New Episode: 3.13 - "Discord"

[trobadora]

Disclaimer: This is a fan-produced creation and is not affiliated in any way, shape or form to the official TV show Legend of the Seeker. Neither the characters nor the universe belong to us, and we are making no money from this whatsoever.



*~*~*~*~*~

Previously on Legend of the Seeker:

Episode 3.01 - "Tremors"
Episode 3.02 - "Restoration"
Episode 3.03 - "Madness"
Episode 3.04 - "Found"
Episode 3.05 - "Night"
Episode 3.06 - "Choice"
Episode 3.07 - "Doubt"
Episode 3.08 - "Trust"
Episode 3.09 - "Instinct"
Episode 3.10 - "Harmony"
Episode 3.11 - "Allegiance"
Episode 3.12 - "Villains"

*~*~*~*~*~

Episode 3.13 - "Discord"

*~*~*~*~*~

The sun had yet to come up, leaving the land bathed in the pale hints of early morning light. It was that quiet time in the forest when the night creatures were no longer roaming and the day creatures had yet to awaken. A river curled around the clearing, forming a deep pool where it bent before dropping sharply. The water cascading over the rocks below was the only sound for leagues.

A pile of freshly-filled waterskins lay near the water, where Kahlan was filling the last one. A pair of red leather gloves dropped beside them, and Kahlan looked up at Cara questioningly as she pushed the stopper into the waterskin she was holding.

"The sun's not up yet," Cara noted, a small smile playing at her lips. "We have time for a quick bath before the others wake up."

Kahlan smiled her agreement, tossing her waterskin onto the pile as she rose to her feet. Cara was already tugging off her boots, standing them neatly next to the waterskins.

Moments passed in comfortable silence. Kahlan slipped her daggers out of her boots, laying them on a flat stone where Cara had already placed her agiels. Her boots soon joined Cara's, and she went to work on the lacing of her green travel dress.

"It's been a while since we've had the chance to bathe," Kahlan commented as she slipped the fabric over her shoulders.

"Time has been in short supply," Cara replied. She tossed her belt and holster next to her boots before moving behind Kahlan.

Kahlan's cheeks flushed as Cara's fingers brushed across her skin, pushing long, thick hair out of the way so she could pick at the lacing of Kahlan's corset. Kahlan bit her lip nervously as Cara worked, her eyes idly scanning the small shoreline.

"I used to come here with my sister Confessors," Kahlan said with a slight tremor in her voice that slowly steadied as she continued. "We'd bring a picnic basket or two, and spend the entire afternoon relaxing in the sun and splashing around. We had some memorable water fights." She smiled fondly at the memory.

Behind her, safe from prying eyes, Cara allowed a small smile to touch her lips. Her fingers never ceased at their task, even while her gaze tracked the gentle movements of Kahlan's head as she spoke.

"It was one of the rare times that the older Confessors wouldn't scold us for being too wild and undisciplined." Kahlan rolled her eyes, her voice lightly mocking. "Not that they ever joined in the fun. That would have been too undignified." She fell silent as Cara's fingers reached the bottom of her corset, and the material loosened at her shoulders. Her gaze turned wistful, her smile bittersweet. "It was like having a holiday from everything."

The straps of her corset fell from her shoulders, and Kahlan's hands came up to hold the garment in place as Cara stepped back in front of her.

Cara smirked, raising an eyebrow at the show of modesty. "It's nothing I haven't seen before, Confessor."

Kahlan blushed. "It was different before," she said softly, blue eyes peeking out from under her lashes.

Cara's smirk softened, hunger flashing in her eyes as she met Kahlan's hesitant gaze. Cara shook her head a little to clear it, drawing a heavy breath as she turned around.

"Give me the warm scented baths of a Mord-Sith temple any day," Cara breathed, her voice tight. With the intensity of the moment broken, Kahlan let the corset fall to the ground, focusing her attention on the laces running down Cara's back. "They're far more relaxing, and there's always someone there to help with the scrubbing." A brief silence fell over them as Cara smiled at the memory. Kahlan's fingers worked swiftly at the laces, nearly halfway down Cara's back when a thought struck the blonde. "I wonder how Denna has managed all this time on her own. She must be going mad with no one to wash her hair."

