The sound of bare toes on the cobblestones echoed through the narrow hallway. A tall, muscular figure strode purposefully to the door of the Captain of the Steinerburg Guard. The soldiers on duty stood to attention as he passed. He stopped in front of the heavy wooden door, and knocked three times.
- Come in!
Walter Klingmann, seated at his desk, greeted his visitor with relief. Walter Klingmann was a Skaven, a ratman adopted a few years earlier by Vladimir and Lorelei Bäsenhau, a wealthy merchant couple, the wealthiest in the country after Prince Steiner himself. He had received an excellent education, and performed his duties effectively. He was tall, well built, his coat was bright and covered with spots. The hair on his muzzle, naturally thick, gave the illusion of a real mustache and the tip of a beard.
- Ah, Sigmund, there you are.
The person who had just entered was no less remarkable. Sigmund Steiner was a Black Skaven, a Mighty of the Horned for the people of the Under-Empire. He was very tall, and his fur was completely black. His copper eyes sparkled.
- So, Wally, as a matter of fact, we have strange visitors?
- Eeyup! Two armed Skaven, arrested at the gates of the city. They absolutely wanted to come in. Given the situation, they were denied access. They got angry, and started breaking everything. I questioned them. They said they wanted to talk to you, the Captain of the Black Guard.
Sigmund's features hardened.
- Why did you make me come for two thugs? A couple of days in a cell, and you don't have to worry about it anymore! If I had to move for every prisoner who wants to personally insult me or attempt to bribe me, I would never leave this building!
- You are right, my friend. If I called you, it's because they each have something special.
- What? Speak, I don't have the whole day!
Walter wanted to create a little element of surprise. Sigmund knew him well enough to be sure of it.
- My friend, out of these two warriors, I don't know which one of them the more is amazing. The first is a Stormvermin. He speaks reikspiel without too much difficulties, doesn't look particularly dirty or sloppy, but he's still a denizen of the Under-Empire. Who has been, I suppose, more or less "civilized".
Walter opened his desk drawer and pulled out a curious little item.
- He had this on him.
This time, Sigmund's eyes widened in surprise.
- A doll?
- Absolutely. He pissed on it to confirm that it belongs to him.
- It's a human doll.
- Trophy or gift, in your opinion?
- I can't say. Other than the piss, it doesn't look damaged or bloodstained. But, well, that doesn't mean he didn't steal it. What about the other Skaven?
- The other one? It's even better, my friend: it's a woman.
- A female mercenary? Skaven? With weapons?
- Indeed.
- What is this story? Who would be sufficiently reckless to accept a Skaven woman in the army?
By this remark, Sigmund didn't mean to question the effectiveness of a woman in such a position, and he hoped to see some of them join the ranks of the Black Guard. However, the people of the first generation of Freed Skaven had barely reached the age of having children. Adult women were still very rare, and for this reason the regular army refused them for the time being.
- She also wants to talk to you. Neither of them has spit anything else, yet.
- Good. I admit, you have tickled my curiosity. I will talk to them. But if they can't hone that curiosity, I'm leaving, and you can do what you want with.
- I'll open you the access.
The two Skaven left the office and headed for a heavy reinforced door at the end of a corridor. Captain Klingmann took out his bunch of keys and opened it. Sigmund was about to cross the threshold, but Walter held him back.
- Siggy… will you be fine?
- Sure. Why this question, Wally?
- I mean, after what happened to…
Captain Klingmann didn't dare finish his sentence. Sigmund waved his hand.
- What's done is done, Wally. I won't rest until I find the person responsible. If those two can help me, willingly or unwillingly, I'll do it.
Then he entered the cell wing.
Sigmund hissed in annoyance. He knew this long corridor well, both because he had interrogated many prisoners and because he himself had been locked in one of these cells a few months earlier. And a little intuition whispered to him that he would soon be going back.
Indeed, his nerves were on edge.
His father had been murdered in front of him a few days earlier. Suffocated by a violent poison during a banquet.
Of course, he wasn't the only one to suffer, and he felt no shame. His mother, his sisters, his brothers, his grandfather Prince Steiner, all were still in shock, and each was trying to deal with the pain in his (or her) own way. But he knew himself well enough to know that he was probably going to do something stupid that would send him behind bars.
