"I know," Istredd replies on a sigh. "We're trained to be loyal to the Brotherhood first and nothing else. Including him." So people may have said they understood they had to hold their leaders accountable, and yet never did it. There were many mages who got away with things they shouldn't have because of this mindset. Stregobor was one of the leaders, he got away with a great deal, and who is to say if he was guilty, he wouldn't have managed to get away with it?

Istredd's fingers are dyed with the crystals too, colors he has a suspicion won't go away easily, but he doesn't mind. It's good to get these and know they are going to be closer to a cure. He is startled by what Geralt says next, glancing up at him with widened blue eyes.

"I wish I could say I'm glad he's dead. It would be simpler." Simpler, but not true. And he might not have admitted to that with anyone else, but that small gesture of sympathy opens him slightly. He studies Geralt, his expression softening.

"You're a compassionate person, Geralt, underneath the stoicism."