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Hello everyone :) Been awhile and still the same over here really but Im trying to not let my stupid brother rule my life with his own terrible choices. This was a struggle to get together and there may be some errors or pacing differences from the norm but hopefully it is still an enjoyable read. This chapter of Enkets journeys may be a 5 parter rather than 4 when I am thinking about what I still want to do but we shall see!

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It had been a recent kill on the north side of the river. If he had even been killed here at all. The ratmans corpse still wore most of its attire and equipment. Though the open pockets and pouches on its bandolier and belt showed the Hunter that it had not been some animal that had ended this Skavens life. Two days at most. No, the wound to the back of its head in addition to the cut throat showed that it had been someone who did this for a reason. And then looted most of what they could while leaving the obviously Skaven made equipment behind to not implicate themselves. Narrowing his eyes under his hat the man raised up one of the limp arms to turn the body over. There had to be some more clues here. This could easily be the source of the Chaos that was affecting Kreutzhofen but this seemed too easy. And didn't tell him if there were any connections this one had made with any residents. There! Grabbing the rats throat to sit the body up the Hunter reached into one of its chest pouches and pulled out a nail. Iron and tough. Clearly Imperial make. Letting the rat slump back on the ground the nail was turned over and around in the mans hands. This could mean the smith. Or the Groomer. Or someone was trying to set up the other two. Trying to cover their own tracks. But the makers mark on this specific specimen only showed that it was made in Kreutzhofen.

But then again - this could have just been stolen. The Skaven seemed to be have been a well off specimin without gaunt limbs and exposed tooth roots. He had doubts that this was some exile or slave. No the amount of gear they had before they were killed showed him that this had been something of an agent or other jobber for a clan. But which one...All the symbols on the rats gear were only their generic triangles or horns. And their colors didn't reveal anything either. "If only you were still alive rat," the Hunter muttered to the corpse. "Torturing you for all the answers I want would make this go so much faster, and be therapeutic for me." Before he froze. Voices were coming up the tunnel toward him. The Hunter quickly moving behind a rock as he waited for them to get closer to be audible properly over the rushing water. Pistol and shortsword out and ready as the noises started to become more distinct.

"A dead'un! Not dead'un dead'un - just regular dead. Loaded rat eh!?"

"Just the one?" Goblins. How interesting to find them rather than more Skaven here. Perhaps they would sing about this recent incursion.

--

At least some of his fellows were smart enough to leave signs for those who needed to get to places and didn't have a map of every little nook and cranny of the Underway. Then again, Enket mused as he started to descend down a short cliff toward the Alimento Tunnel - south bank, it wasn't like a map would help you much really with how often tunnels were collapsing. And the new ones being made by tunneling teams. Before they themselves collapsed because some idiot-fool didn't put up one supporting beam. Blegh, at least he didn't need to go as far as the Half-things lands this time. Glancing down as his tail stuck out for more support as he clambered down the soft stone wall the scout would nod. Almost there. His claws easily able to find purchase as he maneuvered his way down. Before his footpaws finally found solid ground again. He was properly in the tunnel now as the sound of rushing water was pretty substantial now. Nodding at his own progress so far Enket did a quick check of his gear, with extra money bag from Mormel and the mark, good nothing had been left behind.

The red eyes quickly appearing on the south side of the large underground river after he had maneuvered himself out of the small closet that had gotten him down to ground level. Pulling out a small pouch of chalk and marking the specific none descript hole with a looped sling. Just so he could more easily find his way back. And it was while he was putting the chalk back on his belt that his large ears twitched. Those were voices?

"Just the one?"

Farseer quickly dropping into a low crouch as he scanned around before narrowing his eyes across the moving river to the other side. Two shapes moving in a northward direction. The Skaven crawling to the edge of the bank as he reached up to better angle those big listeners forward to try and hear them better over the water. Keeping his eyes almost closed so the bright red pricks of light wouldn't give him away. Better to know what was going on than be surprised after all. Besides Goblins around here were a bit unusual so something must have been up.

