Thanks to my reviewers! The plot bunnies keep running off on me for unscheduled vacations, so sorry about the erratic updates. I'll try to keep them corralled!

Chapter 16--Standoff and New Allies

Drizzt reluctantly went for his scimitars as the woman drew her own blade and started towards him, but suddenly she was blocked.

Tarion had moved between them, sword drawn and aimed right at the woman's heart. "You will not laid a hand nor blade on him or I swear by Tyr that you will die. He is under our protection," he said.

Renee scowled, but wisely stopped. "You two would defend that dark spawn? Drow are killers and none are different," she said.

"Would a evil Drow wear the Lady's symbol? Show her, Drizzt," Shandra said.

Drizzt pulled the unicorn amulet out and held it up where it could be seen clearly.

Renee studied it then turned to the cleric. "Thom?" she asked.

The cleric muttered a spell and the holy symbol glowed. Thom nodded. "It isn't a trick. The symbol is real," he said.

Drizzt put the symbol back, watching Renee warily. "Is it settled then?" he asked.

"For now," Renee said. She turned to Shandra. "You said you were seeking a missing companion?"

"There's a vampire in this area and he took her," Shandra said. "We're on our way to save her now."

"You'll never survive it. You need experienced companions. I'm a hunter and I can help. We should travel together. After all there's safety in numbers," Renee said.

Shandra had to agree with that. Help would be welcome when they arrived. "Then we'll be allies as long as you restrain yourself from attacking Drizzt again," she said.

Renee gestured dismissively. "As long as the runt stays out of my way," she said.

"Runt!" Drizzt said indignantly.

Shandra elbowed him sharply in the ribs and he reluctantly kept silent. The party moved on now twice it's size.

"Runt, conceited wench," Drizzt muttered as they rode.

"You'll get a chance to show off later, I'm sure. Ignore her," Shandra said.

Drizzt snorted, but let the matter drop for the time being. They couldn't afford to fight each other with a vampire out there.

At noon they stopped for lunch. Renee casually dismounted and tossed her mounts reins at Drizzt. "Our horses need tending, Drow. I have other tasks to tend more important," she said. She sounded like she was commanding a servant.

Several snide comments passed through Drizzt's mind, but he managed to restrain himself. He led the horses away. He checked each horse over and gave them food and water, careful not to give them to much then gave each a quick grooming. Just as he finished with Renee's horse it tried to bite him. Drizzt jumped back just in time then it snapped at him again. Annoyed, Drizzt slapped its muzzle sharply. "No," he said firmly. He stared directly into its eyes and it subsided. Nodding, Drizzt rejoined the others.

Shandra had saw what had happened and winked at him. "Is the rebellion under control now, general?" she asked.

"Her damned horse is as arrogant as she is," Drizzt grumbled, accepting the plate Shandra offered.

Shandra just laughed.

Renee spent the whole meal discussing strategy with her companions, Tarion and Shandra ignoring Drizzt.

"Where does Drizzt fit in your plans?" Tarion asked finally.

"He can stay with the horses while we go in," Renee said.

"Like hell I will," Drizzt said sharply. "Do you think I'm a weakling that has to be coddled? I've been fighting longer then you've been alive, hunter."

"We'll see about that as we travel," Renee said.

We certainly will, Drizzt thought fiercely……

I think Renee and Drizzt are definitely not going to get along well! R/R please!