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 as I bring the Witcher Saga books to a conclusion.
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
The Witcher Saga - The Lady of the Lake - Part VI
Chapter 11
Three riders appeared in the road ahead of Aristoteles Bobek, leaving him a good five hundred paces short of the settlement of Jealousy. The riders approached and consisted of a white haired man, a raven haired woman, and an ashen haired girl. The girl questioned him on the six young people murdered in Jealousy by Bonhart the previous summer. Suddenly he recognised her, for she was Falka. Ciri asked him where the bodies were buried, and he brought them there. Ciri was amazed at the ornate burial mound they had received, and Bobek explained it was the villagers who did it. Specifically a widow named Goulue and a young one by the name of Nycklar. Ciri fell to her knees beside the burial mound, and Yennifer informed Bobek his village was in their gratitude for their empathy towards the dead.
Houvenaghel was screaming in the streets of Claremont on the night of April ninth. The former house of worship, converted into an amphitheatre for all sort of fighting events was ablaze. It was no ordinary fire, but one of black magic. The fire brigade tried as they could to put it out, but by morning the amphitheatre was in ruin and the brewery and granary alongside it were no better.
Geralt questioned Ciri on who she needs to see next. Ciri replied she wants to visit Unicorn and give them a more fitting totem. After that, the inn at Dun Dare to pay homage to the murdered innkeeper, and his family. Finally, after that she wished to find a hut in the swamp to give an old man a proper burial.
The three riders continued their journey, passing all sorts on the roads, including a pilgrim, an elf, and a deserter. Rumours of the three spector's, the Wild Hunt riders, spread around Ebbing and Geso. The legend grew.
May arrived and Geralt and Yennifer stole any moment they had alone to make love. As the days passed by, suddenly Geralt had a terrible nightmare. In it he saw Yennifer and Ciri communicating with the lodge, and while they demanded the women go to them at once, Yennifer disobeyed. She would go alone, and leave Ciri with Geralt for a few more days. The following day Yennifer confirmed his fear, and explained she must leave for the good of him and Ciri. She would summon Ciri in time, but they would all be together again soon.
Geralt took Ciri to the river, explaining he wanted to show her the fairy tale lands of Toussaint. They rode over the hill and Ciri was amazed by the beauty of the architecture. Geralt explained they would meet Dandelion, although he felt ill at having to explain what happened to Regis, Cahir, Angoulême, and Milva. Ciri did not want to arrive in their current clothes, so Geralt decided to go to the bank and make use of the money he had made while performing Witcher tasks on his last visit to Toussaint. After leaving the bank Geralt found himself and Ciri in the middle of a large crowd. There was to be an execution. They got caught up in the ensemble and at the gallows discovered it was Dandelion sentenced to death. As the bard was having his head put on the block to be chopped off, suddenly a messenger came through the crowd. Dandelion was pardoned by the Duchess for his misdeeds, but banished from Toussaint. Quickly Geralt called out to Dandelion, and along with Ciri, the trio rode out of the Duchy. They camped on the outskirts, where Geralt finally told Dandelion what happened to the others, to the dismay of the bard.
As they rode on Dandelion was full of belief that once the Duchess had calmed down she would welcome him back. After all he had only slept with the barons daughter Nique. Ciri and Geralt agreed that Dandelion was foolish in his thoughts. The bard went on to explain that Reynart had fallen in a skirmish soon after Geralt had left Toussaint, leaving Geralt lost in thought. They managed to cross the Yaruga at the end of May, on a new bridge. Below, Geralt could see the scorched remains of the old bridge.
At an old tree lined with messages Ciri found a message left by Yennifer. She was to ride to Vengerberg at once, while Geralt and Dandelion made for Rivia. Geralt felt uneasy, but knew Ciri must go. In six days they were to meet again in Rivia. Dandelion felt the task was impossible as Ciri had such a distance to travel, but Geralt made it clear nothing is impossible for Ciri.
