Author's Note: Every review/follower/favourite means a lot. Thank you! Looking for work sucks but we're still forging ahead with regular uploads, my friends!
Ward of Kaer Morhen – Chapter 5
The impending trip had brought a flurry of activity to the Aird homestead. The chickens required enough feed for a week, vegetables needed picking, clothes had to be packed. Tomas had visited the farrier and ensured that the horses were fit for travel, procuring riding gear and saddlebags for Nym upon Geralt's request. Lise had piled up homemade gifts for her family in the front room - jars of jam, tins of dried herbs and pickled vegetables sat waiting to be hauled outside with their belongings.
"You don't mind carrying some of this with you, do you Nym?" Lise asked, holding up an earthenware pot of pickled summer squash.
Nym grinned and shook her head. 'Beast' probably wouldn't feel any of the additional supplies, seeing as she herself had almost none to bring with her. Lise had been kind enough to let her take some old clothes which she could alter for herself when she was settled. She massaged her right bicep, she had pulled a muscle there yesterday. Geralt had shown her how to wield, swing, parry, and attack with a simple one-handed sword, but the repetitive movements and weight of the weapon had taken a toll. Nym had been a little apprehensive about the lesson initially, not wanting a repeat of yesterday's frayed nerves. She had tried her best regardless, enjoying being able to concentrate on something physical instead of worrying about today. The previous night had crawled by, with her laying awake visualizing what the next weeks and months might look like. Geralt had appeared a few times as she drifted in and out of sleep, outlined against the setting sun like he was the other day. He had been busy helping Tomas today and had barely said a word to her otherwise. His face was impassive every time she saw it, amber eyes shuttered. She shook off the thoughts and continued to help Lise make preparations.
By the time the group was ready to set off, the gentle morning sun had disappeared behind a thick veil of pale grey clouds. Their horses clopped down the roads steadily, Lise sitting side-saddle behind Tomas on their pony. Nym stroked Beast's side gently, sensing the horse's desire to move at a faster pace - riding with their hosts meant that they would have to exercise some restraint. Geralt looked up at the sky, they'd likely be at Ard Carraigh before dusk, and he'd be gone before nightfall. He glanced over at Nym, who was chewing her lip while holding Beast's reins absentmindedly. Although he likely wouldn't see her again, he had to make an effort to ensure there was nothing out of the ordinary in her past, or in her family. The letter he had penned was to request Triss Marigold's presence at Kaer Morhen if she wasn't otherwise occupied. A short break at the Witcher's Keep would do him good, and Triss's company would likely be… refreshing. Their relationship hadn't always been straightforward but it would provide an adequate distraction from the week he'd had.
Around mid-day, the group stopped to eat and stretch their legs. Lise and Tomas were in good spirits, but couldn't manage to elicit much conversation from their travel companions. Nym looked over at Geralt as they ate cross-legged in the grass, the cloudy sky sitting still above them like a blanket. He was frowning, either in thought, or in some other disgruntled manner. She reminded herself that this was the right thing to do, and that she didn't have any other options regardless. Geralt already seemed to want to wash his hands of the entire affair, and she couldn't find any reason to blame him. She glanced down at the necklace tucked under his armor. His life was starkly different to the one they had lived over the last few days, and to the one she'd soon be living. She cast her eyes back down, knotting blades of grass between her fingers before getting up to fetch her waterskin.
Geralt followed Nym with his eyes as she got up for a drink of water. She was wearing a dark green blouse Lise had given her, and had tucked it into her trousers loosely. The cut of the shirt was feminine, but still suited her, revealing the fine bones in her neck and collar. Geralt had interrogated the couple lightly in the morning about Deidre, and whether Nym would be looked after there. Someone needed to see to it that her wound had healed, and that she was eating proper meals. She was resourceful, but Ard Carraigh wasn't the type of city where women could go around hunting and wandering the woods freely. There would be all manner of labourers, city guards and drunkards crawling around, in and outside the walls of the capital. Lise had told him quite candidly to stop fretting like a mother hen.
The group continued on after lunch, passing only a few travelers and horse drawn carts as they made their way to Ard Carraigh's gates. There were more guards on the roads now, all of which bore the coat of arms - a unicorn with a red horn. 'High Rock' as it was called in the common tongue, was indeed just that. Nym had never seen anything like it. She couldn't see much of the place beyond the looming watchtowers and fortifications that hid the giant city, the tips of which were adorned with streaming red flags. It sat nestled into the base of the mountain, like it had been hewn from that very stone. A long and impressive bridge stood between them and the Capital, suspended high above the river. It was much colder here, near the deeper water. Kaedwen was known for its poor climate, where summers lasted for a few short months and then went into hiding for the rest of the year. The impressive mountains that bordered Ard Carraigh were tipped with snow and the chill seemed to flow down over the range and blanket the entire area. A sudden feeling of panic rose in her throat as they approached the open gates, decorated with guards and soldiers.
