Something Wilder (Child of the Winter Moon Book 2)

12: A Problem for Juray

Juray arrived at the cave the pearl divers directed her to. Philippa was already working on the barrier. She no longer wore the blindfold that she'd used to hide the fact that Radovid had gauged out her eyes. Judging by what they'd uncovered in her hideout, she'd made herself new eyes using precious stones and magic. Juray was only surprised that she'd become the second person in the world to successfully do so. They were dark-colored, telling Juray she'd tried to recreate her previous eye color. Although it was clear to the Witcher that she had only recently succeeded, as the whites of her eyes were red.

"You've been busy," Juray said.

"Just so." The barrier melted away.

"Let's go find an elven artifact."

As they walked through the door, Philippa lit the way with a magical orb she conjured into the palm of her hand that emitted a white glow. "I know those cat eyes of yours can see well enough but the rest of us can't see in the dark."

"So the experiment is working?"

The sorceress seemed surprised at Juray's knowledge of it. "What do you know of it?"

"I know of it working on one person. And I know you were using his notes to recreate it."

"Indeed. And it's working. One takes for granted their eyesight until it's taken away from them."

"Much like anything."

"Mhmm."

Juray reached up and placed a hand on Philippa's shoulder. "Careful. There's a monster ahead."

"I do not hear your medallion humming."

"Just let me go first."

"As you wish."

Sure enough, an unusually large siren was circling the next area. She gave a scream and several drowners attacked. Between Juray's reflexes and Signs and Philippa's magic, the drowners and siren were killed.

"Interesting," Juray observed. "Don't think I've seen drowners protect a siren before."

"Fascinating." Juray could hear Philippa's sarcasm. "But not as fascinating as what I've heard being true."

"What are you talking about?"

"I've heard the White Demon's Witcher Signs seemed to be enhanced. And you sensing the creature before we approached without the use of your medallion."

"We're here about the Sunstone, Philippa, not me."

"Very well." Philippa sounded disappointed.

They approached a set of stairs that had been collapsed. It was much too far for them to jump. Juray looked at Philippa. "A little help, please."

"Of course, darling. Since you were so polite in asking." Philippa repaired the stairs with magic and the two continued on their way.

~~~

"Pretty cozy," Geralt said as they explored. "Doesn't look much of a lab at all."

"That proves nothing," Yennefer said. "We must look around."

"It's a bit low, isn't it?" Ciri asked. "Rummaging through his papers?"