(3,090 Words)

Hello all once again! I went on a bit of a roll writing tonight so part 4, the last part, will be up fairly shortly after this one! I hope it is enjoyed as well! And while playing, and failing, at Total War Warhammer 2 (I'll get the hang of it eventually I hope) I happened to hear a very interesting line by everyone's favorite Warlock Engineer Ikit Claw! And I was lucky enough to find it stated in a video to share with you;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_5aVIy7Uc0
if you got to 1:20 in this video Ikit says about one of his lords loyalty that he 'needs errands to prove his worth'. And this made me think about my boy Enket. As that's essentially what he does to stay alive in the murderous backstabbing world of the Skaven. He takes, or more accurately most of the time is forced to do, jobs from important Skaven figures who have enough power to order him around. Payment at the end of successful assignments is often just his life but the assignments themselves keep him alive. He often has proof of some kind that the important Skaven, in the case of his Mootland adventure its the Grey Seer Kritch Deeptaker, has sent him on this mission. I would imagine a token or writ like that would keep a lot of the other clanrats or those weaker than the lord/seer from trying to kill or mess with Enket that much as they would then have to deal with the lord/seer who deployed him. So while Enket basically has no time off from his constant work its work that I think he would happily do because better than dying.

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Trying to cover his head and throat as best he could Enk wished he had a shield of some kind. Sure he could kind of protect his head area with his arms but his belly, kidneys, and chest were all exposed for easy stabbing. A shield would help him last oooh another second and a half maybe? Well he would if his brain was not blaring alarm alarm over and over as he tried to curl up and roll away. Kick out at those murderous shortstacks to get them back and him away. But his wrists and ankles, and tail, were easily grabbed as the group overpowered him. Hauling him from the floor as their chuckles and laughs filled the front room where they all were. The chair righted before his rump was firmly planted in it. Red eyes darting madly around as the Half-things kept their knives ready. Before his right hand was pulled up and his clenched fist pried open. Breathing ragged and fast as he tried to leave the chair but two of them were holding his shoulders down. Ears full of ringing from the blood rushing through his head trying to parse the words they were saying.

"Panicin bugger ain't he?"

"So full of fright and flight!"

"He'll be full of more soon enough!" The Skaven only catching full and full of more as his eyes focused on those knives. About to fill him full of sharp iron no doubt. Ready to gut him if he was lucky and hopefully have him bleed out fast. He did this damned mission to avoid being eaten by the Horned One! Before his now open right paw was clasped firmly by the largest Half-thing. Who still had the same smile on his face as he gave that arm a hearty shake! Making the noodly scouts arm flop around as he happily announced.

"Bodgen Rumster! Come on everyone introduce yourselves! Show the silly snout how its done!" Those red eyes slightly narrowing as Enket was just completely lost on what was happening as one by one the Halflings all grabbed his hand and shook it. Shouting out names as they did so.

"Balem Rumster!"

"Boppin Rumster!"

"Telis Rumster!"

"Remmy Rumster!"

"Wendi Hayfoot!" It was so much shouting in his face and frenzied arm flailing of his own that the rat didn't even process that his shoulders weren't being held down anymore. He just blinked stupidly and looked up at the six of them stood around his chair. Still all smiles and still holding their knives as Bogden bent a little forward and held up both his hands palm up and slightly spread.

"Well rat - got a name so we can address you properly?" Enket, who still had his arm held up under his own power this time finally turned his head from side to side to see that he wasn't being restrained. Arm plapping back against his thankfully washed thigh as he attempted to respond.

"E...err...Enk...Enket Farseer." And then there was a whoop as the air was smacked clear out of Enkets chest as Bodgen slammed a hand into his upper back. Enket shoved bodily forward out of the chair by the Half-things leader before in the same movement Bodgen grabbed his shoulder and yanked him back into the chair. It was likely expected with how quick he was shoved around.

"Well Enket! Time for Second Dinner!" The circling Half-things spreading out to the other chairs around the large pie. Knives thunked pommel first against the table as they all gazed at the large pie. Bodgen sitting himself next to the Skaven and even sliding the rat blade back to him across the table. "Gota have a blade to eat you know. No hand feeding here! Especially not a Rumster Pie!" More cheering as the large Pie was moved into the center of the table. Still steaming and threatening to punch Enkets nose right back into an Impulse. But the hand of Bogden was there to help drag him back by clapping him on the shoulder.

"So, Enket, what brings you out of your dirty little dank tunnels all the way out here eh?" Expertly slicing and lifting a section of the pie out and placing it on his own plate. "You even got yourself cleaned up for it. Must be important." Now able to think a bit more clearly Enket decided to keep his knife on the table for now as he left his hands in his lap. The amount of pressure Bodgen was holding his shoulder with made it very clear to Enket that despite the smile on his face the Half-thing did not want to be his friend. Wise. This was likely a test to see if he needed to be thrown out the window - pie or not. So, wriggling his nose to help tell himself, he needed to treat this like it was a Warlord or other Seer like figure. He was still greatly outnumbered and could easily be killed if he misspoke. So tread carefully.

