บท 667: Sister, Sister.

Geralt "He refused?"

Sylvia nods, Veritaserum still potent in her blood, "He refused to kill Anarietta." she spits.

Regis breathes a sigh of relief, "Truly? That is fantastic news." he says, not taking notice of Sylvia's glare.

Geralt "Hmm, seems like Dettlaff isn't as monstrous as the city thinks."

Ciri "How did you manipulate Dettlaff?" she presses.

Sylvia struggles to keep the secret, but a kick to the gut by Ciri has her talking, "H-He thinks I have been kidnapped... I send him letters telling him who the next targets are, threatening my death if he should refuse..."

Regis "You... You are one of the most vile people I have ever had the misfortune of meeting... Did you ever stop to think what would happen if he discovered your ruse? How many innocents would die?"

Sylvia doesn't say anything, simply sitting there with her arms bound.

Geralt "Regis, think you could contact Dettlaff?"

Regis shrugs, "He'll be lingering around the city somewhere... I might be able to find it, for now, you should deliver this..." he stops himself and shakes his head, "Sylvia, to her sister."

Ciri and Geralt nod as Regis disappears out of the window, both picking up Sylvia and escorting her downstairs.

Once downstairs Geralt sends one of the innocent guardsmen who survived to deliver a message to Damien de la Tour and the Duchess. Ciri then opens a portal so the Prospects can all return to Ichor, having foreign troops in her territory would not go down so well if the Duchess asked about it. Ciri hoped Reima wouldn't mind her using the city's troops without his permission...

A couple hours later a large entourage of troops arrive at Dun Tynne Castle, Damien walking in with large bags under his eyes and slowly sipping a flask of water. "Is it true? Have you uncovered the perpetrator?" he asks.

Geralt nods with crossed arms, "We have, this them... Sylvia Anna." he says, Damiens eyes going wide.

Damien "Surely you jest..." he asks, not believing them to be serious.

Ciri "We aren't joking... We also have a group of men who'd assisted her."

Damien looks over at the men being escorted out in chains and nods, "Indeed... They will be judged for their actions... Though, I don't see any way out for them that doesn't involve a rope."

Ciri "I hope you won't mind if we help escort Sylvia... I don't want to have to go running after her again." she says, Damien reluctantly agreeing as they stuff their prisoner onto a wagon bound in ropes.

They soon arrive at the palace where Sylvia was imprisoned in a tower, the Duchess declaring that she'd like to be alone to process the news of her long lost sister attempting to take her life... Geralt and Ciri were given lodgings within the palace to wait for tomorrow, where a trial had been set. Regis was still nowhere to be seen, however, giving the duo a bad feeling that didn't leave even as morning approached.

The morning went quickly, people rushing about to get everything in order for the trial... It would be held in a small chapel not far from the palace with only a few of the Duchesses close retainers present, as well as Ciri and Geralt.

The chapel itself was surrounded by trees and was built on a large hill that slopes into a river, leaving the only exit through the single stone path.

Geralt and Ciri were out of their "Circus" clothing and into clothes provided by the Toussaint servants, silks, and leathers giving them both regal looks, even if Geralt couldn't wait to get out of it.

As the two approach the chapal Henrietta approaches them with a saddened look, "Damien stated that it was you who found out that my sister was involved... But I would like to hear from you personally how you know she intended to kill me?"

Geralt and Ciri give each other a glance before the latter speaks, "We used... Magic, to pull the truth from her. She physically could not lie to us whe new interrogated her, there is no doubt that she tried to kill you."

The Duchess looks down conflicted, "And the beast? Damien informed me that in his shock he forgot to ask about its status... Is it dead?"

Geralt shakes his head, "No, but it was your sister who was blackmailing the vampire into attacking your people. I wish to contact them and reason with them, no point in-"

Henrietta gives him a hard look, "No. This creature has killed so many of my knights, even if it did so unwillingly it must pay for it's crimes."

Ciri crosses her arms, "And your sister? I don't suppose you're going to execute her for betraying you, your country, and it's people?" she asks, knowing full well that Sylvia's status would probably save her from harsh punishment.

Henrietta "Silence, I will hear no more from you." she states, turning and walking towards the back of the chapel in preparation for Sylvia's arrival.

A few trumpets are blown as some soldiers escort Sylvia to the chapal, the woman has dark bags under her eyes and glares viciously at the Duchess, causing her retaining to place their hands on their weapons should she try anything.

Henrietta "Sister... Sylvia... Is that you?" she asks, her voice trembling.

Sylvia continues to glare at her, "Yes, it is I sister."

Henrietta "Then... Why?" is all she could ask, her composure begin to break despite her years of practice.

Sylvia point at her, "You know damn well why sister, I was banished, exiled for your actions. You stood there as I was punished, and did not speak up, even as I begged you... Do you know what It's like to be cast into the unknown? No money, clothes, or friends? No! You do not, instead, you rule my lands, my people, and enjoy MY wealth!" she says, getting louder and louder as she speaks.