Hello, Gwynbleidd...

Chapter Two: Take no prisoners...

Ivana stood watch outside the infirmary while Jordan stood listening to the two strangers try to explain themselves.

"So, let me get this straight...you came to my world, running from the Wild Hunt, and you thought it was a good idea to come to a literal hell on Earth...? Because you are in the shit. This might as well be the front lines," Jordan stated warningly.

"We only need a bit of water and food. Then we'll be on our way into the desert-"

"No," Jordan cut Avallac'h off.

"What?" Ciri questioned.

"I said no. As far as my people are concerned, you're both refugee reporters who got a little fucked up," Jordan was a very cut and dry person, "If I just let you walk out of here, I might get court martialed for endangering civilians," she added, "Besides, if you think you're getting out of this wasteland before dawn, you're wrong. And once that sun comes down on you, you might as well lay down and die, because you.aren't.prepared," a new scowl crossed Jordan's face at the thought.

"Then, we're prisoners...?" Avallac'h demanded to know.

"No, you're guests under military protection. And if your Wild Hunt shows up, they'll get more than they bargained for," Jordan smirked.

Ciri raised a brow, "What do you mean?" she asked curiously.

Jordan locked and loaded her rifle, "Because every man and woman on this base, down to medics and cooks, know how to kill and kill well, Ciri. And as far as my Commander needs to be concerned right now, this base in on red alert because enemy forces are on their way for an ambush," Jordan sounded so sure...

"Why do you want to protect us...?" Avallac'h asked in disbelief and Jordan paused before pulling her Witcher medallion out of her collar.

"Because I have a soft spot for wolves," she smiled and Ciri was astonished, "And I know one White Wolf who misses you very much, Ciri. A couple of Sorceresses, too, come to think of it," she paused, "It would be wrong to just let you both go, especially when I can help you...whether you're lying or not," Jordan held out a hand to Ciri, which the ashen haired woman gladly shook.

"If you think we're lying, then why help at all?" Avallac'h questioned, "Fondness for Witchers or no?"

Jordan sighed, "None of my men have ever dealt with anything like this- if it's coming at all. We know war. We know fights. And I know that Ciri needs to get home to Geralt and Yennefer to stop the Hunt...So, just let me hope that you're real and I'm not completely high right now," Jordan asked and Avallac'h actually smiled.

"Thank you. You're an honorable woman, Lionors," Avallac'h bowed his head.

"Just doing my job. So, you do yours and look after Ciri. Or so help me god..." Jordan paused, "...I will find a way to hunt you down and feed your own teeth- molar, by bicuspid, by incisor- to you. I will make you suffer before you or myself die from the Wild Hunt...rest assured of that," she promised him and his eyes widened.

"If I didn't know better, my lady...I might mistake you for a Witcher yourself," Ciri declared and Jordan nodded.

"I'll take that as a compliment. Now, eat something while an armored transport is readied for you. It won't take more than an hour," Jordan ordered before turning to head for the door.

Her vest radio came on, "Sergeant Raven?" the urgent voice of her Commander came through, "There's something you need to see," he said.

"What is it, Sir?" she inquired, "I'm leaving the infirmary now. Where are you?" Jordan asked.

"J-Jordan...?" Ivana stammered, looking up at the sky.

"Soldier, look up! It's a white Christmas in the desert!" her Commander barked over the radio as Jordan looked to the sky...seeing white flakes falling from the heavens...and dark clouds gathering.

"Shit..." Jordan hissed, "Ivana, get to the Hum-V, get on the roof gun and wait for us. We might need cover fire. I'll take Ciri and Avallac'h a separate way to keep heat off of you," Jordan ordered sternly and Ivana frowned.

"What the hell is coming?!" Ivana demanded to know.

Jordan looked out over the horizon, seeing flashes of blue...hearing heavy hoof beats...

"All units to your battle stations! Full gear, ladies! This is not a drill!" Jordan shouted over her radio, "We've got terrorists inbound on horseback, armed with swords, axes, spears and other Attila bullshit!" she barked, "They are dangerous! And they must be shot on sight! I repeat: shot on sight! Fucked up and blown to hell, people! Or none of us are making it home for the New Year, or any holidays after!" her adrenaline was rising at the thought of a fight like this, "We fight for home tonight! These bastards would see your families put on ice! They would see your children burn!" she thought of home...

"Take no prisoners! Because they sure as hell won't!"