A Site Of Sorcery: The Weeping Willow

Venture just west of Castle Ravello Vineyard, to Dantan Glade; a location where the Vermentino wine company has recently started clearing. You find the stout-looking Jacob, and his wolf-looking pet, looking over a strange tree. It seems this fellow, taken by fables and fairy tales, firmly believes this tree is Daphne, the cursed lady of legend. You can optionally ask if Jacob isn’t too old to believe in such tales, before asking what makes him think the tree is a cursed girl. He mentions the axe (currently burrowed deep in the trunk) caused the tree to spurt blood when he struck it! Jacob seems especially fond of fairy tales; ask him why if you wish, before agreeing to examine the tree.

Using your Witcher Senses, you can “see” a faint sound coming from the tree. Is that wailing? An inspection of the following reveals more evidence:

• The tree trunk is actually bleeding, and looks like human blood. The bark resembles hypertrophic scars in places.
• A rock by the tree has seeped blood on it.
• The tree stumps surrounding this bleeding willow tree has no other trees near it. Inspecting any of the stumps nearby confirms this.

Speak with Jacob again and confirm his suspicions. Agree to further investigation of the matter, and optionally bargain for more coin before you go. Jacob points northwest, toward Fox Hollow, indicating Miss Daphne (the possible imprisoned girl) and Sir Gareth shared a terrible and fearsome love for each other. To prove himself worthy, Gareth was to face the witch of Lynx Crag. Jacob gestures yonder, and makes mention of a kerchief given to Sir Gareth by Daphne, as a token of her favor. Perhaps finding this would help? You’re also given a book to (optionally) read to further your knowledge of this fable. Take the time to read the book. This opens up an option later on for you to prove your humility, giving you an optimal resolution.