Book Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Witcher – Book 3

Book summary by chapter of Baptism of Fire. Includes spoilers from the echoes of the elven barrows to the end of the book. The fellowship forming around Geralt moves beneath the drag of shared wounds—Milva breaking, Cahir haunted, Regis testing the limits of belonging. On the Yaruga bridge they realize destiny has fused their paths, and when Meve knights the White Wolf, each of them feels a quiet surge, as if the world has finally acknowledged the fire they survived together.

Geralt of Rivia and Milva standing in a Brokilon forest clearing, in travel and hunting gear under cold woodland light – Chapter-by-chapter summary of the book Baptism of Fire

Introduction – Baptism of Fire

Not all wounds bleed on the outside. Sometimes it’s in the quiet of a forest, or in the broken stare of a disgraced knight, where real pain hides. Baptism of Fire, the third core novel in The Witcher Saga, pulls us deep into a world where war doesn’t just burn on battlefields—it scorches within those who try to survive it.

In this volume by Andrzej Sapkowski, the journey becomes harsher, more human, and painfully irreversible. Geralt, stripped of certainty, forges a brotherhood as unlikely as it is unforgettable: a wounded archer, a wise vampire, a loyal bard, an enemy turned ally. Each carries their own abyss, yet they march together, as if the fire might somehow cleanse them. The narrative abandons royal politics and dives straight into the souls of the outcasts—the ones who still believe in fate, even when no one dares to say the word aloud.

And in Baptism of Fire, the true protagonist isn't only the Witcher, but what forms around the emptiness. If you want to follow this universe from the beginning, don’t miss the main entry: Reading order of The Witcher Universe ➤

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Reading Order ➤

Chapter Navigation

• Chapter 1 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Reunion of Milva and the White Wolf in Brokilon

• Chapter 2 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Sihil, the Ambush at the Farm and Cahir’s Return

• Chapter 3 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Camp at Fen Carn and the Meeting with Regis

• Chapter 4 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Trial by Fire and the Rescue of the Accused Witch

• Chapter 5 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Crossing of the Ina, Betrayals in Nilfgaard, and the Forging of the Brotherhood

• Chapter 6 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Secret of the Elder Blood and Yennefer’s Escape

• Chapter 7 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Yaruga Bridge and the Birth of Geralt of Rivia

  
  

Chapter 1 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Reunion of Milva and the White Wolf in Brokilon

Milva waits in the thicket of the Brokilon forest, still and patient, hoping to hunt on ground so dry that any step would give away her presence. While she studies her new bow, purchased in Cidaris at a high price, she recalls her years of practice with elven weapons and the precision granted by compounds of wood, bone, and sinew. Her thoughts are interrupted by memories of her arrival in Brokilon after rescuing a defeated group of Scoia’tael. At that moment she was summoned by Aglaïs, the forest healer, to see an injured man. Upon discovering that he was a witcher—the same one dragged by a sorceress after the disturbances at Thanedd—her indignation grew. Milva feared she had been seen, exposed. Though she resisted at first, she soon understood that the White Wolf needed her help to learn the fate of his own. And even though she initially refused, her debt to Brokilon weighed more heavily.

Days pass, and Milva’s unease grows as she has no clear news from the outside. In her mind rumors of wars, rebellions, persecutions, and betrayals echo without end. Eithné, the leader of Brokilon, asks her to help the witcher and bring information about the world beyond the forest. Milva, her pride wounded, remembers her own past: she was captured and nearly executed, saved by the very dryads she now serves. Her sense of duty and gratitude reluctantly drive her to accept the task. After a failed hunting attempt in which the deer escapes, Milva returns to her thoughts and convinces herself that helping the witcher is not merely a favor, but part of a deeper obligation. When she returns, she finds the witcher recovered, walking, awaiting answers. She tells him everything: the death of Codringher, the dangers facing the Scoia’tael, and the rumors of a girl sought by Nilfgaard. The tension rises, and she knows her information affects him deeply.

