The clock in Verena's temple rang nine times. The sun was already high in the sky, and was lighting up generously the city of Steinerburg. The citizens were already circulating in the streets, the tradesmen baited the customers with loud and sought slogans, and the militia patrolled.
The city was awake and working. It was at this hour that the Prince used to receive in his cabinet the personnel in his service. In this case, he listened to his most ancient employee.
- So, your Highness, this is an opportunity that I want to exploit. It was a great privilege to work for you, but I think I can do something more for the Rat Kingdom. My brother-in-law is cleric at Verena's temple, and he recommended me to Prior Tomas.
The full title of Prior Tomas was "High Priest Tomas", or "Provost Tomas", as he combined both functions, and therefore represented order and justice in the Rat Kingdom. And so, his authority was the highest in the hierarchy of Vereinbarung after that of the Prince.
Ludwig Steiner scratched his chin.
- Well, I understand your decision. You're right, life is short, and everyone has not such an opportunity to change way of life, like you are about to. You have been a very good servant, Samuel, you are smart, you are well-educated and you have instruction... and then, it will be a better situation for you, and later a better setting for your family.
- I swear, your Highness, that I have never had to complain about my situation while I served you! Whether it is a question of wage or treatment, I am perfectly aware of having been privileged over others. It's just that I would like to experience something different. Before entering your service, I wanted to be a lawyer. I really enjoyed working for you, and meet your children was a pleasure, too, but I want to think first of all about my life, and my future.
- Which is quite normal, Samuel. Well, you will see with Langeneus the terms of the end of your engagement here. I wish you a great success and a lot of happiness in your life.
- Thank you a thousand times, your Majesty.
Samuel Heifetz bowed respectfully and left the throne room. Conscious of the heavy burden of the monarch's timetable, he was not much offended by the brevity of the interview. This dark-haired, medium-sized man, who was quite abdominous, had followed Steiner into his forced exile from Altdorf. With Magdalena, he was, moreover, the only servant who had been engaged before this escape still alive; all the others had been mercilessly slaughtered in one night by the Feral Skaven of Grey Seer Vellux.
When the first inhabitants of Vereinbarung had taken up their quarters in the new kingdom, the Prince had made Samuel his chief steward. In time, he had more and more servants, grooms, and others. He was leaving with his mind in peace, knowing that his departure would not interfere with the inhabitants of the Steiner Manor.
Once the arrangements were settled, Samuel left the estate for the last time with a trunk for all his luggage – he had already moved the bulk of his belongings into the house of the Libra Quarter, where were the homes of the wealthiest citizens and the big tribunal. He turned one last time, looked at the double door being closed, and gave a little sigh before leaving.
The whole town of Steinerburg was built on a high hill, the residence of the Prince set on its summit, and the surrounding estate thus extended to the heights of the hill. That represented about a quarter of its surface. All the rest and the surroundings were occupied by the city itself. The Libra Quarter was adjacent to the estate. Then came the Crown Quarter, where the merchants lived, next to the Hammer Quarter, which gathered the signs of the craftsmen, as well as the barracks of the guards of the city. The more modest dwellings of the Dove Quarter were near the Chalice Quarter, where one could find one or another of the great temples. At last, at the foot of the hillock, extended the area of the peasants and labourers homes. That district was affectionately nicknamed "the Mousetrap".
There was no river flowing through the city, or even nearby, and the nearest spring was a half-hour walk away. Fortunately, a few years earlier, the famous Dwarf Slayer Gotrek Gurnisson, then on a reconnaissance mission for the Prince, had drown the plans and started the construction of an aqueduct. The hill had been thus irrigated, and several reservoirs had been built, in order to leave a little reserve in case of siege. This had never happened, but the people of Steinerburg remained cautious, and this possibility was never completely neglected.
A single rampart built with about twenty towers equipped with guns surrounded the whole hill. The highest portion of the wall led directly into the park of the Steiner mansion. While the Prince's residence was therefore quite close to the rampart, but as it was near a particularly steep slope, it was not possible to reach the manor without passing through the village, unless the invader was a well-trained climber. It was hardly conceivable to fear the attack of a cohort by this side.
