Neverwinter (novel)

Neverwinter is the second novel written by R.A. Salvatore in the Neverwinter series.

"With the last of his trusted companions having fallen, Drizzt is alone - and free - for the first time in almost a hundred years. Guilt mingles with relief, leaving Drizzt uniquely vulnerable to the persuasions of his newest companion - Dahlia, a darkly alluring elf and the only other member of their party to survive the cataclysm at Mount Hotenow. But traveling with Dahlia is challenging in more ways than one. As the two companions seek revenge on the one responsible for leveling Neverwinter - and nearly Luskan as well - Drizzt finds his usual moral certainty swept away by her unconventional views. Forced to see the dark deeds that the common man may be driven to by circumstance, Drizzt begins to find himself on the wrong side of the law in an effort to protect those the law has failed. Making new enemies, as his old enemies acquire deadly allies, Drizzt and Dahlia quickly find themselves embroiled in battle - a state he's coming to enjoy a little too much."

Plot
Barrabus the Gray assists the citizens of New Neverwinter in attacks from the Ashmadai serving under Valindra Shadowmantle, to whom all control of the Ashmadai has been transferred to. In return, the graceful citizens rename Neverwinter Bridge the Walk of Barrabus in honor of the Shadovar. Barrabus then encounters Drizzt Do'Urden who is out on a quest to kill Sylora Salm to crush Thay's power in the region. Drizzt recognizes Barrabus as Artemis Entreri and believes he is being tricked by a magical fiend as Entreri should have died over a half century ago.

Barrabus proves he is Artemis by stating that Jarlaxle betrayed him to the Netherese, Herzgo Alegni and by bringing up concepts of their fights and the cautious topic of Catti-brie. Barrabus informs Drizzt he is alive because after Jarlaxle betrayed him, Herzgo Alegni submitted him to the sword, Charon's claw. This put Barrabus fully under Alegni's control and the only way for him to die is if charon's claw is destroyed or if Alegni releases him from its service, which he believes killing Salm will do.

Barrabus assists Drizzt in killing Salm and heads off to return to Alegni. The killing of Salm transfers all power of Thay in the region to Valindra Shadowmantle, however, it also splinters the Ashmadai into two sects. One sect sticks with Thay and the other diverges into its own plans for Neverwinter. Dahlia Sin'felle then goes on a personal hunt to kill Herzgo Alegni.

Characters
Main Characters Drizzt Do'Urden Dahlia Sin'felle

Other characters Artemis Entreri

Cadderly (mentioned)