Chapter 12 Chapter 9 Passing by

Le'lorinel searched along Luskan's Dolemond Street, the elf's long steps revealing anxiety and longing.The destination is a private apartment where the elf will meet with a representative of Sheila Kree.All seemed to be going well now, leading him to Drizzt Do'Urden, and to justice.The elf stopped suddenly, turned around, and two cloaked figures walked out of an alley.His hands reached for the sword and dagger, and Le'lorinel had to stop and take a deep breath, but he found the two men posing no threat.They didn't even notice the elf, but just walked back down the street in the opposite direction. "Too much worry," the elf scolded softly, putting the sword and dagger back into their sheaths.

When the two walked away, Le'lorinel took one last look at them, smiled, turned and walked towards the apartment, continuing his journey to find Drizzt Do'Urden. Drizzt and Catti-brie walked the other way down Dollermond Street, not even noticing the elf when Le'lorinel dodged them thinking they would be a threat.If Drizzt hadn't donned the hood over his cloak, his distinctive, thick, long white hair might have pointed him out to the vengeful elf unmistakably. The two men's steps were as eager as Le'lorinel's, leading them in opposite directions, to meet Morik the Rogue and get word from Wulfgar.They found the thief at the appointed place, at a table in the back of the Cutlass Tavern.He smiled when he saw them approaching, and raised his foaming beer glass to them.

"So you've got the information we need?" Catti-brie asked, sliding down on the seat opposite the burglar. "I've tried to find it," Morik replied.His smile faded, and he lifted the bag of coins that Drizzt had given him, and placed it on the table. "You might want to take some of it back," Morik admitted, pushing it toward the two of them. "We'll see," Drizzt said, pushing it back. Morik shrugged, but didn't reach for the bag. "There's not much to learn about Sheila Kree," he began. "I'll be honest with you, I don't really like asking anyone about her. The only people who really know her are her commanders, and they're all women, and none of them like men. Men run to ask So much about Kerry that in the end it's either death or escape, and I don't want either."

"But you said you did find out a little," Catti-brie prompted eagerly. Morik nodded and took a swig of his beer. "Rumor has it that she operates her own private secret port somewhere north of Luskan, and that this port may be located in one of the many coves along the end of the Spine of the World. That would make sense, because She's been rarely seen in Luskan lately, and she's never been known to sail the waters south. I don't think her ship has ever been seen in Waterdeep." Drizzt looked at Catti-brie, and they both agreed silently.For a while, they had followed Deudermont in pursuit of pirates, mostly outside the docks of Waterdeep in the south, and they had never heard of the pirate Kerry.

"What's the name of her ship?" Catti-brie asked. "Blood Keel," Morik replied. "Worthy of the name. Sheila is very fond of torturing her victims under the keel of her boat." He visibly shuddered and took another sip of his drink. "That's all I know," he finished, pushing the bag of money back to Drizzt again. "More than I expected," the drow replied, pushing it back.This time, Morik paused slightly, glanced at Drizzt for confirmation, picked it up, and took it away. "One more thing," said the burglar as the two stood up to leave. "From all the reports, Sheila hasn't been seen recently. It's likely she knew Deudermont was looking for her and went into hiding."

"With her reputation and Wulfgar's hammer, don't you think she'd try to give Sea Sprite a fight?" Catti-brie asked. Before she could finish the question, Morik laughed out loud. "Kerry is not a fool, and anyone who confronts the Sea Sprite in open water must be. The Sea Sprite is there for a purpose, and she and her crew have perfect efficiency to do the job .Kree may have the hammer, but Deudermont has Robillard, a tough fellow! And Deudermont has Wulfgar. No, Kree is at a disadvantage, and it would be wise to do that. Although it may be to your advantage .” He paused, making sure to get their attention, which of course he did

"The waters north of here are more familiar than anyone in Kribe," Morik explained. "Of course I'm more familiar with Deudermont. Deudermont stays in the south most of the time. If she is hiding, it will be difficult for the kind captain to find her. I think the Sea Spirit may need to sail many times before seeing the Bloody Keel." Once again, Drizzt and Catti-brie exchanged curious glances. "Perhaps we should stay in this city if we want to find Wulfgar," the drow suggested. "The Sea Sprite doesn't come to Luskan so often anymore," Morik put in. "The mages on the ship don't like the Sorcerer's Tower much."

