- Here we are, boys! Altdorf is in sight!
The Norscan captain's voice woke up the little White Skaven. He yawned his head off, stretched, and opened his big pink eyes. He felt stiff. Indeed, since the return of the Determinazione at Marienburg, the men of the company engaged by Ludwig Steiner had insisted on sleeping in inns or roadhouses. Of course, he had to stay in one of the covered wagons, and it was less comfortable than a bed or a hammock. The company was gone at the first light of dawn, and the young ratman let the jolting of the carriage lull him.
Psody had trouble getting to sleep because he was boiling with impatience. Finally, after all these months of travel, risks, and these emotions, he would find back the tranquillity of Steiner's home, and most importantly, he would join Heike.
She loves adventure stories-epics so, she'll be dazzled!
And then? When they were separated, they had mutually confessed their feelings. From his point of view, the flame was still burning. He hoped it was the same for her. They wouldn't separate again. And maybe they would found a real family? He smiled at this thought, but something else came to his mind.
Because of her belonging to the people of ratmen, Heike Steiner couldn't move freely within the Empire. And unlike him, she wasn't used to live in hiding. But if he decided to stay with her, he couldn't leave the domain, either. And what if they had children together? Huge and warpstone-fed breeders of his terrier could give birth on average a dozen offspring. Would it be different for the frail but healthy ratgirl? And if not, how to manage so many children out of sight?
All these questions seriously shook his brain. Romulus, the prior of Shallya, who held the reins of the chariot, threw a glance over his shoulder.
- Is something wrong, Psody?
- Uh... Oh, Romulus, I... I thought afterwards. We go to Steiner's, but what after? Will Heike and me...?
- I thought about it, too. Don't worry, we'll find a way that everyone is satisfied. We'll talk about this with Steiner and his daughter.
- Halt! ordered Captain Hallbjörn Ludviksson.
The carriages that composed the convoy stopped. By pointing the nose beyond the canvas, the small White Skaven distinguished the capital of the Empire, below.
- It's okay, we're alone. Anyone can go down. You too, little white rat.
One minute later, the whole company formed a circle around the Norse .
- Right. Today is payday. Last night we shared Cuelepok's treasure, according to the rules of our profession. Does someone contests?
Nobody said a word except Psody who raised his hand.
- Yeah, little white rat?
- Why not have left a part for master Steiner? What about Romulus? And Abigail? And you, Tomas?
- According to the contract, our friends can take on any abandoned or given by someone treasure, and seize any belongings to a dead enemy, replied the young Tomas, the clerk of Verena. They risk their life, this is a fair compensation.
The templar of Myrmidia, Sister Abigail, explained in turn:
- We, churchmen and women, could give the gold to our order, but we'll simply collect Steiner's payment. It is better that our superiors know nothing about the origin of this treasure.
- Don't worry, little white rat, then said Votiak, the eldest warrior. It was agreed you keep your mask.
It was even the only thing that the young White Skaven had claimed, and Ludviksson's men had not issued any objection. Nedland Barnrooster, the Halfling scout, was also the treasurer of the company. He had spent the journey back from Lustria to make a very accurate estimation of each piece, every object, every precious stone of Cuelepok's treasure. He spoke so:
- Gentlemen, we must not attract attention, that's why we'll divide us into groups. I'll lead the first, Votiak the second and Sigurd the third. Each group will take a chariot.
- I'll take care of the fourth one, Hallbjörn said. That will contain the little white rat. We go to Steiner's, I get the money, I find you at the Warrior's Rest inn, where I'll give to each of you his share. Then... we rest a couple of days, to find a new job.
The mercenaries agreed. It was as simple as that.
Romulus was looking at Altdorf, as he heard the voice of the templar. She was speaking with the little ratman. He didn't understand what they were talking about, but decided that it was none of his business. He frowned when he saw the woman dragging a small leather package in Psody's hand, but eventually shrugged and didn't pay more attention.
The captain nodded.
- Okay, let's go.
Sister Abigail raised her hand.
- Gentlemen, I'd like to thank you. During this journey, you treated me with as much respect as one of yours, and I didn't have to suffer to be a woman.
- Most of us are Norscans, and in our country, we respect women, said Hallbjörn.
- I hope I have given you satisfaction, captai,. If you have another adventure to offer a Myrmidia templar, don't hesitate.
