Streams of Silver - Chapter Eight

[kalinara]

So apparently that last chapter with Entreri and Catti-brie finished off the first "book" of the novel. Now we start "Book 2", with Drizzt and company going to the, heaven spare me from idiot comic relief mages, the Harpells.



So we rejoin our erstwhile heroes. They've gathered their mounts, though Regis is in no condition to ride. Goody-two-shoes Drizzt feels responsible for the mounts and feels they owe the families they borrowed them from. He's not wrong, but he's still a pill.

Wulfgar's got Regis in front of him on his stallion. Drizzt and Bruenor exchange affectionate comments about how Regis couldn't find a safer place. Bruenor in particular is very proud of Wulfgar and wonders how long he can keep calling him "boy". Drizzt notes that when they left the dale, he worried if Wulfgar was ready for the world, now he thinks the world might not be ready for Wulfgar.

Bruenor credits Drizzt with having as much a hand in raising him, and, um, really? Bruenor raised Wulfgar for five years. Wulfgar met Drizzt all of what, a month ago? That's not comparable, guys. Bruenor thinks of Wulfgar as his own son, and he's very proud, and finds himself more willing to follow Wulfgar's lead and trusts his choices.

Drizzt of course agrees, having come to the same conclusions "months ago", when Wulfgar united the tribes. Okay, he's known him months, but still. And of course, Drizzt was right about this first. He always is. God, Drizzt is so damn tedious sometimes. He thinks about how he was worried about Wulfgar in the city, because his "deep compassion and unwavering code of honor" could be used against him.

You know what might have helped with that, Drizzt? Talking to the kid about what to expect. I know that's a strange thought.

So anyway, they continue toward Longsaddle. Regis is perking up, he's excited to see the magic using Harpell family and chatters. Wulfgar is anxious and doesn't want to remain long. He asks how long they're planning to stay, and Bruenor tells him the oh so helpful "Until we get some answers . . . or until we find a better place to go." Thanks Bruenor

As they get into Longsaddle, they're directed by the "Longriders" (the watch of the town) to the "Ivy Mansion". One Longrider notices Drizzt and offers to escort them, trying to hide that he's gawking at him. He's friendly enough when Drizzt turns him down. Drizzt does note that the party is being watched, but Bruenor rightly points out that they're not being bothered, which is a pleasant change.

So we get an interesting description of the Mansion:

The hill of the ivy Mansion comprised a small hillock sporting three buildings, two that resembled the low, wooden design of farmhouses. The third, though, was unlike anything the four companions had ever seen. Its walls turned at sharp angles every few feet, creating niches within niches, and dozens and dozens of spires sprouted from its many-angled roof, no two alike. A thousand windows were visible from this direction alone, some huge, others no bigger than an arrow slit.

No one design, no overall architectural plan or style, could be found here. The Harpells'
mansion was a collage of independent ideas and experiments in magical creation. But there was truly a beauty within the chaos, a sense of freedom that defied the term "structure" and carried with it a feeling of welcome.

Oh those wacky Harpells.

Anyway, there's a fat bearded man in a red robe outside the fence. He's abrupt and unimpressed by the travellers, which makes me mildly happy. Unfortunately, another mage comes out to smooth things over:

He had a few quiet words with the fat mage, then turned to the road. "Greetings," he offered the, companions. "Excuse poor Regweld, here---" he patted the fat mage's shoulder--- "for he has had an incredible run of bad luck with some experimenting - not that things will not turn out, mind you. They just might take some time.

"Regweld is really a fine wizard," he continued, patting the shoulder again. "And his ideas for crossbreeding a horse and a frog are not without merit; never mind the explosion!
Alchemy shops can be replaced!"

Oh those wacky Harpells.

Regweld rants about the advantages for crossing rivers. (Why not just ride a giant frog instead of engaging in forced breeding that defies nature?) The other dude, Harkle, greets them. He gets distracted by Drizzt mid introduction, but he's amazed rather than hostile. Regweld also seems interested.

Wulfgar is, of course, rude. But to be fair, all the poor guy really wants to do is lead the horses up the road. The wizards stop him without explaining why, and Regweld, who recognizes him as a barbarian "trained to hate that which he cannot comprehend" decides to prove a point, telling him to throw his hammer at Regweld and "satisfy [his] heartfelt desire to expose the foolery of a wizard."

