The Witcher suddenly felt weak. Mozaïk held him up. I must be in poor shape, he thought. I must be in poor shape if a girl has to hold me up.

“I’ve had enough of this town,” he said. “Enough of everything this town is. And represents. Let’s get out of here. As soon as possible. And as far away as possible.”

INTERLUDE

Twelve days later

The fountain splashed very softly, the basin smelled of wet stone. There was a scent of flowers and of the ivy growing up the walls of the patio. And it smelled of the apples in a dish on the marble table top. There were beads of condensation on two goblets of chilled wine.

Two women were seated at the table. Two sorceresses. If, as luck would have it, someone with artistic sensibilities had been in the vicinity, full of painterly imagination and capable of lyrical allegories, that person wouldn’t have had any problem portraying the two of them. The flame-haired Lytta Neyd in a vermillion and green gown was like a sunset in September. Yennefer of Vengerberg, black-haired, dressed in a composition of black and white, evoked a December morning.

“Most of the neighbouring villas are lying in rubble at the foot of the cliff,” Yennefer said, breaking the silence. “But yours is untouched. Not even a single roof tile was lost. You’re a lucky woman, Coral. I advise you to consider buying a ticket in the lottery.”

“The priests wouldn’t call that luck.” Lytta Neyd smiled. “They’d say it was protection by the divinities and heavenly forces. The divinities safeguard the just and protect the virtuous. They reward goodness and righteousness.”

“Indeed. Reward. If they want to and happen to be nearby. Your good health, my friend.”

“And yours, my friend. Mozaïk! Fill up Madam Yennefer’s goblet. It’s empty.

“Regarding the villa, though.” Lytta followed Mozaïk with her eyes. “It’s for sale. I’m selling it, because… Because I have to move out. The weather in Kerack has stopped suiting me.”

Yennefer raised an eyebrow. Lytta didn’t keep her waiting.

“King Viraxas has begun his reign with truly royal edicts,” she said in a barely audible sneer. “Primo, his coronation day has been declared a state holiday in the Kingdom of Kerack. Secundo, an amnesty is being proclaimed… for criminals. Political prisoners remain in prison without the right to be visited or conducting correspondence. Tertio, customs and port fees are being increased by a hundred per cent. Quarto, all non-humans and residents that harm the state’s economy and take jobs away from pure-blooded people are to leave Kerack within two weeks. Quinto, in Kerack it is forbidden to work any magic without the king’s permission and mages are not allowed to possess land or property. Sorcerers living in Kerack must dispose of their property and obtain a licence. Or leave the kingdom.”