The sun was high in the sky, and the few clouds were passing slowly, pushed by the wind a little less violent than in recent weeks.
As he had explained to the Prince the day before, Eusebio Clarin was about to leave. The estate's servants had put his stuff in his coach, he had bid farewell to the sovereign, as well as to his adopted children. But he didn't want to leave without saying goodbye to Sigmund and Bianka. He found them in the stable, getting their horses ready for a walk.
Clarin noticed with a touch of amusement that the mare of the Black Skaven let Bianka brush her without flinching. He didn't want to take the risk of annoying her, however, and stayed away.
The young ratgirl had had a good night's restful sleep, and yet she still didn't look very comfortable.
- I admit that I am rather embarrassed, Master Clarin.
- You don't have to in any way, Señorita.
- I should have been there to support you. You, my friends, my family... Besides, I was convinced this bad guy was our traitor. But… I didn't want to witness the sad spectacle of his slander on all of you. Not very serious for a person who claims to work for Verena!
- Attending a trial involving the people you love can be very distressing. There is nothing to be ashamed of.
- I've been to trials before, but none have involved my family or friends, so disturbingly!
She heaved a sad sigh.
- I didn't even have an excuse to go see Kit, the guard dove wouldn't let me in. I must have done like all frustrated people, and rush off to work.
- Do not worry. The important thing is your well-being, and your brother's. Have you any news?
- He started to mumble coherent words, Sigmund replied. There is progress.
- I wish I could have wished him well. Too bad, will you take care of it for me?
- Of course, Excellency, assured Bianka.
The ratgirl looked at the Estalian.
- Will we see you again, Master Clarin?
- Young people, Prince Calderon will meet your grandfather in a month. I'll accompany him. So I'll have the privilege of enjoying your company again, Señorita. We are neighbours, and hopefully soon allies. If so, in a while, you will be received at my home country!
Bianka gave a weak sad smile. The Human turned to Sigmund.
- Master Sigmund, my sovereign was reluctant to meet Prince Steiner, but when I told him what you did in Rabanera and then in Oropesa, he was genuinely impressed. I don't hope it alleviates the legitimate anxiety that grips your heart right now, but I want you to know you personally influenced his decision, in a good way.
- Is it true?
- Of course it is! And I think he can't wait to meet you.
- You mean your Prince had… a good image of me?
- Frankly, you doubted it? Young fellow, you are a good person. Maybe your passion can play tricks on you, but you have a lot of qualities. You are loyal, sincere, and those who have your trust can always count on you. On this point, do not change. However, if you don't mind, I would like to give you a last advice.
- I'm listening to you, Master Clarin.
The Human knew he was venturing into dangerous terrain. He took his breath, and whispered quietly:
- Do you remember the little signs I told you about?
- I do. And so?
- I see a few ones in your behaviour that worry me. I told your father, who confirmed my thoughts. In my family, I have lost a few people whose tragic end could have been avoided if only they had been helped in time.
The Black Skaven quickly understood the hint. He wanted to make sure:
- What did they die of, Master Clarin?
- They let themselves be devoured by sorrow. My father, in particular, was a good man, but he was never satisfied with his lot. Even when he got to his position, he still needed something more. And to forget about his permanent pain, he began to take medication. Each dose was more important than the previous one. Oh, not much. But in the long run, it destroyed him. After a year, he was just a hollow man. After two years, my mother was left alone, with her children on her arms.
Sigmund didn't answer, but felt his face droop in discomfort. Clarin continued.
- It pains me to see someone like you, young and idealistic, slide down this slope. Except today I can tell you what I couldn't tell my father back then: get ahead. Don't ruin everything. You have a loving family and friends who can help you. Accept their help, and I'm sure things will get better.
- Someone's already taken the lead for me, the Black Skaven muttered with a wry smile. My reserve has been polluted.
Bianka frowned.
- You haven't told me... you know who did this?
- I have my own idea.
- Whoever this "someone" is, I'm sure he didn't do this to annoy you for free, but to help you, because he sincerely cares about you.
- Like you, at this moment, Master Clarin. Thank you.
Clarin didn't hide his surprise.
- Maybe the first time we met you would have told me to take a flying leap. Now, I'm looking at a young man, listening, and really reasoning with great wisdom.
- I learn fast, with a good teacher. Even though he's a stranger who's only been here for a few days. And then, what you just told me makes me understand Prior Romulus was right.
- That doesn't surprise me either. He looks like a very wise person to me, too.
Sigmund looked at the Estalian, then his sister.
- I think it would be good to change some things, while there is still time. You're right, I have a problem, and I'll get help. I promise you that.
