DJIKSTRA'S BATHHOUSE -
The bathhouse was full in the afternoon, the steam still rose from the pools, and the soft murmur of water echoed through the halls, patrons were lounged in the alcoves, their conversations low and private, their bodies half-submerged in the warm embrace of the heated water.
Sebastian's boots echoed against the floor as he walked through the main chamber. He did not stop at the pools. Happen was waiting for him at the entrance to the private corridor. The man bowed his head in that same respectful way he had done the night before.
"Master Witcher," Happen said, "Master Reuven is expecting you, please, follow me."
Sebastian followed without a word, and stopped before a door Happen opened it and stepped aside and Sebastian entered.
And there in the office behind a desk of dark wood, its surface covered with papers and ledgers, sat Dijkstra.
The spymaster was dressed in simple clothes, he looked like a merchant, like a man of modest means, like someone who had never wielded power in his life.
Sebastian knew better.
"Sebastian," Dijkstra said, rising from his chair. A smile spread across his broad face. "I knew you wouldn't leave me hanging like that."
Sebastian stepped into the room, the door closed behind him with a soft click.
"Something happened," Sebastian said. "You gave me the mask for free, I owe you one."
Dijkstra waved a dismissive hand. "It's just a piece of junk to me, don't think much of it." He paused, his eyes flickering with interest. "Or is it?"
Sebastian's expression did not change. "I don't know what it is for now, but I'll find out."
Dijkstra's smile widened. "Is that so? Well, if you realize it is actually worthless, bring it to me. I can resell it for you, some idiots will believe it's worth a lot."
"On my way here, I was followed by three men," Sebastian said. "Three who wanted the mask for their boss. Do you know who this boss might be? They said they were going to get it, but since you did, they clearly gave up on the idea. Then they found out it was in my possession and tried their luck."
Dijkstra's eyebrows rose. "Tried their luck with a witcher?" He shook his head slowly. "I have a bad experience with witchers, I would have advised otherwise."
Sebastian pressed. "Do you know who their boss might be?"
Dijkstra considered the question, while walking around the room.
"Aye," Dijkstra said. "I do, it must be the King of Beggars, Francis Bedlam."
Sebastian's brow furrowed. "Why does he want the mask?"
Dijkstra turned to face him. "It's an elven artifact, possibly magical. He doesn't want it for himself, though. He's on good terms with the mages of the city. Clearly, it's for one of them."
"Then why didn't they bid for it?" Sebastian asked. "Instead of trying to steal it from me."
Dijkstra's smile was thin. "One did, until I did as well."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "So that man in the auctionwas one of his. Wouldn't that make you on bad terms with Francis?"
Dijkstra shrugged. "We are on good terms, and by good terms, I mean we agree on certain things that benefit the both of us. If you were one of my men, he wouldn't have tried to rob you with his bandits."
"He is more than welcome to try again." Sebastian said calmly.
Dijkstra's smile did not waver. "While his men might not be so bright, he is no idiot, so he won't. But we have an important matter to discuss." He walked back to his desk and lowered himself into his chair. "You still owe me a favor. Do it, and I'll reward you, even though the mask should be more than sufficient, I can't let you do this for free."
Sebastian studied him. "Awfully generous of you."
"I am." Dijkstra's smile was self-satisfied. "Geralt should have mentioned that bit."
"So what do you want?" Sebastian asked.
Dijkstra leaned forward, his expression shifting from casual to serious. The mask of the merchant fell away, revealing the spymaster beneath.
"First, I need to explain to you that my business, while dangerous, still serves the interest of Redania." Dijkstra's voice was low, earnest. "The new king will soon try to get rid of me, the fool doesn't know what's coming. Nilfgaard is preparing for one final, massive campaign. The Third Northern War will soon start, and it will be bigger and more bloody than the first two combined."
Sebastian raised a hand. "Get to the point, please."
Dijkstra's eyes flickered with annoyance, but he continued. "You clealy hate politics... but no matter, I'm trying to fortify my position here in Novigrad. The Hierarch is the supreme power here, but that's only on paper. We underworld bosses are trying to come together and join forces to be the actual rulers of Novigrad. He who controls Novigrad controls the North itself. This city sits on a mountain of coin, it's strategic. If Emhyr ever manages to get this far north, taking this city means game over for the continent. I can't allow that."