When he arrived at the door of the first cell, he decided not to think about it anymore.
Behind the bars stood a Black Skaven, sitting on the bunk of the cell.
Sigmund had to admit it: even if he clearly showed the dross left by a life of a few years in the tunnels of the Under-Empire, in particular the scarification on his left ear, this Skaven looked less beasty than the others: he was well dressed, with Empire Human fashioned clothes. He didn't reek of the smell of urine and carrion that usually emanated from Feral Skaven, at most a small subtlety, no doubt due to the doll that had been found on him. He also didn't seem overexcited by terror and anger, in this cage, on the contrary, he was very calm. He looked rather old, older than Sigmund. Seven, eight years, maybe?
The Captain of the Black Guard didn't want to flinch. He coughed. Immediately, the Feral Skaven turned his head towards him, and gave him a slightly smug smile.
- What is your name-name? Sigmund asked in Queekish.
The Black Skaven stood up and stood at attention. He spoke in Reikspiel.
- Grim Ironfang, at your service, Captain Steiner!
Surprised, Sigmund added a little respect to his words, and continued the conversation in his language of education.
- Can you tell me which army corps you serve, Soldier?
- I am under the orders of Captain Sigwald Kurzen.
With such a name, he must be a Human!
- You look to me like a real Son of the Horned Rat, and yet you live the way of Vereinbarung.
- I used to be a Skaven from the Under-Empire, and then one day, I decided to follow-follow men-things.
- So, why?
- Because… because…
Was this Grim Ironfang surprised by the question, or was he afraid to give the answer?
- Speak without fear, Grim Ironfang.
- My instinct-instinct told me the Sons of the Horned Rat are wrong.
- Since when?
- I… I saved-helped a little female man-thing.
- The one who gave you her doll?
- Yes!
This answer had come a little too quickly. Like an opportunity seized by the Black Skaven. Was it the truth? Sigmund decided to get to the heart of the matter.
- Why do you want to meet me, Grim Ironfang?
- Your Rat Kingdom is in great danger.
- I know it. But how can it concern a couple of Skaven, one of whom escaped from the Under-Empire?
Grim Ironfang swallowed his saliva and mumbled:
- I like Amelia.
- "Amelia"? You're talking about your accomplice?
- Amelia is my friend.
- Do you have any other "friends", Grim Ironfang?
- I have, Captain. There's the dwarf-thing Thundral Granitehand, and the elf-thing Aella. Captain Kurzen has two fellow men-things, Konrad and Ulthor.
- So you are a company of seven people?
- Yes, Captain Steiner.
- And it's because you like Amelia that you left the Under-Empire?
Grim Ironfang frowned, deep in concentration, then he replied:
- Females are happier-happier when they live like Amelia. The Rat Kingdom is a good place to live. Captain Kurzen told me it was better than down there, and I believe him. I want to help.
- All right… And how would you help us? It won't be easy, from this cell.
- The Prince must meet Captain Kurzen.
This time, the Captain of the Black Guard felt his eyebrows rise.
- And that's all?
- You can bring Captain Kurzen in front of the Prince.
- And why would I?
- Because he has to talk to him.
- Why?
- I do not know. Captain Kurzen wants to talk to Prince Steiner, that's all I know.
- Do you know anything else? Do you have any idea, Private Ironfang?
- No, Captain Steiner.
Sigmund did not need to question the prisoner further. Grim Ironfang emitted odours of fear and excitement, he could not deceive another Skaven on his sincerity. The Captain of the Black Guard also had a hunch that the prisoner would say no more, simply because indeed, he knew nothing more. It was time to move on.
- Good. Don't be silly, Grim Ironfang, I'll think it over.
- Oh, thank-thank you, Captain!
Without answering, Sigmund walked towards the door that separated the men's cells from the women's cells. Entering this new corridor, he spotted the cell occupied by the prisoner. He stopped before the bars, and called:
- Amelia?
The Skaven woman lying on the bunk opened her eyes, and sat up. She was young, probably freshly embarked in this small company of mercenaries. Her brown coat, that of a very ordinary Skaven, was not yet punctured by the scars specific to the profession. She was slender, rather athletic, but her face had an innocent expression.
- It is an honour to meet you, Captain Steiner, answered the ratgirl in Reikspiel, with a slight peasant accent.
