The fifth episode of The Witcher Season 4 commences with Geralt's band of adventurers precariously perched between a river and the relentless Nilfgaardian army. Geralt's resolve to reach Ciri, now aware of her impending nuptials with Emhyr, burns with urgency. However, Cahir urges for a moment of rest for Jaskier, which infuriates Geralt. Cahir's reasoning is an unspoken bond; they share a dream, the latest of which is Ciri wielding a weapon against the dreaded greylock—a harbinger of death. Milva chimes in, highlighting that the crossing has been washed away, necessitating a wait.
Meanwhile, a gossiping mercenary and commander inadvertently informs Radovid and Skellen of Vilgefortz's deception: presenting a fake Ciri to Emhyr. Skellen's coup hinges on this secret being kept, and he enlists a hired hand to ensure its preservation.
In the woods, tensions run high, and Yarpen and Zoltan's relationship comes under scrutiny. To pass the time until the crossing reappears, Jaskier implores them to share their stories.
Flashbacks reveal that their Alderman betrayed them by selling Zoltan's weapons to human dwarf hunters. When the secret was exposed, the Alderman framed Zoltan and attempted his murder. Yarpen now feels remorse for not trusting Zoltan, and they reconcile.
Next, Jaskier turns to Milva to tell her tale. Another flashback reveals Milva's stepfather as a relentless abuser. She takes matters into her own hands, killing him and extending her vengeance to other abusers. She saves a few dryads and is welcomed into their community. Her resolve hardens once more when the Scoia'tael are ambushed and killed.
With Jaskier pushing for their stories, the group band together, demanding his tale as well. This time, we are treated to a musical montage of Jaskier and Geralt's time in Oxenfurt. Jaskier mentors Valdo, seeing potential in him. But Valdo steals Jaskier's songbook and becomes famous. Jaskier is unconcerned about the stolen songs, believing that the adventures of his group will be his enduring legacy.
In the present moment, Regis makes his presence known, and Geralt's wariness is palpable. The vampire, however, claims he only seeks to check on their wounds. Zoltan, intrigued, asks for his tale.
The animated montage unfolds Regis' story with poignant drama. He lost control, addicted to human blood, but found himself again when he fell in love with the human, Bethane. He stopped drinking blood and cut off his people. But his coven killed her, and he attacked them in a rage. His sloppiness led to their staking him, and Regis was buried beside Bethane for 50 years before he escaped.
Next, Cahir takes the stage as Milva urges Geralt to see his perspective. A flashback shows Cahir's father, brutal and cruel to his own son. Cahir tries to run from him and stumbles upon Xarthisius, who begs him to look after a hedgehog-like man. Cahir does so, but he has no purpose in life. In search of it, years later, he joins the army and Emhyr thanks him for his loyalty. Yep, Emhyr is Hedgehog Man aka Duny. Geralt and Jaskier are shocked and disgusted as they realize that Emhyr is Ciri's father.
Cahir ends his story by revealing that he has changed as he finally learned to be better. Just like Geralt, who is evolving and questioning what makes a monster instead of killing them blindly. Cahir claims their destinies have led them to where they are, but Geralt refuses to believe him. He storms off, his thoughts consumed by Ciri. A flashback shows them in Kaer Morhen. He offers to braid her hair, and they talk about his childhood dream to become a knight. She teases him for pretending that witchers don't have emotions and for not trusting anyone when he clearly trusts and cares for her.
Elsewhere, Skellen tries to get Teryn to behave as she continues to sulk. He hints that she'll actually be queen if she plays the part of Ciri well. The next day, Geralt decides to accept his group of misfits and they make the crossing together. Meanwhile, Fringilla is tortured and she breaks. She reveals that the Brotherhood is hiding in Montecalvo, Philippa's home. Once Vilgefortz leaves, Fringilla warns Yen.
