Legend of the Mord'Sith: Deception - Chapter 8 (2/2)
Pairing: Cara/Kahlan
Rating: M
Word Count: ± 4400/8800
Author: Mistresserin
Beta: Fifi - I bow to thee!
Author’s Note: See chapter one for disclaimers. Here’s chapter 8 - finally, I know, I know. Sorry for the delay, but it’s been hectic lately. Hope you enjoy it.
Part Two
It dawned yet another beautiful, scorching hot day, but Kahlan barely noticed it. Richard's little trick in the middle of the night and Cara's feverish dreams robbed her of whatever sleep she had left.
Kahlan forced the beverage that Zedd had left behind down Cara’s throat, but it hardly had any effect on the sick woman.
Cara remained unconscious and feverish all the way to Aydindril, her body constantly plagued by feverish bouts.
Kahlan pushed them hard, forcing both men and horses to ride at lightning speed, but it still didn’t seem like it was fast enough! So when Aydindril finally came into view, she almost, almost wept in relief. She could now take proper care of her friend and maybe find out what was happening with Richard, even if was the least of her concerns right now - her priority was Cara.
It was just after twilight when they finally reached the Confessor’s palace, and they were met by a small party of loyal servants, eager to serve their Queen. Dennee Amnell, her sister, was among them, surrounded by the Home Guard - and Richard Rahl.
Kahlan smiled tiredly at her sister and opened her mouth to offer a greeting, but the sight of Richard coming her way with that innocent smile of his stopped her short. All the fine hairs on the back of her neck stood on high alert. Unconsciously, she pulled Cara closer against herself as Richard neared and stopped next to her horse, his arms up in the air to take the sick woman from her embrace.
“Let me take her, Kahlan.”
“No.”
“Kahlan…” Richard sighed sadly. “I…”
“Stay away from her, Richard.” Kahlan’s blue eyes flashed fiercely.
“Kahlan, I’m not…”
“I don’t trust you with her, Richard.” She gritted out.
“But Kahlan…”
“If you so much as get within a hand’s span of her, I’ll have you thrown in the darkest dungeon I can find.” Her voice was soft, yet so full of promise.
She would make good on her word if he dared disobey her.
Richard looked over his shoulder, sharing a helpless look with the silently watching Dennee.
Kahlan’s younger sister’s face was impassive, impossible to read, if one was not trained in the ways of a Confessor.
Kahlan knew she wasn’t happy with Cara being in Aydindril, a Mord’Sith entering the Confessor’s Palace as a guest and not as prisoner. She wouldn’t be the only one to be unhappy, though she probably had more reason than most. They needed to talk, to straighten things out. She knew it would take some time, but she truly believed that, given a chance, Cara and her sister could come to some sort of truce and understanding.
Right now, however, she needed to get Cara inside, where it was safe and warm - and get a healer.
“Kelter!”
“Yes, Mother Confessor.” The soldier rushed to his Queen.
“Please take Mistress Cara to my chambers and have my personal healer meet me there in a candle mark."
“As you command, my Queen.”
He didn’t like Mord’Sith, but he had heard of this one and he knew his Queen held great affection for her, therefore, this was to be considered an honor.
Carefully, Keltar took Cara from Kahlan’s protective embrace and cradled her in his own arms, as if she was the most precious thing alive. Kahlan dismounted her horse quickly and wrapped Cara’s blanket tighter to make sure she kept warm.
“Send for the Confessor’s healer immediately.”
Keltar nodded and started to walk away toward the palace.
“Keltar?”
The soldier stopped and turned to his queen.
“Yes, Mother Confessor?”
“Take an escort. No one but the healer or myself is to go anywhere near Mistress Cara.” Kahlan’s cold blue eyes fixed on the hapless captain.
“You’re personally in charge of her welfare and I will hold you responsible if anything happens to her. Do not let me down.”
Keltar bowed his head slightly.
“I’ll protect her with my life if that is your wish, Mother Confessor.”
Kahlan nodded, pleased.
“Good. Go now. I won’t take long.”
Without losing sight of the retreating figure, Kahlan slowly moved to her sister’s side and hugged her fiercely. It felt strange to hug a body that was unknown to her. Physically, this was not Dennee, this was a complete stranger, but she knew the soul, the essence of her sister was in there, trapped inside that strange body. She would get used to it - eventually.
“It’s good to have you back, sister.” Dennee hugged her older sister just as fiercely.
“It’s good to be back.”
Kahlan pulled away a little a smiled at her. This new Dennee was now just as tall as she was and actually looked like she was related to her.
“I missed you.”
Dennee grinned at her but it quickly disappeared as she caught sight of Richard’s troubled eyes.
“Was all that really necessary?”
“Yes, it was.” Kahlan sobered up just as quickly, her hardening eyes travelling toward Richard’s anxious eyes.
“I’ll tell you all about it later. Where’s Zedd?”
“At the Keep, I believe.”
“Good.” Kahlan nodded in relief.
“Why don’t you go inside to your chambers and I’ll have a servant prepare you a hot bath.” Dennee pursed her lips. “I’ll make sure your… friend is taken to one of the guest rooms and…”
“She’s staying with me, Dennee.”
Dennee’s blue eyes widened with shock.
“But…”
“No argument, Dennee. I know what I’m doing.” Kahlan forced a smile. “But I would appreciate that hot bath.”
“Kahlan…”
Kahlan’s bright blues stopped her tirade before it even began.
“I’ll send for the servants.” Dennee’s voice sounded resigned.
