Everyone enjoying this? How'd you like my loophole?
Chapter 28--Invading Force
The hall was dark with only a few torches lit. Drizzt searched the gloom carefully, but there were no signs of life. Now Drizzt knew that the thieves in the guild would probably flee if they could, but there should be guards.
"Looks like there's no one here. The cowards must have fled," a guard said.
"Yes, it does and that's when you should be the most cautious," Drizzt said. He started slowly down the hall, one hand going to one of the newly returned scimitars. His senses screamed danger as he moved forward. He stopped halfway down the hall suddenly.
"What's wrong? Why have you stopped?" Herrick asked.
Drizzt looked over his shoulder, noticing the spear one of the guards was carrying. "I need to borrow your spear," he said.
The guard hesitated then handed it over. Drizzt began tapping the butte of the spear on the floor in front of him. Suddenly there was a click and a rumble. Drizzt pulled the spear back just as a block from the ceiling crashed to the floor. Anyone who'd been in that spot would have been crushed.
Drizzt gave the spear back. "I think he has set traps along this hall to stop anyone from getting in. We'll have to move slowly and carefully," he said.
"Are you a thief?" a guard asked. "One would think so."
"No, I just have a sixth sense about finding traps," Drizzt said and moved on.
Drizzt could see fine, but that was not the case for the guards. Several times someone stumbled and almost fell.
Herrick had made his way to Drizzt's side. "So, ranger, where do you think the guards are?" he asked.
"Not sure, with the guild master or perhaps setting up an ambush," Drizzt replied.
They continued on their way until they reached the stairs. Drizzt frowned and turned to Lord Herrick. "I'll go up and make sure all is clear. Wait here," he said.
"Not alone, I'm going with you," Captain Tyrel said. His tone left no room for argument.
Drizzt decided not to waste time. "As you wish," he said and started up the stairs with Tyrel close behind. He paused to check each step, which meant it took a long time for them to get out of sight of the others.
Nothing happened all the way up two flights and that worried Drizzt. Something was wrong; he could feel it. They went slowly up the last flight of stairs.
Drizzt stopped short. There, in front of him, stood Kiel with six guards. A sudden hard push from behind sent him stumbling forward.
The six guards reacted immediately, tearing the blades from his hands then seizing his arms. He was forced to his knees at Kiel's feet.
Drizzt glared at Captain Tyrel. "You miserable traitor," he hissed.
"Oh, the captain was actually very loyal to his Lord so he had to be removed. Sarez is very good at removing people," Kiel said. "Show him."
The figure changed revealing a doppleganger. A shape changer that was neither male nor female with no identifying features. They were deadly assassins as well as skilled mimics. Just then Drizzt heard the clash of weapons from below.
"It looks like you were right about the ambush. What a pity," Kiel said. "We'll return to my chambers. Take the Drow to the dungeon below. Sarez, retake the good captain's form and make sure Herrick doesn't survive."
The doppleganger changed form. "He'll die by my dagger, master," he said then hurried off towards the fight.
Drizzt struggled against the guards hold as he was dragged roughly away.
Once in his chamber, Kiel ordered Zara summoned. When she arrived he studied her. "Is it ready?" he asked.
"It will be tomorrow, it's a difficult spell," Zara said.
"It'll work as you claimed?" Kiel asked.
"Yes master, he'll be yours to command," Zara said.
"Leave me, finish the spell. It had better work for your sake, mage," Kiel warned.
Zara bowed and left the room. She hated the way he treated her--like a servant. Perhaps she could turn the spell to her advantage…..
Like it? Then R/R please!!