Chapter 44

Heh, I had no idea how famous Hagge was.

When he had passed through it a few days ago not long after crossing the border into Aedirn we stopped by to stock up and in general get a feel of the place before moving on. I was glad that there was no overly paranoid border control to deal with. Unless you had an army at your back and were declaring war or something open borders were the norm.

The border castle and accompanying town loved to brag about not only how the place was used by Demavend, Henselt, Fotlest, Vizimir, and Meve as a meeting place to discuss how to fight Nilfgaard during the second war, but also how a native of theirs, Abelard, was the royal sorcerer to their king. There was a great deal of national pride among the people, and no small amount of distrust and hatred pointed towards me by most people so I put a cloak over my head to hide my features. Unless a Witcher was needed or had business people rarely liked seeing them, as always.

Aedirn in general wasn't really known as a bastion of non-human tolerance either considering Demavend's legendary hatred of elves that had led to a number of pogroms and a large standing reward on the heads of any Scoia'tael members.

Suffice to say, we didn't stay even a day after our business was done. I would feel safer sleeping on the road thank you very much. After Flotsam I was kinda done with racist assholes for a bit.

But other than the people going on about how great Aedirn was or complaining about non-humans I did also hear about news of the war at Vergen.

To almost no one's surprise nearly the second the Nilfgaardians were pushed out of the North and the Peace of Cintra happened Henselt brought an army to Aedrin to "reclaim his birthright" that was Lormark. Technically it was more two opposing armies camping out glaring at each other for months while they skirmished and sent scouts at each other, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike en masse.

It wouldn't last long given what I knew of Henselt's impatience, I'm surprised he lasted this long honestly, and word was that things were tense in Vergen as everyone was waiting any day now for the first major, and last, battle would be had.

Basically, I was walking into a fortress town full of very tense and trigger happy soldiers.

Maybe I will be lucky and everything will be settled by the time I get there?

---

No such luck.

After a few more days of riding along the Pontar River, and closing in on the Velen, we arrived on top of a hill overlooking the Upper Pontar Valley area. It was actually kinda pretty.

We had been riding on roads through fields of wheat and oats, but as we came closer to Vergen we entered a small mountain range that shielded Aedirn's northern border from Kaedwen. While not particularly high, the terrain was very rocky, with conifers breaking up the monotony of the view. Evenings and mornings saw the lower reaches of the passes filled with thick fog, and made for treacherous footing unless one was willing to wait until late morning to traverse the paths.

From our position it was quite easy to make out Vergen itself, the dwarven made town/fortress looking mighty impressive and easy to see how it was carved out of the local rock rather than built upon it, while I needed an eyeglass to see the the black unicorn flags of the Kaedweni on the other side of a small river that broke off from the Pontar and divided the two. I could also make out the sea of tents on both sides in general, flying their respective flags, though they were less around Vergen I took that up as most troops being able to rest in town itself.

Either way all of this was a powderkeg that could blow any day.

"Hmm, do you think the legend about a black unicorn leading Viduka to the unusual rock where he would later found Ard Carraigh is true?" Ivar asked randomly while squinting his eye through the spyglass to focus on the Kaedweni flag.

"All I know about unicorns is that they can travel the multiverse and mages have weird fetishes about having sex on top of stuffed horses made to look like them, which is ironic since they hate people who use magic. They are pretty weird creatures all told." I said idly as I directed Griffin forward down the road towards Vergen's southern gate.

"You also told me how they are intelligent, have a unique culture, and are apparently agents of Destiny itself. I would not mind meeting one. Mayhaps it will come to us one day!" Ivar said in excitement as he followed along.

"Forgive me then if I don't trust a single unicorn we come across in the future." I muttered.

---

Within the hour we were riding up to Vergen proper and up close the place was very impressive looking, as was only proper when coming up to a settlement made by dwarfs I suppose.

First off it was large and sturdy looking considering the fact it was all made out of finely cut stone as a base with everything else just added on to it, such as the Metallurgists' Gate we were riding up to. Like in the game it was a thick double gate design made to hold lots of defenders and so that if the first gate was breached they could pour hot oil in the middle section. I couldn't see much over the walls but that was because lots of the buildings inside were below it, carved from the earth itself.

I also noticed how the vast majority of the army camped outside of Vergen were doing so outside the Northern entrance, the Mahakam Gate, while back here there was only a fraction of them, which made sense I suppose since it was unlikely for town to be attacked from behind.

Ivar, Dogmeat, and I rode past most of them without issue, most of them happy to only stare and point us out to their fellows rather than do much else. While I could see Aedirnian colors and troops around going about their camp duties I noticed how lots of them weren't wearing them and had the look of mercenaries about them, looking like they came from all over. There were a lot of dwarf mercs though for some reason.

