Daughters and Sons of the Horned Rat,
The confinement has been finished in France for three weeks, and I go back to work on Monday, June 8. The pace of publication will no doubt be greatly slowed down, the time to get used to my new job and my new life.
I would like to thank you all for your loyalty and support. I hope the Pestilens haven't bothered you too badly.
Anyway, don't hesitate to encourage the artists who send me their drawings I post on the DeviantArt ChildrenOfPsody page. In addition, I'm still waiting for your choice of "next character to order", knowing to this day, I have had only two responses. Don't hesitate to post a review in this sense, even a simple proper name will suffice.
Thanks again to everyone, and Glory to the Horned Rat!
All was nothing but confusion.
Icy water, backwashes, dizziness to lose his mind, a heat that burned his forehead and dried his throat down to his stomach.
And the hoarse voices of the Orcs screaming in his ears, and the terrified whinnying of his horse, and the horrifying screeches of the whistle.
During the few moments he managed to keep his eyes open, he vaguely distinguished a lighted candle not far from him, a small square window through which the light painfully passed, through opaque curtains.
And then, there was this face.
A woman of his kind. She was neither his mother nor one of his sisters. A tall, slender woman with green eyes and red hair, and a small pointed snout over short incisors. She mumbled a few syllables, but Kristofferson couldn't hear anything, because of blood beating so loudly in his temples.
Regularly, he felt that he was being given something to drink. A kind of decoction with a very bitter taste. Each sip burned his oesophagus. This allowed him to think of something other than the pain that radiated from his right wrist.
The nightmare mingled with fever and awake delirium for an eternity.
And then, after an indefinable moment, he opened his eyes wide.
He was much better. Apart from his wrist, which continued to hurt him a little, he no longer felt this torrid heat gnawing and charring him. With his left hand, he palpated his forehead and cheeks... Fresh. The disease had been definitively overcome.
He looked around. He was in a small, sober room, lying on a bed, under a thick blanket. Passing his hand under the woollen cloth, he realized he was naked. Not far from him, a white form was leaning over a sort of laundry basket. The scene repeated itself. He asked, puzzled:
- Carolina?
The figure in the white dress straightened and turned around. Kristofferson's heart twitched when he saw the haggard face of an old woman.
- No, young man. I'm Alma. Priestess of Shallya.
- I recognized the dress. I apologize, I thought you were someone else.
- I understood, replied the Human with a wink. And I'm not Marjan either!
- Marjan? repeated the brown Skaven, suddenly surprised.
- You called this Marjan several times during your delusions. Whoever this person is, she seems to have a good place in your thoughts!
What does Marjan have to do with it? wondered the young ratman.
- I've been watching over you since your arrival, sir. You have been very sick, but with my modest contribution, the medication, and the kindness of Shallya, it seems the Gardens of Morr will have to wait a little longer!
- Thank you, my Sister. But how did I end up here? Besides, what is this "here"?
The old woman smiled.
- Please, my son, keep calm. You have no doubt been shaken well. You are in the domain of Lady Helga Schmidt. This area is crossed by a river that comes from the mountains to the east. Luckily, one of the rangers found you stranded on the bank of this river.
- Luckily, indeed, you can say it, my Sister! If you knew what I faced!
- I prefer not to know, laughed the priestess. I did what I could with your arm, I hope it will hold out. You've also had numerous bruises, but the worst was the fever. This is hardly surprising after a stay in icy water, followed by adventures known only by you in this room. But it seems my prayers and my decoctions ended up the fever eventually.
- Thank you, my Sister, you probably saved my life.
- I only obeyed Shallya's orders. And if I believe your outfit, I feel like I have done more than that. Your precious clothes let me assume that you are someone important?
- My clothes… Where are they?
- Ah, I'm sorry to tell you they're in tatters. But don't worry, Lady Schmidt left a spare costume for you on the chair near your bed.
- Oh... It's nice from her. Lady Schmidt is a Skaven?
- No, she's Human. However, the blood of your species flows through the veins of her adopted daughter Miranda.
Surely the woman I saw from time to time.
- How long did I stay in this state?
- You've been here for just over three days.
Kristofferson felt his coat stand up to the end.
- Three days? I've lost three days?
- Better three days than your life, don't you think?
- I have to go right away!
The young ratman got up from his bed. The blanket slipped, revealing his naked chest. By reflex, he raised the piece of wool.
