The Divine Hunter

Chapter 528: Hindarsfjall

For three days Roy rowed his boat upon the icy waters, and he finally arrived at the eastmost isle—Hindarsfjall. Hindarsfjall was the smallest isle in Skellige, made up of a few villages, bushes, and a few forests.

Still, this quiet isle was the source of the isles' culture. Altars for Freya were erected everywhere, and a beautiful temple sat in the center of the isle, towering atop a long flight of stairs. Verdant ferns crawled across the walls, accompanied by common ivy and Boston ivy. A falcon was perched atop the overhand, dozing off. It was perhaps a sacred animal answering the call of the goddess.

A sacred garden circled the temple, flowers in full bloom all year around, and the small trees were beautifully trimmed. Underneath the dazzling sun and within the temple of life, young priestesses in long white robes were spread across the yard, feeding chickens, tilling the fields, or chatting with the believers and tourists. A few local guides stood by their side, accompanying them.

The believers of Freya residing in faraway Kovir and Poviss had gone into a long-term agreement with the priestesses. The priestesses would provide tour packages to the people of Kovir and Poviss at reasonable prices.

Roy realized that at this point in time, the infamous, cruelest pirate ever known to this land, Morkvarg, hadn't landed on this island just yet. The pirate had yet to destroy the temple and kill the priestesses. He still was not yet cursed to live his life as a wolf, plunged into eternal hunger.

Everything was in a serene peace, but he wasn't here for that. The witcher left the temple and swiftly came to the village of Lofoten. Triss told him that Ortolan was hiding in that village.

The village was surrounded by a wooden fence, housing about three dozen stark wooden houses. It was still morning, and the men were out fishing at sea, leaving the women in the yard, drying the fish under the sun. Some were out with wooden buckets doing laundry, their skin tan, their muscles as taut as men's.

The elderly were on their rattan chairs, basking in the sun, and the brats were running around with their dogs.

The villagers tending to the carrots noticed the witcher, but they were used to eccentric tourists anyway, so the sight of Roy did not faze them one bit.

While Roy was observing the village, a young man with the pelt of a red fox around his neck approached him. He had a stubble, and a smile hung from his lips. "By Freya! Good morning, good sir. Might you need a guide? I'll give you the best price. I'll take you around the isle and enjoy the best sceneries this place has to offer. We can visit the temple and pray to the goddess herself. If you'd like, we can feast on the local delicacies. All that for two crowns a day."

Roy looked at the young man, musing over his options. Triss had no idea if Ortolan had taken an alias, so he had to search for the man himself. "Then we'll start from Lofoten. Care to talk about the villagers? Every household if possible."

Surprise flashed in the young man's eyes.

"I'm Linus Pitt, a professor of social relations and environmental biology in Oxenfurt Academy." Roy lied as naturally as he breathed. "I'm very interested in the isles' culture, the locals' way of life, and how their family units work."

"You're a professor from the academy?" The young man was shocked. A professor in a black cloak and walks around like a shadow? You look more like a mercenary than a scholar.

"I am currently researching the relationships in the family units on Skellige, the islanders' eating habits, and the numbers of the precious bluefin tuna. I've recently finished my research on Undvik. Talked to the blacksmiths from Clan Tordarroch, and it's not a pretty picture."

"Stop!" The young man was starting to get dizzy. As if he was put under a great spell, he obliged Roy's request. "Very well, Professor Linus Pitt. For two crowns, I'll take you on a tour around the isle."

***

Krott cleared his throat and pointed at the house on his left. There were two trees in the yard. "This is the abode of the most esteemed person in Lofoten, the head priestess of Freya—Uva. The head priestess has devoted her whole life to the service of the goddess, never marrying or having children of her own. She spends her day praying for the people of Hindarsfjall. A wonderful and respectable woman."

Roy looked at the white robes hanging from a rope in the yard. "Everyone on this island worships Freya?"

Krott gave the 'professor' a weird look. A professor asking that question? But he kept up his smile. "Of course, professor. Otkell, the ancestor of the islanders, ran into a storm while he was at sea. Death almost claimed him, but Modron, in all her magnanimity, granted him a set of pipes. He blew on them, and the storm died, allowing him passage to this very land we stand on. It was here he procreated, and the people of Skellige were born. Since then, my brethren have put their faith in Freya."

The respect in Krott's eyes was replaced by disdain. "Disbelieving the goddess is akin to treason. People like those have turned their backs on their very own ancestors. No, they're no longer human, I say."

Roy smiled and asked, "I hear Skellige's fleet often loot and plunder the bountiful temples belonging to other gods. Gods like Melitele and Kreve, for instance."

