Friend or Foe

We took a couple of days to ourselves after what happened, or that was the plan to begin with. We needed to as we had barely stopped since entering Velen. Spending a night on the ale in Lindenvale was just what the doctor ordered, and once they learned Geralt was a witcher, we ended up spending another day as he sorted out a contract, always eager to make a little more coin.

I ended up talking to a mature woman, who regaled me with a story of losing her manor as it was infested with monsters. Figuring it was something else Geralt and I could sort out, I agreed to help her. Geralt wasn't exactly chuffed that I'd agree to a contract, but as the one he'd completed hadn't proven that difficult, we rode off the next morning for Reardon Manor.

The manor grounds were only a short ride away, but Geralt was immediately suspicious as we rode the path, and brought us to a halt on the outskirts. "Trap ahead," he muttered.

"There is?"

"Aye. Best continue on foot so I can eliminate the dangers." As we dismounted and walked forward, Geralt set about disarming the traps, and it was obvious there were no monsters, or if there had been, someone immensely talented had killed the monsters then set the traps. The only people who could set such elaborate traps, and kill monsters, was a fellow witcher. That left me scratching my head.

Searching the manor itself only revealed traps and what looked like a homestead that had been abandoned for some time. Geralt always enjoyed sniffing out a mystery, and he was convinced that something was in the barn. More traps lay inside, though no sign of who might have been there, until we found a ladder and climbed it.

I had my sword in hand immediately as Letho turned towards us. "Wolf. Dragonborn." His eyes went to my sword. "You're not planning on doing something stupid, are you?"

"Depends on you."

He turned and stood up. He was an imposing man, even bigger than myself, arms like tree trunks. "Ain't here to fight you, Ragnar. Bygones be bygones?"

"Part of me should say no. Still pissed off about everything."

He nodded. "Understood. Wolf?"

"I agree with my friend here about being pissed off, but enough time has passed. And since you're here, I assume in hiding…" Geralt glanced at me. "Considering all the traps, Ragnar, it would lead me to believe his situation has changed."

Letho nodded, looking at me. "I'm no use to them, the emperor, anymore. They want me dead. Perhaps more than you both do." He gestured for us to join him by the opening. "Was working with someone. Think he's decided to get rid of me like the emperor."

"Going out of your way to make a long list of enemies, Letho," I stated, injecting a little humour.

He gestured with his head as at least six to ten armed men appeared, gathering in the middle of the estate. "Friends of yours?" Geralt asked.

"Friends of someone I thought a friend. I think we should say hello, find out."

Before either of us could say a word, he dropped down to the ground below. Surprisingly silent. Geralt followed him immediately, muttering to myself as I headed back to the ladder. I wasn't fleet footed like a witcher, bound to roll an ankle or just straight break my leg. By the time I joined them, the fighting had already begun, so I just unsheathed and started swinging. The mercenaries were abjectly useless, the weapons they using of poor quality, and none wore armour worth the name.

Checking the bodies for information, Letho finally explained what this was all about. He had been working alongside someone called Louis. It was a long and complicated tale, but the fact it ended in backstabbing and betrayal wasn't a real surprise. It was the type of people Letho had generally found himself working with.

Mounting up, he continued to explain to Geralt, though I kept back slightly, just keeping an eye on our rear. He was leading us towards a camp, and considering the area was thick with bandits, I did think that perhaps the area was crawling with people who would be looking for someone like Letho. The two in front had keener senses, but sometimes they still needed someone to watch their backs, just in case.

Turning off the main road, we crested a rise and approached a campsite. Dismounting a little way back, there were sentries carefully watching our approach, but once they recognised Letho, they seemed to relax, though weapons remained in hand. Geralt stayed next to Letho as I stayed half a dozen paces back, making sure I could see all the mercenaries.

