(4,404 words)
(12,743 words total for Mootland)

Phew! Finally finished with the first story of Enkets misadventures in the Warhammer world! I hope its a fun read and while I have outlines for some other ones (currently Empire/Bretonnia/Dwarf) I think I'm not going to make them quite as long as this one. But that does tend to be how things like this go. Your brain just keeps thinking of good ideas and you just keep writing. Featuring the always hungry maw of  ChaosEye in a more prominent position this time!

Feedback appreciated and there will be a little extra section in scraps that I took out of this one of a fun group of raiders Enket ran into during his travel back home through the Underway. But I thought it didn't add much to this current tale so cut it out of the main story.

---

"Enket," Bogden grunted as he half dragged Enket along in the dawn light. Thankfully the rats cloak and hood did much to hide his stupid big ears and tail as he stumbled along giggling and hiccupping. "We appreciate you doing your best to keep up with us and join us in the drinking." The river thankfully in view as Bogden just gave up and hoisted the Skaven up over his shoulder. Rat hands and legs dangling and swaying side to side as the rat burped. "But next time," stepping into the shallows as he reached up to remove the pack that held the valued mirror. "Learn to pace yourself. I don't need no Warden to complain at me for sheltering you or whatever next time." And with a heft the Skaven was thrown backside first into the river.

A lot of spluttering and splashing as the Skaven tried to find which direction was up and sucked in a few mouth fulls of water. Finally standing up with the water up to his waist and now completely soaked as he coughed and tried to hack up the water. That was much worse than the drink last night! Bogden at least finding it funny as he laughed and shrugged. "Welcome back to the waking world Skaven. It was a nice night of chat and trade but now its time for you to piss off before we both get into trouble eh?" The Half-thing pointing up at the sky which was pretty orange now as the sun had started to properly rise. "You better hurry up and get to the mountain before someone more interested in mounting your head on the mantle rather than your goods finds you."

Enket looking at Bogden with narrowed eyes as he tried to focus and parse all that before he dunked his head under the water and scrubbed his face before he was back up. Now able to see him easier the rat just nodded. "Yes-yes. You are right-correct." Splashing out of the shallows and giving himself a shake to get at least some of the water out before taking the pack that Bogden held out to him as well as his knife. Quickly slipping it into its scabbard, re attaching his pack, and checking to make sure his sling was on his wrist before nodding again. "Good business-trade?"

"Good business - now get out of here." Enket starting to head off at a jog as he tried to take deep breaths to clear his fogged mind a bit faster. "If I see you again it will likely be too early," Bogden called after him. "But you showed an interesting side to your kind." Well hopefully it was a good interesting as Enket was glad for one thing about his races ravenous hunger and metabolism. At least it meant all this booze was flowing through him rather quickly. And the dunking and now vigorous exercise was helping too. Pulling his hood down tighter over his muzzle to try and keep the sun out of his eyes as he worked on just focusing on running. Get to the darkness where it wasn't any safer but at least it would be easier to hide. And thankfully for the Half-things land when he spotted a early patrol up ahead, more of those fluff-horn ram-things, it was easy to hop into the tall tobacco plantations and prone to let them go past. Often talking about food and the great harvest they had recently. So far so good.

It was only once he was in sight of the mountain hole that would lead him back to the underway, now back to all fours running with his coordination back to mostly normal, that Enket spotted a big problem. There were a few corpses of Half-things outside the entrance. Stripped pretty thoroughly. And squinting under his hood he saw a hat left behind with them. A tall black pointed one. Night Goblins. Not good. Hopping back in the last remains of the farmland Enket slipped off his pack and opened it. Trying to find something that he could use to get past them. They were likely right inside in the safety of the darkness and wouldn't just let him walk past. He could try to walk next to the mountains till the next entrance but even if he hadn't lost an entire day to that meal, which he was worried he had done as he hadn't asked Bogden before he left, it would take him far too long to do that. But he was shocked to find that the Half-things had replaced not only his journal into the pack but also small wrapped packages. Which after opening them Enket found small cake looking things...they had replaced his poor excuse for rations. Mouth already watering as he stared down at them as his head lowered down with mouth open. But thankfully his arms moved the bag aside before he could stuff one in his greedy mouth. Biting only air as he took a breath and tried to focus. They would work just fine. A plan forming in his mind as he pulled out two of the cakes and re secured the pack over his back. If this didn't get him past it should at least get him out again for the long travel without the underway.

