The first episode of The Witcher Season 4 commences with an aged narrator weaving a tale of Geralt's exploits to a group of rapt children, including the young Nimue. Meanwhile, Jaskier, Milva, and Geralt stumble upon the aftermath of a vicious attack. A captive Cahir, betrayer of Emhyr, is being escorted to Nilfgaard. Despite Geralt's unforgiving nature, he extends mercy for Ciri's sake and sets Cahir free. Yennefer, on the other hand, is grappling with Vilgefortz's intricate plans, while Ciri finds herself among the Rats, a band of thieves who saved her life. She yearns to head north as fate dictates, unaware that Mistle and the others offer to accompany her, a gesture that stuns her.
As for Emhyr's council, Lord Skellen clashes with Xarthisius, the kingdom's seer, with Teryn seemingly aware of her true identity but feigning to be the Ciri Emhyr desires. Back with Geralt, his leg still lingers in a state of unhealed agony, and the group squabbles over their next move when they encounter the dwarves Zoltan and Percival. For food and safety, they reluctantly agree to travel together, much to Geralt's chagrin.
Yen returns home to find a mob of villagers blaming mages for the continent's war. With Vilgefortz and two of his mages as accomplices, they provoke the villagers into an attack that claims the lives of two Brotherhood mages. They then offer Yen a chance to join Vilgefortz's cause before vanishing into thin air. That night, Ciri wrestles with her destiny, with Mistle assuring her that solitude is not an option and extolling the virtues of the Rats as a family with tragic pasts. They welcome Ciri with open arms, and she dances with Kayleigh, the boy who was tied up alongside her.
In the woods, Geralt and his company make camp. The dwarves steal food, prompting Geralt to rebuke them. The dwarves claim they must fend for themselves and even offer to procure him a fine sword. Milva empathizes with Geralt's withdrawn state, while Jaskier explains to the dwarves that his friend is not the same since losing both Yen and Ciri.
As the narrative unfolds, we witness Radovid, the newly crowned king of Redania, who displays little interest in the ongoing conflict, his mind preoccupied by the plight of Jaskier. Meve, his steadfast commander, finds herself at a crossroads with frustration, while Philippa and Dijkstra are ousted from the council. Yet, a rift widens between them as Dijkstra's true motives are revealed—he never desired King Vizimir's demise.
The Brotherhood's mages are dwindling, with only three remnants remaining: Rita, Sabrina, and Triss. Yen shares Vilgefortz's offer with them, convinced that he wields control over portals and mages. They capture Burnita, one of Vilgefortz's minions, and Yen interrogates her relentlessly. However, their efforts are in vain as Vilgefortz ruthlessly disposes of Burnita.
Ciri's troubles escalate when Kayleigh, a cunning individual aware of the bounty on her head, attempts to blackmail her. But Mistle saves the day, and the two share a fleeting moment before embarking on their newfound connection. Geralt awakens from a chilling nightmare, where Ciri dances with death's embrace, fearing that time is running out. The group vows to accelerate their mission to save her.
Ciri decides to forge a fresh start with Mistle rather than journeying northward. Geralt's team encounters a young girl living alone in solitude. Reluctant to waste time in robbery, Geralt prepares to leave until soldiers arrive, their intentions to rape the girl. Geralt unleashes a brutal display of violence against the soldiers, his fury unleashed until Cahir finishes off the last escapee. The rest remind Geralt to stay focused on their mission to save Ciri, but his rage is palpable.