"Me-me was told-ordered to come. Looking for ummm," eyes darting from the pie to the mirror as he thought of how best to maneuver this. "Stolen item-thing." The pie itself was already one third gone from its large tin. The Half-things eating like Slaves who were finally given food on the second day. It was rather impressive really as Bodgen nodded and probed again. Though this next query was sweetened by a slice of pie on his knife being maneuvered to over the plate in front of the rat. Tempting him for a good answer. And the pie Bodgen had taken for himself before was already gone? When in the hells did he manage to eat that while dealing with himself?

"Stolen eh? Thats certainly a word I didn't expect to come from one of you sneak paws." Several chuckles from the other Half-things. The pie half gone now and Enkets supposed slice still held off his plate as the rat nodded.

"Yes-yes. Err...it is...that thing-thing." He mumbled. Closing his eyes as he raised a clean paw up to point at the warpstone mirror resting on the mantlepiece. Expecting the pie knife to shortly be inside of him. But after a second of silence, deathly silence as the other Halflings had stopped chatting as well, Enket opened one eye to see the pie was on his plate and everyone looking at him. Their blades now covered in the blood and innards of that delicious smelling pie as they looked up at the mirror.

"Your recent purchase Pa?" One of them hummed as he sliced and flicked a pie slice into his mouth. "Quick legs on that one to already be here to get it."

"That he must have been," Bodgen affirmed as he looked back at Enket. "So you are saying its stolen huh? Stolen by us? Like the Dafties always say eh?" The pressure increasing as Bodgens blade point flicked to be pointing at Enkets head. The rat quickly shaking his head and replying with.

"No-no! Another Skaven-sneak stole it. Then sold it to man-thing. Which you-you then bought-traded for." Bodgen humming as he spun the knife in his hand before returning it to point at Enket.

"Must have chatted with that thief to know where it all went through. Or those distant shadows in Bretonnia were you lot. How interesting." Knife flashing toward Enket as he squeaked and flinched. But Bodgen had just sliced off the tip of the pie on Enkets plate and tossed it into his mouth. "I paid for it fair and square Skaven," grunting out the word as his eyes slightly narrowed. "Decent money too. I hope you were not just intending to steal it back. That would just be bad form after we shared our food with you." Bodgen leaning forward a little as his hand on Enkets shoulder dug in. "And your life."

Tapping his fingers together Enket would do what he could to stay calm. Bogden hadn't said he would never part with it. Just that he paid for it. An exchange of goods. That he could work with. A chomp made him glance up and see that another part of the pie on his plate was eaten. Only about half of it left now. And the big main pie was down to about one fifth. Right. Business and trade. Its just like with the man-things or other Skaven. It would be unfair for him, as normal, but getting the mirror was key. He had things to work with. "No steal-snatch. We trade-barter?" Reaching back to start to remove his pack and look back at the door where his cloak bundle still was. "Me-me have a few items." To his surprise Bogden smiled at him and slapped him on the back again - this time thankfully softer.

"Business at dinner! How proper for you Enket. Balem! Get the tankards!" Another cheer as Enket rolled out of the chair and quickly retrieved the bundle and then turned back to the table. A large container already in front of each seat and being filled from a large vessel. These Half-things were incredibly fast when it came to food and drink. But after a bit of maneuvering to sit in the chair more comfortably this time with his tail Enket would set his pack on the table as well as the bundle as he looked up at the mirror again. Was it worth ditching everything for it? His nose wriggling as he remembered how much Kritch loved explaining how he devoured that Eshin whole as he decided that it was. "You better take a bit before its all gone as well Enket. Gota experience our famous pie at least one bit." Bodgen winking and smiling at him. But Enket knew that look in his eyes as well as he looked over his own pack and cloak. He was eager to do business.

So as not to keep him waiting Enket picked up his own blade, the other Half-things not even seeming to notice, and sliced a section off the pie. Trying to balance it on the flat of the blade like he had seen Bodgen do. It would wobble and shift but stay on at least as he tilted his head back to slide it into his mouth. Chomping down and starting to chew. Juices from the fruit inside dripping from his teeth onto his shirt as his eyes popped open. I...it was indescribable. So many flavors. And unlike the scraps he scrabbled for they were all good! Hot and warm and delicious. The Halflings smirking at each other as they all shared winks and took their tankards as they waited for the second part of the plan.

"Hufm...ughlll," Enket mumbled around his chewing as he stared at the remains of his slice on the plate. Before out shot his knife as he shoveled the remainder of it right into his maw. Cheeks bulging as he went from rapid chewing to slow grinding and back and fourth. Trying to enjoy it as much as he could as more juices splotched out onto his clothing and fur. Just not able to handle this new town of flavor - no world of flavor! A full tankard sent in front of Enket as Bogden chuckled.

"That reaction is everything a chef hopes for when his stuff is eaten. A good review all around." The rat swallowing before he took a few deep breaths to try and focus again as Bodgen continued. "Now - whats the shiny Warpstone trinket to you Enket? It get stolen from you?" Still trying to overcome this new swelling of desire and emotion Enket took a quick glance around at all the Half-things. They all seemed sure about something. Smug. It reminded him of Mors Stormvermin when they knew you had something they were about to take. They were trying to play him.

