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PIRATE KING

By

R. A.Salvatore

PRELUDE

Suljack, oneof the five high captains ruling Luskan and a former commander of one of themost successful pirate crews ever to terrorize the Sword Coast, was not easilyintimidated. An extrovert who typically bellowed before he considered his roar,his voice often rang loudest among the ruling council. Even the ArcaneBrotherhood, who many knew to be the true power in the city, were hard-pressedto cow him. He ruled Ship Suljack, and commanded a solid collection ofmerchants and thugs from Suljack Lodge, in the south central section of Luskan.It was not a showy or grand place, certainly nothing to match the strength ofHigh Captain Taerls four-spired castle, or High Captain Kurths mighty tower,but it was well-defended and situated comfortably near the residence ofRethnor, Suljacks closest ally among the captains.

Still,Suljack found himself on unsteady ground as he walked into the room in TenOaks, the palace of Ship Rethnor. The old man Rethnor wasnt there, and wasntsupposed to be. He spoke through what seemed to be the least intimidating manin the room, the youngest of his three sons.

ButSuljack knew that appearances could be deceiving.

Kensidan,a small man, well-dressed in dull gray and black tones, and well-groomed, withhis hair cut short in all the appropriate angles and clips, sat with a legcrossed over one knee in a comfortable chair in the center-back of the plainroom. He was sometimes called The Crow, as he always wore a high-collaredblack cape, and high black shoes that tied tightly halfway up his calf. Hewalked with an awkward gait, stiff-legged like a bird. Put that together withhis long, hooked nose, and any who saw him would immediately understand thenick-name, even a year ago, before hed first donned the high-collared cape.Any minor wizard could easily discern that there was magic in that garment,powerful magic, and such items were often reputed to affect changes on theirbearer. As with the renowned girdle of dwarvenkind, which gradually impartedthe characteristics of a dwarf to its wearer, so too Kensidans cloak seemed tobe acting upon him. His gait grew a bit more awkward, and his nose a bit longerand more hooked.

Hismuscles were not taut, and his hands were not calloused. Unlike many ofRethnors men, Kensidan didnt decorate his dark brown hair. He carried nothingflashy at all on his person. Furthermore, the cushions of the seat made himappear even smaller, but somehow, inexplicably, all of it seemed to work forhim.

Kensidanwas the center of the room, with everyone leaning in to hear his everysoft-spoken word. And whenever he happened to twitch or shift in his seat,those nearest him inevitably jumped and glanced nervously around.

Except,of course, for the dwarf who stood behind and to the right of Kensidans chair.The dwarfs burly arms were crossed over his barrel chest, their flowing linesof corded muscles broken by the black, beaded braids of his thick beard. Hisweapons stabbed up diagonally behind him, spiked heads dangling at the end ofglassteel chains. No one wanted a piece of that one, not even Suljack.Kensidans friend, recently imported muscle from the east, had waged a seriesof fights along the docks that had left any and all opposing him dead orwishing they were.

Howfares your father? Suljack asked Kensidan, though he hadnt yet pried his eyesfrom the dangerous dwarf. He took his seat before and to the side of Kensidan.

Rethnoris well, Kensidan answered.

Foran old man? Suljack dared remark, and Kensidan merely nodded.

Thereis a rumor that he wishes to retire, or that he already has, Suljack went on.

Kensidanput his elbows on the arms of his chair, finger-locked his hands together, andrested his chin upon them in a pensive pose.

Willhe announce you as his replacement? Suljack pressed.

Theyounger man, barely past his mid-twenties, chuckled a bit at that, and Suljackcleared his throat.

Wouldthat eventuality displease you? asked the Crow.

Youknow me better than that, Suljack protested.

Andwhat of the other three?

Suljackpaused to consider that for a moment then shrugged. Its not unexpected.Welcomed? Perhaps, but with a wary eye turned your way. The high captains livewell, and dont wish to upset the balance.

Theirambition falls victim to success, you mean.

AgainSuljack shrugged and said lightheartedly, Isnt enough ever enough?

No,Kensidan answered simply, with blunt and brutal honesty, and once again Suljackfound himself on shifting sands.

Suljackglanced around at the many attendants then dismissed his own. Kensidan didlikewiseexcept for his dwarf bodyguard. Suljack looked past the seated mansourly.

Speakfreely, Kensidan said.

Suljacknodded toward the dwarf.

Hesdeaf, Kensidan explained.

Canthear a thing, the dwarf confirmed.

Suljackshook his head. What he meant to say needed saying, he told himself, and so hestarted, You are serious about going after the brotherhood?

Kensidansat expressionless, emotionless.

Thereare more than a hundred wizards who call the Hosttower home, Suljackannounced.

Noresponse, not a whit.

Manyof them archmages.

Youpresume that they speak and act with a singular mind, said Kensidan finally.

ArklemGreeth holds them fast.

Noone holds a wizard fast, Kensidan replied. Theirs is the most selfish andself-serving of professions.

Somesay that Greeth has cheated death itself.

Deathis a patient opponent.

Suljackblew out a frustrated sigh. He consorts with devils! he blurted. Greeth isnot to be taken lightly.

Itake no one lightly, Kensidan assured him, a clear edge to his words.

Suljacksighed again and managed to calm himself. Im wary of them, is all, heexplained more quietly. Even the people of Luskan know it now, that we fivehigh captains, your father among us, are puppets to the master Arklem Greeth.Ive been so long under his thumb Ive forgotten the feel of wind breaking overthe prow of my own ship. Might be that its time to take back the wheel.

Pasttime. And all we need is for Arklem Greeth to continue to feel secure in hissuperiority. He weaves too many threads, and only a few need unravel to unwindhis tapestry of power.

Suljackshook his head, clearly less than confident.

Thrice Luckyis secured? Kensidan asked.

Maimunsailed this morning, yes. Is he to meet with Lord Brambleberry of Waterdeep?

Heknows what he is to do, Kensidan replied.

Suljackscowled, understanding that to mean that Suljack need not know. Secrecy waspower, he understood, though he was far too emotional a thug to ever keep asecret for long.

Ithit Suljack then, and he looked at Kensidan with even more respect, if that waspossible. Secrecy was the weight of the man, the pull that had everyoneconstantly leaning toward him. Kensidan had many pieces in play, and no one sawmore than a few of them.

Thatwas Kensidans strength. Everyone around him stood on shifting sand, while hewas rooted in bedrock.

Soits Deudermont, you say? Suljack asked, determined to at least begin weavingthe young mans threads into some sensible pattern. He shook his head at theirony of that possibility.

Sea Sprites captain is a true hero of the people,Kensidan replied. Perhaps the only hero for the people of Luskan, who have noone to speak for them in the halls of power.

Suljacksmirked at the insult, reminding himself that if it were a barb aimed at himthen logic aimed it at Kensidans own father as well.

Deudermontis unbending in principle, and therein lies our opportunity, Kensidanexplained. He is no friend of the brotherhood, surely.

Thebest war is a proxy war, I suppose, said Suljack.

No,Kensidan corrected, the best war is a proxy war when no one knows the truepower behind it.

Suljackchuckled at that, and wasnt about to disagree. His laughter remained tempered,however, by the reality that was Kensidan the Crow. His partner, his allya manhe dared not trust.

Aman from whom he could not, could never, escape.

Suljackknows enough, but not too much? Rethnor asked when Kensidan joined him a shortwhile later.

Kensidanspent a few moments studying his father before nodding his assent. How oldRethnor looked these days, with his pallid skin sagging below his eyes and downhis cheeks, leaving great flopping jowls. He had thinned considerably in thelast year or so, and his skin, so leathery from years at sea, had littleresilience left. He walked stiff-legged and bolt upright, for his back hadlocked securely in place. And when he talked, he sounded as if he had his mouthstuffed with fabric, his voice muffled and weak.

Enoughto throw himself on my sword, Kensidan replied, but he will not.

Youtrust him?

Kensidannodded. He and I want the same thing. We have no desire to serve under thethumb of Arklem Greeth.

AsI have, you mean, Rethnor retorted, but Kensidan was shaking his head even asthe old man spoke the words.

Youput in place everything upon which I now build, he said. Without your longreach, I wouldnt dare move against Greeth.

Suljackappreciates this, as well?

Likea starving man viewing a feast at a distant table. He wants a seat at thattable. Neither of us will feast without the other.

Yourewatching him closely, then.

Yes.

Rethnorgave a wheezing laugh.

AndSuljack is too stupid to betray me in a manner that I couldnt anticipate,Kensidan added, and Rethnors laugh became a quick scowl.

Kurthis the one to watch, not Suljack, said Kensidan.

Rethnorconsidered the words for a few moments, then nodded his agreement. High CaptainKurth, out there on Closeguard Island and so close to the Hosttower, waspossibly the strongest of the five high captains, and surely the only one whocould stand one-to-one against Ship Rethnor. And Kurth was so very clever,whereas, Rethnor had to admit, his friend Suljack often had to be led to thetrough with a carrot.

Yourbrother is in Mirabar? Rethnor asked.

Kensidannodded. Fate has been kind to us.

No,Rethnor corrected. Arklem Greeth has erred. His Mistresses of the South Tower and North Tower both hold vested interests in his planned infiltration and dominationof their homeland, interests that are diametrically opposed. Arklem Greeth istoo prideful and cocksure to recognize the insecurity of his positionI doubthe understands Arabeth Rauryms anger.

Sheis aboardThrice Lucky, seekingSea Sprite.

AndLord Brambleberry awaits Deudermont at Waterdeep, Rethnor stated, nodding inapproval.

Kensidanthe Crow allowed a rare smile to crease his emotionless facade. He quicklysuppressed it, though, reminding himself of the dangers of pride. Surely,Kensidan had much to be proud of. He was a juggler with many balls in the air,seamlessly and surely spinning their orbits. He was two steps ahead of ArklemGreeth in the east, and facilitating unwitting allies in the south. Hisconsiderable investmentsbags of goldhad been well spent.

