Lady of the Lake

by Andrzej Sapkowski

  Geralt declined to comment.

  ‘Cirilla,’ continued the Emperor, ‘will be happy, like most of the queens I just spoke about. It will come with time. I will not demand love from her but will transfer it to the son that Cirilla will bear for me. Archduke and future Emperor. An Emperor, who will beget a son. A son who will be ruler of the world and who will save the world from destruction. So says the prophecy, whose precise content, only I know...’

  The White Flame thought for a moment and continued.

  ‘It is clear that Cirilla must never know who I really am. The secret must die. Along with those who know it.’

  ‘Sure’ Geralt nodded. ‘It could not be clearer.’

  ‘You cannot help noticing,’ Emhyr said after a moment, ‘the hand of fate in everything that has happened. All of it. Also in your actions. From the very beginning.’

  ‘Rather, I see the hand of Vilgefortz. It was he who sent you to Cintra, right? When you were an enchanted hedgehog? It was he who made Pavetta...’

  ‘You are shooting in the dark,’ Emhyr interrupted abruptly, throwing his salamander cloak over his shoulder. ‘You don’t know anything. And you don’t need to know. I did not ask you here to relate the story of my life. Nor to explain myself to you. The only thing you deserve is to ensure that the girl will come to no harm. I do not have any debts to you, witcher. No...’

  ‘You!’ Geralt interrupted. ‘You broke a signed contract. You broke your word! You lied! These are your debts, Duny! You broke your oaths as a prince, and you have debts as an Emperor. With imperial interest. For ten years!’

  ‘Is that all?’

  ‘That’s it. Because that is all that is mine, nothing more. But no less! I had to introduce myself to collect the girl when she turned six. I waited on the agreed upon date, but you wanted to steal the child before that time. But the fates, of which you speak, have mocked you. During the next ten years you tired to fight destiny. Now it is your turn, you have Ciri, your own daughter, who you once shamefully deprived of parents and with whom you now want to shamelessly spawn incestuous offspring. You don’t ask for her love? Pah, you don’t have the right to her love! Between us, Duny, how can you look her in the eyes?’

  ‘The end justifies the means,’ the Emperor said flatly. ‘I do it for the future of the world. For its salvation.’

  ‘If you have to save the world like this,’ the witcher lifted his head, ‘this world would be better off disappearing. Believe me, Duny; it would be better to perish.’

  ‘You are weak,’ Emhyr var Emreis said gently. ‘Do not get excited, you look like you’re about to faint.’

  He moved from the cabinet, pulled up a chair and sat down. The witcher’s head was indeed spinning.

  ‘The Iron Hedgehog,’ Emhyr var Emreis said calmly and quietly, ‘was a way of forcing my father to cooperate with the usurper to the throne. After the coup, my father, the Emperor was deposed, imprisoned and tortured. He did not break; however, because the usurping Duke devised something else – before his eyes, he had a hired sorcerer turn his only son into a monster. The sorcerer also had a sense of humor. In our language, Emhyr means hedgehog. My father did not break then, so he was killed. I was driven by mockery and insults to the forest and chased by dogs. Fortunately they did not pursue me too fiercely, because the sorcerer botched the job, and from midnight until dawn I returned to human form, it saved my life. I was just thirteen years old. I knew several people on whose fidelity I could rely on. But even so, I had to flee the country. A crackpot astrologer called Xarthisius had read in the stars that the cure to the spell could be found in the North, beyond the Marnadal Steps. Later, as the Emperor, I gave him in payment for his services a tower and good equipment. At that time he had to work with borrow equipment. As for what happened at Cintra, you already know, and I won’t waste your time. The truth is that Vilgefortz had nothing to do with it. First, I still didn’t know him. And second, I still felt a deep aversion to sorcerers. To this day, I still do not like them. Oh by the way, when I reclaimed the throne, I apprehended the sorcerer who had served the usurper and who had turned me into a monster in front of my father. I, too, showed a sense of humor. The sorcerer’s name was Braathens, which in our language is the same as the word “fried”. Well, enough digression, back to the

