The Halfling's Gem by R. A. Salvatore

Author:R. A. Salvatore
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 0786942894
Publisher: Bill
Published: 0101-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

He stopped suddenly, realizing that he hadn't yet seen the ruby pendant.

Now it was Pook's turn to sweat and wonder. "It is confirmed?" Entreri asked

again, making no move toward the magical pendant that hung, concealed, about his

neck.

"Not yet," Pook stammered, "but three ships were sent after the one. There

can be no doubt."

Entreri hid his smile. He knew the powerful drow and barbarian well enough

to consider them alive until their bodies had been paraded before him. "Yes,

there can indeed be doubt," he whispered under his breath as he pulled the ruby

pendant over his head and tossed it to the guildmaster.

Pook caught it in trembling hands, knowing immediately from its familiar

tingle that it was the true gem. What power he would wield now! With the magical

ruby in his hands, Artemis Entreri returned to his side, and Rassiter's wererats

under his command, he would be unstoppable!

LaValle put a steadying hand on the guildmaster's shoulder. Pook, beaming in

anticipation of his growing power, looked up at him.

"Your reward shall be as promised," Pook said again to Entreri as soon as he

had caught his breath. "And more!"

Entreri bowed. "Well met, then, Pasha Pook," he replied. "It is good to be

home."

"Concerning the elf and barbarian," Pook said, suddenly entertaining second

thoughts about ever mistrusting the assassin.

Entreri stopped him with outstretched palms. "A watery grave serves them as

well as Calimport's sewers," he said. "Let us not worry about what is behind

us."

Pook's smile engulfed his round face. "Agreed, and well met, then," he

beamed. "Especially when there is such pleasurable business ahead of us." He

turned an evil eve upon Regis, but the halfling, sitting stooped over on the

floor beside Entreri, didn't notice.

Regis was still trying to digest the news about his friends. At that moment,

he didn't care how their deaths might affect his own future or lack of one. He

only cared that they were gone. First Bruenor in Mithril Hall, then Drizzt and

Wulfgar, and possibly Catti-brie, as well. Next to that, Pasha Pook's threats

seemed hollow indeed. What could Pook ever do to him that would hurt as much as

those losses?

"Many sleepless nights I have spent fretting over the disappointment you

have caused me," Pook said to Regis. "And many more I have spent considering how

I would repay you!"

The door swung open, interrupting Pook's train of thought. The guildmaster

did not have to look up to know who had dared to enter without permission. Only

one man in the guild would have such nerve.

Rassiter swept into the room and cut an uncomfortably close circle as he

inspected the newcomers. "Greetings, Pook," he said offhandedly, his eyes

locking onto the assassin's stern gaze.

Pook said nothing but dropped his chin into his hand to watch. He had

anticipated the meeting for a long time.

Rassiter stood nearly a foot taller than Entreri, a fact that only added to

the wererat's already cocky attitude. Like so many simpleton bullies, Rassiter

often confused size with strength, and looking down at this man who was a legend

on the streets of Calimport - and thus his rival - made him think that he had

already gained the upper hand. "So, you are the great Artemis Entreri," he said,

contempt evident in his voice.

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