Defence was provided for the outside, and militia guarded the security between the walls. Steinerburg was not yet gangrened by crime, not even in the "Mousetrap", and the Prince wanted things to stay the longest as well.
As Samuel prepared to leave the wide paved street leading to the princely domain, he saw an important procession. It was a carriage decorated with precious ornaments, firmly escorted by human horsemen in armour.
The arrivals, all Humans, were men heavily armed and protected, riding around a carriage decorated with precious ornaments. The coachman told the guards:
- Hey! Make way for Master Eusebio Clarin, ambassador of his Grace, Prince Roderigo Calderon of Sueño!
The abdominous Human then remembered; one of the neighbours of Prince Ludwig the First, freshly arrived in the Renegade Crowns, had indeed proposed to send an ambassador, for a possible establishment of commercial relationship. The guards, forewarned, opened the gates, leaving the way open for the cortege.
The coachman stopped in front of the house. Three grooms approached to take the horses to the stables. The valet who remained behind the carriage hastened to open the door and place a little stool under the foot of the ambassador who came down.
Before leaving, Samuel wanted to see what the Prince's guest looked like.
The ambassador was a man of medium height, thin, with a swarthy complexion, an aquiline nose, and eyes sparkling under his jet black hair, carefully cut and styled. A small, well-trimmed moustache finished making him elegant. He wore a brightly coloured suit, sewn in precious stuffs.
Eusebio Clarin couldn't repress a small pinch in the heart as he got off the coach. He definitely couldn't get used to the idea of facing these ratmen. One of them, huddled in a livery, was drawing near to him.
- Welcome to Steinerburg, Excellency. You are expected. Was the trip peaceful?
The man didn't want to appear aggressive in any way from the start. He surprised himself when he heard his voice speak without contempt or embarrassment to the creature in these terms:
- No problem, thank you.
The rat-man – or "Skaven", as they called themselves – smiles with all his incisors.
- Perfect! If you will follow me, I will take you to your apartments. Let me take care of your luggage.
- Would be kindly.
Clarin wondered with a small smile how this Skaven dressed with this livery would carry the trunk that contained his belongings. The ratman whistled, and two other very large, black-furred ratmen arrived quickly. The Human no longer smiled, impressed by the build of the newcomers.
- Do not worry, sir Clarin. They are much more agile than they look. Please, follow me, if you want to.
All four entered the building. The diplomat observed the wealth of the place: luxury carpets, crystal chandeliers, paintings with gold powder let appear the taste of the Prince for the arts of the different countries.
- Your monarch seems to have acclimatized well.
- Indeed, Sir.
- I feel that the decoration has themes on nature, trees... there are many precious pieces that represent them.
- His Majesty is born in Talabheim. You know?
- I've never been there, but I know it's a much forested place, isn't it?
- It is, sir. And Taal and Rhya are prayed in our kingdom.
- Prince Ludwig Steiner favours these gods?
The servant allowed himself a few seconds of reflection before answering:
- Although born in the Eye of the Forest, his Highness is more related to Verena.
- Oh, I see.
The livery Skaven stopped at a door, which he opened.
- Here is your bedroom, sir. You will occupy it during your stay here. This is the Daffodils room.
- The Daffodils Room? Clarin repeated.
- Flower names have been given to the guest rooms, this is a little reminiscent of Talabheim.
The emissary noticed on the door an engraving representing a flower arrangement with daffodils. The two Black Skaven laid the trunk in the room, and withdrew without a word. Clarin pouted.
- Well, with the permission of his Highness, I'll take care of my presentation before meeting him.
- The Prince's granddaughter will take you to the courtroom. When do you want her to pick you up, sir?
- Hum... let's say in half an hour?
- As you wish, sir. I have now to take leave of you.
- Wait a moment!
The diplomat searched in his pocket, and congratulated himself on having kept imperial crowns on him, the only valuable currency in the Steiner principality.
- What is your name, young fellow?
- Gerd, Sir Clarin. On your service.
- Well, Gerd, thank you for giving me such a positive image of your people.
He slipped a handful of coins into the servant's hand. The latter bowed politely.
- It's up to me to thank you, sir. I wish you a very pleasant stay with us.
