Geralt saves the lives of Calanthe, Queen of Cintra, and her daughter Pavetta. He is invited to their court. Suitors for Pavetta's hand arrive. One of them, the mysterious monster Hedgehog, greatly displeases the queen. The monarch asks Geralt to deal with him. The monster explains to the witcher that the princess belongs to him by right. Years ago, he saved her father's life. The grateful king promised his savior that he would give him whatever he found in his house upon his return. It was a newborn daughter. Geralt decides to spare Hedgehog, and when Calanthe orders him to be killed, he stands up for him.

A terrible striga is rampaging through the city of Vizima—the daughter of King Foltest, transformed into a monster. The ruler is looking for a brave soul who can break the spell. Geralt takes on this task, but the princess, enchanted into a beast, proves to be a very dangerous opponent. Seriously wounded, the witcher heals himself in the temple of Melitele and reflects on the meaning of his calling. Soon, he decides to return to Cintra, where mourning reigns after the tragic deaths of Pavetta and the Hedgehog.

Geralt arrives at the inn where Ciri may be staying. He defeats the White Rose knights and frees the children they are holding captive. Unfortunately, the princess is not among them. The witcher allows himself to be captured by the Nilfgaardians and during interrogation casts suspicion on the schemer Falwick. The baron orders a trial by combat, during which the two greatest enemies are to cross swords.