40 Chapter 39:August change.

Albert and August have just sparred against each other. While Albert lay exhausted on the ground, August was absolutely fine, without a single bead of sweat on his forehead.

August walked over to Albert and helped him to stand back up.

"You're getting better," August said after a momentary pause, he continued "But you still have a lot to learn. You need to focus more on parrying rather than dodging," August concluded.

Albert complained, with slight disappointment, "But why?! I can dodge very well. Wouldn't it be better to dodge all attacks that can do a lot of damage? Blocking attacks can be very dangerous, no?"

August calmly replied, "It is just as important. There will be situations that you can't dodge. When someone you're facing is way faster than you and you just won't have time to get away."

With a slight snort, Albert remained silent. He suddenly asked about what was bothering him. Some traits he saw in August don't exactly match what other witchers say he should be.

"Oh brother!" drawing August's attention, he continued: "I was interested in something that I find strange."

August tilted his head to the side, not answering before hearing the full explanation.

Albert continued, "Your behaviour with Vilgefortz seems a little strange. I have heard from others that you have always had a negative relationship with magicians. You never gave them a chance or anything like that, but rather coldly looked their way. But you seem to be much friendlier and more open with him."

Albert didn't have evidence to prove this claim, but the way August felt about Vilgefortz differed greatly from the information provided by the other Witchers.

August frowned as he thought about Albert's words. Yes, his behaviour toward Vilgefortz suddenly changed, although he was still very suspicious of him, at the same time was much more talkative with this man. It wasn't something he did on purpose.

But what could cause this? August was almost 100% sure that Vilgefortz has his selfish reasons for which Vilgefortz trains him, but he just doesn't have the moment and the good way to deal with it. This man seemed to be always on his guard, letting no one near him, and many magic constructs and rune structures were set up to protect him.

If August were the way he used to be, he would never learn and have random dialogues with such a person, even so, he has already done it many times.

It took him a little time to think, but only one conclusion could be drawn from all this. There is a high probability that he is somehow influenced by a man so that he is more open and less cautious in his presence.

Concluding as if the barrier had been broken, August recalled the memories from after the fight. An event that happened in the medical wing where Vilgefortz made a deal with August to save a child. In exchange for saving the child, August started to practice magic under Vilgefortz.

From the outside, it looked idiotic. Forcing someone to learn magic when magic itself is a very powerful gift. But August knew about his talent for foresight, and this was the only thing that could attract this man.

What is strange is that August almost instantly agreed to such a proposal, which also seemed far from what would actually happen. There was only one way that this could happen. He was under the influence of a spell, or rather a curse, that he had to break.

Albert knocked August out of his thoughts by asking. "Brother, are you okay?" Albert inquired uneasily, seeing August in prostration.

August answered with a short "Yes" and left without another word.

[Flash Back]

Albert came to one of the witchers to talk about August. The one he wanted to talk to was Eskel. The reason was pretty obvious: he was the only one who could talk compared to others like Geralt and August. Who, despite everything, will be silent and just speak in fragments that will make little sense and will be difficult to understand.

"Hello Eskel"

Eskel replied with mild surprise, "Oh, hello, Albert. What brings you here today?"

"I'm interested in something," Albert asked after a short pause, "What was August like before? Had he changed?"

A dry laugh escaped Eskel's lips. "He wasn't much different, but I think the study of magic softened him up, he became more talkative and trusting."

Albert showed slight confusion. "Hmm? What do you mean by that?"

"Well," Eskel drawled back, "I don't know why, but he used to be a little different. Previously, he was a more closed person, especially towards magicians. Now he is much more open with others, he devotes a lot of his attention to talking with Vilgefortz.

Albert asked in a little confusion, "Why?"

Eskel just shrugged, not knowing what to say.

"Don't you think that's suspicious?" Albert asked.

"I think it's a good chance that he opened up a little with someone else, although it saddens me that it was with a magician and not with his brothers with whom he went through hell," Eskel replied.

Albert made a wild guess. "Maybe there is a reason for this? Like the magic of signs. You know Axii, which forces others to be 'cooperative' into various actions regardless of their will. What if something similar happened to August?

"It's impossible!" replied Eskel slightly raising his voice. "August has been through a lot of trials that have forged his will. It will be hard to get him to obey someone and that only works in the short term. I have never heard of such a charm or spell that will last forever."

"What if it's something else?" Albert objected. "What if it's something other than total control, but something that makes him trust that person more?"

Eskel thought for a second and slowly replied: "Perhaps you are right, but this requires at least some evidence." Eskel thought for a second before continuing, "I think it's possible. But that's very unlikely. I'd be more confident that any of us are under control than August."

Albert almost immediately suggested, "We need to investigate!"

With these words, Albert was about to leave and go about his business when Eskel held his shoulder and said:

"Don't make hasty decisions and actions," Eskel said in a deadly serious voice. "I think it's best to tell August about this first."

Albert showed some anger and criticized Eskel.

"How can you be so nonchalant about this? He may be under control to which he cannot respond. We must help him!

Eskel shook his head, saying, "No, August is fine, nothing happened to him, if Vilgefortz had had the intention of hurting him, August would already be dead. Better tell him about your assumption and let him figure it out for himself."

"Why?" Albert asked, not understanding Eskel conclusion.

Sighing, he explained, "I don't think August will need our help. Let him try to work it out for himself before doing something that can only make things worse."

Albert put on an annoyed face and snorted in disagreement with Eskel's methods, but he should at least try to work it out the way Eskel suggested before making hasty mistakes.

Reluctantly, Albert replied, "Okay, I'll do as you said, but if it doesn't work, you'll have to help me solve this mystery."

Eskel chuckled and said, "OK, but first do what I told you."

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(I might have screwed up some things, but I will try to make everything work. I don't think people will appreciate a full rewrite.)