Others might have shrunk away from the unadulterated anger in Ciri's tone, but Yennefer embraced her, drawing the girl tightly against her chest.

"You can't be an imposter, Ciri. You are your own woman, with your own impulses and beliefs, and can never be measured to anyone else. Even if there are those imprudent enough to dare try. I can only imagine what has been said to you over the years, the comparisons that must have been made, but I beseech that you know how beloved you are. Not only by Geralt and myself but by the majority of the people beneath this very roof. Triss, Zoltan, Dandelion…"

Ciri allowed the embrace to happen, but only for a few seconds before it became too cloying.

She broke Yennefer's hold and put some distance between them again.

Words. They never hesitated to say such words. To make declarations of love. But it wasn't really true. Ciri could see it in their eyes. They were just trying to keep her calm.

"I know," she said, tasting bitterness on her tongue from the lie. "You don't have to tell me."

"You don't believe it," Yennefer retorted. Ciri'd never shirked Yennefer's hold before, nor had she ever sounded so matter of fact about any such declarations. "I can hear it in your voice. I can see it on your face."

Ciri couldn't help but give a sardonic smile. "Love? Triss who wants to shag the man she knows I am in love with? Dandelion and Zoltan who look at me with fear and doubt in their eyes? Is that love, Yennefer? Or do they simply hide behind that term?"

"Triss is… Triss," Yennefer began. She loathed the redhead for downplaying Ciri's love and trying to horde in on it as she'd done with Yennefer's own relationship. It was uncalled for and there was no excuse. Yennefer brushed off the thought. This wasn't about Triss, nor would she let that add fuel to any fires. "Can you blame Dandelion or Zoltan for any uncharacteristic looks they may have toward you? Only today you hurt Geralt. Geralt. They've obviously noticed changes in your temperament lately and they're worried for you. No one's hiding, Ciri. They're concerned. You don't see that, you can't feel it?"

Ciri frowned. "Changes in my temperament? What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you've been a bit short the last few days, that your views about certain issues have changed, and as I said, people are concerned about you."

"Well, they don't need to be. So tell them to stop."

It made Ciri feel as though they were all talking about her behind her back. What they were saying... she could only imagine.

She sighed and headed for the door. "How long does it take to arrange for a bath?"

"You can't stop caring for those you love," Yennefer stated quietly.

When Ciri opened the door, Triss was on the other side, perched against the wall, four buckets at her feet. "I didn't want to disturb you," she offered as an explanation, picking up one of the buckets, squeezing into the room past Ciri so she could start to fill the bath. The two maids who'd been heating and carrying water, appeared, as well, to retrieve the emptied buckets.

Ciri stood back and let them work.

"When will Geralt and Kain be back?"

"Toward the afternoon hopefully," Yennefer stated.

"They should have left the anchor with us. You could have tried a spell to locate the others."

"That's why they've gone to collect maps. It's useless going and not being able to denote where it comes from or to figure out how widespread it needs to be. A plan is in motion."

Triss and the maids completed with their task and then left, closing the door behind them. Yennefer claimed the spot Ciri had abandoned at the window.

Ciri undressed and sank into the tub, lowering under the water completely. She didn't resurface until she'd run out of air.

When she did, she swept her hair back from her face and leaned against the rim.

"Will your heart break if Geralt dies before you?"

"Most definitely," Yennefer said without hesitation. There was no denying how much she loved him and nor could she grapple with the Djinn theory. It was done. That part of their relationship was over and there was nothing to fear, mask or pretend. At least where Yennefer's feelings were concerned. "Would you be hurt if Avallac'h or Kain were to die before you?"

"Yes," Ciri said, also without hesitation. "But not enough to regret me loving them in the first place."

Yennefer never regretted loving Geralt, either, not when he'd hurt her in the past or even when he hurt her now.

"What do you love about Avallac'h?"

It was hard to think about at that moment and even harder to decipher which qualities Avallac'h possessed that had earned Ciri's affection. She was still furious with him.

"He stayed by my side for years. Protected me. Comforted me. He was loyal."

"And Kain?"

Ciri sank lower into the water. "We're not going to talk about him."

