Letter from Sister Carolina Kuhlmann, priestess of the Temple of Shallya of Wüstengrenze, to Kristofferson Steiner, written on the eighth Brauzeit of the year two thousand five hundred and thirty of the Imperial Calendar.
My friend,
The harvests end, the peasants are satisfied, and honour the gods, who grant them their benefits in return. Though the memory of the battle against the Orcs is still painful in many minds, life has taken off again, and the brave folk of Wüstengrenze have confidence in their future.
The work of Master Barisson is very impressive. The proud representatives of the Dwarf people live up to their reputation as builders. The work is progressing at an incredible speed, and yet I have no doubts about the solidity of these new constructions. I don't know if they have a secret to keeping up with such a cadence. Maybe a magic potion? Rather, I have the impression they are moved by beer. Day and night work? It's possible. I believe there are at least three teams to take turns all day, so the worksite never stops. Of course, the noise is perpetual, and some locals complain they cannot sleep. Whatever! There will always be unhappy people, and I'm willing to bet the same would have criticized the Dwarves for not working fast enough if they stopped the job at sunset.
There are a few small incidents on a regular basis, but nothing major. Dwarves tend to hurt themselves less when working in their area of expertise. The worst injury I had to deal with was a broken foot. I asked the worker if it was reasonable to work at night, by torchlight, he replied with a laugh that the eyes of the Dwarves, accustomed for eons to the darkness of the tunnels, were not bothered by night-time darkness, provided there was minimum lighting.
The pace of progress is sustained, but given the breadth of the work, it is possible that Master Barisson's forecasts, who had estimated a duration of three years, are in fact less than the time actually necessary. It doesn't matter to me. Personally, I prefer a building that lasts five years, maybe ten years, but with a work tough enough to endure two centuries, instead of a shoddy job, finished in two years, and which risks collapsing forty years later.
In my moments of relaxation, I think about my own situation. As well as your proposal. I still need to weigh the pros and cons, but I have to admit that I am delighted by the prospect of working in Steinerburg. Except the consequences of the construction site on the mood of the inhabitants, Wüstengrenze is now a peaceful place, and if this prospect fits to Shallya, I would like to be able to invest myself more in a big city like the capital, where I feel my help will be more determining. I only spent a few days there when I arrived in Vereinbarung before I was transferred to Wüstengrenze, and from what I heard, I would have a lot to do to further my own cause, equality between men and women, you remember.
I would like to stay a little longer on the site, I still have a feeling it will be better as long as the big work has not been completed, but once our brave workers get to the finishing touches, I think they will be able to go on without me. I shall speak to the Mother Superior about it later. She is a kind and understanding person, I don't think she objects to that idea. But I'm warning you! If I come to Steinerburg, I count on you to be my guide, at least for the first few weeks, because I have never lived in a city this size! Who knows, maybe we'll be accompanied by a new little priestess named Isolde? In any case, I would be so glad!
Right, I think I've done news enough for today. Every time I say my prayers to Shallya before going to bed, I have a little thought for your mother and the child she's carrying. I wish the Goddess of Compassion would watch over them, but I don't worry, everything will be fine. After all, Heike is still in great shape after five children!
I'm waiting for your next letter. Until then, let us continue to work for harmony between our two peoples, and may our gods always guide us on the path of reason!
Kristofferson was delighted. He loved receiving letters from his friend Carolina, the priestess of Shallya of Wüstengrenze. The prospect of seeing her agree to come to the Steinerburg temple made him happier.
He decided to send her an answer as soon as possible. He pulled out his writing kit, picked up a sheet of paper, and thought about the formula to begin this new missive.
He didn't have time to concentrate for long. Indeed, someone knocked on the door.
- Come in.
The door opened on Marjan Gottlieb.
- Hi, Kit!
- Hello, Marjan!
The two young people hugged each other.
- You look great today!
