After Geralt caught up to Leinas, the two of them started their journey to the Baharuth Empire. The way there would take approximately two days, one if they really hurried. That in itself wasn't problematic. The thing that was uncertain, was how long it would take Geralt to find the culprit, if he was able to find him or her at all. Finding clues for something that happened over ten years ago was no easy task. If Geralt was unlucky, it could take him weeks or even months to solve this puzzle. Therefore, he was slightly worried. On the one hand, he couldn't abandon Leinas and he was glad he made the decision to help her with her troubles. On the other hand he was delaying his return to Ziri and Triss indefinitely. He didn't like letting them in the dark about his whereabouts. Geralt sighed as he realized that worrying wouldn't solve his problems. He therefore decided to focus on the task at hand.

He mentally recalled everything he ever learned about curses and repeatedly asked Leinas about her family circumstances. He noted everything that could be useful during their investigation. She was the first-born daughter of a noble house that barely escaped the emperors' purges when he became the ruler. Greatly stripped of power, an arranged marriage between her and the heir of a family in a similar position was proposed. When the curse distorted her face, the engagement was canceled. This information greatly increased the number of suspects. Rivaling families added to the pool. Geralt was already annoyed, because he was sure he would have to deal with nobility and therefore people that thought they were better than others for no good reason. He would maintain a professional facade, but internally he was almost screaming.

Then Leinas told him about her bad experiences with priests and magic casters, who pretended to heal her just to scam her for money. Geralt could very well understand her rage and desperation. He couldn't blame her for almost killing herself with the potion. Her story was very tragic. After the first signs of the curse were discovered, here parents tried to cure her, but after a couple of fruitless efforts, they gave up on her. They paid less and less attention to her and focused more on her sister, who was born four years after her. She was quickly prepared as a replacement for her and Leinas was abandoned. From the way Leinas described her fathers' character, Geralt could imagine another motive. Maybe someone wanted to hurt him, by targeting his family. Revenge for past crimes was a possibility he couldn't ignore. Someone who would abandon his own daughter, just because he couldn't profit from her, was capable of many atrocities. If it hadn't been for her uncle, a friend of the family, she would have been doomed to wander the streets, homeless and destined to fend for her own. The only time the gloomy air around her seemed to brighten up was when she talked about her uncle. Apparently he was a righteous man that served in the military and was a friend of their parents since they were young. After she was kicked out of her home, he took her in and treated her like his own daughter. He raised her lovingly and taught her how to fight.

"Say"

She interrupted his train of thought.

"Why did you change your mind?"

"What makes you think I did?"

She looked at him confused.

"I said | wouldn't give you any more of that potion and | stand by that decision. The best way to do that, is to make it unnecessary."

They quickly reached the empires' border. The young borderguard tried to inspect them, but when his eyes met Geralts', he broke out in cold sweat and reflexively stepped back. Leinas showed him an official seal, handed out by the emperor only to trusted aides and allies.

"He belongs to me."

She said and pointed at Geralt. Once the guard post was out of sight, she said to Geralt.

"Lucky for us the guard didn't pass out. Are you deliberately trying to frighten everyone who sees you, or is it a natural talent?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

Geralt looked visibly hurt, but Leinas could tell it was more of an act and he was actually quite amused. After a while, the sun began to set. They decided to stop in a small village and continue the next day.

"Too bad there is no inn in this area. I managed to get us a place to sleep for the night, but we have to stay in the barn."

Leinas said. Geralt answered.

"That's no problem for me. Having a roof over my head is more than I have most of the times I travel."

They both led their horses to the barn and made preparations for the night.

"Here, have a drink. You must be really thirsty after the lang ride."

"Thank you very much."

Leinas answered.

"Oh, I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to Roach."

He pointedat his horse. His horse neighed.

"You are talking to your horse?"

"Yepp. She always gives the best advice."

"You are weird, you know that,right?"

"You should be glad I am."