----

"Well done lads!" Echoed from the dark entrance followed by cheering. Lots of cheering today really. But it was deserved! "Thin stunties had no idea they were walking right into our stabbas!" Less cheering this time as the other Night Goblins were busy looking through all the fine loot they got. So the leader just did the same. Looking for some fine shinies. And with their long noses stuffed into the lunch boxes and backpacks of the slain halflings none of them smelt or spotted the two red eyes watching them from the entrance to the outside as the rat crawled closer.

"'ha got a shiny necklace!"

"A new stabba!" A woosh of air as the Halfling short sword was stabbed and swung around with gusto.

"'ha got a rock..." One would mutter dejectedly as he overturned the sack and out did indeed pour a rock as well as some clothing. There was writing on it but that wasn't shiny. Getting many laughs from their fellows before they all turned at a new voice showing up.

"And me-me have your food-order good friend-ally!" Enket would squeak as he held a small cake in each hand. Standing as tall as he could and doing what he could to control his fear musk and tail from trembling as he worked on smiling. Which got harder as the new stabba and all the old ones were snatched up and the Gobbos got up from loot review and headed right at him. Time for the plan. "Here friend-ally!" He would say as he tossed the excellent smelling cakes over the goblin grunts and right to the leader. Who caught one as his other hand was full with his own stabba as the second splatted on the ground. "Like order-demanded!" And then Enket would take a step back and pray to The Horned One that this would work. A few glances between the Boss and Enket, who kept slowly backing up all smiles to appear less important, before the grunts focused on the leader.

"Ally to the ratties Boss?"

"Friend to the red eyes?"

"I want cake!"

The leader looking from the delicious mouth sized cake that he was about to bite into before back at his troops that were now staring at him. "You idjits! Get that rat!" But the rat was already sprinting away from them down the tunnel as the other three were more earnest now.

"How dare you work with them Boss?!"

"We not good enough Boos?!"

"You gona eat that other cake Boss?" The sounds of arguments and shouting flowing down the tunnel toward Enket as he kept pumping those legs and arms. That should give him plenty of time to get far away before they would have a chance to come after him!

---

Taking a seat on what used to be the base of a full pillar but was now just a fancy Dwarven base Enket managed to set his pack down with shaking arms as he instead held up an edible mushroom. Can't eat the delicious wonderful nice food. He had to save that good food in case it was needed for trade-deals or bribes later. And for his Chief-chief. He still had another day at least to get back to Blight and had come to a terrible realization. His standard safety was gone. Normally on these kinds of assignments because he was sent on them by Seers or Warlords or someone else with enough power to actually make him hop-skip to it quick-like they would give him some kind of writ or token. Proof that he was kicked out the door with an assignment from a higher up. Gnawing on the mushroom as he absentmindedly pawed at his neck where the icon was not. Kritch had given him one. And it had gotten him good info before on his way out to Moat-land. But now it was gone. It was worth the trade of course to get the Mirror. The prize that would keep him from being eaten and maybe even paid. But the icon was a days travel and likely a few warbands of Night Goblins away now. And now his reputation and golden mohawk would work against him. Other Skaven that traveled the Underway regularly would likely recognize him as himself or another Clanrat of Gilm. Known for carrying high value information and treasures. Being accosted for it was normal. But a flash of the proof would keep most Fangleaders from trying to steal-take or stab-kill him or other members of Gilm. Else they be the ones that are slowly lowered in the mutation vats - or hungry maws. And now he had nothing to flash.

