Chapter 63
— Pyramids are not built in a day. Step by step, block by block, movement by movement.
I dreamed I was sitting cross-legged atop an ancient temple, drenched in sunlight and surrounded by jungle. The image of Loom-Pia hovered above me—a vast, translucent figure of a toad-like entity. The image was shot through with rays of light from within. The Slann did not move, save for a barely perceptible bobbing up and down. When he spoke to me, his voice seemed to emanate from the very heart of the temple I sat upon. The soothing vibrations of his timbre resonated with the storm that threatened to break out of me: alien emotions, sharp sensations, and maddening desires.
Every second was a small trial. A battle with Chaos. So much unstable energy had found its way inside me and was now attempting to warp my soul. I had to maintain absolute stoicism, waiting for the tempest to subside.
It was difficult because it was boring. For the first hell-knows-how-many hours, it was actually a pleasant rest after the nightmare of overexertion, but then I began to crave new impressions, and there were none. Even my attempts at simple conversation were cut short by the Slann with the same reminder:
— No stray thoughts. Think only of the sun. Let the pure will of Chotec guide you toward salvation.
Naturally, I followed Loom-Pia's advice, pushing through the agonizing boredom. It was hard not to drift toward thoughts of my future prospects. During the Siege of Nuln, I had well and truly outed my unusual abilities. Мои allies had watched as I:
* Fought Chaos Warriors and often matched them in strength.
* Tanked a Magma Cannon shot and then chased after a Land Ship as if nothing had happened.
* Entered an abandoned shrine with Tamurkhan and came out alone.
* Levitated in a lotus position near the impact site of meteorites.
Fine, my levitation might have been obscured by the haze of Nurgle's corruption, but a lot of other things had happened very much in public.
I had no idea what awaited me after all these exploits: would they give me a medal, drag me to the stake, or hand me over to Elspeth for experiments? An interesting question, but I wasn't allowed to think about it. For now, I needed to keep my thoughts calm.
I don't know how long it lasted, but the internal storm began to quiet down little by little. Several times it was a false sense of victory—the moment I relaxed my control even slightly, Chaos surged back, but I managed to beat it back.
— They are trying to rouse us from our slumber, warm-blooded creature, — Loom-Pia addressed me after what felt like an eternity. — Under normal circumstances, I would recommend continuing the purification for several months, or perhaps even eliminating you as a potential carrier of corruption just to be safe. However, our mission is too vital and brooks no delay.
"Eliminating me just to be safe?" Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, Pepe.
— Before you awaken, we must discuss the consequences of the recent battle with the Ruinous Powers.
The vision of the ancient temple surrounded by jungle vanished. It was replaced by an image of my own body lying in the darkness, glowing brightly from within.
— We have managed to restore your immunity to the Winds of Magic, — the Hypnotoad summarized. — However, the heavy battle did not pass without consequences. There are both new achievements and causes for concern.
— Start with the good news.
— We absorbed life essence from the surrounding world and directed it toward our own needs. We repeated this many times. Just as a current carves an underground grotto into rock, the tides of life energy have cleared out more potential volume for themselves.
I saw an ancient stone chalice, illuminated by bright sunbeams. Intricate carvings in the shape of lizard heads adorned the vessel. On its walls, one could see markings made of precious gems. The chalice had become noticeably larger. Where before it had four markings, their number had now increased to six. Furthermore, the last one—the very top one—differed from the rest. There were circular holes in the walls of the chalice at that level. If you poured blood in there, it would immediately begin to leak out.
— So... since the number of markings has increased, if I fill them all, I'll be nearly half again as strong as before?
— Your reasoning is correct, warm-blooded creature.
— And what's wrong with the last marking? Why are the walls full of holes?
— You cannot yet hold such a level of power for long. The last marking will begin to deplete as soon as we stop absorbing life essence.
Hmm. I see. So now I have five stable markings and one that burns out quickly. Not bad.
Then the image of the Blood Chalice vanished. I could once again behold my body, softly glowing from within. However, in the region of the heart and the solar plexus, I could see some alien elements resembling greenish veins.
— What is that? — I asked. — Mutation?
— Foreign tissue. The aftermath of Tamurkhan's failed attempt to seize your body.
Sigh. The maggot bit the dust, but he managed to leave me a parting gift.
— How dangerous is this thing?
— It could lead you to madness, possession, and death. However, we are currently able to suppress the growth of these foreign tissues. I have used them to reinforce the bones of your rib cage and spine. Nevertheless, do not view this as a gift. In time, you must be completely cleansed of potential corruption. No compromises with Chaos, even if it brings some utility.
So, a new Tamurkhan won't grow inside me? That's already good. And even better is that eventually, this crap can be completely purged from my system.
— He is waking up...
