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 third book from The Witcher series, and the first of The Witcher Saga, by Andrzej Sapkowski, entitled Blood of Elves. Within the overall review 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 part to follow.
Previous Parts to this Book
The Witcher Saga - Blood of Elves - Part I
The Witcher Saga - Blood of Elves - Part II
Chapter 5
Geralt has undertaken work on a barge, nothing out of the ordinary, merely providing protection on the vessel as it travels between Foam and Novigrad on the Delta river. The Witcher has left Ciri in the care of Nenneke, and the princess is writing him letters to update him on her experiences there. She has made some friends, and is undertaking studies and prayers. She desires for him to visit her, and is missing him immensely. Geralt has also received a letter from Yennifer, answering his call for her to visit and assist with Ciri and her powers as a source. She is somewhat harsh in her writing, mainly it seems because Geralt initially turned to Trish instead of her.
While on the barge, which is travelling through a mist on the river, large war ships pass by carrying fleets of soldiers and noblemen alike. This is the new way of travel, mainly it seems because the Socia'tael do not like the water and will not attack there, unlike on the roads where any passer-by could encounter an arrow. A man named Linus Pitt, a master tutor and lecturer in natural history at Oxenfurt academy approaches Geralt as he is in discussing with the captain of the vessel. He questions Geralt on the species of fish and apparent monsters which reside within the river and why Geralt is required to defend the barge. Unamused, Geralt is dry with the tutor, but warns him of the dangers that have befallen previous passengers of the barge, including a pregnant woman who was pulled overboard by what Geralt describes as an Aeschna. The tutor is doubtful, and Geralt entertains himself by questioning Linus as to further increase Geralt's knowledge. After listening to the man, Geralt immediately corrects him about what really lies beneath the water, and how the Aeschna has mutated in the river after the humans polluted the waters and changed the natural ecosystem. It has grown big enough to pull livestock and humans off barges in the river, hence why Geralt is aboard as protection.
As they continue down the river Geralt advises Linus that the Redanian custom officers are approaching and will search the barge and passengers for any potential contraband or smuggled items. The customs officials are doing so under the orders of King Vizimir, due to the market being flooded with Nilfgaardian goods and gold which are lower in value than what the local craftsmen make. Taxes are being applied to ensure the local economy does not collapse. Geralt is familiar with the head custom officer, Olsen, and they along with the captain of the barge and the tutor share some vodka and eat some smoked burbat. All the while the remaining officers are searching the passengers, who are trying their utmost to avoid the taxes being charged of them. Olsen informs Geralt how he plans to leave his position and take up a place in the army training of King Demawend back in Venerberg, which is recruiting and paying soldiers three times what Olsen currently earns in the aim of creating an army to fight the Socia'tael. The skipper informs them that he is pulling in at Acorn Bay, on the Temerian side of the river, before heading on to Oxenfort. It is at this point that Olsen informs Geralt that the custom officers from the Temerian side, whom he is friends with, informed him that the Temerian Guards have been asking about the Witcher, and about an underage girl he has been seen travelling with. According to Olsen, they have been asking on behalf of a nobleman with a red burn mark on his left cheek by the name of Rience. At this moment they spot a boat approaching from the Temerian side of the river, with a crew of Temerian Guards. In haste Geralt destroys the letters from both Ciri and Yennifer, tearing them to pieces and throwing them into the river.
The Temerian ship reaches the barge and three men board, questioning for a Geralt of Rivia on board and a young girl accompanying him. Geralt produced himself forward, and the Temerian Guards declared he was under arrest. At this moment Olsen stepped forward and declared Geralt was already under arrest on the Redarian side of the river Delta for smuggling. At this moment a fight breaks out, as the Temerian Guards are not what they seem. The take a young boy, Everett, who is travelling with his mother, hostage and hold a knife to his throat.. Geralt is happy to surrender himself to these imposter guards, but at this moment am Aeschna emerges from the water and drags one of the three below. In the confusion, Everett is also thrown into the water, and Geralt dives in to rescue him as Olsen and his men attack the imposters, and their bald headed leader is in a tangle with Geralt in the water. In the bloody mess of the water Geralt manages to rescue the boy, but his leg gets caught by the Aeschna. He thrashes and with the aid of those on the barge, Geralt gets free although at the cost of his boot, part of his pants, and a lot of his skin. The drag Geralt onto the barge and Linus exclaims about the discovery of a new species. Geralt's hopes of taking the bald headed man alive are in vain as he is swimming towards the Temerian side. As Olsen and his men prepare to throw hooks to fish him out, a second Aeschna, now named Everetia maxiliosa pitti in honour of the boy, devours the bald headed man and any leads Geralt had hoped to gain from him.
