The Legend of Drizzt

R . A . S A L V A T O R E“They didn’t get into the halls afore, and they won’t next time,if there’s e’er to be a next time,” Bruenor insisted. “And now we’reknowin’ the threat and there are ways we can better prepare.”“Some of us always knew, King Bruenor,” Harnoth said, andit was clearly meant as a jab at the dwarf who had signed theTreaty of Garumn’s Gorge.“Are ye thinkin’ to drive us apart, King o’ Adbar?” KingEmerus was quick to retort. “Cause aye, that’s what yer words’redoing now. And don’t ye doubt that Felbarr’ll be standin’ withMithral Hall if ye keep on with it.”“As will the cities of Silverymoon and Everlund,” Aleina addedwith an equally grim tone.King Harnoth, young and full of pride, started to respondin an animated and angry fashion, but Oretheo Spikes puta hand on his shoulder to calm him, and when the young kingsnapped his head about to regard the Wilddwarf, Oretheo noddedand led him off to the side.“He’s a stubborn one,” Catti-brie remarked.“He lost his father not long ago, and his brother was slain inthe war,” Drizzt reminded. “As were many of his most importantadvisers. He sits atop a throne now, alone and unsure. He knowsthat he erred many times in the last year, and that we saved himfrom certain doom.”“Then he might be offerin’ some gratitude and a dose o’ wellearnedhumility, eh?” asked Bruenor.Drizzt shrugged. “He will, but on his terms.”“If Adbar refuses our plan, then yerself and meself’ll raisethe army we’re needin’ to get yer quest done, me friend,” KingEmerus promised.“We’ll not be raising that number without Adbar,” Bruenor said.“So we’ll go to Mirabar and find more allies—should bethinkin’ that anyway,” said Emerus. “Them boys are Delzoun,and so’re yer boys in Icewind Dale. We’ll get back Gauntlgrym,don’t ye doubt!”“ ‘We’ll’?” Drizzt asked, catching on to Emerus’s hint.36