AWARHAMMERNOVEL

SKAVENSLAYER

Gotrek&Felix-02

WilliamKing

(AnUndeadScanv1.7)

Thisisadarkage,abloodyage,anageofdaemonsandofsorcery.Itisanageofbattleanddeath,andoftheworld’sending.Amidstallofthefire,flameandfuryitisatime,too,ofmightyheroes,ofbolddeedsandgreatcourage.At the heart of theOldWorld sprawls the Empire, the largest andmost powerful of the humanrealms.Known for its engineers, sorcerers, traders and soldiers, it is a land of greatmountains,mightyrivers,darkforestsandvastcities.AndfromhisthroneinAltdorfreignstheEmperorKarl-Franz, sacred descendant of the founder of these lands, Sigmar, and wielder of his magicalwarhammer.But theseare far fromcivilised times.Across the lengthandbreadthof theOldWorld, from theknightlypalacesofBretonniatoice-boundKislevinthefarnorth,comerumblingsofwar.InthetoweringWorld’sEdgeMountains, the orc tribes are gathering for another assault. Bandits andrenegadesharrythewildsouthernlandsoftheBorderPrinces.Therearerumoursofrat-things,theskaven,emergingfromthesewersandswampsacrosstheland.Andfromthenorthernwildernessesthereistheever-presentthreatofChaos,ofdaemonsandbeastmencorruptedbythefoulpowersoftheDarkGods.Asthetimeofbattledrawsevernear,theEmpireneedsheroeslikeneverbefore.

SKAVEN’SCLAW“I would like to forget the long, hard trudge through the winter woods which followed ourencounterwiththechildrenofUlric.Anditpainsmetothisdaytothinkofthepunishmentwemeted out to the girl, Magdalena, but my companion was unrelenting, and no evil weencounteredwaseversparedifthatcouldbeavoided.Inthiscaseitcouldnotbe.Withaheavyhearts,weenteredtheforestoncemoreandsetoffnorthwards.

“At long lastwe foundourselves in thegreatElector cityofNuln,aplaceof refinement,sophistication,wealthandgreatlearning—andacityinwhichmyfamilyhadlonghadbusinessdealings. At that time, the Countess Emmanuelle was at the height of her fame, power andbeautyandhercityattracted thewealthy, thearistocraticand the famous likeacandle flameattractsmoths.NulnwasoneofthemostbeautifulcitiesinalltheEmpire.

“Ofcourse,ourownentryintothelifeofthecitywasmadeatalevelfarloweronthesocialscale. Short of cash, hungry and weary from our long journey, we were forced to takeemployment in what was possibly the very worst occupation we were to pursue in our longwanderings.Andduring thatperiodweencountereda fiendwhowas tobedevilourpaths forlongyearstocome.”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,Vol.III,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

“Stuckinasewer,huntinggoblins.Whatalife,”FelixJaegermutteredwithfeeling.Hecursedallthegods roundly. In his time he had come to consider himself something of an expert onunprepossessing surroundings but this must surely take the prize. Twenty feet overhead, thepopulation of the city ofNulnwent about its lawful daily business.And here hewas, in the dark,creepingalongnarrowwalkwayswhereasingleslipcouldputhimoverhisheadinreekingfoulness.His back ached from stooping for hours on end. Truly, in all of his long association with theTrollslayer,GotrekGurnisson,hehadneverbeforeplumbedsuchdepths.

“Stopmoaning,manling.It’sajob,isn’tit?”Gotreksaidcheerfully,payingnottheslightestheedtothesmellorthenarrownessoftheledgeortheclosenessofthebubblingbrothofexcrementthesewerjackscalled“thestew”.

TheSlayerlookedrightathomeintheendlessmazeofbrickworkandchannels.Gotrek’ssquatmuscularformwasfarbetteradaptedtotheworkthanFelix’sown.Thedwarfpickedhiswayalongtheledgesassure-footedasacat.Inthetwoweekstheyhadbeenpartofthesewerwatch,Gotrekhadbecomefarmoreadroitatthejobthanten-yearveteransoftheservice.Butthenhewasadwarf;hispeoplewererearedinthelightlessplacesfarbeneaththeOldWorld.

Itprobablyhelpedthathecouldseeinthedark,Felixthought,anddidnothavetodependontheflickeringlightofthewatchmen’slanterns.Thatstilldidnotexplainhowheenduredthestink,though.Felix doubted whether even the dwarfholds smelled quite so bad. The stench down here wasexquisitelyvile.Hisheadswamfromthefumes.

TheTrollslayerlookedpeculiarwithouthisusualweapon.Felixhadcometothinkofthebattle-axeasbeinggraftedtohishand.Nowthedwarfhadhishugestarmetalaxestrappedacrosshisback.Therewasnotenoughspacetoswingitinmostareasofthesewer.FelixhadtriedtogetGotrektoleavetheweaponinthewatcharmouryalongsidehisownmagicalswordbuthadfailed.NoteventheprospectofitsweightdragginghimbelowthesewageifhefellincouldcausetheSlayertopartwithhisbelovedheirloom.SoGotrekcarriedathrowinghatchetinhisrighthandandahugemilitarypickin theother.Felix shudderedwhenhe imagined the latterbeingused. It resembleda largehammerwithacruelhookedspikeononeside.Drivenbythedwarf’sawesomestrengthhedidnotdoubtthatitcouldshatterboneandtearthroughmusclewithease.

Felix tightened his grip on his own short stabbing sword andwished that he still carried theTemplarAldred’s dragon-hiltedmageblade. The prospect of facing goblins in the darkmade himlongforthereassuranceofusinghisfamiliarweapon.PerhapsGotrekwasrighttokeephisaxesoclose.

In thegloomof the lantern light, his fellowsewerjackswereominous shadowy figures.Theyworenouniformsave theubiquitousscarveswrappedroundtheirheads likeAraby turbans,withalongfoldobscuringtheirmouths.Overthelasttwoweeks,though,Felixhadbecomefamiliarenoughwiththemtorecognisetheirsilhouettes.

Therewastall,spareGantwhosescarfconcealedafaceturnedintoamoonscapebypockmarksandwhoseneckwasavolcanicarchipelagooferuptingboils.Ifevertherewasagoodadvertisementfor not staying a sewerjack for twenty years Gantwas it. The thought of his toothless smile, badbreathandworsejokesmadeFelixwanttocringe.NotthathehadeverpointedthisouttoGant’sface.Thesergeanthadhintedthathehadkilledmanyamanforit.

Therewasthesquat,ape-likegiantRudi,withhismassivebarrelchestandhandsalmostasbigasGotrek’s.HeandtheTrollslayeroftenarm-wrestledinthetavernafterwork.Despitestraininguntilthesweatrandownhisbaldpate,Rudihadneverbeatenthedwarf,althoughhehadcomecloserthananymanFelixhadeverseen.

ThentherewereHefandSpider,thenewboysasGantlikedtocallthem,becausetheyhadonly

beenwiththesewerwatchforsevenyears.Theywereidenticaltwinswholivedwiththesamewomanonthesurfaceandwhohadthehabitoffinishingeachother ’ssentences.Sostrangeweretheirlong,lantern-jawedfacesandtheirfish-likestaringeyes,thatFelixsuspectedthatin-breedingormutationwaspartoftheirheritage.Hedidnotdoubttheirdeadlinessinhand-to-handcombat,though,ortheirdedication to each other and their girl,Gilda.He had seen themdo terrible thingswith their longhook-bladedknivestoapimpwhohadinsultedheronenight.

Alongwiththeburly,one-eyeddwarf,thesewerethemenheworkedwith,asdesperateacrewashehadeverknown.Theywereviciousmenwhocouldn’tfindworkthatsuitedthemanywhereelseandwhohadfinallyfoundanemployerwhoaskednoquestions.

Therewere timeswhen Felix felt like going along to the office of his father ’s company andbeggingformoneysohecouldleavethisplace.Heknewtheywouldgiveittohim.HewasstillthesonofGustavJaeger,oneof theEmpire’swealthiestmerchants.Buthealsoknewthatwordofhiscapitulationwouldgetbacktohisfamily.Theywouldknowthathehadcomecrawlingbacktothem,afterallhisfineboasts.Theywouldknowhehadtakenthemoneyhehadaffectedtosodespise.Ofcourse,ithadbeeneasytodespisemoneyonthedayhehadstormedfromtheirhouse,becausehehadneverknownthelackofit.Hisfather ’sthreattodisownhimwasmeaninglessbecausehesimplyhadnotunderstood it.Hehadgrownup rich.Thepoorwereadifferent species: sad, sickly things thatbeggedonstreetcornersandobstructedthepathofone’scoach.Hehadlearnedsincethatday.Hehadenduredhardshipandhethoughthecouldtakeit.

Butthiswasverynearlythelaststraw:beingforcedtobecomeasewerjack,thelowestofthelowamongstthehiredbravoesofNuln.Buttherehadsimplybeennothingelseforit.Sincetheirarrivalnooneelsewouldhiretwosuchdown-at-heelroguesashimselfandGotrek.ItpainedFelixtothinkofhowhemusthavelooked,seekingworkinhistatteredbritchesandpatchedcloak.Hehadalwaysbeensuchafinedresser.

Nowtheyneededthemoney,anymoney.TheirlongtrekthroughthelandoftheBorderPrinceshadyieldednoreward.TheyhadfoundthelosttreasureofKarakEightPeaksbuttheyhadleftittotheghostsofitsowners.Ithadbeenacaseoffindwork,stealorstarve—andbothheandtheTrollslayerweretooproudtostealorbeg.SoheretheywereinthesewersbelowtheEmpire’ssecondgreatestcity, crawling beneath a seat of learning that Felix had once dreamed of attending, haunting slimytunnelsbelowthehomeoftheElectorCountessEmmanuelle,themostfamousbeautyofthenation.

Itwasnottobeborne.Felixwonderedconstantlywhatill-omenedstarhadmarkedhisbirth.Heconsoledhimselfwiththethoughtthatatleastthingswerequiet.Itmightbedirtyworkbutsofarithadnotproveddangerous.

“Tracks!” he heardGant shout. “Ha!Ha!We’ve found someof the little buggers. Prepare foraction,lads.”

“Good,”Gotrekrumbled.“Damn!”Felixmuttered.EvenasinexperiencedasewerjackasFelixcouldspotthesetracks.“Skaven,”Gotrekhawkedandspatahugegobofphlegmoutintothemainchannelofthesewer.

Itglistenedatopapatchofphosphorescentalgae.“Rat-men,spawnofChaos.”Felixcursed.Onthejobonlytwoweeksandalreadyhewasabouttomeetsomeofthecreatures

ofthedepths.HehadalmostbeenabletodismissGant’sstoriesassimplytheimaginingsofamanwhohadnothingbetterwithwhichtofillhislongtedioushours.

FelixhadlongwonderediftherereallycouldbeawholedementedsubworldbeneaththecityasGanthadhinted.Weretherecoloniesofoutcastmutantswhosoughtrefugeinthewarmdarknessandcreptoutatnighttoraidthemarketforscraps?CouldthereactuallybecellarswhereforbiddencultsheldghastlyritualsandoffereduphumansacrificestotheRuinousPowers?

Was it possible that immense ratswhichmocked the form ofman really scuttled through thedepths?Lookingatthosetracksitsuddenlyseemedalltoopossible.

Felix stood frozen in thought, rememberingGotrek’s tales of the skaven and their continent-spanningwebworkoftunnels.Ganttuggedhissleeve.

“Well,let’sgetonwithit,”thesergeantsaid.“Weain’tgotallday.”“Neverbeenherebefore,”Hefwhispered,hisvoiceechoingawaydownthelongstretchofcorridor.

“Neverwanttocomehereagain,”Spideradded,rubbingthebluearachnidtattooonhischeek.For once Felix was forced to agree with them. Even by the standards of Nuln sewers, this was adismal place. The walls had a crumbled, rotten look to them. The little gargoyles on the supportarcheshadbeenblurredbyageuntiltheirfeatureswerenolongervisible.Thestewbubbledandtinywispsofvapourrosewhenthebubblesburst.Theairwasclose,foetidandhot.

Andtherewassomethingelse—theplacehadanevenmoreoppressiveatmospherethanusual.ThehaironthebackofFelix’sneckprickled,asitsometimesdidwhenhesensedtheundercurrentsofsorcerynearby.

“Doesn’tlooksafe,”Rudisaid,lookingatasupportarchdubiously.Gotrek’sfacetwistedasifthiswereapersonalinsult.

“Nonsense,” he said. “These tunnelswere dwarf-built a thousand years ago. This is Khazalidworkmanship.It’lllastaneternity.”

Toprovehispointhebangedthearchwithhisfist.Perhapsitwasjustbadluck,butthegargoylechosethatmomenttofallforwardfromitsperch.TheSlayerhadtoleaptoonesidetoavoidbeinghitontheheadandnarrowlyavoidedskiddingintothestew.

“Ofcourse,”Gotrekadded,“Someofthelabourwasdonebyhumanartisans.Thatgargoyle,forinstance—typicalshoddymanlingworkmanship.”

Noonelaughed.OnlyFelixdaredevensmile.Gantstaredupattheceiling.Thelampsetdownathisfeetunderlithisface,makinghimlookeerieanddaemonic.

“WemustbebelowtheOldQuarter,”hesaidwistfully.Felixcouldseehewascontemplatingthedistrict of palaces. A strange melancholy expression transfigured his gaunt, bony features. Felixwonderedwhetherhewasponderingthedifferencebetweenhislifeandthegildedexistenceofthoseabove,contemplatingthesplendourshewouldneverknowandtheopportunitieshewouldneverhave.Momentarilyhefeltacertainsympathyfortheman.

“Theremustbeafortuneupthere,”Gantsaid.“WishIcouldclimbupandgetit.Well,nosenseinwastingtime.Let’sgetonwithit.”

“Whatwasthat?”Gotrekaskedsuddenly.Theotherslookedaround,startled.“Whatwaswhat?”Hefasked.“Andwherewaswhat?”addedSpider.“I heard something. Down that way.” All their gazes followed the direction indicated by the

Trollslayer ’spointingfinger.“You’reimaginingthings,”Rudisaid.“Dwarfsdon’timaginethings.”“Awsarge,dowehavetolookintothis?”Rudiwhined.“Iwanttogethome.”Gantrubbedhislefteyewiththeknucklesofhisrightfist.Heseemedtobeconcentrating.Felix

couldseehewaswavering.Hewantedtoleaveandbeofftothetavernjustasquicklyastherestofthem,butthiswashisresponsibility.Ifsomethingwaswrongbeneaththepalacesandanyonefoundouttheyhadbeenthereanddonenothingaboutit,thenitwashisneckfortheblock.

“We’dbetterlookintoit.”hesaideventually,ignoringthegroansofhisfellowsewerjacks.“Itshouldn’ttakelong.I’lllayoddsit’snothinganyway.”

Knowinghisluck,Felixdecided,thatwasabethewouldn’ttake.Waterdrippeddownfromthearchofthetunnel.Ganthadnarrowedtheapertureofhislanternsothatonlythefaintestglimmeringoflightwasvisible.Fromaheadcamethesoundofvoices.EvenFelixcouldhearthemnow.

Oneofthevoiceswashuman,withanaristocraticaccent.Itwasimpossibletobelievetheotherbelonged to aman. Itwashigh-pitched, eerie andchittering. If a rat hadbeengiven thevoiceof ahumanbeingitwouldhavesoundedlikethis.

Gantstoppedandturnedtolookbackathismen,hisfacepaleandworried.Heobviouslydidn’twanttogoon.Glancingroundthefacesofhisfellowsewerjacks,Felixknewtheyallfeltthesame.Itwastheendoftheday.Theywerealltiredandscaredandupaheadwassomethingtheydidn’twanttomeet.Buttheyweresewerjacks;menwhoseonlyvirtuewascourageandthewillingnesstofacewhatotherswouldnot,inaplacewhereotherswouldnotgo.Theyhadacertainpride.

Gotrektossedthehatchetintotheair.Itspunupward,bladecatchingalittleofthelight.WithnoapparentefforttheTrollslayercaughtitbythehaftasitfell.Spiderpulledhislong-bladedknifefromitssheathandshrugged.Hefgaveaferalsmile.Rudilookeddownathisshortswordandnodded.Gantgrinned. The Trollslayer looked pleased.Hewas in the company of the sort ofmaniacs he couldunderstand.

Gantgesturedsoftlyandtheyshuffledforward,pickingtheirwaycarefullyandquietlyalongtheslimyledge.Astheyturnedthebendheopeneduphislanterntoilluminatetheirprey.

“Yourpaymenta tokenofmyesteem.Something foryourownpersonaluse,”Felixheard thearistocratic voice say. Two figures stood frozen like trolls in a fairy tale, petrified by the suddenbrightlight.Onewasatallman,garbedinalongblackrobelikeamonk’s.Hisfacewaspatrician:fine-boned, cold and aloof. His black hair was cut short, ending in a widow’s peak above hisforehead.Hewasreachingforwardtohandtheotherfiguresomethingthatglowedeerily.

Felixrecognisedit.Hehadseenthesubstancebefore,intheabandoneddwarffortressofKarakEightPeaks.Itwasaballofwarpstone.Therecipientwasshortandinhuman.Itsfurwasgrey,itseyespink;itslonghairlesstailremindedFelixofagreatworm.Asthethingturnedtosquintatthelight,thetaillashed.Itreachedinsideitslong,patchworkrobesandclutchedsomethinginitstalonedpaws.Fromitsbelthunganunscabbardedrusty,saw-toothedblade.

“Skaven!”Gotrekroared.“Preparetodie!”“Fool-fool,yousaidyouwerenotfollowed,”thethingchitteredatitshumancompanion.“You

saidnooneknew.”“Stay where you are!” Gant said. “Whoever you are, you’re under arrest on suspicion of

witchcraft,treasonandunnaturalpracticeswithanimals.”Thesergeant’sconfidencehadbeenrestoredbythefacttherewereonlytwoofthem.Eventhe

factthatoneoftheperpetratorswasamonsterseemedtoleavehimundaunted.“Hef,Spider,takethemandbindthem.”Therat-thingsuddenlythrewthesphereithadwithdrawn

fromitsclothing.“Die-die,foolishman-things.”“Holdyourbreath!”Gotrekshouted.Hishatchethurtledforwardsimultaneously.The skaven’s sphere tinkled and shattered like glass and an unhealthy looking green cloud

billowedoutward.AsheshovedFelixbackdownthecorridor,GotrekgrabbedRudiandpulledhimwith them.From inside the gas-cloud came the soundof gurgling and choking.Felix felt his eyesbegintowater.

Everythingwentdarkasthelanternwentout.Itwaslikebeingcaughtinanightmare.Hecouldn’tsee,hewasafraidtotakeabreath,hewasstuckinanarrowcorridorundergroundandsomewhere

outtherewasamonsterarmedwithdeadly,incomprehensibleweapons.Felixfelt theslickslimeof thestoneunderhishands.Ashefumbledhesuddenlyfeltnothing.

Hishandwasoverthestew.Hefeltunbalancedandafraidtomove,asifhecouldsuddenlytoppleinanydirectionandplungeintothesewage.Heclosedhiseyestokeepthemfromstingingandforcedhimselftomoveon.Hisheartpounded.Hislungsfeltasiftheywereabouttoburst.Thefleshbetweenhisshoulderbladescrawled.

He expected a saw-toothed blade to be plunged into his back at any moment. He could hearsomeone trying to scream behind him and failing. They gurgled and gasped and their breathingsoundedterriblylabouredasiftheirlungshadfilledwithfluid.

Itwasthegas,Felixrealised.Gotrekhadtoldhimofthefoulweaponswhichtheskavenused,theproductsofaChaos-inspiredalchemyalliedtoawarpedandinhumanimagination.Heknewthattotake one breath of that foul-smelling air was to die. He also knew that he could not keep frombreathingindefinitely.

Think, he told himself. Find a placewhere the air is clear.Keepmoving.Get away from thekillingcloud.Don’tpanic.Don’tthinkaboutthehugerat-likeshapecreepingevercloserinthedarkwith its blade bared.As long as you keep calmyou’ll be safe. Slowly, inch by torturous inch, hislungsscreamingforair,heforcedhimselftocrawltowardssafety.

Thentheweightfellonhim.Silverstarsflickeredbeforehiseyesandalltheairwasdrivenfromhis lungs. Before he could stop himself he took in amouthful of the foul air. He lay in the darkgasping and slowly it dawned on him that hewasn’t dead.Hewasn’t choking.No knife had beendrivenintohisback.Heforcedhimselftotryandmove.Hecouldn’t.Itwasasifagreatweightlayacrosshim.Terrorflashedthroughhismind.Maybehisbackwasbroken.Maybehewasacripple.

“Isthatyou,Felix?”heheardRudiwhisper.Felixalmostlaughedwithrelief.Hisburdenwashishugefellowsewerjack.

“Yes…wherearetheothers?”“I’mallright,”heheardHefsay.“Metoo,brother.”ThatwasSpider.“Gotrek, where are you?” No answer. Had the gas got him? It seemed impossible. The

Trollslayercouldn’tbedead.Nothingasinsidiousasgascouldhavekilledhim.Itwouldn’tbefair.“Where’sthesarge?”“Anybodygotsomelight?”Flintsparked.Alanternflickeredto life.Felixsawthatsomethinglargewasshufflingtowards

themalongtheshadowsoftheledge.Instinctivelyhishandreachedforhissword.Itwasn’tthere.Hehaddroppeditwhenhefell.Theothersstoodpoisedandwaiting.

“It’sme,”saidtheTrollslayer.“Bloodyhumangotaway.Hislegswerelonger.”“Where’sGant?”Felixasked.“Lookforyourself,manling.”Felixsqueezedpastandwenttodoso.Thegashadvanishedasquicklyasitappeared.Butithad

doneitsworkonSergeantGant.Helayinapoolofblood.Hiseyeswerewideandstaring.Tricklesofredemergedfromhisnostrilsandmouth.

Felixcheckedthebody.Itwasalreadycoolingandtherewasnopulse.Therewasnowoundonthecorpse.

“Howdidhedie,Gotrek?”Felixknewaboutmagicbut thefact thatamancouldbekilledandhavenomarkleftonhimmadehismindreel.

“Hedrowned,manling.Hedrownedinhisownblood.”TheSlayer ’svoicewascoldandfurious.Wasthathowhedealtwithfear,Felixwondered?Byturningitintoanger.Onlyafterthedwarf

wentoverandstartedkickingthecorpsedidhenoticethedeadskaven.Itsskullhadbeensplitbythethrownhatchet.WearilyFelixlayonhispalletofstrawandstaredatthecrackedceiling,tootiredeventosleep.FrombelowcamethesoundofshoutingasLisabettearguedwithoneofherseeminglyinterminablestreamofcustomers.

Felixfeltlikebangingonthefloorandtellingthemtoeithershutuporgetout,butheknewthatitwouldonlycausemoretroublethanitwouldsolve.Ashedideverynight,heresolvedthathewouldbeginlookingforanotherroominghousetomorrow.Heknewthattomorrownighthewouldbetootiredtostart.

Ideaschasedeachother likefrolickingrats inside thecavernofhisbrain.Hewasat thatstagewherewearinessmadehisthoughtsstrangeeventohimself.Oddconjunctionsofimagesandmaze-likechainsofreasoningcamefromnowhereandwentnowhereinhismind.HewastootiredeventobeangryaboutthefateofSergeantGant,killedinthelineofdutyanddestinedforapauper ’sgraveonthefringesoftheGardensofMorr.Awatchcaptaintooboredtopaymuchattentiontoreportsofmonsters in thesewers.Nofamily tomournhim,nofriendssavehis fellowsewerjacks,whowereevennowtoastinghismemoryintheDrunkenGuardsman.

Gantwas a cold corpse now.And the same thing could so easily have happened tome, Felixthought.Ifhehadbeeninthewrongplacewhentheglobeexploded.IfGotrekhadnottoldustoholdourbreath.IftheSlayerhadnotpushedhimawayfromthegas.If.If.If.Somanyifs.

Whatwas he doing, anyway?Was this howhe intended to spend the rest of his days; chasingmonstersinthedark?Hislifeseemedtohavenoreasontoitanymore.Itmerelymovedfromoneviolentepisodetothenext.

He thoughtof the alternatives.Wherewouldhehavebeennow if hehadnot killedWolfgangKrassnerinthatduel,ifhehadnotbeenexpelledfromuniversity,ifhehadnotbeendisinheritedbyhisfather?Wouldhebe, likehisbrothers,workinginthefamilybusiness:married,secure,settled?Orwouldsomethingelsehavegonewrong?Whocouldtell?

Asmallblackratscuttledacrosstheraftersoftheroom.Whenhehadfirstviewedthisatticwithitsonesmallwindow,hehadimaginedthatitwouldatleastbefreefromtheratswhichinfestedallofthebuildingsintheNewQuarter.Hehaddeludedhimselfwiththethoughtthattherodentswouldhaveheart attacks from the effort of climbing all those stairs.Hehadbeenwrong.The rats of theNewQuarterwereboldandadventurousandlookedbetterfedthanmanyofthehumans.Hehadseensomeofthelargeroneschasingacat.

Felixshuddered.Nowhewishedhehadnotstartedthinkingaboutrats—itmadehimthinkofthemysterious aristocrat and the skaven in the sewers.What had been the purpose of that clandestinemeeting?Whatprofitcouldanymanfindindealingwithsuchalienmonstrosities?AndhowcoulditbethatfolkcouldroisterandwhorethroughtheteemingstreetsofNulnandbeunawareofthefactthatevil thingsburrowedandcrawledandnestednotsixyardsbeneath theirfeet?Perhaps theyjustdidn’twanttoknow.Perhapsitwastrue,assomephilosophersclaimed,thattheendoftheworldwascominganditwasbesttosimplyloseoneselfinwhateverpleasuresonecouldfind.

Footstepsapproachedonthestairs.Hecouldheartheoldricketyboardscreakundertheweight.HehadbeengoingtocomplainthatthewholeplacewasafiretrapbutFrauZorinhadalwaysseemedtoopitifulandpoortobother.

Thefootstepsdidnotstoponthelandingbelowbutcontinuedtocomecloser.Felixreachedbeneathhispillowforhisknife.Hecouldthinkofnoonewhowouldbevisiting

himatthistimeofnightandFrauZorin’swasrightintheroughestpartoftheNewQuarter.Noiselesslyheroseandpaddedonbarefeettothedoor.Hestifledacurseasasplinterembedded

itselfinthesoleofhisfoot.Therewasaknockonthedoor.“Who is it?”Felix asked, althoughhe alreadyknew the answer.He recognised theoldwidow

woman’swheezingbreatheventhroughthethinwood.“It’sme,”FrauZorinshrieked.“Youhavevisitors,HerrJaeger.”CautiouslyFelixopenedthedoor.Outsidestoodtwohugeburlymen.Theycarriedclubsintheir

handsandlookedasiftheyknewhowtousethem.ItwasthemantheyflankedthatinterestedFelix.Hewashandingthelandladyagoldcoin,whichshetookwithaningratiatingsmile.AsthemanturnedtolookatthedoorFelixrecognisedhim.Itwashisbrother,Otto.

“Comein,”Felixsaid,holdingthedooropen.Ottostoodstaringathimforalongtime,asifhecouldn’tquiterecognisehisyoungerbrother.Thenhestrodeintotheroom.

“Franz,Karl,remainoutside,”hesaidquietly.HisvoicecarriedanauthoritythatFelixhadnotheardinitbefore,anechooftheirfather ’scalm,curtmanner.

Felixwassuddenlyacutelyawareof thepovertyofhissurroundings: theuncarpetedfloor, thestrawpallet,thebarewalls,theholeintheslopingroof.Hesawthewholescenethroughhisbrother ’seyesandwasn’tatallimpressed.

“Whatdoyouwant,Otto?”heaskedbrusquely.“Yourtasteinaccommodationhasn’tchangedmuch,hasit?Stillslumming.”“Youhaven’tcomeallthewayfromAltdorftodiscussmydomesticarrangements.Whatdoyou

want?”“Do you have to hold that knife so ready? I’m not going to rob you. If I was, I would have

broughtKarlandFranzin.”Felixslidtheknifebackintoitsscabbard.“MaybeIwouldsurpriseKarlandFranz.”Otto tilted his head to one side and studied Felix’s face. “Maybe you would at that. You’ve

changed,littlebrother.”“Sohaveyou.”Itwastrue.OttowasstillthesameheightasFelixbuthewasfarbroader.Hehad

putonweight.Hischesthadthickenedandhishipsbroadened.Hislargesoftbellystrainedagainsthisbroadleatherbelt.Felixguessedthathisthickblondbeardhidseveralchins.Hischeekswerefatterandseemedpadded.Hishairwasthinnerandtherewerebagsunderhiseyes.Hisheadjuttedforwardaggressively.Hehadgrowntoresembletheoldman.“Youlookmorelikefather.”

Ottosmiledwryly.“Sadbuttrue.Toomuchgoodliving,I’mafraid.Youlooklikeyoucouldusesomeyourself.You’vebecomeveryskinny.”

“Howdidyoufindme?”“Comeon,Felix.HowdoyouthinkIfoundyou?Wehaveouragentsandwewantedtofindyou.

HowmanytallblondmentravellinginthecompanyofdwarfSlayersdoyouthinkthereareintheEmpire?When the report came intomy office about twomercenaries answering the description IthoughtI’dbetterinvestigate.”

“Youroffice?”“IrunthebusinessinNulnnow.”“WhathappenedtoSchaffer?”“Vanished.”“Withmoney?”“Apparently not. We think he was deemed politically undesirable. The Countess has a very

efficientsecretpolice.ThingshappeninNulnthesedays.”“NotSchaffer!TherewasneveramoreloyalcitizenintheEmpire.Hethoughtthesunshoneout

oftheEmperor ’sfundament.”

“NulnisonlyjustpartoftheEmpire,brother.CountessEmmanuelleruleshere.”“Butshe’sthemostflightywomanintheEmpire,orsotheysay.”“Von Halstadt, her Chief Magistrate, is very efficient. He’s the real ruler of Nuln. He hates

mutants.AndrumourhasitthatSchafferhadbeguntoshowstigmata.”“Never.”“That’swhatIsaid.Butbelievethis,littlebrother:Nulnisnoplacetocomeundersuspicionof

beingamutant.Suchpeoplevanish.”“Butit’sthemostliberalcityoftheEmpire.”“Notanymore.”Otto lookedaround fearfullyas if realising thathehad said toomuch.Felix

shookhisheadruefully.“Don’tworry,brother.Nospieshere.”“Don’tbetoosureaboutthat,Felix,”hesaidquietly.“Inthesedays,inthiscity,wallshaveears.”

Whenhespokeagainhisvoicewasloudandheldanoteoffalseheartiness.“AnywayIcamearoundtoaskifyou’dliketodinewithmetomorrow.Wecaneatoutifyou’dlike.”

Felixhalfwantedtorefuseandhalfwantedto talktohisbrothersomemore.Therewasmuchfamilynews tocatchuponandperhaps thepossibilityof returning to the fold.That thoughtalonefrightenedhimaswellasintriguedhim.

“Yes,I’dlikethat.”“Good.I’llhavemycoachcollectyoufromhere.”“AfterI’vefinishedwork.”Ottoshookhisheadslowly.“Ofcourse,Felix.Ofcourse.”Theysaidtheirgoodbyes.ItwasonlyafterhisbrotherhadleftthatFelixbegantowonderwhat

couldsofrightenamanofOtto’spowerandinfluencethathewouldworryabouteavesdroppersinaplacelikeFrauZorin’s.FritzvonHalstadt,headofthesecretpoliceofNuln,satamonghisfilesandbrooded.Thatdamneddwarfhadcomewithinaninchofcatchinghim.Hehadactuallytriedtolayhisfilthyhandsonhim.Hehadcomesoneartoundoingallhisgoodwork.Oneblowwouldhavebeenenough.ItwouldhavebroughtChaosanddarknesstothecityvonHalstadtwassworntoprotect.

VonHalstadt reachedoutandraisedhiscutglasspitcher.Thewaterwasstillwarm.Good, theservant hadboiled it for exactly elevenminutes ashe commanded.Hewas tobe commended.VonHalstadtpouredsomeintoaglassandinspectedit.Heraisedtheglasstothelightandcheckeditforsediment,forstufffloatinginit.Therewasnone.Nocontamination.Good.

Chaos could come so easily. It was everywhere. The wise knew that and used it to theiradvantage.Chaoscouldtakemanyforms;somewereworsethanothers.Therewererelativelybenignforms,liketheskaven—andtherewasthefesteringevilofmutation.

Von Halstadt knew that the rat-men just wanted to be left alone, to rule their undergroundkingdomandpursuetheirownformofcivilisation.Theywereintelligentandsophisticatedandtheycouldbedealtwith.Ifyouhadwhattheywanted,theywouldmakeandkeepbargains.Certainlytheyhad theirownplans,but thatmade themcomprehensible, controllable.Theywerenot likemutants:vile,insidious,evilthingsthatlurkedeverywhere,thathidinsecretandmanipulatedtheworld.

Wecouldallsoeasilybepuppetsontheendofthemutant’sfoulstrings,hethought.Thatiswhywemustbevigilant.Theenemyareeverywhere,andmoreandmorearespawnedallthetime.

Thecommonerswere theworstfor it,spawninganendlessstringofslovenly, lazy,good-for-nothings.Mostmutantswerebornamongtheherd.Itmadeasickkindofsense.Thereweremoreofthemandtheywerenotoriouslyimmoralandlewdandlicentious.

The thought made him rigid with horror. He knew that the mutants took advantage of thecommoners’stupidity.Theyweresoclever.Theyused the ill-educated, lazyoafs: filled theirheadswithseditiousnonsense,fedtheirenviousangeroftheirbetters,whippedthemuptoriotandlootand

destroy.Lookathowtheyhadruinedhispoorfather,burnedtheestatetothegroundinoneoftheirbrutishuprisings.Andhisfatherhadbeenthekindestandgentlestmanwhohadeverlived.

Well,FritzvonHalstadtwouldnotmakethatmistake.Hewastoocleverandtoostrong.Heknewhowtodealwith revolutionariesandupstarts.Hewouldstandguardandprotectmankind from themenace of themutant. Hewould fight themwith their ownweapons; terror, cunning and ruthlessviolence.

That was why he kept his files, even though his beloved ruler Emmanuelle laughed at them,calling them his secret pornography. Within these lovingly detailed and carefully cross-indexedrecordswasakindofpower.Informationwaspower.Heknewwhoallthepotentialrevolutionarieswere.Hiswebofspiesandagentskepthiminformed.HeknewwhichnoblessecretlybelongedtotheDarkCultsandhadthemwatchedatalltimes.Hehadsourcesthatcouldpenetrateanymeetingplace,andwhonooneeversuspected.

Thatwaspartofhisbargainwiththeskaven.Theyknewmanythingsandcouldfindoutmanymore.Theirlittlespieswereeverywhere,unsuspected.Heusedtheirdarkwisdomanddealtwiththelesseroftwoevilstokeepthegreateranarchyatbay.

HepickedupthesmallframedportraitEmmanuellehadgivenhimandlickedhisthinlips.Hethoughtaboutherchoiceofwords forhis files:“pornography”.Hewasshocked that shehadusedsuch aword, even knewwhat itmeant. Itmust be that brother of hers! Leoswas a bad influence.Emmanuellewastoogood,toopure,toounsulliedtohavelearnedsuchawordherself.Perhapsheshouldputhisspiesonher,justtowatchoutfor—

No,shewashisruler!Hedidthisallforher.Thoughthecountesscouldnotseeitsworthnow,onedayshewould.Spyingonherwouldbecrossingalinehehadsetforhimself.Besides,sometimeshesuspectedthatthelieswhichheheardabouthermightjustconceivablycontainakerneloftruth,andfindingoutthatwouldbetoopainful.

Heputthepicturebackdownonhisdesk.Hehadbeenallowinghimselftodriftfromthemainproblem.Thedwarf and the sewer-jacks.Could theyhave recognisedhim?Andwhatwouldhedoaboutitiftheyhad?Theyweresimplemendoingtheirsimplejob.Likehim,theywerestrugglingtokeepChaosatbay.Butwouldtheyunderstandthenecessityofwhathedid?If theydidnot,perhapstheywouldunderstandthatitwasnecessarytoensuretheirsilenceforever.Slowly the hungover sewerjacks lowered themselves into the depths. One by one they clambereddown the ladders lowered through the access ports. Rudi, now acting sergeant, lit the lantern andilluminatedthetunnel.

ThestinkhitFelix likeahammerevenashecarefullysteppedfromthe ladderonto the ledge.Thiswasthetrickiestpartoftheoperation.Therewasonlyaboutonefootofclearancebetweentheladderandtheedgeofthewalkway.Amisstephadcarriedmanyastill-drunksewerjackintothestew.

“Youmissedyourselflastnight,youngFelix,”Hefsaid.“Wegavethesargeafinesend-off,”Spideradded.“Gotrekdownedsevenjacksofaleoneafter theotherandwasn’tevensick.Wetookaweek’s

wagesoffthefirstwatch.”“I’mverypleasedforyou,”Felixsaid.Gotreklookednonetheworseforhisexploits.Ofallthe

sewerjackshewastheonlyonewhodidn’tappearill.Therestwereghastly,pale,andwalkedwiththeshufflinggaitofoldmen.

“Ah, there’s nothing like the smell of the stew to clear your head in themorning,”Hef said,proceedingtostickhisheadoutovertheedgeofthewalkwayandbeviolentlysick.

“Fairclearstheheaditdoes,”Rudiadded,withnotraceofirony.“Icanseethat,”Felixsaid.

“We’regoingtosweepthroughtheareawhere thesargegot taken,”Rudisaid.“Wedecideditlastnight.Wewant tosee ifwecan find thescumbagwhodealswith theskaven.Andmaybe ifwecan’tfindhimwe’llfindsomeofhispink-tailedlittlefriends.”

“Andwhatifthey’vegotmoreofthosegasbombs?”Felixasked.“Nottoworry.Gotrek’sanoldtunnelfighter.Heexplainedhowtodealwithit.”“Oh,didhe?”“Yes.Wesoakourscarvesinpissandbreathethroughthem.Thatcutsoutthegas.”“Iknewitwouldbesomethinglikethat,”Felixsaid,glaringattheTrollslayer,wonderingifthe

otherswerereallyconvincedbyGotrek’sclaimsorwhethertheyweresimplyhumouringhim.Onelookattheirhaggard,determinedfacesconvincedhimthatitwastheformer.

“It’s true, manling. My ancestors fought the skaven at Karak Eight Peaks and it worked forthem.”

“Ifyousayso,”Felixsaid.Hecouldtellitwasgoingtobealongday.TheyfollowedtherouteofthepreviousdaytowardstheareabeneaththeOldQuarter.Astheywent,Felixhadtimetoreflectonhowstrangehislifewas.Hisbrother ’shousewassomewhereabovehisheadandhehadnotknownit.HehadnotevenknownOttowasinthecity.Thefactthathisbrotherhadfoundhimwascertainlyatestimonytotheefficiencyofhisspynetwork.

Felix suspected that such thingswerenecessary to anyonewhowanted todobusiness inNulnnowadays.WhatOttohadsaidaboutSchafferandthecountess’ssecretpolicewasworryingtoo.Felixwassorryfortheoldmanbuthewasmoreworriedabouthimself.BothheandtheTrollslayerwerewantedbythelawfortheirpartinthegreatWindowTaxriotsinAltdorf.Ifthesecretpoliceweresoefficient here, and he and Gotrek were really so recognisable, then they too might vanish. Heconsoledhimselfwiththethoughtthatthecapitalwasalongwayawayandthatthelocalauthoritieswouldprobablynotbeinterestedinwhathappenedoutsidetheirjurisdiction.

In a way it was even more reassuring that they were part of the sewer watch. It was tacitlyunderstoodthatthewatchdidnotlooktoocloselyintothebackgroundsofthosewhovolunteeredforit.Indeeditwassaidtobeasurewayofhavingthemignoreyourpreviouscrimes.Alloftheothershadbeeninvolvedinactsofcriminalviolenceatsomepoint in their lives,orsotheyclaimed.No,therewasn’ttoomuchtoworryabout.Hehoped.

Moreimmediatelyworryingwastheprospectthattheymightactuallycomeacrosssomeskaven.Hedidnotfancyfacingsuchviciousfoesintheirownenvironment.FranticallyhetriedtorecallwhatGotrekhadtoldhimoftherat-men,hopingtoremembersomethingthatwouldgivehimanedgeifitcametoafight.Heknewthattheywerearaceofviciousmutantrats,productsofwarpstoneinancienttimes. They were said to inhabit a great, polluted city called Skavenblight, the location of whichnobody knew. Rumour had it that they were divided up into clans, each of which had their ownfunction:thepracticeofsorcery,themakingofwar,thebreedingofmonstersandsoforth.Theywerelighterthanamanbutfasterandmorevicious,andpossessedofaferalintelligencewhichmadethemdeadlyenemies.

Hecouldrecallonebookhehadreadabout thebattlesof theancients thatdescribed their fewinterventionsonsurfacebattlefields:theirterrifyingchargesingreat,chitteringhordes,theirtwistedevil and their penchant for torturing their prisoners. It had been a skaven horde which hadunderminedthewallsofCastleSiegfriedandbrokethesiegeaftertwoyearsoftrying.LegendsaidthatPrinceKarstenhadpaidaterriblepricefortheserviceofhisallies.Sigmarhimselfdestroyedanarmyofthembeforehisascensiontotheheavens.Ithadbeenoneofhislesswell-knownexploits.

Felix himself had seen some evidence of the skaven’s handiwork in Karak Eight Peaks. Thethoughtofthewarpstone-pollutedwellsandthegreatmutatedtrollgavehimthechillsevenafterall

this time. He hoped that he would not have to face anymore of their monstrous creations in hislifetime.Lookingattheothershecouldtellthattheydidnotsharehishope.Untilyesterday,Felixhadnevergivenasecondthoughttothenumberofratsinthesewers.Nowhesawthattheywereeverywhere.Theyscuttledawayfromthelightsasthewatchmenapproachedandhe couldhear the pitter-patter of their feet behind themafter theyhadgone.Their eyes caught thereflectionofthelanternandglitteredliketinystarsfaroffinthedarknessoftheundercity.

Hefoundhimselfwonderingnowif therewasanyconnectionbetweentheratsandtheskaven.Hestartedtoimaginethelittleonesasspiesfortheirlargerbrethren.Itwasamadman’sfantasy,heknew,onestraightoutofthetalesofsorceryhehadreadasaboy,butthemorehethoughtofitthemoreterrifyingtheprospectbecame.Ratswereeverywhereinthegreatcitiesofman,livingamidthegarbageandrefuseofcivilisation.Theycouldseemuchandoverhearmuchandgo,ifnotunnoticed,atleastunsuspected.

Hebegantofeeltheircoldeyesstaringmalevolentlyathimevenashewalked.Thewallsofthesewerseemedtocloseinabouthimthreateninglyandheimaginedhimselfcaughtinavastwarren.Thinkingoftheskavenoutthere,itsuddenlyseemedpossibletohimthathewasinavastburrow,thatheandtheothershadbeenshrunktothesizeofmiceandthattheskavenwereordinaryrats,walkinguprightanddressedinafashionthatapedman.

Thefantasybecamesovividandcompellingthathebegantowonderwhetherthefumesofthestew were going to his head or whether the scent-deadening narcotics prescribed by the cityalchemistshadhallucinatoryside-effects.

“Steady,manling,”heheardGotreksay.“You’relookingverypalethere.”“Iwasjustthinkingabouttherats.”“Inthetunnelsyourmindcreatesitsownfoes.It’sthefirstthingatunnelfighterlearnstoguard

against.”“You’vedonethissortofthingbeforethen,”Felixsaid,halfsarcastically.“Yes,manling.Iwasfightinginthedepthsbeforeeveryourfatherwasborn.Thewaysaround

the Everpeak are never free of foes and all the citizens of the King’s Council do their share ofmilitaryserviceinthedepths.Moreyoungdwarfsdiethatwaythananyother.”

Gotrek was being unusually forthright, as he sometimes was before moments of great peril.Dangermadehimgarrulous,as ifhewanted tocommunicatewithothersonlywhenherealisedhemightnevergetanotherchance.Orperhapshewassimplystilldrunk from thenightbefore.Felixrealisedhewouldneverknow.Fathomingthedwarf’salienmindwasnearlyasfarbeyondhimaswasunderstandingaskaven.

“Icanremembermyfirsttimeinthetunnels.Everythingseemedcramped.Everysoundwasthetreadofsomesecretenemy.Ifyoulistenwithfearfulearsyouaresoonsurroundedbyfoes.Whenthetruefoecomesyouhavenoideafromwhichquarter.Staycalm,manling.You’lllivelonger.”

“Easy for you to say,” Felix muttered as the hefty Slayer shoved past. All the same, he wasreassuredbyGotrek’spresence.With some trepidation they approached the place where Gant had been killed.Mist rose from thesurfaceofthestewandinplacesaslowcurrentwasevidentinthesludge.TheareaofthefightlookedverymuchthesameasFelixrememberedit,exceptthatthebodywasgone.Theareawherethecorpsehadlainwasdisturbed.

There was a trail in the slime that suddenly ended at the ledgeside, as if the body had beendraggedashortway,thendumped.Heknewtheyshouldhaveshiftedityesterday,whentheyhadthechance,buttheyhadbeentooshaken,disturbedandexcitedbywhathadhappenedtodoso.Noonehadwantedtocarrythemangy,rat-manbody.Nowitwasn’tthere.

“Someonetookit,”Hefsaid.“Wonderwho?”Spidersaid.Gotrek scanned the ledge where the body had been. He bent down and peered closely at the

tracks, then rubbed his eye-patchwith his right fist. The hatchetwhich had killed the skaven camedangerouslyclosetohistattooedscalp.

“Wasn’taman,anyway.That’sforsure.”“All sorts of scavengers in the sewers,” Rudi said. He voiced the common belief of all

sewerjacks.“Therearethingsyouwouldn’tbelievelivinginthestew.”“Idon’tthinkitwasanyscavenginganimal,”Gotreksaid.“Skaven,”Felixsaid,voicingtheirunspokenthoughts.“Toobig.Oneofthemwasanyway.Theothertracksmightbeskaven.”Felixpeeredoutintothe

gloom;itsuddenlyappearedevenmoremenacing.“How big?”He cursed himself for taking on the samemonosyllabic way of speaking as the

others.“Howlargeexactlywasthiscreatureyoureferredto,Gotrek?”“Perhapstallerthanyou,manling.PerhapsheavierthanRudi.”“Coulditbeoneofthemutantsyousaytheskavenbreed?Ahybridofsomesort?”“Yes.”“But how can all those prints simply vanish?” Felix asked. “They can’t all have thrown

themselvesinthestew,canthey?”“Sorcery,”Hefsaid.“Oftheblackestsort,”Spideradded.Gotrek lookeddownat the ledgeandcursed inhisnative tongue.Hewasangryandhisbeard

bristled.Thelightofmadviolenceshoneinhisonegoodeye.“Theycan’t justdisappear,”hesaid.“It’snotpossible.”

“Couldtheyhaveusedaboat?”Felixasked.Theideahadjuststruckhim.Theotherslookedathimincredulously.

“Useaboat?”Hefsaid.“Inthestew?”Spidersaid.“Don’tbestupid,”Rudisaid.Felixflushed.“I’mnotbeingstupid.Look, the tracksendhere. Itwouldbequitesimpleforsomeone tostep

downfromtheledgeintoasmallskiff.”“That’sthedaftestthingI’veeverheard,”Rudisaid.“You’vegotsomeimagination,youngFelix.

Who’deverhavethoughtofusingaboatdownhere?”“There’s a lot of things you’d never think of,” Felix snapped. “But then thinking’s not your

strong suit, is it?”He looked at the other sewerjacks and shook his head. “You’re right— a boatdoesn’tmakesense.Muchbettertobelievetheyvanishedbymagic.Maybeacloudofpixieswaftedinandcarriedthemaway.”

“That’sright,acloudofpixies.That’smorelikeit,”Rudisaid.“He’sbeingsarcastic,Rudi,”Spidersaid.“Averysarcasticfellow,youngFelix,”addedHef.“Probablyrightthough,”Gotreksaid.“Aboatwouldn’tbetoohardtocomeby.Thesewersflow

intotheReik,don’tthey?Easytostealasmallboat.”“Buttheoutflowsintotheriverallhavebars,”Rudisaid.“Tostopvagrantsgettingin.”“Andwhat’sour job, ifnothuntingdown those self-samevagrantswhen they file through the

bars?”Felixasked.HecouldseetheideawasstartingtofilterintoevenRudi’sthickskull.

“Butwhy,manling?Whyuseboats?”Felixfeltbrieflyelated.Itwasn’toftenthatGotrekadmittedthatFelixmightknowmorethanhim.Heconsideredthematterrapidly.

“Well for a start, they don’t leave tracks. And they might be connected with a smugglingoperation. Suppose someonewas bringingwarpstone in by river, for instance. Our noble skulkeryesterdayseemedtobepayingtherat-manoffwithit.”

“Boatsmakemesick.TheonlythingIhatemorethanboatsiselves,”Gotreksaidastheysetoffagain.

Theysearchedfortherestofthedayandfoundnotraceofanyskaven,althoughtheydidfindthatthebarshadbeensawnawayononeoftheoutflowstotheReik.FelixsteppedoutofthestreetandintotheGoldenHammer.Hesteppedfromrealityintoadream.Thedoormanheldthegreatoakdoorforhim.Servilewaitersusheredhimawayfromthesqualorofthestreetsintoavastdininghall.

Richlycladpeoplesatatwell-filledtables,anddinedandtalkedbythelightthatsparkledfromhugecrystalchandeliers.PortraitsofgreatImperialheroeswatchedthedinerssternlyfromthewalls.Felix recognised Sigmar and Magnus and Frederick the Bold. The style of the brushwork wasVespasian’s,themostfamousNulnerpainterofthepastthreecenturies.ThefarwallwasdominatedbyaportraitoftheElectorEmmanuelle,aravishingraven-hairedbeautygarbedinalessthanmodestballgown.

Felixwishedhisborrowedclothingfittedhimbetter.Hewaswearingsomeofhisbrother ’soldgarments.Once,heandOttohadbeenofthesamesizeandbuild,butintheyearsofhiswanderingFelixhadgrownthinnerandOttomorestout.Thelinenshirtfeltbaggyandthevelvetvestfeltloose.The trousers had been cinched with a leather belt tightened to its last notch. The boots were acomfortable fit, though, aswas the cap.He had tilted it to a rakish angle to showoff the peacockfeatherintheband.Helethishandtoyidlywiththegoldenpomanderthatdangledfromachainroundhis neck.The smell of fineBretonnian perfumewafted up from it. Itwas nice to smell somethingotherthanthesewers.

TheservantledhimtoaboothinthecornerinwhichOttosat.Hehadaleather-boundaccountsbookinfrontofhimandwastickingentriesoffinitwithaquillpen.AsFelixapproachedhelookedup and smiled. “Welcome, little brother. You’re looking much better for a bath and a change ofclothes.”

HavingstudiedhimselfinthegreatsilveredmirrorinOtto’stownhouseearlier,Felixwasforcedtoagree.Awarmbath,scentedoilandachangeofclothinghadmadehimfeellikeanewman.Inthelookingglasshehadseenthefoppishyoungdandyheoncehadbeen,albeitwithmorelinesroundtheeyesandafirmer,narrowersettothemouth.

“Thisisaverycharmingestablishment,”hesaid.“Youcoulddinehereeveryeveningifyouwished.”“Whatdoyoumean,brother?”“Simplythatthereisaplaceforyouinthefamilybusiness.”Felixlookedaroundtoseeiftheywerebeingoverheard.“YouknowI’mstillawantedmanin

AltdorfbecauseoftheWindowTaxbusiness?”“Youexaggerateyournotoriety,littlebrother.Nooneknowswhotheleadersofthatriotwere.

Altdorfisn’tNuln,youknow.”“You’vesaidyourselfGotrekisaveryeasilyrecognisablefigure.”“We’renotofferingtheTrollslayeremployment.We’reofferingyouyourbirthright.”Andthere

itwas;whatFelixhadhalfhopedforandhalffeared.Hisfamilywouldtakehimback.HecouldgiveuptherestlessuncomfortablelifeoftheadventurerandreturnoncemoretoAltdorfandhisbooks.It

wouldmeana lifechainedto the ledgersandthewarehouses,but itwouldbesafe.Andonedayhewouldberich.

Itwasatemptingprospect.Nomorecrawlingaroundinsewers.Nomorebeatingsatthehandsof thugs. Nomore catching strange illnesses in terrible, out-of-the-way places. Nomore muscle-searing treks throughwild, savage lands.Nomoredescents intodarkness.NomoreconfrontationswiththeChaos-worshippingminionsofobscurecults.Nomoreadventures.

Hewouldn’thavetoputupwithGotrek’ssullennessorhiswhimsanymore.Hecouldforgethisoath to follow theTrollslayer and recordhis doom in an epicpoem.Thepromisehadbeenmadewhenhewasdrunk;surelyitdidn’tcount?Hewouldbehisownmaster.Andyet,somethingheldhimback.

“I’llhavetothinkaboutit,”hesaid.“Whatistheretothinkabout,man?Youcan’tactuallytellmethatyoupreferbeingasewerjack

tobeingamerchant,canyou?Mostpeoplewouldkilltobegiventhisopportunity.”“Isaid,I’llthinkaboutit.”Theyateon inuncomfortablesilence.Aftersomeminutes, thedoor to thegreat roomopened

andatallmanwasledinbytheservant.Hewascladinblackandhismonkishrobesmadehimseemoutofplaceinhisopulentsetting.Hisfacewasthinandascetic,andhisblackhairendedabovehisforeheadinawidow’speak.

Ashecrossedtheroom,silencespreadinhiswake.Felixsawthatthewealthydinerswereafraidofhim.AshepassedclosetothetableFelixwasshockedtorecognisehim:itwasunquestionablythemanhehadseen in thesewerswith theskaven.Hismind reeled.Hehadassumed that themanwassomekindofsorcererorrenegade.Hepicturedacultistoradesperado.HehadnotexpectedtoseehimhereinthehauntsofNuln’swealthiestandmostrespectablecitizens.

“What’sthematter,brother?Youlooklikeyou’veseenaghost.”“Who-whoisthatman?”Ottoletoutalongsigh.“Youdon’twanttoknow.He’snotamanthatyouaskquestionsabout.

Heasksthemaboutyou.”“Whoishe,Otto?DoIhavetogooverandaskhim?”Felixsawalookofalarmandadmiration

passacrosshisbrother ’sface.“Idobelieveyouwould, too,Felix,”hewhispered. “Verywell.That isChiefMagistrateFritz

vonHalstadt,theheadofCountessEmmanuelle’ssecretpolice.”“Tellmeabouthim.”“Therearethosewhoseehimastheenemyofcorruptioneverywhere.Heishard-workingand

noonedoubtshissincerity.HesincerelyhatesmutantsandforthatreasonhehasthebackingoftheTempleofUlric.HishomeisguardedbytheirTemplars.”

“IthoughttheTempleofUlrichadnopowerhere,thatthecountessdislikedit.”“ThatwasbeforevonHalstadt’srisetopower.Hecamefrombeingaminorcourtfunctionaryto

themost powerfulman in the city-state very quickly. Some say itwas by blackmail; some say hisenemieshaveahabitofbeingfounddeadundermysteriouscircumstances.He’srisenfarforamanwhosefatherwasaminornoblemaninanout-of-the-wayprovince.Acallouscunningoldswine,byallaccounts.

“VonHalstadt is cold, cruel anddangerous,not justbecauseofhis influence.Hehas adeadlyblade.He’skilledseveralpeoplebecausethey’veinsultedthehonourofthecountess.”

“Iwouldhavethoughtherbrother,Leos,didenoughofthatwithouthimhavingto.”“Leosisnotalwaysaboutandrumourhasitthatourchiefmagistratewouldbepreparedtofight

himoverthecountess.Apparentlyhe’sgotithardforher.”

“Thenhe’smad.LeosisthedeadliestbladeintheEmpireandEmmanuelle’snotworthfightingover.”

Ottoshrugged.FelixstaredatvonHalstadt,wonderingwhattheconnectionbetweentheskavenandtheheadofthecountess’ssecretpolicecouldbe.Andhopingagainsthopethatthemandidnotrecognisehim.VonHalstadtwastired.Notevenhisusualexcellentsuppercouldcheerhim.Hismindwasfilledwithworryandthecaresofhighoffice.Helookedaroundathisfellowdinersandreturnedtheirsmiles,butinhisheartofheartshedespisedthem.Shallow,indolentcattle.Garbedlikenoblesbutwiththeheartsofshopkeepers.Heknewthat theyneededhim.TheyneededhimtokeepChaosatbay.Theyneededhimtodotheworktheyweretoosofttodothemselves.Theywerebarelyworthhiscontempt.

It had been a trying day.YoungHelmut Slazinger had failed to confess, despite vonHalstadthimself supervising the torture implements. It was strange how some of them maintained theirinnocenceevenuntothegrave.Evenwhentheyknewthatheknewtheywereguilty.Hissecretsourceshad told him that Slazinger belonged to a clandestine cell of Slaanesh-worshipping cultists. Thejailershadbeenunable to findanyof theusual tattoos thatmarkedcovenmembers,but thatmeantnothing.Hismost trusted informants, the skaven, had let him in on the secret. That in fear of hisruthlesscrusade,hishiddenenemieshadtakentousingsorceroustattoosvisibleonlytofellowcovenmembers.

Gods, how insidious the mutant fiends were! Now they could be everywhere; they could besittingrightinthisveryroom,theirinitiationtattoosplaintoeachotherontheirfacesandhewouldnot know.They could be sitting there right nowmocking him and therewas nothing he could doaboutit.Thatlankyyoungfellowintheill-fittingclothescouldbeone.HewascertainlystudyingvonHalstadt intently enough. And come to think of it, there was something quite sinister about him.Perhapsheshouldbethenextsubjectofanofficialinvestigation.

No,get agriponyourself, vonHalstadt toldhimself.Theycannothide forever.Theblindinglightoflogiccanpiercethedeepestdarknessoffalsity.Sohisfatherhadalwaystoldhimbeforeyetanotherbeatingforhissins,realorimagined.No,hisfatherhadbeencorrect.VonHalstadthaddonewrong.Evenifhecouldnotworkoutexactlywhat.Thebeatingshadbeenforhisowngood,todriveoutsin.Hisfatherhadbeenagoodman,doingtheworkoftherighteous.Thatwaswhyhesmiledashepunishedhim.Hedidn’tenjoyit.Hetoldhimthatoverandover.Itwasforhisowngood.Inawayithadbeenagreatlesson.Hehadlearnedthatitwasoftennecessarytodopainful,badthingsforthegreatergood.

Ithadmadehimhard.Itenabledhimtodowhathehadtotoday,freefromtheweaknessoflessermen.Itenabledhimtostandupforright.Ithadmadehimintoamanhisfathercouldbeproudofandheshouldbegrateful.Hewasstrongwithoutbeingmalicious.Hewaslikehisfather.

He had taken no pleasure in the torture of young Slazinger. He had taken no pleasure in theskaven report that the nobleman was a Slaaneshi cultist. Although he had to admit that it was afortunate coincidence, given the rumours concerning Slazinger and Emmanuelle.More maliciouslies: someone as pure as the countesswould not, could not, have anything to dowith the likes ofSlazinger.Thewormwasanotoriousrake,thesortofhandsomeyoungdandywhothoughtitwittytospeakoutagainst thelawfulservantsofthestate, tocriticisetheharshmeasuresneededtomaintainlawandorderinthisfesteringsinkofiniquityandsin.

HepushedSlazingerfromhismindandgavehisthoughtsovertoothermatters.HisagentinthewatchhousehadbroughthimthereportontheGantincident.Noactionwasbeingtaken.ItwouldcosttoomuchtomakeafullsweepthroughthesewersbeneaththeOldQuarterandthatwouldcutintothetakethewatchcaptaingotfromhisstation’sfinancialallocation.Well,evencorruptionsometimeshas

itsuses,thoughtvonHalstadt.HisspyhadbroughthimwordthatGant’spatrolhadbeennosingaroundintheareaofhisdeath,

though,whichwasmoreworrying.Theymightaccidentallycomeacrosssomemoreskavengoingabout their business. They might even discover the skiffs that ran from the docks to van Niek’sEmporium.Hedoubted,though,thattheycouldeverdiscoverthattheshopwassimplyagovernmentfrontwhichchannelledwarpstonefromoutsidethecitytotheskaveninpaymentfortheirservices.Hesmiled.

Itwasanarrangementwithacertainpleasingsymmetry.Hepaidtheskaveninthecurrencytheywanted.Theydidnot seem to realise itwasbothuselessanddangerous.Warpstoneactuallycausedmutation.Theskavenclaimedtouseitasfood.Well,itwasarelativelyharmlesswayofdisposingofanincrediblydangeroussubstanceanditprovidedhimwithafinesourceofinformationatthesametime.

Yes,apleasingsymmetryindeed.Inaway,itwasapitythathecouldnotmakeknowntheservicehewasdoingtheEmpirebydisposingoftheevilstuffinasafeway.IthadbeenaluckydayforallmankindwhenvonHalstadthadgotlostinthesewersandstumbledacrosstheskaven;Itwasfortunatetheyhadrecognisedhimasamanwithwhomtheycoulddobusiness.

Hemustgetsomemore.Thisveryeveninghemustcontactanotherskavenagentandsee to itthatthewatchmenmetwithanaccident.Hewassorrytohavetodothattomenwhowereonlydoingtheirduty,buthissecuritymustcomefirst.

HewastheonlymanwhounderstoodtherealdangersthreateningNulnandhewastheonlymanwhocouldsavethecity.Heknewthiswasn’tsimplyvanity;itwasthetruth.Tonighthewouldcontactthenewskavenleader,GreySeerThanquol,andorderhimtoeliminatehisenemies.Thethoughtofthissecretuseofhispowermadehimshiver.Hetoldhimselfitwasnotwithpleasure.“I’mtellingyouIsawhimlastnight,”Felix insisted.Theothersewerjacksstaredathimoutof thegloom. Overhead he heard the thunder of wheels as a cart passed over a manhole cover. “At theGoldenHammer.Hewasstandingnottwentyfeetawayfromme.HisnameisFritzvonHalstadtandhe’sthemanwesawdealingwiththeskaven.”

“Sure,” Rudi said, glancing back worriedly. “And he was having dinner with the CountessEmmanuelleand theenchanterDrachenfels.Whatwereyoudoing in theGoldenHammeranyway?It’swherenobsgo.Theywouldn’tletasewerjackinifhisclothesweremadeofspungold.Youdon’texpectustobelieveyouwerethere.”

“Mybrother tookme.He’s amerchant.And I’m telling you that’swhere I sawourman, vonHalstadt.”

“You’renot fromNuln,areyou,youngFelix?”Hefspokecalmlyandhelpfully,as ifheweregenuinelyconcernedwithclearingupanymisapprehensiontheyoungsewerjackmighthave.“DoyouknowwhoFritzvonHalstadtis?”

“The head of theNuln secret police, iswho he is. The scourge ofmutant scum in this city,”Spidersaid.Aticmovedsomewherefarbackinthetwin’sjaw.FelixhadnotrealisedthetwinsweresuchgreatadmirersofvonHalstadt’s.“Andtheheadofthesecretpolicedon’tgoaboutconsortingwithrat-men.”

“Whynot?”“Becausehe’stheheadofthesecretpoliceandtheheadofthesecretpolicewouldn’tdothatsort

ofthing.Itstandstoreason,don’tit.”“Well,thatisirrefutablelogic,Rudi.ButI’mtellingyouIsawhimwithmyowneyes.Itwasthe

manfromthesewers.”“Areyousureyou’renotmistaken,manling?Itwasverydarkdownthereandhumaneyesightis

notgoodinthedark.”“I’mcertain,”saidFelix.“I’veneverbeenmorecertainofanythinginmylife.”“Well,youngFelix,evenifyou’reright,andI’mnotsayingthatyouare,mind,whatcanwedo

about it?We can hardly go marching up to the Countess Emmanuelle and say ‘By the way yourmajesty,didyouknowyourmost trustedadvisorhasbeensneakingaround thesewersbelowyourpalaceinthecompanyofgianttalkingrats?’”Hefdidn’tevensmileashesaidthis.

“She’daskyouhowmuchweirdrootyou’dbeenchewingandorderherKislevitelovertothrowyouinthecells,”Spidersaid.

Felixcouldseetheirpoint.Whatcouldtheydo?Theywerejustordinarywatchmenandthemanhewastalkingaboutwasthemostpowerfulpersoninthecity.Perhapsitwouldbebestjusttoforgetthe whole thing. He was seeing Otto again this evening, was going to have a fine meal in histownhouse.Soonhecouldbefarfromhereanditwasn’thisproblem.

Butthethoughtnaggedathim.Whatwastheterribleandfearedmasterofthecountess’ssecretpolicedoinginthecompanyofskaven?Whatholdcouldtheypossiblyhaveoverhim?

“Right,lads,enoughofthis,”Rudisaid.“Backtowork.”HostleaderTzarkualSkab lookedbackathis stormvermin.They filled this tunnelchamberand thesmelloftheirmuskwassweet.Hisheartswelledwithsomethingakintopride.Thesewerebig,burlyskavenandtheirblackfurwassleekandwellgroomed.Itmatchedtheirfinelacqueredblackarmourandtheirrune-encrustedhelmsofblackiron.Theywereelite:wellfed,wellturnedout,disciplined,as farabove the lowlyclanratsandslavesashewasabove them.Hecommanded twodozenof thefinestwarriorshisclancouldfield.Inthecomingwarthiswouldbeswelledtotwohundredormore.

Hedidnotneedthefull forcefor thismission; thiswassimple.Theeliminationofsomepinkfleshman-things.Easy.GreySeerThanquolhadmadeitplainitwouldbeso.Eventhoughhedidn’tlikeSkrequal’sreplacement,heagreed.Hedoubtedhewouldevenneedfourclawsofstormvermintodeal with some lowly man-thing warriors. Behind him Thanquol gave a discreet little bark ofimpatience.Therat-ogrewhichaccompaniedthesorcererrumbledangrily.

A little shimmer of fear passed through Tzarkual when he contemplated the giant hybrid’sformidablemusclesandclaws.Hewouldnotwanttofaceitinbattle.ItmusthavecostthegreyseerafairstashofwarpstonetopurchasefromthepackmastersofClanMoulder,andfromwhatTzarkualhadhearditwouldprovewortheveryounce.

Yethewouldnotlethimselfbehurried.Therewerecertainproprietiestobeobserved.Hemustkeep face in front of his troops. He allowed none of his anxiety to show in his bearing and hecontrolledtheurgetosquirtthemuskoffear.

He twitched his nose authoritatively and then lashed his tail to get their attention. Two dozenpairsofalertpinkeyesturnedtolookathim.“Wegotothebigstinkbelowthemancity,”hetoldthem.“Wego tokill fiveman-thingswhoguard the tunnels.Theyareenemiesofour clanlordandhavekilled-deadaclanbrother,yes.Vengeanceandmanbloodwillbeours.Fightwellandmorebreedersandmorewarptokenswillbeyours.FightbadlyandIwillchewyourgutswithmyownfangs.”

“We hear, hostleader,” they squeaked thunderously. “Glory to the clan. Vengeance for ourclanbrother!”

“Yes-yes, blood-vengeance for our clanbrother!” Tzarkual smiled, revealing row on row ofsharpserratedteeth.Inskavenitwasagestureofmenaceandhisfollowersfellsilent.Hewaspleasedbythefearhehadimposedonthem.

Yes,hewantedvengeanceforSkrequal.Theyhadbelongedtothesamebirthing,hadfoughttheirwaytothetopoftheirclantogether.Hadconnivedandkilledandassassinatedtheirwaytopower.Heunderstood his brother ’s ambitions and insofar as he trusted anybody he had trusted Skrequal.He

wantedthebloodofhiskillers.Itwouldinsomewaymakeupfortheinconvenienceofhavingtofindanotherallyinthegreatgameofclanpolitics.

PerhapsThanquolmightdo,ifthegreyseerdidn’tattempttoslipasaw-knifeintohisbackfirst.Well,onlythefuturewouldtell.

He covered his teeth once more and the stormvermin relaxed. He was looking forward tovisitingtheundercityoncemore.HelikedslinkingthroughthevaststinkingmazethatremindedhimofSkavenblight.ItmadeachangefromthishideouslybarrenoutpostoftheUnderwayhehadbeenforced to occupy sinceWarlord Skab dispatched him here. Hewas glad the stupidman-thing hadenough sense to contact them about his problem.The guardswere potentially a threat to the greatplan.Nothingmustmenacetheirpawnbeforetheytookoverthecity.

Hewasn’tsurewhatthegreatplanwasbutthatdidn’tmatter.Hewasasimpleandvicioussoldier.It was not his place to philosophise on the ways the Thirteen Lords of Decay chose to order theUniverse.ItwashistasksimplytokilltheenemiesofClanSkab.Thatwaswhatheintendedtodo.Felixwasworried.Itwasn’tjustthenumberofratshehadseen,itwasthewaytheyfollowedhimthatwasworrying.Hetoldhimselfnottobestupid.Theratsweren’tfollowinghim.Theywerejustthere,liketheyalwayswereinthesewers.Hisimaginationwasplayingtricksonhim,asitalwaysdid.

Hegazedroundwhat theothersewerjackscalled“thecathedral”.Itwasamajorconfluenceofseveralofthecity’sgreatestsewerways.IthadbeendesignedinastylehethoughtherecognisedfromthehallsofKarakEightPeaks.HecalleditDwarfImperial.Thedwarfswhohadbuilt thesesewerswere refugees, he knew. They had fled from the World’s Edge Mountains when their lands hadbecome too dangerous. They had come to the human lands bringing a great store of engineeringknowledgeandatremendousnostalgiafortheirancestralhomesunderthemountains.

The then-Elector ofNuln had been an enlightenedman.He put their knowledge and skills togooduse,improvingthesanitationofhisfast-growingcity.Theyhadrespondedtothechallengebycreating places that resembled great temples rather than sewers.Mighty arches supportedmasonrythathadlastednearlyathousandyears.Intricatecarvedstoneworkadornedthearches,revealingthetraditionaldwarfhammerandshielddesigns.Theworkhadbeenmadebeautifulinitsway,aswellasfunctional.Ofcourse,timehaderodedmuchofit.Coarsepatchworksofplasterandbrickfilledgapswhere human repair teams less skilled than the original builders had been atwork. But this placealmostdirectlybelowtheelector ’spalacewasasewerfitforanemperor.

ThensuddenlyFelixsawit.Hesawhowvulnerablethoseancientmasterbuildershadmadethecity. He remembered Gotrek’s tale of how the skaven had attacked Karak Eight Peaks from thedirectionleastexpected:frombelow.

Thesewersprovidedameansofaccesstobelowanyplaceofimportanceinthecity.Teamsofassassinsorshocktroopscouldbemovedthroughthembyafoeadaptedtothedarkness.Theywereaperfecthighwayforaskaveninvasion.ThegreatwallsofNulnwouldprovenobarriertothem.ThewatchersontheroofofthetempleofMyrmidiawouldnoticenothing.

Theperiltothecitywasevengreaterifitsownchiefmagistratewereinleaguewiththerat-men!Thepiecesclicked.HeknewhowvonHalstadt’sfoesdisappeared.Theyweredraggeddownintothedepthsbytheskaven.Hewouldbetanythingthatawebofaccesstunnelsexistedwhichgaveaccesstothe palaces and walled houses above. If nothing else, a small enough assassin could gain accessthroughthesewagechannels,grossasthatthoughtwas.

Thequestionnowwaswhy?WhywasvonHalstadt doing it?What did he stand to gain?Thedemiseofhisenemies?Perhapshewasamutantinleaguewiththeforcesofdarkness.Perhapshewasmad.Felixaskedhimselfwhetherhecouldwalkawaynow,knowingwhathedid.CouldhetaketheofferofasafejobalongsidehisbrothersandleavethesecondgreatestcityoftheEmpireinthehands

ofitsenemies?Itwas infuriating; therewasnothinghecoulddo.Noonewouldbelievehimifheaccused the

chiefmagistrate.Thewordofasewerjackagainstthatofthemostinfluentialmaninthecity?Andifhe revealed who he really was, that would only get him into deeper trouble. He was a knownrevolutionary and an associate of the dwarf who had slaughtered ten of the Emperor ’s own elitehouseholdcavalry.Noonewouldbetoobotheredifthepairofthemdisappeared.Perhapsitwouldbebest to let things be. Itwas only then, as he came to his decision, that he noticed that the rats hadvanishedandthesoundofsoftpaddingcouldbeheardbehindhim.

“We’rebeingfollowed,manling,”Gotreksaidquietly.“Severalgroups.Onebehind.Twotakingtunnelsparalleltous.There’smoreupahead.”

“Followed?Bywhat?”Felixhadtoforcehiswordsout.Histhroatfeltconstrictedandhisvoicewasbarelylouderthanawhisper.“Skaven?”

“Yes.We’regoingtobeambushed.Ourscuttlinglittlefriendsshouldbequieter.Dwarfearsarekeen.”

“Whatcanwedo?”“Fightbravelyand,ifneedbe,dieheroically,manling.”“That’s all very well for you— you’re a Slayer. The rest of us aren’t quite so keen to get

ourselveskilled.”Gotrekglaredathimcontemptuously.Felixfelttheneedtofindanexcuseforhisfear.“Whatif

it’saninvasion?Someonehastowarnthecity.It’sourduty.Remembertheoathwesworewhenwejoinedthewatch.”

HecouldseethismadeanimpressionontheTrollslayer.Dwarfswerealwaysimpressedbytalkofdutyandofoaths.

“Youhaveapoint,manling.Atleastoneofusshouldgetawayandwarnthecity.Besttalkwiththeothersandmakeupaplan.”Tzarkualsawthathispreyhadstopped.Theywerehuddlingtogetherinthepassageandtalkinginlowtones.Heknew theywereafraid. Ithad finallydawnedoneven theirdimmanbrains that theywerebeingfollowed.Heknewtherighteousfearthatthetrueskavenwarriorinspiredinmosthumans.Hehadseenthelookofcringinghorrorinmanyahumaneye.Theterrifyingmajestyanddignityoftheskavenformfilledtheman-thingswithawe.

Hestoodtallerandpreenedhisfurwithhistongue.Attimes,lookinginthepolishedmirrorofhis shield, he almost understood their feelings.Therewas no denying he cut an impressive figureevenamong theregal formsofhis fellowhigh-rankingskaven. Itwasonlyproper thatman-thingsshouldbesuitablyimpressedbythemasterrace.

