The Prince didn't need to listen to his grandson's entire report to understand something terrible was brewing. The Black Skaven's gaze had been eloquent enough.
- Are you sure that what happened in Friedrichsdorf is not an isolated act?
- I am. On the way back, my Black Guards suggested to go through a couple of other small villages. We did, we questioned, and the inhabitants had to suffer from the same scourge. Some of the younger Skaven children have disappeared without a trace, and a few adults linked to these children have been found murdered.
- Hum… This is very untoward.
The Prince stood up, and took a few steps up and down in his study. Sigmund declared in a monotonous voice:
- I'll find the responsible.
The Human stopped, and swivelled toward the Black Skaven.
- Sigmund, I shall ask you to be careful; you are very compassionate, especially when the victims are children. And precisely, it can lead you into delicate situations. You've made a lot of progress in the last few months, I'll grant you that, but you have to keep a cool head. We are dealing with calculators. If no one has seen anything so far, it is because they are very diligent. I feel the coming weeks will be particularly tense. And I need you and all the rest of your family to the best of their ability: calm, reason must be the behaviours to have. I'll see with Romulus and Commander Renata what arrangements to make. Go rest, I'll give you free time until tomorrow morning, we'll see what you do.
- Right, Opa.
- And about Friedrichsdorf… for the moment, it is not a priority. But when things are sorted out, we'll see if we can send a little manpower there to help the local population return to balance.
- Thank you for your generosity.
- Such is the role of a true monarch, my little one. Go, I have to return to the throne room.
The young ratman bowed, and left the study. He hastened to visit his little sister at the temple of Verena.
When he entered the large, austere building, he stopped in front of Verena's high altar. The marble cabinet was always immaculate, dusted and polished every morning. Behind, a large stained glass window represented Verena, the Goddess of Justice. She was a tall woman who wielded a sword in one hand, and held a balanced scale in the other. Her blindfolded eyes reminded her followers and the people who kept the commandments of the gods of the Empire she used to apply justice in a blindly, impartially and fairly way. Sigmund moaned under his breath.
"Impartial" and "fair"… it depends for whom!
The Black Skaven knew that it was impossible to live in a society where everyone was on an equal footing in the face of justice. Even though his grandfather and the guarantors of the Vereinbarung laws tried to do their best, even if it meant condemning someone as important as Schmetterling, there were still profiteers, corrupt lawyers, and unpunished injustices. It was fatal. And the Rat Kingdom could not be an exception.
But Sigmund didn't want to disrespect this goddess whom he himself prayed regularly. Attending to the customs of the followers of the order, he placed his two cupped hands at waist level, then he parted them to imitate the two plates of a scale. He bowed, and resumed his way to the quarters reserved for the members of the cult.
He went through a narrow corridor. As he opened the door to the wing where the cult leaders' offices were, he nearly jostled a light grey, little bumpy under his librarian robe Skaven. The latter panicked.
- Oh, I beg your pardon, sir!
- It's nothing, not enough to put you in this state.
The Skaven was sweaty and trembling like a leaf.
- Cap… Captain… Steiner! A thousand pardons!
- Hey, relax, looks like you just saw the Grand Theogonist!
- Well, you… you are the brother of the… High Archivist!
- Yeah, so what? Like you, I pay the taxes, I do my job, and I have to go to the latrine every morning. Don't imagine my name making me better than you, or more important to run the kingdom.
- Being the Captain of the Black Guard is a responsibility I'll never be able to shoulder!
- And what use would it be to be a Captain without soldiers behind me, and without citizens like you to defend? Come on, forget it, live without worrying about it, it's not worth it.
Without waiting for a response, Sigmund continued on his way. Moments later, he knocked on the High Archivist's office door. Bianka opened. Her scowled in annoyance face instantly lit up.
- Siggy!
The High Archivist threw herself on the neck of the Black Skaven.
- You came back!
- I told you there was nothing to worry about.
- So, it was a mild problem?
Without showing it, the ratgirl hoped to hear her brother answer in the affirmative. She had an unpleasant sensation with these words:
- No. It's much more serious than we thought. We'll have to take measures. I think Mother will talk about it at supper.
