I guess it's Happy Thanksgiving now!!
Chapter 4--Interrogations
Adain smiled thinly. "I see you are married, Ranger Do'Urden, I would love to meet the lady," he said. "If you would do me the honor."
"I'm afraid Catti-brie didn't accompany me, I had no idea there would be a gathering," Drizzt said. He was uncomfortably aware that other guests have drifted over to listen to the conversation.
"A pity, I would have loved to met the adopted daughter of the dwarves King Bruenor Battlehammer," Adain said. He took another goblet of wine from a passing servant's tray. "So is it true that Drow cut out the heart of their victims and eat it?"
Anyone that knew Drizzt well that saw the dangerous sparks in his eyes would have known how close he was to losing his temper, but Adain didn't know. "I have heard that they do that to all slain enemies even the children. Have you done it?" he asked.
Drizzt's jaw was clenched so tight that it hurt as he fought to keep control of himself, punching the merchant would certainly not help his reputation --no matter how much he deserved it.
Cassius evidently realized that trouble was brewing because he looked worried, but he obviously wasn't sure how to break the tension.
Finally Drizzt got his temper under control. "I'm sorry, but I do not discuss such things, especially at a formal gathering," he said.
"I never thought that a savage Drow would know civilized manners," Adain said. "How very intriguing."
Drizzt was sure that people could hear his teeth grind. He had an urge to shove the merchant's head into the punchbowl and hold him under until he passed out.
"So why are you on the surface? I have heard sunlight is uncomfortable for your sort?" Adain asked.
"To be blunt that is none of your business, if you'll excuse me," Drizzt said. Turning on his heel, he walked away from him.
Cassius excused himself and followed. "Please Ranger Do'Urden, he is wealthy and well connected. We need merchants like him," he said.
"Don't fret, Cassius, I'm not going to do anything to alienate him, but I dislike his rudeness," Drizzt said. "If he is wise he will stay away from me."
"Thank you, now please excuse me," Cassius said and hurried off to rejoin his guests.
Drizzt found a chair in an out of the way corner and sat down. He was getting a headache. He closed his eyes. After a minute he sensed someone standing in front of him and opened his eyes again.
A young man with black hair and green eyes stood in front of him. "I'm sorry to disturb you, sir. I just wanted to apologize for my father's rudeness and to say that you handled it admirably well," he said. He bowed. "I'm Arian, Adain is my father."
"I trust you all ready know who I am," Drizzt said.
"Oh yes, sir, I've heard a lot about you and it is an honor to meet you at last," Arian said. "Umm, may I sit down?"
"Of course," Drizzt said.
"Thank you," Arian said and sat. "I actually wanted to ask you something as well as apologize for my father. Would you be interested in taking an apprentice?"
Drizzt was caught off-guard. He stared at him for a long moment.
"I-I'm sorry, it wasn't polite of me to ask right now. If you'll excuse me, I'll leave you to your thoughts," Arian said and started to rise.
Drizzt stopped him. "It's all right, but why would you want to be my apprentice? Aren't you going to learn your father's trade?" he asked.
"I have been, but I don't want to be a merchant. I hate it, but he says I have to be because I'm his son. I want to do something more then cart goods and count money. I would be a good apprentice, sir, I've only had the basics in sword training, but I'm willing to work hard, honestly,' Arian said.
Drizzt studied him. "How old are you, Arian?" he asked.
"I'm eighteen, nearly nineteen. Will you train me, please?" Arian asked.
Drizzt considered. It was obvious the young man was serious and he was an adult by Human laws. He made his decision. "I'll train you," he said.
"Thank you, thank you so much, sir!" Arian said. His face lit up.
"Be warned that I'm very strict and I won't take excuses. I'm leaving tomorrow after the council meeting," Drizzt said. "You'll need to be ready to go by then."
"That won't be any trouble. Father and I are attending it also, I'll be ready," Arian vowed and hurried off.
Watching him go, Drizzt hoped he hadn't made a mistake…..
Well, that's it--sorry for the short chapters, but this way I update faster!! R/R please!!