It wasn't until we actually reached the first gate that we finally reached resistance in the form of several Aedirnian gate guards.

"Halt! You are approaching the town Vergen during a time of war. State your business." a bearded man said to us while a couple of his fellows tensed a bit at our coming.

"We're just travelers looking to hold up in town for a bit before moving on." I told him.

"Bad time to be traveling in the area considering the Kaedweni are right on our doorstep and everyone is ready to have at it any day now. You don't look like merchants so what brings you here." he asked skeptically.

"To be totally honest we wanted to head into Kaedwen from here, but given the conflict we have no choice but to wait it out until it is safe to travel the roads to it." I explained honestly. Last thing I wanted to try is crossing Pontar through Henselt's claimed part of land.

"And how do I know you are not Kaedweni spies, eh? Come to pass yourself off as travelers to get a good look inside Vergen to report back to Henselt himself? Gods know he has been trying to get past our defenses for months now." the guard questioned, something that was obviously going through his fellows' mind as well judging from how they were eyeing us up.

"I'm no spy. I'm a Witcher. I hold no allegiance to any nation and therefore would be a poor spy since none could trust my motives." I said while pulling back my cloak a bit to reveal my eyes and my medallion.

Heh, I actually got him to curse and step back a bit. Even his comrades muttered a few alongside prayers.

"Vergen's no place for you, freak. Turn your horse around and leave before we make you." the man said with a sneer.

I could only mentally sigh at that. I suppose I shouldn't have expected much different considering how high tensions were and I suppose I would have to result in bribing them if I didn't want us camping out in the wilderness again.

"Wait! Wasn't there word that we needed a Witcher?" one of the other guards suddenly spoke up. His words seemed to quickly pass through the group whose expressions quickly shifted from disgust to resignation.

"Aye. He said so himself, to keep us honest soldiers from dying from filthy monsters while we are needed against the kiddies." another confirmed to several nods.

"Hmmm, seems like it's your lucky day Witcher. I have more respect for the champion of Aedirn than I do hate for you. You'll be allowed entrance to Vergen, but only because you are gonna work for the right to do so. Open the gates! We have two to enter!" the guard called out. Atop the gates I could see a dwarf pull a switch and the heavy gate was quickly winched up despite its size and weight, leading into the gap between.

The guard turned back to me. "Head through the gate, stop in between so the second might open as the first closes behind you and head directly towards the Castle of the Three Fathers. Up the steps to the highest point in town. Ser Seltkirk will want to brief you personally. He's got a couple of contracts for a Witcher to take for monsters that have been causing us some problems since this whole standoff started. You best do so Witcher and be your best behavior lest we have… issues." he unsubtly threatened.

"But of course. We Witchers are known for our professionalism in our commissions." I said back a little sarcastically, something he caught up on based on scowl.

Without another word Ivar and I rode through the gate, which closed not long after we were through and rode through the gap to the second gate.

"Goodness, Ser Seltkirk of Gulet asking for you. There are stories of him being the embodiment of knighthood even in Kovir. It will be quite the honor to meet him." Ivar noted.

"Would feel more honored about it if us staying here weren't contingent on doing work for the man. At least we'll get paid for it. Probably." I said as the second gate before us opened as easily as the first and we were met with more guards.

"Post your horses here. We shall escort you to Ser Seltkirk." one said.

We did so, Griffin dipping his head into the water trough as I tied him to a post and grabbed my gear, hanging my swords to my back in proper Witcher fashion.

"Who's this one supposed to be?" one asked me while gesturing to Ivar, who had just hitched his own horse.

"Ivar Holien of Kovir, at your service! Scholar of all things monsters and traveling companion of Markus of Kovir! I do hope I'm also invited." he said with a smile.

"Well… I suppose since you came with the Witcher. So long as you show proper respect is all there shouldn't be any issue." the guard said, a little unsure himself but just rolling with it.

"Let's meet the man in charge then." I said with a wave and so it was.

---

Walking up that many steps up to the main inner castle was annoying, but at least we got a nice look of the town before we were directed inside. Vergen really was quite unique in looks compared to most human settlements, helped along with how dwarfs were a majority here rather than minority elsewhere. While everything was sized for humans I could notice subtle things that showed how the builders were more familiar with dwarf proportions, such as how the stairs were rather short compared to most I climbed.

There were soldiers everywhere manning things alongside the dwarven locals going up and down steps, going in and out of various buildings, and the Castle of the Three Fathers was no different.

We were escorted into what I knew was the same main chamber from the game where Saskia and others had helped plan Vergen's defense, only this time as we passed through final doors there were other faces in attendance going over several maps over a large circular stone table.

