Hi all, thanks Minstrel, you raised several valid points that I didn't think of that I decided were worth adding so here's the revision…
Chapter 12--Faith And Determination
Catti-brie looked up at Liana as she finished checking her over. "Is our baby all right? I can't bear to lose him," she asked.
"Everything's all right now," Liana said. She mixed herbs into a mug and handed it to her. "It'll taste a little bitter, but I need you to drink it all," she said.
Catti-brie obeyed though she grimaced a bit at the taste. "I don't believe he's dead, I won't believe it until I be seein' his body," she vowed then drifted off to sleep.
Liana left the room and closed the door then went downstairs. Everyone looked up. "I have stopped the pains and given her a sleeping drought. She's resting peacefully now," she said.
"Then she and the baby will be all right?' Delly asked.
"Yes, but she shouldn't be alone, her grief's very deep. I would suggest someone stay with her for now," Liana said.
"She won't be alone, thank you for everything, Liana," Delly said.
You're welcome and my condolences for Drizzt's loss, he was a good man," Liana said quietly and left, closing the door behind her.
"After all he and we have survived I can't believe he died in such a stupid way," Wulfgar said miserably.
"Have faith, Drizzt is strong, he might have survived," Delly offered, but she knew that it was highly unlikely.
**Meanwhile**
Drizzt had no idea how long he'd been swept down the river. The water was cold and his hands were cramping with cold and felt numb. It was all he could do to hold onto the old log he'd managed to grab. That was the only thing that had saved him from drowning. Its presence meant that the river was above ground somewhere. Drizzt coughed as a wave slopped into his face and held on grimly. His teeth were chattering so hard it hurt, but he refused to give up. He was going to survive--no matter what.
Finally Drizzt realized the log had slowed and he was in a huge underground lake. Looking around he saw the first couple of inches of a tunnel in the other side. He didn't want to be pulled into that, he'd be underwater. Peering around again, he saw a stone beach and the cavern opened up. A way out!
Holding onto the log Drizzt kicked and paddled towards the beach. At last his feet touched the bottom, letting go of the log, he splashed towards shore. His numb legs gave out before he reached dry land, forcing him to crawl the rest of the way. Once there he collapsed and exhausted from his ordeal-- he fell asleep.
Drizzt woke up feeling much better though he didn't know how long he had slept. Unfortunately there was another problem. His drenched clothes offered no warmth and he was still shivering. He had to get moving quickly before he couldn't move at all. He began checking to see what gear he had. Both his scimitars and armor, thanks to the log he hadn't had to discard them, he had Guenhwyvar safely tucked in his pouch. He still had his water skin and the packet of food wrapped in sealskin that Catti-brie had given him. He should be all right if he got moving quickly enough to get warm. He spent several minutes rubbing his legs and arms and flexing his fingers, which helped a little. He stood slowly and headed into the tunnel. The Drow's legs still felt somewhat numb from cold and he staggered like a drunk, but he figured it would pass. He was given hope by the fact that the tunnel sloped upwards and that he wasn't deep underground so he wasn't likely to run into anything big. Mielikki guide my steps, he thought. Catti-brie and the others must be worried. I hope my disappearance doesn't cause any harm to our child. I have to get back as fast as I can.
Hours passed as Drizzt walked along the tunnel, finally he was able to walk without staggering. It was still sloping upwards and he hadn't run into anything. He had finally warmed up and his clothes were starting to dry out a little. He imagined that he still looked like a half- drowned cat. The tunnel eventually narrowed and ended--at a blank stone wall. Drizzt stared at the unmovable barrier in frustration. Looking around, he realized there were other things in the area covered with dark tarps. He pulled one back to reveal a chest overflowing with coins and it was only one of many!! "What in the nine hells have I stumbled into? This is no dragon's lair, that's for sure, he thought. A hissing noise drew his attention to the wall blocking his way. A section was opening--it was a secret door!!
A Human man stood in the opening, both of them were to startled to react for an instant, but it didn't last long.
"DROW!!!" the man yelled…
Well, there you go, this story is devoted to my few, but loyal readers!!! R/R please--I need the comments!!! Let me know what you think of this new chapter 12!! Please, thank you!!!