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Sleeping Beauty Reloaded	By : dschinny Category: +S through Z > Witcher 2, The: Assassins of Kings Views: 1938 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Witcher, this is purely for fun, and not profit

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Chapter 12 - The Steam Bath
Sean opened the gate for them. He wasn’t wearing his armor, just the tunic in the colors of Midville. A white bandage showed at the collar. “Greetings,” he said, “Kevin, the captain is expecting you.” – “I got his medicine. Can you hold the palfrey, please?” Kevin dismounted fluently and entered the chevalier’s house. Sean winced. Holding a halberd and taking the reins at the same time did not sit well with the gash in his shoulder.
The witcher nudged Roach forwards a couple of steps, right into the line of the stable gate and made sure Sean knew that he was watching him from above. Gernot dismounted and took the rains from Sean. “I’ll take care of it. Go back to your watch.” The message was clear to Sean, ‘Sod off and don’t get any closer to the stable or Velita.’
The gardener came out of the stable and pinned the huge winged gate open, “Greetings,” she held Cricket and Roach while Geralt dismounted. “Good evening.” His piercing gaze briefly focused on her wrists that held the reins and he lowered his voice, “Have you been well?” – “Yes, Sir Geralt,” she curtsied, “Would you like to freshen up before you report?” – “I’ve got no demands towards the Count tonight. Tell the steward we found some residues and removed them. I consider it covered by yesterday’s agreement.” – “That’s too complicated Geralt, you know Velita cannot count to four.” – “Oups,” Velita bit her lower lip. – Gernot winked, “Take care of Cricket and the palfrey, I’ll change and tell the steward, then show you to the steam bath.” – “And return my laundry.” Geralt reminded him. He would need his change of clothing afterwards. – “Sure, as agreed.”
Once they had sorted out the three horses in their respective partitions and the hunter had shut the stable gate, Geralt left the tack and the saddle on the divider. His long strides crossed the rivulet in the aisle twice as he joined Velita in the palfrey’s partition. She turned to kiss him but held him at bay as he deepened his kiss. He needed to feel she was alright, to hold her, smell her, taste her...
“Geralt…” – “Uhm?” – “I’ve got no apron on.” – “Nice.” – “…you look like you’ve been standing hip-deep in the mud all day.” – “True.” He smiled down ruefully. Some had rubbed off on her woolen robe already. “I’ve got to take care of your cover. Bright and clean as you were, you could draw attention.” – “But in here…?” – “I’ll clean up once I have given Roach her much needed attention. She waited patiently while I was hip deep in the mud.”
He went back to Roach and let her rub down the palfrey’s wet flanks. “Thanks for helping me Geralt. I appreciate it, especially since you had a trying day yourself.” she smiled over her shoulder to inform him, “We will have rabbit for dinner.”
“Sounds good,” the witcher had been sorting out the scents before he bent down to clean out Roach’s hooves. “Did the younger guard behave?” – “Yes, he was helpful and polite.” – “Good.” The running water slowly took the guard’s scent away that clung to the aisle since he had been shoveling and perspiring some hours ago. “Could you return me a favor and leave the palfrey’s saddle out of our chamber?” – “I will.” She went down to scratch out the hooves. It didn’t look like Kevin had done so before. The guard knew how to use only, but he had no care.
Another scent was on her robe as well, but Geralt couldn’t quite place it, he simply asked “Did the Count behave?” – “I didn’t get to see much of him. He’s been out to town with the countess all afternoon.” – “Did he say something to you when he came back?” – “He required me to take the fox into the stable after he took down the saddle bags and vanished in the house. That’s actually the second set he didn’t bring back.” she shrugged, “I’ll have to ask Gernot or the steward about it. Even though he started to address me, I don’t dare to ask him.”
Velita was done with the palfrey and continued with Cricket, “Something changed and I cannot point it. I’m glad he’s been courting the countess like a noble man all day, even went to the wine cellar himself before dinner.” – “You’ve been at the mansion?” Geralt prompted her as she did not continue. He was done with Roach but in spite of taking the saddle to the chamber, he leaned on the divider. His amber gaze was piercing even though he just listened.
“Don’t look at me like that. I’m not seeking his attention and I’m not jealous. I got to store carrots in the sand boxes in the vegetable cellar and left the door open. The Count didn’t say a thing but the way he looks at me gives me the jitters. He stood there for a better minute; the bottle under his arm. He just watched me going about my chores and then - without a request - he went upstairs. The creepy thing is, he never lowered himself to basement level before. But this week? Twice.” She kept brushing off Cricket.
