The Witch Collector

At the barricade along Frostwater Wood, Raina and Alexus search for a weakness in the Eastlanders’ magical wall of vines and thorns. Raina wants to bury the dead Witch Walkers, but Alexus tells her they lack time. He hands her a Neri flag (the Northland’s white wolf god), and she rips it to shreds. They find a weak spot in the wall near Hampstead Loch. Raina tries various spells, but nothing works. Alexus, who lost his own magic, guides her, helping her find the right Elikesh phrasing and positioning. Raina conjures an amethyst light sword that vanishes after creating a path through the vines.

Inside Frostwater Wood, Raina feels uneasy. Alexus draws a map, warning that they’re behind the Eastlanders and still far from Winter Road. The Witch Walkers at Winterhold will slow the enemy but may hinder their path, too. He explains that the Prince of the East is no longer human. Their journey is risky, and alternate routes are impassable. Raina refuses to help the Frost King, blaming him for the attack and Nephele’s loss. Alexus argues that she can’t survive alone and reveals that Nephele is Colden’s lover. Angry, he walks off.