Leshens were creatures that came after the Conjunction of the Spheres, and they lived in mountains and forests. They had wild beasts as companions, and they could summon them anytime, anywhere. They could also control plants, and because of their special appearances, ignorant villagers formed a religion around them, worshipping them, and they even made sacrifices.

“But most folklore told of leshens’ kindness. They guide lost travelers and save people from bandits.” Roy had to say that. The knowledge he gained from books wasn’t as fascinating as the authentic accounts of a witcher.

“You subscribe to that nonsense, boy? Leshens slowly suck the life force out of everything in its territory until nothing is left.”

“But they won’t attack humans by their own volition, right?”

“No absolutes, remember? Some coexist with humans on the surface, but some see humans as their mortal enemies.” Letho seemed to dread facing a leshen. “The leshen residing in the Mahakams is an ancient one. I’d say it must have altars in the forest that strengthen it. My job from tomorrow on is to destroy the altars one by one to weaken the leshen.”

Roy started worrying for Letho. The leshen seemed to be stronger than he’d anticipated. “Are you sure you can kill it? Steel weapons won’t work on leshens, right?”

“The oils, bombs, and potions are here. Now it’s in the hands of fate,” Letho said sombrely. “If I don’t manage to come back, leave the Mahakams and find a way to rendezvous with Auckes and Serrit. They’ll continue your training.”

Roy stopped breathing for a moment. It sounds like he’s going to die. “Why don’t we leave right now and take the long route through Rivia and Upper Sodden?”

“You think you can enter and leave this place as you please? Mount Carbon is not an inn.” Letho shook his head. “Brovar won’t let us leave unless I’ve met the leshen.”

***

The servant sent their dinner that night. Even though the fortress was extravagant, its living conditions were worse than Seville’s residence in Aldersberg. Aside from two beds, an oil lamp, and an old clock, there was nothing else in the bedroom. Luckily, the place wouldn’t be too hot or too cold no matter the time of the year, just like a cave.

The dinner wasn’t too bad either. Two portions of charred grilled meat, frozen bread filled with icicles, frozen fruits, nuts, and honeyed wine. It was… interesting, to say the least. 

Roy gave half of his meat to Letho. “Have a bit more, Letho. This could be your last supper.” Before Letho’s face fell, Roy added, “Oh, I’m joking. But there’s no point in going to Cintra if you aren’t coming with me. I’d rather travel to Novigrad and run the business with my parents.” Roy paused, clenched his fists, and resolve gleamed in his eyes. “You led me on this path, Letho, so see through it.”

Letho stopped chewing before continuing calmly. When Roy exited meditation the next morning, Letho was rubbing oils on his sword and short swords, his gaze unbelievably tender, as if he were looking at his lover.

He was a muscular man, but his hands moved swiftly, precisely. The grey cloth had a patch of yellowish-brown substance on it, and for some reason, there was strength in Letho’s movement when he wiped his sword. Roy watched the whole process. A row of items were laid out before the witcher. They were his potions, decoctions, oils, and bombs. “Same old. This is for you. Just in case. Keep it safe.” Letho handed Roy a small blue bottle with yellow rubber bands around it.

“What bomb is this?” Roy was delighted. He could still remember the effects of Dancing Star back in the fight against the childhunter.

“A dimeritium bomb. It can stop the leshen from casting its spell. Equally effective against witchers and sorcerers.”

“Anything else?”

Letho pointed at another item and explained patiently, “This here is relict oil. Increases damage against leshens. Same oil I applied to my sword. The green one is the devil’s puffball. Trips the leshen up.”

***

Kaerwen came for Letho not long after, though he still looked sullen. Roy was taken by Sanchez on a tour around Mount Carbon.

Mount Carbon had no use for useless dwarves, so everyone had a job. There were blacksmiths, wine makers, hunters, supervisors, those who took care of the residents’ daily lives, and more. If we were to liken Mount Carbon to a nation, Brovar would be the king, while the other elders would be the ministers.

Sanchez was one of the servants under the command of the king. He took care of the guests and other elders’ daily lives. He wore a white robe, had his hair and beard tied up nicely, and his face was well kept. Compared to the other dwarves, he was more feminine and elegant. Roy glanced at his lower body as they walked together. The beard’s still full. I wonder if the ‘eunuch’ here is castrated like in other nations.

“Kaerwen led you around the forge yesterday, so I’ll be taking you to the wine cellar. You can have a taste of our wine. How does that sound?”

Roy shrugged. “Put the wine aside. Tell me more about Mount Carbon’s situation.”

Sanchez nodded. As they went on, he explained softly, “I don’t think I need to explain what’s going on in the first floor and basement. The second floor is the blacksmiths’ dwellings, storerooms, and jails. Third floor is the elders’ dwellings. The forts outside the main one are where the guards and supervisors stay.”

“What about the other miners and their families? Where do they live?”

“You should have seen them on your way here. They live in the caves in the mountain.”

“How many residents do you guys have?” Roy asked. Sanchez only smiled. Roy asked another question. “Do the miners and hunters live nearby?”

Sanchez thought it was a weird question to ask, but he said yes.

There’s no way I can check everyone, so the first thing I have to do is narrow down my scope. The only dwarves who would go into the forest are hunters or miners, which means one might have come into contact with the leshen and been marked. The women, blacksmiths, and wine makers live inside. I don’t think they’d have the chance to venture into the forest.

His first order of business was to focus on the hunters and miners. “Let’s forget about the wine. The valley’s too cold for me. Can you take me to the bathhouse? I need to take a hot shower to warm myself up.”

Sanchez thought it was weird for Roy to shower that early in the morning, but he said nothing. “Of course. Come with me, please.”