Leinas smiled in response, but suddenly averted her face and turned around. Geralt dropped in the hay.

"Better go to sleep now, we have a hard day ahead of us."

Leinas nodded and also laid down. For a while she pretended to be asleep, until she was sure Geralt would be no longer awake. Making sure not to produce a single sound, she quietly sneaked out of the barn, into the forest behind the village. After getting some distance between herself and the village, she found a small pond,slightly too large to be called a puddle. She got down on her knees and inspected herself in the reflection. The time the potion has bought her was running out. The first signs of the horrible and grotesque appearance returning appeared on her face. She quickly reached in her pocket and pulled out a small bottle, easily fitting into the palm of her hand. It was originally filled to the brim with the poison-green liquid, but now only a few drops, barely enough to cover the bottom, were left. After emitting a deep sigh, she tried to open the bottle, but couldn't stop her hands from shaking. So much so that she dropped the bottle in the water. She desperately fished in the muddy pond and was relieved as she found what she was looking for. With her empty hand she forcefully grabbed her trembling wrist. She took a deep breath and opened the bottle, attempting to use the potion.

"I wouldn't do that."

The sudden and unexpected voice startled her enough to nearly drop the bottle again. Leinas turned around and saw Geralt leisurely leaning against a tree trunk.

"How did you find me?"

"Witcher senses, remember?"

"What do you want?"

"Well, when you sneaked out I was slightly worried. I followed you to make sure you wouldn't get into trouble."

"As you can see, I am fine."

"Really? Doesn't look like that to me. Those are some bad withdrawal symptoms you have. Comes from overusing the potion. The toxic components slowly accumulate and numb your nerves, making fine motor skills very difficult."

"It's none of your business."

"It sure is. I gave you the potion and are currently traveling with you. That makes it my business."

"You can stop belittling me. It is my decision what I do or don't do."

"It was your decision to crawl around in the mud, desperately looking for something to escape reality? Shaking and trembling like an invalid hoping to forget what is on their mind?"

Ashamed Leinas took a closer look at herself. She was indeed covered in dirt and wet from splashing in the pond. Geralt turned around and said.

"You are right. You are an adult and you can make your own decisions, but I just wanted to say one thing. I would really miss the strong and proud knight that dared to challenge me when we first met."

After returning to the barn, Geralt quickly fell asleep. In the early morning he was woken up by the horses. He opened his eyes and saw the back of Leinas as she was preparing her horse. She opened the door, whereupon the whole barn was filled with bright sunlight. Geralts' pupils immediately adjusted to the sudden influx of light. Leinas turned around and said.

"Are you finally awake? Hurry up and get ready. I want to be in Arwintar before it gets dark."

As Geralt looked in her face, he couldn't suppress a smile. She wore her hair like she used to, combed over the right side of her face.

"What's that stupid grin for?"

She asked, half angry, half embarrassed.

"Nothing. I just thought that it is a nice day. Perfect weather for traveling, don't you think so?"

"Yes."

Arwintar, the capital of the Baharuth Empire, was far more magnificent than anything Geralt had seen before. He wasn't that accustomed to big cities in the first place, but even compared to the capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom he visited a couple of months ago, it was clearly superior. For years the emperor tried to demonstrate the empires' superiority. Of course it would be unfair to compare it to E-Rantel, but Geralt was impressed nonetheless.

"Where do you think we should start? From what you told me thelist of potential suspects is quite long. Is there one you would put on the top of the fist?"

"I already told you that I tried everyone I can think of. There is no one I would consider more than others."

"In that case we should probably start with those closest to you and work our way through the list. The closer they are the more likely."

He was following Leinas through what looked like the district reserved for nobility and rich people. The alley connected several high-class mansions with each other. When Geralt looked around he could see many servants and maids walking around. Leinas drew closer to one particular mansion.

"We will start with my family. Hopefully mother can spare us a minute and will not be too occupied admiring her own appearance in the mirror. Father should be home,too."

