( The same disclaimer as before... )

Chapter 5

Chenalai had run with all speed out of Ivy Mansion, across the river and through the invisible wall, ignoring the calls of early rising wizards. Tears blinded her vision. She had found one of the few places where she could perhaps be at peace, only to have /it/ awaken in her again. From past experience, she knew the longer she stayed there, the more likely it would stir and put forth its power as it had done the previous night.

A voice within her said that it would make no difference where she ran, for it was always there and always would be. The half drow cursed that part of her heart, saying to it that if she remained among others, then it might use her to destroy them, or worse, pull them into the shadows with her. The voice argued that it was not so, that the companionship and support of friends would lend her strength to keep /it/ at bay, perhaps even to master it in its own realm. Chenalai considered this for a few moments, then responded by asking the voice, what if it didn't work? What if the shadow gained control over her despite the aid of friends? It was too great a risk. Her heart seemed to sigh. Then it replied with a question of its own.

What have you got to loose? You have already lost you soul. If you continue as you are now, either it will eventually gain complete control over you and use you to force its way back into the world or you will be forced to endure its attacks, its tortures until you die... Then the gate will be sealed, but at the loss of your soul. Even then, your soul would remain trapped on the shadow realm instead of at the brink. Is this what you want? There is no chance for you that way!

The mage halted her walk down the road, staring back at the mere dot on the horizon that was Ivy Mansion, which she had left a little over an hour before. Her hair whipped about her in the steady wind as Chenalai hesitated.

- - - - - - - - - -

Morro, after speaking with the wizard currently guarding the entrance, determined that the half drow had set off north and had an hour's lead on him. Morro nodded and set his horse down outside the fence where it returned to its normal size. Then he placed the bridal and saddle upon the horse and mounted, spurring Chory northward along the road with all haste.

- - - - - - - - -

As Chenalai wavered, the voice of the creature penetrated her thoughts.

Listen not to those false thoughts, it said in a deep, dark tone. I am thy master and thou shalt obey me! Submit!

"No," replied the mage, her voice hard, emotionless. "I wouldn't submit to you then and I won't now."

Then thy torment shalt be unbearable until thou thinkest otherwise, foolish mortal.

"So be it," Chenalai murmured sadly. She shuddered as a wave of pain coursed through her body. "Just know that I shall resist you and you shall be held within your shadowed realm for eternity. I knew what would happen when I bound myself to you and now I am the barrier preventing you from crossing into this realm."

The creature hissed and the rune of dark flame seemed to be burning with a black fire. And so shall it be until you die! Images of all the torment, darkness and horror that the creature meant to inflict upon the one who had bound it flashed through Chenalai's head and she moaned softly, closing her eyes. Suddenly, the images ceased and the creature's tone softened and took on an almost caressing feel. But I am feeling merciful. I shall give thee a chance now to end thy life swiftly and without pain!

Chenalai opened her eyes and shook her head with a bitter laugh. "That would only open the door for you. If I take my life, I would do so in fear, anger or grief and such emotions could strengthen you enough that you could push your way through my soul and my torment would still have no end. Did you think I was such a fool?"

For a moment, the creature simply fumed, sending pain shooting through Chenalai. She half collapsed upon the staff. No matter what you do, endless pain shall be thy lot, Chenalai! When thou diest at last, it will matter not by whose hand for thy pain shalt not end and I shall shread thy soul as I make my way into thy plain at last.

Despite the clawing ache that now encompassed Chenalai's arms as she clung to the staff for support, she laughed. It was wild, humorless laughter that mocked the darkness and angered it. "So you think and dispute you I will not, save to say this: When I die, I shall accept my fate without complaint and that is the flaw in your plan. Now begone!"

With a shriek of rage, the black flame went out, sending one last crippling burst of pain into its binder. Chenalai fell to her knees, the bitter laughter falling from her lips once more. After a few moments, she was able to get to her feet and revel in her triumph. Her laughter died, however, as she thought of where to go. Still, the half drow hesitated. Then, with a grim sigh, she decided to go with the wisdom of her heart and turned back toward Ivy Mansion and Longsaddle.

After a few minutes of walking, or, rather, stumbling for the discourse with the dark thing had left her weak, Chenalai heard the beating of a horse's hooves down the road. She paused a moment, looking up to see a dark shape headed her way. Wondering who it might be and if they might be seeking her, Chenalai stood, awaiting their approach.

Presently, the horse and rider came close enough that their identities could be made out. The pair consisted of Morro and his horse, Chory. Chenalai waved to them and Morro waved back. A moment later, Chory came to a halt next to the half drow and Morro lept off of the horse's back.

"Not running away, are you?" asked the concerned wizard.

"Not anymore. I think I simply needed some time to... consider," replied Chenalai, wearily. "I suppose you, being a mage, and Drizzt, being Drizzt, have figured out, or at least think you've figured out, what the shadow is and why I bear it?"

Morro, taken aback, nodded.

"So what is this shadow? I'm curious to see what you've worked out."

The wizard was silent a moment, then he said, "We believe, based on the particular rune that glows on your staff, that the shadow is a dragon from that black plain whose name I will not speak. You bound yourself to it in an effort to keep it from emerging onto this plain, though we have yet to figure out your reasons for such a thing."

"I'm impressed. Few magi still remember what the rune is much less what it stands for," sighed the half drow. "But that doesn't mean I shall tell you why just yet. Drizzt and his companions will likely have left by the time we return to Ivy Mansion, so I suggest we head back there ourselves for there is the slim chance that we might catch them before they leave. I don't intend to go with them any farther than Silverymoon, though."

Shaking his head in amazement, Morro said, "I don't think I am even going to ask what so changed your mind. Let's go then."

With a chuckled, Chenalai mounted the horse behind him. "Good, because I don't think I can explain without seeming to have lost my sanity."

Morro turned Chory about and the headed back south along the road at a fast clip.

Author stuff

Chichix :

Umm... I am not sure what to say... I am really flattered by your compliments! Thank you, also, for the helpful review! I much prefer such review to one or two word ones.

Yes, I meant 'pole,' but by the time I realized that error, it was a little late to change it. You can't edit stories when they've already been submitted, much to my sorrow. And I think I meant to have ' surrounding thoughts as opposed to ".

About the cousin thing: All the Harpells are interrelated. That is why they are all Harpells. The bloodline I made up just because I was really bored and had nothing to do. I started with a role-play character I made up (Chenalai, a drow mage with green eyes, of a noble house) and then thought, "Well... What would explain the green eyes, the not exactly cruel disposition and the fact that she is a mage when noble female drow become priestesses? Hmm... Well, the drow do go to the surface to raid on occasion. Perchance that they didn't kill all of the wood elves on a particular raid, instead taking a couple as slaves? Possibilities..." (I will get around to writing up her background, though, don't worry)

About the title: I have never been good at coming up with titles.

Dawn of Twilight:

I like long reviews! Thanks for the title suggestion... Maybe you're thinking of the Dark is Rising sequence?

Other stuff: Hmm... People actually read my writing! I am amazed and very happy! Here is the next chapter and you won't be getting any more for a week. I will be at a camp far away from any computers or Internet. Ok, so it isn't that far from civilization, but I still won't be able to type.