Yennefer nodded. She wasn't going to push the subject since there was a high risk of Ciri deciding to take that as a signal to run. She had the last time Yennefer got curious.

Yennefer averted her gaze to the view outside.

After the banking escapade, it seemed activity in the city was going back to normal and a lot of the civilians that had left when the Wild Hunt had appeared with their threats, were beginning to move back in. Maybe they thought it over? Maybe whatever means they had to stay on the outside shielding their families had run out and they were beginning to starve?

Zoltan had already said that the Inn couldn't sustain itself much longer.

"Since there's some time to fill before Geralt and Kain's return... If you're interested, I heard there is a horse racing competition taking place outside of Novigrad around noon. I'm sure there will be an unset amount of crowns as the prize."

"A horse race?" The people of Novigrad had certainly recovered quickly from the threat of total annihilation. "You mean for me to compete?" Ciri simpered, amused. "Kelpie will win. There's no question about it. Do you need coin?"

"No, I don't need coin. You might want some of your own, though. It's never too early to start saving."

Ciri frowned, curious. She hugged her knees to her chest. "Saving for what?"

"Does it matter? A new sword, new armor, a pretty dress..." Yennefer teased. "It's always good to have a little independence in certain areas of one's life."

"I suppose it could be fun to cheat some arrogant men out of their money," Ciri mused. "Will you race as well?"

"Certainly," Yennefer said after a moment's thought. "I'm certain Dandelion would want to partake as well. Or at least have the opportunity to boast about your victory."

Yennefer turned from the window and walked over to the bath, dipping her fingers into the water to see how hot it still was. It would take a while to chill yet.

"Take your time and meet me downstairs. I'll have the stablehand ready our horses."

Ciri stared after Yennefer. She had never known the sorceress to take part in any kind of athletic competition.

And Dandelion?

The thought amused Ciri greatly and she sank beneath the water again with a smile.

Yennefer closed the door behind her and rested against it, taking a second to collect herself, to gather the strength she needed for today, and went in search of Dandelion.

Dandelion was still downstairs, struggling to hang a red backdrop to the stage where he intended to perform that night. Or at least had until the whole Ciri debacle had come about.

He huffed and puffed, straining to reach the hook needed to secure the fabric he was clutching.

"Ah, Yennefer! Do give me a hand, will you?"

Yennefer walked over to where Dandelion was precariously balanced on a chair, inspecting what needed to be done and signalled that he get down so they could change places. Once he'd complied, she took the end of the banner from him and stepped up onto the chair and proceeded to stretch for the hook, expecting he'd lift her the few inches as needed to secure the fabric.

When he didn't immediately follow that train of thought, she'd glanced down at him encouragingly.

"I thought you'd-" Dandelion flailed his arms wildly in a false display of magic.

"I'm not overly fond of using my magic on menial things I can do myself. Now lift me and let's get this done. I assure you, I weigh less than your hats."

Dandelion sighed and stepped up, awkwardly taking hold of Yennefer's legs and hoisting her up.

"Hurry. My doublet will crease."

She hurried as much as her straining arm and the minuscule lift he'd given her would allow, expelling a hem of satisfaction once the task was done and the fabric didn't stream down when she let it go.

She gestured for him to relax – which he did within a second.

"Anything else?" Yennefer asked as she inspected the rest of what she assumed was supposed to be the stage. "Anything that could wait until later this afternoon?"

"Why?" Dandelion asked, massaging his bicep. "Would you like to volunteer your services?"

"I would. But only after you've lent me yours," Yennefer said, glancing down at him from her position on the chair.

Dandelion scowled suspiciously. "What for? Some sort of lewd sorceress activity?"

"If that was what I was considering, do you think I'd have bothered to ask?" Yennefer arched an eyebrow as she stepped off the chair. "It's more to do with what I proposed last night."

"Explain?"

"Ciri. I decided to take her to the horse races outside of the city, so we can kill a little time before Geralt and Kain get back. I assumed you'd want to join us."

"Oh, did you?" Dandelion snorted. He sobered and looked towards the stairs. "How is she doing?"

