Good day everyone,
I hope you are all having a good day, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things gaming and literature. Today I will be doing an analysis and review of the fifth book from The Witcher series, and the third of The Witcher Saga, by Andrzej Sapkowski, entitled Baptism of Fire. Within I will break down the chapters and give an overview of what happens within the story, with a conclusion on the overall book at the end. This will be done in a four part series for this book, so keep an eye out for the remaining parts to follow.
Baptism of Fire
The book, published in Polish 1996 and into English in 2014. It is the third book from the Witcher Saga and a continuation from the second book, Time of Contempt.
War is raging as Nilfgaard is determined to bring their culture to all the lands, and taking everything possible in the process. Geralt, wounded from Thaneed, is hunting for Ciri and thanks to his allies will do whatever it takes to find her. Yennifer is missing just like Ciri, but rumours of Ciri being ready to marry the Emhyr of Nilfgaard have reached the Witcher. Shocked and worried for her safety, he is determined to find a way into Nilfgaard. Geralt encounter many new allies and old enemies on this journey, while the sorceresses are planning something big for Ciri. The Emhyr along with the remaining kings and spies are still on the hunt for the child of destiny. Where will all paths lead? Will Nilfgaard destroy all in their path or can someone stand against them. Will Ciri, now amongst her new allies the Rats, be safe from harm? Only time will tell, but Geralt is impatient and will push ahead to find the child at all costs.
There is an overall page count of 343 pages within the English version of the book which was translated by David French.
Chapter 1
Djikstra, head of the Redanian secret service, has learnt that Geralt is hiding in Brokilon amongst the dryads. He is still unaware of where Yennifer is hidden, while he is of the belief that Ciri is to marry Emhyr in Nilfgaard. After the attack by Garalt where Djikstra misjudged the power of the Witcher, he is still weakened and required magic from Philippa to recover his wound. He instructs his secretary to pen a letter to her, reaching out in trust that she will provide any information she may acquire on the whereabouts of Yennifer, or proof that the sorceress handed the girl over to the Nilfgaard. That would ensure Geralt takes out his rage and anger on Yennifer, according to Djikstra. He also questions his servants and spies on the whereabouts and activities of a woman who is known to be helping Geralt and the dryads, a woman by the name of Milva.
Maria Barring, also known as Milva, is a master at helping the Scoia'tael escape their persecutors and find sanctuary in Brokilon. Geralt, two weeks after the events at Thanedd, is healing under the aid of the dryads. He requests news from the outer world, and Milva eventually, under the direction of Lady Eithné, agrees. Info is scarce, but Milva informs Geralt that Cordingher is dead, and that the war is winding down as Nilfgaard has taken what it wanted and agreed treaties with the others who would not fight them. A rebel Scoiat'ael named Faoiltiarna is wanted for aiding the Sorcerers in Thanedd. She tells him how no trace of the girl was found from the debris of the destroyed tower of Tor Lara. All that is known of Ciri is that somehow she managed to escape and teleport away, just like the other sorcerers at Thanedd.
Milva, nicknamed the Red Kite for her bravery and actions in helping the Elves, eventually has news for Geralt. She informs him of a rumour circulating about his girl Ciri, who is apparently of royal standing. She is exiled and found her way to Nilfgaard, where the Emhyr welcomed her and they are due to be married. She believes it is good news for Geralt, but the look on his face tells her otherwise. She is too exhausted to care, but his final request is to take a horse so he can leave the safety Brokilon. He informs her that he is in her debt, and hopes that someday he can repay her for the valuable information.
Djikstra, is acting as ruler of Redania after the Kings death, the Queen being distraught, and Prince Radovid still being a minor. He meets with a representative of Nilfgaard, Shilard-Fitz Oesterlen. After the pair exchange plesantries and discuss the matter of the lands including Aderin and Lyria, attentions turn towards Cahir, the Nilfgaardian knight who saved Ciri in Cintra. Nilfgaard believe he is being held in Redania, which Djikstra refutes. After the representative departs, once again Djikstra gets his secretary to pen a letter to Philippa. She is in a castle in Montecalvo, along with Triss and other sorceresses. He informs her that the Nilfgaards are also searching for Cahir, and comes to the conclusion the knight must have betrayed the Emhyr in his mission to capture Ciri.