Milva departs, promising to return with more news. Days later she comes back soaked and exhausted after a perilous journey. Still, she keeps her word. The witcher awaits her impatiently. She confirms that Ciri, his girl, is in Nilfgaard and that Emperor Emhyr intends to marry her. Geralt, impassive at first, soon breaks. Milva realizes the weight of her words, but it is already too late. He decides to leave. Despite his anger, she aids him, offering a horse and dismissing him with anger disguised as indifference. Afterwards, she watches him ride away and mutters that his journey is doomed. Nevertheless, she chooses to follow him. The world burns, the Scoia’tael prepare for another war, and Milva feels she must warn him. Meanwhile, in Redania and Nilfgaard, spies and sorceresses move their pieces. A mysterious council of mages forms and the shadow of war looms over all. Milva rides through storms, carrying an urgent warning.

Chapter 2 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Sihil, the Ambush at the Farm and Cahir’s Return

The group’s journey becomes complicated when Zoltan Chivay confirms they are trapped between the forces of Nilfgaard and the Scoia’tael, accompanied by ruthless mercenaries. Geralt tries to keep his mission secret, but Zoltan shows he knows more than he appears, revealing that Dandelion has spoken of the true reason for the trip. Despite the risks, the witcher insists on reaching the Yaruga, where he plans to take a boat to the river’s mouth. The dwarf discourages him: the region is controlled and watched, and crossing seems nearly impossible. Although the rain ceases and the atmosphere relaxes, the tense conversation between Geralt and Milva reflects the emotional pressure he faces. The witcher feels powerless and anguished, bearing persistent pain in body and soul. Despite everything, he cannot give up the search for Ciri, convinced that she needs him and that he is wasting valuable time by not acting.

During a break, Geralt observes the dwarves playing Barrel, a noisy card game that showcases their artistic and technological prowess. Although he does not fully understand the rules, he is fascinated by the quality of the cards, far superior to human ones. The calm is broken when a girl screams upon discovering a strange creature: an “eyehead,” an ancient and poisonous being. Geralt avoids combat by using a noisy trick with a pot lid, scaring off the monster without shedding blood. Zoltan is impressed and, jokingly, decides to continue the march. Later, in a private conversation, the dwarf reveals he knows all about the witcher’s mission: that he seeks Ciri, the “Surprise” of his destiny. Geralt tries to keep his distance from the group, fearing that his personal mission might be compromised. Milva confronts him, showing that they understand him more than he admits. However, the witcher’s resolve to go on alone falters as he shares his dreams with Milva, where he sees Ciri happy but surrounded by death. His decision to press forward is reaffirmed, despite the warnings.

Shortly thereafter, the group spots a farm in the middle of the woods. The presence of smoke and food raises suspicions, and they soon discover the place is infected with smallpox. They decide to retreat, but witness the arrival of a group of bandits abusing a young woman. Geralt, fed up with his inaction, takes Zoltan’s sihil and attacks with fury. With the help of Milva and the dwarves, he kills most of them, though some manage to flee. One escapes wounded but is mysteriously killed, suggesting that Cahir, the young Nilfgaardian, follows them like a shadow. Despite their differences, he seems to protect them from afar. The scene leaves a deep mark: the assaulted young woman neither thanks nor seeks comfort, and Geralt concludes she has no reason to be grateful. He retrieves some boots from a bandit’s corpse and they continue the journey. The group remains silent about what happened; all that remains is to move forward. Geralt no longer looks back: he has accepted that his path is not just his own, and that the darkness he faces cannot be avoided, only traversed.

Chapter 3 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Camp at Fen Carn and the Meeting with Regis

While marching south along the ancient road, Geralt’s group faces a landscape devastated by war. The once-solid path has crumbled from stone extraction used for fortifications. Zoltan Chivay laments the damage inflicted by humans on dwarven and elven works, as the company’s cart struggles to move forward. Eventually, they discover a trail left by looters’ wagons, allowing them to make progress toward the Ina River. Along the way, they encounter a riderless, bloodied horse—possibly linked to Cahir’s fate. As they delve deeper into ravaged territory, they find charred villages, corpses hanging from trees with accusatory signs, and evidence of recent skirmishes. A debate ensues about whether to continue on the road or enter the forest. Milva decides it is safer to risk the monsters of the woods than the cruelty of men. And so, they venture into the thicket, drawing ever closer to the warfront.