Bianka felt her ears fall back on her skull.
- Speaking of that, maybe we should go home now?
- Good idea. We have to go get Isolde first.
- Oh yes, it's true.
Indeed, a few weeks before, Psody and Heike had decided it was high time for the youngest of the family to learn to read and write. Contrary to their fears, the little ratgirl had received this news with immense joy, delighted at the idea of being able to read on her own the books in the family library, and the missal from the temple of Shallya. It had been decided to call on the services of a priestess of Verena for this, in order to give a special framework to this learning, and to make it an activity in its own right, more solemn than everyday life. For the same reason, Isolde was taken to Verena's temple every day, by her mother or by Magdalena, where she could work in a small office not far from her older sister's, who usually brought her home.
The twins left the study, and Bianka led the way to another door at the end of the hall. She knocked. A clear voice answered her:
- Come in!
Isolde was finishing writing a series of letters. She applied herself, and stuck out her tongue as the quill slid a little too sharply across the paper. She was trying as best she could not to overstep the line drawn by Sister Esther. It was a tough exercise. It was hardly if she heard the voice of the priestess of Verena.
- Ah, High Archivist, there you are. Oh, good evening, Captain!
- Good evening, Sister Esther.
The little cream-coloured ratgirl looked up, and her heart raced at the sight of the large Black Skaven.
- Siggy!
She jumped up from her seat and threw herself on Sigmund's neck.
- Well! What enthusiasm! the priestess mocked.
- I'm used to it, Sister Esther.
Sister Esther was a tall, slender woman who had lived for nearly three decades. Born from Norse parents, she inherited her mother's pale blue eyes, and her father's blonde mane, which she always knotted in a bun. She liked to wear a dress that emphasized her curves, and knew how to switch in the blink of an eye from the most delicate of sweetness to the last firmness.
With Isolde, however, it was never necessary. Though…
- Did everything go well, Sister Esther?
- It will be fine, High Archivist, but I've seen your little sister a little more attentive...
- It's hard! These letters are too difficult to copy well! whined Isolde, who let herself fall to the ground.
- It's true that we come to characters who like to cross the line. The "J", the "Y", the "ß"... But I think you weren't so focused today. Less than yesterday, anyway.
- Maybe there is a real reason for her to lose her concentration? Sigmund suggested in a deep voice.
Sister Esther held the gaze of the Black Skaven.
- Do you think about anything in particular, Captain?
- Not yet.
Bianka did not utter a word, but her gaze sent her brother equally eloquent reproaches. The latter, aware that the bad news he had brought to his grandfather was not yet known to everyone, decided to give up. He mumbled:
- Right, let's go, shall we?
- Thank you, Sister Esther. Our parents will find out what was wrong with Isolde today. We'll fix the problem.
- I am convinced of it, High Archivist. Have a good evening.
Once the three Steiners left the temple, Bianka did not fail to put words to his feelings:
- Be a little more careful, Sigmund, will you? I have every confidence in Sister Esther to provide quality learning, at least equal to Brother Seehecht's lessons.
Brother Karl Seehecht was the priest of Verena who had served as a tutor to the first three children of the Steiner siblings. Gabriel had only needed a few hours working on the exercises of his elders.
- So, what?
- So, try not to question her skills in front of Isolde, she doesn't need that!
- What is "questioning your skills"? asked the little ratgirl.
- It means it is very rude to say Sister Esther doesn't teach you well to read and write in front of you. After that, you might think it's true, and pay less attention to lessons.
- And... that's not true, is it? I like Sister Esther, she is kind, and I love to learn with her.
- Yes, you're right. Sister Esther is a good tutor, and I wish Sigmund would be more careful when talking about her!
The Black Skaven decided to be clearer:
- It's not because of Sister Esther that Isolde is paying less attention. Maybe it's because she feels something is wrong?
- No, I don't feel anything! Isolde replied, surprised.
- Come on, Siggy! Are you starting over with our little sister now?
