Daughters and Sons of the Horned Rat,
The Clan Pestilens health curse continues to wreak havoc, but we won't give up! I'm holding on, and I know you people all over the world are too.
I may have to slow down the pace of publication, as I will be quite busy for the next few weeks. Indeed, like the Brisby family, it's Moving Day! I found a new home in Paris three times the size of the studio I currently occupy near Disneyland for the same price. The move has been very tumultuous, and I still have to take care of my library.
Like all of you, I think, I was also very sorry to learn Morr called David Prowse back to him. I had the enormous chance to meet this gentleman in person eleven years ago, and if he had terrified me when I was a child, I'll keep the memory of a very humble giant, with an unsuspected kindness under the mask of the Biggest Villain in cinema. I told him after seeing The Empire Strikes Back, I couldn't sleep for two weeks. And on my copy of the Star Wars role-playing book, he just wrote: "Sorry I scared you." I will never be able to thank him enough and congratulate him.
Anyway, thanks for the few messages you sent me, some of you even made me interesting thoughts. Don't be shy, I like interacting with readers. I received some pictures – by the way, the next Steiner portrait should be posted on my DeviantArt page soon – and even a start of fanfiction... in my fanfiction!
In advance, I wish you a very happy New Year's Eve.
Glory to the Horned Rat!
Letter from Eusebio Clarin, Representative of the Principality of Sueño, to the attention of His Highness Prince Roderigo Calderon, written on the nineteen Sommerzeit of the year two thousand five hundred and thirty of the Imperial Calendar.
Your Grace,
It is with immense relief, Manann witness to me, I take up my pen today to report to you on this confrontation which we may call, with your permission, the "Battle of Kreidesglück". Captain Felipe Antoninus once again showed his leadership skills. And these talents were not too much against this opponent. As Master Mage Prospero Steiner had determined, Kreidesglück career had indeed been overrun by creatures of the Under-Empire. The "Feral Skaven", I'll designate them as such so as not to confuse them with the inhabitants of Vereinbarung, fought with frightening ferocity. Worse, they used formidable weapons and war machines. According to the Master Mage, Prince Steiner's troops have faced devices that were only plans a few years ago. Seeing Feral Skaven so far from Karl Franz's Empire with such devices suggests the Under-Empire is on the way to expanding its borders to infect the Renegade Crowns.
I must admit that our intervention wouldn't have had the same impact if the brave soldiers of Vereinbarung had not already rolled out the main of the troops of the Grey Seer. The determination of Prince Steiner's men impressed us, Antoninus and me. There is no doubt, the "Liberated" Skaven are definitely on our side, otherwise they wouldn't have defended their lands so enthusiastically alongside the Humans who educated them. I'll add they learned to fight with decency and nobility, without the slightest resemblance to the carnage orchestrated by the wild beasts of the Under-Empire.
Captain Antoninus has transmitted me the casualty report, which you will find attached with this mail. As you'll see, we unfortunately had our fair share of casualties in this battle, even though we had an advantage over Feral Skaven exhausted from the first assault. Prince Steiner remains the one to whom this battle has cost the most in terms of lives. In addition, some of his soldiers have fallen into unimaginable suffering, due to the vile technology of the Feral Skaven, including their gas and warpstone-laden ammunition from their firearms.
The Prince family paid in person. In fact, Master Kristofferson Steiner, the eldest son of the Master Mage, was seriously injured by one of these weapons. He's currently at the temple of Shallya, between life and death. I beg Manann to allow him to overcome this terrible ordeal. As far as I know of him, he is a righteous person, who knows and applies to the letter all the commandments of Chivalry in its noblest expression. I have the same to say about Master Sigmund Steiner, the second child of the Master Mage. Once again, he fought without flinching the Feral Skaven. His knowledge of the methods of the Under-Empire has served us well in thwarting their strategy and defeating the enemy.
Unfortunately, we were unable to capture their leader. Master Sigmund and I found its body. I cannot say what happened, I didn't witness the fight, but I can say Master Mage Prospero had to use all his resources to defeat such an adversary.
Today, you can imagine, the entire princely family is in anguish. I don't know how much Master Kristofferson's injury has worsened, for obvious safety reasons Shallya's priests have not allowed me to visit him. I'm angry to be unable to do anything more, but that's the way I'm just a man.