"Better," Yennefer said and took a step closer, gently cupping his cheek so he could look at her again. "I suggest you keep from asking her that question directly. She doesn't seem to see anything wrong with what happened last night and she's feeling a little testy. Let's just try to have fun, shall we?"

"Right. Fun." Dandelion rubbed his hands together, psyching himself up. "Now, where is that little rascal?"

"Am I the rascal?" Ciri asked as she came down the stairs, her hair loose and flowing over her shoulders.

Dandelion smiled. "If you want to be."

Yennefer smiled lightly, stepping around Dandelion to touch a hand to Ciri's loose ashen hair. Yennefer loved it like that. When it framed Ciri's face she looked absolutely stunning – like a princess.

"I was helping Dandelion with some touches to his stage for tonight's event." Yennefer gestured to the stage as if it were magnificent. "I haven't managed to tend to our horses yet."

With that said, Yennefer started for the exit.

"Are you riding?" Ciri asked Dandelion, who looked flustered at the very thought.

"Oh, well, you know I am an expert rider, Ciri. I have won many such competitions in my day." Dandelion straightened his hat proudly. "But not today. These breeches are rather tight."

Ciri watched the poet, amused. "You can change. We have time."

Dandelion shook his head. "No need. I'd rather cheer you on instead."

He wrapped a companionable arm over Ciri's shoulders and steered her for the door.

"I assume you intend to win. If so, I shall invest some of my savings betting on you."

"A wise decision," Ciri agreed as they followed Yennefer to the stables.

Yennefer instructed the stableman to tend to their horses. He did so without grumbling or complaint. The man tended to Dandelion's horse first, then her own, struggling with Kelpie as the mare wasn't fond of anyone coming too close to her with anything other than hay or water.

"You might care to help the poor man with her," Yennefer suggested, casting a glance at Ciri once the two caught up from inside.

"We don't need the gear if she doesn't want it," Ciri said, stepping to Kelpie's stall to guide her out.

The mare was reluctant with Ciri as well, but not as much as she had been with the stablehand.

"She's not overly fond of men, I think. She once had to save me from getting raped and murdered."

Yennefer was shaken to the core at the indifferent way Ciri mentioned it. Dandelion also appeared speechless for the first time in his life.

"You'll have to tell me about that sometime," Yennefer said as she moved to take her horse's reins from the stable hand. The man, sensing the tension, was happy with keeping his head down.

"Of course," Ciri smiled and led Kelpie out where she could be mounted.

Yennefer's heart gave a sickening jump at Ciri's smile. She tried to return it as if it meant nothing.

Dandelion touched a hand to his shoulder, drawing the man off to the side away from the two women for a moment to whisper some instructions to take care of while they were gone.

The poet met Ciri's pointed stare as he walked out leading his gelding. "So where is this race? Do you know the way?"

"I do," Dandelion said, catching up to them with his mount. "The Vegelbuds have their own racecourse just outside of town."

"In that case, feel free to take the lead," Yennefer said and planted a foot in one of the stirrups, hoisting herself up onto her horse's back.

Dandelion led them through the city of Novigrad, and finally, towards the Vegelbud estate.

The poet had been nervous riding through the crowded streets, worried something would set Ciri off or that she would do something disastrous.

But apart from her chilling comments back at the stable, the girl seemed normal. As normal as she ever was.

When they reached the base of the racecourse amidst greenery and cherry blossoms in bloom, Dandelion was somewhat more relaxed.

A huge crowd had already gathered, both potential riders and spectators up on the tribunes.

"Ah, care to test your skill against these other gentlemen, sir?" The bookkeeper asked Dandelion as the three climbed off their horses.

"Not me," Dandelion answered hastily and gestured to Ciri. "But this lovely lady would like to sign up."

Judging by the look on the bookkeeper's face as he assessed Ciri, he did not think her capable. But the smile never slid off his face.

"Of course! The fee for entering is fifty crowns."

Ciri swept her hair away from her face and looked between Yennefer and Dandelion expectantly.

Dandelion released a soft groan and reached into his coin purse.