Sigmund growled, furious at being taken over by the blonde Skaven.
- Right, you come back with some bad news. But it's better to keep this for the home.
- Bad news? What's happening? Isolde worried.
- Mother will talk about it later, Sigmund grumbled. Come on, let's go home!
They passed through the temple stable. Bianka mounted Buell, and Sigmund climbed onto Okapia's back. Isolde, always happy to travel on her elder's mare, mounted behind him.
Once again, the Prince was receiving the citizens of Vereinbarung who had complaints to report to him. Once again, he found the time very long. He had already had to deal with six cases since the beginning of the afternoon. He had only allowed himself a short break to listen to Sigmund's report, before facing people who had come to bring their problems to him again.
In front of him was standing Mother Morgana, the main leader of the Cult of Rhya in Steinerburg, and by extension of the entire Rat Kingdom. After Verena, Rhya was the most revered goddess in this part of the Renegade Crowns. Goddess of Harvest and Fertility, she was particularly appreciated by farmers, cultivators and foresters.
Mother Morgana was not the Order's oldest priestess, but she had established herself as the best suited to manage the affairs of this particular Temple. She was a tall, heavily built woman with clear eyes. The whiteness of her skin contrasted with the red mane that rippled over her shoulders. Her bare arms showed simple tattoos of symbols related to Rhya, symbols that also adorned her round face. She wore some wooden jewellery, feathers and other ornaments tied to her braids, and a thick, rather coarse white linen toga.
Mother Morgana was known for her outspokenness and stubbornness, which could be both a quality and a flaw in her profession, and in her position. Born and raised in a peasant family in Talabecland, she was firmly attached to the ancient customs that governed Human civilization since the founding of the Empire by Sigmar Heldenhammer. By extension, she didn't like at all what appealed to the modern world, and to machines intended to increase production.
Also, when she learned that the burgomaster of Grüneweiden had called for volunteers all over Vereinbarung to work as labourers in the construction of new machines intended to increase the production of the wool that she used to sale, the Mother Superior of the temple of Rhya immediately had identified a source of problems. She hadn't waited long to make her way straight to the princely mansion and express her complete disapproval.
The Prince slowly shook his head.
- I can understand your concern, Mother Morgana, but in my opinion, leaving the situation as it is would do more harm than good. We must modernize the Rat Kingdom.
- Modernize, modernize, that's all well and good, but when Mother Nature has been bled dry by technological madness, she will make us pay a heavy price for this.
- Grüneweiden is not Nuln, Mother Morgana. There will be no question of building huge foundries there that will run all day! Simply a few mechanical machines that will operate by force of arms, wind or horses. How is that so embarrassing for Rhya?
- Today, nothing to worry about, but tomorrow, who knows if we don't risk seeing all our cities become as polluted as Nuln?
- This is the price to pay for keeping our people above others, thanks to progress. Don't you approve of progress? Don't you want to see our people thrive, people live longer, and more comfortably? You want us to stay cloistered in the old world?
- I care about traditions, your Majesty.
- I care, too, traditions constitute a solid foundation on which a society can rest, that's a fact. And I am all the more sensitive to your request as I myself was brought up in the cult of Taal. I'm from Talabheim, remember? Although I have spent most of my life in Altdorf, I have never forgotten or overlooked Mother Nature's rightful place. Besides, society can change, and traditions can adapt to allow change. Don't you like change?
The Human thought for a couple of seconds before responding:
- Yes, of course, change avoids being entrenched. Mother Nature herself never ceases to demonstrate this to us. It's just I'm afraid this change to be unwelcome.
- You won't see the chimneys of the Nuln forges on our lands, Mother Morgana.
- I won't, but those who will succeed me? My children? Yours? I think the future of the entire Rat Kingdom is at stake now. Grüneweiden is the first blaze of a huge fire that will ravage the entire Vereinbarung countryside. My role is to prevent this fire.
The Prince didn't want to continue the debate indefinitely.
- If that can reassure you, I will ask burgomaster Schmidt to limit the modernization of Grüneweiden as a first step, so that it does not go beyond the limits of this city. We will see how things turn out in a few years' time, and if Rhya emits any loud and clear protestations, only then will we revise our positions accordingly. Will it suit you?
