Niki Ágoston

Destiny Dethroned

The empress of Nilfgaard, the conjonction of the spheres and a familiar decision.

Oct 6, 2025

This is a fan theory — a fictional take on the Witcher 4 universe.

This theory explores how the empress of Nilfgaard, Cirilla, decided to become a Witcher.
No. I Will Flee No More.
Ciri in The Witcher III: Wild Hunt

A Sphere of Doubt

The empress of Nilfgaard, Cirilla Fiona Ellen Riannon, Art by Niki Ágoston
The empress of Nilfgaard, Cirilla — Art by Niki Ágoston

Ciri walked alongside the narrow river. A small hut stood out because it was the only one in miles.

She knocked on the door.

The sorcerer welcomed the young empress into his hut, without paying any attention to her strong nilfgaardian escort.

“You wanted to see me, your imperial majesty?” asked the sorcerer.

“Travelling merchants say you predict that certain events are going to occur,” replied Ciri.

“It has already happened, your majesty,” answered the sorcerer.

Ciri thought about the messengers she had sent to the kingdom of Kovir, and their failure to return in the last month.

The general of the nilfgaardian army had assured her bandits were to blame for the delay.

“Are you certain?” asked Ciri.

The sorcerer simply nodded, offended that anyone would question his expertise.

Destiny Dethroned

Cirilla Fiona Ellen Riannon, Art by Marcin Karolewski
Cirilla © CD Projekt Red — Art by Marcin Karolewski

In her quarters, the empress was giving orders to her most distinguinshed commanders.

An official envoy entered the room, bloodied, his clothes torn apart.

His message was swift and clear:

“Monsters are everywhere in Kovir, people are being hunted down by shadowy creatures. The mages there have trouble containing the situation, the king himself is threatened and his heirs are locked away in a secret room of the castle. Redania and Kaedwen are losing soldiers every day along their frontiers.”

Ciri looked at Alari, now nineteen years old. She had adopted the young man when he was just thirteen and orphan, after seeing him fight back a pack of wolves with his torch to protect his young sister.

“It’s time,” said the empress.

The young man’s eyes changed, they not only understood the responsibility of the task, but desired it as well.

“What can I do to help?” he asked, with determination in his voice.

“You already know,” Ciri said with a smile.

As she left the room, a dignitary from the duchy of Toussaint addressed her:

“But your grace, ruling is your destiny,” he shouted.

Ciri continued walking.

“I renounced my destiny once, I will do it again.”

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