Revelations
It was several days before Either Drizzt or Solonund felt like talking. They may have been tight lipped for weeks if it had not been that the Sea Sprite caught up to an Elven ship in distress.
The ship, called Delight, was on its journey from Waterdeep to Evermeet when it was besieged by pirates.
Solonund and Catti-Brie immediately let fly a barrage of arrows at the pirates.
"Damn! It is the Shadow Jack! Robillard, get your arse on deck!" Deudermont shouted.
"What's the matter Captain?" Solonund replied.
"The Shadow Jack is a sorcerer's ship. Its entire crew know at least a sprinkling of spells. All hands, prepare for battle!"
As Deudermont finished his sentence, a fireball landed on the deck. Luckily, Robillard had made it on deck fast enough to put it out before too much damage was done.
Solonund fingered his figurine and called for Solaris. Drizzt brought out Guenhwyvar almost as quickly.
Solaris screeched loudly and began diving at the pirate crew. The hawk deftly dodged swords and arrows, allowing the Sea Sprite to get closer to the Shadow Jack.
Drizzt and Guen jumped onto the Shadow Jack as soon as they were able to do so. The pirates that only knew a few spells were hard pressed to work them with the claws and scimitars aiming at their throats.
Robillard was doing his best to keep the captain of the Shadow Jack, Mergovian, busy. Both wizards were laughing at each other as if it was a merry game.
Another of the pirate wizards tried to fire off a spell at Solonund. The spell hit Solonund square in the chest, but had no effect.
"Fool! That spell will not work on me!" he shouted as he launched two arrows back at his attacker. The arrows landed cleanly in the pirate's eyes.
The battle ended when Drizzt cleanly lopped off Mergovian's head. The remaining pirates surrendered, knowing that without the arch-wizard in command, and with both the Sea Sprite and Delight fighting, they had no chance.
"Well met." The Sun Elf captain said to Deudermont as he came onboard, "I am Aglareb Durothil. I thank you for your assistance."
"I am Deudermont, and I am happy to have given it. We have been after these pirates for a long time."
"I wish to thank your crew as well," Aglareb started, but his lip curled into a frown as he gazed onto the deck of the Sea Sprite. "You keep a Drow on your ship, and I see you also have the whore's bastard there too. How unfortunate."
Drizzt sighed, he was used to such taunts. He glanced over at Solonund, whose knuckles had grown white from clenched fists, and whose face had grown red with rage.
Solonund took a couple of steps toward Aglareb. "Take back those words, Captain Durothil."
"I see I am correct. I heard the rumors in Waterdeep, but I did not believe them. So you are the bastard of Willwaren Shaelara."
"What does my mother have to do with this?"
"She married below her station, of course, and you are the result. All the high houses were disgusted when your grandfather allowed her to marry Mallen Quanta, a lowly wild elf. Oh well perhaps because of his overabundance of daughters.."
"What are you talking about? I know no one named Mallen Quanta."
"How strange, the half-breed bastard does not even know his own father. But you have wasted enough of my time, I must get underway." Aglareb said as he turned and left the ship. He turned back once to spit on Solonund."
As soon as the Delight got on its way, Deudermont breathed a sigh of relief.
"They had to be Sun elves, and worse Durothils that we rescued." Deudermont said," Those are the most pompous, prissy elves on the face of Toril."
Solonund went near one of the masts and sat down. His brow was furrowed in thought.
Drizzt sat next to him, "I'm sorry."
"For what, Drizzt?"
"For hitting you. I do not know what came over me."
"Oh, that. I deserved that. I should have never tried to kiss the woman you love, even if her eyes did remind me of my wife's."
"I should have realized that you didn't mean anything by it."
"Its alright. I'm just glad you are talking to me again."
"What was that Durothil talking about. I thought your father's name was Kordon?"
"So did I. Mother never told me anything about anyone named Mallen Quanta."
"Is it possible that she already had you when she got mixed up with Kordon?"
"I don't know. I didn't even know my mother was of the Shaelara clan before. That is another thing I should have done while I was in Evermeet. I suppose I was too busy paying attention to Anaiys to do much else."
