Pounding. Terrible, pounding headache was everything Ge'els could think of at the very moment when he got Eredin's message in the middle of the night, brought to him by one of his trusted Aen Elle soldiers. It was not the first and surely not the last time his king and a dear childhood friend has called him to his headquarters at this ungodly hour, expecting his full preparedness. Actually, the Viceroy couldn't fight the feeling that it was getting worse. Why does he always have to call him so incredibly long after sunset? Does Sparrowhawk even sleep at night?
Ge'els got escorted by two guards in the middle of a cold, rainy night, he barely had time to dress properly. His thin linen tunic with golden embroidery was expensive and surely quite fashionable these days, but did nothing to keep the cold air away. The weather in the Capital was getting cooler and this fact was one of those disconcerting facts that added to his discomfort. He cursed himself for not letting his cruel bastard of a king wait due to dressing properly. If he was about to catch a cold, he would demand a well deserved break from his duties!
The Sparrowhawk wrote him a short message telling him that this particular matter was to be discussed urgently and he would not tolerate a refusal or delay. Eredin Breacc Glas was a bastard not known for his extraordinary patience, especially not in state matters. However, almost everything they spoke of, was in fact a state matter.
Now, sitting quietly by the fire in Sparrowhawks surprisingly cozy living chamber, lit by numerous candles, the Viceroy took the opportunity to closely watch his kings features and expressions. Eredin was standing by the fire, in his less formal attire, his arms crossed behind his back, he was staring at the flames dancing around the logs in the huge ornamented fireplace. He looked severely troubled, there was definitely something more than the lost battle at Kaer Morhen that seemed to bother his mind and mess with his inner peace. He also seemed to have some serious injuries due to the recent feisty battle against Cirilla and her fellows. Apparently, he got more than only a couple of blows, but Ge'els was certain that his King would never admit it. He never did.
He made himself comfortable in his chair and cleared his throat loudly, but the sound didn't really reach Eredin. Nor did it encourage the King to speak like it was originally supposed to. A few quiet seconds, maybe even minutes have passed before Eredin finally turned around to face his Viceroy. His blank stare and seemingly waxy expression were odd, something one would never expect him to have. This was Ge'els' chance to finally ask the questions that burned in his mind since the Hunts return to Tir Na Lia and he was not going to miss it.
– Well... This seems to be exceptionally important, so maybe we should start somewhere... I am actually still hoping for getting at least two more hours of sleep before I will be at your service again... - He tried, not losing his usual sarcastic, yet still diplomatic and polite manner of speech. They have worked with each other for years already, even in the time of Auberon's reign, so the Viceroy had the privilege to speak almost freely in Eredin's presence. Almost.
– Forget it... You are here to get further orders before I leave for the North in the morning- Eredin's reply was harsh, like it always was. Ge'els got used to that long ago. Nothing unusual so far...
– Alright then, I will listen, as always. There are however questions I need to ask... Especially about our guest... The harridan located in my guest chambers clearly is NOT Cirilla. She is clearly something even more abominable, judging by her atrocious attitude. And being guarded, wearing dimetrium bracelets and living with the door locked doesn't make the lady a guest, at least not entirely... - He tested the waters.
– Bravo, brilliant deduction skills- Eredin cut him off. - I believe your little ferret Nithral gave you my clear orders as to her treatment so far... - That one was harsher. The king was losing it already? This was going to be interesting. Ge'els loved when people lost control over their emotions in his presence...It gives knowledge...and knowledge means power and intrigues.
– Oh, that he did. And that was just after he dropped her off and unceremoniously ordered my staff to care for the prisoner. But, you see, I spoke to the woman just yesterday... - There, he saw it... a little shift in Eredin's waxy expression... - I promised her she will soon find out about her reason to be in this utterly unfortunate situation... I can only hope that I can actually keep my promise. And to be honest, I am thrilled to hear about it too- Ge'els wasn't about to let his old friend get him off track.
– Thus, you will... But it is a long story. Now you will...
– Pardon me- Ge'els cut his superior off- Let us talk, you and I, right now...I refuse to follow orders blindly, I am not one of your Ruadhri... Clearly something happened in Kaer Morhen, something more than a seemingly lost fight. I have heard something about the matter, but it is you I wish to hear about it from, my friend. How could this antisocial little abomination take our men down?...As I am told, she seems to have battle experience as a sorceress, your riders still are not over it. Were you impressed too, Eredin? Is this why you had to bring her to Tir na Lia? - Ge'els was too tired and too annoyed for any form of politeness and diplomacy now.
– I am a SOLDIER in the first place- Eredin started, seemingly absent-mindedly now, not letting the Viceroy provoke him - I would be stupid and incredibly coy if I ignored her obvious abilities. I know a skilled battle mage when I see one and I can respect them on the battlefield, but this is not the matter here- he waved his hand dismissively and turned his back on Ge'els- I...have a reason to believe her to be of value for myself... I am certain it was no foolish coincidence to clash with her in this unfortunate battle and it might be linked to her powers...But first I will speak to one of the Knowing before I lay out the details to you... or anyone else.
