Legend of the Mord'Sith: Deception - Chapter 9 (2/2)
Part Two
Kahlan exhaled tiredly. It was close to dawn, and everyone had finally gone to their quarters - she could finally savor the sound of silence.
That made her smile a little, but it vanished quickly as their late discussion came to mind once more.
“He must step down as Seeker! The sword must be returned!” Shota insisted exasperated. “He is too dangerous!”
“Zedd is right. What guarantee do we that if he gives back the sword and a new Seeker is named, that this new Seeker won’t be the one from the prophecy?” Dennee asked once more.
“Richard is the one from the prophecy!” Shota gritted her teeth, truly angry. “He is evil; he is Rahl. It was always inside him, waiting to come out, he just never acknowledged it.” she turned fiery brown eyes on her old friend. “’If you don’t use it, it will use you’ - you know this to be true!”
Zedd sighed tiredly. She was right, he knew. There had always been the risk, but he had hoped that by staying with George Cypher, Richard would grow up to become a good and just man - and he had, up until the moment he became the Seeker of Truth. But, admittedly, it was also true that he was too unstable to keep as Seeker. That alone was more than enough to force him to relinquish the sword - an impossible task all by itself.
“I’ll talk to the boy and convince him that this is for his own good.”
Shota snorted.
“Much good that’ll do.”
Zedd started to raise his voice, but Kahlan’s hard stare stopped him short.
She sent everyone to their rooms after that. She needed to check on Cara and rest!
A soft snort - rest! Dawn was about to break and she was yet to sleep - again. In a few candlemarks she would have to start her day and send for her generals, to address the pressing matter of this unknown threat from the south. She hadn’t given it much thought until now, Cara’s health being her main focus for the past days, but now it was starting to nag her. She didn’t take it lightly when someone threatened her people.
Her nostrils flared in anticipation of what might be coming their way. That far south it was either from overseas or from the Old World, and now that the barrier was down…
A soft sound caught her attention and she looked down just in time to see dazed green blue eyes crack open.
“Cara?”
Bloodshot eyes rotated up and a brilliant smile greeted them.
“Kahlan…” Cara licked her dry lips and tried to focus on the pretty smile. “Are you…”
“All right? Yes, I am.” Kahlan made no effort to deny her cravings and kissed her forehead, noting with satisfaction that it was no longer hot to the touch. “How do you feel?”
Cara frowned.
“Did I get drunk?” her voice very soft. Her body ached all over, though it wasn’t anywhere near the agonizing pain she’d been feeling.
Kahlan chuckled. She was just too cute.
“No, you’ve been very sick, Cara. Do you remember any of what happened?”
Cara was quiet, thinking, confusion clearly written in her face.
“I… I remember you going into Con Dar…” she looked up at the Mother Confessor, confused. “Did I dream that?”
“No.” Kahlan shook her head. “You’re very tired, Cara, it’s only natural that you can’t remember what happened, all right? Don’t worry about it.”
Worry? Of course she was worried! How could she not remember?! She demanded to know what had happened and now!
Kahlan gave her a brilliant smile. Tricky Confessor!
“You’ll tell me later…” Cara sighed, defeated. She was too tired to care about her ego right now. She looked around the strange room and noticed it was dark. “Where are we?”
“Aydindril. We’re safe here, don’t worry.” Kahlan kept smiling down at her. “Here, you should have some water. You’ve barely eaten these past days.”
Cara frowned slightly, but complied. She was a little thirsty.
Kahlan moved her to a half sitting position and helped her drink the water.
“Where’s Richard?” Cara asked softly after drinking her water, her eyes closing against her will.
Kahlan’s arms felt warm and safe, and her body started to relax in its new blanket.
“In his room, under guarded escort.” Kahlan pulled her blankets closer. “You need to go back to sleep.”
Another kiss on the forehead.
“So do you…” Cara mumbled as she finally gave up her struggle to stay awake and closed her eyes, her eyelids too heavy to remain open.
There was something very unnerving about the way Kahlan cared for her; about the way her traitorous body responded to that.
“There’s no point in sleeping now. Dawn will be here soon.”
Kahlan cuddled closer to her, enjoying the warmth emanating from the blonde - it was actually making her feel drowsy.
“Stay then…” the blonde mumbled sleepily.