The conversation… did not go well. In fact, it went so badly that, within a few minutes, blood was being spilled. Despite there only being three of us against their ten, we made short work of them, much like the mercenaries we had dealt with at Reardon Manor. Letho purposely kept Louis alive as the rest were killed without mercy, Letho looming over the man as he started to ask him a series of questions.

"Where is Arnout Vester?" Letho asked.

Louis looked from Letho to Geralt and to me, then back at Letho. He gulped. "Lindenvale. He's in Lindenvale with his men."

I thought Letho was going to kill him, but instead he stood up and walked back to his horse, Geralt following him without a word. I was tempted to just finish him off, but Geralt called out. "Leave him for the wolves."

I was ready to argue, but this wasn't my issue. So I left Louis to his fate, mounting up and following the other two, listening into the conversation between the witchers as Letho explained how he knew Vester and what to expect when we go there.

As we rode through the middle of the village, I glanced to see doors being shut, window shuttered pulled in, everyone getting off the road and out of sight. We rode to the other end of the village, where there were mounts that Letho recognised. Dismounting at the adjoining farm, the three of us approaching the farmstead.

The three of us stopped, looking at the building. "You two. Do not interfere, no matter what happens." He looked at Geralt first, who nodded, then at me. He shook his head at whatever question I may have asked. Geralt and I walked away though kept an eye on proceedings. Letho threw a bomb to attract attention, and soon at least ten men had emerged from the homestead. We couldn't hear the conversation, but after he took a crossbow bolt in the shoulder, he made short work of seven of the men. It was rather embarrassing, to be honest.

But someone got in a lucky strike, as he joined the rest on the ground. That's when we did make our move. Two of us, three of them remaining. Letho had told us not to get involved. Did I care he was dead? Not really, to be honest. But I wouldn't put up with disrespect, if that's what they had planned.

Vester noticed us coming and readied himself. "We have no quarrel with you," he stated.

"We know," Geralt replied.

"We don't want any trouble," I added, ensuring our hands stayed away from our weapons.

"Wise choice." He glanced at one of his surviving men. "Take his head and let's get out of here."

"No," Geralt stated, "Take his medallion. You don't need his head."

Vester looked ready to argue but did the sums. Two of us, three of them. And considering Letho had slaughtered seven of his men, with a crossbow bolt in his shoulder, led his mind to making the sensible decision. "Agreed. We will take his medallion and leave this shithole."

We stepped aside as they snapped the medallion of from around his neck. Mounting their horses, we watched them quickly disappear. Letho was a heavy bastard, and Geralt had a feeling not all was as it seemed. We dragged his body into the homestead and took a seat, waiting for whatever was to happen. I kept looking at Geralt, and he just told me to be patient.

The bastard woke up! Geralt seemed to understand what Letho told him, about the poison he had taken, but it had fooled everyone, which is just what he wanted. Needing somewhere to lay low, Geralt offered him the chance to go to Kaer Morhen. Letho wasn't convinced at first, but figuring it was safer than anywhere else on the Continent, he eventually agreed, Geralt finding paper and ink, writing a quick note he could pass to Vesemir, as the old man would be bound to freak out upon seeing him approach.

Finding Dolores in the tavern, I let her know that her manor was now clear of monsters and safe for her to return. She was delighted to hear the news, though as it was now late, she would start walking back the next morning. Geralt and I stayed at the inn, enjoying a few more tankards, agreeing to return to Crow's Perch the next morning to settle up matters before moving on.

"Novigrad?" I asked.

"We've investigated every rumour in Velen. So it makes sense to head to Novigrad. The idea was to find Triss anyway, so that'll make you happy."

"Missing Yen?"

He gave me a look. "Of course. Might need to pay a visit or two to a house of ill-repute while we are there. Particularly if you're going to be busy getting your end away with Triss. Shit, you'll be so busy doing that, I'll be doing all the work."

"I'll try and keep it in my pants some of the time."

He scoffed, took a swig of his tankard, then grinned. "You make her happy, Ragnar," he stated to my surprise.

