The sun had barely managed to crawl its way past the looming shape of Kaer Tiele's walls, a few radiant beams touching down on the ancient cobbles, when Frederick emerged from the main doors, stretching as he banished the last few vestiges of sleep from his mind. Somewhere close by, Jaeger and Issa were drilling the younger adepts, some form of old Skelligan exercise regime.
Stifling a yawn, the Griffin apprentice scanned the courtyard until he spotted a small knot of people gathered in the shadow of the gatehouse. The resplendent colours of Filippa and Francesca's dresses were easy to spot, leaving the other figures with them seemingly drab and lifeless in comparison.
Frederick felt his brows twitch as he took in the three figures gathered with the sorceresses. One sat on a stone bench next to the wall, hunched over himself. Master Sid was easy to recognise, his lanky frame and close-shaved hair somewhat unique among the Witchers, the Signs Master more slight of frame than the multitude of Bears and Wolves he found himself mingling with. His hand gripped a long staff, a walking aid that he now used, and one of the signs of the strange affliction of blindness that burdened him, the other being the vacant, empty stare of his dark eyes. The Signs Master had been rendered sightless only recently, presumably a side effect of one of his notorious fisstech binges.
Most curious of all, though, were the other two figures huddled in conversation with the Sorceresses. Their matching fair hair was easy to spot, along with their complementary, elegant sets of armour. The Twins. Frederick knew only enough about them to be cautious. They were known throughout the School as deadly, efficient fighters, Bastian of Belhaven's chosen disciples. Of the two, Seanna, the girl, was the more approachable. Fennet, the boy, was quiet, aloof, distant at all times. The young Nightsaber had never had the chance to interact with them directly, but had heard enough in rumours to give them a respectful distance.
As the Griffin walked into the courtyard, the huddled group glanced over to him. Lady Filippa turned back to the twins, muttering a few swift words before dismissing them while Francesca, with a gentle tilt of her head, beckoned Frederick over. The Nightsaber watched the Twins leave as he approached, curious about what they could have been discussing.
"Frederick." Filippa graced him with a smile, thin, cold, but also somehow genuine, as though the Sourceress was genuinely pleased to see him. "I trust you are well this morning?"
"But of course, my Lady Eilhart." Frederick replied. A lie, of course. The nightmares had struck again through the night, robbing him of any peace. But etiquette required him to be pleasant. "I am pleased to see both you and Lady Findabair here. Lady Francesca has informed you that she will be aiding us with the efforts to cure Liv- the princess?"
"Yes, I am most pleased to have the aid of such an esteemed colleague. Well done, Frederick. I doubt there has been a collaboration such as this in well over a century." Filippa turned to Francesca, her smile razor-thin. The she-Elf merely bowed her head, her smile much warmer, more real.
"Anything for a sister of the arts." She turned her gaze to Frederick. "We have been discussing Filippa's plan to break the curse. It is... crude, but it does have potential. Although I am concerned about the risks to the princess."
"Risks?" Frederick felt a stone form in his gut. "What risks? What are you planning to do?"
"The curse has created a split in Liva's soul." Filippa explained smoothly. "There is the Human part of her, the princess we all know by day, and there is a bestial part of her, the Wolf that emerges under certain conditions. If we cannot excise or suppress the Wolf, then we must enable Liva to control it. We must reconcile the two halves of her soul into one, functional whole."
"And how do we do that?" Frederick asked.
"The two halves must be manifested at the same time, merged together, and control be given to Liva's Human half. The Wolf must be broken, forced to obey her will."
"Hang on, but that would mean she'd still be... still have the Wolf inside her." The Griffin frowned. "How does this help us?"
"The Wolf cannot be removed." The Redanian Sourceress explained. "Without finding the cause of the curse, it cannot be lifted. We have tried, since she first manifest the Wolf, to determine the cause, to find out who may have cast this dark magic, but to no avail. I fear we shall never learn who did this to her. So instead, we must learn to control the curse, to shackle the Wolf, permanently."
"Which means we must first summon it forth." Francesca interjected. "While simultaneously keeping Liva from receding back into her mind. The two halves must confront one another, so that one might be subjugated, made servant to the other."
"There is an old ritual that can do this." Filippa resumed. "It requires a few components and a great deal of power. We will summon forth the two halves, using the essence of flame and water, as well as the spiritual energy of Fennet and Seanna. Francesca and I shall then use our energy to influence the balance of power between the Wolf and Human halves. I, of course, shall channel my spirit and strength into Liva's Human half, while Francesca shall be a conduit for the bestaial energy of the Wolf, channeling its rage and hunger and helping to tame it."
