The Witcher World: The Path to Domination Begins in Velen

Chapter 124 Halma and Kairis (4000 words)

The sea breeze, carrying the scents of sea salt and pine resin, swept over us as the Giant Whale cleaved through the blue waves and slowly sailed into the busiest harbor in the Skellige Islands.

Ron stood at the bow, looking down at the approaching port of Kael'dra. A dozen or so Skellige-style longships were moored side by side in the harbor, and many fishing boats and merchant ships were weaving and shuttling through the Kael'dra harbor. Barrels and crates were piled up next to the pier, as if they had just been unloaded from the hold.

A huge long ship is under construction on the north side of the port. The hull is laid horizontally on the support frame, and the bow extends to the stern by at least fifty or sixty meters. The hull is only half laid, revealing the thick keel inside.

Looking up from behind the port, Kael'thas Castle is embedded in the rocky cliffs of the highest peak, its towering gray towers reaching into the clouds, coldly overlooking the entire sea.

"Kel'Thalas was carved directly from the solid rock of the island's highest peak," Geralt said in a deep voice, gazing at the fortress atop the mountain.

"Legend has it that it was built by Hamdore and Helene's son, Irontooth Grimgar, who was also the progenitor of House Clay. Grimgar wanted to have a complete view of the Skellige Islands and to ensure that his brothers and the rulers of the other islands were not harmed. So he used heavy iron chains to lock the mountain on the seabed, forcibly pulled it out of the ground, and placed it on Great Skellige. He spent seven days building this indestructible fortress on the mountain, which has stood to this day. And from the castle's high tower, one can indeed see the movements of the entire archipelago clearly."

"That's right! Ron, this is Kel'dra, the core territory that the Clyt family has managed for generations, and the most fortified and largest fortress in Great Skellige."

Halma's face was full of undisguised pride. "This fortress is now my father's darling, and also a huge armory. Skellige's sharpest weapons are stored inside. Once we're settled, I'll show you around and introduce you to my friends, as well as my sister, Kerris."

He grinned. "Her nickname is Little Sparrowhawk. Don't be fooled by her appearance. She's actually quite good at fighting. I'm starting to look forward to your meeting. That girl always thinks she's no less than any man in the archipelago. If she wants to have a match with you, don't refuse her outright."

Ron raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing, "So, you're implying you often lose to her?"

"Cough cough..." Halma's smile froze instantly, and her eyes began to dart around. "I... I was just letting her win! No matter what, she's my own sister. I couldn't really kill her, could I?"

Ron smiled knowingly. "Oh, I see."

"Haha, of course!" Halma quickly waved his hand to change the subject. "Speaking of which, what are your plans next? Are you coming straight back to Kel'Thuzad with me to see my father, or are you going to wander around the port first?"

The selection ceremony for the throne doesn't officially begin for another two days. Shall we grab a couple of drinks at the tavern first? I can't wait to tell you all about our legendary adventure.

Ron withdrew his gaze from the castle. "Well, we need a place to stay. After being on the ship for so long, I miss the soft bed and delicious food."

My soldiers and crew also need a good rest and relaxation. There's no rush regarding trade; we can discuss it after the succession ceremony. Your father probably isn't in the mood for anything else right now, Geralt. What about you?

"I'm going there too." Geralt pointed to the wooden house above the harbor. "Yennefer booked a room at the inn, and I'll be staying there for a while."

"Yennefer of Wengeburg, I've often heard Margarita mention her." Ron nodded. "She speaks highly of Yennefer's abilities and knowledge. Geralt, please introduce me to her if you have the chance."

"That's not a problem, but Ron, Yennefer has long lost interest in politics and power struggles. She's only getting involved in this now to find clues about Ciri."

Geralt turned to look at Ron. "If your goal is to recruit her to work for you, you'll likely be disappointed."

"I hadn't thought that far ahead," Ron said frankly, spreading his hands. "After all, my power is limited right now, not enough to attract sorcerers of Yennefer and Triss's caliber to serve me. Margarita and Sheel only joined my side by chance."

"It seems you've successfully rescued Margarita. Yennefer and she are very close, which is good news."

