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Chapter 8--Guenhwyvar's Aid

Several hours passed without anyone saying much. Suddenly Guenhwyvar sat up and leaped off the bed. She went to Catti-brie and began pawing at the pocket the statuette was in.

"What's wrong, Guen?" Catti-brie asked. She pulled out it out.

Guenhwyvar snatched it out of her hand before Catti-brie could stop her and disappeared. Guenhwyvar returned in a place that was familiar to her and to Drizzt. She looked around then took off running for her destination.

Catti-brie couldn't believe that Guenhwyvar had done such a thing. She'd never acted like that before. "I wonder what got into her," she said.

"Maybe she knows something that we don't," Regis suggested.

Catti-brie looked at Drizzt and sighed. "I hope it's something that be able to save him," she remarked.

*Meanwhile*

Sabrae was in her chambers reading when someone knocked on the door. "Come in!" she called.

The door opened to reveal a novitiate priestess. "Pardon me, high priestess, but there is an large black panther at the gate. I believe it's the ranger's, but it won't allow us to get close," she said.

Sabrae frowned and followed her back to the temple gate. The panther was sitting on the other side. Sabrae ordered the gate to be opened. "Guenhwyvar?" she said.

The panther growled. She was carrying something in her mouth, which she dropped on the ground. It was the statuette.

Watching her warily, Sabrae reached down and picked it up. Suddenly the panther's jaws closed around her wrist, but not tight enough to hurt. "What's wrong? What do you want?" she asked.

Guenhwyvar pulled her a couple steps forward then released her.

Sabrae studied her. "You want me to come with you. Is something wrong with Drizzt?" she asked.

Guenhwyvar pawed at the ground then looked directly into her eyes.

"Very well, I'll come. Just let me gather a few things," Sabrae said. Less then an hour passed and she returned to Guenhwyvar's side. "Alright, I'm ready to go."

Guenhwyvar grabbed her wrist gently again then they disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

*Back In the Dale*

Catti-brie sat by Drizzt's side, holding his hand tightly in hers. The healer had been in to check on Drizzt several time and he looked grimmer each time he did so.

Marik went into the next room and sank into a chair with a weary sigh. There was no chance that Drizzt would survive. The poison was consuming him and there was no way he could stop it. Drizzt would be dead before tomorrow morning.

Smoke formed in the room where Drizzt laid, signaling Guenhwyvar's return, but there were two clouds! The panther appeared with a female Drow!

"Drow!" Bruenor yelled. He reached for his axe, but then realized he didn't have it. He started towards her anyway. Just then Guenhwyvar let out such a menacing snarl that Bruenor froze.

"I am no enemy, please don't attack," Sabrae said.

Catti-brie frowned. She knew that voice. "Ye be the one who sent that message!" she exclaimed.

"That's right," Sabrae smiled. She looked at Drizzt with obvious concern. "What has happened?"

Catti-brie told her. "Can ye help?" she asked. "Please, I don't be wantin' to lose him."

"I'll try, but it must be through the will of the Dark Maiden," Sabrae said. She went to Drizzt's side. She began to dance as she prayed.

Catti-brie watched Drizzt's face intently looking for some signs that he was coming back to them. She was praying as well.

Sabrae could feel Ellistraee's power building inside her as she danced. Please, help him. I know he isn't one of your followers, but isn't he still one of your children? I beg you to help him, she thought.

It was dark peaceful. He felt no pain at all then he heard voices and movement. The darkness was pulling back, releasing him. The pain hit like a blade and he cried out in agony as he was pulled towards consciousness…

???????? Alive? Maybe or maybe not…R/R please!!