Hi everyone thanks for reviewing, so here it is…Kylia's story! Mentioned rape in this chapter…
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Chapter 35--A Drow's Tale
They settled comfortable around the fire and Kylia took a deep breath. "I was born the third daughter of House Despana, the seventeenth house of Menzoberranzan. I was not the daughter of the Matron Mother though. I was her granddaughter, the daughter of the second born daughter, which made me nothing, but a slave of the house," Kylia said.
"Matron Mother?" Tarion asked.
"The leader of the house, females rule Menzoberranzan. Males are little more then slaves, you can ask Drizzt to tell you more of that though I doubt he will. It happened that the Matron died a natural death. A dagger in the back naturally ends one's life after all and my mother's oldest sister, Triss'tree took rule of the house. Finally I was raised from the status of a slave for the House needed High Priestesses of Lloth to grow strong. I was then taught as a female of the House was to be taught. It was soon discovered that I had no talent as a priestess, so I was of no use to them. This was bad for me. I was in danger of losing my life or being sold into slavery. I tried to flee, but was caught and chained in the house dungeon," Kylia said.
"But you were family, how could they do that?" Shandra asked, appalled.
Too Drow family means less then power and prestige," Kylia said. "I couldn't help in those goals, so I was of no value. The guards were warned on pain of death to not touch me luckily. I was untouched which made me more valuable as a slave. I was eventually sold to a Drow merchant and taken away. No one dares violate a female Drow. They are all considered images of the goddess, but the merchant did not follow the Spider Queen. He followed Vhaaraun, a God for male Drow that worked to bring male Drows to equality in status with females, also to bring Drow to power on the surface. Since he did not follow Lloth I was only a female slave in his eyes. He raped me that first night. He held me for a long time as his concubine. One night I heard rumors that the second boy of House Do'Urden had rejected Lloth and all she stood for and fled. I also heard that the Weapons Master of House Do'Urden had been given to Lloth. I realized if a male could escape so could I. I waited until my so-called master came to our chamber and caught him by surprise then I killed him and fled. I found my way to the surface eventually. I learned magic at the hands of a mage who was eager to find talented students no matter what their race. I left when he had taught me all he could," Kylia said.
"So who is chasing you?" Shandra asked.
"Vhaaraun's followers, my former master was a valuable spy for them. If they find me they will put me to death. That's why I need protection. Now that you know who chases me will you keep your vow?" Kylia asked
"Of course, a paladin does not break a vow once it is made," Shandra said.
"Even a killer? I did murder someone," Kylia pointed out.
"You killed one who was abusing your body against your will," Shandra said.
"Thank you, I'll fight at your side with all the magic at my disposal, I swear it," Kylia said. "I will keep first watch. The night is my time."
Morning came and when Shandra opened her eyes she saw Drizzt and Kylia were seated by the fire, talking softly in Drow. "Good morning, is all well?" she asked.
"Yes, breakfast is cooked and the horses fed. They like the ranger very well," Kylia said.
Tarion was awoken by the voices and sat up. "Morning," he said.
"Hello, handsome," Kylia smirked and laughed when he frowned at her.
"Where's the panther?" Shandra asked.
"I sent her home to rest," Drizzt said.
"A shame, I hoped to see her again," Shandra said, joining them at the fire.
"You will, have no concerns about that," Drizzt said.
After eating and putting out the fire they headed on towards Kern to turn Glenna over to the city guards for punishment.
"I wanted to ask you something, Drizzt. I'm returning to my travels and would be honored if you would travel with me," Shandra said.
"I would also join you if you will allow it," Tarion said.
Shandra smiled. "Gladly, Tarion," she said then looked at Drizzt.
"I'll join you. I have no where I must go," Drizzt shrugged.
"Of course, I am also accompanying you," Kylia said. "We'll be an interesting group, two paladins and two Drow, not a normal grouping."
They galloped on towards Kern. They were eager to get their business done there so they could move on to other adventures that they were sure they would find….
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So that's Kylia's story. I hoped you liked it…I am dedicating this chapter to my friend who recently passed away. We'll miss you, Jim!