Then he left the Human by closing the door behind him.
Clarin heaved a sigh of relief. For the moment, everything had gone well. He had imagined this first contact with a certain apprehension. The Skaven people were not associated with good memories in the spirit of the gentleman. When his monarch had charged him with this mission, he had asked the reason for this choice. Why him? He had no answer. And yet Clarin didn't hide his dislike towards the ratmen. Had Prince Calderon wanted to test him? Or have fun to his detriment? He couldn't have deliberately sent the least comfortable with these creatures of his whole court by chance. What about the risk compromising an important diplomatic mission?
Maybe I'm having twisted ideas... Calderon probably wants to prove to me that I'm conscientious enough to carry out this mission without letting my own emotions overwhelm my reason?
He decided not to think about it anymore. Seeing the big wooden tub filled with hot water, the soap, the perfumes and the towel, he smiled happily.
Half an hour later, Eusebio Clarin was ready to appear before the Prince. He repeated internally the procedure he had already followed dozens of times.
So, he comes from Talabheim, I'll put a couple of words in favour of Taal and Rhya. Avoid allusions to the disappearance of Graf Feuerbach. To inquire about the riches of this kingdom once the ice is broken...
He was interrupted in his thoughts by three knocks at the door of his room.
- Yes, what is it?
A clear voice echoed through the woods.
- Sir Clarin? Are you ready?
Surely the girl who's coming to pick me up.
- I am. Coming, good lady, coming.
He stood in front of the mirror hung on the wall, quickly combed his hair, smoothed his moustache, anxious to look impeccable. But when he opened the door, his smile twitched, and he could not help but raise his eyebrows, surprised.
- Good morning, Sir Clarin.
A young ratgirl, with a coat of wheat colour, was before him. She wore an elegant dress, a gold necklace, and the diplomat recognized the characteristic essence of a Tilean perfume.
- I'm Bianka Steiner. I will introduce you to my grandfather, Prince Steiner.
- But... I've heard that the Prince was a Human?
- He is, my lord, replied the girl instantly. He adopted two Skaven, and by the will of an amusing good luck, these two Skaven are my parents.
Suddenly, the diplomat remembered this detail, and blamed himself for not having understood all the implications earlier.
- I follow you.
And both went to the throne room. On the way, the Human wanted to continue the conversation. Frustrated by the fact he was not walking at the side of a pretty Human woman to seduce, he let more and more trivial questions jostle in his mind.
I wonder if she's cold feet? All the ratmen I saw here do not wear shoes, boots, or anything else. Is she embarrassed by this... tail? Come on, Eusebio, pull yourself together, old boy! These are not suitable questions!
- You look very well installed. This manor is superb.
- Isn't it? My grandfather has always enjoyed Tilean art. He hired a renowned architect from Miragliano in order to restore the premises.
Clarin was more and more perplexed. He couldn't possibly believe he was talking to a Skaven as if nothing had happened between him and this people. He didn't know whether that satisfied or revolted him. Finally, he couldn't help but talk about a subject that had bothered him since he had remembered the identity of the father of this girl.
- I've heard your father venerates a deity whom the Four Peoples of the Empire regard as highly evil. He even has been already heard swearing in the name of this deity.
- I know.
- Do you? So it's not a secret?
- No, it's not secret. It's discreet. Everyone has their own eccentricities. The people are happy, my father's beliefs don't matter.
- What about you? Do you mind?
Bianka pinched her lips.
- He does what he wants. I believe in Goddess Verena.
- You? A Skaven?
- I learned to trust the powers of the gods worshiped by Humans. I also believe in Shallya, the Goddess of Compassion. She forgives everyone except those who destroy by disease. The Horned Rat is not the Lord of the Flies.
- The Skaven spread the disease over the world, my lady. I know something about it.
They were now in front of a large double wrought-iron door, each pan was provided with a heavy bronze hammer.
- They are not demons of Nurgle, and I know that they feel more suffering than destructive frenzy. Besides, you know that here, the Skaven are raised differently. We are citizens, just like Humans. And we are different from those you're talking about, that's why we call them "Feral Skaven". If I was a Feral Skaven, I would be locked in a cellar, and serve as a breeding machine. Their females have no other role in their society. And as for the Master Mage, he has always followed the Horned Rat, but in a very different way.