Hegesturedforhisstormvermin tohalt.Hewouldallowhisvictimsaminute’sgrace to fullysavourtheirfear.Hewantedthemtounderstandthehopelessnessoftheirposition.Perhapshemightevenallowthemtobegfortheirlives.Somevictimsdid.Heknewitwasatributetotheimpressivebearinghemustered.

“Hostleader.Shouldwenotattacknow?Maimslaytheman-thingswhiletheyareinconfusion?”ClawleaderGazatasked.

Tzarkualshookhishead.Gazathadshowedhistruelackofunderstandingofthefinerpointsofstrategy.Hethoughtitbettertosimplyattackratherthanwaitforthecorrectmomentwhentheirfoeswereparalysedwithfear.

Thehostleadertwitchedhistailindulgently.“No-no.Letthemknowfear.Whentheyspraymuskandknowhopelessnessthenweshallcharge-charge.”

TzarkualcouldseethatGazatwasdubious.Well,lethimbe.Soonhewouldseethesuperiority

ofhisleader ’stacticalknowledgeforhimself.“Hostleader!Theycomebacktoourpath.”“Doubtless they flee inpanicked terror.Prepare tomeet themwith fixedweapons.”The ledge

herewaswide enough for two skaven abreast. The stormvermin took up position, their polearmsbracedtomeetthecharge.Tzarkualwaitedexpectantly.

Triumphfilledhisheartastheterror-struckman-thingsconfrontedhiselitewarriors.Sofulloffear were they that they did not even stop their headlong rush. Blind panic drove them to throwthemselvesontotheblades.

Surely it was only luck that allowed the sweep of the dwarf’s hatchet to chop though bothweapons.Yes,hecouldseemoreclearlynow.Thedwarfwassoscaredthathefrothedatthemouthlikeaclanratwithrabies.Hehowledfearfulprayerstowhatevergodsheworshipped.Heknewhewasdoomed.

Still, inhis terrorhewasdoing terribledamage, aspanic-strickenbrutesoftendid.Oneblindswingclovetheheadofatrooper.Thefranticthrashingofhisaxeknockedtwotrustystormverminintothechannelofthesewer.

IfTzarkualhadnotknownbetterhewouldhaveswornthattheskavenhadleaptintothefilthtoavoid the blade. Surely not! A tall blond-tuftedman-thing had joined the dwarf. He fought with acertainprecision.Athrustfromhisshortswordtookanotherskaveninthethroat.

No!Thiswasn’thappening.Fourofhisbestwarriorshadgonedownandtheman-thingshadnoteven taken a casualty. The furless ones had been lucky. He was filled with pride as more bravestormverminleaptintothefray.

Now, he felt certain that victorywould be his. Theman-things just didn’t know it. They keptcoming.Moreworthlessverminfellbeforetheirweapons.Tzarkualknewthathehadbeenbetrayed!Instead of elite stormvermin, he had been sent useless clanrats. Some cunning enemy back inSkavenblightmusthavearrangedittodiscredithim.

Itwastheonlyexplanationofhowtwopunysurface-dwellerscouldchopthroughhalfadozenskavenso-calledwarriorswithouttakingacut.Tzarkualsteeledhimselftofacethefoe.He,atleast,wasnotafraidtofacethedwarf’shatchetortheman’ssword.Hewasahostleader.Heknewnofear.

Itwassimplyexcitementthatmadehistailtwitchandhismuskglandsswellasthedwarfpaintedthesewerwallwithbloodwithaflickofthesmallaxe.Tzarkualknewhecouldtakeanyman-thing,but he decided to hang back as Clawleader Gazat tackled the dwarf. Hewanted to study his foe’sfightingstyletobestadvantage.

It was certainly impressive theway that the dwarf caught the flying skaven by the throat anddashedhisbrainsoutagainsttheledgefloor.

Itdefinitelywasn’tterrorthatmadeTzarkualflinghimselfintothesewagewhenheconfrontedthefoaming-mouthedberserker.Itwasjustthatheknewthatthiswasnotthecorrecttimetofight.Itwould be more elegant to take the foe off guard, by surprise, say, when they were asleep. Lesswastefulofskavenlivestoo.HewouldtellThanquolthisassoonashehadfinishedhisswim.“Theywereafterus,weren’tthey?”Felixsaid,glancingaroundworriedly.Hedabbedatsomeofthebloodonhisfaceandinspectedthetipsofhisfingersdistastefully.Hewasnotsurprisedtolearnthatskavenbloodwasblack.

“Don’tbefoolish,manling.Whywouldtheybeafterus?”Felixwasgettingannoyedatpeopletellinghimnottobefoolish.“Well,doesn’titseemoddthat

wemanagedtogofortwoweekswithoutmeetingasinglethingdownhere,thenbarelytwodaysafteryoukillthatskavenwe’reambushed?Cometothinkofit,it’sonlyonedayafterIsawvonHalstadtattheGoldenHammer.Perhapsherecognisedme.”

Gotrek flicked his hatchet forward. Black blood speckled the ledge where the droplets fell.“Manling,hecouldn’trecogniseyou.Forastartyouweredresseddifferently.AndyouwerebehindthelanternthatGantshoneonhim—allhecouldmakeoutwouldbeyouroutline.That’sifhesawanythingatall.Mostlikelyhewastoobusyrunning.”

ItslowlysankinwhatGotrekhadsaid.Orratherwhathehadn’tsaid.Hehadn’tquestionedthefactthatFelixhadseenvonHalstadtattheGoldenHammer.

Theothersewerjackscamebackfrominspectingthebodies.“Goodwork,youtwo,”saidHef.“Youcancertainlyfight.”

“Might have left us some, though? I thought there was some coming up behind us but theyseemedtostopwhenyoutwogotstuckin.”

“Probablyscaredthemaway.”“Well,let’stakeabodyandshowittothewatchcaptain.Maybethey’llbelieveusthistime.”“Right-o,youngFelix.Yougoingtocarryit?”Felixkepthismouthshutashebenttoliftthesmelly,furrycarcass.Evenamidthestinkofthe

sewersthesmellofthecorpsewasoffensive.Felixwasquitepleasedwhen,halfwaybacktothewatchstationexit,Hefofferedtotakeaturncarryingit.“Andyousaythattherearerat-menbelowthecity,brother?Inthesewerseven?”

Looking around the dining chamber of Otto’s house, Felix found it easy to understand hisbrother ’s incredulity, Everything here seemed solid and safe and unthreatening. The expensivebrocadecurtainsshutoutthenightjustaseffectivelyasthehighwallsenclosingthegardenshutoutthecity.Thesolidteakfurniturespokeofwealthbasedonafirmfoundationofprosperity.Thesilvercutlery,differentforeachcourse,reflectedanorderedworldwhereeverythinghaditsplace.Hereinhisbrother ’sstone-walledhouseitwashardtorecalldetailsofthenightmarebattlehehadfoughtthatmorning.

“Ohyes.”Ashesaidithesawagainthesnarlingferalrat-faceoftheskavenhehadkilled.Heremembered the bubbles of bloody froth blowing from its lips. He felt its stinking weight pressagainst his body as it fell. He forced the memory back and concentrated on the goblet of fineParravonianwinehisbrotherhadplacedbeforehim.

“Itseemsalmostimpossibletobelieve.Eventhoughyoudohearrumours.”“Rumours,Otto?”Themerchant lookedaround.Hegotupandwalkedaroundthechamber,makingsureeachof

thedoorswassecurelyclosed.HisBretonnianwife,Annabella,hadretiredtoherchambers,leavingthetwomentotalkbusinessinprivate.Ottoreturnedtohisseat.Hisfacewasflushedfromthewine.Candlelightflickeredofflittlebeadsofsweatonhisface.

“Theysaythattherearemutantsinthesewersandgoblinsandothermonsters.”Felixsmiledathisbrother ’sseriousness.Ottowastellingthistoasewerjackasifitwereagreatsecret.“Youmaysmile,Felix,butI’vetalkedtofolkwhoswearit’strue.”

“Really?”Itwashardtokeepanoteofironyfromhisvoice.Ottodidn’tnoticeit.“Ohyes,thesamefolkwhoswearthatthere’sagreatmutantundertowncalledtheNightMarket.

They say it’s on the edge of the city. In an abandoned graveyard. It’s frequented by followers ofcertaindepravedcults.”

“Slaaneshworshippers,youmean?”Ottopursedhis lipsprimly.“Don’tuse thatword inmyhome. It’scursedunluckyand Idon’t

wanttoattracttheattentionoftheDarkPowers.Ortheirfollowers.”“Unluckyornot,thesethingsexist.”“Enough,brother.”

AtfirstFelixfoundithardtobelievehisbrotherwasserious.HewonderedwhatOttowouldsayifhetoldhimthathehadoncewitnessedaSlaaneshiorgyonGeheimnisnacht.Bestnotto,hedecided.Seeinghisbrother ’sserious, fear-filled facehe realisedquitehowlarge thegapbetween themhadgrown.

Could he really once have been as sheltered as his elder brother, shivering and fearful at thementionof a darkpower aboutwhichhe knewnot the slightest thing?Hehad to admit that itwasperhaps possible. He began to understand how the cultists got away with it. There was a veil ofsecrecy drawn over the whole subject in polite society; it wasn’t mentioned or discussed. Peoplepreferredtobelieve,orpretendtobelieve,thatsuchthingsasChaoscultscouldn’texist.Iftheywerementioned, they didn’twant to talk about them.Everyone abhorredmutants and talked about themwidely.

Thatwasfine.Itwaseasytopickonvisibletargets,theyprovidedafocusonwhichtoventdeepseated unease. But bring up the fact that normal, supposedly sane folk might be interested in theworshipofthedarkonesandadoorwasslammedinyourface.

TheplaywrightDetlefSierckhadbeenrightwhenhewrote:“Oursisalandchainedbysilence;oursisatimewhenthetruthgoesunspoken.”Peoplejustdidn’twanttoknow.

Why?Felixdidnotunderstand.Didtheyhonestlythinkthatpretendingaproblemdidnotexistwouldmake it go away? The watch captain today had looked at the body and could not deny itsexistence, even thoughhehadobviouslywanted to.Hewas forced to report thematter toahigherauthority.

A sudden chill ran through Felix when he recalled who had come to collect the corpse forexamination.TheyweremenfromtheofficeofChiefMagistratevonHalstadt.Felixwonderedifthebodyofthedeadskavenwouldeverbeseenagain.

“TellmemoreaboutvonHalstadt,”Felixasked.“Wheredoeshelive?”Otto seemed glad to change the subject. “His father was a minor noble, killed in one of the

peasant uprisings in the early seventies. He studied for the Sigmarite priesthood, but was neverordained.Therewerehintsofascandal,somethingtodowithspyingonthenunnery.Heisefficient.He’ssaidtokeepfilesoneveryone.Andhisenemiesdisappearmysteriously.”

Felixfellsilent.Apatternhademerged.Hebelievedheunderstoodwhathadhappened.Itwouldtakealittlecheckingthough.Hewouldmakeastartearlytomorrow.“Yousayhelivesnearby.”

“Twostreetsaway.Nearthepalace,onEmmanuelleplatz.”“Well,well.”Felixleantbackinhischairandyawnedexpansively.“Well,brother,it’slateandI

reallymustgo.Ihaveworktomorrow.”“Verywell.”Ottorangthesmallbellthatsatbesidehisplate.“I’llhaveFranzbringyourcloak.”

“I told your predecessor never to comehere,” vonHalstadt said, staring at the skavenwith barelyconcealeddistaste.Hehated itwhenanyoneelsebuthimenteredhis filingchamber. “The servantsmightseeyou.”

The rat-manmethisgaze levelly.Therewas somethingabout thisone thatmadevonHalstadtnervous.Perhapsitwasthegreyishfurorperhapsitwasthestrange,blind-seemingeyes,but therewassomethingdifferentaboutthisone.Somethingscary,almost.

“Thisone isnotas theother,man-thing.Greyseer thisone is.Magelord in theserviceof theThirteen.Contractedtotheclanbutnotofit.ImportantIseeyou.Thingswentbadlywiththeguards.Manyskavendead.”

“Butmyservants—”“Worrynot,foolishman-thing—theysnoresleep.Asimplespell.”VonHalstadtlaiddownhisfile.Hemarkedtheplacewithanuninkedquillandcloseditgently.

He lethishand fallnear thehiltofhisblade.The touchof it reassuredhimsomewhat.Hemet theskaven’sstareanddaredittolookaway.“I’munusedtobeingcalled‘foolish’.Donotdosoagain.”

The skaven smiled. It was not calming. For a second the magistrate felt as if it might leapforwardandbitehim.Hekepthishandonhisweapon.Withanalmostimperceptibleshakeofitsheadtheskavenstoppedsmiling.Ittwitcheditstail.

“Ofcourse.So-sorry.Manyapologies,yes.Grieveforthelossofkin.Costmanywarptokenstoreplace.”

“I accept your apology.” Von Halstadt was reassured. It was obscurely pleasing that even somonstrousseemingacreatureastherat-manfeltasenseoflossatthedeathofitsrelatives.Still,hefoundhimselflongingforthedaywhenhewouldnolongerhavetodealwiththeskavenandcouldhavethemdestroyed.Hepickedupthefileandreturnedittoitspreciseplaceinthepropercabinet.

“Theman-thingsaredangeroustoourassociation.Knowyourappearanceandcanpickchooseyoufromothers.Theymustnotbeallowedtothreatenyouorus.”

“True.”Thethoughtwasworrying.VonHalstadt’senemieswerelegionandtheslightesthintofscandalwould be used against him.The treacherous sewerjackswould sell that information to thehighest bidder, he felt sure. Their lack of loyalty to the cause of humanity sickened him. Theydeservedtodie.Andtothinkhehadoncefeltsorryforthem.“Theymustdie.”

“Yes-yes,andyoumustshowuswheretofindthem.”“Thatisstraightforwardenough.Ihadtheirwatchcaptaininterviewedtoday.”heopenedanew

cabinetandpulledoutaslimdossier.“Hereismyfileonthem.”“Good-good.Soontheywillalldie-die.”

***Oncesafelybackinthesewer,GreySeerThanquolcursedtohimself.Hewastiredofdealingwithmorons likeTzarkual and theman-thingvonHalstadt.Hewouldhavepreferred tohavebeenbackhomeinhiswarmburrowinSkavenblight,surroundedbyhisbreedersandwithafewcaptivehumanstorun throughhismaze.Hemissed thebeautiful rottingaromaof theswampsandhewasworriedabouttheintrigueswhichmightbetakingplaceagainsthiminhisabsence.HehatedworkingwiththeidiotTzarkual,whocouldnotevencarryoutthesimpleassassinationoffiveman-thingsproperly.

Thethoughtofthehostleader ’schitteringexcusesmadeThanquolwanttobitehisowntailwithanger.BytheThirteen,itwastrue!Ifyouwantedabonegnawedproperlyyouhadtognawityourself.Nosenseentrustingvitaltaskstothelikesoftheuselesshostleader.

Still,hismastershadassignedhimtoTzarkual’sclanandhewasobligedbythebindingoathsofhisordertoimplementandexpeditetheirplans.Andthisonewassound.ItresoundedtoClanSkab’screditintheGreatGamebeingplayedbackinSkavenblight.Hecouldseethat,foolishthoughhewas,vonHalstadt representedavaluable agent tohave inplace.Ofall thehumanshehadevermet, thespymasterthoughtmostlikeaskaven—averystupidskaven,admittedly,butstillaskaven.Hewaseasytomanipulateduetohisstrangejealousyof,andattractionto,thebreederEmmanuelle,preparedtobelieveanythingsolongasitwasconnectedtoher.Imaginethinkingthattheskavenusethecity’sratsasspies,foolishman-thing!

However,vonHalstadthadprovenusefulinremovingthosewhomightprovetobeathreattothelong-termplansoftheThirteenandhewasanadroitandeffectivecollectorofthewarpstonesonecessaryforthecontinuedresearchplansoftheseers.

Yes-yes,itwouldbewisetoresisttheurgetoslaytheman-thing.Hewasmoreusefulalivethandead,at leastuntil theGreatDaycameandhumanitywrithedbeneath the talonsof theskavenoncemore.

Thanquoleasilydecipheredthestrangescratchmarkshumanscalledwriting.Hehadtrainedall

his life for this. The study of mankind and its arts were his particular forte. Von Halstadt hadthoughtfullyattached themapsshowingtheclosestsewers to thevictim’sdwellings.Theman-thingwasnotentirelyincompetent.Howconvenient!Twooftheman-thingsdwelledtogetherinaneasilyaccessibleplace.Hewouldstartwiththem.

“Come-come,Boneripper.Ihaveworkforyouthisnight,”Thanquolsqueaked.The rat-ogre growled its assent from the shadows.Enormous claws slid smoothly from their

sheathsattheprospectoffood.Hef was lurching drunkenly down the muddy side-street when he heard the sounds of a strugglecomingfromthehovelwhichhesharedwithGildaandhisbrother.Heknewheshouldn’thavestayedinthetavernforthatlastpintwithGotrek.IfBigJaxandhismenhadreturnedforvengeancewhilehewasaway,hewouldneverforgivehimself.

Thehookknifefeltcoolandreassuringinhishand.Hewishedheweremoresober,butthatwasnottobehelped.Hebrokeintoatrotandalmostimmediatelytrippedoverapileofrottinggarbageinthepath.Atnight,withoutstreetlightingtheNewQuarterwasadeath-trap.

Hepickedhimselfupandsetoffmorecarefullyalongthelane.Asherecalledtherewasanopensewer near here and it wouldn’t do to fall in. He heard Gilda scream and all thought of cautionvanishedwhenthescreamendedinamoanofpain.Heran,scrabblingover thegarbage,knockingover a pile ofmuck.Heknew that noone else but himwould answer a scream for help inCheapStreet.Itwasthatsortofarea.

Flamesstartedtoleapskywardoverthehovel.Someonemusthaveknockedoveralampinthestruggle.Heheardaferalsnarlfromwithinthehut.MaybeJaxhadbroughthistamewar-dogs,ashehadthreatened.Hefcoveredtheopengroundneartheentranceinonefinalspurt.Bythelightoftheflamesflickeringwithinhecouldseethatthedoorhadbeenrippedoffitshinges.

Somethingmovedwithin.Hisbrothermethimatthedoor.Spideropenedhismouthandtriedtospeak.Bloodgushedforth.Hefcaughthimashefellforward.Ashisarmsmetroundhisbrother ’sback,hefelttheholeandthegreatsoftmassofthelungspumpingthoughit.Spidermoanedandwasstill.

Itwasanightmare.Hehadreturnedhomeandhishomewasinflames.Hisbrotherwasdead.No,thatcouldnotbe.HeandSpiderhadbeeninseparablesincetheycouldwalk.Theyhadservedonthesamefishingboat,stolenthesamemoney,ranofftogethertothesamecity,livedwiththesamegirl.Theyhadthesamelife.IfSpiderwasdead,then…

Hefstoodabsolutelystill.Tearsstreameddownhisfaceasthemonstrousshapeemergedfromtheruinsoftheburninghutandloomedoverhim.Thelastthingheheardwasthesoundofchitteringfrombehindhim.

***Felixwasupbrightandearly.HemadehiswaydownthemuddystreetsoftheNewQuarter,ignoringthepallofsmokethatrosefromtheshantytownnearCheapStreet.Anotherfire,hesupposed.Well,hehadbeenlucky,thewindhadnotfannedtheflamesinthedirectionofFrauZorin’stenement.Iftheyhad,hemighthavediedinhissleep.Andhecouldn’taffordtodiejustnow.Hestillhadthingstodo.

He turned left down Rotten Row and hit the cobbled streets of Commercial Way. Coachesclatteredpastasmerchantsmadetheirwaytothecoffeehousesbeforestartingbusinessfortheday.HefoundhiswaytotheHallofArchivesandmadehiswaytothedivisionoftheplanningofficewithresponsibilityforsewers.

Heknewhewouldfindwhatheneededthere.Threequartersofanhour,muchbrowsingthroughancient, dust-covered files and plans, two threats and one bribe later, he had proven himself to becorrect.Pleasedwithhimself,Felixmadehiswaytothewatchhouse.

Theywereinstantlyassignedtohelpouttherestofthewatchintheareathathadburned:buryingthedead,searchingtherubblefortheliving.Theymarcheduptotheshantytowntotakealook.Thefirehadrippedthroughmanyhovels, theburnedandthedisfigureddeadwereeverywhere.Alittleboy,hisfaceblackenedbysoot,satnearanoldwomanwhowhimperedquietlytoherself.

“Whathappenedhere,son?”Felixasked.“Itwas the rat-daemonwhatdid it,” theboysaid.“I saw itmyself. Itkilled themenwho lived

thereandcarriedthembelowtofeast.Masaysit’llcomeformenextifIdon’tbehave.”Felixexchanged lookswithGotrek.Savage interestwasevident in theTrollslayer ’sonegood

eye.“There’snosuchthingasrat-daemons,lad.Don’tlietous—we’rewiththewatch.”“Thereistoo.Isawitwithmyowneyes.Itwastallerthanyouandheavierthanthatbigone-eyed

dwarf.Itwasledbyasmallerrat-manwithgreyskinandhornsonitshead.”“Didanyoneelseseeit?”“Don’tknow.Ihid.Ithoughttheymighttakemetoo.”FelixshookhisheadandwenttochecktheruinsofHefandSpider ’shut.Therewaslittleleftof

thepitifulbuildingsavetheburned-outremainsandthecharredcorpseofawoman.“NosignofHeforSpider?”Gotrekshookhisheadandpointedwithhistoetosomethinggreyandsharplyingintheashes.

“That’sHef’sknife.”Felixbentandpickeditup.Themetalwasstillwarmfromlyingintheembers.Felixlookedat

thecorpse.Thesmellofburntmeatfilledhisnostrils.“Gilda?”saidFelix.Felixshookhishead.Sorrowandragefilledhim.Hehadlikedthebrothers.Theyhadbeengood

men.Nowhewantedvengeance.“Youwereanengineeronce,Gotrek.Tellmewhatthesemean.”

Felix ignored the Trollslayer ’s incredulous look. He cleared a space on the table in thewatchroom and spread out the charts. Rudi watched curiously as he smoothed the cracked oldparchmentflatandweigheddowneachcornerwithanemptyteamug.

The Slayer gave his attention back to the papers. “These are charts of the sewers, manling.Dwarf-madeplansoftheOldQuarter.”

“That’s correct. They show the area beneath ChiefMagistrate vonHalstadt’smansion. If youlookclosely,you’lldiscoverthatit’snottoofarfromtheplacewhereGantwaskilled.I’dalsobetifwelookedwe’dfindawayupfromthesewerstohishouse.”

A frown creasedRudi’s lowbrow. “You’re suggesting thatwebreak intoFritz vonHalstadt’shouse!We’llbehungifwe’recaught.Wemightevenloseourjobs!”

“Thatwouldbeapity.Whatdoyousay,areyouin?Rudi?”“Idon’tknow…”“Gotrek?”“Yes,manling—withoneprovision.”“What’sthat?”“IfvonHalstadtistheChaosworshipping,skaven-loving,snotling-fondlerwesawinthesewer

thenwekillhim.”An appalled silence hung over the chamber. The import of the Trollslayer ’swords sunk into

theirbrains.Felixfelthismouthgodry.Whatthedwarfwassuggestingwasmurder,pureandsimple.No, he decided, thinking of Gant, and the dead in the NewQuarter, it wasn’t murder, it was

justice.He’dgoalongwiththat.“Fine.”“There’snobackingout then.Rudi?”Thebald-headedmanlookedshocked.Hisfacewaspale

andfearwasinhiseyes.“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’resuggesting.”“Areyoucomingwithusornot?”Rudididn’tanswerforasecond.“Yes,”hesaidat last.“I’ll

come.Ijusthopeyou’rewrong,that’sall.”“I’mnot,”Felixsaid.“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”

The sewers had never seemed so ominous to Felix. Shadows danced away from the lantern light.Every time he heardRudi’s heavy tread behind him, he had to fight the urge to look around.ThesoundoftheSlayercontinuallytappingthewallswithhishatchetbladewasgettingonhisnerves.HeknewthatGotrekwasonlydoingittoseeifhecouldfindahollowareabutthatdidnotmakeitanyeasiertotake.

Somethingwasoutthere.Heknewthatnow.SomethinghadkilledHefandSpider,andtheirgirltoo,anditwouldsurelykilltherestofthemiftheyletit.Itwasthenotknowingthatwassoterrifying.Notknowingwhatitwasthathuntedthem.Notreallyknowingwhy.Notknowinghowmanyskavenmight appear, nor what daemonic henchmen they might have. The brothers had been formidablefightersandtheyweregone.

Worse, half of theCheap Street shantytown had gonewith them.Whatever dark thing soughtthemhadnoqualmsaboutkillingalotofpeopletogettheonesitwanted.Heaskedhimselfwhyhehadnotsimplyfledthecity-state.

Hecouldbeontheroadevennow,notcreepingaboutinthisdark,smellystinkhole.Whydidhehavetobecursedwiththisurgetointerfereinwhatwasreallynoneofhisbusiness?

Healreadyknewtheanswer.Hehadtotakeastandsomewhere,forsomething.Becauseifhedidnot,hewouldbeexactlylikehisbrother,Otto,andalltheotherslikehim,pretendingthathedidnotknow what was going on; making deals with the Darkness so that it would leave him alone;pretendingallwasrightwiththeworldwhenheknewthatitwasn’t.

Knowingthatsomethingwaswrongmeantthathehadtodosomethingaboutit,eveniftheonlyreason for doing it was to keep his self-image intact and allow him to feel superior to those hedespised.Andifthatmadehimfeelalittlemoreliketheheroesheusedtoreadaboutwhenhewasyoung,well,somuchthebetter.

Thinkingabouthisreasonskepthismindoccupiedandallowedhimtoforgethisfears.Hemadehimselfconcentrateonwhatheknew.Theonlyrealleadhehadwasthatheknewthattheheadofthecity’ssecretpolicewasinleaguewiththeskaven.Hehadseenitwithhisowneyes.Hedidnotknowwhysuchathingshouldbe;heonlyknewthatitwasso.Andthatitshouldbestopped.

“Stopdaydreaming,manling.We’vebeendownhere forhoursandwestillhaven’t found thissecretentranceofyours.It’llsoonbedarkupaboveandwe’restillnofurtherforward.”Felixgavehisattentionback toscanning thewalls.Fromupahead thesoundofGotrek tapping thebrickworkwiththebladeofhishatchetcontinued.

***Thanquolstaredaroundthedarkenedroom.Hefeltexposedhereinthesurfaceworld,sohighabovetheground.Hegazedoutthroughthesinglewindowandthenlookedatthestrawpallet.Boneripperstoodhunchednearthedoorway,flexinghisgreatclaws.

Theyhadstoodhereinthedarkfornearlytwohoursandstilltherewasnosignoftheirprey.Helashedhistailinfrustration.Wherewasthestupidman-thing?Whywasn’thehomeinbedwhereheshouldbe?Theywereall thesame,fritteringawaytheir timeindrunkennessanddebauchery.They

deservedtobereplacedbytheMasterRace.Hesworethathewouldmakethisparticularman-thingpayforwastingagreyseer ’svaluabletime.

He didn’t have any more time to waste. He had to meet with von Halstadt and check on thearrangementsthathadbeenmadeforthecountess’homecomingball.SoonitwouldbetimetorevealtohimthatEmmanuelle’sguest,theEmperor ’sownbrother-in-law,wassecretlyamutantandworseyet,thecountess’latestlover.

The fact thatneitherof these thingswere truewasnot in the slightestbit important.Whatwasimportant was that when von Halstadt had the graf kidnapped and tortured, word of it would bereleased.WarwouldcomebetweenNulnandtherestoftheEmpire.TheEmperorcouldnotstandforthe insult of his ownbrother-in-lawbeing torturedby theElector ’s secret police.Civilwarwoulderupt. The greatest kingdom ofmankindwould be thrown into anarchy. The power of the skavenwouldgrow.

ThethoughtsoexcitedThanquolthathehadtotakesomepowderedwarpstonesnufftocalmhisnerves.Thedrugbubbledintohisbrainandfilledhimwithdelightfulvisionsoftorture,bloodshedandagony.

The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs brought him out of his reverie. He nodded toBoneripper.Therewasatentativeknockonthedoor.“HerrJaeger,it’sme,FrauZorin.Renttime!”

BeforeThanquolcouldcountermandhim,Boneripperthrewopenthedooranddraggedtheoldwomaninside.

“Herr Jaeger, there’s no need to be so rough!” They were Frau Zorin’s last words beforeBonerippertoreherthroatout.

Well,atleasthewouldn’thavetofeedtherat-ogreforanotherthreehours,thoughtthegreyseer.HewaitedforBonerippertofinishhismeal.

“Come-come,wehavebusinesselsewhere,”he toldhim.Theyheadedfor thesewersandtheirmeetingwithvonHalstadt.

***“Success,manling!”Gotrekexclaimed,andtappedagaintomakesure.Henoddedhisheadsmugly.“I’vefoundthepassageormymotherwasatroll!”

I wouldn’t bet against that, thought Felix, but kept the thought to himself. He watched as theSlayersetdownhishatchetandbegantorunhisfingersaroundthebrickwork.

“Nicebitofworkthis.Wellconcealed.Probablydwarf,I’dsay.NowonderImissedittheotherday.Thegitmusthavepaidadwarfcrewtodighisbolt-tunnelandthenswornthemtosecrecy.NowifI’mrightthereshouldbe—”

His stubbypowerful fingerspushedagainst a singlebrick. It sank into thewall.Therecameaquietgrindingsound,asofperfectlybalancedcounterweightsshifting.Asectionofthewallslidback.Felix sawa smallvestibuleandametal ladder leadingup.Gotrek turnedandsmiled, revealinghismissingteeth.Helookedgenuinelypleased.“Veryniceworkindeed.Buggermusthaveoutdistancedme,turnedthatcornerandduckedin.NowonderIcouldn’tfindhim.Myeyeswerestillstingingfromthegas,too.”

“There’snoneedtomakeexcuses,Gotrek,”Felixsaid.“Noexcuse,manling.Ijustwant—”“Arewegoingtostandhereallnight,youngFelix,orareyougoingtogoupandtakealook

around?”Rudiinterrupted.“Me?”“Well, all thiswas your idea.” Felix saw the uneasewritten onRudi’s face.The bigmanwas

scared by the prospect of burgling so important a citizen’s home.Not surprisingly, thought Felix.

He’sawatchman.He’sspentthelasttenyearscatchingcriminals,notbeingone.“Areyougoingtodoit,manling,orshouldI?”ThethoughtoftheTrollslayerclumpingaround

upstairsgalvanisedFelixintoaction.HerememberedOtto’swordsabouttherebeingTemplarsoftheWhiteWolfonguardabove.Hedidn’trelishtheprospectofbeingdiscoveredbythem.

“I’lltakealookfirst,”hesaid,“andI’llletyouknowifit’ssafe.”Felixheldhisbreathandglancedaround.Theladderemergedinanothersmallchamberwithasingledoor.Thisledoutintoalargewinecellar.

Lookingback,Felixsawthatthedoorwasattachedtoawinerack,sothatwhenitwascloseditwasvirtually invisible.Felixcheckeda labelononeof thebottles.Heblewawaydust toreveal theemblemofoneofthebestParravonianvineyards,Desghulles.

“Someonehasexpensivetastes,”hetoldhimself.Heturnedswiftlyreachingforhisswordwhenheheardtheladdercreakbehindhim.Gotrek’sheadpokedroundtheedgeofthedoorway.

“Don’twet yourself,manling, it’sme,” he said.Rudi emerged frombehind him. “Right, let’scheckthehouseandseeifwecanfindourfriend,thechiefmagistrate.”

“Notmuchnoiseabove.Theplacesoundsempty.”“Let’shopeso.”“I’llstayhere,”Rudisaid.“Andmakesureyourlineofretreatiscovered.”Felixshrugged.Itwasprobablybetterthanhavingthebigmanblunderingaboutupabove.“You

dothat.”Felixmadehiswaycautiouslytothefootofthestairs,keepinghislanterntothenarrowestaperturesothatonlythefaintestglimmeroflightshowed.

“Itoldyouso:thehouseisempty,”Gotreksaid.Felixhadtoadmititlookedlikethedwarfwasright.WhereweretheWhiteWolfguards?Where

weretheservants?“Guardsaremost likelyat thegatehouse.Butwhereare theservants?Aplace this sizeshould

havesome.”“You’dknowaboutthat,Isuppose.”“Yes.”Felixgentlyputhisfootonthestairs.Ashiverrandownhisspineasitcreakedunderhisweight.

Hepausedandheldhisbreath.Noonecametoinvestigate.“Whyareyoubeingsoquiet,manling?There’snoonehere.”“I don’t know.Maybe it’s just because it’s notmy house. I feel like a criminal.Why are you

whispering?”“Youarebeingacriminal.SoamI.Let’ssearchthisplaceandseewhatwecanfind.Youtake

upstairs.I’lltakebelow.”ItwasonlyafterhepaddedoffnearsilentlythatFelixnoticedthatGotrekwasmovingstealthily

too.Felixmovedonupthestairs,hopingthattheywouldnotcreak.Inthebedroom,Felixclosedtheapertureofhislanterncompletelybeforeslidingasideacurtainandlookingoutside.Heglanceddownintoalargewalledcourtyardandhecouldseeoverthehighwallsintothestreetbeyond.Alargegateopenedintothecourtyard.Ontheleftofthesquarewasastableandcoach-house;ontherightwasasmallbarracksandaprivyfortheservants.Oldoaktreeslinedthesquare.Therewere sentries: tallblondmen in full armour,whitewolfpeltsdraped round theirshoulders.Onepacedfromthegatehouseacrossthecourtyard.

For amoment Felix feared that themanmight be coming inside, but he soon turned off andheadedtowardsasmallbarracksnexttothestables.SlowlyFelixletthecurtainslidebackintoplace

andthenheallowedhimselftoexhale.No, it wouldn’t do to get caught here. The White Wolves had a reputation for ferocity that

equalledthatofaSlayer,andtherewereatleasthalfadozenofthemoutthere.Themostappropriatethingtodowhenhefoundthelockeddoorwastoforceit.Hejimmieditopenwiththebladeofhisshortswordandwent in.Hefoundhimself inaplacethatremindedhimoftheledgerhallinhisfather ’swarehousebackinAltdorf.

Itwasabigroomdominatedbyanoakdesk largeenoughtoholdapartyon.Thewallswerelinedwithfilingboxes,hundredsandhundredsofthem.Heopenedoneatrandomandpulledoutathicksheafofpaperswritten inaprecisehand.Glancing through it,hecameupon thenameof thecountessandnotes referring to severalofherbetter-known lovers.Therewasanextensive sectiondealingwithsuspectedmutationinherfamily.Manysourceswerequoted.

WhatdrewFelix’sattentionwere thereferences to“ourmostspecialsource”and“ourfriendsdownbelow”.Hepickedupanotherfileandwentthroughit.Thereweresimilarnotes.Onereferredto the need for a certain Slazinger to disappear. The files were sorted alphabetically. He couldn’tresistit.HesoughtouttheoneontheJaegerfamily.AfterfindingoneconcerningafamilyofbakersonCakeStreetwhosharedthesamename,hegothisownfamilyfileonthesecondtry—FelixfelthisstomachlurchwhenhecameacrossreferencestothemerchanthouseofJaegerandSons.Thefileremarked on how amenable his brother Otto was and noted that he was a sound man who gavegenerouslytotheelector ’sfundforthemaintenanceofcivilorder.Asheflippedthepagehesawhisownnamementioned.Hereadon.Thanquolnoticedthat thesecretentrancetovonHalstadt’shadbeendisturbedalmostassoonasheentered. Therewas a strangemanscent in the air of the chamber at the foot of the ladder. Severalmanscentsinfact,andsomethingthatsmelledlikedwarf.

Fool-fool!hecursedinside,gnawingatthetipofhistail.Thespy-masterhadbeendiscovered.Itdidn’ttaketheapplicationofamindascleverasThanquol’stoworkoutbywhom.Hehadtwoman-thingsandadwarflefttokill.

Well,theman-thingshadsavedhimthebotheroftrackingthemdown.Theirdesiretomeddleinbusinessthatwasnottheirswouldprovetobetheirundoing.

HenoddedtoBoneripperandchitteredhisinstructions.Theladdergroanedundertheweightoftherat-ogre.Itswarmeduptherungs,asagileasanape.Felix shook his head. He was referred to as a spendthrift younger son who had vanished undermysteriouscircumstances.TherewasalinedevotedtohisduelwithKrassnerandahastilyscribbledmemoinpenciltotheeffectthatafurtherinvestigationshouldbeconducted.

Well,perhapstherewereworsethingstobethantheblacksheepoftheJaegerfamily.PerhapsheshouldshowGotrek.MaybetherewassomethinginthefilesabouttheSlayertoo.Hewasjustabouttolookwhenheheardthedooropendownbelow.

Damn,hethought,closingthechamberdoor.He’dhavetowait.VonHalstadtknewhewasrunninglate.Hehopedtheskavenwastoo.Hedeploredgivingthewrongimpressioneventoabruteliketheskaven.ButEmmanuellewasduebacktomorrowandhewantedeverylittledetailofherhouseholdtobeperfect.

Heimaginedthesmilewithwhichshewouldrewardhisdiligenceandknewthatallhiscarehadbeenworthwhile.Evenifhehadbeenforcedtowastefifteenminutespunishingthatyoungfootmanforhisclumsinessinsettingthepaintings.Theflogginghadleftthemagistratetiredandsweaty,andinneedofabath.

He picked up a house lantern and lit it. The gloom rushed away from him.VonHalstadtwasgoingtocallaservanttodrawsomewaterwhenherecalledthathehadgiventhemallthenightoff

because the skavenwas coming. Hewould have to forego the pleasure of a wash until later. Theskaven’stidingsweremoreimportant.

Beforedepartinglastnighthehadintimatedthathisagentswereabouttoferretoutaparticularlyimportantmutantplot.VonHalstadthad toadmithewas farmoreconcernedwith theassassinationattemptonthesewerjacks.HeknewthatHefandSpiderweredead.HisagentshadreportedonthefireinCheapStreet.

Thathadbeenaneatbitofwork,disposingoftwotraitorsandhalfahundredriffraffatthesametime. Come to think of it, perhaps the rat-man had inadvertently provided a solution to anotherproblem.PerhapshecouldhavefiressetacrosstheNewQuarter.Thatwouldcertainlycutdownonthenumbersofmutant-worshippingscumwhodwelledthere.

Thethoughtofburningthedregsofsocietyoutoftheirfesteringsinkholeofvicewarmedthecocklesofhisheart.Hetookthestairstwoatatimeandrusheddownthecorridortohisfilingroom.Buthisheartsankwhenhesawthedoorhadbeenforced.Angerfilledhim.Someonehaddesecratedhissanctum.AfterEmmanuelle,hisbelovedfileswerethemostimportantthinginhislife.Ifsomeonehadharmedapageofthem…

Hedrewhisswordandpushedthedooropenwithhisfoot.Alanternshoneinhisface.“Goodevening,vonHalstadt,”aculturedvoicesaid.“IthinkyouandIhavesomebusiness.”Asthechiefmagistrate’seyesgrewaccustomedtotheilluminationherecognisedthefaceofthe

youngmanhehadseenwithOttoJaegertheothernight.“Whoareyou,whelp?”heasked.“MynameisFelixJaeger.Iamthemanwhoisgoingtokillyou.”

Rudihadneverseensomuchwinebefore.Itwaseverywherein thecellar:oldbottlescoveredinathicklayerofdustandcobwebs,neweroneswithonlytheslightestgildingofdirt.Therewassomuchofithewonderedhowanyonemancoulddrinkitall.Maybeifhehadplentyofguests,hesupposed.

Whatwasthatnoise?Probablynothing.Itwouldbebesttopretendtherewasnothingthere.Eversincetheyhadfoundtherat-maninthesewers,nothinghadgoneright.Perhapshecould

hide.Buttherewasnoplaceintowhichhecouldsqueezehislargeframe.Heshouldgobacktothetopoftheladderandtakealook.Hewassurehehadheardtherungsof

themetalladdercreak.Yes,heshould.He swallowedand tried tomakehimselfmoveback to thehiddenniche.His limbs responded

slowly.Itwasasifallstrengthhadbeendrainedoutofthem.Hisheartbeatsoundedloudinhisears.Itracedlikehehadjustrunamile.

Herealisedthathehadbeenholdinghisbreath,andletitoutinalongsigh.Thesoundseemedunnaturallyloudinthesilence.HewishedGotrekoreventhatcockyyoungsnobFelixwouldcomeback.Hedidn’t likebeinghereonhisown, in thebasementofapowerfulnoblewhosewealthandinfluencehecouldhardlyimagine.

Itwasridiculous,he toldhimself.He’dspentnearly fifteenyears,manandboy, in thesewers,huntingmutantsandmonsters in thedark.Heshouldn’tbe frightened.Ah,but ithadbeendifferentthen.Hehadbeenyoungerandhe’dbeenwithfriendsandcomrades,Gantandthebrothersandtheothersnowdeadorgone.

Thelastfewdayshadtrulyshakenhim.Thesolidfoundationsofhislifehadvanished.Hewasalone:nowife,nochildren.Hislastfriendshadvanishedordied.AndifyoungFelixwasright,theorderthathehadsworntoprotect,thecity’srulerswhohewaspledgedtodefendagainstallenemies,weretheenemy.Lifedidn’tmakesenseanymore.

Wait!Therewasdefinitely somethingmoving inside thenicheSomethingheavyhad stealthilypulleditselfoverthelipofthesinkhole.Itwashereinthecellar.

“Who’s there?”Rudiasked.Hisvoice soundedweakandstrange tohim. Itwas thevoiceofa

stranger.Thesoftpaddingfootfallscamecloser.Hislanternrevealedtheshapeasitemergedintothewinecellar.Itwashuge,aheadtallerthan

himandperhapstwiceasheavy.Greatmusclesbulgedunderitsruddyfur;longclawsslidfromthesheathsinitsfingertips.Itsfacewasamixtureofratandwolf.Achilling,malignintelligenceburnedinitspink,beadylittleeyes.

Rudiraisedhisclubtodefendhimself,butitwasonhimwithoneleap,startlinglyswiftforsolargeacreature.Pain flared throughRudi’sweaponarmas itsgreat clawsbit into the fleshofhiswrist.Heopenedhismouthtoscream.Helookedupintothepinkeyesofdeath.Hefeltthebreathofthemonsteronhim.Itsmelledofbloodandfreshmeat.“Don’tbefoolish,youngman,”FritzvonHalstadtsaid.Ashespoke,heputhishandonthehiltofhislongsword.Hewas confident.Hewas a formidable swordsman andhis opponent hadonly a shortstabbingblade.“OneshoutandI’llhavesixKnightsoftheWhiteWolfinhere.They’llhandmeyourhead.”

“Perhapsthey’llbeinterestedinthefactthatyouconsortwithskavenandkeepaledgerofyourdealingswiththem.”

Felix’swordschilledvonHalstadttothebone.Hedidn’tknowwhetherthegreyseerwasinthehousealreadyorabouttoarriveHecouldn’trisksummoningtheknightsif thatwasthecase.Theywerereassuringlyanti-mutantbuttheirzealalsoextendedtodealingwiththelikesoftheskaven.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, boy!” the magistrate spat. His blade rung as hepulleditfromthescabbard.

“I’mafraidIdo.YouseeIsawyouinthesewerstheotherday.Isawyouwithmyowneyes.Inearlydidn’tbelievethemwhenIsawyouagainintheGoldenHammer.”

Theyoungmanseemedcertain.Therewouldbenoreasoningwithhim,hewouldhavetodie.VonHalstadtlethisbladepointtothefloorashemovedcloser.Helethisshouldersslumpindefeat.

“Howdidyouknow?”“I’masewerjack.”“Youcan’tbe.Sewerjacksdon’teatattheGoldenHammer.NotinthecompanyofOttoJaeg…”

As he spoke thewords, realisation dawned on vonHalstadt. Felix Jaeger,Otto Jaeger. The familyblacksheep.Heknewthathadbeenworthlookinginto.

“Whatdoyouwant,boy?Money?Preferment?Icanarrangeforeitherbutitwilltaketime.”Heedgedever closer.Theyoungmanhad relaxeda little, seeinghowcowedhehadbecome.Soon itwouldbetimetostrike.

“No,IthinkIwantyourhead.”EvenasFelixspoke,vonHalstadtstruck,serpent-swift.Tohissurprise theyoungmanparried

hisblow.Steelsparkedwherethebladesmet.FelixlashedoutwithhisfootcatchingvonHalstadtontheshin.Painflaredinhisleg.Heonlyjustmanagedtoleapbackoutofthewayastheyoungermanthrust.Heknewhehadtokeephisdistance,tousehislongerbladetoadvantage.

Theycircled andwheeled,movingwith theprecisionofmasters as they soughtout openings.Bladeswheeledandglitteredintheshadowsofthetwolanterns.Theymovedtoofastfortheeyetofollow,dancedwitha lifeof theirown,seekingholes in theother ’sdefences.VonHalstadtallowedhimselfasnarlofsatisfactionashepinkedJaeger ’sarm.Itturnedintoasmileashecutopenanastygashabovetheyoungman’seye.

Soon blood would drip down, blinding him. Both breathed hard now. But Fritz von Halstadtknewthathewouldwinthisduel.Hecouldsenseit.Hewouldfightdefensivelyforthemoment.Itwassimplyamatterofwaiting.Thanquolheard thenoiseupstairs. It sounded likeadancewas takingplace.Heavyboots slammed

intothestonefloor.Well-well,hethought,itwasfortunatethathehadarrivedwhenhedid.Itwouldseem that vonHalstadt’s enemieshad trackedhim tohis lair andwere evennow in theprocessofassassinatinghim.

Assassinationhadalongandhonourablehistoryinskavenpolitics,andThanquolwastemptedtoletthingsruntheircourse.Itwouldgratifyhissenseofpettymalicetolettheman-thingdie.Pleasingthoughthethoughtwas,hecouldn’tallowhimselfthepleasure.Itwouldinterferetoomuchwiththegreatplan.

HekickedBoneripper.Therat-ogreraiseditsbloodymuzzlefromtheremnantsof itsmeal. Itgrowledathim.Thanquolglaredat it, lettinghisslavefeelhiswill.Slowlytherat-ogrerose.Theyclimbedthestairsoutofthecellartowardsthebattleabove.Felixwas forced toadmit thatperhaps thishadnotbeensuchagood ideaafterall.Heblamed toomuchwatchingtheplaysofDetlefSierckasayouth.Hehadalwayswantedtoplayoutoneofthosemelodramaticsceneswheretheheroconfrontstheschemingvillain.

Unfortunatelythingsweren’tquitegoingaccordingtoscript.Itwasthestoryofhislife.HisarmsburnedwithfatigueandthepainofthewoundvonHalstadthadinflicted.Hejerkedhisheadquicklytoone side to shakeoff theblood runningdownhis forehead, a riskymove against a swordsmanasskilledashisopponent.

Reddropletssplatteredontothedesktop.FelixwasrelievedthatvonHalstadthadn’tbeenquiteswift enough to take advantage of the opening. His breathing was coming swift and laboured. Itsoundedlikeabellows.Paininterferedwiththesmoothflowofhismovements.

VonHalstadt’s longbladeseemedtobeeverywhere. Itwas thesword thatmade thedifference.Felix believed that had the blades been of equal length he would just have been the nobleman’ssuperior.Buttheywerenotanditwaskillinghim.“Hurry-hurry!”ThanquolorderedBoneripperastheyrantowardsthebottomofthestairs.Thefightabovewas still going on but now that he had decided to save his pawn he didn’twant to take thechanceoffateintervening.

Anaccidentatthisstagewouldbemostannoying.Boneripperletoutalittlemoanandstoppedsosuddenly thatThanquol ran into the solidwallofhisbackandbounced.Thepain inhis snoutwasconsiderable.Thegreyseerglancedaroundhispet.HesawwhyBoneripperhadhalted.

Adwarf stood there,blocking theway to thestairs.Hewasmassiveandhis furwasstrangelycrested.Inonehandheheldanenormousbattle-axe.He,too,lookedasifhehadbeenracingtogetupthestepsandinterveneintheongoingfight.He,too,lookedastonishedtodiscovertherewasanotherinthehouse.

“Bloodypalaces!”hegrumbled.“Youneverknowwhoyou’llmeetinthem.”“Die-die,foolishdwarfthing,”chitteredThanquol.“Boneripper!Kill!Kill!”Boneripper surged forward, claws extended. He loomed up over the dwarf, a terrifying

daemonicapparition,alivingtributetothefearsomeimaginationsofthesorcerer-scientistsofClanMoulder.ItwouldnothavesurprisedThanquolifthedwarf,too,wasparalysedwithfearbytheverysightofhim,astheothershadbeen.

“Chewonthis,”thedwarfsaid.BrainssplatteredeverywhereastheaxecloveBoneripper ’sheadintwo.Thanquolfoundhimself

confrontinganirateTrollslayer.Themuskoffearsprayedashereachedintohispouchforaweapon.Then,decidingdiscretion

was thebetterpartofvalour,he turnedandscuttledoff.Tohis relief thedwarfdidnot follow,butracedupthestaircase.Thanquolheadedforthesewers,swearingthatif it tookhimalifetime,he’dmakethatdwarfpay.

Bothmenheard thenoise frombelow. It sounded likean immense treehadcrashed to theground.Felix saw von Halstadt’s eyes flicker to the window. He knew this would be his only chance.Throwingcautiontothewindhedivedstraightatthenobleman,alldefencesdown.MomentarilyheexpectedtofeelvonHalstadt’sbladebiteintohischest.Thesplit-secondofdistractionprovedalmostenough.Toolate,hisopponenttriedtobringhisbladearound.Felixwasalreadywithinthesweep.ItbitintohissideashisownshortswordtoreupthroughvonHalstadt’sstomach,underhisribsandintotheheart.Withagurgle,thechiefmagistratedied.AgonysearedFelix’sbrainandhefell.“Wakeup,manling.Thisisnotimetobelyingaround.”

Felixfeltwatersplashoverhisface.Hecoughedandsplutteredandshookhishead.“Whatthe—”

“We’dbettergetoutofherebeforetheWhiteWolvesarrive.”“Leavemealone.”Felixjustwantedtoliethere.“Yougoandfightthem.Youalwayswantedto

dieheroically.”Gotrekshuffledhisfeetandlookedembarrassed.“Ican’t,manling.I’maSlayer.I’msupposedtodiehonourably.Ifwe’recaughtnowfolkmightthinkwewerecommittingaburglary.”

“So?”“Theftbringsdisgrace.I’mtryingtoatoneformydisgrace.”“Icanimaginesomeworsecrimes,likedrowningadyingman,forinstance.”“You’renotdying,manling.That’sbarelyascratch.”“Well,ifwemust.”Felixpulledhimselftohisfeet.Helookedaroundatthefiles.Itoccurredto

himthattheinformationherewouldbeworthafortunetotherightperson.Evenasmallselectionofwhatwasherewouldbeinvaluable.Thepossibilitiesforblackmailandextortionwereendless.

HelookedattheSlayerandrememberedwhathehadsaidoftheft.Gotrekwouldn’tcondonehimtakingthepapers.Evenifhewould,Felixdecidedhecouldnottakethem.Itwascorrupt,thelifeworkof amaniac like vonHalstadt. Contained in those papers were things that could ruinmen’s lives.There were too many secrets already in Nuln. These represented too much power to fall intoanybody’shands.He took the lanterns andpoured their oil over the filing cases.Thenhe set themalight.

Runningdownstairswiththesmellofburningpaperfillinghisnostrils,Felixfeltoddlyfree.HerealisedthathewouldnotbegoingtoworkwithOttoafterall,andthatpleasedhimtremendously.

GUTTERRUNNERS“Needless to say,we couldnot tell the authorities thewhole truth of our encounterwith theskaven,forindoingsowewouldimplicateourselvesinthemurderofahighofficialofthecourtoftheCountessEmmanuelle.Andmurder,nomatterhowdeservingthevictim,isacapitalcrime.

“Weweredismissed fromserviceand forced to seekalternateemployment.As luckwouldhaveit,duringadrunkenspreeinoneofthelesssalubriousquartersofthecity,wehappeneduponatavern,theownerofwhichhadbeenacompanionoftheSlayer’sinhismercenarydays.Wewereemployedtoejectundesirablesfromthebar,andbelievemewhenItellyouthatpeoplehadtobeveryundesirableindeedtowarrantbeingthrownoutoftheBlindPig.

“Theworkwashard,violentandunrewardingbutatleastIthoughtweweresafefromtheskaven.Ofcourse,aswassooftenthecase.Iwaswrong.Foritseemedthatoneofthematleasthadnotforgottenusandwasplottingrevenge…”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,Vol.III,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

FelixJaegerduckedthedrunkenmercenary’spunch.Thebrass-knuckledfisthurtledbyhisearandhitthe doorjamb, sending splinters of wood flying. Felix jabbed forward with his knee, catching themercenaryinthegroin.Themanmoanedinpainandbentover.Felixcaughthimaroundtheneckandtuggedhimtowardstheswingdoors.Thedrunkbarelyresisted.Hewastoobusythrowingupstalewine.Felixbootedthedooropen,thenpushedthemercenaryout,propellinghimonhiswaywithahardkicktothebackside.ThemercenaryrolledinthedirtofCommerceStreet,clutchinghisgroin,tearsdribblingfromhiseyes,hismouthopeninarictusofpain.

Felixrubbedhishandstogetherostentatiouslybeforeturningtogobackintothebar.Hewasalltoo aware of the eyeswatching him from beyond every pool of torchlight. At this time of night,Commerce Street was full of bravos, street-girls and hiredmuscle. Keeping up his reputation fortoughnesswas plain common sense. It reduced his chances of taking a knife in the backwhen hewanderedthestreetsatnight.

What a life, he thought. If anybody had told him a year ago that he would be working as abouncer in the roughestbar inNuln,hewouldhave laughedat them.Hewouldhavesaidhewasascholar,apoetandagentleman,notsomebarroombrawler.Hewouldhavealmostpreferredbeingbackinthesewerwatchtothis.

Things change, he told himself, pushing hisway back into the crowded bar. Things certainlychange.

The stinkof stale sweat andcheapperfume slappedhim in the face.He squintedashisvisionadjustedtothegloomy,lantern-litinterioroftheBlindPig.Foramomenthewasawarethatalltheeyesintheplacewereonhim.Hescowled,inwhathehopedwasafearsomemanner,glaringaroundinexactlythefashionGotrekdid.Frombehindthebar,bigHeinz,thetavernowner,gaveawinkofapprovalforthewayinwhichFelixhaddealtwiththedrunk,thenreturnedtoworkingthepumps.

Felix likedHeinz.Hewas grateful to him aswell. The bigmanwas a former comrade fromGotrek’smercenarydays.Hewas theonlyman inNulnwhohadoffered thema jobafter theyhadbeendishonourablydischargedfromthesewerwatch.

Nowthatwasanew low,Felix thought.HeandGotrekwere theonly twowarriorsever tobekickedoutofthesewerwatchinallitslongandsordidhistory.Infacttheyhadbeenluckytoescapeastretch in the Iron Tower, Countess Emmanuelle’s infamous prison. Gotrek had called the watchcaptain a corrupt, incompetent snotling fondler when the man had refused to take their report ofskaveninthesewersseriously.Tomakemattersworse,thedwarfhadbrokentheman’sjawwhenhehadorderedthepairofthemhorsewhipped.

Felix winced. He still had some half-faded bruises from the ensuing brawl. They had foughtagainsthalfofthewatchstationbeforebeingbludgeonedunconscious.Herememberedwakingupinthesqualidcell themorningafter. Itwas justaswellhisbrotherOttohadgot themout,wishing tohushupanypossiblescandalthatmightblackentheJaegerfamilyname.

Ottohadwanted thepairof them to leave town,butGotrek insisted that they stay.Hewasnotgoingtoberunoutoftownlikesomecommoncriminal,particularlynotwhenaskavenwizardwasstill at large and doubtless plotting some terrible crime. The Trollslayer sensed an opportunity toconfronttheforcesofdarknessinalltheirevilsplendourandhewasnotgoingtoberobbedofhischanceofamightydeathinbattleagainstthem.Andboundbyhisoldoath,Felixhadtoremainwiththedwarfandrecordthatdoomforposterity.

Somemightydeath,Felixthoughtsourly.HecouldseeGotreknow,huddledinacornerwithagroupofdwarfishwarriors,waitingtostarthisshift.Hisenormouscrestofdyedorangehairroseoverthecrowd.Hishugelymuscularfigurehunchedforwardoverthetable.Thedwarfssluggedbacktheirbeerfromhugetankards,growlingandtuggingattheirbeards,andmutteringsomethingintheir

harsh, flinty tongue.Doubtless theywere rememberingsomeoldslight to theirpeopleorworkingthroughthe long listof thegrudges theyhad toavenge.Ormaybe theywere just remembering thegood old days when beer was a copper piece a flagon, and men showed the Elder Races properrespect.

Felix shook his head. Whatever the conversation was about, the Trollslayer was thoroughlyengrossed.Hehadnotevennoticedthefight.Thatinitselfwasunusual,forthedwarflivedtofightasotherfolklivedtoeatorsleep.

Felixcontinuedhiscircuitofthetavern,takingineverytablewithacasualsidelongglance.Thelong,lowhallwaspacked.

Everybeer-stainedtablewascrowded.Onone,asemi-nakedEstaliandancinggirlwhirledandprancedwhileagroupofdrunkenhalberdiersthrewsilverandencouragedhertoremovetherestofherclothes.Street-girlsledstaggeringsoldierstodarkalcovesinthefarwall.Thecommotionfromthebardrownedoutthegaspsandmoansandtheclinkofgoldchanginghands.

One whole long table was taken up by a group of Kislevite horse archers, guards for someincomingcaravanfromthenorth.Theyroaredoutdrinkingsongsconcerningnothingbuthorsesandwomen,andsometimesanobscenecombinationofboth,whiledowninghugequantitiesofHeinz’shome-distilledpotatovodka.

Therewassomethingabout them thatmadeFelixuneasy.TheKislevitesweremenapart,bredunderacoldersuninaharsher land,bornonlytorideandfight.Whenoneof themrosefromthetabletogototheprivy,hisrolling,bow-leggedwalktoldFelixthatherewasahorsemanborn.Thewarriorkepthishandnearhislong-bladedknife—foratnotimewasamanmorevulnerablethanwhenstandingoutsideinthedimmoonlight,relievinghimselfofhalfapintofpotatovodka.

Felixgrimaced.Halfof the thieves,bravosandmuscleboys inNulncongregated in theBlindPig.Theycametominglewithnewlyarrivedcaravanguardsandmercenaries.Heknewmorethanhalfofthembyname;Heinzhadpointedthemouttohimonhisfirstnighthere.

AtthecornertablesatMurdoMacLaghlan,theBurglarKingwhoclaimedtobeanexiledprinceofAlbion.Hewore the tartanbritchesand longmoustachesofoneof thatdistant, almostmythicalisland’shill-warriors.Hismusculararmsweretattooedinwoodelfpatterns.Hesatsurroundedbyabevyofadoringwomen,regalingthemwithtalesofhisbeautifulmountainoushomeland.FelixknewthatMurdo’srealnamewasHeinrikSchmidtandhehadneverleftNulninallhislife.

Two tall hook-nosedmenofAraby,Tarik andHakim, sat at their permanently reserved table.Gold rings glittered on their fingers. Gold earrings shone in their earlobes. Their black leatherjerkinsglistenedinthetorchlight.Longcurvedswordshungoverthebackoftheirchairs.Everynowandagain,strangers—sometimesstreeturchins,sometimesnobles—wouldcomeinandtakeaseat.Hagglingwouldstart,moneywouldchangehandsandjustassuddenlyandmysteriouslythevisitorswouldupandleave.AdaylatersomeonewouldbefoundfloatingfacedownintheReik.RumourhaditthatthetwowerethebestassassinsinNuln.

Over by the roaring fire at a table all by himself sat FranzBeckenhof,who some saidwas anecromancerandwhoothersclaimedwasacharlatan.Noonehadeverfoundthecouragetositnextto theskull-facedmanandask,despite the fact that therewerealwaysseats freeathis table.Hesatthereeverynightwithaleatherboundbookinfrontofhim,husbandinghissingleglassofwine.OldHeinznever askedhim tomove along either, even thoughhe tookup space that other,more free-spendingcustomersmightuse.Itneverpaystoupsetamagician,wasHeinz’smotto.

Here and there, as out of place as peacocks in a rookery, sat gilded, slumming nobles, theirlaughterloudanduneasy.Theywereeasytospotbytheirbeautifulclothingandtheirfirm,softflesh;upper-classfopsouttoseetheircity’sdarkunderbelly.Theirbodyguards—generallylarge,quiet,

watchfulmenwithwell-usedweapons—weretheretoseethattheirmasterscametonoharmduringtheirnocturnaladventures.AsHeinzalwayssaid,nosenseinantagonisingthenobs.Theycouldhavehis tavern shut andhis staff inside the IronTowerwith awhisper in the right ear.Best to toady tothem,lookoutforthemandtoputupwiththeirobnoxiousways.

By the fire, near to the supposed necromancer,was the decadentBretonnian poet,Armand leFevre,sonofthefamousadmiralandheirtotheleFevrefortune.Hesatalone,drinkingabsinthe,hiseyesfixedatsomepointinthemid-distance,aslighttrickleofdroolleakingfromthecornerofhismouth.Everynight,atmidnight,hewouldlurchtohisfeetandannouncethattheendoftheworldwascoming, then twohoodedandcloakedservantswouldenterandcarryhimtohiswaitingpalanquinandthenhometocomposeoneofhisblasphemouspoems.Felixshuddered,fortherewassomethingabout theyoungmanwhichremindedhimofManfredvonDiehl,anothersinisterwriterofFelix’sacquaintance,andonewhichhewouldratherforget.

Aswellas theexoticand thedebauched, therewere theusual raucousyouths from thestudentfraternities,whohadcomehereto theroughestpartof towntoprovetheirmanhoodtothemselvesandtotheirfriends.Theywerealwaystheworsttroublemakers;spoiled,richyoungmenwhohadtoshow how tough they were for all to see. They hunted in packs and were as capable of drunkenviciousnessasthelowestdocksidecut-throat.Maybetheywereworse,fortheyconsideredthemselvesabovethelawandtheirvictimslessthanvermin.

Fromwherehestood,Felixcouldseeabunchofjadedyoungdandiestuggingatthedressofastrugglingserving-wench.Theyweredemandingakiss.Thegirl, aprettynewcomercalledElissa,fresh from the country andunused to this sort ofbehaviour,was resistinghard.Her struggles justseemedtoencouragetherowdies.Twoofthemhadgottotheirfeetandbegantodragthestrugglinggirl towardsthealcoves.Onehadclampedahandoverhermouthsothathershriekswouldnotbeheard.Anotherbrandishedahugeblutwurstsausageobscenely.

Felixmovedtointerposehimselfbetweentheyoungmenandthealcoves.“Noneedforthat,”hesaidquietly.Theolderofthetwoyouthsgrinnednastily.Beforespeakinghetookahugebiteoftheblutwurst

andswallowed it.His facewas flushedandsweatglistenedonhisbrowandcheeks.“She’sa feistywench—maybeshe’denjoyatasteofaprimeNulnsausage.”

Thedandieslaugheduproariouslyatthisfinejest.Encouraged,hewavedthesausageintheairlikeageneralrallyinghistroops.

“I don’t think so,” Felix said, trying hard to keep his temper. He hated these spoiled youngaristocratswithapassion,haddoneeversincehistimeattheUniversityofAltdorfwherehehadbeensurroundedbytheirsort.

“Our friend here thinks he’s tough,Dieter,” said the younger of the two, a crop-headed giantlargerthanFelix.Hesportedthescarredfaceofastudentduellist,onewhofoughttogainscarsandsoenhancehisprestige.

Felix looked around for some help. The other bouncers were trying to calm down a brawlbetweentheKislevitesandthehalberdiers.FelixcouldseeGotrek’screstofdyedhairrisingabovethescrum.Nohelpfromthatquarter,then.

Felixshrugged.Bettermakethebestofabadsituation,he thought.Helookedstraight into theduellist’seye.

“Justletthegirlbe,”hesaidwithexaggeratedmildness—thensomedevillurkingatthebackofhismindpromptedhimtoadd,“andIpromisenottohurtyou.”

“Youpromisenottohurtus?”Theduellistseemedalittleconfused.Felixcouldseethathewastryingtoworkoutwhetherthislowlybouncercouldpossiblybemockinghim.Thestudent’sfriends

werestartingtogatheraround,keentostartsometrouble.“Ithinkweshouldteachthisscumbagalesson,Rupert,”Dietersaid.“Ithinkweshouldshowhim

he’snotastoughashethinksheis.”ElissachosethismomenttobiteDieter ’shand.Heshriekedwithpainandcuffedthegirlalmost

casually.Elissadroppedasifpole-axed.“Bitchtookachunkoutofmyhand!”SuddenlyFelixhadjustplainhadenough.Hehadtravelledhundredsofleagues,foughtagainst

beasts, monsters and men. He had seen the dead rise from their graves and slain evil cultists onGeheimnisnacht.HehadkilledthecityofNuln’sownchiefofsecretpoliceforbeinginleaguewiththewretchedskaven.Hedidn’thavetotakecheekfromthesespoiledwhelps,andhecertainlydidn’tneedtowatchthembeatupaninnocentgirl.

FelixgrabbedRupertbythe lapelsandswunghisforeheadforward,buttingtheduellistonthenose. Therewas a sickening crunch and the big youth toppled backward, clutching his face. Felixgrabbed Dieter by the throat and slapped him a couple of times just for show, then slammed thestudent’sfaceintotheheavytabletop.Therewasanothercrunch.Steinstoppled.

Thespectatorspushedtheirchairsbackwardstoavoidbeingsoaked.FelixkickedDieter ’slegsoutfromunderhimandthen,afterhehittheground,kickedhimintheheadacoupleoftimes.Therewasnothingprettyorelegantaboutit,butFelixwasnotinthemoodtoputupwiththesepeopleanymore.Suddenlytheysickenedhimandhewasgladofthechancetoventhisanger.

AsDieter ’sfriendssurgedforward,Felixrippedhisswordfromitsscabbard.Therazor-sharpbladeglitteredinthetorchlight.Theangrystudentsfrozeasiftheyhadheardthehissingofadeadlyserpent.

Suddenlyitwasalldeathlyquiet.FelixputthebladedownagainstthesideofDieter ’shead.“OnemorestepandI’lltakehisearoff.ThenI’llmaketherestofyoueatit.”

“Hemeansit,”oneofthestudentsmuttered.Suddenlytheydidnotlooksoverythreateninganymore,justascaredanddrunkenbunchofyoungidiotswhohadboughtintomuchmoretroublethanthey had bargained for. Felix twisted the blade so that it bit intoDieter ’s ear, drawing blood. TheyoungmangroanedandsquirmedunderFelix’sboot.

Rupertwhimperedandclutchedhisnosewithonemeatyhand.Ariverofredstreamedoverhisfingers.“Youbrokemynode,”hesaidinatoneofpiteousaccusation.Hesoundedlikehecouldn’tbelieveanyonewoulddoanythingsohorriblycruel.

“OnemorewordoutofyouandI’llbreakyourfingerstoo,”Felixsaid.Hehopednobodytriedtoworkouthowhewasgoingtodothat.Hewasn’tquitesurehimself,butheneedn’thaveworried.Everybodytookhimabsolutelyseriously.“Therestofyoupickyourfriendsupandgetoutofhere,beforeIreallylosemytemper.”

He stepped away from Dieter ’s recumbent form, keeping his blade between himself and thestudents. They hurried forward, helped their injured friends to their feet, and hurried towards thedoor.AfewkeptterrifiedeyesonFelixastheywent.

HewalkedovertoElissaandhelpedhertoherfeet.“Youallright?”heasked.“Fineenough.Thanks,”shesaid.She lookedupathimgratefully.Not for the first time,Felix

noticedhowprettyshewas.Shesmiledupathim.Hertightblackringletsframedherroundface.Herlipspouted.Hereacheddownandtuckedoneofherjet-blackcurlsbehindherear.

“BestgoandhaveawordwithHeinz.Tellhimwhathappened.”Thegirlhurriedoff.“You’relearning,manling,”theTrollslayer ’svoicesaidfrombehindhim.Felix looked around and was surprised to see Gotrek grinning malevolently up at him. “I

supposeso,”hesaid,althoughrightatthismomenthefeltalittleshaky.Itwastimeforadrink.GreySeerThanquolperchedon the three-leggedbonestool in frontof the farsqueakerandbithistail.Hewasangry,asangryashecouldeverrememberbeing.Hedoubtedhehadbeensoangryevenonthedayhehadmadehisfirstkill,andthenhehadbeenvery,veryangryindeed.Hedughiscaninesintohistailuntilthesensationmadehispinkeyeswater.Thenheletgo.Hewassickofinflictingpainonhimself.Hefeltlikemakingsomeoneelsesuffer.

“Hurry-fast!Scuttle-quickorIwillthefleshflayfromyourmostunworthybones,”heshrieked,lashingoutwiththewhiphecarriedforjustsuchoccasionsasthis.

Theskavenslavessqueakedindismayandscuttledfasteronthelurchingtreadmillattachedtothehugemechanismsofthefarsqueaker.Astheydidso,thepowerglobesbegantoglowslightly.Theirflickeringlightilluminedthelongmustychamber.TheshadowsofthewarpengineersofClanSkryredancedacross thewallsas theymadeadjustments to thedelicatemachinebybangingit lightlywithsledgehammers.Afainttangofwarpstoneandozonebecameperceptibleintheair.

“Quick!Quick!OrIwillfeedyoutotherat-ogres.”Achancewouldbeafinething,Thanquolthought.Ifonlyhehadarat-ogretofeedtheseslaves

too.WhatadisappointmentBoneripperhadprovedtobe—thatcurseddwarfhadslainhimaseasilyas Thanquol would slaughter a blind puppy. Just the thought of that hairless dwarf upstart madeThanquolwanttosquirtthemuskoffear.Atthesametime,hatredbitatThanquol’sbowelsandstayedthere,gnawingasfiercelyasanewlybornruntchompingonabone.

BytheHornedRat’sfoetidbreath,hewantedrevengeontheTrollslayerandhishenchman!NotonlyhadtheyslainBoneripperandcostThanquolalotofpreciouswarptokens,theyhadalsokilledvonHalstadtand thusdisrupted thegreyseer ’smasterplan for throwingNulnand theEmpire intochaos.

True,Thanquolhadotheragentsonthesurface,butnonesohighlyplacedorsomalleableastheformerheadofNuln’ssecretpolice.Thanquolwasn’tlookingforwardtoreportingthefailureofthispartoftheschemetohismastersbackinSkavenblight.Infact,hehadputoffmakinghisreportforaslongashedecentlycould.Nowhehadnooptionbut to talk to theSeerlordand reporthow thingsstood.Warilyhelookedupatthehugemirrorontopofthefarsqueaker,ashewaitedforavisionofhismastertotakeform.

The skaven slaves scuttled fasternow.The light in thewarpglobesbecamebrighter.Thanquolfelthisfurliftandashiverrundownhisspinetothetipofhistailassparksleaptfromtheglobesateitherendof the treadmill, flickeringupwards towards thehugemirrorat the topof theapparatus.Oneofthewarpengineersrushedovertothecontrolpanelandwrencheddowntwomassivecopperswitches.Forkedlightningflickeredbetweenthewarpglobes.Theviewingmirrorbegantoglowwithagreenishlight.Littleflywheelsbegantobuzz.Hugepistonsroseandfellimpressively.

BrieflyThanquolfeltasurgeofprideatthisawesometriumphofskavenengineering,adevicewhich made communication over all the long leagues between Nuln and Skavenblight not onlypossiblebutinstantaneous.

Truly,nootherracecouldmatchtheinventivegeniusoftheskaven.Thismachinewasjustonemoreproof,ifanywasneeded,ofskavensuperioritytoallotherso-calledsentientraces.Theskavendeservedtoruletheworld—whichwasdoubtlesswhytheHornedRathadgivenitintotheirkeeping.

Apicture tookshape in themirror.A towering figureglareddownathim.Thanquol shiveredagain, this time with uncontrollable fear. He knew he was looking on the features of one of theCouncilofThirteenindistantSkavenblight.Intruth,hecouldnottellwhich,sincethepicturewasalittle fuzzy. Maybe it was not even Seerlord Tisqueek. Swirls and patterns of interference dancedacrossthemirror ’sshimmeringsurface.Perhaps,ThanquolshouldsuggestthattheengineersofClan

Skryremakeafewadjustmentstotheirdevice.Now,however,hardlyseemedthetime.“Whathave…to…report…SeerThanq…”Themajesticvoiceofthecouncilmemberemerged

fromthemachine’ssqueakingtrumpetasahigh-pitchedbuzzing.Thanquolhadtostraintomakeoutthewords.Withhisoutstretchedpawhesnatchedupthemouthpiece,carvedfromhumanthighboneandconnected to themachinebyacableofpurestcopper.Hestruggledhard toavoidgabblinghiswords.

“Great triumphs, lordlyone, and someminor setbacks,”Thanquol squeaked.Hismuskglandsfelttight.Hefoughttokeepfrombaringhisteethnervously.

“Spea…up…Grey…I…hardlyhearyou…and…”Thanquoldecidedthereweredefinitelyafewproblemswiththefarsqueakingmachine.Manyof

the Seerlord’s words were being lost, and doubtless his superior was only catching a few ofThanquol’sownwords inreturn.Perhaps, thought thegreyseer, thiscouldbemade towork tohisadvantage.Hemustconsiderhisoptions.

“Manytriumphs,lordlyone,andafewminorsetbacks!”Thanquolbellowedasloudashecould.Hisroaringstartledtheslavesandtheystoppedrunning.Asthetreadmillslowed,thepicturestartedtoflickerandfade.Thelongtonguesoflightningdimmed.“Faster,youfools!Don’tstop!”

Thanquolencouragedtheslaveswithaflickofhislash.Slowlythepicturereturneduntilthedimoutline of the gigantic skaven lord was visible once more. A cloud of foul-smelling smoke wasstartingtoemergefromthefarsqueaker.Itsmelledlikesomethingwithinthemachinewasburning.Twowarpengineersstoodbywithbucketsoffoulwaterdrawndirectlyfromthenearbysewers.

