Between the dead rising and a taut, crackling energy that stretches across the city, Geralt decided to accompany Nadine outside the city walls. As much as he wants to say she shouldn't be out here, he knows she needs to. She has herbs she's collecting for her healing and patients. No shortage of them these days.

He takes Roach, though the distance isn't far. Just in case they need a fast ride back. The hour's later than he'd prefer, the sun close to setting, but he anticipates they'll return before sundown. He's tense—perhaps more than usual. Certainly more than a simple trip of this nature warrants. But when has anything been simple lately?

A fact which makes itself known when he hears the distant clip of hooves. Two horses, no sound of wheels. A travelling merchant, perhaps, but those would be rare these days given the circumstances. And this is not one of the main roads for merchants to travel.

He touches Nadine's arm, interrupting what she might be doing. "We've got company."