In the gripping first episode of Witcher's third season, Ciri, Yennefer, and Geralt are in a frantic dash for survival. They hide in the shadows, silent and unseen, until the glow of torches and the menacing shadows of Rience's henchmen loom closer. At the sight of their adversaries, they spring into action, fleeing into the night.
Yennefer, in her fleeting moments of respite, devotes herself to honing Ciri's latent magical prowess, sending Geralt encouraging letters that he studiously avoids. The trio finds refuge in a remote cabin, nestled in a frigid wilderness, graciously provided by Geralt's dwarven friend, Yarpen. As the hints of the upcoming Belleteyn Festival waft through the air, a sinister interruption looms. A jackapace, a mammoth CGI monster resembling an armored beast, sent by Rience, hunts Ciri relentlessly using a fragment of her blood stolen from Kaer Morhen. Yet, Geralt slices through the monster with ease.
Their new strategy is cunning and daring: lure Rience out and eliminate him, as he possesses Ciri's blood and could potentially track them across vast distances. They embark on a journey in Yarpen's caravan, spreading rumors that Ciri, guarded reluctantly by Jaskier, is among them, while Geralt and Yennefer keep a watchful eye in the shadows.
The journey halts at Shaerrawedd, a place under the iron fist of Francesca and Filavandrel, who still believes Ciri holds the key to finding Dol Blathanna. The elves, preparing for a showdown with humans, converge on Shaerrawedd, drawn by whispers of Ciri, arriving at the same time as Rience. This convergence ignites a titanic clash, with Yarpen and the dwarves finding themselves among rival factions.
Rience attempts to slip through a crevice, but Yennefer's quick wit keeps the passage open long enough for Geralt to dash through, peer cautiously through the gap, shatter Rience's hands, and retreat once more to face the enraged elves. The elves suffer heavy losses, including Francesca's brother Gauge, a tragedy that could further radicalize her and inflame the already volatile relationship between her and Gallatin.
Deeply cognizant of the impending separation, Ciri, Yennefer, and Geralt braced themselves for the inevitable parting of ways. With foresight and concern, Yennefer desired to take Ciri to Aretuza, where she would embark on rigorous training with Tissaia and the Brotherhood. Her intuition told her that the formidable might behind Rience's portal emanated from a being of immense magical prowess. Conversely, Geralt's path lay in seeking out Rience and ending his life, ensuring that he would not trail their steps. As tears streamed down their faces, they bid each other a heartfelt farewell. The intense and emotional climax of The Witcher's season 3 finale left a stark reminder: Ciri remained the relentless target of the Nilfgaardian ruler and The White Flame.
