The Empire
Altdorf
- It seems matters became more complicated. – Karl said while walking beside the Elven mage to the Council Room.
- I can still feel the magic unleashed. – Teclis added, deep in his thoughts. – Capable of ripping world apart, if under Chaos control. Perhaps more than that.
- It explains why Ruinous Powers changed their plans. – Franz walked to the large table in the middle of the room, on which Giant map of the entire Empire was laying. – They chase after bigger prize. But why they revealed it to us?
- Maybe they didn't have a choice in this matter? – Teclis tried to answer, but Karl wasn't satisfied with that. – Or couldn't contain it?
- Or Dark Gods think we can't do anything about it. – Karl stated, and looked at the map of his fractioned empire, struggling with beastmen incursions and political infighting. – That we are too weak, locked in conflict with one another to the point we can't work together. – He gave an Elven mage a determined look. – Let's prove them wrong.
Teclis nodded in agreement. After, all For centuries he tried to unite the world against the common enemy, aided Forces of the Order against Dark Powers and their machinations in numerous occasions, but all his efforts, although worthy of praise, were only rewarded with momentary truces, and nothing more. But this time, entire world heard the challenge. Maybe there is finally a chance…
- I must return to the Phoenix court and inform Phoenix king at once. – He said – Also my brother needs to know. – he added in his mind.
- Go friend, The sooner we get Asur's help, the better.
I fear it won't be possible. – Teclis wanted to say, but stopped. If they got the prophecy, it means his dark kin also knows. And Malekith won't stop. Not this time.
Teclis bowed his head with respect, then he teleported away, to the distant Ulthuan. Karl turned to his advisor, and advisor bowed before his emperor.
- What are your orders, my liege?
Karl took a good look at the map of the Empire. His Empire.
- Summon the elector counts.
The coast Bretonnia,
Dukedom of Bordelaux
Storm shook the cliffs, lightnings shattered rock, while enormous tides impacted against coast of Bretonnia with all it's might. While the earth trembled before the might of the ocean, a thin cliff, cutting like into the waves, stood seemingly defiant to the furious element. But do not be mistaken, for this cliff only stands because sea allows it.
This is a special place. – Gift to the inhabitants of the earth, who chose to show worship and devotion to the might of the Ocean. And lone figure walked across the natural stone bridge, unafraid of the raising waves and wind. This bridge wouldn't be able to stand in normal circumstances, and would fall down, if someone would try to walk across. Unless there was a storm. This was the place when Bretonnians from Bordelaux signed their pact with God of the Sea, Mannan, and now, the highest authority in entire Dukedom, and head of the Mannan's church in the lands of the Lady, Alberic d'Bordelaux, walked across to connect with the clearest essence of the ocean.
Since he saw the twin-tailed comet, storm erupted on the entire coast, and while Bretonnians knights were ecstatic because of the prophecy, d'Bordelaux heard the call. And he was concerned.
When he set his foot on the sacred land, he bowed his head in respect, and soon he stood in the center of the circle made from stones washed directly from the depth of the ocean. He knelt, waiting.
That was his second time when he came here – the first time when he just became a duke, and since then he knew that he shouldn't come back. But this time, he was summoned.
He soon realized that the thunders, the blowing wind, ties crashing the stone were forming words, a whispers. A warnings, and the orders.
He focused his entire being, wanting to understand what his God tries to tell him.
Old Blood returned.
Alberic didn't reply, but listened.
I wanted more time, but it wasn't meant to be. You will carry enormous burden on your shoulders little one.
Alberic didn't move even an inch, but his eyes shined.
I ask you for everything you have, and more. They will come for the Lady. They will come from all parts of the world.
Alberic raised his head, and then, on the, waves he saw it.
Black armada of the Black arcs, landing on Bretonnian coast…
Hordes of Beasts coming from the trees…
Vermins digging themselves from the ground…
The dead raising from the sea…
Everyone wanted to take it the ultimate prize. To take a…
White swallow?
You will be my Trident, for I grant you safe passage through the storms on the Ocean. Every ship you chose, will not be sank by the waves.
I grant you treasures of the sea to aid you. Vanquish the Scourge of Undeath, Sank forces of the Witch-king, bury the vermin in their holes, and when the time comes, find the Lady and save her, no matter the cost.
