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One of Geralt’s closest friends and allies, though their relationship is at best a very complicated one, Triss Merigold first grew famous for her striking auburn hair, a rare and glorious shade surely enhanced by her magic. She later grew famous as the “Fourteenth One,” or “Fourteenth of the Hill,” for it was mistakenly thought she had died during the Battle of Sodden Hill. She was restored, though much sobered by her experience. With that new maturity she thrived in King Foltest’s court and earned the king’s trust as his advisor. Her relationship with Geralt runs hot and cold, but in Foltest’s court, their old flame had most definitely rekindled.

Triss remains with Geralt after he leaves with Roche to try to hunt down Foltest’s murderer. In practical terms, she had little choice; her relationship with Geralt meant that she, too, was suspected of having a hand in Foltest’s murder. Her power is instrumental in saving Roche and Geralt from the Scoia’tael upon their arrival in Flotsam. She also proved to be an acquaintance of the sorceress Síle de Tansarville, whom Geralt meets in Flotsam. The chill in Triss’s voice during the meeting was unmistakable. If Geralt was a more perceptive man, he might have taken it as the first sign that Síle de Tansarville was a woman to be watched carefully.