This seems like an overreaction. Wulfgar's rude, but is it that hard to just ignore him, Mr. wacky friendly mage? Wulfgar initially is reluctant, but Regweld insults him, so he throws the weapon anyway. It hits an invisible barrier.

...okay. Great? Would it have been that hard to just say "there's an invisible barrier?"

Harkle disapproves, because he thinks that this "lesson" was at the expense of others and Regweld had no right to do that. Regweld thinks he taught Wulfgar humility. I...don't see what either of them are talking about. Wulfgar threw a hammer at an invisible wall. It was stopped by said wall. The only thing Wulfgar should be embarrassed about is being provoked into temper.

Regis, Bruenor and Drizzt all laugh. Wulfgar, being the best character in this nonsense, even smiles at his own foolery. But he gets hostile again when Harkle cryptically tells them to dismount and unsaddle their horses. Regis tells him to just do it.

Seriously? Wulfgar is being unreasonable, sure. But you all knew this would happen. Harkle and Regweld know what kind of guy he is immediately, so they know this would happen. Why can't you people just tell him what you're doing instead of making it into cryptic games?

"Unsaddle the horses because we're going to magically store them somewhere and the saddles are in the way." There, Wulfgar has a reason and we can avoid this nonsense. But avoiding nonsense is not what the Harpells are about.

Basically what happens, the horses are shrunk into the size of cats. Convenient. I still don't get why they couldn't just tell everyone that was what would happen. The party carry their tiny horses (Bruenor and Wulfgar feel ridiculous, Drizzt is OF COURSE fine with it, and Regis is having fun.)

There's more wackiness ahead: a stream that flows up a hill, an old man who runs to Wulfgar, ranting incoherently, and so on. The old man is Chardin, who actually enchanted the stream, but now he's obsessed with "the secret of the invisibility under the bridge"", and Harkle explains that an entire invisible field like that is actually a big deal and worthy of study. He gets a bit too excited and realizes that his explanation is going past the comprehension or interest of Drizzt and company and changes the subject. Too bad, because for a second there Harkle actually seemed like a real person rather than a spectacle.

Can't have that.

Harkle takes his leave from them but not before explaining that they have to take the underbridge across. Wulfgar misunderstands and tries to cross the actual bridge, and is pushed back. That's the OVERbridge, and that's for the way back. Avoids arguments in crossing.

Oh those wacky Harpells.

Wulfgar, UNDERSTANDABLY, has doubts about a bridge he can't see. But he doesn't want to appear cowardly, so he tries to cross thin air, instead he falls UP, headfirst into the bottom of the bridge. The UNDERbridge, hahaha.

Oh those wacky Harpells.

I feel like Harkle could have warned him better, considering that a 200 lb man falling head first into anything is kind of a bad idea. Wulfgar is only a little dazed, but honestly, I think he'd be perfectly justified in burning this entire clown capade to the fucking ground. I can only wish.

So they cross, meeting with a blue robed woman who is cryptically annoyed. Regis apologizes diplomatically and she leads them into a room with cages, where they deposit the horses. She hands each of them a key, and pauses when she reaches Drizzt, "studying his handsome features". Like Harkle and Regweld, she is very interested in him. Drizzt is getting uncomfortable with all this attention, finding it somehow even more degrading than threats from ignorant peasants.

Um, Drizzt. Those peasants aren't ignorant. EVERY OTHER DROW MASSACRES PEOPLE. You're an EXCEPTION. But anyway, I do sympathize with his dislike of being made into an object of study.

They head into a place called the Fuzzy Quarterstaff, where musical instruments play themselves, while a black clad wizard points his wand. Both Bruenor and Wulfgar are uncomfortable with the whole display. Regis thinks they're judgmental, while Drizzt notes that this is a safe place where they can take a much needed rest. When Bruenor crankily wonders where the barmaid is, the table asks them what they'd want. (It's actually a scrying gemstone).

Meanwhile, Regis urges Wulfgar and Bruenor to loosen up, and Wulfgar does with an amazing "soul-cleansing scream" that throw[s] away all of his anger and prejudice so he can view Longsaddle with an open mind. Then he starts laughing uproariously.