- I'll let you get dressed, young man. You look like you can get out of bed. I shall inform Lady Schmidt you are lucid.
The nun went out, leaving the young ratman alone. He spotted a small basin filled with water near the bed, with soap and a towel on a stool. He quickly refreshed up before putting the slippers, the woollen shirt and the cape left at his disposal. He quickly looked at himself in the mirror hanging on the wall, and smiled at his reflection.
No doubt the costume of one of the employees of this "Lady Schmidt"... Looking at the material, it seems she has money!
However, he had a twinge of heart when he remembered what had happened to his rapier. Despite his new clothes, he felt more naked than getting out of bed. He pushed open the door, crossed a small corridor, and finally found himself outside.
For a few moments, he had to squint because of the dazzling sun. The heat of the golden rays radiated on his brown coat made him feel good. He took a deep breath, and smelt the characteristic odour of cattle tickling his nostrils.
He looked behind him. The building he had just left was a tiny temple, just big enough to hold a room and a prayer room. Above the door, a wooden board had been hung on which was engraved the dove of Shallya, whit a key held in its beak.
A relatively deep female voice suddenly caught Kristofferson's attention.
- Ah, here is our miraculous fellow finally standing!
The young ratman saw a Human approach. A tall, slender woman in a long red dress with sleeves and a collar set with a golden trim. Her brown, wavy hair was sparse here and there with white streaks, and her features carried the slag from decades of trials of all kinds. But a spark of determination shone in the depths of her blue eyes beneath her thin eyebrows.
Kristofferson knew how to recognize beauty in Humans when he saw it, especially when it was doubled with confidence. No doubt, this woman surely had all the assets to bring to her knees anyone who was even slightly interested in her magnetism. He inclined his head respectfully.
- I thank you, my Lady, I owe you my life, no doubt.
- I hope you rather thanked Sister Alma, she was the one who took care of you, my young friend. I'm Helga Schmidt, and you're in my domain. Have you ever heard the name of Grüneweiden?
- I have to admit I never, I don't know very well this side of the Rat Kingdom.
- What is normal, you stay in court much more often, don't you, Lord Kristofferson Steiner?
Kristofferson flinched in surprise.
- You surely don't recognize me, continued the woman, it's normal, we saw each other just once, at your grandfather's mansion... and then, you were a very young child.
- And yet, you can recognize me?
- Your mother is the first person of your people to whom I have been able to speak in a friendly way. You have her eyes. And there is the black line on your back, too. The first time I saw you, I had the opportunity to see this line – you were wearing a wide-necked shirt.
- And so, my grandfather knows you?
- Very quickly, I came to make him a complaint, one among I don't know how many others he had to treat.
- I hope he was able to satisfy your request?
- I had to find another way, but it doesn't matter. Let's walk, if you don't mind.
Helga Schmidt then embarked on a small, well-maintained path. The young ratman obediently followed her, and took the opportunity to analyse the surroundings.
They were in an area bounded by a great wall which extended over a rather impressive distance. There were hundreds of animals: cows, sheep, goats were gathered in separate enclosures, large enough to guarantee them appreciable space. In the distance stood the house itself. Of course, it was not as large as the Steiner mansion, but seemed comfortable. And the employees came and went, there were several dozen, Kristofferson even estimated a hundred rather, Humans and Skaven. A little further on, he spotted a barn, next to a stable, and an elongated building from which there were whiners, probably the stable.
Something was not clear to the young ratman. Everything looked new, or very expertly maintained. Everything around him was almost too good to be true, so much so that he felt a sort of discomfort. For a moment, he even wondered if everything he saw was real, or was it not the fruit of his imagination? An illusion, a delusion?
- It is a bit surprising I never heard of this place before?
- So far, we've kept a low profile. But by next season, I intend to assert myself! Perhaps by recalling to your grandfather's mind?
- Maybe, yes. And where is your husband?
- I don't have a husband.
- Ah... Are you a widow?
- Neither, I have never been married.
- So, your family must be rich? Maybe my grandfather knows your parents?
Helga stopped, and looked at the young ratman with a slight hint of contempt in his eyes.