Geralt could sense that Leinas was feeling very uncomfortable. Therefore he tried to cheer her up with a joke.

"Who would have thought that the day would come, when a girl would bring me along to meet her parents. Life is full of surprises."

"Quit saying nonsense."

"Sorry. Just thought you seemed very tense."

"Better explain what you need to do."

"First I would like to talk to every suspect. Sometimes my medallion responds when the target gets emotional."

"So provoke some emotional responses? Got that. What else?"

"It would be gate if I could take a look around the house. It's rare, but certain objects like mementos can still contain traces of magic. These could lead to the culprit."

Leinas looked troubled.

"I will try to make that possible."

They stopped before a big gate with two armored guards standing in front. When they drew closer, they crossed their halberds, blocking the entrance.

"Stop. What business do you have?"

The older looking guard said in a deep voice. Leinas stepped forward.

"My name is Leinas Rockbruise, daughter of Marquis Estel Nam Rockbruise. By the authority given to me by the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix, I demand to speak to him. Inform him immediately."

The younger guard got slightly pale, but the older one simply nodded as to say "Go and do it." The younger one hurried away and went into the mansion. After a couple of minutes he returned and was followed by an elderly man wearing a butler uniform. The butler came closer and whispered something into the older guards' ear. Leinas couldn't hear it, but she noticed Geralts' stare getting a little bit harder. The younger guard took the horses' reins and the butler said.

"My master is pleased to welcome such honored guests, but he is currently occupied. He will be with you as soon as possible. In the meantime it will be my duty to entertain our dear guest. If you would please follow me? This young man here will take care of your mounts. He will make sure to treat them with utmost care."

Leinas and Geralt walked a couple of steps behind the butler. Leinas whispered, audible only for Geralt.

"Let me guess, he said something along the lines of We can't let this freak be seen around here."

"Did you hear him?"

"Didn't need to."

The two of them were led to a richly decorated and with expensive looking furniture filled room. There were paintings on the walls, a couch with a wooden couch table in front of it, several sideboards with vases on top of them and huge showcase with glass doors. Inside Geralt could see several bottles of expensive wines. After Geralt was done looking around, Leinas said.

"My father has a habit of displaying his wealth. He likes it when people admire him for that."

Geralt shrugged it off.

"I guess everyone needs a hobby."

The butler cleared his throat.

"My lord will be with you soon, until then, may I offer something to drink?"

Geralt said.

"No, I'm fine"

The butler seemed a little bit upset by Geralts´ rude response, but honestly speaking, Geralt couldn't care less if he wanted to. He wasn't here to entertain this nobles' needs for etiquette. He was here to work. The butler left the room and Geralt sat down, waiting patiently for Leinas' father to appear. After more than an hour passed, Geralt yawned, tired of boredom.

"Had I known in advance it would take this long, I would have taken the drink."

"He is doing this on purpose. I am sure he isn't busy, just waiting for the darkness so he can send us away when nobody can see."

"Guess we have to do something then."

Geralt stood up and walked towards the door.

"What are you doing?"

Geralt placed his finger over his lips, signaling for silence. He stood right next to the door-frame, grabbing the handle, motionless waiting for a couple of seconds. Then he forcefully pushed the door open. A loud smashing noise occurred, followed by the sound of something heavy falling to the ground. The butler sat on the floor, with a mark of the door handle on his forehead.

"Oh no, what a mishap. I am truly sorry for that, but I have waited for so long I needed to go to the bathroom. I am sure you can forgive me for that, right?"

Geralt wore a big fake grin and looked him deep in the eyes as he held his hand out to help the butler stand up.

"Accidents like this can happen. Please excuse me, I will go and see if the lord is now free."

The butler turned around, but was stopped in his tracks when Geralt said, in a voice much deeper than necessary.

"Wait."

The butler froze, then he looked back at Geralt.

"The bathroom?"