The group reaches Fen Carn, an elven cemetery shrouded in mist, where they choose to camp for the night despite their fear of ghouls and other creatures. While setting up, Percival claims to have seen a figure moving among the tombs. Geralt, Zoltan, and the gnome investigate, only to discover a man hiding beneath a dolmen: Emiel Regis, a peculiar but well-mannered barber-surgeon who summers there to gather herbs—particularly mandrake. Initially suspicious, the group softens when Regis invites them to his hut, revealing a sophisticated alchemy lab and offering distilled mandrake liquor. The mood lightens quickly with the potent drink. Zoltan, Dandelion, Percival, and the others engage in lively conversation, while Regis demonstrates deep knowledge of herbs and medicine. Geralt, impressed by his insight, accepts Regis’s diagnosis of his lingering joint pain. In the end, Regis chooses to join the group, feeling his place is no longer in Dillingen, but among those who protect women and children.

Regis’s liquor unlocks confessions, stories, and songs. Zoltan criticizes the regime of Mahakam and the old ruler Brouver Hoog, while a drunken Dandelion accidentally reveals the group’s true mission: to rescue Ciri from Nilfgaard. Regis listens without judgment, limiting himself to discreet comments. Milva, increasingly affected by the drink, reveals a rare vulnerability, and her tears are noticed by everyone. Meanwhile, in a distant village, Ciri and the Rats burst into a local dance, instilling fear among the villagers. But after paying and demanding music, Ciri and Iskra lead a wild dance atop a table, earning the crowd’s admiration. The intensity of the rhythm erases the outside world, and Ciri, euphoric, surrenders to the moment, feeling one with the music and her new identity: Falka. The evening ends in a frenzy of dance, emotion, and inner fire, solidifying the bond between the two girls and marking Ciri with a mixture of power, desire, and belonging.

Chapter 4 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Trial by Fire and the Rescue of the Accused Witch

At dawn in Fen Carn, the company resumes their journey, weighed down by the excesses of the previous night. Milva, hungover from the mandrake liquor, marches in silence, while Regis leads with unexpected energy. Along the way, they encounter a group of peasants armed with stakes and tools, searching for the tomb of a supposed vampire. Upon seeing Milva’s black horse, they insist on using it to locate the undead, claiming the animal will halt at the right grave. Tension rises when they reject any other horse and insult Milva, questioning her virtue and bravery. She reacts violently, knocking one of them unconscious and alarming the others. Upon realizing she didn’t kill him, she vomits—an emotional reaction that surprises everyone. Regis diagnoses the villager with a mild concussion, and the group agrees to escort him back to camp to settle the dispute before a judge.

At the camp, the villagers demand compensation for the injuries to their comrade, Cloggy. Milva tries to remain calm, but the men insist on being paid in horses. Zoltan nearly starts a conflict, but Geralt steps in and proposes to speak with the camp leader, who is currently presiding over a trial against a supposed witch. The accused is a strange, quiet young woman, allegedly linked to a black cat that was supposedly boiled to create an infernal potion. The local priest, fanatical and delirious, presents a bone as evidence, but Percival proves that the cat is still alive, dismantling the entire accusation. When the priest demands a trial by fire using red-hot horseshoes, Regis calmly intervenes, reaching into the flames and pulling out a burning horseshoe without injury. The ordeal clears the young woman of guilt, but the priest accuses Regis of witchcraft. Before the situation escalates, shouts announce a Nilfgaardian attack. Chaos erupts, the crowd flees, and the camp descends into disarray. Geralt and Dandelion are trapped, separated from their companions amid the panic and trampled by the stampede.