- Young man, you should be careful with your prejudices. Admittedly, I am a woman, certainly I arrived alone and without fortune in the Rat Kingdom. But know it is not impossible for a lonely woman to create something of this magnitude. This whole domain you can admire is the fruit of long-term work. I was one of the first settlers, to tell you the truth. I joined the caravan that left Gottliebschloss when it passed Loningbrück. I was there the day your grandfather raised the Vereinbarung flag for the first time, in presence of your parents. I was then only an anonymous woman in the crowd, with empty pockets, but my heart was full with hope and my head full with determination. So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I decided to try my luck outside the walls of Vereinbarung.
- A daring move…
- You can say it! First, I settled here. It was a completely ruined place no one wanted anymore. I used my last crowns to buy a few animals. I even had to borrow money to survive the first season. It is with the strength of my hands I have built this domain. I milked the goats myself to make cheese, I fed the sheep and cut their wool off. I was lucky, I admit, because several people agreed to help me without asking me for money in return. Money, or whatever, by the way, don't get it wrong. I have committed to refund the money, and give back a share of the profits to all those who helped me. I was lucky again because the animals were able to give their best so that I could sell my cheeses and my clothes at a good price. After paying off all of my debts, I hired a few people who had helped me. Then the following season, I was able to recruit twice. I benefited from the protection of the burgomaster who trusted my activity to enrich the city – all my employees live in Grüneweiden. So he agreed to lend me some militiamen to keep the brigands away. And all this time, I organized operations to gradually rebuild the domain. Today, I am rich enough to live comfortably, and I am safe from looters. I recognize that luck played an important part, but for the rest, everything came from my personal efforts.
- Like what, fortune favours the bold.
They were approaching the stable. Lady Schmidt opened the door of the building.
- Miranda? Are you there, my dear?
- Yes, Mom! replied a clear, little high voice.
- Follow me, the Human ordered to the attention of the brown Skaven.
The two entered. Kristofferson was nearly shaken by a strong smell of straw and cattle. Several sheep were gathered in an enclosure, and bleated happily. A young Skaven woman, dressed in peasant clothes, sat next to one of them, and finished milking it. As Helga approached, she stood up.
Ah...That's her! young Steiner thought.
- Miranda, here is our guest, master Kristofferson Steiner.
- It's really him?
- Indeed, my Lady, replied the brown Skaven, bowing.
The ratgirl approached with a smile.
- I apologise, but I don't appear to my advantage.
- Don't worry about this, Madam.
- Let's go out, we'll be more comfortable to continue the conversation, said the Human.
Once back outside, Kristofferson got a better look at Miranda. The girl was clearly stuck in clothes that did not reflect her true personality. His face was thin, like his hands. Her big purple eyes reflected certain intelligence. Her red hair shone in the sun. She didn't hesitate to walk alongside the young ratman.
- We were really afraid of losing you, sir.
- I admit, I did too. But thanks to you, I should be able to live a little longer!
Then he spoke to Helga:
- Really, my Lady, I am impressed! You seem to have succeeded in making this place prosper!
- Yes, but we are not immune to the danger of an invasion. That's why I took my precautions, you'll see.
The three were passing in front of a forge. The Human introduced her blacksmith, a fat, bald man who was crafting a sword, to his guest.
- I recognize my business has become so important I can't do everything alone no more, whether to take care of animals or defend them! It's crucial to have people well trained to defend these places, and it's just as crucial to equip them well!
The brown Skaven lingered near a rack with a whole collection of weapons on it, and even looked at a rapier with a professional eye. Then they set off for the house.
The large thatched cottage was like the rest of the estate: so new it looked false. Once inside, Lady Helga invited Kristofferson to take a seat in a comfortable armchair. She herself called a servant, asked for tea, and took her place in turn.
Miranda bowed:
- With your permission, I'm going to spruce myself up.
- Of course, my daughter, go ahead. We'll see at supper! Supper our host will be happy to share with us, I hope?
- Uh, I suppose so, Kristofferson answered.
The young ratman was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. He thought about the whole population of Wüstengrenze which was counting on him. He couldn't waste any more time. And yet, he foreboded he had to play the game until the end. He clearly had the feeling of being like a rat in front of a wolf. Perhaps the slightest annoyance would have unexpected consequences. Besides, he had only eaten oatmeal for three days.
When the ratgirl left, the Human chuckled.
- I adopted Miranda a few years ago. Believe it or not, it was the most difficult task of all.
