An Old Flame

I had no time for the Emperor of Nilfgaard, but I also had no time for Radovid of Redania either, nor the useless twats who seemed to make up a greater portion of his army. Approaching Oxenfurt, I passed by more of his soldiers the further north I travelled, and as I rode into the outskirts of the city, the number of refugees hoping for safe passage almost beggared belief.

I managed to get over the main crossing only thanks to the fact Geralt had given me a pass that promised safe conduct through Redanian territory, thanks to the Bloody Baron himself. Slight surprise, considering he worked for Nilfgaard more than anyone, but I guess he had plenty of friends in high places.

My first thought upon crossing the bridge into Oxenfurt itself was of Shani. It had been quite some time since I'd seen her. With the war, I had a feeling I wouldn't find her in the city but still rode to the academy first. What I found saddened me, as soldiers now prowled it instead of students. I found a notice that said anyone trained in medicine would be sent to the front line to serve Redania, while anyone else was simply kicked out, the academy closed during hostilities.

What angered me, though, was the pile of books clearly getting ready to be burned. Considering everything I'd heard about Radovid, it didn't surprise me. I would have done something about it but I wasn't going to kill all his soldiers over a few books. Not yet anyway…

I knew Radovid was in Oxenfurt, on his ship at least. Although I was curious about the man, I wasn't going to waste time looking at just his boat, hoping I might catch sight of him. Heading towards the centre of the city, I found very little had changed since my last visit, eventually stopping outside a tavern and heading inside for a bite to eat and a drink.

History often has a way of repeating itself and it did again this night. I was slowly making way through a second tankard when I felt a soft hand run down my arm, glancing to my left to see a red haired, green eyed woman looking at me, half-smiling, half on the verge of crying, so it seemed. All I did was turn towards, take her in my arms, and kiss her. Her arms went around the back of my neck. I think one or two may have even applauded, though the man behind the bar eventually cleared his throat. "Could just get a room if you want to carry on," he muttered.

"Sorry," Shani and I said together.

"One vodka, please," I added, "With lemon."

"You remember," she stated softly.

"Hard to forget. Don't know many who drink that." Once she had the cup in hand, we clinked and took a sip before I led her toward a small table in the corner. Moving chairs so we could sit side by side, watching the crowd, her hand quickly found its way onto my thigh as I wrapped an arm around her in return. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"I'm on furlough. As the war is currently on hiatus, the need for doctors and nurses has fallen. So I thought I'd head back to my old stomping ground. Shame what they've done to the academy. That's why I'm here. What's brought you back here?"

"I'm looking for someone. Currently working with Geralt."

"Where is he?"

"Further south. We're working on the same problem but it's s two-pronged approach."

"And your search included a visit to a tavern?" I gave her a look which made her giggle, before she cuddled into me. "Well, I'm glad you did. It's been far too long since we last saw each other, Ragnar."

"It's been hectic for quite a while."

"I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses you." I gave her another look. "Oh please, you know I know. Did I ever make a fuss about it? No. All I know is that, whenever we were together, I knew I was the only one you were thinking about at the time."

"Thought about you a hell of a lot when you're not around too."

"Have you booked a room here?"

"Not yet."

She knocked back the drink and looked at me. "You should join me at mine then."

That was an invitation if ever I heard one. Sculling my tankard, we stood up, put on our coats, and practically raced out of the tavern. Shani took my hand and led towards a relatively well-to-do area of Oxenfurt. I couldn't help glance her way and she managed to look a little embarrassed. "Since I gained my doctorate, I have managed to squirrel away a little money. The house isn't my own alone, I share ownership with an old friend."

"Not judging. Glad you're doing well in life considering what you must deal with at times."

"True, but I don't want to think about that right now."

"You have plans, Shani?" She gave me a look I knew well. "Well, I've always enjoyed that look in your eyes that tells me I'm about to be in for quite the good time."

