- The first "Freed" Skaven begin to have children. This is the first generation of Skaven citizens born here in Vereinbarung. It is a new age that is beginning, which will, of course, involve equally new dispositions. But I know you'll be able to show yourself capable. As you have understood, your role will be of paramount importance.
The feathers creaked on the scrolls, while the Humans and Skaven who could write took notes.
- You, the Skaven, have all been the first to be raised according to the rules of conduct of Humans. You are the proof it's possible to take this path. Mind you, you'll tell me I am too.
There was some laughter in the room. Indeed, the person giving the lesson was not Human by nature, she was a Skaven. For the representatives of her species, she was of medium height, rather stocky, and her light coat formed a mop of straw on her round head. Above her short, flat muzzle, two blue eyes gazed at the world with a kind of permanent detachment. Dressed in elaborate clothes, she was twirling her wand between her slender fingers.
One of the Skaven observed:
- You are even a privileged person, lady Bianka. You were educated by your blood mother, who herself was raised by a Human. And given the character of the Prince, I imagine that Lady Heike's loving mother's reputation is not usurped.
- That's right, you're right. But remember, my father suffered a harsh education by Grey Seer Vellux. He could have become someone very evil. If that had been the case, my mother wouldn't have had a life, and me... I prefer not to think about it.
Bianka Steiner was Psody's third child, and his first daughter. She was also the first female Skaven born in Vereinbarung. Aged a few minutes less than Sigmund, she didn't have the same features, and didn't share with him the characteristics of Black Skaven. Not very inclined to action, she was passionate about nature and its functioning, and as soon as she was old enough to understand things, had revealed qualities in knowledge of biology well above average. Her grandfather had bought her by the intermediary of Nedland Barnrooster books on the topic, also a copy of Leiber's The Loathsome Ratmen and all their vile kin too. The girl enjoyed working on this research, and sharing the fruit of her work.
Usually very concentrated, she didn't have easy conversation; her elaborate phrasing and determination to be always right could put off, and anyone who didn't know her well could quickly see her as haughty or even contemptuous. But a few times spent in her company outside the professional framework were sufficient to understand she could be very open-minded. Her application was an asset for the function of archivist. She knew it, and her appointment to this post was only a matter of time.
For the present time, she was giving short biology lessons to young Skaven parents, or those who were old enough to become so. Her lessons were also accessible to curious Humans who wanted to know more about their neighbours.
- I'd now like to talk to the Skaven girls. Ladies, you have reached a decisive age, the one when you enter your adult life. The characteristic signs appeared to you. Well, I won't draw you a picture of "how babies are made", I guess you already know it. But it is very important to understand that there are differences between the Skaven and the Humans at this level. Today, there are about twenty births if we don't take into account the Steiner family, and the Prince felt that it was important to anticipate the arrival of the new generation. What every civilization has done naturally for millennia, we must prepare for it.
Bianka nailed on the wall a diagram showing a Skaven in section, with visible internal organs. As she gave her explanation, the young woman pointed to one or the other part of the drawing with her wand.
- A Feral Skaven breeder raised in a colony is capable of generating an average of one hundred individuals per year. And of these one hundred individuals, still on average, ten of them will be female. These, because of their rarity, are immediately set apart, and will survive – finally, biologically only, I mean well. This won't be the case for all male individuals. A good third won't manage to attain adolescence. Depending on the colonies, however, these numbers may change. If there is less food... the strong ones have to eat to stay strong.
There were reactions of disgust.
- Are you kidding, Lady Bianka?
- Absolutely not, Geron. And I'll even say it more clearly: in some cases, when there is nothing to eat, the Feral Skaven do not hesitate to devour the weakest.
- Even their own brothers?
- The notion of blood links doesn't exist in the Feral Skaven society. My father paid to know it. They breed to be the most numerous, without paying attention or thinking about the consequences. It is a problem that undermines their society, but it is no so bad, because if they were aware of it, they would be a much bigger danger.
