Psody was attached to the stone wall of the temple of cool-things. Before him stood the tall and thin Grey Seer the young White Skaven recognised as Thanquol. He was carrying a large wooden mallet.
- Master Thanquol... Psody ventured.
Thanquol, the famous Grey Seer responsible for the Great Invasion of Nuln murmured in a terrible voice:
- You know who I am. You know what I can do. You know what I want.
- No! Uh... Yes! But... No!
- You're a chosen one of the Horned Rat. You were born to serve him according to his desires.
- His desires... not yours! bravely replied the young ratman.
- What about mine? asked a honeyed voice.
He then felt long fingers caress his chin. He turned his head and saw Vellux beside him, looking at him with sympathy... or a deeper feeling. But he was not fooled.
- You... you killed me!
- This is Klur who planted his blade into your back.
- On your order!
- This is true, but I regret it. I underestimated your strength of character. And now I see that it was a mistake.
- Liar!
- Oh, Psody! After all these years, you doubt my word?
Psody hissed between his teeth. Vellux walked away a few steps. Thanquol ordered sternly:
- Kill Gotrek and Felix!
- No! Psody replied boldly.
- You are under our command, you must obey us! You have earned the trust of this hellish man-thing and this orange-crested worm, I order you to punish-punish them, as they deserve!
- Never! Only sir Jaeger can help me understand!
The tall White Skaven raised his mallet and struck the left leg of the prisoner. Psody screamed as he heard a terrible crash and felt the terrible consistently pain. Vellux looked sorry.
- You have an extraordinary potential, Psody. The Horned Rat has placed great hopes in you! Don't waste them stupidly with these men-things. Men-things are really not worthy to be heard!
- Felix is not a liar like you!
- Are you sure?
- He has something you'll never have! Neither you, nor you, Thanquol!
Thanquol crushed Psody's right arm, at the elbow. The young ratman thought he would break his vocal cords by shouting.
- Useless, Vellux. He's too stubborn.
- Master Thanquol, I know he can see!
- But not according to our will. And not according to the opinion of the Council of Thirteen.
Thanquol raised his weapon again. Vellux panicked:
- This is your last chance, Psody! If you kill these two wretches, you will earn our forgiveness! You can come back to Brissuc, take your place at my side, and I can answer all your questions. I promise.
- Oh yeah? So... answer this: who is this White Skaven who was sentenced by cold-things?
Vellux widened his eyes, then made a grimace of disgust. He turned to the other Grey Seer, and gave a little nod of negation. In a hoarse yell, Thanquol socked a heavy blow on the head of the young ratman.
Psody woke up suddenly, with a cry of fear. All around him, it was dark, everything was moving, and the air was difficult to breathe. It took him a few seconds to remember the situation. He was no longer in the Gottliebschloss dungeon, but in a cage covered by boards, wooden plates, pieces of cloth, hidden in the floor of a large freight chariot.
- Everything all right in there? asked the voice of Romulus
- Err… Yes, the White Skaven said. Just a nightmare. Finished.
- Cheer up, we're almost arrived.
- Sorry if I upset you...
- Don't worry; it's relaxing to be with you. We had to whack your predecessors with drugs to prevent them screaming all the way long!
- Yet avoid doing that anytime, Jaeger suggested. For this time it was lucky there was nobody. But if a guard hears you, we are all ripe for the prison, and you for the slaughterhouse!
Psody didn't reply. Could he control his sleep? He decided not to think about it. Anyway, he had enough sleep. He sat more comfortably – thankfully, the box was large enough to let room for his horns – and waited, trying to empty his mind.
Felix Jaeger was sat in the front of the vehicle and held the reins. Prior Romulus was at his side, and Gotrek was lying on the roof of the chariot. The horses moved slowly, but didn't seem upset by the smell of their particular cargo. The poet, however, was not very reassured.
- You say that it always well done?
- Yes, sir Jaeger. Skaven were stunned by meatballs seasoned with powerful sedatives. Hey, that was it, or it was so noisy it frightened the horses, and we could hear it hundreds of yards around! The first time we miscalculated the dose, it died.
- Sure, this one stands still. Ah! There's no place like home!