Geralt and Dandelion set out on their journey, encountering the harrowing aftermaths of war. They could hear bandits in the distance, murdering and attacking women. As they continued, the encountered a group of settlers. They were Nilfgaardian settlers being removed from the lands, and sent back home. Dandelion could see the blood on the thighs of the women, and their battered and bruised faces. The pair carried on, and Dandelion saw a change in Geralt when the Witcher exclaimed he would not be getting involved, not risking his neck for noble principles or ideals. That night Geralt dreamt of Ciri and Yennifer standing before the sorceresses at Montecalvo Castle.
Ciri, dressed in white, and Yennifer in black, stood before the lodge. Although Yennifer was still considered an outlaw for her actions, Ciri made it clear her fate was tied with Yennifer. The pair were allowed to sit, and Phillipa made it clear to Ciri their plans. Ciri would be sent to Kovir where she would seduce Prince Tankred and bear his child. She would be given an illusion for her scar, and nobody would know she was the Cirilla of Cintra. Instead she was allowed to pick her own surname, to which she chose to be Ciri of Vengerberg. Ciri had little choice in the matter, although she made it clear she needed to ponder it. She informed the lodge that she had arranged to meet Geralt in Rivia, and would ride there with Yennifer. She also explained how she needed to convince him that their plan was not the same evil as Vilgefortz had. The women were not impressed by Ciri’s attempt at a threat, and decided to vote on whether she should be allowed to go. One by one they cast their vote until finally it was Phillipa's turn. She was the deciding vote, and she chose to allow Ciri to go, for the sorceress had begun to believe in destiny and hope. She believed in Ciri, the child of destiny. The child of hope.
Chapter 12
The duo of Geralt and Dendelion arrived in Rivia on the sixth day after the new June moon. The surface of Loch Eskalott glistened as the towers of Rivia Castle lay before them. They approached the town of Rivia, full of bright thatch cottages littered around the edge of the castle in a variety of districts.
The pair made their way to the Rooster and Mother Hen Inn, passing a vomiting girl and her flea bitten horse on the way. Dandelion did not like the place, or those within the Inn. The innkeeper recognised them at once, and informed them they should go to a tavern called Wirsing’s in the dwarven district of Elm. They made their way out of the inn, away from the war damaged youths filled with beer and fisstech.
The streets of Rivia were busy with life and trade, and Geralt and Dandelion had to pass by many peddlers offering their wares before they reached Elm. They found the tavern, with two dwarves sipping beer waiting for them. It was Yarpen Zigrin and Zoltan Chivay.
They were the only four in the tavern, and reconciled their tales. The dwarves were relieved to hear Ciri was alright and would be joining them soon. They also explained how bartering was rife and if the crops failed in the winter, there would be deaths. The dwarves had a brew of fresh snails for Geralt and co, but no other meat. As they drank, the memories of Regis, Angoulême, Cahir, and Milva were remembered and laid to rest.
Yarpen Zigrin explained to Geralt and Dandelion that he was planning to make a career in politics. Zoltan Chivay meanwhile was going to open a steam and hammer works in Novigrad along with Figgs Merluzzo Munro Bruys. Percival Schuttenbach, the gnome, had already opened a jewellers in the city after using ancient gnome law to get out of serving in the war. They drank to their fallen comrades, Caleb Stratton, Yazon Varda, and Regan Dahlberg.
Geralt explained the narrow escape Dandelion experienced in Toussaint, while they learned that Yarpen Zigrin was engaged to a Eudora Breckenriggs. The chatter changed to how Geralt was keen to do Yennifer demands regardless of her whims, but the Witcher cut it short as they ate their fill of snails and drank.
While the Witcher pondered the evil and chaos of the activities he had battled, Yarpen reminded him they had made progress. Times were moving forward and should be judged as such, not in discontent or with one’s noses up. It will lighten the times ahead from the darkness recently endured. Geralt explained how it’s a state of mind, and he was done being a Witcher. He tried to return the sword Zoltan had lent him, but the dwarf wouldn’t take it. Geralt was firm about no longer being a Witcher, based on his feelings for Yennifer and Ciri. Zoltan instructed the innkeeper to place the Mahakam sihill over the fireplace, and to change the name of the tavern to "The Witcher's Sword", with tales of treasures and monsters, wars, death, love, and friendship be told there. As they continued their conversation about progress, a dwarf burst in and pointed to the town centre.
