The High Kâhl's Oath (Warhammer 40,000) by Gav Thorpe

Author:Gav Thorpe [Thorpe, Gav]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: FLS
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2024-11-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Difficult Choices

Carefully lifting a mag-bolt from the housing of the E-COG, Lekki pulled the inspection panel aside and placed it on the floor. A lamp held on a headband illuminated the interior of the construct, showing the Brôkhyr a mess of circuits and wires surrounding a small neuronic core.

So engrossed was he in his inspection that the clank of the workshop doors opening made him jolt with shock, almost spearing the tip of the magdriver into his eye.

‘What do you want?’ he demanded, spinning round to confront Erkund. ‘I’m busy! And it would be polite to knock.’

‘I am here for your protection, and my core functions are for efficiency, not manners,’ the tall Ironkin replied. ‘You could be choking to death on a poison administered by an assassin and I would be waiting patiently at the door for permission to enter.’

‘Is that likely?’ Lekki stood up to face Erkund.

‘A non-zero probability.’

Lekki said nothing, waiting for Erkund to reveal why she had disturbed him, not wanting to be baited into a pointless argument.

‘You have received a reply from the Guild to your missive. Do you wish me to relate it?’

‘Yes! What did they say?’

Erkund assumed a stiffer pose, which meant that she was acting as a channel for the broadcast. It was odd to Lekki to hear the words of Wardwright Stannak in the voice of the Ironkin.

‘What’s this about being given the brush off, Lekki? If you want to get anywhere in the Enduring Guild of Master Runewrights then you need to learn how to deal with these lordly types. Orthônar, Myrtun, doesn’t matter who it is. You need to demand they address our concerns right away. If not, you already know what is expected of you. The Guild placed a lot of faith in Orthônar and the Kindred of the Eternal Starforge. We entrusted something to them that is almost beyond value and we are owed our due in return for that. Get it done!’

Something about Erkund’s intonation managed to conjure the face of Wardwright Stannak, his enormous sideburns flowing, jowls shaking as he delivered this indictment. Lekki felt a shudder of shame, the admonishment confirming his own fears about himself and his suitability for this duty.

‘How will you extract agreement from Myrtun now that she has departed?’ asked Erkund, her manner having returned to its usual offhand nature.

‘Well, I’m not going after her, if that’s what you’re suggesting. I need to be here, where we have leverage.’ Lekki placed the magdriver carefully on the countertop next to the dormant E-COG, rubbing his lip with a finger as he considered his position. ‘I shouldn’t have gone alone, that was the mistake. One voice is easy to ignore, even with the weight of the Guild behind it. Time to rouse the membership and show these Kin what they’re dealing with.’

The chamber of the Hearthspake of the Eternal Starforge reminded Lekki a little of the guildquarters on Svalinndrim, the frost-encased moon that was home to the Leagues-spanning Guild. It was there that he had been examined by the chancellors and assigned the duty of emissary.

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