In view of the current context, I take the liberty of asking your Grace for permission to stay a few more days in Steinerburg. My presence will show your support, which should reassure Prince Ludwig Steiner in his hitherto positive opinion of you. In addition, it will allow me to know more these people, this royal family, this people, and to see more before what this Kingdom would have to offer us? In short, analyse their needs and resources, and take advantage of them.
Besides the worth of their warriors, the people of Vereinbarung have faith. With a few rare exceptions I haven't had an occasion to see with my own eyes, all see themselves in the same way. Humans and Skaven trust each other, until now. However, the Prince explained to me that with the arrival of the first generation of Liberated Skaven into the workforce, the coming year will be decisive: what if the Skaven develop a mentality different from ours? What if something lurking deep inside them rose to the surface, causing them to behave like their sinister kindred of the tunnels?
I don't like that idea. On the one hand, this would mean that under this Human upbringing, the Skaven could just as easily be such disgusting, deceitful and dangerous creatures as those we have been fighting for hundreds of years, and on the other hand, all the positives observed at home by your servant would be shattered, such as the hopes of a future alliance between Sueño and Vereinbarung. I pray to all the gods of Estalia to be wrong, to be right would sincerely be a painful tear to my heart.
Either way, I invite your Majesty to be extra vigilant. As I told you earlier, the Feral Skaven seemed well established and ready to do battle. So far, the Princes of the Renegade Crowns have faced only a few small groups that numbered little more than a few dozen individuals. Perhaps the presence of a larger horde is a sign. Master Prospero told me about the Council of Thirteen, the leaders of the Feral Skaven society. The Master Mage knows for sure that these masters of the Under-Empire have promised a heavy reward to anyone who ends the life of the "Blasphemous One".
It is therefore very likely that the Feral Skaven were attracted to Master Prospero, and the whole society founded by Prince Steiner is an "error" in their way of life, "error" they intend to "fix" their way. They even went further; I have the Prince's permission to tell you about it, for such heresy could happen to us if we are not prepared. The leaders of Vereinbarung explained to me there was a traitor in their ranks, a person high enough in the hierarchy of the Rat Kingdom to have a dangerous influence on the future of the inhabitants. As you know it, I had to deal with the Under-Empire myself before I left for Sueño. Back then I learned that its representatives have the habit to manipulate frustrated or pushy people of power. And so, one of the people around Prince Steiner has been bribed by the Grey Seer whom we have defeated. I hope we can find this individual. In any case, the Prince can count on my help to find this traitor and put him out of harm's way. And so, I invite you to seriously monitor all your closest advisers, the Magi, and the military to whom high office has been assigned.
Prince Steiner is not so keen on taking responsibility for his adopted son in this early invasion of the Renegade Crowns by the Feral Skaven – which is not surprising, you will agree – but he intends to defend himself and actively fight any further invasion attempts. The knowledge of the Feral Skaven, gathered by him and his friends, gives anyone who has it an edge against them.
We have a vested interest in maintaining constructive relations with the people of Vereinbarung, at least for now. The inhabitants have all just been through a very severe test, from the humblest peasants to members of the princely family. You know, war can reveal real faces, and those I have seen so far inspire me with confidence. I will keep you informed of any progress in the usual way.
Eusebio Clarin put the quill in the inkwell, and sighed.
For the first time in his life, he was genuinely worried about the life of a ratman. He who had lived the horrors of the invasion of Ubersreik, who had always listened to the precepts of the men of religion of the Empire, and who had therefore been firmly convinced by the sermons and by the experience of the intrinsic malevolence of these creatures, now he wished one of them to survive.
He thought about everything he had been through since the first time he had entered Steinerburg. Could he still consider Kristofferson Steiner as an Under-Empire spawn? Or any other Skaven who lived in this strange Rat Kingdom? Sigmund, quick to get excited, but passionate and determined to be fair. Bianka, so cultured, so pleasant, even if, he had sensed it during their conversations, she could show even slight contempt for those she didn't esteem. Isolde, little Isolde, so cute, so enthusiastic? And what about Heike, gentleness and caring embodied? What about the Master Mage?
This one was a real enigma. He was undoubtedly the inhabitant of all Vereinbarung who bore the traces of the Under-Empire the in the deepest of his flesh... and yet he had managed to break free from it. Maybe because he took full responsibility for his past? He had explained to the Estalian the role of a Grey Seer in the society of the Feral Skaven. It was difficult to see through that friendly, smiling face the former apprentice of a dangerous guru, who had many crimes on his conscience. Clarin had heard several times remorse flake the voice of the Master Mage when he spoke of his life in Brissuc.
