Now, she is part of Nathum’s council alongside its mayoress, Lady Dakeda. Her past spans centuries spent in two worlds. For Ruxandra’s biography did not begin in Gardyan. Instead, she was forcefully brought to the realm.

Once handmaiden to Cneajna, the wife of Vlad Dracul II., she could’ve been part of the rich legends revolving around House Draculesti and their allies. But Ruxandra got tempted by an offer that turned out to be nothing but broken promises. As one of the Witcher Kings’ chosen concubines, she agreed to move to Gardyan during a time where darkness reigned the realm, losing all her honour, dignity and opportunities in the process, as well as one leg.

​The loss of latter was responsible for her nickname “Mama Woodleg” under which she runs the Red Raven as an establishment pending between tavern, brothel and assassins headquarter. An estate’s fate not welcomed by many since it affects the reputation of House Zamedi—the original title of the Red Raven.

​​Were it not for its owner, Zazan Zamedi, Ruxandra’s patron within the domain of Gardyan, she would have not survived the torment and agony posed upon her mortal body by the Witcher King she was forced to marry. Therefore, her loyalty entirely lies with the raven shaman and Cloanta, the ravenwitch who offered her disgraced priestess redemption beyond the veil…

​

…to be continued.

“Some offers are better left unnoticed…”