Chapter 9: Loss and Despair
After Tancred's guards learned of the ambush set at the castle by the assassins to kill Triss, commander Deirdre and his men raced to aid the sorceress. Shortly after the mask mage fled, Deirdre arrived with two squads of Koviri royal guards on horseback totaling twenty four men. The sounds of battle had been long quiet down as they entered the courtyard and faced the horrid sight of their brothers killed in battle. Deirdre surveyed the carnage, and cringed at the sight of what use to be his best men. Their bodies lay strewn about the castle grounds ripped apart by magic. They could have retreated, but their honor demanded they fight and gave their lives to protect the sorceress in their charge.
His helmet masked his face, and the commander showed no emotion, but it's obvious from his words, that the death of his men weighed heavy on him. All the dead men were no older than boys, and many had barely experienced the comforts and joys of a woman in their beds. In a distance, Deirdre gazed upon the sorceress body as her sister's applied their magical talents in a desperate attempt to save her life.
"Latos, retrieve our brothers and burn the assassins. I will inform our King of this carnage." He ordered from behind the faceplate of his helmet.
"Yes sir. Retrieve our fallen and burn the assassin bodies." Latos repeated the ordered, and then send his men to work.
At Triss's side, both Rita and Keira struggled frantically to heal her. Rita used a spell to analyze Triss's injuries as Keira worked to stop the bleeding across the sorceress body. Both sorceresses appeared calm and focused as they carefully check each wound. Observing from the sideline, one would say the sorceresses lacked feelings or emotional attachments were it not for their wet eyes as they tended to their sister.
"She has injuries on her chest, and my diagnosis spells are useless. Something is wrong," Rita remarked.
"Take care of the wound on her head and arms; I will heal the injury on her chest. We'll do more diagnosis later." Keira replied.
"If she dies, her Witcher will never forgive me. He is going to kill me. I gave him my word—I should have been with her. I'm sorry." Rita whispered frantically.
"That's enough Rita; this is not your fault. We should have been with her, and we are both to blame. Geralt will not fault you for this."
"No! The blame is my alone. Done, turn her over quickly please," Rita replied and placed Triss's head into her lap.
"We have to hurry. She's dying Rita."
Nearby, Geralt remained on his knees lost in despair. He listened to the sorceresses every word and tried to move his body, but he couldn't. The sight of Triss's body covered in blood was too much for the Witcher to bear. He was gripped and broken by sorrow and loss. Latos and his men obeyed commander Deirdre's orders and gathered the bodies of their fallen brothers. As they worked, a portal flashed opened in the courtyard and the guards quickly drew the swords. They turned and faced the portal, then slowly move toward the opening. Latos and his guards were aware that the attacker also wielded magic.
There was a brief tense moment and the sorceress Evelyne stepped out of the portal. She is confronted by the sight of Triss's body held in Rita's arms. Horrified at the sight, she screamed and fell to the ground. Only days earlier, Evelyne had summoned her courage to speak to Triss and realized she was kind and caring. The young sorceress had hoped Triss would befriend her and become her mentor in the courts. Now Triss lay lifeless as her friends desperately tried to save her. Earlier that morning, the overheard Triss and commander Deirdre discussed the old castle. She tried to offer her assistance, but Evelyne was timid and felt a sorceress of Triss's renown would snub her help and ideas, so she decided instead to remain on the sidelines unnoticed.
If she dies, Kovir would have no one to unite the mage's against a Redanian assault. "We are doomed" Evelyne mumbled repeatedly, then frantically moved away as the Royal guards tried to assist her.
Overcome with emotion, Keira's voice wavered as she called to Lambert, "Help me carry her home and be careful with her."
"What about the girl?" He asked.
"I will get the girl—Eskel, could you take Geralt home?" Rita asked softly.
Keira opened a portal to Triss's bedroom, and entered with Lambert carrying the sorceress in his arms. Moments later, they emerge inside and she quickly retrieved a magic amulet from the lab and returned to Lambert still holding Triss in his arms unsure as to where to place her.
"Where should I put her?"
"On the bed Lambert, place her on the bed." She answered.
"She's covered in blood."
"I know Lambert. I know! We can always get new sheets." Keira replied.
"Are you alright?"
"No, I'm not, but I will be alright dear. Now, leave us please." She said
Rita hastily opened a portal as Eskel retrieved Geralt's sword and placed it in its sheath. He helped Geralt to his feet, then together they entered the portal. Rita knelt beside the young sorceress and consoled her briefly. Evelyne was a graduate of Aretuza and had been a junior advisor in Tancred's court for a few years. She lacks confidence, but like the sorceress Triss Merigold, Evelyne was a talented healer and showed great promise in offensive magic. Rita opened a second portal, and both women stepped through and emerge to be greeted by the Witcher Lambert.
"Where is she?" Rita asked.
"Merigold is in her bedroom, and Keira is tending to her. Geralt is sitting there, but he refused to speak. This whole situation is fucking shit."
"You have to wait here girl." Rita said, as she sat Evelyne beside the fireplace.
"Let me help. I'm not as experienced as you m'lady, but my healing abilities are excellent." Evelyne replied, her voice crack and trembled.
"Your help is welcome Evelyne." She replied.
Both ladies entered the bedroom, and Rita immediately went to work on Triss. Attempting to check the sorceress for internal injuries, she got the same result. She was unable to scan Triss internally using magic. Evelyne hesitated and stood frozen in place as both sorceresses cared for Triss. Rita seemed unusually cautious and avoided Geralt. She glanced at the Witcher intermittently, but her guilt had almost overwhelmed her. Before the attack on Triss, Rita had promised the Witcher, she would accompany Triss to the castle, however, a chance encounter with another Witcher delayed her arrival. Now the sorceress was unsure of how Geralt would react to her presence.
Frantically Rita called to Evelyne, "Help us sister or leave the room please."
"I'm sorry—Let me try." Evelyne replied as she moved to Triss's bedside and placed her hands on the sorceress body.
"What do you see?" Keira asked.
"Nothing, just utter emptiness. I don't understand." Evelyne answered.
"Something's very wrong, she should be responsive." Keira said, with concern in her voice.
"Yes, this in unusual, her physical injuries are minor for the level of damage she has. She is alive, but slipping. What little thoughts I can sense from her is erratic and mostly of her Witcher." Rita answered. Even in her present state all she can think of is Geralt, silly girl.
Evelyne laid her hands on Triss's body and healed the small cuts, scrapes and bruises on her neck and face and arms. Using magic she gently lifted the sorceress body in her arms and healed the injuries on her back and head. Before laying Triss back in bed, she grabbed a wet cloth and wiped the blood from her face, then turned her gazed toward Rita and Keira. She had a nervous look in her eyes and hesitated with her words. Her action quickly drew concerns from both Keira and Rita, who watched her anxiously.
"What is it?" Keira asked.
"I like to remove her clothes and examine her further, but the Witcher is watching." Evelyne replied.
"Go on, but be discreet. Never mind Geralt, he's her lover, and I am certain her body is familiar to him." Rita replied.
As they removed Triss's clothing, the sorceresses noticed the strange markings that spread from her chest where she was hit with the mage's spell down to her abdomen and her sides. During their examination, Keira and Rita determined that the markings were the curse afflicted on Triss, and it would have killed her had something or someone not protected the sorceress. Her survival could also be attributed to the fact that the mage was unfamiliar with the curse or lacked the experience to use that level of magic.
