Series: The Rusted Blade
- Swordmaiden
- Paladin
- Rust, Blood, and Flame
- Light, Faith, and Sacrament
- Feeding the Flame
- The Fire Consuming
- An Embrace Eternal
- Dancing with Death
- A Chosen Tool
- Silence after the Storm
- A True Beginning
- Distant Whispers
- In Presence Exalted
- Servants of Fire
- Of the Dark, Of the Light
- A Warm Glow
- An Introduction and a Challenge
- Flames of the Fire
- Blazing Sparks
- Burning Coals
- Rebirth by Flame
- Aspects of Divinity
- Burden’s Release
- Cold Fire – and Hot Fury
- Resolve and Passion
- Grim Purpose
- That Which Is Given
- Grim Focus
- Weight and Depth
- Grim Satisfaction
- Slaughter and Sacrifice
- Grim Determination
- Duty and Death
- Grim Destruction
- Grim Fury
A parishioner had requested aid against the Dead. The task of returning the dead to rest was beyond import – it lay somewhere in the realm of the sacrosanct. Orthael inclined his head in acquiescence, summoning Judgement into his grip – though he declined its tantalising invitation. Now was the time to eschew the towering heights of the All-Consumer’s direct intervention in favour of the attention of one of his lesser cohort. He breathed a whispered command, a question asked on the fading echoes of a blast of light, and sighed.
“It’s close, isn’t it? The parish of St Graphithas the Less or Nimier-sur-Varenne under the diocese of Varenniel, currently” – Judgement blazed brightly in outraged protest – “very much overrun by the Dead.”
Unbidden but revealing himself present all the same, the High Angel Varenniel whispered further in Orthael’s ear.
“Their presence occludes higher sight. You may come to regret your comment about the Unquiet Dead, for there is certainly one or more of their ilk waiting.”
