The sun was high in the sky, as the bells of the different temples were all ringing at the same time. It was ten o'clock. Kristofferson adjusted his collar button with a small pout.
It's the first time since the summer began I feel an unpleasant chill... Maybe it's that little, but biting light wind?
He was walking briskly on the park path, towards the exit of the Steiner estate. Shrouded in a richly decorated doublet in shades of blue and red over vertically striped trousers, he was pleased with his looks. He particularly liked the puffy white sleeves of his jacket that matched his feathered hat. The ornate hilt of his rapier shone on his belt.
During Martha and Fritz's wedding, he had worn such fancy clothes, but the difference was that he was not warm this time. He looked up, and the sun looked rather shy. For him, it was clear: summer had found its conclusion in the face of autumn. Besides, the foliage of the trees had been sparse since the last time he had intently watched the garden. He thought of all of his mother's flowers that were not in the greenhouse, doomed to disappear until next spring. Then he shrugged his shoulders. After all, that was life.
As he was no longer very far from the gate, he heard a small high-pitched voice call out to him.
- Kit!
Kristofferson whirled around, and only had time to reach out to catch his little sister Isolde who literally threw herself on his neck, laughing.
- Phew! You're getting heavier and heavier!
Immediately, the cream-furry little ratgirl winced.
- What? Are you saying I'm fat?
- No, the brown Skaven replied, laughing softly. I'm saying you are getting bigger and bigger. In a little while, you'll be a big girl, and I won't be able to carry you anymore.
Isolde put her index finger on his older brother's nose and replied mischievously:
- Sigmund is stronger than you! He can!
- Ho, you're cheating! Sigmund is so strong he could lift a Rat-Ogre!
The two Steiner burst into laughter together again, and the brown Skaven let his little sister slide to the floor. Isolde then asked:
- Today's party for Siggy?
- You know, it's not really a party, Soso. Rather, it's… kind of a reward. As he's a very strong warrior, he will be given special soldiers.
- Is he going to become a soldier chief?
- He is.
- Lots of soldiers? Hundreds? Thousands?
- Not at the moment, only a few. But that will change over time! Come on, I have to go.
- Wait, I'm coming with you!
- What? You can't, you'll be bored! It won't be a party, Soso. There will be no kids to play with, no musicians, nor buffet either.
- I want to go to Shallya temple!
- Ah.
- Mother says I'm still too little to go alone, but if you accompany me to, I can pray and go see Maude!
Maude was a ten-year-old Human girl, recently entrusted to the Shallya temple after the disappearance of her own mother, a single woman who had died of illness two months earlier. True to her selfless personality, Isolde had quickly taken the first step, and the two got on well.
- And how will you get back? Are you going to stay in the temple until tomorrow?
- Mother will come and get me! I told her about it, she's fine.
Kristofferson frowned. Isolde wasn't used to lie, but it all seemed too unusual to him. It was then that he saw Heike walking in their direction. The ratmother confirmed the little girl's story. One detail, however, intrigued the elder.
- Aren't you going to attend the nomination?
- No, big boy. I don't like that kind of military ceremony at all. Maybe I would have made an effort two months ago, but right now, you can imagine, I prefer to spare myself and stay at home. I have to go see the prior at the end of the afternoon, that will give Isolde time to enjoy Maude's company while she is still there.
- Very well. Hope this doesn't upset Sigmund?
- Don't worry about it, he knows. Come on, don't be late. Isolde, I'm counting on you to be nice with the priestesses!
- I will, Mother!
Heike kissed her two children one after the other.
- I love you. Keep it in your mind. Me and your father, we love you so much.
She gave them a last smile, and returned to the mansion.
Kristofferson couldn't help a few puzzled lines curling across his forehead, but eventually he shrugged.
- Come on, Soso.
The two children walked again to the stable. Kristofferson readied his horse. Weissherz was a magnificent white stallion bought at the end of his convalescence. A few minutes later, they were trotting towards the Chalice Quarter, the girl on the croup of the animal
- I shall be the first Skaven to wear the white dress with the Bleeding Heart! When I am a dove, I will always be friends with Maude! Even if she is adopted by another family, even if she leaves the town, I will continue to see her! Maude is my Human friend, as Magdalena is Mother's Human friend!
