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Lord of the Obsidian throne (AOS death story)


shinros

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Chapter 18

He looked down to his boy who is tucked into bed, he watched him stare out of the window. He gazed at the other kids playing outside. “Tristan focus on resting. If you rest you will get better.” his boy looked up to him. “I am never going to get better am I? The other kids tell me that I am going to die…” He sighed heavily the other kids look down upon those who caught the plague. He would have to have a word with their parents for insulting the child of the head of the village. Kasper nodded. “Right about I tell you a story?”

Tristan gave a weak smile “a story papa? Tell me!” he coughed heavily. It breaks his heart seeing his boy in such a state he had to slowly watch his wife die in their bed. He knew better to pray to the charm if praying could fix this plague it would be gone already considering the word is even mages and priests can’t heal it. Tristan called out “Father you were going to tell me a story?” his child speaking again brought him to attention he tried to think of an interesting story. He clicked his fingers. “Do you know the story of the one thousand? It’s an old story but since faith in sigmar started to spread less people tell it. You see Tristan on the outskirts of the village there are soldiers that defended the village against evil people. They held that oath in life to stand watch and fight the great enemy where ever they come. The gods saw this and bellowed!” he put on the deepest voice he could “to fight in my name against my hated foe I will allow you to defend them for eternity!”

Tristan’s eyes lit up “what happened next?” Kasper nodded “so they fought to the bitter end they fell but they got back up again and again driving the enemy away. It’s why our village did not really suffer in the past.” His son then asked. “Was it sigmar that blessed the one thousand? The local priest says that he protects us from the darkness.” Kasper scratched the back of his head he wondered if he should be truthful. “It was an old god. Hence why in respect I wanted their bodies left there.” His son raised his eyebrow “is that why you keep turning away those strange priests?”

As his son mentioned the devoted of sigmar they have been quite forceful in wanting to perform the consecration but his father before him has always told him to forever ensure no one touches that site. For the sake of the village never allow anyone to disturb it. He nodded to his son. “The priests don’t exactly have our best interests hence why I turned them away.” Tristan looked up to the ceiling “I see..papa do you think… if I pray to this old god I will get better?” Kasper hoped the conversation would not go in this direction. He stroked his son’s head “it’s better for you to rest in bed that will help you get better. Now I need to go talk to some our neighbors in the square. Please try to get some rest.” his son smiled at him and shut his eyes trying to get to sleep.

Kasper stretched everyday he has to go to the centre of the village to hear the neighbors complaints about refusing the priests. He smiled to his boy as he made his way out of their home. He looked at all the children playing with smiles on their faces. As he walked to the middle of the village all the heads of the various households gathered. They all had stern faces. Before he could say anything a woman pointed at him. “You refused again! Why!? Perhaps if we accept them our loved ones might get better!” Another villager agreed. “Exactly! The neighbouring villages are starting to get suspicious of us!” Kasper raised his hands to calm their fears. “Many villages have accepted the consecration but they are still affected by the plague just like us. I merely wish to keep to the traditions of our village. Nothing more.” A somewhat young woman shouted him. “We don’t look to the old god anymore! What’s the point!?” As the bedlam of arguments went on the priest from the local church came forward he was known as Augustus he wore a brown robe with trailing prayer parchment. “Now, now the god-king would not like to see his people argue. Our god is not a tyrant. Or is one to force his will. I understand Kasper you wish to keep to traditions but you have a responsibility to everyone in the village. Allowing the full worship of sigmar into the village would open many benefits for everyone.” Kasper sighed everyone is ganging up on him. “Very well the next time they come I will allow them to do their work.”

Everyone relaxed somewhat, the sigmarite priest smiled. “I am sure sigmar will look favourably on you Kasper.” he tried not to frown in annoyance if he looked favourably on him his wife wouldn't of died and his son would be well enough to play with the other children. He merely clapped. “Right that’s the local meeting adjourned I urge everyone to attend on the morrow to discuss any other issues.” everyone mumbled as the crowd broke up and made their way back to their homes.

Kasper turned to return home he was more eager to get back to looking after his boy. As he entered his home he looked at the bed. It was empty. His home is only one room, it has poor wooden flooring and a few windows but that’s it. Time stood still a bead of sweat ran down his brow. He tried to laugh. “Tristan you are hiding under the bed aren’t you!” he walked over to his bed next to the window. He lifted the cover to look underneath it.

Nothing was there he began panicking, he ran out of the house he called out his name “Tristan! Tristan! Where are you!” the villagers and even the children began staring at him. He did not care. “Tristan! Please if you are hiding somewhere! Come out!” he ran frantically around the village searching for his last remaining family member.

The march finally reached the outskirts, Kaphiri and her get rode skeletal horses and soon as they joined the host she began arguing with Jonathan to his annoyance. He barked at both of them “do you argue like children all the time!?” they both ignored him as they continued their onslaught of words. Leonard and Sofia rode to the front, Leonard frowned in annoyance. “Who knew the get of the mortarch of night can be so childish?” Sofia grinned “perhaps, but at least they seemed relaxed before a war. Anyway we are coming upon the first village what should we do?” Edric looked into the distance “what else? Kill them and add their bodies to our host. If you wish to do worse be my guest.” Sofia’s eyes turned red. “We can do what we want?”

He petted the ghostly mane of Gerwine “I meant what I said.” He could even see Leonard smiling slightly. At the end of the day vampire’s are predators that devour life. They can’t deny their basic instinct. The host marched onwards in the distance he saw someone kneeling praying among the bones. Edric gestured for the host to stop, Sofia raised her eyebrow “what is it?” He pointed at the figure “there is someone there.” Leonard narrowed his eyes “it’s a child praying among the dead.” Such a fact made Edric slightly curious, “Leonard, Sofia, come let us investigate.” They both nodded as they rode towards the child.

Upon them approaching, the child’s eyes flicked open he saw the pure terror lining his face ashen face. The boy looked clearly ill and his brown hair is dirty.  Edric asked “what are you doing praying among the bones boy?” The child stammered “my pa said the o-old god came here.” Sofia smiled “oh there is some people here who still pray to the great necromancer? How interesting…” Edric looked at the blood knight “so not all of them are traitors.” she inclined her head to him. “Indeed I think this is the site of the one thousand. They only answer to the call of Nagash.” the piece of information Sofia gave was quite useful, he bought his eyes to the child “so tell me of the old god child. What do you know?” he gulped “he said that he turned the one thousand into strong warriors that protected the village from evil men. I-I thought praying here might make me feel better…” he stared at the child it’s clear he bare’s the signs of the plague.

He gestured out with his hand “I am warrior of the old god. Come forward child.” the child still clearly looked frightened but did as he bade. As he came close he pulled him up to his saddle. Looking at the child’s face he could not help but chuckle. Leonard gazed at him “what is it?” Edric ignored the blood knight as he spoke to the child. “The old god can make you well again if you forsake all other gods. Tell me child what is your name?” He coughed up black phlegm “T-Tristan.” he nodded “now Tristan do you swear yourself to Nagash the old god?” Tristan seemed unsure but he slowly nodded. “I swear…” as he intoned those words a mark appeared on his arm. Edric raised his hand which glew with a soft purple light, he placed it on Tristan’s chest and right away he could feel the foul disease worming through his body.

The corrupted form of life sensed their immediate doom it moved to try to kill the boy but it’s far too late. He released a small wave of pure death magic through the boy’s body killing the disease. Colour returned to Tristan’s face he blinked in confusion. “My chest doesn’t hurt anymore! How did you do that?” he gestured to the bones that line the road  “The Old god has power of death. He can end all manner of life, even corrupted ones.” the boy raised his eyebrow “corrupted? What do you mean?” he spoke plainly to Tristan. “Your disease is linked to the great enemy. It was subtle enough to pass as a normal disease most likely why your priests and wizards thought it to be nothing more than that. Now Tristan can you point out your village?” He smiled as he pointed into the distance “it’s over there!”

Edric looked over to Leonard and Sofia “gather the host we are paying a visit to a village.” Sofia sighed “so we are not going to make war upon them?” Edric looked down to the healthy boy “perhaps. This child might have just saved their lives.” Leonard merely gave a curt nod trying to hide his disappointment “I will gather the host for the march.” he rode away without another word. He  looked into the distance towards the city of Garthex the judgement has now started a part of him is slightly surprised that not all have given up on the god of the dead.

He ran frantically through the village looking for his boy, several others joined in the search once searching for almost an hour they gathered in the center of the village. Kasper panted “have you seen him!? The villagers shook their heads clearly out of breath. He wanted to drop to his knees in despair. He then heard a large howl and then the galloping of hooves. Villagers started to scream. “The dead are here!?” That exclamation jolted kasper to attention he bought his vision to the entrance of the village what he saw chilled him to the bone. Skeletons marching in formation, crying wraiths, cowled men and women covered in a purple nimbus of magic, pale knights and finally at the head of them was a skeleton riding a ghostly wolf. The skeleton called out in it’s distorted voice. “Who is the head of this village!?”

All the villagers looked to him, Kapser took a step forward shaking with pure and utter terror. “G-greetings m-my lord.” The skeletal warrior looked down at him. “I see. I have come for your fealty to Nagash. I am told by this child he is the old god.” sweat began dribbling down his brow “child?” From around the ghostly wolf he spotted the shaggy brown hair of his boy Tristan. In reflex he shouted “Tristan! Get away from there!”