"Rita this is…" Keira paused frightened by what she saw on Triss's body.
"A curse, meant to kill her." Rita replied in shock.
"Why, would someone do this?" Evelyne asked.
"Triss made a lot of enemies when she rescued so many mages from Novigrad." Keira replied.
"I can't say for certain why she was attacked, but this is powerful magic. In all my studies, no one has survived this level of magic unscathed. Surviving a curse this powerful requires an exceptionally strong will to live. We have to find the mage and quickly." Rita answered.
Evelyne paused, then wiped her face and said, "I have done everything I can. She is alive, but barely. She doesn't have much time, weeks perhaps."
"Evelyne! Be discreet, Geralt can hear you and—" Rita said, then stop as Geralt left his seat.
He slowly made his way to Triss's bedside oblivious to the three sorceresses nearby. He knelt beside her, then took her hand, and said nothing. He appeared absent will or determination, and for the first time, he looked broken. Rita noticed that his eyes were cold, absent emotion and lack the warmth that appeared in them just hours ago when they spoke. There was a long pause as the sorceresses watched helplessly while Geralt grieved over his lover.
"Forgive me Geralt. I should've been there at her side." Rita whispered her voice cracked.
"You gave me your word! You said..." He replied, and stared at her from the corner of his eyes.
"Forgive me, If I'd made it in time, Triss wouldn't..." Rita replied, as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Don't do this now—Not here please. There is enough blame to go around." Keira said.
The sound of Geralt's voice drew Eskel and Lambert into the room. They entered just in time to see Rita place her hands over her eyes in tears as Keira and Evelyne grabbed her shoulders and attempted to console her. She shrugged their hands off, and moved closer to Geralt and tried to rest her hand on his shoulders in apology.
"You have to forgive me. I was unaware. Damn it!" Rita continued.
Geralt turned, faced her and replied, "If Triss dies, I will—"
"You'll what?" Eskel quickly stepped forward and interrupted, "Enough! It's not her fault, and you know it. You are losing yourself wolf."
"When did you start defending sorceresses Eskel?" Lambert asked.
"I am saying what has to be said, Triss is hurt; I got it brother, but making threats or trying to hurt another sorceress is not going to bring her back. We have to find the mage responsible and kill him. Wolf can join us or sit here." Eskel replied.
Still upset, Rita wiped her eyes and composed herself. She did not expect Eskel to enter the room and see her in such a state. Although grateful when he came to her defense, the sorceress was unprepared to face him. Disheartened and confused she tried to leave the bedroom, but Eskel reached for her hand. Unwilling to face the Witcher, she reacted violently and quickly pushed him away.
"Rita…"
"Let go of me!" She replied, as she pulled away from Eskel's grip.
"If you want to get angry wolf be angry at me. Rita and I were together. I was the cause of her lateness. It was my fault." Eskel said.
Shocked, Lambert replied, "Say what? You and Rita are?"
Frustrated and concern Keira raised her voice, "Take it outside, both of you. Now!"
Geralt did not respond to Eskel. His eyes remained fixed on Triss, and he descended back into an unresponsive state as Lambert and Eskel walked out the room. Lambert paused beside the fireplace in the parlor and folded his arms across his chest. He was brash and impatient, and most of all he wanted to be out looking to the mask mage. However, with no leads to pursue, Eskel cautioned against any irrational move that could put the other sorceresses at risk.
From the parlor, Eskel watched Rita as she sat in the frigid winter air as snow began to fall and cover the ground. She wiped her eyes, then whispered to herself and pondered the day's events. He could hear her sobs and her words clearly as if he was standing beside her. Rita began to question her judgment and herself. Knowing he was the distraction she whispered about and the reason she was late to meet Triss, the Witcher wanted to help. Although confident, he hesitated briefly because the sorceress had just rebuffed his previous attempt to comfort her.
"Why did you decide to come? To Pont Vanis I mean." Lambert asked.
"I took a job in Lan Exeter, then I heard a rumor about two Witchers settling down here with sorceresses. I heard about the poison attempt on Triss too. I can see Geralt, but you? I couldn't believe it, so I decided to see for myself. I guess this place is better than Kaer Morhen in the winter, so I decided to stay awhile." Eskel explained.
"What was that about, you and that sorceress? You came to the castle together? Holy shit, how did you two meet?"
"In short, on the path, but it's not your concern. Ask me again later when I'm drunk." Eskel replied.
He took a deep breath, opened the door, then walked out and slowly advanced toward Rita. Distracted, she stared at the city at a distance and missed his encroachment. Eskel stood beside the sorceress for a while and listened quietly as she whispered to herself. She continued to question her judgment and even question her curiosity about the Witcher, and finally he drew her attention and spoke.
"Do you think it was a mistake to meet me?" He asked, while she quickly wiped her eyes.
"Eskel...you startled me. Mistake? No and yes. Because I spend the afternoon with you Triss was alone, and now she may not survive." Rita replied.
"Can I sit?" He asked calmly.
"Have a seat Witcher, please." She replied.
In his attempt to lighten the mood Eskel asked, "It's cold out here, are you sure you want to be out dress like that sorceress?"
"Do you Witcher's always sneaked up on others and give advice about their dress?" Rita replied and raised her head curiously.
He folded his arms across his chest, "Not always, only when we are concerned, but I can see you want to be alone. Excuse me."
"No, stay awhile. Please. They say Witchers are without emotions, yet you show concern." She replied.
"We are often misunderstood." He replied, "Are you alright?"
"I am alright. I have a lot on my mind. I made a promise and I failed to keep it." She answered.
"Wolf is angry, lost even, but he's not going to try to harm you. He would never try something so foolish." Eskel said.
"I know, but Geralt will never trust me again. Who would? I broke my word, and his lover may die for it. I was on my way to meet Triss when I happened on you."
"I'll still trust your word. It was my fault you were late to meet Triss, and I'm sorry." Eskel replied.
"No, the fault was my witcher. I was curious, and I lost track of time." Rita answered.
"Can you and the other sorceresses help her?"
"Tell me Eskel, why do you all care for her?" She asked.
"Well, we've known Triss a while, and she's spent a lot of time with us at Kaer Morhen caring for Ciri, then again, with wolf. Vesemir...we all saw Triss as part of the family."
"Family?" Rita whispered, "I don't know if we can help her, but if we fail she'll die. We need to find that mage soon or get help elsewhere."
"We'll find him; you can count on that and when we do. Geralt is not going to be polite." He answered.
"Thank you witcher, and forgive me, I must attend to my sister." Rita said, as she got up and walked away.
Inside the house, Keira and Evelyne continued to care for Triss, and soon they were joined by Rita. The sorceresses did everything they could to magically to heal her, but her condition had not improved. Evelyne remained by Triss's side as Keira and Rita discussed what to do next to save the sorceress life, then Evelyne suggested they turned Triss into a figurine until they could locate the mage. Rita immediate refused the idea because she was aware that the process would kill the sorceress in her current condition when they try to revive her.
The day passed by slowly, and Evelyne departed at nightfall. Rita stayed with Triss for a while, and then retired to the parlor where the others were gathered. She sat beside the fireplace, and occasionally gaze at Eskel while he slept beside an open window. The cold winter air blew across his face, and his hair waved gently in the breeze while he slept. Rita could smell the scent of his armor, a mixture of old leather and monster blood from his most recent hunt, but she wasn't bothered by the scent. Nearby, Keira sat with her backs against the wall as she rested her body and head against Lambert's shoulders.