- In which way? asked a curious Human.
- By documenting myself, I think I understood where the problem came from. My own example suggests that warpstone-based treatments have their share of responsibility with it: I was born from a Skaven mother who has not been submitted to excessively large warpstone doses, and who used to live in a healthy environment, with a "good" education, according to imperial criteria. She gave birth to five Skaven, including two females. And, as far as I know, all five are in perfect health. In this example, quality has outweighed the quantity. According to Leiber's studies and deductions from my grandfather's research, warpstone impairs the body of females, so that their reproductive organs produce more substances that greatly increase the number of embryos but decrease their reliability. And I suppose there is a direct effect on the nature of these embryos. The future females are perhaps more fragile, and thus destroyed by the warpstone in the maternal matrix; only the most resistant mature. If they were a little more concerned about the welfare of their women, they would probably be far fewer, but healthier, and better organized. It is this lack of organization that prevents them from crushing us under their number, because, technically, they could do it.
- They hope to multiply with their warpstone, but sign their loss at the same time. How ironic! sneered one of the students.
Bianka showed a small smile.
- Warpstone is not the only thing responsible for this loss. What is most cruelly lacking in their society is love. Love of parents we all received, the attention of other family members, the friendship with people who are like us... The society of the Feral Skaven is based on violence and immediate satisfaction. Only the number guarantees their survival. Never forget that, young fellows. Your role is even more important because you will be the first ones in this part of the world to integrate love into education.
- Are Skaven not likely to feel their instincts take over, once become adults? asked a middle-aged Human.
There were some reproachful murmurs, especially from the present Skaven. Bianka's smile became more mischievous.
- You would already be dead, if that were the case. And I'm pretty sure that young Humans who would have been raised by Feral Skaven would behave like them. Well, the question doesn't arise, because the Feral Skaven don't raise Human babies, they eat them. Whatever, let's go back to our lesson, if you don't mind.
"The example of my mother proved it: if the Feral Skaven breed so quickly, it is because they mess up the whole system with their poison. An untreated female, living in a healthy manner, without spending its day in a nursery, will have only one child at a time, after a gestation period of five to six months, with an average of twenty- two weeks. It is faster than Humans, where we observe a period of nine months on average, so thirty-six weeks."
"The needs of the new-born Skaven are no different from those of Humans, or any natural living being. It is completely dependent on its parents, especially its mother, at the beginning of its life. Like Humans, Skaven women can breastfeed their children before getting used them to eating more varied and more consistent food. Remember that we, Skaven, are carnivorous, by nature. I think that the Feral Skaven exclusively meat-composed diet directly influences their belligerence, and I don't need to mention cannibalism."
"So, dear parents, feed your children with breast milk, then with what you eat: fruits, vegetables, fish, some meat from time to time, anyway, but remember that the ingredient the most important thing is love. Lots of love. I know that I look silly, whispering the same chorus to weariness, but remember that's your role, and that's a decisive role. You are the first generation of Free Skavens natural parents, it must work, damn it! But I trust all of you, it will work."
A young man asked:
- Aren't you afraid of degeneration?
- What do you mean?
- You have collected the Skaven in full litters. The oldest ones start to have their own children. It can happen a male and a female...
- Hey, say "a man and a woman," I beg you! cut a Skaven in a pinched tone.
- Uh... yes, sorry, replied the girl, blushing. I meant "a boy and a girl", if they are from the same litt... family, and they have children, there is a bad chance to have a situation, like humans: incest gives weak and malformed children. How to prevent this?
- The same way for Humans, indeed! With the last name. Last names of the Skaven children weren't chosen by chance; you, Skaven, as you know it, have all been harvested... "freed" from the Feral Skaven burrows. All adopted Skaven received last names whose first letter was the same as that of their birth burrow. If my father had not taken my grandfather's name, he would probably have been called "Bauer", "Bäcker", or any other "B" name, like "Brissuc", his birth burrow. It is easy to identify who the potential siblings are. The law doesn't allow marriages between Skaven whose last name would begin with the same letter, to avoid the risk of consanguinity. By necessity, adopted children don't have the same last name as their adoptive parents. Bah! Your Human parents have made it, we have not really found a better solution, and as it was suitable for all, no need to go further.
