The Traveler: Part 1

Chapter 5

Usually when Ciri had visited Triss she had met her at her personal home, but this time Finola led them to what was once an old bank. When the new Koviri bank had been built 2 years prior to accommodate the city's swelling coffers, the old building had been renovated and turned into a new magicians academy. King Thyssen of Kovir knew the benefit of having mages in his arsenal of resources, particularly when his southern neighbor -ruled by King Radovid the Stern- had none. A healthy stock of alchemists and healers dispersed amongst the population never hurt as well. Along with being his personal advisor, he had put Triss in charge of "creating the greatest magical academy since Aretuza". It was hardly that and paled in comparison to what Aretuza and Ban Aard once were.

"Come in" Triss said putting down her quill when she heard a knock.

When she saw Ciri, Iespeth and Finola come in, she smiled.

"Thank you Finola that will be all."

Compared to many grand places inhabited by powerful enchanters such as Miss Merigold, the study was rather plain. The walls, instead of being decorated with exquisite tapestries, were lined with tall shelves containing hundreds of books. In the one free corner where the shelves desisted, stood the obligatory megascope placed upon a simple wool rug. In the center of the room was a large plain writing desk of mahogany consisting of 4 legs and a tabletop at which Triss sat in a padded bergère. Atop the surface were various pieces of parchment, quills and ink. On the right side was a copper bowl of replacement crystals for the megascope and on the left a crystal bowl filled with ripe red apples.

As soon as the young magician left Triss' office and closed the door, Triss promptly stood up and went over to Ciri for a hug.

"Little Sis'! It's so good to see you!"

"Triss! I can't tell you how good it is to be here. I almost thought we wouldn't make it into the city until your...whatever she is showed up. But, how did you..."

"Know? You don't remain adviser to a king without knowing what goes on in his kingdom." The red-headed enchantress had kept an eye out for Ciri as she had feared the guards might be wary of letting a witcher into the city. She hadn't expected a member of an Elder race to be the problem.

"I kept a few of my best students on the lookout including Finola. Ones who could be trusted to be alone in the city without supervision. But to be honest I didn't expect you to be bringing someone," Triss said looking at Iespeth trying to ignore the stench of vomit that she carried on her over-sized clothes.

Iespeth immediately and enthusiastically stretched out her hand towards the red-headed mage.

"And so outgoing too!" Triss remarked taking her hand. "How do you do? I'm Triss Merrigold."

"You needn't bother. She can't speak. Well, she can't even seem to understand any language I know of. That's actually why I brought her here..."

Ciri took a seat opposite to where Triss was sitting and told her the the whole story from how she found Iespeth to their journey here. She listed every single minute detail hoping that might give Triss an idea where to start. Triss listened intently.

"I'll see what I can do. I suggest we start the tests this afternoon after you've had a chance to rest."

Ciri took that as invitation to grab two ripe apples off of Triss' desk and gave one to Iespeth who was watching the two women. She was always watching, analyzing. Ciri then carelessly slung her tired feet onto the footrest belonging to her uncomfortable chair.

"It's too bad you didn't arrive a day later, well maybe it is actually a good thing you arrived when you did. I'm having some important guests this evening. It would be nice if you joined us for dinner sans Iespeth of course."