“Hm.” He wasn’t going to give Velita more grief and tell her about the manacles.
“I wonder what I did to raise his attention. Again. I thought I turned him off in the morning.”
“Regret maybe? Realized that he cannot have you anymore?” he saw her shoulder blades stiffen and shut up, having said too much already.
“The Count did not have me. He just checked… then paid.” Velita set her jaw then relaxed it again. “Let’s say he’s got nothing from me he could possibly regret to lose. He rarely even noticed me.” He cleared her throat. “He’s on his way to the countess, to wine and dine a young, beautiful and well mannered lady and still cannot take his eyes from a forty plus slave’s ass? What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t know about the countess’ ass, but I’ll allow the Count to have it…” Geralt smirked “…because I’ve got myself a better one.” - “Geralt!” – “Yes?” she was speechless so he offered politely, “…would you have me rather not to like it?” he prowled around the divider and she turned on him. “Such a hardship, thankfully I’m not out of options.” Since she wanted save distance from the mud that clung to his pants, he bent down and tipped up her chin to kiss her face lightly, showing her his favorite options with his lips while his palms searched deeper “You hide them well, but yes, I like those too,” his palms smoothed over her chest, lifting her small breasts under the folded, worn-out fabric. “So nice. But what makes you beyond compare is that you are friendly, caring…” his smile grew wicked “…and very generous. Finish up here. I want to get a rid of my muddy leathers and discover the beauty under your rags.”
He was just taking Roach’s saddle into the chamber as the stable door opened and Kevin stumbled in. Gernot was right behind him, “stop it!” – The younger guard shrugged the hunter’s hand off his shoulder, “What’s the matter, I’m just asking for a little water?” – “Water?” the witcher’s gaze locked on him. - “The medicine for the captain. It has to be prepared with boiling water, but the cook just kicked me out off her kitchen.” Kevin was wise enough to take a couple of steps backwards, but did not realize that was still just one step for a witcher who pounced. “I can provide you the looks from being kicked when you gate crash here again… Velita?”
She had heard them and came over as Geralt blocked the intrusion. “What do you need, Kevin?” she shook out her hands she had washed at the indoor through and dried them on her robe. – “A large bowl with boiling water to brew the medicine.” - The witcher added, “The captain wants his foot washed and the cook is not having him in her kitchen.” – “Please, it cannot wait, the captain’s got a fever.” – Velita suppressed a sigh. She had such a nice dinner on the hearth. “Got that medicine?” Kevin handed her a package wrapped in bark. “Wait at the chevalier’s house. I’ll come over when I have the medicine ready.” She let Gernot into the stable. The hunter had changed out of his ever present felt jacket into a clean linen tunic and passed Geralt his washed and dried clothing.
Velita got the large bowl from the grate inside the saddle chamber, put it on the stove and shoveled some of the contents inside. She remained silent, frowned, spread the herbal ingredients apart and sniffed. “I’ll accompany you,” Geralt promised and swatted beside her. But she was not crying, not afraid, just …oddly concentrated. He took a whiff himself, then straightened up to check on Gernot who apparently wanted to talk to them but had left them a private moment.
When Gernot returned with Cricket’s saddle, he filled them in about the steward’s report, and then offered “I can accompany Velita, it’s more permanent when I put a few things right over at the chevalier’s house. The captain is definitely going down for a while. You should have seen Cass’s reaction when Kevin just asked her to come into the ‘guards lair’. She has made clear that she won’t move a hand for the captain and I wager it will be unsalted bean-stew and gruel for a week in the chevalier’s house.”
Velita looked up at Geralt and the witcher nodded. “You can have dinner with us if you manage to get some bread from the kitchen. With that, one rabbit will be sufficient for the three of us.” Velita took the lid of the oven, and poured water over the medicine with a ladle. “Where did you get a rabbit from?” the hunter wondered. Fabian had hares in the barn, but no rabbits. – “From the garden.” – Gernot saw rabbits in the garden as vermin, “Have you been setting snares?” – “No. I guess it was a buzzard’s strike. It got his throat cut and wasn’t older than half an hour when I found it. No signs of a disease. Cass knife came handy.” She smiled at Geralt, who returned it generously.
