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So ere they to do? Depend on the h captains of Luskan? The ean D’aerthe? The Lords of Waterdeep?

Was it a cri , in a world where a destitute lad that he hadn’t exacted punishment on Stuyles and his band, and every former farm they passed reinforced his decision But that truth did little to dent the pain such a bleak reality presented to the idealistic, opti last, the walls of Luskan came into view Drizzt pulled Andahar up and slipped off the side of the unicorn As soon as Dahlia did likewise, he dis him by half until he was no more

"Why did you stop me?" Drizzt asked

Dahlia looked at hiht to save the farold coins," Dahlia said

"Help her, not save her"

"Damn her, you mean"

"What do you ht when a peasant farmer wo gold?" Dahlia asked

"I could have given theued

"Even so, were she to possess coins, then all the thieves of the land would decide she orth robbing This land is filled with thieves, and worse Are you so blinded by your eternal faith in goodness that you cannot even see that simple truth?"

"You’re my instructor, then?"

"When you need it," Dahlia quipped

"And uide to salvation?"

"Hardly that! In truth, given the nature of ht be quite the opposite A demon come to show you the path to … entertain down the road to Luskan, showing little amusement at Dahlia’s barbs

"If you had wanted to help her, you ht have hunted a rabbit or a deer for her table," the elf woathered so back at the farood"

"You confuse me with someone who cares"

Drizzt spun back on her, and see the world one peasant at a time" Dahlia spat on the road at Drizzt’s feet, then stood back easily, staff in hand as if inviting him to attack her

But Drizzt was too buried in the confusion of the day and the shadows of the world With a helpless snort, he started off again toward the City of Sails Dahlia caught up to him in but a few strides

"We’ll find a way, our way," she said

"To help?"

"To entertain ourselves at least And consider, when Sylora Salht of hter and better place" She started to grin, but Drizzt shook his head

"The light will come earlier," he promised "For Sylora will already be dead by e?"

Now the drow did e, and beware, for I never lose," said Dahlia

"Even if you have to kill me first to ensure your personal victory, I expect"

"Keep thinking that way," Dahlia played along "I welcome doubt"

Chapter 3: Cherry Pie

VALINDRA STOOD ACROSS A CLEARING FROM A SMALL HOUSE ON the southern reaches of Neverwinter The glow froht, but see population of the old city

"In there?" Jestry asked skeptically "The one you seek? Alone?"

A deathly cold breeze blew by them, and Valindra’s smile widened as she nodded "Why would she not be?"

"She?" Jestry hugged his strong are could hardly be called a road, and there were no other houses within at least several hundred yards of the place Neverwinter Wood was in the midst of a war, of course, and the roads were full of bandits--many of the folk who’d come to rebuild Neverwinter were less than respectable Why would anyone live out there alone? How could anyone survive out there alone?

"Sylora Sal the Ashuard "I know not why You seem … dull"

Jestry scowled at her, but quickly re with a lich, and one considered quite insane

"So do--Greeth! Greeth!--come in with me to meet my new friend," Valindra said

Jestry blinked and fell back Her wild incantation in the ht he detected a bit of a curl to Valindra’s lips Had she shrieked intentionally to disturb hi about Valindra: how could he know?

"I’ll send others and coordinate the sentries," Jestry replied