The Court of the Young King is silent. Farseer Durell can see that the Exarchs wanted to be out there with their Eldar kin, hunting down and destroying the Great Enemy. But in dire times like these, the Eldar turn to the greatest fighter among them. This warrior (who now is I) is ritually prepared and sacrificed to the war god, Kaela Mensha Khaine, so he will send forth the Avatar. From the room outside the chambers of the Court, knowing I am going to die to ensure the Eldar's victory over the vile forces of Chaos, I hear the Farseer chanting:
"SUERIORIS, ALTRES FOROTAIS. Court, we come to witness, and to sacrifice." He walks to the table and lifts a massive sword, with burning runes engraved upon it. He turns and walks to the great doors to the Chamber of the Avatar. Holding the sword in both hands, he says: "Our words, we give to honour, our hearts to battle, our essence to He-Who-Awakens. The time for battle is once again upon us. The Bloody Hand will show the way." Durell's head turns to the doorway to this room. "Enter, Young King, chosen of the Exarchs."
I enter, and walk to the table. The Farseer joins me. One of the Exarchs of the Court holds a mantle with a flowing green cloak, the symbol of Biel-Tan marked on the back.
"Wear the mantle of Biel-Tan so he will know who you serve." The Farseer continues. Another Exarch hands me a goblet. The Farseer raises the sword. "Cup of Kriel, accept this sacrifice." The Farseer lets the blade fall onto my wrists. Blood drips down from my flesh and falls into the Cup of Kriel. The great doors to the Chamber suddenly burst into flame, but a few seconds after, the fire dies out. Durell nods in satisfaction. He hands me the mighty sword. "Wield the Wailing Doom, and ignite his battle-lust." The Chamber doors open with another massive burst of flame. The floor beyond is covered with a fire so hot, I can feel it from where I stand.
"Go to him. Bring him forward." I feel the eyes of the Court watching me as I slowly walk towards the flames. As I step through the doorway, the doors close behind me. Though I walk on the fire, it does not burn. Then, a massive surge of energy courses through my body. I scream. Or at least my body does. My soul seems to have separated from it. I watch as, rising, I see my body burn to cinders. The artefacts I carried hang there. Then I turn round, and see the burning wraithbone of the Throne of the Avatar. I see Kaela Mensha Khaine sitting upon it.
"WELCOME, KARHAEDRON. I HAVE EXPECTED YOU."
"Mighty Khaine, my life is yours."
"YOU SEE HIM?" He asks, standing up to reveal the lifeless glowing body of the Avatar, the mortal form of Kaela Mensha Khaine. "NOW YOU INHABIT HIS BEING, WITH MY POWER AS YOURS."
Durell waits patiently. The Court watches in silence. Then, the heavy footfalls tell Durell that the sacrifice was accepted. The great doors burst open again with a large burst of flame. The Avatar walks out, Wailing Doom in right hand, blood dripping from left. He gives a mighty roar, swings the sword round and points to the Webway Portal. It is time.