"Are you seeing this, Keira?" Lambert said, to his sorceress as Rita walked over and placed a tanned hide over Eskel's body.
"My feminine intuition tells me she's taken a liking to your Witcher friend." Keira replied.
"Don't worry about him sorceress, he's always preferred the cool air. At Kaer Morhen, he slept in the cold." Lambert said, as Rita hastily took her seat.
"Shut it Lambert, and stay out of her affairs." Keira whispered, and nudged him.
Keira and Rita continued to care for Triss during the night without sleep until morning. In fact, no one except the Witcher Eskel slept during the night, and he woke only at the sound of a portal opening nearby when the young sorceress Evelyne returned before dawn to spend her day caring for the wounded sorceress. She cared for Triss during the day as Rita and Keira rested, then Rita headed to the palace just before midday and demanded a private audience with the Kings. As a respected sorceress and headmistress of Aretuza, her request wasn't unusual, however, the recent events had the King's Guards nervous and suspicious. The sorceress demands were rebuffed until she threatened to teleport inside the palace and address the King without permission. She informed the Chamberlain about the urgency of her request, and she was immediately granted an audience with Tancred.
Rita informed the King about Triss's condition, then formulated a plan to keep the sorceress safe while they work to heal her. Concern that her attacker would make another attempt on her life Tancred insisted his spies encourage the news that Triss was indeed dead while the sorceresses continue their work on her recovery. After their meeting, the King announced to his court that Triss Merigold was killed, and her remains taken to the witcher fortress of Kaer Morhen by the witcher Geralt of Rivia.
***][***
One Week Later...October, 1274.
The news about the attack on the King's mage advisor spread quickly across Kovir and Poviss, then on to the Northern Kingdoms. Though unconfirmed, rumors spread that the Auburn haired sorceress of Maribor Triss Merigold was dead. No one barring a trusted few knew she was alive and fighting for her survival. As the news of her death reached the northern kingdom of Redania, it was warmly received by Radovid and the church of the Eternal Fire. She was their sworn enemy and a former member of the Lodge of Sorceresses. She was also a uniting force among Kovir's mage. Alive she had the will and spur to unite the mages of Kovir and the north against their cause. Radovid and the Church needed the sorceress dead to further his plans for Kovir. The King hoped that in her death, the mages would withdraw their support for Kovir before the impending war between their two Kingdoms.
Upon hearing Tancred's announcement and confirmation of Triss's death, there was uproar among the mages. Many advocated Kovir declare war on Redania as the Sorceress was attacked by Redanian assassins in Kovir's territories. Redania aimed to break the mage's unity and support for Kovir. However, the news of Triss's death had the opposite effect. Rather than deter them from their cause or waiver their support, the news of Triss's death and the brutal attack made the mages more determined in their support. With new Aretuza firmly under Rita's control and the protection of Kovir, and the council led by Triss, Kovir offered a safe haven for anyone interested in the arts. Mages who were hesitant about the coming war understood that there was nowhere else to seek safety, and they rallied in support of Kovir. Steadily, Kovir grew in strength as more mages enlisted their services and talents for the coming war with Redanian. To keep Nilfgaard in check, Tancred planned to use his vast navy should Emhyr decide to move his armies or navies.
A week had passed since the attack on Triss. Rita spends her nights caring for the sorceress yet her condition grew worse each day. Geralt stayed at Triss's bedside without sleep or meditation until his body could no longer remain awake. It's said that Witcher's do not shed tear or show emotions, but in his moment of grief and despair, Geralt pleas were more than tears.
"I don't know if you can hear me, but if you can just squeeze my hand." He whispered to Triss as she lay in bed, unconscious. I miss you.
With her eyes fixed on Geralt and Triss, Rita whispered, "Forgive me Triss." I should have been there to aid you.
"I failed to protect you like I promise. I don't know how to explain this to Ciri." Geralt said, then leaned forward in his seat and held her hand. You have to come back because I'm not prepared to let you go.
His words were soft, and meant for Triss's ears only, but Rita heard them and wept quietly as she listened. She'd stayed at their home since the attack to aid Keira as they cared for the sorceress. Keira and Evelyne tended to Triss during the day, and Rita cared for her at night. Despite their attempts draw him away Geralt remained at her side day and night and refused to acknowledge anyone. During the night when he'd finally fallen asleep from exhaustion, Rita watched over them. The next morning, Keira woke early, and tended to Triss, then left Evelyne to care for the sorceress as she rested by the fireplace. Unaware and lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice Lambert until the Witcher sat beside her. Moment later, she leaned her body against his and closed her eyes.
"How is Merigold doing?" He whispered.
"I can't say, but we've done everything we can for her. Without the mage or information about the curse, we can do nothing more." She replied.
"What about Geralt?"
"He speaks to no one. Rita said during the night, he whispered to Triss, but nothing else. He continues to sit by her bedside without a word. In his current state, Geralt will be no help. I'm afraid you and Eskel must continue your search for clues." Keira answered.
"We are leaving soon to search the woods where we attacked the assassins." Lambert replied.
"Perhaps I should try to contact Yennefer. She may know something—she is familiar with curses and far more knowledgeable in the dark arts."
"Yennefer? Why her?"
"We are desperate Lambert. Triss would object were she awake, but I cannot let her die because of their petty quarrel. Yennefer will not refuse despite—" Keira replied, then raised her head.
"Yennefer holds grudges. Wolf left her for Triss remember. I have my doubts. Yennefer will not help willingly, but it's worth a try."
"Rita said as much, but I have to try or Triss will surely die. Geralt's relationship with Triss is one reason why Yennefer may refuse to help, but I suspect there are other reasons too." Keira answered, then rested her head on the Witcher shoulder.
"I know. I don't like it one bit, but I understand." Lambert muttered.
"You'll have to tell me someday why all the Witcher's distrust Yennefer." Keira said.
"You've known her longer than us, and you know how she treats others." He replied.
Desperate to save her friend, Keira decided to call for aid from the one person she hoped would respond to her, the raven-haired sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg. Yennefer had been in the north traveling with Cirilla, but the two had separated while Ciri walked the path, and Yennefer remained somewhere in the north. As always, the conversation between Keira and her old acquaintance was direct and without many pleasantries. Regrettably, Yennefer seemed unhappy to see her old friend.
"Hello Keira, I can't say I'm please to see you again. How can I help you?" Yennefer said.
"Yennefer, I am glad to see you well, but I wouldn't have called you if I had other options. I'm sure you've heard news about the attack on Triss, and yet you've made no attempt to contact us, but that is another matter. Triss is badly injured, and we need your help, or she'll—"
"Ah yes! Triss, Triss, Triss," Yennefer mumbled. "It's always about Triss. What do you need from me? I know she's not dead so why can't you heal her?"
"She's not, but she is afflicted with a curse, and it's killing her. We need your help to lift it. She doesn't have much time." Keira replied.
"A curse? Interesting development," Yennefer said, "so why contact me?"
"We don't know this curse, and you are familiar with dark… ancient magic. Will you help us?" Keira replied.
"I can't very well say no, but you can't expect me to drop my affairs and come running to save Triss, can you?" Yennefer replied.
"I knew it! The sorceress superior won't help. This was a waste of time Keira." Lambert complained impatiently.
"Do not interrupt my conversation Lambert." Yennefer answered sharply.
