Sorry DragonEyesZ, you'll just have to run the risk of shaking something loose. It will be awhile before I reveal Larson's killer. You will find out eventually though.

Chapter 10--A Murder is Discovered

Drizzt and the others were just about to leave Marik's house when someone knocked on the door. Marik opened it. "Ah, good morning Captain. Please come in," he said.

Tyven entered. "I have news that I think you want to hear. A merchant found Larson in an alley this morning with his throat cut. He's dead," he said.

"That's awful. Any idea who did such a horrible thing?" Catti-brie asked. She frowned. "Ye not be thinkin' Drizzt did it?"

"No, Lady Do'Urden. There's no way he could have. He was here, fighting for his life when it occurred. I just felt I should tell you before you heard about it on the streets," Tyven said. He looked at Drizzt. "This also means that any charges he made against you have been dropped, Ranger Do'Urden. I was glad to hear you had recovered. Good Day." Captain Tyven left.

They left the healer's house and headed for home in a very somber mood. Catti-brie had invited Sabrae to stay for a while and she had accepted. Bruenor, Regis, Wulfgar and Delly went home.

Once they returned Drizzt muttered something about being tired and went upstairs to lie down. Sabrae and Catti-brie went into the front room to talk for a bit.

Two weeks passed without incident. One night Catti-brie woke. Her nightgown and the sheets were soaking wet. Smiling, she shook Drizzt.

"What is it?" Drizzt asked, seeing his wife's big smile.

"It be time. Ye better go get everyone as planned," Catti-brie said.

Drizzt's eyes widened then he was up like a shot. "I'll be back fast as I can," he said. He yanked on a pair of breeches, and snatched up Guenhwyvar's statuette, then was out the door.

Drizzt went next door and hammered on the door until Wulfgar opened it. "Is she in labor?" Wulfgar asked. He didn't wait for an answer. "I'll wake Delly and we'll head over. Give me Guen and I'll send her to fetch Regis and Bruenor while you go get the midwife."

Drizzt handed his friend the statuette and rushed off towards town without looking back. Wulfgar went inside to wake Delly so they could go over to their friend's house.

Someone knocking on the door woke Liana. She got up and pulled on a robe then opened it. "Ranger Do'Urden! Is something wrong?" she asked.

"The baby's coming," Drizzt said.

"A little early, but not much. Wait here while I dress and gather what I need," Liana said. It seemed like a long time, but was actually only a few minutes before she was ready.

Drizzt led the way back. Delly and Wulfgar were already there.

Liana turned to Delly. "Will you show me to Lady Do'Urden?" she asked.

"Of course," Delly said and started leading her off. Drizzt looked like he was going to follow.

"No, you wait out here. A nervous father is a distraction I don't need. Sit down and relax. This is going to take a while," Liana said and followed Delly from the room.

An hour later Bruenor and Regis showed up. Sabrae, woken by the noise, joined them. Shortly after that the screams started.

Drizzt winced each time and watched the doorway with worried eyes. The others tried their best to distract him, but the cries were upsetting them too.

*In the Room*

Catti-brie panted as another labor pain tore through her. "Ohhh! It be hurtin' a lot more then I thought! Please let it be done soon!" she groaned.

Hours passed and Drizzt began to pace nervously. Night turned to day and noon came and went. It was near dusk when Liana and Delly appeared.

Everyone turned his or her attention to her expectantly.

"It's over and mother and child are fine. You may go up now Drizzt," Liana said.

Drizzt didn't wait for a second invitation. He took off upstairs.

Catti-brie looked up when he burst into the bedroom and gave him a tired, but happy smile. "Come here and see what we have brought into the world, Drizzt," she said.

Drizzt moved to Catti-brie's side to look down at the baby in her arms…

Next chapter you find out if it's a boy or girl and prepare for more sappiness!!! R/R please!!