The one that stood at first and who I was most familiar with was Prince Stennis, the young man all decked out in his bronze colored armor and the one who saw Ivar, Dogmeat, and me enter the room first. I'm not sure if his scowl was directed towards me or towards the fact I demanded Dogmeat be allowed to come in as well since she was my "Witcher Hound". When I said that the guard had actually asked if that meant she carried two swords as well.

Next to him I noticed close by was a guy I only recall during the beginning cutscene of Witcher 2, the archer guy Letho killed.

I also noticed the local alderman Cecil nearby standing next to an older looking dwarf who must have been elder Barclay Els, former commander in chief of the Mahakam Volunteer Army and all around badass it was a shame you didn't meet in game. I assumed he must be running the local militia and defense of Vergen itself during this conflict given his experience. Another dwarf wearing a blacksmith's apron was also here - was that Master Baltimore? The dwarf that was murdered before Geralt arrived in the second game by his greedy apprentice? Makes sense that the town's best blacksmith and runesmith would be here I suppose.

Huh, now that I thought about it was runesmith just another name for mage among dwarves? Was it a Warhammer Fantasy situation where they simply channeled the Power differently compared to humans or elves? Did the man keep a runed-up hammer around and could casually dispel most harmful magics?

Questions for later since the last man caught my attention.

Standing at the head of the table was who I could only assume was the legendary Ser Seltkirk. A tall man, his receding hair was grey and he wore a full white beard over his face. He wore a quilted red and blue surcoat over heavy chainmail, and golden armor on his forearms and knees. He wore the red, black and gold symbol of the Aedirnian monarchy on his chest, and a massive broadsword was sheathed at his waist.

There were a few other noble looking people around, but in comparison to the Invincible White Knight they were pretty unimportant, especially when the man noticed me and looked up from whatever conversation he was having with everyone else present.

"Ahh, I see the reports about a Witcher arriving were true. Welcome to Vergen, Master Witcher, sadly not under the best conditions." the man said with a deep and strong baritone, totally unlike the mad ravings of a battle hungry wight. He spoke with the smooth elocution of a trained orator, yet his demeanor wasn't fake at all. He seemed genuinely pleased to see me, which was a first for this town.

"Greetings Ser, your majesty." I said with a slight bow to both men of high rank since it didn't hurt to be polite to the people hiring me out. Hope it wasn't rude to direct the overall commander of an army over royalty first. "My companion and I weren't going to be allowed in town before it was mentioned you have need of my services, so thanks both for that and the work. What would you have me do exactly? What's the issue?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

Seltkirk chuckled. "As direct as any Witcher I've met. I can work with that. You're aware, of course, that Aedirn is facing invasion from Kaedwen. Our armies have been in this area for over two months, looking for an advantage that will permit a decisive battle with the opposition. Unfortunately, while combat deaths have been low, fatalities from disease have been as high as they ever have. Necrophages follow armies, knowing that they signify food, and have been harassing our grave digging details in their efforts to get at the corpses and limbs from the hospital tents. I've lost a good few dozen men to ghouls and rotfiends, and will pay good coin to see their numbers culled."

"If you don't mind me saying, Ser, you do have access to an army. Surely you could handle a couple of necrophages alone. Also, the best way to keep them away would be to burn the corpses to make so they have no food to come after." I pointed out.

A chorus of gasps met my suggestion; Seltkirk's gaze grew thunderous. "While the Eternal Fire may be the dominant faith where you hail, Master Witcher, those under my command will not see their mortal shells committed to the flames. 'Tis an affront to God and a desecration of His mighty handiwork." Seltkirk then visibly calmed himself. "As for not handling the matter ourselves I'm afraid I cannot put bodies towards dealing with the creatures ourselves, lest we risk weakening our defenses. Furthermore, the majority of the necrophages here are rotfiends; they burst upon death, and poison all around them. Several of my soldiers have been slain by the very beasts they killed."

"My apologies Ser, I meant no disrespect. I only mentioned it in my capacity as an expert. You are correct though that most soldiers are ill-trained to deal with certain types of monsters so it was the best decision you could have made to hire a Witcher if you didn't want any more bodies. Is there any other issue besides the necrophages?" I asked politely.

"There are," Seltkirk nodded. "Alderman Cecil? I believe you can explain the problem best."

The dwarf in question cleared his throat. "Harpies have always been an issue here in Vergen, since they love high rocky places to nest in. Normally we can fend them off ourselves, but with so many of my dwarves focused on the Kiddies, they've pushed into the local quarry and are keeping the miners from accessing the stone we wish to use to shore up the defenses. With so many about they have been making even more of a pest of themselves." Cecil spoke up from across the table. "We've been wanting to reopen the place for years after it was shut down a few generations ago due to some clan issues. Figures that when we finally get some kinda agreement going that place is so full of the flying rats we can't even get close without them raining down from the sky." Cecil grumped, something that was picked up from all the other dwarfs present.