- How many burrows have you visited so far?
- Me, not any, Verena be praised. If you talk about my father's expeditions, they explored twenty-four, and we always managed to get a different initial every time. Some expeditions were more successful than others. The largest burrow was Sub-Wissendorf, and the Harvesters picked up over two hundred babies at one time! Many received the same family name, those who had obvious common traits or who came from the same hatchery. It was last year, and this operation required us more than six months of preparation. And don't worry, we won't be out of letters, because the current expedition will be the last. There are enough Skaven brought here now. It is time to let them grow on their own, even if it means climbing some expeditions in a few decades if the blood of the Skaven people gets poorer.
- Unless other Skaven come here of their own free will? someone asked in the room.
Bianka frowned her muzzle.
- Frankly, I have doubts about this question.
- But it remains possible, isn't it?
- Yes, technically... We have even enacted a law in this sense, a law of acceptance, in case it happens, but personally, I don't think we'll see this someday.
- That's what your father – I mean, the Master Mage Prospero – did, right?
- Yes, but my father is a really special case. First, he's exceptionally intelligent and daredevil for a Skaven, and he did something that goes against their innermost nature: he asked himself questions. Feral Skaven never question themselves, and that's why they never progress. When something doesn't happen as they foresee, they grunt against all the stupidity of the universe, shout at the plot and blame everyone except themselves. Result: they remain ignorant, and do not progress.
- You mean they do not get anything out of their mistakes?
- The simple concept of personal error is completely unknown among the Feral Skaven. But my father is different. He showed a truly unusual strength of character, for he gave up this system of thought and their education on his own. Then, he had the audacity to go to meet the Humans to parley, what no ordinary Feral Skaven would dare to do. Finally, he was very lucky, because he met the right people: Master Felix Jaeger, the poet adventurer, who helped him to see more clearly, as well as the prior Romulus and Ludwig Steiner. The icing on the cake, the latter, who was then a merchant in Altdorf, was keen on the Feral Skaven. He had adopted one of them, my own mother, and it was chance that put her on his road. The mercenaries with whom he was dealing to capture the subjects of his studies on the Skaven did not expect to find a female that day.
There were some surprised murmurs. Everyone didn't know the whole story of the Steiner family. A young man asked:
- When you talk about Felix Jaeger, you mean the author of the works with Gotrek Gurnisson?
- In person.
- Did the Master Mage really meet him?
- He did.
- Lucky! Is Jaeger really like in his books?
- You'll have to ask it to my father. I didn't have the opportunity to meet him. He left the Rat Kingdom a few days before its official founding, he just came back once to visit my parents a year later, and since then, we have never seen him here again. I wasn't born on his last visit. All I can tell you is that he showed an uncommon coolness and openness to a human. He agreed to listen to a White Skaven, and their conversation was friendly, which was then completely inconceivable.
The girl narrowed her eyes, and smiled wryly.
- Exceptional individuals with rather close opinions, who met in a completely fortuitous way, all in a favourable environment – the home of my grandfather – then this kingdom... so many particularly rare elements having constituted a sequence which seems to me very difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce.
- It's a salutary sequence, otherwise we would not be here today, observed another student.
Someone else asked:
- What if two people of different races try to have a child?
Bianka grimaced as she heard this question.
