Something Wilder (Child of the Winter Moon Book 2)

2: Detour to Vizima

Aiden looked up as Ciri joined him in the common room.

"Mind if I join you?" Ciri asked.

Aiden motioned for her to sit down. "This was your home. I'm just a guest."

Ciri smiled and sat next to him. "Finished with all the repairs? First time I've seen you outside the forge since the battle."

"Yeah. Even reinforced Mum's armor. We're pretty much the only ones still in the keep."

"Well considering Juray needed time to recover from what Caranthir did to her, it's not surprising. And we both know Geralt and Eskel wouldn't leave her here alone to do that."

"Kyran stuck around to make sure she was recovering."

"I'm pretty sure Kyran was sticking around so you wouldn't be traveling these roads alone."

"That too."

"So when we leave, are you going back home?"

"I want to help the others, but I'm not a Witcher or a sorcerer. I don't have any special abilities or talents. I'm just a blacksmith."

"Are you just a blacksmith?" Ciri asked. "I saw you fight. You held your own against Aen Elle. Any other man would have turned tail. You stood your ground."

"Doesn't make me a great warrior. Just either stupid or insane."

Ciri laughed. "You are neither, Aiden. Grace is lucky to have you."

"If you're stupid or insane," Kyran said, joining them, "then you take after your mother."

This caused the two to laugh.

"You're just as stubborn as she is."

"I won't argue that." Aiden looked into his mug, the two making him wonder if he could indeed be a help to the others.

~~~

Juray opened the door to her quarters at the knocks, or rather pounds, only to have Ciri burst in.

"You're up either very late or very early," the Witcher said.

"I know how we can avenge Vesemir."

"And you now have my undivided attention."

"Imerleth will be at Bald Mountain at the witches' sabbath."

"How did you learn this?"

"Avallac'h. And before you ask, no, he doesn't know about my plan."

"Actually, I was about to ask if Geralt knew. I wouldn't care if Avallac'h knew."

"I'm going to him after I speak to you. Will you come with us?"

"Naturally. I'll meet you in the stables."

Juray waited with the saddled horses. After several minutes, Ciri and Geralt joined her.

"Ciri said you were coming along," Geralt said as they mounted. "Gotta make a detour first."

Juray looked at Ciri.

"Vizima. Just to see what my father wants."

"Alright." The three headed out of the keep, turning their horses south, telling no one of their venture.