Chapter 4: A Child's Tears



Once the story was out in the open, Drizzt found it much easier to coax Solonund into practicing with his sword. Montolio also joined in, curious to see what Solonund said about the sword 's sharpness was true.

One warm afternoon, Drizzt became concerned while Montolio and Solonund sparred. Solonund was fast! So fast that he was afraid that Solonund would inadvertently hurt Montolio. Unfortunately for Solonund, he was no match for Montolio's skill.

"It is true, that is a very unique blade, son. I have known the like."

"Yes, father, as it should be. No two swords of this type that are exactly alike. This Annui sword has no enchantments, but many of them do. They teach some shamans to do nothing but enchant their weapons."

"Interesting," Drizzt said, "If they make scimitars, I would be interested in buying a pair. I may not have the gold, but if they need a ranger, I would be willing to earn such treasures."

"It would take time to get them to trust you. Even though my going to them was foretold by the elders, because I am a stranger, so I had to gain their trust. Don't worry about your skin color or your hair among them too much. Before I lived with them, none of them had seen an Elf. They did not know that Elves were a separate race than humans. Many of them have skin as dark as yours. Most of them have light brown or blonde hair. To tell the truth, I doubt they have ever heard of a Drow, much less seen one. the simple fact that you are a stranger will frighten them."

"I will keep that in mind."

"Enough banter boys, I want to see you two practice some more before we eat. Drizzt, I believe it is your turn to face me."

Solonund whooped and yelled for Drizzt. Drizzt wished that Solonund would have stayed quiet, so he could concentrate. The cheering from the side proved Drizzt's undoing in the match. Once it was over, Montolio let out a hearty laugh.

"Drizzt, you should learn to not let the commotion from observers distract you."

"I would like to see if Solonund can do better with the same sort of distraction," Drizzt replied.

"Done," Montolio said, "Solonund, get over here and try to best me."

Drizzt made the biggest commotion he could during Solonund's match. He was amazed how it did not seem to bother Solonund in the slightest. It did not help either, Montolio still got the victory.

"Now, Solonund, how did I beat you, although you did not seem distracted?"

"You could hear my gasps of breath and the song of my sword, father."

"Good, you did not seem distracted, but you were. Both of you must look for that sort of an advantage in an opponent, especially if the opponent is more keen of sense then the two of you are. Now you two pair up. I need to sit a moment and catch my breath."

Montolio sat in his chair and grabbed a water skin.

"I almost swore he could see you," Drizzt commented as he parried Solonund's strike.

Solonund began to laugh. " Just because he lost his eyesight ? Amusing! But you did not know him before he was blind, Drizzt. I know one of his secrets."

"And what is that?"

"Whenever a battle got really tough for us, he would always close his eyes. Mother used to tease him about it. It seemed to me, although, that he fought better with his eyes closed. I have never understood why."

"That seems to make sense," Drizzt said as he dealt the finishing blow to the match. This match went to Drizzt. Solonund contended that it was only because Drizzt made him laugh.

***********

That evening, Solonund began to pack his things. Summer was wearing on, and Solonund needed to leave on business the next morning. Solonund promised to tell the last story before he left.

Montolio went to Solonund and handed him a small silver pin.

"Son, is this the reason that you must leave so soon?"

Solonund looked at the pin in the shape of a delicate harp and sighed, " Partially, it is. You will understand at my tale tonight. Are you disappointed at my association with them?"

"No, of course not. Meilikki approves of the Harpers. She must, as so many druids and rangers who serve her become involved with them in some way. Perhaps it is a good thing. It will allow Drizzt and myself to find out if you are in trouble."

Solonund took the pin and hooked it to the underside of the collar of his tunic.

"Harpers do dangerous work, son. You must promise to take care of yourself, and I want you to do one more thing for me."

"Drizzt will have a hard time on the surface. Please look in on him from time to time, and help him whenever you can."

"I will. I must. He is my brother in the eyes of The Lady of the Forest. I will never betray the family she has graced to give me."

"You are a good man, and a son I am proud of."

***********

Solonund decided to tell a story of Kellindil, Dove Falconhand, and the days he adventured with them before he made his way south. He ended his story with how he found Kellindil not far from the grove, in a shallow grave. Solonund emphasized that he made sure Kellindil was burred properly and with honor.

Both Drizzt and Montolio were horrified when they heard how Solonund had found dog and human tracks at the campsite.

"Could it be Roddy McGristle would stoop so low as to murder Kellindil?" Drizzt whispered quietly into Montolio's ear.

"If he is insane enough to send Graul here to attack me to get to you, he just might do anything. Someone had led that oaf off of the scent, or he would have already returned to bother us again. Still, you may not be safe here much longer."

"So, that is why I must go," Solonund said, " I must inform Dove that her companion has been killed. I must also find Kellindil's cousins, whom I certain are wondering what happened to him."

"So, this is why you have been so moody since you came here." Montolio said.

"Yes. I have buried far too many good friends in the last eight years. We must rest now. I will probably be gone before the sun comes up. I promise to be back here near the first snowfall."

"Goodbye, my son."

"Farewell, father, I will see you when I return."

************

Solonund was true to his word. When the first few flakes of snow began to blanket the grove, Solonund returned. He did not expect to find Drizzt all alone.

"Mooshie died a fortnight ago. I buried him in the cairn next to your mother's grave. Now Meilikki looks after them both."

Solonund immediately ran to the place where Montolio was buried, fell on his knees and wept bitterly. Drizzt walked up behind him and placed his hands on Solonund's shoulders. Tears were streaming down his face as well. Solonund and Drizzt were alike in many ways. They both loved Montolio, as sons do a father. In the grove, they were free to weep and mourn for him.

**********

"I am going East, Drizzt, to catch up with Shun and the Annui. I want you to come with me."

"No, I am not ready to leave."

"You will have to sooner or later. Why not come with me? The Annui know nothing of Drow. It is your best chance to live a good life here on the surface."

"No."

"Why in the nine hells not?"

"Hooter will get lonely," Drizzt said motioning to Montolio's companion owl.

"Hooter knows father is dead, and Hooter has many friends. He can take care of himself."

"I'm staying anyway."

"Drizzt! I made a promise to take care of you. You need to come with me."

"No, I do not."

"Fine then," Solonund spouted like an angry child," I tried my best."

"Look, Solonund, I do not need anyone to take care of me. I can take care of myself. I will find my own way. I appreciate what you are trying to do for me, but my path is not yours right now. I will stay the winter here, then I will find my own way."

"Alright," Solonund sighed," I will be back on this side of Faerun a year from this spring. I will find you. And if you need it, I will help you."

" I hate to have to leave so quickly, but I have to get to Silverymoon before I get snowed in. I promise, I will come back to make sure you are alright."