Witcher: Sovereign of Magic

1272, Novigrad – A Shadow Meeting

The meeting took place not in the King of Beggars's dingy basement, but in a hidden alcove within the labyrinthine network of Novigrad's sewers. The air was damp and cool, the only light provided by a single flickering torch that cast long, dancing shadows on the grimy walls. Triss, her red hair pulled back from her face, stood nervously, her hands clasped tightly before her. She had heard whispers of Solomon, the enigmatic ruler of Avalon, but she had never met him. His reputation preceded him – a man of immense power, both magical and political, a figure shrouded in mystery.

A ripple of air, a subtle shift in the atmosphere, announced his arrival. Solomon stood before her, seemingly materializing from the shadows. He was dressed in his customary black robes, the silver runes etched into the fabric glowing faintly in the dim light. His face was impassive, his sharp gaze assessing her with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat.

"Triss Merigold," he said, his voice low and resonant. "Geralt tells me you require assistance."

Triss nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes. The situation in Novigrad… it's dire. Menge's persecution of mages… it's escalating. We need to get them out."

"Geralt mentioned you have a… specific objective," Solomon continued, his gaze unwavering.

"Yes," Triss confirmed, her voice gaining strength. "There are mages imprisoned at Deireadh. They're… they're running out of time. Menge plans a public execution. We need to get them out before the next full moon."

Solomon was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over her. "And what do you offer in return for such a… significant undertaking?"

Triss's heart sank. She had anticipated this. She had nothing of material value to offer. Her only currency was information, and she had little of that which would interest a man like Solomon.

"I… I can offer my loyalty," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "My services. I will do whatever you ask."

Solomon inclined his head slightly. "Loyalty is… a valuable commodity. But I require more than that, Sorceress. I require… a commitment."

Triss frowned, confused. "A commitment? To what?"

"To my… cause," Solomon replied, his voice enigmatic. "To the preservation of balance. To the fight against those who would plunge the world into darkness."

He paused, then added, "I am building… an organization, Triss. A network of individuals dedicated to these goals. Individuals with… unique talents. I call them… my Archons."

Triss considered his words, her mind racing. She understood what he was asking. He wanted her to join him, to become one of his agents, a member of his inner circle. It was a dangerous proposition, one that would irrevocably alter the course of her life. But the lives of the mages at Deireadh were at stake.

"You're asking me to… join you?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I am asking you to become part of something… greater," Solomon replied, his gaze unwavering. "Something that will shape the future of this world. Something that will require… sacrifices."

Triss's breath caught in her throat. To join Solomon… it meant severing ties with the Lodge, with her past life. It meant embracing a future shrouded in uncertainty, a future where she would be beholden to his will.

"And if I… accept this… invitation?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Then I will ensure the mages at Deireadh are freed," Solomon replied, his gaze unwavering. "And I will grant you and your fellow refugees safe passage out of Novigrad. Furthermore," he added, a hint of steel entering his voice, "I will ensure that Caleb Menge… ceases his activities."

Triss stared at him, her mind reeling. It was a monumental decision he placed before her, a choice that would define her destiny. But the reward… the reward was worth any risk.

"I… I accept," she said finally, her voice firm despite the turmoil within her.

Solomon nodded. "Then you are one of us." He reached into his robes and produced a small, obsidian shard, its surface pulsing with a faint, inner light. "This will allow us to communicate securely. It is also a… symbol of your commitment."

Triss took the shard, her fingers closing around it. She knew she had made a deal with the devil, a bargain that could have unforeseen consequences. But she had no choice. The lives of her fellow mages depended on it.

"Why Deireadh?" Solomon asked suddenly, his voice sharp. "Why risk so much for those imprisoned there? Many believe in the natural order of things. The strongest survive."

Triss met his gaze, her expression determined. "Because they are mages," she said simply. "Because they are being persecuted for what they are. Because they deserve a chance to live, just like anyone else."

Solomon was silent for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. Then, a faint smile played on his lips. "A… commendable sentiment," he said. "Though perhaps… naive. But sentiment, even naiveté, can be a powerful motivator."

He nodded. "Very well. The mages at Deireadh will be freed."

"There is one more thing," Solomon added, his gaze softening slightly. "Geralt tells me you seek information regarding Ciri. I will assist you in your search. Our goals… align in this matter."

Triss's heart leaped with hope. "You know something about her whereabouts?"

"I have… resources," Solomon replied cryptically. "I will share what I learn. But in return, I expect your continued… dedication."

Triss nodded. "Of course."

Solomon inclined his head. "Then our… partnership is… solidified." He paused, then added, a hint of warning in his voice, "But be warned, Sorceress. The path you have chosen is fraught with peril. Be careful whom you trust. In this world, even shadows can betray you."

And with that, he vanished, leaving Triss alone in the damp darkness of the sewers, the obsidian shard clutched tightly in her hand. She knew her life had just changed irrevocably. She was now bound to Solomon, a member of his Archons, a pawn in his game of shadows and secrets. But she was also the key to saving the mages at Deireadh. And that was a price she was willing to pay.