TheArcane Brotherhood must fail in the east, Rethnor remarked.

Maximumpain and exposure, Kensidan agreed.

Andbeware Overwizard Shadowmantle, the old high captain warned, referring to themoon elf, Valindra, Mistress of the North Tower. She will become incensed ifGreeth is set back in his plans for dominion over the Silver Marches, a placeshe loathes.

Andshe will blame Overwizard Arabeth Raurym of the South Tower, daughter ofMarchion Elastul, for who stands to lose as much as Arabeth by Arklem Greethspower grab?

Rethnorstarted to talk, but he just looked upon his son, flashed a smile of completeconfidence, and nodded. The boy understood it, all of it.

Hehad overlooked nothing.

TheArcane Brotherhood must fail in the east, he said again, only to savor thewords.

Iwill not disappoint you, the Crow promised.

WEAVING THETAPESTRY

Amillion,million changesuncountable changes!every day, every heartbeat of every day.That is the nature of things, of the world, with every decision a crossroad,every drop of rain an instrument both of destruction and creation, every animalhunting and every animal eaten changing the present just a bit.

Ona larger level, its hardly and rarely noticeable, but those multitude ofpieces that comprise every image are not constants, nor, necessarily, areconstant in the way we view them.

Myfriends and I are not the norm for the folk of Faern. We have traveled halfthe world, for me both under and above. Most people will never see the widerworld outside of their town, or even the more distant parts of the cities oftheir births. Theirs is a small and familiar existence, a place of comfort androutine, parochial in their church, selective in their lifelong friends.

Icould not suffer such an existence. Boredom builds like smothering walls, andthe tiny changes of everyday existence would never cut large enough windows inthose opaque barriers.

Ofmy companions, I think Regis could most accept such a life, so long as the foodwas plentiful and not bland and he was given some manner of contact with thegoings-on of the wider world outside. I have often wondered how many hours ahalfling might lie on the same spot on the shore of the same lake with the sameun-baited line tied to his toe.

HasWulfgar moved back to a similar existence? Has he shrunk his world, recoilingfrom the harder truths of reality? Its possible for him, with his deepemotional scars, but never would it be possible for Catti-brie to go with himto such a life of steadfast routine. Of that Im most certain. The wanderlustgrips her as it grips me, forcing us along the roadeven apart along our separate roads, and confident in the love we share and the eventual reunions.

AndBruenor, as I witness daily, battles the smallness of his existence with growlsand grumbles. He is the king of Mithral Hall, with riches untold at hisfingertips. His every wish can be granted by a host of subjects loyal to himunto death. He accepts the responsibilities of his lineage, and fits thatthrone well, but it galls him every day as surely as if he was tied to hiskingly seat. He has often found and will often find again excuses to gethimself out of the hall on some mission or other, whatever the danger.

Heknows, as Catti-brie and I know, that stasis is boredom and boredom is a weepiece of death itself.

Forwe measure our lives by the changes, by the moments of the unusual. Perhapsthat manifests itself in the first glimpse of a new city, or the first breathof air on a tall mountain, a swim in a river cold from the melt or a frenziedbattle in the shadows of Kelvins Cairn. The unusual experiences are those thatcreate the memories, and a tenday of memories is more life than a year ofroutine. I remember my first sail aboardSea Sprite,forexample, as keenly as my first kiss from Catti-brie, and though that journeylasted mere tendays in a life more than three-quarters of the way through acentury, the memories of that voyage play out more vividly than some of theyears I spent in House DoUrden, trapped in the routine of a drow boysrepetitive duties.

Itstrue that many of the wealthier folk I have known, lords of Waterdeep even,will open their purses wide for a journey to a far off place of respite. Evenif a particular journey does not go as anticipated for them, with unpleasantweather or unpleasant company, or foul food or even minor illnesses, to a one,the lords would claim the trip worth the effort and the gold. What they valuedmost for their trouble and treasure was not the actual journey, but the memoryof it that remained behind, the memory of it that they will carry to theirgraves. Life is in the experiencing, to be sure, but its just as much in therecollection and in the telling!

Contrastingly,I see in Mithral Hall many dwarves, particularly older folk, who revel in theroutine, whose every step mirrors those of the day before. Every meal, everyhour of work, every chop with the pick or bang with the hammer follows thepattern ingrained throughout the years. There is a game of delusion at workhere, I know, though I wouldnt say it aloud. Its an unspoken and internallogic that drives them ever on in the same place. Its even chanted in an olddwarven song:

For this I did on yesterday

And not to Moradins Hall did I fly

Sos to do it againll keep me well

And today I shanot die.

Thelogic is simple and straightforward, and the trap is easily set, for if I didthese things the day before and do these same things today, I can reasonablyassume that the result will not change.

Andthe result is that I will be alive tomorrow to do these things yet again.

Thusdo the mundane and the routine become thefalseassurance of continued life,but I have to wonder, even if the premise were true, even if doing the samething daily would ensure immortality, would a year of such existence not alreadybe the same as the most troubling possibility of death?

Frommy perspective, this ill-fated logic ensures the opposite of that delusionalpromise! To live a decade in such a state is to ensure the swiftest path todeath, for it is to ensure the swiftest passage of the decade, an unremarkablerecollection that will flitter by without a pause, the years of mere existence.For in those hours and heartbeats and passing days, there is no variance, nooutstanding memory, no first kiss.

Toseek the road and embrace change could well lead to a shorter life in thesedangerous times in Faern. But in those hours, days, years, whatever themeasure, I will have lived a longer life by far than the smith who ever tapsthe same hammer to the same familiar spot on the same familiar metal.

Forlife is experience, and longevity is, in the end, measured by memory, and thosewith a thousand tales to tell have indeed lived longer than any who embrace themundane.

Drizzt DoUrden

CHAPTER

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS

Sailsbillowing, timbers creaking, water spraying high from her prow,ThriceLuckyleaped across the swells with the grace of a dancer. All themultitude of sounds blended together in a musical chorus, both invigorating andinspiring, and it occurred to young Captain Maimun that if he had hired a bandof musicians to rouse his crew, their work would add little to the naturalmusic all around them.

Thechase was on, and every man and woman aboard felt it, and heard it.

Maimunstood forward and starboard, holding fast to a guide rope, his brown hairwaving in the wind, his black shirt half unbuttoned and flapping refreshinglyand noisily, bouncing out enough to show a tar-black scar across the left sideof his chest.

Theyare close, came a womans voice from behind him, and Maimun half-turned toregard Overwizard Arabeth Raurym, Mistress of the South Tower.

Yourmagic tells you so?

Cantyou feel it? the woman answered, and gave a coy toss of her head so that herwaist-length red hair caught the wind and flipped back behind her. Her blousewas as open as Maimuns shirt, and the young man couldnt help but lookadmiringly at the alluring creature.

Hethought of the previous night, and the night before that, and before that aswellof the whole enjoyable journey. Arabeth had promised him a wonderful andexciting sail in addition to the rather large sum shed offered for herpassage, and Maimun couldnt honestly say that shed disappointed him. She wasaround his age, just past thirty, intelligent, attractive, sometimes brazen,sometimes coy, and just enough of each to keep Maimun and every other manaround her off-balance and keenly interested in pursuing her. Arabeth knew herpower well, and Maimun knew that she knew it, but still, he couldnt shakehimself free of her.

Arabethstepped up beside him and playfully brushed her fingers through his thick hair.He glanced around quickly, hoping none of the crew had seen, for the actiononly accentuated that he was quite young to be captaining a ship, and that helooked even younger. His build was slight, wiry yet strong, his features boyishand his eyes a delicate light blue. While his hands were calloused, like thoseof any honest seaman, his skin had not yet taken on the weathered, leatherylook of a man too much under the sparkling sun.

Arabethdared to run her hand under the open fold of his shirt, her fingers dancingacross his smooth skin to the rougher place where skin and tar had melded together,and it occurred to Maimun that he typically kept his shirt open just a bit morefor exactly the reason of revealing a hint of that scar, that badge of honor,that reminder to all around that he had spent most of his life with a blade inhis hand.

Youare a paradox, Arabeth remarked, and Maimun merely smiled. Gentle and strong,soft and rough, kind and merciless, an artist and a warrior. With your lute inhand, you sing with the voice of the sirens, and with your sword in hand, youfight with the tenacity of a drow weapons master.

Youfind this off-putting?

Arabethlaughed. I would drag you to your cabin right now, she replied, but they areclose.

Asif on cueand Maimun was certain Arabeth had used some magic to confirm herprediction before shed offered ita crewman from the crows nest shouted down,Sails! Sails on the horizon!

Twoships, Arabeth said to Maimun.

Twoships! the man in the nest called down.

Sea SpriteandQuelchs Folly,saidArabeth. As I told you when we left Luskan.

Maimuncould only chuckle helplessly at the manipulative wizard. He reminded himselfof the pleasures of the journey, and of the hefty bag of gold awaiting itscompletion.

Hethought, too, in terms bitter and sweet, ofSea SpriteandDeudermont, his old ship, his old captain.

Aye,Captain, thats Argus Retch or Im the son of a barbarian king and an orcqueen, Waillan Micanty said. He winced as he finished, reminding himself ofthe cultured man he served. He scanned Deudermont head to toe, from his neatlytrimmed beard and hair to his tall and spotless black boots. The captain showedmore gray in his hair, but still not much for a man of more than fifty years,and that only made him appear more regal and impressive.