The ambassador gave a dazzling smile, which fascinated the young girl.
- You are taking the right decision, I assure you.
He reached out for the Black Skaven. Sigmund stared at his hand for a moment, then shook the Human's wrist with brother-in-arms conviction. Finally, the ambassador gave Bianka a hand kiss, who felt her cheeks warm with flattery.
- Thank you for everything, Master Clarin, articulated the young ratgirl.
- See you in a month, young people.
He bowed, and walked back to the grounds entrance gate.
Four of Sueño's soldiers were waiting around the carriage decorated in the colours of Prince Calderon.
- Is everything ready, gentlemen? Clarin asked in his native language.
- We leave on your order, Excellency, replied one of the soldiers.
- Perfect.
Clarin looked at the property one last time, then the park, with the two Steiner twins. He glanced at the roof of the vehicle to check if he had forgotten anything, then he opened the coach door, put his boot on the step, but just as he was about to get inside the vehicle, he heard a mild voice calling him timidly:
- Master Clarin?
The Estalien turned, and was surprised to see a slender figure a few feet away from him. It was a rather young, light-grey-coated Skaven boy. He was thin, had delicate features, somewhat reminiscent of Lady Bianka's. Unlike the latter, however, he was not wearing precious clothes, but a leather jacket with an apron and many pockets full of small tools. A cylindrical leather case was strapped to his slung shoulder. He looked particularly uneasy; his fingers wriggled between them, his tail whipped nervously, his breathing was lightly gasping. In fact, just as their eyes met, the little ratman quickly turned his head away to stare at his bare toes.
Clarin immediately understood who he was dealing with, and that delighted him.
- Hello, my young friend. You are Gabriel, the brilliant engineer!
Gabriel didn't answer. He didn't even up his eyes. The ambassador took a step forward. The little ratman almost jumped. Clarin didn't insist. He knew very well what kind of person stood in front of him. Without moving, he asked in a soft voice:
- Looks like I'm scaring you?
Gabriel didn't utter a syllable. The Human tried to maintain his relaxed air.
- You know, you have no reason to be afraid of me, young man. Your father told me you are someone with a very practical mind. So look at it this way: first, I'm in front of your grandfather's property, guarded by armed soldiers, and I'm a foreigner on a diplomatic mission. If I had the misfortune to raise my hand to you, I would be arrested immediately, and that would cause a serious incident between your country and mine, which no one wants. Second, you are a very young man, almost still a child, and on top of that, you seem likable. You only inspire me with positive feelings, and I don't want to hurt you at all.
Gabriel still didn't dare look at Clarin, but he didn't panic when Clarin dared to approach him. Clarin dropped to one knee to be up to Gabriel.
- Master Gabriel, please, don't fear me. You can look at me, you have the right to look at me. No need to avoid my sight like you're doing.
- Well, I… you…
- I repeat, there is no reason to be intimidated. You are used to seeing Humans; your grandfather is Human. Maybe it's me who should be intimidated. I have seen more Feral Skaven than good people like you. And you don't inspire me at all the same fear as the Feral Skaven do. On the other hand, if you look me in the eye, I will see you are sincere. If you look at someone while talking to them, you show they are respected by you. I feel like I see a child being punished now. This is not what I want to see. I want to see the son of the Master Mage who has done a great service to my kingdom. So far this very sweet little young man has been afraid of me, which I regret. I wish I could tell you that you are sympathetic to me, but for that I need to see your response through the eyes. Would you like to look at me, please?
Finally, after a long ten seconds, Gabriel managed to raise his muzzle. His shifty eyes focused on the Estalian's. Who smiled at him.
- See? It's better this way, isn't it?
- You… Father says you're a good person. Do I feel like he said the truth?
- I have a kind of magic power, Master Gabriel: I can help people who want to speak better. And it works with you. See by yourself, you are no longer shaking.
The little light grey Skaven looked at his hands, then his knees, and gave Clarin a slight nod. He swallowed, and a few words slipped painfully from between his lips.
- It was… not… your fault.
- I beg your pardon?
- What happened to Kit… it was not your fault!
- Oh, don't worry, my little young man! I know it well.
- You… don't you feel guilty?
- Not at all.
- But… but then… what happened to Kit… you don't care?
Clarin once again congratulated himself on having carefully studied the art of conversation for years. Another less trained interlocutor would undoubtedly have reacted badly to these words. Not the Estalian. Also, he didn't lose an ounce of patience.
- Yes, I care. But you have to be careful not to mix two different things, young man. I don't feel guilty, but that doesn't mean I don't feel bad about your brother. Do you see the difference?
