My plot bunnies refuse to let me update my other story, obviously they're hooked on this one, and so you all get an extra update…. Enjoy!
Chapter 9--Intervention
The woman forced her way through the crowd and up to Riana. She snatched the scimitar from her and thrust it into the flames and they died.
Drizzt sagged in his bonds, coughing as he tried to clear his lungs.
"You have no right to interfere with an execution, Shandra Silverblade, even if you are a paladin of Tyr!" Riana protested.
"Indeed, I wouldn't stop a just execution," Shandra said coolly.
"What are you saying?" Riana demanded.
"No black magic put out those flames, this sword did because of the magic on it, but you knew that, did you not?" Shandra asked.
Riana's face colored. "He is a necromancer. You are an Elf and yet you would defend a Drow? He no doubt found the blade somewhere and took it," she said.
"I am a paladin first and foremost. It is true that he might have just picked up the blade," Shandra agreed. She reached out and slid Twinkle from its sheath. "But I doubt a necromancer would pick up a holy defender."
Murmurs rose from the crowd at that, even from the guards and other mages. Riana flushed, knowing she was cornered.
"I suppose I made a mistake. It's a good thing you stopped this. I would have executed an innocent person if you hadn't. I'll have him released and tended immediately," Riana said.
"No need, I'll take him to my room, so I may tend him," Shandra said. She lowered his voice. "I have always thought you were a fair woman, but you would burn one who was not of evil purpose because of hate. You shame only yourself."
Riana whirled and stormed off. She knew the paladin was right, but it infuriated her to be talked too in such a way.
Shandra ignored her and returned the Drow's blades to their sheaths before removing the gag and cutting him free.
Drizzt started to fall and would have surely landed flat on his face on the stone surface if a strong arm hadn't caught him. He welcomed the support gladly. He doubted he would have been able to stand without it. His legs and feet ached from the burns he'd received. His throat was raw and his eyes so swollen by the smoke he couldn't open them.
"Lean on me, Drow. I'll help you," Shandra said. She moved up the street towards the inn where she was staying.
Shamefaced, villagers and other witnesses moved out of her way as the crowd slowly dispersed.
When Shandra entered the inn the innkeeper's eyes widened. "Lady Shandra…." He began.
Shandra ignored him and got the Drow up the stairs and into the room before lowering him onto her bed. "Now let us see if Tyr will aid me and in return aid you, dark one," she murmured. Tyr did answer her prayers and finally it was done.
Drizzt fell directly to sleep without opening his eyes. He was exhausted from his ordeal.
"Sleep, we'll talk when you awake," Shandra said. She noticed a leather thong around the Drow's neck and pulled on it. "A white unicorn's head, you are a most unusual Drow. I wonder if you truly follow the Lady of the Forest." She settled down in a chair with a book to wait. Barely an hour passed before someone knocked on the door. Shandra glanced at the Drow and saw he still slept. Rising, she went to the door and opened it. It was the innkeeper. "May I help you?"
The innkeeper bowed and offered a scroll. "A letter for you, my Lady," he said.
Shandra took the letter. "thank you," she said and closed the door when he left. Her eyebrow rose as she read the letter. She laid it aside and went back to her place. Three more long hours passed before a soft groan got her attention. She looked at the Drow and saw he was waking up. She laid the book aside and waited.
Drizzt opened his eyes, sensing someone was there to find an Elven woman staring down at him…..
So shall I keep Shandra around? She might make an interesting companion…Don't you think? R/R please!!