Arriving at her front door, she took the keys from her small bag, opened the door and called out for her housemate. There was no response, so after closing and locking the door, I found myself dragged upstairs. I had about five seconds to take in the tasteful decoration before she was all over me, her hands eager to get my armour off as we kissed, and while I always enjoyed the nurses uniform she wore, I much preferred her out of it.

Once I had her dress off, I had to stop and just appreciate the tasteful lingerie, all white, plus the white stockings and garter she wore as well. Definitely turned me on even more, as she lowered my underwear to reveal my cock. "I take that as a sign you approve," she whispered, getting on her knees before me, grabbing the base and running her tongue up my shaft, "I remember how much you appreciated my talents, Ragnar."

I ran fingers through her hair, which earned me one of those gorgeous smiles she constantly wore for me, before I watched my cock slowly but surely disappeared inside her mouth. I loved watching women go down on me, and she knew to keep looking up, her green eyes sparkling like the finest emeralds. I'd always held deep affection for her since our first night together. In many ways, we loved each other, but it was on the basis we knew it would unlikely ever be permanent, but whenever we were in the same place, we would get together and enjoy the intimacy our relationship had.

"Gods," I groaned, which made her giggle again.

"Methinks he likes it," she said.

"I'm going to blow like Red Mountain in a couple of minutes." She looked at me, a little confused. "Something from where I'm from. Just… keep going. Please!"

She did, her enthusiasm for pleasing me infectious. She'd never been shy in her desire for me as much as mine for her in return. Little wonder I was already been blown probably no more than an hour after reuniting. I warned her I was about to cum but I could see the smile in her eyes and knew what she wanted. Gently grabbing the back of her head, I groaned against as I felt myself unload, the immediately feeling of weakening knees and the need to catch my breath. She continued to suck me until I was finished and obviously needed a moment or two.

"Still yummy as ever, Ragnar."

"By Talos, Shani, I forgot how good you were at that."

She stood up and I kissed her, which always surprised her, considering there was the lingering taste. Never bothered me as most women I was intimate with did it either constantly or at least from time to time. "Do you like what I'm wearing?" she asked, taking a step back and posing.

"Love it. Always loved you in uniform." She laughed out loud as I pulled her close and kissed her again. Hugging her to my body, she broke the kiss and rested her head against my chest, feeling her fingers run up and down my back. "Bloody good to see you, Shani," I whispered.

"How long are you here?"

"Only to find the person I need. Then I'll need to head back with the report. Not sure when I'll be here again." I lifted her chin with a finger. "But I certainly have a good reason to head back whenever I can."

No surprise Shani ended up on her back a few minutes later, only her panties removed as she wanted only one thing from me. My mouth on her pussy. I was more than willing to oblige what she wanted, and as turned on as she was, revelling in her taste as I was, her first orgasm didn't take too long. Once she had that, everything except her stockings were removed as I focused on the rest of her body for a little while, with my mouth at least, my fingers continuing to tease her, feeling her body writhe at everything I was doing.

But my head ended up back between her legs after all that, and I lost track of how long I spent eating her out, and I rarely counting the orgasms a woman had. I only cared that she did have them. Occasionally, for whatever reason, it didn't happen, but with those lovers I connected with above all else, I loved nothing more than making and watching them cum.

"Ragnar," she breathed, feeling her fingers grip my hair, holding my head in place, practically rubbing her pussy across my face, "One more, then we'll make love."

Shani always said we made love. She enjoyed one last orgasm before whispering for me to stop, kissing up her body before our eyes met, her face breaking out into a wide grin as she leaned up to kiss me. We made out as I gave her a few minutes to catch her breath and calm down before I felt a soft hand wrap around my cock, guiding it towards her pussy. Sliding inside, we had to break the kiss as we both released a low moan.

"God, that's good, Ragnar," she whispered as I slowly buried my cock, "Forgot how thick you were!"

"Always enjoy hearing a compliment."

She laughed. "How about 'Best cock in Oxenfurt!'"

"Just Oxenfurt?"

She laughed again. "I keep going, Ragnar, your ego won't fit through the door when you leave." The smile disappeared as she leaned up to kiss me. "I haven't been with anyone else, Ragnar. It makes moments like this even better."

