TableofContents

Cover

Backlist

TitlePage

Warhammer

Map

VolumeOne–TheLordofAll

Prologue

ChapterI

ChapterII

ChapterIII

ChapterIV

ChapterV

ChapterV

ChapterV

ChapterVI

ChapterVII

ChapterVIII

ChapterIX

ChapterX

VolumeTwo–PrinceofChaos

ChapterXI

ChapterXII

ChapterXIII

ChapterXIV

ChapterXV

ChapterXVI

ChapterXVII

ChapterXVIII

Epilogue

AbouttheAuthor

AExtractfrom'Sigvald'

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Warhammer:TheEndTimes

SIGMAR’SBLOODTheprequeltotheEndTimes

THERETURNOFNAGASHBookOneoftheEndTimes

THEFALLOFALTDORFBookTwooftheEndTimes

THECURSEOFKHAINEBookThreeoftheEndTimes

THERISEOFTHEHORNEDRATBookFouroftheEndTimes

DEATHBLADEATaleofMalusDarkblade

Thisisadarkage,abloodyage,anageofdaemonsandofsorcery.Itisanageofbattleanddeath,andoftheworld’sending.Amidstallofthefire,flameandfuryitisatime,too,ofmightyheroes,of

bolddeedsandgreatcourage.

AttheheartoftheOldWorldsprawlstheEmpire,thelargestandmostpowerfulofthehumanrealms.Knownforitsengineers,sorcerers,tradersandsoldiers,itisalandofgreatmountains,

mightyrivers,darkforestsandvastcities.AndfromhisthroneinAltdorfreignstheEmperorKarlFranz,sacreddescendantofthe

founderoftheselands,Sigmar,andwielderofhismagicalwarhammer.

Butthesearefarfromcivilisedtimes.AcrossthelengthandbreadthoftheOldWorld,fromtheknightlypalacesofBretonniatoice-boundKislevinthefarnorth,comerumblingsofwar.InthetoweringWorldsEdgeMountains,theorctribesaregatheringforanotherassault.BanditsandrenegadesharrythewildsouthernlandsoftheBorderPrinces.Therearerumoursofrat-things,theskaven,emergingfromthesewersandswampsacrosstheland.Andfromthenorthernwildernessesthereistheever-present

threatofChaos,ofdaemonsandbeastmencorruptedbythefoulpowersoftheDarkGods.Asthetimeofbattledrawsevernear,

theEmpireneedsheroeslikeneverbefore.

‘Thankthegodsfortheirignorance.Foriftheprayersofmortalswereuniversallyanswered,therewouldbenaughtleftliving,sinceallprayforanendonetotheother.’

–IgnatzvanOffen,OfferedTruths

‘Anddoomcamedeckedinthefleshofman,Deathtoallhedidstdevise,Noinfernalcouldagainsthimstand,Twasthunderunderbrimstoneskies.’

–Daemonsong

PROLOGUE

‘Atthedawnoftheworld,wisdom–savageanduntamed–waswiththebeasts.TheDarkGodsdidnotspeaktotheweaklingraces.Theferals,thehalf-breedsandthechildrenofChaosweresenttoshowthemonstermanhowtoexpresshimselfthroughthebeast.Andwewereforeverrepaidinbloodandhate.’

–GreatBrayGorganhokoftheDarkTongue,TheLoreoftheWilds

HyborphregorIceShelfTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonofScars

Thestormhadcome.Hewasthere.Amongthem.Atonewiththehowlinggalesthatsweptup

sinistershores,throughtheblackspumingpeaksandacrosstheWastesofeverlastingice.Liketherollingthunderofsuchunnaturaltempests,Archaonhadtravelledfar.Fromonesideofthemiserableworldtotheother,hehadslainhis

waysouth.HehadsoughtoutthedarkchallengeoftheRuinousPowers.HehadrescuedtheartefactsofChaosfromobscurityandthehandsofenemiesunworthy.AlltobecometheEverchosenoftheDarkGods.TheLordoftheEndTimes.HeraldofinescapableArmageddon.Hehadbutcheredthosefoolishenoughtobelievethemselveschosen.Bestial

warlords.Exaltedwarriorsofdaemonpatronage,withliesbleedingfromtheirpoisonedears.Sorcerersandwitches,whosewretchedpowerscouldnotsavethemfromthecoldjudgementofArchaon’sblade.Hehadbeentheendtomonstersandslainwhatcouldnotbeslain.Hehadslaughteredentirearmies,includinghisown,fortheirunworthiness.OnlythoseworthyoftheapocalypsewouldjoinArchaon,asheusheredintheEndTimestocome.Andsoherehewas.Asfartothedaemonsouthasanyofmanfleshhadeverbeen.Flayedrawbytheinfernalfreeze.Courtingmadnesswiththeboundlesshorizon.Awillingslavetoceaselessslaughter.Archaontrudgedthroughtheblacksnow.Hisarmouredbootswerewrappedin

thefursofsomebarb-skinnedbeast,thebonyspinesofwhichgavethewarriorpurchaseacrossthefrostandice.Theskiesragedawayabovehim,spittingandswirlinglikeaghostly,maddenedcreature,chasingitsowntail.ThearmourofMorkar,FirstEverchosenofChaosscaldedhisskinwithitsrawembrace.Archaoncouldnotfeelsuchpain.Hewouldn’tallowit.Thecommonmiseriesofexistencewerenothingtohimnow.Witheverystephetooktowardsadoomofhisownmaking,hebecamelessofamanandmoreofanidea.Anabstraction.Alivingmiseryforotherstoendure.Hewasnotsomecharacterinagreattaletold.Hewasthesilenceafterthewords.Thecoversofthetomeslammedshut.Thecrackleofpageandinkonthefire.Hewasthenevermore.Holdinghisshieldoutbeforehim,Archaonturnedtheworstofthestorm’s

furyaside.Splintersoficeshatteredagainsttheeight-pointedstarofChaos.TheChaoswarlordcutanindomitablefigure,smearedintherelentlessblizzard,hiscloak,loinmailandthefursofshaggybeastfiendshehadbutcheredstreamingafterhimlikethetailofacomet.Hejangledwithskullsonchainsthatproducedamournfulmoaninginthewind.AsadandbittertuneforthebodiesArchaonleftinhiswake.TheChaoswarrior’strudgingfootstepsslowed.Hefeltsomethingthroughthe

solesofhisarmouredboots.Throughthefursandskinswrappedaboutthem.Throughthesnowthatcrunchedlikecharcoalandtheobsidianicethatgleamedwithdarkness.Atremor.Aquake.Archaontookseveralcautionarystepsback.Theicewasmoving.Itwasrising.ThefrozenmaskthatwasArchaon’sface

creakeditswaytoastiffsmilebeneathhisskull-helm.Hehadfoundit.Skiddingbackdowntheslopeofthebucklingiceandcascadingsnow,he

listenedtothecrackoftheicefloeasitshatteredbeneathhim.Likeapairofspearpointsthrustingupthroughtheice,twomightypinnaclesburstfreeofthefrozenland.Theywerejaggedandsharp,craftedroughlyfromsomekindofvolcanicrock.AsArchaonstumbledawaythroughanavalancheofsnowandicethatthreatenedtoengulfedhim,agreatpalaceeruptedfromthefrozenWastes.Halfswimmingawayfromthedarkwonder,Archaonpeeredupattheinfernalarchitectureofthedaemonfortress.ItallowedbothfortheperverseflourishesofaRuinouspalaceandthejaggedcrenellationsofafortification.Astheicepartedandcrumbled,themightybuildingshudderedskyward.Thegloomoftheheavensbroiledaboveit.Strangelightsrippledthroughthemaelstromandlightningcrackedbetweenthetwinpinnaclesandthefirmament.Itrenttheskyasunder.Asthemountainouspalacetrembledtoastopandthebillowingcloudsof

blacksnowbegantoclear,Archaoncouldmakeoutthestrangearchitectureofthemonstrosity.Althoughitwashewnfromsharp,blackstone–jaggedandirregular–thepalacehadbeencraftedinthelikenessofadaemonform.Thetwinpinnacleswerebothtowersandthethumb-clawsofgreatfoldedwingsthatformedthebuilding’smightywalls.Acraggyheadofinfernalhorrornestledbetweenthem,formingthepalacedome,whilethebroad,muscularbody,withitsruggedarms,cloven-clawedlegsandspikedtailhadbeencraftedcrouchedastheformidablefortressfoundations.‘Ihaveyounow,dissembler…’Archaongrowled,eachwordastreamofwhite

fromhishelm.TheChaoswarriorhadchasedthefortressacrosstheSouthernWastes.For

monthsnow–yearsforallArchaonknew,fortimemovedwithaperverseuncertaintyatthebottomoftheworld–Archaonandhismenhaddrunktheblacksnowandfeastedonnothingbutbeastflesh.Thecontinentwasoverrunwithmonstroushalf-breedsandbeastfiends:savage

tribesofcreaturesthatweredreadfusionsofanimalanddaemon.Hordesthat,liketheirdamnedbrethrenhidingintheforestsoftheEmpire,weredrawntothemosttwisted,giftedandmonstrousoftheirkind.Shamansandbeastlordsledtheirgreattribesoneagainsttheother,foramiserablepatchofblackicethattheymightcalltheirownandthebasegloryoftheirfellgods.Archaonhadroastedtheirflesh,worntheirbonesanddaubedhisarmourwiththeirsteamingblood.Hehadusedtheirhidesforwarmthandhadyokedtheirbarbarian

strengthasthewarlordofunitedtribes,forthecreaturesprizedvictoryanddominionaboveallthings.Indoingso,Archaonhadbroughtbattletothedaemons,monstersandfiendprincesthatruledthisfrozenhell.Thisbeasthehadsoughtalone.TheForsakenFortress,itwasheld,couldneverbesoughtout.Neverbefound.

ThosewhohadseenithadsimplyhappeneduponitsdreadformtoweringoutoftheWastes.Bythetimetheyhadreturnedtoshowotherstheirfind,themonstrosityhadgone.Sunkdownoncemore,belowtheice.DaemonpalacesandthefortsofblackicecraftedbythetribalbeastfiendscouldbefoundacrosstheWastes,especiallyinthecontinentalinterior.TheForsakenFortressmovedatwhim,however.Thestoneofitsconstructionhadcomefromfarbeloworbeyondtheiceandwascursed,likethedaemonprincetowhomitbelonged,withoutpermanentform.Be’lakor…TheShadowlord.TheDarkMaster.Firstoftheoblivionprinces.Harbingerof

theRuinousPowers.Be’lakor,whohadalwaysbeenwithhimandstalkedtheChaoswarriorstillacrosstheSouthernWastes.Archaonwouldnotbestalked,andresolvedtohuntthedarkpowerthathuntedhim.Perhapsthenhemightgainanswerstohisquestions.HemightlearnthelocationsoftreasuresofChaoshehadyettofind.TheattainmentofsuchwouldprovehisworthtothedreadPowersoftheworldandgranthimthetitleofEverchosenoftheChaosgods.HewouldbetheLordofEndTimesandtheHeraldofthecomingapocalypse.Onlythenwouldheshowman,beastandgodthefollyoftheirexistence.Hewouldplungeall,hispatrons,hisenemiesandeveryoneelse,intoaneverlastingdarkness.Atrueoblivion.Aplaceofneithergoodnorevilwherenothingcouldbewonorlost.Aneternalnothingness.Akingdomdevoid,wherenotevenArchaonwouldrule.ThedaemonprinceBe’lakorandhisForsakenFortresscouldnotsimplybe

found,sincenoneknewwherethedamnedpalacewouldappear.Archaonhadbeenforcedtotrusthiswanderingstouncertainty.Tothepotion-fuelledramblingsofBrayShaman,theinterpretationsofauroralghostlights,thebargainsofdaemonprinces,cursedwiththetellingoftruthsandtheriddlesofhiswizenedsorcererSheerian.KhezulaSheerian,whohadservedtheGreatChanger.Sheerian,whoseadvicehadseenArchaonslaughterhisownarmyandsenttheChaoswarriorintothejawsoftheChaosdragonFlamefang.Whosereadingofghostlights,shamanicramblingsandinfernalliesnowsentArchaonintodangeragain.Intothelairofdaemonroyalty.Intotheclutchesofacreaturethathadwatchedthemfromafarwithdoom-hungryeyes.

SuchmiserableintelligenceplacedtheForsakenFortressontheHyborphregorIceShelf.Theenchantedjewel,theEyeofSheerian,confirmeditsdisappearancefromwhereithadbeenlastreportedamongstthefierypeaksofthecoast.Withthis,Archaonhadsetoffforthedaemonpalace.LeavinghisbestialarmywithEinsandhisSwordsofChaos,withthestorm-wrackedskiesmakingflightforthewarriorsimpossible,Archaonhadbeenforcedtocrossthemidnighticeontuskgor-draggedsledsandmountedonstrangedaemonsteeds.Hehadkilledthemall,pushingthecreatureswithsuchunrelentingferocityacrossthefrozenwilderness.ThefinallegofthejourneyArchaonhadtrudgedonhisown,insistingonnolessfortitudefromhimselfthanthebeastshehadsenttoanicygrave.Nowthathewasstandingbeforeit,theredidn’tappeartobeawayintothe

daemonpalace.ThismadeaperversekindofsensetotheChaoswarrior.Whatneedsuchacreatureforagate,doororportcullisatthefrontofhispalace?Whyrisksuchaweaknessinfortification,whenmonsters,roaringarmiesofbestialhalf-breedsordaemonicfoesmighthappenupontheForsakenFortressandattack?Whynotofferthemtheindomitabilityofsolidrock?Scrutinisingthetoweringfortress,withtheglassstormraginguselesslyabout

it,Archaonsawthathalfwayupthestructure,belowthedaemondomeofthepalace,wasagreatcarvinginthestone.Theeight-pointedRuinousStarofBe’lakor’scalling,acrossthedreadarchitectureofthedaemon’schest.ItwasthesamestarthatadornedArchaon’sshield.LiketheChaoswarrior,thedaemonprinceserveddoominallitsforms,notfavouringonedarkgodoveranother.Atthecentreofthestar,however,Archaonsawasliveroflight.Aweakness.Acrackinthestone,asthoughthemightyfortificationhadbeenbreached.Within,theblueghoulishnessofunnaturallightshone.Archaonshoulderedhisshieldandclawedhiswayupthroughthesnowbank.

Hehadcomethisfar.TheForsakenFortresswouldnotforsakehim.Ifthethingattemptedtodescendintotheiceitwouldhavetotakehimwithit.Wheretheiceandpalacefoundationsmetthesnowsteamed.Whenhereachedouttoit,thestonefeltstrangeagainsthisgauntlets.Itwasn’tthesearingcoldhehadcometoexpect.Throughthemetalofhisfingertips,thefortificationfeltwarm,asthoughheatedbysomeinfernalfirewithin.Haulinghimselfuptheprecipitouswallandusingthecrooksandcranniesofthevolcanicstoneforfingerandtoeholds,Archaonclimbedthedaemonpalace.Withthearchitecturecraftedtoresembletheinfernalprincehimself,Archaonfeltasifhewereascendingthemountainousformofatitanorgod.

Sidlingalongjaggedledges,dragginghimselfupbyhisfingertipsandleapingforrazor-edgedpurchase,Archaonclimbedthestoneperversion.WhenhereachedthebottompointoftheRuinousStar,hehauledhimselfintothegreatarrowheadcutintothestone.Fromtherehesettledhisarmouredbackagainstonesideofthecarvedshaftformingthearrowandbothhisbootsandgauntletsagainsttheother.Bracedbetweentherock,theChaoswarriorshimmiedandscrapedhiswayupthecentreofthestar,wherehefoundthesliverofanopening.Itdidnotappeartobepartoftheinfernaldesign.Ifanything,itlookedlikedamage.Thefortressseemedtohavebeenstabbedintheheart.Passinghisshieldthroughfirstandanglinghishornedhelm,Archaonslidhisbackplate,breastplateandmusculartorsothroughthecleftintherock.Withinthedaemonpalace,thesoundoftheblizzarddiedtonothingand

Archaonwasbathedinadullbluelight.Itwasimpossibletotellwheretheghoulishilluminationcamefrom,sincetherewerenobrandsortorches.Thefloorpossibly,orthewalls.These,unliketherock-likearchitectureoftheexterior,weresmooth.Thelinesofthechamberflowed.Everythingwasroundedandorganic,asthoughtheribs,bonesandspikesofthedaemon’sskeletonhadbeenreproducedwithin.Takingtheweightofhisshield,ArchaondrewTerminus.Thetemplarblade

smoulderedinthegloomofthepalace.TheSigmariteswordhadtravelledwithitswieldertohellandback.Ithadsparkedbladetobladewithdaemonswordsandbeenburiedinthecorruptionofthedoubly-damned.ItsmetalandthecarvediconographyoftheGod-KinghadbeenstainedbytheslayingofthousandsinthenameoftheRuinousPowers…andstillalittleofitsnobilityremained.Inthedeepstrengthoftheblade,thetruenessofitscleavingedgeandtheringofitsmetaloffenemysteel,itstillcarriedsomeofthecalibreofitsformercalling.Despitethis,andinsomewaysbecauseofit,therewasnobladeArchaonwouldratherhavebetweenhimandafoe.Indeed,tothedaemonandthedamned,theswordstillstankoffaithandburnedthefleshwithitscoldvirtue.Leadingthewaywiththefaintlyglowingblade,Archaonmovedthroughthe

rib-linedchambersandrachidianpassagewaysofthepalace.Hewasfocused.Hewasready.Shouldanydaemonservantproceedfromthedarknessorrushhimfromthestrangearchitecture,thedarktemplarwouldcleavethemintwo.Therewasnothing,however.Nohorrorshauntedthepalace.Nothingswaitedforhimintheshadow.TheForsakenFortressseemedempty.YetArchaonfeltlikehewasbeingwatched.Thedarknessthatafflictedthelengthsofbone-linedcorridorswasamirrorthroughwhichhecouldnotseebutcouldbeseen.

Youarefarfromhome…Thevoicewaseverywhere.Theboomwasbottomless,liketheabyss,andthe

wordsseethedlikehellishflame.Itwasavoicehehadknownhiswholelifeyethadneverheard…untilnow.TheChaoswarriormovedacrossalargechamber,lookingabouthim.He

slowlyturnedandswishedTerminusallaround.Hepeeredintothedarkrecessesofalcoves.Hecrookedhisnecktolookbackthewayhehadcome,thepathnowlosttoshadow.Ashemovedthroughthenightmarishinteriorofthepalace,themurkrecededtorevealalargefigureinthecentreofthechamber.LiketheForsakenFortress,itwashorned,cloven-clawedandbroadofwing.ToArchaon,itappearedtobeareplicaofthefortressinminiature.Atfirst,hetookitforthedaemonoverlordofthepalaceitself,butashis

shuffledstepsanddefensiveturnstookhimcloser,hesawtheinfernalfigureforwhatitwas.Athrone.Craftedfromthesameroughstoneasthepalaceinwhichitsat.Thedaemonprince’scrouchinglegsformedtheseat,itsstar-scarredchestthebackanditsclaspedtalonsthearms.Thehornedhorrorthatwasthedaemon’sgrotesqueheadformedakindofcraftedcrown,whiletheleathery,outstretchedwings,hewnfromvolcanicrock,gavethethroneahellishgrandness.Forallitsimposingabomination,thethronewasempty,likethepalace.‘IamwhereIneedtobe,daemon,’Archaonansweredbackfinally.Hiswords

returnedtohimwithastrangequality,echoingthroughthetorturousskeletalstructureofthedaemonpalace.Thatismoretruethanyoucaneverknow.Thoughnotmanywhohavesought

outtheForsakenFortresshavefoundit.‘IamArchaon,’theChaoswarriorspat,anglinghishelmaboutthedark

entrancestothechamber.‘IamthechosenoftheDarkGodsandtheendtotheentireworld.Nothingisbeyondme.’Iambeyondyou,chosenone.‘AndyethereIstand,Be’lakor,’Archaonspat.‘Ihaveyourname,daemon.I

haveallyournames.Shadowlord.DarkMaster.CursedoftheRuinousGods.You,whohavewatchedmefromoblivion,likethecravenbeingyouare.Istareback,abyssalthing.Iseeyounow,daemonprince,thoughtherebelittleornothingtosee.AndhereIstand,beforeyourcursedthronewithinyourcursedcastle.’ArchaonwavedTerminusatthedarknessininvitation.Thebladesmoulderedwithexpectation.‘Timeforusbothtotakeacloserlook,don’tyouthink?IfI’mlucky,aswithyourpalace,Imightgettoseeinside.’

AsArchaonturned,hisweaponready,hisgoodeyeandthedarksightofhisruinedsocketeverywhere,hesethisafflictedgazeoncemoreonthemightythrone.Init,craftedinhisownimage,sattheinsanitythatwasthedaemonBe’lakorwithinarockypalacethatwasthesame.‘Daemon,’Archaontoldit.‘Youhaveanunduefascinationwithyourself.’Thebeastlaughed.Itwashorribletohear.Likethedeeptormentofrockand

earth,asthelandquakesandcontinentsheave.Andwithyou…Asthecreaturespoke,theblueinfernoburningwithinhimescapedhisugly

maw.‘I’mheretoputanendtothat,creature,’thedarktemplartoldit,moving

slowlyandsteadilyinonthethinginthethrone.Agreatinfernalbladeofjaggedblacksteelstooduprightbeforethethrone,heldinplacebythelooselyclaspedtalonofthestonearm.Thedaemonprince’sownclawrestedonthepommelspikeoftheweapon.Oh,youare,areyou?‘Butfirstyouwillgivemethesatisfactionofallthatisunknowntome,but

knowntoyou,’theChaoswarriorthreatened.Youwantsecrets…‘Iwanttruths,’hetoldit.‘AndI’llhavethem,evenifIhavetocutthemoutof

you,dreadthing.’ThelivingtruththatisArchaon,chosenoftheChaosgods.‘Aye.’Archaonmovedin.Thedaemonprincerearedfromhisthroneofstone,

dragginghiscolossalbladewithhim.Thebeast’swingsspreadandhethrusthisferociousdaemonheadforward,shakingthecrownofhornsashespoke.Wellyoucan’thaveit,mortal,Be’lakorroaredathim,hiswordssearingwith

hellfire.Youimpudentworm–boldofwordbutfeebleofflesh.‘Ithoughtyoumightsaythat,’Archaonreturned.AsBe’lakordraggedthetip

ofhisinfernalbladeacrossthefloorofthethroneroomandturnedituprightinhisclaws,theChaoswarriordidtheopposite.TurningTerminusaboutinhisgauntlets,heaimedthepointofthecrusaderbladeatthefloor.‘See,youcan’tgivewhatyoudon’thave,daemon.’ArchaonstabbedhisSigmariteswordstraightdownintothefloorofthethrone

room.Insteadofturningthebladetipasidelikethesmoothrockitappearedtobe,thematerialadmitteditslengthwithashowerofsparks.ThebladesteamedwiththehonourofitspastdeedsinthenameoftheGod-King.Thestoneaboutit

begantobubbleandchurn.Be’lakorletoutaroarthatdescendedintoahideousshriek.ThepalacetrembledaboutArchaonandthedaemon.Itshuddered.Itquaked.Thedaemonprinceclutchedhischestandcrashedtohisknees.TheRuinousStarscarredintohisfleshsteamedalso.Theinfernalbladetumbledfromhisgrip,fallingstraightthroughthefloorwithasplatterofstone,asthoughithadbeendroppedintoalake.Archaonturnedhisgreatswordinthebroilingstoneofthewound.Be’lakor

screeched.Hiswingsflappedandhisspinearched.Hiskneessankintothefloorandhisclawstrailedstringystonewherehehadsplashedthemorphingmaterialinhisinfernalagonies.‘Nowwe’retalking,’Archaontoldthedaemon.‘Thisisalanguagethatboth

ofuscanunderstand.’Be’lakor’sclawstoreathisdaemonform.Hewasbecomingonewithhis

surroundings.Inthethroesofwhite-hotpainandthepuritythatstillafflictedthecrusadersword’ssteel,hewaschanging.Thepalacewasalsolosingitsconsistency.Liquidrockgloopedandstreamedfromtheceilingwhiletheribsandbonescontortedwithinthestructure.Be’lakorandpalacewereasone.ExceptneitherwereBe’lakor.‘Yourname,daemon,’Archaondemandedashisswordburnedinthe

monster’sflesh.Itswingsandfeaturesdribbledaway.Thecreaturesankintothefloor.Intoitself.Itsplashedlikeaflailingswimmerbeforethrashingbeneaththesurfaceofthestone.Itsfacerippledthroughthehorrificvisageofathousandotherdiabolicalthings.ArchaonpulledTerminusfromthedaemonflesh.Foramomenteverythingwassilent.Theshriekingagonythatshookthepalacewasgone.TheForsakenFortresshadmeltedtoaruptured,contortedmess.Archaonlosthisfootingasthefloorseemedtosinkthroughthepalace.The

Chaoswarriorturnedthegreatswordaboutinhisgrip,aimingitstipbackatthefloorathisfeet.Likeacorpseinariver,thedaemonfloatedtothesurfaceofthestone.Itwasalesserthingnow.Athingofarmsandhiddenform,lostwithinthetwistingfoldsofahoodedshroud.Asthecolourofthestonebleachedfromit,thedaemonbegantomove.ArchaonliftedTerminushigher,indicatinghisintentiontoburytheSigmarite

swordinthecreature’sextendedformoncemore,butthewallsliquefiedabouthim.Thepalacecascadedaroundhimtowardstheicefloe.Thefingersofonepunyarmbeggedhimtodesist.TherazorgalesoftheSouthernWastesandblizzardsofsplinterediceonceagainintrudedonthescene.Archaonwasstandinginaseaofstone.Thesearetractedtoalake.Thenthelaketoapuddle

aboutthedaemonuntilfinallythethingheldonlyitsownform.Archaonsteppedforward,holdinghisshieldbeforethemaelstromandTerminushighabovehishead.‘Enoughofyourtricks,dissembler,’thedarktemplartoldit.‘Yourname.’‘Longforgotten,’thecreaturemanaged.‘Alongwiththefacethatitbelonged

to.’‘Well,Changeling,’Archaonroaredthroughthehowlingwind.‘Itmattersnot

thatyouareknown.Onlywhatyouknow.’‘Yousoughtmeout?’‘Yes,daemon,’Archaonsaid.‘Itissaidbythebestialshamansanddiabolical

creaturesofthislandthatyouareadeceiverandthatyoumeddleinthegreataffairsofthisdarkworld.Thatyouholdalookingglasstoboththedamnedandthedamningandthatyoubecomewhatisseen.’‘Ihavemyquestionablegifts,Archaon,’theChangelinghissed,‘asthechosen

oftheRuinousPowersmusthavehisown.’‘ThenyouhaveheldyourglasstotheinfernalprinceIseek,’Archaonsaid,

circlingtheprostratemonstrositywithhisswordassnowfallgatheredaboutthedaemon.‘Ihavestudiedhim.’‘Why,darknidthing?Speakandlivetoholdyourmirroragain.’‘Itpleasesmymaster…’theChangelingtoldhim.‘…thegreatLordTzeentch,

tohavetheDarkMaster’sambitionsfrustrated.’‘AndsoyouimpersonateBe’lakor,hisform,hisfortress.’‘Togod-pleasingperfection.’‘Youareatwistedthing,Changeling,’Archaontoldthedaemon,‘onacrooked

pathtonowhere.’‘Itismyfate,’ittoldhim.‘ItisthefateofalltheGreatChanger’sservants.’‘SoIwastoldbythemonstrositiesthatledmetoyou,’Archaonsaid.‘Your

damnedjourney,yourtwistedpath,mightnotbeanyusetoyou,lostone.Butitmightbetome.Archaon,chosenofalltheDarkGods.Choose,Changeling.Assistmeoracceptthatyourjourneyendshere,withmyswordasyourgravemarker,atsomeByzantinecrossroadsonyourlostpath.’Archaongrabbedthedaemonbythelengthsofitstwistedshroudanddragged

itovertoablacksnowbankthatofferedalittleshelterfromthestorm.Inthedepthsofthesnowbank’sshadow,theblizzarddiedtoawhisper.Archaonstaredatthedaemon.Aboutthemthesoutherncontinentwasablastedwinterwastelandofwarpedconfusion.Theshreddingsplintersoficedriftedtothe

groundandstopped.Thesnowbegantocreakandfreezeaboutthemasthetemperatureplummeted.Archaon’splatescorchedhisskinwiththeabyssalcold.Hetensedasthedaemoncreaturebeforehimgottoitsfeetinthesnow.Subtlebuthorrificchangesweretakingplaceinsidethedepthsofthething’shoodedshroud.Somethingmoreresilienttothebenumbingsurroundings.‘Don’ttestme,warpedservantofTzeentch.’‘AsIsaid,’ittoldhim,everatchangebeneaththefrostedfolds,‘itpleasesmy

mastertofrustratethedaemonprinceyouseek.HowmayIassistyou,greatArchaon?’TheChaoswarriornodded.Satisfied.‘YouhavestudiedBe’lakor?’‘AsIhavestudiedallwhosefleshIassume,’theChangelingsaid.‘AsIhave

studiedyou,Archaon,whoseboundlessambitionsurpassesevenyouragelessfather-in-shadow.’‘Whatdidyousay?’‘Isaytoomuch,perhaps,’theChangelingtittered.Archaonshookhishelm

slowly.TheChaoswarriorhadcrossedthesurfaceoftheknownworldandhadtravelledtohellandback.Hisexperiences–thedarktruths,thebetrayalsandtheslaughter–hadlongwashedanythingapproachingsentimentalityfromhiscursedbones.Thereweretruthshemustknow,however,evenabouthimself,ifheweretoproceedinhisapocalypticquest.‘YousaywhatyourRuinousmasterwantsyoutosay,’Archaontoldthe

Tzeentchianmonstrosity.‘Youareamiserablemessenger.Nomore.So,letusplayyourdarklord’sgame.Youmentionedmyfather.TowhichIamsupposedtoreply,“Ineverknewmyfather”.Ormymother,forthatmatter.I’manorphan.AbandonedonthestepsofanImperialtemple.Atempleofthethrice-cursedGod-King.’‘Yourmotherwasanothing,’theChangelingtoldArchaon.‘Baseborn.

Simple.Unremarkable.Uncloudedofheartinawayourfoetidkindabhor.Thekindofheartourmastersrevelincorrupting.’ArchaonburnedintotheChangelingwithanunswervinggaze.‘Buttheynevergotthechance.’‘No,’theChangelingsaid.‘Herbloodisonyou,Archaon.Shediedinbirth.In

thelaboursofdeliveringtheapocalypsetotheworld.’Archaon’sgauntletcreakedaboutthehiltofTerminus.TheTzeentchian

servantwasenjoyingthis.‘Andmyfather?’‘Youhavehadseveral,Archaon,’thecreaturetoldhim.‘Thewretchwhose

wifeyoutookandthenlefttoraiseyouryounglingbrothers.’‘Ihavebrothers?’‘Half-brothers,’theChangelingcackled.‘Buttheyarelongdead,Archaon.

Youhaveoutlivedthem,chosenone.’‘Myfather?’‘IsBe’lakor,ofcourse,’theChangeling’scacklebecameahowlinglaugh.

Archaonsurgedforwardsandlandedaheavykickinthecreature’smidriffwithanarmouredboot.Theimpactsmashedthedaemonback,sendingittumblingthroughtheblacksnow.Archaonstompedafterit,standingoveritsbrokenform.TheChangelingdidnotgetup.Itcoughed.Itwheezed.Itchokedandspatdaemonbloodfromtherecessesofitsshroud.Thebloodsizzledontheice.‘Thepassionofthepresentwillnotundothepainfultruthsofthepast,’the

Changelingtoldhim.‘Be’lakor.’‘Youarehis,chosenone,’thethingcoughed.‘Didyounotquestion,notfor

once,whatyouhaveachievedandhowyoucouldhaveachievedit?Outofthethousands,naymillionsoflowlycreaturesofthisworldthatacheforthepowertochallengetheirstarsandchangetheirfate,whyshouldithavebeenyou?Whyshouldyouhaverisenfromobscurity?Whyshouldyoubethechosen,theEverchosenofChaos?TheHeraldoftheApocalypse…theLordoftheEndTimes?’‘ThenIam…’‘Nothing…something…everything,’theChangelinghissedfromwithinits

hood.‘Likeme,likeallwhoservethepowersoflightandthepowersofdarkness,youwillbewhatyouareneededtobe.Havenodoubt,though,ArchaonofthedistantEmpire.Youareblessedwithdaemonlineage.Youarethesonofaprince,chosenone–whichinsomecornersofthisfoetidworldwouldmakeyouaprinceinyourownright.Youarespecialnotjustbecauseofwhatyoumadeofyourselfandyourcircumstances.Lookatyou.Youstandwherenomortalmanhasstoodbefore.Youareundoubtedlyanindomitablesoul.Youarealsospecialbecauseofwhatothersmadeofyouandthecircumstancesoftheirown.Principally,yourfather-in-shadow.’Archaonleanedin.ThetipofTerminusreachedintotheChangeling’shood.

Thedaemonleanedbackintotheblackslush.‘Andwhatdoesmyfatherwantofme?’Archaonaskedthroughclenched

teeth.‘Youhavebeenhim.Youmustknow.Whydoeshestalkme?Whatdoesthisthingofdarknesswant?’

‘Whathehasalwayswanted,’theChangelinganswered.‘Fromthedawnoftime.Whatmymaster,theGreatChangerdeniedhim.Tocommandthelegionsofhell.Tobethemasteroftheentireworldagain.Tosubvertmymaster’scurseofeternalservitudeandbetheEverchosenoftheChaosgods.’‘Whatdoesthathavetodowithme?’Archaongrowled.‘Everything,Isuspect,’theChangelingsaidbeforetheseethingsteelof

Archaon’ssword.‘Butintruth,Idonotknow.Somedaemonsecretsareburieddeep,beyondevenmyarch-powersofstudyandreproduction.Youarewrong,Archaon.Ideceive.Idonotbecome.Theinfernalandalmightyhaveawayofshowingyoueverything,yettrulytellingyounothing.UnlikemyRuinousmaster,Icannotbeallandknowall.’‘Idon’tbelieveyou,deceiver,’Archaontoldthedaemon.‘Thatisirrelevant,’thewretchedcreaturesaid.‘IhavetoldyouallIknow.The

restyoumustaskofyourfather-in-shadow,himself.Foronlyheknows.’ArchaonheldtheChangelingthere.ThedeepfreezeoftheSouthernWastes

creptupthroughtheirbones.‘Ihavedonewhatyouhaveasked,chosenofChaos.Destroyme,’thedaemonsaidfinally.‘Orreleaseme.’Archaonconsidered.‘BeforeImakethatdecision,’theChaoswarriorsaid.‘Onemorething.You

mustknowBe’lakor’spalace,tohavereproduceditsofaithfully.Whereisit,Changeling?’ThedaemonhisseditshatredatArchaon.‘TheForsakenFortressappearsanddisappearsatperversewhim,’thecreature

toldhim.‘ThisIknowalready.’‘Sometimesitremainsforweeks,’theChangelingsaid,‘sometimesfor

seconds.RightnowitsitsonthePustularPlain.’‘Neverheardofit.’‘Tisarealmfartothewest,’theChangelingsaid.‘Wheretheicemeltstoa

boggytundraaboutarashofvolcanicpeaksthatsuppurateandoozewithdisease.’‘HowmightIreachsuchadamnedplace?’Archaonasked.‘Bytravellingsouth…’‘Yousaiditwasfartothewest,’Archaongrowled.‘YoucouldneverreachthePustularPlainonfoot,’theChangelingtoldhim.

‘Andcertainlynottrailinganarmyofbeastfiends.Thejourneyisfarandthegeographybetweenhereandtherechallengingandeverchanging.Bywing,by

sled,byexhaustedstepyoucouldnotmakeitintime.’‘Thenwhatcould?’‘Inthesouth,closetothecontinentalinteriortowardswhichyouhavewaged

war,youwillfindotherdaemonpalaces.’‘AbouttheGate?’‘TheGatelands,’theChangelingsaid,‘Yes…thereyouwillfindthepalaceof

thedaemonlordAgrammon.Hekeepsaninfamousmenagerieinthepalacegrounds,housingeverydreadcreatureimaginable.HisprizepossessionisDorghar,daemonicSteedoftheApocalypse.Youwillneedtogainentrytothepalace,stealthebeastandbreakit.ForitistheonlycreatureIknowcanmakethejourneytothePustularPlaininthetimeyoumayormaynothave.’ArchaonturnedhishelmtoonesideandpeereddownattheChangeling,

attemptingtopenetratethedepthsofitshoodedshroud.WithsuddenviolencetheChaoswarriorsteppedforwards,puttingabootonthedaemon’schestandforcingitdownintotheblackslush.HeheldTerminusabovethecreature.‘TheSteedoftheApocalypse,’Archaonseethed.‘ThefourthtreasureofChaos,’theChangelingcackled,theinformationforced

fromhim.Archaonmarvelledforadreadmoment.ThefourthtreasureofChaos.Hehad

beentraversingobsidianandiceforlongerthanhecouldremember.Slayingdaemons.Butcheringbeastfiends.Searching.Eversearching.ItwasoneofthereasonshewasseekingoutBe’lakor,theoblivionprince.Answers.Itseemednowhewouldhavethem.TheeternallyburningMarkofChaosthatheworeonhisflesh.ThefabledarmourofMorkarthatcladthatflesh.TheEyeofSheerian,thesorcerousjewelretrievedfromtheChaosdragonFlamefang,nowsafelyensconcedintheskull-faceofhisbattlehelm.Allgreatartefactsofdarknessthathadbelongedtoformerchampionsofevil.ThosewhohadbornetheblessingoftheRuinousPowersinequalmeasure.Thosewhohadachievedthetitle‘EverchosenofChaos’.Thefourthwasasteedworthyofsuchawarrior.Asteedhewouldtameandwho,inturn,wouldcarryhimacrosstheSouthernWastestotheForsakenFortress.‘Andyouweregoingtotellmethiswhen?’ArchaonroaredattheChangeling.‘Youneverasked,’thedaemonsaidsilkily.Itwastrue.Archaonhadn’t.The

Chaoswarriorgrunted.Takinghisbootfromthecreature’schest,hestartedtotrudgebackthroughthesnowandrisingstorm.Hehadlefthisarmyofbeastfiendsmanyleaguesdistant.HiswingedSwordshadbeengroundedinthestormand,althoughhardyandferocious,themonstroushalf-breedsthatmadeup

hishordewereriotousandslow.ItwasthereasontheChaoswarriorhadsetoffaloneinthefirstplace.ArchaonheardthedaemonChangeling’sharshlaughteronthefrozenair.‘Beware,Archaon,’theTzeentchianwretchsaid.‘Thedaemonlord

Agrammonisaslaver.Takecareyoudonotbecomepartofhisinfernalcollection.’‘Tohellwithyou,daemon,’Archaonsnarled,holdinghisshieldoncemore

beforetheshreddinggales.Buttheywerealreadythere.

‘Beyondthemapsandchartsofman,wheregoldliescoldandunplundered,thereliesableakandhellishland,ofsavagedarknessandthunder.

Notreeorforestevergrowsinthislightlessrealmofcold,alandoficeandmidnightsnow–scorchedbystormsofshriekingsouls.

Throughswarmsofbeastsandfrenziedfiends,fightsamanwhohastravelledfar–inhimtheendcomestotheselands,insearchofsignsandtreasuresdark.

Awretchedplacethatknowsnopeace,beforehisbladedreaddaemonsfall–tohisbannerflockbandsofbeasts:amonstroushordebehindhimforms.

Heleadsthemthroughanancientgate–aragingportaloverwhelmed–throughwhichhisdestinyawaits:passagetoanabyssalrealm.’

–NecrodomotheInsane,TheLiberCaelestior(TheCelestineBookofDivination)

CHAPTERI

‘TheGreatBeastistheland’sfurytovent,Decimationforotherstoknow.Heisthetoplessmountains’tormentAndunendingdesolation’swoe.’

–TheClovenTribalChant

TheHaemorrhagiaTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

Archaonwentsouth.Eversouth.Theicefrozetobreakingbeneathhisbootsandtheairseethedwithburninglethality.Thewindhowleditsmournfulgoadingandtheheavenschurnedtheirblackintention.ThechosenoftheDarkGodspushedonthroughthemidnightdrifts,theskinsandfurstrailingabouthisplatecrispwiththebitingfreeze.BehindhimtheSwordsofChaostrudged,theirblackwingsheldbeforethemtodeflecttheworstofthesnowcarriedontheburninggales.DeckedoutinahotchpotchcollectionofplateandmailscavengedfromdaemonicfoesfelledinArchaon’spathandfursskinnedfromshaggyhalf-

breeds,theyhadtheappearanceoffrostedgargoyles.Eins.Zwei.Drei.WiththemisshapenVier,twistedtogrotesquery,stompingupbehindthem.Hismalformedwings,nowuselessforflight,wereextendedaboutGiselle.GiselleDantziger.FormerSisteroftheImperialCross.Giselle,whohad

carriedfromtheHammerfalltheLiberCaelestior–heavywiththesecretsofArchaon’sfutureandinescapabledamnation–andchangedthefateofalltheworld.ThefriendwhomArchaonhadmadeprisoner.TheprisonerwhomArchaonhadtakenasalover.Thegirlwhowasinequalpartshisdeathandsalvation.Whoseheart,eveninthisdamnedplace,stillbeatwithsimpledevotiontotheGod-Kingwhohadabandonedhertouch.Whosetouchwastorment,burningwithanindomitablepurity.WhosetouchArchaoncouldnotseemtolivewithout.ShetrippedandstumbledundertheweightofthefursinwhichArchaonhadburiedher.Woollyhidesthathehadskinnedfromtheshaggybeastfiendsofthecontinentalinteriorandthathadformerlyprotectedthehalf-breedsfromthemurderouscold.Withhisothertwistedwing,VierdidhisbesttoprotectKhezulaSheerian

fromthemaelstrom.Sheerian,daemonicsorcererofTzeentch.TowhomthethirdtreasureofChaos,theenchantedjewel,theEyeofSheerianhadbelonged.Theancientcarriedhimselfwithperpetualpainandtheburdenofawizenedbody.Hunchedandusinghisbonestafftodragthedeformityofabird’slegthroughthesnow,hisfilthyrobeswereapatchworkofsinew-sewnskinsandacloakofheavyblackfur.Hisage-mottledskullwasbaretothebroilingheavensandthelustrousstrandsofhismoustachetrailedbehindhimintheharshwind.WhereasArchaonfoundthathelovedGisellebutinturnwashatedbyher,the

ChaoswarriorsimplyhatedSheerian.Despitehisanimositytowardsthesorcerer,Archaonhadfoundthedaemontobeausefulguide.InthedepthsoftheSouthernWastes,wherethebeasthordes,long-forgottenmonstrositiesandthedangerousdaemonsofChaosheldsway,Sheerian’ssurvivaldependedasmuchonArchaon’sswordarmandsavageleadershipasArchaon’sdependeduponthesorcerer’sdarkcounsel.Thesorcererhadhisuses.AshehungeredforhispreciousEye,itsintoxicatinggiftoffarsightandthesecretsoftheworlditrevealed,ArchaonachedforthefurthertreasuresoftheRuinousGods.TheartefactsofdarknessthroughwhichArchaonwouldearnthedreadtitleEverchosenofChaos.Sheerian’scursedknowledge,sorceriesandhisinterpretationoftheEye’senchantedsightshadhelpedtokeepthemfromharm.Hehadguidedhisworldlymaster(forbeyondArchaon,Sheerianservedno

otherthanthedreadedTzeentch)ontowardshisdestiny.Hehadrevealedthe

GoreGlacier,thetreacheryofAlgis-KarandthedarksecretsoftheWinterKing.IthadbeenSheerianwhohadrevealedthetreacheryofthedaemonicthingArchaonhadcometoknowastheChangeling,andindoingsohadnotonlylearnedthelocationoftheoblivionprinceBe’lakor,buthadalsobetrayedabrotherTzeentchian.IftheGreatChangerhadn’tbeensuchatwistedentityofunfathomableevil,Sheerianmighthavefearedaninfernalretribution.Asitwas,Archaonhalfsuspectedthesorcererwouldreceivesomewarpedgiftormalformedblessinginstead.Thundercrashedacrosstheskies.Lightningslashedthefirmamentintwo,

throwingArchaon’sarmyintoimpossibleshadowagainsttheobsidianiceoftheSouthernWastes.Awretchedcavalcadeofshaggyhide,hornandmuscle.Archaon’shordewasanarmyofbeasts.TheSouthernWasteswereallbutunknownbythemenoftheeastandwest

andavoidedbytheelderraces.Onlythedaemon,themonsterandthebeastmanswarmeditsblackicefloesandmountainouswilderness.Tribesofsavagehalf-breedsfoughtforwarmthintheirbones,fleshintheirbelliesandterritorialsupremacy.Manywereicebarbarians,whoworethefrost-threadedfursofconqueredenemiesandwieldedprimitiveweaponsofboneandstone.Withno‘men’intheSouthernWastestherewerenotrue‘beastmen’,suchasArchaonhadencounteredeverywhereelseonhisdoomedtravels.ThecreaturesoftheSouthernWasteswereaneye-stingingfusionofbeastandlesserdaemon,theinfernalentitiesthatplaguedthebenightedwildernesswiththeirmalevolence.Theywerebeastfiends,ledbythefoetidbestoftheirkind.Brutesblessedwitheitherdarkcunningormurderousmight.Shamanswhoreadtribaldestiniesinblood-splattersonthesnow,thedistantserrationofmountainpeaksandthecrooksofexoticlightningthatafflictedtheskies.Beastlords,tyrant-gorsandinfernalbullsofbrazenhornandmountainousmuscle.SomesufferedthespecificsponsorshipofRuinousGods,withmonstrousmongrelsanddaemonprincesleadingwarherdsofthewarped,thediseased,theobsceneortheblood-mad.Archaonhadunitedmanyofthebeasts,aswashisgift.Hewasanexalted

championofdarknessandthechildrenofChaoscouldseethat.WhenconfrontedwithonechosenoftheRuinousPantheon,theyexpressedthemselvesinvaryingways.Manysimplyattacked,likethewildthingstheywere.Deepintheirtaintedfleshtheyneededtotesthimoratleastsacrificetheirherdkinonthealtarofhisdarksovereignty.Othershadbeenwarnedofhiscomingbyshamansanddreadprophets,andlentArchaontheirhorde-strengthoutoftheperversion

ofspiritualsympathies.Othersstillsawthegrowingarmycomingoutofthenorth,withArchaonatitshead,andfeltfearoradmiration.Theysawopportunitiesforsavagecommunionwiththeirdreaddeitiesinthewarstocome.TheslaughterthatseemedtofindthechampionofChaos.Theunendingbrutalitythatstalkedhisbenightedplateandthegod-baneofhissteel.Thebutcherythatseemedforeverinhispath.Somesaidintheirbeasttonguethathewasunitingthetribesandwarherdsof

theSouthernWastesunderasinglebannerofeternalbloodshed.Somethathewasleadingthemtogreatergloryabouttheinfernalpalacesofthepole–totheGreatGateandtheoblivionbeyond.Topromisedlandsoffreshsufferingandslaughterthattheyhadneverknown.Afewevenwhispered,withtheirthicktonguesandfang-crowdedjaws,thatArchaonintendedtoendtheworld–andnotjusttheworld,butalltheworldsthatwereandwouldeverbe.Andman,beastandgodwouldcometoknowtheirendathishandandthepowerofcatastrophehewieldedwithit.Whateverthetruth,thehalf-breedsoftheSouthernWastesfought,theyfailedandtheyfellinbehindthedrovesofbeastfiends,packmonsters,centigorsandthecaravansofherd-sledsthatchurneduptheblacksnowinArchaon’swanderingwake.Behindthetrainofbeastfiends,whichhoof-trudged,snaggled,buttedand

roaredatoneanother,shakingtheirprimitiveskull-cleaversandbellowingcrudethreats,anothertrampledthroughthesnow.Heworeonlytheskinsthatothershadlainacrosshissharpshouldersandthepenitentchainsthathadalwayscutintohisemaciatedform.Abouthisgauntfeaturesandthewild-eyedstareofmadnessanddevotion,heworeacranialcage.Thekindfavouredbyzealotsandflagellants.ThekindfavouredbyGorst,whohadfollowedhismasteracrossboththeknownandunknownworld,fromlongbeforehewastheabominateArchaon.GorststillborethesacredHammerofSigmar,inkedintohisfleshandhanging

aspendantsoffaithfromhisrustedrestraints.Thesedrewspitting,savageryandmonstrousthreatsfromtheslavestodarknessabouthim,astheyalwayshad.Beyondtheirdisgustthathadlongsoakedintohisskinsandthebargingsnortingandbare-bladethreatsissuedtothemadman,thebeastfiendsseemedsuspiciousanduncertainofGorst.Therewassomethingaboutthesymbolsofgoodlyfaith,orperhapsthewaythelunaticGorstworethem,thatpromptedmongrelsandinfernalcreaturestobellowandsnorttheirderisionbeforestompingaway.PerhapsGorst,theallbutskeletalman-thing,softandvulnerable,wassimplynotworththetrouble.Orperhapsitwasbecausedashingouthisbrainswitha

buttorthebulbousheadofafemur-clubwouldbefartoomuchtroubleasArchaon,whofavouredthewretch,wouldsavagelyendthemforsuchanaffront.AsArchaonslowed,peeringthroughthemaelstromatthelightonthehorizon,

theChaoswarriorgesturedforthesorcererSheerian,EinsandthebeastlordMoraqHalf-Horntocomeforward.Sheerianstruggledwithhishunchandhislegthroughthesnowtocatchhismasterup.‘Mylord?’theancientmanagedthroughthestorm.Einswaswithhim,butas

usualthewingedwarriordidnotspeak.LikeadarkangelhesimplydrewlevelwithArchaonandmatchedhimstepforsteplikeasentinelorshadow.MoraqHalf-Horndughissharpenedhoovesintothesidesofthewoollyrhinoxhewasriding.Sittingbehindthescrawnybeast’sshoulder-humpandwithreinsofsinewguidingthetwinhornseruptingfromthecreature’ssnout,Moraqjoinedthem.Archaon’sbarbarianhordewasmadeofbeastfiendsofallthefelltribeshehadconqueredandthewarherdsthathadjoinedhisnumberforthehonourofthecomingslaughter.Manybeastlordsandchieftainsledthisassortmentofmongrelcreatures,routinelyfightingoneanotherfortherighttoleadthehordeinArchaon’snameandtoreporttotheChaoswarlorddirectly.Thischangedonanalmostdailybasis.TodayitwasMoraqHalf-Horn.Moraqurgedhisrhinoxon.Theanimalwasashaggy,scabrousthingwitha

willofitsownanditfoughtthebeastfiendchieftainforcontrol.Moraqshookhisdaemonicskull,withitssinglehornthateruptedfromonebonytempletocurvebeneaththecreature’sownsnoutlikeacrescent.Hebellowedandsavagelykickedatthebeastuntilitsettled.‘Whatisthat?’Archaonputtothemwithbruteimpatience.Einsremained

silentbutSheerianattemptedtowraphisthin,crackedlipsaroundthedarktonguespokenbythebeastfiends.Withnomentoafflicttheirmonstrouswildernesstherehadbeennoneedoropportunitytolearnthelanguagesofmen.Archaonhadfounditeasiertohavethesorcerertranslatehisdemandsthroughthebeastfiend’sowntribaltongue.Thisbecamemoredifficultstill,giventhatthebeastlanguageofbarbariantribesandwarherdsweregiventoregionalvariationsoftheirownacrossthecontinent.ArchaonhadbeenascholaraswellasawarriorinhispreviouscallingasatemplarofSigmar,andovertimehadpickedupthebasicsofthebrutetongue.ThisdidnotstophimtormentingSheerianwiththedutyoftranslation.ArchaonlistenedtothesorcererandthebeastlordMoraqexchangesavage,angrywordsthroughthecacophonyofthestorm.‘Hesaysit’scalledtheHaemorrhagia,mylord,’Sheeriantoldhim.‘’Tisa

regionofquakesandruptures,wherethelandfightsitselfandtheblackbloodoftheearthbubblesupfromthedepths.’Tisabirthingplaceofdaemons,awashwithpitchandflame.’‘Aplacetowarmourbonesandcampperhaps,’Archaonputtothem.Again

therewasafuriousjabberingbetweenthetwo,repletewithgrunts,snarlsandapparentcursing.‘HesaysthatitistheterritoryoftheSkullfest,’Sheerianexplained.‘The

bloodiedgorfiendsofKhorne.TheycelebratetheirallegiancetotheBloodGodbytakingtheskullsofhalf-breedsfromneighbouringtribesanddaemonsthatcrawloutofthebirthinggrounds.’‘AndwholeadsthisSkullfest?’Archaondemanded.Moraqtoldthem.‘OgraxtheGreat,’Sheeriantranslated.‘DaemonkinofZ’rughlKa’kadron’ath

theBrassbound,BloodthirsterofKhorne.’Archaonnoddedhishelm.TheChaoswarriorseemedsatisfied.‘Wecouldalwaysgoaround,mylo–’‘No,’Archaongrowled.‘Mydestinywillnotwaitonmongrelsand

skulltakers.Wewillgothroughthesetormentedlands.WewillseehowgreatthisOgraxreallyis.Weshallseeifhelivesuptohisfather’sreputation.Ifhedoesnot,itwillbehisskullhonouringtheBloodGodandhislands.’Archaonpulledawayfromthegrouponcemore,hisbootscrunchingthrough

theblacksnow.‘Readythehorde,Moraq.’AsArchaonspoke,Sheeriantranslatedhissavageordersintobeastspeak.‘Andpasstheword.Nosnowandscrapsforyourdarkkindred.Theyfeastonredmeattonight.’Thebeastfiendbelloweditsacknowledgementandhauleditsmonstroussteed

around.Archaonlookedbackattheinfernalglowrisingfromthedarkhorizon.‘Onwards,’thewarlordcommandedbeforepushingonthroughthesnow.Eachtrudgingsteptookhimintothequake-tormentedlandsoftheHaemorrhagia.Theblackbloodoftheearthoozedupthroughtheice,whereittooktoflameandbroughtwarmthtotheglacialdarkness.Thefrozeninsistenceofthecontinentinteriortrieditsbesttodousethefiresoftherupturediceandland.Flamesroared,gutteredandhissedinblizzardandstorm.Thefuryoftheearth’shellishinteriorwouldnotbedenied,however.Soongreatpitsandragingfissuresopenedaboutthem,forcingthehordecavalcadetoslog,weaveandsledthroughthefierytorment.Archaonbegantosweatinhisheavyfursandarmourand,althoughitwasadiscomfortofadifferentkind,itwaswelcome.ThechosenofChaosandhisarmyofhalf-breedwretchesdidnothavelongtoenjoyit,however,foroutofthefires’blindingglaretheirinfernalfoescame.Archaonsquintedthroughthepit-flaresandeddiesofflame.Asnarlingsmile

drewbackhislipsandhisgauntletsnatchedforTerminus.Theconsecratedsteelwasonceagaintoburnthroughthebestialandthedaemon.Bovinebrutesofblood-stainedmaneandtwistedhornstompedoutofthe

brightnessathim.Scoresofthem,andeachbrandedwiththehate-scorchedsigilofKhorne.Archaonturnedasideaxesofrazoredboneandbladesofwickedflint.TheSwordsofChaoswereabouthim,shieldingtheirwarlordwiththeirgargoylewingsandparryingsweepsoftheirboneswords.Archaonfrustratedtheirattemptstoplaysentinelateveryturn,hurlinghimselfheadlongintothebarbariannumbers.Heleantoutofthereachofthroat-slashingflint,rolledoutfromunderthecleavingdescentofaxe-fashionedshoulderbladesandfeignedleftbeforedartingright,outofthestampedingpathofOgrax’sbullfiends.Terminusopeneduptheirbackflesh,tookhornsfromheadsandstabbedthroughallbutimpenetrablemuscleandfusedribcagetofindtherupturingvulnerabilitieswithin.Half-breedsdiedandthepitsspatforthflamingcoalsandspraysofcinderincelebration.TheywerebutthevanguardofOgraxtheGreat’sbeastforce.Directedonby

Einsandthestaff-shakingSheerian,Archaon’sbestialhorderushedforwardintothefray.Archaonwassoonlostinaseaofmuscle,shaggyhideandsnortingsteam.ThelandtrembledbeneaththehoovesofArchaon’sarmyandlakesofblackoozebubbledupaboutthem.Pitsgapedopenandtheearthtoreapart.Flamereachedfortheskies.ThegrounduponwhichArchaonstoodbuckedandshudderedupwards,andheroaredasthethunderousoutcropreared.HeclashedTerminusagainsttheeight-pointedstarofhisshield.Beastfiendsbellowedtheirinfernalcelebration.Wretchedhornsweresoundedandrudeweaponsofbone,twineandstonerattledastheywereshakenjubilantlyattheskies.Suddenlyahissroseabovethespittingofflameandtearingoftheearth–asoundArchaonknewwell.‘Shields!’hecalledsavagelyacrossthecrashingseaofmuscleandfur.He

broughtuphisown.TheSwordsofChaosextendedtheirwingsandenvelopedthemselvesinabubbleofbattle-hardenedleather.Vier’swarpedremnantssprangouthorribly,likeastorm-shatteredtent,toofferprotectiontotheancientSheerianandSisterGiselle.Thehalf-breedsofArchaon’shordesbroughtuptheirowndefences–hideshieldsofcuredfleshandshaggyfur,mountedonframeworksofentwinedribs.NothingwaswastedintheSouthernWastes.Withlittleinthewayoforeandmetaltoworkwith,materialsweretornfromthecarcassesoftheinnumerablebeaststhatswarmedthecontinent.Weaponsandarmourwerefashionedfromfriendandslaughteredfoe.Archaonsmiledto

himselfasheheldhisshieldabovehim.Itwasrainingbone.Ribandfibula–straightened,sharpened,hardenedandfashionedintoarrows.Archaonwaited.Helistenedtothesplinterofboneoffhissteelandthethudofarrowsintohideshields.Asthestormpassed,theChaoswarlordcameoutfrombehindhisRuinousStar.‘Doyourworst!’Archaonroared.Belowhimitwasasifadamhadbroken.

Theseaofmuscleandhornhehadbeenholdingbackhadbeenreleased.Thebaseinstinctsofhislegion’sbrutenaturetookover.WithMoraqHalf-Hornleadingthewayandsmashinghisownbeastfiendsasidewiththehammer-headofhissaddledrhinox,themonstroushalf-breedsofArchaon’sarmysurgedforththroughthehavoc.Hugeshaftsoficeandstoneeruptedfromthegroundandspoutsofpitchfountainedaboutthem.Firesspreadandturnedsuchfountainsintofuriousbeaconsofflame.Archaonleaptfromonerisingoutcroptoanotherashissavagehordeclashed

withthebeastfiendsoftheHaemorrhagia.Withinfuriousmomentstheywereamongtheirattackers.Braysofstuntedhornandshavedchesttwangedtheirarrowsoffbowsofblood-stainedboneandstringsofsinew.Hornswereblownandacacophonyofweaklingwarcriesrosefromchestsofredflesh.AsArchaon’sbruteswadedintothemobsofmiserablehalf-breeds,thebraysdroppedtheircowardlyweaponsinfavourofcrookedpikesbearingheadsofcraftedhorn,splinteredboneorrazoredflint.TheyhurledtheirwickedshaftsatArchaon’soncominghostbuthisbeastfiendswouldnotbedenied.Hoof-hobblingon,sometimeswithjaggedpikesembeddedinfurrylegs,shouldersandchests,thewarherdchargedthebrays.Therewerehundredsandhundredsoftheinfernalcreatures.AsMoraqandhis

beastscleavedtheirwaythroughthemob,thedarknessgavebirthtoendlessmultitudesofredbodies.Themurkrumbledwiththebestialbrayingofhundredsmore,awaitingtheirturntohonourtheBloodGod.Tostabandgouge.Toskewerandtwisttheirprimitivepikesinthefleshoftheirtribalenemy.Leapinganddroppingfromrisingoutcroptorisingoutcrop,ArchaoncouldseewhyOgraxtheGreathadheldtheHaemorrhagiaforsolong.Longenoughtobecomeinfamousamonginnumerableothersavagechieftains.TheHaemorrhagiarumbledbeneathiceandrock.Beneaththethunderofhoof

theworldsplit.Thegroundshook.Flamingpitchvomitedforthesky.Thehellishearthopeneduptorevealitsinfernalsecrets.Archaonperchedwiththeagilityofacatonashudderingoutcrop.Hecasthis

gazeacrossthewavesofredmuscleandtwistedhorn,rollinginfromthe

twilightoftheWastes.Heleaptofftherockyshaft,withTerminusandshieldheldhigh.Crashingdownthroughthehordeofbrays,Archaoncleavedahalf-breedintwo.Hebrainedbeastfiendswithhisstar-emblazonedshieldandbrokemonsterswithanarmouredboot.Heturned.Heslashedandsmashedthroughbeastmeat.BonespearssplitagainstthemetaloftheshieldandtheSigmaritebladesearedthroughdaemon-pledgedflesh.AbouthimgreatrentsopenedupintheWastes,andsnowsteamedawayascleftsandchasmsswallowedbeastfiendswhole.Thegapingriftsunleashedaninfernalglowonthebattlefield.BoththecreaturesbrandedwithArchaon’smarkandthatoftheBloodGod

felltoafierydoom,brayingandbellowingawaytheirmisfortune.Archaonhoppedacrossthepartingfissures,cuttingandcleavingthroughtheblood-soakedbraysashewent.Hejumpedtheflamingcrevassesthatopenedathisfeetandbutcheredhiswaythroughbeastfiendsashestormedacrossthetremblingice.Creaturesthrustathimwithunthinkingsavagery,stabbingandcutting,butthepikessparkedandsplinteredofftheunhallowedarmourofMorkar.‘Enough!’Archaonroaredashebludgeonedbrayswithhisheavyblade.Blood

leaptfromthescreechingbeastfiendswitheveryfuriousstrike.‘IwanttheGreatOne!’Archaonshoutedacrossthetormentoftheearth,thewhooshofflameandthesufferinghehadcreatedinhiswake.‘IwantthechampionofZ’rughlKa’kadron’ath.TheBrassbound’skindred.Thebestialprince.OgraxoftheBloodGod–whereareyou?’Archaon’swordswerehotbuthismindcutthroughthechaosandconfusion

likecoldsteel.Hewantedtodrawoutthemonster–anditworked.TheHaemorrhagiashookwiththethunderofthehalf-daemon’sroar.Agreatshaftofblackrockeruptedfromthegroundwithanexplosiveshowerofcinders,carryingtheformofOgraxtheGreathighabovethefray.Archaonfelthisfacecontortintosomethinghalfwaybetweenasnarlandasmile.Asanotherspurofrupturedearthrumbledskywardnearby,Archaontookthemurderousstepsandbarbarianlivesittooktoreachit.Astherocktookhimabovethesteam,smokeandglareofthebattlefieldhesawhisopposite.ThebestialwarlordOgrax.Hewasbig,evenforoneofthesouthernhalf-breeds.Thelightofthefires

gleamedoffthebrazensurfaceofhisshaggylegsandclovenhooves.Theywerelivingmetal,likeasculpturethathadachievedalifeofitsown.Abeltofflayedfleshandfurscabbardssatonhiships,surroundingthenightmarecreatureinanestofweaponry:flint-serratedswordsofbone,pickaxesofsabreteeth,scapulahatchetsandshort,broadbladesofdaemonicdesign.Ograx’sbroadchestwasawallofredmuscle,fromwhichhungshrunkenskulls,fursthatdancedinthe

windandscrapsofarmourtornfromhisinfernalvictims.Hisfacewasagloweringmessofscarsandbovinemadness,amongstaprincelycrownofbifurcatinghell-horn.AsthetwowarriorsofChaoswerethrustupatthesky,Ograxpulledamightyaxefromwhereithadhungacrosshismane-trailingback.Itwasaprimitiveweaponofboneandblood-stainedsinew,holdingthecolossallengthoftheaxe-headinplace.Thehaftwasatwistedspinewhiletheaxe-headwasanactualhead.Apreviousvictim.Thecranial-crestandsnaggle-toothedupperbeakofsomeTzeentchiandaemon.Rancidfleshstillclungtotheprize.‘Now,creature!’Archaoncalledatthebeast-champion.‘Yourmasterhas

waitedlongenoughfortheskullofoneofhisown.’AstheChaoswarriorwasfinding,Ograxwaseasytoprovokeandmanipulate.Hewasalivingfortressoffleshandfury.Fury,however,couldonlytakethemonstersofar.IthadlittletroubletakingOgraxacrosstheflaminggulfbetweenthem,however.Withadaemonicroarthebestialprincewasintheair,hisskull-axeheldhighabovehim.Therewasn’tenoughroomforbothofthemontherockyoutcropandthebeast’shoovesalonewouldcrushhimintothestone.Atthelastmoment,Archaonleaptforarockyshaftrisingbesidethem.Ashispreviouspurchasecrunchedbelowthelandingdaemonprince,theChaoswarriorpushedhimselfimmediatelyback.SlammingOgraxwiththestarofhisshield,Archaonknockedthebestial

championfromhisfooting.Withabellowofrawfrustration,thecreaturescrapeddownthesideoftheshaftwithhishoovesandtheclawofahand.Brazenhoof-tipsandtalonssparkeddowntherockasthemonsterheavedhimselftoahalt.Theskull-axeswoopedabout,forcingArchaonontoonefootasthedaemonicbeakbitintotherockathistoe.Kickingtheweaponaway,ArchaonswungTerminusbelowhim,battingtheskull-axeclearandcuttingawaycragandcrannyfromtherockface.AsthefuriousOgraxwasforcedfurtherdowntheshaft,thestoneledgeuponwhichhewasperchedgavewayandplungedthehulkinghalf-breeddownintotheflamingpitthathadopenedaboutthem.Leaningout,Archaonpeereddownintothesteamingglare,lookingforsome

signofRuinouslife.ItcameintheformofascapulahatchetflungfuriouslyfromtheinfernoandnearlytakingtheChaoswarrior’sheadoff.Pullinghimselfbacktothetremblingshaftofrock,Archaonswore.Anotherrazoredshoulderbladecamespinningathimlikeathrowing-axe,andthedarktemplarshattereditwithacleavingblowfromhisheavyblade.Seeingtheredeyesofthehalf-breedprincesearingupathimfromthemurkyglareofthepit,Archaonreleasedhis

gripontheshudderingspuranddroppeddownatthebeast.Itwasalongdrop.Archaon’sbootsfoundtheirwaytoaninclineoftrembling

rock,butitwasallhecoulddotonotplungefacefirstintotheflaminglakeofpitchthatsloshed,spatandfountainedwithexplosiveinsistenceabouttheroastedisleuponwhichhehadlanded.Skiddingthroughthescree,theChaoswarriorskippedbackintoaregularstep.Ograxwassuddenlythere.Outofthesmoke.Outofthesteam.Moreimportantlyitwasthehalf-breed’sskull-axethatcameforhim.Allowinghimselftoskidbeneaththeterriblearcofitsdaemonicbeak,ArchaonwasforcedtoreleaseTerminusandputbothhandsbehindhisshield.Asthebladerattledalongthesurfaceofthehotstone,Ograxturnedwithmercilessforceandintention.HisaxestruckArchaon’sshieldandsmashedthedarktemplarback.RollingacrosshispauldronandfursArchaonbroughttheshieldbackupatacrouchbutagaintheskull-axewasthere,withthemonster’sbone-shudderingbrawnbehindit.Archaonriskedaglancebehindhim.Terminushadcometoastopatthe

burningshore.Thegreatswordhadskiddedandbounceditswayacrossthepitchpoolsofbubbleandflameandwasslowlysinking,bladefirst,intotheblackslurp.Stillatacrouch,ArchaonbegantoworkhiswayovertotheweaponbutOgraxhadhim.Againandagaintheskull-axecameforhim.Archaoncouldfeelthebeast-prince’sgod-fuelledmightbehindeachstrike.OgraxwantednothingmorethantoslamthebeakstraightthroughArchaon,armourandall.Andbetweenhisinfernalweaponandthebrutestrengthinthemountainrangeofmusclethatrandownhisarms,Archaonhadnodoubtthathecoulddoit.Skidding.Kneeling.Shuffling.Thedarktemplarwatchedhisbladesinkwhile

hisshieldandhisbonestookthemindlessandunrelentingonslaughtofthecreature.Asthecrossguarddescended,Archaonthrewhimselfintoamessyroll,armoverarm,holdingtheshieldclose.Ograxwasalloverhim.Stompingthroughthegritandpoolsofpitchwithhishooves,thehalf-breedbroughthisaxedownonArchaonwithfuriousinsistence.WitheachrolltheChaoswarriorjustmanagedtogettheshieldbetweenhimandtheimpalingbeak.OntheroastingshorelineArchaonreachedoutforthesinkingTerminus,thefingertipsofhisgauntlettrappingthepommelasOgraxbatteredhisshield–andtheshield,inturn,batteredArchaonintotheground.ClawingTerminusupoutoftheboilingpitch,theChaoswarriorheavedback

attheskull-axewithhisshieldandanexhaustedarm.Archaonswungtheweaponatthehalf-breed’slegs.Theedgeofthegreatswordsparkedoffthecreature’sbrazenleg,failingtocutintothemetal.Therawfrustrationofthe

striketookOgraxfromhisclovenhoovesandputhimontheburningrock.ArchaonswungTerminusdownatthehalf-breed’schestbutthepronecreaturegottheboneshaftofhisaxebetweentheblade’sedgeanditsintendedtarget.TheinsistenceoftheparrycarrieduptheChaoswarrior’sswordarm,jarringhisshoulder.BoilingpitchflickedfromthesteelandscorchedalineacrossOgrax’sbroadchest.ArchaonheavedTerminusdownatthemonsterbutthehalf-breedwas

incrediblystrongandpressedthehaftofhisskull-axebackatthedarktemplar.Foralongtimethetwowarriorsheldeachotherthere.Archaonadjustedhisbalanceandtheangleoftheblade.Thedaemonicboneoftheaxe’sspinewouldnotbreakunderthetemplarblade’scleavingedge,however,andthepairassumedthetremblingstillnessofaquake-tormentedsculpture,Archaonmatchinghisskillandindomitablewillagainstthebestialsavageryofthemuscle-boundmonster.Archaonbecameawareofmovementaboutthem.Fromthebubbleandslurp

ofthesteamingpitch,thecreaturesofhellwereemerging.Wretcheddaemonsandwingedhorrorscrawledforthfromthedepths.Slickandblackwithpitch,manyofthegargoyleswereaflameandclimbedupthewallsofthepit,theirtalonstakingthemuptowardstheirprey.Theydrippedwiththeblackbloodoftheearthandextendedjawsandwingslazily,asthoughtheyhadjustbeenawokenfrominfernalslumberinthedarkwombofthebelow.ThischangedthingsforbothArchaonandOgrax.Fromtheshrieksandscreamsabove,themonstrousbeingsoftheHaemorrhagiawereindiscriminateintheirslaying,withbodiesofthewarlords’beastfiendsflyingdownintothehellishpit.Ashalf-breedsoftheBloodGodandtheeight-pointedstarthrashedandboiledinpitchandflame,thecreaturesbegantoclawtheirwayupthesearingshoretowardsthetwowarriors.Archaonriskedawithdrawal.Leaningbackhebroughthisbladeofftheaxe

haft,allowingOgraxtomove.Asthebestialprincebroughthisskull-axearoundforaleg-smashingsweep,ArchaonresistedtheurgetoburyTerminusinthepronehalf-breedandsettledinsteadonsmashinghisheavybladedownontheskeletalweapon.Theskull-axewassmashedfromOgrax’sclawedgripandbouncedacrossthehotstoneoutofreach.ArchaonbroughtTerminusuptofinishthejob.Toburythemonstrouscreatureinbludgeoningblowswiththeblade.Hehadgrownaccustomedtosuchwretches–thebestedinbattle–beggingfortheirmiserablelivesoratleasthidingfearfullybehindoutstretchedarmsandfacesfixedwithdread.ThiswasnottheendOgraxtheGreathad

promisedhimself.Hearchedhisback,leaningintohisdeath.AgrowltrailedoffintoahissofhateasthechampiongaveArchaonthefullhorrorofhishalf-daemonvisageandtheinfernalglowofhiseyes.OgraxdaredArchaontoendhim.Forhisinnumerablesins,Archaonhesitated.TheChaoswarriorwashitfromtheside.Theworldbecameatumblingmess

ofrockyfloorandleatherywing.Archaonhadbeentackledbyseveralcreaturesthathadhauledthemselvesuptheshore.Boundingforhimandtakingthedarktemplardown,likesomegreatcatoftheplainsmightahorseorrhinox,thedaemonicfurieshadhimontheground.Archaonbecameawareoftearingclaws,snappingjawsandtheslipandslideofpitch-slickflesh.Therewerefourofthem,hethought.Theysavagedhimwithprimordialstrengthandspeed,searchingforthesoulhidingwithintheinconvenienceofflesh.Betweentheslapofwingandthesnapofjaw,ArchaoncaughtsightofOgrax.Hehadleftthehalf-breedprinceproneandwithouthisdaemonicweapon.Thebrutewasswarmingwithfuries.Archaondidn’tknowwhethertobepleasedorinsulted–eitherthecreatureshadsensedinOgraxaneasierkilloramoreformidablethreat.TheChaoswarriorsettledonthestingofthelatter.Themonsterswouldnothavebeenthefirsttobefooledbythemuscleandrage.Theywouldpayfortheirprimitiveassumptions.Archaonrolled,dashingthebrainsfromasnappingfury.Hisgauntlet,clutched

inafistaboutthehiltofhistemplarblade,landedasnout-crunchingblowonanotherbeforetheChaoswarriorrosefromthehotstoneandshookathirdfromhisarmouredback.Thefiendreceivedanelbowtoitsmangledmaw,knockingitstumblingbackintothepitchrollinguptheshoreline.‘MeetTerminus,’Archaonsnarled,turningtheSigmaritebladewithabendof

hiswrist.Thethingscircledonallfours,wingsheldclosetotheirbacks,spittingandhissinglikethecreaturesofhelltheywere.Onelungedathimbuthepuncheditasidewiththestar-blazonedsurfaceofhisshield.AnothercameforhisthroatbutArchaonswipeditdownwithaflourishofhisblade.Theblessedsteelburnedthroughdaemonfleshinawaythepitchhadfailedto,andthebeastreleasedanunearthlyshriekofagony.Archaonsuddenlyfeltpainofhisownasthethirdmonsterlatchedontohiswristwithitscrushingmaw.WhirlingintoasavageturnArchaondraggedthebeastaroundandsentitslammingintothecreaturehehadjustopenedfromthechopstothenaval.Stilldraggingthemonster,hethrustTerminusforward,takingthefirstdaemonthroughthechest.Itreleaseditsinfernalclaw-holdonrealityanddiedrightthereonSigmaritesteel,leavingthedeadmeatofitshorrid,worldlyformskeweredontheblade.

Death,righttherebeforethefury’sburningeyes,hadpersuadedthethirdbrutetounclampitstwistedmawfromArchaon’sarm.TheChaoswarriorturnedonitandwithasavagethrustofthehead,smasheditsfacebackintoitsskullwithabuttofhisskull-helm.Abackslicewithhisgreatswordcutthedistractedmonsterallbutintwo,leavingArchaonfacingoneloneanduncertainbeast.‘Comeon,thingofdarknessandflame,don’tdisappointmenow…’Withapredator’spatienceitpacedbackandforthbeforesurgingforhim.

Archaonmoved,allowingthebeasttopassbybeforebringingtheflatofhisheavybladedownonthecreature’sskull.Therewasawetcrunchthatsentthedaemontothefloor.Stalkingupbehindit,Archaonstampeddownonthemonster’shead,crunchinghisheelagainsttheburningrockbeneath.Hepausedtosoakupthehavocinwhichhefoundhimself.Above,athree-waybattlehadunfoldedabouttheopeningpit.Thesavagesof

hisownwarherdweretakingthefighttotheBloodGod’sbeastfiends,whilebothwereforcedtodefendthemselvesagainsttheinfernalhorrorsthatwerecrawlingupfromcracks,flame-howlingpitsandfissuresthatwereopeningupacrossthelandsoftheHaemorrhagia.HesawMoraqHalf-Horn,stillfightingfromthesaddleofhisslainmount.HisSwordsofChaos,likelieutenantsamongstthehalf-breedsavagesofArchaon’shorde,slashingwithboneswordsandparryingwithunfurledwings.ThesorcererSheerian,mumblingincantationsandtappinghisstaffonthefleshofpassingbrays,promptinglimbstoeruptfrombestialtorsosthatclawedandstrangledtheafflictedcreatures.ThemisshapenVier,keepingSisterGisellebeneathhisownmangledwing–thegirlholdingherfursaboutherlikeacomfortingembrace,herfaceinflictedwiththeblanknessofabattlefieldstare.BeforehimOgraxtheGreatwasanestofwrithingdaemons.Archaoncouldhearthebellowandroarofthemauledhalf-breed.TheChaoswarriorallowedasnarltofallfromhislips.SlippingTerminusinto

hisback-scabbardandshoulderinghisshield,ArchaonscoopedupOgrax’sweaponfromtheroastingstone.Heheftedtheaxe,feelingtheweightofthedaemonicskull.Turningthespineinhisgauntlets,hespunthebeakandtheskull-crestaround.Thegritcrunchedbeneathhisboots,flamesroaredfromthepitandfuriessnappedandsnarledwithsavagery.Withinthemoundofinfernalflesh,ArchaoncouldhearOgraxtheGreatbellowhispainandfrustration.Archaonnoddedtohimself.Itwasdecided.Liftingtheskull-axeabovehimlikeawoodcutter,Archaonbroughtitstraight

downonthenearesthellfiend.Likeapickintostone,thebeakoftheweaponthuddedthroughthebackofthefury,promptingthecreaturetoscreechitsagony

andsurprisetotheheavens.ArchaontorethecreatureofftheBloodGod’schosen,draggingitbackacrossthehotstone.Restingabootonitsthrashingform–afrenzyofwingandclaw–Archaonfinishedthemonsterwithanotherheftofthedaemonboneaxe.HepeeledtheinfernalbeastsfromOgrax.Theskull-axecrunchedthroughtorsosandhookedheadsfromshoulders.Archaonbatteredmonstersaside,allowingthemtoclawandskittertheirwaythroughthetremblinggrit,beforeslammingtheaxe-headintothemandthenthebrutesintothestone.Finally,Archaonsawthebestialprince,hisfaceandbroadchestfurther

mangledbytheclawsofthefuries.Ograxwasdrowninginwingeddaemons,bothaliveanddead.Manystillhadthebeastfiend’sassortmentofflintbladesandscapulaaxesburiedintheirinfernalflesh.Archaondraggedthecarcassesfromhimasthebestialprinceheldafury’sheadbeforehim,smashingitsfacewithaclenchedfistwhileitstwistedjawssnappedforhim.Thishadgoneonlongenough,Archaondecided,andheavedtheskull-axeoveroneshoulder.Hebroughttheboneweapondownwithsuchforcethatitsbeakcleavedstraightthroughthebackofthefury’sheadandoutthroughitsface,drizzlingOgraxwithhonouringgorefromtheBloodGod.Thebeastfiendheavedthedaemontooneside,leavingitatopthemoundof

othercorpses,andgotunsteadilytohisfeet.ThetwowarriorsofChaosregardedoneanotherasthehavocofbattle,firestormandslaughterunfoldedaboutthem.Therewerefewwordssuitableforsuchanencounter,eveninthebeastfiend’sdarktongue,andArchaondidnotdeigntousethem.ActionsspokelouderinthecacophonyofHaemorrhagia.Turningthegore-dribblingskull-headofOgrax’saxeinhisgauntlets,Archaonplaceditinthehotgritathisfeetandkickeditacrosstothebestialprince.Ograxwatchedtheweaponbumpandhissthroughthegrittohishooves.Asthemonsterslowlypickeditup,Archaonfoundhisownhandtwitch.ThemusclesinhisarmweretensedandreadytoreachforTerminusfromhisback-scabbard.Ograxwasasavage.Adaemonichalf-breed.AbarbariandiscipleoftheBloodGod.Anythingmighthappen.Ograxlookedupabouttheedgeofthepit.Hisbrayswerefallingintothepitch

andflame,forcedbackbythesavagehordesofArchaon,wheretheywerebeingtornapartanddiscardedbythefuriesoftheHaermorrhagia,climbingupoutofthefierydepths.Ograxpulledahornfromhisfursandputittohisuglylips.Ashebeltedalungfulofairthroughthecrudeinstrument,theveryairaboutthemtrembled.Thesoundthreatenedtostoptheheartandbursttheear.ThebraysoftheBloodGodknewthesound.

‘Hold!’Archaoncalled,theboomofhisvoiceamplifiedbythepit.Atthesignalofthetwowarlords,thebestialhordesslowedtothestillnessofastandoff.Creaturesstoodobedientanduncertain.Eventheferocityofflameandtearingearthseemedtodieaway.Ograxcalledoutordersinabullishvoice.Archaonhadhisown:‘Destroythedaemonsthatcrawlfromthedepths,’heorderedhissavages.Warcriesandthunderousthreatsbuiltinthechestsofhalf-breedsasbestialkinfoundabrutecamaraderieinthefacesoftheirformerfoes.Withthethoughtlesscomplianceofayokedanimal,thecreaturesfellontheplagueofwingedmonstrositiescrawlingfromthepit,stabbing,bludgeoningandmaulingthefurieswithasharedandmonstrousrejoicing.ThegodswouldhavetheirgrotesquegamesandKhornewouldhaveskullsforhiseternalthrone.Climbingupthesideofthepit,slashingandskeweringfuriesfromhispathas

hedid,Archaonhauledhimselfupovertheedge.HeturnedtofindOgraxtheGreatbehindhim.Archaonofferedthebestialprincehisgauntlet.Afteramoment’sferalconsideration,OgraxputhisclawinArchaon’shandandallowedtheChaoswarriortohelphimup.Thebattlecontinuedaboutthem.TheHaemorrhagiavomitedforthallithad–firestorms,therebelliousearthandthescourgethatwasspawnedfromthebowelsoftheWastelandinterior.Archaondirectedhishordetotakethebattletotheverylanditself.Itwasasif

theSouthernWastesthemselveswerecontestinghissupremacy.Suchwingedmonsterswerethestuffofnightmares.Daemoniccreaturesofwhimandmonstrousfancy.TheywerenomatchforArchaon,thesavagehordesofthedarktemplarandOgraxtheGreatcombined.Astheireofthelanddieddown,theflamesfadedandtheboilingpitchdrainedaway,thegreatrentsinthelandscapecametogetherlikehealingwounds,andwingedhorrorsthatfailedtocrawlbackintothedarkwomboftheearthweretornapartbybestialhordesbeneaththeflayedfleshofArchaon’sbanner.TheChaoswarriorwalkedthroughthecarnage.Thelandwasacarpetof

daemonflesh,rottingawaywithsupernaturalspeed.TheSwordsofChaosstalkedcloseby,everwatchfulfortreachery.Throughthemuscularsilhouettesofbeastfiends,ArchaoncaughtsightofGiselle.ThegirlwasshadowedbythemisshapenVier,whosetwistedbodytoweredoverher.IthadbeenArchaon’sinstructionthatthewingedmaraudernotleaveherside.ThegirlforherparthadnotbeenthesamesincetheirencounterwiththeChaosdragonFlamefang,andtheirunfortunatearrivalonthedamnedshoresofthedark,southerncontinent.Gisellewanderedasifinahorror-drunkdaze.Herfacewasatoncedisgust

anddisbeliefattheghastlinessshehadendured,andthebleakacceptanceofher

fatetocome.Archaon,whocaredlittleforhisownhardshipsandalmostnothingforanyoneelse’s,couldbarelylookherintheeye.Theyhadbeenintimateoncebutthathadbeenalongtimeago.Thegirl’sremonstrationsandSigmaritecurseshadbecomealosthopetosavehim.Suchcareshadbecomefutility,infatuationandperhapsevenlove.Archaonhimselffoundlittlespaceinhisheartforsuchsentiments,crowded

outbythedarknessanddoomthathehadbecome.Hedesiredanendtoallandyet,whenitcametothegirl,GiselleDantziger,therewasapartofhimthatdesiredexistence.Notjusttheendlessviolenceandburningdesireforwarstobewonandfoestobeconquered.Anotherkindofexistence.Fleetingmomentsoffleshagainstfleshandheartsthatseemedtobeatasoneinthehollowemptinessoftheworld.Perhapshehadindeedfallenforthegirl,buthewouldneveradmitthattohimself,letalonetoGiselleherself.Besides,theirtimeatthetopoftheworldhadpassed.Archaonhadfallensomuchfurthersincethen.Hehadbeenlost,butnowhewastrulydamned.Yetstillhekeptthegirlalive,ratherthancastherasideashehadsomany.Her

hallowedtouchwasagonytohim.Somehow,inthisbenightedplace–orperhapsbecauseofit–thegirl’ssimplefaithinafalsegod,aGod-King,hadnotabandonedher.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehehadknownsuchagonies.Nowhermereexistenceseemedtoburnhissoul.Shewasalittleofwhatremained;inthestaleechoofheroriginalaffectionscontinuedtolivethemanhehadoncebeen.Itwasaweakness,Archaonknewthis,buthecouldnotbringhimselftoendthehalf-felt,half-rememberedscintillaofhisformerexistence.Alifethemanydarkdeedsofhisdoomhadeclipsedandhecouldbarelyremember.ForArchaonitseemedtoliveononlyinhisconsuminghatredfortheworld,thegodsthatplagueditandthemortalmultitudethatweretheslaughter-in-waiting.OnlyinGiselledidheexistasanythingelseand,forsomeperversereason,Archaoncouldn’tfinditinhimselftodestroythat.So,GiselleDantzigerlivedon.Aghostofagirl,buriedinfursandsurroundedbyfiendswhowoulddietoprotectherinthemostlethaloflands,simplybecauseArchaon,theirdarklordandmaster,wisheditso.ThesorcererSheerianapproached,hobblingwithhisstaff.MoraqHalf-Horn

waswithhim,dwarfingtheancientwithhisbrutebulk.Thehalf-breed,inturn,wasburiedintheshadowofOgraxtheGreat.‘Atruce,mylord?’theTzeentchianputtohim.Likeeverythingthesorcerer

said,itwassomekindofasubtlechallenge.‘Anassimilation,’Archaonsettledupon.

‘Buthowcanwetrustsuchamindlessanimal?’Sheerianasked.Ograxsnorted,thestinkingmistengulfingtheancient.Thesorcererstumbledbackalittlebutwasundeterred.‘AservantoftheBloodGod,forwhomanyofourskullsmightserveastribute.’‘I’lltrustamindlessanimaloveraTzeentchiansorcereranyday,’Archaon

toldtheancient.‘Amindlessanimalcanbeloyal.ThisismorethanIcansayoftheGreatChangerandhisduplicitousminions,foritisintheirnaturetocog,lieanddeceive.’‘Mylord,’Sheerianprotested.‘Itisdone,’Archaonsaid.‘ThebestialprinceandIhavereachedanaccord,at

leastfornow.IfmyskullhadbeendestinedfortheBloodGod’sthronethenIdon’tdoubtthatOgraxherewouldhavebeentheonetotakeit.’Archaongavethehulkingmonsteraslightnod,whichthehalf-breedreturned.‘Pray,sir…’‘Prayyourself,’Archaonsaid,‘andkeepyourfoetidgodshappy,forIdon’t

gettochoose,sorcerer.IamtobeEverchosenoftheChaosgods,theHeraldofRuininallitscursedforms,notjustthePowerstowardswhichIfeelwretchedlyinclined.Now,conveymywordsinthedarktongueofthebeast.InformOgraxherethathiswarherdwilljoinmyownandthattogetherweshalltravelsouthandbringthewrathofthehalf-breedtotheGatelandsandtheinfernalkingswhogrowsoftwithintheirpalacewalls.’ArchaonwatchedthebestialprincecarefullyasSheerianspokehiswordsin

thegutturaltongueofthebeastfiends.HesawOgraxlookdownonMoraqHalf-HornandthenbackatArchaon.Whenhespoke,itwaswithsavagepride.‘Well?’Archaonasked.‘OgraxtheGreatwondersforwhomhefights,’Sheeriantranslated.‘Tellhimhefightsforthegloryofhisgod,’Archaonsaid,‘andthroughhim

thegloryofalltheRuinousGods–foritisthroughthemthatthedarknessofalltheworldwillberealised.TellhimIamtheinstrumentofthatrealisation–chosenofallgodsasheischosenofhis–andassuchhefightsforme,asthebestofallthehalf-breedsoftheSouthernWastesdo.’Somethingseemedtotroublethecreature.‘Orhecanfightforhislife…’Archaonwarned.Ograxmovedquicklyforsuch

ahulkingbeast.HewassuddenlybehindMoraq,hisgreat,bulgingarmaroundthehalf-breed’sneck.Hepickedthecreatureupbythearm-lockandhisinfamoushalf-horn,thechieftain’sbackagainstthescarringofhisbroadchest.Moraq’sflailinghoovesandthrashingarmstoldoftheincredibleforcebehind

Ograx’smightyframe.Suddenlyitwasover.MoraqHalf-Horn’sbodyfelllikearagdollatthebestialprince’sbrazenhooves,whilethebeastfiend’shead–repletewiththeshockontheunfortunatecreature’sface–remainedinOgrax’sgrasp.ThemonsterthrewtheheaddownatArchaon’sboots.Thedarktemplarstaredatthehalf-breedhulk.HisSwordsofChaoshad

clearedtheirbonebladesfromtheirwing-sheathesandSheerianhadstumbledbackintohismasterinshockatthesuddenviolence.‘Treachery,mylord,’thesorcererscreamed.‘SkullsfortheSkullThroneof

Khorne!’‘No…’Archaondecided.Hedidn’tmove.Hismusclesweretensedbuthe

didn’twantOgraxtoknowhisdisplayhadstartledhim.‘Askullforme,’thedarktemplarinformedhim.‘TheBloodGod’sdiplomacy,ifsuchathingexists.Anoffering.Abargaintobemade–butwithconditions.’ArchaonlookedstraightatOgrax.‘Thehalf-breedsfightforyou,correct?’Archaonputtothebestialprince.‘Andwiththem,youforme.’OgraxtheGreatnoddedhisuglyheadslowly.Archaonnoddedhisagreement

also.‘Readythehorde,mongrelprince,’Archaonsaidturningtoleave.‘Wemarch

onthecontinentalinterior,theGatelands,wheredaemonsruleandworldsbeyondourownwaittobediscovered.’

CHAPTERII

‘ThosethatworshipthePrinceofExcessarefreetoserveasslavestodarkness.’

–LothaltheLost(Fleshinscribed)

TheScabyrinthTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

TheragelandsoftheHaemorrhagiagavewayoncemoretothehowlingfreezeoftheSouthernWastes.Archaonpushedhishordeofhalf-breedstotheirlimit.Suchcreatureswereusedtotheidleviolenceandwantondebaucheryofholdingterritories.Evenencroachmentsandinvasionswerelaggardly,aimlessaffairsfollowingwhatevergorfiendorbeastlordhadindulgeditsaggressionsthatday.ThebeastfiendsoftheSouthernWasteswerenotusedtohoof-marchingandcavalcadery,wheretheinhospitableconditionsandunnaturalgeographyprohibitedsuchmadness.ThisdidnotstopArchaonleadinghisraggedhordeofbarbariansandbestial

savagesfromthefront,settingthepaceforthemiserablecreaturesasthey

trudgedthroughsnowstormsandblackdrifts,acrosslakesoficeinwhichentirearmiesofdaemonswereencased,andglaciersthatoozedichoranddoom.Heledthembetweenrangesofserratedmountainsandalongriversoflavathatsnakedandsteamedthroughthefrozenwildernessfromtheflareofdistantpeaks.Allthewhile,thelunaticGorstfollowedinthehorde’shoofsteps,trailinghismaster–ashealwayshad.Nothingcouldstopthewizenedmadman,janglinginhischainsandhead-cage.Nodriftofblacksnowwastoodeep,nofrost-shatteredmazeofdaggerpeakstootoweringfortheflagellant.FromtimetotimeArchaonwouldinquireafterthemadman.EverytimeGorstwastakenforgone,however–lostinsomeunnaturalstorm,pickedoffbyamonstrouspredatoroftheWastesorsimplyswallowedbythedarkness–thelunaticwouldappear.Howheachievedthis,theDarkGodsonlyknew.Archaontookeachstepwithdoggedassurance.Timeanddistancehadlittle

meaningintheinsanityoftheSouthernWastes.Thishehadlongknownandtendedtomeasurethepassingofbothinthenumberofhalf-breedscrashedtotheice,deadfromexhaustionandexposure.Ograx’sblood-brayswereparticularlysusceptibletothedeepcoldofthecontinentalinterior,havingformerlymadetheirherdlandsinthewarmthoftheHaemorrhagia.Everysomanydeaths,ArchaonwouldopentheEye–theblazingjewelhehadtakenfromthesorcererSheerianandtheChaosdragonFlamefang.Ensconcedabovetheeyesocketsofhishelm’sskull-face,Archaonengaged

theEye’ssupernaturalabilities.Thegemglowedwithdamnedenergies,allowingArchaontoseefarbeyondevenhisownenhancedsenses.GreatdistanceandtheobstaclesofrockandstormwerenothingtotheEye.ItbroughtArchaon,ingazeatleast,fromhorizontohorizonandbeyond.Withthegreatartefact,oneofthesixtreasuresofChaosthatmarkedamanasEverchosenoftheRuinousGods,thedarktemplarhadplottedthecourseofhisincursionintotheWastesatthebottomoftheworld.Hehopedthatonedayhewouldunlockthesorcerousjewel’ssecretsfurtherandlearntoextenditsviewaheadintime,aswellasspace.Helookedforwardtothetimehemightseetheprospectsoftheverynextmoment,hour,dayoryearinthesamewaythattheEyealreadyallowedhimtoseebeyondthelimitsofhisearthlygaze–toseehisfuture,hisdestiny,ratherthansimplyachingforitintheunknownofthepresent.Hisrelentlesstrekthroughthelandsofshadow,iceandinsanity,trailinga

mightycavalcadeofbrutehalf-breeds,hadtakenhimsouth.Furthersouththananymanhadeverbeen.TheEyehadreachedovertheblackhorizonforhimtorevealagreatcanyon,acrescentcanyonthatcutdeepintotheWastes.Itwas

colossal,andcurveditscrookedwayintothedarknessofthepolarinterior,theinfernalwhimlandsofChaos,wheresanityandrealityhadnobusiness.ThesorcererSheeriantoldArchaonthatthechasmwasoneofeightmightytearsinthefabricoftheinteriorthathadbeencreatedbythecalamitouscollapseofthegreatpolargate–thegargantuanportalthatledfromthemortalrealmtothatoftheChaosgods.TheEyeshowedArchaontheshatteredremainsofthegateandtheamaranthinebalelightthatbledintotheworld,reachingupfromtheriftandintothebroilingskieslikeaRuinousdawn.Hugefragmentsofmidnightstone–warpstonethatatetheverybalelight

aboutit–satstrewnacrosstheinfernalregion,toomassiveforeventhestrangeforcesoftheGatelandstoerode.AboutthemtheEyerevealedthesovereigntiesofthegreatentitiesofruinandtheearthlypalacesofdaemonlordsandprinces.Toplesscitadels.Nightmarishpalaces.Colossalfortressesofparanoidmadness.Suchabominations,craftedinstone,metal,fleshandbone,rearedfromfossilisedbattlefields,thecarcasslandsofrottingdaemonhoodandvastruinsofancientgrandeuranddream-bastionsyettobebuilt.Aplacewherethemanifestmeltedbeforethemindandthedesiresofdarknessachievedawarpedreality.AsArchaon’sdeterminedstepsledthehordedownintotheopeningofthe

crescentcanyon,beastfiendsgaverancidthankstotheirgodsfortherespite.Withcraggystonewallsrisingupeithersideofthemandawindingpathdescendingintothefrozenhell-holeoftheWastes,thecrescentcanyonofferedshelterfromthecut-glassgalesandheart-stoppingtemperatures.Witheveryhoof-falldownintothecanyondepths,thetemperaturerose.Heatedbythevolcanicactivityinthebowelsoftheearthandhotsprings,therockfaceofthecrevassebecamewarmtothetouch.Thelifelessnessoftheicescapeabovegavewaytounnaturalmossesandlichens.Thepetrifiedrootsandbranchesofhardyshrubsandwoodyfoliagereachedoutforthehordeastheymadetheirwayalongthecanyon.Thehalf-breedswereallbutdeadontheirhooves,stumblingalonginalistless

trainofsavages.Archaondidnotslowashereachedtheshelterofthecrescentcanyon.Hedidnotcampasanyotherwarlordorgeneralmighthave.Heincreasedthepacefurther,snowdriftsandtheslipperysurfaceofglaciersnolongerslowingtheirprogressdown.Althoughhedidnotsharehisdesireswiththebrutesandlieutenantsofhisexhaustedarmy,hewasintentonreachingtheForsakenFortressofBe’lakorbeforeitdisappearedoncemore,forcinghimtocriss-crossthefrozencontinentinaimlessfutility.HewouldnothavetheDarkMasterescapehimand,toensurethat,heneededadaemonicsteedfleetenough

tocatchhimandhiscapriciouscastle.TheChangelinghadshownhimwherehemightfindsuchamount,soonhetrudged.Throughthecanyon’storturoustwistsandturns,throughthebrushofmidnightfoliagesproutingfromthegritpathanddroopingfromtheoverhangingrock.AsthecanyoncutthroughthetwilightwildernessoftheWastes,itbifurcated

intoaseriesofsmaller,deepravines.Thesinglepathbecamemanyasthecanyonturnedintoamazeoftightgulches,gorgesandgulleys.Above,theicesheethadmanagedtobridgethenarrowchasmtops,providingavaultedrooftothecanyon,throughwhichthebleakglowoflightningstormspassedasifthroughblackcrystal.SheeriancalledittheScabyrinth,thoughArchaonknewnotwherethesorcererhadheardtheterm.Wherethecanyonhadsplitintoadeltaofsmallerpaths,theicehadmanagedtoreassertitssupremacyandcoverthecanyon,likeacrustyscabacrossafesteringwound.Itrainedwithintheravine’sdepthsasthewarmrockmeltedtheunder-icetoproduceanink-blotdrizzlethatgutteredhalf-breedtorchesofboneandfat-smearedhide.Thedrizzlesustainedallmannerofstrangeplantsandanimals.TheScabyrinth

wasanoasisofwarpedlife–lowlycreaturesinthemain.Thingsoflongleg,clawandboot-crunchingbody.WetserpentsandspidersasbigasArchaon’sshieldmadetheirhomeinthecragsoftherockface.Warpwatercrayfishscuttledabouttheblackstreamscreatedbytheperpetualdrizzleinthesquelchinggraveloftheravinefloor,whileleechesdroppingfromthecanyonwallsandfat,chitinousfliesattemptedtofeedonthewarmbloodintheirveins.Itwasawhilebeforethehordeencounteredactualwarm-bloodedcreatures,butwhentheydiditwasintheformoftwistedverminandpacksofviciouswolf-rats.AsArchaonledhiswarherddownthroughtheScabyrinth,hishalf-breeds

feasted.Thelegsofmonsterarachnidsandmalformedshellfisheatenwholeprovidedanarmy’sbountyafterthenecessitiesofcannibalismonthelifelessWastes.Theysoonencounteredthosewhoviewedtheundercanyonssimilarly.Beastfiendhuntingpartiesandmigratingdaemonbreeds,whofavouredthewarmpassageoftheScabyrinthoverthemurderouscoldofthehail-lashedwildernessabove.Thedisturbingformsofgod-cursedspawnthatleaptatthemfromcavesandhollows.Malformedmonstersofgreatsizeandferocity.SomewerehibernatinginthetwistsandturnsoftheScabyrinthundercanyons.Wordwaspasseddowntheraggedlineforhalf-breedstobesilentandsoftofhoof.Othercreaturestreatedthedepthsofthelabyrinthlikeagametrail,feastingon

thethingsthattravelledbackandforthalongit.Archaonandhisbeastfiendswereforcedtoslaysuchabominations,swarmingthegreatcreatureswhile

hackingthemwithbone-axeandviciouslystabbingthemwithspears.Suchcreaturesalsoprovidedvaluablesustenance.Archaonpassedthewordforhalf-breedstocutstripsofmeatfromthecolossalcarcassesandhangitfromtheirbeltsforlater.Archaondidnotintendtostop.Heneededhiswarherdstrong.Heneededthemtokeepeatingsothattheycouldkeepmarchingandfighting.‘We’regettingclose,’Sheeriansaid,hobblingupbehindArchaon.TheChaos

warriorknewwhatitmusthavetakentodothat,pushingthroughthepainofachingjointsanddragginghisbird’sfoot.Itwasn’tsimplytobeagreeableorindulgeinidleconversation.Sheerianknewbetterthantoindulgesuchpointlessness.ArchaonsuspectedthathewantedtobeclosetotheEye.Surrenderingthejewelhadbeendifficultforthesorcerer–tobeforcedonceagaintoseetheworldasotherssawit,cursedwiththelimitationsofcommonsight.Archaoncouldn’ttrusttheTzeentchianasfarashecouldspit,andoftensuspectedhewasschemingsomewaytoearnthemysticalgemback.Inthemeantime,thebesttheTzeentchiancouldexpectwashobblingclosetohismasterandbathingintheEye’ssorcerouspower.Onoccasion,whentheirneedswereshared,Archaonfoundthesorcerer’sknowledgeandadvicetediousbutuseful.‘Look…’Sheerianpointedupattheiceabovetheirheads.Theblackcrystalofthefloe

hadstartedtoglowadarkpurpleasthebalelightofthepolarriftreachedthroughtheice.‘TheGatelands,mylord.’‘Andthepalacesofdoomeddaemons,’Archaonsaid.‘Powerfulentities,master,’Sheerianadded.‘TheybearthefavouroftheDark

Godstoholdsovereigntyinsuchlands.Itisagreathonourreservedforthemostdangerousandtwistedoftheirkind.’‘Doyouhaveapoint,sorcerer?’Archaongrowled,crunchingthroughthewet

gravelbesideablackstream.‘For,ifyoudo,Iwouldhaveyoumakeit.’‘Onlythat,’Sheeriansaid,hisbowedheadmottledwithage,‘itwouldbewise

toexercisecautionhere.That’sall.’‘Understood.’AsSheerianfellback,unabletokeeppacewithhismaster’sdetermined

progress,Archaonreachedasharpcornerinthecanyon.Archaoncouldhearshouting,andtheroarofagreatbeastbouncingaboutthetwistedpathofthelabyrinthineravine.Ithadbeensomehourssincehisswordhadbeenbaptisedindaemonbloodornestledinthefleshofsomemonsterorbrutebeastfiend.DrawingTerminus,Archaoncametoahalt.OpeningtheEyeofSheerian,thewarlordpeeredupthetorturoustwistsandturnsofthecanyon.Hesawan

engagementofsomekind.Amonstrouscreature,tormentedbyscoresofinfernalgors.Onecarriedabannerofsomekind.‘Sorcerer,’Archaoncalled,promptingSheeriantohobbleupbehind.The

SwordsofChaosmovedforwardlikesentinels,boneswordsdrawnandwingsextendedprotectivelyaboutthemlikewarrior-gargoyles.Archaonraisedafist,promptingViertolayatwistedgauntletonGiselle’sshoulderandbringtheaddledgirltoastop.OgraxtheGreatsawthesignalalsoandslowed,settlinghismightyskull-axeacrosshisshoulders.Behindhishulkingformthecavalcadeofhalf-breedsandbeastfiendsslowedalso.‘Mylord?’Sheerianasked.Archaondrewhimclose,intothehalooflightthat

thesorcerousEyecastaboutthewarlordwhenitwasopen,sothattheTzeentchiansorcerermightalsobecaughtupinitsdarkpotencyandcatchaglimpseorvaguesuggestionofwhatArchaonwasseeing.‘Whatdoyousee,sorcerer?’Archaondemanded.‘Thebanner:whatdoesit

show?’Archaonsawtheancient’sshouldersgentlyfallasheonceagainsampledthe

giftoftheEye.Whenhewasyounger,ArchaonrememberedseeingSieurKastnerdoingsomethingsimilar.Hewouldsimilarlydemonstratesuchreliefupontakingaswigfromhisflask.Thereliefofanaddict.Sheeriantookhistime.‘Sorcerer,’Archaondemanded.‘Whatdoyousee?’Sheerianalmostcrackedhisancientfacewithahorriblesmile.‘Wearenear…’thesorcerersaidabsently.‘Sorcerer,’Archaontoldhim,‘Iswearbyyourfaithlesslord,ifyoudon’ttell

mewhatyousee,I’llputoutyourgreedyeyes.’‘TheclawsymbolofthedaemonlordAgrammon,mylord,’theancienttold

him.‘Daubedonskins,armourandabanner.Ahuntingparty,sentouttotraptheexoticbeastsoftheWastesforthedaemonlord’scollection.’ThroughtheEye’sshimmeringgaze,Archaonsawthecrudesymboltowhich

thesorcerermadereference.Aclaworpincer,anemblemofinfernalroyalty.ThemarkofthedaemonAgrammon.WithitArchaonsawthesensualsigilsofthePrinceofPleasure,theRuinousPowerAgrammonhonouredwithhisbottomlessgreed,hisindulgenceandhismonstrousmenagerie.Thesymbolsweresplashedacrosstheshavenchestsofbeastfiendtrappers:creaturesofsickeningflesh,entwininghornsandlongtaperingsnouts.Theireyeswereblankandwhite,whileintheirpincer-fingerstheyheldtwistedtridentsofsinewybone,andlongwhipsthattheycrackedaboutthefoulcreaturetheyhadtrappedagainstthecanyonwall.

