I Read What?!

So last time, we started the third book in the Icewind Dale Trilogy. Harkle Harpell was actually a little bit interesting (that won't last). Now we're getting to see what our questing heroes are up to.



We begin with Wulfgar, who is grumbling about having lost a day or more in their travel. Drizzt's response is suitably dramatic (and in the second paragraph):

"We do well to trust in Harkle's advice," replied Drizzt Do'Urden, the dark elf. "He would not have led us astray." With the sunshine fading, Drizzt dropped the cowl of his black cloak back onto his shoulders and shook free the locks of his stark white hair.

Ah, Drizzt, I almost missed this sense of narrative drama.

Wulfgar and Drizzt are looking for the home of someone named Malchor. He's supposed to live in the grove, but Wulfgar is skeptical as there are no signs of structures. Wulfgar is tense and impatient because a farmer in Longsaddle had informed them that he saw a dark cloaked man and a halfling on a single horse, and gave them a time-frame. Entreri's a full ten days ahead of them.

...how did he get so far ahead?! I know it took time for our heroes to leave Mithril Hall, but that long??

Anyway, Drizzt "had faced Entreri before and understood the enormity of the challenge before him." Drizzt wants assistance to rescue Regis safely. He's pretty sure Entreri doesn't plan to kill Regis before getting to Calimport.

...yeah, but if he gets to Calimport ten days before you, that's still a problem. I mean, I suppose I should be happy that Drizzt is being careful. But we know that Drizzt and Entreri are equally matched, and Entreri WANTS the fight. So wouldn't it be better to go after him now? Drizzt fights Entreri, Wulfgar rescues Regis!

Drizzt thinks that Entreri will have passed through Waterdeep by now. Actually, he's a little worried that Entreri has gone by sea, but he keeps that to himself because...well, fuck if I know why. Because Wulfgar shouldn't know what's going on?

Wulfgar is arguing that they should leave, but then things get magical:

But as the barbarian spoke, his horse, a horse raised by Harpells, snorted and moved to the small pond, pawing the air above the water as though searching for a place to step. A moment later, the last of the sun dipped under the western horizon and the daylight faded away. And in the magical dimness of twilight, an enchanted tower phased into view before them on the little island in the pond, its every point twinkling like starlight, and its many twisting spires reaching up into the evening sky. Emerald green it was, and mystically inviting, as if sprites and faeries had lent a hand to its creation.

And across the water, right below the hoof of Wulfgar's horse, appeared a shining bridge of green light.

Drizzt slipped from his mount. "The Tower of Twilight," he said to Wulfgar, as though he had seen the obvious logic from the start. He swept his arm out toward the structure, inviting his friend to lead them in.

...thank you, Drizzt.

Honestly, the more we see of magic users in this series, the more I sympathize with Wulfgar's aversion. Even if Salvatore can't seem to decide whether or not he's gotten over it at any given time. This just seems like a waste of energy.

Wulfgar is freaking out a little, and Drizzt is a dick about it:

"I thought you had overcome your suspicions of magic," said Drizzt sarcastically. Truly Wulfgar, like all the barbarians of Icewind Dale, had been raised with the belief that wizards were weakling tricksters and not to be trusted. His people, proud warriors of the tundra, regarded strength of arm, not skill in the black arts of wizardry, as the measure of a true man.

But in their many weeks on the road, Drizzt had seen Wulfgar overcome his upbringing and develop a tolerance, even a curiosity, for the practices of wizardry.

With a flex of his massive muscles, Wulfgar brought his horse under control. "I have," he answered through gritted teeth. He slid from his seat. "It is Harpells that worry me!"

a) Why are you being a dick, Drizzt? This is your friend! Shouldn't you be more sympathetic? Especially when you're acknowledging that he's trying to overcome his upbringing.

b) Having your characters acknowledge the narrative inconsistency doesn't actually make that inconsistency better, Mr. Salvatore.

c) Though really, I think Wulfgar is being really fucking reasonable here. The Harpells are ridiculous!

Drizzt just smirks more, though it's noted that he does understand Wulfgar's trepidation. He himself, who had been raised amidst many of the most powerful and frightening sorcerers in all the Realms, had shaken his head in disbelief many times when they were guests of the eccentric family in Longsaddle. The Harpells had a unique - and often disastrous - way of viewing the world, though no evil festered in their hearts, and they wove their magic in accord with their own perspectives - usually against the presumed logic of rational men.

You are so fucking judgmental, Drizzt. You're right, but you're such a dick that I want to switch to #TeamHarpell on general principle.

Anyway, this Malchor guy is supposed to be unlike his family. He's been the advisor of kings. Wulfgar notes that he's still a Harpell. Which Drizzt can't refute. Especially since the tower doesn't have a door.