- Has he ever offered you to follow the teachings of his god?
- No, said a voice as sharp as a blade.
Clarin startled. He turned around, and found himself facing the White Skaven, discreetly come by an adjoining corridor, looking at him with an annoyed eye. The Human remained a few moments to contemplate him, fascinated. In his whole life, he had never seen a White Skaven, and knew although how dangerous they could be, dark wizards manipulating the winds of magic to turn them into corrupting miasmas or acid rain storms. And yet this one didn't inspire him any fear or disgust. He shuddered in surprise, realizing that, too absorbed in his thinking, he had almost not heard him explain:
- As my daughter just told you, I have my own version of the Horned Rat holy word. But I never imposed anything to my children. I left them the choice of their own beliefs-beliefs. I even asked them not to follow me on the path traced by the Horned Rat. I have seen and experienced things that made me think and see the will of my god in a different way than the one taught by Grey Seers. But if you follow his word literally, it only brings ruin, and I don't want to take the risk of seeing my children go wrong. I even intend to ban-ban this religion the moment I'm not there to practice it.
- That is a right decision from you, Sir Prospero Steiner, Master Mage of the Rat Kingdom, and adopted son of Prince Ludwig the First.
- So, I don't need to introduce myself, sir Clarin.
- Indeed, your reputation has preceded you.
- And what makes-composes this reputation?
- You seem rather nice to me, but this is not the case for everyone in my principality. Some think that you are in cahoots with your peers left behind.
- Skaven "left behind" are no longer my peers for a long time. I stopped seeing them as such the day my own blood brother tried to kill me with a backstab at the behest of my master. And considering the damage I've done in their ranks since, I'm pretty sure that the Council of Thirteen has ordered a strong reward-reward on my head!
- What would interest a Skaven to the point of dislodging you here?
- The management of a city, a place in the Council, a whole harem, the options are not lacking.
The white Skaven knocked on the door. It opened on another Skaven, younger, and rather tall, with black fur.
- Sigmund? Isn't your grandfather in the throne room?
- No, he had some business to settle. He asked me to wait for you, it won't be long.
- I'll go get him, Bianka said. Master Clarin will wait with you.
- Thank you darling. Come on, Maître Clarin, come in.
During his career, Clarin had the advantage of meeting a dozen different monarchs. With rare exceptions, they applied themselves to presenting to every visitor a particularly sumptuous throne room; such was the impression that permeated the eye of the people welcomed by Prince Steiner. A precious rug insulated the feet of any walker from the floor of waxed wooden slats, a large crystal chandelier was fixed in the middle of the ceiling, and behind the wooden carved adorned with gold leaves throne was spreading a monumental tapestry, on which was embroidered the coat of arms of Vereinbarung.
- Sigmund, bring a chair to our guest, will you.
- Right, Father.
The White Skaven went to a small commode, and picked out a bottle of wine.
- Would you have a little elven tear, to wait?
- Well, willingly.
Clarin was not worried. Unless you were dealing with berserks like Orcs or vicious and cruel calculators such as Dark Elves, no leader, no monarch had any interest in attacking the life of a messenger. So it was with confidence he tasted the wine, followed by the White Skaven.
Psody settled on another stool.
- May I know exactly what brings you here, Master Clarin?
- In fact, my monarch wants me to talk directly with Prince Steiner.
- He's coming, and in the meantime, remember that I am his son-boy and his main assistant. Everything concerning him about the political point of view of the Kingdom concerns me just as much.
- Good. Well... His Majesty Prince Roderigo Calderon has noted with some bitterness that two of the isolated villages of the Sueño Principality have been attacked and invaded by ratmen. At their head, there was a Skaven that had two distinctive signs: its fur was entirely white, and a bough rose on its head.
Psody didn't react. He was not surprised any more.
- You think-insinuate that I would be this White Skaven?
- I don't have any bias. Nevertheless, I have some knowledge on the Skaven colonization methods. I witnessed a massive invasion a few years ago.
The Black Skaven made a face.
