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The Witcher 2
Andrzej Sapkowski
Summary from PublishOx
CHAPTER ONE
A royal messenger, Aplegatt, is on a mission to deliver a message for King Foltest to King Demavend. The royals no longer have trust or faith in the magicians in their court, as they fear interfering with their scheming. Foltest is all prepared for the attack in Dol Angra to frame the Nilfgaards and reignite the war, but Demavend has a response which will change their plans. The Council of Wizards have called a gathering, and they must see what comes of it before the campaign can continue. On his travels the messenger inadvertently meets Ciri and Triss, although has no idea who they are, and soon after on the roads he just misses Geralt. The Witcher had been contracted to dispense with a great manticore. Geralt makes his way to the town of Dorian, looking for a particular establishment called 'Codringher and Fenn.'
Geralt and Codringher discuss the matters at hand, as the Witcher has hired this shady lawyer to help him in matters pertaining to Ciri. Codringher has gathered information on Rience, who is now gone into hiding. A failure at his studies in sorcery, Rience was taken in by the Redanian Secret Service and has been a trained killer ever since. It is more than that though, as he is also being cared for and instructed by a powerful magician. Who this magician is the lawyer has not yet discovered, but along with his trusted partner Fenn, they have discovered a way of hiding Ciri's name. The duo have figured out the plot for killing Ciri is due to her claim on the throne of Cintra, but they also are aware of her bloodline. No Queen can be ruler of Cintra, it is a role for a King alone, and that is why Ciri is wanted dead. Nobody in power wishes to see her married off and have a royal lay claim to Cintra, or a male heir born. Due to Ciri's parents unusual circumstances of marriage, where Pavetta married a knight who would be considered unworthy as per his affliction, a rumour can be spread that Ciri is unfit and unworthy for the throne. A rumour to put off her pursuers. Nothing more, meaning one day she could rightfully claim the throne. Geralt wants more, and after paying 250 orens, he instructs the lawyers to gather information from the Elves on what the child of Elder Blood means in relation to Ciri. Codringher warns Geralt his life is in danger, and all for nothing, therefore the Witcher should abandon his efforts and return to Kaer Morhen. Already aware that he is wanted dead for trying to protect Ciri, Geralt dismisses this information and pushes Cordingher into doing the right thing and not betraying the Witcher's trust.
Soon after, the Witcher tracks down three assassins who are on the tail of Ciri and Yennifer. He encounter the royal messenger, Aplegatt, at an inn, and soon after the three assassins arrive. Unbeknown to them, the White Wolf is waiting and strikes all three down before instructing the innkeeper that if anyone comes looking they should know it was he, Geralt, who killed these men. Aplegatt continues on his mission and brings word to Dijkstra, in place of the King of Redania, that the troops are ready and that Foltest must not let them down. He also informs that Demavend will not be attending the Council of the magicians, while also relaying the message that Ciri is dead. Dijkstra gives his response for Aplegatt to forward onto Demavend from King Vizimir, that they must hold back as there has been a betrayal, and the Flame has gathered an army in Dol Angra ready to fight. Aplegatt heads out the following morning, and on his travels is spotted by members of the Scoia'tael, Toruviel and Yaevinn. The deliberate about whether or not to kill this lone rider, and Yaevinn takes the chance against the wishes of Toruvial, shooting his bow at Aplegatt and killing the messenger in one shot to his back.
CHAPTER TWO
Ciri and Yennifer are riding towards Gors Velen, a city bristling with towers and surrounded by high walls, before they head on towards the council meeting at Thanedd. On their journey they encounter a crossroads where dead Scoia'tael were placed on wheels and pikes, after their deaths, as a warning to other Elves. They rode on and Yennifer fixed herself up to her most beautiful appearance, reminding Ciri that the attention should be on the sorceress so nobody would remember or notice the girl. They entered the city as onlookers gazed at Yennifer, who explained to Ciri how the city of Gors Velen owed a great deal to enchantresses, therefore she had a certain status there. A school for young gifted ladies is nearby, by the name of Aretuza, where Yennifer planned on leaving Ciri. They headed to a local bank where the pair were greeted by a dwarf banker by the name of Molnar Giancardi. Yennifer and Molnar discussed matters at hand, including her expenses and debts, which Molnar was happy to pay off as her prior deeds had left his family indebted to her. These include the fees for Ciri to attended the school at Aretuza. As Ciri sat pretending to read a book she has been given, but listening intently to the conversation, she overheard the mention of a Witcher who was in Dorian a mere ten days ago and has a debt of one hundred orens. Yennifer agrees with Molnar to cover this debt, but instead of flatly paying for it she persuaded the dwarf to have the Witcher's clients at the farm in Hirundum.
