The Divine Hunter

Chapter 504: The Druid’s Whereabouts

[TL: Asuka]

[PR: Ash]

Another day, another merry day at Slug Inn. Once again, the bouncer was met with the lad who came the day before, but he looked different somehow. There was a scar on his face, and the air around him smelled of blood. Seems like he just came back from a battle.

Even though the air reeked of the stench of alcohol, the patrons of the inn still caught the whiff of danger coming from this young man, and they stayed away from him.

Eventually, only Roy remained before the counter. “Mug of apple cider, please.” Roy tapped on the table.

“I believe you’ve found a request?”

“In the middle of clearing it, but this is more… complex than I thought. I’ll have to deal with it slowly.” Roy took a sip of his cider, the liquid sparkling red under the light. “Have a question for you, mate. Heard there’s a druid circle somewhere near Mayena.”

The bartender smiled. Information cost money, and he was going to name a good price, but then his heart skipped a beat. Somehow he had a feeling he would be in for something terrible if he did not answer this lad’s questions. Not even his burly, grizzled bouncers could save him from that fate. “Two, actually,” he said, simpering. “One in the east of Sodden, and it goes by the name of Caed Dhu.”

Roy cocked an eyebrow. Caed Dhu? That means Black Forest in Elder Speech. Geralt passed that place in his search, but that can’t be the place I’m looking for. It’s miles away from Mayena.

“Just when all hope was lost, a group of saints stepped up. They are no ordinary people. They possess magic. Extraordinary magic. The temple of Melitele in Ellander sent a group of their priestesses out to help the refugees, healing those in need,” the bartender said. “But that much is to be expected. That’s what Melitele is like. They are worshipped and revered. Mountains of donations go to their temples every year. They are duty-bound to help the ailing people.”

Roy took a deep breath. He was once again reminded of the days he spent in Ellander’s temple.

“Aside from the temples, some sorcerers and druids decided to lend a hand too.” A twinkle of astonishment flared in the bartender’s eyes. “It was surprising, mercenary. As I’ve told you, sorcerers and druids are not particularly treated with respect or kindness among the people. They have every kind of insult hurled at them every day. If I were them, I’d rather watch these people die than help, but they didn’t seem to mind.” The bartender looked impressed. “In their magnanimity, they lent a helping hand to the refugees, and some of them are druids from the woods I told you about.”

A pause later, he continued. “One of them was a gorgeous woman with hair as crimson as cinnabar. They’re nothing like what the beekeeper told me. Not feral at all. She was clean, dressed decently, smelled like plants, and was slender as a lily.”

“You seem fond of her.”

“Not just me, mercenary. The whole Mayena and the refugees are fond of her, get it?” Displeased by the witcher’s frivolity, the bartender took on a solemn attitude. “She helps the refugees every week for free, curing them of their illnesses. Everyone knows she’s a lot better than the thieving doctors who can’t even cure a simple cold. She can cure every kind of illness and wound. Except for death.

“And she wasn’t just using herbs. She even used magic on us. Do you know what that means?” A hint of reminiscence flashed in the bartender’s eyes. “I had a stomach upset, and she healed me with magic. Magic feels… warm. It courses through your veins like some sort of warm shower, and she’s fair to everyone. Respects everyone. Merchants, soldiers, nobility, she doesn’t care. Well, the nobles wouldn’t deign to visit the slums,” the bartender muttered. “She’s a respectable woman. She sees every life as equal. If we could vote for Mayena’s next leader…” The bartender lowered his voice to a whisper and huddled closer to Roy. “That lady would win in a landslide. The nobles have no chance.”

Roy nodded. This woman knows nature well and is respected by the community. The very person I need to find out about the red light and clear Geralt’s name. And she’s closely tied to Geralt too. She’s the best choice for this job.

“She cares not for coin and fame. All she cares about are the people and all living beings.”

“What’s her name?” Roy held his excitement down and went in for the confirmation. He sipped some cider and let his pets have a bit of the liquid too.

“Told no one about it. She needs no fame, remember?” The bartender took a deep breath, finally finishing his lecture. “You’re bleeding. Bet you’re hurt. If you need some healing, she should be here soon. There’s a white tent beside the refugee camp. That’s where she stays in. You can’t miss it.”