PART TWO: THE ENEMIES WITHIN
Chapter 44: Outbreaks
Daughters and Sons of the Horned Rat,
Here is the beginning of the second part of this story. Hope you appreciated the plot so far, and you will continue to enjoy it! I especially hope to offer you a coherent narrative, without script anomaly, and always with the same pleasure.
Also, I invite you to visit the DeviantArt ChildrenOfPsody webpage to see the portrait of the winner of last year's poll. And thanks to Ziegelzeig for this work! Thanks also to Mennina, Grimm and Navarastra, I hope your works will be overwhelmed by the thumbs up!
- Yes, I accept.
No one pronounced a word. Everyone hoped to hear a certain answer, which would probably come, but the customary ritual had to be respected, and the audience had to wait for the question to be said. The soft voice asked:
- And you, Martha Spiegel, do you accept to become the wife of Fritz Hafner, to love him, to cherish him and to support him in happiness as in trials, to bear his future children, and to be faithful to him until death do you part?
The young Skaven woman looked her fiancé in his eyes. He was so nervous his teeth were almost shattering.
What if she refuses at the last moment?
Martha turned to the priestess, and declared confidently:
- I do not know if death would be enough to separate us, but I know I cannot live without Fritz. I accept to become his wife.
Fritz sighed in relief. Mother Morgana smiled, and announced in a loud voice, which echoed throughout the temple:
- By virtue of the powers conferred on me by the benevolence of Rhya, Goddess of Fertility, I officially declare you husband and wife! The bride and groom can kiss.
Without further ado, the two young people exchanged a passionate kiss under the applause and cheers of the assembly. Martha was resplendent with happiness. As for Fritz, he was so happy that he felt like he was flying away, especially when he saw in the front row the Humans who had raised him, as well as his best friends, with whom he had had the courage to participate in a Harvest. As he had hoped, Martha had been touched by his declaration of love, and finally, after an endless wait, the great moment was arrived. They had chosen to unite their lives in the great temple of Taal and Rhya, the two gods they trusted the most.
At the invitation of the priestess of Rhya, everyone left the temple, on a happy tune played by the organ. The large wooden doors opened on what promised to be a superb day. The whole assembly walked to the lodge Esmeralda's Blessing. This establishment was run by the Thinriver, a complete family of Halflings, and didn't usurp its dual reputation as an inn offering the Kingdom's most elaborate, and expensive dishes. The hostel was located in the Libra Quarter, and a whole cohort of carriages, horses and carts awaited the guests to take them through the Chalice Quarter.
It was an Erntezeit morning. Summer had just ended, and autumn was dawning. Four months had passed since the tragic events that had shaken the Rat Kingdom. The people of Vereinbarung had somehow healed their wounds, mourned their dead, and started repairing the devastation caused by the invaders. The sun had been bountiful all summer, and even today, its bountiful rays benefited the crops. The countryside was gradually gilding, the night was coming earlier and earlier to the windows, but the change of seasons promised to be peaceful.
An hour after the end of the ceremony, the last guest on the list walked through the doors of the inn. The waiters came and went, offering refreshments and appetizers while waiting for the start of the meal.
The celebration of a marriage of love was always a great occasion to rekindle good spirits. All the guests took full advantage of it. Here and there people laughed, joked happily. Humans and Skaven, all came from the more affluent classes of Steinerburg, and they rivalled each other in sartorial sophistication. It was a real pleasure for the eyes of anyone interested in fashion to see all these attractions, these jewels, these precious fabrics, these sought-after costumes.
The children were dancing and heckling, chasing each other and laughing. Little Skaven mingled with young Humans, without the slightest barrier.
A tall figure cut through the crowd towards the latrines, easily spotted by the magnificence of her dress and her large size.
