Something Wilder (Child of the Winter Moon Book 2)

4: Return to Novigrad

Geralt and Juray waited for Ciri on the edge of the cliff, both with their legs hanging off the end. Juray had cleaned herself up and was now laying back with her eyes closed, her head resting on her arm, while Geralt watched the sun rise.

"The Huntress had a successful hunt," Juray said, hearing Ciri's footsteps coming toward them.

She sat next to Geralt. "We did it," she said.

"Barely," Geralt responded. "How'd it go down there?"

"I slew only two of the Crones. The third fled... with Vesemir's medallion. My sole memento." She was visibly upset by the loss.

"You avenged Vesemir."

"Avallac'h claims vengeance is only ever satisfying when served cold. He's wrong."

Juray gave a smile.

"Now to find Eredin and kill him."

"I wouldn't mind throwing Caranthir on that list, myself." Juray opened her eyes and rose herself to her elbows.

Ciri looked over at Geralt, who looked to be deep in thought. "An oren for your thoughts?"

"Wondering what to tell Yennefer when we get to Novigrad."

"The truth," Juray said. "That we took a detour on the way to Novigrad to strike a blow to the Wild Hunt."

"I agree," Ciri seconded. "Tell her the truth. Always. I wonder if Triss and Yennefer have found the sorceresses of the Lodge. We ought to rejoin them."

"Not looking forward to that."

"Does that have something with the Moon Child thing everyone seems to keep calling you?" Geralt asked.

"A bit." The Witcher completely sat up. "They are the last ones that need to know about that."

Ciri looked past Geralt. "You said you would explain what Thecla meant."

"What I'm about to tell you stays between us. Triss suspects and Yen knows because of someone's comment," she gave Geralt a look, "but no one still alive knows."

"Vesemir knew?" Geralt asked.

"Yeah, he knew." Juray sighed. "I'm apparently something called a Child of the Winter Moon, which is why Imlerith kept calling me Moon Child. Yen told me there were rumors that I existed, but Vesemir kept it a closely guarded secret. From everyone. Including me. He revealed before we lifted Uma's curse that he knew about it and thought I should know. It's why I have those extra abilities."

"Uh... What's—"

"A child born under the first full moon of winter. Like I was. Yen said they were destined to become powerful sorceresses, but I'm not because I went through the Trials."

"That also explains why you're so sensitive to Places of Power."

"Yeah."

"We should get going," Ciri said.

"Both of us are old," Geralt indicated himself and Juray. "After that fight we just had, we need more rest."

Ciri gave a laugh. "You are and you do. Let's stay a bit longer." She leaned against Geralt as the sun broke over the horizon.

~~~

"What do you mean they're not here?" Eskel asked, his brows knit together in concern.