The purpose of the convoy was in sight. Already, carts, horses and pedestrians were more and more numerous. Romulus asked:
- Can we stop for a few moments? We need to give some instructions to our guest.
Jaeger pulled on the reins, and the horses stopped. On the carriage, Gotrek rose, stretched and yawned loudly, and jumped down.
- I can't wait for a good beer! I'm warning you, manling, when we have put this rat in its niche, we empty a whole tavern!
- I promise, Gotrek.
The poet leaned toward the cage. He cleared the upper part, exposing the hatch.
- We're about to enter the city Psody.
- Ah! Good news!
- Do you want some water?
- I do. And... can you pass me the pot?
Jaeger opened the small trap, and the hand of the White Skaven appeared. The Human gave him a gourd and the cast-iron dish. He descended the carriage, and joined the Prior who was stretching his legs.
- I did a lot of unusual things in my life, many were considered heretics, but that… is beyond everything!
- Once we are in Altdorf, you can leave whenever you want, master Jaeger. You know our goal, you take risks at this time, to this point, it won't make any difference.
- I know, but this little ratman intrigues me. I didn't think I would say it, but his story touched me. I'd like to learn more about him.
- From what I've seen, I'm sure he's much less evil than the others. He's very young, he can't be mind-twisted enough to dupe us. I really believe he can provide us answers, and he is sincere.
- May Sigmar give you reason, prior!
The two men departed to the cart.
- Have you finished?
Jaeger saw the cast-iron pot up. He took it, closed the hatch, and went back down the carriage to empty it into the ditch. Then he saw something that caught his attention a few moments. He returned to the chariot.
- Psody?
- Yes?
- I'll open the hatch a little more. Move your head out and look straight ahead.
The Human slid the flap, and the head of the young White Skaven came slowly. His eyes sparkled, and he stayed speechless.
- Wow! What… is it?
- Behold Altdorf, my hometown.
Before the chariot, the path down to a valley where a gigantic walled city unfurled. It seemed really huge and teeming with activity. Many plumes of smoke exited out of chimneys, slates and tiles of all colours created a dazzling but not garish patchwork. Some buildings were distinguished by their size and shape. A river crossed the city from side to side.
- How great!
- Indeed! It is the largest city of the Empire, and probably one of the largest ever built by Humans.
- It is even bigger than Marienburg!
- Oh, you went to Marienburg?
- This is where I knew where to find you.
The poet had a slight chill in realising the effective of Under-Empire informant networks. The little ratman then exclaimed:
- Oh! What's this big building with the dome?
- This is the Great Temple of Sigmar, Psody. In case of you don't know, Sigmar is our main god, Jaeger explained. It would be wiser not to go to the temple if you don't want to end your life on a grill!
- There will be several rules to follow during your sojourn in Altdorf, Psody, added Romulus. To begin with, we'll put you in a fitted cell. You must never move alone, without the express consent of the occupant or myself. If you try to escape, we'll have to cover you with chains. The owner has decided to trust you, you must not betray that trust, otherwise everything will be broken.
- Uh... right.
- I know everything will be fine. I am confident. Another thing, while I think: you must never use magic, nor stand before an imperial mage. These people are not so loved. They are known to be needed to fight against the enemies of the Empire, but they inspire fear.
- Oh yeah? In Skaven, sorcerers scare-scare, but here too?
- Generally they're distant individuals, proud and jealous of their powers and mysteries that result. They cann't stand competition. If a mage would meet you, be sure he would immediately denounce you!
- Well, we have to go, said Jaeger.
Psody nodded, understanding what the Human meant. He looked one last time to Altdorf, and sat in the cage. Romulus closed the hatch.
- Come on, hang on, we're almost there. But from now on, you must not utter a single word until we open the cage. We'll go to the middle of the main streets. Normally, no one should feel your smell or hear you breathing. Not any word. Right?
- Right.
- We'll have to go through several guard posts, continued the prior, to the attention of the other two accomplices. Normally, everything should be fine. Our coverage has always worked, and, this time, we don't have the risk of having the "cargo" screaming.
- Don't forget our common security depends on you, ratling! Gotrek grumbled. If you put us in trouble, I kill you myself! Got it?
- Got it... the White Skaven replied in a tiny voice.