Back in Oxenfurt, Dandilion is marvelling at the busyness of the University town, with its throve of students, lecturers, researchers, and travellers visiting the town of pointed roofs and narrow streets lined with workshops, studios, stalls, and small and large shops. As Dandilion rode through the town and wondered at the marvels on sale, he was acutely aware of two people following him. He rode on, to the entrance of the University grounds known as the Philosphers gate, beyond which lay a land just as the Elves had left it. He know the grounds well, having studied there for four years and even lectured for a number of years after achieving top marks in his final exams. He love of wandering led him to explore the lands and at times returned to guest lecture. As Dandilion walked through the grounds, with the two snoops still on his tail, he encountered an old friend and medical student by the name of Shani. The bard managed to whisper to her about passing on information regarding Geralt, while Dandilion would take cares of those following him. She trotted off towards the faculty while Dandilion continued on his walk, until the two caught up with him, introducing themselves with 'Greetings from Dijkstra', who is the head of King Vizimir of Redinia's secret service. With no other choice, Dandilion accompanied them to meet with Djikstra.
Sitting at a large oak table on the top floor of the vice-chancellors offices, Dandilion was faced with Djikstra, Ori Reuven who was secretary to the chief of the Redanian spies, and Philipa Eilhart, an enchantress and court magician to King Vizimir. Dandilion is being questioned over Geralts intentions, which he is supposed to report with earnest to Djikstra. Dandilion learns that Geralt, whom he presumed had given up on finding Rience, had in fact discovered the mans trail and that was why he signed up to the barge company; so Rience could find Geralt. Philipa and Djikstra wish to speak with Geralt, to question him on certain matters, which will most likely pertain to Ciri. Dandilion learns from Djikstra that the 'Temerian Guards' who Geralt battled on the barge were in fact spies from the Temerian secret service. Djikstra is offering to create calm and peace for Geralt if Dandilion brings him in for questioning, after which the Witcher will apparently be free to leave. Dandilion offered his help in any way possible, as he is unaware where Geralt is. In this moment Philipa acted too quick, and questioned Dandilion on where the girl seen with Geralt is hiding? Where Yennifer rushed off to once she received Geralt's letter? Why has Triss Merigold gone into hiding? The bard, unable to answer these questions, was freed to leave under the guidance of navigating Geralt towards Djikstra and Philipa for the Witchers own good and safety, as all they wish to do is help the girl. Apparently.
Dandilion sneaks, as he is so very good at, through the university grounds and then the town, and once he is certain there are no spies on his tail, goes to where Geralt is hiding. To Dandilion's dismay, the bard discovers Geralt to be in the middle of some very personal activities with Shani. The bard warns Geralt its time to leave, as the King and his spies are searching for Ciri. As Geralts prepares to vanish through the window, an owl appears, and in the blink of an eye is transformed into Philipa. They converse, with the enchantress already well aware of Ciri, of Yennifer caring for her, and of Geralt being her guardian. She warns the Witcher to care for the girl as if she is the apple of his eye. Geralt, interested in knowing why everyone wants Ciri so much, questions Philipa on why King Vizimir, Djikstra, the Council of Wizards, the Temerians, and this man Reince, are all seeking the whereabouts of Ciri? Regarding Reince, Philips is unaware but wishes to discover the truth for herself. In this moment, Shani unexpectedly speaks up, claiming she knows where he is.
Chapter 6
The rulers of the lands are all gathered together, with King Vizimir of Redania joined by Demawend the ruler of Aedirn, King Henselt of Kaedwen, Queen Meve of Lyria, and Foltest, the Lord of Temeria, Pontar, Mahakam, Sodden, and protector of Brugge. The topic under discussion is of the Nilfgaards, and how they are settled as far North as the river Yaruga. King Vizimir does not wish to fall under the same mistake as the elves did 500 years before when humans arrived on the lands, in thinking they will not proceed any further. Henselt is not so certain, as shown at Sodden the combined will of the kingdoms will not easily succumb to the Nilfgaardian invaders. Emhyr von Emreis, leader of the Nilfgaard, has executed his senior commanders after the loss, and in their stead he has placed new, young, and gifted commanders eager to prove themselves. The room is tense in though, when Meve strikes a tough realisation upon them. The Nilfgaard have time to wait, while the kingdoms deal with the fallout of civil war with the elves, dryads, and dwarves. The economic strength to the South has been boosted by Nilfgaard gold coins and merchandise, making for an easier life and causing unrest amongst the northern guids, tradesmen, and farmers. They must act now as to stop the Nilfgaards infesting their people with propaganda to cause fear and unrest amongst the people, as there are prophets preaching about The White Flame and The White Queen, the prophecy of Ithlinne regarding the ending of the world and its rebirth. They look to Meve for guidance, and after pondering her own difficulties as Queen of Lyria, she proclaims the peasants and men at large need to be reminded of whose boss. They plan an attack. An attack on Cintra to reclaim it from the Nilfgaards, for that will be enough to show dominance according to Foltest. They have control of the river Yargua and can use it to get their armies to the South for a coordinated attack. Vengeance for Calante, a spectacular attack to make a symbol of Cintra. A war of aggression will of course break the terms of the truce, and be condemned by the Council of Wizards. The royals decide their best form of attack is retaliation, if they can entice an attack from the Nilgaards at a border location, they will have the full backing for going to war.