To the astonishment of those who knew her at least a few, Marjan Gottlieb had accomplished a true metamorphosis: to please the bride, she had agreed to attend the ceremony wearing a dress. The tall blonde woman had asked her mother's best friend, Heike, to help her wear such gear and feel comfortable in it. And indeed, although much preferring to wear mercenary clothes, she had never felt so feminine. Even during her childhood, her father had ordered her to wear masculine clothes. So it was a new sensation for her. The worst part was that she didn't find the feeling so unpleasant, on the contrary. But she had firmly told the ratwoman she would never repeat such an experience more than once a year.
Once her bladder relieved, Marjan straightened her dress, grimaced, and made up her mind to go back to the garden where the employees of the Esmeralda's Blessing had set up the tables. Suddenly, her forehead widened. She had just recognized a familiar face over the kitchen help's clothes.
She strode over to the inn employee, and accosted him.
- Hey you! How are you?
The waiter, a young Skaven, swivelled towards Marjan.
- Hello, Miss! What can I do for… hum… oh!
- What, you don't remember me?
- Of course, I do, but I admit I didn't recognize you right away, Captain!
- I'm no longer a Captain, I left the army a couple of months ago. Didn't you know?
- No, Madam.
- Good! It proves you have stayed away from the military, Holger Tenenbaum!
- Yes, I followed your advice. I went to see the Master Mage a few days after his return, when I learned his son was saved. So he introduced me to the Thinriver family who wanted an apprentice.
The tall blonde woman smiled.
- You see? That is a good idea. Soldiers are always needed, but cooks even more. It is just as useful and honourable, if not more, and it is less dangerous. Do you like it here?
- Oh, yes! Right now I'm just a help, but the boss told me if I continued to apply in my work, that might change. I hope to become a cooking artist!
- By Ulric's mane, I'm so happy for you! What about your mother and your sisters?
- Oh, they're fine. My mom is still sad, but she goes out every now and then. I hope she will meet someone else.
- That's what I wish her. Already, with a son in the best hostel in the country, it shouldn't be too hard to get a man's attention, or a woman, why not?
- Yes, well… why not?
Marjan glanced over Holger's shoulder. She saw the chef show a sign of impatience towards his help.
- Well, I'm called by duty, and so are you. Keep it up, and you'll see you're much better off here.
- Yes, my Lady, I really feel in my place. Enjoy the party.
The Human took leave of the young ratman, delighted with the outcome of his choice.
The guests were waiting for the chef's call to come to the table. Conversations were going well. The bride, Martha Hafner-Spiegel, was a cream-furry ratmaiden, rather short, very thin, but bubbly with vitality. She was hunting down the smallest imperfection in the festivities. She spotted a group of women made up of her best friends, in the middle of a discussion, among which was the Master Mage's companion, Heike.
- So, is everything right for you?
- Wonderful, Martha. Everything is perfect.
- I can't wait to taste the Thinriver's cuisine! laughed Irina Kravicz, a well-endowed ratwoman, who was the adopted daughter of the princely blacksmith.
Martha motioned to one of the waitresses who was carrying a tray with a dozen mugs.
- Will you share a toast with me, ladies?
- With pleasure! Irina replied.
Each of the guests helped herself, except Heike.
- I will abstain, Martha.
- Oh, that's right, I forgot, I'm so stupid! the bride apologized.
- Come on, it's your day, don't worry.
- On the other hand, I will follow you!
Sigmund Steiner seized a mug, emptied it unceremoniously in a few sips, and put it back abruptly on the tray, under the slightly reproachful gaze of his mother.
- Come on, Siggy, behave!
- Oh, Mother! We're having a party!
- That's no reason to behave like a lout-villain! Prospero Steiner's voice retorted behind him.
The Master Mage approached his son.
- Careful, Siggy! Remember what Romulus told you!
- Yes, Father, I know. Only a single beer. It will be the only one, I promise.
- Good. It would be a shame to reduce to nothing in one evening all the efforts you have deployed-shown in all this time!
He turned to his companion.
- Everything's fine? Not too tired-weary?
- No, my love, I'm fine.