Geralt frowned slightly, seemingly because he caught another name. "But, Seele de Tansavier is also imprisoned in the witch hunter's jail?"

"Well, I'll tell you all about it later," Ron patted Geralt on the shoulder. "Let's go, Harma can't wait any longer."

The Whale slowly docked, and Halma had already jumped off the ship, still holding the head of the ice giant that Otto had brought aboard, and waved excitedly at the two of them.

The soldiers and residents by the dock stopped in their tracks, glancing at the enormous head in Halma's hand, then back at Halma, whispering amongst themselves.

Kael'thas Tavern is a building made of rough stone, covered with dark shingles, and has a faded sign hanging at the entrance with a picture of a wine glass and a sword.

The tavern's interior was decorated in a rough and heavy style, with round shields hanging crisscrossing the walls, and a huge wild bear specimen standing in the corner, its open mouth seemingly still roaring.

In the very center of the hall was a large stone-built fire pit, on which sat a whole pig roasting until it sizzled and dripped oil, its skin golden brown and crispy, the fat dripping onto the charcoal fire and bringing a fragrant aroma.

Ron and Geralt sat down at a long table against the wall, quietly enjoying Skellige's specialties: mead roasted pork and sea salt crispy roasted sturgeon served with large glasses of Skellige spirits.

The roasted pork had a crispy skin, infused with the aroma of honey wine and smoke, while the sturgeon was roasted until golden brown and cracked, revealing its snow-white flesh.

Ron let out a satisfied sigh. "Phew, this is much better than the hard bread on the ship."

Geralt was cutting fish. "Well, Skellige is hard to describe in other aspects, but the food certainly has a local flavor."

Beside him, Halma had already jumped onto the table, holding the giant's head high, his voice echoing throughout the tavern.

"Hey! Listen to me! You want to know what happened in Udvik? You want to know how that giant's head fell off?"

Listen up! I, Halma, along with Floren, Vige, and a warrior from afar, have found the lair of that Frost Giant!

"This is it! Over three meters tall, swinging an anchor, cracking the ground with its impact! But now its head is here! Don't you think this is a legendary adventure?"

The patrons below listened in stunned silence, some staring wide-eyed and constantly asking for details.

"The giant is really dead? Can we go home now?!"

"Wrestling a giant bare-handed? Really? You're kidding!"

"Look, it's the guy sitting against the wall. Look at his size, he could knock you against the wall with one punch. Maybe it's true."

.

"Florence and Viggie were also involved. I checked with Florence, and it's absolutely true!"

"Halma! Halma! Ron! Ron! Let us raise our glasses together and toast to the heroes who slayed the Titans!"

Someone shouted something, and everyone raised their glasses and echoed loudly. The fireplace in the hall was burning warmly, and waves of cheers crashed against the roof.

Ron raised his glass to the crowd, took a big gulp of wine, and then leaned back in his chair.

Geralt wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth and asked in a low voice, "You really wrestled with the Frost Giant and won? I'm not surprised you can kill a giant, but taking down that kind of monster with your bare hands is a completely different story."

"Hmm, do you remember the Witcher Apprentice Enhancement Recipe you gave me before?" Ron cut a piece of roast meat and put it in his mouth.

"That thing is only for apprentices to build a foundation; it can't possibly produce that kind of effect."

"It was modified by Kayla," Ron explained after swallowing his food. "It was specially made for my situation, but the materials are extremely rare. The heart of the Katakhan we hunted in the Novigrad sewers was one of them. Moreover, it has no effect after one use. If you want to continue to improve, you have to find a real high-ranking vampire."

Geralt's expression instantly turned serious. He stared into Ron's eyes and said, "Ron, I know you are very strong, but don't try to challenge high-ranking vampires unless absolutely necessary."

That's completely different from Katakhan and the Vampire Night Demon. High-ranking vampires are incredibly powerful. I once had a high-ranking vampire friend, so I know this very well.

"Don't worry, Geralt." Ron nodded calmly. "I'm strong enough to handle most situations right now. There's no need to risk my life to hunt down high-ranking vampires."