Two could play this game! She turned on her side, slowly as not to cause unnecessary pain - she was too tired for that - and snuggled against the taller body of the Confessor, forcing Kahlan to lie on her back.
“Keep me company…”
Kahlan’s eyebrows shot sky-high, not expecting the request. Maybe the woman was still sick! Surely she was still delirious.
“I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”
“Mm…” Cara mumbled contently and made herself comfortable against the Confessor’s body, her arm draped over the woman’s midsection. “Rest…”
She was so sweet!
“I’m fine, Cara. You’re the one that needs rest, all right? Your body needs to get its strength back.”
When no answer came, she smiled.
“You’re just a cute softie under that Mord’Sith attitude, aren’t you?”
She chuckled softly and closed her eyes, content to keep the blonde woman company for a little while longer, and hoping she wouldn’t fall asleep.
##
“So…” Kahlan sighed tiredly and rubbed her eyes.
She had stayed the night up with Cara, and the night before, and she felt bone tired, but there were so many pending issues to address, Richard being only one of them. And there was still that little matter of their supposed impending war in the South. She needed to gather her commanders and…
A tired sigh. Maybe she should’ve listened to Dennee and just stayed in bed a while longer, wrapped in the Mord’Sith’s addictive warmth.
“I guess we all at least agree Richard is no longer trusted to keep the Sword of Truth and must give it back. As for the matter of whether he is still a Cypher or a true Rahl,” she looked at Zedd with compassion, “we’ll just keep looking into to it. We’re not giving up on him.”
Zedd gave her a look that bordered on undying gratitude. Shota rolled her eyes.
“Suit yourselves. You’re wasting your time.” She tapped her finger on the table, exasperated.
“The decision is made. I’ve sent for my generals so they report about the troubles from the south.” Kahlan tried to offer Shota a polite smile, after all, she had helped Cara, but it didn’t quite come out the way she intended. “You said last night you’re not done helping us. Is there something else we should know about?”
“Above all, I must make sure the Seeker gives back the sword and steps down,” she said truthfully, “the stars don’t lie. They may give you difficult riddles, but they never lie. I was given a warning from the stars - if Richard is not stopped, he will become the most evil of Rahls, a true tyrant.”
She felt sorry for Zeddicus, after everything he had sacrificed to make sure his grandson would become a good man only to now realize it was worthless in the end. If only he’d listen to her.
“This is why I’m here - if we stop him now…”
“The events will still unfold.” Zedd cut her off.
She nodded her agreement.
“True. We can’t stop all the evil from existing, but we can prevent the worse from happening.” She gave him a hard stare - he had to understand! “And Richard is the worst that will happen. It’s been written since before he was born.”
Zedd rose from his chair hastily.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? After all these seasons…”
Without giving her the chance to reply, he stormed out of the Mother Confessor’s office, obviously disturbed.
“Zedd…!” Kahlan rose from her chair and called out to him, but the old wizard was already out the door. She turned icy eyes on the unfazed sorceress. “Was that really necessary? Have you no regards for other people’s feelings?”
“This is not the moment to sugarcoat the truth, Mother Confessor! You of all people should know that,” Shota answered angrily, “of course I don’t want to hurt him, but he must understand that this is not something you can resolve with a spell, even if it’s the Spell of Undoing! Our fate is written in the stars before we are born. We might choose whatever path we like, but we can never escape our fate - it’s always there at the end of the road -, and Richard Rahl is fated for darkness. He will destroy the world we live in!”
Kahlan let herself drop heavily on her chair. The woman was utterly convinced of her words; she could see it in her eyes.
“If we get the sword back from him, will that be enough?”
Shota shook her head, clearly understanding the unspoken question.
“He’s a menace, Mother Confessor. As long as he breathes, his destiny awaits him and he will try to meet it over and over, and over again until he’s either stopped or successful.”
Kahlan blinked at her, suddenly feeling much older than her years. She couldn’t handle what the sorceress’ dark eyes were telling her.
“He has to die.”
Kahlan shook her head.
“There must be another way.”
“There is none.”
“There’s always another way!” Kahlan banged her open hand, flat on the wooden desk, the sound resounding loud in the office. “Find it! This is what you’re here for, and these are my terms. You want to stay here and do something about what might happen? Then start by finding a way of keeping Richard alive. I am not ordering his execution!”