"Aye aye. Looted already but still some stuff to take! Rat scum or not still free shit!" Rat scum? Enk hummed as he shifted his mouth from side to side and kept trying to listen.

"I 'spose. Nice of you to invite me for the lootin'. I do love lootin."

"And I," wait that was a man-thing voice? Enket propping himself up on his elbows with paws still on his ears to try and look at the darkshapes. But soon they were very obvious shapes of two Night Goblins and a Human in the torch light the man was holding. And the Skavens breath caught in his throat when he recognized the man things uniform he was now proudly displaying. Rapier held with two fingers as the others held the torch. His other hand pointed at the Goblins with a double barreled pistol pointed at the hissing Goblins. The light burning their and Enkets eyes as Enket dropped down to the floor again and shut his eyes. He wasn't here. No-one had seen him.

Sure he was across the entire river and there was no way the Witch Hunter could get across it before Enket could just run opposite the current and be gone but seeing someone like that up close when you were alone would put the fear of Sigmar-marmite or whatever their gods name was into anyone! Especially when you were one of the Chaos they so loved to burn. And the cavern amplified the sound of the gunshot to ear piercing levels as Enket tried to cover his ears rather than listen better. Just trying to cover his head as all he heard was ringing. The adding of a new corpse to the Alimento tunnel and the smacking and screaming of the remaining Goblin unheard by the Skaven. But he finally started to do something useful and something proper to his race. Scamper-scurrying away. Only glancing back at the sputtering flame as the Witch Hunter went to work as Enket ran up north toward Kreutzhofen. Away from the terror and clues. Hed work it out later. He needed to get away now. Sprinting toward the early evening sun.

--

Several miles from all the gunfire and shouting the town of Kreutzhofen was much more calm. Just citizens going about their daily routines and trying not to cause issues or a scene. It wasn't helpful at all. Garrett grumbling from the exterior corner of The Black Eagle Inn he was leaning against as he watched. It all seemed normal. And that wasn't helpful at all! How was he supposed to find those who were causing a disturbance when everything seemed normal. Sure he was used to finding theives but what was Chaos supposed to look like? Heretical things like...what shouting at people? Going after people like that would just cause a scene and not likely let the actual problem get away. And he was told not to cause a scene to begin with. Just find out information and ensure who was doing the issue.

Stifling a yawn Garrett would pat the breast of his coat pocket to make sure that note was still in there before nodding. Maybe that had a lead for him? But then why wouldn't he have been told to look at it immediately so he could start to gather evidence on that person specifically? This Witch Hunter work was so much more complicated that his normal work. But glancing up at the sun he nodded to himself and straightened up with a deep breath. The men would be coming back from field work soonish. That would give him more potential heretics to look at work out. He could get this done!

--

Stretching his arms over his head Otto straddled over the tree he had just felled to start to smooth out the trunk. Sliding the axe up and down as he clipped and cut off some of the smaller branches so it would be easier for him and the other woodcutters to grab onto the more solid branches to move it off! A good days work really. Soon as the sun started to get lower and lower it would be time to head home with the wood haul. Get it dropped off for proper processing while taking his bundle of fire wood he was currently filling back home. A shiny necklace his wonderful wife had recently picked up at market gleaming in the evening sun as he worked. Before a bush about fifteen feet away shook. Otto spying what looked like a tail sliding into it as he chuckled. Oh that little rascal dog was checking in on him! How nice.

Stepping off from the tree he was working on the man held his axe loosely in his hand as he smiled and approached. "Hungry lad? Don't you worry. Soon we'll be heading back and this we can all eat well tonight!" Before there was a bark behind him when he was roughly five feet from the bush? Half turning to see that the company dog was perched on the far side of the tree trunk. Looking at him? Then what was?