Abottle of the finest wine for Dhomas Sheeringvale, then, Deudermont said in alight tone that put Micanty back at ease. Against all of my doubts, theinformation you garnered from him was correct and weve finally got that filthypirate before us. He clapped Micanty on the back and glanced back over hisshoulder and up toSea Sprites wizard, who sat on the edge of thepoop deck, his skinny legs dangling under his heavy robes. And soon in rangeof our catapult, Deudermont added loudly, catching the attention of the mage,Robillard, if our resident wizard there can get the sails straining.

Cheatto win, Robillard replied, and with a dramatic flourish he waggled hisfingers, the ring that allowed him control over a fickle air elemental sendingforth another mighty gust of wind that madeSea Sprites timberscreak.

Igrow weary of the chase, Deudermont retorted, his way of saying that he waseager to finally confront the beastly pirate he pursued.

Lessso than I, the wizard replied.

Deudermontdidnt argue that point, and he knew that the benefit of Robillards magicfilling the sails was mitigated by the strong following winds. In calmerseas,Sea Spritecould still rush along, propelled by thewizard and his ring, while their quarry would typically flee at a crawl. Thecaptain clapped Micanty on the shoulder and led him to the side, in viewofSea Sprites new and greatly improved catapult. Heavily bandedin metal strapping, the dwarven weapon could heave a larger payload. Thethrowing arm and basket strained under the weight of many lengths of chain,laid out for maximum extension by gunners rich in experience.

Howlong? Deudermont asked the sighting officer, who stood beside the catapult,spyglass in hand.

Wecould hit her now with a ball of pitch, mighten be, but getting the chains uphigh enough to shred her sailsThatll take another fifty yards closing.

Oneyard for every gust, Deudermont said with a sigh of feigned resignation. Weneed a stronger wizard.

Youdbe looking for Elminster himself, then, Robillard shot back. And hedprobably burn your sails in some demented attempt at a colorful flourish. Butplease, hire him on. I would enjoy a holiday, and would enjoy more the sight ofyou swimming back to Luskan.

Thistime Deudermonts sigh was real.

Sowas Robillards grin.

Sea Sprites timbers creaked again, forward-leaning mastsdriving the prow hard against the dark water.

Soonafter, everyone on the deck, even the seemingly-dispassionate wizard, waitedwith breath held for the barked command, Tack starboard!

Sea Spritebent over in a water-swirling hard turn,bending her masts out of the way for the aft catapult to let fly. And let flyshe did, the dwarven siege engine screeching and creaking, hurling severalhundred pounds of wrapped metal through the air. The chains burst open to nearfull length as they soared, and whipped in above the deck ofQuelchsFolly, slashing her sails.

Asthe wounded pirate ship slowed,Sea Spritetacked hard back toport. A flurry of activity on the pirates deck showed her archers preparingfor the fight, andSea Sprites crack crew responded in kind,aligning themselves along the port rail, composite bows in hand.

Butit was Robillard who, by design, struck first. In addition to constructing thenecessary spells to defend against magical attacks, the wizard used anenchanted censer and brought forth a denizen from the Elemental Plane of Air.It appeared like a waterspout, but with hints of a human form, a roiling of airpowerful enough to suck up and hold water within it to better define itsdimensions. Loyal and obedient because of the ring Robillard wore, thecloudlike pet all but invisibly floated over the rail ofSea Spriteandglided towardQuelchs Folly.

CaptainDeudermont lifted his hand high and looked to Robillard for guidance.Alongside her fast and straight, he instructed the helmsman.

Notto rake? Waillan Micanty asked, echoing perfectly the sentiments of thehelmsman, for normallySea Spritewould cripple her opponentand come in broadside to the pirates taffrail, givingSea Spritesarchers greater latitude and mobility.

Robillardhad convinced Deudermont of a new plan for the ruffians ofQuelchsFolly, a plan more straightforward and more devastating to a crew deservingof no quarter.

Sea Spriteclosedarchers on both decks lifted theirbows.

Holdfor me, Deudermont called along his line, his hand still high in the air.

Morethan one man onSea Sprites deck rubbed his arm against hissweating face; more than one rolled eager fingers over his drawn bowstring.Deudermont was asking them to cede the initiative, to let the pirates shootfirst.

Trained,seasoned, and trusting in their captain, they obliged.

Andso Arguss crew let flyright into the suddenly howling winds of Robillardsair elemental.

Thecreature rose up above the dark water and began to spin with such suddennessand velocity that by the time the arrows of Arguss archers cleared their bows,they were soaring straight into a growing tornado, a water spout. Robillardwilled the creature right to the side ofQuelchs Folly,its windsso strong that they deterred any attempt to reload the bows.

Then,with only a few yards separatingSea Spritefrom the pirate,the wizard nodded to Deudermont, who counted down from threeprecisely the timeRobillard needed to simply dismiss his elemental and the winds with it. Argusscrew, mistakenly thinking the wind to be as much a defense as a deterrent totheir own attacks, had barely moved for cover when the volley crossed deck todeck.

Theyare good, Arabeth remarked to Maimun as the two stared into a scrying bowl shehad empowered to give them a close-up view of the distant battle. Following thebarrage of arrows, a second catapult shot sent hundreds of small stones rakingthe deck ofQuelchs Folly.With brutal efficiency,SeaSpritesidled up to the pirate ship, grapnels and boarding planksflying.

Itwill be all but over before we get there, Maimun said.

Beforeyougetthere, you mean, Arabeth said with a wink. She cast a quick spell and fadedfrom sight. Put up your proper pennant, elseSea Spritesinks youbeside her.

Maimunlaughed at the disembodied voice of the invisible mage and started to respond,but a flash out on the water told him that Arabeth had already created adimensional portal to rush away.

UpLuskans dock flag! Maimun called to his crew.

Thrice Luckywas in a wonderful position, for she hadno outstanding crimes or warrants against her. With a flag of Luskans wharfabove her, stating a clear intent to side with Deudermont, she would bewell-received.

Andof course Maimun would side with Deudermont against Argus Retch. Though Maimun,too, was considered a pirate of sorts, he was nothing akin to the wretchedRetchwhose last name had been taken with pride, albeit misspelled. Retch was amurderer, and took great pleasure in torturing and killing even helplesscivilians.

Maimunwouldnt abide that, and part of the reason he had agreed to take Arabeth outwas to see, at long last, the downfall of the dreadful pirate. He realized hewas leaning over the rail. His greatest pleasure would be crossing swords withRetch himself.

ButMaimun knew Deudermont too well to believe that the battle would last thatlong.

Takeup a song, the young captain, who was also a renowned bard, commanded, and hiscrew did just that, singing rousing praises toThrice Lucky,warningher enemies, Beware or be swimming!

Maimunshook his thick brown locks from his face, his light blue eyesorbs that madehim look much younger than his twenty-nine yearssquinting as he measured thefast-closing distance.

Deudermontsmen were already on the deck.

Robillardfound himself quickly bored. He had expected better out of Argus Retch, thoughhed wondered for a long time if the mans impressive reputation had beenexaggerated by the ruthlessness of his tactics. Robillard, formerly of theHosttower of the Arcane, had known many such men, rather ordinary in terms ofconventional intelligence or prowess, but seeming above that because they wereunbounded by morality.

Sailsport and aft! the man in the crows nest shouted down. Robillard waved hishand, casting a spell to enhance his vision, his gaze locking on the pennantclimbing the new ships rigging.

Thrice Lucky,he muttered, noting youngCaptain Maimun standing mid-rail. Go home, boy.

Witha disgusted sigh, Robillard dismissed Maimun and his boat and turned hisattention to the fight at hand.

Hebrought his pet air elemental back to him then used his ring to enact a spellof levitation. On his command, the elemental shoved him across the expansetowardQuelchs Folly. He visually scoured the deck as he glidedin, seeking her wizard. Deudermont and his crack crew werent to be outdonewith swords, he well knew, and so the only potential damage would be wrought bymagic.

Hefloated over the pirates rail, caught a rope to halt his drift, and calmlyreached out to tap a nearby pirate, releasing a shock of electrical magic as hedid. That man hopped weirdly once or twice, his long hair dancing crazily, thenhe fell over, twitching.

Robillarddidnt watch it. He glanced from battle to battle, and anywhere it seemed asthough a pirate was getting the best of one of Deudermonts men, he flicked hisfinger in that direction, sending forth a stream of magical missiles that laidthe pirate low.

Butwhere was her wizard? And where was Retch?

Coweringin the hold, no doubt, Robillard muttered to himself.

Hereleased the levitation spell and began calmly striding across the deck. Apirate rushed at him from the side and slashed his saber hard against thewizard, but of course Robillard had well-prepared his defenses for any suchcrude attempts. The saber hit his skin and would have done no more againstsolid rock, a magical barrier blocking it fully.

Thenthe pirate went up into the air, caught by Robillards elemental. He flew outover the rail, flailing insanely, to splash into the cold ocean waters.

A favor for an old friend?Came a magical whisper inRobillards ear, and in a voice he surely recognized.

ArabethRaurym? he mouthed in disbelief, and in sadness, for what might that promisingyoung lass be doing at sea with the likes of Argus Retch?

Robillardsighed again, dropped another pair of pirates with a missile volley, loosed hisair elemental on yet another group, and moved to the hatch. He glanced aroundthen removed the hatch with a mighty gust of wind. Using his ring again tobuoy him, for he didnt want to bother with a ladder, the wizard floated downbelowdecks.

Whatlittle fight remained in Argus Retchs crew dissipated at the approach of thesecond ship, forThrice Luckyhad declared her allegiance withDeudermont. With expert handling, Maimuns crew brought their vessel upalongsideQuelchs Folly,oppositeSea Sprite, andquickly set their boarding planks.

Maimunled the way, but he didnt get two steps from his own deck before Deudermonthimself appeared at the other end of the plank, staring at him with what seemeda mixture of curiosity and disdain.