"I am to be the Wolf?" Francesca asked, lips twisting just a fraction, although whether from irritation or distaste, Frederick could not tell. Filippa glanced to her, a wide-eyed look of innocence on her features, although she could not fully hide the vindictive flash in her gleaming eyes.
"You disagree, my sister?" Her words oozed with honey. "It only makes sense for me to provide power for the Human half. After all, I am Human."
"That may be true." Francesca allowed through clenched teeth. "But it's also true that you, of all of those in the College of Sorcerers, have the greatest mastery over transformative magics, specifically those that allow you to assume the form of beasts and the like." The Aen Saevherne's eyes flickered as a little wry twitch pulled at the corner of her mouth. "After all, were you not able to assume an owl's form for many months last year?"
"My knowledge of such magics is broad, of course." Frederick could almost feel the sparks leaping from Filippa's skin as she maintained her composure, the barbed comment on the incident at Kaer Marter where the Redanian Sorceress had trapped herself in an owl's body clearly touching a nerve. "But a Wolf and an owl are very different, almost as different as an Elf from a human. The Aen Seidhe are renowned for their connections to nature, the elements and the world in general. The Aen Saevherne, even more so. It just makes sense for you to channel the Wolf."
"Perhaps we should not be the ones to decide this matter." Francesca suggested. "We are very close to the matter, and sometimes the advice of an outsider can help to shed new light on an issue." She turned to face the young Nightsaber. "Frederick. You strike me as a man of intelligence, a thinker and a scholar, and your history of studying the magical arts puts you in a good position to understand the issue. Who do you think should channel the Human half?"
"Yes, Frederick." Lady Eilhart's eyes rested heavily on the Nightsaber, daggers that pierced through him. "What are your thoughts?"
Frederick's jaw hung open slackly, words failing to rise into his mouth. He realised that he walked a very perilous tightrope between the pair, a pawn in this strange power play. No matter who he picked, he risked losing favour with one or the other. He glanced to each of them, then between them, to Sid, sitting on the bench with a grin on his face that could only be described as 'shit-eating'.
"Uhh..." He hesitated. "Well, I... think this is a decision that cannot be rushed. We are talking about Liva's welfare, after all. We should make sure we give her the best shot at survival. Perhaps if I talk to you both, then we think things over, we might determine the best possible solution?"
Silence hung in the air for a moment, before Filippa sighed, a wry smile on her lips.
"Ever the diplomat." She smirked. "Very well, Frederick. But don't deliberate too long. As you so rightly pointed out, it's Liva's life that hangs in the balance."
With this decided, the two Sorceresses nodded to one another before turning on their heels, gliding apart with equal measures of grace and authority. Frederick turned to look at each one before letting out a little frustrated sigh. At this, Master Sid let out a short, barking laugh.
"You know how to get yourself into some real shitty situations, Frederick!" He chuckled. "Placing yourself between two Sorceresses? I won't deny the attraction of that position, but you're playing with wildfire, here!"
"I know." Frederick groaned as he sank onto the stone bench beside the blind Master. "If Travis could see me now... he'd probably tell me to run for the horizon, and then keep on running. What am I supposed to do? I thought I had these two ready to work together, but now they're ready to abandon Liva, all because of their pride?"
"Any Sorceress is a powerful woman, Frederick, but their egos do control them, in a way." Sid explained, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "They're always looking for ways to gain power, be it through magic, or through influence over others. These two were always going to use the ritual as a way to show their superior skill, especially to one another. You've just become a tool to help them with this agenda."
"So how do I get them to work together?" The Griffin leaned his head back, looking to the sky questioningly.
"You've got to understand the game they're playing with one another, and simply play it better." Sid grinned. "Find a way to make them both think that they are winning, and they will give it their all."
Frederick nodded, turning to glance at the retreating backs of the two women. His mind raced. After a long, ponderous silence, he thanked the Signs Master before standing. He had work to do.
~o~0~o~
By the time that Frederick caught up with Filippa, the Redanian Sorceress had seated herself on one of the benches in the castle's main courtyard. On the table, a fine crystal decanter filled with ruby red liquid glistened in the morning sun. A silver goblet, stem styled to resemble the leg of some kind of bird of prey, talons clutching the bowl of the goblet elegantly. It took Frederick a moment to realise that, rather than an eagle or hawk, it was likely that the goblet was meant to resemble an owl's talons, Lady Eilhart's favoured avian form. The sorceress sipped daintily from the goblet, before turning to the young Griffin.
