Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

42: Those Worthy of the Crown

AUTHOR'S NOTE: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE AND NSFW CONTENT

The private matter Yennefer wanted to discuss with Geralt involved them sneaking through the halls looking for Erimon's laboratory. After a detour around Erimon's raven guards, they found themselves in a room full of taxidermied animals. Geralt tried the only other door in the room and a moment later attacked the stuffed animals as if he was defending himself from their attacks, much to Yennefer's amusement. After he finished, he collapsed, unconscious. Yennefer used her magic to revive him.

"What happened?" Geralt asked once he saw he was in the middle of the room and looking up at an amused Yennefer.

"You were hallucinating. You ran at Ermion's animals, sword flailing. I had to calm you."

Geralt stood. "Uh, must've looked strange."

"Your years of vigorous training at Kaer Morhen finally paid off," Yennefer teased. "Bested nearly all the stuffed beasts in here."

"Please..."

Yennefer gave a laugh. "Fine. We've passed the Trial of Taxidermy. The door stands open." They went through the door. "I'll lock the entrance. We don't want to raise suspicions."

After the door shut, they headed down a long hall. "Ah, our dear druid's laboratory. We must search it thoroughly. The Mask of Uroboros must be here."

A search yielded interesting artifacts, including a carved goat that Ciri had given Erimon years ago, and a sword in the stone that Geralt had to play with. He then found a statue and noticed that one of the hands was worn, as if someone had placed an object in it many times. Geralt, fooling around, placed a nearby mug of mead in its hand, a hidden door in the wall sliding open.

"Hey, Yen!"

"Ermion enjoys jests achieved at the expense of others. I've a sneaking suspicion the mask will be in here."

They entered a tunnel that led to a chamber. "Geralt! I found the mask!" In the middle of the room was a mask, floating in midair. "This is it!" Yennefer took the mask, examining it. "We've got it. We must return to the feast quickly, before..." They turned their heads at the roar as a golem came at them and the gate slammed shut.

"Careful, now!" Geralt said, drawing his silver sword and defending against the golem.

"It's a trap! We're imprisoned!"

After the golem was slain, they heard what sounded like wind in the cavern and a familiar scent reached the Witcher's nose.

"Geralt. Hear that?"

"Smelled it. Gas. Grate's still closed. Gotta think of something quick."

"The damned druid will poison us! This vapor's deadly, we've but a few minutes!"

Geralt suggested the one thing he knew could help them escape, despite his aversion to it. "Teleport us outta here."

Yennefer looked at him surprised. "Think of something! Quickly! First thing to come to your mind!"

Geralt thought about how much he wanted to kiss her if they survived.

Yennefer then pulled him close to her. "Hold on tight!" They disappeared in a flash of light.

That thought sent them to Yennefer's rooms at the inn, where the two landed unceremoniously on the floor.