"You did nothing wrong. You kept your focus on your wife. That is the way it should be."
"I will look into it. It gives me something to think about. I had better send Solaris home. He is tired."
"Guen is too. If there is any way I can help you, brother, I will. Now I understand you a little better. You are an outcast, at least to most elves. "
"Remember when we were at Kamiel's lodge."
"How could I forget? I spent days in their prison."
"Well, Kamiel had me imprisoned when I first met him as well, because I was a half-breed. And, because one of those two Elven breeds was a wild elf. Kordon was not the only wild elf that turned away from the good Elven gods."
"I see, he suspected you of being a Malar worshipper."
"Exactly. Well, Drizzt, I am going to go get some rest. All of this dancing around has made me tired."
"Alright," Drizzt said as a smile spread onto his face. " You are like me, looking for a home."
**********
The journey to Waterdeep with the Shadow Jack in tow was smooth.
The authorities in Waterdeep were happy to have the Shadow Jack off of the seas.
As Drizzt, Catti-Brie, and Solonund disembarked, they were met on the docks by a bard.
"Oh no," Drizzt grumbled to himself, " Not him."
"Danilo? Why are you meeting us here?" Solonund asked.
"My uncle heard that you were headed this way, and he asks that you come to his home for dinner. Ranger Do'Urden and Lady Battlehammer are welcome as well. I will leave you to it then. I have work to do." Danilo said as he sped off towards the city.
"Thank goodness." Drizzt said, "I hate him worse than most bards."
"Well, I guess we had all find a bath house and get cleaned up. Sir Arushun likes his guests to be clean. "
"You mean that fop is actually related to Khelben Blackstaff?"
"Unfortunately yes, Drizzt."
"You don't think he will be joining us, do you?"
"Perhaps. I have never known him to refuse a free meal."
"Oh great. That ruins my appetite already."
"In truth, he is more spy than bard. If Khelben orders him to be quiet, he will."
"Thank goodness." Catti-Brie sighed.
**********
Laeral Silverhand opened the door to the tower when the three arrived.
" Sir Solonund! It is so good to see you again. And I see you brought Sir Drizzt and Lady Catti-Brie with you. Good, the more the merrier. We entertain so little these days that when Khelben decides to invite anyone over, it is an occasion. Come, the others are waiting."
"Lady Laeral, has Lord Khelben arrived yet?"
"No not yet, but I expect him to arrive very soon. I am sure you know Quile and Andrak."
"Yes, it is good to see you both."
"Sir Solonund!" Quile said as she stood and put her hands on her hips. " How dare you go all that time without sending word you were alive. "
"I am sorry, Milady, but I was quite busy, you understand."
Drizzt stood looking at the Drow beauty that was scolding Solonund, and the human who eyed Solonund with indifference.
"Where are my manners! Quile, this is Drizzt Do'Urden and Catti-Brie Battlehammer, This is Quile, the high priestess of Eilliastrae in Waterdeep. And that charming fellow over there is Andrak, a merchant from Maztica."
"I am pleased to meet you! I have heard many stories. I mean to ask you the truth of them, Sir Drizzt, Lady Catti-Brie."
"Just Drizzt. I do not care for formalities."
"Neither do I," Catti said.
"Good. neither do I."
"Andrak? Aren't you going to stand up and say hello?" Solonund asked.
The black haired, dark tanned skinned man said, "No, I've had too much to drink." in heavily accented common.
"Well that is one thing that has not changed, you always drank too much."
"Speak for yourself Solonund." Andrak slurred back. He tried to stand, but nearly fell over.
A servant entered the sitting room and announced that dinner was served. Khelben Blackstaff was already at the head of the table when everyone took their seats.
"Solonund, it is good you came on such short notice. I need to speak with you after dinner."
"Yes sir."
"Do'Urden, Miss Battlehammer, do you have places to stay? If not I suggest you find some before nightfall. In the last few months, there have been a string of mysterious murders. The thieves themselves are afraid to go out an night."
"We have accommodations, thank you."