The derision in Cara's voice was lost on Kahlan, who froze at the mention of Denna's name. "I can't believe Richard is letting her travel with us," she spat bitterly, her fingers working more roughly at the laces.

Cara's back tensed at the venom in Kahlan's tone. "I'm sure the Seeker has his reasons," she offered neutrally. "Maybe he sees something in her."

Pulling the last lace free, Kahlan's hands left Cara's back to cross over her chest, managing to express her disbelief and preserve her modesty at the same time. She scoffed. "Denna tortured him, nearly broke him! She didn't hesitate to kill him." Her voice grew more agitated the more she spoke. "She killed his mother - spirits, she killed those poor women just so she could abduct Zedd!"

Cara moved stiffly, sliding the red leather down her body. She clenched her jaw as Kahlan reached the culmination of her rant.

"Denna is a heartless killer," Kahlan declared, her eyes bright with fury. "It's the only thing she knows. What could Richard possibly see in that?"

Cara stepped out of her leathers, tossing them to the side as she slowly turned to face Kahlan. "He saw something in me," she said quietly, eyes fixed on the ground.

Kahlan's anger faltered. "That's different," she fumbled. Cara's eyes shot up to hers, an eyebrow raised in challenge. Kahlan rushed to explain herself. "You may have both been weapons in Rahl's arsenal, but Cara, when you got free of him, you changed for the better." Modesty forgotten, she reached a hand out to cup Cara's cheek, stroking it gently. "Denna only got worse. She kills to suit her own selfish purposes."

Cara looked as though she wanted to say something, but decided against it. Kahlan's other hand moved to join its mate, holding Cara's head in place as she earnestly caught her gaze. "You are better than her, and you always have been," Kahlan said passionately. Her voice softened as a small smile graced her lips. "I couldn't have fallen in love with you otherwise."

Any thought of protest died when Cara saw the intensity in those glittering blue eyes. Her gaze fell to Kahlan's lips, a different kind of tension growing thick between them. Swallowing roughly, Cara reached for Kahlan's hands, tugging them away from her face.

"Come on," she urged, her voice husky. She dropped Kahlan's hands as she stepped back toward the water. Her smirk was less teasing than usual. "You still need to wash my hair."

Kahlan smiled, watching Cara for a moment before moving to join her.

~*~

ROLL CREDITS

~*~

Richard knelt in front of their modest camp fire, poking the embers with a stick to coax the fire back to life for breakfast. As soon as that was done he stood up and stretched, checking on the other members of his motley group.

Nicci sat on a log a few paces from the now merrily burning fire, sorting some dried herbs. Dahlia knelt nearby, arranging her pack. Farther away, Denna sat against a tree, an inscrutable expression on her face as she stared blankly at nothing in particular.

Jennsen was packing up her bedroll, oblivious to the fact that Shota was glaring daggers into her. The witch woman stood a few paces away from where Zedd still snored away. Kahlan and Cara were still off filling the waterskins, and Berdine and Raina were nowhere in sight.

Darken Rahl was just waking up. He threw his blanket off, pulling himself up to sit on a nearby rock as he looked around the camp. "Well, it's better than waking up in chains," he muttered irritably. He turned his gaze to the only Mord-Sith in camp. "Dahlia! Attend me."

Dahlia looked up from her pack uneasily. After a moment's deliberation, she relented. "Yes, my lord."

"I see captivity hasn't improved your disposition," Nicci called out wryly from behind him. She didn't flinch when he turned his head to fix his steely gaze on her.

"Nicci, be a dear and massage my neck," Darken replied, his eyes taunting her. Dahlia glanced at him uneasily as she knelt before him, reaching for one of his boots and slipping it over his foot. "Sleeping on the ground does not agree with me."

"Massage your own neck," Nicci retorted, narrowing her eyes at him. "Unless you want me to snap it for you."

Darken was unruffled. "Such venom on what promises to be a lovely day. It seems that Rada'Han around your neck does nothing for your temperament," he commented. Nicci glared back at him in response, and his lips twisted into an evil smirk. "How the mighty have fallen. The most powerful sorceress of the New World, reduced to nothing more than a collared pet."

"I won't wear it forever, Darken," Nicci growled dangerously.