Her blue eyes flashed angrily, her face set with the full force of command.
“You’re making a mistake.” Shota warned, her voice slightly subdued, not expecting the sudden outburst.
“If it’s a mistake, I’ll correct it if I have to.”
“Will you?” Shota had to ask, though she already knew the answer.
Kahlan straightened and looked her in the eyes.
“Yes, I will.”
Shota just shook her head.
“Fine, Mother Confessor, but don’t expect me to make miracles.”
“I expect nothing from you but your utter dedication to the greater good, Shota, as always.”
Shota scowled at her, but chose to remain quiet, feeling neatly trapped with the obvious compliment.
A rapt knock came from the door and Kahlan gave her consent to come in.
“Mother Confessor, your generals are here.”
“Good. Send them in.” she wasn’t looking forward to this. In fact, all she wanted was to crawl back in bed and sleep; all she wanted was to forget about the world for a few candlemarks.
The guard bowed and opened the doors wide to allow inside the four generals that composed her line of command.
Three men and a woman pristinely dressed with their respective uniforms, walked inside and went down on one knee before the ruler of the Midlands.
Kahlan stood straight, her hands clasped in front of her.
“Rise,” she ordered softly.
There was a rustle of fabric and steel as all four generals rose to face their ruler.
“Again we meet under less than ideal circumstances.” Kahlan address them, her voice grave.
“Mother Confessor, I am sorry that less than a day from your return you already have to deal with such matters, but alas, precaution dictates that we take a course of action,” Thomas Durren, general of the forces of Aydindril and senior general, spoke, a serious look on his face as he addressed his queen.
His eyes moved inevitably to the mysterious woman dressed in black, sitting by his queen’s desk.
Kahlan nodded and sat down on her chair. Her eyes swept through the impeccably dressed generals, stopping on the one female among them.
“General Marven, this is happening in your homeland - report.”
The tall redhead bowed her head slightly.
“There’s not much we know yet, Mother Confessor. We first thought it was just raiders gone wild because of the tearing, but then the rift was closed and still they kept coming. The attacks became more frequent and their numbers keep growing.” The tall woman looked at the shorter form of Thomas Durren. “General Durren has authorized reinforcements to be sent to Renwold.”
Kahlan nodded slowly.
“We received this less than a fortnight ago.”
The compact general moved forward and delivered a piece of parchment to Kahlan.
Kahlan stared at him, but quickly unfolded it and read it, both her eyebrows lifting in surprise.
“These are rendition terms!” she said incredulous.
General Thomas nodded, still eyeing Shota suspiciously. There was something about her that made him want to draw his sword out.
Kahlan kept reading, mumbling her breath. Her face hardened as something particular caught her eye.
“Signed by the High Council of Bandakar. Who are these people?”
“Old world,” Shota said, dismissing the generals’ suspicious stares. She was long used to it.
“Bandakar is located in the Old World, beyond the Pillars of Creation.” She kept her attention on the Mother Confessor. “Richard’s revival by the Mord’Sith set in motion very dark events. He was supposed to stay dead; the Mord’Sith was supposed to be hit by the power of the Con Dar and die by confession!” She let out an exasperated sigh. “How she ever managed to escape is beyond me…”
Kahlan’s face hardened at the implication of her friend’s death - again!
“My queen, if I may interrupt, but who is this woman?” General Thomas’ curiosity got the best of him, his hand already resting on the hilt of his sword.
Kahlan exhaled, trying to control her anger. Shota was getting on her nerves with this obsession about Richard’s death!
“This is Shota.” She waited for the recognition and fear to settle in their faces and went on. “She will be staying with us, as a guest.”
“You’ve made strange acquaintances on your travels, my queen.” The burly general from Galea had to say.
Kahlan rolled her eyes.
“You have no idea.”
Shota gave her a look that could be interpreted as offended, but Kahlan wasn’t sure the woman was sensitive enough to be offended.
“Tell me what you know about them, Shota.”
Kahlan got comfortable on her chair, her hands folded over her lap; her eyes expectant.
They dared threaten the Midlands with war? They dared impose rendition terms on her? Arrogant fools! They wanted war? They would have one!
##
Zedd walked inside his grandson’s room and spotted him by the large window, staring outside, unseeing.
“My boy?”