This voice sounded from far away. It didn't belong to Loom-Pia, but it was very familiar.
— I'll check his pulse now.
I forced my eyelids open, finding myself on a hard but reasonably comfortable bed. Not in shackles—that was already a good start. Sitting on a chair next to the bed was a smiling man in a green robe. His thick beard was the color of autumn leaves. I recognized him.
— Magister Gerard... — I managed to say with great effort, trying to sit up in bed.
— No sudden movements, — the sorcerer warned. — We are in a hurry, of course, but we have a few extra minutes. Liandra, be a dear and give him some water.
The elf appeared almost soundlessly behind the Magister's back and, leaning over, handed me a pewter mug. The water was incredibly delicious. Every refreshing gulp filled my body with vigor. Once I was finished with the water, I moved on to questions:
— How long was I out?
— A little over two weeks, — the wizard replied. — I understand it was an unusual sleep. You were recovering after the battle. We would have let you sleep longer, but time is pressing.
— Where are we rushing to? — I asked, surveying the room where I had awakened.
The surroundings reminded me of a cheap inn. Simple furniture, a low ceiling, clean, and the appetizing smell of freshly cooked meat wafted in from somewhere behind the door. God, I was hungry!
— We need to catch a ship, — Liandra said curtly.
— A ship? A ship to where?
— To Ulthuan, of course, — Gerard answered. — We must deliver you to the White Tower as soon as possible, Herr Jurgen. Or should I say, Herr Guilliman?
So Liandra had told the wizard our secret. Apparently, there had been no other choice. I don't doubt the elf wouldn't have shared the secret just for the hell of it.
— Here. This is yours, — Liandra pointed to a chair in the corner of the room.
Lying there was a belt with two pistols, the Dawi-Zharr dagger, and even the Axe of Khargan. Oh! Thank you for keeping my trophies.
— Honestly, such weapons shouldn't be used by upstanding people, — Gerard said. — The shadow of their creators' evil will dwells within them. However, you, Herr Guilliman, are an exception to that rule. Your resistance to magical influences is phenomenal. Withstanding a hit from a Magma Cannon crafted by several Chaos Dwarf sorcerers at once? I have no other words for it but "phenomenal." Such abilities...
— We have little time, — Liandra reminded him.
— Ah, yes. My apologies. The ship!
— A ship will take us from Nuln to Ulthuan? — I clarified, slowly getting to my feet and stretching my stiff neck.
— To Ulthuan? Yes, — Gerard replied. — From Nuln? No. We haven't been in the southern bastion of the Empire for some time. Our refuge for several days now has been the free city of Marienburg. Liandra and I brought you here almost immediately after the battle.
Hmm. I understood perfectly well why Liandra had done that, but I hadn't figured out the wizard's motivation yet. I decided to ask him directly while pulling on my boots, which someone had cleaned during my slumber.
— Why are you helping to get me to Ulthuan, Magister Gerard?
The mage smiled mischievously but didn't hide his motivation.
— You are a true Wonder of the World, Mein Herr. That title suits you far better than it does a ship on wheels. And you may become our hope in the struggle against the Ruinous Powers. Therefore, I want to ensure you make it to the White Tower of Hoeth. High Loremasters Teclis is one of the wisest sorcerers living today. I am certain he will find a use for your gift.
It sounded logical, but it raised another question:
— And why didn't you inform the other wizards of the Imperial Colleges of Magic?
— I have sent several letters. I very much hope that upon your return from Ulthuan, you will certainly visit Altdorf. As for some of my colleagues from Nuln... — Gerard's smile became even more mischievous. — Understand me correctly, Herr Guilliman. I consider Elspeth von Draken a great sorceress, a beautiful woman, and a faithful protector of the Empire. I do not doubt her loyalty to our cause for a second. However, if the Dark Lady of Nuln grows her influence too much... it could sow discord within the ranks of the Colleges and complicate the work of my esteemed friend, Balthasar Gelt.
Aha... So that's what it was! Well, Liandra, look at her go! She had managed to figure out that Gerard was Elspeth's rival for influence within the Colleges. Therefore, the Magister of the Jade Order would happily help send me to Ulthuan, just so I wouldn't end up as the Nuln alt-girl's prize.
— Was Elspeth von Draken looking for me after the battle?
— Oh yes, Mein Herr! Priests and Knights of Morr loyal to her were scouring everywhere. It was with great difficulty that we managed to get you to Marienburg without catching a single thread of their web.
The picture of what happened after the battle was slowly coming together in my head. Liandra and Gerard had literally stolen me from right under Elspeth's pale little nose. Fine. It might even be better this way. The Elves of Ulthuan were unlikely to cut me open alive or perform any other horrific experiments. I wasn't so sure about Elspeth. So Ulthuan seemed like a more reliable and safer option. I'd gain strength there, train, study my abilities, and then I could go back to handing out beatings to Chaos-worshippers.
