Chapter 3: New Paths, Old Bonds
--
Ciri sprinted ahead, her eyes fixed on the towering gates of Kaer Morhen. The sheer walls of the keep loomed above, their stone faces weathered by centuries of storms and battles, and she felt her heart swell with excitement. This was where her new life would begin—where she would train to become a warrior, like the heroes she had only ever heard of in stories. Her face was set with determination, each step she took quickening as she approached the stronghold.
Behind her, Geralt walked with a steady pace, his eyes softening as he watched her race ahead. The eagerness in her movements reminded him of a young pup eager to explore the world, and he felt a warmth he rarely allowed himself to feel. He had known loss and hardship for so long, but seeing Ciri's enthusiasm, her spark—something about it gave him hope.
Trailing farther behind was Harry, his pace much slower. His eyes were fixed warily on Geralt, suspicion etched into his young face. Despite Geralt's help, Harry wasn't so quick to trust, especially after all he'd been through. Every few steps, he shot an accusatory glance at the Witcher, his green eyes hardening. Geralt, sensing the scrutiny, smirked in amusement but kept his thoughts to himself.
As they approached the gate, an older man emerged, his arms crossed over his chest. His face was lined with age, and his hair, silver like Geralt's, was cropped close. His yellow eyes were sharp and unyielding as he watched the children approach. He wore armor similar to Geralt's, but it bore the weight of many years. He stood like a sentinel, appraising the newcomers with a critical gaze.
Ciri, seeing the intensity in his eyes, instinctively stepped back, positioning herself behind Harry. Harry, sensing her shift, squared his shoulders and moved in front of her, his hand gripping the dagger he still carried. He lifted his chin, trying to make himself look taller, more intimidating. Despite the fierce expression on his face, the older man's eyes twinkled with barely concealed amusement.
The man's gaze shifted to Geralt, and his voice came out gruff. "Where'd you pick up the strays?"
Before Geralt could reply, Ciri shot out from behind Harry, glaring at the older Witcher. "I am not a stray, you stupid old man!" she shouted, her hands clenched into fists.
A silence settled between them. Harry gave her a sideways glance, his expression clearly communicating how reckless he thought she was being. Ciri, realizing how her outburst must have sounded, shrank back a bit, cheeks flushing red.
The older man's stern expression melted into a grin. "Got some spunk, this one," he remarked to Geralt. He glanced at Harry, who still clutched his dagger, eyes blazing. "And the boy looks like he's ready to attack us at any moment."
Geralt shrugged, a grin tugging at his lips. "Harry's a little more… difficult than Ciri."
The older Witcher's eyes remained fixed on Harry as he hummed thoughtfully. "Fierce one, isn't he?"
Geralt's smile faded, and his expression turned serious. He began explaining everything that had happened—the fall of Cintra, finding the two children, and the unusual circumstances surrounding their meeting. Harry's eyes remained locked on Geralt, and Ciri fidgeted with her hands, looking between the two men.
When Geralt mentioned the wish and Harry's supposed magic, the older Witcher's eyes narrowed. "Magic, you say?"
Geralt nodded, glancing between the two children. "That's what Ciri claims. And the boy doesn't deny it."
Harry scowled, tightening his grip on the dagger. Ciri, sensing the tension, shifted uneasily but held her ground, determined to appear brave.
After a long silence, the older Witcher's face softened slightly, and he gave a small nod. "Well, do you two want to become strong warriors?"
Ciri's eyes lit up instantly, and she bounced on her toes. "Yes, please!"
Harry, still cautious, nodded but kept his tone guarded. "I'll stay and keep an eye on you."
The two Witchers exchanged amused glances. Geralt smirked, nodding. "Alright, little knight."
The gates creaked open, and as they walked through, Harry and Ciri's eyes widened. The inside of Kaer Morhen was a blend of shadow and steel. Swords of all shapes and sizes lined the walls, and racks of gleaming armor stood like sentinels guarding the hallways. Ciri's face was filled with awe, and even Harry, despite his guarded nature, couldn't help but glance around in fascination.
The older Witcher finally introduced himself. "I'm Vesemir," he said, gesturing to the surroundings. "Welcome to Kaer Morhen."
Geralt gave them a quick tour of the main hall before leading them to a small room near the back of the keep. The space was simple, with two small beds and a window overlooking the courtyard. "This is where you'll be sleeping," Vesemir said, watching their reactions. "You alright sharing a room?"
Ciri nodded enthusiastically, and Harry, too caught up in the moment to care, gave a firm nod. "It's fine."
"Good," Geralt replied. "Vesemir will show you around. I have a letter to write."
As Geralt left, Vesemir led the children through the keep, pointing out the different areas—the kitchen, the training grounds, and the armory. When they reached the weapons room, Ciri's eyes shone with excitement. "Can we see the weapons?"