- I take note.
This gave Psody an idea. He waved his arms to attract attention.
- Me too-too, I want to thank you. I am very happy to have met Humans like you. I learned a lot. I... I will never forget you. Thank you, all of you.
A small touched tear twinkled on the cheek of the White Skaven. All Humans smiled at him. Jorund, a very tall man with a blonde beard, approached him, knelt down to get to his height, and patted kindly his shoulder.
- Be happy with your little mouse, sonny! You deserve it.
- Yeah, just avoid overflowing the cradle! Ranulf joked.
Some company men laughed. Romulus noticed:
- The sun is high in the sky. We should leave, the first travellers begin to come and go on this road.
- They must not see me!
Psody jumped into the head carriage and sat back in its bottom. Hallbjörn sat on the front seat, and the convoy went to the city. At the next intersection, the groups separated.
The little ratman was installed in a cloth trunk. He could hide in a snap at the slightest danger. He said nothing, but could hear the conversation between Hallbjörn and the two churchmen who were riding on either side of the cart.
- We're approaching, Captain.
- Yes, I recognise the district. Good! Now that everything is over, I can tell you.
- What, Captain?
- I thought you would just be two pains-in-the-neck just able to give ethics lessons and prevent warriors to do their job properly, but I had misjudged you.
- Oh, thank you! Tomas said with a pinched voice.
- Yep. Ultimately, it was a great trip, right?
- And what will you do now, Captain?
- What I said to the fat toad: all those who stay with me will help me to found a company. We will share our common treasure, it should allow us to buy good equipment and fill riskier but more lucrative contracts.
- And so you grow your regiment. And then, to Norsca?
- Yes, Prior. Ulric forgive me, it's been over three years since I haven't been there.
- You have family back home?
- Some. At last, they were okay, but since, things may have changed. Prior, I guess you'll stay with Steiner.
- At least for a moment, Captain.
- What about you, Tomas? Tomas?
The clerk of Verena started.
- Hey, are you sleeping, or something?
- It's just... it looks like something is happening.
- How so?
- Look, Captain Ludviksson... Here are the constabulary!
- Uh-ho... you're right.
The Norse leaned backwards.
- Psody, hide now.
The White Skaven curled swiftly in the trunk, pulled the lid over his head and didn't move. He felt the chariot stop, and heard the conversation between the guards and his friends.
- Ho, citizens! You cannot move forward.
- Why? asked Romulus. I know master Steiner, the owner.
- I don't doubt, prior of Shallya. But there was mayhem there four days ago.
- What? What happened?
- We're not allowed to tell you, friar.
The young ratman felt the beating of his heart accelerate. He had to make a consistent effort not spring from his hiding place. The young and confident voice of Tomas said:
- I am sworn clerk of Verena. I can investigate whether there has been crime.
- Oh... I'm sorry, clerk, I hadn't seen your seal. In fact, there was a fire during last Backertag night.
- A fire?
A fire? the White Skaven worried.
- You mean that there was an accident? asked Hallbjörn's gruff voice.
- I would like to, my friend, but it is not so simple. To tell the truth... clerk of Verena, I have your word that you and your comrades won't repeat anything?
- I promise you the utmost discretion.
The guard spoke two-tone softer.
- We found corpses. All the staff down.
- How did they die? Burned? Asphyxiated?
- The ones we found were slain or poisoned, and I can't speak for those who were trapped in the buildings before they collapse. For my part, I suspect that this fire was criminal.
- By Verena! I must go and see!
- Your brothers have already gone, they have made their investigation.
- With respect, guard, I want to check it by myself. Sir Steiner is my employer.
- And my friend, Romulus added. If it happened four days ago, the embers had become extinct, so we can better search?
- If something remains, and that's not sure.
- Where is Ludwig Steiner? asked the prior with an urgent tone.
- We didn't find him.
- Huh?
What?!
Psody had startled. He had to bite his own tail to keep from crying.
- Look, this is one more reason! Let us in, in the name of Shallya and her mother Venera ! insisted Romulus.
There was a short silence. Psody imagined his friends looking insistently the guards for make them cede. Finally, one of them said:
- Right. That's because you serve all these goddesses! But if you ever find something, you warn us, huh?
- Promised.
- And be careful, there are quite unstable things. If you are injured, we are not responsible!
- We understand.