"I'm not Geralt and I'm not your lap dog...oh that's right. Your dog decided to find someone who gives a shit about him and his feelings, so her highness Yennefer is angry." Lambert replied, not hiding his dislike for the sorceress.
"Silence your pet Keira before he aggravates me."
"He is not a pet! And I will not tolerate disrespect toward me Yennefer. You will not talk to him that way and expect nothing in return." Keira shot back.
"Tolerate? Girl, you are in no position to tolerate anything simply because you spread your legs and lay with that—that thing." Yennefer said.
"Yennefer! You've been warned; do not insult him and certainly not me sister." Keira replied, sternly.
"Ohh a warning? As you can see this conversation is no longer pleasant. Good day and goodbye Keira." Yennefer replied, then terminated the Megascope link.
"I thought she would help us. Is she willing to let Triss die because she is angry that Geralt choose her?" Keira said, and turned to Lambert in shock.
"Yennefer always did what was in her interest. She helps when she stands to gain and helping Merigold is not in her interest?"
"We have no one else to turn to. I need you and Eskel to keep searching. Evelyne is also searching the palace library for anything useful, maybe we will have luck there." Keira answered.
"Alright, we're off. I will see you soon."
"Be careful, and take no chances Witcher." Keira replied.
"I can't promise, but I'll try..." He said, then turned to walk away.
"Lambert wait!" Keira said and clutched his armor and as he turned, then she kissed him.
"What was that for Sorceress? Are you trying to confuse me?" He asked.
"I am trying to show you that I care. Now go on."
Her conversation with Yennefer did not play out as the sorceress had hoped. Yennefer was more interested in her own affairs than helping her dying friend it seemed. With nowhere else to turn Keira considered contacting other members of the lodge, but decided against it. Triss had warned her that the situation in Kovir was too volatile and Philippa might seize the opportunity elevate herself or worse attempt a change in power and cause an unrest. In no mood for the Lodge, scheming Keira and Triss felt they would have to confront Philippa if she were present.
It was mid-morning and to everyone's surprise, Geralt exited their room. Not saying a word he walked out into the cold winter air and sat on the bench. He'd confined himself by his lover's side for days, and acknowledged nothing and no one. Keira walked out into the yard after him, then sat beside the Witcher as his eyes remained fixed on the mountains and cliffs in a distance. He'd spent many nights alone with his sorceress Triss on those cliffs. They often watched the night skies together and converse about their lives with each other in Kovir. Keira placed her hand on his back and interrupted his thoughts.
"Forgive me, Geralt, but you need to listen to what I have to say."
"No, I can't give up." He replied.
Her eyes were moist with tears as she spoke, "I—we care deeply about Triss, but we've done everything we can for Triss. If the mage is not found soon, she'll die. You have to be ready, witcher. You have to accept that we may not find him or even be able to lift this curse in time."
"No! I can't accept that, Keira." He replied sharply.
"It's painful I know, but Triss would not want you to go on like this. There are others who depend on you. You must come back for them." Keira continued.
"Triss said, she would always be here. I told her I'd be there to protect her, but I failed. A simple trap and I didn't see it." He replied, his voice taxed with despair.
"She loves you Geralt. You are her world and she will fight to come back to you, but we are out of options."
"I was late Keira. I am always late, and now I have no time left." Geralt replied, then rose to his feet and walked into their home.
She is stubborn like you and does everything to please you Witcher, but you will have to let her go if we fail. Keira thought to herself.
The day passed slowly as Geralt sunk deeper into anguish, he had lost his reason to carry on. He spent what little time they had left talking to Triss as Lambert and Eskel searched for clues. They returned just before noon, after both Witchers had scoured the countryside trying to find the location and identity of the mask mage. During their search, Eskel crossed path with a villager who claimed to have seen strange men dressed in foreign garbs headed into the eastern mountains. Both Witchers followed the clues, but found nothing useful. Upon returning home Eskel remained outside to meditate as Lambert continued inside. Keira sat alone at the table as Lambert entered the home. He removed his armor and placed it on the stand next to the door, then made his way to the sorceress. As he sat down next to her, the silence was shattered by a deafening sound, the air crackled and a distorted spears appeared as Eskel looked on. A portal had opened nearby and out came the young Witcheress Cirilla.
I should travel like this more. It's much faster than horseback. She thought, then turned and observed the scenery.
Ciri is immediately greeted by Eskel and though the Witcher was surprised by her sudden appearance, she was a welcome sight. Clad in her Witchers armor, from afar one could easily mistake the young Witcheress looks and movement for Geralt's. He nods his head to acknowledge her presence, and she returned a subtle nod. It had been some time since they had last seen each other. It was during their battle with the wild hunt at Kaer Morhen when Ciri came to his aid and together they dispatch a squad of hunt riders.
"How did you know to come?" Eskel asked.
"I had horrid dreams that Triss was in danger. I had to make sure she was ok."
"It's good you are here, but Triss not doing so well and Geralt—Wolf is losing himself with grief. He blames himself. You need to be prepare before you see them like that." He replied.
"Where are they?" She asked frantically.
"In their bedroom." Eskel said, and she returned a nod. "By the way Witcher! That armor suits you well."
Ciri's armor was a copy of Geralt's Wolf school armor, with modifications and adjustments for a perfect fit to her body. Affixed to her back were a pair of swords, a silver sword given to her by her father, the Witcher Geralt and a steel sword retrieved from Kaer Morhen. Around her neck, she wore a Witcher's medallion, Vesemir's. Lost during their assault on Bald Mountain, Ciri had retrieved the medallion from the last remaining crone that escaped her sword on Bald Mountain. She quickly made her way to the door and shoved it open and to her surprise, she is greeted by Keira and Lambert. She quickly hugged the sorceress, then Lambert as her eyes searched the room for others, but there was no one else say Evelyne sitting nearby.
"Good to see you all— How is Triss?" Ciri asked, as her voice wavered subtly.
"She's fighting, but the curse that grips her is strong." Keira whispered.
"Where is Yennefer?"
"Yennefer? I spoke to her in the morning, but I don't think she's coming." Keira replied.
"She will come! I asked her two days ago to meet me here. Can you contact her again?" Ciri said in a firm voice.
"Yes, but…" Keira answered, then paused as both women entered Triss's labs.
Keira fiddled with the Megascope and activated it. Wanting privacy as she addressed Yennefer, Ciri whispered, "Can you give me the room?"
"Of course, I will be with Triss. Join us after you finish here." Keira replied, then stepped out and closed the door behind her.
Yennefer answered with her back toward the Megascope and said, "Yes Keira, what can I do for you again?"
"Keira? I'm not Keira, and I need you to help. Triss is hurt, and she needs your help, yet you refuse! Why?" Ciri asked.
"Ciri? I thought you were Keira?"
"No! Even so, why are you not eager to help her?" Ciri asked.
"Child, the world doesn't revolve around Triss. I understand her situation is bad, but I have urgent matters to attend." Yennefer replied sharply.
"She would do the same for you. Triss would drop everything and come to your aid. What could be more urgent than helping a friend? Her life is in danger." Ciri replied
"Friend? Ciri she betrayed me." Yennefer replied.
"No! If you refuse to help, just to hurt her. If she dies, if they die, I will never forgive you for that." Ciri said, as she walked away.
Yennefer paused for a moment, and just before Ciri left the room she shouted "Ciri stop. I am on my way. I should arrive in the morning. I promise, and we must talk when I arrive."
