The Old Fortress

"Well, if that isn't a sight for sore eyes," I stated as we stopped at the crest of a rise.

"How many years has it been for you?"

"Shit, I don't know. So much has happened, I honestly lose track of days, let alone months and years."

From a distance, Kaer Morhen still looked impressive. But when you rode closer, you could see the centuries of decay now really taking hold. It still looked structurally sound, certainly not on the verge of collapse, but with so few witchers now returning to reside, it simply wasn't possible to keep it entirely in good condition. Long as the walls remained, it would make a defensible base.

The portcullis was opened as we approached, riding in and through into the first courtyard. Vesemir walked down to join us as we dismounted, stretching out as it had been an entire week in the saddle from dawn to dusk. All I wanted was a hot bath, preferably with some female company. I shook his hand first, Geralt doing the same, before Uma made his presence known.

Crouching down on a knee, Vesemir was immediately curious. "Hm, what do we have here? Multiple deformities. Eyes, ears, nostrils. A harelip. And is this...?" Reaching out to touch him, Uma freaked out. He seemed to like Geralt and tolerated me. Didn't seem to like many others though. Vesemir backed off. "Now, now. Calm down... Yennefer was right on one count... Thing sure isn't pretty."

"She's here?"

"And how," Vesemir muttered, slowly getting back to his feet.

Geralt sighed. "You two already argued?"

"Geralt... I understand she's a… well, how do I put this? An emancipated, strong-willed woman... But do manners count for nothing? She teleports in, not even a 'nice to see you.' Jumps right into, 'We've a curse to lift. There's this to do, and that, so Eskel and Lambert, get going.' Then she went to the guest room, to rearrange things."

"Almost hesitate to ask what she's up to," I muttered.

"So where is everyone?" Geralt wondered.

"Eskel's hunting forktails. Gotta nip that infestation in the bud, and since Yennefer needs to distil some ingredients from their organs... Well, like they say, two birds, one stone. Lambert's still in the keep, preparing to venture into the mountains to enrich the phylactery with elemental power."

"Triss and Jutta here?" I asked.

Vesemir smiled. "They are. Triss has made herself at home in your old room. Jutta… what a delightful young woman. Won't stop talking about you, by the way. 'Ragnar this, Ragnar that.' I wonder how you do it sometimes."

"Triss is easy to explain. Jutta… was through prayer."

"She's told me all about it, Ragnar. It's fine. Now, I'm thinking you both need to head inside, perhaps rest at least for this evening, then we get started on whatever Yennefer has planned tomorrow morning."

"She hasn't told you?"

"Not a word. Well, that's not quite true. She said we're assisting her in lifting a curse. But as for the finer details, not a word. I was hoping you might be able to fill us in." Geralt shook his head. I had to choke back a laugh. Vesemir pulled a face. "I hoped, but also figured as much. Guess we'll find out when she deems it necessary to inform us."

The four of us walked into the fortress, the wooden beams still in place even after all these years. I knew Vesemir had once had grand plans about a total reconstruction, or at least returning the building to its former glory, but all of us knew, and I think even Vesemir at heart knew, it was never realistically going to happen.

Geralt headed towards his tower where Yennefer would be waiting for him, gods only knew what she was doing, while Vesemir stated Triss and Jutta were up the other tower. I couldn't help look at him in surprise. "I'd rather not climb all those stairs anyway," he muttered, "And you're going to need space. Don't worry, once they arrived, we made sure everything was in order in preparation for your arrival. Can't have you just sleeping on the floor."

"Thanks, Vesemir. Means a lot."

"I've always adored Triss, Ragnar. All of us have a real soft spot for her. Well, most of us…"

"And Yen?"

He grumbled. "When she's not in a mood, she's delightful company. And I know you're teasing. Now go on, I'll start getting dinner ready shortly. One thing you won't be short of here is meat."

Walking up the stairs of the tower, I could certainly understand why the old man didn't want to traipse up and down them each day. It was a large living space, with an oak bed to one side, a large tub that must have been something new, as I doubted Vesemir needed something like that, a fireplace in the middle to provide light and warmth. Dumping my pack and weapon near the bed, I walked towards the balcony, noticing Triss and Jutta in a chair each, taking in the spectacular view.

