2.Dark Disciple by me

Author:me
Format: epub

Pressure gauges vented, equalising the compressed air within the lift with that of the mining facility. The sides of the lift slid aside with a clatter and water gushed down from above, slipping off the angled surfaces of the lift’s hull, and draining away through the grates set in the floor. Darkness greeted them inside the mining facility, though an infrequent strobe of light sparked from severed cables hanging loose from the low ceiling.

The Word Bearers walked cautiously forward, stepping through the dripping water, weapons seeking targets. There were none. Kol Badar’s Anointed led the way, combi-bolters and repeater autocannon tracking from side to side.

The air was hot and humid, a far cry from the dry, gelid atmosphere on the planet’s frozen surface.

“There is no one down here,” growled Kol Badar. “There are people here,” said Burias. “I saw them on the descent.” The warriors drew towards the main entrance into the mining facility, an immense arched processional that led from the lift base to the main hub of the structure.

Marduk’s eyes were drawn up above the archway. A massive figure had been roughly painted onto the plascrete wall, like a mural, though its workmanship was crude to say the least. A low hiss escaped his lips. “What is it?” asked Burias, his eyes wide. “A daemon? Are these miners cult worshippers?”

“No, it’s not a daemon,” said Marduk, not taking his eyes from the primitive mural.

“You are sure?” asked Kol Badar, glowering upwards.

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“I feel no touch of the warp here,” said Marduk. “Worship of the great gods of

the immaterium would leave a palpable trace, a lingering presence, but there is none. No, this is no daemon. I could command a daemon. There is no commanding that.” The warriors of the Host shuffled uneasily. A four-armed figure was daubed on the wall above the archway, painted in garish blues and purples. Two of its arms ended in claws, while the others ended in humanlike hands. Its eyes were yellow and its mouth was wide, exposing a caricature of sharp teeth, painted as simple triangles and dripping with garish red paint representing blood. A long, stabbing tongue protruded from the toothy maw.

“I think your battle-lust will soon be sated, Burias,” said Marduk in a soft voice.

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