"Thank you." Ciri said
Keira gently checked Triss, taking care not to disturb Geralt as his head rested on her chest. When she was done, she quickly left the bedroom and joined Ciri as she exited the lab and asked,
"Where's Geralt?"
"He is asleep next to Triss. Do not wake him. He doesn't sleep much and sit at her side since the attack. I'm afraid he's lost in there somewhere, and I hope your presence will help him back." Keira answered.
"So do I—I will be at her bedside while he rests. I want to be with her." Ciri said softly.
"Then, go and be with her Cirilla, she needs care. Is Yennefer coming?" Keira said.
"Yes...She will be here tomorrow."
***][***
Ciri quietly entered their room, and watched as Geralt slept with his head on Triss's chest. He had turned away from the door, so she could not see his face. As she moved closer, Ciri gazed at the sorceress's body and saw how the curse had changed it. Her injuries were healed, but her body lacked its usual glow, and her skin was cold and clammy. Ciri reached out her hand to touch her, but she could not. The young Witcheress broke down in tears and staggered backward unable to bear the sight. She quickly exited the room and slammed the door behind her. Geralt woke to the noise and recognized her familiar scent, but he did not react to it her presence.
Ciri quickly walked past Keira and the other Witchers as she covered her mouth, then exited the home. Through the window, Keira observed as Ciri paced frantically across the snow and cried silently. Cirilla love for Triss went back to the first time she met the sorceress. She remembered when Triss cared for her as a young girl. After an hour, she had gathered her thoughts to rejoin the others by the fireplace, but she remained silent and focused.
"Are you alright little Witcher?" Lambert asked
"No, I'm not Lambert. Have you seen Triss? Did you see what was done to her?" Ciri asked.
"We've seen her Ciri, and when we get the mage responsible he will pay with his life." Eskel replied.
"We have to save her first. I can contact Avallach and ask him to aid us." She answered.
"The sage will want something in return." Keira said.
"Then I'll give him what he wants. I'll give anything to save her." Ciri replied.
"Even if it cost you your freedom?" Lambert asked.
"Yes. Even if it cost me my freedom and more." She replied.
"You know Triss will never allow that." Lambert said.
"What choice do I have?" She whispered, "I can't just let her die."
"We are not going to let her die Ciri. First, we must see if Yennefer can help, before we contact Avallach." Keira replied.
Lambert sighed, then stood up and said, "First you need to find a way to reach Wolf. He is losing it. If Merigold condition gets worse, we will lose him completely."
"I will reach him." Ciri answered.
It was late at night when Margarita finally woke to care for the sorceress. She greeted Cirilla and then entered Geralt and Triss's room to check on the sorceress. Keira and Lambert disappeared into the bedroom for a little while, then returned to the parlor. Eskel sat by the fireplace and polished his sword. He said very little except returned Rita's greeting. As she entered Triss's room, Rita noticed Geralt awake, his gaze shifted to her and observed her every move. She checked Triss's eyes, and body, and then slowly changed her clothes using magic. When she was done caring for her sister, Rita turned her focus to the bed and replaced the sheets with fresh once, then gently placed a new spread over Triss. She did not exchange words with Geralt, because she felt responsible and his actions reinforced her guilt.
"Thanks, Rita" Geralt whispered, as the sorceress approached the door.
"You're welcome witcher. Your lover will be alright. I promise to do everything within my power to make that happen." She replied, then shut the door leaving the two alone.
Rita joined the others as they sat around the fireplace and chatted. Keira as always sat close to Lambert. Eskel sat alone near the window as Cirilla leaned against the wall, while she stared at the stars through the opened window. Rita scanned the seating arrangement, then took her seat and observed as Cirilla and the other Witchers reminisce about their past. They talked about the training sessions with Vesemir, Ciri stubbornness as a child and even Triss when she visited the Witchers fortress.
"You were trouble for Vesemir, but Kaer Morhen was always lively with you around." Eskel said.
"Yeah, she always tried to train alone on the walls, instead of doing her chores." Lambert replied.
"The little girl we knew is all grown up and walks the path as a Witcher." Eskel answered
"Those were the easy days, no worries, everyone you love right there. Triss was always there to defend me from a good scolding. I love her for that." Ciri said.
"Yeah Merigold presence made Kaer Morhen different somehow. She wasn't easy to deal with, but things were less complicated." Lambert replied.
"Are you saying our encounter with Salamandra was less complicated? I want to hear this story." Eskel joked, then leaned forward and sheathed his swords.
"Salamandra? Who are they." Ciri asked.
"Fools who thought it was wise to attack us." Eskel said.
"Yeah, we knew who our enemies were." Lambert replied.
"Triss lived with all of you at Kaer Morhen?" Keira asked.
Lambert laughed, "Live? Kaer Morhen was practically her second home. Vesemir, our teacher welcomed her into the fortress. We all did. Triss is part of the family. The old man treated her like a daughter."
"Vesemir always had a soft spot for her. After we found Wolf in the woods near Kaer Morhen, Triss changed, became less sad and grumpy. She respected our ways, but there was one Witcher, she treated like a king, and never said no to anything he asked." Eskel said.
Keira raised her eyebrow, "Are you surprise? It seems you know nothing about sorceresses. We don't always agree with everything, but some of us have come to realize that you Witcher's more than you appear. Triss knows when it worth the argument and when it's not."
"Yeah it's a shame another failed to see that, maybe we tolerate her more if she did." Lambert said.
Eskel laugh, then replied, "No, I still won't change my mind about her."
There was a long pause and silence in the room as everyone thought about the Auburn haired sorceress, her pursuit of Geralt's love and their time getting to know her so long ago. Keira smiled as she reminisced about their time in Foltest court. She saw the sorceress and Geralt together many times and wondered what they had between them. Keira was aware of Geralt and Yennefer relationship and often wondered why Triss placed herself in a position to endure such heartbreak, but in Vizima, the Witcher seemed taken by Triss.
"He should have been with Merigold a long time ago, waited too fucking long to tell her how he really felt. Now, he is losing his fucking mind over the sorceress." Lamberts said.
"Wolf was always different. He made Triss endure a lot of shit. I wondered when they'll finally get together." Eskel grinned.
"Shit you should hear this story. It's fucking crazy. You need to be wasted drunk before he tells you." Lambert jested.
"She loves him, and he is in love with her. They've become inseparable, and he blames himself for this. I think they are rather romantic on their walks in the mornings. Don't you think Lambert?" Keira said.
"Uh sure, but I'm not walking in the morning." He replied as Keira smiled.
"I remember a long time ago, when Triss took ill, and she couldn't care for herself. Geralt cared for her like I had never seen him do before. It was odd watching them together, but somehow, it felt right and beautiful in that moment." Ciri said, as she smiled.
Breaking her silence, Rita joined the conversation. She was aware of Triss's love for the Witcher, but the sorceress had always assumed that Geralt feelings for Triss were not as strong as her feelings for him. Her observations of the lovers in Novigrad and now in Kovir contradicted any previous assumptions, however she understood feelings change with time, except Triss's feelings for Geralt grew stronger. Always the educator she wanted to understand their relationship better, but most of all Margarita wanted to know the truth behind their love for each other.
"You knew Triss had feelings for Geralt, and you said he had feelings for her too?" Rita asked.