"I am a little disappointed in you, young Frederick." Her words were sharp, but her tone remained even, soft, like a parent talking to a disobedient but favoured child. "I'd thought that you, of all people, would have seen the folly in Francesca's idea of her being the one to channel the Human side of the ritual. The very notion of an Elf having the knowledge needed to perform such an act! I hoped that you, of all those present here, would have spoken up at that point and sided with me. Perhaps you are not as perceptive as I had thought."
Frederick listened to her words carefully, but he was not fooled by her reprimand. She meant to cow him, to make him doubt himself and submit to her opinion. He would not break so easily.
"It is a difficult choice, Lady Filippa." He replied. "Both sides of the ritual have many risks, and will ask much of the casters."
"Which is why it's all the more important that I handle the Human elements. We must assign our skills as they are most appropriate!"
"And that's why I actually think that you would fare better in channeling the Wolf, my Lady." Frederick said carefully.
"Is that so?" Ice shimmered in the words, and in her blue eyes, now fixed on Frederick as the goblet rose to her lips once more. A long, slow draught of her wine, and the gentle knock of the silver coming to rest on the wood of the table was all Frederick could hear for several moments. "So, you believe that I have more in common with the wild beast, can relate better to a feral monster than to other people? I thought you had a higher opinion of me than that, Witcher."
The sudden use of his profession rather than his name was not lost on the young Nightsaber. Regardless, he moved forward with his explanation, praying that his words would be enough.
"It's is nothing of the sort, Lady Eilhart!" He interjected. "It is simply that, I do not believe that Lady Francesca is up to the task of taming the Wolf."
"Oh?" Filippa's eyebrow quirked at this. "Explain."
"You said to me that we must tame the Wolf during this ritual, force it to submit to our will and, eventually, to Liva's. If we are to break the beast's spirit, to bend it to our desires, this will require a great deal of strength and firmness. Lady Francesca... lacks these qualities, in my opinion. When I look at her, I see a genteel demeanour, someone who may not have the sheer iron will needed to shackle the Wolf."
"And when you look at me, you see differently?" Filippa now turned bodily to face him, her full attention on the Griffin.
"When I look at you, my lady, I see a... a hardness to you. Like a diamond. You have this unbreakable quality to you, this steely resolve that will not give way." Frederick met her eyes, broadcasting as much sincerity as he could muster. "That is what will be needed in this ritual, Lady Filippa. That is the key to defeating the Wolf, for good."
"I see..." Filippa cupped her chin for a moment. "A diamond... I like that."
She stood, snapping her fingers. As she did so, the decanter and goblet vanished, fading like morning mist.
"Alright, Frederick, we'll do things your way. I will play the part of the Wolf in the ritual, you have my word."
Frederick relaxed, shoulders slumping with relief. He nodded his thanks before turning to leave.
"Oh, but Frederick?" Filippa interjected swiftly, her words freezing the Witcher in place. "As much of a pleasure as it is to hear you use that silver tongue of yours, you should be careful how you use it. One of these days, it will be your undoing."
With this said, the sorceress released the Griffin, allowing him to quickly scuttle away, heart pounding in his throat.
~o~0~o~
The upper terrace of the castle was empty, save for the lone figure of Lady Francesca. The Elven sorceress leaned on the outward facing wall, seemingly untouched by the chill breeze that whipped across the exposed stonework of Kaer Tiele. She did not turn as Frederick ascended the nearest staircase to join her.
As Frederick glanced out past the Aen Saevherne, he paused to take in the sight of the castle's surroundings. From this position, one could look out across the canopy of the forest in all directions, the hilltop that the ancient fortification occupied causing it to loom over the countryside with ease. Trees almost completely covered the landscape in all directions, stretching towards distant horizons. Faint outlines of the mountains of Mahakam could be seen far to the north, while to the east, a small break in the trees marked the passage of the Dyfne River. The young Griffin looked to that waterway with a pang of longing. Somewhere further up its course was his home, the Aedirnian town of Asheberg. A momentary homesickness clutched at him. In an instant, the feeling passed, the Nightsaber clearing his mind of the wistful thoughts and instead turning to regard Lady Francesca. Almost as if sensing his attention turning to her, the she-Elf chose that moment to speak up.
"There was once a time that my people ruled these lands. These ancient keeps were our work, and we lived in harmony with the land around us." She sighed. "It was a bountiful time for us, before the human expansion. Before... before many things, if I am honest."
"Much has changed for the Aen Seidhe, that is true." Frederick agreed cautiously.
Even for one as young as him, the White Rose Rebellions were still a recent and painful memory. As much compassion as he had for the Elves, he still remembered the parents who, one day many years ago, left their farmstead never to return, their son left to fend for himself on the cobbled streets of Asheberg.