Amid dust, fire, and screams, Geralt and Dandelion barely manage to shelter beneath a cart as the camp is overrun. A blow to the head renders the witcher unconscious just as cavalry storms the area. Upon waking, they are mistaken for deserters by Temerian soldiers. They are bound and dragged to a military camp, where Dandelion tries to use his fame to plead their case. Eventually, they are brought before Count Daniel Etcheverry and Marshal Vissegerd, who recognizes Geralt as the man connected to Ciri. Despite Etcheverry’s attempts to defend them, Vissegerd accuses the witcher of treason and of handing Ciri over to Nilfgaard. Dandelion tries to explain that Geralt protected her, but Vissegerd remains determined to punish them. Blinded by resentment and politics, the marshal declares that Calanthe’s blood is impure and that Geralt must pay for his past decisions. Without a fair trial, Geralt is condemned by fate.

Chapter 5 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Crossing of the Ina, Betrayals in Nilfgaard, and the Forging of the Brotherhood

The Seventh Daerlanian Cavalry Brigade executes Operation Centaur under sinister orders: eliminate prisoners, terrorize civilians, and simulate sieges to demoralize the enemy. Meanwhile, Milva tries to recover the stolen horses after the attack on the camp. Amid the chaos, she dives into the reeds to evade the Nilfgaardians, survives by crossing the river among corpses, and chases the thieves. She recovers Pegasus, Dandelion’s horse, and confronts the peasants just as Roach, Geralt’s mare, throws off her rider. The confrontation turns violent: Milva knocks Cloggy down but is struck and overpowered until Cahir—the enigmatic knight she’s encountered before—appears and rescues her. Despite their differences, they flee together and hide in the forest. Milva begins to question Cahir’s true nature and his alleged betrayal as they are forced to collaborate to survive in the midst of the imperial offensive.

Isengrim Faoiltiarna, leader of the Scoia’tael, brutally interrogates a Nilfgaardian spy involved in a failed kidnapping attempt. He learns that Vilgefortz, Rience, and Cahir are now considered traitors by the Empire following the failures at Thanedd, and that Emperor Emhyr has ordered their capture. The elf reveals he had cooperated with Nilfgaard believing he had imperial support, only to be ambushed. Recounting the events at Thanedd, he confesses how his unit was deceived, how Cahir failed to capture Ciri, and how he handed Cahir over to superiors to clarify his allegiance. However, the subsequent betrayal raised doubts about everyone’s loyalty. Meanwhile, in Nilfgaard, Assire var Anahid and Fringilla Vigo discover that the Ciri in Loc Grim is a fake, thanks to a strand of hair—uncovering a plot that has endangered Cahir. Meanwhile, Milva, Cahir, and Regis locate Geralt and Dandelion, prisoners in Fort Armeria, and plan to rescue them before dawn.

Regis succeeds in freeing Geralt and Dandelion using his mysterious magic. During the escape, they are pursued, and Dandelion is struck in the head by an arrow. Geralt shields him, and the two flee through the battlefield between both armies. They reunite with Milva, Regis, and Cahir, who are waiting by the riverbank. While Regis heals the bard, Geralt discovers that his rescuer is a vampire. Though he threatens him, he ultimately lets him go, unable to kill him. He then confronts Cahir, who claims he wants to protect Ciri, asserting that she is not in Nilfgaard. The group resumes their journey through the Yaruga marshes and, on a remote island, they share a makeshift soup that strengthens their bond. Geralt tries to send them away to continue alone, but his companions refuse. Ultimately, they decide to stay together and seek the druids of Caed Dhu in Angren, hoping their magic will reveal Ciri’s whereabouts. Thus, amid jokes, tension, and wounds, a new brotherhood is forged.

Chapter 6 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Secret of the Elder Blood and Yennefer’s Escape

Ciri, trapped between memories and confusion, wrestles with her identity while sharing tense moments with Mistle. Though she tries to reject the physical contact and games she once tolerated, she realizes she stays with the Rats out of fear of loneliness. During an ambush, she displays her combat prowess by killing a soldier with a technique learned at Kaer Morhen. Later, in a raided coach, she demands a brooch from a young noblewoman, revealing how hardened she has become. Meanwhile, Yennefer is freed from her compressed form by Francesca Findabair in Dol Blathanna and learns of the chaos that followed her capture. Weakened but defiant, Yennefer discovers that Geralt is alive and that Ciri is missing. Francesca invites her to join a secret society of sorceresses called the Lodge, which plans to intervene in the fate of the continent through the power of magic.