"Seriously? Shani, you…"

She put a finger to my lips. "Yes, I'm serious. So, what I want to do is make love until we're both too worn out to continue. Then we'll go to sleep, and part tomorrow with more good memories to share."

And that's what we did. The sex was phenomenal as always. Since our first time we'd made love, the spark we shared only ever increased with each time we were together. She was a sexual dynamo, to be honest. She was flexible, had stamina, and an open mind. We laughed and had a lot of fun, willing to try new things, but we always enjoyed the old reliable positions that always felt the best and would result in both of us enjoying more than one orgasm. As with most lovers, I loved it when she rode me, and she had always loved riding me, particularly when my hands caressed her body at the same time. We learned early on she loved getting down on her knees, her head on a pillow, as I'd fuck her hard from behind. She had a slightly submissive streak we occasionally explored, but nothing beyond perhaps tying her up and teasing her for a while before giving her quite the pounding that left her begging for more while also laughing she'd be walking funny for days afterwards.

But each and every time, it would end with Shani spooned against me, wrapped in my arms, as we'd talk for what seemed like hours about nothing at all. From that first night we'd shared, when all we'd done is lie together, it had always felt so comfortable, so natural to be together. Little wonder that we loved each other immensely, but were realistic at the same time. Our lives were markedly different.

"No doubt my housemate might make a comment or two tomorrow morning at breakfast," she whispered with a giggle, "I'm fairly sure she would have come home while we were making love, and we were not exactly being quiet."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"She'll feign jealousy once she gets a look at you. But she also knows all about you anyway."

I dressed ready for the day the next morning, Shani throwing on a simple gown as we headed downstairs to the kitchen, when I was introduced to her housemate, a rather attractive brunette, who was rather friendly with more than one not so subtle remark about my apparent prowess from the previous night. Shani simply smiled, leaning into my arm. "I won't be vulgar, but I think I've suggested enough, Elora."

"Heard enough at times last night, Shani."

"Stop teasing!" Shani giggled.

I ate my breakfast mostly in silence before announcing I had best depart as I needed to find the missing person before returning south. Shani led me to the door, where we shared a final embrace and one hell of a last kiss. "Will you be in the area again soon?"

"I don't know. But, as I said, I definitely have a good reason to return swiftly."

"Maybe I'll wear different coloured lingerie next time." My eyes must have definitely lit up, as she giggled again. "It was good to see you, Ragnar."

"You too, Shani."

We embraced again, neither of us particularly wanting to let go, before I did and stepped through the threshold. She stood in the doorway, waving, before I disappeared from view. Once she had, I put her out of my mind, at least for the time being. I didn't anticipate any trouble regarding Tamara Strenger. I had the address, so it was simply a case of if she would be willing to talk to me. She'd put two and two together rather quickly.

The house was by the harbour. Knocking on the door, it was opened by a man I obviously didn't recognise, so I wasted no time getting to the point. "I'm Ragnar Dragonborn. I'm here to speak to Tamara Strenger."

He was immediately cautious. "Who sent you?"

"Your brother told us about her. I need to speak to her about her father."

Despite the fact I towered over him, and was obviously armed, he puffed himself up. "You don't mean to cause trouble, do you?"

"I only wish to talk to Tamara, hear her side of the story. I won't force anyone to do anything they don't want."

He nodded and stepped aside. "Come in. Please, take a seat. I'll fetch her for you."

Tamara arrived a few minutes later. She took one look at me and figured out who had sent me, at least. Gesturing to the available seat, she at least sat down nearby so we could talk. "You're looking for me. And who might you be? My father send you?"

"Aye, he did."

"Who are you?"

"Ragnar Dragonborn."

There was a slight smirk. "Heard about you. Why are you working for my father? Didn't think you'd work for someone like… him."

"He has information I need and he asked me to find you. Considering what my companion found trying to find you himself, I'm just happy to see you alive and well."