The Master Mage moved closer to his wife, and put his arm around her waist. He knew full well he needed to be twice as careful about Heike's health. Their entourage was more or less aware of it. As for their children, they were the most concerned.
The five siblings had noticed small changes in recent weeks. Their mother seemed more tired, her walk was more hesitant, she tended to eat more, and sometimes at unusual moments. Once, Isolde had caught her rushing into the latrine to regurgitate her supper, and she was afraid to see her mother struggling with an illness. Heike, luckily, reassured her with a smile. The next day, the parents had taken advantage of an intimate family dinner to announce the news: Sister Judy had confirmed it the same morning, for the sixth time, Heike would give birth.
Like all loving parents, Heike had insisted, his companion had increased; even if this new child was going to take up a lot of their time, by force of circumstance, none of the others was going to lose a crumb of their love. The older ones, already young adults, immediately accepted this state of affairs. Bianka, a specialist in biology, knew all the issues, including the dependence of new-born, and for her, paying more attention to a very small child was a given. In fact, she assured her parents they could count on her for any help needed. As for Isolde, delighted at the idea of having a little brother or a little sister to cuddle, she looked forward to the big day, and already spoke fondly to the future newcomer through the skin of her mother's womb.
Only Gabriel took the news with less enthusiasm than the others. Usually he wasn't very communicative already, but over the past few weeks he was getting harder and harder to tackle. He only vaguely answered questions, never took the initiative to start a conversation.
Besides, once again, he had preferred to stay away from the party. "The bride and groom are strangers for me, I will not make them waste their time having to put up with my presence", he had replied to his mother.
Heike decided not to think about it for now, and to enjoy the party to the fullest.
- Do you intent to associate with your husband?
- I do, Heike! I shall make turn the treasury of my new father-in-law's jewellery store, as well as his wife does! And I already have some ideas for growing the business in the store!
- It's always good to make solid plans, Irina agreed. What about children? Is it planned, too?
- Oh, yes! I don't know how many yet, but it shouldn't be long before we get to work for the first one!
A general burst of laughter responded to this statement.
By the buffet, Fritz was drinking with Kristofferson, Walter Klingmann, Pol Demmler, and other ratmen from the last Harvest with whom the little anthracite ratman had kept in touch. For now, everyone was listening intently to Pol's story:
- The cadet is approaching the Ogre. He asks him: "Are you Golgfag Man-Eater?" The huge mercenary turns heavily to him, and asks in turn in a drunken, thumping voice: "What do you want with Golgfag Man-Eater?" Terrified, the little soldier can no longer say a word. Golgfag – that's him – then orders: "Eat your hat". The little soldier rips his hat off and begins to bite into it and swallow bits and pieces. Satisfied, the Ogre leaves the inn in great silence. Once gone, one of the other soldiers picks up on the little soldier who is still nibbling on his headgear, and exclaims: "Holy shit! You know Golgfag Man-Eater?" And the other responds: "Yeah, did you see? He even invited me to dinner!"
Everyone burst out laughing. Kristofferson remained a few sceptical, however.
- That's not one of your jokes... Too much elaborate!
- You're right, Nedland told me.
- That's too bad he's not here! Walter regretted. Got any news about, Kit?
- I don't, he send news to my grandfather only. Diplomatic missions, secrecy, all that… I don't even know where he is, somewhere between here and Jahreszeiten, or Bran, I forgot.
Walter gave a happy little laugh.
- Ah, Fritz... I can still see you practicing your statement. Glad to see Martha took it so well!
- Are you sure you chose well? Pol grunted.
- Obviously, you triple idiot! Fritz retorted nervously. I have never been so in love, and today I am the happiest man in all of Vereinbarung! And maybe even from all the Renegade Crowns!
Fritz's comrades applauded. Kristofferson turned to Pol.
- What about you? When do you take the plunge? You complained the army didn't have enough girls!
- Well, what about you? the fat Skaven replied.
