Well, finally able to sit down and do this chapter. I swear real life has played havoc with my updating schedule today…but here it is at last. By the way paperwork is from Cassius who is rich enough to afford it and as for big cats not purring, we'll call it poetic license, good points though!!!
Chapter 5--Of Cells and Serpents
They reached the jail much to Drizzt's relief after all the stares and whispers he had gotten from people. Captain Tyven was waiting. "Take down the complaint. I'll take Ranger Do'Urden back," he ordered one of the arresting guards. He escorted Drizzt back to the cells, closing the door to the hall. "I suppose your friends will be here soon," he remarked.
"I'm sure they will be," Drizzt sighed.
"None of us liked having to do this, but he filed a complaint," Tyven said. He opened one of the cell doors and gestured for Drizzt to enter.
"I understand," Drizzt said. He entered the cell and the door closed behind him.
Muttering to himself, Tyven left to find Larson was still there. "What can I do for you, Lord?" he asked.
"I demand that he remain in that cell until this is settled," Larson said.
"It is my decision how long he remains. Perhaps you're an important person in Silverymoon, but if you haven't noticed this isn't Silverymoon. Your title isn't worth elk dung here," Tyven said and sat down. "Now get your pompous ass out of my jail."
Larson reddened, but he didn't dare protest. He stormed out of the jail and slammed the door. Barely an hour later the door flew open. "I figured it wouldn't be long. Welcome," Tyven said.
"Save yer welcome, me girl be sayin' that ye arrested the Drow for assault and I be wantin' to know how long ye plan to keep him here?" Bruenor said.
"I am supposed to keep him here until the council hears the complaint. That is the usual way," Tyven said.
"How long will that be?" Wulfgar asked.
"Four weeks," Tyven said.
"Four weeks!!!!" Catti-brie cried. "But the babe will be comin' in three!!"
"Yes and a father should be there for the birth of his first child, captain," Delly said angrily.
"I quite agree, so Ranger Do'Urden will be released in the morning as long as he vows not to run. I know he is a man of honor," Tyven said.
Catti-brie relaxed. "Thank you, Captain, so very much," she said.
"You're most welcome, Lady Do'Urden. Don't worry; I know that Ranger Do'Urden would never send the cat to attack someone maliciously. All will be well," Tyven said.
Catti-brie and the others were satisfied. They thanked the Captain and left reluctantly.
Drizzt had a lot of trouble sleeping that night. He hated to be confined. About midnight he sat up and listened. There was something moving around outside under the barred window above the bunk. He sat up and listened, but whomever it was walked away. Jumpy fool, he chided himself and lay back down. Eventually he fell asleep.
Suddenly something landing on him jolted him awake. His eyes flew open to see the gaping jaws and fangs of an enraged Death Viper striking at his face. Acting on instinct, Drizzt got his forearm up so the bite hit him there instead of the face.
The poison hurt, it burned. A Death Viper's poison was very potent. Drizzt was unaware he was cursing loudly as he grabbed the viper by the neck with his free hand and crushed it. After a minute he'd killed it and he flung the dead viper aside.
The door flew open and Tyven rushed to the cell door. "What's wrong?!" he asked.
Drizzt found his voice had deserted him. He pointed shakily at the dead viper.
"Nine hells! Are you bitten?!" Tyven asked.
Drizzt nodded, bile rising in his throat. He didn't try to speak, knowing he would vomit if he opened his mouth right then.
Tyven entered the cell and clinched his belt around Drizzt's arm above the bite as a makeshift tourniquet. "Stay still, I'll go fetch a healer!" he said and rushed off. He knew time was of the greatest importance. The poison would kill if it wasn't dealt with quickly.
Drizzt fought the waves of nausea that washed over him and fought to remain consciousness. He feared that if he blacked out he might never wake up…..
Hmm, did people know about tourniquets then? Ah well, I'll just call it poetic license again!! R/R please!!!!