Sailpast,Sea Sprites captain said.

Wefly Luskans banner, Maimun replied.

Deudermontdidnt blink.

Havewe come to this, then, my captain? Maimun asked.

Thechoice was yours.

Thechoice, Maimun echoed. Was it to be made only with your approval? He keptapproaching as he spoke, and dared hop down to the deck beside Deudermont. Helooked back at his hesitant crew, and waved them forward.

Comenow, my old captain, Maimun said, there is no reason we cannot share an oceanso large, a coast so long.

Andyet, in such a large ocean, you somehow find your way to my side.

Forold times sake, Maimun said with a disarming chuckle, and despite himself,Deudermont couldnt suppress his smile.

Haveyou killed the wretched Retch? Maimun asked.

Wewill have him soon enough.

Youand I, perhaps, if were clever, Maimun offered, and when Deudermont looked athim curiously, he added a knowing wink.

Maimunmotioned Deudermont to follow and led him toward the captains quarters, thoughthe door had already been ripped open and the anteroom appeared empty.

Retchis rumored to always have a means of escape, Maimun explained as they crossedthe threshold into the private room, exactly as Arabeth had instructed Maimunto do.

Allpirates do, Deudermont replied. Where is yours?

Maimunstopped and regarded Deudermont out of the corner of his eye for a few moments,but otherwise let the jab pass.

Orare you implying that you have an idea where Retchs escape might be found?Deudermont asked when his joke flattened.

Maimunled the captain through a secret door and into Retchs private quarters. Theroom was gaudily adorned with booty from a variety of places and with a varietyof designs, rarely complimentary. Glass mixed with metal-work, fancy-edge andblock, and a rainbow of colors left onlookers more dizzy than impressed. Ofcourse, anyone who knew Captain Argus Retch, with his red-and-white stripedshirt, wide green sash, and bright blue pants, would have thought the roomperfectly within the wide parameters of the mans curious sensibilities.

Themoment of quiet distraction also brought a revelation to the twoone thatMaimun had expected. A conversation from below drifted through a small grate inthe corner of the room, and the sound of a cultured womans voice fullycaptured Deudermonts attention.

Icare nothing for the likes of Argus Retch, the woman said. He is an ugly andill-tempered dog, who should be put down.

Yetyou are here, a mans voiceRobillards voiceanswered.

BecauseI fear Arklem Greeth more than I fearSea Sprite,or any ofthe other pretend pirate hunters sailing the Sword Coast.

Pretend?Is this not a pirate? Is it not caught?

YouknowSea Spriteis a show, the woman argued. You are afacade offered by the high captains so the peasants believe theyre beingprotected.

Sothe high captains approve of piracy? asked an obviously doubting Robillard.

Thewoman laughed. The Arcane Brotherhood operates the pirate trade, to greatprofit. Whether the high captains approve or disapprove is not important,because they dont dare oppose Arklem Greeth. Feign not your ignorance of this,Brother Robillard. You served at the Hosttower for years.

Itwas a different time.

Indeed,the woman agreed. But now is as now is, and now is the time of Arklem Greeth.

Youfear him?

Imterrified of him, and horrified of what he is, the woman answered without theslightest hesitation. And I pray that someone will rise up and rid theHosttower of him and his many minions. But Im not that person. I take pride inmy prowess as an overwizard and in my heritage as daughter of the marchion ofMirabar.

ArabethRaurym, Deudermont mouthed in recognition.

ButI wouldnt involve my father in this, for he is already entangled with thebrotherhoods designs on the Silver Marches. Luskan would be well-served bybeing rid of Arklem Greetheven Prisoners Carnival might then be brought backunder lawful and orderly control. But he will outlive my childrens childrenschildrenor out-exist them, I mean, since he long ago stopped drawing breath.

Lich,Robillard said quietly. Its true, then.

Iam gone, Arabeth answered. Do you intend to stop me?

Iwould be well within my province to arrest you here and now.

Butwill you?

Robillardsighed, and up above, Deudermont and Maimun heard a quick chant and the sizzleof magical release as Arabeth spirited away.

Theimplications of her revelationsrumors made true before Deudermonts veryearshung silently in the air between Deudermont and Maimun.

Idont serve Arklem Greeth, if thats what youre wondering, Maimun said. Butthen, I am no pirate.

Indeed,replied an obviously unconvinced Deudermont.

Asa soldier is no murderer, said Maimun.

Soldierscan be murderers, Deudermont deadpanned.

Socan lords and ladies, high captains and archmages, pirates and pirate huntersalike.

Youforgot peasants, said Deudermont. And chickens. Chickens can kill, Ive beentold.

Maimuntipped his fingers against his forehead in salute and surrender.

Retchsescape? Deudermont asked, and Maimun moved to the back of the cabin. Hefumbled about a small set of shelves there, moving trinkets and statues andbooks alike, until finally he smiled and tugged a hidden lever.

Thewall pulled open, revealing an empty shaft.

Anescape boat, Maimun reasoned, and Deudermont started for the door.

Ifhe knew it wasSea Spritepursuing him, he is long gone,Maimun said, and Deudermont stopped. Retch is no fool, nor is he loyal enoughto follow his ship and crew to the depths. He no doubt recognized that itwasSea Spritechasing him, and relieved himself of hiscommand quietly and quickly. These escape boats are clever things; somesubmerge for many hours and are possessed of magical propulsion that can returnthem to a designed point of recall. You can take pride, though, for the escapeboats are often referred to as Deuderboats.

Deudermontseyes narrowed.

Itssomething, at least, Maimun offered.

Deudermontshandsome face soured and he headed through the door.

Youwont catch him, Maimun called after him. The young manbard, pirate,captainsighed and chuckled helplessly, knowing full well that Retch was likelyalready back in Luskan, and knowing the ways of Kensidan, his employer, hewondered if the notorious pirate wasnt already being compensated forsacrificing his ship.

Arabethhad come out there for a reason, to have that conversation with Robillardwithin earshot of Captain Deudermont. It all started to come together forclever Maimun. Kensidan was soon to be a high captain, and the ambitiouswarlord was working hard to change the very definition of that title.

Despitehis deep resentment, Maimun found himself glancing at the door through whichDeudermont had exited. Despite his falling out with his former captain, he feltuneasy about the prospect of this too-noble man being used as a pawn.

AndArabeth Raurym had just seen to that.

Shewas a good shipbest I ever had, Argus Retch protested.

Bestof a bad lot, then, Kensidan replied. He sathe was always sitting, itseemedbefore the blustering, gaudy pirate, his dark and somber clothing so incontrast to Argus Retchs display of mismatched colors.

Saltin your throat, ye damned Crow! Retch cursed. And lost me a good crew, too!

Mostof your crew never left Luskan. You used a band of wharf-rats and a few of yourown you wished to be rid of. Captain Retch, dont play me for a fool.

W-wellwell,Retch stammered. Well, good enough, then! But still a crew, and still workinfor me. And I lostFolly!Dont you forget that.

Whywould I forget that which I ordered? And why would I forget that for which youwere compensated?

Compensated?the pirate blustered.

Kensidanlooked at Retchs hip, where the bag of gold hung.

Goldsall well and fine, Retch said, but I need a ship, and Im not for finding onewith any ease. Whod sell to Argus Retch, knowing that Deudermont got his lastand is after him?

Ingood time, said Kensidan. Spend your gold on delicacies. Patience. Patience.

Ima man of the sea!

Kensidanshifted in his seat, planting one elbow on the arm of the chair, forearm up. Hepointed his index finger and rested his temple against it, staring at Retchpensively, and with obvious annoyance. I can put you back to sea this veryday.

Good!

Idoubt youll think so.

Thedeadpan clued Retch in to Kensidans true meaning. Rumors had been filteringaround Luskan that several of Kensidans enemies had been dropped into the deepwaters outside the harbor.

Well,I can be a bit patient, no doubt.

Nodoubt, Kensidan echoed. And it will be well worth your time, I assure you.

Youllget me a good ship?

Kensidangave a little chuckle. WouldSea Spritesuffice?

ArgusRetchs bloodshot eyes popped open wide and the man seemed to simply freeze inplace. He stayed like that for a very long timeso long that Kensidan simplylooked past him to several of Rethnors lieutenants who stood against the wallsof the room.

Imsure it will, Kensidan said, and the men laughed. To Retch, he added, Go andplay, and he waved the man away.

AsRetch exited through one door, Suljack came in through another.

Doyou think that wise? the high captain asked.

TheCrow shrugged and smirked as if it hardly mattered.

Youintend to give himSea Sprite?

Werea long way from havingSea Sprite.

Agreed,said Suljack. But you just promised

Nothingat all, said Kensidan. I asked if he thoughtSea Spritewouldsuffice, nothing more.

Notto his ears.

Kensidanchuckled as he reached over the side of his seat to retrieve his glass ofwhiskey, along with a bag of potent leaves and shoots. He downed the drink inone gulp and brought the leaves up below his nose, inhaling deeply of theirpowerful aroma.

Hellbrag, Suljack warned.

WithDeudermont looking for him? Hell hide.

Suljacksshake of his head revealed his doubts, but Kensidan brought his herbs upbeneath his nose again and seemed not to care.

Seemednot to care because he didnt. His plans were flowingexactly as he had predicted.

Nyphithysis in the east?

Kensidanmerely chuckled.

CHAPTER

DEFYING EXPECTATIONS

The largemoonstone hanging around Catti-bries neck glowed suddenly and fiercely, andshe brought a hand up to clench it.

Devils,said Drizzt DoUrden. So Marchion Elastuls emissary wasnt lying.

Telledye as much, said the dwarf Torgar Hammerstriker, who had been of Elastulscourt only a few short years before. Elastuls a shooting pain in a dwarfsarse, but hes not so much the liar, and hes wanting the trade. Always thetrade.

