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Skin Deep (Short Story) by Sarah Cawkwell

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Skin Deep
Skin-Deep.jpg
Cover art
Author Sarah Cawkwell
Publisher Black Library
Series Angels of Death
Preceded by Death Speakers
Followed by Final Journey
Released September 2013
Editions September 2013 ebook
ISBN 9781782511380


Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Sarah Cawkwell's short story; for the Darius Hinks' short story, see Skin Deep (Short Story) by Darius Hinks.

Skin Deep is a short story by Sarah Cawkwell. It was published online on September 3, 2013.

Cover Description

Amongst the Silver Skulls, great deeds are commemorated with victory tattoos. Lord Commander Argentius, Master of the Chapter, visits the aged Cruor Primaris to have his latest exploits added. But Argentius is uneasy and as he talks with his old friend, he bares his soul as well as his tattooed body.[1]

Plot Summary

Lord Commander Argentius, Master of the Silver Skulls, returns to his battle barge from his latest conflict, bearing several new scars that have marred his victory tattoos. Per his custom, he presents himself to Ignatius, the Chapter's Cruor Primaris. Though a lowly Chapter serf, and a failed Aspirant to the Silver Skulls, Ignatius's artistry is such that he is revered by the entire chapter, including Argentius.

As Ignatius works, he notes that several of the Commander's tattoos will require return appointments, and he will instruct his apprentice, in case Ignatius does not survive to complete them. Ignatius is an old man, who has refused juvenat treatments, and is content to let his art be his legacy. Ignatius's impending death has greatly pained Argentius, who would order the man to stay alive if he could, but Ignatius just chuckles and says even a Master of the Adeptus Astartes cannot command death.

See also

Sources