Bab 536: South-side encounters

Heading south from Kaer Morhen was a large group consisting of Lambert, Solaire, Kuretz, Anastacia, Roche, Ves, followed by the group of Pyromancers and Prospects.

Immediately as they started heading south they'd found themselves trudging through a Ford, Lambert and Solaire don't particularly mind as both have experienced wading through sewage but Kuretz won't stop complaining about his boots getting wet, that and Anastacia having to lift her robes and almost reveal her underwater to keep it dry.

Kuretz "Why can't we just go around the river? I think I'm getting mud in my boots!" he complains.

Lambert sighs, "Because we need to clear all monster nests, even ones that may be on the other side of the river. I swear I have no idea how Reima got me to agree to this."

Solaire "Because you are a trustworthy and loyal person my friend! Even if you try not to display your more admirable traits." he says with a jubilant smile that seems to brighten the day.

Lambert shakes his head, "And why are you even with us? Shouldn't you be smiting non-believers or something?" he snarks to the God of the Sun.

Anastacia "Erm, excuse me but you shouldn't be so rude to his Holiness." she says quietly, embarrassed at having to even interject.

Solaire "There's no harm, besides those who reason their beliefs are more worthy of it when they find it!" he says.

Roche nods from the front, "I agree wholeheartedly, though belief does not always have to be religious." he states.

Lambert "Can we just focus on hunting monsters? I wanna get back inside Kaer Morhen as soon as possible."

Ves chuckles, "This doesn't have something to do with a certain Sorceress does it?"

Lambert twitches as he glares at her, "How does everyone know about that!"

Solaire coughs into his fist sheepishly, "Well, Reima made sure everyone in our group knew about it before we left..."

Lambert "REEEIIIMMMAAAA!" he shouts a the north, as if the god of fire could hear him.

The Pyromancers and Prospects all laugh at his reaction, however, nearby the splashing and thrashing of water was heard.

Everyone's attention was peaked and they started moving towards it, eventually finding someone in a knee-deep pool with a few clawed hands trying to drag them in. They notice the group and begin to shout for help, "H-help! I'VE GOT COIN, PLEASE JUST HELP ME!" they shout frantically as the claws begin to draw blood from his legs.

Lambert shrugs, "Coin it is then, he says as he draws his silver blade and walks down to the stream nonchalantly, stabbing the water which begins to pool with blood. Once he pulls the sword out a monstrous fanged face leaps out to try and tear his throat out, however an Aard sign blasts it back into the water like a skipped stone.

Ves knocks a silver arrow that she'd acquired from Andre and shoots it at the creature still holding onto the man's leg, it strikes true and the pale form of the monster floats to the surface lifelessly. The man crawls out of the poll and finally stops panicking when he's in the middle of the group of Prospects.

Lambert continues watching the water to see if any more remain before looking around for a nest. However just as he begins to look away a larger, darker and more fierce Drowner sprints from the water at him... Only for a black lightning bolt to strike it in the chest and causing it to implode, it's heart and internal organs destroyed by the impact, let alone the electricity sparking from it afterwards.

Lambert looks at who's responsible, assuming it to be Solaire, only to find Anastacia pointing her Talisman at the Drowner.

Anastacia "I'm sorry, did I startle you?" she asks apologetically.

Lambert shakes his head and barely keeps the confused look from his face, "No... Thanks." He walks back to the group and points at the man they'd just saved, he has a firm face and delicately cut hair that's been bedraggled but the recent scuffle. "Who're you and what are you doing this far north?" he excuses, knowing full well that the only thing of value up here in Kaer Morhen or some of the abandoned mines that people like to pick through.

The man audibly swallows when he spots Lambert's eyes, and then again as he notices most of the people surrounding him wearing masks. "I'm sorry master Witcher, I got lost in the woods and got myself caught by those fouls beasts!"

...

Lambert glares down at the man, not believing a single thing he'd said. "Oh? Then where did you get lost from?" he asks.

...

"...M-Mirfield sir!"

Lambert "Ah, that old village? Are you from there?"

...

"Yes, my family have been living there for generations," he says quickly.

Lambert nods with his arms crossed, "Then you won't have a problem telling me who the Ealderman is." he states, looking down at the man who starts sweating profusely.

"Ah, the Ealderman? That.. Old... Man, yes he and my father are close. I usually just call him uncle..." he says with a desperate smile.

Roche "Poppycock. If you wish Lambert, me and Ves could show him some Blue stripes interrogation techniques. I'm sure that'll get him singing." he says from the side.

The man's eyes widen when he mentions the Blue stripes, then he goes pale when he speaks of Interrogation techniques. "No-Please master Witcher, have mercy on this lost soul!"

Lambert "I don't think it will be needed... We'll just use him as bait for the Drowners, hopefully finding the nest afterwards will be a cakewalk." he states.

"NO, PLEASE! What do you want from me! I will tell you anything!!"

Lambert "Then, why are you here." he asks once again.

"I am lost!" As the man says this Lambert punches him in the face, breaking his nose. He's about to begin pummeling the man however Solaire stops it.

Solaire "Perhaps we can have him sent back and we will question him later once our task is complete."

Lambert "We're quite far out, it'll take a while to get him back..."

Solaire "Not at all my friend, Hinky?" he asks the air, causing the elf to pop into existence next to him.

Hinky "Yes Son of Master?"

...

Solaire "Son?" he shakes his head and decides to ignore it, "Would it be possible for you to transport this man to Kaer Morhen? Tied up and bound snugly would also be recommended.