Yennefer removed the necessary amount from the purse strapped to her left hip. Dandelion looked up expectantly at the sound of the jingling coin. He'd been so kind to reach for his money first that Yennefer had decided to let him do the gentlemanly thing and pay for Ciri.

Yennefer pushed her coins into the troubadour's right hand despite his brief look of censure and Dandelion took care of the rest of the exchange, writing their names in a small book beneath those that had arrived before, scanning the list for anyone he might know and else he could bet on.

Yennefer gave her horse's reins a tug, leading it toward a wooden fence about thigh-high, set up around a garden littered with medium-sized hills, fence posts meant to be jumped over, strategically placed rocks, barrels, mud and a series of Vegelbud colored flags that demarcated the course.

There was already race taking place.

"Are you really partaking?" Ciri asked Yennefer, fixing her gloves. "I thought you were jesting earlier."

"Usually I wouldn't, after all, it isn't what a dignified woman of my stature is to do, or meant to do. Who's here to judge me?"

Ciri looked out over the crowd of spectators. They all knew who Yennefer were, but Ciri supported the sorceress' decision not to care.

"No one who matters."

"Precisely," Yennefer said, drawing her horse closer until she was able to pat the side of the animal's muzzle gently. "Now we wait."

Dandelion returned to them. "Got you both signed up, ladies. It'll be the race after this one. Six contenders all in all."

"Should be an easy win," Ciri said.

Dandelion arched an eyebrow. "Feeling confident, are we?"

Ciri shrugged. "I've got Kelpie. No one can beat her."

"We're going to try," Yennefer said and flashed Ciri a competitive smile. Yennefer patted her horse's neck, then looped her left wrist through the reins so she could focus on the race currently happening. It was drawing to a quick close and she wanted to study a bit of the course.

The current race finished and the crowd cheered and booed, those who had bet on the winner ran to collect their winnings, while the losers cursed and berated their chosen champions.

Ciri led Kelpie up to the starting line and got up in the saddle. The other contestants did the same.

"Good luck!" Dandelion called from the sidelines just before the announcer introduced every contestant to the audience.

Yennefer and Ciri were the only women and more than a few people laughed and scoffed at their mere presence.

Yennefer mounted her horse, one hand on the reins, the other on the horn of the saddle, gaze fixed ahead on the path they were going to be forced to travel. She didn't care for the catcalls or hollers of distaste for their being included in what was supposed to be a man's race. A tone that seemed to dwindle when whispers of recognition had swept through the crowd. Not all of it was lecherous, either.

Seemingly not all of Novigrad had forgiven her for the bank escapades and some still thought Yennefer had something to do with it. Some people just didn't like mages.

The man who organized the event and who'd been hollering the end and beginning of the previous race had turned on them with his jovial demeanour, explaining that they were to run in a full circle around the designed track and the first to cross the demarcated line which would be strung up with rope – he or she was the winner. That was the easy part. The rules he said were harder as there was to be no kicking, biting, hitting, or magic. He looked pointedly at Yennefer as he said it.

She rolled her eyes.

"At the ready!" he hollered once he was sure they'd all understood the basis of the simple run, shifting to the fencepost, out of the way for when their horses started charging. "Go!"

Ciri and Kelpie set off, though one of the other contestants had taken the immediate lead. Ciri wasn't worried. This was not her first race. Nor Kelpie's.

Coming up on the first bend in the course, Ciri lay as flat as possible atop Kelpie's mane and while the horse ahead of them slowed slightly to adjust to the sudden new angle, Kelpie smoothed around the curve like she was floating.

Ciri grinned into the mare's mane and praised her as they raced down the next stretch of the track, clouds of dust rising in their wake.

Yennefer started off slower than the rest of the racers. She may have been an able sorceresses but even with her inhuman age and experience, there were some things that others still excelled at more than she did. But not for long. She'd always been a quick learner and a proficient rider – especially on the run.

She used that as a fuel, navigating the first corner with an easier fluidly, pushing past those that had been ahead of her, fighting for the position of third and through the thickening dust.

Ciri felt the elation of galloping on a dirt road again; carefree and happy for the first time that day. And Kelpie was, too. Ciri could feel it. This is where she excelled. And she liked showing off just as much as Ciri did.