The bush hissing and rattling a lot as Otto started to move the axe to be held with both hands as a red eyed squat shape rose up! Fangs bared and a weapon in its hands! "Beastm!" before the stone impacted Ottos forehead. Dropping him to the ground like a the tree he had recently brought down.

--

Stupid man-thing! Idiot Enket! Being seen now of all times with Hunters about?! "And you-you!" The scout would growl at the dog now barking at him before a second stone from his sling just missed one of its wavering ears. "Piss off!" Using the man-things words now as the dog thankfully turned and ran off. Still barking. That was going to be an issue. Looking down at the man-thing at his feet Enket quickly pulled himself out of the bush he had been trying to hide in to wait in till night and crouched down. They were still breathing. Not good. He had clearly been seen so there was nothing for it now. Skittering over to the fallen tree Enket grabbed the largest branch that had been already cut off and grabbed it with his teeth before back at the man. Grabbing his wrists and started to drag him and the branch toward a small pond. The barking of the dog reminding him how little time he had to stage this as the idiot man-thing wa...was...shiny!

Enkets eyes becoming more solid red as the branch was dropped from his mouth. Rationality left aside as the mans arms were dropped so he was half propped up against Enkets legs as those paws were soon grabbing at that shiny necklace. Having trouble actually pulling it up and over his head as the Skaven just pulled. The shiny was his! Mine-mine! But the tough cord held strong as the man-thing jiggled around and coughed right in Enkets growling face. Thankfully helping to snap him out of the impulse long enough to look up and hear the barking getting closer. Faint pupils rolling back into focus as the necklace was quickly slid off and stuffed into a belt pouch. Danger approaching but even his normal thinking mind couldn't let that go. It would be a good addition to the Mormel mark he was currently carrying after all! Before back to the scene!

The man-thing dropped half in the small pond before he was turned over to face down in the water. Enk crouching down to make sure his face was fully under the water before nodding. The now fang marked branch pulled over and laid over the Humans head and neck to make sure he would stay there-there! The bubbles already forming as Enk didn't want to hang around to make sure he died as he dove into the bushes and started to crawl away. Hopefully the idiot man-things would buy the scene as a terrible accident. And hopefully that dumb man-thing would stay dead so no-one would know. As he squirmed through the underbrush Enket wished he had just stabbed the man to be sure but too late now as voices started to shout in addition to the barking.

Things were falling apart fast...

--

Kreutzhofen was rather tense as night rolled in. First the Witch Hunter had arrived and raised the tension just by walking around, then the self proclaimed Thief Catcher was skulking around staring at everyone, and now Otto had died. Drowned in a terrible accident. If it was even that. The rumors had spread quickly that it had been a murder! One of the others on the wood cutting crew had done it to steal the expensive necklace Ottos widow had gotten him recently as it had not been found where he died. And the branch falling so far from the trees initial landing spot was suspect. The local authorities had tried to keep the details hidden so they could investigate but the ones who had found Ottos body had talked. And now everyone else was talking about it. Two men in particular paying attention to the rumors. Sudden murders were very chaotic! This could be just what the yawning Garrett was looking for! And a certain headband wearing man was wringing his hands together as he stood in the dark doorway. Things were getting far too hot. Especially if that meeting was going to happen tonight. Ducking back inside he moved off to his two co-conspiritors. A plan needed to be decided on and acted on now. Perhaps time to abandon the current plans as the night rolled in. An argument starting in the shack near the stables as the streets started to clear. An air of glum energy starting to hang over the town as funeral talks were began as were the talks of schemes and fleeing.

While two red eyes waited and hoped that the damn dog didn't show up again. Those man-thing walking snacks always had a habit of showing up.