The large wave engulfed him for a moment, and inside, he saw another vision of destruction.
Fires rose around him, scorching the trees, as the horde of beatsman mutilated the corpses of the elves. He saw mutated rats fighting side by side with warriors clad in chaotic steel, Chaos knights ripping through the Asarai, led by the Warrior covered in living armor made of bones. He noticed Twisted Beast, which morphed and corrupted all with mere touch, desecrating corpses under his feet. And then, when he turned around, he looked at the Largest Oak on the entire World, and his spirit shook.
For the mighty tree was wrapped in golden vines, all linking the Monster burrowing inside Oak's heart.
Go, and do what you have to do. - And with that, visions stopped, and Alberic felt his God slowly going away.
And Alberic went away from the sacred land, excited, for this, this was the Quest he was denied all those years ago.
Realms of Chaos
Gods of Chaos rarely gather in one place.
Send their messengers and speak through them? Of course. Manifest through projection? Most of the time. But gathering "in person", in neutral ground only showed the magnitude of the situation at hand.
First came Khorne, The God of Slaughter, High Marshal, wearing his impenetrable, Black and Crimson steel armor, forged in Fires of Hatred and hardened with Blood of the Butchered. He came before others, along his elite eight Bloodthirsters, also clad in black steel, ready to take on any potential ambush head on, not fearing his "siblings". And was left annoyed, for his brothers didn't even try.
Second came Nurgle, God of Poxes and Lord of Flies, looking like a flesh-mountain, made of constant rot and regrowth. He "walked" into the gathering slowly, with hundreds of his children accompanying him, as well as his seven, favorite sons. Although he took his time, but arrived not too late, not too early.
Third came Slannesh, God of Excess and The Dark Prince. He wore the unnaturally delicate, purple and white silk, and was surrounded by dozens of adoring handmaidens, each carrying a polished, crystal mirror, allowing their master to see each part of her ideal form. She was also accompanied by six mesmerizing Keepers of Secrets, each unique and near perfect, but each bore some minor flaw in their shape, for none can be truly ideal in the presence of the Dark Prince, beside the Dark Prince herself of course. He arrived fashionably late, as always.
And lastly came Tzeentch, this time looking as a cloud, full of thunderbolts, which formed thousands of eyes. He came alone, for he can't trust any of his own subjects to perform their part right, and knew that he was never in danger. He arrived just in time, which was far behind his siblings, just to make them wait for a while. Although time didn't flow here like in real space, He loved to annoy them that way.
- greetings my brotherS! i see we all had the same ideA.
- Don't act like you didn't have anything to do with it. - Khorne said, his voice booming through the realms like a continent shattering in two.
- which iS?
- Hen Ichnear is here. - Nurgle stated in his slow manner, sounding like two sacks of rotten meat rubbing against one another. - Again.
- Indeed. Such an fascinating occurance. - Slannesh said in her smooth, unnaturaly relaxing voice, similar a breeze on the beach during the sunny day. - And yet worrying.
- and are you suspect me of bringing iT? - Tzeentch faked a shock. - how could yoU?
- The End Times are threatened because of that. - Nurgle argued. - All our dilligent work and eons of schemes ruined because of you.
- blind as always brotheR. - Tzeentch answered in disappointment, but not surprised - but what else I could expect from yoU?
- I don't want to agree with him, and although sensation the old blood offers are tempting, her presence here puts our Everchosen in danger.
- He is not Everchosen. - Khorne pointed out. - We didn't give him a crown.
- Because of his delays! - Slannesh pointed at Tzeentch. - Instead, he gave his support to your champion, of all mortals!
- And you followed him. - Khorne remarked, angering the God of Pleasure.
- Because you did. - Nurgle accused - He marked your champion brother, and we needed to react, before you two can go ahead with your plan.
- If you think that I had some sort of agreement with him… - Blood God pointed his sword at the Cloud, which smiled in return. - …Then you are wrong, relatively least-hated brother. - He turned his attention back to the God of Lies, his eyes burning like active volcano's - For a long time, I watched what you were trying to do with my champion Tzeentch, to figure out what is your plan, but what have you done demands explanation.
- Wait, he messed with your champion?! - Slannesh gasped in shock.
- And you let him do that? - Nurgle shook his head in disbelief.
