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Chapter 1
Ulgu eclipsed all of Ghyran, the night air was vibrant and was tinted with the smell of flowers. The multi-coloured plants bristled at the frayed edges of my robe as I walked down the path.

The night air caused me to become lost in thought, my mind drifted to the number of days I have walked the mortal realms. At times I feel that I have lived long, too long sometimes but such were the gifts of the Golden God. I was chosen, by King Ushroan. I remember those days when I first sat at his table with my fellow knights, when we all drank from his Chalice.

That time was one of stillness and peace, but as always people sought to disrupt it. From Queen Neferata to the minions of the hated enemy. Stillness was a reward all deserved, stability was the true gift of the Golden God.

As the scented wind blew harder upon my body I pulled my open robe tighter around my form. It was then I recalled that my home of Shyish largely lacked wind, it would be troublesome if my robe blew off my body.

‘Help! Help!’

At the cry of help my ears tingled, I stopped messing with my ruined robe and broke into a run. Racing down the path I was trampling the wonderful flowers and I hoped they would forgive me but someone was in trouble and as a blessed knight of King Ushoran it was my duty to aid all who were in need.

As I ran down the path, the trees around me became a blur but I saw them in the distance. Brigands brandishing blades against two individuals. A female was holding a bloodied male, crying for help. I narrowed my eyes and drew my blade made of dragon bone. I leapt towards the brigands and before they could turn I removed the head of one of the cutthroats.

As the head flew into the air I cut down another, fresh blood sprayed in the night air mixing with the smell of the wonderful flowers. It was intoxicating but I couldn’t get distracted now. When the Brigands became fully aware of me, they barked at each other and attacked in a group.

They waved their swords around like children, I saw so many openings. I danced through the foolish humans so I could get in between them and the damsel in distress. When I came first to face with her, Her delicate face was the picture of sadness as she looked down upon the injured young man. He was covered in blade wounds.

Snarling I twisted around, freezing the charging brigands in place. ‘How dare you!’ my voice boomed around me causing the birds to flutter from the trees, the trampled plants were starting to wither.

The mortals dropped their weapons, their faces twisted into abject terror and the scent of urine consumed the air. I swore to myself that I will tear out their throats, I will rip them to pieces and guz-

Before I gave action to my thoughts I stopped myself. That was not the way of a knight, sheathing my blade I relaxed and took a deep breath. ‘Run, run to the hills!’ I shouted. ‘I decided to show you mercy! If I see you on this pathway again my blade will drink your blood!’

The men and women who robbed the innocent ran, screaming for their lives. Once the pathway was clear I turned back around to the young woman and knelt. The young man she was holding was turning pale. I wondered what could I do to dry her tears? How could I bring happiness back to her delicate features?

My hand slowly drifted to my wine sack, which was tied to my belt. But before I moved to removing it my hand froze in place. The wine was special, it was mixed with my own blood and the grapes of the old vineyard of my old kingdom. It had special properties but was this young man worthy of partaking of the liquid?

For a moment my eyes drifted over the young man again, I took in his blade wounds one more time. That was when I pushed my hesitation aside. I removed the wine sack from my belt and spoke gently to the young woman. ‘My lady, let me help the one you care for.’

She looked up to me in surprise, confusion and fear spread among her features for a moment but she relaxed. She offered me a weak smile. ‘Adam, my brother will die soon. I thank you for aiding me but I don’t think there is anything you could do.’

‘But that is where you are wrong my lady, this wine is from my homeland. Think of it as a potion it will heal your brother who placed his life on the line to protect you.’

The young lady slowly nodded, she lifted her brothers head slightly which allowed me to feed him the wine. Oddly, my hand was shaking as I uncorked the wine sack, it was like some part of me was telling me that I was wasting the blessed liquid.

Yet, this man was a true knight in my eyes. He put his life on the line for his family even though he was outnumbered. Pushing aside my hesitation again I placed the sack to his lips and tipped it slightly. The red fluid dripped from his mouth slightly but going by the movement of his throat he was ingesting the liquid.

When I saw his wounds slowly healing I drew back the wine sack and sealed it. The young man coughed violently but after the fit, he began breathing steadily. His sister’s face brimmed with happiness, her tears of sadness shifted to joy.

She hugged her brother tightly, she then looked up to me. ‘Who are you?’ she asked.

