Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

37: A Conspiracy

Juray pushed open the door leading to the back rooms of Novigrad's high end-brothel, wondering why Dijkstra chose this of all places to meet. A few of the workers were there, resting, bathing, or preparing to return to work, and didn't give her a second glance.

The madam waved her over towards her. "I never expected to see the White Demon with my own eyes."

"I don't believe we've met."

"Oh we haven't, but I've heard stories of you. Your friend is expecting you. Will the White Wolf be joining you?"

Juray shook her head. "He will not."

"Pity. This way. The others wait." She led Juray to a false wall and opened it for her. "Up you go."

Juray went up a flight of stairs to a hidden office, a bandit informing her that his boss was waiting. In the office, she saw Dijkstra looking out the window.

"Juray. You're here. Good. Where's Geralt?"

"I asked him not to come. For reasons I'm sure you understand." Juray motioned around them. "Might've chosen a more secluded spot to plan an assassination, instead of a whorehouse."

"It's on everyone's mind, many'd like to do it, so there's nothing to fear. Besides, this venue's got a tradition in this domain. Might even consider it fabled. Falka planned her revolt here... by extension, King Vridank's murder, too."

"Comparing yourself to Falka? Far as I can recall, no one in Redania's annals has a bloodier reputation."

"Her rebellion changed the course of history, that's what we have in common. In terms of blood, we aim only to shed Radovid's. I'm pleased you're willing to play a part. Must admit I wasn't certain either one of you'd show, since Geralt was quoting the Witchers' code to me."

"I have my own reasons for this. Thought long and hard about what you said. My friends and in extension my brother Witchers and my family will never be safe as long as Radovid is alive. Since I know he knows about the de Côtés and my connection to them."

Dijkstra nodded, a look on his face like something now made sense to him. "You better believe it. I actually never guessed that Juray de Côté and the White Demon were one and the same."

"I prefer to keep it that way."

"Well, I'm pleased we've arrived at an understanding. To the matter at hand."

Juray turned her head at the footsteps coming up the stairs to see Roche join them.

"I believe you know my associate."

"Roche," Juray nodded in greeting. "Didn't expect you'd be part of this."

"Retired intelligence operatives, we've a club."

"Must not be a very big club."

Roche smirked.

"Defended a king once... Ready to assassinate another, now?"

"Not proud of it," Roche admitted. "Yet... I considered all the options and found none better. Radovid's proven many times he only ever forwards his own interests." He crossed the room to the window. "When Kaedwen asked for help, he invaded. When I begged him to support Vizima's defense, he showed me the door." He turned back to the others. "The war nears its end, we've come to a decisive phase. We must act quickly. I've no illusions. Only a dead Radovid means a free Temeria."