Wow, 100 reviews, thanks everyone…
Chapter 14--Escorting A Lady
The next morning Drizzt made a makeshift harness that allowed all the horses to be hitched to the wagon while the guards and Fiona watched. Moving close to the horses, Drizzt murmured into their ears soothingly, calming them. The horses calmed almost immediately. "That's better, now let's go, my friends," Drizzt said and pulled gently at the lead horses' reins.
Snorting the horses started forward, pulling with all their might. At first the wagon resisted, but finally it was dragged free of the deep snow. "Whoa, well done, my friends," Drizzt said.
Fiona scowled at the guards. "Why couldn't you idiots think of that? I'm going to go inside and freshen up," she said. She clambered into the wagon.
Drizzt unhitched the guards' horses, realizing they were now both glaring at him after Fiona's comment. "There are safer routes to Targos then this. I will guide you to the city if you wish," he said. He pretended not to notice the look they were giving him.
"We can manage without your help, Drow," one guard snapped.
Drizzt didn't point out they weren't doing that well so far. "I believe that is the lady's decision," he shrugged.
Fiona emerged from the wagon. "Well, let's continue on to Targos," she said.
"My lady, we don't need him. We'll get you safely to your uncle," one said.
"I believe we do, Ranger Do"Urden? Shall we go?" she asked, turning to Drizzt.
Drizzt nodded. "Follow me," he said.
Fiona got the wagon moving as the guards mounted and urged their horses forward. It was slow going. The wagon wasn't made for deep snow and it kept getting stuck. The guards had to dismount and help get it free.
It began to snow heavily and Drizzt made a decision when the wagon got stuck for the fifth time in an hour. "Leave it, we have to get moving," he said.
"I most certainly will not. All my clothes and things are in it," Fiona said.
Drizzt looked up at the sky, seeing how gray it was getting. "There's a blizzard moving in. If we don't get moving we'll be caught in it and believe me you don't want that to happen," he said. He began unhitching the horses from the wagon.
"If my things are stolen I'll make you pay for them, Drow!!" Fiona warned.
Drizzt gritted his teeth and counted to ten. "No one's going to come out here in the middle of a blizzard to steal clothes," he said, trying to be patient, "and the word Drow is a curse on your lips and I'll not put up with it." He finished unhitching the horses.
"My saddle was ruined by that horrid beast," Fiona complained, "and I don't have another."
"You'll have to ride bareback," Drizzt said.
"I can't do that. I don't know how to hold on. I'll ride behind you," Fiona said decisively.
Drizzt wasn't thrilled with that idea, but he figured he had no choice. He couldn't risk her getting hurt. As soon as all was ready Drizzt mounted and pulled her up behind him. He urged the horse forward towards Targos and the guards followed.
They rode until midday before Fiona began to complain. "I'm hungry and tired. When do we stop for lunch?" she asked.
Drizzt studied the sky as the snow began to fall heavier. "We don't. The storm is getting to close," he said.
"But….." Fiona began.
Drizzt kicked the horse into a gallop before she could finish. There was no time to waste, but the storm couldn't be outrun and soon the snow was to thick to see through. Drizzt headed for a cave he knew of. They would have to spend the night there and go on in the morning. He found the cave and dismounted. After helping Fiona down he led the horse into the cave. Fiona followed and so did the guards after they'd dismounted.
Fiona looked around and saw several bundles and a large stack of firewood in one corner of the large cave. "What is this place?" she asked.
"A way station, I keep a lot of them handy in case shelter is needed. Travelers who use it are expected to restock it when they're done," Drizzt said. He went to work and soon had a fire going. It warmed the cave nicely, especially when Drizzt drew a hide cover over the entrance.
"How long will the storm last?" Fiona asked, taking a spot near the fire.
"Could be hours, could be days. No telling," Drizzt said. Using food left in the cave he fixed a meal. after eating they settled down to rest and wait for the storm to pass. An hour later Drizzt was roused from his thoughts by noises outside the curtain. He drew a scimitar and edged over to the entrance…..
Awww, how cozy and nice….*Snicker* until now…. R/R please