Harry crossed his arms, but there was a spark of interest in his eyes too, albeit more guarded. "Yeah… that'd be alright."
Vesemir chuckled. "You two are like little firecrackers." He opened the door to the weapons room, revealing racks upon racks of swords, shields, and bows. Ciri's mouth dropped open as she rushed forward, staring at the weapons in wonder. Even Harry allowed a small smile to touch his lips.
Meanwhile, Geralt sat in his room, the flicker of candlelight casting long shadows against the stone walls. He pulled out a piece of parchment and dipped his quill in ink, pausing for a moment before he began to write.
Yennefer,
It's been a while since we last spoke. I know I haven't written as often as I should, and for that, I'm sorry. Things have been… complicated. I've found myself caught up in something bigger than usual.
Cintra has fallen. I found Ciri—she survived the attack—but she wasn't alone. There was a boy with her, one who knows nothing of our world or how it works. He says his name is Harry, and Ciri insists they met because of a wish. She claims he has magic, but he's not like any sorcerer I've ever seen.
I've brought them to Kaer Morhen. I need your help with Harry. If he truly has magic, he'll need someone who understands it. I know we've screwed things up between us, and I know I've been distant, but I care about you more than anyone. I know you, Yennefer, and I trust you. Please… help me fix this mess I've gotten into.
Geralt
He stared at the letter for a moment, hesitating. His hand hovered over the parchment, and he felt the weight of all the things left unsaid. But he folded the letter, sealing it with wax. Even if Yennefer didn't want to mend things between them, he knew she wouldn't be able to resist the curiosity Harry would spark.
With a sigh, Geralt stood, ready to send the letter.
Back in the courtyard, Harry and Ciri followed Vesemir around, the older Witcher pointing out various features of the keep. By the time Geralt returned, Vesemir was rubbing his shoulder, giving the children a weary grin.
"Hard to keep up with these hyperactive whippersnappers," Vesemir remarked.
Ciri was practically vibrating with excitement. "Can we train now?" she demanded, eyes fixed on Geralt.
Geralt exchanged a look with Vesemir, both of them smiling. "Alright, follow me."
The children ran ahead, and Geralt led them to the training yard. He picked a practice sword off the rack and handed it to Ciri. "Let's see what you've got."
Ciri grinned, clutching the sword tightly. She swung it with determination, her eyes never leaving Geralt. He began sparring with her, correcting her footwork and stance as they went. Ciri's movements were quick and agile, and there was a ferocity in her eyes that impressed both Witchers.
Harry watched, standing next to Vesemir, his expression pensive. Vesemir handed him a practice sword. "Your turn."
Harry caught the sword and squared off against Vesemir. His movements were fluid, and there was an instinctual precision in the way he swung the blade. But there was a distance in his eyes, a detachment that both Witchers noticed. Despite his talent, it was clear Harry's heart wasn't fully in it.
The contrast between the two children was obvious. Ciri moved with excitement and joy, her passion clear in every swing of the blade. She was quick, agile, and fearless, and both Geralt and Vesemir couldn't help but smile at her energy. Harry, on the other hand, was calm and quiet, his strikes measured. His instincts were sharp, and he moved with impressive speed for his age, but there was a certain apathy in his movements. While his talent was evident, his enthusiasm was lacking.
After several rounds, Geralt and Vesemir exchanged looks of approval. "You did well, Ciri," Vesemir said, his voice warm. "You've got a real gift."
Ciri beamed, her eyes shining with pride. Harry, meanwhile, received a nod from Geralt. "Good job, Harry," he said, though his tone was notably more subdued. "You have talent."
Harry's face remained neutral as he nodded, but the difference in the men's reactions wasn't lost on him. He wasn't upset, though; he was used to being overlooked. Instead, he turned to Ciri and smiled genuinely, happy for her excitement.
As Ciri basked in the praise, Harry made a silent vow. If he was going to get stronger, it would be for Ciri's sake. He'd fight for her, protect her, and make sure they both grew into the warriors they wanted to be.
And with that thought, Harry felt a quiet determination settle within him, a resolve that would guide him in the days to come.
--
Hello everyone, this is another chapter of A Hero's Wish, and i hope you enjoy, and for those of you who may be confused as to why Geralt already knows Ciri, it's becuase of the Law of Surprise, and the timeline for this story was after Calanthe ( Ciri's Grandmother, ) hired mousesack to try an kill Geralt, it's also after she hid Ciri among a Group of boys, ( in the novels at least, ) when Geralt went searching for her, and in my story Geralt has always been keeping in semi-regular contact with Yennefer, which is why he mentioned Ciri to her in the letter like she knows her, ( she doesn't know Ciri yet, however she knows of her from Geralt, ) and i hope this clears up any confusion, thank yoy all so much for the support and as always God bless all of you.