Even in times of contempt, when naivety is capable of backfiring in the cruellest way, one cannot lose everything. Once, I thought it was impossible to lose everything, that something always remains.

“A most deplorable sight,' she said, folding her arms across her chest. Oh dear… What can it mean?’ ‘It’s childishly simple.’ Dandelion stared at the clouds scudding across the sky. Have a quick look, and see what’s happening there.’ ‘Geralt,’ said Ciri, putting her eye once more to the hole in the wall, ‘is standing with his head bowed. Hey, I hear some raised voices coming from the pond. And you’re making everything up!’ ‘That is also the role of poetry. To say what others cannot utter.’ ‘It’s a stupid role. He’s standing with her and saying nothing…’ ‘That’s the role of poetry, Ciri. ‘Geralt isn’t saying anything like that! He’s not even speaking. He’s apologising and asking for forgiveness… Hmm, hmm… Meaning, conscience, destiny? Everything’s so bloody banal…’ ‘That’s not true!’ Ciri stamped. ‘For what he’d like to understand, but is afraid he won’t have time for… And for what he will never understand. ‘You’re making it all up!’ ‘He’s apologising for things he’s only now understood,’ said Dandelion, staring at the sky, and he began to speak with the rhythm of a balladeer. He’s apologising to her for things he didn’t understand and for things he hadn’t wanted to understand-’ ‘That’s the falsest lie!’ said Ciri, straightening up and tossing the fringe away from her forehead with a sudden movement. For his sulking and posing which are unworthy of a man. He’s apologising to her for his impatience, for his lack of faith and hope, for his obstinacy, doggedness. ‘He’s asking her to forgive him for his various foolish words and deeds. Oh, he’s pulling a face… What a strange expression…’ ‘Childishly simple,’ said Dandelion, finding an apple in the grass, wiping it on his trousers and examining it critically. He’s looking down and he’s saying something. She isn’t saying anything and isn’t even looking at Geralt… And Geralt’s standing beside her.

‘Madam Yennefer is standing by a willow… She’s plucking leaves and playing with her star. “Hmm…’ Ciri bit her lower lip, then leaned over and put her eye closer to the hole.

The time of contempt book