Chapter 44: The Unexpected Guest
POV: Adam
Blood Sensing screamed warnings that made Adam's consciousness snap from meditation to full alertness, atmospheric displacement patterns revealing someone approaching Kaer Morhen through mountain passes that should have been impassable in current weather conditions. The signature felt different from normal human travel—too fast, too direct, carrying undertones that suggested supernatural assistance rather than conventional mountaineering.
Someone's coming. Moving faster than natural travel allows.
Adam rose from his position beside the fortress walls, extending his awareness through expanded sensory range while cataloging the approaching presence. Single individual, definitely human, but accompanied by energy disturbances that spoke of magical capabilities beyond normal practitioner levels.
Portal magic. They're using portal magic to bypass terrain.
The realization sent cold calculation racing through his mind as he processed implications of someone possessing teleportation abilities appearing at their sanctuary without invitation or warning. Kaer Morhen's location was supposed to be secret, known only to witchers and those they trusted completely.
Geralt. Need to alert Geralt immediately.
He found the witcher in the armory, methodically maintaining weapons with attention that suggested someone expecting to need them soon. Geralt's response to Adam's warning was immediate—weapons secured, alertness shifting to combat readiness, golden eyes reflecting concern that went beyond simple caution.
He knows something. His reaction suggests he knows who this might be.
The portal that materialized in Kaer Morhen's courtyard tore reality like fabric being ripped by invisible hands, magical energies creating gateway that revealed figure stepping through dimensional barrier with fluid grace that spoke of someone accustomed to casual violations of physical law.
Yennefer. This has to be Yennefer of Vengerberg.
The sorceress proved exactly as striking as television memories had suggested—violet eyes that held intelligence sharp enough to cut glass, black hair that moved with supernatural precision, and presence that made even witchers recalibrate their assessment of local power dynamics. She wore authority like expensive clothing, comfortable with capabilities that could reshape reality according to personal preference.
Immediate tension. Everyone's immediately tense.
"Geralt," Yennefer said, her voice carrying familiarity that spoke of history extending far beyond casual acquaintance. "We need to talk."
History. Complicated history between them.
Her attention shifted to study fortress occupants with evaluation that felt like being examined by concentrated intelligence, violet gaze cataloging details that might reveal information about capabilities and intentions. When that scrutiny reached Adam, something shifted in her expression—curiosity mixed with suspicion.
She senses something. The unusual magic signature.
"Interesting," Yennefer said, her voice carrying observation rather than judgment. "Your magic isn't Chaos-based. How... unusual."
Direct confrontation. She's not subtle about her interest.
The magical discussion that followed felt more like interrogation than casual conversation, Yennefer's questions probing capabilities and origins with precision that suggested extensive experience evaluating supernatural phenomena. Adam deflected with vague references to natural talent while avoiding details that would raise questions he couldn't answer.
Testing. She wants to test what I can do.
"Demonstrate," Yennefer said, her voice carrying challenge that felt designed to provoke response rather than gather simple information. "Show me this elemental magic of yours."
Sparring. Magical sparring with someone whose power exceeds mine by orders of magnitude.
The contest that followed proved educational in ways that formal instruction couldn't provide, Yennefer's Chaos magic clashing against Adam's elemental manipulation in patterns that revealed fundamental differences in approach and capability. She operated through force and dominance, reshaping reality according to will backed by centuries of accumulated knowledge.
Combination attacks. Use elemental combinations she might not expect.
Adam responded with techniques that integrated air and water manipulation, creating effects that conventional Chaos magic couldn't easily counter or predict. Ice barriers that redirected her attacks, pressure waves that disrupted her concentration, healing that restored damage faster than she anticipated.
Holding my own. Barely, but holding my own.
The gap in raw power was obvious—Yennefer possessed capabilities that could level buildings if applied without restraint. But Adam's unconventional approach created tactical advantages that pure force couldn't overcome, elemental magic operating according to principles that formal magical education apparently didn't cover.
Mutual respect. We're earning each other's respect through demonstration.
"Fascinating," Yennefer said when they concluded their impromptu contest, her voice carrying genuine interest rather than condescension. "Your techniques suggest training I'm not familiar with. Where did you learn to integrate elements so fluidly?"
Deflect. Can't explain System-granted abilities.
"Natural talent combined with necessity," Adam replied, which was true enough without being the whole truth.
[Relationship Established: Yennefer of Vengerberg 5/100 - Stranger (Intrigued)]
The conversation that shifted toward Ciri's training revealed purposes that Yennefer hadn't initially disclosed, her attention focusing on Elder Blood manifestations with intensity that suggested professional rather than casual interest.
She knows. She knows what Ciri is and why that matters.
"The girl's power is growing unstable," Yennefer said, her voice carrying assessment that felt like diagnosis delivered by supernatural physician. "Elder Blood requires careful management or it becomes dangerous to everyone around the carrier."
Dangerous. Uncontrolled Elder Blood is dangerous.
"I can train her," Yennefer continued, violet eyes studying Ciri with calculation that made Adam's protective instincts flare. "Teach her control before instability creates catastrophic manifestation."
Motives. What are her real motives for offering training?
Geralt's expression carried conflict between recognition of necessity and suspicion about Yennefer's true agenda, understanding that Elder Blood training required expertise none of them possessed while questioning whether her methods would serve Ciri's interests or her own.
Trial period. Compromise through trial period.
"Trial period," Adam said, his voice carrying conditions that transformed offer into negotiation. "If your training helps her control the power without causing trauma, you stay. If you push too hard or prioritize results over her wellbeing, you leave."
Protection. I'm not letting anyone abuse her in the name of education.
Yennefer's smile carried amusement that suggested she found his protective instinct more entertaining than threatening. "Acceptable terms. Though you may discover that effective training requires discomfort."
Warning. That sounds like warning about what her methods involve.
[Experience Gained: 100 XP]
Evening found Adam watching Yennefer and Geralt's interaction from careful distance, their conversation carrying undertones that spoke of relationship too complex for easy categorization. History and attraction and conflict wove through their words with intensity that made simple friendship or enmity inadequate descriptions.
Complicated. Everything about their relationship is complicated.
Ciri pressed against his side, seeking reassurance about changes that the sorceress's presence brought to their sanctuary. Her warmth provided anchor against uncertainties that magical training might create, physical reminder that some bonds transcended politics and power dynamics.
Together. Whatever complications arise, we face them together.
The ancient keep settled around them with familiarity that felt fragile in face of forces that could reshape their careful balance through superior capability and unclear motivation.
Change. Everything's about to change again.
Some arrivals brought opportunities that were indistinguishable from threats until their true nature revealed itself through consequences that couldn't be predicted in advance.
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