Fabio Sachs, a young assistant at the bank, is entrusted by Molnar and Yennifer to bring Ciri on a tour of Gors Velen while the adults continue their discussion of more pressing matters. He brings Ciri onto the city walls, showing her the beauties in the distance, including the way to Hirundum and the school of Aretuza. The school is perched atop a cliff, and the only way Ciri can describe it is as a prison. The pair continue around the town, knowing they have limited time as they must return to the bank by noon. Fabio shows Ciri around the various markets and the pair gorge themselves on a variety of foods. Fabio tells Ciri of his wish to travel, and unbeknown to the boy she has a vision which tells of Fabio becoming an explorer and discovering new lands in his later life. Eventually they end up at a show where a pox marked man claims to have a basilisk captured and is showing it off to the crowd. During the show Ciri interrupts that the caged animal is in fact a Wyvern and not a Basilisk. Ciri dares to prove so and goes up to the caged beast, sticking out an arm and showing to the crowd how she has not been poisoned, therefore the animal is not as its claimed to be. A commotion breaks out as the Wyvern burst through the bars of its cage, and the crowd try to escape the tent out of pure fear. Ciri instinctively kicks into her Kaer Morhen training and grabs a sword of a squire before slaying the Wyvern, before exclaiming it was the brave and noble squire who slayed the beast. Nobody could tell in the commotion, but the crowd wanted Ciri charged for aggravating the caged beast. She makes use of a magical amulet Yennifer gave her to escape but as both Ciri and Fabio are making their way back to the bank, a pair of sorceress apprehend them, assuming Ciri is an escaped girl from the school of Aretuza.
After being dragged through the town back to Yennifer, both the enchantress and Ciri take up residence with the pair of sorceresses, whom are familiar to Yennifer. They are known as Margarita Laux-Anitille and Tissaia de Vries. Yennifer was accustomed and familiar with them, as Margarita was the current rectoress at Aretuza, while Tissaia was in that position when Yennifer attended. A member of the guard arrives, known as Rayla, and Ciri glances a secret entrance through the city wall as the captain leaves on the orders of Tissaia, leaving the young girl deep in thought over escaping and finding Geralt. As the enchantresses bathe and drink, Ciri listens intently but her mind is made up. When Yennifer sends Ciri upstairs to get more drinks for them, the girl orders the innkeeper to saddle her horse and open the postern gate. She is making her escape to find the Witcher, regardless of the consequences, for she is an enchantress and will not allow inaction to fill her with regret.
Ciri rides through the darkness on the night, not certain of the way to Hirumdum but full of belief in her sense of direction. The darkness is only illuminated by the flash of lightning, and as Ciri rides on she sense creatures pursuing her. At first she believed it was just a bird flying past her, then she felt the Elves of Shaerrawedd around her, followed by the dark night with winged helm from Cintra. As Ciri somehow found herself getting closer to Hirumdum, the King of the Wild Hunt appeared to her, informing her she is death and must join the corpses of the hunt. 'O child of the Elder Blood, you belong to us.'
