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understand the true connotations of his continuing stream of blasphemous responses. Most of all, though,
Drizzt did not want to see Zaknafein, the mentor he had once thought of as his salva-tion against the
realities around him, the one glowing light in the darkness that was Menzoberranzan.
That, too, Drizzt believed, had been only a lie.
On his second day home, when Narbondel, the time clock of the city, had just begun its cycle of light,
the door to Drizzfs small chamber swung open and Briza walked in.
 An audience with Matron Malice she said grimly.
A thousand thoughts rushed through Drizzfs mind as he grabbed his boots and followed his oldest sister
down the passageways to the house chapel. Had Malice and the others discovered his true feelings
toward their evil deity? What punishments did they now have waiting for him? Uncon-sciously, Drizzt
eyed the spider carvings on the chapel s arched entrance.
  You should be more familiar and more at ease with this
place Briza scolded, noting his discomfort.  It is the place
of our people s highest glories
Drizzt lowered his gaze and did not respond-and was t careful not to even think of the many stinging
retorts he felt in his heart.
His confusion doubled when they entered the chapel, for Rizzen, Maya, and Zaknafein stood before the
matron mother, as expected. Beside them, though, stood Dinin and Vierna.
 We are all present Briza said, taking her place at her Imother s side.
 Kneel Malice commanded, and the whole family fell to its knees. The matron mother paced slowly
around them all, each pointedly dropping his or her eyes in reverence, or just in common sense, as the
great lady walked by.
Malice stopped beside Drizzt.  You are confused by the .! presence of Dinin and Vierna she said.
Drizzt looked up at : her.  Do you not yet understand the subtle methods of our survival?
 I had thought that my brother and sister were to con-tinue on at the Academy Drizzt explained.
 That would not be to our advantage Malice replied.
 Does it not bring a house strength to have mistresses and masters seated at the Academy? Drizzt
dared to ask. !
 It does repli~d Malice,  but it separates the power. You have heard tidings of war?
 I have heard hinting of trouble said Drizzt, looking over
at Vierna,  though nothing more tangible
 Hinting? Malice huffed, angered that her son could not understand the importance.  They are more
than most houses ever hear before the blade falls! She spun away from Drizzt and addressed the whole
group.  The rumors hold truth she declared.
 Who? asked Briza.  What house conspires against House Do Urden?
 None behind us in rank Dinin replied, though the ques- tion had not been asked to him and it was not
his place to speak unbidden.
 How do you know this? Malice asked, letting the over-sight pass. Malice understood Dinin s value
and knew that his contributions to this discussion would be important.
 We are the ninth house of the city Dinin reasoned,  but among our ranks we claim four high
priestesses, two of them former mistresses of Arach- Tinilith He looked at Zak.
 We have, as well, two former masters of Melee-Magthere,
 and Drizzt was awarded the highest laurels from the school
of fighters. Our soldiers number nearly four hundred, all
skilled and battle-tested. Only a few houses claim more
 What is your point? Briza asked sharply.
 We are the ninth house Dinin laughed,  but few above
us could defeat us. . . 
 And none behind Matron Malice finished for him.  Vou
show good judgment, Elderboy. I have come to the same
conclusions
 One of the great houses fears House Do Urden Vierna
concluded.  It needs us gone to protect its own position
 That is my belief Malice answered.  An uncommon
practice, for family wars usually are initiated by the lower-
ranking house, desiring a better position within the city hi-
erarchy
 Then we must take great care Briza said.
Drizzt listened carefully to their words, trying to make sense of it all. His eyes never left Zaknafein,
though, who knelt impassively at the side. What did the callous weapon master think of all this? Drizzt
wondered. Did the thought of such a war thrill him, that he might be able to kill more dark elves?
Whatever his feelings, Zak gave no outward clue. He sat quietly and by all appearances was not even
listening to the conversation.
 It would not be Baenre Briza said, her words sounding like a plea for confirmation.  Certainly we have
not yet be-come a threat to them!
 We must hope you are correct Malice replied grimly, re-
membering vividly her tour of the ruling house.  Likely, it is
one of the weaker houses above us, fearing its own un-
steady position. I have not yet been able to learn any incrim-
 inating information against any in particular, so we must
prepare for the worst. Thus, I have called Vierna and Dinin
back to my side
 If we learn of our enemies, . .  Drizzt began impulsively. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]