Isolde didn't stop talking the whole trip. Kristofferson wasn't embarrassed, he was used to it. On the other hand, he decided to titillate his little sister a few. He watched for the little phrase that could start the debate. Finally, the sentence arrived.
- When I am a dove, I will heal all the people I can!
- All the people?
- Yes, all of them! Shallya loves everyone!
- Even bad people? Even thieves? Even murderers?
- Yes, Shallya loves everyone, and we must not abandon anyone. Except the monsters sent by the Lord of the Flies, the dreadful Nurgle! she said with a deep voice.
- Sure. But... what if it's someone who hurt you, Soso? Would you be ready to treat him anyway?
This time, Isolde had to take a few seconds to think.
- Uh, I don't know. Normally I have to heal him.
- Come on, I wanted to annoy you. If you really find yourself in this situation one day, you will be strong enough not to disobey Shallya and heal this person. At worst, you'll ask another dove to take care of you, I don't think Shallya will blame you then.
- Oh yes! You are right!
- What if you had to help someone who hates you for what you are?
The two Skaven simultaneously turned their head towards the one who had spoken. Kristofferson narrowed his eyes as he recognized the tall, lanky figure, on horseback, who had quietly approached.
- Magister Steadyhand… What happy occasion brings you to this part of the city?
- A light spark of curiosity. That's right, what would a pretty little dove do in front of a Human who would reject her just by seeing her?
The tall, brown Skaven wanted to reframe the Elf.
- Why would a Human reject her? What sane person would refuse help from a priestess of Shallya, according to you?
- You know it very well, Sir Kristofferson: Humans, Elves and Dwarves are what they are. Even if they smile at you from the front, they'll spit in your back.
- No one spat on my back, Isolde replied, taken aback by the Mage's words.
- Sure. No one would dare say anything to the daughter of the Master Mage of Steinerburg, himself the adopted son of the Prince of Vereinbarung. But as comes the day, and I hope it will, you become a priestess of Shallya, you will no longer be able to enjoy family immunity and the privileges that go with it.
The girl blinked several times, and shook her head.
- I don't understand, there are too many complicated words.
- In other words, Isolde, when you're a priestess, people can tell you whatever they want without risking ending up in prison… and I wonder if there aren't many who could despise you just because you are different.
- People who insult priestesses take risks too, Master Steadyhand, Kristofferson replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
- Yes, but few care. Your sister will have to anticipate this kind of behaviour. What do you think, my child?
Isolde didn't answer. When her brother turned to her, the expression of surprise and disappointment he saw on her face immediately displeased him. He darted a reproachful look at the Magister.
- Do you have any other good advice for my sister, mister pedagogical expert sir?
- Oh, you overestimate me, sir, I have no competence when it comes to children.
- Perfect. In that case, if you don't mind... and then no, I don't care if you mind or not. Have a nice day, Magister!
Kristofferson clicked his tongue and made his horse speed up. He heaved an annoyed sigh when he heard Brisingr hail him.
- Wait, let's not leave on bad terms! I'm sure your sister will be the best priestess! Besides, that's just as good!
The Bright Elf was once again on par with the Steiner.
- Your people are changing, to take their place among those of the Empire. It's a good thing! It is even a very good thing, indeed! I approve of it all the more since I contributed to it myself!
- What do you mean? asked Isolde.
- Didn't your parents tell you, little girl? I was the one who brought your mother back to your grandfather when she was young.
- Oh…?
- Yes. I was with Captain Hallbjörn Ludviksson and...
- Master Steadyhand, you're talking about very personal things to a child who is not old enough to learn everything about the history of our parents yet! interrupted Kristofferson, more and more annoyed. When they judge Isolde is ready for this, they'll tell her everything, and no one else will!
- You're right, young man. Little Isolde, I don't bother you anymore. I just wanted to tell you Vereinbarung represents a change. This is a particularly decisive change, my children. Sometimes when it concerns so many people and with such an impact, change can be beneficial.