The old man pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away some drops of sweat.

"Ah, yes. Please excuse me. It's down this hallway, the second door to the right."

Then the butler left, more running than walking. Geralt smiled satisfied when Leinas asked him.

"Did you know he was there, watching us?"

"Maybe."

It didn't take long for the butler to return, following the lord of this house.

"I am truly sorry, but as the head of the Rockbruise house I have a very tight schedule. What gives me the honor of having such exquisite guests?"

When Geralt was sent to the kingdom, he received some training in noble etiquette from his host. That training and his natural instincts revealed to him the deep insincerity of his words. Leinas responded

"I am no there in an official matter. It is personal."

"Oh, what could it be about? I don't remember having a personal issue with one of the four knights."

Geralt could see Leinas clenching her fist, ready to explode. He grabbed her shoulder and stepped forward.

"We came here for an investigation. It is possible that someone around here has committed a horrible sin."

"Hmm, and whom do I have the pleasure with?"

"My name is Geralt. Your daughter has hired me to solve a problem of hers."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am of Marquis Estel Nam Rockbruise. It seems like her ...condition causes her some troubles."

"Yes. That's why we wanted to have a talk."

"I don't know how I can be of help."

Annoyed he was met with such arrogant indifference, Geralt looked at the showcase.

"I couldn't help but notice your collection."

An arrogant chuckle escaped his lips.

"Marvelous, isn't it? It cost me a fortune."

"Kind of pointless, don't you think?"

"What?"

The marquis almost yelled.

"I mean, what good does a wine do if you don't drink it? Just standing there, accumulating dust it is not more special than a rock. Only that a rock costs a lot less and can at least be used for something useful, like throwing it at somebody that deserves it."

When he said these last words he stared at the Marquis.

"I don't like your tone. It is almost like you are implying I was at fault. Better be careful. Some could interpret that as an insult."

"I'm sorry. It was not my intention to imply anything. Let me be a little bit clearer. I think you are a despicable human being for abandoning your own child and you probably deserve every imaginable punishment for such a heinous act."

"That's enough. Who do you think you are talking to? I will not tolerate insults from such an insignificant cockroach. I will make sure you regret those words. Guards."

Several armed men rushed in the room. Geralt took a closer look at his medallion. Then looked at Leinas and shook his head. She sighed disappointed. The marquis bellowed some orders at his soldiers.

"Make sure they regret their Insolence."

The first one attempted to draw his sword, but was interrupted by Leinas punching him in the face. Then she grabbed him by his collar and threw him across the room, right into the showcase. All of the bottles of the Marquis prized collection were shattered and spilled their content over the floor.

"I don't mind going for a few rounds, but you should know that he..."

She pointed at Geralt.

"...stands in the Sorcerer Kings' service. I am sure the emperor wouldn't like to explain to him why one of his servants were met with such hostility."

All the guards stepped back. Of course they have heard the stories about the Sorcerer King, some of them had even been to the arena the day he fought the martial lord. Nobody wanted to get on that monsters bad side. Leinas vigorously left the room.

"Don't bother us. I still have to talk to my mother and sister."

Geralt carefully stepped over the unconscious guard and said to the butler.

"Don't mind us. We find the way out ourselves."

Next Leinas walked towards her mothers' room. When she opened the door, she was met with the usual scenery. A dressing table with a big mirror and countless bottles and pots filled with all kind of perfumes and make-up. The heavy cloud of different smells forced Geralt to pinch his nose as his eyes got teary. In front of the mirror sat a woman, wearing way too much make-up. Her face almost looked like she was wearing a mask.

"Hello mother."

Surprised the woman turned around.

"Oh my. Welcome, Leinas. I had no idea you would come to visit us."

"I came, because I have something important to talk about."

"Yes, I can see that. What have you done to your hair? Your beautiful silky hair should be kept in a better condition."

She came closer and started meddling with Leinas' head.

