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 seventh book from The Witcher series, and the fifth book of The Witcher Saga, by Andrzej Sapkowski, entitled The Lady of the Lake. 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 six part series for this book due to the number of chapters, so check out the previous parts linked in below and keep an eye out for the remaining parts to follow.
Other Parts to this Book
The Witcher Saga - The Lady of the Lake - Part I
The Witcher Saga - The Lady of the Lake - Part II
The Witcher Saga - The Lady of the Lake - Part III
The Witcher Saga - The Lady of the Lake - Part IV
The Witcher Saga - The Lady of the Lake - Part V
Chapter 5
Ciri was being held prisoner, as she recalled it. A prisoner of the elves, although she was allowed to ride around on Kelpie and don her sword, she was also trapped. She had arrived among the elves after teleporting through the Tower when escaping Bonhart. She was alive, but far from safe.
Avallac’h informed Ciri of her heritage and past, and that she was from the line of Lara Doreen. He wanted her to get pregnant and give the elves a child, only then would they allow her to leave. Ciri was distraught but quickly realised she was trapped, but would delay as much as she could. While out riding her horse with Avallac’h and two other she elves, a heard of unicorn galloped towards them. The elves sang a strange tune to banish the unicorn, but Ciri noticed how they were clearly not friends of the elves, which reminded her of the unicorns who had helped her in the past.
The unicorns returned in a large pack, and charged towards them. Before Ciri knew it, elven riders emerged from behind the hill and charged the unicorns away. Their leader approached Avallac’h and they acknowledged each other. Eredin, the leader of the riders, dismounted along with Avallac’h, who beckoned Ciri over. They traded words, with Eredin noting the unicorns are uneasy due to Ciri’s presence. He noted how he could see a small trace of Lara Doreen in her, and noted if they were making for Tír na Lia it would be half a days ride. Eredin noted he would leave some riders with them, and then got back to his duty of patrolling the lands.
As Ciri and Avallac’h rode onwards, Ciri questioned the elf on who the father would be if she agreed to get pregnant. He explained that they were the Aen Elle, and their King, Auberon Muircetach would be the father of her child. Ciri was still undecided as they arrived at the palaces, as she stared in awe at their beauty. Tir ná Lia, resembled towers similar in fashion to lilies sticking out of the water. As they entered, Eredin was there to greet them. He explained that Ciri was to be bathed and prepared to make her first impression on Auberon. He also made it clear that Ciri could not escape, no matter how much she tried, and his Dearg Ruadhri, or Red Riders, would catch up with her even if she did.
Ciri was taken away by the ladies and bathed, scrubbed, and dressed in impeccable makeup and a dress. She was led to Auberon’s chamber and entered, discovering the thin, slender king waiting for her on the terrace. He briefly talked to the girl, raising her intrigue when he spoke of travelling between worlds. Ciri wanted to be done, get back to her own world. He touched her hand briefly, then let the girl leave him be. Ciri met Avallac’h by the river and boarded a boat with him. He explained how she need not fret, that Auberon was merely being delicate with her. That the elves wanted to open a portal to her world to save the elves there, and humans, from the prophecy of the great white frost. Ciri did not know what to think, but he encouraged her to spend that night with Auberon.
That evening Ciri and Auberon dined alone. She explained to him how she was connected to Geralt by destiny, and should be allowed to leave to find him. Auberon listened, but did not think much of her ideas on destiny. He instructed Ciri to undress and led her to bed. She tried to imagine it was Mistle, but to no avail, and he began to have his way with her. He did not take the girl, but once done with her Auberon up and left her, where Ciri curled up and sobbed. From rage, shame, and humiliation.
Ciri spoke once more with Avallac’h, and this time was very frank with him. She felt used, that she would never get to return home, that she was lied to. He calmly explained that Auberon was her only way to freedom. Ciri made it clear she would let any of them impregnate her if needed, just to get it done. As she got enraged she even suggested Avallac’h, and questioned did he not like her? She did have Lara Dorens eyes after all. Suddenly Avallac’h got enraged, and grabbed her. Her bellowed for her not to use her name like that, and admitted he once knew Lara. Quickly he told her to forget what he had said. That evening Ciri spent it with Auberon once again. As he finished, he left her, and when Ciri finally fell asleep she had a dream. In the dream Ciri sees Vysogota, Yennifer, and Geralt. They need her help, but she is trapped. A prisoner. Vysogota reminds her she is the master of places and times. She sees the pain of Yennifer being tortured, and wants to rescue her mummy. She is a prisoner. She sees Geralt riding through a blizzard alongside other riders, but he can’t hear her scream. She is trapped. Vysogota reminded her, she cannot be imprisoned as she is the master of places and times.
