Something Wilder (Child of the Winter Moon Book 2)

Epilogue

The Third Northern War ended – the invader from the south achieved complete victory. Robbed of Radovid's tactical genius, the Northern Realms could not withstand Emhyr's countless legions. Black banners appeared over Novigrad and all Redania. Weary of rebel raids, Emhyr var Emreis conceded, restoring Temeria as a realm in liege to the empire. When the guerillas laid down their arms, the emperor shifted his forces to other fronts. Through Nilfgaard's victory, Temerians got their country back, and history once again proved a consummate trickster. Having dealt with Radovid, Emhyr var Emreis did the same with enemies Domestic. The emperor's loyal spies named all who had conspired against him – traders, soldiers, and aristocrats alike. Though their mutiny had only been a murky plan, the emperor showed no mercy. As was his wont.

While the Continent bled engulfed by war, Skellige bloomed under Cerys' enlightened rule. Unlike those who had come before her, the young queen did not raid foreign shores, looking instead to her people, tending to her land. The island-bound nation prospered, though its fangs of yore were dulled.

After years in exile, Ciri returned to Nilfgaard, her paternal home, where Emhyr prepared to name her his successor. The woman had the necessary qualities. From her father, she'd inherited an empress' political instincts. From Geralt and the other Witchers, she had gained a sense of simple, human decency. Few monarchs boast both traits – which is quite a shame...

While monarchs moved borders and populations, Geralt and Yennefer lived a calm, quiet life far from all things political. They breakfasted well after noon, more often than not in bed, and passed the days on lazy strolls and long conversations. Boring, you say? Perhaps. But both had sought this more than anything else.

In faraway Kovir, Stormrider planted roots with Triss, their home warm and smelling of freshly baked cakes. Guests were always welcome, no matter the day or the hour. The Witcher would take jobs at times, more from habit than need. For Triss earned a true fortune as the mage advisor to Kovir's king.

Even after Lambert's Contract with Kiera was finished, the Witcher stayed at the sorceress' side, a match made in the heavens. The two traveled the world, their abilities and personalities meshing well with each other.

Eskel completely abandoned Kaer Morhen, opting to remain with Juray when he was not on the Path. He settled in the village they'd raised their son in, enjoying the same exclusivity in Contracts as Juray did.

As for Juray of Riverdell herself? She kept her magic a secret as she always had done. Even with Radovid dead, his Witch Hunters were still active and she preferred not to bring their attention upon her or her family. She kept her word and did not allow the power that came with being a Child of the Winter Moon go to her head. She continued to ply her trade, helping her fellow Witchers when she needed to. But her story does not end here...