Escape the Wild Hunt (Book 1 of Ciri's Story)

Chapter 13: Planning the future

After an hour of killing giant spiders, Ciri finally can get out of the cavern. She returns to the Senior Enchanter to tell her the task was complete.

"You are back! Are the spiders gone?"

"Yes, I deal with your infestation."

"Really? Oh, that's wonderful! You've saved my life, I'm sure. And I owe you a favor, so if you need anything... I'll be here."

"Keeping the creepy stockroom?"

"Exactly. I'll be here, keeping the crawlies away."

Ciri decides to talk to Daylen and explains what's happening because he deserves to know. She finds him in the Library.

"Eh, Ciri, what's up?"

"Daylen, can we talk in private? It's important. It's about Jowan."

"Yes, of course, " answers the mage.

They decide to go into the common room in the mage quarters since there is nobody. Ciri tells him everything. Daylen stays silent for a moment.

"You have to do as Irving says." starts the mage. "He's maybe our friend but he put everybody at risk. No wonder he didn't ask me."

Ciri is shocked.

"Irving didn't force an apprentice in the Rite of Tranquility for no reason. Ciri, it is possible he really practice blood magic. And for once, not only a mage will be punished. This Lily is also guilty."

"You are right, so I need to continue the plan and traps them."

"You need help?" asks Daylen.

Ciri was gonna leave without a word, but Daylen adds, " I planning to join the Grey Warden."

The young witcher stops herself. "When?"

"I aks Duncan... Tomorrow."

Ciri leaves to see Irving, thinking.

"You are back. Has something gone wrong with the plan?"

"I need this form signs."

"A rod of fire? Why do you... I understand. Trying to break the door this way? Interesting..."

"Why?"

"The phylactery chamber door is warded and resists all magic worked upon it. But the phylactery chamber shares a wall with the artifact vault. Age and dampness seeping up from the ground have weakened a segment of it. You can break down this part of the wall to gain entrance into the chamber."

"How should I do this?"

"We have an old tevinter device in the vault. It may be used for defense or possibly entertainment. It amplifies spells. Use the rod on this artifact, and aim it at the wall. One more thing. Do not be quick to suggest there is another way in. I don't want Lily and Jowan to suspect. Make it seem like you came up with the idea yourself. Here is the form with my stamp. Owain will release the rod to you now."

Ciri comes back to the stockroom.

"Welcome to the Circle stockroom of magical items. My name is Owain. How may I assist you?"

"Here's the signed form for the rod of fire."

"Everything looks to be in order. Here is the rod you requested."

Ciri sees Leorah, "I put aside these potions some time ago, but never found a use for them. Here... I hope they'll be helpful to you."

"Good", Ciri thinks." It could be useful for what had to come."

Now, Ciri goes back to the Chapel, where Lily and Jowan wait for her.

"I hate waiting. It makes me nervous," says Jowan.

"I have the rod of fire."

"That was quick. To the repository, the. Freedom awaits," says Lily.

In the repository, Ciri finds Lily and Jowan in front of a door.

"The Chantry calls this entrance "the Victims Door". It is built of two hundred and seventy-seven planks, one for each original Templars. It's a reminder of all the dangers those cursed with a magic pose."

"But how do we get past it?" asks Ciri.

"The doors can be opened only by a Templar and a mage, entering together. The Chantry provides the password, which primes the ward, and the mage touches it with mana, to release it. Since you have the password, can't Jowan help you enter?"

"The ward only responds to the touch of one been through the Harrowing."

"I trust that you have the password."

"Yes. I got it from a Templar who recently accompanied a mage into the vault."

"So, what must Ido?"

"First the password..."