‘An unexpected enemy has bolstered the defences of the system. Militarily they have achieved a victory beyond their numbers but it is their effect on morale and their ability to function adequately within the overnull that is of most interest. They are clearly humans of some sub-type, well-equipped and trained. There is something else about them. I have briefly seen their energy patterns and as well as possessing immense biological power their brain activity is heightened in a very particular way. I am sure the technomandrites have studied these creatures in more detail and perhaps will already be aware of this resistance. The greatest threat to the project is the way a relative few warriors of this sect can have a disproportionate effect on other humans. They are not astromancers in themselves but evidence similar properties with regard to the neversea and the effect of the overnull.’

She paused the broadcast to her distant masters, flitting a momentary inspection protocol from her data-facsimile whilst checking there had been no attempt at contact from the command-mastaba. Canop­tek scarabs and reanimators busied themselves through the corridors, attending to the war-folk that had been released from the stasis tombs.

‘I believe that Simut’s incompetence will hamper the effort but not so much that the inevitable victory occurs. Szarekh is clearly growing short of patience and I fear that he will replace Simut with a more capable overlord soon. I know my purpose has been to observe and report to the technomandrites but I can sense the time is coming when I must act. It is not by a whim that they chose me for this task. Though it is in its foundational stages, the overnull project will soon prove its effectiveness. When that is achieved then the Silent King will press ahead with its rapid expansion, uncaring that its existence will come to light. By then it may be too late for the other dynasties to prevent him accomplishing his goals and stilling the neversea across his domains. When that is achieved he will focus his attention not only on the alien ­menaces but also his rivals within our great civilisation.

‘I will stop him. Szarekh can never be allowed to attain the power he desires. As for Simut… Before the end, I will make sure his dreams are crushed and his legacy scattered to the cosmic winds. I will feed on his escaping essence! He will know despair before his end, and he will also know it is I that brings it! By the ancient rites of Sorek and Ashok, by the seven shadows of Cartha, I curse Simut and his line!’