Geralt is seriously wounded. He recovers in the temple of Melitele, where he meets a girl named Cirilla. It turns out that she is the granddaughter of Queen Calanthe and the last living descendant of the royal family of the Elder Blood. The witcher learns that she is one of the few survivors of the sacking of Cintra by the armies of Emperor Nilfgaard. Soon, the ruler's confidant, Falwick, hires a dangerous gang to find the young heir to the throne. Geralt, who has befriended his new acquaintance, decides to protect her.

Geralt arrives in Blaviken, where he meets his friend, the mage Stregobor. Stregobor informs him of the terrible fate that befell the priestess Melitele. At the same time, he begs Geralt to defend him against Princess Renfri, known as the Shrike. The sorcerer once ordered her to be killed, believing her to be a monster in human form. The princess travels in the company of ruthless bandits. Soon, she encounters the witcher.

Geralt meets his friend, the bard Dandelion. The witcher ponders the nature of good and evil. His old companion supports him in moments of doubt. They both travel to Brokilon, where they search for Ciri. Unfortunately, she is not in the Dryad Forest. It turns out that she has been kidnapped. The Lady of the Forest of Brokilon warns them not to get involved in the matter. However, Geralt, who is strongly attached to the girl, does not intend to listen to her. They set off on their journey with an elven patrol. Along the way, the Witcher overhears the conversations of a group of knights. He intends to thwart their plans and those of Falwick. Disguised as a Nilfgaardian, he goes to the bathhouse, where he meets an old acquaintance, the thug Cykada.