- What is your full name, Fräulein?
- I am Amelia Hochtahl, I serve Captain Sigwald Kurzen.
- All right. You and your friend Grim Ironfang have been arrested for attempting to enter the city gates when martial law has just been declared.
- I had to come in. I had to see you.
- Good, here I am.
- How's Grim?
- Rightly for now, we didn't mistreat him. And you?
- So far, I have not been bullied.
- Perfect. If so, please don't hesitate to tell me.
- At this time, I'm fine.
Sigmund looked her up and down.
- I confess I don't really know what to think about both of you. Your friend is from the Under-Empire, but he doesn't look like a bad guy. You look healthy to me. On the other hand, you don't have the profile of a soldier. Why a young girl who seems rather nice is hanging around with a Mercenary Captain's company? If girls are not yet allowed to take up arms in the regular army, it is for a good reason: for the moment, we have very few of them, so they are very precious. If we want there to be enough Skaven to populate the Rat Kingdom, we must preserve the women.
Amelia's voice cracked slightly, but her gaze grew more determined.
- I was Harvested, I was adopted by Human peasants, and I have not given up on the idea of having children someday. But Fate forced me to take up arms the day my whole family was massacred by marauders. They set fire to my farm. I would have died of hunger and grief if Captain Kurzen had not taken me in. He offered me to follow them, him and his gang, to teach me how to defend myself, and never to be afraid again. I accepted.
- Hmm…
The gaze of the ratgirl became pleading.
- Captain, I can't know what you're feeling right now. But I'm sure of one thing: if your father hadn't come to Harvest me that day, I would be... I would be a laying machine today. I can't thank him in person, and I never will, but if I can help his family, so be it.
- How can you help me then?
- I can't by myself. But Captain Kurzen can. Allow him to meet the Prince and serve him.
- That's what your Black Skaven comrade advised me.
- That's what we recommend. I will place my weapons at your service if Captain Kurzen orders me to.
- What if he doesn't?
- He will. He wants to meet you.
- I'm not sure I want to meet a Human whose two accomplices end up in prison, that says a lot about his methods.
Amelia said nothing, but her stare sharpened.
- I'll decide later what to do. In the meantime, keep quiet, and everything will be fine.
With these words, Sigmund left the corridor.
A minute later he was outside. The weather was cloudy, but the rays of the sun warmed his fur pleasantly. But he didn't have time to enjoy it. A voice caught his attention.
- Captain Sigmund Steiner?
It was a low, a bit raspy voice, the kind of voice that belonged to a man with a few decades behind him. A voice that matched the Human who was now approaching him. He was grizzled, clean-shaven, and his face bore several scars. He wore a breastplate adorned with a few wax seals, but his uniform wasn't outrageously flashy either.
- Who are you?
- I am Captain Sigwald Kurzen. I was waiting for you.
- Hmm, so soon? You weren't long in coming!
- I've been waiting for you, I saw you enter.
- You come to see me about Grim Ironfang and Fräulein Hochtahl, I suppose?
- You suppose well. I would like to negotiate their release.
- They tried to enter the city while it is under martial law. No one goes in or out.
- We couldn't have predicted that this would happen! They had gone as scouts to watch for the movements of the Feral Skaven, and had to return to make their report. I was in an inn in the Mousetrap, it's more discreet. Unfortunately, there was this assassination, and all the consequences that went with it. Grim and Amelia tried to reach me, they had urgent information to pass on to me. And your soldiers intercepted them at the entrance.
- My soldiers have done their duty, Captain Kurzen.
- The kind of way my people accomplished theirs, Captain Steiner. Listen, I've been spying on Feral Skaven for some time. I can help you track them down and defeat them. Just let me convince the Prince to put me at his service.
Sigmund hesitated. Was he really going to trust this Mercenary Captain? He thought back to Grim and Amelia. These two were much more sincere. Neither of them had tried to deceive him, he hadn't smelled the perfume of lie. Nor had he detected blind obedience, but real conviction in their words. He wanted to give the two of them a chance.
- Grim and Amelia told me to trust you both.
- Grim and Amelia would take all the risks for me, and I give them back. It is for them that I fight against the Feral Skaven.
The Black Skaven took his decision. He would accede to this character's request. Previously, there was a detail to settle.