A massacre had apparently broken out, apparently started when a dwarf insulted and attacked a noblewoman, Nadia Esposito. The humans on the suburbs attacked those occupied by nonhumans, and less than an hour later the sorcerers intervened. By that time 148 individuals had been killed, with half of those victims being women and children. Some theories questioned where the weapons had been handed out from, or who the mysterious ringleaders from out of town were. Some stated the dwarves and elves teamed up to slaughter each other and blacken the human name. Another claimed it was mere xenophobia and ignorance until he had been silenced.
Within the tavern Geralt had convinced the dwarves to hide in the cellar, while himself, Dandelion, and the innkeeper waited on the commotion. They witnessed a mob tearing dwarves apart, others trampled, and a woman pitch-forked. Three dwarves rushed towards the tavern, at which point Geralt took down the sihill. As Dandelion groaned, Geralt muttered this would be the last time. He jumped from the porch and slashed the mob. As he spun within the mob and hacked and slashed, intending to wound and not kill, and they thought him an elf. As Geralt spared a solider's life, he was shot down with a trident by an unkempt young man. The trident had torn the Witcher's stomach open and he felt sharp pain as he keeled over. Out rushed Dandelion, Yarpen, Zoltan, and the innkeeper to scare off the mob and rescue their fallen comrade.
Geralt was in Kaer Morhen along with Eskel, Lambert, Coen, and Vesemir. They discussed Ciri and her trances, and how a witch would be required. Ciri has prophesied that Coen and Geralt would bothdie. Both would be killed by teeth. Coen two, Geralt three. They drank their vodak and said nothing as the wind howled through Kaer Morhen.
Ciri, Yennifer, and Triss rode towards Rivia and reached the outskirts just before noon. Yennifer instructed Ciri to ride ahead while she made it clear to Triss than Geralt was her man. She was not going to allow Triss anymore than a thank you from Geralts eyes, as she was keeping that man for herself. Suddenly Ciri galloped back and the sorceresses knew at once why. The thatch roofs were enveloped in flames. Suddenly Ciri spoke of prophecy and how the snake Ouroboros had sunk its teeth into its own tail. She screamed for Geralt.
Kelpie sped off while Yennifer and Triss could not keep pace. Ciri led them through crowded streets into the heart of the commotion, when Yennifer knew Ciri had seen the impact on Gerat through her vision. As dwarves and elves were fiercely battling each other, Kelpie flew over them with her gallops and leaps. A crowd knocked Yennifer from her horse, but before they could kick her she unleashed her magic. As they cried out she was an eleven enchantress, she shot fire at a dwarf swinging an axe at her. Suddenly Triss grabbed her and Triss protested for them to leave, similar to how she protested on Sodden Hill. Yennifer knew the sorceress was overcome with fear, and told Triss to flee if she wanted but Yennifer had people she cared about to protect. Before she could ride ahead on her mount, the crowd threw stones and one hit her Yennifer the head, knocking her out.
Yennifer awoke alongside Tissaia de Vries, who explained that the sorceress didn’t succeed. She explained how she would help the girl for she saw potential in her. The humpback could be healed. As could her slashed wrists from the recent attempted suicide. She would live according to Tissaia, for her time had not come yet. When it does, she would recall that day. She allowed Yennifer to weep for the final time, as there was nothing more hideous than a weeping sorceress.
Yennifer came to with Triss dragging her away. The fiery redhead made it clear she had no fear and would not teleport them away. She would not hide behind the lodge or her own fear, and instead she hauled Yennifer up. They worked together to try and cast Alzur’s Thunder spell at the mob, but they were not in the fit condition to succeed. Yennifer thought of another spell that could help them, but there was no need, as they had darkened the sky and clouds teemed above.