"I'm quite alive and extraordinarily well, Ragnar Dragonborn. Better than I've ever been in this rotten life of mine. And now that you've seen me, I bid you farewell."

She started to stand up. "Wait, there is something…"

"What could you possibly want to know?" A look must have passed my face as she slowly sat back in the chair. "I guess you know then…"

"I'm sorry, Tamara. What you and your mother have been through, no-one deserved it. But I need to hear your side. All I've heard is his."

She sighed, before standing up and approaching a nearby cabinet, returning with a bottle and a couple of cups. She poured each of us a couple of fingers worth before she sighed again. "I can't remember my father as a good man, Ragnar. Not after everything that's happened recently. Not after what he did to my mother. He's never raised a hand in anger against me. Barely ever raised his voice. Compare that to my mother, I wonder when they last admitted to loving each other. All I remember is drink, shouting, and violence."

"Your mother, Tamara. I know what happened… but we don't know where she is."

"Worst night of my life," she whispered, before knocking back her cup, pouring herself another one, "Stuff of nightmares. I still see it now when I close my eyes." She shuddered. I would have rested a comforting hand on her shoulder, but I doubt she'd have appreciated that. I was there on behalf of her father. "Mother claims she never wanted the child. I think she was going a little mad while it happened. She'd been rather content before that night."

"That night? What happened?"

"I'm not sure what started. Father was drunk as usual… well, perhaps worse than normal. Something set it off and the shouting was more intense than normal. Mother then said we would be leaving. She'd had enough. That's when it got physical. Again, he never laid a hand on me. But mother… she fell and…" She shuddered again. This time I did take her hand and squeeze. She glared at me for a moment before seeming to understand, nodding her thanks as I removed it. "I don't know where mother is. All I remember is that this beast appeared from out of the woods as we were making our way to meet our contact… It grabbed mother and disappeared before I could even think about screaming. I would have ridden after her, but the horses were spooked, and there was nothing I could do alone."

"Shit…"

"That's my story, Ragnar. Nineteen years of torment and torture, watching my mother just… endure. But she endured enough. We were meant to be safe here. Now… Now I will find my mother and make sure she is safe and sound."

"How?"

She gestured at the candles around the room. "I have some new friends. Heard of the Church of the Eternal Fire?"

"In passing." I could have mentioned the fact that they along with Radovid was burning plenty of people at the stake.

"A priest helped me contact the Redanian witch hunters. Righteous, brave men. They'll help me."

"What should I tell your father?"

"I'm not going back. And I will fight anyone who tries to drag me back. I'd rather die."

"I'm not here to do that, Tamara. I will return to him, let him know you're alive, and that's it."

"Thanks. At least there are still some with a modicum of decency and honour that hover in his presence."

"I don't plan on being in it any longer than I need." I stood up. "Good luck, Tamara. And I mean that."

She stood up and escorted me to the door. "Be careful of my father, Ragnar. He is not a good man."

I was tempted to head straight back to Shani's, but we had ended on a good note, and I knew I'd see her sooner rather than later. Instead, I figured I'd just head straight back to Crow's Perch and let the baron know about his daughter. If he thought I was going to drag her back to him, or at least try and convince her, he was going to be sorely disappointed.

It was a long ride from Oxenfurt to Crow's Perch, arriving only after night had fallen. I found the baron half-drunk already in his office, so his attitude pissed me off as soon as I walked in the door and he started barking at me. He hadn't stood up, so when I strode over and loomed over him, he grew quiet before I sat opposite him.

"Your daughter is alive," I stated.

"Where is she?"

"She's in Oxenfurt at the moment, but she will be leaving with people from the Eternal Fire. She had no desire to return here."

"You were supposed to bring her back!"

I stood up and leaned forward on the desk. "Listen very carefully, Strenger. You might get used to intimidating a bunch of scared peasants, and throw the fear of the gods into your men, but if you really want to see how I deal with bullies, we can head downstairs and I can put you on your arse again, maybe give you another black eye."