The joy was quickly interrupted when another contestant closed in on them from the side. A muscular man with a wild black beard, who sneered eagerly as his and Ciri's gazes briefly met.

Side by side, the man nudged Ciri with his shoulder, subtly trying to make her lose her balance. Again and again, he made the attempt, until Ciri, who now felt both indignant and somewhat worried he would actually succeed in his task, elbowed him in his ribs.

The man grunted and bent forward atop his horse. They slowed enough for Kelpie to take the upper hand again and she and Ciri raced for the last section of the course, the finish line quickly coming into view.

Yennefer and those on her tail weren't too far off from Ciri and her companion in the lead, however, the only time she knew there was a physical altercation at all was when the man who'd been riding alongside Ciri hollered a curse. He rubbed a spot on his chest with one hand, his focus briefly lost, allowing for Yennefer to slide into second and her companions to briefly push him into the back.

It was a charge for the final. Ciri was the first over, followed by Yennefer and those that had been linked with her the entire race.

"Ciri, Ciri, Ciri!" Dandelion chanted melodically from his place at the fencepost, ripping his telltale hat from his head, waving it around gleefully like a banner. "Bravo!" A cheer that washed out the boos and sounds of disgust at those that had lost their bets and hadn't considered the diminutive blonde as a competitor.

Yennefer slowed her horse, smiling slightly in favor of the troubadour's antics, an elation that vanished as the man who'd fallen so drastically behind begun to yell. "Cheater! Cheating harlot!"

Ciri slipped off Kelpie's back the moment she heard the shouting, striding towards the man she'd elbowed before with furious determination. "What did you call me?"

"A cheater!" he responded heatedly, spittle flying from his bushy beard. "You elbowed me in the ribs, wench! You broke the rules!"

"I did nothing you didn't do to me first. I was just better at it," Ciri said.

The two were just about to charge one another when one of the judges approached. "Hold on, now!" he demanded, placing himself between them. "Such ugly accusations. I will gather my men, the one who were posted along the course, and hear what they saw. Then we shall determine whether or not your claims are true."

The audience who had noticed something was afoot had ceased their booing and now muttered curiously among themselves.

Yennefer stayed seated on her horse throughout the tense exchange, gaze locked on Ciri, prepared to summon a portal at a moment's notice should it be needed.

Dandelion had made his way onto the track as well, standing next to Ciri, glaring daggers at the disgruntled racer in full support of his charge. A scowl that looked almost comical on his face and had none of the usual threat that Geralt's held.

Ciri stared down the bearded man until the judge reappeared, having conferred with his colleagues.

"The verdict is in!" he declared loudly. Bryn of Ard Carraigh and Ciri of Rivia – you are both disqualified for blatant disregard of the rules! Our winner is... Lady Yennefer of Vengerberg!"

When the announcement of the winner was made, Yennefer exhaled gently, unaware she'd been holding her breath. Bryn of Ard Carraigh grunted bombastically, tossing another curse to the air and then admitted to defeat when the announcer had moved to the sorceress's side and offered her the winnings.

She took the purse without as much as a smile.

"Well done, Lady Yennefer!"

Yennefer nodded her thanks, gesture that was enough to set the crowd into a renewed frenzy of shouts. Some positive, some negative.

They were preparing for the next race.

"If you're done beating your chest, Master Bryn, I request you make space for the next racers!" The announcer instructed, spearing a good-humored look at those congregated, directing them toward the open space in the fence that would allow them to leave before bowing.

Dandelion met Yennefer's eyes and gradually began to guide Ciri that way.

"Well, if I couldn't win, at least someone worthy did," Ciri told Yennefer with a smile.

It was false and entirely fabricated for the sorceress' sake. Yennefer was a horrible racer compared to Ciri and Kelpie.

But, like the day before, everyone had decided to turn against the girl. And they'd now included her mare, apparently.

Dandelion hemmed his agreement, his hat returned to his head, the feather fluffed to perfection with a sweep of his hand. "Will the two of you be partaking in another run around the track or shall we spectate?"