Growling quietly as he stuffed the remainder of the mushroom in his mouth and angrily chewed. Sure now Fangleaders and the like may not kill him. They would assume he was still on assignment being out here alone. But that wasn't what worried Enk really. Being killed out here rather than in Blight would be roughly the same really. But anyone could just take the Mirror. Make him squeak-squeal about who told him to get it. Likely beat him up for fun and leave him tied up for the Dwarves or Goblins to torture later. Before walking back to Seer Deeptaker to just deliver the mirror themselves. So proud of themselves for getting paid for such good work for such little effort! Enket thinking back on the Half-things and how they had families that cared for each other. By the Horned One he was sure even if he met another Gilm out here they would be sorely tempted to do the same to him. Anything to get ahead. Stupid Half-things and their loving families! Stupid Skaven ruining everything!

Not that Enket would entertain the thought that he would also do that without hesitation - he was in complain mode. Not self reflection mode. Which was rare and often required the Grand Word Chief to point it out to get him in the mindset so for now just complaints. Just to himself as he sat in the dank and darkness of this Underway crossroad.

"Well-well," he grumbled to himself as he closed his glowing eyes to pick up the pack of fine food without trying to take one. "Won't get back-home sit-sitting...Have to try and avoid-sneak." Making sure he didn't leave anything behind he set off again. The paranoia level getting a little higher than the norm as the dark swallowed him once more.

---

Of course Krtich was out of Skavenblight. At least he had a slave near the entrance to let him know. Likely so he would know to still hang onto the Mirror so it didn't go missing in the tunnels here. So he would have to wait rather than immediately dropping off the mirror and running away. But he was back.

It was surprising in life what you found comforting through it becoming your norm. Enket would be the first to admit he did not like spending more time than he needed to in Skavenblight. Far too many blind corners and deep tunnels where your corpse would never be found if someone decided to off you. That is of course if for some reason they didn't eat your corpse. But here he was. Passing through the gates with one of Gilms' few Stormvermin escorting him and he was...glad. Glad to be in what he had to consider his home. A place where he was mostly accepted for what he was. Made fun of and beaten up on occasion. But there were no Humans or Dwarves here who would carve his chest open for fun. Where he could get a proper rest compared to the Underway and food. As well as the satisfaction of returning after the week not only alive but successful. It was an amazing feeling of relief and pride that he had beaten the odds.

"Enket, eyes up-open." Kekkan grunted as he pushed on the Scouts shoulder. Making Enket blink and see that he was at Gilms Entrance. True safety. Quickly taking off his pack he reached inside and handed Kekkan one the three pies he had left. The Stormvermins eyes immediately drawn to it as he reached out to snatch it.

"Thank-praise your work Kekkan," If Kekk could be heard around his full mouth he didn't even make an effort to try as he nodded at the door again as he tried to hold the remains of the cake in one hand and his large spiked shield in the other as Enket entered his proper home. Making sure the bag was closed so he wouldn't lose the last two pies that he was saving for Chief and himself as a final reward. But he made sure he spotted the sparkle at the bottom of his pack. The mirror was still safe. There was a chance he could still be mugged for it now but that was low now. Hed done it! Taking a deep breath of that feeling of success before he quickly moved off toward the main record room. He had a report to write and a Chief to please.

Which was going to be pretty simple as the Grand Word Chief was currently in the record room as well. His tiny glasses on large powerful muzzle a cause of ridicule from the stupid before they were given a new ear hole in their skull for knowledge to finally get in to their empty-head. The half war-pick half stone plaque turned to face Enket as he entered and quickly bowed to his Chief. Chief always a fan of the old ways.

"Chief-chief. I was successful on the mission-assignment." And without breaking his stance he pulled out the second to last small cake and held it up. "And bring offering-gift for your large-strong majesty." The Chief would just chuckle as he moved over and looked down at the pie. Gently taking it with his large paw as he took a bite out of it. A fairly small one as he hummed.

"Very nice-good. Half-thing?"

"Yes-yes Chief."

"Impressive work-job. I look forward to read-reviewing how you acquired these and the mirror-prize. Welcome home-nest Enket." Enket bowing from his bent over position so his still blood speckled nose touched the floor before he rose to his feet.

"Thank-praise your words Chief-Chief. As you spout-say the best." The large Skaven just smiling and finishing off the cake before he walked off. Scratching something in the stone in the back of his pick with a polished claw. Enket hoped it was his own standing going up. That would just be a perfect way for this day to end...Well besides the drop off of the damned Mirror - but that required the Seer. But! One thing at a time. He had a report to write.

