Chapter Five: Homecoming
Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah, everything belongs to RA Salvatore, blah, blah, blah.
A/N: Sorry it's taking more time to put up chapters. The computer in the dorms was broken so I can only post on school days. Plus, the plot is thickening! Hence it's getting harder to write! Big cyber hug to everybody who has or will be reviewing (hint hint, nudge nudge). Especially to Salak, Kris and AngelDragonStar. Note to Kris: Write your e-mail or something, I'd like to talk to you.
Backbeat the word is on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels
The way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you but I don't know how
'Wonderwall' by Oasis
___________________
Nine feet high, the entrance of the black cave loomed, hidden by fallen rocks on the side of the hill. Stalactites and stalagmites lined the outside giving it the appearance of a gaping maw ready to swallow any who dared continue on. Rain coated the outside like blood around a dead man's mouth.
Peering inside, Drizzt could see that more spikes lined the floor and ceiling of the cave, outlined by glowing fungi that gave off an eerie green light. Slowly, hesitantly, Drizzt stepped forward towards the stone floor of the cave.
*I can't do it, * he thought, half despising himself for his weakness but also half hoping the weakness would reveal enough will to turn around, *I can't give up the sun. I can't betray my friends, I can't betray myself! * He thought desperately. But deep in the darkest reaches of his heart he knew he could betray them, everyone, and that he would.
*They're dead, * he flinched, *They're dead and cannot help you, and no amount of wishing or dreaming will bring them back. They can't affect you anymore. You *must* move on, * these thoughts came in a ruthless torrent, from somewhere near where the Hunter once lurked.
"Forgive me," he whispered and began his journey down the path to Menzoberranzan.
*Help me... *
____________________
It was dark. As dark as the ebony skin of its inhabitants, as dark as the souls of those lost beyond redemption. This darkness spoke of immortality through the death of others and the abhorrence of light for it sucked away any that was not caused by its own, be it drow magic or the glowing fungi that outlined the razor sharp stalactites.
Drizzt knew that he must have traveled miles but he had lost all sense of direction except down. Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
* I don't have to go to Menzoberranzan, not while Blindenstone still stands. Maybe Belwar still lives, at least some of the younger ones will remember me! * he though hopefully. This was his last chance and he would take it no matter how slim it was. And maybe, just maybe, the deep gnomes would help him find enough goodness inside to help him return to the sunlight.
Gradually the path became more familiar until Drizzt imagined that he could hear the tapping of the gnomes while they mined. His excitement mounting, Drizzt turned the corner ready to see his first glance in years of the hewn city of Blindenstone when suddenly he yelled in shock and agony.
Light. White, blinding light filled the caverns but instead of dieing out it grew stronger. It glowed red through Drizzt's lids until, what in reality was only a few minutes but for Drizzt felt like an eternity, it went out.
Slowly, in anticipation for another attack, Drizzt opened his lavender eyes ready to snap them shut again at a moments notice. Nothing happened. He took a tentative step forward, still nothing.
At this point Drizzt realized he had most likely stumbled upon a trap that he had been previously unaware of. A flare of light that powerful in the Underdark could be used to deadly effect and a mere flash of it would be enough to blind any intruders. It wasn't just a flash of light but also of extreme heat so even those who used the infrared spectrum would have been stunned, if not permanently blinded. Only his years on the surface had protected Drizzt from losing his sight altogether as he guessed many others had.
Drizzt continued on but this time more cautiously. There was a light whistling sound and he quickly shut his eyes and threw his cloak over his head just in time to miss being temporarily blinded yet again by another flash of light.
*It must be to keep out any seeking to enter Blindenstone, * Drizzt thought, *But why have a defense that could blind your own people as well as intruders? * It made no sense; this was a mining road, far to narrow for an army to enter. An idea suddenly occurred to Drizzt and he gasped aloud before racing down path, squinting slightly to keep out the light, arm poised to shield his eyes.
*This was not meant to keep intruders out, it was meant to keep the gnomes in! *
But in his haste Drizzt forgot about the possibility of other traps. A faint click sounded and suddenly a net of steel mesh rose as if by magic from the floor carrying Drizzt up with it, and held him at the top of the cavern in a neat sack. It was so sudden that when the net came to a standstill Drizzt was still blinking in shock.
*Fool! * He thought, chastising himself. The chains were fine but strong and the renegade-drow could see no way of escaping. Drizzt hung in there, not having much choice in the matter. After a while he started to swear.