ArchaonturnedtheEyeonthemonstrositytheyhadcornered.Aprimevalhorrorofscaleandwartyskin–gnarledenoughtoturnasideablade–itwassomeaberrationoftheWastes:atoad-likedragon.Itswebbedfeetsplashedaboutintheshallowsofthemeltwaterstream,anditunleashedthunderouscroaksfromitshugerubberymawasAgrammon’sbestialtrappersthrusttheirtridentsatitandslashedtheirwhipsofsinewintheshallows.Asoneofthelong-snoutssplashedthroughtheblackwatersatthetoaddragon,forcingitback,thecreatureballooneditsbulbousthroatandrearedup.Openingitsgreatmawthethingregurgitateditslastmealuponthebeastfiend.Thevomitwasadelugeofbloodybileandsteamingbones.Thetrappertrumpetedaghastlyshriekfromitslongsnoutastheacidiccontentsofthetoaddragon’sstomachdrenchedit.Asfleshbegantodribblefromitsbones,theSlaaneshitrapperstumbledtowardsitscompatriotbeastsbutthelong-snoutsbackedaway.Withinmomentsthebeastfiendhadbecomeasteamingmoundofmeltedflesh,hissinganddissolvingontheshorelineofthestream.Thetoaddragonhoppedforward,croakingitsmonstrousdesiretobeleftalone.TheSlaaneshibeastfiendstrumpetedtheirownfearsastheyskippedbackthroughthewatersonthetipsoftheirhooves.ThroughthedizzyingvisionpresentedtohimbytheenchantedEye,Archaon

couldseemovementintheshadows.Alongtheoppositewallofthecanyon,hecouldseethespinysilhouettesofrudewagonsandramshacklecages,draggedalongbybipedalbeastsofdaemonicburden.Thebarsofthecageswerebarbedandtwistedandheldallmannerofcapturedquarry.Half-breedprisoners.Wastelandspawn.Monstersanddaemons.PrizesofeveryshapeandsizeforAgrammon’sever-expandingcollection.Agreatblackshaperearedfromoneofthewagonswhereithadbeenmakinga

fussoftheyappingpackofhornedhuntinghounds,whosetaperingsnoutshadtrackedthehuntingpartytothefoultoaddragon.Rearingtofullheightandstridingfromtheshadowofthecanyonwall,amalformedhulklookeduponthefailureofthebeastfiendtrapperstocontainthetoaddragonwithsneeringcontempt.Itappearedtobeanogreofsomekind,warpedbythecorruptinginsistenceoftheSouthernWastes.Itwasahorrortobehold.Itsfleshwasblacklikethecharcoalofafire,whileitsbackwasmonstrouslyhunchedanditsbellyhuge.Therestofthecreature’sframesportedakiltofroughlystitchedskinsandfursthatcoveredthemonster’sloins,passedacrossitsbellyandthenoveritsshoulderbeforebeingpinnedtoitshunchongreatspinesthatprotrudedfromthehump.Thefursdidnotconcealthecreature’sblubberychest,whichArchaonassumedtheogreexposedinhonourofitspatronpower.Themonstersporteda

secondface–amalformedtwinofsomekind.Itseyesweremistedandamilkyblackpoisonleakedfromitsmouthanddribbleddowntheogre’scolossalbelly.Oneofthemonster’sarmswasshortandatrophied,whiletheotherwasmuscle-boundandasthickasatree.‘Whatisthatfoulcreature?’Archaonputtohisdreadsorcerer.‘ThebruteiscalledJharkill,’Sheeriansaid.‘HeisthebestofLord

Agrammon’shuntersandthetyrant-keeperofhisroyalmenagerie.’Archaonnoddedastheywatchedthemonsterfromafar.Asthecreaturestompedforwardfromtheshadowsitgavesomekindofunintelligibleinstructiontoitshunterhalf-breeds.Beastfiendsonthecanyonledgesabovethetoaddragonhauleddownonstaffsofmonstrousbone,prisingbouldersoffthecanyonsidethatcrasheddowneithersideofthecorneredcreature.Theboulderscarriedbetweenthemaroughnetofsinewthattrappedthetoaddragonandpinnedittotheshoreline.Thetoaddragonwouldnotsubmit,however.Asitthunder-croakedits

amphibiousfury,thethingexudedaslimypusfromitswartyskinthatallowedittosquirmandslideoutfromundertheweightednet.Asitboundedforward,themonster’sgrapnel-liketongueshotoutfromitsgapingmaw.Thesharptonguespeareditswaythroughthebackofafleeingbeastfiendandoutthroughitschest.Therethefleshygrapnelopenedandthetongueretractedlikeawhip,draggingtheunfortunatecreaturebackintotherubberymouth.Asecondandthirdhalf-breeddiedsimilarly,trumpetingtheirhorrorfromtheirtaperingsnoutsastheyweredraggedtoanacidicdoom.StompingforwardastheSlaaneshibeastfiendsran,Jharkillproducedagreat

bowcarvedfromthetuskofsomepreviousvictim-monster.Takingabonearrowfromafurquiverthatformedthebackofitskilt,theogrewipedthebarbedarrowheadagainstitsbelly,smearingitinthepoisonthatleakedfromthemouthofitsassimilatedtwin.Confidentlystringingthebowasthetoaddragonleaptforwards,theogreheldthearrowandhookedthesinewofthestringontheclawedfingersofitsatrophiedarm.Withitsothermonstrousappendageitpushedthetuskbowawayfromit,buildingacolossalamountofpowerinthebarbarianweapon.Asthetoaddragon’sbellyheavedanditsbulbousthroatfilledwiththerancidcontentsofitsstomach,theogreletfly,sendingthelengthofthearrowhurtlingatthemonster.Withathudthearrowhammeredthroughthecreature’sscalesandintotherubberyfleshofitsshoulder.Themonstercroakedinanguish,itsboundingchargeveeringintoastumble

andasplashingflounderthroughtheshallows.Withinsecondsthepoisonhad

takeneffectandthetoaddragonwaslurchingthiswayandthatuptheshore,itseyesdazedandrheumy.Thethingfinallycrashedintothebank,itswartybackrisingandfallingwiththeexertionofbreathing.Itsmouthfellslacklyopen,asthoughitwerehalf-asleep,andsizzlingvomitseepedout,collectingaboutthecreature’shead.ArchaonwatchedwithinterestasJharkillapproachedthemonsterandgavehis

bowtoabeastfiendthathadtrottedforth.Severalotherhalf-breedsapproached,cautiousoftheirmaster’sfuryinthefaceoftheirfailure.Theogreslippedalengthofsinewystringfromhisfurs,uponwhichwerestrungtinyskulls,pendantsofglyph-etchedboneandcrudeeffigiescarvedinhornandpetrifiedwood.Hehandedthestringtoanotherbeastfiend,whomovednimblyforwardthroughtheblackwatersofthestreamtotiethesavagecharmaboutthetoaddragon’sneck.Thisdone,thehalf-breedreturnedwithoneoftheeffigies–asmall,primitivesculptureofsomefour-leggedmonster.Thisthehalf-breedgavetoJharkill,whohadtakenuptheshaman’sstaff.ThestafftoweredoverevenJharkillandboretheraggedbannerthathadinitiallyidentifiedthehuntingpartyasbelongingtothedaemonlordAgrammon.AbovetheRuinoussymbolsofDarkGodsandfellmasters,Archaoncouldseeacrossbaruponwhichaplethoraofprimitiveeffigieshung.Theywereallshapesandsizes.Somewerecraftedtorepresentcreaturesthatstoodontwolegs,whileotherswerefigurinesoffour-leggedmonsters,likethetoaddragon.Otherscutsuchstrangeshapesandfiguresthatitwasdifficulttoimaginewhatmonstrositiestheyrepresented.ThestaffjangledasJharkillbroughtitdownandthehalf-breedtiedtheeffigytooneofthemanystringsofdriedsinewthathungfromthecrossbar.ToArchaon’samazement,theogrecrackedhisstaffontherockofthecanyon

floor,causingthetoaddragontoimmediatelyhaulitsdrowsybulkfromtheshallows.Janglingthestafftowardsthewagonsandwheeledcagesthatwerelinedupagainsttheoppositewallofthecanyon,Jharkillseemedtocontrolthecreature’simpulses.Themonstergroaned,asifinsomeprivatetormentinflictedbythestaff,andhobbledbetweenthejabbingtridentsofJharkill’slong-snoutsandthesnarlingofhishornedhuntinghounds.Itdraggeditselfupintoalargecagethathadbeencraftedtoaccommodatesuchacreatureandlaymiserablydown.Withthecagesecured,Jharkilldirectedwordtobepassedforthehunting

party’swagonstorollonupthecanyon.Archaonnoddedwithapproval.OnintotheGatelands,towardsAgrammon’spalacewithcagesfullofcreaturesdamnedandmonstrousforhisdaemonlord’scollection.Asthewagonsandwheeled

cagestrundledaway,thebeastfiendsofthehuntingpartytrottedalongside,forminganescort.Jharkillwalkeduptooneofthehalf-breeds,andArchaonrecogniseditasthecreaturethathadinitiallyfledinthefaceofthetoaddragon’swrath.Thebeastfiendrealisedatthelastmomentthathewasnowtosufferhismaster’sdispleasureandturnedhistridentontheogretoolate.Jharkillsnatchedthebeastfiendupfrombehind,endingthelong-snout’strumpetingalarmbybitingthehalf-breed’sheadoffandtossingthedecapitatedbodyintothestream.‘Seenenough?’thesorcererSheerianasked.‘EnoughtotellmehowI’mgoingtogetintoLordAgrammon’spalace

undetected,’Archaonsaid,turningandwalkingbacktowhereOgraxandtheSwordsofChaoshadbroughtArchaon’sarmytoahalt.‘Weseekadaemonlord,’Archaontoldthem,withSheeriantranslatinghiscommandintodarktongueforthebestialprince.‘Adaemonlordwhohassomethingthatbelongstome.Imeantogetitback.Thereisahuntingpartyahead,returningtothiswretcheddaemon’spalace.Imeantogoaheadaloneandjoinitbythetimeitreachesitsdestination.’‘YouaregoingtostealtheSteedoftheApocalypse?’Sheerianasked.‘Iam,’Archaonsaidwithsupremeconfidence.‘Howwillyoufindit,mylord?’‘TheEyewillguideme,’Archaonsaid.‘Ifearonthisoccasion,master,theEyewillnotbeenough,’theancient

mewled.‘ForthedaemonicbeastDorgharhasmanyforms.Itisacreatureofillwillandmonstroustemperament.Ifearitwillbedifficulttolocate.’Archaonconsidered.Sheerianwas,ofcourse,correct.‘IamtoldthiscreatureisthemostprizedofallLordAgrammon’sfoetid

specimens.’‘Somesaythat’strue,mylord.’‘Thenitwillnodoubttakeprideofplaceinthegreatestofthemenagerie’s

cagesandenclosures,’Archaonsaid.Sheeriannoddedslowly,forthesorcerercouldnotfaultthewarlord’slogic.‘Yougoalone,mylord?’Sheerianinterruptedonceagain.‘Yes,’Archaonrumbled.‘TakeatleastyourSwordsofChaos,’thesorcerersaid.‘Agrammon’spalace

willbecrawlingwithhalf-breeds,daemonkindandinfernals.’‘LordAgrammonmustnotknowofourpresence,’Archaontoldtheancient

withcoldcertainty.‘Orelseallislost.Thefewerofusthatenterthepalace,thefewertherewillbetoalertthedaemonlordtoourpresenceandintentions.’Eins,

ZweiandDreistoodinsilence,butthestillnessoftheirwingsandthewaytheylookeddownatthecanyonfloortoldArchaonthattheywerenohappierabouttheprospectoftheirwarlordenteringanenemypalacealone.Hewastheirwarlord,however,andtheorderwasobservedwithoutcontention.OgraxtheGreatwasn’tabouttodisagree.IfthewarlordArchaonwishedtosacrificehimselfonthepalacealtarofthedaemonlordAgrammon,allthebetter.ThebestialprincewouldsimplytakeArchaon’sbarbarianhordeforhisown.Forthatreason,ArchaonknewhecouldcountonOgraxtoholdthearmyback.‘Trackthehuntingparty,’ArchaontoldhimasSheeriantranslatedhiswords.Hejabbedtwofingersattheeyesocketsofhisskull-helmandthenthesametwofingersdownatthecanyonfloor.‘Follow,butatadistance.Makecampnearthepalaceandwait.’Ograxwrappedhisfattonguearoundsomechoicewords.Sheerianlooked

uncertain.‘Forhowlong?’thesorcerertranslated.Archaongrunted.Hehadnosunormoontoguidethemby.Theonlythinghe

couldcountonwastherhythmofbodilyneeds.Thirst.Hunger.Sleep.‘Whenthelastgorofthehordehasrisenfromslumber,onthethirdofsuch

risings,threedaysastherestoftheworldknowsthemwillhavepassed.IfIamnotreturnedbythenwithmyprize,thenstormAgrammon’spalacewitheveryhalf-breedatyourdisposal.’OgraxtheGreatnoddedhishead,heavyasitwaswithitscrownofhorn.As

Archaonwenttoleave,Sheerianpipeduponcemore.‘Thissteed,mylord,’thesorcerersaid.‘ItisoneofthetreasuresofChaos,isit

not?AtrappingbywhichtheEverchosenoftheChaosgodsmightbeknown.’‘Andpossiblymuchmore,’Archaonsaid,turninghisheadtooneside.‘I

wouldnotrisksomuchforanythingless.’Archaonturnedhisbackonthesorcerer.Ograxturnedawayalso,intenton

savagelyissuingArchaon’sorderstothehordethroughabrutalhierarchyofbulls,gorsandtaurs.HecouldfeelSheerianandtheSwordsofChaoswatchinghimgo.Hedidn’tlookback.Theyhadtheirordersandwouldobeythemortherewouldbeliteralhelltopay.AsArchaontrudgedupthroughthewetgravelofthestream,hesawGiselleandVier.Thegirlhadwanderedbeyondthevanguardofthehorde,waitingforArchaon’sorders.Shestoodabsently,uptoheranklesinthefreezing,blackwaters,themustyfursinwhichshewasburiedtrailingthroughthemeltwaterstream.Vierhoverednearbyinhisownagonies,uselesslystretchinghismalformedwings.ArchaonnoddedtotheChaoswarrior,

whomArchaonhadassignedasGiselle’sminderandbodyguard.Vierbowedhisheadwithdifficulty,asignalofsilentobedience.WhenArchaon’sgazepassedacrossGiselle,hefoundtohissurprisethatshe

waslookingback.Itwasstilltheblankstareofhorrorrelived–thekindoffixedmaskofdistantpainthatArchaonhadseeninsoldiersreturningfromslaughter.Thepairlookedatoneanotheracrosstheumbraofthecanyon.Theflashofperpetualstormsgloweredthroughtheiceabovethemandcastthepairinaghoulishlight.Archaonslowed.Gisellestumbledaboutinthewater,hergazeunbroken.Fatdropletsofmeltwaterplunkedaboutthemlikerain.Hethoughtshegavehimalook.Asofteningofthelinesaboutthemouth.Ahardeningoftheeyes.Itwasanaccusationglaredacrossthetwilight.Hewasleavingagain.Leavingherinthecareofmadmenandmonsters.Leavingherinthisgodforsakenplace.Simplyleavingher.Offtoslipsteelintobeastflesh.Tobringdaemonstotheirknees.TocarvethenameArchaoninmiseryacrossthesurfaceoftheunknownworld.Archaonfeltthepangofsomethinghe’dthoughtforgotten.Somethingdull

andheavyinhischest.Responsibility?Guilt?Love?Thesewerefeelingsfraughtandfragile:sentimentsunbecomingoftheEverchosenofChaos.Withawillthatburnedwithresistancethedarktemplarturnedaway,stridingintohisfuturewithdeterminationandfuryatthemiserableworld,atthegods–boththosethatwereRuinousandthosethatweresimplyuntrue–andathimself.WithGiselle’sgazeburningintohisarmouredback,Archaonmarchedsouth,

followingtheblackstreamandthecurvingprogressofthecrescentcanyon.ThewagontracksandthehoofprintsoftheSlaaneshihuntingpartywerecleartofollowandbeforelongthetwistsandturnsoftheScabyrinthbecameonecolossalcleft.Henolongerwalkedwiththewatersofthestreambutagainstthem,andbeforelongArchaonfeltthecanyonfloorascend,risingtomeettheplateauofthecontinentalinterior,theGatelandsandthesovereignterritoriesofinfernalroyalty.Hestompedhisbootprintsintothegrit,passedwateragainstthecanyonwallandbrokethestemsofpetrifiedfoliageashepassed,alltomakeiteasyforOgraxandthehordetofollowhisprogressandscent.Heevenleftthemessycorpsesofmaraudingcreatureshehappenedupontoleavenodoubt.Withtheprogressofthewagonsslowingandthecavalcadewindingitswayup

thecanyonside,Archaondecidedtomakehismove.Shoulderinghisshield,thedarktemplaradvancedontheservantsofSlaanesh.Huggingthecragsandcleftsandmovingrapidlybetweenthecoverofferedbybouldersandsparse,blackfoliage,ArchaoncreptuponJharkill’swagontrain.Dartingoutfrombetween

hugerocksthatlinedthezigzagascent,Archaonmadeaheavyrunuphilltowardsstragglersofthecavalcaderearguard.Grabbingbeastfiendsfrombehindbytheirhornsandtheirsnoutsandsavagelysnappingthemaround,thedarktemplardespatchedthecreatures.Withtherearmostcagewagonbumpingitswayuptheincline,draggedbytwobipedalsteedsandabeastfiendskinneratthereinswhippingthebeastsofburdenwithdeliriousabandon,Archaonmadehismove.Unboltingthecage,whichseemedtohavebeenfashionedfromthebonesof

somegreatWastelandbeast,Archaonfoundhimselffacetofacewithsomekindofsabre-toothedhellcat.Thethinglookedhalfstarvedbutunleashedaheart-stoppingroar.Archaonpushedhiswayintothecage,infuriatingthebeastfurtherandpromptingthehellcattoleapathimwithitstrap-jawopen.TheChaoswarriordidn’thavetimetotanglewiththecreatureandhadtotakecareofitbeforethebeastfiendskinnernoticedthecommotioninthebackofthewagon.Grabbingthehellcatbyitssabrefangs,Archaonturnedasidethecreature’s

savageattack.Bringingtheblood-mattedfurofitsmaneunderonearm,Archaontightenedhislockaroundthebeast’sneck.Scrabblingbackwithitscruelclaws,thehellcatattemptedtoextricateitselffromtheChaoswarrior’sstranglehold.Grittinghisteethandtryingtokeepthecreature’sstrugglestoaminimum,Archaonsqueezedforallhewasworth.Thebrute’ssnappingandsnarlingsuddenlychangedtoathrottledwhimper.Finallysomethingfeltlikeitwasbreakingwithinthecreature’smuscularneck.AsthestrugglesubsidedandArchaonloweredthehellcat’semaciatedbodytothecagefloor,thedarktemplarreleasedthebeast.Catchinghisbreath,Archaonsagged.Aroundthehellcat’sbrokenneck,

ArchaonfoundthesinewstringthatcarriedJharkill’sshamanisticskulls,glyph-pendantsandcarvedeffigies.Slippingitoffthecreature’sgreatheadandarounditsabreteeth,Archaonhungthecursedthingabouthisownneck.Restinghispauldronagainstthedeadbeast,Archaonheaveditscarcassacrossthefloorofthecageandoutofthereardoor.Asthehellcat’slifelessbodyrolledbackdowntheinclineandofftheedgeofthenarrow,rockytrail,ArchaonslidhisshieldoffhisshoulderandslippedTerminusfromitsscabbard.Hefoundasuitablehidingplaceforbothswordandshieldbetweenthewheels,inthemangleofbonesandsinewthatmadeuptheundersideofthewagonbed.HethenproceededtoboltthecagedoorclosedandlockhimselfwithinitlikethemyriadotherspecimensJharkillandhishuntingpartywerereturningtothepalacemenagerie.Checkingthatthebeastfiendskinnerwasstillfullyinvolvedwithdrivingthe

infernalbeaststhatweredraggingthewagonupthemeanderingincline,Archaonsatbackagainstthebarbedbonesofthecage.Restinghisownachingbones,Archaontriedtorelax.Hejangledthecharmsandeffigieshangingabouthisneck.Hewouldplaytheroleofthecompliantprisoner.HewatchedthroughthebarsastheSouthernWastesjudderedby.Afteratorturousascentupthecanyonwall,thehunters’trainofwagonssetoutacrossthenightmarelandsthatafflictedthecontinentalinterior.Theskywasachurningtempestofeddiesandwhirlingblackness,lancedbyspideryboltsofunnaturallightningthatsearedacrossitlikeaweb.Heretheelementalferocityofwind,iceandhaillostitspotency.Archaoncouldn’tcountthenumberoftimeshehadalmostfrozentodeathout

ontheSouthernWastesorbeenburnedaliveinsomefierypitorriveroflava.TheRuinouswildernesshadthrowneverythingitcouldatthedarktemplar.TheGatelandsexistedatthepleasureofwhimanddarkfancy.Therealitiesofthecoldandharshweatherwerenotconstantsthereandsoasthewagontraincreakedandsqueakedacrosstheblasted,hellishlandscapeArchaonwastreatedtoallmannerofatmosphericmadnessfromabove.Stormswhosethunderonlyexistedinthemind,asaskull-splittingacheofthehead.Infernallightningthatstrucktheground,creatingbirthingpitsforsavageentities.Pelletsofleadthatfelllikemusketballsfromthetumultuousheavens.Cloudsofsootandflamethatseemedtoconsumeoneanotherlikemonstersbattlingforsupremacyacrossthesky.Dewthatsettledoneverythinglikespotsofblackink.Glowingbanksofmistthatsweptintochangetheverylandscapeacrosswhichitdrifted.Thelandbelowthebone-jarringprogressofthecagewagonwaslittlebetter.

Thewheelscrunchedthroughshatteredobsidianwhiletheblackcloudsofdust,kickedupbythewagonsandthebeastshaulingthem,willedchangeoneverythingitcoated.HellquakesthunderedupfromthedepthsoftheWastes–unforgottenechoesofthecatastrophiccollapsethatdestroyedthepolargateandspilledruinanddeathintotheworld.Witheverymoaningtremorandfuriousrumble,thearchitectureofderelictpalaces–warped,grandandancient–rainedaboutthem.Thebattlefieldsinbetweenwerelandscapesofcarnage.Infernalbodiesuponbodies,mummifiedintothelandandcoveredwithslaughteranew.Thewagontrainweavedthroughtheharshterrainofcorpsemounds,ridgescreatedbythefossilisedremainsoftoppledmonstrositiesandfieldsofribandbonethatmadeforabumpypassage.Thewagontrainhaltedseveraltimes.Amireofcarcassesandichorforcedthe

cavalcadeintoadetour,whileJharkillandhisbeastfiendssufferedtherabid

assaultsofinfernalskirmishers,issuingforthfromthepalacesofthedamnedandfortressesofthemighty.Jharkilladdedtheircorpsestothesurroundingslaughterbeforemovingeveron.South.Towardsthegate.Towardsthepalaceofhisroyalmaster.Archaonsatagainstthebarbedboneofthecagelikeagoodprisoner.Hewasn’texactlyenjoyingtheridebuthehadwalkedacrosssomuchofthedarksoutherncontinentthatheenjoyedatleastnottrudgingthroughsomeblizzardorsnowdrift.TrumpetingcallsofalarmfromtheSlaaneshibeastfiendsalertedArchaonto

anapproachingproblem.Graspingthebarswithhisgauntletsandpeeringabout,thedarktemplarcouldseelittle.Whentheblackoutlineofadistantruinmoved,Archaoncouldn’tquitebelievewhathewaslookingat.Theblacktowersofthederelictpalacesuddenlyreassumedtheirformerbaroqueglory,almostasthoughthefuriouswarpflamethathadguttedithadneverbeen.Thetowersbuckedskywardslightly,leadingArchaontobelievethatthelandbeneathithadmoved.Andithad.Asthegleamingtowersofblackstoneandbrassmajestycollapsedinonthemselvesandthewallsofthefortress-palacetoppled,agiantcloudofdustandcorruptionreachedupfromthecalamityandintotheheavens.Restinghisskull-helmagainstthebonebarsofthecage,Archaonsawthattherewasarippleofthepast–orpossiblythefuture–passingthroughtheWastelanditself.Likearoguewaveatsea,thelandswellhadmovedbeneaththepalace,restoringittoitsformerglory,beforeripplingthroughitsfoundationsanddestroyingitagain.NowitwassurgingacrosstheWastes,bringingbrieflifetothemummified,

mangledandlong-deadthatwerequietlyrottingontheancientbattlefieldswheretheywerebutchered.Thrownupintotheairbytheripplingforce,thewarriordaemons,beastfiendsandspawnscreechedthehorroroftheirlastmoments,thrashingandsnappingbeforefallingbackbehindtheswellandreassumingtheentangledstillnessofthegrave.TherewaslittleArchaoncoulddobutgrabthebarsofthecageandholdon.Astheblackearthrosebeneaththewagon,Archaonwassuddenlyconfrontedbythehorrorofintermingledbodies.Ratherthanwood,thewagonanditscagewaslargelyconstructedofbone,hornandsinew–thedeadbeingaplentifulresourceintheSouthernWastesandtreessparse.Thedeadwhoseboneshadbeenmeshedandtiedtogethertocreatethecagewerebroughtbackmomentarilytoterriblelife.AsthewagontumbleditwasasifArchaonhadbeentrappedinsideashriekingspawn.Withthemomentofhorrorpassedandthebarsofhiscageage-brownedbone

oncemore,Archaonfoundhimselfonhisback.Thewagonhadbeenknockedoverontoitsside,andasthedarktemplarpickedhimselfuphecouldseethe

landswellbringingtheabominationoflifetothebattlefieldsoftheeast.WithJharkillbarkinggruffordersandlong-snoutsmovingalongthewagontraintosecurebeastsandrightwagons,Archaonwaited.Thebeastfiendsgotbehindthebarsofhiscageandpushedthericketyvehiclebackontothebracedribsofitsbonewheels.OneofJharkill’sbestialunderlingsgavehimtheblanknessofitswhiteeyes,

seemingnottorememberplacinghimthere.Atongueslitheredoutfromitslongsnoutandtastedthewarp-curdledair.Jharkillhadcollectedsomanyspecimensforhisinfernalmaster–monsters,savagebeasts,spawnanddaemonkind–thatitwasimpossibletokeeptrack.TakingArchaonforsomewarrior-daemoninhishell-forgedplate,thecreatureeventuallymovedon,trumpetingatskinnerstogettheirbeastsandwagonsmoving.Archaoncastaglancedownthecorpseroadbehindthewagon.Somewhere

downthatroad,OgraxtheGreatledArchaon’shordeafterhim.Lookingforward,beyondthebeastfiendskinnerandhispack-daemons,Archaoncouldseethedreadthatlayahead.TheGatelands.Thestormingbalelightofthebeyond,blazingfortheheavenswherethepolarportalusedtobe.Theserratedsilhouetteofinfernalpalacesencircledtheraginggatewaylikeablackcrown,andbeforelongthewagontrainfounditselfintheshadowofoneofthelargest.TheroaduptothepalaceofthedaemonlordAgrammonwasawell-wornpath

inthemummifiedremainsofthosefoolishenoughtohaveattackedit.Thetrackweaveditswaybetweencolossalfragmentsofblackstone,halfburiedinthecursedearth.TheirsizeandgrandeurledArchaontobelievethattheywerefragmentsofthepolargatethatusedtotoweroverthedreadlandsofdaemonicsovereignty.Otherhuntingpartieshadjoinedthemontheapproach,andArchaongottheimpressionthatAgrammon’sever-expandingmenageriewasanendlessenterprise.Nomonstrousspecimenwouldbesoimpressive,nodaemonsoinfamousorspawnsoexoticallyrepulsiveastosatethedaemonlord’sappetitesandcompletehiscollection.

CHAPTERIII

‘…sitsAgrammon,daemonlordofapalaceproud,intheGatelandsofinfernalsovereignty.Aserpentinenightmareofslitheringindulgenceandgraspingtentacle,itistheCagelord,aturn-keyforthePrinceofExcess,acollector,anenslaver,amasterofthehoard.Itsmadnessisgreed,butnotforgemsormetalsprecious,notforcravingssweetormorelandthanadaemoncanuse.Heisagathereroftheflesh,apresenterofprisoners,ofcreaturesexotic,ofbeastsinfernalandmyriad,keeperofamenageriemonstrous,abouthispalaceproud.’

–Horror-ScribesoftheEndlessMountain,BestiarumDiabolika

TheGatelandsTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

Asthericketywagonsclosedonthemaingate,Archaonsawthatthemassiveexteriorwallwasmadeofmetal.ThiscameasasurprisetotheChaoswarrior,

sincehehadseenpreciouslittleofitinthefrozenSouthernWastes.HeassumedthatAgrammonhadtheoreminedfrombeneaththeGatelandsandprocessedforhisneeds,althoughArchaoncouldn’ttellwhatkindofmetalitwas.Thewallswereaboldblackandcoveredinsculptedbarbs,wickedskewers,spikes,hooksandgrapnels.Allweresharpenedtoaflesh-snaggingpointandglistenedwithpoisonsthatsentvictimsintospasms.Archaonknewthisashesawthebeastfiendsanddaemonsthathadimpaledthemselvesonthewallandweredancingajigofdelighttotheirdeath.IncreasinglytheChaoswarlordthoughtthathehadmadetherightdecision.

Thetwistedwallalonewasdesignedtoshredanyattackerdesperateenoughtoscaleit.Adirectassaultbyhishordewouldhaveresultedinhorrificcasualties.IfheweretobecapturedbythedaemonlordAgrammonorfailinhisobjectivethenitstillmight.Archaonlickedathisdrylips.Asingletowerextendedhighabovethepalacewalls,madeofthesametwisted

metal.Itwascoveredindownwardsslantingspikeslikeanurchin,makingaclimbalmostimpossible.Lookingupatthecloud-grazingheightofthecitadel,itsbulbousbelltowerandthepincer-shapedcrescentthatcrownedthetowerspire,Archaonthoughtsuchaclimbwouldbesuicideregardless.Asthetrainofwagonsandcagesrattledinthroughthetwistedgatehouse,ArchaonsawJharkilltalkingtoadaemonette–oneofmanyArchaonsawstationedaboutthepalace,standinginarmouredcorsetsandexecutioner’shoods.Theyclutchedsickle-spearsandwalkedupanddownthemenageriethoroughfares.Thecolossalcourtyardbetweenthepalacewallandthecitadelwasthemetal

ofcagesandtheblackstoneinwhichthebarbedandtwistedbarswereset.Cagehadbeenbuiltupontangledcage,three,four,andsometimesfivestoriesabovetheblackgravelofthethoroughfare.Theyhadbeenbuiltaroundoneanotherinallsizesandconfigurations.Theywereuniformonlyinthattheywerewoefullyinsufficienttohousethecaptivecreaturesinside.AsthewheelsofArchaon’swagonhissedthroughthegravel,hesawmonstrositiesundreamedof,daemonicabominations,god-cursedspawnandbestialslaveswithexoticfurandextravaganthorns,housedmiserablytogetherasasinglecollection.Hesawthingswithwings,thingsalllimb,beastsofclawandfang,creaturesofscale,blubberandarmouredskin,greatmonstersthatslithered,malformedtitansandpacksoflesserinfernalsthathissedthroughthebarbsandbarsoftheircagesatthenewarrivals.Themenageriewascolossalanditsnumberofdeplorablespecimensimpossibletocount.WhatstruckArchaoninstantlywasthestench.Theripefunkofthousandsof

creaturesalleating,defecating,livinganddyingincloseproximity.Thecrampedconditionswerenothinglessthanwretched.Archaongaggedasthereekoverwhelmedhim.Thenoisetoowasunbearable,thebestialmiserypalpable.TheChaoswarlordhadneverheardsuchachorusofwoe.Themenageriewasanestofcagedsuffering:acollectionofcreatures,sittingintheirownfilth,waitingtodie.AllworeJharkill’sshamanistictokensofobedienceabouttheirnecks,oratleastwhatpassedfornecksonthemorewarpedspecimens.Long-snoutmenialsmovedbetweenthecagesladlingslopandthrowingrancidmeatbetweenthebars,butArchaonsuspectedthattheonlythingkeepingthecreaturesofthemenageriealivewastheunnaturalhardinessoftheirwarpedconstitutions.WhatpleasureLordAgrammoncouldderivefromthis,Archaonthought,theRuinousGodsonlyknew.Thewagontraintrundledaroundtheexteriorwallbeforethegravel

thoroughfarestartedtoworkitswayinwardsinaconcentricspiral,finallyarriving,Archaonexpected,atthecentrecitadel.Itwasaninsanedesign.Itwascompletelyimpractical,unlessyourobjectivewastoslavishlyadmireeveryexhibit,ineverycage,intheentiremenagerie.ItoccurredtoArchaonthatAgrammonhaddesignedthespirallinglayoutofthetwistedcollectionwithexactlythatinmind.Progressstoppedandstartedalongthewagontrainasdeadexhibitswere

draggedfromthebarbednightmareoftheircagesandreplacedwithnewcaptures.ThemonstrouscadaverswerethenloadedonthewagonsfordumpingontheWastes.Asthecavalcadeworkeditswayinward,Archaonrealisedthathisturnwascoming.Claspinghisgauntletsaroundoneofthebarsofhiscage,hehauledonthebone–quietlybutinsistently–sothatitsnapped.Archaonleftthebrokenbarinplace.Itwasnottheonlythinghewouldbeleavingwiththewagon.HisshieldandthebladeTerminuswerehiddenunderthewagonbed,betweenthewheels.Uponre-earninghisfreedom,theChaoswarriorwouldneedthemandsohadbrokenthebarasameansofidentifyingthewagononcemore.Finally,inthedoom-ladenshadowofthecitadel,thewagoncametoastop.

Thelong-snoutskinnerclimbeddownandproceededtoopenthecageundertheinfernalgazeofthreedaemonettesthathadmovedinonthewagon.Razoredwirespiralledthroughtheabundanceoftheirdreadfleshwhiledroolcontinuallydribbledfrommouthsfilledwithneedle-teeth,workingitswaydowntheirvoluptuousnesslikeariverfindingthepathofleastresistance.Oneofthedaemonettesheldseveralhoundsonaspikedchain.ThecreatureshadtaperingmuzzleslikethebeastfiendsinAgrammon’sdarkserviceandsnuffledthe

groundaboutArchaon’sfeetashewasleddownfromthewagon.Aseconddaemonetteusedthecrescentclawattheendofhersickle-spearto

motiontheChaoswarrioron.Shelookedonhimthroughtheslitsofherexecutioner’shoodwithapredatoryfascination,pushinghimtowardsacageopeningwiththecurvedbladeofthesickleheadpiece.Archaontookamomenttoholdhisground.Hewantedtobesurethathehadn’tindeedbecomeoneofJharkill’sslavespecimensandapermanentexhibitinLordAgrammon’smenagerie.Whetheritwasbecausetheshamanistictokensabouthisneckhadbeenintendedforanothercaptiveorbecausethedamnedwardsthatweavedtheirwaythroughhispallidfleshlikeanetworkofveinscounteredsuchprimitivecharmsandenchantments,Archaondidn’tcare.Allheneededtoknowwasthathewasn’tgoingtospendtherestofhisdaysvoluntarilystinkingoutacageatthebottomoftheworld.Archaon’sreluctanceonlyangeredhisinfernalkeepers.Athirddaemonette

slashedatthegravelwithabarbedwhip,whileherrankcompatriotpushedArchaonharshlytowardsthecagewithhersickle-spear.Noddingandraisingagauntlet,theChaoswarriorapproachedhistwistedcoop.Twolong-snoutswerecarryingtherottinghalf-eatenremainsofabeastfiendwithtwobovineheadsandinterlockinghorns,anaberrationthatmusthavetakenLordAgrammon’sfancy.Climbingupthethickbarsoftheenclosurebelow,Archaonhauledhimselfupthroughtheopeningofhisowncage–thecagethatthecorruption-dribblingcorpseofthehalf-breedhadjustvacated.Thedaemonetteslappedthebarswithaclawandsaidsomethingsuggestiveandunintelligiblebeforeboltingthecageclosed.Asthedaemonettes,thelong-snoutsandthewagonsmovedon,Archaontook

inthedegradationofhissurroundings.Thetwistedmetalofhiscagemadeupthewalls,floorandceilingofseveralothers,fortheenclosureitselfwasenclosedwithbutonesetofbarsfacingthethoroughfareforobservation.Allmannerofmonstrosityandwarp-sculpteddeformitywaspresent.AboveArchaonthecagehousedsomekindofhugecarrionbird–athingrottenandspoiledinitselfbutimpossiblyalive.Itpeckedatthebarsanditselfwithitsgreatbone-crushingbeakandletlooseanalmostconstantstreamofmilkyexcrementthroughthebarsintoArchaon’senclosure.TheChaoswarriormovedaboutthemessinthelimitedspacehehad,allowingthestinkingoozetosplatteranestofblindwyrmsinthecagebelow.Theobscenecreaturesdidn’tseemtomindatall,theirbulbousheadsonlyemergingfromtheripplingsheathoftheirsquirmingbodiestosnapatthecageroofandArchaon’sbootswiththeirhook-toothed

maws.Castinghisgazethroughtheforestofblackbars,Archaonsawapairof

hairlessgiantrats,conjoinedatthetail:onetwinfeedingonthefleshoftheother.Aferalspawnjabberedandthrewitselfmindlesslyatitscagedoor,whilestabbingatitselfwithgreatbonescythesthatmightoncehavebeenwings.Analmostconstantstreamofmind-splittingscreamsemanatedfromathingnearbythathungfromtheceilingbarsofitscagebyamonstroustail,whileitspectoralwingsdangledaboutitlikethefinsofsomesharkoftheskyoroceandepths.Belowitadaemonbeast,somegreatsteedorjuggernaut,slowlyrustedinapoolofitsownichor,groaningandmoaninglikeagutteringforge.OntheothersideofhiscageArchaoncouldseethatonehugecreaturehadgivenupentirely.Eitheroutofmonstroushabitorspiteithadblighteditsenclosurewithahazeofsilk,formingawebinwhichapulsingcocoonstillgavetheimpressionofhorridlife.Ofthethingsthathadaface,fromhiscageArchaoncouldonlyseetwo.The

firstinhabitedthedarknessofacageacrossthethoroughfare.Itclaw-stompedupanddowntheenclosure,rearingitsemaciatedbodyuponitshindlegs.EvenatskinandboneitwastwicethesizeofArchaonanditsfleshwasredrawwithsoresandinfection.Patchesofwornfurswarmedwithfatmitesfeedingoffthecreatureanddrivingittodistraction.Aninfestedmanehungaboutthecreature’smonstrous,fang-filledjawsandrandownitsbackbetweentheshreddedleatherystumpsoftwomite-eatenwingsanddownthelengthofatailthatwasshotthroughwiththagomizerspikes.Thecreaturestopped,seemingtoknowthatitwasbeingwatched,beforegrabbingthebarswithitsfore-clawsandbringingitsdaemonicfaceforwardwithgloweringmalice.Liketherestofitsbodythefleshofitsfacewasameshofscratchesanddappledirritation,butwithinitandabovethefixedsnarlofitsleoninemuzzle,itseyesbetrayedaferalsadness.Aknowing.Asufferingthatbetrayedanalmosthumanintelligence.ThecreaturestaredatArchaonandArchaonstaredback.TheChaoswarrior

couldfeelthemonster’shateacrosstheopenspace.Thedruchiiofthenorthcalledsuchbeastsmanticores:monsterscraftedoftheWastes,ofunrivalledferocityandspite.Theywerealsotreatedwithreverenceandrespect,sincetheywereamongthemostcunningofRuinouspredators.Archaonhadheardthatrudimentaryspeechhadevenbeenwitnessedinsomecreatures,ifonlytoscorntheattemptsofdruchiihunterstocapturethem.Jharkillhadbaggedhisprize,however,enslavingthescabbybeastwithhisshamaniccharmsandcagingitforhismaster’spleasure.

‘Don’tworryabouthim,’avoicecamethroughthebarsindarktongue.LookingaroundArchaonsawaleglesshorrorhangingfromtheceilingbarsofthecagenexttohisown.Thethinghadgangly,longarms,blackskinandappearedtobenothingmorethanatruncatedtorsoandasquashedhead.‘Hejustwantstobefree,see?’Thehalf-daemongibberedtoArchaonanditself.‘Thoughts.Thoughts,’thecreaturesaid,slappingitsnarrowskullwithaghoulishlylongpalmasitdangledfromthebarsontheother.‘Thoughtslikethatwillkillyoufasterthanthefoodaroundhere.Hope.Adangerousthingishope.ItisLordAgrammon’sweaponofchoice.Ohyes,yes,yes,yes,yes.He’llgetyouhopingallright.Cravingtheimpossible.Givingyouanappetiteforafreedomthatjustcan’tbehad.No,no,no,no,no.It’stheonlythingtogiveyouanappetiteinthisfood-forsakenplace.’Archaonsaidnothing,allowingthecreature’ssanitytounravelbeforehim.

Therisingvolumeofthehalf-daemon’svoiceandthecreature’scaptiveexcitabilitywasdrawingdaemonettekeeperstowardsthem.That,Archaondidnotneed.Notifheweretoeffectaquietescapefromhisconfinement.Theleglesscreaturehungbyonewillowyarm.Hejabbedalongfingeratthemanticoreopposite.‘Heknows,’thethingjabberedontoitself.‘Heknows.’Thentoapassingdaemonettewiththreesnufflinghoundsonaspikedchain:‘Sheknows.’Heblewthehorrorakiss,producingfromherbothaseductivesnarlandastreamofabuse,inaninfernallanguagethatArchaondidnotunderstand.Hangingtherethecreaturebowedhisheadandloweredhiseyes,mumblingatheatricalapology.Archaonwatchedthedaemonettepass.Evenwhenoutofsighthecouldheartherhythmicechoofherspearrattlingalongthebars–wakingandprovoking.Archaonturned.Thedaemonette’sspearhaddisturbedthethinginthecocoon.

Thesickeningsoundofswarmingemanatedfromthepulsinghubofthesilkenhaze.Whatevermonstrouscreaturelaywithinwaslongdead,Archaonrealised.Itsbodyhadbeeneatenfromtheinsideoutbythousandsofwarpedspiderlings:translucentcreaturesthesizeofahandthatscuttledonstabbingtalons.Theirmouthswereframedwithfatfangsandwithintheirabdomenssquirmedasingleeyeballthatstaredabouttheirnewsurroundings.Archaonwatchedas,drawnbysomekindofcollectivevision,thecreaturesdescendedonthreadsandcrawledtowardsunfortunatesintheothercages.Turningbacktowardsthehangingtorsoswingingbeforehimonitsarms,

Archaonfoundthethingwaslickingitslipsasitwatchedthespidersbitingandswarmingtheirthrashingvictims.

‘Wefeasttonight!’itgibberedbeforeswingingbackandforthacrossitscage.Archaoncasuallybrushedababyarachnidoffhispauldronthathadsilentlydrifteddownfromthecageabove.Hesquelchedtheminiaturemonsterunderhisboot.Thehalf-daemonwasbackbeforethebars,spillingoverwithmadness.‘Stayorleave.Leaveorstay,’thethingrepeatedbeforejabbingafingeratthesky.‘There’snothingoutthereforus.Death.Destruction.Abecomingofthatwhichwearenot.DoIstaybecauseofthis?’Itrattledthestringofshamanisticcharmsaboutitsslenderneck.‘No.Istayforthesafetyofacage.Istayforthefood.Ihaveapurposehere.Iexisttobringpleasuretoothers–ifnotmyself.Hopefornothingmorethanawretchedcaptivityandyoucannotbedisappointed.Ohno.That’swhatourinfestedfriendovertheredoesn’tseemtounderstand,’thehalf-daemonsaid,swingingaboutitscage,bartobar,withitslongarmsandspindlyfingers.‘AmIright?I’mright,aren’tI?Yes,yes,yes,yes,yes.Overtherewithonlyhisfleasforcompany.Hepaces.Paces.Paces.Ifallasleep,he’spacing.Iwake,he’spacing.Irant,Irave,Ikillthethinginthenextcage,he’spacing.Doyouknowwhattheycallhim?Thediseasedoneoverthere?’Archaonshookhisheadslowly.‘Mange,’thehalf-daemonchuckleddarkly,‘foritisnotjustthecreatureon

showinthecagebutalsothewonderfulcollectionofmitesthatfeedonhismonstrousflesh.Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoingmonster?’thehalf-daemoncalledacross.‘Perhapshe’sdreaming.Dreamingofsomewherehigh.Somewheredesolateandlonely,wherethepreyisfleetandthecompanywanting.Somewhereamonstrositycan…just…be.’Archaonlookedoveratthemanticoreinitsmiserablestate,standingonits

hindlegs,clutchingthebarswithtremblingclawsandglaringwithsilentmaliceandsuffering.Themenageriewascrowdedwithmindlessmonsters,warplings,slavestothedarknessandthelowcreaturesoftheworld.WhiletheyallsufferedaspartofLordAgrammon’slegendarycollection,itwastheprisonersofthemindandnotjustthebodythatsufferedthemost.Savagecreaturesandabominationssimplyendured.Somenodifferentlyintheircagesthananywhereelse.Thosethatthought.Thosethatfelt.Thosethathoped.Theyweredoublydoomed.Thehalf-daemonbabbledinsanelybutitwasrightaboutthat.Beyondtheravagesofimprisonmentandstarvationsufferedbythecagedcaptives,hopebrokethespirit.Ithadbrokenthehalf-daemon,who–forallArchaonknew–mighthavebeenanexhibitinthemenagerieforaslongasithadexisted.‘It’snevergoingtohappen,’thehalf-daemonjeeredacrossthethoroughfare.

Again,Archaonbecameconcernedoverthenoiseandtheattentionitmightgarner.‘Acceptit,beast.You’vesoaredoveryourlastmountain.You’veslainyourlastpieceofprey.You’llneverbealoneagain.Youhear?Youhear?’themadthingcalled.‘NotsolongasI’mhere,creatureofhorizonslost.’Archaonlookedfromthegloweringmanticorebacktothehalf-daemon.The

Chaoswarriorhadheardenough.Hadwaitedlongenough.Baseduponthetimeithadtakentoworkitswayaroundtheconcentriccurveoftheouterthoroughfare,Archaonestimatedthewagontrainwouldbeclosingoncemoreontheinnerthoroughfare.Severaltimeshethoughthehadheardthemovementofthecavalcade,theroarofbeastsandtheopeningofcages,butwiththebabblinghalf-daemonpouringmadnessinhisearsitwasdifficulttotell.Beyondthegrowinginfestationofspiderlings,thehalf-daemonwasdanglingonegraspingarmthroughthebarsofArchaon’scage.Despitethedisarmingdistractionofthedaemon’sblatantinsanity,Archaonknewthatitmeanthimharmandhadprobablybeenresponsibleforthedeathofthecage’spreviousoccupant.‘Wanttohearasecret?’thehalf-daemonwhisperedharshly.Hemotionedwith

asinglelongfinger,hiswillowyarmextendedallthewaythroughArchaon’sbars.TheChaoswarriorapproached.‘Wanttobeone?’Archaonputtothemurderoushalf-daemon.Hegrabbedthe

monster’shideoushandinhisgauntletsandheaved.Thecreature’sheadsmashedintothetwistedmetal.Itgibberedandscreecheditssurprise.Archaonhauledonthesinewydaemonfleshagain,yankingthething’sheadandwretchedtorsointothebars–againandagain.ThethinghadnodoubtmeanttodothesametoArchaonandfeedonhiscarcass–thefatesufferedbythepreviousoccupant.Archaonheavedmercilessly,allowingthecreaturetopullitselfbackbeforetheChaoswarriorhauleditoncemoreintothebludgeoningmetal.Somethingsuddenlywentcrackandthecreature’sholdontheceilingbarswentslack.Asthehalf-daemonbecameabrokenmoundonthecagefloor,bloodyandstill,Archaondroppeditsarmandwalkedtothedoorofhiscage.Hefoundthemanticorestaringintenselyathim,thebeast’seyesglisteningwithbestialsatisfaction.‘Ifearyourviewismuchimproved,monster,’Archaonsaid.Thecreature

blinkedthebalefulyellowofitseyesathim.Lookingupanddownthethoroughfarethatcurvedbetweenthelinesofcages,Archaonliftedhisbootandstampeddownonthecagedoor.Thesimplelockshattered–foritwasnotmetalandmechanismthatkeptthecreaturesofLordAgrammon’smenageriecaptive.AsArchaonwalkedacrossthedesertedgravel,themanticoreleantout.Astringy

droolbegantocascadefromthemonster’smaw.Ittastedsomething.Archaonhopedthatitwasfreedomratherthantheprospectoffreshflesh.‘Orperhaps,creatureofdarkness,youwouldpreferaviewclearofcagebarsaltogether.’Beforethedoorofthemanticore’sbarbedenclosure,ArchaonslippedthesinewstringofJharkill’scharmsandeffigiesfromoverhisheadanddroppeditontheground.Hestampeddownonthecursedthing,crushingthetokensofglyph-scoredboneandstoneintothegravel.‘BeforeIgiveyoubacktheskies,greatbeast,’Archaontoldhim.‘MightItroubleyouforadiversion?Asettlingofscoresperhapswithyourjailersorsimplyanopportunitytosateyourall-consuminghunger.Youlooklikeyoucoulduseameal.’Themanticorehissedthroughitssabreteeth.Thestenchuponwhichthewords

waftedalmostmadetheChaoswarriorgag.Archaoncouldfeeltheharmthemonstermeanthimthroughthebars.TheChaoswarriorrealisedthathecouldbethemealthemanticoreneeded.Heshookhishead.‘Youdon’tlookthatstupid,beast,’Archaonsaid.‘Thelasthundredthingsthat

triedtoeatmearedead.Besides,’theChaoswarriortoldit,recallinghisbattlewiththeYien-Ya-Long.‘Icausehorribleindigestion.’Archaonreachedthroughthebarsofthemanticore’scage.Themonster

growledastheChaoswarrior’sgauntletsfeltthroughitsinfestedmane.SlippingJharkill’sbridleofcharmsfromthemanticore’shead,heletitfalltothecagefloorbythecreature’sclawedfeet.ThemanticorelookeddownatthethingofdarkenchantmentsandthenupatArchaon.TheChaoswarriorwatchedthebeaststampdownonthecharmsandcrushthemintothefloor.Grabbingthebars,Archaonheavedatthecagedoorandtoreitopen.‘Beast,’theChaoswarriorsaid,‘youarefree.Unleashyourselfonthosewho

wouldseeyoubackbehindthesebars.’AsArchaonsteppedaside,themanticorefelldownontofourfeet.Thecreature

wasdisgustinglylithe–allclaw,slaveringjawandribcagewithaspikedtailflowingafterit.Launchingfromthecage–itsnew-foundfreedomfiringwastedlimbsandappetite–themanticoretoreupthegravelthoroughfareandboundedoffthebarbedbarsoftheoppositecages.Watchingthemonstersurgeaway,Archaonturnedandclimbedupthecageside.ThecreatureswithinscreechedandspatattheChaoswarriorashehauled

himselfupthetwistedbars.Atoptherowofcages,withmonstrositiesroaringtheirdispleasurebelow,Archaoncouldseethecitadelinallofitsserratedglory.Thecrescentcrowningthetowerpointeditstalon-tipstowardsthebroilingsky.

Archaoncouldheartheshriekingtrumpetcallsofbeastfiendsandlong-snoutedhounds.Daemonetteswerehiss-squealing.ThemanticorehadboltedupthewalkwayandrippedthroughthefirstofLordAgrammon’sinfernalservantsitfound.Keepinghimselfchest-downonthecagetop,Archaonsawbloodybitsof

houndandbeastfiendflyingthroughtheair.SuddenlyArchaonheardthesoundofclawsonbars.Somethingwasclimbinguptowardshim.Momentslaterthehornedheadofadaemonetteroseabovethecage.Thecreature’swire-threadedfacebetrayedaninfernaldread.DisgustfloodedtheChaoswarriorandhebenthisarmouredkneetokickthecreatureoff.Thenthedaemonette’shorridfacechanged.Frombelow,ArchaonheardtheroarofthemonsterMange.Thedaemonette’spincersscrapedacrossthebarsasshewastornbackdownthecagesandintothesavagerybelow.Withanechoingscreech,thejailerwastornapart.Thewretchedcallofhornsrosefromthespiral-thoroughfare,drawing

daemonettesandhoundsdownontheescapedmonster.Archaonnoddedhisappreciation.Gettingtohisfeet,theChaoswarriorpaddedacrossthetopofthecages,perchingontheedgeandlookingdownintothenextconcentricthoroughfare.Thetrainofcagedwagonswasthere,whereArchaon’searhadputit.Horridbeastfiendswithtaperingsnoutsandserpentinetonguesweremovingmonstrosities,daemonkindandwarpedbeastsfromtheirbonecagestotheirtwistedenclosures.ThemiserablecreatureswantednothingmorethantovisittheirwrathonLordAgrammon’skeepers,likeMangewasdoingonthethoroughfarebeyond,butJharkill’sprimitivecharmskepttheirmonstrousnaturesincheck.Alltheyknewwassuffering,despairandtheneedtoobey.Archaonwatchedthecavalcadetrundlealongthroughthegravelunderthewatchfuleyesofdaemonettes,standingwiththeirsickle-spearswhilesnappingtheirarm-pincersatthebeastfiendstomovethecaravanon.Archaonnoticedhiscagewagonwiththebrokenbar.Watchingthe

daemonettessnaptheirclawsandcracktheirbarbedwhipsatthetrumpetingbeastfiends,Archaondroppeddownontothegravel.KeepingcagesandtheirmonstrousoccupantsbetweenhimandLordAgrammon’swatch-daemons,Archaonsprintedtowardsthewagonandgrabbedtheaxle,skiddingdownbetweenthecurvedboneofthewheels.Allowingthevehicletocrunchoverhead,theChaoswarriorslippedhisshieldandthetemplarbladeTerminusoutfromthecrudeworkingsoftheribsandsinewofthewagonunderside.Rollingasidebeforethewagonsofthenexttrainrumbledforth,Archaon

slippedtheblessedbladeofSigmarintoitsback-scabbardandloosenedthebucklesontheweightyshield,sittingtheeight-pointedstaroveroneshoulderlikeadarkpenance.Heranatthecagesideoftheoppositeenclosures,theimpactandrattlingascentdisturbingtheslumberofsomethree-headedbruteandrousingtherestrainedsavageryofachimericnightmareoverhead.Ashehauledhimselfatopthecageshesetaflockofblood-suckingimpstowhirlingabouttheirfoetidenclosureinamaelstromofwingandscreechingugliness.ThisprocesstheChaoswarriorrepeated:climbingcages,droppingintothe

concentricspiralofgravelthoroughfaresandcrossingthekeeper-hauntedpathwaysunseen.Hedidthisinthespikedshadowofthecitadel,thrownacrossthestinkingmenagerieofthedaemonlordbythebrighthellshineofthegreatSouthernGate–workinghiswayeverinwards,throughthehoardedmiserythatwasAgrammon’sever-unfinishedcollectionofexoticmonstrosity.Therethedaemonlordkepthismostprizedexhibits.

CHAPTERIV

‘Todaywesightedland.Afrozencoastofdarknessandstorm.Thehorizonburnedwitheruptionandhellfire.Onthewindweheardthesoundsofsufferingandrage.ThecrewwereunsettledandIcametoknowhowmyambitionshaddamnedusall.TothegladheartsofallonboardIorderedprayerssaidandsailssetforthesafetyofthenorth.Thiscursedlandisnoplaceforgod-fearingmen.Iknowthatnow.’

–RodrigodeVelasca,captain’slog,ThePlutón(lost)

TheGatelandsTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

Fromthecagetopsoftheinnerthoroughfareandthecurvingpromenadeofthetower-approach,Archaonsawthetwistedenclosuresofbarbandbarbuiltuparoundtheblack-brickexteriorwallofthecitadel.InthecageshesawsomeofAgrammon’smostprizedspecimens.Greatdaemonstetheredtothetowerwallwithgargantuanchainsofsilversatinaneternityofmiseryonfloor-carved

wardsandbindings.Spawnofexquisitegrotesquenessandwarp-sculptedgrandeur.Monstersofeverysizeandshape–craftedofnightmare,savageryandworld-witheringhate.Theenclosuresaboutthecitadelwereguardedbyasmallarmyof

daemonettes.Thecreatures’blackleatherarmourwassewnintotheirobscenefleshwithrazoredwire.Theirpincersconstantlyclickedandsnapped,whilefilthylocksofmidnighthairdancedentrancinglyaboutthedepravityoftheirbodiesinbraids,tailsandblanketsofblack.Theirfacesalternatedbetweenhorrificmasksofneedle-toothedgleeandghoulish,shriekingdispleasureastheyslashedtheblackstoneofthepromenadewithwhipsandjabbedtheirsickle-spearsthroughthebarsofenclosures.AsArchaonworkedhiswayacrossthecagetopsunseen,ignoringthe

suffering,rancourandpleadingfrombelow,helookedforhisprize.ThefourthtreasureofChaosthatdeviantdestinyhadseenfittohideinsuchabenightedplace.Dorghar,daemonicSteedoftheApocalypse.Hecouldnotseethemonster,however.Intheenclosureoppositewasagargantuanthing.Agiant.Acolossalsavagelongdead,itsmummifiedfleshandbrownbonessatwrappedinshreddedfursandtatteredskins.Itsskullwasamassivehornedhorrorofemptysocketsandtombstoneteethanditstoweringspinecurvedintoamalformedhunch.Thecorpsegiantsatintheenclosure,barelyafitforthetwistedcage,inunlivingdespairanddeathlystillness.Throughthetattersofitsclothingandtheribsofitsbarrelchest,Archaoncouldseethegreencurselightofsorcerythatallowedthelong-rottentwistedcolossustolivebeyondthegrave.FurtheraroundArchaonsawagreatbirdoffierypurplefeatherandstrange

flamethatwrithedaboutitsbodylikealivinghell.Thecagefloorwascarpetedintheashofpluckedfeathersasthedementedbirdhalfpeckeditselftodeathinitsmiserablecaptivity,onlytoriseagain.InthevividinfernoaboutthedarkphoenixArchaoncouldseethetorchedsoulsofthegreatbird’svictimsthrashingintormentandreachingoutforbarsofthecage.Ashovel-noseddragonwascurledupinthenextcage,itsarmouredskinanest

ofcrystallineshardsinsteadofscales.Thetipswereblackenedwitholdbloodandscrapsoffleshwherethecreaturehadsidledpastitslastshreddedvictim.Thecreaturetrembledwithsomekindofafflictionordistemper,makingitsrazor-sharpshardsrattlelikeglassagainstoneanother,creatingahauntingcacophony.Beyondthedragonwasabruteofamonster,itsarmouredhidestainedred

withtheslaughteritperpetuallysought.Itsheadwasahorn-crestednightmare

withinwhichsnappedacrowdedmawoffangandferocity.Amultitudeoffalseeyespeeredoutfromtheabominationasitstree-trunkarmsandthemountainofmusclethatwasitstorsotoreatitschains.EvenwearingJharkill’scrudeenchantments,theslaughterbruteseemedinaconstantstateofmurderousagitation.Thenhesawit.Intheenclosurenexttotheblood-drenchedbeastwasa

maelstromofblackandspectralflame.Afuriousmiasmawhosesearingblazeandsilkyshadowcouldnotsettleononemidnightformoranother.Onemomentitwasathingofslitheringmenace,thenextachitinousmidnighthorror.Itsdarknidformswirledfromoneshapetothenext.Athingofleatherywingsandserratedmaw.Anextravagantlyhornedheadonawallofsteamingmuscle.Amonstrouspigoftwistedtuskandhunchedback.Ablubberycreatureofflipperandshaggymane.Atentacularbeastofbulbousheadandinnumerableeyes.Adark,reptilianmonsterofsnappingjaws,powerfullegsandwhippingtail.Achimericfusionofpredatorsandtheirprey.Lookingthiswayandthat,Archaondroppeddownfromthecageandrolled

throughthegrit.Hisappearanceinthethoroughfaredrewaraucousresponsefromthemiserablebeastsinthesurroundingcages.AboveArchaon,thecitadel–spinedlikeagreattoweringurchinreachingforthechurningvortexofcloudanddarknessabove–blackedoutthesickeningglarespewingfromtheSouthernGate.Despitethewelcomedarkness,theChaoswarriorfeltexposed.LordAgrammon’sprizebeastswereroaring,moaningandscreechingtothedreadheavensandArchaonknewthatthemonstrositiesguardingsuchwonderscouldseeaswellinthedarknessastheChaoswarriorcouldseeintheday–notthatArchaonhadseenthetruelightofdayforalongtime.Thoroughfaresbeyond,hecouldhearMangetakinghisrevengeonsuch

wretchedcustodians.Daemonettessquealedboththeiragonyandjoyasthemonstrousmanticoresavagedthem.Beastfiendstrumpetedtheiralarm,callingmoreinfernalsentriesdownontheescapedbeast.Mangewasnottheonlyflesh-hungrypredatorboundingdownonthemonallfours,snarlingheadsfromslendershoulders.Archaonpicturedhimrearinguplikethebeastfiendswhosatabouthiminpieces.Hecouldhearthemanticoreliberateotherlethalmonstrositiesfromcageandcurse,addingtheirunleashedfurytohisown.Paddingacrossthethoroughfarewiththelightcrunchofathief,Archaon

walkedpastthetwistedenclosuresofAgrammon’smostprizedanddeviantwonders.Stoppingbeforethedaemonicdarknessthatragedinever-changingtormentandflame,Archaonknewthathehadfoundhisprize.Thefourth

treasureofChaos.Dorghar,SteedoftheApocalypse.Doomedtowretchedcaptivityhere,atthebottomoftheworld,keptatthepleasureofahoardingdaemonlord.WiththeChaoswarriorstandingbeforetheenclosuregate,theswirling

transformationsseemedtoslow.Thefireandshadowdriftedtoastop.ThebeastwasamiasmaofblackthatwatchedArchaonasanunbrokensteedmighttheapproachofafoolhardyrider.Archaonfeltthedaemon’shate.Hehadnodoubtitmeanthimharm.Asshadowbledintoshadowandthedarknessintensified,thecreaturesettledonaform.Archaonsteppedforwardandgrippedthewarpedbarsoftheenclosuregate.Itwasasthoughtheinfernalmonstrosityhadreachedintohismindandselecteditsappearancefromthefoetiddungeon-depthsofhismemory.Thedarknesssolidifiedintotheshapeofahuge,blackstallion.Anoblebeastofglisteningmuscularflanks,shaggyhoof,midnightmaneandtail.‘Oberon,’Archaonsaidwithwonder.Herememberedtheblackstallionofhis

youth.Thehorsethathadservedashistemplarmount.Thetransformationwasnotcomplete,however.Thefleshbegantosplitwithequinebrawn,formingcriss-crossscarsthatseemedtohealasfastastheyformed.Spikesofsharpenedboneeruptedfromblackmuscleandfur.Asthecreaturesnorted,itsnostrilsblazedwiththefiresofdamnation,whilewhatshouldhavebeenawhinnywasahowling,brain-achingroarofcrackling,infernalfury.Asthestallioncloseditsmouthandtheglareofbanelightfaded,ArchaonwatchedtheblackeyesofthebeastflushtoaRuinousred.‘Let’sdothis,’Archaonsaidwithrelish.Hetookanarmouredsaddle,spiked

stirrupsandbridle-harnessfromatwistedpostbythegateandenteredtheenclosure.Heapproachedtheinfernalsteedslowly.Thecreatureseemedtosettleintoitsnewform.Itstampedandsnortedshortburstsofhellfire.Archaonliftedtheheavysaddleontothedreadstallion’sback.Dorgharbackedandbuckedalittle.Archaonheldupafingerofhisgauntletasawarning.Asthedaemonshivereditscautionandattemptedtoshakethesaddlefromitsback,Archaonslappedthemonsteracrossitsmonstrousmuzzle,causingthethingtoflinch.ItstampedbackathimandgotasavagebackhandfromArchaon’sarmouredhand.Dorgharstompedon,loweringitsnose.Fire-threadeddrooldribbledfrombetweenitstombstoneteeth.Itsnostrilsblazed.ThesteedbroughttheragingdamnationofitseyeslevelwiththeslitsofArchaon’shelm.Dorgharmovedforward,restingtheflatofitsheadandthepointsofits

muzzle-spikesagainsttheEyeofSheerian,andpushedattheChaoswarrior’shelm.Warlordandsteedpushedagainstoneanother,untilfinallyArchaon

stumbledback.Heallowedthebeastthemoment’sillusionthatithadwonthebattleofwillsbeforeslippingthestudded,spite-curedleatherofthebridleoveritsthrustinghead.AstheSteedoftheApocalypsestampedandturnedwithanimalfury,Archaonmadeswiftworkofbeltingbothbridleandsaddletothemonster’sfuriousform.Haulingthewickedbitupbetweenthechisel-likebladesofitsteeth,Archaonrestedthethickreinsoverthepommelofthearmouredsaddle.HecamebacktothefrontofthestallionandfoundJharkill’sbonecharmsjanglingbeforethecreature’schestonastringofsinew.Archaonknewthathehadtotamethebeasthimself.Hecouldnotrelyuponthebeastmaster’sprimitiveenchantments.‘Let’sseewhatyou’vegot,’Archaontoldthesteedashetorethecharmfrom

thesolidifiedshadowofthedaemon.Ashetossedthebonetrinketaway,Archaonmighthaveexpectedsomekindofbestialgratitude,ashehadfoundinMange’scage.Dorgharhadnointentionoffulfillingsuchanexpectation.ItsnortedsmokeandglowingcindersattheChaoswarrior.Once.Twice.Athirdtime.Withinablink,themonstercameatArchaon.ItchargedtheChaoswarriorandslammedhimintothetwistedbarsofthe

enclosurebehind.BythetimeArchaon’sarmouredbodywassmashedintotheunnaturalandunrelentingmetalofthecage,Dorgharhadchangedform.Thefirsttimeitsheadhithimitwasathicknestofspiked,skull-fusedantlers.Archaonfeltthefullweightofthebeastbehindthechargeandthespikesofthetwistedantlerssmashhimintothecageside.Withbarelyamomenttorecover,thedaemonsteedcameathimagain,thistimeassumingthemonstroushammer-headofanunspeakabledaemonthatbuttedArchaon’sbatteredbodybackintothebars.Dragginghimselfup,theChaoswarlordfoundthatDorgharhadchangedyetagain;nowitsheadhadassumedthearmouredshapeofsomehellishjuggernaut.Itcameathimagain,andthistimetheinfernalmetalofitsheadstruckArchaononhisfaceplateandcrunchedhimbetweenthebatteringramofthesteed’smetalheadandthewarpedbarsbeyond.Archaonclawedblindlyattherivetsandplatesofthemonster’shead.Heheld

onasthecreatureretreated.Tearingitsheadupward,DorgharsentArchaon’sarmouredformintothebarredroofoftheenclosure.AsArchaonfoundhimselfbackonthefloorofthecageinademolishedheaphespatbloodattheinsideofhishelm.HepushedhimselftohisfeetbutfoundthatDorgharhadmorphedoncemoreintoablack,bovinemonstrositythatkickedbackattheChaoswarriorwithitshooves.Archaonstruckthewalloftheenclosureoncemorewiththeforceofdaemonicferocity.Ashetriedtopickhimselfuphefoundthenightmare

formoftheblackstalliononcemorebeforehim.Rearing.Roaringbalefire.CyclingitsspikedforelegsandshaggyhooveslikeapugilistbeforesmashingArchaonbackintothegroundwithasavagekick.Andanother.Andanother.Archaon’sworldbecamethegritofthecagefloorandthesense-smashing

impactofhoofonhelm.TheChaoswarrior’sownfurygotthebetterofhimand,pushinghimselfup,helurchedatthebeast.Launchinghimselfatthestampingandhissofsteamfromscorchednostrils,theChaoswarriorstumbledthroughtheopendoorofthecageandintotheblackmurkintowhichDorgharhaddissipated.Thedarknesssuddenlybecamethewhirlwindmaelstromofastorm.TheblacknesshowledaboutArchaonlikeacyclone,draggingtheChaoswarriorintotheairandcatapultinghimintothecagewall.Asthestormthesteedhadbecomescreameddarknessandflameabouttheenclosure,Archaonwastumbledalongthebarbedbars,pinnedtotheoutsideofthecage.Asthestormdiedtoashadowywhisper,Archaonbroughthishelmupoffthe

floor.Dorgharhadonceagainassumedtheshapeofthestallion–aninfernalperversionofOberon’snobleform.Itscrapeditshoofthroughthegritoftheenclosureandsnortedlikeabull.Dragginghissmashedbodyupoffthefloor,Archaonsmackedhishelmwithaclutchedmetalfistinthehopethathemightknocksomesenseintohisskull.Thesteedsuddenlytoreaway,sprayinggritbehindit.ArchaoncameunsteadilytohisfeetandslappedagauntletonthepommelofTerminus.Itsuddenlybecameapparentthatthebeastwasn’tcomingforhim.Likeastreakingshadowitwasthunderingforthegate.WithouttheenslavingsorceryofJharkill’scharms,thedaemonsteedwantedatasteoffreedom.Itwouldmakeshortworkoftheenclosuregate.Archaonknewhecouldn’tallowthemonstertoescape.Insteadofheadingfor

Dorghar,theChaoswarriorturnedandsprintedforthegate.DrawingTerminus,heturnedthebladeaboutinhisgauntlet,graspingtheweaponbyitscrossguard.Astheinfernalbeastdrewlevel,ArchaonshoulderedthesteedfromitsstepbeforesmashingitsheadasidewiththepommelofhisSigmaritesword.Sluggingthemonsterwiththegraspedhiltofthegreatsword,Archaonturnedthebeastenoughtosendthembothcrashingintothebarsbesidethegate.Smashingthecreatureagainwiththepommeloftheweapon,Archaon

droppedtheswordandgrabbedDorgharbyitsblacktail.Draggingthedazedcreaturefromthebuckledbars,Archaonleantbackintoaswingandhurledthesteedaroundandintotheunforgivingmetalattheotherendoftheenclosure.Dorgharstumbledawayfromthewarpedbarslikeanew-bornfoal,itslegsunsteady.Shakingitsheadandsnortingabriefburstofflame,thebeastturned–

themonster’seyeswererageshot.Itshoovesscrapedthegritoftheenclosureanditloweredthebonespikesonitshead.ArchaonscoopedupTerminus.Heknewwhatwascoming.Dorgharcharged.Thedaemonwassuddenlyablur.Thestreakingshadow

cameattheChaoswarrior.Archaonfeintedonewaywithhisgreatswordbeforeside-steppingoutofthesteed’srocketingpath.Leaping,hegrabbedforthepommelofthebeast’sarmouredsaddle,allowingthecreature’smomentumtocarryhimupontoitsback.Archaonwasnosoonerinthesaddlethanthedaemonsteedblastedstraightthroughtheenclosuregate.Withintheblinkofaneyeithadblazedacrossthethoroughfare,leavingaflickeringtrailofdarkflamebehindit.Archaonbracedhimselfasthebeaststruckthecagesopposite.HeroaredasthesteedturnedandslammedbothitsbrawnysideandArchaon’sarmouredlegintothetwistedbars.Desperatelyclawingatthereinsandthrustinghisbootsintothestirrups,

Archaonslappedthebeast’sflankwiththeflatofhisblade.ThefleshofthebeastsearedandsteamedoncontactwiththeSigmaritesteelandthecreatureonceagainthunderedoff.Captivemonstershissed,spatandroaredasDorgharcrashedalongthesideofthecages,draggingArchaonthroughthebarbsandbarsoftheenclosures.WithMangecreatinghavocinonesectionofthemenagerieandDorgharinthe

other,theattendantbeastfiendsanddaemonettekeeperswerestretched.BetweenJharkill’sbarbarianenchantmentsandthemangledlabyrinthofcages,therewaslittletodemandtheattentionofLordAgrammon’sservants,butthiswassomethingelse.Monsters,mutantsanddaemonswerehowlinginthecageswhileescapedexhibitstoreinfernaljailerstopiecesandsmashedtheirwaytofreedom.Draggingitselfawayfromtheenclosures,Dorgharbegantobuckandkick

withdaemonicfury,snortingflameandroaringitsinfernaldispleasure.Bouncingandslidingsavagelyinthesaddle,Archaonduginwithhisheels,hauledonthereinsandslappedthebeast’sflankswiththeflatofTerminus.FinallythemonstersettledandsteamedbuttheChaoswarrior’seffortshadfar

frombrokenthebeast.BothArchaonandthesteedheardthecrankofatwistedportcullisandthescreechingcallforweapons.Asaspikedgateinthesideofthecitadelshotupintoitsstoneframelikeanopeningmaw,hordesofdaemonettesspilledoutofthetowerandintothemenageriethoroughfares.Theyweremonstrousshieldmaidensofobsceneform.Thecreaturesshriekedandsquealedtheirdelightastheyracedoutontothethoroughfarewithsickle-spearsand

spiked,blackshields.Skulkingbetweenthemwereshavenbeastfiends.Thelong-snoutswereallsinewandscrapsofleatherandwerebatteredbetweenthebulksofthedaemonettesastheytrumpetedtheiralarm.InLordAgrammon’scitadelguard,pouringoutfromthetower,Dorgharand

Archaonfoundacommonenemy.Thedaemonsteedrearedatthethrustofsickle-spears,kickingweaponsoutofclawedhandsandheadsfromobscenebodies.Clutchingthesaddlewithhisthighs,Archaonheldontothereinswithonehandwhilechoppingdownthroughrancidshieldmaidensandemaciatedbeastfiendswiththeother.Beneathhim,theChaoswarlordsuddenlyfelttherippleofsomeshadow-spawnedtransformation.ArchaonroseastheSteedoftheApocalypsegrewinsize.Assaddlestrapsandbridlecutintothebeast’sgrowingbulk,itshorsehairsproutedtoashaggyblackcarpetofcurls.AnonyxhornandacolossalpairofcurvedtuskseruptedfromitschangingfaceandArchaonfoundhimselfmountedonadaemonicthundertusk.Dorgharroaredasitrearedandstampeddownontheinfernalhordegatheredaboutit.Mulchingdaemonettesandbeastfiendsintothefloor,thesteedshookthegroundwithitsfury,knockingSlaaneshideviantsfromtheirfooting.Asslenderbeastfiendsclawedtheirwayupthroughthemidnighttangleofthe

steed’sshaggyhide,Archaoncutthroughtheirmiserablebodieswithstabsandbackslashesofhisblade.Dorghar,meanwhile,sweptitsmightytusksfromsidetoside,smashingthroughdaemonettesandbreakingbeastfiendsagainstthecagedsidesofenclosures.Roaring,Dorgharthunderedupthethoroughfare,makingamessofthecitadelguardrushingoutfromthetower.BeneathhimArchaonfeltthesteedtransformoncemore.Itsshaggyfurbegantoshedanditsmightyformshrank.Sinkingdownontothebackofsomekindofhellishblackpantherwithburningeyesandobsidianclaws,Archaonheldontothereinsandarmouredsaddleasthecatboundedfromonemiserablebeastfiendtoanother.Filletingeachvictimasitlanded,Dorgharleaptfromvictimtovictim–boundingoffthesidesofrattledcagesandacrossthethoroughfarewithfearfulfelinegrace.ArchaonsheathedTerminusandtookthereinswithbothhandsasthesteed

accelerateduptowardsathrongofdaemonetteswhowereapproachingwiththeirsickle-spearsraised.Scrabblingleftandrightasthemonstrositieshurledtherazor-crescentcrownedweapons,Archaonheldonforallhewasworth.Duckingandleaningouttoonesidetoavoidthespears,theChaoswarriorhadthedistinctfeelingthatDorgharwasattemptingtoputhiminharm’sway.Haulingthebeastoutofthepathoffurtherweaponshurledintotheground

beforethem,Archaonpreparedhimselfforaspine-jarringturn.Thethinghaddaemonicreflexesandalithe,muscularbodytomatch.Dorgharpulledsuddenlyleft.WithArchaonholdingonforhislife,thesteedleaptonandthensuddenlyoffthebarsofanearbyenclosure.Sailingoverthedaemonettesandthespikedshields,Dorgharlandedontheobscenecarcassofaspearlessinfernal.Savagingthedaemonettewithitsclaws,Dorgharfinisheditwiththecrystallinedeathtrapofitsobsidianjaws.Snappingthemonstrosity’sheadcleanoff,DorgharspatitatthegatheringnumbersofLordAgrammon’scitadelguardbeforeleapingcleanupintotheairfromastandingstart.Clutchingthereinsandsurgingforthesky,Archaonrodeoutthesudden

manoeuvre.Dorgharlandedontheenclosurecagetopsbeforeboundingimpossiblyagain,upatthecitadelwall.Landingwithsavagegraceamongstthepoison-sicklyspikes,thecatleaptfromonetoanother–workingitswayupthesideofthecitadel,avoidingslippingoff.Holdinghischestplatealmosttothesteed’sback,Archaonclungonwhilethebeastascended.Sickle-spearssparkedoffthemetalofthetowerasthecitadelguardbelowattemptedtoacquirethem.Asthespearsandappendage-clawsofthedaemonettesguardingthetowerthrustthroughnarrowarrowslitsinthecitadelwall,Dorgharwasforcedtoabandonitssavageclimb.Feelinghisstomachlurch,Archaonheldonasthepantherleaptawayfromthetower.Withtheconcentricinsanityofthemenageriebelowthemlikeaspirallingmaze,Archaongatheredthereinsinhisgauntlets.AsnarltoreathistoplipasDorghartookthembothtotheirdoom.Plungingbacktowardsthemenagerie,Archaonfelttheruptureofmuscleand

thecrunch-transformationofbonebelowhim.OncemoreDorgharwaschanging.Thedagger-clawedpantherbecameahorrificbatcreatureofunfoldingleatherywings,flea-infestedfuranddevilishflat-nosedface.Beatingitsgreatwings,Dorgharsoaredup–highoverthemenageriethathadbeenitsprison.Archaonheldontighttotheflyingbeast.Thepowerfulmotionofthecreature’swingstookthesteedanditsunwelcomeriderovertheforsakenGatelands.FarbeneaththemArchaoncouldseetheruinsoffortressesandpalacesbuilt

withintheruinsofothers.Thelandwasblackbutnotwithice.Itmovedlikeacarpetofinsects.PeeringdownasthemonstrousDorgharbanked,Archaoncouldseethattheruins,thecontestedborders,thewarpedWastesoftheGatelandswereswarmingwithbeastfiends,daemonsandothermonstrosities.Darkthingsofsavageignorance,perpetuallydriventospillbloodinthenameoftheirpatronprinceordaemonicpower.Aboutthepole,Archaonspiedthefortifiedresidencesofinfernalroyaltyand

thelordsofdamnation.Proudtowers,festeringbattlements,brazenbastionsandfortressmonumentsbleedingruinintotheaircrowdedthefrozenlandsabouttheblazingglareofthesouthernpole.Theywerebuiltoneontopofanother,asthoughthepalacesthemselves–everinastateofcrookedenhancement–werevyingforthemostprestigiousplacement.Alocationcommandinganunrivalledviewoftheblisteringpole.ApositionclosesttotheirRuinouspatrons.Thiscreatedthesilhouetteofadark,gargantuancrownabouttheshatteredvortexofthelong-demolishedgate,throughwhichtherawpowerofthebeyondpassedintothemortalworld.LordAgrammon’scitadelandgreatmenageriewasbutonedecorativepieceofsuchdarkreverence.AgainArchaon’sstomachtookavertiginoustumble.Dorghar’sbankingroll

becameaplunge.Asthemonsterturned,Archaonclampedhisthighsaroundthearmouredsaddleandclutchedontothebeast.Dorgharrolledwingoverwretchedwing,attemptingtothrowtheChaoswarlordoff,butArchaonhadhisprize.HehadtravelledacrosstheSouthernWastestoacquireitandhewouldnotletitgonow.Beatingitswingsthroughthebroilingskies,tornthiswayandthatbytheperversityofgales,updraftsandviolenteddies,theSteedoftheApocalypsesoaredacrossthetowertopsofthehighestofthedaemonicpalaces.Archaonhauledatthecreature’sreinsbutDorgharplungedstraightatthehowlingmaelstromoflightandhorroreruptingfromtheruinedgatewayandbleedingintotheworld.Movingbetweenrealitieswasasickeningshock.Physically.Mentally.

Emotionally.Asthecreatureglidedthroughthestateimmaterial–theveryrawnessofChaos–Archaonfeltawaveofindescribableintensitycomeoverhim.Itwasasthoughhehadhitawallofpain,ofpleasure,ofpossibility–buthadpassedthroughit.Hefoughtforcontrolofhisbodyandsoul.Hismindcriedoutbothforreliefandformore.Hefeltlostandasifhedidnotknowhimself,yethadneverknownhimselforhisplaceintheworldbetter.Tearsbegantorolldownhischeeks.Hestruggledtocontrolhisbowelsandchokedbackthenecessityofvomitinginhishelmet.Experiencingthecrudepowerofruin–uncraftedandwithoutpurpose–wasadreadfulfeelingthatbothexcitedandappalledhiseverysenseandshatteredtheverycoreofhisbeing.Itfeltlikehehaddied.IfDorgharhadintendedsuchanoverwhelmingexperiencetounsettleand

ultimatelyunsaddleitsrider,thedreadbeastwasdisappointed.BathingtheChaoswarlordinthesearingcertaintyoftheunknownhadnotbrokenhim.Archaondidnotclutchhishelminimmaterialagony.Hedidnotslipfromthe

monster’sbackinawarpeddaze.Hedidnotscreamhissanityaway.Withhisgoodeye,Archaonsawthingsthatwerenotmeanttobeseeninthehowlingblazeofthepolargateway.Farbelow–ifsuchathingstillexistedforArchaonandthesteed–predaciousdaemons,entitiesofthebeyondandmonstrouspersonifications,hungeredforthefragilityofhissoul.Theywereahorrorremoved.Everwarping.Everwaiting.Everwanting.Archaonunderstoodhowsuchsightscoulddriveamantomadnessandshatterhisreason.Archaon,however,wasmorethanaman.Hesawtheimpossibilityofworlds

connectedlikenooneelse.Hecouldnotonlyseewhatfear-feastingdaemonsandtheRuinousPowersoftheotherworldlyrealmwantedhimtosee;withthedarksightofhisruinedeyehesawlightwheretherewasshadow.Perversitiestwistedthemselvesintoacontortedsense.Theburningcertaintyofhisgazelitthewaytotruthsthatcommonplacedreadrefusedtoacknowledge.WiththeEyeofSheerianhesawevenmore.Thesorcerousgemburnedbrightinhishelm,grantingtheChaoswarlordsightsofdreadwonder.TheEyerevealedthedaemonsandtheirabyssalmasterstobelivingcorruptions.Realisationsofthemortalcondition.Self-determiningentities,spawnedandlivingouttheirunnaturalexistenceinastormymaelstromofdarkvisionandemotion.Theywerethearchitectureofpurestintention,drapedinanotherworldyfleshformedofhope,offearandoftheunbearable,myriadstatesinbetween.ThewondrousprizenotonlyrevealedtoArchaonthetruenatureofsuch

infernalprincesbutalsotheprincipalitiesinwhichthehorrorsdwelled.Likealens,thehellishhazeofthepolemagnifiedthepowersofthesorcerousgem.Staringfartothenorth,directinghisgazetowardstheregiontherepulsiveChangelinghadindicated,ArchaoncouldseetheForsakenFortress.Likeagreatstonesculptureofamonstrousdaemoncrouchingonthehorizon,thepalacetauntedtheChaoswarriorwithitsdistantpresence.ArchaontoreuponthereinsandhauledDorghartotheleft,puttingthe

ForsakenFortressintheirsights.ThebeastcouldnotknowthatthepalacewastheChaoswarrior’sobjectiveandfounditselfswoopingoutoftheblindingblaze.Beneaththesaddlethecreaturewaschangingyetagain.Dorgharhadassumedtheformoftheblackstallion.ItfavouredArchaon’smemoryofOberon,onlywiththeraggedwingsofitspreviousincarnation.Beatingthroughthestormy,darkskiesofthepolarmaelstrom,thesteedsearednorthward.Gallopingthroughthechurningheavens,swoopingbetweenthecrashofthelightningandtheplungeofthunder,DorgharsurgedupthroughthebroilingcloudanddownattheWasteland.Thewarpedwildernesspassedlikeablur

below.TheSteedoftheApocalypseweavedbetweentheskypiercingtowersofdaemonicpalacesandcrookedcitadels.Colossalfragmentsofthepolargatelitteredthewildernesswhippingby,andwithinmomentsthebeastwaspassingoverthecrescentcanyon.ArchaonfeltthescreamofastormeruptabouthimasDorgharblastedupout

ofthecurvingcanyondepthsandbackupintothemaelstrom.Beneathhimthecreaturewastransformingoncemore.Notintosomeothermonstrousbeastbutintoafurious,livingblaze.Likeacometstreakingacrossthenightsky,Dorgharaccelerated.WiththedreadarmourofMorkarprotectinghimfromtheworstoftheflames,Archaonheldontightasthesupernaturalflameroaredandwhippedabouthim.Tensinghisthighsandlockinghisgauntletsgrimlyaboutthereins,theChaoswarlorddrewhisarmouredchesttothesteed’sblazingback.Asanunnaturalfireballblastingthroughstrangeskies,Dorghargalloped.Hebeathisfierywings.Hesoaredupthroughtheheavensonapathofflame.ThefrozeninsanityoftheSouthernWastesfellawayfrombothwarlordand

steed.Theflesh-shatteringtemperatures.Thescaldinggalesofstabbingiceandagony.Thewarherdsofbeastfiendsthatswarmedthemidnightlandlikeaseaofmuscle,shaggyfurandhate.Theblackoftheicereceded.Withitnarrowedthedeepcleftsandcanyonsthatzigzaggedtheirwaythroughthegutsofthepole,meetingattheriftthatboreditswaythroughthebottomoftheworld.Throughtheroaringflamesthatragedabouthim,ArchaonsawtheSouthern

Wastesrecede.Warriorandsteedtravelledfar,protectedfromthesky-scorchinginfernothatDorgharhadbecome.Thedarkcreaturebeatitsfierywingsandbankedleftandright,upthroughthestorm-rackedcloudsanddownthroughthebroilingmaelstromthatblanketedthecontinentwithitsunnaturalmiasma.Archaonheldonashefeltthebeastbuckandwrithebeneathhim.Theblastedlandsofruinandflesh-searingfreezepassedbeneathhimina

sickeningblur.DunesofblackicemigratedacrosstheWastes.Aghostlyhazeswirledacrossthemonstrousexpansemakingitappearlikethesurfaceofaphantomocean.Glaciersoflivingobsidiangrew.Mountainrangesofserrateddarknessreachedupoutoftheicyplateau.Volcanoesblazedtheirunnatural,moltenfuryattheskies,bathingthehowlingbleaknessaboutArchaoninastrangeglow.DorghartriedtopullawaybutArchaonkeptthebeastoncourse.TherocketingmonstrosityragednorthbeforetheChaoswarriorangledits

searingprogresswest.GuidedbytheEyeofSheeriansetinhishelm,Archaon’sfarsightextendedacrossthecontinentfasterthanevenDorgharcouldcarryhim.Ittookhimacrossdreadlandsthatwerebutablinkofcruelpeaks,shrieking

windsanddeepfreeze–landsthatwereastreamingblurbeneaththeSteedoftheApocalypse.Thesorcerousgemgrantedhimavisionofthebenightedkingdomsofthewest,whereinnumerablewarherdsofinnumerablebeastfiendsfought,butcheredandateoneanother,fillingbelliesandlendingstrengthforthenextdayofrankslaughter.Notthatdays,monthsoryearshadmuchmeaninginthemidnighthelloftheSouthernWastes.Dorgharcameinlowacrossthesekillingfieldsoffrozenblood,ice-mulched

corpsesandbestialswarms.Likealivingcarpetofmurderandhate,theshaggymonstersfoughtoneanotherwithmindlessabandon.Somewerescarred,frost-blackenedcreaturesofbaremuscularchest,curvedbladesofbone,drapedinskulls.Otherswerestripeddeviantsdraggingfiendsseparatedofffromtheirherdsintohollowsforlasthoursofperversionandhorror.Hulkingbeastsofhumpedback,mattedmountainsoffurandfilthyhornsovercamefiendvictimswithanoxiousstenchsointenseitcouldbeseen,whileshamansoffurandfeatherwieldedstaffsofcrookedspinethattheywhippedaboutthem,turningdaemonfleshtoabloodygruelthatwascarriedawayontheicygales.ThebeastfiendsbarelylookedupfromtheirsavageryandslaughterasDorgharblazeditspathabovethem.Archaongrittedhisteethasthesteedcoursedupwardsthroughthemoaning

maelstromofcloud,punchingupthroughtheobscurityandintothesearingsilenceofaworldabovetheworld.Adarknessofcrystalcoldwherethesicklystarsshoneoncemore.TheChaoswarriorfanciedthathecouldseethegreatcurveoftheworldandtheshatteredlandsoficeandbergthatformedthewesternlimitsofthedarkcontinentlikeanunfinishedmosaic.Holdingonandturningback,ArchaoncouldseethedistantGatelandsbehind,withthewailinginsanityofthecollapsedpolargateroaringaholethroughthecloud,revealingonlytheragingabyssofanexistencebeyondhisown.Apitintowhichrealityfell,wasdevouredbyeternity,marinatedintheimpossible,beforebeingchurnedupandvomitedspectacularlybackintotheworld.SuddenlysomethingchangedandArchaonwasforcedtoturnbackaround.

Dorghar’sfieryprogresssearedtowhiteness.Theflamesintensified,becomingnothingmorethananagonyfeltbutnotseen.TheWastes–thathadrushedbylikeableakblur–nowbecameamind-scaldinginstant.Themomentwasascreamingflash,arawelementalpowercoursingthroughArchaon’sbeing.Anunstoppablesurgeofblindingpainthatsizzledthroughhisplate,flowedthroughhisparalysedlimbs,stabbedhishearttoastopandblankedhismind.Whenhiseyeflutteredopen,Archaonsawonlysmoke.Throughtheslitofhis

helmhesawblacksteamswirlingthroughoilysmoke.Hisnostrilsstungwiththeburnedair.Hisearsrangwithamightycrackthatstillsearedthroughhismind.Morkar’splatefeltbuckledabouthim.ArchaonpattedhiscursedarmourdowntofindthatwhateverhadhitthemhadnotbreachedthedamnedplateofthefirstEverchosen.Archaon’sboneshurtwithinfleshthatwasstillflushwithaghostlyburn.Hepushedhimselfunsteadilytohisfeetandstampedoutasmallfirethathad

takenonthebottomedgeofhisfursandcloak.AsthesteamandsmokeclearedtheChaoswarriorfoundhimselfinapit.Acrater.Abouthimwasblackicethathadbeenscorchedtodribble.Blackwaterbegantopoolabouthisboots.Beneaththemhefoundrock–shatteredbutunyielding.OnlythendidArchaonrealisewhathadhappened.Theyhadnotbeenhit.Theyhadbeentheonesthathaddonethehitting.Dorghar–thebeastofathousandtransformations–hadturnedfromsteedtofireballandfireballtoastreamofdarklightningthathadthunderboltedfortheground.Thecreature’selementalpowerhadburnedthroughArchaon.Itssky-splittingspeedhadsmashedbothofthemintotheWastes.NeitherthesearingblazenorthemurderousimpacthadkilledtheChaoswarrior.Noboneshadbeenbrokenandhisheartcontinuedtobeat.Thesteedhadsucceededinunseatingitsrider,however.ItwouldhaveescapedArchaon–deniedthechosenofChaoshisprizeandmadehimchasethemonstrouswonderacrosstheworld–butforthefactthathefounditstumblingtoitsownfeet.ThethinghadbeenequallydazedbytheimpactanddrainedbyitseffortstoriditselfofArchaon.Nowbeforehimitwasablackstalliononcemore,itsmidnightfleshruptured

withspikesofboneanditseyesalightwithinfernalfire.ArchaongraspedforthehiltofTerminus,whichhefoundtohisreliefwasstillsittingsnuginitsfurscabbard.Heranatthebeastasitstumbledthiswayandthat.Slamminghispauldronintothemount’smuscularsidehetoppledit.Dorgharwentcrashingbackdownintotheinkymeltwater,withtheChaoswarriorontopofit.Archaongrabbedthemonsterbythescruffofthemaneanddrewhistemplarblade.Restingthetipofthegreatswordagainstthesideofthecreature’sthroat,Archaonwatchedtheblessedsteelsizzleandburnagainstdaemonflesh.ThesteedkickedoutwithitshindlegsandtriedtorightitselfbutArchaonleanedinwiththeweightofhisarmour–thebladereadytoskewerthebeast.‘Yield!’ArchaonroaredattheSteedoftheApocalypse.‘Yield!’Thebeastroaredlikeafurnaceathimthroughitsdaggeredmaw.Itkicked.It

bucked.ItmadereadyfortransformationbutArchaonwouldn’tletit.Turning

theswordaroundhesmasheditshorseskullintothegroundagainandagain,causingmeltwatertosplashaboutthem.Heturnedthebladeoncemoretothecreature.Withitsgleamingpointwormingitswaydangerouslythroughsmokingflesh,Archaonbawled,‘Youwillyieldtome,daemon.ForIamtobetheEverchosenofChaos,theHarbingerofRuinandtheLordoftheEndTimes:bydarkright,youaretobemysteed,monster.AdaemonicbeastofburdenfittocarrymeintotheannalsofhistorybeforeIseefittosendthepast,presentandfutureofthismiserableworldintooblivion.Yield,creatureofChaos,orIwillsendyouonahead.’TerminusrattledwithArchaon’srageandrestedonthecreature’sneck.Gradually,thesteed’sstrugglesdiedaway.Itturned,searingitsblackfleshagainsttheSigmariteblade,anglingitslongfacetowardstheChaoswarrior.Oberon’sface.Suddenlyitspoke.Thecreaturehadaninfernalvoicethatburnedthroughthe

furnace-roarglowingthroughitssharpteeth.Archaonhadnoideawhatthebeasthadsaid.ItwasinanunspeakabletonguethatArchaondidnotknowandproceededfromdeepwithinthebeast.Staringatoneanother,actionsseemedtospeaklouderthanhellishwords,andArchaonedgedhisswordawayandtheweightofhisarmouroffthebeast.Rollingtoitshoofedfeet,Dorgharshookitshead,passingabrawnyshiverdownitsflanks.Itsnortedsteamatthemeltwater.Archaonstillheldhisgreatswordout,hisbroadbladereadytochopdownthroughthebeast’sneck.Thedaemonsteeddidnotmove,however.Itstoodwaitingtoreceiveitsrider.Archaonnoddedslowlytothebeastandhimself.ThefourthtreasureofChaos–theSteedoftheApocalypse–wasfinallyhis.Hewouldhaverejoicedbutforthesearingacheinhisbonesfromtheirthunderboltingdescentandimpact.SlippingTerminusbackintoitsscabbard,Archaonmountedthesteed,settling

backintothearmouredsaddlethatseemedasmuchthebeastasthesharpboneandmidnightflesh.Takingthereins,ArchaonmotionedDorghargentlyon.Stabbingspikedhoovesthroughtheslushandintotheicysidesofthepit,thesteedclimbedoutofthecrater.CastingthesorceroussightofSheerian’sEyethroughthestilldarknessoftheicyplateau,Archaonfoundwhathewaslookingfor.Dorgharturneditsheadtooneside.Itseyeburnedwithaninternalblazeandtheroarofthefurnacepouredfromitsdaemonicmaw.Therewerenowordsthistime.Archaondidn’tneedanytounderstand.‘West,Dorghar,’theChaoswarriorsaid.‘West,beast.Justalittlefurther.We

callonmyfather-in-shadowtonight.SomehowIfeelweshallnotbewellreceived.’

CHAPTERV

‘Whenwearenotourselvesbutwearenooneelse–whoarewe?’

