- Find! I will find!
Psody was determined to complete the formula before the end of the day. He had been working hard with Master Brisingr Steadyhand for several days. Sister Judy Hoffnung had joined the two scientists. Admittedly, she was above all a priestess of Shallya, but her knowledge in the art of preparations – she was the appointed apothecary of the Steinerburg temple – was very useful for the two magicians to interpret the nature of the ingredients necessary for the elaboration of the purification mixture intended for Nichetti Estate.
Sigmund's wrongdoing had quite annoyed the White Skaven. Also, he had redoubled his energy to think of something else. Fortunately, the anger had not diminished his intellectual capacities. The list of elements was gradually clarified, as well as the quantities required.
Only one ingredient still escaped the thinking of the three researchers.
A group of words whose meaning was not yet clear.
Brisingr Steadyhand consulted the Encyclopaedia of the Children of the Horned Rat, looking for the slightest clue. While browsing through, he came across a reproduction of an engraving. It represented the first known White Skaven to have lived differently.
- Ah, Cuelepok, this clever fellow! I wonder if he could have helped us?
- He lived in a place where very exotic plants on hand were under his hand, indeed! Sister Judy reminded. A chance for him, we will have to do without!
- Unless we take the time for a walk in Lustria... What do you think, Prospero?
- You already know the answer to this question, replied the White Skaven without lifting his nose from his book.
The Elf chuckled and looked at the picture again. He felt his nose wrinkle.
- Say! Have you seen his hands?
The red-haired woman and the White Skaven, moved by curiosity, joined the Magister and looked at the illustration in turn.
- He has only four fingers on each, Sister Judy observed.
- Like me! Psody noted.
- Maybe an ancestor of yours, in the end?
- No, Master Steadyhand. He admitted in front of me he couldn't have any child. And he tried hard.
- If he was the only White Skaven of all the city of Capatec Hanahuac, I presume that in terms of seductive aura, this uniqueness gave him a great advantage!
- We'll see when the first White Skaven in Vereinbarung reach adulthood, Judy supposed.
- At the moment, there is only one, said Psody. And I think his life is likely to be more complicated-complicated than being a simple lady-killer. But this is not the subject, we have a land to purify.
The three scholars went back to work. After two long hours, they had managed to painfully estimate a sense of the nature of this ingredient. According to their interpretation, it was the "vector of life". This ingredient had to be used to make the mixture touch the surface to be purified.
But what could it be?
- Water, suggested Sister Judy. Water is life by excellence, and nothing can live without water.
- Chaos demons are mostly raw energy. They don't need water.
- Master Steadyhand, I do not consider the demons of Chaos as living beings.
- However, your Order prohibits killing them, except Nurgle's. You therefore consider them to be living beings, since you have no right to take a life.
- It's an interpretation.
- We don't have time for interpretations, my dear. We have to find the ingredient.
- That's what we've been trying to do for days! No need to confuse us with your bloody twisted interpretations!
- Blood? That's it! Psody exclaimed.
The Master Mage stood between the man and the woman.
- That's probably it! Blood! It's a common-common ingredient, after all! Many magicians use it, it puts a part of themselves in the formula!
The priestess however didn't seem convinced.
- The use of blood is still linked to dark magic, Prospero. Now, we have to create a purification ritual. Putting blood on it could add a corrupting touch. Even if it is the purest blood you can find!
- You are right, realised the Magister. Remember that the wizards of Slaanesh willingly use new-born blood.
The White Skaven sighed deeply.
- Excuse me, I need to get some fresh air.
He exited the library, left the manor, and found himself in the park.
The weather was fine. Having to work in a confined space was all the more painful for the White Skaven. The first years of his life when he only felt comfortable in a burrow were far away now. In addition, Heike had transmitted him some of her passion for horticulture, and if he didn't particularly like taking care of plants and flowers, he was able to appreciate their beauty.
Precisely, he saw his companion-girl planting stakes to help certain shoots to climb in the right direction, on a wooden panel. He approached her.
- It's a new variety of nasturtium. I'm doing a little test: if I see they grow well like that, I will ask Father to hire a gardener, to craft us some floral arrangement, such as an arch in front of the greenhouse.
The park of the domain included a greenhouse where were stored the most exotic plants, brought back from various countries of the world.
