Yeah! Time to update my favorite story! Glad everyone liked the last chapter…
Chapter 21--Difficult Decisions
Shandra went straight back to her room and began to pack her personal possessions. She was shocked at herself for daring to speak to the High Priest like that. She would have never dared do so before. She had just finished when someone knocked on the door. She opened it to reveal Tarion. ""What do you want?" she asked.
Tarion stared to speak then noticed the packed bags. "You're leaving? Where?" he asked.
"I've asked for a leave, though that's none of your concern," Shandra said.
"I heard the Drow left from someone. Are you going to chase him? You shouldn't. He doesn't belong in your world. He isn't one of us," Tarion said.
"No, I'm not going to follow. He needs some space, so I'm going to give it to him. I'll wait for him to return. None of that is your concern either," Shandra said.
"I love you, Shandra! Please forget about this. You could lose the title paladin and over what? A rogue Drow?" Tarion said.
"Rogue or not, he has no evil in him. I would know if he did. He deserves the benefit of the doubt, which few around here are willing to give. I made a foolish mistake when I caused that scene. I didn't think about the consequences and now there are rumors that I tried to attack him. I might have already ruined my name and title. I'm going to stay at the inn and meditate on what I must do. I hope Tyr will guide me to the proper road. Good-bye, Tarion," Shandra said. She gathered things and left Tarion staring after her.
Shandra went to the stable, ignoring the other paladins who were there as she fetched Titan.
"So you're leaving again? I always said you and the other Elf didn't fit in here," one sneered.
Shandra ignored him and loaded her gear on Titan's back, so it'd be easier to transport then led him from the stable. She went to The Black Rose and gave Titan into the hands of a stable boy then took her things inside. She half expected the innkeeper to refuse her service and was relieved when he welcomed her warmly as ever. She paid for a room and a serving girl showed her to it and left. She glanced around her temporary home and sighed. Be strong and safe, Drizzt, she thought.
*Two Weeks Later*
Drizzt and his guide, Dirk, finally reached his home village. People eyed Drizzt warily as he walked past. It made Drizzt feel a little uncomfortable.
"I'll take you to Kelt, Ranger Do'Urden. He's the mayor of Oakdale," Dirk said. "He can tell you more about what is going on and explain what we need you to do."
"Very well, the sooner I know more the sooner I can start trying to solve the problem," Drizzt said.
Dirk led him to the largest house in the village and knocked. A large man with dark hair opened it. "Welcome back, Dirk," he said then stopped short and stared. "Who's this Drow?"
"This is Ranger Do'Urden. He has offered to help us with our problem," Dirk said.
"Ahh, well then, come in. Come back later, Dirk," Kelt said.
"Yes sir, Mayor," Dirk said and left.
"Once Drizzt entered Kelt closed the door behind him. "Forgive my reaction. I just wasn't expecting a Drow. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Please sit down," Kelt said.
"No, thank you," Drizzt said and sat down. "Tell me all that has happened," he said.
Kelt sat down across from Drizzt. "Well, at first it was just thought to be a normal predator, few traps were robbed, a couple chickens stolen. We thought it was a wolf, but so one of our best trackers went out to find it and kill it. After a week he hadn't returned, so the other two went out to look for him then they didn't come back. A group went out and finally found them. They were ripped to shreds and half eaten, worse there seemed to be no tracks. Since then eleven people have been mauled and eaten, but there never seem to be tracks and the last victim just disappeared and all we found were some shreds of cloth and some blood. Yesterday one of our horse breeder's prize stallions was attacked out in the fields. It was far enough that no one heard it. The horse was eaten too and there were still no tracks. Can you help us? I'm at my wit's end," he asked.
"I can't guarantee anything, but I will do my best. I need to see the spots where the attacks happened if you can show me," Drizzt said.
"Dirk knows, he'll show you. He lives next door," Kelt said. "Thank you."
Drizzt nodded then stood and left the house….
So what is out there? Only the plot bunnies know. *Plot Bunnies Feign Innocence* Anyway, R/R please?