- Was it? Still, she doesn't seem to have a rebellious temper?
- The problem was not her education. It was the Shalleans.
- How could the priests of Shallya represent a problem?
The woman sighed deeply. For the first time, Kristofferson detected a relish of sincerity.
- A single woman can start a profitable business, it's a fact I try to prove every day. Independence among women is scary nowadays. Your grandfather must have taught you, but we live in a world where it is difficult for men to accept seeing an independent woman succeed in life. Think about it, the examples of women ostracized from society because they were not dependent on a man are legion. Look at yourself, even you asked me if I was married, or supported by wealthy parents. Your first opinion about me was not "Helga is an independent woman", was it?
- It's true, you're right.
- And so, when I introduced myself to the priestesses of Shallya who took care of the adoption volunteers, I encountered a problem. For the doves, letting me adopt a child of the Horned Rat was unwise. I couldn't have supported its material or emotional needs. Especially when I asked for a girl – I wanted a girl. I don't need to tell you how much more precious girls are than boys.
- You don't, but you finally managed to convince them.
- I had to do it several times. With each new Harvest, I made a request. It wasn't until the fourth, when I showed my accounts to the Mother Superior of the temple, I finally obtained what I wanted.
- Are you satisfied?
- Yes I am. I always get what I want. I want Schmidt Farm to be the proof a woman is just as capable of being rich and powerful as a man. And I hope Miranda will able to take over!
- I am convinced of that, my Lady.
An hour later, the two women and the young man finished their meal – without the slightest poison, the young Skaven had trained to recognize the smell of the most common. The atmosphere had relaxed, and Miranda had laughed several times at hearing the wits of the young ratman. She had also listened with passion to his stories of Harvests. Outside, the sun had not yet set, but the atmosphere had cooled. Summer had not yet fully arrived.
Kristofferson decided he had accepted to play the game of the two women enough. It was time to leave.
- Well, my lady, my maid, thank you for your hospitality, but I have an important mission to accomplish.
- Do you really want to leave us? asked Miranda.
- A lot of people are counting on me, my maid! I stayed paralyzed for three days, I have better to speed up. By the way, I didn't even ask you, Lady Helga: which distance from Wüstengrenze are we?
- About a day of riding.
At these words, Kristofferson felt his heart suddenly accelerate.
- What? Did I travel so short?
- You drifted along the river, there are faster ways to move.
- And I lost three days?! How dreadful! My Lady, Maid Miranda, I absolutely have to hit the road right away!
He stood up, immediately imitated by the Human.
- Come on, young man, you can't be serious? The night will soon fall!
- This is all the more reason, I wasted enough time!
Lady Helga's expression changed, and crystallized in coldness.
- I am deeply sorry, my dear, but it won't be possible.
- I beg your pardon?
It was at this moment Kristofferson fully realized the situation. He saw through a window the house was surrounded by guards, all armed, probably the tallest and strongest in the area.
- As I told you earlier, I am an independent woman, but I recognize I need the services of other competent people. So, I have several rangers, including the one who found you in the river. I have another who told me very bad news yesterday morning.
- What kind of news?
- You know it as well as I do, Kristofferson: the Orcs have arrived, and they are threatening to invade us.
- Right. You are aware. So, you understand how absolutely necessary it is to warn the surroundings.
- That's what I did. I sent a letter to Steinerburg, so the Prince can send in reinforcements. It may take another couple of days for it to arrive.
- I can gallop faster than your courier. I am trained to ride long distances.
- Maybe, but my courier is almost a day ahead of you. You probably won't reach Steinerburg before him. On the other hand, since you are now here, you are well protected while the troops sent by his Highness come to lend us a hand.
- You don't trust me?
- I don't trust the Prince's priorities. I'm sorry, but if I let you go, there is no guarantee Ludwig Steiner to send me help. However, he'll do it for sure if he knows his grandson is there.
The brown Skaven felt his coat stand on end.
- Do you actually understand what you're doing, my Lady?
- I defend my interests, those of my daughter, and those of my employees.
- By taking a representative of the Prince as hostage? His grandson, what's more?
- His Majesty will only be more receptive to my request when it reaches him.
- I don't like being your prisoner! retorted young Steiner, raising his voice.
- You're not my prisoner, you're my guest. Just stay within these walls without making a fuss, and you can come and go as you please.
- I'm telling you I will personally transmit the message!