–KhardunntheGloried,KurganBead-Belt

ThePustularPlainTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

Theunrelentingblacknessoficegavewaytotheoilysheenofmeltwaterlakesanddeltasofsteamingslush.Here,inthewesternreachesofthedarkcontinent,amiserablekindoflifeekedoutrancidexistence.Earth,rockyandice-threaded,satstinkingandwater-loggedlikeatundrousbog.Thewetlandswereancientintheircorruptionandravenousforflesh.Themirewasanundulatingseaofbestialbones,chokedwithhardybrowngrassesandislandsoffungalgrowth.Thingssloshedaboutinthefoetidlakesofglassyblacknessasarashofvolcanicpeaksoozedsteamingpus,curdlingthechurningtundrawithitsdiseasedfilth.ThiswasthePustularPlain,whereswarmsofblackfliesbledbeastfiendsaliveandthedarkchuckleoftheGreatLordofDecaycouldbeheardinbubblesthat

rosefromthedarkwaterdepthsandbrokethesurfaceinacontinuous,stinkingchug.AsDorgharcameinlow,thebeatofhisgargoyle’swingscreatedawakeinthe

darkwaters,disturbingamiasmaoffeedingflies.TheSteedoftheApocalypseglidedinovertrainsofbeastfiendsworkingtheirwayacrossthemireinsinglefilecolumns.Thecreatureswerehorriblyafflictedwithgrowths,plaguesanddeformitiesthatmademovementachallengeandthethighdeeptrudgethroughthebog-tundraanagonisingtrial.Thebonestaffstheyusedtotraversethefreezingmuckwerecrownedwithatrioofthuriblesinwhichburnedpeat.Aswellaslightingthecreatures’way,theheadpiecesofferedwarmthandpraisetotheirPlagueLordintheskywardmockeryoftheunholysymbolcreatedinthedarkness.AsDorgharbackbeatitswingstobringthebeastandArchaontoahalt,the

Chaoswarriorpeereddownatthemire.Themonster’shoovescreakedandsplayed,ensuringboththesteedanditsmasterdidn’tsink.Slippingdownoutofthesaddle,Archaoncouldn’tboastthesametransformativepowersandhisbootsoozedintotheslurpingfreeze.TheForsakenFortresshadexperiencedthesameproblem.ThearchitecturalabominationloomedoverArchaon–apalaceconstructedinthedreadformofitsmonstrousmaster–butitswing-towersandhorn-spiresleantcrookedlytoonesidewherethepalacewassinking.Wadingthroughthemuck,Archaonledthesteeduptothesmoothblackstoneofthefortress.Drapingthereinsovertherazoredprotrusionsatthebaseofthestonework,Archaonshoulderedhisshieldandonceagainbeganthetreacherousclimb.Therewouldbenodoororgate.ThepalaceboastednobarbicanbecausetheForsakenFortressdidnotadmitvisitors.TheonlyunfortunatesallowedinsidethedamnedstructurewerethosebroughttherebythedaemonBe’lakoritself.Strangely,Archaonthoughthequalified.Regardless,theChangelinghadshownhimtheweaknessinthepalacefortifications.Inthedreadthing’sfaithfulreproductionofboththeDarkMasterandhispalace,therivalentityhadrevealedabreach.Ashebegantoclimb,Archaonbegantowonderifasimilarvulnerabilityexistedonhisfather-in-shadow’sownstar-scorchedchest.Belowhim,Dorgharsnortedandsteamed,paddingthemarshyearthwithits

splayedhooves.Archaonreached.Hejumped.Hehauledhimselfupthroughthewretchedwonderofthedaemonprince’sform.Thoughfraughtwithperversedangersandaslopingangleofascent,itwasaneasierclimbsecondtimearound.Herewherethevolcanicpeakswarmedthegelidbogandeventheraginggalesslowedtoastagnantstillness,itwasmuchwarmerthanthecontinentalinterior

andthestructurewasnotcakedinice.Archaonaimedfortheheart–ashedidinallthings.Thefingertipsofhis

gauntletshookedintothecolossalsymboloftheeight-pointedstarscoredintothemidnightstone.HedraggedhimselfupthroughtheRuinousiconography–thesymbolofthosethatdamnedthemselvesequallytoallthedreadpowersofdarknessintheworld.Itwashisguidingstar,asithadbeenforhisfather-in-shadowandthedoomedcreaturesthatfollowedthemboth,aswellasmanymoreintowhichArchaonhadthrusthisblade.Theeight-pointedstarknewnomiddleground.Whenitwasontherise,theservantsofChaos–fromthemostinfamouswarlordstothelowliestspawn–followeditordied.AndArchaon’sstarwasontherise.Itwastimehisfather-in-shadowcametoknowthisalso.Archaonfoundthefractureinthestonewherehehadbefore.Acleftinthe

walloverthepalace’sdaemonicheart.TheChangeling’swretchedmimicryhadindeedbeenadarkwondertobehold.Passinghisshieldthroughfirst,theChaoswarriorslippedthroughthebreachinthedefencesandenteredtheForsakenFortress.Inside,Archaonfeltimmediatelyvulnerable.Itwasanalienfeelingforthe

warlord.Hehadtravelledtheworldandkilledjustabouteverythingthatwalked,talkedandbreathed.Itwouldnothavebeenanidleboasttocallhimselfoneofthedeadliestwarriorsintheknownworld.HehadthepatronageofDarkGodsandseemeddestinedforadreadgreatness.Still,inthedarknessofthepalace,withitssmooth,flowing,almostorganicarchitecture,Archaonfelttrapped.Notlikehehadfeltinmanacleandchain.Notasacapturedspecimen,cagedfordisplayinLordAgrammon’ssickmenagerie.TheForsakenFortressheldmoredreadforArchaonthandoorsofoak,barsofsteelandcellsofstone.Itsphantasmicwallscouldfadeatanymoment.Itwasthereanditwasnot.ThepalacecouldvanishfromthePustularPlainlikeaghost,toreappearsomewhereelseintheSouthernWastesor,forallArchaonknew,theworld.TheForsakenFortresshauntedtherealmsofmenandbeasts–andtheDarkMasterhimselfhauntedthehallsofhisownpalace.Ifitweretodisappearnow,itwouldtakehimhostage.Stalkingthefortresspassagesandhallsthatwovethroughthepalacelikethe

cascadinginnardsofsomanyofArchaon’sfoes,theChaoswarrior’sarmourjangledlightly.Thepalaceinteriorwaslightless,butArchaon’sdarksightsearedthroughtheabyssalblackness.TheForsakenFortressblazedwiththefearfulruinofitsconstruction.Itswallsandfloors–intheirornatewonderandmadness–bledtherawessenceofChaos.Everyspeckofdustintheplaceburnedwith

ancientevilandArchaonhadeyesforsuchragingmalevolence.Inthedarknessofthepalaceeverythingwasreversed.Theblackoblivionburnedbrightwithdreamydamnationsandthewanbrillianceofcompetingrealities.Itrevealedtohimapalacethatwasboththereandnot.Likeashadow,theForsakenFortressexistedinsomuchasitwasasemi-corporealabsenceofsomethingelse.Purity.Mercy.Hope.Archaon’sbootsscuffedthemidnightmarbleofthefloorandhisfursrippledwiththeghostlybreeze.Heheldhisshieldaloft–inparttobereadyforanythingthatthefortresshadtothrowathim,inparttopresenttheeight-pointedgloryoftheChaosStartopotentialfoes.AsimplesignofArchaon’sallegiancetotheRuinousPowersinalltheirunifiedmajesty.Thenheheardit.Thesinglebeatofaheart.TheChaoswarrior’sbootsscrapedtostillness.Helookedthiswayandthat

throughtheblazingdarkness.Aboutthestrange,flowingarchitecturethatrepresentedtheprinceofdaemonprincesbothinsideandout,thesoundwaslikeatinypealofthunderinthemidnightmadness.Thenagain.Andagain.ArchaonpulledhisshieldcloserandslippedTerminusfromitsfurback-scabbardwithasteelyhiss.Thegrotesquebeatingcontinued.Blinkingthroughtheradiantoblivion,

Archaonthoughthesawmovement.TheChaoswarriorsuddenlyrealisedthathehadwanderedintothethronechamber.Atitsfarendhecouldmakeoutthemonstrousformofadaemoncastincoldstone.Theinfernalformofamuscularbody.Clawedhandsandfeet.Hornsandwings.Itlookedjustlikeaminiatureversionofthepalaceitself.BeforeitArchaonsawthewispandtwirlofshadow–congealing,intensifying,solidifyingintotheblacknessofflesh.Amonstrousheartbeatbeforethethrone.Itwasatwistedthingoflargedaemonflesh–strangledbybitternessandbelligerence–thunderingthroughthecontortedmuscularityofitsobsceneformwithanotherworldlywilltoexistthatwouldnotbedenied.Archaonlickedathislips.Itwaspainfultoevenbeinthepresenceofsucha

realisation.Thewarlordknewthathecouldnotletthismomentpass.Theheartbeatlikeadareinthesilentdarknessofthethroneroom.Willinghimselfon,Archaon’sgauntlettightenedabouthisSigmaritesword.Theblessedsteelscorchedtheveryairofthedarkpalace.Onebootscuffedthemarbleflooraheadoftheother.Ahesitantstumblebecametheurgentstepsofawalk.Momentslatersuchstepsbecameaplate-janglingrunupthedarkenedlengthofthethroneroom.Terminuscameup.Archaon’shandtightened.Hewouldcleavethemonstrousheartintwo.

Therewassuddenlymoremovementintheshadows.Shapesemergedfrombehindthethrone,sweepinguponeithersidetosurroundthegreatpulsingheart.Someslippedsilkilyfrombehindpillarswhileotherseruptedfromtheblacknessofarchways.Archaonskiddedtoastop,hisplaterattlingtostillnessandhisbladeup,itspointaimedoverthetopofhisshield.TheChaoswarriorturned,readyforanattackortensuchattacksbuttheshadowyformsalsogrewstill.Theirweaponswerenotpresented.TheyweresimplyplacingthemselvesbetweenArchaonandthedaemonicheart.Eachwasalivingsilhouette.AshadowyoutlineofaChaoswarrior.Shadow

churnedwithineachone,holdingitsformandgivingtheimpressionofplate,ofhornedhelms,offurs,ofaberrationandweaponsinscabbardsorslungacrossbacks.Archaonthoughthecouldmakeouttheshapeofnorthmen,Kurganwarlords,damnedkings,Kislevitesinspikeandfur,shadow-pledgedmarauders,bestialchieftainsandwarriorhalf-daemons.Men,womenandmonsters,longintheirleavingoftheworldandnowcastinshadowlikestatuesoflivingdarkness.Eachseemeddoomedtohauntthepalace,cursedbytheirundyingdevotiontotheirDarkMaster.Eachstillborethemarkofthedaemonprinceacrosstheirchest–centredontheirblackhearts.Be’lakor’sRuinousStarofdarknessunitedandpowersundivided.ThesignoftheBearer.TheHerald.TheHarbinger.ThestarwasscorchedinacruellightthatcutthroughtheshadowyformofeachotherworldlywarriorofChaos.Archaonturnedwithswordraisedandshieldheldoutbeforehim.Hewas

readyforthesentinelsinshadowbutthethingsmerelyassumedtheirpositionsaboutthethroneandthroneroom.Theywaitedasblackveinssproutedfromthemonstrousheartinahorrific,labyrinthinenetworkthatfinallybegantoassumeadaemonicshape.Thickarteriescarriedthepumpedichorofthethingthroughatorsoandlonglimbs.Aspiderwebofblackcapillariesspreadfromthesethroughoutwingsandtherestofthebody.Thevessels’steamandsmokedshadowassumedtheformofspoutingmuscleandblackbones.Aboutthedarkbloomofabrain,housingRuinousthoughtsandunimaginablepower,grewamidnightskull.Hornssproutedfromthenightmare,beforethehazeofshadowysteamaroundthedaemonsuddenlycongealedaboutitsmonstrousformlikeaninstantaneousfrost.Theinfernalbeastwasnowclothedinitsblacker-than-blackskin.Hooks,chains,skullsandscrapsofhell-forgedmaildribbledfromitsmuscularflesh.Therealisationwascomplete.WithinthedesignoftheForsakenFortress,satthedaemon-sculptedshapeoftheprince’sthrone–onthatsatthedaemonitself:theDarkMaster,Be’lakor.

Theabominationworeitsinfernalroyaltylikeacankeredsoul.Itshorrificvisagewasanobsidianmaskoftheunreadableandunknowable.AllatonceArchaonthoughthesawdisdaininthething’sabyssaleyes,andprideandhorrorandglee.Mostlyitjustseemedbitterandirritatedtobeinhispresence.Archaonstaredattheloathsomecreature.Withhisonegoodeyehebeheldit.Withhisdarksightgifthebeheldit.WiththesorcerousEyeofSheerianhebeheldit.Itwasthere–intheinfernalflesh.TheChaoswarriorloweredhisSigmariteswordandhisshield.‘Iseeyou,dreadthing,’Archaontoldit.OnlybecauseIwishit,mortal,Be’lakortoldhim.Thedaemonprince’svoice

wasineverything.Heard.Felt.Archaoncouldeventastethebitterhatredcomingoffthething.Youhavewanderedfaroffyourcourse,chosenoftheChaosgods.‘TheEverchosenofChaos,’Archaontoldit.Youhavenotearnedthattitleyet,mortal,theDarkMasterremindedhim.The

EverchosenofChaosisknownbyhistreasuresandtherearetwoyettobefound.‘Thatisonlyamatteroftime,’Archaonassuredthecreature.‘Isitnot,

daemon?Arenotmymoments,mymonths,myyears–theverylivesImighthavelived–butplaythingstoacreaturelikeyou?Likeskeinsofwoolaboutyourclaws–tocut,toletlooseortowrapaboutyourfinger?’Be’lakorgloweredatArchaonwithawitheringintensitybutsaidnothing.‘Ilooktothenorth,thesouth,theeastandthewest,andyouarethere,Shadow,hiddenonthehorizon.Itrytoremembermypastandthereyouare,hauntingmymemories.Ihavedarkhopesforthefuture–butyouafflicteventhosewithyourpotentialpresence.’Isthatwhyyouarehere,mortal?Towhine,carpandplead.‘YouknowwhyI’mhere,daemon-filth,’Archaontoldit.‘Let’snotplay

childishgames.Ihavetravelledfarandfoundhewhowouldnotbefound.’Youarehereforanswers…‘Wewillleaveguessworktoidlephilosophers,’Archaonsaid.‘Iwouldknow

whatyouwouldhavewithme,creature.Fromyourownfaithlesslips.OrIshallcutthetruthoutofyourinfernalcarcass.’Answers?‘Speakdaemon,whileyoustillcan,’Archaonwarned.Youhavetheveryworldonitskneesbeforeyouandyoucametofindme…for

answers?Archaonfeltthebottomlessdepthsofthecreature’sscorn.Itsmockeryburned

tohear.

‘Areyougoingdeaf?’Archaonshotback.‘MydemandshavenotchangedsincethelasttimeIasked.Yes,monster–answers.Toquestions.Iaskaquestionandyouanswerit.That’showthisworks.Don’tmakemeaskyouagain.’WhatIwouldhavewithyou?Be’lakorseethed.Iwouldhaveyourealiseyour

destiny…myson-in-shadow.Archaonbitathisbottomlip.Thesoundofhisdaemonicfatheradmittingas

muchwaslikeicewaterinhisears.‘Andwhodoesmydestinyserve?’Archaonasked.Weallservethosegreaterthanourselves.‘Be’lakor,’Archaonhissed.‘Daemonprince.DarkMaster.Somesayyouare

thecrown-beareroftheChaosgods.Nothingmorethanaslave.Othersthatyouserveonlyyourselfandyourinsatiableambition.’Amerepastime,Be’lakorsaid.Someembroider.Somewhittle.Icraftthefuture

infleshandblood.Whodoesyourdestinyserve?Itservesme,youmiserablecur.Youareadollwithwhichtobeplayedandleftabandonedonthefloor.Youarethepieceofthegametakenandplacedtoonesideoftheboard.Youarealivingafterthought,ArchaonoftheNorth–likeallmyservants.Nothingmore.‘AndyethereIam,’Archaonrumbledback.‘I’mnotonthefloor.I’mhere,

wherenomannordaemonthoughtIwouldbe.IstandbeforethelowlyBe’lakor–dungstainofthegods–inthearmouroftheEverchosen,carriedhereontheSteedoftheApocalypse,bearingthetreasuresofChaosandtheeverburningMarkoftheRuinousPowersinmyflesh.’Youthinkyouarethefirsttobearsuchdarkhonours?Be’lakorasked,the

questionlikeascorpion’ssting.Youareanothing.Bornofnothing.Thehollowfruitofanemptywomb.AllthatyouareIputinthere.ButthinknotthatIaffordyouanyaffectionforthat.Myhalf-breedsroamtheworld.Thousandsmoreservemenotinfleshbutindeed.Theycarrymymark.Theyliveformyfavour.Theyknowtheirplace.Theydonotcarpandquestion.Theyservethedarknessofthisworldthroughthedarknesstheyfindinthemselves.Theyservetheirfather-in-shadow–thedarknessthatisBe’lakor,youworthlesswretch.Asyoushould.‘AndyetIamnotwithoutworth,itseems,’Archaontoldtheabomination.‘I

amthedarkhopeoftheRuinousGods.Thesamegodsthatlaughatyou,myfather-in-shadow,andscornyourwretchedefforts.Be’lakortheBearer.Slavetocircumstance.Doomedtocarrycrownsbutnottowearthem.Doomedtochoosebutnotbechosen.Grantedeternitybutdeniedform.Youcallmeanothing.Youcallmeworthless.Youareaprincewithoutakingdomtoinherit.Nothingcould

bemoreworthlessthanthat.’ArchaonturnedhisheadandangledthetipofTerminusatoneofhisfather’s

shadowsentinels.Thesilhouettesbehindhimhadedgedcloser.‘Backoff,darkling,’Archaonwarned,‘oryouwillseethelight–anditwon’tbepretty.’Afteramoment’sotherworldlyhesitation,thethingsdriftedback.‘Youcanbringyourbastardsintotheworld,’Archaoncontinued,fixinghis

monstrousfatherwithahatefulgaze.‘Youcaninspirethelowandthefaithless.Youcankeepcompanywithshadows.Whatyoucannotdoisbewhatyouwere.TheGreatChangercursedyou,Be’lakor.Youcannotbecrownedwhileconductingdarkcoronationsforothers.Asyouwilldoforme,daemon.Withyouorwithoutyou–itismydestiny.IamchosenoftheDarkGodsandIwillbetheEverchosenofChaos.Youwillmeddlenofurtherinmyfuture.Iamnotyourstobemanipulatedormastered.Iwilldestroyyou,creatureofdarkness.’Thepalaceboomedwiththedaemon’slaughter.Itwasahorriblesoundthat

bouncedaboutthestrangechambersofthepalaceandthroughthetwistsandturnsoflabyrinthinepassageways.ItwaseverywhereandfeltlikeachorusofmonsterslaughingatArchaon.You?Destroyme?Youarelessthanworthlessifyoubelievethat.Perhaps,

ArchaonoftheNorth,youaremybiggestdisappointment.‘Surelynothingcoulddisappointyoumorethanyourself,daemon?’Archaon

said.‘Destroyyou?Mybladewillsendyoubacktowhateverdeviantplaneyoucamefrom.Itismydeedsthatwilldestroyyou,monster.TheEverchosenofChaosisknownbyhistreasures,buttheLordoftheEndTimes–heisknownbyhisaftermath.Bytheoblivionthatfollowsinhiswakeandtheendingshebrings.Anendtoallthings.Tothemortalracesandtheirfoetidbeliefs.Tothegods–bothoflawandofruin–whoaresustainedbysuchpatronage.Anendtoyou,daemon.’Be’lakor’shorrificfeaturescontortedfurtheraroundaninfernalsnarl.Youhavethesoul-suckinggalltotalktomeofends,ArchaonoftheNorth,the

monsterseethed.LetmeshowyouwhatIknowofends…Withthesibilancestillonthedaemon’swretchedlips,theChaoswarrior

turned.TheshadowbehindhimhadbarelyregistereditsDarkMaster’sinstructiontoact.ArchaonslashedTerminusacrossthebeing’sthroat,openinguparaggedgashofblindinglightinthesentinel.Theothershadowsretreatedasthethingblazedinitsdeaththroes,screamingawayitsexistenceinanimbusofpalace-scaldingbrightness.WiththeSigmariteswordstillheldoverhead,Archaonstabbedforthandplungedthebladethroughthechestofthesecond.

Expertlyretractingtheweaponandrestingtheflatofthebladeontopofhisshield,Archaonslowlyturned.Thesecondshadowscreechedhorriblyastheblazingpuncturewoundinitschestbecameavortexoflight,churningtheshadowofthewarriorthingaboutlikeawhirlpoolbeforedevouringtheentity.Destroytheinterloper!Be’lakorcommanded,pointingoneofhiscruel,black

clawsatArchaon.Thethroneroomwassuddenlyacradleofdarkness–everypillar,nook,archwayandalcovebecamethebirthplaceofshadows.WarriorsrushedArchaonfromeverydirection.Thelivingsilhouettesboretheshapesofthethingstheyhadbeen.Someseemedtowearplate;otherswereshaggyshapesinfur;somewerespikedlikeurchinswhileotherswerethemuscularoutlinesofmaraudersavagesandbarbarians.StainedinadeeperdarknessovereachoftheirheartswastheRuinousStar.Thestarofdarknessunited.Be’lakor’sstar.Archaonwascaughtinamaelstromofrushingshadow.Thesolidifieddarknessofweaponrycameathim.AstheChaoswarriorsmasheditfuriouslyasidewithshieldandsword,itfeltrealenough.Realenoughtocarveacleftofdarknessthroughthewarlordorstabhowlingshadowthroughhischest.AsTerminusturnedaxe,spearandswordaside,therewasthebrightflashofanimpact.Witheveryaxebladeandspear-headArchaonloppedfromtheweapons,everyheadhetookandgapingholehestabbedthroughtheirshadowyforms,ablazeoflighteruptedfromthekeenedgeoftheSigmariteblade.Hispredicamentworsenedbecausewitheveryflashoflight,theorientationofshadowsinthethroneroomchanged.Sentinelsdisappearedfromoneplaceonlytoeruptfromanother,forcinghimtofighttwiceashard.VeryquicklyArchaoncametorealisethattheseweretheshadowformsofpast

Chaoswarlords–theblacknessoftheirheartspledgedtoBe’lakor–orperhapseventheaspirantEverchosenofChaoslikeArchaonhimself.Theiraxestrikesweretoomurderous,thespearthruststooassuredandbladeworktoomasterfulforrankandfilebutchers.Be’lakorhadsurroundedhimselfwithfailures–likehimself.TheshadowsofexaltedchampionswhohadledhordestowarandwhosebladeshadbeenaltarsuponwhichsacrificestotheDarkGodshadbeenmade.Archaonbroughtuphisshieldandwasalmostknockedbackbytheimpactof

aspearthatbledshadowacrossthechamber,beforeitsflightpathsentithammeringintotheChaosstaradorningtheshield’ssurface.Archaonwenttoslicethespearshaftawaybuttherewasnothingtherebuttheblackhazeoftheweaponthathadbeen.Movingbetweenpillarsandduckingbackthrougharchways,Archaonevadedtheavalancheofpresentedweaponry.Thepalace

interiorwasdisorientatingenough,butbathedasitwasinaseaofshadowsandpunctuatedbytheblindingdeathsofthesentinels,Archaonsoonlosttrackofwherehewas.Therewasthesilkysmoothnessofmarblestairs–healmostbrokehisneckfallingdownthem.Therewasalsosomekindofgallery,andhemadeabalcony-clearinghopanddropoutofthepathofashadow-streamingbattleaxe.ItwaswieldedbysomemountainousbarbarianoftheSteppewithasmuchinsaneabandoninBe’lakor’sdarkserviceasithadinitsformerlife.Hewasnolongerinthethroneroom.Sentinelswerealreadywaitingforhiminthelargechamberintowhichhehaddropped.Everythingwastheflowingarchitectureofthechamberandthetrailingblacknessofshadowyblades.‘Comeon!’Archaonroared,splittingthesilhouetteofanorthmanintwo

beforehammeringamarauderasidewithhisshield.HebroughtTerminusbackupabovehishelmandrotatedthebladewithhiswrist.SuddenlyacceleratingtheturnhesentblessedsteelthroughthethroatofaKurganwarlordbeforeloppingtheheadofftheshapeofashaggyNorscanchampion.Asanaxehalfbitintohisshoulderandaspeartipglancedoffhisarmouredthigh,Archaonbellowedatthechampionsofshadow.ChoppingdownthroughwhatArchaonassumedtobeaneasterner,fromtheoutlineofhisarmour,beforecleavingbackandforththroughaspear,Archaonslammedthedarknessofanaxemanintoapillarwithhisshield.ThrustingtheSigmaritebladethroughthegutofaChaosknightwithanornately-shapedhelmet,Archaonturnedandsmashedhisfistintothefeaturelessfaceoftheaxemanpinnedtothepillar.Archaonhammeredhimagainandagainwithhisshadow-stainedgauntletbeforethewarrior’saxedroppedawaytodriftingdarknessandArchaon’sarmouredknucklesfoundstone.SnatchingthehiltofTerminusbackandwithdrawingtheblade,ArchaonunleashedahowlingradiancethatatetheChaosknightalive.Enough…Be’lakor’svoiceechoedthroughthechambersandpassagewaysofhisempty

palace.Itwasn’tenoughtosavethehornedsilhouetteofabestialchieftainthatArchaoncleavedintwo,ortheshadowofthecapedKislevitechampioninspikedplatewhoreceivedthestabbingSigmaritebladestraightthroughthedarknessofhishelm’sfaceplate.Intheblazeoftheirdeaths,thesentinelsbecameonewiththepalaceshadowsoncemore.Castingaquickglanceabouthissurroundings,Archaonfoundhimselfinthevaultedexpanseofsomegreatfeastinghall–allpillarsandblacktables.TheChaoswarlorddoubtedverymuchthatanyonehadeveractuallyeateninthere.ArchaonsawBe’lakor.Thedaemonprincestrodethroughamagnificent

archwaythatledintothecavernoushall.TheDarkMaster’stalonscheweduptheblackmarbleathisfeetwhilehiswingsstretchedandextendedinthesamewayapugilistmightstretchhisneckbeforeafight.Archaondidn’tneedsuchpreparation.Hehadalreadyfoughthiswaybackthroughhalfthepalaceandanarmyofshadows.Asthesentinelsdissipated,Archaonturnedtopresenthimselftohisfather-in-shadow.‘Enough?’TheChaoswarriorrepeated,hiswordsechoingunnaturallyabout

thechamber.‘Notnearlyenough.Infact,Iwasjustwarmingup.’Be’lakorstopped.Fromthedarknessofthevaultedchamberroofdroppeda

colossalblade.Ancient.Notched.Streamingwithshadow,thebladestabbeddownintotheblackmarblefloorofthechamberwithanimpactArchaoncouldfeelthroughhisboots.TheChaoswarriorshivered.Hehadbeenstandingtheremeremomentsbefore.Thebladequiveredbeforeitsmaster,itscrossguardgreatserratedspikesthatwerepartoftheblade.Thepommelwassimilarlyagreatspike,makingeverypartofthecursed,colossalweaponadeath-dealingpoint.Be’lakorwrenchedtheinfernalbladefromthestone.Itwasbroadandalmostaslongasthemonsterwastall.TheDarkMasterpasseditbetweenhisclaws,turningtheweaponexperimentallywithhiswrist.Themassivebladetrailedsmokyshadowasitsweightandcleavingedgemovedthroughtheair.Itwasasthoughithadbeensometimesincethedaemonprincehadpersonallyhadthepleasureofdespatchingafoewiththeblade.Thefang-filledsnarlofsatisfactionthatafflictedthecreature’sfacetoldArchaonthattheexpectationofsuchpleasurewasstartingtoreturn.Iwasyourbeginning,Be’lakortoldhim…Iwillbeyourend.‘Thenyouwillbeanenduntoyourself,’Archaonspatback,gesturinghis

impatiencewithTerminus.Be’lakor’sdaemonicmawopenedwideandthecreaturebentoverasit

releasedastonetremblingroar.Tablestumbledbeforetheforceoftheinfernalbellow,rollingacrossthemarblefloorandsmashingintooneanother.Archaonchoppedthiswayandthat,cuttingthefurnitureintwoandbludgeoningitintosplinters.BeforelongtheChaoswarriorwasburiedinamountainoflongtablesandbenches.Withitspathcleared,thedaemonprincestompedupthelengthofthehall,wingsbackanditsgreatshadowswordheldaboveit.Sweepingin,thebladewaslikeadarkforceofnature,smashinghugedriftsoffurnishingsasideandcarvingstone-shatteredfurrowsintothemarblefloor.Holdingitscolossalbladehigh,thedaemonprincesniffedattheair.Shruggingoffshatteredtables,Archaonroaredatoptheheightofwreckageandleaptthroughtheairatthe

monstrousdaemon.Bringinghisshadowswordupandholdingithiltandtip,Be’lakorabsorbedthemurderous,cleavingactionthatdrewdarksparksfrombothblades.Twistinghistorsoandheavingimmediatelyback,thedaemonprincepushedArchaonaway,usingtheforceofhisleapingattacktothrowhimintoapillar.ThemarblewasunforgivingandastheChaoswarriorhitthestone,hisarmourjangledoverthesoundofasickeningthud.Halfbouncing,halfdroppingtothefloorinhisbuckledplate,Archaonstumbledandslippedamongtheshowerofpulverisedmarble.Thedaemonwassuddenlythereabovehim.Archaonpushedhimselftohis

feet,butwasforcedalmostimmediatelybacktothefloorastheshadowbladecleavedstraightthroughthepillar.Archaonrolledacrosshisshieldtoevadetheavalancheofblackstonethunderingfromthechamberceiling.Be’lakorshruggedthedebrisfromhisgreatarchedwings,swingingonwithdark,daemonicfury.Archaonrolledagain.Andthenbackagain,hisshieldscrapingthroughthegrit.Theshadowswordplungeddownthoughthefloor,cleavingthemarbleintocraterousgashes.Archaonwasup–andjustintime.Likeamonstrousblackguillotine,thedaemon’sbladewhoosheddowntowardshim.SlippingTerminusacrossthesurfaceofhisshield,Archaonawaitedtheimpact.Heknewthatthesupernaturalforceofsuchablowwouldsundertheshieldandhisarmintwo.AsBe’lakorbroughthisinfernalstrengthdownonArchaon,theChaoswarriorfelttheforceofhisdaemonmightthroughsword,throughshield,fleshandbone,andthesolesofhisbootsthatshatteredmarbleaboutthem.Snarlingbehindtheskull-fashionedfaceplateoftheEverchosen’shelm,

Archaonpushedbackwithallthepowerhecouldmuster.Straighteninghislegsandarms,theChaoswarriorbattedbackthedaemonwithathrustofhisshieldanddrewashowerofblacksparksfromBe’lakor’sbladeasTerminussweptitaside.Archaoncamestraightinwithawitheringthrustofhissword–amanoeuvrethathadeveryrighttoskeweraboar.Be’lakorhadbacked,however,andhadbroughthisblackbladearoundtoknocktheSigmariteswordaside.Archaonspunaround,hisshieldreadytoreceivetheflashingglanceoftheshadowswordonitssurfacebeforefollowingwithanotherdeadlythrust.ThisonefounditsmarkandthetipofTerminusslidstraightintothedarknessofthedaemon’smidriff.Archaonfeltnoresistancethroughtheshaftoftheblade.Theweaponhadhitnothingbutsilkyshadow.AsBe’lakorstompedtooneside–thethunderofhisfootstepsfeelingrealenoughthroughthefloor–hebroughthisbladedownonArchaon.Astheweightoftheweaponcrashedoffthesurfaceofhisshield,Archaondecidedthatthemonstrositywasoncemorefleshandbad

blood.DeniedpermanentformbytheGreatChanger,thedaemonprincehadfounda

waytoturnhiscurseintoagift.EverytimeArchaon’sblessedbladenicked,stabbedorslicedthroughtheabomination’sfleshitwastheemptinessofshadow.WheneverBe’lakor’shugebladecamedownattheChaoswarrior,however,thedaemonprincemomentarilyassumedallthemonstrousbrawnandinfernalireofhisphysicalform.HowArchaoncoulddefeatsuchacreature–thatwasatonceeverythingandnothing–hedidnotknow.Whilehismindreeledwiththefutilityofthetask,hisfather-in-shadowproceededtopresshisdiabolicaladvantage.WhileArchaonducked,weavedanddeflectedwithswordandshield,thedaemonprince’sshadowswordshearedthroughtheblackstoneofthepalaceinterior.TheDarkMasterroaredashepulleddowncolumnsattheChaoswarrior,forcingArchaononeway,onlytostomponeofhismightyclawsdowninhispath.ThebladelandedblowsonArchaon’sshieldwithsuchsearingforcethatitsenthimskiddingleftandthenrightacrossthemarblefloor.WhenArchaoncounteredwithhisownblade,inreadinessforarenewed

attack,oftenTerminuspassedstraightthroughtheshadowthatwasthedaemon’sweapon.Lurchingforward,ArchaonfoundthebludgeoningforceofthebladebecomerealoncemoreasBe’lakorattemptedtocleavetheChaoswarriorthroughtheback.EachtimeArchaongothisbuckledshieldbetweenhimselfandtheblade’sfuriousjudgement.Eachtimetheshadowswordcamethatlittlebitclosertocuttinghiminhalf.Knockedtothesidebyonesuchshield-crumplingblow,Archaonfelttheflatofthebladedescend.TheChaoswarriorbroughtuphisSigmariteswordbutthedaemon’sweaponpassedstraightthroughit.ThenotchedbroadnessoftheblackbladesolidifiedasitsmashedArchaonintothestonefloor.Forceddownononeknee,Archaongothisshielduptodeflectthesecondandthirdmercilessblows.Herodeouttheearth-shatteringfuryofeachdaemonstrike,preparingtobringTerminussavagelyupintoBe’lakor’sgut.Ashecameoutfrombehindtheshield,templarbladeattheready,thedaemonprince’sgreattalonedfootwaswaitingforhim.GrabbingArchaonbythetorsolikeabirdofpreywithatiny,tortured

mammal,Be’lakorkickedout,sendingtheChaoswarriorstraightthroughthechamberwall.Fromtoetotemple,theimpactwasasickeningagony.Therewastherumbleofcollapsingarchitecture,thepitter-patteroffallinggritandthehissofmasonrydustontheair.Archaonfoundhimselfinanotherchamber,buriedinasmallmoundofshatteredrock.Ittookamomenttogetbacktohissenses.TheChaoswarriorcoughedupblood,spittingitattheinsideofhishelm.Morkar’s

armourhadsavedhimfromtheworstthewallhadtoofferbutstill,severalthingsfeltbroken.Somethingdeepinsidehischestscrapedathiseverytwistandturn.Hisleftarmalsothrobbedwithadullachethatwouldnotbeignored.Atleasthisbackhadnotbeenbroken.Then,likeaspookedravenflyingaway,Archaonfeltaflutterofpanicpassthroughhim.Scanningthedarknesshefoundhisshatteredshieldnearby,buttheSigmariteswordTerminuswashalfburiedindebrissomedistanceaway.Archaonfeltthethunderofthedaemonprince’sstepsapproach.Hookinghisthumbsbeneathasectionofdemolishedwall,Archaonheavedthe

shatteredsectionoffhimandscrambledthroughthegrittohisfeet.Hewasanequaldistancefrombothhisswordandthenewentrancehehadmadeinthechamberwall.HesawtheshapeoftheapproachingBe’lakorframedintheraggedopening.Archaonsurgedforthecreature.Asthemonstrosityputhisgrotesque,hornedheadthroughthehole,Archaongrabbedalargepieceofshatteredmasonryfromthefloorandheavedituptowardshischest.AsBe’lakorturnedhishead,Archaonsmashedthethingacrossthejawwiththestone.Nothavingexpectedsuchanattack,thebeastretractedhishornsfromtheraggedhole,spittingdustandichor.JustasArchaonranforhisweaponry,thewallexploded.Be’lakor’smightybladehaddemolisheditinasingleswing.Withbrokenribsshearingthefleshinsidehim,Archaonrolled,pickinguphisshieldashedidso.Be’lakorstoodthereintheswirlingdustandrainingstone.TheChaoswarriorranatBe’lakor.Archaonwaswithoutswordbutthe

daemonwasnot.Liftingtheshadowbladehighabovehishead,Be’lakorbroughttheRuinousweapondownonhisson-in-shadow.Althoughitwasagonytodoso,Archaonleaptatthebeast,meetingthecleavingactionbeforeithadtimetoreachitsfullspeedandfury.Still,thestrikepoundedArchonandhisshieldstraightbackattheground.AsArchaonhadplanned.Asthesavageforceoftheblowtookhimbacktowardsthefloor,Archaonangledtheedgeoftheshield.Itsmashedintothedaemonprince’sfoot,shatteringthebonesofhistalonedtoesandshearingawayasingle,bloodyclaw.Thecreaturewailed;notexpectingsuchaswiftreplytotheattackithadnotreacheditsshadowformintime.Rearingfromthefloor,Archaonback-slashedtheruinedshieldacrossthedaemon’swailingmaw.Burningwiththeagonyofafracture,Archaontookthedaemonwithalefthook,hisshieldsmashingthemonstrosity’sfacebacktheotherway.Havingunbalancedthebeast,ArchaonranbacktowardshisSigmariteblade.

Heskiddeddownthroughthegritandfragmentsofstone,hisgauntletreaching

thehiltoftheburiedblade.Tearingitfromitsscabbardofstone,ArchaonpushedhimselfupandflewbackattheinjuredBe’lakor.TheChaoswarriorwasburstingwithhopeagainstdarkhope;aneedforthedaemonprince’spainandfurytoanchorhiminreality.Forthemonster’sappetiteforrevengetokeephimwhereArchaoncouldkillhim.Perhaps,theChaoswarriorhoped,somechoicewordswouldkeepthefiresofBe’lakor’sfuryburningbright.‘Youwillnotdestroyme!’Archaonroaredathisfather-in-shadow.‘Youneed

me…’Hespatashisrabidstepstookhimsurgingthroughthedemolishedarchitectureofthechamber–ontowardsthetwistedcreaturethatwasthebaneofhismolestedexistence.‘I,however,havenoneedforyou!’Indeed,theChaoswarriorhadstokedthefiresofhisfather’sdaemonicfury.

Morethanhecouldknow–forsecondslaterthecolossalshadowswordpassedstraightthroughhiminamurderousarcofdarknessandgore.ThearmouroftheEverchosenremaineduntouchedbythebladethathadsimplysolidifiedasithadcutArchaonintwowithinhisplate.TheChaoswarrior’slegstooktwomorestumblingstepsbeforecollapsingbeneathhim.Inacacophonousclatter,Archaonreachedthefloor,comingtoastoponhisside.Withhisfinal,dust-chokedbreathshewatchedthehulkingabominationthatwasBe’lakortoweroverhim,themuscularblackfleshofhischestrisingandfallingwitheffortandafather’sregret.

Youthinkyouarethefirst?Bloodofmyinfernalblood?Fleshofmydamnedflesh?Youthinkyouarethe

firstfooltochallengeme?Iwasslaughteringturncoatsandtraitorsatthedawnoftime,youmiserablecur.IamBe’lakor.Firstofthedaemonprinces.Amonstergivenformbefore

historieswerewrittenandthedegenerateracesofthisworldcametoknowtheircapabilities.Iwasawarlordlikenoother.Primitive.Powerful.Pureofdarkpurpose.Beforeyourrat-warrencitiesanddelusionsofcivilisation.BeforeyourmongrelGod-Kingandthefallofhishammer,thetribesofmenlookedtothegreatestoftheirmortalkindtoleadthem.Tounitethebarbarianandthesavage.Toconquer.Tokill.Tocreate.Thedegeneratelegionsofmanwerespoilingfruitinmyclaw.Theyerected

greatmonumentstomymajesty–primitivestonestructuresofinsanityandslavishambition.Withnumbersbeyondcounting,thebaseandbloodthirstyralliedtomybannersofflayedskin.Theybutcheredtheirowninmyhonour–theweakofmind,offaithandflesh–andbroughtdeathanddestructiontothelesserraces.Thosethathidinthegreatforestsoftheworld,thosethattooktothedepths

andthosewhothoughtthemselvessafeinfarlandsbeyondbroadoceans.Theworldwasmine–asitwillbeagain.Undermyleadership–nay,mysponsorship–championsrosefromtheragingdelugeofbarbaricbutcherythatwasmyhorde.Swinelikeyou,ArchaonoftheNorth.LivingweaponsIhonedtoarazor’sedge.MindstowhichIhadintroducedpride,beliefandambition.Menoftraitorousheart,inwhoseveinstreacheryranfree.Somesaythiswasmyowndoing.Mymistakealone.ThatIhad

underestimatedhowdeeptherotraninmen’ssouls.Thatwithmydarkexample,Ihadinspiredagenerationofchieftainsandchampions.Dreadwarriorsof

growingskill,supremacyandinfluence,whocametobeknowntothegods.ThosethatknowbetterlayblameatthefeetoftheChangerofWays.Thefoetid

god,Tzeentch,allsupremeinhisunderstandingoftheworld,itspeopleandprinces.Patronoftheascended.Plagueoftheprideful.Thehorrorofmortalhopeandfear.Itwasfromhimthatsuchaspirant

warlordsandwarriorslearnedoftheirpower.Fromhimtheylearnedtheartsofconspiracyandhowtocatchtheeyeofagod.Tzeentch,thebetrayer.Tzeentch,thegreatwheeloftheworldthatturns.Tzeentch,thebaneofallexistence–butoneofmany.Tzeentch,thedoomofBe’lakor.HesawtheDarkPantheon’sfaithdiluted.Theirtrustspreadbetweenmydark

championsandchieftainsoftheirindividualchoosing.SoonIwasaprinceamongmany.Thefirstamongequals.Ihunteddownandslaughteredthosethathadbetrayedmeorintendedtodoso.Theirappetiteforpowerrivalledmyown.Somanyhungeredforadominionoftheirown.Somanyfollowedsuchfoolsintooblivion.Iwasabandonedbymyhordes.Robbedofmygifts.Drainedofthepowerfedbyourdreadfaith.Iseethesameinyou,ArchaonoftheNorth,asIseetheGreatChanger’shand

inthis.Hispoisondripsfromyourear.Hisliesguideyourhandandthebladewithinit.Archaon–bloodofmyinfernalblood,fleshofmydamnedflesh,livinglegendofmydarkcraft–youwillnotbetheGreatChanger’spuppet.Youwillnotbethedoubleedgedswordthatwoundshewhowieldsit.YouwillbeArchaon,EverchosenofChaos–bloodofBe’lakor’sbloodandfleshofBe’lakor’sflesh–oryouwillbedestroyed.Destroyed.Athousandtimes,destroyed.

CHAPTERV

‘Toswords,shieldsandarmourblind,Foestoforeverdarknessconsigned.’

–Inscription,TheBladeofShadows

TheForsakenFortressTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

Thedaemonprincehobbledbackthroughthedemolishedwall,snortingitsotherworldlyagonyfromtheflaringslitsofitsnostrils.Archaongotupfromtheground.Slow.Confident.Hehadwoundedthemonstrousbeast.Hisfather-in-shadow,whohadcometoknowpainathishand.Archaonscoopedupthewretched,blackclawfromthemarblefloor.Ichordribbledfromitscleavedroot.Itwasafoulthingtohold.Arazor-sharpthingofdaemonicdread,sharpenedonthesoulsofthefaithlesstoasearingpoint.Itdrizzleddarknessintotheair.Archaonslippeditintohisbeltlikeaprize.‘Theysaydaemonsaremorethanthesumoftheirparts,’Archaonscorned.

‘Weshallsee.I’lltakeyoupiecebypieceifnecessary.’

Youwillknownopeace,shadow-sonofmine.NotsolongasIlive,Be’lakortoldhim.ArchaonpulledTerminusfromamoundofrubbleandblewdustfromits

blessedblade.‘Let’sseeifwecandosomethingaboutthat,’theChaoswarriortoldhim.Archaonadvanced.Daemonandwarriorcircledoneanother.Be’lakor

hobbled.TheDarkMasterworkedhisbruisedjawandgashedlip.Ichordribbleddowntheeight-pointedstarcarvedintothefleshofhischest.Archaonwatchedforaweakness.Anopportunity.Thedaemondidthesame.Theshatteredshieldrattledeversoslightlyinthewarrior’sgrasp,asthoughitwereanefforttoholdup.Hebentslightlyovertooneside,protectinganinternalaffliction.Thenithappened.Likeacrackoflightningorapeelofthunder,fatherandson

werelockedinsavagecombatofthemostdesperateandmercilesskind.Bladesclashedinthedarknessofthepalace.Archaonandthedaemonprincemovedbackandforththroughtheflowingchambers,sablesparksshoweredaboutthemastheSigmariteswordandshadowbladesanghorriblyoffoneanother.Terminuswasathingofhallowedbeauty.AnathematothefoetidthingsoftheWastes.Itssteelwascoldcertaintywhoseweightcouldbefeltinthehandandwhosekeenedgecouldbefeltpassingthroughtheflesh.Be’lakor’sswordofshadowwasanunearthlyweaponofnotcheddarknessthatragedinandoutofrealityatitswielder’swhim.ItsmashedtheblessedburnoftheSigmariteswordasideandblazedshadowthroughtheair,threateningtocleavetheChaoswarriorinhalf.ItmauledArchaon’sshieldandknockedthewarriorskiddingacrosschambers.Inthedaemonprince’sgripitscolossallengthwasaswirlingandblackstormofimpendingdoom,theshadowofdeathmeresecondsaway.Grittinghisteethandwithrivuletsofeffortworkingtheirwaydownhisface

withinthemugginessofhishelm,Archaonbegantofeeltherhythmofhisopponent’smanoeuvres.Hegotasenseforthedaemon’smovements.Thepredictabilityevenofitsunpredictability.Thetirelesssweepsofthemassiveswordthatcarvedupstoneanddemolishedarchitecture,searingbackattheChaoswarriorjustthatlittlebitfasterbeforesomefeigningstrikeornewmovement.Thetwitchofitswingsbeforeitlungedthegreatbladeathim.Eventhehorrificbladeseemedtohaveapattern.AtimetocutdownthroughrealitywithalltheweightandsunderinginevitabilityBe’lakorcouldbringtobear.Atimetobleedawaytonothinglikeoilonwater,allowingTerminustopassstraightthrough.Clashbytitanicclash,Archaontriedtolearnhisfather-in-shadow’spreferences,thediabolicaltellsthatgaveawayhisintentionsandthe

styleofthedaemon’sdeath-dealingbladework,allthewhile,momentsfromtheshadowblade’sdecapitatingpath.Be’lakorclearlyknewathousandwaystokillamanbut,likeallwarriors,favouredacertainapproach.Forthedaemon,thelengthofhiscursedbladewasthefuryofablacktempesttobevisiteduponitsopponent.Asavagestylelearnedatthebeginningoftimethathadremainedwiththedaemonprincefromthemurderousdawnoftheworld.Themassivebladewassomethingtobeswungwithforceandunrelentingdevastationatafoeuntilthedaemon’sopponentlayinbludgeonedpiecesscatteredaboutthemonster.Archaonpressedthecreature.Chopping.Stabbing.Counteringwithsavagery

andbrutebladework.Hair’sbreadthevasionssnappedbackintofuriouslunges.Sparkingdeflectionswiththemauledshieldrolledintopivotingslashes,thedesperationofparriescarriedthroughintobellowingripostes.Archaondrewoneverymurderousinstinct:thetechnicalexcellenceofhistemplartraining,theexoticeleganceofHungswordsmanshipandthebarbarianbludgeonryofbestialslaughter.Hethrewallatthedaemonprince,exploitingeveryweaknessandforcingthemonsterintotheunfamiliarityofdefensivemanoeuvres.Archaon’smusclesachedwiththerelentlessspeedandpowerofhisattackswhilehismindsearedwiththesplit-secondstrategiesofthechoreographedassault.Aboutthepair,theflowingchambersoftheForsakenFortresslayinbladesmashedruin.Thedaemonprince’sinfernalweaponhadcarvedapathofdestructionthroughthemidnightstoneofthepalace,leavingrubble,smashedbalustradesandderelictstairwellsinhisferociouswake.Allthewhile,Archaonwaspushedbackthroughthechambersbytheblade’sblackfuryandthestormofshatteredstoneunfoldingbeforehim.Aninventivecombinationofhacks,slashesandshield-batteringtookthe

Chaoswarriorwithintheshadowblade’sarcofstreamingdarkness.Archaonfelthisfather-in-shadow’ssuddencaution.Theconservativeurgencyofhismovements.ThegreatblackbladewasapoorweaponforcloseworkandwhileTerminuswasbynomeansasmallsword,itgaveArchaontheadvantageintightquarters.Theshadowswordworkedbackandforthtoturnasidethetemplarblade’sonslaught.Severaltimesinthemanicblurofthebattle,thesacredsteeloftheSigmaritebladealmostgrazedthedaemonprince’sroyalflesh.Be’lakorroaredateventhesuggestionofsuchsuccess,andwithinmomentsArchaonandthemonsterwerelockedcrossguardtocrossguard.Betweenthethwartedbladesfatherandsonleanedin.ThedaemonprinceroaredthegargoylesquehorrorofhisfacewhilethemuffledthunderofArchaon’sbellowingragecamebackthroughtheleeringskullofhisfaceplate.

‘No…’Be’lakorhissedandheavedtheChaoswarriorback.ThebladespartedandArchaonskiddedbackthroughthegritonthemarblefloor.Ashedidso,hisarmscameoutwithswordandshieldtoretainhisbalance.Be’lakorwassuddenlyintheair,theprince’swingsoutstretchedandhiscolossalbladebleedingdarknessdowntowardsArchaon.TheChaoswarriorfelttheblade’sterriblepresenceripdownthroughflesh,muscleandbone.Solidifyingtoacleavingedge,theweaponhadcutdownthroughArchaon’sswordarmandpassedwithghostlyinsistencebackoutthroughtheunhallowedarmouroftheEverchosen.TheshadowbladewasrealoncemoreasithackedstraightdownintothemarbletothesideofArchaon’sboot.Terminusfellfromhisnon-existentgripandrangmournfullyasithitthemarble.Heavingtheshadowswordfreeofthecleftithadcreatedinthestone,Be’lakorbackedaway,scrapingtheblacktipoftheswordalongthefloorwithhim.Archaonstumbledback.Hecouldtastebloodandbileinthebackofhisthroat.

Timeseemedtoslowasshockwrestledforcontrolofhissenses.Hisarmhadbeenshearedfromhisbodyattheshoulder.Thedeadweightofalimbhunguselesslyintheplate,thearmourdownonesideofhisbodydribblingwiththebloodgushingwithin.Archaoncouldimaginethestrickenhorrorofhisfaceandforamomentthatbecameallhecouldthinkabout.Ashisruinedshielddroppedfromhisotherarmandclatterednoisilytothefloor,theChaoswarriorshuffledaround.Hebentdownwithhorribledifficulty,scrapingatthefloorwiththearmoureddigitsofhisgauntletashetriedtopickuptheswordintheotherhand.Turning,Archaonpresentedhimself.Hewouldfightonforaslongashecould.ThroughtheeyeslitsofhishelmhefoundonlyBe’lakor’sback.Thedaemon

princewasleavingthedestructionofhisruinedpalace.Histhunderousstepstookhimthroughthemoundsofrubble,thecollapsedwallsandpastthedemolishedpillars.Archaontriedtogethistautlipsaroundachallenge.Heshookthetemplarbladeandstoodinagrowingpoolofhisownblood.Be’lakordidnotturn,however.Hemerelybroughtthebleakdarknessofhismassivebladeupandchoppedthroughthelastofthethickmarblepillarsholdinguptheceilingandthepalacefloorabove.Archaonwatchedhisfather-in-shadowdisappearasthecreakingstoneworkgaveandthousandsoftonnesofcraftedstonedescended.Crushed.Pulverised.Brokenlikeachild’sdoll.Archaonwaitedfordeath.Withtheharshrumbleofcollapsingarchitectureallaround,theChaoswarriordidnothavetowaitlo–

Thereisnolifeforyou,myson-in-shadow.Noexistencetocallyourown.Noflickerofhope,liketheflameofagutteringcandlebeforeastorm.Ibroughtyouintowretchedexistence.YourfleshisminetodowithasIwill.Todesecratewithclaw,steelorflame,ifIchoose.Toextinguishorexalt.YoucanbeArchaonoftheNorth.Adoomofmycreation.Kill.Raze.Destroy.Allinthenameofshadow.EnjoythepowerIhavegivenyou.Relishthecorporaldelightsofthefleshwhileitisstillyours.Blood.Greed.Lust.Womentocarrynewlife.Mentosufferatyourcommand.Mentodieatyourhand.Collectthedarktreasuresofourcalling.Inspirethestrongtofightatourside–foronlytheyareworthyoftheEndTimestocome.Thinourranksoftheweakandundeserving–letyourwrathbetheirjudge.Swellthehordeandthebelliesofharlotswithourfuture.Sonsonadarkpath,championsinthemaking,loyallieutenantstofightatmyside.Thereareothers.Therewillalwaysbeothers.Sonswhoseheartsbeatbeneath

myrisingstar.Ruinouschampionsofourpurposeifnotourblood.Theywillseethisdoneifyouwillnot,shadow-sonofmine.Onwithyourdarkquest.North,Archaon.North.TheSouthernWasteshavegivenuptheirtreasures.Forthelasttwo–thetwothatwillmarkyouastheEverchosenoftheChaosgodsandLordoftheEndTimestocome–youmustreturntothetopoftheworld.Hearme,sonofshadow.Letmywordsberemembered.Letthemguideyourblackheart.Letthemstaywithyoursorrysoul.Toreturntothetopoftheworldyoumustwalkintheshadowofthegodsthemselves,alongapathwithnobearingthatwindsthroughaworldbeyondyourown.Itisamadman’spathandyouwouldhavetobeinsanetotakeit–buttakeityoumust.TheEndTimesarecomingandwearetheirHarbinger.Goupbygoing

down…outbygoingin…northbygoingsouth.Asfarsouthassouthwillgo.Thereyouwillfindthegatewaytoourdarkestdreams.Whateverisleftofyou,Archaon,shallpassthroughanorthnomortalmanhasknown.Beyondthatis

thenorththattemperedyourRuinousfleshandbeyondthatthenorththatwillbenomore.Thereyouwillfindwhatyouseekandindoingsoyouwillrealisebothourdestinies.YoushallweartheCrownofDominationasIshallwearyou.Yourformshallbecomemine.Yoursoulwillbebutadimmingbaubleinthehowlingdarknessofyourbeing.Amemoryofourtimetogether.Nomannorgodshallstopme.Thelegionsofhellshallanswertomycallandtheworldwillbeminetodestroyonceagain.Thisyouwilldoforme,ArchaonoftheNorth,foryouhave…no…choice.

CHAPTERV

‘Awisemanknowsthathecannotescapehisshadow.Itisthestainheleavesontheworldanditfollowshimeverywhere.Itwasthereathisbirthandwillbewithhimuntilhislastbreath.Whenamanchanges,sodoeshisshadow.Itgrowswithhimandexpandstoreflectthedarknessofhispresence.Ashadowknowsnofear.Itcannotbereasonedwith.Itsimplyis.Awisemanalsoknowsthattheonlywaytoescapehisshadowistocastnoneinthefirstplace–buttodothat,amanmusttrulyfallfromthelight.’

–Al-MalikAbyssyn,TheBookofShadows

TheForsakenFortressTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

…choice.Choice?‘Thereisalwaysachoice,’Archaontoldthedaemonprincebeforeleapingat

him.Terminuscamedownwithrighteousforce,itssacredsteelsizzlinginthedoomeddarknessofthepalace.Be’lakorturnedtheattackasidewithanarcofragingshadow.Archaonhitthemarbleandrolledtherestofhismomentumaway,thesolesofhisbootsthebeatofagnat’swingsbeneathafuriousbackslashoftheshadowsword.Uprightaway,Archaonfeintedandthenfeintedagain,forcingthedaemontoplacethecolossallengthoftheswordwhereheneededit.Thecreaturewassupernaturallyswiftforamonstrosityofhissize,andbroughttheheavybladebackwiththewhippinginsistenceofarapier.Archaonskewered,slashedandbattedhiswaythroughBe’lakor’sdefences,forcingthebeastbackthroughanarchwaynotquitetallenoughtoadmitthemonster’sdimensions.Asmarbleandrockdustraineddownbetweenthem,Archaondashedforanadjacentarch,skiddinghiswaythroughbeforeresumingtherelentlessclashofbladesthatfilledthehallsoftheForsakenFortress.Archaon’sbodyburnedwithadesiretostop,foranendtothemind-numbing

combinationsandthemuscle-tearingeffortstostrikethemonstrousdaemon.Asthepairmovedthroughthecollapsingstairwells,sword-smashedbalconiesandtopplingwalls,thehatredbetweenthemcrackled.Theirmovesbecamebolder,thearcsgrewwiderandtheforcewithwhichcleavingblowslanded,evermoredevastating.Thechambersofthepalacewerebenightednomore.Thedarklightofblacksparksrainedfromtheringingblades.Father-in-shadow.Son,thedoomofall.Archaonroaredhisneedtoendthisabomination.Be’lakorroaredthefrustrationofadaemonwillthwarted.Archaonswungforallhewasworth,pledgingwithtautlipsbeforegritted

teetheverythinghewastowhateverfoetidgodorpowerwouldgranthimthedaemon’sdeath.AsthetipofTerminusgrazedBe’lakor’sstar-scarredchestandnickedtheblackfleshofanarm,theChaoswarriorthoughtthathisdarkprayershadbeenanswered.TheblessedbladecameintocontactwithBe’lakor’sform;thewretchedskinsteamedawaytoshadow,drawingastifledcryfromthebeast.Insteadofwithdrawing,themonstercamebackatArchaonwiththefullfuryofhisdiabolicalwill.He,Be’lakor–firstofthedaemonprinces–wouldnotbebestedbyamortal,athingofmerefleshandblood,evenifthatbloodwashisown.Be’lakorbroughthishuge,leatherywingsintightandspunaroundwithallthe

devastatinggracehisdreadformwouldallow.Asthemonster’sbladesearedaroundwithhim,itsolidifiedtoagreatcleavingedgeofstreamingshadow.Archaonsawthemanoeuvrebutcoulddolittletocounteritsdevastatingprogress.Be’lakorwasnotoftheworld.Hewasacreatureofthebeyondandas

suchhemoved.Archaonjustgothisshieldupintime.Hefeltthebladecleaveacrossthemauledshield’sbreadthandtheforceoftheblowthroughhiswholebody.Withthetipsofhisbootsscrapingthemarblefloor,Archaonfelthimselfsmashedintoanearbywall.Hehitit,shatteringthestoneabouthiscursedplate,beforedroppingintoaclatteringpile.Coughingupblood,ArchaonsmackedthecrossguardofTerminusagainsthis

helmtobringhimbacktohissenses.Hefeltthequakeofthedaemon’sfuriousapproachandgotshakilytohisfeet.Heheldthemangledshieldoutbeforehim.Themetalwasofferingnexttonoprotectionnow.Archaoncouldonlyhopetheeight-pointedstarthatadorneditandthediabolicalsponsorsitrepresentedstillofferedsomeprotection.Themonstrousblowcame.Archaonwentthroughtheweakenedwallthistime,slidingacrossthemarbleflooroftheadjacentchamberwithchunksofstonedebris.Be’lakorsteppedthroughtheopeninghehadmade,hisbroadshouldersandwingstearingfurtherstonedownaboutthem.Hewasthefuryandfearofamidnightstorm.ThedazedArchaonscrabbledmindlesslytohisfeet.Vanquishedfromhisthoughtsweretheimpulsesandjustificationsforseekingouthisfather-in-shadow.Therewasonlyroominthestone-andsword-smackedskullforghostlynotionsofsurvival.ArchaonwasupbutBe’lakorwasbeforehim.Onceagainhewasinthe

terriblepathofBe’lakor’sblade.Thetipoftheswordtrailedasmearofshadowlikeablackcomet.AbadomenforArchaon.TheChaoswarriorgothisweaponbetweenhimandtheblurofthedaemon’sblade.TheimpactsmashedTerminusfromArchaon’sgauntletedgrip,sendingthegreatswordclangingoffintothedarkness.InstinctivelyArchaonbroughtuphisshieldbutitwassmackedasidebyabackslashfullofinfernalspite.Thedaemonfollowedthroughonhisturn,bringingthemuscularweightofhistailaround.TheforceoftheblowsentArchaonstraightthroughthebodyofamarblepillar,sendingtheChaoswarriortothegroundoncemoreinacloudofdustandpulverisedstone.Somethinghadbroken.EventhearmourofMorkarhadfailedtoprotecthim

fromthebruteforceofhisfather’sfury.Thebonesofhisrightarmwereshattered.Hecouldfeelthesharpachegrowtoaburninguselessness.Hegroaned.Hecrawled.Hegottohisfeetandputhisarmouredbacktoanotherthickpillar.Thecolumnexplodedabovehim,showeringtheChaoswarriorwithrockandgrit.Be’lakorwasthere.TearingtheForsakenFortressapart.Smashingthrougheverybalcony,stairwellandpillarwithhisswordofshadow.Thedaemon’sbellowshookthevaultedchamber,drawingfurtherfallingstonefromtheceiling.Archaonmovedfrompillartofatpillar.Hisarmraged.Hisstomach

feltsickwiththecowardlynecessitiesofsurvivalandemptywiththerealitiesofreason:hecouldnotrealisehistruedestinyifheweredead.Archaonsuspectedthatfew,ifany,couldhavelastedaslongagainsttheFirstDaemonPrinceofChaos.Itgavehimthecoldestofcomfortsfor,astheChaoswarriorworkedhiswaythroughthechamber,weavingbetweenpillarsandnegotiatingspaces,hecametounderstandthathehadfailed.Hewouldnotlearnthesecretsofhisfather-in-shadow’sblackheart.Hecouldnotcompelthecreaturetoactagainsthisowninterestsbyleavinghimalone,andhehadfailedindestroyingtheabomination.Hishandached–notonlyfromthetormentsofshatteredbones–butalsofor

hissword.Itfeltsomethinglessthanalimbwithoutit.Astheshadowstormofhisfather’sragesweptthroughthechamber,Archaontriedtoconcentrate.Hissightwasuselessintheinkytwilightofthepalace.Thedarksightofhisruinedeyegavehimanimpressionofhissurroundings.Allabouthimwasstonesaturatedwitheviland,inthepresenceofsuchmaterial,Archaon’sowndarknesscastlessofashadow.Thismademakingoutanythingbeyondhisimmediatesurroundingsallbutimpossible.Unencumberedbysuchconcerns,theEyeofSheerian–setinthefaceplateofhishelm–foundTerminusforhim.Likeanimagesurfacingslowlyfromthedarkdepths,Archaoncouldmakeouttheshapeofthebladeatthefootofaflightofblacksteps.Withnothingtoreflectinthelightlessenvironsofthepalace,allArchaoncouldmakeoutwasthespiritualtormentoftheblade,bleedingfromthesteel,asitlayonthecursedstoneofthefloor.Thenhenoticedit.Thesilence.Theabsenceoffuryandthunder.Youcannothidefromme,shadow-sonofmine,Be’lakor’svoicerumbled

throughthedarkness.Nothereinmypalace.Thevoicewaseverywhere,bouncingabouttheperverse,flowingarchitectureoftheForsakenFortress.Notanywhere.Thereisnotaplaceonthismortal-infestedballofrockthatIwillnotfindyou,Archaon.IamBe’lakor.Firstprinceofthe…AshiversnakeditswaydownArchaon’sspine.Thevoicewaseverywherebut

Be’lakorwastoweringrightbehindhim.Wingsoutstretched.Armsup.Swordofshadowreadytocomedown.Archaongruntedbeforeacceleratingaway.Stepbystep,theChaoswarrior

urgedhimselfonacrossthechamber,towardsthestepsandhisswordbeforethem.HefeltthemarblegivewaybehindhimasBe’lakor’sdownwardstrikestoveinthefloor.Leapingthehole,thedaemonsnarled.AbeatofitscolossalwingstookitsurgingonaftertheChaoswarrior,eachofitsmassivestrides

effortlesslyoutpacingArchaon’sown.Archaonjumped–adecapitatingswipeoftheshadowbladestreamingjustabovehishead.Hittingthefloorwaspainful–shockwavesofagonypulsingthroughhisbrokenarm.Skiddingthroughthegritonhisbreastplate,Archaonslidacrossthemarblefloor,leftarmoutstretchedforthehiltofTerminus.Crunchingtoastopagraspingfinger’slengthfromtheblade,Archaonreachedout.Theshatteredshieldwasheavyonhisarmandthefingertipsofhisgauntletclaweddesperatelyatthefloor.Dustandgritswirledabouthimashefeltthedaemon’swingsbeatabove.Be’lakorhadleaptalso,hiswingsslowinghisdescentandthegreatclawsofhisfeetanchoringintothestoneflooreithersideofArchaon’sproneform.Againtheswordofshadowreared.Rollingroundtoseethedaemonprince,Archaonflungaroundhisarmand

senttheshatteredshieldspinningupatthemonster’sgroin.Archaonhadnoideawhatthecreaturekeptundertheloinclothofblackmailandhadnodesiretoknow.Thedaemongruntedastheshieldhithimanddoubled,abandoningtheswing.Archaonrolledbacktheotherway,bringingtheflatofhisbootaroundtocatchthedaemoninthejaw.ItwassatisfyingbutdidlittletostopthefuriousBe’lakorwhorearedoncemore,hatredchurningfuriouslyinhiseyes.Archaonrolled.Therewaslittleelsehecoulddo.Thecolossallengthoftheswordsmasheddownthroughthemarblecreatingacrater.Astheweapondescended–likeablackthunderbolttosseddownfromtheheavens–ArchaonreacheddesperatelyoncemoreforTerminus.Butthetemplarswordwasgone.RollingoutofthedevastatingpathofBe’lakor’sblade,Archaonfollowedhissworddownintothecrater,onlytofindthattheswordhadsmashedstraightthroughboththefloorandtheceilingofthechamberbelow.Itwasalongdrop.Itseemedlongerstillinthetumblingdarkness.Witha

sickeningthudtheChaoswarriorhitstone.Hewasgettingusedtotheskull-crackingsensation.Withaninvoluntarymoan,hebroughtuphisheadandbeganclawingforTerminusinthedescendingdebris.Stampingdownthroughtheweakenedstone,Be’lakorhaddroppeddownonoutstretchedwings.Thefloorshookashehitit,producingabounceandajanglefromTerminusthatbroughtthemetaldigitsofArchaon’slefthandtoit.Gettingshakilytohisfeet,Archaonslouchedaround,holdinghisbrokenswordarmincloseandofferingthetremblingbladeofTerminusintheother.Whydoyoubringsuchtormenttobothofus?Be’lakorasked,stridingacross

thechamberandreadyinghishuge,blackbladeforthekillingblow.Whynotjustsimplystaydownandendthissuffering?Whynotsimplydie?

‘Never…’Archaontoldthedaemonprince.HegesturedwiththeSigmaritebladeinhislefthand.Itfeltawkwardandunnatural.‘…andnever.’Thenyougivemenochoice,Be’lakorthundered,hisdreadvoiceadarknessall

ofitsown.Be’lakorbroughtuphisblade.Archaonbroughtuphisown,preparedtoreceivethefullforceofthestrikeonTerminusandhisleftarm.SuddenlyArchaonwasflyingbackthroughtheair.Theswordstrikenevercame.Instead,thedaemon’sgreatclawedfootkickedhiminhisarmouredstomach.Againthesickeningslamofstonepassedthroughhisbody.Itwasuncompromising.Itwasagony.Itwasover.Archaonfell.Agreatdealfurtherthanafloorofthepalaceorastairwell.Archaonsuddenlyrealisedthathewasoutsideagain.ThatBe’lakorhadkickedhimstraightthroughthepalacewallandbackoutintothechillmireofthePustularPlain.Whenhehitthegrounditwasmercifullysoft.Hefeltthecold,dankwatersoftheslush-loggedtundraexplorehisplateforapointofentry.Thestinkingwatersspilledinthroughtheeyeslitsofhishelmashestruggledtokeephisheadabovetheranksurface.Hefoughttostabilisehimselfinthemire.Ashedidso,ArchaonfoundthelightfromthesurroundingrashofvolcanicpeaksalmostblindingaftertheabsolutedarknessoftheForsakenFortress.Withhishelmjustabovethesurfaceoftheice-threadedbog,Archaonslowedhismovements.Heknewthatthrashingaboutintheprimordialmulchwouldonlydraghimdeeper.TheChaoswarriorgrunted.Hewasindeepenoughalready.AbovehimthetoweringdreadoftheForsakenFortressloomedhigherthan

ever.Thenightmarelinesofitsdesignandconstructioncutadiabolicalshapefromthevolcanichazebeyond.Archaoncouldseetheraggedholehisexithadmadeinthesmoothblackmarbleofthepalace.Fromthedarknesswithinthedarkness,Archaonsawapairofdaemoniceyesfixedonhim.Be’lakor.Histormentor.Hissoul-swornfoe.Hisfather-in-shadow.Archaon…‘DarkMaster…’ArchaonoftheNorth…Be’lakor’sdreadwordsburnedlikeanumbingcold

throughhismind.Itistimetoreturnhome,myson.ThreeRuinoustreasures,theSouthernWasteshadtooffertheEverchosenofChaos.Threetreasuresyouhaveclaimed.YoualreadybeartheeternallyburningMarkofChaos–butnowyoumustproveyourselfworthyofit.‘Donotlecturemeonworthiness,monster,’Archaonsnarled.‘Iwillachieve

whathasbeeneternallydeniedtoyou–thefavouroftheDarkGods.’

Thefinaltwotreasureswilltestyouasnonebeforehave.‘AsIwillbeyourtest,creatureofdarkness,’Archaontoldhisfather-in-

shadow,‘ifyouattempttotakefrommewhatisminebyRuinousright.Atestyouwilllose,Be’lakor.’Thewindpickedup.Shelteredwithinthemarbleconfinesoftheinfernal

palace,ArchaonhadallbutforgottentheglacialbiteoftheWastelandwind.Evenhereitfrostedthevolcanosidesandscorchedthepercolatingtundraofanyreedorshrubfoolishenoughtoreachupoutofthemire.Archaonsensedsomethingstrangeaboutthebuildinggale.Itseemedheavywiththecursedpowerthatleakedperpetuallyfromthepole–asthoughitwereburdenedwithsomefellpurpose.AsitmoanedaboutthecontoursoftheForsakenFortress,Archaonnoticedthatthepalacewasbleedingawayonthebreeze.Speckbyblackspeckofdustanddarkness,themonstrousbuildingwasbeingcarriedaway.Fadingtonothing,Be’lakorandhispalacewouldridetheperversewindsofthedarkcontinent,toaccreteelsewhere–appearingatrandomfromthefrozenmaelstrom.Uptohisneckinthemire,withhiscursedplatedragginghimdown,Archaon

knewtherewasnothinghecoulddo.Evenifhecouldcrawlhiswaybacktothepalaceandbeginagainhisdoomedascent,theChaoswarriorfearedthattherewaslittlelefttolayhishandson.TheForsakenFortressanditsDarkMasterwerenowbutafading,phantasmicvisioninthishauntedrealm.Theswiftestofsteedsandcoldsteelalonehadfailedtobringhisfather-in-shadowtoaccount.ThedaemonBe’lakorwouldnotrelinquishhispuppetstrings.Archaonwouldhavetofindsomeotherwayofcuttinghimselffreeofdestiny’stangledweb.Thenorth,Archaon…Be’lakor’swordstrailedawaywiththestreamingshadowofhispalace.The

ForsakenFortresswasgone.‘Aye,thenorth,youruthlessthing,’Archaonrumbled,‘butsoonerthanyou

think.’Asthewinddieddown,ArchaonsawthemonstrousformofDorghar

approach.TheSteedoftheApocalypsetrudgedwarilythroughthemiretowardshim,itshoovessplayedlikewebbedfeettospreadthestallion’sweightonthesinkingsurfaceofthefrozenbog.ThereinsthatArchaonhadhookedoverthedreadarchitectureofthepalacenowhungloosefromthesteed’ssteamingsnout.Venturingasfarasitdared,Dorgharwhippeditsheadbackandforth,castingthereinsoutacrossthestinkingspacebetweenitandthesinkingChaoswarrior.RestingTerminusonthebubblingsurface,Archaonreachedoutwithhis

gauntlet,snatchingattherottingmulchofthemarshytundra.Whenhefinallyhadthereinsinhisgrasp,Archaonheldonasthedaemonicmountstampedbackthroughthemire,haulinghimfromthevice-likeembraceofthebog.Dragginghimtosolidground,DorgharsnorteditsinfernalderisionastheChaoswarriorgotbackhisbreath–notonlyfromhiseffortsintheswampbutalsothetitanicbattlethathadprecededit.TearingTerminusfromthemire,Archaonsatupandregardedtheblade.It

reekedlikehedidandwasfilth-splatteredlikehisarmour.TheChaoswarriorsatquietlywiththedullacheofhisarmandhisdarkthoughtsforamoment.HefinallyturnedtoDorghar,whowassnortingbesidehim.Theglassyinfernoofthesteed’sdaemoneyesfixedontheChaoswarrior.Archaongaveitbackabalefulglareofhisown.‘Whatthehell…areyoulookingat?’Archaonputtothecreature,butsteam

simplystreamedfromthesteed’ssnout.Gettingupandslidingthefilthybladeintoitsfurscabbard,Archaonmountedthesteed,clutchinghisbrokenarmtohisside.Themonstrousmountseemedtowaitforinstructions.Archaongrunted.Itwouldbealongwayback.‘On,youdarknidthing,’Archaontoldit,digginggentlyatitsflankswiththe

heelsofhisboots.‘BacktotheGatelands.Tothepole,where–darknesswilling–weshallre-jointhehorde.Thennorth…asmyfathersays,tomarchonfreshinsanitiesatthetopoftheworld.’

CHAPTERVI

‘Agrammon–Slave-LordandDaemonLordofSlaanesh.Cagedwithinhisownmenagerie–thecaptiveofgreed.Oneofthemanyhorrorsonshow.’

–LedgerBestiarie

TheGatelandsTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRavening

IttookDorgharlongertoreachthepolarGatelandsthanithadtoreachthePustularPlains.Inpartthedaemoniccreaturehadallbutspentitself–firstinitseffortstoriditselfofitsunwelcomeriderandsecondlyunderArchaon’sinsistencethattheyreachtheForsakenFortressbeforeitmovedon.BrokenbytheChaoswarrior,thedaemonsteedwouldnotsubjectitsmastertothedangersofitsswiftestforms.WhiletheagoniesofboltandflamehadtakenArchaonfromthecontinentalinterior,itwasarelativelytranquiljourneyback.Sittingastridethebackofahugebat-likemonstrositywithacolossalwing-span,effortlessbeatsofDorghar’swingstookArchaonforleaguesacrossthethermals

ofvolcanicrangesandabovetheicestormsbelow.UsingthesorcerouspoweroftheEyeofSheerian,ArchaonguidedDorghartowardsthehowlingvortexatthepole.Cominginlowacrossbleedingglaciers,horrificfrost-shatteredlandscapesand

rollingoceansofblacksnow,Dorghardescended.Thecrookedspiresandfortifiedruinsofinfernalpalacesanddaemonicredoubtscrowdedthelandsabouttheshatteredgate.Theirtowertopsandderelictioncreatedaserratedhorizon,beyondwhichthehorrificradiancespewedintotheworld.Betweentherancidstructures–formingastheydidskywardsigilsintheirlayoutanddecoratedwithbones,flayedskinandrottingbodies–werebattlefieldsbotholdandnew.Armiesofhouseholdbeastfiendsclashedwithinfernalroyaltyinthemulchofpastmassacres.Daemonprincesfoughtflocksoffuries,whilespawn-warriors–blessedintheirmonstrosity–savagedhordesofinfernalhorrors.Archaonfeltthegazeofgodsonsuchconflicts,ascreaturesslaughteredtheirfoeswithdarkoathsandthedeathsprayofichor.ThenArchaonsawit.Hisownhordeofbestialsavages.Thearmyhadtakento

thefieldbothinthespikedshadowofLordAgrammon’stowerpalaceandinadvanceoftheordersArchaonhadleftwiththem.TheywerehackingtheirwaythroughSlaaneshifiends,daemonettesandallmannerofliberatedmonstrosity–creaturesofChaoswho,uponachievingtheirfreedom,hadsetuponthefirstpreytheyhadfoundoutsidethemetalwallsofthemenagerie.Beatingitsleatherywingsasitcameintoland,Dorgharclearedanareaof

LordAgrammon’spalaceguard.Slidingdownofftheflea-eatenbackofthemonstrousbat,ArchaondrewTerminuswithhislefthand.Hisrighthungnumb,shatteredandpainfulathisside.Astaper-snoutedbeastfiendsdraggedthemselvesbacktotheirhooves–thelowcreatureshavingbeenknockeddownbyDorghar’sflappingdescent–theyexperiencedthedubiouswelcomeoftheSigmaritesword’sfilth-encrustedsteel.Likemanyknights,Archaonfavouredhisrighthandforsuchaheavyblade.Hismovementsbetrayedasubtleawkwardness–asluggishjarringintheshoulderandwristthatmanyyearsofpracticeandthecomfortofunthinkingpreferencehadfashionedintoadeft,fluidsetofmovementsthatalmostachievedthestatusofreflex.Thegreatswordstillsatinthegripofaseasonedwarrior,however.Itwaswieldedwithdiscipline,skillandasavagestrengthbornofaknight’srighteousprosecutionofhisduties.SuchdutiesmayhavechangedforArchaon,buthistemplartrainingservedhimwell.AsArchaonstrodethroughSlaaneshideviants,hewhippedtheheavybladefromsidetoside,cleavingbeastfiendsbackintoearthbakedwiththeunnatural

energiespouringfromtheshatteredgate.BeastfiendsofhisownhordecameathimandthemonstrousDorgharwith

roughaxesconsistingofserratedshoulderbladesandtusk-embeddedfemurs.AsthedaemonmounttransformedandArchaonstrodetowardsthemtheyrecognisedtheirwarlord.Theshaggymonstersloweredboththeirrude,blood-stainedweaponsandtheirhornedheads.‘Ograx?’Archaoncalled,cuttingdownapairofSlaaneshifiendsasthey

attemptedtorushthedistractedhalf-breeds.Thebeastsbegantogabbleintheirdarktongueandjabfilthyclawsahead.LeadingDorgharonthroughthehavocofbestialbattle–thecreaturehavingreassumeditsformasanightmarishstallion–Archaonslashedatfleeingfiendsandfinishedfoesthatstillclutchedmiserablytolifeintheblood-soakedearth.Walkingupthroughtheruinsofasmallfortressconstructedfromtusks,fangsandthebrokenbonesofadaemonicbehemoth,Archaonslewwithwantonabandon,hisheavybladebattingasidespearsandthuddingdownthroughenemybodies.LordAgrammon’sarmyofbestialslavesjangledwithflesh-piercingringsandthehookedchainsoftheircaptivity.Armedwithbarbedspearsandcrescentshields,theirshavenfleshwasmuscularandoiled,whilealltheyworewereraggedloinclothsandobsceneleathermasksfromwhichtheirlongsnoutsprotruded.Agrammon’screaturestrumpetedtheirfearfuldelightasthesoul-scorchingtormentofArchaon’sblessedsteelpassedthroughtheirflesh.WhenArchaonfoundOgrax,thebeast-princewasatopapileofbutchered

Slanneshicorpses,blood-drenchedinhisskinsandshrunkenskulls.Surroundedbyamobofhishulkingsouthernbeasts,thebeastfiendchampionwheeledaboutwithhisskull-headaxe,choppingandpoundingLordAgrammon’sslavebreedsintotheground.Bipedalnightmareswithwhippingtonguesandhook-talonedclawscameatthemonlyforOgraxandhisinfernalherdkintoknockskullsfromsnakingheadsandscreechingpredatorsbackintooneanother.SweepingthiswayandthatwithTerminus,Archaontookthelegsoutfromunderone,beforeloppingtheslashingtailfromanother.BuryingthebladeinthesideofanotherbeforeOgrax’saxecouldreachit,thebestialprincetookamomenttoshakethebloodlustfromhishornedheadandrecognisehismaster.AsoneoftheSlaaneshiseekerstriedtoraiseitsheadfromabutcheredmessontheground,Ograxsteppedforwardandkickedtheskullcleanoffthedaemonwithhishooves.‘Yourorderswerenottoattackuntilthethirdday,’Archaonbawledacrossthe

dinofbattle,turningawayjustlongenoughtocasuallyslashafleeingbeastfiend

acrossitsshavenback.Ittrumpetedascreechasitsmuscularfleshpartedlikebutter.‘YetIfindmyhordefullyengagedinanattackonthepalace.Why,mongrelprince?’Thehulkinghalf-breedproceededtowraphisthick,bovinelipsaroundwhat

Archaonassumedtobeanexplanation,breakingoffonlytomercilesslybutcherandsmashthesquealingslavesofLordAgrammon’spalaceguard.WhileArchaoncouldpickupalittleofwhatOgraxtheGreatwassaying,betweenthesnorting,grunting,garbledwords,darktongueandwantonmurder,itwasalmostimpossibletomakeoutwhatthecreaturewasconveying.Archaondecidedtousealanguagethattheybothunderstoodwell.BringingTerminusbetweenthem,theSigmaritebladebubblingandspittingwithSlaneeshigore,Archaonrestedthebladetipontheslabofoneoftheprince’spectoralmuscles.‘Whyattack?’theChaoswarriorputtothecreatureoncemore,assimplyashecould.ArchaonnowrealisedthedangerofhavingleftthehordeinPrinceOgrax’s

clawedhandsforaslongashehad.Oneofthemonstrouswarrior’sbestialbrotherssteppedforward,rumblingsomekindofbare-toothedthreatasaboneringbouncedaboutinhiswetsnout.AsnoutthatArchaonbrokewiththepommelofTerminus.Asthebeastfiendbentoverdouble,clutchingitssmashedface,ArchaondriftedthebladetipofTerminusbackdownontothewallofmusclethatwasOgrax’schest.Thehalf-breedlookeddownatthefilthysteelandthenupatArchaonwiththedeadeyesofabeastofburden.WhileArchaonandOgraxstaredatoneanotherdownthelengthoftheChaoswarrior’sblade,thesouthernbeastwiththebrokenfacewassetuponbyafiendthatdraggedthehalf-breedofftocutupwithitsclawsinanotherpartofthederelictbonepalace.MorewordsdribbledfromPrinceOgrax’slips.Slow.Thoughtful.Measured.NomorecomprehensibletotheChaoswarriorthanthosethathadproceededthem.Tiringofsuchactivity,Archaonlookedabout.HordesofhisbeastfiendsweretakingthefighttoAgrammon’sslavesoldiersandthedaemonichorrorsthatflankedthem.Bloodandinfernalichorflew.Headsrolled.Beastswerebroken.‘Where’sSheerian?’Archaondemanded,lookingbackatOgrax.‘Whereis

thatsorcerouswretch?’ArchaonwouldmuchratherhavetheTzeentchianancienttranslatehisfuryforhim.Thistimethehalf-breedprincefavouredasimplegesture.Bringinghismeatyfistupslowly,hemovedArchaon’sbladeawayandextendedasinglefinger,pointingtowardstheurchin-likeoutlineofLordAgrammon’stowerpalace.‘Inthere?’Archaonputtothecreature.OgraxtheGreatnoddedwithabarelysuppressedsnarl.‘WherearemySwordsofChaos?WhereisGiselle?’Archaonpushed.Ograxkepthisfingerdirectedatthe

palacebeforemovingitdowntooneofthebutcheredslavesattheChaoswarrior’sfeet.Archaonjabbedhisswordattheslaveandthenoffereduphiswrists.‘Prisoner?’heaskedthehalf-breed.OgraxtheGreatnodded.Archaonsworeunderhisbreath.Itbecameclearwhyhishordewerefighting.

Theyhadnotattackedthepalace.Theyhadbeenattacked.Aretaliatoryactionforaperceivedassaultonthemenagerie.ThinkingthatArchaon’scampedhostwasresponsibleforthechaosArchaonalonehadvisiteduponAgrammon’sfoetidcollection,thedaemonlordhaddespatchedhisowncreaturestodealwiththethreat.WithSheerian,theSwordsandGiselletaken,Ograxwasonlymarchingonthepalaceinordertogetthemback.Archaonnoddedtohimself.Unfortunately,Ograxhadnoideawhattoexpectuponreachingtheinsideofthepalace’smetalouterwall–howAgrammon’sdaemonetteswouldcutthehordetopiecesinthespirallinggauntletofthemenagerie.Thiswouldrequireadifferentapproach,Archaondecided.Hewouldneedaccesstothepalacefasterthanthedaysandlivesitwouldtakeforthehordetoslaughteritswayin.WiththemainbodyofLordAgrammon’spalaceguardstillwithinthewalls,Ograxandthebestialhordehadtheirparttoplayinstrategicallydrawingthemout.AstheglisteningmuscularformofaSlaaneshislavesoldiercameatthem,

Archaonturned,cleavingthebeastfiend’sheadandtaperingsnoutfromitsshouldersinaleft-handedbackswing.Sheathingthebloodyblade,Archaonpickedupthecreature’shead,theshockofitssuddendeathstillfixedonitsface.TossingittoOgrax,Archaonpointedtothepalaceasthegreatbeasthad.‘Somanyskulls,prince,’Archaonsaid,allowingthewordstosinkin.Evenin

Archaon’stonguethehulkinghalf-breedknewtheword‘Skull’.‘Iwantthem.Takethemforme.’Somethingapproachingabrutesmilepulledatthemonster’sthicklips.It

turned,holdingtheSlaaneshibeastfiend’sheadinoneclawanditsskull-axeintheother.ItroaredArchaon’sordersindarktonguetothehighheavens,thehordeandtheBloodGoditself.Archaonfelttheeffectofsucharallyingcall.Agrammon’sslavesoldiersdiedfaster,headsflewfurtherandgorefountainedhigheraboutthem.LeadingDorgharaway,Archaonheardthemountsnortitsderision.Theentity

wasclearlyunimpressed.TheChaoswarriorpattedthesteedonthespikedridgeofitssnout,knowingthedaemonwouldhatesuchtreatment.‘Wearegoinginthere,’Archaontoldit,indicatingthespikyoutlineofthe

palace.Thedaemonmountsnorteditsrefusal.TheSteedoftheApocalypsehadbeen

liberatedfromLordAgrammon’shorrificmenagerie.Ithadnointentionofreturningtocaptivity.Archaonstrokedhisgauntletdownthecreature’ssableback.‘Showalittlebackbone,beast.Myintentionistofreecaptives,notbecomeone.Ihavenomoreappetiteforthatthanyou.’Haulinghimselfupintothesaddle,Archaondughisheelsintothecreature’s

flanks.Standingstill,thesteedwouldnotmove.‘Move,damnyou,’theChaoswarriorordered.Stillthedaemonremainedstill.Archaonfeltthebeasttransformbeneathhim.Itsskinhardenedandcreaked.Slidingoff,Archaonfoundhimselfstandingbeforeagargoylesquestatueofthemount.Tall.Proud.Terrifying.Madeofstone.Forthefirsttime,Archaonconsideredhowthismightlooktobothfriendandfoe.‘Youareembarrassingyourselfandwhat’smore,creature,youareembarrassingme.’ThestatueofthesteedseemedunmovedbyArchaon’sentreaties.‘Wedon’thavetimeforthis,’Archaontoldthemonsterfinally,beforelookingdownatthebodiescarpetingthecrookedcourtyardofthebonepalace.Spottingastonehammerintheclutchesofoneofhisdeadbeastfiends,

Archaoncasuallykneltdownandslippedtheroughweaponfromitsowner’sdeathgrip.Archaonstoodup.Stillthedaemonsteedremainedresolute,thedarkstoneofitsconstructionsoakingupthebalelightofthedemolishedgatebeyond.‘Lastchance,’Archaontoldthemount,hisbacktoit.Asastatue,Dorgharofferednokindofresponse.Notasnort.Notoneofitsfurnace-likehisses.Suddenlyswingingtherudehammeraroundwithhislefthand,Archaonsmashedthroughthestatue’sstonyteeth.BeforetheChaoswarrior’spunishment,themount’smouthhadbeenasmallcaveofsharpstalactitesandstalagmites–adaemonicmawcrowdedwithstabbingfangs.Asrocksprayedfromthesteed’smouth,thestonehideofthecreaturecreakedbacktodaemonflesh.Therewashissingandsnortingnow.Thesteedbuckedandkicked,itsemptymouthchompingfeverishlyattheair.Archaonthrewthehammertoonesidebutashedid,thedaemonDorghar

stompedthroughthebodiesandbloodyearthathim.Stoppingjustbeforeitsmaster,itleanedin,touchingthebonebarbsthatformedtheridgeofitsmuzzleagainstArchaon’shelm.Dorghar’seyesragedlikeapairofhellishsunswhiletheinfernalfireswithinthebeasthissed,spatandroaredfromthecreature’smouth.Astheydid,thelightofsuchfiresglowedfromthedepthsofbothmouthandnostrils.Silhouettedagainstsuchbrilliancewerenewfangs,growingintoplaceandturningthemonster’smouthintoanestofdagger-liketeeth.Longer.Sharper.Morelethalthanbefore.Withthesteed’sheadagainsthisown,Archaon

watchedthefeaturesofthestalliongrowinhorror.Skinrupturedtoadmitbonespikes,thehairsofitsmanesnakedwithaserpent-likeripplewhilethemonster’sbrawnbulged,tearingitsownblackfleshwithuglyscarsandrawsplits.Archaon’sgauntletwasalreadyclaspedaroundTerminus.ItwouldbeanawkwarddrawbuttheChaoswarriorwasconfidentthathecouldhavethedaemon’sstallion-headfromitsthickneck.‘Justgetmein,’Archaonoffered.‘Mealone.’Dorgharseemedtoconsider.Theroarofitsfurnace-likefiresdiedalittleand

finallythebonespikesonitsheadcameawayfromtheChaoswarrior’shelm.ReleasinghisSigmaritesword,ArchaononcemoremountedtheSteedoftheApocalypseandoncemorethemonsterseemedtostall.‘Don’t,’Archaontoldit,holdinghisbrokenarmincloseandsendingaripple

throughthereinsusinghislefthand.Dorgharturneditsheadtoonesideandsnorteditsderision.Asitsurgedaway,Archaonnearlyleftthearmouredsaddle.ThesteedmighthavetakenontheformofablackstallionbutthepowerandreflexesbeneathArchaonwerethoseofadaemonicmonstrosity.Clutchingthesaddlebetweenhisthighs,Archaonpulledonthereinsanddrew

himselfclosertoDorghar’ssteamingflesh.Atsuchspeed,itwasArchaon’sinstincttoholdhisbodydownclosetothecreature’sown,breastplatetoback.Hehadexperiencedenoughofthedaemon’sspeedontheirjourneytotheForsakenFortressandmighthavepunishedDorgharfurther,butforthefactthathehadtoldthemonsterthattimewasafactor.Dorgharweavedinandoutofmurderousthrongs,leapingovertusk-linedpalisadesandstraightthroughthemessofbone-weavewalls.Withribsandsplinteredspinerainingaboutthem,ArchaonandDorghar

thunderedacrossthefieldofbattle.Asbloodypoolssplashedupaboutthesteed’shooffalls,thehalf-breedsofArchaon’shorderoaredtheirbestialjubilation.TramplingSlaaneshislavesoldiersandbrainingbeastfiendswithitshoovesasitleaptandlanded,themountwasunstoppable.Itbattedcrescentshieldsandbeastfiendsbehindthemoutofitspathandintotheranksofcompatriotcreaturesnearby.Spearscameatthemwithsavagesurprise.ItwasthefirstthingLordAgrammon’sbeastscouldthinktodouponseeinganarmouredChaoswarriorandadaemonmountwheresecondsbeforebrotherbeastshadbeenstanding.Theslavesoldierswerenotmuchforpeltingsuchweaponsandmostwentwideorhigh.ThewickedtipsofseveralofthespearsglancedoffArchaon’sfilthyplatewhilethosethatdidthudintoDorghar’sdaemonfleshweresoonshakenloosebythecreature’sthunderousadvance.

Momentslatertheyweresnappedandsplinteredbeneathitsraginghooves.AsDorgharsurgedonthroughtheSlaaneshihorde,beastfiendsbegantopart

forthedaemon’sthunderboltprogress.Trumpetingthroughtheirelongatedsnouts,thehalf-breedsclutchedtheircrescentshieldsincloseandsteppedbackbehindthepresentedpointsoftheircruelspears.Guidingthesteedthiswayandthat,ArchaonpushedDorgharonacrossthemulchlandsofdaemonicdecay,throughthehollowednightmareofgreatpalacesinruinandaboutthecolossalchunksofstrangestonethatlitteredthecontestedlandsaboutthesouthernpolargate.Theoncemightygatewaytothebeyond,nowlyingdemolishedinmassivewarp-shatteredpieces,somelongburiedbeneaththeperpetualcarnagethatragedaboutthebreachedportal,someprotrudingfromthetwistedlandscape,cracked,ancientandencrusted.Somesatinfreshcraterslikepolished,steamingobsidian–unblemishedbygore,filthorage–asiftheyhadcrashedjustmomentsbefore.WeavingthroughthegargantuanwreckageoftheChaosgate,thepieceslikestandingstonesthathadtoppledandsmashed,Dorgharracedon.Thesteed’shooveschurnedupthemud,oldbloodandbonesoftheGatelandsinitsmidnightwake.ThepalaceofthedaemonlordAgrammongrewbeforethem,atowering,

serratedsilhouetteagainstgrimradiancebleed-streamingintotheworldfromtherupturedgateway.Theshavenbeastfiendsofthepalacehadtheirownpredicamentshere.HavingfreedoneofAgrammon’sprizeexhibits,Archaonhadrocketedintothenorthonthehuntforhisfather-in-shadow.TheChaoswarriorhadnotsparedathoughtforthehavochehadwreaked,thinking–likethedaemonDorghar–nevertoreturntothedreadpalaceanditscagedsuffering.ThestinkingmenageriehadbeenAgrammon’scollectionofexotic,monstrousfreakeryforthousandsofyears.Neverbeforehadthesilentmiseryoftheinmatesbeensoafflictedbyhope.ThecreaturesthatArchaonhadsetfreehadliberatedothermonsters.Freeingcompatriotspecimensfrombars,chainsandsorcerouscharmsorsimplychargingthroughcagesandtwistedenclosuresinunbridledrage,thebeastshadsetinmotionachainreactionofescapes.Keeperdaemonetteshadfailedtocontainthespreadinghavocandnow,outonthebone-strewnWastesuponwhichAgrammon’sbeastfiendsmarched,allmannerofmonstrositywaschargingtofreedom.HereArchaonfoundthatthebeastfiendshadlittleinterestinafoestorming

towardsthem.Theslavesoldierswererunningfortheirlivesfromchaoticpredatorsthatpouncedontheirfreshflesh.Sickeningspawn-thingsseizedthemfrombehindwithtentacle,clawandscythinglimb.Sky-screechinghorrorsthat

stretchedtheirraggedwingsandfellonthebeastguardfromgreatheightswithtalonandmaw.SuddenlythethrongofbeastfiendspartedbeforethegallopingDorghar’sfuriousadvance,screamingintothebroilingheavensastheyweresweptasideinatsunamiofichor-slickearth.Someformerexhibitofthemenagerie–amalformedtitanwhosehunchbackedtorsowasafflictedbyamultitudeofmonstrouslimbs–shookthegroundwiththepanickedfootfallsofitsescape.Swingingclubbedfistsandthewarpeddeformityofcolossallimbsbeforeit,thegiantclearedsmallarmiesofitsformerguardsandtormentorsoutofitspath.Brokenbeastfiendsflewthroughtheairthiswayandthatbeforethemindlesspassageoftheterrifiedbrute.Archaonhauledonthereins.TheChaoswarriorhadnointentionofbeing

smashedtooblivionbythesmallmountainoftwistedfleshandbone.Dorgharwouldnotbestopped,however.Thesteedincreaseditsspeed,turningapalace-storminggallopintoafurrow-cuttingstreakthroughtheGatelandsthatlefthoofprintsofflamebehindit.Asthegiant’smightyfleshclubspulverisedtheshriekingbeastfiendsbeforethem,Archaonresistedtheurgetograbforhissword.Doingsowouldhavetakenhishandfromthereinsand,atthisspeed,theChaoswarriorthoughtsuchanactionsuicide.DorgharandArchaonweresuddenlyhitbythephysicalforceofthemalformedgiant’sfearfulroar.Thinkingthatitwasbeingattacked,thetitanswungbackwiththebone-spikedboulderofoneofitsclubfists.Archaonfelthimselfholdontohisbreath,waitingforimpact.Theforceofthegiant’sfurywouldlikelysmashbothhimandhisdaemonsteedintoaskywardstreamofgore.TheChaoswarriorbracedforthehorrifyingimpact–animpactthatnevercame.ArchaonfelttheSteedoftheApocalypsechangebeneathhim.Nolongerwas

thearmouredsaddlesittingonthebackofanightmare,blackstallion.Therewasnosnortingnorthunderofhooves.Archaon,sittingsquarelyinthesaddle,sailedonaswarmofscreechingimps.Dorgharhadchangedoncemore,thistimeassumingtheformofaflockoftiny,blackfuries.Astormoftinywings,lithebodiesandrazoredclaws,thethrongspreadoutasthegiant’sgargantuanfistsmashedthroughthewarp-bakedearth.Asthegiantstormedon,gritandcongealedichorrainingdownaboutit,themonstrosityhadnoideathatithadfailedtodestroytheriderandhissteed.Screechingtogetheroncemore,theimpsswarmedbeneaththeChaoswarrior.Thoseslavesoldiersthathadsomehowsurvivedthegiant’sdestructivepassagehadDorghartolookforwardto.WhileArchaonsatastridetheflockoftiny,shriekingmonsterstheyshreddedthroughAgrammon’sSlaaneshisoldiers.

Withinmomentsthepalacegatewasbeforethem.Thebarbicanwasasmashedmessoftwistedmetal.Withinthepalacewalls,astampedeofliberatedmonstrositieshadgrownandgrownasitwascorralledalongthespiralling,concentricpathwaythatledthroughthemenagerie.Greathornedbeasts,thingsoftuskandmonstrousbulktorethroughthebarsofadjacentcagesintheraginghopeofescapeandtheterrorofbeingrecaptured.Creaturesandcaptivesfromsuchcagesweresweptupinthestampede,swellingitsforceandnumberascharmsweretornfromtheirnecksandtheholdofJharkill’sprimitivemagicbroken.AsDorgharsweptArchaonupandoverthepalacewalls,theChaoswarriorcouldseethemonstroushordeofformerexhibitspouringthroughthebreachedbarbicanwithmanyhelplesslyimpaledonthemetalspikesthatfacedbothinwardandoutfromthemetalwall.Sweepingfromsidetosidewiththeflock,thescreechingswarmtookhim

overthedevastationofthemenagerie.Thebrokenbarsofcageslinedthegravelwalkways.ThelongcavalcadethathadbroughtArchaoninpreviouslywasnowjustivorysplintersstompedintotheearth.Daemonetteshadbeenstampedtodeathandcrushedagainstthebarsofthecagestheyhadformerlypatrolled.Whilemanycreatureshadfledthepalacemenagerieattheirfirst,terrifiedopportunity,themoresavageandintelligenthadremained.Predaciousmonstersstalkedthewalkwaysanddemolishedenclosures,theirfreedom–bothfromtheircagesandthesorcerouscharmsthatenslavedthem–allowingoldinstinctstoreturn.Creaturesofclaw,fangandsabre-toothsavagedtheirformerkeepers,tearing

apartshriekingdaemonettesbetweenthemlikepacksofvoraciouswolvesandfeastingonthecarcasses.Long-snoutedhoundsranfortheirlives,coweringinthedemolishedcagestheyhadformerlybeenchargedwithguarding,aschimericpredatorshuntedthemdownandsavagedtheinfernalwatchdogs.Half-breeds,daemonkinandwarriorspawnsnatchedbrokenbars,bonesandabandonedweaponry,movingbetweencagestofreefurthermonstersandsettingupondaemonickeeperswhoseslashingwhipsandshrillwarningsdidlittletokeepthemfromslaughteringLordAgrammon’ssultryservants.Likeaflockofbats,Dorgharbeganacircleofthetowerpalace.Theinner

enclosureshadsufferedtheworstofthedamage.Nowthatthedaemonlord’smostprizedexhibitswerefreetheyvisitedtheirdangerousabilitiesonthetowerandthestructuresaboutit.Aglowingblazedancedabouttheruinedenclosuresandscorchedthespikedsideofthemetaltower,asadreadphoenix-likemonsteroffeather,flameandflesh-shearingbeakflappedaboutthestructures,fanning

thedestruction.Ashovel-noseddragonwaddledstraightthroughtheenclosures,themightycrystalspinesthatcovereditsbodydrippingwiththebloodandtornfleshofshreddeddaemons.Anoctopoidmonstrositytoreitselfintopiecesasthecolossalbeastattemptedtohaulthespikedtowerdownatitsbase.Multi-limbedspawngibberedandclimbedliketree-topmammals,desperateto

findawayinside,whilecarnivoroussplice-creaturesscrambledupthroughthetwistedforestofpoison-tipspikeswithgrapnel-likeclaws.Theundeadcolossus,thegreencurselightburningbrightwithinthetoweringrotofitscarcass,torethetwistedmessoftangledenclosuresupinitsgreatmummifiedhandsandsmashedatthesideofthepalacecitadel.Atthehugeentrancetothetowerwasthecrumpledmetalofathickdoor.Theunleashedfuryoftheabominateslaughterbrutesmashedatthedoor.Horns,crushingjaws,hooves,clawedfists,thechitinousarmourofspikedshoulders:theblood-crazedmonstrositycouldsmellpreyinsidethetowerandwouldnotbedenieddeathsandthewantondestructionthatwasitsonlyreasonforbeing.Itwouldpoundthegreatmetaldoorofthepalacetowerdownorpounditselftoamessy,god-honouringdeathinitsattempttodoso.Astheshriekingflockofimpsbankedandcircledthetower,Archaoncould

seethestructureshakeundertheassault.Thehuge,cloud-scrapingcrescentthatsatatopthebellspirehonouringLordAgrammon’spatronpowerwobbled,toppledandtumbleddownthesideofthebuilding.Itfelldowntheconsiderableheightofthecitadelbeforebouncingoffthedownwardangledspikesofthetower,spinningandsmashingintotheflame-rackedmenagerie.Ashecircled,theChaoswarriorwouldhavelikedtohaveseenthetorturedexhibitsandformercaptivesteardownthetowerofthedaemonbutwithGiselle,thesorcererSheerianandtheSwordsofChaostrappedwithinhecouldnotrisksuchwantonhavoc.HeneededtodowhateveryotherformerexhibitofLordAgrammon’swasfailingtoachieve.Heneededtogetinside.Fromwithin,watch-daemonswereblowingtheirhornstocallreinforcements

backfromtheWastesoutsidethepalace,notknowingthatOgraxtheGreatandArchaon’sbestialhordewerekeepingthembusywiththeirdeaths.Fromtheinnerpart,thehugeandbulbousbelltowercrownedthespikedshapeofthecitadel,andtheChaoswarriorcouldheartheecstaticmoanofthebellthere.Withhisslavesoldiersanddaemonettestrappedinside,caughtupinthechaosofthemenagerieorbeingslaughteredoutsidethepalacewalls,Agrammonhadbecomedesperate.ThegroaningboomofthebellcouldmeanonlyonethingasitspeelingmadnessrolledthroughtheGatelandsandthedreadpalacescrowding

theruin-spewingportalsetinthebottomoftheworld.ThedaemonlordwasappealingtootherservantsofSlaanesh,infernalroyaltyandinfernaloverlordsalsopledgedtothePrinceofPleasure.ForallArchaonknew,hewascallingforassistancefromthedaemonlordsinservicetootherChaosPowers,intheperversehopethattheymightassisthimfortheirowndiabolicalreasons.That,Archaoncouldnotallow.Spirallingupandaroundthetower,Archaonguidedtheshriekingflockoftiny

furiesuptowardsthechurningcloudsabove.Theheightswerefeaturelessanddevoidofwindows,openingsorevenarrowslits.Itwasabarbednightmareofblack,otherworldymetalallthewaytothetop,glisteningwithallmannerofdevianttoxinsdesignedtoinflictpleasure,madnessanddeath–inthatorder.Onlythetwistedcolumnsofthemetalbelfryseemedtoallowanyadmittance,withthebombasticboomofthecitadelbellallowedtotravelunhinderedbythickmetalwallornestofspikes.DorgharseemedtoknowwhatArchaonwasplanningtodoandswoopedstraightinonthebelltower.TheChaoswarriorthoughthemightleaptothestructurebuttheSteedoftheApocalypsehadotherideas,theflockscreechingstraightthroughthebelfry.Archaonturnedhishelm,expectingtohittheunforgivingmetalofthebelltoweroreventhebellitself.Asthetiny,wingedmonstersshriekedandstreamedthroughthecolumns,

Archaonfoundhisbootsreachthebelfryfloor.Grabbingoutforthetwistedmetalofthestructure,Archaonsteadiedhimself.Hesliddownontohisknees,pokedhisheadbetweenthecolumnsandstareddowntheserratedlethalityofthecitadel.WiththebelltowerbuffetedbytheperversegalesandtingedbythebroilingcloudsabouttheSouthernGate,itappearedtobeonehellofadrop.Tomakemattersworse,themonstrousassaultbeingmountedatthebaseofthetowercausedthestructuretoswaywithasickeningmotion.TheChaoswarriorwatchedtheswarmoffuriesweave,spiralandsurgeaway.Turning,hefoundoneoftheimpsclutchingtoatwistedmetalcolumnbesidehim.‘Never,’Archaontoldit,catchinghisbreath,‘never,dothatagain.’Theimpchitteredcheekilytoitselfbeforeflappingitswingsandswoopingoff

aftertherestoftheflock.Gettingoncemoretohisfeet,Archaonfoundhimselfinthepresenceofthetower’sgreatbell.Everythingaboutitsdaemoniccraftsmanshipseemeddarklysuggestive,andeventherapturousmoanofitspeelingwasasoul-splittingsoundthatpassedstraightthroughtheChaoswarriorandhisplateinitsattempttostirhim.Lookingunderthebellanddownthroughthetowerinterior,Archaonfoundit

tobesurprisinglydevoidofstructures.Hehadexpectedtofighthiswaythrough

well-guardedchambersandtwistingstairwells.Instead,hefoundalargelyopenspacewithinthemetalwallsofthecitadel–acolossal,vaultedsinglethronechamberhousedwithinthesoaringmonstrosityofthepalacetower.Archaonflaredhisnostrils.Thetwilightwithinwaslitwithtorchesdribblingwiththefatofskinnedhalf-breedswhilethestenchoftheinteriorsmelledlikeatorturechamber.Ashepeereddownthroughthedarknessanddistanceofthetowerinterior,

Archaonhadtorelynotonlyuponthesightofhisgoodeyebutalsohisdarksight,andthepiercingvisionsgrantedtohimbytheEyeofSheerian.Thewretchedlightofthetorchesdancedtheirdullradianceofftheexpanseofmetalbelow.Tower-spanningblades.Spear-tippedpoles.Atwistednestofrazor-edgeshafts,serratedbeamsandinwardpointingspikes.Therewerebodieseverywhere.Thingsthathadshaftsofmetalstraightthroughthem.Thingshangingfromhooksandsharpenedspines.Thingsinastateofperpetualdisembowelment.Thingssuspendedfromspikesrunningthroughlimbs,heartsandskulls.Exotichalf-breeds.Daemonformsthatcouldbarelybelookedupon.Monstrositiesofeveryvariety–chimericfusions,warpedtitans,spawntorturedbytheirmanygodlygifts.Apersonalcollectionandprivatepleasure.SomethingLordAgrammonreservedforhimself.Thethroneroomwasatwistedcageturnedinsideout–oneinwhichthecaptiveswereimpaledontheverybarsthatimprisonedthemandthroughsomewarpeddamnation,wereneverallowedtoperish.Archaonlistenedtothedoomedspecimensgroantheiragoniesandecstasiesaway,reachingoutforoneanotherwithhands,clawsanddeformedappendagesthattrembledwiththetortureoftheeffort.Withasnarlofdistastecurlinghislip,Archaonclimbedthrough,underthe

boomingbellanddownthroughthetwistednestofbladesandspikes.Thecrowdedcriss-crossingofblackmetalshaftsmadethedescentalongbuteasyone–evenwiththeuseofonlyonearm.Ashemoveddownthroughthespider’sweboflethalskewers,theChaoswarriortookcaretoavoidthegraspingbodiesoftheimpaledandthemyriadspines,hooksandspikesthatseemeddesignedtofindtheirwayinthroughhisarmour.Hedidhisbesttonegotiateshaftsandpolesthatwereslickwiththenever-endingdrizzleofblood,sweatandtearsthatfelldownthroughthetwistednestoftheafflictedlikerain.SomespikesglistenedwithpaintedpoisonsorpotionsthatwouldvisituponbarefleshonlythePrinceofPleasureknewwhat.Othershaftsweresupernaturallysharpbladesdesignedtoshearoffhandorfoot.ItwasadeathtraplikenootherArchaonhadencountered.

