8. Rei Henselt

First things first.

I went to meet the king. Only two reasons, the first being that I was curious that he had summoned me, and the second, because it would not affect his relationship with Vesemir, and consequently Kaer Morhen.

It was a smooth ride through the lands of Kaedwen, leaving Kaer Morhen for Aard Carraigh. With a few villages and farms here and there, and a few coins given to me by Vesemir, I quickly reached the castle.

It was a truly magnificent work of art, thick and sturdy walls with a subtle hint of magic, and strong, well-armored men guarding the entrance. After being inspected by them, I was allowed to enter the castle.

It was very different from what is presented in movies, games and many books. The place was colorful and full of natural light, with tall windows and the walls painted in bright colors. There were not many shadows, and it gave the place a natural feel.

Each space was well decorated, with furnishings, statues and armor stands, all clean and bright, almost hurts the eyes. The large carpets gave a certain softness to the feet, making the place cozy and comfortable.

In the throne room, things were even more impressive. The soldiers who ensured the king's safety almost blended in with the many decorative pieces in the room, which made a lot of sense to me.

He would always be safe, and confusing people was a good way to keep him safe. I could notice also, men armed and hiding in certain places that were hard to reach in case someone tried to attack them, but gave them full view.

"I am Swan Dim, but many call me Sam. It is a pleasure to be facing your majesty." I give my greeting, bowing slightly to the man.

"Welcome to my home, witcher Sam, or should I call you wizard?" he asks me, settling himself better on the throne.

"Just Sam is enough, your majesty. Titles are not things I like," I answer neutrally.

"All right Sam, I hope you have recovered and are well as I want to hire you for a service. It could be dangerous, and according to the information I have, it could go against your Witcher friend, Geralt.

I want you to find and bring to me the Princess of Cintra, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon. I want you to do this before your Witcher friend, Geralt, can find her and take her into Nilfgaard's clutches." he says, as if I had already accepted the order.

"I must apologize, your majesty, but I will not be able to accept your request. I have already accepted equal service on behalf of Geralt of Rivia." I keep my voice and expression neutral, answering the king.

"It doesn't matter really. I just want you to bring her to me. I'll pay you handsomely for it." he says, waving his hand in dismissal.

I start to leave, when I hear him say something else.

"Try not to be clever, Sam Dim, or you will see why I am still king, even when many have tried to overthrow me." his unveiled threat makes me pause.

"It would be better if his majesty first knew who he was threatening, for not all men, are afraid of a golden crown. It may give you a title, but not immortality. Remember that," I say without even turning around, and this time, there was no neutrality, only hatred.

"We'll see," is his reply.

I just nod, accepting his threat.

As I walked out, I felt a magic in the corner, and just stopped. "It is not wise to snoop, even more so when you do not know the skill of the one you spy on."

Coming out of the corner and becoming visible again, a beautiful sorceress, brown eyes, dark hair, light brown skin, seductive and deadly body, outlined by a light green dress, tight, and well-cut.

"Curiosity is one of many I have, and knowing that the king summoned a Witcher, without telling me why, was consuming me. But looking at you, I can't see a Witcher, but a wizard." she says, moving closer.

"Actually, I am between the two categories, even though I don't have the mutations. But now it's your turn to quench my curiosity, to whom do I owe the honor?" I ask, with her very close to me.

"Sabrina Glevissig, advisor to King Henselt, at your service." she replies, bowing slightly.

"Swam Dim. but well, you already know. Sam is enough." I say, reaching out my hand, and taking hold of her fingertips, I bring it to my lips, and give a soft, barely touching kiss.

"Handsome, strong, and well-mannered. I envy the woman who ravishes your heart," she says teasingly.

"Heart-wrenching would be impossible, but there is plenty of room to live in it," I reply to her provocation. "I would very much like to spend more time with such a beautiful woman, but unfortunately, I am no longer welcomed here, so I will seek an inn and leave tomorrow. Take care, Madame Glevissig."

I bow slightly and continue my way to the exit.

At the gate, I get my sword back and fasten it around my waist. I actually tried to attach it to my back, but it was impossible to draw and sheath the sword quickly and effectively.

This sword was forged by Vesemir, keeping one side of the blade silver and the other steel. It was very well balanced and had runes made by me, to keep it always sharp and with the properties of the oil it was sheathed in.

Mine was not the only one, just the first. Vesemir liked it so much that he made one for each of the witches he had under him, including Ciri. Her sword was kept in a wooden box in her room. Well, they were all in their respective owners' rooms after we finished making them.

----

It was a quiet night, I was in the room I got from one of the inns. I stayed a while in the tavern, enjoying the food and drink served by the beautiful waitress, or whatever name they use here.

I took the opportunity to use some of my legilimency, just in case, and I must thank myself for that. One of the men there, though laughing and chatting happily with other residents, was a man of the king, who would tell him my location and room.