Lelith vs Cadulon

In an especially daring and costly raid, Khargiel has kidnapped Brother Captain Cadulon of the Iron Knights Space Marine Chapter. Known as the Saint of Blades, Cadulon is an exceptionally talented swordsman who has twice been declared victor at the ritual Feast of Blades. As Hesperax meets his eye across the arena floor she knows she faces a worthy foe. With a predatory grin, the belladonna of the Dark City goes to work, her blades ringing against Cadulon’s sword in a blizzard of sparks to the maddened roar of the crowd. The duel lasts for over six hours before Cadulon finally falls, leaving Hesperax victorious with but a single, bloody cut across her midriff.

Amid the sudden hush, Archon Khargiel descends to the arena floor to accept his reward. Yet his look of triumph curdles as Lelith kicks the fallen Space Marine’s blade across the floor to land at the Archon’s feet, explaining that the greatest honour she can bestow is the deadly kiss of her knives. To the amusement of the crowd, Khargiel is lucky to last six minutes...