“Good. Stop by my chambers later so we can talk a little, all right?”
Dennee nodded and shared a worried glance with Richard as the Mother Confessor, her beloved sister, walked away from her to keep their most hated enemy company.
“You were right,” she whispered to the Seeker, her eyes worried.
Richard nodded sadly.
“I fervently wish I wasn’t,” Richard said, his voice subdued.
A malicious glint shinned in his brown eyes, but it was gone before she could notice it.
“Cara has fooled us all and has Kahlan completely at her mercy with her insidious lies.” He shook his head, his eyes cast down - penitent.
“This is my fault, Dennee. I take full responsibility for this. Even Kahlan warned me about her and I was blind. If something happens to Kahlan, I’ll…”
He forced a hard swallow and licked his lips as he moved a little closer to the obviously worried Confessor.
“Cara must be taken care of. She must pay for what she’s done to us and I’m afraid I can’t do that on my own; Kahlan doesn’t trust me anymore.”
Covertly, he grabbed her hand and pressed it almost desperately, the gesture reflected in his voice.
“I need your help. I need to get back the woman I love. Please, Dennee.”
Dennee just stared at him.
##
“Nothing, my lady.” The old healer shook his head, defeated. “I find nothing wrong with her. This must be magic. You must send for a wizard.”
Kahlan sighed, frustrated.
“I already have a wizard looking into this, but I need you to give her something for the fever, to help her feel better!”
The old healer blinked at her.
“Mother Confessor, if this is indeed a spell of some sort, than there’s nothing my herbs and potions will do for her.”
“You don’t know that. Try! If it was magic related, Zedd would’ve known.”
The sharpness of the order forced his body to tremble. This was the Mother Confessor. He could not deny her.
“As you wish, my Queen.”
The hapless healer scrounged frantically through his leather bag under the watchful eye of the Mother Confessor. He had to find the proper herbs to help the sick woman, even if he didn’t know exactly which, and having the Mother Confessor looming over him was not helpful at all!
“What’s taking you so long, healer?!” she knew she wasn’t being fair to the old man, but she was beyond caring. She would apologize later. “Certainly you know…”
A sudden knock came from the heavy chamber doors, effectively interrupting Kahlan’s tirade. She glared at the obviously relieved man and turned murderous blue eyes at the now opening door. Whoever it was that dared to… “Sister?”
Oh! Who else would dare to interrupt? Her anger died instantly and she forced a smile.
“Dennee, I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” Kahlan said, her voice soft.
Dennee smiled at her older sister.
“Your bath is ready, Kahlan, and I already sent word to the kitchen to have a tray ready for you.”
Kahlan sighed.
“Dennee, I ca…”
“Kahlan, you’ve been travelling forever. You’re tired and weary. You need the comforts of your home.”
Another sigh.
Dennee was right and she wanted to give in so badly, all of the past months suddenly weighting down on her like tons of rocks, but there was Cara to think of, and she trusted no one to be left alone with her while she was this vulnerable, and…
“Your… ‘friend’ is safe here, Kahlan.”
Dennee interrupted softly, though she could not disguise the disdain she felt for the Mord’Sith from showing in her voice.
“These are your private chambers, the safest place in the Confessor’s Palace. No one will dare to go against your orders.”
“I know, but…”
“And your bathing chambers are just next door.”
Dennee insisted and took a step closer.
“We can leave the door open if it makes you feel better.”
Gently, Dennee took her sister’s cold and pale hand, and gave it a light squeeze.
“Please, just let me take care of you for a little while.” A gentle smile. “It would make me feel better.”
Kahlan stared at those strange, yet so familiar blue eyes for the longest time before nodding her agreement. With a warning glance to the nervous healer, she left for the adjacent room to finally have a well deserved warm bath.
##
It was silent in the bathing chambers, just the quiet movement of the soft water ripples in the large wooden tub and the just as soft breathing of its single occupant, and her caretaker.
“Kahlan…” Dennee's voice sounded suddenly too loud in the quiet room.
“This Mord'Sith…”
“She has a name, Dennee.”
Kahlan kept her eyes closed, trying to enjoy the light scrubbing of her back, but the feeling gnawing at her from the inside was just too disturbing to ignore.
“Yes, she does. It’s ‘murderer’!”
Dennee spat, unable to control herself, despite her promise to Kahlan; despite Cara's apology.
“Dennee, we've been through this,” Kahlan said calmly, her eyes still closed, “Cara was following orders, just like we once were. There's no excuse for the carnage that happened in Valeria, but she is sorry and I believe her.”
Kahlan finally turned her head, her eyes opening suddenly; bright blue eyes burning into fiery blue, so alike her own.
“I saw true remorse in her eyes - as have you. She was taken as child and brutalized until her humanity was all but extinguished. Though I'll never let my guard down around any other Mord'Sith, I'll forever think twice before killing any of them.”
“You are blind, sister.”
Dennee dropped the cloth she was using to rub Kahlan's skin and moved closer to her sister, unafraid.
“This monster is tricking you, just as she tricked Richard, only he was quick to realize it.”
“Oh,”
Kahlan exclaimed softly as she grabbed the discarded cloth and began washing her long arms, “is that what he told you, sister; that she was deceiving us? That she was using me against him?”
When Dennee failed to answer, Kahlan went on, her voice detached.
“Did he tell you he proposed to me?”
“Yes,” Dennee answered softly, unsure of where this was going.
Kahlan nodded her agreement.
“Did he tell you that he plans for us to move to Westland after we marry?”
