimselfagainsttheweight,begantomakehiswayslowlytowardsthesurface.Hisdamagedarmourcreakedandgroanedunderthepressure,andRagnarremindedhimselftopersonallythankhisartificerfortendingsocarefullytotheages-oldsuit.Ithadservedhimwellonhisfirstrealmission.Feelingtheheavyweightacrosshisshoulders,Ragnargrinned.That’sthreetimesthisdayIowe

youmylife,Strybjorn,hethought.AndthatisadebtIwillrepayifitkillsme.

Now,though,Ragnarresolvedthathecouldonlydothatiftheybothmadeitalivetothesurface.Hismouthsetinadeterminedgrimace,Ragnarstrodeoffupthetunneltowardsthesurfaceonceagain.Hehopeditwasnotfar.

ThecoolnightairhitRagnar ’sfaceasheemergedfromthecavemouthandwithitcameastrangechemicaltaintthatsmelledlikeoilandnaphtha.Ittookasecondforittoregisterinhispain-soakedmindthathehadmadeittothesurface.Ittookanothersecondforittoregisterthatthewholeareaaroundthecavemouthhadbeenclearedoffoliage.Ittookanothersplit-secondforittoregisterthatthemuzzlesofhalfahundredweaponswerepointingathim.HisnostrilsflaredandhecaughtthescentofChapterbrethren.Lotsofthem.‘Itisme,Ragnar,’hesaid,justtomakesurethattheyunderstoodhewasnothostile.Hefeltcertain

thattheyhadalreadyrecognisedhim,butunderthecircumstancesitwasimpossibletobetoocareful.Itwouldbeafoolishdeathtosurvivethelongperiloustrekunderthisdaemonmountain,andthenbemowndownbyhisownbattle-brothers.SpotlightbeamsfellonRagnar,throwinghimintobrilliantillumination.Hisalteredpupils

instantlycontractedtocompensateforthestarklight,butevensoforamomenthewasblinded.Aninstantlaterhefeltthetouchofpowerfulmindsprobingcarefullythroughhisthoughts,andhewassurehecouldsensethepresenceofthethreeancientswhohadwaitedsolongagobeyondtheGateofMorkai.Thistime,Ragnaropenedhismindtothem,wantingtomakesuretherewasnottheslightestpossibilityofamisunderstanding.Ghostlyfingerstuggedathisthoughts,andhefeltthathewasrecognisedandacknowledged.‘ItisBrotherRagnarandBrotherStrybjorn,’avoicesaid.‘AndthereisnotaintofChaosupon

them.Russbepraised.’‘Stepforward,lad,andgiveBrotherStrybjornintothecareofthepriests,’saidavoicefromthe

gloom.RagnarrecogniseditasbelongingtoRanek.ThesearchlightbeamswinkedoffandoverheadhemadeouttherunninglightsandghostlyoutlinesofseveralThunderhawkgunships.ItseemedthattheChapterhadgotthewarningandrespondedtoitinstantlyandingreatforce.Ragnarknewthatitwasameasureoftheseriousnesswithwhichtheymustviewthethreatofwhatwaitedbelowthemountain.Musteringhislastreservesofstrength,Ragnarstrodeforwardtowardshisbattle-brothers,forcing

himselftowalkproudlyupright,despitethepain,hisdamagedarmourandthenumbingweightoftheGrimskullacrosshisshoulders.SeveralhurriedforwardtotakeStrybjornfromhim.Hesawtheyworetheinsigniaofthehealers.Oneofthemlookedathimandgesturedforhimtofollowdowntheslope.Hedidso,andwithinafewdozenstridesstoodattheentranceofafieldhospitaltent.ThehealershadalreadyconnectedtheirstrangedevicestoStrybjorn’sarmourandwerebeginningtoutterthechantsoftheirarcanerituals.Ragnarsawthatoneofthemedicswasattachingmachinerytohimaswell.‘HowisStrybjorn?’heasked.‘Willhelive?Hesavedmylife,youknow.’Thewordsseemed

foolishevenastheylefthislipsbutthehealeronlysmiled,showinghisfangs.‘Andyouhavemostlikelysavedhisbygettinghimhereintime.Nowbesilent.Imustseetoyou.’