I returned her smile. ‘I’m Vindex von Pax, Knight of the Geldarai Kingdom.’

‘My name is Livia, Sir Vindex. If I may ask why is such a valiant individual in the rural areas of Verdia?’

As she asked her question I rubbed my neck, I wondered if I should answer? My smile drifted from my face, the gravity of my mission fell upon me again. ‘I’m looking for King Ushoran.’

Chapter 2
It was nice journeying with someone, even though I was carrying Livia’s brother on my back. The young man’s face was buried into my shoulder, he was too exhausted to walk or speak but he was alive that was what counted. As we walked Livia told me of her home called Mastigo, it was a small town, most would consider it a village. But they were one of the many suppliers of food to the Greywater Fastness. Since the grand industrial city ground down most of it’s surrounding plant life they turned to the towns and villages to get the food they needed.

But I noticed as she spoke of her home there was a slight weariness in her voice, I could tell she was holding something back. ‘You’re home is in trouble isn’t it?’

The young woman blinked in surprise, she slowly nodded. Yes….Bandits steal our grain, so we can’t meet the Greywater Fastness requests. At the same time we are struggling to feed ourselves. Many within the militia go out and hunt so we could eat but it’s dangerous, especially at night.’

‘I see, so I assume your brother is part of the militia?’

‘Indeed he is Sir Vindex.’

‘But that doesn’t explain why you were with him. Going by your simple garments you aren’t a fighter.’

Livia dipped her head slightly. ‘I was worried…’

‘Even though I consider your course of action foolish you should be commended Lady Livia. Most would not brave the roads at night.’

I decided to add the honorific to her name, she deserved it. As I called her lady her head came up again, she gave me a weak smile. ‘Adam will reprimand me just like you did.’

‘Well that means he cares for you deeply.’

Her smile grew slightly wider, the mortal realms were harsh and many lose their families to famine or worse. Perhaps my words will make her consider her actions before she does something rash. I have seen too many young men and women throw their lives away. I was somewhat tired of seeing it.

We then continued the rest of the journey to Mastigo in silence it was only as we reached the outskirts I decided to speak up again. ‘So this is it?’

Livia nodded ‘this is it.’

I narrowed my eyes and used my be blessed sight to take in all before more me. The farmsteads were small but I could tell they would yield a decent harvest but what took me by surprise was the fact Mastigo had wooden walls. It was made out of stakes and it was shoddily built, most rural settlements lacked such things which made them an easy target for bandits.

‘I’m impressed that you have wooden walls.’ I said out loud.

‘That’s what everyone says.’ Livia voiced.

‘Really?’

‘Well...When the Greywater Fastness normally come to trade they comment on the walls and then mock them, they say if we pay them they could improve them but we don’t have the money. I recall one time when we gathered the funds the traders took it and never returned.’

Hearing her say such a thing made me bristle with anger, I suspected the traders looked down upon the rural townspeople. These days chivalry was dead, it was a lost concept to the noblemen and women of Ayzr. They expand relentlessly and exploit the natives who suffered under chaos. It was a common practice, one I hoped to correct one day if I complete my holy mission. Thinking of my quest I asked Livia a question. ‘Do you mind if I ask around your village for information? I assume the patrols should be out at night?’

‘I don’t see why not.’ Livia answered. ‘After what you did for me and Adam I’m sure everyone will be eager to help you Sir Vindex. Actually, I think the militia will be eager to speak to a knight.’

I became flushed with embarrassment as she mentioned how the militia will be impressed with my status. I personally didn’t think much it and I didn’t like others treating me different because of it. Ushoran said he found my mindset on my status fascinating but I didn’t think much of his compliment. Helping those in need was like breathing to me, such things should be expected of all knights.

As I dwelled upon my duty I started to became annoyed, this age of turbulence and chaos was a detriment to everyone. Soon as I found Ushoran I will recommend that we should launch a crusade to convert the mortal realms to the worship of the Golden God. With that thought in mind I smiled at Livia. ‘How about we head to the town? We’re almost there.’

Livia nodded, we walked past the farmsteads and as we passed them I spotted lamps at windows but the illumination from the light clearly displayed the damage covering the storehouses. It was evident to me that Mastigo has been raided constantly. I ground my teeth seeing such a sight, my blood boiled with anger, but I kept it in. Perhaps when I leave Mastigo I will go hunting? Beasts needed to be put down.