Ashedescended,Archaoncouldseethethroneroomproperbelowhim.Thenestofskeweringdeathmerelyexistedasaprivateexhibittobeenjoyedatanytime,thefallingdrizzleofbodilyfluidshelpingtofeedtheshallowsthatfloodedthefloorofthechamber.Thecacophonyoftheassaultdrownedouteventhedistantpeelingofthebell,whichArchaonnowsawwasbeingrungbysomekindofdaemonicherald–achild-likedaemonettewearingitshornslikeatwistedcrown.Theheraldhauledonarazoredchainthatranthedistancebetweenthehugegroundfloorchamberandthebelltower.Meanwhileoutside,theslaughterbruteandagrowingnumberofothermonstrositieswerefightingtheirwayintothetower.Poundingatthemetalwallsanddoor.Tearing,scratchingandbiting.Bathingthetowerbaseinflame,theglowofwhichcouldbeseeneveninsidethechamber.Peeringdownthroughthedungeontwilightofthechamber,themiserable

drizzleandthebars,ArchaonlookedforGiselleandtheothers.Itdidnottakehimlongtofindthem.Evenbelowthenestofskewersandbladesinwhichhewasperched,theinteriorwallsofthethroneroomwerecarpetedwithsmallerspikesandhooks.Spreadoutaroundthechamber,ArchaoncouldseethatAgrammonhadorderedthenewlytakenprisonerscruellyhungfromsuchadornments.HesawEins,ZweiandDreihanginglimplyfromanestofpiercingspines,theirimpaledhandsandwingsspreadoutsothatthewarriorscouldnotreachtheirpreciousboneswords.ArchaoncouldseetheancientsorcererSheerianhangingfromasinglewickedhookbyhishunch,whilethemisshapenVierwassuspendednearby.Thenhesawher.Giselle,stilldrapedinskinsandfurs,herheaddroopingto

onesidewithinhershaggyhood,andherbodyhangingfromwickedbarbsembeddedcleanlythroughherdelicatehands.SheerianandtheSwordshadbeenhookedatintervalsaboutthewall,withGisellesituatedattherearofthethroneroom.Ashestaredather,Archaondidn’tquiteknowwhatwashappeninginside

him.Hischestflutteredwithsomethingapproachinggenuinefeeling.Somethingthatwasn’tanger,scornorsomedarkexpressionofhisblackheart.Itfeltlightbutstungdeep,likeastilettobladesosharpthatithadpassedunknowinglythroughthefleshtostabtheorganswithin.Archaonknewhewasn’tfeelingtheburningneedforrevenge–althoughheunderstoodthatwouldcome.Itwasn’tthatthedaemonlordhadtakensomethingpreciousfromArchaonandhadtopay.Thatnotiontoowouldcometopass.ItwastheghostofsomekindofresponsibilitythathauntedArchaon.

Somethingthedoomedwarriorthoughthewaslongpast.SomethingthathefearedwasunacceptableweaknessinachampionoftheRuinousPowers,inhewhowouldbetheEverchosenofChaos.Archaonknewitwasmorethanjustafear.Helookedaboutthenestofdaemonshehadcreptinto.IfitwerenotforGiselle,heprobablywouldn’thaveriskedsuchasuicidalendeavour.SheerianandtheSwordshadsoldtheirsoulstotheDarkGods–whatevertheirfatewas,ArchaonwasconfidentthattheTzeentchiansorcererandthewingedwarriorsofChaoshaditcoming.ThelostandthedamnedthatfollowedinArchaon’sexaltedfootstepsonlyrespectedstrength.IntimetheywouldrallytothebannerofsomeotherdarkchampionorworsebutcherthanArchaonfortheRuinoustreasureshepossessed.Ithadhappenedbefore,andtheChaoswarriorhadeveryintentionofthoselostsoulslosingtheirlivesinhisdreadservicelongbeforetheyentertainedsuchaninclination.Kneelingabovetheirbodies,theirbloodleakingdownthewallsandintothe

shallows,ArchaondidcometowonderwhyhehadkepttheSwordsandSheerianaroundsolong.ThesorcerercertainlyhadhisusesandtheSwordshadappointedthemselveshisbodyguardslongbeforeheknewwhohereallywas.Whiledamnationhadcosthimalmosteverything–adamnedsoulandacoldhearttogowithit–hestillfeltsomestrangeattachmenttoGiselle.LongafterhehadgivenhimselftohisdarkfateandthenecessitiesofhissearchforthetreasuresofChaos,hehadhardenedtotheafflictionsofcommonmen.HehadlovedtheGod-KingandhisservicetoSigmarasatemplarknight.Suchlovehadbeenswallowedbytheflamesofhisanger.Asoul-scarringsenseofbetrayalsopowerfulthatithadsentArchaonintotheserviceofDarkGods.Inservinghimself,hewoulddestroythecoldmajestyofallthosefoolishenoughtocallthemselvesgod.HehadlovedDagobert–thepriestwhohadraisedhimlikeafather.Frozento

anagonisingnumbnessontheSouthernWastes,Archaonhadfeltlittleornothingatthepriest’sdeath.Amanwhohadlovedhimsomuchhisloyaltyhadenduredthroughheresyandmadness,lovedhimsomuchthathehadfollowedhimonadoomedcrusadetotheothersideoftheworld.Hadtriedtosavehimfromhisdarkfate,fromhimselfandtheYien-Ya-Long–andtheonlyflameArchaoncouldkeepstokedintheicywildernessoftheWastesandhisownheartwastheburningdesiretorealisehisdarkandall-dominatingdestiny.ArchaoncouldnotsaveDagobertfromtheabominatedragon,however,andalthoughhemadethemonstrositypaythepricewithitsownlife,hesimplyfilledtheemptinessDagoberthadleftbehindwithhisindomitablewilltosurvive,to

succeedandtoseethedarkdaysoftheEndTimessilencemanandgodalike.Giselle.Giselle.HadhecometoloveGiselle?Totrulyloveher?Froma

youngandfoolishSisteroftheImperialCross–andshehadbarelybeenthatwhenhefirstsavedherfromtheforestbeastmen–shehadbecomehisprisoner.LikeDagobertshehadtriedtosavehimandsavetheworldfromhisfate.Shehadpoisonedhimwiththepuresilverofhergod.Shehadrepeatedlytriedtoslipsteelintohisflesh.Shehadfailed,butforallArchaonknewshestillintendedtodoso.Inthecold,darkinsanityoftheNorthernWastes,withnoughtbutdeathtokeepatravellercompany,theyhadfoundoneanother.Anunspokenneed–atfirstphysical–sprungfromtheirsharedhate.ToGiselle,Archaonwasanabomination.Amantaintedbyfate,whose

bottomlessdetestationforalltheworldwouldbetheendofit.Amanwhohatedhissponsorsasmuchashisenemiesandwouldstopatnothingtorealisehisdestiny.ToArchaon,Gisellewasanathema.Itwasanexquisiteagonytopresshislipstoher.Totouchher.Toshareherbed.HerprofessedfaithinherGod-Kinghadburnedimpossiblybrightinthedarknessatthetopoftheworld.OfallthosewhosharedArchaon’sjourney,shealoneseemedtohavekepthersanity.ThecorruptiveinfluenceoftheShadowlandsseemedtohavenoeffectuponher.WhileallelseinArchaon’shordegrewuglierandmoreunsightlywiththepassingyears,theirageingfleshapatchworkofscarsnewoveroldandthegiftsofdarknesschangingthemfromtheinsideout,GisellehadremainedaspureandyoungasthedayArchaonhadmether.Hehadthoughtofherasplainatfirstandperhapseventediousintheblindnessofherbeliefs.InthehideousnessoftheWastes,however,hehadcometotrulyseeherbeauty.HerdevotiontotheGod-KingthathadformerlybeenanobjectofsourderisionandhatredhadbecomeawondertoArchaon.Afaithheldwithsuchindomitableconvictionthatitburiedevenhisowninitsshadow.Heknewheshouldhavekilledherlongago,foritwouldhavebeenamercy.

Heknewheshouldhavecutherloose,butlikeTerminushecouldnotbeartobepartedfromhispast.SavingGisellehadbeenthelasttrulynoblethingArchaonhaddoneintheworld.Thisneedwasasmall,toxicpartofhimselfthathewasunwillingtoletgo.Gisellehadbecomepartofthat.Archaonhadtoconfrontthepossibilitythatinkeepingherwithhim,somescintillaofhissouldesiredsavingandthatdeepdown,underthedarkness,hateandtheweightofdreadexpectation,hereservedakindofhopethatmightonedayleadthewaytoredemption.PerhapsGiselleDantzigermightsavehimstill.PerhapsthatwasthereasonArchaonhadkeptherclose.Soveryclose.Didheloveher?Hedidn’t

knowifafteralltheterriblethingshehaddoneandwoulddo,hewascapableofsuchafeeling.Heknewhecouldn’tbewithouther.Heknew,indragginghertotheothersideoftheworldinthecompanyofRuinousandevilmen,thatdespitehersimplefaithshehadchanged.Whileherskinwasassoftasever,hereyeswerehard.Sincecomingtothebottomoftheworld,sincethehorroroftheYien-Ya-Long,shehadchanged.Heraffectionswerenotsomuchcoldasabsent.ShewalkedthroughthefrozennightmareoftheWastesamongbeastsanddaemonsinasilentdaze.Likehersoftfingertipsacrosshisdoomedflesh,Archaonhadenjoyedherscorn,herchallengesandtheirlittlewarofwords.ShehadsaidlittleinthemonthsspenttraversingtheSouthernWastes.LikehisSwordsofChaos,shehadbecomesilent.ThefirebrandthatArchaonhadcometoappreciateamongsthishordeof

sycophanticsavageryhadsteamedawaytonothingintheiceandsnow.Hersufferingshadsappedherofeverythingbutamiserabledeterminationtogoon.Nowhere,inthepalaceofadaemonlord,attheverybottomoftheknownworld,shesufferedstill.Nomore.Nomore.Intheboomingcacophonyoftheinfernalthroneroom,Archaonsearchedfor

threats.FoesthatwouldcometoknowtheChaoswarrior’scoldsteel.Daemonettesstoodintheshallows.Armouredinspikedplatefashionedfromthesamestrangemetalasthetower,theycarriedthebroadserratedbladesofsickleswordsandcrescentshieldsbearingthesigiloftheirdaemonlord,setwithintheRuinousemblemofthePrinceofPleasure.Onlypartsoftheirchestswereleftexposedbycurvingchestplates–tohonourtheirLordAgrammon’sinfernalsponsor.Thedaemonetteskneltintheshallows,hornedheadsdown,thegauntletsofthelefthandsextendedtocovertheirsister’sdaemonbreastinaformationofthrone-honouringsupplication.ThesewerenotkeepersoftheroyalmenageriebutAgrammon’spalaceguard.Theeliteofhisdaemonichorde.ShouldthebeastsoutsidegainentrancetothetoweritwouldfalltothemtobeLordAgrammon’slastlineofdefence.TheywouldhavetofaceArchaonfirst–aswouldtheirmonstrousmaster.LordAgrammonwasamonstrouscreatureindeed:agangly,serpentinething

ofdesirousdaemonfleshanddarkappetite.Upclose,ArchaonappreciatedthatAgrammonwasneitherahenorashebutatoweringit.Ahermaphroditehorror,thedaemon’slongfaceheldanunspeakablebeauty

thattrailedintotwosweepinghornsandacranialnestoflongtentaclesthatdroopeddownbehindthenightmarecreature.Theappendagesoozedandslitheredaboutthedaemon’sbody,keepingitsicklyandslicklikeaneel.The

monster’supperbodyclickedwithchitinousclawsandpincersthatcontinuallynippedatthething’ssmoothflesh,openingichor-dribblingwoundsthatalmostimmediatelyhealedinaperpetualfrenzyofregenerativeaffliction.Itsarmswereslenderbuttautwiththedaemonicstrengthrequiredtoliftthespindlynightmareoffitscolossaltalons.Eachonepresentedaclawedhand,withinaclawedhand,withinaclawedhand.Itschestandtorsobledsomedifferentkindofnoxiouspoisonorinfernalpotion.TheseranthelengthofAgrammon’sserpentbody,theslime-exudingcoilsofwhichranaroundandaroundthesensualsuggestionofthedaemon’sthrone.TheSlaaneshihorrorworenoclothesorarmourbutsimplyjangledwiththestuds,spikesanddecorativeringsthatwerehookedthroughitsinfernalflesh.Shimmyingalongoneofthepolesthatspannedthetower,Archaonreached

thebackwallofthechamber.Slowly…silently…Archaonbeganthecarefulclimbdown,usingthefilthyhooksandpoison-smearedspikesthatdecoratedit.TakinggreatcarenottoimpalehimselfonthelethalpointsandevengreatercarenottoattracttheattentionofAgrammonandthedaemonettesinthethroneroom,Archaondescendedthroughthemurkytwilight.Betweentheobscenethrone,thedungeonglowofthetorchesandthehazeof

drizzlefallingfromtheunfortunatesabove,Archaonwaslargelyhiddenfromview.Withthethunderoftheassaultonthepalacedoordrowningoutthescrapesofbootandtheexertionsofclimbingdownwithonearm,Archaonriskedalittlemorespeed.Itwasill-advisedandtheChaoswarriorslippedfromacurvedbarbandfelltherestoftheway,splashingintotheshallows.Bythetimethefoetidsprayofgloophadfallenabouthim,ArchaonhadalreadyclearedTerminusfromitsfurscabbard.HeexpectedtobesetuponbyAgrammon’sdaemonetteelitebutthenoisehadattractedlittleattention.Thedaemonetteheraldcontinuedtoringthetowerbell.Theboomingassaultonthedoorcontinued.ThelesserdaemonsthatmadeupLordAgrammon’spersonalguardkepttheirformationbeforethethrone.Agrammonitselfwasdistractedbyanothermatter.Fromtheshadowsnearby,Archaonheardthejangleofchains.Beingcareful

ofthespikes,Archaonbackedtothewall,asthoughimpaledtherehimselfbesidethehangingGiselle.Fourlong-snoutsbroughtforthahulkingprisoner.Thebeastfiendseachheldtheendofachainattachedtoasinglemetalcollararoundtheprisoner’sfatneck.Haulingatthechains,thelong-snoutsdraggedthestumblingcreatureuntilhewaspresentedbeforethethrone.Withthethrone’sbacktohim,Archaoncouldn’tseeAgrammon’sreactiontotheprisonerbut

notedthatthenestoftentaclessnakingdownthethrone’sbackbecametwitchyandaggravatedasthoughthedaemonweredispleased.Lookingbacktotheprisoner,Archaoninstantlyrecognisedhim.Hewas

lookingatJharkill,Agrammon’shunterofrareandfreakishspecimensforitscagedcollection.Thelong-snouts–formermembersofJharkill’sownteamofhandlers–pulledonthechainstobringthemalformedogrecrashingdownontohiskneesintheshallows.Onelong-snoutheldtheshaman’scrossbarstaff,janglingtheuselesscharmsthatdangledfromit.AnotherheldJharkill’sgreativorybow.BothweretossedintothestinkingslimebeforeAgrammon’sthrone.Jharkill’sskinswereraggedandtorn,hisfleshacriss-crossofribbonswherehehadsufferedthebarbedlashforhisfailures.Archaonpursedhiscrackedlips.HehadbroughtthemightyJharkilltothis.Hehadslippedintothemenagerie.Hehadstartedliberatingexhibits.HehadstolenoneofAgrammon’sprizedspecimensandescapedwiththeSteedoftheApocalypse.Nowthemenageriewasinchaosandthedaemonlord’spalacebesiegedbythingsthathadbeenforsolongimprisonedatAgrammon’spleasure–tofeedthedaemon’sbottomlessneedtopossesstherare,theabominableandthemonstrous.Thedaemonlordspoke.Itsvoicewasthesoundofathousandsoulsinrapture.

Itwasbothchillingandthrillingtohear.AgrammonspokeinadamnedlanguagethatArchaondidnotunderstand.Itwaslikecrushedglassintheear,butalltheChaoswarriorneededtodowaswatchthemspeakwiththeirbodies.AgrammonwasdemandingsomekindofexplanationforJharkill’sfailure–thatmuchwasclear.Themonstrousdaemonmovedbetweentheindulgentexcessofslickfury,spokenwiththevoicesofitsthousandswallowedsouls,tosultryinvitationsandencouragementsthatdrewdelightfromthegatheredaudienceofsupplicatingdaemonettes.Itseemedthateveninthemidstofcalamity,enduringthestingofdisappointment,thePrinceofPleasure’sdaemonwouldstillfindsomethingtoenjoy.Therewerethemyriadpleasuresofnewalliancestoconsider,withbell-drawnservantsofdarknessfromnearbydaemonpalaces;amenagerieandcollectiontore-build–bigger,moreexoticandevermoremiserablethatthefirst;deliciouspunishmentstobeissuedamongAgrammon’sownwretchedservantsfortheirdisastrousfailure.Thelong-snoutshauledatthechains,bringingJharkill’sheadupbeforehis

daemonicmaster.ItseemedtoArchaonthatthemonstrousogrewasn’tmuchforbeggingorsupplicationandlookedonAgrammon’sobsceneformwitheyesshimmeringwithpainanddullhatred.Thecreatureknewitwasdead.Daemonlordsdidnotmakeforgivingmasters.TheSlaaneshiabominationwouldfindall

mannerofdeviantusesforthemonster’sflesh,however,beforeitallowedhimtoperishinitsdarkgod’shonour.ArchaonwatchedasJharkill’ssilencewasrewardedwithsorcerouswords

spokenfromAgrammon’swetlips.Jharkillthrashedtoonesideasamaliciouswordfromthedaemonlordslicedhisfleshacrosshisbellyandfaceinasingleinvisiblestroke.Theogre’sblubberyhidegapedwherethedaemonhadcuthim.Jharkillremainedsilent.Againandagain,LordAgrammonspokethewords,slashingthemonsteroncemoreacrosshismangledfaceandacrossthehunchofhisback.Thrustinghischestforward,thehulk’sformroseandfellwiththeexertionofbreathingandthereliefoftheunseenassault’srespite.Stillhewouldnotspeak,simplygloweringupattheperverseformofhisformermaster.NewwordsissuedforthfromthethroneandJharkillbentover,clutchinghis

barrelchestasthoughhewassufferingsomekindofinternaltorment.Theogrehuntsman’sfacecontortedabouthisagonyandthethroneroomechoedwithasingle,wretchedscream.OncemorethemonsterwasallowedthePrinceofPleasure’sblessingandcouldnothelpacrookedsmileofreliefcrackhiscontortedfeatures.Thepainwasover.ThesmilediedonJharkill’suglyface.Pullinghisraggedskinsandfursaside,Archaoncouldseeadeathmaskofagonyfixedinthefleshoftheogre’schest.Withasinglefellword,LordAgrammonhadmurderedJharkill’smalformedtwin–hisbrotherabominationandsharerofhisflesh.Jharkill’sroarshookthethroneroom,sendingripplesthroughthemurkyshallowsofsweatandblood.Archaonknewthathehadtomakethemostofthedistraction.Grabbing

Gisellebythechinheliftedherheadlevelwithhisown.Thegirl’sfacewasstrangelysereneforsomeonewhohadhungforhours–perhapsdays–fromspikeseruptingfromthepalmsofherhands.Hereyelidsflutteredbeforetheblankwhiteofhereyes.‘Giselle,’theChaoswarriorsaidsoftly.‘Giselle,it’sme.’Thegirl’sthineyebrowsroseforamomentinrecognitionbeforeherface

screwedupinamomentofpain.Archaonfeltherheadfallasshelapsedbackintounconsciousness.Loweringithetookthefirstofherhandsandeaseditasgentlyashecouldoffthefilthyspike.Therewasblood.Itleakeddownthewallanddrippedintotheshallows,cloudingthealreadymurkywaterred.Themetalatthespikepointseemeddiscoloured,asthoughsomethinghadbeensmearedonit.Asherhandjudderedalongtheshaftofthespike,thegirlstirred.Drawinghislefthandbackhesmotheredthescreamofpainabouttoeruptfromhermouthwithhisgauntlet.‘Giselle,listentome,’Archaontoldher,leaningtheskull

faceplateofhishelminclose.‘We’reindanger.Nosound.’Thegirl’sheadsuddenlycameupasthoughwokenfromadream.Hereyes

openedandwhileblearywerestillblankwhite.Herdirtyfaceandthemaskofagonyintowhichithadtightenedsuddenlyrelaxed.Shesmiledeven,whichArchaonthoughtstrange,untilherememberedthevarietyofpotionsandpoisonsdribbled,paintedandsmearedontoeveryblade,pointandsurfaceinthepalace.Gisellegroaned.Itwasawarmintimatesound.Thekindthatshehadmadewithhimbefore.‘Giselle,wakeup.’Ashegotthefirsthandoffthespikeandleantherbodyagainsthis,hetold

her:‘Listengirl,wakeup.Ineedyouonyourfeetifwe’regoingtomakeitoutofhere.’Gisellemoanedagain,reachingoutforArchaonwithhermessofahand.‘No,’Archaonsaid,holdingherwithdifficultyandtryingtogetherotherhandoffthespike.Therewasmoreblood.TheChaoswarriorassumedthatthemovementmusthavebeenagonybutthegirlletoutahalf-stifledwhoopofdelight.Whatevermonstrousconcoctionwassmearedonthespikewaspoisoningthegirl’smind,cloudingitwithreversals.InthepalaceoftheSlaaneshidaemonlord,Gisellewasexperiencingpainaspleasure.Withthegirlleaningagainsthisplate,Archaoncouldonlyhopesuchchemicalenchantmentsworkedtheotherway.Grabbinghishelmbyoneofitsgreathorns,ArchaonpulledthehelmetfromhisfaceandleanedintokissGiselle.TheChaoswarriorknewinstantlythathewasrightasthedreamylookwasdrivenfromthegirl’sface.Shereactedasthoughherlipshadtouchedmoltenmetalanddrewherheadback.Herexpressionflutteredthroughthetautnessofpain,throughwide-eyedshockandconfusion.Hereyeswerenolongertheblankwhiteofeuphoria.Shesawhimandwhimpered.‘Archaon…’shemanaged,bringingherexhaustedarmslimplyupandwiping

theghostlyburnfromherlips.Allshemanagedtodo,however,wassmearbloodacrossthebottomhalfofherface.TheChaoswarriorallowedhertolookuponthedreadfortitudeofhisface.Hispaleskin,shotthroughwithnetworksofblueveinsthatcoursedwithunnaturalpower.Hishairlesshead,scarredwithmarksfromathousandbattles.Hiscrackedlips,brokennoseandthepatchheworeoverhisruinedeye–inthesocketofwhichwasstilltheshardofwyrdstonethathadgivenhimhisdarksightandallowedhimtoseethemonstroustruthoftheworld.HeallowedthehelmofMorkartofalloncemore.Hehadtogetheroutofhere.WithanygoodfortunehemightbeabletorecoverthesorcererSheerian,Eins,Drei,ZweiandVierfromasimilarfate.Giselleheld

ontohim.Heneededhertowalkbutsheremainedfrozentothespot.‘Archaon,’shesaidagain,hervoiceastrangledwhisper.TheChaoswarriorrotated.Hehadnogoodfortuneanditseemedneverwould

have.HoldingGiselletohiminherfurs,Archaonturned.Withthecacophonyatthethickmetaldoortothepalacefillingthethroneroom,Archaonhadnotnoticedthatthechild-heraldhadstoppedringingthetowerbell.ThatJharkillwasnolongerroaringhisfraternalfury.ThatthedaemonlordAgrammonhadstoppedpartingfleshwithcuttingwordsfromhislips.HefoundAgrammonandhisdaemoncourtthere,watchingthemboth.Theheraldworeaderangedsmileinexpectationofthehorrortocome.Thedaemonetteswerestillinformationbuthadcomeforth,serratedswordspresented,givingtheChaoswarriorstabbingglaresofpredaciousintent.ThedaemonAgrammonhadsimplyheavedontheserpentinecoilscirclingthedaisandturnedthemetalobscenityofthethronearoundtofaceArchaonandGiselle.ArchaondecidedthattherewasreallyonlyonethingtodoanddrewTerminus

fromitsscabbard.TheSigmariteswordhissedasitclearedthefur.Holdingthebladeoutinfrontofhim,ArchaonmovedinfrontofGiselle,whowasnowstandingboltupright.Archaonwasfurious.Mostlyathimself.TheSlaaneshidaemonlordanditsattendantmonstrositiesmightnothaveheardtheslipofhisbootorthesplashofhisdescent,buttheirunnaturalsenseswerekeenlysensitivetoeventheslightestmoanofpleasure.Thatwasundoubtedlywhytheholdingspikeswerecoatedwithfoulunguentsandconcoctions.Agrammonsaidnothingatfirst.Itmerelywatchedhim.Hispresenceseemed

togivethecreaturesomesenseofunearthlysatisfaction.Onceagain,thedaemonseemedunconcernedbythethreatpresentedbysuchdevelopments,insteadreactingwiththeperversityofaghastlysmile.PerhapsitwasimpressedthattheChaoswarriorhadmanagedtobreachthepalacewallstorescuetheprisoners.Perhapsitwaslookingforwardtotheraptureofoldtormentsvisiteduponfreshvictims.Perhapsthecreaturewasecstaticthatthebeingresponsibleforthedelightofitscurrentwoeshaddeliveredhimselfbeforethedaemonlord.Archaonbackedthroughtheshallowsandmovedtotheside,hisfootsteps

sloshingthroughthebodilyfluids.Daemonetteshissedathim.Theylickedtheirlipswithforkedtonguesandstompedthroughthewatersabouthim.Agrammonnodded.Twoofthedaemonettescameathim.Archaonsnarled.

Hewastobetested.Thedaemonettes’movementswerefast.Theymovedwithaslicklethality–likepredatorsstriking.Theirswordplaywasexoticandtheserratedsickleswordswerewieldedwithacombinationofdiabolical

confidence,skillandstrength.TheChaoswarriordidnothavetimeforsuchgames,however.HecouldnotaffordtobeseparatedfromGiselle–whowashis,onceagain–ormanoeuvredaroundintoamorevulnerableposition.Hesawnopointinconcealinghisownlethality,however,anddespitebeingbereftofhisshieldandfightingwithhislefthand,putthedaemonettesdownbrutally.Withinmoments,onecreature’sheadhadbeencleavedintwo,whileanotherlostalegandwascasuallystabbedthroughbothitshell-forgedplateanditsamplechestasitthrashedaboutuselesslyintheshallows.AnothernodfromAgrammonandthreeofitsdaemonicelitesplashedthrough

thewatersathim.Archaondecidedthatiftheyweregoingtoplaythedaemonlord’sgame,hewouldatleasttrytoworkhiswayaroundtothedoor.Thethreedaemonettesdiedfasterandeasierthantheirinfernalsisters,theblessedsteelofTerminussizzlingthroughthethroatofthefirst,thenafterside-steppingtheserratedbiteofasicklesword,thesecond,beforemessilybrainingthethirdwiththebroadflatofthetemplarblade.Keepingtheirbackstothespikedwallofthechamber,Archaonworkedhiswayaroundtothedoor,despatchingagroupoffourdaemonetteswithlittlemoretroublethanthecorpsesintheshallows,alreadybearingwitnesstohisbruteskill.BythetimeAgrammonsentfiveofitslesserdaemonelitetoslaughterhimfor

itsentertainmentandinsanity,therewereblackhell-forgedbladeseverywhere,sparkingoffTerminus,threateningtosinktheirteeththroughhisplate,openhisthroatwitharcsofcurveddeathorcuthimcleaninhalfwiththeotherworldlystrengthbehindtheweapons.Archaonhadbeguntotire.Whereasthedaemonettescouldexpecttheirsisters’bladestoparryandblockforthem,Archaononlyhadasinglesword.Aswordthatmoreoftenthannotwasbeingturnedasidebythecrescentshieldsoftheinfernaleliteandneededtobewhippedbacktoturnawaytheexoticstabsandsweepsofotherdaemons.Withitslengthandheavyblade,thegreatswordwassimplynotdesignedforsuchlightningwork–eveninthegauntletofonesuchasArchaon.TheChaoswarriorhalfhackedthefirstandstoveintheheadofasecond,but

theyweredesperatemanoeuvresandlessthansatisfactorykills.Hepaidforsuchclumsinessbyallowingaserratedbladethroughandhavingthehookedteethofthemurderousweaponfinditswaybetweenhishelmandbreastplatetosliceathisneck.Withoutashieldofhisownandhisbrokenarmachinguselesslyathisside,Archaonhadnochoicebuttoworkaroundwithglancingparriesanddartingdeflections.Exhausted,andwithGisellesquealingandmovingabouthisarmouredformtoavoidthespitefulswipesandthrustsofdaemonettesbehind

them,Archaonknewthatitwasonlyamatteroftimebeforehewasbested.Atiredlunge,combinedwiththefervouroffrustration,sentthelengthof

Terminussearingthroughthedaemon-craftedplateofanothercreature.Asthedaemonettecrashedintotheshallows,hercorpserefusedtosurrenderthetemplarblade.Lettinggoandretractinghisarm,Archaonnarrowlyavoidedlosingittoamurderousdownwardswingthatendedupsendingbodilyfluidsfromtheshallowsfountainingupwards.StumblingbackbuttryingtokeeptheshriekingGisellebehindhimandoutofthepathofbladesswungwithvenomousforce,Archaonwaswithoutweapon.Withadaemonetteeithersideofhim,thiswasanintolerablepositiontoremainin.TryingtorushonelesserdaemontoreachTerminus,lodgedinthecorpsebehind,onlyresultedinaserratedbladeclangingoffthesideofhishelm,cleavingagrooveintheworkmanship.Anattempttolurchforwardandsnatchasickleswordfromtheclaw-gauntletofadeaddaemonettewaspartiallysuccessful,butwithoutthehiltoftheunfamiliarweaponfirmlyinhisgrasp,thebladewasstruckfromhisgripbythewhippingslashofoneofhiscorneringtormentors.Stampingawallofwateratoneasadistraction,Archaonfeignedgoingforthe

lostbladeagain.HeknewhehadtoleaveGiselle’sside–itwastheonlywaytosavethemboth.Insteadofactuallygoingfortheblade,Archaonloweredthehornsonhishelmetandcharged.Crashingintotheunprepareddaemonette,hesmashedherback,buryingthepauldronofhisbrokenarmintheplateofherbelly.HecouldfeelthelesserdaemonsmashingthepommelofhersickleswordintohisbackbutArchaonchargedonlikeaderangedrhinox,slammingthehorrificcreatureintothechamberwallandimpalingheronasetofwickedspikes.Tearingthesickleswordfromherdyinggrasp,Archaonspunaround,thegag-inducingwaterssplashingupabouthim.Hurlingthelightercurvedsword,bladeoverpommel,heburieditintheformofthefinaldaemonette,whohadbeenracingthroughtheshallowsattheunarmedGiselle.Thewretchedcreaturewouldhaveslicedthegirlintwoifitwerenotfortheflyingbladethatthuddedintoherback.ThedaemoncrasheddownintothewatersbeforetheSisterofSigmar,whosimplystared,stunned,atArchaon.TearingTerminusfromthecarcassoftheSlaaneshidaemon,ArchaonputhimselfbetweenGiselleandAgrammon’shorrifichorde.InfernalplateclatteredasdaemonettesclawedateachothertogettotheChaos

warriorandhisprize.ThedaemonAgrammonspoke.Itswordssizzledontheair.Archaondidn’tunderstandthembuttheysoundedlikeacommand.Thedaemonettespartedastheiroverlordslitheredoffitsthroneandwounditsway

betweenthecreatures.ArchaonheldoutTerminusbeforehim.Heachedtowieldtheweaponwithhisrightarmbutthehotagonyofthebrokenlimbwouldn’tanswer.‘Comeandgetit,thingofdarkness,’Archaontoldthedaemon.‘I’lltear

throughyouasIhaveyourwretchedhandmaidens.’AgrammondidsomethinghorriblewithitsfacethattheChaoswarriortookfor

asmile.Shakingitshornsandsendingaripplethroughitstwitching,tentacularappendages,Agrammonreared.Archaonpreparedhimselfforsomekindofserpentineattack.HefeltGiselle’sslenderbodyagainstthebackofhisplate.Heflickedhisgazefromthehorrificdaemonlordslitheringtofullheightbeforehimtothewaitinghordeofdaemonettes–monstrositiesheknewcoulddestroybothhimandGiselleiftheyabandonedtheperversityoftheirgamesandrushedtheminonego.Fromtheflesh-hungryhordeofdaemonettesheriskedaglanceatJharkill.Jharkillthehuntsman.Jharkilltheshaman.Jharkill,formerkeeperofLordAgrammon’sinfernalmenagerie.Themalformedogrewasnowonhisknees,helddownbychainsthathadformerlybeenhistoshackle,bylong-snoutbeastfiendsthathadformerlybeenhistocommand.Themonster’shunchedbackroseandfellwithhissuffering.AsAgrammontoweredoverhim,Archaongrunted.Hewouldhavetofight.Onlysteelwouldsettlethis.Archaonheardahiss.Fatdropletssplatteredagainsthisplate.Theywerenot

thestickydrizzlethatcoatedeverythinginthethroneroom.ThearmourofMorkarsmokedandsizzledattheiracidicimpact.ArchaontookastepbackbutthedaemonAgrammonhadspurtedastreamofunholyfilthfromitsrearingserpentineform.Archaonwasnottheintendedtargetofthedisgustingattack.TheliquidcourseddownthebladeoftheofferedTerminus.TheliquidspatandsteamedasitrolleddowntheblessedsteeloftheSigmaritesword.‘No…’Archaonfoundhimselfcryout.Inalifelongforgotten,thebladehad

belongedtohistemplarmaster,SieurKastner.IthadsecuredArchaon’sownfalsefutureinthehallowedranksoftheKnightoftheTwin-TailedOrb.Throughthehorrorandadventureofhisdarkquests,thebladehadstayedwithhim–everfaithfultoitsoriginalcalling.InthedamnedArchaon’shands,ithaddestroyedmoreevilthatitcouldeverhavehopedbysittinginSieurKastner’srustyscabbard.ItsblessedsteelhadbeenabooninArchaon’sbattlesagainstfellwarriors,beastsanddaemonicmonstrositiespledgedtothesamedarkpath.Itsedgehadremainedkeenandthetwin-tailedcometcarvedintoitsbladehadburnedbrightasArchaonhadfoughthiswayacrosstheglobe.Itshouldhavebeentheblade’shonourtocutthroughthefleshofdaemonslikeAgrammon.

Insteadthemetalofthebladebegantodribbleandrun.TheacidicunguentthatAgrammonhadsprayeddownonthesteelwasmelting

itinArchaon’sverygrip.AsthelengthofthegreatsworddribbleddowntoasilverstumpintheChaoswarrior’shand,Archaoncouldhearthedaemonlord’ssicklylaughter.Thedaemonettesjoinedinabouttheirinfernaloverlord,followedbytheunlivingexhibitsskeweredonthebarsabove.Beforelongthevaultedthronechamberwasfilledwiththeinfectiousscornofthediabolicalcreatures.ThesilverofliquefiedsteelswirledinthesicklywatersaboutArchaon’sboots.TheChaoswarriorheldontohissword,theswordhehadwieldedforsolongintheserviceofdifferentgods:solongthatitalmostfeltlikeapartofhim.Withasnarlthatthreatenedtobreakhisface,Archaonallowedthesizzlingcrossguard,hiltandpommeltotumbleintothesteelywaters.Itsploshedandhissedtoitswretchedend.Somuchofalifelivedlongagowasgone.Oberon.Dagobert.TheSigmariteswordTerminus.Archaonfeltfuriouslycompelledtodefendwhatlittleremained.Hebackedthroughthegrimwaters.Throughthestinkingdrizzle.Throughthe

laughterofdaemons.Gisellestumbledandgrabbedoutforhim,drawingfurtherdiabolicalmirthfromthemonsters.Archaonlookedaround.Agrammon.Thedaemonettes.ThedefeatedJharkill.Thethickmetalofthehell-forgedpalacedoorthatwouldseethemonstrositiesoutsidesmashthemselvestodeathbeforeitadmittedthem.‘Wanttomakethesewretchedthingspayforwhattheyhavedone?’Archaon

calledacrosstotheogrehuntsman.Thedaemonslaughedharderaboutthem,amusedbytheprospectofJharkill,sagginginhisshreddedflesh,andtheunarmedArchaonposinganykindofthreat.‘Monster!’ArchaonroaredacrossatJharkill,finallydrawingthecornerofaneyefromthedefeatedcreature.‘Thisisonlyoverifyouwantittobe.’Archaoncastaglanceatthehuge,metaldoorthatwastheentrancetothepalaceandthethunderbehindit.AgrammonslithereddownatArchaon.Thedaemonwasdonewiththe

interloperandhisdelusions.Sharpwordsslippedfromthedaemonlord’slipsandashowerofsparkslitthethickgloomofthechamber.AnunseenforcehadslashedupacrossArchaon’sbreastplateandrightpauldron,drawingafountainoflightfromthemetal.ArchaonstumbledbackandGisellewithhimasthegirlletoutasuddenscream.Archaonhelduphisgoodarmandafurtherblindingflashflaredfromit.AnothersparkingsurgerainedfirefromaninvisiblebackslashacrossArchaon’schest.GisellewentdowninthewaterandArchaonskiddedbackthroughtheshallows.ThearmourofMorkar–FirstEverchosenof

Chaos–wouldnotbebreachedbythedaemonlord’ssorceries.Agrammon’sfacecloudedoverlikethesuddenandperversestormsofthe

SouthernWastesthatseemedtocomefromnowhere.Archaoninstinctivelyknewthatthemonstrousdaemonhadfinishedplayingwiththem.Thatwithindarkmomentstheywouldbedead.Jharkill,SheerianandhisSwordsofChaostoo.Indesperation,Archaonusedtheonlyweaponhehadleft.HeturnedtoGiselleandgrabbedherarmtohelpherup.‘I’msorry,’hesaidasheturnedandlaunchedthegirlatthedaemon

Agrammon.TheinfernalcreaturecaughtGiselleinitsarms.Therewasanimmediatehiss.DaemonfleshsteamedfromAgrammon’sdisgustingform.Likeahandpullingapieceofsteelfreshfromthefurnace,thedaemonburnedatthegirl’stouch.Giselle,whostillstungwithbelief.Who,impossibly,inthisbenightedplace,hadhungontoherfaith.WhosesoulbelongedtotheGod-Kingandwhosefleshwasasacredvessel.Agrammonscreamed.Thedaemonhadnotknownsuchexquisitetortureinthisdoomedplace.Thesoundofthedaemon’stormenthowledupthroughthepalacetower.Itscoilscontractedinagonyandthenbliss.ItdroppedGiselleandoncemorethegirlfoundherselfinthewater.AgrammonhisseditsfrenzieddelightatGiselleasherheadbrokethesurface

oftheshallows.Likeanangrysnakethathadbeentormentedwithalittorch,AgrammonturneditsserpentinehorroronArchaon.ButArchaonwasgone.TheChaoswarriorhadturnedandwasrunningthroughtheshallows,hisstepssprayingfountainsofliquidskyward.Thedaemonettesbetweenhimandthemightypalacedoorhadbeenassurprisedastheirinfernalmaster.Manyhadrushedtotheirdaemonlord’said,drawntothevisionofpleasureandpainasAgrammon’ssoulcametoknowtheanathemaofabeliever’stouch.SeveralnightmarishswordmaidensintheirspikedplatetriedtochecktheChaoswarrior’sadvance.Archaonranatthem,smashingthroughtheircrescentshields.Duckingandweavingbetweenthesingingdeathoftheirsickleswords,Archaonwrangledwithonemonstrousmaiden,onlytograbherwristandforceherbladeintoturningasideanother.AnarmouredelbowtothefangedfaceofthecreatureallowedArchaontheremainingstepsheneededtoreachthedoor.Jharkill,meanwhile,hadrespondedtotheChaoswarrior’scue.Rearingfrom

theshallowsandrainingthefoetidwatersfromhishulkingform,themalformedogredraggedhisneckchainswithhim,tearingbeastfiendsfromtheirhooves.Gargantuanstepssentthecrestsofwavesatthestartleddaemons,drenchingtheirspikedplate.Severalswordmaidensattemptedtostoptherampagingogrebutfoundtheirarmouredformssmashedacrossthethroneroomorstampedinto

theshallows.Thepalacewassuddenlyaplaceofshriekinghavoc.Betweenthesweetagony

thatwasGiselle,theunstoppableforcethatwasJharkillandArchaon’sslipperyescape,thedaemonAgrammonwasseething.Spittingcursesfromitsblacklips,AgrammonslasheddeepwoundsacrossthemountainoushunchofJharkill’salreadyshreddedback.Jharkillroaredandfellagainstthecolossaldoors.Themetalrangwiththeimpact.Archaonfeltitthroughthestructure.Hegothisarmandpauldronunderthemassivebarsittingacrossthewidthoftheentrance.Heaving.Pushing.Straining.Archaonfoughtgravityandtheweightofthemassivebar.Withafinaleffort–aroarescapingtheChaoswarrior’slungs–Archaonpushedthegreatbarfromitsbracketsandsentitcrashingintothewaterbehind.Theboomingassaultbeyondthedoorhadstopped.Themonstrositiesbehindithadfelttheimpactandhadheardthewateryclang.Withabellowofpainratherthaneffort,Jharkillheavedatthemetaldoors.Fallingtohisknees,theogrepushedthemopen.Amomentpassedwherenothingseemedtohappen.Itwasalmostasthough

thepowerfulforcesscreamingfromthebreachoftheSouthernGatehadsunktheirclawsintorealityanddraggedtimetoastop.Thedaemonettesgaspedindreadandexpectationofthehorroryettocome.Gisellegaggedandwhimperedasshekneltinthefoulwaters,withtheswirlingmaelstromofthedaemonAgrammon’sserpentinebodyslitheringtoastopabouther.Dreadcursesdroppedfromthecreature’slipsinlanguagesdarkandancient.Thedaemonknewwhatwasgoingtohappenandyetstillcouldnotresistbreathinginthesweetstingofreliefthatrolledinthroughthepalacedoors.Monstrosities,freaksandprisonerswhohadspentaneternitysufferingthelashatAgrammon’scommandandcagedforthedaemonlord’spleasurenowhadthepalaceintheirgrasp.Theexpectationofviolenceandsufferingtocomewaslikeasilentstormthatrushedinthroughtheopendoors.TheSlaaneshidaemonsgroanedandsankdownintothewater.Archaonstumbledthroughtheshallows.Thehordeofcreaturesoutsidewere

asshockedatthedoor’sopeningasthedaemonsinside.Ittookamomentforeventhemostmindlessandsavageofthemtoprocesswhatwashappening.LikeAgrammonanditssavagekind,Archaonknewwhatwascoming.Runningacrosstheentrance,theChaoswarriorleaptatJharkill,usingthemomentumofhislandingtoturntheogreontoitskneessothatthehunchedmonstercollapsedtoonesideoftheentrance,itsbackagainstthebarbedwall.Archaonwasjustintime.WhilethePrinceofPleasure’sdaemonsweredrunkonthesweetwineof

retribution,theBloodGod’seyehadbeendrawntothebase,animalfurythatdrovesuchcreaturestoenactsuchrevenge.Feedingthehordeofmonstrouscreatureswithmind-splittingire,ithadbeentheBloodGodwhohaddrivensuchcreaturestothrowthemselves,brokenandbloody,atthethickmetalofthepalacedoors.Theywouldnotbestoppednow.Thefuryhadtofindexpressionintheroaringthatfollowed.Inthepulseofviolentintentthroughsinewandmuscleandinthecopperytasteofbloodatthebackofthethroat.Archaonranthroughtheshallows.Throughthedaemonettes,whostoodthere

likeaspikedforestofenrapturedstatues.Likeanavalancheofblackragethemonstrositiescharged.Thingsofclaw.Predaciousfusionsofbeastanddaemon.Spawn,ragingwithtransformativepower.Armouredtitansoftuskandelementalferocity.Itwasmayhem.Archaondarenotspendthesecondstolookback.Theunstoppableforceoftheescapedexhibitspushedthedrainingwatersofthethroneroombeforethem,drivingastinkingsurgethatcaughtArchaoninitsrollingpower.Therewereterriblescreams.Daemonettesandlong-snoutsweredyinginthe

mostbrutalandhorrificways.WhiletheSlaaneshideviantshadenjoyedtheexpectation,thestormofmonstrosities,firedbythepresenceoftheBloodGodintheirheartsandburningthroughtheirveins,hadnointentionofdrawingouttheirrevenge.Thebeastsfoundsatisfactiononlyindeath–asotherescapeeshaddoneinthespirallingthoroughfaresofthemenagerie,savagingtheirlash-wieldingkeepersandthetrumpetingbeastfiendsthatpatrolledtheircages.Rankindulgencewassoonreplacedwiththerawrichnessofbloodanddeath.BehindhimArchaoncouldhearthefrenziedtearingofflesh,thesnapofbacksandbones,skullscrunchingandthebellowofmonstersragingtheirwaythroughthebutcheredranks.Above,themonstrousexhibitsskeweredontheirbarshadstoppedmoaning.Infestedbytherushofretaliatoryviolencethathadsweptintothethroneroomlikeacrimsondeluge,theunlivingthingswereroaring,screechingandhissingtheirjubilation.AsArchaonhalfwaded,halfstumbledthroughwatersthatwererapidlycloudingblackandred,hisearsburnedwiththesuddenlysilencedscreamsofdaemonsendedbrutallyabouthim.Skiddingdownthroughtheblood,sweatandslime,Archaonsnatchedasickle

swordfromadeaddaemonette.Thevanguardofthefuriousinvasionhadcaughthim.Asplashingstampederolledoverhimlikeaforceofunnaturalnature.Bonylimbsandmonstroushoovestrampledhimdownintothewaters.Ashisheadcameuphefeltaninfernalradiancepassoverhead,likeafireball,andArchaonhadtoduckbackdownunderthefoetidsurfacetoavoidtheflamesofthedark

phoenixthatflappedaboutthethroneroom,seeminglysettingfiretoeverything.WhenArchaonpushedhimselfupoutofthewaterhefoundsomesavage

chimericcreatureonhisarmouredback,snapping,clawingandstabbingathimwithblade-boneappendages.Anotherleaptonhimfromtheside,almostknockinghimover.TheChaoswarriorwouldhavefallenifitwasn’tforsomegreatcrestedrhinoxchargingbywithitsarrayoftwistedhorns,knockinghimback.Oneofthebeastswastornaway,havingbeenskeweredontherhinox’shorns,whileathirdsuddenlyemergedfromtheshallows,surgingattheChaoswarrior’sgroinwithitsskin-flayedmaw.ThesickleswordwasnoreplacementforTerminus.Whileitsrazoredcurve

hadbeenhell-forgedanditstwistedserrationsdesignedtoinflicthorrificdamage,itlackedtheweightofatrulydevastatingweapon.Liftingitabovehishead,Archaonbroughthisleftarmdownwithallthepowerhecouldmanage–forcedtocompensatebrutestrengthforthelackingweightoftheblade.Thechimeradiedmessilyenough,thebarbedsickledraggingthecreature’sentrailsfromitasArchaonlaidintothebeastwithasecondmulchingstrike.Archaondidn’thavetoworryabouttheremainingcreature.Agrammonhad

finallycometoitsdiabolicalsensesandwasslitheringitscoiledlengthaboutitsthroneandspittingthevenomofsorcerouswords.Awater-whippingmaelstromoflacerationcircledthedaemonlordlikeawhirlwindofunseenblades.Warpedpredatorsboundingthroughtheshallowsweretorntoshredsbytheinvisiblewall,whileungainlytitanswereskinnedaliveandhadfleshshearedfromtheirbones.Thedarkphoenixwasshreddedinasteamingblazeofunnaturalflame.ThechimerawasrippedfromArchaon’sback,whereithadbeensavaginghisarmouredneck.TheChaoswarrior,meanwhile,becameastaggeringfountainofsparksastheflesh-rakingforceclashedoncemorewithArchaon’scursedplate.ThroughthesparksandthewallofgorecirclingthedaemonAgrammon,

ArchaonsawGiselle.Agrammonhadherinsidethefatcoilsofitsserpentineform,whilethewhip-liketipofitsserpentinetailwasactuallysnakedaroundthegirl.Thedaemon’sfleshwasblackandsteamingwhereitwasincontactwithGiselle,butdespitethedelicioustortureofthesoul-scorchingexperience,themonstrousdaemonwouldnotbedenieditsprize.Forcinghimselfon,stepafterdesperatestep,thearmourofMorkarsuffering

thewrathofthedaemon’spowers,Archaonsizzledwiththesparksrainingfromhisplateanddownintothewatersbelow.Punchingthrough,Archaonranupoutoftheshallows,stompinghiswayupthedaisuponwhichAgrammonanditsthronewassupported.Swingingdownwithfuriousforce,Archaonopenedup

oneofthedaemon’sfatcoilswiththesicklesword,tearingthroughdaemonfleshandsprayinghimselfwithichor.‘Agrammon!’Archaonroaredatthemonstrousbeing.‘Yourtowerwillfall.

Yourtwistedpalacewillhowlemptywiththesouthernwinds.Thecagesofyourlegendarymenageriewillrust–legendnomore.Whilesomanyhaveservedyou,youwillnowserveme:thechosenoftheChaosgods.’Archaonhadhopedtodrawthedaemonlord’sattentionwithhisboldtaunts.

Agrammon–evertheslavetotemptation–fellthistimefortheChaoswarrior’strap.‘Iserveonlyatthepleasureofmygod,mortal,’thedaemonseethed,itswords

likebarbedecstasiesexplodinginArchaon’smind.‘ThePrinceofsuchPleasures.’Agrammon,overcomewithaninfernaldesiretoseethearchitectofitswoes

ended,sweptforwardswithitsgigantic,spindlyclaws.‘Thenyoucanservehiminoblivion,’Archaonpromisedthedaemonlord.Duckingandweaving,Archaonevadedthedaemonictalons,turningthem

awaywithsavageflourishesofhissicklesword.Ateveryopportunity,betweenthegraspingandstabbingofthegiantfinger-blades,Archaonsanktheserratedbladeintothemeatydaemonfleshofthecreature’scoils.Allthewhile,Archaonfeltthequakeofamonstrosityapproach.Theabominatecreatureofchitinousplate,fang-fiendfaceandcolossalhornsthatArchaonhadseenbothraginginitsenclosureandfuriouslybeatingdentsintothethickmetalofthepalacedoorswasstormingitswaythroughthethroneroom.TheslaughterbrutewasanunthinkingmonsteralreadyblessedbytheBloodGodwithanappetitefordecimation.Itlivedtocrushwithitscolossalclaws,stampwithitsmightyhoovesandgorewithitsfreakisharrangementofblood-stainedhorns.Itstorsoandarmsrippledwiththemuscularfortitudeofathingthatneverstoppedkilling,whileitsmawwasadeathtrapdesignedfortearingheadsfromprey.Theabominationthunderedthroughthevaultedthroneroom,mindlessly

crushing,smashingandkillinganythinginitspath.Daemonettesbecametwistedmoundsofspikedscrapthroughwhichtheichorleakedintothestinkingwatersofthepalace.Monsterswho,liketheslaughterbrute,hadsufferedinAgrammon’sroyalmenagerie,becameshowersofgoreandraggedlimbsthatrainedintheabomination’sbloodywake.DistractedbyArchaon,thedaemonlordwasnolongerprotectedbyitsflesh-

shearingmaelstrom.Assoonastheabominationsawthedaemon,itthunderedtowardsit,stampingafleeinglong-snoutintotheshallowsandbeatingawinged

nightmareoutofitspathandintothespikedwallwithbone-shatteringforce.PerhapsitwasAgrammon’ssizeoradaemonicthreattheserpentinethingsoobviouslyposed.Perhapstheabominationrememberedandknewitscaptorwhenitsawit.Astheabominatemonstercharged,Agrammon’scoilstightenedabouttheslaughterbrute,bleedingapowerfulmixtureofpotionsandpoisonsfromitintothemonster’sflesh.Agrammonbroughtupacolossalclawtobackslicethecreaturetoribbons,butArchaonknewthatsuchdefenceswouldnotbeenough.Clamberingovertheclamminessofsickly-sweetflesh,Archaonalmostbecametrappedinthemovingcoilsofthecreature.‘Giselle!’Archaoncalledout,butthegirldidn’tseemtohearhim.Gisellewas

nodamselinataleofoldtobesaved.Shewouldnotcalloutforhelp.Shestaredcoldlyintospace,oblivioustothehavocabouther.‘Giselle!’AshegottohertheChaoswarriortoreatthesteamingtailofthedaemon.The

thingresistedhiseffortsandcoiledtighterabouttheSisteroftheImperialCross.Flashingaglanceattheoncomingslaughterbrute,Archaonbroughthissicklesworddownonthetail.Again.Again.Thesword’sserratededgeshearedfleshfromthethrashinghorrorbutwasn’theavyenoughtocleavethroughbone.Heroared,cuttingatthedaemon.Finally,theboneshatteredunderthefrenziedonslaught,caughtbetweenoneofthesword’smanybarbsandthestoneofthethronedais.Secondslaterthethickcoilsslitheringtighteraboutthemsuddenlyunravelled.ThebloodystumpthatArchaonhadleftwaswhippedaway,trailingblackgore.AstheslaughterbruteandthedaemonAgrammoncollided,ArchaongrabbedGiselleandranforthewall.TheabominatebeastknockedAgrammonfromitsthrone.Asthedaemon’s

snake-likebodywrappeditselfaroundthemonstrousforceoftheslaughterbrute,thepairofthemsmashedthroughthechamber.Thecreaturealternatedbetweentheunrelentingforceofitsfistandthegougingslashofitsthickclaws.ItsavagedAgrammonwithitsdagger-toothedmawandgoreditwithitsmonstroushorns.Purplelightningenvelopedthemboth,streamingfromthespindlyclawsofthedaemon,settingtheslaughterbrutealight.ArchaondraggedthedumbfoundedGiselleafterhim.Thedaemon’sdeadtail

fellawayinscorchedcindersasthepairofthemran.Thetitanicbattlecrashedthroughthethroneroomwiththedaemonscreechingitslifeawayastheabominablemonstermauledandsmasheditintothefloorofitsownpalace.‘Helpme,’ArchaonsaidtothestunnedGiselle,ashetriedtohelpSheerian

andtheSwordsofChaosfromwheretheyhadbeenhookedintothewall.LikeGiselle,theyallmoanedthepurepleasureoftheiragoniesasArchaonandthe

girltriedtoprisethemfromthespikesonthewall.Asthethunderfromtheothersideofthechambersubsided,Archaonturnedtopresenthissicklesword.Iftheslaughterbrutehadfinishedwiththedaemonlord,theChaoswarriorknewthatitwouldn’tstop.Thethingexistedtobludgeonlessercreaturesintooblivion,mindlesslyhonouringtheBloodGodthatfuelleditsfuryandmonstrouspower.ItknewonlykillingandArchaonandhispeoplewouldlookasgoodamurderousprospectasany.‘Getthemup,’ArchaontoldGiselleasVier’skneesbuckledunderneathhim,

sendingthewingedmarauderintotheshallows.Asthegirlhelpedthewarpedwarriorbacktoitsunsteadyfeet,ArchaonreadiedhimselffortheabominatemonsterthathadturnedfromthelifelesstremblingsandslitheringsofAgrammon.Themonsterroared,shakingtheveryfoundationsofthetower,andlevelleditsnestofcolossalhornsatArchaon.Thebeastflareditsarmourednostrils.Itwasasifthethingcouldsmellathreat:Archaon.‘What’shappening?’ArchaonheardadisorientatedSheeriansay.AnunsteadyEinsappearednexttoitsmaster,itswingsapuncturedmessand

oneofitsfreshlydrawnboneswordsheldinahanddribblingwithblood.‘Getthemoutofhere,’Archaoncommanded.TheSwordofChaoshesitated

itsprotestation.‘Doit…’Archaonsaid,hisvoicesharpandgrim.AstheSwordsgatheredtheirwitsandshookofftheSlaaneshipotionsmeared

onthespikes,theyledGiselleandSheeriantowardsthedoor.Asthecolossalslaughterbrutesniffedinthedirectionofthesorcererandthegirl,Archaonwavedhissickleswordabovehim.‘Here,monster,’hecalledacrossthethroneroom.‘Here.’WiththeSwordsofChaoscuttingtheirwaythroughchimericbeasts,spawn

creaturesandwild-eyedbeastfiends,Archaonfeltthefloorshakeandthefoetidwatersabouthisbootssloshandrecede.Theabominatemonsterwaschargingdownonhim.Turningthesickleswordaboutwithhiswrist,Archaonreadiedhimself,althoughheknewnotwhatfor.Anundercuttosomesofterpartonthecreature’sbelly?Didthemonsterhaveanysofterparts?Perhapshecouldgethisbladepastanarmouredeyelidandintothebeast’sbrain.Thethingwasmonstrousbrawnbeneaththickchitinousplatesthatservedthebeastasakindofnaturalarmour.Beyondthattherewastheskeweringforestofhorn,fangandclawtoworryabout.Theabominationroared.Archaonstoodhisgroundbutbeneathhisplatethesoundshookhisverybones.Withthemonsterallbutontopofhim,Archaonstilldidn’tknowwhathewasgoingtodo.SomethingshotpastArchaon,throughthemurkanddrizzle.Itthuddedinto

thebrawnofthecreature’sneck.ItwasthesizeofaspearbutArchaonrecogniseditasanarrow.OneofJharkill’sarrows.Theslaughterbrutetookseveralmorethunderousstepsbeforecrashingtooneside.Archaonwincedbutstoodhisgroundasthebeastcollapsedabouthim,scrapingitswaytoastopalongthespikedwallofthepalace.Openinghiseye,Archaonturnedtoseethatthemalformedogrewasstandingnearby.Hewasamess,bloodleakingfromgapingslashesinhisdeformedflesh.Histwinwasdead,thething’smouthgapingopenandleakingthehorriblesubstanceJharkillusedtopoisonhisarrows.Hehadrecoveredhisivorytuskbowandquiverfrombeforethethroneand,selectinganotherarrow,smeareditinthebloodandpoisondrippingdownhisbellybeforeputtingitintheabomination–ensuringthattheuncontrollablethinghadbeenputtosleep.Archaonnoddedwithobviousapproval.Theogre’smarksmanshipandknowledgeofhisquarry’svulnerabilitieswereimpressive–andtheseweretheleastimpressiveofthemonster’scapabilities.HehadindeedmadeAgrammonafineservantandintimemightdothesameforArchaon.PaddingthroughtheshallowsandacrossthethroneroomwhileJharkillpicked

offthemenagerie’sescapedmonstrositiesonebyone,ArchaonfoundthemessthattheBloodGod’sabominationhadmadeofthedaemonlordAgrammon.Theserpentinedaemonhadbeensmashed.Ithadbeenbroken.Ithadbeentornintocolossal,twitchingpieces.Archaonfoundthedaemonlord’storsoseparatedfromthenightmarelengthsofitsbody.TheslaughterbrutehadsplatteredAgrammonintothepalacefloor.Draggingitsdaemonentrailsthroughtheshallows,oneofitsspindlyclawsabrokenmess,Archaondiscoveredthathalfofitschesthadbeencrushed.Itsarrayofhornswereashatteredremnantanditstentacularappendagesreachedoutforabodythatwasnolongerthere.Archaonsteppedacrossthecreature,itsbacktohim,andgrabbedtheshattered

stumpofahorn.Haulingthedaemonlord’sheadupoutoftheshallows,whereithadbeengaggingandspuming,ArchaonbroughtthebladeofthesickleswordtoAgrammon’sthroat.Decimatedthoughitwas,hecouldn’triskthedaemonusingitsregenerativepowersorspokensorceries.Holdingitthere,ArchaononlyfoundthedreamysmileofaSlaaneshideviantenjoyingtheagoniesofitslastmoments.Archaongrunted.‘Yourmonsters,’Archaonhissedinthedaemon’sear,‘arenowmymonsters.

Doyouhearthatdaemon?ThisisforTerminus.Anendforanend.’Archaondrewtheserratedswordedgeacrossthedaemonlord’sthroat,thebarbedteethoftheweapontearingitout.Droppingtheinfernalcreature’sheavyheadintotheichor-cloudingshallows,Archaonspatatthedaemon.‘Welcometooblivion…’

hetoldit,beforewalkingaway.

CHAPTERVII

‘Daemonsriseanddaemonsfall–andintheirfalling,comeevertoriseagain.Itisbothourgiftandourcurse.’

–NecromagnetheDarkMuse

TheGatelandsTheSouthernWastes

HornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRavening

ArchaonleftthepalaceofthedaemonlordAgrammonbehind.Thebarbedtowerandtwistedmetalwallsofthenightmarewrithedwithunnaturalflame,fannedbythewindsofthecontinentalinterior.Asthepalaceragedbehindthem,lightingupthebroilingblackskies,theChaoswarlordorderedhishordeassembledforamarchonthepalacesclosertothehowlingradianceofwarpingrealitiesthatspewedintotheworldfromthedemolishedChaosgate.OgraxtheGreathadledArchaon’ssavagewarherdtovictoryoutonthebone-tangledWastesandhadarrivedoutsidethepalaceasArchaonwasleaving.Thebeastfiendshadstrippedthedaemonicstrongholdofanythinguseful–weapons,armourandwagons.Archaonallowedafewhoursforthecreaturesofhishorde

toquenchtheirthirstwithSlaaneshibloodandquelltherumbleoftheirbellieswiththefleshofthefallen.TheSwordsofChaostooktheirplaceoncemoreatthewarlord’sside.AtArchaon’sinsistencethesavageshamansofhisbestialarmylookedtoSheerianandGiselle’swounds.Archaonsatonthebackofabone-cagewagonthathehadorderedcoveredin

theskinsoftheirfoes.TheChaoswarlordhadthewagonfurnishedwithamoundoffursforabed.Hehadthelowlycreaturesofhishordeattendwiththefreshestwatertheycouldfindandcookedmeatstrippedfrombeastsofmagnificentburdenwhohadbeenfoundstillintheirmenageriecages.ThishereservedforGiselle,withtwomoreoftheincrediblebeastshaulingthewagonandthetwistedVieratthereins.Gisellejustcrawledintothefurs,holdingherselflikeachild,staringdeepintonothingness.‘Giselle,I…’Archaonbegan,butthewordswouldn’tcome.Onceagain,he

hadfailedtoprotecther.Onceagain,somemonstrosityoftheSouthernWasteshadvisitedtormentsuponherpreciousflesh.Oncemore,Archaonhadmadesuchthingspaywiththeirexistence–butthatwaslittleconsolationtothosewhohadalreadypaidforArchaon’smistakes.Hewantedtotellherthathewassorry.Thathehadfailedinhisconfrontation

withhisfather-in-shadowandthatheshouldhavebeenattheheadofthehordeinstead.ThedaemonAgrammonwouldn’thavegotitsspindlyclawsonGiselle,onhisSwordsofChaosandevenancientSheerianifArchaonhadbeenthere.TheChaoswarriorwassureofthat.AtonetimehehadfounditeasiertotalktoGiselle.Theyfought,theyspattheirthreatsandevenfoundtheirwaytolaughingthewoesoftheworldaway.Theirlipscravedthetasteofeachother’sdamnation.Theirfingersburnedacrossthepurityandpollutionofeachother’sflesh.NowGisellepulledawayfromArchaonlikeeveryotherdreadthinginthisbenightedworld.Hehadonceagainbecomeathingfeared,untrustedandunloved.AsGiselle’slipsparted,Archaon’sheart–thatsatheavylikeashardof

obsidianinhischest–leapt.Heleantin.Hisgauntletmovedforthemoundofherbodybeneaththefurs.Giselle’sbloodshoteyesweredryanddistantwithtearsthatwouldnotcome.Herbandage-boundhandreachedoutforthecoldmetalofthegauntlet.Amumblebecameaforlornhiss.Archaonleantincloser.‘Why…won’t…you…die?’theSigmaritesistersaid,herwordsstingingwith

theblank-facebitternessofbetrayal.Shepushedthegauntletfromhertremblingbody.Archaonfeltcrackscreepdeepthroughtheobsidianagonyinhischestandbitbackasnarl.Theangerwasnotdirectedatthegirlbutathimself.The

contortionsbehindthefaceplateofhishornedhelmfellawaytoaslownod.‘Aye,’hetoldGiselle.‘That’sthequestion.’Turningaway,ArchaonfoundSheerianandthetwistedshamanthathadbeen

tendingtoboththesorcererandGiselle’swounds.Acrossthebonfireofbonesthatwarmedthewarlordthroughhiscursedplate,ArchaonsawthesmallmountainrangethatwasthesilhouettesofOgraxtheGreatandthehuntsman,Jharkill.ThebeastfiendchampionandthemalformedogrewaitedontheedgeofthefearfuldistanceleftclearaboutArchaon’swagon.ThestinkingshamanapproachedbutArchaonangledhishelmatthething,thewarlord’ssilentgazeenoughtostopitinitshooftracks.Theshamanhadbeenbusyinthecampwithitsfilthydressings,itswound-cleansingflameandthecurvedbone-shardofitswound-closingneedle.Severaltimestheshamanhadtriedtotendtoitswarlord’swoundsandafflictionsbuteverytimeArchaonhadshakenthebeastfiend’sclawedfingersfromhisplate.‘Mylord,’Sheeriansaid,riskingArchaon’sire,‘ifImaybesobold.Ifyou

everwanttoswingaswordwiththatarmagain,youneedtohaveitboundinplace.Soitwillheal,mylord.’Archaonhadallbutforgottenthedullagonyofhisbrokenarm.Hehadgrown

accustomedtovisitingsavagebutcherywithhisleft,whilethearmthathisfather-in-shadowhadshattereddangledarmouredandhelplessathisside.‘Myswordisgone…’Archaonsaid,hiswordstakenbythedoom-laden

breeze.‘Therewillbeotherswords,master,’theancienttoldhim.‘Lettherebethe

strengthofanarm,theturnofawristandthebeliefofaclenchedfisttoguidetheirdeath-dealingpath.’ArchaonhatedtheTzeentchiansorcererbutheknewhewasright.While

Archaonwasnoordinaryman,withhisfate-cursedbonesandfleshblessedofruin,hecouldnotallowtheunnaturalhealingofhisbodytofixthemangledlimbinplace.SuchalimbwouldbenexttouselessandaliabilityinthemonstrousbattlestheChaoswarlordwassurewereyettocome.ArchaonnoddedandSheerianpushedtheshamantoapproachwithitssplintandtheblackfurofasling.Asthebeastfiendwenttoworkontheshatteredlimb,freshagoniesarcing

throughthewarlord’sbeing,ArchaoninstructedSheeriantohaveOgraxandJharkillcomebeforehim.Asthebeastfiendchampionandthemonstrousogresteppedforth,ArchaonfeltEins,ZweiandDreicloseinslightly.Likegargoylesprotectingsomecathedralfromevilspirits,theSwordsofChaosstoodsentinel

andsilentaboutthewagon,theirwingsintatters,buttheirboneswordsintactandbutaswifthandgraspaway.ArchaonregardedOgraxtheGreat.Thebeastfiendwasablood-drenched

visionofhornandmuscle.Thecreaturehaditsbrain-splatteredskull-axebyitssideandaboutitswaistthechampionworesomanyskullsdanglingfromitsfurbeltsthattheclinkingarrangementalmostconstitutedaskirtorkilt.‘Sorcerer,’Archaoncommanded,‘askthiscreaturewhyhemovedmyhorde

intobattlebeforemyordertodoso.’SheeriantranslatedArchaon’swordsintothedarktongueoftheSouthern

WastesandOgraxreplieddangerouslyinkind,theinfernalbeastlinessofitsjawsgoingtoworkatasnarlingexplanation.‘Hesaysthathecampednearthepalaceasyouinstructed,butthatthis

monster,’theancientsaid,indicatingthemalformedogre,‘capturedandcagedthosethattheherdmasterwouldkeepclose.’‘PerhapsOgraxtheGreatmighthaveliveduptoitsname,’Archaonreplied,

‘andkeptthosetheherdmasterwouldkeepclose,closetohimself.’WhenSheerianhesitated,Archaonurged,‘Tellhim.’‘Hastherenotbeenenoughbloodspilled,mydarklord?’theTzeentchian

wheezed.‘Therecertainlywon’thavebeenifyoudon’tissuemywishes,my

instructions,naymycommandstothisbrute.’AtSheerian’swords,Ograxroaredhisprotestations.Beyondthefire,horns

turnedandtheearsofbeastfiendstwitchedattheconfrontation.ThehandsoftheSwordsofChaosedgedclosertothewing-sheathesoftheirweapons.Sheerianheldouthisskeletalhandstocalmthebeast.‘He,he,’thesorcererstammered,‘hesaysheattackedthepalacetoreclaim

whatbelongedtoArchaon,chosenoftheChaosgodsbutthatifArchaon,chosenoftheChaosgods,hadnotwanderedintotheWastes,hordelessandwithoutwords,thenperhapshisharlotandherattendantswouldhavebeensafe.’Archaonsavagelyshruggedofftheshaman,hisbrokenarmsplintedacrossthe

plateofhischest,theblackfurofatightslingholdingitinplace.‘Harlot?’ArchaonbarkedattheBloodGod’schampion.‘Ishouldhavelefther

incharge.Ithinkyouareright,GreatOne.Theywerenotsafewithyouattheheadofthishorde,yourheifer’smindaddledwiththelustforblood.’AsSheeriantranslatedhismaster’sfury,Ograxsteppedforward,itshooves

scratchingatthefrozendirt.Thebeastcouldbarelywrapitsthicktongueaboutitsire.

‘Oryours,’theagedsorcerertoldArchaon,translatingthebesthecould,‘buriedinthefellfleshofthathereticwoman.’OgraxtheGreatspatatArchaon’sfeet.Thewarlordwatchedtheheadofthe

skull-axecomeup.Thestrainofdaemongutandthecreakofivorycutthroughtheconfrontation.BesideOgrax,thehuntsmanJharkillhaddrawnitscolossaltuskbowandheldthespear-likelengthofanarrowtothebestialchampion’shornedhead.Thewhisperofbonebladesbeingtornfromwing-sheathesfollowed.‘Ifhedoesthatagain,’Archaoncommandeddarkly,‘shoothim.’Ograxquaked.Thebeatenplatestrappedacrosshischestroseandfellwiththe

exertionofkeepingthecreature’sfuryincheck.Aboutit,theogre’sarrowtrembled,theSwordsofChaosclosedwiththeirbladesofboneandArchaonglowered–injured,unarmedanduncaring,confidentthathecouldkillthebeastfiendchampionwithasinglebarehand,ifrequired.Worstofall,thewarlord’scuttingwordshadlitwildfiresofdoubtthatwouldspreadthroughthehorde.Hulkingbeastfiendsandwarriorhalf-breedswhohadbroughtdarkhonourtotheRuinousPowersinbattleunderOgrax’ssavagecommandnowrearedtofullheight.WherebeforesuchmonsterswouldhavefoughtfortheGreatOne,nowtheysmelledbloodandthechancetoleadArchaon’shordeforthemselves.Thebestialprinceloweredhishornedhead.ItwasasmuchofanacknowledgementorapologyasArchaonwasgoingtoget.‘GreatOne,’Archaonsaid,hiswordstranslatedintodarktonguebySheerian,

‘youleadthehordeinmynamestill.’Archaongrunted;withthefiresofpossibilityandgreedstokedinthesavageheartsofthebeastfiendhorde,heknewnotforhowlong.Ograxnoddedhisbruteunderstandingandloweredhishornedheadfurtherinfuriousappreciation.Asheturnedtoleave,Archaon’sbarbedwordsstoppedthecreature.‘However,beastlingprince,thinknottobeleftinsolecommandofmydreadarmyagain.’OgraxtheGreatfoughtbackhisfuryandwithdifficultyturned,asthough

Archaon’swordswereholdinghimthere.HelookedupthecolossalshaftofthearrowatJharkill,whowithsomehesitationofhisown,begantolowerhisweapon.Withthatthebeastfiendchampion’shoovesstompedaway.Awayfromtheburnofremonstrationandthroughthebargingshouldersandsilent,standinghostilityofawarherdthat,momentsbefore,hehadcommandedwithoutquestion.Archaonturnedhisattentiontothemonstrousogre,wholoweredhisbrute

bowandunstrunghisarrow.Thething’sdeadtwinstillsatinhischest,itsface

fixedinamaskofdeathandtheoily,blackpoisonthatJharkillusedonhisarrowheadsstillleakingdowntheogre’shugebelly.ArchaonsnappedthetinnyfingersofhisgauntletandSheerianbroughtforththeheavyshaman’sstaffthatthehuntsmanusedtocontrolthemonstersofthemenagerie.ItjangledwiththecharmshangingfromitscrossbarasthesorcererlaiditdownonthegroundbeforeArchaon.Jharkillcameforth,holdinghistuskbowinthehandofhishuge,muscle-boundarmwhileitsatrophiedoppositestrokedthefaceofthedeadtwin.KneelingbeforeArchaon,Jharkillloweredhishead.‘IamArchaon,’theChaoswarlordtoldthemalformedogre.Ashespoke,

Sheeriantranslatedhiswordsintoanotherdialectofdarktongue.SomethingstillsavagebutmoresophisticatedthanthebeastspeakofOgraxtheGreatandhishalf-breeds.‘ChosenoftheRuinousGods,beareroftheirgiftsandtakeroftheirtreasures.Darknesswilling,IshallbetheEverchosenofChaos.LordoftheEndTimes.HeraldoftheApocalypse.Inmyexpandinghordetheweakaresacrificedandthestrongarespared–tosacrificethemselvestomywill.Thatiswhythebeastlordyouhadinyoursightsstilllives.Hisstrengthismystrength.Histalentsenhancemyown.Iwouldasknolessofyou,JharkilloftheGatelands.Servemeasyouservedyourlastmaster.’Jharkill’swordsrumbledupfrominsidehimlikeanearthquakeandSheerian

translatedthem.‘Iamyours,Chosenone,’Jharkillsaid.‘ForIhaveseenwithmyowneyesthe

favourbestowedonyoubytheDarkGodsofthisland.HowmayIserveyourdreadship?’Archaonnoddedslowly.‘Iwouldaskofyounomorethanyourpreviousdaemonlord,’Archaonsaid

simply.‘Youwishtocollectbeasts?’‘Ido.’‘Butyoufreedthemonstersofmylord’smenagerie,’Jharkillsaid,confused.

Hewasaskilledhunterandgiftedintheprimitiveartsofcharmongery.Hewasnotmuchofathinker.Archaonforgavehimthisfailing.Thewarlorddidn’tneedthinkers.Warriorswhospenttheirtimeinthoughtratherthaninslaughterousservicewerenottobetrusted.Archaonhadfallenfoulofsuchdangersbefore.‘Youmistakeme,huntsman,’Archaontoldhim.‘Yourmasterwasa

despicabletyrantwhorevelledinthesufferingofhiscagedslaves.Ihavenosuchambitions.Irequirenopalaceormenagerietoencircleit.Iamnoliberatoreither.Themonstrousthingsoftheworldshouldnotbekeptincagesand

captivesshouldhavetheirfreedom.Freedomhasitsprice,masterhuntsman,asyouyourselfknow;thesemonstrositiesyoucatchandenslavetoyourwillshouldbefreetoserveme.Theyshouldbefreetoexercisetheirdevastatingtalents–tobutcheranddestroyastheywereborntodo–andtheyshoulddoitaspartofmygrowinghordeofbeasts.’‘Youwishmetocatchthecreaturesyousetfree?’themalformedogre

rumbled.‘Andbindthemtoyourwill,asyoucharmedthembefore,’Archaontoldhim,

‘sothatsuchmonsterscanraindowndestructiononmyenemiesatmycommand.Canyoudothisforme,huntsman?’Jharkillshoulderedhishugebowandpickeduphisshaman’sstaff,rearingto

hisfullhunchbackedheight.‘AsIam,’thecreaturesaid,‘theyshallbe.Yours,mymaster.’Archaonsmiledbehindtheleeringskullofhishornedhelm.‘Good…’hehissed.‘Itwilltakesometime,mymaster,’Jharkillwarnedhim.WithLord

Agrammon’spalaceaflameandthemenagerieatwistedruin,themonstersofthedaemon’scollectionhadfledacrosstheGatelandstotheirfreedom.‘Iwantonlythestrongest,’Archaoninstructed,‘themostsavageandtalented

oftheirkind.Myhordeisnoplacefortheweak–eveniftheyareborntomonstrosity.Ineedthingsthatcanmarchwithmybestialarmy,flyaboveitorrangeaheadofittoreportdangerstocome.Ineedgiants,thescaledserpentsofthesky,thingsfleetoffootthattrackandsavage,daemonbreedsanddestroyers,liketheabominatethingthatdidforyourformermaster.’‘Theyshallbeyourstocommand,’Jharkillassuredhim.‘Handpickprisonerlong-snoutsandhalf-breedsfrommyhordeforyour

work,’Archaontoldit,‘andtakeasmanywagonsasyouneed.Itireofthisdreadplace.Myarmymarchesoncemoreforthetopoftheworld.’‘Weareheadingnorth,mylord?’SheerianaskedasJharkillbacked

respectfullyawayfromhisnewmaster.Thesorcerer’scrackedvoicebetrayedareliefthatwasdifficulttomask.ArchaonknewthattheTzeentchianlongedforthecomplexityandsophisticationofmorecivilisedlands.Comparedtothefrozen,barbariandarknessofthesoutherncontinent,storm-rackedandswarmingwithbeastfiends,daemonsandmonsters,theNorthernWasteswerepositivelyurbane.TheShadowlandsatthetopoftheworldwereruledbymenandtheirweak-mindeddesires.Warringtribes.God-pledgedmarauders.Soul-sellingsorcerers.Warbandswithoutnumber,fightingforChaoswarriors–thegreatest

ofwhichledvastarmiesofthelostanddamnedatthepleasureoftheRuinousPowers.Itwasaplaceofpossibility,wheretheservantsoftheGreatChangercouldfullydeploytheirtalents.‘Weareheadingsouth,’Archaontoldthesorcerer.‘But,mylord–’Sheerianbegan.‘ThehordewillmarchontheGatelandsandthedaemonswhobuilttheir

palacesontherimoftheirgreatmaster’sotherworldlyrealm.Weshalltakethefighttotheseinfernalprincesandswellourrankswithrecruitsfromtheunslain.JharkillwillbringmemonstersandyouwillbeourguideaswepassthroughwhatisleftoftheGreatGate.’Archaonfelttheheadsturnacrossthecamp,earsprickandheartsleap.A

shockedSheeriantriedtofindthewords.‘Mylord,I–’‘ServeatthepleasureofArchaon,Chosenofthegods?’theChaoswarlord

said.‘Ofcourse,buttheGate–’‘Itisopen,thisGate,isitnot?’‘Yes,mylord,’thesorcerersaid.‘Itfloodstheworldwithmadnessandpower,

spillinguncheckedandunfilteredfromthemonstrousbeyond.’‘AndImeantotakemyhordethroughthatgateandinto–’Archaonbegan.‘YoumeantoentertheRealmofChaos?’Sheerianmarvelledwithhorror.‘Ido,sorcerer,’Archaonsaid.‘Andyoushallguideme.’‘Towhere,master?’Sheerianasked.‘Tothetopoftheworld,’Archaonsaid.‘TherewasaGreatGatehere.There

wasaGreatGatethere.Woulditnotbemadnessfortwosuchgateways–theonlyonesoftheirdemolishedkind–nottobeconnected?’‘Itwouldbemadness,master,’KhezulaSheeriansaid,butthesorcererwasno

longertalkingaboutdarkrealmsandtheportalsthatledtothem.‘Mylord,I’mnotsureIcanbeofservicetoyouinthismatter.’‘Youhavebeentothisplace,sorcerer,’Archaonputtohim,‘thisrealm,this

otherworldlyplanewheredreamsarereality,theDarkGodscowerandmonstrousforcesshapethemadnessaboutthem.Beforeyouweresummonedtothiswretchedflesh,youknewthisnightmarerealm.’‘Idid,mylord,’Sheeriansaid,‘andIwouldnotrecommendareturn.This

placeyouspeakofislessaplacethanafeeling,aknowing–fear,iffearhadashape.Itisastormysilenceorthedarknessofthedepths.Athingtobeexperienced.Ahorrortobelived.Ahellofever-changingtorments.A

claustrophobicvastness.Anendlessintimacy,sharedwithyournightmares.Greatintelligencesexistinthisvoid,thingsthatcameintobeingattheheartofsoul-drivenstorms.Thingsbornofdreadsanddesires.Thingsthatlongforaformoffleshinwhichtoexperiencethisworldbeyondtheirown.’‘Thingslikeyou,’Archaonaccused.‘ThingsliketheYien-Ya-Long,’Sheerianwarned,‘likeAgrammonand

Be’lakor–theshadowthathauntsyouherealready.LikethePowersofruinyouscornandserve.’‘Whenthesethings,’Archaonpressedthesorcerer,‘thingslikeyou,entermy

world–theworldthatisminetodestroy–youassumethemortalityandweaknessofflesh.Doesitnotstandtoreason…’‘TheRealmofChaosisnoplacetodemandofreason,mylord,’Sheeriansaid

fearfully.‘…thatourmortalityandthefellsoulsthatdriveuswillassumeasimilarform

onthisbenightedplane?Somethingtemporary.Somethingelse.’‘Theplaceyouspeakofisathingbeyondwords–beyondexpectations.Your

pledgesandpromiseswillhavenomeaninginanexistencebeyondyourown,’Sheeriansaid.‘Iamthecoldfirethatburnsaboutmysoul,’Archaonsaid.‘Isuspectthedark

radianceofsuchdarkneedwilllightourpath–whateverformitmighttake–inthisdreadrealm.Thefiresofmyambitionwilllightourway,sorcerer,andyouwillguideusbythatlight.’‘Mylord,Iimploreyou,’Sheerianbegged,‘Idonotknowtheway.Iknownot

ifsuchawayexists.TherearenowaysthroughtheRealmofChaos.Noonehaseverdonethisbefore.’‘Thenweshallbeboththefirst,’Archaontoldthesorcerer,‘andthelast.This

RealmofChaosandthemonstrousthingsthatinhabitit–fedbytheotherworldlypresenceofourhopes,dreamsandfears–willbenomore.IamArchaon,LordoftheEndTimes.Anendtoall.Anendtoeverythingthatdeignstoexist–inthisworldoranyother.Youwillguidemeandmyhordethroughthisinconstantrealm,sorcerer,totheremainsoftheGreatGateatthetopoftheworld,oryouwillfinduswretchedbeingsfromthatplaneofdamnationswhocan.Doyouunderstand?’‘Ido,mylord,’Sheeriantoldhismaster,andthesorcererslunkawaytodwell

ontheirdoom.Asheleft,Archaonnoticedanothermiserablecreature.Gorsthadfinally

caughtupwiththehorde.Theflagellantjangledinhischains,hischarmsandhis

head-cage,edgingtowardsthenearbyfireandtheraucousbeastfiendsgatheredaboutitlikesomeemaciatedscavenger,hopingtosnatchsomescrapofroastedmeatorthemarrowfromanabandonedbone.Archaongrunted.Gorstwouldhave,indeedhadfollowedhimtotheendsoftheworld.Hewonderedifthemadmanwouldbesoreadytodosoifhehadanyconceptionofwheretheyweregoing.Archaongotupfromthewagon,leavingGiselletohorrorsrelivedinthe

darknessbothbeneathherfursandbehindtheclosingofhereyes.ThedaemonDorghartrottedforthandArchaonclimbedupintothearmouredsaddle.Einscameforwardtoreceivehismaster’sinstructions.‘HavePrinceOgraxgetthehordeonthemove,’ArchaontoldtheSwordof

Chaos.‘Ourdoomawaitsbeyondtheinfernalpalacesofthemighty.’ArchaonturnedDorgharabout.TheChaoswarlordintendedtoleadthemonstrousarmyfromthefront.HepointedatGorst.‘Andmakesurethatwretcheatshisfillbeforewemoveon.’EinsnoddedinsilentobedienceandDorgharracedofftothesouth.SouthtowardstheGatelands.Towardsthecrowdedringofcrookedtowers,palacesanddaemonicfortressesthatthebottomoftheworldworelikeacrownabouttheamaranthineblazeofthecollapsedChaosgate.TowardstheChaoswarlord’sdestinyanddoom.

CHAPTERVIII

‘Thisisthefirstofthetellings.Thefirstnarrative.Itwasthetimeofbefore.Beforetheplaguesofverminandthewarm-bloods.Whentheworldwasyoungandthecreatorsheldtherealmsinorder.Itwasanageofpromiseandgreatworks.Thecreatorsdrewtheirpowerfromarealmimpossible.Aspiritualplaneindefianceofreason.Adarklingseathroughwhichtheywalked,apathunknowninabeyondnotoftheirmaking.Thisrealmwastroubledbymalignbeingsandthecreators’passagethroughthatrealmbecametroubledalso.Thepathwayscrumbled,andthegatewaysconnectingthisexistenceandthatcollapsed.Theknownandtheunknownmerged.Thetruepathsbecamepoisonedbythepresenceofthingsundreamedof.Abyssalforces.Falsecreators.New-borncalamities.Fearsgivenshape.’

–AstromancerTempac-Zhul,TheAnnal-InscriptionsoftheGreatCatastrophe

TheGatelands

TheSouthernWastesHornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRavening

ArchaoncouldnotclaimtohavebroughtwartotheGatelands.Theredaemonicarmiesclashed,slaughterswereundertakenandthingsdiedfortheirrancidmasterswithperpetualfervour.Thepalacesofinfernalroyaltywereinaconstantstateofbeingransackedandrebuilt.Fortresseshadbeenundersiegeforcenturies,whiletowerstoppledonlyforotherstoriselikecolossalstoneweedsfromthechurningearth.Everykindofinfernalaberrationpossibleseemedtoholdamiserablepatchofaethyr-bakedground.GreaterdaemonsoftheChaosPowershadbeenquestionablyrewardedfortheireternalservice.Daemonlordskeptmadcourtinpalatialgrandeur,whiledarkprincesfoughtfromdreadfortresses,foreverpledgedtodestructiontoearntheirinfernalheritage.CreaturesofeverydescriptionandperversityhauntedthesmokingruinsoftheGatelands,whileotherworldybeasts,half-breedsandarmiesoflesserdaemonsfoughtbattleswithoutendineffortstoearntheirmasters’attentions.Soclosetothecollapsedgateandtheroaringtorrentofunrealityblastingforth

fromtheexistentialbreach,theverynatureofnormalitywasunderconstantthreat.Thelandbeneaththeboot,thestoneandmetalofinfernalpalacesandthemaelstromoftheheavenswasinastateofmonstrousflux.Whatcouldbeseen,heard,smelt,tastedandtouchedcouldnotbetrusted.Thewarpedlandscapeaboutthepolarrift,andthenightmarisharchitecturalachievementssproutingbusilyaboutit,smearedintooneanother.Daemons,theirfortressesandthespawnhordesthatfoughtforthemdreamedawaytospectralshades.Ghostlypalacesoverlapped,existingoveroneanotherinthecrowdedmadnessoftheGatelandinterior.Daemonlordsandhellboundprincesexistinginthesameplaceatdifferenttimes,thewraith-likelambencyoftheirpresencelikeaninfernalafterthought.Bathedintheperpetualblazeofthebeyond,firesoffluxandflamewhippedthroughthecompetingcanopyofroofs,domesandtowers.Warpquakesshookthelandsaboutthedreadgate,openingupglowingfissures,swallowingarmies,shakingfortressestotheircrumblingfoundationsandcollapsingtowersinsky-rocketingplumesofdust.ArchaonrodeintotheinsanityoftheGatelandsattheheadofhisgrowing

horde.HisbestialrankshadbeenswelledbyLordAgrammon’ssurrenderingSlaaneshilong-snouts,whileJharkillwasasgoodashisbarbarianwordinrapidlyrecapturingmanysavageChaoscreaturesandmonstersformerlyhousedinthedaemonicmenagerie.TrackingthemthroughthetumultuousGatelands,

shootingthem,druggingthemwithhisevilunguentsandenslavingthemtohiswillwithprimitivecharmsandshamanicbindings,Jharkillhadfreakishtitans,monstrousspawn,wingedandwarpedserpents,chimericpredatorsandexoticabominationsobedientlyfallintoline.BeforetherottingwreckofPapaGallows’spalaceofsuffering,thestonework

squirmingwithmonstrousmaggotsandlarvaldaemons,ArchaonandJharkillthehuntsmanhappenedupononeoftheirescapedmonstrosities.Itwasapredatoryfusionofbeastsstandingoverthecarcassofsomebloatedfuryithadsnatchedoutofthesky.Thestubsofitswingsflappedwiththepurejoyofthekill,whileitsraggedmaneandsabredjawsdrippedwiththeblue-blackichorofthedownedfury.ArchaonheardthecreakofJharkill’stuskbowastheogrehookedthestring

andthecolossalshaftofthepoison-smearedarrowwithhisatrophiedlimb,whileheavingthebowawayfromhisbarrelchest.Archaonmarvelledasthehuntsmanaimedupatthebroilingskyandthedistancefromwhichthemalformedogrewasattemptingtheshot.AsArchaonwatchedthepredatortearitsdaemonicpreyapart,herecognisedthebeast.Itwasamanticore.ItwasMange,thecreaturethathadsoeffectivelyprovidedthehavocinLordAgrammon’smenageriethatenabledArchaon’sescape.Archaonlikedtheideaofhavingsuchasavagecreatureaspartofhishost,butasherememberedthecreature’smiseryinthecageandsoakeduptheflesh-tearingabandonofthewildbeast,hefeltaninterventioncreepdownonearm.ThebarbedbladeofArchaon’ssickleswordcamedowntorestonthearrowshaftreachingoutfromthebow.Pushingonthearrow,ArchaonmotionedJharkill’sbowdown.Theogrewrappedthecontorteduglinessofhisfacearoundasquintofconfusion.‘Thisoneroamsfree,’Archaonsaid.Thedecisionhadn’tbeenpromptedby

sympathyorevenasenseofloyaltybornofthecreature’soriginalsacrifice.Itwasdarkwhim.Thesamewhimthatwarpedthelandscapeaboutthem.ThesamewhimthathadcreatedtheChaoscreatureinthefirstplace.OratleastthatiswhatArchaontoldhimself.Jharkillgruntedhisunderstandingandunstrunghisarrowbeforethehuntsmanstompedoninsearchoffurthertargets.DigginghisheelsintoDorghar,Archaonmotionedthedaemonsteedon.With

hishordeoftribalhalf-breedsunitedbehindtheflayedfleshofhisbanner,agrowingmobofabominatemonstrositiesandacavalcadeofbeast-hauledwagonsandbone-craftedsiegeenginestrailingthecolossalhost,Archaonslaughteredhiswaythroughthelandsandpalacesoftheinfernalmighty.AttheBrassCitadelArchaonledhisarmytoabloodbathofavictoryagainst

Kruor’goroftheBrazenHorde–agreaterdaemonintheserviceofmightyKhorne.Forcedtokillthedaemon’sbloodletterbattlehosttotheverylastinfernalberserker,theassaultontheBrassCitadeltrappedKruor’gorinhisownpalace.ArchaonfrustratedtheBloodGod’sabominateservant.UnusuallyfortheChaoswarlord,hewouldnotmeettheSkulltakerinsinglecombat.Pummellingthegreaterdaemonwithmonstrousattacksfromhisownhordeandsiegefirefromhisboneenginesofwar,Archaonstokedthegreaterdaemon’sbottomlessiretosuchadegreethatthedreadcreatureragedintotheformofahell-fedinferno:atitanoffuryandflame.TheBrassCitadelmeltedaboutthecreature,drowningthegreatKruor’gorinaninsolentlakeofliquidmetal.Beforethecloud-piercingtoweroftheRoost,Archaon’shordewassetupon

bytheCeruleanBrood–aflockofsavageTzeentchiandaemonswhosecolossalwingsrodethecurrentsofrawmagicalpowerbleedingfromthepolarportalandintotheworld.Skeweringandsnappingupbeastfiendsfromthegroundwiththeirtwisted,snaggle-toothedbeaks,thedaemonsdroppedegg-likeorbsofdarkandexplosiveenchantmentonArchaon’shorde,theeffectofeachbeingwhimsicallydifferent.Sometimesvictimsinthevicinityofthesorcerousorb’simpactwoulderuptintheblossominghorrorofspawndom,whileatothersviolaceousflamestorethroughtheranksofthehalf-breeds.Archaonhimselfwouldhavesuccumbedtoaheaven-plummetingorbthatturnedthegroundatDorghar’sfeetintoatentacledmawofabyssalappetite,butthedaemonsteed’sreflexeswerefasterthantheappendagesshootingoutforthestallion’snightmareform.WhileArchaonhadhisownwingedmonstrositiestaketotheskyandtorchthe

feathereddaemons,hechargedaghoulishgiantofwitheredflesh,protrudingbonesandancientanimationslayingitsgreat,witheredbackagainstthefootoftheRoostandtopplingtheTzeentchiantower.ArchaonletOgraxandhisbeastfiendsdotherest,mobbingdowneddaemonsandbutcheringthesorcererinfernalsthatworkedthelibrariesoftheRoostandfoughtwiththecowardlycraftofthewitchbreed.TheFilthFortressofMortiphidustheCankeredslowedArchaon’shordedown

considerably.ThecolossalrottingcarcassoftheCankeredOnesatatopitsfat,pyramidalpalacelikeathrone.TheboominglaughofthedaemonwaseverywhereandsickenedArchaon’shalf-breedstothebottomoftheirstomachs,producinginthecreaturesoftheherdaphasedbiliousnessandvomitingthatdidnotmakeforideal,vanguardwarriors.Oozing,spilling,leakingandexcretingfromeveryorificeandstomach-gapingsore,thestinkingessenceofMortiphidus

madeitswayslowlydownthepalacetierslikelavafromavolcano.Disease-riddendaemonsbathed,played,splashedandfrolickedintheseepingterraceshallowsandriversofrottenmuckthatproceededfromthegreatuncleandaemonofNurgle.Thetiersseemedtoindicatesomekindofhierarchy,withinfestationsofminiatureCankeredOnesevolvingoutoftherollingdetritus.Archaon’sbestialhordefoundfightinginthepalacegardens–asicklyswamp

thathadgrownupoutofthefaecalfloodplainsurroundingthefortress–allbutimpossible.Noxiousgasesrisingfromtherottingmarshasphyxiated,poisonedandinfectedArchaon’shalf-breedsinequalmeasure,thosereturningfromMortiphidus’sgardenscarryingallmannerofdiseasesandhorrificafflictions.Otherswereovercomebytheswarmsoftiny,fatimpsthatrosefromtheswamplikebubblesinchurningmaelstromsofdisgust.ArchaonandhisSwordswereforcedtoleadanattackontheFilthFortress

aftersuccessiveassaultsbyOgraxtheGreatfailed.Inthesinkinggardensatthefootofthepalace–lostinastuntedforestofpetrifiedfungiandthemind-splittingstench–Archaonwasconfrontedwithdaemonicknightsemergingfromthedepths.AstheChaoswarlordandhishordepushedon,uptotheirwaistsinrancidmuck,theswampspewedforthlong-lostwarriors,cladinrust-encrustedarmourthathundredsofyearsbeforemighthaveseentheinsideofsomehellishforge.Theknightsadvancedslowlyintheirbloat-bentplateandemittedahorrible,droningshriek.AsArchaoncrashedhissickleswordthroughtheinfernalwarriorsandtook

encrustedhelmsfromshouldersinshowersofredparticles,hewassurprisedtofindnodaemonsinside.Instead,therustedknightswerewrithingwithmaggots,fatondaemonfleshandblackswarmsofbloatedinfernalflies.ItbecamesuddenlyclearwherethedroningshriekproceededfromasArchaon,hisSwordsofChaosandbeastfiendsofthehordenotonlyhadtobattletheenduring,sorcerousspiritsofthedaemonicknightsbutalsoaplagueoffliesintentoneatingthemalive.Betweenthehauntedsuitsofhell-forgedarmour,theblood-suckinghurricaneoffliesandtheswampvomitingforthanever-endinggarrisonofrustedwarriors,evenArchaonorderedaretreat.Slurpingbackthroughtheunbreathablestench,Archaonwadedpastthesinkingbodiesofblood-drainedbeastfiendssproutingthefruitsofafast-actingplague.Uponreturningtohiscampinanobsidiankeephehadcapturedfromapantheon-honouringdaemonprince,Archaononlyhadtwowordsforhishorde.‘Burnit…’Wieldingbonetorchestakenfromserpent-litbonfiresofplague-riddenbodies,

Archaon’shalf-breedsspreadoutabouttheFilthFortressanditsgardens.Theydidn’thavetoadvancefarbeforemarshgasesfromtherisingrot–thesamegasesthathadmadeitalmostimpossibletobreath–spectacularlycaughtlight.Fromtheobsidiankeep,Archaonwatchedastheoilydischargefloatingontheswampsurfacespreadtheinfernothroughthegardensandfungalforest,beforespreadingthroughthetiersofthepalace,uptheriversofrichmuckandputrefaction.Archaonsoakedupthesufferingasthefiresspreadthroughthearmyofdaemonfollowersflailingandscreamingonthepyramidalpalaceterraces.FinallytheflamesspreadtoMortiphidusitself,thecolossalcarcassofthegreatuncleanbeastgivingthefiresplentyoffuel.TheflamewrithedupaboutthegreatdaemonofNurgle.Lightingupthesky,themonstrosity’sboominglaughterstillfilledtheair–ridingonthecrackleandhissofthedaemon’sroastingrot.Itwasstilltherehourslater,makinghishalf-breedsfeelsick,asArchaonorderedthehordeonfromtheobsidiankeep.ThefurtherArchaon’sarmypushedintotheGatelandinterior,themore

insanitytheyencountered.WarpeddaemonicfuriesswarmedthroughthecloudlessblacknessofaskyinwhichthemoilingheavenshadbeenburneddrybytheelationroaringupthroughthecollapseofthemightyChaosgate.Thecreaturescircledendlesslyabouttheblazeofotherworldlyenergiesspewingintotheworld.Thespacesbetweenthepalacesgrewtighter,makingmovingthehorde,itsaccompanyingmonstersandthecavalcadeofwagonsandsiegeenginesdifficult.ThefortresswallsoftheinfernalpalacesgrewtallerandgranderintheirobscenevenerationoftheRuinousPowers.Colossal,craftedsymbolsreachedintothesilentmadnessoftheskies,castingshadowsdownonenemycourtyards,honouringthemostpowerfulofChaosgods,aswellaspantheon-praisingeight-pointstarsofruinandtherarersigilsoflesserknownpowersanddaemonprinces.Archaonandhisarmyfoundcontinualslaughterandbutcheryinthekilling

fieldsandthoroughfaresthattwistedbetweenvaultingpalaces,monstrouscitadelsandsmokingfortressruins.Bonescrunchedbeneathbootseverywheretheywent,likeanivorygravelsquelchinginabloodymire.Corpsesswungfromtherazoredcrenellationsofwalls.Bodypartsandhornedheadssatonforestsofdecorativespikes.Thoroughfares,thatwerealmostriversofgore,dammedbycorpsewallsandmassacres.Fightinghiswayovertheconcentric,polygonalwallsofastar-shapedfortthat

throughitseight-pointlayoutreveredthegloryoftheRuinousPowersunited,ArchaonandhismonstrousmobofmongrelslaidsiegetoKastagharthe

Adulant.Kastagharwasanewlyascendedprince,worshippedbydaemonicdiscipleswhowereworshippedbyotherinfernalcreatureswho,inturn,wereworshippedbyhundredsofotherhell-bornservants.ThedaemonsoftheAdulantindulgedamonasticexistenceandlivedasmasons,castlecustodiansandworshippersoftheirfellowdarkkindred,withonlythedreadKastagharallowedtoveneratethegodsofChaosdirectly.Withtheirpalliddaemonflesh,anddressedidenticallyintheirmidnightskullhelms,blackfoilskirts,urchin-spikedpauldronsandhook-knuckledgauntlets,thedarkbrotherhoodoftheAdulantlefttheirscarredchestsandbacksonshow.Archaonfoundthefraternitytobestaidanddisciplinedwarriors,holdingtheirfortandtheirownagainstthewildbutcheryofhishalf-breeds.Facetoface,ArchaonfoundKastaghartobemuchlikehimself.TheChaos

godshadbeensubtleintheirgifts,withneitherthewarlordnorthedaemonprincemonstrousinappearance.Theywereintelligent,potentwarriorswho,unlikemanysavagecreaturesofChaos,werenotwithoutdarkhumourorcivility.Eventhemultiplewallsoftheblackfortcouldnotstanduptothedecimation

wreakedupontheirstonesurfacesbyArchaon’sabominates.Giantsandmonsterssmashedthrough,allowingOgraxandhisbeastfiendstofloodthefort.ArchaonwasimpressedwiththereverenceanddisciplineofKastaghar’sbrotherhood,eachdaemonicacolytefightingexpertlyfortheleadingdiscipletheyworshipped.ThoughArchaon’slossesweregrievous,thebrotherhoodweresimplydrivenbackbeforethedelugeofhornandmusclethatstreamedinthroughthefortwallbreeches.EvenastheAdulantandArchaoncircledoneanotherwithinthestar-shaped

wallsoftheinnertempleward,thepairsharedsomedarkpleasantries.‘Whathappenedtoyourarm?’Kastagharasked.Archaonsawnopointinlying.Hisrightarmwasstrappedacrosshischest.‘It’sbroken,’thewarlordsaid,‘soIwillbedestroyingyouwithmylefttoday.

