Menzoberranzan is a dark place in a world already know for its darkness, the underdark of Faerun. A society ruled by the matriarchal followers of the evil spider-goddes, Lloth, a boy meant for sacrifice is born into one of the city's ruling families. When luck and circumstance collude to spare his life, he is thrown into a family that is quite unlike the soul with which he is born. Given to his father for training as a family soldier and pawn, Drizzt soon finds a kindred spirit in the man who is more mentor and friend to him than anyone who he will meet for years to come. Even that small blessing is about to be taken away...