Happy 4th of July everyone!!!! *Plot Bunnies wave flags and sparklers* Welcome to my new reviewers! Thanks to the two reviewers that noticed my typo!!!

Chapter 22--Loyalty

The yeti might have killed Drizzt in that moment, but another combatant entered the battle. Rogue lunged between the yeti and Drizzt. He reared, neighing in challenge. Dropping to all fours, the stallion bared his teeth, seeming to dare the yeti to fight him.

The yeti lunged forward and Rogue reared again. The yeti was knocked back and to the ground. It avoiding being trampled under Rogue's hooves by sheer luck. It got back to its feet and attacked again. Lashing out, it slashed Rogue's shoulder.

Drizzt blinked startled as the yeti suddenly seemed to get smaller, more normal sized, and slower.

The stallion refused to back off even injured. It spun and kicked out with his hind feet, knocking the yeti down again. He trampled the yeti brutally under his hooves; ignoring the stinging wounds the yeti gave him with its claws.

Drizzt winced as he heard bones being broken and crushed under Rogue's hooves. Finally the yeti laid still, it was dead.

Terrin cursed. "Damned horse, the Drow would be dead if it hadn't interfered," he muttered. He left quickly before he was spotted.

Drizzt got to his feet and retrieved his scimitars. He went to Rogue's side and examined the wounds. The stallion nuzzled him affectionately as he did so. "You need tending, my friend. We better go back to Bryn Shander," he said. He felt it would be best to walk back and Rogue followed him.

The stable master was startled to see him. He saw Rogue's wounds. "What happened?" he cried, kneeling by the stallion.

"Yeti, he got hurt defending me. Can you help, Taz?" Drizzt asked.

"I can, but it will take awhile," Taz said.

Drizzt nodded. "I will be back later then," he said and left. He went to his usual inn, the Red Dragon and sat down at the bar.

Lars, the owner, came over right away. "It's good to see you again. We were relived to hear you were indeed alive after your disappearance. What can I get you? It's on the house," he added.

"Thank you, Lars, brandy, if you please," Drizzt said.

"Right away," Lars said. He fetched the drink and set it in front of him. He studied Drizzt and frowned. "You look a might tired, if you don't mind me saying so. I got an empty room. Would you like to use it?" he asked.

"Drizzt shook his head. "No, thank you, my friend. I'll be fine," he said.

"Very well. If you change your mind let me know," Lars said and moved off to tend another customer.

Drizzt heard someone come up behind him and turned sharply. He found himself staring into Arian's face.

The young man's face was filled with relief and joy. "It's true, you 're alive! I heard the rumors that you had returned and you were alive, but I feared it was untrue. I am glad to see you!" Arian said.

Drizzt was pleased to see him. Wulfgar had mentioned that his apprentice had left only a few days after his death had been announced. "I'm surprised it took you so long to return," he said.

"I had made another commitment. I came as soon as I could. Will you still train me?" Arian asked.

"If you're still interested in being a ranger," Drizzt said.

"I am and thank you," Arian said firmly.

*Meanwhile*

Terrin knocked on the door to his patron's room, not relishing telling him that he'd failed again. A voice told him to enter and he did, closing the door.

The man rose from his chair. "Is it done? Is he dead?" he asked.

"Errr, well, not really, sir…"Terrin began.

The man didn't let him finish. "Incompetent fool! It's only one task I ask of you! Just one!!!" he yelled.

"But Master Adain, it isn't that easy," Terrin protested.

"I told you not to use my name! Get out! Get out now and do what you're supposed to do!!" Adain bellowed.

Terrin bowed and left the angry merchant alone to brood. He closed the door behind him.

"Damn you Drow. You've got more lives then your devil cat, but I won't rest until I see you dead, even if I must kill you myself," Adain growled. He took out a piece of parchment and began to write a letter. He would seek the help of another employee who had disposed of Larson for him….

So now you know. I bet you thought I'd forgotten about those two, huh? Surprise!!! R/R please!!!! *Waves at Readers*