"Well, I'm glad I do."

"I knew she nursed a little crush on me before you arrived. Once you did, I had no chance!"

"You had Yennefer."

"I did and I never forgot that. Plus, I've never looked at Triss as anything other than a friend. But once you appeared, you were the…" He trailed off.

"Were the what?"

"I was going to say distraction, but you were much more than that. She fell head over heels in love with you within days."

"I remember," I said softly, smiling at many memories made at Kaer Morhen, "I just hope she's okay."

"Crow's Perch then we go north. Hopefully Novigrad isn't a complete basketcase."

Mounting up the next morning, with a slight hangover, we headed straight for Crow's Perch. It took half a day to get there was always, and Geralt felt something was off as we crossed the wooden bridge. Dismounting once across, there was tension in the air that even I could feel. And then we heard the first screams.

Leaving our horses with one of the peasants, we turned left towards a trio of houses. Some of the baron's men were roughing up a couple of peasants.

"Hand over your fuckin' coin, you cunt!" one of them shouted, backhanding the man he was holding.

"What else you hidin' in there? Maybe some sweet little cunt we can make use of?" another stated.

I had my sword in hand without thinking. Glancing at Geralt, he'd done the same thing. Clearing out throats, the group turned towards us. "And who the fuck are you two pricks?" one of them asked, "Fuck off if you know what's good for ya!"

We struck without hesitation. Peasants leapt out of the way as Geralt and I slaughtered them. Three did manage to take out a weapon, but they barely had time to wield it before they joined their companions on the ground. We made sure they were dead before turning to gaze across the rest of the village. "Methinks the baron has disappeared," I stated, "He wouldn't have allowed this."

"No," Geralt stated, "So that leaves me wondering who is in charge and what we do now?"

"Cleanse Crow's Perch, Geralt. Without the baron here, these peasants don't stand a chance."

He met my eyes, nodded, and we strode forward. Any man in uniform that approached us was cut down. When we heard more screams, that only attracted our attention, striding to see a group of men around the door of a house, roughing up a peasant.

"Yeah, fuck her. It'll do her some good!"

"We'll take care of pencil dick out here. Worthless fucker."

"I'm goin' next. Don't cum in the bitch."

"Anyone got oil? I'm goin' to fuck her arse!"

I stuck my sword straight through the spine of the first man, Geralt taking the head of the next. Blood flowed as we cut them down without mercy, before heading inside. Two were watching what was happening on the bed, cocks already out. We cut them down before we hauled the man off the woman on the bed. Naked as he was, he fell to his knees and begged for mercy. For his life.

I took his head.

The woman on the bed covered herself with the sheet. Geralt found a cloak nearby and carefully approached her, offering it. She grasped it with shaking hand. "It will all be over soon. I promise," he stated softly.

"What are you going to do?" she asked, voice aquiver.

"Kill them all," I growled.

We headed outside, noticing the crowd of peasants crowding around. "Return to you homes. We will notify you when it is safe," I announced. Noticing our bloodied swords and armour, they knew we were not going to harm them, but knew better than to argue. Once the area was clear of humans, Geralt and I shared a glance and began the walk up the hill. Crossing under the arch, there was no sign of any men waiting in the area between that and the next arch, but we could see people waiting by the big oak tree ahead.

Geralt and I strode forward confidently. There was no sign of the baron. Instead, it seemed like his sergeant was now in charge, as he stood in front of the rest of his men.

"Witcher!" he called, "Baron is here no longer. Rode off the other day to find a healer. For the wife."

"I'm aware," Geralt replied, "I see things have changed since we were last here."

"What do you mean? Baron left me in command. Told the boys to set things right, put 'em in order, the new order."

"By new order, you mean murder, pillage and rape?"

"I don't give a flyin' fuck if you like it or not. So you've got two options. Turn around and fuck off, you and your friend there. Or you can do somethin' monumentally fuckin' stupid."

