He was traveling back to Vizima to earn some coins. He heard there is a Cockatrice in the canals and they are paying a pretty coin for that. There is still time to collect some supplies before winter comes. Honestly he wasn't in a mood for interacting with people right now but shit happens.

Suddenly he heard a noise from the bushes causing him to stop. His keen Witcher senses pick up a smell of blood, fear and a faint scent of burnt skin. "Show yourself before I drag you out of there." He grunts sheathing his steel sword and drawing his silver sword.