Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

11: Following the Trail

"Look," Kiera pointed out. "We've managed to cross the bridge. This is where we saw the Wild Hunt."

"Great," Geralt grouched. "Means they're way ahead of us. Come on."

They turned the corner to find several frozen golems.

"Wild Hunt. Definitely."

"They destroyed the mage's sentries," Kiera observed. "They didn't come here for a friendly chat with the elf."

"Meaning you ever thought they might've?"

They passed by one.

"Frozen before they could attack."

They went through a doorway to see they'd somewhat caught up with the Hunt. The navigator was using his magic to break through a wall. Geralt jogged down the stairs next to them. By the time they reached the bottom, two of the Hunt had moved on, while the mage seemed to be waiting for them. He cast a spell, causing ice to form along the walls and ceilings, along with a blizzard wind to come from three portals.

"What is this?" Kiera asked, shouting to be heard over the wind.

"The White Frost! Mage from the Hunt summoned it! Can you seal those portals?"

"They're too far! I'll need to get closer! I can shield us with Demetia Crest's Surge! Stay close to me!"

Kiera cast her spell and they ventured down into the blizzard. As she set to work closing the first portal, frost-covered hounds emerged and bolted towards her. Geralt drew his silver sword and stepped in front of her, defending her as she worked. They repeated this twice more until all the portals were closed. Kiera dropped the shield and slightly wobbled, Geralt noticing.

"Kiera? You okay?"

She waved her hand dismissively. "It'll pass." Her voice sounded distant as Geralt sheathed his sword. "That took... a great deal of Power."

Geralt caught her as fell. "If you can't go on..."

"You can't leave me here."

"I'd never do that. Love to say we could stay here a while and rest..."

"I know. I know. We must go on." Kiera steadied herself and pushed off Geralt once she felt she could stand on her own.

The two walked to the place they'd seen the Wild Hunt and Geralt growled.

"They blocked the passage." He held his hand up, preparing to cast Igni. "Perhaps I can—"

"Leave it to me."

Before Geralt could protest, Kiera sent a magical blast into the barrier, shattering it.

"If we hurry, we might still catch them!"

"Thanks for your help," Geralt said. "Pretty tough slog."

"Good thing I came with you, then. You'd never have managed without me, would you? Come now, admit it!"

"Yeah. Never."

They came into view of another room to see one of the warriors waiting.

"He awaits us."

The warrior approached them, a heavy two-handed axe in his hand. "You are stubborn, dh'oine."

Kiera looked up at Geralt to see he'd locked eyes with the warrior with a challenging look on his face. "Geralt, I shall help you."