- Well, then... It is true that Humans and Elves are close enough for miscegenation, and that, by blood, the Dwarves could mix with Humans or Halflings, if their traditions didn't prohibit it. About mixing with the Elves, a Dwarf would rather see his lineage disappear than knowing such a humiliation. As far as the Halflings are concerned, I don't know anything except that they are not very keen on wealth diversification. But for us, it seems impossible to me. We are too different. We can live together, be friends, build and live in this kingdom, but we can't go further. Personally, I have nothing against the fact that a Human and a Skaven decide to couple as long as they are two consenting adults, but even if they could have... well, I doubt that the possible offspring is healthy, and I don't mention the social status. In all societies, the "half-breeds" whose existence has been a proven fact for thousands of years are not very well regarded, so what about a new... "race"? In addition, Skaven age faster than Humans, which affects mind-set and relationships. It is already possible that adopted Skaven die of old age before their Human parents.
Outside, the bell of Verena's temple, located in front of the school, rang four times.
- No more question? So, the lesson finished for today. We'll resume tomorrow, at the same time.
The students stood up. One Skaven girl had difficulty leaving her desk because of her advanced state of pregnancy. Her husband supported her. Bianka observed:
- Claudia, I advise you not to go too far from the dispensary of Shallya. The big day won't be long for you, I think.
- No doubt, Lady Bianka.
- Don't' worry, everything will be fine. I can assure you that Sister Judy is an expert in the art of helping children come into the world. The proof is that she took care of my mother for her last four children, including me.
- Is not she in Hoffnungshügel?
- She is, but normally, she'll be back tomorrow at the latest. Prior Romulus confirmed to me that the last Harvest should arrive sometime. At worst, he'll take care of you, and it will be as safe. Good luck!
Bianka found herself alone in the classroom. However, there remained a student. It was a brunette girl with her hair tied in two short braids.
- Did you want something in particular, Wanda?
- Yes, Lady Bianka. I noticed in your remarks something that surprised me a bit.
- I'm listening you.
- Earlier, you said that we were the first to raise the Skaven with love "in this part of the world". Do you mean that there are other countries where the Skaven live in harmony with humans?
- Well... I hesitate a little to answer you, because it is something that no Human would find realistic.
- No Human would find realistic to listen to biological lessons stated by a Skaven.
- You score a point. In fact, my father and his Human friends have done important research on the subject just before the foundation of Vereinbarung. Yes, the idea didn't come to them like that, spontaneously. They only reproduced what another White Skaven realized about two thousand years ago.
- Another White Skaven as unusual as the Master Mage is?
- Yes. This one was called Cuelepok. He was adopted by a mystic wise man named Xarkish while he was a tiny pup. This Xarkish lived in the country of Lustria. He was a Slann, a Lizardman. This Lizardman tamed a handful of Feral Skaven to better study and know them, as the Lizardman and Feral Skaven were – and still are – fierce hereditary enemies. But he understood that these tame offspring began to love him the same way children love their parents. Later, growing up, they became useful to their society. Then they took new-borns out of Feral Skaven nurseries and raised them the same way. After a few years, it was an entire city that lived like this. Unfortunately, the great Slann leaders didn't see this well. They eventually ordered the execution of all the tamed Skaven.
As she was speaking, the scholar picked up a pile of books and left the study room, accompanied by Wanda.
- Master Mage Prospero found some writings on this story?
- Better, he found the city where it happened. There remained only ruins, but he met the Slann, Xarkish, who was still alive.
- After two thousand years?
- Slanns can live very long. Anyway, the Mage Priest explained everything to him before letting him go. The expedition came back with the basics of the project, and enough treasure to cover the biggest expenses
- Did your father ever think of going back to the Slanns to make other discoveries?
- Yes, but he won't. The Slanns rulers sentenced Cuelepok to death two thousand years ago. If my father returns there, they'll do the same to him, which doesn't particularly enchant him. They have already eliminated Xarkish, because he let him leave Lustria. To put the feet back there would be a suicide. And I doubt that it's different for the Skaven living here. For the Slanns, we are harmful.
The two women were now in front of a small door that the Skaven unlocked.
- I have to leave you, I have other things to do. But... if you are interested in the subject, and if the study doesn't repel you... you seem rather curious, and then smarter than average. Would you like to work in the field of scholarship?