“You amaze me,” the hunter crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I’ve got to wonder when you’ll do my job and let me retire.” – “C’mon, it’s good food.” – “I can smell that,” he smiled as well.
Velita removed the herbal ingredients from the brew, lowered the temperature with cold water and got a cloth. “Let’s see to the captain. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Geralt nodded and unbuckled his sword harness and armor. Once the gate was closed from the outside, the witcher had a closer look at the ingredients. The bark wrapping was probably elvish. They smelled nice, but had no healing properties he knew of, and he had learned quite a bit in the decades of portion making. One herb could even lead to complications when used on open wounds.
Primo: the herbalist Kevin had seen did not like the captain one bit. The witcher no longer wondered why, but should he tell Gernot? He decided not to burden the hunter’s conscience with his brother’s health issues. If the captain died from a sepsis after a kick and some well deserved inaction by women he had harassed, he would not grieve. The count would have difficulties to remain as bad without the captain’s muscle covering for him.
Secundo: Velita knew. She had handled the herbalist’s potion with ease, which was not unusual considering her age. But her analyze had been quick and thorough like a professional’s. She could read whole books and convert cramped muscles into dough, heal horses’ injuries and ride a witcher’s occasional back ache away. She hid no knife. She hid her ability to kill like a viper. And she promptly got the support of another one. Death was upon the captain. It would be unobtrusive but torturously slow.
He had taken a friendly, caring, generous… viper into his bed. Which made him feel… less worried than before. ‘What the fuck is wrong with you, Geralt?’ It came to his advantage that she could take care of herself. First, she had been another body with a name he would hardly remember at the turn of seasons, but then his preference for bold women had gotten the better of him again. ‘As if one scorpion wasn’t lesson enough?!’ - that last wish still rankled.
But he wasn’t one to complain at a challenge. He had given Velita no reason to hate him, just offered up himself to fulfill her needs as she took care of his. Nevertheless, it would be naive to leave his equipment behind for her to do as she pleased while he was not looking. His blades weren’t the problem; she had knowledge to tamper with his potions! He shed his clothing down to knickers, transferred his dagger and cast two short lived Yrden to seal the saddle chamber. When Velita could walk the courts with a smile, so could he.
-oOo-
Alfred was somewhat surprised as his brother strode in, “Good evening Alfred.” Kevin was sitting with the captain, now he stood “The cook denied to come over, Velita brings your medicine.” Alfred sat up as she came in behind his brother. He looked sick, smelled sick, but his gaze still locked on her unwavering. “Not accompanied by the witcher tonight?” Velita stood back. “Come here, please.” The captain said in a mocking tone and gave her a smile that did not touch his eyes. “Put that bowl down and please wash my foot.” She knelt and supported his foot while moving the bowl into a comfortable position. “Do you like what you see, Velita?” – “You are in pain,” she just stated the obvious. “How about you, brother?” – “Looks bad to me. With all that running around, you’ve got yourself an infection.”
“I hope this bath helps to ease it.” Velita washed the residue of the salve down with handfuls of water. - “I hope as well. For your own sake.” – “Leave your foot in the bath for about one hour,” she advised evenly, “Kevin, your captain is in serious pain. Could you find him a strong drink, something to help him sleep afterwards?” Velita stood and placed the cloth over the captain’s knee. “Here you are, Captain. Kevin can return the bowl in the morning. He’s brought enough herbs for a week.”
“Good. Tell the witcher that you will come to me, every morning and evening until this is healed. Gernot, make sure this is understood.” – “I cannot promise anything when it comes to the witcher, Alfred.” – “But I can promise you something, little brother: I will have any slave punished who is not following my orders. Even if I have to send to Midville and fetch the executioner to get the whipping done.” – “Tsk, Alfred, don’t you scare her. Velita follows the Count’s order as she serves the witcher. He decides, she has to obey.” – “Enjoy your reprieve, I can wait.” Gernot cut in, “Waiting sounds like healthy decision, have a good evening, Alfred,” he ushered Velita out of the room – “I’m curious how much punishment you can pile up…” the captain called after them. “…and how you’re going to take it when it comes down on you.”