Even the soldiers, the peasants, the commoners, the servants, the tradesmen, all those Skaven who occupied a "normal" place in this extraordinary society had in his eyes no difference but appearance. Besides, they were just ordinary people, with simple joys and sorrows common to all peoples...
Clarin smiled as he thought of Prince Calderon. His Highness had really chosen the right person to send to contact the people of the Rat Kingdom. His scepticism had completely vanished.
He picked up the pen again, and concluded his letter:
Now I know the Principality of Vereinbarung can be a reliable partner and a formidable ally, moreover. I'll try to explain more precisely why when I get back. Your Majesty will have good judgment and will make the right choices, I am sure.
Praised be Estalia, praised be the Crown, praised be the gods!
The last light of day hung desperately on the window, as if this endless day stubbornly refused to give way to the next. The floor creaked under the footsteps of Commander Johannes Schmetterling, who circled slowly around the office. Captain Jochen Gottlieb, sitting in a chair, pouted, and waited. He didn't sound particularly anxious, which annoyed the commander even more.
- I have the impression you don't take me very seriously, Captain. Steinerburg's army has an impeccable image to show, and a reputation to keep intact. However, this lamentable overflow you have shown earlier is quite the opposite! I don't have an honourable soldier in front of me, but a kid annoyed by the smallest provocation! Only a simple cadet would have the behaviour you had!
Jochen's anxious look was tinged with anger.
- Please, don't speak to me like if I was a young recruit, Commander. I am the son of a lord, I came of age, my father is dead, my mother is no longer here, which means I represent the name of Gottlieb. Me and my sister. You have served a Count Elector, so you are more experienced than I am, but I am of noble blood, unlike you.
Young Gottlieb had wanted to impose his ancestry, but in accordance with his expectations, the tall red-haired Human didn't seem impressed at all.
- Since you care so much about your status, Captain, you should really pay attention... Your nobility risks to be doubted if you act like a small brat. As for your sister, she remains a woman, so she's not required to defend the title and the name of Gottlieb. Besides, maybe she can't?
Jochen's gaze grew more penetrating.
- Don't believe that, Commander. Despite appearances, my sister has more balls in her pants than a lot of the guys in our army, and playing obedient wives is clearly not her style.
- Either way, you don't have to put on such a pitiful spectacle to the ambassador of a neighbouring kingdom on its way to becoming our ally! Frankly, Captain, brawling with that imp… You're better than that!
- He insulted my mother, Commander. She fought to the death for Wüstengrenze, and this is how he treats her!
- It's not a reason! On the contrary, you should have ignored him instead of answering him; this Nedland Barnrooster is not worth that you put everything you have into play!
Jochen looked down.
- You are probably right, Commander, but… No, in fact, you are absolutely right. Ah, how annoying!
- Are you still mad at him?
- Not against him, Commander. Against me. My parents wouldn't have liked me to behave like this.
Schmetterling's face relaxed, as if he had heard the answer he hoped to hear. The young man continued:
- Commander, Nedland is my friend. I have known him from our installation in Vereinbarung.
- No doubt, my boy, but I also know him. And not necessarily in a way you'd like.
- You had met him before in the Empire?
- I haven't, but by order of the Prince, when I took up my functions, I made sure to learn about each person present in an important way in his entourage, thanks to the contacts I had – I still have – in the Court of Count Elector Todbringer. And what I learned about Nedland Barnrooster didn't inspire confidence in me. He was part of Captain Hallbjörn Ludviksson's band of mercenaries.
- Yes, I know that, I knew Ludviksson, he helped the Prince's troops to clean up when we arrived. I remember him a little. He was a Norscan, a mercenary who's been around quite a bit: the Black Continent, Lustria, Kislev… he wasn't a very nice guy, but he was someone of rights. Just like his men.
- I agree with you on that, Captain. But I learned that before joining Ludviksson's Norscans, Barnrooster was part of a network of Halfling bandits. People specializing in blackmail, ransom, kidnapping, elimination of embarrassing people... Under his air of a bon vivant party animal, your friend is a hardened criminal, a rascal who undoubtedly has many lives on his conscience, lives he caught off guard. So don't ruin your situation for this jailbird.