In Montecalvo, the Lodge meets for the first time, with sorceresses from across the continent, including Yennefer, now introduced as a new member. Philippa Eilhart reveals her ambitious plan: to place a sorceress on the throne of Kovir to balance Nilfgaard’s power. After intense debate, Ciri is identified as the sole bearer of the Elder Blood, the genetic heir of Lara Dorren. Francesca recounts the secret genealogy connecting Ciri to the elven prophecy of “Rebirth and Destruction,” and how the bloodline was carefully manipulated over generations. While some question the validity of the prophecies, most accept Ciri’s importance. The meeting becomes tense when it is revealed that the Ciri held by Emhyr in Nilfgaard is an impostor. The sorceresses conclude that the real Ciri escaped through the portal at Tor Lara, though her location remains unknown. The pressure mounts for the Lodge to act before Vilgefortz or the Empire does.

As the Lodge debates how to retrieve Ciri and confront Vilgefortz, Yennefer secretly plans her escape. Fringilla Vigo, the Nilfgaardian sorceress, senses her intent and offers a cryptic conversation during the banquet. Though technically enemies, they exchange warnings disguised as courtesy. Yennefer understands the risks of casting spells without proper components, but also that time is running out. With an improvised incantation, she breaks through Montecalvo’s magical barrier and escapes. Her disappearance causes alarm among the sorceresses, but Triss and Margarita defend her, insisting her loyalty remains intact. The scene shifts abruptly to Dijkstra, who discovers the remains of tortured young women in Vilgefortz’s hidden laboratory. The evidence is chilling: a pattern of experimentation on women with possible genetic ties. Meanwhile, Stephan Skellen hires the sadistic Bonhart to hunt Ciri. The Lodge, divided and stunned, realizes that time is slipping away—and that their only hope to reshape the world’s fate lies in finding Ciri before their enemies do.

Chapter 7 Summary – Baptism of Fire – The Yaruga Bridge and the Birth of Geralt of Rivia

During a break in the group’s journey, Regis reveals that Milva is ten weeks pregnant, shocking everyone—especially considering the physical and emotional strain she has endured. The conversation becomes delicate when Regis explains that Milva asked him for an abortive, and though he has already prepared it, he awaits a mutual decision. Deeply affected, Geralt volunteers to speak with Milva. In the stillness of the forest, Milva confesses that the pregnancy resulted from a night of fear and despair among a group of elves. She admits she joined Geralt out of guilt, driven by an unconscious desire to redeem herself by helping rescue a child that isn’t hers. The heartfelt, painful conversation ends with Geralt offering emotional support, and Regis, in a silent gesture, throws the flask containing the abortive into the woods—symbolizing a decision made without words. The group’s bond grows stronger.

To protect Milva, the group plans to cross the Yaruga without passing through Ysgith. They find a clandestine ferry and, after intimidating the hesitant ferryman, begin the crossing. But chaos erupts when two rival armies spot them—Lyrians from the left bank and Nilfgaardians from the right. Trapped in the middle, they’re bombarded with arrows from both shores. Regis is struck but shocks everyone by rising unharmed, revealing his vampiric nature. Milva displays deadly precision, shooting down Nilfgaardian officers with pinpoint arrows. When the ferry becomes stuck near a bridge, the group is caught in another wave of projectiles. Milva is wounded and suffers a miscarriage. As Regis tries to save her, Geralt, Cahir, and Dandelion leap onto the bridge and organize an improvised defense, rallying retreating soldiers. Together, they repel the Nilfgaardian advance and stabilize the bridge’s defense in a battle that marks a turning point.

