‘That is the least of their worries,’ said Captain Morthan, turning from the muttered conversation she had been having with Lieutenant Grange and several watchmen first class. ‘Thank you for coming so promptly.’

‘Who are they?’ asked Aelyn.

‘They call themselves the Shrine of the Last Days’ Warning,’ said Helena, exasperation clear in her voice. ‘A bunch of fanatical cretins who are convinced that Sigmar never meant for us to inhabit the Mortal Realms. They’re demanding that we let them out of the gates right away. Supposedly they’ve heard the last warning and it’s time for them to return to Azyr.’

‘So, let them out, and us while you’re at it,’ muttered Borik. Captain Morthan made no sign she’d heard him.

‘Why aren’t they wearing scald-cloaks, are they a flagellant order?’ asked Romilla, her eyes straying to the young, the elderly and the infirm amongst the flock. ‘Is there nothing we can do to get them under shelter while this is resolved?’

‘They won’t have it, some nonsense about the rain only harming the impure,’ said Captain Morthan. ‘I’m this close to just having my watchmen rush them, but if we can avoid bloodshed it would be preferable. Besides, things are a little more complicated.’

From amongst the rain-soaked, praying mass of people a figure suddenly emerged, hoisted up onto the shoulders of those around her to stare imperiously at the watchmen.

‘Captain Morthan, you have detained the Chosen long enough,’ cried the woman, and Hendrick winced at the fanaticism he heard in her voice.

‘Krysthenna, their Lantern Bearer,’ said Helena. ‘Not a woman to be negotiated with.’

‘We do not wish to damage the defences of this city, but we will not hesitate to do so, for all of you impure souls face damnation whether you have walls to cower behind or not,’ declared Krysthenna loudly. ‘The bell chimes. The gates open. The warning has been heard.’ This provoked wails and cries of rapturous fervour from many of her flock. ‘Now allow us to pass or, like Sigmar opening the way for his Chosen, we shall thrust aside the gates of this city and leave them smouldering in our wake. Do not test me in this, Captain Morthan, for my faith is the greater and my determination to protect my flock is absolute.’

‘By the gates, see them?’ said Captain Morthan.

Hendrick stared past the mass of people in the square to where several figures loitered in the shadows by the inner gate. He hadn’t noticed them until now.

‘Those three claim to have home-made explosive devices and they’ve threatened to knock the inner gates down with them if I don’t permit them egress. We’ve been unable to risk getting any closer to them in case they follow through with their threat.’

‘Could they do that?’ asked Bartiman. ‘I mean, do they even have explosives? Have you seen them?’