Chapter 24: Almost there

After quite a long travel boys returned to the Kaer Morhen. It felt good being in their home once again. It was tiring to travel with a lot of events, but now they have some experience behind their backs, and small Witchers grew a lot.

Kaer Morhen was never a place where you could relax, but at least you would not worry about a safe place to sleep the upcoming night.

Their training resumed with August, trying his best to accumulate as much strength as possible. It was no fast feast to achieve, but he will try his absolute best.

Vesemir made it known to all of them that they will face their last trial which will be their last test that will determine who is worth being a Witcher.

This trial will be their path to becoming a Witcher, a trial that will grant them allowance to wear Witcher medallions.

A Witcher medallion that is made out of silver is a particular instrument that is essential to any Witcher and does serve several purposes.

It is not only the insignia of their profession; it is also one of the tools. It has numerous useful capabilities that are accessible, of course, only to one who possesses the necessary knowledge and training.

First of all, it will react to the presence of sorcerer's auras in the immediate surroundings, making Witcher aware of nearby spell casting, active illusion or magical creatures. It also warns the owner of sudden dangers, thus providing an additional moment to react.

However, the medallion is not infallible. A very strong magical aura, such as those found in the places of power or during the solstices, can provoke aberrant reactions. In large cities where people widely use simple magical amulets or sorcerous alarm systems to protect their homes, coin or ruttish wives, the medallion can also behave abnormally.

It shows a reaction by vibrating and tugging. They respond to any kind of magic, such as curses, charms and spells. However, the Witcher medallion won't react to monsters such as dopplers and high vampires.

One particular function makes it a very useful tool to use, not a single monster can touch the Witcher medallion.

….

August focused on his training in the swords and bow field, slowly progressing and increasing the load to increase the pressure and improve faster. Geralt proved to be the only one that could handle August's progression rate, while others fell behind, not only because of their lack of talent but also because August and Geralt were special.

Both of them underwent extra mutations, therefore making them overall stronger than the others. While Geralt had more talent in the swordplay field, August had much more proficient skills that including the sixth sense that allowed him to efficiently dodge and avoid slashes. Resulting in the tie.

Eskel tried his absolute best to catch up with his friends, but fail to do so, but even so, he was third in the entire castle. Nobody could match him in the swordplay, but Geralt and August.

August trained along with his friends, and his bow skills improved with the time and effort he put in. To progress in this field, Vesemir appointed him as the one responsible for training others' reactions and awareness.

They would go to the forest and August will sneak around and, using blunt arrows, try to hit the rest of the Witchers. While others had to be cautious enough to avoid the arrows that were flying at them. Or straight up to deflect them with their sword or catch them with their hands.

Like that, time flew by with most of the Witchers trying their best to be prepared enough for their last Trial that will soon take place.

Now most of them are about 16 to 17 years and the time for the trial has finally arrived.

Vesemir gathered all the boys in the canteen and asked for their attention.

"I would like to announce the start of the trial tomorrow. During the rules set, I'm not able to expose any details of the trail, but your goal. Your goal will be to return here within 3 days and claim your own Witcher medallion."

Giving some time for the boys to digest the information he continued "There are 10 of you here and not everyone will return, I suggest you all take this time to relax and speak to each other, this might be your last time seeing each other."

August inquired about one important aspect, "But what about Witcher signs? We have zero knowledge of them."

Vesemir explained, "Witcher signs are not something I can teach you. After you will deserve to wear a Witchermedallion, you will be able to visit a place that takes care of teaching you the magic of signs. You will know all the information after you complete your trial. Now please enjoy your last day of the childhood"

…..

Eskel, Lambert, Geralt and August sat at the same table talking to each other.

Eskel taking a bite of the steak spoke "Are you, ready guys? I think this will be hard, but I do not doubt either of you"

August voiced his own suggestion, "The hardest part will be the start, this is my opinion, but I think it will be the most dangerous one of all and as soon as we made it past first hour having at least some kind of weapon to defend we will be good"

Lambers snorted, and inquired, "Do you think he will put us against monsters without our weapons? That sounds hilarious!"

But in response, all 3 of them looked at him and nodded their head in response, since it hardly will be a challenge that will test all the skills that Witchers should have with their weapons along.

Lambert frowned, saying hesitantly, "Guys, how should we fight those we met on the way if we have no weapons?"

Eskel smacked Lambert saying " You run away"

While August interrupted Eskel with an insane idea, "You do it with your hands"

That earned a frown from both Lambert and Eskel.

Eskel looked toward the Geralt, asking, "Geralt, say what you think?"

Geralt shrugged "I think August is right"

"Bah," Eskel almost fell from the chair, "It is probably only you two who can handle them with your bare hands. You have to think of how your brothers can do it!"

Lambert slammed the table, saying "Guys! Think of the ways we can use to survive. Bare hands are not an option."

August cleared his through saying "Make a simple bow"

Lambert looked at August like an idiot replying "You are the only one that knows how to use a bow"

August snorted, saying "Not my problem"

Eskel and Lambert looked in each other direction, seeing hopelessness in their eyes. But before they could argue back, Vesemir walked in carrying a large barrel.

He shouted, "Boys, before the trial you have to drink a glass of wine!"

Everyone happily took a glass and drank, while August remained sitting and didn't dare to touch a drink, but before he could relax, Eskel brought him a glass and made him drink for the success of their trial.

In 30 minutes, the hall turned silent. All of them fell unconscious because the wine contained soporific and with that, their trial shall start.

…..

I will release another 1 or 2 chapters in the next 5 hours.