Throughout the next hour, Psody had for only horizon the bottom of the box, but his hearing and sense of smell were assailed by a multitude of new sensations. The more he imagined the chariot approaching the city, the more he heard voices. Mostly Human. He grabbed snatches of conversation on climate change, rising taxes, he perceived a beginning of dispute between two commoners on a poorly arranged display, he heard a few words praising the beauty of a woman spoke with passion, and his ears winced with the noise of hooves flapping the cobblestones. And his nose described the situations as clearly as if he was walking on foot in the middle of the crowd. Perfumes abounded. Fresh fruit, sweat, manure, water, sewer (a so familiar smell), animals of all kinds...
Many times, the chariot stopped and the little ratman heard men asking with authority a permit. Each time, the prior Romulus declined his identity, and the unknown men invited Jaeger to continue his way in a reassured voice. The last stop was longer because the prior needed to show a seal to pass the guard. Psody realised they were in the neighbourhood a most influential people by listening to the conversation between the poet and the prior.
- Your friend lives near the Imperial Palace?
- Indeed, he was born in an old noble family. He has no title, but doesn't care, he has still money.
- And what does he do?
- He's a merchant. He exports merchandises to Estalia, Bretonnia, and Tilea, and imports other products from these countries.
- My father was a businessman, and my brother took the family torch. I wonder if they have already had the occasion to meet?
- Your family is in trading business?
- Mainly tissues and wool.
- And you've never participated in the family business?
Here, Jaeger waited a while before answering:
- This is a painful subject, prior.
- I understand, no need to say more. I apologize. Turn left, it's here.
The chariot continued on his way, stopped while a door was open, and finally stopped completely.
- We're finally here.
- What a journey, manling! How thirsty!
- Ah, here is our host.
A deep voice, a little gruff but enthusiastic exclaimed:
- Romulus, my friend!
- Hello, Ludwig!
- So, you have a good trip?
- Excellent, thank you.
- And here is the famous Felix Jaeger, and sir Gotrek Gurnisson! It is a great honour to welcome you to my home!
- The honour is mine, my lord, said Jaeger.
Gotrek said nothing, he just burped. The gruff voice commanded:
- Bring him in the secure room.
Several pairs of hands lifted the box and carried it with difficulty. Psody didn't dare say a word, and gritted his teeth supporting the bumps somehow. He settled firmly in the corner of the box.
- Well, Romulus, tell me a little about our new host.
- Well, you might be surprised!
The little White Skaven didn't hear the rest of the conversation. He understood that he was carried down along a slope to the lower floor of a building. Some rattling door opening, and then the box was placed on a hard floor, and moved no more.
Psody heard the holders:
- Sure it is alive, there?
- Probably, or we wouldn't have all this trouble.
- Yeah, I hear him breathing.
The young ratman jumped, and held his breath. The second carrier growled:
- I hope he won't begrime the whole place! The last time I had to brush for three days just for the piss!
- Careful, he might hear you.
Several pairs of boots echoed in the room.
- Maybe I should be open to him, master? Jaeger suggested. I am the one whom he trusts the most, he better be greeted by a familiar face?
- Do it.
The White Skaven distinguished the shadow of the poet in the gaps between the slats of the crate. The latter, leaning forward, triturated the lock, turned the key. The side panel swung, and the poet said in an involving tone:
- You can go out, now.
With caution, Psody extricated himself from the cage on all fours, then he stood up and looked at the situation. He was in a large room well lit by different ventilators. Before him stood Gotrek, Jaeger, Romulus and a third Human.
This one was truly remarkable. Physically, he was already impressive. Very huge, more than was Gottlieb, and also very large. His stoutness, his ruddy complexion reflected his love for good food, but few strong muscles were guessed yet under the skin of his arms and shoulders. His hair was brown, auburn pulling, and tied on his neck. He had a round head and a large moustache under his broke snub nose. He wore heavy fabrics clothes, set with numerous embroidered collar brilliant decorations, and his stubby fingers were covered with rings set with coloured gemstones. He really seemed gigantic compared to the young ratman. He gestured towards the single door.
- Thank you, gentlemen, dismiss.
He was the personage who had received the convoy, with his gruff and playful tone. Four servants transported outside the cage out of the room. The richly dressed Human turned to Psody.