"Geralt?"

"Yes, Ragnar?"

"This cunt doesn't live beyond the next few minutes."

"Agreed."

For the first time in a long time, I used my Thu'um against humans, but I was far too full of rage to just use my sword. I only used Unrelenting Force, but that alone put the fear of god in some of them. We handled all the other men. I have no idea how many we put a sword through. One or two dropped their weapons and ran. We didn't chase after them. As for the big, brave sergeant, he picked himself up and ran into the building.

The ground was soon strewn with bodies. Most of them were dead. Those that still breathed would either be lucky to stay alive or would die sooner or later. Geralt and I stepped over them, approaching the stairs and carefully entering the door. We found him in the baron's old office, holding his sword up, though we could see it shaking.

"Cunts. The pair of you," he stated.

Geralt stopped and gestured. "He's yours, Ragnar. You've talked about doing this since arriving."

The sergeant was not talented. I toyed with the bastard, a cut here, a cut there. I would have settled for death by a thousand cuts, but once I had him disarmed and on his knees, I sheathed my sword and took out my dagger. Grabbing him by the hair, I tapped the tip of my dagger under his eye. "I didn't have much time for Strenger, but he wasn't an evil man at heart. He was a drunk. He was a bully. But he wasn't a complete piece of shit. You and your men, on the other hand. No fucking wonder Temeria lost if you're the type of man who fought for her."

"You're a mercenary. No better than any of us."

"That's where you're wrong," Geralt stated, "Ragnar fights with a code. He has morals. He fought and bled for Temeria. He is now helping sort out pieces of shit like you. Ragnar, I'm going to step outside. He's yours to deal with."

I heard the door close and that's when the sergeant started to plead and beg for his life. I didn't take any real pleasure… Okay, I might have taken a little pleasure. "I'm sure you're wondering what I'm going to do. Maybe I'll take your eyes? Maybe I'll take your tongue? Maybe I'll cut off your cock and balls and stuff them into your mouth?" I tapped the tip of the dagger under his eye. "Maybe I'll do all the above and really leave a message."

"Please," he whimpered, "I'll do anything."

"I always had a bad feeling about you and your men. I knew the baron was keeping a lid on your excesses. I just didn't realise what you and your men would be truly capable of once off the leash. I dread to think of what we would have walked into had Geralt and I arrived in another day or two."

I let him look at the tip of the dagger, watching his eyes move with the tip, before I stuck it under his jaw, his eyes rolling back as I let go of his head and let it smack on the floor. Part of me really wanted to make a mess of the body, but that would make me no better than them. I had done what I intended. Looking around, I opened the cabinet and took a couple of bottles of liquor before wandering outside, Geralt sat on a bench by the oak tree.

Walking back down in to town, most of the peasants were waiting to see who would reappear. We gestured for them to come closer and told them they would no longer need to live in fear. "So what do we do now?" someone asked.

"You have two choices," Geralt replied, "One, you all work together to keep yourself safe. There are plenty of weapons up the hill. Mind the bodies. How many of you can wield a sword? Fire a crossbow?" Around a dozen hands were raised. "Good. Then I suggest those of you confident enough start carrying them. No-one will miss these men for at least a few days. Once people come sniffing about, that is when you make your stand."

"What's the second choice?"

Geralt looked at me. "The baron was here on behalf of the Black Ones. I came from White Orchard before arriving. The captain in that area was an ordinary man. A peasant in a soldier's uniform. If you effectively invite them here, they will keep you protected and they are fair in their expectations. Bear in mind, I have no love for them. I fought them further south, but considering there is no lord, and no law, they might be your best option. I would suggest you discuss it amongst yourselves before deciding."

They decided quickly, before we'd even mounted up to leave, agreeing to invite the Black Ones to offer their protection. To keep them safe, we agreed to go towards their nearest small camp and report in the new situation. No surprise that, before we left, they thanked us for taking care of the baron's men.