- I can bring you to the Prince, but first, call your comrades.
- What comrades?
- Don't take me for a fool, Captain Kurzen. You haven't come alone. Two Skaven don't constitute a whole unit. Besides, Grim Ironfang described me them.
- I assure you that I came alone.
- Truly? I don't believe you.
- And yet, it is the truth.
The two Captains stood staring into each other's eyes for a long ten seconds. Sigmund gritted his teeth.
- You're lying.
- How can you be sure?
- I can smell your comrades. Their different smells.
- Oh, can you?
- You know that very well, Captain. Your two Skaven subordinates have already used their sense of smell to their advantage. Anyway, Grim was trained for it. So was I, like every Skaven soldier, here, in Vereinbarung. And so, I know that certain smells have persisted since I entered this barracks.
- And you would be the only one to smell these smells? The Skaven guards outside the door don't seem to have sensed anything.
- They don't have my training. They never fought Orcs or Feral Skaven outside the walls of Steinerburg. They are far from knowing all the subtleties of the different smells.
- In this case, if they have never left this city, they should, on the contrary, recognize unusual smells.
- Your mercenaries are Humans, so they don't smell unusual to our Guards.
The Human's lips then creased into a wry smile.
- You're tenacious, aren't you? But I assure you: I came alone. The truth is, you're bluffing, but since there's no one with me, it won't work.
- The truth is you are not operating alone. No Captain, of a country or on his own, would have the nerve to give himself this title if he used to act alone. Soldier pride obliges.
- I repeat to you that I am alone. You are careful to the point of perfectionism!
- It's better to be, these days. Now, if you want a chance to talk to the Prince and improve the fate of your two comrades, order your men to come out of their hiding and show themselves. Otherwise, my Guards will kick you out, all of you.
Captain Kurzen heaved a small sigh, and muttered without ceasing to smile:
- Good. Might as well get all of us to meet your monarch, right?
Then he turned his head and cried:
- Come on, guys! Get out, we'll talk calmly.
Sigmund grumbled when he saw four figures move out of the shadows in unison. One emerged from an alley, another emerged from under a porch, the third lost interest in the trader's stall of wares he was pretending to observe, and the fourth leaped smoothly from a roof.
- You've lied to me, Captain Kurzen. This is a very bad start.
- It's true, but you said it yourself, with the current situation, you can never be too careful.
Sigmund looked carefully each of the four newcomers.
The first to step forward was a Human of a certain age. He was at least as old as Captain Kurzen. His simple and practical clothes and the bow attached to his back marked him out as a hunter. He also had a long, well-groomed beard, and a falchion hung from his hip.
Next to him, a second Human, who looked even older, stood out for his size and build: he was huge, taller than Sigmund, and his shoulders were broader, too. The years had not completely altered his great physical strength, the Black Skaven was sure of it.
The one who pretended to shoplift was a Dwarf. As wide as he was tall, he sported an impressive braided black beard. At his side he carried a large axe adorned with decorations typical of his people.
Finally, the person who had jumped from the roof was the most supple and slender of the bunch: a woman of the Elven people, dressed in leather and simple fabrics, with the colours of the forest, with a few small bauble sewn on the arms and chest – ossicles, twigs and other natural trinkets.
- Here are my trusted men, Captain Kurzen declared. The first, with the falchion, is Konrad Helbrecht, a damn good hunter. The big burly is named Ulthor Umberhide. I can assure you he's more at home in the forest than a brown bear. And more dangerous, too. The short on legs is Thundral Granitehand. More than once, I can testify, he brought honour to his people. Finally, our quota of sweet female presence is provided by Aella, the best tracker from Athel Loren I've ever seen, and I'm hard to surprise.
Each bowed to his name. Sigmund felt his muzzle wrinkle. He didn't like these people so much, nor Kurzen's lack of frankness, but deep down, his instinct told him these mercenaries weren't pretentious newbies. All seemed to be as professional as the Captain claimed.
- Here's a nice bunch of merry men… What a shame to have to meet them in such circumstances. Alright, I can take you to the Prince, he'll give you a chance to explain. Just one. But before...
The Black Skaven gestured towards the Guards posted at the entrance to the barracks. Four of them approached.
- Give us your weapons.
