Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

24: The Oneiromancer

They met up near the doorway.

"Think we plugged every hole in there."

"All right. Get ready for some magic fireworks. Once I activate the incense, we'll have a moment to talk." Triss cast her spell. "Now we wait for them to scurry away." She sat on a bale while Juray hopped onto a railing to sit on it.

Geralt leaned against another bale. "Interesting method. Never had much luck with rats. Once, I hit one with a fork in complete darkness. Trying to show off my Witcher senses..."

Juray snickered, imagining it. "Were you drunk?"

"Shut up. Masterful throw, really. Problem was no one else saw it. How could they in the dark?"

Both Triss and Juray laughed.

"So, what do you think?" Triss asked. "Ratcatcher? It's a long way to fall from being advisor to Temeria's king."

"I'm just glad to see you safe and sound, and..."

"Reconciled...?"

"Knew a man once who reacted to everything, especially adversity, by mocking it."

"Healthy attitude. Must've lived long."

"Came a day he lost both his legs in battle. He shrugged, said it was better that way. He'd never feel pain in them again."

"I understand him perfectly."

"I know. Thing is, he was lying to himself."

"I think he just didn't have much of a choice..."

"You could be right. But only he knows the truth..."

"We're only ever the ones to know the truth about ourselves."

"Which we share at times with those we hold dear."

Triss looked up at Geralt. "Even if it's hard to swallow?"

"Even then."

"Who knows... maybe one day..." Triss then decided to change the subject. "So, tell me how Yen's doing?"

"How do you know I found her?"

"You didn't answer my question. How's Yen?"

"She's fine."

"That's good."

Geralt looked at her as she looked away. "Asking about anything specific?"

"Never mind. I got my answer."

"This didn't get awkward or anything," Juray commented, having remained silent as they talked.

"Quit eavesdropping," Geralt said.

"How is it eavesdropping when I'm sitting two feet away?" As they spoke, the rats started running from the grainery in droves. "That's a lot of rats."

Brandon walked in as the rats fled out the door. "Well, well..." he said. "Our lovebirds having themselves a chat instead of working?"

"The job's done," Triss assured him as three men walked in behind Brandon. Juray and Triss immediately stood. "Geralt, Juray, those are..." She trailed off as the Witch Hunters stopped on either side of Brandon.

"I know who they are, Triss," Geralt said, who hadn't moved from the position he was in.

"My friends... begged me to notify them if I encountered a mage, sorceress, what have you. Didn't have the heart to refuse..."