"Welcome to the Capital, Nym. Your new home! " Called Tomas from the front of the group. Lise turned to look at Nym, directing a reassuring smile her way.
They came to a slow halt by the gates, ordered to wait on one side by the guards.
"State yer' business," the guard up front grunted, leaning his head to the side to eye Geralt, Nym and Beast moving up behind Lise and Tomas.
"Er, visiting my wife's family. We're traveling with our friends." Tomas replied.
"His kind don't have friends. You'll not make trouble 'ere, Witcher. Understood?"
Geralt bit back a retort and then nodded. The guards parted. Nym caught whispers as they passed under the iron gates, similar to the things she'd heard in the village. More cruel comments, and something about Geralt reeking of corpses. She didn't have time to dwell on them, they were within the Capital walls now. The cobblestones before her were tracked with dirt and muck, carving out distinct roads between houses, storefronts and stalls. All the structures were so close knit, almost like borders running along the roads. There were people absolutely everywhere but the streets were predominantly filled with men, likely returning indoors for supper. Workers, guards, butchers with bloodied aprons. She spotted children with dirtied hands and faces, playing some game together with a ball. She had never seen so many horses and carts in one place, it was dizzying. Smells of roasting meat, sewage, coal and burning wood mingled together. She gazed up at the soaring structures above her, the grey skies had started darkening and lamp lights were beginning to come on. They continued on at a steady pace, beginning to climb uphill into the heart of the towering city. Beast yanked up on his harness, the noise and bustle of the city was strange to him too. Nym once again pushed away the rising trepidation, reaching down to soothe the horse instead.
"Slightly overwhelming?" Came Geralt's low voice beside her. Him and Roach were closer to her now on the narrower roads. She nodded, looking straight ahead.
"You'll.. be used to this soon enough." He said, not believing it himself. She finally looked at him.
Geralt couldn't tell if she knew how expressive her face was. The anxiety, dread, frustration and anger she had felt in the last few hours were written all over it, clear as day. The anxiousness would hopefully dissipate as she settled down over the next few weeks. The anger however, wasn't totally necessary. He was accustomed to the stares and insults. He wasn't feeling all that jovial himself, but that was a completely different matter. Looking around this place now, Geralt could see that Nym would never belong here, amongst the hardened people milling around the city in cold, tired and hungry masses. She had however chosen to come of her own will, so he would leave it there tonight. Besides, it looked like they had arrived.
"We're here at last!" Tomas said, relief in his voice.
They had stopped at a tavern with a stable attached to it. The building itself was three floors high, the uppermost likely for the family's home. It was built in the traditional way, with wooden beams running along the exterior walls. A sign confirmed that they had indeed arrived at the Boar and Basilisk. From the look of the fogging windows, there were already quite a few people inside.
"Ouch, my poor legs..." Lise said, as Tomas helped her off the horse.
"Lise! Tomas!" An older woman's voice came from above them. Lise's mother had stuck her head out of the uppermost window and was waving a kerchief. Geralt dismounted Roach, and Nym followed suit.
"You two go ahead and say hello. We can wait for you inside," Geralt said to the couple.
Nym was instantly smacked in the face by the warm scents of stew and ale as they walked through the tavern door. Her stomach made a noise of protest as she watched people dunking crusty bread into their bowls and gulping down their beverages. Geralt scanned the tables, the crowd in the Boar and Basilisk seemed to be the working type, thankfully not too rough. He spotted a red haired woman heading upstairs from behind the counter - probably Deidre on her way to welcome Lise and Tomas.
"Doesn't look so bad in here. What do you think?" He turned to ask Nym. Her eyes were fixed on a plate of sliced ham and gravy.
"I see. Let's take a seat." The corner of his mouth lifted up. Nym was never entirely herself when hungry.
They sat at a lantern-lit table by the window, on benches opposite one another. The entire place was well aware of his presence now, which couldn't be helped. A few people turned to look at him, whispering under their breath. He focused on his companion instead, whose heart was hammering away in her chest. She ran her fingers along the wood grain of the well-worn table and began bouncing her thigh up and down with nervous energy. He could almost feel her legs against his under the cosy table. A barmaid with dark ringlets and a low-cut dress approached them from across the room, thankfully breaking his train of thought.