- You mean I'll be your assistant?
- If you really like it, perhaps, in the meantime, we will find something to exercise your research spirit. What do you think?
- That would be exciting! I love history!
Bianka gave a little wink.
- Now we speak the same language!
The little cat purred with pleasure and rolled on its back, its belly deliciously scratched by the fine hand with fluffy fingers. The picture was amazing for someone who was not used to the life in the Rat Kingdom: a little ratgirl was lying on the grass, and was maliciously playing with her most-beloved pet. Cats usually chase mice, rats, and other rodents, and the Skaven, superstitious as possible, have a phobic fear of felines. Not the young Skaven, who continued to flatter her kitten. When it planted its small pointed teeth in her knuckles, she just pulled her hand away with a chuckle, without any animosity. In truth, she was unable to feel any sense of anger, aggression, or anything like that, against anyone. Nobody explained it, she was born that way, and happily communicated her good humour to everyone.
The name of the lastborn of the princely family was Isolde. She was the youngest of Psody's five children, and the most awake, the most enthusiastic, the most exalted. Two months ago, she had celebrated her second birthday in Human years, the equivalent of six years for the Skaven. Her morale was perpetually radiant. You only had to look at her to be in a good mood: she was cute as a heart, always smiling and amazed, her big green eyes glittering with life joy. Today, she was wearing a cyan dress that contrasted with her beige coat. One of her favourite clothes, made by the most expert tailor in the capital, hired for the occasion by his grandfather.
This permanent good humour was accompanied by a desire to help others, so pronounced that it became almost annoying at times; there was no ulterior motive, she really liked to be helpful and to see others happy. Moreover, when she was not studying, instead of playing with most of the other children, she preferred to go to the Shallya dispensary to read the scriptures of the Goddess of Compassion and sometimes she accompanied the priestesses who were taking care of sick people who were not hopeless or too painful to assist.
Isolde's overdeveloped altruism had somewhat worried her parents, but the prior Romulus had explained that the girl had received the grace of Shallya, apparently. He had already seen young Human children having such a vocation early, and becoming thereafter exemplary priests. Isolde could become the first Daughter of the Horned Rat to teach Shallya's word. Psody and Heike accepted this idea, and little by little it seemed obvious to them.
For the time being, Isolde was still a little too young to be initiated, but she prepared herself for it. And in the meantime, she continued to play with the cat. Suddenly, the little pet got back on its feet, and flew in a flash. Isolde got up, patted her dress to drop the blades of grass, and wanted to admire the sunset. She hurried to climb the stone steps that led to the ramparts of the family manor.
The reconstruction of Steinerburg began with this district. The great fortified house and the surrounding dwellings were as resplendent as during the former beautiful days of the kingdom. The dwelling was on the highest hill of the plain, and dominated the whole city. The workers had added an annex to the main building to accommodate the staff, as well as a greenhouse, a stable and a large park. Indeed, the park was really huge, especially for a child of this age. Her mother had explained to her that her grandfather, the Prince, had lived in a property whose garden was much smaller.
She found herself on the walkway. She knew that her parents didn't like her to walk around this high place, but she promised to herself not to stay more than a few minutes. The star of the day was gradually descending towards the mountains visible in the distance. A few clouds left orange streaks in the sky, and the first stars twinkled, silver pinheads in the velvet celestial vault.
A characteristic noise pulled the girl out of dusty poetic metaphors. She looked down, and saw horses advancing towards the entrance gate of the Steiner estate. Her little heart raced when she recognized her father and brothers at the head of the procession. Quickly, she ran down the stairs, and rushed to the mansion.
- Mother, Mother! They're back! Father is here, and Siggy, and Kit!
She burst out like an imp in the living room, where her mother was sitting in an armchair.
- Mother! The expedition is here! They are all home!
