Geralt agrees to accompany Yennefer to the sorcerers’ banquet, hoping that his presence will provoke the mysterious mage interested in Ciri. He, Yennefer, Ciri, and Dandelion travel from Hirundum to Thanedd, staying at the Loxia palace complex before attending the evening banquet at Aretuza. Thanedd Island is built in tiers: The palace complex of Loxia sits at the base and houses visitors and guests, while Aretuza and the mages’ fortress, Garstang, rise above it on the island’s cliffs. Above them all stands Tor Lara, the Tower of Gulls. Much of the island’s architecture dates to ancient elven construction and is maintained through magical illusion rather than constant repair, giving the complex a sometimes unstable appearance. The banquet comes before the Grand Mages’ Conclave, where many expect political tensions between the Northern Kingdoms and the magical community to surface.

The banquet proves unusual: Guests stand while eating sparse, elaborately presented food, and etiquette requires constant circulation and conversation. Yennefer leads Geralt through the hall as other mages attempt to probe his thoughts telepathically. He counters by filling his mind with thoughts of love for Yennefer, which disconcerts them. For the first time, he declares his love aloud rather than merely thinking it.