章 35: Pontar River
The Pontar River, also known as Avion y Ponte al Gwennalen, by the elves, which means the river of alabaster bridges, and it is one of the largest rivers in the North. Like the Yaruga to the south, they both rise from the Blue Mountains and flow from east to west throughout the Northern Kingdoms, emptying into the sea near Oxenfurt and Novigrad.
The Ponta River flows through the four countries and serves as the northern border of the southern states Temeria and Aedirn, and the southern border of Redania and Kaedwen. The region where these four countries meet is called the Pontar Valley, or simply "Pontal".
Simultaneously, this river stands as the most prosperous canal in the northern kingdom. Numerous scholars argue that a country that can gain complete control of the Pontar River could become the wealthiest in the entire north solely by relying on trade taxes along the river.
Consequently, the struggle for control of this vital waterway is a near-daily task among the northern kings of various dynasties. Disputes and, at times, even bloody conflicts over ownership of the Pontar River occur every few years.
Having departed from the non-human race stronghold, Wayne and Geralt journeyed southward, accepting commissions and exploring the lands simultaneously. With funds at their disposal, they faced no concerns about food and accommodation and lived comfortably.
In order to travel smoothly, the duo intentionally avoided large human towns prone to trouble. Instead, they focused on commissions and procured supplies from small villages around towns, aiming to minimize conflicts with the Kaedwenians.
However, even though they were so careful, the two of them were attacked and cheated several times by the savage Kaedwenian thugs.
However it is impossible for these hooligans with dung forks and wooden sticks to cause any harm to the two master swordsmen who can use magic. But after each battle, they must leave the scene of the incident as soon as possible to prevent being entangled by the soldiers who came and causing a bigger dispute. This kind of encounter is undoubtedly very annoying.
Therefore, neither Wayne nor Geralt wanted to stay in Kaedwen Kingdom any longer.
They rode to a port town near the bank of the Pontar River, found a merchant ship bound for Novigrad, and planned to take the ship directly to the floating port town of Temeria.
Fortunately, after being turned down by some apparently biased merchants, they found a captain willing to take them on board. This is a huge merchant ship. The captain is a Skellige named Wesker. He has a strong figure like a bear, a bald head, and a rough appearance, but his eyes are bright and energetic. He is not the kind of simple-minded warrior.
What impressed people the most was the thick weed-like black beard on his chin, just like his nickname Blackbeard, with distinctive features.
Upon Geralt and Wayne's request to board his merchant ship, Wesker took only a dozen seconds to consider before agreeing. However, he laid out some conditions for their passage. In addition to aiding the crew in protecting the ship during potential battles, he requested Geralt and Wayne to pay 150 ducats each for the boat tickets.
Acknowledging the need to accommodate two individuals and two horses, providing sufficient food and fodder, as well as securing a reasonably sized room, Wesker considered this price to be quite generous.
While chatting with the man, the two finally found out why Captain Wesker of Skellige treated them so favorably. Taking a bold swig from a large glass of dwarf beer, Wesker, with a black beard, casually wiped away the spilled beverage on his beard and spoke in his rough voice,
"I know that there are many idiots and farmers on the continent. They hate witchers very much. They think they are thieves and freaks. They even shamelessly blame them for the disappearance of many children. But in our Skellige Islands, witchers are very respected figures."
"They were all valiant warriors, fearless fighters who had vanquished many mighty monsters and rescued countless islanders. Their tales have been immortalized in numerous poems," Wesker mused with blurred eyes. He absentmindedly touched his beard and continued with a sigh,
"When I was a teenager, I once encountered a master demon hunter. My family and I were fishing in the sea, and we fell under attack by a group of harpy birds. Monsters took the lives of my brother and father. To protect my mother, I had no option but to flee for my life."
"When we were desperately fleeing for our lives, it was that master who aided me and my mother, ensuring our survival."
"That witcher bore a medallion resembling a griffin on his chest. I don't know his name, but after killing the monsters, he departed silently without uttering a word to us or seeking payment."
"But I know that he is a good man. Compared with those hypocritical and despicable noble knights, he is the real chivalrous man."
After listening to the bearded Wesker, Geralt had no expression on his face, but Wayne could see his complicated mood from his eyes. In this world, many may misunderstand the impression of witchers and harbor malicious intentions. However, those who have been aided by witchers will, at the very least, remember the kindness bestowed upon them.
Just like Martha, whom they helped not long ago, this old woman will surely remember who, for a meager fee, helped her find her two sons and continue the fate of their family.
The journey along the Pontar River proved remarkably smooth. Aside from some unsightly water spirits persistently trailing the ship with intentions to attack the bottom deck, they encountered no other threats.
They sailed westward along the river, passing through the two large towns of Vergen and Haji Fortress, and finally arrived at the port of Floating Harbor Town belonging to Temeria on the afternoon of the eighth day. During these days on board, an interesting thing happened.
Wayne and Geralt, who were severe patients of the Gwent brand, accidentally discovered that Captain Blackbeard, along with many sailors on this ship, were Gwent brand fans.
According to Wesker, this interesting gambling method is already well-known in the free city of Novigrad.
The dwarf bankers in Novigrad were diligently promoting the Gwent card, aiming to replace traditional dice gambling with this new form of entertainment. They even invested money in organizing several small Gwent card games.
The crew members, accustomed to traveling far and wide, proved more receptive to new experiences than those who stayed in one place. The allure of such intriguing games provided them with an enjoyable means to pass the time.
The bearded Wesker confidently patted his chest, asserting that even in Novigrad, he was a well-known Gwent master and unafraid of any challenge. Unfortunately for him, they encountered a demon hunter this time around, one blessed with luck and a high level of proficiency in the game of Gwent.
In just one night, Wayne effortlessly utilized the Gwent cards in his possession to reclaim the boat ticket money for himself and Geralt. He even pocketed gold coins and acquired a few rare cards.
If it weren't for the fact that Wayne didn't want the good man with the beard to lose his pants, he would be merciful, he might have continued the gambling for a few more days, ultimately claiming the merchant ship as his own.
And Geralt, who also lost more than 200 ducats to Wayne, even made an oath publicly to never to play against this lucky junior again without collecting a strong enough deck.
In response to this, Wayne simply shrugged his shoulders. After winning against numerous opponents in succession, his Gwent card level had ascended by two levels, and he received two strokes of luck as a result.
In the long life that lay ahead, Wayne's Gwent card skills were destined to improve, his luck to strengthen, and the cards he collected to become increasingly powerful. It was estimated that unless he willingly conceded, Geralt would never be able to defeat him at the gambling table
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