Geralt embarks on a journey to the woodlands of Brokilon, a dryad sanctuary ruled by Eithné, the queen of the dryads. These female nymphs are either born of dryad lineage or are former human women who have been transformed by consuming the sacred water of Brokilon. Fiercely territorial, the dryads have a complex relationship with other peoples. Because they cannot reproduce on their own, they must engage with humanoids for the limited purpose of creating new dryads, but they are otherwise hostile and are bound to attack all who enter Brokilon without permission.

As Geralt traverses the forest, he encounters the lifeless body of a teenage boy who was pierced by a dryad’s arrow. A grim discovery awaits him further along the path—another corpse and his friend, Frexinet, who was also grievously wounded by a dryad’s arrow. Attempting to assist Frexinet proves challenging, yet the injured man cryptically implores Geralt to save the princess. Suddenly, the forest comes alive with danger as an arrow narrowly misses Geralt, prompting him to disclose his identity and mission. In response, the dryads shoot a warning arrow, and Geralt relinquishes his weapons. Confronted by three dryads, he reiterates his purpose as an envoy of King Venzlav and appeals for aid or a swift end to Frexinet’s suffering.