章 267: Francesca’s speculation
At noon the next day, Wayne awoke in Triss's warm embrace. The red-haired sorceress was curled up, still asleep, her breathing soft and steady.
Having spent over nine months in Middle-earth with little opportunity for intimacy, last night had been a welcome indulgence. Triss had been particularly spirited, fueled by her excitement about founding a new magic academy. The night had been thoroughly enjoyable for both of them.
Gazing at Triss's peaceful, contented expression, Wayne smiled and decided not to wake her. Robin wasn't in a hurry, and leaving him to roam the forest for a bit longer wouldn't hurt.
He dressed quietly, made his way to the kitchen, and prepared a light meal for Triss. Placing it on a tray beside the bed, he left the room and stepped out into the castle courtyard.
The moment he exited the hall, Wayne spotted Vesemir and Berengar sitting on a wooden bench, watching the children practice their swordsmanship. From their expressions, it seemed the two old witchers were deep in discussion.
At the center of the training ground, Alex—who had been training the longest—was sparring with Aragorn, the most gifted among the new recruits. Meanwhile, the other children were focused on their basic physical training exercises, still building their stamina and strength.
Wayne walked over to greet Vesemir and Berengar, listening quietly as they continued their discussion about building a training ground suitable for the 100 elven warhorses.
The two seasoned witchers regarded the warhorses as rare treasures, but their concern was well-founded. If a witcher—typically known for poverty—rode a horse worth tens of thousands of crowns to complete a contract that paid only a few hundred, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of envious nobles, leading to trouble.
Moreover, Kaer Morhen's location in the Blue Mountains presented another challenge. The region's cold climate, close to the northern reaches of the continent, wasn't ideal for horses.
Wayne listened attentively but refrained from interrupting. With less experience in such practical matters, he knew it was wiser to absorb their insights than offer uninformed opinions.
When the two finished discussing, Wayne mentioned that he possessed a training manual for taming the elven warhorses. Due to language differences, it would take him a few days to translate it, but once complete, he would hand it over to Vesemir.
This news brightened Vesemir's mood. A reliable mount was invaluable to any warrior, and a good horse could mean the difference between life and death on the path.
After ensuring everything was in order at Kaer Morhen, Wayne decided to inspect his territory. Flying atop his magic carpet, he made a quick patrol over the lands surrounding the castle. Once satisfied, he returned to Triss's room.
By this time, the sorceress had awakened, and the two spent a few more hours together. Wayne also took the opportunity to ask Triss a few questions about magic, catching up on what he had missed during his time in Middle-earth.
Later that afternoon, Wayne opened a portal back to the forest where Robin, the Deathclaw, had been left. The sensation of being home filled Wayne with comfort, and the chaotic magic of the area soothed his altered body.
The forest looked just as it had the previous day, though Robin was nowhere in sight. The enormous beast had likely wandered off in search of food.
Following the creature's large footprints through the undergrowth, Wayne soon found Robin lying by a riverbank. The Deathclaw was gnawing on a green-water hag, though from the disgruntled expression on his reptilian face, it was clear he wasn't enjoying the meal. Hungry and with limited options, he begrudgingly devoured the hag bit by bit.
The moment Robin spotted Wayne, the beast tossed aside the half-eaten corpse and trotted over, his massive tail wagging like an overexcited dog. Clearly, the gloomy forest was far from the lush wilderness of Middle-earth, and Robin was growing tired of it.
Wayne reached out, rubbing the Deathclaw's scaly head affectionately. He then retrieved a dozen fresh animal carcasses from his space bracelet, tossing them to Robin, who devoured them eagerly.
Once the beast had eaten his fill, Wayne climbed onto Robin's back, preparing for the long journey ahead. Their route would take them through Temeria and Kaedwen before finally returning to Kaer Morhen.
Opting for secluded paths, Wayne avoided towns and villages to prevent unnecessary attention. Though not concerned about potential threats from soldiers or hunters, he knew Robin's size and fearsome appearance could cause panic among common folk.
As they traveled, Wayne marveled at Robin's incredible speed. At full sprint, the Deathclaw easily outpaced galloping horses and moved faster than most cars in the real world. Only Wayne's magic flying carpet could rival the beast's swiftness.
With each step spanning six to seven meters, and with near-endless stamina, Robin crossed vast distances effortlessly. By nightfall, they had already crossed Temeria's border, looped around the Mahakam Mountains, and entered the kingdom of Kaedwen.
Not long after entering the Kingdom of Kaedwen, the communicator that Wayne always carried with him—crafted by Francesca—suddenly buzzed to life.
Wayne slowed Robin's pace and activated the communicator without hesitation.
Within moments, the voice of Francesca, the elven sorceress, came through—beautiful, yet carrying an edge of irritation.