Krott grinned toothily. Matter-of-factly, he said, "That's just the people's tradition, and Freya's the only goddess we trust. The other gods mean nothing to us."

"And if any islander were to blaspheme the goddess?"

"Then they shall suffer the disdain and enmity of their brethren. A curse that torments them for life shall be rained down upon them."

***

"And this is the house of Lofoten's blacksmith. Guy's name is Manshure."

"How are his skills compared to the Tordarrochs?"

"Oh, you flatter him. Clan Tordarroch is the pride and joy of these isles. Not to insult him, but Manshure can at most sharpen our harpoons, repair the nets, and make some gardening tools."

***

"This here is Michdi's house. Has a great wife, he does. Gave him five children at once. Lord Dona an Cinda will provide for her every month until her kids come of age. 'Tis a reward for her contribution to this isle."

Krott looked at the kids playing with the mud, envy flaring in his eyes. He then thumped his chest with his right hand and bowed at the yard. "But it's a pity. Michdi went into battle a few months ago with Lord Crach, aiding our Cintran brethren in their fight against the Nilfgaardian invasion. Never came back since. His remains are defiled by the southern bastards." Krott solemnly said, "But his soul must have returned to the arms of Freya."

Roy just remembered that Skellige sent a fleet of drakkars to Cintra during the war, and they sustained heavy losses too. Fewer than one in ten soldiers made it back alive, but even so, he felt barely any sadness coming from the islanders. Perhaps dying in battle wasn't something to feel too sad about. Just like the Nordlings in Skyrim.

***

Krott led Roy to a rundown house in the east part of the village. The yard was overgrown with weed, gleaming cobwebs hung on the walls, and cracks formed in the wooden walls. This house was obviously abandoned for a long while. "Ortolan used to live in this place."

"Sorry?" The witcher's pupils contracted.

"Ortolan used to live in this place."

Roy clicked his tongue. Man, that sorcerer is arrogant. Doesn't even use an alias when he's in hiding. But yeah, these fishermen and farmers can't really know who he actually is. "Can you tell me more about him? What he looked like and what he was like as a person?" The witcher walked into the rundown house. The beams and ceiling were covered in dust, and there was nothing in the house but a few racks eaten out by maggots. There were barely any pots and pans either.

"You know him, professor?"

"I have a friend who shares that name." Reminiscence flared in Roy's eyes. "So I'm curious."

"He looked like he was in his forties. Gold hair, black eyes, and he was handsome." Krott caressed the rough, moss-covered wall. "About six-foot-one, lean, loved to wear a grey robe. Had a trimmed mustache and goatee."

Roy nodded. That's the same as Triss' description.

"From the first time I saw him, I knew he was different. He dressed, talked, and acted differently from any Skelliger I knew. Spoke like he was real educated too." Krott paused, and something glinted in his eyes. "Is he really your friend? A friend of an Oxenfurt Academy professor?"

"Ortolan is a talented man. Did a speech in the academy. It was about biology, and the speech was special enough to leave an impression that lasts until this day."

"Wow, he sounds like a bigshot." As if finally having an answer to a question that had been bugging him for a long time, Krott waved his fist in excitement. "That explains his snobby and distant attitude. Must've had nothing to talk to us about."

"He was an eccentric man?" Roy crouched in a corner and activated his Witcher Senses. Aside from the usual critters and insects, he found nothing else here. That worried him. If Ortolan left this village, then the lead would go cold.

"He's only stayed here for less than a year. Barely talked to anyone. Spent most of his time in his house or somewhere else. Never came back until late at night. No one knows what he did during the day."

Roy noticed something else in that answer. So he went out during the day? Perhaps there's a secret lab somewhere on this isle. "Do you know where he went, then? Or any possible haunt of his? Anyone else know where he is?" Roy patted the sand off his hand and looked at the young man, his eyes glinting imperiously.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but on one lovely morning, Ortolan left and never returned. It has been one year and two months since then." Krott shook his head, sighing. "Didn't even leave a message to his wife."

According to Triss, Ortolan had lived for more than three centuries, but he was indifferent to everyone. The sorcerer was used to being alone, giving all his life to the experiments of genetic modification. He was a mad scientist, and the news that he had a wife caught Roy by surprise. "So where's his wife?"

"In a red house on the other end of the village. Her name's Eva." Krott started gossiping. "Not long after her husband's disappearance, lonely Eva remarried Fahd, a local fisherman. It's been a year since then."

Roy thought, She cheated on a sorcerer? Boy, she might get blasted to bits when he finds out. "Is Eva a local?"

