Baptism of Fire (The Witcher #5) by Unknown

Author:Unknown
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Daniel Etcheverry, Count of Garramone, tried to intercede for Geralt and Dandelion, when the soldier had settled them on chairs in the Marshal’s tent. When the soldiers left at Vissegerd’s order, the Count resumed his efforts.

‘This is the poet and troubadour Dandelion, Sir Marshal,’ he explained. ‘I know him. He is known throughout the whole world. It is not appropriate to do this to him. On my honour, I guarantee that he is not a nilfgaardian spy.’

‘Do not swear so hastily, Count.’ said Vissegerd, not taking his eyes off the bound men. ‘Perhaps he is a poet, but he was captured in the company of this miscreant witcher, I would not vouch for him. It seems to me that you still don’t realize what bird you have caught in your snares.’

‘The witcher?’

‘Of course, Geralt, who is called the White Wolf. The same rogue who laid claim to the right of Cirilla, Pavetta’s daughter, granddaughter of Calanthe, the same Ciri of who there is so much talk of now. You are too young to remember those times, when the scandal was all that was talked about at the courts. But I was an eye witness to those events.’

‘And what binds him to the princess Cirilla?’

‘That dog,’ the Marshal pointed at Geralt, ‘contributed to the marriage of Pavetta, daughter of Queen Calanthe, to Duny, an unknown stranger from the south. From this shameful union was born Cirilla. Even before her birth she was promised to that bastard witcher as payment for his help in conducting the marriage. Have you heard of the Law of Surprise?’

‘Not at all. But keep talking, Marshal.’

‘The witcher,’ Vissegerd again pointed his finger at Geralt, ‘after the death of Pavetta, wanted to take the girl, but Calanthe wouldn’t allow it and threw him out. But he waited for the right time. When the war started with Nilfgaard and Cintra fell, he took advantage of the confusion and turmoil and kidnapped Ciri. He kept the girl hidden, because he knew that we were seeking her. And he eventually grew bored of her and sold her to Emhyr.’

‘These are all lies and slander.’ Dandelion bellowed. ‘In all that there is not one word of truth!’

‘Shut up or I’ll gag you. Combine the facts, Count. The witcher had Cirilla, now Emhyr Emreis has her. And the witcher is arrested mixed in with the vanguard of the Nilfgaardian patrol. What does it mean?’

Daniel Etcheverry shrugged.

‘What does it mean?’ Vissegerd repeated, leaning on Geralt. ‘What, miscreant? Speak up! How long have you been spies for Nilfgaard?’

‘I’m not a spy for anyone.’

‘I will tear strips from you!’

‘Do it.’

‘Mister Dandelion,’ the Count of Garramone said suddenly. ‘It would be better for you if you explained. The sooner the better.’

‘That’s what I’ve been waiting to do,’ the poet exploded, ‘but the lord Marshal threatened to gag me! We are innocent; it’s all blatant fabrication and hideous slander. Cirilla was kidnapped from Thanedd Island and Geralt was seriously wounded in her defence. Anyone can confirm this.

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