"Empty threats," Rahl replied dismissively as Dahlia moved to his other foot. "If you could get that thing off, you'd be gone already."

Dahlia's gaze shifted uncomfortably between Darken and Nicci, and she faltered in her movements, yanking a little too hard on the laces of his boot.

Darken's eyes shot to the kneeling Mord-Sith. "Not so tight," he snapped.

"Yes, my lord," Dahlia said quietly, averting her eyes.

Richard's brow creased as he watched Nicci and Dahlia share a glance. His eyes drifted from them over to Denna, who had given up her aimless staring and was watching the exchange with interest. Her expression was a combination of relief, hatred, and cold amusement.

Jennsen came up next to her brother, following his gaze. She shuddered. "I don't know why you want her with us, Richard," she said. "She's nothing more than a killer."

Richard looked over at her and sighed. "You don't understand, Jennsen." His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he glanced back at Denna. "I know what she's capable of. I felt it, lived it." As though she knew what they were talking about, even if she couldn't hear it, Denna looked over and met Richard's gaze. His eyes grew haunted as he returned his attention to Jennsen. "But what I experienced was nothing compared to how a Mord-Sith is made. Denna was tortured for years. Anyone would be twisted by what she must have gone through."

Jennsen didn't look convinced. Zedd rose from his bedroll, snatching a persimmon from the pile of fresh fruit near their bags and biting into it as he walked over to join them. Jennsen grabbed his free hand, tugging gently. "Grandfather, make him understand," she implored, looking meaningfully at Denna. "We can't trust that monster!"

Jennsen's voice had grown louder than she'd intended, and suddenly all eyes in camp were on her, save one pair. Denna crossed her arms over her chest, deliberately looking away.

Zedd swallowed, gesturing with the half-eaten fruit in his hand. "Life is rarely black and white, child," he said calmly, his free hand resting on Jennsen's shoulder. "Denna has done horrible things, but there's something you must understand. Only the most loving and compassionate girls are chosen to become Mord-Sith. Somewhere, under the years of torture, there is good in her," he finished, taking another generous bite of his persimmon.

Jennsen shook her head, eyes wide with disbelief. She was searching for another argument when Darken approached, gesturing grandly.

"Fear not, little sister," he said reassuringly. "As soon as I am back on my throne I will bring all my wayward subjects back in line - including our dear Denna." He fixed his eyes on the woman in question, a smug smile painting his lips. "A week in my dungeons should do the trick."

Denna returned his glare in kind, her posture stiff. "I'd rather die a thousand times than ever follow your orders again," she spat.

Dahlia's hand instinctively went to her agiel at Denna's insult, looking expectantly at Rahl. When no order came, she relaxed again, watching with a bored expression on her face.

Rahl smiled. "Then I will kill you and have you brought back a thousand and one times," he promised. His tone hardened. "You will not defy me."

Richard stepped in front of Rahl, breaking the heated stare. "Denna is her own woman now, Darken," he said firmly. "Leave her alone."

"Richard, she shouldn't be here!" Jennsen exclaimed, her voice rising with panic. "She's proven to us before that she can't be trusted!"

"But you can?" Shota's sharp voice cut through the camp as she joined the conversation. She waved her hand at Jennsen, her cold eyes boring into the girl. "You think you can be trusted simply because you did the right thing in freeing your brothers? How many victories do the Blood of the Fold have you to thank for?" Jennsen shrank away, guilt clouding her eyes. "Your blood allowed those zealots to breach my defenses. If it weren't for you, my home would still be standing."

Richard stepped in to defend his sister, holding up a hand to the witch woman. He was starting to look frazzled. "Let it go, Shota. They deceived her, manipulated her. And she still did the right thing when it really counted."

Shota scoffed in disbelief. "So when I am abducted from my own home, forced to watch it destroyed before my very eyes, it doesn't really count?" she demanded, her voice rising in anger. "For the Seeker of Truth, you're apparently blind to any concerns but your own!"

~*~

Cara and Kahlan heard the raised voices as they approached the camp, sharing a quick glance before picking up their pace. Cara stopped at the edge of the camp, rolling her eyes at the full-scale shouting match that was taking place.