--

Sat with his back against the stable Enket tried to keep his hood down as low as he could while still looking out. It was lovely to have the great night vision of his species. But those glowing eyes really screwed with trying to be stealthy especially if those in the know were around. What if that Witch Hunter had finished with the Goblins and was on his way back? Or here already? What if he was behind him right now?! Clenching his fists the Skaven stopped himself from turning around to check as he tried to keep his brain from making him run away. He had a job to do here. A clan to live up to. And after all the rumors of his supposed birth and thats why he was even where he was he punched his opposite hand. He could do this. Prove all his idiot-stupid clan wrong while also bringing Chief more prestige! Yeah! Nose wriggling outside the hood as he took a deep breath and returned to waiting quietly.

The horses thankfully silent for easier scanning. He could see the smithy from where he was as well so this Berold would be around either there or here. Horned Rat headband. Just needed to wait. Double checking he had the Seers mark as well as the bag of coins Enket nodded to himself again. He was doing fine. And there were some footsteps. Peaking around the side of the wall Enket was pleased to see that the human approaching wasn't carrying a lantern or torch. No reason to bring extra attention to himself. And the small pricks of red gazing at the man narrowed even more before they ducked back around the corner. There was a headband. The small amount of green dust just making it stand out under the mans own hood. This was Berold. Enket was slightly curious as to where he got that headband from as Mormel knew he had it so it must have been given to him awhile ago. But that was something for him to worry about later as he pulled his cloak around his shoulders to hide the money bag and his other gear before stepping out around the corner. And to Berolds' credit he did not recoil or shout at the sudden hunched figure appearing before him.

"Berold?" Enket started with simple as the man-thing nodded.

"Thats me - you rats work very fast. It was only two nights ago that the other one was here." Enkets eyes narrowing at that as he took a moment to reply. He seemed to notice that he wasn't the same rat as before. Had the previous mystery contact told Berold that he would be back this night but had gone missing during that time? But the man started to look around. A concern for later.

"The ear-eyes of the Under-empire are everywhere to see what is required." Enket hissed back, a typical clan response really before he moved into the purpose that he was sent here. "Do you have-have the special book?"

"Do you have my money?" Clearly this man had done many dealings with those like Enket to be so flippant about the deal. Enket had to respect it a small amount as his snoot bobbed up and down. His hand slipping out from his drawn cloak with the bag of coins. And Berold matched him holding out a book that looked to be the proper size. Enket cursing himself for not asking for more information from Mormel about this book. All he knew was size and thickness, with a lock, for the book. Not anything else. But the Mark around his neck would glow slightly before thankfully darkening again. Well thankfully Mormel had thought of that.

"Very good, quick-fast deals." Enket commented with a nod as Berold nodded back at him before holding out the book and his hand. The items transferred from man to rat as both focused on their prize. Berold untying the bag to look inside and see the sparkles of gold as Enket looked over the book to see that it indeed had a lock on it...but it was open? Holding it up to his neck again thankfully the mark glowed again. Good good. Though his nose wrinkled as he sniffed. The man-thing was sweating. The musk of fear starting to grow. He was so confident before and had done these types of deals before. Enkets ears standing straight as did his tail behind him. Something was happening.

But Berold had also seen how Enket reacted to quickly spoke up, trying to keep the rats attention. "Emmanuelle von Liebwitz knows this is missing. You would do well to get it out of here quickly." The rat blinking at that name before he looked down at the book, Berold looking over Enkets head and reaching up to tap his nose.

That was a name Enket had heard before but...why would she care about a book that Mormel cared about? Some female-man-thing-thing. Ears rotating back forward as Enket brought up the book to his face as he wriggled his fingers on his none book holding hand. The lock was open after all. His curiosity was too

WHUMP

The Skaven flopping forward silently as Berolds' shorter conspirator held up the club in case he needed to swing again as both Humans held their breath and looked at the prone rat. But no movement. "This is a bad idea Bel," the other hissed as he returned the club to his belt as Berold dropped the book in a dump pouch before both turned Enket over and grabbed his ankles and under his arms. Despite his apparent misgivings about the plan he worked fast.

"It was a bad idea to start this dealing in the first place," Bel quietly responded as both moved quickly toward a shack. "But this idiot here will be our ticket out of here!"