Leaning down, I gave Triss a kiss on the cheek. "I love you," I whispered. She turned, an enormous grin before she stood up and practically jumped onto me, wrapping her arms and legs around me. No chance of doing anything except kiss her for the next couple of minutes.

"Missed you so much, Ragnar," she whispered, "And I love you too."

Placing her gently back on the ground, Jutta was waiting nearby. Holding out a hand, she took it and I stepped towards her. The smile on her face suggested a real depth of feeling already, leaning down to kiss her as well. When we finally broke apart, I caressed her cheek as she gazed into my eyes. "Wow," Triss whispered, "She really fucking loves you, Ragnar. Those eyes…"

Jutta just giggled as she rested her head against my chest, and I pulled Triss into me so I could hug her too. "Awkward?" I asked.

"Never," Triss replied straight away, "Ragnar, I know you're going to have a harem by the time you're done."

"And many children?" Jutta wondered

"There's no doubt Freya will provide for you." I could only gaze at Triss in wonder. "We've obviously been talking as we waited for your arrival, Ragnar. You're making sure she's with child as soon as possible."

"What, you mean like even now?" I wondered.

"You haven't spoken to Yen yet?"

"No."

"Good. That means we get our hands on your first then."

They both leaned back, meeting their eyes. "You have plans for me?"

"It's been a week, Ragnar. And before you ask, no, Jutta and I have not had sex. We've talked about it, and while she might have some fun during a threesome, she has no interest in being with a woman without you present."

"So we're having a threesome tonight?"

"Yes." I couldn't help the instant grin that formed. "Tonight though? After dinner?"

"Let us just sit outside on the balcony for now. Can you drag the lounge out so we can at least cuddle?" I glanced at Jutta, who had remained mostly quiet. All she did was hug me tightly again. "Okay, I'll head downstairs and grab a couple of things, give you two a moment."

"Thanks, Triss," Jutta whispered.

Once Triss disappeared down the stairs, I lifted her face with a finger to meet my eyes. Jutta simply gazed into my eyes and smiled. So I just kissed her again. Somehow, we ended up sat on the edge of the bed, Jutta straddling my lap. I laid down on my back, taking her with me, running my hands down to eventually rest on her arse, earning one of those grins I already enjoyed seeing.

"I can feel your cock, Ragnar. Are you hard?" she whispered.

"Incredibly. Been more than a week since I left Skellige. I haven't been this long without sex in… a while."

"Want me to get off you?"

"Definitely not."

"Want me to get naked?"

"Part of me think yes, definitely. I'm sure Triss has ideas though."

"Want a blowjob?" I raised my eyebrows. All she did was smile first before giving me a soft kiss, sliding off my lap onto the floor between my legs. Undoing the button of my trousers, lowering the zip, she quickly had my cock out, wasting no time lowering her mouth around my shaft. I could only relax back on the bed and groan. I knew I was going to last five minutes if I was lucky.

Hearing laughter, I glanced to see Triss with a jug of something and a large bowl. Walking over to sit on the edge of the bed, she leaned over to kiss me. "Guess you need a release," she stated.

"And I really wanted to suck his cock," Jutta stated before resuming just that.

"Once she's finished, nothing more until after dinner, Ragnar." Then she looked away from me. "And Jutta, you are to swallow every drop this time." She looked up at Triss and simply nodded, refusing to stop.

I thought she might have disappeared to sit on the balcony, but she happily sat next to us as Jutta blew me. I had to warn her rather quickly I was getting close, Triss leaning over to finally kiss me, moaning into her mouth. She pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. "She's good?" she asked softly.

"Very talented."

"I've trained her, Ragnar. We… er… used vegetables." I would have laughed but for the groan I had to release. "She was ever so desperate to please you once you arrived. She fell in love with you that very first night. Does that surprise you?" I shook my head. She wasn't the first. "While it was the answer to her prayers, she believes in would have happened regardless. You are what she always wanted."

"Oh gods," I groaned, feeling an imminent eruption, "Jutta…"

"Cum in her mouth, Ragnar," Triss breathed, "She's so eager to do it. She wants your cum. Needs it. Desire it more than anything."

