Chapter 31

The bandaging done by career soldiers was rough, but practical.

The gashes on Bernie’s hand from the Drowner’s claws were finally wrapped, one muffled groan after another escaping him as it was done.

To dull the pain, he ordered himself a cup of rye vodka as well.

“Cheer up, Bernie. At least Drowner claws are filthy, not poisonous. Otherwise you’d be lucky just to stay alive.”

Seeing that Bernie had finally been treated, Lannor, who had been standing nearby the whole while, wiped the foam from his mouth and spoke in comfort.

Phillip had bought him that beer.

Having said it, the young man turned and raised his cup toward the Sergeant who had paid for it.

“My thanks for the drink, Sergeant. But I imagine you think it’s time we spoke of proper business.”

Phillip Strenger now had both elbows braced on the table, still drinking.

“Gulp. You’ve already asked around and learned most of the situation. I’ve not much to add. I very much want you to help us catch that son of a whore, because the knight gave me this job, and if I botch it, I’ll have hell to pay.”

“What do you say, Witcher?”

“Me?” Lannor frowned faintly, half seated against the table. “I’m always glad to have work, of course, but I only recently took on a long-term contract...”

The truth was, Lannor was not entirely confident in his current Trace Detection proficiency.

But he certainly could not say that aloud. If he showed weakness in his trade, how was he meant to keep eating in Velen afterward?

“Forget those worthless village contracts, Witcher. You should understand, you were brought here as a suspect. Even if I hold you for a month or two, that would still be perfectly lawful in Velen.”

Phillip slammed his cup down so hard on the table it boomed.

Even the men beside him jumped, but Lannor did not so much as shift the half of his arse perched on the table. He merely raised a hand and pressed down lightly in the air.

“Easy now, mate.”

Lannor turned and glanced at Bernie, only to see hope plain on his face as well.

The fishery expansion was not urgent. But the desecration of a place of prayer, that was a matter of pressing urgency in the hearts of the people here.