Chapter 113: Counterproposal
POV: Adam
The journey to Montecalvo became theater.
Yennefer's suggestion had seemed excessive at first—stopping in every major town along the route to demonstrate power publicly. But watching the effect on crowds that gathered to witness an "Element Master" reshape landscapes, I understood the strategy.
Politics ran on perception. Arriving at the Lodge meeting as unknown refugees meant being treated as such. Arriving as celebrities whose capabilities had been witnessed by thousands meant negotiating from strength.
"The river's blocking our path." A town mayor had approached during our second day, explaining that spring floods had destroyed the bridge connecting his settlement to the main road. "We've sent to Oxenfurt for engineers, but they won't arrive for weeks."
"I can help."
The construction took twenty minutes.
Stone rose from the riverbed at my command, forming pillars that anchored into bedrock. Earth compressed into arches spanning the water. The final bridge stood twelve feet wide, sturdy enough to handle wagon traffic, decorated with carved railings I'd added purely for aesthetic effect.
[ Construction Complete: Stone Bridge ]
[ MP: 980/980 → 750/980 ]
[ Public Reputation: +50 (Regional) ]
The crowd's reaction—gasps, then cheers, then spreading word that traveled faster than our procession—proved Yennefer's point. By the time we reached the next town, people were waiting to see the "Stone-Shaper" and the "Princess of Dimensions."
"This is actually fun." Ciri's admission came during our fourth display—parting a river Moses-style while she opened small portals that made the divided waters glow with dimensional light. "I've spent so long hiding what I can do. Showing off feels... liberating."
"Don't get too used to it. The Lodge knows these displays are political theater."
"Let them know. That's the point." Through our bond, I felt her confidence building—not arrogance but legitimate self-assurance. "We're not hiding anymore. We're announcing ourselves."
—Scene Break—
POV: Geralt
The witcher watched the procession from its rear, uncomfortable with the spectacle but acknowledging its effectiveness.
Twenty Skellige warriors in ceremonial armor, Lambert at their head looking like he'd been born to command rather than complain. Behind them, the wagon carrying supplies and emergency equipment. In the center, Ciri and Adam—the visible face of power that entire regions were now discussing.
"You don't approve." Yennefer rode beside him, her usual black dress replaced by traveling clothes that somehow still managed to look regal.
"I don't understand. We're showing our capabilities to everyone, including the Lodge's spies."
"That's exactly the point. Philippa knows what we can do. What she doesn't know is how the public perceives it." Yennefer gestured toward the latest crowd lining their path. "These people see heroes. Defenders. Someone worth protecting. By the time we reach Montecalvo, attacking us openly means attacking beloved figures. The political cost would be enormous."
"Politics shouldn't decide survival."
"Politics decides everything. Has decided everything since humans gathered in groups larger than families." She pulled her horse closer to his. "You've fought monsters your whole life, Geralt. This is just a different kind of monster. One that requires different weapons."
"I prefer swords."
"I know. That's why I handle the political weapons, and you stand ready with steel if they fail."
—Scene Break—
POV: Adam
Montecalvo emerged from mountain mists like a judgment waiting to be passed.
The city straddled a pass between two peaks, its architecture a blend of every culture that had ever used it as neutral ground for negotiations. Redanian towers next to Nilfgaardian arches, Skellige stonework beside Temerian timber—a physical reminder that this place belonged to no one and everyone simultaneously.
"Beautiful." Ciri's assessment came as our procession entered the main gate. "In a 'designed to make everyone feel watched' kind of way."
"That's accurate." My Seismic Sense had been active since we approached the city limits. "The stone here is riddled with magical signatures. Wards, detection spells, things I can't identify. Every building, every street, probably every room in every inn."
"No privacy."
"No privacy." I turned to Geralt, who'd moved forward at our arrival. "Assume anything we say is overheard. Keep strategy discussions non-verbal."
"Through your bond?"
"Through the bond, through hand signals, through whatever we have to use." I dismounted as we reached the inn Yennefer had arranged. "The Lodge's spent centuries learning to manipulate information. We're not going to out-scheme them in a day. Best we can do is not give them material to work with."
—Scene Break—
POV: Ciri
The final night before the meeting stretched longer than any before it.
She found Adam on the inn's small balcony, staring at the Lodge's house across the city square. The building dominated its surroundings—three stories of black stone with windows that reflected light rather than transmitting it.
"Can't sleep either?" Through their bond, she felt his anxiety—not fear exactly, but heightened awareness that made relaxation impossible.
"Every time I close my eyes, I see scenarios where this goes wrong." His admission carried no shame. "Philippa tries to capture you. We fight our way out. People die—ours, theirs, civilians caught between. We escape, but we've made enemies of the most powerful magical organization on the continent."
"That's the worst case."
"And the best case?" He turned to face her. "Philippa accepts our terms, provides resources, becomes genuine ally? She's never been anyone's ally who wasn't also their pawn. Whatever she agrees to tomorrow, there'll be layers beneath it we won't see until they spring."
"Then we stay alert. Watch for traps. Adapt when we find them." Ciri moved close, felt his warmth against the mountain night's chill. "We've adapted before. Mahakam. Skellige. Every crisis we've faced, we've found ways through."
"This is different. Eredin was straightforward—enemy who wanted to capture you, could be fought directly. Philippa won't attack openly. She'll scheme, manipulate, position us into situations where refusing her becomes impossible."
"Then we scheme back. We have Yennefer, who knows Lodge politics better than anyone. We have Geralt, whose reputation makes open moves against us costly. We have each other, which means they can't separate us to apply pressure individually." Ciri kissed his cheek. "We're not alone, Adam. And we're not helpless. Whatever happens tomorrow, we face it together."
Through their bond, she felt his anxiety ease—not disappear, but soften into something manageable.
"Together." His agreement came with the weight of truth. "Whatever happens."
[ XP Gained: 350 (Journey, Reputation Building, Strategic Preparation) ]
[ Level 45: 60% toward Level 46 ]
[ Public Reputation: Significantly Increased ]
[ Political Positioning: Strong ]
MORE POWER STONES == MORE CHAPTERS
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