- because my plan turned out to be beneficial to him, righT? - Tzeentch said, and for a minute or two, Khorne said nothing, only to nod in agreement.
- When Styrbjorn was defeated and his son died, he lost himself. - Blood God stated, nearly spit on the black rocks. - He was pathetic. Once a warrior with unyielding spirit, who shattered cities and armies in my name, became a husk, a broken shell. That's why I wanted to turn to others worthy of my attention, and allowed his tribe to be extinguished - better for them to die in battle than crumble into dust.
He again looked at Tzeentch, his eyes burning in anger, but also... Amusement.
- But then I felt you manifested to him. I watched carefully for any sign of your influence, and...
- AnnDDD? - Tzeentch teased a little, wanting to hear that.
- ...And I found none. - Blood God admitted. - Yet after your intervention, he returned. - The mighty warrior who slaughtered Bretons in my name was again himself.
- Fascinating. - Nurgle said, not amused by the tale at all. - Where is the catch?
- catcH?
- Whatever you do Brother, there is always a catch.
- Do not ask questions regarding my champion Nurgle! - Khorne slammed his iron fist into the rocky ground, scaring hundreds of nurglings away.
- Your champion? - Slannesh asked instead. - He now bears our marks too, you already forgot or your brain cooked of in this suit of yours?
Bloodthirsters raised their weapons as they felt their master's rage taking over, simply because of the fact that the Dark Prince dared to speak to him. The mere mention of the Dark Prince in Khorne's domain was enough to make rivers of blood boil in rage, but Slannesh being this close and speaking to him directly was far more than infuriating. Prince's guards also raised their weapons, eager to teach those brutes some class and style.
- I would never forgot that you marked my Chosen Champion, after he slaughtered your warriors in battle. - Khorne retaliated. - Only because you feared that I and Tzeentch had secret agreement. How foolish of you. How…
- …predictablE. – Tzeentch ended, earning himself a death stare from the Blood God.
- Why should I care about some puppets, when better toys are just within reach? Remember, I almost got Hen Ichnear for myself.
- Almost.
- i simply told him about the futurE. - Tzeentch interrupted the discussion, already knowing what will happen if someone do not intervene in time. Although he loved their petty arguments, this was not a good time for that. And his sudden answer achieved desired effect, for attention of other three returned to him.
- What future? - Khorne asked, forgetting for a moment about God of Pleasure.
- that Hen Ichnear will arrive herE. and about the power she offers to those strong enough to take iT. he was a very willing listeneR.
- How could you know she will be here hmm? - Nurgle asked out of obvious suspicion. - Old Ones last spell prevents us from seeing into other planes of existence.
- simple, because I brought her herE! - lightning bolts struck all around him, shattering rock and crystals around.
- So it is really because of you. - Slannesh raised her eyebrow, and Tzeentch rolled his orb lightnings like eyes.
- who else coulD? that sack of roT? - He looked with contempt at God of Flies. - he is content with all we have noW. that brutE? - he pointed his cloud finger at Khorne, and Blood God growled as a warning. - he lacks magical prowess to do such a thinG. and you have attention span of a trolL.
- Hey!? Don't you dare compering me to such ugly beast! - Slannesh turned its head away, deeply offended to his core. - There are prettier things with short "attention span".
- whateveR. - Tzeentch sighed. - point still standS - i made a plan, I put pieces in place and set all into motion, while you three sat and watched, doing nothinG.
- For what you brought her here you imbecile!? - Nurgle shouted in rage comparable to Khorne, shaking violently in the process, causing many nurglings to fall, while seven Great Unclean One's did everything in their power to prevent their father to fall to the ground. - Don't you remember what that thing did the last time!? You utmost...
ENOUGH. - Khorne roared, and when everyone went silent, he looked Tzeentch deep into eyes. - You really did that?
- guilty and chargeD. - Tzeentch replied, and when it did, Khorne approached the cloud, his heavy steps echoing through the realms like falling meteors, until he stood inch from his Brother God. He pierced the cloud with his eyes, while the giant sword Khorne held in his hands suddenly digged itself deeply into the rock.
- You finally did something right. - Blood God praised the God of Magic, much to other Gods confusion, even Tzeentch, to some extent, couldn't believe what he just heard.
- Wait, you…
- Are you not only stupid but deaf? He did well this time.
- You can't be serious. – Nurgle stated with desbelief. – His actions may cost us the End Times!
