Deathwing

someone has returned to the customs of the Reaving Time. we will put an end to it."

It was rumoured that some of the Hill Clans still kept to the old daemon-worshipping practices from the time before the

Emperor's people came. If that were true, it was up to the Marines to take action.

Somehow Two Heads Talking did not think it would come to that. This did not have the feel of demon worshippers, although there was a taint in the air that was akin to it. An almost recognisable horror clawed at his mind. He fought it down and hoped that his suspicions were not true.

The city reared above the plain like a soot-grimed leviathan. Cloud Ru

Outside the walls, the river ran black with poisons. As Cloud Ru

"It's a nightmare," murmured Cloud Ru

"Those barracks are a hundred times the size of a lodgehouse and built of brick." "There is only one way to find out anything." said Two Heads Talking. "One of us must visit the city."

The warriors nodded assent. Each tapped a scar-tattoo to indicate that he volunteered. Two Heads Talking shook his head. "I must go. The spirits will shield me." Cloud Ru

"As you wish. Lord Shaman. Speak to the spirits and seek their aid." he said, giving the ancient ritual answer. "Bloody Moon's squad will remain here to watch over you. The rest of us will take Deathwing and seek out any surviving lodgetowns."

Night fell as Two Heads Talking completed his preparations. He laid the four rune etched skulls of his predecessors on the ground about him. Each faced one of the cardinal points of the compass and watched over an approach from the spirit realm.

He lit a small bonfire in the deep hollow, cast a handful of herbs on the fire and breathed in deeply. He touched the ceremonial winged skull on his chest-piece and then the death's head inlaid on his belt. Lastly, he prayed to the Emperor, tamer of thunderbirds and beacon of the soul path, to watch over him as he made magic. Then he began to chant.