"The Bloody Baron wasn't a nice man but he at least kept us safe, and usually left us alone," a man Geralt recognised said, "As soon as he left, that sergeant of his sent his men down here. First thing they wanted was… women. Girls…"

"They're all dead now. And the Black Ones might be harsh, but they won't rape and murder indiscriminately," I stated, "My suggestion is to do as they say and you will find them reasonable. With any luck, you won't have to tolerate them forever."

Geralt and I led our horses across the bridge, mounted up, and headed south first. The nearest Nilfgaardian outpost wasn't too far away. Reporting in what happened, stating the baron had departed and his men had started to attack the peasantry, I was slightly concerned about how they would react. Thankfully, all they did was report on the changes in circumstances and that they would send a few men north immediately to ensure the situation didn't get out of hand.

With light fading, Geralt and I agreed to get to the river by nightfall, completing the journey north the next day. I was amazed at the number of refugees in camp, hoping to cross the Pontar, but the Redanians were only letting those cross with a pass, and were being methodical in who they let past otherwise. I remembered the line of people hoping to get into Oxenfurt, the desperation to get out of Velen and towards something approaching civilisation leaving a real air of desperation.

As we had passes, we agreed to cross before stopping, and it was amazing the change in atmosphere as soon as we were across. We turned off the main road north and made camp, no tents required as it was a dry evening, only a campfire and a bedroll each, though made him laugh when I pulled out the bottles of liquor I nabbed from the baron's office.

"We did a good thing," I muttered, around three or four drinks in.

"Hmmm."

"You don't agree?"

"I agreed with cleansing the place of them. As you said, baron wasn't an evil man, kept them on a leash. And between the baron leaving and our return, I do wonder what they'd already done. Most of them deserved what they got. But trading them for the Black Ones…"

"I would have liked leaving them without one group or another lording it over them, but it's a fortified position, and someone was bound to show interest eventually. And, to be honest, better the Black Ones than some group similar to the baron's men."

"Thought you hated the Black Ones?"

"Got no time for the emperor, and there is an arrogance about them. I think they will be harsh but fair masters. And if they promise to keep the people protected, then that's all we can ask for right now."

"But you'll want to fight them again?"

"I wouldn't mind another tussle, but I don't know who I'd be fighting for yet."

"Radovid and Redania?"

"Don't particularly like what I hear about him, Geralt."

"Neither do I. But I've got this sneaking suspicion we'll end up dealing with his somehow."

We turned in early, aiming to be up and gone by the early dawn. It had been a long few days, and I slept like a log, only waking when Geralt gave me a gently kick in the butt, turning to see he was already up and dressed. We packed up camp and mounted in silence. I was used to it whenever I travelled with him. He didn't fill the air with useless words. If he had something on his mind, he'd tell me, otherwise we just rode along, staying sharp, ensuring we didn't find ourselves involved a situation not of our own making.

The change in scenery once across the river was remarkable. The war hadn't touched this side of the river. Instead of Black Ones or bandits, we generally only passed by Redanian soldiers, one or two making comment of Geralt. With all the rumours we'd heard, I had been left wondering how they would react to his presence. With the obvious distinctive look, wolf medallion, and two swords on his back, he stood out in a crowd.

The Free City of Novigrad was actually four small islands, all joined together by bridges, thick walls protecting them from invasion, only Farcorners with any real defences, though the civilians were still protected by two bridges that could be destroyed if an invading force approached. Approaching the southern outskirts of the city, we would have to cross a bridge before the safety of the city walls. Things looked as normal as they could but we knew appearances could be deceiving. We'd received word of what was happening in Novigrad and across Redania.

Horses were not allowed within the narrow streets of the city, leaving ours tied up alongside others, food and water being provided while we were away. I hadn't been to Novigrad in a long time, Geralt even longer, but we both remembered our way to Hierarch Square. Well, mostly. Only one or two wrongs turns being taken.

