The Sellswords

"The Sellswords" is a trilogy of fantasy novels written by R. A. Salvatore, whose related works include the Legend of Drizzt series and The Hunter's Blades trilogy. It contains three books, "Servant of the Shard" (also included as the third book in the Paths of Darkness quartet, which books were later published as the 11th through 14th books of The Legend of Drizzt), "Promise of the Witch King", and "Road of the Patriarch". It is his latest completed trilogy, (as of 2008) and continues the tale of the infamous assassin, Artemis Entreri, previously featured in books as Drizzt Do'Urden's self-proclaimed archenemy, and the cunning drow mercenary, Jarlaxle Baenre, previously relevant as the leader of Bregan Dearthe, an outlaw group of drow based primarily in and around Menzoberranzan, that does business mostly with the drow of Menzoberranzan. Continuing the story of Artemis and Jarlaxle told in the "Paths of Darkness" series, Artemis and Jarlaxle begin an adventure that tests their skills, their minds, and their souls. While the two characters are antagonists in the Drizzt Do'Urden series, in "The Sellswords Trilogy" they are the main characters of some of the few books in Salvatore's Forgotten Realms novels that do not focus on the legendary drow warrior, Drizzt Do'Urden, as the hero of the novel. The Sellswords develops the two characters more deeply than was possible in the other Salvatore books, giving the reader an in depth view of the mind of the cold, calculating Artemis Entreri and the ambitious, opportunistic Jarlaxle.

Works included

# "Servant of the Shard" (2000)
# "Promise of the Witch King" (2005)
# "Road of the Patriarch" (2006)

Plot summary

ervant of the Shard

After regaining his confidence and will to live (lost in Paths of Darkness, when Drizzt Do'Urden seemed to have died without being defeated fairly by Artemis, thus apparently taking from him the ability to prove to himself that he was a better fighter), Artemis Entreri finds himself allied with the mercenary Jarlaxle as the drow's tie to the surface world. Caught in the plans of Jarlaxle's band, Bregan D'aerthe, Artemis finds himself back in Calimport, the city in which he became known as one of the greatest assassins in Faerûn. Without many ties to the city after spending his time in captivity to the drow, Entreri must once again make his name known while trying to survive against the guilds of Calimport and Jarlaxle's lieutenants, Berg'inyon Baenre, Rai-guy Bondalek, and Kimmuriel Oblodra. At the same time Jarlaxle succumbs to the mental intrusions of the crystal shard, Crenshinibon, as it pushes Jarlaxle to fulfill his unending ambitions. This is also the third novel in the "Paths of Darkness" series.

Promise of the Witch King

Leaving behind their past, Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle Baenre become mercenaries in the lands of Damara and Vaasa where fame and glory await any who seek it. They are hired by two dragon sisters to uncover artifacts left behind by Zhengyi the Witch King, a powerful lich who ruled the region for many years before falling to the power of King Gareth Dragonsbane and his allies. In this tale of a pair of unlikely heroes, Artemis and Jarlaxle battle mighty foes in search of adventure, glory, and treasure.

Road of the Patriarch

In the final episode of this series, Jarlaxle and Entreri find themselves having to answer for their actions at Zhengyi's construct. Both the Spysong Dynasty and the Citadel of Assassins have lost associates at the castle and search for an honest account of the events that took place. Readers are finally told the dark truth behind both Entreri and Jarlaxle's childhoods, as well as a glimpse into the past of their dwarf associate Athrogate. As Entreri's past is revealed and he becomes further involved with Calihye, a different side of the mysterious assassin is finally shown.

Related Links

* Info from [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/frnovel/954070000 Servant of the Shard]
* Info from [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/frbook/95015720 Promise of the Witch King]
* Info from [http://ww2.wizards.com/books/Wizards/Products/?doc=959437400 Road of the Patriarch]