Beenmore than five years since we went through Mirabar on our road that bringed ushome, King Bruenor Battlehammer added. Elastul lost a lot to our passing, andhis nobles aint been happy with him for a long time. Hes reachin out to us.

Andto him, Drizzt added, nodding down in the direction of Obould, master of thenewly formed Kingdom of Many-Arrows.

Theworlds gone Gutbuster, Bruenor muttered, a phrase referring to his wildestguardsmen and which Bruenor had aptly appropriated as a synonym for crazy.

Betterworld, then, Thibbledorf Pwent, leader of said guardsmen, was quick torespond.

Whenwere done with this, yere going back to Mirabar, Bruenor said to Torgar.Torgars eyes widened and he blanched at the notion. As me own emissary.Elastul done good and were needing to tell him he done good. And not onesbetter for telling him that than Torgar Hammerstriker.

Torgarseemed less than convinced, to be sure, but he nodded. He had pledged hisloyalty to King Bruenor and would follow his kings commands without complaint.

Businesshere first, Im thinking, Bruenor said.

Thedwarf king looked at Catti-brie, who had turned to stare off in the directionthe gemstone amulet indicated. The westering sun backlit her, reflecting offthe red and purple blouse she wore, a shirt that had once been the magicalrobes of a gnome wizard. Bruenors adopted daughter was in her latethirtiesnot old in the counting of a dwarf, but near middle-aged for a human.And though she still had that luminescence, a beauty that radiated from within,luster to her auburn hair and the sparkle of youth in her large blue eyes,Bruenor could see the changes that had come over her.

Shehad Taulmaril the Heartseeker, her deadly bow, slung over one shoulder, thoughof late, Drizzt was the one with that bow in hand. Catti-brie had become awizard, and one with a tutor as fine as any in the land. Alustriel herself, theLady of Silverymoon and of the famed Seven Sisters, had taken Catti-brie in asa student shortly after the stalemated war between Bruenors dwarves and KingOboulds orcs. Other than the bow, Catti-brie carried only a small dagger, onethat seemed hardly used as it sat on her hip. An assortment of wands lined herbelt, though, and she wore a pair of powerfully enchanted rings, including onethat she claimed could bring the stars themselves down from the sky upon herenemies.

Theyrenot far, she said in a voice still melodic and filled with wonder.

They?asked Drizzt.

Sucha creature would not travel alonecertainly not for a meeting with an orc ofOboulds ferocious reputation. Catti-brie reminded him.

Butescorted by other devils, not a more common guard?

Catti-brieshrugged, tightened her grip on the amulet, and concentrated for a few momentsthen nodded.

Abold move, said Drizzt, even when dealing with an orc. How confident must theArcane Brotherhood be to allow devils to openly walk the land?

Lessconfident tomorrow than todays all Im knowing, muttered Bruenor. He moveddown to the side of the stony hill that afforded him the best view of Obouldsencampment.

Indeed,Drizzt agreed, throwing a wink at Catti-brie before moving down beside thedwarf. For never would they have calculated that King Bruenor Battlehammerwould rush to the aid of an orc.

Justshut yer mouth, elf, Bruenor grumbled, and Drizzt and Catti-brie shared asmile.

Regisglanced around nervously. The agreement was for Obould to come out with a smallcontingent, but it was clear to the halfling that the orc had unilaterallychanged that plan. Scores of orc warriors and shamans had been set around themain camp, hiding behind rocks or in crevices, cunningly concealed and preparedfor swift egress.

Assoon as Elastuls emissaries had delivered the word that the Arcane Brotherhoodmeant to move on the Silver Marches, and that enlisting Obould would be theirfirst endeavor, the orc kings every maneuver had been aggressive.

Tooaggressive? Regis wondered.

LadyAlustriel and Bruenor had reached out to Obould, but so too had Obould begun toreach out to them. In the four years since the treaty of Garumns Gorge, therehadnt been all that much contact between the various kingdoms, dwarf and orc,and indeed, most of that contact had come in the form of skirmishes alongdisputed boundaries.

Butthey had come to join in their first common mission since Bruenor and hisfriends, Regis among them, had traveled north to help Obould stave off a coupattempt by a vicious tribe of half-ogre orcs.

Orhad they? The question nagged at Regis as he continued to glance around.Ostensibly, they had agreed to come together to meet the brotherhoodsemissaries with a show of united force, but a disturbing possibility nagged atthe halfling. Suppose Obould instead planned to use his overwhelming numbers insupport of the fiendish emissary and against Regis and his friends?

Youwouldnt have me risk the lives of King Bruenor and his princess Catti-brie,student of Alustriel, would you? came Oboulds voice from behind, shatteringthe halflings train of thought.

Regissheepishly turned to regard the massive humanoid, dressed in his overlappingblack armor with its abundant and imposing spikes, and with that tremendousgreatsword strapped across his back.

I-Iknow not what you mean, Regis stammered, feeling naked under the knowing gazeof the unusually perceptive orc.

Obouldlaughed at him and turned away, leaving the halfling less than assured.

Severalof the forward sentries began calling then, announcing the arrival of theoutsiders. Regis rushed forward and to the side to get a good look, and when hedid spy the newcomers a few moments later, his heart leaped into his throat.

Atrio of beautiful, barely-dressed women led the way up the path. One steppedproudly in front, flanked left and right by her entourage. Tall, statuesque,with beautiful skin, they seemed almost angelic to Regis, for from behind theirstrong but delicate shoulders, they each sprouted a pair of shining whitefeathered wings. Everything about them spoke of otherworldliness, from theirnaturalor supernatural!charms, like hair too lustrous and eyes too shining,to their adornments such as the fine swords and delicate rope, all magicallyglowing in a rainbow of hues, carried on belts twined of shining gold andsilver fibers that sparkled with enchantments.

Itwould have been easy to confuse these women with the goodly celestials, had itnot been for their escort. For behind them came a mob of gruesome and beastlywarriors, the barbazu. Each carried a saw-toothed glaive, great tips waving inthe light as the hunched, green-skinned creatures shuffled behind theirleaders. Barbazu were also known as bearded devils because of a shock of facialhair that ran ear to ear down under their jawline, beneath a toothy mouth fartoo wide for their otherwise emaciated-looking faces. Scattered amongst theirranks were their pets, the lemure, oozing, fleshy creatures that had no moredefinable shape than that of a lump of molten stone, continually rolling,spreading, and contracting to propel themselves forward.

Thegroup, nearly two score by Regiss count, moved steadily up the rock pathtoward Obould, who had climbed to the top to directly intercept them. Just adozen paces before him the leading trio motioned for their shock troops to holdand came forward as a group, again with the same one, a most striking andalluring creature with stunning too-red hair, too-red eyes, and too-red lips,taking the point.

Youare Obould, I am sure, the erinyes purred, striding forward to stand rightbefore the imposing orc, and though he was more than half a foot taller thanher and twice her weight, she didnt seem diminished before him.

Nyphithys,I assume, Obould replied.

Theshe-devil smiled, showing teeth blindingly white and dangerously sharp.

Werehonored to speak with King Obould Many-Arrows, the devil said, her red eyestwinkling coyly. Your reputation has spread across Faern. Your kingdom bringshope to all orcs.

Andhope to the Arcane Brotherhood, it would seem, Obould said, as Nyphithyssgaze drifted over to the side, where Regis remained half-hidden by a largerock. The erinyes grinned againand Regis felt his knees go weakbeforefinally, mercifully, looking back to the imposing orc king.

Wemake no secret of our wishes to expand our influence, she admitted. Not tothose with whom we wish to ally, at least. To others. Her voice trailed offas she again looked Regiss way.

Heis a useful infiltrator, Obould remarked. One whose loyalty is to whoeverpays him the most gold. I have much gold.

Nyphithyssaccepting nod seemed less than convinced.

Yourarmy is mighty, by all accounts, said the devil. Your healers capable. Whereyou fail is in the Art, which leaves you dangerously vulnerable to the magesthat are so prevalent in Silverymoon.

Andthis is what the Arcane Brotherhood offers, Obould reasoned.

Wecan more than match Alustriels power.

Andso with you behind me, the Kingdom of Many-Arrows will overrun the SilverMarches.

Regissknees went weak again at Oboulds proclamation. The halflings thoughtsscreamed of double-cross, and with his friends so dangerously exposedand withhimself so obviously doomed!

Itwould be a beautiful coupling, the erinyes said, and ran her delicate handacross Oboulds massive chest.

Acoupling is a temporary arrangement.

Amarriage, then, said Nyphithys.

Oran enslavement.

Theerinyes stepped back and looked at him curiously.

Iwould provide you the fodder to absorb the spears and spells of your enemies,Obould explained. My orcs would become to you as those barbezu.

Youmisunderstand.

DoI, Nyphithys? Obould said, and it was his turn to offer a toothy grin.

Thebrotherhood seeks to enhance trade and cooperation.

Thenwhy do you approach me under the cloak of secrecy? All the kingdoms of theSilver Marches value trade.

Surelyyou dont consider yourself kin and kind with the dwarves of Mithral Hall, orwith Alustriel and her delicate creatures. You are a god among orcs. Gruumshadores youI know this, as I have spoken with him.

Regis,who was growing confident again at Oboulds strong rebuke, winced as surely asdid Obould himself when Nyphithys made that particular reference.

Gruumshhas guided the vision that is Many-Arrows, Obould replied after a moment ofcollecting himself. I know his will.

Nyphithysbeamed. My master will be pleased. We will send

Obouldsmocking laughter stopped her, and she looked at him with both curiosity andskepticism.

Warbrought us to this, our home, Obould explained, but peace sustains us.

Peacewithdwarves?the devil asked.

Obouldstood firm and didnt bother to reply.

