Chapter 43: The Supply Run
POV: Adam
Kaer Morhen's supplies had dwindled through winter's extended isolation like water through cracked stone, stores that had seemed adequate in autumn now reduced to quantities that prompted discussions about rationing versus risky resupply missions through mountain terrain that could kill the unprepared.
Critical. We're reaching critical supply levels.
Geralt spread maps across the great hall's main table with movements that carried professional assessment rather than casual planning, his golden eyes tracing routes that balanced distance against difficulty while calculating risks that extended beyond simple travel hazards.
Nearest village. Forty miles through terrain that's claimed its share of travelers.
"Supply run," Geralt said, his voice carrying finality that suggested the decision had already been made regardless of individual preferences. "Eskel, Adam, and myself. Three-day journey if weather cooperates."
Three people. Balanced team that can handle threats while maintaining travel speed.
"I'm coming too," Ciri said before anyone could object, her voice carrying authority that felt borrowed from royal training rather than tactical assessment. "I'm ready for this kind of mission."
Ready. Is she ready? Three days through dangerous terrain with Nilfgaardian patrols potentially operating in the area.
The argument that followed revealed tensions between protection and development that had been building since their relationship began, Ciri's need to prove capability clashing against Adam's understanding of what mountain travel could demand from people who lacked supernatural enhancement.
Compromise. Geralt's offering compromise instead of absolute refusal.
"You follow orders without question," Geralt said, his voice carrying conditions that transformed permission into contract. "No initiatives, no heroics, no proving points. Understood?"
Agreed. She agrees to terms that most princesses would find insulting.
Vesemir's supply list covered necessities that winter isolation had consumed—medical materials for continued healing practice, alchemical ingredients that professional monster hunting required, and food staples that would sustain them through remaining months until spring made foraging practical.
Lambert stays behind. Someone needs to guard the fortress.
The mission plan balanced speed against security, four people representing optimal compromise between combat capability and travel efficiency through terrain that punished groups too large to move quietly or too small to handle serious threats.
Ready. As ready as we can be for whatever mountain descent reveals.
The journey down from Kaer Morhen proved exactly as treacherous as winter mountain travel typically demanded, narrow paths carved from stone that had been shaped by centuries of erosion while ice made every step potential introduction to gravity-assisted death.
Avalanche danger. The snow hasn't settled properly after recent storms.
Adam's expanded Air Sense detected atmospheric disturbances that spoke of unstable snow masses waiting for vibration or temperature change to transform potential energy into devastating kinetic reality. Each footstep required evaluation of whether sound or pressure might trigger cascades that could bury entire parties.
Waterbending. Ice bridges across gaps that normal travel couldn't navigate.
The elemental magic proved invaluable for solving problems that conventional mountaineering couldn't address, frozen water creating temporary bridges while atmospheric manipulation provided early warning about environmental hazards that traditional scouting might miss entirely.
Proving herself. Ciri's proving she can handle this level of challenge.
She matched their pace despite terrain that tested even witcher capabilities, maintaining alertness that spoke of someone understanding that survival depended on constant vigilance rather than assumed competence. Her breathing remained controlled, her footing sure, her attention focused on immediate necessities rather than distant concerns.
Approval. Geralt's approval is visible in his posture and movement patterns.
The witcher's assessment of Ciri's performance showed in subtle changes to group dynamics—increased confidence in her capabilities, reduced protective positioning, acknowledgment that she could contribute rather than simply be protected.
Competent. She's genuinely competent at this level of operation.
The village materialized through morning mist like settlement that had learned to apologize for existing, its timber buildings clustered around central square where Nilfgaardian banners hung like warnings about political realities that mountain isolation couldn't permanently avoid.
Garrison. Small Nilfgaardian garrison maintaining presence in conquered territory.
The black armor and disciplined positioning spoke of professional soldiers establishing authority through visible presence rather than overwhelming force, occupation designed to demonstrate empire's reach into regions that might otherwise consider themselves beyond civilized control.
Risk assessment. We need supplies badly enough to risk interaction with imperial forces.
Geralt's approach emphasized witcher neutrality, professional status that theoretically transcended political boundaries while providing services that all sides valued sufficiently to overlook ideological differences.
Hooded. Adam and Ciri stay hooded and anonymous.
They followed several paces behind while Geralt negotiated with merchants who operated under imperial oversight, their faces concealed by practical winter gear that provided explanation for anonymity beyond simple preference for privacy.
Studying her. That soldier is studying Ciri too closely.
The Nilfgaardian sergeant's attention lingered on Ciri's posture with recognition that made Adam's hand move instinctively toward his sword, professional evaluation that suggested training in identifying high-value targets among civilian populations.
Composure. She maintains perfect composure despite scrutiny that could be fatal.
Ciri's response was masterful—slight slouch that disguised royal bearing, nervous fidgeting that suggested local girl uncomfortable around foreign soldiers, expression that conveyed timidity rather than controlled awareness.
Performance. Academy Award-worthy performance under pressure that could mean death or capture.
The supply purchase proceeded without incident despite tensions that made every transaction feel like potential trigger for violence, imperial soldiers maintaining professional distance while Geralt conducted business that served everyone's interests.
Escape. Clean escape with needed supplies and valuable intelligence.
[Experience Gained: 200 XP]
[Supplies Purchased: 150 crowns worth]
[Relationship: Ciri +5, Geralt +5, Eskel +10]
The return journey to Kaer Morhen carried more than material supplies—intelligence about Nilfgaard's expanding presence that suggested winter sanctuary might prove temporary as empire consolidated power throughout conquered territories.
Consolidation. They're consolidating control, establishing permanent presence.
Vesemir received their report with expressions that cycled through concern, calculation, and something approaching grim acceptance, his weathered features processing implications that extended beyond immediate tactical considerations.
Maps. He's studying maps with attention that suggests strategic planning.
The old witcher's examination of regional geography carried weight that spoke of someone evaluating how long mountain isolation could be maintained against empire that viewed witcher neutrality as convenience rather than permanent policy.
Spring complications. Spring will bring complications that winter has temporarily postponed.
But looking at Ciri's face as she helped organize supplies that would sustain them through remaining winter months, Adam understood that some sanctuary was worth defending regardless of whether defense could ultimately succeed.
Together. We face spring's challenges together, whatever form they take.
The ancient keep settled around them with familiarity that felt like homecoming, its corridors holding warmth that had nothing to do with fireplaces and everything to do with people who'd chosen to care about each other's survival.
Ready. More ready than we were, approaching ready enough for what spring might bring.
Some preparations were worth making regardless of whether they proved sufficient.
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