I groaned again as I felt myself erupt in her mouth. Jutta squealed and almost started to laugh, though kept her lips clamped around my shaft. Having not even touched myself for a week, it was a tremendous feeling of relief, and little wonder I felt a little sleepy once I was done. I stayed with it enough to feel Jutta's tongue still around my shaft, Triss lying down next to me by now, watching with interest.

"That's enough, Jutta. Have you swallowed it all?"

"Every drop, as you said." Jutta got up onto the bed and laid to my other side, cuddling into me. "Did you enjoy that, Ragnar?"

"I'll return the favour tonight. Ten-fold. On both of you."

Packing myself away, I dragged the lounge onto the balcony, sitting down with Triss to one side, Jutta to the other, arm around them both, simply taking in the view. They asked plenty of questions about what I'd been up to since they had departed for Kaer Morhen. Jutta admitted to being a little frightened about being transported from Skellige to the fortress, but amazed at the same time. Vesemir had been incredibly welcoming, as had Eskel and Lambert. Triss was surprised about Lambert, considering he could have a rather prickly, acerbic personality.

Triss had kept herself occupied with a few minor experiments, and though she offered to help Yennefer, her friend was rather distracted, so Triss eventually just left her to get on with it. They still chatted numerous times throughout the day, but she admitted it was easy to see how concerned Yennefer was about Ciri. As for Jutta, she found herself training with the witchers, admitting to learning more in the few days with them than she had in years with her fellow warriors on Faroe. "I can see where you picked up a few things too," she added.

I dragged the lounge back inside once it started to grow dark, the three of us walking downstairs to find everyone else already at the large table. The expected jokes in my direction arrived as soon as my arse met wood, Eskel and Lambert proving to be a real double act. Geralt would have made it three, but he was busy talking with Vesemir and Yennefer about Uma. Still no real detail from Yennefer about what she planned. Vesemir was clearly unhappy with being left in the dark but there wasn't much he could do about it.

"Ragnar, can you go with Lambert tomorrow?" Yennefer finally asked, "Geralt will be assisting Eskel."

"What are we doing?"

"Phylactery. Circle of Elements. You know, the sort of shit you know nothing about," Lambert replied. I just glared at him, causing him to nothing but chuckle. "Can you brew a potion or put an oil together yet?"

"Nope. That's why I hang around him most of the time," I retorted, thumbing at Geralt.

"Ragnar, before you head upstairs tonight, I'm going to get in contact with someone you know. Triss, I'd invite you but…"

"It's fine, Yen. And considering his record, a friendly face might help with whatever it is you plan."

"Just a conversation, Triss. Hopefully a short but fruitful one."

I'll give Vesemir credit. He was no gourmet chef, but when it came to preparing simple but hearty food, the man was a god. The meat was ever so succulent, and he put these herbs on the potatoes and vegetables that had all of us eating in near silence, enough that it made the old man chuckle to himself. "First moment of peace since you all got here," he murmured to himself, "Still, nice the old fortress has some life to it again."

We finished the meal by sharing a tankard each, with promises made that we'd certainly enjoy a proper drinking session together once we had everything prepared. Triss and Jutta headed to our room as I followed Yennefer and Geralt to theirs. I could see signs that Yennefer had already tried to give the place a homelier feel, though we all knew it was likely we wouldn't be staying too long.

"Ready?" Yennefer asked, "I'm trying to make contact with Ida."

My face simply lit up in a grin. "The Ida?" Geralt asked, "The elven sage?" Then he looked at me. "You didn't?" I couldn't help nod. "Seriously?"

"Geralt…" Yennefer started to say, "Even I'm aware of what transpired from time to time. When did you last see her, Ragnar?"

I sighed. "Too long ago," I replied softly, "That goes for most of them."

"You still carry real affection for them, don't you? Despite everything?"

"I do. Nothing will really change that."

I'm not sure how a megascope started. It was something magical. I'd never actually asked as I figured I wouldn't understand anyway. But after a few seconds, the megascope connect with Ida Emean aep Sivney. The only disappointment I felt is that she appeared in monochrome, not in colour, so I couldn't see the colour of her eyes or hair.