However, I felt a bit sorry that I had to leave Nuln so hastily. I had wanted to celebrate the victory like a normal person. To hear the people rejoicing, to toast to Erik's memory with Magg, to hand out wages to the Scum Reiksguard, and just plain rest for a week or two. Maybe I would have been invited to a ball again, or given some kind of award.
But no! Back on the road. The path calls.
— Did the squad at least get paid? — I asked Liandra, donning the pistol belt.
— Don't worry about that, — Gerard answered instead of the elf. — Here. Look at this, — he handed me a sealed envelope. — These are papers signed by Commander Castor von Velten. For unparalleled heroism, Captain Jurgen is awarded personal nobility and a promissory note for a large sum. Both must be presented at the Altdorf chancellery. You understand yourself that Nuln's treasury has been severely depleted over the last few days.
— Whoa! — I accepted the envelope from the wizard with gratitude. — How did you even manage to take me out of Nuln without raising suspicion?
— I am a Magister of the Jade Order, after all, — Gerard chuckled. — You were unconscious, and I "explained" to Commander von Velten that you needed to be rushed to my College for treatment.
I had lied to Liandra, she had passed that lie to Gerard, and he in turn had misled the Imperial commander. Quite the web of intrigue we had woven.
On an empty stomach and with a cold head, we set off for the port through the foggy Marienburg night. I was promised food once on the ship. I barely got a look at the city itself. All I remember was the wet, foggy pavement, a few dim lanterns, and the shouts of the watchmen:
— Three bells, all's well!
I even felt a bit of sympathy for the locals who had to wake up to such shouting. Though perhaps the watchmen were only that loud near the port, where there were no houses, only offices and warehouses.
With a quick pace, we reached the pier. A pair of elves were waiting for us there. A blond man in white-and-turquoise robes and a stunningly beautiful woman with slightly wavy dark locks. I remembered them. Liandra had spoken to both at the ball in the Countess's castle.
— I am glad to see you made it in time, — the blond man nodded. — The winds are unpredictable this time of year. The earlier we set out, the safer the journey will be. Mathlann bless us.
— Thank you for waiting, Captain Harriet, — Gerard addressed the elf, handing him a small but heavy purse.
Likely the payment for our transfer to Ulthuan. I wonder, are we going economy or comfort?
When we boarded the ship, it became immediately clear that it was at least comfort-plus or even business class. The vessel was small, elegant, and very luxurious. White wood, a clean deck, and an area with tables under a canopy at the stern. However, the boat didn't look sturdy. Gerard noted this immediately:
— I am no sailor and can say nothing of the danger of storms, but what about pirates? Aren't we risking too much traveling on such a small vessel?
— Do not worry, — the captain replied with a soft smile, gesturing for us to sit. — Other ships await us not far from Marienburg, including a Sea Patrol vessel. The safety of my passengers is paramount. Please, make yourselves comfortable.
A cool, foggy night isn't the best time to sit in the fresh air, but I had no choice. Besides, I had a goddamn urge to eat an ox. Perhaps traveling in the company of an Ogre had influenced my appetite, or maybe healing my wounds after the battle had just required a lot of energy.
Hearing my stomach growl, the captain's mate gave me a mocking but good-natured smile and said:
— I shall try to assist with your predicament.
While the small crew prepared the ship for departure, a richly decorated deep bowl with some exotic dish, an opened bottle of wine, and three goblets were placed on the round table for us.
The food smelled strange, but I was salivating heavily.
— What is this? — I asked.
The captain's mate began listing several types of fish, varieties of soft cheese, and a bunch of different herbs. Seafood, basically. I would have preferred something hot, of course, but lightly salted fish would go perfectly with the wine.
The elven sailors acted briskly, and while I had only just started eating, the ship had already moved, unfurling its blue-and-white sail.
— A happy day, — Gerard declared with a smile. — Or night, rather, but you understand. I never even dreamed that I would one day set out for Ulthuan. Will a human be permitted into the White Tower, Liandra?
— That is not for me to decide, — the girl replied. — However, I shall give my mentors the most flattering recommendations regarding you.
— Oh, thank you, lady warrior. I only acted according to my conscience and perhaps worked a little magic when the situation demanded it.
While they chatted, I ate greedily, wielding a silver two-pronged fork. However, in the process of consuming the food and wine, I managed to ask a few questions:
— Is Rudolf Hock alive?
— Yes, — Liandra replied.