- This world's fate is already set in stone.
- ohhh, never expected such words coming from you, brotheR.
Khorne looked at each of his sibling, then spoke again.
- This world will die. – He proclaimed. – End Times will happen. But the rest of the universe… - He clenched his brass fist in anger. – Will live on. I only cared for this world destruction because it was the only thing I could do through millennia. – His fiery breath scorched the black rock, setting some Deamonettes on fire. – We play in this sandbox, fighting for scraps Old Ones left us. But I know there are billions of souls, even now calling for strength! But I can't answer it, trapped in this prison with you three. – Venom almost flew from his mouth, but the victorious chuckle replaced it. – But If we capture her…
- Harvest her…
- Corrupt her…
- …we will play with the entirety of the universe Old Ones nourisheD! – Tzeentch ended the thought, triumph booming alongside the thunders. – Just imagine this brothers: plagues spanning whole worldS…
Nurgle inhaled the toxic fumes from his own belly, and grinned, imagining this glorious sight.
- ...endless different pleasureS…
Slannesh moaned out of excitement, and his bodyguards… Better to not describe.
- And War spanning Worlds! – Khorne rose his brass fist, and his bloodthirsters did so as well.
- so, do you still consider my actions wronG? – Tzeentch asked, feeling the change of the situation.
- There is some merit… - Nurgle, the main opposer of the idea admitted. – But it still doesn't answer a question: Why him?
- we all know that Archaon is full of unjust resentment towards uS. – Tzeentch pointed out, amused by that mortal's pettiness. – he would not directly oppose us, but he want to see this world burN. what guarantee we have that he won't end the worlD?
- He would obey…
- and it would make him less reliable to the tasK. those who are forced to do something they oppose deep inside their soul, will not sacrifice everything to achieve iT.
- And that Khornite brute will not stop. – Slannesh realized, and licked her lips. – He wants to fulfill his so selfish desire. I can taste it…
- not noW. – Tzeentch said. – having two Everchosens at once is beneficial for another reasoN. - only the mightiest will rule, and they will rival for our boonS.
- Only the strongest will survive… - Khorne added, smiling under his helmet at the prospect of the fight between two mighty champions.
- But we should order them to not fight against one another. At least for now. – The rest of the Pantheon looked at the oldest of them in confusion. – If we don't, they will simply fight for the position between themselves, hindering all search for the Old Blood.
- truE. – Tzeentch hated even the idea of agreeing with his rival, but sometimes you must make your hands dirty, or filthy.
- You want to stop our fights Nurgle?
- At least until we catch Hen Ichnear, we should work together, because no matter who finds her first, all of us will win.
- And sabotaging one another wouldn't help our cause. – Slannesh sat on the rock with a heavy sigh, but horde of daemonettes launched themselves under their God, not wanting Her to touch the dirty ground. – But I will miss that for sure.
- you will easily occupy your thoughts with something elsE. – Tzeentch looked in the eyes of each God. – so, we should make a pact, shouldn't wE?
- Yes.
- Indeed.
- Of course!
- then we should write the termS. – Tzeentch said, and begun the chant in tongue forgotten by even Oldest of Slanns, and the rest followed him in his song.
Soon, from the ground in the center of their meeting, spire made of black, smooth stone, taller than the mountains, rose into the air. As the chant continued, the blasphemous words started to appear on it. Raising of the black spire will later be called "Call of Annihilation".
Kislev
Wyjchera
- You alright? – Ciri reached to Percival with her right hand, and the old man grabbed it.
- I'm fine, thanks. – He stood up, and looked again at fallen beast. – Thanks for saving my life.
- You saved mine, I think we are even.
- No, I think I owe you more. – He turned to incoming Kislevites. – We owe you more.
All soldiers looked at her, shock mixed with disbelief, anger with gratitude. They weren't sure how to respond, how to react, and Ciri wasn't surprised. – She saw that looks many times before, after displaying her abilities. And the aftermath wasn't always pleasant
Their commander, woman named Matylda, stood before her soldiers, rose her hand in to focus their attention on her, and then spoke up.
- Thanks for saving our kids.
- That was nothing.
