Capítulo 52: An Invitation
We approach the table while following Francis, looking at it I can see properties and peoples names. The list is long and I can see a lot of names already crossed out. Along with some names that have been freshly added. "What am I looking at here?" If I didn't know any better I'd say this is a hit list, I don't recognize the names though. He has very detailed plans of peoples houses and patrol units. If I am being honest those don't matter to Ciri or me. We can go anywhere at any time, if the wild hunt wasn't after her then we could have already solved all our problems.
He strolls to the big map of Novigrad hanging on the wall and stares at it. "This city is falling apart, these damned witch hunters are killing my best source of money. My men cant work and I am bleeding money faster than I can make it." I get it now. He is killing the people who are causing the biggest problems for him. I have grown to really hate the witch hunters on account that they are killing people just like Yen.
I look over to Ciri and I see disgust over all over her body. I have seen the way that she looks at the witch hunters patrolling the streets and harassing anybody they want just because they have the power to thanks to the corrupt church. This eternal fire is causing pain and suffering instead of what people are being led to believe. "I know what your going to ask and all I can say is we are running from our own problems. If we help you, we are going to need serious payment." I hate sounding like a greedy man, but I wont take risks without reward. We already have enemies pursuing us, we don't need the attention of the public. I look to Ciri for approval in my words since she will also be risking her life. She gives an enthusiastic nod, she has always had a soft spot for people who couldn't defend themselves. I cant count how many injured animals we nursed backed to health because she cared so much.
Francis looks at us with a smile, I have seen it many times. It is the smile of a deal that is about to happen. "Just name your price. I have been planning all these things in accordance to priority. The ones at the top of the list are the ones that will heavily affect the outcome in Novigrads future. If we work together to eliminate them, I will pay you handsomely." I am liking the way this sounds more and more. There isn't anything that Ciri and I cannot accomplish if we work together, we will have to purchase gear for the specific jobs. Stealth will be the utmost priority when working these jobs. Thank you Vesemir and Geralt for teaching us all we need to know.
Ciri picks up the list and looks at it with dissatisfaction. "I know some of these names from when I was traveling with Geralt. They are vile beasts that shouldn't be considered human. They use there money and power to get away with horrible things." Now I am fully convinced that we should do this. This is a big operation and I am certain that we will need to prepare as soon as we make it back to the Rosemary and Thyme.
I take a breathe and look to Francis now that I have made up my mind. "When do you need us ready?" Might as well not beat around the bush. This day is still not over as we have to meet with an important person if we have time.
Francis takes out an envelop and writes down instructions and a location. "There is a party at a Vineyard to the east. You will met me and the rest of the crew there, it is the only way to get all of us together without raising the enemies suspicions. I have eye's on me and my allies as of late. Make sure you dress appropriately. The meeting will be two days from now, I hope that is enough time for you to prepare." He has everything already figured out doesn't he. This is a good person to be allies with. I can also see why he trusts Feralda, he is a lot like her in certain ways.
I take the invitation and put it in one of my pockets. "We have other things to take care of today Francis. We will be there, its been nice meeting you." I out reach out my hand and he grabs it as we shake. I turn to Ciri and she reaches out her hand to in a gesture for me to grab it. I grasp it as our fingers lock and we make our way to the exit. I look around the safe haven for all the people being hunted right now. Some are missing limbs and others are covered in bandages, this place is not for people who worship the eternal fire.
We exit through the door and see tons of people going about there day. There are also guards patrolling with there weapons and armor. The witch hunters are also doing there rounds as of right now. "So we have one problem taken care of and more fill its place. Makes me wonder how we get this kind of luck." I say as we walk in the open path with everyone on the sides bargaining with shop owners. If there is one thing I can say about Novigrad is that it never has shortages of shops.
Ciri gives a gentle laugh that is melodic in tone. "Is it good or bad luck? All I can say is that I am always ready for adventures." I love her attitude when we do things like this. One of the reasons we get along so well is because we share the same tastes. Spending 4 years at Kaer Morhen did help in exploring. We spent many free hours exploring the lands that surround the keep. Lambert use to tell us story's about the trials and his friends.
Ciri and I learned so much in the short time we spent there. Well, I spent there, the more I think of that place the more I worry about what happened to Yen. "Yen used to tell me that life is as good as you look at it. For people who live so long I am surprised that they can think this way." The more time I spent with Yen and Geralt, the more I learned that despite being practically immortal. You can still learn things that don't apply to you.
Ciri hums in a tune that Yen use to do to help us sleep if we had a hard time. "I still remember the songs she would sing us to help us sleep. I was never as talented as you when is came to magic, that gave you more time with Yen that I was jealous of." I never knew she was jealous from that sort of thing. I bring up our hands that are locked together and kiss the top of hers.
I relax them again and I tilt my head to look at her since she is shorter than me. "I never knew that. I always tried to teach you what I learned from Yen. I was never good at that now that I think about it. That reminds me, do you still have the copy of Lara's diary I gave you?" As I finish the last part of that she looks down with eye's full of hurt and a face with shame. I don't blame her if she lost it or it was stolen. It would only be useful to the two of us.
I unlock our fingers and quickly bring her into a side hug with one arm as the side of our ribcages meet. "It was destroyed while I was in the world of Aen Elle. They wanted to take it from me so I burned it. I figured that was better than them knowing Lara's secrets." Smart girl, I would have done the exact same thing if I was in her place. They wouldn't have been able to use any of the magic in the diary, but its better safe than sorry.
I rub her shoulder up and down to try and comfort her. I know just the thing to cheer her up. "You want to check out that bakery we passed on the way here? We never had to spend the coin." She gives me a huge smile that warms my heart. I remember Yen telling me that you can help a woman's mood with sweets. I cant count how many times she has given me helpful advice. We make our way to the bakery in anticipation of the great tastings food.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder