Hell's Last by Justin D Hill

Author:Justin D Hill [Hill, Justin D]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science fiction: space opera (FLS)
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2024-12-11T00:00:00+00:00

IX

Minka stepped into the clearing. She didn’t recognise Prassan at first, but then she saw what he was staring at, and her words were taken from her.

‘Help me,’ Prassan choked.

The flesh-wrought was dead, but in its death it had fallen upon the lord general.

Jaromir and Sargora helped pull its foul bulk back, as Minka hacked at one of the limbs where it met the body, cutting it clear.

It sounded like Bendikt was trying to breathe, but all they could hear was a dreadful gurgling as blood bubbled from his nose and ears and mouth. He flickered on the edge of consciousness.

Minka knelt at his side. ‘Sir!’ she said. ‘Lord general!’

His eyes closed, and Grawnya scrambled for her stimms. Minka took one and slammed it into Bendikt’s arm. There was no resistance. The limb moved unnaturally under the pressure, and the lord general snorted in pain, bubbles of blood forming under his nose.

‘He’s too far gone,’ Grawnya said, but then Bendikt’s eyes opened. His gaze was already starting to wander, but they fixed on Minka.

His lips moved, but there was no breath left to give his words voice. It took a moment for her to understand as he reached for his blade, then pointed to where Paragon was buried in the corpse of the flesh-wrought.

Minka dragged the power sword from the foul flesh, pressed it into his hand. He shook his head. He mouthed words soundlessly.

‘You…’ Bendikt exhaled.

‘He wants you to take it,’ Mere said as he hauled himself up.

Minka paused.

‘Quick,’ Mere said. ‘Before he’s gone.’

Bendikt looked up at her, and Minka’s fingers closed about the hilt.

‘Cadia stands,’ she said, her eyes not leaving his, and he smiled before life finally left him.

Minka shook her head in dumb grief. Lord General Bendikt’s last battle had been fought. He had taken the Emperor’s Blessing. He’d fought the enemies of the Imperium all his life. The wars would never be over, but Bendikt’s part in them was done.

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