- Good evening, my young friend. Welcome to my home. I am Ludwig Hieronymus Albrecht Steiner von Kekesfalva, and I am very happy to meet you.
What a shock for the White Skaven, who had never seen a Human talk to him so cordially.
- Uh... thank you... lord... how?
- Steiner. Ludwig Steiner will be enough. Sorry to have imposed you this trip under these conditions, but you knew it was the only way to bring you here without too much risk for all of us.
- Yes, of course, lord Steiner.
- He didn't complain once during the whole journey, specified Romulus.
- Very good! I'm sure we can have a civilised relationship. Note like with the others.
Once again, Psody felt something he had never. He was facing a character that seemed important in the Human society. He had expected to find a severe, bitter and arrogant individual, much like his former master. However, a sort of majesty emanated from that man, something indefinable that drove to respect him unconditionally, while having the desire to make him happy. Like with Lady Katel, stronger. Sir Steiner certainly represented an authority, but a benevolent authority, not the tyranny embodied by Vellux. So it was with humility he answered, with his hands behind his back as a shy child:
- I... I promise I'll behave myself well.
- I'm sure. Prior Romulus told me a little about yourself and your stay in Gottliebschloss. You know, I put a lot of hopes in you for learning about the Skaven.
- I'll tell you, if it doesn't put my life in danger-danger.
- I can assure you as long as you respect our rules, you'll be treated with dignity and respect. According to my friend, you are an intelligent and sensitive being, it is normal to be so considered. If you permit, we'll begin our study tomorrow morning. And if you help me to continue my research, I'll help you continue your own. Romulus told me you have your problems, but you can't talk about it. I hope we can arrange it in a way that suits you. In the meantime, we'll let you rest. I agree that this place is not the palace of the Emperor, but we hope this will be liveable enough.
- This is really good, my lord. I've never hade a so great bedroom! There are protection runes around this room, I feel them.
- Well, I should still keep a minimum precaution, don't you think? I have a good feeling about you, but it's better to wait a bit before fully trust you. In fact, it will be up to you to prove that you are a good person, and earn that trust. This will be part of the rules of staying at Altdorf, in my domain. Act as a Human, I see you as a Human. Behave like a beast, and I will treat you like a beast. And the more you comport one side or the other, the more you receive the appropriate treatment. Is that understood?
Steiner spoke in a calm but firm tone. This baffled a little the young Skaven.
- Uh ... well understood, my lord.
- This is also for people who live in my area I do this, Steiner continued in a softer voice. I don't want them to be too much afraid of you. They have seen other people of your kind, but you are the first White Skaven to come here, and it worries them a few. In addition, I can't let you move anywhere for now and take the chance to let you do stupid things. For the safety of all, you have to stay in this room for some time.
- Right, Psody replied, bowing his head.
- Perfect.
Jaeger raised his hand.
- Sir Steiner, Gotrek and I have to take leave.
- Yep! I need to rinse my throat!
Psody felt his heart tightening.
- You... you leave me?
The poet squatted, to be at the same height of the little ratman, and said in a reassuring voice:
- I have some business to attend, I'll enjoy my stay in Altdorf. Look, don't cry, I'm sure you'll be fine here. You'll spend a few days with the prior and master Steiner, you'll work and discuss with them, between scholar men, it will probably do you much good. And during that time, there will be not a little angry voice inside you whispering to attack me! I won't abandon you. I'll return in a few days, a week latest.
- You... promise?
- I don't know how it works for Skaven, but here, trust works both ways. Until now, you have played the game, I engage to do the same thing; I'll see how it goes for you, I promise you. And then, I'm interested, here! I'm curious to know more about all of this.
- I... right.
Jaeger friendly patted the shoulder of the little ratman.
- Come on, just a week, no more. Be kind, do everything asked to you as it doesn't indispose you, and all will be well.
Psody sniffed and nodded without saying a word. Ludwig Steiner said:
- Well, it's getting late, we'll let you rest. When you wake up tomorrow morning, knock on the door to prevent the guards, I'll join you later. In the meantime, I wish you spend a good night.