After a few seconds though, they hear the sound of a door, and a kid walks through the walls. He beckons them to follow. He cryptically doesn't answer anyone's questions. When they go through the illusory wall into the lowest level of the tower, they find a stable. It sounds like a pretty swanky set up really.

So they follow the silent kid upstairs, and Drizzt "moved quickly to be the first inside the room, fearing that the angry barbarian might make less than a pleasant first impression with their wizard host".

Versus a dark elf? I mean, sure the other Harpells treated Drizzt as more of a curiosity than threat, but Drizzt's reception elsewhere hasn't been the greatest.

So we get to Malchor, who is described with a refreshing lack of purple prose as a tall sturdy man with neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper hair.

So anyway, Wulfgar is carrying the idiot ball today, so Drizzt can look wise. He barrels into the room and demands to know if this dude is Malchor. The man laughs at them, then turns to the kid and demands to know if he spoke. He then tells the kid to "Be Gone!"

Wulfgar is put off by this and thinks they should leave. Drizzt is of course wiser, he shares the feelings "to a lesser degree" but knows there will be an explanation. He subtly brings this up by noting that Malchor's actions don't fit Harkle's description of him.

Malchor greets them graciously. He explains that the kid is an aspiring wizard whose father employed him to train. The boy has to learn discipline though, and this is a test for him. He notes (of course) that Drizzt understands.

Drizzt does. Basically, the kid is being tested on his ability to follow commands and on how much he actually wants this. Wulfgar accepts this, but is still a little put out. He asks, with sarcasm, if the kid has a name, and Melchor responds that he hasn't earned one yet.

The narrative skips ahead to the dinner table. Malchor does, apparently, provide a great spread. He invites them to spend the night and get an early start in the morning. He also promises them some items to aid their quest. And this leads to a wondrous sight!

Drizzt and Wulfgar had to pause at the entrance for a long moment to digest the wondrous sight before them, for they had come to Malchor's museum, a collection of the finest items, magical and otherwise, that the mage had found during the many years of his travels. Here were swords and full suits of polished armor, a shining mithril shield, and the crown of a long dead king. Ancient tapestries lined the walls, and a glass case of priceless gems and jewels glittered in the flicker of the room's torches.

I do rather have a thing for fantasy treasure rooms.

So first, Malchor gives them some magic horseshoes that will, for a short time, allow their horses to run very very fast. At least to Waterdeep. There's some pointless nonsense where he only brings out four horseshoes and then laughs when Wulfgar is confused by this. This basically is just an excuse to have Drizzt show off as Malchor throws them all to Drizzt, so that he can juggle them. Of course.

Malchor walked over to Wulfgar and clapped him again on the shoulder. "Discipline," he said again. "Look at him, young warrior, for your dark-skinned friend is truly a master of his movements and, thus, a master of his craft. You do not yet understand, but we two are not so different." He caught Wulfgar's eyes squarely with his own. "We three are not so different. Different methods, I agree. But to the same ends."

Drizzt stops juggling and sees Wulfgar in deep thought, and thinks that he's not sure whether the horseshoes or the lesson is the greater gift.

All I know is that I tend to like characters who get to learn lessons (though I don't really think Wulfgar was at all unreasonable here, and what is he supposed to have learned here again?) than ones who know it all already, DRIZZT.

But that's not the end of Malchor's gifts. He's apparently noticed that one of Drizzt's scabbards is empty and he brings out the enchanted scimitar, Twinkle. Which is a fucking stupid name. Mostly what I remember of Twinkle is from the Menzoberranzan computer game, where it glows annoyingly. This is the other half of Drizzt's famous scimitar set "Twinkle and Icingdeath."

So anyway, it has a dramatic origin of course:

"It was forged in the magic of the powers that all the surface elves hold dear," said Malchor. "Of the stars and the moon and the mysteries of their souls. You deserve it, Drizzt Do'Urden, and it will serve you well."

Ugh.

But this is nice:

Drizzt could not answer the tribute, but Wulfgar, touched by the honor Malchor had paid to his oft-maligned friend, spoke for him. "Our thanks to you, Malchor Harpell," he said, biting back the cynicism that had dominated his actions of late. He bowed low.

Aw.

So later that night, Drizzt is in bed, watching Wulfgar sleep. Creepy, dude. He's like seventeen. Anyway, he's concerned for him, so far from home, and having lost his mentor to boot. But there's been no time to rest. Entreri has Regis, and they're his only hope. Wulfgar has been understandably gloomy.

Drizzt reminds himself that Wulfgar came willingly and that he couldn't have stopped him if he tried. He reminds himself the best thing he can do is sleep and be ready for whatever comes next.