The fighting on the bridge reaches a critical peak. Cahir and Geralt, side by side, emerge as unexpected leaders of the Lyrian resistance. Battling through barricades and flames, they inspire the soldiers while fending off waves of Nilfgaardian cavalry. Cahir falls before a man who recognizes him from the past but is saved by a mercenary dwarf. Geralt, injured by a brutal blow, is knocked down. The clash ends when the Lyrian forces, bolstered by the duo’s leadership, manage to repel the enemy thanks to their sacrifice. Later, as Geralt recovers, a regal figure approaches: Meve, Queen of Lyria and Rivia. Wounded but proud, she thanks the witcher for saving her army. In a solemn gesture, punctuated by dry laughter, she knights him. Geralt accepts without protest, and thus is born “Geralt of Rivia”—not as an outcast witcher, but as a hero honored by the Crown. The scene closes with a silent gesture of respect between his past and the destiny that now awaits him.

Conclusion – Baptism of Fire

Not all battles end when the swords fall silent. Some only begin when oaths are sworn. Baptism of Fire doesn’t close a chapter—it opens one with a roar, a knighthood, and a vow. The White Wolf no longer walks alone, and his name—now honored by the crown—carries not a shield, but a scar shared by all who crossed that cursed bridge.

In this novel by Andrzej Sapkowski, ghosts aren’t exorcised—they’re embraced, dragged, and buried in the mud of a world that punishes weakness. Geralt is no longer just a wandering witcher; he becomes a leader forged in loss, shaped by choices that bring him closer to Ciri, even if the cost is the humanity he thought he had lost long ago. The brotherhood born here is not made of honor, but of fear, necessity, and a hope that refuses to die.

Because what begins as a rescue turns into a rebirth. And to follow the next step in this path of blood and magic, you can continue with: Book Summary by Chapter – The Tower of the Swallow ➤

FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – Baptism of Fire

Why does Geralt ultimately accept the companionship of Milva, Regis, Cahir, and the others?

Geralt accepts their company not out of strategy, but because he realizes the weight of his quest is too much to bear alone. Each character is broken in their own way—Milva with her silent grief, Regis hiding his monstrous nature, Cahir seeking redemption. What starts as an accidental alliance becomes a fellowship forged in pain. Their loyalty, born of personal demons, slowly earns Geralt’s trust and reshapes his path. They’re not just followers—they become the moral spine of the journey.

What is the symbolic significance of the Yaruga Bridge in Baptism of Fire?

The Yaruga Bridge represents Geralt’s rebirth—not just as a witcher but as a recognized leader. By holding the line beside Cahir, he earns not just survival, but honor. When Queen Meve knights him, it marks a turning point: Geralt is no longer a wandering outcast but a hero of a nation. For readers, this moment underscores how heroism in Sapkowski’s world is carved through suffering, not glory. The bridge becomes the crucible where Geralt’s destiny is forged.

How does Regis’s presence reshape the dynamic of the group?

Regis brings a deeply reflective and stabilizing force to the group. Far from being just a wise eccentric, he is a vampire who has chosen restraint and wisdom over instinct. His knowledge, healing skills, and calm demeanor provide balance amid the chaos of war. His presence also challenges Geralt’s black-and-white view of monsters, offering a nuanced take on morality. Regis proves that redemption is possible—even for those who seem beyond saving.

What emotional arc develops between Cahir and Milva throughout the novel?

Cahir and Milva begin with mutual mistrust, but survival forces them into reluctant alliance. Both carry heavy emotional burdens—Cahir with his betrayal at Thanedd, Milva with her unwanted pregnancy and shame. As they flee, fight, and confide in each other, their bond becomes one of raw honesty. Though not romantic, it’s deeply human. Through each other, they confront their pasts and find a reason to keep going—not for glory, but for healing.

What does Milva’s miscarriage during the Yaruga battle represent in her character arc?

Milva’s miscarriage is more than a tragic event—it’s a crucible of transformation. In losing the child, she sheds not just pain but an unspoken guilt. It becomes a brutal but liberating moment that crystallizes her inner strength. Far from weakening her, it elevates her as the emotional core of the group. She’s no longer just a warrior or a helper—she becomes the soul of the brotherhood, embodying resilience in the face of devastation.