Hi everyone…I have a request for aid. Another writer has written a sequel to A Ranger's Homecoming without permission. Please help me by warning her/him about writing on other people's stuff without permission…It's called A Ranger's Return by darkestdrow. …she/he doesn't take anonymous reviews though. Yes, I am pissed. I don't like people writing on my stuff. Thanks for your support! Sorry, I'll stop griping and write……Hi again, looks like this isn't necessary, the unofficial sequel is gone already, but thanks to Silver Wolf and Sandy and anyone else that helped!!!

Chapter 24--Life's Ironies

Shandra sat at a table in The Black Rose. She sat alone though there was a group of paladins sitting at another table. She wasn't in the mood for company right now. She wasn't even sure if she belonged with them. She was also worried about the way she and Drizzt had parted. She stared into her goblet of wine as though all the answers to life's mysteries were there. I thought my life course was clear and set in stone, but now I know it's not. I don't even know that he will return. Perhaps I should go look for him, she thought. Loud laughter from the paladins' table drew her attention from her musing. She knew several of them. She hoped none of them would notice her, but unfortunately one did.

Alaric stared directly at her then grinned. "Well, hello Shandra, why aren't you at the temple?" he asked with a smirk.

"I don't need to answer that. I'm sure you think you know why," Shandra retorted.

"I heard that the Captain caught you and the Drow lip locked in your chamber. Never thought you would take a Drow as your bedmate, considering what you are," Alaric sneered.

"We aren't lovers and even if we were that wouldn't be your concern or any one else's," Shandra said. "So how's the Elf maiden that used to be your lover? Did she have your child yet?"

Alaric turned purple, much to Shandra's pleasure. "I paid my penance for that and was forgiven!" he said.

"Oh, that's…nice," Shandra said.

"Only a whore would let a Drow touch her, let alone kiss her. You don't deserve to be a paladin!" Alaric said, so loudly that several people looked over. He stood and left the inn. After an uncomfortable silence the others followed.

Shandra wanted to disappear then she got angry. She got up and hurried after him. She came out just as he stepped off the porch. "Alaric! I challenge you to a duel of honor!" she said in a loud, clear voice. "I'm still a paladin of Tyr and it's my right to defend my honor!"

The group stopped short and looked at her. Alaric was caught and he knew it. He couldn't refuse or his honor would suffer. "I have heard your challenge and I accept," he said.

Shandra walked down to the street to take a place ten feet from him. "As you're the one challenged you must chose. To the death or first blood drawn?" she asked.

"First blood is my choice. Who will be witness to make sure the fight is honorable?" Alaric asked.

One of the more senior paladins stepped forward. "I will bear witness, is this acceptable to both?" he asked.

"I accept," Alaric said.

Shandra nodded. "I also accept," she said.

"Very well," the paladin said. "Face each other."

They moved closer until they were just five feet apart. "We're ready to begin the duel, Sir Dylen," Shandra said.

"Then may Tyr guide the worthy to victory," Dylan said. "BEGIN!!!"

They lunged towards each other, blades flashing in the sunlight.

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Drizzt was angry at this whole mess. The trouble was the fault of the hunter who had killed the young griffons, but he had other worries. He had felt the griffon's emotions. He couldn't have done that with his abilities as a ranger. That only worked on non-magical beast and a griffon is magical. That meant somehow the griffon had done it, but how? Perhaps he could get the answer from the griffon. He hadn't walked more then an hour when the griffon suddenly landed in front of him. Drizzt stopped immediately.

The griffon eyed the skins and let out a hissing growl, claws extended threateningly.

Drizzt laid the skins gently on the ground and stepped back as the griffon stepped forward….

Thanks to everyone! But special thanks to Silver Wolf for her advice on this chapter! R/R please!!!