Richard rolled his eyes at the sound of his grandfather’s booming voice, but presented him with a smile as he turned around.
“Zedd!”
His voice sounded happy and genuine and Zedd felt his heart warm with love for his beloved grandson. He moved quickly to hug him and was pleased when Richard returned the hug just as warmly.
“How are you, my boy?”
Richard sighed and moved away from his grandfather, his stance sad and defeated.
“I’m…” he lifted his hands as if to explain something, but then dropped them in exasperation. “I know something’s wrong with me and that I may have caused Kahlan’s anger toward me, but…” his dark eyes filled with tears. “I expected her to help me, to be understanding and… Does she even bother to know how I am?”
“Of course she does, my boy! Kahlan has great affection for you. She…”
“… locked me in a pretty room with armed guards outside my door!” Richard interrupted, careful about not letting his real anger show.
Zedd sighed heavily. This was not going to be easy.
“It’s for your own good, Richard. As you said it yourself, you are not well. You have moments when you become very… aggressive and have no control over your actions.” Zedd placed a large hand on his shoulder. “We have to keep you and those around you safe.”
Richard covered his face with his hands and was silent for a while.
“I know.” He finally admitted. “And you’re right. I would do the same thing if I were you, but Zedd… She hasn’t even been here to say hello, to see how I’m doing. The sun has been up for several candlemarks!”
Zedd was silent, unsure of what to say. It seemed the boy was still not convinced that Kahlan’s love was lost to him and he feared that might set him over the edge. He wasn’t as lost in the bond as Shota was trying to make believe. There was still good in him - he could see it in his eyes!
“Richard, I know you miss her, but you forget the reason we had to rush back. The Midlands are on the verge of war, and Kahlan must address this issue immediately. Millions of lives depend on her.”
Richard shook his head sadly and dropped, defeated, to nearest chair.
“My mind tells me she’s doing the right thing, but my heart is feeling abandoned.” He looked up at his grandfather, his eyes teary. “Abandoned by the one person I would never abandon.”
Zedd’s heart went out to Richard.
“She hasn’t abandoned you, boy, but there are very urgent matters to attend, and you know this. She will come as soon as she can.”
She would - he would make sure of that!
“I know.” Richard tried a smile and cleaned his eyes with his fingers. “How is she? Has she slept? Has she eaten yet?”
“Do not worry about her, Richard. Kahlan is fine.” Zedd smiled at his sweet grandson.
But his smile vanished quickly as Shota’s words came to mind.“Richard, we have to talk.”
Richard felt goose bumps erupt all over his body. He knew that tone of voice - he was not going to like this!
“About?”
Zedd sat down on a nearby chair and gestured to Richard to do the same.
“Richard…” the old wizard sighed. He really didn’t want to do this. Richard was the rightful Seeker of Truth!
“My boy, as you said it yourself, you are not well. We still don’t know what’s causing this shift in your personality and that poses a big problem for us all. You are too unstable to be… trustworthy around others.”
Richard frowned, not sure of where this was going.
“And what do you propose? To lock me up in this room until you find the answer to whatever’s causing this; to have me walk around under guarded escort? What?”
Zedd swallowed. He really didn’t want to do this. Richard was going to be devastated, but he was sure he would understand. This wasn’t only for his own good, but for the safety of all around him; for the safety of the world.
“My boy… You need to step down as Seeker and give back the sword until we know what is going on.”
“I’m not giving up the sword!” Richard jumped to his feet, his eyes serious.
“Richard…”
“No! I’m the Seeker of Truth and I will not part with the sword! And we all know what happened last time you decided to name a new Seeker!” the last words came out full of despise.
Zedd sighed.
“Richard, a new prophecy as come forth. Events are unfolding before our very eyes!” Zedd tried to reason with him, but he knew his grandson was stubborn as an old mule. “You must…”
It happened so fast, Zedd couldn’t even get his brain to register what was happening. One moment he was sitting on the comfortable chair, trying to get Richard to understand the need and rightfulness of his request and the next one, he was lying flat on his back, a heavy knee pushing hard against his chest; a sharp dagger already drawing blood from the wrinkled skin of his neck.
Richard’s dark eyes shone with barely held rage, his stony face set with murderous intent; lips pressed in a thin line.
“Over my dead body, old man!”