Heike Steiner rose without haste despite the intense relief that untied the knot of his stomach. Nobody knew how old she was, even though it was suspected she was close to her White Skaven mate. In the eyes of the latter – of all who knew her, in fact – she was the epitome of gentleness and love. Physically, for a ratgirl, she was beautiful: a fine face with quiet features, short incisors under a pointed snout, large green eyes, a graceful body, harmoniously proportioned, fine hands with soft and racy fingers. Her coat was cream-colored, with a large brown spot coming up along her left thigh to her flank. She was kind-hearted. Despite her fragile appearance, she had a rather strong constitution, and having given birth to five children had not affected her health.
Isolde threw herself into the arms of her mother, mad with joy.
- Quick! Let's welcome them!
- Yes, my angel, let's go.
The Skaven mother didn't seem to share Isolde's happiness. The overflow of joy of the little girl diminished.
- Mother? Is something wrong?
- All is well, Isolde. Let's welcome the men.
Again laughing and shouting loudly, Isolde left the living room and rushed to the entrance gate.
Jochen smiled slightly as he heard the little girl's shrill voice.
- Ah... I think someone is waiting for you.
- Jochen, I propose we take care of the horses. That way, we'll leave the family to his reunion.
- All right, sis'.
- Your mother is probably waiting for you, too, Nedland observed. I'm going to accompany you, I'll present her my report.
The two Humans and the Halfling each took two horses by the reins and went off to the stable. Isolde appeared at that moment. She leaped first to her father.
- Father! Finally! You came back!
- Hello, my sweetie belle! You grew up again!
The little girl kissed the White Skaven for a long time, then turned to her two older brothers. Kristofferson was the first to receive a hug. Then Sigmund lifted her effortlessly, and threw her into the air with a loud laugh before catching her and hugging her against his heart.
It was then that Psody found himself facing his girlfriend. She stood still, a few yards away. Her face presented an indefinable expression, which greatly troubled the White Skaven.
An awkward silence then imposed itself. Isolde, perched on the shoulder of her brother, felt her heart squeezing again with worry. Since she was born, her father had often left many weeks in other countries to fetch Skaven. Each return was a day of celebration and rejoicing, and her mother was always happy to see him come back. But this time she did not show any joy.
Would Mother be angry against Father? she wondered.
The two big boys didn't know what to think, either, and dared not say a word. Psody was the first to break the silence. He took a few steps towards his companion girl, then when he was in front of her, he clumsily said:
- Well, I'm back-back.
Without saying a word, the Skaven embraced her mate. She whispered in his ear:
- Are you satisfied, now? Or do you plan to go back on an adventure?
- The only adventure that I intend to live now is life at your side, in our home-home, in the heart of our kingdom.
The ratwoman saw in the eyes of the White Skaven that he was sincere. Finally, she smiled, and kissed him more frankly, under the cheerful glance of their three children.
They all headed towards the mansion, when Psody stopped.
- How's Father?
- Very well, even if he happens to tire a little bit sometimes.
- Now that we're back, we'll be able to help! rejoiced Sigmund. I am very happy!
- Me too, Siggy! exclaimed Isolde. I was afraid of not seeing you anymore!
- But why? asked the tall Black Skaven with an astonished tone that sounded wrong.
- Because... because... you could get skewered by a Feral Skaven!
Sigmund burst out laughing.
- No Feral Skaven can beat me, sweetie belle! I am the strongest!
- And then, you know, there was not so much risk! With Gab's gas globes, we force all these idiots to sleep, and we can do what we want without danger!
The White Skaven then asked his mate:
- How's Teresa?
- It's okay. These last days, she has been rather sulky. She missed you.
- I'm going to say hello. Bianka is at home?
- No, she's at her desk, but I think Romulus has a double of the key. He is in the library.
- I join-join you right away.
