The Brotherhood of Sorcerers has disbanded after the uprising at the Thanedd conference, during which Geralt is severely injured. The Witcher is committed to defending the weak, protecting those in need; a defender against powerful and dangerous monsters that threaten humans in these dark times. However, now that darkness spreads across the world, Geralt lies helpless, immobilized by his injuries. While war rages in all the kingdoms, the surviving sorceresses unite to protect the future of magic, which is under threat. In these adverse conditions, Geralt searches for Ciri, the heir to the throne of Cintra, who has disappeared. Until a rumor places her at the court of the Nilfgaardian Empire, as the betrothed of Emperor Emhyr. Even wounded, Geralt is determined to save her. The Witcher returns with this action-packed sequel to The Time of Contempt.