"Mother, please. Can you stop it for just a minute. It is really important."

Then her mothers' eyes fell on Geralt.

"And who could this handsome young man be?"

Geralt was startled by this womans' sudden approach.

"My name is Geralt, a friend of your daughter."

"Isn't that nice? I hope you will take good care of my daughter. She tends to be very impulsive and is very hot-tempered."

"Mother, please."

"Ooh, don't be like that. I just want to get to know your boyfriend better."

Leinas mother grabbed Geralts' arm and drew closer to him.

"Mother."

"Don't be jealous, I am just borrowing your boyfriend."

" . .BOYFRIEND."

Leinas now yelled. She took a deep breath. She looked at Geralt and asked.

"Anything?"

He shook his head in denial. Leinas immediately left and dragged Geralt along.

"If my daughter gives you a hard time, don't hesitate to come to me."

Leinas' mother winked at him. Once out of sight, Leinas said.

"I'm really sorry for that."

"There is nothing you have to apologize for, but there is definitely something weird about her."

"My mother loves being the center of attention. It has always been like this. Ever since I was a child she couldn't stand it when somebody paid more attention to me than to her."

"In any case, is there somebody else?"

"Only my younger sister. By now father should have told here I'm here. She is probably in the garden, drinking tea with her snobby friends. Let's go."

Before the left through the backdoor to enter the garden, Geralt said.

"You know, I'm surprised we can move so freely. I really thought we would face more resistance."

"From those low-class guards? Not a chance. Father spends too much money on nonsense, so he can't afford any high-class knights. These guys just wear fancy armor to appear intimidating, but that's it. They aren't paid enough to risk their lives in a real battle."

Then they entered the garden. Around a hundred feet away, Geralt saw a table, filled with several cups, teapots and plates with several sweets on them. Around the table sat four women, somewhere between child and adult. They all wore fancy dresses and big sunhats. One girl had black hair, long enough to reach to her waist. The other three had blonde hair. One with curly hair, one wearing twin-tails and the last ones were smooth and slightly shorter than the black haired girls. At first glance Geralt could see similar facial features between the last girl and Leinas. He could see her profile very clearly, so he was pretty sure that she must be said sister. As they came closer, she theatrically shivered and said, without so much as even looking at them.

"Brrr. Did you feel that, too? Feels like a ghost or something similar creepy just approached me."

The other girls giggled. Leinas answered with clear anger in her voice.

"Hello Marca. Lang time no seen. Good to see you are the same poisonous snake as always."

"My, my. Seems like you are as bitter as always. I'm surprised you even dare to show that face of yours in public. I would suggest you crawl back under whatever rock you came out of and don't further disgrace our family."

Then she noticed Geralt standing next to her.

"Who is that? Your lover? Nice thing you found somebody with such poor taste."

"Seriously, what is it with your family and their weird obsession with your love-life?"

He asked Leinas. Marca laughed snootily.

"Seems like he isn't aware. You see, my dear sister was once treated as the gem of our family. Always treated as something special. Father had high expectations in her and arranged a betrothal with the heir of a noble family we share deep connections with. But when he saw what an atrocity she has turned into, he ran away like he was chased by wild tigers. After that father kicked her out and it was my time to shine. After that nuisance was out of the way, father noticed my true value."

Marca laughed in a very evil manner. Leinas fumed in anger and wanted to slap her, but she was stopped in her tracks as she noticed Geralt turning around indifferently.

"I think you were right. She is just an immature brat and not worth our time. I'm sorry I didn't believe you. I truly thought the daughter of a noble house would be better educated than some hoodlums."

"What did you just call me, you worthless bastard? Just so you know, I enjoyed the best upbringing possible."

"See? That proves my point. I think you should learn from your sister and act calmly. By the way, I know a six-year old with better manners."

Marca stood up and chased after him, grabbing his arm.

"Don't you dare run away from me. I demand an apology for those insults."