What we found upon our arrival there confirmed the rumours…

"Our Novigrad -- shining and brilliant! Pearl amongst cities! Cradle of the Eternal Fire! Yet it is here that darkness raises its hideous head! A deceitful doppler doubling as commander of the Guard! A band of charlatans, diviners and witches poised to pinch your purity and prosperity! The time has come for this to end! For us to cast off evil! Do you renounce evil?!"

"We renounced evil!" the crowd around us chanted. I shared a concerned glance with Geralt. I had no idea who the man was talking but he spoke the words of an insane preacher.

"Do you renounce evil?" the man cried again.

"We renounce it!" the crowd chanted as one.

"May the Holy Flame of the Eternal Fire complete this cleansing, this purging of pestilence into purity! How are we to fight pestilence that changes form?! None can be certain of his father, brother or bride! Look upon your neighbour, for he too could be a doppler! Will we submit to uncertainty?! Will we allow monsters and charlatans to overrun our city?!"

"No!" the crowd cried.

"May the Holy Flame of the Eternal Fire complete this act of cleansing!"

There were two pyres. And a person attached to each stake. The one to the left was a young woman. The one to the left was a man. Geralt recognised the woman. "Felicia," he murmured. He made to step forward, probably to try and save her. I grabbed his wrist. "Ragnar," he growled.

"You involved yourself, the only thing we will be doing is fighting our way out of Novigrad."

"What if it was Triss up there?"

"I'd kill everyone here. But it isn't Triss up there. She's smart. She'll be safe."

We could only stand back and watch as the two pyres were lit. The screams of Felicia Cori echoed in the silence, only the crack and pop of the fire soon to be heard. The other pyre was lit, the man to be revealed as a doppler. Geralt muttered to himself again, stating he hoped Dudu hadn't met the same fate as whoever was at the stake.

Only when the two were quite clearly dead did the crowd slowly disperse. The witch hunter in charge simply gazed upon the crowd with a look of smug satisfaction on his face. The urge to stride over and knock it off was near overwhelming, but just like I'd told Geralt not to get involved, I knew I'd have to follow my own instructions. As the crowd dispersed, we both went with them, making sure we didn't stand out too much.

My only concern now was finding Triss, and hoping she was still alive.

*****

A few years earlier…

"It won't be that bad, Ragnar. In fact, I know you're going to love it. A castle full of sorceresses, most who I know you will want to bed, and most will want to bed you in return. In fact, I encourage both."

I met her eyes as we rode in the carriage. "And you tolerate that because?"

"One, I love you. Two, it's to our advantage."

"Your advantage," I retorted, though with plenty of humour.

"No, our advantage," she said softly, gently digging me in the ribs, "You get to enjoy the company of numerous beautiful women, and I get what I want out of it. Before you ask or say anything, I just want to make sure we, as a group, don't end up doing something monumentally stupid. Yes, we've taken control and established the Lodge, but we must remain careful. Enough people already fear us, tolerate us at best. Mages, I mean. We do anything to upset that balance…"

"But you want power and influence, right?"

Triss smiled at me. "Of course, Ragnar. A couple might not be happy you're attending at all, being a man, but… well, I think once they actually get a look at you, their complaints will cease. I may have…" She cleared her throat. "Enhanced your reputation as well."

"I'm seriously here to fuck them, aren't I?" She looked at me, almost pleading with me to understand with her eyes. I relented easily. Always did with her. "You know I love sex, but… even I have limits, Triss."

She took my hand and cuddled into my side, resting a hand on my chest. "I know I ask a lot sometimes, Ragnar. Keira won't stop talking about you, obviously."

Chucking, I admitted, "I still don't know who seduced who in the end."

