The Suffering of Heatherton

Depart from the Inn at the Crossroads, following the rough road eastward across fords and around forests. Avoid or engage any wild creatures, before descending a hill into the mist-laden Heatherton, seemingly cast in a strange frost. Wild dogs are picking the place clean; rid the only inhabitant of these scavengers before speaking with him.

The frightened villager must be calmed using Axii during conversation, after which he tells of the time the Wild Hunt razed this village, torturing poor Hendrik before casting a chill over the place.

Head to the cabin southwest of the addled villager. The bloodied corpse of Hendrik is easy to spot, hideous in his countenance. Rummage around in his clothing (specifically, his boots) to obtain a well-hidden key. Inspect the bear skin with your Witcher Senses; a draft reveals a trapdoor the key unlocks. Descend into the gloomy cellar.

With your Witcher Senses working, pass the poster offering a reward for the return of the Baron’s daughter, and move into the adjacent room where Hendrik’s merchant ledgers must be found. Investigate the candle holder mounted on a nearby wall between the two cellar rooms; use it and a secret compartment appears, revealing the ledgers.

• “Missing and Wanted”: A report on someone matching Ciri’s description appearing in Skellige.
• “Drunken Swine”: That Ciri visited the Baron at his illegally-appropriated fort called Crow’s Perch.
• “Clashed with a Witch”: That Ciri landed in a swamp and there was conflict with a witch. Those in Midcopse may know more.v
• “Caution Advised”: Hendrik remarks that he’s being watched, his dog ran off, and there was a strange glow observed in the sky.

This quest concludes with the only two probable leads allowing you to begin two separate new Main Quests: The Bloody Baron and Witch Hunt.