"I had better not tempt fate. I doubt I could claim another victory." Yennefer answered, flashing Ciri a smile.

Ciri shook her head. "No. If the men can't take what they dish out, it is not worth it."

She moved back to lead Kelpie away from the course.

When she started ahead of them, Dandelion speared Yennefer with an uncharacteristic look of relief. He'd been as worried as she was about the previous altercation and he was finally able to relax.

"We'll take a slow ride home then!" he announced, dashing to retrieve his horse.

Yennefer gave her own a little nudge and fell into a trot beside Ciri, guiding it a little ways ahead before gracefully climbing off. She knew all about Dandelion's ability to get waylaid by his adoring fans or some kind of important figure and she doubted now would be any different.

They had a little time.

"You and your Kelpie rode well, unfortunate that the ruffian had to ruin it."

"Men aren't used to being beaten by women. It upsets them. That is why they keep us in corsets and inhibiting dresses, you know? Without them, we'd realize what we're capable of and would no longer allow them to push us down," Ciri petted Kelpie's neck while watching Dandelion's progress through the crowd to fetch his horse.

"Some find more value in their own pride than they do anything else. It's killed many a King," Yennefer mused.

Dandelion trotted over to them on his horse. "Shall we? Now my purse is considerably lighter."

Ciri winced. "Did you lose a lot?"

Dandelion shook his head. "No. For that to happen one has to bet a lot. I cannot afford such things now I've an inn to maintain."

Ciri climbed up into Kelpie's saddle, made certain Yennefer was ready as well, then set off.

"I reckon you better go back now before it's too late."

Shani frowned at the Witcher and began to resemble a sulking little girl. You could see how young she still was.

"I will do no such thing," she stated, folding her arms. "This is my town, as well. I want to see this through. Besides, the Academy Chancellor appointed me to assist you."

The Chancellor of the Oxenfurt Academy had been rather helpful and readily permitted access to any area they needed to check - as soon as he warned the witchers that whatever they found in their small recon mission was going to belong to the Academy, including the anchor and any other items of the elvish culture.

"You walked us around the premises and brought us to the basements," Geralt smiled. "You did your part. Now we can take it from here. It could be dangerous."

"Dangerous?" she inquired, irked. "I've been to war. I know how to take care of myself. I'm going with you."

The spheres of light circled them like a group of overgrown fireflies, illuminating the walls - more for Shani's sake - while Kain had been examining the stones, listening to the two argue. The old torches stuck from the old rusty holders, the tatters of spiderwebs on them worrying with every breath of air. They didn't try to light them, opting for Kain's magic instead.

"Seems like it should be here," Kain said, his hands skimming over the stony walls.

"What is?" Shani asked, a thrill of excitement traveling through her nerves.

"Something that's probably a part of the elven people that lived here before the humans."

"Secret chambers?" Shani asked.

"It's possible."

She flashed a smile at Geralt, invoking an image of an excited Ciri in his mind. Even though the two girls weren't alike, the childishly innocent hope for a miracle shone through the sparkling eyes in the same manner. He indulged the melancholy until something creaked and thudded in the walls, making them jump and step back cautiously.

"Here," Kain pointed, stepping back from the wall.

Geralt nudged Shani aside, then threw his hand forward, hitting the wall with Aard Sign.

The bricks and boulders blew in as if they weighed nothing more than little pebbles, revealing a gaping maw of dark. A gust of air smelling of moist rock and dust fanned over them, worrying their hair.

"Oh gods," Shani gasped.

"Stay here," Geralt warned her and moved to check, Kain in tow.

Beyond the black maw, there was a rather narrow passage, and when they walked it, it felt to be slanting down ever so slightly.

"They've covered it with a wall," Geralt murmured, trailing his fingers over the rocks. They were uneven, as if the corridor was a mere crack made by nature. The witchers doubted it.

"To keep whatever's out there locked in," Kain said.

"We should look," Shani peeked into the tunnel.

"It's dangerous," Geralt said.

The girl snorted. "Quit it, Geralt, I'm coming. Who's first?"

"I am," he said, displeased by her insistence. "You get close behind me."