Kevin thought how weak the captain looked, but got him a stiff drink nevertheless, then went to his room to strip. The steam bath would get a rid of the scent of horse piss that clung to him. He had not dared to ride into Midville for the pharmacy but had taken a detour to the elvish herbalist who was housing in a little hut outside the city walls…
Gernot and Velita just came out of the chevalier’s house when the witcher crossed the court. “Got that completed?” Geralt inquired evenly. She nodded “Velita, would you pick up the bread from the kitchen, I sealed off the chamber but we won’t take long.” Velta curtsied. “I trust you’ve got towels Gernot?” – “Sure.” – “Let’s warm up.” Geralt followed the hunter into the chevalier’s house’s corridor to the last door and entered a tiled washroom with a wooden compartment on the far side. He stripped off the knickers, stood on the wooden grate and poured cold water over his hair to rinse the mud splatters out.
Gernot had set the stones and caught up swiftly. Nothing was impractical about the hunter. A moment later, Kevin strode in like he was part of the group. The witcher did not spare him a glace, just kicked an empty bucket over to the door with his heel, “Get us more water,” he ordered him out.
They entered the steam bath in private and poured water over the hot stones. “How did it go?” – “Alfred’s vengeful, but behaved. Sarcastic first then required Velita to tend to his foot in the mornings and evenings. He even threatened to bring in the executioner for punishments. He’s counting her offenses.” – “Hmm.”
Kevin had taken both buckets to the rain tub outside in the training ground while Geralt and Gernot got comfortable in the steam bath. The hunter longed around on the upper bench and sighed as the heat slowly drove the frost from his bones and mellowed tense muscles. The witcher leaned back, supported on his elbows to keep the silver pendant cooled by his skin and some tender scars on his back from touching the searing hot wood as he stretched his long legs. He generally accepted cold better than heat, but this was nice. Sweat formed on his chiseled pectorals and ran down his aps.
Kevin entered just to find that a hunter and a witcher easily filled a room made for five guards. The witcher didn’t budge the slightest. His yellow eyes fixed on Kevin “What are you looking at? Sit down or get out.”
“Sorry.” Kevin side stepped him and found himself a corner to sit down gingerly, keeping his towel around his hips. He did not last long, and went out into the training ground to cool down and have some fresh air. Gernot took longer and decided for a reviving dive in the rain tub.
The witcher would hardly fit in there, so he strolled over the training ground, sidling with the young guardsman. “Tell me something,” he stopped him up in the middle of the court in front of a wood trunk that was embedded in the ground. Its surface was scarred from blades as well as blunt objects. “Is that the pole your colleague mentioned?”
“What did he say?” Kevin played the innocent. - “That there was a pole where slaves are lashed by guards for all sorts of transgressions.” – “I’ve never done such a thing.” Kevin shrugged, – “But you’ve got the same rule book as Sean, haven’t you?” The witcher picked up a manacle that was dangling from a chain. It was obvious that this pole had a different purpose than those in Kaer Morhen. But the manacle wasn’t one of the blacksmiths latest products. At least the pole was not specifically prepared to secure Velita for torture; otherwise he would have torn it out right there. He listened to the liar’s rapid heartbeat and considered how well Kevin’s wrists would fit in.
Somehow, Kevin got the idea that the witcher would do if he made a mistake now, “I’ve heard about it. Sean said he had mistaken Velita for a slave though she is none. He also said that those rules cannot be applied on her.”
“What will you do about the punishment she ‘piled up’ during the night shift?” – “That would not apply either.” - What will the captain do when I tell Velita not to go to him in the morning?” – “That would be among the captain and you.” Kevin shrugged.
Gernot approached from Kevin’s other side, backing the guardsman up against the pole. “That’s not what he said, Kevin. The captain called Velita a slave and threatened to punish her when she did not fulfill his order.” – “Interesting.” The witcher turned back on Kevin. “Since the captain is hampered and still thinks she is a slave, what will you do tomorrow morning if he orders you to shackle Velita to this pole and lash her?”
“Well. He’s not my captain to be exact. I’m from the Midville city guard and Sean explained things to me. I’m guarding the compound, but Alfred cannot order me around like that.” – “Why not?” – “Guards don’t lash prisoners in Midville and I see no reason to start like that just because the Count asked us to help out with security.” – “so this pole is pretty much useless, hm?” The witcher dropped the chain with metallic sound - “I guess it is.” Kevin just shrugged and hoped the interrogation would come to an end.
But the witcher continued to grill him, “What about that merciful exemption that allows you to fuck Velita for whatever transgression instead of lashing her?” he was getting really personal now. – Kevin flushed “Well in Midville, it is generally forbidden to have sex on duty.” - “Can you explain why the Captain threatened Velita with punishment by the Midville’s executioner a moment ago?” – “I don’t know why he says such things, but I doubt the hangman can be hired out like that. His job is to execute judicial court’s decisions.”
