All right, I had my plot bunnies chase off real life for today so I can write. *Gives Plot Bunnies Some Carrots* Good boys…and don't worry Silverbane. I got a ways to go yet.
Chapter 26--The Healing Begins
When Nightsong fell everything seemed to freeze. The guards stopped attacking and stood looking around like they were awakening from a dream.
One looked towards the priests and his eyes narrowed. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded.
Drizzt had a feeling what had happened. "I believe you were under some kind of mind control or spell," he said.
The guard looked at him and his eyes widened. He started to raise his sword.
Wulfgar seized his wrists and stopped him. "Don't," he warned. "Drizzt, free Lana, please."
Drizzt nodded and went to Lana's side to examine the shackles. They were locked tight. Distastefully, he searched Nightsong's body and found the key. He unlocked the chains.
Lana got off the altar and went to Randari's side immediately. "Are you alright? You saved us all," she said.
Randari didn't move or answer. He just stared at his bloody hand like he was in a daze.
The priests started trying to sneak away, only to be surrounded by the mercenaries. "You lot aren't going anywhere," one said. "What shall we do with them, Captain Dare?"
"Keep them there," Dare ordered. He pulled his arm free. "I don't remember much. Where are we?" he asked.
"Very near Silverymoon," Catti-brie said. "Will you return with us escorting the priest? Lady Alustriel should question them."
Dare bowed to her. "My men and I are at your service, Lady," he said.
"Drizzt, something is wrong with Randari," Lana said.
Drizzt came to her side. The Elf had to have seen him, but he didn't react. "I think he's in shock. We should get him back to Silverymoon, so a healer can look at him," he said.
The guards herded the priests from the room. Dare tossed Nightsong's body over his shoulder. "We better take it with us," he said and followed his men.
Soon they were on their way back to the city. The priests were locked up and the guards were housed in the barracks. They would be under guard until Lady Alustriel could question them. Drizzt and the others went straight to the castle.
Alustriel listened to Lana's story then had Randari taken to a guest room and summoned a healer. Lana went with them.
"To think that an evil and vile court was so close. If only I had known sooner," Alustriel sighed. "I would have dealt with it."
"It isn't your fault, Alustriel. They kept their presence well-hidden," Drizzt said.
"Perhaps, but I wonder how many innocent travelers died on that altar," Alustriel sighed. "Well, no one else ever will. I'll make sure of that."
The healer came into the room and bowed. "Lady Alustriel, I have examined the Elf," she said.
"What is your opinion? Will he recover?" Alustriel asked.
"He bears many wounds and scars physically and mentally, but I believe he will. I fear it will take some time though," the healer said.
"Thank you, you may go, please inform me if anything changes," Alustriel said.
The healer bowed again and left the room.
"As soon as he is well I will ask him what he wishes to do, return to his people or stay here," Alustriel remarked.
*Meanwhile*
Lana sat beside Randari holding his hand in hers. The Elf was deeply asleep thanks to the sleeping draught the healer had coaxed him into drinking. "I owe you so much, Randari. Please get well. I don't want you to suffer any more. You've already suffered enough," she whispered. She studied the sleeping Elf, rather surprised at how truly handsome he was. She hadn't noticed it before. The Elf moaned, probably from a nightmare. Without thinking about it Lana reached out and stroked his brow like a child's. She was rewarded when he seemed to calm and slide into a deeper sleep. "I think you and I are kindred souls, perhaps we can help each other heal," she murmured….
There, everyone's safe. *Pats Plot Bunnies on Head and Gives Them More Carrots* Thanks guys…..R/R please!!