With a couple of small light spheres leading the way and two at their rear, they cautiously went ahead.

The tunnel gradually narrowed, and soon enough they were moving sideways to not get stuck. It made Shani feel extremely claustrophobic, and she secretly regretted insisting to come with. Not that she would admit it to the witchers, but she wished passionately that one or both of them gave up and announced they were going back.

Neither did. Not until they met a dead end.

"Awh, this is grand," Shani grumbled, inwardly relieved. "So much effort for nothing."

"That is hardly so," Kain said.

"Wait a second." With effort, Geralt reached for his belt pouch and rummaged there.

"What is it?" Shani asked.

She didn't see what the Witcher produced from his belt, but as soon as he made a circle gesture with his hand holding something against the palm, the dead-end stony wall wavered and dissolved, revealing a short passage into a small cave with a clearly man-made even wall.

In the middle, there was a white arch frame made of a pristine white marble inserted into the grey stone. In the dim light of the spheres, Shani saw the arch glitter as if sprinkled with tiniest specks of silver.

"A portal," Geralt winced.

Kain was studying the walls around while Shani and Geralt scrutinized the arch: the young medic with awe and Geralt with dismayed worry. The Cat Witcher skimmed his hand across the stones next to the arch, wondering if there were any signs or engravings they couldn't see. Felt like there were none. But when he touched the stone within the arch, something hissed and sparked, and as they all backed away, they saw a golden swirl of light fill the portal.

It came to life.

"Oh gods," Shani whispered, her eyes shining with the reflected magical glow of the doorway. "Where could it lead?"

"Anywhere in the world," grumbled Geralt. "To the bottom of the ocean. Or two separate places for your halved body to arrive. Knowing Aen Elle, this thing might only work for their kin and crush outsiders. No wonder the passage was sealed."

"Many elven artifacts were discovered during the founding of Oxenfurt," Shani said. "But none were traps or harmful to humans in any way."

"It's a portal, Shani," Geralt indicated the obvious with his hand. "It can be very harmful."

"It's yet to be proven-"

"Oh, you can trust me on this! Have you ever seen a severed half of a man arrive through that thing? I have."

"But sorceresses do it all the time! Haven't you ever used Yennefer's?"

"Don't get me started-"

"We don't know how to shut it down," interrupted Kain in a quiet voice. "If we leave an open portal beneath the city..." He left the remainder of the thought to be formed in each of their minds as they saw fit while they stared at the portal in silence. Neither liked the idea.

"You suggest we use it?" Geralt asked, looking at his brother as if the latter was insane.

"I can go," Kain shrugged. "It might close after it."

"And then how do we find you?"

"Ciri or Yennefer will."

"It's stupid to go without having any clue what's on the other-"

Kain stepped into the portal, disappearing into the swirl of magic.

Geralt cursed nastily, grabbed Shani's hand, and went in.

~WRITERS' NOTE: Greetings, dear readers family! This was the 80th chapter! Can you imagine? We certainly struggle to, but hey, this has been such an exciting journey for us - which still continues - and we hope it is that way for you, too.

Meanwhile, we're still waiting for our laptop to get fixed (for those who don't know, it's been at the service for quite a while now waiting on new details to arrive and be installed). Our Etsy shop start is being very slow, as they always are, and we're working hard on crafting more pendants and boosting our instagram (arcanar crafts). And with all that, we have decided to skip a week and release the 81st chapter on December 18th. We're sorry to do that, but we do hope that by that time our laptop would get back to us and things would get significantly easier in all departments. If we manage to get it back sooner, we might update on time, but in case we don't, you can expect it on December 18th for sure.

Thank you all for sticking with this story for so long! This journey still continues and we're happy to have you with us on it! Also, we would like to honor your dedication and craft a witcher-themed fantasy pendant for a giveaway lottery every once in a while IF you're interested. It's an idea, so tell us if you'd like that or nay :p We'll appreciate your insights immensely.

We wish you a very nice week and lots of fun in preparation for the holidays. Stay safe and blessed be. Thank you for your priceless time you share with us on these pages! We love to hear from you!~