Felix looked straight into his blood-shot eyes. Their gazes locked for a second, then the trappers were gone, leaving only the whiff of bear fat hanging in the air.

"I fear you have made an enemy there," said Manfred.

"I'm not worried."

"You should be, Herr Jaegar. Such men hold grudges," said Dieter. "You say you are seeking employment?"

Felix nodded. "My companion and I..."

"The Trollslayer?"

"Gotrek Gurnisson, yes."

"If you want a job, you've got one. The Border Princes are a violent place and we could do with two such warriors. Unfortunately we cannot afford to pay much."

"My uncle's estates are now poor."

"We do not require much more than bed, board and carriage."

Dieter laughed. "Just as well really. You can travel with us if you wish. If we are attacked you'll have to fight."

"We are employed?"

Dieter handed him two cold coins. "You have taken the Baron's crown. You are with us." The grey-haired man opened the door. "Now, if you excuse us, I have a journey to plan."

Felix bowed to each of them and exited.

"Just a second," said an aristocratic voice. He turned and saw Manfred jump down from the caravan and walk towards him. The young noble smiled.

"Dieter is a brusque man but you will get used to him."

"I'm sure I will, milord."

"Call me Manfred. We are on the frontier, not at the Court of the Countess of Nuln. Rank has less meaning here."

"Very well, milord... Manfred."

"I just wanted to tell you that you did the right thing last night. Standing up for the girl, even if she is the servant of that witch. I appreciate it."

"Thank you. May I ask a question?"

Manfred nodded. Felix cleared his throat. "The name of Manfred von Diehl is not unknown among the scholars of Altdorf, my home city. As a playwright."

Manfred beamed broadly. "I am he. By Ulric, an educated man, who would have thought to find one here? I can tell you and I are going to get along, Herr Jaegar. Have you seen Strange Flower?Did you like it?"

Felix considered his answer carefully. He had not liked the play, which dealt with the degeneration of a noblewoman into madness when she found out that she was a mutant, devolving to beasthood. Strange Flower was lacking that open-hearted humanity to be found in the works of the Empire's greatest playwright, Detlef Sierck. However, it had been very topical in these dark days when the number of mutations was apparently increasing.