"And Captain Deudermont's good name is somewhat tarnished, isn't it?" Catti-brie asked. Morik looked surprised. "For a long time, Deudermont and his crew were the greatest pirate hunters along the Sword Coast, longer than the oldest elves can remember," he said. "I mean to save you and Wulfgar," Catti-brie clarified with a careless smirk. "We heard that his actions at the Prisoner's Carnival did not please local officials." "Idiots," Morik murmured. "But yes, Deudermont's reputation took a hit that day—a day in which he acted in the name of justice, not politics. He'd be better off if he'd let them kill us, but... "

"To his credit, he didn't," Drizzt finished for him. "Deudermont never liked carnivals," Catti-brie pointed out. "It is therefore probable that the captain found a better berth for his ship," Morik continued. "Waterdeep, I guess, because that's where he's best known—people know he's got a pretty amazing house." Drizzt looked at Catti-brie again. "We can get there in ten days," he suggested, and Catti-brie nodded in agreement. "Nice meeting, Morik, and thanks for your time," said the drow.He bowed and turned to leave.

"Your manner of acting has been described as that of a paladin, dark elf," Morik pointed out, causing the two friends to turn their backs one last time. "Just and think yourself just. Wouldn't it hurt your reputation to make a deal with a thief like Morik?" Drizzt smiled, somehow making the smile mild and self-deprecating, making Morik's statement suddenly seem so absurd. "All I know is that you are a friend of Wulfgar's. I count Wulfgar as one of my most trusted companions." "Wullfgar do you know, or do I?" Morik asked. "Maybe they're not the same person, they're not the same."