Francesca spared him a sideways glance, as if she could read his thoughts. Perhaps that was exactly what she was doing.
"I see much in your past, young Witcher. Much pain and suffering. And yet still you strive to leave the world better than you found it. Perhaps it is because of that pain. Is that why you fight so hard to help the Princess?"
"She does not deserve this curse." Frederick replied quickly. "She should have a chance at a normal life."
"With you, perhaps?" The sorceress smiled warmly, but with a tinge of sadness. "You come from utterly different worlds. Much as you care for her, you must recognise this."
"I expect nothing for myself." Even as he felt the cold grey feeling the words created in his heart, Frederick fought to keep his composure steady, stoic. "What matters is her wellbeing."
"Very well." It was clear that the Aen Saevherne was unconvinced, but she had the tact to not press the matter. "Then what of the ritual? Have you thought over who would be the best choice for either half of the ritual?"
"I have." Frederick glanced over the wall, looking down to see a group of adepts jogging down a trail that wound its way around the castle, Jaeger bellowing threats and encouragement behind them. "Lady Filippa will fulfill the part of the Wolf. I have already talked the matter over with her, and she is ready to do her part."
"Indeed?" The she-elf's brow rose questioningly. "I am curious what you might have said or offered to her to get her to agree to that. Filippa Eilhart is notoriously difficult to persuade to any course of action she does not choose for herself."
"Simple honesty and reason, my Lady." Frederick replied modesty. "I truly believe that this is the best way for us to divide our resources."
"And you believe that I am best suited to handle the Human half of the ritual?" Francesca turned to fully face him. "Many of your kind would not agree."
"There are few of my kind who have had as many dealings with sorceresses, or the Aen Seidhe, as I have." Frederick answered. "The Human side of things will require a more... a more gentle touch... than the Wolf. Liva is to be encouraged, strengthened. Filippa can be stern, somewhat abrasive, but I sense in you a more nurturing side that will be key to the energies we try to channel."
"After only knowing me for a few days, you are ready to make such a judgement?" Francesca asked curiously.
"I'm usually a very good judge of character." Frederick shrugged. "I trust you, Lady Findabair. Your compassion is easy to see, as is your power."
"My power..." Francesca chuckled quietly. "You still have many things to learn, Frederick of Asheberg. You still think that power can solve everything. Do you know what my power achieved the last time I faced Gildarts?" She regarded Frederick's blank expression for just a second before continuing. "In my arrogance, my over-confidence, I assumed that I could stop him by myself. It is known that the Elves have studied magic for far longer than any human, and our longer lifespans allow us to amass far more power over centuries, so I assumed that my power would be enough."
She stepped away from the wall, beginning to pace back and forth.
"I was wrong. Gildarts used trickery that I did not expect, secret techniques that I had not learned, to catch me unawares. While I was off-balance, he managed to tip the balance in his favour, and ultimately I was captured, imprisoned, my powers suppressed." She paused to rub at her wrists, as if recalling some form of shackles. "Without my 'power', I was left at his mercy. I endured many indignities, many insults, while his prisoner. I think he hoped to break my spirit. But I endured. I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me broken, a shell of my former self. I held strong, knowing that, one day, I would be free and able to strike back at him. Eventually, my faith was rewarded, as my allies rescued me from his clutches. Once I was away from his influence, my powers returned, but in their absence, I learned a valuable lesson."
She turned to face the Nightsaber once more, the young Griffin held rapt by her tale. He tilted his head curiously, eager to hear more.
"Power, no matter how vast, can be taken away. Those who rely on it will be brought low." She underlined her point with a firm gesture. "What matters, in any endeavour, is strength. The strength of your spirit, the strength of your resolve, the strength of your heart. That is how we will defeat Gildarts, and it is also how we will break this curse. Remember that, Frederick. You share a bond with the princess, and you will be a source of strength for her in the coming trial."
"I- I understand, Lady Findabair." Frederick nodded. "Thank you."
"I will do what I can to teach her the strength needed during the ritual, I promise you this." The sorceress spoke solemnly. "Although nothing will be guaranteed, I will give it my all."
"That is all I could ever ask for, my Lady." Frederick bowed his head gratefully. The Aen Saevherne smiled warmly at him.
"It will be evening soon, my Witcher friend." She said gently. "You should go find your comrades. Tomorrow, we prepare for the ritual. Spend what time you can with your friends, and with the princess. When the time comes, I will need your full focus."
With that, the Nightsaber bowed again before the sorceress, before turning and descending the steps once more. Behind him, Francesca watched the Witcher, hand cupping her chin ponderously.