- I've received news from Wüstengrenze, and everything seems to be going well there too.
- Ah, Sister Carolina, I guess...
The memory of the Wüstengrenze tragedy still weighed a little on the young woman's heart, but she tried not to let it appear.
- I came to tell you about our departure.
The young brown Skaven's smile faded.
- So that's it? You leave once and for all, this time?
- Yeah, Kit. We planned everything, gathered the men, established the route, and collected the reserves.
- Are you really sure it's necessary?
- We need to increase our knowledge about the Feral Skaven. Your grandfather always did this, your father helped him a lot, now it's our turn. The more we know about our enemies, the better we will be able to struggle against them.
- And why the Clan Eshin? It's the most secret of all.
- Precisely, it is time to unveil its mysteries. And the Tiān shǔ monastery is the best starting point.
- What do you know about that?
- Its name, Kit: "Tiān shǔ" means "Celestial Rat" in Cathaysian.
- It's so far, and it's so dangerous...
- Come on, we're not going alone! We have a whole company with us, I'll call you back!
- I wish I would have join you guys...
- The Cathaysians don't know any friendly Skaven, you know that. You would quickly get cut into slices.
Kristofferson looked so contrite that the young woman shook him a little.
- Don't worry, we won't be gone for long! In a few years, we'll be back with plenty of treasures! Knowledge that will help us fight Clan Eshin, maybe even find alchemical formulas to neutralize warpstone? The kind of stuff that even your father doesn't know?
- A few years without you, it will be really very long...
- I think you will have enough concerns not to think about us too often. Besides, the Lorekeepers communication network will always be effective. We shall always have some contact in any of the major cities near the places we explore. I assure you, the Ink Drop expedition will be a success.
- The "Ink Drop"? the young brown Skaven repeated. Why such a name?
- Because it evokes the ink of Cathay, the blackest and the most subtle in the world, just like the ink of the parchments which retrace the knowledge of the hand which held the feather, all without being too explicit – too many people shouldn't be aware about this expedition.
- Don't you think Clan Eshin could cut you to pieces?
- We'll remain vigilant, but anyway, the Cathaysians will support us. In fact, we won't go to Tiān shǔ monastery right away. First, we'll settle in Shang Yang, the westernmost town of Cathay.
- Will they welcome you, like that, without reluctance?
- Right after Iapoch's death, I sent a letter to the local authorities. We received their approval to settle there for a while.
- In just four months? It was quick!
- There are a few Lorekeepers there, they made it easier. There, we'll serve the governor of Shang Yang for a year, the time for us to learn the language of Cathay, and the most important customs and traditions. We will also take advantage of this time to obtain the authorizations to visit the monasteries where the sacred texts are kept. Once this adaptation period is over, we can begin our investigations.
- And so, Tiān shǔ will be your first step.
- I'm sure in the meantime, we'll find some others.
The young brown Skaven didn't know how to continue the conversation. Marjan quickly realized this.
- I assure you everything will be fine. In addition, it will allow your grandfather to trade with the Cathay, which is no small feat! I swear to you, time will pass very quickly.
- Good luck.
Again, Kristofferson and Marjan hugged each other, then the young blonde woman left the office.
Meanwhile, Jochen wanted to say goodbye to his friends of the Steiner family. As his sister had directly penetrated the manor, he had walked around it to check the park. He spotted Bianka and Sigmund, sat on a bench. The two twins smiled as he approached.
- Hi there, friends! Is everything fine?
- Yeah, Jochen!
The young lord remembered a small detail that he wanted to sort out before moving on to his main concern.
- Hey, I don't know what your Okapia has right now, but it's not the joy! She almost broke my nag's jaw!
- Um... I think it's mating season right now. Say, wouldn't your horse have tried to cover her?
- Uh… Yes, I guess.
- So that explains everything. She must be in heat, and therefore more nervous than usual.
- I thought mares in heat would get their asses screwed by all the males they could and they would push them away after, and not while!
