A/N: Hi everyone, sorry about the delay, but my computer went haywire and refused to let me into words so I could write and save the next chapter. Hopefully all will be okay now. Also the cleric is male, not female. I called him she instead of he in the last chapter. I'll fix it later.
Chapter 17--Personality Clash
As the newly arrived group rode on towards the vampire's lair Shandra turned to Drizzt. "You should take point," she said.
"Very well," Drizzt agreed. He started to urge his horse forward.
"No, the Drow's eyes are poor in the daylight. One of us will do it," Renee said.
"You're right about my eyes, but I 'm a ranger and don't just use my eyes. Don't worry I am quite able to handle it," Drizzt said. He rode off before Renee could say anything again.
"I dislike depending on that creature for our safety," Renee muttered.
Tarion decided to speak up. "Drizzt is a skilled and deadly warrior as well as an experienced ranger. He can be depended on," he said.
"Rather odd for a paladin to allow a Drow close to him as well as completely trust him," Renee remarked.
"If he were evil Shandra and I would know and we would kill him, but he isn't," Tarion said.
"As a cleric I would know as well and the symbol proved that the Drow is truly a ranger, Renee," Thom said.
"You have to admit that he's right, Renee," Galen, the mage, added.
Renee snorted, but let the subject drop much to everyone's relief. "Let's pick up our pace," she said, urging her horse top a gallop.
Drizzt relaxed once he was a safe distance ahead of the rest of the party. Taking out the statuette, he dropped it to the ground. "Guenhwyvar, come to me, my shadow!' he called softly.
The panther appeared and growled softly in greeting.
"I'm glad to see you as well, my friend," Drizzt said. He watched as the magnificent panther bounded ahead to help watch for danger. An hour passed before Drizzt sensed danger. He stopped his horse and called to Guenhwyvar to follow then race back towards the others.
Renee pulled her horse to and abrupt stop. "A panther?" she said. "It's attacking!" She reached for a weapon.
"No, the panther is with Drizzt. She's his companion," Shandra said quickly before any of their new companions attacked.
Renee didn't look completely convinced, but she didn't draw a weapon. "Why aren't you on point?" she demanded as Drizzt rode up.
Drizzt scowled, not liking the hunter's tone.
Shandra hastily broke the silence. "What's the matter, Drizzt?" she asked.
"There is danger approaching. We should prepare ourselves," Drizzt said.
Shandra and Tarion immediately began to do so. They trusted Drizzt's instincts. If he sensed danger then there was danger. It was simple as that.
"Did you even wait to see what we're supposed to be fighting?" Renee demanded rudely.
"No, it was a feeling. I saw nothing, but there is something there," Drizzt said.
"You abandoned point because of a mere feeling?" Renee demanded. "Are you a fool or just a coward?"
Drizzt eyes narrowed in anger at the insult. "I have learned to trust those mere feelings as you call them and that has saved my life many times," he said sharply.
"Feelings are nothing. I'll believe there is danger when I see it with my own eyes," Renee snorted.
Drizzt looked over behind Renee and his eyes widened slightly. "Well, if that's the case all you have to do is look over your shoulder," he said.
Renee did and cursed. Turning her horse quickly, she drew her sword. "Get ready to attack!" she shouted.
A/N: There you are, if this happens again with my computer I'll update as soon as it cooperates, so don't worry that I've abandoned this. I won't until it's done. R/R please!