- You might as well wait until my messenger to be back. I have more confidence in his loyalty.
The brown Skaven cocked his head, and his gaze became piercing.
- I hope you have strong shoulders, my Lady, because this action could cost you awfully!
- Unlike you, I have nothing to lose, Master Kristofferson. I have a choice between a possibility to go to jail after saving my people, or the certitude of being slaughtered by an Orc.
Kristofferson tried to keep calm.
- I see. You'll force me to do something I absolutely don't like.
- Oh, please! You're threating me? In front of my most loyal henchmen? Without a weapon, far from everything?
The young ratman clenched his fists, and sighed. He didn't add a word.
- I'll make sure you're at your best. You'll be staying in the most comfortable guest room in my home. Let me take you there. It's time to go to bed, I have to get up early, like every morning.
The Human accompanied Kristofferson on the second floor, to a rather small bedroom, with a bed that seemed particularly comfortable. She wished him good night before locking the door.
The young ratman was furious. He glanced out the window. He could easily jump down and be flexible in landing, but he had a little chance against thirty armed fighters ready to hold him back. He could do nothing but wait for the goodwill of the hostess. He sat on the bed, and took his head in both hands.
The worst thing is I can't even blame them!
A clicking made him nervously raise his head; someone unlocked the door. Indeed, Miranda appeared on the threshold.
- Do you mind, Master Kristofferson?
- Of course not, it's a pleasure! the brown Skaven quipped.
- Please, you don't need to be bitter with me.
- Anyone can become bitter if you keep them locked against their will while their friends in danger are counting on them!
The ratgirl entered the room and closed the door behind her.
- It's awful, you're right. But my mother cares about this place. All of this represents her life. She would do everything in her power to defend it.
- I understood, you don't need to harp.
- I didn't come for, anyway.
- So, what?
It was then the brown Skaven smelled a very special fragrance. It was not an artificial scent, but a characteristic musk that he had never smelled, but which heated his nervous system. Miranda, standing in front of him, seemed to be searching for her words without finding them.
- Master Kristofferson, I... I'm not sure how...
- What? asked Kristofferson, increasingly suspicious.
The Skaven girl made a small resigned pout, and untied the cord that held her dress. Immediately, the garment fell at her feet. Miranda found herself completely naked in front of the young ratman.
- I would like to spend this night by your side.
Kristofferson was completely taken aback. He didn't know if he should be indignant, worried about falling into a new trap, or be captivated by the vision of this young woman who offered herself to him. It was the first time in his whole life he had seen a naked girl. The few daughters of wealthy merchants and magistrates who wanted to get his attention had never gone that far.
His heart was racing. He knew that giving in to the landlord's daughter's advances could only get him into trouble, but he couldn't help but admire her. The red fur emphasized the firm curves of her body. Her amethyst look was all the more intense over her little, shy smile. She herself seemed to be aware of his condition. She walked slowly, as if she were approaching a small animal that she didn't want to startle. When she was just a step away from him, she put her hand on his cheek. Kristofferson softly took Miranda's wrist between his fingers and gently pulled it aside.
- Oh, my Lady... you don't honour your sex.
- What? Am I not beautiful enough for you?
- You are very beautiful, that's right. But to use your charms to achieve your goal is to put yourself on the same level as the most venal of prostitutes!
Miranda replied with a pinched air:
- Is that the way you see me? A manipulative harlot? No, Kristofferson Steiner. I see you, I feel something for you, something much deeper.
The young ratman thought at full speed. In other much less dramatic circumstances, he would no doubt have chosen to follow the path proposed by Miranda. Indeed, she was a beautiful girl, intelligent, visibly under his charms, but above all, and that was what differentiated her from all the others, there were intonations in her voice that did not give way to lying or deception. No doubt that was the reason she emitted hormones responsible loaded with desire, unlike the previous ones. But the situation seemed to him too urgent to allow himself to answer her call.
- My friends are in danger, and you're proposing me to frolic with you?
- You can't do anything else. My mother has decided to keep you here, and you can't escape unless you commit carnage that you couldn't do. Why don't you enjoy this opportunity?
- It would be an insult to Carolina!
The young girl backed away with a hiss.
- So, is that it? The handsome and valiant knight already has his princess!
- No, Carolina is just a friend. A Human friend to whom I care.