Dandelion is staying with Bernie Hofmeier, a halfling whose farm is on the outskirts of Hirumdum. Geralt is out, trying to fulfil a contract even though a terrible storm has brewed. Both the Witcher and Dandelion have remained in Hirumdum for days on end, as something strange has happened within Geralt. The Witcher refused Dandelions wish of visiting Gors Velen, as Dandelion listens to Bernie moan about the state of the world and the war between men and Scoia'tael. Geralt returned and warned them the Wild Hunt is about, to shutter their windows and doors to keep the fear of the spectres from the children. Listening attentively, Geralt could hear a single horse approaching. Ciri was galloping towards Hirumdum while the Wild Hunt chased her. Geralt rushed out towards the girl, and at the same time a magical force rushed across as Yennifer appeared riding full of rage and vengeance to save Ciri. Yennifers spells shook through the ghosts of the Wild Hunt and they relinquished their prey, disappearing upwards into the sky. Ciri rode on until she reached the house and ended up between both Geralt and Yennifer. Which will she choose thought Dandelion, although it did not matter, as Ciri soon fainted. The pair carried her into the house and stayed by her bed all night, but did not converse until the morning. As Ciri awoke she sneakily eavesdropped on both Geralt and Yennifer as they went onto the causeway by the pond. Ciri is joined by Dandelion, and he explains to Ciri what she cannot hear being said between Yennifer and Geralt. They are apologising to each other for all that has happened, all the foolish things that took place between them. Ciri thinks otherwise as she spies at them through a hole in the wall, but Dandelion, as a poet of the ages, explains its as simple as Geralt remaining silent, and then Yennifer yelling.
CHAPTER THREE
Geralt has accompanied Yennifer to the gathering at Thanedd. Feeling like he will be out of place, as this will be an event full of spies and customary greeting, Geralt attends with Yennifer nonetheless. He will do anything for her now, after their talk on the causeway, but also he hopes to lure out the sorcerer who sent Rience after Dandelion, Geralt, and Ciri. Yennifer and Geralt mingle and meet many interesting sorcerers and sorceresses, as they politely roam around the grand hall. The females are greedily showing off their sublime figures, leaving little to the imagination as some do not even bother to cover their delicate areas with more than transparent material. The pair encounter Triss, who Yennifer scolds in private and makes it clear that Geralt is hers. As they wander through the gathering, Geralt admits he is in love with Yennifer, and she says it back to him. She must mingle and leaves Geralt alone, as he encounters some interesting characters including Dijkstra and Philipa Eilhart. Djikstra makes a proposition to Geralt, which the Witcher is unimpressed by, noting how all are there to spy or on business bar himself. Philipa on the other hand promises to reveal her knowledge regarding Rience to the Witcher the following day, but for now they must mingle. As Geralt discovers the members of the Council and Charter of Magicians, he learns that Yennifer is their newest member since her heroics at the battle of Sodden. Vilgefortz, the youngest and one of the most efficient and talented members of the Chapter, request a private chat with Geralt.
The pair take a tour of the history of magicians, portrayed by a variety of paintings completed by the students in Aretuza. These paintings show different significant events from the history of the sorcerers dating back to when they first arrived on these shores. The pair are joined by Lydia van Bredevoort, the mute secretary of Vilgefortz. As Vilgefortz explains the history and prolific events of the magicians past, he reveals to Geralt how some of the most ancient and famous are still alive, including Tissaia, and the oldest living sorcerer, Hen Gedymdeith. Vilgefortz takes Geralt outside and in the distance shows him where the Council and Chapter members will gather for private discussions the following day, a place known as Garstang. Above it lies the tower of Tor Lara - The Tower of Gulls, which according to elvish traditions contains a portal to Tor Zireael - The Tower of Swallows. The portal was blocked due to it being wrapped irreversibly and had caused casualties when previus mages had tried to use it. Legend says Tor Zireael was the mythical seat of Elven mages and sages.
The pair continue their conversation, where Vilgefortz questions Geralt if the Witcher ever considered becoming a sorcerer. He then offers Geralt the chance to do so, which is immediately laughed off by the Witcher. Their conversation moves onto heritage, which Vilgefortz has been looking into regarding Geralt, and is aware of Geralt's elvish mother. He explains to the Witcher how he came from abandonment, found by druids until his magic revealed itself. Only after falling for a sorceress and realising he did not love her, instead hated her due to the fact she was exactly as his mother, did Vilgefortz decide to pursue his education in magic. Geralt is then told he must choose a side, as remaining neutral is not an option when the choice is between life and death. Geralt is unmoved, and unwilling to pick a side, but shows his true colours once Ciri is mentioned. He will not allow any harm to befall her, that is the side of the White Wolf.