The next morning Ciri went straight for the stables to ride Kelpie. As she saddled up the horse some women arrived to help, and Ciri realised these women were not Elves, but human. As Ciri was about to ride out on Kelpie, Eredin appeared. He challenged her to a race, which Ciri managed to win. As the pair conversed along the finish line at the stream, Eredin bowed her into a walk across moss covered stone steps, and finally into a cascade. Ciri thought Eredin wanted her, to become king himself. However, he presented her with a vial and some truth. She would never get her freedom. She would die there, regardless of whatever promises Avallac’h had made. He gave her the vial and asked her to give it to Auberon, although he did not confess what was in it. Her explained how the difference in time from her world meant those she cared for were already gone, long since dead. She would not see them again. Ciri was processing all this information, undecided on what to do or what to believe. Eredin bid her to leave, and asked her to accompany him for a meal.
That night Ciri was once again with Auberon, and this time the Alder King undressed with Ciri. However, she was unable to make him perform, and felt angry at herself. She fell asleep in his arms, but in the morning she woke alone. The following night she once again joined Auberon, and this time he had fisstech for them to consume. Ciri still could not arouse Auberon, and in the end he abruptly told her she was like a Pearl in pig shite. Only a mere trace of elven left in her, and nothing he desired in her human ways. He departed, but shouted at her she was selfish and only doing this for herself, and left a looking glass for her to see her friends. Yennifer in torment, Geralt in a snowy mountain.
The following day Ciri went to ride Kelpie as she was certain everyone knew what had happened. As she rode along the river, Kelpie suddenly made a gallop for the forbidden hill in the distance. Ciri was certain the barrier would stop her, but before she knew it a piercing feeling jammed her back. Unicorns. Including little horse, Ihuarraquax, the Unicorn she had saved in the desert. He explained they wanted to help her get home, but Ciri was hesitant. She didn’t trust anybody anymore, but the unicorns explained how she was the master of worlds thanks to her blood. She could be free if she allowed them to help her. Ciri thought the unicorns might want her power similar to how the elves were aiming to steal it. Instead the explained they already have that power and want her away from the evil of the elves. She agreed, on the condition Ihuarraquax went with her.
That night Ciri set Kelpie loose to ride towards the third bridge, the same one Ciri and Eredin had raced towards. Ciri then entered the chamber, where she found Auberon had taken the contents of the vial. He thought he would be happy to die, as he was bored of life. He admitted he was scared to Ciri, and she held his hand until he passed.
Ciri raced back to the river and untethered a boat. She sailed to the third bridge, and as she approached a shadow leapt down into her boat. It was Eredin. They drew swords and sparred, but Eredin did not want to kill her. Ciri revealed how Auberon died from Eredin's vial, and as they battled Ciri managed to distract Eredin enough for his head to hit the underside of a bridge. She stabbed him in the leg and he fell overboard. The river boats were the only way to break the barrier, and she allowed the boat to take her along until she encountered Kelpie and Ihuarraquax. The unicorn took her to a mass grave full of human bones. The same as the human girls she had met before she raced Eredin. Ciri finally understood. This was not the elves world. They had stolen it from the humans and unicorns.
Ciri rode with all her might as she was pursued. Kelpie galloped through the alder trees and Ihuarraquax instructed Ciri to leap. To leap beyond this world. She struggled to understand in the roar of thunder and flash of lightning. They found themselves in a constellation, and Ihuarraquax informed Ciri they must go beyond many words before they would reach hers. Ciri was ready, she is afterall the master of worlds, the blood of Lara Dorren.
Chapter 6
Jarre was travelling on the road to Vizima, looking to join the army in the war. So far he had encountered no kindness on the road, and had spent many nights sleeping roughly under the night sky. As he crossed a bridge to set himself up for the night once again, he was ambushed by a group of rogue lads. They wanted whatever he had, and although Jarre could not fight, he was saved by the fact one of them knew him from the temple school. Melfi, introduced him to his compatriots, who were also on their way to joining the army. Jarre slept that night among his new companions and dreamt of Geralt and Ciri. Like Ciri has seen in her dream, Geralt was covered in ice. He saw Ciri dashing along on a black horse. Jarre also had a dream of Triss Merigold.
