Thanks for giving me a few plot bunnies, Emilio. Hope I spelled that right…I'm not sure if I'll use all of it, but I'm grateful…
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Chapter 31--Uncertain Ally
When night came Shandra was reluctant to stop. She felt like it was urgent that they get to Drizzt as fast as possible. She urged Titan forward as quickly as she dared.
"Shandra, it is folly to travel at night and risk injury to one of the horses. We must stop and continue in the morning!" Tarion protested.
Shandra didn't want to admit it, but she knew Tarion was right. She pulled Titan to a stop. "You're right. We'll sit up camp now," she said and dismounted.
Tarion sighed in relief and did the same. They began setting up camp and once that was done they settled by the fire.
"Why the rush?" Tarion asked.
"I feel that Drizzt is in bad trouble and that we need to hurry," Shandra said.
"He's definitely in trouble and hurrying would be a good idea," a woman's voice said behind them.
Startled, they both came to their feet, drawing weapons and whirling to towards the voice to see a pair of eyes glowing just out of the light of the fire.
"Come out where we can see you," Tarion demanded.
"Very well, Elf, but you'll not like what you see," the woman said and obeyed.
"You're a Drow!!!" Tarion exclaimed.
"How very observant you are. I am Kylia," the Drow said.
"You're not welcome here!" Tarion said, starting towards her.
Shandra employed her abilities to detect evil and was both surprised and relieved by what she found. "Stop, Tarion. Don't be hasty," she said.
"What do you mean?" Tarion demanded.
"You should have checked this too. She's not evil," Shandra said. She looked at Kylia. "Do you know where Drizzt has been taken?"
"I know and I know who has taken him," Kylia said, "but I will not tell you for free."
"What do you want?" Shandra asked.
"Protection until I no longer wish it. I want to travel with you two," Kylia said.
Shandra hesitated for a moment. Tyr was guiding her to Drizzt, but it was still slow going and it wouldn't hurt to have help. She made her choice. "I accept you offer and agreed to you joining us for a time," she said.
"Shandra! Are you mad?! She's a Drow!" Tarion said.
" It seems that doesn't matter since you're trying to save one and believe me he needs it," Kylia said.
"Tell me, who has taken him and why?" Shandra asked.
"She's some sort of mage and calls herself a scholar. She takes various captives to her lab…for tests. Unfortunately many of her tests involve torture and mutilation," Kylia said. "I saw her take a Drow male captive, maybe five days ago. I'm not sure of the exact amount of time. I was impressed by his skill. He wasn't taken easily," Shandra said.
Tarion scowled. "How do you know what she does to them?" he demanded.
"Because I've found what's left of some of them after she's finished and trust me, handsome, it isn't pretty," Kylia said.
Tarion flushed. "Don't call me that and how do we know you're telling the truth?" he asked.
"Do you want me to show you the bodies? I could," Kylia said. "If you can handle the smell and sight of them. Some of them are weeks dead."
Tarion thought of that and shuddered in disgust. "No, I don't want to see, but if you try anything I'll kill you. I swear it," he warned.
"Yes, yes, I know," Kylia said casually, "you're welcome to try."
Tarion glared at her then returned to his place next to the fire. He said nothing more to either of them the rest of the night.
Early the next morning they broke camp and got ready to move on. Tarion swung onto his mount's back. He felt a tap on his knee and looked down.
"Do you plan to make me walk or are you giving me a hand up?" Kylia asked.
Tarion scowled, but helped her onto the horse's back behind him. HE started when she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Don't want me to fall off do you, rah'fol?" Kylia smirked.
"Just show us the way," Tarion said and urged his horse forward…
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I think this might be fun having Kylia flirt with Tarion….Thanks again to Emilio for lending me some plot bunnies…R/R please!!!
Translation:
Rah'fol--Handsome