The next morning, they discuss their path. South of course. Malchor reasons, like Drizzt did, that Entreri has gone to sea. Drizzt intends to do the same, which Malchor warns will be a dangerous course. Pirates are a big risk. But they have to, since horses are't as fast as ships. Malchor offers to make arrangements to help with their accommodations.

Wulfgar is not really on board with this plan. Malchor talks about him like he's not here, saying that Drizzt's "young friend" doesn't understand the breadth of the journey. Yeah, because no one's bothered to show the poor guy a map. He's not stupid!

Malchor gives him an object lesson involving placement of forks to show their journey so far and the journey ahead. Wulfgar is overwhelmed, but Malchor is reassuring. He's got a final gift for them, a map to a special treasure that they can pick up today. One that will apparently alleviate the issue of a drow elf roaming around the south.

Drizzt has some thoughts about this, of course:

Drizzt was intrigued that Malchor so clearly understood his dilemma and was apparently hinting at an alternative. Drizzt would not be welcome anywhere in the South. Cities that would grant the foul Entreri free passage would throw chains upon the dark elf if he tried to cross through, for the drow had long ago earned their reputation as ultimately evil and unspeakably vile. Few in all the Realms would be quick to recognize Drizzt Do'Urden as the exception to the rule.

*sigh*

But that said, I do appreciate that we're tackling the logistics of this. As clumsy and offensive as I find this as a metaphor for racism, (especially since Entreri himself may or may not be white from his description), I do think it's a legitimate concern and obstacle for the character.

Anyway, Malchor gives them some directions to a monster named Agatha. She had once been an elf mage, but now she's a banshee. Apparently she has a "fair hoard of treasure" which includes one item that will be invaluable to Drizzt.

Hey, how come Drizzt gets two new toys out of this venture, but Wulfgar doesn't get something shiny? If I were a player in this campaign, I'd call shenanigans. A magic mask that will allow Drizzt to disguise himself as a surface elf or human.

For his part, Drizzt is a bit unnerved at the threat to his very identity. Which is fair. Malchor is actually pretty sympathetic to that, but he points out that Regis is in danger and Drizzt won't be able to pass unhindered.

Wulfgar stays quiet, knowing that this is a personal decision. Because Wulfgar is awesome.

Drizzt finally agrees to go. Regis is the concern here.

So they are about to head off. Malchor gives them the map and some advice: lady has a cold touch and a deadly unearthly wail. He wishes them off.

Take all care!"

"We shall," Drizzt assured him.

"We will not forget the hospitality or the gifts of Malchor Harpell," added Wulfgar.

"Nor the lesson, I hope," the wizard replied with a wink, drawing an embarrassed smile from Wulfgar.

Wulfgar is a much better sport than I am.

In a nifty effect, the tower vanishes at dawn. Malchor is still there though, as is the hidden door. He calls out "Discipline!" as a final statement for Wulfgar.

Drizzt challenges Wulfgar on his dismissive dislike of the Harpells.

"Would that all of the Harpells were like Malchor!" Wulfgar replied. He sat staring at the emptiness that had been the Tower of Twilight, fully understanding that the wizard had taught him two valuable lessons in a single night: one of prejudice and one of humility.

1) Yes. I agree, Wulfgar. Malchor by far is the most tolerable Harpell.

2) But doesn't that basically negate whatever "lesson" he got?

I mean, let's look at Wulfgar in this chapter. He doesn't want to wait and do Harpell nonsense when Entreri's getting farther away. That's not really "prejudice" though. That's just desperation. Malchor actually turned out to be really helpful, proving that they were right to stop.

But really, it's the gifts, not the "lesson" that proves Wulfgar wrong.

Wulfgar is scornful of Harpells in general, which may be an example of prejudice, sure. But Malchor wins him over by being straightforward rather than goofy. It doesn't negate his judgment of the other Harpells. Malchor is a special case, basically, which Wulfgar admits.

Odds are, Wulfgar's still going to roll his eyes the next time they have to deal with a normal Harpell though.

The only other thing Wulfgar did was get angry at how Malchor treated his apprentice. Malchor explained his reasons, and Wulfgar reluctantly accepted them. His example about "discipline" had nothing to do with magic, but rather Drizzt performing a physical feat. Wulfgar has already accepted Drizzt's abilities.

So what DID Wulfgar learn from this alleged lesson?

Now if the feat was something performed by Malchor or his apprentice, then I could see the point: that magic, just like martial abilities, require discipline. But then Drizzt wouldn't have had the opportunity to show off, and that's what's really important here.

Anyway, the chapter ends with Malchior inside his hidden dimension home, wishing that he could join them, but his days of adventure are behind him. He thinks that he just helped pass the torch into able hands though. Yay?