The ratwoman saw the expression of her spouse which mixed excitement and annoyance.
- So, anything new?
- Yes! We have almost found-finished the formula! But…
- I was afraid to hear this "but". So?
- An ingredient is missing.
- What a shame!
- All we know is that it is a liquid which must be a "vector of life". It must come from the person who initiates the ritual. It must represent-embody nourishment and fertility. We thought about water, but it's not personal enough. The blood would be too dirty-corrupting.
The White Skaven then saw a malicious expression appear on Heike's face.
- You men! Fortunately, women are there to explain everything to you!
- "Explain"? Sister Judy didn't find more than the two of us!
- From her, it surprises me. For me, the answer is obvious, Psody!
- So… what are you thinking about?
The ratwoman let a little silence hover to maintain the effect of surprise.
- Breast milk!
- Huh?
- It's obvious! This "vector of life" is breast milk! Is something on earth more nourishing? It's a body fluid that carries life itself!
- Yes… Yes, you're right! What a fool I am! But... should... me?
Seeing her companion's disconcerted face, Heike giggled nervously.
- Of course, you may have difficulty to produce it!
- Ah, it's not funny-funny! A whole infected field is at stake!
- Yes, it's true, you're right, excuse me.
The young ratwoman felt her smile fall to the floor when she realised something.
- I... I hope you're not going to ask me to provide this ingredient?
- No, it wouldn't work anyway. It has to come from the person who performs the ritual!
- So what to do? Ask a female Mage from the Empire, a young mother if possible?
The White Skaven grunted.
- Not only would it be very embarrassing-daring, but in addition, even if there was a candidate, it would take too long to find her, contact her and bring her in. We have already lost days for this research!
- There must be a solution if...
- The ritualist to be a boy-man.
The two Skaven thought again, and simultaneously understood the nature of the ingredient required. They looked at each other, and if Heike was rather troubled, Psody was downright speechless. After a long minute of awkward silence, the woman-rate murmured:
- Psody, why do you want to accomplish this ritual?
- To stop this rot and to have good relations with our neighbours, who could become friends-allies.
- Perfect. So you're going to do this in the name of duty.
- Yes, my love.
Finally, the delicate face of the young Skaven girl relaxed.
- In that case, go ahead, you don't have to feel any shame. I understand.
The Jade Mage sighed in relief.
- I'm really lucky-lucky to have such a smart-understanding woman.
The young woman bit her lip.
- Do you think... you will be able to produce... enough?
Her companion replied with a poor smile:
- At least one advantage, the quantity-quantity required is very small. Now I understand why! Can you imagine if it had been a litre?
The supper was concluding when the Master Mage announced:
- Father, my children, I have very good news. Thanks to the efforts of Master Steadyhand and Sister Judy, mixed with Heike's little spark of genius, we have finally succeeded in composing-making the elixir which will allow us to purify the warpstone rotting that stains the Nichetti Estate.
The whole table rejoiced.
- Congratulations! If the ritual works, Steadyhand will be given the reward he deserves, and I'll send a donation to the Shallya temple.
- What a great idea, Opa! claimed Isolde, clapping.
- Tomorrow, I'm off to meet Master Clarin. The main course of the ingredients will be waiting for us on the site.
- Do you think Clarin will find them easily?
- Yes, Father, I will only need to supply-give a few very specific ingredients that I can transport myself. The list is already gone-mailed, he should have gathered them by the time we get there.
- "We?" repeated Isolde. Are you going with someone?
- I will, darling.
- This nutty bright mage, I suppose? suggested Bianka.
- You're supposing wrongly, Bianka. Master Steadyhand is going to leave for Altdorf to report, I won't need-need him. Your brother will be with me. No, Gabriel, not you! No need to hide under the table!
- So are you going to take Sigmund with you?
- Yes, father. He... comes back home tomorrow morning, he'll pick up some stuff, and we leave as soon-soon. We will only be absent while we are going back and forth. Right, I'm going to bed, a long travel awaits for me.
A short quarter of an hour later, Bianka was taking Isolde to her room. As she changed her clothes, the little girl worried.
- Is the place where Father and Sigmund go dangerous?
- Not at all, Soso. The Feral Skaven have fled, the rot has not progressed, and anyway, they will clean it all up using Jade magic.
