The Crystal Shard


 * This article is about the novel. For the artifact, see Crystal Shard.

The Crystal Shard is the first book in the Icewind Dale trilogy by R.A. Salvatore. It was later reissued as book four of the Legend of Drizzt series.

"Akar Kessel, a weak-willed apprentice mage sets in motion events leading to the rediscovery of the magical device, the Crystal Shard. But is it merely an inanimate device... or is it capable of directing the defeat of Ten-Towns?

Or have the barbarians already arranged for that themselves? Their brutal attack on the villages of Ten-Towns seals their fate, and that of the young barbarian Wulfgar. Left for dead, Wulfgar is rescued by the dwarf, Bruenor, in exchange for five years of service... and friendship. With the help of the dark elf, Drizzt, Bruenor reshapes Wulfgar into a warrior with both brawn and brains.

But is Wulfgar strong enough to reunite the barbarian tribes? Can an unorthodox dwarf and renegade dark elf persuade the people of Ten-Towns to put aside their petty differences in time to stave off the forces of the crystal shard?"

Summary
Akar Kessel, an apprentice to a powerful wizard (Morkai the Red), after killing his master, is thrown into the Spine of the World and left to die. He does not expect the crystal shard, which he finds in the snow from its heat, to give him greater powers, and even a huge fortress made of ice. Meanwhile deBernezan, having betrayed the people of Ten Towns, has joined the barbarians, providing them with critical information. In the battle with the towns, a young barbarian, Wulfgar by name, is injured. Bruenor Battlehammer takes him in and spares his life out of mercy for a young life. As Drizzt learns of the Crystal Shard Tower calling itself Cryshal-Tirith (Elven for Crystal Tower), he hurries to inform King Bruenor Battlehammer, king of the Battlehammer dwarves, of the mischief. Drizzt helps in the training of Wulfgar. Wulfgar has to serve a five-year apprenticeship to Bruenor, working forges, smithing weapons and having arguments with Cattie-Brie, the adopted daughter of Bruenor. After being trained by Drizzt, Wulfgar goes to fight Icingdeath, an Ice Dragon his father made his mortal enemy. With help from Drizzt, he manages to kill Icingdeath, and retrieve his horns, while Drizzt retrieves an enchanted scimitar. Wulfgar returns proud and strong to his people with new principles in mind, and kills the tyrant king of the Tribe of the Elk, with proof of his prowess with the horns of Icingdeath. he leads his people to help the people of Ten-Towns in the final assault on the Ice Tower. Regis, a halfling fondly referred to as "Rumblebelly" by Bruenor and Gwenhwyvar manage to infiltrate Cryshal-Tirith and steal the Crystal Shard, which is transferred to Drizzt. Regis escapes by help of the Astral Plane, where Gwenhwyvar takes him, and ends up inside the caves of Icewind Dale. Drizzt fights Akar Kessel, who bluffs it out, only to be crushed underneath the mountain cap in an avalanche. Drizzt rides the avalanche and winds up fighting alongside Bruenor. The invading forces are driven back, and a 'dying' Bruenor makes Drizzt promise to come with him to find Mithral Hall.