"Of course, Triss's never hid her feelings for Geralt, but I've always known he hid his true feelings for her, because of Yennefer. I'm sure he loved Yennefer dearly, but he was always more relaxed and himself around Triss. Besides, he must do what makes him happy." Cirilla replied.
"And you are all right with his decision to be with Triss?" Keira asked.
"Why wouldn't I be? I love her, and he's free to make his own choices.—I hurt her back then. I know she's never mentioned it, but she cared for me lovingly through those horrid times." Ciri answered, then whispered softly. "I know she was hurt when I said..."
"What did you say to her, and why if you don't mind sharing Ciri?" Rita asked.
Ciri stood, then walked over and leaned against the table. Her voice was filled with regret as she answered, "I told her to forget about Geralt. I told her not to torture him. He's attracted her without realizing it, and he was too stupid to admit it then. I knew he had feelings for her, and it would break her heart if she was left alone, after he told her what she wanted to hear. I didn't like that she wanted a relationship with him, but I was wrong."
"Alone, why would she be alone?" Keira asked, and shifted her body curiously.
Ciri sighed, then replied, "I saw it in my visions, and I know if he had chosen her then, Triss wouldn't have survived his death in Rivia. In the end, she was broken, but she survived."
Keira stared at Ciri, then asked, "Ah yes, Rivia. Triss was left alone and heartbroken. She's been plagued since that day by what happened. She will never say it because she is strong, but Triss is haunted by the thought of losing him again."
"I know." Ciri whispered, almost inaudible.
"Ciri, that is the past. Geralt and Triss are together now. My question to you is, do you think they should be together?"
She fixed her eyes on the opened window, "It matters not what I think. Geralt wants to be with her, and she wants him and no one else. Triss will love no one else the way she loves him. She's always wanted to be with him. Truly, it's his choice to make, and he's made it and chosen her."
"What you think matters to her more than you know." Keira answered.
"I knew Triss was at Kaer Morhen when I freed Geralt from the Wild Hunt, so I placed him in the woods near the fortress knowing," She shook her head and smiled, "no, maybe deep down I'd hoped they would find each other."
Rita crossed her legs and sat upright then replied, "Looking back now what you said may have been the best thing at the time, you told her what you thought was right. You wanted to protect her and him, but in the end, he found her and made his choice." Rita said.
"Perhaps, but it doesn't make it any easier. I need to talk to her. We have so much to talk about." Ciri mumbled.
"Did you want him to end up with Triss then?" Keira asked.
Ciri moved closer and sat in the chair beside the fireplace, then replied, "Well, to be honest. I don't know what I was expecting. Well I wanted...I always thought he would keep following Yennefer, but most important I wanted Geralt to be happy and make his own decision about who was best for him." Seeing how he was with Triss in Novigrad, I finally understand why Yennefer felt threatened by Triss during our journey to Rivia.
"Yennefer seems to disagree with his choice." Keira said.
"True, but Yennefer disagrees with a great many things. For one, she would rather I became the empress of Nilfgaard, and she became my advisor, but I chose to be a Witcher. This way, I can be closer to Geralt." Ciri said.
"Damn! You don't hold back do you?" Lambert said, as Ciri replied with an odd stare.
"When we spoke in Novigrad Geralt was happier than I've ever seen him. He had a silly grin on his face and told me his relationship with Triss was better. If he wants to be with her, I am alright with his decision. I want him to be happy—He doesn't smile much, and she makes him smile." Ciri replied.
Keira rose from her seat and walked toward Ciri. She placed her hand on her cheeks and quietly said, "Good— she needs your approval. She will never say it, but our sorceress holds a lot of guilt inside and doesn't think she deserves to be happy with him."
"Excuse me. I will be outside." Eskel said, as he walked out the door and headed for the large tree in the yard.
Eskel always loved the quiet and cold nights. He spends hours meditating at Kaer Morhen in the winter breeze, but here in Kovir; his mind was muttered. Since his arrival, he saw nothing, but pain. In the past, Eskel would do everything he could to avoid politics and sorceresses, but now the Witcher found himself protecting a sorceress he met at an inn.
Who is she to me? Another sorceress who treats us Witchers like things? He wondered.
Moments later, Eskel is joined by the quiet yet intriguing sorceress, and he realized he'd grown fond of her. Rita fixed her eyes on him as he meditated, and finally she interrupted.
"I hope I'm not intruding Witcher, but it's very cold out here." She said.
"No, I was trying to clear my thoughts. Do sorceresses always sneak up on others and give advice?" He asked.
"Eskel, I've merely stated the obvious, but the answer to your question is, only if they care. May I sit down?" She replied.
Eskel nodded his head, and Rita sat on the bench directly behind him. She crossed her leg and remained silent. A man of few words, he said nothing and continued meditating. His thought drifted to their first encountered and his night in the barn. It was wet and miserable yet he gave up his room for a sorceress did not know. As his mind slipped into a meditative state, she interrupted yet again.
"Will you be staying in Kovir?" She asked.
He raised himself from the snow-covered ground and sat next to her on the bench. Rita seemed nervous about the Witcher's close proximity to her. He could sense her body's reaction to his presence as her heart rate slowly increased, and her face became flushed. She did her best to conceal her discomfort from the Witcher, but without turning to look upon her, he could hear her body move.
"I plan to leave after we deal with the mage, politics and sorceresses are not my cup of tea. Sorceresses can be dangerous, but why do you ask?" He answered.
"Curiosity perhaps. Will you ever return to Kovir?" She replied.
"I don't know, have no plans to return, besides there is nothing here for someone like me." He replied.
"Shame, I plan to open my school and remain here. The north is no longer safe for sorceresses." Rita paused, then said, "Or Witchers."
"Seems Kovir is not safe either. You need to be careful sorceress. I sense this is only the beginning." He replied.
"Oh my Witcher, do you care for my safety?" She asked, then turned her head with a curious smile.
"I don't want any harm to come to you." He replied, and gazed upon her.
Rita grew more nervous as he stared. His eyes reflected nothing and looked as if they pierced her very soul. Her heart beat rapidly, then she rose from her seat, and said, "Good night, Eskel."
Like a perfect gentleman, Eskel took her hands, kissed it, then whispered, "Good night m'lady."
As he released her hands, Rita quickly withdrew and tucked them into her chest. Eskel heard her heart skip a beat. Her breath became tense, and she backed away from the Witcher and lost her footing. Her eyes widened, but Eskel quickly placed his arms behind her and broke her fall as she grabbed onto his armor. Their bodies were so close Rita could smell the scent of his armor and feel his breath on her face as he gazed into her eyes.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes I am fine. Thank you." Rita said, as she quickly composed herself and walked back into the house. This feeling again, why do I feel this way around him?
***][***
Early that morning before sunrise, Ciri entered Geralt's bedroom. Triss lay unconscious on her bed, and her condition still had not improved. She paused at the door and tried not to listen as Geralt whispered into Triss's ears. His words were private, for his lover's ears only. His pleas were filled with pain, regret and a deep sadness; he wanted Triss back in his arms.
"Triss..." He whispered. "You have to come back, because I need you. Say something—anything."
Lost in his grief, the witcher failed to notice as Ciri entered. Her movements were quiet, almost silent as she slowly moved toward him. She gently placed her hand on his head, and he recognized her scent through the smell of dried monster blood on her armor. Geralt raised his gaze to look at his little girl, and next to him, was a swallow clad in a witcher's armor with swords on her back. He was surprised to see her, and her presence weighs heavy on him. Geralt had promised Ciri he would take care of Triss in Kovir and never let harm befall her.