"Mead or ale for the lovebirds? Or perhaps some wine?"
"...Water will do for now." Geralt replied steadily, not failing to notice Nym's discomfort.
"What about something to eat, darling?" The woman asked Geralt, her lashes fluttering as she took in the sight of him.
"Hmm.. Bread, cheese and something hot for the both of us. Thank you." He replied simply, a hint of a smile on his lips.
Nym watched as the impressive woman bowed slightly, her hips swaying from side to side as she made her exit. It was a good thing she was incapable of speech, she didn't possess the grace or charm to be a barmaid.
"Ah, there you are." Tomas strode towards them. "Deidre, this is Geralt and Nymeia, but we call her Nym."
Deidre looked strikingly similar to Lise, with the same red hair and buxom figure, but clearly the older of two. She had a rather commanding air about her, with a stronger brow and serious lines around her mouth. Nym stood as Deidre greeted the pair of them, reaching out to clasp Nym's hands tightly. They all sat, crowding around the table. Deidre pulled up a chair at the head. Plates of food began arriving, and the conversation abated for a moment as the group turned their attention to eating.
"Go right ahead, girl. You'll not want for food here." Deidre chuckled. watching appreciatively as Nym tucked into the stew and bread.
They made quick work of supper, then turned their attention back to the matter at hand. Deidre beckoned a girl over, requesting some mead for the table. Nym took a sip of the beverage and nodded, it was delicious, like a sweet honeyed wine.
"So, what do you think Deid? Will you have Nym?" Lise asked, nudging her older sister with her elbow.
"Hmm," Deidre smiled and crossed her arms, "We could use the help. Men are traveling back to the city for winter, we'll be full up every other night if things go right."
"What do you say, Nym?" Lise turned to her.
Nym looked around at the faces around her, one set of eyes burning into hers more than usual. Everything seemed to have happened too fast. The week was already over. She bit her lip, then nodded, smiling appreciatively at Deidre.
"Lovely, I'll have a room together for you tomorrow. There's an inn one street over for now if you can arrange a bed for her tonight." Deidre turned to Geralt.
"Thank you, I'll see to it." He nodded and finished the last of his drink.
Nym gestured to the main area of the tavern and rubbed her hands together as if to wash them.
"Ah, the privy is downstairs. Mind your step." Deidre pointed at the staircase in the corner of the room. Nym excused herself and left the table.
Tomas cleared his throat, making eye contact with Geralt.
"Deidre, if you don't mind, I have a few questions about… Nym's family." Geralt asked once Nym was out of earshot.
"Lise mentioned them, the bastards - beg pardon.." The red-haired woman clenched her jaw.
"They're merchants by trade. I was wondering if you knew their name… It's Salskin."
"Salskin? Aye, I know it. The brothers are a rough sort. Their father is about as crooked as they come, but he's curried favour with many of the lords around the Capital."
"Crooked, how?" Geralt leaned forward.
"All sorts of odd dealings. Mostly in exotic goods, some of it probably stolen or smuggled. There's a merchant's fair here in Autumn, they come every year and bring a few men with them."
"Hmm.. Explains some of the things I saw when I found Nym." Geralt's eyes narrowed.
"She's truly his daughter?" Deidre asked, raising her eyebrow.
"She's said as much. Don't know the whole story, but I'm intending to find out." Geralt leaned back, stroking the rim of his empty tankard. Deidre gestured at a barmaid who refilled their cups. Nym returned to the table, which seemed quieter. She cast a questioning glance at Geral.
"..Tomas, there's still a few of your things in our saddlebags. I'll fetch them." Geralt said, deciding that now was not the time.
"I'll come with you," said Tomas.
"Lise, I'm not sure anyone can go through that many pickled vegetables…" Deidre joked, inciting a laugh from the table.
The last of the light was fading away outside, and a bitter wind had picked up. Geralt handed the last of the jars and boxes to Tomas.
"That's all then?" He asked.
"It is. Thank you again, for everything." Geralt clasped the man's shoulder.
"Of course. Deidre will keep her out of sight too." Tomas said reassuringly. Geralt nodded.
"I think it's time we get on. I'll find Nym a room at the inn and leave tonight." He cast a look at the window where Nym sat.
"I'll fetch her for you, we'll see you off," Tomas winked, rubbing his arms as went back inside.