  subject at hand. After the birth of Ciri, Vilgefortz secretly visited me in Cintra. He introduced himself as a confidant of those who remained faithful to me in Nilfgaard. He offered me his help and soon demonstrated that he could help. When I asked incredulously the motives for his actions, he did not deny relying on my gratitude. His plans were to win wealth and power, which the future Emperor of Nilfgaard would provide him – me. A mighty ruler who would rule half the world and raise offspring, who would dominate the whole world. The wizard bluntly admitted that he wish to achieve a high position. The he pulled out a scroll tied with snakeskin and acquainted me with the content. So I knew of the prophecy, I learned about the future fate of the world and I realized what I must do. And I have come to believe that the end justifies the means.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Meanwhile, in Nilfgaard,’ Emhyr ignored Geralt’s comment, ‘my business was on track. My supporter had gained more and more influence and had won a group of army officers and cadets over to our side and prepared for a coup. However, I was also imperative. In person. The rightful heir to the throne and imperial crown, the rightful Emreis of the Emreis lineage. I would be the flag of revolution. Between you and me, a lot of revolutionaries harbored a hope that that was all I would be. Those who are still alive still can’t get over it. But I digress. I had to go home. It was time that Duny, Prince of Maecht and false prince of Cintra, claim his heritage. However, I had not forgotten about the prophecy. I had to go back there with Ciri. But Calanthe was very carefully looking over my shoulder.’

  ‘She never trusted you.’

  ‘I know. I think she knew something about the prophecy. She would do anything to stop me and Cintra was in her power. It was clear, I had to go back to Nilfgaard, but in a way that no one would know that I was Duny and that Ciri was my daughter. Vilgefortz suggested a way. Duny, Pavetta and their child were to die, disappear without a trace...’

  ‘The faked sinking ship.’

  ‘Right. While sailing from Skellige to Cintra we had been driven by magic to the Sedna Abyss, where Vilgefortz pulled our boat into the maelstrom. I, Pavetta and Ciri would be close in a specially protected cabin and survive. The crew...’

  ‘They would not survive,’ finished the witcher. ‘Then began your journey over the corpses.’

  ‘It started a little earlier,’ he said after a moment in a dully voice. ‘When it became clear that Ciri was not on board.’

  Geralt raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Alas,’ said the Emperor flatly. ‘I underestimated Pavetta in my plans. This melancholy girl with downcast eye constantly watched me and my intentions. Just before leaving she smuggled our daughter back to the mainland. I raved. She, too. She had an attack of hysteria. In the scuffle... she fell overboard. Before I could jump in behind her, Vilgefortz pulled the ship into the maelstrom. I hit my head and lost consciousness. I survived only by a miracle, caught in the rigging. I woke up and bandaged up. I had a broken arm and...’

  ‘I wonder,’ said the witcher coldly, ‘what a man fells after murdering his wife?’

  ‘Worse than a mangy dog,’ Emhyr replied promptly. ‘I felt worse than a mangy dog, like a true scoundrel. Even the fact that I never loved her didn’t change that. The end justified the means. However, I regret her death, I did not want it and I did not plan it. Pavetta died accidentally.’

  ‘You’re lying,’ Geralt said dryly, ‘and it does not become an Emperor. Pavetta could not live. She would have denounced you. She would never let you do what you intend to do to Ciri.’

  ‘She would have lived,’ Emhyr contradicted him. ‘Somewhere else... Somewhere far away. There are many remote castles... perhaps Darn Rowan... I would
not have killed her...’

  ‘Even for the purpose that justifies the means?’

  ‘Always,’ the Emperor rubbed his forehead, ‘you use a less drastic solution. There are always many options available.’

  ‘Not always,’ said the witcher, looking into his eyes. Emhyr avoided his gaze.

  ‘Just what I thought,’ Geralt nodded. ‘Finish your story. Time is running out.’

  ‘Calanthe guarded her granddaughter like the apple of her eye. I could not even dream of kidnap... My relationship with Vilgefortz had cooled considerably, and I still held a grudge against other sorcerers... But the military and aristocracy were pushing me to go to war, encouraging me to attack Cintra. The nation needed living space and the vox populi would be considered this my test as Emperor. I decided to kill two birds with one stone. I would take in one fell swoop, Cintra and Ciri. The rest you know.’