"Dear," Laeral said, "Please save that subject for after we have eaten. It is not something to discuss at the table."
"Quite right. We should enjoy our food before it gets cold."
The dinner went on quietly. The room had a tension to it, but no one was willing to say anything more about the mysterious goings on in the city. Once finished, Quile, Laeral, and Andrak excused themselves.
"If you are finished, Solonund, come with me. You two can come as well if you wish."
Solonund, Drizzt and Catti-Brie followed Khelben into his private study. Khelben quickly closed and warded the door to keep anyone from listening in, by normal or magic means.
"Sir, does this have something to do with the recent murders?"
"Yes, Solonund it does. As you know several Elven communities are making their way here to book passage to Evermeet. If I heard correctly, you helped to rescue one such ship."
"Unfortunately, yes. If I had known it was Durothils on board, I would have let them sink."
"Now sit down and keep your temper in check, Solonund. Oh, and you two as his friends and shipmates may have seats as well." Khelben said as he waved his hand to magically clear books off a couple of benches.
"The creatures responsible for causing the problems and the deaths here followed the Elves. They are litches. And I suppose you can guess the litch that leads them."
"Kordon."
"Correct. I suppose he knows that you are alive and is searching for you. Although I have no idea why he would do so. He never showed much interest in you, only your mother. Keeping her hostage was his objective. I have kept an eye on his whereabouts for the last eight years, in case he decided to cause trouble. It is only in the last few months has he started to make a move here. At first , I believed it was to build up his forces, but it could be something else. His move into the city started after he assaulted a group of moon and wild elves bound for Evermeet. I suspect he is trying to get to the island."
"Wild elves, Sir? If that's so, there could be another reason. He may simply be after me."
"What have you found out that makes you think you are his only objective?"
"It was something the Durothil captain of the ship we rescued said."
"What did he tell you."
"He told me that my mother was of House Shaelara and married to a wild elf named Mallen Quanta. I know of House Shaelara, but I have never heard the name Mallen Quanta before."
"Hmm, your theory may be possible. I have heard the name Mallen Quanta, but only in stories. He was considered the chief of wild elf chiefs. The stories tell how he fought for the good of all Elven races. If Willwaren was his wife, Kordon may have held her hostage to keep Mallen under some sort of control. If your mother was pregnant with you before her captivity, it would make sense as well. Kordon had several children, savage, shape shifters, akin to winter wolves. Any child he had by one of his slaves, was useless to him. If he realizes that he is not your father. If he suspects that Mallen is. He may want you as a bargaining chip. It makes sense. All of the wild elves headed for Evermeet claim that Mallen Quanta bid them to go there."
"Kordon wants to dominate the wild elves. He always has. He must have used my mother to halt Mallen's plans. Mallen would not want mother harmed, if he loved her enough to marry her. If Kordon suspects I am Mallen's son, he would want me as the bargaining chip."
"Possible, but no one really knows exactly who Mallen Quanta is, or if he is even still alive. Kordon was not very wise before becoming a lich. He may not know how much time has passed."
"I am not a pushover like I was before either. If I may, Sir, will you allow me to take care of this problem."
"Not alone, Solonund."
"I will go with him, Sir Khelben." Drizzt said.
"You can count me in as well." Catti-Brie added.
"Good. Quile and Danilo are also gathering forces for this threat. I want you to lead them, because you know more about Kordon than anyone else."
"I will be ready by tomorrow night."
"Make sure you succeed, Solonund. If you run from this, I will use your entrails for one of my greater spells."
"No worries about that. This is my revenge." Solonund replied.
Notes:
Kamiel's lodge: from earlier story, Kindred Spirits
House Durothil: the largest Sun Elf house, also the former rulers of all the elves before the creation of Evermeet. A Durothil was resposible for the death of King Zaor Moonflower. The Durothils have been plotting the death of the Evermeet royal family for years.
House Shaelara: the second Largest Sun Elf house. Made up of mainly of rangers, soldiers, and adventurers. They make up much of the personal guard of the Evermeet royal family.
As all of my stories are, this story is dedicated to the memory of my five year old son, who died last November from medical complications.