Mymaster will not be pleased.

Hewill exact punishment upon me?

Becareful what you wish for, king of orcs, the devil warned. Your puny kingdomis no match for the magic of the Arcane Brotherhood.

Whoally with devils and will send forth a horde of barbezu to entangle my armies whiletheir overwizards rain death upon us? Obould asked, and it was Nyphithyssturn to stand firm.

Whilemy own allies support my ranks with elven arrows, dwarven war machines, andLady Alustriels own knights and wizards, the orc said and drew out hisgreatsword, willing its massive blade to erupt with fire as it came free of itssheath.

ToNyphithys and her two erinyes companions, none of whom were smiling, he yelled,Let us see how my orc fodder fares against your barbezu and flesh beasts!

Fromall around, orcs leaped out of hiding. Brandishing swords and spears, axes andflails, they howled and rushed forward, and the devils, ever eager for battle,fanned out and met the charge.

Foolorc, Nyphithys said. She pulled out her own sword, a wicked, straight-edgedblade, blood red in color, and took her strange rope from her belt as well, asdid her sister erinyes devils. Our promise to you was of greater power thanyou will ever know!

Tothe sides of the principals, orcs and lesser devils crashed together in asudden torrent of howls and shrieks.

Obouldcame forward with frightening speed, his sword driving for the hollow betweenNyphithyss breasts. He roared with victory, thinking the kill assured.

ButNyphithys was gonejust gone, magically disappeared, and so were her sisters.

Foolorc, she called down to him from above, and Obould whirled and looked up tosee the three devils some twenty feet off the ground, their feathered wingsbeating easily, holding them aloft and steady against the wind.

Abearded devil rushed at the seemingly distracted orc king, but Obould sweptaround at the last moment, his flaming greatsword cutting a devastating arc,and the creature fell awayin pieces.

Ashe turned back to regard Nyphithys, though, a rope slapped down around him. Amagical rope, he quickly discerned, as it began to entwine him of its ownaccord, wrapping with blinding speed and the strength of a giant constrictorsnake around his torso and limbs. Before he even began sorting that out, asecond rope hit him and began to enwrap him, as each of Nyphithyss fellowerinyes, flanking their alluring leader, caught him in their extended magicalgrasp.

Destroythem all! Nyphithys called down to her horde. They are only orcs!

Onlyorcs! a bearded devil echoed, or tried to, for it came out only or-glul,asa spike blasted through the devils spine and lungs, exploding out its chestwith a spray of blood and gore.

Yeah,ye keep tellin yerself that, said Thibbledorf Pwent, who had leaped down froma rocky abutment head firsthelmet spike firstupon the unsuspecting creature.Pwent pulled himself to his feet, yanking the flailing, dying devil up over hishead as he went. With a powerful jerk and twitch, he sent the creature flyingaway. Itll make ye feel better, he said after it then he howled and chargedat the next enemy he could find.

Slowdown, ye durned stoneheaded pile o road apples! Bruenor, who was moregingerly making his way down the same abutment, called after Pwent, to noavail. So much for formations, the dwarf king grumbled to Drizzt, who rushedby with a fluid gait, leaping down ledge to ledge as easily as if he wererunning across flat tundra.

Thedrow hit the ground running. He darted off to the side and fell into a sidelongroll over a smooth boulder, landing solidly on his feet and with his scimitarsalready weaving a deadly pattern before him. Oozing lemures bubbled and poppedunder the slashes of those blades as Drizzt fell fully into his dance. Hestopped, and whirled around just in time to double-parry the incoming glaive ofa barbezu. Not wanting to fully engage the saw-toothed weapon, Drizzt insteadslapped it with a series of shortened strikes, deflecting its thrust out wide.

Hismagical anklets enhancing his strides, the drow rushed in behind the glaive,Icingdeath and Twinkle, his trusted blades, making short work of the beardeddevil.

Igot to get me a fast pony, Bruenor grumbled.

Warpig, one of the other dwarves coming down, another Gutbuster, corrected.

Whateversabout, Bruenor agreed. Anything to get me in the fight afore them two stealall the fun.

Asif on cue, Pwent roared, Come on, me boys! Theres blood for spillin! andall the Gutbusters gave a great cheer and began raining down around Bruenor.They leaped from the stones and crashed down hard, caring not at all, androlled off as one with all the frenzy of a tornado in an open market.

Bruenorsighed and looked at Torgar, the only other one left beside him at the base ofthe abutment, who couldnt suppress a chuckle of his own.

Theydo it because they love their king, the Mirabarran dwarf remarked.

Theydo it because they want to hit things, Bruenor muttered. He glanced over hisshoulder, back up the rocks, to Catti-brie, who was crouched low, using a stoneto steady her aim.

Shelooked down at Bruenor and winked then nodded forward, leading the dwarfs gazeto the three flying erinyes.

Adozen orc missiles reached up at Nyphithys and her sisters in the few momentsBruenor regarded them, but not one got close to penetrating the skin of thedevils, who had enacted magical shields to prevent just such an attack.

Bruenorlooked back to Catti-brie, who winked again and drew back far on her powerfullyenchanted bow. She let fly a sizzling, lightning-like arrow that flashedbrilliantly, cutting the air.

Nyphithyssmagical shield sparked in protest as the missile slashed in, and to the devilscredit, the protection did deflect Catti-bries arrowjust enough to turn itfrom the side of Nyphithyss chest to her wings. White feathers flew in a burstas the missile exploded through one wing then the other. The devil, her face amask of surprise and agony, began to twist in a downward spiral.

Goodshot, Torgar remarked.

Wastingher time with that stupid wizard stuff. Bruenor replied.

Acacophony of metallic clangs turned them both to the side, to see Drizztbacking furiously, skipping up to the top of rocks, leaping from one to another,always just ahead of one or another of a multitude of glaives slashing at him.

Whoswasting time? the dark elf asked between desperate parries.

Bruenorand Torgar took the not-so-subtle hint, hoisted their weapons, and ran insupport.

Fromon high, another arrow flashed, splitting the air just to the side of Drizztand splitting the face of the bearded devil standing before him.

Bruenorsold, notched axe took out the devil chasing the drow from the other side, andTorgar rushed past the drow, shield-blocking another glaive aside, and as hepassed, Drizzt sprinted in behind him to slash out the surprised devilsthroat.

Wekill more than Pwent and his boys do, and Im buying the ale for a year and aday, Bruenor cried, charging in beside his companions.

Teno them, three of us, Torgar reminded his king as another arrow from Taulmarilblasted a lemure that roiled toward them.

Fourof us, Bruenor corrected with a wink back at Catti-brie, and Im thinkingIll make that bet!

Eitherunaware or uncaring for the fall of Nyphithys, the other erinyes tightenedtheir pressure and focus on Obould. Their magical ropes had wrapped him tightlyand the devils pulled with all their otherworldly might in opposing directionsto wrench and tear the orc king and lift him from the ground.

Butthey werent the only ones possessed of otherworldly strength.

Obouldlet the ropes tighten around his waist, and locked his abdominal muscles toprevent them from doing any real damage. He dropped his greatsword to theground, slapped his hands on the ropes running diagonally from him, and flippedthem over and around once to secure his grasp. While almost any other creaturewould have tried to free itself from the grasp of two devils, Obould welcomedit. As soon as he was satisfied with his grip, his every muscle corded againstthe tightening rope and the pull of the erinyes, the orc began a series of suddenand brutal downward tugs.

Despitetheir powerful wings, despite their devilish power, the erinyes couldnt resistthe pull of the mighty orc, and each tug reeled them down. Working like afisherman, Oboulds every muscle jerked in synch, and he let go of the ropes atprecisely the right moment to grasp them higher up.

Aroundhim the battle raged and Obould knew that he was vulnerable, but rage drove himon. Even as a barbezu approached him, he continued his work against theerinyes.

Thebarbezu howled, thinking it had found an opening, and leaped forward, but aseries of small flashes of silver whipped past Oboulds side. The barbezujerked and gyrated, trying to avoid or deflect the stream of daggers. Obouldmanaged a glance back to see the halfling friend of Bruenor shrugging, almostapologetically, as he loosed the last of his missiles.

Thatbarrage wasnt about to stop a barbezu, of course, but it did deter the devillong enough. Another form, lithe and fast, rushed past Regis and Obould. Drizztleaped high as he neared the surprised bearded devil, too high for the creatureto lift its saw-toothed glaive to intercept. Drizzt managed to stamp down onthe flat of its heavy blade as he descended, and he skipped right past thebarbezu, launching a knee into its face for good measure as he soared by. Thatknee was more to slow his progress than to defeat the creature, though itcaught the devil off guard. The real attack came from behind, Drizzt spinningaround and putting his scimitars to deadly work before the devil could counterwith any semblance of a defense.

Thewounded barbezu, flailing crazily, looked around for support, but all aroundit, its comrades were crumbling. The orcs, the Gutbusters, and Bruenors smallgroup simply overwhelmed them.

Obouldsaw it, too, and he gave another huge tug, pulling down the erinyes. Barely adozen feet from the ground, the devils recognized their doom. As one, theyunfastened their respective ropes in an attempt to soar away, but before theycould even get free of their own entanglement, a barrage of spears, stones,knives, and axes whipped up at them. Then came a devastating missile at thedevil fluttering to Oboulds left. A pair of dwarves, hands locked betweenthem, made a platform from which jumped one Thibbledorf Pwent. He went up highenough to wrap the devil in a great hug, and the wild dwarf immediately wentinto his frenzied gyrations, his ridged armor biting deep and hard.

Theerinyes screamed in protest, and Pwent punched a spiked gauntlet right throughher face.

Thetwo fell like a stone. Pwent expertly twisted to put the devil under him beforethey landed.

