Hey---Where'd everyone Go?! Here's the next part!

Chapter 17--A Ranger's Duty

The rumbling got louder and Drizzt knew the avalanche was close. He had fallen back so that Fiona and the guard were in front of him. It was his duty to protect and guide travelers. He wouldn't fail now. He was relieved when Fiona and the guard made it out of its path.

Drizzt wasn't so fortunate. He was close to the edge when it hit. The horse screamed terribly when the snow hit it and fell. Drizzt's vision was white as everything spun around him.

Fiona screamed as she saw the ranger swallowed by the snow, but it missed them completely. "Oh, Gods!" she cried. She had been angry with him, but no one deserved to die like that. She started to dismount.

The guard took her arm. "Lady, we should go," he said.

"We can't just leave without trying to find him," Fiona protested.

"We have no choice. We'll never find him in that," the guard said. He took her horse's reins and led it away.

Far above the slope someone watched triumphantly. His patron would be pleased. He had decided that the Drow had to die, but it must look like a tragic accident. He had succeeded where that fool Larson had failed. He just had to collect his payment. He chanted a spell then disappeared.

*Meanwhile*

Wulfgar had searched for Drizzt for hours, but had found nothing. He was starting to worry. It was then he saw two riders coming towards him and hope filled him. When he got closer he heart sank again. It was a man and a woman. He rode forward. "Well-met, I seek a friend, a Drow Elf ranger. Have you seen him?" he asked.

Fiona swallowed. "Yes, he was guiding us, but…" she began.

"There was an avalanche and he was swept away," the guard said.

"You couldn't find him?" Wulfgar asked.

"It was useless to try," the guard said. He found himself bodily lifted off his horse by the front of his shirt by the angry Barbarian.

"Are you saying that you just left him there?!" Wulfgar growled.

"I had to get the lady to safety," the guard protested.

Wulfgar dropped him. "Bastard, where did it happen?" he demanded.

Fiona pointed. "Back there, about four miles," she said.

"If he dies you will wish you had," Wulfgar told the guard then urged his horse to a gallop, leaving them behind. He prayed to Tempos he wouldn't be to late. He found the spot and leaped off the horse. He began to search, though he knew it was probably no use. He had to try though. It was then he saw a blue glow. He hurried towards it and found the scimitar Drizzt had taken from the dragon's lair. He chose a spot and started to dig. Soon his hands were numb and bleeding, but he refused to give up until he found him. Suddenly, against all odds, he saw a flash of green. He dug as fast as he could then let out a shout. He'd found him. He turned the Drow face up. There was a nasty bump and cut on his temple where he'd hit rock and it looked like his left wrist might be broken. Wulfgar put his hand in front of Drizzt's mouth and was relieved when he could feel Drizzt's breath. He was alive. "Thank you, Tempos," he breathed.

Shoving the scimitar into his belt, Wulfgar stood and carried Drizzt to his horse . He wrapped the Drow in an extra blanket and mounted then headed for town. The nearest was Bryn Shander. He could send a message to Catti-brie from there. He was surprised to find the guard and woman still where he'd left them.

"You found him! Is he alive?" Fiona cried.

"Yes, no thanks to you," Wulfgar said, glaring at the guard. "I must get him to Bryn Shander for help."

"We need a guide to reach the city. Can we follow you, please?" Fiona asked. "We can't find it alone."

"If you can keep up, but that fool of a guard better stay out of my sight," Wulfgar snapped and raced off.

The guard and Fiona followed as fast as they could. Fiona silently vowed to apologize to the ranger for her behavior when he woke. She had treated him badly and he deserved the apology. She hoped that he would be alright….

Whoo, close call, huh? R/R please!!