Chapter 69

"I know not if this is genius or madness," Strickler spoke in quiet shock as he accompanied Atlas to observe their new defence system – or at least the start of one.

Atlas let out a laugh, it felt good to do something ridiculous, on an unprecedented scale that for him was simple, however for any other would be a herculean task.

It had all started a few weeks ago with a childish notion, one that most would dismiss when dealing with the decisions that could make or break a kingdom; however not Atlas.

Atlas stood at the edge of the newly carved quarry, his gaze sweeping over the vast expanse of rocky terrain that stretched out before him. The rhythmic sound of pickaxes striking stone echoed through the air, a relentless chorus that filled the valley with a sense of purposeful industry.

"This," Atlas declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "will be our greatest defensive stronghold."

Strickler nodded in agreement, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene before him. "Impressive," he remarked, his tone tinged with admiration. "But how do you plan to control such a massive workforce?"

Atlas gestured towards the skeletal figures toiling away in the quarry below, their movements methodical and unyielding. "With the power of necromancy," he explained, a hint of pride in his voice. "Konak has already bound thousands of miners to his will, and with their tireless labour, we will transform this landscape into an impenetrable barrier."

Konak, despite being transformed mere months ago, was a lich of great power. While Konak lacked the capability to control the more elite undead minions, he excelled at lesser undead. Already his horde, risen mainly from the killed Greenskin slaves of the Chaos Dwarf masters, numbers over 10,000. Each was equipped with a bone pickaxe as they chiselled the landscape between two great mountains.

He turned to face Strickler, his expression resolute. "Skeletons are the perfect workforce," Atlas continued, his voice filled with conviction. "They require no rest, no sustenance, and no payment. With their unwavering loyalty, they will work day and night to fortify our defences and ensure the safety of our kingdom."

Strickler nodded in understanding, his gaze lingering on the skeletal miners below. "A formidable force indeed," he mused, his tone reflecting a newfound appreciation for the undead workers. "With their help, we shall create a stronghold that no enemy can breach."

Both could picture the end result, a chasm that stretched across the entire southern border, carved deep into the rock with smooth walls that prevented anyone from scaling its walls. It would be wide enough to prevent enemy bows from reaching their side (around 400m) which would be an impassable barrier to roving bands of orcs or any other enemies that dared to invade. The only access point would be a huge bridge, carved out of the rock that would create an easily defensible choke point. Endless hordes of Greenskins would matter little if they were forced into a narrow corridor at the mercy of their liberated artillery.

Konak showed his value with this task, which even Atlas would struggle to accomplish as skilfully. It was not an easy task to control this many undead, Atlas knows first-hand, however Konak also was imparting some of his dwarven skill at masonry to the undead. The stones produced, which were of surprisingly high quality, would be transported by more undead to various parts of what had become their territory. Atlas had even given Konak a Grand Runic Array, whose complexity meant he could only get the AI chip to transmit it through their shared bond. The Runic Array, which would be embedded into the walls of the pit, was made up of tens of thousands of runes, some large, some small; all working together in perfect harmony. Their effects were several, from strengthening the very walls to prevent sabotage, to preventing entry through other ways and even Chaos Bane runes that would prevent the corruptible warp stone from entering his territory.

More teams of undead that were under the command of a recent addition to Atlas roster of higher undead – Thorek Ironbrow. Thorek, while a Dwarf was not one of the cursed Chaos Dwarfs, instead he had been captured by a raiding party as the old Runelord was journeying between holds to uncover lost relics. He had endured decades of torture in one of the mines that Atlas troops had recently taken over. His corpse had been preserved as it hung in a cage overlooking the slave camp – a warning to all who wouldn't submit.

When Atlas had found out who he was, a renowned Runelord proficient in many of the secret runes that makes Dwarf weapons and holds so enduring, he scrapped his plans for more Chaos Dwarf undead and instead chose to transform Thorek. Even risen as undead, he had a fiery temper that only Atlas, as his creator, was exempt from. There had been several long arguments between Thorek and Konak, however Atlas knew that both held no animosity, it was almost like a stubborn aspect of their living lives remained and bickering was the only way to communicate.

Unfortunately, while Thorek had managed to retain a lot of his knowledge during the transformation, which was aided by capturing a sacrificial Goblin shaman, he lacked knowledge of Dwarf engineering. Thorek in life was a strict traditionalist and couldn't abide 'new inventions' which included almost all Dwarf weapons except for hammer and axe.

Seeing the clashes between Thorek and Draz getting more violent, Atlas had sent Thorek out of the Blood Throne city to aid Konak. While Konak supplied the raw material, Thorek controlled a smaller number of undead, however they were entirely made up of fallen dwarves, that could more easily accept Thoreks skills. The undead dwarves worked across the lands secured by Atlas undead, they built roads and houses, farms and watchtowers, even securing the mines in what Thorek describes as the 'proper way'. Their construction was faster than any mortal company while the quality was also so much higher. Thorek was a perfectionist at heart, even in unlife, therefore he would go beyond expectations to even carving runes that once graced only the finest Dwarf holds.

As Atlas and Strickler watched the skeletal figures continue their laborious task, the sense of purpose and determination that permeated the air filled them both with a renewed sense of confidence. With the combined efforts of their undead workforce, they would forge a fortress that would stand as a testament to their strength and resilience in the face of any adversity.

"How long will it take?" Strickler indicated to where the great chasm would be.

"Decades. Perhaps even a century." Atlas replied quickly, for any other species, it would be far longer. "We still have many enemies in the Darklands to eliminate, however despite the delay, this project will ensure the prosperity of our people until the End Times come for us all."

"So once we finish the Chaos stunties, we dig this trench and then what?" Stickler asked, he had followed Atlas not because of some grand vision that was shared, but respect for all he had done for him, in the knowledge that he was given and the gift of vampirism. Still, it rankled to be out of the loop – he wanted answers.

"The lands of this world are vast, as are the opportunities upon them. While we must explore and grow, never forget that we must protect what we have built here." Atlas looked at Strickler and for the first time, he saw his progeny, not just as a mage he had corrupted, but someone worthy of his legacy. "There will be a time when I am not here, and the people will need someone to look to – that will be you."

"Wha…" Strickler was stunned, his maker was incredibly powerful and cunning, he couldn't imagine a situation that he wouldn't be able to profit from, let alone survive.

"Let's leave such topics for another time." Drawing a rolled-up map from his sleeve he handed it to Strickler with a smug smile.

"What's this?" Strickler mumbled to himself as he unrolled it. It was a map that showed their conquered territory. The Blood Throne as the centre, they had controlled several of the holds of the Chaos Dwarfs and even showed the positions where several fortifications or towns were going to be constructed to support their growing population. He saw the thick red line showing the chasm that was under construction however he finally noticed it sticking out like a sore thumb.

"You can't mean to…"

"You think I would stop at one trench?" Atlas scoffed, "The day will come when we face enemies on all sides, far better to prepare early than late."

The map flapped in the wind, the coloured lines showing what will one day be created, however it was boxed in by four thick red lines that limited all access to their region. An ironclad defence – if they ever finished such a mammoth task.