Preparing for the Quest
In the engrossing main quest "Taking French Leave" of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, you’re tasked with the daring mission of infiltrating Maleshov fortress through a secretive passage. This quest is more than just a typical infiltration; it’s a test of your survival skills, stealth, and attention to detail. Rosa Ruthard provides you with a set of directions that, while detailed, can often be confusing and hard to follow, especially when the in-game journal doesn’t offer much additional help. To ensure you don’t get lost in the dense forests and obscure landmarks, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the steps involved. Before you set out, make sure you have a spade in your inventory. I find it convenient to keep a spade in my horse’s inventory and simply whistle for it when needed. The journey begins at Hashtal’s stud farm, which is located northwest of Maleshov. This starting point will serve as your base for the next few tasks.
Finding the First Stone Cross
Once you have your digging tool, head over to Hashtal’s stud farm. This farm is a bit of a hidden gem, set away from the main roads and surrounded by the serene countryside. You can ask Hashtal for horses and supplies if you need them, and he’ll be happy to oblige. However, the primary focus here is to follow Rosa’s directions to find the secret passage. To begin, take the road south of the farm until you see a small, unassuming shrine. This shrine is marked by a simple wooden cross and a flickering flame. After reaching the shrine, turn right and follow one of the two trails leading into the woods to the left. You’ll soon come across the ruined chapel window that Rosa mentioned. Look out the window, and you’ll see the ruins you need to head to next. Henry, your protagonist, will start talking to himself, a quirk that adds a bit of charm and tension to the game, indicating that you’re on the right track.
Locating the First Ruins
From the chapel window, follow the direction of the ruins you see. Henry’s self-dialogue will guide you, but it’s also helpful to keep an eye on your map. You’ll eventually reach the first set of ruins, where a bonfire is situated. This bonfire serves as a checkpoint and a place to rest if you’re feeling a bit worn out from the journey. Once you’re at the bonfire, turn left and look for a section of wall and the first stone cross. The cross will be pointed north, clearly indicating your next direction. The stone cross is a significant landmark, and its exact location is crucial to your success. Here is the precise location of the first stone cross on the map:
Discovering the Second Stone Cross
With the first stone cross in your sights, follow the direction it’s pointing. You’ll soon find yourself nearing a river, which is clearly visible on the map. The second stone cross is located just south of the river. This cross is typically surrounded by a few trees and is slightly hidden, so you’ll need to explore the area carefully. The second stone cross will point in the direction you need to follow, leading you to the next crucial point. Here is the exact location of the second stone cross on the map:
Finding the Maleshov Secret Tunnel
Now comes the most critical part of the quest: finding the entrance to the Maleshov tunnels. Follow the direction the second cross is pointing, and head northeast past the river. You’ll come across a small hill climb with some trees. The final stone cross is leaning against one of these trees, and it’s here that the entrance to the tunnels lies. However, the entrance is initially hidden and needs to be dug out. Call your horse to get your spade unless you’re already carrying it. Make sure your horse isn’t standing directly on the digging area to avoid any unnecessary complications. Start digging right near the final stone cross. Once you’ve dug out the entrance, you’ll find the hidden trapdoor leading to the underground passage. Congratulations, you’ve successfully located the entrance to Maleshov’s secret tunnel!
Preparing for the Rescue
With the entrance to the tunnel now open, you’re ready to proceed with the next phase of the quest: rescuing Hans. This part of the mission can be quite challenging, as the fortress is heavily guarded, and navigating the dark, twisty tunnels requires both stealth and combat readiness. It’s a good idea to ensure you have a sturdy horse, as you might need to make a quick escape once Hans is free. Did you know there’s a secret perk that can significantly boost your horse’s stats? To take full advantage of the game’s many attribute-enhancing buffs, check out KCD2’s full list of hidden perks. These perks can provide you with much-needed advantages, whether it’s increased speed, better health, or enhanced detection skills. With everything in place, it’s time to venture into the unknown and complete your mission. Good luck, and may the gods watch over you!
