The Witcher

THE LAST WISH IX

'What's happening there?!' Dandilion, clinging to the wall, strained his neck, trying to see through the downpour. 'Tell me what's happening there, dammit!'

 'They're fighting!' yelled an urchin, springing away from the tavern window as if he'd burnt himself. His tattered friends also escaped, slapping the mud with their bare heels. 'The sorcerer and the witch are fighting!'

 'Fighting?' Neville was surprised. 'They're fighting, and that shitty demon is ruining my town!

 Look, he's knocked another

 chimney down. And damaged the brick-kiln! Hey, you get over there, quick! Gods, we're lucky it's raining or there'd be a fire like nobody's business!'

 'This won't last much longer,' Krepp said gloomily. 'The magical light is weakening, the bonds will break at any moment. Mr Neville! Order the people to move back! All hell's going to break loose over there at any minute! There'll be only splinters left of that house! Mr Errdil, what are you laughing at? It's your house. What makes you so amused?'

 'I had that wreck insured for a massive sum!'

 'Does the policy cover magical and supernatural events?'

 'Of course.'

 'That's wise, Mr Elf. Very wise. Congratulations. Hey, you people, get to some shelter! Don't get any closer, if you value your lives!'

 A deafening crash came from within Errdil's house, and lightning flashed. The small crowd retreated, hiding behind the pillars.

 'Why did Geralt go there?' groaned Dandilion. 'What the hell for? Why did he insist on saving that witch? Why, dammit? Chireadan, do you understand?'

 The elf smiled sadly. 'Yes, I do, Dandilion,' he said. 'I do.'