His child looked confused by his worry he beamed. “Why papa? King Edric fixed me!” Kasper blinked in confusion the skeleton on the wolf is Edric. His son even called him a king. The skeleton gestured to his child “why don’t you go meet your father? Show him how well you are?” Tristan hopped off the wolf and ran towards him smiling. Kapser grasped his boy in a bear hug. “Thank goodness you are safe…” he leaned back slightly Tristan looked healthy, hearty even. He looked up to Edric the supposed king. “How did you do this?”

The skeleton bore his green eyes into him. “Your child accepted Nagash as his god. I saw the bones that were left on the outskirts. May I ask you why they were left there?” Kasper gulped “tradition….that’s it..” Edric pressed. “So you don’t believe in Nagash?” Kasper began sweating a waterfall he had to be careful with words. The reason why his father told him not to disturb the site is starting to make sense. “Tell me… King Edric if we answer incorrectly what will you do?” The skeleton looked upon his people “save your child I will have your village butchered to the man. I have quite a few hungry vampires who are also eager to feed. The only reason why I asked is because your child was praying to Nagash amongst the dead so what is your answer?” Kasper looked to his healthy boy and then to the villagers who were sweating with him. He gulped. “If we are followers of Nagash you can cure the plague?” the king inclined his head “yes it can be cured, quite easily in fact.” Kapser grit his teeth “we are followers of nagash my king.” his new lord pointed his blade at them. “I want all the villagers to swear off all other gods save nagash.” without him saying anything all the villages swore on their souls that they follow nagash. He did not understand why he demanded such a thing.

He clenched his eyes shut as he said “I swear off all other gods save Nagash.” as he spoke he felt a cold chill on the back of his hand. He bought it up to his eyes and what he found is a strange discolouration shaped somewhat like a skull. “W-what is this?” The king sheathed his blade “It’s the Nekrosene mark, the mark of Nagash for you are now forever his.” He gestured to the cowled men and women. “Go cure the plague this village is one of the faithf-” before he could finish his sentence  Augustus came marching forward. “What have you done!?” the priest shouted, Kasper stammered “t-they have an army!” The priest clenched his hands “you just swore away your soul! You are forever lost!” Kasper blinked he looked down at the mark “I-I don’t understand?”

Edric growled in annoyance “Hand over the deciever to me. Now.” his voice was flat but it sounded clearly like a threat. He looked around the villagers clearly looked nervous. Kapser gulped “for the sake of the village I am handing you over to...to… our new lord and king.” The priest’s eyes went wide “this is what the god of the dead does! He uses fear and tyranny! I-” before he could finish a pale maiden strode up them. His mouth almost fell agape upon seeing her. She looked up to their new king. “You said we were going to kill everyone. What’s going on Edric?”

The skeleton creased his brow “if you were not constantly arguing with Jonathan you would know what is happening right now. While Abasi and the Deathmages deal with the plague you can have the priest in the meantime. Think of it as an appetiser.” The pale maiden sighed she dragged the priest with one hand effortlessly despite Augustus trying to remove himself from her grip. He began screaming. “Please help me! What are all of you doing!” Kasper and even the villagers stared at him in silence. The pale woman dragged him to the back of the undead army and as soon as he got a hint of a scream. He covered Tristan’s ears, the sound of the tearing of flesh along with the sigmarites priests screams chilled his heart.

The cowled so called deathmages begun walking among the people questioning them about the plague and being escorted to houses. Kasper wondered if he answered incorrectly they would of most likely joined Augustus in his fate, perhaps even worse would have occured. In the end he has a responsibility to keep everyone in this village safe and if he has to bow to the dead to do it. So be it.

Their new lord looked into the distance. “It seems we have some flies poking their noses where they don’t belong…” He stared at the skeleton wondering what he just saw, the pale maiden returned from the back her mouth covered in blood. “Edric he tasted disgusting let’s be done with this place quickly.” The skeleton sighed “the deathmages are almost done Kaphiri.” Kasper blinked he looked around in confusion all those who were heavily ill were now exiting houses now looking hearty and well. He bought his vision upon Edric he asked “who are you?” The skeletal warrior voice turned deep a deathly chill began to grasp his whole body as he said. “We are your judgement. Be thankful and keep faith in Nagash since all the villages beyond this point will be put the sword.” Their king then gestured his hand to round up the cowled men and women they began marching towards Garthex.

Kasper slowly removed his hands from Tristan’s ears who looked up to him in confusion. “What’s wrong pa?” he smiled at him. “Isn’t Edric a nice king?” Kasper stammered out to his boy. “Y-yes T-Tristan he is a wonderful king.”

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So yeah... I wrote this chapter while listening to rains of castamere(red wedding version) and light of the seven. Well... enjoy!

Chapter 19

Swooping through the air with his wings he saw them, he saw the undead host marching towards Garthex. His heart raged to dive in attack them, to even at least try to attempt to save the villagers but all he could do is watch for Lord Celestant Balder sent him to scout. The dead are carving a bloody path through each village and hamlet, vampires the soulblighted, falling upon the innocent and devouring their life blood, skeletons hacking apart anyone who got in their way. What makes it even worse is that their bodies are then raised from the dead and added to the host. Gotthard looked over to his prosecutors all of them trembling with fury like him it’s taking all their willpower to control themselves.

In the end they are all of the Steel Heart chamber, those of steel hearts and will along with their faith in sigmar they can endure this. He stared at a man screaming for sigmar while a group of vampires tear him to pieces to retrieve his life-blood. Gotthard made the sign of the hammer “we will be your answer to your prayers. This I swear.”  He scanned the carnage one more time and he spotted the one who looked to be the leader. They rode a ghost-like wolf, his head is a skull and he wore armour in the colour of the night itself. His hollow eyes that held a sickly green light met his he felt his heart beating as they gazed at one another. The wight then looked away “he is not doing anything?” Gotthard then heard a scream. He looked back a skeletal like angel wielding a halberd that thrummed with ghostly energy pierced the chest of one of his prosecutors. Blood fell to the ground, they gagged before vanishing in a flash of lightning returning to sigmar.

He swore “quickly! Fall back to Garthex!” but it was too late a second of the bone monstrosities hacked in half another prosecutor. The winged figures moved like lightning bringing death with them. Each of his prosecutors tried to fight back with celestial hammers the blessed sigmarite cracking against bone. The winged monsters barely seem deterred by the attacks. Gotthard rushed over he held his grandhammer ready to help his brothers and sisters. As he edged closer to them shadows surrounded him, he steadied his movement in the air to look upon the adversaries that seek to stop him. The enemies before him were bat like monsters, their skin pale and their long fangs stained with dried blood. They rushed him in at all directions. One bit into his leg puncturing his armour, another went for his neck and the third barreled into his chest.

He frantically began swiping his weapon upon the beasts, his hammer cracking with celestial lightning. They whimpered and snarled as his weapon smacked across their forms but the prospect of getting his life blood caused the beasts to continue their mad assault. Gotthard felt a sharp pain in his neck as the beast finally got to his flesh. He grit his teeth as the bat-like monster began supping away at his blood. He roared in anger he tried to raise his weapon but he felt his strength waning away he barely had the strength to lift it.

Gotthard hissed as he felt his leg being torn away he gasped as he coughed blood. His vision was going dark he felt himself falling. He prayed that his Lord Celestant could at least see the carnage as the screams of his prosecutors reverberated in his ears.

He looked up to the stormcast falling from the skies, the vargheists still did not want to let go of their meal they swooped down upon the chosen of sigmar and hefted him back up with their fangs. All three began guzzling on the remainder of his life blood before he burst into a flash of light pushing the beasts back. It annoyed him that stormcasts died in such a fashion from what he understands upon death their souls return back to ayzr, back to sigmar he watched the lightning striking upwards vanishing into the skies.

Edric bought his green eyes to the morghasts who handedly dispatched the rest of the winged stormcasts. With the skies were clear again from annoying pests Edric looked to the village all of the humans were screaming and praying for sigmar to save them. But he knows he will not answer if you don’t have a place in his designs he will not even lift a finger despite the priests telling them he is with them. He wants to crush that thought, to show that in death you belong to the undying king.

Jonathan rode towards him as always he held his whimsical smile. “I wonder why you are not giving them the option for them to accept nagash?” He bought his eyes to the vampire. “They have completely forsaken him, the village before hasn’t.” The blood knight looked upon the carnage. “Yet the question is who will run the city once we kill all of them? We have t-”  he tightened the grip on Gerwine’s reins, his voice boomed. “We don’t have to do anything! The villages and the city of Garthex will be put to the sword! They will die as their souls and carcasses are pressed into our army!” the vampire sighed. “Your province will not last long if you kill every soul my king. At leas-” he cut him off again, he spoke firmly “Be silent Jonathan. I have made my decision. Now have the deathmages prepare the siege towers.”

The blood knight raised his eyebrow “with what equipment?” Edric placed his gaze over the villagers running for their lives and their houses. “All our equipment is before us.” The vampire looked at the fleeing people his eyes glinted with realisation “very well my lord I will let them know. Will you at least think about my words?” he stroked his chin for a moment thinking. “Perhaps. Now go do my will.” Jonathan gave a curt nod before riding over to the deathmages. He then watched the skeletons hacking the people to pieces, the vampires guzzling on blood and Eredas and his cohort tearing spirits from bodies to add to their armies. Looking at all of this he does not feel any wavering in his soul or remorse. A familiar voice rattled through his skull “YOU ARE EMPTY INSIDE JUST LIKE ME.” Edric spoke out loud in return. “Indeed we are, if all become like us then there would be peace and in the end the death of chaos…” the screams of villagers passed through his hallowed head. The lamentations of traitors and oathbreakers did not even please him. He found no joy in their deaths.  All of them were like trash to him and his hosts are just cleaning up the lands of Nagash.