The silence was enough for her to imagine the shock on her sister face. She all but smiled.
“Did he tell you, Dennee, that he planned to give up his duty as Seeker and have me step down as Mother Confessor?”
No answer.
“Did he tell you that after I refused his proposal, he claimed the Rahl bond and used it to physically hurt Cara when she tried to defend me from him?”
The choking sound from her side did make her smile this time.
“He's a changed man, Dennee. Whether under the influence of some spell or because the bond is finally claiming his soul, I do not know, but this Richard is not the friend I came to love and respect.”
Kahlan turned her head to stare at her numb sister once more.
“You have a choice, Dennee. Either believe him or trust me. Richard is a very dangerous man right now. He’s no friend of Aydindril - he’s no friend of mine. I sent Zedd to the Keep, hoping he can find a way to fix whatever's happening to him, but I'm not taking any chances. He’s under tight surveillance and I'm not letting him anywhere near Cara. Her injuries are mostly his doing - I've witnessed enough of it, and so has Zedd.”
Dennee averted her eyes, confused. She was not expecting this. Richard told her to expect Kahlan's fierce defense of Cara, to expect her to tell her the lies the Mord'Sith had convinced her of, but this was something else entirely.
Kahlan was not a woman who was under some spell or lying to protect a friend - she could see that. Kahlan was either telling the truth or was utterly convinced of a masterful lie.
This was no ordinary woman, however; this was the Mother Confessor, the woman who fought and defeated the Keeper; the woman who helped bring down Darken Rahl and gave hope and justice to thousands; this was the woman who could snare one's darkest secrets without the use of her power.
No, Kahlan Amnell would not succumb to a lie by the Mord'Sith - though they were impossible to read -, and if she was spelled, she wouldn't have sent Zedd to the Keep to find a cure for Richard.
Clearly upset, Dennee moved from her seat and walked to the door.
“I don't trust her,” was all she said before she left and the bathing chamber was once again silent.
Kahlan expelled a breath and leaned back, her eyes closed. Richard was really getting on her nerves, and that was never a good sign.
##
The doors to the guest room squeaked as they opened, and Richard straightened, listening to the sound as it squeaked again moments after, closing. His shoulders sagged dejectedly, and he leaned on the edge of the open verandah, his head down, eyes closed.
“Richard…”
He kept quiet until a warm hand rested on his shoulder and squeezed gently.
“It's useless trying to talk to her, isn't it? I've lost her, haven't I?” his voice was soft and quiet, and so full of sadness it was heartbreaking.
The hand squeezed harder.
“I'll get to the bottom of this, Richard, I promise you.”
Richard sighed and finally turned around to face Dennee, eyes teary and sad. He tried to speak, but his voice didn't quite come out the way he wanted. He had to clear his throat before he tried again.
“I know she's lost to me. Cara didn't spell her, Dennee, she tricked her; she turned her against me!” his desperation was quite perceptible.
“Even Zedd, my own grandfather, who has known me since I was born, is against me!”
He moved away from her, rubbing his stubby face in quiet desperation.
“She won't get away with this, Richard! Kahlan has to see reason!” Dennee moved closer to him, but refrained from touching him.
Richard just shook his head, his eyes locked on some distant star.
“I've lost all hope, Dennee.”
Richard…” Dennee was taken aback by his lifeless attitude.
He half turned around and gave her a weak smile, a lonely tear rolling down his cheek.
“I’m sorry, but I'm very tired. It's been a very long year.” he wiped his tears away with a quick gesture and offered her a more reassuring smile.
“I need a long bath and a good night sleep.”
Dennee blinked at him but complied with the unspoken request and left without a word.
Richard kept an eye on her retreating figure, his eyes teary and sad, until she disappeared from sight, the heavy doors closing quietly behind her. Once he was sure he was alone, he turned his attention once more to his nameless star, his lips curling into a spine-chilling smile, his eyes shining with borderline evilness.
“Ah Cara, can you feel my hand squeezing the life out of you?” an amused chuckled escaped. “I can and its delicious.”
##
The healer kept staring nervously at the unmoving body of the dreadful creature. He remembered her from the last time she’d been at the Confessor’s Palace, though he never actually talked to her. He remembered the tales of those who had been less fortunate in their encounters with Mord’sith. They still spoke of the murderous looks and permanent snarls; about the unspoken promises to snatch their little girls in the middle of the night, and bring them to the nearest Mord’Sith temple and transform them into efficient and emotionless weapons of destruction and torture, like so many other times before. Weapons that would one day return to end their meaningless little lives.
He still remembered.
The others still remembered.
Apparently, only the Mother Confessor didn’t and now, here he was, trying to save one of the monstrous creatures at her command - and he was failing miserably.
Beads of sweat formed above his lips, his fists clenching and unclenching at his side. He had failed his Queen; he had failed her over an unworthy creature and he was going to pay for it. He swallowed hard, his breath catching in his throat.
“Well?”
The soft, raspy voice against his ear almost gave him a heart attack and he actually jumped a little. He looked over his shoulder and took a step back, reflexively trying to keep his distance.
“M-mother Confessor…!”
He stuttered nervously, his heart still hammering wildly in his chest. He had been so absorbed in his self-pitying, he hadn’t even heard the woman approach him.
“I-I’m sorry… I-I…”
Kahlan pinned him with cold blue eyes, her lips set in a tight line, and that, as he had learned many seasons before, was never a good sign.
“How is she?”