A few men had begun to leave the tavern and were in high spirits. They stopped for a moment outside, laughing amongst themselves at some crass joke. They turned their attention to Geralt who was still standing by Beast and Roach in the covered stable.
"That him then..? He doesn't look like much, does he lads?" One of them asked.
"The White Dog, more like it," came another man's voice.
"And yet, you seem to be doing all the barking," Geralt crossed his arms, picking out the person who had spoken - the biggest and ugliest of them.
"See the stupid little necklace? It is him. Teruin said as much." The big bald one smirked. He approached Geralt confidently, one hand on the hilt of his sword.
"You've taken something that doesn't belong to you, mutant prick. "
"Nonsense. I haven't seen your mother in a good long while..." Geralt replied lazily.
The bald man unsheathed his sword, gritting his teeth.
"Ah, a face only a mother could love." Geralt continued.
The man swung with both hands at Geralt's head. Geralt dodged the blow easily. The other men moved to grab him by the arms, attempting to pin him to a post. The horses neighed in fear in the stable behind them. Geralt swung one of the men into his chest as the man slashed towards him, cutting into his friend's back instead. He screamed and dropped to the floor. Geralt wrenched his arm from the third man's grasp and slammed his head against the brick post. It was just him and the bald one now.
"We'll be taking the girl, Witcher." The man growled through his teeth, pointing his sword at Geralt's chest.
"Not if I can help it." He replied simply.
The man charged him in one last attempt. Geralt strafed to the left and grabbed the back of his collar, slamming him down to the floor with a thud. He tossed the sword away like a toy and aimed a fist squarely at his nose once, twice, then again - breaking it.
"Prettier now. You the brother?" He asked, suspending him above the stones by his collar, the wolf medallion dangling over the man's bloodied face.
"No, but they're not far behind you." The man grinned at Geralt, rivulets of blood streaming from his nose. "They might even offer you some coin. That's all you want, no?" He spat.
Geralt didn't get a chance to reply. A shriek sounded from the tavern entrance. It was Lise and Tomas, who had come to say goodbye. Deidre swung the door open further behind them, her face aghast. Geralt muttered a curse under his breath and let the man's head hit the stones with a crack. He pushed his way past them and back inside the tavern. It had grown loud with speculation and concern. The other patrons had witnessed the commotion and were beginning to leave in haste to avoid trouble. Barmaids shrank back from Geralt as he strode towards Nym. Her face paled as soon as he neared the table, something had gone wrong.
"We have to go. Friends of your brother's. They've been following us."
Nym looked down at his gloved hand, outstretched and slick with blood. Time seemed to stand still. It was over. She could see Tomas comforting Lise in the background. Deidre had begun making her way over to them as well, her face a mix of anger and confusion. It wouldn't be long before the city guards came, and they had already given Geralt trouble earlier in the day. She shook her head. No. This had been her final attempt.
"Nym, let's go. You're not going back there, but you can't stay here either." Geralt said firmly, his eyes boring into hers.
She backed away from him. She was going back. She didn't belong here, that much was plain. It was a silly joke, to have thought she could start anew elsewhere. Other people had been dragged into this now, it hadn't been worth it.
Geralt quickly wiped his hands and grabbed her by the shoulders, lowering himself to her height. His hands slowly filled with the same familiar heat they always had when he touched her. The guards would be here any minute now, and he didn't intend on making more of a scene here for Deidre.
"Your family - they're not who they say they are Nym, there's something else at work here. I'll explain later but we have to go now. Come with me."
Nym furrowed her brow, looking at him for a moment longer. She took his hand gingerly. Geralt turned swiftly to address Deidre, Lise, and Tomas who had gathered around them.
"Forgive us, but we'll both have to say our goodbyes. Thank you for your kindness."
Grasping Nym's hand tightly, he pulled her out of the tavern and past the crowd outside. She looked down at the bloodied man on their way out, recognizing him as one of Teruin's friends, his eyes trailing her as he fought to stay conscious. Geralt untied the horses quickly and helped her onto Beast. They galloped down the long hill that had led them here, passing shuttered houses and storefronts. The city lay before them as they fled, a myriad of lamplights floating in the night. Shouts of surprise erupted as they passed the outer gates, but the guards didn't pursue them. Geralt cast a glance at Nym as they flew along the stone bridge together, her frame silhouetted against the dark sky and her hair streaming behind her. Then only he allowed himself to recognize the relief he had felt earlier, when everything had come undone.