- I don't understand, replied Isolde, her eyes wide open in surprise.
- Well, traditions are a solid basement, but change can be good. So, two hundred years ago, when Magnus the Pious called on the High Elves to fight Chaos, they brought magic as it is practiced in the Empire, and soon here. It was a change that was beneficial to everyone, to say the least. And the same goes for Vereinbarung. And Shallya won't disapprove the idea of having priestesses with long tail and pointed nose.
- That's enough!
The young brown Skaven was furious now. He pulled on the bridle and stopped his horse, imitated by the Magister.
- Are you insulting us now?
- You're overreacting, young man! It's just a tease.
- "Tease", eh? So I'll be teasing, too! Open your big, pointy ears and remember this: let my sister be or I'll kick your tight, small Elfish butt out of town!
The Elf stopped smiling.
- Please, young man, mind your manners! A big, well-behaved boy like you, talk like that! You can't be serious?
Kristofferson didn't answer. But his left hand was resting on the pommel of his rapier, ready to draw it.
- Right. You can, let's admit. Well, I leave you, I have to work with your father. I wish you a good day!
And Brisingr galloped his mount in the opposite direction without waiting for a response. The young brown Skaven heeled Weissherz and the horse resumed its trot with a more sustained pace.
- This pseudo-inquisitor was starting to get on my nerves!
- But… I'm thinking about something.
- What, Soso?
- What if… what if Shallya doesn't agree?
The brown Skaven turned to face Isolde. When he saw her face, his heart sank. For the first time since the double invasion four months earlier, he sensed concern in his little sister. He decided to deal with the most urgent.
- Don't listen to that Elf. He doesn't know you, he doesn't know how worthy a servant of Shallya you can be. He's an arrogant fool, and you have no accountability to him. If you start to have doubts, talk to Sister Judy, but I think she'll say the same as me. And if Shallya didn't want you to become one of her priestesses, since the time you show that you want to be one, she would have had a thousand times the opportunity to tell you her disagreement, what she never did. Understood?
The little girl thought for a few seconds, then positively shook her head. Kristofferson smiled back at her, and resumed their ride on the direction of Shallya's temple.
Sigmund Steiner stared at his reflection in the mirror.
In the four months he had scrupulously followed the diet recommended by Sister Judy, there had been progress, it had to be admitted.
He felt better. Not necessarily more serene, but, at least, more in control of his destiny. He was no longer a slave to alcohol. Of course, he still needed to take Shallya's priestess medications, but he could take smaller and smaller doses, and less and less often. His last take was two days earlier before bedtime. One month more, maybe, and he would be completely cured. It was with confidence he pulled his pear out of his waistcoat pocket, then squirted himself a dose into each nostril.
He shook his head vigorously, breathed quietly, and used the mirror to readjust his outfit. Again, he was happy with his appearance. For this special day, he wore an ornate shirt in red and gold tones, over which he had threaded an iron, decorated with numerous carvings that surrounded a unicorn engraved in its centre breastplate. Gold poured into the grooves ended up giving a tinsel appearance to the piece of armour, which, however, had never been used on a battlefield. Sigmund knew this protection was designed more for pageantry. He didn't appreciate it any less. The opportunities to parade with were rare, so he wanted take advantage of it as well. He checked the ties on his cloak. However, it seemed to him very sobre, perhaps he would soon buy another one? Finally, he lingered on his eyes.
Another exception. The eyes of his siblings had more common colours – blue, green and brown – while his irises burst into a copper sheen. It was not a common colour among the Skaven. In any case, he had never met anyone with such a stare.
He took a deep breath, turned away from the polished surface, and left the room.
A few minutes later he was in the courtyard of the Steinerburg barracks. About thirty Human and Skaven soldiers were waiting at attention. The Black Skaven felt a sweet sensation of satisfaction warm his heart when he saw his most staunch allies in the front row: the Gottlieb Twins, Kristofferson, Walter Klingmann and Pol Demmler. He then spotted a tall, dark-haired woman with a matt complexion, herself dressed in an impressive, ornate, decorated with parchments glued with wax seals armour.
Oh, here's Renata... I forgot she's a Commander by now!