"What is going on here?" Kahlan demanded, storming into the center of camp. The shouting died out almost instantly as all eyes fell on the irate Mother Confessor. Before anyone could offer a response, she continued, her voice as hard as steel. "No, I don't want to hear it. This is disgusting." She shook her head, her piercing gaze falling on each person in turn. "We have better things to do than jump at each others' throats. Brogan's men are probably already laying siege to Aydindril and you're all standing here, bickering like children. You should be ashamed of yourselves."

"Kahlan's right. We all should know better," Richard declared. He closed his hand over the hilt of the Sword of Truth, and his voice grew with conviction. "We should be making plans, not fighting each other."

"Yes, let us all listen to the Mother Confessor," Darken said neutrally. "After all, she is the highest moral authority in the Midlands." His gaze focused in on Zedd. A smile played at his lips, but it was impossible to tell whether it was genuine or not. "And who knows what tragedies await in Aydindril."

Zedd's eyes widened almost imperceptibly, an uneasy expression on his face.

~*~

The midday sun was shining down on Aydindril, glittering off of the river hugging one side of the forbidding city wall. The city was well protected, nestled in the foothills of the Rang'Shada mountains. The white stones of the Confessors' Palace shone brightly in the sunlight as the flags of the Confessors and the Home Guard fluttered in the slight breeze.

Kahlan stepped closer to Cara, the back of her hand subtly touching Cara's red glove. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Cara turned her hand just enough to let her thumb caress the heel of Kahlan's hands. Her eyes were fixed on the city below. "It could be, without those bastards camped out in front of it."

Kahlan sighed, but Cara was right. The army of the Blood of the Fold was spread out in front of the only easily accessible side of the capitol of the Midlands, and it was a huge army. They counted more than fifty large camp fires and innumerable small tents, scattered along the rolling hillside outside the city gates.

"You'd better hope we gather enough allies to win this, brother," Darken said, looking at Richard. They stood a few paces away from Kahlan and Cara. Berdine and Raina stood nearby, vigilantly keeping watch. "And that they arrive in time. If not, we'll have to rethink our strategy. I could always return to D'Hara, reclaim my throne. The collective forces of D'Hara would crush Brogan and his fanatics like so many flies."

Standing well behind them, Nicci huffed, just loud enough for Dahlia to hear her. "Without this collar I could send them all to the Underworld in a heartbeat."

Dahlia cast her a speculative look, her hand moving almost instinctively to rest on her corset.

"We're not running away," Richard said firmly, his eyes burning into Darken as he gripped the hilt of his sword. "Our allies will be here soon enough, and the Blood of the Fold will learn that the Midlands are not that easy to conquer."

Darken laughed mirthlessly, gesturing toward the city. "It looks to me as if they've already made significant progress. Open your eyes, brother. The city gates are open. We're on our own - Aydindril is not putting up a fight."

~*~

The streets of Aydindril were bustling with activity. Some citizens seemed to be in a hurry, others out for a leisurely stroll. None seemed to object to the presence of the armed, red-caped soldiers in their midst, some even stopping occasionally to exchange amicable words with them. On one of the wider streets, a soldier was helping an elderly couple hitch their donkey to their trading cart.

Closer to the Confessors' Palace, the Blood of the Fold's presence was less visible, but there was still a glimpse of red capes here and there. The main entrance to the palace was guarded by four blue-clad Home Guard soldiers, one of them deep in conversation with a member of the Blood of the Fold.

Inside the palace the halls were quiet, save for loud voices coming from the great hall. Council was in session.

Standing in for the Mother Confessor, Dennee sat stiffly in the ornate throne before the council. Her stoic Confessor's expression grew strained as one of the councilors stood. He was a plump, balding man, whose thick mustache shook as he began to speak.

"You know it must be done!" he proclaimed loudly. "We have been the victims of magic for too long." His conviction grew as the councilors around him murmured their agreement. "Magical creatures cannot be allowed to roam free through our lands, terrorizing our cities. Aydindril should be a shining beacon to all of the Midlands in this time of darkness."

"The Home Guard should round them all up and confine them!" another councilor shouted in support. The council devolved into chaos, councilors yelling over one another and across the room at Dennee, their fervor rising with each shout of "Magic is dangerous!" and "We have to control them!".