The characteristic noise of the gate opening sounded, and the cart went on its way.
- Damn! That wasn't bullshit!
- What the Hell happened? Tomas whispered.
- There were flames, and the buildings were seriously damaged, announced Romulus, speaking loud enough for Psody could hear.
A few minutes later, Hallbjörn stopped the cart.
- Nobody around, little white rat!
Psody jumped out of the trunk, and then hurried down the carriage. He groaned when he saw the disaster.
The mansion had not completely burned, but the west wing, the apartments, was calcined. The park was burnt too, and the second home that served as study laboratory was nothing but ashes.
- This is horrible, Tomas whispered. All your researches, all your work... What a mess!
- More importantly... what happened to the Steiner? Psody worried.
- Calm down, Psody. I think Heike and Ludwig are still alive. I know this old fox. He didn't go to the militia because he would never abandon his daughter. He must be hidden somewhere with her. Soldiers have probably found evidence of his studies by searching the rubble. Indeed, I'm almost surprised that the whole area not to be already isolated by the witch hunters.
- They're hiding, or they have been kidnapped, but if they were dead, they would have been found, observed the clerk of Verena. Maybe they are holed up somewhere here, and they don't dare go out, or they are trapped.
- These intruders have an interest in keeping them alive if they want to force Steiner to leave them all his wealth, supposed the Norse. In your opinion, prior, who did it?
- We'll ask the temple of Verena what they found. The problem when you have Ludwig's position is that you have many enemies and rivals. In the meantime, let's search!
- You really think they're still there, prior Romulus?
- Perhaps, friar Tomas. As long has they haven't been found, we must investigate!
- Be very careful around burned areas, suggested Hallbjörn. The structures are more fragile that they look.
Romulus retained Psody catching his sleeve.
- Try to stay focused. I guess all this makes you very nervous, but the best way to investigate effectively is to stay calm.
With these words, the White Skaven, the prior, the clerk and the Norse dispersed.
Psody did his best to follow the advice of Romulus and not lose his composure. It was becoming harder. He scanned the area for over a quarter of an hour without finding anything conclusive. The more time passed, the more he felt his calm decrease. He opened widely his eyes and forced himself to perceive something, anything. A smell, a sound, a detail... but in such a disorder, unusual sensations weren't lacking.
He racked his brains to the headache, as his eye fell on the tracks of two parallel pairs of boots, probably two guards of Altdorf patrol. He noticed something clear that half emerged of one of the footprint. It was a big hair tuft. The young ratman approached and looked closer. The sole had partially buried the fur ball in the loose soil, preventing it from being swept by the wind. The little White Skaven picked up carefully between two fingers the fragment fur, sniffed it insistently, and suddenly, he felt his face ablaze. He raised his fists to the sky and roared:
- Vellux!
Attracted by his cry of rage, the three Humans joined the White Skaven.
- What?
- Vellux! This is this Vellux bastard!
- You mean your former master? Tomas asked.
- It's him! There's no doubt! I'm sure! cried the young ratman, brandishing the fur ball.
- Just with these hairs?
Psody turned to the Norse. The latter twitched seeing the young ratman's pink eyes sparkling in rage.
- I spent four years of my life in the same room with him almost constantly, Hallbjörn. Each Skaven has his own smell-odour with subtleties the Human nose can't perceive. I will never forget the musk of my master.
- By Ulric's mane... do you think he came for you?
- No doubt, Hallbjörn.
- He took the opportunity to ransack the lab! Romulus realised. He understood that we were conducting researches on your kind!
Psody had not heard, because a horrible thought had struck his mind.
He couldn't do it alone, and if Humans didn't see anything, it is because he appealed the Gutter Runners of Clan Eshin. If they massacred everyone, they went into the house, and so they perforce smelled...
He took his head in both hands, then ran to the house, shouting loudly:
- Heike! Heike!
The others ran after him.
- Fraulein Heike! Fraulein Heike!
- Lady Steiner?
- Hey, little mouse! Answer!
The more Psody advanced towards the mansion, the more his fear ran up. He expected every step to fall on her dismembered body. He stopped, sniffed the air in large gulps hoping to detect the odour of the ratgirl. Nothing. Suddenly, his heart jumped in his chest. He raised both arms. The others joined him.
- What, what?
- Shh! Listen!
The foursome stood silent, and pricked up their ears. They then heard a moan in the distance.