‘Are you alright?’ Livia asked.

‘I’m fine.’ My response had a slight edge of my anger, it was hard to contain but Livia didn’t notice it.

When we got to the walls, Livia called out and after a few seconds, someone popped out from behind the walls. A man holding a rusted spear smiled at the sight of the young lady but as his eyes shifted to me his face twisted into horror. He started mouthing words, he trembled with fear but that lasted for a few seconds. The young warrior’s terror shifted to a sarcastic smile. ‘Who’s this then?’ the militiaman's gaze drifted back to Livia as he asked the question.

‘Open the gate Edric!’ Livia shouted.

Edric’s armour was a mess, it hanged loosely over his tunic and his short brown hair was unkempt. The militiaman picked his nose and flicked the debris away. ‘I don’t know who that one is. The one in the robe. Plus Adam is injured. This...man could be a bandit.’

As he called me a bandit the young lady’s face turned red with anger. ‘He is not a bandit! He saved me and Adam from them!’

Edric frowned. ‘Look, I did you a favour letting you out but for all I know he could have threatened you and injured Adam, Catch my drift? If you wait until Hysh shines over us then perhaps I might let you in?’

‘I’m not a bandit.’ I said to Edric.

When I spoke to the gate guard his attention returned to me, he was smiling and trembling at the same time which was strange. ‘N-Now, I-’

‘I am a knight of the Geldarai Kingdom, my name is Sir Vindex von Pax. Please let me and Lady Livia into the town. We are weary after treaking a great distance and Adam needs a good bed to rest in.’

Edric started to blink rapidly, he was stammering. ‘O-Okay I will let you in, give me a m-moment.’

The guard dipped back behind the wall, I picked up the sound of boots and then the sound of a ladder grinding on wood. There was whispers, but after a minute the locks on the door were undone. Two men opened the gates wide, as they looked at me their eyes widened but they relaxed after a moment.

In the middle of the entrance stood Edric he gestured into the town. ‘Well come in then!’

Livia furrowed her brow, she looked up to me. ‘How did you do that? Edric is pretty stubborn. I thought we would’ve ended up sleeping outside the gates.’

I shrugged. ‘My king always said I had a way with words.’

The young lady was still confused but she didn’t press further in her questioning. We entered the town and as we passed the gates Edric’s men closed them behind us. The gate guard stroked his chin and bore his eyes into me.

I frowned at him. ‘Is there something on my face?’

Edric grunted. ‘It’s...nothing. So you are aware I’m putting my neck on the line letting you in like this right?’

Livia rolled her eyes. ‘No one cares Edric, there isn’t even a captain for the militia!’

The guard frowned heavily, the young lady’s words must have wounded the militiaman greatly but I could see he took his job guarding the gate seriously. I didn’t begrudge him at all. I smiled at Edric. ‘Now that we are face to face can I ask you to give Adam a good bed? He was actually attacked by bandits.’

Edric sighed ‘told the fool it was too dangerous at night…’ he gestured to the two men that opened the gates. ‘Take him to the Inn, the bed is on me.’

When the two men approached me I handed off the young man to them, Livia still seemed worried as they took her brother away. ‘Don’t you want to go with them?’ I asked.

Livia shook her head. ‘He’ll be fine I just...want to help you Sir Vindix. You mentioned that you are looking for your king yes?’

‘I did, bu-’

‘So you’re really a knight then?’ Edric interrupted.

Livia glowered at the unkempt young man. ‘Don’t be rude!’

Edric shrugged ‘this one seems pretty nice to me.’

The question from Edric made me chuckle. ‘Indeed I am, don’t worry I’m not like the knights from the grand cities. But to go back to your question Livia I recall that you said I could question the militiamen for information?’

Livia shook her head. ‘Now that I've seen this one again I doubt they will be able to give you any useful information. I think you should talk to Graham. He’s our town priest. Before he came here he was travelling priest who offered succor to those all over the realms. Since you are looking for your missing king he might know something.’

‘A king!?’ Edric’s eyes were consumed with excitement. ‘L-Let me lead the way. Please!’

I gave Livia a look, she sighed in return. I then smiled at the militiaman. ‘Lead the way then.’

Edric then lead me along with Livia through the town, we passed by wooden houses that seemed to be falling apart. I could pick up the murmur of prayers from open windows and sobbing. All around me I could hear the absence of hope, the beginning of despair. I had a feeling it was more than bandits which was troubling Mastigo.