Dennee stood suddenly, her presence not as forbidding as her sister's but commanding in her own right. "Silence!" she called, her voice echoing throughout the chamber. The council fell silent as they turned their attention to her. Her tone softened. "Everyone, please calm down. The Midlands are full of magic. It has been part of our lives since the beginning of time." A few of the councilors muttered to one another, the disdain in their voices carrying to Dennee. "Tearing people from their homes just because they have the gift is cruel. They have not done anything wrong. The Midlands stand for justice," she finished, her voice regaining some of its steel.

"Justice!" the balding man called back harshly. "With your kind ruling us, the only justice we can hope for is the oblivion of confession!"

Another councilor stood, placing a calming hand on the man's arm. Disgruntled, the balding councilor reclaimed his seat, glaring murderously at Dennee. This new councilor was tall and clean-shaven, dark stringy hair hanging halfway down his face. He gave Dennee a calculating smile.

As he began to speak, a side door opened to allow Mrs. Linden to enter, carrying Dennee's adopted son Edrand. Renn followed behind her, looking warily at the council.

"Venerable Confessor," he began, his voice smooth and almost sincere. "As your council, of course we are aware that not all magic is a threat. But the simple people are afraid. We have to calm their fears, and what better way than to bring everyone with magic in for questioning?" He held up his hands, trying to calm her inevitable objections. "We don't have to keep them here for long, just long enough to determine which ones may be a threat. They'll be back in their homes in no time, and the people will be comforted knowing that we are doing what we can to protect them."

Conflicted, Dennee shifted her gaze to where the housekeeper stood with Edrand on her hip. Renn's eyes were fixed on the councilor's, his eyes narrowing at what he saw. Nervously, she rose from her chair to address the council once more.

"I've heard enough for today," she announced, ignoring the expected outburst of dissent from the council. Her voice was firm. "Emotions are running high, and we could all use some time to clear our heads. I will consider everything you've said," she promised, glancing pointedly at the councilor who'd last spoken, "and we will reconvene tomorrow morning with cooler heads. I will give you my decision then. Be assured that I will do my best to do the right thing for all of the Midlands."

Her gentle emphasis was not lost on the dark-haired man. Smiling graciously, he nodded at Dennee before turning to follow his fellow councilors out of the main door.

Dennee watched him go uneasily, waiting until the last of the council had gone before sinking back down into her chair, propping her forehead up with weary fingertips.

"He's lying," Renn said quietly, approaching her chair. Dennee looked up at him, meeting his worried gaze. "He doesn't want people to understand. He wants to kill everyone with magic - everyone he even thinks could have magic."

"Renn, the council has never opposed a decision made from the seat of the Mother Confessor," she said with a strained smile, trying to sound optimistic but falling short.

Renn stepped closer, putting a hand on her arm. The boy's voice was deadly serious. "I saw what he was thinking. He's hoping that if he helps capture you, the general will give him anything he wants. He's probably outside talking to the council right now."

Dennee studied his sincere expression, heard the urgent tone in his voice, and she couldn't ignore the warning. The smile melted from her face. "We have to leave."

~*~

Dennee tore through her chambers, pulling items out of drawers and off of dressers and adding them to the growing pile on her bed.

"We have to get to Kahlan," she said, moving to shove what she'd collected into a leather pack. "She needs to be told what's going on here. She'll know what to do."

Renn watched from the edge of the room, holding Edrand in his arms. The baby sucked on its fingers, staring wide-eyed at the flurry of movement.

Dennee snatched up the pack and moved to join him. She almost skipped over the jewelry, but a bit of stray sunlight caught on a delicate necklace studded with blue jewels, and the matching earrings. After a moment's hesitation, she snatched them up and added them to the pack.

Slinging the pack over her shoulders, she took one last look around the room, then sighed. "We'll be back," she said resolutely, her face shifting into the stoic mask of a Confessor. "They will not have Aydindril."

Turning away from the room, Dennee moved to the door, peeking down the corridor before slipping out. Renn followed close behind.

They rushed along the corridor, adrenaline making their breath come fast and heavy. They made it to a stairwell, quickly descending it.

At the bottom, they were stopped in their tracks by nearly a dozen men - a combination of Home Guard and red-caped Blood of the Fold - led by the dark-haired councilor.

He smiled, but this time there was no pretense of cordiality. "Going somewhere, witch?"