The poet rose, the four men withdrew one after another by releasing the lanterns, the Dwarf in last, and the heavy door closed. The lock clicked loudly. The room was now in the dark, lit only by the light of a lamp outside passing through the highest vent. It was more than enough for the eyes of the ratman who scanned the place where he was.
The White Skaven realised he was not in an empty room: a table and a chair, an unbreakable steel chamber pot, and a bed with a blanket had been left for him. Nothing in the ceiling that allows to hang himself with the sheets, and anyway, Psody had no more the slightest desire to die. He was too curious to see how events would turn out.
Well, as long as I'm alive-alive, things can only get better!
Psody stretched, yawned, and scratched his back. He saw on the table a wooden plate with a mountain of cheese pieces, all different. His eyes began to shine, while saliva rose to his taste. With one bound he was on the chair. He took a gruyere, opened his mouth as widely as he could, getting ready to shove the whole cheese, but he stopped. Slowly, he brought the food to his snout and sniffed, snorted, looking for any poison. Nothing. He did the same with all the other parts. There was definitely not the slightest ounce of any drug. Convinced, he didn't hesitate no more, and sank his teeth into his piece of gruyere.
Within minutes, he had emptied the whole plate. Finally sated, he stroked his belly with satisfaction, leaning on the back of his chair. Then he yawned louder.
Well! Bedtime.
Looking toward the bed, he saw that the Humans had left for him a nightgown. He stood up, removed his robe, went to his bed, but stopped his movement. He straightened up, sniffed the air emphatically. This time, he felt like a slight odour. Not unpleasant, nor totally unknown. He had even thought he heard something. Like a little chuckle, a difficult contented laugh. But no way to understand what it clearly was. Finally, he shrugged and decided not to think about it. He put the finely embroidered garment. The nice touch of delicate fabric made him shudder with pleasure. He lay in bed, and snuggled under the blanket. He couldn't restrain a sigh of ecstasy. He had never slept in a more comfortable place. It was not long before he plunged into a deep sleep, unaware that, in the small basement drainage window on the side of the cell, close to the ground, two large sparkling eyes were literally devouring him.
The next morning, Psody woke up in good shape. He stood up, stretched, and shook himself. He changed clothes, and knocked at the door. The guard sent his closest colleague fetch the merchant. A few minutes later, the lock clicked, the door opened, and Ludwig Steiner entered with a large leather bag under his arm.
- Hello, young fellow! Good sleep?
- Oh yes, sir!
A servant put on the table a tray with a beautiful loaf of golden brioche, a pitcher of milk and a cup of clay, then placed a wooden chair he held on the other hand before retiring. Psody sat, licking their chops.
- Eat, drink at your convenience, and don't worry for me, I've had my share. If you allow, we will begin our study.
- I'm ready, sir. I must avoid talking with my mouth full, right?
- That's right! replied the merchant, laughing. It's true, I noticed the Skaven tend to eat so fast! Why?
So was the first question Psody had to answer. With good humour, he explained:
- Each meal may be the last one among Skaven. Better eat as much as possible, and fastest!
- There! You've already learned me something!
Steiner moved in turn, picked up out of his bag a piece of paper and writing implements. He noted the date, and the first few words of their conversation. Psody sniffed slightly the brioche loaf and ate a bite.
- Good. Can you tell me about your people, Psody?
- That's why I'm here, my lord. Where to start?
- Well, for example... Before your arrival, in ten years of study, we studied about twelve Skaven. I pass over the fact they were much less cooperative than you, indeed. But we could see they had different characteristics depending on the case. See, for Humans, Skaven are all the same. But I learned to distinguish some differences among them. Colour of hair, morphologies... You know that all Humans are not all the same, don't you?
- Yes... Some are greaer, some with lighter or darker skin, it depends.
- Exactly. Here, look at this.
Steiner placed before the little ratman a large scroll with a drawing of a Skaven. The creature was drawn face, arms and legs spread, with many annotations. All its trunk was split up and down, leaving its organs appear. Nothing surprising for Psody's eyes.
- Our first subject of study, commented Steiner. This specimen...
The Human cleared his throat.
- Psody, I'd like to put things right immediately. Now, when I speak of Skaven, you must not take it personally. I might say unpleasant things about them because they do a lot of harm to the Empire. However, every time I say "Skaven do this", or "Skaven are like that", please, don't take care. If I say something that offends you, don't hesitate to tell me. I don't want to be disrespectful.
