Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

44: Worthy Feats

Cerys and Juray returned to the old house, separating to search for anything that would give them an idea on how to trick the hym. If they could pull it off, Juray would be the first and only Witcher to succeed. While Cerys looked around the area that had once been the kitchen, Juray ventured towards the bedrooms. Upon entering one, she saw a young man lying lifeless on a bed. As he was faced toward the door, Juray could see his features clearly, which caused her to inhale sharply.

"Aiden," she breathed. She started to reach for him, then stopped. Aiden was nowhere near Skellige. He was still in Kaedwen with his wife and children, still living in the home Angelo had supplied her with to raise him all those years ago. As if realizing she'd seen through its own trick, Aiden disappeared into a puddle of goo. "Looking to discourage me?" she all but growled. "Good. Means you're scared."

"Juray!" Cerys suddenly called. "Think I've an idea!"

Juray met her outside. "Come up with anything?"

"I've a plan, one that just might work."

"What do you need me to do?"

"You've got to wait for me here. I won't be long. In the meantime, get a fire goin' in the oven."

"Are we making a full course meal for it?"

Cerys gave a laugh. "Just trust me." She turned and left and Juray went back into the house to start a fire in the oven.

Juray had a nice fire going in the oven when she heard shouting.

"O'er there! She's runnin' to the old house!"

Cerys burst through the door a moment later, Udalryk's child in her arms.

"This was your idea?!"

"Grab her!"

"Take him!" Cerys cried as she handed the screaming child over to the Witcher. "You must put him in the oven!"

"What?!" Juray couldn't believe what just came out of Cerys' mouth. "Are you fucking insane?"

"Trust me."

Udalryk burst through the door next, three of his guards behind him.

"Take care not to hurt the child!" the Jarl said. "Give me the babe."

"In the oven! Throw him in the oven!"

"Fuck...," Juray muttered, turning and putting the child in the oven and slamming the door shut.

Udalryk rushed forward and Juray shoved him back with one hand while casting Quen to seal the door with the other. She then quickly drew her steel sword as the guards attacked. Udalryk threw himself against the oven door, trying to pry it open while screaming. Juray swiftly knocked all three of the guards unconscious, as she didn't think killing them was an option. Juray sheathed her sword as Udalryk continued to beat on the door, the baby now quiet.

"Oh, fuck..." She felt the hym behind her, preparing to sink its claws into her guilt and make her pay for her crime.

Udalryk finally stopped hitting the door and slowly stood, picking up his sword. "Why?" he cried, distraught and prepared to avenge his son.