Lieutenant Renata, who had excelled in the battle against Iapoch's troops, had other opportunities to shine. The Prince had noticed the Tilean's service record, and had asked her to replace the traitor Schmetterling. She had accepted without hesitation, and since then had performed her duties with loyalty and commitment. The Prince quickly realized that the whole army had gained by the change.
A brown Human was waiting beside the Commander. It was Private Kristian Kürbis. He had risen up and had become a sergeant. By an obscure chain of circumstances, despite a relatively modest rank, he had become a more or less unofficial aide-de-camp. He was credited with acts of bravery, some jealous people thought the sergeant had obtained this function by going through the bed of the Commandant. The latter were quickly prompted to worry about their own future.
Finally, Prior Arcturus of the Temple of Sigmar was there. He himself wore a breastplate over his priest's robe, which was engraved on "I am the metal, Sigmar is the hammer". A huge hammer was hooked by a thong on his back. As was customary, the priest made the Hammer of Sigmar sign as Sigmund approached. He put his fist on his navel, then on each of his collarbones, then on his right side, and finally on his left side.
- Greetings, my boy. We were just waiting for you.
- Am I late? the Black Skaven whispered.
- Not at all.
Brother Arcturus took a step back, looked at the whole assembly, and spoke in a loud voice:
- Loyal subjects of the Rat Kingdom, we are here to write a new paragraph of the chapter of Vereinbarung concerning his army. Today, I, Brother Arcturus, representative of Sigmar in this world, announce the creation of a brand new elite unit unique in the world: the Black Guard. I grant you it's not a very original name, but the simpler is the most effective, and with Sigmar's benevolence, the military needs simplicity for greater effectiveness. I will now call twelve people whom I will ask to come and line up in front of me.
The priest of Sigmar spoke twelve names, all masculine, and twelve Skaven lined up almost solemnly. They all had two features in common: a much larger-than-average build, and all-black fur.
So was the specificity of this new regiment which made it unique. The Black Guard was intended to welcome Black Skaven, and only them.
- Sigmund Steiner, approach, please.
Brother Arcturus stretched out his hand to the ground. Obediently, Sigmund knelt down in front of him, and bowed his head.
- By virtue of the powers entrusted to me, I, Arcturus, faithful servant of Sigmar, I invest you with the functions of Captain of the Black Guard. You are now the head of this new elite corps.
Sigmund kept his eyes closed. He found this ceremony a little ridiculous.
It looks like a sectarian rally! Well ... It's a necessary evil.
- So? Get up, then!
The Black Skaven snapped his eyelids up. In front of him, Brother Arcturus looked a little annoyed. The embarrassment flooded the forehead and inflamed the cheeks of the young Captain who stood up a little too quickly.
- Right, Captain Sigmund Steiner, like all of us, I hope you will honour your functions. But I already know you will. It is well known you deploy the maximum of your potential on the field. Now do you have anything to add?
- I'd like to talk to my new men.
- Please.
In truth, Sigmund was already scheduled to make a speech. The large Black Skaven turned to the others, still in a row, motionless.
"Members of the Black Guard, I am glad to see you assembled today. You all look great, all of you as much as you are. You are all volunteers. Those of you who were previously in the military are already known as excellent elements, but the rest are not to be outdone, and can be the pride of your families as well."
"You are all here because, like me, you have black fur. All of you are much bigger, stronger, more resistant than the others. I grant you sometimes it is hard to take. When you were children, you inspired fear, awe. People whispered as you passed in front of them, the most daring pointed out to you, and very quickly regretted it."
"Some of you can also hear the Black Hunger growling in their ears. This hunger that pushes you to lose control, to unleash your fury on anything that could harm your balance in any way. Those who know me know too I speak from experience. Those who don't, then know I am a Black Skaven, and Black Hunger sleeps inside my heart. Sometimes it wakes up, and the result is never very pretty to watch."