Thewordswereacommand,buttheyweregentlysaidandheldnorancour,soRagnarobeyed.Heheardthewhooshofairaschemicalswereinjectedintotheappropriateventsinhisarmour,thenaclickasthepanelsofhischestplateswungopen.Inaninstanthefeltrelaxed.Heshookhisheadtoclearawaytheslightblurringofhisvision,andthennoticedSvenstandinginthedoorwayofthetent.‘Soyoumadeitout,brother,’Svensaid.‘Iamglad.’‘Itappearsyoudidtoo,andthatyougotthemessagethrough.’‘Yes,andwhatatimewehadofit.Ithoughtwewerenevergoingtogetfarenoughawaytobeout

ofthezoneofinterference.WemusthavecoveredagoodtwoleaguesorsobeforeIcouldmakecontactwiththeFangoverthecomm-net.’‘Thenwhathappened?’‘Thenallhellbrokeloose.AboutfiveminutesafterIdeliveredthemessageIsawthefire-trailsof

Thunderhawksinthesky.Theyswoopedlowandbeganfiringchemicalrocketsintotheforest.Withinanothertwominutestheyhadclearedtheareaaroundthecaveentranceforathousandstrides.AfewheartbeatsafterthealchemicalfiressubsidedtheThunderhawkswereonthegroundandwhatlookedlikeeveryWolfintheFangpouredout.They’reallhere–Ranek,theLibrarians,theIronPriests.There’sahugemonster-machinetheycallBjorntheFell-Handed.Theysayhe’soneoftheAncients,thathewalkedbesideRuss.Allthefullbrotherswhowereinthemeditationcells.Amassofsupportequipment.Itlookslikewewalkedintoarealhornet’snest,andtheyintendtoclearitoutgoodandproper.‘MeandNilsandLarsjustgotbackfromwhereweputinthewordacoupleofminutesago.I

thoughtI’dcomeandseehowyouwerebeforeweheadbelowthemountain.’‘You’regoingbackin?’‘Tryandstopme!Thefirstsquadshavealreadystarted.They’relayingsealedcomm-wires,

checkingfordeadfalls,makingsureit’snotatrapandthewholeceilingwon’tfallinoncewe’realldownthere.TheThunderhawksarescanningthemountainlookingforanyotherexits.Oncewegettheall-clearwe’regoingbackdowninforcetocleartheChaosscumout.’‘Wekilledoneofthem,’Ragnarsaid.‘StrybjornandI.Wekilledtheleader,Madox.’‘SoIheard.TheLibrarianstoldeveryone.ThewholeChapteristalkingaboutit.Seemsit’salong

timesinceanyBloodClawwonafightwithafull-blownchampionofChaoslikeMadox.Seemslikeyouperformedamightydeed.’‘Wewerelucky.’‘Givenachoicebetweenaleaderwhoisluckyandaleaderwhoiswise,I’lltaketheonewhois

lucky,’Svensaid.‘Anyway,don’tsaythattooloudlyoryou’llspoilthingsforeverybodyroundthecamp.It’sthefirsttimesinceIgottoRussvikthatanybodyroundherehastreatedusasifwemattered.’‘Idon’tthinkthat’strue.Theyalwaystreatedusasifwemattered.That’swhytheyweresohardon

us.’‘Whatever.Whenyougetyourwoundsdealtwithcomedownandjoinus.Nilshasfoundus

somethingtoeat.’‘Iaminnowaysurprisedbythat,’Ragnarsaidandsmiled.Asenseofelationfinallyfilledhim.He

hadcomethroughhisbaptismoffirewithoutdisgracinghimself.Heknewthatsoontheywouldclearoutthisnestofvipersandavengetheirfallenbrethren.AndRagnarwaslookingforwardtoplayinghispartinthebrutalrevengetocome.

