Chapter 17 preamble

I am Drizzt the brave, I have no fear of battle when I hold my swords tightly; Outshine our enemies without fear; I am Drizzt, and I have lived alone in the Underdark for decades, accepting my fate and my inescapable death (or so I thought) instead of violating those Treat it as a guiding light. But I'm also Coward Drizzt, and I'm less afraid of a physical challenge than I am of jumping into Catti-brie's arms. I am Drizzt the Coward, running from Tarasher because I dare not admit it. I'm Drizzt, after the fall of Shallowwater, I don't want to go back to Mithril Hall because I'm not sure if all my friends are dead, I can only hold out hope that a few of them escaped go out.

Perhaps it was Regis, who bewitched the orcs with his pendant and waited until the arrival of Warhammer reinforcements; perhaps it was Wulfgar, who recalled the time in the deep hell, and the uncontrollable outburst of rage and pain knocked the orcs in front of him. fled. Catti-brie might be with him. These ideas are silly, I know. I've heard the truth of the matter from the orcs, and I know it. I am amazed by the emotions I hide behind the blade, I am amazed by my futility in the face of the enemy. And what astonished me most was the great horror I felt when I wanted to tell Tarasher the truth about Alifen.

I already understood that it was my responsibility, and I knew it was necessary. I understand all this. In my heart, courage will not surpass cowardice, unless I face myself honestly, unless I admit the reality, the reason for being separated from them by the river is really unimaginable, although it makes them temporarily dispel their curiosity about me, but this reason Also a lie, because I dare not face it again. I know. — Drizzt Do'Urden