“…setbacks,Grey…eerThanquol?”Ifevertherewastimeforthemachine’sslightirregularitiestoproveuseful,nowwasthattime,

thoughtThanquol. “Yes,master.Many triumphs!Even aswe speak ourwarriors scout beneath theman-city.Soonwewillhaveallinformationweneedforourinevitabletriumph!”

“Isaid…setbacks…SeerThanquol.”“Itwouldnotwisebetosendthemback,greatone.Weneedeveryable-bodiedskavenwarriorto

mapthecity.”The councillor leaned forward and fiddled with a knob. The picture flickered and became

slightlyclearer.Thanquolcouldnowseethatthespeaker ’sheadwasobscuredbyagreatcowlwhichhid his features. Themembers of theCouncil of Thirteen often did that. Itmade them seemmoremysteriousandthreatening.Thanquolcouldseethathewasturningandsayingsomethingtosomeonejust out of sight. The grey seer assumed his superior was berating one of the engineers of ClanSkryre.

“…andhowis…agentvonHalstadt…”“Indisposed,”Thanquolreplied,alittletoohastilyforhisownliking.Somehowitsoundedbetter

than saying hewas dead.He decided to change the subject quickly.He knew that he had better dosomethingtosavethesituationandfast.

Nomatterhowcunninglyhestalledhismastersonthefarsqueaker,heknewthatwordofFritzvonHalstadt’s deathwould get back to them eventually. Every skaven forcewas full of spies andsnitches.Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethenewsofhisscheme’sfailurereachedSkavenblight.BythenThanquolknewhehadbetterhavesomeconcretesuccessestoreport.

“Wehavenews…changeofplans…wesendarmy toNuln…whenready…ttackcity…”TheSeerlord’swordsmadeThanquol’searsrisewithpleasure.IfanarmywasbeingdispatchedtoNuln,hewouldcommandit.Takingthecitywouldincreasehisstatusimmeasurably.

“WarlordVermekSkabwillcommand…renderhimall…sibleassistance…”Thanquolbaredhisteethwithdisappointment.Hewasbeingreplacedincommandofthisarmy.

Hesniffedasheconsideredthematter.Maybenot.VermekSkabmighthaveanaccident.ThenGreySeerThanquolcouldrisemajesticallytoclaimhisfullandrightfulshareoftheglory!

Thanquol’s nose twitched. The billowing cloud of smoke from themachine almost filled thechamber now, andThanquolwas pretty sure that the devicewas not supposed to be emitting greatshowersofsparkslikethat.Thefactthattwoofthewarpengineerswererunningforthedoorwasn’tagoodsigneither.Heconsideredfollowingthem.

“Ihaveforeseenthepresence…ill-omenedelementsinyourfuture,Then…Ipredictdisasterforyouunless…dosomethingaboutthem.”

SuddenlyThanquolwasrootedtothespot,tornbetweenhisdesiretofleeandhisdesiretohearmore.Healmostsquirtedthemuskoffear.Iftheseerlordprophesiedsomethingthenithadalmostasgoodashappened.Unless,ofcourse,his superiorwas lying tohim forpurposesofhisown.Thathappenedalltoooften,asThanquolknewonlytoowell.

“Disaster,lordlyone?”“Yes…seeadwarfandahuman…destiniesareintertwinedwithyours…youdonotslaythem

then…”Therewasaveryloudandfinalbang.Thanquolthrewhimselfoffhisstoolandcoweredonthe

floor. An acrid taste filled hismouth. Slowly the smoke cleared and he saw the fused andmeltedremainsofthefarsqueakingmachine.Severaldeadskavenslaveslayinitsmidst,theirfurallcharredandtheirwhiskersburnedaway.Inonecornerawarpengineerlaycurledupinaball,mewlingandwrithinginastateofshock.Thanquolwasunconcernedabouttheirfate.TheSeerlord’swordsfilledhimwithagreatfear.Hewishedhehadbeenabletospeakwithhissuperioralittlelonger,butalas,hehadnotthatoption.Heraisedhislittlebronzebellandtinkledit.

Slowly members of his bodyguard entered the chamber. Clawleader Gazat looked almostdisappointed to see him alive, Thanquol thought. Briefly the idea that the warrior might havesabotaged the farsqueaker crossed Thanquol’s mind. He dismissed it — Gazat did not have theimagination.Anyway,theGreySeerhadmoreimportantthingstoworryabout.

“Summonthegutter runners!”Thanquolsqueaked inhismostauthoritative tone.“Ihaveworkforthem.”

Foramomentsilencefelloverthechamber.AfoulsmellmadeThanquol’swhiskerstwitch.Justthemerementionof thedreadedassassinsofClanEshinhadcausedClawleaderGazat tosquirt themuskoffear.

“Quick!Quick!”Thanquoladded.“Instantly,master,”Gazatsaidsadlyandscuttledoffintothelabyrinthofsewers.Thanquolrubbedhispawsinglee.Thegutterrunnerswouldnotfail,ofthathewasassured.

Felix unlocked the door of his chamber and entered his room.He yawnedwidely. Hewanted fornothingmore than to liedownonhispallet and sleep.Hehadbeenworking formore than twelvehours.Heputthelanterndownbesidethestraw-filledmattressandunlacedhisjerkin.Hetriedtogivehissurroundingsas littleattentionaswaspossible,but itwasdifficult to ignore the loudmoansofpassioncomingfromthenextroomandthesingingofthedrinkersdownstairs.

The chamber wasn’t good enough for paying guests, but it suited him well enough. He hadoccupiedbetter,butthisonehadthegreatvirtueofbeingfree.Itcamewiththejob.LikeaminorityofoldHeinz’sstaff,Felixchosetoliveonthepremises.

Felix’s littlepileofpossessions stood inonecorner,under thebarredwindow.Therewashischainmail jerkinandalittlerucksackwhichcontainedafewoddsandendssuchashisfire-makingkit.

Felixthrewhimselfdownonthebedandpulledhisold,tatteredwoollencloakoverhimself.He

made surehis swordwaswithineasy reach.Hishard lifeon the roadhadmadehimwaryeven inseemingly safeplaces, and the thought that the skaven theyhad recently encounteredmight still beaboutfilledhimwithdread.

Herecalledonlytoowellthehugecorpseoftheslainrat-ogrelyingatthefootofthestairsinvonHalstadt’smansion.Ithadnotbeenareassuringsight.SomehowhewasunsurprisedthathehadheardnothingatallaboutthefireatvonHalstadt’smansion.Perhapstheauthoritieshadnotfoundtheskavenbodies,orperhapstherewasacover-up.Rightnow,Felixdidn’tevenwanttoconsiderit.

Felixwonderedhowmencould ignore the talesof theskaven.Evenasa studenthehadcomeacrossscholarlytomesprovingthattheydidn’texist,orthatiftheyhadeverexistedtheywerenowextinct.HehadcomeacrossafewreferencestotheminconnectionwiththeGreatPlagueof1111andofcourse theEmperorof thatperiodwasknownasMandredSkavenslayer.Yet thatwasall.Therewereinnumerablebookswrittenaboutelvesanddwarfsandorcs,yetknowledgeoftherat-menwasrare. He could almost have suspected an organised conspiracy to cloak them in secrecy but thatthoughtwastoodisturbing,sohepusheditaside.

Therewasasoftknockatthedoor.Felixlaystillandtriedtoignoreit.Probablyjustoneofthedrunkenpatronslostandlookingforhisroomagain,hetoldhimself.

The knock came again, more urgently and insistently this time. Felix rose from the bed andsnatcheduphissword.

Amancouldneverbetoocarefulinthesedarktimes.Perhapssomebravolurkedoutthere,andthought a sleep-fuddled Felix would prove easy prey. Only two months ago Heinz had found amurdered couple lying on bloodstained sheets a mere three doors away. The man had been aprominentwinemerchant, thegirlhis teenagemistress.Heinzsuspectedthat themerchanthadbeenslainbyassassinsonorderofhisharridanofawife,butclaimedalsothatitwasnoneofhisbusiness.Felixhadgothisnewtunicallcoveredinbloodwhenhedumpedthebodiesintheriver.Hehadn’tbeentoothrilledabouthavingtousethesecretroutethroughthesewerseither.

Theknockingcameathirdtime,andheheardawoman’svoicewhisper,“Felix.”Felix eased his blade from its scabbard. Just because he heard a girl’s voice didn’tmean that

therewas only a girlwaiting for him out there. Shemight have brought a few burly friendswhowouldsetabouthimassoonasheopenedthedoor.

Brieflyheconsiderednotopeningthedooratall,ofsimplywaitinguntilthegirlandherfriendstriedtobatterthedoordownthenherealisedquitehowparanoidhehadbecome.Heshrugged.SincethedeathsofHefandSpiderandtherestofthesewerwatchhehadeveryreasontobeparanoid.Still,was he going towait here all night?He slipped the bolts and opened the door.Elissawaswaitingthere.

She looked up at him nervously, brushing a curl from her forehead. Shewas very short butreallyveryprettyindeed,Felixdecided.

“I…Iwantedtothankyouforhelpingmeearlier,”shesaideventually.Felixthoughtthatitwasabitlateforthat.Couldn’tshehavewaiteduntilthemorning?Slowly,

though,realisationdawnedonhim.“Itwasnothing,”hemuttered,feelinghisfaceflush.Elissa glanced quickly left and right down the corridor. “Aren’t you going to inviteme in, I

wantedtothankyouproperly.”Shehadtostandonher tiptoes tokisshis lips.Hestoodtheredumbfoundedforasecondthen

pulledherintotheroomandslammedthedoor,slippingthelockintoplace.AshishenchlingQuegreachedtwelveinhismutteredcount,ChangSquikofClanEshintwitchedhisnoseandsampledthesmellsofthenight.

Strange,hethought;solikethestinksoftheman-citiesofFarCathayandyetsounlike.Herehe

couldsmellbeefandturnipandroastpig.Intheeastitwouldhavebeenpickledcabbageandriceandchicken.Thefoodsmelleddifferentbuteverythingelsewas thesame.Therewas thesamescentofoverflowingsewers,ofmanyhumanslivingincloseproximity,ofincenseandperfume.

Heopenedhisearsashismasterhadtrainedhimaswell.Heheardtemplebellstollingandtherattle of carriage wheels on cobbles. He heard the singing of drunks and the call of the nightwatchmenastheyshoutedthehour.Itdidnottroublehim.Hecouldnotbedistracted.Hecould,ifhesowished,tuneoutallextraneoussoundandpickoutonevoiceinacrowd.

The skaven squinted out into the darkness. His night-vision was keen. Down there were theshadowyshapesofmenandwomenleavingthetavernsarminarm,headingforbriefliaisonsinbackalleysandsqualidroominghouses.Changdidnotcareaboutthematall.Histwotargetswereinthebuildingthathumanscalledatavern.

Hedid not knowwhy the honourable grey seer had selected these two, out of all the inferiorsoulsinthiscity,forinevitabledeath.HemerelyknewitwashistasktoeasethepassingoftheirsoulsintothemawoftheHornedRat.Hehadalreadyoffereduptwosticksofnarcoticincenseandpledgedtheir immortal essence for his dark god’s feast.He could almost, but not quite, feel sorry for thedoomedones.

Theywerethereinthattavern,underthesignoftheBlindPig,andtheydidnotknowthatcertaindoomapproached.Norwould they, forChangSquikhad trained foryears in thedeliveryof silentdeath. Long before he had left thewarm jungles of his eastern homeland to serve the Council ofThirteeninthesecoldwesternclimes,hehadbeenschooledtoperfectioninhisclan’sancientartofstealthyassassination.Whilestillarunt,hehadbeenmadetorunbare-pawedthroughbedsofwhitehotcoals,andsnatchcoinsfromthebowlsofblindbeggarsinhumancities.Evenatthatearlyagehehadlearnedthatthebeggarswereoftenfarfromblind,andoftenviciouslyproficientinthemartialarts.

Bythetimeofhisinitiationhehadbecomeproficientinallformsofunarmedcombat.Hewasathirddegreeadept in thewayof theCrimsonTalonandheldablackbelt in thePathof theDeadlyPaw.Hehadspenttwelvelongmonthsbeingtrainedinsilentinfiltrationinthejungles,andamonthinfastingandmeditationhighatopMountYellowfangwithonlyhisowndroppingsforfood.

SincethattimehehadkilledandkilledagaininthenameoftheCouncilofThirteen.HehadslainLord Khijaw of Clan Gulcher when that mighty warlord had plotted the downfall of Throt theUnclean.HehadservedaspersonalassistanttoSnikchwhenthegreatassassinhadkilledFrederickHasselhoffenandhisentirehousehold,andhehadbeenrewardedwithone-on-oneinstructionbytheDeathmasterhimself.

ChangQuik’slistoftriumphswaslong,andtonighthewouldaddanothertoit.Itwashistasktoslay the dwarf, GotrekGurnisson, and his human henchling, Felix Jaeger. He did not see how hecouldfail.

Whatchancehadaone-eyeddwarfandhisstupidhumanfriendagainstamightyskaventrainedineveryartofdeath-dealing?ChangSquikfeltconfidentthathecouldtakethepairhimself.HehadbeenalmostinsultedbyGreySeerThanquol’sinsistencethathetakehisfullpackofgutterrunners.

Surelythedirerumoursofthisdwarfwereexaggerated.TheTrollslayercouldnotpossiblyhaveslaughteredaunitofstormverminsingle-handed.Anditseemedwellnighunbelievablethathecouldhave slain the rat-ogre,Boneripper,without the aid of an entire company ofmercenaries.And, ofcourse, itwas impossible that this could be the samedwarfwho five years agohad slainWarlordMakrikofClanGowjyerattheBattleoftheThirdDoor.

Chang exhaled in one long controlled breath. Perhaps the grey seer was right. He had oftenprovedtobesointhepast.ItwassimpleprudencetoassignthetaskofslayingthedwarftoSlitha.

Changwouldslaythehuman,andiftherewereanydifficultieshewouldracetotheassistanceofhishenchling’ssquad.Notthattherewouldbeanydifficulties.

Quegstoppedcountingatonehundredandtappedhissuperioronthearm.Changlashedhistailonce to show that he understood. Slitha and his team, with the clockwork precision whichcharacterisedallskavenoperations,wouldbeinpositionatthesecretentrancetothetavernbynow.Itwastimetoproceed.

Heloosenedhisswordsintheirscabbards,checkedtomakesurethathisblowpipeandthrowingstarswerereadyatpaw,andwhistledthesignaltoadvance.

Likeadarkwave,thepackofgutterrunnerssurgedforwardovertherooftop.Theirblackenedweaponswerevisible only as shadowyoutlines in themoons’ light.Not aweapon clinked.Not anoutlinewasvisible.Well,almost.Heinzmadehislastroundsofthenight,checkingthedoorsandwindowsofthelowerfloortomakesuretheyweresecurelybarred.ItwasamazinghowoftenthievestriedtobreakintotheBlindPigandsteal from its cellars. Not even the reputation for ferocity of Heinz’s bouncers could keep thedesperatelypoor andalcoholicdenizensof theNewQuarter frommaking theattempt. Itwasquitepatheticreally.

Hemadehiswaydownintothecellars,shininghislightintothedarkcornersbetweenthegreatalebarrels,andwineracks.Hecouldhaveswornheheardastrangescuttlingnoisedownhere.

Justhisimagination,hetoldhimself.Hewasgettingold,starting tohear things.Evenso,hewentoverandchecked thesecretdoor

that leddown into thesewers. Itwashard to tell in this lightbut it lookedundisturbed.Hedoubtedanybody had used it since he and Felix had dumped those bodies two months back and savedeverybodyquiteascandal.Yes,hewasjustgettingold,thatwasall.

He turned and limped back to the stairwell.His bad legwas playing up tonight. It always didwhentherewasgoingtoberain.Heinzsmiledgrimly,rememberinghowhe’dgottheoldwarwound.It had been stamped on by a Bretonnian charger at the Battle of Red Orc Pass. Clean break. Herememberedlyingthereinthebloodydirtandthinkingitwasprobablyajustpaybackforspikingthehorse’sowneronhishalberd.Thathadbeenabadtime,oneoftheworsthehadfacedinallhisyearsofsoldiering.He’dlearnedalotaboutpainthatday.Still therehadbeengoodtimesaswellasbadduringhiscareerasamercenary,hewasforcedtoadmitthat.

TherewereoccasionswhenHeinzwonderedwhetherhehadmadetherightdecision,givingupthefree-spiritedlifeofthemercenarycompaniesforthelifeofatavernkeeper.Onnightslikethishemissedthecamaraderieofhisoldunit,thedrinkingroundthecampfires,theswappingofstoriesandrecountingoftalesofheroism.

Heinz had spent ten years as a halberdier, and had seen service on half the battlefields of theEmpire,firstasalowlytrooperandlaterasasergeant.HehadrisentocaptainduringEmperorKarlFranz’scampaignsagainst theorchordesintheeast.DuringthelastBretonnianscraphehadmadeenough inplunder tobuy theBlindPig.Hehad finallygiven in tooldLotte’spromptings to settledown and make a life for the two of them. His old comrades had laughed when he had actuallymarriedacampfollower.Theyhadinsistedshewouldrunoffwithallhismoney.InsteadthetwoofthemhadbeenblissfullyhappyforfiveyearsbeforeoldLottehadtospoilitallbygoinganddyingoftheWastingSickness.Hestillmissedher.HewonderediftherewasanythingtostayhereinNulnfornow.Hisfamilywerealldead.Lottewasgone.

Ashereachedtheheadofthestair,Heinzthoughtheheardthescuttlingsoundagain.Therewasdefinitelysomethingmovingdownthere.

BrieflyheconsideredcallingGotrekorsomeoftheotherlads,andgettingthemtoinvestigate,

thenhespreadhishugehandswideinagestureofdisgust.Hereallywasgettingoldifhewouldletthenoiseofsomeratsscrabblingroundinhiscellarupsethim.Hecouldjustimaginewhattheotherswouldsayifhetoldthemhewasscaredtogodowntherehimself.Theywouldlaughlikedrains.

He drew the thick cosh from his waistband and turned to go back down. Now he really wasuneasy. He would never have drawn the weapon normally. He was too calm and easy tempered.Somethingdefinitelydidhavehimspooked.

Hisoldsoldier ’sinstinctswerearoused,andtheyhadsavedhimonmorethanoneoccasion.HecouldstillrememberthatnightalongtheKisleviteborderwhenhehadsomehowbeenunable

to get to sleep, filledwith a terrible sense of foreboding.He had risen from his bed and gone toreplacethesentry,onlytofindthemandeadathispost.Hehadonlyjustrousedthecampbeforethefoulbeastmenattacked.Hehadasimilarfeelinginthepitofhisstomachnow.Hehesitatedatthetopofthestair.

BestgogetGotrek,hethought.Onlytherealhardcoredrinkerswerestillinthetavernbynow.Therestwereasleep,underthetables,inthealcoves,intheprivaterooms,orelsegonehome.

There it was again, that skittering sound, like the soft scrabble of padded claws on the stonestairs.Heinzwasdefinitelyworriednow.Hepulledthedoorclosedandturned,almostrunningdownthecorridoruntilhecameoutinthemainbararea.Ahandfulofthebouncerschatteredidlywithafewofthebarmaids.

“Where’sGotrek?”Heinzasked.Aburly lad,Helmut, jerkedhis thumb in thedirectionof theprivies.Slithareachedtheheadofthestaircaseandflungthedooropen.Sofar,sogood.Allwasgoinglikeatypicallywell-oiledClanSkryremachine.Everythingaccordingtoplan.Theyhadenteredthetavernundetected;nowitwassimplyacaseofsearchingtheplaceuntiltheycameuponthedwarfandkilledhim.Andfurthermorekilledanythingelsethatgotintheirway,ofcourse.

Slithafeltalittleirritated.Itwastypicalofhissuperiortotaketheeasytask.TheyhadalreadyfoundoutwherethehumanJaegerslept,andtheirleaderhadtakenthetaskofkillinghimforhimself.Surely that was the only explanation. It could not be that the great Chang Squik was afraid of anencounterwith theTrollslayer.Not thatSlithacared.Whenhedispatched the feareddwarf itwouldsimplyreflectallthemoretohiscredit.Hegesturedforhisfellowstogoinfirst.

“Quick!Quick!”hechittered.“Allnightwehaven’tgot!”Thegutterrunnersmovedquicklyintothecorridor.FelixandElissalayonhispalette,kissingdeeply,whensuddenlyFelixshifteduneasily.Hethoughtheheardthefaintestofscrabblingsoundsfromoutsidethewindow.

HegentlyuntangledElissa’sarmsfromaroundhim,andwassuddenlyawareoftheareaofheatandsweatwhere theirbodiesmet.He lookeddownon theservinggirl’s face.Her facewasa littlepuffedontheleftsidefromwherethestudenthadhitherbutshereallywasverypretty.

“Whatisit?”sheasked,lookingupathimwithwide,trustingeyes.Helistenedforamomentandheardnothing.

“Nothing,”hesaid,andbegankissingheragain.Slithaboundeddownthecorridor.Hesmelleddwarf.Hefollowedthescent,whistlingcommandstohisfellowsinthefore.Surprisedbyskavenstealth,speedandsavagery,theirweakfoewouldswiftlybedraggeddown.Whatchancewouldameredwarfhaveagainstthedeadliestwarriorsofthemasterrace?Slithaalmost felt sorry thathewas in the rear, the traditionalpositionofhonouranyskavenleaderadoptedwheneverpossible.HewouldhavelikedachancetobethefirsttosinkhisbladeintothedwarfandofferuphissoultotheHornedRat.

They reached the endof the corridor.The stenchof dwarf intensified.Hemust be very close

now.Slitha’sheartrateaccelerateddramatically.Bloodracedthroughhisveins.Histailstiffenedandlashed.Theclawsinhisfeetextrudedinstinctively.Ashemadereadyforcombat,hebaredhisfangsin a snarl.The scentwasvery strong: theymust be almost on topof theTrollslayer.Hiswarriorslashedtheirtailsproudly,readytooverwhelmtheiropponentwiththeirnumbersandsavagery.

SuddenlyaredmistfilledSlitha’seyes.ItlookedasifahugeaxehadcutKlisqueekinhalf,butthatcouldnotbe.Theycouldnothavebeendetected.Itwasimpossiblethatameredwarfwouldhavethecunningtoambushapackofskavengutterrunners.

YetsuddenlyHrishakwassqueakinginpainandterror.Ahugefisthadcaughthimbythethroat.Thebuttofamonstrousaxecrackedhisskull.Thethick,cloyingscentofthemuskoffearfilledtheairnow.Klisqueek’sbodyhadalreadystarted todissolve intoapuddleofblack slime,as theClanEshindecompositionspellstookeffect.

Slitha looked out into a swirlingmeleewhere half a dozen of his finest gutter runnerswereattempting to swarmover amassivedwarfish form.Hispalehairless fleshwas emphasisedby theblackoftheskaven’scloaks.Slithasawthehugeaxeswingaroundinadeadlyarc.Heheardbonescrunchandbrainssplatter.

“Tryandsneakuponme,wouldyou,”mutteredthedwarfinReikspiel.HeaddedagutturalcurseinDwarfish as he clove a path of red ruin through the skaven assassins. The dwarf bellowed andchantedastrangewar-cryashefought.

Slitha shuddered. The noise was enough to awaken the dead, or at least any sleeping humanguards.Hefelttheadvantageofstealthandsurpriseslippingaway.Hiseyeswidenedwithterrorashewatched the dwarf complete his bloody work, cutting down Snikkit and Blodge with one stroke.SuddenlySlitharealisedthathewasalone,facingoneveryangryandverydangerousdwarf.

Itwasimpossibletobelieve,butthedwarfhadkilledmostofhisbrethreninamatterofseconds.Nothinginalltheworld,notevenanassassinofClanEshin,couldconceivablybesodeadly.Slithaturnedtofleebutahob-nailedbootdescendedonhistail,pinninghiminplace.TearsofpainfilledSlitha’seyes.Themuskoffearvoidedfromhisglands.

Thelastthingheheardwasthewhooshofahugeaxecomingcloser.***

Despitehimself,FelixuntangledhimselffromElissaagainandlookedaround.Whatwasthatnoise?Itsoundedlikefightingdownstairs.HewassurehecouldrecogniseGotrek’sdeep-throatedbattle-cry.Thegirlwaslookingupathim,puzzled,wonderingwhyhehadstoppedkissingher.Sheopenedhermouthtospeak.Felixplacedahandgentlyoverherlips.Heleanedforwarduntilhismouthwasoverherear.

“Beveryquiet,”hewhispered.Acoldtrickleoffearranthroughhim.Hecoulddefinitelyhearastrange scrabbling soundcoming fromoverby thewindow.Felix liftedhimselfoff the recumbentgirlandreachedforhisdragon-hiltedsword.Heslippedbackwardsoffthestrawpalletandfellintoahalfcrouch.

Placingonefingeragainsthislipstoindicatesheshouldbequiet,hegesturedforthewomantogetupoffthebed.Shestaredathimuncertainly,thenfollowedhisgazeovertothewindow.

Thatwaswhenshescreamed.ChangSquikwatched asNoi swungdownon the rope.He felt almost proudof his pupil.Noi hadfixed the grapnel in the guttering perfectly, then abseiled down the side of the tavern like a greatspider.Hehadsprayedthemetalbarscoveringthewindowwithacid,thenfiledthroughtheweakenediron likeamasterburglar.He reachedupandgestured to the restof the squadon the tavern roof.TheyfixedtheirropesinpositionandmadereadytofollowNoi.Changwouldbelastin,asbefittedthegloriousstrike leader.Noikickedhimselfbackfromthewall,swingingout intospace,gaining

momentumtocrashthroughthewindow.Thewindowcavedinandablack-cladskavencrashedthroughit.Ithitthefloorrollingandemergedintoafightingcrouch,taillashing,alongcurvedbladeglintingevillyineachclaw.Felixdidn’twaitforittogettimetoorientateitself.Helashedforwardwithhisownblade,almostcatchingthethingby surprise. Sparks flashed as the creature parried, deflecting Felix’s blade so that it only searedalongitscheek.

“Run,Elissa!”Felixshouted.“Getout!”Foramoment,hethoughtthegirlwastooshockedtomove.Shelayonthestrawpallet,hereyes

widewithhorror, thensuddenlyshesprangup.ThedistractionalmostkilledFelix.Themomenthetook to look at herwas amoment he did not look at his opponent.Only the deadlywhine of theskaven’sbladeasitdartedtowardshisskullwarnedhim.Heduckedhishead,andtheswordpassedover him, coming close enough to shave a lock off his hair. Felix lashed back instinctively. Theskavensprangaway.

“Felix!”Elissashouted.“Run!Gethelp!”Overtheskaven’sshoulder,hecouldseeotherferalformscrowdingroundthe

window.Theyseemedtobestrugglingtoforceawayin,eachgettingintheother ’sway.Thewindowwaspackedwithmangy,scarredskavenfaces.Thingsdidnotlookgood.

“Die!Die!Foolishman-thing,”theskavenchittered,boundingforward.Itfeintedastrokewithitsrightblade,thenlashedoutwithitsleft.Felixcaughtitshandjustabovethewristandimmobilisedit.Thething’stailsnakedobscenelyroundhislegandtriedtotriphim.Felixbroughtthepommelofhissword down behind the skaven’s ear. It fell forward, but even as it did so it struckwith its blade,forcingFelixtojumpaway.Heboundedbackacrosstheroomandskeweredtheskavenasitstartedtorise.Blood frothed from the foul thing’s lips as it died.A strange reeking stink filled the air.Theskaven’sfleshstartedtobubbleandrot.

Felix heard Elissa throw the door bolts. He risked a glance at her. She had turned and waslookingathiminamixtureofhorrorandconfusion,asifshedidnotknowwhethertoleavehimortostay.

“Go!”heshouted.“Gethelp.There’snothingyoucandohere.”She vanished through the doorway, leaving Felix feeling obscurely relieved.At least now he

wasn’tresponsibleforhersafety.Asheturnedtolookbackhesawthattheskavenhehadkilledwasgone. It had left behind only a pool of black slime and its rotting clothing. Felix wondered whatdeadlysorcerywasatwork.

Ahissofdisplacedairwarnedhimofanotherthreat.Fromthecornerofhiseye,hecaughtsightofseveralglitteringobjectshurtling towardshim.Hedivedforward,aimingfor thebed,hoping itwouldbreakhisfall.Hismouthfilledwithstrawfromthemattressashelanded.Hefumbledwithhislefthandforhisoldredcloakandpulleditswaddedmassupinhisleftfist.Hewasjustintime.Moreshiningobjectsspunthroughtheairtowardshim.Hebroughtthecloakupandtheyimpactedintherollofthickwool.Somethingsharppenetratedtheclothjustbetweenhisfingers.Felixlookeddown.Hesawathrowingstar,smearedwithsomefoulreddishsubstance,doubtlesspoison.

Twomoreskavenhadextricatedthemselvesfromthemassoutsidethewindowanddroppedintotheroom.Theyscuttledtowardshimwitheye-blindingspeed,evilshadowsofman-sizedrats, theiryellowfangsglisteninginthelantern-light.Heknewbetternowthantoevenglanceatthedoorway.Therewasnowayhecouldreachitwithouttakingabladeinhisback.

Whyme, he asked himself?Why am I standing here half-naked and alone, facing a pack ofskavenassassins?Whydo these thingsalwayshappen tome?This sortof thingneverhappened toSigmarinthelegends!

He threw thecloakover theheadof theoncoming skaven. Itwrithed in the tangleofwoollenfolds.Felixranhisbladethroughit.Hisrazor-sharpswordcutthroughfleshlikebutter.Blackbloodsoiledthegarment.Felixstruggledtopullthebladefree.Thesecondrat-thingtookadvantageofhispreoccupation and sprang forward, both blades held high, swinging downwards like butcher ’scleavers.Felixthrewhimselfbackwards;thebladecamefreewithanawfulsuckingsound.Helandedflatonhisback,hisswordclutchedinhishand.Heraiseditspointandtheflyingskavenimpaleditselfonit.Asitfell,itsweightpulledthebladefreefromFelix’sgrasp.

Damn,hethought,risingtohisfeet.Weaponless.Thepointofhisbladewasvisible,protrudingfromtheskaven’sback.Hewasreluctant to touch thefoulbeastwithhisnakedfleshbuthehadnochoiceifhewantedtheblade.Hiscloakwasalreadystartingtoflattenastheskavendecomposedwithterrifyingrapidity.

Too late!More skaven leapt in through the window. There was no time for any qualms. Hepickeduptheskavenswordandcharged.Thesheerfuryofhisrushtooktheskavenbysurprise.Hecleaved one’s skull before it could react and disembowelled anotherwith his return stroke. It fell,tryingtoholdinitsropygutswithoneclaw,evenasitattemptedtostrikeFelixwiththeother.

Felixhackedatitagain,severingthelimb.Hecutaroundhiminblindfury,feelingtheterribleshockofimpactrunuphisarmfromeveryblow.Slowly,though,moreandmoreskavenpressedintotheroom,andremorselessly,defendinghimselfasbesthecouldeverystepoftheway,hewaspressedbacktowardsthewall.HeinzlookedupinsurpriseasGotrekstompedintothebar.Inonehandheheldhisblood-smearedaxe.Hisotherhugefistclutchedadeadskavenbythescruffoftheneck.Thethingwasdecomposingat a frightening rate, seemingly undergoing weeks of decomposition in moments. Gotrek glaredaround at the surprised bouncers with his one good eye and dropped the body. It squelched andformedapuddleathisfeet.

“Bloodyskaven,”hemuttered.“Wholebunchofthemlurkingjustoutsidetheprivy.Toostupidtoknowdwarfshavegoodears.”

HeinzmovedovertostandbytheTrollslayer.Helookeddownatthepoolofrotwithapeculiarmixtureoffascinationanddistastewrittenonhisfeatures.

“That’saskavenalright.”Gotreklookedupathiminsurprise“Ofcourse itwasabloodyskaven!I’vekilledenoughof

theminmytimetoknowwhattheylooklikebynow.”Heinzshruggedapologetically.Thenheswivelledonhisheelsasascreamemergedfromthetop

ofthestairwell.HeinzlookedupinsurpriseatthepartiallycladformofElissaappearingattheheadofthestairs.Thegirllookedpalewithterror.

“Felix!”sheshouted.“What has Felix done, girl?” he asked soothingly. She threw herself at him.He enfolded her

shiveringformwithhisbrawnyarms.“No.They’retryingtokillhim.MonstersaretryingtokillFelix.They’reinhisroom!”“Hasthatgirlbeentakingweirdroot?”abounceraskedplacidly.HeinzlookedoveratGotrekandtherestofthebouncers.Allhisearlierforebodingsreturned.

Herememberedthescrabblinginthecellars.Hecouldseethatthedwarfwashavingthesamethoughtashewas.

“Whatarewedoingstandinghere?”Heinzroared.“Followme,lads!”Thiswasbetter.Thiswasmoreliketheolddays.

Felixknewthathewasdoomed.Therewasnowayhecouldfightall theseskaven.Therewere toomanyof themand theywere too fast. Ifhehadbeenwearinghischainmail shirtperhapshewould

havesomechanceofsurvivingallthosestabbingblades.Buthewasn’t.His foes sensed victory and advanced. Felix danced in the centre of a whirlwind of stabbing

blades. Somehow he managed to survive with only a few nicks and scratches. He found himselfstandingbesidehisbed.Thinkingquickly,hekickedthelanternover.Oilspilledoutontothestrawandlitit.Inaninstant,awallofflameseparatedhimfromtherat-men.Hereachedoutandgrabbedthenearestone,hurlingitintotheflames.Theskavenshriekedinagonyasitsfurcaughtfire.Itbegantorollaroundonthefloor,howlingandsqueaking.Itsfellowsleaptbacktoavoiditsblazingform.

Felixknewhehadboughthimselfonlyamoment’sbreathingspace.Heknewnowtherewasonlyonechance.Doingwhattheskavenleastexpected,hediveddirectlythroughtheflames.Heatscorchedhisflesh.Hesmelledthestinkofhisownsingedhair.Hesawagapintheskavenlinenearthedooranddivedthroughit,almostslammingintothecorridorwall.Heartpounding,breathraspinginhislungs,bloodpouringfromadozennicks,heracedfortheheadofthestairs,asifallthehoundsofChaoswereathisheels.

Aheadpokedoutfromtheroomnextdoor.HerecognisedthebaldpateandlambchopwhiskersofBaronJosefMann,oneoftheBlindPig’smostdedicatedcustomers.

“What the hell is going on out there?” the old nobleman shouted. “Sounds like you’reperformingunnaturalactswithanimals.”

“Somethinglike that,”Felixretortedashesprintedpast.Theoldmansawwhatwasfollowinghim.Hiseyeswentwide.Heclutchedhischestandfell.ChangSquikglancedout round thedoorwayandgnawedthe tipofhis tail infrustration. Itwasallgoingwrong.IthadallstartedgoingwrongfromthemomentthatfoolNoihadswunginthroughthewindow.Intheirenthusiasmtobepartofthekill,therestofthepackhadalltriedtogetinbehindhimatonce,alleagertoclaimtheirshareoftheglory.Ofcoursetheirlineshadbecomeentangled,andtheyhadallendedupclutchingthewindowsillandeachotherandfranticallytryingtoscuttleintotheroom.Severaloftheidiotshadfallentotheirdeathsonthehardgroundbelow.Servesthefoolsrighttoo.

Itwaseverthefateofgreatskavencaptainstobeletdownbyincompetentunderlings,hethoughtphilosophically.Noteven themostbrilliantplancould survivebeingexecutedbywitlesscretins. Itwas starting to look likehis entire commandconsistedof those.Theycouldnot evenkill a singlefeeblemanling,evenwithalltheadvantagesofsurprise,numbersandsuperiorskavenarmament.Itmadehimwanttospitwithfrustration.Personallyhesuspectedtreachery.Perhapsrivalsintheclanhadsenthimabunchof ill-trained louts inorder todiscredithim.All inall, that seemed themostlikelyexplanation.

BrieflyChang considered taking a hand in the fray himself, but only briefly. Itwas glaringlyobvioustohissuperior intellectwhatwasgoingtohappennext.Theentire tavernwouldberousedandhisunderlingswouldsoonencounterstiff,andverylikelyfatal,resistance.

Letthemgetonwithit,Changthought.Theydeservewhateverfatebefallsthem.Heslidbackintotheroom,petulantlythrewsomeofthemanling’sclothingonthefiretoaddto

theblaze,andthenleaptoutthewindow.Hecaughttheclimbinglineeasilyinonehandandswarmedupthesideofthebuildingtosafety.

Alreadyhewas consideringwhatwouldbe thebestway to report thisminor setback toGreySeerThanquol.

***Heinzgruntedassomethingslammedintohim.Healmosttoppledbackwardsastheweighthithim.

“Sorry,”saidapolitevoicethatHeinzrecognisedasbelongingtoFelixJaeger.“Iwashavingalittletroublebackthere.”

Throwing starswhizzed pastHeinz’s ear. The smell of burning filled his nostrils.He lookeddownacorridorcrowdedwithscurryingrat-men.Acoldfuryfilledhim.ThosecursedskavenweretryingtoburndowntheBlindPigandrobhimofhislivelihood!Hepulledouthiscoshandmadetorushforward.Heneednothavebothered.Gotrekpushedhimtoonesideandchargedheadlongintothe throng. The rest of the bouncers advanced cautiously behind him. From the far end of thecorridor,variousnoblesandtheirbodyguardsemergedandslammedintotheskavenfromtherear.Terriblecarnagebegan.

Itwasalloververysoon.Felixsatinfrontofthefire,wrappedinablanketandshivering.HelookedacrossatElissa.Thegirlsmiledbackathimwanly.Allaround, thebouncershurriedupstairswithbucketsofwater,makingsurethatthefiredidnotspreadfromFelix’sroom.

“Ithoughtyouwereverybrave,”Elissasaid.Therewasalookofcompletedotingadmirationinhereye.“JustlikeaheroinoneofthoseDetlefSierckdramas.”

Felixshrugged.Hewastired.Hewasriddledwithdozensofcutsandbruises.Andheknewnowthattheskavenweredefinitelytryingtokillhim.Hedidn’tfeelveryheroic.Still,hethought,thingscouldbeworse.HereachedoutandputanarmaroundElissa’sshoulderanddrewher tohim.Shesnuggledinclose.

“Thankyou,”hesaid,andforamomentthegirl’ssmilemadeeverythingfeelmoreworthwhile.

NIGHTRAID“Itisafrighteningthingtobesoughtbyenemiesunknown,invisibleanduntraceable,whocanstrikeatyouwhentheywillwithoutfearofvengeanceorpunishment.Atleast,Ifoundittobeso.Ifmycompanionsharedthesefeelings,henevergaveanysignofittome.Indeedheseemedrather to enjoy the situation—which I suppose was natural enough, given that his avowedpurposeinlifewastoseekaviolentdeath.YetIwasworried.Theattackonthealehousehadleftmeshaken,andtheknowledgethatsomewhereoutinthenightanimplacablefoewaslurkingdidnothingtocalmmyfraughtnerves.Butitseemedthatwehadalliesaswell,whoweredeterminedtoaidusfortheirownunfathomablepurposes.”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,Vol.III,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

“Whatareyoudoingthere,youngFelix?”AshadowfellonFelixJaeger.Startled,hereachedforthehiltofhissword.Thebookfellfromhislap,almostlandinginthefire,ashestartedtorisefromtheoverstuffedleatherarmchair.Lookinguphesawthat itwasonlyoldHeinz, theownerof theBlindPigtavern,standingoverhim,polishingatankardthatheheldinonehuge,meatyfist.Felixletoutalongsigh,suddenlyalltooawareofhowtightlywoundhewas.Hesankbackintothechair,forcinghishandtoreleaseitstightgripontheweaponhilt.

“You’realittletensethisevening,”Heinzsaidplainly.“Alittle,”Felixagreed.Aquickglancearoundtoldhimthattheoldex-mercenarywasn’tgoing

tohasslehimtostartworking.Hisservicesasabouncerwerenotneededjustyet.Itwasearlyeveningandfewpatronswereabout.Normallythetaverndidn’treallystartjumpinguntilwellafterdark.Ontheotherhand,forthefirsttime,FelixnoticedthatthePigwasmuchquieterthanusual.Customhaddefinitely dropped off since lastweek’s skaven attack, an eventwhich had not improved theBlindPig’salreadydirereputation.

Felixreacheddownandpickeduphisbook,acheapprintedmanuscriptofoneofDetlefSierck’smoremelodramaticplays.Ithadservedthepurposeofdistractinghisthoughtsfromthefactthattherat-menwereapparentlyouttogethim.

“Itwillbeaquietnighttonight,Felix,”Heinzsaid.“Youthink?”“Iknow.”Heinzheldthetankarduptothelight,makingsurehehadremovedeverylastspeckof

dustfromthething.Hesetitdownonthemantelpiece.Felixnoticedthewaythelightgleamedontheold mercenary’s bald head. Felix sighed and laid his book down on the chair arm. Heinz was asociablesortandhejustnaturallylikedtochat.Besides,maybeHeinzwasjustasnervousashimself.The tavern keeper had every reason to be. He had almost lost his livelihood to ferocious Chaos-worshippingmonsters.Itwasonlyinthelastfewdaysthatallthedamagetherat-menhaddonehadbeenrepaired.

“Businesshasbeenbadsincetheskavenattack,”Felixsaid.“Businesswillpickupagain.Same thinghappenedafter thatmurderacoupleofmonthsback

Thenobswillstayawayforabitbutthenthey’llcomeback.Theylikeasenseofdangerwhentheydrink.It’swhattheycomeherefor.Butwe’llseenobodythisevening,ifI’mnotmistaken.”

“Why’sthat?”“TheFeastofVerena.It’saspecialnighthereinNuln.Mostfolkwillbeathome,prayingand

fasting, making sure everything’s spic and span. She’s the patron of this city, as well as of youbookishfolk,andthisisherspecialnight.”

“Therehastobesomeonewantingadrink.”“The only folk thatwill be having any fun are theGuild ofMechanics and their apprentices.

Verena’stheirpatrontoo.Thecountesshasabigfeastforthemtonightinherpalace.Nothingbutthebestforthem.”

“Why does the countess feel compelled to give a feast for commoners?” Felix was curious.CountessEmmanuellewasnotfamedforhergenerosity.“She’snotnormallysofondofus.”

Heinz laughed. “Aye, but these are special commoners. They run her new College ofEngineering for her. They’re making steam-tanks and organ guns and all sorts of other specialweaponsforherforces,sameastheImperialCollegedoesfortheEmperor.Shecanaffordtogivethemanicedinneronceayearifitkeepsthemhappy.”

“I’llwagershecan.”“IthoughtmaybeyoumightliketotakethenightoffandbewithElissa.Iknowit’sherdayoff.I

didnoticeyou’vebeenseeingalotofeachotherrecently.”

Felixlookedup.“Youdisapprove?”“Nothing wrong with a man and a maid being together, I always say. Just making an

observation.”“She’s gone back to her village for the day.One of her relatives is sick. She should be back

tomorrow.”“Sorrytohearthat.There’salotofsicknessabout.Folkarestartingtomutterabouttheplague.

Well,I’llletyougetbacktoyourbookthen.”Felixopenedthebookoncemorebutdidn’tturnthepage.HewasamazedthatHeinzcouldbeso

sanguinejustafewdaysaftertheattack.Felixwasjumpingatshadows,buthewashappilypolishinghistankards.Maybeallthoseyearsofbeingamercenaryhadgiventheoldwarriornervesofsteel.Felixwishedhehadthemtoo.Rightnowhecouldnothelpbutwonderwhattheskavenwereupto.Hewassureitwasnothinggood.

***Grey Seer Thanquol leaned against the huge bulk of the Screaming Bell. He gazed malevolentlyaroundthevastchamberandoutat theteemingseaofrattyskavenfaces.AllaroundhimThanquolsensed the surge of activity, smelled the packed mass of the assembling skaven troops in thesurroundingtunnels.AllthewarriorsofClanSkabwerehere,reinforcedbycontingentsfromallthegreatandpowerfulfactionsinskavendom.Itwasgoodtobeawayfromthesewers,tobebackhereintheUnderways,thesubterraneanhighwayslinkingallthecitiesoftheUnder-Empire.Itwasgood—butrightnowhecouldtakenopleasurefromit.Hewastooangry.

Hefoughtthefeeling,remindinghimselfthatsomewhere,faroverhead,thehumanswentabouttheirbusiness,ploughingtheirfields,choppingtheirforests,unsuspecting,notknowingtheirdaysofdominancewerenearlydone, thatsoontheircityandthentheirEmpirewouldfallbeneath the ironpawofskavenmilitarygenius.Noteventhesethoughtscheeredhimuporhelpeddispelhisrage.

He ran a talon over the bell, drawing forth a slight ringing tone, still seeking to control hisanger.Thebellswungslightlyatthegreyseer ’stouch,andthecarriageonwhichtheancientartefactsatgroanedasitmoved.TheseethingmagicalenergieswithinthebellcomfortedThanquolalittle.Soon,he toldhimself,hewouldunleash theseenormous forcesagainsthisenemies.Verysoon,hehoped,butrightnowhewasfilledwithaterrible,all-consumingrageandheneededtofindsomeonetoventitupon.

ChangSquikgrovelledinthedirtbeforehim,waitingforthegreyseertodecidehisfate.Ithadtakennearlyaweek forThanquol to locatehim.Thewould-beassassin sprawled facedown in theshadowofthegreatbell.Histaillayflat.Hiswhiskersdroopeddespondently.Theleaderofthegutterrunnerscontinuedtomutterpatheticexcusesabouthowhehadbeenbetrayed,abouthowthetargetshadbeenwarnedofhisotherwise irresistible attack,ofhow theyhadusedvile sorcery to slayhiswarriors — above all, about how it had not been his fault. Near the assassin stood Thanquol’slieutenants,hidingtheirmouthswiththeirpawstocoverthesoundoftheirmirth.

ThousandsoffacespeeredupatThanquol,eagertoknowwhathewoulddonext.Itwasnotoftenthat they got to see one of themighty abase himself. Thanquol let his glance rest on each of thewarleaders.Theysquirmedunderhisinspection.Theirtitteringstopped.Noneofthemwantedtobethefocusofhisanger—whichwasunfortunateforthem,becauseoneofthemwasgoingtobe.

ThegreyseerlookedattherepresentativesofClanMoulder,ClanEshin,ClanSkryreandClanPestilens.Allofthemwerehistoorderabout,atleastuntilhisreplacement,WarlordVermekSkab,arrived.Andthatwasnotgoing tohappen.Thanquolhadprepareda littlesurprisefor thewarlord.Skabwouldneverreachthisplacealive.Thethoughtmadehistailrigid.Andyet…

Yet,despiteallthispowerunderhiscontrol,hecouldnotgetthisonedwarfkilled.

Anger and fear bit at the base of his stomach. Gotrek Gurnisson and his worthless humanhenchmanwerestillalive.Itbeggaredbelief!Howcouldthisbe?

Itwasalmostasifhe,thegreatThanquol,wasunderacurse.Heshudderedattheverythought.SurelytheHornedRatwouldnotwithdrawhisfavourfromoneofhischosen?No,hetoldhimselfsternly, that was not the real reason why the dwarf was still alive. The real reason was theworthlessnessofhisunderlings.

Thanquolbaredhisfangsandallowedhisragetoshow.Theaccursedgutterrunnershadfailedhim.By their sheer incompetence, they had let the dwarf and themanling escape. Thanquol had agood mind to have Chang Squik hung up by his tail and flayed alive. Only his fear of possiblereprisalsbyClanEshinkepthimfromorderinghisbodyguardstoseizethegutterrunner.

Rumourhad it thatSquikwasa favouredpupilofDeathmasterSnikchhimself.Thatbeing thecase,suchstraightforwardvengeancewasoutofthequestion.But,Thanquolthought,therewasmorethan oneway to skin a rat. Someday hewouldmakeChang Squik pay for thismonstrous failure.Thanquol’sproblemrightnow,however,wastofindawaytosafelyventthekillingragethatwasonhim,withoutmakingpowerfulenemiesintheprocess.Helashedhistailinfrustration.

ThanquolglaredatIzakGrottle.Themonstrouslyobeseskavenloungedonapalanquinbornbyrat-ogres. The ClanMoulder pack-master had arrived this verymorning, keen to take part in thetriumph that was sure to follow this great offensive. He and his retinue had scuttled along theUnderwaysfromtheskavensecretbaseatNightCragintheGreyMountains.

GrottletriedtoholdThanquol’sburninggazebutcouldnot.Helookedawayandranapawoverthelargestofhisbodyguardofrat-ogres,acreaturesomassivethatitmadethelateandunlamentedBoneripper look small. The creature bellowed its pleasure asGrottle fed it a tasty titbit of humanfingers.BehindGrottle,otherpackmastersand theirbeastsstoodwaiting.Thanquoldecided thathewouldspareGrottle.Hedidnotdoubthecoulddestroythefatone.Hewasnotsosurethathecouldsurviveanattackby theoutragedbeasts if theygotoutofcontrol.Anywayhecouldnotblame therecentlyarrivedpackmasterforthefailureoflastweek’sattack.

HeturnedhisattentiontotherottingformofVilebrothNull,lowabbotoftheplaguemonksofClanPestilens,whostoodalone,wellapartfromanyotherskaven.Fromwithintheabbot’scowl,pus-filled,fearlessgreeneyesmethisown.Thanquolinstantlydismissedtheideaofventinghisrageonthediseasedone.Likeeveryskaven,heknewthattheplaguemonkswerequitemad.Itwasuselesstoantagonise them.Thanquol lethisgaze slide slowlyaside.Theplaguemonk triumphantlyblewhisnoseonthesleeveofhismoulderingrobe.Ahugebubbleoffoulgreensnotswelledonhiswristandthenburst.

Next in linewasthearmouredformofHeskitOneEye,masterwarpengineerofClanSkryre.One Eye was small by skaven standards, dwarfed by his retinue of jezzail-armed bodyguards.Thanquolwasstillangrywithhimfor theexplosionof thefarsqueaker.Hesuspectedsomesortofassassinationattemptthere, though,intruth, itseemedunlikelythatClanSkryrewouldbebehindit.Intentionally blowing up one of their own precious devices to kill an enemy was not their style.Thanquol decided to spare Heskit. He was not in the slightest bit influenced by the fact that thebodyguard’slong-barrelledriflescouldshootthewingsoffaflyatthisrange.No,notintheslightest.

Heknewhecouldn’tpunishtheseones.Theyweretoopowerful.Theirclansweretooinfluentialand he needed them to spearhead the attack on themancity. Still, he had to kill someone, both toreestablishhisownauthorityandforhisownpleasure.Itwouldn’tdojusttoletthemalloff.Itwasnottheskavenway.

Anexamplehadtobemade.OnebyoneheturnedhisgazeontheClanSkabwarleaders.Theywereallpresentnow,savefor

WarlordVermek Skab himself.Allwore the red and black livery of their clan. Each also had thesinglescarrunningfromtheirlefteartotheirleftcheekwhichwasthebadgeoftheirclan.Eachofthemwasasproudasaskavencouldbe,theunchallengedmasterofahostofviciouswarriors,yeteachofthemhurriedlylookedawaywhenthegreyseermettheireyes.Theyknewofhisfoultemperbyreputation.EvenTzarkual, thegigantic leaderof thestormvermin,wouldnot facehiswrath.Hestudiedhisfeetlikeasmallruntfacingdisciplinefromhiselders.

Good, thoughtThanquol.Theywere cowed.He took a pinch ofwarpstone snuff andwatchedthemquake.Bright,madvisionsofhorrorandcarnageskittered throughhisbrain.Hepuffedwithself-confidence, convinced that at this moment he could face one of the Council of Thirteen andtriumph.Asalways,thedrug-inducedconfidencerecededafteraheart-stoppingmoment,leavingtheafterglowof pure,Chaos-inducedpower searing throughhis veins.Quickly, before the heat couldfade,heselectedavictim.Hestabbedoutapointing talonatLurkSnitchtongue, theweakestof thewarleadersand,notcoincidentally,theonewithleastalliesbothhereandbackinSkavenblight.

“You find something amusing, Snitchtongue?” Thanquol demanded in his most intimidatinghigh-pitchedchitter.“Youthinksomethingisveryfunny,perhaps?”

Snitchtonguelickedhissnoutnervously.Hebobbedhisheadingratiatinglyandhelduphisemptypaws.“No!No,greatone.”

“Don’tlie.Ifhumourthereisintheabjectfailureofthemightygutterrunners,pleaseshareit.Yourinsightmayprovemostuseful.Come!Speak!Speak!”

TheskavenoneithersideofLurkbackedaway,cautiouslyputtingasmuchdistanceastheycouldbetween themselves and their doomed fellow. InmomentsLurk foundhimself standing in anopenspace twenty feetacross.Heglancedoverhis shoulder, seekingsomeway toescape,but therewasnone.Notevenhispersonalbodyguardwouldstandnearhimwiththegreyseerstaringangrilydown.Lurkshrugged,lashedhistailandputhishandonthehiltofhisblade.Hehadobviouslydecidedtobrazenitout.

“If gutter runners failed it was because they were too subtle,” Lurk said. “They should haveattackedhead-on,inamassedrush,bladesbared.Thatistheskavenway.ThatistheClanSkabway.”

ChangSquikglaredacrossat theskavenwarrior. If lookscouldkill,Lurkwouldhave left thechamber inacasket.Thanquolwassuddenly intriguedby the situation.Herewasanopportunity totwisttheassassin’stailwithnopossibilityofreprisalsagainsthimself.ThegreyseerdecidedthathewouldletLurkliveforafewmomentslonger.

“You are saying that you could have handled the situation better than your brothers of ClanEshin?YouaresayingyoucouldsucceedwheretrainedgutterrunnersofmightyEshinfailed?”

Lurk’s jaws snapped shut. He stood for a moment, considering the implications of that laststatement, seeing the trap that thegreyseerhadprepared forhim. IfheopenlycriticisedSquik,hewouldmakeanenemyofthepowerfulgutterrunner,anddoubtlesstakeaknifeinhisbellyasheslept.Ontheotherpaw,healsoobviouslyrealisedthathehadbeensingledouttofacethegreyseer ’swrathnomatterwhat.Heknewitwasachoicebetweenimmediateandinevitabledeath—orpossibledoominthefuture.Herosetotheoccasionlikeatrueskavenwarrior.

“Maybe,”hesaid.Thanquol giggled.The after effects of thewarpsnuff still dizzied him.The rest of the skaven

presentechoedtheirleader ’samusementwithgreatroarsoffalsechitteringlaughter.“Thenperhapsyoushouldtakeyourwarriorstothemancityaboveandproveit,yes.”“Indeed,greatone,”thewarleaderreplied.Hisvoicesoundedrelieved.Hehadaslimchanceof

livingafterall.“Yourenemiesareasgoodasdead.”SomehowThanquoldoubtedit,buthedidnotsayso.Thenhecursedhimselfforhisleniency.He

had allowedSnitchtongue towriggle out fromunder his paw and not blasted him into a thousandpiecesasanexample.

At thatmoment, a runner entered, puffing breathlessly. In the traditional cleft thighbone of ahuman he carried, he held amessage. SeeingThanquol he immediately abased himself before thegreyseerandproddedtheboneforward.

Thanquolwas tempted toblasthimforhis insolence.Therewasa fineoldskaven traditionofkillingthemessengerwhobroughtbadnewstobekeptup,butatthismomentThanquoldidnotevenknow that thenewswasbad.Curiositygot thebetter of himandhepulled theparchment from thestick.Henotedthatthecornerswerecreasedandithadobviouslybeenwell-pawed.

No surprises there, then. Doubtless every spy between here and Skavenblight had bribed themessengersothathecouldlookatwhathecarried.That,too,wastheskavenway.Thanquoldidnotcare.Hehadestablishedhisowncodes,cunninglyconcealedwithindeceptivelyinnocuousmessages,inordertokeephiscommunicationssecret.

Helookeddownattheblockyrunesscrawledinastrongskavenpaw.Themessagereadsimply:Thepackagehasbeendelivered.AsenseoftriumphfilledThanquolanddispelledhisearlieranger.Hefoughttocontrolhissenseofexultationandkeephispleasurefromhisface.Helookeddownatthemessengerandsneered,knowingaboveallthatappearancesmustbekeptupandanexamplemustbemade.

“This message has been opened, traitor-thing!” he snarled and raised his paw. A sphere ofgreenishlightsprangintobeingaroundThanquol’sclenchedfist.Themessengercringedandtriedtobegformercybutitwastoolate.TentaclesofhideousdarkmagicalenergyleaptdownwardsfromThanquol’spawtoencircle thedoomedskaven’sbody.Thebandsseparated themselvesandflowedaround themessenger, swimming through the air in theway that eels swim throughwater,with ahorrible sinuous wriggling. After a few moments, the bands of energy lunged inwards, stabbingthroughtheskaven’sbody,boringthroughthefleshandemergingdarkerontheotherside.

Again and again they stabbed inwards, stripping away flesh andmuscle and sinew.Again andagainthemessengerletouthigh-pitched,agonisingscreams.Thesmellofthemuskoffearmingledwiththescentofbloodandtheozonetaintofthespell.Inamatterofsecondsonlyastrippedskeletonstood before Thanquol.After a heartbeat it collapsed into a pile of bone. The ribbons ofmagicalenergyflowedtogether,somehowconsumingeachotherastheydidso,untiltherewasnothingleftofthem.Thewholeassembledskavenhost letoutagreatsighofwonderanddisbeliefatseeing theirgreyseerdemonstratinghispowerinthissatisfyingmanner.

Thanquol raised his paw and gestured for silence. In amoment allwas calm, save for a fewcoughsfromthebackrows.

“Lament, skaven! Tragic news!” Thanquol said, and even the coughing stopped. “MightyWarlord Vermek Skab is dead, killed in a terrible accident involving a loaded crossbow and anexplodingdonkey.WewillhavethetraditionaltenheartbeatsofsilencetomarkthereturnofhissoultotheHornedRat.”

Immediately all the skaven started to talk among themselves.The chitter of conversationonlyfellsilentwhenThanquolraisedhispawagainandletthewarningglowreappeararoundhistalons.Allofthemsensedthemenaceinthegestureandwentquiet.Noneofthemwantedtobethenexttobeconsumedbythoseterriblewigglingbandsofenergy.

“Nowwewillprepareforthenextphaseofthemasterplan,”Thanquolsaid.“InthesadabsenceofLordSkab,Imustreassumecontrolofthearmyofconquest.”

“Withgreatrespectfulness,GreySeerThanquol,suchisnotthecase.Asseniorskavenhere,mydutyitistoassumecommand.”TheboomingvoiceofIzakGrottlefilledthechamber.“ClanMoulder

hadprovidedmanywarptokenstofinancethisexpeditionandImustseethattheyarespentwisely.”“What nonsense is this?” Vilebroth Null inquired. The words bubbled phlegmishly from his

ruinedthroat.“Ifanyistocommandhere,itshouldbeme.ToClanPestilenswillgothehonourofoverthrowingthemancity.Wehavegreatplans!Greatplans!Itisoursecretweaponthatwilldestroythehumancity!”

“No! No! I disagree,” chittered the reedy, high-pitched voice of Heskit One Eye. “The siegemachinesofSkryrewillmakevictorypossibleandsotoSkryreshouldfalltheleadership.Naturally,astherankingrepresentativeofClanSkryreIwillnowassumemydutiesassupremecommander.”

“This is a vile usurpation of ClanMoulder ’s privileges,” IzakGrottle roared. The rat-ogres,hearingtheangerinhisvoice,bellowedwithbarelysuppressedfury.Thesoundoftheirwrathechoedaroundthecavern.“Mutinousbehaviourcannotbetolerated!No!Forthegoodoftheforce,warnyouImustthatonemorewordofsuchtreacheryandmywarriorswillexecuteyouinstantaneously.”

The jezzail teamsaroundHeskit swiftlybrought theirweapons tobearon IzakGrottle. “Yourwarriors?Yourwarriors?Therespeaksamadskaven.Bywhatrightdoyounamethewarriorsofmycommandyourtroops?”

“Bothofyouare tryingmypatience,”VilebrothNullburbled.“Seeingmy twosenior lackeysbickering in such a runtish manner cannot help but demoralise my army. Cease such treacherousbehaviouratonceorfacethehideousandinevitablyfatalconsequences.”

Nullflexedhispawsmenacinglyandsuddenlytherewasapackageoffilthystuff inhishands.No one present could doubt that it was dangerous. The plagues of Clan Pestilens were famouslydeadly.

GreySeerThanquollookedoninbaffledrageandbarelyconcealedglee.Hehalfhopedthatthevarious leaders would come to blows, that violence would erupt and that these upstarts wouldslaughtereachother.Unfortunately,untilcircumstancesprovedotherwise,hehad toassume thatheneededalloftheirhelptooverthrowthemancity.Soitwastimetoputastoptothisnonsense.

“Brother skaven,” he said in his most diplomatic voice. “Consider this. Until the coming ofVermekSkab, theCouncil ofThirteenplacedme in commandof this army.SinceVermekSkab issadlynolongerwithus,theleader ’splaceintherearmuststillfalltomebyedictofthecouncil.Ofcourse,ifanyofyouwishestochallengethecouncil’srulingIwillnotifythemofthisatonce.”

Thatquietenedthem,asThanquolhadknownthatitwould.Noskaveninhisrightmindwouldeven hint at the possibility of disobeying a direct edict from the council. The dread rulers of theskavenracehadalongreachandtheirpunishmentswereswiftandcertain.Byinvokingthecouncil’sauthority,Thanquolknewthathewouldensuretheobedienceofallpresentuntilsuchatimeastheycouldcheckbackwith their clan’s rulersand representativeson thecouncil.Hopefully in that timeThanquolwouldhavebroughtthemancitytoitsknees.

“Of course, you are correct, Grey Seer Thanquol,” Heskit chittered. “It is only that, as yoursecond-in-command,Ifeltthattheseotherswereoversteppingtheboundsoftheirauthority.”

“IknownothowHeskitcanclaimtobeyoursecond-in-command,greyseer,whenallknowmyrespectforyouisboundless,andmydevotiontoyourcausewithoutlimit,”IzakGrottlesaid.

VilebrothNullmerely coughed enigmatically and said: “It painsme to see these overbearingoafs challenging your rightful authority, grey seer. Surely the power of my clan and my provendedicationtoyourpersonmustmeanthatIranksecondhere.”

“Ihaveyet todecidewho theUnderleaderwill be. Imust retire tomyburrow to contemplatestrategy.”Sosaying,hedescendedfromthebellcarriageandtheseethingseaofskavenpartedbeforehim.Thanquolfeltsatisfiedforthemomentthathehadthechallengetohisleadershipundercontrol.

Thiswasmore like it, thoughtThanquol.Let thembickeroverwhogets thescraps.Theglory

willbelongtome.Aswasonlyright.

LurkSnitchtonguecroucheddowninhis favouritehidingplace,asmallcaveabovea longnarrowgallery far from the main Underways. He was worried as only a skaven of a naturally nervousdispositioncouldbe.HeknewthathehadonlydaystomakegoodonhisclaimtobeabletodestroythedwarfandthehumanwhohadhumiliatedChangSquik,orelsehewouldsufferthesamefateasthemessengerfromSkavenblight.

Heshudderedwhenhethoughtofthatdemonstrationofthegreyseer ’sawesomepower.Truly,thewarpstonemagicthatThanquolwieldedwastobefeared.Heknewthathidingwouldnothelphim,that thegrey seerwould findhimnomatterhowdeepheburrowed,butold instinctswerehard toovercome.Evenas a small runt, in timesof troubleLurkhad always soughtout thehiddenplaceswherehecouldspyonthebiggerskavenandplanhisrevenge.

Somewhereinthebackofhismind,rageskitteredaroundonsmall,paddedclaws.HeknewthatThanquolhadpickedonhimandtheinstinctiveneedforvengeancemadehimwanttoburyhisfangsin thegreyseer ’s throat.Thefact thatheunderstoodwhyhewasThanquol’schosenvictimdidnotmakeitanyeasiertotake.BasicskaveninstincttoldhimthereasonforThanquol’sdecision.Fromanearly age, every young rat-man learned to sensewho itwas unwise to antagonise andwho itwaspossible to bullywith impunity.Thosewhodid not, died in allmanner of horrificways andwereusuallyeatenbythosewhokilledthem.Ononelevel,heunderstoodthatThanquolhadvictimisedhimforgood, soundpolitical reasonsbecausehewas theyoungestof the skaven leaders, and the leastsecureinhisposition.

LurkhadrisentohiscurrentpositionasajuniorwarlordinClanSkabbybeingthefavouriteofVermekSkab,andbyinformingonthosewhohadplottedagainsthisdistantcousin.Hehadanoseforferretingoutinformationthatmightbeuseful,atalentthatwasmorethanusefulinasocietysofullofintrigueasthatofaskavenclan.ButnowVermekSkabhimselfwasdead,andLurkdoubtedthatevenhis powerful kinratwould have been able to protect him against thewrath of a grey seer.No, hedecidedmorerealistically,Vermekwouldnothavefoundhimusefulenoughtobeevenbotheredtotry.

Itwaslookinglikehispromisingcareerwasabouttocometoanend.Hewouldeitherdieattheaxeofamaniacaldwarfwhom,rumourhadit,evenGreySeerThanquolfeared—orhewouldbeblastedbytheseer ’smind-bogglinglypotentsorcery.Neitherprospectwasparticularlyappealingtoanambitiousyoungskaven.Still,atthemoment,theredidn’tseemtobeanythinghecoulddoaboutit.

Lurkheardvoicescomingfrombelowhim.Hefrozeinplace,realisingthatothershadsoughtoutthislonelyplacefortheirownpurposes.Heknewitwasbesttobequiet,forhewasonhisownandpacksofskavenhadbeenknowntofalluponanddevoursolitaryrat-mentheyfoundinremotetunnels. If truth be told, Lurk had done it himself. He listened carefully, his keen ears twitching,hopingtofindoutmoreabouttheapproachingskaven.

“CurseGreySeerThanquol!”heheardavoice thatherecognisedasbelonging toHeskitOneEye.“Hehasdeniedmemyrightfulplaceat theheadof thisarmy,yes.Credit forvictoryover thehumansshouldrightfullybelongtomeand,ofcourse,toClanSkryre.”

Lurk’swhiskers twitched. Thiswas treasonous talk and hewas sure thatGrey SeerThanquolwouldliketohearaboutit.Helistenednowasifhislifedependedonit,thinkingthathemighthavefoundawayoutofhispredicament,apathonwhichtocreepbackintothegreyseer ’sgoodgraces.

“Yes-yes, greatest of lords. A fool Thanquol is. Perhaps he too could have an accident likeVermekSkab!”LurkrecognisedthefawningvoiceasbelongingtoHeskit’shenchling,Squiksquik.

“Hush-hush!Speak not of such things. It has been tried before but somehow accidents always

seemtohappentosomeoneelse,nottoGreySeerThanquol.Perhapsitistrue.PerhapshedoesenjoythefavouroftheHornedRat!”

SoeventhemightyHeskitfearedthegreyseer.ThisdidnothingtoreassureLurkabouthisownposition.But still—what a patron the grey seerwouldmake ifLurk could ingratiate himself.Byclinging toThanquol’s tail,Lurkcould risevery far indeed.Thenext thingheheardmadehis tailstandonend.

“ThefarsqueakerexplosionshouldhaveworkedbutThanquolhastheluckofadaemon,mostfar-sightedofplotters.”

“Never,neverrefertothatagain.Thefarsqueakermalfunctioned—thatisall.Nothingmore.IfGreySeerThanquolwaseven tosuspect that itwasanythingelse, theconsequenceswouldbeverybad,verybad.Howgoesthe…otherplan?”

“Well, greatest of warp engineers! We have located a hidden route into the manplace. Ourwarriors stand ready to grab the devices themoment you command it. Tonight is auspicious. Thehumanshaveallbeensummonedtoafeastbytheirrulingbreeder.”

Lurk felt the solesofhispaws tingle.Herewassomethingelse to reportback toThanquol.AsecretClan Skryre scheme to acquire human treasures. SurelyGrey Seer Thanquolwould rewardanyonewhowouldreportsucha thing tohim.He leanedforwardstealthilyso thatsohecouldseewhatwasgoingonbelowhim.Themovementdislodgedsomepebblesandsentthemskitteringtothefloor.ThenoisedisturbedtheClanSkryreskaven,hesawthemjumpintodefensivestancesandwhipouttheirblades.

“Whatwasthatsound-noise?”Heskitdemanded.“Idonotknow,bravestofleaders,”Squiksquiksaid.“Quick!Quick!Go!Investigate.”“Aleader ’splaceisintherear.Yougo!”Lurkcursedhisbadluck.ThenoisehadinterruptedtheSkryre’splottingandnowhemightnever

knowwhattheywereupto.“Mostlikelyitisnothing,wisestofwarleaders.Subsidencemerely.Tunnelsareold.”Thetwoofthemstoodimmobileinposturesoflistening.Lurkhopedtheydidnotlookup.He

darednotevenpullhimselfbackintotheshadowslestthemovementattracttheattentionoftheirkeenskaven senses.He felt sure that theywouldbe able tohear thepoundingof his heart. Itwas all hecoulddotokeepfromsquirtingthemuskoffear.

Slowly the twonervousClanSkryre rat-menrelaxed, letting theirbreathcomeoutslowlyandeasily.Afterafewmoreheartbeats,theyreturnedtotheirplotting.

“Whatareyourorders,mostcunningofcommanders?”“Wewill attack the man-things’ steamworks tonight during the dark of the moon. Their gun

machinesmustbeourssothatwecanimproveonthem.Theirsteam-chariotsmustbeexaminedtoseehowwemayincreasetheireffectivenessten-thousandfold.”

“Itwillbeasyouwish,mostsuperlativeoftechnicians.”“Seethatitisso!”HeskitbarkedandturnedhisbackonSquiksquiktostalkaway.Lurkcouldnot

help but notice that as soon as Heskit’s backwas turned, his lackey flicked his thumb against hisprotruding incisors in the traditional skaven gesture of disrespect. Heskit turned. By the time hisleader ’seyewasuponhim,Squiksquikhadonceagainadoptedapostureoffawningadoration.

“Donotstandthereallday.Come!Come!Quick!Quick!Thereismuchworktobedone.”Inthedarkness,Lurksmiled.Hehadlearnedmanyusefulthingshere,anditwastimetovisitthe

greyseer.“Whatdoyouwant?”GreySeerThanquol inquired, lookingupfromthescrollwhichhehadbeenreading.“Ithoughtyouwenttothesurface.Tokillthedwarf!”

“No,mostpotentofsorcerers,”Lurkreplied,adoptingtheformofaddressthatworkedsowellforSquiksquik.Heunderstoodnow itspower.Thanquol seemed to swellvisibly at the flatteryandbegantopreenhisfur.“Whilerushingtoobeyyourmostclevercommand,IstumbleduponevidenceofplottingandknewthatonlythegreatThanquolhimselfwouldhavetheintelligencetoknowhowtodealwithit.”

“Plotting?Explainyourself!Hurry-hurry!”Quickly,andleavingoutonlythedetailsofhowhecametobethere,Lurkoutlinedwhathehad

overheard.Thanquoltiltedhisheadtoonesideandbaredhisfangsatthenews.Ashelistenedhistailbegan to lash backwards and forwards, a sure sign that a skaven was agitated. When Lurk wasfinished,ThanquolglaredathimforsolongandwithsuchanexpressionofpiercingintelligencethatLurkfearedhistimehadcomeandthathewasabouttobeblasted.Butthegreyseermerelylickedhislips, stroked his imposing horned head with one paw, and said: “You have done well, LurkSnitchtongue. I must consider what you have told me. Hold yourself ready to instantly obey mycommands.”

“Yes,mostshrewdofsupremecommanders.”“AndSnitchtongue—”“Yes,mightiestofsorcerers?”“Say nothing of what you have told me, to anyone. On pain of instant and most painful

annihilation.”“Yes!Yes!Tohearistoobey,mostmercifulofpotentates.”

***Thanquollolledbackonthethronehehadinstalledinthismakeshiftcommandcave.Hescratchedhisitchingbackagainstthewoodofthethrone’sback,thenleanedhishornedheadforwardonhispaw.ThatfawningsluggardLurkhadgivenhimsomethingtoconsiderindeed.So,ashehadsuspected,thefarsqueakerexplosionhadbeennoaccident.Whenhethoughthowclosehehadcometodeathonthatday, rage and fear warred in the pit of Thanquol’s stomach. Had Heskit stood before him at thismoment,Thanquolwouldhaveblastedhimintoathousandfragments,andlettheHornedRattaketheconsequences.

And this news ofHeskit’s treachery gnawed at his bowels. He fought to bring himself undercontrol, knowing that such thinking was dangerous, that to give way to his rage would lead toeventual certain destruction.He had not reached his high position in skavendomby givingway tosuchimpulses.Hetoldhimselfthathewouldfindother,moresubtlewaysofgratifyinghisthirstforrighteous revenge. Hewould find other ways to pay back the treacherous filth for his attempt onThanquol’slife.

AndthisnewschemeofHeskit’s—itwasexactlythesortofthinghewouldhaveexpectedfromthose machine-obsessed traitors at Clan Skryre. Always lusting after new technologies and newmachines.Alwayswillingtobetraytheskavencausefortheirownadvancement.Alwayslookingforwaystocheattheirrightfulleaderoutofhiswell-deservedshareofthecredit.

But wait! Was it possible that Lurk Snitchtongue had concocted this whole thing simply toingratiate himselfwithThanquol?Thegrey seer immediatelydiscounted this possibility.Lurkwassimplytoostupidandunimaginativetocomeupwithsuchatale.Furthermore,itfittedwithreportswhich Thanquol’s other spies had brought him, of secretmassing of elite Clan Skryre troops, ofsecretivecomingsandgoingsintheburrowsthatHeskithadcommandeeredforhisforces.

Thanquolconsideredthepossibleoutcomes.ThewarpengineerswereplanningonattackingthenewCollegeofEngineering,thatwasobvious.Theywantedtoacquiresteam-tanksandorgangunsforthemselves.ThegreyseerdidnotdoubtthatHeskitcouldmakegoodonhisboastofimproving

thesehumanweaponsamillion-fold.Heknewthatnootherracecouldmatchskavengeniuswhenitcametoconstructingmachines,andunfortunately,ClanSkryrewerethemostbrilliantmechanicsofabrilliantrace.