"I don't think it mattered once it happened. She's certainly more accepting of my ideas when back in Vizima and around Foltest, at least. She doesn't realise, of course. Thinks she's doing the dirty behind my back."

"I do feel a little bad about it."

"You're a good man at heart, Ragnar." She paused before asking, "Do you like her?"

"If you mean 'Do you like her naked and being inside her?' then yes, I won't deny enjoyment in that part. But she's a little… eccentric, for my tastes."

"Most sorceresses have their eccentricities, Ragnar. I have mine, after all."

"Yours are cute and one of the reasons why I love you."

She looked up, one of those dazzling smiles of hers immediately appearing. "Love you," she whispered before kissing me, resting her head against me again as we rode along in silence.

The castle at Montecalvo eventually came into view, the home of Philippa Eilhart, the de facto leader of the Lodge of Sorceresses, as it had been her planning and vision that had led to the overthrow of the old Brotherhood. And as everyone would be meeting at her castle, it was a sign of her own power and influence over the Lodge. As we approached, I sensed a few nerves from Triss, wrapping an arm around her, and that alone seemed to calm her down.

Triss had already filled me in earlier on the details I needed. The sorceresses all knew who I was. I'd met most of them at one time or another. She knew my arrival with her would earn disapproval, but as I was her lover and also bodyguard, almost refusing to walk around without my presence at times, she would insist my presence was necessary. As I was completely non-political, I had no interest in any of their scheming anyway. They could do as they pleased, long as Triss wasn't harmed.

It was late afternoon, dusk, by the time the carriage pulled into the courtyard of the small castle. Stewards were ready for our arrival, one stepping forward to open the door of mine, stepping down and rounding the carriage, opening the other door and assisting Triss down. Escorted through the main doors into the foyer, that is where we were greeted by Philippa Eilhart, with most other sorceresses already having arrived.

"Triss, delighted to see you," Philippa stated, stepping forward to greet her, a kiss on either cheek. Then she added a whisper, "Triss, we agreed no men were to attend."

"Philippa, this is Ragnar Dragonborn."

To my amusement, the attitude changed immediately, her yellow-brown eyes looking me up and down, an approving smirk appearing on her lips. I'll admit, there was something about her, not just her obvious beauty, that I found attractive. I adored ambitious, intelligent women. Add to that beauty, and I was a lost cause. I just… wanted them. Triss knew that too, which is how everything between us worked at moments like this. Otherwise, I was loyal to Triss, but with sex came influence and power. I was her pawn. I knew that.

Philippa offered her hand, which I brushed my lips again. "Delighted to meet you, Miss Eilhart."

That made her chuckle. "Ah, this one is well trained at least, Triss."

"Philippa, don't mock him."

"A mere jest, Triss. And Ragnar, I will admit I'm not the only one who has heard many stories about you."

"Do you believe everything you hear, Miss Eil…"

"Philippa. Please, we are all on a first name basis here." She stepped back and took a breath. "Now, as I said, none of us was expecting someone like you here."

"Where Triss goes, I go. She is under my protection. She is powerful in her own right, but you mess with her, you mess with me. And I will not let anyone, and I mean anyone, cause her harm." I think half of them swooned then and there, because not only was there a subtle threat, but I made sure I let my tone know how much I cared for her. Philippa considered my words, but before she could say anything I added, "I am not here to interfere, Philippa. Can I be honest?"

"Of course. I'd prefer it."

"I don't care what schemes you might have on your mind, what plans you might create. You're all talented, intelligent mages, and you have your own ideas and ambitions." I shrugged. "Do what you wish. Just try not to make a mess of the power and influence you now wield. You denigrate men for being fools. Shit, part of me agrees with you considering I've seen men make the worst decisions possible more times than I could count. But you've only just gained this power for yourselves. Don't let it go to your head. Not a warning. Just a friendly piece of advice."

Philippa glanced at Triss. "Those words from him or you both?"

