Geralt encounters a distressed merchant named Yurga, who is struggling to free a wagon wheel from a dilapidated bridge. Geralt concludes that the carriage is beyond their combined efforts. Yurga discloses that two servants initially aided him but fled upon discovering skeletons beneath the bridge. Geralt also advises Yurga to flee, knowing that monsters will attack at nightfall. Yurga implores Geralt for assistance, offering anything in return. Geralt invokes the Law of Surprise, asking Yurga to give him whatever unexpected boon he finds upon returning home. Reluctantly agreeing, Yurga positions himself behind the carriage. As night descends, Geralt confronts a swarm of diminutive yet ferocious monsters. Despite emerging victorious, Geralt is severely wounded and collapses in front of the cart.

Yurga and his servants tend to Geralt’s wounds, carefully dressing them before gently placing him into the cart. Despite the assistance, Geralt shivers uncontrollably, his weakened state causing him to call out for Yennefer.

Geralt regains consciousness, and Yurga explains that one of the monsters bit into Geralt’s leg, inflicting a bone-deep wound that is now festering. They are heading toward human towns in hopes of finding a healer for Geralt. Requesting a green flagon from his chest, Geralt takes a concoction that triggers a hallucinatory flashback of his last romantic encounter with Yennefer during Beltane.