________________
Drizzt awoke to the sound of heavy boots pounding on the stone floor. He had tried to stay awake but after a few hours past he realized that all he was doing was expending needed energy when he could be saving it, since no one except the owner of the trap would likely let him out. Looking down blearily he saw a wiry gnome staring up at him with a blank look on his face.
The gnome was young and despite his impassive face looked a little bit nervous as he shifted from side to side, unsure of what to do. Finally he shouted perfunctorily in undercommon, "Are you friend or foe?"
Drizzt stared, not knowing whether to sympathize for the obviously bewildered gnome or to laugh in his face. Deciding to do neither Drizzt shouted down in the gnome language, "My name is Drizzt Do'Urden, and I am a friend!"
The gnome looked startled but shouted back in his native language, "Do'Urden went to the surface years ago, prove you are him!"
Drizzt was startled and elated to find that someone knew he yet lived. He knew his most trademark feature even among the drow was his violet eyes. Concentrating deeply he called up his innate ability of faerie fire.
The gnome yelped as a near bonfire of purple fire outlined his figure. He wasn't nearly as surprised as Drizzt was though. Evidently his innate powers were returning as strongly as they were before. Coming back to the present he shouted back down, "There is your proof. Know you any other drow whose eyes are purple?"
The gnome stared at him with wide, frightened eyes and disappeared back into the darkness.
"Vithe," Drizzt whispered fiercely, now how was he supposed to get out?
This wasn't a problem for very long. About fifteen minutes later the young gnome returned along with a half a dozen other gnomes and... Belwar! He was older, much older, but it was definitely Belwar for only he had two hands fashioned in of Mithral in the shape of a hammer and a pickaxe.
"Belwar! Belwar Dissengulp!" Drizzt called, ecstatic at the sight of his friend.
"Magga cammara! Is that you, Drizzt? Dak here said that somehow a dark elf got past the defenses and was caught in one of the traps, but I thought you were too smart to have been caught," Belwar said jestingly. But the other gnomes did not looked quite as thrilled as Belwar was about the reunion. They eyed Drizzt with open distrust and hostility. Belwar turned back to them and muttered something to quickly for Drizzt to understand. The net dropped suddenly out from under him.
Instead of trying to curl into a controlled fall, Drizzt took a risk and called upon his returning drow power of levitation. To his surprise and relief his fall slowed though it did not stop completely and he landed soundlessly in front of the wary svirfneblin
"Magga cammara, Drizzt, it is you. What are you doing down here? Where are your friends?" he asked.
"They died," Drizzt said as unemotionally as he could, fighting the wave of anguish and fear of the Hunter returning as much as he could.
Belwar looked at him incredulously, "Even the dwarf? How?"
"I traveled with the dwarf for nearly twenty years after his daughter died," Drizzt winced despite himself, "But Bruenor was much aged and heartsick by the death of his adopted children. I now believe he was searching for death as we traveled. We were attacked by a mage who called up imps from the Abyss. Bruenor died slaying the last of them," all of this Drizzt said in a voice so devoid of emotion that Belwar stared at him apprehensively. But he had talked to many veterans of horrible battles and many of them talked in this tone when relating the death of life-long companions or torture at the hands of the enemy. "I was hoping to find you in good health. But tell me, are the gnomes locked within Blindenstone? Are you at war?"
Belwar shook his head, "This is a favorite road used by drow spies since the mine dried up long ago and there is little activity going on here. That why we placed the defenses," he explained gruffly.
Drizzt licked his lips in nervously, "Would it be possible for me to seek sanctuary in your city?" there, it was out.
"Magga cammara, elf, I don't think you could!" Belwar exclaimed clapping his makeshift hands together, "We're being invaded by drow at least once a month now, and there is no love lost between the two. They respect my decisions but not enough to let a possible spy in!" he looked reproachfully at the waiting gnomes.
Something broke inside of Drizzt. His last hope was lost. Turning his face away slightly he dashed tears that had not come from his eyes. "I see," he said slowly and turning on his heels walked in the direction he had come.
"Wait, Drizzt," Belwar called after him but Drizzt already knew that the gnome intended to go with him and would not allow it. With a final glance over his shoulder he resumed the treacherous journey to Menzoberranzan.
A/N: Well, its final. Drizzt is going back and there's someone rather important he's going to meet there (hint: Arabwel asked about him). The plot is going a bit haywire but I think I can pull it together within the next chapter or so. Please review!
Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah, everything belongs to RA Salvatore, blah, blah, blah.
A/N: Sorry it's taking more time to put up chapters. The computer in the dorms was broken so I can only post on school days. Plus, the plot is thickening! Hence it's getting harder to write! Big cyber hug to everybody who has or will be reviewing (hint hint, nudge nudge). Especially to Salak, Kris and AngelDragonStar. Note to Kris: Write your e-mail or something, I'd like to talk to you.
Backbeat the word is on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels
The way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you but I don't know how
'Wonderwall' by Oasis
___________________
Nine feet high, the entrance of the black cave loomed, hidden by fallen rocks on the side of the hill. Stalactites and stalagmites lined the outside giving it the appearance of a gaping maw ready to swallow any who dared continue on. Rain coated the outside like blood around a dead man's mouth.
Peering inside, Drizzt could see that more spikes lined the floor and ceiling of the cave, outlined by glowing fungi that gave off an eerie green light. Slowly, hesitantly, Drizzt stepped forward towards the stone floor of the cave.
*I can't do it, * he thought, half despising himself for his weakness but also half hoping the weakness would reveal enough will to turn around, *I can't give up the sun. I can't betray my friends, I can't betray myself! * He thought desperately. But deep in the darkest reaches of his heart he knew he could betray them, everyone, and that he would.
*They're dead, * he flinched, *They're dead and cannot help you, and no amount of wishing or dreaming will bring them back. They can't affect you anymore. You *must* move on, * these thoughts came in a ruthless torrent, from somewhere near where the Hunter once lurked.
"Forgive me," he whispered and began his journey down the path to Menzoberranzan.
*Help me... *
____________________
It was dark. As dark as the ebony skin of its inhabitants, as dark as the souls of those lost beyond redemption. This darkness spoke of immortality through the death of others and the abhorrence of light for it sucked away any that was not caused by its own, be it drow magic or the glowing fungi that outlined the razor sharp stalactites.
Drizzt knew that he must have traveled miles but he had lost all sense of direction except down. Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
* I don't have to go to Menzoberranzan, not while Blindenstone still stands. Maybe Belwar still lives, at least some of the younger ones will remember me! * he though hopefully. This was his last chance and he would take it no matter how slim it was. And maybe, just maybe, the deep gnomes would help him find enough goodness inside to help him return to the sunlight.
Gradually the path became more familiar until Drizzt imagined that he could hear the tapping of the gnomes while they mined. His excitement mounting, Drizzt turned the corner ready to see his first glance in years of the hewn city of Blindenstone when suddenly he yelled in shock and agony.
Light. White, blinding light filled the caverns but instead of dieing out it grew stronger. It glowed red through Drizzt's lids until, what in reality was only a few minutes but for Drizzt felt like an eternity, it went out.
Slowly, in anticipation for another attack, Drizzt opened his lavender eyes ready to snap them shut again at a moments notice. Nothing happened. He took a tentative step forward, still nothing.
At this point Drizzt realized he had most likely stumbled upon a trap that he had been previously unaware of. A flare of light that powerful in the Underdark could be used to deadly effect and a mere flash of it would be enough to blind any intruders. It wasn't just a flash of light but also of extreme heat so even those who used the infrared spectrum would have been stunned, if not permanently blinded. Only his years on the surface had protected Drizzt from losing his sight altogether as he guessed many others had.
Drizzt continued on but this time more cautiously. There was a light whistling sound and he quickly shut his eyes and threw his cloak over his head just in time to miss being temporarily blinded yet again by another flash of light.
*It must be to keep out any seeking to enter Blindenstone, * Drizzt thought, *But why have a defense that could blind your own people as well as intruders? * It made no sense; this was a mining road, far to narrow for an army to enter. An idea suddenly occurred to Drizzt and he gasped aloud before racing down path, squinting slightly to keep out the light, arm poised to shield his eyes.
*This was not meant to keep intruders out, it was meant to keep the gnomes in! *
But in his haste Drizzt forgot about the possibility of other traps. A faint click sounded and suddenly a net of steel mesh rose as if by magic from the floor carrying Drizzt up with it, and held him at the top of the cavern in a neat sack. It was so sudden that when the net came to a standstill Drizzt was still blinking in shock.
*Fool! * He thought, chastising himself. The chains were fine but strong and the renegade-drow could see no way of escaping. Drizzt hung in there, not having much choice in the matter. After a while he started to swear.