Back in their chamber, Geralt and Yennifer are reminiscing about the events of the night, and Geralt is explaining all that was discussed to his beloved sorceress. They made love and pondered what shall happen next. Yennifer has all she desires in Geralt, and he the same with her. She reads his thoughts, and enjoys his ideas of them settling down and building a house together. A place where Ciri, Triss, Dandelion, and co could visit them. A nice dream. An unachievable dream. They continue making love into the night, not worrying about their noise or the others slumbering in the chambers near them, including Ciri.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ciri is awoken by a scream from Yennifer, and remembers how the sorceress was displeased that Ciri had fled to Hirundum, even though it reunited both her and Geralt. She had been dreaming again, this time seeing through the eyes of a cat, the cat of Codringher and Fenn. To her horror Ciri watches as the pair discuss who she really is, the child of Elder Blood, destined to carrying a son who will destroy and reshape the world. As she is observing this, a trio arrive and slaughter Codringher after he open the door, before setting the office ablaze and burning Fenn alive. They discovered the info the pair had unearthed, and were sent under the guidance of Rience. Ciri awakens with no memory of her dreams, but instead she remains in a sweaty haze.
A coup has been staged, with a large cost of life a result of it. Viglefortz has been captured, while Lydia is found dead by her own dagger. The eldest of all the sorcerers, Hen Gedymdeith has almost died of a heart attack. The "loyal" members of the chapter anticipated the treachery from the other members of the chapter, and apprehended them in the early hours of the morning. Geralt, for all his luck, needed to answer natures call, and wound up in the middle of the events. Dijksta captures the Witcher, and brings him to Philipa. Nilfgaard had promised the traitors freedom, along with lands to rule with their brethern and the elves. All this would be theirs once the humans were slaughtered and eliminated. Viglefortz had lists of the traitors, hidden within the kingdoms throughout the lands, with plans to now use them as puppets before their execution. The council has captured nearly all the members of the chapter for treason, and Geralts immediate thoughts are of what has happened to Yennifer.
Djikstra and the Redanian guards are leading Geralt away, planning on releasing him far enough away from the gathering at Thaned so he cannot interfere and try rescue Yennifer. Djikstra informs Geralt that he plans on using the Witcher to get Ciri from the school before bringing her to King Vizimir. Geralt takes a pause to have a drink of water, and in this moment attacks the guards and Djikstra with all his might. Dandelion arrives just in time, giving Geralt his sword, along with Ciri's, and informs the Witcher that the girl is missing. In the escape, Geralt manages to break Djikstra's ankle to stop the spy following him. In this moment he has committed treason of his own. Geralt rushes back to the chambers, but Yennifer is nowhere to be found. He does not know what has happened to her, but assumes she has been taken to Garstang along with the others.
Total war has erupted in the Tower by the time Geralt arrives, as the Scoia'tael have been snuck in by the treacherous mages. As Geralt attempts to gain access, he is foiled by the Scoia'tael and battling mages. He makes it across on his second attempt, and encounters a sorceress by the name of Keira Metz. She has been thrown from a window by Terranova, and by luck landed on Geralt who broke her fall. He gives her aid, in return for her showing him a way into the Tower. During this time she reveals exactly what has happened to the Witcher:
'Viglefortz, Francesca, Terranova, and Fercart have been accused of siding with the Nilfgaard to ensure another battle similar to Sodden does not take place. It is Philipa who is making the accusations, with Tissaia remaining neutral between all parties. As far as Tissaia is concerned, she believes the Chapter have sided with the Nilfgaard and the Elves, but the council have sided with the Kings of the Northern Realms. Blood has been shed because of all of this, and before any further arguments can take place, Yennifer bursts into the chamber with Ciri in tow. The girl is in a trance, and tells of the armed forces from Lyria committing acts of aggression against Nilfgaard. They attacked a border post in Dol Angra, and Emhyr of Nilfgaard has responded by sending armed forces into Lyria and Aedirn. War has been ignited, and the armies of Temeria, Kaedwen, and Redania are all launching on the river Yaruga. King Vizimir has been assassinated, and Tissaia interjects that it was really Philipa who had the ruling power in Redania for a long time in her role at the Kings Court.'
Horrified by what happened and ensuring Keira is alright, Geralt pleads with her to finish the tale of what happened, and where Ciri is.