ThesenewweaponswoulddoubtlessincreaseClanSkryre’spower,andwiththatpowerwouldcome increased influence on theCouncil. Just the news thatHeskit had succeeded in acquiring thehumanweaponswouldbringaconsequentincreaseinClanSkryre’sprestige,perhapsevenenoughtohaveThanquolcalledbacktoSkavenblightandHeskitawardedthesupremeleadershipofthisarmy.Suchanoutcomewasunthinkable.AclodlikeHeskitcouldonlyleadthismightyforcetodisaster.Itneeded the titanic intellect of Thanquol to ensure crushing victory over the human scum. It wasThanquol’sdutytohispeopletoensurethathestayedincharge.

Butwhatwerehisoptions?HehadalreadydecidedthatHeskitwastoopowerfulandtoousefultobedestroyedoutofhand.Sowhatcouldhedo?HecouldconfrontHeskitwiththeknowledgeofhistreachery.Notgoodenough.Thewarpengineercouldsimplydeny itand itwouldbeLurk’swordagainst his. And doubtless he would simply find another way forward with his plans to steal thehumanmachineswhenThanquol’sbackwasturnedandhismindoccupiedwithmorepressingaffairs.

ThanquolcursedHeskitandallhistreacherous,ill-naturedbrood!Whydidthishavetohappennow?Heshouldbeusinghistoweringintellecttodealwithmorepressingmattersthantreacherousunderlings.HeshouldbeplanningtheinevitableconquestofthemancityofNulnandthedestructionofGotrekGurnissonandFelixJaeger.

Butwait!Perhaps thiswas thekey.Perhaps theHornedRathadsenthimthemeans tokill twobabieswithonebludgeon.AbrilliantideastartedtopercolateintoThanquol’smind.WhatifheusedhistwoenemiesasaweaponagainstHeskit?Whatifhesimplyinformedthemofwhereandwhenthewarpengineer ’sattackwastotakeplace?Doubtlesstheywouldtakestepstothwarttheattack.

Yes!Yes!TheSlayer ’sfoolishquestforglory,andthefactthatthepairwerealreadydiscredited,wouldkeep them from informing the stupidhumanauthorities.Doubtless theywouldbemoved tointerfereintheirusualblunderingfashion,andwouldseektostopHeskit’splan.Theyweretoostupidever towork out that theywere Thanquol’s pawns, and even if they suspected a trap itwould notmatter.TheSlayer ’sownprideandhisdesireforaheroicdeathwouldensurehisinteresteveninthefaceofoverwhelmingodds.No!No!Particularlyinthefaceofoverwhelmingodds.

Andthisway,ifanythingwentwrong,Thanquol’shandswereclean.NoonewouldevertracetheSlayer ’sinterventionbacktohim,hecouldensurethat.Theideaofusingthepairtothwarthisotherenemies’schemeswastoogoodtoresist.

He turned the scheme over from all sides, examining the possible outcomes and finding itfoolproof.Eitherthedwarfandthemanlingwouldfoiltheplotintheirusual,brutallyineptmannerortheywouldbekilledtryingtodoso.EitheroutcomesuitedThanquol.IftheyfoiledHeskit’splan,thewarpengineerwouldbediscredited.If theydied,Thanquolwouldhavelost twopotentenemiesandcouldstillorganisesomenastysurprisesfortheClanSkryrewarlocksontheirreturn.Inthebestofallpossibleworlds, the twosideswouldeliminateeachother.Thanquolhelpedhimself to somewarpstonesnuffandconsumeditwithglee.Whatascheme!Sointricate!Socunning!Sotrulyskaven!Hereoncemorewasproofofhisownincrediblegenius.

Now all he had to dowas think of away of letting the dwarf and his henchman know aboutHeskit’splan.Itwouldhavetobecomplex,subtleandingenuous.Thosehalf-wittedfoolswouldneversuspectthattheywereaidingtheirmightiestenemy.“Message foryou, sir,” said thesmall,grubby facedboy,holdingouthishand forpayment. Inhisotherhand,heclutchedapieceofcoarseparchment.

Felixlookeddownathimandwonderedifthiswassomesortoftrick.ThebeggarladsofNuln

wereparticularlyknownfortheiringenuityinpartingfoolsfromtheirmoney.Still,hemightaswellpayattention.Thelanternshadjustbeenlit.ItwasearlyyetandtheBlindPighadnotevenstartedtolooklikeitwouldfillupthisevening.

“What’sthis?Youdonotlooklikeacourier.”“Idunno,sir.Thisfunny-lookinggentlemanhandedmethisscrapofpaperandacopperpenny

andtoldIwouldgetthesameagainifIdeliveredittothetallblond-furredbouncerattheBlindPig.”“Blond-furred?”“He spokekindof funny, sir.Lookedkindof funny, too.To tell the truth, he smelledkindof

funnyan’all.”“Whatdoyoumean?”“Well, his voicewasn’t exactly normal. Itwas kind of high pitched and squeaky.And hewas

wearingamonk’srobewithacowlthatcoveredhisface.Ithoughthisrobeshadn’tbeenwashedforalongtime.Theysmelledlikeadogorsomefurryanimalhadbeensleepinginthem.Iknow,‘causemydog,Uffie,usedto—”

“NevermindUffierightnow.Wasthereanythingelseyounoticedabouthim?”“Well,sir,hewalkedfunny,allhunchedforward…”“Likeanoldman?”“No, sir, hemoved tooquick for anoldman.More likeoneof the crippledbeggarsyou see

downonCheapStreet‘cepthemovedtooquicktobecrippledand…well,there’sonemorethingbutIwasscaredtotellyouincaseyouthoughtIhadbeenattheweird-root.”

“Andwhatwasthat?”“Well,ashewasmovingaway,Ithoughthehadasnakeunderhisrobes.Icouldseesomething

longandsnakymovingaround.”“Couldithavebeenatail?Likethetailofarat?”“Itcouldhavebeen,sir.Itcouldhavebeen.Doyouthinkitcouldhavebeenamutant,sir?Oneof

thechanged?”Anoteofwonderandhorrorhadenteredthechild’svoice.Hewasobviouslythinkingthathemightjusthavehadaclosecall.

“Perhaps.Now,wheredidyouseethisbeggar?”“DownBlindAlley.Notfiveminutesago.IrushedoverherethinkingI’dgetmyselfanicebitof

piewiththecopperpieceyouwasgoingtogiveme.”Felixtossedthekidacopperandsnatchedthepieceofpaperfromhishand.Heglancedacross

the bar to see ifGotrekwas about. The Slayer sat at a side table, hismassive shoulders hunched,clutchinganaleinonebrawnyfistandhismonstrousaxeintheother.Felixbeckonedhimover.

“Whatisit,manling?”“I’lltellyouontheway.”

“Nosignofanythingherenow,manling,”Gotreksaid,peeringdownthealley.Heshookhisheadandranabrawnyhandthroughhishugedyedcrestofhair.“Noscenteither.”

FelixcouldnottellhowtheSlayercouldsmellanythingoverthestenchofthetrashthatfilledBlindAlley,buthedidnotdoubtthatGotrekwastellingthetruth.Hehadseentoomuchevidenceofthekeennessofthedwarf’ssensesinthepasttodoubthimnow.Felixkepthishandonthehiltofhisswordandwasreadytoshoutforthewatchatamoment’snotice.Sincethechildhadbroughtthenote,hehad suspected an ambush.But therewasno signof one.The skaven, if skaven it hadbeen, hadtimedthingswell.Ithadgivenitselfplentyoftimetogetaway.

Felixtookanotherglancedownthealley.Therewasnotmuchtosee.SomelightfilteredinfromtheshoplanternsandtavernwindowsofCheapStreetbutnotenoughforhimtomakeoutmorethantheoutlinesofrubbish,andthecrackedandweather-erodedwallsofthebuildingsoneithersideof

thealley.“ThisleadsdownintotheMaze,”Gotreksaid.“There’sadozenentriestothesewersdownthere.

Ourscuttlinglittlefriendhasgotcleanawaybynow.”FelixconsideredthewindinglabyrinthofalleyswhichcomprisedtheMaze.Itwasahauntofthe

city’spoorest andmostdesperatewretches.Hedidnot relish theprospectofvisitingduringbroaddaylight,letalonetryingtofindaskaventhereinthedarknessofthisovercastandmoonlessevening.Gotrekwasprobablyrightanyway:ifitwasaskaven,itwasinthesewersbynow.

Felix backed out into the street and moved under the lantern that illuminated an all-nightpawnbroker ’ssign.Heunfoldedthecoarsepaperandinspectedthenote.

Thehandwritingwasodd.The letterswere formedwith jagged edges,more likedwarf runesthantheImperialalphabet,butthelanguagewasdefinitelyReikspiel,althoughpoorlycomposedandspelled.Itread:

Frends— bewarned! Evil rat-men of the trecherus skaven klan Skryre—may they be poxedforever,espeshullythatwickedfeendHeskitWanEye—plantoattaktheColledgeofIngineeringthisniteduringthedarkofthemoon.Theywishtosteelyoursecretsfortheirownnefare-i-usporpoises.Youmuststopthemortheywillbewanstepclosertoconqueringthesurfaceworld,

Yoorfrend.FelixhandedthelettertoGotrek.TheTrollslayerreaditandcrumpleditupinonebrawnyfist.

Hesnortedderisively.“Atrap,manling!”“Maybe—butifso,whynotsimplylureushereandattackus?”“Whocantellhowtherats’mindswork?”“Maybenotallskavenarehostile.Maybesomeofthemwanttohelpus.”“Maybemygrandmotherwasanelf.”“All right.Maybeone factionhasagrudgeagainst another factionandwantus to settle it for

them?”“Whynotsettleitthemselves?”“Idon’tknow.I’mjustthinkingaloud.TonightistheFeastofVerena.Therewillonlybeafew

peopleinthecollege.AlltheotherswillbeattheCountessEmmanuelle’sFeastfortheGuild.Perhapsweshouldwarnthewatch.”

“Andtellthemwhat,manling?ThataskavensentusanotewarningushisbrotherwasgoingtoburgletheElectorCountess’sspecialarsenal.Perhapsyou’veforgottenwhathappenedthelast timewetriedtowarnanybodyabouttheskaven.”

“Soyou’resayingweshoulddonothing?”“I’mnotsayinganythingofthesort.I’msayingthatweshouldlookintothisourselvesandnot

countongettinganyhelpfromanyoneelse.”“Whatifit’satrap?”“Ifitis,itis.Alotofskavenwilldie.”“Somightwe.”“Thenitwillbeaheroicdeath.”“We’dbestgetbacktotheBlindPigfirst.Heinzwillbewonderingwherewe’vegotto.”

“Youdeliveredthenoteasinstructed?”GreySeerThanquolasked.“Yes!Yes,mostingenuousofmasters,”Lurksaid.“Good.Youaredismissed.Holdyourselfreadyforfurtherinstructions.Ifanyoneasksyouwhat

youweredoingonthesurface,tellthemyouwerespyingonthedwarfinpreparationforkillinghim.Inaway,itwillbethetruth.”

“Yes,yes,cleverestofcouncillors.”Thanquol rubbed his paws togetherwith glee. He did not doubt that the stupid dwarf and the

hairlessapewouldfallintohiscunninglywoventrap.Hisbeautifullycomposedandlovinglycraftedmessagewould see to that.Nowallhehad todowaswait andmake sure that,whateverhappened,Heskit’swarriorsfailedintheirtask.Andheknewjustthewaytodothat.Heskit surveyed his corps ofwarp engineerswith pride.Hewatched a team ofwarpfire throwerschecktheirbulkyanddangerousweapon,showingallthecareofwell-trainedskavenengineers.Thesmallerofthetwolovinglybangedthefirebarrelwithaspannertomakesureitwasfull,whiletheotherkeptthedangerousnozzlepointedattheceilingmostofthetime,incaseofaccidents.

Bands of sweating slaves rested for a moment, their breath coming in gasps, their tongueslolling out after long exertion. They had laboured long and lovingly to prepare the way for thisnight’s work. They had spentmany hours luring the sewer watch away from this place, and daysworkingwithmuffledpickstofinishthesestructures.Nowtherampswereallinplace,andtheywerereadytobreachthesurfaceandswarmoutthroughthemanburrow.

Heskitinspectedtheirworkwithawell-trainedprofessionaleye.Duringhisapprenticeships,hehad overseen the construction of scaffolding around the great skaven warships. Scaffolding thatalmostnevercollapsedkillingthoseuponit,Heskitthoughtwithpride.Ithadbeenthewonderofhisburrow.Well,aftertonight,hisfellowengineerswouldhaveevenmoretowonderabout.HewouldsurpassMekrit’sinventionofthefarsqueaker,anddomoretoadvancetheskavencausethanIkhaddonewithhis inventionof theportable tormentingmachine.After tonighthewouldpossessall theproudestsecretsoftheraceofman.Andthenhewouldimprovetheminathousandways.

Heskitknewthathehadpickedhistimewell.TodaywastheFeastofVerena.Thehumanguardswerebutaskeletonwatchcomparedtotheirusualnumbers,anddoubtlesswerealldrunk.EvennowClanEshinassassinsweremovingabove,pickingoffthefewsentrieswhichremainedonduty.Soonitwouldbetimetogoforwardwiththeplan.

A PoisonWind globadier hurried past, his face obscured by hismetallic gas-mask. Only theglobadier ’snervousdartingeyeswerevisiblethroughthequartzlenses.Heclaspedhisglasssphereofchemicaldeathtohischest,protectingitagainstaccidentsthewayamotherbirdmightprotectapreciousegg.

Heskit’s chronometer chimed thirteen times. He tugged its chain and pulled the ornate brassdeviceoutofhisfobpocket.Heheldittohisear,andwasrewardedbythesoundofloudtickingfromthe lovinglycraftedmechanismwithin.He flicked thechronometeropenandglancedat the face. Itshowedalittlerunningskaven.Itsfeetmovedbackandfortheveryheartbeat.Itslongtailpointedtothethirteenthhour,andsodidtheshortstabbingsworditclutched.Itwasexactlythirteeno’clock,tothehour,totheminute.Heskitturnedandgavethesignfortheoperationtobegin.Felix looked at the outside of the newCollege ofEngineering. Itwas amost impressive building,morelikeafortressthananyUniversityCollegehehadeverbeenin.Thetall,broadtowersateachcornerwouldhavebeenmoreathomeonacastlethanonaplaceofstudy.Allthewindowsatgroundlevelwerebarred.Therewasonlyonewayin,throughamassivearchway,largeenoughforahorse-drawncarriage.

Asoft thudbehindhimtoldhimthatGotrekhadarrivedandmost likelyfallenintooneof theflowerbeds.Heheardthedwarfcurseinhisharsh,gutturaltongue.

“Bestbequiet!”Felixwhispered.“Wereallyshouldnotbehere.”Itwastrue.OnlyauthorisedmembersoftheGuildofEngineersandMechanics,theirapprentices

andmembersoftheImperialmilitarywereallowedintothishighlysecretplace,onpainofdeathoratleastalongstayinthedungeonsoftheCountessEmmanuelle’sinfamousprison.

“The sentries are all too drunk to notice anything, manling. It’s a disgrace but it’s what youexpectfromhumans.”

Felixreachedupandtuggedhisnewcloakoffthelowwall.Itwasrippedwherethebrokenglassandnailssetontopofthewallhadpiercedit.Still,Felixthoughtsourly,betterarippedcloakthanarippedhand.HeglancedoveratthesentryboxesbesidethelockedirongatesandwasforcedtoagreewithGotrek.Itwasadisgrace.

Oneofthesentrieswassodrunkthathewassimplylyingasleepbesidehispost.ThenFelixsawthattherewassomethingoddintheman’spostureandhesteppedovercautiouslytohavealook.Ashe did so, he sawmore recumbent figures.Was it possible that all of the sentrieswere drunk andasleep?Hecreptupforacloserlook,thenrippedhisswordfromitsscabbard.

Thesentrieswerenotdrunk.Theyweredead.Eachlayinapoolofblood.Oneofthemstillhadaknife sticking from his back. Felix bent and examined it and immediately recognised theworkmanshipfromhisownencounterwiththeskavenassassinsattheBlindPig.

“Itlookslikeourfriendwastellingthetruth,”hesaidtoGotrek,whohadjoinedhim.“Thenletusgotakealookinside.”“Iwasafraidyouweregoingtosaythat.”

Heskit stalked the corridors of the college, surrounded by his bodyguards. In a way this was acomfortingplaceforhim.Hewassurroundedbyfamiliarthings:forgesandbenchesandlathesandbraces, and all the tools familiar to engineers the world over, whatever their race. The smell ofcharcoal and metal wafted through the place on the night breeze. Skaven seethed through thecorridors like an invading army, ransacking the place as they went. He hoped that his lackey,Squiksquik,hadmanagedtogetintopositioninthecentralarmouries,otherwiseall thechoicestoflootwouldhavevanished.

Tohisright,hecouldseearackoflongmusketsofanoveldesign.Heimmediatelyrushedoverand pulled one down. It had the half-complete look of a new prototype. Its barrelwas boundwithcopperwire,andasmall telescopehadbeenmountedaboveit.Nothingtogetexcitedabout,Heskitthought,simplyaninferiorattemptatthejezzailshisownbodyguardalreadycarried.Withoutaccesstowarpstone for their powdermixes, the humanswould never be able to get the same range andhitting power.He hoped that the other stuff herewasmoreworthy of his consideration, or itwasgoingtobeawastednight.

“Mostperspicuousoflords,thisway,”heheardSquiksquikcall.Heskitstrodedownthelonghallandfoundhimselfinanothermachineshop.Thiswasmorelikeit,hethought,whenhesawtheroundstubbymassoftheorgangun.Thiswasworthhaving.Hestrodeoverandranhispawsoverthecoldmetalofoneofthebarrels.Yes,indeed,thiswasworthhaving.

He lookeddownand saw themechanism thatwouldcause thebarrels to rotate and the strikerwhich ignited the fuses at the same time.Very clever!Hewonderedwhether the tolerances of themetalcouldwithstandtheuseofwarpstonepowder.Mostlikelynotbutthenagain,someofthosenewlead-warpstone alloys he hadbeen experimentingwithmight just do the trick.Hehadnot had anyaccidentswiththemsincethelastautomatedcannonhadexplodedandkilledtenofhisassistants.

“Quick!Quick!Take it!”he instructedSquiksquik.His lackeychitteredafewcommandsandapartyofSkryreslavesrushedforward.Therewasaslightsqueakingastheywheeledthegunaway.ThisdidnotbotherHeskit.Infact,hefounditquiterelaxing.

Hepushedondeeperintothehalls,wonderingwhatnewtoyshewouldfindinthisstrangeandexcitingplace.Felixfumbledwiththedoorhandle.Hehadbeenhalfhopingtofinditlockedbutitwasalreadyopen,andhesuspectedheknewwhy.Therewasaveryfamiliarsmellintheair,acombinedscentofmusk

andwetfurandsewerreek.Nodoubtaboutit,theskavenwerehere.“Perhapsweshouldgoandinformthewatch,”hewhisperedtoGotrek.“Andtell themwhat?Wejustbroke intoyourarmouryanddiscoveredsomeskaven there.We

weren’ttryingtostealanything,honestly.Wejustwantedtolook.Beinghungasathiefisnotmyideaofamightydoom,manling.”

“Thenmaybeweshouldn’thavecomehere,”Felixmuttered.Hewasalreadyregrettingthathehadagreedtothishare-brainedscheme.Intheheatofthemoment,carriedalongbythemomentumofevents, it had seemed topossess a certain logic, but nowhe could see that itwasnothingbutpuremadness. Theywere in a placewhere they had no business being, andmost likely surrounded byfierceskavenwarriors.Bythetimeanyhelpcouldgettothem,theywouldinallprobabilitybedead,and even in the unlikely event they survived until help came, their rescuerswould, asGotrek hadsuggested, most likely hang them as spies. How did he get himself into these situations, Felixwondered?

“Areyougoingtostandthereallnight—orareyougoingtoopenthatdoor?”Halfexpectingtofeelabladebeingthrustintohisface,Felixslowlyandcautiouslypushedthe

dooropen.Aheadofhimalongcorridorloomed.Itwasdarksaveforthelightthatfilteredinfromoutside.Felixwished thathehada lanternwithhim.Theremustbe lightshere,he thought— thenrealisedthatalltheywoulddowasdrawunwelcomeattention.

Gotrekpushedpast and stompedoffdown thecorridor,massiveaxeheld ready todealdeath.Therewasnothingforitbuttofollowhim.Felixdidnotrelishtheprospectofbeingleftinthisvastandechoingbuildingonhisown.“Thereisaproblem,mostdecisiveandresponsibleofleaders,”Squiksquiksaidquietly.Heskitturnedandglaredathislieutenantpetulantly.

“Problem?Whatproblemcouldtherebe,Squiksquik?Explain!Quick!Quick!”“OverseerQueethinksthat,nowhehasseenthesteam-tank,theremightbesomeproblems.He

thinksthat thesupportsmightnotbestrongenoughtotaketheweight. Itmightbeunwiseto takeitdownintothesewers.”

“TellOverseerQuee to solve this problem quickly, otherwise hewill have to be replaced bysomeonemore competent.Wemust have this steam-tank!Wemust study the engines!Wemust seehowitworks!ClanSkryremustpossessthisweapon.”

Heskitclamberedupontopofthesteam-tank.Hisfollowershadlittheplacewiththegreenglowofwarpstonelamps,thebettertoseewhattheyweredoing.JustbeingontopofthismightymachinemadeHeskit’stailstiffen.Heputhispawsonhiships,struckacommandingpostureandlookeddownonthechamber.

He looked around at this, the largest of halls, the place where steam-tanks were built. It wasimpressive.All the parts, lovingly hand-crafted, lay onworkbenches nearby.Huge schematics hadbeen pinned to a board on thewall for the guidance of apprentices.Overheadwere allmanner ofpulleys,andwiresandguyropesforloweringallthepiecesintoplace.Itwasatangledandintricateenoughwebtocheertheheartofanyskaven.

Nearby sat a partially assembled steam-tank, looking for all theworld like the half-devouredcarcassofsomeLeviathan.Abovehimwere thegalleriesfromwhere themasterscouldsurvey theworkof their labourersandsee thateverythingwasdoneproperly.Yes, thereweredefinitelysomeideasherewhichcouldbeadaptedtotheskavencause.

Heskit turned back and was soon lost in contemplation of the huge mechanical monster,overwhelmedby thepossibilitieshintedat in itsdesign.Truly, thesteam-tankwasamostawesomeconcept.Heranapawovertherivetedmetalandfelthisheartbeatquicken.Hecouldjustseehimself

drivingaroundinoneofthese,onlyhiswouldbebiggerandbetter,withawarpstone-poweredengineandawarpfire thrower insteadofacannon.Bulletswouldpingoff thearmourof thehull.Arrowswouldbeturnedasidebythethicknessofthewalls.Hisfoeswouldbecrushedtobloodypulpunderhim.Hewouldhaveaperiscopetolookoutthroughsohewouldn’thavetoexposehisheadtoenemyfire,andhewouldhavetracksinsteadofthesesillywheelssothathecouldpassovertheroughestofterrainwithease.

Itwasadesignwithwhichtheskavencouldconquertheworld,andhe,HeskitOneEye,wouldberesponsibleforit.AheadFelixcouldseeahugeopencourtyard.Inthecentreofthecourtyardwasamassivegapingpit,fromwhich emerged the familiar stench of the sewers. The courtyard was lit by eerie flickeringgreenlights.Intheirglow,Felixcouldseeahordeofrat-menscamperingbackwardsandforwardsbetweenthepitandthebuildingproper.Eachhadachestorapieceofmachineryoverhisshoulder.Itlookedliketheywerelootingthewholebuilding.Felixwasn’tsurewhattheyweregoingtodo.Thereweresimplytoomanyoftheskavenforthemtoovercome.Heskit clambered down into the steam-tank and looked at the controls. There was a small seatmouldedtofitahumandriver,butthebulkofthechamberwastakenupbyamonstrouscannonandahugeboiler.Doubtlesstheboilerprovidedpower.

ThecontrolsweresimplicityitselfforaskavenofHeskit’sintelligencetofigureout.Thisleverwas forward; that lever was reverse. The whistle could be used to make terrifying noises and torelievepressureontheboiler.Thissmallwheelwouldletyouguidethesteam-tankrightandleft,andthisonewouldaimthecannon.Itwasalltooeasy.

SuddenlyHeskitknewexactlywhathewanted todo,andsincehewasamasterwarpengineertherewasnooneherewhocouldstophim.Hewasgoingtotakethisvehicleforatestdrive,justtomakesureitworked.Itwouldalsosavealltheeffortofcarryingittothepitmouthanddownintothesewers.Hebarkedinstructionstosummontwoslavesandhesoonhadthemloadinguptheboilerwithwood.Withinminuteshehadtheengineunderpressureandwasreadytogo.

Heskitpulledtheleverandthesteam-tanklurchedforward.InthedistanceFelixheardarumblelikeadragonclearingitsthroat.“Soundslikeamonster,”he

whisperedtoGotrek.“Soundslikeasteamenginemorelike,manling.We’dbetterinvestigate.”Theyhurriedup the stairs and around thegallery above the courtyard.Here and there lay the

bodiesof sentries,killedby the sameskavenbladesas theyhadencounteredearlier.Felix flinchedandkepthisswordready.Atanymoment,heexpectedtorunintoapackoffiercekillerslikethosewhichhadattackedhimandElissainhisroomtheothernight.Thesensationofspeedandpowerwasawesome.Heskithadneverexperiencedanything like it.Hefeltlikehecouldcrushanythingthatgotinhisway,smashthroughanyobstacle.Withthisonetank,hecouldovercomeanyfoe.Visionsofhugearmies,spearheadedbywarpstone-poweredsteam-tanksdanced throughhis head.With such a forcemannedby fierce skavenwarriors,ClanSkryre couldconquertheworld.And,ofcourse,he,HeskitOneEye,wouldbesuitablyrewardedforhisgeniusincomingupwiththeplan.Hewouldseetothat.

Heskitlookeduptoseewherehewasgoing.WhatwasthatfoolishPoisonWindglobadierdoingstandinginfrontofhimwithalookofpaniconhisface,Heskitwondered?Felixemergedontoagalleryaboveahugehallwhichseethedwithskaven.Inthemiddleofthehallstoodagleamingnewsteam-tank.Smokebillowedfromitschimneysandevenashewatched,Felixsaw that thevehiclewasstarting tomove. Itpickedupspeed fastand ranoverasmall skavenwhostood clutching something in front of it. The skaven fell and something like a glass sphere rolled

fromitshands.Thespherefellandshatteredintoamillionpieces.Asitdidso,ahorriblecloudofgreenishgasemerged.Allof the rat-mendownbelowwhowerecaught in thecloudclutched theirthroatsandfell,coughingblood.Theylayonthefloor,tailslashing,feetkickingtheground.Inawaythey looked as if theywere drowning.He rememberedGotrek’s tales of skaven gasweapons. Herememberedthatawfulmomentduringhisfightwiththeskaveninthesewerswhenhethoughthehadbeen gassed. He also remembered that the Slayer had suggested the solution was a handkerchiefsoakedinpissandplacedoveryourmouth.Hecurrentlydidn’thavethetimeortheinclinationtotestthattheory.Felixnoticedgratefullythatthegasappearedtobeheavierthanthesurroundingair,anddidnotrisefar.Indeed,itwasalreadystartingtodisperse.Washedying,Heskitwondered?Orhadhemanagedtoholdhisbreathintime?Hedidnotknow.Hiseyeswatered from thegaswhichhad seeped in through theopenhatch.The twoskaven slaves laygurglingandgaspinginfrontofhim.Heskitknewhedidnotfeelanypain.Perhapstheheartbeatofwarninghehadgotwhenhesawtheglobadierhadbeenenough.Hehadjustenoughtimetosnatchalungfulofairandholdhisbreath.Hehadcertainlynotwasteditonshoutingawarningtotheothers.Asaconsequenceofhisownquickthinking,hehadmanagedtosavehimself.

Heskitpeeredoutthroughthegreenmurkwithwateringeyes,andtriedtoguidethetankintotheclear.Somethingbumpedandsquishedunderthewheelsandhethoughtheheardahowlofagony.Heignoreditandconcentratedonstayingalive.Thatwasthemostimportantthing.

Hislungsfeltliketheywerebursting.Hisheartbeatatthreetimesitsusualrate.Hehadalreadysquirtedthemuskoffearandsoiledhisfinearmour.Hedidnotcare.Allthatmatterednowwasthathedidnotbreatheuntil he sawclear air, and thathekepthimself alive, in spiteof the treacherousattackofthefoolishglobadier.

Allaroundhimheheardsoundsofconfusion,ofskavenshoutingorders,ofbarkedcommands,andweaponsbeingbroughttobear.

“We’reunderattack!”heheardSquiksquikshout.Itwasn’tuntilthejezzailshotsstartedthumpingoffthesideofthetankthatherealisedthattheidiotsthoughtthathewasattackingthem.Felixwatchedinmountingconfusionatthesceneofcarnage.Thegashadkilleddozensoftheskaven.The rest of the rat-menhad turnedon the steam-tank.Several teamsof skaven equippedwith longrifleshadstartedtakingpot-shotsatthetank.Twoweirdlyequippedskavenweremanhandlingahugeandveryunwieldy-lookingweaponintoapositionwhereitcouldfireatthetank.

Wastherestillahumanalivedownthere,andhadhesomehowmanagedtogetthewar-enginetowork?Washeevennowfightingforhis lifeandindesperateneedofhelp?Felix turnedtoconsultwiththeSlayer—andonlythenrealisedthatGotrekhadgone.Felixcouldguesswhere.

The skaven had manoeuvred their odd-looking weapon into position. One of them croucheddown with a barrel braced on its back, the other wielding the connected gun. Suddenly a jet ofgreenishflamegoutedforthandsprayedtowardsthetank.Itclungtothemetallicsidepanels,burningintensely,theflareilluminatingthewholechamberandmakingFelixstandoutinstarkreliefonthebalcony.Heknewthisbecauseawholegroupofskavenweresuddenlypointingathimandchittering.

Hehadaterriblefeelingthatheknewwhatwasgoingtohappennext.Heskitclosedhiseyesandhopedthathewouldstillbeabletoseewhenheopenedthem.Theheatwasintense and the warpflames of the fire thrower licked through the viewing slit of the steam-tank.Heskitscreamedandsquirtedthemuskoffearagain,soilingtheseatbelowhim.

“Stop!Stop!Fools!”heshrieked.“ItisI,Heskit,yourleader!”Ifanyoneheardhimovertheroarofthesteam-tank,theygavenosign.Allwasconfusionand

madness.Itwaspossible thathisratkinhadlostsightofhimin theconfusionandthoughthewasahumanattacker. Itwasequallypossible that somevilelyambitiousunderlingknewfullwell thathe

wasinhereandwastakingthisopportunitytotryandassassinatehissuperior.Infact,themoreHeskitthoughtofthissecondoption,themorelikelyitseemedtohim.Those

firethrowerbearers,forexample,werenotstoppingtheirassault,despitehisexpresscommand.TheymightclaimtheycouldnothearhimovertheroaroftheenginebutHeskitknewbetter.Hecouldseeit all so clearly now. Itwas all part of a devilish plot to remove him fromhis rightful office.HewouldnotbeintheleastbitsurprisedifGreySeerThanquolwasbehindthewholething.

Filledwithrighteousvindictiveanger,Heskitbaredhisfangsinrageandsteeredthesteam-tankdirectlyatthewarpfirethrowers.Toolate,thetreacherousverminrealisedtheirperilandattemptedtoscuttleaside.Heskitwas rewardedby thecrunchof theirbonesunderhiswheels.Then therewasahideouscrumpasthebarrelofphosphorescentchemicalsexploded.Felixwastrapped.Skavenwereflowingoutontothebalconyonwhichhestoodinagrimfurrytide.Thereweredozensofthem,farmorethanhecouldfight.Hedidnotdoubtthathecouldtakeoutoneor twoof themon thenarrowwalkwaybutwhilehewasdoingso,otherswouldcome rushingupbehindhimanddrivetheirnastylittlebladesintohisback.DamnGotrek!WherewastheSlayerwhenhewasneeded?

Asifinanswertohisunspokenquery,heheardathunderousbellowfrombelowhim.Riskingaquickglance,FelixsawthattheSlayerhademergedintotheroombelow,leavingatrailofdeadanddyingrat-menbehindhim.Adrippingwetragwaswrappedroundhisface.EvidentlytheSlayerwastakingnochancesofbeinggassedbeforeheachievedhisheroicdeath.

Also below him, Felix could see the steam-tank as it careened onward. Blazing green flamesragedarounditswheelsandalongitsbelly.Itbumpedandbouncedthroughtheworkspaceleavingacomettrailbehindit,crushingeverythingthatgotinitsway.Thenitslewedaround,comingalmosttoastop, its frontend facing in thedirectionof theSlayer.Gotrekstoodhisground,confronting themassive machine, for all the world like an Estalian matador facing a bull. All around the dwarf,panickedskavenscuttledforcover.

Thatwasall thatFelixhad time to see, as the seethingmassof skavenboredownonhim.Heknewthatifhestayedwherehewas,hewasdead.Seeingnothingelseforit,hescabbardedhissword,leaptupontothebanisterandreacheduptograboneoftheoverheadlines.Swiftlyheswunghimselfhandoverhanduntilhewasoutover themiddleof thecourtyard.Felixhung there for amoment,gettinghisbreathback.

Suddenlyhefeltthelinebegintofalterunderhisweight.Heriskedaglancebackwardsandsawanevillygrinningskavensawingattheropewithhisblade.

Ohno,thoughtFelix,asthelinegavewaywithasnap.Heskitcouldnotbelievehiseyes.Wasthatadwarfstandinginfrontofhimbrandishingahuge

axe?Howcouldtherebeadwarfhere,inthemiddleofthismanburrow?Hadheaccidentallytakenawhiffof theglobadier ’sgas?Washehallucinating?Thewholetankwasgettingwarm,andnot justfromtheboiler.Heskitwascertainhecouldsmellwarpfireburningsomewhere.Andwherehadallhis lackeysgone?Surely thedwarfand thegascouldnothavekilled themall.Well,one thingwascertain: no dwarf could survive a face-to-face encounter with this steam-tank. Heskit upped theaccelerationandraceddirectlyatGotrek.

The line parted and Felix arced down towards the ground. He saw that Gotrek was almostdirectlybelowhimandthatthesteam-tankwasalmostuponhim.ItlookedliketheSlayerwasabouttobecrushedtoabloodypulpbeneaththewheelsof theblazingsteam-tank.Butat thelastsecond,hestepped to one side and his axe struck the side of the vehiclewith a deep, resonant clang like thetollingofagreatbell.

Felixbracedhimselfforapainfulimpactwiththeground.Thenatthelastsecondherealisedthat

thearcofhistrajectorywastakinghimdirectlyintothepathofthesteam-tank.Itseemedalltoolikelythathewasgoingtoendupbeneathitswheels.

Heskit’sheadachedfromthefumesandfromthegreatringingechoinsidethetank.Andwhathad that second bump been against the tank’s side? He was beginning to regret that he had everallowedhis lackeys topersuadehim toget into thisaccurseddeath-trap.Headswould rolloncehebroughtthethingtoastop,thatwascertain!

Hetuggedhardonthebrakingleveranditcameawayinhishands.Aheadofhim,thewallofthebuildingloomed.Itapproachedwithappallingspeed.

AllthebreathwasknockedoutofFelix’slungsasheslammedintothetopofthesteam-tank.Hefelthimselfstarttoslip.Hecouldfeeltheheatbeginningtoscorchthesolesofhisboots.Hereachedoutandgrabbedforsomethingtoholdonto.Hisfingerscaughttheedgeoftheopenhatch.Usingtheleveragethisgavehim,hepulledhimselfupandcrouchedontopofthespeedingtank.Hecouldseethewall approaching quickly.He tried to throwhimself clear but itwas too late.The force of theimpactsenthimtumblingheadfirstthroughthehatchanddownintotheinterioroftheburningsteam-tank.

Therewasahugeroarandagrindingsoundasthesteam-tankwentrightthroughthebrickwall.Thewhole tank shook and the smell of burning intensified. Suddenly a heavyweight dropped onHeskitandhefoundhumanhandsscrabblingagainsthisfur.

Felixflinchedastheskavenbaredhugejawsfullofneedle-sharpteethandsnappedathim.Thiswas a nightmare, thought Felix. He was trapped, hanging upside down, in a tiny enclosed space,aboardaspeedingvehicle,withahideousmutantmonstertryingtotearouthisthroat.Hepulledhishead aside and lashed outwith a fist, catching the skaven on the snout.All around he noticed thatsteamhadstartedtobillowandsparkshadstartedtoflyfromtheboiler.Theskavenlashedoutathim.Razor-sharpclawstorehischeek.Felixhadamomenttobegladthatthespacewastooconfinedfortheskaventouseitsweapons.Helethimselfdropthewholewayintothecabinandlandedwithhisfullweightontherat-man.Thetwoofthemgrappledandrolledaroundthecabin,hittingthecontrollevers and sending the steam-tank skidding uncontrollably first left and then right. Through theviewingslit,Felixcaughtsightofterrifiedskavenrunningforcover.Thesteamenginewasmakingweirdsnortingsounds.Theheatandhumiditywereappalling.

Itwasaferociousbrawl.Felixwasmuchbiggerandheavierbuttheskavenhadahorriblewirystrengthandtheadvantageofpossessinglongsharpteeth.

PainflaredthroughFelixasitsankthemintohisshoulder.Hefelthotbloodasitspurtedthroughhisshirt.Withthepainandfearcameaterribleanger.

“Right,that’sit!”Felixspat,gettinghishandsaroundtheskaven’sthroatandstartingtosqueeze.Atthesametime,heshovedtheskaven’sheadawayfromhimandstartedtosmashitintothesideofthesteam-tank.Thiswasnotagoodnight,HeskitOneEyethought,asthemaniacalhumanbashedhisheadagainstthesteelwallforthethirdtime.Theskavencouldfeelthestrengthdrainingoutofhim.Therewasnoairinhislungsandnowaytobreathewiththoseiron-stronghumanhandsaroundhisthroat.Itwaslikebeingstuckinthegasoncemore,onlyahundredtimesworse.Ifonlyhehadn’tbeenbetrayedbyhisworthlessunderlings,thiswouldneverhavehappened.

Overhisattacker ’sshoulder,throughtheviewingslit,Heskitcouldseetheopenmouthofthepitleadingdown into the sewers.Amassof skavenwerediving into it, fleeing from the sceneof thebattle.Thesteam-tank,too,washeadingrightforit.Felixhadanawfulsinkingsensationinthepitofhisstomachasthesteam-tanklurchedandtumbled.Theymusthavehitanobstructionorfallenintoapit,hethought,ashewasthrownaboutthecabin.

Thisisit,hethought,I’mgoingtodie.Suddenlythesteam-tankcametorestwithahorridgurglingsplash,andthefamiliarstinkofthesewersfilledFelix’snostrils.

His grip on the skaven’s throat loosened and the thing took the opportunity to break free. Itscamperedupandoutofthehatchlikeaferretupadrainpipe.Judgingbytheflamescomingfromtheboiler,Felixthoughthe’dbetterdothesame.Painfullyhereachedupandpulledhisbatteredframeupthrough the open hatch. He stood perched on top of the steam-tank for a moment, glaring at theskavenhehadjustfought.

Ashehadthought,thevehiclehadfallenthroughthepittheskavenhadduginthecourtyardandwasnowsinkingintothesewers.Smokeandsteamandflamesflickeredthroughthehatchbelowhim,scorching his boots and setting his trousers to smouldering. The whole steam-tank bucked andshudderedinthemire.Allaroundhim,Felixcouldseeahostofredeyesglitteringinthedark.Hewassurroundedbyskaven.

Outofthefryingpan,intothefire,hethought.Where had all these warriors come from, Heskit wondered dazedly? They should be up abovefightingwiththedwarfandhishumanally,notcoweringdownhereawayfromthefight.Notthatitmatteredrightatthisverymoment.Asahighlyskilledwarpengineer,Heskitrecognisedallthesignsofaveryseriousmalfunction in thesteam-tank.Hedidnotdoubt thathehadmeremoments togetclearbeforeitexploded.

Fearlenthisfeetwings.Hesprangoutintothetightlypackedmassofskaven.Beforetheycouldreact,heskitteredacrosstheirshoulders,tramplingontheirheadsashewent.Evenso,heknewthathewasnotgoingtogetclearintime.Therewasonlyonethingforit.

Holdinghissnout,Heskitdivedheadlongintothesewer.Judgingbythespeedwithwhichtheterrifiedskaventookoffovertheheadsofitsfellows,Felixknewthatsomethingterriblewasabouttohappen.Hehadtoact,rightnow.Hesprangupwards,grabbedthelipof thepitandpulledhimselfclear, justas themassofskavenswarmedforwardoverthesteam-tank.

He felt claws rip the leg of his britches as one of the pack leaders made a grab for him.Frantically he kicked outwith his other foot, and felt something break as his boot connectedwithteeth.

Lookingoutintothegreenlylitcourtyard,hesawtheSlayerjoggingtowardshim.Felixpulledhimselfuprightandracedforthedwarf,shouting:“Getdown!It’sgoingtoex—”Behindhimtherewasanenormousthunderousroarandamightyflashlikealightningstrike.A

hugecloudofstinkingsmokebillowedforth.TheshockwavethrewFelixontothegroundhard.Hewasvaguelyawareofanumberofskavenformstumblingheadlongthroughthegloomaroundhim.Thenhisheadsmackedintothegroundandconsciousnesslefthim.WhenFelixpulledhimselfupright,Gotrekwasstandingnearby,peeringdownintothemouthofthepit. All around themwere hideouslymangled skaven corpses. Felix could not guesswhether theyweretheproductsoftheexplosionorGotrek’sefforts.Notthatitmattered.Theresultwasthesameintheend.

Behindhimtherewasasudden,mightycrash.Felixlookedbacktoseethatthewholewallofthecollege had collapsed. Indeed, peculiar greenish flames were lapping through the entire building.Somethingtoldhimthatnoamountofeffortbyfire-fighterswasgoingtoextinguishthatblazeuntilitssorcerousfurywasspent.

HeturnedtolookbackattheSlayer,noticingforthefirsttimethehugesplashesofbloodwhichpaintedthedwarf’sbodyanddrippedfromhisaxe.Gotrekgrinnedandshowedhismissingteeth.

“Gotmostof them.The rest ran away,”he said indisgust. “They seemed to loseheart after I

killedthefirstfifty.”“Yes,butatwhataprice!We’veburnedthecollegetotheground!Thinkofallthatknowledge

lost.”“Colleges can be rebuilt, manling.” The Slayer tapped his head with one brawny finger.

“Knowledgeisinhere.Themastersandapprenticessurvived.Thingswillgoon.”“We’dbettergoonandgetoutofhere.Theguardwillbecomingsoon.”Wearily, they made their departure. Somewhere in the distance the alarm bells were already

tolling.Heskitraisedhisheadabovethebrownsludgymassandspatoutamouthfulofranksewerwater.Thathadbeentoocloseforcomfort,hethought.Onlythefactthatthejelly-likeconsistencyofthispartoftheflowhadabsorbedtheshockoftheblasthadenabledhimtosurvive,hewassure.Itlookedlikeallthe others were dead. Still, he was alive, that was the main thing, he thought as he padded alongthroughthewaterwithstrokesofhispawsand lashesofhis tail.Nowallhehad todowasfindanexplanationforthisfiascowhichthecursedgreyseerwouldaccept.BecausesomehowhewassurethatThanquolwouldknowallaboutthisnight’swork.

PLAGUEMONKSOFPESTILENS“HavingshedsomelightonthedisasterwhichbefelltheCollegeofEngineeringinthataccursedyear.IfeelthatIcanmoveontocoveranothertopic.ItwasduringthisperiodofmylifethatIacquiredmoreknowledgeof thefoulbreedofrat-menknownasskaventhanIeverwishedordeemedadvisable.EventhepossessionofsuchknowledgeasIhadwouldhavebeenconsideredcauseenoughforburningatthestakebyourmorefanaticallydedicatedwitchhunters.Ihaveoften thought that if suchpeople showedhalf the zeal in persecuting the real enemies of oursocietyastheydoinpursuinginnocentscholars,ourworldwouldbeasaferandhappierplace.Ofcourse,therealenemiesofoursocietyareafarmoredangerousbreedthaninnocentscholarsandhavealliesinfarhigherplaces.Ileavemyreaderstodrawtheirownconclusionsfromthat.”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,Vol.III,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

Themanclutchedhisthroat,gaveagurglingmoanandkeeledover,frothpouringfromhislips,vilegreen stuff oozing fromhis nostrils.He lay onhis back in amiddenheap and frantically beat themuddypavementwithhisfists,thenallthestrengthseemedtoleavehim.Hislimbstwitchedfeeblyinafinalspasmofmotion,thenhegavealastlonggroanandlaystill.

Thepeopleinthestreetallaroundlookedateachotherinfright,thenracedawayfromthebodyasfastastheycould.Beggarscrawledawayfromtheirrestingplaces.Theone-leggedmanhoppedaway, almost dropping his crutch in his haste. Peddlers abandoned their stalls; goodwives duckedback into their buildings and locked their doors. Richmerchants urged their palanquin bearers togreater speed. Within moments, the street was all but deserted. Throughout the hubbub of thedepartingcrowdranoneword—plague!

FelixJaegerglancedaroundthesuddenlyemptystreet.Itdidn’tlooklikeanyoneelsewasgoingtohelpthepoordevil,soitseemedthejobfelltohim.Hecoveredhismouthwithhistatteredcloakandkneltbesidethebody.Helaidahandontheman’schest,searchingforaheartbeat.

Itwastoolate.Themanwasbeyondanyhelp:hewasdead.Felixhadenoughexperienceofdeathtoknow.

“Felix,comeaway.I’mfrightened.”Felixlookedup.Elissastoodnearby,herfacepaleandhereyeswide.Sheranahandthroughher

curlyblackhair,thenbroughtitbacktohermouth.“Nothingtobefrightenedof,”Felixsaid.“Themanisdead.”“It’swhatkilledhimthatscaresme.Itlookslikehediedofthenewplague.”Felixstoodup,superstitiousfearfillinghismind.Forthefirsttimehewasforcedtoconsiderthe

deathhehadjustwitnessedandthereasonwhyeveryoneelsehadfled.Plagues were terrible things. They could strike anywhere, kill anyone, rich or poor. No one

knewwhatcausedthem.SomesaidthedarkinfluenceofChaos.Somesaidtheywerethewrathofthegodsonsinfulhumanity.Theonlycertaintywithplaguewasthattherewasverylittlethatyoucoulddo to save yourself once you caught it save pray. Such virulent diseases could baffle the best ofphysiciansandthemostpotentofmages.FelixsteppedawayfromthebodyquicklyandmovedtoputhisarmaroundElissareassuringly.Sheshiedaway,asifhecarriedthecontagion.

“Idon’thavetheplague,”hesaid,hurt.“Youneverknow.”Felixglanceddownatthebodyandshivered.“Itcertainlywasn’tthatpoorsoul’sluckyday,”Elissasaid.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Takealook.There’sablackroseonhistunic.He’djustbeentoafuneral.”“Well,nowhe’sgoingtohisown,”Felixsaidsoftly.

“That’sthefourthdeathtodayfromtheplaguethatI’veheardof,”HeinzsaidwhenFelixtoldhimthenews.“Theladsinthebararetalkingaboutnothingelse.They’veasweepstakegoingonhowmanyitwillbebynightfall.”

Inaway,Felixwasgladofthisnews.Forthepastfewdays,thecitizenshadtalkedofnothingbuttheburningdownoftheCollegeofEngineering.MostclaimeditwassabotageperpetratedbyChaosworshippersortheBretonnians.Felixcontinuallyfeltspasmsofguiltashewasremindedofhisownparticipationintheevent.

“Whatdoyou think?”Felixasked, lookingaroundathowmanypeoplewerepresent.Thebarwaspackedtocapacity,andtheinevitablejostlingwasalreadycausingfriction.Felixfeltcertaintherewouldbetroublethisevening.

“Iputmymoneyon itbeing ten.Lastyear,when theRedPoxcame, therewere twentypeople

gonebynoon.ButthentheRedPoxwasanastyone.Worstintwentyyears.Still,youneverknow—thisonemightbeworsebeforeit’sdone.”

“Imeant,whatdoyouthinkcausedit?”Felixsaid.“Howdoyouthinkitspreads?”“I’mnotaphysician,Felix,I’mabartender.Iguessthatit’sspreadbytinkersandwitches.That’s

whatmyoldwifeLotteusedtosay.”“DoyouthinkIcouldhavecaughtitfromthatpoorman?”“Maybe.Iwouldn’tworry.WhenOldManMorrpullsyournameoutofhisbigblackhat,there’s

nothingyoucandoaboutit,that’swhatIthink.Onething’sforsure,though.”“What’sthat?”“It’sgoodforbusiness.Soonasplaguecomes,peoplehitthetaverns.Theywanttoforgetabout

itasquickastheycan.”“Maybetheywanttodiedrunk.”“There’sworsewaystodie,youngFelix.”“Thatthereis.”“Well,you’dbettergetoverthereandstopthoseTileansdrawingknivesoneachother,orwe’ll

soonhaveagraphicdemonstrationofjustthat.”“I’lldealwithit.”Felixmoved to hastily intervene in the dispute. In a few seconds he had farmore immediate

dangerstoworryaboutthancatchingtheplague.“Soyou’renotworriedabouttheplague?”Felixsaid,duckingaswingfromadrunkenmercenary.

“Never catch the things, manling,” Gotrek Gurnisson replied, grabbing the mercenary’s ear,pullinghisheaddownlevelwiththedwarf’sownandthendroppingthemanwithaheadbuttwhichsent blood from theman’s bleeding nose spraying outwards to add a new and brighter tint to theSlayer ’sgreatcrestofred-dyedhair.“Beenrightthroughadozensieges.Humansdroppedlikeflies;Iwasfine.Dwarfsdon’tusuallygettheplague.Weleavethattolesshardyraceslikeelvesandmen.”

Felix caught two of the mercenary’s squabbling comrades by the scruffs of their necks andhauledthemupright.Gotrekgrabbedone,Felixgrabbedtheotherandtheyranthemoutthroughtheswingingdoorsintothemuddystreets.

“Worst thing I’ve ever had was a bad hangover,” Gotrek said. “And don’t come back!” hebellowedoutintothestreet.

Felix turned to survey the bar.AsHeinz had predicted, itwas full. Slummingnoblesmingledwith half the cut-throats and rakehells of the city. A big gang of mercenaries fresh in from theMiddenheimcaravanroutewerespendingtheirmoneyliketherewasgoingtobenotomorrow.

Maybe they were right, Felix thought; maybe there wouldn’t be a tomorrow. Maybe all thestreetcornerseerswereright.Maybetheendoftheworldwascoming.Certainlytheworldhadendedtoday,asfarasthatmanwhohaddiedinthestreetwasconcerned.

Inthefarcorner,hecouldseethatElissawastalkingtoabrawnyyoungmangarbedintheroughtunic and leggings of a peasant. Their conversation became animated for a moment, then Elissaturnedtoleave.Asshedidso,theyouthreachedoutandgrabbedherwrist.Felixbegantomoveoverto intervene.Beingpawedwasanoccupationalhazard for theservingwenchesbuthedidn’t like ithappening to Elissa. She turned and said something to the youth. His hand opened and he let goimmediately, a lookof something like shockonhis face.Elissa left him there, hismouthhangingopenandapainedlookinhiseyes.

Elissahurriedpast,chinup,carryingatrayfullofemptytankards.Felixcaughtherbythearm,turnedheraround,kissedhercheek.

“Idon’thavetheplague,”hesaid,butshestillwriggledaway.

Felix could hear theword “plague” being discussed at every table. Itwas as if therewere noothertopicofconversationinthewholeblastedcity.

“Really,Idon’t,”Felixaddedsoftly.HeturnedaroundandnoticedthattheyouthwhohadbeentalkingtoElissawasstaringathimwithalookofangerinhiseyes.Felixwastemptedtogooverandtalktohimbutbeforehecould,theyoungpeasantgotupandstalkednonetoosteadilytothedoor.“Iknowyoudon’thavetheplague,”Elissasaid,snugglingclosertoFelixonthepallettheyshared.Shepickedupapieceofstrawwhichhadburstoutoftheholeinthemattressandbegantoticklehimunderthenosewithit.“Youdon’thavetokeeptellingme.Really,Iwishyou’djustshutupaboutit.”

“MaybeI’mtryingtoreassuremyself,”hesaid,grabbingherwristandimmobilisingherhand.He reached over with his other hand and began to tickle her. “Whowas that youwere talking toearlier?”heasked.

“When?”“Downinthebar.Ayoungman.Lookedstraightoffthefarm.”“Oh,yousawhim,then?”sheasked,hervoiceallfeignedinnocence.“Apparentlyso.”“ThatwasHans.”“AndwhoisHans?”Felixsaidlevelly.“He’sjustafriend.”“Hedidn’tseemtothinkso,judgingbythelookhegaveme.”“Weused togoout togetherback inmyvillagebuthewasvery jealousandhehada terrible

temper.”“Hehityou?”“No,hehitanymanwholookedatmeinwhathethoughtwasthewrongway.Thevillageelders

gotfedupwithitandputhiminthestocks.Afterthatheranawaytothecity,tolookforhisfortune,hesaid.”

“Isthatwhyyoucamehere,tofindhim?”“Maybe.ItwasalongtimeagoandNuln’sabigplace.Ineversawhimagain,untiltonight,when

hecameintothePig.Hehasn’tchangedmuch.”“Youwereclose?”“Once.”“Notnow?”“No.”Elissalookedathimseriously.“Youaskalotofquestions,FelixJaeger.”“Then stopme asking,” he said and began to kiss her hungrily. But in hismind, hewas still

wonderingaboutElissaandHansandwhathadgoneonbetweenthem.GreySeerThanquolhelpedhimselftoanotherpinchofwarpstonesnuff.Thebrain-blastinglypotentdrugsentachargeofpureenergythroughhisbody,andhistailstiffenedinecstaticjoy.Hebaskedinthewarmglowoftriumph.

HisintricatelywovenschemehadsucceededandhisrivalHeskitOneEye’splantoseizeallofthetechnologicalsecretsofthehumanCollegeofEngineeringhadbeenthwarted.Thanquolbaredhisfangsinadeath’sheadgrinwhenheconsideredHeskit’sdiscomfiture.Hehadmadetheproudwarpengineergrovelinthedirtbeforehiswholearmywhileheexplainedwhathehadbeendoing.Hehadberated Heskit for almost jeopardising the whole glorious campaign to assault Nuln by his ill-consideredactions,andsenthimslinkingoffwithhistailbetweenhislegs.

NowHeskit had retired to his chambers to sulk,while hewaited for reinforcements to arrivefromSkavenblighttoreplacethewarriorshehadlostonthesurface.Withanylucknonewwarriors

wouldcome.Heskitmight evenbe recalled toSkavenblight to explainhis actions tohis superiors.Perhaps,Thanquolthought,withawordintherightearthiscourseofactioncouldbeencouraged.

The curtain which separated Thanquol’s private burrow from the rest of the Underways waswrenchedopenandasmallskavenenteredthechamber.

ReflexivelyThanquolsprangbackbehindhisthrone.Theeerieglowofdarkmagicsurroundedhispawashesummonedtheenergytoblasttheinterlopertoatoms,butthenhesawthatitwasonlyLurkSnitchtongue,andhestayedhisspellforamoment.

“Gravenews,mostpotentofpotentates!”Lurkchittered,thenfellsilentashenoticedtheauraofmagicwhich surrounded the grey seer. “No!No!Mostmerciful ofmasters, don’t killme!Don’t!Don’t!”

“Never,onpainofdeathmostexcruciating,everburst intomychambersunannouncedagain,”Thanquol said, not relaxing his vigilance for a moment. After all, you could never tell when anassassinationattemptmighthappen.Jealousrivalswereeverywhere.

“Yes!Yes,mostperceptiveofseers.Neveragainshallithappen.Only…”“Onlywhat?”“OnlyIbringmostimportanttidings,greatone.”“Whatwouldthosebe?”“Ihaveheardrumours—”“Rumours?Donotbargeintomysacredchambersandtalktomeaboutrumours!”“Rumoursfromausuallyreliablesource,greatestofauthorities.”Thanquol nodded. That was different. Over the past few days Thanquol had come to have a

certain respect for Lurk’s host of informants. The little skaven had a talent for ferreting outinformation that rivalledevenThanquol’s…almost.“Goon.Speak!Speak!Wastenotmyprecioustime!”

“Yes! Yes! I have heard rumours that Vilebroth Null and his chief acolytes have left theUnderwaysandwentsurfacewardstothemancityofNuln,theretoestablishasecretburrow.”

WhatcouldtheClanPestilensabbotbeupto,thoughtThanquol,hismindreeling?Whatdidthissignify?Itinevitablymeantsomesortoftreacherytothesacredskavencause,someschemetograbtheglorythatwasrightfullyThanquol’s.“Goon!”

“ItmaybethattheytookwiththemtheCauldronofaThousandPoxes!”Ohno, thoughtThanquol.Thecauldronwasoneof themosthideouslypowerfulartefacts that

Clan Pestilens was thought to possess. Since early runthood, Thanquol had heard dire tales of itspowers.Itwassaidtobethemeansofinfalliblybrewingterriblediseases,anartefactstolenfromatempleofthePlagueGod,Nurgle,backwhentheworldwasyoung,andreconsecratedtotheserviceoftheHornedRat.

Ifthecauldronwasonthesurfacesomewhere,thatcouldonlymeanVilebrothNullmeanttostarta plague among the humans. Under normal circumstances, Thanquol would have been only toopleased by such an eventuality— just as long as hewas a thousand leagues away! Clan Pestilensplagueshadahabitofrunningoutofcontrol,ofafflictingskavenaswellastheirintendedvictims.Only theplaguemonks themselves seemed immune.Many seeminglyassured skaven triumphshadbeen undermined by just this occurrence.NowClanPestilenswere only supposed to unleash theircreationsbyspecialauthorisationoftheCouncilofThirteen.

ThelastthingThanquolwantedatthismomentwashisarmydestroyedbyarunawayplague.Heconsideredtheimplicationsstillmore.Ofcourse,thecouncildidnotarguewithsuccess.Perhapstheplague might succeed in weakening the humans without afflicting the skaven horde. But if itsucceeded, the Council of Thirteen might extend its favour to Vilebroth Null, and withdraw its

patronagefromThanquol.Nullmightevenberewardedwiththeleadershipoftheinvasionforce.Thanquolconsidered.Whatelsecouldbegoingonhere?Iftheschemewasanhonesteffortto

helptheinvasion,whyhadThanquolnotbeeninformed?He,afterall,wassupremecommander.No—thishad tobesomesinisterschemeofNull’s toseizepower.Somethingwouldhave tobedoneaboutthistreacheryandthisblatantdefianceoftheCouncilofThirteen’sedicts.

Thenanother thoughtstruckThanquol.Hisagentson thesurfacehadalreadyreported talesofsome new and dreadful disease spreading among the human burrows.UndoubtedlyVilebrothNullhadalreadybeguntoimplementhiswickedplan.Therewasnotimetowaste!

“Quick!Quick!Wheredidthosetreacherousvermingo?”“Iknownot,mostlordlyoflords.Myagentscouldnotsay!”“Run!Quick!Quick!Scuttleoffandfindout.”“Atonce,mostdecisiveofleaders!”“Wait!Wait!Beforeyougo,bringmeparchmentandpen.Ihaveanidea.”

“Yousneezed!”Elissasaid.“Didnot!”Felixsaid,wellawarethathewaslying.Hiseyesfeltpuffyandhisnosewasdripping.

Hewassweatingalittletoo.Andwasthatthefirstfainttickleofasorethroathefelt?Elissa began to cough hackingly. She covered her mouth with one hand but her whole body

shook.“Youcoughed,”Felixsaid,andwishedthathehadnot.Tearshadstartedtoappearinthecorner

ofthegirl’seyes.“OhFelix,”shesaid.“Doyouthinkwehavetheplague?”“No.Absolutelynot,”Felixreplied,butinhisheartofheartshewasfarfromcertain.Colddread

clutchedathim.“Getdressed,”hesaid.“We’llgoandseeaphysician.”Thedoctorwas a busyman today; thatmuchwas obvious, thoughtFelix.There had been a queuestretchinghalfwayaroundtheblockfromhissmallanddingyoffice.Itseemedlikehalfthecitywasthere, coughing andwheezing andhawking and spitting into the street.Therewas an air of barelysuppressedpanic.OnceortwiceFelixhadseenpeoplecometoblows.

Thiswasuseless,Felixdecided.Theywouldneverseeaphysiciantodayundertheseconditions,andtheaislesoftheTempleofShallyawerefullofsupplicants.Therehadtobeabetterway.

“Comeon.Ihaveanidea,”hesaid,grabbingElissabyherhandandpullingherfromthequeue.“No,Felix,Iwanttoseethedoctor.”“Youwill—don’tworry.”

“Felix!Whatareyoudoinghere?”Ottodidnotlookpleased.Infact,hehadnotlookedpleasedsinceFelixhadrefusedhisofferofreturningtothefamilybusinessand,instead,startedworkintheBlindPig.Felixlookedathisbrotherkeenly.Ottowasdressedparticularlyrichlytodayinagownofpurplebrocade trimmedwith ermine, and Felix felt his own ragged appearance keenly. It had taken himnearlytenminutestoconvincetheclerkstolethiminandseehisbrother.

“Ithoughtyoumightbeabletohelpme.”Felixsniffed.Therewasastrangescentintheroom,ofspicesandthesortofflowersthatoneusuallyonlysmelledatfunerals.Felixwonderedwhereithadcomefrom.

“I’lldowhatIcan,ofcourse.”Ottoregardedhimwarily.Everthemerchant,thoughtFelix,waitingtoseewhatpricewasgoingtobeasked.“Ineedtoseeadoctor.”Otto’s eyes darted from Felix to Elissa and back to Felix again. Felix could almost see the

thoughtsformingbehindhisbrow.

“Youhaven’t…gotthisgirlintotrouble,haveyou?”Felixlaughedforthefirsttimethatday.“No.”“Thenwhat’stheproblem?”Quickly Felix told his brother about the man who had died in the streets, about his own

symptomsand thehugequeuesat thedoctor ’sand theTempleofShallya.Ottosteepledhis fingersandlistenedattentively,occasionallyfumblingwithabrasspomanderwhichheliftedtohisnoseandbreatheddeeplyfrom.AtonceFelixidentifiedthesourceofthesmellinthechamber.

“What’sthat?”heasked.“ApomanderofwildrootandsilverspicefromFarCathay.Thevapoursareasovereignremedy

forallairbornefluxesandevilhumours,orsoDoctorDrexlerassuresme.Perhapsyou’dliketotryit?”

HeunhookedthechainfromaroundhisneckandextendedthesmallperforatedspheretoFelix.Thesmellwasverystrong.HepolitelyhandedittoElissa.Sheplaceditbeneathhernostrilsinhaleddeeplyandbegantocough.

“Itcertainlyclearsthenostrils,”shegasped,eyeswatering.Felixtookthepomanderandbreatheddeeply.HeimmediatelyunderstoodwhatElissahadmeant.

Thevapourscutthroughtheairlikeaknife.Theyhadasharp,mintytangandalmostatonceafeelingofwarmthspreadthroughhisheadandchest.Hisnosefeltclearerandhisbreathingcameeasier.

“Verygood,”hegasped,returningthedevice.“Butcanyouhelpusseeaphysician?”Ottopursedhislipsprimly.“Ofcourse,Felix.Youaremybrother.”“AndElissa?”“Hertoo.”

It’s amazing how money smoothes all paths, Felix thought, looking around Doctor Drexler ’schambers.Without the use ofOtto’s name, he doubted the servantwould have let him through thedoorsofthedoctor ’sluxuriouslyappointedtownhouse.Felixhadtoadmitthatitwasquiteaplace.

On theoak-panelledwallswereframedcertificates fromtheUniversitiesofNuln,AltdorfandMarienberg,aswellashand-writtentestimonialsfrommaybehalfthecrownedheadsoftheEmpire.AmassiveportraitofthegooddoctorpaintedbythefamousKleinmannbeameddownimpressivelyfromthemiddleofthemall.Ofcourse,forthefeesthathecharged,Drexlercouldcertainlyaffordtheservicesofthegreatportraitartist.

Felixglancedoverthedoorway.ThedoctorandElissawereinhisconsultingroom.Felixhadbeenleftoutsideforthemoment.Herosefromthecomfortableleatherarmchairandlookedaround.

Alongonewallwasacollectionoflargeglassjarswhichwouldnothavebeenoutofplaceinanalchemist’sshop.Thebookshelveswerelinedwithmustyleather-boundtomes.Felixpickedoneup.ItwasJohannesVoorman’sDerNaturMalorum.Afirstedition,noless.Thepageshadbeencut,whichmeant that someone around here had read it. It wasn’t just window-dressing, straight from thebookbinders.Felixexaminedtheothertitlesandwassurprisedtodiscoverthatonlyhalfofthemweremedicaloralchemicalinnature.Therestdealtwithavarietyofsubjects,fromnaturalhistorytothemotionoftheSpheres.Itseemedthatthedoctorwasindeedawell-readman.

“Youareascholar,HerrJaeger?”FelixturnedtofindthatDrexlerhademergedfromtheconsultingroom.Hewasashort,slender

manwithanarrow,friendlyfaceandashort,well-trimmedbeard.Helookedmorelikeasuccessfulmerchant than a doctor.His robeswere as rich asOtto’s and therewas not a sign of blood stainsanywhere.Felixcouldnotevenseethetraditionalpotofleeches.

“I’vereadalittle,”headmitted.“Thatisgood.Amanshouldalwaysimprovehismindwheneverthereisanopportunity.”

“HowisElissa?”Drexlertookoffhisglassesandbreathedonthem,thenpolishedthemonthehemofhisrobe.He

beamedreassuringly.“Sheisfine.Shehasasummercold.Thatisall.”Felixunderstoodwhy the richwere sowilling topay for the servicesof thisman.Therewas

somethinghugely reassuringabouthisquiet soft-spokenvoiceandhis calm,certain smile. “Not…nottheplaguethen?”

“No.Nottheplague.Nobuboes.Nolesions.Nosuppuratingulcersoftheskin.Noneoftheusualsymptomsofanyofthegreaterplagues.OfthatIamsure.”

Elissaemergedfromtheconsultingroom.ShesmiledatFelix.Heforcedhimselftosmileback.“I understand that you were exposed to a plague bearer yesterday, Herr Jaeger,” the doctor said,suddenlyallseriousness.

“Yes.”“Besthavealookatyouthen.Letmeseeyourarm.”For thenext fewminutes thedoctorperformedallmannerof arcane rituals the likeofwhich

Felixhadneverseen.Hetouchedhiswristandcounted,whilekeepingtrackofachronometeronthewall.HetappedFelix’schestpainfully.HelookedintoFelix’seyeswithamagnifyingglass.

ThiswasnotwhatFelixhadexpected.Wherewerethescalpels,andunguents,andleeches?Wasthismansomesortofcharlatan?HewascertainlymostunlikeanydoctororbarberFelixhadeverencountered.Hisrobeswerenotfilthyandcrustedwithdriedblood,foronething.Andthemanwastanned, unusually so for amanwho spentmost of his life indoors. Felixmentioned this fact andDrexlerlookedathimsharply.

“IhavespenttimeinAraby,”Drexlersaid.“IstudiedmedicineatthegreatSchoolatKahSabar.”Felix looked at the wall. There was no diploma there from any Arabic university. Drexler

obviouslyunderstoodhistrainofthought,forhelaughed.“TheydonotgivedegreesinKahSabar!Bythetimeyouleaveyouareeitherahealeroryouarenot.Ifyouarenot,nopieceofpaperwillmakeyouone.”

“Afairpoint.ButwhatdidyoulearntherethatyoucouldnotlearnhereintheEmpire?”Like all of its citizens Felix considered the Empire to be themost advanced and enlightened

humannationonthefaceoftheplanet.HecouldnotconceivethattherewasanythingtheArabshadtoteachoneofitspeople.Theelvesanddwarfs,certainly—butnottheArabs.

“Manythings,myfriend.Includingthefactthatwehavenomonopolyonwisdomandthatmuchofwhatourdoctorsteachissimplywrong.”

“Forexample?”“Well…Idonotbleedmypatients.Itdoesmoreharmthangood.”Felix was at once relieved and shocked. Relieved because like most people he dreaded the

physician’s scalpel. Shocked because the man was obviously a charlatan! Everybody knew thatbleedingwasessentialtoreleasethefoulhumoursinthebloodandspeedthepatient’srecovery.Andyet,OttohadclaimedthatthismanwasthebestdoctorinNulnandhadcuredmorepeoplethanalltheother surgeon-barbersput together.Furthermore,Drexlerdid seem likeaprofoundlycivilisedandeducatedman.

“DoyouthinkIhavetheplague?”Felixaskedsuddenly,surprisedatthefearandanticipationthatfilledhimashewaitedforDrexler ’sreply.

“No,Herr Jaeger, I do not. I think you have a slight cold, nothingmore. I thinkmost of thepeopleinthiscitywhothinktheyhavetheplagueprobablyhavethesame,andIthinkthatthepanicsuchbeliefscausewillbemoreharmfulthantheplagueitself.”

“Youdon’tthinktheplagueisreal,then?”

“OhIcertainlybelieveit’sreal.Ithinkmanypeoplewilldiefromit,asthesummerheatcomeson, andmorepeople come in from the country.But I knowyoudonot have it, nor do anyof thewealthypeoplewhocometoseeme.Ifyoudid,youwouldalreadybedeadordying.”

“Thatwouldmakeiteasytodiagnose,”Felixsaiddryly.Drexlerlaughedagain.“IwillgiveyouandFrauleinElissathesameherbalpomandersasIgaveyourbrotherandhis

family.Theherbsareaprotectionagainstplagueemanations,andIhavecastafewspellsonthemaswell.”

“Youareamagicianaswellasadoctor,then?”“I am a healer, Herr Jaeger, and I use whatever means best help my patients. I dabble in

enchantmentsofaprotectivesort. Icannotutterlyguaranteetheireffectiveness,youunderstand,buttheyshouldhelpifyouareexposedtotheplague.”

“Ithankyouforthat.”“Don’tthankme,HerrJaeger.Thankyourbrother,afterallheispayingmybill.”JustasFelixturnedtogo,henoticedthatDrexlerwasstaringathimhard.Hisfacehadturned

paleandhiseyeshard.“Whatisit?”Felixasked.“The…theswordyoucarry.Wouldyoumindtellingmewhereyougotit?”“Notatall. Itbelonged toa friend,aTemplarof theFieryHeartnamedAldred.HediedandI

tookit,hopingonedaytoreturnittohisorder.Whydoyouask?”“YouwereafriendofAldred’s?”“WetravelledtogetherintheBorderPrinces.Hewasonaquestwhenhedied.”“IknewAldred.Wewerefriendsforalongtime.WestudiedintheSigmariteSeminarytogether.

Ihadnotheardwordofhiminalongtime.”“ThenIamsorrytobethebearerofsuchbadnewstoyou.”“Hediedwell?”“Hediedlikeahero.”“Itiswhathewouldhavewanted.I’msorrytohavebotheredyouwiththis,HerrJaeger.”“No,Iamsorrytobethebearerofsuchbadtidings.”

“Heseemedlikeaveryniceman,”Elissasaid.“Andsowise.Veryreassuring.”“Whatdidyousay?”Felix looked up at her.Hewas disturbed by the coincidence thatDrexler had known the dead

Templar,andhefeltvaguelyguiltyaboutnothavingmadeagreaterefforttoreturntheblade.Still,itwasaveryfineweapon,andithadsavedhislifeonmorethanoneoccasion.

“Isaid,hewasveryreassuring.”“Very.”Felixlookedathersourly.Shehadbeensingingthedoctor ’spraisesallthewaybackto

theBlindPigandherhandhadneverstrayedveryfarfromtheherbalpomander.Felixwonderedifitwaspossiblethathewasjealous.Heactuallyagreedwiththewomanbutadmittingitwasdifficultforsomereason.Elissaseemedtosensethis.Shelookedupathimandsmiledteasingly.

“WhyFelix,areyoujealous?”Whydidwomenseemtohavesuchanuncannyinstinctforthesethings,hewondered—evenas

hemutteredhisdenials.***

Gotrek lookedupas theyentered the tavern.Hehelda rolled tube inonemassivefist.He tossed itstraightatFelix.

“Catch,”hesaid.

Felixsnatchedthetubeoutof theairandrecogniseditatonceforwhat itwas.Theparchmentwasof the same crudeweave as the earliermessage theyhad received, the onewhichhadwarnedthemof the skavenattackon theCollegeofEngineering.Hehastilyunrolled it, andwasnot at allsurprisedtofindthatithadbeenwritteninthesamesemi-literatescrawl:

Frends—bewarned!!Theevil trechrus rat-menofKlanPestilensdoplot to spredplaygue inyoorcity,maytheHornedRatgnawthereentrailsforit.Idonotnowherorhowtheyplantodothis.IkanonlytellyootobewareoftheKaldrunofathousandpoxes.

Yoorfrend.“Itwasdeliveredwhenyouwereout,”Gotreksaid.“Samemessenger?”“No,anotherbeggar.Claimsitwasgiventohimbyamonk.”“Youbelievehim?”“Isawnoreasonnotto,manling.Igothimtoshowmetheplacewherehehadmetthismonk.It

wasclosetospotwherethelastmessagewasdelivered.”“Youthinkweshouldcheckoutthesewersinthatarea?”“Whatareyoutalkingabout,Felix?”Elissaasked.“Skaven,”Gotreksaidferociously,andthegirl’sfacewentpale.“Notthosecreatureswhichattackedtheinntheothernight?”“Thesame.”“WhatdotheyhavetodowithyouandFelix?”“Idonotknow,girl.IwishIdid.Itseemslikewehavebecomeinvolvedinsomefeudamong

them.”“Iwishyouhadnottoldmethat.”“Iwishyouhadnottoldherthat,”Felixsaid.“DoyouthinktheywillattackthePigagain?”Elissaasked,glancingatthedoorsandwindowsas

ifsheexpectedanattackatanysecond.“Idoubtit,”Gotreksaid.“Andiftheydo,we’lljustslaughterthemagain.”ElissasatdowninachairneartotheSlayer.Hecockedhisheadtoonesideandsmiled,showing

severalmissingteeth.“Donotworry,girl.Nothingwillharmyou.”GotrekwasnotnormallywhatFelixwouldconsiderareassuringsight,buthiswordsseemedto

calmElissa.“Do you think the skaven could have anything to dowith this new plague?” Felixwhispered,

hopingthatnoonecouldoverhearhim.“Ourrattyfriendwouldlikeustobelievethis.”“Thenwhyhasn’thetoldusanymore?”“Perhapshedoesnotknowanymorehimself,manling.”