The royal estate library was unquestionably the largest in the Rat Kingdom. Prince Ludwig the First had always been rich. He was the sole heir to a family of the imperial high bourgeoisie, he had been able to take advantage of his parents' inheritance to the point of having an important commerce of various goods, from the simplest to the most luxurious. Over the years he had earned enough money to own a property in each of four largest cities of the Empire, Altdorf, Middenheim, Talabheim and Nuln. Six years earlier, he had to hurriedly leave the capital; Grey Seer Vellux had set fire to his house, and the fire had caught the attention of the guard. The merchant had managed to leave the place without being surprised, but he had to abandon all the stuff that had not disappeared in the flames.
His faithful servants had taken away a part of his fortune vaulted in Nuln, to cover the costs of the trip to the Renegade Crowns and pay the first restorations – the estate he had bought was then ruins. During this reconstruction, he had sent other servants to discreetly recover his possessions remained in the Empire. Gradually, he had restored the bulk of his wealth, including his collection of books. The works destroyed at Altdorf had been gradually replaced, notably the few works dealing with the Skaven according to the point of view of the imperial scientists.
One book in particular was considered as the master piece of the library. It was exposed on a display stand it never left. It was entitled Encyclopaedia of the Children of the Horned Rat, and bore three signatures: Ludwig Steiner, Prospero Steiner, and Romulus. It was a treatise speaking in the most neutral and complete manner of the people of the Under-Empire, written by the three men after long months of work. It was on this book that the prior Romulus was inclined.
Romulus was the official chaplain of the Rat Kingdom. He approached with serenity his fortieth spring, and every day, he thanked his goddess tutelary, Shallya, for allowing him to live according to his heart, for all these years, despite all what he had already gone through. Medium-sized, his blue eyes, his brown hair were gradually fading away with short silver locks. Small folds, signs of years, appeared gradually on his peaceful, clean shaven face. He respected Shallya's commandments to the letter, which implied exemplary sobriety and moderation, so his physical condition remained good, and his clean, orderly white coat concealed a well-maintained musculature.
The men were a minority in the Order of the Goddess of Compassion, but Prince Ludwig the First, who considered him somewhat like a son, judged that he was worth at least three ordinary men, and appointed him minister of religion of Vereinbarung. It was his task to make sure that the word of the gods of the Empire was properly spread. Shallya was not the only goddess worshiped in the Rat Kingdom. In second place was Verena, the Goddess of Knowledge. Then, according to the different places of the kingdom, there were different tendencies: the peasants prayed mainly Taal and Rhya, gods linked to fertility, nature and harvests, the traders relied on Handrich, and the workers of the big river which crossed the country followed the precepts of Manann. Everywhere, small temples housed the priests of Morr, the god of the dead. Sigmar was adored only in a very anecdotal way.
Each official religion had a leading representative in the kingdom, which regularly reported on his activity with Romulus. Each representative also held a position related to the teachings of his god. Among the Prince's closest associates, one of them was Verena's chief priest, Prior Tomas, who was also the Provost Marshal. Tomas was not only a magistrate, but also a member of the Order of the Lorekeepers, and the main contact with the Lorekeepers who remained in the Empire. The gods Taal and Rhya, mainly worshiped by peasants and other rural dwellers, also had their representatives. Even Morr, the god of Death, had an entitled prior, old brother Wenceslas.
Since he had made his vows, Romulus had never regretted one or the other of his decisions. It was he who established the first friendly contact with Psody, thus creating without suspecting the link that now justified the existence of the Rat Kingdom. Every day of collaboration with him had been more exciting than the previous one. He was a priest of Shallya, but worked regularly with Verena's clergy. Knowledge was one of the keys to good communication, and therefore peace.
He never tired of re-reading the encyclopaedia from time to time, remembering with nostalgia the circumstances in which the text of this page or this page was written. This book was a reproduction, the original notes collected by Steiner had disappeared in the fire of his mansion in Altdorf. The three scholars had managed to recompile all the notes taken before, while adding some passages. The result was a source of pride for them.
The clatter of the doorknob that was lowered pulled him out of his reverie. He looked up at the door. He saw then the horned silhouette of his friend. He stood up with a big smile.