It was several days before Either Drizzt or Solonund felt like talking. They may have been tight lipped for weeks if it had not been that the Sea Sprite caught up to an Elven ship in distress.
The ship, called Delight, was on its journey from Waterdeep to Evermeet when it was besieged by pirates.
Solonund and Catti-Brie immediately let fly a barrage of arrows at the pirates.
"Damn! It is the Shadow Jack! Robillard, get your arse on deck!" Deudermont shouted.
"What's the matter Captain?" Solonund replied.
"The Shadow Jack is a sorcerer's ship. Its entire crew know at least a sprinkling of spells. All hands, prepare for battle!"
As Deudermont finished his sentence, a fireball landed on the deck. Luckily, Robillard had made it on deck fast enough to put it out before too much damage was done.
Solonund fingered his figurine and called for Solaris. Drizzt brought out Guenhwyvar almost as quickly.
Solaris screeched loudly and began diving at the pirate crew. The hawk deftly dodged swords and arrows, allowing the Sea Sprite to get closer to the Shadow Jack.
Drizzt and Guen jumped onto the Shadow Jack as soon as they were able to do so. The pirates that only knew a few spells were hard pressed to work them with the claws and scimitars aiming at their throats.
Robillard was doing his best to keep the captain of the Shadow Jack, Mergovian, busy. Both wizards were laughing at each other as if it was a merry game.
Another of the pirate wizards tried to fire off a spell at Solonund. The spell hit Solonund square in the chest, but had no effect.
"Fool! That spell will not work on me!" he shouted as he launched two arrows back at his attacker. The arrows landed cleanly in the pirate's eyes.
The battle ended when Drizzt cleanly lopped off Mergovian's head. The remaining pirates surrendered, knowing that without the arch-wizard in command, and with both the Sea Sprite and Delight fighting, they had no chance.
"Well met." The Sun Elf captain said to Deudermont as he came onboard, "I am Aglareb Durothil. I thank you for your assistance."
"I am Deudermont, and I am happy to have given it. We have been after these pirates for a long time."
"I wish to thank your crew as well," Aglareb started, but his lip curled into a frown as he gazed onto the deck of the Sea Sprite. "You keep a Drow on your ship, and I see you also have the whore's bastard there too. How unfortunate."
Drizzt sighed, he was used to such taunts. He glanced over at Solonund, whose knuckles had grown white from clenched fists, and whose face had grown red with rage.
Solonund took a couple of steps toward Aglareb. "Take back those words, Captain Durothil."
"I see I am correct. I heard the rumors in Waterdeep, but I did not believe them. So you are the bastard of Willwaren Shaelara."
"What does my mother have to do with this?"
"She married below her station, of course, and you are the result. All the high houses were disgusted when your grandfather allowed her to marry Mallen Quanta, a lowly wild elf. Oh well perhaps because of his overabundance of daughters.."
"What are you talking about? I know no one named Mallen Quanta."
"How strange, the half-breed bastard does not even know his own father. But you have wasted enough of my time, I must get underway." Aglareb said as he turned and left the ship. He turned back once to spit on Solonund."
As soon as the Delight got on its way, Deudermont breathed a sigh of relief.
"They had to be Sun elves, and worse Durothils that we rescued." Deudermont said," Those are the most pompous, prissy elves on the face of Toril."
Solonund went near one of the masts and sat down. His brow was furrowed in thought.
Drizzt sat next to him, "I'm sorry."
"For what, Drizzt?"
"For hitting you. I do not know what came over me."
"Oh, that. I deserved that. I should have never tried to kiss the woman you love, even if her eyes did remind me of my wife's."
"I should have realized that you didn't mean anything by it."
"Its alright. I'm just glad you are talking to me again."
"What was that Durothil talking about. I thought your father's name was Kordon?"
"So did I. Mother never told me anything about anyone named Mallen Quanta."
"Is it possible that she already had you when she got mixed up with Kordon?"
"I don't know. I didn't even know my mother was of the Shaelara clan before. That is another thing I should have done while I was in Evermeet. I suppose I was too busy paying attention to Anaiys to do much else."