Thanquolstaredintohisdiviningcrystal.Itwasnouse.Hehadnolucklocatingtheplaguemonksandtheiraccursedcauldron,andthatinitselfwasnotreassuring.Aseerofhisprowess,havinginvokedtheproperritualsandmadeobeisanceinthecorrectwaytotheHornedRat,shouldhavebeenabletodetectanartefactof itspowereasily. Insteadhehadfoundno traceof itor itsbearersanywhere. ItsuggestedtoThanquol’skeenmindthattheywereusingmagicoftheirowntocovertheirtracks.HeknewthatVilebrothNullwasapowerfulsorcererinhisownright,andmusthaveinvokedspellsofbafflement.Furtherproofofhistreachery—asifanywereneeded!

Ofcoursethetraitorwouldclaimthathehadusedthemagictoescapedetectionbythehumanauthorities,butThanquolcouldseethroughsuchtransparentruses.Hehadnotbeenbornyesterday.

Theplaguemonksweresimplytryingtokeepthemselveshiddenfromtheirrightfulleaderuntiltheycouldimplementtheirplanandclaimunwarrantedglory.

Thanquolknewhemustpreventthiseventualityatallcosts—aswellasenforcingtheCouncilofThirteen’s edict, of course.Hewould simply have to find anotherwayof locating his prey.Hewondered if thedwarf andhis human allyhad taken any actionyet.Orwere they too stupid to doanythingwithoutpromptingfromThanquol?Felixhurriedthroughthedarkness,hiscloakwrappedaroundhim.Hestoppedtocastaglanceoverhisshoulderandtofumbleatthepomanderfullofherbsathisthroat.Thesmellofsomefreshnightsoilwhichhadbeencastfromthewindowshighaboveassaultedhisnostrils.Hedreadedputtinghisfootinitasmuchashedreadedstumblingintooneoftheheapsofrubbishthatlaydecomposinginthestreet.

Whywereallthehousesnotconnectedtothesewers,hewondered?Whydidpeoplestillinsiston dropping their rubbish and filth into the streets? He realised that his long trek through thewildernesswithGotrekhadchangedhim.Until thenhehadbeena lifelongcitydwellerandwouldneverevenhavenoticedthetrashwhichpackedthecitystreets.Hepausedforamomenttolisten.

Wasthatthedistantechooffootsteps?Washebeingfollowed?Hestrainedhisearsforanynoisebutheardnothing.

Hewasnotreassuredbythesilence.ThiswasthewealthiestquarterofNuln,butnoteventherichwent abroad in the darkness without a full quota of bodyguards. Robbers and footpads wereeverywhere.ItwasnotjusttheprospectofnormaleverydayrobberythatbotheredFelix.Eversincethenightoftheskavenattackhehaddreadedanotherambushbytherat-menassassins.Hefeltcertainthat he had survived their last assault by pure luck alone, and he was all too aware how quicklysomeone’sluckcouldchange.

Still, he felt thepotential gravityof the situationwarranted risking thesebenighted streets.Heneededhelpandheknewofonlyonesourcethatmightbeabletoprovidethesortofaidherequired.Thedoorhesoughtwasdirectlyaheadofhim.DrexlerwasanexpertondiseasesandhemightbeabletotellFelixsomethinguseful,iftheskavenreallywerebehindthecurrentoutbreakofplague.Heknewthatthemanwouldmostlikelythinkhimmad,buthewaspreparedtotakethatchance.Hewasoutofhisdepth,dealingwithanenemythatcouldwieldnoxiousplaguesthewayamanmightwieldasword.Whatheneededwasknowledge,andDrexlerimpressedhimasthemanwhomighthaveit.

Hereachedupandpulledthehandleofthedoorbell.Henoticedthatitwasmouldedintheshapeofagrinninggargoyle’shead.Inandofitselfthiswasnotunusual,buttheappearancewasdisturbinghere andnowamid thenight and fog.Heheard footsteps fromwithin thebuilding andapeepholewithinthedoorrattledopen.Afaintglimmeroflightappeared,levelwithFelix’seye.

“Whoisit?”askedavoice.FelixrecogniseditasbelongingtoDrexler ’sservant.“FelixJaeger.IneedtoseeDoctorDrexler.”“Isitanemergency?”Felixconsideredforamomentbeforereplying,“Yes!”“Standawayfromthedoorandbewarned.Wehavefirearmswithin.”Felixdidashewastold.Heheardhugeboltsbeingthrownandthebarkingofverylargedogs.It

wasapparentthatthephysiciantooknochanceswithhisownsafety,andFelixinnowayblamedhimforthis.SuchprecautionswereonlysensibleinthegreatcitiesoftheEmpire.

“ThrowbackyourcowlandstandwhereIcanseeyou.”Felixdidashewastoldandthebeamofalanternwasshonefullonhisface.Hesawthattheold

manhadrecognisedhim.“Sorry,HerrJaeger,”themanservantsaid.“Youcan’tbetoocarefulthesedays.”

“Iquiteagree,”Felixsaid.“Nowpleasetakemetoyourmaster.Ihaveurgentbusinesswithhim.”Drexlersatbythefire inahugestudy.Theflickerof theflamesunderlithisfaceandmadeit lookvaguely daemonic. He leaned forward with a poker and prodded the glowing coals until theycollapsed,thenaddedmorefromthebucketbesidethefireplace.Whenhelookedup,theflameswerereflectedinhisglasses.Theeffectwaseerie.

“Now,howcanIhelpyou,HerrJaeger?”hesaidcalmly,thensmiled.“Youdonotappeartobeill.Isitthegirl?”

Felix glanced around the room. The servant had already retreated, the thick Arabian rugsabsorbinghisfootsteps.Itwasanimpressivechamber,evenlargerthan,hisfather ’slibraryinAltdorfandwith a far greater selection of books. Felix’s keen eyes sought out dark corners as if he halfexpectedtofindenemiesthere,thenheturnedandlookeddirectlyatDrexler.

“Whatdoyouknowoftheskaven?”heaskedbluntly.Drexlerstiffenedforamomentandthencarefullyplacedhispokerbackinthestand.Hetookoff

hisglasses,polishedthemonthecuffofhisrobeandgaveeveryappearanceofseriousconsiderationtoFelix’squestion.

“They are a race of rat-men, considered to be extinct bymany scholars. Spengler thinks theywereasub-breedofhumanmutant.Leibertheorisedthattheymightbetheproductofancientsorcery.Itissaidthatinancienttimestheywarredwiththedwarfsbut…”

“Iknowtheyarenotextinct.”DrexlerlookedatFelixsharply.“Youknow?”“Yes.Ihavefoughtwiththem.Theyarehere.InNuln.”Drexlersatbackinhischair,placedhisspectaclesonthebridgeofhisnoseandgrippedanarm

ofthechairwitheachhand.“Pleasebeseated.Youinterestme.”Felixallowedhimself toslumpdowninthechairfacingDrexler ’s.Theheatfromthefirehad

warmed one arm of it andmade him uncomfortable. He pushed it away from the hearth slightly,beforehestartedtospeak.HetoldDrexlerofhistimeinthesewerwatchandtheirencounterwiththerat-meninthetunnelsbeneaththecity.HeomittedonlythefactthattheyhadbrokenintothehouseofFritzvonHalstadtandkilledhim.HespokeoftheskavenattackontheBlindPigwhichhepresumedwassomesortofrevengeattemptbytherat-men.HeleftoutanymentionthatheandGotrekhadalsofoughtwith the rat-menwithin the College of Engineering on the night it had been burned to theground.Drexlerwatchedhimwithincreasingastonishment.WhenFelixhadfinished,hespoke.

“Herr Jaeger, if all this is true,why have I not heardmore of it.Why haven’t the authoritiesacted?”

“Idonotknow.Perhapstheskavenhavealliesinhighplaces.”HewasthinkingofvonHalstadtnow.HowmanymorelikehimoccupiedpositionsofpowerinNulnandtherestof theEmpire?“IsometimesthinkthatthereisaconspiracywithinoursocietytocoveruptheeffectsofChaosandallitsworks.”

HenoticedthatDrexlerflinchedslightlyattheword“conspiracy”,butthatthementionofChaosdidnotseemtodisturbhimatall.

“If youwere not so obviously sane, I would suspect you of being a lunatic,” Drexler added.“Certainly,someofwhatyouaresayingsoundsliketheravingsofamadman.”

“Iknowit,”Felixsaid.“Unfortunately,itisalltrue.”“Thatiscertainlyapossibility.InArabiatheydonotconsidertherat-menlegendaryandIhave

spokenwithseveraldwarfswhohaveclaimedtohaveencounteredthem.Theelfseafarersalso telltalesof therat-men’spower.ButIfail toseewhyyouhavecometomeother thantoconfideyourtale.”

FelixhandedovertheletterthatGotrekhadreceived.Drexlerunrolleditandreaditcalmly.“ClanPestilens,”hesaideventually.“Yes,Ihavereadofthem.”“What?”“ClanPestilens.Certainoftheoldtomes,mostnotablyLeiber ’sTheLoathsomerat-menAndAll

TheirVileKin,claimthattheskavenaredividedintomanydifferentclans,eachwithitsownroleinskavensociety,and itsownuniquebrandof sorcery.Leiberclaims thatClanPestilenswereplaguemakers.HegoessofarastostatethattheywereresponsiblefortheGreatPlagueoftheyear1111.Ifwhoeversentyouthisletterisahoaxer,heiscertainlyaneruditeone.IdoubtthattherearemorethantwentypeopleintheEmpirewhonowownacopyofLeiber ’sbook.”

“Doyou?”“Yes.IcameacrossreferencestoLeiber ’stheoryabouttheGreatPlagueinMoravec’sworkand

soughtitout.Ihavewhatyoumightcallaprofessionalinterestinthesethings.”“MayIseeit?”“Ofcourse.Butfirst,youmustanswerafewofmyquestions.”“Certainly.Askaway!”“Doyoureally‘seriously’believethattheskavenmaybebehindthisnewoutbreakofplaguein

thecity?”“Yes.FromwhatI’veseenofthemitwouldsuittheirmethodofwarfare.Ibelievethatperhaps

theyareundergoingaresurgenceandthatsoonourworldwillnolongerdoubttheirexistence.”“SuchwouldaccordwithLeiber ’sowntheories.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Felixlookedup.“Leiberclaimsthattheskavenhaveaveryhighbirth-rateandthatwhentheconditionsareright

theirpopulationgrowsexplosively.Atsuchtimes theydevourall thefoodin theirownrealmsandmustseekfoodandresourceselsewhere.Atsuchtimes,theyexplodeontothesurfaceworldinhuge,hungryhordes.Andtheykeepfightinguntileithertheyconquer,orsomanyofthemarekilledthattheycanoncemoresubsistintheirownrealm.”

“Imustreadthisbook.”“Yes.Itisveryinteresting.Hemakesotherclaimsthataredifficulttoverify.”“Suchas?”“He claims these eruptions usually correlate with strange disturbances and erratic behaviour

fromMorrslieb,thelessermoon.”“SuchastheonewhichprecededtheGreatPlaguein1111?”“Youarealearnedman,HerrJaeger.Yes,suchasthatoccurrenceandtheonewhichpreceded

thegreatChaosIncursiontwohundredyearsago.Ibelievethatanothermaybeduetooccurinourowntime.”

“Soallthesoothsayersandastrologersclaim.”“Theremaybetruthinit.”“Doyouhaveanyotherquestions?”“Yes,buttheycanwait.IcanseeyouareanxioustogetatLeiber ’sworkandfarbeitfrommeto

standbetweenafellowscholarandhisbooks.”Drexler brought a small set of steps and a lantern and they proceeded through the rows of

bookcasestothefurthestcorneroftheroom.FromthehighestshelfDrexlerdraggeddownamustyleather-bound tome, handling it reverentlywith both hands.He blew the fine patina of dust off itscoverandhandedittoFelix.

“Thereisatableandareadinglampoverthere.Iwillleaveyouforafewminutes.Ihavesome

taskstoperform.”Felixnodded,nowtotallywrappedupinhisexcitementoverfindingthisvolume.Itwasheavy.The titleandauthor ’snameembossed ingold leafon the spinehadbeenalmost

rubbedaway.Twomassivehingesofbrassheldthecoversinplaceandhelpedthemswingoutwards.Felixsatdownatthetableandlitthereadinglampfromacandle,turningthetinyhandleatthe

basetoextendthewicktoitsfullestlengththenplacingtheshadebackovertheflame.Thepungentsmellofaromaticoilfilledtheairashebegantoread.

Thebook’stitlepagesaidithadbeenprintedbyAltdorfPressoveronehundredandeightyyearsago.ThatmeantthatLeiberhadmostlikelybeenaroundduringthelastgreatincursionofChaos,orhad at least known people who had been. It was possible that he might even have had first-handexperienceoftherat-men.

Asheread,Felixdiscoveredthatthiswasexactlywhattheauthorclaimed.Intheintroductionhestated thathehadencounteredahordeof rat-menduring theGreatChaosWar.Unlikehis fellows,Leiber had been convinced that they were not simply a new form of beastman but a completelyseparate race, and he had devoted the next ten years of his life to uncovering all manner ofinformation about them. He referred to various scholarly sources, such as Schtutt, van Hal andKrueger,whichFelixmadeamentalnotetoconsultlater.

Hisbookwasdividedintoshortchapters,eachdealingwithanaspectofthestructureofskavensociety and its various clans. Felix read, horrified, as Leiber dwelled on Clan Moulder ’s vileexperiments with living creatures, changing them into all manner of foul mutant monsters. HerecognisedtheartificersofClanSkryreasthecreaturesheandGotrekhadencounteredattheCollegeofEngineering.ThethingwhichhadsetthemonsterontheminFritzvonHalstadt’smansionwasagrey seer, some sort of verminous priest. Leiber may have written like a ranting maniac buteverything he wrote tallied with Felix’s own hard-won experience. Even if the scholar wasdiscredited,hewasalsocorrect.

Felix paid particular attention to the section on Clan Pestilens, and about how they createddiseasesandusedallmannerof fouldevices tospread their filthyplagues.Thedescriptionsof theBoilLurgyandtheFleaBuboesmadehisskincrawl.Therewerehorrorsherethatwentbeyondanyhehadpreviouslyimagined.

Ashadowfellonhimandhe lookedup to seeDrexler standingoverhim.He realised thathemusthavebeenreadingforhoursinthegloom,andthathiseyeshurtfromthestrain.

“Haveyoufoundwhatyouwerelookingfor?”Drexlerasked.“MorethanIeverwantedtoknow.”“Good.ComeandseemetomorrowandImaybeabletohelpyou.Youmaytakethebookwith

youifyouwish.”“Helpme.How?”“Wewillvisitthecitymorgue.”“Howwillthathelp?”“Youwillseetomorrow,HerrJaeger.Nowgohomeandsleep.”

GotreklookedupfromhisplateasFelixenteredtheBlindPig.“Lookwhatthecatdraggedin,”hesaid,andstuffedahunkofblackbreadintohismouth.

Elissa lookedup fromherplacebesidehim. “Oh,Felix, Iwas soworried.You saidyou’dbebackinacoupleofhoursandit’salmostdawn.Ithoughttherat-menmighthavegotyou.”

Felixlaidthebookdownonthetableandhuggedhertight.“I’mfine.Ijusthadtofindoutafewthings.”

“TheLoathsomerat-menAndAllTheirVileKin,”Gotrekread,tiltinghisheadandreadingthespineofthebook.

Elissalookedathiminastonishment.“Ididn’tknowyoucouldread,”shesaid.Gotrekgrinned,showingtheblackenedstumpsofhisteeth.Heflickedthebookopenwithone

greasy finger and began turning pages until he found the one bookmarked at Clan Pestilens. “Heknowshisstuff,thisLeiber.Musthaveconsulteddwarfishsources.”

“Yes,yes,”Felixsaidtetchily.“Musthave.”“Wheredidyougetthis,manling?”“DoctorDrexler.”“He’samanofmanyinterests,yourfriendDrexler,ifheownsbookslikethisone.”“You’llgetachancetofindoutforyourself.”“WillIindeed?Howso?”“Becausewe’regoingwithhimtothemorgue.”

GreySeerThanquol scurriedbackwards and forwards,pacing the floorofhis lair likeoneof thecapturedhumanshekeptworkingthetreadmillsbackinSkavenblight.Hismindracedfasterunderthepressureofallthewarpstonesnuffhehadconsumed.

Still those verminous Clan Pestilens traitors had conspired to elude him. Their sorcery hadprovedeffective,evenagainsthismostsubtleandpotentdivinations.Hisspieshadnotbeenabletouncoveranotherwordabouttheirlocationnomatterhowdeeptheydug.Itwasallveryfrustrating.

Somewheredeepinhisbowels,Thanquolcouldsensewithominouscertaintythatthehourwhenthe plaguemonks’ planwould be implementedwas drawing very close. He knew that hemust becorrectinthis,forinthepastsuchpremonitionshadneverbeenwrong.Hewasagreyseer,afterall.

A terrible sense of impending doom filled Thanquol’smind. He wanted to run for cover, toscurrytoahidingplace,butrightatthismomenthecouldthinkofnowheretogo.

Plague,hekeptthinking.Plaguewascoming.“Goodmorning,DoctorDrexler,”thepriestofMorrsaid,andcoughed.Helookedupfromhistablesetinanalcoveattheentrancetothecitymorgue.Hisblackcowlhidhisface,makinghimseemassinisterasthegodheserved.Theairwasfilledwiththesmellofblackroses,fresh-pluckedfromtheGardensofMorr.“Whatisityourequire?”

“Iwouldliketoseethecorpsesofthelatestplaguevictims.”Felixwasastonishedatthecalmmannerinwhichthedoctormadehisrequest.Mostofthepeople

in the city would rather run a thousand miles than do what the doctor wanted to do. The priestobviouslythoughtsotoo.Hethrewbackthecowlofhisrobestorevealapallid,bonyfaceframedbyastringyblackbeard.

“Thatisamostunusualrequest,”hesaid.“Iwillhavetoconsultwithmysuperiors.”“Asyouwish,”Drexlersaid.“TellthemIsimplywanttoascertainwhetherallthevictimsdiedof

thesamediseaseorwhetherwe’regoingtohaveavarietyofplaguestodealwiththissummer.”Thepriestnoddedandretreatedwithintheshadowydepthsofthetemple.Somewhereoffinthe

distanceagreatbell tolledgloomily.Somewhere,Felixknew,another funeralservicewasabout tobegin.

Thepriest returnedpresently. “Thearch-lector saysyoumayproceed,”he said. “However,healsoaskedmetotellyouthatmostofthebodieshavealreadybeensenttotheGardensofMorrforinternment.Weonlyhavethefourwhocameinlastnight.”

“Thatshouldbesufficient,”Drexlersaid.“Ihope.”Felix,GotrekandDoctorDrexlerallpaid theceremonialcopperpieceanddonned theblackrobesandheadpiecesofMorr.Thiswassacredground,thepriesttoldthem,anditwasneedfulthattheydoso. The robes had obviously beenmade for humans and the hems ofGotrek’s dragged along thefloor.Withoutanotherwordtheysetoffintothegloomyinteriorofthemortuary.

Itwascoolanditwasdark.Thefloorswereclean,washedwithsomesacredunguents.Thesmellofattarofblackroseswaseverywhere.ItwasnotwhatFelixhadexpected.Hehadexpectedrotandthesmellofspoiledmeat.Hehadexpectedthescentofdeath.

Thecentralchamberof theDeathGod’shousewasarrayedwithmarbleslabs.Uponeachslablay a corpse. Felix averted his eyes. The bodies belonged to people who had died under unusualcircumstancesandwhoneededspecialritessaidoverthemtoensuretheirsoul’seasypassageintotheafterlife.Manyofthemwerenotpretty.OnoneslablaytheblueandbloatedcorpseofafishermanwhichhadobviouslyrecentlybeendraggedfromtheReik.Onanotherlaythebodyofawomanwhohadbeenhideouslycutupandmutilatedbysomemadman.Theypassed thebodyofachildwhich,Felixsawwhenhelookedcloser,hadhaditsheadseparatedfromthebody.Helookedawayswiftly.

Here the smellovercame the scentof incenseandunguents.Felixunderstoodwitha startwhytheircowlshadaspecialflapofclothwhichcouldbedrawnoverthemouthandnostrils.Headjustedhistocutdownonthestinkandmovedontothesectionwheretheplaguevictimslay.Nearbystoodtwopriests,eyesclosed,censersheldintheirhands.Theymutteredprayersforthedeadandshowednofearofwhathadkilledthem.

Perhaps they were simply inured to fear by their long exposure to death, Felix thought. Orperhaps they simply did not fear to die? Theywere, after all, priests of the Death God andwereassuredofpreferential treatment in thehereafter.Hedecided that ifheeverencounteredoneof thepriestslaterhewouldaskhimaboutthis.Hewascurioushowtheyhadbecomesohardened.

Drexleradvancedcautiouslytotheslabsandexchangedwordsandcoinswiththepriests.Theynodded, ceased their muttering, and withdrew. Without fuss, Drexler drew back a sheet from thenearestbody.Itwasthebodyofashortman,atrader,dressedinhisbest.Ablackrosewassetinthelapelofhistunic.Helookedoddlyexposedanddefencelessindeath.Hehadbeencleanedupsincehedied.

“Somebruisingonthehandsandkneesaswellasontheforehead,”Drexlerpointedout.“Mostlikelyfromwherethemanfelloverinthelastextremitiesofhisanguish.”

Felixthoughtofthespasmingofthemanhehadseeninthestreetandunderstoodhowthiscouldhavehappened.

“Notice the swollen areas on the chest and throat and the slight crust of greenish stuff on theupperlipandnostrils.”

Drexlerpushedtheeyelidsbackwithhisfingersandtherewerefainttracesofgreenaroundtheeye rimsaswell. “I amsure that if Iperformedadissection, somethingwhichourpriestly friendshere would object to, we would find the lungs filled with a green viscous fluid. It is this whicheventuallykillsthevictim.Theyliterallydrowninit.”

“Ahorriblewaytodie,”Felixsaid.“Inmyexperiencefewdiseaseskillpleasantly,HerrJaeger,”Drexlersaid.Hemovedontothe

nextbodyanddrewbackthesheet.Thiswasthecorpseofamiddle-agedwoman,dressedinblack.Hereyeswereopenandstaredattheceilinginhorror.Therewasatraceofrougeonhercheeksandofkohl aroundher eyes.Felix found that therewas something ratherpathetic about this attempt toimprovetheappearanceofonewhowasnowdead.

“Atleastshe’sdressedintherightcolours,”Gotreksaid—somewhattactlessly,Felixthought.Drexlershrugged.“Widow’srobes.Herhusbandmusthavediedwithinthelastyearorso.She’ll

bejoininghimnow.”Hemoved along to the next slab and studied the body of a small child. There was a family

resemblancetothedeadwidow.Drexlerlookedatthepieceofparchmentthatwasaroundherneck.“Daughter.Anunluckyfamily,itseems.”

HeturnedandlookedatFelix.“Nothingunusual,unfortunately.Itisquitecommonforplaguesand other diseases to spread among families and those who live together generally. It seems thisplaguecanshiftlikeasummercold.”

Felixsniffed.“Whatexactlyarewelookingforhere,HerrDrexler?”“Apattern.Somethingoutof theordinary.Somethingthatwouldtelluswhether therewasany

commonfactorthatallofthesepoorvictimsshared.”“Howwouldthathelpus?”askedGotrek.Felix already knew the answer. “If we could find that, we might find out how the disease is

spreading.Wemightbeable to takesteps to isolate it.Or if it’s reallycomingfromtheskavenwemightbeabletotraceitbacktoitssource.”

“Verygood,HerrJaeger.Inaway,it’slikesolvingamurderoramystery.Youneedtobeabletoseetheclues,thatwayyou’llfindtheculprit.”

“Andhaveyouseenanyclues?”Gotrekasked.Drexlerremovedthelastsheetfromthelastbody.Itwasayoungman,barelyoutofhistwenties.

Felixfeltasuddenshockingsenseofhisownmortality.Theplague’svictimscouldnotbemucholderthanhe.

“Anything?”Felixasked,hismouthsuddenlydry.“Unfortunatelynot,”Drexlersaid,andturnedtoleave.

***Afterthegloomofthemortuary,thedaylightseemedimpossiblybright.Afterthequietofthehallsofthedead,thecacophonyofthestreetseemedimpossiblyloud.Aftertheperfumedsmellofthevaults,thestenchofthecitywasnearlyoverwhelming.Felix’snosewasrunnyandtherewasaslightpaininhis joints.Not theplague,he toldhimself, fingering thepomander, justasummercold.Hisearlierunansweredquestionreturnedtohim.

“Whydon’t thepriestsofMorrget all theplaguesanddiseases thatkill their…clients?Doestheirlordextendthemsomespecialprotection?”

“Idonotknow.Theirmausoleumiscleanandwellwashed,andinmyexperiencethathelpsstopthespreadofdisease.Theyarepriestsandthuswellfedandwellrested;thathelpstoo.”

“Really?”“Ohyes.Grief,stress,poor livingconditions,dirt,badfood—allcontribute to thespreadof

disease,andsometimeshelpdecidewhowillsurviveit.”“Why’sthat?”“Idonotknow.IcanonlysayIhaveobservedittobetrue.”“SoyouthinkthesethingshelpmakethepriestsofMorrimmunetodisease?”“Ineversaidtheywereimmune,HerrJaeger.Everynowandagain,oneofthemfallsill.”“Whatthen?”“Hegoestohisgod,withnodoubtaspecialdispensationintheafterlifeduetothestrengthofhis

faith.”“That’snotveryreassuring,”Felixsaid.“Ifyouwantreassurance,HerrJaeger,talktoapriest.Iamaphysician,andunfortunately,Imust

nowreturntomakingmyliving.IamsorryIcouldnothavebeenofmorehelp.”Felixbowedtohim.“You’vealreadybeenagreathelp,HerrDoctor.Thankyouforyourtime.”Drexlerbowedbackandturnedtogo.Atthelastmoment,heturnedandspoke.“Letmeknowof

thereareanynewdevelopments,”hesaid.“Lookforapattern.”“Iwill,”Felixsaid.

“I’mgoingtolookforabeer,”Gotreksaid.“Ithinkthatmightbeagoodidea,”Felixsaid,suddenlywantingdesperatelytogetthetasteofthe

mortuaryoutofhismouth.Felixstareddownintohisthirdbeerandconsideredwhattheyhadseen.Hisheadachedalittlefromwhathekepthavingtotellhimselfwasasummercold,butthebeerwashelpingtotakeawaythatpain.

Gotreksatslumpedbesidethefirestaringintotheflames.Heinzwasstandingbythebar,gettingthingsreadyfor theeveningrush.Theotherbouncersnursedtheirdrinksandplayedhook-knifeatthenexttable.

Felixwastroubled.Hefeltbaffledandstupid.Heknewthattheremustbeapatternherebuthejustcouldnotseeit.ItlookedlikesomethinginvisibleanddeadlywaskillingthepeopleofNulnandtherewasnothinghecoulddotostopit.Itwasfrustrating.Healmostwishedforanotherraidbythegutter runners, or another attack by skavenwarriors.What he could see, he could fight.Or to beabsolutely specific,whathe could see, theSlayer could fight andmost likelybeat.Thinking,Felixrealised,wasnottheirstrongsuit.

Oncehehadpridedhimselfonbeingacleverandwell-educatedman,ascholarandapoet.Butthingshadchangedinhiswanderings.Hecouldnotrememberthelasttimehehadputpentopaper,andlastnightwasthefirstnightinalong,longtimewhenhehadopenedabookwithanypretensionsto scholarship.Hehad fallen right into the roleofwanderingmercenary adventurer, andhisbrainappearedtohavefallendormant.

He was out of his depth, he knew. He was not a razor-witted investigator of the sort whichfeatured in the plays ofDetlef Sierck.And to be honest, he did not believe that in real life thingsworked quite theway they did in the theatre,with clues arranged in neat chains of logic, pointingtowards an inevitable solution.Lifewasmessier than that.Thingswere rarely simple, and if therewerereallyclues,doubtlesstheycouldbegivenfarmorethanoneneatandlogicalinterpretation.

HethoughtaboutDrexler.Sofarthedoctorhaddonenothingbuthelpthem,butitwouldbeeasytoputasinisterinterpretationonhisworkandhismotives.Hepossessedtoomuchknowledgeofthesort thatwas frownedon in theEmpire, and that in itselfwas suspicious. In themore superstitiouspartsof thehumanrealms, just thepossessionof thebooksthatDrexlerownedwouldbecauseforburningatthestake.Thereadingofthemwouldcauseawitchhuntertoexecutehimwithouttrial.

And yet Felix himself had read one of those books, and he knew hewas no friend toChaos.CouldnotDrexlerbeinthesameboat?Couldhesimplybewhatheappearedtobe,amanwhowasconcernedwithacquiringanyknowledge thatwouldhelphim inhisvocationofcuringpeople,nomatterwhatthesource?Itwasalltoodifficult,Felixthought.Thebeerwasstartingtomakehisheadspin.

Ultimatelyheknewinhisheartofheartsthattherehadtobealinkbetweenthedeathsofallthepeople.Hewascertain,infact,thathehadalreadyseenevidenceofitbutwasjusttoofoolishtoknowwhatitwas.SofartheonlylinkhecouldthinkofwasthattheyhadallendedupintheHallsoftheDead, in the temple ofMorr, and thatwas no link at all. Eventually everyman and everywomanwouldendupthereenroutetoburialintheGardensofMorr.EverycitizenofNulnwouldendupinthathugecemeteryoneday.

Hewantedtolaughbitterlyatthat,butthenathoughtstruckhim.Wait!Therewasalinkbetweenmostofthepeopleheknewhaddiedoftheplague.Themanhehadseeninthestreettwodaysagohadwornablackrose.Anothervictim,theoneinthemortuary,hadalsowornablackrose,thetraditionalsymbolofmourning.Thewomanandherchildhadbeenwidowandorphan.Onlythelastonehadnotshownanyconnection,butperhapsifhedugdeeplyenoughhewouldfindone.

Whatcoulditmean?WastheTempleofMorritselfinvolvedinthespreadoftheplague?Didthe

corruption run so deep? Somehow Felix doubted it. The firstman he had seen had just been to afuneral.Hadanyof theothers?Theonewearingtherosewasvirtuallyacertainty.Themotherandchild?Hedid not know, but he knewaway to find out.Hepulled himself up out of the chair andtappedGotrekontheshoulder.

“WeneedtogobacktotheTempleofMorr,”hesaid.“Areyoudevelopingamorbidattachmenttotheplace?”“No.Ithinkitmayholdthekeytothisplague.”

Itwasdarkwhentheyarrivedatthetemple.Itdidnotmatter.Thegateswereopen.Lanternswerelit.Asthepriestsnevertiredofpointingout,thegatestoMorr ’skingdomwerealwaysopen,andamancouldnevertellwhenhemightpassthroughthem.

Felixaskedtotalkwiththepriestwhohehadspokentoearlier.Hewasinluck.Themanwasstillonduty.Theofferofsomesilverprocuredtheinformationthathewasalwayswillingtotalk.FelixandtheSlayerwereshownintoasmall,spartanantechamber.Thewallswerelinedwithbooks.Theyremindedhimoftheledgerswhichlinedthewallsofhisfather ’soffice.Inaway,thatwaswhattheywere. They contained the names and descriptions of the dead. Felix did not doubt they containedrecordsofdonationsforfuneralservicesandprayerstobeofferedinthetemple.HehadhaddealingswiththepriestsofMorrbefore.

“SoyouareDoctorDrexler ’sassistants?”thepriestasked.“Yes.Inamannerofspeaking.”“Inamannerofspeaking?”“Wearehelpingwithhisresearchesintotheplagues.We’retryingtofindawaytostopthem.”Thepriestshowedaslow,sadsmile.“ThenIdon’tknowifIshouldhelpyou.”“Why?”“They’regoodforbusiness.”SeeingFelix’sshockedlook,hegaveasmall,politecough.“Justasmallattemptathumour,”he

saideventually.“You look tired,”Felix said tobreak the silence.Thepriestgavea longhackingcough.“And

ill.”“Intruth,Idonotfeelsowellandit’sbeenalongday.Thebrotherwhoshouldhavereplacedme

has himself fallen sick and is cloistered in his cell.He’s not beenwell since he presided over theinhumationsyesterday.”

FelixandGotrekexchangedlooks.Felixnoddedpolitely.Gotrekgrowled.“Your,errm,associatedoesnotlookmuchlikeaphysician,HerrJaeger,”thepriestsaid.“Hehelpswiththeheavywork.”“Ofcourse.Well,howcanIhelpyou?”“IneedtoknowmoreaboutthosepeopleDoctorDrexlerlookedatthismorning.”“Notaproblem.”Hetappedtheleatherboundbookinfrontofhim.“Alltheappropriatedetails

willbeinthecurrentlibram.Whatexactlydoyouneedtoknow?”“Hadanyofthedeceasedattendedanyfuneralservicesjustrecently?”“FrauKochandherdaughterhad.IofficiatedattheinhumationofHerrKochmyselflastweekat

theGardens.”“Andtheothergentleman?”“No,Idonotthinkso.Heisnotamanwhowewouldallowtoattendanyofourservices.Except

hisowninhumation,ofcourse.”

“Whatdoyoumean?IthoughtanyonecouldentertheGardensofMorr.”“Notquite.HerrGruenwaldbelongedtothatnoxiousclassofcriminalswhomaketheirliving

by robbing family crypts and stealing corpses to sell to dissectionists and necromancers. He wasunder interdict. He would never be allowed within the gates of the garden on pain of supremechastisement.”

“Death,youmean.”“Precisely.”“Andthemanwearingtheblackrose?”“Iwillchecktherecords.Isuspectthatgiventhenatureofhisadornmentwewillfindthathetoo

hadattendedan inhumation recently.Youarenot fromNuln,areyou,Herr Jaeger? Ican tell fromyouraccent.”

“Youarecorrect.IcomefromAltdorforiginally.”“Thenperhapsyoudidnot know it is a local custom topickoneof theblack roses from the

DeathGod’sGardenwhenyouattendaceremonythere.”“Ithoughtpeopleboughtthemfromtheflowersellers.”“No.TherosesgrowonlyintheGardensanditisforbiddentosellthemforprofit.”Therewassilenceforafewminutesastheprieststudiedtherecords.“Ah,yes.Hissisterpassed

awaylastweek.InhumedintheGardensofMorr.IsthereanythingelseIcandoforyou?”heaskedbrightly.

“No.Ithinkyou’vetoldusenough.”“Canyoutellmewhatallthisisabout?”“Not at the moment. I’m sure Doctor Drexler will inform you when he has completely

formulatedhistheory.”“Pleaseaskhimtodoso,HerrJaeger.”Astheyleft,thepriestwasbentalmostdoubleinafitof

coughing.“Tellmewhat all of this is about,manling,”Gotrek said as they entered the street. Felix glancedaroundtomakesurethattherewasnoonecloseenoughtooverhearthem.

“AllofthepeoplewhoweknowhavediedofthenewplaguehavevisitedtheGardensofMorrrecently.Thetombrobberaswell,mostlikely.”

“So?”“That’stheonlyconnectionI’vebeenabletoseeandDrexlertoldustolookforconnections.”“Itseemsunlikely,manling.”“Doyouhaveanybetterideas?”Felixaskedallowingameasureofhisfrustrationtoshowinhis

voice.TheSlayerconsideredforamomentthenshookhishead.“Youthinkwe’llfindourlittlescuttlingfriendsbrewingplaguesupinthecitycemetery?”“Possibly.”“There’sonlyonewaytofindout.”“Iknow.”“When?”“Tonight.Afterwork.Itwillbequietthenandwecantakealookaround.”Felix shuddered.He could think ofmany places hewould rather be than crawling around the

city’smaincemeteryaftermidnightwithabunchofskaveninattendance,butwhatelsewashegoingtodo? If they took their tale to the authorities theywouldmost likelynotbebelieved.Perhaps theskavenwould getwind of their presence andmove their operation.At least he felt sure that therecould not be toomany of the rat-men up there.A small army camped in the graveyardwould be

noticed.Hopefully theywould be few enough for the Slayer ’s axe to take care of. Felix certainlyhopedso.ThegatesoftheGardensofMorrwerenotopen.Steelbarsfilledthearchway,padlockedbyheavychains. A small postern gate was occupied by a night-watchman who sat warming his hands at abrazier.Spikescoveredthehighwallwhichsurroundedthecitygraveyard.Felixwonderedatthat.Insomewaysthecemeteryresembledafortressbuthewasunsureastowhetherthewallswereintendedtokeepgraverobbersoutorthedeadin.Therehadbeentimesinhistory,hereflected,whenthedeadhadnotslepteasilyintheirgraves.

Therewasabasicprimalfearatworkhere,hethought.Somethingintendedtoseparatethedeadfromtheliving.Initsway,thephysicalbarrierwasreassuring.Except,ofcourse,whenyouintendedtobroachit,asheandtheSlayerdidtonight.

Whatwashedoinghere,Felixwondered?He shouldbeathome,back in the inn, sharinghispalletwithElissanowthatthenight’sworkwasdone.Notskulkingaroundintheshadows,preparingtobreakintothecitygraveyard,acrimeforwhichthepenaltywasseveralyearsimprisonment,andinterdictionbytheTempleofMorr.

Surelytherehadtobeaneasierwaythanthis.Surelysomebodyelsecoulddealwiththeproblem.Butheknewthiswasnottrue.IfheandGotrekdidnothuntdowntheskaven,whoelsewasinterested?Theyweretheonlypeoplecrazyenoughtoinvolvethemselvesintheseaffairs.Iftheydidnotdoit,nooneelsewould.

Theauthoritiesseemedtowanttoturnablindeyetotheevilwhichwashappeningintheirmidst.ThebestpossibleinterpretationFelixcouldputonitwasthattheywereignorantorafraid.TheworstpossibleinterpretationwasthattheywereincollusionwiththePowersofDarkness.

HowmanymoreFritzvonHalstadtsoccupiedpositionsof trust throughout theEmpire?Mostlikely hewould never know.All he could really dowas act out his part. Perform the share of theactionswhich seemed tobeallocated tohimself and theSlayer, andhope things turnedout for thebest.

What else couldhedo? If he left the city, itwaspossible theplaguewould spread, and that itwouldwipeoutHeinzandOttoandElissaand theothers thatheknewandcaredabouthere. Itwaspossiblethatthousandsmightdie,ifheandtheSlayerfailedtosolvethisriddle.

And,ifhewashonestwithhimself,hehadtoadmitthatthethoughtoftheresponsibilitythrilledaswellasfrightenedhim.Inawayitwaslikebeingtheheroofoneofthestorieshehadreadwhenhewasachild.Hewasinvolvedinintrigueanddangerandthestakeswerehigh.

Unfortunately,unlike thestorieshehad readwhenhewasachild, thestakeswerealsoall tooreal.ItwaseasilypossiblethatheandtheSlayermightfail,andthatdeathwouldbetheirreward.Itwasthatthought,notthecoldnightair,whichmadehimshiver.Theymadetheirwayroundthewallsofthecemeteryuntiltheyfoundaconvenientlydarkplace.Felixmadesurethelanternhecarriedwassecurelyattachedtothecliponhisswordbelt,thenvaultedup,caughtoneofthemetalspikesanduseditforleveragetopullhimselftothetopofthewall.Perhapsthespikesweremereornamentsafterall,hetoldhimself,andservednootherpurpose.

Themoonbrokethroughthecloudandhefoundhimselflookingoutoverthegraveyard.Itwasaneeriesightinthesilveredlight.Mistwasrising.Gravestonesloomedoutofit,likeislandsrisingfromsomedismalsea.Trees leanedlikeenormousogres, raisingbranchedarmsinworship to theDarkGods.Somewhereinthedistance,thelanternofanight-watchmanflickeredandthenvanished,whetherbecauseitsbearerhadreturnedtothewatch-houseorforsomeother,darker,reason,Felixhoped never to find out. Itwas still.Hewas not surewhether itwas sweat ormist that beaded hisforehead.

Thethoughtthatthisexcursionwoulddonothingtohelphiscoldstruckhim,andtheincongruitymadehimwanttolaugh.HeflinchedasthebeakofGotrek’sgreataxecurvedoverthestonebesidehim,andtheSlayerusedittopullhimselfupthewall.Thedwarfwasswiftandsurprisinglynimblewhenhewantedtobe—andwhenhewasreasonablysober,Felixthought.

“Let’sgetonwithit,”hemuttered,andtheydroppeddownintothesilentgraveyard.Allaround them loomed thegravestones.Somewere tumbled.Otherswereovergrownwithweedsandblackrosebushes.Hereandthereanengravedinscriptionwasalmostvisible in themoonlight.Thegraveswerelaidoutinlongrows,likestreetsofthedead.Oldgnarledtreesovershadowedtheminplaces.Everywherethemistdriftedspectrally,sometimesbecomingsothicklycloudythatvisionwasobscured.Thesmellofblackrosesfilledtheair.DuringthedayitwaspossiblethattheGardensofMorrwasapleasantplacebutatnight,Felixfoundhismindturningalltooquicklytothoughtsofghosts.

Itwaseasytoenvisionthecountlessbodiesdecomposingundertheground,wormsburrowingthroughrottingfleshandtheemptyeyesocketsofcorpses.Fromthereitwasbutashortleapoftheimagination to picture those corpses emerging from beneath the ground, skeletal hands reachingupwardthroughthesoil,likethefingersofdrowningswimmersemergingfrombeneaththesea.

Hetriedtopushthethoughtsfromhismind,butitwashard.Hehadseenstrangerthingshappen,hadencounteredthewalkingdeadbefore,inthehillsoftheBorderPrincesonhiscursedtripacrossthose empty landswith the exiled vonDiehl family.He knew that old darkmagicwas capable ofstirringthedeadintoanunholysemblanceoflife,andfillingthemwithaterriblehungerforthefleshandthebloodoftheliving.

Hetriedtellinghimselfthatthiswasholyground,consecratedtoMorr,andthattheDeathGodprotectedhischarges fromsuchawfulhappenings.But thesewere strange times, andhehadhearddirerumoursthatthepowersoftheOldGodswerewaningasthepowerofChaosincreased.Hetriedtelling himself that perhaps such things happened in far-off lands like Kislev which bordered theChaosWastes,butthiswasNuln,theheartoftheEmpire,thecoreofhumancivilisation.ButpartofhimwhisperedthatChaoswasheretoo,thatallofthehumanlandswererottentothecore.

To reassurehimselfheglanceddownatGotrek.TheSlayer seemedunafraid.A lookofgrimdeterminationwasengravedonhisface.Hisaxewasheldreadytostrikeandhestoodimmobile,nosetwitching,headcocked,listeningtothenight.

“Manystrangescentstonight,”thedwarfsaid.“Manystrangenoises.Thisisabusyplaceforaboneyard.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”“Thingsmoving.Abadfeelingintheair.Alotofratsintheundergrowth.Youwererightabout

thisplace,manling.”“Wonderful,”Felixsaid,wonderingwhyhewasusuallyrightwhenheleastwantedtobe.“Let’s

getmoving.Wewanttofindtheareawheretherearefreshgraves.That’swherethefuneralswilltakeplace.Andthat’swheretheplaguesarecomingfrom,Ithink.”Theymovedalongthethoroughfaresbetweenthegraves,andFelixslowlyrealisedthattheGardensofMorrweretrulyanecropolis,acityofthedead.Ithaditsdistrictsanditspalacesjustlikethecityoutside.Herewas thepoorquarter, the areawherepauperswere thrown intounmarkedcommunalgraves.Thereweretheneatlytendedgravestoneswheretheprosperousmiddleclasseswereburied.They competedwith each other in the ornateness of their headstones, theway jealous neighboursmight compete in life.Winged saints armedwith stone swords held aloft books inscribedwith thenamesandoccupationsofthedead.Stonedragonshunchedoverthelastrestingplacesofmerchantslike dogs protecting bones. Cowled, scythe-wielding figures ofMorr stood guard over stones of

blackmarble.InthedistanceFelixcouldseethelargemarblemausoleumsoftherichnobles.Theyoccupiedpalacesindeathastheyhadinlife.

Here and there black roses had been placed in bowers. Their sickly sweet perfume assaultedFelix’s nostrils. Sometimes therewere letters, or gifts or othermementoes from the living to thedead. An overwhelming feeling of sadness started to mingle with Felix’s earlier feelings of fear.These things were some indicators of the futility of human life. It did not matter how rich orsuccessful themenwho lay in those graves had been.Theywere gone now. Just as one dayFelixwouldbe.HecouldunderstandinsomewaystheSlayer ’sdesiretoberemembered.

Lifeiswrittenonsand,hethought,andthewindisblowingthegrainsaway.They chose a place near the open graves and concealed themselves behind some toppled

tombstones.ThesmelloffreshturnedearthfilledFelix’snostrils.Thechillofthemistbitthroughhisclothing.He felt patches of dampness on his britcheswhere they touched dew-bedecked plants.Hepulledhiscloaktightagainstthecold,andthentheysettleddowntowait.Felixglancedupatthesky.Themoonhadmorethanhalfcompleteditspassageandstillnothinghadhappened.All that hehadheard in that timewas the scrabblingofordinary rats.All theyhad seenweresomevicious,mad-eyedvermin.Therewasnosignoftheskaven.

Perhaps,hethought,halfdisappointedandhalfrelieved,hehadbeenwrong.Maybetheyhadbestconsidergoinghome.Nowwouldbeagoodtimetoleave.Thestreetswouldbedeserted.Mosteveryhonestpersonwouldbesafelyasleep.Hewipedhisnosewiththeedgeofhiscloak.Itwasrunningandheknewthisnightoutsidewoulddonothingforhiscold.Hestretchedhislegs,tryingtoworkthestiffnessandnumbnessoutofthemwhenhefeltGotrek’shandonhisshoulder.

“Be still,” the Slayer whispered. “Something comes.” Felix froze and glared out into thedarkness,wishingthathepossessedthedwarf’skeensensesandpenetratingnightvision.Heheardhisheart beat loudlywithinhis chest.Hismuscles, locked in their unnatural position,began toprotestagainstthestrain,butstillheheldhimselfimmobile,hardlydaringtobreathe,hopingthatwhateverwascomingwouldnotnoticehimbeforehesawit.

Suddenlyhescentedafoulandloathsometaintintheair.Itsmelledofrottingfleshandweepingsores, like thebodyof a sickman left unwashed in ahospice forweeksoryears. If diseasehadasmell,itwouldbelikethis,Felixthought.Heknewinaninstantthathissuspicionshadbeencorrect.In order to keep fromgagging, he held the pomander close to his nose, and prayed that its spellswouldmakehimproofagainstwhateverwascoming.

Ahideousfigure limpedintoview.It resembledaskaven,but itwas likenorat-manFelixhadever seen before. Here and there great boils erupted from its mangy fur, and something hideousdrippedfromitsweepingskin.Mostofitsbodywaswrappedroundwithsoiledbandagesencrustedwithpusandfilth.Itwasemaciatedanditseyesglowedwithamad,feverishlight.Itsmovementswerealmostdrunken;itreeledasifinthegripofadiseasewhichinterferedwithitssenseofbalance.Andyet,whenitmoveditsometimesdidsowithburstsofobscenespeed,withtheunholyenergyofasickmanmusteringthelastofhisstrengthforsomehideoustask.

Ittitteredloathsomelyasitmovedandtalkedtoitselfinitsstrangetongue.Asitdidallthis,Felixnoticed it held a cage in one palsied hand, and in that cage seethed rats. It stopped for amoment,hoppedononestringyleg.Thenitopenedthecageandtookoutarat.Othersburstfreeoftheopendooranddroppedtothegroundintothegraves.Astheyfell, theyleakedurineandfoulexcrement.When it touched the earth, for a brief moment there was a hideous, overwhelming stink thatthreatenedtomakeFelixgag,andwhichonlyslowlysubsided.Theratspulledthemselvesfromthegravesanddraggedthemselvesfeeblyintocover.Felixcouldseethattheyleftatrailofnoxiousslimein their wake, and it was obvious they were dying. What foul thing was going on here, Felix

wondered?Theskavencaperedpast.FelixwassurprisedandappalledwhentheSlayerdidnotimmediately

strikeitdown,butinsteadgesturedforFelixtofollowandthensetoffonitstrack.IttookFelixbutafew moments to understand Gotrek’s plan. They were going to follow the plague monk of ClanPestilens—forsuchFelixguessedittobe—backtoitslair.TheywereseekingapathintotheveryheartofcorruptionintheGardensofMorr.

***Astheyfollowedthecaperingplaguemonkthroughthemist-enshroudedcemetery,Felixnoticedthattherewereother skavenpresent. Judgingby the empty cages they carried theyhad all beenon thesameevilerrandandwerenowreturningtotheirlair.Somelimpedalong,bornedownbytheweightofrottingcorpses—recentlyexhumed,judgingbytheearthwhichstillclungtotheirgraveclothes.

HeandtheSlayerwereforcedtomovecautiously,lurkingbehindtombstones,takingrefugeinthe shadowsbeneath the trees,moving frompatchofcover topatchofcover. In someways,Felixthoughtitwasunnecessary.Theplaguemonksdidnotseemasalertasnormalskaven.Theyseemedquitemad,andoftenoblivioustotheirsurroundings.Maybetheirbrainswereasrottedastheirbodiesbythediseasestheycarried.

Sometimestheywouldstopforminutesandscratchthemselvesuntiltheybled,ortheirfesteringscabsbrokeandthentheywouldtastethepuswhichstainedtheirclaws.Sometimestheywouldpauseandstareintospacefornoreason.Attimesfoulexcrementwouldbelchforthfrombeneaththeirtailsandtheywouldliedownandwritheinit,titteringinsanely.Felixfelthisfleshcrawl.Thesecreatureswerenotsaneevenbythecrazedstandardsofskaven.

NowatlasttheyweremakingtheirwaytowardsavastmausoleumdeepinthenoblequarteroftheGardens.Theywerewalkingalongpavedpathways,betweenwell-tendedgardens.Hereandtherestatues loomed over sundials that were useless at this hour. More and more plague monks werebecomingvisible,andmorethanonceFelixandtheSlayerhidthemselveswithinthearchedentrancesto the tomb of some noble clan. Only when the skaven had passed did they rejoin the nightmareprocession making its way deeper into the old part of the cemetery, where the largest and mosttumbledownofthetombswere.

TheypausedatacornerandFelixnoticedtheskavendisappearingintothemouthofthelargestandmostancientof themausoleums.Thebuildingwasbuiltalmost likea temple, in theoldTileanstylewithpillarssupportingtheroofoftheentrancehallandstatuesofwhatFelixassumedwerethebuilder ’sfamiliesheldinnichesbetweenthecolumns.OnlyafterthelastskavenhaddisappeareddidheandGotrekadvancetothestairsleadinguptotheentrance.

In the moonlight Felix could see that the mausoleum was in a state of great disrepair. Thestoneworkhadcrumbled,thefriezeshadbeeneatenawaybytheeffectsofcenturiesofwindandrain,the faces had crumbled off the statues to be replaced by lichen. It looked like the stone itselfwassufferingfromsometerribledisease.Thegardensarounditwerewildandovergrown.Felixcouldnot be sure but heguessed that the familywhohadbuilt this placehaddiedout.Theplacehad anuncared-for look, as if no one had visited the place in years. By day this would be a forbiddingenoughplace.Onthisnight,Felixfeltnogreaturgetolookwithin.

Gotrek,however,boundedupthestairsasfastashisshortlegscouldcarryhim.Therunesonhisaxegleamedinthemoonlight.Hegrinnedattheprospectofconfrontingtheskavenintheirlair.BrieflyitstruckFelixthatthedwarfwasjustasmadinhisownwayastheskavenwereintheirs—andperhapsthebestthinghecoulddowasscuttleoffandleavethemalltotheirowndevices.Felixfought tobring thisurgeundercontrolas they reached thedoorway.Hewas surprised to find thattherewasnowayin,onlyablankstonewall.Gotrekstoodbeforeit,puzzledforaminute,scratched

histattooedheadwithonebluntfingerandthenreachedouttotouchoneofthestonefacesonthesideof the arch. As he did so, the wall in front of them slowly and silently rotated to reveal anentranceway.

“Shoddywork,”Gotrekmuttered.“Dwarfworkwouldnotbesoeasytodetect.”“Yes,yes,”FelixmumbleduneasilyandthenfollowedGotrekthroughtheopenentranceofthe

tomb.Thedoorslidsilentlyclosedbehindthem.

Thestenchwasworsewithin.Thewallswerethoroughlycakedwithfilth.Felixcouldfeelitsquelchunderhishandsashefumbledhiswayforwardthroughthedarkness.Rememberingthefoulactshehadwitnessedtheplaguemonksperformmadehimwanttovomit.Instead,though,heforcedhimselftofollowthefaintglowoftherunesontheSlayer ’saxeaheadofhim.

Gotrekmovedquicklyandsurely,asifhehadnodifficultyseeingevenintheabsenceoflight.Felixsuspectedthatthismightbethecase,andthattheSlayer ’svisionmightbeasgoodinthegloomasitwasinthedaylight.HehadfollowedthedwarfthroughdarkplacesbeforeandwascertainthattheSlayerknewwhathewasdoing.Allthesame,hewishedthathecouldlightthelanternhecarried.

From somewhere off in the distance, he heard a faint scratching sound, and he revised thatthought.Perhapsalanternwouldnotbesuchagoodideaafterall.Itwouldcertainlywarntheskavenof their presence, andFelix felt sure that their one chance of survival in the face of the rat-men’sgreaternumberswastoattackswiftlywiththeadvantageofsurprise.Still,ifhewasgoingtofighthewasgoingtoneedlightatsomepoint,hethought.Heprayedhehadachancetolighthislampbeforemovingintobattle.

Healmostlosthisbalanceasheputhisweightforwardandtherewasnothingthere.Recoveringhimself, he realised that he was on a stair heading down. This was indeed a large mausoleum.Whoeverhadbuiltthisplacehadcertainlyspentalotofmoney,hethought.Andwhynot?Theyweregoingtospendeternityhere,orsotheyhadthought.

Aheadofthemnowhecouldhearaloudchittering.Itsoundedliketheskavenwereinvolvedinsomeobsceneritual.Afaintglowofgreenish,sicklylightilluminatedthecorridorahead.Itlookedliketheywereabouttoconfronttherat-menintheirlair.VilebrothNullcackledasoneofhisleprousfingersbrokeoffandfellintothebubblingcauldron.Itwas a good sign. His own plague-eaten flesh would help feed the spirit which lurked there andstrengthenthebrewthatwouldsoonbringdeathtohisenemies.TheCauldronofaThousandPoxeswasatonceasacredrelicandaweaponforClanPestilens,andheintendedthatitwouldfulfilbothpurposesatonce.

Fromhispouchhetookoutathickhandfulofwarpstonedustandthrewitintothegreatvat.Hisremainingfingerstingledfromthewarpstone’stouchandhelickedthemclean,feelingthetinglingtransfer itself to his tongue as he did so. He licked his gums so that some of the dust wouldcontaminatetheabscessesandulcersthereandperhapsmaketheircontentsevenmorecontagious.

Nullhawkedahugegobofphlegmintohismouthandthenspatitintothethicksoupymixtureforgoodmeasure,allthewhilestirringwiththegreatladlecarvedfromthethighboneofadragon.Hecouldsensethepestilentialpowerrisingfromthecauldronthewayanordinaryskavenmightfeeltheheatfromafire.Itwasasifhestoodinfrontofamightyconflagrationoftoxicenergies.

He breathed deeply, pulling the heady vapours that rose from themixture into his lungs, andinstantlywasrewardedwithathick,treaclycough.Hecouldalmostfeelhislungscloggingwithfluidasthecorruptionbrewedthere.Itwasajustreward,hethought.Hisplansweregoingwell.Thetestswerealmostcomplete.

Thenewplaguewasasvirulentascouldbehoped,butmostimportantlyitwashis.Hehadused

anoldrecipebuthadaddedthenewsecretingredienthimself.ForeverafterwardsamongthefaithfulofClanPestilens itwouldbeknownasNull’sPox.Hisnamewouldbe inscribed in thegreatLiberBubonicus.Hewouldbelongrememberedastheoriginatorofanewdisease,onethatwouldravagethefurlessoneslikeaferociousbeastofprey.

With everynight, the brewgrew thicker.With everynewplague corpse added to themix, thedisease grew stronger. Soon, he judged, it would be ready. Already bodies suffering from thesymptomsoftheplaguehadbeenreturnedtothecemetery.HegavehumblethankstotheHornedRatfortheinspirationwhichhadmadehimseekoutahidingplacewherehecouldobservetheresultsofhishandiwork.Andwhereelsecouldhefindsucharichsourceofcontaminatedbodiestodropintothebrew!

Tomorrow night, he would dispatch his agents to drop contaminated rats into the wells, andthrough the roofs of the great abattoirs where the humans slaughtered their meat. After that, theplaguewouldspreadmostswiftly.

Headdedmoreofthecorpserosestothemixture.Thesewerehisfinalsecretingredientstothebrew.Therewerenofinerandnostrongeronestobefound.Theygrewonplantswhoserootsdugthroughthefleshofcorpses.Theywereripeandstrongwithaccumulateddeathenergies.

He breathed deeply of the scent of corruption and peered out with his filmed eyes at hisfollowers. They lay sprawled across the ancient human death-chamber, twitching and scratching,coughing and hawking like the truemembers of Clan Pestilens theywere. He knew that each andeveryoneofthemwasunitedintheirsincerededicationtothecauseoftheclan.Theywerefilledwiththesortofbrotherhoodwhichfewotherskavencouldunderstand.Notforthemtheendlessintriguesand the constant scrabble for advantage. They had sought and found abnegation of self in trueworshipoftheHornedRatinhismostconcreteform:theBringerofDisease,theSpreaderofPlague.

Foreachandeverymemberoftheclanknewthattheirbodywasatemplewhichharbouredthecountlessblessingsoftheirgod.Theirrottednerveendingsnolongerfeltthepain,saveoccasionallywhen they felt ghostly echoesof their suffering, like someonehearing the tollingof a distant bellwhiledrowningindeepwater.Heknewthatotherskaventhoughtthemmadandavoidedthem,butthatwasbecauseotherskavenlackedtheirpurityofpurpose,theirtotalcommitmenttoservingtheirgod.Eachandeveryplaguemonkpresentwaspreparedtopayanyprice,makeanysacrificetoreachthegoalsof clan anddeity. Itwas this commitment thatmade them themostworthyof all theHornedRat’sservants,andthemostsuitableleadersoftheentireskavenpeople.

Soonalltheotherclanswouldrealisethis.SoonthisnewplaguewouldbringthehumancityofNulntoitsknees,evenbeforethemightyverminoushordesentereditsprecincts.Soonallwouldbearwitness that the triumph belonged to Clan Pestilens, to theHornedRat, and toVilebrothNull, thehumblestofthegreathornedlord’schosenservants.SoonhewouldbeestablishedastheonlyvesselsuitabletobeartheHornedRat’sword.Itwouldbefitting,foralthoughhewasbutthehumblestoftheHornedRat’sservants,heknewwherehisdutylay,andthatwasnottrueofallskaveninthisdevolvedage.

Heknewthatmanyofhisfellowrat-menhadlostsightoftheirrace’sgreatgoals,andhadlostthemselvesinthepursuitofself-aggrandisement.GreySeerThanquolwasanexampleofjustsuchatendency.Hecaredmoreforhimselfandhisstatus thanhedidfor theoverthrowingof theHornedRat’senemies.Itwasdisgustingbehaviourforonewhoshouldhavebeenamongthemostdedicatedofthegreatgod’sservants,andVilebrothNullhumblyprayedthathewouldneverfall intosimilarerror.

Hefeltsurethat,hadThanquolknownaboutthisexperiment,hewouldhaveforbiddenit,simplyoutofenvyofonewhopossessedknowledgeofpowersbeyondhis limited imagination.Thatwas

why they had to scurry to the surface in secret and perform their rituals without the grey seer ’sknowledge.Thegreatworkmustprogressdespite themachinationsof thosewhowouldprevent it.Afterthesuccessofthisplague,thefoolishedictsoftheCouncilofThirteenwouldberepealed,andClanPestilenscouldshowitstruepowertotheworld.AndthoselikeGreySeerThanquolwhowouldseektopreventthismostsacredoftheHornedRat’sworkswouldbemadetogrovelinthedust.

Perhapsitwastrue,assomewhispered,thatThanquolwasatraitortothegreatskavencause,andshouldbereplacedbyonemorehumblydedicatedto theadvancementofhispeople. Itwasanideathatcertainlydeservedthescrutinyoflowlybutdevotedminds.

Nullopened thecagewhich laycloseathand, reached inandpulledoutoneof the largegreyrats. Itbithimviciously,drawingsomeofhisblackblood,butVilebrothNullhardlyfelt thesharpteethcleavehis flesh.Painwasanear-meaninglessconcept tohim.Heclosed thecageand left theotherratsscrabblingwithin.

Takingthesubjectbythetailandignoringitsfranticstruggling,helowereditintothebrew.Thecreature struggled as its head entered the foul liquid. Its eyes gleamed madly and it scrabbledfranticallywithitsclawstotrytokeepitselfabovethesurface.Theabbotofplaguemonkstookhisother hand and pushed it down until its squeals were drowned out by the liquid entering its openmouth.Hehelditunderforsolongthatitsstrugglesalmostceasedandthenhedrewitupagain,stilldripping,andsetitdownonthefloorofthevault.

The rat sat there for amoment, blinking in the light, as if unable to believe that it had beenreprieved.Nullscoopeditupandthrewitintothesecondcage,wherethenewlytreatedratswere.Itsniffedandvomited.VilebrothNullscoopedupsomeofthewarmsicknessandtosseditbackintothecauldron.Soonthecagewouldbefullandhewoulddispatchoneofthebrotherstoreleasetheminthecemetery,theretobeginthespreadofthenewplague.Andtomorrow,theywouldbesentfarandwidethroughthecity.

FromsomewhereVilebrothNull heard coughing. In itself thatwasnotunusual.His followerswereallblessedwiththesymptomsofmanydiseases.No,therewassomethingaboutthetoneofthecoughing.Itwasdifferentfromthatofaskaven.Deeper,slower,almosthuman-like…Felixcursedandtriedtostopcoughing,butitwasnouse.Hislungswererebellingagainstthefoulstenchfromwithinthevault.Tearsstreamedfromhiseyes.Hehadneversmelledanythingquitesofoul inallhis life. Itwasas if thecombinedessencesofallstinks inall thesickroomshehadeversmelledwereassaultinghisnostrils.He felt ill justbreathing it, andhehad to fightdown theurgesimplytorunoffandvomit.

Thesightofwhatwasgoingonintheburialvaulthadnothelpedsettlehisstomacheither.Hehadglancedintoachamberilluminatedbytheeerieglowofwarpstonelanterns.Inonelongchamber,a dozen or so of the foulest andmost leprous-looking skaven he had ever seen lolled amidst theopenedsarcophagioflong-deadnobles.Greatstonecoffinslayflatonthechamber ’sfloor.Theirlidshadbeen removed and their contents scattered. Skulls andbones lay everywhere.Among them layskaven, enervated and ill-looking, sprawled in pools of their own pus and vomit and excrement,gnawingatthebonesofthedead.Atthefarendoftheroom,thesickestandmostevil-lookingskavenFelixhadeverseenstirredavastcauldronwhichresteduponablazingfire,pausingnowandagainonlytospitinitoraddsomefoulrottingmeattornfromaworm-eatencorpse.

EvenasFelixhadwatched,oneof the thing’sown fingershaddropped into thebubblingevilbrewandthecreaturehadnotevenblinked.Ithadpausedonlyforabreathandaddedaglowingdustthatcouldonlybewarpstone,andthencontinuedtostir.Thenhehadwitnessedthestrangeritualbywhich a living rat had been lowered into the foul brew and then recovered.Even theSlayer stoodrootedtothespotbyhorrifiedfascination,watchingeverymovemadebytheskavenasiftryingto

fixitforeverinhismind.Felixknewthatwhathewaswitnessinghadsomethingtodowiththespreadingoftheplague.He

didnotunderstandquitehoworwhy,buthewascertainthatitwasso.Theseviledegenerateratsandtheirhideousrune-inscribedcauldronhadtobeinvolvedinthecreationofthedisease.Onelookattheirvile appearance toldhim that it justhad tobe so.Thenhehad felt theuncontrollableurge tocough.Hehadtriedtoholditin,butthemorehedidso,themoretheinsideofhislungstickledandthreatenedtoexplode.Eventually,thecoughhadburstoutofhim.Unfortunately,itdidsoduringoneoftheraremomentsofsilenceintheburialchamber.

Nowthechiefskavenstoodfrozen,itsnosetwitching,almostasifitsensedFelix’spresence—althoughhow it coulddo soover the cacophonyof coughs, fruity farts and raspingbreathing thatfilledthechamberFelixcouldnotdeduce.

All doubts vanished, however, when it gestured in his direction with one rotting paw. FelixbreathedaprayertoSigmarforprotectionandbroughthisswordtothereadyposition.BesidehimGotrekstirredfromhisfrozenhorror,raisedhisaxeandbellowedhiswarcry.Interlopers,VilebrothNullthought!HumanshadfoundtheirwaytothissacredplaceconsecratedtothemostholymanifestationoftheHornedRatbyhismosthumbleservants.Hadsomeviletreacherybroughtthemhere,hewondered?Notthatitmattered.Thefoolswouldsoonpayfortheirfollywiththeir lives, for the plague monks of Clan Pestilens were among the most deadly of all skavenwarriorswhen roused to righteous frenzy.And if that failed, he could call on themightymysticalpowersloanedtohimbyhisfoulgod.As Felixwatched, the plague priest raised its staff high above its head and threw back its head. Itbarkedaseriesofincantationsintheskaven’shigh-pitchedchitteringlanguage.Thewordsseemedtobewrenchedfromdeepwithinit,formingintofiguresoffireonitstongue.Asitspatthemouttheybecame flaming runeswhichburnedon the retina,bendingand flickering forthbefore leapingoutandtouchingeachofitsfollowersinturn.Astheydidso,agreathaloofsicklylightsurroundedtheskavens’ fleshand thenseemed tobeabsorbed into theirbodies.Theskavens’mangy fur stoodonend,theirtailsstiffenedandaneerieglowenteredtheireyes.Theyleapttotheirfeetwithanelectricgraceandenergy.Highkeeningcriesofchallengeweretornfromtheirthroats.

Gotrekchargedintothewarm,mistychamber,Felixfollowinghim.Therat-menscuttledtotheirfeet, picking up their loathsome, crustedweapons.Gotrek struck right and left, killing as hewent.Nothingcouldstandinthewayofhisaxe.Noonesaneorsensiblewouldhavetriedtoresistit.

Andyettheseskavendidnotturnandfleeasotherskavenmighthave.Theydidnotevenholdtheir ground. Instead they attacked with an insane frenzy which matched the Slayer ’s own. Theysprang forward, foam pouring from theirmouths, their eyes rolling andwild. For amoment, theSlayerwashaltedby the sheer forceof their rush and then they swarmed all over him, biting andclawingandstabbingastheycame.

Felixlashedoutatthenearestanditturned,swiftandsinuousasaserpenttofacehim,airhissingfrombetweenitsteeth,madnessevidentinitseyes.Hecouldseethatyellowpusstainedthebandagesaroundthecreature’schest.Hepokedtheareawithhisswordanditsankinwithahideousslurpingsound,almostasifFelixhadstruckintojelly.

Thepaindidnotstoptherat-man.Itcamestraightathim,pushingforwardagainstFelix’sblade,drivingitdeeperintoitsownchest.Ifitfeltanypain,itgavenosign.Felixwatchedinhorrorasitopeneditsmouthtorevealyellowishfangsandawhite,leprouslyfurredtongue.Heknewthenthatofallthebadthingsthatmighthappenhere,lettingthecreaturebitehimwastheworst.

Helashedoutwithhis leftfist,catchingtheplaguemonkonthesideof itssnout,knockingitsjawstooneside.Theforceoftheblowsentseveralrottingteethflyingoutofthecreature’smouthto

skitteracrossthedirtyfloor.Itturnedtoglareathimwithwide,evileyes.Felixtooktheopportunitytoshifthisweight,hookhis legaroundthecreature’sownlegandsendit topplingtothefloor.Heturnedhisbladeintheplaguemonk’schestashepulleditfreebutstillthecreaturewouldnotdie.Itbeatatthestoneflagstonesarounditwithitsfist,inaspasmofhorridnervousenergy.Felixknewthatevilsorcerywasatworkhere,whencreaturessoweakandsicklycouldprovesohardtokill.

Hebroughthisbootcrashingdownonthecreature’sthroat,crushingitswindpipeandpinningitinplacewhilehehackedrepeatedlyatit,andstillthecreaturetookalongtimetodie.

FelixlookedaroundtoseehowGotrekwasdoing.TheSlayerwasholdinghisownagainstthecrazed skaven,butnomore.Heheldone atbaywithhishugehandbutothers swarmedoverhim,immobilisinghisdeadlyaxearm.Itwasanenormousruck,awrestlingmatchbetweentheSlayer ’smightystrengthandthehordeofsorcerouslyenhancedplaguemonks.

Felixglancedarounddesperately,knowingthatiftheSlayerfellhewouldhavemeremomentstolive.Thesoundofpaddingfootstepsbehindhimtoldhimthatmoreskavenwerearriving,returningfrom whatever insidious mission they had been on. Runes of fire still leapt from the lips of thechantingpriest.TheyrushedoverhisheadandFelixturnedtoseetheeerieglowsettleonthefuroftwomore plaguemonks, and the awful transformation overcome them. Things were not lookinggood,Felix thought.Unless somethingwas done about the priest, itwas all over. Sick at heart, heknewhewastheonlyoneinapositiontodoanything.

Withoutgivinghimselftimetothink,hevaultedontopofthenearestsarcophagus.Heleapttothenextone,passingover themeleebetweenGotrekand the skaven,andkeptmoving towards thechantingpriest.MoreandmorefieryrunessprangupbetweenthepriestanditssupportersandFelixknewforcertainthatthechantingleaderwasthesourceofitsfollower ’sstrength.Hisleapsbroughthimevercloser tothebubblingcauldronanditshideousmaster.Hepausedat thelast,frozenforamomentbyfearandindecision.

Hisnextleapwasgoingtohavetocarryhimoverthecauldronandintocombatwiththepriest.Itwasanawfulprospect.Oneslip,orasinglemisjudgementofthedistanceandhewouldfindhimselfinthatbubblingbrew.Hedidnotevenwanttoconsidertheconsequencesofwhatwouldhappenifhedidthat.

He heard Gotrek’s war cry ring out and, turning, he saw the Slayer struggling with the newarrivals.Itlookedlikehehadmeremomentsinwhichtoact.OfferingupasilentprayertoSigmar,Felixleapt.Hefeltheatbelowhim,andthefoulvapoursofthecauldroncaressedhisfaceashepassedthrough them, then his feet connected with the plague priest’s face and they both tumbled to theground.

Theskaven’schantingstoppedbutitreactedwithsurprisingspeedforonesodecrepit,boundingtoitsfeetasifonsprings.FelixlashedoutwithhisswordbuttheskavenleaptbackandbroughtitsbonestaffdowninablurringarcwhichwouldhavecrushedFelix’sskullhadhenotleaptaside.

Felixhastilypulledhimselftohisfeetandcircledwarily,lookingforanopening.Frombehindthecauldron,outofhis sight, came the soundsofhideouscarnage,whichhecouldonlyhopewasGotrekpilingintotheplaguemonks.Tohissurprise,andunlikemostsolitaryskavenFelixhadeverfought, theone in frontofhimattackedswiftlyandviciously.Felixparriedanotherblowfrom thestaffwithhissword,andwassurprisedbyitsspeedandpower.Theshockoftheimpactalmostdrovetheswordfromhishand.Anotherblowrappedhisknucklesand this timehe letgoofhisblade.Aloathsome,oilytitteringescapedfromtheskaven’slipsasitsawthelookofshockonhisface.

“Die! Die! Stupid man-thing!” it screeched in badly accented Reikspiel. Once more the staffdescended.ThistimeFelixmanagedtomoveaside,anditthuddedintothegroundwherehehadstoodmeremomentsbefore.Before the skaven could raise its staff again,Felixmade agrab for it. In a

heartbeathefoundhimselfwrestlingwiththeskavenforpossessionoftheweapon.ItswirystrengthwasfargreaterthanFelixwouldhaveguessed.Itsfoetidjawssnappedshutahairsbreadthfromhisface.The sight of thediseased salivadrooling from thosebroken fangsmadeFelixquiver, but hecontinuedtograpplewithastrengthbornofterror.

Nowhehadtheadvantageofweight.Hewastallerandfarheavierthantheemaciatedcreature,andheusedthatadvantagetospinaroundonthespot,allthewhilecontinuingtotugatthecreature.Whenhehadit facingin therightdirection,hestoppedpullingat thestaffandpushedinstead.Thesurprisedskavenwenttumblingbackwards.Itletoutashriekasitsbacksideimpactedonthehotmetalsidesofthecauldron.Felixduckeddown,grabbeditsfeetandpickedthemup.Withamightywrenchhesenttheskavenleadertumblingintoitsowncauldron.

Itvanishedfromsightforamomentbeneaththesurfaceofthebubblingbrewandtheneruptedfromthesurface,gaspingforair,horridliquiddribblingfromitsjaws.Desperatelyittriedtoclimbout of the cauldron. Felix picked up the staff andwhacked it over the head, forcing it back under.Then,proddingdownwiththestaff,hefelt thestrugglingskavenmove.Swiftlyhepinneditfirmlywiththestaffandleanedforwardwithallhisweight.ThewrithingskaventriedtopushbackagainsthimbutFelixwastooheavytobemoved.

Slowly its struggles ceased. Eventually Felix relaxed hisweight and breathed easily. LookingdownfromthedaishesawtheSlayerlashoutwithhisaxeandbeheadthelastoftheplaguemonks.Thecorpsesoftheotherslayinvariousstagesofdismembermentathisfeet.HelookedupatFelixand seemed almost disappointed to findout that hewas still alive.Felix grinned andgavehim thethumbs-upsign.