"Maybe they're the same," Drizzt replied, and bowed again, and Catti-brie bowed too, and the two left. Le'lorinel hesitantly walked into a small room at the back of the tavern, touching the dagger and sword.A woman—Le'lorinel believed to be Sheila Kree's representative—sat across the room in front of an empty space, without any table, just leaning against the wall.Flanked by two gigantic bodyguards, Le'lorinel thought these two murderous creatures had more than human blood running through their veins—a little bit of orcish, perhaps even ogre. "Come in," the woman said in a friendly, casual tone. She held up her hands to show the elf that she had no weapons. "You asked for an interview, and now you have met." Le'lorinel relaxed, just a little, and a hand slipped from the hilt of the weapon.The elf glanced left and right. There was no one else hiding in the small, poorly furnished room, so he took a step forward. A right hook from nowhere landed hard on the side of the unsuspecting elf's jaw. Only the far wall kept the staggering Le'lorinel from falling to the ground.The elf struggled desperately with wave after wave of dizziness, barely disoriented, struggling to find a little balance. A third bodyguard emerged. He was the tallest of the three, and the invisibility magic failed after the attack.With an evil grin showing several hooked yellow teeth, the murderous creature struck again, this time nearly choking the dazed elf. Le'lorinel reached for the dagger and sword, but the third punch, a straight upward strike, landed firmly under the elf's jaw, throwing Le'lorinel into the air.The last thing Le'lorinel saw were two others approaching, one of them with chains wrapped around his huge fist. A chop hit the side of the elf's head, causing countless golden lights to flash. Everything fell into darkness. "You don't have to pay so much for a message," Valdousson said theatrically -- he said everything was dramatic -- waving his arms, his wide sleeves looking more like a raven's wings. . "Did I ask so much from you?" Drizzt looked down, running his fingers through his thick white hair, and glanced sideways at Catti-brie.The two of them came to Sorcerer's Tower, Luskan's mage guild, hoping to find a mage who was going to Ten Towns, and maybe bring a letter to Bruno.They knew the dwarf was extremely worried, and what they had inquired about Wulfgar, while not sure he was alive, certainly pointed in a good direction.They were introduced to the black-robed eccentric Walderson, who was planning a trip to Icewind Dale for several ten days.They felt they didn't ask much from the mage, although they were prepared to pay him if the need arose, but the silver-haired, long-bearded mage took a huge interest in Drizzt, especially the drow lineage . He was willing to bring the information to Bruenor on request, but only after Drizzt had given him a discourse on dark elven society and Menzoberranzan. "I don't have time," Drizzt said again. "I'm going south, to Waterdeep City." Val Dosen began to stroke his beard uneasily. "Perhaps our wonderful friend can take us to Waterdeep soon," Catti-brie interposed in a sudden inspiration. On the other side of the room there was another mage, one of the leaders of the guild, named Canabel, who shook his arms frantically, rejecting the suggestion, the purest warning on his bony old face. "Okay, okay," Valderson said, following Catti-brie's suggestion. "Yes, it's a bit of a hassle, but it's doable. Of course there's a price, and you'll have to pay a lot for it. Yes, let me think about it... I'll take you two to Waterdeep City in exchange for a thousand gold coins and Two days of stories about Menzoberranzan. Yes, yes, that's good. Of course, then I'll go to Ten-Towns, as I planned, and talk to Bruenor - but it will take another day of Dark Elf's story." He looked up at Drizzt, longing in his eyes, but the drow just shook his head. "I have no story to tell," Drizzt pointed out. "I left before I knew the place. In fact, I'm sure many others, probably including yourself, know Menzoberranzan better than I do." Waldosen's expression became very angry. "Then, story for the day, and then I'll take your letter to Bruno." "There is no story of Menzoberranzan," Drizzt replied firmly.He reached under the hem of his cloak and pulled out the letter he intended for Bruno. "I'll pay you twenty ducats--that's a huge sum for such a small favor--and you're going to Bryn Shander anyway, and take this to a senator there, and Ask him to forward it to Regis in Lonewood." "A little favor?" Walderson asked dramatically. "We have spent more time discussing this issue than you have needed to carry out my request," Drizzt replied. "I want my stories!" insisted the mage. "Listen to someone else," Drizzt replied.He got up to leave, Catti-brie close behind. The two had almost reached the door, and Ganabel called out, "He'll do it." Drizzt looked back at the guild leader, then at an angry Valderson. Ganabel also looked at the excited mage, then nodded to Drizzt.Walderson let out a long sigh, and walked over to take the handshake.When he tried to reach out for payment, Gananbell added, "Just doing you a favor, Drizzt Do'Urden, for your work with Sea Sprite." Val Dosen grumbled a few more words, but he took the bandage in his hand and turned away. "When we meet again, maybe I'll have a story or two for you," Drizzt reassured the mage as he stormed out of the room. The drow looked