"We set out in good time but there was a string of accidents that slowed us down. In the pass itself we were caught by an avalanche. We lost a lot of people."

She paused, as if remembering some personal grief.

"Some say it was the von Diehl curse. That the Baron can never outrun it."

Felix followed her. On the fires sat a few cooking pots. There was one huge cauldron from which steam emerged. The girl pointed to it.

"The mistress' cauldron. She will be expecting the herbs."

"Is your mistress a witch?" asked Felix. She looked at him seriously.

"No, sir. She is a sorceress with good credentials, trained in Middenheim itself. She is the Baron's adviser in matters magical."

The girl moved towards the steps of a large caravan, covered in mystical signs. She began to climb the stairs. She halted, hand poised on the handle of the door, then she turned to face Felix.

"Thank you for your help," she said.

She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek then turned to open the door. Felix laid his hand on her shoulder, restraining her gently.

"A moment," he said. "What is your name?"

"Kirsten," she said. "And yours?"

"Felix. Felix Jaegar."

She smiled at him again before she vanished inside the caravan. Felix stood looking at the closed door, slightly bemused. Then, feeling as if he was walking on air, he strolled back to the trading post.

"Are you mad?" hissed Gotrek Gurnisson. "You want us to travel with some renegade duke and his rag-tag entourage. Have you forgotten why we've come here?"

Felix looked around to see that no-one was looking at them. Not much chance of that, he decided. He and the Trollslayer nursed their beer in the darkest recess of the trading post. A few drunks lay snoring on the trestle tables and the sullen glowers of the dwarf kept the casually curious at bay.

Felix leaned forward conspiratorially. "But look, it makes perfect sense. We are heading through the Border Princes and so are they. It will be safer if we ride with them."

Gotrek looked at Felix dangerously. "Are you implying I fear some peril on this road?"

Felix shook his head. "No. All I'm saying is that it would make our journey easier and we might get paid for our efforts if the Baron can be persuaded to take us on as mercenaries."

Gotrek brightened at the mention of money.