- The stable! Romulus cried.
They rushed to the small building in the end of the park, continuing to call. When they arrived at the stable, they were struck by a sickening odour. Thousands of flies buzzed above the boxes. Hallbjörn cast a glance.
- They slaughtered the horses!
- No, they ate them!
- It's their methods, Psody mumbled, trembling with anger. Food at every opportunity.
Romulus put his hands around his mouth.
- Hey? Someone?
- Romulus! Romulus!
It was Steiner's voice.
- Ludwig! Where are you?
- In the cesspool!
The Norse hastened to open the flap next to the horse stables. The small White Skaven leaned toward the hole. His eyes were not bothered by the semi-darkness of the pit.
- By the Horned Rat...
Curled up at the bottom of the pit, covered with horse manure and other malodorous matters, Ludwig Steiner looked miserable. The Skaven had fully undressed him before throwing him into the hole. In addition, he was visibly weakened, his breathing was hoarse, and he was struggling to keep head up towards him. And yet, despite this very humiliating position, his stare had not lost his dignity. He hadn't lost his sense of humour, either.
- I've been in less comfortable places, but the smell is a bit disturbing here.
Without hesitation, the mercenary jumped down into the pit. He helped the merchant to get up, and then gave him a leg up and lifted him. Tomas and Romulus grabbed Steiner, each by an arm, and quickly, extirpated him from his smelly prison. The clerk hastily withdrew his cloak and put it around the shoulders of the merchant while the prior of Shallya helped the Norse to exit the pit. All were able to breathe a little. Romulus asked:
- Investigators and guards were here, why didn't they find you?
- I heard them, but I didn't dare call them. They would probably send me to witch hunters. I knew you were coming, I preferred to wait for you. Oh, my friend... It was...
- We know, sir Steiner, Hallbjörn interrupted. Everything.
The merchant then saw the distress in Psody's large pink eyes.
- He let me live, to let me a chance to transmit you a message.
- Which one?
The merchant coughed, slid Tomas' cape from his shoulders, and turned. All had strong reactions of disgust. Psody hissed, biting his lower lip. In the footsteps of manure, they could see a series of signs scarified in the skin of Steiner's back.
- I will arrange it, my friend, Romulus muttered. I know some methods to reduce such scars, while they are still fresh.
- I don't doubt it, but let our young comrade explain. Right, Psody, tell us what it means, I pray thee.
The little White Skaven swallowed, and read in a toneless voice:
- "Come and get your breeder where you chose to betray your race."
He didn't need to think long.
- He wants me to go to Gottliebschloss.
- What? Gottliebschloss? repeated Romulus. Oh no!
- What is the problem? asked Hallbjörn.
- Jourg of Clan Moulder has greatly weakened the defences of the castle before I went there. If they have not restored all their forces, Vellux risks to finish them!
- Probably, nodded Steiner. Vellux told me he had followed your trail from this castle.
- Maybe they have already invaded it! the clerk of Verena realised. You think they will destroy it?
- No, Tomas. If they have an opportunity to move into a fortified place, they won't deny it! Many dwarf-things fortresses fell under Skaven control!
Romulus said:
- We can't stay here. Other guards will be here when they know that we came. They must already be very suspicious after seeing the lab, but if they find our Skaven friend, you know what awaits us. We must go!
- I have a small house in the merchant district, we can install there, the time to develop a strategy.
- I have to take care of your wounds.
- I can wait. Don't waste time, let's go! I have to stay unseen!
The White Skaven returned into his trunk, and Steiner moved to the bottom of the carriage, under a blanket.
It was not surprising to see chariots of all sizes move through the merchant district of Altdorf. So, nobody took care the little band when they stopped their transport on Königstrasse. They came to a block consisted of narrow buildings, tight against each other. A few years earlier, Steiner had bought five floors and the basement of one of the houses, and had installed them for emergency situations. Romulus stopped the cart in the back yard, and once the double wooden door to the street closed, all went up to the apartment of the second floor.
They were surprised to find the two most faithful servants of the merchant, Samuel and Magdalena. These were the only staff members to know the existence of this property. They were also instructed to take refuge inside in case of problems. By an incredible luck, the night of Vellux's impromptu visit, they were absent from the property because they had to buy all the necessary for the banquet scheduled for Ludviksson's company. The commissions had lasted more time than expected, and when they were returned to the wealthy neighbourhood, the fire had already started, and the presence of guards had pushed them to flee. They were therefore hidden in the apartment, and had not dared to move from.