Zedd’s eyes went wide with shock.
tbc
Kahlan exhaled tiredly. It was close to dawn, and everyone had finally gone to their quarters - she could finally savor the sound of silence.
That made her smile a little, but it vanished quickly as their late discussion came to mind once more.
“He must step down as Seeker! The sword must be returned!” Shota insisted exasperated. “He is too dangerous!”
“Zedd is right. What guarantee do we that if he gives back the sword and a new Seeker is named, that this new Seeker won’t be the one from the prophecy?” Dennee asked once more.
“Richard is the one from the prophecy!” Shota gritted her teeth, truly angry. “He is evil; he is Rahl. It was always inside him, waiting to come out, he just never acknowledged it.” she turned fiery brown eyes on her old friend. “’If you don’t use it, it will use you’ - you know this to be true!”
Zedd sighed tiredly. She was right, he knew. There had always been the risk, but he had hoped that by staying with George Cypher, Richard would grow up to become a good and just man - and he had, up until the moment he became the Seeker of Truth. But, admittedly, it was also true that he was too unstable to keep as Seeker. That alone was more than enough to force him to relinquish the sword - an impossible task all by itself.
“I’ll talk to the boy and convince him that this is for his own good.”
Shota snorted.
“Much good that’ll do.”
Zedd started to raise his voice, but Kahlan’s hard stare stopped him short.
She sent everyone to their rooms after that. She needed to check on Cara and rest!
A soft snort - rest! Dawn was about to break and she was yet to sleep - again. In a few candlemarks she would have to start her day and send for her generals, to address the pressing matter of this unknown threat from the south. She hadn’t given it much thought until now, Cara’s health being her main focus for the past days, but now it was starting to nag her. She didn’t take it lightly when someone threatened her people.
Her nostrils flared in anticipation of what might be coming their way. That far south it was either from overseas or from the Old World, and now that the barrier was down…
A soft sound caught her attention and she looked down just in time to see dazed green blue eyes crack open.
“Cara?”
Bloodshot eyes rotated up and a brilliant smile greeted them.
“Kahlan…” Cara licked her dry lips and tried to focus on the pretty smile. “Are you…”
“All right? Yes, I am.” Kahlan made no effort to deny her cravings and kissed her forehead, noting with satisfaction that it was no longer hot to the touch. “How do you feel?”
Cara frowned.
“Did I get drunk?” her voice very soft. Her body ached all over, though it wasn’t anywhere near the agonizing pain she’d been feeling.
Kahlan chuckled. She was just too cute.
“No, you’ve been very sick, Cara. Do you remember any of what happened?”
Cara was quiet, thinking, confusion clearly written in her face.
“I… I remember you going into Con Dar…” she looked up at the Mother Confessor, confused. “Did I dream that?”
“No.” Kahlan shook her head. “You’re very tired, Cara, it’s only natural that you can’t remember what happened, all right? Don’t worry about it.”
Worry? Of course she was worried! How could she not remember?! She demanded to know what had happened and now!
Kahlan gave her a brilliant smile. Tricky Confessor!
“You’ll tell me later…” Cara sighed, defeated. She was too tired to care about her ego right now. She looked around the strange room and noticed it was dark. “Where are we?”
“Aydindril. We’re safe here, don’t worry.” Kahlan kept smiling down at her. “Here, you should have some water. You’ve barely eaten these past days.”
Cara frowned slightly, but complied. She was a little thirsty.
Kahlan moved her to a half sitting position and helped her drink the water.
“Where’s Richard?” Cara asked softly after drinking her water, her eyes closing against her will.
Kahlan’s arms felt warm and safe, and her body started to relax in its new blanket.
“In his room, under guarded escort.” Kahlan pulled her blankets closer. “You need to go back to sleep.”
Another kiss on the forehead.
“So do you…” Cara mumbled as she finally gave up her struggle to stay awake and closed her eyes, her eyelids too heavy to remain open.
There was something very unnerving about the way Kahlan cared for her; about the way her traitorous body responded to that.
“There’s no point in sleeping now. Dawn will be here soon.”
Kahlan cuddled closer to her, enjoying the warmth emanating from the blonde - it was actually making her feel drowsy.
“Stay then…” the blonde mumbled sleepily.