So moving over to one of the tables he collected a few rolls of parchment and another ink well. One candle soon set up next to him as he sat down on the stool and set his pack on the table next to him. So he didn't have a chance to possibly lose it now. But here, in his Clans home and deep in the inner sanctum of all of their collected knowledge? Here he felt safe finally. A place where he truly belonged. So Enket took another deep breath of that lovely parchment smell, sliding his paw-hand into his pack to grab the last cake, before there was a cough next to him.

"W...welcome back-back Enket Sir," Enket blinking at the slave standing on the far side of the table from him. Arms filled with books he was likely in the process of filing. Enkets red eyes narrowing as he looked him over. Brain-wheel turning as a memory was dredged up. Two brass ear tags, full tail, left fang missing. It was the Slave that had helped him initially!

"You are not dead-dead." A good start. "Well done...here." He beckoned the Slave over - who properly hesitated before heading over. Expecting violence as he should. Enket pulling the cake out of the pack as the Slaves eyes were immediately upon it. Before looking dejected. Expecting Enket to eat the thing in front of him to show off. But taking out his dagger Enket stuck out his tongue slightly as he attempted to, like Bogden had, to slice and lift the cake up on the flat of it. Holding out half of it to the Slave. "Good work-work with the records. You get half." Likely still expecting this to be some kind of trick the Slave was slow in taking the food. But despite its wobbly nature Enket did not take it back or drop it. The Slave had helped and continued to help the Clan. He could have a small reward. "What is name-number Scribe-Slave?"

"V...Voch." Enket nodding as he wiped off the bit of cake from his dagger on Voch's arm. To clean it and so he could have some more crumbs. Voch starting to nibble on his half as he watched the sat Scout. Who just dipped his claws in the Inkwell as he set the knife down. Taking out his journal with the now empty hand and opening it up for referencing.

"Keep up the good-good work Voch." Enket said simply as he started to work. Voch just nodding as he walked off slowly. Shocked at what had just happened. And Enket, as he picked up his half to eat, was as well. But that felt nice to do. More good feelings now that he was back.

---

But those kinds of feelings were soon gone from Enkets rat-brain as he was Frogmarched toward Deeptakers chamber. He couldn't hold onto the mirror forever and Kritch, since he had someone tell Enket he wasn't there knew that Enket was back. This was going to happen. At least he still had the mirror. This should be fine. And he had been able to finish his report and sleep a little. At least he had that.

But he then had no feeling in his face anymore as the Stormvermin behind him cackled as they used the smaller Skavens face being slammed into the inner door to open it. Vision full of stars and splorches of color as Enket tried to keep walking forward despite not being able to see anything as he found his feet soon scrabbling at nothing as he was lifted off the ground. Blinking and trying to clear his vision to be able to see what was happening. Before he wished he haddn't bothered as Kritch's smirking face was soon in front of him. Sat on a rather high chair with a tray in front of him that contained a bowl of warpstone. A refreshing morning snack?! Or something as Enket tried not to worry about himself being this close to that much warpstone as he looked down at the tray and tried to bow. But with his shoulders and elbows still being held by the Stormvermin behind him all he could do was angle his head downward. To more easily see the bowl of warpstone. Fantastic. "Lor," his breath catching in his throat as he tried not to cough before he tried again. "Lord-Master Deeptaker. I was going to report-come to you as soon as I was aware-knew about you returning." He mewled as his tail and feet dangled uselessly. Kritch just smirking still as he waited for Enket to continue. "But-but I of course thank-praise you for sending your Stormvermin to ensure I knew-knew you were back!" Trying to jerk his head backwards at his pack. "Your Mirror-prize is in there for you-you Lord-Master. Safe-safe and secure!" One of the Stormies opening the pack and carefully extracting the Mirror from it. Handing it over to Deeptaker who barely even seemed to glance at it as he took it and set it beside the bowl. And then the Seer picked up something from the far side of the bowl. A rolled parchment? Enket tilting his head at it as Kritch, still with that smirk, slowly unrolled it and held it up for Enket to read.