"You did nothing wrong. You kept your focus on your wife. That is the way it should be."
"I will look into it. It gives me something to think about. I had better send Solaris home. He is tired."
"Guen is too. If there is any way I can help you, brother, I will. Now I understand you a little better. You are an outcast, at least to most elves. "
"Remember when we were at Kamiel's lodge."
"How could I forget? I spent days in their prison."
"Well, Kamiel had me imprisoned when I first met him as well, because I was a half-breed. And, because one of those two Elven breeds was a wild elf. Kordon was not the only wild elf that turned away from the good Elven gods."
"I see, he suspected you of being a Malar worshipper."
"Exactly. Well, Drizzt, I am going to go get some rest. All of this dancing around has made me tired."
"Alright," Drizzt said as a smile spread onto his face. " You are like me, looking for a home."
**********
The journey to Waterdeep with the Shadow Jack in tow was smooth.
The authorities in Waterdeep were happy to have the Shadow Jack off of the seas.
As Drizzt, Catti-Brie, and Solonund disembarked, they were met on the docks by a bard.
"Oh no," Drizzt grumbled to himself, " Not him."
"Danilo? Why are you meeting us here?" Solonund asked.
"My uncle heard that you were headed this way, and he asks that you come to his home for dinner. Ranger Do'Urden and Lady Battlehammer are welcome as well. I will leave you to it then. I have work to do." Danilo said as he sped off towards the city.
"Thank goodness." Drizzt said, "I hate him worse than most bards."
"Well, I guess we had all find a bath house and get cleaned up. Sir Arushun likes his guests to be clean. "
"You mean that fop is actually related to Khelben Blackstaff?"
"Unfortunately yes, Drizzt."
"You don't think he will be joining us, do you?"
"Perhaps. I have never known him to refuse a free meal."
"Oh great. That ruins my appetite already."
"In truth, he is more spy than bard. If Khelben orders him to be quiet, he will."
"Thank goodness." Catti-Brie sighed.
**********
Laeral Silverhand opened the door to the tower when the three arrived.
" Sir Solonund! It is so good to see you again. And I see you brought Sir Drizzt and Lady Catti-Brie with you. Good, the more the merrier. We entertain so little these days that when Khelben decides to invite anyone over, it is an occasion. Come, the others are waiting."
"Lady Laeral, has Lord Khelben arrived yet?"
"No not yet, but I expect him to arrive very soon. I am sure you know Quile and Andrak."
"Yes, it is good to see you both."
"Sir Solonund!" Quile said as she stood and put her hands on her hips. " How dare you go all that time without sending word you were alive. "
"I am sorry, Milady, but I was quite busy, you understand."
Drizzt stood looking at the Drow beauty that was scolding Solonund, and the human who eyed Solonund with indifference.
"Where are my manners! Quile, this is Drizzt Do'Urden and Catti-Brie Battlehammer, This is Quile, the high priestess of Eilliastrae in Waterdeep. And that charming fellow over there is Andrak, a merchant from Maztica."
"I am pleased to meet you! I have heard many stories. I mean to ask you the truth of them, Sir Drizzt, Lady Catti-Brie."
"Just Drizzt. I do not care for formalities."
"Neither do I," Catti said.
"Good. neither do I."
"Andrak? Aren't you going to stand up and say hello?" Solonund asked.
The black haired, dark tanned skinned man said, "No, I've had too much to drink." in heavily accented common.
"Well that is one thing that has not changed, you always drank too much."
"Speak for yourself Solonund." Andrak slurred back. He tried to stand, but nearly fell over.
A servant entered the sitting room and announced that dinner was served. Khelben Blackstaff was already at the head of the table when everyone took their seats.
"Solonund, it is good you came on such short notice. I need to speak with you after dinner."
"Yes sir."
"Do'Urden, Miss Battlehammer, do you have places to stay? If not I suggest you find some before nightfall. In the last few months, there have been a string of mysterious murders. The thieves themselves are afraid to go out an night."
"We have accommodations, thank you."