Bianka's ears twitched, but she said nothing. She had heard worse. She even amused herself by answering simply:
- You have to believe she's like her master, Jochen: stronger than her natural instincts. And I understand her; if I was her, I wouldn't let your donkey climb on my ass!
The Black Skaven burst out laughing when he saw the haggard look of the huge Human, surprised to hear the High Archivist speak like that.
- Well, actually, I wanted to tell you we're about to leave, Marjan and I.
- To Cathay, is that right?
- It is, my brother.
Bianka could not suppress a sigh.
- I wish I would go with you! You will see so much things!
- What are you thinking about, Bianka?
- The immense plains, the buildings with incredible architecture, the customs of a refined people, with millennial traditions...
Jochen smiled when he saw the sparks in the ratgirl's eyes. He added:
- I was rather thinking about Hobgoblins, barbarians who rape their victims before devouring them, the fanaticism thoughts that would send you to the slaughterhouse in a snap...
Bianka made such a face that Sigmund burst out laughing.
- How stupid this boy is! Men are all the same! Violence, blood, and pumps, that's what you guys have in mind! Well, go! I won't have to put up with your average jokes anymore!
- Come on, I'm sure you will miss my average jokes tomorrow morning!
- You have beautiful dreams, if not beautiful thoughts.
Young Lord Gottlieb then asked the Black Skaven:
- So, what about what you were saying yesterday?
- It's confirmed, our grandfather has given his consent. Time to say goodbye to the family, and I'm leaving too.
- You're right, brother. Nothing like family.
Besides, I still have to see this one too… thought the tall young man.
Three knocks echoed on the thick wood of the door. A shy, shrill voice answered:
- Yes, come in!
Jochen entered the laboratory of young Gabriel. He had never walked through the door of this room more than a couple of times since his installation. Raised in hard-line traditionalism, he was not really comfortable with science or magic. The incredible amount of plans hanging on the walls, the books on the shelves, the test tubes on the benches, all of this made him uneasy.
- Oh, it's you, Master Jochen.
The tall man spotted the small figure tucked into his leather clothes. Unlike his elders, Gabriel called the Gottlieb Twins by more formal titles. Which the two Humans didn't mind.
- Hi, sonny!
Gabriel didn't move. He didn't even smile.
- What… What can I do for you?
- I'm leaving for Cathay, I won't be back before a long time.
- Oh… This is for research, isn't it?
- It is.
Oddly, Gabriel wasn't stammering or drenched in sweat. Sure, he only spoke in short sentences, but he didn't sound overly nervous either. Being in his laboratory, in the midst of his plans and his creations, must have given him a sense of security. Or, did he manage to overcome his crippling shyness?
The kid is making progress.
The young lord wanted to break the ice. He pretended to be interested by a strange device lying on the workbench.
- What is this thing?
- This "thing" is my latest invention, Gabriel replied tightly. I call it the "harquebus-ter-quater". It's worth at least three to four shooters on its own.
Jochen looked at the item a little closer. Indeed, it vaguely resembled a harquebus. Young Gottlieb was not particularly comfortable with this type of weapon, but had enough knowledge on the subject to know how to recognize a very unusual model. This harquebus was provided with three cannons mounted triangularly, and three barrels were fixed on its butt. A crank attached to the right linked it all together with an impressive set of gears and other mechanisms.
There were no frills, fancy decorations, no particular aesthetic research. This weapon was purely utilitarian.
- It's not very pretty.
- It's not meant to be pretty, Master Jochen, it's meant to kill!
- Have you ever seen a beautiful, well-crafted weapon? Look at your brother's sword, it's awesome, plus it's effective.
- Heart of Unicorn is Dwarf craftsmanship, I don't pretend to have the same skill as a blacksmith over one hundred and fifty years old. And ceremonial weapons that aren't made by Dwarves break much faster, especially when there are cogs.
