Something Wilder (Child of the Winter Moon Book 2)

8: Novigrad Intrigues

Dijkstra met them at the entrance to the lower levels.

"Deepest apologies," the crime boss said, "but the lady will come with me."

"Dijkstra..." Juray sighed. "I don't have time for your bullshit right now, get out of my way."

"I've no quarrel with you, Juray. But Phil and I have lots to talk about..." He looked at the sorceress. She crossed her arms. "Remember the assassins you sent after me, darling Phil? A grave error. Such matters ought to be handled personally. As I will now demonstrate."

"Not gonna demonstrate a damn thing. We need her."

"And I don't give a flying fuck. I've awaited this moment forever, so, very sorry, but I care as much about your plans as I do about the snows of Mahakam. Philippa will come with me. And answer for all the courtesies she's paid me."

"Always knew the value of information, Dijkstra..." Juray hoped he wouldn't think she was grasping at straws.

"Which is why I don't believe a Witcher like you would have anything I don't already know."

Juray crossed her arms, Dijkstra stepping right where she had hoped he would. "So I guess you already know the Emperor of Nilfgaard wasn't able to sway the Trade Corporation."

Dijkstra looked at her, surprised. "Opposition nibbling at his arse, eh? Hm, seems the White Flame won't dance on the graves of his foes much longer."

"Also his daughter has returned. The emperor wants to abdicate, give her the throne."

"Cirilla? Impossible! This... this could shift the tide of war..." He placed his fists on his hips. "Provided, of course, you're not mistaken..."

"Heard it first hand, from the Emperor himself."

"Emhyr's a lying whore."

"Not when it comes to his daughter's future."

"You've no idea the importance of this information. A change on the imperial throne? Could bring the war to an end. Radovid's sure to be delighted. If Emhyr sounds the retreat, there'll be no force left that could possibly stop that madman. Especially in light of our bloody aborted plan."

"You planned to assassinate a king?" Stormrider asked, earning a glare from Dijkstra.

"You didn't actually believe you could do it?" Juray asked.

"You knew about this?"

"Not now, Storm." Juray looked back at Dijkstra. "Radovid's crazy but he's no idiot. Knows all too well there's dozens out there who'd—"

"Silence," Dijkstra snapped.

"Do I understand you correctly?" Philippa asked. "You want to kill Radovid? Well, well, Sigi, I am impressed. Doubted you still had it in you, frankly. Sadly, as you well know, Radovid has sought refuge on his boat. He's guarded so closely I'd not be at all surprised to learn he shares his bed each night with two sentries."

"I wouldn't doubt that," Stormrider commented.

"You know too much, Phil," Djikstra said. "Yet one more reason why you must die."

"Knock it off, Dijkstra. I think you should hear her out."

"Daresay Philippa despises Radovid at least as much as you do," Juray added.