The priestess rubbed her chin. She finally nodded. The Prince declared almost casually:
- Perfect, I knew we would find common ground.
- Attention, Your Highness, count on us to listen to Rhya's words, and to let you know the slightest little protest she makes!
- I'm sure you will. In the meantime, burgomaster Schmidt will be able to modernize Grüneweiden. So spoke the Prince.
Mother Morgana recognized the traditional "end point" of the conversation. She bowed and left the throne room. Once gone, the Prince let out a long sigh. He stood up, stretched his back, and muttered.
Verena forgive me, these sessions are getting more and more gruelling!
Especially since he hadn't been able to seriously think of anything other than the terrible news his grandson had reported him. Feral Skaven had the nerve to break into his kingdom, and abduct children!
Ha! Vereinbarung really needed that! As if there weren't enough problems already...
He had ordered Sigmund to keep his cool, and was well aware he had to follow that instruction himself. But he couldn't help but be upset. These thugs would have to answer for their crimes. And no question of giving them the slightest chance!
The various bell towers in the vicinity rang out together seven times. Steiner wanted to join his family, but his working day was not over. A long evening of work awaited him.
First of all, I have to talk to Heike!
Gabriel was the first to sit at the table. This did not fail to surprise his mother. Her youngest son was usually left behind, too wrapped up in plans or reading. Sigmund took a seat next to him. The two sisters arrived together, Isolde happily telling Bianka how she planned to apply for the next day.
The blonde Skaven saw a very clear concern on her mother's face.
- Well, what's going on, Mother? Is something wrong?
- I'll talk to you about it at the end of dinner, darling. Magdalena?
The Steiner's faithful servant served the five people at the table. The younger girl was surprised.
- Aren't we waiting for Father?
- No, Isolde. He has to work with Opa Ludwig.
- Why?
- Because they're figuring out how to build a new school of magic for the Shadow Magicians.
A sour taste gripped Bianka's palate when the image of the two wizards mocking her came back to her. These two were sure to be in the Prince's office as well. Isolde asked again:
- What about Kit?
- He's at Verena's temple, he'll have supper later. Now stop asking questions and eat, would be kindly.
The children obeyed their mother. There was even a heavy silence over the table. Finally, Bianka spoke about what Sister Esther had explained to her. Heike patted her cheekbone.
- Why are you less diligent, Isolde? Is there something bothering you, that prevents you from being attentive enough?
- I… I don't know, Mother. It's like there are clouds in my head!
- Clouds… Come on!
- I do not understand. Normally it goes well, but today my hands were shaking and my ears were not listening as well.
- Good… Maybe it will be better tomorrow?
Heike tried to stay calm. Indeed, she thought back to what her father had revealed to her just before the meal. Maybe her daughter instinctively felt that shadow were slowly appearing over the Rat Kingdom?
It was time to straighten things out.
The supper seemed endless for everyone. When dessert was over, she stood up, put her hands on the table, and looked gravely at her children. They were silent. When their mother had that attitude, she had something important to say, and generally it wasn't a good sign.
- Gabriel, Isolde, your grandfather gave me some bad news today. This is something very serious that concerns you. I can tell you about it, because you are old enough to understand. Here it is: in small villages, Skaven children have been kidnapped by Feral Skaven.
Isolde jumped up and snuggled up against Bianka. Gabriel's eyes widened. The ratmother continued:
- From today, until the culprits have been found and arrested, I do not want you to leave the limits of the Steiner Estate anymore. And during the night, you will stay within the walls of the mansion, and you will not leave it under any circumstances.
Gabriel dared:
- But… Mother, I don't understand! We are safe here! Aren't we?
- Remember a Feral Skaven made its way up to our room, Heike replied. You're right, this place is better protected than an isolated hamlet, but there is still a risk, and I don't want to take any risk. We'll also make arrangements to make sure we never leave you alone. Isolde, you shall sleep in your big sister's room, there is room to put your bed there. Gabriel, you're going to move into Kristofferson's apartments. It will be better, because he should not leave Steinerburg, unlike Sigmund who will probably increase the number of patrols.