— Unfortunately, he was gravely wounded, — Gerard added. — He suffered not only physically but on a more subtle level. I checked him for mutations; praise Sigmar, they did not touch him. However, the young knight's mind was scarred after clashing with the nightmares of Chaos. Perhaps in time, he will recover. I left him in the Nuln hospital under the supervision of that girl from your squad. What was her name again?..
— Adora?
— Exactly! She has learned to treat wounds quite well and gives the impression of being a clever girl.
Maybe too clever. If the poor Rudolf isn't finished off by his illness, Adora might well empty his purse. Fine. Not the worst fate for someone who could have fallen at the hands of Nurgle's foul monsters.
— Your hiring contract is also in that packet of documents, — Gerard added. — The rank-and-file warriors of the squad have already received their wages. You can collect yours either in Nuln or Altdorf. I, naturally, strongly recommend the second option.
Yeah, yeah. Because as soon as I show up in Nuln territory, Elspeth will jump out of the graveyard bushes at me and drag me off to overthrow Balthasar Gelt. Basically, it's better not to show my face there.
Loom-Pia remained silent the whole time. It seemed our scurrying and intrigue were of little interest to the ancient Hypnotoad.
The wind quickly carried the ship toward the open sea. The fog around us broke from a solid curtain into separate, thicker clouds. I don't even know if it was a natural phenomenon or if the magical component of my new world was involved.
Gerard was either questioning the captain about the elven port city of Lothern, where a certain number of humans lived, or engaging in polite banter with his companion who was looking after our comfort. She brought us warm wine with spices. It was very welcome, given the damp chill all around. Morning was approaching, but there was still time before sunrise.
The Nuln epic had finally ended. I could hardly believe it. How much time and effort we'd had to give to stop Tamurkhan's invasion... it was terrifying to imagine. I had started the march as a novice, and near its end, I was fighting on par with the enemy's mighty champions.
Of course, the victory over Tamurkhan shouldn't be attributed solely to me. We had beaten the Maggot Lord through a collective effort. However, it was I who had managed to properly finish off the Great Champion of Nurgle.
It was a shame for those who had given their lives for this victory. Erik, Max, Holger Hock, and many others.
While I was thinking about this, the silhouette of a large ship appeared ahead on the horizon. It emerged almost soundlessly from the fog. I tensed up, reaching for my weapon, but the captain hurried to dispel my concern:
— Everything is fine, honored guests. That ship will be escorting us. Watch closely. You are about to behold a truly breathtaking sight.
The ship ahead was slightly sideways to us. I could already appreciate its size and elegance. Masterful work. It was even more surprising how quietly and smoothly such a behemoth moved.
I froze in anticipation of the spectacle. The ship emerged from the shroud of fog and...
My heart plummeted into the abyss. The icy fingers of alarm tightened around my throat.
The ship was black. Blacker than the darkest night. Blacker than the hearts of those on its deck. Dark Elves, or Druchii. That was whose ship it was.
Scanning the corsair vessel, I noticed several heavy Reaper Bolt Throwers adorned with bronze monster heads. A dozen magical lanterns flared to life over the ship. Their pale light fell upon a numerous crew in black armor and a blood-red banner depicting a three-headed Hydra.
This all happened in mere fractions of a second. Before I could even draw my weapon, a stifled gasp sounded behind my back. I was already well aware of what accompanied such a sound. Death.
Turning around, I saw the pretty captain's mate with the slightly wavy black locks plunge a triangular stiletto into Gerard's neck. The blow was delivered to punch straight through the spine. Almost instantaneous death. The sorcerer didn't have time to use his magic.
The captain of the vessel stood nearby. He was still smiling, but the contours of true malice were already showing through that fake mask of good-nature. The captain touched his forehead, prying up an invisible edge of a wig with his fingertips. With one movement, the elf removed the shock of blond hair. It wasn't even a wig, but a very masterfully cured scalp. On the elf's nearly bald head was only a single tuft of hair near the nape.
— As you may understand, our ship is headed much further north than Ulthuan, — the Druchii said.
However, my initial panic receded. My right hand found the hilt of the axe. How many Druchii were on this small vessel? No more than ten, including the captain and the mate. If Liandra and I...
I turned to the elf. She was sitting calmly in her chair. Her sword remained in its scabbard. Her dark eyes were fixed on me.
— Do you remember our second conversation? — she said, and her voice sounded very strange. — You asked me then: are there women among the Swordmasters of Hoeth? I was nervous when I answered. I wasn't sure if there were women among them. But I can tell you for certain where they accept recruits regardless of gender, — the corners of her lips stretched in the faint hint of a smile. — Into the Black Guard of Naggarond.
Right. Got it.
I sighed heavily, lifting my gaze to the twilight pre-dawn heavens where hints of stars could still be seen. Drawing a deep breath into my lungs, I let out a scream into which I tried to pour all my current emotions:
— FUCKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING HELL!