- I'm still looking for, and I'm not complaining!
Young Steiner then saw someone approaching him. It was a dark, soberly dressed Skaven who looked particularly intimidated.
- Sir… Kristofferson Steiner?
- Yes I am. What can I do for you?
- My name is Jeremiah Krick. I would like to thank you.
- To thank me? That's very nice of you, but for what reason?
Krick swallowed and whispered:
- A couple of months ago, you led a battalion to repel Goblin raiders in Neuedorf.
Neuedorf was the most important south-eastern city of the Rat Kingdom, and the second in size after Steinerburg. It had indeed been the target of an unusually large Goblin force raid. The disappearance of Targhân Sreefingerz had motivated the Goblins who had been more daring.
- It's true, but I was not alone. We were a whole battalion of volunteers that day. You can thank Captain Klingmann and Sergeant Demmler. They were there too.
- The people of Neuedorf are not left out, Walter added. They resisted for days, long enough to warn Steinerburg, and by the time we arrived the Greenskins had already been weakened by Neuedorf's soldiers.
- My only regret is that we arrived a little late, the Goblins still managed to enter the city.
- Fortunately, they didn't get very far. The militiamen were able to contain them until your intervention.
- Have you moved to Steinerburg since then, Master Krick?
- No, actually I never lived in Neuedorf, but I happen to have a cousin who settled there. Your defense saved his life, and I thank you for that.
Krick bowed and withdrew. Walter slammed Kristofferson's shoulder.
- Well, well! The Prince's grandson is a true hero, adored by the people!
- I am only protecting and defending these people. It's not my kind to want to reap laurels.
- Admit you find it pleasant anyway! Pol teased him.
Fritz raised his tankard.
- To the Rat Kingdom!
- To the Rat Kingdom! replied the ratmen in chorus.
While most of the guests were of the Skaven race, others were quite Human, especially the foster parents of the newlyweds and their friends. All Humans present who were not part of a religious order or hostel staff were members of the Steinerburg upper middle class. The Prince himself was present. Even though the setting was informal, some merchants or artisans tried to slip a hint of their business into conversations with varying degrees of subtlety. Others tried to avoid the subject and just think of the party, and enjoy the pleasures of an exchange of words without toxic overtones.
Ludwig Steiner was in the middle of a debate with Lady Helga Schmidt. The tall, brunette woman was drawing a much longer bow. Three months earlier, the owner of the richest estate in Grüneweiden had become mayor, the previous one having been swept away by illness, and intended to make her village a hub of the wool trade, even if it meant overturning some habits.
- However, Your Highness, we must take advantage of all the intelligence, all the knowledge that has been developed over the past decades in order to be able to increase production. This requires one thing: the modernization of the installations.
- I have no doubt, Lady Helga, but I am not sure it is quite reasonable. For starters, this kind of development will be very expensive. You have to hire engineers and skilled workers, then collect the materials, and finally maintain and operate the machines.
- I am ready to make the necessary investments, of course. I have a reputation for being daring, I have never failed in that reputation, and I have no intention of changing that! Look at Nuln, Your Majesty; thanks to their workshops and the know-how of their engineers, they have the best of technology! Of course, they mainly produce weapons, but imagine what could be done for agriculture and crafts with such means!
- It's possible, but I'll confess I'm not very impatient to see chimneys emitting plumes of black smoke across our countryside. Taal, the god of nature, might not like it.
- What would Handrich, the god of merchants, say? Vereinbarung is on the way to becoming a very powerful country. There will always be forests and countryside, and peasants to cultivate the land. We can set up a few places to build modern workshops, don't you think?
- Maybe we can. Well, for now building colleges of magic is higher on my priority list, but after all, it would be a good thing to open a university afterwards. This would be the next logical step after the opening of the establishments that train mages: we first reveal a small elite class, then we awaken intelligent and educated individuals, and when the foundations are solid enough, we will see more and more well-filled heads to make the Rat Kingdom progress.