Kevin avoided mentioning the other half of the fact, the executioner also ran the brothel as it was customary in many towns – as a side job, not by court decisions. Mister Rosenfeld had a reputation and all the tools of trade that kept the whores in line and thugs at bay. The similarity ended with the name they had taken when entering an impure trade. It was not charming and luxurious entertainment like Mistress Rose’s expensive special services. The Rosenfeld’s was so clean, that it smelled of vinegar and the girls were willing to do everything he came up with. He could afford to get laid once in two months, even monthly when he restricted himself to quarter an hour.
“I have done nothing wrong and I got nothing to do with this. I answered all your questions and even listened out the steward on that topic as well.” – “Remember what you said.” – “Sure. I’ll leave you to your thoughts and go inside.”
This time Kevin knew better than to feel invited when the witcher and the hunter took another five minutes turn. Gernot rinsed off, threw on his tunic while the witcher washed the sweat out of his long hair with curd soap that purged the rose scent and put his knickers back on. Velita came out of the kitchen in the mansion’s basement with the bread and the threesome strolled over to the stable.
When Kevin finally dared to resurface, Sean found him staring at the pole and ambled over. “Still making plans with that?” he inquired - “Uhm, no. The witcher… I don’t want to get to know him any better. He’s huge and full of scars, and his stare gives me the creeps. I’ve got the feeling I just got around a lashing myself… or nearly slipped on soap. The whoreson …smells like roses.” - “Creepy mutant.” Sean agreed. “Put your clothes on, we’ve got to eat something.
They found soon after that the cook didn’t like them either. Alfred just turned his head to the wall after seeing the gruel Kevin brought to his room.
-oOo-
“You two look like you’re about to tear out trees.” Velita smiled as she sidled up with the hunter and the witcher. – “Done that actually, we’re ready for dinner now.” The witcher dispelled the Yrden from the saddle chamber’s door and Velita was greeted by a pile of muddy black leather and clothing that Geralt had piled on the edge of the wooden platform for cleansing. She slid out of her wooden clogs and stepped up on the wood with a backwards glance at Geralt, “Again? You boys really like to play in the mud, hm?”
Geralt sat on the platform to wash his bare feet in the rivulet that was now running underneath the grate, “An occupational risk - that’s why no woman in her right mind would keep a witcher around.”
“As a hunter, I’ve gotten my fill of complaints as well. Being nice usually helps.”
“Don’t worry Geralt, I’ll take care of it later.” Velita had set the table, put the bread and a half filled bottle of wine on it, “Could you cut-up the bread please?” she asked and went to get their dinner out of the oven. “Sure,” Geralt got to his change of clothes first and slid a black shirt over his head before he took a seat on the bed and produced his dagger. Gernot sat down beside him and inspected the bottle “Oh, Cass has a generous streak tonight.” – “Yes, she said that wine was returned from the Count’s table and that the guards did nothing to deserve it.” – Geralt chuckled, “We do,” and moved his cup for Gernot to fill it, “Apparently, the count has moved on to his other mean of persuasion.“
When Velita sat the plates down, she wondered why Gernot’s face was flushed red but blamed the steam bath for it. She had marinated the dismantled rabbit with herbs and acid during the day, then roasted it at low temperature and served it with red cabbage, potatoes and gravy. She knelt on the floor and Geralt cut meat from the bones and balanced it over to her bowl. Gernot helped himself with his short hunting knife.
“What about your challenge, Gernot?” The witcher kept taunting, “Who stole wood but did not make it into your book?” – Gernot decided to get over it quickly, preferably without having to explain such things to Velita, “What’s your guess, witcher?” – “You said I have already met that person.” – “That narrows it down on Velita, Cass, Bella, Rosa…” – Gernot shook his head, smiling “and that bath attendant, do you have a name?” – “No. to both.” – “The countess I saw on the family portrait?” – “On that sidetrack, why should a Countess steal wood in the forest?”
“Barbecue picnic?” with Geralt range of experience, nothing was impossible, “taking advantage of an attractive employee by provoking a situation?” – Gernot’s flush deepened. What the witcher implied was possible from what Choi and Yun had transferred. “Never happened, and please keep that thought to yourself.” Geralt grinned - Gernot scolded, “stop it!” – “Tell me then,” Geralt gave up on guessing. – “You’ve got one rotten impression of my professionalism, naming all those women, tsk! It was the swine heard I didn’t write up.” – “Now, that comes as a surprise, I thought you had kids?”
