“But you didn’t meet her there,” the sorceress cut him off. “Nothing strange. Antea doesn’t get on very well with her family, she doesn’t even use her surname, but an alias made up of two given names. She only contacts her father regarding her business affairs, which as a matter of fact are booming. But I’m surprised to see them here together.”

“They must have their reasons,” the Witcher observed astutely.

“I dread to think what. Officially, Antea is a commercial agent, but her favourite sports are swindles, fraud and rackets. Poet, I have a favour to ask. You’re worldly-wise, but Mozaïk isn’t. Lead her among the guests and introduce her to anyone worth knowing. And point out any who aren’t.”

Assuring Coral that her wish was his command, Dandelion proffered Mozaïk his arm. They were left alone.

“Come,” Lytta interrupted the lengthening silence. “Let’s take a walk. Up that little hill over there.”

A view of the city, Palmyra, the harbour and the sea, spread out from high up on the hill, from the temple of contemplation. Lytta shielded her eyes with a hand.

“What’s that sailing into harbour? And dropping anchor? A three-masted frigate of curious construction. Under black sails, ha, it’s quite remarkable—”

“Forget the frigates. Dandelion and Mozaïk having been sent away, we’re alone and out of the way.”

“And you’re wondering why.” She turned around. “Waiting for me to tell you something. You’re waiting for the questions I shall ask you. But perhaps I only want to tell you the latest gossip? From the wizarding community? Oh, no, never fear, it’s not about Yennefer. It’s about Rissberg, a place you know well, after all. Plenty of changes have taken place there… But I fail to see the glint of curiosity in your eyes. Shall I go on?”

“By all means, do.”

“It began when Ortolan died.”

“Ortolan’s dead?”

“He passed away almost a week ago. According to the official version he was lethally poisoned by the fertiliser he was working on. But rumour has it that it was a stroke caused by the news of the sudden death of one of his favourites, who died as a result of an unsuccessful and highly suspicious experiment. I’m talking about a certain Degerlund. Does that name ring a bell? Did you meet him when you were at the castle?”

“I may have. I met many sorcerers. They weren’t all memorable.”