- Oh, that's very kind, sir. But... I've learned to see Skaven your way, and now they are monstrous to me.
The small White Skaven saw the front of his interlocutor furrowing with perplexed wrinkles.
- So you reject them as they expelled you... I did not realise how much you must feel alone.
- Oh... it's nothing.
- Do you holding up, my young friend?
- I do, my lord. And don't hesitate to talk about Skaven as you want. Here you are the master-teacher.
- This is not a reason to treat you badly. Well, I was saying, this specimen seems almost ordinary. We didn't observe anything special about it. It had brown fur, a size slightly less than the average for Humans, and couldn't speak reikspiel. In any case, it didn't say anything.
Psody scanned closely the sketch.
- Did he have possessions?
- Only its tunic, breeches stolen from a farmer and a knife.
- So, this is a banal Clanrat. An adult citizen. You have drawn him accurately?
- With as much details as I could.
- Look at his ear there. There are some small marks, you see?
- Yes, indeed. I thought it was injuries.
- In fact, it is a way to identify us. When a Skaven reaches adulthood, he passes a test in which he shows he's able to use what he has learned. If he passes the test, the highest authority of his burrow carves small notches in his left ear.
- And... if he misses?
- He's considered as a useless mouth and is executed, if he survived the ordeal.
The Imperial raised his head.
- I see you passed this test. What was that?
- I... uh...
- Right... Another point: tell me only what you want to. I suppose you've done things that we, Humans, would consider inappropriate. Confidence is knowing when to listen and when not to listen. If you want to talk, don't hesitate, but if you're too embarrassed, I won't insist. In any case, I won't judge you.
- Thank you, my lord.
- Will you tell me what this tattoo on your other ear means?
- Huh? Oh yeah! Of course! This is my link with the Horned Rat.
- What do you mean?
The young ratman stood, and considered himself from head to toe.
- I'm a White Skaven, a chosen of the Horned Rat. I wear his distinctive signs: my white fur and his horns. When a White Skaven comes to the world in a burrow, he's tattooed on the inside of his right ear the position of a group of stars that appear in the sky next night. It's for better link him to our god. Skaven don't really like the clear sky, but this is from the stars the Horned Rat derives his powers and sends them to us to make us stronger.
Steiner placed a second drawing on the table. The little White Skaven wrinkled his muzzle. On paper, he saw the picture sketched a monstrous proportioned Skaven. Shoulders broader even than Gotrek's, huge teeth, hair hard as steel on its back, a powerful musculature composed that being he had no difficulty to recognise.
- This is a rat-ogre. You really managed to carry it to this place?
- No, it was too big. I had to move, my mercenaries hid it in an abandoned farm. I confess that one really impressed me. Usually, the Skaven mistruste me, nothing more. But this creature was... disturbing. Aberrant.
- It is not natural. It's an abomination. Well, you tell me, me too, for Humans. But this one was crafted by a Skaven. Even for us, they are not considered as "normal".
- I've learned your people are divided into "Clans", and one of them excels in the art of flesh shaping.
- You know things, my lord. Clan Moulder manufactures flesh and blood war machines, and the rat-ogre is. This is a Skaven in which has been injected a venom that turns into... this. They are very stupid, need always someone to control them, and in this case, they are very dangerous. Strong-resistant. It must have taken a lot of effort to confine it!
- It was already dead when we picked it up, on a battlefield where Skaven had been spotted. It was discreetly shipped to the farm. It's true that internal organs were rather chaotic.
The little ratman spent a good hour to analyse the drawing and point the modifications made on the rat-ogre. Even without being a Moulder, he could recognise the most obvious changes. He was surprised to see the Human listening to him as no one had ever. The latter didn't question any of his comments. Then he showed a new sketch.
- This one was felt particularly strong. Not as much as the rat-ogre, but it didn't look "manufactured".
- Hmm... according to your notes, it had a completely black coat. That explains it. It was a Black Skaven. They are appointed by the Horned Rat to form our elite troops, which we call "Stormvermin". They are born from a breeder as other Skaven, but are much larger and stronger of birth. When they are adults, they are our most sturdy warriors.