'Tissaia proceeded to life the spell binding the accused Viglefortz, Francesca, Terranova, and Fercart. This was her mistake, as in that moment, free, they used their magic to allow the Scoia'tael in. Immediately, fighting erupted and many were left dead. Amongst the Scoia'tael are Reince and the Nilfgaard solider with the winged helmet.'
At this moment Geralt can wait no longer, and leaves Keira to her wounds so her could find Yennifer and Ciri.
Yennifer manages to lead Ciri to safety during the battle, taking her towards a flight of stairs. Here she explains there is a horse in the stables at the bottom of the stairs, and Ciri must take it and escape, bidding farewell to the girl. Ciri is frightened and confused after her trance, but does as she is told. As Ciri looks at Yennifer for the final time, the sorceress exclaims 'I love you, my daughter.' As Ciri is running down the stairs she encounters two elves and a man. Dashing down a corridor towards a window, she manages to climb onto the ledge outside. She is trapped between the Elves at one side and the man at the other, none other than Rience! Bravely, Ciri jumps, and manages to land safely thanks to her training at Kaer Morhen. As she is running to escape, Terranova catches her. He ponders what reward Emhyr will give him for capturing Ciri, but it reamins nothing more than a fleeting thought. An owl, Philipa, swoops down upon him, disorientating him and tearing at his eyes. As the old traitor tries to heal himself, Geralt appears and finishes the job.
Geralt and Ciri run for it, and are chased by the knight with the winged helmet from Nilfgaard, Cahir. Geralt returns her sword to Ciri, and tries to slow their chasers as Ciri runs on ahead to safety. Cahir managed to catch up with Ciri and traps her, leaving the girl terrified in fear. Instinctively, her Kaer Morhen training kicks in, and she manages to slash him to the ground with her sword. As she is about to kill him, his helmet has flown off, and all she sees before her is a young man following orders. Before his allies arrive, Ciri runs away, leaving him to his wounds. As the Scoia'tael try to assist Cahir, Geralt appears and slashes the group of Elves and Dwarves to death with calmness and precision. He stands above Cahir, as the Nilfgaard knight pleads for mercy. 'Why?' questions Geralt. It is here that Cahir reveals it was he who saved Ciri and got her out of Cintra when the city was burning. Geralt leaves him be, and the knight faints.
Ciri has fled to the Tower of Tor Lara, to avoid the pursuing Scoia'tael. Geralt chases after her, and here he encounters Viglefortz at the only entrance to the tower. Geralt is ready to fight until the death to save the child, as Viglefortz reveals it was him who sent the assassins after Geralt, along with him siding with Emhyr ling ago. The Witcher, in his fury, made the grave mistake of battling the sorcerer. Viglefortz had power unbeknown to Geralt, power strong enough to kill the Witcher, breaking his body along the way. Nearly dead but still alive, while unaware of what happened to Ciri, Geralt is being treated by Triss for his wounds. Tissasia is repelling the invading royalists, exclaiming the island still belongs to the Chapter. Tissaia banishes Triss for her part in the revolt, but indignantly helps the sorceress aid Geralt and teleport him away before Djikstra and the guards can lay their hands on him.
CHAPTER FIVE
Dandelion is on a mission, as an ambassador, and has been brought as close to the edge of the river Ribbon as the escorting guards are willing to bring him. They will go no further, as Dandelion is on his way to Brokilon and the Dryads have been shooting to kill since the war began. As bravely as he can, Dandelion proceeds ahead with his horse Pegasus. They cross the river and face the vertical, menacing wall of trees, the wall of Brokilon. The poet dismounts and prepares himself for the worst, an arrow from a Dryad, and begins to sing while playing his lute. A Dryad appear, and Dandelion speaks to her in Elvish with his reason for approaching and intruding on their home. He asks to see Geralt, whom he knowns is resting and recovering in the forest. The Dryads ask him to continue his singing about Ettarial, and in time Geralt appears. As they proceed into the darkness of Brokilon, Dandelion explains how Triss told him where Geralt was. This helped Dandelion get a letter of passage for an expedition to Brokilon from King Venzlav. The Witcher is happy to see his old friend alive and well.
