Prelude to War: Aedirn is the first main quest of the second Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition act.
This specific quest, can be completed only if you choose Iorveth as your ally after you finish the first act of the game.
Along with Iorveth you left Flotsam and headed towards Aedirn.
After a short introductory cutscene, you will assume the role of Stennis, King Demavends son and the heir of the Aedirnian throne.
During his conversation with Saskia and the Priest of Kreve, you find out that Henselt, King of Kaedwen, wants to meet you to discuss the matter of a region known as Upper Aedirn. Henselt wants to claim that region, which belongs to Stennis.
The first objective of this quest is clear. You must follow Saskia and a group of dwarves to the meeting place, up in the mountains. You wont encounter any enemies on your way to Henselts camp.
Join the negotiations and you will hear what Henselt wants.
Note: No matter how you answer during the first part of the dialogue, the result is the same. Saskia wont give up the Upper Aedirn and your answers will lead to an inevitable fight against Henselt and his soldiers.
Combat Tip: Even if you dont play as Geralt, you have to parry all incoming attacks. Your main target is Henselt, so focus on him. Heavy attacks are preferred while fighting him.
After you manage to deplete Henselts health bar, you will trigger a new cutscene. Enraged, the monarch kills the Priest of Kreve and badly injures you.
Moments later, you will see Geralt arriving near Henselts camp accompanied by Iorveth, Zoltan and Dandelion. The dwarves greet you, even if you dont remember who they are. Suddenly, you notice that the sky is turning dark something is wrong. One of the dwarves informs you that Saskia attended Stenniss meeting.
The next cutscene shows Henselt fleeing when several wraiths appear in the camp. Seems that the portal used by Henselt, was opened by Sile, the sorceress. As soon as you are able to control Geralt, you should pause the game and spend the talent points you received for leveling up.
Your first objective is to protect Saskia. As you have noticed, the camp is attacked by several Aedirnian Wraiths.
Combat Tip: Against the wraiths, try to land fast and chained attacks. Move from one target to another.
After you kill the wraiths, several Draugirs will join the fight. To advance in the game, you must take them out as well.
Combat Tip: The creatures known as Draugirs can be defeated faster if you use a fire-based spell, such as the Igni Sign.
As soon as the area was cleared, a golden owl appears. It is Philippa Eilhart, the sorceress who surrounds you and your party with a magical shield. As long as you stay inside the shield you will be protected, because Philippa will also attack the ghosts that get inside.
Follow the owl across the battlefield, but no matter what happens dont leave the magic bubble.
Combat Tip: From time to time, you will be stopped by several Wraiths which will cast a green barrier around you. Usually, they are accompanied by Draugirs. Make sure you kill the Wraiths first and dispel their shields, so Philippa can cast her spell and help you kill the Draugirs.
Eventually, you will reach Philippas portal and leave the area. The portal takes you to a safe place near the City of Vergen. Once you get there, Saskia will ask you and Philippa to attend the war council, where important matters will be discussed.
When you enter the city, you will also meet a young dwarf named Skalen. If you follow him he will be your guide through the city.
Prelude to War: Aedirn ends here, and the next main-quest begins: The War Council. The Assassins of Kings quest updates as soon as you finish Prelude to War: Aedirn.