"Skelliger. Heard she was born in Ard Skellig. Ortolan took her here to settle in."

"How was their married life?"

"What's the purpose of that question, if you don't mind me asking?" The guide was getting confused. Is he here for a tour or investigation?

"Just wondering what kind of woman caught my friend's fancy."

"Eva's a beauty." Krott sounded envious. "Tall, lithe, has a pretty face. Comes from the village, but she ain't as crass as the other girls. Ortolan doesn't know how to treat her, though. Everyone knows he was cold to his wife."

Roy sighed silently. He had a bad feeling about it. I hope he didn't ditch her because he got tired of the marriage he wanted on a whim. Still, those who live long enough and sleep around a lot do this. They want novelty.

The witcher searched the house thoroughly and confirmed that there were no trapdoors or underground chambers. Then he followed Krott to Eva's abode.

***

A blonde with blue eyes stood outside the red house, her hair tied in a ponytail. Despite her oafish jacket, she still looked beautiful. The woman was twenty years old. Her skin was smooth, her nose was small, and she had beautiful lips. Her eyes twinkled with a smile only those blessed with a happy life could have, and she had a beautiful voice. There was a beauty mark on the corner of her lips, lending her a hint of allure.

Even the witcher, who had seen his fair share of beauties, stared at her a little. Using Observe, he confirmed that she was just a regular human with no hidden identities.

"This is Professor Linus Pitt, from—"

"Oxenfurt." Roy smiled, extending his hand. Eva froze, intimidated by Roy's dark getup, especially his cloak and sunglasses. She extended a finger and barely shook Roy's hand. "I'll make it short, Eva. I am best friends with your last husband, Ortolan, and I'd like to ask you a few questions. If possible, can we take this into the yard?"

"Ortolan? What Ortolan? I don't know anyone who goes by that name," Eva denied, her smile freezing up, but Roy caught a conflicted look that flashed for a moment in her eyes.

Eva tried to close the door, but Roy quickly kept it slightly open with his foot, and he kept Krott's sight blocked as he cast Axii on Eva. "Calm down, lady. I just want to have a little chat. No matter the outcome, I'll leave once the talk is done."

"Come in, then." Eva turned around and entered her house, the look in her eyes vacant. Roy followed closely, then he closed the door, keeping Krott outside.

The guide smiled dryly and guarded the entrance.

***

The house's interior was simple but clean. Aside from a shark's skull and a rug made of bear hide, there weren't a lot of other things. Most of the space was filled with necessities, and this looked like a warm home.

"Why'd you deny it right away? Did he leave you with some bad memories?" Roy asked as he caressed the bench he was sitting on.

"Yes." Her emotions strung by Axii, Eva's face turned red with fury. "Yes. I never want to be involved with that disgusting cheater, no matter how rich he is."

"Has he ever told you about his job? His real job."

"I thought he was a merchant. Made a lot of coins in Lan Exeter during his trading days. Retired early and decided to take it slow," said Eva adamantly.

Roy shook his head. Oh no. The man is a famous sorcerer. Used to assist Alzur in Rissberg during the witcher experiments. Poor lady. She knows nothing.

"Where did he go, then? If I can find any leads, I'll leave you to your own devices."

"He left a year ago without leaving any message to me." Eva stirred the fish stew in the cauldron as hard as she could, her arms shuddering with rage. She then plopped down on the couch across from the witcher and rested her chin on her clasped hands. Then, as if finding a reason to let her rage flow out of her, she sighed. "Left and never came back."

"Did he act weirdly before he left?"

Eva was silent for a moment, a hint of struggle flitting through her eyes. "Plunged me in pain and broke my heart as usual."

"Details?"

Eva was silent. The answer to that question would obviously hurt her. Not even the power of Axii could make her speak. Roy changed the question. "Aside from your home, has he ever gone anywhere else? A usual haunt?"

Since there were no traces of magic in the abandoned abode, then there must be a secret lab on this island somewhere.

"He'd leave the village frequently, probably wandering somewhere out there." Eva shook her head, resigned.

Roy smacked his forehead. At this rate, I'll have to scour the whole isle. "Let's take it from the top. How did you guys meet?" Perhaps I can find some clues if she tells me the whole story.

"It happened two years ago on Ard Skellig. 'Twas a shining noon. I was pulling up my haul on a boat. Heavy net, and my fingers were killing me, but that was proof I hauled a lot of good stuff. Pushed myself over the hull quite a bit so I could use more strength, but then a wave crashed into me, and I was pulled out into the sea. Fell unconscious and had a dream that I fell to the bottom of the sea. The fishes fed on me, tearing me up until I was nothing but a skeleton."

