The Witcher: My Own Path

The royal castle and the throne room itself was just as I remembered it from the game, but compared to Geralt's adventures I had played myself, it was filled with courtiers discussing matters of importance to them, as to me it looked quite different. Through the power I could sense an atmosphere of deceit and conspiracy, false smiles, demands and pretensions, in a word a nest of vipers, all dressed in their finest robes, diamonds and sapphires and other expensive stones were omnipresent. The people are starving and these sons of bitches are flaunting themselves, with their wealth, they have not a bit of shame and to think that one day, if I don't stop and fail, I will join them. The king sat on his throne clad in scarlet and blue, robes worthy of a king, his neck and fingers adorned with jewellery set with precious stones, his head a golden Crown. He was listening to the Grodd of Velerad, who was standing by the winding staircase leading up to the elevation on which the throne was placed.

I didn't recognise any of the people, apart from Foltest himself and Velerad it wasn't as if the courtiers were portrayed in the games, there was however a person I knew well who I didn't expect to be here, or at least not before my arrival, namely Captain Ryzz. The cunning Foltest must have dragged him along, much earlier probably learning of the whole situation, from a source probably seeking knowledge of me as well. Now that I know Ryzz is here, my only option is to play the card of a good student grateful to his teacher for years of training. This would allow me to gain even more favour with Ryzz, but so that I would be seen by the king as a good sapling who would return the favour if cultivated well.

As I got closer and closer to the throne, I tried to play the curious but at the same time somewhat reserved teenager, trained not to do certain things yet still having a childlike sensitivity and curiosity. I used the power to spread an aura of gentleness around me, a slight happiness so that all those around me could feel relaxed, like being with an innocent child.

When I reached the place where Captain Ryzz was kneeling, I looked at the king for a moment, my eyes betraying admiration and my body nervousness, I got down on one knee and remained silent with my head bowed. Etiquette does not allow a subject to speak first, out of the corner of my eye I looked at the captain, and he turned his gaze on me and smiled. He was comforting me, he wanted to give me courage, a good man, admittedly I had used him for the last few years, and now I would praise his kindness and his great devotion to the king, and to Temeria, all to continue to prey on him, for my own use. Darth Sidious would be proud of me.

''I have heard much about you boy, what is your name again?''

He says he's heard a lot about me, yet he asks what my name is, he's going to check and watch my every reaction, looking for lies, testing me. That's good, it's a sign that I can be more to him than just another goon or simple guard. He feels, however, that I must prove myself not only as a good disciple, an aging captain of the guard, but as a growing patriot worshipping the ground the king treads on. The game has begun and I have no intention of losing it.

''I am Tyr, Your Highness. It is a great honour for me to be in your presence!'' I reply, pretending not to dare look at him.

''Tyr. Hmm... You showed great courage and skill in defeating that monster that was… Velerad?''

''A graveir my lord.''

''Yes, graveir. Apparently, the beast was three metres tall, extremely strong and agile, how did you manage that? You must be an outstanding swordsman!''

He's testing me, he probably wants to see if I can catch on. Praise from the king himself might boost the ego, he's curious to see if I'll take all the credit for myself.

''An outstanding swordsman?'' I looked at Foltest and my eyes reflected nothing but sadness, I was obviously suppressing all other feelings with power. I shook my head in denial.

''A tragedy happened that day, Your Highness. Many of my comrades died torn to pieces and yes, a few innocent people, a great misfortune befell them. I was very unlucky, being there at the wrong place at the wrong time.''

''But you survived, fought the creature and finally defeated it, what else would you call it if not outstanding skill?''

The bastard was not satisfied with my answer. I hung my head as if out of shame.

''Luck, hope and fear my king!'' I replied almost in a whisper.

''Luck, hope and fear? What luck? What hope and fear? Speak more clearly, for I do not understand!''

''Luck, because...'' I looked at Ryzz with a gentle smile, but still with sadness in my eyes, I had met a wonderful man who, despite his great devotion to his duties, was willing to accept me as his apprentice, teaching me everything he knew and even treating me as his own son. The hope that this foster father would come, without abandoning his prodigal pupil! That was the only thing that kept me alive that day, and the fear, the fear of more innocent people dying, and thus failing him by not fulfilling the duty he had instilled in me so much.

I gently distributed my power throughout the royal chamber, I didn't want to directly affect the feelings of everyone present, it would be unnatural and maybe someone would notice, I just wanted to slightly push their attitudes to be more in my favour.

Captain Ryzz, kneeling less than a metre away from me, hung his head, but could not hide the tears of joy that streamed down his face. Foltest stared at me, deep in thought.

''Lord…'' Velerad began, wishing to rouse his ruler from his deep thoughts.

''You have done a great deed, Tyr, son of the blacksmith. However, there has not yet been an occurrence of someone so young, so meritorious, therefore I do not know how to reward you. Do you have any suggestions?''

The second test is said to judge a man by his deeds, but I believe also by his desires and ambitions, and probably King Foltest as well. My true champion would demand, all the best telling everyone that it is not really for him but for the greater good, and of course he would get it all with their blessing. I, however, prefer to play it carefully, without rushing.

''I apologise to you my king, but you are asking the wrong person, I only made the final blow on the monster, but the captain was the one who trained me and instilled dedication for the people and the country, and it was he who came with reinforcements. Without him, I would already be dead. My king I beg you to honour my teacher for his faithful service to you and the courage he showed that day! Check!'' I bowed my head and waited for him to move.

Ryzz beside me was choking in tears from gratitude and pride at the loyalty paid back to him after those almost three years. He raised his head, wanting to protest and speak in favour of his beloved disciple, but the King's raised hand stopped him.

''Captain Ryzz, I, King Foltest of Temeria hereby award you the Order of Courage for your steadfastness in the face of a terrible enemy, and your loyal service over the years. You will receive five hundred orens and when you retire, you will be promoted to the rank of Commandant and in that rank, you will be able to draw your pension.''

''Thank you, Your Majesty!'' Ryzz radiated happiness.

''Tyr of Podgrodzie what am I to do with you? For all I know you will be an adult in a few months. Hmm... and as an adult you can't continue to live with your father, can you? Velerad, have we some empty properties in the Commercial Quarter?''

''From what I remember, there is an old warehouse near the market and the Vivaldi bank, not used anymore for years, but with a little renovation you could make a decent dwelling out of it, my king.''

''Excellent! Tyr of the Undercity I Foltest King of Temeria, for your bravery and dedication in protecting my subjects I reward myself with the Order of Courage. An estate in the Trading Quarter and a thousand orens. Let it be known that young Tyr enjoys my favour. I will be watching you with great interest boy, don't let me down!''

Hahahahaha, I risked my life, I saved many people. If it wasn't for me, this monster would have been wreaking havoc in this godforsaken hole for hours, and the son of a bitch just patted me on the back? Maybe it was a better idea to leave the monster to do just that, and only intervene when the situation became dire. Agh... I won't turn back the clock anymore, a thousand orens sounds good, an order might also come in handy for something in the future, but this warehouse, why the hell do I need the old warehouse...? No, wait! The old warehouse by the Vivaldi bank? The old warehouse by the bank, the back entrance to the bank and to the... Damn… Foltest just gave me a treasure, if that's what this warehouse is!

If what you've given me, King Foltest is what I think it is, then I take back everything I've said bad about you! I'd even say it's mat!