- And does this weapon works well?
- Try it, it is not loaded.
- You're sure?
- I never use black powder in this room, an accident quickly happens.
Jochen gently lifted the harquebus, pointed it at the back wall, grabbed the hilt, and turned. In a concert of clicking, he saw the three barrels turn simultaneously on themselves. Their movement was punctuated by regular clicks, that of the hammers falling back empty on the three chimneys of the three cannons.
- What do you think about it?
- Yeah… Not bad.
Gabriel felt his hair stand on end.
- "Not bad", is that all? This is cutting edge technology, and I challenge you to find a weapon of this calibre more effective!
- The Nuln engineers already invented such a thing.
- The Nuln engineers could never craft something with more than eight cannons. When you turn the crank, you have up to eighteen bullets going through those three cannons. Enough to shred an entire regiment if you fire in a hallway.
Jochen scratched his chin.
- It's a bit like a ratling gun, isn't it?
The little light grey Skaven turned to the Human. His gaze was angry.
- Don't confuse me with the butchers of Clan Skryre! They make machines that function with warpstone. They're rotten inside, just like the sick brains that design them! My weapons are clean, and they kill cleanly!
The Human was surprised at first, then astonishment gave way to annoyance.
- Hey, easy, sonny! I was exposed to war when your father was not even born! My father showed me battlefields when I was not ten years old, and I can assure you weapons that "kill cleanly" don't exist.
- No need to lecture me! I know war is the worst thing that can happen. I had a taste six months ago, and I didn't like it! I hate war, and all the violence that emerge when it breaks out!
- So why do you craft weapons? Besides, also deadly?
At these words, Gabriel exploded.
- Because the Prince ordered me!
And he grabbed an ink bottle from the desk, and threw it against a wall. It broke into a long, black trail.
- Ho, calm down! shouted Jochen.
- Get out of my lab!
- You want me to remind you how you normally greet a grown-up?
The little Skaven grabbed the broom that was lying in a corner of the room, and rushed at Jochen with a screech of rage, brandishing it like a club. In a gesture, the young lord seized the improvised weapon with one hand, snatched it away from Gabriel, and with his free hand slapped him so hard he threw him on a small table. The test tubes, vials and other tools fell on the floor with a crash, and Gabriel rolled on the floor, and did not move anymore.
Jochen casually dropped the broom to the floor, and stared at the little inventor for a few moments, neither moving nor speaking. The young ratman was prostrate, moaning softly, and shedding tears, not daring to raise his head.
- What the Hell is going on, here?
The Human turned, and found himself facing Kristofferson and Bianka. Without showing the slightest emotion, he shrugged his shoulders and whispered:
- I was just saying goodbye.
- You were what?! Bianka exclaimed incredulously.
- I shall advise your grandfather to pay him politeness lessons!
Jochen drew his sword and slammed it down on the broom, slicing it in half with a sharp gesture. Then, with one last sidelong glance at the still downed Skaven, muttered:
- It won't hurt him.
- Unlike you, you stupid brute! the young ratgirl yelped.
She rushed over to Gabriel and knelt beside him. She hugged him gently while whispering comforting words to him. The Human, who had waited for a whole different reaction, was taken aback. Kristofferson noticed this and whispered in his ear:
- Jochen, can we go out?
The two men left the room, descended the stairs, and quickly made their way to the garden. Once sure to avoid prying ears, Kristofferson's face grew heavy with reproach.
- You are a great warrior, Jochen, but I have to say you disappoint me. There isn't so much glory in defeating a skinny kid.
- Ho, I just talked to him! He was the one who wanted to put that broom in my face!
The ratman stopped, and faced Jochen.
- He maybe did, but you didn't have to lay your hand on him too!
- He can count himself lucky, if I hadn't held back I would have broken him in half.
- Come on, Jochen! Gab is a kid! A kid with problems!
- Gab has always problems, Kit.