Sigmund confirmed with a nod. Isolde asked:
- How to do for my lessons? I want to continue to learn reading and writing!
- Don't worry, sweetie, I'll ask Sister Esther to come here. Bianka, can you take care of it?
- Of course, Mother. Shall I explain to her why?
- Not now, just tell her it's a special demand from me. We'll pay extra at the temple in return.
- She'll be happy to hear it.
The ratmother looked again at her two youngest children.
- Look, I know it's hard. When I was your age, I had to stay locked up all day so I couldn't be seen by Humans. I never left your grandfather's property, and at night I never went out either. The difference is that for you, we will do everything to make it last as short as possible. Either way, you have to be very careful from now on. They are dangerous individuals. They can attack anyone, any time.
Heike thought about the mark on Isolde's bed, Schmetterling's betrayal, and the murders due to Iapoch's servants.
- If you ever see anything abnormal, you should definitely talk to Opa Ludwig, your father or me, immediately. Anything, even if it's nothing.
- Even if we think it's a Feral Skaven, and then no? whispered Isolde.
- Even then. I'd rather be worried about something that isn't serious, than let a serious problem go by. Bianka, Siggy, I'm also counting on you two to help Gab and Soso if they come looking for you, right?
The twins nodded with an identical glint in their eyes.
As the elder brother of the High Archivist, Kristofferson had a few small advantages over the common people of Steinerburg, including the ability to view materials reserved for accredited persons, once the temple closed to the public. He was alone in the reading room, even the supervisor had gone to supper without coming back.
The brown Skaven was finishing reading the Johannes Schmetterling trial report. Of course, at the time of the incident, he had been unable to attend it, because of his terrible injury. And if he hadn't completely forgotten this matter, he had preferred to occult it. This memory was still painful.
Walter's words had had their effect, however: first, he had wondered for hours how Humans looked on Skaven. As member of the princely family himself, he was undoubtedly not a representative element of the Freed Ones population. No Human was giving him nasty words or suspicious looks. And so, to verify his friend's words, it was important to see how Humans considered more modest, and therefore less influential Skaven.
Kristofferson didn't want to become completely paranoid, and look for "clues" of this so-called mistrust that Humans would have towards Skaven. Going down this path was the best way to interpret any gesture or word in a wrong tone. No, he needed concrete.
So he had immersed himself in the matter, and was discovering the conclusion, much to his relief. Reading the document had exhausted him. He put the report down, and rubbed his eyes with a grimace. The last declarations of the traitorous Commander left no room for doubt: he feared an uprising of the Skaven population, whose representatives had been called by him "dirty rats", "vermin" and other "creatures". He had manipulated a laundress, named as Captain a racist person, perhaps he had done the same in other barracks?
The great temple bell rang its nine strokes. It was high time to come home, have a bite to eat, and relax before going to bed.
A slight crackle suddenly caught his attention.
Kristofferson straightened up. He looked around him, looking for any movement, any noise. There was no one. His ears twitched under the effect of several irregular crackles. What could be more normal in the reading room of a library? The furniture, the windows, the hinges of the doors echoed their presence, each in turn. The brown Skaven spotted a few more disparate sounds as well, but nothing to worry about.
He stood up, placed the folder on the attendant's desk, noted the hour of his departure in the attendance register, and left the reading room. Soon after, he found himself in the well-lit streets of the Libra Quarter. He went to the district stable, and got back Weissherz.
The white horse's shod hooves clacked on the cobblestones of the street. At this hour, the neighbourhood was still lively. Wealthy locals feasted in fancy taverns, some of the more fortunate organised parties with performers within their estates, others grouped chatting under a lamppost. And the guard patrols circulated at regular intervals.
Everything was usual, almost reassuring.
And yet Kristofferson had an unpleasant sensation.
He looked over his shoulder, then all around him. Nothing in particular caught his attention, and yet he had the impression, almost certain, that someone was spying on him. To follow him.