Milva is riding South in the hopes to catch up with Geralt. On her travel she encounter a group of Scoia'tael, which is rather larger than the usual amounts she has found gathered in troops before. While in discussion with them more Elves arrive, including Toruviel. The news has reached them of the need to stand together and fight, warning Red Kite that a storm is coming from the South and she should turn back. Nilfgaards are crossing the Yaruga and will attack Brugge, bring a baptism of fire as the Scoia'tael call it. They warn Milva repeatedly to turn back and stay safe in Brokilon, but she feels condemned to find the Witcher and warn him of the impending danger.
Phillipa, Triss, Keira, and Margarita are all together at Montecalvo. They conjure other sorceresses to join them in a secret meeting. Included amongst them are Sabrina, Sheala, and Francesca who is also known as Enid an Glenna, or Queen of the free Elves. They have also invited a sorceress from Nilfgaard, known as Assire. The women discuss subtle matters including the war and how Emhyr will enact revenge on them all for the battles in Sodden and beyond. The true reason for the meeting is revealed, as Philippa wants to establish a new Chapter. One purely made up of women. A secret Chapter to discuss and preserve the future of magic, while continuing in their regular duties for their Kings. Some are apprehensive, and need agree to join, but must keep it a secret. They are to consider if they wish to become a part of this society, and suggest other female candidates to complete the part of twelve. While some are uneasy at the thought and of being associated with the idea, all agree to meet again, next time in person, in two weeks time.
Ciri is still amongst the Rats, and so far they have managed to evade all attempts at capturing them. Riding through a town, they arouse a gathering and amongst the crowd they toss coins. "Our benefactors" the crowd cheer for them, with Ciri now a fierce and fearsome warrior, known as Falka to the crowd, is not to be messed with. The knights searching for them are led astray by the townsfolk when they come questioning later that evening, as they would never betray their benefactors.
Chapter 2
Geralt is with Dandelion and they are planning their journey South, intending to cross the river Yaruga and reach Cintra. Geralt has been in Brokilon for 36 days and is determined to go South, while Dandelion is determined to go with him. Along their travels they cross a small river in a thunderous storm, and find themselves travelling through a wooded area. They encounter two hawkers, men who trade with the Scoia'tael to make profit during the war. Illegal and not accepted by the armies, these men help to supply weapons and other goods to the Scoia'tael in return for spoils of war such as gold and trinkets. These hawkers mistake Geralt and Dandelion for Scoia'tael due to their elven garments from Brokilon, and the pair manage to politely refuse to trade without arousing suspicion. Just as they were about to leave the hawkers, suddenly the noise of more horses on the track appears.
Eight riders appear, kitted out in glistening armour and they are there to meet with the hawkers. Geralt discovers the hawker has a prisoner hidden in his cart, hidden within a coffin, unseen until then by the Witcher or Dandelion. The hawker, thinking he had made a deal with the riders to sell his cart and wares, is suddenly struck down by the group. Geralt is sharp and manages to grasp a sword, shouting at Dandelion to run from the murderous group. The Witcher's leg gives way from his previous wounds, and when all seems lost suddenly Milva appears and strikes down the remainder of the group with her arrows. She informs Geralt and Dandelion how Nilfgaard are marching on Brugge, and that group they just slayed were in fact Nilfgaard warriors as shown by their armour. Forcing the lid off the coffin, Geralt curses as he sees a familiar face imprisoned within. It’s Cahir, bound and gagged, a prisoner of Nilfgaard. The Witcher warns the knight he will kill him if they encounter again, after sparing his life on Thanedd. They unbind one of Cahir's arms, leave him a knife, and let the knight figure out his own fate as the trio disappear into the trees before any more Nilfgaards can arrive.
They are hidden up on top a cliff, hidden amongst the overgrowth as war unfold before them. Bruggian armies are trying to defend themselves, but the onslaught of Verden, Nilfgaard, and the Scotiael all at once is a match for nobody. Milva tries to explain to Geralt how this is real war, how little chance he has of making it to Nilfgaard, how Ciri will turn him away even if he did manage to find her. They watch as the helpless villagers are slain to death, and as much as Milva protests that Geralt should return to Brokilon he will not listen. Finally, she gives in, and decides to help Geralt and Dandelion by leading them through the burning forests and helping them reach the Yaruga without being caught by the Nilfgaard. The Witcher confides in his allied pair that he has been dreaming of Ciri, seeing her on horseback riding with a group and holding another girls hand. He is uneasy by this dream for he does not fully understand it. They ride east, following Milva, and encountering the destruction and crimes of war along their way, becoming indifferent to it as they progress along their journey.