The villager struggled in her arms as she feasted, he screamed for mercy, but all she wanted is his blood she cared nothing for the man and in the end these are the people who killed her companions. Once done she threw the carcass to the ground. She looked over to the houses she could hear the howls of terror as her get visited house by house feeding upon those within. Kaphiri spotted another villager trying to run before bounding towards them she heard trotting of a horse. For some reason she stopped and looked behind her it was her… father. He stared at her with opaque eyes, she didn’t like that sort of look. “Are you judging me?” it was not exactly a accusation but more of a question. Abasi frowned “I am more happy that my daughter is immortal and safe. So the mortarch of night kept his end of the bargain.”

She chuckled hearing that “I see so tell me father. How do you feel about Edric’s state? I assume you were involved on putting him on that throne in the first place?” The old necromancer looked away slightly “his death was necessary. Still it was strange with him. I have killed so many to find the one, when it finally came to him I was... conflicted just for a moment. Despite his mortal frailty he cursed the fact he did not have the strength to fix anything.” Kaphiri wiped her mouth to remove the blood. “So has he come out as you expected?” she watched Abasi point his staff at the dead villager she just ate. The body convulsed and exploded in a shower of gore as bones began floating towards her father. He turned away with the bones trailing behind him she sighed at the fact he did not answer her question. Yet to her surprise he stopped for a moment and turned his head slightly to her. “He has surpassed my expectations my daughter.” no more words passed between them as he went among the dead repeating the process. She crossed his arms in annoyance “so you are pleased that he now utterly belongs to Nagash? That most of the person I knew has been blasted away?” she said to herself. As she spoke she felt her mind constricting she held her head as a voice that utterly terrified her passed through her mind. “YOU ALL BELONG TO ME FEAST UPON THE BETRAYERS DAUGHTER OF THE NIGHT.” the pain vanished she locked eyes upon the fleeing villagers she pounced upon them tearing out their necks. She had to kill all of them the overwhelming need to hunt and feast filled her mind. Her mind racing to obey the actions of the undying king.

He watched Sofia laughing with glee as she rode down another villager, her horse trotted onwards as she snatched up another with her hand pulling them up and devouring their lifeblood. Leonard watched the carnage unfolding before him “this is not war but butchery…” his blood knights rode around the village killing the inhabitants but he held his place. His mouth would part seeing the blood gushing upon the ground, the men and women bleeding as the horses trampled them. Each time he would count inside his head to keep himself from charging into the fray. What confused him is their lord spared a village just to kill the rest. He was sure if they offered the choice many would submit but he is not giving them such an option. Doubt began pricking his dead heart the thought that oblivion would be preferable and perhaps he made a mistake. When marching to Garthex he thought he would be like Sofia eager to slay and drink at his heart content as part of him was excited then.

Now sitting upon his horse in this moment.. “I fee-” “YOU FEEL NOTHING FOR YOU ARE MY INSTRUMENT. KILL, DRINK AND SLAY THOSE WHO HAVE FORGOTTEN NAGASH.” He shook his head. “I feel...nothing…” he eyed a villager running he rode up to them and snatched them with his hand. He pulled the female up to his saddle she slapped and scratched his plate, trying to get away. He opened his mouth and sank his fangs into her neck draining away her life. Once done he shoved the villager off his saddle.

Sofia rode up to him blood covering her mouth she smiled. “So you are finally joining us?” Leonard looked upon the dead villager, he felt nothing, nothing but hunger and the need to slay. “Yes, we must teach those who betray the great necromancer that there is a punishment for those who stray…” his fellow blood knight laughed. “Look at you! So eager! Perhaps we should share the next one?” Leonard inclined his head to sofia “Perhaps, now come there are more people to punish.” She grinned at his words, he rode onwards with Sofia following behind him.  

He looked into the distance, Vizira and Adela stood at his side on the battlements. Looking at the balefire covering the distant villages he spoke firmly. “We must prepare for a siege…” Adela ground her teeth. “We shou-” his lord relictor leveled her staff at her. “I understand General, but we have no idea of the enemies number and Gotthard has not returned.” The General protested further “bu-” Balder smashed his hand on the battlement wall cracking the stone. “I know! I know! General Adelda! Listen! With all my heart I want to go out and defeat the enemy! To save the lives of sigmar’s people!” he took a deep breath “but we have a responsibility to the people here. Frieda was right, death has returned and it’s clear Gotthard has been sent back to the forges. The fact none of the prosecutors have not returned we cannot underestimate this enemy!” he could see Adela was about to speak again, this time she closed her mouth and saluted. “What are your orders Lord Celestant?”

Balder looked upon the balefire in the distance. “Get the collegiate to gather all the Battlemages who know the magic of Hysh and Ashqy, they will be needed, also send word to the Ironweld we need as many Helstorm rocket batteries as we can muster.” Adela saluted again “it shall be done!” she walked off the battlements without speaking further. Vizira looked upon the balefire with him. “It’s moving slowly what are they doing?” Balder placed his helmet on the face of sigmar, the face the enemies of the god-king see. “I don’t know but we have to prepare for whatever they are planning…”

Marching slowly upon the city he watched the deathmages work, he couldn't believe Edric would come up with such an idea. The necromancers were weaving together the very bones of those they kill along with the wood of the houses to fashion siege towers through death magic. What makes it even more delicious is that enslaved spirits of those that are killed are used to move them towards the city. There is also the added factor that the spirits are screaming in agony echoing the moments of their death.

Jonathan smiled ear to ear watching all of this unfold, but he sighed he needs to try harder to guide the King of Helopolis. “Even if he has joined the grand host he still needs to be a tool of the mor-” “YOU ARE ALSO A TOOL FOR YOU ARE PART OF MY HOST. ALL THE DEAD BEND TO MY WILL. THE PRINCELING STRAINS ON HIS CHAIN BUT HE KNOWS HE SERVES ME IN ALL THINGS FOR HE IS ALSO A TOOL.” His mouth hanged on a syllable he was about to say something. He could not recall what, Jonathan creased his brow. “I have to guide him for the betterment of the host. I-” he tried to think of Mannfred, but strangely the awe and respect he normally felt was strangely fading. He lowered his hand and shook his head. “Focus on my task, I need to keep in his good graces.” looking into the distance he could see dots starting to line the walls he smirked. “No defence will save you from Nagash’s wrath…” He rode away to gather his blood knights for the assault.     

 

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Chapter 20

He is not used to wearing armour it’s uncomfortable and his heart pounded in almost fear at the prospect of battle but he wanted to see her before he leaves. He posted guards in every corridor to protect her, he hoped it would be enough. Leon approached the door where his mother is resting he held the door handle and turned it slowly it breaks his heart visiting her, despite the priests and even the battle mages warning that visiting his mother may spread the infection to him but he did not care. Perhaps sigmar is protecting him, allowing him to take care of her.

Once the door was finally open he walked in, her room is covered is scripture dedicated to Sigmar, her bed was made with the finest woods and bore the most comfiest sheets he could buy. Approaching the bed he saw the his mother, the blonde hair with a few strands grey, her ashen face along with her veins pulsing green due to the plague. Standing by her bedside he looked down to her “mother I am here. Just in cas-” “In case you die…” his mother croaked. He nodded slowly “yes, I posted guards just in case some of the dead get into the estate. The battle mages are ready and the helstorm rocket batteries will way waste to the approaching force. Plus Sigmar’s chosen fight with us I am sure it will be a clear victory.” his mother’s hand reached out from under the sheets and grasped his wrist. “Do you believe that my boy?” his brow furrowed “of course I do! I...may not be the most pious but I tried to use our wealth to achieve your dream. I ensured the places of worship, even statues to sigmar are built to your specifications. I know sigmar see’s all our work and will be with us in the coming battle.” her gripped tightened for some reason it concerned him, her face is creased with worry. “Mother I will be fine, we have fought the dead before to free our city. We will win again.” “Y-you won’t!” she hackled and coughed “the rebellion before was against petty vampires! W-what is coming is the fury of a god! I have seen it in my dreams… a laughing skull coming to devour us all!” his mother began violently coughing blood flaking her lips “y-you have to stop them here...if you don’t everything we have built will be ground to dust...I-I…” Leon gently grasped her hand holding his wrist he knelt. “Mother do not worry. I promise you I will come back. In the name of sigmar the lord of the storms I will.”

Her worry did not vanish but she slowly released her grip she turned her head away slightly “go and win. I am sure you will come back.” Leon rose he smiled “yes we will win. I will come and visit you like always.” His mother did not say anything else her chest began slowly rising and falling. “Guess she fell asleep.” he placed her hand back in the bed and tucked her in. He thought he would still feel a measure of fear or even worry but now he knows he has to protect what is important to him. He will win for his mother’s sake.  