As the crowd were throwing more rocks at the sorceresses, suddenly hail pelted Rivia with such force it quickly covered the land. People sheltered while others fell, and Yennifer quickly cast a shield above them. Lightning flashed and thunder groaned and something escaped Triss’s lips. The hail grew lighter, and eventually stopped. Armed men rushed into the square while the mob roared and fled. Triss and Yennifer ran on, and Nimue recalled to Condwiramurs that it’s became known as Merigold’s Destructive Hailstorm. It was never registered or repeated, as apparently Triss had a cut mouth. As Condwiramurs noted, Yennifer was also there, even if she had not been captured in the folklore of paintings.
The revolt in Rivia was over, as the hail had cooled the hot heads. Almost two hundred mutilated corpses and a dozen burnt down homes remained. In the district of Elm, on Loch Eskalott, Geralt lay in a pool of blood with Ciri over him. He was white as a sheet and unconscious. Yennifer kneeled down beside him but in despair she noted they had arrived too late. A dwarf told them they had sent for a physician, but he was taking his time.
Triss calmly noted that Geralt was dying. Yennifer suddenly began weeping, and Ciri broke down in anger at how Yennifer had taught her there was nothing more pathetic than a weeping sorceress. Yennifer kept repeating spells as she held Geralts limp, paralysed head in both hands. Triss was certain it was too late, and watched as Yennifer finally gave up casting incantations and slumped beside Geralt. The dwarves swore, and Dandelion sniffed. A fog rose on the lake and rolled onto the land. Ciri exclaimed how she could have saved him had she not renounced her powers. As if she killed him. Suddenly Kelpie neighed and Dandelion let out a muffled cry.
The unicorn Ihuarraquax suddenly appeared from the fog, with the horn from it head lit up. Ciri grasped the horn as Triss gasped in awe, and the girls eyes lit up. A ribbon of flickering brightness glowed like lava from her fingers as she pointed as the Witcher. To the others it was unreal, like a dream. Ihuarraquax neighed and galloped into the fog, with Ciri ushering Kelpie to follow. A boat was left behind, and they loaded Geralt and Yennifer into it. Triss begged Ciri to let her go with them, but Ciri made it clear it was better she didn’t. The boat sailed away and vanished into the fog with the trio onboard. Triss, Dandelion, Yarpen, and Zoltan watched them disappear as Triss exclaimed Vasse deireadh aep eigean- something ends when translated into the common tongue. Something is beginning Yarpen chimed in as the sun rose.
Geralt awoke to a kaleidoscope of light and shadows from the leaves above him. He felt Yennifer's fingers on his face, and the pain in his ribs ensured him the events in Rivia had been real. Yennifer told him to lie still. Smells of grass and herbs and flowers filled the air. Ciri was gone. He recalled the boat on the lake. Then a river with a strong current, in a fog. Yennifer told him to lay still, that what happened did not matter. They were together. Geralt told Yennifer he loved her, and she replied she knows.
Galahad asked was that the end of the story. Of course not retorted Ciri. Geralt and Yennifer got married in the end. All their friends came along. Including Dandelion, Mother Nenneke, Iola, Vesemir, Eskel, Yarpen Zigrin, Coen, Milva, Angoulême, and of course Ciri’s Mistle. Geralt and Yennifer got a house and lived happy ever after, like in a fairy tale claimed Ciri with tears weeping down her face.
Galahad changed the subject, claiming astounding adventures take place in this world too. He began to ramble about tales and adventures in their own lands. Ciri cut him off, telling him to be silent. Galahad eventually asked her to join him in the ride to Camelot, to see King Arthur. He proposed and proclaimed his love for her but she brushed it off. She informed them they should set off and find somewhere to sleep for the night, although stated it was only sleeping when see saw his rosy blushing cheeks. Once atop their steeds she looked at him and thought why not. There could be a place for a Witcher girl in this world. There is always work for a Witcher girl. They held hands and rode off into the setting sun, leaving behind the enchanted lake. All that was behind them, with everything before them.
The End.
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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