His eye focused on a small dark alley, wedged between two buildings, on his right. The perfect place to hide and surprise him. His Skaven eyes allowed him to clearly see the space that was narrow… and empty.
Something moved just above. He nervously raised his head. He had seen a shadow leaping from roof to roof over the alley. He was almost certain! He narrowed his eyes, he concentrated, tried to focus his senses on the roofs lit from below. He watched, he lingered on the chimneys, on the lookout for the slightest movement, he expected to see a figure hiding behind the brick columns... but he saw nothing.
He quietly yelped in rage, and pretended to sneeze to hide his frustration. Maybe I'm getting some ideas? No wonder after the last few hours, to have again bathed in the Schmetterling affair. This, plus lack of sleep and hunger, is a perfect combination to disrupt the brain. The best thing to do was go home.
Forty-five minutes later, he was finishing the stew the cook had prepared. All the members of his family were already in bed, he was alone in the large dining room. The fire in the fireplace was slowly dying. The atmosphere seemed even more sinister, more disturbing. He picked up an apple from the fruit basket and bit into it. His eye fixed on the many windows that looked directly into the park. His muzzle wrinkled. Hadn't he discerned a movement yet? He thought for a few more moments...
- Oh, damn it!
He sat down firmly, and decided not to think about it anymore. With a few nicks, he finished his apple, threw the core into the fireplace, poured himself a last glass of wine, and left the room to reach his apartments.
Arriving on the upper floor of the apartments, Kristofferson grumbled. He crossed the first threshold which led to his desk, then opened the door to his room. But no sooner did he put his toes on the floor when a shrill cry made him jump.
- Eep!
He saw Gabriel in a corner of the room. The young, naked ratboy, curled up, his tunic nervously tightened on his chest.
- Oh sorry! exclaimed the tall brown Skaven before hurrying out.
He turned his back to the door, and internally cursed himself.
I forgot, they put him there. I'll have to be more careful!
He heard his brother's voice say faintly through the wood:
- It's fine…
Kristofferson reopened his bedroom door. His heart sank when he saw Gabriel sitting on his bed. Tucked into his nightgown, skinny, shaking, he looked miserable.
- I'm… sorry, Kit.
- There's no reason to be!
- I shouldn't… be embarrassed by your presence. I'm occupying your domain, and then... you're my brother.
Kristofferson pouted a little.
- That's not the point. Brother or not brother, you have the right to have a minimum of privacy. And for now, this room is now as much yours as it is mine. It's up to me to be sorry. I'll try to get used to checking if you're visible before entering.
- You… want me to go out… to…?
- I'll change in my office.
The brown Skaven realized the condition of the little light grey Skaven. He seemed ready to cry.
- You look really bad, Gab.
- I'm scared, Kit...
- Hey, there's no reason for!
He found it hard to believe what he had just said. Had his imagination played a trick on him, or had he indeed been stalked? If the second answer was correct, he was going to have to be twice as careful, Gabriel could to be next one…
Above all, I must not talk about that!
The little light grey Skaven whispered, his throat tied:
- And yet... I feel something.
Kristofferson sat up on his bed, and patted the mattress to invite his brother to sit next to him. Without a word, Gabriel stood up and took a seat on the mattress.
- So, Gab, what does scare you?
Gab tried several times to start a sentence. As he couldn't, he collapsed on Kristofferson's shoulder, and wept silently. Full of compassion, the tall brown Skaven hugged him gently.
- It's all right, Gab. Shh, don't worry.
- I… I'm scared… Kit!
- Come on, tell me: what is it that scares you so much?
The little ratboy lifted his head, his eyes wet, his nose swollen.
- I'm scared Siggy will leave and never come back. I'm scared there will be war again, blood and death. I'm scared a Feral Skaven will come out of the closet and kidnap me!
Kristofferson thought. His brother's fears were all justified, so alleviating them wouldn't be an easy exercise. He put his hand on Gabriel's fluffy cheek.