Sebastian listened.
"We had an initial agreement recently," Dijkstra continued. "Myself, Francis, a certain dwarf by the name of Cleaver, and Whoreson Jr., who have gone missing after he accompanied you to the sewers of Novigrad."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "You had eyes on me."
Dijkstra's smile was unapologetic. "Aye. The others are aware of it as well, but surprisingly, his father does not, because Whoreson Jr was working under his father's nose. I know you killed him, Witcher. The fact that you and Lambert left that sewer alone without him is proof enough." He paused. "I congratulate you on that, I've been trying to get rid of the fucker for a long time now. He was planning to kill his father and take over, but I'd rather deal with Alonso than Cyprian. Alonso is also on good terms with Radovid, so it works for me." He nodded. "Another thing I thank you for."
Sebastian was silent. His expression revealed nothing.
"So," Dijkstra said, "what I want you to do, Sebastian, is one small favor. Something only a witcher can pull off."
Sebastian waited.
"There will be a secret meeting," Dijkstra said, "between the Temple Guard and a man sent by none other than Radovid himself. Intel says that he will be accompanied by a group of Redanian soldiers. They have a box bearing the royal sigil of Redania, I want that box."
Sebastian's brow furrowed. "What's in it?"
Dijkstra waved a hand. "Doesn't concern you, what matters is that I need that box in my hands."
"None of my men can pull this off," Dijkstra continued. "The meeting will be held in a warehouse in the docks. It will be heavily guarded by Temple Guard, so be cautious. Killing them is fine as long as there are no witnesses."
Sebastian was quiet for a long moment.
"I feel like a killer for hire," Sebastian said slowly. "I don't know if I can accept this."
Dijkstra's expression hardened. "We live in a shit time, Sebastian. These are vile men, the city itself is going to shit. I'm doing the whole north a favor here, you won't understand now, but in time you will."
Sebastian was still quiet, his mind churned with the magnitude of the request. Then Dijkstra spoke again.
"As for Dandelion, I know you're looking for him." Dijkstra's voice was casual, almost offhand. "He's rotting in a dungeon in Temple Isle, charged with blasphemy against the Eternal Fire, alongside Zoltan Chivay."
Sebastian's eyes widened, surprise flickered across his features. "For how long have they been in there?!"
"A week," Dijkstra said. "There is still one more week for them to spend there, they will release them eventually, perhaps. But.." he paused, "..do this for me, and I'll release them by tomorrow. Naturally, I'll still reward you with coin."
"You really want this box," Sebastian said.
Dijkstra extended his hands theatrically, a smile spreading across his face. "More than anything."
Sebastian sighed, the sound was long and weary, the sigh of a man who knew he was about to do something he would probably regret.
"Fine," Sebastian said. "I'll do it, I'll steal it and bring it here. And you release Dandelion and Zoltan. And I'll still ask you questions and a small favor, I don't want coin."
Dijkstra's eyebrows rose. "Interesting." He studied Sebastian for a moment, his eyes sharp. "Well, it's a deal then."
Sebastian extended his hand. "Deal."
They shook. Dijkstra's grip was firm.
"For the love of gods," Dijkstra said, his voice low and serious, "don't fuck this up, Sebastian."
Sebastian's expression did not change. "I won't. As long as the box is actually there."
Dijkstra reached into his desk and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He held it out to Sebastian. "Oh, it's there. Take this paper, it has the number of the warehouse, the shape of the box, and a small map, alongside a few details of the men who will be meeting."
Sebastian took the paper. He unfolded it, scanning the contents. His eyes moved over the map, the list of names, the careful annotations. He folded it again and tucked it into his belt.
"Impressive work," Sebastian murmured.
Dijkstra's smile was thin. "It's nothing. Now, go prepare or whatever you witchers do. And don't disappoint me, Sebastian, this is important."
Sebastian looked at the paper for a moment longer, then he nodded, turned, and walked toward the door, toward the street outside.
"Dandelion," Sebastian muttered to himself. "Always in fucking trouble.."
He mounted his mare and rode through the crowded streets, the paper tucked securely into his belt.
"But I'll do this," he continued, his voice low. "I'll hit two birds with one stone, I'll release the idiot and gain information about Ciri's pursuers... and that shady dwarf."
/-\
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