- Nothing!? – One of the soldiers yelled. - Girl, you fought one on one with Chaos Spawn! You are either suicidal…
- …highly skilled…
- …stupid…
- …overconfident…
- Enough Comrades. – Matylda said, shutting the discussion, and refocused on Cirilla. – But appearance of the Daemons is concerning. Those bastards never appear without a reason, and you seem to attract them with your magic.
- I didn't use magic during my stay. – Ciri said, and then thought for a moment. – At least, not until the monster appeared. But I didn't have a choice in this matter.
- You should have told us earlier.
- Wouldn't you consider me a threat?
- We are not burning people for magic like the Empire.
- You don't trust them either.
Matylda smirked. – You are partially right. Believe me, we like you, we really do, but if Orthodoxy finds out somehow…
Ciri nodded in agreement.
- I will leave tomorrow. – She said. – I don't have much to take anyway.
- No way! – All heard familiar voice behind, and through soldiers, Oswald made his way. – You saved our children, kicking you out now would be an offence to Dazh!
Percival gave him a cold stare – Now are you friendly Oswald? – He asked out of suspicion, not sure what Oswald was planning, but already smelling bad intentions.
- She saved the children future Percival, including our grandson! – He exclaimed with a smile. – I don't trust strangers, but she earned it. – With that, he looked at Ciri, and bowed his head. – I am deeply sorry for my… previous behavior. Please, accept my apology.
- It's alright really, after so long, you get used to it.
- Please, do not leave today, allow me, allow us! – He gestured at the crowd. - To repay you for your help! As Dazh demands it, guest's kindness should be repaid twofold!
But soldiers begrudgingly agreed with Oswald. After all, they wanted to thank her for saving their future.
- The Roar of the God-Bear will soon shatter winter! – Oswald continued, raising his hands to the air. – This will be a perfect time for you to make your journey to Erengrad!
- I don't want to put you at risk…
- Nonsense! We need to at least to give you a proper goodbye.
Ciri looked at all of them, seeing in their eyes that they can't be persuaded anymore. With deep sigh, she agreed.
- One more day. – And with that, all soldiers approached and surrounded her, patting her shoulders and talking about the various deeds against the beast, some questioning her about her magic, all smiling towards their savior. Even Percival put away his doubts, and joined the gathering.
Nobody could saw how Oswald's face turns from jovial and happy to serious and ominous. He smiled in silent victory, seeing the witch fell for his little play. And gave him enough time.
But not everyone were happy at the moment. Nearby, under the frozen tree, Kazimierz knelt beside the body of his brother, while Zuza tried to save the man's live.
While she worked, Kazimierz empty stare followed her hands. If he was more careful, faster, stronger…
- Don't do it. – Zuza said out of the sudden.
- Do what?
- Blame yourself.
- How can I not blame myself? He is my brother, I should have protected him. I allowed him to be alone, when he needed me the most. And now, he is dead.
- He is not. – Zuza pointed out, but Kazimierz scoffed.
- He will barely speak, walk, move his hands, barely breaths. It's even worse.
He sighed heavily, not sure what to do anymore. He saw death before, many of his comrades died in his arms, but seeing his own brother in that state? None can truly phantom the pain.
- I promise you, I will help him. – Zuza said.
- You can't… - He wanted to say, but her death stare shut him up.
- When I make a promise, I will fulfill it to the word. Do not doubt my word Kazimierz. Never doubt that.
After few seconds, Zuza returned to patching Bernard, just to be able to take him to her home and begin the difficult and dangerous, but necessary, process of healing.
- What I should do now? – Kazimierz looked at the setting sun, wondering in this sorrowful state.
- Live, Son of the Bear.
Laurelon forest
Cassandra sat on the large branch of the tree, deep in her thoughts.
When she tried to use World's Roots to traverse to Naggarond, it looked the way was just closed to her, which never happened ever before. So she tried traversed to Laurelon forest, and from there go to Naggarond. But it also didn't work, way was closed again. But before she could ask why is this all happening to her, world answered for her, in very rude way.
- You knew it will happen. – She declared, and shrine of Loec shined in the agreement.
- Queen also received the vision, She probably sent her Emissaries already. – But Shrine denied.
- She didn't saw it? – Cassandra didn't believe it, but Shrine shined with green light, and Cassandra nodded. – I see. But why now?
Shrine glowed in grey, giving her unspoken question, and Cassandra gave the Shrine accusatory look.