Two could play this game! She turned on her side, slowly as not to cause unnecessary pain - she was too tired for that - and snuggled against the taller body of the Confessor, forcing Kahlan to lie on her back.
“Keep me company…”
Kahlan’s eyebrows shot sky-high, not expecting the request. Maybe the woman was still sick! Surely she was still delirious.
“I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”
“Mm…” Cara mumbled contently and made herself comfortable against the Confessor’s body, her arm draped over the woman’s midsection. “Rest…”
She was so sweet!
“I’m fine, Cara. You’re the one that needs rest, all right? Your body needs to get its strength back.”
When no answer came, she smiled.
“You’re just a cute softie under that Mord’Sith attitude, aren’t you?”
She chuckled softly and closed her eyes, content to keep the blonde woman company for a little while longer, and hoping she wouldn’t fall asleep.
##
“So…” Kahlan sighed tiredly and rubbed her eyes.
She had stayed the night up with Cara, and the night before, and she felt bone tired, but there were so many pending issues to address, Richard being only one of them. And there was still that little matter of their supposed impending war in the South. She needed to gather her commanders and…
A tired sigh. Maybe she should’ve listened to Dennee and just stayed in bed a while longer, wrapped in the Mord’Sith’s addictive warmth.
“I guess we all at least agree Richard is no longer trusted to keep the Sword of Truth and must give it back. As for the matter of whether he is still a Cypher or a true Rahl,” she looked at Zedd with compassion, “we’ll just keep looking into to it. We’re not giving up on him.”
Zedd gave her a look that bordered on undying gratitude. Shota rolled her eyes.
“Suit yourselves. You’re wasting your time.” She tapped her finger on the table, exasperated.
“The decision is made. I’ve sent for my generals so they report about the troubles from the south.” Kahlan tried to offer Shota a polite smile, after all, she had helped Cara, but it didn’t quite come out the way she intended. “You said last night you’re not done helping us. Is there something else we should know about?”
“Above all, I must make sure the Seeker gives back the sword and steps down,” she said truthfully, “the stars don’t lie. They may give you difficult riddles, but they never lie. I was given a warning from the stars - if Richard is not stopped, he will become the most evil of Rahls, a true tyrant.”
She felt sorry for Zeddicus, after everything he had sacrificed to make sure his grandson would become a good man only to now realize it was worthless in the end. If only he’d listen to her.
“This is why I’m here - if we stop him now…”
“The events will still unfold.” Zedd cut her off.
She nodded her agreement.
“True. We can’t stop all the evil from existing, but we can prevent the worse from happening.” She gave him a hard stare - he had to understand! “And Richard is the worst that will happen. It’s been written since before he was born.”
Zedd rose from his chair hastily.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? After all these seasons…”
Without giving her the chance to reply, he stormed out of the Mother Confessor’s office, obviously disturbed.
“Zedd…!” Kahlan rose from her chair and called out to him, but the old wizard was already out the door. She turned icy eyes on the unfazed sorceress. “Was that really necessary? Have you no regards for other people’s feelings?”
“This is not the moment to sugarcoat the truth, Mother Confessor! You of all people should know that,” Shota answered angrily, “of course I don’t want to hurt him, but he must understand that this is not something you can resolve with a spell, even if it’s the Spell of Undoing! Our fate is written in the stars before we are born. We might choose whatever path we like, but we can never escape our fate - it’s always there at the end of the road -, and Richard Rahl is fated for darkness. He will destroy the world we live in!”
Kahlan let herself drop heavily on her chair. The woman was utterly convinced of her words; she could see it in her eyes.
“If we get the sword back from him, will that be enough?”
Shota shook her head, clearly understanding the unspoken question.
“He’s a menace, Mother Confessor. As long as he breathes, his destiny awaits him and he will try to meet it over and over, and over again until he’s either stopped or successful.”
Kahlan blinked at her, suddenly feeling much older than her years. She couldn’t handle what the sorceress’ dark eyes were telling her.
“He has to die.”
Kahlan shook her head.
“There must be another way.”
“There is none.”
“There’s always another way!” Kahlan banged her open hand, flat on the wooden desk, the sound resounding loud in the office. “Find it! This is what you’re here for, and these are my terms. You want to stay here and do something about what might happen? Then start by finding a way of keeping Richard alive. I am not ordering his execution!”
