Witcher: Sovereign of Magic

Late 1266, Kaer Morhen, Kaedwen

The days following my departure from Kaer Morhen were filled with a tense anticipation. I had planted the seed, offered the proposition, and now it was time to wait for it to bear fruit. I knew the Witchers would debate, weigh their options, and ultimately, I knew they would choose survival. Their pragmatism, their inherent understanding of the world's harsh realities, would guide their decision.

And I was right.

A raven arrived at Avalon, bearing a message from Vesemir. They accepted my offer. They would remain neutral in the wars of the North, continue their work as monster hunters, and provide me with the information and materials I sought. In return, I would provide them with the resources to rebuild Kaer Morhen, to replenish their dwindling supplies, and to ensure their continued existence in a world that was growing increasingly hostile towards their kind.

But there was a caveat.

Coën, the Witcher from the Griffin School, had requested to be present at the negotiations. He had argued, convincingly it seemed, that the Griffin School, though scattered and diminished, still had a role to play in the world. He sought my assistance in rebuilding their ranks, in restoring their school to its former glory. It was a bold request, but one I found… intriguing.

Within the dimly lit hall of Kaer Morhen, the Witchers gathered. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls, illuminating the weathered faces of the assembled Witchers. Vesemir, his brow furrowed in thought, addressed the group.

"The… mage… he made an offer," Vesemir began, his voice grave. "A tempting one. He offers to help us rebuild Kaer Morhen, to replenish our supplies, to ensure our continued survival."

Lambert scoffed. "And what does he want in return? Our souls?"

"Not quite," Vesemir said. "He wants our neutrality in the wars of the North. He wants information. And he wants… access to certain materials."

"Materials?" Eskel asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

"The byproducts of our Trials," Vesemir explained. "The… remnants."

A murmur of unease rippled through the group.

"He claims to have… alchemical interests," Vesemir continued. "He believes these materials hold… potential."

Coën, his arms crossed, spoke up. "And what of the Griffin School? We are few in number, our resources even more meager than yours. Does this… benefactor… offer any assistance to us?"

Vesemir hesitated. "He did not mention the Griffin School specifically. But… perhaps this is an opportunity. An opportunity to rebuild, to strengthen our ranks."

"And become indebted to this… stranger?" Lambert challenged.

"He is not a stranger," Vesemir countered. "He is a mage. A powerful one. And he clearly has… resources. Resources we desperately need."

"But what are his motives?" Eskel asked. "Why would he help us?"

"He claims to desire stability in the North," Vesemir said. "He believes a strong Kaer Morhen, and perhaps a revitalized Griffin School, would contribute to that stability."

"And what of his… alchemical interests?" Lambert pressed.

"We can negotiate," Vesemir said. "We can set limits. We can ensure that any… collaboration… benefits both parties."

Coën nodded. "I agree. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to ignore. We must at least hear him out."

The Witchers debated late into the night, weighing the risks and rewards, the potential benefits and the unknown dangers. In the end, pragmatism prevailed. They agreed to meet with the mage again, to negotiate the terms of his offer, and to explore the possibility of rebuilding not just Kaer Morhen, but the Griffin School as well.

I agreed to meet with them, to finalize the terms of our agreement. This time, I would not go alone. Lytta Neyd, with her sharp intellect and understanding of both magic and politics, would accompany me. She would be my advisor, my negotiator, her presence a calculated move.

We arrived at Kaer Morhen once again, this time with a larger entourage. My homunculi, disguised as… attendants, accompanied us, their presence a subtle reminder of my power, my reach. The Witchers, though wary, did not object. They understood the language of power, the subtle display of strength. They knew I was not a merchant.

Vesemir, Coën, Eskel, and Lambert greeted us in the main hall, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. They had made their decision, but they were still unsure of what the future held. But their apprehension was quickly overshadowed by surprise, then shock, as they recognized Lytta.

"Welcome back," Vesemir said, his voice gruff but respectful, his eyes flicking between me and Lytta, a flicker of recognition, then something akin to alarm, crossing his face.

"Thank you," I replied, my smile genuine. "I am pleased to see you have come to a decision. And I trust you recognize my… associate?"

A heavy silence descended on the hall. Coën's eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively moving towards the hilt of his sword. Eskel and Lambert exchanged uneasy glances. They knew her. They all knew her. Lytta Neyd. One of the mages from Sodden Hill. The battle that had decimated the Northern forces. The battle where magic had turned against them.