The old man cleared his throat nervously, feeling the cold sweat run down his spine.
“I’m sorry, Mother Confessor.” He didn’t dare to look her in the eye.
“I’ve done all I can, but…” he swallowed and looked over his shoulder, at the deathly pale woman lying unmoving on his Queen’s bed.
Kahlan’s eyes widened in shock and she just stared at the woman’s pale, quiet face for a long, dreadful moment.
“My Lady, I…”
His words were abruptly cut off by a warm, vice like grip around his neck, squeezing tight - strong as steel. His old, dark eyes widened with honest fear. The Mother Confessor was mad at him and he was going to end up confessed, and all because of this insidious woman.
It wasn’t fair really.
“S-she’s dead?!”
Kahlan hissed, her throat constricting painfully at the word, tears already forming in her eyes against her will; her heart breaking into tiny little pieces, howling in silent pain.
She was dead? She… She…
Impossibly, his dark eyes widened even further, his mouth closing and opening in what looked like an attempt to speak, without success.
“N-no…” the old man finally managed his voice no more than a rasp.
“No, she’s not dead, my Queen.”
The grip around his neck didn’t relent and his heart started pumping harder inside his chest.
“I swear it, my Lady - she lives!” the words stumbled desperately out of his mouth, tears threatening to fall from his old eyes. He was going to be confessed!
Kahlan gave him a long, hard stare, judging him, her breathing slightly uneven. Then, just as suddenly as it had grabbed him, the warm hand released its captive, relief coursing through her whole body.
“Answer my question.” Was all she was able to say without her voice cracking. She couldn’t even look at the woman lying in her bed, in fear of breaking down in tears.
The healer stumbled back, his hands around his neck in foolish protection.
“S-she…” he sighed.
“I can’t figure out what’s wrong with her, my Lady. It’s beyond my ability. Surely the great wizard will be able to assist you better in this matter.”
Kahlan closed her eyes, her slender fingers rubbing her tired eyes in quiet desperation.
“He tried already. Magic is not working - I’ve told you that.”
The healer blinked his hand still around his sore neck. Surely it was going to bruise.
“My Lady, perhaps…” he shook his head. This was a Mord’Sith his Queen was desperately trying to save, for the Creator’s love!
“Perhaps it’s some ailment that affects her kind only. I’m not familiar with D’Haran illnesses.”
The cold stare Kahlan sent his way chilled his blood. He was now sure he was still breathing by the Creator’s own grace!
“D’Haran’s are people, just like you and I, healer, and most of them still live terrified of what Rahl might do to them should they dare defy him.”
Her voice was lacking its usual softness, and yet, it was so full of passion and conviction, he dared not question her.
“And Mistress Cara is a very good friend of mine and the wizard’s. She has saved our lives more times than I care to recall. Our success in our mission against the Keeper lies as much in her ability to keep us safe and sound, as in our skills combined.”
The healer lowered his eyes, properly chastened. He had heard those stories too, though he always believed them to be lies, fantasies of someone’s wild imagination.
“But you bring a valid point to attention.”
Kahlan went on without missing a beat, her mind working furiously.
“This could be some sort of illness that we are unfamiliar with; perhaps one that cannot be healed with magic or common herbs…”
She moved swiftly to her desk and scribbled a hasty note. She read it once, satisfied and rushed for the door, reaching for the first guard she could find.
“Go to the Keep and find Wizard Zeddicus - give this to him.”
The guard took the folded piece of parchment and hid it in the inside of his dark blue surcoat.
“Yes, my Lady.” He bowed and moved quickly away.
“Guard?”
The soldier stopped and turned around.
“Yes, my Lady?”
“What’s your name?”
“Elias, my Lady.”
Kahlan nodded.
“Make haste, Elias. A life is depending on that note.”
The guard stood to attention and rushed out of his Queen’s private quarters.
He would not disappoint his Queen.
Kahlan sighed and went back inside, the healer still there, staring at her nervously.
“You’re dismissed, but stay close.”
“Yes, Mother Confessor.”
The old man bowed and rushed out the door, glad to be away from the menacing woman - at least for now.
Kahlan sat down next to the blonde woman, picked up a warm, clammy hand between hers, and sighed heavily.
She could tell Cara’s breathing was slowly becoming shallow, but at least now she seemed to be resting. She was losing her friend; she could feel it in her heart and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Fighting the sudden urge to break into tears she lay down next to Cara, kissing the warm hand affectionately.
“Don’t you dare leave me, Cara Mason,” she whispered in as she snuggled closer.
“I will hunt you down and bring you back by the ear!”
A barely heard chocking like sound seemed to be her answer, though Cara’s face remained impassive, her breathing unchanged. Kahlan smiled a little and closed her eyes.
“Zedd will be here soon,” she said softly, “and we’ll find a way to heal you, Cara. I promise.”
Quietly, in the darkest corner of the quiet room, cold, sharp eyes, avidly watched the resting women, unsure whether to feel disgusted or amused. The lone watcher careful to remain hidden stepped forward slightly and spoke in a bored voice that barely disturbed the air,
“Perhaps I can be of assistance, Mother Confessor.”
Kahlan reacted at lightning speed, rising from her bed in barely a moment, a sharp dagger securely held in one hand; her eyes sharp and devoid of all traces of sleep and exhaustion.
“Show yourself.”
She commanded in the general direction the voice had come from, her heart beating wildly. There was a moment of tense silence, followed by the soft rustle of footsteps, as the mysterious owner of the voice stepped forward.
