Gideon the Ninth

Necromancers are needed by the Emperor.

We need a swordswoman for the Ninth Necromancer.

Gideon no longer has time for zombie crap; he has a blade and some soiled mags.

Gideon, raised by ossifying, hostile nuns, innumerable skeletons, and old retainers, is prepared to forsake a life of slavery and an eternity as a reanimated corpse. She gets ready to make her bold getaway by gathering her soiled magazines, shoes, and sword. But without a favour, her childhood foe won't release her.

Calling herself into action is Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the bone witch extraordinaire and Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House. The heirs of every one of the Emperor's faithful Houses are being challenged to a deadly game of cunning and skill. No necromancer may rise without their knight, but if Harrowhark succeeds, she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection. Harrow will fail and the Ninth House will perish without Gideon's sword.

Certain things are, of course, best left dead.