Wulfgar is always in a constant state of character growth and I love him for it. But I still hate the fucking Harpells. While they make merry in the bar, Bruenor starts declaring his quest for Mithril Hall. Drizzt notes the inquisitive reaction of others and starts to get nervous: if the name is known by legends, someone might decide they want to learn its location too, given that it's referred to as "the mines where silver rivers run"

Harkle (who had been asking Drizzt questions about his home earlier, which Drizzt didn't mind answering) offers them room at the Ivy Mansion. The price is a "good tale or two, and bringing some interest into our existence" and he feels Drizzt and company have paid for a year and more. He's also arranged for a meeting with DelRoy, the oldest of the Harpells, who might be able to steer their way. The price is an audience between DelRoy and Drizzt, as DelRoy has apparently sought knowledge of the drow for years.

The next day, Drizzt goes to the meeting, while the others get a tour of the great house, alchemy shops, scrying rooms, meditation chambers, conjurer rooms, and a statue of Matherly Harpell that isn't actually a statue but the wizard himself who accidently turned himself to stone with a bad potion mix.

They also meet Bidderdoo, the family dog, who had once been Harkle's second cousin. Another bad potion mix.

Oh those wacky Harpells.

Harkle is at least somewhat useful, giving them the lay of the land in terms of the Sky Ponies and other barbairans they might meet. When Drizzt returns, he's sullen and quiet and wouldn't say much about his discussion with DelRoy. (We learn that he had told his tales to DelRoy, remembering the unique beauty of his home city Menzoberranzan, and the "malicious hearts that despoiled it")

So then there's the big meeting: Drizzt, Bruenor and Wulfgar go. Regis stays behind for another party. DelRoy is very very very old. He thinks Mithril Hall is to the east, somewhere between Longsaddle and the great desert, but he isn't sure north or south. He asks where they'd go, if DelRoy couldn't give him advice, and Bruenor tells him the name of a dwarven stronghold. DelRoy approves of this choice as the dwarves there would likely know more. DelRoy does give them some genuine advice though: on the way to the Citadel, they'll pass Silverymoon, which is a city of "wisdom and legacy", where there are more people who might be able to help. He references another dwarven stronghold: Sundabar, where someone named Helm, reknowned as a "dwarf-friend" lives.

Bruenor is thrilled, but Wulfgar seems strangely sad.

They spend two more days in the Ivy Mansion, where Drizzt collects curious Harpells and tries to answer their questions. When it's time to leave, Harkle promises to return the horses to their rightful owners. They're all a bit sad to leave, even Wulfgar.

We get to see more Harpell projects: a shrunken farm where all of the cows and sheep are cat sized. Chickens are mouse sized and run around their feet. Regis likes the efficiency: small so they need less food and space, and can be enlarged when it's time to eat. That actually seems clever, but I wonder about the waste of magical energy.

There's another "funny" moment when Harkle forgets where the exit through the fence is, but a man working on a ladder points him in the right direction. He appears to be cleaning something reddish brown from the original wall. Harkle explains "low-flying birds". EW.

Apparently Regweld is working on that problem. Hopefully it takes precedence over fucking horse-frogs. Harkle points them toward the direction of the normal village of Longsaddle where they can resupply. Everyone says goodbye.

We close out with a Drizzt bit of course:

"Well, which do ye prefer, elf," Bruenor asked later that day, "the jabs of a mad soldier's spear, or the pokings of a wonderin' wizard's nose?"

Drizzt chuckled defensively as he thought about the question. Longsaddle had been so different from anywhere he had ever been, and yet, so much the same. In either case, his color singled him out as an oddity, and it wasn't so much the hostility of his usual treatment that bothered him, as the embarrassing reminders that he would ever be different.
Only Wulfgar, riding beside him, caught his mumbled reply.

"The road."

...I really wish that Salvatore would realize that Drizzt is not a racism metaphor. His "difference" has nothing to do with the color of his skin. Hell, there aren't any SURFACE elves in Longsaddle either. Drizzt being uncomfortable at the dehumanizing way he became a spectacle makes sense. Drizzt bemoaning his difference from a group of humans, who are equally as different from everyone else in the group (except Wulfgar, who is only culturally different) doesn't.

But thank god, we've escaped the Harpells for one book. They'll be back.

Comments

[copperfyre]

Drizzt is so increasingly annoying.

But I still love Wulfgar.

[kalinara]

He really really is.