Her blue eyes flashed angrily, her face set with the full force of command.
“You’re making a mistake.” Shota warned, her voice slightly subdued, not expecting the sudden outburst.
“If it’s a mistake, I’ll correct it if I have to.”
“Will you?” Shota had to ask, though she already knew the answer.
Kahlan straightened and looked her in the eyes.
“Yes, I will.”
Shota just shook her head.
“Fine, Mother Confessor, but don’t expect me to make miracles.”
“I expect nothing from you but your utter dedication to the greater good, Shota, as always.”
Shota scowled at her, but chose to remain quiet, feeling neatly trapped with the obvious compliment.
A rapt knock came from the door and Kahlan gave her consent to come in.
“Mother Confessor, your generals are here.”
“Good. Send them in.” she wasn’t looking forward to this. In fact, all she wanted was to crawl back in bed and sleep; all she wanted was to forget about the world for a few candlemarks.
The guard bowed and opened the doors wide to allow inside the four generals that composed her line of command.
Three men and a woman pristinely dressed with their respective uniforms, walked inside and went down on one knee before the ruler of the Midlands.
Kahlan stood straight, her hands clasped in front of her.
“Rise,” she ordered softly.
There was a rustle of fabric and steel as all four generals rose to face their ruler.
“Again we meet under less than ideal circumstances.” Kahlan address them, her voice grave.
“Mother Confessor, I am sorry that less than a day from your return you already have to deal with such matters, but alas, precaution dictates that we take a course of action,” Thomas Durren, general of the forces of Aydindril and senior general, spoke, a serious look on his face as he addressed his queen.
His eyes moved inevitably to the mysterious woman dressed in black, sitting by his queen’s desk.
Kahlan nodded and sat down on her chair. Her eyes swept through the impeccably dressed generals, stopping on the one female among them.
“General Marven, this is happening in your homeland - report.”
The tall redhead bowed her head slightly.
“There’s not much we know yet, Mother Confessor. We first thought it was just raiders gone wild because of the tearing, but then the rift was closed and still they kept coming. The attacks became more frequent and their numbers keep growing.” The tall woman looked at the shorter form of Thomas Durren. “General Durren has authorized reinforcements to be sent to Renwold.”
Kahlan nodded slowly.
“We received this less than a fortnight ago.”
The compact general moved forward and delivered a piece of parchment to Kahlan.
Kahlan stared at him, but quickly unfolded it and read it, both her eyebrows lifting in surprise.
“These are rendition terms!” she said incredulous.
General Thomas nodded, still eyeing Shota suspiciously. There was something about her that made him want to draw his sword out.
Kahlan kept reading, mumbling her breath. Her face hardened as something particular caught her eye.
“Signed by the High Council of Bandakar. Who are these people?”
“Old world,” Shota said, dismissing the generals’ suspicious stares. She was long used to it.
“Bandakar is located in the Old World, beyond the Pillars of Creation.” She kept her attention on the Mother Confessor. “Richard’s revival by the Mord’Sith set in motion very dark events. He was supposed to stay dead; the Mord’Sith was supposed to be hit by the power of the Con Dar and die by confession!” She let out an exasperated sigh. “How she ever managed to escape is beyond me…”
Kahlan’s face hardened at the implication of her friend’s death - again!
“My queen, if I may interrupt, but who is this woman?” General Thomas’ curiosity got the best of him, his hand already resting on the hilt of his sword.
Kahlan exhaled, trying to control her anger. Shota was getting on her nerves with this obsession about Richard’s death!
“This is Shota.” She waited for the recognition and fear to settle in their faces and went on. “She will be staying with us, as a guest.”
“You’ve made strange acquaintances on your travels, my queen.” The burly general from Galea had to say.
Kahlan rolled her eyes.
“You have no idea.”
Shota gave her a look that could be interpreted as offended, but Kahlan wasn’t sure the woman was sensitive enough to be offended.
“Tell me what you know about them, Shota.”
Kahlan got comfortable on her chair, her hands folded over her lap; her eyes expectant.
They dared threaten the Midlands with war? They dared impose rendition terms on her? Arrogant fools! They wanted war? They would have one!
##
Zedd walked inside his grandson’s room and spotted him by the large window, staring outside, unseeing.
“My boy?”
