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…’
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…
‘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.’
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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