Day was coming to an end. Evening light of the Hysh shone weakly upon a ramshackle wooden platform in a small camp near the city of Crobus. A tall Desraki priest with an enormous axe was standing before his prisoner with a menacing grin. He then turned to the public and started his speech.
“Soldiers of the Dominion! Today you shall witness the execution of a creature most foul! Not only a wretched spellcaster, but also a vampire – a blasphemy in the eyes of our lord Khorne! Rejoice, for today we remove this impurity from the world!” he shouted. His speech was overly grandiose for his taste but he knew that his soldiers needed this. Their morale was low as the Hellscorn war was not going their way. Their territories were contested. Their cities besieged. They needed even a small victory. What better than a public execution of a twice-blasphemous enemy?
Their captive was Badr, a sorceress of the Black Rose coven. Her silver mask was broken and her hands locked in handcuffs made of nullstone, preventing her from using magic. She was afraid. Usually, death is merely a temporary nuisance for vampires. There are multiple ways to raise a slain soulblight lord from their slumber. But Badr was sure that this death would be her last – her skull adorning the Throne of Khorne like countless others and her soul consumed by the Blood God himself.
Suddenly, a single bat landed on her head. Badr sensed a familiar presence…
“What’s that? A herald of your weak god, sorceress? Is it here to say farewell to you?” the priest asked mockingly.
“I am here to free these lands from your lords’ tyranny. And also to end your pathetic life, brute!“ the bat responded.
Before the Desraki soldiers could understand what just happened, a bright flash of amethyst light engulfed the execution site. When it dissipated, a tall vampire knight in black armour was standing between Badr and the priest. She immediately attacked him with her mace, smashing his skull completely. His body fell to the ground with a loud thud.
Desraki warriors were preparing to avenge their leader, when a barrage of arrows, bolts and bullets hit their ranks. A company of soldiers broke into the camp and engaged them in combat.
“Mercenary scum! How dare you betray us!“ shouted one of the khornates, recognising the soldiers as their former allies.
“Betray? You haven’t paid us in months and you expect our loyalty? Don’t make me laugh! This shows what barbarians like you know about war!” responded the soldier, before shooting her opponent in the face with a pistol.
`After a short search of Slaughterpriests’ body, Vaska managed to find the keys and unlock Badr’s handcuffs. She embraced and kissed Vaska.
“I’m so happy to see you, V! I was afraid it’s over for me.”
“I would never let that happen, my love.” said Vaska. Then she smiled slyly and asked: “What would you say about showing them what happens to those trying to mess with you?”
“With pleasure, hon.” said Badr. Her eyes started glowing with purple light. Dozens of ethereal spikes grew from the ground and impaled the remaining khornates. The battle was over. One of the mercenaries walked up to Vaska and said:
“Commander, we won, but the rest of them should return from the patrol soon. We should get out of here immediately!”
“Agreed, Diego. I’ve sent them the signal before the battle, they should be on their way by this point.”
“Wait, who exactly…”
Sergeant Diego did not manage to finish his question before an ear-splitting shriek filled the air. A flock of giant bats appeared above the battlefield. One of them landed before Badr and Vaska.
“Ok everyone. Only two people can ride them at the same time, the rest will have to be carried.”
“Wait, you can’t expect us to…”
Once more, Sergeant Diego was not given a chance to finish his sentence, as the bat of Vaska and Badr grabbed him with its claws and carried him away…