- Human? Miranda repeated with incredulous eyes. Are you ready to throw yourself into the lion's mouth for a Human? Can't you understand Humans see us as pets?
These words shocked young Steiner.
- How can you say such a thing?
- You are the first Skaven of the kingdom to have been raised in a Human way by Skaven natural parents. So you don't know what it is. Helga says she's my mother, thanks to her, I have never lacked for anything, but she does not consider me as her daughter.
- She raised you, fed you, and dressed you, right?
- As you breed and feed a small dog or a cat. But she never told me how beautiful she thought I am, she never applauded my intelligence, she never took had the inspiration to help me live on my own. If she adopted me, it was only to appear even more generous to her Human kindred peers. This is just a story of conventions and appearance.
- She is however determined to leave this domain to you.
- Yes, probably under the responsibility of a male tutor!
She approached Kristofferson, and put her hands on his shoulders.
- So, why do you throw yourself into my arms? You don't want to be obedient to a man, and in the same time, you are courting me?
- With you, it's different, I can feel it. You are a handsome man, but also a good person, refined, cultivated. I have never met anyone like you, until now. The men here are just rude brutes who only think of putting me in their bed. You're not like them. If you are the one I marry, I won't be at the mercy of a boor, but of a notorious gentleman who will treat me as his equal. And I want you.
The young ratman then understood. Miranda was not venal or intriguing. It was loneliness that motivated her, a cruel lack of love that she hoped to fill with him. He no longer felt any anger, only bitterness, mixed with a little compassion. Without saying a word, he sat on the bed. She smiled and took place in turn on the mattress.
- I'm sincere, Master Kristofferson. I don't know if I can bring you anything, but you... you could make of me a fulfilled woman.
She stroked the fluffy cheek of the young ratman again, who didn't push her away this time. On the contrary, he dared to put his fingers on Miranda's hip, and let it go up along her back. She approached her face, and their lips joined shyly, then more intensely.
Miranda then positioned herself on Kristofferson's knees, and slipped her hands under his shirt.
- I knew it! You can be both graceful like a crane and strong like a bull!
- Just as you can be both solid like a rock and delicate like porcelain from Cathay.
- I saw your way of looking at myself. I'm the first one, right?
- In any case, the first one to have such an effect on me.
The ratgirl burst out laughing. Kristofferson rotated her. She presented her back to him, and slipped her hand under her own buttock. Once again, she chuckled as the young ratman swung his right hand back and forth over her chest.
- I always wondered how a member of the Princely Family could be tough... I have my answer.
She turned her head to kiss his neck. As the caress became more exciting, Miranda gasped. Between two sighs, she managed to articulate:
- Remember, I'm not offering you a deal, Kristofferson. I wouldn't be able to facilitate your exit.
- At least you are honest on this point. On the other hand, you are mistaken.
- Is that so? What about?
- You'll be able to facilitate my exit.
- What do you mean?
A small whistle made Miranda's ear spin, then suddenly she felt an icy bite on her chest. She opened her eyes wide, and saw one of the blacksmith's daggers resting on her breasts, the point unpleasantly tickling her throat, held by Kristofferson's tail wrapped around the guard.
- Let's go join your mother, Miranda, we'll have a talk.
Three knocks on the door pulled Lady Helga out from her account book.
- Who's there?
- It's Miranda, Mom.
- Come in, darling.
Helga wanted to pour herself a glass of water. She walked to a corner of the office where she used to keep a pitcher ready to serve. As she was filling her terracotta glass, her back sided to the door, she asked:
- Did you visit our guest?
- I did, Mom…
- And you had an interesting conversation?
- Let us say it hardly lacked in spice! replied Kristofferson's stinging voice.
Surprised, Helga turned on her heels. When she saw Miranda in her birthday suit, held tightly against Kristofferson, the forged weapon on her chest, she dropped her glass which fell on the carpet.
- By Ulric's mane, what are you doing?
- I'm opening negotiations in order to leave these place right now.
- You're acting like a bandit!
- And you're acting like a kidnapper.
- Stop this madness!
- I told you I would do something I don't like. And I'm not so sure you have nothing to lose.
- I'm calling my guards, they'll...
- Don't! Otherwise, she dies!
He tightened his grip more. The tip of the dagger slid between Miranda's breasts, and slightly pricked her throat. The Human's eyes widened.
