Episode 5 of The Witcher's second season opens with the captivating melody of Jaskier's "Burn, Witcher Burn" echoing through the air. Alas, as the guard had predicted in the previous episode, it lacks the catchiness of "Toss A Coin To Your Witcher." However, this rendition is overshadowed by an encounter with Rience, a prisoner armed with sorcery. With a snap of his ominous fingers, Rience conjures flames in a sequence that sends chills down one's spine.
Meanwhile, Geralt arrives to consult with Istredd. Convinced that the fallen monolith is the catalyst for the bizarre mutations sprouting worldwide, Geralt presents Istredd with the severed head of one such creature as proof. Istredd, initially amused, is quickly sobered by the grisly sight. "Will you aid me in this quest or not?" Geralt queries.
The answer is a resounding "Yes." Together, Geralt and Istredd embark on a journey, ultimately stumbling upon a gaping rift, its edges plummeting into unfathomable depths. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Istredd decides to descend with Geralt, determined to uncover the mystery at the rift's bottom.
Upon reaching the depths, Geralt and Istredd's suspicions are confirmed. According to Istredd's notes, strange vibrations have been emanating from this exact spot since the fateful night of Cintra's fall. Istredd believes that the destruction of this monolith has triggered a chain reaction across the other monoliths, which serve as gateways for monsters to cross into our realm.
Elsewhere, Yennefer made a firm decision to forego the journey, determined to uncover the mystery surrounding Jaskier's disappearance. She commissioned one of the local prostitutes to gather information on his behalf. Despite her efforts to harness magic in her absence, she found herself powerless. Even her informant failed to yield any concrete leads about Jaskier, though they offered sage advice to return to the places he frequented.
Adopting a drunken facade, Yennefer stumbled into the bar and stumbled upon a shocking sight: Rience holding Jaskier captive. Quick-thinking, she cleverly concealed a mouthful of liquor. When Rience threatened her with a flame, she retorted with a fiery salvo of her own, spitting it back in his face and escaping the clutches of danger.
Back at Kaer Morhen, Ciri continued to astonish her fellow Witchers with her rigorous training. Though disappointed not to be invited to Cintra, she managed to captivate Vesemir's attention. He led her into his workshop, where he began to unravel the mysteries of their current situation. He spoke of an ancient flower known as feainnewedd, a beautiful purple bloom that sprouted only where Elder blood had been spilled. This flower had begun to proliferate across the training grounds, precisely where Ciri had bled. Vesemir contemplated using a vial of Ciri's blood to potentially ward off the looming threat, though he remained uncertain of its efficacy. She, however, insisted on being the first to test its powers.
As Triss exerted her potent magic, the blood transformed, taking on a dark, ominous hue. It was done. Prepared now, Ciri braced herself to become the first Witcher, consuming the concocted potion. In search of a purpose, with the loss of her dearest loved ones, Ciri believed this could be her salvation. However, Triss had another strategy in mind.
She intended to utilize Dol Durzza, a form of magic that enabled a wielder to delve deep into one's subconscious, seeking any hidden clues buried beneath the surface. Thus, Triss descended into Ciri's mind, revisiting the tragic moment when her parents perished. Yet, there was a disquieting anomaly. As Ciri followed a trail of flowers towards a blinding white light, Triss sensed something amiss.
As Ciri's mother lay dying, Triss hastened to her side, but the situation rapidly spiraled downwards. Darkness enveloped the world, and the Wild Hunt emerged, warning Ciri of impending doom. Meanwhile, Geralt and Istredd's conversation shifted to Yennefer, and Geralt was startled to learn that she had survived the devastating fires of Sodden. Ciri's anguished screams pierced the air, pleading for Geralt's aid. The Stellacite fragments vanished, and as the vision faded, a creature emerged from the shadows, soaring into the sky. Without hesitation, Geralt urged Istredd to conjure a portal.
Just in time, Geralt arrived at Kaer Morhen, intercepting Vesemir from administering the serum to Ciri. Concurrently, Jaskier struggled to rescue Yennefer, who was relentlessly tormented by a sinister voice echoing within her mind. Eventually, she made her choice, reciting the necessary words... transporting her to the presence of an elderly woman.
Yennefer proposed a bargain. She desired access to Chaos, but it seemed this came with a price: finding and delivering Ciri. The location? A shattered black door standing outside the ruins of Cintra. Could it be the portal leading to the monolith? Such was the speculation among those who witnessed the unfolding events.
