"It former seems less likely," she agrees, quietly, gaze falling on the book, expression flicking just slightly. She almost holds her hand out, but stops herself, looking to Ciri. "May I?"

Regardless of the outcome, Herian's jaw flexes a little. "If you are right," and she dreads that it is more likely than not, "then the people here were all but tortured to their deaths."

And there were children here, either as witnesses or victims. She feels sick.