EPILOGUE

‘BrotherRagnar,’saidacoldclearcommandingvoice.‘BrotherRagnar,awake.’Ragnar ’seyessnappedopen.Hewassuddenlyawareofhissurroundings,ofthecoolmintytangof

medicalincense,ofthechillmarblefeelofthesurgicalaltarbeneathhisback,ofthewayhisbreathcongealedintocloudsinthecoolair.Helookedupandsawalinedandscarredfacesmilingdownintohisown.Thetwofangsrevealedbythegrintoldhimhewasinthepresenceofhisbattle-brothers.Thepaininhischestwarnedhimhewasbackamongtheliving.‘Icannotbeinhell,BrotherSigard.Youaretoouglytobeallowedthroughitsgates.’‘Andyouaretoomeantodie,BrotherRagnar.Althoughtotellthetruth,itwastouchandgothere

forawhile.Therewasapointwhenbothyourheartsstopped,andyourspiritwanderedfreefromitsbody.Wethoughtwehadlostyouthenforsure,butsomethingbroughtyouback.I’mnotsurewhat.’‘Istillhavebusinessamongtheliving,brother.Ihaveenemiestoslayandbattlestowin.Iamnot

yetreadytodie.Howgoesthewar?’‘Well.Wehaveclearedthedropsite,andImperialforcesaremovingintosecuretheperimeter.

We’vemadeagoodbeginningherebutthebattlewillgoon.Thesehereticsaretoughones,andrumourhasitthattheforcesofChaoshavereinforcedthem.IndeeditmaybethattheThousandSonsarepresentoncemore.TherearerumoursthatMadoxhasbeensightedleadingtheirtroops.’‘Andthereismyunfinishedbusiness,brother.TwiceIhavethoughtIkilledhim.Thirdtimewillbe

thecharm.’‘Iwishyouwellinyourquest,brother.Anditmaybethatyourwishwillbegrantedsoon,forour

enemiesaremountingamightycounter-attackagainstus.’‘HowsoonmayIleavehere?’Ragnarasked.‘Inanotherfewdays,brother.’‘Notgoodenough,’Ragnarsaid,ignoringthepainandliftinghimselffromthealtar.Thelife-

supporttubesautomaticallywithdrewfromtheinductionpointsinhisarmour.‘TheChapterwillneedeverymaninthiscomingconflict.’‘Asyouwish,BrotherRagnar,’Sigardsaid.Ragnarnoddedandmovedslowlytowardsthedoor.Fromoutsidehecouldhearthewelcome

thunderofbattle.

AboutTheAuthor

WilliamKing’sshortstorieshaveappearedinTheYear ’sBestSF,Zenith,InterzoneandWhiteDwarf.HeisthecreatoroftheGotrek&FelixnovelsandtheauthoroffourSpaceWolfnovels

starringRagnarBlackmane.HelivesinPrague.

Visittheauthor ’swebsiteatwww.trollslayer.net

ABLACKLIBRARYPUBLICATION

Publishedin1999byBlackLibrary,GamesWorkshopLtd.,WillowRoad,Nottingham,NG72WS,UK

CoverillustrationbyGeoffTaylor

©GamesWorkshopLimited,1999,2011.Allrightsreserved.

BlackLibrary,theBlackLibrarylogo,GamesWorkshop,theGamesWorkshoplogoandallassociatedmarks,names,characters,illustrationsandimagesfromtheWarhammer

universeareeither®,TMand/or©GamesWorkshopLtd2011,variablyregisteredintheUKandothercountriesaroundtheworld.Allrightsreserved.

ACIPrecordforthisbookisavailablefromtheBritishLibrary.

ISBN978-0-85787-084-1

Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording

orotherwiseexceptasexpresslypermittedunderlicensefromthepublisher.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Allthecharactersandeventsportrayedinthisbookarefictional,andanyresemblancetorealpeopleorincidentsispurelycoincidental.