Dennee pushed Renn behind her, looking around frantically for an escape.

"Or are you just saving me a trip?" The councilor asked, his smile widening. "The council has just voted unanimously to remove you from your post. You're under arrest. Guards!"

The guards, red-caped and otherwise, looked at Dennee with trepidation.

"But sir," one of them spoke up, a young man from the Home Guard. His eyes were wide with fear as he looked between her and the councilor. "She's a Confessor."

Dennee saw his fear and decided to capitalize on it. Holding Renn behind her, she slowly began moving against the wall closest to the young soldier. As she expected, he shrank away from her, terrified of her touch.

"Yes, a Confessor," the councilor spat. "A vile servant of the Keeper, and no longer the word of law in the Midlands."

Dennee crept farther along the wall, holding her hands up in front of her as a warning. The soldiers were hesitant to get within touching distance, and soon she found herself facing the men with her back to an empty corridor.

The councilor saw this as well. "Fools, what are you waiting for? Arrest her before she can spread her vile filth! General Brogan will see that justice is done!"

The soldiers reluctantly started to advance, and Dennee bent down to draw her daggers. Over her shoulder, she whispered urgently to Renn. "Run, find Kahlan. Tell her what's happened here."

Renn nodded, holding Edrand tightly against him as he started to back away. Dennee stood, daggers in hand, staring down the men with eyes of steel.

"Don't let the boy get away!" the councilor ordered.

When Renn turned and began to run, one of the soldiers found his courage and started to move past Dennee to try to grab him. He was met with one of Dennee's daggers, slicing through the tendons of his right hand. He screamed in pain, blood pouring from his arm. The other soldiers drew their swords, advancing slowly on the Confessor.

Dennee threw one of her daggers at the nearest opponent, hitting him square in the chest. He stumbled backward, knocking down two of his comrades in the process. Not missing a beat, Dennee shrugged off her pack in a fluid movement, hurtling it at two other soldiers. They stepped back in surprised, trying to dodge the projectile.

She parried a sword swing with her remaining dagger, using the momentum to lock her hand on the throat of the man who attacked her. The corridor seemed to reverberate with soundless thunder as she released her magic into him. His eyes flooded with black, and he fell to his knees, a look of pure devotion on his face.

Dennee wasn't as strong a Confessor as her sister, and using her power cost her. She sank to one knee to recover. She met the confessed man's eyes, an order ready on her lips, when his face twisted in confusion. Dennee followed his gaze down, to see the tip of a dagger protruding from his chest. She looked up in horror to see the dark-haired councilor sneer down at her, his hand still on the handle of the weapon.

"Now!" he shouted furiously, pulling the weapon out of the now-dead soldier. "While she is weak from doing the Keeper's work!"

The soldiers descended on Dennee, but before she was overcome, she threw her remaining dagger. It embedded itself deeply into the throat of the councilor, his face a mask of surprise.

~*~

"There has to be a logical explanation," Kahlan said, pacing back and forth in front of the burned out campfire. "Dennee could be playing for time. It could all be a misunderstanding."

"You saw what we saw, Mother Confessor," Berdine pointed out. "The citizens of Aydindril welcome the Blood of the Fold with open arms. I don't see how this could be a misunderstanding."

"Face the facts, Kahlan," Rahl sneered. "Your sister sold you out to the Blood of the Fold - you and the rest of Aydindril. There's nothing we can do here until we've gathered more allies."

Richard jumped in, quick to combat his brother's negativity. "Dennee is a Confessor. She's honor-bound to protect the people of the Midlands. She would never hand Aydindril over to the Blood of the Fold."

Darken had a retort ready on his lips, but they were distracted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching the camp. Everyone in camp drew their weapons, readying for battle.

Except Cara. She rolled her eyes. "Use your ears," she scoffed. "It's a child."

Moments later, Renn burst through the underbrush with Edrand held firmly in his arms. Seeing him waver on his feet, Jennsen rushed to him and reached for the toddler. She managed to take him just as Renn sank to his knees, panting heavily. Kahlan was at his side a heartbeat later, offering him a waterskin to drink from. He took it gratefully, drinking in quick gulps as he struggled to catch his breath.