Steiner spent a long time to wash his body, time the Prior took advantage to prepare a balm. When he came out of the bathroom, clean and perfumed, he had recovered a human figure. He lay on the bed at the request of Romulus. The latter vigorously spread his preparation on the dorsal skin of the merchant. Both domestic hardly dared to look at their employer.
- We have... we should have support you more! We should have make every effort to enter the domain, and rescue you! We thought about it, master Steiner, and we understand if you dismiss us.
- No way, Magdalena. You're the best friend of my daughter, and I don't want to separate you. In addition, given the circumstances, you acted with the greatest care. By insisting with the guard, you would have lost your freedom. Don't worry. You still are my employees. I would even say... you're the only two employees I have left. All the others are dead. They were massacred by the ratmen.
- You mean the ratmen did all...
The portly valet couldn't finish his sentence, but turned his head towards the small White Skaven, bewildered. The busty maid remained mute, and looked down. Psody felt very uncomfortable.
- Master Steiner, I...
- Don't say anything, Steiner interrupted.
- He came for me! As he didn't find me, he avenged on you! And now...
- I told you to stop, the merchant replied in a rougher voice. Things are what they are, whining is useless.
The little ratman had tears in his eyes. His throat was knotted in a ball of pain, and his guts compressed to burst with fear and shame.
- If you want to... I can go away. Definitely.
Steiner raised his head and turned to the young White Skaven.
- It wouldn't help anything. I don't blame you for bringing your master here, indeed I should have been more careful. I welcomed you knowingly, it happened, we'll have to face. This is having a man's behaviour, Psody: take the problem head on and face it, if you are able to overcome it. I don't really like to have a small riffraff setting fire in my home and kidnapping my child! He needs a good lesson in manners! But first, I need to set some details.
He talked again to his two servants.
- Listen carefully. It is time to launch the "M" plan. You understand what it means?
Magdalena and Samuel nodded wordlessly. Steiner continued:
- Magdalena, look behind the portrait on the wall. There is a safe whose combination is the anniversary of Heike. The date she arrived in Altdorf, he clarified for the White Skaven. Open it. Take its contents.
The servant obeyed, and picked up from the box a leather case.
- These are letters and acts of exchange, which will allow you to withdraw a large sum of money, as Heike Steiner. You'll take with you a small part of captain Ludviksson's mercenaries, half a dozen, and you'll go in the next convoy to Nuln. There you will wait for me at the inn of the Emperor Magnus.
- You... you don't come with us? the young woman asked.
- No. I go to Gottliebschloss.
All of them twitched hearing these words.
- But... they're a whole colony! Tomas stammered. Wouldn't be more reasonable to wait for the army to do its job?
- Every second my daughter passes between their paws is a second too. I refuse to stand idly by while she...
Someone coughed loudly to attract attention. It was Hallbjörn.
- Very bold, but you're talking about going to the fight! What we avoided in Lustria, we'll throw in! You are aware of that?
- You're right, captain Ludviksson, and I've to talk business with you. How much money would you ask to get back my daughter?
The Norscan smirked.
- You go straight to the point. Personally, I love your daughter, and it makes me sad to know her in danger. I want to get her out of this mess. My guys will do it gladly, too. I even think that some would be willing to give you a discount, they enjoy to crush Skaven more than anything else – no offence, Psody. I can also gather other mercenaries, and I think it would be better, to improve our chances. I can do it quickly and well. In the best case, tomorrow morning, we can leave. But it will require a significant effort on your part.
- No time to negotiate. To begin with, add a zero to the originally expected amount for each, and offer the same sum to any mercenary ready to join us. Those who were in Lustria will have a fifty percent bonus on this new figure, they won't feel robbed. Those who prefer to stop our collaboration will be paid with the cash money that my servant will collect before our departure.
Hallbjörn nodded thoughtfully. He could volunteer free of charge to help the young Skaven girl. He wasn't attracted by money as a goal. But the prospect to get a much larger payment than expected gave him a small smile. The sum proposed by his employer would permit him to build a substantial company that could compete with the most prestigious regiments to rent, such as the famous Beorg Bearstruck's, one of his countrymen. A good starting point to unify the tribes of his homeland against Chaos.