Atthatmoment,somethinghorribleemergedfromthecauldronbeforehim.***

VilebrothNullfeltdreadful.Hehadswallowedsomuchofhisownbrewthathefeltlikehewasgoingtoexplode.Hehadtakensuchabeatingatthehandsofthataccursedhumanthatevenhecouldfeelthepain.Worse yet, he had almost been drowned like a rat, yes, like a rat. It seemed like an eternitybeforethatcruelhumanhadtakenhisweightoffNull’sownstaffandgivenhimachancetobreakthesurface.

Aquickglancearoundtoldhimthatallwaslost.Hisacolyteslaydeadontheflagstonesandtheferocious-lookingdwarfwiththehugeaxewasracingtowardshim.Nullfeltthathehadbarelybeenabletoholdhisownwiththehuman.Againstthetwoofthemhewouldhavenochancewhatsoever.

Now the surprised-looking human was recovering himself and stooping for his sword. Nullknewhehadonlyonechancetoact.Hethrewuphisarms,summonedallofhispowerandcalleduptheHornedRattosavehim.Foramomentnothinghappened,andNullknewthatitwasallover.Theswordarcedcloser.Hekepthiseyesopenandforcedhimselftowatchhisowndeathapproach.ThenhefeltafainttinglingsurroundhisbodyandknewthattheHornedRathadansweredhisprayer.Felixslashedwithhissword,determinedthatthistimetherewouldbenomistake.Thistime,thefoulplaguepriestwasgoingtodie,andFelixwasgoingtochopitintolittlepiecesjusttobecertain.TheskavenshriekedwhatFelixhopedwasapleaformercy—andsomethingstrangehappened.

Aneerieglowsurroundedtheskaven.Felixtriedtostophisblow,fearingsomemorenoxioussorcery,butitwastoolate.Evenashewatchedthebladeconnectedbutanoddthinghappened.Spaceseemedtofoldinaroundthepriest,anditshimmeredandvanishedwithapoplikeabubblebursting.Felixalmostoverbalancedashisswordpassedthroughtheemptyairwheretherat-manhadbeen.

“Damn,”hemutteredandspatinfrustration.“Ihateitwhenthathappens,”Gotrekmuttered,lookingwoefullyatthespacewheretheskaven

hadstood.Felixcursedagainandmutteredvenomouslyas ifbysheerforceofhis imprecationshe

couldmaketheskavenreappearforexecution.Hevaulteddownfromthedaisandkickedtheseveredhead of a plague monk just to relieve his frustrations. Then he glanced up at the Slayer. To hissurprise,thedwarfwaslookingalmostthoughtfullyatthecauldron.

“Well,manling,”hesaid,“whatarewegoingtodoaboutthis?”Felix studied their surroundings. The placewas strewnwith corpses. The tombswere broken

openandthehugecauldronfullofitsfoulandcontagiousbrewcontinuedtobubble.Thecageswhichhadheldtheratshadbeenbrokenatsomepointinthestruggleandafewofthebeastslurkedintheshadowsoftheroom.Othershaddisappeared.

Felixhimselfwasamess.Hisclotheswerecoveredinbloodandpusandthefoulsubstancesthattherat-menhadexudedastheydied.Hishairfeltfilthyandmatted.TheTrollslayerdidnotlookanybetter.Hewasbleedingfromadozensmallcutsandgoresmearedhisentirebody.SomeinstincttoldFelixthattheyneededtogetcleanassoonaspossibleandthatallthosebitesandwoundsshouldbetreatedbyDrexler.Otherwisetheymightwellgobad.

The main problem, though, was the great cauldron. If what Felix suspected was true, itrepresentedasbiga threat to thecityasanarmyof skaven,perhapsmoreso, forat leastanarmycouldbefoughtagainst.Unfortunately,Felixwasevenlessofanexpertondarksorcerythanhewasonloathsomediseases.Itseemedobviousthatthebrewneededtobedestroyedinsomemannerthatrendereditharmless,buthow?

Pouringitintotherivermightdomoreharmthangood.Simplyleavingitherewouldmeanthattheskavenmightcomebackandcollectitattheirleisure.TheyobviouslyhadtheirownsecretwaysintotheGardensofMorrandcouldcomeandgoastheypleased.Nottomentionthattheirsorceryapparentlyallowedthemtovanishatwill.Theredidnotappeartobeanywaytheycouldsetfiretothetomb.

AsFelixconsideredallthis,herealisedthattheSlayerhadhisownideas.WhileFelixthought,thedwarfwasalreadybusyleveringthecauldronoverwiththebladeofhisaxe.Thecontagiousbrewspilledoffthedaisandontothefloor,coveringthefesteringcorpsesoftherat-meninanastyviscouspool.Eventually,thecauldrontippedoverandlaythereupsidedown.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Felixasked.“Destroyingthisfoulthing!”Gotrektookhisaxeandbroughtthebladedownonthecauldron.

Sparksflashedandahollowboomingsoundechoedroundthemausoleumchamberasthestarmetalbladeconnectedwiththesorcerouslyforgediron.Therunesflaredalongtheaxebladeandacrosstheside of the skaven artefact.Gotrek’s blade smashed through the side of the cauldron. Therewas ahuge spark, followed by a mighty explosion of mystical energy, as the cauldron shattered into athousandpieces.Felixcoveredhiseyeswithhisarmasbitsofshrapnelfleweverywhere,addingtohismassofcuts.

Theswirlingsurgeofpowerstormedthroughthechamber.Sparksflickered,corpsesbegantoburn. Felix was surprised to see that the dwarf still stood seemingly shocked by the result of hisactions.Felixfeltsomethingburningagainsthischest,andrealisedthatitwasthetalismangiventohim byDrexler, apparently overheated by its efforts to protect Felix from the force that had beenunleashed.

“Let’sgetoutofhere!”Felixyelled,andtheydivedfortheentrancethroughablazingcurtainofmysticalenergy.Felixwatchedhisoldclothesburn.Hehadscrubbedhimselfcleanwithcoarselyesoapadozentimesandstillhewasn’tsurehehadremovedtheentiretaintofthemortuaryfromhimself.Heclutchedtheprotective pomander tight and hoped that itwould prove efficacious against the plague.At least itseemedtohavecooleddown.Hepushedthememoryofthepreviousnight’seventsaside.Ithadbeen

alongtrudgebackfromtheGardensofMorr,helpingthereelingSlayertoDrexler ’sdoor.Gotrekstompedintothecourtyard.Hisscratcheshadbeentreatedwithsomesortofointment.He

toocarriedoneofDrexler ’samulets.“Well,whatdidyouexpert?”heaskedsourly.“DyingofplagueisnodeathforaSlayer.”

VilebrothNulllookedaroundhim.Itwasdarkandgloomy,butsomehowheknewhewasbackintheUnderways.TheHornedRathadheardhisprayerandhisinvocationofescapehadworked.ItseemedobvioustoVilebrothNullthathislordhadpreservedhismosthumbleservantforareason.Andthatreasonwasmost likely touncover thevile traitor to thedeity’scausewhohadbetrayedtheabbot’sschemetothataccursedmeddlingtwosome.

On careful consideration, it seemed likely, even to an intellect as lowly as his, that those twocouldneverhavefoundhiscarefullyconcealedlairwithouthelp.Ithadbeencarefullychosen,wellconcealed and ringed roundwith spells to baffle all scrying.No, those two interfering foolsmusthavehadhelpfromsomewhere.Itseemedunlikelythattheycouldhavesimplystumbledacrossthelair.VilebrothNullsworethathewoulduncoverthetraitorifittookhimtherestofhislife,andthatwhenhefoundhim,thetreacherousrat-manwouldenjoyaslowandexcruciatingdeath.

And, thoughtVilebrothNullashebegan the long, limping trudgeback to theskavenarmy,hesuspectedthathehadagoodideawheretostartlooking.Ashehobbledbackintotheskavencamp,hepaidnoattentiontothenumberofwarriorswhostartedtocoughandsneezeashepassed.

BEASTSOFMOULDER“TheplaguehadcometoNuln.Fearstalkedthestreets.Noteventhecorruptauthoritiescouldkeepalidonalltherumoursthatflewbackandforth.Oneverystreetcorneronebegantoheartales ofmutants and rat-menandhugewild-eyed ratswhichbroughtdeathanddisease to alltheyencountered.Icannowrevealsomeofthesinistertruthsbehindthoserumours…”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,Vol.III,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

“You’removing inhighsociety thesedays,Felix,”Heinz the landlordsaid,givingFelixJaegeranuneasygrin.

“Whatdoyoumean?”theyoungermanasked.“Thiscameforyouwhenyouwereout.”HehandedFelixasealedletter.“Twasdeliveredbya

footmaninthetabardofHerHighness,theCountessEmmanuellenoless.Hehadacoupleofthecityguardtokeephimcompanytoo.”

A sudden sick feeling grabbedFelix in the pit of his stomach.His eyes flickered towards thedoor,making sure he had a clear way out. It looked like his past had caught upwith him at last.Quicklyhereviewedallthethingstheauthoritiesmightwanthimfor.

Well,therewasastandingbountyonhisandGotrek’sheadspostedbytheauthoritiesinAltdorffortheirinvolvementintheWindowTaxriots.TherewasthefactthathehadmurderedtheCountess’schief of secret police, Fritz von Halstadt. Not to mention the fact that they had been involved inburninghernewCollegeofEngineeringtotheground.

Howhadtheyfoundhim?Hadtheybeenrecognisedbyoneofthehundredsofinformerswhoswarmed through the city?Orwas it something else entirely?WherewasGotrek?Perhaps if theymovedquicklyenoughtheycouldstillescapethejawsofthetrap.

“Aren’t you going to read it then?” Heinz asked, naked curiosity showing in his eyes. Felixshook his head, his reverie broken. He realised that his heart was pounding and his palms weresweating.Noting thewayHeinzwas lookingathim,herealised thathemust lookguiltyassin.Heforcedasicklygrinontohisface.

“Readwhat?”“Thebloodyletter,idiot.Youmustbeabletotellwe’realldyingofcuriosityhere.”Felixglancedaround,andsawthatElissa,Heinz,andtherestofthestaffwereallstaringathim

quiteopenly,keentoknowwhatbusinesstheruleroftheirgreatcity-statemighthavewithhim.“Of course, of course,” Felix said, forcing himself to remain calm, to make his hands stop

shaking. He walked over to his customary chair by the fire and sat down. The horde of curiousonlookersfollowedhimoverandscrutinisedhisfaceintently.Felixglaredatthemmeaningfullyuntiltheyallbackedoff,thengavehisconsiderationtotheletter.

Itwasinscribedontheveryfinestvellum,andhisnamewaswritteningoodqualityink.Therewerenoblotsorsmudgesandwhoeverthescribewaspossessedafinehandindeed.ThewaxsealhadnotbeenbrokenanditshowedthecrestoftheElectorCountess.

AmeasureofcalmreturnedtoFelix.Youdidnotwriteletterstomenyouweregoingtoarrest.Ifyouwereasticklerforformalities,youreadthemthewarrantandthenclappedtheminirons.IfyouweretheElectorCountessEmmanuelle,yourthugsbashedthemover theheadwithaclubandtheywokeup inchains in the IronTower.Perhaps,he toldhimself, thingswerenotgoing tobesobadafterall.Still,hedoubtedthis.Inhisexperience,inthislifewhatevercouldgobaddidgobad.

Withnervousfingershebrokethesealandstudiedthemessagewithin.Itwaswritteninthesamebeautifulandcourtlyhandastheaddress,andwasassimpleasitwasenigmatic:

HerrJaeger,You are commanded to present yourself at the palace of Her Serene Highness, the Countess

Emmanuelle,attheeveningbellonthisday.Yoursinfaith,HieronymousOstwald,SecretarytoHerSereneHighnessHowverycurious,thoughtFelix,turningtheletteroverandoverinhishands,asifbydoingso

hewouldfindsomeclueastowhyhewasbeingsummoned.Therewasnone.HewaslefttowonderwhattherulerofoneofthegreatestfiefdomsoftheEmpiremightwantwithapennilessmercenary

wanderer,andnoanswerswereforthcoming.Herealisedthateverybodywasstillstaringathim.Hestoodupandsmiled.

“It’sallright.I’vejustbeeninvitedtovisitthecountess,”hesaideventually.Elissastilllookedimpressedandalittleshocked,asifshecouldnotquitebelievetherewasn’tsomemistake.

“It’sagreathonour,”shetoldhimastheysattogetherbythefire.“I’m sure it’s nothing. It’s probably formy brother,Otto, andwas sent here bymistake.”He

reachedoutandtookherhand.Shepulleditawayquickly.Shehadbeendoingthatalotrecently.“Youwillgo,won’tyou?”shesaid,andsmiled.“Ofcourse.Icannotrefuseacommandfromthelocalruler.”“Thenwhatwillyouwear?”Hewasgoingtosay“myownclothes,ofcourse”,butimmediately

sawherpoint.Histunicwasstainedandsoiledinahundredplacesfromallthebrawlingandfightshehadbeenin.Hiscloakwasraggedandrippedatthehemswherestripshadbeentornfromittomakebandages.Hisbootswereholedandcracked.Hisbritcheswerepatchedandfilthy.He lookedmorelikeabeggarthanawarrior.Hedoubtedthathewouldbeabletogetpastthefrontgateofthepalacelookinglikehedid.Theyweremorelikelytothrowhimaboneandsendhimonhiswaywithkicks.

“Don’tworry,”hesaid.“I’llthinkofsomething.”“Bestdoitquicklythen.You’veonlygoteighthourstilltheeveningbell.”

Felixlookedacrossthedeskathisbrother.Newlybathedandwithhistatteredclotheshastilywashedanddriedinfrontofthefire,hefeltself-conscious.Hishandstoyedidlywiththesilveredpomanderwhichdangledfromhisneck.Hewishedhe’dnevercometothewarehousewhereOtto’sofficewaslocated.

Otto got up from behind his heavy oaken desk and lumbered over to thewindow.He put hishandsbehindhisback.Felixnoticedthathisrighthandwasclutchinghisleftwrist.ItwasanoldhabitofOtto’s.Hehadalwaysdonethatwhencalledupontoanswerdifficultquestionsbytheirtutors.

“WhydoIonlyseeyouwhenyouwantsomething,Felix?”heaskedeventually.Felixfeltasurgeofguilt.Ottohadapoint.Theonlytimeshehadbeennearhisbrotherrecently

waswhen he had needed a favour. Like he did now. He considered the question. It wasn’t that hedislikedOtto.Itwasjustthattheyhadnothingmuchincommonanymore.Andperhaps,Felixfearedthathewouldaskhimtojointhebusinessagain,andhewouldhavetorefuseagain.

“I’vebeenbusy,”hesaid.“Doingwhat?”Crawling throughgraveyards, burning scholarly institutions to theground, fightingmonsters,

killing things,Felix thought,wonderinghowmuch, ifany,of thishewouldeverbeable to tellhisbrother.FortunatelyOttodidnotgivehimachancetoreply,ashehadsomesuggestionsofhisown.

“Brawling, I suppose. Hanging about with tavern wenches and rakes. Frittering away thatexpensiveeducationfatherpaidfor.Whenyoushouldbehere,helpingrunthebusiness,followinginthefamilytradition,helpingtomake…”

FelixcouldnottellwhetherOttowasangryorsimplyhurt.Hefoughttokeephisownfeelingsundercontrol.Hestretchedhislegsout,pushingthechairbackuntilitrestedonitstworearlegs.AhugeportraitofhisfatherglareddownathimfrombehindOtto’sdesk.Evenfromupthere,theoldmanmanagedtolooksomehowdisapproving.

“DoyouknowtheCountessEmmanuelle?”ThequestioninterruptedtheflowofOtto’sranting,as Felix had intended it to.His brother stopped, turned around and looked sharply at his youngerbrother.

“Imet her on the last high feast day ofVerena,when Iwas presented at court. She seemed a

spiritedandsomewhatflightyyoungwoman.”Otto paused and turned away from the window. He slumped back into his comfortable chair

again and opened a huge ledger. He had marked his place with a quill pen. It was a gesture soreminiscentofhisfatherthatFelixsmiled.ForamomentOtto’sbrowfurrowedinconcentration.Hedippedthepenintheinkwellandinscribedsomethingintheledger.WithoutlookingatFelix,hesaid:“I’veheardsomerumoursabouther.”

FelixleanedforwarduntilhealmosttouchedOtto’sneatlyarrangeddesk.Thefrontlegsofhischairclunkedbackontothestonefloor.“Rumours?”

Otto cleared his throat and smiled in embarrassment. “She’s supposed to be somewhat wild.Morethansomewhat,actually.It’snotuncommonatEmmanuelle’scourt.Theyareall,shallwesay,alittlelessthanmoral.”

“Wild?”Felixenquired.Hisinterestwaspiqued.“Inwhatway?”“She’ssaidtobethemistressofhalftheyoungnoblesoftheEmpire.Hasaparticularfondness

forrakesandduellists.Therehavebeenanumberofscandals,apparently.Onlyrumours,ofcourse,andIdon’tpayanyattentiontogossip,”headdedhastily,likeamanwhofearsthatwhatheissayingmightsuddenlybeoverheard.“Whydoyouask?”

FelixplacedtheletterontopoftheledgerwhichOttohadbeenstudying.Hisbrotherpickeditupand turned itover inhishands.Hestudied thebrokenseal thenslid theparchment fromoutof theenvelopeandreadit.Ottosmiledthesamecoldandcalculatingsmilethattheirfathershowedintheportraitabove.

“Soyou’removingamongthenobilitynow.Iwon’taskhowthishascomeabout.”It hadbeen their father ’s ambition to buy the family’sway into the nobility for as long as he

couldremember.Sofarhehadnotsucceeded,butFelixreckonedthat itwasonlyamatterof time.Theoldmanwasbothwealthyandpersistent.Ottocontinuedtogivehimthatlong,measuringlook.HeranhiseyesoverFelix’soldandtatteredclothing.

“Ofcourse,youneedmoney,”hesaideventually.Felixlookedback,consideringhisoptions.Hedidn’t reallywant to take his family’smoney but under the circumstances it seemed advisable.Hewouldcertainlyneedbetterclothingforhisvisittothecourt.

“Yes,brother,”hesaid.Felixwalked out through thewarehouse door feeling slightly sick of himself. The pouch of goldjinglingwithin his jerkinwas like a badge of his betrayal of his own ideals.The letter fromOttoinstructinganyof the Jaegerbusinesses togivehimwhathe required seemed taintedwithhisowngreed.Aftersomuchtimespentshunninghisfamily,thegenerosityseemedalmostexcessive.

Felixshookhisheadandstrodeacrosstotheriverwharves.Helookeddownintothegrey,mistymurkoftheReikandstudiedthegreatbargeswhichhadcomeallthewayfromAltdorfcarryingtheircargoes of Bretonnian wines and Estalian silks. They lay at rest along the piers, like whalesmomentarilysurfaced,bobbingintheriverflow.Hewatchedthesweatingdockhandsliftingthecasksfromtheholdswithhookedknives,andsawthemrollheavybarrelsuplonggangplankstowardsthewarehouse.Andheheard loudcoughsand sawmenholdinghandkerchiefsover theirmouths.Theplaguehadclaimedhundredsoverthepastfewweeks.

ItseemedthathisandGotrek’seffortsintheGardensofMorrhadatbestsloweditsspread,andatworsthadnoeffectatall.Hewonderedhowitwasspread,andinhismind,hepicturedtheratsthattheplaguemonkhadbeendippingintothatvilecauldron.Somehowhejustknewtheyhadsomethingtowithit.

Oneofthemen,olderthantherest,rememberedFelixfromhisyoungerdays.Heraisedhishandand waved at him. Felix waved back. He could not even remember the man’s name, but he was

shockedtofindhimstilllabouringawayafteralltheseyears.Thedockworkerhadnotbeenyoungeventhen.

Here,FelixthoughtwasthedifferencebetweenthenobilityoftheEmpireandthosetheyruled.ThatdockerwouldcontinuetoworkforthepittancewhichtheJaegerfamilypaidhimuntilhekeeledoveranddied.Thenobleswouldloungeintheirpalaces,collectingtherevenuesoftheirestatesandneverraisetheirhandsinhonesttoilinalltheirlives.ThereweretimeswhenFelixfoundhimselfinagreementwiththerevolutionistswhopreachedrebellionacrosstheEmpire.

Hesmiledironically.Finewords,hetoldhimself,foramanwhohadjusttakenaheftyhandoutfromhisownrichfamily.Well,hehadnotmadethisworld,hejusthadtoliveinit.Heturnedandwalkedalongthebankoftheriver,losinghimselfinthesoundsandsmellsandsightsofthedockside.

The smell of fish assaulted his nostrils. Felix gagged andheld the pomander he had acquiredfromDoctorDrexlerunderhisnose.Itsperfumedscentwasstartingtofade,butitwasstillenoughtosweetenthetaintedair.Felixnoticedthatthesmellsofthestreetandotherpeopleseemedkeenernowthathe’dhadhisfirstbathinweeks.

The rumble of huge drayage carts competedwith the shouts of the dockworkers. An armedguardintheblacktabardofthecity-statestoppedtotakeapearfromthecartofasmalltrader.Achildpickpocketmadeadaringrushforthepurseofanoldtradertoopoortoaffordbodyguards.ItwasallverymuchasFelixremembereditfromhischildhoodvisitstoNulnwithhisfatherandbrothers.Heheadedonwards,makingforthebetterpartoftown.

Hehadanigglingfeelingthatsomeonewasfollowinghim,butwhenheturnedaroundtolooknoonewasthere.Felixstudiedhisreflectioninthemirror.Verynice,hethought.Heknewhecutafinefigure.Atthebestoftimeshewastall,athleticandquitegood-looking,ifhesaidsohimself.Nowhewasdressedtomakethemostofit.Hetookadeepbreath,revellinginthesmellofluxury,ofoakpanellingandfineoldleather.Thisdiscreettailor ’sshop,cateringonlytothehighestcategoryofnobles,wasoneoftheJaegerfamily’slesswell-knownbusinesses.IthadnotevenexistedwhenFelixhadlastbeeninNuln.IthadbeensetupbyOtto,usingintroductionspassedonbythelateFritzvonHalstadt.ForonceFelixwasgladofOtto’scorruptassociationwiththemanhehadkilled.

Hisfinenewclothesfeltstrange.Thehighleatherbootspinched.Thetunicfeltalittlestiff,thepadded lining felt too soft. The white linen shirt smelled too fresh. He realised how used he hadbecometotheharshlifeontheroad,whenhehadnotchangedhisclothesformonths.OnlythenewcloakofredSudenlandwoolfeltfamiliar.Itresembledhisoldone,ruinedbyskavenbloodduringtheattackontheBlindPig.TheswordhehadtakenfromtheTemplar,Aldred,wasencasedinafinenewsheathofplainblackleather.

“Wouldsirlikeanyalterationsmade?”theassistantaskedobsequiously.Felixstudiedthebald-headed,sourfacedfellow.Onlyanhourago,whenFelixhadenteredthe

shop,theassistanthadinspectedhimasifhewereaparticularlylargeandrepulsivecockroach.Inaway,Felixcouldnotblamehim.Hehadbeendressedlikeabeggar.Ofcourse,theassistant’sattitudehadchangedwithinsecondsofreadingOtto’shastilyscrawlednote.WhenOttoJaegerhimselftoldhisminions to give this client anything hewanted, fawning courtesywas thrown in as part of thebargain.

Felix gave the man his best condescending smile. “No. I would like several copies of thesegarmentsdelivered tomy residencewithin theday.Andhavemyoldclothingpackedand returnedimmediately.”

“Ofcourse,sir.Andwherewouldsir ’sresidencebe?”“AtthesignoftheBlindPig,intheNewQuarter.HavetheclothesdeliveredtoFelixJaeger.”

Felixenjoyed lookingat theman’sfacewhenhegave theaddress.He lookedas ifhehad justswallowedthatlargeandparticularlynastycockroach.

“TheBlindPig,sir?Isn’tthata—”“WhereIstayismyownbusiness,don’tyouthink?”“Of course, sir. It is simply that sir took one rather by surprise for a moment. A thousand

apologies.”“Noneed.Justmakesuremyclothesaredeliveredontime.”“Iwillseetoitpersonally,sir.”FelixwonderedifthemanwouldhavethenervetocometotheNewQuarterhimself.Maybehe

would.HewasobviouslypaidenoughtomakeitworthhiswhiletostayinFelix’sfavour.“Willthatbeall,sir?”“Forthemoment,yes.”

Felixemergedfromthetailor ’sintothelateafternoongloom.Heglancedaround.Nopursuerswerevisible.Iftherehadactuallybeenany,perhapstheyhadgrownboredwithwaitingwhileFelixwasinthetailor ’s.Hehopedsoatleast.

Henoticedhewasstandingtallerandhefeltmorepoisedthanhehadbefore.HecarriedhimselflikeadifferentmanfromthewearywandererwhohadpresentedhimselfatOttoJaeger ’swarehouseearlier.Itwasamazingthedifferenceabathandachangeofclothescouldmakeinaman.

Afeelingofnervousanticipationhadbeengatheringinhisstomachallday.Itwasnotquitefear.It was more like a vague uneasiness about what he would encounter within Elector CountessEmmanuelle’spalace.Hewasforcedtoadmitthatheprayedhewouldnotembarrasshimselfinfrontofthenobility.

Heconsideredthatthoughtforamoment,thenforcedasmile.Hismannersweregood.Hewaswell-spokenandwell-dressed.Therewasnothingtobeafraidof.Yetheknewthiswasnottrue.Thenobilitydidnotlikeupstartnewcomersfromthemerchantclass.Duringhistimeatuniversityhehadenduredmanysnubsbyyoungnobleswhohadtakenpainstocommunicatethistohim.Atthesametime,hehadalwaysresentedbeinglookeddownonbypeoplewhowereoftenstupiderandlesswell-educated thanhe,whoseonlyqualificationwas that theyhappened to beborn into the right inbredbloodline.Nowhecouldnothelpbutlaughathimself.Hewascertainlynotworkinghimselfintothecorrectframeofmindforthisinterview.

HethankedSigmarforsmallmercies:atleastGotrekhadnotbeensummonedaswell.Hecouldjust picture a confrontation between the local high-born and the sullenTrollslayer. Itwould be anencounterfatedtoendindisaster.FelixhadneverknowntheSlayertoshowdeferencetoanythingoranyone,andhedoubtedthatthecountessorherminionswouldappreciatehisindependenceofspirit.

Suddenly a new problem presented itself, and one that he had not even bothered to considerearlier.Thestreetsweremuddyandfullofrubbish.Thegutterswereoverflowing.Thecrowdswereunwashedand tightlypressed.Hecouldnotget to thepalacewithoutsomeof thedirtof thestreetstransferring itself to his superb new clothes. He knew it would never do to appear at the palacelookinglessthanimmaculate.Heglancedaround,hopingthatasolutionwouldpresentitself.

He gestured with his arm, summoning a passing palanquin. The litter ’s curtains were open,showingitwasforhire.Thetwoburlybearersapproachedhimdeferentially.Felixwasstartledforamoment.Normallytwosuchbravoeswouldhavecursedhimorexchangedcoarsejibes,butnowtheywereallattentiverespect.Ofcourse,herealised,itwastheclothes.Theysawhimasarichnobleandapotentiallylucrativefare.Itwasanimpressionwhichwasinnowaydiminishedwhenhesaid:“Thepalace,andswiftly.”

He clambered into the plushly upholstered seat and the bearers set off at a fast striding pace.

Felixpulledopenthecurtainsatthebackofthepalanquin,checkingtoseeifhewasbeingfollowedoncemore.Wasitjusthisimaginationorhadsomeonejustduckedbackintothemouthofthatalley?Theway to the palacewas steep andwinding. The townhouses of the nobility arrayed themselvesaroundthehighesthillinthecity.

FromwhereFelixsathecouldseeafineviewoftheroofsofthemerchantsbelow,andthegreatcurve of the River Reik.He could see the spires of the temples and the great building sitewhereworkmenlabouredtorebuildtheCollegeofEngineering.

Horses’hoovesclatteredonthecobbledstreets.Coachessweptpast.Servantsintheliveriesofadozen famous families swarmed everywhere, carrying messages, leading beasts, holding greatsatchelsfullofprovisions.Thelowestofthemwerebetterdressedthansomeofthecity’smerchants,and the highest rankingwore uniforms scarcely less ornate than amercenary captain’s. Everyonelookedcleanerandbetterfedthanthecommonersdownbelow.

Hereand therenoblesgarbed in splendid raimentwalkedwith their retainersandbodyguards,thecrowdpartingasifundertheinfluenceofsomemysteriousforcebeforethem.Felixstudiedtheirhaughtiness,thinkingthatherecognisedafewoftheyoungeroneswhoplayedatbeingpoorintheBlindPigofanevening.Hedoubtedthatanyofthemwouldrecognisehimnow.

Aheadofthemloomedthewallsofthepalace.Itdwarfedthestatelytownhousesaroundit.Evennow, with its walls replastered and ornate statuary lining the approach, it looked far more like afortressthanapalace.Thegreatarchofthegatewaywashuge,andtheheavyoakengateswereshodwithbronzeandlookedliketheycouldresistahundredbatteringrams.Sentriesbarredtheentranceandscrutinisedallwhoattemptedtopass.Somewererecognisedimmediatelyandallowedtogoinunhindered.Otherswerestoppedandchallenged,andFelixguessedhewouldbeinthelattercategory.

Hetappedonthecanopyofthepalanquintoindicatethattheyshouldstop,paidthefootmenthetwosilvershillingsandaddedanothershillingforatip,thenwatchedthemdepart.Hepattedhistunicto make sure his summons was still there, then strode as confidently as he could manage in thedirectionofthegate.

Whenoneoftheguardsaskedhimhisbusiness,heshowedthemtheletterandthesealandwassurprisedwhenatall,leanmangarbedallinblackemergedfromwithinthegatehouse.HelookedatFelixwithcold,greyeyes.

“HerrJaeger,”hesaidinacalm,emotionlessvoice.“Ifyouwouldbesogoodastoaccompanyme?Iwillexplainthenatureofthisbusinessontheway.”

Filledwithsuddentrepidation,Felixfellintostepbesidehim.Hecouldnothelpbutnoticethattwoarmedguardsdoggedtheirsteps.Theymoveddownlongcorridors,passedthroughaseriesofgalleries and an enormous ballroom, before going down some steps into the dungeons below.Somewhereinthedistance,theeveningbelltolled.Felix studied the office warily. It was large and sumptuously furnished, not at all what he hadexpected.Hehadexpectedatorturechamberoracell,butnotthis.Nevertheless,thetwomen-at-armshadfollowedtheminandpositionedthemselvesagainstthefarwallwheretheystood,immobile.AsFelix watched, a lamplighter in the livery of the palace entered, carrying a small ladder. Anotherbearingonlyalit taperclambereduptheladderandlit thecandlessetinthemassivechandelier.Itslightdimmedtheraysofthesettingsunthatfilteredinthroughthenarrowwindow.

Thetallmangesturedtothemassiveleatherarmchairwhichsatinfrontofhisequallyenormousdesk.“Please,HerrJaeger,beseated.”

Felix allowed himself to sink into the chair. The tall manwandered over to the window andstaredoutforamoment,beforepullingtheheavybrocadedrapesclosed.Heconsideredthewindowasifhewerelookingatitforthefirsttime.Itwasnarrow,obviouslydesignedasanarrowslit.

“Thisplacewasafortressbeforeitwasapalace,”hesaid.Hiswordshungintheair.Felixturnedthemover,wonderingiftherewassomehiddenmeaning.

Hedidnotrespondbutwaitedfor themantocontinue, toamplifyhisstatementifhewasgoingto.Themanconsideredthisandsmiledforthefirsttime.Histeethwereabrilliantwhiteandmadeevenhispaleskinlooksallow.

“Forgiveme,HerrJaeger;youarenotquitewhatIexpected.”“Andwhatdidyouexpect,Herr…?”Themanbowedasonewould toanopponentwhohad justscoredapoint ina fencingmatch.

“Forgiveme,oncemore.IthasbeenalongandharrowingdayandIquiteforgetmymanners.IamHieronymusOstwald.IamthepersonalsecretarytoHerSerenity.”

Felixwasnotsurewhetherheshouldriseandbowback.Hewasnotgiventhechance.Ostwaldmovedswiftlybehindhisdeskandsatdown.Felixnoticedthateveninthatcomfortablechairhesatwithhisbackstraight,likesomeoneusedtotheirondisciplineofasoldier.

“In answer to your question, from the description I had of you, I expected someone less…polishedthanyourself.Servesmeright,Isuppose.”Heopenedasmallleatherbookinfrontofhim.“YouareamemberoftheJaegerfamily,Isee.Good.Verygood.”

“WhyamIhere?”“Dieter!Johan!Youmaywaitoutside.”Ostwaldgestured to themen-at-arms.Theyopened the

doorandquietlyanddiscreetlyvacatedtheroom.Oncetheyhadgone,Ostwaldsteepledhisfingersandstartedagain.

“Tellme,HerrJaeger,areyoufamiliarwiththeskaven?”Felixfeltlikehisheartwasabouttostop.Hismouthfeltsuddenlydry.Heconsideredhiswords

verycarefullyindeed.“Iknowofthem.Iamnotpersonallyacquaintedwithany.”Ostwald laughedagain. Itwas a cold,mechanical laughand therewasnohumour in it. “Very

good.Ihadunderstoodthatthiswasnotthecase.”“Whatareyougettingat?”Felix’snervousnessmadehimsoundsnappish.Hedidnotknowthe

way this conversation was going but he could imagine several possible outcomes, none of thempleasant.

“Merely thatyouhaveserved in thesewerwatchandyouclaimed toyoursuperiors there thatyouhadencounteredthem.Isthatnotthecase?”

“Youknowitis.”“Yes.Ido.”AgainOstwaldsmiled.“Youdonotseemtomelikeatypicalsewerjack,HerrJaeger.

Thesonsofrichmerchantsrarelyleapatthechancetohuntgoblinsinoursewers.”Felix was getting used to this now. He was not as surprised as he might have been by the

unexpectednatureofthestatement.HecouldseethatthiswasallpartofOstwald’stechnique.Helikedtokeepthepeoplehewasdealingwithoff-balance.Itwaslikegettingthemeasureofyouropponentinaduel.Felixsmiledbackathim.

“Iamtheblacksheepofmyfamily.”“Indeed.Howinteresting.Youmustexplaintomehowthatcameaboutsometime.”“Isuspectyoualreadyknow.”“Perhaps. Perhaps. Let us return to the skaven, Herr Jaeger. How many times have you

encounteredthem?”“Onseveraloccasions.”“Howmanyprecisely?”Felixcountedthenumberoftimeshewaspreparedtoadmitto.Therewastheencounterinthe

sewer.TherewastheattackontheBlindPig.TherewashisfightintheGardensofMorr.Hedecidedthatunderthecircumstancesitmightbeundiplomatictomentionhismeetingwiththerat-ogreinvonHalstadt’shouseandhisbattlewiththewarlocksofSkryreintheCollegeofEngineering.

“Three.”Ostwaldconsultedhisbookagain.Anotherpieceofthepuzzlefittedintoplace,Felixthoughtto

himself.Hedoesn’treallyknowanything.He’sjustfishing.Hisstyleistointimidatepeopleandthenseewhattheyletslip.Ofcourse,thoughtFelix,thisknowledgewilldoyounogood,ifheordersyoutakendownintothedungeonsandtortured.Hedecidedtotryafewquestionshimself.

“Onwhoseauthorityareyoudoingthis?”heasked.“TheElectorCountessEmmanuelle’s,”Ostwaldsaidwithabsolutecertainty.“Whydoyouask?”“Iamjusttryingtoworkoutwhatisgoingonhere.”Ostwaldgavehimalongcoldchillingsmile.“Icanexplainthattoyouquiteeasily,HerrJaeger.

WhatdoyouknowofFritzvonHalstadt?”Onceagain,Felixfelthisheartleapintohismouth.Hefoughttokeephisguiltandhissurprise

offhisface.AslightamusedflickerinOstwald’seyestoldhimthatthemanhadnoticedsomething.“It’safamiliarname,”hesaid.“IthinkIsawhimonceatmybrother ’sclub.”“Very good,Herr Jaeger.Allowme to share somethingwith you—on the understanding on

yourwordasagentleman,thatnothingItellyougoesbeyondtheconfinesofthisroom.”ThetoneinwhichthewordsweresaidtoldFelix thatOstwaldwasnotsimplycountingonhis

word as a gentleman. Felix did not doubt that there would be serious and violent reprisals if hebetrayedtheman’sconfidence.

“Pleasegoahead.YouhavemywordIwilltellnoone.”“FritzvonHalstadtwasmurdered.”Felixthoughthewasgoingtobestruckdownonthespot.Hefeltsurethathisguiltwaswritten

all over his face and that Ostwald was going to summon the guard to have him thrown into thedungeon.

“Bytheskaven.”Felixletoutalong,rushingsighofrelief.“Icanseeyouareappalled,HerrJaeger.”“AmI?”Felixcollectedhisscatteredwits.“Imean—aren’tIjust?”“Yes.It’saterrifyingthought,isn’tit?Iwilltellyousomethingelse.FritzvonHalstadtwasno

ordinaryservantofthecrown.HewasthechiefofHerSerenity’ssecretpolice.Wethinkhemusthavediscoveredsomeskavenplotandbeenmurderedbecauseofit.”

Ifyou’dusedtheword“joined”insteadof“discovered”,Iwouldhavetoagreewithyou,Felixthought.Whathesaidinsteadwas:“Whatmakesyouthinkthis?”

“Intheburned-outremainsofhishomewefoundtheskeletonofacreaturethatwasnothuman.WesuspectthatitwassomemonsterconjuredbytheskaventoassassinateVonHalstadt.Hemusthavefoughtwithitandkilleditthendiedofhiswounds.Thehousewasprobablysetonfireduringtheirstruggle.”

“Goon.”“Interestinglyenough,soonafterthattherewasanattemptonyourlife.AsfarasIknow,youand

your associate, the dwarfGurnisson,were the only peoplewhohad then claimed to have seen theskaven.Perhapsthiswasanefforttocovertheirtracks.”

“IthinkIseewhatyoumean.”“Thereareotherthingsyoumaynotknow,HerrJaeger,andItellyouthemnowonlysoyouwill

realise the seriousnessof the situation.Youmayhaveheard that therewas a fire at theCollegeofEngineering?”

“Yes.”“Whatyoumaynotbeawareofisthatthefirewastheworkoftheskaventoo.Iassureyou,Herr

Jaeger,thisisnothingtosmileabout.Thegodswereagainstthoserat-mandevilsinoneway.Thereseemstohavebeensomesortofaccident,forwefoundmanyskavencorpsesatthescene.”

“WhyhaveInotheardmoreofthis?”Felixsaid.“You would have, except that Her Serenity deemed it wise to avoid a panic, and panic there

wouldsurelybeifthecommonherdweretofindoutthatourcityisundersiegebytheskaven!”Felixwasastonished.Aftermanyfruitlessattemptsbyhimselftogetsomeonetotaketheskaven

threatseriously,someonewasnowtryingtoconvincehimofit!Hedidnotknowwhethertolaughorbeangry.Hedecidedtoplaythepartallotted tohim,foronconsiderationherealisedthatshowingmoreknowledgethanOstwaldbelievedhimtohavecouldeasilyprovedangerous.

“I amnot joking,Herr Jaeger. Since you andGurnisson reported the presenceof skavenwarpartiesinthesewers,therehavebeenothersightings,skirmisheseven.Andbandsoftherat-menhaveevenraidedourdocksbynight,stealingfoodandevenagrainbarge.Itellyou,weareundersiege.”

“Siege?Isn’tthatalittlestrong?Wherearethearmies,thewarengines,thechitteringhordes?”“Theyarestrongwords,HerrJaeger,andintruththesituationcallsforthem.Thechiefofsecret

policeassassinated.Citizensassaulted.AgreatImperialarmourydestroyed—andnowthethreatofplague!”

“I—”“Now,HerrJaeger.Iknowyoutakethisseriously.Iknowyouhavesomeknowledgeofthis.We

haveamutualacquaintanceandhehastoldmeallaboutyouractionsinthismatter.”“Mutualacquaintance?”OstwaldproducedapomandersimilartotheonethathungaboutFelix’sneck.Hehelditbeneath

hisnoseandbreatheddeeplyfromitbeforesettingitdownuponthedesk.“I refer,ofcourse, toHerrDoctorDrexler.Hehas toldmeaboutyourvisit to theGardensof

Morrandwhatyoufoundthere.Hetreatedyourhenchman,afterall.”“HowdoyouknowDoctorDrexler?”Felixaskedtobuysometime.HeferventlyhopedOstwald

neverreferredtoGotrekashishenchmanwithintheSlayer ’shearing.“Asapatientandasafriend.Heisthephysiciantomanynoblefamilies.”“But—”“Iseethatyouareawareofanotheranddeeperconnection.Isuspectedamanofyourresources

might.”Felixhadbeinggoingtoask“ButwhydidDrexlertellyouallthis?”buthedecidedtokeephis

mouthshutandseewhatcoldlycleverexplanationthiscoldandclevermancameupwith.“Itellyouthisonlybecausethesituationistrulydesperate,HerrJaeger,andwebadlyneedyour

help.”Thingsmustbedesperateindeed,thoughtFelix,ifyouneedmyhelp.ParticularlywhenIhaven’t

aclueaboutwhatyou’retalkingabout.“DrexlerandIarebothinitiatesoftheOrderoftheHammer.”Ashesaidthis,hemadeapeculiar

variationofthesignofthehammeroverhisheart,reversingthenormalorder,ofleft,right,centre,down.“Youhaveheardofus?”

“SomesortofSigmaritesecretsociety,”Felixguessed.Itwasnotadifficultguesstomake.Thehammerwas thesignof the ImperialCult,and thereweremanystrangehiddensocietieswith theirownsignsandpasswords.

“That iscorrect.Anorderofdedicatedmensworn toprotectourancientcivilisationfromthethreatofChaos.Wesharemanygoalsandmuchancientknowledge.HetellsmethatAldredhimselfchoseyouashissuccessor.”

“Successor?”Felixwasbewildered.“Youbearhisblade,HerrJaeger.Youknewtheman.”“Mmm…”“I knowHerr Aldredwas amember of several secret orders aswell as the one towhich he

nominallybelonged.Hewasadevoutandfearlessman,HerrJaeger.MuchlikeyourselfhededicatedhimselftofightingtheforcesofChaoswhereverhefoundthem.”

“Idonotbelongtohisorder.”“Icanunderstandthatyouwoulddenythis,HerrJaeger.HerrAldredbelongedtomanyorders

withevenstrictervowsofsecrecythanourown.Iwillnotpressyouonthis.”Justaswell,Felixthoughtwryly,otherwiseyou’dfindoutexactlythedepthofmyignorance.Ostwaldpausedforamomentandthenspokeasiftryingtochangethesubject:“Drexlertellsme

thatyoupossessagreatdealofknowledgeyourself.”“Ipossessonlyalittle.”“Itmaybethatthelittleyouknowisactuallyagreatdeal,HerrJaeger.Tellmeaboutthisstrange

skavenwhowritesyouthelettersofwarning.Howdidyoumeetit?”So,Felixthoughtthisiswhereallthistalkofsecretsocietiesandgravethreatsisleading.Itisan

attempttogetthisinformation.HerealisedthatDrexlermusthavereportedtheirentireconversationtoOstwald,sohesawno

senseinhidinganythingabouttheletter.“I have nevermet it,” Felix said honestly. “In truth I have no ideawhy it has selectedme to

communicatewith.Perhapsithasn’t.PerhapsithaschosenGotrek.”“Thatseemsunlikely,HerrJaeger,giventhedwarf’savocation.No,Iamconvincedthatyouare

thechosenone.Why?”“PerhapsbecauseIcanread.”“Youcanreadskavenrunes?”“No,butIcanreadImperialscript.”“SotheletterwaswritteninImperialscript?”Ostwaldlookedastonished.“Ofcourse.HowelsecouldIreadit?”“Youhavetheselettersonyou?”“No,theyvanishedinapuffofsmokefiveheartbeatsafterIreadthem,”Felixsaidironically.He

wasgoingtoaddthathedidnotnormallycarrythelettersonhispersonbutOstwaldinterruptedhim.“Powerfulsorceryindeed!HerrJaeger,youmustunderstandsomething.IhavetakenoverFritz

vonHalstadt’s duties.The security of this great state ofNuln lies inmyhands.Should this skavencontactyouagain,well,youmustinformmeatonce.”

“Nothingwouldpleasememore,”Felixsaidsincerely.“No,pleasetakemeseriously,HerrJaeger.Isensethatyouknowmorethanyouarecurrently

willing to tellme.That is fair.Wemustallhaveour little secrets.But Imust insist thatyou letmeknow.Iwantnomoremidnightforaysintothegraveyards.Iknowyouareabraveandresourcefulman,butthesethingsarebestdealtwithbytheauthorities.”

“Iagreecompletely.”“Good,HerrJaeger.Donotattempttodeceivemeinthis.Myreachislong.”“Iwouldnotdreamofit.Youhavemyword.”

“Good.Thenyouarefreetogo.Justremember—”“Donotworry,HerrOstwald.RestassuredIwillinformyouassoonasIlearnanythingofthe

skaven’splans,”Felixsaid,ferventlyhopingagainsthopethatheneverevercameintothepossessionofsuchinformationagain.IzakGrottlepulledhimself fromhispalanquinand lumberedover to thegreatbarredwindow.Hisbreathingwasheavyandalreadyhefelthungry.IthadbeenalongtrudgethroughtheUnderwaystoreach this secretburrow.Soon itwouldbe time toeatoncemore.Hecongratulatedhimself. Itwasamazing fromwhat simple sources themost brilliant of inspirations sprang. The entire enormouseffort of this secret researchwarren had sprung from his own hunger. He doubted that any otherskavenwouldeverhavethoughtofsomethingsosimpleandyetsoinspired.Letotherscomeupwithintricateandcomplexschemes, thoughtGrottle!Soonhewoulddemonstrate toallof them that thesimplestplanswerethebest.

He looked down into the great warp vats and saw the monsters taking shape within theirbubbling, glowing feeding fluids. He inspected the massive warpstone orbs which fed carefullymeasuredjoltsofmutatingpowerintothevatswhenthewatchingvatmastersdeemedtheconditionsperfect.Theranksmellofozoneandstrangechemicalswaftedupandmadehisnostrilstwitch.Itwasareassuringsmelltohim,thesmellofthewarrensinwhichhisclanhadraisedhim,fromwherehehadbegunthelongclimbtothepowerthathewieldedtoday.

Hesmiled,showinghisgreatyellowfangsandfeltthepangsofhisdreadfulhungeroncemore.All skavensuffered from it from time to time,usuallyaftercombator someotherviolentactivity.TheycalledittheBlackHungerandformostofthemitwasasignoftriumphandindicatorthattheycoulddevour prey. IzakGrottle suffered from it all the time.Hehad long suspected that continualexposuretowarpstonedustandmutagenicchemicalshaddonesomethingtohim.HewouldnotbethefirstClanMoulderpack-mastertoacquirethestigmataofsomemutation,norwouldhebethelast.Inhiscasehealsosuspectedthatthechangehaddonesomethingtohisbrain—stimulatedit,madehimmuch cleverer andmore cunning than other skaven, rewardedhimwith fantastic insight.Thatwaswhyheneededtoeatsomuch,ofcourse,tofuelhisincrediblemind.

Hestuffedhisowntailintohismouthtotrytocontroltheterriblehungerpangs.Greatgobsofsalivadrooleddownthebulbousflesh.Hehadalreadydevouredeverylastscrapofthehugemoundofdriedmeathehadintendedtoseehimthroughhisvisit.Heknewtherewasnothingmuchedibleinthisalchemical laboratoryexcepthisownbearers,and, in fairness, theyhaddonenothing today todisplease him. The jars all around contained mostly toxic chemicals; nothing there for him. Hebreatheddeeplyandfoughttobringhisappetitebackundercontrol.

Skitch looked up at him nervously. Grottle could tell that the little hunchbacked skaven wasuneasy.Perhapshewas thinkingofall theother lackeyswhichrumourclaimedthat thepackmasterhaddevoured.Grottlelickedhislipswithhislongpinktongue.Ashelikedtotellallofhisresearchvermin,thoserumourswereutterlytrue.Thelightofwarpstonelanternsilluminatedthepebble-thicklensesthatSkitchusedtocompensateforhisbadeyesight.GrottlenoddedhisheadandtwitchedhistailjustforthepleasureofseeingSkitchleapbacknervously.

Skitchwassmallandweak,andsonear-sightedthathecouldhardlyseeonepawinfrontofhisfacewithouthisglasses.Inmanyotherskavenclans,suchweaknesswouldsoonhavecausedhimtohavebeenkilledandeaten,butClanMoulderhadrecognisedhispotentialandkepthimaliveandforthat,Grottleknew,thelittleruntwastrulygrateful.AndhehadprovenusefultoClanMoulder.Skitchwasquitepossibly thebestvatmaster in the longandglorioushistoryof theclan.Hewasageniuswhenitcametobreedingandmouldingallmannerofbeasts.NowheheldoutthecagethatcontainedwhatwasmostlikelytobeClanMoulder ’sgreatesttriumph.

IzakGrottletookthecageandinspecteditscontents.Itwasahuge,sleekfatfemalerat,alreadypregnantbythelooksofthings.Theuntrainedeyewoulddetectverylittledifferentfromanordinaryrat,Grottlethought.Perhapstheywouldthinkitalittlelarger,abitmorevicious.Perhapstheywouldevennoticethewickedgleamofsomeabnormalemotioninitseye.Buttheywouldneversuspectthattheywerelookingatoneofthemostpotentweaponstheworldhadeverknown.

“Itdoesn’tlooklikemuch,doesit?”Grottlesaidinhisslow,deeprumblingvoice.“Doesit?”Grottlelikedtorepeathimself.Hewasproudofhisvoice,sopowerfulandsounlikeanormal

skavenvoice.Skitchknewacuewhenheheardone.“Perhaps not, master — but then appearances are deceptive.” The vatmaster ’s voice was

unusually high for a skaven’s, andhiswords had an odd insinuating quality. “This beautywill laywastetoentirecities,willbringnationstotheirknees,willcausetheworldtobowbeforethegeniusofClanMoulder!”

Grottlenoddedinaslow,satisfiedway.HeknewthiswastrueHejustlikedtohearhislackeysayit.“Youaresuretherewillbenoproblems,Skitch?Absolutelysure?”

“Yes, yes,master, I amcertain.Wehavebred thousandsof these creatures andwehave testedmanyofthemtodestructionintheapprovedmanner.”

“Good!Good!Andwhatdidyoufind?”“Theyhaveahugeappetiteforalmostanymaterial.Theywilleatwoodandwasteifnothingelse

isavailable,butmostlytheyseekoutanddevourgrain,meatandotherfoodstuffs.”“Excellent.”“Theycanconsumetheirownbodyweightinlessthanahundredheartbeatsandbereadytoeat

againinhours.”“Youhavedonesplendidly,Skitch.Splendidly.”Thehunchbackseemedalmosttoswellupwiththeeffectsofthepraise.“Andtheycanbreedin

littersofuptoahundred.”“Theygrowquickly,ofcourse?”“Theyreachfullmaturesizewithinaday,providingtheyfindenoughtoeat.”“Andthebreeders?”“Canbearalittereachandeveryday,asyouspecified,master.”Grottlethrewbackhisheadandlethisdeeprumblinglaughterpourforth.Suchasimpleidea,he

thought.Whentheseratswerereleasedintothehumancity,theywouldconsumeallthefoodwithindays.

All the storedcrops from theharvestwouldbedevoured.All the food in shopswouldvanishunderneathafurryavalancheofhunger.Theywouldeatandbreedandeatandbreedunstoppably.Andwhennootherfoodwasavailable,theywouldeatthehumansandtheiranimals.Andwhenallotherfoodstockswereexhaustedtheywouldconsumeeachother.Ordie.

Theirlifespanwasmeasuredonlyindays.Butbeforethathappened,thehumanswouldstarveorflee from their city and the triumph would belong to ClanMoulder.Word would soon reach theCouncilofThirteenandasuitablerewardwouldbefoundforIzakGrottle.

“Wearereadytobegin?”“Yesmaster,We have the captured grain barge almost ready.The conversionwill be done in

days.Wewill ship the specimens towhere it ishidden. It canbegin its journeyany timeyouwish,afterthat.”

“Perfect.Perfect.”Thehumanwarehouseswerenearthedocks.Alltheywouldhavetodowouldbetotaketheboatintotheharbourandopenthecages.Afewdisposablehousetroopscouldseetothateasilyenough.Perhapssomerat-ogresjusttobeonthesafeside.“Dosoassoonaspreparations

arecomplete.”“Ofcourse,master.”“Yousayyouhavethousandsmoreofthese?”Grottlesaid,reachingintothecagetostrokethe

sleekfatrat.“Yes,master.Why?”“Because I’m feeling a little peckish.”With that, Izak Grottle grasped the somnolent rat and

stuffed it, still living, into his salivatingmouth. Itwas still struggling futilely as itwent down histhroat.Ittastedgood,thoughtGrottle.

Justlikevictory.FelixwalkedthroughtheswingdoorsoftheBlindPigandeveryheadintheplaceturnedtolookathim.Atfirst,hewonderedwhatfor,butwhenKatka,oneoftheservinggirls,cametotakehisorder,herealiseditwasbecausenoonerecognisedhim.Hesmiledather,andwasrewardedwithalookofconfusionuntilshesawwhohewas.

“Why, Felix, I would never have guessed it was you. Did the countess give you some newclothes?”

“Something like that,” hemurmured as he raced up the stairs to get to his room and changeclothes.Hewasgratefultodiscoverthatthepackagecontaininghisoldgarmentshadcomefromthetailor ’sshop.

ThankSigmar,hethought.Itwouldn’tdotogobrawlinginthisfinesuit.Thenitdawnedonhimthatsimplepossessionofthisnewfinerywaschanginghim.Thismorninghewouldneverevenhavegivenathoughttosuchmatters.Probablybecausehedidn’thaveto.AndwhatwashegoingtodowiththepouchfullofgoldthatOttohadgivenhim?Tohisbrother,itprobablyseemedlikelittleenoughmoney,butitwasmorethanFelixcouldearninawholeseasonofworkingattheBlindPig.Gentlyhepriedupaloosefloorboardanddroppeditintoplacethere.

Ashechangedforwork,heconsideredhisencounterwithHerrOstwald.Itseemedthat,atlonglast, the authoritieswere taking the skaven threat seriously.At the same time,Ostwald appeared tohave made some very strange assumptions about Felix. He seemed to assume that Felix was farclevererandmoreinvolvedwithallofthisthanheactuallywas.HeguessedthatOstwaldwassimplyprojectinghisownreasoningandperceptionsontowhatheknewofFelix.

Well,aslongasheaskednoquestionsaboutthedeathofFritzvonHalstadtandtheburningofthecollege,Felixwasnotgoingtodisappointhim.ThefactthatOstwaldhaddeducedavastandwell-organised skaven conspiracy from several random acts that Felix and the Slayer had perpetratedthemselvesmighthavebeenamusing—exceptforonething.

It was quite evident that there was indeed a vast and well-organised skaven conspiracy. Eventhough he himself had killed von Halstadt, there had been powerful rat-men present. Clan EshinassassinshadnearlyburneddowntheBlindPig,andmonstershadbeensightedjustbeforetheblazewhich destroyedmuch of the PoorQuarter. Even though he andGotrek had interrupted them, thewarlocksofSkryrehadbeenrobbingthecollege.Eventhoughtheyhadstoppedtheplaguemonks’ritual, theskavenhadmanaged to infiltrate theGardensofMorrand theplaguewasstillspreadingthroughthecitylikewildfire.

Hastily Felix put the enchanted pomander around his neck and breathed deeply of the herbs.Ostwaldhadmadenosecretofthefactthatrat-menpatrolshadbeensightedinthesewersandotherareasaroundthecity;scoutingparties,mostlikely.

FelixknewthatoneofthecreaturesGotrekhadseeninvonHalstadt’shousewasagreyseer,oneoftherarestandmostpowerfulofalltherat-menmagiciansaccordingtoLeiber ’sbook.Abeing,infact,usuallyonlysightedwhentheskavenhadgreatplansafoot.

AchillstruckFelix,anditwasnotjustcausedbyhistatteredclothes.Hewasforcedtoconcedethat,wrongthoughmanyofhisfactshadbeen,Ostwald’sbasicconclusionwasmostlikelycorrect.TheskavenplannedsomethingbighereinNuln.Butwhat?GreySeerThanquol tookanotherpinchofwarpstonesnuffandstrokedhiswhiskers.Thingsweregoingwell.He inspected themassofpapers that laybeforehimand revelled in themessages theycontained. Almost ten thousand crack skaven troops would soon be in position in the UnderwaysbeneathandaroundthecityofNuln.

So largeahosthadnotbeenmustered since the timeof theGreatChaos Incursion. Itwas thelargest force theCouncil of Thirteen had dispatched to assault a human city since the time of theGreatPlague,whentheentirehumanEmpirehadbrieflylainundertheironpawofskavenrule.Anditwas his to command.Whenhe gave theword, itwould attack and in a frenzy of overwhelmingferocitywouldoverwhelmthepitifulhumansabove.

ForabriefinstantthewarpstoneconjuredupdelightfulvisionsofdestructionanddeathbeforeThanquol’sreddenedeyes.Hecouldpicturetheburningbuildings,thehumanshackedtopiecesorledoffingreatslavetrains.Hesawhimselfstridingthroughtheruinstriumphant.Theverythoughtmadehistailstiffen.

Thingsweregoingverywellindeed.EvenThanquol’senemieswereaidinghisplans.ThatviletwosomeGurnisson and Jaeger had, guided by Thanquol’s brilliant insight, uncovered the lair ofVilebrothNullandstoppedhisplansintheirtracks.Theabbothadreturnedfromthesurfaceworldalone,andnotracecouldbefoundoftheCauldronofaThousandPoxes.NullhadspentthelastfewdayslimpingaroundtheUnderwaysmutteringdarklyabout traitors.Thanquol tittered.Therewasacertainpoeticjusticeinitall:ithadbeentheabbot’sintendedtreacherytothecauseofThanquol,andofcoursetheentireskavennation,whichhadbeenthecauseofhisundoing.

It even appeared that the abbotmight have done the invasion force a favour, for Thanquol’sagentsonthesurfacereportedsomedirediseasewasdroppingthehumansintheirtracks.Ofcourse,potentiallythismeantthattherewouldbelessslavesoncetheconquestofNulnhadbeeneffected,soperhaps thenwouldbe the time tohave theabbotpunished.Hecould trumpup thecharges for thecouncilandletthemdealwithNull.Yes,itwastrue,Thanquolthought:everycess-pithasawarpstonedroppinginit,ifonlyyouknowhowtolook.

Hestudiedtheplansofthecitybeforehim.Thevariousinvasionrouteswerewellmarkedinred,blueandgreenwarpstoneink.Theyglowedinfrontofhiseyesinabrighttangleandsnarloflines.Hereand therecircles indicatedbreakoutpointswhere thearmywoulderuptonto the surface.Thesheer labyrinthinecomplexityof it all filledThanquol’sbrainwithpleasure.But themostpleasurecamefromhiscontemplationofwhatwouldhappenafterwards.

Thecitywouldbegarrisonedagainsthumanattemptstoretakeit.Hewouldsetuplabourcampsandmakethecapturedhumanslavesbuildabigditcharoundthecity.Thentheycoulddamtheriverwith a great waterwheel which would provide power for the skaven’s machines and sweatshopfactories. At some point they would erect a huge, one hundred tail-length high statue of theirconquerors,anditseemedonlyfairtoThanquolthatheshouldbethemodelforit,fortrulyhewouldpersonify the skaven spirit of conquest to them. Itwouldbeaglorious time, and the firstofmanyvictoriesthatwouldendwithallthehumanlandspermanentlyandutterlyunderskavenrule.

Heheardanotverydiscreethackingcoughoutsidethecurtainsofhissanctum.Ahoarsevoicesaid:“Greatestofgenerals,itisI,LurkSnitchtongue,andIbringnewsmosturgent.”

Disturbedfromhisreverie,ThanquolwasinclinedtobesnappishbutLurkhadproventobeaninvaluablelackeyjustrecently,andhissourcesofinformationhadbeenexcellent.

Atthismoment,heseemedalittleill,butThanquolwassurethatwouldpass.

“Enter!Enter!Quick!Quick!”“Yes!Yes!Swiftestofthinkers!”“Whatisthisurgentnews?”Lurktwitchedhistail.ItseemedobvioustoThanquolthatthelittleskavenhadindeedcomewith

interestinginformation,andintendedtosavourhismomentoftriumph.“I once blasted a lackey who kept me waiting a moment too long. Stripped his flesh to the

bones.”“Amoment,mostpatientofmasters,whileIgathermythoughts.Someexplanationisneeded.”“Thenexplain!”“MybirthkinRuzlikservesClanMoulder.”“Indeed.Andyouthinkthisinformationisworthyoftheconsiderationofagreyseer?”“No!No,most perceptive of potentates! It’s just that he has a habit of gossipingwhen he has

consumedfungalwinebroth.”“Isee.Andyou,ofcourse,areoftensharingaflaskortwowithhim.”“Yes!Yes!Only thismorning, infact.Hehas toldmethathismaster, IzakGrottle,hasagreat

plan afoot. One that will bring the human city to its knees, and I hesitate to mention this, mostunderstandingofskaven…”

“Hesitatenomore.Quick!Quick!”“HeclaimsthatGrottle’splanwillbringhimgreatglory,willmakehimmorefamouseven—

hiswords,notmine,master—thanGreySeerThanquol.”Newsof this treacherousclaimcameasno surprise toThanquol. Itwasever the fateofgreat

skaventobeunderminedbyjealouslackeys.DoubtlessGrottlesoughttowinesteemintheeyesoftheCouncilofThirteenattheexpenseofThanquol.Well,thegreyseerknewwaysofdealingwiththat.

“Andwhatisthisplan?Speak!Speak!”“Alas, thefoolcouldnotsay.HehasmerelyheardtheMoulderschitteramongthemselves.He

knows it has something to dowith a grain boat, for he himself led the raid to steal one from thehumans.Hehasnootherharddetails.”

“Thengoandfindsome.Now!”“Imayneedtospendwarptokens,mostgenerousofmasters.”“Whatyouneedwillbeprovided—withinreason.”“Igo,master.”Lurkbowedandscrapedasheretreatedbackthroughthedrapes.Thanquolslumpeddowninhisthrone.Certainthingswerestartingtomakesense.Hehadheard

reportsthatoneofthehumangrainbargeshadbeenstolen.Hehadmerelyputitdowntosomeclawleaders exceeding their orders, and doing some private plundering.Now it seemed that therewasanotherulteriorandsinistermotive.Thanquolknewthathispositionwouldnotbesafeuntilhefoundoutwhatthatwas.“Idon’tlikeyou,”themansaid,slumpingdowninhischair.“Ireallydon’tlikeyou.”

“You’redrunk,”Felixsaid.“Gohome!”“This is a tavern!My copper ’s as good as anyone’s. I’ll go homewhen I please. I don’t take

ordersfromthelikesofyou.”“Fairenough!”Felixsaid.“Stay,then.”“Don’t try and smooth-talkme. I’ll go if I like.” Felixwas getting tired of this.He had seen

drunkslikethisbefore:belligerent,fullofself-pity,justlookingfortrouble.Unfortunately,Felixwasusuallythecandidatetheychoseforit.Theyalwayspickedhimforaneasymark.Hesupposedtheywereall tooscaredofGotrekandtheotherbouncers.Therewassomethingfamiliaraboutthisone

though.Hiscoarsefeaturesandsquatmuscularformlookedfamiliarevenintheshadowygloomofthiscornerofthetavern.HehadbeeninseveraltimesoverthepastfewdayssinceFelixhadreturnedfromhisinterviewwithHerrOstwald.

“Elissa’smygirl,”thedrunksaid.“Youjustleaveheralone.”Oh,ofcourse;itwasthepeasantladwhousedtogooutwithElissa.He’dcomeback.“Elissacanmakeupherownmindaboutwhoshewantstosee.”“Noshecan’t.She’stoosweet.Tooeasilyled.Anycityslickerwithasmoothtongueandanice

cloakcanturnherhead.”Felixsawtheparthewasbeingcastfor.Hewastheheartlessseducerleadingthepoorpeasant

girlastray.“You’veseentoomanyDetlefSierckplays,”hesaid.“What?Whatdidyoucallme?”“Ididn’tcallyouanything!”“Yes,youdid.Iheardyou.”Felixsawthepunchcomingaleagueaway.Themanwasdrunkandslow.Heraisedhishandto

blockit.Hisforearmstungfromtheforceoftheblow.Themanwasstrong.“Bastard!”Hansshouted.“I’llshowyou.”He lashed outwith a kick that caught Felix in the shin. Sharp pain stabbed through Felix. By

reflex,helashedoutwithhisrighthandandcaughtHansunderthejaw.Itwasquitepossiblythebestpunchhehadeverthrownagainstamanwhowasinnostatetodoanythingaboutit.Hansdroppedlikeapole-axedox.

The surrounding crowd applauded. Felix turned around to bow ironically and he saw Elissalookingathimwithalookofhorrorinhereyes.

“Felix,youbrute!”shesaid,movingpasthimtonurseHans’sheadinherlap.“OhHans,whatdidthatheathendotoyou?”Justlookingather,Felixcouldtellthatanyexplanationofwhathadhappenedwouldbeuseless.

“YouhavefoundoutmoreoftheMoulder ’sschemes,Ihope?”Thanquolallowedsomeofhisangerandimpatiencetoshowinhisvoice.OverthepastfewdaysLurkhadspentconsiderablesumsfromthegreyseer ’streasurechestbutstillhadnotproducedanyresults.Thelittleskavengaveawheezingcough.

“Yes,yes,mostperspicaciousofmasters.Ihave.”“Good!Good!Tellme—quick,quick!”“It’snotgood,mostforgivingofmasters.”“What?What?”Thanquol leaned forward to glare downat the little rat-man andwatchedhim

flinch.Fewcouldendurethegreyseer ’sred-eyedstarewhenitsuitedhimtouseit.“Regretfully,thewickedMouldersmayalreadyhaveimplementedtheirplan.”ColdfuryclutchedThanquol’sheart.“Goon!”“Mybirthkinoverheard thepackmastergloating. It seemsagrainshipbearingClanMoulder ’s

secretweaponwillarriveintheman-citytonight.Onceitarrives,thecitywillfall.Heknowsthatithas something to do with the city’s grain supply but he’s not sure what. Clan Moulder are verytechnicalandhavetheirownwordsformanythings.”

“MaytheHornedRatgnawyourbirthkin’sentrails!Ishehearinganymore?”“Justthatthebargehasbeenpaintedblacktoconcealitfromhumaneyesandthatitwillarrive

thisverynight.Itmayevenhavedonesoalready,mostmagnificentofmasters.”Thanquol’sfurbristled.Whatcouldhedo?Hecouldmobilisehis troopsandinterferebut that

wouldmeanmovingopenlyagainstClanMoulderandeveryinstinctthegreyseerpossessedrebelledagainstthat.Whatifhesummonedhistroops,andtheyfailedtofindtheship?Thanquolwouldbealaughingstockandcouldnotendure that.Therewasno time towaste.Heknew that thiscalled forurgentanddesperatemeasures.

Swiftly he reached for pen and parchment, and inscribed a hasty message. “Take this to theburrowwherethedwarfandthemanJaegerdwell.Makesure theyget it—andquickly!Deliver itpersonally!”

“P-p-personally,mostreveredofrat-men?”“Personally.” Thanquol made it clear from his tone that he would brook no argument. “Go.

Quick!Quick!Hurry-scurry!Notimethereistowaste!”“Atonce,mightiestofmasters!”

VilebrothNull lookedupwith rheumyhate-filledeyes.Hecoughed,but thesoundofhiscoughingwas lost amid the hacking coughs of other skaven in the corridors. At last his patience had beenrewarded. His long hours of lying in wait near Thanquol’s lair had finally paid off. SomehowVilebrothNull knew the grey seer had been behind the failure of his carefully contrived plan. SowherewasthatlittlesneakLurkSnitchtonguegoingatthishour?Theabbotknewtherewasonlyonewaytofindout.“Hestartedit!”Felixsaid,alltooawarethathesoundedlikehewaswhining.Helookedaroundtheroomtheyshared,hiseyescaughtbythepackageofclothesthetailorhaddelivered.Hehadstillnotunwrappedthem.

“Soyousay,”saidElissainflexibly.“Ithinkyou’rejustabully.YoulikehittingpeoplelikepoorHans.”

“PoorHansputabruisethesizeofasteakonmyshin!”Felixsaidangrily.“Servesyourightforhittinghim,”Elissasaid.Felixshookhisheadinfrustration.Hewasjust

abouttogethimselfindeeperwaterwhensuddenlythewindowcrashedin.FelixthrewhimselfoverElissa to cover her as broken glass rained down.Fortunately, not toomuch landed on them.Felixrolledtohisfeetandscannedthechamberinthelanternlight.Somethingdarkandbulkylayonthefloor.

Swiftlyhedrewhisswordandproddedit.Nothinghappened.“What is it?”Elissa said, getting to her feet fearfully and pulling her nightgown tight around

herself.“Don’tknow,”Felixsaid,bendingovertoinspectitmoreclosely.Ashedidsoherecognisedthe

shape, and he thought he recognised the thingwrapped round it. “It’s a brick, and it’swrapped inpaper.”

“What?It’llbeyoungCountSternhelmagain.Heandhiscroniesarealwaysbreakingwindowswhentheygetdrunk!”

“I don’t think so,” Felix said, gingerly unwrapping the paper. It was the same thick coarseparchmentalltheotherskavenmessageshadcomeon.Heunfoldeditandread:

Frends—theBlackShipbringsdoomtoyoorcity!Itcomestoniteandcarriescertindeth!Itisagranebargelodedwivbad!Yoomuststopit!GoQUIK!QUIK!Yoodonothavmuchtime!Theywildestroyyoorgrane!

Felixpulledhimselftohisfeetandstartedtopullonhisclothes.“Runandgetmesomepaper!Ineedtosendamessagetothepalace.Move!Quickly!”

TheurgencyinhisvoicecompelledElissafromtheroomwithoutaskinganymorequestions.LurkrubbedhispawstogetherandofferedupaprayerofthankstotheHornedRat.Hismessagewasdelivered and somehowhe hadmanaged to avoid being chopped up by the dwarf’s fearsome axe.

MereminutesafterhehadlobbedthebrickthroughwhathehadascertainedwasJaeger ’swindowhesawall the lights in the inngoon, and shortly thereafter, thehumanand thedwarf raced from thebuildingbearingweaponsandlightedlanterns.

Ajobwelldone,he toldhimselfwithsatisfactionandrose togo.Hesniffedheavily, trying toclearhisnose.Hewasnotfeelingtoowell,andhadbeenfeelinglessthanwellfordays.Hewonderedifhewasgoingdownwiththestrangenewdiseasethat,rumourhadit,wasgoingaroundtheskavencamp…thediseasesostrangelysimilartotheplaguewhichwasfellingthehumans.Lurkferventlyhopednot.Hewasstillyoungandhadmanythingstoaccomplish.Itwouldnotbefairforhimtopassawaywithoutachievingthem.

He almost fainted when a heavy hand fell on his shoulder and a hideous bubbling voicewhisperedinhisear:“Youwilltellmewhatyouhavebeendoing!Allofit!Quick!Quick!”

Eventhroughthethickwadofsnotthatfilledhisnostrils,LurkrecognisedtheoppressivestenchofVilebrothNull.“What’sthehurry,manling?”Gotrekrumbled.“Wedon’tevenknowwherewe’regoing.”

“Theriver,”Felixsaid,feelingastrangesenseofurgency.Thenotehadsaidtheydidnothavemuchtime,andtheirskaveninformanthadneverliedtothembefore.“Ashipmustarrivebyriver.”

“Iknow,manling,butit’sabigriver.Wecan’tcoveritall.”“It’sabarge!Thereareveryfewplaceswhereabargecantieup,anditmustfollownavigable

channels.”Felixconsideredthepossibilities.Whatcertaintydidhehavethatthis“BlackShip”wasgoingto

tieup,ratherthansay,explode?None,really;hewasjusthopingthatthiswasthecase.Thenitcametohim.Thebiggrainwarehousesweredownbythewharvesandtheletterhadmentionedgrain.Atleast,hehopedithad.

“Thegranaries,”hemuttered.“TheNorthsidedocksarenearthegranaries.”“TheNorthsidedockswouldseemtobethebestbetthen,”Gotreksaid,heftinghisaxe.“Well,weneedtostartsomewhere.”Theyjoggedon.Felixhopedferventlythatthetavernboy

hadmanagedtodeliverhisnotetoCountOstwald.Skitch cursed as the barge shifted off course again. It was not a vessel the skaven were used tohandlingandthehelmsmanhadhadalotoftroublewiththetrickycurrentsontheirwaydown-river.Skitchhopedthattheywouldarrivesoon,foriftheydidnotreachthemanburrowduringthehoursofdarkness the whole plan would be ruined. The barge painted black to be inconspicuous on thismoonlessnightwouldstickoutlikeahumanbabyinalitterofruntsbyday.

Well,hesupposedtheshiphadbeennecessary.TherewasnootherwaysuchahugenumberofspecimenscouldhavebeencarriedthroughtheUnderwaysandreleasedintothehumancitywithoutarousingsuspicion.HeknewthelastthingthathismasterwantedwasforeitherGreySeerThanquolorthehumanstohaveanyinklingofwhatwasgoingon.Itwasawell-knownfact that theplansofThanquol’srivalshadatendencytofailifhefoundoutaboutthem.Skitchshudderedatthethoughtofwhatwouldhappenifthehumansfoundoutwhatwasgoingon.

He shookhis head and returned to inspecting his charges.They scrabbled at the bars of theircages,hungryanddesperatetobefree.

“Soon! Soon!” he told them, feeling a certain kinship for these short-lived vermin that hismightyintellecthadcreated.Heknewtheywereflawed,justlikehewas.Theywouldliveonlydays.

Theshipmovedonthroughthenight,comingeverclosertothesleepingcity.The docks by night were not a reassuring place, Felix thought. Lights spilled from many seedytaverns, andmany red lights illumined the alleys.Armed patrols ofwatchmenmoved between thewarehouses,butwerecarefulnottoentertheareaswherethesailorstooktheirpleasure.Theywere

more intent inprotecting theiremployers’goods thanstoppingcrime.Still,Felixwas reassured toknowthattherewerearmedmenwithincallifthingswenthorriblywrong.

