Polyanna: A Witcher's Mage

2 | The Oneiromancer

"Like many mages, Corinne went into hiding from the witch hunters, but she still had to make a living, so she occasionally came out of hiding to do some jobs in the city and sometimes visit me. A couple months ago, she was hired by Rudolf de Jonkheer to learn the history of a haunted house the banker had purchased. You see, she was to use her abilities to-"

"We're here," Geralt interrupted.

Euphemiya pouted, but followed him up the short stairs.

"Just passing by, wanderer, or seeking something specific?" A middle aged man spoke up from his seat.

"Who's asking?" Geralt asked gruffly.

"Rudolf!" Euphemiya said happily, appearing from behind Geralt's large frame. The banker seemed surprised to see her. "How are you? How's Danura? Have you already proposed?"

"I haven't proposed, I'm afraid,"

Geralt sighed. Euphemiya might be a great help while he looked for Ciri, but he forgot that she knew everyone and was happy to strike a conversation about whatever anytime. "Miya,"

"Geralt please, I'm trying to have a conversation," Euphemiya kindly shushed him. Fortunately, the banker seemed interested in the witcher. This finally made Euphemiya remember why they were here. "Why haven't you- Oh wait Ciri- We're looking for Corinne Tilly." Euphemiya sheepishly cut herself off, patting Geralt's arm in apology.

"You've come to the right place, then. Corrine is inside... Been there for a few days, dreaming of the home's history," Rudolf answered, looking bleak.

"Why do you need to know the house's history? You a historian?" Geralt asked, interested.

"I bought this property a while ago. Spent a pretty penny for it, might I add. Though I fear there might be disturbances. I suspect the house is hauted,"

"What are the symptoms?" Geralt continued as Euphemiya went to inspect the plants nearby, gently stroking the vibrant green leaves. Geralt quickly looked away; he had to focus on the task at hand.

"Giggling... in the night. And furniture moving around in the attic, and last week... well, you shan't believe it - I found human feces in the parlor." Rudolf scrunched his nose.

"Did you men know that human feces are often used as fertilizer, but the use of unprocessed fertilizer is risky as it may contain disease-causing pathogens," Euphemiya added uselessly.

Both men, used to her background yapping, went on with their conversation. Geralt still nodded to show he appreciated her add-on (despite it having no use for him). She beamed.

"I'd like to go inside, look around," Geralt said.

"I usually don't let strangers rummage around in my home. Twin swords though... you're a witcher. You may enter." Rudolf bowed slightly, motioning towards the door. He sent Euphemiya a kind smile. "Always a pleasure to see you, Miss Haywood."

"Aw, Rudolf, I told you it's Miya!" She giggled before she was pulled inside the house by Geralt. "Hey-!"

"Stop... Go away... Leave it!"

Euphemiya's eyes furrowed together. "That's Corinne,"

"Shit," Geralt muttered, sensing trouble.

Euphemiya pressed her hand against the wall. "Someone else is upstairs. Someone small-" she sniffed- "non-human." She froze as Corinne let out a wail.

Geralt was the first to react, bolting up the stairs. Euphemiya followed him closely.

A creature stood close to the bed where Corinne laid writhing. It resembled a child, but it wasn't, for the fact it had pale blue skin and unusually large eyes.