- You're alluding Nuln's, I guess? All the Humans who fear us are rehearsing this tragedy. It happened more than fifteen years ago, Master Clarin! The Storm of Chaos stroke the Empire since, so more violently, and you saw that demons were far more dangerous!
- You are right, young man, but I meant Ubersreik's. It is more recent, and took place nine years later, in 2523 according to the imperial calendar. One year after the Storm of Chaos. The city was already well wounded, before this ratmen rise. I was there.
- I've been taught it was the work of Clan Fester, specified Psody. This Clan was moribund, because of breeders-breeders becoming infertile. This invasion was a "double or quits" for Grey Seer Rasknitt.
- And we obviously have felt this "double or quits". Seven years have passed, but the memory of the Skaven coming out of the sewers and destroying everything in their way has remained intact. So, when I see that the adopted son of the Prince of the adjacent Kingdom to mine is a White Skaven, I admit that I have a little apprehension. I think back to the few stories I heard about them. Everyone knows that the Skaven can be enraged when they cannot afford to flee, but I also know more precisely what their leaders are capable of.
Sigmund felt his patience lessen.
- Why do you consider us like ferocious animals? We are citizens of Vereinbarung, and my father is a hero! We are not invaders, and you know it!
- I do, perhaps, my monarch, certainly, the members of the Court, maybe, but this is not the case of the common people of my country. Skaven attacked small isolated villages, led by a White Skaven wearing horns, it's a fact. And you are not only known as the only Skaven of the Renegade Crowns, but you claim it!
- We claim-claim to be the citizens of the Fifth People, unlike the Feral Skaven, who those who attacked your principality are no doubt among, master diplomat, Psody calmly explained.
- Your accusations are far too ridiculous to affect us! spat his son, much more touched by the words of the Human.
- I don't try to affect you, young man. I wish to understand what happened, like all the citizens of my principality. You would do the same for me, right?
- I would avoid accusing the first comer who vaguely resembles a culprit whom I didn't see with my own eyes!
- Easy, Sigmund. Master Clarin didn't accuse anyone.
Clarin turned to the white Skaven.
- Listen, Prospero...
- "Master Mage Prospero Steiner", I beg you, cut off the scholar.
- I'm trying to be a little less formal, Master Mage. Friendlier.
- Do you do that with all your interlocutors of a higher social rank than yours, or my father is the only one who impresses you so much?
- Calm down, Sigmund.
Clarin wanted to answer the young Black Skaven.
- No, your father doesn't impress me, young man. And I'm not sure of belonging a lower rank. I am a Prince's representative, Prince Roderigo Calderon, your father is not, you neither. Your position is not worth that of a prince. In fact, as I told you before, I should not even talk to you.
- And to me? asked a loud, deep voice that made the messenger jump.
Clarin faced the newcomer. If he felt a slight apprehension hugging him, he gave no sign of it. He murmured calmly:
- Prince Steiner...
Prince Ludwig Steiner the First had remained in the doorway. The self-proclaimed monarch of Vereinbarung was a centre of attraction wherever he went. He was a tall man, about six feet high. He was broad-shouldered and had a prominent belly. Under his love for good food, muscles having served a lot but still good to win a duel could be guessed. He probably weighted more than two hundred and fifty pounds. He had sparkling eyes, a sturdy, protruding shaven chin, and a small moustache rippled under his huge, reddened nose. His face was framed by long greying hair. As a monarch, he was dressed in a suit with the most precious stuffs, and wore on his neck, wrists and hands many jewels that Clarin's professional eye estimated very expensive. Sturdy, well-built waders clasped his wide like two little twin tree trunks legs.
No crown. He must wear it on ceremonial days only.
Clarin bowed respectfully.
- I am Eusebio Clarin, emissary of His Majesty Roderigo Calderon of the principality of Sueño.
- I welcome you to Vereinbarung, our kingdom, Master Clarin. I heard the end of your conversation before entering. I recognize that the tone was respectful, but I have the impression that you annoyed my grandson.
- Let's say I tried an approach that has already made good contact in the past.
Clarin discreetly looked at the two ratmen, standing on either side in front of the Prince.
- I assumed that these gentlemen are similar in character to us. I hope I have not been wrong, Your Highness?
