Sorry bout the last chapter, Silverbane…and sorry, Himura, Drizzt and Cat's action will be private…I don't really like to write that sort of thing…
Chapter 16--A Talk and a Walk
Later that evening after dinner there was a knock on Drizzt's door. He opened it to reveal a servant.
She bowed politely. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Ranger Do'Urden, but the Lady wishes to speak to you," she said, "if you'd follow me I will take you to her."
"Very well, lead the way," Drizzt said. He wasn't overly surprised when he was led to her study. They had often talked there. It was private and no one could overhear them there.
The servant opened the door. "Go right in. She is waiting," she said.
Drizzt entered the room and heard the door close behind him. "Good evening, Alustriel," he said, dropping the formality.
"Hello, Drizzt. Please sit down, how are your hands?" Alustriel asked.
"Fine, thanks," Drizzt said, taking a seat.
"Would you like a drink? I have some excellent brandy," Alustriel offered.
"That would be fine," Drizzt said.
Alustriel rose and filled two glasses and handed one to Drizzt before returning to her seat. "I hope you will not be offended by this. What's bothering you and Catti-brie?" she asked.
Drizzt wasn't surprised that Alustriel had noticed. "It's a long story," he said, trying to dodge the question.
"I have plenty of time," Alustriel said. She knew exactly what he was trying to do.
Drizzt gave up trying to get out of telling her and told the whole story. "I guess I'm a little confused right now," he admitted.
"It seems like she is too. Do you love her?" Alustriel asked.
Drizzt sighed heavily. "I did, but now I'm not sure how I feel," he said… He glanced at the untouched brandy then set it aside. "If you'll excuse me, I think a walk is in order." He stood.
Alustriel nodded and watched as he left the room before drinking her brandy and returning to her chambers to sleep.
Drizzt nodded politely to the guard as he left and headed up the wide street. He had put on his weapons and armor though he didn't think he would need them. Old habits die hard I suppose, he thought then started trying to decipher his feelings about Catti-brie.
Two hours passed and he had walked quite away from the palace before he realized this. He did know one thing, he and Catti-brie needed to sit down and talk out their problems. Decision made he turned and headed back towards the palace. He felt better then he had in some time. He was halfway back when he heard a hissing sound then there was a thud as an arrow hit him solidly in the left shoulder from behind.
Pain seared through, far to much for a wound like that. He couldn't reach the arrow to pull it out. Quickly he dove into cover, hearing another arrow splinter on the road. After awhile he heard running footsteps. The sniper was gone. Grimacing at the pain, he headed back for the palace to get help removing the arrow.
The guard was caught off guard when Drizzt staggered towards him then crumpled to the ground in a heap. He ran Drizzt's side. "Ranger Do'Urden!" he cried.
Drizzt was barely conscious and burning up with fever. He tried to speak, but couldn't then he blacked out.
"Hey, come help me! Hurry! Someone run and tell her Ladyship!" the guard shouted. A guard rushed to the other's side while another dashed into the palace.
"Hold him, we have to get the arrow out," the first guard ordered. The second guard did and the first one pulled the arrow free, glad Drizzt was unconscious.
When Alustriel arrived she was very upset. "Carry him to his chamber," she ordered two guards. She gestured to a third. "Run and fetch a priestess, move quickly."
The guard dashed off without bothering to bow.
The guards carried Drizzt in and laid him on the bed facedown.
Lady Alustriel knelt by his side and sent a guard to fetch Drizzt's friends and a servant to fetch water and cloths……
Is that better? Things are certainly happening now….