Drizzt - 06 - The Halfling's Gem by R.A. Salvatore

Author:R.A. Salvatore
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-03-01T15:14:21+00:00

Entreri didn't have any idea why Pook, after so many difficult years and a

successful completion of the mission, would treat him so badly. Regis had eluded

the guildmaster's grip for more than half a decade before Pook finally sent

Entreri on the chase. With that record preceding him, Entreri did not think

three years such a long time to complete the mission.

And the assassin refused to play such cryptic games. "If there is a problem,

speak it," he said bluntly.

"There was a problem," Pook replied mysteriously, emphasizing the past tense

of his statement.

Entreri rocked back a step, now fully at a loss - one of the very few times

in his life.

Regis stirred at that moment and managed to sit up, but the two men, engaged

in the important conversation, paid him no notice.

"You were being followed," Pook explained, knowing better than to play a teasing game for too long with the killer. "Friends of the halfling?" Regis's ears perked up.

Entreri took a long moment to consider his response. He guessed what Pook was getting at, and it was easy for him to figure out that Oberon must have

informed the guildmaster of more than his return with Regis. He made a mental

note to visit the wizard the next time he was in Baldur's Gate, to explain to

Oberon the proper limits of spying and the proper restraints of loyalty. No one

ever crossed Artemis Entreri twice.

"It does not matter," Pook said, seeing no answer forthcoming. "They will bother us no more."

Regis felt sick. This was the southland, the home of Pasha Pook. If Pook had

learned of his friends' pursuit, he certainly could have eliminated them. Entreri understood that, too. He fought to maintain his calm while a burning

rage reared up inside him. "I tend to my own affairs," he growled at Pook, his

tone confirming to the guildmaster that he had indeed been playing a private

game with his pursuers.

"And I to mine!" Pook shot back, straightening in his chair. "I know not what connection this elf and barbarian hold to you, Entreri, but they have

nothing to do with my pendant!" He collected himself quickly and sat back,

realizing that the confrontation was getting too dangerous to continue.

"I could

not take the risk."

The tension eased out of Entreri's taut muscles. He did not wish a war with

Pook and he could not change what was past. "How?" he asked.

"Pirates," Pook replied. "Pinochet owed me a favor."

"It is confirmed?"

"Why do you care?" Pook asked. "You are here. The halfling is here. My pen-"

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.

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