- Hmm, is it necessary? Kurzen asked.
- It is.
- An honourable soldier without arms is an aberration, Captain Steiner.
- You are not "honourable" soldiers. You are mercenaries. Some call you "dogs of war". And I remind you that you have already lied to me once. Either you hand over all your weapons to us without discussion, and the Prince will receive you, or you leave immediately.
- Very well, very well, Captain. Go ahead, you guys.
The five mercenaries got rid of their various weapons to entrust them to the guards of Steinerburg.
- You'll get them back after our interview, whispered Sigmund.
- You're a damn suspicious character, aren't you?
- I always congratulated myself on that, Captain. Especially in front of people like you.
The tall Black Skaven was still motionless, but his tail lifted near his face a dagger he had taken from Kurzen's boot. Once again, the Human smirked. The tone of the Blackguard Captain's voice rose.
- You've just lost another point. This is my final warning: one more comment, and I'll have you all locked up. And given the current context, I think that if that happens, you will all be hanged within the week. Pay close attention.
He turned to one of the guards.
- Soldier, tell Captain Klingmann that I am going to the Prince's Domain with five mercenaries. Ask him to detach me a regiment of twelve guards to accompany us.
- At your command, Captain!
The young recruit entered the barracks at a run. Sigmund's ear twirled when he heard a woman's voice.
- Twelve guards? So much trust is pleasant to see...
For the first time, the Elf had spoken. And Captain Kurzen ordered without the slightest irony, also for the first time:
- Aella, shut up. Nobody says another word until we see the Prince. Got it?
The woman didn't answer. Like the others, she felt a slight cold sweat when she saw the guards arriving, but she still trusted her superior.
The herald crossed the small service door to announce the arrival of the band of mercenaries. Once he left, Captain Kurzen allowed himself to break the silence.
- We have been witnessing the construction of the history of Vereinbarung for some time.
- So what?
- We lived the strong moments. For example, I was there during the execution of Clan Eshin's spy, Captain.
At the thought of this humiliating memory, Sigmund groaned.
- So you know very well what I am capable of when someone tries to deceive me!
- I took good note of it, Captain.
- So you'd better leave your bluster in the closet when you talk to the Prince. He's not in the mood to joke right now, and neither am I. You have already accumulated quite a bit of evidence of bad faith. If he tells me to kick your ass out, I'll do it without question.
The doors opened, and everyone entered the courtroom.
Prince Ludwig Steiner, seated on his carved wooden throne, did not display a good-natured expression, indeed. Captain Kurzen bowed, and again introduced each of his comrades. The Prince rubbed his chin.
- So, Sigmund, what is so special about these mercenaries that you bring them to me, when so many things are taking all our attention?
- Well, Opa, this is not the behaviour of this Captain Kurzen, who did not lack nerve. His fighters look confident, without looking exceptionally formidable. No, what struck Captain Klingmann, and which also puzzled me, were the last two members of this group: two Skaven, a Feral and a woman.
- A Feral and a woman? repeated the Prince.
- Yes, and both of them seemed to me more trustworthy than those lads.
- And where are they?
- In prison, they tried to force the passage to enter despite the restrictions.
- Indeed, I have known better to inspire confidence. How do you respond to that, Captain Kurzen?
Captain Kurzen had finally lost his brashness, much to Sigmund's satisfaction. Facing with the Prince, he was willing to finally play fair.
- Your Highness, we are fascinated by the Rat Kingdom. Each one who follows me is an outcast in his or her own way. Some have lost everything. Others have chosen to change their life. But we all have one thing in common: we don't just do this for the money. When there is a cause that seems worth defending, we are ready to work "overtime". Or extra. Call it as you want, anyway, we believe in Vereinbarung. Amelia, in particular, can live the life she wants thanks of you. Besides, we were all impressed by the strength and conviction of your army. My guys can attest to that, right?
Thundral Granitehand cleared his throat.
- I witnessed the siege of the Greenskins on Wüstengrenze, and the way your army wiped them out. Not to say, a nice bunch of fighters! The two twins, in particular, showed that they were really tough! Word of a former Ironbreaker, if all the Dwarves had half their talents, Thorgrim the Grudgebearer could double the size of his kingdom!