Balder stood on the battlements with his Lord relictor, he surveyed the battle as the artillery from the hellstorm rocket batteries shelled the approaching dead in a gush of flame. The battle mage’s of the bright school are gathered in a circle on battlements generating great fire ball’s that are thrown down the battlements. Despite the dead being incinerated they were like and endless tide, even added the power of the battle mages who wielded the school of light unleashing great vortexes of pure light energy did not slow the wave of bone. What worried him even more are the siege towers he had a guess how they were built and thinking on such a fact caused him to tremble with rage. “The dead are ruthless, cold and without mercy...” “Indeed they are lord Celestant, I can sense the tormented spirits emanating from the siege towers. I susp-” “I know what they are!” shouted Balder. Vizira sighed “I understand your rage, but let us focus on the battle Aldwin is covering the gate with a unit of free-guild guard and liberator-prime Adrian is there with him leading his unit in holding the gate. Where else do you want to position the army?” Balder watched as crossbowmen began stepping onto the battlements and started firing their crossbows. One thing he knows for sure the undead host will reach the gates he folded his arms. “Have some our judicators join them their firepower will be needed. Send word to Adela and the Arch lector  have their best at the centre of the city protecting the helstorm rocket batteries and the nobles will protect the sick at the store houses with their forces. Vizira you will also be there in the centre with Adela. I will support the gate and prevent them getting through.” “very well.” intoned Vizira “we will show the dead the fury of sigmar to those who harm the innocent.”

Balder smiled “indeed! Now we must ready ourselves to bring the full might of sigmar upon them!” Balder unhooked his sigmartie runeblade and hammer from his waist they shimmered with a flash of lightning. He closed his eyes “much is demanded of those to whom much is given…” he whispered to himself. He has been given much, reforged and chosen by sigmar to destroy and restore faith to those who are harmed by evil. All these years he has been in Garthex the people look to him and he will not let them down. Slowly he opened his eyes to look upon the siege towers of wood and bone. “I will protect the faithful from evil…”

On the outskirts watching the flaming missiles crash upon the marching skeleton’s pleased him let the betrayer’s expand their ammunition upon the fodder the death mage’s lead by Abasi will sustain them. The true army is contained within the siege towers, the grave guard, wraiths and also Eredas. Even so he held the cavalry back all the blood knights looked at him in confusion, even Kaphiri with her get mounted on skeleton horses were raising eyebrows at him. She rode up to him blood matting her lips “so tell me how exactly are we going to get into the city?” “we are going around” Edric said in a flat tone. “Do not question, have faith and follow me.” his words caused Jonathan to come forward in clear protest “what is your plan exactly!? Go around where!? The whole city is walled!” “As I said do not question, but have faith all will become clear” Edric intoned.

He tapped Gerwine’s mane “now follow.” at his command Gerwine broke into a run all the vampires followed behind him as he rode around to the side of the city he called out “stick to the buildings for cover!” as he heard the gallops behind him he caught the sound of a shrill scream and the thundering impact of a flaming missile hitting the ground and then another. Jonathan rode to the front and shouted “we are getting hammered! What are you doing!” “do not question Jonathan.” Edric repeated. The vampire scowled at him “I don’t know what you are thinking but we are losing knights!” His head flicked to him “do not question what you are doing just follow.” His “delegate” ground his teeth slightly at his words. Edric faced onwards he guided them down the path to the side wall of Garthex and guided the calvary towards it. As they moved onwards he looked back slightly to see a few knights breaking off and heading towards the towers. Watching such a action has marked those who don’t have the will to obey as traitors. He could see Kahpiri and her get riding onwards, along with Sofia and Leonard. Seeing all of them together pleased him that they know to obey along with the knights who remained.

Looking over to Jonathan he is now shaking his head as the calvary edged closer to the wall. Edric unsheathed his blade “it’s time….” he placed his free hand on the head of Gerwine “a wall cannot stop me from delivering Nagash’s judgement!” a gout of ghostly flame began surging off his mount, the fire flickered and expanded outwards consuming those who rode with him Edric shouted “increase speed!” at he bellowed his order he heard the whipping of reins he looked to his side to see Jonathan is now closing his eyes.

He barked at the vampire “face forward now!” the blood knight grimaced and looked onward towards the wall, Edric placed his vision on the wall he shouted another order “draw weapons!” at his command the unsheathing of blades and the readying of lances entered his skull. Second by second the wall came closer. He pointed his blade forward as they came upon the wall his blade touched the concrete but instead of crashing onto the wall his blade began phasing through and eventually his whole body along with his mount melted right through the concrete wall.

Standing at the gate’s with Adrian and Aldwin he felt confident, the batteries are shelling the enemy at least whittling their numbers and without the amount of death mage’s they have they could easily blast down the gate. What they have to prepare for is calvary they will most likely come in after the skeletons wear them down. He nodded to the liberators “you will ensure none of the dead get past you.” Adrian gave a small salute “aye, then the free guild-guard will kill any that get past.” as he mentioned free-guild guard he looked upon Aldwin who stood ready sword and shield in hand along with his unit. He smiled “Lord Celestant we will do the best we can.” “I know you will, we all will. We have prepared as best we can n-” before he could finish he heard galloping for some reason it got louder and louder and it was coming from his right. He blinked as suddenly red and black armoured knights crashed into Aldwin and his unit in a spray of gore and blood. Adrian called out “lo-” Blader flicked towards him as a wight riding a ghostly wolf took off the head of the liberator-prime he disappeared in a flash of lightning streaking upwards returning to the skies.

The whole gate defence was annihilated in a split moment he then heard a familiar voice “greetings Baldwin it’s been awhile.” His eyes leveled at the wight, the armour in the colour of darkness and the sword. A sense of disbelief gripped him he shook his head “not you..why?” Edric tilted his head slightly “why not? Nagash has demanded it and so shall it be done. Now make it easy and stand there while I kill you.” he looked around to the shattered defence and he yelled and order he did not think he would say so early into the battle. “Retreat! Fall back to the centre!” he looked around the remaining liberators got up and what’s left of the free-guild guard staggered to their feet. As they began falling back the knights rode to chase them but what stopped them was the support from the judicators and the crossbowmen showering bolts upon the knights. Balder looked up to the battlements, Judicator prime Lars called out “Go now! We will delay them!” he clenched his hands around his weapons, leaving will mean their deaths but he can’t waste the chance they are giving them.

He looked around for Aldwin he might be still alive as he traced the dead he saw him his broken form ruined. He did not even see the battle commence in anger he pointed at Edric “You killed your brother!” the wight looked upon the corpse and did not utter a word for several moments he then faced him after staring at the broken corpse “What of it?” His words shocked him he wondered what caused this change but knowing the god of death he must of stripped away the last dregs of his old friend’s humanity. He shouted again “retreat!” Baldwin began running to the centre with those who survived, the Judicators and crossbowmen covered them once the battle is won he will ensure their sacrifice is remembered.

He turned his head back slightly to see Edric on his mount moving towards the gates he then gestured to several blood knights to turn the levers to open the gate. The gate slowly slid open revealing the tide of bone surging into the city. He ground his teeth in frustration, the battle barely started and they already lost the gates. He bought his vision forward they have to make a stand at the centre of the city they have to stop the dead there.

He fired his skybolt bow the lightning arrow cracking on the shield of the blood knight he bellowed “keep firing! Cover their retreat! Kill as many as you can!” he looked over to the colligate mages doing all they can to stem the skeleton tide coming to the city. He cursed in frustration as he loosed another arrow at a vampire taking them right off their horse.

Lars looked down he spotted the gates are now open and skeleton warriors are now surging into the city. He called out “focus on the calvary!”  his judicators along with the crossbowmen coutined their fire upon the knights he was confident the centre can handle the skeletons but they had to take out the elite.

As they fired he heard a crash on the wall he turned to see the siege towers have hit the walls. The door fell forward revealing darkness before he could ready his bow a giant scythe shot out of the darkness and slammed into his chest. Lars gasped in pain he couldn't breathe, the scythe blade as likely punctured his lung. What chilled him further is the voice that came from the darkness at the back of his mind he heard the rattling of chains. “ARSON, MUGGING, MURDER AND NOT BOWING TO THE UNDYING KING, JUST BECAUSE YOU FOUND FAITH IN THE SOUL-THIEF IN YOUR LAST MOMENTS DOES NOT ERASE YOUR CRIMES LARISON.” Lars’ eyes went wide with horror “w-what are you talking about!” Out of the darkness came wailing spirits and wraiths wielding scythes and standing over them like a colossuss is a figure in a black robe hovering in the air in quick flashes he sees a ghostly skeletal like figure under the robes. The giant ghost raised it’s hand the scythe began pulling upwards tearing through his sigmarite plate a shower of blood erupted from the open wound.

Watching the minion of the soul-thief die did not please him, it angered him further as he vanished consumed by the celestial lighting and in turn avoiding his punishment and due. Eredas bought his gaze to the rest of the soul-thief's minions they took a step back in fear. “THE GUILTY ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING TO FEAR.” The battle mages bought their attention to him. They began chanting a spell but the rest of the siege towers crashed upon the walls, grave guard surging through the doors cut down the battle mages before they could even utter a spell. He bellowed to his warden’s “BRING THE JUDGEMENT OF NAGASH UPON THEM. SPARE NONE.” He then flicked his finger causing the scythe to return to his hands, he raised the weapon and began harvesting the souls of the guilty, those touched by the soul-thief's essence escaped their punishment but those who were still mortal had their souls torn away and was sent hurtling towards Dolthremar.

As the sinners died he could see their will breaking, shattering like glass they cried to the traitor for aid, they wailed for the soul-thief to save them. Many in the face of his justice jumped off the battlements breaking their legs but in the end they fell into the arms of the vampires who devoured them. In the end Eredas knew this is how how it’s meant to be, Masika played politics with those who were not doing their duty. Encouraging weakness and sin within these lands, he looked down to his king. Lord Nagash has chosen well, the lord of Helopolis is ruthless, cold and without mercy.

