Dan Abnett - Necropolis

TWENTY

NECROPOLIS

Enough of this. Too many ghosts.

Ibram Gaunt, at Verghast

The outboards purred. The Magnificat lurched away from the dock into the middle of the Hass. It left behind a vast city-hulk still burning and smouldering. Folik steered them out, chasing the last tides of the day.

He left the bridge and dropped down onto the rear skirt of the old ferry, approaching the man in the long coat and peaked cap who leaned against the rail as if in pain. For a week, Folik had been ferrying Guardsmen to the north shore, the beginning of their long journey to who knew where next.

This was the very last run.

In the cabin seating, Dorden looked over at Curth, her shoulder bulked up by bandage.

Are you sure about this, surgeon?

Utterly. I've given Verghast all I have.

Dorden nodded.

So have you, Tolin, and so much more than me. I want to repay the Guard. Don't tell me you can't use another medic.

Indeed not, Curth.

She smiled sadly. I think, by now, it's all right for you to call me Ana.

* * * * *

It's a pleasure to have you aboard, sir, Folik said to Gaunt. You being the People's Hero and all.

Are you sure you're not getting me mixed up with someone else?

I don't think so. You're Commissar Gaunt, aren't you?

Gaunt nodded. He looked back across the Hass at the dead ruins of Vervunhive. They continued to burn in the low, morning light.

He took the shattered petals of the metal flower Dorden had cut out of his flesh and cast them out across the water.

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