They are camped in the forest with the Dryads, but will not be brought to the heart of their kingdom, Duel Carnell. Geralt questions the goings on since he has been in hiding, and Dandelion explains how nobody knows where Ciri or Yennifer are. The Nilfgaards invaded Lyria and Ardirn after the events of Demavend's forces at Dol Angra. Nilfgaard raged North, and with their powerful army, claimed cities and lands with ease. With the mages disbanded and the sheer strength of Nilfgaards force, Demavend and Meve allied together and tried to repel the invading forces.
Nilfgaard were under the initial order to attack the castles and leave peace to the villages, but things have changed. New orders have been issued, they will murder, plunder, and pillage all that is available to them. Grains and animals, ores, gold and art, anything of value is to be taken. People are to be enslaved if they are captured. Fields are to be burnt. Revenge for their losses at Sodden. The armies will not stop. They took Venerberg within a week of battling, where six thousand were slaughtered and the fleeing refugees were rounded up and taken as slaves for labour by the Nilfgaards. The army was defeated, but the brave Captain Rayla had fought to the death with her loyal warriors. They did not let the peasents, the women, the children to be captured easily, and for god knows what. They barricaded the road as best they could, and discovered it was the Scoia'tael who were the leading front of the Nilfgaard army. They battled bravely till the end, with Rayla the last warrior left standing. She would not surrender. None were taken alive.
The pacts and alliances of the Kingdoms fell apart when needed the most. With Vizimir found dead in Redania, his lands were in disarray. King Foltest struck a deal with the Nilfgaard, meaning Temeria would of no aid to its former allies. Foltest felt he had little choice, with Verden having surrendered and sworn allegiance to Nilfgaard, Temeria could not stand alone against the Nilfgaards. They were surround in all the Kingdoms around Temeria, so the King struck a deal where Temeria would remain its own Kingdom, but as a Nilfgaardian province. The same as Verden had done. Aedirn has been left to its own aid, with no support or aid, as King Demavend has fled to Redania and Queen Meve is missing in Lyria. With the Kingdoms falling, Kaedwen will be next on the list for Nilfgaard to conquer.
As Aedirn falls to the might of Nilfgaard, the armies of Kaedwen are sent to the edge of the river Dyfne. They will be given control of their old ancestral lands in Aedirn, while Nilfgaard will claim the lands up to the other side of the river Dyfne. It was on a bridge of this very river that the Kaedwen Kingdom made a pact with Nilfgaard, to divide the dying lands of Aedirn. With the Council and Chapter nowhere to be found, Viglefortz has also disappeared. Francesca Findabair has become Queen, as she was promised, she is now ruling Queen of Aen Seidhe, the Free Elves. The price she has paid is great, siding with Emhyr and agreeing not to associate with the Scoia'tael. This is to keep peace with Temeria and Kaedwen, not giving shelter or aid to their Scoia'tael brethern. The Free Elves will also continue to fight on the side of Nilfgaard, disrupting the plans of men and their armed forces.
Geralt is horrified as he learns all of this, especially that the Chapter and Council have not done anything to help the men. He is also horrified that the mages have not abandoned Viglefortz after all the violence and destruction he and Nilfgaard have caused. They remain incapable of having a conscience. All except Tissaia de Vries, who in the privacy of her own sanctuary penned her final letter and slit her own wrists. As for Yennifer, Dandelion refuses to speak of her, but rumour has it she was involved in the game with Viglefortz. Who is to blame? Geralt had his love, his miracle daughter, his faith, and now he has nothing. What did his friends do to help him? Could they have done better by him? Dandelion is lost in these thought, shrouded in worry and guilt.
As more Scoia'tael arrive in Brokilon, Geralt learns rumours of Ciri's whereabouts. The Witcher prepares to leave, unwilling to leave the girl to her fate. At this point Dandelion reveals he knows of rumours about Ciri, and Geralt decides to let his friend join him. They ride out of Brokilon together. Apparently Ciri has been apprehended by Nilfgaard, and brought to the Royal Kingdom of Loc Grim Palace. All the leading houses of Nilfgaard and the noble aristocrats have gathered to witness the Lioncub of Cintra being presented to the Emhyr. He will marry her, and claim the titles of Cintra. Unimpressed, he welcomes the girl and claims he will help her in reclaiming her crowns. He orders her to be sent to the castle of Darn Rosen, far away, for her safety until the time is right. The girl had been captured by a human and a half blood elf, and brought to Nastrong in Verden three days after the events of Thanedd. Emhyr gathers the lead of his millitary and spies, informing them to search for Rience and Cahir. They are to be placed under arrest. He also requires Viglefortz to be eliminated for his treachery, along with any sorcerers who accompany him. Finally, he informs his trusted inner circle that they must keep up the ruse that the girl he was presented is in fact Ciri. He had figured out immediately she was nothing but an imposter sent to fool him. He order the local mage to use all the magic available to locate the whereabouts of the real Ciri.