- I want Siggy to come see me before he goes so much!
- Don't worry, he will! He must also take clean clothes for the trip, he will necessarily come home! You know he loves you very much, too, he won't leave without seeing you.
- If I have to, I'll wait all day outside the door!
- Whatever it is that you enjoy... go, bedtime!
The little girl jumped on the mattress and slipped under the blanket. This time it was Bianka who continued the tale for her sister. When the chapter was finished, she put the book down, and placed a little kiss on the child's forehead.
- I wish you sweet...
A brutal and very unpleasant feeling of fear twisted in the girl's intestines, like an ice viper. She made a violent effort not to let anything appear. However, she couldn't not see it. And her mind stubbornly refused to accept what she had just seen. There, on the head of the frame, just above the location of the pillow, near a knot, there were three small notches in the wood. Discreet, but too regular to be there by chance. They had been cut with the tip of a knife, or any other sharp object.
She straightened up, left the room in the most natural way possible, gently closed the door, before collapsing on the floor. Tears of panic beaded in her eyes.
I have to do something... I MUST do something smart!
What could she do? Tell her father about it? What would he do? Confining the whole family, tripling the guard? The two little ones would surely be sick in fear, but was it better to take the risk of seeing them get their throat cut by another Gutter Runner?
No, I'll talk to Opa Ludwig when they're gone, no need to confuse his mind as he has a ritual to perform!
Then she thought she heard a little noise behind the door. She almost started. The more disturbing than ever anguish almost cut her breath. Her dry throat painfully let out a hoarse breath. She wanted to be clear about it.
Ready for the worst, she slowly lowered the handle, and half-opened the door. Everything was silent. The ratgirl's ear swivelled to the rustling of tissue.
- What is it, Bianka? asked the small voice of Isolde in the semi-darkness of the room.
Bianka had almost howled. She mumbled with difficulty:
- I... I was just checking that your window was closed properly.
- So, why?
- It... it's not summer yet, nights remain cold.
- The window is rightly closed.
- Yes, sweetie, I saw it. Come on, sleep well.
- Good night, Bianka!
The Skaven girl closed the door behind her, and took her head in both hands. How was she going to be able to sleep after that?
A single window will not stop an Eshin assassin. By Verena's scales, I wish I would be tomorrow already!
A clicking sounded, then the door of the cage opened with a creak.
- All right, it was a pleasure to receive you, Milord, but the best things must come to an end.
Sigmund painfully opened his eyes. It was Commander Johannes Schmetterling himself who came to pick him up.
- It is time for you to enjoy again the benefits of civilization.
The tall Black Skaven rose from the bunk and followed the tall man. They walked down the prison corridors to the door that led to the courtyard. The commander opened it, but young Steiner remained motionless and silent.
Schmetterling guessed what he expected, and replied aggressively:
- I let your gromril toy to the Prince. It is up to him to give it back or not. I wash my hands of it.
He made a little gesture at the door.
- Go home. And try not to do it again, young man. Your father and grandfather already have enough problems like this without needing an extra layer.
Sigmund did not want to risk being sent back to the cell after a well-received response. He just held the commander's gaze before leaving the building. As he crossed the courtyard, he thought:
I'm sure you'd love to take a couple of layers off with a big lick, eh, motherfucker!
When he found himself facing the portal, he felt a little pinch in his stomach when he saw the little silhouette of the White Skaven waiting for him on the other side of the gate.
Sigmund let out a sad sigh, and decided to cross the ten yards that separated him from the Master Mage. A few seconds later, they were face to face.
The father and the son remained motionless for a few moments, silent. Sigmund hesitated on the way forward, then he finally perceived a slight relaxation on the face of the White Skaven. The latter nodded.
- Let's go.
And the two ratmen left the perimeter of the prison.
As they arrived near the edge of the Hammer Quarter, Sigmund ventured to ask:
- Are they still angry?
- They are, more or less, but it will pass. Your grandfather had other business to deal with, it made him think of something else. As for me, I have finally found-completed the formula that will allow us to purify the Nichetti Estate.
- Ah! Great!
- Bianka is a little annoyed, but you know her. As for Isolde and Gabriel… we told them that you had left on a mission.
- Oh… thank you.