Richard rolled his eyes at the sound of his grandfather’s booming voice, but presented him with a smile as he turned around.
“Zedd!”
His voice sounded happy and genuine and Zedd felt his heart warm with love for his beloved grandson. He moved quickly to hug him and was pleased when Richard returned the hug just as warmly.
“How are you, my boy?”
Richard sighed and moved away from his grandfather, his stance sad and defeated.
“I’m…” he lifted his hands as if to explain something, but then dropped them in exasperation. “I know something’s wrong with me and that I may have caused Kahlan’s anger toward me, but…” his dark eyes filled with tears. “I expected her to help me, to be understanding and… Does she even bother to know how I am?”
“Of course she does, my boy! Kahlan has great affection for you. She…”
“… locked me in a pretty room with armed guards outside my door!” Richard interrupted, careful about not letting his real anger show.
Zedd sighed heavily. This was not going to be easy.
“It’s for your own good, Richard. As you said it yourself, you are not well. You have moments when you become very… aggressive and have no control over your actions.” Zedd placed a large hand on his shoulder. “We have to keep you and those around you safe.”
Richard covered his face with his hands and was silent for a while.
“I know.” He finally admitted. “And you’re right. I would do the same thing if I were you, but Zedd… She hasn’t even been here to say hello, to see how I’m doing. The sun has been up for several candlemarks!”
Zedd was silent, unsure of what to say. It seemed the boy was still not convinced that Kahlan’s love was lost to him and he feared that might set him over the edge. He wasn’t as lost in the bond as Shota was trying to make believe. There was still good in him - he could see it in his eyes!
“Richard, I know you miss her, but you forget the reason we had to rush back. The Midlands are on the verge of war, and Kahlan must address this issue immediately. Millions of lives depend on her.”
Richard shook his head sadly and dropped, defeated, to nearest chair.
“My mind tells me she’s doing the right thing, but my heart is feeling abandoned.” He looked up at his grandfather, his eyes teary. “Abandoned by the one person I would never abandon.”
Zedd’s heart went out to Richard.
“She hasn’t abandoned you, boy, but there are very urgent matters to attend, and you know this. She will come as soon as she can.”
She would - he would make sure of that!
“I know.” Richard tried a smile and cleaned his eyes with his fingers. “How is she? Has she slept? Has she eaten yet?”
“Do not worry about her, Richard. Kahlan is fine.” Zedd smiled at his sweet grandson.
But his smile vanished quickly as Shota’s words came to mind.“Richard, we have to talk.”
Richard felt goose bumps erupt all over his body. He knew that tone of voice - he was not going to like this!
“About?”
Zedd sat down on a nearby chair and gestured to Richard to do the same.
“Richard…” the old wizard sighed. He really didn’t want to do this. Richard was the rightful Seeker of Truth!
“My boy, as you said it yourself, you are not well. We still don’t know what’s causing this shift in your personality and that poses a big problem for us all. You are too unstable to be… trustworthy around others.”
Richard frowned, not sure of where this was going.
“And what do you propose? To lock me up in this room until you find the answer to whatever’s causing this; to have me walk around under guarded escort? What?”
Zedd swallowed. He really didn’t want to do this. Richard was going to be devastated, but he was sure he would understand. This wasn’t only for his own good, but for the safety of all around him; for the safety of the world.
“My boy… You need to step down as Seeker and give back the sword until we know what is going on.”
“I’m not giving up the sword!” Richard jumped to his feet, his eyes serious.
“Richard…”
“No! I’m the Seeker of Truth and I will not part with the sword! And we all know what happened last time you decided to name a new Seeker!” the last words came out full of despise.
Zedd sighed.
“Richard, a new prophecy as come forth. Events are unfolding before our very eyes!” Zedd tried to reason with him, but he knew his grandson was stubborn as an old mule. “You must…”
It happened so fast, Zedd couldn’t even get his brain to register what was happening. One moment he was sitting on the comfortable chair, trying to get Richard to understand the need and rightfulness of his request and the next one, he was lying flat on his back, a heavy knee pushing hard against his chest; a sharp dagger already drawing blood from the wrinkled skin of his neck.
Richard’s dark eyes shone with barely held rage, his stony face set with murderous intent; lips pressed in a thin line.
“Over my dead body, old man!”
Zedd’s eyes went wide with shock.
tbc