"So... you risked going back to Menzoberranzan just to deliver this to a woman named Halisstra?"
A few hours later, in an old house that appeared abandoned, Drizzt studied the long, narrow box the young Drow had brought, his expression puzzled.
He could not imagine what could be so important that a young Chosen had to deliver it in person.
At Liriel's age, she should never have been entrusted with a mission like this.
She represented the future and hope of the Church of Eilistraee. If she died on this journey, the loss would far outweigh any gain.
Besides, Drizzt had come from the surface himself. If something needed delivering, why hadn't Qilué given it to him?
Did she not trust him?
Or was Liriel, as a Chosen, the only one who could carry it?
Whatever the answer, too much about this made no sense to him.
Liriel, by contrast, was unfazed. She spread her hands. "How should I know? The box is sealed. I haven't opened it once the whole way here. By the way, do you know who Halisstra is? I don't remember anyone by that name in Menzoberranzan."
Drizzt shook his head with a rueful smile. "Sorry. I've been away too long. You probably know more about the families than I do. But I can ask around for you."
"Oh? You have other allies in Menzoberranzan?"
Liriel's eyes lit up with excitement and expectation.
"No. I recently joined a mercenary band under a false identity. They deal with the matrons of the major houses all the time, so they might know something."
As he spoke, a flicker of disgust crossed Drizzt's eyes.
He clearly disliked those ruthless, mercenary Drow, but joining them had been a compromise he needed to make to stay in Menzoberranzan.
"A mercenary band?