They speak of the existence of the lion-cub, Ciri, who was spotted amongst refugees after the massacre of Cintra. The rulers discuss how they cannot force the remaining Cintran's to fall under their leadership, but plot to find Ciri. Their aim to have Ciri marry Foltest, therefore giving him privilege over the land to the South of the Yuraga and allowing their kingdoms to be the lead rulers. They know the refugees will side with Nilfgaard if anyone bar the royal blood of Cintra is to sit upon their throne. Foltrest is the only member of the gathering not on board with this plan, mainly due to his love and ongoing affair with Baroness La Valette. There are others, sons and widowers who they could force to marry Ciri if the need arises, finding her a willing noble husband who will have their interests at heart. The rulers are aware of Rience searching for Ciri, although none admit to him being under their control. He is another looking to marry Ciri and gain a claim to the throne of Cintra. They come to the realisation it may be Nilfgaard looking for Ciri, so Emhyr can legally marry her and have a rightful claim on Cintra, not just an aggressors occupation of the city. Upon this realisation, they council decides the best course of action is to remove the girl from play, and they decide they have only one choice. To find and kill Ciri.
Two men are in conversation in a chamber, one known as Coehoorn, the Governor of the Province of Cintra, the other merely referred to as your Highness, none other than Emperor of Nilfgaard; Emhyr von Emreis. They are discussion the rebellions in Cintra, and how Coehoorn will take lead of the young generals to ensure none loose their cool until the official orders have been issued. Conversation moves on to Rience, and Emhyr issues instructions for the wizards to send to him, outlining that he should abandon his games with Geralt and instead kill the Witcher to remove him from the game. If the enchantress Yennifer is located, no harm is to befall her. A third man arrives, the knight in black armour with winged helmet whom had so nearly caught Ciri two years prior in Cintra. Emhyr is issuing orders to these men, giving the knight a chance to make up for the mistake of letting the girl escape previously.
Ciri awakens from a dream where she witnessed Geralt, Dandilion, and Shani travelling towards Rience, slowly moving along a wet foot bridge near a canal in the pouring rain. She did not understand how, but Ciri was flying above them. She was seeing through Philipa's eyes as the owl flew through the air. As Ciri is laying in bed she is recovering from all the potions Yennifer had given her. Ciri can overhear the enchantress and Nenneke discussing her, and how Nenneke feels Yennifer is overdoing it and being too tough on Ciri. Yennifer disagrees, claiming Ciri is no ordinary girl and can handle it. Ciri falls back asleep, and this time she is walking hand in hand with Yennifer. They are passing through doorways, one after another, until they reach one Ciri does not wish to enter. She realises in this moment that Yennifer has betrayed her and led Ciri to her peril. It is not too late for Ciri to turn back, but as for Yennifer, she has gone too far.
Shani has led Geralt and Dandilion to the docks, where the thugs and scum reside. Philipa has flown with them and together they hatch a plan to gain access to the mansion of Myhrman. Shani brings her ill-gotten goods from the university to this man in exchange for gold, and saw Rience at his house the last time she visited. Shani knocks, and the drawbridge is lowered granting access towards the door of the mansion built upon sticks on the canal. As the door opens, Geralt strikes and Myhrman is knocked out before he knows what hit him.
Rience is in conversation with a man named Toublanc and his brothers, Rizzi, Flavius, and Lodovico. The burnt nobleman is organising for these men to assassinate Geralt, with no repercussions to befall them for undertaking this job. The Michelet brothers were born assassins, and Rience agreed a fee of two hundred Novigrad coins to kill Geralt. He did however fail to mention to the men that Geralt is a Witcher.