"Wayne, I've tried contacting you numerous times over the past two months, but there's been no response. Have you traveled somewhere devoid of all magic? Otherwise, I can't imagine how you could block my perception."
Her voice shifted into a slightly scolding tone. "And after you returned yesterday, you didn't even think to reach out to me. As a collaborator, don't you think that's a little cold of you?"
Wayne felt a flicker of guilt. After returning from Middle-earth, he had been fully immersed in Triss's company, indulging in moments of passion and comfort. In his distraction, he had indeed forgotten to contact Francesca.
Knowing that future collaborations with the elves—whether for hiring craftsmen, horse trainers, or expanding the Witcher Order—would require good relations, Wayne spoke apologetically.
"My sincerest apologies, Lady Francesca. I was overwhelmed with matters yesterday and didn't have a chance to reach out. Is something urgent? I have time now—we can talk in detail."
The communicator remained silent for a moment before Francesca responded.
"Forget it, I can't explain everything over this connection. Would it be alright if I came to meet you directly? Are you free now?"
Wayne knew the communicator was equipped with a tracking system, allowing Francesca to pinpoint his location and open a portal to him. Triss had often admired the craftsmanship behind the device, noting that it embodied Francesca's mastery of magic and alchemical prowess.
Glancing down at Robin, the towering Deathclaw, Wayne realized that keeping the beast hidden forever would be impossible. He shrugged and replied calmly, "Of course, Lady Francesca. I'll wait for you right here."
There was a soft hum of acknowledgment from Francesca, and after a few moments of silence, a glowing portal began to form a few meters away from Wayne.
A moment later, Francesca stepped gracefully out of the portal. Dressed in an elegant red gown, with her long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, she moved with the poise of royalty.
However, her elegance was short-lived. The instant her eyes fell upon Robin, whose monstrous size and fearsome presence could rival that of a dragon, Francesca let out an involuntary scream.
Reacting instinctively, she whispered a quick incantation, teleporting herself ten meters away in a blink of light. Preparing to cast a defensive spell, she stopped abruptly when she noticed Wayne seated comfortably atop the beast.
Her pale complexion flushed slightly with embarrassment, and she shot Wayne a half-playful, half-exasperated look. "It's hardly gentlemanly to let a lady embarrass herself, Wayne," she said with a soft huff. "You could've warned me."
Wayne chuckled, patting the side of Robin's neck. The massive creature lowered itself obediently, bringing its body closer to the ground so that its back was only two meters high.
With a playful smile, Wayne extended a hand toward Francesca. "Allow me to introduce you to my companion, Robin—a Deathclaw, and a fiercely loyal beast."
He grinned and added, "Care to join me for a ride on his back, Lady Francesca?"
After listening to Wayne's introduction, Francesca carefully examined the fearsome Deathclaw with a contemplative look, unconsciously assessing the creature's immense combat potential.
Faced with Wayne's invitation, she bit her lower lip thoughtfully and glanced at her elegant red gown. With a soft hum, she extended a finger and cast a spell over herself.
A few seconds later, a shimmering aura of magical light enveloped her figure. When the light faded, Francesca's refined dress had transformed into a sleek, knightly outfit that complemented her beauty. Her golden ponytail and graceful figure added to the charm, making her look as though she belonged in a painting.
Wayne's gaze lingered appreciatively on her for a moment before he remarked with admiration, "An impressive spell. Truly fitting for one of the most formidable sorceresses in the North."
Francesca's lips curled into a pleased smile at the compliment. She stepped closer to the massive Deathclaw, examining the ten-meter-long beast with renewed curiosity. Then, she took Wayne's outstretched hand, and with his assistance, climbed gracefully onto the creature's back.
The petite elf sorceress settled in front of Wayne, her delicate frame nestled comfortably against him, creating an unintentionally intimate posture.
A subtle floral fragrance drifted from her golden ponytail, teasing Wayne's senses.
Unbothered by the closeness, Wayne wrapped one arm securely around Francesca's slender waist, while his other hand rested on the Deathclaw's scales, guiding the beast forward at a leisurely pace.
For several minutes, they rode in comfortable silence through the wilderness, the rhythmic sway of the massive creature lulling them into a shared sense of calm.
Suddenly, Francesca's soft voice broke the quiet.
"Wayne, I already know that you carry the Elder Blood."
Her revelation came without warning, and Wayne's brow lifted slightly in surprise.
She continued, her tone curious yet knowing, "Was it another world you ventured into these past two months? That would explain why my attempts to contact you went unanswered."
Her gaze drifted over the enormous Deathclaw beneath them. "And this creature... I've never encountered anything like it in any of my studies. From what I can tell, it must be from that other world as well, correct?"
...
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