Inspired by John Johnston (1753 – 1818) – Still Life (1810) – oil on wood – 9,84 x 13,86 inch

Geralt de Riv finally reaches his destination. He can see the towers of the castle of Valencay. It’s about time to take a break for Ablette, his trusty steed. He rides since dawn to join an inn named Chez Babeth where amazing stuff happen.He now travels by foot holding the horse’s bridle. Loud voices lead him up towards a small alley, hardly lit. Geralt steps in, hoping it won’t be an ambush. He can’t go back, he has a job to be done. The mission and his horse’s exhaustion make him careless. After carefully attaching Ablette outside, he pushes the door, fully alert.

Iola noticed it immediately. Due to his white hair, his night-bound eyes, his long black coat? She couldn’t tell, but one thing is sure, the man who has just crossed the threshold of the inn both fascinates and frightens her.

Geralt goes straight to the counter, to the guy who seems to own the place. He brushes a young woman. Confused, he turns around and stares at her in a strange way. She blushes and almost pills a tray full of beers intended to a peculiar table. A clever mix of magician, dwarf, contortionist and mage. He’ll, definitely, ask them some questions.

Geralt orders a beer, he is requested to sit down around a table at the back of the pub, in the darkest corner. Puzzled, he obeys. This is not the right time to show all his powers. Not until he finds out what’s going on.

Iola brings him the beer and a bowl with peaches and grapes, just on the edge of the table. He didn’t ask for anything, he is not even hungry, he’s not here for that. As he is about to refuse the fruits … A strident whistle, a frozen draught crossing the room and the screams of fear from all the customers, once cheerful, get him to move without delay. He takes out his silver sword and stands at the very center of what appears to be a tornado. It is then that the ghoul shows its real face. But against the Witcher, she’s done!

(Freely inspired by the book of Andrzej Sapkowski – The Witcher)