- You can say it. We captured this one when it was injured, but even in this state, six mercenaries were needed to subdue him. A real beast!
- No wonder. Black Skaven are very...
Psody suddenly thought back to his brother Chitik. He stopped and put his hand on his forehead. For a brief moment, he pictured the scene of the capture of the Black Skaven. What if it had been his elder?
- Is something wrong?
- It's... oh, no matter.
And yet, the young White Skaven couldn't help to think:
He always admired me, he was always ready to defend me, and I've never done anything to thank him. And it is too late.
- Well, we'll stop schemes for now. I would like to learn about White Skaven. I had never seen one before you, not even a corpse. I've only read books.
- They are too proud to be captured, sir Steiner. Generally, they fight with the strongest energy, or attempt to flee if they can.
The White Skaven spoke with many details the condition of the chosen ones of the Horned Rat. Their special status, their privileges, their ability to hear the voice of their god and borrowing his powers. They devoted several hours and interrupted for a meal. Steiner asked:
- A question which might seem a few disturbing...
- Go ahead, I'll answer as best I can.
- -Your horns... are they related to your ability to manipulate magic?
Psody had a little spout.
- No. They are not the cause of my contact with the Horned Rat, but the consequence. One day, my teacher broke one of his horns, but it didn't prevent him from using magic, and with time, it completely restored. Our horns grow up by the will of our God, unlike those of animals. Mine should grow a little longer, until they reach their maximum size within a few years. Depending on White Skaven, they grow faster or slower until the age of about ten years old.
- So they can regenerate, but stop at a certain point, mumbled Steiner writing on parchment. So if someone cut them...?
- I could always make use of Warp magic. In fact, some Skaven who are not white and don't have horns can manipulate this magic their way. Think about the Plague Priests of Clan Pestilens, or Sorcerers of Clan Eshin, who have mastered the enchantments of Cathay – this is how you call the largest country in the far east, isn't it? White Skaven are more receptive to the winds of magic, and it goes through their whole body, not just what they have on their skull. If you really want to hurt me, you would have to rip them off, which would probably cause me quite a headache! Anyway, sir Steiner, I advise you not to damage the horns of a White Skaven.
- Uh? Your god could curse me?
The White Skaven chuckled and explained, coquettishly stroking his horns:
- We, the White Skaven are very proud to show the world the recognition of the Horned Rat that allows us to be like him one bit. Mutilate the horns of a White Skaven is a deadly insult, as the Dwarves that do not support someone touch the beard.
- A symbolic emasculation, in fact, what few people appreciate, to my knowledge.
- A what? asked the little ratman.
The merchant cleared his throat.
- As if someone would cut off your...
- Huh? Oh! Ah... yes.
In the distance, a bell rang two times. Steiner shifted on his chair.
- Oh! I'll have to leave you. Our study has already well begun.
- Well, are you… satisfied?
- Are you joking? In half a day, I learned more than in two years! If we continue on this path, I'm sure our cooperation will be very successful. But we won't work all the day long, will we. First, it is an intellectual activity rather tiring for you, then I have to manage my own business on my side.
The Human arose
- Samuel will bring you your dinner on the stroke of seven. And I'll be back tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, with breakfast. But I have something for you to avoid you spending the rest of the day to turn around and do nothing.
He picked out of his bag a book on which the White Skaven read: "The Empire – general history and geography".
- We buy this book for students entering the university. With that, you should be able to learn at least the essential things of the society of Humans.
- Oh, thank you!
- Do you need something else?
Psody then realised something very annoying.
- Uh... would you... well, it may be too much to ask, but...
- Go on, please.
- Can I... may I have a bucket of water and soap... please? It's been days since I didn't take a bath.
Steiner burst into a loud laugh.
- And besides, he's clean! I bring it down to immediately, with spare clothes!
And the merchant left the cell. The guard locked the door. Psody, alone, sighed relieved. For a first day, it hadn't been too bad.
Important note to readers: once again, you'll have to wait, because I have the ideas, but I haven't written it yet, even in French. Thank you to those who posted comments, this is very encouraging. I'll post soon the next chapters. Thank you for your understanding, and glory to the Horned Rat!