In the past looking upon him what he saw was worry and denial but what surprised him that there is one constant that has remained with the king it’s been smothered slightly but it’s still there. “BITTERNESS…..” Eredas intoned. Whether that bitterness would be a boon or curse he could not say he is just a judge of the wicked at most all he could understand is that the great king must've left it there for a reason. His lord looked up to him “Eredas! We are moving to the centre! Have the grave guard and your warden’s sweep through the city! Purge everything!” “YES MY LORD.” he shouted as he removed the head of another mortal.


He watched his king ride onward with the knights and the horde of undead towards the inner city. The battlements now caked with blood he pointed his scythe at the city. “YOU HEARD OUR KING. KILL All THE BETRAYERS, LEAVE NONE ALIVE.”  His wraith’s acknowledged his order they began surging down the battlements into the city. The grave guard merely saluted already acting on their king’s word. Looking upon his warden’s phasing into the houses he spread out his arms and looked to the skies. “THINGS SHALL RETURN TO HOW THEY WERE BEFORE MY UNDYING KING.”  

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  • 2 weeks later...

Yeah so I am learning the art of stringing conversations together without saying their names or describing their mannerisms all the time. I still need more practice. For those who care I sent my submission to black library. Word of advice make sure it's something that is not posted on the internet and good luck!

Chapter 21

Charging onwards down the street he could hear the howls of dying mortals as Eredas began his work, all that is left is to deal with the centre. Once the city has been captured they can spend time hunting down any dregs that remain after the purge. “They will know the price of following the soul-thief…” “so what are you going to do with the city afterwards?” he turned his head to the right to see Jonathan frowning “we can’t kill everyone, who is going to run the city?” “I have thought about it, the village we spared will be the new inhabitants.” at the mention of making the villagers the new rulers, his “delegate” shook his head. “We can’t make famers nobles, I doubt the head of the village knows how to even run a small town.” “Which is why Abasi and a few of the deathmages will remain here to guide them properly.” “Or in other words to make sure they remain loyal.” Jonathan said flatly. “Once one gives themselves to Nagash loyalty is a meaningless word Jonathan. You should know this.” the vampire was about to speak but closed his mouth, grimily he looked onward. “I know you heard his voice Jonathan, we all did for we belong to him. We are part of his grand host so his eye is upon us. You know nothing of true terror, death and the fruitfulness of the soul-thief's cause. If you ever look upon the full visage of the undying king you will know this. Mannfred knows despite his acts of trying to remove his chain all he does is because the great necromancer allows it. Hence he cares not for his plans or schemes or his loyalty for the mortarch of night will always obey the lord of death. He serves by being who he is...”

Speaking on Mannfred in such authority caused Jonathan to look at him again “I am...his..” “his what? You don’t serve Mannfred, you serve me in Nagash’s grand host. Now clear your mind of useless questions and focus on the battle.” at his order the blood knight faced forward without a word, they continued their charge down the street, skeleton warriors shambling around them. After a few minutes in the distance he saw them, the last vestiges that cling to the will to fight. He saw the Arch lector on his war altar surrounded by warrior priests, the elite of the claws of sigmar standing in formation with his misguided sister, they are ready to take the charge and in the front is Baldwin and his lord relictor. He also spotted that the helstorm rocket battery seems to also be changing position to fire upon them, but it’s too late they will close in before they can even fire.

Just by their numbers he could see that the oncoming battle should be an easy win on his side, if he could smile he would be at the moment. “Stand there and accept your deaths…” he pointed his sword down the street “break them! They don’t have spears! Smash them aside!” his order caused all the blood knights to ready their weapons, he could see Leonard, Sofia and Kaphiri readying themselves for impact. As the hooves and skeletal feet crashed across the ground in the distance he could see the Arch lector raising his hammer to the sky “may sigmar’s light banish the darkness!” as the priest bellowed he could also see the lord relictor Vizira raising her staff as it began charging with electricity she shouted over the din of the coming onslaught “may his storm annihilate those who threaten the faithful!” their screams and prayers meant nothing, sigmar is a weak and ineffective god, all those they have killed screamed for sigmar to smite them, yet no power came, no sign of displeasure.

They edged closer and closer to the remaining army, racing onwards to deliver there deaths until he heard a crack in the sky and the ringing of bells. He looked up to see the clouds swirling and from above golden balls of energy began raining down on his army, the holy energy began tearing asunder any of the dead that came in contact with it, vampires were incinerated and their charge was blunted. Edric scowled “Eredas! Bring forth your host!” he roared to the sky. At his order spirits along with the head warden began phasing out of the houses and flying towards the centre, Eredas bellowed “HE WILL NOT SAVE YOU. IT’S TOO LATE.

Edric agreed with the head warden of Dolthremar, despite what just has happened it’s too late, far too late. He thought that until he heard the crack of lightning and thunder the skies darkened as lightning crackled through the clouds. Spears of lighting began showering upon the approaching spirits. He could see that Eredas was having trouble dodging the spears of lightning, despite his speed several bolts cracked into his flashing ethereal form. A disembodied howl of pain travelled through the city as his cloak fell crashing to the ground.

The whole scene caused Edric to howl in fury “Keep charging! Don’t stop! Their…”magic” trick won’t save them!” despite the spheres of energy and lighting crashing down on them the remaining blood knights charged onwards, the skeletons required no command. He could see they were about to make impact until a sphere of energy crashed in front of him hitting the head of his mount, a ghostly wail of anguish erupted from Gerwine as Edric was sent flying as the ghostly wolf’s head was blasted away.

He crashed on the ground, as he lay on the ground he looked around to see their charge has been stopped, blood knights hissing in pain as parts of their bodies were burnt by the celestial lightning and golden balls of light. Edric staggered to his feet, still grasping his sword he looked onward to see Baldwin pointing his weapon at them he yelled at the top of his voice “charge! Slay the dead!” at once the whole centre charged towards them.

The coming attack caused Edric to look around, they barely had anymore skeletons left standing and the vampires were struggling to their feet, he ground his teeth “it was just a trick...it was nothing divine...I am close to victory…” he pointed blade at the followers of the betrayer “on your feet all of you! Prepare yourselves to take a charge!” at his order all the vampires got into formation around him sword and shields held at the ready.

He ordered the skeletons to fill the gaps and he waited for the coming impact, he could see the war altar charging with the priests, claws of sigmar and the last two remaining stormcasts. It was only moments before they crashed into their lines, vampires who took the brunt of the war altar went flying, the bedlam and carnage of close combat engulfed the street. “They wish to end it now…” Edric said out loud.

He readied his blade as a warrior priest approached him wielding a warhammer and shield, with a swift motion he chopped off their weapon wielding hand and kicked him back. He roared “Baldwin, where are you!” “I am here…” the voice came from his right he turned to see Baldwin slicing the head off a blood knight, and caving in the head of another with his warhammer. He strode towards him “look at the carnage you wrought...the people you killed….you feel nothing? Nothing at all?” even now he is trying to steer him off, trying to make him doubt. “I don’t share your faith stormcast, I do this for the sake of order. I have no faith in humanity or mortals.” his words caused Baldwin to charge towards him he began swiping at him with both weapons. Edric could see if he let the lord celestant hit him that would be the possible end of him, the strength behind each blow as he parried and dodged showed him that he was angry. “Why are you angry stormcast? I thought you were about restoring order to the realms?” their weapons met in a clash they were pushing against each other “you bring death! Evil! Not order! You caused the death of your own brother! Your sister can see the evil in you!” spat Baldwin. “Evil?” Edric chuckled “meaningless words, your soft hearted approach won’t bring order or the end of chaos. Mortal’s require guidance, their hearts are frail and weak….” Edric intoned “what you are describing is tyranny! The destruction of free will! Sigmar has faith in all, he placed his faith in us to stop you…” Baldwin speaking in such a manner annoyed him he pushed back his strike. “Faith in you? Where was he when I butchered the villagers who have forgotten their oaths!? Where was he as the vampires devoured them!? Sigmar is weak!”

Baldwin grunted as he was pushed back he shook his head “look up upwards wayward child, what I see is a young man lashing out in frustration and anger expecting a god to move when asked. Instead of faith you demand I see that now.” despite the battle raging about them for some reason he looked up, the storm clouds swirled in the skies, the lighting and sound of thunder got worse. “It’s a trick by your priests nothing more.” Edric said flaty. “No it’s not, Sigmar see’s and he is going to unleash his wrath upon you. You have no more excuses Edric, you blame sigmar for your state when it’s your foul master that twisted you into such a form. Sigmar has done nothing wrong. Nagash exploited your weak faith to turn you into a weapon of death.” Baldwin said firmly.

He stared at the storm clouds a moment more and just a second later great bolts of lighting came crashing down across the city, he could feel the grave guard being obliterated, the connection to them being severared, across the battle unfolding around them vampires cried in anguish as the lightning seared down upon them. He could even hear the screams of Kaphiri and her get, Jonathan crying that the lightning burns and Leonard and Sofia roaring like beasts as the lightning seared their flesh. The battle that was progressing smoothly was crumbling around him. He clenched the handle of his sword “it’s a trick…” he charged at Baldwin “he is doing nothing!” He clashed with Baldwin again this time he is now silent. The silence the stormcast gave to him angered him, he will show him that sigmar is nothing, he will show that he cannot protect anyone. Edric readied his hourglass it shone with a purple light, he waited for the right moment as Baldwin was drawing back his weapon he pointed at him “turn to dust!” the purple magic from his rattling hourglass shot towards the lord celestant the light consumed him as he howled in agony.