"Ragnar is his own man," she replied, nothing but an innocent smile on her face, "I'm here because you invited me, and I choose to be here. But Ragnar is right about one thing. He is my bodyguard, for want of a better description."

"And lover?"

"When he's not my bodyguard."

"You don't trust us?"

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't, Philippa. Ragnar… insisted on joining me. And I just can't say no to those beautiful blue eyes when they're pleading with me."

Philippa met my eyes. Holding her gaze, I could see many others may have wilted under hers. I simply returned a grin. Like everyone, she did have to look up to meet mine. Then a slight grin of her own was returned, which surprised me. I'm sure even Triss didn't expect it. "Will you be wishing to remain in the room while we discuss matters, Ragnar?"

I glanced at Triss. Her eyes said everything. "No. If Triss trusts you enough, I will do the same. I'm not here to step on any toes. Considering what you might be discussing, I offer you all the protection of the Dragonborn for the duration of the meeting."

Now they all swooned. They didn't need a man for their protection but they certainly appreciated the offer, noticing many of them had slowly but surely approach as we talked. Philippa smiled, thanked me for the offer, though didn't state it was accepted, and before I knew it, I was being introduced to all the other mages. Most of them were utterly gorgeous. I knew some of them may have used magic to enhance their beauty, but I didn't really care. And while I thought they were gorgeous, I received plenty of smiles, a few blushed when I took their hand and kissed it, and I was fairly sure there were one or two subtle offers immediately.

I ended up spending three nights at the castle with Triss, as they held a few large meetings, and a series of smaller meetings between old friends, colleagues and even allies. I found myself talking to all of them at one time or another. I was captivated by Francecsa Findabair, an elven woman who was absolutely stunning. One of the most beautiful women I'd ever met. We talked in private more than once, and she was free in sharing her life, the decisions she had taken, and what she planned for her own advancement. I generally listened in silence, just gazing at her face. A pair of beautiful blue eyes… I made her blush more than once, and I felt the need to apologise each time.

Didn't sleep with her though. In the end, at that first true meeting of the Lodge, I didn't sleep with anyone. I got to know them all, that's for sure, but while there were subtle offers, I spent each night in the quarters I shared with Triss. If anything, I was left thinking that Philippa, despite her own apparent sexual desires, may have warned the rest off. Triss certainly suggested that on the second night as we lay in bed after having made love.

"I think she might just be a little interested," Triss whispered.

"But I thought she preferred women?"

"She'll see you as a pawn to use for her own ambitions. And she'll use sex as a way of assuring your loyalty. Anyway, sexuality is fluid. She might claim to prefer women, but someone like you, Ragnar? They all want to sleep with you, I know that already." Triss paused. "Would you have sex with her?"

"Yes," I replied immediately.

Triss kissed my cheek. "Honest as always, Ragnar."

"Can I be honest? I'd sleep with all of them here. Except Yennefer. Easy to figure out who she is, obviously."

"If not Philippa…"

"Hmmm… if not you?" That made her giggle, giving me a gentle shove, before cuddling into my side again. "Francesca. Two reasons. One, she's gorgeous. Two, she's elven. There's something about the elves of this world… Incredibly sexually attractive."

"Do you want to know what's been discussed?"

"Better you don't tell me. Long as you're safe, that's all that matters to me."

"We've already agreed to meet once every couple of months. Might not always be here. Might not always be in person. But now that we've all met in person, got to know each other a little, and agreed common goals, we know that staying in contact would be best."

"I assume I'll be joining you if it's in person?"

"Of course."

"Okay."

That made her happy. So happy she soon straddled my lap, leaning down to kiss me, as her body slowly started to rock. The only movement I made was to caress her cheek, running my fingers through her red hair. Her eyes didn't look away from mine the entire time. The love in them was… something I'd rarely seen from anyone before.

The only thing I could hope is that, with all the ambitions she and they had, and the machinations being put in place, that she would remain safe throughout.