Forgiveme–Ihopeyouarenotinsulted.’‘Onthecontrary,’theAdulantsaid.‘Inconscience,Icannotkillawarrior

sportingsuchaninjury.’Kastagharstretchedthepalefleshofhisbrawnyneckfromsidetosidebeforestraininghisbackandbarechest.Hisfacewashandsomeforaninfernalprincebutscrewedupwithexertionandsickeningpain.Finallysomethingpoppedhorriblyinhischestandhisrightarmfelluselesslybyhisside.Archaonfoundthathehadlaughed,hismirthechoingaboutthewallsofthefort.KastaghartheAdulanthaddislocatedhisshoulderfor

thebattle.‘Nowwecanbothfightwithhonour,’hetoldArchaon.Amemberofthe

brotherhoodthrewhismasterastaffbearingleaf-shapedbladesofblackonbothends.Kastaghartwirledtheweaponexpertlyinthefingersofhislefthandforshow.Archaonnodded.‘Ifindhonouroverrated,darkprince,’Archaontoldhim.‘ButIthankyoufor

boththegestureandtheamusementIdidnotthinktofindinthisplace.’‘PerhapsIcanentertainyoufurtherwithawager?’‘Ilikeyou,prince,’Archaontoldhim.Itwasrefreshingtofindacreatureof

regardandwitinthemindlessviolenceandhorroroftheSouthernWastes.‘Whatdoyouhaveinmind?’‘Atrialbyblade,ofcourse,’Kastagharsaid.‘Whatelse?’Archaonagreed.‘ThisistheGatelands–theDarkGodsare

watching.’NowitwastheAdulant’sturntolaugh.‘Ilikeyoutoo,interloper,’Kastagharsaid.‘Despitewhatyouhavedonetothe

wallsofmytemple,atempletohonourallDarkGods.Youthinklittleofhonour,butyoucouldhavehadyourmonsterslevelthisunhallowedplaceandyetyouhavenot.Yourcreaturesmetmybrotherhoodbladetoblade–asyouhavemetme.’‘Isthereapointcomingsoon?’Archaonteased.‘Indeed,mydarkbrother,’Kastagharsaid,laughingoncemore.‘Single

combat:youandI–nochampions.IfIsucceedinofferingyoursoultoourgods,thenyourchampionshallleadyourhostfromthisunholyplaceandleavemybrotherhoodtocontinueintheirdarkprayers.’‘Youcarefortheseunderlingwretches?’Archaonmarvelled.‘Icarefortheirdevotions,’thedaemonprincetoldhim,‘andthedevotions

theywillinspireinothers.Forwithoutsuchdreadfaithandthespreadingofdarktruths,theRuinousPowerswouldbenomore.’‘Iseeyourpoint,’Archaonsaid,oncemoresmilingbeneathhishelm.He

imaginedhimselfridingthroughaworldofcinderandbone,withnoonelefttoworshipgodsdarkorotherwise.Heimaginedthefaith-starvedgodsofChaos,theiremaciateenergiessustainedonlybytheatrocitiesofonefellwarrior:Archaon,LordoftheEndTimes.EverchosenofChaos.DestroyeroftheDarkGods.Intheglorioustakingofhisownlife–thelastmortaltowalktheapocalypticruinoftheworld–hewouldsnuffoutthedreadPowerslikegutteringcandlesinthebreeze.Hewouldneedmorethanbestialsavagesand

monsterstoachievesuchafeat.Perhapsitwasplainperversity.Perhapshetrulyhadcometolikethedarkprince–butinthatmomentArchaondecidednottokillKastaghartheAdulant.‘Icounteryouroffer,’Archaonsaid,drawingthebarbedbladeofhissickle

sword.‘Firstbloodsettlesthevictor.Ifthebloodismine,youkeepyourfortress-templeandthecreatureswhowouldcarryouttheirdevotionswithinit.’‘Andifthebloodismine,interloper?’Kastagharsaid.‘Thenyouabandonthisdamnedplace,’Archaonsaid.‘Toyou?’theAdulantasked.‘Totheelements,’Archaontoldhim,‘unnaturalthoughtheymaybe.Youand

yourbrotherhoodjoinmeandmyhorde.Youcanbringyourdevotionswithyou.Icouldoncemoreuseamanoffaithatmyside.’KastaghartheAdulantcastagazeacrosstheranksofhissurviving

brotherhood,corralledastheywerebyArchaon’shorde,withinthewallsoftheinnertempleward.‘Ichooselifeoverdeath,’thedarkprinceannounced,walkingforth.‘Belief

overoblivion.Abrother’sloveoverloss.Let’sfight.’Kastagharcameforthwithhisbladedspear,turningitwithhiswrist.Archaon

tappedthecracked,blackstoneofthetemplewardwiththetoothedtipofhissickleswordandadvancedtomeetthedaemonprince.Kastaghar’sspearspunatArchaonwithsuddenspeedandsavagery,therotatingbladesthreateningtocutthewarlordintwo.Archaonside-steppedthedisplay,butKastagharcounteredimmediatelybyspinningthespearbeforehimlikeawheel.Archaonusedhissickleswordtoturntheweaponaside.Thenagain.Andagain.Therotatingblurofthespearstoppedsuddenlyandbecameathrustingmenace,stabbingforthwithmurderousforceanddiscipline.Archaonlurchedback,swipingthespear-pointfromitspathtowardshischest,hisgroinandhisskullfaceplate.Archaonwasimpressedwiththedarkprince’stechnique.Heseemedfluidand

graceful,backedupbyinfernalstrengthandfearlessness.Theweapontoowasalightweightthingofcraftandkillingability.EveninKastaghar’slefthand,thedarkprinceturnedit,back-slashedandjabbedwithitasthoughitwerebarelythere.Itstwinbladeswereleaf-shapedandequaltothetasksofcuttingwiththeircurvededgeorpiercingwiththeirblackpoints.Thebrotherhoodhadgatheredaroundtoshowtheirsupport.Theyprayedfortheirmasterandsportedfurtherweaponryforhimintheeventthathisspearshouldfail.AsArchaonwhippedabout,turnedandsmashedtherelentlessspinofthespearhesawtheblurofhisowngatheredhalf-breeds,whowereroaring,snortingandcallingthick-tongued

obscenities,insultsandthreatsatKastaghar.HesawOgraxtheGreatbellowinghisfury,greatstreamsofdroolwhipping

fromhisshakingjaws.TheSwordsofChaoswaitedobedientlyaspartoftheformingcircle,anticipatingfurtherorders.Readywithhandsonthehiltsofboneswords,readytobepulledfromthesheathsoffoldedwings.KhezulaSheerianwatchednearby,analmostperpetualconcernetchedintotheancient’sfeatures.Then–withgreatsurprise–hesawthemisshapenVier,standingwithGiselle.Thegirlhadleftthesolitudeofherwagonandfurs.ShehadwalkedthroughthewreckageofthefortresswallsandhadjoinedthecircletowatchArchaonfight.Herfacewasasourvoidofblankdisappointment.SuchsurprisealmostcostArchaonasthespearseareddownathimoncemore.

Archaonturnedaround,allowingthetoothedcurvatureofthesickleswordtoglanceround,absorbingtheclashofthespearheads.Archaonwhippedhiscloakandfursabouthimbutbythetimehehadturned,readytowheelthesickleswordatKastaghar,thedarkprincewasonceagainthrustingforhim.Leaningoutofathroatjabbingstroke,ArchaonlurchedimmediatelyatKastaghar.AstheAdulantbroughtthespearinclose,twirlingitoverhisheadandthenabouthistwistingbody,Archaondivedintoaheavyrollbeneathit.Withhisplatejanglingabouthim,ArchaonsweptthebarbedbladeofthesickleswordthroughKastaghar’sknees,butthedarkprincehadjumpedupoutofitspath.AsArchaon’ssickleswordcameup,Kastaghar’sspinningspearsmashedintothetoothedweapon,tearingitfromArchaon’sgrip.Archaongruntedasthehell-forgedweapon,inferiorinweightandcraftsmanship,skitteredacrossthestonefloorofthefortress-templenearby.Kastagharseemedtohesitate.Hebroughtthespearbladedownwithallthe

forcehisleftarmcouldmuster.Archaonwasn’ttherebythetimethebladesparkedoffthestoneandwasracingacrossthecircle.Duckingbeneathanopportunisticbackslashofthespear,Archaonsliddownontohisarmouredsideandsnatchedupthesickleswordasheskiddedbyacrossthesmoothstone.Kastagharwastherealmostimmediately–thedaemonprincenotonlymovingwithinfernalgraceandspeedbutalsounencumberedbyafullsuitofplate.Again,ArchaonfelttheAdulanthesitate.ThistimeKastaghardidn’tthrustorspinhisspearatallbutwaitedhonourablywhileArchaongottohisfeet.Thedarkprincewouldn’tbloodhisopponentashescrabbledaboutonhistemplefloor.Shakingouthisplateandturningthesickleswordinhisownwrist,Archaon

noddedhisappreciationtotheAdulant,whonoddedback.Theblisteringattack

thatfollowedwasnothingshortofaswordstorm,fuelledbyArchaon’sscorchedpride.Bringingtheserratedbladebackandforth,aroundandsurgingupinacurved,gut-punchingthrust,Archaonfollowedwitharhythmicsuccessionofhacksandslashes,eachmanoeuvresendingthelighterbladeatKastagharwithallthebelligerentforcehisarmandinnerturmoilcoulddrawupon.Kastaghar’sdefenceswerenolessgracefulthanhisattacks,usinghistwistingwristandsinglearmtonegateArchaon’sfuriousassault.Clutchingthespearshaftalonghisforearmtoturnasidethecleavingmotion

ofArchaon’sblade,thedaemonprincetwirledthespeararoundandabout,thebladedendsclashingthesicklesword’srelentlessattentionsaway.Archaonfoughton.AstheChaoswarlordlurchedforwardwithattackaftermurderousattack,Kastagharwasforcedtoweave,retreat,flipbackacrobaticallyandtwirlthespearbeforehiminawhirlingcircleofdeath.Archaon’sbladesimplywouldnotbestopped,however,andwithaforcethatdrewaroarfromthewarlord,Archaonchoppedthespearinhalf.Startledbytheferocityofthecounterattackandthesplinteringcrackofthe

spear,Kastaghartookseveralswiftstepsback.Archaondidnotfollow,however,allowingthedaemonprinceamomenttocatchhisbreath.Droppingthedemolishedweapon,Kastagharcalledforanotherandcaughtthechainofaflailthathadbeencasttohimacrossthecirclebyoneofthebrotherhood.Heclutchedthehandleandallowedtheblackchainoftheflailtofall.Archaoncouldseethatitsportedamodestmetalballwitheightspikedpoints,formingtheshapeoftheRuinousStaroftheircalling.Kastagharnodded,returninghisappreciation,beforesteppingforward.AsArchaonclosedoncemore,movingaboutthedarkprince,heworkedthe

serratedbladearoundwithslowturnsofthewrist–likeascorpionreadytostrike.Kastagharhadstartedtoworkhisflailwithhislefthand,expertlysendingthespikedballabouthim,occasionallyswingingthelengthoftheweaponoutatArchaon’sheadorsword.ThetwowarriorsofChaosseemedtohavethesameideaatthesametime.Closingsuddenly,Archaon’sserratedswordcameup.Kastaghar’sflailshotout.TherewastheexcruciatingsoundofmetalbeingtangledastheteethofArchaon’ssickleswordcaughtinthelinksoftheblackchainandbothspikedballandthecurvededgeoftheserratedbladebecameaknottedmess.BothArchaonandKastagharabandonedtheirweaponssimultaneously,

surgingforoneanotherwiththeirgauntlets.ThebrotherhoodandArchaon’sSwordsstoodbytothrowtheirmastersfreshweaponry,butthepairdidnotseem

interested.Latchingontooneanotherwiththeirarmouredfists,thewarlordandthedaemonprincedraggedeachotherinclose.Astheydidso,theirhelmsalmostclashed.Withagrunt,andstillholdinghisenemyclose,ArchaonbroughtuphislegandrestedthesoleofhisbootontheAdulant’schest.ArchaonkickedKastagharawaywithsuchforcethatthedarkprincewentstumblingbackattheranksofArchaon’sownfollowers.Thenthewarlordrealisedhismistake.WhileKastagharhadheldArchaonwithhisgauntlets,hehadsnaggedhim

withoneofhisknuckle-hooks,thesharpenedpointofonehookfindingitswaybetweentheplatesofhiscursedarmourandpinchingatArchaon’sflesh.AsArchaonkickedhimaway,hefeltthehooktearawayandthewarmthofblooddribbledownhischest.ItwasthemostminorofwoundsbutthedaemonprincehadindeeddrawnfirstbloodonArchaon.Archaonstoodthereandloweredhisgauntlets,whileKastaghartumbled

throughtheinnerranksofthecircle.Heregainedhisbalanceattheedgeofthering,hischestrisingandfalling.HelookedtoArchaon.ThedarkprinceknewthathehadbloodedArchaonbutwiththescratchhiddenfromviewbeneaththearmourofMorkar,nooneelsebutArchaonknewthistobethecase.Thetwochampionsregardedoneanother.Archaon’slipsformedaboutaconcessionbutthenhesawGiselle.ThegirlwasstandinginthecircleimmediatelybehindKastaghar.Archaon’sheartleaptatthedangerthegirlwasin,standingsoclosetotheAdulantwithhisclawedgauntlets–especiallyifArchaonfailedtohonourthewoundthedaemonprincehadinflicted.Withoutamuscleonherfacemoving,GisellereachedtoonesideandpulledabonedaggerfromasheathinoneofVier’sbrokenwings.ThemisshapenSwordofChaoswasassurprisedatthemovementasArchaonandtriedtoreachforthegirl’sarm,butfailed.GrabbingtheobliviousKastagharfrombehind,thegirldrewtherazorededgeofthebonebladeacrosstheAdulant’sthroat.Withasingleslice,Archaon’shopeofassimilatingKastagharandhis

brotherhoodintotheranksofthehordedied.TheydiedwithKastaghartheAdulanthimself.AsthedarkprincefellslowlytohiskneesandthebonebladetumbledfromGiselle’sbloodyredhand,thecirclewassilent.Kastaghar’skneeshitthefloorofthefortress-templebeforethedaemonprincecrashedfaceforwardintothestone.Behindhim,GisellehadawitheringgazeofblankvenomforArchaonbeforeturningintotheranksofhishorde.Archaonknewhehadtoactfast.Hebitbackasnarl.Whetheritwasmadness,

somekindofpettyrevengeorsomelove-spawnedhatred,itdidn’tmatter!The

girlhadcosthim.Therewouldbeviolence.Thebrotherhoodwouldattack,intendingtoavengetheirbelovedmasterofthedeadlygodsintheworld.Archaon’sownhordemighttearGiselletopiecesinshockedfury,knowingthatthegirldefiedtheirmaster,andherown,insuchacowardlyaction.Archaonraisedanarmouredfingerandaimeditatthebrotherhoodwhowerebeginningtobreakrankswithweaponsandtears.‘Destroythem!’heroared.Anyenmityamongthehalf-breedhordeforGiselleevaporatedasOgraxthe

Greatandthevanguardofthebestialmobbellowedandranattheacolytesofthefortress-temple.WithinmomentseverybeastfiendatArchaon’scommandwassurgingthroughthedemolishedwalls,intentonblood-eyedbutchery.AsArchaonstoodunarmedinthecentreofboththefortressandthehavocofbattle,hewatchedGisellewalkaway.ShadowedbyanuncertainVier,thegirllefttheinnerwardandclimbedupthroughtherubbleofthesmashedwall,intentonreturningtoherwagon.Archaonstoodmotionlessasthemassacreunfolded.Theremainingbrotherhoodfoughtwithskill,disciplineanddarklovefortheirfallenmaster–whohadfoughtwiththesamehimself–buttheywerenomatchfortheunleashedsavageryofArchaon’sbarbarianhorde.WithEins,ZweiandDreiformingatriangleabouthimwiththeirboneblades

drawn,Archaonfeltthedeathabouthim.Lifebloodgushedatthesky.Headsrolledacrossblackstone.Soontheinnerwardwaspuddledinred,withbodyparts,scrapsoffleshandshreddedarmourlitteringthefloor.Archaonlookedatthepurpleblazethatroaredupattheheavensfromthebreachedpolarportal,thedreadradianceinwhichtheywereallbathed.Astonecoldinfernothathidanopengatewaytothegods.HeturnedtoseeKhezulaSheerianlookingathim.Thesorcerer’sfacewasunreadablebutArchaonhadnodoubtthatSheerian’stwistedpatronwouldhavefoundthegrimspectaclethathadunfoldedinthefortamusing.

CHAPTERIX

‘Thereisbeyondthiseternityanother.Anexistenceallofitsown.Itisdarkasthemortalmindisdark,deepasthemortalheartisdeep.Thisrealmissustainedbytheself.Itisaspiritualplanemadeupofthethoughtsandfeelings,needsandbeliefsofalltheknowingraces–thehighbornandthelowthingsthatwalktheworld,withaimsofitbeingtheirown.Itgivesbackintheformofenergiesthatleakintoourworldandareharnessedbythegiftedintheformofmagicanditsmanyrefractions.Entitiesbeyondunderstandinginhabitthisdarkrealmofspiritualenergy,thisseaofsoulfire.Theyarethebehemothsandgreatmonstersofthedepths,althoughoursevenseastogetherarebutateardropinthedry,darkoceanofthebeyond.Theretheyendure,drunkonpower,bitterwithimpotence–curdlinginthemaleficnightmareoftheirownexistence.’

–CaledorDragontamer,PropheciesofDespair

TheGatelands

TheSouthernWastesHornsHarrowing:SeasonoftheRaw

AlthoughArchaon’sarmywasonlyblazingasingletrailofdestructionthroughthecrowdedcitadelsandinfernalpalacessurroundingthecollapsedChaosgate,daemonlordsandprincesthroughouttheGatelandsknewofhispresence.Ithadbeenmanyhundredsofyearssinceahalf-breedhosthadunifiedinsuchnumbersinthedarknessoftheWastestoattackthedreadpalacesofthemighty,intheGatelandsofinfernalroyalty,wheresomeofthegreatestdaemonsoftheChaosgodsruled.Whentheylearnedthatitwasaman-thingfromthenorthattheheadofthebestialhorde,ratherthanoneoftheirownsavagekind,thisinterestedthedenizensoftheGatelandsevenmore.Notanimmortal,aninfernalordiabolicalbeingcraftedofthegods–butaweaklingmortal;nothingmorethanaplaythingofthegods.Firstcamechallenges.Territorialwarnings.Assassinationattemptsby

creaturesthathadbeendreamcraftedofmurderousdesire,singularoflethalpurpose.Theunleashingoftitansthatstrodeacrosswallsandstompedtheirmonstrouswaythroughthecastlecourtyardsandpalacegroundsoftheirdaemonicfoes.Themobilisationofinfernalhosts,swarmingthroughthewretchednarrowsandbone-juttingtrailsweavingbetweenthevaultingwallsofinfernalpalaces.Lank-limbedhorrorsandfountainsofwarpingfleshthatfilledcrampedwalkwayswithluridflame.Greatfangedslugsthatrottedtheirwaythroughfortresswallsoncarpetsofplague-riddenslime.Soul-thirstyslayersofredfleshandtwistedhorn.Packsofflightlessshrikes,hunting,tearingandsavagingonallfours,wearingspikedcollarsinthefashionofeight-pointedstars.WhenArchaonandhishordeweren’tfightingtheirwaythroughmonstrosities

betweentheroyalresidencesofdaemonprincesandhellishdukes,theyweremountingassaultsonthepalacesthemselves.ThepalaceofSybariththeForgottenhadwallsthatseemednever-ending.WhenArchaonorderedanassaultonthepalacehealmostlosthalfofhishosttotheendlessdebaucheriesinside.Forgettingthemselves,andtheChaoswarlordtheyfoughtfor,half-breeds–intoxicatedbywhattheysaw–hadtobedraggedaway.SybarithseemedunawareofArchaonashestoodovertheprofanecreatureandevenasitwasslainwouldnotabandonthedelightsofdaemonflesh.Itssibling,Cybriss,ruledfromthepalacebeyond.Thepalacearchitecture

flowedwiththecurveandsuggestionofbeautifulbodies,whilethewallshad

beenmortaredwiththeundyingbodiesofthedaemon’svictims.Limbsreachingoutsuggestivelystrokedthestonesurfaceofthewallwhilefacesstaredoutfromtheirrockyprisonsinhorror.MouthswerecontortedaboutshrillscreamsbutwhatproceededfromtheslavechoruswassohorrificallybeautifulthatevenArchaonfeltcompelledtoentertheopengatesofthelip-linedbarbican.Justashewasabouttostepinside,theChaoswarlord–havingnodesiretobattlehisownbodilyneedstoslayanotherdaemonichedonist–broughthisinfernalmounttoastopanddirectedhiscurioushordearoundthemonstrouspalaceinstead.Theirjourneytookthemintoforge-fortsofironthatglowedwithfurnace-light

andcloakedtheareawiththesmokeofinfernalproduction.ThesewerethedaemonsmithiesofHak’grorfaneoftheBlackFlame–crafterofmonstrousweaponryforhisbrotherthirstersofblood.Lumberingjuggersproceededforthfromtheforgesinwhichtheyhadbeencreated:hulksofblackbrassandspikeontwolegs,bearingmightyblade-hornsontheirarmouredsnoutsandchimneysthatbelchedsmokefromthedaemonicfiresdrivingthemetalmonsters.WhenenoughofArchaon’sbeastfiendshadbeentrampledbeforethejuggers’implacableadvanceandbrutalforgehammers,theChaoswarlordunleashedhisothermonsters,whosmashedthecreationsofHak’grorfaneandhisinfernalsmithiestosmokingscrap.ArchaonfoundHak’grorfaneitself–amany-armedbeastofmetalhorns,chainandforge-scorchedflesh–tobelackinginthedeath-dealingartsofhisbrotherdaemons.ItseemedthattheBloodGodhadbestowedfavouronthemightyfiendnotfortheskullstakenbyHak’grorfanepersonallybutforthosetakencollectivelybythebrutecraftsmanshipofhishell-craftedweaponry.AfteragargantuanbattleinwhichArchaon’ssickleswordbrokeand

Hak’grorfanewieldedeveryweaponthedaemoncouldlayitsmanyclawedhandsupon,Archaonfoughthimallthewaybacktotheedgeofthesmith’shellishforgepit.Duckingbeneaththeswingingonslaughtofanumberofbladesinanumberofclenchedclaws,Archaonmanagedtounbalancetheraginghellsmithandknockitintotheliquidmetalofitsownforge.Whilethedaemonstillthrashed,roaredandreachedupoutoftheglowing,blacksteel,Archaonransackedthesmashedforge,takingforhimselfaselectionofswords,axes,spearsandhell-crafteddaggers,whichhedrapedfromDorghar’ssaddleinarmouredscabbardsandsheaths.Theresthelefttothepillagingclawsofhishalf-breedhordeastheymovedthroughtheforge-fortsandontowardstheblazingriftroaringupfromthecollapsedpolarwarpgate.

Beyondfortsfilledwithrichesandreptiliantemptressesofgoldenscalewerepalace-labyrinthsthatledtonothing.Fat,tower-crowdedcitadelsfloatedabovetheserratedskylineoncolossalray-likebehemothsthatdriftedthroughtheGatelandskies.Beneath,thereweremonstrousfortressesthatseemedalive,shakingthewarp-infusedgroundwiththeirdemolishingmovementsandcannibalisingthesurroundingpalaceswithgate-shapedmawsandportcullisteeth.Similarlytobeavoided,evenbyArchaon’sgreatbestialhorde,weretheblacktowersofthedaemonMardagg,theshadowsofwhichdrainedyearsfromthelivesofbeastfiendsfallingbeneaththem,turningsomeintowhite-furredwitheredhusks,othersintobrownedbonesandothersstillintodustonthewind.Archaonfound,uponmountingadeterminedassaultonamirror-platedpalace

neartherimofthepolarrift,thathishordehadbeenfightingthemselvesfordays–andwinning.BeyondtheillusorynightmaresofTzeentchianprince-fiends,Archaondiscoveredthatthepalacesofinfernalroyaltycouldnotbetouched–letaloneconquered.Theinnercitadelsandfortresseswerebutghostlymiragesofwarpedcastlesandtowersthatexistedinneitheroneplacenoranother.Theybelongedtotheworldoffleshandstone.Theybelongedtowarp-torturedoblivion.Theybelongedtothenothingnessofnowhere.AsDorgharcanteredon,withArchaonridinghighinthesaddle,theChosenof

theChaosgodsbecamesuddenlyawarethattherewerenodaemonicpalacesandfortifications–etherealorotherwise–beforethem.Therewereonlytheeternalfiresofruin,blazinghighintothesky,allbutblindingtheeyeandwarpingtheflesh.Whathadbeenabrilliantradiance,upclosehadanindescribableabsenceofcolour.Itwasnotmind-scaldingwhite,norsoul-devouringblack.Itrefusedtobeanycolourinbetween.Archaontriedtoholditsgazebutfailed,forastheChaoswarlordstaredinto

thefiercedepthsofthebeyond,athousandbeyondsstaredback.Hiseyestungwithitswoefulinability.Hisdarksightwasnexttouseless–themalevolenceandsmoulderingdoomthatwasArchaonwasnothinginthepresenceoftheraweffervescentabominationofChaosspillingunfilteredandunstoppableintothevictimworld.OnlytheEyeofSheeriangaveArchaonanysenseofabearing–thesorcerousjewel’sabilitiesbeingmorepowerfulthanever,fedbytheunnaturalenergiesthatbathedallwhostoodbeforetheblazingfluxofoblivion.OverwhelmedbysuchRuinousbrilliance,itssorcerousgazesearedtoanarrowbeamthroughthetumultuousclashofrealitiesbeyond.Evenwiththepowerfulartefact–oneofthetreasuresofChaos,noless–Archaonstillfeltasifhewerestandinginamidnightdesert,tryingtolightastarlessskywithasinglecandle.

Archaondidn’tknowhowlonghehadstaredintothedreaddepthsofloathsomeeternity.Hisplatefeltwarmonhisskin,despitethefactthatthewarpingradiancegaveoffnoheat.Similarly,hisbloodranhotinhisveinsandhismindfeltslow,asifheweredrunkonwhathehadseenandbottomlesswithcuriosityforwhathehadnot.Shakinghishornedhelmandsomesensethroughthemeltingthoughtsofhismind,ArchaonwilledDorghararound.Itseemedasthoughhemusthavebeenstandingbeforetherupturegateway

forsometime,sincehefoundthehornedmultitudesofhishalf-breedhordestretchingbacktowardsthepalacesofhellishroyalty.Theytoowereunnaturallycalm.Therewasnoroaring,buttingortheshakingofprimitiveweaponryattheskies.Thebeastfiendsstaredastheirwarlordhad,withthunderstruckhorrorandheart-poundingpossibilityattheunnaturalwonderbeforethem.OgraxtheGreatwasnodifferent.Jharkillthemonstroushuntsman–whohadlivedseverallifetimesinthelightoftheworld’sdoom–hadneverbeenthiscloseandhetoowasglazedofeye.TheabominationsthathehadhuntedandenslavedtoArchaon’swillhadgrowntoastillness,toweringabovethehordeandwatchingfromtheircages.TheSwordsofChaosstoodbeforetheirmaster,thepuncturedmessoftheir

wingsheldinclose,whilethesorcerer,KhezulaSheerian–theonlyoneofthemtohaveexperiencedthesoul-shatteringrealmbeyond–lookedfearfullyonattheprospectofwhathismasterwasabouttosay.OnlyGisellewasmissing,butArchaonsawthetwistedViersittingatthereinsofherbonewagon,pulledasitwasbyapairofmonstrouselkbeasts,midnightofhairlessfleshandwarpedofantler.Reachingoutwiththebeatingstorminhischest,hefeltherterror–feltthegirlhidingfromthesilentexpectationofsometerriblethingbeneathherfurs,thestabbingflutterofherownheartlikerollingthunderinhisears.Itwouldnotstophim.Notthecowardbeastsofhishorde.Nottheuneasinessofthesorcerer.Notthedreadofapuresoulhewasabouttoplungeintotheragingdepthsofabominatecorruption.Nothingwould.Nothingcould.‘Westandattheprecipiceofpossibility,’Archaoncalledacrossthehorde.As

hedidso,Sheerianturnedandobedientlysquawkedthebeastspeakofhiswordsatthehalf-breeds.Archaoncouldseethefearanduncertaintycuttingintotheirbestialfaces.TheChaoswarlordpromptedDorgharintoaspiritedtrotupanddownthefrontlineofhalf-breeds,allowingtheunspeakablefiresofdamnationtocasthiminashimmeringsilhouette.SuchwordsdidnotcomeeasilytotheChaoswarlord.Heledbyexample.Heheldthehordetogetherwithfear.Hewasnotgiventospeeches–especiallydeliveredtowretchedhalf-breeds,the

monstrousissueofbeastanddaemon.Forthefirsttimeintheirdreadunion,thecreaturesofthehordewereconfrontedbysomethingthatfilledthemwithmorefearthantheirdreadwarlordandmaster.Beforethemblazedthebeyond.Acolossalwallofwarpingflameragingupthroughthebroilingheavens,scaldingawaytheclouds,theskyandstars.Ariftthatblasteditswayoutthroughthebottomoftheworldandthreatenedtodragthemscreamingtheirmiserablelivesawaytoanynumberofhellisheternities.Theirmongrelheartsmighthavepumpedthebloodofdaemonsabouttheirbodiesbuttheirhalf-soulswereacowardlyafterthought,filledwithanimalpanicandsensorysuspicion.Archaonunderstoodthattheyneededalittlemorethanidlethreats,andtheywereidle,sinceoncehewasthroughthecollapsedgatewayandhadbecomeonewiththehowlinginfinitude,beyondtherewasnoguaranteethathewouldeverreturn.Thiswasnotapossibilityhesharedwiththehorde.‘Ourdestinyawaits,’heroaredatthem.‘Manyofyoudreadthingshave

followedmeacrossthefrozenWastesofyourhomeland.Ahomelandvast–carriedonthebacksofmountains,rackedbystormandhonedtoarazor’sedgebythefrozenwindsthatcarvethroughitswildness.Youarepartofthatwildness–butlikeallsavagethingsyoucannotbekeptprisoner…’ArchaonturnedDorgharaboutandcanteredintheotherdirection.Hethought

ofthecreatureshehadfreedfromLordAgrammon’smenagerieandtheironyofhisownpositionasslave-masterofsuchmonstrosities.‘Youcannotbeheldhostage–notevenbythisgreat,daemon-hauntedland.

Notbythefrozenexpanseofitsmightyglaciersnoritsragingrangesoffrost-shatteredpeaksandvolcanoes.Certainlynotbythedeepdarknessoftheoceanthatsurroundsit,washinguponitsicyshores.AnoceanIcrossedtobeherewithyou,tofacethetrialsoftheDarkGodstogetherandearntheirRuinousrewards.ForIcomefromalandmadeupofmanylands.Aplacefar,faraway.Forests,villages,citiesthatyoucouldbarelyimagine,allbeggingfortheflame.Kingdomsripefordestruction.Empiresunworthyoftheirexistence,awaitingoursavagedominion.Weaklingraces–ofsucculent,softflesh–whothinkthemselvessafeintheircivilisation.‘Theywilllearntheyarenotsafe.Theywilllearnofsuffering.Theywilllearn

ofdeath.YouwillteachthemandIwillleadusallintotheembraceofdoom.Atimeofending,aplaceofashanddarkness.ThereyourDarkGodswillbewaiting–toreceiveandrewardyou.Toreachsuchaplace–suchatime–youmustfollowmeacrossanotherdarkocean.Througharealmundreamedoffarbeyondthelimitsofbloodandbone.Whereonlythethunderoftheheartandthe

monstrousthoughtsofthemindholdsway.‘Intruth,Icannottellyouwhattoexpectonthisjourney.Someexperiences

defydescription.Icanonlytellyouthatitmustbedone,thatIwillventurefirstandleadusthroughthisdarknessanduncertainty,butIexpecteverysingleoneofyoutobeatmyback–asyouhavebeenthusfar.Itisatrialthatmustbeendured–liketheendlessexpanseofthelandbeneathyourhoovesorthefrostthatbitesthefleshandnumbsthespirit.‘Beforethedawnthereisthelongdarknessofnight.Beforethesweetnessof

victorythereisthebitternessofbattle,longfought.’Archaonhauledatthereinsandleanedbackinthesaddle,drawingDorghar’sspikedhoovesupasthecreaturerearedbeforethehorde.‘Iwillbewatchingyou,’Archaontoldhishalf-breeds.‘YourDarkGodswillbewatchingyou,astheyhaveneverbefore.Disappointusnotandfollowyourmasterintoeternity.ForheistheLordoftheEndTimesandEverchosenoftheChaosgods.Hecannotfail…’ArchaonturnedDorgharaboutanddughisheelsintothedaemonsteed’s

flanks.Themountthunderboltedawayfromthehorde,acceleratingintoagallopattheRuinousinfernoroaringupfromthecollapsedpolarwarpgate.BehindhimArchaoncouldheartheroarofthehorde.Hecouldhearthestampedeofhooves,thebone-creakofwagonwheelsandtheground-shakingtrudgeofenslavedmonsters.Asheclosedonthescreamingoblivionofphantasmicflame,Archaonfeltthe

worldfluxandwarpabouthim.Hetoo,fromhisbones,fromtheflutterofdoubtinhischesttotheindomitablewillthatsaturatedhisentirebeing,allbentabouttheferocious,unnaturalforceofragingunreality.ThepathDorgharwashammeringoutwithitshoovesstretchedbeforethem,reachingoutforeternity.Theworldofbeforesmearedintoanewformofexistence.WhatArchaonknewbledaway.Hisarmknewnopain.Hisfleshnocold.Hislungsnoair.Hisheartnofear.Allheknewwasthathewasscreaming.TheshriekingsoulfireoftheGatehadhim.Oblivionhadswallowedhimwhole.Theflamesofwhite-hotnothingwrithed

abouthim,purginghimofdoubt.Thetempesthowledupthroughhim,theRuinousforceofthebeyondstrippingplatefromhisbody.Itdraggedhisbonesfreeofhisfleshbeforeshatteringwhatwasleftofhiscorporalpresenceintodustandcinders.OnlytherawdarknessthatwasArchaonremained–streaming,warpingandfluxinglikeashadowcaughtinanotherworldlyhurricane.Colossalfragmentsofstone,theblackofsoul-eatingdarkness,rocketedskywardwithhim.Grit,shardsandrubblesearedupthroughtheabsentflameinaneternal

experienceoftheGreatGate’sexplosivedemise:thewarp-saturatedderelictionoftheabominatearchitecturecaughtinthecalamitousmomentofitsdestruction.UpbecamedownandnothingbecameeverythingasArchaon’smonstrous

essence–thecurdledumbraofthesoul,shotthroughwiththeliquidobsidianofapocalypticambition–wassuddenlyengulfedbytheunknowingagonyoftherift.LiketheplummetingfragmentsoftheGate,relivingthehorrorofitsreality-rendingcollapse.Swallowedbyoneofamillionmaelstrom-swirlingmawsthroughwhichthebeyondscreamedintothecertaintiesofotherrealms,Archaonknewthattheworldwasnomore.TheGatewasnomore.Hewasnomore.Then…thoughtthat…ended…When…experienced…as…hecould

experience…reduced…nothingmore…darksmear…underbellyofexistence…realms…horror…eternal…Why…hurts,thegodsit…!No…no…

CHAPTERX

‘Roads.Lives.Tales.Toallthingsanendandabeginning.’

–Anonymous

‘Ridinghardthrougheternity,thedoomofalltheworldcameforth.Bloodthirstyandarmedtotheteeth,hismonstroushost,readyforwar.

Atthefrozentopoftheworldhefoundmenoffatelikehimself–forwhomlifewasabloodyblur:anunthinking,murderoushell.

Foe.Barbarian.Invader.Hecameatthekingdomsofmen–fromnorth,south,eastandwest:danger.Testingresolve,gatheringstrength.

WiththetreasuresofChaosfound–theirinfernalpromiseassumed,hewastobechosenandcrowned–andallhelltobebrokenloose.

’TwasthedarkdaemonBe’lakor’sdamnablecallingtoperform–adreadobligationabhorred–adespiseddutynevermore.’

–NecrodomotheInsane,TheLiberCaelestior(TheCelestineBookofDivination)

CHAPTERXI

‘Tasteofoblivion,EverchosenoftheRuinousGods.Experienceyourdoomthroughdaemoneyesandcometoknowthelimitlesslightofthedarknessyouwouldextinguish.’

–Be’lakor–theDarkMaster,FirstDaemonofChaos,TheLiberCaelestior,margininscription

TheLong,DarkNightoftheAllSoulsTheRealmsofChaos

Eternitude

Adream.Justlikeadream.Archaonfoundhimselfwalking.Hecouldhearthesoftclatterofhisplate.ThejangleofDorghar’shalterchainsasheledthedaemonsteedon.Hereachedforaweaponandfoundthehiltsofseveralhell-forgedbladesinhisbelt,aswellastheshaftofahandaxeandasheatheddagger.Hebroughthisrightarmupbeforehim.Thetattersofaslingstillhungabouthisneck.Hisarmseemedasnew.Heextendedthefingersofhisgauntletandthenclenchedtheminafist.Howlonghadhebeeninthisplace?Thedullagonyofbrokenboneswasgone.Infact,hefeltnothing.Hislegs,

stridingthroughthedarkness–perhapsforaneternity–wereinsensibletostrainorfatigue.Hepulledatafinger.Twistedit.Bentitback.Nothing.Nopain.Nodiscomfort.Thistrulywasadream,Archaondecided.Anightmareinwhichheknewhewastrappedbutcouldnot,throughwillalone,wakefrom.HerememberedtheSouthernWastes.TheGatelands.Thehorde.Then

nothing.Thewarping,fluxing,roaringperversitiesofthisrealmhadpassedthroughhim.Strippedhimofbodilyafflictions,hisweaknessoftheflesh.Reducinghimdowntohisessence:astreamingdarkness,passinglikeanundercurrentthroughanoceanofothers.Aboundlessseawithinaseawithinaseawithinasea.Abottomlessabyssaswideasitwasdeep,darkwiththeenergiesthatswirled,spumedandcrashedthroughit.Aspiritualstormthroughwhichschoolsofsavageentitiesswam,predatoryconsciousnesseslayinwaitandthecolossalintensitiesofintelligencesancienttrawled,drawndownondesperatesouls.Archaoncametounderstandhimselfaspartofsuchamaelstrom,aprimordialdarknessthatwastothemortalworldastheglassyfacetofapool.Itreflectedtheworldindarkimperfectionbutremainedsuggestiveofsomethingunknownbuteverpresentbeneath.Thesurfaceseparatedtwodifferentelements.Twodifferentexperiencesofthesameworld–onethedistortedmirrorimageoftheother.Itrippledattheinsistenceofboth,thoseaboveandbelow.Itinvitedthosesoulsandentitiessoinclinedtopassthroughthereflectiveillusionofabarrierbetweensuchrealms,drawingthemonstrousfromthedepthsandthedoomedtosinkintothedarkness.Archaonknewhewasnothingmorethanstreamingshadow,coursingthrough

darkness.Atthemercyofprevailingtides.Surgingbeforestormyfronts.Draggedalongwithrapidities.Whirledintothegyresandminiaturemaelstromsofragingtempests.Twistingandsoaringthroughthestreamingpresenceofotherbeings–aethyricevils,exaltedessencesandthesearingpassageofpuredaemonicwill–Archaonfoundthedarkfireofhissoulmauled.Ithadbeentornthiswayandthatbycurrentsofrawknowing,streamsofsuffering,thedownwellingsofdoomandthecountercurrentsofcracklingambitionandfalsehope.Rings,eddies,traps,vorticesandroilingembodiments–allthreateningtoputhimfromhisendlesscourse.Hispassagethroughtheformlessnessofthechaoticabyss.Archaonfeltfamiliarhorrorsintheswirlingshadow.Thingsdrawndownon

him,followingtherisingstaroftheChaoswarlord’ssoul.Infernalcreatureshehadcrossed.Daemonshehadslain.DepravedintelligenceslikethebeastAgrammonthatslitheredandstreamedaboutthecrowdedconstellationofsouls

thatwasArchaonandhishorde.Monstrousforcesofwarping,elementaldestruction,likethedreadpresenceoftheYien-Ya-Long,thatstalkedthesoulfiretrailofArchaonandhisarmythroughoblivionlikeagreatpredatormighthuntamigratingherd.Theseseethingentities,whowantednothingmorethantoavengethemselvesfromthebeyond,ultimatelykepttheirdistance.Theyseemedcautious,asthoughothergreatforcesinthehellishstormscapeoftheaethyrhadalreadylaidclaimtoArchaon’ssoulandwerekeepingwatchovertheirproperty.Archaonfeltthewarp-scorchingpresenceofsuchprimordialandRuinousentities.Ofthingsimpossible.Ofdreadpower.Ofmyriadmalevolence.Ofpromiseseternal.Offearsindescribable.Likeoblivionsalloftheirveryown,theRuinousPowersburnedlikegreatdarkstars,exertinganinfluenceoneverydamnedpresenceandvictim-soulaboutthem.Drawingthemin.Sometimestheywouldstabilisethepathsofthemighty.Theywouldholdtheexaltedontheircoursetogreatnessanddamnation,extendingtheirmonstrousreachandinfiniteinfluencetoestablishatemporaryequilibriumbetweentheirresistibleforcesoftheirrealm-warpingpresence.Sometimestheywouldtearlivesapartbetweenthemand,likebehemothsofthedeep,filterthesoul-carnageleftinthewakeofslaughter,sufferingandthemeteoricriseofservantchampions.Severaltimes,Archaonfelttheblazeoftheirdirectattentions.Tobebeheldby

suchbeingsthroughthelookingglassstillnessofstormcentresallbutscorchedArchaonoutofexistence.Hefelthisfatefluxandwarpattheirgaze.ItwassimultaneouslythemostwonderfulandthemostdreadfulthingArchaonhadeverexperienced.Heburnedintheincomprehensionoftheirinterest.Intheexistentialchilloftheirignorance,Archaonfeltpredatoryentitiesclosebackin.Eventherehewasnotalone.Everpresentinthehavoc,inthedreadandthedarkness,Archaonfeltthecalamitousforceofhisfather.TheFirstDaemonofChaos.Watching.Waiting.Wanting.Thebittervortexofhisotherworldlypresencewasawarp-curdledandcrushingdarknessofhisownmakingandArchaoncouldfeelthedistantpullofhisaeoniandesires.AlthoughArchaonknewfromthescorchingfleshlessnessofhissoulthathe

wasnotwalkingthroughtheemptyblacknessinhisplate,withweaponsheavyonhisbeltandDorgharsnortingalongsidehim,itfelthauntinglyreal.Heunderstoodthatitwassimplythewayhisbeingcouldexperiencetheimpossibilitiesofthebeyond–themind-stabbing,flesh-shearingunrealitiesofthismonstrousrealm.Ashelookedabout,allArchaoncouldseewasthedarknessofhissoul

reflectedbackathim.Itwasagaze-devouringnothingness.Thelethalityofthe

placesaturatedhim.Lookingupwasthehorrorofanever-endingtumbleintoanabyss.Lookingdownwasthedeepestofdreads–liketreadingwaterinanoceanofpredatorycreaturesthatcouldbiteyouinhalfatanymomentordragyoutoobliviontotearyoufleshfromchunkofflesh.Lookingbehindhimcarriedwithitthesamespine-twisting,sickeningexpectationofsomehorridthingwaitingforhimtoturnbeforeitstruck.Everywhereelsewasmomentbymoment,heart-hammeringhorrorandthedreadofseeingsomethingthatcouldnotbeunseen–visionsofmindlessterrorthatcouldnotbeblinkedfromtheeye.Fearfulaspectsthatwereeverpresent,evenwhentheywerenot.Archaon’stonguesizzledwiththecoldbitternessofthevoidwhilehisnostrils

stungwiththecopperyrawnessofhisflesh–whereveritwas–beingfreshlyflayed,overandoveragain.HisearsbledwithRuinouswhispersofdarkthingsbargainingforhissoul.Theirtemptationsburnedtoresist.Theireternalentreatiestoreathimlikehooksandlinesdisappearingintothebenightment.Theshrieking.Thescreaming.Thebefriendingandthebegging.Helistenedtoeveryword,hisnervesthestringsofsomefearfullyabusedinstrument.Hefoughttheirliesandthefragilitiesofhisownsoul,unrulypartsofhimselfthatdesiredacquiescenceandanendtoalltorments.Therewerethosedaemonicentitiesprowlingtheblacknessthatdidnotcog,

whisperanddeceivebutattackedlikeambushpredators–frenziedlyseizinguponthesoulfireoftheunclaimed,thatburnedlikeabeaconinthevoid.ThingsthatpunchedthroughArchaonlikeanunstoppableevil,andwrestledhimforhissoul.Entitiesthatstruckwithfangandforce,toparalysethespiritandpoisonthepresent.Abyssalcreaturesthatfeastedontheindomitabilityofhiswill,spreadingrancidcorruptionsofthespiritthroughhisresolve,infectinghimwiththeplagueofdoubt.InfernalenigmasthatforcedArchaonbackthroughthelabyrinthinemadnessofchoicesyettobemadeastheyroastedhisresolutionsinthewarpflameoftheirunbearablepresence.Otherhorrorssimplylaunchedthemselvesfromthedarkness,goringwithouthorn,tearingwithoutclawandsnappingwithoutjaw.Suchbattlesforthesoullastedacastle-crumblingage–andlikeacastleundersiege,Archaon’sdefencesbegantocrackandtrembleunderconstantonslaught.Hecouldnotknowthathehadbeenfightingsuchravenousbeingsforalifetime.Intheslave-pitofthesoul,Archaonhadfoughtforthesurvivalofeverythingthathewasandeverwouldbe.Suchinfernalbattlesshooktheveryfabricofhisbeing.Approachingitlikeanyotherformofcombatormartialdiscipline,hehadgrownadeptatsuchinnerconflicts.Hedrovedaemonicessences,whofoughttoinhabithisown,beforehim.Sending

oneafteranotherbacktothedarknessandthedread,enjoyingthesolitudeofseveralmorelonelystepsbeforesomeothermonstrousaberrationsurgedforthwithinfernaloptimismandbottomlessgreed.Archaonriskedaglancebehindhim.Henarrowedthegazeofaneyeheknew

wasn’tthere.Heblinkedthemind-scaldingglareoftherealm’stumultuousblacknessfromhisdarksight.Concentratingthroughthecacophonyofdistractionsandthesensethatnotone,butahundreddifferentdreadintelligenceswereinturnwatchinghimthroughthedarkness,Archaonsawhishorde.TheEyeofSheerian,glowingwiththeintensityoftheotherworldyenergiesallaboutit,helpedArchaonseethroughtheinfernalvoid.CastingagazedownthespikedflanksofthedaemonsteedDorghar,Archaon

couldseeKhezulaSheerian,hisfursgatheredabouthimandeyescloudywithaRuinousglaze.TheSwordsofChaosmarchedbesidehim,thescarredmembranesoftheirwingslonghealed.ThestillfigureofVierheldthereinsofthebonewagonbehindthem,thevehicledraggedalongbyapairofmonstrousblackelks.Withinthewagon,ArchaoncouldonlyguessthetormentsorinvulnerabilitiesbeingenduredbyGiselle–herfaithmakinghereitherananathematothespiritstalkersoftherealmorasoulprizeoverwhichtobefought.OgraxtheGreatledthecolossal,windingcavalcadeofbeastfiendsthatmadeupArchaon’shalf-breedhorde,aswellaswagonsandbeast-draggedsiegeenginescraftedfrombone.Beyondthebestialmultitudes,ArchaonsawJharkillthehuntsman,the

hunchbackedogrestillclutchinghisshaman’sstaffthatjangledwithhisprimitivecharms.FollowingobedientlyinlinewerethecagedchimericpredatorsthatArchaonfavouredreleasingasafirstwaveattack,andthetwistedtitansandlumberingabominatesthathesavedasshocktroopstobreakopposingarmies.Peeringfurtherstill,aloneinthedarknesssomewaybehindthelastofJharkill’smiserablemonsters,ArchaoncouldseeGorst,stumblingthroughtheoblivion.Theflagellantdraggedhischainsbehindhimandstaredlikeawide-eyedlunaticoutthroughthebarsofhishead-cage.Allinthetrainweresilentasthegrave,frombeastfiendtomonstrositytomadman.Noonewantedtoattractanymoreattentionfromtheabyssalmurkthanthelightfromtheirwretchedhalf-soulswasalreadydoing.Thesorcererwasquietestofall.Slowing–oratleastwhatArchaonthoughtwasslowing–theChaoswarlordandhissteeddriftedinlinewiththemottledancient.Howmanytimesbeforehehaddonetheselfsamethingaskingthesamequestions,Archaoncouldnotknow.SomethingfelthauntinglyfamiliarabouttheimpulseanditoccurredtoArchaon,asithad

occurredtohimthethousandsoftimesbefore,thatthepairwereroutinelycarryingoutthesameinsanityoverandoveragain.‘Sorcerer,’Archaonsaid,drawingthetwitchofaresponsefromthedaemon.

‘Wherearewe?Yourmasterspeaks.’Sheeriandidn’tansweratfirst,thesorcererseemingtoovercome–like

Archaon–somemonstrousattempttostealhissoul.‘Mymasterneverstopsspeaking,’theTzeentchiancackledcryptically.‘Where

arewe?Whereyourdamnedpathhastakenus,mylord.Theinvisibleempire.Tothedepthsofhellseverlasting.Tothecradleofdarkness–thebirthplaceofdaemonsandthestorm-rackedsovereigntyoftheDarkGods.Everywhere.Nowhere.Anywhere.’‘Speaksanity,sorcerer,’Archaonsaid.Hewasbarelyholdingontohisown.‘Youseeksanity,’Sheerianmarvelledmaniacally,‘…in…this…place?’‘IseektheGreatNorthernGate,’Archaontoldhim,hisboldwordssounding

hollowastheywereswallowedbythedark,abyssalemptinessaboutthem.‘Iseekthemortalrealmtowhichwebelong.Iseekawayoutofthisinfernalplace.Youareathingofthisdarkness.Guideus.’‘Here,’babbledtheancient,‘there,neverwhere.Howcanadaemonofthis

worldorthenextclaimtohavebeenanywhereinaplacewithnolandmarksorfeatures?Canamanwhohasstoodonthesandyshoreknowhiswayacrossthedesertsoftheoceanbottom?Doesfeelingthebreezeonhisfaceequiphimtofindhiswaythroughallstorms?Wearelostandwearedamned,mylord.Weareslavestothedarkness.Acceptitandallowyourselftobecomeonewiththemadnessofthisplace.Eternitywillfindsomeuseforyou–eventually–asitdidme.’Thesorcerer’suselessnessappalledArchaonandtheChaoswarlordfound

himselfreachingforthehiltofhissword.KhezulaSheerianheardthehissofaweaponbeingdrawnbutthesorcererdidn’teventurntofacehislord.‘Steelisnotsteel,inthisplace,’thesorcerertoldhim.Archaonfoundhimselflookingdownatthebladehehaddrawn.Sheerianwas

right.Killinghimwouldnotachieveanything–evenifhecould.Helookedathisreflectioninthedullsteelofthehell-forgedblade.Hewasn’tevensurprisedwhenhefoundnone.InsteadthebladesawstraightthroughhimtoshowArchaontheghastlyentitiesthathademergedfromtheoblivionbehindhim.Anglingthebladearound,Archaonsawthatbyslowingandcallingoutdemandsofhissorcererhehaddrawnhundreds,perhapsthousandsofsoul-famishedentitiesdownonhimself.Asheturnedtheblade,hisheartthuddedatthe

monstrousabominationsemergingfromthedarkness.Thingsofindescribablehorrorandabyssalappetite.Archaonthoughtonthemadnessthesorcererhadspoken.Hisinabilityto

guidethemandhisinsistencethatArchaonallowhimselftobecomeonewiththemadnessoftherealm.TheChosenoftheChaosgodsknewthathehadtodosomething.Forallheknewtheyhadbeenwanderingtheaethyricexpanseofoblivionforever.Thedamnedcyclehadtobebroken.Hehadtoescapethislimitlessprisonandcastoffthechainsofeternaldamnation.HeknewhecouldnotdoitalonebuttocalluponassistancefromhisRuinoussponsorswouldprovehisunsuitabilitytobetheirchampion.HewouldbetheEverchosenofChaosexactlybecausehehadn’teverbeggedoftheirmercy.Archaonwouldstillneedaguidetofindhiswayfreeoftheirdiabolicalrealm.Liftinguphisgauntletandsword,Archaonpresentedhimselftothehordeof

daemonicentitiesswirlingandswarmingabouthiminthedarkness.‘Ashareofmysoul,’Archaonroaredatthem,thepassionandfuryofhis

announcementblazinglikeadistantcityaflamethroughthedaemon-hauntedinfernity,‘tothefellthingthatcanshowme–andthosethatbelongtome–thehelloutofthisdreadplace.’‘Master,no…’Sheeriansaid.Eins,ZweiandDreisurgedforward,reaching

forboneblades.Archaonbracedhimselfbutsomehorridthingshotoutoftheswarming

shadowswithsuchviolentforcethatitsurprisedevenhim.Likeacometofchurninghatred,theentitytrailedabloodymiasmaasitblastedintotheChaoswarlord.ThistimeArchaondidn’tfightit.Hedidn’tresist.Heallowedthethingtobeonewithhim.Foramomenthefeltparalysed.Hisgauntletopenedandhissworddropped

fromhishand,fallingthroughthedarknessathisfeet.Heremainedinthatpositionforafewmomentsmore,withhisarmsoutstretchedandchestbraced,asthoughlightningwerepassingdownhisspine.Archaon’splateburnedacrosshischestwherethemonstrousentityhadhithim.Finally,lookingdown,hefoundMorkar’sarmourfrostedwithotherworldlycrystals.Asherelaxedhescrapedatthesizzlingresiduewithanarmouredfinger.‘Mylord?’Sheerianaskedfearfully.TheSwordsofChaoshadsurrounded

him,theirweaponsfacinginwards.Nooneknewquitewhattodo.Archaonsliddownontohiskneesandhunchedover.Itwasthemostawful

sensation.Anexistencethatwasnotallhisown.Awretchedintimacyofthought.Aheartbeathorribly,fillingArchaonwithdarknessanddesiresnotjust

ofhisownbutalsoofthosebelongingtoadenizenofthedeep.Thecoreofhisbeingwassuddenlyfloodedwithviolence.Afury,hotandpurefilledhim.Aprimordialneedtoinflictharm.Otherentitieswereflyingathim.Thedaemonthathadbeatenthemtohissoulwasfightingthemonstrousevilstoprotectitsprize.BeingsthathungeredforhimtriedtoteartheentityfromArchaon’slivingessencebutthesavagebeingthathadhiminitstalonswouldnotgiveupitsinfernalterritory.Likeapackofwilddogsoveracarcass,thedaemonsfought,roaring,hissingandspittinguntilonebyonethemonstrositiesrelentedandsunkbackintothedarkness.Finallyalonewiththeentitythatnowworehissoullikeamantle,Archaon

triedtoslowthehammeringofhisheart.Thebeastthatbreathedwithhimwasastormthatwouldnotbecalmed.Archaonroaredashehadneverdonebefore.Hispainwasbeyondtheflesh.Thecreaturetoreathisverysoul.Hisexistentialagonyechoedthroughtheragingvoid,takingwithitflocksofscavengerdaemonswhofedontherichhonestyofhistorment.Hefeltthewitheringcorruptionofthethingspreadthroughwhatwasleftofhisbeing.Thedaemon’smaleficencetwistedthroughhim,turninghisveinstoraggedblackrootsandfillingthemwithaliquidobsidianfilththatpassedforblood.Asitreachedhischest,theichorstrangledhisheartwithconstrictingrage.Itscorchedtoblacknesswithinhisbody,searingandspittingwiththefuriousheatofthedaemoninsidehim.Archaon’sroarnarrowedtoascream.Monstrousclawsgrewthroughhisboots,whiletheblackboneofstabbing

dagger-liketalonsthrustoutofthetipsofhisgauntlets.Spikeseruptedfromhisspine,tearingupthroughhisplate,fursandcloaklikethedorsalfinsofanoceanpredator.Redspinesrupturedupoutofhisarmour,thecracksworkingtheirwaybetweenthemfilledwithmoltenbrassbledfrombeneath.Thecoolingmetalsteamed,formingthedamnedsigilsoftheBloodGod.Legssnappedhorriblybeneathhimashiskneesassumedthedigitigradeorientationofadaemonmonstrosity.Pushinghishelmfromhishead,Archaon’sshriekingtrailedoff.Screamingdidn’tseemenoughtoexpresstheagonyafflictinghisimaginedbodyandsoul.Sincehewasnolongersolelyincontrolofthelungsthathadbeenfillingthevoidwithhissuffering,therewaslittlehecoulddo.TheSwordsofChaosbroughtuptheirweaponsinunison,whilethesorcerer

SheeriancameforwardandpickedupArchaon’shelmet.SheerianandEinsexchangedaglanceofhelplessalarm.‘Mylord?’Sheerianasked,butthetransformationwasnotcomplete.

Throwinghisheadforward,Archaonenduredthebone-crackingagonyofaskullgrowingoutofthebackofhisown.Ashisheadelongated,twomonstroushornseruptedfromhistemples,willowingtoblackness.WhenArchaonbroughthisfaceupitwasamess.Spikespuncturingthroughthefleshhadcarvedhisfaceupintoaninfernalmask.BloodfromthewoundshadstaineditaRuinousredandanestoffangshadworkedtheirwayoutofhisjawtocreateamonstrousmaw.Aboveithiseyesburnedtocruelbrilliance.‘Archaon!’thesorcererSheeriancalled,fearingthathehadlosthismasterto

somehideousdaemonoftheabyss.Archaontriedtostandonhisnewlegs,butheaved.Vomitingforthastreamofgoreintothedarknessathisclawedfeet,thetorrentwasfollowedbyablack,blood-slicktonguethatfloppedoutofthedaggeredmawlikeadeadserpent.ThemalignpresencelookedoutfromtheChaoswarlord’safflictedflesh.ItstaredattheSwordsofChaoswiththeirboneswordsready,andthesorcererclutchingthehelmofhismaster.Archaon?thethingseethedthroughtheoblivion.Thereisnooneofthatname

here.‘Doyouhaveaname,monster?Thingthatcorruptsmyfleshandpollutesmy

soulwithitsbloodydarkness.’I…am…Z’guhl.‘Z’guhl?’Z’guhl,theSkullreaper.Z’guhloftheBrazenBrethren.Z’guhl,theLeftFistof

Khorne.Z’guhl,BlessedofBlood.Z’guhl,theCrimsonDoom.Z’guhltheDeathbringer.Z’guhl,theHeraldofAllHate.‘Youhavealtogethertoomanytitles,daemon.’Andyounoneatall,man-thing.‘Notforlong,daemon.’Aneternity,ifIsochoose–slave-soulofmine.‘TheBloodGod’sservantsprizethepresentmoment.Theyhavenotthe

patienceforeternities.Ipromisedyouashareofmysoul,youdouble-dealingfiend.I’lltormentyoufromwhatIhaveleft,bloodbeastofthevoid.Howdoyoufeelaboutsharingeternitywithme,Z’guhloftheHesitantHeart?Z’guhloftheMortalStain?Z’guhltheSoulPlagued?Askyourselfthis,monster,areyouinpossessionofmysouloramIinpossessionofyours?’Enough…‘Enough?’Enough.‘LikeIsaid–nopatience.’

Watchyourwords,mortal.‘MynameisArchaonandIamChosenoftheDarkGods–yourAlmighty

LordofWrathincluded.’Iknowwhatyouare.YouarehewhowouldbeEverchosen.Youwearhisplate

andhistreasures.YouridehissteedandbearhisMark.Youdonot,however,carrytheEverchosen’sblade.‘Hisblade…Youknowofthisblade?’Intimately,weaklingmortal.Intimately.‘Tellmewarpling,onthebloodthateverdripsfromyourdarklord’saxe,

wherecanIfindsuchablade?’Nothere,Archaon.ArchaontheLost.Archaon,theEverbroken.Archaon,Lord

ofNothing.‘Tellme,CrimsonDoom,orIwillbeyours.Ishalltearyouapart,fromthe

insideout.Yourspineshallbemysceptre,yourblackheartshallbemyorbandIshallwearyourmonstrousskullasmycrown.Hearme,goremonger.Hearme!’Hearyou…orhelpyou?‘Helpmebreakfreeofthisplace.Thisdoomofeverlastings.This

otherworldlynightofthesoul.Thisprisoneternity.Thehavoc.Thepain.Thepossibility.Helpmeorbedestroyed,wretchedthingofathousanddeaths.Thechoiceisthatsimple.’…Perhaps.Perhapswecouldhelpeachother.Ihavesoughtyouout,Archaon.

Ihavestalkedyoursoulacrosseternity’sexpanseandthroughstormsofdamnation’sire.IclaimyoursoulinsomuchasImightsetitfree.‘Whatdoyoumean,daemon?’Imeantoguideyoufromthisdreadrealm,Archaon.Imeantotakeyoutothe

Gateyouseek,wheremortalsbutcheroneanotherforourpleasureintheBattleEverlasting.‘TheGreatNorthernGate,atthetopoftheworld…’Top.Bottom.Up.Down.North.South.Thesetermshavenomeaninghere.The

Gateglowswithalightshowofsouls.ThatisallIknow.Mortalsgloriouslybringingdarknesstotheirfellowdoomed.ThebriefsparkoftheirpassingandtheinsignificanceoftheirofferingattractingthePowersofdarkness,whofeedbothoffthefaithofthefallenandtheactoftheoffering.‘HowcanItrustthemercyofablood-slakedfiend,freelygiven?’Nothingisfreelygiven,Archaon.Allindulgenceshavetheircost.Iaskfora

returniniron.‘Iniron?Youwantmetoslayforyourfellgod?’

Allmendo,althoughtheyknowitnot.No,Archaon.Iwouldputtheswordyouseekinyourhand,asmyRuinouslord’sbloodyblessingonyourendeavour.ThebladeiscalledtheSlayerofKingsandsharesitsnamewiththedreadentityboundwithinitsdaemonicsteel.‘Anacquaintanceofyours,creature?’U’zuhltheSkulltaker.U’zuhltheBloodedWanderer.U’zuhltheRightFistof

Khorne…‘Aye,abrotherinfernal.’Iamboundbybloodcovenants,liesexchangedintheBloodGod’snameand

oathsblackandancient,toseemybrass-bornebrotherfree.Sorceriesholdhim,hisinfernalinsanityandhisfuryinaprisonofhell-forgedsteel.BoundtherebythecowardVangel–VangeltheEverchosen–thesecondtobearsuchaname.Assumethesameblood-swornoathsandcovenantsasI,Archaon.IshallsendyoutotheSlayerofKingsandyoushallsendbackmybrother.YoushallpromisetofreeU’zuhltheSlayerfrommadnessandhissteelthralldom.SothathemightkillforthemightyKhorneoncemore.Totastethebloodhespillsratherthanwatchitdriptauntinglydownthewallsofhissteelprison.Towieldandnotbewielded.Totakeskullsandnotbethemereinstrumentoftheirtaking.AgreetothisonbloodthatwilloncemorebeyoursandIwilltakeyoutothegateofyourchoosing.‘Youwillteachmethedaemonicbindingsofsuchaweapon?’Iwillteachyouthesorcerythatbindsdaemontoblade,sothatyoumight

undoitandsetU’zuhltheSkulltakerfree.‘ThenIswearonthedarknessinmyblood,tosetyourinfernalbrotherat

liberty.So,Z’guhltheSkullreaper,theCrimsonDoom,theHeraldofallHateandsharerofmysoul…leadon.’

CHAPTERXII

‘DoomedpilgrimsconquerbothfoesandtheirfearsFightingnorth,heartscursedwithunhallowedjoy–

‘TiltheyheartheBattleEternalnearandforDarkGodskill,butcheranddestroy.’

–XortanFreg,LiberMalefic

TheBattleEternalTheNorthernWastesDateUnknown

ThefieryfluxofdamnationreacheduparoundArchaon.Thetonguesofwarp-fuelledflamelickedathisplateandtheflanksofthedaemonsteedDorghar.AsthemounttrudgedthroughthehellishinfernooftheNorthernGate,Archaonturnedinthesaddle.Whatoncehadbeentorturedthoughtsandthedarkdesiretobefreeofthedaemon-hauntedhellstormwasonceagainflesh.Archaonfeltthecontractionofmuscleasheturned.Hefeltthestrengthofhisbonesandthesteadythudofanindomitableheartinhischest,pumpingdoom-ladenblood

throughhisveins.Eventheshardofwyrdstonestillremainedinthesocketofhisruinedeyewiththecurseofdarksightthatwentwithit.Hisskinfeltthecoldofhisplateandhisonceshatteredarmnowpulsedwiththedarkneedtodrawaweapon.Archaondidn’tknowwhetherithadbeenthewarpingenergiesofdamnationorsimplythelengthoftimetheyhadspentintheRealmofChaos,buthisarmfeltlonghealed.Scoopingupthetatteredremainsoftheslingfromabouthisbody,theChaoswarlordtossedtheshreddedmaterialaway.Behindhimhefoundthehordeemergingfromthehellfiresthatragedbetween

onedarkplaneandanother.TheSwordsofChaoswalkedcloselybehind,withtheancientsorcererSheerianhobblingnearby.VierandGiselle’swagonheraldedatrainofothers,aswellasthebonenightmaresofsiegeengines.Beyondthem,throughtheotherworldyinferno,theEyeofSheerianallowedArchaontoseeOgraxtheGreatandthehalf-breedhordeofsouthernbeastfiendsmarchingbehindtheirchieftain.Jharkillandthegreatshadowsofhischarm-slavedbeasts,giantsandmonstrositiescouldbeseenstridingthroughthegatebehindthem.Itwashardtobelievethatbeforepassingthroughthemaelstrom-rackedportal,Archaonandthetrailingmultitudesofhisbestialarmyweremerelyatorrentofdarkness,weaving,flowingandstreamingthroughtheabominatewraithscapeofChaosandthroughenergiesoftheworldunknown.Turningback,ArchaoncaughtsightofthemonstrousZ’guhl.Thethingwas

allhorn,reddaemonfleshandhate-drippingmaw.Itseyesburnedwithlustforthebloodthathadstartedtoflowthroughthecreaturespassingit.ItwasindeedanabominatethingandArchaon’sreclaimedfleshcrawledatthethoughtofhowsuchamurderous,malevolentforcehadbeenensnaredinhissoul.AsthefierypitsofitseyesmetArchaon,theChaoswarlordfelttheghostlyintrusionofthedaemon’sthoughtsoncemore.Keepyourdarkword,manprey–asIhavekeptmine–orthelegionsofhell

willnotbeabletosaveyoufromtheBloodGod’sfury.ThepromiseburnedonthesurfaceofArchaon’stonguelikethetouchofa

daemonicbrand.ArchaongaveZ’guhlaslownodofhishornedhelm,beforeseeingtheblood-lettingdaemonspitandstampitsclawsatthepassingsorcererSheerian.Theancienthurriedon,unwillingtobethewalkingslabofmeatthatthedaemonchosetosateitsblood-hungeron.Inreality,Z’guhltheSkullreaperhadnodreaddesiretoleavetheRuinousrealmhehauntedandventurednofurtheroutofthegatewaythanhehadalreadyreached.SendingArchaontoachievethealmostimpossiblehadbeenenoughforZ’guhltohonourhisownbloodoathsandcovenantstoU’zuhltheSkulltaker,gore-favouredHeraldof

Khorne.Likethehellishgrandeurofitssoutherncounterpart,theGreatNorthernGate

wasn’tinfactagateatall.Demolishedinthesamecataclysmicevent,theblackstoneandstructureofbothcolossaledificeshadbeenblastedtooblivion.Instead,therewasonlytheopen,gapingwoundofariftbetweenthetworealms.Theflamesofoblivionroaredatthenorthernskies,whichabouttheShadowlandsoftheWasteswerenolessseething,roilingandstorm-shotthanthoseatthebottomoftheworld.TheimpossiblecoloursthatdancedaboutArchaonandhisemerginghordecombinedtoformaviolaciousinfernothatlituptheShadowlandandcastthesilhouetteofthefrozenlandscapesbeyondinanamaranthinegloom.Archaonfeltthelandflux,warpandtrembleabouttheinsanepowerpouring

outofthedemolishedgate.TheChaoswarlordhaddreamedhiswayfromfleshtothestreamingshadowofsoulfireandbacktofleshagain.TheNorthernandSouthernWasteshadbeenlongbathedintheintenseradianceofruinandwereheavilypollutedwithwarpdustandtainteddebrisfromthedevastatedgates.Travelthroughthemcarriedtheconstantdangerofcontaminationandmutation.Withstrangesimilarity,thelandsandeventheabyssalrealmbeyondthegatesmaintainedanequilibriumalloftheirown.Archaonfoundthatitwasthetumultuousinstabilityinbetweenthatcarriedthemostdangerofreward;theshimmeringmutabilityofoneexistenceintrudinguponanotherunleashedwarpingpotentialandthedarkblessingsoftheChaosgodsonArchaonandhishorde.PassingfromtheGatelandsandintothegate,therehadbeennotimetocomprehendthechangeswroughtonbothbodyandmind.MarchingoutofthewarpingfluxoftheGreatNorthernGateandintotheShadowlands,theChaoswarlordandhisarmyofbestialcreaturescametoacknowledgethepriceoftheirpassagethroughtheRealmofChaos.Thereweremanyminormutationsandbetrayalsofthefleshacrossthehorde

thatwentlargelyunnoticed.Growthsthatblossomedacrosstheskin,somebecomingthebudsofisolatedspikesandspinesofbone.Rampanciesthatspreadthroughthebody,bloomsofgristleaboutbonesandharmlesscorruptionsthatreachedthroughtheinnards.Somelimbswitheredwhileothersreceivedgrotesqueenhancements,likearmsthatrupturedwiththechitinousbladesofnewclawsorcrippledfiststhatsproutedbludgeoningnodulesofbone.Otherarmsfelloffentirelyorspawnednewappendageslikeshoulder-snappingjawsandnestsofslitheringtentacles.Muscularthirdandsometimesfourtharmsnowreachedfromglobedshoulderstoholdextraweaponry.Backsgrewhunchedand

patchesofskineruptedwithallmannerofaffliction:scales,spines,chitinousshell,falseeyes,bark-likeencrustationsandseepingsores.Otherchangesinflictedbythehorde’stimeintheRealmofChaosweremore

dramatic.Theperverse,warpingeffectsoftheirimmersionhadstrippedthehalf-breedsoftheirbestialnatures.Snoutshadreceded,hornshadwillowedandthickfurhadfallenout.Whiletheywerestilldaemon-siredfiends,theiranimalappetites,thicktonguesandthedullnessoftheirbrutemindsweregone.Thesewerebeastswhohadtransformedintomen.Manfiends,whowhilestillsmallmountainsofbarbaricmuscle,werenowthingsofhumancunningandinfernalspite–quickofmindandfleetofhoof.OgraxtheGreatwasstillanimposingwallofbrawn,wieldinghisfearfulskull-axe,butlikethehordeheled,thecreaturehadforgottenthefoetidsavageryofaformerlifeintheSouthernWastes.Whilethelowerhalfofhisbodywaslivingbrass,hispowerfullegswereengravedwithRuinoussymbols,fretworkanddecoration.Hisinfernalfeaturesandcrownofhornsmightnowhavebeendescribedasdarklyhandsomeandweretrulythoseofaprince.Itwassometimesdifficulttotellhowthechimericfusionsandmonstrositiesof

thehordehadchanged,sincetheywerealreadywarpedcarcassesofabominateaffliction.Jharkillthehuntsman,however,nolongercarriedhisshaman’sstaff,withitscrossbaranddanglingcharms.Ahugerackofblackantlershadsproutedfromtheogre’shead,proudandtwistedlikethosethatmightbelongtoamonstrousstag.Thecharmsandtokensthatheldthetitans,predatorycreaturesandchaoticabominationsofArchaon’shordeinchecknowswungfromtheforestofsnagsontheogre’santlers.TheSwordsofChaoshadchangedalso.Theirraggedwingshadlonghealed

butthedarknessoftherealmthroughwhichtheyhadtravelledhadblessedthemwithahorrifyingmutuality.Whilestillfleshandblood,Eins,Zwei,DreiandeventhemisshapenVier,werenowterrifyingwraithsofflickeringshadow,bothganglingandghastly.KhezulaSheerian’stransformationhadbeensimultaneouslystrikingandyetthemostsubtle.Whilestilldragginghisbird’sfootandbearingtheburdenofahunch,theancienthadbledawaytheyears.Hisfeaturesweresharp,hiseyescrackledwithsorcerouspowerandlustrouslengthsofstraight,blackhaircascadedfromhisformerlythreadbarescalp.Archaon’sownblessingswerenotasphysicallyobviousasthosebelongingto

hishordeorhishenchmen.EvenrollinginthearmouredsaddleofthedaemonsteedDorghar–whoseownafflictionsweremaskedbythenaturalhorrorofitsexistingtransformativepowers–Archaonfeltheavier.Whilebloodroared

throughhisveinsandhisheartthunderedwithinthecursedplateofMorkar,Archaonfeltaresilienceandsoliditybeneaththefleshthatwasnew.Theshardofwyrdstonethatwaslodgedinthesocketofhisruinedeyehadspreadwhilebathedinthewarpinginfluenceofoblivion.ThewarpstonehadthreadeditsdarknessandendurancethroughArchaon’sskullandbones.Archaonfoundthattheafflictionalsohadasecondaryeffect.Likesomekind

ofancientmenhirorastandingstoneatthecentreofsomedreadstonecircle,Archaon’smerepresenceseemedtoaffecttheenvironmentabouthim.Whereverhewent,theskiesdarkened.Thunderrolledandcloudbroiled.Lightingstormsflashedwithintheapocalypticoppressionofastormeverbreakingandbathedthelandwithaninfernalglow.Indeed,Archaonhadbroughtalittleofhellbackwithhimfromthebrinkofoblivion.Thewindstreameddustandiceabouthim.Asthegloomdarkened,theheavensrumbledandforksofhellishlightningstabbeddownfromthesky,Archaonnoddedtohimself.Hewasalivingannouncementofhisowndoom–afittingmisfortunefortheEverchosenofChaosandtheLordoftheEndTimestocome.Therewassuddenlycommotionbehindhim.TurningDorghar,Archaonfound

thatGiselle’swagonhadstopped.Thegirlhadjumpeddownfromthevehicleandwasrunningthiswayandthat.Vierhadheavedthemonstrousbeastsofburdenthathauledthewagontoastopandhadclimbeddowntoassistthegirl.AtfirstArchaonthoughtthattheSigmaritesisterwastryingtoescape.Nowthattheyhadreturnedtothenorth,perhapsshehaddelusionsoffleeingandmakingherwayhome.Hermovementsseemedpanicked,however,asshesilentlyranfromhalf-breedtohalf-breedinthehorde’sfrontrankandevenclawedatthechestofOgraxtheGreat.Themanfiendslaughedwiththecrueltyoftheirnew-foundsensibilities,while

Ograxtriedtopushthegirlaway.Shetoreatthefurstrapsofhissmallbreastplate–ahorneddaemonicskullthatsatstrappedinthecentreoftheprince’schest.ArchaonwatchedwithinterestasthegirlcollapsedbeforethehoovesofOgraxtheGreat,clawingawayhisbreastplate.Pullingthestrapsandskullback,Ograxliftedhishandtobackslapthegirl,whoseemedtobelostinamadfever.LoweringhismeatyhandasamountedArchaonapproached,hesimplyshruggedGiselleoff,whogotupandhalfcollapsedagainwhilecareeningstraightintotheflickering,blackarmsofthewraith-likeVier.AsArchaonsliddownoutofthesaddlehefoundOgraxlaughingwithhis

manfiendkindredandstrappingtheskullbackacrosshisbroadchest.AsGisellepushedawayfromthemisshapenVier,shestumbled,herfingersscratchingat

herface.ShefellintoArchaon’sarmsandtheChaoswarlordturnedheraround.Giselle’sfacewasastrickenmaskofpanic.Hereyeswererollingbackwhite.

ShewasasyoungandbeautifulasArchaonhadeverfoundherbutshehadawokeninherwagontodiscoverthattheRealmofChaoshadleftherwithagiftalso.HerfaithcouldnotprotectherfromtheRuinousPowerofhell.Whereoncetherehadbeenthinbutinvitinglips–thatatonetimeoranotherhadbeenemployedinthewhisperofprayer,curledinsadnessanddisappointment,tenderlykissingArchaon’sownorevenwrappedaroundtherarityofanoccasionalsmile–nowtherewasonlyflesh.Whilenarrownostrilsflaredandclosedwithpanicandhorrorofdiscovery,thegirl’sjawwenttoworkopeningamouththatsimplywasn’tthereanymore.TherewouldbenomoreprayerutteredinpraiseoftheGod-King.Therewouldbenomoresmiles,sadnessortheforlornburnofmeetinglipsforArchaon.Thecurseseemedcruel,evenfortheDarkGods,andArchaonheardtheirotherworldlymirthinthelaughterofOgraxandhisbrutemanfiends.ArchaonsliddownontohiskneesandheldGiselletohim.Thegirlhad

awoken,terrifiedatthechange.Shehadclawedatherface,runningfromthewagonandbeggingforhelpthatshecouldnotarticulateandwouldnotcome.Shehadpanickedand,thinkingthatshecouldnotbreathe,hadallbutblackedout.Archaonslippedhishornedhelmfromhisheadandlookeddownuponher.HetriedtocalmGiselle,soothingherandholdingher.Withthewhisperof

darksteel,Archaondrewthecurvedbladeofakrisfromhisbelt.HeallowedthepointofthebladetodriftacrossGiselle’sbodyanduptoherface.Archaondidn’tknowwhathewasgoingtodo.Usetheknifelikeabutcheronherface,togiveherbackwhatwastakenfromher?Archaon’sownlipsfixedinasnarl.Whatkindofmutilatedexistencewouldthatbe?Ifhedidn’t,thenGisellewouldalmostcertainlystarvetodeath.ArchaoncursedtheDarkGods–themonstrousPowerswhohadnotonlytakenfromtheSisteroftheImperialCrossthecomfortofherutteredprayersbutalso,fromArchaon,thedelicatedistractionofherlipsandthewordsthatmightproceedfromthem.Archaonfelttheweightofthestoneinhisbones,draggingthebladedown.He

moveditacrossher.Overthepalefleshofherneck.Acrossthesootandgrimeofherchestanddownoverherheart.Itwastimetoendit,Archaondecided.Quick.Easy.Toremovefromthembothafurtheraffliction.Gisellehadenduredenoughhorror,painandmadnesstofillahundredlifetimes.Itwastimetoreleaseherandbringtheonlyoneshe’dhadtoanend.ThekrisknifetrembledintheChaoswarlord’sgrasp.Angerbuiltinhischest.Athimself.Atdamnation.

AttheperversePowerswhowouldseethemsufferso.Hehadkilledcountlessthingsthatwalkedandcrawledbuthecouldnotbringhimselftodelivermercytoonethatheloved.Adark,twistedlovethatseemedtobecoiledabouthisheartlikeaserpent,butloveallthesame.SomethingpreciousandallbutforgotteninthelivingnightmareofArchaon’sexistence.‘Doit…’OgraxtheGreattoldhim.Archaonlookedabout.WhiletheSwords

ofChaoshauntedthegroundaboutthemwiththeirblisteringdarknessandthesorcererSheeriangavehimanunreadableglareonsharp,uncaringfeatures,OgraxwasalmostfoamingatthemouthwithhisBloodGod’slustforslaughter.AlthoughthefiendishprincewasstaringatArchaonholdingtheknifeoverGiselle’sheart,whathewasliving–overandover–wastheplungeofthekrisintothegoryexposureofablade-mulchedchest.Archaon’stremblingbladebegantorattleinhisgauntlet.Injusticefilledhim

withthedarkpromiseoffury.HeturnedthebladesuddenlyaboutandpointeditatOgraxtheGreat–manfiend,butchererandsouthernprince.‘Ithinktosavemysteelforyou,’hetoldOgrax,beforetossingthebladeinto

thefrozenearth,whereitthuddeduptoitshilt.ArchaonpulledGiselletohimandinsteadoflayingakisswherenonecouldbereceived,triedtosaveher.Enclosinghertinynosewithhismouth,hebreathedforher–fillingherpanic-strickenlungswithairthemindlesshorroroftheexperiencehaddeniedher.Pullingaway,theChaoswarlordfeltherbreatheforherself.Hernostrilsflaredandcontractedtoslitsasshebreathed.Risingchestbyrisingchestshecalmed,thenightmarishdisappearanceofhermouthaccepted,alongwiththerealitythatshecouldbreathe.Thegirlcouldonlyspeakwithhereyes.Theyhadreturnedandwerewetwithdread,accusationandrelief.‘Iknow,’Archaonmumbled.Heleantforwardandkissedherontheforehead.‘We’llworkitout.Allispossible.Wehavealreadyprovedthat.’Pickingherup,ArchaonbargedpastagloweringOgraxbeforesettlingGiselle

backtosleepinherwagon.OrderingKhezulaSheeriantostaywithher,heclimbedbackupintothesaddle,promptingViertodothesamewithhiswagon.ThedaemonsteedDorgharsnorted,nomoreimpressedbythespectaclethanOgraxhadbeen.Savagelyjabbingtheheelsofhisbootsintothecreature’sinfernalflesh,ArchaonurgedthebeastonandledhismonstroushordeoutoftheNorthernGateandintotheslaughteroftheShadowlandsbeyond.Astheglareoftheriftflamesubsided,Archaonwasgrantedhisfirstclearsight

oftheNorthernWastes.Ithadbeenmanyyearssincehehadfirstsetfootthere.Fleeingtowardshisfate,hehadleftthecivilisedlandsoftheEmpireandhislife

asatemplarofSigmarbehind.Hehadexchangedalifehalflived,anunlovinggodandaworldstrangledbycorruptionandcontradictionforthedirefreedomofthenorth.Hehadembracedgodswhocaredevenlesssothathemightdestroythem,andlivedhislifeasasavage–awarrioroftheWastes–sothathemightonedayreturntotheglowingashesoftheEmpirethearchitectoftheworld’send.Inallofhistimeasawanderingmadman,amarauderandwarriorofChaos–leadingbandsofothersoulsintodamnation–hehadnevertravelledthisfarnorth.HehadnevercrossedtheShadowlands.Hehadneverbathedinthebalelightoftherupturedgate,thefiresofdoomthatcrownedtheworld.TheShadowlandsaboutthegatewereeverythinghehadimaginedthemtobe.

TheNorthernWasteswerenotassavageasthesouthernlandsfromwhichhehaddeparted.Thesoutherncontinentwasswarmingwithbestialbarbarians.Itwashauntedbydaemonsandfiends.Itsstormsrentbothlandandiceapartwhilethelimb-shearingcold,whichwoulddescendonamonstrouswhim,couldkillinseconds.TheNorthernWasteswerenolesslethal,butArchaonadmiredtheirsubtlety.Beastsandlowlydaemonslackedtheimaginationtoinfluencetheprimordialchaosofthelandscapeaboutthem.TheNorthernWasteswerethehellishdomainoflostmen,however.Doomedindividualswhowerenotlackinginthedesires,perversionsandneedsrequiredtofeedtheafflictedlandwithsuggestion–toinspirethewarpingcurrentsthatsweptsouthfromtheruinedgatewiththeirbloodlust,ambitionanddeviance.Herethelandwasalawuntoitself,dreamingitselfupintoafrenzyofforeverchangingforms.Stormswereeverythingandnothing–withgalesthatmighthowlsweetvisionsthroughyourbeingonemomentandthencoatyouinrancidacidthenext.Thecoldlackedthesavageelementalpunchofthesoutherncontinentbutwasjustaslikelytocreepintoyourfurslikeaserpentandstopyourheart,asclaimfrostbittenfingersandtoes.Here,inthewine-stainedgloomoftheShadowlands,Archaonfoundhimself

beforetheBattleEternal.Acycleofnever-endingdeathanddestruction.Thedoomatthetopoftheworld.ArchaonhadknownwarriorsofChaoswhohadsearchedalifetimetofindtheBattleEternal.PilgrimsofdarkfaithwhohadbecomelostinthemadnessoftheWastesandhadneverbreachedtheinnernightmareoftheShadowlands.Exaltedwarlords,withsmallarmiesoffellfollowers,whohadbeenshoweredwiththewarpinggiftsoftheDarkGodsbutforwhomspawndomwaited.WhereastheRuinouswhisperoftheChaosWastesdrewman,beastandthelostoftheelderracesnorthwiththepromiseofmore,thosethatbravedthemurderandmadnesseventuallycametoseeksomehigher

formofrealisation.ForArchaonthatpathhadalreadybeenlaid,assimilarpathshadextendedbeforealloftheEverchosenchampionsofChaoswhoprecededhim.Forthoseunblessedwithapocalypticdestinyorsomeothercursedfate,theBattleEternalcalled.Anirresistibleforcepullingatallwhohadbeenontheroadtodamnationlongenoughorwhohadimpressedtheirdreadpatronswithraredeedsofdarkness.Marauderchieftains.Bestialwarlords.Truthseekingwitchbreeds.Knightsofruin.TheexaltedwarriorsofChaos,seekingsolaceinslaughter.ThosechosentofindtheBattleEternal–thosethatdidnotlosetheirwayto

bladeorabstraction–allfoundthesame.InthemutablemadnessoftheWastes,theBattleEternalremainedaconstant.Forthedarktrials,thestruggle,slaughterandfurywereforever.Stumbling,halfmadfromthestormandperversityoftheShadowlands,thewarriorsofChaos,cladintheirblood-stainedplate,feastedtheireyesonavisionfromtheirdarkestdreams.Thousandsuponthousandsuponthousandsofmonstrousmen,likethemselves–fightingforthegloryoftheirpatronPower,fightingfortheRuinousPantheon,fightingforthemselves.Hacking.Skewering.Skull-cracking.Piercingwitharrowandbow.Burningwiththecoldenergiesdrawnfromanotherworldyrealm.Bludgeoningwithclub,rockorhand.Savaging,withmouthandclaw.TheydesiredthedecimatingattentionsoftheirDarkGods.Theyknewthey

werewatching.Drawingtheirweaponstheybecamepartoftheperpetualhavocoftheplace–asallothershadbefore.Sacrificesweredemanded.ThewarriorsofChaosofferedthemselvesandasmanysoulsastheycouldstealfromenemyPowers,carvingthepathtoagloriousdeathonthebattlefieldofallbattlefields.Theydidthisinakindofhope.HopethattheirRuinousPatronwouldseesuchasacrifice.Hopethattheymayberewardedforthedarknesstheyhadbroughttotheworld.Hopethattheymightserveon–indaemonhood–andbecomemorethantheyhadeverbeen.Archaongrunted.Thesemen,thesebeasts,thesetwistedsoulswerefools.Damnedanddeludedfools.ThedaemonsteedDorgharsteppedoutintotheslush.Thebattlefieldstretched

asfarastheeyecouldsee.Theslaughterwaslikeanamorphousblobofclatteringplate,singingbladesandfountaininggore.Itwaspure,cacophonoushavoc.Helmsbobbingandweaving.Bannersheldhigh.Thebladesofswordscuttingthroughthegelidairofthenorth.Theshaftsofspearsreared.Shieldsshatteringbeforethedevastatingonslaughtofhate-heavedweaponry.Thelight-smearoftorchesclutchedinthegloom.Thecloudsofexertion,mistingawayonthewind.Warcriesscreamedtothesky.Roaringdeterminations.Thecriesofthe

wounded.Theshrieksofthesoontobedead.Theicewasafilth-percolatingslush,stainedredwiththeincessantslaughter,

bodypartsandconstantcorpsessplashingdownintothesteamingsludge.Inplaceshollowshadformedthatpooledwithblood,inwhichthewarriorsofChaosfought,thighdeep.Wheretheheatofgatheringgore,bloodandfreshdeathwasn’tmeltingtheice,thewhiteofthefreezewasbesmirchedwithrustfromtheveritablecarpetofplateandarmour.ArmourbelongingtoChaoswarriorswhosejourneytodaemonicascensionhadendedintherabid,scramblingslaughteroftheBattleEternal.Therewerebodiesalso.Thebutchered.Theunworthy.Thewarriorvictims,whoseice-whitecadaversstaredupthroughtheiceorwhosecreakinglimbswerefrozeninplace,reachingoutofthecorpse-stompedslush,mummifiedbythedeepcold.Itwasacrossthismacabre,blood-loggedplain,clamberingoverthefrosted

moundsandridgesofthefreshlyfallenthatthebloodshedanddesperationunfolded.WarriorsofChaosstabbed,smashedanddecapitated,onlytoturnandfindanotherarmouredfoe,lurchingoutofasimilarvictory.Bothwouldintimelayslaininthewakeofsomegreaterchampion–amanbearinggreaterfavouranddeterminationuntilhetoowouldfalltotheluckystrikeorback-stabbingcowardiceofsomenothingofaman.Theinsanitywenton,asitalwayshad.‘Banner,’Archaoncalled.Amanfiendcameforward.Acomelyyouththathad

oncebeenalong-snoutintheemployofthedaemonlordAgrammon–muscularandbearingthebudsofsmallhorns.Heheldthebannerproudlytothesky,pronouncinghiswarlord’sintentiontojointhebattle.Theflayedfleshflappedinthewind.ArchaonhadnoactualintentionofjoiningtheBattleEternal.Itsleaguesofmadness,surroundingthepolargateasitdid,weresimplyinhisway.UnlikeeveryotherRuinouswarrioronthebattlefield,Archaon’sdestinywastakinghimsouth.‘Protectthewagons,’hecalledbacksavagely,hisordersrelayedthroughthe

ranksofthehorde.‘Defendthesiegeengines.Makesureyoudon’tgetboggeddownorisolated.Scavengewhatyoucan:armour,shields,weaponry.Exchangefurforplate,boneforsteel–forthisisthearmouryofalltheworld.Passtheword.HaveJharkillunleashhisbeaststoclearusapath.Hismonsterstocreatecalamityatourflanks.Tothehordetherest!’Archaonheardthethunderouscheerofbloodthirstymanfiends.Trappedinthe

wraithscapeofthebeyondforwhatcouldhavebeenawretchedeternity,Archaon’shordecouldnotwaittobepartofthehorrorofbattleoncemore.Thetopoftheworldwouldcertainlyaffordthemsuchanopportunity,Archaon

mused.Asthejubilantroarofslaughter-happyfiendsshatteredthestillairofthebattlefield,helmswereturned.Chaoswarriorswhohadspentmanyexhaustedhoursfightingtheirwaythroughthemorassofbodiesandclashingplatewerenowconfrontedwithanewchallenge.HavingslaughteredtheirwaythroughaseaofRuinouswarriors,warbands,tribalhordesandsmallarmies,theexaltedwarriorsofdarknessnowfacedtheprospectoffightinganentirelynewhost.Amonstroushordethatwasmarchingthroughthefiresofdoomandstraightoutofthegatesofhellatthem.‘Wearenothereinsearchoffavour.Wearenothereinsearchofreward.We

havebeenblessedbythedarknessandwefightasone.Deathtotheweak.Newpurposeandaplaceinourrankstothestrong.’Archaonpulledabroad-bladedaxeofhell-forgedcraftsmanshipfromhisbeltandraisedtheheavyweapon.‘IamArchaon,’theChaoswarlordannouncedtothecarnageandconfusionoftheBattleEternal.‘ChosenoftheChaosgods.Walkerofworlds.HeraldoftheEnd.AndIbringyouyourdoom.’TheiceeithersideofArchaonsuddenlybecameablur.Jharkillhadopenedthe

cagesandunleashedthehorde’spackofchimericbeasts.Likeatorrentoffur,wingandsnappingjaws,theemaciatedfusionsofmonstrousbeastssurgedpast.Thestreamofsavagerysmashedstraightintotheshockedwarriorsonthebattlefield,who–exhaustedandbarelyabletoraisetheirweaponstodefendthemselvesagainstsimilarlyspentfoes–werenowbarrelledtothegroundbymisshapenpredators.Thecreaturesclawedplatefromsavagedscarredbodies,beforethrashingtheragdollcorpsesoftheunfortunatewarriorsfromsidetoside.Droppingthedead,thechimericnightmaresleaptattheirnextvictim.Withthesurgingadvanceoftheemaciatedpredatorsslowedbysuchshreddingbutchery,thewingednightmaresofArchaon’shordeswoopedovertheRuinouswarlord’shead.Cuttingdownthroughthestreamingiceandgloom,beastsofscale,featherand

skinstretchedbetweentwistedbonebeattheirwings.Cominginlowoverthechimerickillersandtheircarnage,theairbornemonstrositiespluckedarmouredwarlordsfromstumblingsteeds.TheyskeweredChaoswarriorsfromtheiceonsingletusksandtwistedhornsbeforeshootingfortheskiestodevourtheirprey.Theystreamedflameattheclashingmobs,turningcolumnsofdoom-pledgedpilgrimsintothrashinginfernos,whoshriekedthroughthebattlefieldconfusion,settingalightthefursandcloaksofnearbychampions.Asthehorde’scomplementofwarp-spawnedcreaturescarvedapaththrough

thehavoc,ArchaonurgedDorgharon,thedaemonsteedamblingthroughthe

carnage.Aswellasthesavagedslavestodarknessthatthechimerapackleftinitswake,tightthrongsofblood-splatteredwarriorsstumbledthroughtheslushandawayfromthebeasts,clearingthewayforArchaon’shorde.Rollinginthearmouredsaddle,however,themonstrousmagnificenceofhismount,theinfernalcraftsmanshipofhisancientplateandthebannerthatbobbedabovehisheaddrewtheRuinouschampionsdownonArchaon.VeteranwarriorsofChaos,whohadspentthelostandbloodyyearsoftheirlivesseekingoutfoeswhofoughtforenemygodssothattheymightdrawsomefavourfromtheirownmiserabledeity.Themoredeadlyandinfamoustheopponent,thegreaterthegloryintheeyesoftheDarkGods.ItwasasimpleandmercilessconstantintheWastes,whichpurgedtheunworthyandforgedfromthedrossofdamnationthemostdevastatingofwarriors.Maraudersavages,beastlords,altereds,twistedsorcerersandexaltedchampionsdressedfromheadtotoeinfoetid,baroquefinery.AllsurgedforArchaonfromtheflanksofthechimericslaughter.Stumblingoverthefreshlysavaged,doomedwarriorsweredrawntoArchaonlikemothstothefuriousflameofatorchinthedarkness.Ridingtallonhisdaemonicbeast–cruel,supremelyconfidentandreekingof

infernalfavour–ArchaonwasaRuinousaltaroffleshandhell-forgedsteeluponwhichlessermensacrificedthemselves.Withthefrostofoblivionstillsparklingonthebatteredbrillianceofhisdunplate,theveterandoomedoftheBattleEternalsawbothblessedreleaseandinfernalsalvationsinthedarkwonderthatwasArchaon.Ridingoutofthegatesofhellwithanabominatehordeathisback,deckedinthefilth-treasuresofChaos,heimmediatelystruckthemasworthy.Worthyoftheirdeath.Worthyofalife,giveninserviceofthedoomArchaonpromisedtobringtotheworld.AsArchaonleanedleftandright,haulingthedaemonDorghararound,he

felledthegreatwarriorsofChaosabouthimwithsingle,manglingstrikesofhisaxe.Smashingstraightthroughbattle-brittleshieldsandblades,Archaoncleaveddownthroughhisarmouredopponents,hisaxecrashingdownthroughfell-heartedrivalsandspinninggore-spirallingheadsfromdamnedshoulders.Hewasadreadsighttobehold.Withsavagebeastsconsecratingthefrozengroundbeforehimwithslaughter,abattle-hungryhordeofscavengingmanfiendsbutcheringinhiswakeandmonstrositiescreatingblood-mistingcarnageathisflanks,Archaon’sprogressthroughthewarriors,warbandsandunhallowedarmiesoftheBattleEternalbecameirresistible.Likeagreatshipploughingthroughaseaoficeandbobbingbodies,Archaondrovethewarriormultitudesbeforehim,theswellofadmirationandfearpartingapaththroughthemassacre.