- Absolutely not, Master Clarin.
The Black Skaven grumbled something unintelligible. The White one answered sharply in a language that the emissary didn't understand. Steiner cleared his throat.
- Sigmund, Master Clarin will talk to your father and me. Dismiss.
- I understand, Opa. I have stuff to do.
The young Black Skaven walked to the exit of the throne room, without taking his eyes off the messenger, who was thinking.
He spoke with the tone of an order. I do not know what this young black-furred man mumbled, but I guess it was an insult in their language? I'll pretend I did not hear anything.
Prince Steiner took his time to settle on his throne. He made a small gesture towards the White Skaven who served him a glass of wine. The monarch drank a few sips, snapped his tongue, and addressed the emissary.
- Before starting this conversation seriously, I would like to ask you two things.
- I am listening to you attentively, your Majesty.
- First: did you feel treated well so far?
- I have nothing to say about reception, lodging, or your servants, your Highness. From one end to the other, I didn't feel any difference from the other diplomatic missions that were entrusted to me in the past.
- Perfect. Prince Roderigo Calderon is the first to have had the courage to reach out to us. It is important to assure his agent the best reception. And here is my second question, the most important one. Above all, do not be afraid to answer me with the maximum of honesty that you can deploy. If it reassures you, I remind you that as a diplomat you are absolutely untouchable.
- I am listening to you, Your Greatness.
The Prince paused, then articulated slowly and distinctly:
- What do you think about the Skaven people, Master Eusebio Clarin?
Here we are, thought Clarin. The ambassador glanced at the White Skaven. The latter smiled kindly.
- Do not be afraid, speak frankly, dear guest-guest. Whatever you may say, I've heard ten times worse.
- I don't want to see my personal opinions jeopardize the attempt of communication of my sovereign!
- As I told you, you are the first of another kingdom to come to see us. I am curious to know your feelings. I am perfectly aware of the importance of your mission, but I am really curious. Please, sit down again. Relax, and speak with confidence.
Clarin sat back on his chair, inhaled, thought a handful of seconds, and answered:
- Excellency, Master Mage, I will be frank: until today, the only contacts I had with the Skaven were the attempted invasion of Ubersreik about seven years ago. I worked for a major trader from Estalia, Cristobal Mendoza.
- I have not yet congratulated you for the quality of your Reikspiel, by the way. Listening to you makes it hard to believe that you are an Estonian.
- Thank you, your Grace. I studied at Nuln University, that's why Mendoza sent me, I was the one who knew the Empire best among his employees. My job was to conclude a contract on his behalf to open a trade post in Altdorf, and our escort had to make a detour to Ubersreik.
- So it was really bad luck, Master Clarin.
- Question of point of view, your Highness; if I spent the worst week of my existence, I came out alive and almost in good physical health, which was not the case of many people. I think I was lucky in my misfortune. And during this siege, the Skaven tried to destroy the city by submerging us under number, sending us diseases, poisons, and abominable monsters. They were finally repulsed when their leader, Grey Seer Rasknitt, was defeated. I was informed by Master Christoph Engel, the Mage of Grey College where I had taken refuge. Once the Skaven routed, we fled as quickly as possible to the capital.
- Alas, Rasknitt had not said his last word, Master Clarin. A few weeks later, he attacked Helmgart.
- I know it well, your Highness, that's why I stayed longer than planned in Altdorf. I returned to my country when things settled down, and I promised never to leave it again. Finally, I went back on my promise when a family relationship founded a kingdom in the Renegade Crowns and offered me to join him.
- So, you have a parental link with Prince Calderon?
- By marriage, it's a distant relative. I escaped Ubersreik, I didn't assist to the invasion of Helmgart, but every time I hear about the Skaven, I get nervous.
- What is very understandable-acceptable, said the Master Mage. You've only heard abominable stories about us, the kind you talk about to frighten-scare children. Then when you have seen these creatures come out of the sewers, the undergrounds, the burrows, to kill everything with such rage, such hunger for violence, you have seen your childish terrors crystallize to become real. But today, are you better?