"Cáed'mil, Yennefer aep Vengerberg. Gwynbleidd," she stated formally, before her eyes moved to me. The smile that lit up her face even made Yennefer chuckle. "Ragnar," she said softly.

I bowed slightly towards her. "Caed'mil, elaine," I replied.

"You remember?"

"Hard to forget. Always figured remembering a few short words would mean something to yourself and Enid."

"It does." Then she looked away, formal again. "Why have you summoned me, Yennefer?"

"We've come up against a curse, one we must lift. It was uttered in a dialect of Elder Speech unfamiliar to me."

"The words of this curse?"

"Va fail, elaine, ceád'mil folie! Gleaddyv dorne aep t'enaid, bunn'droh ithne i'yachus."

We all knew her well enough to read her reaction. Geralt pressed her immediately, something bound to rile both Ida and Yennefer, but she was able to provide Yennefer with a possible chance at removing the curse, though even Ida was not completely confident it would work. Thanking her for the help, Yennefer was going to just cut the connection when Ida suggested she wasn't going to help her without something in return. Her words were for Geralt. No idea what they meant, but I had a feeling it might have related to Ciri somehow. Whenever they mentioned 'Elder Blood', Ciri was the topic.

She looked back at me a final time. "Be safe, Ragnar."

"You too, Ida. Maybe we'll see each other again one day?"

"God, do you ever stop?" Yennefer scoffed.

"Va fáill, Dragonborn." And, with a final curt bow, she cut the connection.

"Need me for anything else?" I asked.

"No. Thank you, Ragnar. I think your presence possibly made that easier than it might have been otherwise. Mages will usually help each other without a problem, but after what happened with the Lodge…" She paused before asking, "You slept with her?"

"Aye."

"Okay."

She paused and I could see something was on her mind. "Yes, all of them, Yennefer," I stated to the unasked question definitely on her mind.

Geralt chuckled to himself. He knew, of course. "Even Philippa?" she wondered.

"Aye."

"I've obviously heard the rumours. Was fairly sure something was going on the few times I attended myself. But… all of them?" she asked, a little exasperated.

"Has Triss not let slip?"

"Maybe once or twice, but I genuinely didn't think all the rumours were true."

"Yen, seriously, Triss and I were at Montecalvo every couple of months. Sometimes all of us were there, sometimes only a few of us. They would work, I would keep myself occupied. And there was more than one way I could that most of the time."

"I'm amazed they all tolerated it as well."

"I have a feeling they all came to some sort of mutual understanding and agreement." I shrugged. "I did think it would eventually blow up in my face. It did, just not in the way I imagined." Clearing my throat, I thumbed back to the stairs. "I'm going to go. See you both in the morning."

I told Triss about my conversation as soon as I sat down with her alongside Jutta on the lounge in our own room. She thought it was rather amusing as she wasn't surprised she was friendly with me but far more business-like with Yennefer. "There's obvious respect, but the memories about her relationship with the Lodge does linger with most members."

Conversation ceased rather quickly, replaced with kissing Triss then Jutta as clothing was slowly removed before I escorted both of them to the bed. With Jutta on her back, I quickly had her as naked as I already was, and seeing how excited she already was, wasting no time lowering my mouth to between her legs. As I focused on her pussy, Triss gave her breasts some attention, and when I saw them share their first kiss, at least that I had seen, Jutta definitely blushed. "Well," she gasped, as she enjoyed something I just did at the same time, "That was rather nice. Different to kissing him anyway."

Doubling down on what I was doing made her moan loudly, Triss focusing on her breasts, I slowed down a couple of times, earning slightly moans but also giggles of frustration, as I could sense she was very eager to orgasm. But I revelled in her taste, and it was obvious she'd trimmed herself a little more than the last time we'd been together. I'd told her I loved fur, trimmed, bald, whatever. It didn't matter to me.

When she did finally orgasm, crying out loudly, almost thankful we were high in our tower, I gently pushed Triss onto her back and immediately moved to between her legs. "Someone is eager," she whispered as I pushed her legs back, watching as she wrapped her hands under her knees, "Very eager. Want my pussy, Ragnar?"