‘Archaon!’heroaredtotheskies.‘Archaon!’Itwasanannouncement.Itwasawarning.Itwasachallenge.Thenithappened.Dark-armouredwarriors–somedrapedinfilthyfurs,some

janglingwithskullsandchains,somewearinggreathornedhelmsandotherssportingplateofblood-stainedspike–turnedfromtheadvancinghorde.Whetheritwasaformofprimordialsubmission,thedarkinspirationofmenstilldevotedtoadoomedpathorthemind-shearingwhisperofDarkGods,Archaonheardhisnameeruptfromfoeswhoweremomentsfromthewelcomeofhisaxe.‘Archaon!’Hisnamespreadlikeaplaguethroughtheblood,thunderandfatigueofthe

BattleEternal.Menandbeastswhomomentsbeforehadswungtheirnotchedweaponryinexhaustionandtheirownbelief,turnedtohackwarriorunfortunatesoutofArchaon’spath.‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’Hisnamebecamearallyingcall,utteredinaplethoraofaccents,fordread

warriorswhoseplateandthebannersbobbingabovetheirwarbandadvertisedtheirallegiancetodaemonprincesandthedifferentgodsoftheChaosPantheon.Some,likeArchaon,foughtforthepantheoninallitsglory.Somefoughtforlies.Somefoughtsolelyforthemselvesandthecorruptionofcalamitiesthathadtransformedthenobilityofformerlives.OthersstillborethesymbolsofdarkentitiesthatevenArchaon–havingslaughteredhiswayacrosstheglobe–couldnotidentify.TheyturnedinadvanceofthecrestofgorerollingbeforeArchaon’saxe.Beforethebone-shattering,body-breakingcarnageofhismonstersandthefuryofhisfiendfollowers,whostepbyscavengingstep,lootedthebattlefielddead.Nomorewasthehordearabbleofsouthernbare-chestedbarbarians,cladin

cannibalfursandskins,wieldingthesharpenedbonesoftheconquered.Thefiendsbaptisedtheirmanfleshwithcoldsteel,pluckedfromthedeadandtheslush:scrapsofmail,batteredbreastplates,spikedpauldrons,RuinousStar-bearingshields,theclinker-plateofarmouredboots,helmsofhornandfearsomefaceplate.Theirgore-splatteredclawsweredrawntothewonderofforgedweaponrythatlaychill,blood-stainedandrustingintheslush.Someweredrawntothesavageostentationofbruteequivalentstotheirownbludgeoningweaponry:greatserratedaxes,pikes,spikedflailsandtheheftofmonstroushammers.Otherscouldn’tresisttherelativecraftsmanshipofbladesthathad

foundtheirwaytherefromallcornersoftheworld.Inthehandsofthehorde,allkilledwithequalprejudiceandindiscriminatebutchery.‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’TheChaoswarlordheardthechorusofhisnamemovethroughthecarnageof

battle.Itroseabovethescreamsoftheslaughteredandtheringingclashofdesperateblades.Foreverytenunworthytribalchampions,alteredhulks,sorcery-streamingwitch-warriorsanddarkknightsofdoomfelled,Archaonaddedanarmouredaxeman,someblack-heartedbestialchieftainorbroadswordswinginglordofChaostohisnumber.Likealineofreapersmovingthroughafieldofwheat,Archaonandhisgrowinghordefelledtheunworthy.Onlythestrongest,themostcommittedanddoom-hungryofthegods’championssurvivedtheonslaughtofArchaon’shorde.Menandmonsterswhohadstriddenthroughflamestreamingfromtheskies.Whohadsurvivedchimericpredatorslaunchingthemselvesfromfreshlysavagedfoes.Whohadwalkedawayfromtheapocalypticdevastationofflesh-smearedgiants.WhohadfoughtclearofPrinceOgrax’sfiendmobandhadslaintheirwaythroughotherwarriorsofChaoswhohadachievedthesame.TheBattleEternalwasahellishvisionofviolenceandbrutality.Thesoundof

clashingblades,deathcriesandbombastrangintheear.Thestingofthecoldmadewayforthestenchofoldrot.OnhislipsArchaoncouldtastecopperfromthemistofbloodintheair.Hismindandmusclesachedwiththeurgencyofmurder,carriedoutwithbone-achingforceanddetermination.AllArchaoncouldseewasthebluroffuriousattacksstreamingbyasheurgedDorgharbacktotheforefrontofthebattle-partingassault,whereChaoswarriorspledgedtoArchaon’sflayedbanneronlyminutesbeforeweremakingprogress.Asheledhisarmythroughthehavoc–killingtheweakandrecruitingthe

strongtohisbanner–Archaonwasgrantedaviewofwhathehadachieved.Hisdarksightwasmerelyascrambleofwretchedsoulsclashingformilesaround,whilehisgoodeyestruggledtopeerthroughthestorm-streaminggloomaheadortheintenseblazeoftheNorthernGate,whichthreweverythingbeforeitintoanamorphoussilhouette.TheEyeofSheerianburnedabovethesocket-slitsofhishelm,however,revealingtoArchaonthedevastationhehadcaused.Likeacolossalwedge,Archaon’shordehadchargedoutoftheRuinousfiresofthe

GreatGateandintothehavocofnever-endingbattle.Behind,Archaoncouldseethesteaming,bloodyexpanseoffast-freezing

bodiesPrinceOgrax’smanfiendshadleftbehind.Cladinrealmailandplate,whilewieldingforgedweaponryofsteelandstrength,thehordehadprovedmoredevastatingthanever.Archaonwatchedbrokencorpsessailacrosstheheadsofthemanfiends.AbominategiantsandwarpedtitansunderJharkill’sinfluencesweptandsmashedenemiesintotheairwithcolossalboneclubsandtheflickofmonstroushorn-crownedheads.TheairbornenightmaresofthehordetoreChaoswarriorsfromtheirmounting

assaultontheflanks,beatingtheirwingsfortheskybeforedroppingthearmouredchampionstotheirdeaths.Wingedserpentsandmutantmonstrositiessoaredalongthesameflanks,layingdownstreamsofflamethatcookedblood-swornknightsintheirplateastheicebeneaththeirbootsturnedtoshallowsthatswallowedtheirsplashingbodies.ThosewarriorsofChaosthatdidreachthemanfiendsbeyondthemeltwaterandtheflameshadotherthingstoworryabout.AstheycarvedintoArchaon’shalf-breeds,thechimeras,warhoundsandemaciatedpredatorsthathadbeenunleashedfromthecagesnowprowledthecrowdedflanks–theirlithe,skeletalbodiesheldclosetotheground.Theonlyevidencethattheywereevenpresentonthefieldofbattleweretheunmanlyshrieksandsuddendisappearancesofbeastmenandmarauderswho,momentsbefore,weretherefightingnexttotheirRuinouslordsandwho,momentsafter,weregore-splattersinthesnow.Archaonhadachievedmorethanjusttheslayingofenemywarlordsandthe

Ruinousfollowersthatfoughtforthem.ThatwasthepurposeineveryotherservantoftheChaosPantheonfightingbeforetheNorthernGate.TheEyeofSheerianshowedhimthatthewedgeofArchaon’shorde–includingthefreshlyrecruitedandgrowingarmyofChaoswarriorsanddoom-destinedchampionsthatfoughtwithhimatthedrivingpointofthepath-carvingassault–hadactuallydisruptedtheBattleEternal.Itwasbreakingup.Archaonallowedhimselfacrookedsmileandagruntofderision.Trulyonly

theEverchosenofChaoscouldcausesuchawonder.OnlytheLordoftheEndTimescouldbringthegreatestRuinouswarriorsintheworld,partakinginthegreatestbattleintheworld,underhisbannerasone.Archaonsuddenlycursed–hisdaemonsteedandhimself–asDorgharlurched

around,nearlyknockinghimfromthesaddle.Likeastupefiedfoolhehadallowedhimselftobedistractedinthemiddleofthebattlehewasthreateningtoend.

Dorgharrearedandsnorted.Dun-armouredknightswhohadbeensplashingthroughtheredslushtorallybehindArchaonnowpartedtorevealthewielderofamonstrousmace.AnabominatechampionofNurglestompedforwards,makingfountainsof

curdlingmeltwatersplatterupaboutthedimensionsofitsgrotesqueform.Likeasmallmountainofrancidfat,itsbarepox-riddledbellypokedoutfromitsfilthyleper’sshawls.Therustedplatethatbarelyfittedaroundthetrunksofitslegssquealedforoillikeatorturedchild.Thecorrodedshellsofpauldronssatonitsgreatglobedshoulders,whileatinyheadsatinsidethebeaked,metalmaskofaplaguedoctor.Thecrudeinstrumentsofthechampion’sformercalling–saws,pincersandlancets–jangledonthebeltofitsbrownmailskirts.Theboilsonitsbellygrewtohorridfruition.Bursting.Splattering.Dribblingtheirpus-streakedcorruptionsintotheslushyshallowsandmixingwiththeslickofrustthatfollowedtheGreatLordofDecay’schampion.Newboilseruptedalmostimmediatelyfromtheafflictedfleshinacontinuouscelebrationofrotandrenewal.Worsethanthat,Archaoncouldseeagrowingarmyoftheafflicted,shufflinginthechampion’srankfootsteps.Therust,pusandplague,theeffluentcorruptionthechampionhadtrailedbehinditonitsjourneynorth,nowcloudeditswaythroughthemeltwatersoftheBattleEternal.Archaonsawthatuponcomingintocontactwiththecorruption,itwasnow

spreading.Bestialchampions,maraudersandalteredswhostumbledthroughthemuck-infectedslushwereafflictedalmostimmediatelybyasepticitythatfeltitswayuptheirpus-streakedandblisteringlegs.DarkknightsandChaoswarriorsdeckedheadtotoeinhell-forgedplatewerestruckdownbyalivingcorrosionthatcreptuptheirgreaves,turningtheirsuitsintorust-fusedincubatorsofvirulentplague.ChampionsoftheDarkGods,whostaredoninhorrorasthesupernaturalcontagionworkeditswayupthroughtheirbodiesbegantoviolentlyemptytheirstomachs,eruptwithpoxandbleedpusfromtheireyes,earsandnose.Thisspreadthevirulencefurther.SoulscurdledbytheGreatLordofDecay.Suchwarriorsjoinedthegrowinghordeofplague-riddledfollowers,stumblingininfectedagonyaftertheman-mountainofpusthatstoodbeforeArchaon.Thiswastobehischallenge.AsfastasArchaonwasrecruitingthewarriorsof

Chaostohisdoomedcause,thegrotesquechampionofNurglewouldbeinfectingthemtohisown.Intheirinfinite,twistedperversity,theRuinousPowershadinflictedtwogamechangingwarlordsofChaosontheBattleEternalatthesametime.Archaon,whominutesbeforehadbeensoimpressedwith

himselfforbringingafreshkindofhavoctoaplacethatwasnothing,cametounderstandthattheDarkGodswouldnotbedeniedtheircruelamusement.Therewouldbeabattlewithinthebattle.Aclashoftwomightyhosts,onepouringfromthedecimatedgatesofhellandtheotherfromthebleakinsanityoftheShadowlands–eachlayingclaimtothemalevolenttalentondisplayintherampant,never-endingbutcheryoftheBattleEternal.TurningDorgharaboutwithatwistofhistorsoandthighs,Archaonsnatched

thebarbedlengthofabroad-bladedpartisanfromwhereitwasstandinguprightinthepetrifiedbodyofaSlaaneshiwarlord.AsArchaonrodearound,throughthesavageclashesofchampionswhohadbeenfightingthroughtheBattleEternal,hehelduphisweaponasasignaltohishorde.‘Archaon!’heroaredtothestormytumultoftheskies.‘ARCHAON!’thegrowinginsanityofhishordecalledback.Archaonturnedtofacethemonstroussackofdisease-carryingputriditythat

washisopponent.‘Gangrysssss…’thePlagueLord’schampionmanagedthroughthebeakofits

mask.‘ChosenoftheGodsssss.’Tothishisblight-afflictedfollowerssimplyechoedwiththecacophonousmiseryofamoanthatmightormightnothavebeenthechampion’sdreadname.Likeabrain-feveredbull,Gangryssthrewitsdisease-swollenbulkintoacharge.Itswungitsmonstrousmacethroughbrutemarauderwarriors,manglingthemoutofitspath.Archaon’sfacedrewbackintoamalevolentsnarl.TheChaoswarlordhad

competitionforthegiftsoftheDarkGods.Holdingthereinswiththearmuponwhichhisshieldsat,ArchaonpromptedDorgharintoachargeofitsown.Archaonleanedbackintherollingsaddle.Henarrowedhisgoodeyeinthe

darknessofhishelm.Hepeeredattheblazingmoundofdiseasedruinwithhisdarksight.Hestaredstraightthroughtheplague-promisedhulkwiththeEyeofSheerian,thesorcerousjewelgrantinghimavisionofthechampion’srottenheart,thunder-pumpingpusandspoilageaboutthemonster’sgreatbody.Archaon’sarmsnappedforwardlikethestringonaballista,launchingtheshaftofthepartisanthroughtheair.Itsailedthroughthenorthernfreeze,rising,wobblingandirresistiblydriftingdownwardstowardsitstarget.Nurgle’sgreatbeastofachampiondidnotstopanddidnotcare.Whenthepartisanhammeredintothemeatofitsrancidcarcass,themonstermisseditssplashingstep.Skeweredonthebarbedshaft,itsmightyheartabarb-shreddedmess,thechampionlurchedforwardsbeforecrashingdownontoitsarmouredkneesintheslush.Itslidthroughtheblood,snowandbonescreatingacrimsonwavebefore

comingtoastop.Itstillclutchedthemonstrousmaceinonegreeninghand,thespikesofthecrowningballactinglikeananchorintheice.Theruinofitschestroseandfelloncemore,pusstreamingdownintothe

watersaboutit,thentheGreatLordofDecay’schampionwasnomore.ArchaonhauleduponDorghar’sreins–approachingthedefeatedchampionslowly–andtheChaoswarriorssplashedtoaslowingstopathiscommand.Archaontookadeepbreathofthefreezingair.Inthepresenceofthediseased

hulkhethoughtbetteroftakinganother.HefearednoopponentandhadfacedhisfairshareofRuinousmonstrosities,buttherewasapartofhimthatwasgladhedidn’thavetofacethechampionoftheplague-ridden.Thenhesawthepartisan.Theshaftofthebarbedweaponhad,moments

before,beenthesheenofmidnightmetal.Nowitwasbrowning,mottledandeatenthroughwithemergingrust.Wheretheshaftsatinthechampion’schest,pusseepedandcorruptionspumed.Afewsecondsmoresawthepartisancascadetotheiceinashowerofrustedflakes.Gone.Evenwherehewassitting,ArchaonheardtheuglybeatofGangryss’smighty

heartthudbacktodiseasedlife.WithasuddennessthatshotaboltofpanicthroughArchaon’sown,thecreaturewasonitsfeet.Itturnedwithaleper’sgrace,thespoilageofhiddenstrengthinitsarmsbroughttobearastherustedballofthemacecameupandaround,scrapsofrottenfleshstuckonitsspikes.Onceagaintheshield,withitspantheon-blessedboss,tookthebruntofthepotentattack.Spikespuncturedtheshieldandtheheavyheadofthemacesmashedthe

surfaceintoacrumpledmess.TheforcebehindtheimpactwasdevastatingandtookArchaoncleanfromhissaddle.Thearmouredwarriorhittheicesomedistanceaway,rolledandclatteredtoastopinacorpse-crowdedpoolofmeltwaterandgore.Gangrysswasnodaemon,likeArchaon’sfatherBe’lakor,butthemonstrouschampionhadgod-givengiftsofitsown.Itsrottenresilience.Itsotherworldlycontagion.Itstroll-likepowersofregeneration.Itsnerve-deadmuscles,tendonsandbonesthatdidn’thavetofeelthetorturousforcesrequiredtoknockafoelikeArchaoncleanfromhismount.Gangrysshadbeenrewardedwellindeedforthehorrorandhavocithadspread.Gangrysswasnottheonlyonewithgifts.Thehulk’sdevastatingblowwould

havebrokenanyofathousanddarkchampions.NotArchaon.Notanymore.NotthatGangryssfeltanything.AsArchaonscrambledarmoverarmforthe

frozenedgeofthepool,hesawthemonstrouschampionswingitsgreatmacebackaroundandupbeforebringingitdownonthedaemonsteedDorgharwith

unearthlyforceandpower.Redslushanddiseasedmeltwatersurgedfortheskyasthemacecamedown.Thehulk’scorruptedlungsutteredaroarofjubilantdetermination.Itdidn’tknockthesteedunconscious.Itdidn’tbreakitsback.Ithammeredthebeastdownintotheice.Smashedintoashatteredmessandintoitsownhollowbeneaththesurfaceofthebattlefield,Dorgharwasgone.Archaonwassurprisedattheragehefelt,thepresenceoftheBloodGod’s

wrathinhisheart.PerhapsitfeltlikelosingOberonalloveragainorperhapshehadgrowntovalueandevenlikethesneeringdaemonsteed.Conversely,itmightsimplyhavebeenthedestructionofoneofArchaon’sdarktreasures:theinfernalsteeddestinedtocarryhimintothebleakoblivionoftheEndTimes.ItmightsimplyhavebeenthattheChaoswarlordfeltthatGangrysshadplaguedtheworldlongenough.Archaonrosefromtheshallows,foetidwaterrainingfromhisplate,as

Gangryssturnedtoseethatthechampion-thinghehadbrokenstilllivedandmoved.Turning,Nurgle’shulkstompedthroughtheicygraveyardatArchaon.Stabbingtheshielduprightintothebloodysnow,theChaoswarlordreacheddownintotheburnofthefreezingwaters.Prisingabattleaxefromthemummifiedfingersofitsformerowner,Archaonliftedtheweaponabovehim.Itsaxe-headwasmadeupofahugeandhollowblade,craftedinthedesignoftheunhallowedeight-pointstar.HejabbedtheheadofthebattleaxeatthethunderousapproachofGangryss.‘Endthem!’Archaonroaredtohisarmy.‘Endthemall…’Archaon’sChaoswarriorsandtheplagueslavesofGangrysssurgedatone

another.Theclangofbladeswassoonfollowedbythecriesofthewoundedandtheroaringdefianceofthedying.Archaonfeintedrightandthenrolledleftacrosshisfursandpauldrons.

Drippingwithslush,theChaoswarlordallowedthechampion’sice-mulchingmacetosmashintotheground,sendingmeltwatertowardsthesky.Archaonspunround,bringingthestar-shapedbladeofhisbattleaxeabouthim.TheaxetorethroughthestinkingfleshofNurgle’shulkattheside.Duckingthespikedheadofthemaceasitwasswungaround,Archaonfeltthesavagemovementofairthroughhishelm.Choppingdownwiththeaxe,Archaonsmashedthroughtherustedplateofonelegbeforedraggingtheserratedspikesofthesteelstarbackacrossthejointbehindthekneeoftheotherleg.Thearmourjustcrumbledthereandtheaxebitthroughfleshandtendondowntotherancidbone.Rippingthroughslabsoffleshonthechampion’sback,Archaonriskedaneconomicalhackatthething’sdiseasedpaunch.Astheaxethuddedintothebellyof

Gangryss,Archaonensuredthathewasoutofthepathofthespurtingboilsandgushingcontagion.Tearingthebattleaxeoutofthechampion,Archaonspunbackonhimselfto

wrongfoothisopponent.Buryingthebattleaxeinthehulk’smeatyshoulder,Archaonshatteredtherustedpauldronthatcoveredit.Asshardsofbrownmetalrainedabouthim,Archaonheavedhisweaponoutoftheblubberofthemonster’sglobedshoulder.Hedarenotleavethebladeinhisenemyfortoolongforfearthatitwouldrottonothing.Ashestaredatthehorrific,muscle-shearinggashthathisbattleaxehadleftinGangryss’sspoilingshoulder,hewasstruckbyasymbolburnedintothechampion’sflesh.AsymboltheaxehadcleavedintwobutasymbolthatArchaonrecognised.ThemonstrouswarriorwasaneverlivingexampleofthePlagueLord’spatronage,yettheeight-pointstarsearedintohisshouldersupportedhisclaimthatGangrysshimself,atleast,thoughtofhimselfastheChosenoftheChaosgods.AfesteringchampionoftheGreatLordofDecay,drawingtheeyeandadmirationoftheDarkPantheonwithhisabilitytojoinallwarriorsofChaosunderacommunalsuffering,yokingthejointpowerofhiscollectivehordewithasingleplague.Archaonknewhehadseenthesymbolbefore.Thenitcametohim.Inthe

ForsakenFortress.Hisfather’spalace.HewasstaringatnoordinaryRuinousStar–thekindcutintothefleshofathousandpantheon-pledgedwarriorsofdarknessorcarvedintothesurfaceofcountlessshields.ItwasBe’lakor’sstar.TheMarkoftheFirstDaemonofChaos.TheMarkoftheBearer.TheHerald.Thesameburnedintothedarknessofhisshadowychampions.Thesamedreadsigilthatburnedacrossthedaemonprince’sownheartandchest.ArchaonwasnottheonlymortalchampioninsearchofthetreasuresofChaos.Be’lakorhadotherpiecesmovingacrossthegameboardoftheworld.Gangrysswasoneofthem.Gangryssandhowmanymore,Archaonwondered?HowmanypromisedthepowerandthepositionofbeingEverchosenofChaos–onlytobeasoul-in-waitingforBe’lakortopossessandfleshforthedaemonprincetowear?Theshockofthediscoveryhadcosthim.Secondshadbledawaywithhis

racingthoughtsandnowGangryss–whocouldn’thavecaredlessaboutthehealingfleshofhisshoulderandhispatron’smonstrousmark–allbuthadhim.Narrowlyleaninghishelmoutofabrutalbackswingwiththemonstrousmace,ArchaonbegantounderstandhowGangrysscouldbeattheheadofsuchahost.AsfastasArchaonwasopeninghimup–revealingbone,rippingupmuscleandallowinganestofrottenintestinestofollowhisretractedaxeoutofthechampion’sbelly–themonster’sregenerativepowerswerehealinghim.

Gangrysscouldn’tfeelthepainofsuchinjuries;hebarelyknewhehadthembeforefleshknittedbacktogetherandinnardsslurpedbackinsidehisputridcarcass.Worse,themoredamageArchaoninflicted,themorepus-streakedbloodandcontagionstainedtheslushthroughwhichArchaonwasslippingandsliding.Lookingdown,Archaonfoundthathewasbarelykeepingafootholdonthe

edgeofahulk-stampedhollowbrimmingwithbloodymeltwateranddoom.Ashisbalancewaveredandhisarmouredbootsliddown,Archaonhadvisionsofbeingrust-entombedinhisancientarmourandlivingouttherestofhisdaysintheputrescenceofaplague-filledmetalcoffin.Insteadofcommittinghisfootworktoanotherbrutalaxeswingthroughthechampion’smaggot-squirmingcorpulence,Archaonheldhisground.Movementmeantinfection.RemainingstillmeantallowingGangrysstolandthebone-ringingblowhehadbeenattemptingtoexecute.Holdingthebattleaxeunderitsstar-shapedheadandatitshaft,nothingcouldpreparehimforthemind-numbingimpactofthebrute’smaceagainstthepresentedaxe.Archaonwasbattedawayfromhisfoeandthedeadlypoolofcorruption,rolling,flailingandskiddingintoarankofthechampion’splagueslaves.Again,Archaon’sstone-lacedskeletonhadsavedhim.Blinkinghimselfback

tothemoment,withtheclashofsteelaroundhimslowedtoadrearymetallicdin,hepushedhimselfupandliftedhishelm.TheSwordsofChaoshadracedintobattlebehindhim.WhileZweiandDreileaptatthechampionofNurglewithacrobaticflapsoftheirwings,thewraith-warriorscuttingthemonsterupwiththeirboneswords,Einswasracingacrosstheicetowardshismaster.Archaonfeltthefootstepsoftheinfectedpaddingthroughtheshallowsabouthim.Archaonroseandscoopeduptheaxethathadbeenknockedfromhisgrip.

WhenGangrysssawthatArchaonstilllivedandwaswalkingthroughtheBattleEternaltowardshim,itbellowedalung-shreddingchallengetothestormyskies.‘Comegetme,’Archaonroaredback,‘yousackofspoilingmeat.’Stompingthroughthepus-swirlingpool,Gangryssforcedhisfatlegson,

battingchampionsbothpledgedtoArchaon’sbannerandhisownasidewithmurderoussweepsofhismace.Turningthebattleaxeaboutinhisgauntlet,swingingthebladeabouthisbody

totheleftandthentheright,Archaonmarchedacrosstheredice.Hewouldhavetodestroythisplaguechampiononceandforallorsurrenderallofhisdarktreasurestothemonster–strippedfromhisfrozencorpseonebyone.Asthedeterminationofaslip-shodmarchbecameaslush-splatteringrun,

Archaonspiedakindofhope.Narrowinghiseyeheswoopedunderthemottledsteelofrust-riddledbladesandlurchedoutoftheclumsyarcsofflailsandhammersbrownwitholdblood.Holdinghisbattleaxebeneathitsstar-shapedblade,hedespatchedthoseservantsofNurglewhohecouldnotavoid,mercilesslysinkingthesteelpointsofhisweaponintotheirskulls.Tearingtheaxebladeoutheallowedplagueslavestodropbesidehisfootprintsbeforeeconomicallyskull-hookinganotherunfortunate.‘Youuuuuu…’thehulkseethed,thedeepraspbothanaccusationanda

challengeissued.Archaondidn’tneedaninvitation.Hehadinvitedhimselftothemonstrouswarrior’sdoom.AsthechampionofNurglebroughthismaceoverhisbeakedmask,hisintentiontosmashhisopponentintotheChaosWastesclear,Archaonstompedatspeedthroughtheslush.Asheheldhisownweaponclose,Archaonleaptfromtheice.Gangryssturnedthebeakofhismaskinconfusion,sincetheChaoswarlordwastoofarawaytoeffectanattack.Thegrotesquehulkwaswrong.Soverywrong.Archaoncurledintoanaxe-huggingdive.Hittingtheicewithahalf-

accomplishedroll,Archaontumbledacrosshisshouldersandthefursmountedonhisback.Stampinghisarmouredheelsintothefreeze,Archaonbroughthimselftoanabrupthalt–transferringthedreadfulmomentumofthemanoeuvretothebattleaxethathelaunchedfromhisclutchedgauntlets.Hesenttheweaponoffwitharoarofeffort,watchingthebattleaxespinhaftoverthestar-shapedsteelofitsrazor-sharpblade.Thespeed,cuttinghissanduglyrevolutionoftheweaponwasasickeningwondertobehold.Withinmomentsthatseemedlikeasickeningage,thebattleaxelandedintheheadoftheGreatLordofDecay’schampion,splittinghisbeakmaskdownthemiddleandcleavingthroughthefrontofGangryss’sdemolishedskull.Blood,pusandbrainsslurpeddownthechampion’schestinaslowbut

insistentcascade.Thesmallmountainoffatandspoilagetottered,hisarmouredfeetslappingbackwardsthroughtheslush.Hisgargantuanmacetumbledfromhisplump,twitchingfingersandhishandsbegantoblindlygraspforthebattleaxefirmlyburiedbetweenhiseyes.ArchaonknewthiswouldnotstopGangryss,withitsgod-blessedregenerative

powers.TheChaoswarlordhadalreadyresumedhischarge.Iceandbrittlebonescrunchedbeneathhisfuriousfootsteps.Meltwatersplatteredbehindhim,whilehiscloaktwistedandturnedinhiswake.Archaonclosedontheskull-splitGangryss.Snatchinghiscloakwithhisrightgauntlet,theChaoswarlordpulleditaroundinfrontofhimlikeacape.Holdingthematerialoutlikesomekindof

shield,Archaonlefttheiceoncemore.Thistimeheembracedthemomentumofthechargeandsmashedintothewallofrot-threadedblubberthatwasGangryss.StrikingNurgle’schampionlikeacannonballatacastlewall,Archaonfeltthesplatterofpusfromthebubblingboilsonthemonster’sbelly,hispresentedcloakkeepinghisarmourfromtheworstofthecorrosivecorruption.AsArchaonwentdownintheslushandbloodymeltwater,thechampion

stumbledbackwards.GangrysssuddenlydisappearedintothedepthsofahollowArchaonhadspottedbehindit.Thegruesometentaclesofamonstrousspawnslapped,graspedandseizedvictimsfromtheedgeofitscrater.Somethrice-blessedchampionorcreatureoftheBattleEternal,rewardedforitsfortitudeandbutcherywithtransforminggiftsthatturneditfromdevoutservantoftheChaosgodsintoamindless,tentacularmawburiedintheice.AthingofhorriddarknessthatservedonbydraggingtheweakandunworthyoftheBattleEternalintothethrashingteethofitshorrificjaws.AsArchaoncrawledarmoverarmtowardstheabomination,heheardtheburst

ofGangryss’sgas-bloatedbelly.Heheardtheexcruciatingcrunchofboneandrustedsteelinthebeast’smasticatingmaw.HeheardthehorrorofadeathfromwhichGangryss–championofthePlagueLord,ChosenoftheRuinousGodsandservantoftheDarkMaster–couldnotsurvive.AsArchaonnearedtheedgeofthehollowhecouldhearthegroans,bubblingsandrumblingsofthespawn-monster’scavernousstomach.Thensuddenlyamagnificentfountainofblood,pusandmaceratedbonerocketeduptowardstheheavensinasteamingstream.‘Healthat,’ArchaondaredthemonstrouschampionofChaos.TheChaos

warlordheardafamiliarsound.Itwasthewhooshingrevolutionofthebattleaxe.Withitsstar-shapedbladespinningoveritshaft,theweaponhadbeenvomitedupoutofthepitwiththerestoftherancidchampion.Asitdescended,Archaonloweredhishead.Asitthuddedbladefirstintotheice,likeawoodaxeinablockoffirewood,thewarriorgrunted.Archaonheardsomethingwithinthehollowandenvisionedthathemightbe

thenextmightychampionofChaostosatetheappetiteofthemonstrousspawn.Snatchingupthebattleaxefromtheice,Archaonranforward,intendingtochopsnakingtendrilsorloathsometentaclesreachingoutforhimandhell-bentondragginghisarmouredformdownintothepitandawaitingmaw.Asthesquelchofhisfootfallstookhimcloser,however,hefoundnosuchabominateappendagesfeelingtheirwaytowardshim.Insteadhewasconfrontedbythenightmarishformofamidnightstallion,climbingoutofthehollow.Uponcrossingthelipoftheicecraterwithitsspikedhooves,thesteedshookitself

fromsnouttotail,rattlingthearmouredsaddlethatsatonitsback.ThedaemonDorghar’seyesburnedwiththeinfernalfireofitstransformativepowers.SnortingthelastofGangryss’srepugnancefromitsnostrils,thedaemonsteedonceagainspoke.ItswordswereunknowntoArchaonbutthefurnace-hissofotherworldlyscornthataccompaniedthemwasunmistakable.‘Yes,’ArchaontoldDorgharsimply.‘Quite.’Grabbingthereinsandslippinganarmouredbootintoaspikedstirrup,

Archaonhauledhimselfupintothesaddle.InthedesperationanddramaofGangryss’send,Archaonhadnotnoticedthehauntingsilenceofthebattlefield.ThefreezingwindmoanedaboutthearmouredformsofChaoswarriorswhohadslowedtostillness.Throughthestatuesquewonderofwarriorsandmonstroustalent,onlyonefiguremoved.Anemaciatedwretchinragsandchains,hisheadforevertrappedinacagewithnokey.TheflagellantGorst.GorstwhohadfollowedArchaonunharmedacrosstheSouthernWastes.WhohadsurvivedwithhimthedreaddangersofthedarkRealmsofChaos.Whonowwalkedunmolested–andunliketherestofArchaon’shorde,unchanged–throughtheBattlefieldEternal.Gorstdraggedhistrailingchainsthroughthebones,bloodyslushandstillbodiesbeforecomingtoastophimselfandstaringupathismaster.Aboutthem,dreadserenitysweptthroughthecarnage,bringingtheBattle

Eternaltoahaltneverwitnessedbefore.Foesloweredtheirweapons.Bannersdriftedtothebloodyground.Thedinofbattledied.‘Iwasoneofyou,’Archaoncalledacrossthefrozensilence,hisvoicecarried

ontheshearingwind.‘Apuppetinasickshow–likethis.Dancingformydarkmasters.Idancenomore.Andneithershouldyou.Thegiftsofthegodsarenosuchthing.Letusnotseekreward.Letusnotaskforpower.Letusnotwaitonthatwhichisgiven.Letustakewhatisours.Darknessisours.Ruinisours.Theworldturnsbeneathourfeetforthetaking.Realpowerresidesnotwithgodsoranyfollowingbutwiththosewhotakeitfromthem.IamArchaon,doomtomyenemies,doomtoalltheworld,doomtothegodsinvestedinthatworld.Comewithme.WhyearnthetreasuresofChaoswhenyoucanstealthem?WhykillforRuinouspatronswhenyoucankillforyourself?Whysellyoursoulssocheaply,whenyoucanmaketheworldsofgodsandmenpayforyourmiseries?‘ImightbeChosenoftheDarkGods–butIdidnotchoosethem.Iwillbe

EverchosenofChaos,whetherthedreadPowersandtheirdaemonswishitformeornot.Thelegionsofhellwillbeourstocommandandweshallusethemtodemonstratetruepower.Thepowertochoose.Tobeornotto.Todragthesick

perversityofthisdaemon-hauntedexistencekickingandscreamingintoatimeofEnding.Toendtheworld,thegodsthattormentitandourselves.ThatisrealpowerandIaskyoutoseizeitwithme.Withhewhoisoneofyou:lost,damnedeven,butaslavetodarknessnomore.WithArchaon…’Theinfernalfiresofthecollapsedgateblazed,likeflamesuponwhich

gunpowderhadbeendashed.ThebalelightofthebeyondburnedferociouslyatArchaon’sgod-thwartingwords.Archaoncouldn’ttellwhetherthebrillianceragedinwarningorcelebrationofhiswondrousachievement.‘Archaon!’avoiceboomedacrossthekillingfields.Askull-axethrustupat

thesky,abovetheheadsofcountlesswarriors.ItwasOgraxtheGreat,thehalf-breedprincewhowasbeastnomore.TheformerbestialchampionoftheBloodGod,whosearmyofmanfiendshadsmashedthroughthehavocoftheBattleEternal,collectingbeforeitsexampleanevergrowingvanguardofChaoswarriors.Heknewpreciousfewwordsinhismaster’stonguebutheknewthegloryofhisname.Withhischestheaving,Ograxroaredthewarlord’snametothestorm-crashingheavens.‘Archaon,Archaon…Archaon!’thedaemonbreedchanted.‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’‘Archaon!’Oncemorethebattlefieldrangwiththethunderofhisname,utteredlikea

darkoathfromthousandsofdoom-liftedhearts.WarriorsofChaos,fightingforeveryRuinousPoweranddaemonicmaster,unitedasonedark,apocalypticforcebehindthedreadsyllablesofhisname.‘ARCHAON!’‘ARCHAON!’Thewarlordturnedhisdaemonsteedabouttosoakupthepowerand

possibilityofhisintoxicatingachievement.Thegroundtrembled.Thefiresofhellroaredforthfromthegateofoblivion.Thundertorethroughtheskyandlightningshatteredthegloom.‘ARCHAON!’Hehelduphisbattleaxe,thesteelbladeoftheRuinousStarrising.Heliftedit

abovethechantingthousands.ThedarkstarofaChaosundivided.United.Asone.Thechantingechoedtonothingonthechillair.‘Letusbethestormthatrollssouth!’Archaonbellowedbackatthem,

levellinghisbattleaxetowardsaworldawaitingitsend.Itwasallthemonstroushordeneededtohear.

CHAPTERXIII

‘Thereisamountainofshadowthrown,TheonlyfeaturetheWastelandknows.Themountainwaits;Themountainslumbers;Themountainquakes;Themountainthunders.Amountainmorethanstormorplace–TheBlackKingofanancientrace.’

–TheMadMinstrel,excerpt,Chimerica

TheChimeraPlainTheNorthernWastesDateUnknown

Archaonwouldnotmakethesamemistakesagain.Therewouldbenorepeateddisasters.Youcouldnotbebetrayedbythoseyoudidnottrust–andArchaontrustednoone.Theonlybetrayalsthehordesufferedwouldbehisown.Archaon’scolossalhostmarchedsouth.ThroughtheShadowlands.Hisvast

Ruinousarmycontainedrepresentationfromeverymaraudertribefightingforgod-fearfulterritoryintheWastes.NorthmenfromthemountainouslandsofNorsca.BerserkerBjornlings.WarringAeslingsandSarls.Werekin.ExpeditionaryraidersfromtheKrakenSeaandVargreavers.FromthecruellandsoftheKurganandtheEasternSteppeshehadYusakwarlords,centigornomadsoftheEndlessLand,savagehorsemenoftheTokmarandSkull-landersofthedreadKul.OfthemightyHung,Archaon’shostboastedmasterlesswarriorsoftheMan-Chu,WeijininvadersandterrorsoftheGreatBastion,pirateclansoftheYinandevenfallenhordesoftheunstoppableUngol.WhereArchaon’smaraudershappenedacrossterritorialhostsoftheirparent

tribes,theChaoswarlordgaveinstructionsthatsuchsavagesbeassimilatedintohisarmyorbeutterlywipedout.BestialhordesneededlittleconvincingofArchaon’sstrengthwhenstunt-hornedscoutsreportedbackhisarmy’sexpanseandgrowingnumber.OnlyClovakMoonhoofandTruskagtheReddeniedArchaonthebrutalityoftheirbeasts.ThecowardClovakMoonhoofandhishalf-breedsfledArchaon’soutridersandwerelostinoneoftheShadowlands’soul-swallowingstorms.Theblood-crazedTruskagtheRed,conversely,gaveArchaon’sexpeditionarychampionsasampleoftheirtalentsbyleadinghiswarherdintosacrificialannihilation,inhonourofhisgorethirstygod.Thebulkofthehorde’scontinualsupplyofrecruitsweresmallhosts,

warbandsandlonechampionswanderingtheWastes.Chaoswarriorsanddreadsorcerers,devotedtodifferentRuinouspathsandhonouringdifferentbarbarousgodsandaspectsoftheDarkPantheon.Thesewarriorshadfoundthemselvesonthepathtodarknessfrominnumerablelands,bothcivilisedandsavagelands.ManyheraldedfromArchaon’shomeland–thedoom-ripeprincipalitiesoftheEmpire.HishordealsoboastedtwistedknightsofBretonnia,raven-hairedwarriorsofthesouthernstates,whofeltthechilloftheWastesworsethanmost,man-eatinghulksoftheOgreKingdoms,whohadwanderedtoofarnorthinsearchofslaves,andhardenedKislevites,fallenveteransoftheborderwarsagainstChaosinvaders.ConfrontedwiththefearfulnumberofArchaon’sChaosarmyandthepotent

determinationoftheirpurpose,mostwarriorsfromthesefarofflandsandtheirmotleywarbandsofafflictedodditiescametoseethedarknessfromArchaon’suniqueandincontrovertibleperspective.Whetherdeliveredinpersonorthroughthechampionshehonouredwithtemporarycommandofdespatchedhosts,theofferwasalwaysthesame.ThedarkwarriorsandtheirbedraggledfollowerscouldcontinuetheirservicetotheRuinousPowersorsingleunholygodunder

Archaon’sbanneroftheRuinousStar–bringinghonourtoChaosinallitscontradictionandundividedglory–orbesacrificedbyArchaon’shordetotheselfsamecause.MosthadbeenwanderingvictimsoftheWastesanditsperversitiesforsome

time.InArchaon’sgreathosttheysawfood,waterandevenprotectionfrompredatorydaemons,competingwarbandsortheinsanityoftheenvironmentitself.Somechampionsfelttheyhadlostpurposesoftheirown,iftheyeverhadthem,andfeltthepullofArchaon’sfateandtheprosecutionofhispersonalmissiontofindthelegendarytreasuresofChaos.Somesimplygavehimtheirbloodfealtybaseduponsomemeasureofsupremacy.Hiswarriorprowess.Thewonderofhisaccomplishments.Theleadershipofhisloyalmasses–theexampleofwarriorslikethemselves,whorodewithArchaonandfoughtforhim.Therewereofcoursethosewhorefusedhisdarkoffer.Upstarts,newlyarrived

intheWastesandwrappedupindelusionsoftheirowninvincibility.Madmenwhodidn’tseemtounderstandthattheywerecourtingcertaindeathorwhosemindshadbeensowarpedthattheydidn’tcare.Then,ofcourse,therewerethepretenders.ExaltedwarriorsofChaos,darklordsandmonstroussorcererswhohadbeendeceivedbytheirpatronPowersorhadliedtothemselves:championswhocalledthemselvestheChosenofChaosandboastedoftheirfearfulambitions.DeathwastheonlycurefortheirpredicamentandArchaongrantedsuchwarriorstheswiftmercyofhisbattleaxeforsuchRuinousblasphemies,beforeassimilatingtheirwarbandsintothedarkmagnificenceofhishorde.Asthecolossalhordewounditswaythroughthewarpinglandscapeofthe

Shadowlandsitdrankpollutedriversdry.ArchaonhadchargedJharkillwiththetrainingofmountedhuntingpartiestotrackandkillherdsoftwistedbeaststhatroamedthegloomywilderness.Manypartiesdisappeared–nodoubteatenbysomethingtheyinturnhadbeenstalking–butthosethatreturneddidsodraggingthewarpedcarcassesofrhinox,roamingsauria,thundertuskandrazorgorhogs,readyforskinning.JharkillhimselfArchaonkeptbusywiththehuntingandenslavingoffurthermonstrositiestoaddtotheirabominatecollectionofcalamities.Chimericpredators.Skulkingdaemons.Flocksofflesh-feastingharpies.Allfelltothehuntsman’seye,hispoison-smearedarrowsandthebruterangeofhistuskbow.IthadbeenJharkillwhohadfoundtheChimeraPlain.IntentonfindingtheSlayerofKingsassoonaspossible,Archaonhad

entrustedsmallhostsofhisgreaterhordetofourchampionsofChaoswhohadprovedthemselvesworthylieutenants.Havinghiscolossalhordemakecampin

afang-linedimpactcratercalledtheWhispermaw,wherechampionsofChaosweresupposedtohearthelandgiveupitssecrets,Archaonsenthisfourchampionsoffinsearchofthelonelymountain.Allsetoffindifferentdirections,themountedchampionsandtheircontingentsswallowedupbythegloomoftheShadowlands.CasimirGhislainereturnedfirst.TheBretonnianknightworehisexquisite

sufferinglikeheworehissuitofimmaculatearmour.HisdarkplatewasrivenwithbarbsandspikesontheinsideaswellasonitspolishedsurfaceandenclosedthePleasureLord’schampionlikeanIronMaiden.Hissteed’sarmourandGhislaine’ssaddleweresimilarlyanestofspikestosufferupon.ArchaonwasfuriouswiththeSlaaneshiknightforreturningsoswiftlybutGhislaineinsistedthatheandhishosthadbeengoneformonths.Hehadn’tfoundthemountainArchaonwasseekingbuthaddiscoveredanothercalledtheThunderhead,atthefootofwhichhehaddiscoveredtheage-brownedbonesandrottingarmourofthepastchampionsimplyknownasDeng.Denghadbeenahulkingeasterner,aformerworshipperofTzeentch,theGreatChanger,whohadbeenasilentbutdeadlywarrior-lieutenantinArchaon’shorde.Hislacqueredarmourwasverydistinctive,however,sportingadaemon-maskhelmetthroughwhichDeng’sstrangeblueeyesusedtoblaze.ItwasunlikelythatGhislainehadfoundthearmourofanothersuchchampionandArchaonreasonedthatDengandhishostmusthavebeencaughtinsomekindofstormattheThunderhead,trappingtheminsomehorrificversionofthepast.LotharBottmadehiswaybacksomeweekslaterattheheadofhisslave-

swarmofmange-eatenbeastmen,alsounsuccessfulinhisquesttofindthelonelymountain.TheNurglitewasastinkingsorcererwiththreeheads,grotesquelyconjoinedatthetempleandjawinthesameorientationastheGreatLordofDecay’ssigil.Carryingascythe-staffandridingaskeletalsteed,Bottwasanunimaginative,ifcapablelieutenantwhocarriedouthismaster’sordersandnomore.UlfenSchorschwasthelasttoreturn.AchampionoftheBloodGod,Schorsch

wasaghoulishsightintheredandblackofhisarmour,trimmedasitwaswithspikesanddrapedwithblood-soakedfurs.Worstofallwashispatron’sgiftofafleshlessface.Sparsemusclesandtendonswerestillvisibleabouthisblood-stainedskull,aswellasapairofpiercingeyesthatneverclosedandpeeredoutfromhoodedsockets.Apairofgleamingbrassfangsframedhisjawandmarkedhimoutasawarrior-parasite.Acannibal.Hecommandedacontingentofsimilarwarriors,whoborethesamecurseoffleshlessnessandblood-hunger,whichhe

calledtheCrimsonCompany.ManyoftheCrimsonCompanyweremercilesswarriorsofChaosintheirownrightandactedasSchorsch’sownlieutenants.Atfirst,Archaonthoughtthatthefleshless-facedchampionhadnewsforhim.

Instead,UlfenSchorschonlyhadnewsofarunningconflicttheCrimsonCompanyhadbecomeinvolvedwithalongthebanksofariverofeel-teamingmist.Afteranunsuccessfulambush,afuriousSchorschhadcommittedhishosttohuntingdowntheirattackersinalabyrinthofrazor-sharpcanyons.Stalkingandslaughteringtheirfoestothelasturchin-armouredwarriorofChaos,Schorschboastedtohismasterofabattletothegod-honouringdeathwithKormacGrawandthebloodfeastthatfollowed.Withfang-lispedinsolence,SchorschtoldArchaonthatGrawwasacelebratedchampionoftheRuinousStar,verymuchlikethewarlordhimself.ArchaonwasfuriouswithSchorsch,beratingthebloodthirstychampionnotonlyforfailinginhismissionbutalsoforwastefullysatinghispersonalappetitesonpotentialrecruitsforthehorde.WhenJharkillreturnedfromahuntingtripadaylater,however,hesoothed

Archaon’sangerwithnewsthathehadsightedthemountainhischampionsweresearchingfor.LeavingCasimirGhislaineinchargeofthecratercampandKhezulaSheerianwithasecretresponsibilityforwatchingoverthetwistedSlaaneshi,Archaontookchargeofascoutingpartyhimself.WiththeogrehuntsmantrackingforthemthroughthechangeablelandscapeoftheNorthernWastesandtakingtheSwordsofChaosasaRuinousescort,ArchaonalsoselectedOgraxtheGreatasextramuscle.Iftherewasbloodtobespilt,thenwhobetterthanachampionoftheBloodGodtoperformtheduty?Withthehalf-daemon,ArchaonalsoorderedUlfenSchorschandhisCrimsonCompanyalong,todemonstratehisdispleasurewiththeChaoschampionandhisbutchers.WithJharkill’sbroadstridestakingthemonstroushuntsmanatapacethrough

shimmeringhighlandsontheborderoftheShadowlandsandthewiderWastes,ArchaonhadlittletroublekeepinguponthebackofDorghar.Themembersofhiswraith-warriorescortalsomadeshortworkofthefrost-bakedterrain,forEins,ZweiandDreinowseemedlessandlesspartofArchaon’sworldofbloodandmuscle.DaybydaytheycontinuedatransformationtheyhadbegunintheRealmofChaos,assumingtheterrifyingformofsolidifyingshadows.TheservantsoftheBloodGodenjoyedthepaceless,however.AtleastOgraxhadthebenefitofhavingwalkedhalfwayacrosstheworldinthefootstepsofhismaster.UlfenSchorschandtheleechesoftheCrimsonCompanywereattemptingtokeepupinfullplateandweigheddownwiththeirbutchers’weapons.Bythetimethehighlandsdroppeddownintoadesolatewilderness,

theskull-facedSchorschwasinnodoubtthatheandhismenwerebeingpunished.AsJharkilltrackedforthemacrossthefeaturelessWasteland,thegroundas

hardasironbelowtheirfeetandthecloudsthecolourofironabovethem,themalformedogrepointedoutthemountaintohismaster.Followingthelineofthehuntsman’stuskbow,Archaonsatupinthesaddleandpickedoutadistantpeakrearingoutofthecoldhazeofthewilderness.UsingtheEyeofSheerian,thejewelglowingeerilyinitssetting,Archaonbroughtthesightofthemountainstreamingcloser.ThemountainlookedasunnaturalasanyotherfeatureoftheChaosWastes.

Thrustingupoutoftheplain,itwasafatpeak,nestlinginscreeandboulders.Itslazyinclineswerethickwithdustandgrit,whichhadgivenpurchasetoisolatedpatchesofwretchedvegetation.Sittinginthebroadpeakwasahollow,likethecraterofadormantvolcano,despitethefactthatitwasclearlyamountain.AsArchaonstaredatit,somethingbotheredtheChaoswarlordaboutitsshapeandthestrange,sweepinglinesofitsascent.Somethinghecouldnotquiteexplain.LikemuchofthewarpedWastes,itseemeddreadfullysuggestiveofalandthatwasliving.Atrackswirleditswayaboutthemountain’sodddimensions,uptotherimofthehollowpeakinwhichArchaonwasconfidenthewouldfindhisprize.Ridingacrossachillplainofstuntedgrassesandspiderypatternsofburned

soil,wherelightninghadshowereddownontheexpanse,thescoutpartywasaccompaniedbysmalltwistersofdustandice.Evenonthedesolationoftheplain,ArchaonandhiswarriorsofChaoswerenotalone.TheWasteswouldn’tallowit.Theveryperversityofthelanditselfseemedtotakepleasureinrisingandfalling–allowingpathsofleastresistancetodriftwanderersintobloodyconvergesandencounters.Here,outonthehazeoftheplain,thefatmountain–theonlyfeatureformanymiles–drewtravellerstowardsit.Themountainharbourednoobviousdraws,likeasettlementinitsfoothillsortherefreshmentofawaterfallcascadingfromitsheights.Ontheinsanity-inducingendlessnessoftheplain,itofferedthereassuranceofsomethingdifferent.Abreakinthedry,coldmonotonyofthewildernessanditseye-stinginghaze.Afeaturethatinvitedcuriosityonthehorizon.ForatimeArchaon’ssmallhostseemedoncoursetomeetalargerwarband

ledbyawarrior-shaman.TheMungSavagewasonhorsebackandtrailedatrainofwretchedspawntiedonetoanotherlikeachaingangofcriminals.Archaonsuspectedthiswasdonetoensurethehorrorsdidnotwanderoffontheirown.

Theshamanchangedcoursesuddenly,however,leadinghisbandofunfortunatesawayfrombothArchaonandthemountain.Believingthatthewarrior-shamanhadhadsomekindofpropheticindicationofthedangeraheadandhadturnedtoavoidArchaonandthedoomherepresented,theChaoswarlordheldhisownheading,despiteentreatiesfromUlfenSchorschandhisCrimsonCompanytohuntdownandslaughtertheshamanandhisspawn.Notlongafter,aloneknightinblack,burnishedplateapproachedtheparty

fromsomedistanceaway,makinghismeanderingwaytowardsthem.Upontakingoffhishelm,theknightintroducedhimselfasSieurWenzel,grinninginanelythroughthetangledcurtainsofhislong,unkempthair.Slippingadaggerfromhisbelt,SieurWenzelpromptedtheSwordsofChaostoreachfortheboneswordsintheirwing-sheathes–everindefenceoftheirmaster.Themadknightonlymeantharmtohimself,however,openinguphisthroatinfrontofArchaonandhisChaoswarriors,beforecrashingfacefirstintothehardground.Thebodyattractedpredators,chimeraandchaoticfusionsthatstalkedthe

scoutingparty.Themonsterswereblessedwiththesamechameleonichides,whichrippledwiththeduncoloursandtexturesoftheplain,hidingthedangeroftheirnumbersinthehaze.OgraxtheGreatsmelledthedangerfirst.Dorgharseemedunconcernedanditwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethehuntsman’seyespottedtheirstalkers.WhenJharkillwarnedhismasteroftheimminenceoftheirattack,Archaonslippedhisbattleaxefromwhereitsatinoneofhisarmouredsaddle’smanyholsters,hooks,sheathsandscabbards.Liftinghisbodyshieldupontoonearm,theChaoswarlordwaitedfortheattack.Thebeastswereasfastasthelightningstormsthatburstabovethedesolationoftheplain.Theyappearedsuddenlyfromthehaze,theirsurgingmovementsrevealingtheirpositions.Chimeraswarmedthescoutparty,cannonballingmembersoftheCrimson

Companyoverandturningthesavagetumblesintothedesperationofclatteringplate,clawsandjaws.Thrice-breedsandabominatefusionsleaptatArchaon,whileotherssurgedintotheskyonlytoswoopbackdownatthehuntingparty.Theairwasthickwiththeroars,hissingandshriek-bleatingofthemonsters’myriadheads,aswellasthewhooshoftheirbat-likewingsandtheseethingsnapoftheirserpenttails.OneofthebeastssankitsclawsintothebodyofSieurWenzelbeforesurgingupintotheheavens,whileothersseemedunwiselypreoccupiedwithDorgharandthefeastitsmidnightfleshwouldmake.Asthechimerasweptin,emboldenedbyhungerandtwistedofpredatory

instinct,Eins,ZweiandDreikepttheirclosingnumberbackwithshadow-smearedflourishesoftheirboneblades.Asurgingopportunistlefttheground

andbeatitswings,sendingitsdrool-trailingjawsatArchaonandhismount.WhileDorgharcasuallykickedtheskulkingformsofsnappingchimerasenselesswithitsspikedhooves,Archaonsmashedtheairbornemonsterasidewithaswingofhisshield.Asthebeasthitthegroundnearby,itshookcomprehensionbacktoitsthreeheads.Itneedn’thavebothered.Rearing,Dorgharbroughtitshugehoovesbrutallydownontwoofitsskullsbeforekickingthesnappingheadofamalformedlioncleanoffitsbody.Theattackwasoverswiftlyenough.Withhalfofthenumberdead,thepackof

chimericmonstersbrokeoff,eitherbeatingtheirwingsfortheskyorslinkingbackintothehazethathadformerlyhiddenthem.WhereasthekillsofArchaonandhisSwordsofChaosweremodestenough–includingevenDorghar’sbrutalcontributions–thepacksufferedmostatthehandsoftherestofthescoutingparty.Jharkill’sbowhammeredmonstrousfusionsintotheiron-hardgroundandpinnedthemthere,impaledonthegreatboneshafts.OgraxtheGreathadn’tevenbotheredtosliphisskull-axefromhisback.Asabeastwarpedintothebarbaricfleshofaman,Ograxwasawallofbrawnanddaemonicstrength.Whenhewasn’twrestlingthechimericmonsterswithhisbare,muscle-boundarms–breakingnecksandspines–hewasstovinginribcageswithhishoovesorliftingbeastsabovehisheadtogoreonhisinfernalhorns.UlfenSchorschandhisCrimsonCompany,however,attackedtheclosingchimerawithasmuchfrenziedferocityasthebeaststhemselvesexhibited,hackingcreaturesapartwithserratedaxeandsword,paintingtheplainredwiththeexcessesoftheirbutchery.Astheogrehuntsmanrecoveredhisarrows,Archaonurgedthescoutingparty

on,pullingtheCrimsonCompanyfromtheirfavouredritualofdrainingtheirenemiesofpollutedblood.Archaon’sorderswereedgedwithdistaste,havinglittletimefortheappetitesofthefangedwarriors,wholookedlikeanimalsfeedingonanimalsamongsttheslaughteredchimera.Stepbystep,thefatmountainroseabovethem.Closer,itwasclearthatthe

chimerapackhadmadetheirhomeinthecaves,hollowsandonthegentlebone-strewnslopesofthepeak.Slippingbetweenbouldersandopenings,thepredators’chameleon-likeabilitiescouldnothidetheirsilhouettescreepingupanddownthemountainside.Atthefootofthenarrowslopeleadingupthemountain’sbroadness,ArchaonbroughtDorghar’scloppinghoovestoahalt.Jharkillgraspedthedaemonsteedbythechainsandwaitedonhismaster.Archaonturnedhishelm.TheSwordsofChaosstoodbehindhimlikestatuesqueshadows.UlfenSchorschandtheCrimsonCompanycrunchedtoastopinthegritandscreewithOgraxtheGreatbringinguptherearofthescoutingparty.

‘Thisisasgoodaplaceasany,’Archaonannounced,promptingUlfenSchorschtoaskiftheywereheadingupthemountain.‘Someofusare,’theChaoswarlordtoldhimfromthesaddle.‘Forsome,this

journeyhascometoanend.’OgraxtheGreatwassuddenlybehindthefleshless-facedwarrior.Wrapping

themuscularviceofhisarmaroundtheneckoftheBloodGod’schampion,theprinceoffiendstoreathisgrotesquehead.Schorsch’sclawedgauntletsscratchedattheirresistibleforceofthearmandhesankhisleech’sfangsintoOgrax’sflesh.Ashisfeetlefttheground,thearmouredwarriorkickedout,clatteringfuriouslyinhisplate.Thestrugglewasoverasfastasithadbegun,however,as–withanexcruciatingcrunch–Ograxtorethefleshlessskullofthewarriorfromhissuddenlyflaccidbody.Realisingthattheywerebeingbetrayed,theCrimsonCompanyrippedthe

barbedbladesoftheirswordsandaxesfromtheirbelts,rallyingtothecommandsofoneofUlfenSchorsch’sownlieutenants.ThiswasoneofthereasonsthatArchaonhadorderedthemkilled.Hewastheonlydreadauthorityinthevasthordeandtheonlyonepermittedtoempowersubordinates.TheCrimsonCompanymighthavepledgedallegiancetoArchaonbutSchorsch’sbandofcannibalsstillharbouredloyaltiesofandtotheirownkind.Spinningaround,theirbonebladesalreadywhisperedfromtheirwing-

sheathes,theSwordsofChaosdecimatedthefrontrankofCrimsonCompanywarriorswithasinglecoordinatedstrike.Thedecapitatingslashsentskullssailingthroughtheair,thegloomglintingofftheirbrassfangs.Withweaponsineachhand,theSwordssweptthebladesoftheBloodGod’swarriorstoonesideandstabbedthetipsoftheirshadowyswordsthroughthebaredboneofskulls.Retractinginunison,Archaon’shenchmenworkedtheirwaymethodicallythroughtheCrimsonCompany,whowerecaughtbetweenthemercilessbladeworkoftheSwordsandPrinceOgrax’sskull-axe,beingusedtosmashskullsfromspinesinshowersofbrain-mulchedfragments.ItwasnotinthenatureoftheBloodGod’sservantstofleeandtheCrimson

Companydidnotdisappoint,forcingOgraxtomurdereachwarriorwherehestood,smashingthearmouredleechesintoamessagainstthehardearthoftheplain.Archaonlookeddownonthecarnage.Whatothersmighthavecalled

brainfeveroramurderousmadnessoftheWastes,Archaonconsideredpruning.Hordes,likeshrubsandbushes,wereattheirhealthiestwhentrimmedtoensureguidedgrowth.Archaonneededwarriorsofcharactertoleadthecontingentsof

hismonstroushordeintobattle–ahordethatassimilatedmoreandmoreWastelandwanderingdrosseveryday.Whathedidnotneedwastheloyaltyofthosecontingentsinthehandsofconspiratorsanddissenters,whomightbetemptedtosecretlybuildanarmywithinArchaon’sown,securethefutureloyaltiesofotherlieutenantsandmurderArchaonforhisgreattreasures.Thiswasnotwarp-bakedparanoia.IthadhappenedtoArchaonbefore.Hehadlostanentirehostthroughthemachinationsofpretenderstohistitlestocomeandhadbarelyescapedwithhislife.Toensurethatneverhappenedagain,thatthewildandwaywardforcesatworkwithinthemonstrouslegionathiscommandwerekeptincheck,Archaonroutinelyslaughteredhisown.Issuingcharismaticwarriors,defiantsavagesandoverlysuccessfullieutenantsactingontheirowninitiativewithtasksandmissionsthattookthemandtheirloyalfollowersawayfromthehorde,Archaonwouldhavethemsecretlybutchered.Ifhehadanyevidenceoftheirplottingagainsthim,Archaonwouldevenendthemhimself.ThathadnotbeenthecasewithUlfenSchorschandtheCrimsonCompany,however.Archaonsimplyhadaninstinctforthoseoverreachingindividualswhomhefeltwoulddisappointhim.Suchassassinationsalwayshappenedinsecretbuttherewasageneralsuspicionamongstthehorde’swretchedmultitudethatsuchapracticewenton,andthisalsohelpedtosubduewould-bechallengers.Inalandofmadness,leadingadarkarmyofthevile,thebloodthirstyandthedaemonic,itsometimespaidtoadvertisealittledarknessofyourown.‘Burntheremains,’ArchaontoldJharkill,steppingdownfromDorghar.‘With

anythingyoucanfind.’Archaon’sbootcrunchedinthegritnexttoSchorsch’sdecapitatedhead.The

warrior’seyesstillstaredupatArchaoninsearing,uncloseableaccusation,whilehisfangedjawssnappedunconsciouslyinthedirt.LeecheswerenotoriouslydifficulttokillandArchaonwantedtoensurethefieryendofthevampiricCrimsonCompany.Themonstrousogrenoddedhisunderstanding,keepingholdofDorghar.‘StaywithJharkillandmysteed,’ArchaontoldZwei,whowascleaningoffoneofhisboneblades.Liketheogre,thewraith-warriornoddedsilently.‘Youtwo,’Archaontoldtheothers,‘prince,withme.’AsArchaonsetoffupthewindingincline,EinsandDreiflankedtheirmaster,

whileOgraxtheGreat,flickinggorefromtheskullofhisdaemon-headedaxe,followed,hisbrazenhoovespulverisingthegritofthetrail.Astheyascended,thewindpickedup.Thedizzyingexpanseoftheendlessplaingloweredaboutthemountain,stretchingoffintothegloominalldirections.Thefatmountain,

meanwhile,wounditsridge-linedtrackupandarounditsoddbulk,workinguptowardsthelipofthehollowabove.Unlikethecolddirtoftheplain,whereonlystuntedgrassesmanagedtogrow,thestoneofthemountainwaswarmunderfootandevenprovidedshelterenoughincrooksandcleftsfortwistedshrubsandtheoccasionalpetrifiedtree.AsArchaonadvanced,hesawchimerataketothewingfromtheheightsaheadandswarmsofmonstrouseyesblinkingmalevolencefromthedarknessofcaves.Thepredatorsdidnotseemtowantare-matchandinsteadwithdreworfledtothesafetyoftheskies.Astheyhikedupthesweepingincline,windingupthefatmountainlikea

serpent,Archaonstartedtonoticestainsinthedirt.Theywereareddishbrown,andatfirsttheChaoswarlordtookthemforthesitesofrecentkillsbychimeraonthemountainside.Uponcloserinspectionhefoundittoberustblotchingthemountaintrail.Sporadicpatchesofcorrosionthathadstainedthegritandstone.Lookingabout,Archaonsawthatthestainswereeverywhere,coveringthemountainlikearash.Heconsideredthepossibilityofsurfaceirondepositsorperhapstheabandonedweaponsofthechimerapackvictims.Heknewthiscouldn’tbethecasewhenhecameacrosshisfirstblade,stabbedintothemountainsideandsittingstraightupintherock.Kneelingdown,Archaoninspectedtheweapon,anancientbladealmostblack

withrustandage,eatentoaraggedshadowofitsformergloryanddesign.Walkingfrompatchtorust-redpatch,Archaonfoundmoreweaponry,alsocorrodedandancient.Spearheadsbearingthestumpsofbrokenshafts.Bruteaxesburiedalmostuptotheirwitheredhafts.Blades–stone-cleavingbroadswords,thetaperingeleganceoflongswords,serratedscimitarscleavedintotherock,ensorcelledswordsofdarkmagicslongdead,rustingdaggersstabbedalmostuptothehilt.AsArchaontrudgedupthetrailandaround,hefoundhimselfinagraveyardofsuchweapons.Themoulderingsteelofprimitivebutchery,bejewelledcraftsmanshipandhell-forgedlethality.AstheinclinesteepenedandArchaon’sstridespushedhimupthemountain

pathwithgreaterurgencyandinsistence,hefoundotherweaponsburiedinthemountain.Amongstthestuntedforestofblades,Archaonfoundhundredsofmetalarrowshafts,rust-shatteredandburiedintherock.Healsodiscoveredthepittedsurfaceofgreatcannonballssittinghalfburiedinthemountainside.Thecountlessswordsthatsatlikethegravemarkersofsoldiersinthestonewerebrokenupbytheoccasionalmonument–greatrottingweaponryofgargantuansizethathadbeensmasheddeepintotherockysurface.Monstrousaxes,hammersandthehugespikedballsofchain-trailingflails–thekindsof

gargantuanweaponrythatcouldonlybewieldedinthehugehandsofgiants,greatdaemonsandtitanicabominations.Eventheyhaddonelittlebutcracktheirwayintothesurfaceoftheindestructiblemountain.Archaon’smindwhirledwithdarkthoughts.Perhapsthepeakhadbeenthe

siteofacolossalbattle?TheChaoswarlorddiscountedtheidea.Thebladeshadnotbeenabandonedthereinthehandsofrottingchampions.Theywereembeddedinthedirtandrock.Perhapsthemountainwassomekindofunholysiteorcolossaltor?ArchaoncouldseesomebrutaldeityliketheBloodGodhonouredwithsteelinsuchaway,buthecouldn’tfindanyevidencethatthemountainwasdedicatedtoaninfernalpatronormarkedbyadaemonicsigil.Themysteryateawayathimasheascended.Behind,EinsandDreifollowedtheirmasterinunquestioningsilence,theirownbladesreadytobeheadsomehiddenattackeroremboldenedchimeraleapingoutfromacaveentrance.PrinceOgraxsimplychewedupthemountainpathwithstabbingstepsofhishooves,yawningwithboredom.Astheyapproachedthecrowninglipofthehollowpeak,Archaonbecame

increasinglyagitated.Themysterynolongeroccupiedhisthoughts.Insuchaseaofrust-eatensteelandmyriadswords,Archaonbegantoworrythathewouldmisswhathehadcometothemountaintofind.Vangel’sdaemonblade–theSlayerofKings.SwordofthesecondEverchosenofChaos.ThesteelprisoninwhichtheabominateentityU’zuhltheSkulltakerwastrapped.Howmanyofthemagnificentweapons,halfburiedinbrown-stainedstone,couldtheSlayerofKingsbe?Asheroundedthehollowpeak,Archaon’sprogressslowed,theChaoswarlordmovingfromweapontogreatweaponandinspectingtherustedruinofeachblade.WithnobladematchingthespecificdescriptionthedaemonZ’guhlhadgiven

oftheSlayerofKings,Archaonreachedtheendofthemountaintrail.Hefeltthehollowpeakabovehimlikeadare.Withoutstoppingforbreath,theChaoswarlordmountedtherockywall.Liketherestofthemountain,theapproachtothepeakwaslitteredwithembeddedblades,sunkinrust-stainedblotchesofstone.Itwasasthoughthemountainhadbeenattackedbysomegreatarmy.Hehauledhimselfupthroughtheweapons.Theymadeforexcellentpurchase,withtheexceptionofage-corruptedhiltsandaxehaftsthatsimplydisintegratedinthehandorunderboot,showeringtheclimberbelowinbrownflakes.NothingwouldstopArchaon,however.Hefeltclose.HeknewthattheSlayerofKingswasonthemountain.ThatthetreasureofChaoswasthereforthetaking.Everimpatient,Archaonstartedtoleapfrombladetorustedblade,heavinghimselfup

throughtheforestofweaponsatspeed–eveninhiscursedplate.Ashisraggedcloakflappedintherisingwindlikeabannerorflag,OgraxtheGreatandthetwoSwordsofChaosfollowed.OgraxtheGreatfoundtheclimbatestbutEinsandDrei,helpedbyoccasionalflapsofthewing,hadlittledifficultymakingthekindofambitiousjumpstowhichArchaonwascommittinghimself.Movingacrossaswellasskyward,Archaonswiftlyinspectedswordsofparticularmagnificence,bladesthatcouldpossiblyhavematchedthedescriptionoftheSlayerofKings.Withnoluckinlocatingthedaemonblade,Archaonpulledhimselfupandover

theprecariouslipofthecraterpeak.Standingontheedgeofamightyhollowthatrandeepdowninsidethefatmountain,Archaon’sblackheartsank.Eins,Dreiandthefiendprincewerebesidehim,dustingofftheirhands.Themountainwasnovolcano.Notevenadormantone.Itwashollowedoutatthecore,however.Itreacheddownthroughsmoothlinesandamountaintrailthatspiralledintothedepthsliketheoneleadinguptherockyexterior.Justliketheexterior,theinsidewascoveredinarashofrustedblotchesandprotrudingfromeachonewasanancientblade,axe,spearorotherkindofweapon,rearingupfromthestoneatcrookedangles.Theswarmofbladesgavethehollowtheappearanceofsomegreatmouth,brimmingwithneedle-liketeeth.Peeringintothedepths,pastthemadnessoftheswords,thechimera-haunted

cavesanddarkcrevices,Archaon’sdarksightpickedoutalightinthedarkness.Althoughthemountainitselfwasnomorecorruptedthantheendlessnessofthesurroundingplain,andanumberofancientswordsglowedwiththemalevolenceoftimelongservedtotheRuinousPowersandtheirchampions,therewasbutonethatburnedwithradiancereservedforadarkblade,adaemonsword–aweaponworthyoftheEverchosenofChaos.Abladethatseemedtotakeprideofplaceatthebottomofthesword-stabbedpit.Archaondarenotwait.Hewassoclose.Hedidn’tevenbotherwiththe

spirallingtrail.Skiddingdownthesteepnessofthehollowwall,graspingthemoulderinghiltsofswordsandcrumblinghaftsofaxes,Archaonmadehisdescent.Screeandgritshiftedbeneathhisboots,makingthedescentaskidandslideasmuchasaweapon-weavingtrudge.DisturbedrocksandsmallbouldersstartedtobouncebesideandfrombehindtheChaoswarlordasEins,DreiandPrinceOgraxfollowedintheirmaster’sfootsteps.AsalargerockoverwhichArchaonhadclimbedbecamedislodged,theChaos

warlordskiddedtooneside–grabbingapairofswordstostabilisehispositiononthesteepgradientofthedescent.Theboulderrolled,tumbled,prangedoff

andovertherustedbladesafflictingitspath.Acceleratingandbouncing,thelargerocksmashedintothebottomofthepitneartheburningbalelightofthedreadblade.Archaonfeltitimmediately.Buildingbeneathhisboot.Arumble.Atremble.

Atremor.Aquake.Soontheentirehollowwasshakingwithamonstrousforcefromdeepwithinthemountain.Dustbilloweddownintothecrater.Carpetsofdirt,gritandlooserockshiftedbeneathhisfeetandflowedlikeafloodthroughthefixedforestofblades.Archaontriedtograbtherust-eatenshaftofaspearthatprotrudedfromtherockliketheskeletaltrunkofapetrifiedtree.Theancientmetaloftheweaponjustdisintegratedinhisgauntlets,however,andArchaonfelthimselflosehisfooting.Skidding.Grasping.Falling.Tumblingdownthroughthecorrodedweaponrythatwaslikeaspikedwall.Manybladessuccumbed,becomingcloudsofreddustandshoweringfragments.Someofthefinercraftedweaponswereage-ravagedtoblacknessonthesurfacebutstillboastedgood,strongsteelwithin.ThesebladessurprisedArchaonwiththeirresilience.Thesavageryoftheirlimb-smashing,gut-wrenchingimpacts.TheirinsistentrefusaltobreakasArchaon’sarmouredformclatteredthroughthem.Hittingthebottomofthepitwithacrashofplate,Archaonfeltthedying

rumbleofthequakethroughhisgauntlets.Asitdiedawaytoarisingsilence,gritanddirtstillhisseddowntheslopesandthroughtheblades.Smallrocksandbouldersbouncedoffthesword-barbednestofthehollow,severalthuddingandshatteringagainstArchaon.Grunting,theChaoswarlordpushedhimselfup.Therockhadbecomestillbeneathhim.Thehollowwasaswirling,dust-chokedmiasma.BehindArchaon,PrinceOgraxandhisSwordsofChaoscompletedtheirmessydescent.Archaonheldupafinger.Hewantedsilence.Somethingwasn’tquiteright.Heturned,gritscrapingunderhisboot.Therewasmovementinthemurk.

Chimericpredatorsandmonstrousfusionswerescramblingfromtheircaves.Someclawedtheirwayupandoutofthehollow.Otherstooktotheskieswiththeurgentbeatingofleatherywings.Archaonlookedabout.Hetookinthecontoursofthemountainhollow.Thepitbottombeneathhisfeet.Thestrangequakingthathadrippledthroughtherock.Asthedustcleared,Archaonfeltthebileofabadfeelingclimbthebackofhisthroat.‘Thisisnomountain,’heannouncedtothegrit-skitteringsilenceofthehollow.Ashedidso,whatArchaonhadformerlytakenforthecragginessofahooded

caveopeningsuddenlyflickeredtolife.Asdirtanddislodgedscreerainedfromit,anarmouredlidroselikethegreatstonedoorofanancienttempleand

Archaonandhishench-warriorsweresuddenlycaughtinthegoldmaelstromofacolossal,reptilianeye.Atitsheartwasachasmicsliverofblack–thepupiloftheeyeunfocusedandunseeing.TheChaoswarriorsfrozeastheywerebathedingoldendoom,remainingstillasthecraggylidmadeitsdozydescent.Archaonriskedanotherglanceaboutthehollow.Muchofthecenturies-

accumulateddustandclaw-scrapedrockthathadsatatopthecolossalcreaturehadfallenawayintherumblingquakeofthetitaniccreature’sdisturbedmovements.ItwasstilldifficulttomakeoutthroughthefogofdustandthefactthatArchaonwasstandingrightinthemiddleofthismadness.Hecouldmakeoutthehalf-buriedfeaturesofagargantuanandmonstrousface.Asingletuskrisinglikeapeakofitsownfromacavern-closedmouth.Thewinding,hollow-huggingtwistofahead-sproutinghorn.Thethingwasimpossiblyhuge–evenfortheWastes.Likeasleepinggod-

monster,thefatmountainthattheChaoswarriorshadclimbedwastheabomination’sslumber-curledbody–itsformburiedinthedustandcorruptionoftheWastes,whippedupaboutitonthebacksofperversewinds,twistersandGate-flowinggales.Likesomeanimal,ithadscrapeditselfacolossalhollowintherockandearthofthestorm-plaguedplain,rainingthewarp-bakedmaterialdownonitselfasitsettled,curlingitselfupintheshapeofafatmountain.TheholloworcraterinwhichArchaonandhishench-warriorswerestandingwasthepitcreatedattheheartofthecurledbeast.Thestoneseemedhalffossilisedtothecolossalcreature’sskin.Cleftsand

hollowscreatedbythetitan’scurledbodycreatedthecavesandshelteroverhangsofwhichthechimeraoftheplainhadmadesuchgooduse.Archaoncouldnowseethetruefleshofthebeast.Aridgerunningacrossthemonstrosity’shalf-hiddenfacewasinfactoneofitscolossallegs.WhatArchaonhadtakenforthesmoothsurfaceofagreatboulder,wasinfactagargantuanclawrestingacrossthebeast’snose.Thetalon-foottowhichthescythingclawbelongedhadshakenloosetheencrusteddust,dirtandpetrifiedrockthathadencasedittorevealthegargantuanscales,likethoseofadragon.Thiswasnodragon,however.Thehorns,thetusk,thescalesandthedarkfaceofthemonsterremindedArchaonofcreatureshehadfoughtthelasttimehehadcrossedtheWastes.Ancientabominationsthatwereaground-shaking,storm-bathingfusionofdragonandogre.Mountainoustitansofmuscleanddarkness-pledgedsavageryfromthewaistup,curse-blessedwiththelegs,bodiesandtailsofdragons.Theoldest,largestandmostmonstrousoftheirkindwerecalledshaggoths,

andArchaonhadfacedonesuchmonsterduringthelostyearsofhiswanderings–asamaraudingwarriorofChaos–whentheWastesstillhadthemakingofhim.Thebeasthadcarvedupthelandscapewithitscolossalstorm-forgedaxes,decimatingafullhalfofArchaon’swarbandandthewarbandsofscoresofotherwarriorssimilarlyfightingfortheirsurvival.Thecreaturehadalmostbeentheendofhim,butArchaonhadprevailed.Thismonsterwassomethingelse.Impossiblyhuge.God-tremblinglypowerful.Somethingbeyondancient.Perhapsoneoftheforefathersoftheabominaterace.Archaonlookedaboutatthemidnightsheenofscaleandthestorm-scorchedskinofthemonstrosity’sface…KrakanroktheBlack.Archaonlookedacrosstherust-stainedsurfaceofthehollow.Krakanrokthe

Black.Unimaginablyoldandhuge.Allbutimmortal.Amountainoflightning-lashedflesh,piercedwiththebladesofathousanddeadwarriors–therustingsteelsuchaninsignificancetothemonsterthateachonewaslikeaspeckofdustonaknight’ssuitofarmour.Krakanrokdidnotcare…ButArchaondid.Stabbedintothepetrifiedrockandsablefleshofthemonstrosity’sfacewasanancientbladethatthroughArchaon’seyesburnedwiththedarklightofruin.Thebenightedorbofitspommel.Theage-tarnishedupturnsofitscrossguard,givingthestone-sheathedswordtheappearanceofhate-baredfangs.TheChaoshalf-starinwhichthebroadnessofthebladewasset.Theeternity-encrustedrakesandsweepinggulletsofthesword’swarpedserrations.ThiswastheSlayerofKings–ofthatArchaonhadnodoubt.Itsatanabomination-blindingdistancebelowthemonster’sclosedeye,almostcoveredbytheclawofthecreature’stalonedfootthatrestedacrossitsnose.Archaoncouldn’tbelievewhathewasgoingtodo.Hecouldnotdefeatsuch

anabominateancientoftheworldwithsteelalone.Itwouldbeliketryingtodestroyamountain,whichKrakanrokhadalmostbecome.ArchaonhadfoughtforeverytreasureofChaoshehadsofarclaimed.Thiswasnotatestofsteel,hedecided.Thiswasatestofnerve.LiketheshimmeringshadowsoftheSwordsandPrinceOgrax,snarlinginsilence,Archaonstoodtransfixedbytheheart-stabbingshockoftheirdoomedpredicament.Swallowingdownhisdreadwiththebileburningthebackofhisthroat,Archaonwilledhislimbstomove.Treadinglightlyonthegravel,Archaonapproachedtheimpossiblemonster.

Heturnedtothewraith-warriorsbehindhimbuthedarenotspeakforfearofwakingthebeastandattractingitsapocalypticattentions.Archaonpointedatthesky.Einsnoddedandthetwoshadow-smearedwarriorsunfoldedtheirwings.IfKrakanroktheBlackdidwake,Archaonintendedthewingedwarriorstoget

themoffthemountainassoonaspossible.ToPrinceOgrax,Archaongesturedtowardsthecolossalclaw,indicatingwithanupwardmotionofhisarmouredpalmsthattheygentlyliftthething.Thehalf-breedwasallmuscleandlivingmetal.Hestretchedhisneckfrom

sidetosidetoindicatethathewasready,buttheexpressionofhisfiend’sfacewasoneofhorroranduncertainty.Hemayhavebeenadaemonbreed.HemayhaveconqueredthebestialhordesofthesoutherncontinentandwalkedtheRealmsofChaoswithArchaon,hismaster.Hehadneverfacedsomethingsounimaginablycolossal,itsmountainousfleshquakingwithrawpowerandcalamitouspossibility.Asthepairslidtheirhandsbeneaththeclawandslowly–soslowly–liftedit

fromtheabominate’sface,Archaonfelthisarmsburn.Hefelthisbonesgroan.Hiscursedplaterattledwiththeeffort.Ograxfaredbetter.Theprincewasbuiltlikeahornedbarbarianfromthewaistup,whilehisclovenfeetandthebrazenbrawnofhislegssolidifiedbelowhimintotheunbreakablestillnessofastatue.TheBloodGod’sindomitabilityburnedupthroughhisveins,whilethedaemonicstrengthofhisfathergiftedOgraxwiththeabilitytotakethetitanicweightoftheclawalone.Whetherinservicetohismasterordrivenbythemonstrousprideoftheprince–anadvertisementofhispowerandanunsubtlewarningtoArchaon–OgraxliftedtheclawofftheChaoswarlord’sgauntlets.Themoundsuponmoundsofmusclethatglobedontheprince’sarmsbegantotremble.Thefruitsofexertionbegantobeadabouthishornsanddripfromhischeeks.ArchaonnoddedtoPrinceOgraxandthehalf-breednoddedbackhis

insistencethathecouldholduptheclaw.Archaonwasabouttoventureforthwhenhesawthatliftingtheweightabovehisheadandthemuscle-ripplingdemandsofthetaskhadburstoneoftheflayed-fleshstrapsholdingOgrax’sbronzedbreastplateinplace.Theprimitivepieceofplateboretherough-carvedsigiloftheBloodGodandwasmorefordecorationthananythingelse,swampedasitwasbythewallofbrawnthatwasthehalf-breed’schest.Astheplatedangledawayfromthetremblingdemandsoftheprince’sflesh,Archaoncouldseethattherewasanothersymbolburnedintothefleshbeneath.Asearingstarthatseemedtoscareternal.AsymbolthatArchaonhadseenbefore.Ontheunkillablechampionatthetopoftheworld.Onthelivingshadowsofwarrior-servantslongpastthatArchaonhadfoughtintheForsakenFortress.OntheDarkMaster’sownmonstrouschest.TheRuinousStaroftheHerald.TheDarkStarofBe’lakor.

Archaonstoppedandstaredatthebetrayalthatburnedinhischampion’sflesh.AcreaturewhosebestialnatureandinfernalheritageArchaonhadlongdespised.Ahalf-breedwhohaddisappointedandimpressedhiminequalmeasure.AwarriorthatArchaonhadplacedattheheadofhishordeallthesameandemployedashisbrutalenforcer.PrinceOgrax–ashadowplacedpawnoftheDarkMaster.Ablunttoolwithadeftpurpose.Thecreature’smindlessviolenceputtingitbeyondtheshadowyveilofsuspicion.Atraitor-beastslippedunsuspectinglyintoArchaon’sbrutaltrust.PerhapsOgraxhadbeenBe’lakor’slongbeforetheymetonthefieldofbattle.

Perhapsthedaemonhadworkedtheprince’sinfernalfatherorclaimedOgraxintheeternityofmadnessbetweentheChaosGates.PerhapstheDarkMasterhadrecruitedOgraxtohiscausethedaybeforetheysetoffforthemountain.Archaonwouldneverknow.Theglazedquiveroftheprince’sowneyescamedownfromtheclawhewas

holdingabovehishead.Archaonhadnotmovedandthishadattractedthehalf-fiend’sattention,knowingnothowlonghecouldbeartheweightonhisown.WhenhefoundArchaonstaringattheexposedsigilonhischest,Ograxglaredathim.Thefiend’sfacewasamaskofcontortions.Archaondidn’tcare.WhetherOgraxhadbeenplacedbyBe’lakortoensuresuccessinArchaon’squestorwhethertheprincewaswaitingfortherighttimetomurderhimandclaimhisdarktreasuresforhimselfwasirrelevant.HewouldhavebeenorwouldbetheDarkMaster’swillingpuppet.Archaonknewhehadabattlecoming.Anotherdesperatefightagainstthe

monstrousOgrax,thistimetothedeath.Atthatmoment,standingonthecuspofcalamity,therewasnothingtobedone:nowordsorblowstobeexchanged.Theywerecaughtinthedirenatureoftheircircumstances.ArchaontookseveralstepstowardstheabominatefaceofKrakanrokthe

Black.Watchingthecraggylidforanysignsthatitmightriseonthegoldensunofthetitan’sgaze,theChaoswarlordreachedouthisgauntlet.ThehugebladehadspentaWaste-warpedeternityburiedinthefearfulfleshoflivingcatastrophe.Ithungeredtobeheldoncemore.Tobewieldedbyonewhocouldendtheworldwithitstalents.Dustfellfromitstwo-handedhilt.Itscrossguardrattled.Spiderycracksfelttheirwaythroughthepetrificationofitspommel-orb.Itsbroadbladeseemedtoshiftslightlyinitssheathoffleshandstone,edgingfitfullytowardsArchaon’soutstretchedfingers.AsArchaonfelttheghostofaquakebeneathhisboots,hegrabbedholdofthe

blade’shilt.Likesomekindofhorrificinfant,theweaponseemedtobesoothed

bytheactionandtherattlingsubsided.WithitthemonstrousintentionofmovementdiedinthefleshuponwhichArchaonwasstanding.Whilethedaemonbladeseemedsoothedbytheblack-heartedtouchofawarriorofChaossuchasArchaonandthedreadviolenceheintendedwiththeweapon,Archaonfeltsomethinghimselfintheancientblade.Thehorrificthingseemedtogripback–asthoughtheswordwieldedhimasmuchasheintendedtowieldit.Archaonclosedhiseyesforamomentandenjoyedthebloodypassionsthatracedthroughhisheart.Hefellthroughvisionsofslaughter.Tidalwavesofbloodcrashedoverhim.Deathanditsdealingbecamehisonlydesire.Grippingthesword,Archaon’sgauntletcreakedabouttheage-ravagedhilt.He

feltasifhecouldpulverisetheancientmetalinhishand.Archaonforcedhiseyesopen.Hebreatheddeepandwishedacoldcalmdownthroughhisbeing.Themonstrousbeinginthebladewouldnothaveitsbloodywaywithhissoul.TheSlayerofKingswouldbehis,nothimthegoreslaveofU’zuhltheSkulltaker.Withasnarl,thedangerofhiscircumstancesreturned.KrakanroktheBlack.PrinceOgrax.ThefifthtreasureofChaos.Tensinghisarm,Archaonpulledthedaemonbladefromwhereithadsatfor

centuries–buriedinrockandabominateflesh.Thestonesheathrefusedtoreleaseitsprizeatfirstbutwithsometeeth-grittedinsistence,Archaonfeltthebladerumblefromitsrestingplace.Withamurderousthrillthatshotthroughhissoullikeabattlefieldvictory,ArchaonheldtheSlayerofKingsuptothesky.Tohisrelief,therehadbeennoreactionfromthemonster-mountainuponwhichhewasstanding.Theancientwoundinflictedbysuchaweapon–evenadaemonblade–wouldhavebeennothingtothefatherofthedragonogrerace,whosefleshandscalewereasagelessastheywereimmortal,whosemightysoulwouldhavebeenalightningstormeternal.Archaonadmiredtheblade.Itwasencrustedwithage,likeathingfossilised

andprimordial.Eventhroughthepetrifiedrockandsolidifiedwyrdstone,Archaoncouldfeelitspower.Theywouldforgeamightypartnership.Hewouldfeedthebladewhatitdesired–thesoulfireofwarriorvictims,takenfromtheminthehotdoomofdefeat.TheSlayerofKings,inturn,wouldservetheEverchosenofChaosoncemore.ItwouldbeArchaon’sambassadorofdarkness.Theeverlastingdarknesshewouldbringtofoesdefeatedandtheapocalypticendhewouldvisitupontheworld.Asheheldthecrooksandcragsofthemagnificentbladetotheskyandconsideredthehorrificdaemonicforceenslavedinsteel,hethoughtofhissoul-pledgedpromisetoZ’guhl,theSkullreaper,theHeraldofHate,theCrimsonDoom.HowArchaonhadpromised

tosettheblade’sdaemonfreenotonlytohonourhiscompactwithZ’guhlbutalsosoZ’guhlcouldhonourhiscompactwithhisinfernalbrother.Archaonsmiledbehindtheskull-plateofhishelm.‘Iwillsetyoufree,mightydaemon,’Archaonsaid,halftohimself.‘Slayerin

steel.Spillerofblood.Feasterofsouls.Furyoftherazor’sedge…Butnottoday.’Thesword’sreactionwasinstantaneous.Likearagebuilding,thehiltgrewhot

throughArchaon’sgauntlet.Ittrembledinhisgrip.Cracksfelttheirwaythroughthepetrifiedstoneandencrustationbeforesuddenly–withaforgeflashandthewhooshofafreshlystokedfurnace–thematerialexploded.Archaonturnedhishelmandwasshoweredwithshardsofwyrdstoneandfragmentsofrockthatprangedoffhisplate.Whenheturnedback,hefoundthewonderofthedaemonbladeinhishand.TheSlayerofKings.TheragethatcoursedthroughthesteelprisonofthebladebathedArchaoninitshellishradiance.Thebarbsandcurvesoftheblade’scuttingedgeglowedalmosttotransparency,whiletheChaoshalf-starcrackledfuriouslywiththeinfernalenergiesandbindingsthatheldU’zuhl,theSkulltakerofKhorneinservicetothebladeandthebladeinservicetothewarriorbraveenoughtoinflictitsrageupontheworld.Thesteelfangsofthecrossguard,thirstingforblood.Thehiltthatburnedinthehand.Thepommel-orb,whosesmooth,darkcrystalwrithedwiththebalefulyellowfuryofU’zuhl’seye,lookingdownonArchaonwithabyssalhatred.Thenheheardit.Likeabladeringingoffanother,Archaonheardthedaemonsword’ssteelsing.Hefelttheswordthrobanditsbladeresonate.Theterriblesoundbuilt,fillingArchaon’sheartwithaghostlydreadandturninghisstomach.Asthedaemon’ssufferingsbuilttoasteelshriek–itseternalthirstforblood,itsbottomlesshungerforsouls,itsinfernalfurytobefree–Archaonunderstoodthedangerthattheywereallin.Lookingfromthedreadmagnificenceofthescreamingbladetothecragged

eyelidofKrakanroktheBlack,theChaoswarlordrealisedwhatthedaemonbladewasdoing.IfArchaonwouldnotsetU’zuhlfreethenhewouldbedestroyed–andsinceU’zuhlcouldnotturntheserviceofthebladeuponhethatitserved,thedaemonwouldneedtostokethethunderouswrathofanawokentitan.Archaonwatchedastherock-encrustedlidroseoncemore,flickeringbeforethegoldensunofasingleeyebehind.Hefeltthemountainbeneathhimstir.Tremble.Quake.Atfirst,Archaondidnotknowwhattodo.Thediremagnitudeoftheir

circumstancewasoverwhelming.Thedaemoninthebladewouldshriekitsfury

andhungeruntilthegargantuanfatherofdragonogres,awokenfromanaeons-longslumber,effortlesslydestroyedthemallinhisthunder-fuelledanger.ThebloodysolutionwasaccomplishedbeforeArchaonhadbarelythoughtitthrough.WiththedaemonswordbleedingitswrathintoArchaonthroughthewarmmetalofhisgauntlet,hismindburnedwithnecessitywhilehisarmseethedwithbloodthirstyaction.OgraxtheGreat,visiblyshakingundertheweightofKrakanroktheBlack’scolossalclaw,knewtheproblem’ssolutionameresecondbeforeitwasbrutallycarriedout.Leaningforwardunderhismonstrousburden,PrinceOgraxroaredhisdefiance,thatofhisdaemonicfatherandthatofhisbloodygod.ArchaonwhippedtheSlayerofKingsaroundtopresentitlikethetailofascorpion.Furysmokedfromtheblade,burningontheairandmakingtheweightofthebroadbladeanothinginArchaon’shand.Thrustingthedaemonbladeforwardwithmercilessforce,Archaonrammedthe

SlayerofKingsintoOgrax’sopenmouth,downhisthroatandintothemonstrouslymusculartorsoofthehalf-breed.Withthebladeuptothefangedcrossguardinitsscabbardofbutcheredflesh,theshriekingoftheimprisoneddaemondiedonthewind.Thehate-hotbladebubbledinthebloodyruinofOgraxtheGreat’sbody,whiletheentityU’zuhlfeastedonthesoulfireoftheBloodGod’schampion–therichbrutalityofhisdeathandthecountlessdeathsforwhichthehalf-breedwasresponsible.Ograxmightnothavebeenaking,buthewasaprince,andtheslaughter-filledbarbarityofhisexistenceseemedtosatisfythesteeloftheSlayer.AsOgraxfaltered,ArchaonwastheretotaketheburdenofKrakanrok’s

mightyclaw.Einsjoinedhim,whileDreigrabbedthetopplinghalf-breedbeforehecrashedtotheground.Thehalf-breedwasdead.FarfromdispleasingKhorne,hissuddenandviolentdeathhonouredtheBloodGod.Hiscrashingcorpseorthedislodgingofthedaemonblademighthavecostthemstillinwakingthefatherofdragonogres,however,hadthewraith-warriornotreachedOgraxintime.Combined,ArchaonandEinsdidnothavethestrengthoftheBloodGod’schampionandjuddereddowntotheirkneesundertheweight,beforelayingtheclawbackacrossKrakanrok’sabominatefacewithasmucharm-tremblingcareastheycouldmanage.Fromtherockyfloor,Archaonwatchedthelidofthemonstrouseyedroop

backdown,eclipsingthegoldensunbehindit.Afterafewheart-thumpingtwitches,theabhorrentcreaturereturnedtoitseternalslumber.Archaon’spauldronsslumped.TheChaoswarlordshookhisheadslowlyfromsidetoside.TheshimmeringshadowsofEinsandDreisimplywaitedontheirmaster’s

instruction.AsArchaongottohisfeet,helookeddownatthecorpseofOgrax–hisfacefixedinanexpressionofpurehorror,mouthagapeandbrimmingwiththebloodinwhichtheSlayerofKingssnuglysat.Archaonwouldn’triskunsheathingtheswordfromitscadaver-scabbarduntilhewasveryfarfromthelonelymountain.WalkingpasttheSwordsofChaoshenoddedatPrinceOgrax.EinsandDreiclaspedthecorpse,oneundereacharm,intendingtodragthedaemonprincebetweenthem,thecrossguard,hiltandpommel-orbprotrudingfromthehalf-breed’sopenmouthandskeweredhead.‘Let’sgetthehelloutofhere,’Archaonannounced,walkingonahead.AsEins

andDreidraggedPrinceOgraxandthedaemonswordbehindtheirmaster,Archaonsaid,‘Allofus.’

CHAPTERXIV

‘Nowshallyeassay,hesaiduntoAlderiq.AndanonyoungAlderiqfoughtforallhewasworth,therewithaltheknightemergedvictorious,presentingtheheadoftheinvaderbeast,forhelovedthisland,itskingdomanditspeoplehighbornandlowandwouldnotseeitpollutedbythingsunfitforexistence.’

–RolandRancourt–LeMorteD’Alderiq,ChapterIV:OftheFirstWarandhowKingAlderiqwonthefield

TheMarchesofBrilloinneTheBretonnianCoastJourdeRoiIC2518

Archaonfeltthegalleonrollwiththestorm.HehadgivenupthecavernousdarknessofthegreatcabintoGisellebutfoundhimselfreturningthereoften.Tobealonewithhisthoughts.Withtheaccusatorysilence.Tobealonewithher.Theworldhadindeedturned.Theyearshadpassedandtakentheirinevitable

toll.EventhewarlordsofChaossufferedtheravagingattentionsoftime.Thegirlwaslittlemorethananemaciatedbagofbonesnow.Awasted,skeletal

wightofagirl,whosesoftskinwasstretchedtotransparencyacrossthesharpnessofherbones.Ahorrortobehold,ripplingwithribsandspine.Shehadnotthemiserablestrengthtoliftherselffromthebunkandfurs.ShewasacursedinvalidthatArchaonkeptaliveforhisownselfishreasons.Withoutamouth,thegirlcouldnotevenscreamawayhersufferings.Mostofthetimeshesimplylaythere,still,likeacadaverinanancienttomb.Thelanternsthatswungandcreakedwiththepitchofthevesselwerekeptlowandthewindowsofthegreatcabinboardedup.ForArchaonitwasaghoulishretreat.Likeaflagellant–likeGorst–returningtothechainorwhipforpurification

andself-remonstration,hewouldstandbeforeGiselletoremindhimselfofwhathehaddone.Hehadlivedalonglifeofblood,fearanddarkness.Hisvictims.Hisdireacts.Hisdreadandunsungachievements.Hisworld-shakingatrocities.Theseallseemedlosttoalifehalfremembered.ItwasinthegirlthathefoundthetruehorrorofhisRuinousexistence.Itwasadailytest.Apunishmenthesubjectedhimselftoforhismanyfailures.Hisfailureofaninnocentyounggirl.Thefailureoftheabyssallovethatevennowhesomehowfeltforher.ThefailureofhisdarkquesttofindthefinaltreasureofChaos–theCrownofDomination–andendthelivingnightmareallthefaster.Theyearsofhislifehadebbedawayinsearchofatreasureithadtakenlonger

tofindthanalloftheotherscombined–andeverydayhereturnedtoGiselletolookuponherterriblebeauty.ShewaslikeamirrorinwhichArchaonsawtheterriblethingshehaddone.Hehadbroughtaterrortotheworld.Hehadmassacredwithindifference.Inthewretchedsufferingofthisgirleternal,thismemoryofhispastthatwouldnotdie–whenhehadbeenabetterman–Archaoncametoknowthetruemeasureofhisdarkness.Helaywithhernightly.Archaondidn’tsleep.Notanymore.Hejustsatthere

onthebunk,amidperfumedsilksandrichfursstrippedfromthepalacesofthemightyandthedead.Holdingher.Holdinghertohim.Holdingthebladeofadaggertoherthroat.Hefeltherwillinghimon.Begginghimwithoutwordstodowhathehadfailedtodomanyyearsbefore.WhentheyhadsharedabedandeachotherithadbeenGiselle’sturntofailhim.Failtoslidethedaggeracrosshisthroat.Failtoreleasehimfromthesufferingofadarkexistenceashenightlyfailedher.Heknewitwasn’tlovethatstayedhishand.Theobsidianofhisheart,thatsat

heavyanduselessinhischest,wasbeyondsuchthings.Gisellehadbeenhisprisoner.Aslavetohisphysicalneedsandherowninthelong,darknightatthetopoftheworld.Hehadinflicteduponhertheunspeakableperversionsofhis

foes,enemieswhowishedtowoundhimthroughher.HehadvisiteduponherthesavageryoftheSouthernWastes,themadnessoftheNorthernWastesandthelivinghellthatwastheRealmofChaosinbetween–wheredaemonsstalkedyoursoulandDarkGodsallbutdestroyedyouwiththeirobliterategaze.Andnow,anendlesssearchthroughfarawaylandsfortreasuresthatrefusedtogivethemselvesup.Shewasaslaveagain.Slavetoaneedhehadforherthatwasbeyondwordsorphysicalexpression.Prisonerwithintheagoniesofskin,boneandwitheredmusclethatwouldnotobey.WhenArchaonlookedonGiselle,heknewhewasamonster.Heheardtherattleofhisplate.Hewatchedtheshimmeringglintofthe

lantern’slowandghoulishlightoffthedagger’sblade.Hisfacewasawretchedsnarlbehindtheskullofhishelm.Blacktearsofwilldefiedhadleftthestainoftheirprogressdownonesideofhisface.Hesatbehindheronthebunk,amidthemoundoffurs.HehadGiselle’shorrorinhisarmouredembrace.Hisbladewasatherthroat.Itwouldtakenothing.Nothing.Heheardtheslightestofmurmursissuefromthemiseryofthegirl’sform.TheslightestofmovementsasGiselle’sskeletaltouchpulledatthecoldmetalofhisarm.Hewantedtoreleaseherfromtorment.Togiveherwhatshedesired.Whatsheneeded.Thedarkwillwasn’tthere,however.AroarbuiltwithinArchaon’schest.Afurythatwrackedhisbeingasheleanthisheadandhornedhelmbacktobellowhiswitheringragetothecabinceiling.Tothestorm-churnedsky.Togodsthatwouldnotlistenanddidnotcare.ThebladedriftedfromGiselle’sthroat.Archaonletittumbleintothefurs.