Kahlan’s eyes narrowed in recognition, her lips pursed.
##
Rating: M
Word Count: ± 4400/8800
Author: Mistresserin
Beta: Fifi - I bow to thee!
Author’s Note: See chapter one for disclaimers. Here’s chapter 8 - finally, I know, I know. Sorry for the delay, but it’s been hectic lately. Hope you enjoy it.
Part Two
It dawned yet another beautiful, scorching hot day, but Kahlan barely noticed it. Richard's little trick in the middle of the night and Cara's feverish dreams robbed her of whatever sleep she had left.
Kahlan forced the beverage that Zedd had left behind down Cara’s throat, but it hardly had any effect on the sick woman.
Cara remained unconscious and feverish all the way to Aydindril, her body constantly plagued by feverish bouts.
Kahlan pushed them hard, forcing both men and horses to ride at lightning speed, but it still didn’t seem like it was fast enough! So when Aydindril finally came into view, she almost, almost wept in relief. She could now take proper care of her friend and maybe find out what was happening with Richard, even if was the least of her concerns right now - her priority was Cara.
It was just after twilight when they finally reached the Confessor’s palace, and they were met by a small party of loyal servants, eager to serve their Queen. Dennee Amnell, her sister, was among them, surrounded by the Home Guard - and Richard Rahl.
Kahlan smiled tiredly at her sister and opened her mouth to offer a greeting, but the sight of Richard coming her way with that innocent smile of his stopped her short. All the fine hairs on the back of her neck stood on high alert. Unconsciously, she pulled Cara closer against herself as Richard neared and stopped next to her horse, his arms up in the air to take the sick woman from her embrace.
“Let me take her, Kahlan.”
“No.”
“Kahlan…” Richard sighed sadly. “I…”
“Stay away from her, Richard.” Kahlan’s blue eyes flashed fiercely.
“Kahlan, I’m not…”
“I don’t trust you with her, Richard.” She gritted out.
“But Kahlan…”
“If you so much as get within a hand’s span of her, I’ll have you thrown in the darkest dungeon I can find.” Her voice was soft, yet so full of promise.
She would make good on her word if he dared disobey her.
Richard looked over his shoulder, sharing a helpless look with the silently watching Dennee.
Kahlan’s younger sister’s face was impassive, impossible to read, if one was not trained in the ways of a Confessor.
Kahlan knew she wasn’t happy with Cara being in Aydindril, a Mord’Sith entering the Confessor’s Palace as a guest and not as prisoner. She wouldn’t be the only one to be unhappy, though she probably had more reason than most. They needed to talk, to straighten things out. She knew it would take some time, but she truly believed that, given a chance, Cara and her sister could come to some sort of truce and understanding.
Right now, however, she needed to get Cara inside, where it was safe and warm - and get a healer.
“Kelter!”
“Yes, Mother Confessor.” The soldier rushed to his Queen.
“Please take Mistress Cara to my chambers and have my personal healer meet me there in a candle mark."
“As you command, my Queen.”
He didn’t like Mord’Sith, but he had heard of this one and he knew his Queen held great affection for her, therefore, this was to be considered an honor.
Carefully, Keltar took Cara from Kahlan’s protective embrace and cradled her in his own arms, as if she was the most precious thing alive. Kahlan dismounted her horse quickly and wrapped Cara’s blanket tighter to make sure she kept warm.
“Send for the Confessor’s healer immediately.”
Keltar nodded and started to walk away toward the palace.
“Keltar?”
The soldier stopped and turned to his queen.
“Yes, Mother Confessor?”
“Take an escort. No one but the healer or myself is to go anywhere near Mistress Cara.” Kahlan’s cold blue eyes fixed on the hapless captain.
“You’re personally in charge of her welfare and I will hold you responsible if anything happens to her. Do not let me down.”
Keltar bowed his head slightly.
“I’ll protect her with my life if that is your wish, Mother Confessor.”
Kahlan nodded, pleased.
“Good. Go now. I won’t take long.”
Without losing sight of the retreating figure, Kahlan slowly moved to her sister’s side and hugged her fiercely. It felt strange to hug a body that was unknown to her. Physically, this was not Dennee, this was a complete stranger, but she knew the soul, the essence of her sister was in there, trapped inside that strange body. She would get used to it - eventually.
“It’s good to have you back, sister.” Dennee hugged her older sister just as fiercely.
“It’s good to be back.”
Kahlan pulled away a little a smiled at her. This new Dennee was now just as tall as she was and actually looked like she was related to her.
“I missed you.”
Dennee grinned at her but it quickly disappeared as she caught sight of Richard’s troubled eyes.
“Was all that really necessary?”
“Yes, it was.” Kahlan sobered up just as quickly, her hardening eyes travelling toward Richard’s anxious eyes.
“I’ll tell you all about it later. Where’s Zedd?”
“At the Keep, I believe.”
“Good.” Kahlan nodded in relief.
“Why don’t you go inside to your chambers and I’ll have a servant prepare you a hot bath.” Dennee pursed her lips. “I’ll make sure your… friend is taken to one of the guest rooms and…”
“She’s staying with me, Dennee.”
Dennee’s blue eyes widened with shock.
“But…”
“No argument, Dennee. I know what I’m doing.” Kahlan forced a smile. “But I would appreciate that hot bath.”
“Kahlan…”
Kahlan’s bright blues stopped her tirade before it even began.
“I’ll send for the servants.” Dennee’s voice sounded resigned.
“Good. Stop by my chambers later so we can talk a little, all right?”