Hestoodontheedgeofthewharfandstaredoutintotheriver.TheReikwaswideatthispoint,perhapsa leagueacross,andnavigablebyocean-goingships.Not thatmanyof themcamethis far.MosttraderschosetodroptheircargoesinMarienbergandhaveitshippedupriveronbarges.

Fromherehecouldseetherunninglightsofbothbargesandthesmallskiffswhichcarriedfolkacrosstheriverallhours.Heassumedthattherewouldbemanymorecraftouttherethanlights.Notallboatsortheirpassengerswantedtheirbusinessesknown.FelixassumedthattheBlackShipwouldbeamongtheirnumber.Onlyinsteadofcarryingacargoofillegalgoodsitwascarryingsomeawfulskavenweapon.Felixshudderedtocontemplatewhatitmightbe.TheCauldronofaThousandPoxesandtheweaponsofClanSkryrehadbeenterribleenoughforhim.

Thewindblewcoldandhedrewhisoldtatteredcloaktightabouthisshoulders.WhatamIdoinghere,hewondered?IshouldbeathomebackinthePig,tryingtopatchthingsupwithElissa.

Ormaybenot.Maybethatwaswhathewasdoinghere,avoidingElissa.He wondered where things were going with the girl, and he had no real idea. It was just

somethinghehaddriftedinto,notsomethingheeverimaginedwouldhaveafuture.HeknewhedidnotloveElissathewayhehadlovedKirsten.Recently,hewouldnotevensaytheywerefriendly.Hethoughtthatforher,too,itwasjustapassingthing,somethingthathadhappened.Maybeshewouldbebetteroffwithherpeasantboy.Heshruggedandcontinuedtopeeroutintothedarkness,andlistentothewavessloppinggentlyagainstthewoodensupportsofthewharf.“Ourscuttlinglittlefriendshavepickedagoodnightforit,”Gotrekmuttered,takingaswigfromtheflaskofschnapps.

Felixstudied thesky.Hecouldseewhat theSlayermeant.Theskywascloudyand thegreatermoonwasasliver.Thelessermoonwasnotvisibleatall.

“Smugglers’moon,”Felixsaid.“What?”“Myfatherusedtocallmoonslikethis‘smugglers’moons’.Icanseewhy.Dark.Theexcisemen

wouldfindithardtoseeyouonanightlikethis.”“River patrols too,” Gotrek said. “Not that humans can see worth a snotling’s fart at night

anyway.”“I suppose,”Felix said,wanting tocontradict theSlayer,butknowing thathewas right in this

case.“Aye,welljustbegladadwarfwashere,manling.Eventhoughhehasonlyonegoodeye.”“Why?”“BecausethereisyourBlackShip!Look!”Felixfollowedthedwarfspointingfingerandsawnothing.“You’vehadtoomuchschnapps,”he

said.“Yourpeoplehaveyettobrewadraftthatcouldgetadwarfdrunk,”Gotreksaid.“Onlylegless…”Felixmuttered.“AtleastI’mnotblind.”“Justblinddrunk.”“I’mtellingyouthere’sashipthere.”Felixsquintedintothegloomandbegantothinkthedwarf

mightberight.Therewassomethinglargeout there,ashadowypresencemovingerraticallyinthedeepwater.

“Idobelieveyou’reright,”Felixsaid.“Iapologisemostsincerely.”

“Saveyourbreath,”theSlayersaid.“There’skillingtobedone.”“Faster!” Felix said, standing on the prow of the skiff and keeping his eyes fixed on the shadowyshapeahead.

“I’mgoingasfastasIcan,master,”theboatmansaid,polingwithalltheenergyofanarthritichedgehog.Hewasaheftyman,slow-movingandponderous.

“Aone-armedmancouldpolefaster,”Gotreksaid.“Infact,I’llbetifIchoppedoffoneofyourarms,youcouldmovequicker.”

Suddenlytheboatmanfoundasurgeofnewstrengthfromsomewhereandtheypickedupspeed.Felixwasn’tsurewhethertobegladornot.Hewasnervousaboutapproachingtheskavenshipinthissmallcraft.HewishedtheyhadsummonedthewatchbuttheSlayerhadbecomeovercomewithbattlefrenzyandinsistedtherewasnotimetowaste.HeassuredFelixthatthecommotiontheywouldsoonbegeneratingwouldattracttheriverpatrols.Felixdidnotdoubtthathewasright.

Astheycamecloser,hecouldseethatitwasablackshipallright,ahugegrainbargepaintedallblack andmoving swiftly downriver. Hewonderedwhy the skaven had done this. Certainly blackmadetheshipinconspicuousatnight,butduringthedaythebargewouldbeasnoticeableasahearseinaweddingparade.Maybeithadtravelleddownriverunpaintedandtheyhaddisguiseditthisveryevening.Maybe theyhadaconcealedbasesomewherewithinanight’s sailingupriver.Suchabasecouldbequitesomedistanceaway,forabargecouldcoveralotofwaterinonenight,movingwiththecurrentasthisonewas.

Felixdismissedallsuchspeculationaspointless.Heknewhewasonlydoingittokeephismindoccupiedanddistractedfromfearofthecomingencounter.

Whatweretheyuptoonthebarge,hewondered?Iftheyweren’tskaventhentheyweretheworstsailorshehadeverseen.Thebargenowappearedtobedriftinginagreathalfcircle.Hecouldhearafaint muffled drumbeat and the creaking and clashing of oars. It sounded like there was somedifficultyinguidingthecraft.

“It’sthem,allright,”Gotreksaid.“SkavenareevenworsesailorsthanI’dheard.”Felixcouldhearthedistantsqueakingcallsoftheskavennow,andknewtheSlayerwascorrect.

Unfortunately,theboatmanhadheardhimtoo.“Didyousay‘skaven’?”heasked,superstitionandfearengravedacrosshisfat,sweat-sheened

face.“No,”Felixsaid.“Yes,”Gotreksaid.“I’mnotgoinganywherenearabargeifthereareChaos-worshippingmonstersonboard!”the

boatmandeclared.“Myfriendwasonlyjoking,”Felixsaid.“NoIwasn’t,”Gotreksaid.Theboatmanstoppedpoling.Gotrekglaredathim.“IhateboatsalmostasmuchasIhatetrees,”hesaid.“AndIhatetreesalmostasmuchasIhate

elves.AndwhatIparticularlyhatearepeoplewhokeepmeonboatslongerthanIhavetobeonthem,whentherearemonsterstoslayandfightingtobedone.”

Theboatmanhadbecomeverypaleandverystill,andFelixwasalmostsurethathecouldhearhisteethchatter.

Gotrekcontinuedtorant:“Youwillpolethisboattillwereachthatrat-manbargeorIwillripoffyourlegandbeatyoutodeathwithit.DoImakemyselfclear?”

FelixhadtoconcedethatthesheeramountofmenacetheSlayermanagedtogetintohisvoicewasimpressive.Theboatmancertainlythoughtso.

“Perfectly,”hesaid,andbeganpolingwithredoubledspeed.Astheyapproachedtheblackbarge,Felixsawanewproblem.Theirskiffwaslowinthewaterbutthebargehadhighsides.Onlevelground,itwouldhavebeenasimpleclimb,butontwomovingvesselsbobbing on water it was an entirely different proposition. He mentioned this to Gotrek. “Don’tworry,”theSlayersaid.“Ihaveaplan.”

“NowIamworried,”Felixmuttered.“Whatwasthat,manling?”TheSlayerlookedclosetoberserkrage.“Nothing,”Felixsaid.“JustgrabthatlanternandbereadytomovewhenItellyou.”

Theskiffdriftedintocontactwiththeship.Asitdidso,Gotreksmashedhisaxeintothebarge’sside.ItbitdeepandheldthereandtheSlayerusedittopullhimselfupuntilhereachedaporthole.

“Verystealthy,”Felixsaidsourly.“Whynotgiveaheartyshoutofwelcomewhileyou’reatit.”AnothersmashingstrokesawGotrekovertheship’sside.Hestoodthereforamomentandthen

loweredtheaxe,bladefirst.“Grab hold,” he roared. Felix leapt up and grabbed hold of the axe shaftwith his right hand,

while holding the lantern in the other. Gotrek raised the axe one-handed, lifting it up, apparentlyeffortlessly,despiteFelix’sweightandtheuncomfortableangle.Heswungtheaxeinwardsovertheship’ssideandbroughtFelixwithit.Felixdroppedtothedeck,amazedbytheawesomestrengththedwarfhadjustdisplayed.

“Lookslikewe’reexpected,”hesaid,noddingatthemassofskavenswarmingupontothedeck.“Good,”Gotreksaid.“Ineedabitofexercise.”

Whatwasthat,Skitchwondered?Hehadheardanalmightycrashandthesoundofwoodsplintering.Hadthosebuffoonsmanagedtocrashthebargeontoasandbaragain?Hewouldnothaveputitpastthem. They had claimed to be experienced sailors and that crewing a human ship would be noproblem.Sofarthathadnotprovedthecase.

If they jeopardised thismission, IzakGrottlewould tear themall limb from limb anddevourtheirentrailsbefore theirdyingeyes,butsuchthoughtsbroughtSkitchnoconsolation.Heknewhewouldbethefirstcourseatthepackmaster ’spunishmentfeast.

When he heard the crew’s squeaks of alarm, Skitch knew it was even worse than runningaground.Theyhadbeendiscoveredbyahumanpatrol.Hecursedthebadluckwhichhadenabledthehumanstodiscoverthem.Itmusthavebeenamillion-to-onechance.Nowhewishedhehadbroughtsomerat-ogresafterall.Hehadnotdoneso,forfearthattheirroarsandbellowswouldgiveawaytheship’sposition,butthatdidnotseemtomatternow.

Partofhimwantedtosquirtthemuskoffear,butthenagainitwashisresponsibilitytoseetohischarges.Heracedfromthecabinintothehold.Allaroundhim,massiveratsthrashedintheircages,desperatetogetfreeandtoeat.Seeingthelookofferalhungerintheireyes,Skitchwasgladthathehaddousedhimselfinoilofswamptoad,asubstancethatheknewhiscreationsfoundrepellent.

Hearing the sounds of terrible carnage from above, Skitch swiftly began to throw open thecages.Theratsswarmedhungrilyupthegangplanks,movingtowardstheirliving,breathingfood.Felix lashed out with the lantern. Its flame flared bright as it rushed through the air. The dazzledskavenbeforehimleaptback,momentarilyblinded.Felixtookadvantageof itsconfusiontostabitthroughthethroatwithhissword.

Thedeckwas already slipperyunderfootwith blood andbrains.TheSlayer had left an awfultrailofdestructionbehindhim.Hisaxehadreducedadozenskaventolimblesscorpses.Theotherswere fleeing backwards or jumping over the side of the barge to avoid him. Felix moved alongbehind,killingthosewhosoughttooutflankthedwarfandputtingthedyingoutoftheirmisery.

Hisheartbeatloudlywithinhischest.Hissword’shiltfeltsweatyinhisgripbuthewasnotasafraidasheusuallywasinmortalcombat.Comparedtosomeofthefightshehadbeenin,thisonewas relatively easy. Suspiciously so, in fact, considering there was supposed to be some terribleskavenweapononboardthisvessel.

Not that the relativeeaseof the fightwouldmakemuchdifference,he toldhimself, springingasidetoduckaknifecastbyoneoftheskavensailors,andlungingforwardtotakeanotherrat-manthroughtheheart.Allitwouldtakewouldbeoneluckyblow,andhewouldbejustasdeadasifarat-ogrehadtornhimintolittlepieces.

Concentrate,heorderedhimself—andthenstoppedinhorrorasthetideoffurryformsstartedswarmingupfromthehold.

Skitchsnuckup thestairwayandpeeredoutatasceneof terribleviolence.Amonstroussquatdwarfwieldingaflailinggreataxehadkilledhalfthecrewandseemedintentonmassacringtheotherhalf. In this he was assisted by a tall, blond-furred human who held a lantern in one hand and awicked-lookingbladeintheother.Allaround,thekillerratsgnawedatthebodiesofdeadanddyingskaven.

Skitchfrozeonthespotandsquirtedthemuskoffear.Hispawslockedonthelastcage,inwhichfranticratsstruggledtogetawayfromthestinkoftheoilonhisfur.Skitchrecognisedthepairwhohad invaded the ship.Theyhadbecome somethingof adark legendamongst the skavenbesiegingNuln.Thiswasthefearsomepairwhomeventhegutterrunnershadfailedtoslay,whohadroutedthewarlocks of Skryre,whom itwas said evenGreySeerThanquol feared tomeet again.Theywereformidablekillersofskaven—andtheywerehere,onthisverybarge!

Skitchwasnowarriorandheknewhecouldbeofnoaidtotheskaveninthebattleabove.Itwaspossible thateven thekiller ratswould fail toovercome this seemingly invincible twosome. Itwasplainlyhisduty,then,toescape,carryingthelastofthesurvivingrats,topreservethemforthefuturewhentheymightbeusedagain.

Sothinking,heheldthecagehighabovehisheadandleaptintothenight-blackwaters.Felixwatched asmore andmore of the huge rats poured from the hold. Therewas a hunger andmadness in their eyeswhich frightened him, and hewondered if these could be the skaven secretweapon.Onelargefiercebrutethrewitselfathim.Hefeltthehorridscurryofitspawsonhisleg.Helashedout,sendingthebeastflyingandstampeddown,feelingthespineofanothercrackbeneaththeheelofhisboot.

HelookedaroundatGotrek.TheSlayerbeheadedanotherof theskavencrew,sendingagreatfountainofblackbloodbelchingintotheair.Beforetheskavencorpsehittheground,moreandmoreratshadswarmedoverit.

SomethingdroppedontoFelixfromabove.Hefeltpawsscrabblinginhishair,andsmallsharpteethnippinghisear.Afoulanimalstenchfilledhisnostrils.Hedroppedthelanternandreachedup,feelingmusclessquirmbeneathfurashepluckedtheratfree.Fangsnippedathisfingersashethrewthethingoverthesideandintotheriver.

Moreandmoreratsdroppedfromaboveorpouncedfromthedeck.Hefelt likehewasinthecentre of a swirling storm of fur. Gotrek stamped and hacked and kicked but hewas in the sameposition.The ratswere too numerous and too fierce to overcome. If they stayed theywould die ahorribledeathbyathousandbites.

“NotadeathforaSlayer,Iwouldsay!”Felixshouted.“Torchthisblastedfloatingrats’nest!”“What?”“Torchitandlet’sbegone!”

Felixlookedaroundandsawthelantern.Hepickeditupandthrewitwithallhisforceontothedeck.Burningoilspilledeverywhere.Felixhadoftenheardhisfathersaywhatadangerfirewasonaship.Theywere,afterall,builtofwoodandsealedwithinflammablepitch.Felixhadneverthoughthewould be grateful for that fact, but he certainly was now. Flames started to flicker and dance allaroundhim.

The smell of burning fur and flesh reached his nostrils. Squeaking rats scurried everywhere,theirfursmoulderingandblazingas theytriedtoescapethehotflames.Someleaptoverboardandplummetedintothewaterlikesmalllivingmeteors.Otherscontinuedtheirattackwithredoubledfury,asifdeterminedtodragsomethingelsedownindeathwithhim.

Felixdecidedthatthiswastheircuetodepart.“Time to go!” he shouted. A backwash of heat blazed towards him, singeing his hair and

eyebrows.“Aye,manling,Ithinkyouareright.”Felixsheathedhissword,turnedandvaultedovertheside.Hetumbledintothewater,ratsfalling

allaroundhim.Aftertheheatoftheburningshipitwasalmostarelieftofeeltheshockofcolddarkwaterclosingoverhishead.Hekickedoutandupandhisheadbrokethesurface.

Hecouldseethattherewereboatsallaround,cometolookatthefire.Fightingtheweightofhisscabbard,hestruckoutforthenearestvessel.Soppingwet,Felixsatglumlyonthewharfandkepthiseyespeeled.SofartherewasnosignoftheSlayer.HehadnotseenGotreksinceheplungedintothewater.Hewonderedifthedwarfcouldswim.Even ifhecould,was itnotpossible thathehaddrowned trying toholdon tohispreciousaxe? Itwouldnotexactlyhavebeenthegloriousdeathhecraved.

His clotheswerewet andhis teethwere starting to chatter but still he sat,wishing that hehadsomeoftheschnappsGotrekhadbeenswiggingearlier.FelixwonderedabouttheskavenweaponthatwasmeanttohavebeenonboardtheBlackShip.Heknewnowthathewouldneverfindoutwhatitwas.Thebargewasaburned-outhulkrestingonthebottomoftheriver.Theboatmenwhohadpickedhimuphadheldtheirpositioninmid-riverandwatcheditburn,beforeacceptingahandfulofsilverinpaymentforcarryingFelixtotheshore.

There was a wet, slapping sound nearby Felix looked warily to his right. One of the huge,hungry rats hadmade it off the ship then. It clambered up the side of the ladder from the landingstage,shookitsfurdrylikeitwasadogandtrottedoffupthewharf.Felixwatcheditgo.

Briefly Felix considered finding the boatmen again and going out to search the river for theSlayer.Heknewitwouldbeafutileeffort; theReikwastoowideandthecurrent toostrong.If theSlayerhaddrowned,doubtlesshiscorpsewouldeventuallyberecoveredandputondisplayattheOldBridge,waitingwithalltheotherstheriverhadtakenforsomeonetocomeandclaimit.Felixcouldchecktheretomorrow.

Hestoodupwearily fromthemooringpostonwhichhesatandpreparedfor the long trudgehome.Ashedidso,hecaughtsightofafamiliarfigure,beratinganequallyfamiliarboatmanwhowaspolingtowardsthelandingstage.Felixwavedawelcome.

“Currentcarriedmedownriver,”Gotrekcalled,haulinghimselfuponto thewharf.“Ran intoouroldfriendhere.Tookmostofthenighttogetback.”

“Goingagainst thecurrent,” thewearyboatmansaid.He lookedas tiredasanymanFelixhadeverseen,anddeeplyscaredtoo.FelixcouldguessthenatureofthethreatswhichGotrekhadusedtomotivatehim.

“Well,”hesaid,“let’sgetbacktothePigandhavesomebeer.Ithinkwe’veearnedit.”“ForgivemeifIdon’tjoinyou,”theboatmansaid.“And…andthere’sthesmallmatterofmy

fee.”Cold, wet and bedraggled, Skitch finally scuttled into theUnderways. It had been a truly dreadfulnight.Hehadswumthroughthechillywaterscarryingthelastcageofrats.Afterthat,hehadscuttledalong the riverbanks until he found a sewer outflow, and then he had spent the rest of the nightwandering through the tunnels until he had found the familiar scent of skaven. Dodging humanpatrolsinthedark,thetrailhadfinallyledhimhere.

Hewasproudofhimself.Hehadmanagedalonganddifficulttrek.Hehadlosthisbifocalsandcould barely see but he hadmade it, and he hadmanaged to preserve a cage full of his preciousspecimens.Betteryet,inthecagewereseveralpregnantfemalessohewouldeasilybeabletostartalloveragain.Theratswerehealthytoo.Evennowtheywereshowingsignsofagitation.Skitchrealiseditwasbecausetheycouldsmellfood.Hewasclosetothestoragechamberswherethesuppliesforthegreatinvasionforcewerekept.

Now,hethought,allheneededwasacoverstorytotellthesentriestoexplainhisbusiness.Easyenough; he would just say that he was bringing food for Izak Grottle. Anybody who knew thepackmasterwouldbelievethat.

Thethoughtmadehimtitter.Hewasstilltitteringwhenhisnear-blindeyesfailedtopickoutthestoneinfrontofhisfeetandhetripped,sprawlingclumsilyintothedirt.Thecagerolledfreefromhisgrip.Thebatteredlockclickedanditsprangopen.Thekillerratsboundedforthandracedoffinthedirectionoftheskavenstores.

Skitchgroaned.Heknewwhattheconsequencesofthatweregoingtobe.SoonitwouldnotbejustIzakGrottlewhowashungry.

THEBATTLEFORNULN

“Thedaysgrewdarker.Fearandhungerwereconstantcompanions.Thegreatskavenplotdrewtoitsinevitableconclusion,anditseemedtobeourlottobedrawnintoit.Andyet.alongwithterrorandhorror,therewashopeandheroism.Aswellaslosstherewashonour.ThehourofutmostdangerarrivedandIpridemyselfthatmycompanionandIwerenotfoundwanting…”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,Vol.III,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

Thanquol satbroodingonhisgreat throne.Aroundhimwasmarkedapentacle, inscribedwith theheadoftheHornedRatandsurroundedbyadoublecircleofthemostpotentprotectivesymbols.Hehadinvokedallofthegreatdefensivespellsheknewtoshieldhimfromthedireforcesgnawingathis destiny.Thesewere runes sovereign against curses, diseases, ill-luck and allmanner of death-bringingspells.Theynumberedamongthemostpowerfulwardsthegreyseerhadlearnedinalongcareer pursuing theDarkerMysteries. Itwas ameasure of how bad the situation had become thatThanquolthoughtitnecessarytoexpendsomuchofhiscarefullyhoardedmysticalpowertoinvokethemall.

Thanquolloweredhisgreathornedheadintohishandsandbeatatattooonhistempleswithhisclaws.Hewasworried.Thingswerenotgoingaccordingtoplan.Eventswerestartingtoslipbeyondhiscontrol,hecouldsenseit.Hishighlytrainedgreyseer ’sintuitioncouldfeelforcesatworkherethat were sending matters spiralling beyond the ability of any skaven, no matter how clever, topredict.

Hewasnotquitesurehowithadallhappened.Atfirsteverythinghadgonesowell.Hisagentsreported thedestructionof theBlackShipandheknewthatoncemorehisunwittingpawns,JaegerandGurnisson,haddonehisworkforhim.Meredayslater,theCouncilofThirteenhadauthorisedanincreaseinsizeofhisinvasionforce.Itlookedlikeuttercrushingvictoryoverthehumanswaswithinhisgrasp.Butthen…

Butthentheaccursedplaguehadstartedtospreadamonghisownforces.SoontheUnderwayswere full to burstingwith sick and dying skavenwarriors.As fast as the bodies could be burned,dozens more followed. Even the skaven slaves manning the funeral ovens were falling sick. Thesymptoms—ahackingsnufflingcough,anevilpusfilling the lungsandfinallyasuddenonsetoffatal spasms—were remarkably similar to the disease striking down the humans on the surface.Perhapsitwasthesameplague.Itwouldnotbethefirsttimeacontagionhadmadetheleapbetweenthetworaces.

Asiftheplaguewerenotbadenough,anothermenacehadarisen.Thecorridorsnowswarmedwithlarge,fierce,hungryrats.

Theywere everywhere, devouring the corpses, eating the food supplies, fightingover scraps,defecating and urinating everywhere, helping spread the cursed disease — and at the same timestarvingthearmy.Evennowsomeofthemlurked,beady-eyed,inthecornerofhischamber,avoidinghispentagrambutgnawingthefurnishings.Hecouldhearsomeofthemmovingbeneathhisthrone.Theymusthavebeentherewhenhecasthisspells.Nowtheyweretrappedinsidewithhim.

Itwouldnothavebeennearlysobadiftheoffendingcreatureshadnotbeenrats.ItwasalmostasignthattheHornedRathadturnedhissnoutawayfromthegreatinvasionforce,andwithdrawnhisblessing from the army.Certainly someof themore superstitiouswarriorswere starting tomuttersuchthings,andnoneofThanquol’spointedspeechesandsermonshadreassuredthem.

Itdidnogood forhim topointout that thehumanswere suffering justasmuch, ifnotmore,from these twin catastrophes: their granaries were empty, their food supplies consumed by theverminous host. The skaven warriors simply did not believe him. They did not have access toThanquol’sextensivespynetworkonthesurface.Theysawonlythattheythemselveswerestarvingandthattheircomradeswerefallingill,andthattherewasagoodchancethattheyinturnwouldbethenexttobesmittenbytheplague.Moralehadsuffered,andnooneknewbetterthanThanquolthatmoralewasalwaysachancythingatbestforaskavenarmy.

He had done his utmost to hunt down those shirkers who muttered disloyal and treacherousremarks.Hehadassignedeliteunitsofstormvermintoexecutedesertersonthespot.Hehadblastedseveral traitorshimselfwithhismostspectacularanddestructivespells—but ithadallbeen tono

avail.Therothadsetin.Thearmywasslowlystartingtofalltopieces.Andtheredidnotseemtobeanythinghecoulddoaboutit.

Thanquolkickedoneof theratsfromunderhisfeet,whereitwasgnawingat thebonesofthelastmessengerwhohadbroughthimbadnews.Itflewthroughtheairandimpactedonthecurtainofspellssurroundingthepentagram.Sparksflickered,smokebelchedandtheratgaveaneeriekeeningcryasitdied.Theairwasfullofthesmellofburnedfurandscorchedfleshasthecreaturefriedinitsown body fat. Thanquol’s whiskers twitched in appreciation and he gave a brief savage smirk ofsatisfactionbeforereturningtohisbrooding.

Sincewordofthearmies’misfortunehadfilteredbacktoSkavenblight,nomorereinforcementshad arrived. It was not quite the overwhelmingmass of skavenwarriors he had hoped for, but itwouldbeenough,ifThanquolusedallhisresourcesofcunningandfar-sightedplanning.Somethingwould have to be done to save the situation, and soon,while therewas still an army left thatwascapableoffighting.Hedidnotdoubtthathestillhadenoughtroopsathiscommandtooverwhelmthehumancityiftheyattackedswiftlyandsavagelyandwiththeadvantageofsurprise.Evenifthearmythen dissolved, he would have achieved his goal. Nuln would be conquered and Thanquol couldreportsuccesstotheCouncilofThirteen.Itwouldthenbeuptohismasterstorushgarrisontroopsheretoholdthecity.IftheydidnotgethereintimethatwouldnotbeThanquol’sfault.

The more Thanquol thought of it, the more this plan made sense. He could still achieve hisassignedmission.Hecouldstillgrasphisshareofglory.Hecouldthenshifttheblameforanythingthathappenedafterwardstowhereitbelonged—uponhisincompetentunderlings,andthosetraitorstotheskavencausewhodesertedthearmyjustbeforeitshouroftriumph.

He reviewed the forces under his control. He still had close to five thousand almost-healthywarriorsdrawnmostlyfromClanSkab.HestillhadseveralteamsofgutterrunnersandacadreofClanEshinassassins.ThevariousfoolishadventuresundertakenbytheirtreacherousleadershadlefthimwithonlyatokenforcefromClanSkryreandClanPestilens.IzakGrottleandhisforceofrat-ogres,though,werestillaformidablepresence.

He knew that a simple frontal assault was not necessarily the best of plans under thecircumstances. What he needed was a bold stroke that would lead to certain and overwhelmingvictory.Andhebelievedheknewhowthatcouldbeachieved.

Soon,hisspiestoldhim,thebreederthehumanscalledtheElectorCountesswouldbegivingamaskedball, ina futileeffort todistracthercourt from their troubles. If thepalacecouldbe takenwithallthehumannoblesinside,thenthehumanarmyinNulnwouldbeleftleaderlessandeasypreytotheskavenassault.If theraidcouldbetimedsothat thetwoattackswerecombined,somuchthebetter.Onthenighttheskaventookthepalace,thecitywouldalsofallinbloodandterror.Perhaps,withtheirchiefbreederinThanquol’sclutches,thehumanscouldevenbeinducedtosurrender.

Itwouldhave tobedone soon, ifhewas tohaveanyhopeof success,but at leastherewasachancethathecouldsnatchvictoryfromtheslaveringjawsofdefeat.

Beforethat,though,hehadanotherslightproblem.Hewouldhavetonegatetheprotectivespellssurroundinghimsohecouldleavehischamberandbegingivingorders.Withalong-sufferingsigh,GreySeerThanquolbegantheincantationsthatwouldlethimoutfrominsidehisownpentagram.Felix Jaeger kicked a huge fat rat from underfoot, sending it flying through the air to land in amiddenheap.Itturnedandimmediatelybegantodevourthefoulnessinwhichitlay.Felixwatchedinhopelessdisgustanddespair.

The ratswere everywhere, eating anything thatwas edible and a lot thatwas not. Therewerethousandsofthem,possiblymillions.Attimes,wholestreetsseemedtobenothingbutaseethingseaofvermin.Hisemployer,Heinz,hadheardtalesthattheyhadtakentodevouringbabiesincribsand

smallchildrenwhogottoodosetothem.Hugepacksofthevilebeastsflowedacrossthecitystreets,andthecatsanddogsweretooterrifiedtostopthem.

Theonlygoodthingwasthattheratsappearedtobemysteriouslyshort-lived.Itlookedliketheyagedmonthswithina fewdays.Butwhen theydied, the rats’corpses laystrewn likesomehideousfurrycarpetacrossthecobbles.Itwasnotnatural.Infact,thewholethingstankofskavensorceryandFelixwonderediftherewassomeevilpurposetoit.

ThecityofNulnappeared tobeunderacurse,Felix thought.Theair smelledofsicknessanddisease, and human flesh burned on great pyres in the square outside theTemple ofMorr.Wholetenementbuildingshadbeenboardedup,andturnedintotombs.Felixshudderedwhenhethoughtofthemoulderingcorpsesofthedeadwithinthem.Evenworse,though,werethethoughtsofthosewhohadbeenentrappedtherealive,victimsoftheplaguewhonoonewantedtohelp.Therewerehideousrumours circulating of people recovering from the plague, only to die of starvation. There wereworsetalesofcannibalismandfolkfeastingonfleshfromthecorpsesoftheirfamilyandfriends.Itwasahorrifyingthought.AnditmadeFelixthinkthatSigmarandUlrichadturnedtheirgazefromthiscity.

Aheadofhimheheardtherumbleofwheelsandthetollingofabell.Hesteppedasidetolettheplaguecartpass.Thedriverwasgarbedall inblackandhisfacewashiddenbyaskullmaskandagreatpeakedcowl.Onthebackofthecart,anacolyteofMorrswungacenserofincense,presumablyto protect him from the plague. Itwas likewatchingDeath himself ride through the doomed city,accompaniedbyhisservants.Felixcouldseetherottingcorpsespiledhighonthebackboardofthevehicle. The bodies were naked, already stripped of their valuables by their families or boldscavengers.Ratsgnawedatthebodies.AsFelixwatchedhesawonetearoutaneyeball,anddevouritwhole.

Theplaguecartsmovedconstantlythroughthestreets,bellstollingtoannouncetheirpresence,summoningthosestillstrongandhealthytodisposeofthebodiesofthosewhowerenot.Butnoteventheplaguecartsweresafe.Iftheystoppedforamoment,theratswereuponthem,fightingeachothertofeastuponthecorpses.

Felix’sbellygrumbled,andhepulledhisbeltanotchtighter.Hehopedtheotherswerehavingmore luck in their foragingforfoodthanhewas.Hehadfoundnothing toeatonsale thathadnotbeen contaminated by rat droppings, and even that was being sold for ten times its normal price.Somecitizensweregettingrichfromtheruinationofthismightycity.Therewerealwaysthose,hethought,whocouldfindprofitineventhemostdireofsituations.

He wished that Gotrek would give up his mad desire to remain in the city. He had alreadyconsideredslippingawayhimself,joiningthosehostsofthepoorandthelowlywhohadsnatcheduptheirfewpossessionsanddeparted.Hehadnotdonesoforseveralreasons.Thefirstandbestofthemwasthathewouldnotdeserthisfriends.Thesecondwasadesiretoseethisthingthroughtoitsend.Hesuspectedthatsoonthedireeventswouldreachtheirclimax,andatleastpartofhimwantedtofindoutwhatwouldhappen.

Thefinalreasonwassimple.Hehadheardtalesthatthelocalnobleshadquarantinedthecity,andthat archers were shooting thosewho tried to depart by the public highways.Many of the bargeswhichhadset sail fromthedocks in thepast twodesperateweekshadreturned, reporting Imperialnavalshipsontheriversinkinganyvesselwhichtriedtopassthem.

Perhapsasmallbandmovingbynightcouldslipthrough,butFelixdidnotwanttotryitwithoutGotrek. The lawless lands around the city would be evenmore dangerous nowwith all the localsoldiersandroadwardensenforcingthequarantineandbandsofarmedmenrobbinganyrefugees.

Lawandorderhadalreadybrokendowninpartsofthecityinsidethewalls.Bynightgangsof

lootersroamedthestreetssearchingforfood,helpingthemselvestoanythingthatwasn’tguardedbyarmedmen.Only two nights ago amob had broken into the city granary, despite the presence ofseveralhundredsoldiers.Theyhadbrokendownthegatesonlytodiscoverthattheplacewasempty,filledonlywiththeskeletonsoftheratswhichhadgorgedthemselvesonthegrainandthendied.

Agroupofferalchildrenwaswatchinghimwithhungryeyes.Oneofthemwasroastingadeadratonaspit.Normallyhewouldhavetossedthemacoinoutofpitybuttwiceinthepastfewdayshehad almost been assaulted by such gangs. They had only turned back, discouraged, when he haddrawnhisswordandwhippeditthroughtheairmenacingly.

HerememberedthewordsofCountOstwald.Thecitywasindeedundersiege,butitwasasiegeofamosthorrifyingtype.Therewerenosiegetowers.Noweaponshadbeenbroughttobearexcepthungeranddisease.Therewasnoenemywhichcouldbesoughtoutandbattled.Despairwasthefoehere,andtherewasnoswordwithwhichitcouldbefought.

Ahead of him lay the Blind Pig. Outside it lolled severalmen-at-arms,mercenarieswho hadbilletedthemselvesintheinnbecausetheyknewitanditsowner,andstucktherenowinamassfortheirownprotection.Felixknewthemallandtheyknewhim,butevensotheywatchedhimwarilyashecamecloser.Theywerehardmenwhohaddecidedthatsincetheycouldnotoutruntheplague,theymightaswellbecomfortablewhiletheywaitedforittostrikethemdown.TheElectorCountesswasoffering double pay to those who helped keep the peace by reinforcing her guards and the sadlydepletedcitywatch.Thesemenwereearningtheirextrapay.

“Anynews?”oneof themasked, a burlyKislevite giant knownasBigBoris.Felix shookhishead.

“Anyfood?”askedtheother,asour-facedBretonnianeveryonecalledHungryStephan.Felixshookhisheadagainandsteppedpast theminto the inn.Heinzsatat the tablebeside the

fire,warminghishands.Gotreksatwithhim,gluggingbackanenormoussteinofale.“Looks like itwillbe ratpie forsupperagain,”Heinzsaid.Felixwasnotquitesure ifhewas

makingajoke.“YoungFelixhascomebackemptyhanded.”“Atleastyoustillhavebeer,”Felixsaid.“Ifitweredwarfalewecouldliveonitandnothingelse,”Gotreksaid.“ManyacampaignI’ve

foughtwithnothinginmybellysavehalfabarrelofBugman’s.”“Unfortunately,it’snotBugman’s,”Felixsaiddryly.Sincethefoodshortagesbegan,thedwarf

had taken to reminiscing constantly and in amost annoyingmanner about the nutrient powers ofdwarfale.

“Moreskavenhavebeenseen,”Heinzsaid.“ThecityguardclashedwiththemintheMiddenplatzlastnight.Theyseemedtobeforagingforfoodaswell,orsotheguardclaimed.”

“Mostlikelywanttomakesurewe’restarving,”Felixsaidsourly.“Whatever ’sgoingtohappenisgoingtohappensoon,”Gotreksaid.“There’ssomethinginthe

air.Icansmellit.”“It’sbeeryousmell,”Felixsaid.“IhearCountessEmmanuelleisthrowingabigfancydressball,”Heinzsaidwithagrin.“Maybe

you’llbeinvited.”“SomehowIdoubtit,”Felixsaid.Hehadnotheardfromthepalacesincehehadbeensummoned

byOstwaldtwoweeksagotoexplaintheburningoftheBlackShip.Ofcourse,sincethen,allthosemansionsonthehillhadbecomefortifiedcamps,astherichandtheblue-bloodedisolatedthemselvesinanefforttoescapetheplague.Rumourhaditthatanycommonerevensettingfootonthosecobbledstreetswasshotonsight.

“Typicalofyourbloodyhumannobles,”Gotreksaidandbelched.“Thecityisgoingtothedogs

andwhatdotheydo?Throwabloodyparty!”“Maybeweshoulddothesame,”Heinzsaid.“Thereareworsewaystogo!”“AnybodyseenElissa?”Felixasked,wantingtochangethegloomydirectionthisconversation

wastaking.“Sheleftearlier,wentforawalkwiththatpeasantlad…Hans,isit?”SuddenlyFelixwishedhehadn’tasked.

LurkSnitchtongueglancedaroundthegloomychamberandcontrolledtheurgetosquirtthemuskoffear. It took amighty effort for he could never in all his life recall being cornered by three suchfearsome skaven. He stifled a cough and fought to hold back a sneeze in case either would drawattentiontohim,butitwasnouse.Thosethreesetsofmalevolenteyesweredrawntohisshiveringformlikeironfilingstoamagnet.VilebrothNull,IzakGrottleandHeskitOneEyeallstaredathimasifhewereatastymorsel.ParticularlyIzakGrottle.

Lurkwishedhisbodywouldstopaching.Hewishedhispawswouldstopsweating.Hewishedthepainthatthreatenedtosplithisskullwouldgoaway.Heknewthattheywouldnot.Heknewthathehadtheplagueandheknewthathewasgoingtodie—unlessVilebrothNulldidashehadpromisedandintercededforhimwiththeHornedRat.

Truly,Lurkthought,hewascaughtwithhistailbetweenthecleaverandthechoppingblock.Theonly way he could save his life was by doing what the terrifying plague monk leader said.Unfortunately,VilebrothNullwantedhimtobetrayhismaster,GreySeerThanquol.Lurkshudderedtothinkoftheconsequencesshouldthatformidablesorcererfindoutwhathadhappened.ThewrathofThanquolwasnotsomethinganysaneskavencaredtoface.

The three skavenput theirheads togetheroncemore and started towhisper.Lurkwouldhavegiven anything to knowwhat theywere talking about.On second thoughts, considering theywereprobablydiscussinghisfate,hemightconceivablybeabletolivewithouttheknowledge.Lurkcursedhisownweakness.HehadknownhewasintroublewhenhesawwhohadbeenwaitinginthechamberthatNull had led him to.He knew then, all toowell, that theweeks of negotiations the abbot hadalludedtohadpaidoff,andtwoofthemostpowerfulfactionsofskavendomwerearrayedalongsideClanPestilens.

Inthatsecretchamber,farfromeavesdroppersandshieldedbyNull’spotentsorcery,HeskitOneEyeandIzakGrottlehadbeenwaiting.Assoonashesawthem,Lurkhadknownthegamewasup.UnderNull’sproddinghehad told themeverything.Hehadexplained thatThanquolhadsomehowlearnedoftheirschemes(leavingoutonlyhisownpartintheirdiscovery)andhehadtoldthem,too,ofthemessagesThanquolhadsenttotheirarchenemies,thehumanJaegerandthedwarfGurnisson.Itwentwithout saying that these lordly skavenwere outraged bywhat they saw as the grey seer ’sdespicabletreachery.

Hehadsensedtheirmurderousrageintheairanddoneeverythinginhispowertoavoidbeingthe focusof it.Hehadheardall about thegorydetailsofClanSkryre’sExcruciationEngines,andmanytimeshehadshudderedatthetaleofhowGrottlelikedtoconsumehisenemies’entrailsbeforetheirveryeyeswhiletheystilllived.

Inordertoavoidthisfate,hehadwrackedhismindforeverylittledetailhecouldremember,toconvince them that he was co-operating thoroughly. The prospect of immediate painful deathovercameanyreluctancecausedbythethoughtofwhatGreySeerThanquolmightdotohiminthefuture.And,inonesmall,cunninganddeeplyhiddenpartofLurk’smind,itoccurredtohimthatifthese threecouldbemadeangryenoughto takevengeanceonGreySeerThanquol, thenThanquolwouldbetoodeadtotakeanyrevengeonhiminturn.

Hewasprettysurenowthathehadsucceeded.HeskitOneEyehadgnawedhisowntailinrageas

LurkexplainedhowthegreyseerhadsentexplicitdetailstotheirenemiesconcerningClanSkryre’splantoinvadetheCollegeofEngineering.Hehadevenfabricatedafewconvincingdetailsofhowthegreyseerhadlaughedandgloatedabouthowhisstupidenemieswouldsoonfallintohistrap.Well,thoughtLurk,Thanquolmostlikelyhad.

Izak Grottle had become so outraged he even spluttered out a mouthful of food when LurkexplainedhowThanquolhadtoldhimthatthefatfoolwouldneversuspecthisidioticplantosmuggleasecretweaponintothecityonaconvertedbargewouldbebetrayedbyThanquol’scunning.

VilebrothNull calleddown thecurseof theHornedRatonhis rivalwhenLurk toldhimhowThanquol,jealousofthefavourtheirgodhadshowntheabbot,decidedtoremoveadangerousrivalbyrevealingthewhereaboutsofhissecretlairinthehumancemeterytohistwomosttrustyagentsonthesurface,GurnissonandJaeger.

“Are you certain the grey seer is in leaguewith those two?”Grottle demanded. “Absolutely,definitelycertain?”

“Ofcourse,mightiestofMoulders.Heforcedme,onpainofhideousdeath,todelivernotestothemandtheyalwaysrespondedtohisinstructions,didtheynot?IcanonlyconcludethateithertheyareinGreySeerThanquol’spayor—”

“Orwhat?”VilebrothNullburbled.“No.Thethoughtistoohideous.Notrueskavenwouldstoopto—”“Stooptowhat?Towhat?”“Orheisintheirpay!”Lurksaid,amazedbyhisownpowersofinvention.Thissetoffanother

burstofoutragedchittering.“No!No!Impossible,”HeskitOneEyesaid.“Thanquolisagreyseer.Hewouldneversubmitto

takingordersfromanybutanotherskaven.Thethoughtisludicrous.”“Andyet…”VilebrothNullsaid.“Andyet?Andyet?”IzakGrottlesaid.“AndyetitisindisputablethatGreySeerThanquolhadbeenintouchwiththesurfacedwellers,

andhadbetrayedourplanstothem!”Nullsaid.“Howelsecouldtheyhavegotwindofourschemes?Howelsecouldsuchmagnificentlycunningplanshavefailed?”

“Are you seriously suggesting that Grey Seer Thanquol is a traitor to the skaven cause?Seriously?”IzakGrottleasked,showinghisterrifyinglyhugefangsinagreatsnarl.

“It’spossible,”Lurkdaredtoadd.“Alltoopossible,Ifear,”HeskitOneEyesaid.“Itistheonlyexplanationforwhythegreyseer

would interferewith ourmightymachinations,when allwewere attempting to dowas further theskavencause.”

“Andyetthehumanandthedwarfarehisenemiestoo.Byallaccountstheyalmostkilledhiminthelairofthehuman,vonHalstadt.”

“Andhesentthegutterrunnersagainstthem,”VilebrothNulladded.“Thatwasatruecontract.ChangSquikstillspitswhenhethinksofhisfailure.”

“WhatifGreySeerThanquoliscunningenoughtousehisenemiesagainstus?”HeskitOneEyesaid excitedly. “He pits them against us. He cannot lose! He thwarts a rival or we kill his swornenemiesforhim.”

Therewasamomentofsilence in thechamber,andLurkknewthatwhateverelsehisenemiesthought of the grey seer, they had suddenly gained enormous respect for his cunning. Onconsideration,hehadtoadmitthathehadtoo.Whateverflawshemightpossess,itwashardtodisputethatGreySeerThanquolwaspossessedofallthequalitiesofatrulygreatskaven.

“Even so, even allowing that Grey Seer Thanquol possesses devilish cunning, he has still

betrayedustotheenemy!Thatisbeyonddispute.Hehasrevealedourhiddenplans,andthehiddenplansof our great clans to the enemy,” IzakGrottle said. “GreySeerThanquol is a traitor and anenemyofallourpeoples.”

“Iagree,”Heskitsaid.“Atraitorhemostcertainlyis.Andmore—heisourpersonalenemy.Hehasactedagainstusallonceandalmostcausedourdeaths.Perhapshewillbemoresuccessfulwithhisnextattempt.”

All three of them shivered when they thought of the daemonically clever intelligence whichworkedagainstthem.Lurkcouldseethefearwrittenontheirfaces,andinthenervoustwitchingoftheirwhiskers.

“Ihumblysuggest,”Nullsaid,“thatitmightbethewilloftheHornedRatthatweremoveGreySeerThanquolfromhiscommandofthearmy,andsendhimtomakehisexplanationstotheCouncilofThirteen.”

“I heartily agree with your sentiments. Heartily!” Izak Grottle said. “But how are we toaccomplishthis?ThetraitorremainsincommandofalmostfivethousandClanSkabwarriorswhileourownforcesarebutashadowofwhattheyoncewere.”

“Doubtlessasthetraitorplanned,”Heskitsaid.“Doubtless,”theothertwoagreedsimultaneously.“Thereisalwaysassassination,”Heskitsuggested.“Possibly! Possibly!” Grottle said. “But who would take the chance that the Eshin might be

deludedenoughtoreporttherequestforsuchathingtothetraitorhimself?”“Wecoulddoitourselves,”VilebrothNullsaid.“GreySeerThanquol,despitehisknowntreachery, isa lamentablypowerfulsorcerer,”Heskit

OneEyesaid.“Wemightfailandwemightdie!”Allthreeshudderedandthen,asone,allthreepairsofeyesturnedonLurk.Hequiveredtothe

solesofhispaws,forheknewwhattheywerethinking.“No!No!”hesaid.“No?”HeskitOneEyesaidmenacingly,reachingforthebuttofhispistol.“No?”IzakGrottlerumbledhungrily,andlickedhislips.“No?”VilebrothNullsaid,hawkingahugelumpofgreenphlegmontothefloorbesideLurk’s

feetwhereitbubbledcorruptly.“No!No!Mostmercifulofmasters,Iambutalowlyskaven.Ipossessnotyourmightyintellects

andawesomepowers.AnyofyoumightexpecttobestGreySeerThanquolincombatorcunning,butnotI.”

“Thenwhyshouldwepreserveyourlife?”IzakGrottlesaidsilkily.“Why?Speak!Quick!Quick!Iamhungry.”

“Because…because…”Lurk floundered around frantically seeking a path out of this hideousmaze.Hecursed thedayhehadeverencounteredGreySeerThanquolorborehismessages to thehumanandthedwarf.Wait!Thatmightbetheanswer.Perhapsinthegreyseer ’sowngreatexamplewasthesolutiontohisproblem.“Because…becausethereisabetterway!”

“Isthere?”“Yes.Yes.Onethatholdsfewerrisksandismorecertain!”“Youinterestme,LurkSnitchtongue,”IzakGrottlesaid.“Whatistherethatyoucanseethatwe

cannot?”“Yes!Yes!Goon!Explain!”VilebrothNullsaidinhishideousbubblingvoice.“Youcouldusethegreyseer ’sownmethodsagainsthim!”

“What?”“HehasusedJaegerandGurnissonagainstyou.Whynotusethemagainsthim?”Therewasanotherpausewhilethethreegreatskavenexchangedglances.“Theyarecertainlyformidable,”VilebrothNullsaid.“Fornon-skaven.”“Perhaps!Perhapstheycoulddoit!”chitteredHeskitOneEye.“Doyouthinkso?TheyarenotskavenandThanquolisagreyseer.Agreyseer!”IzakGrottle

saidandbangedhisfistonthetableforemphasis.“Witheveryhumblerespect,”VilebrothNullsaid,“youhavenotencounteredthispair.Heskitof

SkryreandIhave.Amorewickedanddangeroussetofopponentsitishardtoimagine.EvenI,withallmymagicalpowers,barelyeludedthem.”

“Theyslaughteredwelloverhalfofmycompany,”Heskitsaid,leavingouthisownpartinthemassacre.

“Idefer toyourgreater experience,”Grottle said. “But thequestion remains:howwillwegetthemtogoafterGreySeerThanquol?”

“Aletter!”Lurksuggested,carriedawaybythesheerpleasureofplotting.“Yes!Yes!Aletter,”VilebrothNullsaid.“ItisfittingthatGreySeerThanquolshouldbeundonebythedevicebywhichhesoughttoundo

us.”“Butwhereandhowwillourtwoassassinsgettheirchanceathim?”“Wemustwaitfortheopportunitytoarise,”Nullsaid.“And how will we write this letter?” Grottle asked. “I for one have no knowledge of these

primitivehumanrunes.”“I have some knowledge of the human script,”HeskitOne Eye said almost apologetically. “I

needitforreadinghumanschematics.”“Wemustusetheexactpaperandpenthatthegreyseeruses,”Grottlesaid.“Our friend Lurk can acquire those,” Vilebroth Null said, smiling horribly to reveal rotting

teeth.“Andhecandeliverthemessagetoo,inhisusualway,”Heskitsaidsmugly.“ItappearsthatIwon’tbeeatingyoutodaythen,LurkSnitchtongue,”IzakGrottlesaid“Weneed

youalive.Ofcourse,shouldyouattempttobetrayus…”“Thatwillchange,”Heskitfinished.Lurkdidnotknowwhethertobegladorsorry.Heappearedtohaveprolongedhislifebutonly

attheriskofincurringGreySeerThanquol’swrath.Howdidhegethimselfintothesethings?“We’re leaving the city,” Elissa said challengingly. She glared up at Felix as if expecting him tocontradicther.“HansandI.Wehavedecidedtogo.”

“Idon’tblameyou,”Felixsaid.“It’sabadplacetobeandit’sgoingtogetworse.”“Isthatallyouhavetosay?”Felixlookedaroundattheroomtheyhadsharedduringtheirbrieftimetogether.Itseemedsmall

andempty,andsoonitwouldseememptierstill,onceshehadgone.Wasthereanythingmoretosay?Hereallycouldnotblameherforwantingtoleaveand,tobehonest,hecouldseenorealfutureforthemtogether.Sowhydiditstillhurt?Whydidhehavethisfeelingofhollownesswithinhischest?Whydidhefeelthisurgetoaskhertostay?

“You’re goingwithHans?” he asked, just to hear somewords. She looked at him coldly andcrossedherarmstogetherunderherbreastsdefensively.

“Yes,”shesaid.“You’renotgoingtotryandstopus,areyou?”

Sheseemedalmosttowanthimtosayyes,hethought.“It’snotverysafeoutsidethecityrightnow,”hesaid.

“We’reonlygoingbacktoourvillage.It’slessthanamorning’swalk.”“Will they takeyou? Ihear thatpeople from thecityarebeingstonedandshotwitharrows if

theygonearvillagesandfarms.Incasetheyhavetheplague.”“We’llsurvive,”shesaid,butshesoundedlesssureofherself.“Anyway,itcan’tbeworsethanit

ishere,withtheplagueandthegangsandtheratsandall.Atleastbackinthevillagetheyknowus.”“TheycertainlyknowHans.Ithoughtyousaidtheeldershatedhim.”“Youwould cast that up,wouldn’t you?They’ll take us back. I’ll tell themwe’re going to be

married.They’llunderstand.”“Areyou?Goingtobemarried,Imean.”“Isupposeso.”“Youdon’tsoundveryenthusiastic.”“OhFelix,whatelseamIsupposedtodo?Spendtherestofmylifebeingpawedbystrangersin

bars?Goingaboutwithfootloosemercenaries?It’snotwhatIwant.Iwanttogohome.”“Youneedanymoney?”heasked.Suddenlyshelookedalittleshifty.“No,”shesaid.“I’dbestbegoing.Hansiswaiting.”“Becareful,”hesaid,andmeantit.“It’snotasafecityoutthere.”“Youshouldknow,”shesaid.Suddenlysheleanedforwardandkissedhimpassionatelyonthe

mouth.Justashewasabouttotakeherinhisarms,shebrokefreeandmadeforthedoor.“You lookafteryourselfnow,” she said, andhe thoughthedetectedaglimmerof tears in the

cornerofhereyes.Thenshewasgone.Itwasonlyafterwards,whenhechecked the loose floorboard, thathediscovered thepurseof

moneyOttohadgivenhimwasgone.Helayonthebed,unsurewhethertolaughortocry.Well,hethought,letherhavethemoney.Thechanceswerehewouldnotlivelongenoughtospendithimself.GreySeerThanquolglancedaroundthechamberattheassembledskavencaptains.Hisburninggazeseemedtodefyanyonetospeakout.Noonedid.

Lurkcountedthecommanderspresent.AlloftheClanSkableaderswerehere,plusIzakGrottle,VilebrothNull andHeskitOne Eye. Chang Squik, theClan Eshin assassin, skulked in one corner,glaringoccasionallyatLurkwithhate-filledeyes.HehadnotforgottenwhatLurkhadsaidabouthimonthatlong-agodaywhenthegreyseerhadhumiliatedthembothinfrontofthewholearmy.

The grey seer threw his armswide. Trails of fire followed his paws as he gatheredmagicalpower.Thatgot everyone in the room’sattention,Lurk thought.Suddenlyall eyeswere rivetedonThanquolasif,withasinglegesture,hemightchoosetoannihilateanyonewhodidnotlookathim.Thatwascertainlyapossibility,Lurkthought.Ifherecognisedthesignscorrectly,thegreyseerhadconsumedanawfullotofwarpstonepowder.

LurkshiveredandcontinuedtochewonthefoulherbsthatVilebrothNullhadgivenhimtoabatetheplague.HefoughtdowntheurgetocheckwithinhisbreastplateandmakesuretheparchmentandquillhehadstolenfromThanquol’sprivatestockwerenotsliding intoview.Heknewthatnothingwoulddrawattentiontohimquicker.Hereassuredhimselfthattheywerethere.Hecouldfeelthenibofthepenpokingintothetenderfurbeneathhisarmpit.

“Tonight is thenightyouhaveallbeenwaiting for!”Thanquol said. “Tonightwewill smash-crush the humans once and for all. Tonightwewill invade the city and enslave all the occupants.Tonight we will strike a blow for the Under Empire and the skaven nation that will long beremembered!”

Thanquol paused impressively and glanced around the room oncemore, as ifwaiting for an

interruption. No one dared to speak, but Lurk saw Null, One Eye and Grottle exchange glances,before looking at him.Hehoped for all their sakes that thegrey seer hadnot noticed.HeglancednervouslyatThanquol,butfortunatelythegreyseerseemedtobecaughtupintheflowofhisownmadeloquence.

“Wewillgrindthehumansbeneaththeironpawofourmassedskavenarmy.Wewillcarrythemoff into inevitable slavery. Theirwealthwill be ours. Their citywill be ours. Their soulswill beofferedscreamingtotheHornedRat.”

Thanquolpausedoncemore and IzakGrottle found the courage to ask thequestion thatLurkcouldtellhadbeenoneveryone’smind.

“Andhowisthistobeaccomplished,greatleader?”“How?Howindeed!Byaplanatoncesimpleandyetstaggeringlycunning.Byauseofforce

andsorcerywhichwillbetalkedaboutdowntheages.Byoverwhelmingferocityandsuperiorskaventechnology.By—”

“Bywhatprecisemeans,GreySeerThanquol?”VilebrothNull interrupted. “Ihumbly suggestthat,likeeveryskavenoutofrunt-hood,weareallfamiliarwiththegeneralmethodsofattack.”

ForamomentLurkcouldtellthatThanquolwasweighinguptheprosandconsofblastingtheplaguemonkintohiscomponentatomsforhisinsolence.Hewasgladwhenprudentskavencautionwonoutandthegreyseercontinuedtospeak.

“Iwas justcoming to that,asyouwouldhavediscoveredhadyounot interruptedme.Wewillattackthroughthesewers.Eachofyouwillleadyourassignedforcetoapointmarkedonthemap.”With this, the grey seer indicated the complex mass of symbols inscribed on the large sheet ofparchment hanging behind him.Many of the assembled leaders leaned forward to seewhere theywouldbesent.

“Idonotseeyourruneonthisplan,”HeskitOneEyesaid.“Whatwillyoubedoing,greyseer?”Thanquolglaredathimwithburningredeyes.“Iwillbewhereyouwouldexpectyourleaderto

be,performingthemostdifficultanddangerousoftasks.”Silencefellovertheassembledskavenleaders.Thiswasnotinpointoffactwheretheywould

have expected their leader to be at all. They would expect him to be safely in the rear directingoperations.ThewarpstoneThanquolhadconsumedappearedtomakehimtalkative.Hespokeon,intothesilence.

“Iwillbeleadingthecrowningattack.Iwillleadtheassaultbyourstormverminwhichwillseizethepalaceofthebreeder,Emmanuelle,andcaptureallofthecity’srulers.Tonighttheyarehavingaball,oneof theirpurposelesssocialevents.Iwillfallonthembysurpriseandhavethemall inmypaw.Leaderless,thehumanswillsurelyfalltoourattack.”

Thereweremoremurmuringsfromtheassembledskaven.Itwasagoodplan,andaboldone.Lurkwonderedifanyoftheotherssawwhathesaw.Thegreyseerhadchosenhisplaceintheassaultcarefully.Bymanagingthisboldstroke,bycapturingthehumanleaders,hewouldassurehimselfofthelion’sshareoftheglory.Further,itwouldundoubtedlybealotsaferattackingabunchofhumansandtheirbreedersdressedforaballthanfightingmassedtroopsinthecity.

“Suchapositionistoodangerousforaleaderofyourgreatcunning,”HeskitOneEyesaid.“ItwouldbeatragedyifthegeniusofThanquolwastobelosttoskavendom.Topreventsuchatragedy,Iwillleadthisassault.Iwillshouldertheterriblerisks.”

Lurkcoveredhismouthwithapawtopreventasniggerescaping;atleastoneotherskavenhadrealisedwhatwasgoingon.

“No! No!” Izak Grottle said. “I and my rat-ogres are ideally suited for this task. We willoverwhelmall—”

Grottle’swordsweredrownedoutbytheshoutsofalltheotherskavenvolunteers.Thanquolletthemcalloutforafewminutesbeforesilencingthemwithagesture.

“Unfortunately, it will require my potent sorcery to effect entrance to the palace. I must bepresent.”

“ThenIwillgladlylaydownmylifetoguardyou,”IzakGrottlesaid,obviouslydeterminedtobepresenttoshareinthetriumph.

“AndI,”HeskitOneEyesaid.“AndI,”shoutedeveryotherskavenpresent,saveLurk.“No!No! I appreciate your concern, brother skaven, but your leadershipwill be required on

other,no-less-criticalpartsofthebattlefield.”ItwasobviousthatThanquolintendedtosharehisglorioustriumphwithnoone.Theassembled

warleaderssubsidedintodisappointedchittering.“Ihaveherearoutemap,andascheduleforeachofyou,inscribedwithpreciseinstructions.All

ofyou,thatis,exceptforLurkSnitchtongue.IwouldhaveawordwithLurkinprivate.”Lurkfelthisheartstarttorace,anditwasallhecoulddotopreventhimselfsquirtingthemusk

of fear.Had thegrey seer foundout about his plottingwith the three clan representatives?Washeabouttoenactsometerriblerevenge?WasthereanywayLurkcouldavoidthismeeting?

Heturneddesperateeyesonhisthreeco-conspiratorsandsawthattheyglaredathimevilly.Iflookscouldkill,Lurkknew,thosethreewouldhaveputhiminacoffin.Theyfearedhewouldbetraythemtosavehisownskin—andofcoursetheywereright.

Asthewarleaderstroopedforwardonebyonetoreceivethegreyseer ’sblessingandtheirfinalinstructions,LurkprayedtotheHornedRattopreservehim.Felixwanderedarounduntilhearrivedathisbrother ’stownhouse.Hewasnotsurprisedtoseethatitwas locked andguarded.Hewas surprised to find thatOtto andhiswifehadnot fled the city, andfurthermorethattheguardsrecognisedhimandallowedhimtopass.

Ottowaitedinhisstudytogreethim.Hewasstillworking,inscribingthingsinhisledgersandwritingdispatchesthatmightneverbereceived,intendedforotherbranchesoftheJaegerbusinesses.Felixwasstrangelyproudofhimatthatmoment.Ittookagreatdealofcouragetocontinuetoworkunderthesetryingcircumstances.

“WhatcanIdoforyou,Felix?”Ottoasked,withoutlookingup.“Nothing.Ijustcamebytoseehowyouwere.”“Fine!”Ottogaveawansmile.“Businessisbooming.”“Isit?”“Ofcoursenot!Ratsareeatingthestock.Theworkersarestealingeverythingthat isn’tnailed

down.Thecustomersaredyingoftheplague.”“Whyhaven’tyoulefttown?”“Someonehastoremainandlookafterourinterests.Thiswillallpass,youknow.Disturbances

alwaysdo.Thenthere’llbethebusinessofrebuilding.Folkwillneedwoolandtimberandbuildingmaterials.They’llneedluxurygoodstoreplacewhat’sbeenlooted.They’llneedcredittobuyitall.Andwhentheydo,JaegersofAltdorfwillstillbehere.”

“I’llbetyouwill.”“Andwhataboutyou?”Ottoasked,lookingupatlast.“I’mwaitingtoseetheendofthisall.I’mwaitingfortheskaventoshowthemselves.”“Youthinktheywill?”“I’msureofit.I’mcertainthatthisisalltheirdoingsomehow.”

“Howcanyoubesosure?”Felixlookedathisbrotherlongandhard.“Canyoukeepsecrets?”“YouknowIcan.”Felixdecidedthatitwastrue.InhisbusinessOttowouldneedagreatdealofdiscretion.“WhatI’mgoingtotellyoucouldgetmehangedorburnedatthestake.”“WhatyouandthedwarfdidinAltdorfcouldgetyouthatalready.You’realongwayfromthe

capital,Felix,andI’mnotgoingtoturnyouin.”Felix guessed that was true, and somehow he felt a need to tell someone exactly what had

happened.Sohe toldOtto the full tale of his encounterswith the skaven, from the first day in thesewer to the lastbattleon thebarge.Heomittednothing, includinghisduelwithvonHalstadt.Ottolookedathimwithanexpressionthatwentfromincredulitytoseriousnessto,finally,belief.

“You’renotmakingthisup,areyou?”“No.”“Youalwaysdidtakethoseherotalesyoureadtooseriously,littlebrother.”FelixsmiledandOttosmiledback.“Idid,didn’tI?”“Whatisitlike,livinginone?”“Notwhat Iexpected.Notwhat Iexpectedatall.”Felixdecided itwas time tosaywhathehad

cometosay.“Otto—I thinkyouandyourwifeshould leave thecity. I thinktheskavenaregoingtocome

soon,andthatthingswillnotbepleasant.”Ottolaughed.“Wehavearmedservantsandthishouseisafortress,Felix.Wewillbemuchsafer

herethaninthecountry.”Felixknewhisbrotherwellenoughtounderstandthattherewouldbenopersuadinghim.“You

knowyourownbusinessbest,”hesaid.Ottonodded.“Nowcomeeat,man.Icanhearyourstomachrumblingfromhere.”

“Whatisit,mightiestofmages?Whatdoyourequire?”LurkSnitchtonguebowedandscrapedbeforeGreySeerThanquol,searchingforthewordsthat

wouldsavehim.Hefeltsurethatthegreyseer ’ssupernaturalpowershadenabledhimtoseeLurk’streachery and that now he was going to be punished. The terrible glow of warpstone still filledThanquol’seyes,andLurkcouldalmostsensethedarkenergiesthatseethedwithinhim.

“ItconcernsVilebrothNull,”GreySeerThanquolsaidwithanevilsmile.Lurkfelthismuskglandscontract.Hewouldhavespokenthenbuthistonguewastied.Itfeltlike

ithadsuddenlystucktotheroofofhismouth.Allhecoulddowasnodhisheadinaguiltyfashion.“AndHeskitOneEye,”Thanquolsaid,hismalevolentgrinstretchingstillfurther.ApleaformercystuckinLurk’sthroat.Hetriedtoforceitoutbutitjustwouldnotcome.“AndIzakGrottle,”Thanquoladded.HisburningeyesheldLurkpinnedtothespot.Thesmallerskavenfeltlikeabirdparalysedbeforethegazeofaserpent.Henoddedagainand

felltohisknees,pawsclutchedbeforehiminagestureofabasement.“Getup!Getup!”Thanquolsaid.“Theyarenotsofearsome.No!Notatall.Nowisthetimetobe

ridofthemonceandforallandyouwillhelpmedoit!”“Getridofthem,mightiestofmasters?”“Yes!DidyouseethewaytheyquestionedmewhenIwasgivingorderstothearmy?Didyou

seethewaytheytriedtostealthegloryfrommybrilliantplan?Mymindismadeup!Iwilltoleratethemnolonger.Thisnighttheywilldie!”

“How?How,lordofseers?Willyoublastthemwithmagic?”

“No!No!Idiot!Myhandsmustremainclean.No—wewillusethetriedandtestedmethod.Iwillinformmy twopawnsof theirwhereabouts.Thisevening,when thebattlecomes,myenemieswillmeetwith thedwarf’s axe.Then, hopefully, the rest of their forcewill bringdown that interferingtwosome.”

“Howwillyouengineerthis,cleverestofconspirators?”“Ihaveassignedallthreetoonestrikegroup.Itsplaceofemergenceisveryclosetotheburrow

whereJaegerandGurnissonandahordeofmercenariesdwell.Youarealsoassignedtothatgroup.Youwillgothroughfirst,onpretextofscouting,andyouwillwarnthathorridpairofwhatisabouttooccur!”

“Yes!Yes!Consideritdone,mostsupremeofschemers!”“Takethismessageandseethatitisdelivered.ThenfleetomypresenceandIwillseethatyou

are…suitablyrewardedforyourloyalty!”Lurkdidnotliketheemphasisthegreyseerputonthatlastphraseatall,buthetooktheletter

and,stillbowing,backedfromThanquol’spresence.FelixrangDrexler ’sdoorbellmorefromhopethananyrealbeliefthatthedoctorwouldbethere,sohewaspleasantlysurprisedwhentheviewingslotwasopenedandaservantpeeredout.

“Oh,it’syou,HerrJaeger,”hesaid.“Areyoualone?”“Yes,andIwouldspeakwithyourmaster.”“Bestcomeinthen.”Felixheardboltsbeingthrownandthedoorcreakopen.Heglancedback

overhis shoulder tomakesure thatnobanditswerepoised to takeadvantageof the situation, thenhurriedthrough.Theservantslammedthedoorbehindhim.

Felixstrode through thecorridorsof thedoctor ’smansion. It felt likeyearssincehehadfirstcomeherewithElissa,thoughinfactithadonlybeenweeks.Howhadthingschangedsoquickly,heaskedhimself,suppressingaflashoflonelinessandsadnessatthethoughtthewomanwasgone.Heshookhisheadandsmiledsadly,knowingthatherdeparturewasoneofthereasonswhyhewashere.Hewasjustmovingaroundtokeephimselfbusyandavoidthinkingaboutthings.

The servant showedhim intoDrexler ’s study.Thedoctor sat byhis fire, lookingdrained andweary.Weeksoftreatingplaguevictimshadobviouslytakensomethingoutofhim.TherewerelinesonhisfacethathadnotbeentherewhenFelixhadlastseenhim,andahintofpallorbeneathhistan.

“HerrJaeger,whatcanIdoforyou?”“I’ve brought back your book,” Felix said, producing the doctor ’s copy of Leiber ’swork. “I

wouldhavereturneditsooner,butIhavebeenverybusy.”The doctor smiled wanly. “So Herr Ostwald has told me. It seems Aldred chose a worthy

successorforownershipofhisblade.”“I’mnotsoconvinced,”Felixsaid,gesturingvaguelyinthedirectionofthecity.“Allofmyand

Gotrek’seffortsseemtohavecometonaught.”“Donotbesureofthat,HerrJaeger.Whatmancantellofalltheconsequencesofhisactions?It

maybethatthingswouldbealotworsewithoutyourintervention.”“IwishIcouldbelievethatbutIdonotthinkitisso.”“OnlySigmarcanjudgeaman’sactions,HerrJaeger,andIbelievethatinsomewayshesmiles

uponyouandyourfriend.Youarestillhere,aren’tyou?Howmanyotherswouldbeabletosaythesameiftheyhadundergoneyouradventures?IknowIcouldnot.”

Felixlookedathim,struckbythefactthattherewassometruthintheman’swords.“Youareagooddoctor,HerrDrexler.Ifeelbetterjustfortalkingtoyou.”

“Perhapsyoushouldwaituntilyouseemybillbeforeyou thankme,”Drexlersaid.Hissmileshowedthathewasjoking.“Youfoundwhatyouwantedinthebook?”

Felixsetitdownonthetable.“MorethanIeverwanted.I’mnotsurethatithelpsknowinghowevilanddepravedtherat-menare.”

“Again,HerrJaeger,whoknowswhatknowledgemightproveuseful?Havesomefood.Ihavemanagedtopreservesomethingfromtheafflictionsofourcity.”

FelixthoughtguiltilyofthemealwhichhehadalreadyeatenatOtto’s.Hisstomachfeltfullbutwell,ontheotherhandhehadnoideawhenhemighteatagain.IfGotrek’stheoryabouttheskaven’simminentonslaughtwasgoing tobecorrect,hewasgoing toneedallhisstrength.“Whynot?”hesaid.“ItmaybethelastmealIget!”

“Whydoyousay that?”Drexlerasked,andFelixdecided thatnowwas the time todeliverhiswarning.

“BecauseIbelievethattheskavenwillattackthecitysoon.Ialsothinkthatyoushouldleave.Isaythisasafriend.”

“Ithankyouforthewarning,HerrJaeger,butIcannotgotoday.Yousee,tonightIamattendingaballatthepalace,inthepresenceofElectorCountessEmmanuelleherself.”

SomehowthethoughtsentashiverrunningdownFelix’sspine.LurkknewitwasgoingtobebadwhenhefelttheheavyhandofoneofIzakGrottle’stroopsonhisshoulder and he was hustled unceremoniously into the fat skaven’s palanquin. He found himselflookingupintothefoldsoffleshbeneaththechinofthegiganticMoulderpackmaster.Grottle’shugebellyvirtuallypressedhimbackagainstthecushionsofthepalanquinwithalifeofitsown.

“Nowwhereareyougoing?”IzakGrottleasked.“Whereindeed?”Lurkthoughtfast.Hedidnotlikethehungrygleamthathadappearedinthepackmaster ’seye.He

thoughtoftheletterthatheboreforthegreyseer.Hethoughtofthediseasethatthreatenedtofillhislungswithpus,unlesstheabbotcontinuedtointerveneonhisbehalfwiththeHornedRat.“Iwasjustonmywaytoseeyou,mostmajesticofMoulders.”

“ThenitisfortunateIhavefoundyou.Tellme,whatisitthatyouarecarrying?”Lurk toldhimeverything.HehadexpectedIzakGrottle to reachoutwithonepodgyhandand

snaphisneckbut thepackmastermerely laugheda richbooming laugh. “Itwouldappear thegreyseerhasbeentoocleverforhisowngood.Youwilldeliveryourmessage,butitwillbeoneIshalldictateandHeskitOneEyeshallwritedown.”

“Asyouwish,mostpotentofallpackmasters.”FelixtrudgedbacktowardstheBlindPig,feelingalmosttoofulltomove.Overthepastfewweekshisstomachhadshrunkandwhatoncemighthavebeenanormalmealnowlefthimfeelingbloated.Twosuchmealsinonedaymadehimfeellikehewasgoingtoexplode.

Hewore a new herbal talisman given to him by the doctor and he carried anotherwithin hispouch forGotrek. Itwasa slight reassurance tohim.So far,hehadnotcaught theplague,but thatmight not signify anything.Nobody else he knew had either. Perhaps itwasmere chance that hadsparedthem,orperhapsitwasthefactthatHeinzinsistedtheykilleverylastrattheyspottedaroundthePig.Felixcouldnotevenbegintoguess.HeonlyknewthathewasgratefultoDrexlerforthegift.

Helookedaroundintothegatheringgloomandshivered.Thecitylookedlikeamereghostofthe thrivingmetropolis it had beenwhen he andGotrek first arrived.Many buildings had burneddown.Morewereempty.Nolightsshoneinmostofthetenements.Thebustlinglifeofthestreetshadbeenreplacedbyanauraoffear.Theonlyoneslikelytobeabroadnowwerepredators—andtheirvictims.

Hefelt thefleshcrawlbetweenhisshoulderblades,andwassuddenlyconvinced thatsomeonewaswatching him.He turned his head to look at themouth of a nearby alley. Thewhoosh of airalertedhimtoolate.Somethinghithimontheskull.Heshookhisheadinresponse,halfexpectinga

surgeofpain.Nonecame.Heraisedhisfingerstohisbrowbutfeltnoblood.Helookeddowntoseewhathadhithimandsawthatitwasarolled-uppieceofparchment,similartoall theotherswhichhadborneawarningconcerningtheskaven.Hebentdowntopickitupandglancedroundatthesametime. He heard the sound of scuttling down a nearby alley, and realised that it was most likelywhoeverhadthrownthepaper.

Withoutthinking,Felixscoopeduptheparchmentandracedoffinpursuit.Hestretchedhislonglegstothemaximumasherandownthealley.Aheadofhimhethoughthecaughtsightofacowledfigure.Was itpossible that thatwasa longrodent-like tailprotrudingout fromunder thatmonkishrobe?Alltoopossible,hedecided.

Thefigurehadreachedtheendofthealleyandturnedhastilydownanotherofthewindingmazeof streets. Felix raced past open doorways, scattering amazed-looking beggars and treadingmonstrous rats underfoot as he raced onwards. His heartbeat sounded loud in his chest and sweatpoured down his face.He felt nauseous andwished that he had not eaten quite somuch atDoctorDrexler ’s,particularlyaftertheheavymealathisbrother ’s.Heclutchedthescrolltightinonehandandrestrainedthescabbardflappingonhisbeltwiththeother.

“Stop,skaven!”heshouted.Hiswordshadnoeffectonthefleeingrat-man.Allthebeggarsleaptforcoverwithinthenearestdoor.Felixracedon.

Why am I doing this, he asked himself?As far as he knew, the skaven ahead had done themnothingbut favoursbywarninghimofhisbrethren’splans. In thatcase,whywashefleeing,Felixaskedhimself—buthealreadyhadananswer.Whocouldtellwhytherat-mendidanything?Whocouldguessatthereasonsofacreaturethatwasnotevenhuman?

