Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Geralt's party takes a shortcut through the cemetery at Fen Carn, where a wraith carries Jaskier away. Geralt draws the creature out while Milva and the dwarves rescue the bard. The encounter introduces them to Emiel Regis, a barber-surgeon living apart from the war. He offers shelter, tends Geralt's wound and serves mandrake liquor that loosens the travellers' tongues. Geralt dreams of growing old with Yennefer and Ciri, a peaceful life that still ends with their daughter burying them.
Regis offers to join the journey and continue treating Geralt. His helpfulness comes with signs the witcher has not explained, including his interest in a bloodied bandage. Cahir also keeps following, with Milva quietly leaving him supplies. Elsewhere, Yennefer recruits possible allies against Vilgefortz. Philippa answers when hostile mages attack her, while Fringilla takes Yennefer's approach to Vilgefortz himself. He is keeping Istredd inside an illusion, making the captive believe he is helping Yennefer translate the Book of Monoliths.
The Rats rob a tax collector, but Ciri abandons her assigned position to save Mistle. She throws the stolen money to the villagers to cover their escape, angering the gang until the grateful locals help them leave. They welcome her as a member, although Kayleigh retains her wanted poster. In Nilfgaard, Emhyr tests Teryn and recognizes that the girl presented to him is an impostor.