Something Wild (Child of the Winter Moon Book 1)

56: Friends and Allies

Juray sat in the corner of the tavern, having just been informed another Witcher had accepted the Contract for the woodland beast the halfling wanted dealt with. The halfing had described him and she was sure he was who she was looking for, so she decided to wait on him. Sure enough, at dusk, Stormrider walked into the tavern holding a leshen's head, dropping it at the halfling's feet. The halfing looked shocked before quickly passing him his reward. She stood as Stormrider headed to the bar.

"Whatever he's having, I'm buying," she said.

Stormrider turned, slight surprise on his face until he saw who was buying him a drink. "Demon," he greeted. "Pleasant surprise."

"I could say the same, but I'd be lying." She jerked her head toward the table she was occupying. They took the bottle to the table and Stormrider poured them both a drink.

"How would you be lying?"

"I was actually looking for you. I could use your help."

"Oh? How so?"

"Kaer Morhen is expecting some uninvited guests. There's only five Wolf School Witchers and a sorceress. We need allies to defend her. I can't give you details, but I can tell you these guests are after something Geralt is bringing and they'll know it's there. We can't go this alone."

"So you're cashing in on the favor I owe you?"

"If you want to see it that way. I'm asking for your help in this."

"And you know I'll help you. Can't say the Bear School wouldn't help their Wolf cousins."

"I appreciate it, Storm."

"I'll head to Kaer Morhen at first light. You'll have my swords."

Juray made her way to the Chameleon, where she found the person she was looking for outside.

"Juray!" Zoltan greeted. "Surprised to see you, lass. What're doing here? Thought you were in Skellige helpin' Geralt find Ciri."

"I was. Followed the clues there. We've found out where she is."

"Then why are we here? Let's go get the lassie!

"Geralt's doing that, but I have another job for you. You need to set out for Kaer Morhen. That's where he'll take Ciri. The Wild Hunt will attack soon afterward. Could really use you at our side."

"You'll have me, and my axe."

"Thanks. See you at Kaer Morhen. Vesemir, Eskel, and Lambert are already there. A Bear School Witcher is on his way. Viper School one should be there by now, too."

"I'll get me things an' tell Jaskier where I'm off to."

"Make sure he doesn't blab about what we're doing."

Zoltan chuckled. "Aye, I will."

Juray headed into the wilderness, making her way to Roche's hideout. The guerillas there let her pass without question and she found Roche by a fire.

"Juray," he greeted. "What brings you here?"

"Looking for allies we can trust. Could use your help at Kaer Morhen. You've probably heard by now that Geralt has been looking for Ciri."