The First Mission, part 4

This Story Takes Place In The Warhammer 40k Universe

Caffus’ group rounded the corner and stopped dead in their tracks. At the center of what had once been a courtyard, an enormous bonfire flared bright with flames so red they seemed to bleed into purple. Around it was a ring of men and women chanting strange words that carried insanity with them. They weren’t robed and hooded, but stark naked. Around the ring were dozens of other people, all engaging in horrible activities.

Some were performing hedonistic acts so depraved that no human mind could have possibly conceived them, and Caffus couldn’t decide whether he should be excited or disgusted by the twisting, writhing, and moaning.

Others were engaged in all manner of sadistic torture. Blood poured from a hundred small cuts, flowing over bruises and broken bones. Caffus knew, inexplicably, that those being tormented had volunteered for the treatment.

The coppery smell of blood wafted through the air, mingling with the smells of alcohol, obscura, and bodily fluids. It was utterly disgusting, and through it all the horrible chanting grew louder and caused blood to leak slowly from Caffus’ ears. The whole scene was wrong.

For a brief and horrifying moment, Caffus felt something inside him break. Ravion cuffed him on the back of the head, and brought him back to himself. Caffus knew that there was only one thing to do. He surged forward, his pistols spitting death in all directions. Ishta’s blades carved through limbs and necks with deadly efficiency. Lug’s heavy weapon spewed fire in short controlled bursts, each deadly. Ravion levelled a precision rifle at one of the chanters, but before he could pull the trigger a shockwave emanated from the bonfire, knocking over everyone still standing.