Bob Salvatore signed an exclusive agreement with another company
to write some fantasy [novels].
While the rumor is that the parting occurred due to money (TSR not being able to pay its best-selling author what he could demand elsewhere), in email allegedly coming from Mr. Salavtore, this is denied.
However, there is good news! According to most sources I've talked to, R.A. Salvatore is under contract with TSR to complete a fourth hardcover novel in the Drizzt saga, Passage to Dawn. In fact, in the above-mentioned letter, the writer confirms that there will be another Drizzt novel from him coming out in 1996. I suppose that'll be the high point of my year since Alan Keyes has no chance of being president... =)
In addition, the TSR web site confirms that there will be another Drizzt novel; in fact, a preview excerp will be appearing in the anthology Realms of the Underdark, due out in April. The date listed is August (confirmed by Dave Jordan), and the plot is given as "A mysterious poem, a spell gone awry, and a doppleganger bring Drizzt Do'Urden and his friends back to Icewind Dale."
Is there going to be another Drizzt book? Let's hope so.