________________
Drizzt awoke to the sound of heavy boots pounding on the stone floor. He had tried to stay awake but after a few hours past he realized that all he was doing was expending needed energy when he could be saving it, since no one except the owner of the trap would likely let him out. Looking down blearily he saw a wiry gnome staring up at him with a blank look on his face.
The gnome was young and despite his impassive face looked a little bit nervous as he shifted from side to side, unsure of what to do. Finally he shouted perfunctorily in undercommon, "Are you friend or foe?"
Drizzt stared, not knowing whether to sympathize for the obviously bewildered gnome or to laugh in his face. Deciding to do neither Drizzt shouted down in the gnome language, "My name is Drizzt Do'Urden, and I am a friend!"
The gnome looked startled but shouted back in his native language, "Do'Urden went to the surface years ago, prove you are him!"
Drizzt was startled and elated to find that someone knew he yet lived. He knew his most trademark feature even among the drow was his violet eyes. Concentrating deeply he called up his innate ability of faerie fire.
The gnome yelped as a near bonfire of purple fire outlined his figure. He wasn't nearly as surprised as Drizzt was though. Evidently his innate powers were returning as strongly as they were before. Coming back to the present he shouted back down, "There is your proof. Know you any other drow whose eyes are purple?"
The gnome stared at him with wide, frightened eyes and disappeared back into the darkness.
"Vithe," Drizzt whispered fiercely, now how was he supposed to get out?
This wasn't a problem for very long. About fifteen minutes later the young gnome returned along with a half a dozen other gnomes and... Belwar! He was older, much older, but it was definitely Belwar for only he had two hands fashioned in of Mithral in the shape of a hammer and a pickaxe.
"Belwar! Belwar Dissengulp!" Drizzt called, ecstatic at the sight of his friend.
"Magga cammara! Is that you, Drizzt? Dak here said that somehow a dark elf got past the defenses and was caught in one of the traps, but I thought you were too smart to have been caught," Belwar said jestingly. But the other gnomes did not looked quite as thrilled as Belwar was about the reunion. They eyed Drizzt with open distrust and hostility. Belwar turned back to them and muttered something to quickly for Drizzt to understand. The net dropped suddenly out from under him.
Instead of trying to curl into a controlled fall, Drizzt took a risk and called upon his returning drow power of levitation. To his surprise and relief his fall slowed though it did not stop completely and he landed soundlessly in front of the wary svirfneblin
"Magga cammara, Drizzt, it is you. What are you doing down here? Where are your friends?" he asked.
"They died," Drizzt said as unemotionally as he could, fighting the wave of anguish and fear of the Hunter returning as much as he could.
Belwar looked at him incredulously, "Even the dwarf? How?"
"I traveled with the dwarf for nearly twenty years after his daughter died," Drizzt winced despite himself, "But Bruenor was much aged and heartsick by the death of his adopted children. I now believe he was searching for death as we traveled. We were attacked by a mage who called up imps from the Abyss. Bruenor died slaying the last of them," all of this Drizzt said in a voice so devoid of emotion that Belwar stared at him apprehensively. But he had talked to many veterans of horrible battles and many of them talked in this tone when relating the death of life-long companions or torture at the hands of the enemy. "I was hoping to find you in good health. But tell me, are the gnomes locked within Blindenstone? Are you at war?"
Belwar shook his head, "This is a favorite road used by drow spies since the mine dried up long ago and there is little activity going on here. That why we placed the defenses," he explained gruffly.
Drizzt licked his lips in nervously, "Would it be possible for me to seek sanctuary in your city?" there, it was out.
"Magga cammara, elf, I don't think you could!" Belwar exclaimed clapping his makeshift hands together, "We're being invaded by drow at least once a month now, and there is no love lost between the two. They respect my decisions but not enough to let a possible spy in!" he looked reproachfully at the waiting gnomes.
Something broke inside of Drizzt. His last hope was lost. Turning his face away slightly he dashed tears that had not come from his eyes. "I see," he said slowly and turning on his heels walked in the direction he had come.
"Wait, Drizzt," Belwar called after him but Drizzt already knew that the gnome intended to go with him and would not allow it. With a final glance over his shoulder he resumed the treacherous journey to Menzoberranzan.
A/N: Well, its final. Drizzt is going back and there's someone rather important he's going to meet there (hint: Arabwel asked about him). The plot is going a bit haywire but I think I can pull it together within the next chapter or so. Please review!