Pushinghergentlyaway,hegotupoffthebunkandwalkedaway,becomingonewiththedarknessofthecabin.Giselleslippedbackintothefurs,tearsofherownglisteningacrosseyesthatcaughtthelanternlight.Shehadnoteventhestrengthtoturnoverandburyherheadinthecovers.Fromtheshadowshewatchedthegirl.Hersufferingandtormentasshetriedtotrembletheemaciatedhorrorofahanddownthefurstowardstheknife.Topickitupandtousetheblade…onherself.Archaon’sheartthumpeditsencouragement.Hewishedshecoulddoit.Saveherself.Astheskeletalfingerspluckedgentlyatthedagger,hesawthehandshakeandthenfall.Gisellecouldbarelylifethehand,letalonethebladesheintendedtoclaspwithinit.Archaonturnedaway.Hecouldbeartolookonhernomore.ClosingthearchwaydoortothegreatcabinbehindhimhefoundZweiand

Dreistandingsilent,likesentries,eithersideoftheentrance.Inthechartroom,Archaonspreadthefingersofhisgauntletsandleantagainstthedarkaltar.It

wascoveredwithRuinoussymbolsandtheimplacableillustrationsofdaemons.Overthesewerelaidmaps,chartsandtwistedinstruments.Ancientbooksanddustygrimoireswerestackedabouttheroom,whilealanternswungabovethealtar,throwingthechartroominafiendishlight.TherewasalifetimeofstudyinthechartroomandtheChaoswarlordhad

spentmanylosthourssearchinghistory,thequill-scratchedramblingsofmadmen,ancientstonetabletsandmythicalmapsforcluestothelocationofthefinaltreasureofChaos.OntheshatteredcoastoftheNorthernWastes,Archaon’scolossalarmyhad

searchedforvesselstotransporttheirnumber.Formonthsthehordecampedoutonthestorm-lashedcoast,takingraidersandNorscanlongshipswheretheycould.TheseArchaondespatchedwithfalsewordofathousandslavesstrandedonthecoastfollowingashipwreckofaslaverfleet.TheChaosseasspatoutanumberofgreedyopportunists,whichArchaon’s

hiddenhordeenslavedsincethenumberoftheirvesselswereunsuitabletotheirneeds.Amonthlater,theoceanofferedupalegend.CaptainKurdogoliDarghouth.TheDevilofAraby.TheDreadoftheInfidels.TheClovenCaptainofKalabad.DarghouthhadcomealongwaysincehisdaysasamercilessslaverandthenbrutalcorsaironthePirateCoast.Somesaidhisappetiteforhumanfleshextendedbeyondtradingandstealingsuchcargoesandthathewouldselectthefinestspecimenstoberoastedforhistable.Estalians.Tileans.Eventheoccasionaldwarf.Aswealthlostitsappealandthedreadofvictim-nationsbecameDarghouth’sguidingstar,thepirategaveuptheharshstricturesofhisonegodforthefreedomofapantheonofRuinousadmirers.PlyingthecoastsofEstalia,Tilea,thePiratePrincipalityandtheBorderPrinces,theClovenCaptainamassedafleetofgun-totinggalleons,aswellascarracksandcaravelsloadedwithcannibalcrew.Somehetookwitheaseontraderoutesheknewalltoowell.Otherswere

warshipssenttodealwiththepiraticalthreathepresented.Allfailed.Darghouth’sattackfleetwasheraldedbyaswarmofsmallercraft,includinglanteen-mastedcogsandarmedpinnaces.Behindthesetrailedhulksthatcarriedvictimsbythehundreds–tobetraded,eatenorsacrificedtotheDarkGodsatKurdogoliDarghouth’sbestialwhim.Hishungerforsufferinganddestructiontookhimintocoolerclimeswherehe

foundnewpreyinBretonnianshippingandthegreatshipsoftheEmpire.FarthernorthhefoundtheChaosseasrepletewithraiders,madmenandwarriorsoftheDarkGods.InArchaon,theClovenCaptainmethismatch.Playingthe

partofthestrandedslaves,Archaonallowedhimselfandhishordetobetransportedovertothepiratecaptain’sfleetbeforestagingabloodbathofamutiny.SparingKurdogoliDarghouthandsomeofhismostgiftedcannibalcaptains,ArchaonhadofferedthemcontinuedservicetotheDarkGodsinhisnameorthefateofbeingfedtohismonstrosities.Darghouthandhiscaptainshadchosenlifeoverdeath.Toconfirmthattheyhadmadethecorrectchoice,ArchaongavethemastheirfirstresponsibilitythetransportofArchaon’smonstersandabominationsovertothefleet’shulkswiththehorde’smounts,wagonsandsiegeengines.WithaChaosfleetoncemoreathiscommand,Archaonlefttheexecutionof

hisorderstotrustedlieutenantsspreadthroughoutthearmada,whichsailedlikeablackplaguesouthfromtheberg-clashingcoastoftheWastes.Navigation,therunningoftheflagshipandcommunicationthroughthefleethelefttotheClovenCaptain.Archaon,inturn,dividedhistimebetweenstudyonthelongoceanvoyagesandsavageryuponreachinghisdestinations.EachonewaseitherapossiblerestingplaceoftheRuinousCrownofDomination,orofotherilluminatingtreasures,ancienttextsorindividualsthatdeliveredtoArchaonwiththeirdyingbreathfurthercluestothecrown’slocation.Months.Years.Decadescameandwentinfruitlesssearchforthetreasure.WhatfeltlikeadoomedquesttosomeofDarghouth’scannibalcaptainsandcrew,capturedfromvesselsandflotillasthatranfoulofArchaon’sdarkarmada,wasnothingtoArchaonandhishorde,whohadenduredeternitiesintheRealmofChaos.Thereweremutinies,ofcourse,shore-sentforcesthatfailedtoreturn.Splinter

flotillasthatattemptedtoleavethefleet.Archaonhadlearnedmuchsincethelasttimehehadcommandedidlewarriorsonthehighseas.Hetrustedalmostnooneandalthoughhewasinfrequentlyseen,hisauthoritywasfeltinthebrutalrecapture,horrifictorture,executionandmacabredecorationofhisvesselswiththebonesandbodypartsofthosethatlackedthefear,darkfaithandcommonsensetobeloyal.Foralmostacentury,Archaonheldtheworldquiveringinthepalmofhis

gauntletashisvastfleetandthethousandsuponthousandsofChaoswarriorsunderhismonstrousleadershipcircumslaughteredtheglobe.IntheKrakenSeathelongshipsandraidersthattormentedthenorthweredecimatedbyArchaon’sfleet–somuchsothatthemist-shroudedkingdomofAlbionandtheSeaofClawssawnoNorscanraidsorinvasionsforayear.FormonthsArchaon’sshipshauntedchillNaggaroth,razingthecoastlineoftheSeaofMaliceanddestroyingswarmsofdruchiireavers.Fortheinscriptionsonthemightymonolithsthat

stoodancientanduntouchedintheeastofNaggaroth,ArchaonbroughtbloodandfiretothedreadlordsoftheWitch-King’scoastalstrongholds.Sailingeast,Archaon’sfleetmetthemiserableflotillasofotherdamnedsouls

outinthedesolationoftheendlessGreatOcean.PlaguefleetsofthelowracesandthehellshipsofChaoscaptains,whowished–likeArchaon–tobringterrortotheworld.Some,liketheBloodshipsofBjornvartheBerserker,wenttothebottomoftheoceanwiththeirlackofreason.Others–uponsightingahorizonblotchedwiththeblacksailsofthedarkarmada–fellintoformationbehindtheflagshipwithsignalledobedience.Noshotswerefiredandnoliveswerelost.Soulswereanothermatterentirely.Roundingthesquall-lashedcapeoftheSouthlands,Archaonalmostlosthalf

ofhisfleettothecyclonicfuryofanunnaturalstormthatsweptupoutoftheSouthernWastes.TheSeaofDread,conversely,killedwithcalmnessasformonthsthefleetsawnotabreathofwind.Archaon’sarmysufferedundertheblazeoftheunrelentingsunandwereforcedtoresorttoblood-lettingslavestosurvivetheravagesandmadnessofthirst.Whentheydidreachland,thehorrorsofdiseasewaitedfortheirnumberonthefoetidMangroveCoast.Seeingvirtueinaviolentdistraction,ArchaonvisitedthefrustrationsofhisfollowersandthewrathofhisfleetonthestiltcitiesofClanFesterlingus.Theskavenofthesouthwiththeirsun-bleachedfurandsavagerypouredfromtheswampsandswarmedtheshallows,whileverminshipsandcoastalclanfleetsofneighbouringinfestations–towhichwordhadbeensent–hitArchaon’sanchoredarmadafromboththenorthandthesouth.Withafleetbecalmedandanarmyweakenedbyequatorialfeversandrat-bredpestilence,Archaoneventuallyorderedhisarmadanorth,leavingtheskavenwiththeirstinkingmangrovekingdoms.PlunderingthecityruinsintheLandsoftheDead,ArchaonhonouredtheDark

GodsatseveralChaosshrineshalfswallowedbythesands.GoinginsearchofancientscrollsandtheCrownofDominationitself,Archaonwasdisappointed,ashehadbeenahundredtimesbefore,tofindthattheStraitsofNagashandskeletalcivilisationsthatplaguedtheborderinglandswiththeirunlifedidnotholdthesecretstohislosttreasure.NegotiatingtheclashingcliffsoftheGatesofCalith,wheretheancient

HinterlandsofKhureshthreatenedtoreachoutandtouchthepollutedlandsofthesoutherncontinent,ArchaontookhisfleettothelegendaryLostIsles,hopingtolearnmoreoftheCrownofDomination.TherehisarmylaidsiegetotheancientHighElffortresscolonyofTorElithis,onlytofindthatithadlongsuccumbedtodaemonsoftheSouthernWasteswhohelditastheirown.

Astheytravelled,Archaondiscoveredthathewasbeinghunted.TheDragonEmperorofGrandCathayhadheardofArchaon’scoming.Spieshadreportedthewarlord’sdecimationofcoastalkingdomsoftheIndandtheemperorhadbeenadvisedtohavehisownamassedarmadaofcelestialvesselsmeetArchaoninbattleoutontheFarSea,awayfromtheCathayancoast.Itwasacolossalbattle,foughtonthesun-blushedemptinessofopenwater.ArchaonnevergotthechancetomeettheDragonEmperor’sadmiral,althoughhewishedhehad.Fightingfordays,throughtheequatorialheatofthesunandthestar-litdepthsofnight,bothfleetseventuallybrokeofftheengagement.AlthoughArchaon’shordesandairbornemonstrositiesclaimedmanycelestialsonsandwar-junksoftheenemyfleet,theimpregnableturtleshipsofthearmadasmashedthroughArchaon’sformationsandcelestialsorceryclaimedmanyRuinouswarriors.AchangeinthewindmadefurtherengagementdifficultandwhileArchaonhuntedfortheDragonEmperor’sfleet,heneversawtheirexoticvesselsagain.Re-fittinghisfleetintheshatteredlandsoffthecoastoftheNewWorld,

Archaon’sfleetroundedLustriatosackthescaledcivilisationsoftheFireIslands,notfortheirgoldbutforthetreasureoftheirancientknowledge.FindinghimselfoncemoreontheexpanseoftheGreatOcean,ArchaondecideduponreturningtotheOldWorld,withitsdelusionsofenlightenmentandthesweettaintofancientcorruption.HebecameconvincedthatfindingthetreasuresofChaoseverywherebuttheOldWorldmeantthatitwasalmostcertaintobenestlingsomewhereontheedgeofciviliseddarkness.Havingspentdecadesbringinghelltotheothersideoftheworld,Archaonfoundhimselfstrangelypulledtowardshishomelandanditsneighbouringnations.Hisbladeachedforthebloodofpompousfoolsandthecrushedwilloftheunderclassesuponwhichtheyhadalwaysriddenhigh.Darkdreamsdrewhimnorth.Thetauntsofdaemonsandsorcerouswhisperings.Ithadbeenlifetimessincehehadsetfootinsuchaland.Hehadleftthe

Empireaformidablewarrior.HistimeintheWastesandtheabyssalrealmhadcraftedhimintoanalmightychampionofdarkness,exaltedtodemi-godhoodbytheRuinoustreasuresinhispossession.Thedecadesonthefarsideoftheworldhaddonemorethantemperthelivingweaponhehadbecome.Withage,studyandexperiencehadcometherewardsofmercilessleadership.Hewasnotjustadarkwarriorattheheadofafractiousmob,thefirstamongequals.Hewasnotabrutalconquerorleadingabestialhordeintobloodshed.Hewasawarlordofconsummateskill.HehadheldagreatChaoshosttogether–whichordinarilywouldhavetornitselfapartalongdivisionsofRuinousworshipandindividual

allegiance–throughstrategy,coldsupremacyandtheruthlessforceofhisdreadwill.Hehadbecomeaworthyleaderofthedarkthingsoftheworld,commandingthecorruptheartsofmortalmonstrositiesandinspiringinhischampionsandlieutenantsareverenceusuallyreservedfortheirdaemonicoverlords.Hisarmadawasdoomsweepinginfromthedarknessoftheopenocean.Hisarmyofpantheon-pledgedchampionsandveteranChaoswarriorshadbeenhewnfromcalamityintoaforceofdarknessundivided.Anabominatearmyofruinthatshooktheworld.Ashesailednorthtohisdestiny,Archaon’sfleetmetstrangeironcladvessels

thatbelchedsmokeandfireinthewatersoftheBlackGulfandmadetheseaportbeardlingsofBarakVarrpayintorture-soughtknowledgeandblood.Archaon’sdarkarmadaallbutwipedoutthepiratefleetsofSartosaandsackedTileancities,ransackinglibrariesandprivatecollectionsofantiquitiesinsearchofanswerstodreadquestions.HeburnedanEstalianarmadaofcarracksandcaravelsatanchoratMagrittabeforelightingupthecoastalkingdomsofthewest.Anattempttomakebackouttoseawasfrustratedbystormsthatswallowedthedarkwarlord’sownandsucceededinsmashingthearmadaupalongtheshoresofBretonnia.ThebadweatherheldhisgreatswarmofblackshipstothecoastlinealongtheSeaofClaws.WithhismonstrousarmadabarelyholdingofftherockyshoresandthegloweringmoonlightofMorrsliebdustingthedistantMarchesofCouronnewithitsdreadattentions,Archaonbecamesuddenlyawareofanintrusioninhisdarkthoughts.Archaon…Thewarlordlookedupfromthealtar,withitsmapsandscrolls.Archaon…ChosenoftheRuinousGods.PawnoftheHarbinger.Hearme.AsArchaonleftthechartroom,hehauledhimselfupthecompanionway

ladderwithhiscloaktrailinghim.ZweiandDreifollowedlikeshadowysentinels.Brotherdarkness.Wearebearersofhismarkboth…‘LordMasteronthedeck,’aChaoswarriorcalledfromhissentrypositionon

theladderarchway.ArchaonlookedbacktoseeEins–thewraith-warriorwasstandingagainstthepoopdeckrail,hiswingsglobedtoprotecthimfromthestorm.ArchaonalwayshadEinsondeckwhenhewasn’t.HemighthaveleftcommandoftheflagshipandcoordinationofthearmadaanditscaptainstoKurdogoliDarghouth,butArchaonleftEinsashistrustedeyesonthedeck.TheSwordofChaosnoddedhisheadatArchaonwhostrodeouttowardsthehelm.Thegreatblackdeckofthegalleonrolledwiththechurnoftheseas.Above,

thecloudsbillowedandflashedwiththeshore-smashingstorm.Rainandsaltydropletsfromwavescrashingabouttheflagship’stall,port-sealedsidespatteredacrossArchaon’sdarkplate.Thestormruffledhisfursandtuggedathiscloak.TheflagshiphadbeenacapturedEstalianbattlegalleonthattheCloven

Captainhadre-namedthePerdicióninhonourofhisnewmaster.KurdogoliDarghouthhadconfidedtoArchaonthatitwasconsidered,evenamonghisownwretches,badlucktore-nameashipbutthewarlordhadtoldhimthatwheretheyweregoing,badluckwastheleastoftheirworries.Archaonhadaddedthattheywouldbebadluckindeedtoanyvesselfallingwithinthescopeoftheirspyglasses.TheClovenCaptainwaswhereArchaonalwaysfoundhim–attheRuinous

StarofthePerdición’sgreatwheel.Adark-skinnedsouthernerstoodasideattherhythmicrattleofArchaon’sapproachandbowed.Thebudsofhornsruinedtheshinyperfectionofhisblade-shavedhead,whilehisfacejangledwithhoops,jewelleryandgold.Hischestwastattooedwithmapsofhismanyjourneysandhisbulgingarmsborethemangledfleshofscartallies.HehadbeenoneofDarghouth’sformerslavers,nowservingasthecaptain’senforcerandboatswainonboardtheflagship.OntherareoccasionsKurdogoliDarghouthleftthewheelofhisdarkship,healsodoubledashelmsman.FornowhisgreathandswereemployedinholdingtheClovenCaptain’sspyglassandsackofspicedwine.KurdogoliDarghouthwasabreedapart,evenforthecannibalwretchesthat

crewedhisvessels.Magnificentofblackbeardandmoustache,theKalabadiantiedthelustrouslengthsofhismidnightmaneinaturban.Aboatcloakrolledoffhispowerfulshouldersanddownthelengthofhisstallion’sback,havingthetorsoofamanbutthebody,legsandtailofahorse.TheClovenCaptain’shoovescloppedonthedeckashere-alignedhimselftothepitchofthePerdición–althoughhavingfourlegsinsteadoftwo,theRuin-blessedDarghouthcopedwiththisbetterthanmost.Archaoncaughttheglintofthecaptain’smightyscimitar–thebroadcurveofitsmonstrousbladehalfsheathedtothesideoftheClovenCaptain’smuscularflank.DarghouthsaidnothingasArchaonapproachedthewheel,toobusywith

keepingthePerdiciónandArchaon’sdarkarmadaofftheBretonnianrocks.Snatchingthespyglassoutofthesoutherner’shandandslippingitinhisbelt,Archaonsteppedupontherailandleaptfortherigging.Scramblingupforthelines,Archaonhauledhimselfupthroughtheshroudsandratlinesasbonnetsandsailsbuffetedaboutthetoweringmainmast.Theefforttoreatoldinjuriesandthetendernessofmuscle.Stone-lacedbonesachedwiththejarringascent.

ArchaonmighthavebenefittedfromthegiftsoftheDarkGods–anenhancedbody,anever-keenmindandanindomitablewill.Hemighthavelivedbeyondhisyears,thewarpingpowersofChaoshelpinghimtoresisttheravagesofoldage.Hehurtlikeanyotherwarriorofhalfhisage,however.Bonesgratedintheirsockets.Musclesburnedfortheyouththeyhadonceknown.ThehigherArchaonclimbed,thegreatertheforcesthreateningtotearhis

armouredformfromitspurchase.Thewinddraggedhimbackandforthwithaterriblewill,whilehisgauntletsslippedonthewet,swollenropesoftherigging.Archaon’smindachedwiththeintrusiononcemore.Youhavecomefar,exaltedone.NowcometomeandlearnwhattheDark

Masterwantsforus.Withasnarl,Archaonleaptforthehighestofthemainmast’syardsandhauled

himselfup.Holdingontothetaperingtrunkofthemainmast,Archaonfelttheshipmovebelowhim,rollingthroughthestorm-whippedwavesandleaningoverintothewind.Hesuddenlyrealisedthathewasnotalone.Inthebonebasketofthecrow’snest,ArchaonsawGorst’swretchedform,quietlyrustingawayinhischainsandhead-cage.Theflagellanthadexchangedthewhipforthelashofthewindandthefreezingrain.Anchoringhimselftotheshudderingmastwithalegandanarm,Archaon

aimedthespyglassaboutthebattlegalleon.Behindtheflagship,withtheRuinousStarofitsshreddedpennantwhippingwiththewind,ArchaoncouldseethecountlessshipsofhisfleetroundingthelongshorespitofthecurvingBretonniancoastline.Vesselsofeveryexoticdesignationsailedinthefleet.Inthemain,theClovenCaptainfavouredOldWorlddesignsoverequatorialcraft,thecomplexitiesofvesselssailedbytheelderracesorindeedthewar-dhows,xebecsandgalliotsofhisownpiratecoast.Bone-linedcarracksandspikedcaravelsswarmedwithsmallercogsandstorm-batteredpinnaces,whiletoweringgalleonsofblacksailandfathulksformedthetrailingbackboneofthearmada.Swingingslowlyaboutthewetwoodofthemast,Archaonturnedthespyglass

south,inthedirectionthefleetwasheading.Squintingthroughthestorm,ArchaoncouldseethetorchesofdistantMarienburgandthelantern-lightsoffatmerchantvesselsmovinghurriedlyintothecolossalportandoutofthestorm.Lightningflashedabovethecity,givingArchaonthemomentaryimpressionofaforestofmastsbelongingtotheanchoredfleetsandvesselsoftheport,pokingupabovethetileandthatchofroofs.Archaonedgedaround.AshedidGorstreachedoutforthewarlord,fearfulof

hismasterfalling.Thevoicewassuddenlythereagain.Apowerfulpresencethat

cutthroughhisthoughtsandechoedabouthismind.ThehistoryofdaystocomeknowsArchaonastheEverchosenofChaos.It

knowsmeastheCurseling.AstheTwistedTwin.Iofferyouthemosttwistedofallthings,chosenone.Iofferyouthetruth.ArchaonscannedtherockycliffsoftheBretonniancoastline.Abenighted

realm,castbythestormandthebalelightofMorrsliebbreakingperiodicallythroughthecloud,indifferentshadesofgloweringdarkness.Thenhesawit.Afigureonthecliffs.Atallfigurestandinginthehazeofathickmist.UnderMorrslieb’sgazeandwiththespumingmistlitbysporadicflashesoflightning,theghostlyshapeassumedtheeerieappearanceofsometwistedphantom.Pullingthespyglassawayfromhisgoodeye,ArchaondrewupontheEyeof

Sheeriansetinhishelm.Cuttingthroughthemist,thetendrilsofwhichswirledaboutthecliffliketheserpentineembraceofahydra,theEyegrantedArchaonavisionofthefigure.ItwastheCurselingfromhisdreams.TheTwistedTwinthathadspokentohimthroughsomesorcerousmeans.ATzeentchianfusion,thewarrior-twinworethegleamingplateandscalemail

ofhiscalling.HisarmourachedwithsigilssacredtotheGreatChanger.Anensorcelledbladesatinascabbardonhiship,whilethespikedlengthofaflailhungfromachainonhisbelt.Amatchingcloaksnakedaboutthebrutewarrior,heldinplacebyacolossalshoulderspike.Theotherarm,bereftofplate,bulgedwithmuscleandpulledthecloaktightaboutit.Sproutingfromthesameshoulderwasthehorrorofthesorcerertwin.Athingofsquirming,worm-likehorridness.Noeyes.Noears.Nothingbutaneedle-toothedmouththatwhisperedintothehelmofitswarrior-twin.Amaneoffeathersrandownitsback,whileinonelong-fingeredhandofaspindlyarm,thesorcererthingheldastaff.TheheadpieceofthestaffwasaTzeentchianeye,butwithinthatburnedtheRuinousStarofBe’lakor,theDarkMaster.Archaon’slipcurled.UnlikethehulkGangryss,unlikeOgraxtheGreat,theCurselingwasnothidinghisallegiance.Theheadpiecedribbledastrange,sorceroussmokethatwrithedabouttheCurseling,settlingintoahazethatwashedoverthecliffedge.Archaonthoughtonthesorcerer’sinvitation.Hismemoryofhimfromdark

dreamsandhisdramaticappearanceonthecliff.Here.Now.‘Allstop!’Archaonroareddownfromthecrosstrees.AstheChaoswarlord

begantoclamberdownthroughtherigging,Gorstwatchinghimashewent,hefeltthePerdiciónanswer.‘Dropanchor!’Archaonaddedashesnatchedalineandleaptfromtheshrouds,theweightofhisstone-lacedbonesandcursedplatetakinghimswiftlytotheblackdeck.

‘Allstop,master,’KurdogoliDarghouthtoldhim,hishoovesclatteringonthedeckashetwistedandturnedatthewheel,givingordersforsignalflagstobehauledup,orderingthedarkarmadatofallintopositionandholdastorm-batteredstationonthecliff.ItwasnotanideallocationforsucharequestbutneitherDarghouthnoranyofhisRuinouscaptainsweregoingtoarguewithanorderissuedfromArchaon’sownlips.‘Lowerthelaunch,’Archaonbarked.‘I’mgoingashore.’‘Lowerthelaunch,aye,’theClovenCaptainechoed,beforeaddingasnortand

arattleofthelips.Archaonthrewthedark-skinnedboatswainhisspyglassbeforetheRuinousthugwentofftowhipacrewtogetherforthelaunchandhavetheboatlowereddownthetoweringsideofthegalleon.‘Goingashore.Inthis?’acrackedvoicebarelymanagedabovethestorm.

ArchaonsawthedaemonsorcererSheerianhobblewithdifficultyacrossthepitchingdeckonhisbonestaff.HisgiftofyouthregainedhadbeenspentintheserviceofArchaonandsohewasaspot-liveredancientoncemore.‘I’mnotafraidofalittlewater,’Archaontoldhim.‘That’snotalittlewater,’Sheerianreturned.‘It’salotofwater.Butthat’snot

whatbothersme.’‘Thesorcereronthecliff,’Archaonagreed.‘TheCurseling.’‘HisnameisVilitch,’Sheeriantoldhismaster.‘He’sblessedbytheGreat

Changer.Averypowerfulsorcerer.HisbrotherunfortunateisThomin.He’snobeginnerwithabladeeither.DonotunderestimatetheTwistedTwin.’‘AmInottobeunderestimated?’Archaonsaidasthelaunchwasswungover

thesideandZweiandDreiclimbedinwiththecrewofslave-strongbacksandspawn.‘Ofcourse,master,’theancientsaid,‘butVilitchisnofool.Heknowsthisof

youandinvitesyouanyway.’‘U’zuhlthirsts,’ArchaontoldSheerian,slappinghisgauntletagainstSlayerof

Kings,thedaemonbladesittinginablack,baroquescabbardacrosstheChaoswarlord’sback.‘Hegroansforthebloodofweaklingsorcerers.ShouldIfeedhimyoursoulinstead?’‘WhatI’msaying,mymostmightylord,’Sheeriansaid,‘isthatyouarealmost

certainlywalkingintoatrap.’‘I’mcountingonit,’Archaontoldthesorcerer,asheclimbedoverthebulwark

andintothelaunch.‘TheCurselinghonourstheGreatChangerwithhispowersanddeceitbutwearsthemarkoftheDarkMaster.Perhapshisgod-blessedambitionhasthebetterofhim.LikeOgraxandthatmonstrosityatthetopofthe

world,theCurselingseekstoserveBe’lakorthroughthewiderpantheonandbecometheEverchosenofAllChaos.’‘AndperhapshisheartsbeatwithallegiancetotheGreatChangerstill,’

Sheeriansaidamidtheboatswain’sroughcallsandthelaunchbeganitsjudderingdescent.‘ThereisnolovelostbetweenmyByzantinegodandtheDarkMaster.Thiscouldbemorethanatrap.Itcouldbeadoublecross.’‘Yes,’Archaonagreed,seemingtoenjoytheprospectofactionondryland

aftersuchalong,storm-batteredjourneyuptheBretonniancoast.‘Butforwhom?Zweisatatthefrontofthelaunch,likesomekindofgargoylesquefigurehead,

flappinghiswingsattheboat’scoxswaintohelpthestrongbacksandspawnkeeptimewiththeiroars.Theslavesandgod-blessedunfortunateshadbeenselectedfortheirphysicalstrengthandthepowerfulheavingoftheirarmsontheoarssentthelaunchcuttingthroughthestormywavesandrock-churnedsurf.Dreisatinthebackofthelaunchwithhismaster,wingsoutstretchedlikeaghoulishparasol,toprotectArchaonfromtheworstoftheweather.Astheboatcruncheduponthegravelofthenearbylanding,thestrongbacks

andspawnhauledthelaunchashore.Orderingtheslavesandspawntowaitontheexposedlanding,amidthecrashingwaves,Archaonthrewhimselfatthewetrockofthecliff.ZweiandDreiwereobligedtofollowsuit,thewraith-warriorsbattingtheirwingstogivethemtheextraliftrequiredtogettheirfirsthandholds.Clawinghisgauntletsatwethandholdsandmoss-greasyledgeslikegrapnels,Archaonpoweredupthecliffside.Jumpingforpurchaseonthesummitoverhang,theChaoswarlorddangleddangerouslyforafewmoments,hisplateandthestonelacedthroughhisbonesthreateningtodraghimtohisdeath.Haulinghisarmouredformupandovertheedge,Archaonallowedtheinsistenceofanoffshorebreezetorufflethroughhiscloakandclearthegritfromwhereithadfallenontohisplate.WithZweiandDreishimmeringtheirshadowformsintoaflankingformation,

ArchaonmarchedtowardstheCurseling.Aglowofmistswirledaboutitscloakedform,thecracklinghazeseeminglyseparatefromtheweatheraroundit.TheghoulishfleshoftheTwistedTwinmadeArchaon’sowncrawlunderhisplate.Thewarriorstoodimpassive,likeastatue,seeminglyunawareofthemonstroustwinsproutingfromitsshoulder.Allthearmouredwarriorknewwerethesicklywhisperingsofhismonstrousbrother.Likeablindworm,Vilitchtwistedandturned,itsneedle-liketeethgnashingatsilentsorceries.WhentheTwistedTwindidspeak,itspokethroughthehelmoftheblank-mindedwarrior-

twin.‘WelcometoBretonnia,Archaon.’‘Tohellwithyourwelcome,Curseling,’Archaontoldhim.Hegesturedtothe

ragingstormabove.‘Thisisyourdoing?’‘Changeisminetowieldlikeasculptorhisclayorartisthisbrush,’the

Curselingsaid.‘Aship-enslavingstormischild’splay.YoushouldseewhatIcandowithlightandtheverydarknessthatcraftsit.Orfleshandthethoughtsthatdriveit.’‘YouTzeentchiansareallthesame,’Archaonscorned.‘Soinlovewithyour

sorcerouspowersandfiendishintrigue.Droppingcluesofdoomtocomeintothepoisonoustedium,youforcemetolistentobeforecomingtoanactualpoint.Ihavescoresofsuchsorcerersatmycommand.Youdon’timpressme,creatureofunnaturalarts–andneitherwillwhatyouhaveplannedforme.Besides,I’venevermetasorcererIcouldn’tkill.Despiteyourtalents,youallsharethesameweakness.Mysteelinyourtwistedflesh.’TheCurselingchuckledbutVilitch’smirthsoundedstilted,proceedingasit

didfromthewarrior-twin.‘Youdon’tdisappoint,Archaon.’‘Youdo,’theChaoswarlordtoldthesorcerer.‘Youwearboththeiconography

oftheGreatChangerandBe’lakor,theDarkMaster.Isitnotinappropriatetowearthesigilsofswornenemies?Neitherdaemonicpowerwillthankyouforthat,Curseling.’‘Likeyou,Archaon,’Vilitchsaid,‘IservetheinterestsofallDarkPowers,

throughreverenceofthepantheon.’‘Youserveonlyyourownambitions,’Archaonaccused.‘Likeallwhobearthe

DarkMaster’smark,youaredriventomadnesswithyourdesireforwhatIalreadyhave.ThetreasuresofChaos.’‘Allbutoneofthetreasures,Archaon…’‘Andthereitis,’theChaoswarlordsaid.‘Thebaitinthetrapyoualready

closeaboutme.’Archaonsniffedattheglowingmistthatrolledandtwistedaboutthem.‘Asorceroustrap.’‘Youareindeedatreat,’Vilitchtoldhim.‘Ididn’texpectthedark,driven,

indomitablewarrioroffolksongsandstoriestobesoentertaining.’‘Atwistedmind,desirousofsuchtreasureswithoutearningthem,’Archaon

continued,‘mightseektoacquirethemthroughthepromiseofthelast.’‘Verygood,Archaon.Verygood,’theCurselingsaid,thetoothedworm-mouth

ofthesorcerermanagingahorridgrin.‘AndhowmightVilitchachievesucha

thing?’‘Youwouldengagemeinsomefool’serrand,’Archaonsaid.‘Somecauseof

commondarknesswhichnecessitatesmeandthemightofmyarmy.Somethingtoputallunderyoursorcerousspell.Somethingtostacktheoddsfirmlyinyourfavour,sinceneitheryounoranyofyourtestedminionscouldhopetostandbeforemebladetoblade.’‘Excellent!’theCurselingcackled,eachsoundseemingforcedandaffected

throughthelipsofanother.‘Truly,theGreatChangersmilesuponyou,Archaon.Now,thedetails.’‘Dotheyevenmatter?’Archaonsaid.‘Always,’theCurselingsaid.‘IseethatIstillhavealittletoteachyou,mighty

Archaon.‘Agreatlie–thekindthattakesthelivesofmen,theirfutures,theirverysouls–ispredicateduponthefoundationofseemingtruths.Thesetruthsrelyondetailsthatareanantidotetoincredulity–asalife-savingpotionmightbetoapoison–incredulitythatwoulddestroythelie.’‘Beinginyourmerepresenceisaneducation,Curseling,’Archaontoldthe

Tzeentchian.‘Arepulsiveone,butaneducationallthesame.’‘Whythankyou,Archaon,’thesorcererreturned,‘andIhopethatwhenIhave

donewithyou,thepantheonwilldescendupontheself-importanceofyoursoulandtearittoinfiniteshredsforeternity.So,thedetails.’Archaonlookedaboutthemist-swathedcoastlineandthedarknessofthe

stormabove.‘TheseareLucuslands,’Archaonsaid,hishalf-rememberedtruthsfieldingthe

lieVilitchneededhimtobelieve.‘ThecoastalMarches.Ifmychartsarecorrect,BrilloinneCastleisnotfarinland.BaronLucuswasafamousknightoflegend,evenwhenIwasachild.Aspartofhisquestingherecoveredmanycurseditems,trinketsanddarkartefactsofsorcerouspower,securingtheminthechapelaboutwhichhebuilthismightycastle.Iassumeyouwantaccesstothischapel.’‘Icouldn’thaveputitbettermyself,’theCurselingsaid.‘BaronLucusislong

deadbutthelandsbelongtohisgrandson.Whileheisnothalfthemanhisgrandfatherwas,heiswealthyandhisfortificationsarewellmaintained.Healsocommandstheallegianceofthosestillloyaltohisgrandfather’smemory,includinganarmyofpilgrimsdevotedtoprotectingthesealedchapel’ssecrets.’‘YouhaveattackedBrilloinneCastlealreadythen?’Archaonasked.‘Iledahordeofspawn–allhonouringtheGreatChangerwiththeirgifts,’the

Curselingtoldhim,‘buttheylackedthedisciplineofyourmonstrousarmyasIlackyourwarmongeringleadership,Archaon.Ilostmyunfortunatesbeforethe

castlewallstoBaronLucusandhisattendantknights.’‘Sothebaronisalreadyalertedtoyourintentions,’Archaonstated,‘andno

doubthassentriderswithwordtoneighbouringlords,knightsoath-honouredtoprotecthisgrandfather’slegacyandpilgrimssworntosecurehischapelanditsdarksecrets.’‘Yes…’‘AndwhywouldIdothis?’‘Youtellme,Archaon:whywouldyoudothis?’theCurselingasked.‘Foronething,’Archaonsaid,‘andonethingonly.Thelocationofthefinal

treasureofChaos.TheCrownofDomination.Butyouknowthisalready,sorcerer.’‘Letmetradeyoutruthfortruth,’Vilitchsaid.‘Iknownotwherethecrown

youseekis,butIknowonethatdoes.TakeBrilloinneCastleanditssecretsformeandIwilltellyouwherehecanbefound.’‘AndthenIshallhavetogutyou,Iexpect,’Archaontoldthesorcerer,‘asyou

trytospringwhateverfeebletrapyouhaveintendedforme.’Theworm-likesorcerer’smouthformedahorridsmile.‘Wearegoingtomakesuchagoodteam,’theTwistedTwinsaid,‘youandI.’

CHAPTERXV

‘Where’ermyeyeroamsWhate’erIfailtosee.Mythoughtsuntravell’dShalleverreturntothee.’

–Jouffroy,ThePaleSisters

BrilloinneCastleTheBretonnianCoastLaFêteduLacIC2518

Archaonwalkedthebattlefieldinadaze.Abouthimtendrilsofglowingmistreachedthroughtheranksofdyingmen.ThefieldsofBrilloinnewereredandsilverwiththebloodiedplateofthefallen.Menofnoblebirth.Knightswithhonourablehistories.ThelordsoftheMarches.Nowtheysufferedliketheirlowlysubjects.Inthemud.Inpain.Shownnomercy.Horsesgotupfromwherethesmashedbodiesoftheirownerslaybeforerunningoffthroughthehavocofbattle.Squiresscreamed,goingdownunderaxeandbladeasswiftlyastheknightlystandardstheyhumpedthroughthebutchery.Lancesshatteredagainst

hell-forgedplate.Steedsshriekedandrearedwithsword-cleavedlegs,tumblingfeatheredpaladinsfromthesaddle.Itwashavoc.Liketheland,Archaon’smindwasamist-shroudedrealm.Hefought,though

heknewnotwhy.Hekilledoutofinstinctbutthewillwasn’ttrulythere.TheSlayerofKingscutthroughthesorcerousfogandthecrispairoftheBretonnianmorn,reflectinganinfernalradianceoffthesilveredplateofknightlywarriorsabouttodieandarmouredchargersmomentsfrombeingcutinhalf.Swingingthefatcurvesandserrationofthedaemonicweaponabouthim,Archaoncleavedthroughthecolourfulshieldsofmen-at-armshidingbehindthemandthebloodygushofpilgrimmobsthatseemedtorunstraightintotheorbitingpathoftheblade.Archaon’smindrangwithdoubtsandquestions.Hewasnotsomegore-

cloudedchampionoftheBloodGodorsomeSlaaneshideviant,livingthemomentbymomentdriveoftheirdesires.HewasArchaon.Hethoughtforhimself.Andyethecouldnotfindhiswaytoanswers.Hewasslaughtering.Hewasissuingorders.Hewasmountingasiegebutheknewnottrulywhy.Itseemedabattlewithoutpurpose.Hefoughtfortheacquisitionofknowledge,ofdarktreasure,torealisehisdestiny:hedidnotattackwithoutreasonlikeChaosraiderssailingsouthintheirlongships.HewasArchaon.HewasArchaon.AbovehimthewallsofBrilloinneCastlereachedforthedark,stormyskiesof

along-foughtday.Thebrick,beautifulincraftandpattern,formedhighwalls,towersandturrets.Thecastlewasastatementofangularelegance,streamingwithcolourfulbannersandpennants,itscolossaldrawbridgeclosedbeforearedmoat,chokedwithbodies.Fromwithin,Archaoncouldheartheagonisingreleaseoftrebuchets.Gargantuanpiecesofshatteredmasonryandcastlewallwerelaunchedupintothedarksky,growingsmaller,smaller,untilrapidlytheygrewbig,blackandunavoidable.Hammeringintothebattlefieldlikevengeanceissuedfromtheheavens,theboulderscreatedbloodycratersofmangledfleshandarmourbeforetumblingoffthroughtheranksofChaoswarriorsandmud-splatteredknights.RuinousarmourandthepolishedsilverplateofBretonnianlordswereequallyunimpressiveagainstsuchobliteration.Archaonhadensuredthathisownsiegeengines,craftedofdaemonbone,tusk

andsinewgaveanequallydevastatingaccountofthemselvesagainstthecastlewalls.Forhoursnow,theeasternwallofBrilloinneCastlehadsoakedupthemostappallingonslaught,withsmashedsectionsrainingdustandbrickundereachmercilessimpact.Archaonhadfoughthiswayforwardthroughaseaof

shields,spearsandpot-helmedmen-at-arms,leadingthespikedsilhouettesofRuinouschampionsanddark-armouredwarriorsofChaostothecastlewallspreciselybecauseheexpectedthemtofallatanytimenow.Archaonheardthecrankofthedrawbridge.Seeingawayintothecastle,

ArchaonswungtheSlayerofKingsabouthim.ThedaemonU’zuhlglowedwithblood-slakedfuryasArchaonscythedheadsfromBretonnianshoulders,likeareaperinafield.Thebodiesofmen-at-arms,yeomenandsquiresthuddedtotheground,allowingArchaontoleadhisChaoswarriors,hisfiends,hismaraudersandbestialhordesonthroughtheranksofsilverknights.Progresswasslowalongthebanksofthebody-chokedmoat,andwasslowedfurtheratthesuddenwhooshofarrowsunleashedbyranksoflongbowmenfiringfromthecastlewalls.ArchaonbroughtuptheRuinousStarofhisshielddefiantlytowardstheheavens.ZweiandDreiwerewithhim,globingtheblackshadowoftheirwingsabouttheirmaster,creatingwiththeshieldabarrierthatthuddedandprangedwiththeshatteredshaftsofarrows.Thedrawbridgeboomedtherestofthewaydownasthecastlegatevomited

forthanotherresplendentstreamofknightlyriders.Surgingforthwithlancesandshields,thesilverarmouredwarriorsurgedtheirhugesteedson,theirheraldryandsurcoatsablurofcolour.Itwasaboldmovetobecarriedoutinisolation.Liftingtheshieldhigherabovehishelmandwitharrowsstillhammeringintoitsmetalsurface,Archaoncasthisgazeacrossthebattlefield.Reinforcementshadarrived.Acolumnofknightsridingoutofthenorth,fresh,immaculateandtrailingbannersofeye-stingingcolour–nodoubtdespatchedbylordsoftheNorthernMarches,fearfulthataninvasionforcemightbeheadedtheirway.Turningsouth,Archaonsawnothing.Then,blotchingoutoftheheavens,hesawarmouredknightsswoopingdownoutofthesky.Beautifulwarriorsonwingedpegasi,cometoinspiretheknightsandthebase-bredofBrilloinnewithhope.Cometodefendthedarksecretsofthecastle’schapelagainstthosewhowouldstealthem.Archaongrunted.Hestruckthesilverhelmfromaknightwhoranathimwith

abroadswordbeforestampingbackanother,crumplinghisbreastplateandsendingthenoblemansurgingbackintothebrick-shatteredcastlewall.HeturnedtoZwei.‘Givethesignal,’theChaoswarlordsaid.‘Bringforthmyknights.’Zweilaunchedhimselfintotheskytocarryouthismaster’sorder.With

arrowsrainingdownabouthim,Archaonexchangedblowswithafat,agedknightwhoroaredathimthroughhisgrey-threadedbeard.Theenchantmentsof

theknight’sgloriousbladesparkedofftheSlayerofKings.Witharoarofhisown,Archaonsmasheddownthroughtheancientswordwithhisdaemonblade.Astheknightlookeddownattheancestralweapon,withitsensorcelledbladeshattered,ArchaonbroughttheSlayerofKingsbackwithsavageforce,thrustingitstraightthroughtheBretonnianknight.Asthefangsofhiscrossguardscrapedthedemolishedbreastplate,Archaontorethedaemonbladeoutofhisfoe,allowingthehorror-strickenknighttotoppleforwardsontohisarmouredkneesbeforetakinghishead.‘Jharkill!’Archaonbellowed,mulchingtheknight’sgauntsquireandhis

bannermanwiththeflatofhisirregularblade.Themalformedhuntsmanwasnotfarbehind.Hesmashedmen-at-armsintomuddygraves,wieldinghisthicktuskbowlikeaclubbeforestringingthebruteweaponwiththelengthofacolossalarrowandfiringitatmarauder-swampedknights.Asskeweredsteedscrashedtotheground,Chaosmaraudersdescendeduponthearmouredwarriors,beatingthemtodeathintheirplate.‘Jharkill!’Archaonroaredagain,Bretonnianarrowscuttingthroughtheairabouthim.‘Unleashyourmonsters–bringthisfortressdownintoitsfoundations.’Astheogresnatchedhisshaman’sstafffromanattendanthalf-fiend,Archaon

pushedonthroughthemudandclashingbodies.Killing.Decapitating.Plunginghisdaemonswordthrougharmouredfoes.Hedesperatelywantedtoreachthedrawbridge,butitwasalreadyrising.AmanfiendandamaraudersavageclungtotheshudderingoakofitsascendingformbutArchaonknewitwouldtakemorethanapairofpantheon-pledgedwretchestogranthisarmyaccesstothecastle.Likeaforceofnature,theknightsridingfromthecastlesmashedintothe

throngsswarmingthebesiegedfortress.Everythingwassuddenlybrokenbones.Theshrieksoftheimpaled.Thescreamsofthetrampled.Horsesdying.Trainsofbodiesshotpast,skeweredonthelengthsoflances.Wallsofhorseflesh,armourandcolourfulcaparisonsblurredby.Bretonnianknightswerehammeredfromtheirsaddlesbytheplate-piercingspikesofmacesandflails.Presentedspearsandpikeswenthomebeforesnappinginthehandsoftheinfernalwarriorsclutchingthem,andbothknightsandtheirRuinousfoeswentdownunderanavalancheoffalteringsteed.Chaoswarriorsinsuitsofhell-forgedarmoursuddenlydisappearedbeforeArchaoninacacophonyofdemolishedplate.Blood.Metal.Everywhere.Archaonturnedtopresenthisbodyshieldtoamagnificentknightthundering

downonhimwiththemercilesslengthofhislance.Astheweaponpunchedthe

metalsurfaceoftheshield,Archaonlockedhisshoulderandpushedback.HisbootsskiddedbackthroughmudandbodiesastheRuinousshield,thecursedplateofMorkarandthewarlord’sstone-lacedbonessoakeduptheimpact.Thelancebegantoshear,splitandshatter,showeringtheareawithsplinters.AsArchaon’sbootsgroundtoahalf-buriedhalt,hefeltthesteedslamintotheshield.Archaonsurgedbackthroughthethrongsofclashingwarriors,barrellingdarkknightsandtheirBretonnianopponentsoutofhispath.Whenhecametoastoponcemore,Archaonfeltthearmouredriderleavethesaddleandsailoverhishead.Pushingthesteedback,Archaoncameoutfrombehindtheshieldtoseethatthespikeinitscentrehadgoredthewarhorse.Goinguponitshindlegs,araggedpuncturewoundinitschest,thebeastgaveonelastwhinnyandakickofitslegsbeforetopplingoverandburyingafleeingyeoman.Archaonwhirledaroundtoseetheunsaddledknightsomedistanceaway,

tryingtoscrabbletohisfeet,strugglinginbothcrumpledplateandthemud.Archaonranforwardastheknightattemptedtotearhisswordfromthegaudydecorationofitsscabbard.Asthebladecleareditssheath,Archaonbootedtheknightinthemidriff,halfliftinghimfromwherehewasonallfoursinthebattlefieldmire.Theswordslippedfromtheknight’shandandhelandedonhischest.Puttingabootonthebackoftheknight’shelm,Archaonputhisweightdownontheknight’shead.Thehelmsankunderthemud,waterfloodinginthroughthefaceplateeyeslitsandbreathingholes.Asheheldhimthere,theknightbuckedandkickedoutinhisheavyplate.Men-at-armsandaderangedsquirecameatArchaonbuttheSlayerofKingstorethroughthem.Arrowsfromthecastlewallssangoffhisplate,withtwofindingtheirwaybetweenhispauldronandbackplate.Archaonwouldn’tmove,however,untiltheknight’sthrashingsslowlyceased.Reachingback,Archaontorethearrowsfromhisplatebeforeturningaround.

TheknightsofBrilloinnecontinuedtosmashtheirwaythroughtheranksofhisarmouredwarriors,hishalf-breeds,hismanfiendsandmarauders.ExaltedchampionsofChaosintheirbenightedplate,bearingthegiftsandcursedweaponryoftheDarkGods,rodeinthroughthemurderousmalaisetomeetthem,whilewretchedsorcerersunleashedtheirdreadpowersonthesilver-suitedknights.Archaonheardamonstrousclashtothenorth.Peeringthroughtheforestof

blades,thefountainingbrainandfallingbanners,Archaoncouldseethatthecastle’sknightlyreinforcementshadbeenturnedasidebyArchaon’sownarrivingdarkknights.Warriorsinblackplateridingpossessedmounts.Slaaneshi

horsemenonspikedsteeds.Columnsofknightsinrustedplate,ridingskeletalhorses.TheBloodGod’schosenastridemountsofmetalandthunder.Asthesilverstreamofridersweredivertedbyawallofarmouredsteedsandmountedwarriors,plateclashed,horsesshriekedandweaponssangoffoneanother.TheChaosknights,bearingghastlyshieldsandthearmour-shearingbladesofaxesandserratedswords,smashedtheknightsoftheMarchesoutofformation.Bythetimethenoblemenhaddroppedtheiruselesslancesanddrawntheirswords,manyhadlosttheirheadsorhadtheteethofbarbedaxebladesburiedintheirbreastplatesandchests.ScreamsbroughtArchaon’sattentionbackaroundasknightsswoopingfrom

theskyontheirwingedmountssoaredacrossthebattlefield.Someskewereddarkwarriorsontheirlances,tearingthemfromthebattlefieldinascreechofplateandflailinglimb.Othersleanedoutandbeheadedruin-blessedchampionsfromtheskywithsurgingswipesoftheirgloriousblades.Headsandhelmsdroppedtothebattlefieldinthewakeofbeatenwingsandspurtingblood.Pullinghisshieldincloseandtighteninghisgriparoundthehiltofhis

daemonsword,Archaonbenthisknee.Asashadowpassedoverhead,Archaonleaptforthecreature.Swinginghisswordoverhead,Archaoncutthroughthethroatofthepegasus.Ashehittheground,thewingedhorsedribbledgoreacrossthebattlefieldbeforecrashingmessilyintoathrongofyeomenspear-stabbingamanfiend.Anotherleaponlysucceededinturningawaveringlanceaside,whileashortrunintoathirdsentthetipoftheSlayerofKingsthroughthesoftunderbellyofanotherflyingsteed,splatter-spillingitsentrailsoverthepolishedplateofBretonnianknights.Archaonwassopreoccupiedwithsavagelyendingthetwonoblementhathedidn’tseewherethedisembowelledbeastlandedorthelanceofthemountedwarriorthatfollowed.Swoopinginonhisbeautifulwhitewingedbeast,theknightaimedhislancesquarelyatArchaon’shornedhelm.Everythingwentdarkforamoment.Archaonfeltacrackofthunderpass

throughhisfaceplate,hisskullandoutthebackofhishead.Theworldtumbled.Thentherewastheslip-shodlandingonhisback,bloodymudoozingabouthim.HesawthepegasusknightpassoverheadbutalsosawDreibeatinghisleatherywingsinhotpursuit.Withinmoments,thewraith-warriorhadmountedthebeastbehindtheknightandslithisthroatwithoneofhisboneblades.Asthethroat-clutchingknightslidfromhissaddle,downintothehavocofthebattle,Archaonsawtheskycloseupabovehim.Hisworld,asdisorientatedasithadbrieflybecome,wasnowthefeverish

smashofweaponsandgrittedteeththroughmud-smearedfaces.Men-at-armsbouncedmorningstarsoffhisplate,whilesquiresattemptedtoearnplateoftheirownbytwistingthepointsofspearsintohismidriff.Suddenlytherewasagrizzledknight,helmlessandsportingaleatheryoldscarthatsplithisfaceintwo.AgreatswordseethedthroughtheskyoverheadandcamedownattheChaoswarlord.ItappearedasthoughitmighttakeoffanarmorevenArchaon’shead.Itwouldhavedoneifhehadn’ttornhisshieldbackfromtheclawingattentionsoftwowarriorpilgrims.Archaonfeltthegreatswordsmackdownacrossthesurfaceoftheshield.Heknewanothersteel-splittingblowwascoming.Meanwhile,theChaoswarlord’sworldcontinuedtodarkenasmoreandmore

rabidbasebornsandlegacy-hungrypaladinssweptintodestroyhim.Hisshieldboomedwiththedesperatedesiretoseehimdead.Snarlingbeneathhisfaceplate,whichwasmiraculouslystillintact,Archaonkickedout,sweepingthegrizzledknight’slegsoutfromunderhim.Swinginghisdaemonswordinatightarc,theChaoswarriorchoppedthroughleatherbootandbone,fellinghiscircleofattackersliketrees.Slidingaroundinthemud,hecontinuedtohackhisattackerstoagrowingmoundofscreechingbodies,untilfinally–withaswishofhismud-slickcloak–Archaonwasbackonhisfeet.Theface-splitknighthadalsomanagedtohaulhisarmouredformupandheldtheglitteringswordabovehishead.Hegotnofurther.Archaonsawthesurprisecrosshisface.ThenthehorrorasthetipofoneofDrei’sbonebladespokedoutofhisthroat,havingenteredfromthebackofhisneck.Asitslippedoutandthendisappeared,theknightdroppedhisheavyswordandcrashedtotheground,revealingtheshimmeringshadowofArchaon’sbodyguard.Theformationofpegasusknightshadbankedandwereswoopinginfor

anotherskeweringpass.Archaonreadiedhimselfforanothersky-searingattackbuthedidn’thaveto.Boltsofunnaturalenergystruckacrookedpathupfromthebattlefield,strikingthepegasiandtheirknightlyriders.ItwasVilitchtheCurseling,stridingupthroughthedestructionofArchaon’sprogress.Thewarrior-twinslashedmen-at-armsoutofhispathwithhissorcery-searingblade,whilethetwistingworm-likethinggrowingoutofhisshoulderdirectedhisstaffatthesky.AstheCurseling’sboltsstruckthepegasusknights,bothmountandriderweretransformedintosacksofleatheryfleshthatfellfromtheheavens.Thedisgustingfusionsoffleshsplatteredintothebattlefieldbeforesproutingtentacles,clawsandexoticappendagesthatreachedoutfornearbyunfortunates.Whip-windingtendrilsaboutthebootsoffleeingsquires,thespawndraggedthe

boysbackthroughthemudandintotheabomination’sabsorbingfleshiness.Whilesorcerousboltsstreakedupfromthebattlefield,streamsofflame

blasteddownfromabove.Knightsaflamefellfromtheskywhilepegasikicked,flappedandbuckedtheiragoniesastheytumbledlikeballsoffire.Knightlyridersweretornfromtheirsaddlesbymonstrousairbornepredators,throwingandtearingthepaladinstopiecesbetweenthem,whiletheirmountsweresetuponinmid-airbywingedserpentswhosavagedthewondroussteeds.Archaonfeltthegroundquakingbeneathhim.Jharkillhadunleashedhis

monstrositiesasArchaonhadcommanded.Aswellasairbornemonstersandthechimericpredatorsbounding,pouncingandmaulingtheirwaythroughthebattlefield,theabominatetitansofArchaon’sarmyhadbeencommittedtosiege.EverythingfellintoshadowasthemonstrousgiantArchaonhadfreedfromLordAgrammon’smenageriesstompedupbehind.Thegiantwasasmallmountainofbone,witheredfleshandthelightofsomemalevolentlifebeyondlife.Itsboneshadbeenetchedwithpantheon-pleasingsymbolsanditsexposedribsusedasbannerpolesfromwhichtohangRuinousflagsandstandards.Itpickedupacolossalpieceofmasonrythathadbeenlaunchedfromthecastleandheaveditovertheenormousdimensionsofitsdeformedskull.Archaonheardthetorturedreleaseofthecastletrebuchetsfireoncemore.

Massivebouldershurtledskywardbeforetumblingtowardsthebattlefield.Archaongrippedhisshield.TheChaoswarriorknew,however,thatitcouldnotsavehimfromsuchanimpact.Thingsdiedhorriblynearby.Anirregular-shapedbouldersmashedathrongof

battlingknightstonothingnessbeforerollingbludgeonrythroughBretonniansandtheservantsofdarknessalike.Anothermanagedtohitnothingforseveralmud-splatteringimpactsuntilburyingoneofArchaon’sdeadlysorcerersunderatonofrock.Athirddroppedstraightdownonthecorpsegiant,shatteringthemonster’smalformedskullbeforelandingbehinditandtumblingaway.Archaonsteppedbackwardsasthebonecolossuslurched.Theancientsorcerythatgavethemonstrositylifediedtomustydarknessandthegianttoppledforward,itscolossalmasonrymissilefallingaheadofit.Asthemonstershatteredtoasmallmountainofancientbones,thefallingpieceofmasonrycleaveddownthroughthetopofthecastlewall.Itsbrick-pulverisingpathcontinued,cuttinganarrowtrenchdownthroughthesideofthecastle-exteriordefences.Asthedustsettledandtheexcruciatingnoiseoftheimpactsubsided,Archaonwatchedtendrilsoftheglowingmistthatcloakedthebattlefieldcreepinthroughthenarrowopening.

‘Tome!’Archaonroared,breakingintoaplate-janglingrunforthebreach.BattingasideBretonnianknightswhowerestumblingthroughthechaoswithhisshield,Archaonslashedapartmen-at-armsthatbravelybarredhiswaywithhisdaemonsword.Likeatorrentofdarkness,dreadchampions,Chaoswarriors,Ruinousknights,manfiends,bestialhalf-breedsandmaraudersbrokeofffromtheirdesperateengagementsandformedarampagingcolumnbehindtheirwarlord.Insidethecastlewallstherewaspanic.Thecourtyardbeyondwasdominated

bytrebuchets,butuponseeingArchaonemergefromthebreachinthecastlewallsandthehordesofChaospourthroughbehindhim,theyabandonedtheirmachines.Men-at-arms,chargedwithdefendingthefortress,pouredfromstairwellsandarchways,ledbybattle-scarredsergeants,whiletheremainingknightsofBrilloinnebroughttheirsteedsbackundercontrolandrodeforthebesiegers.Withhisdarkhordeamist-swirlingsilhouetteofspikedarmour,hornedhelms

andbladesbehindhim,Archaonranacrossthecourtyardathisenemies.Smashinghisshieldabouthimwithonehand–goring,bludgeoninganddashing–ArchaonheldthefiercefuryofthedaemonU’zuhlintheother,burningwithinthemonstrousblade.Meltingstraightthroughthesteeloflesserweapons,Archaonhackedtheraginginfernoofthedaemonswordthroughthearmouredformsofknights,throughscreamingsquiresandtheunfortunatesteedsthatcarriedthem.AsArchaonstabbed,cleaved,brainedandbutcheredapaththroughthecrowdedcourtyard,thestenchofsorceryandbloodshedstunghisnostrils.Heknewwherehewasheading.Assoonashehadenteredthecourtyard,hehadseenit.Thetinychapel,rough

comparedtothesurroundingarchitecturethathadbeenbuiltbyBaronLucus.Thestained-glasswindowswerecoveredbystoutoakshuttersandlengthsofchain,whilethearchwaydoorwasbarredbythreethicklengthsofoakandcriss-crossedwithtarnishedsilverchains.Itwasunmistakable:thechapelBaronLucushadconstructedtohousethedarktreasuresVilitchtheCurselingdemanded.AstrailingsplattersofbloodflewthroughtheairaboutArchaon,withhacked

limbsandbladesthathadbeensearedinhalf,hewasfilledwithloathingforthecowardlygrandsonofthemightyBaronLucus–theheroLucus,whosestorieshadevenreachedArchaonasaboyinthefarEmpire.‘Whereisthebaron?’Archaonroared,hiswordsbouncingaboutthecourtyard

walls.‘Thecowardthathidesbehindhiscoinandhiswallswhileboysand

basebornsdieforhim?’‘Killhim!’Archaonheardfromthecastlewalls.Lookingaboutthecastle

Archaonfoundhisfoe.Whilelongbowmenturnedtheirweaponsdownintothecourtyard,BaronLucustheyoungerprowledtherelativesafetyoftherampartsinpolishedplateofsilverandgold.Theplumageofhishelmwascolourfulandextravagant,whiletheexoticsaddledbeastuponwhichherodelookedlikeoneofthefineststeedsBretonniancoincouldbuy:ahippogryph,anelegantcreaturethatboastedthebacklegsandbodyofastallionandthewings,talonsandbeakedheadofamonstrouseagle.Thelongbowmenseemeduncertain.‘Doasyourlordcommands,’Lucusshoutedthroughthefaceplateofhisbeautifulhelm.Archaonswallowedbackthebilerisingupthebackofhisthroat.Hecouldheartheedgeofcowardicealongthecuttingedgeofthebaron’swords.Herewasamandeservingofdeath.AfoolthatthoughtthatmoneyandstatuscouldsavehimfromamanlikeArchaon.Thecourtyardwhooshedwiththeflightofarrowsloosedfromthecastlewalls.

WhileseveralarrowsshatteredandsplitoffArchaon’scursedplate–theChaoswarlordnotevenbotheringtoraisehisshield–mostendedupembeddedinsurroundingmen-at-armsandthedirtofthecourtyardfloor.‘Stillhiding,baron?’ArchaoncalledupatLucus.‘Yourmenaredyingand

yourcastlelost.Fightmeorflee–andmakeyourfailurecomplete.’BaronLucusattemptedabattleroarofhisownbutnoonewasconvinced.Not

thecommoners,forwhomtheirlord’sweaklingcallwasthelastthingtheyheard.Nottheknights,whofoughtforthememoryofthewretchedboy’sgrandfatherratherthanthelordhimself.NotArchaon.Digginghisheelsintothesideofthemagnificentbeast,thebaronurgedthe

hippogryphoffthecastlewall.Leapinglikeaforestpredatorfromatree,thehippogryphpouncedonArchaon.TheChaoswarlordbroughtuphisshield.Foramomenthewaslostinthemonster,buriedintalons,hoovesandmuscle.Withabellow,Archaonrearedandthrewthehippogryphanditsrideroffhim.Asthethingwastossedbackintothebattleandbloodshedofthecrowdedcourtyard,Archaonsmasheditacrossthebeakwithhisshieldbeforeimmediatelybackslappingthebeastfurtherintothesurroundingbutchery.Shakingofftheimpacts,thehippogryphstalkedsidewaysaboutArchaon.The

Chaoswarriorandthebaron’smonstercircledoneanother.Lucusjustseemedtobealongfortheride.StrikingoutatsurroundingChaoswarriorsinspikedplatewithhissword,Lucushadhisbejewelledbladebattedbackbythebattle-hardenedwarriorsofdarkness.Thehippogryphrearedatone,slicingthree

raggedtalon-tearsthroughthewarrior’splateandtorso.Theseconditpeckedinthefaceplate,shatteringthehornedhelmbeforesnappingthewarrior’sheadupinitshookedbeakandtearingitfreeofhisbody.Lucusletoutajubilantroar,despitethefactthatthevictoryhadlittletodowithhisownpersonalprowess.ArchaoncameinwiththeSlayerofKings,thedaemonswordtrailingtheglow

andshimmerofhellfire.Thehippogryphlauncheditselfintotheair,beatingitswingstokeepitselfanditsrideroutofArchaon’sreach.Tossingthedaemonswordintothecourtyard,whereithissedbladefirstinthedirt,Archaonleaptforthehippogryph’sbackhoof.Grabbingitwithbothgauntlets,Archaonusedhisconsiderableweighttodragthemonsterbackdowntoearth.Thehippogryphflappedfuriouslyforthesky,feverishlykickingoutwithbothbacklegstofreeitselfofthedeadweightanchorofArchaon.AsthehoofoftheotherlegstrucktheChaoswarlordandsenthimcrashingbacktothecourtyardfloor,thehippogryphflappedovertheheadsoftheknightswhowerefightingfortheirlivesamongtheChaoshordes.AsArchaongottohisfeethesawasquirerunacrosstheopenspaceand

attempttotearhisdaemonswordfromthedirt.Archaondidn’tknowwhethertheBretonnianboyintendedtousehisownswordagainsthimorsimplydenyArchaonhisdevastatingweapon.TheChaoswarlordcouldn’thelpbutbealittleimpressed.Itdidn’tlastlong,however,andneitherdidthesquire.TheSlayerofKingswouldnotmovefromitspositionstuckintheground,draggingthesquireback.Secondsholdingontothehiltofthedaemonicweaponwasenoughtoscorchthesquire’ssimplesoulandenveloptheboyinaflesh-meltinginfernoofhellflame.ThedaemonU’zuhlhadnoloveforArchaon,buttherewerefewsoulsdarkandpowerfulenoughtowieldthepossessedweapon,andtheBloodGod’sinfernalservantmadeitamatterofmonstrousprincipletoscorchfromexistencethoseunworthyandunwiseenoughtoseizeit.Grabbingaman-at-armsfromthethrongofbattle,Archaonkilledhimwitha

gauntlet-clenchedpunchtothehead,snatchinguptheBretonnian’sspear.Leaningback,Archaonlaunchedtheweaponattheflappinghippogryph,buryingitinthecreature’sflank.Asthemonstershriekedlikeaneagleaboutthecastle,Archaonduckedandweavedthearcsofpoorqualitybladesandnotchedaxes.Smashinghisarmouredelbowintothespineofanotherbasebornwarrior,Archaonpulledthewarpedspearinhisgraspoverhisshoulderandallowedthebroken-backedBretonniantocollapse.Hurlingthespearwithfuriousforce,Archaonsenttheweaponthroughthebaron’splate,skeweringhislegtohismount’smuscularside.DuckingbeneathaBretonnianknight’sbattleaxe,

Archaonslammedthearmouredwarriorasidewithhisshield.Suddenlytherewasamonstrousexplosionfromtheeastwall.Dustrocketed

acrossthecourtyardasanavalancheofdemolishedmasonrycascadedinwards,buryingtrebuchets,mountedknightsandChaosmaraudersalike.Archaondeflectedtheslowswingofthebattleaxeoffthesurfaceofhisshieldbeforespinningaboutthegrey-beardedknightandslammingtheshield-spikestraightthroughhisarmouredback.Prisinghisshieldfromtheblood-spittingknight,Archaonwalkedbackacross

thecourtyard,snatchinguptheSlayerofKingsfromwhereitstillquiveredinthedirt.InthenarrowopeninghehadusedtoenterthecastlehesawJharkill,themalformedogre,holdinghisshaman’sstaff.Manfiendsandmarauderspushedpasthim,eagertojointhebutcheryinsidethecastle.TheCurselingwaswithhim,thewarrior-twinopportunisticallyslicingatBretonnianknightswhoweredesperatelytryingtostemtheflowofinvaders.Astheensorcelledbladeofthetwincutthroughplateandthefleshbehindit,theCurseling’sopponentswereswallowedupbyaviolaceaouswhirlwindofrawenergythattoretheblade-markedvictimapartbeforetwistingfuriouslytonothing.Theworm-sorcererthatsproutedfromthewarrior-twin’sshoulderhelditsstaffuphigh,trailingthehazeoftheglowingmistandstrikingcastledefendersdownwithspawn-rupturingboltsoflightningfromtheheadpiece.TheBretonnianknightsneedn’thavebotheredtryingtosecurethebreach.The

abominateformofArchaon’sslaughterbrutehaddecimatedanentiresectionofwallandwasnowcrawlingacrosstherubble.Themonstrosityofchitinousplate,horn,clawanddagger-filledmawboretheredfleshandfuryofitsBloodGod.ItwaslivingdecimationandvisitedsomeofthatpotentialonBrilloinneCastle.Withthreetonguesfloppingoutofitsmouth,cascadingthedroolofviolentanticipation,themonstrositysmasheditsclawedfiststhroughwalls,throughthefoundationsoftotteringtowersanddownthroughthestablestructuresandcourtyardbuildings.Itsnatchedupfleeingmen-at-armsandbittheminhalf,discardingwhatwasleftbeforestampingdownonafoolhardyknightwithitshugehooves,reducingthearmouredwarriortosplatteringscrap.Wingedserpentscircledthecastlewalls,lightinguptherampartswithstreams

offlame,promptingtheflaming,flailinglongbowmenstationedtheretojumptotheirdeaths.ChimericpredatorstorepastArchaon,savagingyeomen,squiresandknightsastheyranfromthedestructivehorroroftheslaughterbruteandthemonstrositiesattackingthecastle.Astheabominatecreaturemovedtowardsthechapel,Archaonfoundhimself

runningagainsttheterrifiedBretonnians,hisdaemonswordslashingthiswayandthattoclearabloodypath.Wavinghisshieldandtheinfernalradianceofhisswordbeforethehugemonster,hesawthethingstop–itsclenchedclawjustmomentsfromsmashingthechapeltobrick-dust.UnderthecontrolofJharkill’sprimitivecharms,thethingturnedaway,suddenlyattractedtotheflappingformofthehippogryphandthegleamingplateofthebarononitsback.Lucusswunghisbeautifulbladeattheinevitabilityofthebeast’sclosingclawsbutthemiserablenoblemancouldnotlandastrike.Itwashorrortobeholdastheslaughterbrutesnatchedthehippogryphanditsrideroutoftheair.Tearingtheshinyformofthescreamingbaronfromthesaddle,theabominationgraspedthewingedsteedinitsfist.Smashingtheknucklesofitsclenchedclawintothecourtyardfloortocrunchthecreature’sbonesandsnapitswings,theChaosmonstrosityflungthehippogryph’sbrokencarcasswithmercilessforceintothenorthwall.ArchaoncouldhearthescreamsofBaronLucusinsidetheprisonoftheslaughterbrute’sclaw.Themonsterlookeddownatitsshriekingfistbeforecrushingtheinsignificanceofthenobleman,theroyalbloodofthebaronspurtingoutfrombetweentheabomination’sknuckles.Suchasightwastoomuchforeventhoseknightswhohadpledgedtodefend

thecastlewhenthebasebornsturnedandfled.Withthecastleinruinsandthelordtowhichtheyowedtheiroathdead,therewaslittleleftatBrilloinnefortheknightstodiefor.Astheknightsfled,runningforthedrawbridgethathadbeencrankedopen,Archaonleftthemtohisbesieginghorde.Turningtowardsthechapelaboutwhichthecastlehadbeenbuilt,Archaonlevelledthethickoakdoorwithakick.Worm-eatenoaksplintered,andchainsslippedthroughringsanddroppedbeforetheentrance.HoldingtheSlayerofKingsoutbeforehim,thebladeblazedbrightlyinthepresenceofsuchaholyplace.ThechapelinteriorwasresplendentwiththegoldandsilvericonographyoftheblessedLadyoftheLakeandtheGrail,fromwhichthelegendaryBaronLucushadsipped.Asthefuriousglowofhisdaemonbladelitupthedarknessofshutteredstained-glasswindows,Archaonfoundthechapeltobeempty.Aholeshatteredintheagedbrickthatmadeupthebackwallhadallowedrecententranceintothechapel,andthedustwasdisturbedevidenceoftherecoveryofthedreadtreasuresofdarknessthathadremainedlockedinside.Archaonnoddedtohimself.Therewasnofury.Nodarkoathsorthreats.This

wasthedoublecrossofwhichSheerianhadwarnedhim.ThiswasthebetrayalanddeceptionhehadexpectedfromasorcererpledgedtoTzeentch.Thiswasthetreacheroustruthheneededtoknow,thattheCurselingwaspledgedto

Archaon’sfather-in-shadow,theDarkMaster.Vilitchhadalreadyconsignedtheknightsandmen-at-armsofBrilloinneCastletospawndomandhadtakenthedarktreasuresofthechapelforhimself.Thecastlewasnowamonstroustrapandtomb–forArchaon.TheChaoswarlordturnedaround.TheTwistedTwinstoodthere.Bothwarrior

andsorcerouswormwatchinghim.Thewarrior-twinthrusthisbladesuddenlythroughJharkill’sback.Themonstrousogrelookeddownatthetipofthebladeprotrudingfromhischest.Heclutchedatitwiththetiny,claw-likehandofhisatrophiedarm.ThehuntsmanlookedupatArchaonacrossthebloodycourtyardbeforedisappearinginamaelstromofpurplelight.Astheflesh-shreddingwhirlwinddissipated–ogre,shamanstaffandall–theCurselingsteppedforth.Therewerefreshhorrorsallaround.TheBretonnianknightsandthemen-at-

armsofthecastlehadstoppedrunning.TheglowingmistthataccompaniedthesorcererCurselingandseemedtoslipthrougheverything,nowdisappearedintotheground.Withtheillusoryhazenolongerrequired,ArchaonandhisChaoswarriorssawtheBretonniansforwhattheyreallywere:thegrowingnumberoftheCurseling’sspawnarmy.Misshapenmonstrositiesofrawflesh,tentacularhorrorandscythingappendagesleaptonArchaon’sbestialchampions,maraudersandfiends.Thecorpsesofcastledefenderseruptedlikemoundsofmutablehorror.Stabbinglimbs,snappingjawsandstreamsofcausticliquidblastedforthfromthingsthat,asmen-at-arms,hadbeenfelledbuthadwaitedfortheirsorcerer-master’ssignaltorevealthetruthoftheirresilientforms.Archaonbrokeintoarun.Hehackedapartspawncreaturesthatleaptathimin

transformation,dashedextraheadswithhisshieldandstomped,skippedandjumpedthroughacourtyardofsnakingtendrils.Hedecapitatedheadsthatcrawledtheirsnappingjawsathisanklesandquiveringcorpsesfromwhichchitinousclawserupted.Hedidnotgetfar.Theworm-sorcererVilitchhaditsstaffdirectedatthechargingwarlord.AsArchaonbroughthisshieldup,theCurselingunleashedastreamofdarklightningthatblastedArchaonbackacrossthecourtyardandintothechapel.Shakingtheimpactfromhishead,Archaonfoundhimselfinadangerous

place.Theholinessofthechapel–devotedasitwastotheLadyoftheLakethroughthemanypuredeedsofBaronLucus–drainedArchaonofhispotency.Itwaslikeburninginthefiresofabsolution.Hiseyeburnedtoopen.Hisfleshburnedwithinhisplate.Hismindburnedwiththehallowednatureoftheplace.OutsideArchaoncouldhearthehorrorofthebattleandthemonstrousfuryoftheslaughterbrute.Archaonfeltthegroundtremblebeneathhimatitsapproach.

LiketherestofthemonstrositiesthatwerepartofArchaon’shorde,theabominationwasnolongerunderJharkill’scontrol.Theywereslavestotheirowndarkandsavagenatures,withsomebreakingforacursedfreedomwhileothersturnedimmediatelyonthoseaboutthem,savagingthewarriorsofArchaon’sarmyandtheCurseling’sspawnwithequalferocity.Archaonsuddenlyfelttheseethingshadowoflongfingersaroundhisarm.He

felthimselfdraggedoutthroughtheholeshatteredinthebrickworkofthechapelandwhenhecouldopenhiseyeagain,hesawthatDreihadpulledhimfree.Thechapelsuddenlydisappearedbeforethem.GritandshardsofstoneprangedoffArchaon’splateasthechapelwasdemolishedbytheslaughterbrute’smonstrousfist.Withthedarknessofthewraith-warrior’sarmstillalightfromthepurityoftheplace,Dreisteppedthroughthedustandrubbleoftheflattenedchapeltoengagetheabomination.AsArchaongottohisfeetandshookoffthedrainingfuryofthechapel’s

consecration,hewassetuponbyabominationsofhisown.Thetentaclesofarapidlyevolvingspawnshotoutandwhippedabouthisarm.Cleavingthroughtheslime-dribblingtendrilswiththeSlayerofKings,Archaonfeltthehugetalonsofawingedserpentattempttosnatchhimfromhisfeet.Slippingfreeanddroppingbacktothecourtyard,Archaonrolled.Thescaledserpentbeatitswingsandlandedbeforehim,openingthenarrowjawsofitsmouthtoburyitsformermasterinflame.Runningatthewingedmonstrositywithhisshieldbeforehim,Archaonturnedasidetheroaringstream,forcingtheinfernobackatthetwistedserpent.Smashingthelengthofitssnaggle-toothedjawsasidewiththeshield,Archaonturnedandbrutallyhackeddownthroughitslong,snakingneckwithhisdaemonsword.Thewingedbodyoftheheadlessmonsterhadbarelyflappedbackintoa

courtyardstablebeforeanotherdamnedcreaturewasonhisback.Archaonfeltthegrapnel-likeclawsofachimeraonhisbackandtheteethofoneofitsseveralheadscrushingtheplateofonearm.Withasnarl,Archaonbargedthenightmarestraightintothestoneofthesmoulderingwestwall.Hesmasheditintotheunforgivingsurfaceofthewallagainandagainuntilthething’smonstrousneckbrokeandArchaoncouldshrugthebeastoffhisback.ArchaonfoundthatalthoughDreihadboughthimafewmomentstorecover,

hisowndelayhadcostthewraith-warriordearly.Jumping,evading,weavingandslicing,theSwordofChaoshadslashedattheabominateslaughterbrutewithitspairofboneblades.AsArchaonchargedtowardstherampagingmonsterhimself,thewraith-warriorleaptintothefuriouswingbeatsofanevasion.Drei

wastoolate,however,andthemonster’sclawcutthroughtheair,back-smashingthewraith-warriorintoashowerofshatteredboneandthesmearedhazeofshadow.Archaon’sownprogresstowardstheunstoppablefuryofthebeastwas

suddenlycheckedbytheappearanceoftheCurseling.VilitchwashuntingtheChaoswarlordthroughthedestructionoftheflamingcastle.Asthewarrior-twinmarchedindomitablytowardsArchaon,thegrotesquesorcererblastedthestablesapartwithareality-scorchingstreamofdarklightning.Knockedfromhisfeetbytheexplosion,Archaonscrabbledtohisfeetwitha

roar.Trapornot.Expectedornot.Hewouldbringthishavoctoanend.Archaonbrokeintoaheavyrun.Withhisplaterhythmicallyclatteringabouthim,heranalongthewestwallofthecastle.Whilethewarrior-twinimpassivelymarchedontowardswhathehadbeentoldwashisfoe,thesorcererwasbesideitselfwithfeverish,worm-likeexcitement.Theflames.Thetransformationofspawn.Thedeathanddestruction.Thesmoke-belchingcastlewasanexusofruinandchange.Directingitssorcerousstaff,VilitchblastedastreamofenergyaftertheChaoswarlordoncemore.Archaonran,barelyahair’sbreadthbeforethedarkstream.Skiddingdownto

astopbeforethebulgingfoundationsofatower,Archaonallowedthestonetoabsorbtheremainderofthestaff’swrath.Lookingup,Archaonsawthattheslaughterbrutehadfollowedhim,itsmonstrouscollectionofeyesfollowingthewarlord’sswiftmovements.AsArchaongotupoutofthedust,theabominationcorneredhim,itsthree

tongueslollinginmonstrousexpectation,thethroatythunderofagrowlbuildingintheslaughterbrute’schest.Thesoundwassuddenlyeclipsedbytheear-splittingcacophonyofsplinteringbrickandshearingstone.ArchaonhadledthedestructivepoweroftheCurseling’sstaffalongthewestwall,cuttingthroughthethicknessofitsbase.AsArchaonsteppedback,thewalltoppledinwards,smashingtheslaughterbruteintothecourtyardfloor.Asthedustroseandtheabominationwasburiedinbucklingmasonry,Archaonheardthething’srumblinggrowltrailoffintoabloodyrasp.Scramblingupthemoundofredfleshandmasonry,Archaonroseandfellwith

theexertionofthemonster’sbreathing.Pausingamongsttheshatteredstone,backspikesandchitinousarmourofthebeast,ArchaonturnedtheSlayerofKingsaboutinhishand.Settlingthetipofthebladebetweenthepulverisedrockandthearmouroftheabomination,Archaontooktheweaponbythecrossguardandleantdownontheblade.Thedaemonswordsliddownthroughthemonster’s

flesh.WithArchaononhiskneesandtheragingbladeoftheSlayerofKingsskeweredthroughit,theslaughterbruteknewpain.Itroareditsagonies,bloodfloodingoutofitstrap-jawmaw,itsthreetonguesslappingaroundlikefishinadrieduplake.Grabbingthehilt,Archaontwistedthedaemonbladeinthebackofthebeast,

enjoyingthetormentthathowledoutofthemonster’sbruteform.Twistingitaroundagain,Archaonfeltthemonstrosity’sheartburstwithinitscavernouschest.Astheabominationbreatheditslast,ArchoncouldfeelthedaemonU’zuhlfeedingvoraciouslyontheslaughterbrute’sgore-stainedsoul.Hepulledtheblood-slickbladeoftheSlayerofKingsfromthecreature’scarcassandallowedittosteaminhishand.Peeringthroughthethinningdust,Archaoncouldseehishordestillfighting

fortheirliveswithinthecourtyard,Chaoswarriors,manfiendsandmaraudersbeingentwinedintheslitheringappendagesanddraggedtowardsmonstrousmouthsthatwereopeningintheundulatingfleshoftheCurseling’sspawn.TheCurselingitselfwasbeingkeptbusybyZwei.Thewraith-warriorhadreturnedfromArchaon’serrand,tofindthecastleinchaos.Slashingboththewarrior-twin’sensorcelledbladeandthesorcerer’sstaffasidewithexpertbladework,ZweiwasbackingtheTwistedTwinupthestepsleadingtothecastlebattlements.Skiddingdownthescreeinwhichtheslaughterbrutewasburied,Archaonranforasimilarsetofstonestepsnearby.TheChaoswarlordknewthatZweiwouldn’tlastlongagainsttheCurseling.Runningalongtheblackenedbattlementsandthroughtowersthatwerestill

aflame,Archaonguttedandshield-smashedthefire-swathedformsofburningspawnaside,grabbingonebywhatpassedforitslegsandtippingitthroughthecrenellationsanddowntheoutsideofthecastlewall.RunningupbehindtheCurseling,withtheslashingfuryofZwei’sboneblades

forcingthesorcererback,Archaonsuddenlyfoundthestaff’sheadpieceturnedabouttofacehim.Knowingthatthecursedthingwouldblasthimtospawndom,Archaonturnedboththestaffandthefuriousstreamasidewithhisdaemonsword,whilebringingtheedgeofhisshielddownthroughtheshaftoftheRuinousstaff.Trappedbetweenthestoneofthebattlementsandthecleavingforceoftheshield,thesorcerer’sstaffsnappedintwo,bleedingaglowingmistaboutthem.Smashingthewarrior-twinacrossthehelmwiththebackoftheshieldandthenbackintohisface,Archaonsawthestonebehindthewarrior’sskullshatterwiththeforce.TheensorcelledbladecameatArchaonbutZweiturneditaside,pinningitagainstthebattlements.Archaonchoppeddownwith

theSlayerofKings,thebladechoppingthehandholdingtheensorcelledbladecleanoffatthewrist.Archaonheardthewarrior-twingruntinpain,spittingbloodthroughthegrille

ofhisbatteredhelm.Bothbladeandhandtumbledawaydownthecastlewall,whileArchaonheldtheTwistedTwinagainstthewall.Theworm-likesorcererwrithedandtwistedwithanagonisingfrustration,itsneedle-toothedmouthcontortingaroundacollectionofexoticoathsandcurses.‘Shutthehellup,’Archaonwarned,layingthefurnaceglowofhis

daemonbladeacrossthethroatsofbothwarrior-twinandhissorcerousbrother.Vilitchgrewsilent,insteadrevoltinglycaressingandcalminghisinjuredtwin.Archaonwatchedas,horribly,theskeletalfingersofanewhandeasedtheirwayoutoftheruinedwristArchaon’sswordhadleftbehind.Threadingwithveinsandthenblossomingwithtendonsandmuscle,thehandblednewskinthroughtherawnessoffreshflesh.‘I’dliketoseeyoudothatwithoutyourheads,’ArchaontoldtheCurseling,edgingtheblood-hungrybladeoftheSlayerofKingstowardstheirthroats.Thesorcerersmiledhideously.‘I’lltradeyoutruthfortruth,’ArchaontoldtheCurseling.‘Ifulfilledmypart

ofouragreement,includingthepartwhereIwalkintoyourfeebletrap.’Archaongruntedandturnedhishelm,allowingthedestructionofthecastleinthroughhiseyeslits.Evenhehadtoadmitthatthetraphadbeenanythingbutfeeblebuthewasn’tgoingtotellVilitchthat.‘Now–theCrownofDomination.Youpromisedmetheonewhoknowswhereitis.YoupromisedmethewhereaboutsofsuchaRuinousindividual.’Archaonleantinclose,pressinghisburningbladeevercloser.‘IfIhearanythingelsepassyourlips–eitherset–thatisn’twhatIjustaskedfor,IsweartothedreadPowers,Iwillslashyourthroatsopen.’‘…theDreadpeak,’theCurselingmanaged,‘wheretheWorldsEdge

MountainsmeettheNorthernWastes.’‘Verygood,’Archaonsaid,hisbladeseethingagainstthesorcerer’sflesh.‘See

whatagoodteamwemake.Now,Idon’tlikesurprises.WhowaitsformeattheDreadpeakwiththeknowledgeIseek?’Theworm-thingbegantolaugh.‘Don’ttestme,sorcerer…’‘Be’lakor…’‘Be’lakor?’‘Be’lakoristheHarbinger,HeWhoHeraldsConquerors…TheBearerofthe

Crown,’theCurselingtoldhim,enjoyingthewarlord’sconfusion.‘TheCrownofDominationisBe’lakor’sburden.Onlyheknowswhereitcanbefound.’

Archaon’slipwrinkledintoasnarl.‘Youknowsomething,Curseling,’hesaidtothesorcerer.‘IthinkI’mgoingto

killyouanyway,youmonstroussonofa…’Intheradianceofthedaemonsword,Archaondidn’tnoticethesorcerer’sown

glow.ThemistpouringfromtheshatteredstaffandgatheringattheirfeethadslitheredupabouttheCurseling.AstheTwistedTwinletoutahorridlaughthatechoedawaytonothing,Archaonlurchedforward.TheSlayerofKingsslippedthroughtheglowingmistthattheCurselinghadbecome.Withthesorcerer’smockinglaughterstillbouncingaroundtheinsideofhisskullanddarkmagicontheair,Archaonsheathedhismightyblade.Zweibeganasearchofthebattlements.‘Forgetit,’hetoldthewraith-warrior.‘He’sgone.’AstheChaoswarlordwalkedalongthebattlements,thetowersofBrilloinne

swirlingwithflameandstainingtheheavensblack,helookeddownonthecourtyard.AstheCurselingdisappeared,hisspawnseemedtobecomedisorientatedwretchesofcursedfleshandmonstrousgifts–speared,hackedapartandbludgeonedtodeathbythedarkwarriors,bestialchampionsandsavagesofArchaon’sarmy.ThosemonstersthathadnotfalleninthefightingfledthecastletoplaguetheMarchesofCouronne.GazingoutacrossthebattlefieldbeyondBaronLucus’scastle,Archaonsawthatthereinforcementsandsummonedknightswerenomore.TheyhadbeennomatchforArchaon’smonstroushorde.Lookingbeyondthebattlefieldcarnage,theEyeofSheeriangrantedArchaon

avisionofthestandingstonesbeyond.Greatglyph-inscribedtorsthathehadrecoveredonhistravelsandtransportedonboardhishulks.StandingstonesthatthesorcererSheerianhadassuredhim–ifplacedindarkconfigurations–coulddrawsoulfirefromlandscursedwiththespillingofblood.ArchaonhadorderedSheerianandahordeofstrongbackslavestohavethetorserectedbeforethebattleandwassurethathehadchargedtheensorcelledstoneswithenoughdreadpower,violenceandbloodshedtoblowopenagatewaytohell–whichisexactlywhatArchaonintendedtodowiththem.Then,beyondthesootandsmokeofthebattle,theRuinousstonesthatstood

andthestormthatbatteredtheBretonniancoast,theEyeofSheerianshowedhimsails.Hundredsandhundredsofsailsinthedistance.Greatshipsandgalleonsflyingflagsofdifferentnations.Bretonnia.TheEmpire.AttheheadofthearmadasurgingnorthoutofMarienburg,hecouldseeagreat,ornategalleonflyingtheholybannersoftheChurchofSigmar–thecultshipoftheGrand

Theogonisthimself.Therewaslittletime.Solittletime.ArchaonturnedtoZwei.‘TellSheeriantogetthestonesbacktothefleet,’Archaonordered.‘Tell

CaptainDarghouththatassoonasthestonesandthehordearebackonboardwehauloffimmediatelyandmakeway.Informhimthatabattlefleetseekstoengagehimfromthesouthbutthatwesailnorth.’Zweinoddedbeforespreadinghisgargoyle’swingsandleapingfromthe

battlements.Archaonwatchedhimswoopacrossthebattlefield,carryinghisorders.HethoughtontheCurseling,whohadhopedtodohisDarkMasterproudandstripArchaon’scorpseofitstreasures.HethoughtontheBretonniankingandtheEmperor,whosatindistantAltdorf,briefedontheterribledangerArchaonpresented.HethoughtontheGrandTheogonist–whoeverhenowwas–stilltryingtofinishwhatArchaonhadstartedintheCathedralofSigmarsomanyyearsbefore.Theywouldfail.Allofthem.ForArchaonsailednorthintodestiny.

CHAPTERXVI

‘ItwasGreatGrungnitoldusofhiscoming.Acalamitycomeofcalamities.Daemonsbornoftheland-shakingstorm.Aprinceamongdaemonsrisenoftheirdreadnumber.Adoomofhorn,wingandterror,walkingtallamongthedarklings,causingmountainstoquakeandheartstothumpathispassing.HeclaimsthetaintedlandashisownbutGrungnitaughtusthatitwasthelanditselfthatwouldsaveus.Thatthedepthswouldbeoursalvation.Thattodigwastodigforone’slife.Somesaywedidnotdigdeepenough.Somethatwedugtoofar.ThatthestoneofKarakZhulwascursedlongbeforeanydwarfsetfoothereordesecratedthedarknesswithpickandshovel.Hehasfoundus.TheDarkOnecomeswithhislegionstoreclaimwhatishis.Iwritethisinmyblood,beforeitisspilt.SothatthesonsofGrungni,theunderkinofKarakZhul,mightbeavenged.Forourdoomhascomeandvisitshisdarknessuponourown…’

–DammazKron,TheGreatBookofGrudges

TheDreadpeak

TheWorldsEdgeMountainsGrimnir’sDay/PassingofOathsIC2519

TheDreadpeakshook.TheDarkMasterwashere.Atlast.Archaonstoodatopthemountain,withthepeaksoftheWorldsEdge

Mountainsextendingsouththroughthedarkness,likethejagged,monstrousspineofalltheworld.Itwasherethatthedwarfslookednorthandturnedback,withdreadintheirhearts,namingtheDreadpeakforsuchcowardlyfears.Belowthelevelledpeakofthemountain,theybuiltwhatsomeclaimtobethelong-lostholdofKarakZhul–ofwhichnosonofthemountainsspeaks,forthehorrorscommittedthereatthebeginningoftime.Archaonwalked,pullinghiscloakabouthisplate.Itwascoldupinthe

heights.NotthecoldoftheWastesorthesoutherncontinent.Itwasarawness,stiffeningthelungsandchillingtothebone.Ithadtakenmonthstogethere,butasArchaonwalkedaroundthegreatblackcircleofstandingstones–arrangedontheflat,levelledsummitoftheDreadpeak–heknewthetimehadcome.AfternearlyacenturysearchingfortheCrownofDomination,hewouldknowwheretofindthelastofthetreasures,thetreasureswithwhichtheDarkGodshadtorturedhimforsolong.Thedarkarmadahadfledthecivilisedlandsofthesouth.Agreatfleethad

beendespatchedtodestroythem.PerhapsbeaconshadbeenlitalongtheBretonniancoast.PerhapsBaronLucushadsentwordbeforetheCurselinghadtakenBrilloinneorperhapsithadbeentheCurselinghimselfwhohadsentwordofArchaon’scoming.ForalltheChaoswarlordknew,theGrandTheogonistmighthavehisownwaysofknowingsuchthingsandhaddespatchedhismagnificentcultshipattheheadofahastilyarrangedarmadaofwarships–bothImperialandBretonnian–todestroy,inArchaon,acommonthreat.Archaonwouldnotbedrawnintosuchanengagement,however.HewasawarlordofChaos–hedidnotassumeformationsandfightbattlesonlandorseaaccordingtolong-heldtraditionsortherulesoftitledmen.Hehadnotassembledanapocalypticarmytoseethemsenttothebottomoftheoceanincowardlycannonfire.HaulingoffwithArchaon’smonstroushordebarelyaboardandthegreatblack

torsloaded,theClovenCaptaintookthePerdiciónwiththestormsthatseemedtoaccompanyArchaonwhereverhewent.BreakingoutofthegulfandoutintotheSeaofClaws–wherethelongshipsofnorthmenandraidersgavethemawideberth–Archaonorderedthedarkarmadanorth,upandaroundthe

treacherouscoastofNorsca.Thefleethadfollowedthem.WhoeverhadbeenchargedwithhisdestructionwouldnotreturntotheEmpirewithnewsthatthedoomofmanhadslippedoutoftheirgrasponcemore.Someflesh-purifyinghighpriestorbuffoonadmiral,withmoretitlesthansense,wouldnotbeabletoacceptthesimplicityoftheirquarryrefusingtheirofferofanengagementandsohadfoolishlyfollowedhimintoopenwaters,wherehisnumberscountedforsomething.DespiteentreatiesfromCaptainDarghouth,Archaonstillrefusedtoengagethearmadathatwaschasinghimintothenorth.Forweekshewatchedtheirbobbinglanterns,enjoyingthemiseryenduredby

thefearfulcrewandofficersofhigh-walledgalleons,fatgreatshipsoftheImperialfleetandthestorm-smashedwolfshipsandcultshipsthataccompaniedthem.Asfrostcreptthroughthecreakingtimbersanddustedrigging,andtheSeaofClawsbecametheSeaofChaos,Archaonfelttheuncertaintyoftheirpursuers.Unlikehisownarmada,theshipsstrikingoutfromMarienburgwerenotoutfittedforsuchavoyage.Foodandwaterwouldberunninglowandtheclothingmiserablyunsuitableforsuchsharpclimes.StillthearmadacrashedonthroughthehighseasandperversegalesthatfollowedinthewakeofArchaon’sstorm-blessedfleet.Thenithappened.AmaelstromnotofArchaon’smakingtoreoutofthe

north–nodoubtsomehorrorbegottenbytheWastes.TheClovenCaptainhadaninstinctforsuchdarkstormsandhadrequestedthatthePerdiciónleadthearmadaintothemoreshelteredwatersoftheSerratedShore,acurvedpeninsulathatsavedthedarkarmadafromtheworstthestormhadtooffer.Thefollowingfleetwerenotsofortunate.WhileArchaonwatchedinsilentsatisfactionandthemonstroushordesroaredtheirjubilationfromthedecksoftheirships,thevesselsoftheirpursuerswerebatteredbytheunrelentingstorm,smashedandwreckeduponthebrokenlandsoftheVestligkystandthedaggeredfjordsoftheSerratedCoast.Despiterequestsfromhisownchampionstohuntdownthewreckedsurvivors,Archaonorderedthearmadaonwards,leavingtheSigmaritepriests,sailorsandofficer-noblementothebloodthirstytribesoftheGraelingsthathauntedthecoast.TheSeaofChaosbecametheKrakenSea.TheKrakenSeabecametheFrozen

Sea,whereArchaonhadhissorcererscutapaththroughthecracking,creakingpackice.Finally,whentheicewouldallownofurtherpassagesouth-eastandthevesselsofArchaon’smightyarmadabecameafleetoffrozenremnants,stuckinthewarped,whitedesolationofwatersborderingtheChaosWastes,hecalledforanchorstobedropped.Disembarkinghismonstrousarmyandtheirmounts,he

hadthehordecraftbeast-hauledsledsforhissiegeenginesanddarkstonetors.Choppingupthevesselsofthefleettoprovidefirewood,ArchaonstruckoutacrosstheiceonDorghar,leadingthemonstrousexpanseofhishordeonacrossthepackiceandbackontodryland,headingfortheDreadpeak–thelevel-toppedmountainthatmarkedthedirepointwheretheWorldsEdgeMountainsmettheRuinousWastes.Ithadtakendaystogettheblack,sigil-etchedstonesupthemountainside.

Despitebeinglevelledforthemineralsblessingitspeak,theDreadpeakstillcastitscolossalshadowacrossthelesserpeaksthatextendedsouthwiththerange.Ithadtakenevenlongertoerectthestonesandmakedarkpreparationsfortheiruse.Agreatfirewasbuiltontheflattenedsummit,atthecentreofthestandingstones.BetweenwhatArchaonhadlearnedfromthedaemonZ’guhlaboutthedrawingandbindingofhisdaemonickindredtotheSlayerofKingsandKhezulaSheerian’sancientknowledgeofotherworldlysummonings–thesorcererhavingbeensummonedhimselfinsuchafashion–Archaonfeltready.Despitehismonstrousfleshbeingalivinglie,theCurseling’stongueshadspokentrue.TherewasanundeniabledarknesstotheDreadpeak.ThoughnoonecouldknowandthedwarfsoftheWorldsEdgeMountainsspokenotofit,itdidfeelasifsomethingterriblehadunfoldeddeepbeneaththemountain.Perhapsthelegendarylong-lostholdofKarakZhulhadbeenhereandperhapsithadbeenherethatthedaemonlegionsandtheirdarkprincestalkedthedawnoftheworldandmassacredthemountainkin.Therewasdefinitelyaweakeninghere.Aflawinthedarkness.Achinkinthemountainousarmouroftheworld.‘It’stime,master,’Sheerianraspedinthethinair.Thesorcererwasbuta

silhouetteagainsttheragingfirethatlituptheabyssalblacknessofthenightsky.Abouttheperimeterofthestones,Archaonsawhishostofdarksorcerers,allactingundertheguidanceofSheerianinthepreparationstobemade.Lookingoutovertheedgeofthemountainpeak,Archaoncouldseehis

colossalarmycampedoutinthevalleysbelow.Theircampfireswerearashthatspreadfarbetweenthecrookedmountainslikeadiseaseorafflictionofalltheworld.Archaonhadevensentthestrongbacks,spawnandchampionsthathadseenthedarktorstotheDreadpeakbackdownthemountain.HehadleftthemisshapenViertowatchoverthedeathlyGiselle,inthemonstrousribcageofherfur-linedwagon-sled.Adarkdelegationoftrustedwarlords,chieftainsandarmouredchampionshadrequestedtobepresentonthemountain–forArchaon’sprotection,ifnothingelse–buthedeniedthem,selectingonlyEinsandZwei,Sheerianandhissorcerersforcompany.ThedaemonsteedDorghar

stampedattherockofthemountainnearby,snortingplumesofitsfurnace-hotbreathintothereedyfreezeoftheheights.‘Doyouthinkitwillbeenough?’Archaonaskedthesorcerer.‘Wearegoingfishingintheabyss,mylord,’Sheeriananswered.‘Wehavethe

tools.Wehavethewords.Wehaveprincelyincantationsandthefireofsoul-thousandstoluretheDarkMasterin.Quitethecontrary,donotbesurprisedifwelandandbindsomethingworsethanBe’lakor.’‘ThereisnothingworsethanBe’lakor,’Archaontoldthesorcerer.‘Youhave

theblade?’Thedaemonsorcererhandedhimtheshortbladeoftheswordthewraith-

warriorshadrecoveredfromthecavesbelowthemountain.TheSwordsofChaosindicatedthattherewasnoevidencethattheDreadpeaklayupontheminesandholdsofKarakZhulbutArchaonknewitinhisbones.Thedreaddarknessoftheplacedidnotlie.Therecoveredweaponhadbeensmashedfromthegripofaskeleton.Itwasadwarfblade,blackandserratedwithagebutmadeofmeteoriciron.Stillimpossiblystrong,Archaonhopedthatithadbelongedtosomelowlysentryratherthanawarriorking.Somedwarfwhohadlosthislifeintheinfernalmassacre.Anignominiousprison,suitablefortheprincethatledsuchslaughter.Archaonwalkedoutintothespacebetweenthetoweringblacktors.Theheat

fromthecolossalfireragedandturnedthemetalofhiscursedplatetoaflesh-scorchingaffliction.Abouthimthesigilsofthestandingstonesglowedandsmokedwithasearingbalelight–thesoulfireofthoseslainbyArchaonandhishordewithintheirconfiguration.Standingbetweenthem,Archaonfelttheworld-splittingpowercracklingattheheartofthenexus.Theinstabilityoftherockbeneathhisboots,theheatfromthefireandtheairinhislungs.TheRuinousrealmdrawnupoutofthebeyond,liketheblacksiltcoatingthebottomofadisturbedtarn,spumingupthroughthecrystalwatersandbleachingthesurfacewithitsdarkness.Hestabbedtheancientdwarfbladeintotherockyearthbeforethefire.Lifting

hishelmhespatontheblade,watchingthespittlesizzleonmetalthathadalreadybecomeuncomfortablyhotbeforetheragingfire.Loweringhishornedhelm,ArchaonwalkedbacktowardsSheerian.‘Begintheincantations,’heordered.Thesorcerer’smilkyeyesflutteredshut.Darkwordsinadarktongue

proceededfromhiscrackedlips,echoedbythedreadsorcerersstandingattheperimeter,betweeneachoftheblacktorstones.

Archaonwaited.Andwaited.Theritualproceededlongintothenight,withsorcerousincantationscalledlikeachorusintotheterrifyingemptinessofthenightsky.Thefireragedeternalandthestonesglowedwithaneeriedarkness.Archaonstoodwithhisarmsfoldedandhiscloakgatheredabouthim,thefingersofhisgauntlettappingthehiltoftheSlayerofKings.Dorgharwalkedupanddown,snortingitsinfernalimpatience.Theincantationsgrewsuddenlylouder.Archaonheardtheblacktorscreakand

groan.Gritbegantobounceabouttherockymountainfloor.Theflamesboomed,blastingoutwithragingballsofblindingfury,beforereachinghigherandhigherintotheblacksky.Theglowingsigilsofthestandingstonesseemedtomeltdownthesidesofthetorsbeforesearingintotherockofthemountaintop.Suddenlytheflameswentout.Thunderrolledacrossthesky.Silentflashesoflightningcriss-crossedtheheavens.Whentheflamesreturned,withexplosiveforce,theywerelustrousblack,likeaninfernoofragingoil.Themidnightflameswrithed,twistedandcontortedintoashapeArchaonrecognised.Wings.Horns.Amusculartorsoandarms.Theslashofatailandtheabyssaluglinessofadaemonicface.Be’lakor.TheDarkMaster.Straining.Thrashing.Clawingupthroughhisownflamingform.ThesorcererSheerianhadhim.Archaonsteppedforward.TherewereseveralBe’lakorsnow.Allfightingto

befreeofthesummoning’sallbutirresistibleforce.Fearfuloftheironprisonthatawaitedthedaemonintheformoftheancientdwarfsword.FiftyBe’lakors.Ahundred.‘Daemon!’Archaoncalledthroughtheboomoftheoilyblackinferno.Asthe

fieryphantasmsraged,onenightmareshapeflickeredtostillness.ItlookedatArchaon,seemingtoseehimforthefirsttime.‘DarkPrince.Myfather-in-shadow.Hearme…’Icanhearyou,thedaemonsaid,itsslickcomposureatoddswiththe

thousandsofotherfrenziedBe’lakorsthatfoughttobefreeofthedaemon-trap.TheDarkMasterwasbothstormandinfernalserenity,livingtheexistentialagoniesofsemi-realisation.Icanseeyou.Ifeelyourdarkpresenceinthismiserableworld.Ismellyour

fearandtasteofyourbitterdespair.Archaon,whowouldbeEverchosen.Archaon,whowillheraldnothingmorethanhisowndisastrousdoom.‘Enoughofthat,Ithink,’Archaontoldthedaemonprince.‘Ifthisfleshis

destinedtofail,thenyoufailwithit.YoutellmewhatIneedtohear,likeallfatherstotheirsons.Spareme,wretchedshadow.ThereisbutonethingIwant–andwilleverwant–fromyou.YouaretheHerald.YouaretheBearer.You,and

onlyyou,knowwheretheunholyCrownofDominationcanbefound:Ruinousrightofthechosen,distinctionofinfernalsovereigntyinthisworldandthosenevertofollow.Tellme,daemon,wherecanthefinaltreasureofChaosbefound?’Archaon…‘Yes?’Archaon,Archaon,Archaon.Howcanamanwhohastravelledsofar,whohas

livedthelivesyouhave,whohastastedeternity,notunderstandthenatureofhisfate?‘Explainittome,’Archaonordered.‘Whileyoustillcan.’Yourexistenceisahistoryofnevers.Amadnessrepeated,fallingfromthelips

ofalunatic.Anechoebbingawaytocavernoussilence.Youaretheghostthathasforgottenitself.Theshadowpassed.Yourfleshonlylivestoknowthetruedarknessthatawaitsit–onceyoursoulplaguesitnomore.‘Couldtheabominationbemorecryptic?’Archaonasked.Likethewaywardson,youhavepulledaway,Be’lakortoldhim.Youhave

defiedyourfather’swishes,hishopesforyourfuture.Youhaveforgedwhatyouhavetoldyourselftobeyourownpath–yethereyouarebeggingforyourfather-in-shadowoncemore.‘Begging?’Archaonsnarled.‘Youmistakeaskingfortelling,daemon.