I looked up, met her eyes, and licked my lips. Her eyes simply lit up as I lowered my mouth. Jutta turned onto her side and just watched me eat her out, amused at the reactions of Triss, how her body moved, the noises she made, the rather rude suggestions made from time to time about what she wanted me to do to her afterwards. Nothing shocked Jutta, at least. In fact, she mentioned that she wouldn't mind trying half of them, much to the amusement of Triss.

Once I had my fingers inside her, I'm not being arrogant when I say her orgasm was guaranteed, as I knew exactly how to get her off. Triss was long past shy by now, almost begging me to make her cum. Just like Jutta, I teased her a couple of times though eventually relented, making her cry out just like Jutta had done.

"Wow," Jutta whispered, "That was… beautiful. Did I look like that?"

"You did," Triss whispered, "Just as beautiful too."

I sat back on my knees, looking at my two lovers. Triss was still catching her breath, Jutta turning to lie on her back, looking me up and down with a look in her eyes that told me exactly what she wanted. She gasped when I slid inside her, the smile lighting up her face. Triss flipped onto her side to watch. This wasn't going to really be a threesome as we normally had them, but at moments like this, she'd always enjoyed watching me fuck someone else.

As I gently thrust into her, as I wanted it to last as long as possible, Triss shuffled closer, whispering into her ear. "Do you love his big cock, Jutta?"

"So much. That first time sealed it, Triss," she breathed.

"How does it feel?"

"Like his cock was made for me."

Triss kissed her cheek. "That's how I feel all the time as well." Then she looked at me. "Take your time, Ragnar. I think she deserves you for quite a while, considering it's been over a week."

I leaned down to kiss her, feeling her legs move, my cock a little deeper inside her, making her gasp again, fingers pressing into my back. "Yes," she breathed, "Just like that."

"Let me know when you want it a little faster."

"This is perfect, Ragnar."

I lasted longer than I expected. Jutta didn't want to change position until later, when she wanted to ride me to an orgasm. When she did, her face lit up even brighter, as I still think it caught her by surprise. Only when she relaxed on me did she ask me to go a little faster, wanting to feel me cum. By then, I was definitely ready, doing exactly that all of two minutes later, groaning loudly, much to the amusement of Triss.

"Well, that's the sound of a man who just enjoyed one hell of an orgasm," she murmured. Jutta made sure I remained inside her, relaxing on my chest, as I stroked her back. "She looks so content, Ragnar."

"I'm sure you look the same afterwards, Triss," Jutta retorted kindly.

"Of that, I have no doubt."

After a final kiss, Jutta lifted herself off me, surprised that the first thing Triss did was lean over and take my cock in her mouth. She looked at Jutta while blowing me, getting me completely hard again before she stopped. "Might be the only way I get to taste your pussy," she said with humour. Jutta looked at me and burst into giggles.

"You'll get used to her," I suggested, "She's comfortable. I'm comfortable."

"I like it," Jutta said, "So many people are uptight about sex. You both know what you love and just go with it."

"Up you get, Ragnar," Triss stated, as she got on her knees and leaned forward to rest her head on the pillow. First thing I did was give one of her cheeks a good slap. When she moaned, that made Jutta look at me a little wide-eyed. When I gave her other one a good slap, earning another moan, Jutta couldn't help giggle to herself.

"Fuck me," she begged. I slowly slid my cock inside her, making her gasp then moan as I buried myself. Leaning forward, soft kisses up her back and onto her neck, I leaned close to her ear.

"You're showing off," I whispered.

"A little bit. But if I was really showing off, I'd want you in my arse."

Grabbing a handful of hair, I gently pulled her hair back, let her get comfortable… then I fucked her. I had her crying out within a minute or so, begging me to fuck her harder and harder. Jutta watched us in amazement, though when her hand moved to between her legs, starting to fondle herself, she met my eyes and certainly blushed.

As for Triss, I eventually let her hair go as she lowered her head back to the pillow, noticing shoulder started to move. "Are you fondling yourself, Miss Merigold?"

"Need to cum," she moaned, "Difficult for me in this position, but I don't want to move." Then she looked back. "Crouch over me. Really rut me like you sometimes do."