- Well... We haven't seen Gabriel of the week. I guess he was working on a great-awesome new invention. Or in any case, that's what I prefer to say to myself, it's better than "he is agonizing over because he supposes that something has happened to you", don't you think?
- Uh...
The White Skaven stopped, and put his hand on his son's arm.
- Siggy, I would like you to fully-fully understand the consequences of your mistakes.
- I... I thought about it. I had time for that.
- Of course you had! And so, your conclusion?
- It wasn't worth.
- Having massacred this little thug, so it did not please you?
- No. And I'm not proud of myself, either. I tarnished the family honour.
Psody pouted ironically.
- I don't care about family honour, Siggy. When I was a Feral Skaven, I did so much worse.
- You are no longer a Feral Skaven, Father. And I never was.
- I mean, boy, I'm not the one who's going to blame you on this.
- Yet that's what you did before Weller threw me in jail!
- I was pissed off, and I didn't say what I really-really had on my heart. Siggy, what upset me was what you did to your mother. You shamed her by behaving like a roughneck, yelling at her, and you made her cry.
The great Black Skaven felt a wave of bitterness macerate in his guts.
- Honestly, she doesn't deserve this, Sigmund. We are a family. Right, this family is not perfect-ideal. It does not exist. But from what I know about families, we are fortunate to be one far above most, in all aspects! You and your four brothers and sisters, you are intelligent, you are capable, and above all, you have received an education that Humans describe as "excellent"! The instruction, the learning of the methods of communication, relationship with the gods, the place you have in society, and the importance of all that constitutes-constitutes it, the bonds which are necessary to develop thanks to the respect-love… and your mother is an exceptional person. Before she got there, she went through a lot of very unpleasant events, you know. And yet, your grandfather has told me many times how she incarnates sweetness itself. She is a woman like there are perhaps only ten by generation and by country. Remember this, Siggy: whatever you think, she will always love you unconditionally. But, I beg you, give her reasons to be happy-proud of you. Smiles have to sparkle on her face, not tears. Do you understand?
- I do, Father.
- Good. Know that you didn't completely disappoint-piss me off. At least you understood that "It wasn't worth".
Finally, the White Skaven relaxed completely, and smiled slightly. They started off at a good pace.
- Now, you're going to find back Okapia, she was longing for you.
- Me too.
- In fact, you'll be able to enjoy her company for a while.
- Is that so? What do you mean?
- You're going to collect some stuff and say goodbye to the others.
- What? Why?
- I'm taking you to Nichetti Estate. I want you to accompany me, and then it will make you change air, you need-need it.
The two men crossed the Libra Quarter.
- Clarin will be with us, Siggy.
- Ah. So much the better.
- I'm counting on you to make a better impression on him!
At these words, Sigmund felt a violent stroke of blood in his heart. But he said nothing. On the other hand, his young brain caught fire.
Was risking my ass to save strangers not enough for a "good impression"?
The anger turned to disappointment. He who thought he had found a good complicit mood with the White Skaven, here was a good, very scathing annoyance to make everything collapse! But he did not want to upset his father. Again, he understood that it would have done him no good. Besides, the house was in sight, he should not appear in front of the others making a face.
The reunion was made without shouting or shedding tears. Isolde made no secret of her joy at seeing the tall Black Skaven again, as usual. His mother hugged him, as did his younger brother, and his grandfather spared him a sermon or a moral lesson, and contented with asking him what he got out of it? Sigmund replied roughly the same thing as his father. Satisfied, Ludwig Steiner gave back to the young ratman Heart of Unicorn.
Only one person had not appeared before him. While he was gathering some clothes in a bag, he wondered where his twin could be. His face creased in annoyance. He knew her well: she was probably still mad at him, and wanted to avoid him in order to "deprive him of her presence". It was something she gladly used to do when they were children. She had quickly understood that she had some kind of power over her brother.
But was it still reasonable to do so now?
Once his few possessions gathered, the great Black Skaven greeted his kind and went to the stables. On the way, he distinguished the characteristic silhouette of his mare, Okapia, kindly guided by Magdalena, the Human servant of the Prince, who maintained her bridle. And on the saddle, delighted, was sit Teresa. She recognized the young ratman, and waved her arms to call him.
- Siggy, hi! Siggy, hi!