Edric watched as his hand turned to dust which caused him to drop his weapon, Baldwin roared “much is demanded of those whom much is given!” he shouted to the skies “I will not let them down!” his bellowing caused Edric to chuckle “crumble and die stormcast. Know that the soul-thief is weak…” as his words parted his mouth a spear of blue energy suddenly crashed upon Baldwin, he could see his large frame in the celestial magic, for some reason he had to cover his eyes, the light was painful to look at eventually it slowly dissipated.

What he saw caused him to tremble in anger, the curse from the hourglass has vanished, the lord’s celestant sigmarite plate was now a gleaming silver that has not seen the touch of battle and around his frame is blue fire. Baldwin picked up his weapon and pointed it at him his voice boomed with the sound of thunder “look around you Edric, see that all your evil has crumbled around you. Sigmar see’s and we are his punishment.” as Baldwin spoke, Edric looked around him he saw the last of the blood knights being cut down, the skeletons scattered in multiple pieces, his retainers and even Eredas, what remained of them was scattered across the battlefield.

He was alone, utterly alone, he shook his head “it’s not fair….” he roared and charged at the stormcast “It’s not fair!” he did not know how to feel, he could not put a word to the emotion he charged Baldwin and began swinging at him with all his might, abandoning all technique, throwing away all his plans he cried out “he is nothing!” despite his frantic attack Baldwin is parrying his blows with ease, until his frantic attack left himself wide open. The warhammer burning with blue fire crashed into his breastplate, Edric felt a strange pain like a part of him was being torn away. Then the sword came down upon his skull cracking right through it causing a quarter of his skull to give way, Edric howled in pain but the attacks did not stop, an onslaught of hammer blows and sword strikes came upon his frame smashing away his armour and bone.

What remained of his body collapsed to the floor, what remained of his skull was force to look up at the skies as lightning moved through it. “It’s not fair….” Edric said quietly.

He watched his old friend now broken on the ground, repeating that it’s not fair, despite the evil he has done, despite his actions, his feelings of abandonment were real. All that has happened is the lord of the dead exploited those emotions. He looked down at Edric “the god-king seeks to free all the realms he knows that people suffer and it pains him that it happens. It’s why he made us, his prayers and wishes of the realm made manifest….” as he spoke out loud Vizira came towards him “don’t waste your breath on that dead thing Lord celestant. Focus on the living that we saved.” the flames around his frame started to die down “yes, there are many dead that need to be buried and villages have seen great darkness…” speaking with his lord Relictor Adela came forward blood ran down her right eye she stared at Edric “that thing is not my brother..” Balder pointed his blade at his old friend “it is your brother Adela, twisted into a mockery of his former self by the lord of the dead.” “With respect lord celestant I believe my brother died long ago. If it was really my brother he would have never laid a finger on Aldwin.” he did not protest further it would be hard to convince her otherwise considering the evil Edric committed upon this land.

He looked up to the battered war-altar to see Alfred smiling “it seems our faith won the day…” “indeed it has!” Balder called out. The Arch lector pointed his hammer at Edric “the leader of this foul host is not truly dead. Let’s put it out of its misery to end this sorry state of affairs.” The Arch lector caused Balder to grimly look at Edric’s broken and battered form, half his skull is missing, his armour is smashed apart and his arm has been fully separated from his body. “Yes…”

He took a few steps to Edric he raised his warhammer, despite his mouth not moving he kept saying it’s not fair Balder steeled his heart, his warhammer was about to move until he heard a chilling voice “INDEED IT’S NOT FAIR…” as that voice echoed through his head all the mortals began trembling in fear, they all heard the voice.

He did not exactly feel fear, but his hearts constricted, he sensed danger he stook a step back from Edric’s form and lowered his weapon. “Is it you!?” he called out. “INDEED IT IS.” Baldwin shouted “get back!” at his order everyone jolted to attention and moved away from the undead that has been slain.

In the centre of the dead, spirits rose from the ground and began coalescing together to form a shape, what began forming caused Balder to tighten his grip on his weapons. He saw the long crown, the purple ridged armour, skeletal face and the bone like talons. The only thing that has not formed fully is his legs, it was just a raging nimbus of crying spirits. Vizira shook her head “Nagash…” at mention of the Lord of the dead’s name the skeletal face distorted into a grin. “YOU SPEAK CORRECTLY STORMCAST.” Vizira pointed her staff at him “we destroyed your host! We are not afraid of you!” Balder nodded “yes our faith triumphed over you!” their words caused morale to return, instead of fear he could see the mortals trying to stand up right. Despite this Nagash released a chilling laugh “DESTROYED? YOU CAN’T DESTROY WHICH IS DEAD.” Balder also pointed his weapon at the fell god “we defeated your champion! Sigmar delivered his punishment! Faith stood tall over tyranny and evil! ” “YOU CALL WHAT JUST HAPPENED FAITH? AS MY SERVANTS BUTCHERED THEIR WAY HERE? I KNOW THE SOUL-THIEF. HE COULD OF ACTED ANY TIME HE WANTED TO BUT HE FEARED LOSING HIS HOLD. IT WAS NOT FAITH…The god’s words caused murmurings, Balder shouted “he speaks lies to weaken your heart don’t listen! He is most likely the cause of the plague as well!” Nagash began spreading his arms out THE PLAGUE BELONGS TO CHAOS STORMCAST. IF PEOPLE WANTED PROTECTION OR A CURE THEY SHOULD OF BOWED TO ME.the mention of a cure caused Balder to lower his weapon “you lie.” I AM NOT LYING, THOSE WHO ARE ONE WITH NAGASH ARE IMMUNE TO THE CORRUPTED LIFE. I CAN CURE IT BECAUSE LIKE ALL LIFE I AM IT’S END. ALL OF THE MORTALS IN THIS CITY ARE INFECTED IT MERELY MOVES WHEN IT NEEDS TO BY THE WILL OF THE PLAGUE GOD.the information caused more discontent, Adela called out “he is lying claws of sigmar! Don’t listen!” Alfred echoed “hold fast! He seeks to deceive us to claim victory!”

Nagash released another laugh backed by the crying screams of spirits YOUR TEMPLES AND STATUES TO THE BETRAYER SPREAD THE DISEASE, PEOPLE PRAY TO IT UNKNOWINGLY AND HENCE THEY ARE INFECTED.the more Nagash spoke a part of Balder wanted to admit he was right he asked “what of the child then and those that died? When Edric visited the city the plague got worse once he was gone it died down slightly. Did you know that was going to happen?” The god grinned YES, I BADE MY MORTARCH TO SEND MY SERVANT TO THIS CITY, SO HE LEARNS THE FRAILTY AND WEAKNESS OF MORTALS. YOU DELIVERED THAT TO HIM WELL…NOW I GROW TIRED OF SPEAKING. YOUR DEATH IS NOW COMING…

Balder called out “ready weapons!” everyone followed his order he was getting ready to charge but stopped the sound of thunder vanished, he looked up to see the lighting crackling through the clouds sputtering out. The gloomy skies began to part revealing a black sun that plunged them into darkness. RISE, FOR YOU ARE ME AND I AM YOU. KILL THEM, DESTROY THEIR FAITH.

As the great necromancer intoned those words he saw flashes of purple light from the form of the lord of the dead. A wave of purple magic began consuming the dead, vampires began to stand up right, their burns healing revealing pale flesh, skeletons came together holding crude weapons, spirits howled in fury and anguish and finally he saw Edric rising. His battered armour now pristine, his skull and arm restored, purple fire blazed out of his eye sockets.

Across the whole battle field in this darkness he saw thousands of glowing purple eyes. All the dead within the city are now on their feet and they were all coming towards the centre. With all this going on around him there was silence, until the first scream came into his ears. He then heard the moving of feet. People were abandoning their positions he shouted “keep to-” before he could say anything he saw one set of eyes moving towards him. “Baldwin…..

He faced towards the approaching eyes in the flashes of purple light he saw Edric walking towards him sword ready but his voice was mixed with another. The voice of Nagash “you left me behind, sigmar turned you into a slave. You don’t even care…you are just like me...” He roared at Edric “I am nothing like you! Sigmar does not desire tyranny!” “what of those sigmar does not like? What of those who do not fit into his vision? If sigmar asks you to kill them would you?” “sigmar would never do that…” “he abandoned people before when he closed the gates of ayzr. Leaving all those people to die…they scream and wail in the underworlds...Nagash hears all...he is also their frustration...and their vengeance...” He saw another flash in the darkness Edric opened his skeletal mouth and out came multiple voices, men, women and even children. Sigmar save me! Curse sigmar! Mother please don’t kill mother! YOU LET MY BOY TURN INTO A MONSTER BALDWIN! MY SON IS A VAMPIRE!? I TRUSTED YOU!those two voices he recognised his memory jolted, it was the voices of Edric’s mother and the father of Leonard. He took a step back “I am...sorry….I….” the voice continued YOU DID NOT TRY HARD ENOUGH, WHEN HE NEEDED YOU MOST YOU PROVED THE LORD OF THE DEAD RIGHT.Baldwin began to hear screaming around him, the tearing of meat and the guzzling of blood another flash of purple light he saw vampires on top of mortals ripping out throats.

