Thank you to all that sent condolences for the loss of my cat. It was greatly appreciated!
Chapter 20--A Gift from A Goddess
Guenhwyvar nudged at Drizzt worriedly, trying to wake him, but he didn't stir. The intelligent cat didn't waste time after that. She turned and bounded off towards the rest of the party to fetch help.
Renee cursed as her horse fidgeted and tried to rear as the panther bounded up. "Can't that Drow keep his pet leashed?" she complained.
Guenhwyvar growled at Renee, but then turned her attention to Shandra and Tarion. She grabbed Shandra's boot and tugged at it then bounded a few feet away before running back and repeating the process.
"Something's wrong, she wouldn't abandon Drizzt without a good reason," Shandra said.
"She's just an animal," Renee grumbled.
"She is not just an animal. She is intelligent," Tarion told Renee, "and I wouldn't call her a pet again if I were you."
"Let's go! We have to follow her," Shandra said and they took off after Guenhwyvar. He panther led them straight to Drizzt who still was unconscious.
Renee, much to everyone's surprise, reached Drizzt first. She reached out to shake him then jerked her hand back just in time to keep from being bitten by Guenhwyvar. "Miserable beast!" she yelled, backing off.
Guenhwyvar snarled again, baring sharp fangs. She didn't know or trust this strange Human and the panther was not allowing her close to Drizzt.
Shandra came to Drizzt's side without trouble. "Drizzt, wake up. Wake up," she said and shook him gently. She noticed a strange necklace in Drizzt hand, gold with a star sapphire. She wondered where he got it. A groan pulled her attention.
Drizzt's eyes opened slowly. "What happened?" he asked groggily.
"That' what we should be asking. Your friend led us to you, passed out cold on the ground," Tarion said.
"Where'd did you get that?" Shandra asked, gesturing to the necklace he was still holding.
Drizzt looked at the necklace for a minute, puzzled then he remembered. "It was on the statue," he said. "I touched it and then I passed out. That's all I remember."
Shandra and Tarion exchanged concerned glances. "Did you hit your head?" Shandra asked.
"No, of course not," Drizzt said.
"Then you were dreaming or seeing things because there's no statue in sight," Renee snorted. "Unless you're making it up to cover your ineptness.
Drizzt looked over to where he remembered the statue being and found it was gone. "It was here. I saw it," he muttered. He glared at Renee. "I wasn't dreaming or seeing things and I am certainly not inept," he added. He stood and staggered as everything spun dizzily around him. He would have fallen flat on his face if Shandra hadn't caught him.
"We can't go on with you in this sort of shape. We'll camp here and continue in the morning if you're up to it," Shandra said.
"I can travel," Drizzt protested.
"Tomorrow if you're strong enough," Shandra said in a tone that warned there would be no arguing.
Drizzt nodded reluctantly. "Tomorrow," he agreed. They set up camp, but Shandra wouldn't let Drizzt help with anything.
Drizzt had nothing to do, but sit and watch the others work. Guenhwyvar sprawled out beside him. He must have dozed off because he found Renee standing over him. "What is it?" he asked.
"Nothing, I brought your share of supper," Renee said, offering a plate and taking a step closer.
Guenhwyvar growled at her again.
Renee scowled at the panther and thrust the plate into Drizzt's hands then stormed off.
Drizzt frowned, wondering why Guen was acting like that. She had never done it before.
Guen certainly doesn't like her. R/R please!