- Prospero! You're back!
- Hi, Romulus!
The two men hugged each other.
- So, this expedition?
- No problem. No injuries, no danger. We have just fallen on suspicious-suspicious guards at the border, but gold has a magic power: when it appears, it opens the doors and closes the eyes, provided it is there in sufficient quantity!
Psody had spoken with a gesture resembling that of a magician casting an incantation. The two friends laughed together.
- Sister Astrid told me that you had harvested more than thirty individuals!
- Most of them will be borne by the Shalleans. We are short of adoptive parents.
- Bah! We have enough of them now. It's time to let them live their lives as citizens, and let nature do what must be done. It will still be possible to repeat some Harvests in a few years, to avoid seeing the blood of the Skaven becoming too poor.
The White Skaven noticed the illuminated cap on which the prior's reading had stopped.
- "Skavenblight"... This chapter is surely incomplete-incomplete. Too bad I have never been there. And now, it's way too late-dangerous.
- It would have been necessary to question a inhabitant of the capital. Maybe we should send a spy, one of these days?
- Hey, wait! Not so fast! We have just returned!
- You are right. And I suppose you do not intend to leave?
- I love my wife and my children, Romulus. I have been too long-often absent. From now on, I stay here. There is plenty to do for me. If a Skaven wants to go play the spies in Skavenblight, he will, but I won't.
Romulus spotted a small spark of determination in the pink eyes of the Master Mage. He took the opportunity to tell him of his relief.
- It's good to see you again, Prospero. You know, your wife and children were about to lose their temper, due to this situation.
Psody frowned, thinking back to the hot and cold reception Heike had given him.
- You think so?
- Heike didn't dare to talk about it, but some mornings, I could see that her eyes were red with tears. Bianka always worked twice in your absence to think of something else, just like Gabriel, who only left his laboratory to eat fast and sleep a few hours before getting back to his plans. As for Isolde, she came every morning to the temple to pray for your return. Sometimes, she couldn't finish reciting her prayer without crying.
These words inflicted a deep pain on the White Skaven's heart, like a whiplash.
- Why didn't anyone tell-explained to me? I knew it was not easy for them to see us go on a mission, but I did not think it was so hard!
- We had to avoid make you feel guilty, and lessen your energy. You needed all your resources to make the round trip and brave all the dangers. Members of your family, like your friends, like all those who left the Empire with us, are convinced that we are fulfilling a noble quest: to build a kingdom where Humans and Skaven are equal and live together. Ludwig claims that our goal requires sacrifices. He's right, and we all agree with this idea, but the pains are hard to bear. Even if, with time, the Harvests became safer with Gabriel's weapons, the fact remains that it was periods of absence longer and longer, with always the risk of an unforeseen event... and a tragedy.
Psody caught his breath. For him too, the backlash would be difficult to endure.
- And I didn't realize that... I suspected, but I should have seen how serious it was.
- Come on, all this is over, now. A new page will be able to be turned.
- First, I'm going to put things right back as soon as possible.
- A wise decision. I really invite you to take time with your wife and children. Do not think of anything, stay together for a few days, take care only of yourself, and everything will be clear.
- Do you think my father can manage the kingdom without us? He seems tired.
- Sure, he's getting old, but the situation is pretty quiet right now. I think he can reasonably grant you a few days. I'll talk to him about it.
- I thank you. In the meantime, can you give me the key to Teresa's room?
- Yes, of course. She will be delighted to see you again!
The prior handed a large iron key to the ratman. The latter greeted his friend and took leave of him.
The White Skaven came out of the mansion and headed for a small building apart. It was a tiny cabin, barely big enough to hold a room. The windows had bars, the door had a solid lock. Once again, Psody felt the taste of bitterness coming back into his mouth.
Now that we're back, we'll have to change that, too-too.
While turning the key in the lock, he remembered the events that had led the Steiner family to rearrange the recess where the gardener used to put his tools.