Gernot swallowed hard before he could get this jest across. “See what I’d get, if I was merciless and inflexible about rules? It was the swine heard in fact who was collecting in a forbidden area, but the whole mansion depends on his meat production in the wood and the swine he herds are actually more useful than damaging to the forest, while the poor guy is merely kept alive by the pay he gets from the Count, who is also denies him a written exemption that allows him to collect wood on his rounds. I’m not an ass. Of course I choose just to scold and let him go. To let a judge fine him would be left pocket - right pocket-thing in which only the court gets richer.”
“Sensible choice.” Geralt nodded and then his gaze looked on Velita, so intense that she started wondering what he wanted. “Yes, Geralt?” - “Would you mind if Gernot bought you from the Count?” -The hunter beside him stiffened. “Geralt, I,” he tried to interfere. – “Shut up and listen, I want to hear it from Velita and so should you.” – “Why should Gernot do such a thing?” – “To protect you from harm by others, while you work for him. Otherwise… you could just do what makes both of you happy.” – “I don’t think that would be possible.” – “Question wasn’t plausibility but for your opinion on becoming Gernot’s slave.” – “I would rather be Gernot’s slave than the Count’s slave. But if I had a real choice, I’d rather be free with a job and a place to stay.”
“Understood. What did the Count pay for you?” – “175 Orens.” – “That’s just about 27 Novigrad Crowns. Less than I expected.” - “I was starved down to 50 kg at that time, multiplied by 3 1/5 Orens per kilogram,“ Velita shrugged, “it would be a little more now,” she expected. – “The Count bought you for the price of pork meat?” – “Yes, without extras.” – “What would that be?” – “I think they’ve got factors like beauty, youth, qualifications, pregnancy. They haggled whenever I was barren, but the slaver could not disproof the count’s assumption.” – Geralt decided to cut back to the here-and-now, “But you are qualified, aren’t you, Velita? So much that the Count actually made a bargain.” – “Nobody asked if I could cook or sew.” – “I never had a slice of meat doing multiplications for me or medicate folks and life stock.” – “I’ll do what’s necessary, but in the Count’s view, I’m dump and I’d like to keep it that way.” – “I agree,” the witcher nodded. So she was still shut up like a clam about her past.
“Geralt,” the hunter had listened since the witcher had shut him up the hard way, but now he interfered, “you said for yourself that you could not own a slave. I can understand that, because the same goes for me. I admit that her situation is difficult, but I would never use circumstances to force myself on Velita or any other woman like that. I cannot partake in machinations I despise.” – “I know and I respect your privacy,” Geralt smiled, “We’ll talk about your side tomorrow.”
While Velita scurried off again to clean his boots and armor at the grate, the witcher finished his meal, patiently picking the last meat of the bones.
Gernot had a swig of the wine. It was good and he was sure nobody at the chevalier’s house would eat as good in weeks, but the unease the witcher had caused ran deep. It wasn’t just the directness. He got used to that since they had excavated the residue of the monster, but Velita? The witcher really had the manners of a horse’s ass and showed zero diplomacy. Since he had been paid, it was natural that Geralt wanted to leave. Back when he had told him of the events beforehand, he had promised that he wanted to solve the problem. He picked up a bone to chew on. Since that, he had fought, put his own life and his dog’s at risk, they had been successful.
‘Or not?’ The guards were dead, the captain was down, the count and the two hired guards turned away. Chances were that Velita’s life would become much easier from now on. Why couldn’t he feel good after so much success? On the other hand, the witcher probably intended to tip him as it was custom after guiding a successful hunt. The witcher had earned 500 Crowns, the value of a farm house, not just a red stag’s trophy. If he got the usual percentage of that, even half of that, he could easily afford to buy a slave of the equal value of two yearling pigs, strike a bargain before his brother came up with something. Velita had half ways agreed, but would that make him feel good? To become the less-than-ideal solution forever? Could he drive petty jealousy from his mind considering the… match maker? He assumed he could. But if he made such a deal, it would drive him deeper into responsibilities he didn’t want, even feared. Somehow, the witcher knew no fear. But then, Geralt was probably ten times stronger than him.
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Sleeping Beauty Reloaded