Sorry, the side story got interesting…Blame the plot bunnies…I do, but there's some of our favorite Drow in this chapter…...
Chapter 23--Desperate Search
Drizzt entered Lady Alustriel's audience chamber with Guenhwyvar. "Lana's nowhere to be found in the city. None of the guards recall seeing her leave either. The patrols searched every where," he said.
"Couldn't Guen track her?" Delly asked.
Drizzt shook his head with a sigh of frustration. "To many other scents, Lana's is covered. She tried though," he said.
Bruenor and the others exchanged concerned looks. Delly had gone to Lana's room to fetch her for breakfast to find the room empty and her bed hadn't been slept in.
A group of guards had searched the castle and when she was not found the search had spread out into the city and now she had not been found there either.
"Are the patrols still searching?" Alustriel said.
Drizzt nodded. "I can't understand how she could've just vanished like that," he said.
"Neither can I, but somehow she did," Alustriel said then stood. "Come with me. Since all else has failed I'll cast a seeking spell. It'll show her location…if she lives."
They entered a large, plainly decorated room, obviously made for privacy. Alustriel closed the door behind them and bolted it. "I use this room to cast spells without being interrupted," she said. She moved to the center of the room and began to chant softly. Colors swirled in the air in front of her then an image formed. Alustriel examined the image then dispelled it.
"Where is she?" Catti-brie asked.
"It's showing a underground chamber. I believe it's the underground temple we discovered four years ago. It looked like it had been abandoned many years, so we didn't bother with it," Alustriel said.
"Where be this temple?" Bruenor snorted.
"It's in the east, about a day's journey, half a day by horse," Alustriel said.
"Right then, we be goin' after the girl soon as we be gettin' our gear together," Bruenor said. He turned and left the room. The others followed.
*Meanwhile*
Lana heard a noise and looked up. She was startled to see Randari coming towards her. "Randari! I…" she began.
"Shhh, I'm supposed to stay at the chapel. I've decided to free you, if you promise to take me with you," Randari hissed.
"Of course I will, but I think the cage door's locked with a spell. How can you open it?" Lana asked. She peered nervously towards the door, but the room was too dark for her to see anything.
"I know the word. I've heard Nightsong use it," Randari whispered. Suddenly the whole room lit up so bright that they were both blinded for an instant. When their vision cleared they saw Nightsong standing there with four guards.
Nightsong smiled in a way that chilled Lana's blood. "It seems punishment is in order," she said. She gestured to a couple of the guards who immediately stalked forward and seized Randari and dragged him from the room.
Lana clutched desperately at the bars. "You horrible bitch! Don't hurt him!" she cried.
Nightsong scowled at her. "You should learn to watch your tongue, girl. I think I will let you witness your would-be savior's punishment," she said. At another gesture and a word the other guards moved forward as the door opened. The guards took Lana from the room.
Nightsong followed, eyes grim and cold. She intended to teach her disobedient slave a lesson he'd never forget and in the process break the girl's spirit
*Back In Silverymoon*
It didn't take long for Drizzt, Catti-brie, Wulfgar, and Bruenor to gather their things and meet at the stable. Ten minutes later they were riding hard towards the temple. They hoped they would find Lana alive and well. They had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy, but, of course, it never was for them…
What will Lana's fate be? Death or Rescue? R/R please!!!!