Entreatyforinterrogation.Invitationforimprisonment.Wordsdon’tseemtoworkonthedaemon.Showthewretchedthing.’AtArchaon’sorder,Sheerianandthedarksorcerersgatheredaboutthecircle

ofstonestightenedtheirholdonBe’lakor.Thedaemonroared,joiningthethousandsofBe’lakorsalreadyragingagainsttheirspiritualbonds.Thedaemon’sshadowformbecamestretchedandcontorted.Thebladebeforeitrattledintheground,drawingthedaemonin–liketheblack,irondoorsofaneternalprisonthrownopenwide.Be’lakor’stormentssentquakesthroughboththemountainandsky.Theagoniesofinstability.Infernalfearsofimprisonment.BoltsofindescribableenergysnappedbetweenthemeteoricironoftheancientbladeandthedaemonprinceArchaonwishedtoconsigntoit.ThebladeglowedtounrulydarknesswhilethegreatblackfirebegantodiewithBe’lakor’sholdonthebeyond,onthematerialworld,onhimself.‘Hadenough,daemonprince?’Archaonputtohishatedfather-in-shadow.‘I

amArchaon.Myfateismyown.Mydecisionsmyown.Myexistencemyown–andIhavechosenthedoomofallforthatexistence.Ishalltrapyouinancientiron,tospendforeverinanunworthyblade,wieldedbythoseyouconsignedto

everlastingdarknessinthisdreadfulplace.Ishallthentakethisblade–thisprison–outtotheoceananddropyouintothedeepestwatersIcanfind:lostforeternityinthesandsofadark,waterydesertwithonlycarcass-pickingcrabsforcompany.YOUWILLNEVER…‘…findthelasttreasureofChaos?’ArchaonsaidastheDarkMasterfluxed

andraged,thepulloftheancientironirresistible.‘I’lltakemychances.AtleastIwillspendmyeternityfreetopursuesuchadestiny.Youwillnot,myfather-in-shadow.Besides,theDarkGodsarefickle.PerhapsthenextEverchosenofChaoswillbecrownedwithoutlowlyBe’lakor.Afterthousandsofyears,perhapstheRuinousPowersdesireachange.Atleastoneofthemdoes.Ohhowhewouldliketoseeyourfailurecomplete.Aworld’sendwithoutBe’lakortousheritin…’ARCHAON!‘Tellme…’Archaonhissedatthedissipatingdaemon.‘Tellmenow.’THECROWNWAITS…‘Yes…’INTHEFIRSTSHRINEOFCHAOS–‘Where,daemon?’Archaonroared.WHERETHEFIRSTHUMANSOULWASBARTEREDTOTHEDARK

GODS…‘Yoursoul,daemonprince,’Archaonsaid.‘Where?’YOUAREUNWORTHY.‘Where?’Archaonbellowedbackattheragingdaemon.YOU…WILL…NEVER…‘Wearthecrown?’Archaoncompletedforthedaemon.‘Thenneitherwillyou!

Doit,’Archaoncommanded.‘But,master–’Sheeriansaid.‘Showthisabominationtheeternityofiron,’Archaonroared.Be’lakorroared.

Theskiessplitasunder.Thunderrolledbackwardsthroughtheheavens.Thedwarfbladequiveredtoasonorousshriek,glowingwithBe’lakor’sdarkness.Theflamesboomedandtwisted.Darkenergiessankadreadchorus,streamingbetweentheRuinoustorsandthroughthemonstrousfire.ThousandsofscreamingBe’lakorsbecamehundreds.Hundredsbecameone–amightyphantasminflame,clawing,slashinghistail,flappinghiswingsandtossingthegrotesqueformofhishornedheadfromsidetoside,hisshrieks,oathsanddaemoncursesmeltingthesky.

‘Yes!’Archaonroared.‘Yes!Know,monster,whatitistobeboundbydestinyandaprisonertoyourfate.’Suddenly–withArchaon’smonstrousjubilationstillechoingaboutthe

Dreadpeak–thedaemonprincewasgone.Theoilyemptinessoftheinfernodied.Theblack,age-eatenbladequiveredandglowedwithBe’lakor’sdarkness.Dreadenergiesarcedfromstonetosteamingsword.Noonespoke.Thunderfaded.Theskiesflashedwithsilentlightningandblackrainfellonthemountain.‘Master,I…’KhezulaSheerianbeganbutArchaonbroughtupasingle,

armouredfinger.Thesword’squiveringshadbuilttoanimperceptiblevibration.Beneath

Archaon’sbootstheDreadpeaktrembled.Cracksfelttheirwayfromthedaemon-boundblade,throughtheflatstoneoftheflattenedpeak.Theycreakedandshearedtheirwaythroughtherock,reachingouttoanumberofstandingstonesandcreatinganeight-pointstarofruin.Sheerianandhissorcererssuddenlygrabbedfortheirears.Archaonfelttheexcruciatingvibrationoftheancientbladegrowtoamind-splittingshriek.Ashescrewedhiseyeshutandgrabbedhishelminpain,heheardhisfather-in-shadow’svoice.Wordsofmonstrousdreadandabyssaldetermination.BothNo…And

Yessssss…TheancientironofKarakZhulfailed.Theswordshattered.Shardsofwickedironblastedoutinalldirections.Sudden.Shocking.Guidedbysomeunholyforce.Thesorcererscrumbled,sliversofinfernalironprotrudingfromhoods,facesandchests.ArchaonturnedtoKhezulaSheerian.Thesorcererwhohadseensomuch–

withhisownmistedeyesandthesorcerousEyethatnowresidedinArchaon’shelm–nowhadtwobarbedsliversofblackmetalembeddedinhissockets.Hetriedtosaysomething.PerhapstoArchaon.Perhapstoentreathiswarpedgod.Fallingforwardonhisbonyknees,thesorcererdrizzledawaytootherworldlyflamethatsnakedacrossthestoneflooranddownthemountain.TherewasnothingleftofthesorcererwhohadservedArchaonsolongwithhistwistedcounsel.Thetwosliversofironplinkedtothefloor.Asthemetalbegantodanceontheflatstoneofthemountaintopandthe

freedomofBe’lakor’swrathbledthroughtherock,Archaonlookeddownathisownbody.Aserratedshardofthebladehadstabbedstraightthroughhiscursedplate,throughhisstomach,abovethehip,andoutthebackofhisarmour.Hisinsidesburnedwherethewickedsliversat,stillglowingwiththefailedcontainmentofthedaemonprince.ThemountainwasshakingwithBe’lakor’swrath.Thestandingstoneswererockingbackandforth,thenfellforwardin

unison,smashingthroughthecrackedrockofthefire-scorchedsummit,creatingacavernoussinkholeinthetopofthetremblingmountain.Asthesummitcollapsedinonitself,EinsandZweisurgedforthesky,theirwingsbeatingwithfeverishurgency.Dorgharalsoleaptfromthemountain,theblackstallionsproutingblack,leatherywingsofitsowntoescapethethunderouscalamity.TherocktumbledawaybeneathArchaon’sfeet.Hetwistedaroundbutthe

movementwasagonywiththeshardskeweredthroughthesideofhisgut.Hisrightlegfeltwetwithbloodpouringdownfromthewound.Archaonclawedatthestonebehindhimbutitsimplycrumbledaway,draggeddownwiththeChaoswarlordbyadarkforcegreaterthangravity.Alightlesschasmopeneduplikeamonstrousmouthtoswallowhimwhole.Astheworldbecamearecedingvision,likeaneyecloudingtounconsciousness,Archaonfell.Rubbletumbledwithhim.ThemountainseemedtoroarwithBe’lakor’svoice.Archaonflailed.Heplummetedthroughthedarkness,losinghissenseofdirection.Seemingtoacceleratethroughtheabyssalpitthathadopenedupthroughthemountainanditsfoundations.Hisvision,hisdarksightandthesorcerouspoweroftheEyecombinedtoformakaleidoscopeofshadowoverlayingshadow.Anobliviateblacknessthatdeepenedtoanimpossibleintensity.Upanddown,speedandspace;theseconceptsbecamemeaninglessasArchaonplungedthroughthedarklingabyss.Allheknewwashisfather’svoiceechoingthroughoblivion.Hisearlierwordsthunderingabouthim.THECROWNWAITS……INTHEFIRSTSHRINEOFCHAOS–WHERETHEFIRSTHUMANSOULWASBARTEREDTOTHEDARK

GODS…ThenArchaonknew.…HERE.

CHAPTERXVII

‘Whatgoodaresoulsiftheyarenottobesold?’

–Anonymous

TheDreadpeakTheWorldsEdgeMountains

Grimnir’sDay/PassingofOathsIC2519

Archaonhitstone.Thewarlordscreamed,althoughhehadnotmeantto.Theimpactwasbone-shatteringenoughandwouldhavebrokenhimupintotinypiecesinsidewereitnotfortheprotectionofhishell-forgedplateandthewyrdstonethatthreadeditswaythroughhisskeleton.Theshardofironhitthegroundatanagonisingangle,however,tearingthroughhisinsides.Moaning,Archaonscrabbledslowlyaround,holdinghisplate-puncturedside.Openinghiseyehesawnothingbutdarkness.Absolute.Likepitchpouredintohismind.TheEyeofSheerianshowedonlymoreofthesame.Hisdarksightsizzledwiththedankeviloftheabyssalshrine.Turninghishead,Archaoncouldseethefaintshadowscreatedbyblasphemousrunesinscribedinthestoneofsomekindofancientgate.

Archaonfeltthecrackscreatedbyhisimpactspreadbeneathhim.TheancientstonegatetotheFirstShrineofChaosdisintegratedbeneathhim.Archaongrittedhisteethagainstthepainandthetormenttocome.Withthecacophonouscrashofthegategivingway,Archaonwasfallingoncemoreamongstfragmentsofcursedstone.Archaontumbledthroughthedarkestnightofhissoul.Hehadwalkedthe

pollutedWastesoftheworld.Hehadevennavigatedtheemptydepthsofhell–anotherworldyRealmofChaos,hauntedbydaemonsanddreadentities.Here,however,inadarknesstoendalldarkness,Archaonfeltasifhewerefallingthroughthebenightedpit-pupilintheeyeofadarkgod.AllDarkGods.Ashesawthem,theysawhim.Hewassaturatedinthebleakruinationofthecollectivegaze.Hewastemperedlikeablade,movingbetweenthefurnacefiresoftheirabominateloveandicewatersoftheirneed,stainedblackwiththecrueltyofiron.PhantasmicfacesragedaboutArchaonintheblackness.Thefacesofmenandbeastshehadkilled.Darkchampionshehaddefeated.Monstershehaddestroyed.Daemonshehadobliteratedfromexistence.Allofthem.Roaringforhissoul.Beforelong,hisabyssaldrop–acceleratingfasterandfasterthroughthedark

belowtheworld–passedthroughthedepthsofanoceanofinnocents.Themen,womenandchildrenwhowouldhavetodieintheEndTimestocome.Ablack,constellation-brimmingskyofscreamingfaces,beggingforArchaon’smercy.Ashefell,Archaoncouldreadtheweaknessoftheworldinthemall.Giventheeternitytheycraved,suchsimplesoulswouldfallpreytothewrath,thedespair,thehopesanddesiresthatgovernedtheirpollutedlives.ItburstArchaon’sheartandscarredhissoultoknowit,butArchaoncametounderstand–inthedreadfuldarkness–thatthesemortalshadtodieinorderfortheDarkGodsandthemonstrous,predatoryintelligencesofthebeyondtosoul-starvetoinexistence.Thatwaswhathewashe–Archaonstruckthepitfloor.TheChaoswarlordroaredashisplatewarped

abouthissmashedbody.Theshardofironwashammeredbackthroughhisgut,themetaltwistingthroughhimlikeabentandserratedstake.Ahornonhishelmshatteredandoneentiresideofhissuitwasbatteredflatoutofshape.Moaningandrollingoverontohisback,hefeltfortheswordsplinter.Graspingforitinthedarknessbehindhiseyelid,hegrippeditwithbothgauntlets.Countingsilentlytohimself,Archaontorethedaemon-shatteredmetaloutofhim.Againhebellowed.Hecoughed.Hebreathedhisraggedbreathsintooblivion.Heopenedhisagony-clenchedeye.Hisvisionacclimatisedtothefoetidgloom.

Therewasamiserablelightbuthecouldn’ttellwhereitwascomingfrom.Hedidn’tcare.Othersenseswerebeingoverwhelmed.Ashelaytherehewasstruckbythesmell.Hislabouredbreathstookthe

indescribablefeculenceofthestenchdeepintohislungs.Hetoreoffhishelmbyitsremaininghorn,gaggingforsomethinghecouldbreathe.Heretchedandgushedbloodoverthebodynexttohim.Hewasnotalone.Therewerebodies.Somanybodies.Gods,thesmell.Rotandpestilencehungoverthemoundofsufferinglikeamiasma.Thegloomwasthickwithgroans,pleadingandmadness.Insectsranrampantthroughtheplaguescapeofdiseasedforms.Flesh-eatingbeetles.Fatcentipedes.Adroningblanketofflies.Archaontriedtostand.Bonesbrokebeneathhisboots,leadingtomorewailsoftorment.Gangrenouslimbsreachedoutforhim.Leproushandsmissingfingersscrapedathisplate.Hepulledhislegsawayfromsuchpitilesssufferingandclamberedwithdifficultyacrossthediseasedmound.Victimshadlittlecontrolovertheirillness-ravagedbodies–vomitingandmakingamessofthemselvesandthoseaboutthem.Pox-eruptingfeverssentsufferersintoadeliriumofmadnessandthetwilightwashauntedbythelaughterofthedoomed.Peoplepickedrancidfleshfromtheirownboneswhilethebodiesofothersbloomedwithmouldsandfungithatcarednotifthenutrient-richmoundbeneathwasaliveordead.AsArchaontrudgedacrossthenever-endingmireofdiseasedbodieshefelt

foreverpassinthedarknessabouthim.Thesewerethedeadanddyinghehadleftinhisbloodywake.Themillionshewouldmaimandslaughterintheapocalypticdaystocome.Thefamineanddiseasethatwouldfollowinhisfootsteps.Ashestrode,climbedandtumbledthroughthesuffering,thearmourofMorkarbegantocreakaboutArchaon’sbones.Somekindofotherwordlycorrosionreachedthroughthebrowningmetal.Platesshearedoffhim,fallingintothebodiesbelow.Thepus-riddled.Theinfested.Thoseripewithmyriadcorruptions.Thosescreamingforhelpthatwouldnevercome,grabbingoneanotherforrankcomfort.Thedeadandquietlyrotting.Withtherustedarmourfallingawayinareddust,allelseabouthim

disintegratedwiththeinflictedyears.Cloak.Furs.Scabbard.Weapons.ThetreasuresofChaos.Likeamadman–nakedandsplatteredwiththefilthofthedeadandthedying–Archaonclamberedandcrawledthroughthegraspinglimbsandthesofteningbodies.Itwaslikeagloomymoor.Wet.Stinking.Undulating.Cloakedinafogoffliesandcontagion.BeforelongthelaughterbecameArchaon’sown.Adarkchuckle.Theraspoflaughter.Theboomofjubilantdoom.Thehorrorofdeathbecameadisgustingcelebrationoflife–rich,

ripeandoverpowering.Itstartedwiththeraggedwoundinhisside.Itwasnolongerbleeding.Nowitburnedwithinfectionsandstankoftherotwormingitswaythroughhisinsides.Archaon’sskinbegantoblister.Rashesspread,competingforfleshtoravage.Sorespoppedandweptdownhisbody.Blackbloodandpusdribbledfromhiseyes,ears,noseandmouthinaconstantandsickeningstream.Maggotsandworsesquirmedthroughhisflesh.BitsofArchaonfellaway.Abandoned.Forgotten.Growthsblossomedabouthisfailinginnards.Hebloatedandburstbeforehisskinbecamealeatherycapethrownoverthesharpnessofhisbones.Evenasthiswitheredawaytomouldydustfromhisstone-threadedskeleton,Archaonstalkedonacrossthebenightedlandscapeofsuffering,rotanddoom.Therewassicklaughterstill,butitwasnotArchaon’sown.Hewasbutbone

andtheindomitableforceofwillthatheldhimtogether.Theboomofdarkmirthquakedthroughhim.Witheverylaughfromcavernous,froth-corruptedlungs,themoaning,fearfulgraspingandbeggingbecamefrenziedandintense.Thegleeofadarkgodpassedlikewetthunderthroughtherealmofsuffering–atoncethecallofamillioncrows,thechitteroffeastinginsects,thewailingofwidows,thefrustrationandfuryofapproachingdeathandthedroneofbellsovergravestones.AsthelaughtershooktheverydarknessaboutArchaon,bonesbegantofallfromhisframe.Hisskeleton–thathadtrudgedsofarthroughtheendlesssuffering–begantocrumble.Hisbrowningbonesslippeddownthroughtheseaofbodies.Hewentunder,reaching,clawingwithskeletalhandsashewasdraggeddownthroughthewrithingsofthediseased,theripenessofthedyingandtheancientdustofthelongdead.Archaonfeltthecleandarknesswhooshabouthimashetumbledthroughthe

helloftheabyssalshrine.Hebarelyrememberedwhatitwastohaveflesh.Tofeelanythingbutdoom.HewasfallingforsolongthroughthesoothinggloomthatArchaonfellasleep.Whenheawoke,hewassurroundedbybodiesoncemore.Bodiesfallingwithhim.Theyreachedoutforhimbutnotinfear,dreadorpain.Theblacknessachedwithneedandtemptation.Asherolled,thrashedandtumbledthroughtheswarmofbodieshesawthattheywereallthesame.Adesirefromthedarknessofhismemory.ThebodiesallbelongedtoGiselle.AthousandGiselles,sharingtheterrorandexcitementofthefall.Soonthereweresomanybodiesabouthim–aswarmofflesh–thathecouldnottellinwhichdirectionhewasfallingorifhestillwasatall.Giselle,thefledglingSigmaritesister,brighteyedandunknowing.Giselletheprisoner,thin-lippedandhate-filledofeye.Gisellethelover,hermindandbodylostinthemadnessofthe

WastesandtheinsanitythatwasArchaon.Giselle,thelivingcorpse,themouthlesshorrorofemaciationandsilence,staringreproach.Archaonroastedinthefiresofthepureflame.Aninfernoofwrithingflesh

thatburnedArchaonwithhisowndamnation.Likeafireballoffleshanddarkdesires,Archaonfellthroughahellofhisownmaking.ArchaoncouldnottellhisfleshfromGiselle’s.Onebodyfromanother.Theywerefusedinaspideryarrangementofentwininglimbsandtwistingtorsos.Theirheartsthuddedasone–inhorribleunitythroughtheblackness–likethatbeatingbeneaththesinglebreastofagodlyPrinceofImpossiblePleasures.Suddenlytherewasanimpact.Hard.Shocking.Theclaritywassoul-scouring.

Bodiesbroke.Giselle’sdied.TheachingfusionoffleshwastornfromArchaonwithaglass-slicingprecision.Archaonwashimselfoncemore.Hehadendured…oncemore.FlailingdownthroughthechasmicpitoftheFirstShrine,accelerating,fallingdeeperintodarkness,Archaonhadstucksomething.Fragmentsofitfellabouthim.Likeacrystalwallthathisdescenthadshatteredintomyriadpieces,Archaonsawhimselfreflectedintheinnumerablefacetsofinnumerableshards.Splintersshoweredabouthimlikerain,creatingafluxofimpossiblecolours.InthereflectionofeachrazoredsurfaceArchaonbeheldArchaon.Archaonwhowas.Whohadbeen.Whoneverwouldbe.Amewlinginfant.Aneageryoungboy.Ayoungmaninthemaking.Awarrior,proudandtrue.AmilliondarknidinterpretationsofArchaon.Thesavage.TheRuinouswarriorlostonhispath.Theexaltedchampionfightingforeachandeverydarkgod.Archaonthedefeated.Archaonthedead.Archaontheforgotten.Archaonsinstead.Thewarlord.TheEverchosen.LordoftheApocalypse.Archaon–end…of…All.Livesalllivedinhisendless,tumblingdescent.Alabyrinthoflifetimes.Amindfittobreak,torturedbyrawpossibilityandknowing,theendlessnessofexistence.Archaonscreamedforhisonelife.Hissingledetermination.Anendtoeverythingknownandunknown.Asilent,emptydarknessfortheworldandtherealmsbeyondit.Heclosedhiseyeforthelengthofaboundlessmomentanditwasgone.Archaonhitwater.Itwaslikeplummetingintorock.Ifithadn’tbeenforthe

wyrdstonethatriddledhisbonesandskull,theimpactalonewouldhavesmashedhimintooblivion.Hethundereddownintothedepths.Hecouldseenothing,butthewatersabouthimwerethick,richandwarm.EventuallytheforceofhisdescentslowedandArchaonkickedforthesurface.Astheviscousdarknessofthedeepmettheinfernalgloom,Archaontastedcopper.Spittinghislastbreath,whichexplodedfromhislungsatthesurface,Archaonfoundthathe

wastreadingbloodinaseaofgore.Likeflowingmagmathebloodburnedinpatches,lightingtheabyssalblacknesswithahellishglow.Lookingabout,Archaonsawthatpredatorsofsweepinghornedhead,serrateddorsalsailsandwhippingtailscutthroughthebloodywaters.Swimming,Archaonmadehiswaytoanarchipelagoofbone.Colossalribcagesofmonstrousbeastsanddaemons.Smallislandsofshatteredboneandpiledskulls,upwhichthetidesofgorewashed.Stormsofflamedanced,seethedandchurnedacrossthesurfaceoftheredsea,sizzlinginthenever-endingdrizzleofbloodspilledfromthedarknessabove.Archaonhauledhimselfupthroughthebonesofamonstrousribcage,perching

onabreastboneasthehorrorsonthebloodbelowsloshedandthrashedtoafrenzy.Hesattherelikeasavage,hisbodydippedindryingblood.Then.Bubblesintheblood.Afewatfirst.Buildingtoaspumingmaelstromofgore.Archaonstoodupontheribcage,attemptingtogetabetterlookattheabominationrisingfromthebloodydepths.Itwashuge.Monstroushorns.Wingsthatshoweredgorefromtorn

membranesoftheirleathery,outstretchedsurface.Amountainofredmuscle,fusedwithblack-bronzechainsandgreatspikedplate.Thebottomlessbloodthirstingfuryofsomegreatdaemon,hunchedinitsbestialrage.Itbelloweditsabyssalire,thegrotesquenessofitsfacestretchedbackoveritscolossal,fang-crowdedjaws.TheforceofitsterritorialroarknockedArchaonfromhisperchandintothebloodywaters.Predatoryfiendssurgedforhimwiththeirdaggeredjaws.Grabbingonearoundtheneck,Archaondraggedituptheshorelineofskulls,pummellingthecreaturetodeath.Anothersurgedupthebank,snappingferociouslyatArchaon,buttheChaoswarlordstampeddownonitsheadwithaheel,killingthecreatureoutright.Ashestoodthere,ArchaonfoundthatthemonstrousBloodthirsterbellowed

still.TheslicknessofblooddribbledawayfromArchaon’smuscularframe.Firestormsdiedandskullsrolledbackuptheshoreoftheisland.Theabyssalbeastwaspowerincarnate.Violence.Murderousrageasanelementalforce.Somethingaboutbeinginthemonster’spresencebroughtArchaonbacktowhohewas.Abutcherofinnumerabledeservingfoes.Asurvivorofcountlessmonstrousencounters.Anightmarebornofblood.Testedacrosseternity.Hehadthedarkintelligenceofagreatwarrior,theRuinousblessingsofabominategodsandthedeath-dealingexperienceoflifetimeslivedandlost.Thegreatdaemonbroughtitsgargantuanarmsoutoftheseaofblood.Inone

heclutchedabronzebattleaxethatglowedwiththedarknessofitsinfernal

craft.Intheotherwasthelengthofatitanicwhipthatdribbledflameintothegore.‘Comeon!’Archaonroaredatthedaemonicembodimentofhisdoom.The

monsterdidn’tneedanyfurtherencouragement.Itsarmcameup,thesearingwhipsnappedupandaround,sizzlingarcsofbloodfromitssurface.Archaonturnedandran.Thewhipslashedtheislandtoastormofshatteredskull.Thedaemonstomped

itsclovenpaththroughtheshallowseaofblood.AsArchaonleaptforthespineofalong-butcheredbeastandranalongitslength,theBloodthirstersmashedthroughthetitanic,skeletalremainswithitsgreataxe.Archaonwasoncemoreontheskull-crunchingshoresofabeach.Thearchipelagoseemedtostretchforeverthroughthedarknessandthecrashingbloodofthesanguinesea.Archaoncouldonlyhopeitdid.Heran.Heranasfastashecould.Whenhecouldn’trunheswamthroughtherichgore.Fromislandtoboneisland.Skullmoundtomound.Throughtheribcagesofabyssalbehemothsandalongthebonesofgreatslaindaemons.TheBloodthirsterfollowedlikeastormofbrassandblood.Itsmashedthroughskeletons,decimatedislesofboneandcolossalskullsthatsatintheshallowslikestandingstones.Archaonranon.Hecouldnotaffordtostop.Thebladeedgeofthehugeaxe

hadbeensharpenedontheBloodGod’sflintyheart.IthungeredforArchaon’sblood.InthedullreflectionofthebronzebladetheChaoswarriorhaddiedathousandtimes–cleavedcleaninhalf,smashedtooblivioninafountainofskullandsplinteredbone,hisheadwhooshedfromhisbodyinaglorioussplatteroftrailinggore.Eachflesh-mulching,spine-shearing,blood-stormingordealofadeathArchaonhadavoidedbytheskinofhisimperilledsoul.Thedaemonwasanindefatigableforceoffurywithanabyssalappetitefordestruction.Andimpossibly,Archaonwastiringit.Evensuchanabominateentityhadlimitations.Theinfernothatburnedwithtwicetheferocitycouldonlyaffordtoburnhalfaslongandthroughanendlessseriesoffrustrations,inwhichthegreatdaemonhadsmashedtheskullarchipelagotosplinters,Archaonhadslowedthemonstrositywithitsownhate-fuelledexertions.Crunchingtoahaltintheskulls,Archaoncametoastop.Hewasnoless

exhausted.Hismindhurtwithsplit-secondevasionsandstrategies.Hislegsburnedfromrunning.Hisarmsfromswimming.Hischestfrombreathing,risingupanddownashestoodstillontheisland.Heturnedandranstraightbackatthestormingdaemonblastingitswaythroughboneandblood.Theabominationwasfarfromspent.ItwassurprisedbyArchaon’schangingtactic,however,andits

armsswungwiththeinfernalburnofaneternityoflastefforts.Archaonskiddeddownacrosstheskulls.Theaxedescendedwithfuryand

savageprecision.Fortheghostofamoment,Archaonsawhisblade-cleavedbody–split-splatteredfromtempletotoe–inthebronzereflectionoftheblade.Theaxemissed,sendingskullsrocketingawayinalldirections.AsthegreatdaemonbroughtuptheweaponitfoundthatArchaonwasgone.Theabominateentitytoreitshornedheadaroundthiswayandthat.Itkickedattheskullshorewithiscolossalhoof.Itpeeredatthebloodyshallowswithitstiny,rage-cracklingeyes.Itlookedaboutatthegore-misteddarknessabove.Archaonwasnowhere.Thegreatdaemonunleashedanabyss-tremblingroar.Thethinghadneverknownsuchaffliction.Archaonsliddownfromthepittedbronzeoftheaxehaft.Asthebladehad

burieditselfintheskullmound,theChaoswarriorhadclutchedthethickhaftandtravelledbackwithitabovetheislandofbone.Asthecolossaldaemonsearchedandbellowed,Archaonleaptforthechainsandspikesrearingfromtheembeddedplateofthemonster’sback,ridingouttheabomination’shellishfury.ThereArchaonwaited.Andwaited.Heheldtighttothearmouredspikesasthebeastwentmad,cleavingthedarkrealmofitsnightmareexistencetoruin.Then,asthethingseemedtohavenomoremonstrousragetogive,Archaon

hauledhimselfupthebeast’shunchedredbackandboxeditinaraggedear.Theresponsewasbloodcurdlingandinstantaneous.Thegreatdaemonwasinsanewithitsownire.Itswungitscolossalaxeaboutit,tryingtobutcheritstinyfoe–whoseemedinsultinglycloseyetimpossibletohit.AsArchaonclamberedbackandforththroughthebackspikes,thebronzeaxesmashedandsparkedofftheembeddedarmour.Archaonfeltthefuryofthebladepassbyandhungone-handedfromaspikeastheaxebladebitdeepintothedaemon’sownback.Themonstrositydidn’tseemtoevennotice.Pullinghimselfbackup,Archaonheldontightastheabominationstampedthroughthebloodyshallowstoshakehimfree.Archaonwouldnotbeunseated,however,ridingthegreatdaemonlikeoneofthelostmonstrositiesofhishorde.Againtheaxebladecame.Againandagain.Smashingspikesfromthedaemon’sbackandvisitingmonstrouswoundsonitselfinthedwindlingfiresofitsfury.Finally.Withthehugebronzeaxestillburiedinitshunchedandmutilated

back,theBloodGod’sgreaterdaemoncrashedforwardintotheskullsofapartiallydemolishedisland.Archaonrodeupanddownonthedaemon’sexertions.Thebeastwasdone.Ithadvisitedamonstrousfuryuponitselfandinflictedgrievouswoundsnobeingwasmeanttosurvive.Itcrawleduptheshore

beforefallingonitsmuscle-boundarmsandthelengthofitsextinguishedwhip.Leapingdownfromthemonster’sback,Archaongrabbedthetaperingendof

thewhipandheaveditupandaroundthedaemon’smonstrouslythickneck.Allthewhilethedevastatedabominationwatchedhimthroughthescorchedorbofasingleeye–theotherhavingburstfromitsfrenziedeffortstoacquiretheChaoswarlord.Slidingthetipofthewhipbeneaththegreatdaemon’sneck,Archaoncreatedanimprovisednoose.Grabbingtheweaponwithbothhands,Archaonheaved.Heheavedforallhewasandwasgoingtobe.ThegreatBloodthirstercouldbarelyheaveitsdecimatedredcarcassfromthebeachofbonebutmanagedtoclawatthewhipcuttingacrossitsthroat.NowitwasArchaon’sturntobellowandroar.Hehauledatthewhip,the

musclesofhisarmsandchestbulging,hisbonesbracedtobreak.Hestrainedforhissurvival.Forvictory.Fordestiny.Asthegreatdaemonbreatheditslast,itsownskullcrashingtotheshoreanditsclawsfallinglimplyaway,Archaonreleasedthewhip.Hefellbackwardsintoskullsandthebloodthatlappeduptheshore.Ashebreathed,ached,foundhiswaybackfromtheinsanityofhistrials,thehellfireaboutthearchipelagodied.Allwasdarkness.Theclinkofskullsandthesloshofbloodfadedaway.Torchessuddenlywhooshedtofierylife.Archaonsquinted.Hewasinthe

depthsoftheshrine.TheFirstShrineofChaos.Aplaceofterribleevilthathadscorchedthestoneblackwithitsmalevolentsignificance.ThathaddamnedthedwarfsofKarakZhultodestruction.Thathadbeenthesiteofman’sfirstfalltodarkness.ItwasherethattheRuinousPowershadfirstbestowedtheirblessingsonthefirstmortalpledgedtoChaos.Adread,primordialsavageofstrengthandcunning,whohadearnedimmortalityandaplaceattheDarkGods’sideasthefirstdaemonprince.Archaongottohisfeet.HehadcompletedtheRuinoustrialsashehadbegun

them.Deckedinthehell-forgedplateofMorkar,withtheSlayerofKingshangingfromhisbeltinitsscabbardandtheEyeofSheerianbleedingitsbalelightfromhishornedhelm.Beforehim,inthetinychamber,wasablack,stonethrone–crackedandancient–thecarvedsymbolsandsigilsoftheChaosPantheonallbutwornawaybytime.Thetorchescrackledeithersideofthethrone.Initsataskeleton.AformermightychampionofChaos.Thebonesofthewarlordwerewarpedandspikedwiththefellgiftsofthegods.Onhisheadsatasimplebandofblackgold,withitseightpointsstabbinginwardsthroughthechampion’sskull.TheCrownofDomination.TreasureoftheRuinousPowers,bequeathedtotheEverchosenofChaosandLordoftheEndTimesto

come.Archaonpausedforamomentbeforeitsreverenceandthedreadmemoryofhispredecessor.Archaonclenchedagauntletandsmashedtheskull,withallthe

unceremoniousforcehecouldmuster.ShakingembeddedfragmentsofbonefromtheCrownofDomination,Archaonadmireditsdarksimplicity.Thecrownsofkingsmightbetowering,elaboratethingsencrustedwithgemsanddevoidofsignificance.ThecrownoftheEverchosenwaselegantinitsunderstatement.Itwasmeantforthedarkestofwarlords–themostapocalypticofthedreadPowers’warriorchampions.Itspointsweredirectedinwards,ensuringitcouldbewornwithinahelmonthefieldofbattle.Ithadbutonesettingatitsfore,meantforasinglejewel:theEyeofSheerianwithwhichthecrown’sterriblepowerwouldbecombined.Turning,thegritscrapingunderhisboot,Archaonstrodefromtheshrine

chamber.Astonedoorrumbledaside,thedarksigilsthatadorneditspeakingoftheEndTimestocome.Sunlight,bleakbutblinding,wasadmittedtothechamber,smoulderingonthemalevolenceoftheblackstone.ArchaonpeeredthroughthesearinglighttofindhewasatthefootoftheDreadpeak.Hehadnoideahowlonghehadbeeninthemountain.Howlonghehadsufferedthetrialsoftheshrine.Whathadbeenaneternitytohimmightonlyhavebeenminutes,hoursordaysinthewaitingruinoftheworld.AllheknewwasthathehadearnedtheadmirationoftheDarkGodsandhadbeenrewardedwiththeirtreasures.Thatnowhewouldbecrownedtheirchampionofdarkness–theirEverchosen–worthytoleadthelegionsofhellandvisittheirmyriadcalamitiesuponthewaitingworld.WiththeCrownofDominationclutchedinonegauntletheventuredoutside.

CHAPTERXVIII

‘Itissaidthatthedaywasmarkedintheheavensbyadreadomen.Theappearanceofagreatcometthatsplittheskyintwowithitspassing.Afallingstaroftailstwinthatfilledtheworldoverwhichitshonewithfearandforeboding.’

–Urshel,SignsandWonders

TheDreadpeakTheWorldsEdgeMountains

SigmarsfestIC2519

Archaonstoodontherockyledge.ThetentsofhisRuinousarmydottedthevalleysandmountainsides,aboutsmoulderingcampfires.Everywheretherewasevidenceofabattlefoughtandwon.Dwarfhelmsandweaponslitteredthedisturbedearth.Moundsofbodiesburned,theflamesofthefallen–bothdwarfandthoseofthehorde–lickedatthesky.Archaon’sarmyhadbeenkeptoccupiedwhilewaitingforhim.AdwarfarmymarchingonKarakZhul,nodoubtfollowingsomeancientprophecy–asArchaondid–toavengetheirmountainkin.

‘Itseemstheyarrivedtooearly,’Archaonsaid.Orthousandsofyearstoolate.Be’lakorwaswithhim.Theshadowofthemountaindarkened.The

surroundingvegetationwithered.Rockcreakedandsplinteredinthedarklord’spresence.Smallbouldersshattered.Archaon’sfingersdriftedtothehiltofhisdaemonsword.Evennow,withtheworldyourstoburn,youfearme…‘Takecarenow,daemon,’Archaonwarned.‘Ifearwehavetheeyesofthe

godsonusthisday.YouaretheHarbinger,theBeareroftheCrown,HeWhoHeraldsConquerors.Youhavearoletoperforminthesedarkevents.TheRuinousPowersarewatching.Theywillnotbedeniedtheiramusement.’Archaonheardcallsfromthevalleyfloor.Championsanddarkknightscould

seehimonthemountainside.Pantheon-pledgedwarriorsdroppedbodiestheywerecarrying.Otherspouredfromtentsandsmallcamps.Wordofhisreturnspreadquicklywithmarauders,bestialchampionsanddreadwarriorsfloodingtheareabeforetheDreadpeakfromadjoiningvalleys.Beforelongthemountainsidesandvalleyswereswarmingwiththemaraudersavages,half-breeds,armouredwarriorsanddarkchampionsofArchaon’scolossalarmy–doom,asfarastheeyecouldsee.Spikedplate.Hornedhelms.Murderousweaponry.Bannersandstandardsofflayedfleshandbone,bearingtheeight-pointstaroftheRuinousPantheon.ThesymbolofaChaosundivided.Archaon’sstar.HighabovetheRuinoushorde,thedistantthunderofArchaon’sdread

presencerolledthroughthemountains.Abovethat,acometblazedacrossthefirmament,slicingtheskyintwo:adarkomenofthehelltheworldhadtopayandthecalamitytocome.Archaonslippedhishornedhelmfromhishead.Helookedupattheskyandnoddedslowlytohimself.Thecomethadatwintail.LikethecometthatappearedthenightofSigmar’sbirth.LikethecometthathadadornedthebladeofthegreatswordTerminus–thesigilofhistemplarorder.AnothersickjokeoftheDarkGods,Archaondecided.ArchaonsawEins,ZweiandVierpushthroughthefrontranksofarmoured

warriorsandmaketheirwayupthemountainside.Thewraith-warriorsapproached,ZweileadingthedaemonsteedDorgharbythereins.ThemisshapenVierwashelpingafigureinfursuptheincline.Ashemovedhiswarpedwing,ArchaoncouldseeitwasGiselle.ShewalkedwithdifficultybutaidedbyVierjustmanagedtheslope.Shewasavisionofskeletalreproach.Theskinofherfullandoncecomelyfacewasstretchedoverherskull.Withouta

mouthshecouldnotspeak,buthereyessaiditall.Thiswasthemomentthatshe–andFatherDagobert–hadtriedtokeepArchaonfrom.Ithadtakenacenturybuthehaddoneit,muchtoGiselle’ssoul-hollowmisery.TheworldwouldburnanditwouldbeArchaon–theoncegoodman,DiederickKastner–whowouldstrikethespark.TheSwordsofChaosslowed.Thegatheredhordefellsilent.Amonstrous

shadowroseupfrombehindArchaon.Theswirlingblackformofadaemon,bleedingforthfromtherockofthecursedmountain.Hornedhead.Agargoyle’swings.Clovenclawsandslitheringtail.Agreatinfernalprinceofmidnightmuscleanddaemonicvisage.ARuinousStarsatonhischest–anancientscar–thatlikealivingaltardeclaredthattheDarkGodswereunifiedbehindasingle,mortalchampionofChaos.Despitehismalevolentmajesty,thedaemonBe’lakorhunghisheadlikeadog.Fromtheskyabove,fromthedirtbeneaththeirfeetandthroughtheeyesofeverypantheon-pledgedmaniac,warriorandwarlordgatheredbeforeArchaon,thedreadPowerswerewatching.Archaonturned.Helookedupatthemonstrousformofhispuppetmaster,his

father-in-shadow,hisdaemonicfoe.ThrustingbothhishornedhelmandtheCrownofDominationattheabomination’schest,ArchaongaveBe’lakortheburninghatredofoneeye.‘Thisisascloseasyou’regoingtogettothis,BeareroftheCrown.Savourit,’

Archaonsaid.‘Nowdoyourinfernalduty,darkprince.’Abottomlessloathingcrackledbetweenthetwo.Archaonturnedand

presentedhimselftohisvasthordeofdarkness.ThedaemonBe’lakorhesitated–therageofhavingtocrownanother,again–tearingatthemusclesofhisinfernalface.HeliftedtheCrownofDominationandofferedittothesky.Movingaroundinacircle,thedaemonpresenteditineightdifferentdirections,eachtimeannouncingArchaon’scoronationinadifferentdarktongue.ArchaononlyunderstoodthelastoftheDarkMaster’ssullenproclamations.IpresenttoyouArchaon–EverchosenofChaos,commanderofthelegionsof

hellandundoubtedLordoftheEndTimes.Hefeltthemonstrousdarknessofthedaemon’stouchashegentlyloweredthe

crownontoArchaon’sshavenhead.TheChaoswarlordfelttheeternallyburningMarkofChaosragethroughhisflesh,aboutwherethecrownwasintendedtosit.Likeamantrapofthesoul,theblackgoldofthecrown’spointssnappedshut,piercingbothruin-blessedfleshandskull.Archaonroaredupattheheavens.Thepainwasunimaginable.Likebarbsthroughhisverybeing,thepointscreatedahorrificnexusattheircentre:anoblivioninhismindthroughwhichtheRuinous

heartsanddarkthoughtsofalldreadthingsunderhisbannerwerehistoknow.Archaoncasthisgazeacrossthemonstroushordehehadamassed.Warriors,butchersandabominatesfromtheworldover.Ashisgazepassedacrossthemhefelttheindividualdarknessofthesouls,theirfearofhimandthegodsherepresented,thesavageexpectationoftheslaughterandruintocome.Heheardthewhisperofbetrayalinchampionsthatheknewhemustkill.Heknewthedarksecretsandstrategiesthatwouldkeepsuchacolossalarmy–allfightingforadifferentworldendingdread–unified.Be’lakorbroughtthehornedhelmetofMorkar’scursedplatedownoverthe

Everchosen’shead.Thehelmsatsnugly–asitalwayshad–withthecrownslippingslicklyintothespacecraftedtoaccommodateit.Withasizzleofsorcerouspower,theEyeofSheerian–alreadyensconcedinasettingatthefrontofthehelm–becameasonewiththeCrownofDomination.Althoughhehadnotrealisedit,Archaonwasstillroaringhissoul-shearingagonyandjubilationtothesky.Theworldhadbecomemorethanjustanexperienceofthemoment.Pain.Emptiness.Expectation.ThroughtheEyeofSheerian,combinedwiththepropertiesofthefellcrown,theworldsearedintospectralfocus.Beyondthebluntappreciationofwhatwashappeningtohim–thechillairofthemountains,theagonyofthemetalpuncturedthroughhisskull,thethousandsofeyesonhim,theirgazetheburdenofdarkexpectation–Archaonnowsawmore.Aghostlyexistenceofwhathadbeenandwhatwouldbe.HesawthedwarfarmybutcheredbyhiswarriorsofChaosinthevalleysmerehoursbeforeandhesawthemountainsshakeandshedgrit,screeandbouncingbouldersinsomecalamityshortlytocome.WhereastheEyeofSheerianhadshownhimsecretsgreatdistancesaway–acrossice,oceanandmountainrange–combinedwiththeCrownofDominationitcouldnowcastitsgazebothforwardandbackintoeventsthathadbeenandwereyettobe.Thesensationwasadreadknowing,bothintoxicatingandfearful.Likeamanleaningoffacliff,intendingtofall,Archaonobeyedaninstincttopullhimselfback.Itwouldtakesometimetoacclimatisetothepowerandoverwhelmingintensityoftheterriblegiftandlongertocommandsuchabilities.Archaoncouldthinkofnobettertool,however,tohelphimusherintheapocalypsethanthegifttoseetheendbeforeitcametopass.Withsuchadreadgazedirectedintothedays,dreadmonthsanddarkyearstocome,ArchaontrulyhadbecometheLordoftheEndTimes.Archaon’sroarhadbeenjoinedbythousandsofothers.Ashisvoicetrailed

away,themind-shatteringeffectofthecrownnumbingtosecretsunthoughtandafuturewaitingtobeknown,ArchaondrewtheSlayerofKingsandheldthe

bladeup.BesidehimArchaonsensedthatthemightyBe’lakorhadtakentoadaemonicknee.Archaon’shordedidthesame,bowingtheirhornedhelmsandslammingarmouredkneesintothedirt.ProstratebeforetheEverchosenofChaos.‘Daemon,begone,’ArchaonhissedatBe’lakor,withouteventurninghishelm.

‘Iseeyou,monster.ForthefirsttimeItrulyseeyou.Stayoutofmypast.Makewayformyfuture.Nowgetoutofmysightandneversullymypresencewithyourrankdarknessagain.’Archaonexpectedsomekindofprotest.Athreat.Awarning.Arejoinderof

Ruinouswit.TheEverchosenofChaosturned.Be’lakorwasgone.Theshadowsofrocks,bouldersandtheDreadpeakitselfseemedtorecedeandlighten.Archaongrunted.HisSwordsofChaosapproached,accompaniedbyDorgharandthefrail

Giselle.NowBe’lakorwasgone,hesheathedhisdaemonsword.Archaonknewwhatwasexpectedofhim.Toclimbintothesaddle.Toridethroughtheroaringjubilationofhiscolossalhost.Toleadthemoutofthedesolationofthemountainsandintocivilisedlandsofwantonslaughter,flameanddarkness.Hedidn’tneedtheCrownofDominationtoshowhimthat.VierhelpedGiselleuptoArchaonbeforebackingaway.Thegirlwasa

skeletalhorror–likeawightthathauntedthetombofArchaon’soldlife.Shesankintoherfurs,theslightnessofheremaciatedbodysusceptibletothecold.Long,bonyfingerspulledthefursabouther.Herjawmovedundertheskinstretchedacrossherskull,asthoughshewantedtosaysomething.Archaontookherskeletalhandinhisgauntletandsaiditforher.‘StillthinkIcanbesaved?’hesaid,hiswordsawhisperandhishumourdark.Giselleleanedin,holdingherfragileformclosetotheEverchosen’sarmoured

form.Hewaslikeamonstrousstatuehewnofapocalypticpromise,whileshewasadeathlyechoofthepast,soslightandwastedthattherisingwinditselfwouldhavefelledher.ThestormsthataccompaniedArchaoneverywherecrashedthunderthroughtheskies.Gisellebroughtherheadupnexttohis,asiftowhispersomethingintothesideofhishelm.‘Saveyou?’thegirleternalhissed.‘Whodoyouthinkdamnedyouinthefirst

place?’AftereverythingthatArchaonhadseen,allthehorrorhehadexperienced,he

didn’tthinkitwaspossibletobeshocked.Thegirl’svoice–arasping,suggestiveshadowofwhatithadbeen–sentaboltoflightningthroughtheemptinessoftheEverchosen’sdarkheart.Grabbingherbythefursthatsaton

hersharpshoulders,ArchaonpushedGiselleaway.Thegirl’seyeshadbleachedtoanoblivionofblacknessandawretchedmouthhadstretcheditselfthroughthestringyfleshbeneathhernose.‘No,’wasalltheEverchosencouldmanage.Excruciatingpainoncemorecutthroughhisside.Lookingdown,Archaon

couldseethatGisellehadstabbedhim.Blinkingtheshockfromhismind,herecognisedthedagger.Itwasasavagething,bothbladeandhiltcraftedbeautifullyfromtheclawofadaemon.Be’lakor’sclaw.TheclawArchaonhadchoppedfromtheDarkMaster’shandandclaimedforhisown.Gisellehadtakenitfromhimandbeenbusyinherstarvationandinfirmity.Shehadslippeditstraightthroughtheholewheretheshardofswordhadpuncturedtheplate.Straightintotheagonisingsheathcreatedbytheoldwound.Gisellewaslaughing.Girl.Witheredhag.Daemon.Shewasallthesethingsat

once.Horrifyingandalluringinequalmeasure,likeanabominatedaemonofSlaanesh.Thegirl’sscorncutthroughhim.Clutchinghisside,Archaontriedtofocusthroughtheblacktormenttearingthroughhisfleshwherethedaemonicdaggersat.ThroughtheEyeofSheerianhesawtherealGiselle.Withheart-stoppinghorror,Archaonfelthiswaythroughacenturyofhauntingsuspicionsandspectralrealisations.IthadbeenGisellewhohadbroughttheLiberCaelestior–TheCelestineBook

ofDivination–tohiminthefirstplace.Whowiththecruellestweaponsofall–pity,trustandevenlove–hadhelpedtodamnhim.Hadkepthimonthedarkpath,evenwhensheseemedtowanttodraghimfromit.Theburnofhertouch,herpurity,wasatormentArchaonhadvisiteduponhimself,somepartofhimwantingtobelieve.Somepartofhimdesiringasaviour.Desiringawayback.Forhim,Gisellehadbeenathreadhehadunravelledashewanderedthebenightedlabyrinthofhisdoom.Throughhisfeelingsforher,Archaonfooledhimselfintofeelingasthoughhealwayshadsomekindofwayback.Atleastthestrengthtoendhimselfbeforehebecameanendtoallelse.SuchhonestyscorchedhisRuinousfleshandlitafireinthedarknessofhismind.ArchaonlookedfromGiselletothedaggerhiltandbacktothegirl.Thegirl

whowhiletheworldturned,whilethechampionsofChaoslivedanddiedandArchaonspentacenturyseekinghisdoom,hadremainedeveryoung.EverGisellethegirlhehadsavedfromthebeastmenintheforest.EverGiselle,theSigmaritesister.EvenaftertheirtimeintheRealmofChaoshadchangedthem,Giselle’safflictionshouldhavebeenherenddecadesbefore.Onlysomelivinglie,somedaemon-thingexistingwithinthedarkconsecrationofArchaon’s

presencecouldexistassuch.Asaskeletalhorrorbereftoflips.Ofwords.Thedaemonhadwordsforhimnowandtheyproceededinthevoiceofthegirlhehadknown.‘Saveme,Archaon,saveme,’shecackledinmockery.Thenhervoice

changed,searingwiththebottomlesshateoftheabyss:‘Archaon…saveyourself!’TheEverchosengrabbedGiselle’sfursandtorethemaway.Astheyrippedand

parted,thedaemon’sfoulcarcasswasrevealed.Awastedcageofstretchedskinandsharpribs.Onherchest,protrudingproudlythroughtheemaciation,Archaoncouldseeamark,asigilinprotrudingbone.TheRuinousStar.ThestaroftheDarkMaster.TheMarkofBe’lakor.ThesameonethatArchaonhadfoundonGangryss,onOgraxtheGreat,ontheCurselingandthelivingshadowsoftheForsakenFortress.OnBe’lakorhimself.‘Kissme,Archaon,’Giselletaunted,herinfernallaughtereverywhereasthe

abominationleanedinwithherraggedmouth.ArchaongrabbedthedaemondaggerandheavedattheRuinousblade.The

Everchosenroaredhisagonyandfurytothegods.MovinghisgauntlettotheSlayerofKings,Archaondrewthedaemonsword.Itblazedfromitsscabbard,alreadyglowingwithhatefortheSlaaneshidaemon.Giselle’scacklingdiedonthewindastheSlayerofKingspassedthroughher–scorchingherfurstoashandsmashingherbonestofuriousoblivion.AswhatremainedofGisellebouncedandclattereddownthemountainside,

Archaondoubledover.TheSwordsofChaoshadalreadydrawntheirbonebladesbutseemedasshockedandconfusedbytherapidturnofeventsasArchaonhimself.Thecolossalhordelookedonwithbloodthirstandwonder,assumingthattheEverchosenofChaoswasputtingonsomekindofbrutal,sacrificialdisplayofmercilesspower.Thesearingtormentofthewoundandthedaemonicclawembeddedinhis

fleshbecamesomethingelse.Darknessfloodedfromtheblade,fillinghimwithhelplessnessandwoe.Hisblackheartpumpedtoapausewhilesomedreadpresencedeepinsidehimstrangledhissoul.ItwasBe’lakor.TheDarkMasterhadmadehisplay.Archaonhadtriedtobindthedaemonprincetoabladeofiron.Be’lakorhadusedonemadefromhisownflesh,however,toinvadeArchaon’sown.TobreachthewallsofArchaon’splateandstormthespiritualfortressofhissoul.TheDarkMasterwaswinning.Bythegods,hewaswinning.Archaonsuddenlyrearedandroared,theSlayerofKingsrattlinginhis

gauntlet.Hetriedtotalktothedaemonpossessinghisbody,mindandbeingbut

onlyfoundhisthreatsandentreatiesbouncedbackathimthroughtheblackoblivioncreepingupthroughhim.HewasdrowninginBe’lakor.TheDarkMaster–whowasboundbydarkdecreetobetheBearerandnottheweareroftheCrownofDomination–hadachievedboth.NowArchaonwastheEverchosenofChaos,Be’lakorwouldassumehisson-in-shadow’sflesh,bethedarknessthatworethecrownandleadthelegionsofhellacrossthefaceoftheworldashehaddonebefore.ArchaonstartedtosaysomethingbutitwasBe’lakor’ssavagewordsthat

passedhislips.‘Die!’heroared.ArchaonswungtheSlayerofKings–awareofhis

devastatingmovementsbutnotincontrolofthem.HedemolishedZweiwiththedaemonblade.ThemisshapenVierwenttoturntheSlayerofKingsasidewithhiscrookedbonebladebutBe’lakorswungbackwithArchaon’sclenchedgauntletandknockedthewraith-warrior’sheadfromhishunchedshoulders.Einsslashedthedaemonbladeawayonce,twice…evenathirdtime.Be’lakorwasjustplayingwiththeSwordofChaos,however.Lungingforwardwithunstoppableease,Be’lakorrammedthedaemonswordstraightthroughthechestofthewraith-warrior,steamingitsdarknessawaytonothing.TheEverchosenstoodthereforamoment.Still.Notthrashing.Notbellowing.‘Fleshofmyflesh,’Be’lakorsaidwithArchaon’slips.‘Iamyoursandyouare

mine.Soonyoursoulwillbebutaforgottenblemishonmyown–’Archaonroared.Themountainsrangwithhisfury.ThewarriorsofChaos

pledgedtoArchaon’sdoomliftedtheirheads.Morkar’sancientplatetrembled.Thedarknessfightingwithinslowedtoasoul-pulverisingstop.Be’lakorwasnotthefirstdaemonArchaonhadfoughtforhissoul.Thunder

torethroughtheheavensabove.Archaonreachedupandlightningjaggeddownthroughtheskiestohisfingertips.AsArchaon’sroarechoedawayandagrimsilencedescended,the

Everchosen’splatesmoked.Withslow,agonisingmovements,Archaonloweredhishand.Withsomeefforthepulledhisboots,onethentheother,fromtheglassabouthim.Sand,gritandrockhadfusedtoobsidianasthelightningstrikepasseddownthroughArchaonandintothecursedmountain.Turning,theChaoswarlordsawthathisshadowhadsimilarlybeenmeltedintothemountainside–exceptitwasn’thisshadow.ItwasthemonstrousoutlineofBe’lakor.Steppingback,ArchaonturnedtheSlayerofKingsinonehand.Theobsidianoutlinebegantosteamandbubble.Theblackglassmelted.Oneclaw,thenanother,reachedoutoftheliquid.Be’lakor’shornedheadbrokethesurfaceandArchaon

watchedasthedaemonprinceclimbedupoutoftherockoftheDreadpeak.Doyouknowwhatyo–‘I’vespentacenturylisteningtoyourmonstrousself-pity,Be’lakor,’Archaon

spat,hiswordsalmostcrackingundertheintensityofthehatredwithwhichhespokethem.‘Andeternitiestryingtoescapeit.Thisworldhasseenyourtime,abominate.Nowitwillseemine.YouwillneverbetheEverchosenofChaos–formyreignwillbedark,bloodyandshort,andthisworldendswithme.Andwhenitdoes,daemon–withnodamnedfollowers,lostwarriorsorinnocentgirlstoworshipyouordoyourbidding–sowillyou…’Be’lakorseethedwithdarkrageandabyssalfrustration.Theaircrackledand

spatabouthimlikeamidnightforge.Thedaemonprincereachedout.Hisshadowswordroseupfromthepoolofobsidianfromwhichhe’dascended.Takingthemonstrouslengthoftheweaponinhisclaws,theDarkMasterlevelledtheblisteringshadowofthebladeatArchaon.‘Die…’Thedaemonproclaimedoncemore.‘Youfirst,’theEverchosenofChaostoldhisfather-in-shadow.TheswordofshadowandtheSlayerofKingsclashed.Eachimpactechoed

throughthemountains.Sparksofunnaturalenergyblastedfromthebladesasmortalanddaemonprincetestedeachotheronceagain.Theshadowbladethatseetheddarknessonemomentandnothingthenext.TheSlayerofKings,whichragedtoblisteringbrightnessastheprisonbladesangwiththedaemon’sdesiretomaim,cleaveandkill.Archaonheldhimselftooneside,coveringhiswoundandthedaggerstillskeweredthroughhim.Everymovementwasamuscle-shreddingagonythatthedaemonprinceattemptedtoexploit.ToweringaboveArchaon,theDarkMasterwasstillthemonstrous,elemental

force,swinginghisbladewithancientskillandthepowerofoblivion.Archaonnolongermovedthroughthesplit-secondevasionsanddesperateattacksthathadbeenhisonlydefenceintheForsakenFortress.Archaonfoughtnotlikeafather’ssonoramaster’spuppet.HewastheEverchosenofChaos.Theworldquakedbeneathhisboots.Archaonfoughtlikehehadneverfoughtbefore.Everythinghehadeverlearned.Everysuccess.Everyfailure.ItallfellintoplaceastheEverchosenexpertlyturnedBe’lakor’sbladeaside–swinging,stabbing,cleaving,back-slashingandsmashinghiswayacrossthesideofthemountain.AsthetitanicbattlerageduptheDreadpeak,dislodgingtumblingbouldersand

cleavingawayentireshelvesofcursedrock,thundershooktheheavens.LightningslashedattherockaboutthepairandArchaon’shordemovedupthroughthevalleystowatchthem–championsorderingthosewarriorswilling

toassisttheirwarlordbacktotheRuinousranks.ForArchaontherewerenomoremonstrouslunges,onlytocutthroughthesizzlingshadowofBe’lakor’sinsubstantialform.TheEyerevealedstrategiestotheEverchosenmomentsaheadoftime,promptingArchaontoabandonsuchfutileattacksinfavourofthosewithagreaterchanceofsuccess.TheDarkMasterfeltthechangeinhisshadow-sonimmediately.TestedbytheDarkGodsandawardedtheboonoftheirpowerfulgifts,Archaonasmortalchampionwasamatchforthedaemonprince–muchtoBe’lakor’sfury.Thehugedaemonwheeledabout,histailandwingsanglingfuriouslytoaid

balancewhileatthesametimetearingthroughtheairasweaponsoftheirown.Archaonleaptthemonster’sslashingtailwhilejumpingbetweenrocksandsmashingdownthroughthedefensivepresentationofthesolidifiedswordofshadow.Archaonpassedthestreamingglowofthedaemonweaponabouthimandfromhandtohand,slashingasidethedaemonprince’sfuriousattacksandcuttingnicksinthemembraneofhisgreatwings.ArchaonrolledasBe’lakor’sclovenclawstampedanimpactcraterintothe

rockwhereArchaonhadbeenstandingmomentsbefore.TheEverchosenburiedthedaemonbladeinthecursedstoneofthemountain,cuttingawaystonyledgesandsendingthedaemonprinceslip-slidingdowntheslopeinasmallrockslideofscreeandboulders.Archaonran,skiddedandjumpeddownthemountainsideathisinfernalfather.AleapingchopoftheSlayerofKings,withenoughforcetosplitanoak,wasmetbytheshadowbladeandturnedasidebyBe’lakor.PushingArchaonbackatthemountainside,theDarkMastersmashedhisbroadbladeatArchaon,dislodgingthestoneaboveandsectionsofrockfacethatalmostburiedtheEverchosen.TheDreadpeakshookwiththemonstrousbattle,themountainsmashedby

otherworldybladesandthesupernaturalpoweroftheexaltedwarlordandthedaemonprince.WhilemostofthetimebothArchaonandBe’lakorweresecondsawayfrombeingskeweredorslicedinhalf,someragingassaultsweremorefuriousthanothers.WhenArchaonlosthisfooting,Be’lakorstabbedtheshadowswordundertheEverchosen’sarmandintorock.ArchaonbroughttheSlayerofKingsupimmediately,thedaemonbladepassingthroughtheinsubstantialityofBe’lakor’sbladeanduppastthedaemon’sface.Sparkingoffthedarkgloryofhishorns,thedaemonprincewassurprisedforamomentbeforelandingabrutalkickinArchaon’sarmouredmidriffanddrivingtheembeddedclaw-daggerinfurther.Landingnearby,Archaonallowedhimselftoskidawaydownasheerslope,

landingatthebottomandrollingoverinagony.Be’lakorswoopeddownonhisgreatwings;theEverchosenrearedandlaunchedintoablisteringattack,whichbackedtheDarkMasteroutontoatreacherouscliff.Asthebattleragedandthemountainsshook,theheavensbegantodarken.

Nightfellwiththetwin-tailedcometstreakinghighoverheadandthedreadmoonsrisingovertheWorldsEdge.ThetorchesofArchaon’smonstroushordemovedlikearashthroughthevalleys,circlingtheDreadpeakandfollowingthebattlearound.Asthenightworeonandbothmortalchampionanddaemonprincebeganto

tire,theworldfelttheabominategazeoftheRuinousPowers.ThemountainsglowedwithaRuinoushuewhilevegetationwitheredonthemountainsides.Thedwarfs,greenskinsandratmenoftherangehidinthetunnelsandholdswhilethoseunluckyenoughtobetravellingthepassesandhightrailsturnedrabidwiththemurderousappetitesoftheDarkGods.Be’lakor’soutlandishbladework–accompaniedbyhisslashingtailand

slicingwings–becameslowerbutmoredetermined.Archaon,slowedbyhisgrievouswoundandhismortallimitations,hadtoabandonthemoreadventurousripostesandathleticevasions,infavourofsavagelungesanddecapitatingbackswingswiththedaemon-fuelledSlayer.Likepugilistsattheendofabout,thepair’sattemptstolandamurderousblowbecamelaboured,butthemonstrousswordswingsmorepowerful.Withtheirbladesshoweringblacksparksoffeachother,glancingplateandthemountain,hugesectionsofrockfacerumbled,crackedandtumbleddowntheDreadpeak.Onseveraloccasions,curiousthrongsofChaoswarriors,gettingtooclosetotheaction,wereburiedinsuchrockfallsandgorge-buryingslides.Be’lakorswunghisswordofsizzlingshadowwithmonstrousforce,sending

ArchaonskiddingacrossthescreeofthemountainsidebeforetheEverchosenranbackathim,launchingfromaboulderandsmashinghisbladedownonthedaemon.ArchaonswungtheSlayerofKingsdownonBe’lakoragainandagain,eachtimethedaemonprincetakingshelterbehindthedefensiveofferingofhisblade.ThefuriousonslaughtcrackedthecliffbeneaththeDarkMaster’sclovenclawsandsenthimtumblingdownintothevalleyamongstthethunderoffallingrock.Archaonallowedhimselfamomenttocatchhisbreath,hisplaterattlingwith

theriseandfallofhischest.HeknewhisbestchanceofbeatingBe’lakorwastoreachthevalleyfloorfast.Intheghoulishmoonlight,ArchaonfelttheeyeoftheDarkGods–themonstrouspantheon–eagertoknowiftheirdreadchoicein

Archaonhadbeendeserved.Halfskidding,halfrunningdownthemountainside,Archaonmadehiswayforthescree-filledvalley.Hisheartleaptashesawcolossalpiecesofrockatthebottomofthecollapsedcliff,withBe’lakor’sblacktailtwitchingbelowatitanicpiece.Archaonranaboutthehugeboulder,theSlayerofKingsheldhigh.Ifthedaemonprincewastrapped,Archaonintendedtobutcherthemonsterwherehelay.HeknewinhisdarkheartthatBe’lakorwoulddothesame.AstheEverchosensidledaround,thefurnaceglowofhisdaemonbladerevealedthatBe’lakorhadtornhimselffromthetwitchingremnantofhistail.TheEyeofSheerianshowedthefrenzieddaemonprincecomeoutfrombehindanothercolossalpieceofrockjustintimeforArchaontogettheSlayerofKingsbetweenhimandthedaemonprince’smonstrousswing.Archaonlefttheground.Hehittherockfaceofamountainacrossthevalley

withsupernaturalforce,shatteringtherock.Archaonshookhishornedhelmandtriedtoextricatehimselffromthecraterinthesheermountainside.Be’lakorwasanabominateshadow,poundingacrossthevalleyingreatstrides.ShakinghimselffreeandwithU’zuhlblazingwithreproachinthesteelprisonofhisblade,Archaonranathisdaemonicfoe.Archaonbellowedandwar-cried.TheDarkMasterroaredwithinhumanmight.ItlookedasthoughthetwomightquaketheWorldsEdgeMountainrangewiththemonstrousimpactoftheirblades.GuidedbytheEyeofSheerianandwhatBe’lakorintendedtodo,Archaon

skiddeddownthroughthemossandscreeofthevalleyfloor.AsBe’lakorturnedArchaonthrewhimselfimmediatelyatthedaemon.Thepairrolledwiththemomentum,withtheDarkMaster’sstumpofatailthrashingandhiswingstearingacrossthesharprocks.Archaonsatastridethedaemon,smashinghimagainandagaininthefacewithhissword-clenchedfist.Be’lakorgrabbedArchaoninabearhugandpulledtheEverchosentohimwithallofhisinfernalmight,wormingtheblackdaggerinArchaon’ssideagonisinglythroughhisinsides.Astheyrolledandseparated,Be’lakorcouldseethattheSlayerofKingslay

abandonedinthescufflenearby.ThedaemonscrabbledtohisfeetandsurgedatArchaonbutArchaonwasreadyforhim.Pickingupasmallboulder,Archaonlauncheditathisfather-in-shadow,theimpactturningtherocktodustagainstBe’lakor’sface.Thedaemonprincegrunted,dazed,butbythetimehehadrecoveredhimselfArchaonhadalreadyrecoveredtheSlayerofKings.ThistimeitwastheDarkMaster’sturntofly–awing-tangledmess–intothewalloftherockface.Archaonroaredupatthenightskyasthemonstrousdaemontriedto

pullhimselffree.Lightningcutdownthroughthedarkness,strikingthemountainaboveanddislodgingboulders,screeandasectionofrockfacewithanexcruciatingcrackthatrumbleditswaydowntothevalleyfloorandburiedBe’lakor.Archaonwouldnotbefooledagain.Heranthroughthedarkcloudsofdust

billowingawayfromthecollapse.SinkingthesearingbladeoftheSlayerofKingsintomoundsofshatteredrockandscree,Archaonfuriouslysearchedforthedaemonprince.‘Whereareyou,abominate?’Archaonroared.‘Faceme!’ThesmallmountainofscreebesidetheEverchosenexploded,sendingshards

ofsplinteredrockeverywhere.Archaonwasknockedhalfoffhisfeet.Be’lakorstoodthere,hiswingsdemolished,histailtrailingichorandhalfofoneofhishornsshattered.TheDarkMastercameatArchaonlikeawildbeast,swingingthesearingshadowofhisblademadlyattheEverchosen.ItwasArchaon’schanceandthedarkwarlordknewit.Thedaemonprincewasunbalancedbyhisexhaustion,hisfrustrationandrage.Callingonhisskill,themurderouspassionofhisdaemonbladeandthespectralglimpseoffuturedecimationprovidedbytheEye,Archaonthrewhimselfintothemonstrousclashofswords.Feetscrabbledaround.ArmsswungrelentlesslyaboutandthetwobladesshowereddarksparksofabyssalenergyabouttheEverchosenandhisfather-in-shadow.Archaonknewhehadthedaemonprince,momentsbeforeBe’lakordid.

Holdinghisgroundthroughseveralshadow-streamingswipesoftheshadowsword,Archaonfeltthemonstrousbladeshimmerbacktotheworldoncemore.SmashingBe’lakor’sbladeaway,Archaonwatcheditleavetheclawofthemonster.Turningintoadevastatingspin,ArchaonclutchedtheSlayerofKingslikeaknifeandincompletingthemanoeuvre,slammedthedaemonswordstraightthroughtheblackfleshofthedaemon’sstomach.Be’lakorwasliftedoffhisclovenclawsbythethuddingimpactbeforefallingtohiskneesbeforetheEverchosen.TheDarkMasterroaredhisagoniestothecrowdedheavens.‘Justdie,youmonstrousthing,’ArchaonspatasBe’lakorenduredhisagonies.

Archaontookastepbackastheabominationlookedupathimwithmurderousloathingandrearedtotorturousfullheight.Withtheragingbladestillstuckthroughhisbelly,Be’lakorstompedtowardstheunarmedArchaon.Youarenothing,thedaemonhowled.HesmashedArchaonintothegroundwithhisclaw.TheEverchosenbounced

offtherockfloorofthevalleyandclatteredaway.Be’lakorstampedagonisinglyafterhim.AsArchaonbroughtuphishelmhesawthecolossalshardofrock

momentsbeforeitwastohithim.Rollingbeneathitsunstoppableprogress,theboulderwouldhavepulverisedhimtobloodandscrapagainsttherockwallofthemountain.Anothercameandanother,smashingintothevalleyfloorabouthimlikecrashingmeteorites.Onebouncedtothegroundbelowhisfeet,knockinghimoverwiththeimpact.Be’lakorwasonhimimmediatelyandalthoughArchaonsawitcominghecouldnotevadethecloven-clawedkickcomingforhishelm.Theimpactknockedhimoffhisfeet.Helandedsomedistanceawayinacacophonyoftumblingplate.Archaonhadbarelyfoundhiswaybacktohissenseswhenherealisedthatthe

skewereddaemonprincewasstandingoverhim.PinningtheEverchosentothegroundwithhisclawedfoot,Be’lakorsmashedArchaon’shelmintotherockagainandagainwithhisfist.IamBe’lakor–firstoftheDaemonPrinces.DarkMasteroftheworldwith

thelegionsofhellminetocommand.TheDarkMastertookhisfootfromArchaonandtheChaoswarlordsawinthe

EyeofSheerianthehorrorofwhatwastocome.Heftingahugeboulderabovehishead,thesword-skeweredBe’lakortrembledaboveArchaon.‘No…’theEverchosenmanaged.Whenithit,smashingtorockdustonArchaonandhisbuckledplate,thedark

warlordfelthimselfbreakupinside.ItwaslikebeingpulverisedbetweenMannsliebandMorrslieb,clashingabouthim.Youarenothing,Be’lakorroaredattheEverchosenofChaos.Atwin-bladed

sword,whowoundshewhowieldsit.Afilthinstrumentoftorture,usedbytheRuinousPowerstotormentme.Be’lakorbellowedthroughhispainandthefrustrationofhisinfernalplans,

heftinganotherhugeboulderabovehishead.Archaondidn’tthinkhecouldsurviveanotherimpact.AsBe’lakorwaveredundertheweightofthething,Archaontriedtoclearhispain-addledmind.Coughingupbloodthatleakedfromthesideofhisthinlips,Archaonspokethedarkwordsofbinding–theincantationsthedaemonZ’guhlhadtaughthimintheRealmofChaos.Be’lakorstaggeredwiththemonstrouspieceofrockwhilethemidnightfleshofhisbellyburnedbright.‘U’zuhl,SkulltakerandSlayerofKings,’Archaoncalled.‘Ireleaseyou!’Be’lakorwenttoscreamsomethingbutcouldn’t.Theboulderbrokeacrosshis

back,fallingeithersideofthedaemonandalmostburyinghim.HeclutchedattheSlayerofKingsandthedaemonU’zuhl,theSkulltakerandRightClawofKhorne,trappedintheprisonbladeforaslongasanyonecouldremember,

floodedBe’lakorwithitsboundlessfury.Archaonstaggeredtohisfeetandstumbledaway,movingfromboulderto

boulderforsupport.Hislegwasbrokenandhisarm–thesamearm–shattered,despitethepetrifiedrockthatthreadeditswaythroughhisbones.Bloodleakedcontinuallyfromhismouthandnose,fillinghishelmwithacopperysmell.AllArchaoncouldhearwashisownraggedbreathingandthehorrificwailingoftheDarkMaster.U’zuhlwastearingtheancientdarknessofBe’lakor’ssoulapart–desperatetofeastonthedaemon’smalevolentessenceandassumehisdreadflesh.AsArchaonstaggeredaway,halfwatching,halfescaping,hesawBe’lakorfall

silent.Hisshouldersroseandfellwiththetitanicbattlethathadragedwithinhisbeing.Thebattlewasover,however,andBe’lakorhadwon.AsArchaonhadresistedBe’lakorsotheDarkMasterhadresistedU’zhul.SlippingtheSlayerofKingstorturouslyfromhisbelly,Be’lakorhelditup.Thedullbladestartedtoglowinhisclaw,burningtoarage-filledintensitythatArchaonhadneverknown.TheSkulltakerhadbeenfreebutwithinmomentshadbeenreturnedtohissteelprisononcemore.Tossingthefuriouspollutionofthedaemonbladeaside–notknowingifhe

couldrepelanotherattemptbytheSkulltakertopossesshim–Be’lakorliftedatremblingclaw.HelevelleditatArchaon.Now…you…TheEverchosenofChaoslimpedaway,staggeringfromoneboulderto

another.AlltheEyeofSheeriancouldshowArchaonwaswhatBe’lakormightdo.TheDarkMasterwassoinsanewithinfernalfuryandmindlessvengeancethatevenhedidn’tknowwhathewasgoingtodo.ThegroundtrembledbeneathBe’lakor’sstep.HeseizedArchaonaroundhisarmouredneckandslammedthedarkwarlordintotherockface.Hesmashedhimagainandleanedin.Archaoncouldfeeltheclawsofthedaemonprincebucklethecursedplateabouthisbruisedneck.Be’lakorwasgoingtocrushhisthroat.Archaonsmelledtheranksulphuroftheabomination’sbreath.Ishallwearthecrown.IshallbeEverchosenoftheChaosgodsandstand

oncemoreinthewarmthoftheirdestructiveradianceandfavour.Noneshallstopme.Nogod.Nodaemon.Notyou.Archaonfelttheviceofthedaemonprince’sclawscloseabouthisthroatand

thehell-forgedplategive.Heknewhehadbutsecondsleft.Scratchingatthepuncturedplateathisside,Archaongotatremblinggauntletaroundthehiltoftheclaw-crafteddagger.Hiseyerolledover,whitewiththeagonisingpainofits

withdrawal.Hefelttheblade’sdarknesscutthroughnotonlyhisbutcheredfleshbutalsohispantheon-pledgedsoul.Hiseyerolledbackasthecrooksandcurvesofthewickedbladewerefreed.Foryouarenothing.Nothingbegottenofnothingandtonothingyoureturn.

Youareafootnoteinthehistoryofaworlddestinedtoburn.YourswasmystorytotellandIchoosetoenditnow.‘I’myourson…’Archaonhissedthroughhisfather-in-shadow’smurderous

embrace.Youthinkthatwillstopme?ArchaonlookedfortheRuinousStarburnedacrosstheDarkMaster’sbroad

chest.Helookedforthechinkinthedaemon’sarmouredhide.ThecleftArchaonhadfoundintheForsakenFortress.Themarkofapiercingblade–thrustbyoneoftheDarkMaster’smanyfoes–thathadyettocompleteitsjourney.‘You…don’t…have…the…heart…’Archaonbroughtupthedaggerandwithasingle,mercilessstab,hammered

theclawbladeintoBe’lakor’schest.Amonstrousgaspescapedthedaemon.TheEverchosenfelldowntherockfaceandcrumpledastheDarkMasterreleasedhim.Stumblingawaythroughthebouldersanddebris,Be’lakorclawedathispuncturedheartandthepumpingichorthatgushedfromhisruinedchest.Theabominate’sclovenclawssuddenlyseemednolongertosupporthimandthebeastcrashedtothegroundinagrowingpoolofhisownsteamingdarkness.Archaonwatchedashisfather-in-darkness–thetwisteddaemonprincewhohadforsolongbeenthesourceofdread,woeandafflictioninhislife–diedbeforehim.Inhisfinalmomentsofpanic,theDarkMasterreachedoutforArchaon,theclawofonehandapleadingemissaryofdoom.Heshimmeredwithcracklingshadow,unnaturalenergiesarcingandsizzlingaboutthedaemon.InalastditchattempttosurvivethehorrorofthewoundArchaonhadinflicteduponhim,Be’lakorwasphasingbetweenforms.Betweentheinsubstanceofshadowandthelastmomentsofafell,ichor-coughingexistence.Archaongruntedwithdarksatisfaction.Beingcraftedfromapartofthedaemonprinceitself,thedagger-clawwasdoingthesame,makingitimpossibleforBe’lakortoescapehisdoom,ashemightaswordswungthroughthesizzlingshadowofhisform.AsthepoolofliquiddarknessgrewandBe’lakorsankintohisowndaemonic

gore,theDarkMastersteamedaway.Hisclutchingclawscrapedalongtherockwithfinaldefiancebeforeslippingbackintotheobsidianpool.Archaonwatchedthedarknessdraindownthroughthevalleyfloor.Lookinguphesawthedistantblazeoftorchesashismonstrousarmypouredintothevalley.Theimmense

moonsofMannsliebandMorrsliebweresettingovertheWorldsEdgeMountains.Abovethemthetwin-tailedcometthatwasheraldofthedoomArchaonwasyettobringblazedacrossthesky.Archaonlimpedthroughthedrainingdarknessofhisfather’sgraveandwith

difficultypickeduptheSlayerofKings.Slippingthedaemonswordintohisscabbard,ArchaonstaredbackatthespotwhereBe’lakorhaddied.Thewordseemedtoillfitthedaemonprince’sfate,fortheEverchosenknewthathehadsimplybanishedtheenormousbeing–thebaneofhisexistence–backtotheRealmofChaosfromwhichhehadsprung.EverysmashedandachingboneinArchaon’sbodytoldhimthatBe’lakorwouldbeback.Hewouldreturnashehadmanytimesbeforetoplaguetheworldandtheenemiesthatwalkedit.‘I’llensurethattherewillbenoworldtoreturnto…’Archaontoldthe

steaminggrave.Helookedupintothedarkdepthsoftheheavens.Thunderrolledinthedistance.HeknewthattheDarkGodswerewatching.TheywouldnothavemissedBe’lakor’sfailure–thedaemon’sdeliciousdemise–fortheworld.‘Youhearme?’Archaonroaredupatthesky,histhreatintendedforthefellgodswhosesoul-devouringexistencedependedupontheworldanditsmortalplagueasmuchasthedaemonprincetheyhadmadeaneternityoftormenting.‘Onlyashanddarkness.Anoblivioninwhichtostarve.Chokeonit,youmonsters…’

EPILOGUE

‘Andsotheenditcametopass,ArchaontheEverchosen–attheheadofanarmyvast–hisstormofChaosyettocome.’

–NecrodomotheInsane,TheLiberCaelestior(TheCelestineBookofDivination)

TheBorderlandsTheWorldsEdgeMountainsDieZeitderStürmeIC2519

TheEverchosenbroughthisdaemonsteedtoastoponthemountainpass.Dorghar’sfurnacebreathcloudedonthechillair.Hehadarrived.AstheWorldsEdgeMountainsdroppedawaybeforehiminfrost-shatteredsupplication–peaksbecomingfoothillsandfoothillsdisappearingintothick,darkforest–Archaonknewhewashome.TothenorthhecouldseethehardlandsoftheTsarina:Kislev,everreadyforthedarkhordesofChaostodescendontheirdesolateland.Tothesouth,however,ArchaoncasthisfarreachinggazeacrossanEmpireripeforruin.TheEmpire–nestlingsafelyinthebosomofcivilised

lands.Pathetic.Weak.Likeanew-bornbaby:soft,unknowing,defenceless.ThevictimlandsuponwhichArchaonhimselfhadbeenforced.Asinfant.Asdarkwarrior.Asdoom.TheEmpirewasafesteringwoundonthesurfaceoftheworld.Hottothetouchwithitsweaklinggods,itsemperorsandprincipalities–lostintheself-importanceofitspastanddelusionsofitsendurance.Belowthespoilingsurface,intheemptyheartsofitscruelmen,theforlornhopesofitswomenandfearsofitssicklychildren,itwasalandalreadybroken–beggingforthebladeandtheflamesofitsfuturedestruction.ArchaonwouldbetheanswertotheEmpire’sdarkandsecretprayers.Hewouldbethedarkdreamofitsundoingcometrue.Iftheworldwastoend–anditwas–thentheEmpire,theunhallowedsiteofArchaon’sdreadbirthandmanymiserabledeaths,wastheperfectplacetostart.TheWorldsEdgeMountainsshook.Notwiththunder,titanicbattlesorthe

wrathofadaemonprincevanquished.Archaon’sdarkhorde–hisarmyofruinandending–hadgrown.Thetwin-tailedcomet,whichstillscarredtheskieswithitsfierceprogress,hungovertheEmpirelikeafearfulportentofthehorrortocome.Itledthewaytoash,darknessanddestructionasithadledsomanytothedreadcoronationattheDreadpeak.ColossalhordesofHungmaruadersandtribesofKurganhorsemen,savagespledgedtotheruinoftheworld,theircountlessnumbershakingthegroundwiththeirpassageasshamansandchieftainsfollowedthecometupintothemountains.Attheglorioussightofthecomet,warringnorthmensetasidetheirtribal

enmities,theirpettyraidsandberserkerinvasionsofthehinterlandWastes.Behindbloodthirstychampionsinspikeandfur,theytrudgedsouththroughthemountains,alongthespineoftheworld,tofindtheEverchosenofChaos:awarlordworthyoftheirbutcheryandtalents.Half-breedsandbeastmenarrivedindroves,emerginglikeashaggyplaguefromthedepthsofdarkforests.ThentherewerethewarriorsofChaos.ExaltedchampionsoftheRuinousGods.Dreadsorcerers.Siegeenginesandwagons.Darkknightsincursedplate,astridemonstrousblacksteeds.NewSwordsofChaostoridebesideArchaonintobattleandbloodshed.Atorrentofpollution,flowingdownthroughtheWorldsEdgeMountainslikeablackriver–acacophonyofRuinousplate,hoovesandflesh-flayedbannersdedicatedtothecomingdarkness.Monstersthunderedthroughthepeaks,attractedbytheunmistakablestenchof

doomandhorrorapproaching.Horrortowhichtheyinstinctivelywantedtobelong.Giants.AbominationsoftheWastes.Packsofrabidscavengers,predaciouschimericfusionsandhordesofgibberingspawn.

Liketheeffluenceoftheworld,thedegeneratesoftheWastesfloodedsouthtojoinArchaonunderanapocalypticbannerofdeathanddestruction.Somefollowedtheirdarkinstincts.Othersfollowedthedreadomenofthetwin-tailedcomet.Championswhosawsignificanceinsuchadarksign.Allhadbeenpushedbeforethestorm.Theendlessarmythathadmarched,shriekedandslaughtereditswaysouth,vomitedforthfromtheruinedgateatthetopoftheworldandpantheon-pledgedtojointheEverchosenofChaos.Theyweretheworld’snightmare.Amonstroushostofdaemonsandinfernalprincesthelikesofwhichhistory,eveninitsdarkesthour,hadneverwitnessed.Horrorsofthebeyond.Thingsofblood.Ofplague.Ofdreaddesireandsorcerousmadness.Thingsofdarknessthatbarelyhadform,withRuinousbehemothsofgreatermalevolenceandmonstrousinfernalroyaltytoleadthem.Thelegionsofathousandhellsunleashed.Avastarmyofcalamitousdestructionanddarkness,likeanunnaturaldisasterthatwasArchaon’stovisitupontheworld.Floodingeverypass,crowdingtheslopesofeverymountain,lookingdownon

thevictimlandsofthedistantEmpire,Archaon’smonstroushost–hisdarkstormtolead–wereamassedalongtheedgeoftheworld.TheirharnessedmadnesswaitingfortheEverchosen’ssignal.AfigurejangledupbehindArchaon.ThewarlordturnedtoseeGorst,the

flagellanttrudgingforth,pushingthroughArchaon’sabominateranks.Hewasskinandbonedressedinscraps.Theancientdraggedrustedchainsandhishead,stillcaged,staredupatArchaonthroughtheage-eatenbars.Asever,Gorstsaidnothing.HehadfollowedArchaonacrosstheknownworld,throughunknownrealmsandfollowedhimstill–intodestiny.Gorst.Thelastofaghostlycollectionoffadingmemories.Dagobert.Oberon.Giselle.Archaonwasnolongerthatman.Hewasmorethanjustamannow.Hewasdoom.Hewasdread.Hewasdarknessincarnate.Henolongerhadneedofsuchmemories.Hewasbeyondtheloveofaloyalfriendortheplacedpuppetsofinfernalbetrayal.HewasArchaon.Inaslickanddevastatingmove,theEverchosenofChaosslippedhis

daemonswordoutofitsscabbard.Executingamercilessswingofthesword,hecutGorst’sheadfromhismiserableshoulders.Thehead,stillinitscage,bouncedbeforeArchaonandhisarmybeforeitrolleddowntheslopetowardstheEmpire.Gorsthadalmostmadeithome.Sheathinghissword,Archaonsatinthesaddle,hisdreadplateahell-forged

glory.Dorghar,SteedoftheApocalypse,kickedatthestonefloorofthepass,eagertoleadon.TheSlayerofKingsburnedfuriouslyinitsscabbard.The

warlordwaited.Hesoakedintheworldasitwasinthatmoment,whiletheEyeofSheerianandhismonstrouscrownshowedhimtheworldashewastomakeit.Insteadofforests,fields,towns,villages,principalitiesandbloatedcitiestherewouldbeblackdesertsofash.Mountainouspyresofbodiesburning,scorchingthethunder-filledskies.Agod-emptydarknessinwhicheventhosemonstrositiesthathadheraldedtheapocalypsehadfallentotheblade.MonstrositieslikeArchaon,EverchosenofChaosandLordoftheEndTimes.‘Thisworldandallthosebeyonditwillend,’hecalledthroughthevalleysand

vaultingmountains.Archaondughisarmouredheelsintothesidesofthedaemonsteed,promptingDorgharonintotheEmpire,theRuinoushordesofdarknessattheEverchosen’sback.‘Thatendbegins…now.’

‘Mortalsarefreetodoastheywill.Thegodsgivethemnochoice.’

–Imperialproverb

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

RobSandersistheauthorof‘TheSerpentBeneath’,anovellathatappearedintheNewYorkTimesbestsellingHorusHeresyanthology

ThePrimarchs.HisotherBlackLibrarycreditsincludetheWarhammernovelsArchaon:EverchosenandArchaon:LordofChaos,theWarhammer40,000booksRedemptionCorps,Atlas

Infernal,LegionoftheDamnedandvariousshortertalesfortheHorusHeresy.HelivesinthesmallcityofLincoln,UK.

AnextractfromSigvald.

Farinthedistance,beneaththegrumblingblackbellyofthesky,atriangularstarhadappeared.Ithadnotbeenvisiblefromtheothersideofthevalley,butnowitwasunmistakeable:aglitteringbauble,hunglowovercruel,magisterialpeaks.Thebaronmassagedhissunkencheeksandleantforwardinhissaddle,peeringoutacrossavast,frozenlake;hypnotisedbytheflickeringlight.Fornearlythreemonthshehadledhismennorth;intoregionsofmadnessandendlessnight,andallthetime,hisdeterminationhadbeenebbingaway–leechedoutofhimbytheappallingvisionshehadendured.Now,withlessthansixhundredmenleftandhisbodyruinedbystarvationandcold,hewonderedifhismindhadfinallygone.TherewerenostarsintheShadowlands,onlyeternaldarkness.Yet,whenherubbedhiseyesandlookedagain,thelightwasstillthere,tauntinghim.Helookeddownathiswasted,frozenlimbsandwonderedif,evennow,he

mightfindwhathecamefor.‘Couldthisbehope?’hewhispered.Hepointedthelightouttohismenandtheynoddedweaklyinreply,steering

theirdyinghorsesafterhimasheclatteredacrosstheice.Thesoldiersclimbedtheothersideofthevalleyandafterawhiletheyrealised

itwasnotastaratall.Theyshooktheirheadsinwonderastheysawthatthelightwasabeautifulcastle,hangingimpossiblyinthesky.Thebuildingflashedandglitteredinthemoonlightasimmensebanksofsnowspiralledaroundit.Itwasmadeentirelyofgold.Thebaronurgedhishorsetopickupitspace,butthen,withthebuildingjust

halfamileaway,hehesitated.Hesawitquiteclearlynow:avast,domedpalace,driftingontheicybreezeanddefyingalllawsoflogic.Heshookhishead,stilldoubtinghiseyes.Evenonthegrounditwouldhaveseemedamiracle:abewilderingforestofturretsandtowers,peopledwitharmiesofleeringgrotesques.Thescaleoftheconstructionwasunbelievable.Everysoaringpinnaclewassucceededbyaneventallerspire,untiltheeyegrewutterlybewilderedandreturned,exhausted,tothehugefrontgates.Abroadstairsweptdownfromthepalaceingreatserpentinecurves,restingonthesnowlikethestemofacolossalgoldflower.Thebarondraggedhisgazefromthefantasticbuildingasoneoftheother

riderscalledouttohim.Thesnowdriftsnearbyhadgatheredintojaggedshapes,likesheetsdrapedoveracorpse.Hesignalledforhismentoinvestigateand,despitetheirobviousfear,theydroppedfromtheirhorsesandstruggledawkwardlythroughthesnow.Uponreachingthemoundstheybegantodig,usingswordsdrawnfromwithintheiroiledcloaks.Themengaspedastheyrevealedablockofdentedgold.Avaricegavethemstrengthandwithinminutestheyhaduncoveredatoppledstatue.Likethepalacehangingoverthem,itwascastentirelyingold,butitwasnotthelustreofthemetalthattooktheirbreathaway,itwastheartist’ssubject.Thestatueportrayedayoungman,anoble,cladinplatearmourandroaringwithlaughterashepointeduptowardsthepalace.Thefacewassohandsomeandfullofjoythatthemenloweredtheirswordsandbackedawayinawe.Dentsandscratchescoveredthemetal,butthestatue’seyesshonewithvitalityandhumour.Alustyenergypouredoutofit.Themenhadneverseensuchablissful,beautifulimageoffulfilment.Astheystudiedthelinesofthefacetheyfoundthemselvesgrinningidiotically.Forafewmomentsthebaronwassilent,staringatthestatuewiththesame

inaneexpressionastheothers.Thenheshookhishead,closedhismouthandwavedattheothershapes.Hismenrushedtoobeyandsoonuncovereddozensofidenticalstatues,alllaughingandpointingtowardsthepalace.Theyhadallbeentoppled,likethefirst,andsomehadclearlybeenattacked–limbsandevenheadsweremissinginsomecases–butallofthemwereutterlybeautiful.Facedwiththesesmiling,divinefigures,thebaronovercamehisdoubtanddismounted,marchingthroughthesnowtowardsthefloatingpalace.Theothersoldiersfollowedsuit:tetheringtheirhorsestothefootofthestair

andclimbingafterthebaronwithdazed,gleefulexpressionsontheirfaces.Ashisbootsclangedupthegoldstairs,thebaron’semaciatedbodyregaineda

littleofitsformerstrengthanddignity.Hedustedtheicefromhisbeardandturneduptheendsofhiswidemoustache.Alltraceofexhaustiondroppedawayfromhimashefollowedthewidecurvesofthestairway.Hedidnotseemtonoticethatthestepswereasdentedasthestatues;orthatmanyofthemwereslumpedandbuckled,withoutanysignofrepair.Therewasascreechofgrindingmetal.Thebaronlookeduptoseeadoor

openingbeneathagrand,latticedportico.Atfirstitseemedlikethedoorhadopenedbyitsownvolition,butasheandtheothersoldiersreachedthetopsteps,theysawagroupoffiguresmarchingouttogreetthem.Thebaron’seyesglitteredwithexcitementastwelvegleamingknightsclatteredout.Theyworesculptedpurplearmourandeachofthemcarriedaswordandacircular,mirrored

shield.Theywerealmostasdazzlingasthestatues:tall,fairandperfectlypoisedastheyformedaphalanxinfrontofthedoor.Thenthebaron’ssmilefaltered.Hedroppedahandtohislongswordasa

robedfigurestoopedbeneaththedoorframeandlurchedoutintothemoonlight.Theknightswerealloversixfeet,butthehoodedfigurethatfollowedthemwashalfastallagain.Evenitsgreatheightdidnotseemtotellthewholestory:itsdirty,sackclothrobeswerestretchedoverlong,knottedmusclesandahumped,ridgedback.Itwasobviousthatifitcouldhavestooderect,thegiantwouldhavebeeneventaller.Itresembledasack,filledwithlongsticksandanimatedbyaninvisiblepuppeteer,whosteereditclumsilytowardstheriders,keepingitsheaddownanditsfacehiddeninshadow.Thebarondismountedandstoodproudlytoattention,signallingforhismento

dothesame.Thegiantlumberedtowardsthemandcametoahaltafewfeetaway.Asit

loomedoverhim,thebaronnoticeddozensoftinyshapes,scurryingbeneathitsrobes.Thesoundoflabouredbreathingcamefromwithinthefoldsofitshood,followedbyalowgrowlingnoise.Itseemedasthoughthethingweretryingtospeak.‘I’mGustavSchüler,’saidthebaron,thrustingouthisstiffbeardandpulling

backhisshoulders.Helookedlikeareanimatedcorpse.Hisblisteredskinwasstretchedhorriblyoverhisprotrudingcheekbonesandhislipswerecrackedandblue,butthebaroncarriedhisbreedinglikeabadgeofhonour.Hestrodethroughthesnowstorm,determinedtoappearundaunted.‘Idemandentry.’Anotherstreamofraspingvowelsemergedfromwithinthehood.Thebaronshookhisheadimpatiently.‘Ican’tunderstand.’Heturnedtothe

stony-facedknights.‘Ican’tunderstandhim.Isheadaemon?Areyoualldaemons?’Theknightsgavenoresponse.Infact,theydidnotevenseemtoseethebaron,

soheturnedoncemoretothehoodedgiant,raisinghisvoiceevenlouderinanattempttobeheardoverthewind.‘Canyouunderstandme?’Hisvoicewasedgedwithfuryashesteppedcloser.‘We’redying.Wehavenowhereelsetogo.’Thehoodedgiantlookeddownathiminsilenceforafewseconds,swaying

slightly,asthoughstrugglingtobalanceonitslong,crookedlegs.Thenitspokeagain.Thewordswerestilllittlemorethanagutturalsnarl,buttheywerenowinalanguagethebaroncouldunderstand.‘Thenyouhavemypity,’itsaid,slumpingtoonesideandwavingthebarontowardstheopendoor.

‘I’veneverseenanythinglikeit,’saidthebaronashelimpeddownavasthallway.Thelongjourneynorthhadreplacedseveralofhistoeswithblackenedstumps,andeverystepsentneedlesofpainintohisfeet,butthegrandeurofthearchitecturedrewhimon.Thevaultedceilingsweresohighthathecouldbarelymakethemoutinthetorchlight.Ifitwasn’tforthedistantglitterofribbedgold,hemighthavebeenwalkingthroughthenightsky.Thegiantgavenoreplyasitledthebarononwards.Thiswasthefourthlonghallwaytheyhadpasseddown,andithadmaintainedastonysilenceeverystepoftheway.Theywereutterlyaloneandthebaronburnedwithquestions.‘Whataboutmymen?’heasked.Thebaronhadallowedtheknightstoleadhis

exhaustedsoldiersawaywithoutawordofprotest;ithadseemedquitenaturaltoentrusthismentosuchnobleguardians,butnow,ashisthoughtsbegantoclearalittle,hefeltaterriblerushofguilt.Whathadhebeenthinking?Helookedanxiouslyoverhisshoulderbutcouldseenosignoftheentrance.Thegiantstillgavenoreplyandthebaronshookhishead,ashamedathow

easilyhehadbeendistracted.‘WhatcouldIhavedone?’hemuttered,tugginganxiouslyathisbeardandstumblingtoahalt.‘There’snofightleftinanyofthem.They’reatdeath’sdoor.’Ashelookedupatthefadedgrandeurofthepalace,herealisedthatwhateverhappenednow,alloftheirfateswereinthehandsofitsmaster.Hemustbeeithersaviourorexecutioner,forallofthem.Thebaronhurriedon,shakinghisheadindisbeliefasheleftthefirstbuilding

andapproachedanother.Ratherthanbeingjustonepalace,asitappearedoutside,henowsawthatthiswasacollectionofpalaces,eachlargerandgranderthantheonebefore.Thefurtherhewentthough,theharderitwastoignorethedecay;thebuildingsseemedabandoned.Thisfarintherewasnotraceofabreezeandathicklayerofdusthadsettledoverthegold,paintingeverythingamaudlingrey.Mirrorsastallastreeslinedthewalls,butmanyofthegiltframeswerebrokenandgreatcrackshadspreadacrosstheglass.Alongsidethemirrorswerehugeportraitsofthegrinningfigurewhosestatuethebaronhadseenoutside.Eachvastimageportrayedtheyoungnobleasheovercameaseriesofmonstrousfoes,andeachonewaspaintedinmostincredible,vividcolours.Decadesofdusthadsettledoverthem,however,andthenoble’sfacelookedoutfrombehindacurtainofcobwebs.Afteranhourofmarchinginsilence,thebaronbegantohearsounds.Ashe

stumbleddownanotherendlesscorridorherealiseditwasmusic.Hetiltedhisheadtoonesideandstrainedtohearmoreclearly.Therewerevoicestoo,dozensofthem,echoingaroundthesoaringarchesandcolumns.Thehoodedfigureled

himintoanotherpassageway.Thisonewasmarkedlydifferent:itwasmuchsmallerforastart–onlywideenoughtoaccommodatefouroffivemensidebyside–andithadclearlyseenrecentlife.Themirrorsthatlinedthewallswerestillcloudedwithancientdust,butthecarpetwasindentedwithfootprints.Theheadyscentofliliesfilledtheairandthebaronsighedwithpleasureaswarmthbegantoseepthroughhisfurs.Themusicwasnowunmistakableandhepausedtoenjoythesoundofharpsplayingasinuous,elusivemelody.Thevoiceswereclearertoo.Thebaroncouldnotplacethelanguage,butthesnatchesofpolitelaughterbroughtafaintsmiletohislips.Hishoodedguidepausedasitreachedafinalsetofdoors.Itwasobviousfrom

thevolumeofthemusicthattheyhadreachedtheirdestination.Thegiantplacedalong,bandagedhandononeofthedoorhandlesandthenhesitated,turningbacktoSchüler.Afterafewsecondsofgaspingandsplutteringitspoke.‘Youmaystillleave,’itgrowled,strainingtowrapitsthickaccentaroundthewords.Thebaronscowledatthedelayandgesturedtothedoor.Foralongtime,thefigurestudiedthebaronfromwithinthedeepfoldsofits

hood,then,finally,itnoddedandshovedthedooropen.Thebaronsteppedbackwithagasp.Theroombeyondwasakaleidoscopeof

lightandmovement.Crowdsofdancingfigureswerespinningbackandforththroughbanksofscentedsmoke.Heshookhisheadinastonishment.Thedancersweredressediniridescentsilksandsparklingbrocadesandtheymovedwithsuchgrace,thattheyseemedlittlemorethansmokethemselves.‘Sobeautiful,’hemuttered,buthecouldnotfullyhidethetremoroffearinhisvoice.‘Whatarethey?Gods?’Thehoodedfigureshookitshead.Asitusheredhimintotheroomtherewasa

noteofamusementinitsvoice.‘No.’Asthebaron’seyesadjustedtotheflickeringlight,hesawtheroomalittle

moreclearly.Itwasanabsurdlygrandthroneroom.Tiered,scallopedbalconieslineditswallsandranksofflutedcolumnsdivideditintoaseriesofarcades.Thewallsandceilingsweremadeofpolishedwhitemarble,crownedwithelaborate,goldencornicesandbetweeneachofthecolumnshungcrystalchandeliers;eachthesizeofastagecoachandshimmeringwithhundredsofcandles.Theflamespulsatedwithamultitudeofdifferentcolours,washingovertheranksofspinningfiguresandrevealingthestrangenessoftheircostumes:toweringmasksofplumedfeathersandwingsofscarletsilk,alltrailingthroughthesmokeinperfectsynchronicity.Abovethem,thebalconieswerefilledwithcrowdsofmusicians,playinginstrumentsofsuchstrangedesignthattheylookedmorelike

elongatedlimbsthanpiecesofbrassorwood.Asthebaronstaredattheincrediblescene,herealisedthatnotallofthelightswerefixedinoneplace:dozensofbirdswereflittingaroundtheroom,swoopinganddivinginfreneticbursts,andtrailingtinylanternsfromtheirtailfeathers.Beyondthedancers,therewasaraiseddaisandathrone.Theroomwasso

longandthesmokesothick,thatthebaronstruggledtomakeoutthethroneinanydetail,butasthelightsebbedandthrobbed,hesawthatthechaircradledaslenderfigure,slumpedidlyinitsdeepcushions.Hefeltathrillofexcitement.Thismustbehishost.Evenwiththeirfaceshiddenbehindtheirmasks,itwasclearthedancers’gaudydisplaywasintendedfortheamusementofthisoneperson.‘Whosepalaceis…?’beganthebaron,butashelookedback,hesawthatthe

hoodedfigurehadvanished.Hescannedthecrowdsandsawitsswayingshouldersafewyardsaway,stumblinginandoutofthedancers.Hemovedtofollow,butitvanishedbehindawallofsmokeandwhirlingsilk.Heshruggedandlookedbackatthedistantthrone.Itwasobviouswhosepalacethiswas.Drawinghimselferect,hestrodeconfidentlydownthecentralarcade.Assoonashenearedtheothergueststhough,hefaltered.Hefeltasthoughhehadenteredahallofmirrors.Thefigures’costumeswereevenstrangerwhenseencloseup:bestialmasksleereddownathimandserpentinelimbssproutedfrombeneathbodicesandcloaks.Hebegantodoubtifallofthestrangeshapeswereevencostumesatall,theyseemedsohorriblyanimated.Butitwasthesizeofthefiguresthatfinallybroughthimtoaconfusedhalt.Someofthedancerstoweredoverhim,likewillows,whileothersscamperedbeneathhislegs.Heclampedhiseyesshutandpressedhishandsoverthem,tryingtoblockoutthetorrentofwarpedfacesandimpossibleshapes.Awfulrealisationwashedoverhiminadizzyrush.‘Howcantheyexist?’hegroaned.Ashestoodthere,tremblingwithdelayedshock,thebaronfeltsomethingshift,irrevocably,inhismind.Heshookhisheadandhurriedon,tryingtofixhiseyesonthethrone.Asherushedthroughthedance,delicatefingersbrushedagainsthisfaceandbreathy,foreignvoiceswhisperedinhisears:urginghimtojointhewrithingcrushofbodies.Anintoxicatingmixtureofterrorandarousalgrippedhimandhebrokeintoasprint.Withasighofrelief,hereachedthebroaddaisandsteppedawayfromthe

dancers.Acerisecarpetleduptothetall,baroquethroneand,atitsfeet,agroupoflithe,semi-cladfigureswereslumpedinlanguidadorationoftheirmonarch.Thelightherewasalittleclearerbutthebaronfrowned,doubtinghiseyes.Thefiguresthatturnedtowardshimhadeyesasblackascoalandfleshthecolourof

virginsnow.Theirbeautiful,elfinfaceswerefullofmischiefastheyrosetogreethim,withforkedtonguesflickeringfromtheirpoutinglips.Tohisshame,thebaronfoundhimselfsmilingcoylyastheypressedaroundhim.Hecouldnotevenbesureiftheyweremaleorfemale,butastheirlong,elegantlimbsentwinedhim,hefeltafiercerushoflust.Gentlefingerstracedoverhisblisteredskinandthebaronclosedhiseyeswithamoanofpleasure.Aftermonthsofbrutalwar,hisbodyyieldedgratefullytotheirtenderembrace.Soft,moistlipsbrushedagainsthisearsandwarm,voluptuousbodiespressedagainsthishands.Thebaronwasfinallydefeated.Hislegsgavewayandhecollapsedgratefullyintoaforestofwelcomingarms.

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