Edric was still walking towards him mouth open "if Sigmar told you to kill them would you?” he did not know how to answer that question. He knows Sigmar would never command him to make such an action. “He would never ask that!” he shouted as he spoke he heard a familiar scream and to his right a flash of blue light shooting upwards. “Vizira...no…”  

Finally another purple flash and Edric was before him he closed his mouth, it was pure instinct he readied his weapons to attack the wight, like a flash he deflected the blows and impaled his blade into his gut right through his sigmarite plate. His blood started to run cold, things were going dark “I can’t die here! I…” Again Edric spoke, but it was not his voice mixed with that of the god of the dead it was the voice of the undying king. KNOW THIS STORMCAST, IN THESE TIMES OF TRIBULATIONS, PEOPLE DO NOT SCREAM FOR THE ABSENT SOUL-THIEF. THEY SHOUT FOR ME AND FOR MY ARMIES TO BRING UNFLINCHING ORDER. IT IS IN ME THAT THERE IS AN END OF CHAOS. NOT IN THE BETRAYER’S FALSE DREAM.Edric twisted his blade, Balder gasped as blood began flaking his lips.

He bought his blade upwards tearing through his armour and organs, darkness finally greeted him just for a moment until he saw blue light, he felt searing pain and then nothing.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Chapter 22

His head sagged up, his vision was red, he could taste the blood is mouth. Jonathan pounced on another mortal. The order repeating in his head to kill, he had to obey. He can’t think of anything else. A strange vigour gripped him, his flesh did not burn anymore, it did not sear. All he focused on is using this moment to devour more mortals, until the thought suddenly stopped. He sagged to his knees. He blinked “w-what just happened?” He looked up the skies which are now clearing.

Jonathan then bought his vision around him, all he saw were corpses and the skeletons standing at attention with bloodied blades. All the blood knights were looking around in confusion, just like him they wondered what just happened. He staggered to his feet. “Where is Edric?” Tracing the battlefield he saw him standing over a scorch mark. Jonathan walked over. “My lord I think we won.” He stood like a stone, then he clenched the handle of his blade. “This is a failure…” he said firmly. Jonathan looked around again all he sees is corpses and their army getting back into formation. “I don’t see it as a failure..” Edric turned he roared at him. “It is! He had to intervene!” The wight began pacing. “I should of used the morghast and varghiests...but I was too arrogant I though victory was assured...Mannfred always said to consider all angles…Arkahn said not to let emotions cloud my decision making....” his lord then stopped. “What’s done is done…” He then sheathed his blade. “Jonathan.” “yes my lord?” “have the blood knights round up the living mortals. Some are still alive.” he was going to follow the order but he had to ask a question. “Edric...what just happened?” his king looked up to the sky. “It’s your first time? Seems to be the case….you will get used to it.” the answer confused him, he had no idea what the wight meant. “Jonathan stop standing around and follow my order.” he sighed and walked back to his blood knights, he was still confused but at least he can focus on something.

Edric watched Jonathan beginning to order the blood knights, he guessed for all of them it must be a first for having the lord of the dead direct them. In the distance he could see Eredas is gathering his spirit hosts. The battle is largely done, the undying king saw to that. The fact he had to personally enter the battle shows that he has to do better, he can’t let his liege down. “Edric!” the voice broke his thoughts, he could see Kaphiri approaching him with her get. “Wha-” “I don’t have time to explain we have something to do.” he could see her get frowning in annoyance, he did not care if they don’t like how he talks to her they have to deal with it. “I know where the nobles are, you are coming with me to deal with them.” at the mention of nobles she grinned. “I suspected they were hiding away..by the way, what of the deathmages?” “they will most likely be entering the city and will be using the dead to secure it. The battle is won there is nothing to worry about, now come with me.” He began walking down the street, Gerwine is still recovering, he can feel it. So they have to march. In the end it does not matter, his mount is not needed at the moment. He began thinking of the mortals hiding away in the store house.

The great Nagash gave him another order to destroy their faith and that is what he will do the information passed to him by his god will be useful in doing that. It only took a few minutes of walking to reach the objective. It was a large building with double doors made out of wood. Edric looked up and from the skies the morghast landed, he then pointed at the door. “Take it down.” at his order the morghast began hacking away the wood with their halberds it only took about a minute for them to break down the door. Once the door was splinters he strode in with Kaphiri and her get. The morghast hovered behind him, what he saw were the nobles with their guards trying to protect the ill, Edric also spotted a few civilians. A woman charged at him blade in hand roaring prayers to sigmar, he did not move and inch seeing this, the Morghast merely came forward and grasped her head with one hand. She began struggling in their grip spitting curses. Edric ignored her and looked upon everyone else, he could see their fear, it bled off them. Even in this storehouse they must of felt the presence of the undying king, the screams of those he ordered to be killed. Yet he is here for another reason. “Be grateful mortal’s for you have been given a chance…” an older man came forward. His hand trembling on the handle of his blade. “Y-You have come for our surrender?” he stammered. “Yes and no. You will only live if you relinquish your faith in sigmar.” he gestured his head to the morghast holding the female. The harbinger threw the mortal back to the crowd. “Now, you only have one chance. I am asking, if you refuse all of you will serve in another capacity....” a part of him wanted them to refuse. Yet a small spec thought he should give the last dregs of this city one chance. Only one. A soldier wearing the colours of the female the morghast threw aside called out “if we accept. Can you cure the plague!? I-I have a sister who…” “it can be done. Easily actually.” at the confirmation of a cure everyone began looking at each other in confusion.

 

The woman his morghast threw staggered to her feet. “He is lying!” she pointed her blade at him. “I Freida Vogel of House Vogel! will never bow to the dead! Never! My parents! My friends fought to free ourselves! To free this city! We follow the tenets and ways of Sigmar the god king!”her proclamation caused people to look at each other he saw hope. Seeing even a spec of it disgusted him, especially from these mortals. “Then call him to save you.” Freida narrowed her eyes at him. “I am sure you felt it Freida, the power and presence of the god-king but what came after? Do all of you recall that?” Kaphiri tutted “we should just kill them..” “be silent Kaphiri allow me to talk with them.” the vampire rolled her eyes Edric continued. “I am sure you felt the chill of death, the voice in your minds. The sounds of bells and the decline of all. You can refuse me, in the end you will still serve the undying king. If he can’t have your lives he will take your body and spirits instead. I have come with the offer to heal your sick and in return I ask for faith.” he looked at the rest of the people. “All of you choose, how do you wish to serve? In death or in life? I care not…” as he finished a house guard ran towards him and got to his knees. The same one that spoke of his sister “I accept! My sister is right here! If I have to bow to the god of the dead to heal her so be it!” Edric looked at the mortal who is on his knees. His eyes are full of despair, he is at his end’s rope. “Tell me, have you prayed for sigmar to heal her?” “Yes! Bu-” “It never works does it?” “no...it doesn’t...the wizards can’t heal them, the priests prayers do nothing…” Freida barked at the olderman “Eckard! We have to do something w-” Edric could see the man named Eckard was ignoring her somewhat, he walked foward. “Tell me if you can cure it where did this plague come from?”

As they moved to that subject everyone looked at him. He could tell they all think they are the cause of it, but his lord has graced him with wisdom. Edric pointed at a blonde haired noble. “The Noble Leon Koch can answer that question.” as he spok everyone looked at him, Freida was the only who did not shift her gaze. “You are lying, you seek to divide us.” The noble he pointed at came forward “what do I have to do with this!? I-” “not you, but the plague is linked to you.” Edric intoned. “Tell me Leon Koch do you have a mother?” He gulped and slowly nodded “I do.” “tell me has this mother of yours had you make statues, temples and places of worship for the people of this city? Along with the surrounding villages?” the human slowly nodded. “Yes...but...what do-” “it has everything to do with that. The plague is of Chaos.” the announcement caused everyone’s eyes to go wide. Eckard barked “our wizards and priests have confirmed it’s not of the ruinous powers!” “It is, corruption is insidious, especially when it comes to the plague god and it’s diseases. The god of decay’s plagues are alive, all your holy sites are not of sigmar but of the foul chaos god. All those who enter temples or pray to statues are infected” the announcement caused all colour to drain from everyone’s faces, even Freida.

Leon shook his head “it’s impossible...we are all infected!?” Edric nodded “yes, the disease incubates and activates at random points. Hence those who take care of their infected family members are absolutely fine. Still the plague god can activate the disease when he wishes to, like the last time we visited to make it appear we were to blame.” At the mention of their last visit Kaphiri clenched her hands and ground her teeth. Her eyes flashed red at the humans. “Calm yourself Kaphiri.” his order caused her to relax only slightly, he bought his gaze back to the humans who were in disbelief. “Now if you worshipped the undying king such things would have no power over you. Still one way to deal with it is to remove the original source. Tell me Leon you are a smart man, who do you think is the original source?” The noble dropped to his knees “n-no you are lying...it can’t be…” “It is your mother. If your mother dies the places of worship should no longer spread her vile disease. All those who have an incubated version of it should also be cured.. The deatmages and those who know the art of death can also kill the disease of those who are in its clutches.” He gestured to this crowd “all those years of suffering….of hurt...the god king did nothing as you had to bury your families in ditches. Watching them convulse and die…so you have one last chance. Give your faith and things will be well again. Do not?and serve in death….”

There was a deathly silence in the storehouse, many looked ashen, the soldier who is on his knees looked up to him. “I pledge my eternal soul to nagash the undying king.” as that one lone soldier spoke everyone began pledging fealty, one by one. Apart from three people, Eckard, Leon and Freida. “Well what is your answer?” Ekard gave a heavy sigh, he placed his hand on his chest and pledged fealty. “I pledge my soul and my house to the undying king.” Edric moved his eyes to Freida. She was trembling, the news has shook her faith, all the suffering and hardship dealing with the plague could of been easily dealt with. Edric repeated his liege’s words. “Sigmar only bought his eyes to this city because of the cost of losing it. This whole time his sight was elsewhere as your people died. He does not care.” tears began running down her face as she looked down. “I swear my soul to the undying king…”

As she made her fealty known, he looked at Leon. The noble rose and drew his blade he charged at him. “I won’t let you kill her!” he roared. As the noble got in a few paces one of the Morghast in a simple movement removed his head. Everyone stared at the corpse slumping to the ground in silence. “So he serves in death.” Edric said flatly.
 