Dennee nodded and shared a worried glance with Richard as the Mother Confessor, her beloved sister, walked away from her to keep their most hated enemy company.
“You were right,” she whispered to the Seeker, her eyes worried.
Richard nodded sadly.
“I fervently wish I wasn’t,” Richard said, his voice subdued.
A malicious glint shinned in his brown eyes, but it was gone before she could notice it.
“Cara has fooled us all and has Kahlan completely at her mercy with her insidious lies.” He shook his head, his eyes cast down - penitent.
“This is my fault, Dennee. I take full responsibility for this. Even Kahlan warned me about her and I was blind. If something happens to Kahlan, I’ll…”
He forced a hard swallow and licked his lips as he moved a little closer to the obviously worried Confessor.
“Cara must be taken care of. She must pay for what she’s done to us and I’m afraid I can’t do that on my own; Kahlan doesn’t trust me anymore.”
Covertly, he grabbed her hand and pressed it almost desperately, the gesture reflected in his voice.
“I need your help. I need to get back the woman I love. Please, Dennee.”
Dennee just stared at him.
##
“Nothing, my lady.” The old healer shook his head, defeated. “I find nothing wrong with her. This must be magic. You must send for a wizard.”
Kahlan sighed, frustrated.
“I already have a wizard looking into this, but I need you to give her something for the fever, to help her feel better!”
The old healer blinked at her.
“Mother Confessor, if this is indeed a spell of some sort, than there’s nothing my herbs and potions will do for her.”
“You don’t know that. Try! If it was magic related, Zedd would’ve known.”
The sharpness of the order forced his body to tremble. This was the Mother Confessor. He could not deny her.
“As you wish, my Queen.”
The hapless healer scrounged frantically through his leather bag under the watchful eye of the Mother Confessor. He had to find the proper herbs to help the sick woman, even if he didn’t know exactly which, and having the Mother Confessor looming over him was not helpful at all!
“What’s taking you so long, healer?!” she knew she wasn’t being fair to the old man, but she was beyond caring. She would apologize later. “Certainly you know…”
A sudden knock came from the heavy chamber doors, effectively interrupting Kahlan’s tirade. She glared at the obviously relieved man and turned murderous blue eyes at the now opening door. Whoever it was that dared to… “Sister?”
Oh! Who else would dare to interrupt? Her anger died instantly and she forced a smile.
“Dennee, I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” Kahlan said, her voice soft.
Dennee smiled at her older sister.
“Your bath is ready, Kahlan, and I already sent word to the kitchen to have a tray ready for you.”
Kahlan sighed.
“Dennee, I ca…”
“Kahlan, you’ve been travelling forever. You’re tired and weary. You need the comforts of your home.”
Another sigh.
Dennee was right and she wanted to give in so badly, all of the past months suddenly weighting down on her like tons of rocks, but there was Cara to think of, and she trusted no one to be left alone with her while she was this vulnerable, and…
“Your… ‘friend’ is safe here, Kahlan.”
Dennee interrupted softly, though she could not disguise the disdain she felt for the Mord’Sith from showing in her voice.
“These are your private chambers, the safest place in the Confessor’s Palace. No one will dare to go against your orders.”
“I know, but…”
“And your bathing chambers are just next door.”
Dennee insisted and took a step closer.
“We can leave the door open if it makes you feel better.”
Gently, Dennee took her sister’s cold and pale hand, and gave it a light squeeze.
“Please, just let me take care of you for a little while.” A gentle smile. “It would make me feel better.”
Kahlan stared at those strange, yet so familiar blue eyes for the longest time before nodding her agreement. With a warning glance to the nervous healer, she left for the adjacent room to finally have a well deserved warm bath.
##
It was silent in the bathing chambers, just the quiet movement of the soft water ripples in the large wooden tub and the just as soft breathing of its single occupant, and her caretaker.
“Kahlan…” Dennee's voice sounded suddenly too loud in the quiet room.
“This Mord'Sith…”
“She has a name, Dennee.”
Kahlan kept her eyes closed, trying to enjoy the light scrubbing of her back, but the feeling gnawing at her from the inside was just too disturbing to ignore.
“Yes, she does. It’s ‘murderer’!”
Dennee spat, unable to control herself, despite her promise to Kahlan; despite Cara's apology.
“Dennee, we've been through this,” Kahlan said calmly, her eyes still closed, “Cara was following orders, just like we once were. There's no excuse for the carnage that happened in Valeria, but she is sorry and I believe her.”
Kahlan finally turned her head, her eyes opening suddenly; bright blue eyes burning into fiery blue, so alike her own.
“I saw true remorse in her eyes - as have you. She was taken as child and brutalized until her humanity was all but extinguished. Though I'll never let my guard down around any other Mord'Sith, I'll forever think twice before killing any of them.”
“You are blind, sister.”
Dennee dropped the cloth she was using to rub Kahlan's skin and moved closer to her sister, unafraid.
“This monster is tricking you, just as she tricked Richard, only he was quick to realize it.”
“Oh,”
Kahlan exclaimed softly as she grabbed the discarded cloth and began washing her long arms, “is that what he told you, sister; that she was deceiving us? That she was using me against him?”
When Dennee failed to answer, Kahlan went on, her voice detached.
“Did he tell you he proposed to me?”
“Yes,” Dennee answered softly, unsure of where this was going.
Kahlan nodded her agreement.
“Did he tell you that he plans for us to move to Westland after we marry?”
