Grudgingly； Quenthel nodded in assent； and the rest followed into the cave。 Halisstra and Pharaun had already thrown themselves down on the pebbled floor of the cavern a few dozen yards from the entrance； shucking their packs and leaning back against the walls。 The rest of the Menzoberranyr filed in slowly and picked out their own spots； collapsing wherever they happened to stop moving。
Seyll's bloodstained armor seemed unbearably heavy on Halisstra's shoulders； and the hilt of the Eilistraeean's sword jammed painfully into her ribs。 She was too tired to find a better position。
〃Will no one tell me what happened in the Demonweb Pits？〃 Jeggred railed。 〃I have waited in that empty stone room for days； guarding your sleeping bodies faithfully。 I deserve to hear what happened。〃
〃You will；〃 Valas answered。 〃Later。 I don't believe any of us rightly know what to make of it。 Give us time to rest； and to reflect。〃
Rest？ Halisstra thought。
She felt as if she could sleep…sleep in the unconscious and helpless manner of a human…for a tenday and not feel healed of the fatigue she carried。 Her mind refused to reflect any longer on why Lolth had abandoned her； yet she had something in her heart that demanded examination； a grief that would not permit her the refuge of the Reverie until she had found some way to let it out。
With a sigh； she pulled her satchel close and opened it； taking out the leather case of her lyre。 She carefully unsheathed the heirloom； running her fingers over the rune…carved dragonbone arms； touching the perfect mithral wire。
At least I still have this； she thought。
In the silence of the forest cave； Halisstra played the dark songs of the bae'qeshel； and softly gave voice to her unbearable grief。