- "To begin with" ? he repeated.
- If you bring my daughter back alive, then multiply the new result by two. After adding the bonus for those concerned.
The smile of the Norscan flourished.
- Well, you really love your daughter! It shouldn't be difficult to...
- By three. And you go today.
- Within four hours. Let me just the time to tour the taverns.
- You'll gather everyone at the farm where Romulus explained the purpose of the expedition, we'll meet you there. Sorry, I don't have enough immediately available money for the guarantee funds, but I promise you that those who return will be rewarded in due time.
- I'll be this guarantee, master Steiner. I trust you.
The valet proposed:
- Master Steiner, you know me, I'm not the kind of man to displease you voluntarily. But now... I must protest! You're not in condition to fight against these… monsters! Especially if they are a whole army!
- I won't be on the front line, Samuel. But I refuse to sit around and waiting for a hypothetical return of my daughter.
- Let me come with you, then! Magdalena will collect the money, but I won't be useful to her, while with you...
- No, Samuel, you also have your role to play in the plan. You accompany her, and when you are at Nuln, I count on you to make a list of supplies needed to travel to where you know. I don't know how many we will be, but account for a hundred people, because we'll be accompanied by all the mercenaries as we can. We will meet at the inn.
- Right, Master Steiner.
The merchant raised his forefinger.
- My children, I want to be honest, there is a chance I won't come back. When you are in Nuln, wait fifteen days. If you have not heard from me within fifteen days, pay the mercenaries according to the rate agreed before their departure for Lustria, plus the escort fees, share the money fairly and live your life elsewhere.
- You'll come back, master Steiner, Magdalena murmured.
The captain mercenary wore his coat. He also said:
- I'll ask Sigurd Kilmersson to lead your escort.
- Wouldn't you rather order your main lieutenant, master Votiak ?
- No, master Steiner, I want to have him with us. Sigurd is the second of my men whom I have total confidence. Don't worry, he fights as well as he cooks. Your little guys have nothing to fear.
The two servants bowed and withdrew, followed by the Norscan. Steiner, Romulus, Tomas and Psody remained silent, while the prior continued to apply healing balms on the back of the merchant. The young ratman asked:
- Sir Steiner, what is the "M" plan?
- The "Moving Day" plan. Your master believed he could completely demolish me by destroying my house, but he didn't think I had it all planned.
- How so?
- You see, when I started to seriously study Skaven, Romulus has rightly suggested I take some precautions. You know it, my researches are prohibited, and a man in my position must always have a backdoor. So I spent some time to build an emergency money reserve that I can get quickly and easily. In addition, I bought a piece of land in an isolated area where the inquisitors shouldn't cause us any problems. So if something goes wrong, as now, we move. Nothing holds me in Altdorf, except my daughter, and in this case now, she's no longer there. The templars of Sigmar will be interested in what remains in my lab, and understand the meaning of my research. When we have saved her, I'll leave the Empire, with Heike.
- And I'm coming with you!
Steiner had a little pensive pout.
- You know I don't oblige you to anything. You don't owe me anything, either. If you feel that this story doesn't concern...
- No!
For the first time since their first meeting, Psody allowed himself to interrupt the merchant. He inhaled, and said firmly:
- I promise I will fight with you to bring Heike back safe. If we don't succeed, I'll disappear forever. I refuse to leave her if she still wants to be with me! I love her! And I'll drive away all of Vellux's Skaven if necessary to save her! Then we'll go to a place where I can stay with her for my whole life, no matter where!
Steiner smiled weakly.
- I could hardly hope, but... I knew that one day, she would find the right one! As soon as I saw you, I knew it. And I can assure you that during your absence, she didn't spend a day without thinking about you. You really are someone for her, Psody. I don't know what happened to you in Lustria, son... but you've changed.
- I think so... is it wrong?
- On the contrary... You look more demure, more sure of yourself, more powerful. I know you can save my daughter. Only you can stop this Grey Seer. You are bound to him, you know him better than anyone, you are the one who can stop it. I see it in your eyes. You have something he hasn't. I saw his personality. He's nothing compared to you. He's convinced that he's stronger than you, but you're smarter than him, and intelligence always prevails on brute force when it is wisely used.
Psody said nothing. But his fully determined expression was sufficiently eloquent.