  ‘Yes, I know,’ said Geralt. ‘Thanks for the chat, Duny. Appreciate you take the time, but let’s not wait any longer. I am very tired. I’ve seen the death of friends who followed me here from the end of the world. To save your daughter. They did not even know her, except for Cahir; none of them had seen her. They came to save her because there was something in them that was worthy and noble. And for what? To find death. I don’t think that is fair. And if anyone is interested, I’m not satisfied. Because a story in which good people die and the rogues live is bullshit. I have no more strength, Emperor. Call your men.’

  ‘Witcher...’

  ‘The secret must die along with those who know it, you said so yourself. You have no other way out. There are no other solutions. If I escape from prison I’ll come for Ciri. It is the price I must pay and you know it.’

  ‘I know it.’

  ‘You can spare Yennefer’s life. She does not know the secret.’

  ‘She,’ Emhyr said seriously, ‘would pay any price to take my Ciri. And to avenge your death.’

  ‘True,’ said the witcher. ‘I almost forgot how much she loves the girl. You’re right, Duny. We cannot escape our destiny. I have a request...’

  ‘I’m listening.’

  ‘Let me say goodbye to both of them. Then I am at your disposal.’

  Emhyr stood up, walked to the window and stared out the dark portal.

  ‘I cannot deny this. But...’

  ‘Do not worry; I won’t say anything to Ciri. It would hurt her severely, if I told her who you are. And I cannot hurt her.’

  After a long silence, Emhyr turned from the window.

  ‘Maybe I do have some debt to you,’ he turned on his heel. ‘Listen to what I have to offer. Once, long ago, when people still valued truth, honor and pride, they stood behind their words and feared only shame, it would happened that a person sentenced to death could escape humiliation by being handed a dagger or razor, and stepping into a tub of warm water and opening a vein. Do you think that...’

  ‘Command a tub to be filled.’

  ‘Do you believe,’ the Emperor said quietly, ‘that the Lady Yennefer would accompany you in the tub?’

  ‘I’m pretty sure. But I will have to ask. She has quite a rebellious nature.’

  ‘I know.’

  ***

  Yennefer agreed without hesitation.

  ‘Full circle,’ she said, staring speculatively at her wrist. ‘Uroboros is biting his own tail.’

  ***

  ‘I don’t understand,’ Ciri spluttered like an angry cat, ‘I don’t see why I should go with him! Why? Where are you going?’

  ‘My daughter,’ Yennefer said quietly. ‘This is your destiny. You’ll see, it cannot be otherwise.’

  ‘And you?’

  ‘Us,’ Yennefer looked at Geralt, ‘a different destiny awaits us. Nor can it be otherwise. Come to me, my daughter. Hold me tight.’

  ‘They want to kill you! I will not allow it! After all, we have only just been reunited! This is not fair!’

  ‘He who lives by the sword,’ Emhyr var Emreis said dully,’ dies by the sword. They both fought with me and lost. But they lose with dignity.’

  Ciri, in three steps stood before him, Geralt silently gasped. He heard Yennefer sigh. Bloody hell, he thought, anyone can see it! Everyone in the Black Ones army will see it! The same attitude, the same sparkling eyes, the same gesture with her mouth, the way she crosses her arms over her chest. Fortunately she inherited her mother’s ashen mane. But even so, those who aren’t blind can see whose blood she is.

  ‘You,’ Ciri said, directing an angry look at Emhyr. ‘You won. And you think you won with dignity?’

  Emhyr var Emreis did not respond. He just smiled and eyed the angry girl. Ciri clenched her teeth.

  ‘So many dead, so many dead for this end? And they lost with honor? Death is an honor? Only a beast would think so. I have looked at death up close and have not become a beast. And it will never happen.’

  He did not answer. He looked at her, seeming to drink her in.

  ‘I know,’ she hissed, ‘what you are up to. What you want to do with me. I’ll tell you now – I will not let you touch me. And if you do... I’ll kill you. Even if tied up. When you sleep, I’ll bite through your throat...’

  The Emperor with a quick gesture silenced the murmuring of his officers.

  ‘This will happen,’ he drawled, not taking his eyes from Ciri, ‘as intended. Say goodbye to your friends, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon.’