Ciri let out a subtle frown, "His eyes. He's not in there, it's just a shell."
There was emptiness and not knowing what to say or do, Ciri stared at him unable to speak. She remembered their time in Novigrad and how happy he was when they spoke about his decision to move to Kovir with Triss. She remembered his promise to care for the sorceress, hang up his sword and live happily. Now Geralt was lost in grief as Triss lay afflicted with a curse and their future hanged by a thread.
"Ciri?" He said softly still clenching Triss's hand.
"Hello, father." She smiled.
"I screwed up and Triss—Triss is…" Geralt paused, unable to say it.
"Come here." Ciri said softly, as her voice wavered.
She knelt before him, then hugged him tightly and whispered reassurance, "Everything will be alright. Triss will come back to you, because she loves you."
As he listened to her words and held her in his arms, he realized she was present, and she had briefly reached into his darkness. He turned to Triss and fixed his eyes on her, his reasons to exist were both beside him and one lay dying. Ciri watched as he took Triss hand, then gently rest his palm against her face. He gently tucked her hair away from her face and gaze at her. Keira, Evelyne, and Rita entered the bedroom, stood nearby and observed Geralt's interaction with his daughter. The sorceresses watched as Ciri comforted him, Keira's eyes began watered, but she quickly composed herself.
"You need to leave the room Geralt, get some air. I need some time with Triss." Ciri said.
"Ciri, I can't…"
"You can and you will." She replied, and hugged him again.
Standing by the door Keira whispered, "He's responding to her Rita, maybe she can get him to come back to his senses."
"Who is the young Witcher girl?" Evelyne asked.
"His ward. She's his like a daughter to him" Rita replied softly.
They broke their embrace, and Geralt got up, then headed toward the door. As he approached, Rita lowered her eyes and shied away from him. He paused beside the sorceresses and mumbled.
"I'm sorry," Geralt's tone was different, more reassuring.
Rita raised her head and looked him in the eyes, "I will take good care of her Witcher, until she's awake and well."
Ciri sat on the bed next to Triss and gently played with her hair. Triss's face looked peaceful absent pain, but her breathing was shallow, and she was absent a heartbeat. She gently slid the loose flowing hairs from across Triss's face and tucked them behind her ears, then rested both hands on the sorceress cheeks. Her skin was pale, cold, and almost dead to the touch.
"How did this happen? I've missed you so much Triss."
Meanwhile in the parlor Geralt sat with his back against the bookshelf, and said nothing to the others as Eskel and Lambert prepare their swords. Rita suggested they revisit the castle, so she could try to locate traces of the portal the masked mage fled through and determine his destination. Suddenly, there was a loud crack as a portal opened just outside. A brief delay followed, then the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg stepped through. As always, she wore her usual, black and white and the scent of lilac and gooseberries hugged the air. She knocked lightly, then opened the door and let herself in. Lambert and Eskel remained seated as the sorceress entered the home. Both Witchers cared little for her. According to them, Yennefer showed no respect for their way of life, and she did not view them as equals, but as a master would a servant.
Yennefer walked into the parlor and removed her hood, then placed her hands on her hips, "Good morning sisters, Lambert, Eskel."
"Yen." Eskel nodded.
"Excellent, the dark queen is here." Lambert murmured sarcastically.
"Hello Geralt, as always it's a pleasure to see you. How are you? " Yennefer said, as Geralt sat silent with his back against the wall.
"We are glad you came Yennefer." Wasting no time with pleasantries Keira got to the point, "We've had very little success. Rita thinks she knows the curse, but we are unable to lift it alone." She said.
"Yes—from what you've described we have our task cut out for us. Where is Ciri?" Yennefer replied.
"Cirilla is in Triss's bedroom caring for her." Rita said, as she gestured toward the door.
"I am surprised to see you here Rita. I didn't know you and Triss were so close." Yennefer said almost in an angry tone.
"As am I to see you here too Yennefer. I imagine you would be hesitant to come given your past..." Rita replied.
Yennefer turned to Keira and frown, "Why does Geralt not speak?"
"Let me think. Merigold is in their bed dying or did you forget that your highness? Pleasure to see you Geralt—are you fucking serious?" Lambert slammed his hand against the bench and rose to his feet.
"Be quiet Lambert! And watch your tone. When I want to address you, I will speak to you directly." Yennefer replied, pointing her finger at the Witcher.
"Lambert! That's enough." Keira said, knowing Lambert had instigated the fight.
Yennefer crossed her arms and raised her chin, "So you do have a leash on your dog Keira."
Keira moved closer to Lambert with a smile, "Lambert dear please. It's not worth the trouble."
"Fine! It's not, and I am off." He replied, then walked out the door.
"Margarita shall we?" Eskel said, then extended his hand to the sorceress, and she took them and rose to her feet.
"We are off sisters. It's good to see you again Yennefer." Rita said, as she exited the house with Eskel in tow.
Eskel and Lambert stood ready as Rita opened a portal to the courtyard of the abandoned castle, then stepped through with both Witchers following close behind. Inside the house, Yennefer stared at Geralt, then removed her coat and took a seat and crossed her legs on a bench nearby. She flicks her hair from her face then leaned toward Geralt and touched his loose hanging hair.
"Geralt you look terrible. Your hair is ragged, and you haven't shaved. I must say, I rather like it when you shave." Lost in his thoughts, he did not acknowledge the sorceress; instead, the witcher rose to his feet without saying a word and walk into the room he shared with Triss shutting the door.
Yennefer turned her focus to Keira, who stood with an obvious frown on her face, "How is, Triss?"
"You should see her for yourself, Yennefer. She's not doing well." Keira replied.
"I will, soon— So, what do you know about the curse and this mage?" Yennefer asked.
"Nothing, except that curse...that level of magic should've killed her, but it didn't. I am glad she's alive, because I think Geralt would die if she were dead." Keira answered. "He would drift to madness."
"Perhaps, or perhaps he'll grief then move on to something else." Yennefer replied.
"Yennefer!" Keira said, shockingly.
"What? Don't be so dramatic. I should go and see to Triss now." Yennefer replied.
Inside their bedroom, Ciri played with Triss's hair and conversed. She laughed, joked, and told the sorceress stories about her journey on the path, the Monster hunts she endured, then eventually their conversation drifted to their battle at Kaer Morhen. Ciri recalled when came to Triss's aid on the fortress walls and how the sorceress then saved her from the hunt rider moments later. She paused, then hugged Triss and told her how eager she was to find and see her in Novigrad before her encounter with the hunters and the Eternal Fire.
"I've been on the path for months and mostly alone. I wanted to come to Kovir sooner, to visit sooner, but I waited too long, and I'm sorry." Ciri whispered, a she continued to hug Triss. It's time for you to come back. "Remember when you impaled the hunt rider with my sword? The blade was ruined by the heat, so to be fair you owe me a new sword.—Say something Triss,"
As Geralt entered, he paused briefly and fixed his eyes as Ciri played with Triss. She braided the sorceress hair on the sides, then gently tucked the braids behind her ears. He walked to their bedside and sat in the chair, just as Ciri reached for a towel and lightly wiped Triss's face and turned to Geralt as he watched her work.
"She's beautiful with braids don't you think, Geralt?" Ciri whispered.
He sighed deeply lowered his head, then said, "Yennefer is here."