- That shouldn't displease your granddaughter, Lady Schmidt replied, with a slight look of the corner of her eye at Bianka.
The young ratgirl, magnificent in her most beautiful finery, was herself in deep conversation with Miranda, Lady Schmidt's daughter. The tall red-haired Skaven was no slouch in terms of dress and appealed to the eye of the Steiner's first daughter, but Bianka was above all delighted to exchange words with a person much more cultured than her country-sided origin suggested. Miranda was explaining to Bianka how to recognize the best wools by touch and look, and therefore what were the most judicious crosses to make to allow the ewes to give birth to the specimens with the best wool. The blonde Skaven literally drank the words of the amethyst eyed ratgirl.
- This is how my mother got such a quality.
- How fascinating! A better return for a better profit, you are the winners all the way!
- You should come to the estate, on occasion, we should be able to make you a bespoke shirt with the fabrics of your choice.
- I would be happy to, Miranda, but it might be tricky in the coming weeks. I have recently been named as Grand Archivist, and I'm not sure to have much free time in the coming months.
- Oh, what a pity... Well, it's very good for you, I heard you coveted this position for a while, and your know-how will be very useful!
- Don't worry, Miranda, I'll try to find a time slot for a couple of days to get around. It involves some organization, I'm not used to leaving Steinerburg much.
- Unlike someone else I think of, and who makes many trips, including during this party... Where is your brother?
- Are you talking about Kristofferson? I guess he's hanging with the groom?
- I wish I could chat with him, but I feel like he's trying to avoid me?
Bianka made a face.
- It doesn't surprise me.
- Maybe I should wait for him to come to me?
- I might surprise you, Miranda, when I tell you my brother doesn't know anything about women. When it comes to action, I have nothing to say, but I have never seen him clearly comfortable with a girl, other than our mother, my sister or me. With the Humans, no problem, but compared to us, not a darned thing. Unless he's obsessed with the sense of duty?
- I've heard you, sis'! Kristofferson quipped, approaching silently.
The red-haired spleen woman's purple eyes sparkled.
- Kristofferson!
- My Lady?
- "Miranda", please. Call me Miranda.
Bianka felt a slight urge to laugh at her brother's sudden and blatant hesitation. Was it innocent, petty or sadistic? In any case, she was comforted in her observation.
When he finds himself in front of a pretty girl, there is no young, brave hero anymore!
- It's so nice to have fun among people like us, don't you think?
- Uh… I guess, yes.
- Of course, you're used to it! At my place, in Grüneweiden, men only have fun with wrestling or drinking competitions, whereas here...
- No doubt, my L… Miranda.
- I would be so enchanted to drink something, but I have no idea! I need a connoisseur to accompany me to the buffet and advise me! Would be kindly?
Without waiting for his answer, she grabbed him by his hands, and pulled him irresistibly towards one of the large tables where the drinks were lined up, under Bianka's amused eye.
Finally, the meal was served. The guests were seated quickly, and all were able to enjoy the most refined and elaborate gastronomy. The Thinriver couple had given it to their heart's content, and no one saw the three long hours during which this dinner took place.
The rest of the evening was spent in the Steiner estate. Only the guests closest to the bride and groom or the princely family could attend the last part of the party. The park was unusually alive until late at night. The air was fresh, the night was beautiful, everything was perfect.
And then the guests withdrew, one by one or in small groups. So soon there were only about a couple of dozen people left.
Prince Ludwig, alongside his daughter, greeted the last couple, the newlyweds.
- All my best wishes, young people. Do not hesitate to let us know, and remember: in case of need, you can always count on the Steiner.
- Your Majesty's generosity is only matched by your benevolence, Fritz replied.
- You have served rightly the Rat Kingdom by participating a Harvest, Hafner, and we apply to remember that. Come on, now, and give me the pleasure of living a long and happy life. And fertile, too, it is necessary to populate the kingdom!
