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Mikael barley survives. As he is tended to, Geralt draws Lorelay into his arms. She shivers, not from the cold, though. Geralt watched Lorelay care for her friend, feeling guilty. He should have sensed that Derano wasn't a righteous man. But the Witcher's slow beating heart was clouded by emotions. As he ran back, he could only think of Lorelay getting hurt. As he got closer to the camp, he heard the screams. He arrived just as she thrusted the knife in Derano's throat. He can't believe how lucky they got that she is alive as well as Mikael. He should never have left them alone. He draws her tightly into him, pressing a kiss to her forehead. It is midday by now and they must get moving. Mikael is hoisted on the other horse, tied securely so that he may rest without falling off. Lorelay mounts Roach and Geralt gets up behind her, she is taking the reins while he takes the reigns of Mikael's horse. She casts a last glance on the now dead knight. Geralt removed the knife from his throat and cleaned it, intending on giving it back to her. The dagger is at her side again. Derano is left where he died, animals may feast on his flesh. He hasn't earned a grave like Nova.
They reach the end of the forest and quickly make their way towards the castle. They can see it at the horizon. However, out of nowhere, black riders catch up to them, they must have been waiting. Derano probably sent the Witcher to scout because they were supposed to kill him. Well, that didn't work, did it? Mikael is awake but as Lorelay doesn't speak a word, the men are silent as well. As they get attacked, Geralt jumps down from Roach and tells the other two to leave. But Lorelay refuses.
"I won't leave anyone behind," she says and dismounts as well. She reaches up to Mikael, taking his hand.
"Go, send help from the castle," she tells him. As he protests, she shoos the horse off. Not a minute too early as the black riders catch up and circle around Lorelay, Geralt, and Roach. Geralt grabs the lady, positioning himself in front of her. The riders close the circle, and their leader lets his horse step forward.
"I never thought that you'll find her, Witcher," he says with that silky voice of his,
"But after my men encountered you two, I figured you'll take her directly into my arms." He laughs and some of his men join in. Geralt grunts, tightening his hold on Lorelay's arm. She hisses slightly but stays still, her hand reaching for the hilt of her dagger. Geralt already drew his sword, pointing it at the chief.
"You won't get her," he growls.
"Is that so? Why, because she is promised to that prince?" the tall man asks, leaning forward in the saddle to look at her.
"I'm very sorry, my lady, but we can't let you marry the prince and unite two countries of the North and South," he explains,
"That would disturb Nilfgaard's plans greatly." She glares up at him and he straightens again.
"Oh, you're a fierce one, aren't you?" he smiles slightly,
"Derano didn't provide valid information then. But he paid the price for that sloppy job."