- After all I have done, after fulfilling so many tasks just get a trace of him, and you tell me just to abandon it now? – She looked at her blades, reflecting her face in blades. – When I am this close?
Brief reflection in her blades showed group of War Dancers being flailed alive by storm of magic, their souls ripped from their flesh. She shook her head, not wanting to see it again.
Shrine glowed in response, and Cassandra scoffed hearing the answer.
- Not all of us wants this "higher purpose" – She said. – Most have only one thing to accomplish.
After hearing that, the branch the Shadow Dancer sat upon fell down, and with surprised scream, she disappeared in the bush. When she poked her head out, shrine chuckled.
- Fine. – She surrendered – But how I may find her in the first place?
Shrine shined in purple, like the chuckle. Then it said a name, and Cassandra nodded, understanding.
- So the lands of man. – She said, walking away from the shrine. – I will meet you there, Ziereal.
She again looked at her polished blades, and tightened her grasp on them.
- Then I will return to hunting you, Durag, be sure of that.
Chaos Wastes
Inevitable city
Archeon sat on his dark throne, thinking about the sudden turn of events. And he was greatly displeased.
He saw twin-tailed comet, which should mark his coronation, but instead, he felt the change in the world, and most importantly – Gods decided gave their blessings to someone else, making second pretender for the crown and title. This infuriated Archaon, who thought he already passed all their trials, and no one will rise to challenge his authority again. But when he thought about the matter again, he realized that this is not a normal trail. – Lady of the Lake manifested herself, and Gods wants her for a reasons Archaon didn't know. Yet.
Although pretender gathered his own forces, consisting from the army Archeon sent to bring Norscan tribes to his heel, as well as warriors from various neighboring tribes and warbands, he wasn't that concerned. – Pretender had only miniscule force in comparison to the army Archeon gathered, and Lord of the End Times would squash him like a bug he is. But he knew that Gods demand something else.
To uncover their wishes, he spoke with his sorcerers and witches, dived his mind into the endless flow of the winds, searching for the answers, names, appearances. And his search, although for now vastly unsuccessful, brought some results. He knew that Bretonnian God is important, but she might have bigger value than most realize. And that's why he needs to get her first.
He swiftly purged elements of his horde, who showed even shadow of doubt, offering the traitors screaming souls to the Dark Pantheon. He brought back discipline to his army, and plan largely remained unchanged. – He will bring ruin to lands of Southerners, and while engaging them in bloody war, he will look for Ziereal.
He stared at the wall of blue fire, on which face of his target appeared – scarred girl with ashen hair, not looking like a God at all. If the Gods wants her so badly, he will find her, and claim her, proving to them that he is one and only Lord of the Annihilation. But what will he do with her? He, and he alone will decide.
- Orders, Almighty? – One of the Knights belonging to his personal routine asked, and Archoan grabbed his blade, Slayer of Kings, which thirsted for blood of the rulers.
- We march to the South. – He said. – We will crush lands of the Dawi, and then lands of the Bear.
His Knight nodded in agreement and run to relay his orders. Then, Archaon clenched his fist, and blue fire changed the image, now showing Chaos Sorcerer clad in Chaotic, enchanted armor, bearing a mark of Tzeentch on it.
- Archaon. – Egrimm said, and the true Everchosen didn't even turn face him.
- You saw the visions. – Archaon said. – If she finds herself in the lands of the Empire, inform me at once and follow her path, but do not capture her without my approval.
- Of course. – Van Horstmann nodded, but Archaon could feel the second meaning in this simple words from the Tzeentch's favorite. Knowing him, he already plots how to use the Lady of the Lake to ascend to Daemonhood. But his intrigues and plots might serve the True Everchosen's goals. Horstmann image then disappeared, leaving Archaon alone in the large hall, surrounded by whispers from the Realms of Chaos.
He heard his army gathering, drums of war signaling the end of this world. As he was leaving his throne room, he was ready to bring this world death and ruin, and nothing – no creature, no king, and certainly no God will stop him.
This world must die. And if that means hunting down a girl, then so be it.
'
Author's note
Here we go, another chapter out. It took me long time, I helped a friend with writing, studied for exams, usual stuff.
Fun fact: When I wrote this one, I planned that each Chaos God would have his own font, but since this site does not allow it... I needed to improvise. Just a little.
See you in the next chapter.