- Uh… I… I don't know.
The Human rubbed his chin, and chose to speak more simply:
- I feel sorry for Kristofferson, I sincerely hope he gets over it soon. But the only person who should feel guilty for hurting your brother was killed. Nothing matters anymore. When I get home, I'll ask Manann to lend him his strength. Kristofferson is strong, he will heal eventually.
- Master Clarin, I… I would like to give you… a gift.
- A gift? For me?
Gabriel removed the hood from his leather case. He pulled out a large sheet of paper, which he handed to the Estalian with all the grief in the world, his fingers trembling so nervously again. Clarin unrolled the document and examined it carefully.
- Um... It's a scheme. Your father told me it's your specialty. Looks like… a carriage like mine?
- Yes, but take a closer look at the spot on the wheels.
- At the spot of the wheels... What is it?
- Well, it's a little system that I scribbled down a few weeks ago. In fact, have you noticed the roads are often bumpy? When you are sitting indoors, traveling can be very tiring. Thanks to this damping mechanism, your carriage should be much more stable.
- And therefore less strenuous journeys. Very ingenious!
- Oh, that may not be worthy of you, Master Clarin, after all. It's not precious, it's not pretty or informative like a book… forgive me.
- Forgive you? Forgive what, by Manann's trident? It will be very useful! Because of my profession, I travel often, and it is true that it is painful in the long run. I'll have this system installed on my carriage, and if I realize there is a positive difference, I will recommend Prince Calderon to equip his carriage the same way. In fact, knowledge is a wonderful gift, when it is used to make the world a better place.
- That's what science is for. Make… the world… better.
With all the pain in the world, Gabriel raised his arm, and offered his hand to the Estalian. Clarin squeezed it gently, and gave it a slight shake.
- I'll be back in a month. I promise you I'll have tested your gift, and shared it with others if it is as efficient as I hope.
- Thank you… Master… Clarin.
When he saw the little ratman smile in turn, the Human felt his heart sink.
Two days passed. Two days of anguish, pain, grief and outrage. Psody was enraged he couldn't do anything to help his son heal. Alas, Shallya's priestesses had reminded him of the bitter truth: even with the mutation removed, magic should not be applied on the patient until full recovery, to avoid a reminiscence. Sister Judy came to visit the princely family several times, talking about the progress of the injury. Unfortunately, it was not possible to have precise details. At most, the priestess of Shallya replied "a little improvement", "some small progress", nothing more.
Finally, on the third day after the Estalian left, a messenger brought the Steiner family a note from Sister Judy. This time it was certain: Kristofferson's condition had improved enough to allow him to receive visitors. The Prince was still caught up in an urgent matter with Master Barisson, but Psody, Heike, Sigmund, Bianka and Isolde rushed to Shallya's temple.
They were cordially received by Sister Judy Hoffnung. She seemed to be in great shape, and her face was beaming with hope. While accompanying the Skaven to the small room where the young brown Skaven had been penned, she explained to her parents:
- Fortunately, the fact your son is a Skaven must have played. You both come from a bloodline that has been in contact with warpstone for generations. Although your body has been shown to be devoid of warpstone, you are naturally more resilient. I can assure you he's saved.
They all stopped in front of the small door. Before lowering the handle, Sister Judy explained again:
- However, he will need to rest for at least a month, while continuing to take his medication.
- And... will there be any aftermath? stammered Bianka.
The priestess gaze passed over all of the Steiner family members one after the other, then she replied:
- Well, your brother received quite a shock. There won't be any really embarrassing sequelae, but...
The cell door then opened slowly. The Steiner held their breath. Finally, Kristofferson appeared in the doorway. Naked, standing on his shaky legs, his shoulder and flank were covered with bandages. He had a hoarse breath, a hesitant walk, haggard eyes, but he was alive. Heike couldn't take it anymore, and threw himself into his arms.
- My baby boy!
- Ouch… the eldest sibling answered.
- Watch out for his arm! Bianka exclaimed.
- Oh, sorry, her mother worried.
The others did not dare to approach. Sister Judy saw it.
- There is no longer any risk of mutation, I assure you.
Isolde was the first to hug her older brother with tears in her eyes. Sigmund whispered:
- Sister Judy just told us you had… traces?
Without saying a word, the brown Skaven turned around. The family members opened wide eyes in surprise when they saw that the band of black fur that outlined his spine was now snow white.
Only Bianka allowed herself a little joke:
- Oh, after all… that adds to your manly charm!
- It's a Shallya miracle! cried Isolde.
Heike turned to the priestess
- You are the miracle, Sister Judy.