- I'll think about it, Commander.
- Perfect. Now we have to listen carefully to what I have to tell you, Captain Gottlieb; Clarin said to me a traitor has been operating in our ranks for some time. I've asked the Prince the question, he told me you knew about it.
- That's correct, Commander. If I didn't tell you about it, it was on his order.
- I'm sure. But there you have it, this is a problem we need to sort out now that all danger is over.
Not for everyone, Jochen taught bitterly himself when he thought about Kristofferson again.
- What do you know about this traitor, Captain?
- I know it's probably someone in high places, with big money. Maybe it could even be you.
- Or you, the tall red-haired man answered tit for tat. But we have an advantage: we have the confidence of the Prince, we are in the regular army, and we have no interest in bringing down Vereinbarung.
- Do you think the traitor is a civilian?
- Perhaps. Maybe it's a Skaven, maybe a woman, maybe even there are more than one?
Jochen wanted to put an end to the doubts:
- Do you think it's Nedland?
- Hmm… I don't trust him, but I don't see him betraying us. It would be to tear off the hand that has fed him for years. But could others be much less satisfied than they appear? Others who might have a claim to the throne?
- You think… Wait, don't tell me you suspect a member of the Prince's family?
- Honestly, I don't know, but that line of enquiry is significant. The history of the Old World is replete with stories of noble families arranging succession through violence and betrayal. Again, I don't want to say anything. I suspect someone in particular, but I can't tell you who. You would lack objectivity. However, we must corner this person, put him in front of a fait accompli. Including if it's one of the Prince's children or grandchildren. These are the orders he gave me.
Young Gottlieb bit his lip.
- All the members of the royal family, you say?
- Apart from the two youngest, of course.
- Oh… Frankly, I saw them grow up, I don't see which one of them could want to overthrow the Prince?
- They all have their flaws, and their dark side. You saw it.
The captain didn't answer this time. The commander held up a conciliatory hand.
- I don't want to confuse you. I'm not accusing anyone in particular, right now I'm just suspicious. I could be perfectly wrong. It is quite possible that the person is still someone else. Master Mage Steadyhand doesn't seem very straightforward to me, either. We can put that on his whimsical character.
- He fought alongside us effectively, you saw that, right?
- I did, but I've learned not to take appearances. However, I don't know exactly what to think about him yet. I still need a few days to investigate. In the meantime, I recommend you keep your eyes and ears open. The slightest mistake on the part of our target could be the weapon against them. I will give the same speech to your sister. Besides, I'll ask you to tell her to come to my office as soon as you see her.
- I will, Commander.
- Perfect. Dismiss.
Without adding anything, Jochen stood up, bowed, and left the office.
The bedroom door swung open.
- Here we are, here we are!
Psody was out of breath. He walked in almost pushing Steiner in, rummaged in the leather bag, and pulled out an item he had collected from his private chapel. Sister Judy Hoffnung had never seen Cuelepok's mask, but she knew full well how the Master Mage got it, and the nature of the power it contained.
The mask of Cuelepok, the source of Psody's power, the object that enabled him to triumph over the Skaven of Brissuc and the demon troops of the sorcerer Aescos Karkadourian, servant of Slaanesh, was as impressive as she had imagined. It was not very large, but it had many carvings that formed intricate patterns. Above all, a kind of invisible presence, a gentle warmth emanated from this object. There was no harm in believing that this artefact was engulfed in the energy of Ghyran's wind.
- What do you plan to do, Master Mage?
Kristofferson opened his eyes when he heard his father's voice. His breathing had become very weak, his gaze glassy.
- I will channel the energy of the Wind of Jade and use it to purge his body from this dirt-dirt!
The White Skaven approached the bed. Kit's wound had swelled again, the cyst was now the size of a fist. There was no more time to waste.
- Step aside.
Sister Judy stepped back to make way for the Master Mage. It was then that she noticed Sigmund was standing on the doorstep. Psody put on the mask, adjusted it to his face. He felt with relief the characteristic heat of the Magic of Life warm his cheeks. Even though the mask was not yet sufficiently charged to unleash its full power, there was more than enough for what he wanted to do.
He closed his eyes, muttered a few syllables, and held out his hand.
On the other side of the bed, Heike put her fingers on her son's wrist, still strapped to the operating table, to impart him her own warmth.
