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The Lords of Borsis

L J Goulding

There was one thing for which Turakhin was renowned above all else and – much to the dismay of those that called him overlord – it was not his military acumen. From his throne at the head of the grand hall, he would regularly preside over the greatest and most lavish banquets that any on the seventeen worlds of the Bor Enclave could ever hope to witness.

Wines from Harapti flowed freely from ewers carried by robed servants, while others bore platters laden with spiced fruit and aromatic roasted meats. Guests were anointed with sacred oils as they seated themselves – lords and delegates from across the sector, who were then treated to harmless displays of techno-magick and rousing recitations of the ancient sagas performed in flawless pentatonic harmony by Turakhin’s troubador-minstrels. Fragrant incense burned in golden braziers, wafting scented smoke into the upper reaches of the hall where the quantum-flambeaux flickered silently overhead.

Not since the days of the old gods had such epicurean pleasures been known.

Or so it was said. Few of those now present had any memory of those times, and those that did were rather more preoccupied with other matters.

Amontar, rightful lord and ruler of the world of Xanderat, could not take his eyes from the goblet that sat upon the table before Turakhin. It was carved in shimmering crystal that caught the light, refracting and casting it through the wine like a hundred miniature rainbows. In any other household, it would have been a priceless treasure, but to the Overlord of Borsis it was simply one amongst thirty-five identical pieces that he used when entertaining his royal court, and he appeared to pay it no mind.

‘Khetmes,’ Turakhin muttered, fixing the noble seated opposite Amontar with an inquisitive squint. ‘You look as though you have something to say.’

The exalted Nemesor Khetmes, bedecked in his warlike finery, stared coldly back. His fellow lords shifted uncomfortably in their seats – though the confrontation had been expected, this was far from the manner in which they had proposed that the matter be broached. As usual, the characteristically forthright Khetmes lacked the subtlety and sagacity required for proper courtly business.

‘My lord, the hospitality you have afforded us is admirable. But we do not feel that now is the time for feasting and celebration. There are more pressing matters at hand.’

From his seat at the overlord’s right hand, Turakhin’s vizier and chief advisor Heqiroth stood and noted the interruption upon a lavish vellum-slate.

‘The great and mighty Turakhin, regent of the Magadha dynasty and master of Borsis, recognises Nemesor-designate Khetmes, conqueror of the Ferandu Trinary.’

With an air of mild disinterest, Turakhin plucked the goblet from the table and peered disapprovingly into it. ‘And what would these pressing matters be, nemesor?’

Amontar froze. He watched the overlord languidly swirl the wine around the bowl of the goblet, though his attention was clearly already drifting.

Khetmes rose, the woven electrum scales of his cloak clattering from his chair. ‘Alien incursion, lord. The foulest creatures threaten our borders, most likely sponsored by the blood-witches or the damnable eldar, and yet you do nothing.’

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First published in 2013 in The Black Library Anthology 2013/14.
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Cover by Alex Boyd.

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