He glared at me for a few seconds before he looked away. When he sighed, I knew the fight was out of him. "It's all my fault," he eventually muttered.

"Look, Phillip," the use of his first name earned a surprised glance, "I know you have this ideal of what your relationship was with your daughter. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember it the same way. She spent most of her life scared of you, and that fear has developed into… I think it was hatred for a while, but now it's indifference. All she wants to do is forget it all. Everything that happened, but most importantly you. And I think that's a truth you need to hear and understand. It is your actions alone that drove her away."

"You think I don't know that?"

"I know you know that, but you need to hear it. I know you love your daughter. I hear it in your voice every time you speak of her. But that love is just not returned any longer."

For a moment, I honestly thought he was going to burst into tears on me, his body just falling back into the chair as the air went out of him, as if I'd slammed a fist into his solar plexus. A very small part of me did feel pity for him, because only now was he starting to realise that he was very much alone in the world. The men outside owed him allegiance as long as he continued to pay them. Eventually, fear would no longer work. They would know about his personal problems, and think him weak or soft.

"Have you heard from Geralt?"

"I will head in his direction tomorrow morning after resting up here. I have no idea if he's found your wife or not. No doubt he or we will return with news eventually. Your daughter could at least fill in some details we didn't know. Something grabbed her, and in my mind, it has something to do with Crookback Bog. I just don't know what yet. I'm sure Geralt is in the process of figuring it out."

We sat in silence again, the baron continuing to sip at the bottle. I wandered over to the cabinet and grabbed myself something, though I at least poured liquor into a cup and sipped at it.

"I truly love her, you know," he eventually murmured, "We had our problems. All marriages do. But I loved her. I thought Dea…"

"Dea?"

"My second daughter. I thought she might have helped save our marriage. For a brief window, her being with child brought us closer together. I won't say we were happy but… there was peace."

"I'm surprised she was pregnant. I'll be honest, I'm assuming you are both… middle aged."

He gave me a look and then a brief smirk appeared. "Life in the old dog yet, Ragnar. And Anna… I don't believe in miracles, but when she told me, it was perhaps the first time she'd ever seen me cry. I had such hope, Ragnar, such hope for the future. But the drink… I just can't…"

"You're an addict." He nodded sadly. "You're not the first soldier, won't be the last. Seen plenty of it myself over the years." I finished my cup and stood up. "You should get some sleep, Phillip. Sitting here drinking all night won't solve your problems." I walked around the desk and held out my hand. He looked at it and the bottle before he sighed and handed over the bottle. "Got anything in your room?"

"No," he replied quietly.

"Sure?"

He glanced at me but finally relented and nodded. "I usually pass out in here then just stagger to bed if I actually wake up."

I stepped back and gestured with my head. "Come on, I'll make sure you're actually in your bedroom first."

"No need to treat me…" he trailed off and realised I was actually just trying to do a decent thing. Did he deserve it? Not really. I didn't think he was completely evil. Rarely are events black and white, merely different shades of grey. He had treated his wife and child like shit but he had clearly led a chaotic life, seen the worst of humanity, and it had merely rubbed off on him in an awful way.

Heading to the room I had for the evening, the same room Ciri had used during her stay, I enjoyed a peaceful night's rest. Breaking bread with the baron's men the next morning, some were nursing a sore head as usual, none seemingly aware of my ride to and from Oxenfurt, and I think even if they were, I honestly don't think they really cared.

Returning to the bedroom, I pulled out my xenovox and hoped it worked. "Geralt?"

He replied quicker than I expected. "Morning, Ragnar. Are you well?"

"As can be expected. Update on Tamara. I found her in Oxenfurt. She's safe and sound. Now with people from the Eternal Fire. Won't be returning home."

"No surprise there, at least regarding returning home. How did the baron take it?"

"How you'd expect. Full of sorrow and self-pity. You need my help there or…?"

"Honestly, yes. I'll explain more when you get here, but… I've got a bad feeling, Ragnar. And when I've got a bad feeling, we both know it's actually worse than it seems."