'The Half-things hold family and clan in very high regard. They seemed unwilling to part with the Mirror when I initially expressed that it was my goal. But thinking about the previously stated fact I claimed that the Grey Seer Kritch Deeptaker was my father. This seemed to disrupt their plans of leaving me with nothing and made them much more suspectiable to trade. This is a weakness that I believe cannot be expoilted in a raid or war sense but for indivudual agents may be helpful. - Enket Farseer'

All Enket could do was gulp as his toes and tail curled in fear as Kritch finally spoke.

"My own spawn-son. So good-good of you to go get your father-lords prize back." Reaching out to run the back of his hand down Enkets cheek. The Scouts ears wilting at the touch as he tried to shrink away. But being held in the air he had nowhere to go. He could hear some more movement behind him but his attention was focused on Kritch as the smile grew with a slight green glow. And then grew some more to look like it was beyond the edges of his muzzle. "My own flesh-flesh and blood," the distorted Seers voice cooed at him. "And time-time for you to strenghten me-me!" Deeptakers now very large maw opening up to reveal the gaping red chute down into darkness that Enket soon got a much better view of as the Stormvermin climbed up on stools that some slaves had brought over and were now holding him over it. The panic escalating fast as Enket started to kick and struggle. Trying to get away from the laughing pit. "Just like Eshin-sneak. Lets see-see if you taste better." Those flailing feet soon squishing onto that large tongue and to Enkets terror becomming stuck. Trying to pull and strain against it as he babbled incoherent sounds and attempted words. Staring down into the darkness as the Stormvermin pushed down on his shoulders and head while Kritch gulped down. His stuck feet soon very warm and warm as they disapeared down the eager gullet.

"S...stop-stop!" Enket finally managed to squeak out as his tail and thighs were soon stuck to that tongue. "Spare-spare me Lord!"

"Why?" Came the errily clear voice of Kritch despite the hugely extended mouth - likely because Enket was now inside the maw. "Eating family-kin leads to strong bone-heart you know." Not that Enket was in a position to appreciate that with fear filling his entire being but the Stormvermin seemed to find that funny as they chuckled. Standing back to watch.

"Me-me not family-kin! Was lie! Lie for mirror-prize!"

"Lying about clan-family? Thats naughty-bad of you Enket. Should be devoured-eaten for that." More Stormie chuckles as Enket vainly struggled away.

"Uhh...ahhh..." his stomach and elbows plapping against that tongue and getting stuck as well. Like this was some massive plant and he the delicious insect. Mind-wheel spinning rapidly with smoke and sparks as he tried to think of anything. Anyway to get out of this. Another gulp dragging him closer to the darkness as his knees and tail slipped down. "Aaa! Me-me work more! Get-get you many-much warpstone! Other item-prize! No charge-cost!" The speech getting more fragmented as another gulp got his waist down. The Scout now fully stuck to the large tongue which lifted up to slurp over his face before Kritch spoke again.

"No charge-cost? For one mission-errand or many mmm?" It was fairly clear what answer would be best received here. Better than being devoured-eaten.

"Many-all! J...just spare-spare me-me!" He squeaked Eyes shut against the warmth and foul smell emenating out of the dark abyss below him. Before something cold was poured over his head and down into the gaping maw. Strong arms reaching in to grab his arms and haul him out. The liquid seemingly stopping the stick as Enket was soon dangling off the ground. A stormvermin smirking at him as he held the scouts arms over his head. Enkets lower half now covered in slobber and slime as he shakily looked up at Kritch on his high chair. Back to normal with a smirk once more as he popped one of the warpstone kernals into his maw.

"Good-good. Off you go Scout-Slave. I'll be calling on you later yes-yes." A happy wink and a last laugh from the Stormvermin before Enket was grabbed between them and swung backwards before he was thrown against the main door. Thankfully it opened both ways. And with a slam and squeak Enket would be outside the main room as he splatted and rolled over the floor. Pretty fried from that as he still heard muffled laughing from the other side of the door. And after a bit to collect what parts of his psyche he could the scout would slowly get up and shuffle off. There would be no complaints of a bath today. Damn Skaven ruining everything...