As they rode along the path suddenly Geralt hears a horse following them. Cahir, out of his coffin and adorned in Nilfgaardian attire, caught up to them and request's to join them in saving Ciri. It was something he felt he had to do. Unimpressed, Geralt forces Cahir away from them upon the threat of death. Onwards they ride, until they encounter a group of dwarves and fugitives made up of women and children. Zoltan Chivay is the lead dwarf, and he explained to Geralt, Milva and Dandelion how the Nilfgaards have been seen crossing the Yaruga in massive numbers while decimating everything in their wake. Reluctantly, the trio agree to travel East with the group towards Turlough and Sodden. As they march along the forest track, it becomes obvious the destruction Nilfgaard had created. The women within their group showed little desire to interact with the dwarves, but they were clearly grateful to be with them for protection. As they discussed with Zoltan it became apparent how the dwarf had good intentions and would look out for those in his company, even at the expense of others unknown to them. This became apparent when two of the dwarves had to raid other fugitives to get food. Zoltan explained to Geralt how sailing up the Yaruga to the Delta, as was Geralts plan, was impossible since the Nilfgaards had built a pontoon bridge and guarded both banks of the river. Geralt was left with an unfamiliar feeling of helplessness and resignation.
As the company travelled and stopped for rest, it became apparent to Geralt that Zoltan was aware he was in fact a Witcher. When the chance arose as the other dwarves were playing a card game known as Barrell, Geralt question the dwarf how he knew. Zoltan once inhabited Cintra and knew about the child of surprise and the white haired Witcher, which explained to him why Geralt was travelling South. Zoltan had and figured it out along with a lot of assistance from Dandelion's big mouth. While unimpressed, Geralt accepted his poet friend with his big mouth for how he was, while Milva began to show signs of her desire for Geralt.
On their travels they encountered a settlement with three cottages, a barn, and several mud hut. They knew this because the gnome, Percival, had scouted ahead and could smell the porridge being cooked. Apprehensive due to the fact most had fled from the war, Zoltan, Geralt, Dandelion, Milva and a few of the dwarves decided to go ahead and scout it out. Two of the dwarves approached the cottages once the group arrived, with the others hanging back and Milva covering with her bow. Before Yazon and Caleb made it to the hut, they came running back after a girl opened the door. The inhabitants of the other cottages had the plague, smallpox. As the group recoiled in horror and were about to return to their allies, thirteen rides in haphazard unlatching armour appeared and encircled the cottages and farmyard. They grabbed the girl and dragged her to a hay pile, proceeding to rape her. Geralt, fed up of being helpless, decided to intervene, even with the risk of smallpox. Zoltan lent him his sword which was sharper and easier to swing. The Witcher approached the three ,men guarding the horses, and quick as a flash Milva shot them down with arrows. The Witcher proceeded to then attack the group raping the girl, and managed to slash down eight of them. As the other two were escaping on horse Zoltan managed to bring one down with an axe, and Milva shot the other with her bow at a distance of 200 yards. Wounded but not dead, he rode on, leaving Zoltan fearful of him returning with allies. Suddenly they heard the yell of a man being killed. Cahir was still following the group even after Geralt's warning of death, and was providing the perfect rear guard.
To be continued.......
If you would like to check out my analysis on the World of the Witcher, please follow this link here: The Witcher
While if you wish to check out my review on the first book of short stories in the Witcher series, it is available here: The Witcher: The Last Wish
Finally if you want to see what I wrote about the second book of short stories from the Witcher, it is available here: The Witcher: The Sword of Destiny
The Witcher Saga
Book 1
The Witcher Saga - Blood of Elves - Part I
The Witcher Saga - Blood of Elves - Part II
The Witcher Saga - Blood of Elves - Part III
The Witcher Saga - Blood of Elves - Part IV
Book 2
The Witcher Saga - Time of Contempt - Part I
The Witcher Saga - Time of Contempt - Part II
The Witcher Saga - Time of Contempt - Part III
The Witcher Saga - Time of Contempt - Part IV
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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