CHAPTER SIX
Ciri is lost and alone, having been knocked out by a large rock as she landed, cutting her head in the process. As she awaken, Ciri remembers how she had entered the portal in the Tower of Tor Lara. It was her only option for escape, and had transported her to a desert. Thirsty, warm, and all alone, Ciri realises nobody knows she is looking for her, because they do not know she is there. She must fend for herself. Ciri has her dagger, and a pouch from Yennifer with all the essentials a woman could possibly need, but alas no food or water. She will last without food, but needs water, and quickly in the desert heat. Ciri decides to set out towards the setting sun as a means of direction. As night falls and the bitter cold takes over, Ciri reminds herself that she is a Witcher and cannot give up. That she is a Witcher. That she is an enchantress! Gathering herself, Ciri manages to cast spells to heat her aching body and produce light in the darkness. She knows no spells for food or water, and eventually falls asleep as exhaustion overcomes her. She manages to find a few drops of dew on the rocks as she awakens, and continues walking until noon when the heat of the sun becomes too much for her. She finds a rock to shelter under, and to her dismay, discovers its the same rock where she had woken up initially after being transported there. Ciri had gone in circles.
Ciri spots a mountain range in the distance, and decides to aim for it. She walks through the night, gathering what dew she can find in the morning, while sheltering under rocks at noon. The girl eats whatever she can lay her hands on, including lizard eggs, but eventually vomits it all up. Repeatedly she falls, as her spells are becoming ineffective as she becomes weaker from the heat. Ciri wont give up, she cannot. She has no choice but to go on. She marches as much as she can but eventually her strength and will gives up. Ciri begins to hallucinate and vultures begin to circle above, waiting for their prey to die so they can feast on her carcass. The mountains are closer, but her energy is spent.
She is awakened by a thud on her shoulder, and to her astonishment, a unicorn is before her. Ciri is merely hallucinating, or so she thinks, as the unicorn leaves when she faints again. Once again, she is awoken by it, and this time it leads her to a source of water. Ciri drinks all of the muddy water she can, and in the company of the unicorn, they head on their way. They find food for each other, including ants and lizard eggs, with each step bringing them closer to the mountain range.
As they searched for more water, the pair encounter a situation of sheer peril. They become trapped in a hole, believing there was water in it. Instead, they encounter a venomous monster with sharp pincers protuding from it. Together with the unicorns horn, and Ciri's dagger, they manage to kill it. Not without cost though, as the unicorn recieved two cuts on its thigh for their efforts. As the pair march on, steering clear of the sand holes, they discover small pockets of water. Ciri runs ahead, but eventually realises the damage to the unicorn as it collapses. She examines its wounds, seeing the inflamed redness where the venom has taken hold.
Realising she could create fire now she had weeds and twigs from the rocks they were walking on, Ciri manages to draw power from the Source of Fire. The one Yennifer warned her never to draw power from! As Ciri felt the power grow in her, and before she could heal the unicorn, a dark haired woman rose within the flames. The power overcame her, and the woman told her she must get revenge on all who crossed her. Not just the Nilfgaards and Scoia'tael, but on Triss, the Witchers at Kaer Morhen, Dandelion, Geralt, Yennifer.... Ciri refused and banished the power,draining her of all her energy in the process. She was alone. Empty. Helpless. She did not care when a group of riders appeared and took her. She lost everything. Her crotch and thighs were covered in blood. Ciri was alive, but only because she had made it rain in the desert, and the cost was more than every imaginable.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The riders who found Ciri are hunters. Everywhere there are search parties from Nilfgaard, sent to find the girl. The magician of Emhyr had located her to that general area. She had been in a desert known as the Frying Pan. A hunter known as Skomlik, who can recognise that Ciri is a crafty and cunning one, tries to question her as she gobbles down the food and water they give her. She learnt from their accents and language spoken that she has been captured by Nilfgaardians. They are in the South somewhere, as a knight and his squire bicker amongst the hunters. Her magic is gone. She has lost all her powers from playing with fire. Ciri was indignant again.
