Okay, sorry, real life got in the way again…glad everyone liked the chapter and don't worry we'll get back to the villain soon….

Chapter 12--Rescuing A Stranger

Catti-brie sang to herself as she entered the kitchen from shopping. It had been a month since Zak's birth and it had been the happiest she'd ever had. Sabrae had left three weeks ago. They had gotten many letters, visitors and gifts. She entered the living room and was greeted by a sight that she wished could be captured. Drizzt was asleep in a chair with his feet up and Zak was cradled to his chest also sound asleep. Suddenly someone tapped on the door. Catti-brie hurried over and opened it before it woke Drizzt or the baby.

It was Delly, Wulfgar and Colson. Catti-brie touched her finger to her lips to tell them to be quiet then let them in and closed the door. She pointed towards Drizzt.

Both looked and smiled then followed Catti-brie to the kitchen. "He was up late last night. He goes back to his duties tomorrow and the novice rangers he's to train will be here next week," she said.

"So how is he handling fatherhood?" Wulfgar asked. "I know he was nervous about it."

Catti-brie laughed. "He be doin' fine. I knew he would. He can calm Zak down much easier then me when he fusses," she said.

"Aunt Cat, do you and Uncle Drizzt still love me?" Colson asked. Her lip trembled.

Catti-brie knelt and hugged her. "Of course we do, but Zak is too little to take care of himself so he needs us. Would ye like to come over tomorrow and help me while Drizzt is out on his patrol? We can bake cookies and ye can help take care of Zak," she suggested.

A smile broke out on Colson's face and she flung her arms around Catti-brie's neck. "Yes!!" she cried and looked at Delly. "Can I ma, da, please?" she pleaded.

"Of course, I'm sure you'll be a lot of help to your aunt," Delly said.

"I agree with that," Drizzt said from behind them.

"So ye got yer beauty sleep in?" Catti-brie teased. "Ye looked so sweet."

Zak whimpered then began to cry. "The little one's hungry and I can't do much for that," Drizzt said.

Catti-brie straightened up and took Zak from him. "Hush, we'll fill yer tummy, hush sweet," she crooned. They went into the next room, so Zak could nurse while they visited.

Colson showed up around midday the following day. "Hi, Aunt Cat! What are we going to do first?" she asked eagerly.

"Well, Zak needs his bath then he should be put down for his nap. Would you like to help with his bath?" Catti-brie asked.

"All right then after he's in bed are we going to make cookies?" Colson asked.

"That's right, so let's be getting' started," Catti-brie said and led Colson upstairs.

*Meanwhile*

Drizzt knelt to examine the ground for the third time in an hour. The tracks were made by a horse's hooves and headed towards Bryn Shander. That made it certain that the horse had a rider instead of being a wild one. It was then he heard a woman scream. He drew his scimitars and charged that way, ready to fight. When Drizzt saw what was going on he knew the situation was dire. A horse laid on its side, kicking in its death throes and a woman cringed back in terror from a snarling yeti.

Shouting to get the yeti's attention away from the woman, Drizzt charged towards the beast. It worked as the beast turned to face him, snarling and claws bared. It slashed at Drizzt, but missed when he dodged. Twinkle slashed across the yeti's arm, cutting to bone.

It screeched in pain then lunged. Drizzt dodged again and its lunge carried it past him. It was a young yeti, so it was a bit less formable then an adult. He plunged Twinkle into its back before it could turn and it fell dead. Drizzt turned to the woman.

"Thank you, I.." she began then got a close look at Drizzt. Her eyes widened as if she'd seen a demon. She screamed even louder before and backpedaled. She tripped as she did so and landed on her backside. She screamed even louder, making Drizzt wince from the shrillness of it.

Drizzt sighed inwardly. Here we go again, he thought ruefully. He steeled himself to begin the tedious task of convincing the woman he was not going to hurt her. He didn't realize that hostile eyes were on him…

Just what Drizzt needs, a hysterical woman and an unknown watcher! R/R please!!!