Hiya, did everyone have a good Christmas? I did! Here's the update I promised…Enjoy!!!
Chapter 20--Recovery
Drizzt liked Lady Alustriel's private garden. It was quiet with exotic plants from all over the realms. This was the first time he'd been outside for two days after he'd recovered from the poison. He'd been told to take it easy for at least one more day. That was fine. He was content to sit in the shade with his back against a tree with a book from Alustriel's library. Guenhwyvar laid beside him, dozing.
Soft footsteps caught his attention; then Lana came into the garden. She gave Guenhwyvar an uncertain look. She had met the panther the day before and was a little nervous around her.
"It's alright, Lana. I told you that Guen won't harm you," Drizzt said.
Lana came over and sank to the ground just out of arm's reach of Drizzt. She gave Guenhwyvar another wary look.
Guenhwyvar chose that moment to yawn, revealing long and sharp teeth, which didn't help with Lana's nervousness any.
"Drizzt, I wanted to….there can't ever be anything more then friendship between us, can there?" Lana asked softly.
Drizzt gave her a sympathetic look. "No, there can't. I love Catti-brie, Lana. I've loved her a long time. I'm sorry," he said.
Tears sparkled in Lana's eyes, but she blinked them away. "Alright if that's how it is then that's how it is," she said bravely.
"What're you going to do, Lana?" Drizzt asked.
"I've been invited to stay here, so I'll do so until I decide what I want. Lady Alustriel has been very kind to me," Lana said. "Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome, Lana," Drizzt gently.
Lana stood and hurried out of the garden. She knew she was going to cry and she didn't want him to see.
Drizzt sighed and stroked Guenhwyvar's muscled neck. "Poor girl, I hope life will be kinder to her then it has been," he muttered.
Guenhwyvar growled as if in agreement.
*In Lady Alustriel's Audience Chamber*
"I'm sorry, Lady Alustriel. I don't understand how it was done, but it was," the dungeon guard said.
"Send out a patrol and see if he can be found. Hurry!" Alustriel ordered.
The guard bowed and hurried off.
Alustriel had the most improper wish to scream and swear. The man who had tried to poison Drizzt had somehow escaped from the dungeon. No one had any idea how he'd done it, but he had. Heart heavy, she turned to other business.
*Meanwhile*
Cal left the city and hurried down the road. Soon the city was out of sight behind him. He saw a sable haired, gray-eyed woman in black robes waiting for him. She wore a belt made of silver skulls. "So you were caught. That was careless of you," she said.
"I'm sorry, Lady Nightsong. It won't happen again. I swear it," Cal said, kneeling at her feet.
"See that it doesn't. You should be grateful that the Lady of Silverymoon was only interested in the antidote to the poison. I doubt she would have been pleased with what else she had found," Nightsong said. "Go to our place and wait I will soon join you."
"Yes, my priestess, but where…" Cal started then stopped. He had no right to question his high priestess.
"Very good, but I'll answer this time. I go to secure a sacrifice for the black goddess," Nightsong said then she disappeared.
Cal bowed though she wasn't there to see it and hurried off.
A lovely Human woman in blue robes entered Silverymoon in full view of the guards, but they seemed not to notice her. Nightsong smirked at men's foolishness then continued. It was time to seek out proper prey.
Lana walked through the busy street, mind miles away. She was brought back to reality when she walked right into a woman in blue. "Oh, excuse me! I'm sorry," she gasped. She found herself staring into eyes so dark she felt like she was being engulfed in them. She couldn't look away. A voice in her mind said yes, you will suit my purposes nicely…come with me. I will take away your sorrow.
Lana felt so strange. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, but it didn't help. The woman in blue turned and walked off and Lana followed her. The gate guards never saw the two women leave Silverymoon and walk east….
Wow, where'd this come from? *Stares blankly at keyboard* Well, it's interesting….R/R please!! It's revised...Thanks to everyone that offered corrections!