Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

46: Hindarsfjall

"You're mad, woman!" Erimon screamed. "Mad, I say!"

"And they're already fighting," Juray said. "Why am I not surprised?"

Geralt gave Juray a look.

"What?"

They had arrived at a camp at the edge of an expanse of forest that looked like some sort of bomb had gone off, trees burned and ripped out of the ground.

"Maybe," Yennefer screamed back at Erimon. "But I've got good reason."

"I hold Ciri dear, too. You know this! Damned well! But the Mask of Uroboros is no trifle! Have you any idea what could happen if it is used? Any idea of the consequences?"

"No, but neither do you. So stop panicking."

"Can hear you two clear on the other side of the island," Geralt said as the two Witchers approached.

"Good!" Erimon said. "May all Skellige know Yennefer of Vengerberg is a common thief!"

"Control yourself, druid," Yennefer said with a roll of her eyes. "I haven't stolen anything. I've merely borrowed it and fully intend to return it."

Juray looked at Geralt, confused, and saw by the look on his face that he knew exactly what they were talking about. She realized Geralt must have helped Yennefer acquire this mask when they disappeared at the feast.

Erimon gave a mirthless laugh. "The generosity! Just one small problem -- once used, the mask is rendered completely worthless! Not to mention the risk you'll bury us alive! And all the Isles with us!"

"Someone mind explaining to me what the fuck is going on?" Juray asked.

"She's not told you?" Erimon asked. "Might've expected as much!"

"Don't take it out on Juray," Geralt said. "She wasn't involved and actually doesn't know what you're talking about."

Erimon gave Geralt a look. "The myth is Uroboros created the Mask when the envious Sea swallowed his beloved."

Yennefer walked over to the edge of the camp, looking over the destroyed forest.

"Unable to bear the prospect that he would never again see his betrothed, Uroboros made the Mask, which would allow him to peer into the past. He knew, however, that he could only use it once. So he waited. Waited until his longing grew so strong that it became unbearable."

Yennefer walked the edge of the camp, seeming to be studying the wreckage of trees.

"When the Sea learned of the Mask, it was quick to respond. It made known its threat that whosoever used the Mask would bring the Sea's wrath down on them. For in vengeance the Sea would rise and flood all the lands and drown the living."

Juray glanced over to where Yennefer had been standing and saw she'd disappeared.

"Where'd you get this mask?" Geralt asked as Juray walked to the edge of the camp to see where Yennefer had gone.

"Sailors from clan Dimun pulled it from the sea. Near the Njord Trench."

"Yeah, but how can you be sure this is Uroboros' mask?"

"Its appearance is exactly as described in the myths."

"You believe the myths?"