"Lytta Neyd," Vesemir said, his voice carefully neutral, though I could sense the tension radiating from him. "We… did not expect to see you here."

"Circumstances change," Lytta said smoothly, her expression composed, betraying none of the emotions she must have been feeling. "And alliances… shift. I am here at… his… invitation." She gestured towards me.

"Indeed," I said, breaking the tense silence. "Lytta is an invaluable advisor. Her… experience… is invaluable in these negotiations."

The Witchers remained silent, their eyes still fixed on Lytta, their minds undoubtedly racing, trying to understand the implications of her presence. They knew she was a powerful mage. They knew she had been involved in the disastrous events at Sodden Hill. And now, she was here, with me, seemingly allied with me. It was a development they clearly hadn't anticipated.

"Let us discuss the specifics of our agreement," I said, cutting through the tension. "I believe we have much to discuss."

Vesemir nodded slowly. "Indeed. There are… details to finalize."

Coën stepped forward. "The Griffin School… we discussed our need for assistance in rebuilding our ranks."

"Yes," I said, turning my gaze to Coën. "And I am prepared to offer that assistance. But understand, Coën, these new Witchers… they will be different. They will be… enhanced."

"Enhanced?" Eskel asked, his brow furrowing. "How so?"

"They will be… well-trained," I said, my emphasis subtle. "Their training will be… comprehensive. They will be the best Witchers the world has ever seen."

Coën nodded slowly. "And what do you require in return?"

"Your continued neutrality," I replied. "Your discretion. And… your cooperation."

"Cooperation?" Lambert asked. "In what?"

"In ensuring the stability of the North," I said. "In protecting the innocent. In… maintaining the balance."

Vesemir exchanged a look with the other Witchers. "And what of the materials you mentioned?"

"They will be provided," I said. "As agreed. But their use… that is something we will discuss later."

The negotiations stretched late into the night, the flickering firelight in the hall casting dancing shadows on the faces of those gathered. Each clause of the agreement was dissected, debated, and finally, agreed upon. Lytta, surprisingly composed despite the initial shock of her presence, proved invaluable.

"So," Vesemir said, leaning back in his chair, a hint of weariness in his voice, "we agree. We provide you with the materials… and the information. We remain neutral. And you, in turn, provide the resources to rebuild Kaer Morhen… and fund the training of our new recruits."

"Precisely," I confirmed. "A mutually beneficial arrangement."

Coën cleared his throat. "And the training… you mentioned enhancements?"

"I facilitated a connection to individuals with specialized knowledge," I corrected. "These new Witchers will be different. Stronger. Faster. More… resilient. But their training… that will remain within your purview."

Eskel frowned. "Resilient? Against what?"

"Against the challenges that lie ahead," I said cryptically. "The world is changing, Eskel. The old ways… they may not be enough."

Lambert snorted. "So, you're going to teach us some new tricks? New ways to kill monsters?"

"I am providing the means for you to learn new tricks, Lambert," I said. "I am not a Witcher. My expertise lies elsewhere. I offer resources, not instruction."

Lytta, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "This is not just about rebuilding Kaer Morhen," she said, her voice clear and steady. "It's about ensuring the survival of the Witcher tradition. The world needs Witchers. Now more than ever."

Coën nodded slowly. "And the Griffin School… we will train alongside the Wolf School?"

"Yes," I confirmed. "Twenty new Witchers, ten for each school. A new generation of protectors. A force for stability in the North."

Vesemir looked at me, his eyes searching. "And what is your ultimate goal in all of this?"

"My goal," I said, "is to ensure the balance of the world. To protect it from those who would exploit its power, who would plunge it into chaos. And I believe that a strong, well-trained order of Witchers is useful to that balance."

"And you believe we can trust you?" Lambert asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

I met his gaze steadily. "Trust is earned, Lambert. Not given freely. But I offer you my word. I will uphold my end of this agreement. And I expect you to do the same."

The silence in the hall was heavy, filled with unspoken questions and lingering doubts. Finally, Vesemir spoke.

"Very well," he said. "We have an agreement."

We shook hands, the deal sealed. As we prepared to depart, I turned to Lytta.

"You've been invaluable," I said quietly. "Thank you."

"It was… necessary," she replied, her gaze distant. "For the greater good."

"Indeed," I said. "For the greater good. And for the stability of the region."

The next phase of my plan was in motion. The funding and resources for a new generation of Witchers were secured. And with them, I would have a powerful tool, a force that would help shape the future of the world. A force I did not intend to directly control, but one whose existence served my larger, more subtle, purposes.