The gate guard then stopped before a church, it was better maintained than the wooden houses but I could tell it’s seen better days. I picked up the sounds of singing from within, but what was capturing my attention was the black miasma surrounding the church. I sniffed the air, that was when I picked up the scent of corruption. I drew my blade which caused Edric to jump. ‘W-What are you doing!?’

‘Corruption!’ I spat.

‘W-Where?’ Edric was looking around frantically.

Livia frowned. ‘What’s the matter Sir Vindix?’

‘Livia, I think your priest is a heretic. He bows to dark powers.’

The young lady became confused, she grasped her head as if she was in pain. ‘B-But, Graham is a priest of Sigmar, he helped us when...when…’

‘Keep behind me young lady, Edric get your spear ready.’

To my surprise, Edric turned serious. He gripped his rusted spear with both hands. ‘Aye, I don’t want to believe Graham is a heretic I think it’s best we question him first.’

I didn’t think it would come to that, it was better not to take the risk I was fully committed to slaying the minion of darkness. I approached the Church with Edric, Livia still seemed to be in pain as she followed behind me. When I arrived at the door I kicked it open and strode into the corrupted church. Inside there were seated men and women in the middle of singing a hymn. The priest who wore a white robe and had greying stood in front of an altar. My loud entry caused a wave of silence to sweep through the foul church, eyes became focused upon me.

There was confusion amongst the evening service. Many of the townspeople narrowed their eyes at me, wondering who was disrupting a supposed holy gathering. Just for a moment their confusion shifted to horror but like Edric it drifted away. I examined my surroundings, the walls of the church were covered in strips of flesh which were nailed to the walls. The words lining the flesh was written in blood as well. The townspeople were oblivious to the horror around them, the priest must have wove a spell to hide his depravity.

I strode down the aisle towards the priest, I needed to kill him to free the innocents under his thrall. ‘Your life ends here heretic!’

Graham furrowed his brow as I shouted at him, he was confused most likely wondering how I saw through his illusion. The heretic shook his head, he then blinked in shock and removed his iron hammer from his belt. ‘Get behind me!’ he shouted to the townspeople.

The people did as he ordered, they were confused and I didn’t blame them for following his orders. ‘I will free these people from your vile grasp! You’re a monster for taking their minds!’ I barked.

Graham then tore his necklace from his neck which was shaped like a hammer, he held it up towards my direction ‘Back evil creature! In the name of Sigmar!’ the priest roared. Waves of black light erupted from the trinket, as the energy slammed into my body I roared in pain.

I snarled and charged forward, the black light scalded my flesh but I didn’t let that deter me. I made an oath to myself that I would end the priest and his corruption. There were screams and shouts from the townspeople as I leapt and bought my blade down upon the priest. The cut was deep, a great amount of life fluid splashed across my face. I instinctively licked my lips and as the blood graced my tongue my teeth-fangs began to itch.

The need to tear into the corpse that was now lying upon the floor consumed my mind. But as I looked upon the cowering townspeople I restrained myself, I sheathed my blade and tore Graham’s white robe, revealing his back to all.

The heretic’s skin was covered in tattoos, I pointed at the twin-tailed comet on his back. ‘Look everyone! The mark of evil! This man was a worshipper of foul powers!’ The townspeople appeared confused, but Livia and Edric came forward and peered at Graham’s back. The young lady gasped, Edric twisted around vomited.

With their reactions, the cowering townspeople also took a look and their reaction was the same. Confusion and shock ran rampant, it got even worse as they looked upon the walls. ‘Please calm down!’ I called.

Everyone fell silent, eyes were upon me. ‘I’m a knight of the Geldarai Kingdom, my name is Sir Vindix von Pax! We all have more to do! We have to reveal this information to the rest of the town! There might even be more heretics hiding in the houses!’

All those who were within the church shouted in agreement, seeing them screaming for justice caused my heart to swell with pride. Courage could be found in the strangest places.

Chapter 3
The beasts were being burnt at the stake, the middle of town now smelt like burnt flesh and smog. The holy work enacted within the town was both swift and merciless, many resisted, they were utterly consumed by the lies of the false priest. I found that fact unfortunate, but as a follower of the Golden God my heart must be still, it cannot be swayed by the cries of those who do not wish to see.