Then, Eredin finally sat down and began to tell his Viceroy about his actions in the Witchers nest. While he led his Riders, he could not shake off the feeling of already having fought this little pathetic war...He could experience the sensation of a subliminal malaise, he felt that something was off, like he was in a haze. He sensed the magical energy typical for Cirilla, he could almost smell the waning energy of other sorcerers and mercenaries. And then, suddenly, there was this exotic, ancient, basic and raw energy he could almost taste...Her force. He never knew what spell exactly hit him, for Hadriana took him by surprise. The blow was hard and hot, it sent an angry Shockwave down his spine. It took all his rest power to defend himself and then she came closer to him...to her failure. She tried to focus his attention on herself and help the Swallow escape, so she fought him as long as she could and even managed to cause more than only a scratch to his flank. Eredin remembered knocking her off her feet finally and almost getting to Ciri, but then he and the rest of his unit had to retreat because the unrelenting force of Cirilla's magic. He has never seen the Swallow use that kind of a spell... It seemed to burst and destroy everything in its reach. All he could think of at this moment was grabbing the furious mage by her hair and taking her with him. His memories of the struggle in the stronghold were a blur,a foggy dream, but there was something that he felt in her presence that was different, yet somehow familiar to him. Now it was clear to him, that her presence felt very much like the one in his vivid visions at almost every night now, but this was something he would not speak of with his Viceroy. His memories of the battle were vague...He was a strategist, a general...he should have remembered the opposite force's numbers, positions, weapons or units...Instead, he has only been thinking about sounds, smells, colors and details like the crisp, cool air, a tiny bit of snowfall, the screams and calls of the battle...And the lightheadedness after Hadriana's first spell have hit his body.
Ge'els was listening carefully, seemingly weighing every word, carefully watching his friends facial expressions, trying to make a sense of everything he has heard so far.
- You felt like knowing what is going to occur in this little war? And you think that the halfbreed could possibly have something to do with it? - he was really curious now. The Viceroy has always been fascinated by magic, especially ancient sorcery. Was this really he case here?
- Possible. As I said...Meeting her is not a coincidence...Nor is experiencing her magic...It feels much like Cirillas- Eredin lied...maybe not entirely, but he was definitely hiding some important facts, Ge'els could smell things like that. But if that was the case, she could be a mortal danger, especially because she seemed to be hot-headed and quite hostile so far. „This is getting interesting" he thought.
– So what do you intend to do now? Will Cirilla try to come for her?- he asked.
– She will never dare...If she does, you will be prepared...We will be. You are going to watch her closely, but take a good care of her, she is an entirely different kind of a hostage, I will need to gain her trust...As will you. She is not to be a slave, this is an order - Eredin said, getting seemingly uncomfortable.
– As you wish. Do you leave alone tomorrow? Is it about the reports about the progressing of the frost in the north? - He offered, trying to see if the bait was going to actually work. Eredin seemed to have welcomed the change of subject.
- Indeed. I will be back the day after tomorrow. You may now take your leave. - The king replied, not even seeking eye contact with the Viceroy.
„Liar...he did it again. Well, this IS going to be interesting". Ge'els left his king after a short farewell.
After the Viceroy left, Eredin opened the balcony door and stepped out to catch some fresh air and to cool down after this encounter. He would never have thought that a simple conversation with Ge'els could get so incredibly tiring. The air inside his chambers quickly got thick and almost unbearable to breathe in. He has not told his friend everything, he just couldn't. His own thoughts and feelings at the very moment were an utter mess. He was always practical, pragmatic and absolutely cool minded, knew exactly what he wanted and he usually got it...and he got it fast. There were never feelings involved, no hesitation, no room for discussions about moral or simple decency...He did what had to be done, for the greater good, for Tir Na Lia, for Aen Elle. It was always about the duty and honor, never about himself. He may have betrayed Auberon, but he did so because his folk needed to be saved from The White Frost, the Unicorns and everything else. He never meant to take his life, this was an accident, a simple overdose of a potion. Did he regret Auberon's death? Yes and no. Yes, because he never meant to murder his King and ally, it was not a part of the plan. Auberon has put much trust in him, made him what he was now. All he wanted, was to aid him and lead him, to prove himself as a loyal general, because Auberon apparently needed to be added. No, because Auberon was already a shadow of what he has once been, he was not able to rule adequately anymore. The powerful, apodictic authority he once had was long gone, he was now a hopeless soul, he was not even able to produce a child without using a potion...A potion that finally led to his death. A very tragic, embarrassing death of a king once so wholeheartedly admired by his folk. Aen Elle deserved more than a sick, weak and old wreck of a man on the throne.
Eredin Breacc Glas, always so practical and cool minded, had now to deal with an undeniable pull towards a halfbreed woman, who did her very fucking best to lead him to his demise. Of course, he kept this fact to himself. He was furious at her, but he couldn't blame her for defending her allies and herself, for her open hostility towards him. It was exactly the same with himself. But was it anger or disappointment? She didn't show anything but pure loathe towards him, he knew she would have killed him within a second if she could. Did he actually expect her to be willing to come with him? She was attractive, there was no point in denying it. But it was the fact she made him FEEL something he couldn't yet name in her presence that made him seething with anger...He was concerned and... Insecure. He didn't like it one bit. He was certain, that she was the one he has been seeing so often at night. But why? Was magic involved? Or was it simply because he has been denying himself feelings and warmth for almost his entire life?
Having a last look at the river Easnadh, beautifully lit by the moonlight, he went back inside and started to prepare for his departure in the morning. He knew by now that his journey to Tilath na Viell was just a pathetic excuse from facing Hadriana, he simply tried to prolong the time without having to deal with the woman. He needed to busy his mind with something else for a short while, maybe the dreams would cease to appear for a while. Maybe after that trip he would be ready to speak with her...And maybe then he would be able to resist the persistent urge of touching and kissing her face that he felt since he first saw her.
