Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

43: Spikeroog

Juray arrived at Spikeroog to the village of Svorlag and was largely ignored as she headed towards Udalryk's house, located on a small hill at the edge of the village. Juray had become accustomed to stares and suspicious looks over the years, but Skellige was the only place in the Continent where she was treated like any other warrior. After the initial glances of curiosity, the Islanders went about their business. When she approached the longhouse, she was stopped by a guard.

"Welcome to the home of Jarl Udalryk of the honorable clan Brokvar," he said.

"Greetings," Juray responded. "Wanted to see the jarl."

He motioned inside. "Enter. Jarl's still speakin' to his seer, but they should finish soon. One thing, watch where you step."

"How come?"

"Jarl's not too fond of light. Makes it easy to trip."

"Noted. Thank you." Juray went inside to see Udalryk sitting on his throne speaking to his Druid. It was indeed dimly lit, although Juray's Witcher eyesight allowed her to see where she was going.

"And then...," Udalryk was saying. "Then a storm broke. Waves reachin' high as the boom."

"Go on," the Druid prompted.

Juray immediately felt something was amiss with the Jarl and wondered if Cerys hadn't been wrong after all.

"All of a sudden, the wind raged stronger. Heard a tumult off the starboard side. Looked to see half the crew swept o'erboard, out o' reach..."

The Druid noticed Juray. "We'll be done in a moment."

Juray nodded and went over to the fire to warm her hands after her long trek to the Island. Skellige was known for its cold, although long winters at Kaer Morhen had helped her become tolerant to it.

"And then a giant sea snake swam up and bit my arm off...," Udalryk finished. "The gods have spoken: a sacrifice is needed."

"To my mind, it's about you defeating a snake, Jarl."

"No. They demand a sacrifice. I'm sure of it. It's time."

"We must wait for a clearer sign. At least till your next dreaming."

"I don't need no more signs." He stood and motioned for Juray to approach them. Juray did so. "What brings you to Svorlag, Witcher?"

"Looking for Cerys," Juray answered. "Heard she stayed here."

"An Craite's daughter? Aye, she was here."

"Where is she now?"

Udalryk seemed distracted for a moment. "Mmm... What?"

"Cerys. Where's Cerys?"

"Dunno... dunno. Enough of the questions." Udalryk then turned and walked away in somewhat of a daze, disappearing into a room nearby. Her earlier assessment that something was indeed off with Udalryk seemed to be confirmed.

She looked over at the Druid, who had remained. "I meant no offense," she said.

"You must forgive the jarl. Hasn't been feeling well of late. I don't believe I'm acquainted with you as I am the White Wolf. I'm Hjort."

"Juray of Riverdell."

"Ah, the White Demon. The Witcher Sorceress."

"I'm not a sorceress. The only magic I can do is Signs." Juray then quickly changed the subject. "Is the jarl sick? He didn't seem quite right during Crach's feast, but..."