The silence was enough for her to imagine the shock on her sister face. She all but smiled.
“Did he tell you, Dennee, that he planned to give up his duty as Seeker and have me step down as Mother Confessor?”
No answer.
“Did he tell you that after I refused his proposal, he claimed the Rahl bond and used it to physically hurt Cara when she tried to defend me from him?”
The choking sound from her side did make her smile this time.
“He's a changed man, Dennee. Whether under the influence of some spell or because the bond is finally claiming his soul, I do not know, but this Richard is not the friend I came to love and respect.”
Kahlan turned her head to stare at her numb sister once more.
“You have a choice, Dennee. Either believe him or trust me. Richard is a very dangerous man right now. He’s no friend of Aydindril - he’s no friend of mine. I sent Zedd to the Keep, hoping he can find a way to fix whatever's happening to him, but I'm not taking any chances. He’s under tight surveillance and I'm not letting him anywhere near Cara. Her injuries are mostly his doing - I've witnessed enough of it, and so has Zedd.”
Dennee averted her eyes, confused. She was not expecting this. Richard told her to expect Kahlan's fierce defense of Cara, to expect her to tell her the lies the Mord'Sith had convinced her of, but this was something else entirely.
Kahlan was not a woman who was under some spell or lying to protect a friend - she could see that. Kahlan was either telling the truth or was utterly convinced of a masterful lie.
This was no ordinary woman, however; this was the Mother Confessor, the woman who fought and defeated the Keeper; the woman who helped bring down Darken Rahl and gave hope and justice to thousands; this was the woman who could snare one's darkest secrets without the use of her power.
No, Kahlan Amnell would not succumb to a lie by the Mord'Sith - though they were impossible to read -, and if she was spelled, she wouldn't have sent Zedd to the Keep to find a cure for Richard.
Clearly upset, Dennee moved from her seat and walked to the door.
“I don't trust her,” was all she said before she left and the bathing chamber was once again silent.
Kahlan expelled a breath and leaned back, her eyes closed. Richard was really getting on her nerves, and that was never a good sign.
##
The doors to the guest room squeaked as they opened, and Richard straightened, listening to the sound as it squeaked again moments after, closing. His shoulders sagged dejectedly, and he leaned on the edge of the open verandah, his head down, eyes closed.
“Richard…”
He kept quiet until a warm hand rested on his shoulder and squeezed gently.
“It's useless trying to talk to her, isn't it? I've lost her, haven't I?” his voice was soft and quiet, and so full of sadness it was heartbreaking.
The hand squeezed harder.
“I'll get to the bottom of this, Richard, I promise you.”
Richard sighed and finally turned around to face Dennee, eyes teary and sad. He tried to speak, but his voice didn't quite come out the way he wanted. He had to clear his throat before he tried again.
“I know she's lost to me. Cara didn't spell her, Dennee, she tricked her; she turned her against me!” his desperation was quite perceptible.
“Even Zedd, my own grandfather, who has known me since I was born, is against me!”
He moved away from her, rubbing his stubby face in quiet desperation.
“She won't get away with this, Richard! Kahlan has to see reason!” Dennee moved closer to him, but refrained from touching him.
Richard just shook his head, his eyes locked on some distant star.
“I've lost all hope, Dennee.”
Richard…” Dennee was taken aback by his lifeless attitude.
He half turned around and gave her a weak smile, a lonely tear rolling down his cheek.
“I’m sorry, but I'm very tired. It's been a very long year.” he wiped his tears away with a quick gesture and offered her a more reassuring smile.
“I need a long bath and a good night sleep.”
Dennee blinked at him but complied with the unspoken request and left without a word.
Richard kept an eye on her retreating figure, his eyes teary and sad, until she disappeared from sight, the heavy doors closing quietly behind her. Once he was sure he was alone, he turned his attention once more to his nameless star, his lips curling into a spine-chilling smile, his eyes shining with borderline evilness.
“Ah Cara, can you feel my hand squeezing the life out of you?” an amused chuckled escaped. “I can and its delicious.”
##
The healer kept staring nervously at the unmoving body of the dreadful creature. He remembered her from the last time she’d been at the Confessor’s Palace, though he never actually talked to her. He remembered the tales of those who had been less fortunate in their encounters with Mord’sith. They still spoke of the murderous looks and permanent snarls; about the unspoken promises to snatch their little girls in the middle of the night, and bring them to the nearest Mord’Sith temple and transform them into efficient and emotionless weapons of destruction and torture, like so many other times before. Weapons that would one day return to end their meaningless little lives.
He still remembered.
The others still remembered.
Apparently, only the Mother Confessor didn’t and now, here he was, trying to save one of the monstrous creatures at her command - and he was failing miserably.
Beads of sweat formed above his lips, his fists clenching and unclenching at his side. He had failed his Queen; he had failed her over an unworthy creature and he was going to pay for it. He swallowed hard, his breath catching in his throat.
“Well?”
The soft, raspy voice against his ear almost gave him a heart attack and he actually jumped a little. He looked over his shoulder and took a step back, reflexively trying to keep his distance.
“M-mother Confessor…!”
He stuttered nervously, his heart still hammering wildly in his chest. He had been so absorbed in his self-pitying, he hadn’t even heard the woman approach him.
“I-I’m sorry… I-I…”
Kahlan pinned him with cold blue eyes, her lips set in a tight line, and that, as he had learned many seasons before, was never a good sign.
“How is she?”
The old man cleared his throat nervously, feeling the cold sweat run down his spine.