"But we're all the same. We have these features, and they shouldn't be a source of shame. They should not be a source of fear. If we have assembled this new Guard here, it is precisely to bring together all men and women like you when there are any. To make them understand this difference is not a weakness, but strength. Strength that will fill the Rat Kingdom with pride! I hope to see hundreds, then thousands of brave Black Skaven, willing to risk their life so that our citizens can live in peace, ready to face the worst creatures outside and the most insidious threats inside. The Crown will know it can always count on us, the links of the protective coat formed by the Black Guard!"
Sigmund glanced briefly in Kristofferson's direction. The latter gave a light nod. Prior Arcturus gazed at the regiment of Black Skaven.
- And now, loyal members of the Black Guard, you will all repeat after me the credo of your unity, the motto that will guide your choices and your destiny as long as you remain in its ranks.
Sigmund stood in the midst of the aligned Black Skaven, and Brother Arcturus shouted:
- I am a member of the Black Guard.
The Black Skaven responded as a single man:
- I am a member of the Black Guard.
- I am the last bulwark of Vereinbarung.
- I am the last bulwark of Vereinbarung.
- Humans and Skaven are the soul of our Kingdom, and the Black Guard is its shield.
- Humans and Skaven are the soul of our Kingdom, and the Black Guard is its shield.
- We are ready to make any sacrifices to protect what we have built.
- We are ready to make any sacrifices to protect what we have built.
The priest fell silent, and for the first time since the ceremony began, allowed himself to smile.
- Good, loyal soldiers. I am happy and proud to see this company. At the moment, it has only thirteen members – a number ironically linked to the Horned Rat, it is true – but over the years, other Black Skaven looking for a purpose in their life will come to you, from the four corners of Vereinbarung. Stay proud, stay worthy, and your unity will inspire courage for citizens and terror for our enemies.
Once this short ceremony was completed, the prior invited all the participants to enjoy the food and drinks placed on the table. Everyone helped themselves, the atmosphere retained a little something solemn. Sigmund wanted to mark the occasion; he didn't touch a single bottle of alcohol, and preferred goat milk.
Conversations between Humans and Skaven mingled around the table. As the new Captain, Sigmund tried to listen to each, if not participate. But soon, Marjan, Jochen and Kristofferson mobilized his full attention. Marjan allowed herself to nudge him on his back.
- Congratulations, big boy! Here you are a real warlord!
The tall Black Skaven felt his ears drop in annoyance.
- Was there really such a religious ceremony necessary when it was just a matter of making me captain of a new regiment?
- Hey, that's it, Siggy, Kristofferson replied. It's not every day you create a new type of unit!
- Maybe a Myrmidia priestess would have been more appropriate?
- I can only approve your words, Captain, agreed Commander Renata. As a matter of fact, I will transmit my thanks in person to your grandfather for the temple.
Prince Steiner had listened to his Commandant's request, and had organized the construction of a temple of Myrmidia near the barracks.
- I didn't like Brother Arcturus' speech, growled one of the new soldiers, a Black Skaven named Joop van Habron. His little reference to the Horned Rat was unnecessary.
- Well, don't forget he's a mystic, replied Maximus Himmelstoss, one of his comrades. His life is spent by the gods all the time, he has to quote at least a couple of them in every sentence!
There were a few snickers.
- The question that could be asked is it to be reasonable?
There was an awkward silence. The one who had just spoken was Rupert Kramer, a seminarian of Verena's order who had come to record the whole process of the ceremony. Brother Arcturus approached.
- Can we find out what seems to bother you, my young friend?
- Uh... well...
Kramer glanced around quickly. Seeing the thirteen Black Skaven around him suddenly made him very nervous.
- Black Skaven are the largest and strongest inhabitants of the Under-Empire, that's a fact. They are also stronger than many Humans, and it's normal to want to make the most of that strength. But I was just wondering if that was a good idea, if you consider the Black Hunger?
The gazes of the new Black Guard soldiers grew heavier. Kramer almost felt cornered.
- Seriously, Brother Arcturus, Commander Renata, would you trust people who could lose their minds and hit anything that moves in the middle of a decisive battle? All the more so when their Captain has publicly admitted himself to be subject to Black Hunger?
Marjan was about to open her mouth to reprimand the seminarian, but she restrained herself. It was up to the main party to answer. All eyes turned to Sigmund.