Adela huddled with the rest of the soldiers, they have been rounded up by the vampires, in her long career for the first time she was truly scared. She could not even mutter a single prayer to sigmar, the darkness along with the screams of her comrades. The chill that ran through her spine as she ran for her life. She ran aimlessly trying to avoid the purple eyes, Adela even heard her own men crying out for help. They screamed her name, they screamed for sigmar but no further help came. Then she felt someone touch her shoulder, she looked to her right and on his knees she saw Alfred. “They seek to break us before they kill us.” the mention of death caused her to shudder, she never feared going into battle and the possibility of dying, that came with the job. But this was different, seeing the face of death, processing what just happened she knows there will be no peace. “Break us in what way Arch lector?” “break our faith. It’s what they do. But we can’t give them that satisfaction.” Adela wasn’t sure, there is nothing left they lost utterly. “What if there is a chance to live?” “It won’t be living especially under the lord of the dead. We fought well I think Sigmar will be proud.” Adela looked around young men and women were in tears, all of them in the grip of fear.

 

She clenched her hands “tell me Alfred how can you remain so calm after that?” The arch lector gave her a gentle smile. “I lived on the edge of death for most of my life. When this city was in control by cruel vampire lords. I have seen what it will be like if they get their way…” Adela bit her lip she had to brave like Alfred, she can’t let something like this get to her. She is the general of the claws of sigmar. She took a deep breath “thank you Alfred.” She then looked up to the sky she prayed that another storm would come to smite them. She had to believe that, Sigmar won’t let them be tormented by the dead. He is not that sort of god. She had to have faith.

 

Adela was about to mutter a small prayer until she heard several footsteps, she saw the leader of the undead host with a group of people. Alfred cursed “that’s impossible! Why are they with him!?” the outburst caused her to look more carefully she saw nobles, house guard and civilians following her dead “brother”. She shook her head “t-they surrendered?” as she spoke her fellows all looked to be in disbelief. Her “brother” approached their guards, A vampire in black armour walked to the wight. “My lord the soldiers and fighters that are still alive have been gathered.” “Let me see.” the vampires parted slightly letting him through, their eyes locked with each other. “So Nagash let you live. That is interesting.” Adela could not muster anger, staring at the wight king who is now pristine. Like he did not see even a day of battle, all their hard work was swept away in a few short moments. A dark thought crossed her mind, a thought she wanted to bury. They had no hope of winning. The lord of the dead could've moved at anytime to annihilate them. “You are correct sister. The undying king could of moved at any moment. This city was marked for death one way or another. But in this rare moment the undying king has offered some medium of mercy. His orders were to kill and break their faith. I will follow through with that.” He gestured to two knights “bring her forward.” at his order two vampires pulled her from the group and bought her to the wight.

Standing in front of him she did not know what to feel, her brother would never do this. The brother she looked up to. The one she wanted to be like. Adela found her mouth moving “why did this happen?” The wight looked up “Because he did not help….I was in a similar situation...I looked to him and received nothing. But that does not have to happen to you…” he leveled his hollow eye sockets at her. He gestured with one hand, next to him a blue light manifested it expanded until it was about the size of a head. What she saw was Leon Koch roaring in agony and pain. The fear she felt before came cascading into her body. “Sister, I will give you a chance. Trade your life for those of your free guild. Betray all your oaths, spit on your faith and serve. If not I will force you to.” as the skeleton spoke, her fellows began crying out that it’s not fair. Some shouted in anger and called the wight a monster. Adela looked back to Alfred who was giving her a stern gaze.

 

She then looked at the roaring spirit. She found her lips trembling “w-why….why me?” “Why not? This is merely what I have decided. Make your choice Sister.” as he mentioned choice she clenched her eyes shut. To accept would be to betray everyone who died in this conflict, to betray her faith, to betray her mother and those who are still alive. She was about to speak but she saw flashes of the darkness and the purple eyes. Then she recalled Alfred’s words that there won’t be peace in death. Tears began rolling down her face. “Please spare the rest of them. Kill me instead.” “No.” the wight said flatly. “Why!?” she was not angry, it was more a plea. “Make your choice” he intoned “I won’t ask again.” Adela felt her hands trembling “I-I-I…..”

Time was slowing down, it was hard to breathe, a part of her prayed to Sigmar that he would do something, anything in this situation. If she says no her spirit along with those gathered will be tormented and pressed ganged into the army of the dead. “I tell you this sister I thought the same way. He will not help you. Not when you need it. You are alone.” “A-Alone…” all she could see are the purple eyes and all she can hear are the screams and the tearing of meat. “I….a-accept” She blinked rapidly in shock “N-No! Wait!” The wight’s face distorted into a unnatural grin. “So you accepted.” “I didn’t! I…” she recalled her first words and she felt a chill on the back of her hand. A strange discolouration formed she began panicking. “You heart agreed sister.” The wight dismissed the tormented spirit and grasped her hand, he began escorting her out of the circle. For some reason she did not resist, she was dumbfounded, her mind was blank. “I-I…” “sister you made your choice.” before they left the circle she looked back to Alfred who was shaking his head. “Jonathan.” said the wight. The black armoured vampire approached “yes my lord?” “The blood knights can do what they want with the rest. Think of it as a victory meal.” the vampire smiled and bowed. “I see…” the vampire walked away and joined the circle. As they made their way out, all of the vampires began pouncing on the remainder of her free guild. The screams bounced in her skull. Adela slowly looked away, she stared at the ground. “What have I done?” “You made the right decision sister.” she looked up the wight who’s skeletal face was now normal. As he held her hand she saw flashes of her childhood, Edric holding her hand taking her out to play.

At this moment he was acting like family, that the battle did not happen at all. Adela then remembered her brother. He died before the true battle even started.

She clenched her free hand “do you regret killing Aldwin?” “I can’t feel regret.” Adela shook her head. “None at all?” “None. I have to look beyond that if I wish to complete my task set by the undying king.” They slowly began approaching the group of people who are looking at her in surprise. What shocked her was that among the group were the nobles of the city and the ill who look hearty. “How? Did you cure them?” “ They were cured through death, the main cause of the disease has to be dealt with to free the whole city.” “Main cause? Free the whole city? What do you mean?” “You are infected at the moment.” the news caused her eyes to go wide “w-what do you mean I feel fine!?” they stopped, Edric released his grip from her hand. “Well at the moment you are. I won’t spend time explaining but you are infected with the plague. Do not worry it will be dealt with then you will return with me to Helopolis.” At the mention of leaving the city she shook her head. “Why are you taking me away!? What reason do…” “It’s because it’s my will. You will come to Helopolis and that’s final.” The order caused her slink back slightly, her hearts beating rapidly. “Kill me….I…” she looked back to the crowd of people screaming for their lives as the vampires devoured them. Her heart was filled with regret, she made the wrong choice. “Please ki-” “Be silent!” he shouted. His hollow sockets flared with a mix of blue and green energy. “You made your choice. You will come with me.” he said firmly.

Adela looked down it was hard to breathe, she then bit her lip. He was right in a manner of speaking she made her choice. She let fear control her, She imagined it was the same with everyone else who is still alive. She stared at her fellows who are being torn apart, crying for sigmar to help them. Screaming for mercy. But no mercy will come, watching the violence unfold at the back of her mind a small voice told her that the god-king will not help. “He won’t help.” she looked up to the wight who was now staring with her. “That is what you are telling yourself for it’s the truth. This is also a lesson. In the past I cried for his help, yet misfortune came, torment came. Even when I did not look to Nagash he did not help me. He gave me no signs, nothing...”

He pointed at Alfred who was being devoured by several vampires. “A high priest of sigmar is dying like everyone else. Where is sigmar? Why has he not saved him? Why have you not been struck by his lightning? Where is your punishment for you “treachery” sister?” As he spoke she stared at Alfred slowly dying. As his life was drained away she grit her teeth, her heart was telling her he was right. Now she wondered what sort of things he had to endure thinking that sigmar will aid him, the thought of being abandoned, the thought that he would never see both of them again. Slowly she felt herself being detached to what was happening in front of her until eventually they were all dead. “I know in your mind you do not think of me as your brother. But I am your brother, the bitter remnants that still presses on for the sake of order in the realms and the end of chaos.” as he mentioned the end of chaos, she looked up to him. “Do you really believe that?” “I do.” the conviction in his voice. It’s clearly there. She looked down to her hands they still trembled slightly a part of her still ached at the the choice she made. In the end she has to live with it. This is her life now, she wondered what her mother will think of this decision. At least she is now with her brother Aldwin or at least she hopes so if Edric forgets to enslave his spirit.

Staring at the wight all the parts that were bitter and hateful towards chaos and now sigmar were there. Even the conviction. She had to admit this being before her is the brother she searched for all these years.

Adela looked up to the sky. “Sigmar will you truly do nothing?” she waited for a moment, the clouds did not gather, there were no storms brewing. No divine punishment, for her choice or vengeance for those who are dying, the clouds were merely still. Still and unmoving, just like her brother said.

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