"Now you are showing off," I retorted with humour, but I did as she asked. I let her get comfortable, leaving another soft kiss on her cheek. "I love you," I whispered.

"I love you. Now fuck me again."

She lasted five minutes before she had to ask me to stop as her orgasm hit her hard. And it wore her out, to my amusement, asking me to pull out so she could turn onto her back, where she then wanted something far gentler, making love until I finished again. We could have kept going, but we were all happy, and then Triss mentioned having a bath to end the night.

Ten minutes later, we were sat together in the large tub, having opened a bottle of wine, Triss to my right, Jutta to my left, both leaning into me as we talked about nothing of importance. It didn't take long until I was feeling rather sleepy myself, so after washing each other down, thankfully not doing anything to turn each other on, we dried off and headed to bed. Triss wanted to be little spoon, Jutta not minding as she simply lay facing me on the other side, snuggling into Triss who held her in return.

"This is nice," Triss whispered, "You get this position tomorrow night, Jutta. Things will get awkward when there are more of us."

"How many… you know what, never mind." They both giggled at me. "I'll appreciate whatever happens."

Walking downstairs for breakfast the next morning was amusing. I no doubt had my smug 'I slept with two women last night' face on, as Geralt took one look at me and sighed, probably thankful he'd be spending the day with Eskel. Lambert just laughed. "Having fucking changed a bit, have you?"

"Nope," I replied, taking a seat across from him, Triss and Jutta sitting either side.

"I'm wondering how you tolerate him, Merigold."

"He has a big cock and always makes me orgasm. And I'm talking earth shattering orgasms, Lambert. The sort that make me see stars and the wonders of the universe as I ride that crest of the wave, and all I want to do is experience that again immediately."

"God yes," Jutta whispered next to me, "It's exactly like that."

Lambert was stunned into unusual silence, just blinking a few times. I'd got used to his disdain for Triss, never really understanding his reason, while Triss just took it in her stride nowadays, far too happy to let whatever his problem was get to her. Geralt shook his head while even Yennefer had to giggle. I cleared my throat. "What are we doing today, Lambert?"

"Ummm…" He eventually clicked his fingers. "That's it. We're to fortify the phylactery with Power from the Circle of the Elements."

"Doing so is essential, Ragnar," Yennefer added, "I know it's not exactly your forte…"

"Not particularly but I'll help how I can."

"We'll go once we've finished breakfast," Lambert stated, "Can't go through the mountains as a rock slide has blocked the road." That made me widen my eyes. "That's right, big boy. You're taking the Trial path."

I shrugged. "Should be fine. You managed to survive it."

"Fucking smartarse," he grumbled.

Walking out into fresh air an hour later, it was probably the first time Lambert and I had ever done anything like this alone. I knew him, of course, but certainly not as well as Eskel, Geralt or Vesemir. No idea how old he was, but certainly far older than I was. Geralt was definitely over a hundred years old, as was Eskel, knowing they had gone through their trials together. I think Lambert was younger as he was the last to go through the trials and training before it stopped.

He was chattier than Geralt, at least, but it was obvious he had a real chip on his shoulder about a lot of things. He didn't really ask what Geralt and I had been up to recently, as I don't think he really cared. I didn't ask too much in return as I wasn't sure if I'd get a serious response or not. So we talked about nothing in particular as we made our way to the lake, finding myself doing more of the talking, generally focusing on the war.

"Lucky to make it out alive?" he asked.

"In a way, yes."

"And not used that gift of yours?"

I gave it a moment of thought. "Between you and me, Lambert, I'm here because of a mistake. I should be home on Skyrim. I'm still not sure if I'm still on Nirn or not." Lambert looked at me and shrugged. "So while I'm here making a life for myself, I'm wondering how much should I contribute and change. You've seen the power I have. It's tempting to use it often, but I choose to live my life by the Way of the Voice. Keep the power within. Respect the power at my fingertips. But, when necessary, use it and hold nothing back."

"Those Greybeards of yours sound like duplicates of Vesemir."

"Possibly, though the Greybeards are positively ancient. Can't explain that one."

