An Invitation (Page 52)

We approach the table while following Francis. Looking at it, I can see properties and people's names. The list is long, and I can see a lot of names already crossed out. Along with some names that have been freshly added. "What am I looking at here?" If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is a hit list. Which is something I'm familiar with...

He walks to the big map of Novigrad. "This city is falling apart... These damned witch hunters are killing my best source of money... My men can't work, and I'm bleeding money faster than I can make it..." He's killing the people causing the biggest problems for him. I've grown to really hate the witch hunters on account they're killing people like Yen.

Ciri has disgust written all over her body. I've seen the way that she looks at the witch hunters... Harassing anybody they want because they have the power. "I know what you're going to ask, and all I can say is we're running from our own problems. If we help you, we're going to need serious payment." I hate sounding like a greedy man, but I won't take risks without reward.

We already have enemies pursuing us, we don't need the attention of the public. Ciri nods her head in approval as I look at her. She always had a soft spot for people who couldn't defend themselves. I can't count how many injured animals we nursed backed to health because she cared so much. A better quality of hers...

Francis looks back towards us with a smile on his face. I've seen it many times. It's the smile of a deal that's about to happen. "Just name your price. I've been planning all these in accordance with priority. The ones at the top of the list are the ones that'll heavily affect the outcome in Novigrad's future. If we work together to eliminate them, I'll pay you handsomely." I'm liking the way this sounds more and more.

Ciri and I can accomplish anything if we work together. We'll have to purchase gear for the specific jobs. Stealth will be the utmost priority when working these jobs. Thank you Vesemir and Geralt for teaching us all we need to know.

Ciri picks up the list and looks at it with dissatisfaction. "I know some of these names from when I was traveling with Geralt. They're vile beasts that shouldn't be considered human. They use their money and power to get away with horrible acts." I'm fully convinced that we should do this. This is a big operation. And we'll need time to prepare.

After taking a breath, I look to Francis since I've made up my mind. "When do you need us ready?" Might as well not beat around the bush. This day is still not over as we have to meet with an important person if we have time.

Francis takes out an envelope and writes down instructions and a location. "There is a party at a Vineyard to the east. You'll meet the rest of the crew and me there. It's the only way to get all of us together without raising the enemies suspicions. I have eyes on me and my allies as of late." He has everything already figured out, doesn't he...

I take the invitation and put it in one of my pockets. "We have other things to take care of today, Francis. We'll be there. It's been nice meeting you." I turn to Ciri, and she reaches out her hand in a gesture for me to grab it. I grasp it as our fingers lock, and we make our way to the exit. I look around the safe haven for all the people being hunted.

We exit through the door and see tons of people going about their day. Guards are patrolling with their weapons and armor. The witch hunters are also doing their rounds as of now. "So we have one problem taken care of and more fill its place... Makes me wonder how we get this kind of luck..." We walk in the open path with everyone on the sides bargaining with shop owners.

Ciri gives a gentle laugh that has a melodic tone. "Is it good or bad luck? All I can say is that I'm always ready for adventures." I love her attitude when we do things like this. One of the reasons we get along so well is because we share the same tastes. Spending 4 years at Kaer Morhen did help in exploring. We spent many free hours exploring the lands that surround the keep.

Ciri and I learned so much in the short time we spent there. Well, I spent there, the more I think of that place, the more I worry about what happened to Yen. "Yen used to tell me that life is as good as you look at it. For people who live so long, I'm surprised that they can think this way." The more time I spent with Yen and Geralt, the more I learned.

Ciri hums in a tune that Yen used to help us sleep if we had a hard time. "I still remember the songs she would sing us to help us sleep..." I bring up our hands that are locked together and kiss the top of hers.

I tilt my head to look at her since she's shorter than me. "That reminds me, do you still have the copy of Lara's diary I gave you?" As I finish the last part of that, she looks down with eyes full of hurt and a face with shame. I don't blame her if she lost it or it was stolen. It would only be useful to the two of us.

I unlock our fingers and quickly bring her into a side hug. "It was destroyed while I was in the world of Aen Elle... They wanted to take it from me so I burned it... I figured that was better than letting them know Lara's secrets..." Smart girl, I would have done the exact same thing if I was in her place.

She relaxes as I rub her shoulder and try to comfort her. "You want to check out that bakery we passed on the way here?" She gives me a huge smile that warms my heart. I remember Yen telling me that you can help a woman's mood with sweets. I can't count how many times she has given me helpful advice. We make our way to the bakery in anticipation of the great-tasting food.