West tower, top floor
Vesemir was leaning into his old rocking chair, basking in the winter’s sun. As he recalled what he saw during lunch, a smile curled his wrinkly cheeks. Eskel and Geralt had been staying away from Roy lately, but now they were goofing around like usual. I see they’ve reached a decision about the brotherhood.
Kaer Morhen had been a quiet place for far too long. Vesemir thought Eskel and Geralt had become too depressed. Geralt, especially, was becoming emotional and introverted. Witchers could live long lives. If they couldn’t go on with their lives in happiness, it would be torture. Vesemir would be more than happy if Roy could change Eskel and Geralt for the better.
Someone knocked on the door and approached Vesemir.
“So, how did things go, lad?” Vesemir didn’t even turn around. “Convinced those stubborn mules, have you?”
“You know about it?” Roy went to his side and handed Vesemir a bottle of vodka.
Vesemir took a swig, and his beard was drenched. “I can see the kind of person you are. You have a strong will and will do anything to get what you want.
“Yes. We’ve reached a decision.” Roy went to the window and stared at the sun delightfully. “When we leave for Novigrad, Lambert, Eskel, and Geralt will come with us. Including the Cats, we’ll have three school members talking about the brotherhood.
“Did Letho agree to it?” Vesemir asked. “He seemed to be against the idea.”
“He was just worried about offending you. But Geralt and the others aren’t that petty. And the brotherhood doesn’t go against the Viper School’s revival. It’s actually helpful. Building a strong school all by ourselves isn’t realistic. We need to strengthen our shared community if we want to change our fates.
“A shared community, huh? That’s a new idea, but you have a point.” Vesemir handed the rest of the vodka to Roy. “A word of advice, Roy. Don’t neglect or hurt anyone who cares about you.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep that close to heart.” Roy took a sip. The alcohol shot up into his head, reddening his face. He asked, “Will you join us for the trip, Vesemir? The pack isn’t complete without you.”
“I’m getting a bit too old. Can’t move around too much. Bones creak, muscles squeak. And someone needs to stand guard over Kaer Morhen. I’ll be fine here.”
Roy’s lips twitched. He remembered how easily Vesemir avoided the White Frost. “You jest. If you can’t move around, then that makes me a cripple,” Roy joked. “And you have experience. That’s valuable. Once we return to Novigrad and take more students in, you’ll be the perfect mentor for them,” Roy said. “Don’t you want to relive your youth and whip the new kids up into shape? Tell them about your stories?”
“Is that so odd? I used to be young too. And I was a ladies’ man.” Vesemir combed his hair back. There was fire in his eyes, and he seemed to straighten up a little. “I was popular.”
“Do you still miss her, then?”
Vesemir said nothing, but silence was an answer in and of itself.
Roy shouted, “So you haven’t forgotten about her. What are you waiting for, then? Go to Oxenfurt! Don’t leave the lady hanging. The Countess of Mignole has never forgotten about you either.”
“I-I’ll think about it.”
***
The rocking chair rocked harder.
Roy slowly left the room, but before he did, he glanced at Vesemir again. The young witcher was reminded of the original timeline. Before the battle for the keep descended, Vesemir and Geralt had a talk about this.
“Will you see her?” Geralt asked.
“Perhaps later. Once this is all over,” Vesemir answered.
But there was no later for Vesemir. The grandmaster died as a hero, never to awaken again.
You still have time, Vesemir. The attack hasn’t happened yet, so grab your chance, Roy cheered him on silently. Catch up with your past and come to Novigrad in your best shape.
***
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