“The sign on the window of the Tarnished Crown read “Under New Management.” Within the inn, Corbis was busy preparing for patrons. The stables were in good order but the nest in the basement was questionable. He just did not know skaven well enough to be certain that Ibaraki would approve. He was nervous. This was a crucial moment. If Coach Ibaraki decided to lodge his team at the Tarnished Crown, chances were that other coaches would follow suit. This place could be as profitable as a gold mine.

Corbis looked the nest over one more time and opened the entrance to the sewer a few meters from the door. A pair of red eyes gleamed from the darkness below and a voice hissed forth. “Excellent. Right on time. Punctuality is not a particularly common quality among my kind.”

From the tunnel below climbed a pitch black Skaven. The creature stood only about five feet in height and was clothed in very loose grey breeches. A black cloak and hood, faded and tattered from use rested on his shoulders. In his belt was tucked a thin blade just wide than a icepick. He nervously paced from side to side and almost involuntarily looked over his shoulder at random intervals. His eyes flicked from side to side as he surveyed the room corner to corner and from top to bottom. His right paw scratched at his thigh, then moved to his shoulder, then to his scalp before moving back to his thigh.

Corbis spoke up. “I hope you find the room to your liking Coach Ibaraki. Is the nest acceptable?”

“The nest is inconsequential. Tell me, is the room safe?” he asked. All the while he continued to scratch.

At that point Corbis saw an opportunity. Ibaraki was an addict and had no way of hiding it. He was going through withdrawals and had dug at his thigh until a patch of pelt had been replaced by an open wound. The paranoia would lessen if he could get a fix.

“Coach Ibaraki,” began Corbis. “I have worked hard to see that everything meets your approval. Notice that the large heavy door to this bedroom in the basement can be barred from the inside. The quality of the door is such that it would take an ogre a day to break through. Likewise, the entrance from the sewer can be bolted from up here and nothing would be able to come in that way.

I also took the liberty to prepare a small snack. Perhaps you would like some fresh fruit and warpstone before we tour the premises. Though my knowledge of skaven is limited, it is my understanding that your kind considers the stone a delicacy.”

Corbis opened the door to the hall and took a plate of apples from a table on the other side. Mixed amongst the apples were three pieces to stone that glowed green and were warm to the touch.

Ibaraki’s eyes widened and brightened when he saw the stones, but the mere presence of the stone helped him improve his composure. Then he looked at Corbis skeptically.

“I think you understand my kind much better than you will admit.” He responded then picked all three stones from the bowl. Two of the stones he tucked in his pocket. The third he popped in his mouth and tucked tightly in his cheek. Immediately he relaxed. Show me the remainder of the place.

Corbis lead the rat through the inn and the tavern until they reached the stables. Your team will rest here. The straw is fresh and will be comfortable. They will be well rested for the game. I understand that unlike most of their kind they are a jovial band of vegetarians. Like all patrons, they will have to pay for their meals but we will be prepared with plenty of alfalfa and bean sprouts. Apples and pears are also in season so they will be available.

Ibaraki nodded his approval. “How about security of the building?”

“The tavern will be closed to the public 24 hours before game day. Normally fans will not cause trouble before the match because they want to see the game. However, after the match anything could happen. I have employed three ogres as mob control. They will man the doors up until game time. You will not be allowed to return to the inn after the match as it will be too dangerous. Therefore, one of the ogres will have an unmarked wagon waiting outside of the arena. No one will know who is inside and he will escort it out of town. From there you are on your own.”

Ibaraki was impressed. “You have yourself a deal gnome. Two wagons carrying the team will be here within the hour. Make sure your ogres do their job. I will be in the nest. Alert me when they arrive.”

As Ibaraki retired to his room, Corbis breathed a sigh of relief. “I love it when a plan comes together.” He muttered. Now he needed to plan for the game.
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