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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.
Pook caught it in trembling hands, knowing immediately from its familiar
tingle that it was the true gem. What power he would wield now! With the magical
ruby in his hands, Artemis Entreri returned to his side, and Rassiter's wererats
under his command, he would be unstoppable!
LaValle put a steadying hand on the guildmaster's shoulder. Pook, beaming in
anticipation of his growing power, looked up at him.
"Your reward shall be as promised," Pook said again to Entreri as soon as he
had caught his breath. "And more!"
Entreri bowed. "Well met, then, Pasha Pook," he replied. "It is good to be
home."
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"Concerning the elf and barbarian," Pook said, suddenly entertaining second
thoughts about ever mistrusting the assassin.
Entreri stopped him with outstretched palms. "A watery grave serves them as
well as Calimport's sewers," he said. "Let us not worry about what is behind
us."
Pook's smile engulfed his round face. "Agreed, and well met, then," he
beamed. "Especially when there is such pleasurable business ahead of us." He
turned an evil eve upon Regis, but the halfling, sitting stooped over on the
floor beside Entreri, didn't notice.
Regis was still trying to digest the news about his friends. At that moment,
he didn't care how their deaths might affect his own future or lack of one. He
only cared that they were gone. First Bruenor in Mithril Hall, then Drizzt and
Wulfgar, and possibly Catti-brie, as well. Next to that, Pasha Pook's threats
seemed hollow indeed. What could Pook ever do to him that would hurt as much as
those losses?
"Many sleepless nights I have spent fretting over the disappointment you
have caused me," Pook said to Regis. "And many more I have spent considering how
I would repay you!"
The door swung open, interrupting Pook's train of thought. The guildmaster
did not have to look up to know who had dared to enter without permission. Only
one man in the guild would have such nerve.
Rassiter swept into the room and cut an uncomfortably close circle as he
inspected the newcomers. "Greetings, Pook," he said offhandedly, his eyes
locking onto the assassin's stern gaze.
Pook said nothing but dropped his chin into his hand to watch. He had
anticipated the meeting for a long time.
Rassiter stood nearly a foot taller than Entreri, a fact that only added to
the wererat's already cocky attitude. Like so many simpleton bullies, Rassiter
often confused size with strength, and looking down at this man who was a legend
on the streets of Calimport - and thus his rival - made him think that he had
already gained the upper hand. "So, you are the great Artemis Entreri," he said,
contempt evident in his voice.
Entreri didn't blink. Murder was in his eyes as his gaze followed Rassiter,
who still circled. Even Regis was dumbfounded at the stranger's boldness. No one
ever moved so casually around Entreri.
"Greetings," Rassiter said at length, satisfied with his scan. He bowed low.
"I am Rassiter, Pasha Pook's closest advisor and controller of the docks."
Still Entreri did not respond. He looked over to Pook for an explanation.
The guildmaster returned Entreri's curious gaze with a smirk and lifted his
palms in a helpless gesture.
Rassiter carried his familiarity even further. "You and I," he
half-whispered to Entreri, "we can do great things together." He started to
place a hand on the assassin's shoulder, but Entreri turned him back with an icy
glare, a look so deadly that even cocky Rassiter began to understand the peril
of his course.
"You may find that I have much to offer you," Rassiter said, taking a
cautious step back. Seeing no response forthcoming, he turned to Pook. "Would
you like me to take care of the little thief?" he asked, grinning his yellow
smile.
"That one is mine, Rassiter," Pook replied firmly. "You and yours keep your
furry hands off him!"
Entreri did not miss the reference.
"Of course," Rassiter replied. "I have business, then. I will be going." He
bowed quickly and spun to leave, meeting Entreri's eyes one final time. He could
not hold that icy stare - could not match the sheer intensity of the assassin's
gaze - with his own.
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