Later that night, in a different town within the stone's range, twelve men gathered at an abandoned construction site with a dark purpose. Many of them were carrying a large metal apparatus with eight barbed spikes. They set it down on the ground, and the leader was the first to speak, "well guys, you all know why we're here. Everyone's ready? All right, let's do this!" he said enthusiastically, and the men, few of which were over 40, all cheered in excitement over what was about to happen. "Now remember, this isn't suicide, its martyrdom. You'll be rewarded for your sacrifice." He cleared his throat, and began to chant solemnly, "Lord of Darkness, the one without beginning or end, our Primordial Master, hear our prayer this night," he began. As he spoke, one of the men impaled himself on one of the spikes.
They continued as the leader spoke, "We offer these eight souls unto you, and ask in exchange that you might open a portal to the sacred realm. Tear open the fabric of reality, oh glorious Master, and send forth the mystic fires of the highest heaven, the Empyrean. Let us behold the Warp itsel- hey, where's he going? Stop him!" he said, yelling suddenly as one of them tried to run away. Two others grabbed him and forcibly pushed him onto his spike. Once he was screaming and cursing as he died painfully on the spike, the leader continued," Well, I would keep talking, but there's really no point now, I mean it's already started, see?" He was right, the air and light around the strange altar was distorting, and large reddish violet sparks were starting to flash. Something interesting was certainly about to happen. "What about you Virgil?" the leader asked, "are you in, or do we have to force you too?"
"Oh no, I'll do it, hang on a second," he said nervously. He wasn't really sure what he'd gotten himself into, but it was far too late to back out now. He threw himself onto the last spike, and suddenly the sparks flared up into a portal.
"It's real, it's really happening!" one of the cultists exclaimed excitedly.
"You see? What did I tell ya?" the leader asked, patting him on the back. Suddenly, two squads of five 7 foot tall super soldiers emerged. They were wearing black and bronze armor, and most of them had horned helmets with glaring visors. They spread out, clearly well trained, aiming their guns in different directions.
"Make way mortals, our lord approaches!" one of the sergeants growled.
"All right, stand back guys," the leader who set up the sacrifice said to the three survivors. Just as they did, an even greater warrior came from the portal, towering over everyone else there. He was followed by a couple of mutilated slaves, who immediately walked forward, and got to work psychically summoning a stronghold out of the air. "David Archon, at your service lord," the man said, introducing himself as he knelt, "Let me be the first to welcome you to Earth Saint, uh "
"You will address me as Lord Ekaiddon of the Black Legion," the hulking figure finished. "You called this place Earth Do you mean to say this is actually ancient Terra?" he asked.
Archon seemed somewhat confused, but nodded anyway, "Yeah, I guess you could call it Terra, but most people just use the name Earth," he answered. "Anyway, do you have anything for me to do? Maybe I can't speak for my men, but I'm eager to prove myself in battle,"
The lord looked down at the four servants assembled before him, "I see, in that case you may begin by assembling the rest of your number, and equipping yourselves with armor and weapons, then helping to secure a perimeter. This is an invasion, I don't intend for it to end up as a mere raid, is that understood?"
"Yes Lord Ekaiddon," he agreed. The others said something to a similar effect.
"Then go, prepare for battle, and may the Spirit's blessings be upon you," the Chaos Lord answered.
", and also upon you sir" Archon answered. "Come on men, the final battle's upon us! For the glory of Chaos!" he roared. Then they ran off, eager to see what they'd find inside the stronghold.
Ekaiddon looked out at the suburban landscape before him that would soon know war. "Ancient Terra, we're really about to conquer ancient Terra!" he said to himself with a chuckle, as the original portal he came through ran out of energy and died.
Back in his room, Jon was having trouble getting to sleep. He couldn't stop worrying about what kind of "interesting" event he'd wished for. He'd have to tell Karyn tomorrow. Maybe she could help him fix whatever mess he may or may not have gotten himself into.