- I admit that one gave me a little more work than usual, my Lady. I hope I don't have to deal with this kind of injury every day.
- When I grow up, I will thank Shallya at the Great Temple of Heiligerberg, I promise! Isolde exclaimed again.
It was Bianka's turn to hug the brown Skaven.
- What a scare, you ninny!
Then she released him. Kristofferson slowly articulated:
- Wüstengrenze?
- They are saved, darling. The Twins managed to drive out the Orcs.
- Your friend Carolina is fine, Psody clarified.
- And… Jochen and Marjan?
- They're fine too, replied Bianka. On the other hand… unfortunately…
- I think it's better to wait a bit for him to get over it before giving him the bad news, Sister Judy interfered.
- No, Kristofferson replied in a more confident voice. I want to know.
The White Skaven rubbed his chin.
- Well... You can imagine there were losses. It was a fierce-terrible battle. Master Steadyhand must have caused the bridge to collapse. And… Lady Franzseska was killed.
A flow of lead invaded the stomach of the brown Skaven. His shoulders slumped, his nose plunged down to his feet.
- And… Wally? And Pol?
- They're still alive, the two of them.
- Captain Müller?
Again, Psody sighed.
- He fought to the end to defend Wüstengrenze.
- May Verena have mercy...
- It was all Schmetterling's fault, Bianka explained quickly. He was the traitor. He was punished for good.
Kristofferson looked up, tears in his eyes.
- I had to be there.
- No, you had to obey orders!
The brown Skaven clenched his fists and barked:
- I had-wanted to be there!
They all started. Heike's gaze hardened.
- Kit, why have you talked to your father in Queekish?
- To be sure he understands!
- You are the one who doesn't understand, Kit! You could have been killed with a single axe blow, like Franzseska!
- I've been shot with a warpstone bullet, the brown Skaven whispered, his eyes sparkling with anger. Orcs don't have warpstone!
Psody spoke again, trying to be less aggressive.
- Kit, you acted the best way.
- I would have helped my friends!
- You helped your family!
- I promised to come back to them! I broke my word!
- The Prince's word overcomes yours, Kit! Besides, the course of the battle would not have changed!
- How can you be so sure?
- I can because... Oh, Hellpit! I give-give up!
The White Skaven bowed his head. But his son didn't stop.
- Father, I have the impression you're increasingly distrusting me?
- I'm not, Kit! You're wrong! If I hadn't trusted you, I would have let you been slaughtered away from us, instead of counting on you to help me win this war-battle!
Psody had screamed, but it was sadness and not anger that had pushed his voice high. He thought back to the nightmarish visions Iapoch had sent him.
- This Grey Seer knew me, Kit! He was Vellux's son! He looked like him, he smelled similar, too-too! He came to put me down! And so, my best chance was you and Sigmund! Without you two, I don't know if I would have been able to resist his tricks-treacheries!
He looked at Bianka, and felt his stomach tighten.
- I love you so much, all of you! Everything he made me see-do... will haunt me for the rest of my life!
Then he returned to Kristofferson.
- I assure you, Kit, you've been where-when it was needed, and like your brother did, you've fought like a true hero. Everyone knows that, and everyone thanks-congratulates you for that, mainly me. But you know what? Even if you had fled, even if you had shied away, I wouldn't care because you are alive. You are alive and saved. This is the most important thing to my eyes.
The young brown Skaven had approached the White Skaven during his explanation. They hugged each other softly. Then Kristofferson asked:
- What did you do with Iapoch?
- When you are better, I'll answer you in more detail. Know I killed-killed him in a way I will never reiterate.
The young ratman didn't insist when he saw the anger sparkle in his father's pink eyes.
Anger against Iapoch or against himself?
The red-haired priestess coughed for attention.
- Well, Master Mage, my Lady, my children, I believe it's time to let Kristofferson rest.
- He doesn't come back home with us? asked little Isolde, her voice grasping in disappointment.
- No, Isolde, he's still very weak. He better stay here a little longer. If you want, you can come and see him again tomorrow. Fine?
- Yes, Sister Judy...
Kristofferson knelt down beside Isolde, and winked at her. She threw herself into his arms, then returned to her parents. Psody, Heike, Sigmund, Bianka and Isolde left the temple. Each clearly felt the weight on the heart lighten to the point of almost soaring among the doves hovering above the building.
The sun was shining high in the sky. Sitting by the window, Gabriel let the beneficent rays heat the fur of his face. He was still thinking about what had happened at the moment of the departure of the strange outsider. Finally, he had found the courage to talk to him! Better yet, he had given him a present! It was truly something extraordinary for the little ratman. The very evening of this feat, he had told his father, who had congratulated him.