- I will never forget what I lived in Ubersreik, Master Mage Prospero Steiner. And that may be why Prince Calderon chose me to come and see you. He knew that I would fulfil my mission with dedication and determination.
- Yes, then, it's a case involving Skaven that brings you here, said the Prince. We will come there. Currently, you don't mind talking to my adoptive son, do you?
Once again, Clarin briefly looked at the White Skaven.
- All Skaven who have spoken to me since I crossed the border of your kingdom have shown respect, politeness, and have inspired me with sympathy. Your servant Gerd, Miss Bianka... Even your son, Sigmund, didn't seem less pleasant than another.
- My son is young-passionate, he's a good boy, but he tends to speak faster than he thinks. Much faster, often too much. Anyway, he has benefited from a Human education, like all my other children, my wife, and myself. Like all the Skaven of our principality. We strive to make the difference between the Sons of the Horned Rat and the citizens of Vereinbarung. That's why we call the Skaven like the ones you faced "Feral Skaven". Because they only listen to their instinct, their animal side. The little resemblance they have with Humans only serves them to manipulate Humans.
- I agree, Master Mage. For the moment, I enjoy talking with you.
- Good, said the Prince. You are also nice to me. I will gladly accept exchanges, commercial or otherwise, with Prince Roderigo Calderon, but it is important that we are in good harmony. What may be rather complicated at this time, is not it?
- Well... you've heard it, it's not just trade that brings me. I would like a lot, sincerely, but the circumstances are completely different. Skaven led by a White Skaven attacked and completely razed two nearby villages on the border between Sueño and Vereinbarung. To be more precise, one village was destroyed, the other just had time to send an alert missive to the local barracks. When the soldiers arrived, the village was already nothing but ruins. Some survivors, however, were able to testify. They affirmed by swearing an oath of truth on the altar of Myrmidia that their aggressors were "rat-headed beasts", led by a "white rat with horns".
Psody and Steiner looked at each other, and the Prince spoke:
- I have no doubt about what these unfortunate villagers are saying, Master Clarin. Nevertheless, I fear they are mistaken. If I try to defend myself against any invader, I have no ambition to conquer. Vereinbarung must be a haven of peace, that's why we created it. These Skaven cannot be citizens of our kingdom.
- You think they are Skaven from below? These… Feral Skaven?
- Yes, most likely.
- Yet, I have been in Sueño for years, and we have never had to suffer from their attacks so far. His Highness Prince Calderon fears that it was you who drew them to this corner of our world, accidentally or... voluntarily.
The big man's face darkened.
- Would you please be more precise, Master Clarin?
- If you are not directly responsible for these attacks, maybe your presence attracts these foes.
Prince Steiner grumbled.
- It could be, but I don't fit this thesis. And the fact that you suggest it makes me more uncomfortable! My fellow citizens are people as respectable as yours, and there is no question of us causing you problems, let alone sending you Feral Skaven!
- Do not worry, Father, said Psody. I am certain that the emissary Clarin doesn't speak thus in spite, but in ignorance.
Then, addressing Clarin:
- Why don't you see with your own eyes the Skaven of our country-land? That would dispel all the suspicions you can have, right?
- No doubt, if I had the guarantee of seeing your people without artifice?
- I have little more than my word to give you, but I hope for your Prince that the word of one of his equals will be sufficient, said Steiner. Prospero, you had a very good idea. Go take a walk in the city and the fields. Take the day, maybe an evening, also, the time it will take our guest to understand that we do not play a masquerade to coax him. You will see that the Skaven of Vereinbarung are miles away from the infamous creatures who have dared to penetrate your province, and at that moment, we'll do everything to help you stop them. Your Skaven issue is ours. After all, that's why Prince Calderon sent you, is not it? Because he knew that your opinion would be the most convincing, given your contacts with the Sons of the Horned Rat?
Clarin looked at his two interlocutors, then nodded with a small smile.
- It's a possibility, and I admit that I start to appreciate it. I say, I cannot wait to meet the real people of Vereinbarung since I left Barca.
- You mean, the capital of Sueño, don't you, said Steiner, anxious to make the emissary understand that he knew his neighbours.
- Well, I assure-assure you the trip will not disappoint you! declared Psody.