Tor Megiddo: Ferrugo Pass, Part 10

The Heart of the Machine

High into the Cauldron spires around the Rust King gathered his court. For as sick was the King so slowing was the Heart of the Machine. And though of servo-skulls Tarkloth made an offer, that did not lift the spirit of the Rust King. And into a mourning whailing turned the canticles to the Skull-cog for sad were the servants of the Rust King.

Through narrow tunnels and steep stairs had the Purebred ascended till no way led higher. In red lumen bathed they split to search for the riches to be found in the most sacred of the Cauldron chambers.

Out of an ascensorium stepped the Anomaly Protocol, weary of their fight against the Disciples of the Black. And yet, greater was their worry for the Rust King, for in his scanner Ruddle saw the Purebred closing in onto His chambers.

And into the chamber came the Anomaly Protocol, their King to take to safety.

The door opened Dez, Snapper growling at his side and Larg close behind. Flames engulfed the room, but strong was the King's and his servants' armour. Around the hulking King spread the Anomaly Protocol and fire they returned, the Purebred felling.

But then seizures took the sick Rust King. Twich He did and next to Him the Anomaly Protocol repositioned, ready their guns.

The digi-key pushed trusted Yash and behold! There was the Rust King, limp His mechanical limbs. And roaring charged Great Father Arun, for that who kills a King is made king in His stead.

And the fight joined Kurk and Daktov. Wounded was the Blemished, but impervious to blows was the skin of the Rust King.

Back to consciousness jerked the Rust King as fiercer grew the combat around Him. Back to consciousness jerked the Rust King, for Arun's chainglaive to see coming at Him. A chink in the armour did the revving glaive find and in a scream of statics did the Rust King fall.

Quick were the Anomaly Protocol and the King's courtiers to away drag His unconscious form. And in the red penumbra around the Purebred moved skittering figures. In waves out of them, a barely heard keening whistling came.