Windwalker - Elaine Cunningham [26]
"The mark of Eilistraee," he said quietly, pointing.
Liriel's eyes widened as she noted the silver feathers. She lifted a clenched fist high, bracing her forearm with her other hand. The raven promptly swooped down and landed on her wrist. From there it hopped to a nearby barrel and bobbed its black head in greeting.
"I come from the Promenade Temple and from its Lady, the High Priestess Qiluй Veladorn," the raven announced in shrill, slightly raucous tones. "I bear a message for Liriel Baenre, daughter of the First House of Menzoberranzan."
Liriel darted a glare around the circle of curious men who'd gathered to witness this wonder. Her gaze lingered on Lord Cal-adorn. Something in his face-the watchful intelligence in his eyes, the considering mien of his pursed lips-set off alarms in her mind. Drow deathsingers wore a similar expression when they witnessed feats of treachery and mayhem, weaving tales of dark glory while the deed was still in the doing. This Caladorn sang tales to someone, of that Liriel was suddenly very, very certain.
"Do you mind?" she snapped. "This is a private conversation."
"Not on my ship, it ain't," Ibn retorted. "No message comes or goes without my say-so."
The raven turned its bright black gaze upon the red-bearded pirate. "In that case, captain, I urge you not to land in Waterdeep. Danger awaits. You must come directly to Skullport."
A faint flush suffused Ibn's sun-browned cheeks. Liriel's eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute-isn't that what we're planning to do?"
"Changed my mind," Ibn said shortly. "Last trip to Skullport went bad and ended worse. No one knows that better'n you. Twas a near escape for us and not something the folks thereabouts will soon be forgetting."
"Now we've got a different ship, and a different captain," Fyodor pointed out. "It seems to me the bigger risk lies in ignoring Lady Qiluй's warnings."
Caladorn Cassalanter clicked his tongue in a small, dismissive sound. "With all respect due this drow priestess, you are far more likely to encounter trouble in the underground city than on the streets of Waterdeep. I will be met by considerable strength at the docks, and we do not anticipate trouble."
So here it was, Liriel thought grimly: Caladorn's interest in this matter. It would be like Ibn to deliver her up for ransom, and who better to arrange terms than a Waterdhavian lord?
However, if they thought she would be so easily taken, they had little understanding of the dark elven talent for creative mayhem!
Liriel kept these thoughts from her face and gave the Waterdhavian nobleman a puzzled smile. "Skullport is not without its moments of excitement," she agreed, "but if what you say of Water-deep is true, why did Qiluй warn me away?"
"I would not presume to know her mind, but of this I can assure you: Waterdeep is a lawful city," Caladorn said firmly.
"Maybe, but I'll wager that you don't see many drow there," she pointed out.
Ibn took the pipe from his mouth. "Man just said it's a law-abiding city. The rest goes without saying."
Liriel scowled at this interruption and flung one hand skyward in a sharp, impatient gesture. A cloud of noxious smoke billowed from Ibn's pipe and clung to him in a faintly glowing green globe. He lurched toward the rail and hung his head over the sea.
"I hope Xzorsh isn't following the ship too closely," Liriel commented.
Fyodor gave a resigned sigh and turned back to Caladorn. "If drow are uncommon in Waterdeep, Liriel's arrival will be noted, and word of her presence will spread."
"So? Has she any need to conceal her presence?"
"Survival is a priority to me," Liriel shot back. "Call it a quirk."
The nobleman shook his head. "A dramatic assessment, but not an accurate one. I assure you, all will be well. I and some of my associates are paying the expenses of this ship's passage, and steps have been taken to ensure the safety of all. The decision is mine, and the captain's." He sent an inquiring glance toward Ibn. The rank smoke was drifting away, but the captain still clung