Youknow not what you do, drow, Nyphithys said as Drizzt, fresh from his kill ofthe barbezu, approached. The devils wings hung bloody and useless behind her,but she stood steadily, and seemed more angry than hurt. She held her sword inher left hand, her enchanted rope, coiled like a whip, in her right.

Ihave battled and defeated a marilith and a balor, Drizzt replied, though theerinyes laughed at him. I do not tremble.

Evenshould you beat me, you will be making enemies more dangerous than you couldever imagine! Nyphithys warned, and it was Drizzts turn to laugh.

Youdont know my history, he said dryly.

TheArcane Brotherhood

Drizztcut her short. Would be a minor House in the city of Menzoberranzan, where allthe families looked long to see the end of me. I do not tremble, Nyphithys ofStygia, who calls Luskan her home.

Thedevils eyes flashed.

Yes,we know your name, Drizzt assured her. And we know who sent you.

Arabeth,Nyphithys mouthed with a hiss.

Thename meant nothing to Drizzt, though if she had added Arabeths surname,Raurym, he would have made the connection to Marchion Elastul Raurym, who hadindeed tipped them off.

Atleast I will see the end of you before I am banished to the Nine Hells,Nyphithys declared, and she raised her right arm, letting free several lengthsof rope, and snapped it like a whip at Drizzt.

Hemoved before she ever came forward, turning sidelong to the snapping rope. Heslashed at it with Icingdeath, his right-hand blade, turned fully to strike ithigher up with a backhanded uppercut of Twinkle in his left hand, then camearound again with Icingdeath, slashing harder.

Andaround he went again, and again, turning three circles that had the rope outwide, and shortened its length with every powerful slash.

Ashe came around the fourth time, he met Nyphithyss thrusting sword with aslashing backhand parry.

Thedevil was ready for it, though, and she easily rolled her blade over thescimitar and thrust again for Drizzts belly as he continued his turn.

Drizztwas ready for her to be ready for it, though, and Icingdeath came up under thelong sword, catching it with its curved back edge. The dark elf completed theupward movement, rotating his arm up and out, throwing Nyphithyss blade farand high to his right.

Beforethe devil could extract her blade, Drizzt did a three-way movement of perfectcoordination, bringing Twinkle snapping up and across to replace its companionblade in keeping the devils sword out of the way, stepping forward andsnapping his right down and ahead, its edge coming in tight against the devilsthroat.

Hehad her helpless.

Butshe kept smiling.

Andshe was gonejust gonevanished from his sight.

Drizztwhirled around and fell into a defensive roll, but relaxed somewhat when hespotted the devil, some thirty feet away on an island of rock a few feet upfrom his level.

Fooldrow, she scolded. Fools, all of you. My masters will melt your land to ashand molten stone!

Amovement to the side turned her, to see Obould stalking her way.

Andyou are the biggest fool of all, she roared at him. We promised you powerbeyond anything you could ever imagine.

Theorc took three sudden and furious strides then leaped as only Obould couldleap, a greater leap than any orc would even attempt, a leap that seemed moreakin to magical flight.

Nyphithysdidnt anticipate it. Drizzt didnt, either. And neither did Bruenor orCatti-brie, who was readying an arrow to try to finish off the devil. Shequickly deduced that there was no need for it, when Obould cleared theremaining distance and went high enough to land beside Nyphithys. He deliveredhis answer by transferring all of his momentum into a swing of his powerfulgreatsword.

Drizztwinced, for he had seen that play before. He thought of Tarathiel, his fallenfriend, and pictured the elf in Nyphithyss place as she was shorn in half by theorcs mighty, fiery blade.

Thedevil fell to the stone, in two pieces.

ByMoradins own mug, said Thibbledorf Pwent, standing between Bruenor and Regis.Im knowin hes an orc, but Im likin this one.

Bruenorsmirked at his battlerager escort, but his gaze went right back to Obould, whoseemed almost godlike standing up on that stone, his foe, vanquished, at hisfeet.

Realizingthat he had to react, Bruenor stalked the orcs way. Shed have made a fineprisoner, he reminded Obould.

Shemakes a better trophy, the orc king insisted, and he and Bruenor locked theirtypically angry stares, the two always seeming on the verge of battle.

Dontye forget that we came to help ye, said Bruenor.

Dontyou forget that I let you, Obould countered, and they continued to stare.

Overto the side, Drizzt found his way to Catti-brie. Been four years, the womanlamented, watching the two rival kings and their unending growling at eachother. I wonder if I will live long enough to see them change.

Theyrestaring, not fighting, Drizzt replied. You already have.

CHAPTER

TO DARE TO DREAM

Afew yearsearlier,Sea Spritewould have just sentQuelchsFollyto the ocean floor and sailed on her way in search of morepirates. AndSea Spritewould have found other pirates to destroybefore she needed to sail back into port.Sea Spritecouldcatch and destroy and hunt again with near impunity. She was faster, she wasstronger, and she was possessed of tremendous advantages over those she huntedin terms of information.

Acatch, though, was becoming increasingly rare, though pirates were plentiful.

Atroubled Deudermont paced the deck of his beloved pirate hunter, occasionallyglancing back at the damaged ship he had put in tow. He needed the assurance.Like an aging gladiator, Deudermont understood that time was fast passing himby, that his enemies had caught up to his tactics. The ship in tow alleviatedthose fears somewhat, of course, like a swordsmans win in the arena. And itwould bring a fine payoff in Waterdeep, he knew.

Formonths now I have wondered. Deudermont remarked to Robillard when he walkednear the wizard, seated on his customary throne behind the mainmast, a dozenfeet up from the deck. Now I know.

Knowwhat, my captain? Robillard asked with obviously feigned interest.

Whywe dont find them.

Wefound one.

Whywe dont more readily find them, the captain retorted to his wizards unendingdry humor.

Praytell. As he spoke, Robillard apparently caught on to the intensity ofDeudermonts gaze, and he didnt look away.

Iheard your conversation with Arabeth Raurym, Deudermont said.

Robillardreplaced his shock with an amused grin. Indeed. She is an interesting littlecreature.

Apirate who escaped our grasp, Deudermont remarked.

Youwould have had me put her in chains? the wizard asked. You are aware of herlineage, I presume.

Deudermontdidnt blink.

Andher power, Robillard added. She is an overwizard of the Hosttower of theArcane. Had I tried to detain her, she would have blown the ship out from underour boarding party, yourself included.

Isntthat exactly the circumstance for which you were hired?

Robillardsmirked and let the quip pass.

Idont like that she escaped, Deudermont said. He paused and directedRobillards gaze to starboard.

Thesun dipped below the ocean horizon, turning a distant line of clouds fieryorange, red, and pink. The sun was setting, but at least it was a beautifulsight. Deudermont couldnt dismiss the symbolism of the sunset, given hisfeelings as he considered the relative inefficiency ofSea Spriteoflate, those nagging suspicions that his tactics had been successfully counteredby the many pirates running wild along the Sword Coast.

Hestared at the sunset.

TheArcane Brotherhood meddles where they should not, he said quietly, as much tohimself as to Robillard.

Youwould expect differently? came the wizards response.

Deudermontmanaged to tear his eyes from the natural spectacle to regard Robillard.

Theyhave always been meddlesome, Robillard explained. Some, at least. There arethoseI counted myself among themwho simply wanted to be left alone to ourstudies and experiments. We viewed the Hosttower as a refuge for the brilliant.Sadly, others wish to use that brilliance for gain or for dominance.

ThisArklem Greeth creature.

Creature?Yes, a fitting description.

Youleft the Hosttower before he arrived? Deudermont asked.

Iwas still among its members as he rose to prominence, sadly.

Doyou count his rise among your reasons for leaving?

Robillardconsidered that for a moment then shrugged. I dont believe Greeth alone wasthe catalyst for the changes in the tower, he was more a symptom. But perhapsthe fatal blow to whatever honor remained at the Hosttower.

Nowhe supports the pirates.

Likelythe least of his crimes. He is an indecent creature.

Deudermontrubbed his tired eyes and looked back to the sunset.

Threedays later,Sea SpriteandQuelchs Follywhosename had been purposely marred beyond recognitionput into Waterdeep Harbor. They were met by eager wharf hands and the harbormaster himself, who alsoserved as auctioneer for the captured pirate ships Deudermont and a very fewothers brought in.

ArgusRetchs ship, he said to Deudermont when the captain walked down fromSeaSprite. Tell me ye got him in yer hold, and me dayll be brighter.

Deudermontshook his head and looked past the harbormaster, to a young friend of his, LordBrambleberry of the East Waterdeep nobility. The man moved swiftly, with aboyish spring still in his step. He had passed the age of twenty, but barely,and while Deudermont admired his youth and vigor, and indeed believed that hewas looking at a kindred spiritBrambleberry so reminded him of himself at thatagehe sometimes found the young man too eager and anxious to make a name forhimself. Such rushed ambition could lead to a premature visit to the FuguePlane, Deudermont knew.

Yekilled him, then, did ye? the harbormaster asked.

Hewas not aboard when we boarded, Deudermont explained. But weve a score ofpirate prisoners for your gaolers.

Bah,but Id trade the lot of them for Argus Retchs ugly head, the man said andspat. Deudermont nodded quickly and walked by him.

Iheard that your sails had been sighted, and was hoping that you would put inthis day, Lord Brambleberry said as the captain neared. He extended his hand,which Deudermont grasped in a firm shake.

Youwish to get in an early bid on Retchs ship? Deudermont asked.

Imay, the young nobleman replied. He was taller than most menas tall asDeudermontwith hair the color of wheat in a bright sun and eyes that darted toand fro with inquisitiveness and not wariness, as if there was too much of theworld yet to be seen. He had thin and handsome features, again so much likeDeudermont, and unblemished skin and clean fingernails bespeaking his noblebirthright.