  Ciri looked at the witcher, Geralt made a dismissive motion with his head. The girl sighed. She hugged Yennefer and whispered together for a long time. Ciri then approached Geralt.

  ‘A pity,’ she said quietly. ‘It seemed that everything was beginning to improve.’

  ‘It seemed to be so,’ said the witcher.

  They embraced.

  ‘Be brave.’

  ‘He will not have me,’ she whispered. ‘He will not have me, don’t worry. I will escape him. I know a way...’

  ‘Do not kill him. Remember, Ciri. You cannot!’

  ‘Fear not, I didn’t even think about it. You know, Geralt, I’ve had enough of killing. There has been all too much.’

  ‘Too much. Goodbye, witcheress.’

  ‘Goodbye, witcher.’

  ‘Don’t cry.’

  ‘That is easy for you to say.’

  Emhyr var Emreis, Emperor of Nilfgaard escorted the witcher and the sorceress to the bath chamber, to a large marble bathtub filled with warm, fragrant water.

  ‘Goodbye,’ he said. ‘Take your time. I’m leaving, but I will leave people her to carry out my orders. When you are ready, call out. A Lieutenant will bring a knife. But as I said, do not rush.’

  ‘We appreciate it,’ Yennefer said seriously. ‘Imperial Majesty?’

  ‘I’m listening.’

  ‘I would ask you not to hurt my daughter. I do not want to die with the notion that she is crying.’

  Emhyr was silent for a time. A very long time. He bowed his head and leaned on the door.

  ‘Lady Yennefer,’ he finally said, an unreadable expression on his face. ‘You can be sure that I will not hurt yours and Geralt’s daughter. I have trampled the corpses of people and danced on the barrows of my enemies. I thought that was all I could look forward to. But your suspicions are unfounded - will never be able to hurt her. I know that now. Thank you to you both. Goodbye.’

  He walked out of the bath chamber and quietly closed the door. Geralt sighed.

  ‘Should we undress?’ he looked at the steam rising above the tub. ‘I’d hate for them to pull me out as a naked corpse...’

  ‘I imagine it does not matter how they pull us out,’ Yennefer pulled off her shoes and socks and with quick movement began to unbutton her dress. ‘Even though this is my last hour, I will not bathe dressed.’

  She pulled her shirt over her head and jumped into the tub, splashing the water.

  ‘Well, Geralt? Why are you standing like a statue?’

  ‘Because I had forgotten how beautiful you are.’

  ‘You’re ve
ry forgetful. Now, get in the water.’

  When he sat down beside her, she immediately threw her arms around his neck. He kissed her, stroking her waist above the water and under it.

  ‘Is this,’ he asked for the record, ‘the right time?’

  ‘For this,’ she murmured, dipping one hand under the water and touching him, ‘every time is appropriate. Emhyr repeated twice that we were not to rush. What better way to spend the last few moments we have been given? Why mourn and lament? It’s not worth it. Why examine our consciences? It is stupid and trivial.’

  ‘That’s not what I meant.’

  ‘Then what?’

  ‘If the water cools down,’ he murmured caressing her breasts, ‘then the cuts will be painful.’

  ‘For pleasure,’ Yennefer dipped a second hand below the water, ‘it is worth paying a little pain. Are you afraid of pain?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Me neither. Come, sit on the edge. I love you, but I will not, damn it, dive.’

  ‘Oh, oh...’ said Yennefer tilting her head so that he wet hair arched over her back. ‘Wow...’

  ‘I love you, Yen.’

  ‘I love you too, Geralt.’

  ‘It’s time. Let’s call.’

  ‘Let’s call.’

  They called out. First the witcher called and then the sorceress after him. When they received no response, the shouted in unison.

  ‘We are ready! Give us the knife! Hey! Damn it! The water is cooling!’

  ‘Then get out of it,’ Ciri said, peering into the bath chamber. ‘They’re all gone.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Yes. They are all gone. Besides the three of us, there is not a soul here. Get dressed. You look awfully ridiculous naked.’

  As they dress, their hands began to tremble. Both of them. With utmost difficulty they dealt with the buckles, hooks and buttons. Ciri chattered.

  ‘They are gone. Except for ourselves. Each and every one of them. They took all the prisoners, mounted their horses and left. They left no one behind.’