at the guild leader, who just bowed politely, and then Drizzt and Catti-brie were on their way, to Luskan's south gate and the road to Waterdeep. The tight rope was deeply embedded in Le'lorinel's wrist, and the elf sat upright on a hard and tall wooden chair with a straight back.A strap even went around Le'lorinel's neck, holding the elf firmly in place, forcing a pained expression. One of his eyes was swollen and bruised from the beating and kept closed, and his shoulders ached and showed purple bruises, for the elf wore no tunic, barely any clothes. When the elf's eyes adjusted, Le'lorinel noticed that the four from earlier—three brusque bodyguards and a brown-haired woman of average build—were still in the room. "My mistress doesn't like anyone asking openly about her," the woman pointed out, her eyes wandering over Le'lorinel's muscular form. "Your mistress is friend and foe," Le'lorinel replied defiantly. "Some things are hard to tell apart," the woman agreed, laughing and continuing to scan. Le'lorinel snickered mockingly, and the woman nodded aside.After a while, a rough bodyguard stood beside the prisoner and slapped the prisoner viciously. "Your attitude will kill you," the woman stated calmly. This time it was Le'lorinel's turn to stare hard. "You've been going around Luskan asking about Sheila Kree," the woman continued after a moment. "Why? Someone in authority is on your side? That damned Deudermont, perhaps?" "I am alone, with no friends west of Silvermoon," Le'lorinel replied with equal calm. "But you're too imprudent to say to everyone within earshot, name that person you want to contact." "It is not so," replied the Elf. "I only mentioned Kerry to one group of people, and only because I believed they could get me to her." The woman nodded again, and the rough fellow slapped Le'lorinel across the face again. "Sheila Kree," the woman corrected. Le'lorinel didn't respond aloud, but he did give a small, submissive nod. "Then you have to explain, right here and now, and choose your words carefully," the woman explained. "Why did you find out my boss like this?" "At the direction of a seer," Le'lorinel admitted. "The guy who made that blueprint for me." After the elf finished speaking, the woman held up the parchment, on which was the symbol of the tooth of Aegis, which had been deeply related to Sheila Kree's pirate gang. "I've come to find another dangerous foe, one who will find the k—Sheila Kree," Le'lorinel explained. "I don't know when and where, but according to the prophet, if it is really Sheila Kree who holds the weapon with this sigil, I will join forces with Sheila Kree to fight this scoundrel and complete my mission. Task." "A dangerous enemy?" the woman asked slyly. "Maybe Captain Deudermont?" "Drizzt Do'Urden," Le'lorinel said unequivocally, seeing no reason to hide the truth—especially now, when any word deemed malicious could cost the quest and the elf's own life. disaster. "A dark elf, friend of the man who once had that weapon." "A drow?" the woman asked suspiciously, it seemed that she didn't clearly recognize the strange name. "Actually," Le'lorinel exhaled. "He was a hero of the North. Loved by many in Icewind Dale and beyond." The woman's expression became curious, as if she had heard of the dark elf, but she just shrugged. "Is he looking for Sheila Kree?" she asked. This time it was Le'lorinel's turn to shrug - if the strong bindings allowed him to. "I only knew what the prophets told me, and traveled hundreds of miles, and found out that this image was real. I wanted to kill this dark elf." "Then what? What do you think of your relationship with our boss?" the woman asked. "Is she just a pawn in your mission?" "Her... her home, or the fort, or the ship, or wherever she lives, is just my destination, yes," Le'lorinel admitted. "As of now, I have nothing to do with your captain. Whether that will change is more up to her than to me, because..." The elf paused to glance at the binding ropes. The woman surveyed the elf for a moment, considering the strange claim, then nodded again to her brutish bodyguards, sending them a cryptic but clear signal. One of them walked quickly to Le'lorinel and drew a long serrated knife.The elf thought doom was coming, but then the brut stepped behind the chair and cut the cords binding his wrists.Another brutish bodyguard emerged from the shadows on one side of the room, holding Le'lorinel's clothes and belongings, save for the weapon and the magic ring. Le'lorinel looked at the woman, trying hard to ignore the disappointed frowns of the three brutes, and he also noticed that she was wearing the ring—the ring that Le'lorinel desperately needed, he needed it to defeat Cui. Stuart Do'Urden. "Give him back the weapon, too," the woman instructed the bodyguards, and all three stopped to stare at her suspiciously—or perhaps just stupidly. "The journey to meet Sheila Kree was fraught with danger," the woman explained. "You'll probably need your sword. Don't disappoint me on your journey, and maybe you'll live long enough to tell Sheila Kree your story, though, whether she believes in you completely, or kills just for fun You will only know when the time comes." Le'lorinel had to be satisfied with that.The elf gathered and dressed, always trying not to be too hasty, always trying to hold back his anger at the brutish bodyguard. Soon the five of them were on the road together, out of Luskan's north gate.