The busty housekeeper made the mount advance in the direction of the Black Skaven.
- Hello!
- Hello, Magda.
- So, how are you? Not too boring, this… diplomatic trip?
Unlike the simple-minded ratgirl, Magdalena knew the true nature of Sigmund's absence very well; she spoke in a somewhat ironic tone. Without losing his composure, he just replied:
- Very informative.
- We took care of Okapia while you were away, Teresa and I. You shall excuse us, we have allowed ourselves to make her walk.
- Sweet Okapia, kind Okapia, Teresa sang, delicately flattering the beast's neck.
Sigmund smiled slightly.
- On the contrary, it's very kind of you. Unfortunately, I'll have to ask you to come down, Teresa. I need Okapia, I'm going away with my father for a while.
At these words, Teresa suddenly displayed a very sulky look.
- Psody said "no more Harvests"! Psody lied?
- No, Teresa, Psody didn't lie at all! We are not leaving for a Harvest, we are going to help a foreign country to... do a little cleaning.
The teen ratgirl plunged into an intense mute reflection before suggesting:
- Great spring-cleaning?
- Yes, that's it.
- Great spring-cleaning! Great spring-cleaning!
Delighted, she jumped down the saddle, and began to dance on the grass, repeating loudly the same words.
- At least, she breaks less often the furniture, whispered Magdalena.
- This is progress.
- I assure you, Siggy, she treated Okapia very well, I personally made sure.
- I believe you, Magda. I can see it, the good girl looks wealthy! Thank you.
Magdalena passed the reins to her, but before joining Teresa, she said again:
- Bianka is in Teresa's house, she takes advantage of our walk to do some cleaning.
- Ah! Good, I'll be able to greet her!
And he walked calmly towards the little house where Teresa and her guards lived.
Indeed, he saw his sister through the doorway. He tied the reins of Okapia around a tree, and entered.
When she saw him, Bianka didn't wait a second to throw herself at his neck.
- Siggy! Finally, you're here!
- But... aren't you angry?
- A little, but I'm too happy to see you to moralize you! Besides, I'm sure you got your account.
- You can say so.
They stayed in each other's arms for a few long moments. Something ends up disturbing Sigmund.
- Hey, Bianka... Is there a problem?
- About what?
Sigmund looked closely at his sister.
- I smell an unpleasant odour... it's the smell of fear. Bianka, are you afraid of something?
The girl crossed her arms.
- I'll be having a really hard time hiding something from you, Siggy!
- What happened?
- Nothing at the moment, but...
- What?
Bianka bit her lip. Was it necessary to reveal everything, at the risk of seeing Sigmund disturb their father by alluding to it during their absence? She preferred to play the game of caution.
- Well, I think we should be careful... Do you remember what Opa said about this story of "traitor"?
- I do, so what? Has this traitor been found?
- Not yet, but it is possible that this traitor will manifest again. Yesterday, I... spotted something fishy.
- What, what? the tall Black Skaven asked, suddenly worried.
- Probably nothing, Siggy. I can be wrong, I'm not going to start making false assumptions. It's just that... keep your eyes and ears wide open.
- Do you think there is going to be another attempted murder?
- I don't know, but if in doubt, keep an eye on Father. But don't tell him anything!
- Why is that?
- Because he must not have his mind disturbed by these things when he is about to perform an important ritual of purification for Prince Calderon. I haven't told anyone on my side, but I will tell Opa when you are gone, he will know what to do. And for you, I ask you to be careful that nothing happens to Father.
- You can count on me.
- I know it. But above all...
She kissed the big Black Skaven.
- Pay attention to yourself!
- Only if you pay attention to yourself.
- I will pay attention to myself, but I hope that you, you will pay attention to yourself, like I also pay attention to myself!
- Do not worry about me, I will pay attention to myself, but take care rather of yourself, because for yourself, the most important person remains yourself!
- It's true, I have to be there to watch over you!
- It's more up to me to say that to you, don't you think?
- You think I am not able to take care of myself? You don't know me well! Shame on you!
The twins loved to engage in this kind of dog-talk, until they knew which one of them to have the last word. Sigmund capitulated and left the unique room of the house. Determined to obey his sister, he retrieved his mare and continued on his way to the entrance gate.