Looking around, the townspeople were consumed by the sight of the bonfire. Many were crying because their loved ones refused to abandon their beliefs. Grumbling to myself I wondered if there was more that I could do? How could I ease everyone's suffering? Mastigo has lost workers which means the harvest will be poorer and bandits still harry the outskirts.

That question lead to another, I wondered if I should continue with my mission or remain here and help the people? Finding King Ushoran was my own personal desire, but it didn’t help that the Golden God has also spurred me on and has aided me with my quest many times.

‘Is something wrong Sir Vindex?’ To my right, Livia was speaking up.

‘No.’ I answered. ‘It’s nothing at all.’

‘Are you sure? You seem to be lost in thought, how about you get some rest? It’s our turn to help you. After all you freed us from the evil priest.’

Her request was sudden, but it should of been expected. I smiled at the young lady ‘there is actually something you can do for me.’

Livia smiled. ‘Anything, just ask.’

I pointed back to the church. ‘I wish to stay there for the rest of the night, I wish to consecrate it and speak to my God.’

‘A-Are you sure? We cleaned out...but the dried blood is still there...’

‘Blood normally doesn’t bother me, but it’s important that no one disrupts the rites.’

The young lady’s eyes suddenly glittered with surprise. ‘Are you a holy knight then? What’s the name of your God? I would like to offer a prayer to them myself for delivering you to us.’

Her curiosity gave me pause, I wondered if the Golden God was watching me now? If he was he would want me to spread his glory to the whole of the mortal realms. I gave Livia a small smile. ‘Nagash.’ I answered.

‘Nagash…’ Livia repeated, she tapped her cheek with her finger. ‘Where have I heard that name?’

‘He is the Golden Shepard of the dead, he who guides souls to the afterlife. His justice is cold and fair. You can also call him the Golden God.’

‘Honestly, that might be what we need. We all want justice, but we don’t have the strength to gain it…’

As Livia’s frail words entered my ears I discarded my previous plan, I will do my prayers here. I walked towards the burning bonfire, everyone started to me stare at me in confusion, wondering what I was doing.

I lowered my head, and bought my hands together. ‘Lord Nagash, Balancer of the Scales, Arbiter of Justice….I beseech you...Accept these offerings, these dark souls who must be locked away forever in your oubliette….’

The flames shifted to a wonderful gold, as I then blinked just for a second the flames were a cold green. Seeing such a sight I shook my head, the bonfire quickly returned to it’s golden brilliance. ‘Lord Nagash hear my prayers! These people seek justice! Bandits and heretics prowl these lands! Taking what doesn’t rightfully belong to them!’

The golden flames transformed into an aspect of a skull. I could hear the people behind me dropping to their knees, I raised my hands to the avatar of my diety, I then knelt like everyone else. ‘My Lord you humble me with your presence.’

‘So your clouded eyes brought you here?’ The voice of the Golden God boomed through the town.

I dipped my head as the God spoke. ‘Yes my lord, I couldn’t ignore these people.’

‘I couldn’t ignore them.’ The Golden God responded. ‘You are me, as you walk so do I, as you speak, my edicts reach the hearts and minds of those around you. Tell me...How long have you been wandering the realm Arch Reagent?’

‘Centuries my lord. I’ve lost count.’

‘Yet you still haven’t found him?’

‘No my Lord.’

‘It seems instead of working as a lone fragment hunting for a sign of the Blood Rose Prince you should put your gifts to use.’

‘My gifts to use? I-I don’t understand...’

‘The blood of Ushoran runs strongly within your veins, your faith consumes all around you. Use it, form a crusade and bring justice to these lands. Start by taking the best men of this town on a hunting trip, from there your destiny will unfold….’

The golden flames ebbed away, leaving the ashes of the dead behind. I rose and turned to the townspeople, they were awe-struck. I cleared my throat, I tried to put as much authority as possible into my voice. ‘So, who wishes to go hunting tomorrow night?’

This project is being cut early, it was an experiment for first-person writing. At the same time, I've been watching old movies, reading old books and trying to craft a story I am happy with. Each chapter of this story, my EC story and my own personal writing I feel that I am missing something important. But after doing a bit of research, examining how directors and writers craft their own stories I will be attempting a new writing project. I am deeply sorry to those who may have been enjoying this story. I hope you will enjoy what I will be attempting to craft, no matter if you like 40k or AOS.