All four laughed at the same time. Heike hugged Martha, and the young Skaven took their leave.
As she watched them walk away, Heike turned to her father.
- Father, I was thinking about something.
- What then, sweet angel?
- Have you given up on sharing your life?
- Of course not! I share it with your husband and your children!
- I know, but I was more thinking… Have you ever thought of… starting your life over with someone else?
The Prince's smile was twitched slightly.
- Hmm… I say, I don't know. You know, Heike, I'm getting old. And I don't have to have a male heir to succeed me, if that's what you're thinking about.
- No, I just wanted you to be happy. May you no longer be alone. That you can thrive alongside a woman.
- Ah, yes... Do you think of anyone in particular?
The ratmother glanced over at the gate. The Schmidts were crossing them, accompanied by Kristofferson.
- Lady Helga has many qualities. She is intelligent, she is upright, she has attractions… and she lives alone with her daughter. Maybe you could...
The Prince laughed heartily.
- It's really nice to worry about that, my child. You're right, Helga is a very pleasant company.
- I won't be jealous if you decide to hang out with her.
- Yes, but is that what she wants? Guess Miranda has views set on Kit – well, what girl from the Rat Kingdom hasn't? But I don't know if Helga would see me as anything other than her Prince and her best client? Anyway... Maybe I should think about it, indeed? After all, if her Grüneweiden modernization plan holds up and comes to fruition, we'll have to see each other more often, I guess. And who knows how the gods could turn things around?
At the gate, Helga Schmidt waved at the young brown Skaven.
- You shall tell your grandfather it is always a pleasure to deal with him.
- I will, my lady.
The tall Human got into the waiting coach, but Miranda didn't follow her right away. She turned to Kristofferson.
- It was a wonderful evening, Kristofferson! I hope the bride and groom will experience happiness!
- I don't know Martha, but I know Fritz is a good fellow. I trust they make a great couple.
- Good, good...
The ratgirl had a dreamy stare. The Steiner firstborn found it disturbing.
- That's something I want most of all, Kristofferson. Don't you?
It was then he noticed his hands were delicately gripped between Miranda's fingers.
- Uh... Maybe, but...
- Kristofferson, I repeat what I told you: you too are a good person. You really deserve to live happily with a woman by your side.
She didn't add anything, but her eyes sparkling with amethyst reflections clearly said: "I desire to be this woman". He stammered with an embarrassed smile:
- Maybe I do. But happiness must be shared, otherwise it has no value, it is selfishness. Your compliment touches me, Miranda, but I don't know if… if this woman who would agree to live by my side would be happy?
- There aren't thirty-six ways to find out, Kristofferson.
- Well… probably not, but I don't feel ready for that.
Miranda sighed bitterly.
- Please, understand, Miranda, you are charming. It's just that I need some more time to enjoy life while I can afford it.
- You almost died, didn't that make you realize how precious life is? What if the next bullet hits you in your forehead?
- There should be a next bullet, Miranda, and we're working to make sure there is no reason for it.
Before the contrite air of the red-haired ratgirl, Kristofferson whispered again:
- Please just be patient a little longer. Fritz just got married, I think that will inspire other comrades to do the same. On the other hand, there are more and more people in the military, so I will have less and less need to come and go to monitor the borders. No more patrolling, no more single comrades to party with, plus I will probably have to stay close to my family...
- Your mother… I'm sure everything will be fine, too. Would you prefer a new little brother or a new little sister?
- I've had both before, I don't have a preference, he replied with a chuckle. But I think my presence in Steinerburg will be appreciated. And when I have a little time, I'll come see you.
- So come with Bianka!
The Human stuck her head through the window of the carriage door.
- Darling? Come on, it's late, and tomorrow we have a long way to go.
- I'm coming, Mom! Good evening, Kristofferson.
- Have a good way back home, Miranda.
The young ratman gave a light hand kiss, and the Schmidts left the estate.