- Please, don't!
- Are you afraid me to break your toy?
- What are you talking about? Toy? Come on, you're threatening my daughter!
- A simple instrument to shine in society, but you would be ready to abandon her to the first male to come!
- What... Instrument? Male? This is false, a thousand times false!
The Human panicked when she saw a drop of blood bead on Miranda's neck. Kristofferson groaned as if he was going to stab the ratgirl.
- No! Please! I beg you!
Lady Helga fell to her knees, and sobbed softly.
- You have won. I release you. But don't hurt my child!
- So, you're changing your mind? However, I am your best guarantee my grandfather to send you reinforcements!
- What does it matter! If necessary, we'll defend by ourselves.
- So you prefer to sacrifice all the people in this domain, provided that your daughter lives at least as long as you?
The woman clenched her fists.
- What kind of monster are you, Prince's grandson?
- The kind that forces its opponents to face their responsibilities. Fortunately for you, for once, you seem sincere to me.
He removed the dagger from Miranda's throat, but did not loosen his grip.
- Now, here's what we do: I'm going to release Miranda, the time for her to put on one of your dresses. Any sudden move from you and you die, both of you. Then, we'll head to the stable together and you'll give me your fastest horse. I'll resume my run. If everything goes exactly that way without a hitch, then perhaps I'll remember telling Commander Schmetterling to make a slight detour to your area to hunt the Orcs, and only the Orcs. On the other hand, at the slightest cry, at the least annoying initiative, you lose a daughter, and you'll spend the rest of your life suffering from it, even if the Greenskins then take care of shortening it. Understand?
As Lady Helga didn't answer, the brown Skaven repeated louder:
- Do you understand?
- Yes! Yes! I do! I'll do whatever you want, but for Shallya's sake, spare my baby girl!
Kristofferson lowered the dagger and pushed Miranda forward. The Human hugged the ratgirl, weeping in relief. Then she took out of her closet a dress that Miranda quickly put on.
Kristofferson's plan went off perfectly. He didn't even have to stay behind or continue threatening the two women. When they left the house, the hostess announced aloud to her goons that they could resume their normal work. The two girls brought Kristofferson to the stable. Lady Helga pulled one of her horses out of boxing, then the three made their way to the front door of the estate. From time to time, they passed one of the guards, each time the Human contented herself to nod at. Finally, when they were in front of the portcullis, Lady Helga ordered its lifting.
Kristofferson leaped onto the horse, grabbed the reins, and looked at the mother and daughter one last time.
- Think about it, Lady Miranda. You may have misjudged your mother.
Then he heeled the horse energetically, and ran away in full gallop.
He galloped so without stopping for long minutes. He regularly glanced over his shoulder. The property gradually moved away, and disappeared from his field of vision. Contrary to his fears, there were no horsemen chased after her. He continued to push his mount to gallop, however allowing it to slow down a bit. He also tried to break his way, and changed direction several times to be sure to get well away from possible stalkers. But after an hour at this rate, there was still nothing unusual.
Only then did Kristofferson allow the horse to stop and let him graze and catch his breath. He sat on a stump by the side of the road, and wanted to regain his senses. His head was spinning. He shed some shameful tears. Lady Helga's words kept ringing in his ears.
"Bandit", "monster"... By Verena's scales, what have I done? I threatened two women!
However, he had to escape, all Wüstengrenze was counting on him!
That is not a reason! Only the Feral Skaven believe the end always justifies any mean! And that's not how a knight should behave!
He leaped to his feet, and uttered a long yelp of rage and sadness, and remained nervously stamping, punching the ground, and howling toward the stars. Lady Helga would certainly not stop there. She would warn the Prince and tell him about this incident! Kristofferson was not worried from a legal point of view; a grandson of Prince had little to fear from the lonely manager of a small estate. No, it was what the others would think of him that tormented him. Because he was going to tell everything, he couldn't hide such a source of shame. How would his parents react? His sisters? His grandfather?
No, no! Not while the Orcs are at our doors! Well, I... I will confess to Romulus, he will know how to advise me.
A little reassured, he rejoined his horse, took it gently by the reins, and rode it again before setting off again on a good gallop.
As his mount crossed the countryside in the night, another thought came to his mind, a thought he would have judged completely inappropriate at the moment if it hadn't raised so many questions.
Why did I call Marjan?