- Sigmund is the best warrior in the whole Kingdom, he faced the Feral Skaven many times. Right now it's not war, it's just scouts, and when we find their hiding place, we'll get rid of them. And here we are safe. The Feral Skaven will not be able to enter.
- There was already one!
- Exactly, the guards will be twice as careful. Maybe Opa will even bring in more? I'll ask Wally to send us his best men.
Gabriel nodded.
He sighed, and his eyes dreamed.
- Sometimes, I would like to be a Griffin.
- A Griffin? Why, then?
- Because it is a particularly majestic, powerful, able to fly, and brave animal. I wish I could be as brave as a Griffin.
- You know, you don't have to be a Griffin to be brave.
- Yes of course. You are not a Griffin.
Gabriel hadn't said that in a tone of reproach, or of disappointment. Kristofferson sensed it, and therefore understood very well the meaning of these simple but sincere words. He leaned over to Gabriel and whispered in a soft voice:
- You don't have to be scared, Gab. As long as you stay within the walls of the estate, no one will be able to harm you. And if ever a Feral Skaven does ever get its dirty paws on you, I catch it, and I suffocate it until it begs me to stop... like that!
In a flash, he grabbed his little brother, propped him up on his knees, hugged him to his chest, and began to tickle him furiously, running his fingers over his ribs, stomach, neck, armpits. The little light grey Skaven burst into a nervous laugh. He desperately tried to struggle, to wriggle, but he couldn't extricate himself from the grip of the brown Skaven. He laughed to tears, tried to call for help between gasps, and after a long half minute he did indeed find it hard to catch his breath. Kristofferson pushed him back onto the mattress. Immediately, Gabriel threw himself under his own bed and didn't move.
Proud of his joke, Kristofferson smiled when he saw the young ratboy's feverish eyes under the bed and the tip of his tail hitting the carpet.
- So, Gab? It's good to laugh sometimes, don't you think?
- I especially think you're lucky that I took my precautions before going to bed, Kit. Otherwise, I wouldn't have hesitated to pee on you!
The tall Skaven giggled. Gabriel slowly extricated himself from his hiding place and laughed a little more weakly, but heartily.
- I love you, Gab.
Without answering, the little light grey Skaven slipped into his own bed. Kristofferson gave him a little kiss.
- You have nothing to fear, little brother. We will protect you.
Then he took his own nightgown, and left the room to change. Before going through the door, he whispered again:
- I will protect you.
Five minutes later, he was already sleeping like a baby. The worries of the day hadn't kept him from falling asleep.
Unlike Gabriel.
His brain was racing, and his mind was uncontrollably scattering. From time to time, he opened his eyes again, and glance over at the sleeping brown Skaven on the other side of the room. His voice echoed in his ears again.
"I will protect you."
Against the Feral Skaven, I'm sure... but against...
Indeed, the little light grey Skaven hadn't dared to tell Kristofferson about his worst fear. The one that had drowned his heart in an impenetrable mist for a few days already.
I'm not worth anything! I'm just a weapon maker!
But weren't the weapons going to be needed in the next few days to come? His mother's voice reminded him:
"They are dangerous individuals."
Dangerous... dangerous up to what level? An assassin had passed through the window of his parents' bedroom. Could someone else try its luck?
"We will protect you."
As long as he still had an interest, like designing war machines. What if things change? What if it was decided to move on?
"How would you like to create-manage a College of Jade?"
Once the Colleges of Magic are in place, no longer any need for his inventions. And therefore, no longer any need for him.
"We will protect you."
"How would you like to create-manage a College of Jade?"
"They can attack anyone, any time."
"How would you like to create-manage a College of Jade?"
"I will protect you."
Voices mingled, and ideas too. The hapless little ratboy felt his guts knot again, and tears pouring into his eyes, as his worst fears tormented him as cruelly as a cat playing with a mouse. How to do, how to do to be able to...
Suddenly, a loud, sharp click echoed in his brain.
The voices fell silent, the images dissipated.
He looked up, his breathing slackened, he calmed down a bit.
In the dark, his commissures slowly lifted, and his eyes began to shine with satisfaction and excitement.