“I’m sorry, Mother Confessor.” He didn’t dare to look her in the eye.
“I’ve done all I can, but…” he swallowed and looked over his shoulder, at the deathly pale woman lying unmoving on his Queen’s bed.
Kahlan’s eyes widened in shock and she just stared at the woman’s pale, quiet face for a long, dreadful moment.
“My Lady, I…”
His words were abruptly cut off by a warm, vice like grip around his neck, squeezing tight - strong as steel. His old, dark eyes widened with honest fear. The Mother Confessor was mad at him and he was going to end up confessed, and all because of this insidious woman.
It wasn’t fair really.
“S-she’s dead?!”
Kahlan hissed, her throat constricting painfully at the word, tears already forming in her eyes against her will; her heart breaking into tiny little pieces, howling in silent pain.
She was dead? She… She…
Impossibly, his dark eyes widened even further, his mouth closing and opening in what looked like an attempt to speak, without success.
“N-no…” the old man finally managed his voice no more than a rasp.
“No, she’s not dead, my Queen.”
The grip around his neck didn’t relent and his heart started pumping harder inside his chest.
“I swear it, my Lady - she lives!” the words stumbled desperately out of his mouth, tears threatening to fall from his old eyes. He was going to be confessed!
Kahlan gave him a long, hard stare, judging him, her breathing slightly uneven. Then, just as suddenly as it had grabbed him, the warm hand released its captive, relief coursing through her whole body.
“Answer my question.” Was all she was able to say without her voice cracking. She couldn’t even look at the woman lying in her bed, in fear of breaking down in tears.
The healer stumbled back, his hands around his neck in foolish protection.
“S-she…” he sighed.
“I can’t figure out what’s wrong with her, my Lady. It’s beyond my ability. Surely the great wizard will be able to assist you better in this matter.”
Kahlan closed her eyes, her slender fingers rubbing her tired eyes in quiet desperation.
“He tried already. Magic is not working - I’ve told you that.”
The healer blinked his hand still around his sore neck. Surely it was going to bruise.
“My Lady, perhaps…” he shook his head. This was a Mord’Sith his Queen was desperately trying to save, for the Creator’s love!
“Perhaps it’s some ailment that affects her kind only. I’m not familiar with D’Haran illnesses.”
The cold stare Kahlan sent his way chilled his blood. He was now sure he was still breathing by the Creator’s own grace!
“D’Haran’s are people, just like you and I, healer, and most of them still live terrified of what Rahl might do to them should they dare defy him.”
Her voice was lacking its usual softness, and yet, it was so full of passion and conviction, he dared not question her.
“And Mistress Cara is a very good friend of mine and the wizard’s. She has saved our lives more times than I care to recall. Our success in our mission against the Keeper lies as much in her ability to keep us safe and sound, as in our skills combined.”
The healer lowered his eyes, properly chastened. He had heard those stories too, though he always believed them to be lies, fantasies of someone’s wild imagination.
“But you bring a valid point to attention.”
Kahlan went on without missing a beat, her mind working furiously.
“This could be some sort of illness that we are unfamiliar with; perhaps one that cannot be healed with magic or common herbs…”
She moved swiftly to her desk and scribbled a hasty note. She read it once, satisfied and rushed for the door, reaching for the first guard she could find.
“Go to the Keep and find Wizard Zeddicus - give this to him.”
The guard took the folded piece of parchment and hid it in the inside of his dark blue surcoat.
“Yes, my Lady.” He bowed and moved quickly away.
“Guard?”
The soldier stopped and turned around.
“Yes, my Lady?”
“What’s your name?”
“Elias, my Lady.”
Kahlan nodded.
“Make haste, Elias. A life is depending on that note.”
The guard stood to attention and rushed out of his Queen’s private quarters.
He would not disappoint his Queen.
Kahlan sighed and went back inside, the healer still there, staring at her nervously.
“You’re dismissed, but stay close.”
“Yes, Mother Confessor.”
The old man bowed and rushed out the door, glad to be away from the menacing woman - at least for now.
Kahlan sat down next to the blonde woman, picked up a warm, clammy hand between hers, and sighed heavily.
She could tell Cara’s breathing was slowly becoming shallow, but at least now she seemed to be resting. She was losing her friend; she could feel it in her heart and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Fighting the sudden urge to break into tears she lay down next to Cara, kissing the warm hand affectionately.
“Don’t you dare leave me, Cara Mason,” she whispered in as she snuggled closer.
“I will hunt you down and bring you back by the ear!”
A barely heard chocking like sound seemed to be her answer, though Cara’s face remained impassive, her breathing unchanged. Kahlan smiled a little and closed her eyes.
“Zedd will be here soon,” she said softly, “and we’ll find a way to heal you, Cara. I promise.”
Quietly, in the darkest corner of the quiet room, cold, sharp eyes, avidly watched the resting women, unsure whether to feel disgusted or amused. The lone watcher careful to remain hidden stepped forward slightly and spoke in a bored voice that barely disturbed the air,
“Perhaps I can be of assistance, Mother Confessor.”
Kahlan reacted at lightning speed, rising from her bed in barely a moment, a sharp dagger securely held in one hand; her eyes sharp and devoid of all traces of sleep and exhaustion.
“Show yourself.”
She commanded in the general direction the voice had come from, her heart beating wildly. There was a moment of tense silence, followed by the soft rustle of footsteps, as the mysterious owner of the voice stepped forward.
Kahlan’s eyes narrowed in recognition, her lips pursed.
##