"Why hasn't she come into the room to see Triss?" Ciri asked.
Geralt dropped his shoulders, tilted his body forward and said, "I don't know. You can ask her when you see her."
In the parlor, the young sorceress Evelyne had decided to depart for the day, but promised to return and check on Triss in the morning. The bedroom door sprung open as Yennefer and Keira entered. Ciri no longer able to contain her distress, raised Triss off her bed into her arms, then braced the sorceress head against her cheeks as her arms dangled by her side. She could feel and hear Triss's breath against her neck as she tightly squeezed and gently rocked their bodies, then whispered into her ear, "It's alright," Keira quickly rushed over and climbed into the bed beside Ciri, then she placed her hands behind Triss's body as Ciri held her tight.
"You have to put her down Cirilla. It's not safe to move her." Keira said.
Ciri gently placed Triss in Keira's arms, then rose from the bed. She dropped the wet cloth she held in her hand, then turned toward Yennefer and said, "I'm glad you came, but you took your sweet time!"
"I misjudged the situation. I should have come sooner." Yennefer replied, as she turned her eyes to Triss lying in the bed nearby.
"Doesn't matter, you are here now. I need to clear my head. I will be outside." Ciri replied, and hugged her.
"Alright, we will talk later." Yennefer replied, then sat next to Triss in bed as Ciri exited.
"I will check her quickly." Kiera said, as she placed Triss down against the bed.
Yennefer moved closer to Keira and Triss, then replied, "Just hold her gently. I will check her body."
She cast and spell to analyze Triss's condition, then moved her hands across the sorceress body trying to determine the severity of her injuries. Unable to learn anything she looked to Keira, then reapplied her spell a second time.
"Odd—I cannot diagnose her. I can see she's breathing, but she has no heartbeat. How is that possible? Triss is clearly alive so why can't I detect anything inside her body?"
"We've had the same problem. I tried, so did Rita and Evelyne."
Unusual. "It's possible the curse is interfering with our magic. Perhaps I can contact an old friend, but I doubt she'll respond after our Witcher here was so rude the last time we spoke." Yennefer replied.
"What?" Keira said, curiously.
"Never mind that, we will discuss it further after Rita returns with the others." Yennefer replied, and waved of Keira's concern.
"After we've lifted the curse, I will check again to make sure she has no internal injuries. We may have to heal her internally." Keira responded.
"True, unless it's already too late." Yennefer mumbled, "But from the looks of it, Triss has no internal injuries."
"Well, I will tend to Triss for now—what about you Yennefer, what do you plan to do until Rita returned?" Keira asked.
"I intend to get reacquainted with Geralt of course." She replied, then turn her attention to Geralt sitting behind her.
Keira frowned, but Yennefer had already turned her back toward her and focused the Witcher sitting quietly in the chair with his eyes locked on Triss. Keira knew that Yennefer actions were deeply offensive and spiteful toward Triss, and she wanted to voice her concern, but decided to let the scene play out. She knew Geralt rarely spoke to anyone since the attack on Triss, and she remembered his reaction to Yennefer in the parlor.
This will be interesting. She thought to herself and smiled.
Yennefer cleared her throat, leaned forward with her legs crossed and spoke to Geralt, "You need to get out and do something Geralt, perhaps take a walk with me to clear your head? We have much to discuss."
"I doubt you could get him to move." Keira said, as she lifted Triss's body slightly to check the marks on her back.
"Do you still enjoy walks in the mountains? Perhaps you can get some distraction there." Yennefer continued, and ignored Keira's comment.
"He took walks with Triss each morning before the attack. They walk through the city streets together, and the whole town is abuzz about them." Keira said.
"Yes, I know! Every peasant and noble in Pont Vanis is talking about it." Yennefer replied abruptly.
Ignoring the sorceress advances, Geralt sighed and then reached out past her and took Triss's hand with his left hand without saying a word. He moved closer to her side and rested his right hand against her cheeks while she lay in Keira's lap, then tucked the braids Cirilla had made behind her ears. He lowered his shoulders and head slightly and searched for the right words to say, but his response was simple and plain.
"I'm not leaving Triss side." He murmured, then gave Yennefer a withering stare at the corner of his eye.
"Why are you being so stubborn Geralt? I am simply suggesting a distraction to take your mind away for a while. I know Triss is injured, but you can't possibly sit here all day and do nothing."
Keira chuckled, shrugged her shoulders and replied, "He's been this way since she was attacked. He doesn't leave her side, barely sleeps or eat."
"I don't want to be distracted, so please, just leave me alone." He answered and placed Triss' hands by her side.
"Alright, witcher! If you wish to be alone so be it. I'll be outside with Cirilla." Yennefer replied, then stormed out.
Keira gently placed Triss's head against a pillow, patted Geralt on the shoulders gently, then followed Yennefer out. As they exited the bedroom and entered the hall, Keira placed her hand on sorceress shoulders and said, "Yenna stop. He's not talking to anyone except Ciri. He answered your question, and that is more than we've seen since he found her in a pool of blood."
"He's so wrapped around her. He, threw away all the years we had together to be with her, and I can't see why. Triss was...she's a friend, but she betrayed me and eventually took what I had." Yennefer muttered.
"This is where your attitude, decisions and actions from the past led you...there's no one to blame, but yourself. You strung Geralt along like a dog, but his lover...Triss treats him like an equal."
"Lover?! She is not that and I did not treat him like a dog! I showed my feelings in other ways." Yennefer said.
"Who do you think you're talking to? I know the relationship you had with him and we all wonder why it lasted so long. Eventually, he wanted something more. Can you fault him?" Keira said.
"Fault him? No, I can't fault him, but I can fault her for her betrayal. Geralt was mine and not hers to take. And I won't let her have him so easily." Yennefer replied.
"Betrayed you, how? Because she gave Geralt her love? Again, you speak as if he was your pet rather than your partner on equal footing. He asked, Triss to remain at his side and aid him in protecting Cirilla. Did you know that? Just before she sailed for Kovir. Did you know that?" Keira said.
"How would you know such a thing?" Yennefer asked surprised.
"They told me of course. He's happy with her, and you're surprised, annoyed even. I understand your feelings, but...ah never mind, you've already seen his reaction." Keira replied.
"I am sure he's very happy with her! She never failed to open her legs for him. Vexed doesn't describe how I feel Keira." Yennefer said, then paused, mashed her lip together and squinted her eyes, "Don't try to lecture me about happiness Keira, I'm not just anyone. We have history together."
Keira sighed deeply, then asked, "What did you expect? Do you think so low of him that you would expect Geralt to leave her dying and fall at your feet, when he saw your face? He's not going to break her heart and run back to you. Are you mad?! Triss has his heart, so please do not make this harder for him."
Yennefer folded her arms across her body and replied, "We are not having this conversation anymore—I no longer wish to discuss my past and what I had with Geralt."
"Very well, but remember Yennefer, Geralt and Triss are together now, and he's not coming back to you. Don't try to place yourself between them. She's won his heart, and he is not going to leave her. A little advice, if you try to inject yourself between them, you'll only drive them closer together." Keira said.
"Won? Don't make me laugh. I am simply here to aid you with this curse, and then I'll leave this dreadful place." Yennefer replied. Her sardonic expression clearly showed she had no respect for what Keira had said. She walked into the parlor, grabbed her coat, then quickly stepped outside to join Cirilla.
Thanks for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know what you think I am always looking forward to improving my writing and ideas.