"Renn, what happened?" Richard asked, panic creeping into his voice. "What are you doing here? Where's Dennee?"

"Richard, let the boy catch his breath," Zedd chided softly. He turned his gaze to the boy. "Are you injured, child?"

Renn shook his head, his strength slowly coming back to him. "Dennee sent me," he panted. "I ran all the way. The Blood of the Fold is everywhere, I had to get away from them." He took another long drag of water before seeking out Kahlan's eyes. "They have Dennee."

~*~

Renn had recovered and was sitting on a log flanked by Richard and Jennsen. All eyes in camp were on him.

"She told me to find run, to find Kahlan," he finished, his eyes wide with concern. "They said she was under arrest, but I could tell they want to kill her."

"We have to get her out of there," Kahlan said shakily. "I can speak to the people. Surely they haven't forgotten what the Midlands are about, no matter what lies Brogan has told them."

"You should know better, Mother Confessor," Darken sneered. "Or did you never learn about Wizard's First Rule?"

"As much as I hate to admit it, Rahl's right," Nicci sneered, glaring icily at the man in question. "People are sheep. It wouldn't take much for Brogan to get them on his side."

Darken returned Nicci's glare before expanding on his previous comment. His eyes were cold as they bored into Kahlan. "It's obvious that the people have made their choice. Aydindril is lost to us now - all we can hope to do is gather enough might to take the city by force."

"If we do that, we're no better than Brogan," Kahlan said firmly, setting her jaw. "I have to try. Dennee's life depends on it. I'm going to Aydindril."

Zedd rose from the log he'd been sitting on, placing a comforting hand on Kahlan's shoulder. "I'll go with you, child. It would be folly to go into the lion's den without any protection."

"Which is why I'm going, too," Cara said matter-of-factly.

"Oh, yes, that will help," Rahl smirked. "A Mord-Sith will put those credulous fool at ease. What are you going to do, Cara? Beat some sense into them with your agiels?"

Cara glared at him fiercely, her hand drifting to her weapons. Richard got up, standing between them.

"Cara, he has a point," he said reluctantly, holding a hand out to calm her. "Your presence might hurt Kahlan's chances to get the people to listen to reason."

"If the fools are that far gone," Cara ground out, "that's all the more reason for me to go."

Kahlan reached out to grasp Cara's elbow, guiding her out of earshot of the others. "I need to do this my way," she said firmly, her eyes seeking out Cara's.

"I understand that, Kahlan," Cara said in a low voice. "But with a city full of fanatics and weak-willed idiots, Zedd is not enough protection."

Kahlan smiled softly at the worry in Cara's voice. "I can take care of myself, Cara." She reached out to stroke the blonde's shoulder reassuringly. "Besides, I'm not the only one who needs protection," she sighed, looking over at Richard and the others.

Cara opened her mouth to protest, but Kahlan squeezed her shoulder gently.

"You can't leave Richard alone with Shota, and Darken Rahl and his Mord-Sith," Kahlan said. "He needs you here."

Cara sucked in her cheek, her lips pursing as she tried to come up with an argument and came up empty. "Fine," she conceded unhappily. "But be careful." Worry crept into her eyes. "I have a bad feeling about this."

Kahlan smiled fondly. "You always have a bad feeling when things don't go your way," she teased. Stepping in closer, she captured Cara's lips in a soft, lingering kiss. "I'll be back soon," she promised.

Cara watched Kahlan rejoin Zedd, an uneasy look on her face.

~*~

The town square was packed with people shifting and pressing against each other, fighting to get a good view of the small dais that had been constructed in the center. As they watched, General Brogan stepped up into view. His flowing red cape billowed in the afternoon breeze as he stood at the edge of the platform, raised his hands up to the skies, and began to speak.

"Today we celebrate our first victory against the vile servants of the Keeper in Aydindril. Today, justice will be done."

~*~

The shop was empty, its wares apparently abandoned for the more riveting entertainment outside. The air rippled unnaturally, twisting with magic as Kahlan and Zedd appeared inside.

Tobias Brogan's confident voice rang out through the town, echoing in the small confines of the shop. "What have they ever done for you except to impose the Keeper's will? I'm telling you, my friends, the justice they speak of comes from the Keeper, not the Creator!"