The seven lads set out the following morning. Melfi, Pike, Okultich, Klaproth, Milton, Ograbek, and Jarre. As they marched on the lads saw an old trader, carrying a cart behind his donkey. They saw their chance to raid it, but Jarre interjected. Before the lads could turn on Jarre, two soldiers emerged from the bushes, and quickly put order on the situation. They allowed the lads, and the trader, to march with them to Vizima. On the way, they had to stop as an army patrol passed. Redania’s army, which was assisting against Nilfgaard. Temeria, Redania, Aedirn, and Kaedwen were all fighting together as one. The lads, merchant, and two knights rested upon a hill and gazed at the troops. Jarre knew all the standards, from the soldiers to the mercenaries, lead by a woman known as Pretty Kitty, to the dwarves unit sent from Mahakam to aid in the war. Once the large band of soldiers had finally cleared the road, it was nearing noon and the group set out once more towards Vizima. Along the way the merchant pointed to the comment in the sky, with its flashing red trail behind it. A sign of bloodshed and woe. The knights kept the groups spirits up, claiming it was a sign of woe for Nilfgaard.
As they reached Vizima the stench of the piled up manure reached their nostrils. With an overflowing of men wintering in the city, nature had taken its toll. As they entered the streets of Vizima the lads bolted at the first corner, leaving Jarre with the two knights and the merchant. The knights showed him where to sign up for the army before leaving. The merchant gave Jarre an amulet which would forever remind him of his true love, all he needed was to write her name in it. Jarre wrote Cirilla within the amulet, and soon after he encountered another familiar face. The dwarf Dennis Cranmer. Dennis questioned what Jarre was doing there, and was furious once he realised the lad had run away without Nenneke's permission. Jarre argued he had left a note, and could not idly stand by while the war was ongoing. Cranmer was displeased, but brought Jarre for a warm meal.
Another dwarf, Zoltan Chivay, joined them in the Shaggy Bear Inn, along with Sheldon Skaggs and Yarpen Zigrin. They questioned Jarre why he was joining, and were amused by his declaration of wanting to volunteer to fight for the motherland. Ignorance of youth they called it, while also discussing the “Ciri” who was supposedly married to Emhyr. Yarpen did not believe it as he knew Ciri too well to believe she would do such a thing. The others cared little, as they felt a big battle was approaching them. Jarre believed it would be the war to end all wars. The dwarves sniggered, while Yarpen pointed out a woman named Evangelina Parr. He stated she was a big whore, but far from the whore to end all whores.
As they left the inn, Cranmer told Jarre he was wise to keep quiet when the group discussed Ciri. He advised him to maintain that stance, as any wrong move can end up in being punished in the army. Including death. They showed him a couple of soldiers who had been hung in the square for going against the motto of the war. Then explained to Jarre that a shut mouth was the only guarantee of being alright. Jarre asked could he join their troop, but was immediately shot down as it was for dwarves only. They also spoke of how a Nilfgaardian army of one hundred thousand strong was headed their way, and their armies could not defeat it or hold the Pontar. Jarre exclaimed how the Pontar was north of them, but the dwarves told him not to mention a word of what they had said. They explained all troops are the same, no matter which one Jarre ends up in they all have their songs, duties, and will either be remembered or not. They left Jarre at the tavern to sign up, and barked they would see him again after the war ends. Or not.
Jarre was questioned on his horse riding, archery, and sword skills. All of which he had none. He was looked up and down by the recruiter, and told to head south to the pee-eff-eye. On his way he encountered Melfi, who had abandoned his comrades. He admitted they were rogues who only came to Vizima to steal horses and soldiers uniforms. He was pissed drunk on booze, but was going South past the castle just like Jarre. They made off together, and arrived at a bunch of tents. Jarre thought he was in the wrong place, and questioned the sergeant, but was quickly informed he was in the right place. He was part of the Poor Fucking Infantry.
Pike and the other lads did not fare much better. The tried to impose a tax upon a village or halflings, threatening the diminutive folk. However, before they could pull their swords, the little ones used their unerring speed and accuracy to kill their marauders, as they had every other rotten folk who had tried to steal from them.
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
Book 3
The Witcher Saga - Baptism of Fire - Part I
The Witcher Saga - Baptism of Fire - Part II
The Witcher Saga - Baptism of Fire - Part III
The Witcher Saga - Baptism of Fire - Part IV
Book 4
The Witcher Saga - The Tower of the Swallow - Part I
The Witcher Saga - The Tower of the Swallow - Part II
The Witcher Saga - The Tower of the Swallow - Part III
The Witcher Saga - The Tower of the Swallow - Part IV
The Witcher Saga - The Tower of the Swallow - Part V
The Witcher Saga - The Tower of the Swallow - Part VI
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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