The Halfling's Gem by Salvatore R.A

Author:Salvatore, R.A. [R.A., Salvatore,]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-08-06T14:30:49.951000+00:00

performed your task excellently, as always, Master Entreri. Your reward shall be as

promised." Pook sat back on his throne again and resumed his distant posture, rubbing a

finger over his lips and eyeing Entreri suspiciously.

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

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