Geralt turned around and looked deep into her eyes. Because Marca had been so focused on Leinas, she hadn't noticed his unusual eyes. Till now. Now she saw his yellow glowing eyes, the slit, cat-like pupils and the cold and merciless stare. She instinctively let go of him and stepped back. In return, Geralt took a step towards her, forcing her further back. Now her friends also noticed his unusual appearance. The previously giggling girls became dead silent.

"Just some well-meant advice. Never, and I cannot emphasize that enough, NEVER try and grab a Witcher from behind again. I am mostly a calm and composed person. Had it been not for the special circumstances, you would have lost your arm by now."

He took another step forward. Marca wanted to step back, but tripped over her long dress. Now, sitting on the ground she looked up to Geralt. From this angle he looked all the more intimidating. Her face was ghostly pale. The other girls tried to hide behind the table, cowered together and shivering.

"Wh-who do you think you are? Have you any idea what threatening a noble means?"

"Now that you mention it, I have never thought about it. Ever since the Sorcerer King appointed me my title and territory, I haven´t bothered thinking about it."

Leinas interrupted.

"Wait, so you are a noble of the Sorcerer Kingdom?"

"I guess, technically you could say that."

"Why haven´t you said anything about that?"

"Is it really that big of a deal?"

Leinas pressed the palm of her hand against her forehead.

"With your own territory and title as a servant of the Sorcerer Kingdom, you are roughly on equal footing with the emperor."

"Is that so?"

Geralt didn´t seem that impressed.

Leinas put her hand on his shoulder and said.

"We go, now."

After Geralt nodded, he threw one last stare at Marca.

"You should be glad your big sister protected you. The next time you might not be as lucky."

After a certain smell reached his nose, Geralt left satisfied. During their way back, Leinas said.

"Thank you for stopping me before I did something stupid, but you didn't have to go that far."

In a rather pleasant tone Geralt responded.

"I actually quite enjoyed it. I avoided nobles so far, but it seems like intimidating them to the point they wet themselves is quite funny. I just have to make sure it doesn't become a habit."

After Geralt and Leinas left the mansion and got their horses back, she almost dropped to her knees in exhaustion. Geralt cleared his throat.

"Ahem. Your family is truly...special."

"You don't have to sugarcoat it. They are a bunch of assholes."

"I didn't want to be so blunt since they are your family, but I have to agree."

"So, did you figure something out?"

"None of them caused a reaction from my medallion."

"But you said that they sometimes don't show signs. Is it possible that that is the case?"

"Of course it is possible, but I don't think they are guilty."

"Why?"

"Your father seems to despise you, but only because the curse disturbed his plans. So his disdain was caused by the curse. That's the wrong order. We are looking for somebody, whose hatred may have caused the curse."

Leinas nodded in agreement.

"Then there is your mother. Either she is the best actress I have ever seen, or she is a truly an airhead and a superficial person. I don't think her will would be strong enough to focus into a curse."

"What about my sister?"

"I freely admit that she being the culprit is more likely. She seemed to be very jealous of you when you were children and even now shows sever contempt towards you."

"So, why do you rule her out?"

"By the time you were cursed she would have been six or seven years old. I don't think such a young child would be capable of such deep hatred. I will keep her in mind, but I don't think she is the one we are looking for."

"Seems like we have to keep looking. I made list of all the people I could think of."

Geralt looked at the horizon. It started to turn red.

"This took a lot longer than I imagined. Maybe we should call it a day and continue tomorrow."

"I think you are right."

"Do you know a place around here I could stay at?"

"My uncles´ house isn't far from here."

"That man that raised you when your parents kicked you out?"

"Yes. If it wasn't for him I would be dead by now."

Geralt thought for a moment.

"That seems like a good idea. I wanted to talk to him. Maybe he can think of another person you might have missed."

"Good. This way."

Hello everyone, as always thanks for reading.

P.S.: Only two more weeks till release of Vol. 14. I can barely wait.