Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher, recovering from injuries he sustained during a battle against a striga. He's traveling south along the Yaruga River, seeking refuge in Brokilon Forest. On his journey, he encounters a dwarf named Zoltan Chivay, a former member of the Scoia'tael, a group of elves fighting for their independence. Zoltan updates Geralt on the ongoing war and the desperate situation faced by non-humans.
Geralt is joined by Dandelion, his close friend and a poet. They're headed to meet Emhyr var Emreis, the Emperor of Nilfgaard, who has summoned Geralt to discuss an important matter. Emhyr wants Geralt to find Ciri, his adopted daughter and a key figure in the prophecy. Ciri has disappeared, and Emhyr believes Geralt is the only one who can find her.
As they travel, Geralt, Dandelion, and Zoltan discuss the ongoing war, political intrigues, and the complexities of the world they inhabit. Geralt is reluctant to get involved in political matters but feels compelled to find Ciri. The chapter sets the stage for Geralt's quest to find Ciri and the challenges he will face along the way.
Geralt and his companions - Dandelion and Zoltan - continue their journey towards the south in search of Ciri. They arrive at the town of Glyswen, which is under military occupation. The Nilfgaardian Empire's forces are advancing northward, and the town is in a state of fear and oppression.
Geralt and his group enter a local tavern where they meet an elderly bard named Shrike, who is trying to make a living by performing songs to entertain the Nilfgaardian soldiers. The bard is known for his songs about Ciri, and Geralt believes that Shrike may have valuable information about her whereabouts.
After some conversation, Shrike admits that he knows Ciri and has seen her. He describes how Ciri was traveling with a group of refugees from Cintra but was later taken away by a group of Rats, a band of young rebels fighting against the Nilfgaardians. The Rats are led by a charismatic and ruthless leader known as Bonhart.
Geralt is deeply concerned about Ciri's safety in the hands of the Rats and decides to pursue them. Shrike provides some leads, including the location of the Rats' hideout in the village of Unicorn. Geralt is determined to rescue Ciri and sets off onthis perilous quest.
Geralt and his companions - Dandelion and Zoltan - continue their journey southward in search of Ciri. They arrive in the town of Riedbrune, which is situated near the River Yaruga. The town is under Nilfgaardian control, and tensions are high as the war rages on.
Geralt is approached by a Nilfgaardian officer named Joachim von Gratz, who recognizes the Witcher and invites him to dine with him and his company. Joachim is well-informed about Geralt's quest to find Ciri and offers his assistance, as well as a safe passage through the war-torn region. Geralt is skeptical of Nilfgaardian motives but decides to accept Joachim's offer to gain information.
During the dinner, Geralt learns more about the Nilfgaardian perspective on the war and its goals. Joachim reveals that Nilfgaard seeks to bring stability and unity to the fragmented Northern Realms, but their methods are ruthless, and the war has caused much suffering.
As Geralt and his companions continue their journey, they encounter a group of refugees from Cintra, including an elderly woman who claims to have seen Ciri recently. She describes Ciri as a young woman with unusual powers who saved them from a monster attack. Geralt is relieved to hear that Ciri is still alive and well.
Geralt, Dandelion, and Zoltan arrive in the village of Unicorn, which is known for its thriving trade in horses. The Witcher seeks information about Ciri's whereabouts and the Rats, the group of rebels who may have taken her.
Geralt and his companions visit a local inn, where they meet a man named Boreas Mun. Mun is the owner of Unicorn and has a reputation for being a shrewd businessman. Geralt learns that the Rats have recently left Unicorn and are heading north. Mun also tells Geralt about a mysterious explosion that occurred in the village and suggests that it might be related to Ciri's presence.
Geralt investigates the site of the explosion and discovers that it was caused by a powerful mage. He suspects that Ciri may have been involved. Geralt also meets a local man named Lyle, who has been tracking the Rats and has information about their movements.
Lyle reveals that the Rats have a hideout in the nearby forest. Geralt decides to follow their trail and find Ciri. However, he is warned that the Rats are a dangerous group of young rebels ledby Bonhart, a ruthless and skilled bounty hunter. The Rats have a reputation for causing chaos and mayhem wherever they go.
As Geralt prepares to leave Unicorn and head into the forest, he is determined to rescue Ciri and put an end to the danger posed by the Rats. The chapter sets the stage for the Witcher's upcoming confrontation with this dangerous group.
Geralt, Dandelion, and Zoltan continue their journey southward in pursuit of Ciri and the Rats. They follow the trail into the forest and come across a group of elven guerrilla fighters who are part of the Scoia'tael, a non-human rebel group fighting against the Nilfgaardian forces.
The elves initially mistake Geralt's group for Nilfgaardian spies but are soon convinced of their neutrality. Geralt learns that the Rats recently passed through this area, and the Scoia'tael are aware of their presence. The elves are wary of the Rats, considering them ruthless and unpredictable.
During their conversation, Geralt reveals his true identity as a Witcher and his quest to find Ciri. The elven leader, Isengrim Faoiltiarna, shares information about the Rats and their leader, Bonhart. He describes Bonhart as a fearsome bounty hunter known for capturing and killing non-humans, including elves.
Geralt and his companions are allowed to accompany the Scoia'tael deeper into the forest, where they come across Ciri's horse, Kelpie. It's a hopeful sign that Ciri is not too far away. They also find signs of recent skirmishes between the Rats and the Scoia'tael.
Geralt, Dandelion, and Zoltan continue to travel with the Scoia'tael through the forest. They encounter more members of the elven guerrilla group, including the dryad leader, Aglais. The dryads are an ancient and mystical race that inhabit the forest, and Aglais is wary of the outsiders.
Geralt learns from Aglais that the Rats have left their camp and moved on, but Ciri's tracks are still fresh. The Witcher is determined to follow Ciri's trail, but he is also intrigued by the mysteries of the forest and its inhabitants.
As they journey deeper into the forest, Geralt and his companions witness the beauty and dangers of the natural world. They encounter magical creatures, including a talking wolf, and witness the Circle of Seasons, a phenomenon in which the forest changes with the seasons.
During a magical encounter with a golden dragonfly, Geralt experiences a vision of Ciri and the challenges she is facing. He realizes thatCiri's destiny is intertwined with the forest and its magical properties.