As the group rides on they encounter more Nilfgaards, and a blue knight. After a quarrell, a duel ensues between the knights. They were both immensely strong and every blow was beyond anything Ciri imagined possible. Eventually, they finished each other off, leaving the group of hunters to scheme about what they will do with Ciri to get keep the reward for themselves. She tries to escape, but is too tired to run and eventually caught by them again. This time they bind her so she cannot run again.
They proceed to a Nilfgaardian town called Glyswem, pretending to be members of the army to gain access. The town is quiet and feels deserted, although the group can feel eyes watching them from within the thatched buildings. At the local inn they meet a group in the name of Lord Nissir, led by a man named Vercta. He knows Skomlik, and the two groups sit together, discussing and merrymaking over beers and food. The Nissirs have a prisoner of their own, a man named Kayleigh from the group known as The Rats. With Ciri left to crouch beside him, Kayleigh informs her discretely how he will help her escape if she helps him. If she can gets his binds off, whem his allies arrive to rescue him, he will bring her to safety. If he escapes, she will too.
The Nissiers and Skomliks group are getting drunk fast, and to Ciri's horror she realises they will rape her for fun. Kayleigh convinces her to get a knife from the innkeeper, who refuses until Ciri repeats Kayleighs words that 'nobody will get out of here alive.' He slips a knife into her clothing as her gives the girl food, and while Ciri feeds Kayleigh she manages to cut his binds. At the same moment the window smashes as two members of the Rats gang climb in, while others emerge at the door and from the kitchen. The battle ensues, and nobody bar Ciri and the Rats survive. She flees with them, riding horses through the Nilfgaard town as the bandits fight their way out. She has to fight to survive, and Ciri ends up killing her first human. She almost vomits from nausea but manages to continue with the group as they cross the river and into the forest. The leader, Giselher, decides Ciri can ride with them until they reach Velda, after which they will decide what to do with her.
They rest in the mountains, and the gang question Ciri about who she is. She wont answer, and the group ponder many things about her, especially how nimbly she moves. Eventually, having enough, Ciri barks she can handle herself and gladly leave them. They instruct her to grab blankets and keep herself warm for the night. As she returns with the blankets, the gang induct her into the group as one of their own. Finally, they ask Ciri what name she wishes to go by. She respondes in Elder speech, and from that moment is known as Falka. The same name as the woman in black who appeared in the fire Ciri had conjured in the Frying Pan desert.
As Ciri lay to sleep for the night, she knew she was no longer alone. Suddenly Kayleigh appeared, letting her know he would keep quiet about the bounty on her from Nilfgaard. He then climbed in beside her, as Ciri lay frozen in fear he was going to have his way with her. Just then another member of the gang appeared, Mistle, and banished him. Instead she climbed in beside Ciri, allowing her hands to explore the girl until Ciri gave in to her 'disgusting and humiliating submissiveness.'
The gang consisted of outcasts and misfits. Kayleigh lost his family to a fire and Reef who was abandoned by the army were the first members. Giselher had ran from his patrol and managed to join the pair, while Iskra was an elf who had been banished from Aen Seidhe, the Free Elves. Mistle got lost from her family as they fled the city of Thurn when the notorious Pacifiers of Gemmera descended upon the city. Asse had rescued her after the Nilfgaards had raped Mistle, he himself a survivor of the war. They all happened upon each other by chance, and formed their gang, the Rats. They were the children of contempt, and a gang whose cruelty became legendary. Ciri, now known as Falka, had become the seventh member of the gang. Word reached the spies of Nilfgaard that a girl was running with the Rats. The head of the Nilfgaardian spies, Tawny Owl, dismissed any notion of her being Ciri, and instructed his men to find the gang and orders for all seven members to be killed by means of hanging.