- Not as much as now! Precisely, he begins to worry us! Gab is usually rather fragile in his head, but for the past few weeks he has looked more disturbed than usual. We are thinking of talking with him about it with our parents and the Prince. But for that, he must be in good spirits, and your "goodbye" has just smashed everything to the ground! It's going to take at least one whole week for him to recover now!
- Oh, poor little thing! I would almost cry! the Human quipped.
Something suddenly changed in Kristofferson's gaze and intonation, and it made Jochen uncomfortable.
- This is no joke, my friend. Gabriel is a very bright brain, but also very unstable! His inventions are incredibly effective, but we don't know what would happen if he lost his mind! He's a kid who's feeling a bit lost right now. The coming of adulthood is approaching, and you know how kids are when that happens; it's harder to them to contain their emotions, they reject authority because they want to exist and impose themselves, and when something really doesn't please them, they break down and overreact. Gabriel is right in there! So, for the good of all, we must show understanding, and not aggressive! Even if he wanted to hit you with a broom, you're trained enough to dodge the attack and stop him without hurting him like you did! Besides, even if it had hit you, I don't think your life would have been particularly threatened. You hit a confused kid, Jochen! Admit this is not very constructive, nor honourable! Only cowards and scoundrels hit children.
The Human did not know what to say. Somewhere deep inside him, something told him that his friend's words were right. Kristofferson continued:
- Besides, Gabriel's not the type to ask for trouble. Wouldn't you have upset him in any way?
- Well… a few, maybe. But hey, he gets upset about the slightest, senseless thing.
- When in doubt, as soon as you feel this "senseless thing" coming, you change the subject. As much as the soldiers we work with, you can call them all names, that will make them chuckle, as much my young brother, you must never take the risk.
Jochen sighed.
- Maybe you're right. Considering this way, I went a little hard.
- Well, I'm glad you understand that.
- Do you think I should go back and apologize?
- Certainly not. I think on the contrary, it is better you do not see him again before you leave.
- I am sincere, brother.
- I have no doubt, brother, but he won't be willing to listen to you, and you will waste your saliva.
- All right. Indeed, you know him better than I do.
Without adding a word, Jochen walked towards the exit of the Steiner estate.
In the laboratory, Bianka was still consoling Gabriel. He finally stopped moaning.
- Come on, it's over.
- It's not my fault! He was mean to me!
- And he really had no reason to hit you like he did?
Gabriel had to swallow his saliva before repeating:
- He was mean to me!
- Look, it's fine. Either way, he's about to leave, and he won't be back for years. Everything will be forgotten, and no one will think about it anymore.
Finally, the little ratman struggled to his feet.
- I feel better when you reassure me.
- Yeah, but you know, you better learn to fend for yourself. I won't always be there to reassure you.
- I… I know, I… know. I'll get back to work.
Gabriel wiped his eyes and walked back to his workshop. Bianka gave a small sigh.
I would love to see you happier, more serene!
The wind was sweeping the dust off the cobblestones of the large square at the east gate. The convoy was now ready to leave. The Gottlieb Twins were in the lead, ahead of a small battalion of about fifteen Humans, men and women. The three eldest children of the Steiner couple were in the front row of people gathered in the square. Curious onlookers mingled with the families of the members of the expedition.
The Prince himself was finishing a pep talk.
- And that is why, Lady Gottlieb, Lord Gottlieb, your mission is so important. Knowledge is the most precious of treasures: it uplifts us, it allows us to better understand the world, and thus to no longer be afraid. You will not only bring us back information about the treacherous members of Clan Eshin, you will also be reaching out to the Cathay civilization. When I was a trader in Altdorf, I did not have the opportunity to do business with these people. I admit, it was a source of frustration. But today, with your help, I hope to finally be able to forge links between Vereinbarung and this distant land. I'm sure we have a lot to share! This Ink Drop will punctuate the first line of the first paragraph of a long chapter in our History about a fruitful relationship between our two countries!