- I confirm, added Aella. In addition, Vereinbarung enjoys the support of Elves. Anyway, I saw the Bright Mage at work.
- Yes, well, don't count on it too much, Lady Aella; Elves are excessively rare here. At the moment we have no solid community. It's the same thing for the Dwarves, only a few rare individuals who don't particularly care about the nature of their customers can be found here.
- Dwarves can never bond with Goblins or Orcs, Your Highness. But if it is proven that raki can be tamed, then...
The Prince thumped on the arm of his chair.
- We do not "tame" Skaven, Master Granitehand! We educate them! My grandson received from his mother the education that I received from mine! Well, I would like you to tell me what you hope to conclude with me now?
- I hope to convince you of our sincerity and our efficiency. Your Majesty, with your permission, we put our arms at the service of Vereinbarung. Our talents are yours for as long as it takes to get out of this crisis and find those who threaten the balance of the Rat Kingdom.
- I already have enough soldiers inside, and reliable allies outside. What more can you bring me, Captain Kurzen?
- Our know-how, first. Of course, you have a valuable army. But the rest of us have each developed our talents to excellence. So when I tell you that Grim and Amelia are good trackers, that Aella never misses her target, or that Thundral is invincible, I really mean it, and I just want to prove it to you. We want to work alongside your own troops, your Greatness. Grim Ironfang could put himself directly under the command of Captain Steiner? Join the Black Guard?
The Prince grimaced.
- I don't know if it's a good idea… What do you think about it, Sigmund?
- Normally, to integrate the Black Guard, it is necessary to have exemplary service records. A black coat is not enough, the candidate must show exceptional abilities, unfailing loyalty, as well as unfailing mental solidity. I haven't had the time to fully get to know Grim Ironfang, but I know he's a Feral Skaven.
- As like is… well, was your father.
Sigmund's gaze darkened. The Prince raised his hand.
- Try not to venture into this terrain, Captain Kurzen.
- Please accept my apologies, your Highness. Still, Grim rejected the Under-Empire.
- How much time from?
- Enough time.
- My son was Human at heart for over six years. He practiced Magic of Jade, participated in every Harvest, and fought the Under-Empire relentlessly. Can you say the same for your subordinate?
- I can't, your Majesty.
- What if he betrays me at the worst moment, Captain? Sigmund asked menacingly.
- He's loyal to me.
- One doesn't preclude the other.
- You'll have the right to life and death over him, as well as over Amelia.
The Steiners didn't answer, surprised.
- I assure you, when I explain to them, they will believe me and accept it.
- Are you sure your friend Amelia won't protest?
- Amelia knows very well who gives the orders, and that these orders must be respected. If I order her to serve Captain Klingmann, she will obey. Even if I add that in the slightest blunder, you can execute them both with my blessing.
- I hope so! the Prince quipped. You are asking me to put two strangers at the closest to two of my Captains.
Captain Kurzen took his inspiration. For the first time since the beginning of the interview, his face, his voice, his posture combined to show only the greatest sincerity.
- Master Mage Prospero Steiner held great hope for people like Amelia, Your Highness. We all want to help you find the bastard who committed this crime. With your permission, we'll be closer to the action. My two Skaven will comply with the slightest of your orders. And the rest of us will put our talents at your service, until the person responsible is condemned by the justice of Vereinbarung.
Behind him, the two other Humans, the Elf and the Dwarf displayed the same determination. The Prince thought for a few moments. He stood up and said in a loud voice:
- Captain Kurzen's mercenary company will be assigned to hunt and clear missions. Feral Skaven generally pass through the sewers, this is where you will start your service tomorrow morning, under the conditions set by Captain Klingmann. We will see if, subsequently, you prove yourself worthy of trust, and therefore to accomplish other more decisive works. As a pledge of good faith, Grim Ironfang will be integrated into the Black Guard, and Amelia Hochtahl into Steinerburg barracks. Both will be treated like any other soldier in our army, but on the first fault of either of them, or of you, the whole company will then be declared guilty of high treason, and all its members will be arrested and then sentenced to death. Thus, you will all be on an equal footing, there is no reason for there to be favourites. We will only accept your help on these terms. So spoke the Prince. And you?
Captain Kurzen took one last look at his comrades. None blinked. His gaze met the Prince's, and he articulated:
- We accept, your Majesty.