Something Wilder (Child of the Winter Moon Book 2)

3: Bald Mountain

Geralt, Juray, and Ciri arrived in Velan and at Bald Mountain, just in time for the witches' sabbath.

"The men at Crow's Perch," Ciri said as they headed toward the path to the village. "They spoke of this place. Aard Cerbin. Home of the Ladies of the Wood. The peasants feared coming here. And the baron thought the Ladies of the Wood a terrifying tale for naughty children. Incidentally, I wonder how the baron is."

"He found his wife," Geralt said. "Took her away, somewhere far. Anna... she was unwell."

"A true shame."

"You're completely sure we'll find Imerlith here?" Juray asked.

"Avallac'h told me of beings who commune with the Aen Elle elves. They can be found in every part of our world. In Velen, the Crones do this. Apparently, Imlerith came here at Eredin's behest, to order the Crones to keep their eyes open and ears pricked. In case Avallac'h were to seek shelter in his Velen hideout."

"Took the order literally judging by all the ears hanging in the woods," Geralt remarked. "Think Imlerith might still be here?"

"He craves the pleasures of the flesh – wine, sex... The Crones indulge him, flatter his ego. I'm certain he'd not let this opportunity pass, and will be on Bald Mountain for the Sabbath."

"You actually know this area?"

"Centuries ago, it was a hallowed site for druids. But then the Crones arrived – destroyed the Velen Circle and deformed the sacred oak atop the mountain. An important feast is observed here annually. The Sabbath, they call it – all the local folk attend. I suspect Imlerith attends, too – as the Crones' guest."

"Seem to know it well."

"Avallac'h's a good tutor. The peasant folk of Velen call this night the Feast of Gifts. I've no idea why. Avallac'h claims vanity is Imlerith's greatest weakness."

"Vanity?" Juray asked.

"Any foe he faces, he strives to impress. The other one, Caranthir, is said to be secretive and pragmatic. Hardly surprising given he was Avallac'h's student."

"Caranthir was?"

"Mhmm."

They approached the entrance and were stopped by a man with a crossbow pointed at them and an old man standing behind him.

"Should I shoot?" the boltman asked.

"Nay," the old man said. "The White One once served the Ladies."

"But... he's an outsider!"

"Let them approach."

"But..."

"They've come for the feast. Wouldn't do to cast them out."

"Didn't come to celebrate," Geralt said. "We need to get to the top of the mountain."

"The gate is shut – you'll not pass. But we've fires down thataway, with food and drink aplenty. Sit down beside one and perhaps this year the Ladies will descend, give us the privilege of seein' 'em."

"We thank you for the invitation," Geralt said. "Be glad to sit down, right?"

"Speak for yourself," Ciri said.

Juray gave her a look, knowing what Geralt was doing.

"Come with me," the man said.