Something Wilder (Child of the Winter Moon Book 2)

13: The Calm Before the Storm

Everyone gathered on the ship and once more they were sailing, this timeheading to Undvik, the Isle where Geralt and Hjalmar killed the ice giant inhis attempt to perform a feat worthy of a king. It was still abandoned, thusmaking it the perfect place for them to do this. Emyhr's troops were waiting at the camp they'd set up on Marlin Coast. The sorceresses immediately disembarked with Avallac'h and Ciri, the Sage telling Geralt and Juray he would send for them when he was ready to meet. They separated to prepare themselves. Aiden busied himself with repairs on swords and armor. Geralt wandered around the camp. Eskel, Stormrider, and Juray made potions, traps, and bombs. A soldier approached the Witchers to inform Juray that Avallac'h was looking for her.

Juray and Geralt arrived at the tent at the same time to find that Avallac'h had started the meeting without them.

"...You will position yourselves on the cliffs here," Avallac'h pointed at the map on the table in front of them, "here, and—"

"Thank you," Yennefer said. "I believe we know how to form a circle."

"Even those of us who lack eyes for the moment," Philippa added.

"I simply wish to avoid—" Avallac'h noticed that the two Witchers had joined them. "Oh, Geralt, Juray. We were waiting for you."

"I see that," Juray responded sarcastically as they walked farther into the tent. Ciri was off to the side with her arms crossed and looking pissed.

"You were about to explain your plan," Geralt said, prompting the Sage to continue.

"It's simple... which does not mean it will be easy to execute. I shall activate the Sunstone. If Caranthir answers the call, the Naglfar should appear in the bay shortly afterwards. The Lodge must then prevent the ship from returning to the world of the Aen Elle, while the imperial fleet blocks its escape by sea. The 7th Ymlats Infantry Regiment under Duke var Attre must then board it." He looked at Geralt and Juray. "With your help, naturally."

"What about you? Where will you be?"

"Waiting in reserve. If something goes wrong... I shall react."

"Mm. Like a general commanding troops from a hilltop. Gonna signal us by horn or use messengers?"

Juray elbowed him, knowing now was not the time for a pissing contest.

"Exquisite irony, but what did I do to deserve it? Have I given you cause to doubt my intentions?"

"Not the time, you two," Juray said.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Philippa said. "Less talk, more action, please." She turned to her fellow sorceresses. "Sisters, we must scale the cliffs."

"Good luck," Triss said to the two Witchers as they left.

"Plan's missing one important element," Geralt said when they left. "What about Ciri?"

"Zireael will wait. At a safe distance from the Naglfar."

"Planning on Aiden babysitting again?" Juray asked. "As we saw in Kaer Morhen, he's terrible at that."

A small smile appeared on Ciri's face for a brief moment.

"He will hang back as well. He is no soldier and I would prefer he not be in the battle."

"Good luck keeping him out of it."

Geralt turned to Ciri. "Wild guess – not what you had in mind..."