A deceptively clever and satisfying short story by Jonathan Green, Journey of the Magi follows a trio of Thousand Sons sorcerers as they mount a magically-assisted incursion into a vast necron artefact known as the Godstar. Though the sorcerers’ powers grant them swift access, it’s not long before the necron defences are alerted to their presence, and they find themselves embattled with ever-growing numbers of increasingly lethal guardians. To Prototokos, Opados and Tritos of the Sect of the Crimson Scarab, however, the prize that waits for them at the heart of the Godstar is worth any sacrifice to claim.
On the face of things it’s a pretty straightforward story, with a linear narrative – get in, fight through the defenders and find the prize – and nicely-described but fairly familiar-seeming characters. The Godstar is cool, but likewise the necron defenders are about what you’d expect, with no real surprises. Beneath the surface of what’s taking place, however, there’s an enjoyable sense of subversion which plays upon the sorcerers’ powers and makes sense of the overarching narrative. It all comes together to form a bleakly entertaining story with a delicious sense of irony – come for the sorcerous action, stay for the enjoyably bleak sense of satisfaction.
You can buy Journey of the Magi either as a standalone e-short or in the Inferno! Volume 4 anthology.
Click this link to buy Journey of the Magi.
