27.12.2012 Views

(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

"Besides, most o' these c<strong>of</strong>fins 'ave <strong>be</strong>en overturned an' looted. I've waded<br />

about in 'ere <strong>be</strong>fore. After a scrape or two with a ghoul I slunk back out,"<br />

Annah's lip curled,<br />

"What <strong>do</strong> yeh hope <strong>to</strong> find here?"<br />

"Nothing. That's why we're headed <strong>to</strong> the Dead Nations."<br />

"The Dead-"<br />

I pointed <strong>do</strong>wn one long hallway that branched <strong>do</strong>wn from our path. At the<br />

end s<strong>to</strong>od those old iron gates. I strode <strong>do</strong>wn, pushed them open with an<br />

ominous, heavy creak.<br />

Annah tensed at the sight <strong>of</strong> <strong>do</strong>zens <strong>of</strong> undead <strong>to</strong>iling <strong>to</strong> keep their nation <strong>of</strong><br />

bone and gauze intact. There were skele<strong>to</strong>ns replacing old tiles in the mosaic<br />

floor and dusting the walls. Zombies pushed desecrated bodies for<br />

re-wrapping <strong>to</strong> preserve their quiet dignity. Ghouls had half-eaten wererat<br />

corpses slung over their shoulders <strong>to</strong> present <strong>to</strong> their brethren. Their<br />

mouths and claws were bloodstained, and their eyes seemed sated, if only<br />

for the moment.<br />

"Come along," I <strong>be</strong>ckoned <strong>to</strong> Annah, "It's safe. They won't hurt us."<br />

Her eyes were wide as saucers, but she slowly approached and padded<br />

silently <strong>be</strong>hind me.<br />

"Ahhh the manling returns," Acaste hissed, "Bold as brass and proud. And so<br />

succulent..."<br />

Standing face-<strong>to</strong>-face with her I squelched the small giddy urge <strong>to</strong> spill the<br />

secrets <strong>of</strong> the Silent King. 'He's dead as a <strong>do</strong>ornail!' I'd say with mixed glee,<br />

and loose the ghouls against the rest. I would never <strong>be</strong>tray Stale Mary or<br />

Hargrimm <strong>of</strong> course, but it was strange how such secrets could tickle at the<br />

back <strong>of</strong> your mind.<br />

"You have your <strong>of</strong>ferings," I growled, pointing at the wererat corpses that<br />

lay at her feet. Small dead cranium rats had <strong>be</strong>en added <strong>to</strong> the pile, "Now<br />

leave us <strong>be</strong>. We wish <strong>to</strong> speak <strong>to</strong> Hargrimm."<br />

The old skele<strong>to</strong>n-priest s<strong>to</strong>od in the central cham<strong>be</strong>r, proudly watching over<br />

his people. But he turned when he saw me approach, and a timorous flicker<br />

472

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!