The Legend of Drizzt

R . A . S A L V A T O R E“And now I must be off,” Jarlaxle said, draining his flagon,tipping his cap, and rising. “Farewell and not good-bye, for I’ve nodoubt that our roads will cross again, my friends.” He started tobow, but Tazmikella grabbed him by the sleeve and with frighteningease pulled him back down to sit beside her. She beganwhispering in his ear, and pointed across the firelight to Wulfgar.Jarlaxle laughed.The big man scowled.“My friend here is wondering if you are in need of a fine bedthis night,” Jarlaxle said.The stunned Wulfgar seemed at a loss, muttering“umm” repeatedly.“She’s a dragon, boy,” Bruenor said to him.“Why does everyone keep saying that as if it is a bad thing?”Jarlaxle asked. He looked to Wulfgar and grinned slyly.“Enticing, yes?”But Regis answered before Wulfgar could. “Aleina is not far,and she is expecting you,” he reminded, and the growing smirkdisappeared from the big man’s face.“I . . . with sincere gratitude . . .” Wulfgar stammered, but thesisters laughed at him and stood up, hoisting Jarlaxle betweenthem and tugging him away.“I will have to suffer greater trials for your absence,”Jarlaxle said with feigned regret. He tried to bow again, butwas off the ground, lifted over the log, and easily slung overIlnezhara’s shoulder.“Alas,” he said with great lament, and he awkwardly managedto tip his outrageous hat.“Dragons . . .” Catti-brie said incredulously, and she lookedto Wulfgar and shook her head with disgust.“It does present an intriguing . . .” Drizzt kidded, and heducked fast from Catti-brie’s good-natured slap.To Wulfgar, though, there remained a look of clear interestas he watched the trio depart. He considered the beautifulsisters and what he, surprisingly, found to be an intriguing46