Chương 8: The beginning 1

Inside the Royal court of Kaedwen, at Ard Carraigh.

King Dagread was gazing his face into the mirror which was held by a court servant, as he was sitting on his throne.

He showed less interest in the matter of court! As the topic he felt was boring!

"Sugo's father was a treasured member of assembly and a loyal subject to our king." Tetra Gilcrest, a mage and an advisor to King in the Kaedwen cort, voiced.

"My Students and I resubmit our petition, "Tetra Gilcrest continued, "Seize the witcher home of Kaer Morhen and exile its occupants for crime against Kaedwen's people."

But Illyana Zerbst, the widow of Lord Zerbst, interrupted her. She earned her late husband's seat in the royal council according to Kaedwen's law.

"From what the boy told us, Your Highness, the witcher slew the leshen that was terrorizing our forests." Illayan Zerbst narrowed her eyes.

"Lady Zerbst, since when have leshens prowled about Kaedwen, never mind with such hostility?" Tetra Gilcrest asked.

"Eh?" King Dagread gestured to move the mirror from his face.

"Oh, you're suggesting the witchers have been staging these forest attacks?" King Dagread continued, "So scandalous, Madam Gilcrest."

Tetra had a stern face, "Monster species have dwindled under their swords."

The court members starting murmuring themself.

"They need coin," Tetra Gilcrest continued, "Some have turned to mercenary work, others criminality. One even took a bounty on cheating husband's head."

Illyana Zerbst interrupted, "And you have evidence to prove your conspiracy? Or are we to merely bank on your magical intuition?"

"It's their natures, my lady." Tetra Gilcrest walked forward, "Witchers are the offspring of foul sorcery. Roaming our lands, voting themselves the stalkers of evil, extorting coin from the gullible."

"Honest, simple peasants who ascribe all misfortune to spells and monsters." Tetra Gilcrest said.

Illyana Zerbst defended, "Mages create the witcher. Then presume it's our duty to hold the bucket and mop up their brown mess."

The attendants laughed and even the King Dagread chuckled, "I'm with Zerbst on this one."

It startled tetra Gilcrest.

"The witchers remain at Kaer Morhen. At least until such time as evidence is provided that supports your theory."

As the king has already declared his will, Tetra Gilcrest and her students bowed their heads.

Tetra Gilcrest and Illyana Zerbst narrowed their eyes at each other, before Tetra left the centre of the court, back to her seat.

"The next subject." King Dagread picked a grape and chewed it.

"It's regarding the brave deed of a witcher, saving Prince Amavet's life on the griffin's hunt." Illyana Zerbst entered the center of the court.

"Eh?! He went for a hunt?!" King Dagread became severe.

The court attendants murmured themselves.

It was a significant subject, and if something happened to Prince Amavet during his stay in Kaedwen, it could become an international issue!

"Yes, Your Highness. It was because Prince Amavet wanted to awe Princess Elen, his fiancee to be, Prince Amavet organised a Griffin hunt." Illyana Zerbst said.

"But the hunt was terrible, the beast was strong beyond words, it costed lives of eight duteous guards and even the Captain Maximus was injured." Illyana Zerbst continued, "Prince Amavet's situation was peril, had the witcher not saved his life, it would have been a disastrous situation for Kaedwen."

"I must impede, Lady Zerbst, was it not the witcher's job to protect the prince as he was hired to do so?" Tetra Gilcrest stood from her seat.

"The witcher was only hired to lure the Griffin," Illyan Zerbst continued, "And any other actions were from his own will."

"Doesn't such heroic deed deserve a reward, Your Highness." Illyana Zerbst said.

"Yes, it does, lady Zerbst. Summon the witcher. I shall reward him." King Dagread thoughtfully looked at Illyana Zerbst.

Viz entered the royal court. He didn't wear his witcher outfit, as he felt it was unsuitable for this occasion.

He was wearing, black Skellige style Noble outfit! which made him look more dashing.

The guards at the door introduce Viz in a loud voice, "Lord Viz an Brokvar! The witcher from the school of wolf! And also a noble blood from a clan of Brokvar from Skellige Islands!"

The attendants started murmuring, even Tetra and King Dagread became surprised.

It was everyone's first time seeing a witcher from a noble blood.

Viz came forward and bowed his head to King Dagread, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Greetings, Lord Viz." King Dagread continued, "You are very far away from your lands, Lord Viz."

"its complicated, Your Majesty. I beseech you not dwell on it." Viz said.

"I recognize your wish, lord Viz." King Dagread looks at Viz with interest, "I thank you for your heroic deed saving Prince Amavet, and such heroic deed deserves a reward. Tell me what do you desire, lord Viz."

"I am truthfully delighted, your majesty, and I do have a request that I want Your Majesty to grant it.".

"State it." King Dagread asked.

"I beseech your majesty, to permit me doing large-scale business in Kaedwen." Viz said.

"Eh?" King Dagread was stunned. "what kind of business do you plan to do, lord Viz?"

"I havn't decided it at, Your majesty." Viz said.

King Dagread stared Viz for a while, and said, "I shall grant you the permit to do business in Kaedwen, lord Viz… now the Royal Court matters be recess."

As King Dagread stood up and left, everyone bowed their head and started leaving.