Romulus, back, uttered a voiceless prayer to Shallya.
Everyone held their breath.
Slowly, the Master Mage lowered his arm. His mask began to shine. He suppressed a shiver as his knuckles made contact with the slimy, pink skin. A soft jade green glow lit up the young brown Skaven's chest. As this light intensified, Kristofferson contorted with a cry of pain. Heike shouted in turn.
- It's too strong!
- Alright-alright! cried Psody.
He hastily withdrew his hand. The brown Skaven moaned softly, tears of pain streaming down his cheeks.
- I felt it, the Master Mage whispered under his mask.
- What did you feel? asked the Prince.
- The mutation. It spoke to me.
- Are you sure? Heike worried. What did it say ?
- It refuses to let go. It is a living being who wants to develop. It is already deep in the flesh of our son. I risk charring his guts if I go so hard.
Sigmund couldn't take it anymore. He hurriedly left the place.
- Better he go, we don't need a nervous breakdown, Steiner grumbled.
- What if you try more easily? suggested the priestess.
Psody clenched his teeth under his mask. He stretched out his hand again, this time he didn't touch the mutation, but hang it a foot above it. He waved his fingers. Tiny sparkling droplets with jade reflections oozed from his palm, and trickled onto the pink blister.
Once again, Kristofferson squealed in pain. The wound swelled a little more. A few small slits tore the bare, pinkish surface, and black globes popped through the openings.
- What is that? Marbles?
- Spider eyes!
The eyeballs wiggled in all directions, as if to scan the surroundings and discover the world that appeared before them. Kristofferson was no longer clear enough to be able to articulate a word. He only managed to growl softly between his terrified tears. Sister Judy noted bitterly:
- Your magic burns infected tissue if strong, and fuels the mutation if weak. This mutation has reactions that are too violent to be treated like this.
- By the Horned Rat… Kit…
- You have done your best, Master Mage, but I'm afraid my solution will be the only one that will work without killing him. Prior, will you help me?
- Only if he wishes, Romulus replied, looking at Kristofferson.
The White Skaven leaned towards his son. The latter begged him with a look. Psody leaned towards him to be sure not to misinterpret. He whispered:
- Kit, shall I let Sister Judy do it?
- …
- Will she taking the risk of operating and treating you with Romulus?
- Try... Let them... try...
The Master Mage felt that the brown Skaven had concentrated his last strength in these few words. He nodded, and stepped back. With a resigned sigh, Sister Judy wedged into the young brown Skaven's mouth the reinforced wooden gag that would allow him to grit his teeth without risking cutting his tongue. The night would be very long.
Everyone knew how Kristofferson was brave, and wasn't used to complaining or moaning for nothing. His long, heart-rending cries echoed through the entire temple, translating an unimaginable pain.
His parents and his younger brother were installed in a small anteroom. Heike was crying without restraint. Psody stamped nervously on his stool. Sigmund clenched his teeth every time the echo of Kristofferson's voice reached his ears. The Prince himself did not move from his seat. With his eyes closed, he begged Taal, Rhya and Shallya to give him the strength to stay calm.
Suddenly the screams died down. A great silence fell heavily on the family. Even the ratmother stopped crying, paralyzed with anguish. Psody hesitated, was about to get up to inquire about the operation, when the door opened on Romulus. The prior's white robe was red with blood. Heike asked painfully:
- So, Prior? How does it look?
- Well…
The Human gazed at the ratmen and the Prince, and sighed.
- His condition is critical, but Sister Judy says he is stable at this time. She finished pulling out what was needed. She gave him a potion to put him to sleep. Now all we can do is wait. If the gods decide to be lenient, he should be better in a few days, but it will take weeks of rest, maybe months.
- Indeed, he has just escaped the start of a mutation! exclaimed the Prince. Besides, what did you do with it?
- Best thing to do, Ludwig: I threw it in the fire.
- Maybe we could have studied it?
- And take the risk that it will develop further? That paws and a mouth grow on it? And it infects someone else? Even the Lorekeepers have their limits in the face of danger, Ludwig. Besides, we're talking about your grandson, not about a study subject!
The Prince saw the distress in his daughter's eyes, and sighed bitterness.
- Yes, my friend, you are right. And now?
- Other than praying, there is nothing we cannot do for him now. I recommend that you come home and go to sleep. I have to get my stuff ready, I'm leaving tomorrow morning.