May?asked Deudermont. I had thought you intended to construct a fleet of piratehunters.

Youknow I do, the young lord replied. Or did. I fear that the pirates havelearned to evade such tactics. He glanced atQuelchs Follyandadded, Usually.

Afleet of escort ships, then, said Deudermont.

Aprudent adjustment, Captain, Brambleberry replied, and led Deudermont away tohis waiting coach.

Theylet the unpleasant talk of pirates abate during their ride across the fabulouscity of Waterdeep. The city was bustling that fine day, and too noisy for themto speak and be heard without shouting.

Acobblestone drive led up to Brambleberrys estate. The coach rolled under anawning and the attendants were fast to open the door and help the lord and hisguest climb out. Inside the palatial dwelling, Brambleberry went first to thewine rack, a fine stock of elven vintages. Deudermont watched him reach to thelower rack and pull forth one bottle, then another, examining the label andbrushing away the dust.

Brambleberrywas retrieving the finest of his stock, Deudermont realized and smiled inappreciation, and also in recognizing that the Lord Brambleberry must have someimportant revelations waiting for him if he was reaching so deep into hisliquid treasure trove.

Theymoved up to a comfortable sitting room, where a hearth blazed and fine treatshad been set out on a small wooden table set between two plush chairs.

Ihave wondered if we should turn to defensive measures, protecting the merchantships, instead of our aggressive pirate hunts, Brambleberry said almost assoon as Deudermont took his seat.

Itsno duty I would wish.

Thereis nothing exciting about itparticularly not forSea Sprite,Brambleberryagreed. Since any pirates spying such an escort would simply raise sail andflee long before any engagement. The price of fame, he said, and lifted hisglass in toast.

Deudermonttapped the glass and took a sip, and indeed the young lord had provided himwith a good vintage.

Andwhat has been the result of your pondering? Deudermont asked. Are you and theother lords convinced of the wisdom of escorts? It does sound like a costlyproposition, given the number of merchant ships sailing out of your harborevery day.

Prohibitive,the lord agreed. And surely unproductive. The pirates adjust, cleverly andwithassistance.

Theyhave friends, Deudermont agreed.

Powerfulfriends, said Lord Brambleberry.

Deudermontstarted the next toast, and after his sip asked, Are we to dance around incircles, or are you to tell me what you know or what you suspect?

Brambleberryseyes flashed with amusement and he grinned smugly. Rumorsperhaps merelyrumors, he said. Its whispered that the pirates have found allies in thegreater powers of Luskan.

Thehigh captains, to a one, once shared their dishonorable profession, to somedegree or another, said Deudermont.

Notthem, said the still elusive Brambleberry. Though it wouldnt surprise me tolearn that one or another of the high captains had an interest, perhapsfinancial, with a pirate or two. Nay, my friend, I speak of a more intimate andpowerful arrangement.

Ifnot the high captains, then.

TheHosttower, said Brambleberry.

Deudermontsexpression showed his increased interest.

Iknow its surprising, Captain, Brambleberry remarked, but I have heardwhispers, from reliable places, that the Hosttower is indeed involved in theincreasing piracy of latewhich would explain your more limited successes, andthose of every other authority trying to track down and rid the waters of thescum.

Deudermontrubbed his chin, trying to put it all in perspective.

Youdont believe me? Brambleberry asked.

Quitethe contrary, the captain replied. Your words only confirm similarinformation I have recently received.

Witha wide smile, Brambleberry reached again for his wineglass, but he paused as helifted it, and stared at it intently.

Thesewere quite expensive, he said.

Theirquality is obvious.

Andthe wine contained within them is many times more precious. He looked up atDeudermont.

Whatwould you have me say? the captain asked. Im grateful to share in suchluxury as this.

Thatis my whole point, Brambleberry said, and Deudermonts face screwed up withconfusion.

Lookaround you, the Waterdhavian nobleman bade him. Wealthunbelievable wealth.All mine by birthright. I know that you have been well-rewarded for yourefforts these years, good Captain Deudermont, but if you were to collect all ofyour earnings combined, I doubt you could afford that single rack of wine fromwhich I pulled our present drink.

Deudermontset his glass down, not quite knowing how to respond, or how Brambleberrywanted him to respond. He easily suppressed his nagging, prideful anger andbade the man to continue.

Yousail out and bring down Argus Retch, through great effort and at great risk,Brambleberry went on. And you come here with his ship, which I might purchaseat a whim, with a snap of my fingers, and at a cost to my fortune that wouldntbe noticed by any but the most nitpicking of coin-counters.

Weall have our places, Deudermont replied, finally catching on to where the manwas heading.

Evenif those places are not attained through effort or justice, said Brambleberry.He gave a self-deprecating chuckle. I feel that Im living a good life and thelife of a good man, Captain. I treat my servants well, and seek to serve thepeople.

Youare a well-respected lord, and for good reason.

Andyou are a hero, in Luskan and in Waterdeep.

Anda villain to many others, the captain said with a grin.

Avillain to villains, perhaps, and to no others. I envy you. And I salute youand look up to you, he added, and lifted his glass in toast, finally. And Iwould trade places with you.

Tellyour staff and I will tell my crew, Deudermont said with a laugh.

Ijest with you not at all, Brambleberry replied. Would that it were so simple.But we know its not, and I know that to follow in your footsteps will be ajourney of deeds, not of birthright. And not of purchases. I would have thepeople speak of me, one day, as they now speak of Captain Deudermont.

ToDeudermonts surprise, Brambleberry threw his wineglass against the hearth,shattering it.

Ihave earned none of this, other than by the good fortune of my birth. And soyou see, Captain, Im determined to put this good fortune to work. Yes, I willpurchase Argus Retchs ship from you, to make three in my fleet, and I willsail them, crewed by mercenaries, to Luskanbeside you if youll join meanddeal such a blow to those pirates sailing the Sword Coast as they have neverbefore known. And when were done, I will turn my fleet loose to the seas,hunting asSea Spritehunts, until the scourge of piracy isremoved from the waters.

Deudermontlet the proclamation hang in the air for a long while, trying to wind histhoughts along the many potential paths, most of them seeming quite disastrous.

Ifyou mean to wage war on the Hosttower, you will be facing a formidable foeanda foe no doubt supported by the five high captains of Luskan, he finally replied.Do you mean to start a war between Waterdeep and the City of Sails?

No,of course not, said Brambleberry. We can be quieter than that.

Asmall force to unseat Arklem Greeth and his overwizards? Deudermont asked.

Notjust any small force, Brambleberry promised. Waterdeep knows no shortage ofindividuals of considerable personal power.

Deudermontsat there staring as the heartbeats slipped past.

Considerthe possibilities, Captain Deudermont, Brambleberry begged.

Areyou not being too anxious to make your coveted mark, my young friend?

Oram I offering you the opportunity to truly finish that which you started somany years ago? Brambleberry countered. To deal a blow such as this wouldensure that all of your efforts these years were far more than a temporaryalleviation of misery for the merchants sailing the Sword Coast.

CaptainDeudermont sat back in his chair and lifted his glass before him to drink. Hepaused, though, seeing the flickering fire in the hearth twisting through thefacets of the crystal.

Hecouldnt deny the sense of challenge, and the hope of true accomplishment.

CHAPTER

FISHING FOR MEMORIES

It was aprime example of the good that can come through cooperation, Drizzt remarked,and his smirk told Regis that he was making the lofty statement more to irkBruenor than to make any profound philosophical point.

Bah,I had to choose between orcs and demons

Devils,the halfling corrected and Bruenor glared at him.

Betweenorcs anddevils,the dwarf king conceded. I picked the oneswhat smelled better.

Youwere bound to do so, Regis dared say, and it was his turn to toss a cleverwink Drizzts way.

Bah,the Nine Hells I was!

ShallI retrieve the Treaty of Garumns Gorge that we might review theresponsibilities of the signatories? Drizzt asked.

Yerselfwinks at him and I put me fist into yer eye, then I toss Rumblebelly down thehallway, Bruenor warned.

Youcannot blame them for being surprised that King Bruenor would go to the aid ofan orc, came a voice from the door, and the three turned as one to watchCatti-brie enter the room.

Dontye join them, Bruenor warned.

Catti-briebowed with respect. Fear not, she said. Ive come for my husband, that hecan see me on my way.

Backto Silverymoon for more lessons with Alustriel? Regis asked.

Beyondthat, Drizzt answered for her as he walked across to take her arm. LadyAlustriel has promised Catti-brie a journey that will span half the continentand several planes of existence. He looked at his wife and smiled with obviousenvy.

Andhow longs that to take? Bruenor demanded. He had made it no secret toCatti-brie that her prolonged absences from Mithral Hall had created extra workfor him, though in truth, the woman and everyone else who had heard the dwarfsgrumbling had understood it to be his way of admitting that he sorely missedCatti-brie without actually saying the words.

Shegets to escape another Mithral Hall winter, Regis said. Have you room for ashort but stout companion?

Onlyif she turns you into a toad, Drizzt answered and led Catti-brie away.

Laterthat same day, Regis walked outside of Mithral Hall to the banks of the River Surbrin.His remark about winter had reminded him that the unfriendly season was not sofar away, and indeed, though the day was glorious, the wind swept down from thenorth, blustery and cold, and the leaves on the many trees across the riverwere beginning to show the colors of autumn.

Somethingin the air that day, the wind or the smell of the changing season, remindedRegis of his old home in Icewind Dale. He had more to call his own in MithralHall, and securityfor where could be safer than inside the dwarven hall?butthe things hed gained did little to alleviate the halflings sense of loss forwhat had been. He had known a good life in Icewind Dale. Hed spent his daysfishing for knucklehead trout from the banks of Maer Dualdon. The lake hadgiven him all he needed and more, with water a