Some applause punctuated these words. Steiner continued:
- All of you, who volunteered for this expedition, I congratulate you. Be sure the Crown will remember your selflessness when you return. Of course, I prefer to be sincere: your prolonged absence will weigh on our hearts, perhaps worry will sometimes whisper fearful ideas in our ears. But Cathay has the reputation of being a land well taken in hand by its people. Cathaysians are trustworthy by tradition. As long as you follow protocol, your person will be sacred. And I know you will represent the best the Kingdom of the Rats has to offer. May Verena, Shallya, Taal and Rhya watch over you all! May your return be followed by a new trade route from Vereinbarung to the Empire of the Celestial Dragon!
Once again, the crowd applauded, this time in a more frank manner. Bianka spotted Brisingr Steadyhand's flaming mane out of the corner of her eye. She felt a slight annoyed grin tickling her lips.
I don't know if I should thank you or curse you for not going with them.
The Magister applauded frankly, almost exaggeratedly. He even shouted "Long live the Prince!" many times. The Prince raised his arm towards the huge doors. The soldiers on duty activated the opening mechanism, and the reinforced wood panels parted and opened completely with a loud crackle. Marjan and Jochen got in the saddle, imitated by the fifteen volunteers. The drivers of the carts containing the provisions cracked the whips, and the whole convoy passed through the double doors, still with the applause.
During the whole manoeuvre, Kristofferson had not taken his eyes off Marjan. When the doors slammed shut, he couldn't suppress a small tear.
May Verena watch your way… my friend.
He had extremely aptly refrained from calling it anything else.
A few tens of minutes later, Bianka bade farewell to Sigmund at the West Gate. The twelve Black Skaven were finishing getting ready and getting on the saddle.
- No cheering ceremony for you and your men? Opa is not very fair.
- I was the one who suggested to him not to make a grand start. I have the unpleasant feeling that discretion is the order of the day.
- "Discretion"? Thirteen Black Skaven in the same place, I don't call this discretion!
- Yes, of course! Well, you know what I mean.
Sigmund raised his eyebrows when he saw Bianka's expression. She had never hidden anything from him. And her face displayed a sincere concern, not to say a certain anguish.
- Hey, what's wrong?
The young, wheat-coloured fur Skaven girl looked right, then left, then leaned forward, and whispered:
- You taught me to trust my instincts when I feel danger. And precisely, there is something that perturbs me for a few days.
- What?
The ratgirl's thin muzzle creased in annoyance, even in the effect of a gust of wind.
- I don't know, and that's annoying me, precisely. But I have a feeling something is looming over us.
- You mean… there, right now?
- Not especially. Rather, I'm thinking about a force in the shadows, a vicious intelligence that seeks to weaken us through treachery before striking where it hurts the most. Perhaps at several points simultaneously.
- Much like the Orcs and Iapoch's Feral Skaven?
- No, worse than that. I can't describe it more precisely, Siggy, but that's how I feel. I…
A tear rolled down her cheek.
- I beg you, don't play hero. I don't know why, but I'm sure now is not the time to.
Sigmund gently put his big hand on his little sister's shoulder.
- We'll do it as quickly as possible. For all we know, it's just a lost child who has already been found by the villagers. But if it is more serious, we'll come back in Steinerburg and I shall ask Opa to send more people. I won't take unnecessary risks, nor make anyone from the Black Guard to take for me. I promise you.
He wiped the tear from the ratmaiden's fluffy cheekbone, hugged her one last time, and climbed onto Okapia. Bianka stroked the mare's muzzle.
- Okapia, take good care of the silly billy that's crushing your back.
She smiled weakly when she spotted a small, collusive glint in the animal's eye. Sigmund heeled his mount, followed by his soldiers, and the thirteen Black Skaven passed through the gates of Steinerburg.