Just then, Harma staggered over, drunk, and put his arm around Ron's shoulder. "Haha, Ron, Geralt, what were you two chatting about in that corner? Come on, let's celebrate! Everyone wants to have a drink with you!"

Before Ron could answer, the tavern door was suddenly pushed open.

A red-haired girl stood at the door. Her hair color was similar to Halma's, but brighter. Her hair was braided into a thick plait and hung down to her chest.

She wore a dark gray belted coat over leather armor, with a short sword hanging at her waist, exuding an aura of resilience honed by storms.

"Halma!" The girl frowned and walked straight to the long table. "I just heard from the guards that you returned to port. Instead of going to Kel'Thuzad to see your father, you came straight to the tavern and got yourself all drunk?"

"Ah, Karis, my dear sister!" Halma opened her arms and hugged the girl tightly.

"I heard you broke the curse on Lord Udarik, congratulations! But I also successfully hunted down the Frost Giant, isn't that worth celebrating? Haha!"

Karis broke free from Halma's embrace, breathed a sigh of relief, and saw her brother standing safely in front of her. The worry in her eyes dissipated, but her words were still scathing.

"You took dozens of young soldiers with you when you left, but only Floren and Viggie came back with you. You call that a success?"

"Karis, the men of the archipelago spend their lives chasing adventure and grand death!" Halma's smile faded, and he patted his chest.

"To die on the road of a legendary adventure is the best end. I'd rather die on the battlefield with an axe in my hand than peacefully die in my bed!"

Several other drinkers nearby, already quite tipsy, immediately raised their glasses and loudly echoed, "Oh! Well said, Halma! That's a true Skellige man!"

However, a few older people covered their foreheads and sighed, clearly disapproving of this reckless and irresponsible approach.

"It's because there are too many idiots like you that the women of the archipelago have to collect your corpses every day." Kairis sneered, but her tone softened in the end. "However, I'm glad you came back alive, brother."

"Haha, alright, you can scold me however you want when we get back to the castle," Halma laughed, turning to point at Ron.

"Let me introduce you to my new friend. If it weren't for his help, I might not have been able to defeat the giant so easily."

Kairis turned her head and curiously looked at the man in front of her. He had black hair and black eyes, and his face was as hard as a rock sculpture carved from a mountain. His body was taller and stronger than the strongest archipelago warrior she had ever seen.

He exuded an intense sense of oppression, and the greatsword standing beside him was almost level with her. Apart from not having a beard, he was practically the perfect template for every Skellige girl's dream lover.

Kerris withdrew her gaze and extended her hand frankly and generously. "I've heard that the title of 'Wrestler Who Can Fight Giants' has spread all the way from the docks to the ears of the Kel'Thuzad guards. Everyone is curious about what kind of person you are."

Ron stood up and took Kerris's hand. "Ron, leader of the Calard Mercenary Group, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard your name from Halma and Geralt before, Kerris."

Kerris withdrew her hand, her chin slightly raised. "So, what brings a powerful mercenary leader all the way to Great Skellige? The archipelago has no shortage of warriors; coming here to promote mercenary business is not a good idea."

“Of course I know that,” Ron nodded slightly. “Besides the mercenary group, I also run a trading company in Novigrad, mainly engaged in maritime trade. So I have a long-term trade contract that I need to discuss with the head of the Clayt family, who is your father. Of course, it happened to coincide with your succession ceremony, which was indeed unexpected.”

Kerris nodded thoughtfully. "You helped Harma, so you're one of the Clayt family. I'll bring this up with my father beforehand. The Isles welcome all business partners who come with sincerity. However, as you said, my father's mind is currently focused on the succession ceremony. If you don't mind, I can show you around Kael'thas during this time so you can get familiar with the environment here."

"Haha, then Ron's in your hands, Kerris! But tonight we're planning to drink all night to celebrate, you guys can go sightseeing tomorrow." Harma swirled her glass at Kerris, "Would you like to join us?"

Kerris rolled her eyes at him. "No, you guys drink. I have other things to do. Ron, remember to come to Kel'Thuzad tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you at the castle gate."

She turned and walked towards the door. As she passed the patrons, someone called out "Little Sparrowhawk" to her. She waved casually and left without looking back.

Xiao Qiu aa