Hi there, a little notice for all of you. I am taking classes on Monday and Friday so I will not be updating on those days. I will update Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and weekends when I'm home….
Chapter 14--Arrival In Kern
They made good time and arrived in the city by early afternoon. "This is it," Shandra said, looking over her shoulder at Drizzt. She couldn't see his face too clearly because he'd pulled up the cowl of his cloak to shield his eyes earlier.
"So now what?" Drizzt asked.
"I must go to the temple and speak to the High Priest and my captain. We'll receive lodging there, so we won't need to use an inn," Shandra said.
"How many Elves besides you are in this order?" Drizzt asked.
"Only one, he joined a year after I did," Shandra said.
"Great," Drizzt said. He was still a bit concerned about how the people in her order would react to him.
They arrived at the temple far to soon. Shandra tended to Titan and put him into a stall at the temple's stable. Once that was done they headed towards the temple.
Shandra realized Drizzt was lagging behind a bit and stopped. She waited until Drizzt caught up. "What's the matter?" she asked.
"Three guesses, but I'll wager you'll only need one," Drizzt said.
Shandra grinned mischievously. "Need another kiss?" she asked, mock leering at him.
"Later, you have to report, remember?" Drizzt said.
"Then stop walking behind me and walk at my side. No one is just going to attack you while you're with me," Shandra said.
Drizzt sighed, but fell in step beside her.
A lone paladin stood at the door, an Elf. He was taller then Shandra with tanned skin, blue eyes and black hair. "Welcome back, Shandra," he said.
"Well met, Tarion," Shandra said.
"You have brought a guest or perhaps a new recruit?" Tarion asked.
If I was a new recruit he'd have a fit, Drizzt thought.
"Just a traveling companion," Shandra said. "Drizzt Do'Urden meet Tarion Moonshadow."
"Well met," Drizzt said quietly.
"Welcome to Kern," Tarion said, eying him curiously.
Shandra nudged him. "Lower your cowl, trust me," she said.
It's not you that I'm worried about, Drizzt thought, but he pushed it back.
Tarion's eyes widened and he grabbed for his sword. "Drow!" he cried.
"I have placed him under my protection, Tarion. I'll fight you if you attack him," Shandra warned.
"Have you gone mad? He is a Drow, such a creature has no place in Tyr's temple!" Tarion said.
Shandra put her arm around Drizzt's shoulders, almost possessively. "I also take full responsibility for him," she said.
"I'm not a creature and I don't need …." Drizzt began.
Shandra's arm tightened in warning. "It's my right, Tarion," she said.
Drizzt reluctantly let both her and Tarion's comments go.
"I'll have to fetch High Priest Galen and Captain Varian before I can let you in," Tarion said.
"Nonsense, I'll go to them myself," Shandra said, removing her arm. "Come, Drizzt." She walked past Tarion and went inside.
Drizzt followed, uncomfortably aware of the other Elf's eyes boring into his back. "I warned you how people would react," he said.
"It'll be fine," Shandra said. She led the way to a set of double doors and knocked.
"Come in!" a voice called.
Shandra opened the doors and they went in. She closed the door behind them.
Two men were in the room, one was elderly and wore the robes of a cleric while the other was younger and wore armor much like Shandra's.
Shandra immediately dropped to one knee, head bowed respectfully. "High Priest Galen, Captain Varian, may Tyr guide your steps. I have returned," she said.
Both men had been staring at Drizzt, like they were seeing a demon. They seemed to recover when Shandra spoke.
"Tyr bless you as well, daughter," the elderly man said.
"I was beginning to wonder about your safety, Varian said. He gave Drizzt a sharp look. "Who's your companion?"
"Drizzt Do'Urden, a ranger serving Mielikki," Shandra said.
"My dear, a Drow serving the Lady of the Forest? That is absurd. He was probably lying to you," Galen said.
"No, I don't believe so or he wouldn't dare wear her symbol," Shandra said.
Galen looked at Drizzt. "If you truly wear her symbol then show me," he said.
Drizzt pulled the symbol from under his armor and held it where the priest could see it.
"Interesting, but I'll not allow a Drow to roam freely through the temple. It wouldn't be safe for you. Show him to a guest chamber. Shandra, you'll wait here, so we may hear your report," Galen said. "He must give up his weapons."
Shandra shook her head at Drizzt slightly before he could argue. "I'll take them for now. Don't worry. I'll keep them safe," she said.
"I'll escort him to one of the guest rooms myself," Varian said.
Drizzt reluctantly did so then followed Varian.
Varian led him deeper into the temple and to a hall with doors lining both sides. "You may use this room. Shandra will join you later," he said.
Drizzt went inside and the door closed behind him. He heard a soft click. He was locked in!
Varian returned to the study and closed the doors.
"Both of you, be seated," Galen said.
They obeyed.
"We received a message from Riana. She told us what happened," Galen said.
"I had to intervene. He wasn't guilty of any crime!" Shandra protested.
"She said he was a necromancer," Varian said.
"That wasn't true and she knew it. No necromancer carries a Holy Defender. She was burning him because he was Drow and Elves hate them," Shandra said.
"You're an Elf," Galen said.
"I'm also a paladin and he was going to be unjustly executed. I had to act," Shandra said fiercely.
"He has a Holy Defender? Let me see," Varian said.
Shandra pulled Twinkle from its sheath and handed it to Varian.
Varian held it for a while then looked surprised. "It's a Holy Defender indeed," he said. "That proves he is no necromancer I admit."
"I have said I will take full responsibility for him. Please give him a chance to prove himself," Shandra said.
"So be it, Shandra. It's on your head if he causes any harm or trouble here," Galen said.
"He won't. Thank you, High Priest," Shandra said with a relieved sigh.
"Now that all is settled then you may give us your report," Varian said.
"Yes, Captain," Shandra said and began.
It was fully dark when Shandra was finished with her report and excused. She walked to the room Varian had told her Drizzt was in. She was upset to find it was bolted from the outside. Varian hadn't told her that.
Drizzt looked up when he heard someone unlock the door. He relaxed when Shandra walked in. "You know I'm not to impressed with your temple's hospitality right now," he said.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know you were locked up. I'm starved and I'm sure you are too. I thought we'd use the temple's bathhouse then go get something to eat at a tavern I like. It's on me," Shandra said.
"Alright, can I have my weapons back now?' Drizzt asked.
Shandra tossed him the weapon belt. "Let's go," she said.
Drizzt followed her from the room as he refastened the belt. "I did tell you they would react badly to this," he said.
"I know, so how do you think they'll react to this," Shandra said and kissed him right in the middle of the hall.
There was a strangled gasp behind them, as they broke apart. They both turned to see Tarion gaping at them as if stunned.
"Something the matter?" Shandra asked.
"Ah, eh, no….I was just passing by," he sputtered. He hurried past them as if a horde of demons were on his heels.
Shandra chuckled and continued walking.
Drizzt followed after a brief pause. "Are you insane? Everyone will know about this by morning!" he said.
"I know, amusing isn't it?" Shandra asked.
"No! It isn't amusing! Goddess, you'll get us both in trouble," Drizzt said.
Shandra glanced over at him. "No, I won't. Now hush or I'll kiss you again to shut you up," she said. She laughed at Drizzt's expression as they continued walking….
Hah, hah….I liked that ending! R/R please!