"I'll prepare and be on the road in half an hour. Are there signs for Crookback Bog on the way?"

"Yes. Head towards Lindenvale. The road from there will take you to the start of the Trail of Treats. Follow that and you'll end up where I'm based for the moment. It's been… interesting…"

I didn't have much to pack, simply making sure I had a little food before I headed outside, grabbed my horse, and once I was pointed in the right direction on the main road heading east, I quickly had my horse in a canter, aware it was going to be a long ride, and I'd probably end up camping. In the end, I decided on stopping in Lindenvale, once I'd asked what was between there and Crookback Bog, being warned there was only one other village closer but it didn't have a tavern.

Heading into the forest early next morning, I made sure I had my wits about me. With Geralt likely having already passed through, I would assume any monsters near the road would have already been dealt with, but there were still the animals that could even cause me a spot of bother. Arriving at the crest of a hill by lunchtime, I was afforded a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

Finding the Trail of Treats wasn't particularly difficult. There was a wooden statue I couldn't identify, but the trees had biscuits and sweets attached to them, so I could see why those struggling for food would end up following the trail. It felt like I was following a path that led into the heart of the swamp, eventually arriving in a clearing where there were a few buildings, a whole lot of children running about, and Geralt sitting on a log, leaning back against the wall of one building. He noticed me and waved me over.

Shaking hands, I took a seat next to him. "Who are they?"

"War orphans mostly. Not sure how long I've sat here watching them." Despite his demeanour at times, I knew Geralt adored children. He showed more patience with them than anyone. Always kind and gentle. Compared to how he would treat certain other people, it was rather amusing at times. We sat side by side, watching them play some sort of game before he finally asked, "So Tamara is safe?"

"Aye, safe and sound. Made new friends with the Church of Eternal Fire. Seems happy enough."

"What does she intend to do?"

"Search for her mother."

"Hmmm."

"Something going on here?"

Geralt explained what he'd done so far. After arriving her, he'd discovered the children and a woman they called 'Gran'. He realised straight away that Gran was what they called a sandwich short of a picnic. But he also recognised she must have suffered tremendous trauma, but she cared for the children, and that was what mattered. There was the adventure of trying to find Johnny, a young boy who turned out to be a godling. Never met one myself, but Geralt spoke of him warmly, particularly the small adventure of trying to find his voice. He explained what that meant and it all eventually led to him talking to the 'Ladies of the Wood', otherwise known as the Crones.

"Tomorrow, we head to somewhere called Downwarren. I know it's some sort of trick or trap but it's the only way I can learn about Ciri." He glanced at me. "How was Oxenfurt?"

"Fine."

"Meet anyone while I was there?" I definitely looked at him with wide eyes. "Heightened senses, Ragnar. I can smell her on you."

"For fuck…" He chuckled at my expense. "I honestly didn't expect to run into her."

"I know that but you obviously enjoyed time with her. Is she well?"

"Aye. Conscripted into the Redanian Army. Now a fully-fledged doctor too. She passes on her good wishes as always."

"You know, I should be a little pissed off you're getting more action than I am. Tomira, then Keira, now Shani. Who next, Ragnar?"

"Triss, hopefully. You could always sail to Skellige."

"I could, but that means leaving the job here half done. Once we're in Novigrad, I'll find time to enjoy myself. I'll hopefully complete a few contracts and earn some coin at the same time."

I think our presence was barely tolerated by Gran at best. I was introduced to her, but apart from exchanging a terse pleasantry, from her side at least, she practically ignored us, all her attention focused on the children. Geralt and I kept to ourselves, thankful that I'd brought a tent at least so, if the weather did turn, I would stay somewhat dry.

Thankfully, it remained dry, and we set out the next morning for Downwarren. It was only a short ride back up the hill, a small village of barely a half dozen homesteads. Geralt must have had a description of the ealdorman we had to meet, and though he wasn't expecting us, as soon as Geralt showed him a ceremonial dagger, he was immediately cooperative, and explained what was required of us.