Arriving at the shore of the lake, there was no sign of the boat, circling around a few minutes, finding it stuck in some reeds, the line holding it in place having snapped. Lambert mentioned a storm had hit a few days previously, so that probably caused it. Climbing aboard, I let him take control with the tiller as I sat at the front. Within a couple of minutes, I heard him grumbling again, like had most of the walk. So I asked, "What's up?"

He glared at me. "Geralt's explained some of the Trials, yeah?" I nodded. He scoffed, shaking his head. "Trial of the fucking Medallion. Still gives me shivers even after all these years. You know only two boys returned from my group?"

"I'm aware there are usually losses."

"We're kids, Ragnar. And we're sent into a cavern in which a fucking giant resides. Old Speartip, they call him. Our group ran into him."

"Most of them died there?"

"We were fucking helpless, Ragnar. Kids with training are nothing compared to a ten-foot giant who could squash us while barely breaking a sweat. What the fuck was that Trial for anyway? Most who returned from the Circle of Elements died within a year in some swamp, hunting drowners for a crown thirty a head. So exactly what was the point?" I shrugged, feeling a little helpless. "Vesemir can't answer. It's just what is done. What is expected. There was a training regime and that was part of it."

He trailed off and I stopped talking. Figured he was getting pissed off and didn't really need him distracted. Once we docked on other side, we disembarked and headed towards the cave. Having never been through the cave, I let Lambert take the lead, amused more than once when he had to help me up ledges I couldn't quite climb. "Lumbering fucking oaf," he muttered the second time.

Old Speartip was fast asleep in a large chamber. I didn't particularly feel like fighting him. Lambert put his hand to the hilt of his sword and looked ready to just start stabbing. Glancing my way, I just looked at him. If he wanted to fight, so be it. Moving my hand to my sword, he eventually sighed, shook his head, and gestured for us to just leave.

Exiting the cave a few minutes later, we followed the path, Lambert the first to notice our progress being observed by a troll, which quickly scampered off. Sharing a glance, we kept our weapons sheathed, though where there was one troll, there were usually at least a couple more. We found that to be true a couple of minutes later, as a pair of trolls on a ridgeline above us grabbed our attention.

Geralt always had patience with trolls. Being capable of speech, they possessed at least a modicum of intelligence, and were not inherently violent. They seemed to be a 'live and let live' creature. Personally, I didn't even consider them monsters, though I knew they could do monstrous things. But, then again, some could man, elf and dwarf. Led to the question 'what makes a monster?'

Lambert, of course, didn't see it that way, pissed them off, and nearly had his head taken off by a large boulder. With other rocks stating to rain down on us, we sprinted for the nearby cave. Needing to climb up again a couple of times, it was only a few minutes until we reached the exit, and we should have known the trolls would be there waiting for us. Thankfully, they were rather docile, and as we were unarmed, they simply held up a hand.

"We rocks throws. Yous go no farmore. Witcherses understanded?!"

"We understand," I replied, as I gestured behind them, "But we need to get to the Circle of Elements."

"Trolls come no to witchersy castle."

"Rocks lots there. Pretty rocks."

Lambert sighed. I gave him a sideways glance. "We can do this without violence," I murmured, "Look, we're not here to hurt you. We don't want to touch your rocks. We would just like you to let us pass so we can get where we need."

"Troll rock throw... Witcherses strike no back. Just talkie-talkie. Witcher...good?"

Guess I could have explained I wasn't a witcher, but I wasn't sure how to explain being Dragonborn to a troll. "We do go this. Yous sharp backclubs leave here, yous pass. No agrees, we smash."

I took my sheathed sword from my hip, laying it on the ground before them. "That's a fair deal, leaves you feeling safe. We leave them here for now, we'll collect them when we go back to the witchersy castle."

"Are you serious?" Lambert hissed.

"I'm not fighting them, Lambert. They're harmless."

He muttered a few things under his breath but I was pleased to see he laid his swords down next to mine. The trolls stepped aside and allowed us past. The rest of the journey took place in silence and without incident. I'd obviously never been up there, and as we arrived at the altar, I had to admit that the view was spectacular.

