One behind. Two taking tunnels parallel to us. There’s more up ahead.”

“Followed? By what?” Felix had to force his words out. His throat felt constricted and his voice was barely louder than a whisper. “Skaven?”

“Yes. We’re going to be ambushed. Our scuttling little friends should be quieter. Dwarf ears are keen.”

“What can we do?”

“Fight bravely and, if need be, die heroically, manling.”

“That’s all very well for you — you’re a Slayer. The rest of us aren’t quite so keen to get ourselves killed.”

Gotrek glared at him contemptuously. Felix felt the need to find an excuse for his fear. “What if it’s an invasion? Someone has to warn the city. It’s our duty. Remember the oath we swore when we joined the watch.”

He could see this made an impression on the Trollslayer. Dwarfs were always impressed by talk of duty and of oaths.

“You have a point, manling. At least one of us should get away and warn the city. Best talk with the others and make up a plan.”


Tzarkual saw that his prey had stopped. They were huddling together in the passage and talking in low tones. He knew they were afraid. It had finally dawned on even their dim manbrains that they were being followed. He knew the righteous fear that the true skaven warrior inspired in most humans. He had seen the look of cringing horror in many a human eye. The terrifying majesty and dignity of the skaven form filled the man-things with awe.

He stood taller and preened his fur with his tongue. At times, looking in the polished mirror of his shield, he almost understood their feelings. There was no denying he cut an impressive figure even among the regal forms of his fellow high-ranking skaven. It was only proper that man-things should be suitably impressed by the master race.

He gestured for his stormvermin to halt. He would allow his victims a minute’s grace to fully savour their fear. He wanted them to understand the hopelessness of their position. Perhaps he might even allow them to beg for their lives. Some victims did. He knew it was a tribute to the impressive bearing he mustered.

“Hostleader.