Felix’s heart leapt as he saw the rat-man trip and fall. Perhaps he could overhaul it after all.Caughtupinthefuryofthechase,hedesperatelywantedtodoso.Hewantedtograbtherat-manandlookintoitseyesandquestionit.Not,hethought,thatitwouldlikelyunderstandthehumantongue.AccordingtoLeiber,therat-menhadtheirownlanguages,includinganumberofspecialiseddialectsused by the various clans. Still, at least this one knew enough Reikspiel to write its notes, Felixthought,soperhaps itcouldbe interrogated.Heranfaster,hopeblazing inhisbreast thatat lasthemightbeabletogetsomeanswerstohisquestionsabouttheskaven.

***Lurkglancedbackoverhisshoulderandchitteredacurse.Itwasnouse.Thatfoolishhumanwasstillfollowinghim!Why?Whatdidithopetoachievebypersecutinghiminthisway?WhycoulditnotleavehimaloneandreadthemessagethatHeskitOneEyehadinscribedontheparchment?Ifitdidthat,itwouldsurelyrealisethatithadmoreurgentbusinessthisnight—likeheadingtothepalaceandthwartingGreySeerThanquol’splan.

Lifewassounfair,Lurkthoughtunhappily.Herehewas,inpoorhealth,brow-beatenbysomeofthemostferociousskavenwhoeverlived,abouttomakeanenemyofoneofthemightiestsorcerersofhisrace.Hisheadhurt.Hiseyesburnedwithfever.Hisheartfeltlikeitwasgoingtogiveoutfromthe strain of this race. His lungs felt like they were on fire. And where was he? Not in somecomfortableburrowbackinSkavenblight,butbeingpursuedthroughthehorriblyopenstreetsofthishuman city by a large and terrifying warrior. It was like some dreadful nightmare. The sheerunfairnessofitallgalledLurk.Whathadheeverdonetodeservethis?

Heshotanotherbackwardglanceandsawthathispursuerwasstartingtonarrowthedistancethatseparated them.Lurkprayed thatnightwouldcome,or thatmistwouldarise.Hefeltcertain that indarknessandshadow,hecould lose thehuman.Or ifhecould just reachthehiddenentrance to thesewerswherethebulkoftheinvasionforcewaited,hewouldfindsafety.Heriskedanotherlookback—andcursedashefelthisfeetgooutfrombeneathhim.

Heknewheshouldhavelookedwherehewasgoing!Felixclosedthegapquicklyashesawtheskavenscrabbletoitsfeet.Hewonderedbrieflywhetherheshouldpauseanddrawhissword.Hedecidedagainstit.Hewouldlosegroundagainandtheskavendidnotappear tobearmed.Hecouldalwaysproducehisbladewhenhehad the rat-mancornered.Breathingheavily,heranon.PraisetheHornedRat,thoughtLurk!Aheadofhimhecouldseetheopeningintothesewers.Heknewthathemerelyhadtoleapdownitandhewouldbesafeinthecomfortingbosomoftheskavenarmy.Down there waited Vilebroth Null, Izak Grottle, Heskit One Eye and all their soldiers. But as hegatheredhislegsbeneathhiminpreparationforthemightyleapthatwouldcarryhimtosafety,hefeltapowerfulhandclampontohisshoulder.Felixfelttheskavenstiffenashegrabbedit.Hepulledhard,spinningitaround—andalmostletgoasthewicked-lookingcreatureglaredupathimwithhate-filledeyes.Ofalltherat-menhehadeverencounteredthiswasthemostslyandnastylooking.Itwassmallerandthinnerthanmostbuthadawirystrengththatmadeitdifficulttohold.

“Now,”Felixpanted.“Tellmewhatyou’redoinghere!”Asuddenpainflaredinhisleftwristastherat-manbitit.Overcomebyshock,Felixletgo.Lurk broke free from his tormentor ’s grip and dropped gratefully into the sewer. Breaking thesurface,helookedaroundandsawthattheskavenassaultforcehadalreadygathered.Ahordeofrat-men waited in attendance. He looked around and saw Izak Grottle and the others waiting in theleader ’spositionattherear.AstormverminclawleaderlookeddownatLurkashepulledhimselfoutofthefilthandshookhisfurclean.

“Whatisit?”theclawleaderasked.“I ampursued…”Lurk gaspedwithout thinking.Before he could expand on his statement the

clawleaderreacted,keentograbsomeglory.“Right!”theskavenshouted.“Quick-quick!Charge!”

Felixinspectedhisbittenwrist.Itdidnotlooktoobad,hethought.Thenheglancedupinhorrorasheheardthefirstoftherat-menbegintoswarmuptheseweraccessladder.Onlymomentsbeforehehaddebatedwhethertopursuetheescapingskavenintothesewers.Nowhesawthatitwouldhavebeensuicidal.Alreadytheleeringfaceandsnappingjawsofaburly,black-armouredrat-manhademergedinto the gloom. Felix wasted no time. He launched a hefty kick that sent the furiously squeakingskaventumblingbackdownamonghisfellows,andthenturnedandran.

Momentslateramassoffuriouslychitteringskavenwarriorsemergedintothealley.Somewhataheadofschedule,thegreatinvasionofNulnhadbegun.“No!No!”Lurksqueakedasthetightlypackedmassofskavenwarriorssurgedpasthim.Thepressoffurrybodiespushedhimbackintothefoulwatersofthesewer.Forahorriblemomenthefeltlikehewas going to drown, but then he broke the surface oncemore, just in time to see the last of thestormverminclamberingwithunrestrainedfuryintothelight.Abovehim,themadfaceofVilebrothNullleereddown.

“Didyoudeliverthemessage?”burbledthelowabbotoftheplaguemonks.“Yes!Yes!”Lurkchittered,thinkingthatnowwaspossiblynotthebesttimetotellNullthatthe

skaventroopsabovewerenowdoingtheirbesttohuntdownandkillthemantowhomthemessagehadbeendelivered.Felixcouldheartheshoutsofhisfoulpursuersbehindhim,andthescreamsoftheunfortunateswhogot in theirway.Aquickglanceoverhis shoulder revealed that theskavenwereputtinganyone intheirpathtothesword.ThesightofitsickenedFelixbutinawayhewasalsoglad.Everylittlepauseandhesitationenabledhimtoincreasehisleadoverthem.

Hiswristthrobbedwherethelittleskavenhadbittenit.Henoticedthatthescrollithadthrownathimwascrumpledinhishand.Brieflyhetoyedwiththrowingitaway.Insteadhethrustitinsidehistunic and continued to sprint. At least he was not weighed down with heavy armour the way hispursuerswere.

Thethoughttrickledslowlyintohismindthattheskaveninvasionmusthavestarted.Thesightofsomanyheavilyarmedrat-meninthestreetscouldonlymeanthattheywerereadytobeginanall-outattack on the city and that they had no fear of the defenders. Right now, Felix guessed, theirconfidencewasjustified.Hecouldnotseeasinglememberofthecityguard.Ofcourse,mostofthemwereprobablyupintheNobleQuarteraroundthepalace,makingsurealltheguestsatthecountess’spartyweresafe.

Felix slammed into awall and rebounded again, turning quickly to hurtle down a connectingalley.Thisareaofnarrow lanesandalleyswasaveritablemazeandhewasnotat all surehewasheadingintherightdirection.Hecouldonlymoveasquicklyaspossibleandlistentothenoiseofhispursuers,prayingthathedidnotblunderroundinacompletecircleandrunrightintothemagain.

Hesearchedhisbrainforaplan,butallhecouldcomeupwithwastogetbacktotheBlindPigas quickly as possible and warn Gotrek and the others. At least there was a strong force ofmercenariesandapotentialrallyingpointforanyhumanwarriors.Nowallhehadtodowasfindawayout.Hisheartfilledwithfear,hecontinuedtorun.Lurk tried to keep himself right in the middle of the teeming mass of warriors. He had enduredenoughexcitementforoneeveninganddidnotneedanymore.HefocusedhisattentiononkeepingIzakGrottle in sight.TheMoulder packmaster ’s bodyguardof huge rat-ogres representedhis besthopeofprotectionin thecomingconflict.Lurkseriouslydoubtedthatanyonewouldwant toattackthehugecreatures.

Sofar, theassaultappeared tobegoingwell.Theskavenforce in thisareahadmetwith littleresistance.He could smell burning and the distinctive oil-and-naphtha smell ofwarpfire throwers.From the backwash of light off to the south he realised that some of the Clan Skryre warpfirethrowerswereusingtheirweaponsonthebuildings.Squintingthroughtheshadows,Lurkcouldseejetsofflamesquirtingoutatthetenements.Firelickedandcurledatthewoodwork.Stonebegantosplinterandcrackunderthesheerheatgeneratedbytheawesomeskavenweapons.

Lurkwasnotsocertainthatthiswasagoodidea.HewasnotsureGreySeerThanquolwouldapproveofsuchindiscriminatedestructionofhisfutureproperty.Ofcourse,ifthemessageLurkhaddeliveredachieveditsgoal,thegreyseerwouldbeinnopositiontovoicehisobjections.Hewouldbedead.

Lurkwonderedwhether thehuman,Jaeger,hadmanaged toescape.Partofhimhopednot.Hecouldstillrememberthewretchedhuman’shandclampedonhisshoulder,andthepainwheretheironfingershadbit intohis fur.Therewasnosign thathehadbeen takenprisoner,noranysignofhiscorpse.Not that thatmeant anything,Lurk thought. In thesewinding alleys, already crammedwithskavenvictims,abodycouldbelyingalmostanywhere.Alreadytheskavenforcehadstartedtobreakupandfanout.Someofthewarriors,meetinglittleresistance,hadalreadybeginlootingandeating.

Lurkwasnotsurethatthiswasagoodideaeither.Surelythingscouldnotgosoeasily.Surelytheywouldmeetmoreresistancethanthis?Whereweretheaccursedhumanwarriors?Hisquestionsreceivednoanswers.Allaround,buildingswerebeginningtoburn.Chang Squik clambered up the sheer face of the cliff leading to the palace of the human breeder,Emmanuelle. The line attached to his grapnel held firm. The heavy weight of the rune-encrustedseeingstoneentrustedtohimbyGreySeerThanquolpersonallyrestedsecurelyintheknapsackonhisback.ChangSquikbracedhimself and scrabbledwith theclawsofhis feet forpurchaseon the

smoothstoneofthecliffface.Thingsweregoingwell.Inafewmoreminuteshewouldbeinpositionwith thestoneplacedwithin thehallsof thepalace,readyforwhatevermightymagic thegreyseerhad planned. He would have played his part in the skaven victory today— and gone some waytowardsmitigatingthedisgraceofhisfailuretokill thedwarfandhishumanhenchman.Hopefullythatpainfulmemorywassomethingwhichcouldbelaidtorestbeforethisnightwasovertoo.

Suddenlybelowhim,inthedistance,heheardthefaintbutdistinctchitteringofskavenwarcries,andtheansweringscreamsoftheirhumanvictims.Twistingontheropeheglancedbackandsawtheeerieglowofwhatcouldonlybewarpfirethrowersbeingusedinthedistance.Surelytheattackhadnot begun already?The foolswere supposed towait until hewaswithin thepalace andGreySeerThanquol’splanhadbeenimplemented!

He cursed and redoubledhis efforts to climb.Thenoise and the sight of the firewoulddrawhuman sentries and other spectators to the battlements above him.ChangSquik could ill afford tohavehisgrapnellinediscovered.Allitwouldtakewouldbeonehumanwithaknifetoslicetheblackrope,andhis longandhonourablecareerwouldcometoanend.Controllinghisurge tosquirt themuskoffear,theClanEshinassassinpulledhimselfupward.ThestrangegreenishlightintheskyconfirmedFelix’ssuspicionsthattheinvasionhadindeedbegun.HerecognisedthecolouroftheflamesasbeingthesameasthoseproducedbythestrangeweaponswhichhaddestroyedtheCollegeofEngineering.Lookingback,hecouldseefire leapingfromtherooftopsofblazingtenements.Thecollegehadbeenaseparatebuildingisolatedbehindthewallsofitsowngrounds.Thebuildingshereinthispartofthecity,incontrast,werepackedastighttogetheras drunks in a crowded tavern.Many of them leaned conspiratorially over alleyways. Somewerelinked by high bridges far above the ground, and by supporting arches in the alleys. Most hadthatchedroofsandwoodensupportbeams.Felixshiveredinspiteofhimself.Theconflagrationwasgoingtospreadquickly.Thecitywasgoingtoburn.

Still, at least for themomenthe seemed tohave losthispursuers.Therewasnot a rat-man insight.Betteryet,herecognisedthisstreetatlastandknewthathewasnottoofarfromtheBlindPig.Hepaused, leaningforwardwithhishandsbracedonhisknees,pantingforbreathandshakinghisheadtoclearthesweatfromhiseyes.OncehereachedthetavernhewouldbeabletoputtogetheraplanwithGotrekandtheothers.

Suddenly,fromthemouthofanearbyalleyheheardashriekedwarcry.Lookingup,hesawalargegroupofskaveneruptoutintothecobbledstreet.Gatheringallhisenergy,Felixranforhislife.GreySeerThanquolledhiseliteforceofstormverminintoposition.Hiskeengreyseer ’sintuitiontoldhimthatdirectlyabovethemwasthepalace.Hecouldsenseitspresence.Hetrampledthecorpseofthesewerwatchmanbeneathhispawandallowedhimselftogloat.SofartheClanEshinassassinshaddonetheirwork.Everyhumaninthesewerswhomighthavegivenawaytheirpresencewasdead.Bynow,teamsofgutterrunnerswouldbeinpositionatthebaseofthecliffonwhichthecastlerested.Hopefully,bynowChangSquikwouldbeinposition.

Thanquolproducedthescryingstonefromwithinhisrobes.HebegantomuttertheincantationswhichwouldlinkittothetwincarriedbytheleaderoftheEshinforces.Nowwouldbethetimeforamighty feat of sorcery, one that would grant the skaven swift and inevitable victory. In order toperformit,Thanquolknewhewouldneedvastamountsofpowerandthereinlaythedanger.

In order to acquire enough mystical energy to power the spells that he needed to perform,Thanquolwouldhavetoconsumeanenormousamountofwarpstone,andthathaditsdangers.Thiswas not the mild, refined stuff which made up his snuff. No, this was the pure product, the veryessence of magic, concentrated and purified by skaven alchemists. It was a substance capable ofproviding its user with awesome power, but its use carried equally awesome dangers.Many grey

seershadbeendrivenovertheedgeintomadnessbythecorrosiveeffectsofthesubstanceontheirsanity. Others had been reduced to mindless Chaos-spawn by its mutating effects. Taken in largeenoughdosesbythoseofinsufficientlystrongwill,warpstonecoulddevolveitsuserintoaformless,amorphousthing.

Butwhatwasthattohim,mightiestofgreyseers?Thanquolwasapracticeduserofwarpstone,wascapableofconsumingit ingiganticquantitieswithoutilleffect.Thethingsthathappenedtoallthoseotherscouldnothappentohim.Definitely,positivelynot…

For amoment, brief niggling doubt flared in Thanquol’smind.What if therewas somethingwrongwith thewarpstone?What if itwerenotpurebutcontaminatedwithotherstuff?Such thingshadhappened.WhatifThanquolwerenotasstrongashebelieved?Mistakesindosagewerealwayspossible.Butonlyforaseconddid thegreyseerhesitate,beforehisnaturalconfidence inhisownmightyabilitiesreturned.Hewasnotonetoflinchfromthedangersofwarpstone.Infact,headmittedtohimself,heratherenjoyedit.Heremindedhimselfofthisashereachedintohispouchandputthefirstluminouspieceofwarpstoneontohistongue.Ittingledevenasheconsumedit.Nowmemoriesofhislong-goneyouthcamebacktohim.Herecalledhisinitiationintotheuseofwarpstone.

No,thoughtThanquol,therewasnothingtofearhere.Sothinking,hebeganpreparinghimself,makinghimselfreadyforwhenthecorrecttimecametocastthespellwhichwouldgranthisforcesvictory.AheadFelixcouldseethelightsoftheBlindPig.Awaveofreliefpassedthroughhim.Ifthetaverndid not quite represent safety, at least it had to be better than this nightmare chase through thedarkenedstreetswithahordeofshriekingrat-menonhistrail.HecouldseeBorisandStephanandahostoftheircompanionsstandinginthestreet,shieldingtheireyesastheystudiedthedistantfires.

“Beware!Skaven!”Felixshoutedandsawthemallreachfortheirweapons.Inmoments,swordsglitteredin thehalf-lightof theburningcity.Frominside the tavernanumberofarmouredfiguresspilledoutintothegloom.FelixwasrelievedtoseethemassivesquatfigureofGotrekamongthem.There was something enormously reassuring under these circumstances about the massive axeclutchedinhishands.

Felixracedupto thewarriorsas theybracedthemselvesfor theskavenattack.Behindhimtheskaven,unwillingorunabletogiveuptheheadyrushofthechase,cameonlikeanavalancheoffurandfury.

FelixmadehiswaythroughthethrongtostandbesideGotrek.TheSlayerhadtheusuallookofmadjoyinhisonegoodeyethathealwaysgotbeforecombat.

“Iseeyoufoundourscuttlinglittlefriends,manling,”hesaid,runninghisthumbalongthebladeofhisaxeuntilabrightredbeadofbloodappeared.

“Yes,”Felixgasped,strugglingtogethisbreathbackbeforethecombatbegan.“Good.Let’sgetkillingthen!”

DoctorDrexler lookedaroundhim.Somethingwasverywrong.Manyof thewarriorshadgonetothebattlementstolookatthefiresandnotcomeback.Ostwaldhadalreadyherdedthewomenbackintotheballroom.MessengershadbeenrushingtoandfrobetweenOstwald,CountessEmmanuelleandthoseoutside.Somethingwasverydefinitelyhappeningandheneededtofindoutwhatitwas.Ifhehadnotknownbetter,hewouldhaveswornthatOstwaldhadorderedtheorchestratoplayloudertodrownoutthesoundsofthedisturbance.

That must be it, Drexler thought, knowing that he had guessed the truth. Something washappeningandinordertoforestallapanic,Hieronymouswascoveringitup.Heglancedaroundattheotherspresent,andadjustedhismask.Mostof thepeopleintheballroomconsistedofladiesofrank,togetherwithasprinklingofhangers-on,toadiesandthosesimplytoodrunktoleavethehall.

Ofcoursetherewerefootmenpresent,andafewguardstoo,butthesituationwasnotveryreassuring.He glanced across atOstwald, notwanting to divulge the connection between them but filledwithcuriosityaboutwhatwasgoingon.Thesecretarywasgarbedasawoodelfwarrior,completewithbow.Drexlerwalkeduptohim,stillnibblingatasavoury.

“Whathashappened?”heasked.“Some disturbance in the town, Herr Doctor. Arson and possiblyworse.WithHer Serenity’s

permission,Ihaveorderedtroopsfromthebarrackstoquelltheproblem.”“Nothingwronginthepalacethen?”“NotasfarasIknow,butIhaveorderedtheguardstodouble-check.”“LetuspraytoSigmarthatitisonlysomelooters.Thingshavebeendreadfulrecently.”“I fear the worst,” Ostwald said, looking up as another courier approached. Drexler agreed.

Somewherenearbyhissorcerouslytrainedsensestoldhimthatpowerfulmagicwasgathering.ChangSquikcursedandduckedforcover.Theplacesmelledlikeareekingmidden.Lookingaroundwithhisdark-accustomedeyes,hecouldtellthiswas,intruth,ahumanprivy.Well,therewereworseplacestohide,hetoldhimself,butthiswasnotgoingtohelphismission.

Heknewitwasnouse.Hewasnotgoingtomakeittothegreatchamberabovetheballroomthathe and the grey seer had agreed on. All of the stolenmaps of the palace he had studied and stillcarriedinhisheadtoldhimthis.Hejustdidnothavethetimetogetthereand,evenwithhissupremeskillsatsneakingandskulking,hedoubted thathecouldfindhisway,unseen, through themassofhumanscrowdingthepalacecorridorsandheadingtothebattlementsinsearchofaviewofwhatwasgoingonbelow.Thisplacewasjustgoingtohavetodo.

Hetooktheknapsackfromhisbackandreachedwithin.Theheatandtheglowproducedbytheseeingstonetoldhimthathewasonlyjustintime.Perhapsevenalittlelate.Hewonderedhowlongthegreyseerhadalreadyspentglaringoutintothedarknessoftheinsideofhispack.Heshudderedwhenhe thoughtof thewrathofThanquol,ashesquatteddown,pressedhisnose to thesideof thestone,andgavethethumbs-upsign.

***Felixduckedtheswipeofajaggedscimitarandlashedoutwithhissword.Hisblowtooktheskavenbeneath theribs,andcleavedupwards insearchof itsheart.Theskavengaveaneeriehigh-pitchedshriek, clutched its chest, and died. It fell to the ground even as Felixwithdrewhis blade from itschest.

Felixglancedaroundat theswirlingmelee.TohisrighthesawHeinzdashout thebrainsofaskavenleaderwiththecoshheheldinhislefthand,whilehefendedofftheattackofanotherskavenwiththebladeheheldinhisright.BorisandStephanfoughtback-to-backintheteethofthetideofrat-men.SomewhereinthedistancehecouldhearGotrek’sbellowedwarcry.

Rightatthismoment,itwasdifficulttotellhowthefightwasgoing.Themercenariesseemedtobeholdingtheirownagainsttheskaven,andthebattleseemedtohaveattractedtheattentionofothers.Humans were pouring out of the nearby tenements. Some clutched bedpans and pokers and otherimprovised weapons. Others carried swords and blunderbusses and other, rather more useful-looking,instrumentsofdestruction.Itseemedthatthecitizenshaddecidedthattheywouldrathermeettheirendinbattlewiththeirfoesthanbeburnedtodeathintheirhomes.Thatwasgood,thoughtFelix,for themercenariesneededall thehelptheycouldgetasmoreandmoreskavenwerebeingdrawnthroughtheblazingstreetstothesoundofbattle.

Evenashestoodthere,aseveredheadcameflyingoutof thegloom,spinning,spillingbloodfrom disconnected arteries, spraying all those below itwith a shower of black raindrops. It arcedstraighttowardFelixandhebatteditasidewithhissword.Saltyblackfluidsplatteredhisfaceandhe

foughttheurgetolickhislipstocleanthem.Lookingdownhesawthattheheadbelongedtoahugeskavenwarrior.

Hewipedhis facewithhis cloakquickly,worried that somethingmight take advantageofhisblindnessandstabhim.ShakinghisheadhemovedforwardcautiouslytowherehecouldhearGotrekshouting.Aheadofhimhecouldseeanenormousruck.TheSlayerstoodpoisedatopwhatfirstFelixtooktobeanenormousmoundofbodiesbutswiftlyrealisedwasaplaguecart.AwaveoffuriousskavenscrabbledtoreachhimbutwerebeinghewndownbytheawesomepoweroftheSlayer ’saxe.

Inthedistance,loomingoverthegreatmassoflesserskaven,Felixcouldseeahugewedgeofcreatureshehadcometothinkofasrat-ogres.Gotrekobviouslysawthemtoo,forhedivedfromthetopoftheplaguecartintotheseethingseaofskaven.Withinmoments,hisflickeringaxehadleftawallofbrokenanddyingbodiesallaroundhimashethrusthiswaytowardsthegiantmonstersthatwere his goal. Felix debated for only amomentwhether to follow him and then pushed forward,shouting:“Followme,lads!Let’skillsomebloodyrat-men.”

Ashehackedtoleftandright,hehopedthemercenarieswerelisteningandfollowing,otherwiseheandGotrekwereinforahardtimewhentheyclosedwiththerat-ogres.Thanquol glared into his scrying crystal.His head swam.His brain felt aflame. The power of thewarpstone flowed throughhisveins likeadrug. Itmadehim feeldizzyandwonderful at the sametime.Atthismoment,hefeltsurehecouldperceivetheunderlyingpatternofmysticalforcesfocusedonthecrystal.Heconcentratedharderonmakingthethingwork.

Atlastthedarknesshadcleared.AtlasthecouldseetheleeringfaceofChangSquik.ItappearedthattheClanEshinassassinhadreachedhisobjective.Good,Thanquolthought.Abouttime.Hecouldbarelycontaintheenormousmassofwarpstone-fuelledmysticalenergywhichboiledwithinhim.Hefeltsosaturatedwithpowerthatitseemedthatatanyminutehemightexplode.Hisheadswamandhisvisionblurred;everythingseemedtoswimaroundhim.FranticallyhetriedtorememberthesyllablesofthespellhehadmemorisedsolongagointhatgreatblackbookintheAccursedLibrary.

Foralongmomentthewordseludedhim,squirmingandslidingjustoutofreachofhisthoughtprocesses.Thanquolbittheinsidesofhischeekuntilhetastedblood.Thepainseemedtosharpenhiswits, for eventually the words came to him. He opened his lips and the syllables of his ancientlanguageseemedtovomitforthfromhismouth,ejectingwiththemaroilingcloudofdark,magicalenergy.

Thanquol’sheartbeatacceleratedtolevelshewouldnothavebelievedwereendurable.Hisheartthumpedwildlyinhischestandhisbreathingwasraggedandchoked.Heknewhewaslosingcontrolofhisspellandfought torein in theflowofpowerbefore itdestroyedhim.Brain-blastingvisionsdancedthroughhismind,andheknewthathisseer ’sgiftshadbeendriventoincrediblenewheightsby theunprecedentedamountsofwarpstonehehadconsumed.Brieflyhisconsciousnessseemed toleavehisbodyandscenesflickeredthroughhismindinswiftsuccession.

For a moment his spirit hovered over the city and he had a panoramic view of all that washappening.Belowhimthestreetsblazedwithfireandviolence.Ariverofskavenracedthroughthecity, killing all that were in their path. Here and there they had encountered pockets of armedresistancewherehumangarrisonsorjustthemobsofcitizenshadtakentothestreetsindefenceoftheirhomes.Hesawswift,savagescufflesandgiant ratsdevouring thecorpsesofmanandskavenalike.Hesawburningbuildingsandbrokenbodies.HesawthewholeofthegreatancientmancityofNulninflames.

Thanquol’sattentionwasdrawntooneparticularstrugglewhichsuddenlyleaptintofocuswhenherecognisedtwoalarminglyfamiliarfigures.Thedwarfandthehuman,followedbyadisciplinedpackofhumanwarriors,werehackingthroughtheskavenwarriorstowardsthehulkingbodyguard

ofIzakGrottle.Inhistrancestate,Thanquolcouldseetheroaringrat-ogres—andtheappalledlookonthefaceofhishenchlingLurkashecontemplatedtheprospectofimminentviolence.Hesawthemad eyes ofVilebrothNull glaring into space as if he sensed the presence of some disembodiedwatcher.Itlookedverymuchtothegreyseerlikehisplanwasworkingandtheinterferingtwosomewereabouttodestroyhisbitterestrivals.

Good,hethought,letthem!Thanquolwouldbrooknoothersclaiminganunfairportionofhisglory.

HesawHeskitOneEyebarkinstructionstohisjezzail-equippedbodyguardsandsawthelong-barrelledrifleswingtobearonthedwarf.No!No,Thanquolthoughtfuriously.Noneofthat!Withanalmost imperceptibleflickerofhis thoughts,hetouchedthesniper ’smind.Itsfingerscurledonthetriggerbut itswarpstonebulletwentwild, smashing into the skullof a rat-ogre, almostkilling thebrainlessbeast.Thethingroaredandwentwild,surgingforwardintotheskaventroopsfromtherear,killingasitwent.

Thanquolfeltdizzyandrealisedthathewaslosinghimselfinhisspell.Hispowerwasbleedingawayand,ifheintendedtoaccomplishwhathewanted,hehadbetterdoitsoon.Withawrenchhesenthis spirit soaring back towards the castle. He funnelled it into the linkwith the scrying stone andlookedoutoncemoreonChangSquik.Suddenly,withasnap,hewasbackinhisownbodyagainandthewordsofthespellweretumblingfromhismouth.

He concentratedwith all hismight, bringing to bear all the relentless discipline of hismanyyearsasagreyseerandthespellswiftlyreturnedtohiscontrol.Intheairbeforehim,thedarkcloudshimmered and parted, revealing a rift in space running from the point just in front of whereThanquolstoodtothegroundaroundChangSquik’sscryingcrystal.

“Quick!Quick!Forward!”heshoutedtohisStormverminguard.Theywalkedforwardintotheblackcloud, shimmeredandvanished to reappear—Thanquolmostearnestlyhoped!—in theveryheartofthebreederEmmanuelle’spalace.Ahead of them, Felix could see the rat-ogres. They loomed head and shoulders above the crowd,monstrouscreatures,man-shapedbutwiththeheadsofimmenserabidrats.Vastboilseruptedthroughtheirmangy fur.Thestigmataofavarietyof foulmutationsmarred their flesh.Eachhadpaws thesizeofshovelswhichended inclaws likedaggers.Huge tusk-like fangsdrippingwithsaliva filledtheirmouths.Theirbellowswereaudibleevenoverthedinofbattle.

Atthesightofthem,Felixfelttheurgetohaltandflee.Hecouldtellthemercenariesfollowinghim felt the same way. The momentum of their charge was dissipating as they contemplated thehorrificappearanceof their foes.OnlyGotrekshowedno fear.Heploughedonward,unwillingorunabletobebotheredbythefearsomenatureofhisfoes.Therat-ogreswerenomoretroubledbytheTrollslayer ’sarrivalthanhewasbytheirs.Withanear-shatteringroar,theychargedrabidlytomeethim.

Itseemedunlikely toFelix thatanythingcouldsurvive themadrushofsuchhugecreatures. Itwaslikeexpectingsomeonetobeabletowithstandthechargeofaherdofelephants.Nothingshouldhave been able towithstand the onslaught of that hugemass ofmuscle and teeth and claws. For amoment,allheadsturnedandeventheskavenstoppedtheirrelentlessadvancetowatch.

Completelyundauntedby the facthisopponentswere twicehis size,Gotrekcameon.His axeflashed, glowing red in the lurid blaze of the burningbuildings, andone of the rat-ogres tumbledbackwards,itslegchoppedoffattheknee.AsitfelltheSlayer ’saxeslashedbackagainandseveredits arm.Clutching at the bloody stumpwith its good paw, the creature rolled over on the ground,writhingandshrieking.

Another of the immense creatures reached out andmade a grab for the dwarf. Its razor-like

talonsbit intohis ruddy flesh.Bloodydroplets appearedonGotrek’s shoulder as themightybeastraisedhimhighaboveitshead.ItopeneditshugejawstothefullestextensionasifintendingtodroptheSlayerinanddevourhiminonebite.Gotrekbroughthisaxecrashingdown.Poweredbyalltheawesomestrengthof theSlayer ’smightyarm, it smashed the rat-ogre’shead in two.Blood,brainsandteethexplodedeverywhere.TheSlayerwentflyingbackwardsthroughtheair,propelledskywardbythereflexactionoftherat-ogre’sdeathspasm.

Seeing the remaining rat-ogres begin their advance towards Gotrek’s recumbent form, Felixmusteredallhiscourageandshouted:“Charge!Charge!Let’ssendthesefoulverminbacktothehellthatspawnedthem.”

Notdaringtolookbackoverhisshouldertoseeifanyonewasfollowinghim,heracedforwardintothefray.ChangSquikwatchedinamazementastheairinfrontofhimshimmered.Foramoment,itappearedlikeasmall,brightholehadbeenpunchedintheveryfabricoftheworld.Throughthatholeleakedavileblackgaswhichsmelledofwarpstoneanddarkmagic.Evenastheassassinwatched, thecloudexpandedandshimmereduntilitstoodhigherthananyskaven.ThentheclouditselfpartedtorevealagatewayjoiningtheprivyinwhichChangSquikstoodtotheplacewherethegreyseerwas.

ChangSquikheardasuddennoisebehindhimandspunaroundtoseeanornatelygarbedhumanenter the privy, fumblingwith his codpiece as if he intended tomakewater.The human reeked ofalcohol.Hepausedinamazementandlookedattheskulkingskaven,thenshookhisheadasiftoclearit.

“Isay,”hesaid.“That’saruddygoodcostume!”Thenhiseyeswidenedfurtherashenoticedtheranksofstormverminstartingtopourthrough

Thanquol’s sorcerous gateway.He opened hismouth and had just time for one shriek ofwarningbeforeChangSquik’sthrowingknifeburieditselfinhisheart.

Moreandmoreskavenwarriorsflowedintothechamber,burstingoutfromtheprivyandintothecorridorsofthepalace.Felixducked, threwhimselfflat,androlledunderablowthatwouldhavetakenhisheadoff,haditconnected.Upclosetherat-ogreswere,ifanything,evenmorefrighteningtobehold.Theirmuscleswerelikethecablesusedtomoorshipsandtheylookedasiftheycouldsmashthroughastonewallwithlittleeffort.Thecreature’smassivetaillashedthroughtheairwithacracklikeawhip.Worseyetwasthesmell,anawfulcombinationofanimalreek,wetfur,andwarpstone.ItremindedFelixofoldandverysourcheesebutwasinfinitelystronger,andthreatenedtobringtearstohiseyes.Herolledtoonesideasafistthesizeofhisheadsmashedintothegroundwherehehadbeen.Hekickedoutattherat-ogre’sleg,hopingtounbalanceit,buthemightaswellhavebeenkickingatreetrunk.Hotsalivadribbledfromthething’smouthandlandedonhishand.Felixfoughtdowntheurgetoflinchandkeptmoving,knowingthathislifedependedonit.

Mad triumph appeared in themonster ’s small beady eyes. It opened its jaws and bellowed soloudlythatFelixthoughthewouldgodeaf.

Thecreaturereachedforhim,andfromhispronepositionFelixlashedoutwithhisbladeandcaughtitacrosstheknuckleswiththerazor-sharpedge.Therat-ogre’seyeswentwideinsurpriseatthe pain.Whimpering like a child, it pulled its hand back to its mouth to lick the wound. Takingadvantageofitsdistraction,Felixhalfroseandstabbedupwards,drivingthepointoftheswordrightintotherat-ogre’sgroin.

Thecreaturegaveashrieklikethewhistleofasteam-tankandreacheddowntotouchitsseverednetherparts.Felixdrovethepointofhisbladeintothething’sopenedjaws,pushingitrightthroughthe roof of themouth and into its tinymalformed brain. The lightwent out of its eyes as it died

instantly.Felixfeltamomentarysurgeoftriumph—whichfadedalmostinstantlyasherealisedthattherat-ogre’scorpsewasgoingtotoppleonhim.

Felixspranghastilytoonesideasthemonstrousformcrashedtothegroundlikeafelledtree.Pausingtocatchhisbreathamoment,helookedaround.Thelastoftherat-ogreswasgoingdown,themercenariesswarmingoveritlikeratsoveraterrier,butthevictoryhadbeenwonatawfulcost.Manyhumancorpsescoveredthegroundforeveryrat-ogrewhichhadfallen.ItlookedlikeonlyheandGotrekhadbestedoneofthebeastsinsinglecombat.

Still,brieflyandtemporarilythoughitmightturnouttobe,itlookedlikethetideofbattlehadturnedintheirfavour.Theskavenleaders, includingthegrosslyfatmonsterwhichhadorderedtherat-ogrestoattack,werefleeingbackwardstoregroup.

Moreandmorepeopleweremassinginthestreetstofightofftheinvaders.Inthedistance,Felixcould hear the sound of horns and drums as the small armywhich surrounded theNobleQuarterbegantoadvancedownintothecity.Hewishedhehadsomeideaofhowthebattlewasgoing.Intheragingmaelstromofconflict itwasdifficult tosay.Theyhadwonavictoryherebut itwasall toopossiblethattheskavenweretriumphantineveryotherpartofthecity.Perhapsnowwouldbeagoodtimetomakearunforit,hethought.

Thenhe saw theTrollslayer.Gotrekmarched through the crowd towardshim.A terriblegrinrevealedhismissingteeth.Madbattlelustfilledhisonegoodeye.

“Youbroughtagoodfightwithyou,manling,”hesaid.Felixnodded—and thenrememberedhowthishadall started.Hefumbledwithinhis tunic to

retrievethescrapofparchment,thenslowlyunrolledittoreaditsmessage.***

GreySeerThanquolwatchedthelastofhistroopspassthroughthegatewayandthensteppedthroughhimself.Hefeltasenseofreliefasthemysticportalclosedautomaticallybehindhim.EvenforagreyseerofThanquol’sawesomepowers,holdingitopenwhilehundredsofstormverminpouredthroughhadbeenaterriblestrain.

Nowhecouldrelaxandwatchhisplanunfoldbeforehim.Histaillashedinanticipationofhistriumph.Victorywaswithinreach!Soonhewouldholdthehumanrulershostageandcommandthemtoordertheirtroopstosurrenderonpainofmosthideousdeath.Iftheyrefused—whichThanquolratherhopedtheywould—hewouldmakeanexampleofsomeofthemuntiltheydidagree.Hewaslookingforwardtosomesport.Thenthetwitchingofhisnostrilswarnedhimthatsomethingoddwashappening,andhesquintedaroundthechambertoconfirmhissuspicions.

Yes, it was true. Even Thanquol’s warpstone addled senses could tell that this room was thewrongsize,anditdidnotsmelllikeagreathallway.Itsmelledlikeamidden.Thanquolstuckhisheadthroughthedoor.Helookedintoacorridorinwhichstormverminmilledinconfusion.Thiswasnotthehallwaytheyhadbeentoldtoexpect.Hecouldseetheirclawleaderstudyinghismapwithalookof puzzlement on his face. The awful truth dawned on Thanquol: that incompetent buffoonChangSquikhadplacedhisscryingcrystalinthewrongplace!

Thanquolbaredhisfangsinaferocioussnarl.ItwasjustaswellfortheClanEshinassassinthathewasnotinsight,thoughtThanquol.ThegreyseersworethatwhenhefoundSquikhewouldflayhisfleshfromhisbonesusingthedarkestmagicthathecouldcommand.

Warpstone-driveneuphoriaanddruggedragewarredinThanquol’smindashestalkedoutintothecorridortosearchforhisgoal.Felixlookeddownattheparchment.Itwashardtotellinthegloombutthewritinglookedsomehowdifferent,smaller,neater,moreprecise.Notthatitmatteredrightnow,asFelixreadinhorrorwhatithadtosay:

Hoomans!thetraiturGreySereThanquolwillinvadethepalazthisniteandkapturethebreederEeman-yoo-ellandallyorepackleeders!Yoomuststophimoryorecitywillfall.

AlsothisThanquolisaverypowerfulsorcerurandwillyoosehiseevilmajiktostopyoo.Hemustdie-dieornohoomaninyorecitywilbesafe.

FelixlookeddownatGotrekthenpassedhimthenote.“Well?”hesaid.“Wellwhat,manling?”“Dowegotothepalaceandrescueournoblerulersfromthisskavenmenace?”“They’reyourrulers,manling,notmine!”“IthinkthisgreyseeristhethingweencounteredinvonHalstadt’shouse.Therat-manwhichgot

away.Ithinkitmightbebehindthiswholeinvasion.”“Thenkilling itwouldbeagreatdeed—anddying in theattemptwouldbeamightydoom!”

Gotrekrumbled.“Onlyoneproblem,then:we’regoingtohavetofightourwaythroughthecitytogetthere!”“Where’stheprobleminthat?”“Whoknowshowmanyrat-menstandinourway?”Felixwrackedhisbrain forawayoutof thisdilemma. Itwould takeanarmy to fight itsway

acrossthecity.InaflashofinspirationworthyofaDetlefSierckhero,theanswercametohim.

LurkSnitchtonguecoweredintheshadowofIzakGrottle.ThehugeClanMoulderpackmasterlookedathimhungrily.Hestillseemedtobeinastateofshockfromwatchingthedefeatofhisprizedrat-ogres.

“I thoughtyousaid thehumanand thedwarfhad received themessageandwereon theirwayto…intercedewithGreySeerThanquol.”

“Themessagewasdelivered,masterofMoulders!Icannotbeheldresponsibleforwhathappensnext.Maybetheywerecaughtupinthefighting.”

“Maybe!Maybe!All of this has left us exposed, though.Very exposed.Wemust find anotherskavenforcequicklyorreturntothesafetyofthesewers.”

“Yes,yes,mostperceptiveofplanners.”“HaveyouseenHeskitOneEyeorVilebrothNull?”“Notsincewewereattacked,greatestofgorgers.”“Apity.Well,letusbeonourway!”“Atonce.”

Filledwithwarpstone-fuelledrage,Thanquolstalkedthecorridorsofthepalace.Thedamnableplacewashugeanditwasasmuchamazeasanythinghemadehispethumansrunthrough.HiscarefullycontrivedplanhadfallenapartbecauseoftheincompetenceofChangSquik.Ithadreliedonspeed,surprise and the fury of the skaven assault to overwhelm the defence.Now his stormverminwerereducedtoracingthroughthecorridorsandfightingskirmisheswithgroupsofsentries.Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethehumansrealisedwhatwasgoingon,concentratedtheirforces,andbegantofightback.Thanquolstillexpectedavictoryunderthosecircumstances.Hiswarriorsweremanyandbold,buttherewasalwaysthepossibilitythatsomethingmighthappentotiptheoddsagainst them.Thanquolwouldhavemuchpreferredasuddenoverwhelmingvictory,notthisperiodofangeranddoubt.HeskitOneEyechitteredinexcitement.Onceagainhewatchedthewarpfirethrowerssweepthroughthebuildings.Thesehugehumanstructuresburnedwell.Theirwoodensupportscaught fireeasily,andthesoftstoneandbrickfromwhichtheyweremademeltedinthefierceheatofthewarpflames.

Heskithadthought itpolitic toseparatefromtheotherswhenhis jezzail teamhadaccidentallyshotoneofIzakGrottle’srat-ogres.Itwasanaccident,Heskitknew,buttheskavenofClanMoulderwereinsanelysuspicious.HeskithadnodesiretohaveIzakGrottle“accidentally”stabhiminthebacksohehadledhistroopsawayfromthemainbattletocontinuespreadingdestruction.

Andhowgladhewasthathehaddoneso.Therewassomethingtrulyenthrallingaboutwatchingthemachineriesofdestructionatwork,offeelingtheheatandflameshiswarriorshadcausedwarmhisfaceandwatchingthesegiantstructurestumbledown.

Heskitstaredupwardsforalongtime,watchingthetenementcollapse.Itwasonlyattheverylastmomentthatherealisedthattonsofbrickandblazingwoodwerecrashingdownrightontopofhim.Andbythen,itwasfartoolateforhimtoescape.Felixleaptontothebackoftheplaguecart.Bodiessquelchedunderhisfeet.Thestinkwasappalling.Hereallywouldhavepreferredtostandsomewhereelsebutthiswastheonlywayhecouldgettheattentionofthecrowd.

“Citizens ofNuln!” he bellowed in the orator ’s voice he had not used since theWindowTaxriots.“Listentome!”

Afewheadsturnedinhisdirection.Mostoftheothersweretoobusyhackingatskavencorpsesorshoutinggleefullyattheirneighbours.

“CitizensofNuln!Skavenslayers!”heshouted.Afewmorepeoplelookedathim.Theybegantotugtheirneighbour ’sarmsandpointinhisdirection.SlowlybutsurelyFelixfelttheattentionofthecrowdturnonhim.Slowlybutsurely, thecrowdfellsilent.ThesepeoplehadseenhimandGotrekslayrat-ogres.Theyhadalsoseenthemleadthechargeintobattle.Thesepeoplewereleaderlessandinneedofdirection.Felixthoughthecouldprovidethemwithboth.

“CitizensofNuln!Theskavenhaveattackedyourgreatcity.Theyhaveburnedyourhomes.Theyhavekilledyourlovedones.Theyhavebroughtmadnessandplaguetoyourstreets.”

Felixsawthathehadthemnow.Alleyesinthecrowdwererivetedtohim.Hecouldsensethecrowd’sangerandhatredandfear,andhecouldsensethathehadgivenitafocus.Hefeltasuddenthrillatthepowerheheld.Hewethislipsandcontinuedtospeak,knowingthathemustswaythemtothecoursehewantednoworhewouldlosethem.

“You have killed many skaven. You have seen their monsters fall. You have seen their vileweaponsfail.Victoryiswithinyourgrasp.Areyoureadytokillmoreskaven?”

“Yes!”crieda fewof thecrowd.Manystill lookeduncertain.For themostpart theywerenotwarriors,justordinarypeoplesuddenlythrownintoasituationtheydidnottrulyunderstand.

“Areyoureadytodrivetheskavenfromyourcity?Forifyoudonot,theywillreturnandcarryyouawayasslaves!”

Felixhadnoideawhether thiswastrueornot,but itwaswhat theyhaddoneinthepastanditsoundedgood.Moretothepoint,itsoundedfrightening.Morevoicesshouted:“Yes.”

“Areyoureadytoslaughterthesemonsterswithoutmercy?Forrestassured,ifyoudonot,theywillslaughteryou!”

“Yes!”roaredthewholecrowdinafrenzyofrageandfear.“Thenfollowme!Tothepalace!Wherethechiefofall thisfoulbreedevennowthreatensthe

lifeofyourrightfulruler!”Felix leaptdown from thecart and landedon thecobbled street.Hands stretchedout from the

crowd to pat him on the back. More still shouted their support. He saw Heinz and the survivingmercenaries give him the thumbs up. He looked down at Gotrek; even the dwarf looked pleased.“Let’sgo,”Felixsaidandtheybrokeintoarun.

Asone,thecrowdfollowedthemthroughtheburningstreetsofthecity.

ChangSquikdrewhis longblackcloak in frontofhis faceandstalkedforward,blade inhand.Hekept to the shadows,movingquietlyon theballs ofhis feet, ready to strike in anydirection at theslightestprovocation.

Inthedimdistancehecouldstillhearthesoundoffighting.Fromupahead,hecouldhearthestrangescrapingnoisethathumanscalled“music”.Heemergedontoabalconyandblinkedhiseyes,momentarilydazzled.

Hestoodlookingdownuponahugechamber.Thevaultedceilingabovehimwaspaintedwithanenormous picture of the human gods looking down benevolently. Enormous chandeliers, eachholdinghundredsofcandles,provideddazzling illumination.Downbelowanorchestraplayedandmany gowned breeders and a few costumedmales stood at ease, drinking and eating happily. ThesmelloffoodmadeSquik’snostrilstwitchanddrewhisattentiontothetablesbelow.Theygroanedbeneaththeweightofroastedfowlandpig.Plattersofcheeseandbreadandallmannerofsavourieswerethere.Somuchforstarvingthecity,thoughttheEshinassassin!Thenherealisedthatmaybetheordinarypeoplewerestarving,buttherulershadpreservedallthesedaintiesforthemselves.Inthis,then, the humans were not too different from skaven, he decided— then started at the sound offootstepsonthebalconybehindhim.

Two figures, amaleandabreeder,hademergedonto thebalconybehindhim.Their clothingwasinastateofdisarrayanditlookedoddevenforhumans.Themanwasgarbedasashepherdinsomesortoftunic.Hecarriedpanpipes,andagoldenmaskshapedtohavesmallhornslikeagoat’scoveredhisface.Thewoman,too,wasmaskedbutshewasdressedinsomesortofdancer ’scostume,with diamond-patterned tights, a tricorned hat and a dominomask. They stared at him and to hissurpriseemittedthestrangewheezingsoundthathumanscalledlaughter.Theystankofalcohol.

ChangSquikwassosurprisedthathepausedinthemiddleofhisdeathstroke.Hehadintendedtostrikethemdownandwithdrawintotheshadowycorridors.“Isay,whatasupercostume!”themansaid.

“Absolutely wonderful,” the woman agreed. She bent over and tugged at Squik’s tail. “Sorealistic.”

Squik had no idea what they were saying. He understood no words of their odd rumblinglanguage but it was starting to filter into his brain that these people were wearing some sort ofcostume,likehighrankingskavenperformingareligiousrite.Andtheyappearedtohavemistakenhimforoneofthem.

Wasitpossiblethatthesepeopleweresodrunkandsouncaringthattheydidnotrealisethattherewasaskaveninvasiongoingonoutside?TohisastonishmentChangSquikrealisedthatitmustbeso.Worse,hecouldseethatalleyesdownbelowwereonthem.

Heconsideredpushingthepairoffthebalconyandduckingbackintotheshadowsbutthatmeantgoing back into corridors filledwith fighting stormvermin and an angry Thanquol. Another planstruckhim.Noddingpolitelytothetworevellers,heputawayhisblade,walkeddownthestairsandintothecrowdsofmaskedanddisguisedhumans.

Hehelpedhimself toasavouryfroma traycarriedbyapassingwaiter,pickedupagobletofwine,andstrolledthroughthehall,noddingleftandrighttothosehepassed.Perhapsifhecouldfindthebreeder,Emmanuelle,hemightyetredeemhimselfintheeyesofGreySeerThanquol.VilebrothNulllookedupinastonishmentattheonrushinghordeofhumans.Wherehadtheyallcomefrom? How had they mustered such a huge force so suddenly? Had Grey Seer Thanquolunderestimatedtheirnumbers?Certainlythatwaspossibleand,ifso,justanotherexampleofthegreyseer ’sincompetence.Notthatitwouldmakeanydifferenceifhedidnotgetoutoftheirway.

He had spent the night since the invasion force had erupted from the sewer wandering lost

throughthetwistingmazeofalleysandlanes,killinganyhumansheencountered,andtryingtolocateIzakGrottleandtheothers.Hecursedtheinitialblindrushwhichhadseparatedthemall.Nowhewaslefttofacethishordeofhumanswithoutanysortofbodyguard.

Helookedupandrealisedthatherecognisedtheleadersofthecharge—andwhatwasworse,theyrecognisedhim!ItwasthehumanandthedwarfwhohadinterruptedhisritualanddestroyedtheCauldronofaThousandPoxes.Foramoment,avastrighteousangersweptthroughVilebrothNull.Almostwithoutthinking,hesummonedhispowersandaneeriegreenlightsweptintobeingaroundhisheadandpaws.Hemumbledthechantthatwouldsummondestructivespiritsofdiseasetosmitehisfoes.

Thehumansdidnotevenslowtheirheadlongrush.VilebrothNullrealisedthattheycouldnot.Theonesatthebackwerepushingtheonesatthefrontoftheherdforward.Iftheleadersslowedtheywouldbetrampled.Hekeptchanting,desperatenowtosummonthepowerswhichwouldprotecthim,knowingthatmostlikelyitwasalreadytoolate.Thehumanswereuponhim.

ThelastthingVilebrothNullsawwasahugeaxedescendingtowardshisskull.***

Felixshuddered.Hehadrecognisedthegreen-robedrat-maninthelastsecondsbeforethecrowdhadtrampledit.Itwastheplaguepriestfromthecemetery.AndFelixwasgladthatitwasdead.

He was warm now, sweating from exertion and the heat of the blazing buildings whichsurrounded them. He tried to ignore the screams of those trapped within and focus on takingvengeanceonthoseresponsible.Somewhereoffinthedistanceheheardacrashingsound.Apillarofsparksroseskywardasatenementcollapsed.Felixknewthatifanyonesurvivedthis,theywouldhavetheirworkcutoutforthemrebuildingthecity.ThiswasasbadastheGreatFireofAltdorf.

Theyhit the slopes around thepalace, andFelixnoticed thatmanyof thebuildingsherewereintact.Theywerelikehisbrother ’shouse,smallfortressesaswellasmansions.AheadofthemwasaforcecladintheblacktabardsoftheNulncityguard.Theyhadtheirhalberdsraisedtorepelachargebutloweredthemconfusedwhentheysawthatthemobwerehuman,ratherthanrat-men.

“Skaven!”heshouted.“Thereareskaveninthepalace!”Hedidnotknowwhetherthecaptainoftheguardbelievedhimornot,buthedidnothavemuch

choice. If hismen stood theremuch longer theywould either have to use their weapons on theirfellowcitizensorbetrampledunderfoot.Thecaptainmadeasnapdecision:hebarkedanorderandhismenstoodaside.Felixcouldseethatthegreatgateofthepalacewasstillopen.Itmusthavebeenleftthatwaytoallowthecoachesofthegueststoenter,Felixdecided.

Herushedonwards,prayingthattheywereintimetosaveCountessEmmanuelle.Drexlerturnedtolookinthedirectionofthescream.Suddenlythebalconyseethedwithhuge,blackarmoured skaven. Thosewere not costumes, he could tell immediately. Thesewere the real thing.Monstrous,man-sized, anthropomorphic rats armedwithhuge scimitarsandbearing roundshieldsinscribedwiththesigiloftheirevilgod.

Hesawafewoftheguards,elitetroops,movetointerposethemselvesbetweentheguestsandtheskaven.Theywerecutdownswiftlybythedisciplinedphalanxasitpoureddownthestairsandintothe room. Slowly the orchestra stopped playing. The notes faded out into discordant echoes.Screamingguestsinfancycostumeswereherdedtowardsthegreatthronedaisbymassivesnarlingrat-men.

Drexlerwonderedifheshouldriskaspell,butdecidedagainstit.Thereweretoomanyskavenforhimtoaffect themall.Whereweretheguards,hewondered?Wherewereall themenwhohadgonetothebattlementstolookatthefire?

Then he sensed the presence of terriblemagical energy. Looking up he saw a huge, horned,

grey-furred rat-man descending the stairs. It looked like an evil god come to bring doom to allmankind.Thanquolstrodeforwardacrossthecorpsesofthedeadhumans.Atlast,fromupaheadhecouldhearagratifyingnumberofscreams.ItseemedthathisstormverminhaddiscoveredtheGreatHallatlast,and that the human leaders were finally within his grasp. Filled with a tremendous sense of hisinevitablerighteoustriumph,thegreyseeradvancedtovictory!Felixledthechargeintothecourtyard.Lookingup,hesawastruggletakingplaceonthebattlements.

“Quick!”heshoutedtoHeinz.“Scourthebattlements!Killanyskavenyoufind!”“Right-o, young Felix,” Heinz said, rushing towards the steps with the mercenaries in tow.

“Followme,lads!”Felixglancedaroundatthemobpouringintothecourtyard.Theylookedferocious,readytokill

anythingtheysaw.AnumberofthembegantoraceafterHeinz.“Wheretonow,manling?”Gotrekasked.“Iwanttogettogripswiththatrat-manwizard.Myaxe

thirstsformoreblood!”Goodquestion,thoughtFelix,wishinghehadananswer.Think,heurgedhimself.Whereisthe

logicalplacetogo?ThegreyseerwantedtocaptureEmmanuelle.TonightheknewfromDrexleragreatballwas takingplace.The logicalplacefor thecountess tobewas theballroomthatOstwaldandhehadpassedthroughthefirsttimehehadvisitedthepalace.Now,ifonlyhecouldrememberthewaythere!

“Followme!”heshouted,tryingtomakehisvoiceasconfidentaspossible.Thanquolpausedattheheadofthestairstosurveythegreatballroom.Hewantedtogivethepitifulhumansthechancetoappreciatethefullawfulmajestyoftheirconquerors.Hewantedtosavourhismomentofultimatetriumph.

Alleyesturnedtolookathim.Hecouldtellthehumanswereimpressedbyhisdignityandhispresence.Theyalwayswere.Themajesticformofagreyseeralwaysinspiredrespectandadmirationinequalpartsfromallwhosawhim.Heglancedatthecrowdandlookedaroundtoseeifhecouldfindhischosenprey.

Intruth,hehadexpectedtobeabletotellherbytheelaboratenatureofhercostume,andbythefact that she wore a crown, but he could see that all the humans present were garbed in strangedisguises,almostasiftheyhadintendedtothwarthim.Well,well,hethought,theywouldseethatagreyseerwasnotsoeasilybalked.Hesingledoutoneofthehumanmales,amangarbedlikesomeprimitivetribesman.

“You,man-thing!Whereisyourchiefbreeder?Answerme!Quick!Quick!”ThanquolaskedinhisbestReikspiel.

“Ihaven’tthefaintestideawhatyou’retalkingabout,oldman,”camethereply.Sweatdribbleddowntheman’sface.Thanquolblastedhimwithasurgeofpuremagicalpower.Women’sscreamsfilledtheairasthestrippedandblackenedskeletonofhisvictimfelltothefloor.Thanquolselectedanothervictim,awomandressedlikeoneofthehumans’goddesses.

“You!Tellmewhereisthechiefbreeder?Answer!Now!Now!”Thewoman lookedathimblankly.“What isabreeder?”sheasked.Thanquol’sanswerwas to

blastherwithmagicaswell.Anothercharredcorpsetumbledtothefloor.ThanquolselectedamanverycunninglydisguisedasaClanEshinassassin.

“You!The chief breeder!Where?!”Thanquol bellowed.The disguised assassin turned, its tailtwitchingremarkablylikearealskaven.

“No,master!Don’tblastme!”itcriedinfluentskaven.Remarkable,thoughtThanquol.Ahumanwhospeaksourlanguage!Thenherealisedthatthiswasnohuman.ItwasthatdamnableChangSquik,

hidinghimself among thehumans.Thanquol lookedat theassassinand lickedhis lips, thinkingofhow the assassin’s follyhad almost costThanquolhis triumph, remembering all theother failuresChangSquikhadbeenresponsiblefor.

This was perfect, thought Thanquol. If anybody ever asked, he could claim that it was all aterrible error.He summoned all of his powers.ChangSquik screamedmost satisfactorily as darkmagicconsumedhisbody.

Thanquolgloatedforabriefbutjoyousmoment,thenpickedoutanotherhuman.“You!Whereisthechiefbreeder?Answer!Quick-quick!Oryourmiserablelifeisforfeit!”

“But I don’t know what a breeder is,” whimpered the fat man garbed as a huge pink rabbit.Thanquolshruggedandblastedhim.Yetmorebonesclatteredontothemarblefloor.

ItbegantooccurtoThanquol,eventhroughthehazeofwarpstonecloudinghismind,thattherewas somethingwrongwithhis strategy.Thehumansdidnotquite seem tounderstandwhathewasgettingat.Whatcoulditbe?Whereweretheirfeeblemindsgoingastray?Hehadaskedfortheirchiefbreeder, after all. Perhaps if he asked for her by name?He signalled out a cringing breeder, andpointedonetalonather.

“You!You!AreyouthechiefbreederEmmanuelle?”The breederwas obviously too overwhelmedby the sheermajesty ofThanquol’s presence to

speak.Heblastedherasa lesson to theothers that theyshould replywhenheaskedaquestion.Heselectedanothermalenext,hopingthatitwouldbeslightlylesswitlessthanthebreeder.

“You—whereisthechiefbreederEmmanuelle?”Themaleshookitsheaddefiantly.“Iwillnevertellyou.IhavesworntoservetheElectorCountesswi—”Thanquolyawnedandunleashedanotherblastofdarkmagicbeforethehumancouldfinishits

speech.Hesohateditwhentheybecamecontrary.HisspecimensbackhomeinSkavenblightcouldbethesamewaysometimes,particularlyafterhetooktheirbreedersandruntsawaytoexperimenton.Anamazingraceinsomewayscertainly,hethought,butsostupid.

Outof thecornerofhiseye,Thanquolcaught sightof twohumanbreedersmuttering toeachother.Slowlyheswunghisburninggazetowardsthem.Asonethebreedersstraightenedandoneofthemstrodetowardshim.Shepulledoffhermasktorevealapalebutdeterminedface.

“Ibelieveyouarelookingforme,”shesaiddefiantly.“IamElectorCountessEmmanuelle!”Thanquolwas almost disappointed. Thewarpstone power still surgedwithin him, and he had

beenenjoyingusingit.Therewasnothingquitelikethethrillofblastinglesserbeingstobits,unlessitwasthesenseofpowerdoingjustthatgaveone.

“Good!Good!”Thanquolsaid.“YouwillorderyourtroopstosurrenderimmediatelyandIwillletyoulive.Failtodosoand…”Drexlershudderedashewatchedthemonstroushornedskavenstridethroughthecrowd.Justthesightofitfilledhimwithfear.Itwasn’tthered,glowingeyesorthewayitsfurbristledthatscaredhim.Itwasthepoweritsoobviouslycarriedwithinit.

Drexler ’s mystically attuned senses could see that the thing fairly bristled with dark magicalenergy.Hewasenoughofasorcererhimselftoseethattherewassomethingdeeplyunnaturalaboutit. No living creature should be able to wield or contain such power without suffering theconsequences.Attheveryleast,itshouldgomad.Atmostitmightexplode,blownapartbythevastenergyroilingwithinitsbody.

Wherecould ithaveacquiredsuchpower,Drexlerwondered?Theonlypossiblesourceofsomuchenergywassaidtobepurewarpstone.Couldthecreaturepossiblybeconsumingthestuff?Suchasuppositionbeggaredbelief.

Perhaps thecreaturehadnotescaped itsuseunscathed. Its slurredspeechandstumbling, jerky

movementscertainlyhintedthatsomethingwaswrongwithit.Thewayitswhiskersquiveredanditsheadtwitchedmadeitlookasifitwereintheterminalstageofsomefataladdiction.Yes,thecreaturewasmad.Nodoubtaboutit.Thewayithadsocasuallyblastedapartanyonewhodidnotansweritsquestionstoitssatisfactionstatedthatfactclearly.Thequestionnowwaswhatwashe,Drexler,goingtodoaboutit?

Hewasappalledbyhisowncowardice.Eachtimethecreaturehadgathereditsdarkpowers,hehad sensed it.Hecouldhaveat least tried toworkacounter-spellbuthehadnot.Hehadbeen tooovercomebythehorrorofthething’sappearanceandthethoughtofwhatmighthappentohimifhehadintervened.Hefeltsurethathewouldloseanymysticalduelwiththisrat-manandthatattractingits attentionwould be fatal. Even if he could somehow hold the skavenmage in check, its black-armouredlackeysfilledtheroom.Atawordfromit,theywouldsurelycuthimdownwiththosecruelswords.

Sohehaddonenothingandhalfadozenpeoplehaddied.HewasproudofwhatBaronBlucherhaddone, theway themanhaddefied the skavenbefore he died.Why could he not summon suchcourage?Thehealerinhimwasappalledthathehaddonenothingtopreventsuchlossoflife.Nowthecountessherselfstoodinperil,willingtogiveherownlifetosparehersubjects.Drexlervowedthatthistime,hewouldintervene,iftheskavenattacked.

Therewouldbenomoremagicalkillingsifhecouldhelpit.“I will do no such thing,” Countess Emmanuelle said shakily. “I would rather die than order mytroopstosurrendertoyoufoulvermin.”

“Foolishbreeder—thatisjustwhatyouwilldo,ifyoudefyme!”Thanquolsaid.Heraisedhispawanddarkmagicalenergyplayedarounditmenacingly.Thebreederflinchedslightly,butdidnotmoveoropenhermouth.Thanquolwonderediftherewassomewayaroundthisimpasse.Perhapsifheorderedsomeofthehumanstorturedbeforehereyesshewouldweaken.Thanquol’sexperimentshadledhimtobelievesuchacoursewouldoftenwork.Yes,thatwasit!

Then from somewhere around him in the ballroom, he sensed the slow build-up of magicalenergies.Theywerenotskavenmagicalenergieseither.Heheardfootstepsrushingclosertoo,evenasheturnedhisheadtoseektheirsource.

“Well,well,what havewe here?” a harsh grating voice said like two great boulders rubbingtogether,cuttinglikeaknifetotheverycoreofThanquol’sbeing.“Itlookslikewe’rejustintimetokillsomerats.”

Thanquolquelledtheurgetosquirtthemuskoffear.Herecognisedthatharsh,flintygrowl!Thegreyseerjerkedhisheadtoonesidejusttoconfirmhisworstfears,andhesawthattheyweretrue.StandingintheentrancetothechamberwerethedwarfGurnissonandthehumanJaeger,andbehindthemwasateemingmassofhumantroops.

Thanquolhowledinfrustrationandrage.Hereacheddeepintohiscorruptsoulandhurledallhislethalpowerathisenemiesinonemightyblast.Felixpreparedhimselftospringtoonesideashesawthemidnightblackthunderboltgatheraroundthegreyseer ’spaw.Thenimbusofevilmysticalpoweraroundtherat-man’sheadwassobrightthatitwasalmostimpossibletolookat.Gotrekheldhisgroundunflinchingly,seeminglytotallyunafraid,astheenormousblastofdestructivepowerwassuddenlyunleasheddirectlyathim.

There was a mighty flash and a crackling, booming noise as of thunder unleashed directlyoverhead.Theairwas filledwith theburnt-metal reekofozone.Felixwasvaguely aware that twoboltsofenergyhadleaptfromthegreyseer ’spaws.Onewasaimedathim.OnewasaimedatGotrek.Heclosedhiseyes,fullyexpectingtodie.

Insteadof theanticipatedblastof incrediblepain,hefeltnothingexceptamild tinglingonhis

fleshandhishairstartingtostandonend.HeopenedhiseyesandsawthatbothheandtheTrollslayerwereenvelopedinagoldenfieldofenergy.Longgoldenlinesracedfromtheaurathatsurroundedthemback to the hands ofDoctorDrexler. Felix could see the lookof strain on the doctor ’s face.Grateful as hewas to the physician for saving them, he knew that the doctor could not long standagainstthestormofmagicalpowerwhichsurroundedthem.

“Isthatthebestyoucando?”Gotrekbellowed.“Rat-man,yourlifeisover!”TheSlayerchargedthroughthecoronaofcoruscatingenergy.Felixchargedrightbesidehim.

No!No!GreySeerThanquolthoughtinpanicashesawhistwoenemiesracingtowardshim.Thiswasnothappening!Howcouldthisbe?Howcouldthisabominablepairappeartothwarthiminhishourof triumph?Whatevildeityprotected them,andkept themalive to interfere inhisplans timeaftertime?Hebaredhislipsinasnarlandcontinuedtounleashhisdestructiveenergiesagainsttheswirlinggoldenshieldwhichstoodbetweenthepairanddestruction.Hecouldfeelitstarttogivewayundertherelentlesspressureofhismagicalenergies.

Unfortunatelyitwasnotgivingwayquicklyenough.Attheratethehumanandthedwarfwereclosingthedistancebetweenthem,theywouldreachThanquolbeforehecouldshredtheirfleshfromtheirbones.Hesnarledacurse,andreinedinhisspell,knowingthatsomethingotherthanmagicwasneedednow.

“Quick!Quick!”heorderedhisstormvermin.“Killthem!Now!Now!”Withvisiblereluctance,thestormverminmovedtotheattack.Theyhadheardofthispair.Tales

of the destruction they hadwreaked among skavenwere legend among the army assaultingNuln.Their very presence was demoralising to Thanquol’s troops. The way the dwarf decapitated theexperiencedclawleaderas ifhewereamerepuppydidnothingtoreassure theskaven.Nordid thevasthowlingtideofangryhumansflowingintotheballroom.Thanquolsensedthatthemoraleofhisforcewasmeremomentsfrombreaking.

Swiftlyheweighedtheoddsofvictory,andsawthathismomenthadpassed,andthattriumphhadslipped throughhis talons.Now itwasacaseofmeasuringhischancesof survival. Ifhe leftnow,whilehistroopsstillsloweddownthepursuit,Thanquolrealisedhemightreachtheprivy.Oncetherehecouldusethescryingstonetocreateagatebacktothesewers.Ofcourse,nowwithhispoweratalowebb,hewouldnothavethestrengthtoholditopenforallhiswarriors.Infact,hedoubtedthatmorethanonesolitaryskavenwouldescapethroughit.

Still,heknewthegeniusofThanquolmustbepreserved.Onanotherday,hewouldreturnandtakehisrevenge.

“Forward,my brave stormvermin, to inevitable victory!”Thanquol shouted, before he turnedtailandranwithallhismight.

Hedidnotneedhisgreyseer ’sintuitiontotellhimthattheslaughterbehindhimwasgoingtobeone-sidedandmerciless.

EPILOGUE“So itwas that theskavenweredrivenforthfromthecity,althoughatgreat, terriblecost inlivesanddamagetoproperty.Ihadthoughttorestandcatchmybreathafterourexertionsbutitwasnottobe.Thehandofdoomreachedoutformycompanion.Andsobeganajourneythatwastoendatthefurthestandmostgods-forsakenreachesoftheworld…”

—FromMyTravelsWithGotrek,Vol.III,byHerrFelixJaeger(AltdorfPress,2505)

Felixsat inhis favouritechair in theBlindPigand finished inscribing thenotes inhis journal.HewouldleavethisbookinstoragewithOttountilsuchatimeashereturnedtoclaimit.IfeverhedidgetroundtowritingthetaleoftheTrollslayer ’sheroicdoom,itmightproveinvaluable.

Fromoutsidehe couldhear the soundof hammers.Thebuilders hadbeen atwork forweeksnow, trying to restore thebattle-scarredcity to its formerglory.Felixknew that itwouldbemanyyearsbeforeNulnrecoveredfully,ifiteverdid.Still,hewasnothugelytroubled.Thingshadendedwell,moreorless.

Thecountesshadbeengrateful,but therewasnotmuchshecoulddo to reward twocriminalswantedbytheauthoritiesinAltdorfwithoutantagonisingtheEmperorhimself.Therehadbeenmanyprotestationsofgratitudeandsweetsmilesofthanks,butnothingmore.Felixdidnotcare.Hewasjustglad to have avoided being thrown into prison, just as hewas glad to have survived the night ofconflictwhichhadfollowedthestormingofthepalace.

Hestillshiveredtothinkofthesavagebattleswhichhadbeenfoughtinthestreetsbetweenmanandskaven.Ithadtakenallnightandmostoftherestofthefollowingdaytoclearthecity,andevenafteritwasdonemostpeoplehadremainedawakethefollowingnight,notquiteabletobelievetheyweresafe. Ithad takenmanymoredaysofhuntingafterwards towinkle theskavenoutofall theirhidingplaces,andhewasstillnotsurethatthesewerswereentirelyfreeofthem.

On the other hand, the plague had abated. Perhaps the great fire had cleansed the city— ormaybeithadsimplyclaimedallthelivesitwascapableoftaking.Drexlerclaimedthatthiswasoftenthewaywithplagues.Ithadvanishednow.Nomoredeathswerereported.Nomorepeoplehadbeenstricken.

Andforawonder,thegreatplagueofratshadendedtoo.Fordays,moreandmoreofthemhadappearedbuttheyseemedweaker,andborethestigmaofmutations,asifsomethinghadgonewrongwiththembeforeeventheywereborn.Manyofthelatergenerationshadbeenstill-born.Itwasasifthey had been createdwith some deliberate flaw by the skaven. Perhaps they had been intended toscourgethecityandthendieout,leavingtheskavenfreetoclaimeverything.ItwasanideaofsuchdevilishcunningthatitmadeFelixshiver.Weretherat-menreallycapableofsuchathing?Orhaditallbeenmerelyanaccident?

Somewhere in the distance, temple bells rang.Of course, the priestswere claiming that theirparticular gods had intervened to save Nuln. Such was their way. Felix had seen precious littleevidencethattheimmortaloneshadactedtopreserveNulnatall,butwhowashetosay?Perhapstheyhadbeenthere, invisiblyshieldingthefolk,asDrexlerclaimed.CertainlyFelixthoughtthatGotrekandhimselfhadbeenverylucky,andperhapsthatwasthefavourofthegods.

Thegodshadsparedothers.Ottoandhiswifeweresafe,prosperingeven.Ashisbrotherhadpredicted,therewasagreatdemandforallmannerofstuffforuseinthereconstructionandJaegersofAltdorfwerehelpingprovideit.

Drexlerhadrecoveredalmostfullyfromhissorcerousbattlewiththegreyseer.Felixhadbeentoseehimseveraltimessincethefatefulnight,andthemanlookedascalmandcheerfulasever.Onetime,hehadevenencounteredOstwaldat thedoctor ’s townhouse.The spymasterhad treatedFelixwithadeferenceclosetoheroworship,whichFelixhadfoundembarrassing.

Heinzandmostofthemercenarieswerewell.Theoldinnkeeperhadtakenanastyknockonthehead,andhisheadwasswathedinsomanybandagesthathelookedlikeanArab,buthewasstilltherebehindthebar,pullingpints.

FelixhadnoideawhereElissawas.HehadnotseenherorHanssincethedaybeforethebattle,andnooneheknewhadanyknowledgeofherwhereabouts.Hesincerelyhopedshewaswellandhadescapedbacktoherhomevillage.Hestillmissedher.

Theyneverfoundtheskavengreyseer,despitesearchingthepalacefromtoptobottom.Allthatthecourtmagicianshad foundweresomestrangemagical resonances in theprivy. ItwasassumedthatThanquolhadusedmagictoeffecthisescape.

Forthemostpart,thecitizenswerehappy.Theyhadsurvivedandwererebuilding.InanycaselifewentonasusualandFelixwaslookingforwardtoanicelongrest.

Havingavoidedmeetinghisheroicdoomyetagain,Gotrekhadstompedaroundlikeabearwitha sore head in the days after the fighting finished before consoling himselfwith a three day longbingeofboozingandbrawling.NowhesatinthecorneroftheBlindPig,nursinghishangoverandbellowingforale.

The saloon doors swung open and another dwarf came in. He was shorter than Gotrek andlighterinbuild.Acircletofbrightredclothwaswrappedroundhisheadandhisbeardwasclippedshort. The tunic he wore was divided into red and yellow squares of ungodly brightness. ThenewcomerlookedaroundandhiseyeswidenedwhenhesawGotrek.HestrodeacrosstotheSlayerwithapurposefulstep.Felixclosedhisjournal,putdownhispenandwatchedwithinterest.

“YouareGotrek,sonofGurni,aSlayer?”thenewcomersaid,speakinginReikspielasdwarfsoftendidwhenhumanswerelistening.Felixknewtheylikednoonetoheartheirsecrettongue.

“WhatifIam?”Gotreksaidinhismostbrutishandsurlyfashion.“Wanttomakesomethingofit?”

“I am Nor Norrison, a bonded messenger to the clans. I have a message for you of greatimportance.Ihavecomeathousandleaguestodeliverit.”

“Well,getonwithitthen!Idon’thaveallday,”Gotrekgrumbledimpatiently.“Itisnotaverbalmessage.Itiswritteninrunescript.Youcanread,can’tyou?”“AboutaswellasIcanpunchouttheteethofmessengerswhocheekme.”Themessengerproducedaparchmentenvelopewithagreatflourish.Gotrektookitandtoreit

open.Hestartedtoread—andashedidsoallthecolourlefthisface.Hisbeardbristledandhiseyeswentwide.

“Whatisit?”Felixasked.“Amightydoom,manling.Amightydoomindeed.”Herosefromhischairandreachedforhis

axe.“Getyourgear.We’releaving.”“Forwhere?”“Theendsof theearth,most likely,”Gotrek said, andcouldbeprevailedupon to saynothing

more.

Scanning,formattingandbasicproofingbyUndead.