- You leave us?
- Yes, Psody, I'm going to be away for a few days, I have a business to deal with.
- You're right, Prior, approved Heike. We might as well change our ideas and devote ourselves to more constructive activities.
- I already know what to do, Sigmund mumbled.
The Black Skaven stood up calmly, and left the anteroom, followed by the others.
Night had fallen for over four hours. The crickets were singing, in the distance the owls hooted, and the pebbles crunched under a thick pair of boots which trod the path. The clear summer sky let the light of the constellations shine across the countryside, so the lonely figure walked without hesitation. It briskly walked towards a large oak tree that stood on a small hillock. Around there were fields, and a few other trees that had sprung up here and there at the whim of nature.
The night marauder was only a few steps away from its objective. The closer it got to it, the more it felt the excitement accelerating the rate of its heartbeat. Finally, it stopped a few paces from the oak. This giant of wood was very special, twice the size of the others, and hollow. Lightning had struck it a decade earlier, and its carcass had gradually been hollowed out by time. The perfect place to hide something.
The shadow was now at the foot of the dead oak. It reached out its gloved hands toward the opening, touched in the darkness, and felt a cubic, cold object. It pulled its hold from the tree, and held it up in front of its eyes. Morrslieb's rays reflected off the polished surfaces of a small iron cassette. The figure shook it, and when the box made the characteristic sound of jewels, it stifled a cry of joy. It turned its back to the oak tree to capture as much moonlight as possible, opened the cassette feverishly, and felt its heart stop beating.
The box contained only a fistful of stones.
The supreme surprise gave way to a great fury which broke out in the night.
- AH, RATS!
- You've lost something, Commander?
The light of a hidden lantern emerged from behind the tree. Hearing the clear, determined voice he knew well, Johannes Schmetterling froze.
- What are you doing here, son?
- After all these horrible traitor stories, I was very afraid to see you go alone in the dark. I had to go out to protect you.
The commander closed his eyes, caught his breath, and concentrated with all his might. He heard the light but steady sound of Jochen Gottlieb's footsteps. He visualized him going around the trunk to stand where he was as he was talking to him. Schmetterling whirled around in a flash. In the movement, he let go of the box and drew his pistol. Without hesitation, he squeezed the trigger as he aimed the gun at Jochen. The detonation erupted.
The young man didn't move.
Schmetterling had no time to try to understand. A small spark from the top of a tree fifty yards away broke the surrounding darkness, and the weapon was torn from the Human's fingers with a violent shock. In response to the tall man's yelp, the sound of a gunshot echoed across the fields. At the same time, a dozen Skaven burst out of the wheat field, all armed with harquebuses, and held the commander in aim. Sigmund, the black-furred son of the Master Mage, approached, Marjan at his side, and his trusty sword drawn and pointed at the great man.
- No sudden gesture, Commander, please. I'm not in the mood.
- What the Hell is this delirium? Schmetterling growled.
- That's what we're going to clear up, Commander, Marjan replied.
Nedland Barnrooster quickly came running, his scope rifle still hot. Jochen gave an amused smile.
- Record broken, buddy!
- I have no merit, big boy! One second without moving is enough for me. I admit, without your light, it would have been more difficult.
The Halfling quietly picked up the commander's pistol. He waved it under his nose, whispering with a small smile:
- Commandment number eight of Ranald's laws: "when someone pushes you aside, always check that none of your possessions was stolen, or that your gun has not been exchanged for another identical loaded blank, it avoids unpleasant surprises".
Schmetterling was speechless.
- Wait... You mean your brawl at the barracks...
- A diversion, it was. This is the basis of the sleight of hand principle, the trick is to get your victim to look where you want them to look.
- It just goes to show, you were right a while ago, don't be fooled by appearances! Jochen sneered. Right, the comedy is over. Commander Schmetterling, you're under arrest for high treason.
The Black Skaven seized the box. Schmetterling stared at the young man.
- Is that a joke?
- Do I look like someone making a joke? You tried to shoot me without warning, Commander.
- In front of all these witnesses, brave soldiers of value, added Marjan.
- Unlike both of you, you filthy...
- You'd better save your saliva for the military tribunal which will adjudicate you tomorrow. Sister?
Marjan took a pair of handcuffs from her pocket and slipped them around the captain's wrists. The latter, crimson with anger, hissed:
- You're going to be very sorry about this!