Necrophages and harpies, lovely. Well at least I know how to handle those.

"The best thing to do for both of those problems would be to destroy the nests and scatter them, while of course killing as many as I can in the process. Something that I should be able to do fairly easily, although I'll need to commission the materials for traps and bombs from one of the local merchants here." I explained.

"No need," Seltkirk said. "As this is a military issue, I will be paying for it out of my stipend for military contractors. Master Baltimore, will you permit the Witcher to use your forge to create the traps and bombs he needs?" Seltkirk asked the dwarf, who nodded wordlessly.

"Sounds good, thank you Ser. Assuming all goes well I should have both problems dealt with in a short time, a bit less than a day at best." Then a thought struck me that I recalled from the game. "Er, one question - is there anything special about these harpies? I know there are a few different varieties, some nastier than others."

Seltkirk looked at alderman Cecil; both seemed a bit discomfited. It was Cecil who answered. "Er… well, these harpies are a little special. You know how they like shiny things?" I nodded. "Well, these like dreams. They steal dreams and keep them in crystals you can find in their nest. If you find any, you'd do us all a favor if you smashed them; some things are meant to be kept private, after all."

"Celaeno harpies then. Nastier than their more common cousins and are capable of using at least some magic. Makes them dangerous in a way a lot of monsters aren't. That will increase the reward amount, you understand. Either way, the same should apply to them as the other harpies. Do keep in mind that you will want to secure the quarry afterwards or else they will just come back later to nest again, same with the necrophages if you don't make it harder for them to get at your men's corpses." I pointed out. "Assuming the information is accurate there shouldn't be any surprises on the job."

"I'll give you a key to the deeper parts of the quarry so you can really clear them out then." Cecil said a little uncomfortably, likely for the same reason as in game.

"That would be appreciated. Anything else that I should be aware of before I get to work then?" I asked directly at Seltkirk.

"My scouts are patrolling the hills; I'll give you a letter with my seal so that you may go unmolested. Be careful; Kaedweni scouts are out in force as well, and should you find yourself captured… Well. Pray it doesn't come to that. Vandergrift commands King Henselt's army, and he has a particular reputation with prisoners." A dark look crossed his face at the thought.

"Why Henselt keeps that mad dog around I will never know." Stennis spoke up for the first time. "You should have slain him years ago when you had the chance."

Seltkirk sighed, as though it was an argument he'd had time and time again with the young prince. "You know why I didn't kill him at the tournament; let's not rehash that old argument in front of our friend here." He paused. "Granted, given what he did to that squad he captured last week, I admit I'm starting to come around to your perspective on the matter."

"Keep an eye out for anyone bearing the Black Unicorn, got it. Do keep in mind that I'm a Witcher, not a soldier or a mercenary. I won't go out of my way to start a fight if I do come across any, though I will tell you if I run into any such groups after the job is done. Would that be acceptable?"

"Quite. Anything else you need before you go to Baltimore's forge?" Seltkirk asked me.

"Just one. Any idea when the actual battle is going to start? I'd rather have a rough idea so I know not to be on an open field."

Seltkirk laughed. "Ha! If only battles were so predictable! No, I don't know when, but I suspect it will be soon so it is best that you complete your tasks as soon as you can."

"Given the scout reports it might be within the week. Henselt and Vandergrift are getting noticeably impatient." Barclay spoke up idly while stroking his admittedly magnificent beard.

Ivar raised his hand cautiously. Seltkirk gestured to him. "This isn't a university lecture hall, scholar. Feel free to speak up."

He cleared his throat. "Ahem. What, exactly, did Vandergrift do to those scouts he captured? I'd like to know what I'm trying to avoid."

Ill looks came upon the face of every person present around the table, some looking actually sick at the mere thought. Seltkirk finally decided to speak up, a grim look upon his face all the while.

"He stripped them of their armor, and placed them atop greased and sharpened wooden stakes, where their own weight caused them to become impaled atop them," was his answer. "Worse still is that this is done with surgical precision so that the man does not die immediately, but instead can last days in terrible pain before dying of exposure. I have ordered that any that are found as thus be given a merciful death when possible. Vandergrift likes displaying them to us on high points as a warning. If it looks like his men are going to take you, do yourself a favor and slit your own throat. It'll be faster and less painful that way."

"I… I see." Ivar looked visibly green at that vivid description, and I couldn't blame him. I was feeling a little nauseous myself.

At least I know why Vangergrift was turned into a draug while Seltkirk was just a wraith, the man's soul was so black the change was only natural. As it was, he was practically a demon in human form already.

Was it weird that I preferred the idea of fighting the monsters in their own nests more?