"Not me-me no," he said as he wiped off his mouth. Before licking his paw to get those juices off for more taste as his mind wheel rolled around. He needed to do something to prevent this being a 100/0 trade deal. A robbery with him with no food or clothing to try and make it back to Skavenblight.

"Oh? Who was it then? I don't think you rats have nice gals you are trying to woo or anything." More chuckles as Enket wracked his brain. What was it these Half-things cared about? Food obviously but he couldn't appeal to that with the terrible food he had...Wait a minute-moment! They all had the same clan name! (Well he had forgotten the one Hayfoot but at least his rat brain remembered the main name that was shouted at him) Clan and family was important. Oh...oh by the Horned One what he was about to say. Taking a breath he closed his eyes to prepare his brain.

"My-me Father-rat. Kritch Deeptaker. Mighty-strong Seer." It took almost all of Enkets self control to not vomit after saying that. That maniacal temperamental devourer of ratkin and proud of it. Devourer of warpstone and drowner of slaves. One who would likely try and eat him when he returned. His claimed father. Using that licked paw to clamp his mouth shut to not vomit. That pie was far too good to lose like that.

But it seemed to have the desired effect as the smirks vanished. Replaced by what seemed like concern as Bogden frowned. "I see...Humm." A few glances shared between the family, and their Hayfoot guest, before the thunk of a tankard made them focus again. "Well thats good of you as his son," hork! "To be willing to put yourself in such danger and travel to try and retrieve something your father lost," uggh. "That does change things a bit. I thought it would just be for you." He patted Enkets shoulder rather lightly. "But knowing what you are doing it for gives me lots to think about when you leave Enket. Didn't think you rats would care much about your kin." Keep the pie down. Keep the pie down. "So - what have you got to trade?" Clenching his none mouth paw Enket did what he could to push what just happened from his mind as he opened his eyes again. Business time.

He would save the token for last as he suspected that would be his trump card. The tankards still untouched for now but one thing at a time. Opening his pack he would take out what he used to call food but would now likely struggle to eat. And the expressions on the Half-things around the table confirmed his new opinion on the rat-ions. "Not-no trade. Food for return back home." Quickly setting them aside as he would pull out his notes on the Half-things and hand one of the pages to Bogden. "Note-scratches about Half-things. So me-me could have better idea what to find here."

"This your kinds written language?" Bogden would question as he handed the paper around the table. As Enket passed another sheet to his other side for further viewing as he nodded.

"Yes-yes. Written by me-me. Information often worth much-much to all. My clan-home often trade in it. To other clan-clans or things outside." Bogden seemed impressed by this and would take both sheets when done and set them down next to Enkets now empty plate.

"Very interesting, what else?" Out next would be a clearly human journal that when opened would reveal the same type of writing and several pages missing. "A journal? Yours?" Enket nodding again as he slid a few warp tokens out of the pack.

"Yes-yes. My clan-chief wants us to make-write reports when we return from errands. Like this one-now. Often just take out page-whole rather than write again." Bogden nodding as he set it in another pile from the paper. Already picking up the tokens and setting them on top of the notes. That seemed to be the 'I want these' pile. That was fair he wouldn't need his notes anymore to return home through the Underway. Not having a way to pay other Skaven for protection would be tough but maybe he wouldn't need all that. Out next was just a simple pouch of sling stones which Bogden placed with the journal. Good he didn't seem eager to take his weapons. Old Half-thing like him probably knew how dangerous the world was out there. That was about all he had left. Besides the token. "There is one more thing-thing. From Father-rat," it got easier each time he said it. He didn't like that. Pulling the cloak over he was pleased to find that the heat had dried it out nicely. "Shield eye-eyes." He warned before opening up the cloak. The glow was much less severe indoors with some light already in as Enket nodded at it. "Token to prove me on mission-errand for Grey Seer. Keep-keep other Skaven from stop-bothering me and enchanted to glow and warm when near mirror-prize." Using the cloak to pick it up he held it up at arms length toward the mirror so it glowed a bit brighter.

Bogden was giving the token a good look as he nodded. Holding out his hands to likely get a feel of it. Enket had a moment of panic as he licked his lips. Any other Skaven doing that would just take it and tell you to go away but they seemed to have a somewhat working relationship so far. So he handed it over. The Halfling grabbing the token itself and nodding as he tossed it from hand to hand. "Toasty and bright. But you are saying that it only does this when near the mirror?" A nod. "Shame that - would have made a great replacement. But even without the shiny-ness of this a artifact made and enchanted by a Grey Seer is pretty fantastic." A bit more tossing from hand to hand as he thought about it before nodding. "For this, the notes, and the tokens I'll part with the mirror."

Enket joined in the cheering this time as the token was placed on the mantle and the mirror retrieved. Before the tankards were raised. "To successful business, good dinners, and surviving another day!" Never having been much of a drinker Enket would normally say no. But living another day? He could get behind that as he slipped the mirror into his pack before raising the tankard with the other half-things and taking a big swig.