"Dear," Laeral said, "Please save that subject for after we have eaten. It is not something to discuss at the table."
"Quite right. We should enjoy our food before it gets cold."
The dinner went on quietly. The room had a tension to it, but no one was willing to say anything more about the mysterious goings on in the city. Once finished, Quile, Laeral, and Andrak excused themselves.
"If you are finished, Solonund, come with me. You two can come as well if you wish."
Solonund, Drizzt and Catti-Brie followed Khelben into his private study. Khelben quickly closed and warded the door to keep anyone from listening in, by normal or magic means.
"Sir, does this have something to do with the recent murders?"
"Yes, Solonund it does. As you know several Elven communities are making their way here to book passage to Evermeet. If I heard correctly, you helped to rescue one such ship."
"Unfortunately, yes. If I had known it was Durothils on board, I would have let them sink."
"Now sit down and keep your temper in check, Solonund. Oh, and you two as his friends and shipmates may have seats as well." Khelben said as he waved his hand to magically clear books off a couple of benches.
"The creatures responsible for causing the problems and the deaths here followed the Elves. They are litches. And I suppose you can guess the litch that leads them."
"Kordon."
"Correct. I suppose he knows that you are alive and is searching for you. Although I have no idea why he would do so. He never showed much interest in you, only your mother. Keeping her hostage was his objective. I have kept an eye on his whereabouts for the last eight years, in case he decided to cause trouble. It is only in the last few months has he started to make a move here. At first , I believed it was to build up his forces, but it could be something else. His move into the city started after he assaulted a group of moon and wild elves bound for Evermeet. I suspect he is trying to get to the island."
"Wild elves, Sir? If that's so, there could be another reason. He may simply be after me."
"What have you found out that makes you think you are his only objective?"
"It was something the Durothil captain of the ship we rescued said."
"What did he tell you."
"He told me that my mother was of House Shaelara and married to a wild elf named Mallen Quanta. I know of House Shaelara, but I have never heard the name Mallen Quanta before."
"Hmm, your theory may be possible. I have heard the name Mallen Quanta, but only in stories. He was considered the chief of wild elf chiefs. The stories tell how he fought for the good of all Elven races. If Willwaren was his wife, Kordon may have held her hostage to keep Mallen under some sort of control. If your mother was pregnant with you before her captivity, it would make sense as well. Kordon had several children, savage, shape shifters, akin to winter wolves. Any child he had by one of his slaves, was useless to him. If he realizes that he is not your father. If he suspects that Mallen is. He may want you as a bargaining chip. It makes sense. All of the wild elves headed for Evermeet claim that Mallen Quanta bid them to go there."
"Kordon wants to dominate the wild elves. He always has. He must have used my mother to halt Mallen's plans. Mallen would not want mother harmed, if he loved her enough to marry her. If Kordon suspects I am Mallen's son, he would want me as the bargaining chip."
"Possible, but no one really knows exactly who Mallen Quanta is, or if he is even still alive. Kordon was not very wise before becoming a lich. He may not know how much time has passed."
"I am not a pushover like I was before either. If I may, Sir, will you allow me to take care of this problem."
"Not alone, Solonund."
"I will go with him, Sir Khelben." Drizzt said.
"You can count me in as well." Catti-Brie added.
"Good. Quile and Danilo are also gathering forces for this threat. I want you to lead them, because you know more about Kordon than anyone else."
"I will be ready by tomorrow night."
"Make sure you succeed, Solonund. If you run from this, I will use your entrails for one of my greater spells."
"No worries about that. This is my revenge." Solonund replied.
Notes:
Kamiel's lodge: from earlier story, Kindred Spirits
House Durothil: the largest Sun Elf house, also the former rulers of all the elves before the creation of Evermeet. A Durothil was resposible for the death of King Zaor Moonflower. The Durothils have been plotting the death of the Evermeet royal family for years.
House Shaelara: the second Largest Sun Elf house. Made up of mainly of rangers, soldiers, and adventurers. They make up much of the personal guard of the Evermeet royal family.
As all of my stories are, this story is dedicated to the memory of my five year old son, who died last November from medical complications.