Looks like I scared everyone. *Evil Laugh* Good-er, did I say that out loud? Oops! Well, enjoy….
Chapter 6--To Close a Call
When Tyven and the healer, Marik raced into the jail they expected the worse, but they were met with a completely unexpected sight. Drizzt was sitting at his desk and blood ran down his arm. The dagger Tyven kept handy in the desk lay on the desk.
Marik hurried to Drizzt's side. He noticed some of the blood was blackish. "You were wise to lance the wound," he said. He began pulling herbs out of his kit and preparing them. "It might have saved your life."
"Lucky Drow are resistant to poisons," Drizzt said with a wan smile. "I feel awful though."
"I imagine you do and you'll feel worse later. I need to give you something to get the rest of poison out of your system. It will be messy," Marik said. "Drink this." He handed Drizzt a cup.
Drizzt sighed. "I imagine it will be," he said ruefully. "You might want to find a bucket or something, Tyven or you'll have a mess." He drained the cup.
Tyven found one and set it next to Drizzt. "I can't believe that damn snake crawled into that window," he growled.
Drizzt looked at him. "It couldn't have, they don't climb and besides they aren't active at night," he said.
"But that means someone had to drop it in there!" Tyven said. He whirled and went outside, yelling for the guards. He returned after only a few minutes. "I sent some of my men to check around. I think it would be best if you --"
"He needs to be in my infirmary where I can keep an eye on him. The poison might have been absorbed more then we think," Marik said.
"That would be for the best. I will go alert his lady," Tyven said.
"No, don't wake her unless it's necessary. You can tell her in the morning," Drizzt said.
"Begging your pardon, Ranger Do'Urden, but your wife, not to mention your friends, would have my hide if I keep this from them," Tyven said.
"Then tell them I forbade you to wake them, that way only my hide is at risk," Drizzt said.
"I will. Believe me," Tyven said. He gestured to a couple guards. "Make sure they get back safely," he ordered.
Just then Drizzt gagged. Marik grabbed the bucket and held it for him. Drizzt retched violently until nothing was left in his stomach.
Marik put the bucket back. "That's good," he said.
"Perhaps to you," Drizzt said in disgust.
The guards escorted Drizzt and Marik from the jail.
Marik ordered Drizzt to lay down. "Try to sleep. You will need the rest," he said.
Drizzt obeyed and eventually slid into a restless sleep.
Marik shook his head, hoping all would be well. Perhaps Drow were resistant to poison, but the venom of a Death Viper was also very strong.
Just two hours before dawn Drizzt was running a high fever and getting delirious. Marik knew he had to summon Drizzt's family and friends. He sent one of his assistants there with orders to make haste. It was as he had feared. The poison had not been completely purged from the ranger's body. If Drizzt could not fight it off he would die before the sun set.
When everyone was there. Marik explained what had happened and what the outcome could be. "I am very sorry. I will do everything in my power to help," he concluded.
Tears sparkled in Catti-brie's blue eyes. "Can I go to him? He wouldn't be wantin' to be alone," she said.
"Of course, Lady," Marik said. He led Catti-brie to the room and put a chair by the bed. "Call if you need anything or if something changes," he said. He gestured to a basin of cold water. "Keep applying the cold cloths to his head. It might help." He left her alone and closed the door.
Catti-brie sat down carefully and studied Drizzt's face then wrung out the cloth and laid it on his forehead. "Don't ye leave me, don't ye dare," she whispered. She took his hand, noting with alarm how hot it was and held it tightly…..
He's alive, at least for now!! R/R or the Drow gets it. *Evil Smirk and Laugh*