Eva shuddered, and she balled her hands into fists, her knuckles turning white. "I should've gone back to Freya back then, but then I woke up beside the reef on the coast, throwing up seawater. Ortolan stood before me like a knight in shining armor. He smiled and held the weak little me up, then he draped a warm jacket over me and took me home."

Eva's eyes were shining. She was like a teenage girl depicting the man of her dreams, but that was only because Axii was making her drag that memory up. That feeling of love was suppressed by her hatred.

"And then it was a simple love story. Started seeing my savior. He was not young and wasn't nice to anyone. Spoke in a cold manner, but he was generous. Bought a lot of gifts for me and my family. I could feel that he was genuine. He was probably in love with me."

Yeah, that's how sorcerers work. They always ditch their lovers for someone new. Coral's the exception.

"I married him two weeks after that," Eva said. "He thought Ard Skellig was too bustling, so he took me to remote Hindarsfjall and settled in Lofoten. The first four months were bliss. We were always together. I could see the love in his eyes, and he did everything I told him to."

Roy cocked his eyebrow. That's not how I imagined the mad scientist. He sounded like a man madly in love. "He was with you all the time? Never went around and disappeared on you for days?"

"We spent most of our honeymoon in bed, if you know what I mean."

Roy's lips twitched. The old git sure could thrust.

"But happiness didn't last." The light in Eva's eyes dimmed. "Perhaps all men love novelty. After four months, he started disappearing without any reason. At first, he would leave home two days a week, then three days, then he would only come back once a week. I wanted to talk to him. To tell him of my worries, but he always had no time for me. Never had the chance to see him," Eva complained, the look on her face dark. She looked like a woman who wasn't satisfied in bed. "Do you even know how that feels, Mr. Pitt?"

Roy shook his head.

Eva tilted her head and complained, "He left me to myself four months into the marriage. Whenever I was alone in bed, I would often wonder where he could be and why he wouldn't explain anything to me. I would wonder why he wouldn't respond to my concern and if he had fallen out of love with me. My thoughts overwhelmed me, and I felt lonely, alone, and so, so abandoned. I could scream from how upset I was."

The woman took a deep breath, pain flaring in her eyes. "I started losing sleep, but even if I did fall asleep, I would have nightmares. I saw scenes too horrifying to even speak of. I was terrified, and I wanted to talk to someone, but he wasn't home. And then he came back. I thought he would change, but I was horribly wrong. He tormented me even more."

Eva took another deep breath, despair filling her blue, blue eyes. "He started sleeping around with other women."

Roy heaved a sigh. How could he hurt a beautiful woman like her, who's so loyal to him? He was then reminded of what Algernon wrote about Ortolan in his journal, and Roy got his answer. No wonder he's the cruel Ortolan. Algernon was right about that.

"Who were the other women?" Roy asked, as softly as he could.

"I do not know. I have never seen them before, but a villager—Eji who works at the port in the north—saw him leading a beautiful woman down a tourist's ship from Lan Exeter, and not just once too. He betrayed me."

Alright, so I have to get in touch with this Eji guy and find those girls.

"I confronted him when I had the chance, and he said nothing. That was an answer itself. I wanted an explanation, but all he did was smile at me." She laughed sadly. "And that's the man I missed. The man I loved. He betrayed me time and time again. My heart hurt. I couldn't take his betrayal anymore, so I tried to take my own life."

She pulled her left sleeve up, revealing her porcelain-white arm and an ugly scar on it. Roy's heart skipped a beat. Wow, she's devoted to love.

"And then he did something more terrible. I finally saw his true colors and gave up on him." A long rush of air escaped Eva's lips. She looked outside the window, where the flowers bloomed. And she choked. "His disappearance is a gift from Freya. The goddess had delivered me from nightmare and pain. My current husband is a caring, honest, and wonderful man. I am happy."

She teared up and buried her face in her hands, then she started to cry. At the other end of the living room, a baby's cry came from the cot beside the window, feeling sad for his mother.

Roy shook his head. Ortolan has hurt her. Bad. "Very well. You need some peace and rest. I'll come back later." The witcher gave her ten crowns and left the house, the warm sunshine clearing the dark clouds in his heart. First, I'll find Eji and have him tell me about the prostitutes who got in touch with Ortolan.

"Why do I hear a woman's cries, Mr. Pitt?" Krott stared at the witcher's eyes.

"Ortolan hurt her badly. Reliving the past stirred something powerful within her. Now I'll need you to take me to Eji."

"The guard working at the port in the north, you mean."

"That's him. Lead the way."

***

***