Without a Trace The Witcher 3 Guide

Halfling-herbalist

You will start the quest by reading the note on the board in Brunwich village (M1,14). It's a very short mission. First go to the halfling herbalist near Oxenfurt. He will point you to the place where his friend died recently.

After finding the cart you will notice the trail

At the destination, look for a cart of the herbalist. You will find it near the main road. Blood marks found there will lead you to Erde village. Examine the last track in front of the gate and go talk with the only villagers - the elder pair. They will try to deceive you and tell you that the wolves have taken care of the body. You can uncover the truth and learn that it is different, but if you prefer to, you can also return to the questgiver and tell him what you have just learned. In that case you will not receive the payment.

The chests at the back of the house hide the entrance to the basement

Go to the back of the house of the peasants. You will find a chest with rotting meat there. If you destroy it with Aard sign, you will uncover a hatch that leads to the basement. There you will find the body of the halfling you are searching for. Now go back to the elder pair in order to interrogate them. You can decide whether you will spare their life or kill them - in both cases the questgiver will reward you with 200 crowns.