The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers countless intricate side quests, and "A Knight's Tales" in the Blood and Wine expansion stands out for its tragic folklore and branching paths. Players meet Jacob, a woodcutter near Fox Hollow, who discovers a bleeding tree that holds the trapped soul of a woman named Daphne. Resolving this mystery requires investigating local legends, confronting a witch, and choosing the proper path to break the curse.
Starting the Quest and Investigating the Tree
To begin the mission, Geralt can either pick up the notice from the board at Castel Ravello Vineyard or speak directly with Jacob near Fox Hollow. After examining the strange bleeding tree with Witcher Senses, Geralt learns about a local legend involving a witch on Lynx Crag. Reading the book provided by Jacob gives crucial context needed to properly navigate the upcoming dialogue choices.
Confronting the Witch of Lynx Crag
Geralt must travel northwest to Lynx Crag to locate the witch responsible for the original curse. Inside her hut, players should carefully search for clues before initiating conversation to uncover the full story of Sir Gareth. Approaching the witch with respect and asking about Sir Gareth's fate allows Geralt to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
Lifting the Curse and Securing the Best Ending
To break the curse without violent repercussions, Geralt must retrieve Sir Gareth's remains from the nearby cave and offer a lock of his own hair to the witch. Returning to the bleeding tree, Geralt lights the four ritual fires around the site to release Daphne's spirit safely. Following these precise steps ensures that Daphne passes on peacefully while Jacob remains unharmed.
Alternative Choices and Quest Consequences
If Geralt chooses to lift the curse without the witch's explicit help or threatens her into compliance, the ritual goes awry. Attempting the ritual independently results in Daphne transforming into a wraith that Geralt must destroy in combat. Forcing the witch to help leads to a tragic outcome where a possessed animal slays Jacob, proving that diplomacy yields the cleanest outcome.