Geralt and Shani are doing their utmost to persuade Myhrman to give up information on Rience, including his location. Geralt is using his strength to intimidate the man, but the scoundrel wont give up with ease. He is loyal and dependant on his thug clientele, therefore in his mind considers allowing Geralt to cut off his ear, just one ear, to provide evidence to Rience later of his suffering before disclosing the information. Philipa has other ideas, and makes use of her magic to enter the thugs mind and find the information she desires.
Members from the Council of Wizards have gathered under the guidance of head Wizard Vilgefortz. Aware of the royal leaders meeting to discuss matters in Castle Hagge, Vilgefortz in joined by Artaud Terranova, Tissaia de Vries, and Vilgefortz personal secretary, Lydia van Bredevoort. The two wizards and the witch ate and drank, while Lydia watched on, awaiting any further instructions. The trio have gathered because the chapter wants to know their position on the events at Castle Hagge, and to create a unanimous stand on the matter. The trio moved into the workshop, where Tissaia immediately noted the previous use of Vilgefortz apparatus, 'crystal, metal, stone' indicating he had been searching for someone. Viglefortz informs the others of his position, that they should do nothing and ignore the matters at hand. It is after all just a sliver of information they've acquired, and the plans of the royals will take time to enact. 'We are just pawns in his game' thinks Tissiai, as she informs Vilgefortz that in Kaedwen and Aedirn the humans have risen up against the Socia'tael, murdering and massacring them. Vilgefortz suggests the gather a convention, all members of the chapter should attend so they can remind their human brethern to see order and reason. Carduin, Philipa Eilhart, Fercart, Radcliffe, and Yennifer are but a few names mentioned of members of the council who now serve the royals since the battle of Sodden. At the mention of Yennifer, Tissaia noticed an internal twitch in VIlgefortz, and made use of her magic to see the two books hidden on his workbench. The books were regarding the prophecy of Ithlinne, and the Blood of Elves. As Tissaia ponders why Vilgefortz could be searching for Yennifer, they are interrupted by Lydia who has a letter for Vilegfortz. The conversation tuens back to Yennifer, and Vilgefortz lets slip that he has been unable to contact her. She often disappears reply the pair, and at this point Vilgefortz mentions Geralt, and how Yennifer has been known to court him. He asks would she be disappointed to learn of his death? Tissaia is unamused, adamant that the Witcher is still very much alive, to which Vilgefortz responds 'Is that so? I don't think so.'
Geralt is prepared for what must happen, having just taken his elixirs to adjust his vision to the night and increase his abilities and awareness. His heightened vision could make out the rates in the dark alleyways, while his sense of hearing to pick out the snores of residents in Oxenfurt. With dawn approaching Geralt can hear the footsteps in the lane ways towards Myhrman's mansion. Rience has come, along with his escort of assassins. We learn how Philipa has left Myhrman in a state of permanent idiocy, while the Witcher made use of an amulet to send a message to Rience. The burnt sorcerer informs Geralt that the amulet also sent a message of warning, unbeknown to Myhrman. Both Rience and Geralt had led each other into a trap. In the shadows the Michelet brothers are armed and ready to strike. Rience discloses he is aware of Ciri's whereabouts, and has a personal vendetta against Yennifer. Geralt feels the power of the elixirs combining within him along with his adrenaline and utter fury. The brothers attacked, and in pure anger Geralt slashes and strikes, evading their coordinated blow and striking them all down. Rience is making his escape, calling for help to which a portal is created for him to escape through. Toublanc is still alive, if just barely, and Philipa swoops down towards him. She questions the assassin on what he knows, who sent him, who introduced them to Rience. The final Michelet brother, with his mouth full of blood and on deaths door, whispered all he know, before Philipa put him out of his misery. Geralt manages to catch up to Rience before he enters the portal, and tackles the man to the ground. As Geralt hits Rience to get information, he can feel the power eninating from the portal, which Rience absorbs. The scorched man gets free of Geralt, impaling him with spike, and head to the portal. In this moment Philipa casts a spell on Geralt to stop him catching Rience, and the man escapes. Philipa has betrayed them, for what she calls a greater cause which is more important than these minor matters. She informs Geralt that he has bargained for more than he expected when he took Ciri into his care, that she is a flame which could set the world alight at any moment. Geralt, badly wounded and about to faint from loss of blood, barks at Philipa that he will care for Ciri. He will do everything he can to protect her. He will kill for her.
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 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 from the Witcher, it is available here: The Witcher: The Sword of Destiny
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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