Indeed, this whole story had made him progress!
It just goes to show that I learned something positive from it!
He felt good, so good that he wanted to leave his room, not to work in his study again, but to be able to enjoy the park. Seeing the trees, refreshing his nose at the fountain, getting befuddled with the scent of flowers… Until now, he had never seen the use of it. Could things change?
Gabriel headed to the exit of his bedroom. As he was about to grab the hilt, he thought of the carpenter who had stopped by his lab. He was so glad to have a brand new door, which didn't squeak! Once again, a little misfortune had engendered a little happiness. With a firm and precise gesture, he opened the door wide, and jumped.
Sigmund was standing in front of him.
This one had his hand suspended, ready to knock the wood. Their eyes met. The great Black Skaven whispered:
- Hi, Gab.
The little light grey Skaven moaned deep in himself.
He understood, and now, he's going to see red!
- I would like to talk to you about something. Can I come in?
Oddly, he didn't look angry. Gabriel wanted to behave in a responsible way.
- Yes… Of course… Make yourself at home.
Sigmund crossed the threshold, pulled out a stool and sat on it. Sure enough, he didn't beat around the bush.
- Gab, did you put vinegar in my bottles?
Courageously, he took his breath, stood up to his full height, and replied:
- Yes, I did.
- Right. I suspected it.
The little light grey Skaven swallowed, and felt his shirt wet in an instant.
- Gab, why did you do that? Answer me frankly, without being afraid. I'm not here to get mad at you. I just want to understand.
Emboldened, the young Skaven explained in one gulp:
- I… I care about you, Siggy. You are my big brother, you are very strong, you are very courageous. I am very happy to have you as a big brother. But I also feel that you have problems. You are sad, you get angry often, you never smile. Well, when you smile, it's with your lips, not your heart. You have fake smiles. Most of all, I don't like seeing you dazed by alcohol. I hoped that could keep you away from destroying yourself for a while! And if that annoys you, well, too bad! At least I would have tried!
Gabriel struggled to catch his breath, literally exhausted from the effort. His brother looked at him miserably, and spoke in turn:
- I have a problem, Gab. You know, I'm a Black Skaven. I am much taller and stronger than average. I try to use this strength to help others, but it makes me see and do not very pretty things. When I see Feral Skaven, I feel like I am closer to them, because of the Black Hunger. It's something that devours me from within. The only way I found to take it, you know what it is. Until now, I told myself I would be strong enough to hold out, because I am a Black Skaven. But I was really, really, really stupid by refusing to see I wasn't the only one who was suffering.
Sigmund paused, and Gab took the opportunity to whisper:
- It's… it's my fault. I ... I didn't dare tell you.
- You didn't, but you felt bad, and I saw nothing. Master Clarin was right, there are plenty of little signs that allow you to decode thoughts, and I should have seen yours. No, it's worse, I didn't want to see them. When I was facing our parents, or Bianka or Kit, I didn't care. I didn't think it could hurt you so much. This is not how I should treat my little brother, or any other member of my family. Gab, I'm sorry. I'm going to get help from the Shalleans, they should give me advice to really feel better. That way, I won't need to drink anymore. And then, between us...
Gabriel's eyes widened in surprise when he saw something he had never seen.
A smile.
A real smile lit up Sigmund's sad face.
The great Black Skaven leaned forward, and murmured:
- I think you were too nice. If I had been in your shoes, I would have put on a laxative. So I wouldn't have been the only one to be deep in shit.
Gabriel chuckled, interrupted by emotional sobs, and threw himself into his older brother's arms.
- Are you going to get help? For real? This is great, Siggy!
They stood together for a few moments, then Gabriel snorted, and asked:
- And… Kit?
- Kit is saved, Gab. Sister Judy succeeded in removing the mutation from him.
- Ah. Very well. I... I wanted... well, I didn't want...
- Don't worry, he knows very well how much you hate dispensaries. You will be able to see him in a few days, when he comes home. You'll have to be very nice with him. The medications will leave him foggy for a few weeks, but he'll recover completely. But after that, he really needs to be spared.
- Yes… Yes! You are right.
The large Black Skaven was about to leave the room, when his brother held him back.
- Hey, I would like... I was going to go out for a walk. You accompany me?
- Hmm… Why not? Hey, we can even go out with Okapia, what do you think?
- Don't you think she risks to push me around?
- Not if I'm with her. So?
Gabriel hadn't even waited for Sigmund's sentence to end, he was already running to the stairs.