Without losing his composure, the Black Skaven replied in a soft, but firm voice:
- The Prince took that decision. In his six-year reign over Vereinbarung, none of his actions have been detrimental to his people. We of the Black Guard are faithful to our Prince, but also to our principles, to our friends, to our family. These are all elements that we shall use as reefs to hold onto during the storm. Whenever I felt the Black Hunger take hold of my heart, I was able to control it enough not to hurt a loved one, thanks to my beliefs. The members of the Black Guard who suffer from this problem will in turn learn to overcome it. And if Black Hunger appears to be too dangerous for one of us, anyone, then he will have to leave this corps. Even if it is me, I have made sure of that with His Majesty Prince Ludwig. And then, if that were to really be a problem, over the years, the Black Skaven able to join the Black Guard will be more and more numerous, and we will then be able to allow ourselves to leave to the less hazardous tasks to the soldiers victims of the Black Hunger.
The seminarian, wet and as red as a beet, wiped his forehead. He almost jumped when he heard Sigmund ask again:
- Are you reassured?
Kramer stammered vague greetings and hurried out of the yard. Once he had vanished, several guests burst out laughing.
- Well done, brother! Jochen exclaimed. This little fellow won't annoy you again!
- Are you serious when you say the Prince can reject you, if he deems necessary? Walter inquired.
- Of course I am, Wally. I'm the Captain, I'm the most concerned. I asked the Prince not to be lenient. What he accepted.
- Because he knows very well that it won't be necessary, Marjan completed.
- We're only a minority, anyway, van Habron specified. Besides, I trust you to teach us how to put a muzzle on this crap, Captain.
The young Black Guard also had Black Hunger in his blood. On the regiment, three Black Skaven were known to have to live with this condition. Sigmund looked around for the third one, and found him.
- Well, what do you think about that, Private Ickert?
The Black Skaven abruptly swivelled towards Sigmund, surprised.
- Oh! Uh, sorry, Captain, I was thinking about something else.
- Did you? So, what?
- Oh, uh… I don't know if it's worth talking about?
- Is it personal?
- Not really. I mean, it does not concern me directly. Rather my neighbour.
Sigmund saw an opportunity to get to know his new subordinates better.
- Which town are you from, Private Ickert?
- Friedrichsdorf, Captain. It is a small, uneventful village, not far from a forest, to the north, two days walk away.
- So what?
- When I left Friedrichsdorf to come here, my neighbour was worried: his daughter Elsie had gone to play with a friend, but she still hadn't come home. I know this little one, she's a very cute Freed one.
- A Freed one... So she has Human adoptive parents?
- She has, Captain.
- Hmm...
A little bell rang deep in young Steiner's mind.
- Then we should take a look?
- Oh, maybe it's nothing? They got lost in the forest, but their parents had to organize a hunt to find them?
- You're probably right, but something tells me to check.
- Is this really the job of the Black Guard?
- It is, indeed, Private Van Habron. Our base is in Steinerburg, but our mission spans the entire Rat Kingdom.
Sigmund stretched, rolled his shoulders, and announced gravely:
- I tell you that you have found the reason for the first Black March. Maybe there is nothing to worry about, but there should be no room for doubt. At worst, it will be an opportunity for you to discover another place, and especially to allow the citizens of the Rat Kingdom to discover us. I will ask the Prince for his approval. If he allows, we'll be leaving in the coming days. Brace yourselves accordingly, members of the Black Guard!
No soldier answered orally, the looks were eloquent enough. In the Under-Empire, the Black Skaven were known to be the most disciplined, the ones who best curbed their most unproductive instincts, even with the presence of the Black Rage. It was the same thing for the citizens of Vereinbarung.
Kristofferson looked alternately at Walter, then Pol, and asked:
- Will you need help?
- Maybe later. But for now, the Black Guard will be alone to leave. It is important to show it can solve problems on its own.
- Go check what's going on, but don't be silly, really. At the moment, you are only thirteen soldiers.
- I am driven by Black Hunger, not Black Stupidity.
A lightly shy and embarrassed laughter concluded the dialogue.