SeetheBlackLibraryontheinternetat

blacklibrary.com

FindoutmoreaboutGamesWorkshop’sworldofWarhammerandtheWarhammer40,000universeat

www.games-workshop.com

eBooklicense

Thislicenseismadebetween:

GamesWorkshopLimitedt/aBlackLibrary,WillowRoad,Lenton,Nottingham,NG72WS,United

Kingdom(“BlackLibrary”);and(2)thepurchaserofane-bookproductfromBlackLibrarywebsite(“You/you/Your/your”)

(jointly,“theparties”)

Thesearethetermsandconditionsthatapplywhenyoupurchaseane-book(“e-book”)fromBlack

Library.Thepartiesagreethatinconsiderationofthefeepaidbyyou,BlackLibrarygrantsyoualicensetousethee-bookonthefollowingterms:

*1.BlackLibrarygrantstoyouapersonal,non-exclusive,non-transferable,royalty-freelicensetousethee-bookinthefollowingways:

o1.1tostorethee-bookonanynumberofelectronicdevicesand/orstoragemedia

(including,bywayofexampleonly,personalcomputers,e-bookreaders,mobilephones,portableharddrives,USBflashdrives,CDsorDVDs)whicharepersonallyownedbyyou;

o1.2toaccessthee-bookusinganappropriateelectronicdeviceand/orthroughany

appropriatestoragemedia;and

*2.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,youareONLYlicensedtousethee-bookasdescribedinparagraph1above.YoumayNOTuseorstorethee-bookinanyotherway.Ifyoudo,BlackLibraryshallbeentitledtoterminatethislicense.

*3.Furthertothegeneralrestrictionatparagraph2,BlackLibraryshallbeentitledto

terminatethislicenseintheeventthatyouuseorstorethee-book(oranypartofit)inanywaynotexpresslylicensed.Thisincludes(butisbynomeanslimitedto)thefollowingcircumstances:

o3.1youprovidethee-booktoanycompany,individualorotherlegalpersonwhodoesnot

possessalicensetouseorstoreit;

o3.2youmakethee-bookavailableonbit-torrentsites,orareotherwisecomplicitin‘seeding’orsharingthee-bookwithanycompany,individualorotherlegalpersonwhodoesnotpossessalicensetouseorstoreit;

o3.3youprintanddistributehardcopiesofthee-booktoanycompany,individualorother

legalpersonwhodoesnotpossessalicensetouseorstoreit;

o3.4Youattempttoreverseengineer,bypass,alter,amend,removeorotherwisemakeanychangetoanycopyprotectiontechnologywhichmaybeappliedtothee-book.

*4.Bypurchasingane-book,youagreeforthepurposesoftheConsumerProtection

(DistanceSelling)Regulations2000thatBlackLibrarymaycommencetheservice(ofprovisionofthee-booktoyou)priortoyourordinarycancellationperiodcomingtoanend,andthatbypurchasingane-book,yourcancellationrightsshallendimmediatelyuponreceiptofthee-book.

*5.Youacknowledgethatallcopyright,trademarkandotherintellectualpropertyrightsinthe

e-bookare,shallremain,thesolepropertyofBlackLibrary.

*6.Onterminationofthislicense,howsoevereffected,youshallimmediatelyandpermanentlydeleteallcopiesofthee-bookfromyourcomputersandstoragemedia,andshalldestroyallhardcopiesofthee-bookwhichyouhavederivedfromthee-book.

*7.BlackLibraryshallbeentitledtoamendthesetermsandconditionsfromtimetotimeby

writtennoticetoyou.

*8.ThesetermsandconditionsshallbegovernedbyEnglishlaw,andshallbesubjectonlytothejurisdictionoftheCourtsinEnglandandWales.

*9.Ifanypartofthislicenseisillegal,orbecomesillegalasaresultofanychangeinthelaw,

thenthatpartshallbedeleted,andreplacedwithwordingthatisasclosetotheoriginalmeaningaspossiblewithoutbeingillegal.

*10.AnyfailurebyBlackLibrarytoexerciseitsrightsunderthislicenseforwhateverreason

shallnotbeinanywaydeemedtobeawaiverofitsrights,andinparticular,BlackLibraryreservestherightatalltimestoterminatethislicenseintheeventthatyoubreachclause2orclause3.

TableofContentsTitlePageWarhammer40,000PrologueChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenEpilogueAboutTheAuthorLegaleBooklicense