We were told about an area nearby named the Whispering Hillock. There was a mention of an evil power or spirit. Peasants haunted by nightmares. Various other omens that scared the peasants and suggested darker forces were at play. It was clear the ealdorman both feared but respected the Crones, and it seemed that, in their own way, they did help and protect those living near or within the woods.

I still didn't completely understand the world I lived in, even after around ten years or more, but I knew anywhere that was infested with the bones of the dead could be haunted. And it sounded like this evil power was feeding on the souls of the dead. Could be wrong, but if what I'd been told about the Crones already, they certainly took payment from the living in the form of some sort of sacrifice which gave them their power.

Assuring the ealdorman we'd take care of the problem, Geralt and I mounted off and headed in the vague direction of the Whispering Hillock. We remained rather quiet as we rode along. I was left with the sense we were being watched by the woods, whether it be the trees around us, the birds in the sky, or the animals scurrying along the ground. Woods such as these were alive, had their own energy, their own life cycle. Been through more than one forest to sense I was entering almost a foreign land.

"What do you think?" I finally asked.

"If there is another spirit that inhabits these woods, no wonder the Crones hate it. So I do wonder who or what this spirit is and what it will have to offer."

"But it sounds… evil… I mean, I know the Crones are not exactly the friendliest of spirits from what you told me, but the peasants seemed genuinely afraid of whatever this spirit is."

"Most peasants are idiots, Ragnar. I'm sure you've realised that. Superstitious fools."

I couldn't help chuckle. "Come on, Geralt. After all the things you've seen and done, do you blame them?"

He gave that a moment of thought. "Hmmm. Guess I'm being a little harsh. But you know enough to know I won't make a judgement yet, regarding either the Crones or whatever this spirit is."

Approaching the hill upon which an enormous oak tree rested, we dismounted as the path narrowed considerably. We were immediately upon by a pack of wolves, which suggested the spirit sensed our presence and meant to defend itself. The wolves were easy to take care, flames generally scaring them off, but if needed, we'd cut them down.

We found more than one corpse, a couple were rather 'fresh', while others had obviously lain there for longer as they had started to decompose. Then we ran into a werewolf. Geralt immediately had his silver word unsheathed. Werewolves were practically the same as those back on my world, so as long as we didn't let it gain an upper hand, we would be safe. I kept it distracted with flame, almost taunting it at times. Trick worked, of course, as the werewolf only had eyes for me, leaving Geralt free to stick his sword through its spine, before putting it out of its misery with a strike through the heart.

Then it was time to deal with the ancient power, whatever it was. And it turned out to be… something beneath the ancient oak. Hard to explain, to be honest, but if it looked like anything, it was a giant heart. What surprised us both is that the voices we had heard approaching the cave was of the spirit. It suggested to us that it had been imprisoned against its will. That it could help up against the witches of Crookbag Bog. That it could save the children under the care of Gran. It practically insinuated that the witches would eat the children.

Geralt told the spirit that we needed to think about it. The spirit didn't particularly like that, but as we had listened, and been generally cooperative, it couldn't try and attack us, otherwise it would remain stuck where it was. Roots that had originally blocked out way had now disappeared, the pair of us heading outside.

"What do you think?" I asked.

"Didn't believe a word of it." He paused and made a sound. "Okay, I think whatever the spirit is would keep its word about the children. Definitely trying to appeal to our better nature."

"Want me to head back and keep an eye on them?"

"No. They are powerful witches, Ragnar. I know you have your gift and everything but I only know of these witches by reputation, and it's obvious how powerful they are. I think we've barely seen a taste of what they're capable of."

"So is this spirit benign or something else?"

"Well, it's clearly got ulterior motives. If we release it, I simply don't know what it's truly capable of. These witches are a known quantity, at least. Are they completely evil? They seem to care for those living in the woods, in their own way. It's one of these times when there really isn't a right answer, Ragnar. Nothing is ever black or white. It's always shades of grey." He sighed, running a hand through his white hair, before unsheathing his sword. "I've made my decision. Come on, let's just get this over and done with."