Lambert prepared everything for the ceremony, standing aside, pretty much wondering why I'd been told to go along. Perhaps it was just to prevent Lambert doing something stupid. Once he stated it was almost ready, we took a seat and I looked at him. "Going to ask a blunt question, Lambert. Do you really hate being a witcher that bady?"

"What gives it away?" he asked sarcastically.

"The others all went through the same thing. I'm aware they say it strips you of emotion. Having spent time with you, I think that's proven to be a lie. And Geralt isn't without emotion either."

"I don't like the fact I had no fucking choice, Ragnar. I didn't choose this life, it chose me."

"So you don't believe in all that destiny stuff then?"

He scoffed. "Destiny? Let me tell you about destiny." He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and the look in his eyes… "My dad was a drunk. He'd knock a few back, then beat me and Mum bloody. We prayed for his death, every night. One day our prayers were almost answered. Dad lost his way coming home from the tavern, walked smack into a nest of nekkers... But some witcher saved him. Know what he wanted in return? "Give me the first thing you see when you get home." My life... For the life of that prick? I say fuck that kinda destiny."

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah, I'm not the only one, Ragnar. I'm just the only one to make it this fucking far." He looked away a moment before glancing back. "When my training was over, I returned home."

He didn't have to add anything more. He had done what was necessary. "Your mother, know what happened to her?"

"She's been dead a very long time now. I visit her grave whenever I'm in the area."

"I'm sorry."

"Second time you've said that, Ragnar. Not your fault. At least you're trying to understand."

"And Triss? What's your problem with her? Just lay it out there, Lambert."

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"You're attracted to her?" He looked my way and he didn't have to say anything. "I'll drop it. Just… go easy on her."

"Since everyone knows I'm a bitter prick, can't go treating her any different, can I?"

"I'm used to you. I've certainly spent time with bigger arseholes in my life."

He looked at me and laughed. First genuine laugh I'd heard from him in a long time. "You're alright, Ragnar. Let's get the fuck out of here."

It was dark by the time we arrived back at Kaer Morhen. The trolls had kept our swords safe, happily handing them back and, in troll speak, telling us to piss off. Having to sneak back through the cave wasn't particularly enjoyable, but Lambert was in no mood to fight Old Speartip either. Walking through the main doors, Yennefer, Triss and Jutta were at one of the tables, chatting away, Vesemir was occupied with Uma, endlessly curious about the creature, while Geralt and Eskel were busy brewing potions.

Within five minutes, there was the start of what could have been an almighty argument. Vesemir was a surprisingly patient man, but even he had his limits, and Yennefer had pushed him to it. Before she could start ordering us all around again, Vesemir put his foot down. Thankfully, Yennefer knew when to back off, though when she didn't confess to what she had planned, even I was left wondering what she intended to do.

Everyone was now gathered around Uma, who paid us no attention in return. "Okay, what's the other method, Vesemir?" Geralt asked.

"Derives from folk traditions. I've used it many times, in 1211, to lift the curse that held the Swan of Poviss, for instance. I'll take Uma into the mountains."

"What then? Will you howl at the moon together?" Yennefer mocked.

"Yennefer!" I barked. Lambert looked ready to burst, Eskel grabbing his fellow witcher by the shoulder and leading him away, "Bit of respect, please. If it works, great. If it doesn't, then we're going to do it your way anyway."

She glared at me and all I did was glare back. I wasn't going to stand there and tolerate that sort of disrespect towards someone I respected greatly.

"No, we will not howl at the moon," Vesemir added, keeping his tone as friendly as he could, "I'll lay him down on a grave stone. Come midnight, I'll give him a tea made of hemlock harvested from..." He trailed off and I almost laughed at the smirk. "But I don't see that I need to explain this to you."

"In my opinion…"

Vesemir sighed. "Enough, Yennefer. I know your opinion. But I'm not asking anyone's permission. I'm saying what will happen. I'll be back at dawn. With Uma...or whoever hides inside him."

I offered my hand. "Good luck."

"Thank you, Dragonborn."

Vesemir had obviously prepared for the moment, as all he did was pick up a small pack laying nearby, take Uma by the hand, and he wandered outside. That left the rest of us to our own devices for the evening.