At the dawn of Episode 8 in The Witcher's third season, Geralt, still fragile from his ordeal, finds himself in Brokilon, agitating Milva, the elf assigned to his bedside. Despite the woodland elves' unwavering efforts, their medicinal waters prove ineffective on the mutant, yet Geralt remains adamant on his quest for Ciri. Fortunately, Milva's gentle persuasion prevails, urging the impatient warrior to rest.
Meanwhile, Yennefer is in a race against time, desperate for any clue that might lead her to Ciri. Emhyr's capture of the princess threatens to subjugate the nations of the North, and Yen fears that Ciri is being transported to the clutches of Nilfgaard. Once, Vilgefortz used half-elves as guinea pigs within a dark cave, and now, Yennefer, along with Tissaia, Triss, and the Aretuza witches, resolve to delve into its secrets.
Emhyr is presented with an intriguing proposition by Fringilla and Francesca, a partnership aimed at ruling Cintra. It grants Fringilla the power she covets and Francesca the means to safeguard her people. With mutual consent, Emhyr appoints Fringilla as the Imperial Governor of Cintra, yet he insists that the physically capable Scoia'Tael warriors remain in the North to continue the conflict. This news leaves Francesca deeply displeased.
Tissaia struggles with the devastation of her city and the betrayal of her partner. In a moment of weakness, she seeks Yen's encouraging words. However, Tissaia ultimately finds solace in a different path, leaving behind a note before taking her own life, while Yennefer and the others stand witness at the novices' ceremony.
After Tissaia's tragic passing, Yennefer hastened to Geralt's side. Once there, she utilized her profound magical abilities to heal him, leaving Geralt with a solemn vow to make Emhyr and Vilgerfortz accountable for their deeds.
Upon his return to Redania, Dijkstra braced himself for a confrontation with his monarch. Vizimir's displeasure was palpable, yet he opted to make an example of Phillipa rather than punish the Spymaster for the failure of the Aretuza purge. Nonetheless, Vizimir's countenance brightened upon seeing his brother return home, hale and hearty. However, Radovid's stay was fleeting; he soon requested leave to depart.
In a drunken stupor, Dijkstra chose to sacrifice himself in defense of Phillipa. Despite being deeply moved by this gallant act, the cunning witch had already commissioned an assassin to eliminate Vizimir, ensuring his permanent silence. Radovid, now shocked and alone, ascended to the throne of Redania.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of Nilfgaard, Fringilla and Francesca had plotted to abduct Ciri. But when Francesca revealed that she had altered her plans and intended to accept the Emperor's offer, Fringilla disclosed the true story behind Emhyr's order to kill the elven child.
This revelation only hardened Francesca's resolve, and the elves' queen resumed her quest for vengeance, unwavering in her determination to seek justice for her fallen kin.
Geralt, rejuvenated and prepared, set out from Brokilon in pursuit of Vilgefortz, while Yennefer gathered the mages at Aretuza under her command. Meanwhile, Ciri arrived at Emhyr's court, where the courtiers staged a grandiose welcome. Vilgefortz, scarred yet resilient, stood by Emhyr's side as they greeted the young princess. But soon, it was revealed that they had Teryn, not Ciri, in their midst.
The real Ciri was imprisoned in a dingy tavern, surrounded by bounty hunters. In this dismal place, she found solace in Kaileygh, alias "the Rat," another prisoner. He proposed a partnership, and together, they found a way out when Rat's compatriots stormed the tavern. In the chaos, Ciri faced a bounty hunter and emerged victorious, her sword dripping with his blood.
At a roadblock, Geralt presented the jewel he had obtained from Renfri as a bribe to a Nilfgaardian soldier. However, the sight of a guard exploiting a poor family ignited a fire in Geralt's heart. He returned to the roadblock, engaging several soldiers in a fierce battle. His victory was secured by the unexpected arrival of Milva.
As the scene drew to a close, a member of Rat's gang inquired about Ciri's name. Still shaken after her fight, she spoke calmly, yet with a newfound resolve. "Call me Falka," she said, her voice steady and determined.
