"Realms of the Underdark 2.0" - читать интересную книгу автора (Anthologies)

Malice gave him a flat glare. "I summoned a yochlol."
The others stared at her in horror and amazement- including, to her
satisfaction, Zaknafein.
"Yes, I did it myself," she went on. "A great risk, but then Lloth favors those
who take risks."
Despite her pleasure, Malice shuddered at the memory of the dark, secret
ceremony. One did not summon one of the Handmaidens of Lloth on a whim. Though
Malice was five centuries old and matron of the Ninth House, even she had
trembled at the sight of the bubbling, amorphous being that had appeared in the
midst of the magical flames she had conjured. Had it been displeased with her
call, the yochlol might have turned her into a spider and squashed her with a
shapeless hand. But the time had seemed propitious to risk the summons, and
Malice had been right. The yochlol had been pleased with her obeisance, and had
given her the spiderjewel and the answer to her question-how to increase her
stature in the eyes of Lloth.
She approached the weapons master. "Zaknafein, I charge you with the
spiderjewel, and with finding the Dagger of Menzoberra, in the name of House
Do'Urden." She held out the dark gem.
Zak stared at the jewel but did not reach for it.
Rage warmed Malice's cheeks for all to see. "Do not defy me in this, Zaknafein,"
she warned in a dangerous voice. "I have been indulgent in the past, but I will
suffer your embarrassments no longer. If you fail me in this task, it will be
for the final time."
The others held their breath as matron mother and weapons master locked gazes.
For a moment Malice was not certain she would win. At last Zak lowered his gaze
and took the spiderjewel. "I will find the Dagger, Matron Mother, or die
trying," he uttered through clenched teeth.
Malice bit her tongue to keep from sighing in audible relief. She did not always
enjoy being so harsh with her children and servants, but she was matron mother,
and the well-being of the house took precedence over all else, even her own
feelings. "A wise choice, Zaknafein," was all she said. After a moment, she
spoke in a brisk voice. "Now, I wish to be alone with my daughters."
At this, the three males bowed and retreated toward the adamantite railing. As
one, they rose over the railing, then levitated to the ground below.
"Finding the Dagger cannot be so easy a feat," Briza said when the males were
gone. "What if Zaknafein indeed dies in the attempt?"
Vierna and Maya looked at the elder women in concern, wanting to speak their own
worries, but remembering their places this time.
Malice tapped her cheek, musing this over. "If Zaknafein dies in an attempt to
gain the glory of Lloth, the Spider Queen will certainly consider it a sacrifice
in her honor." Malice allowed herself a throaty laugh. "Either way," she
crooned, "Lloth is bound to be pleased with House Do'Urden." Malice's daughters
joined in her laughter.

Chapter Three
Page Prince
Never lift your gaze from the floor.
That was Drizzt Do'Urden's first lesson as page prince, and it had been one hard
learned. He couldn't count the times he had felt the stinging bite of his sister
Briza's snake-headed whip as punishment for breaking that all-important rule. It