Sharing a look of dread, Kahlan and Zedd stepped out of the shop and under the porch that formed the sidewalk lining the central square of Aydindril, right in front of one of the lower balconies of the Confessors' Palace.

"Take a look," Tobias continued with conviction, "at the heinous witch that has presumed to rule you, the Creator's children, for far too long!"

Kahlan gasped as Dennee was pushed forward, her hands bound in front of her and fixed to a rope wound around her waist. The crowd erupted in cheers. Making liberal use of her elbows, Kahlan pushed her way through the throngs of onlookers. Some of them stepped back of their own accord when they recognized her white dress. Zedd followed closely behind. As soon as they were close enough, Kahlan leaped up onto the platform with ease. Zedd opted for the stairs. Her arrival stunned the masses into a brief silence.

"People of Aydindril," she began, gesturing to the crowd with her arms, "you are being deceived!" A small half-mashed apple flew through the air, almost hitting Kahlan in the chest. She dodged out of the way, staring at the fruit where it had landed on the platform, eyes wide with shock.

There was a new wave of cheering, interspersed with shouts calling for her arrest. Tobias retreated behind a dozen of his guards, urging on the attack. Kahlan looked to Zedd, panic rising on her face as half a dozen red-caped shoulders stormed the dais. Zedd blasted them back into the crowd with a concussive wave of magic, offering Kahlan the opportunity to rush to Dennee.

"I knew you'd come," Dennee said with a relieved smile as Kahlan sliced through her bonds.

"Getting here was the easy part," Kahlan lamented, quickly rising back to her feet to face the next wave of attackers. Zedd was successfully keeping some of them at bay, but the platform was too exposed; while Zedd controlled one side, soldiers stormed another. Kahlan met a group of them at the edge of the dais, slashing at them with her daggers.

Dennee stood between Kahlan and Zedd, trying to keep away from the advancing soldiers. For every one that fell, it seemed that two more took his place. "We have to get out of here!"

Zedd heard her plea as he pushed away another wave. His eyes fell on Kahlan - as she battled one group, more soldiers moved in to surround her.

Recognizing her situation, Kahlan met Zedd's worried gaze, nodding resolutely. "It's me he wants, Zedd!" she called out as she slashed through the throat of yet another soldier. "Take Dennee and get out of here!"

Dennee's eyes shot to her sister in disbelief. "Kahlan, no!"

Zedd looked at Kahlan with sadness in his eyes. "Are you sure, child?"

Kahlan's eyes caught a pair of soldiers climbing onto the platform behind Zedd. "Do it, Zedd, now!"

His face twisting with grief, Zedd closed his arms around a struggling Dennee and vanished in thin air.

When she was sure they were gone, Kahlan raised her hands in the air, her daggers clattering to the ground. Her arms were quickly seized and pulled behind her back.

Tobias smirked triumphantly as he came forward, unruffled by Kahlan's fierce glare.

~*~

Dennee was struggling against Zedd as they appeared back in camp.

"What were you thinking?" She tore herself away from his grip, whirling on him angrily. "We have to go back for Kahlan!"

Cara and Richard were at her sides almost before she spoke. Richard was looking between Dennee and Zedd in confusion, while Cara's eyes were more accusing.

"What have you done, wizard?" Cara asked threateningly, her left hand drifting to her agiels.

Zedd responded with a pained look, glancing quickly to Shota for support. She offered none, only a mildly approving nod and the hint of a satisfied smile.

Dennee turned to Cara, panic rising in her eyes. "Kahlan has been taken prisoner by the Blood of the Fold."

Cara clenched her jaw as her hand closed around an agiel. She turned her eyes back on the wizard as she stepped closer to him. "And how exactly did that happen?"

Zedd's shoulders jumped as he raised his hands in nervous defense. "We were separated. The situation only allowed for me to escape with Dennee."

Richard's brow creased in concern. "Well, what are we waiting for?" he asked urgently, reaching for his grandfather's arm. "Zedd, we have to save her!"

Zedd shifted uncomfortably as three sets of eyes pierced him expectantly.

"Zeddicus," Shota called, her eyebrow rising pointedly. "If I might have a word."

The wizard breathed his relief, looking apologetically at the others before walking over to Shota. Cara glared at him in disbelief before turning back to Richard and Dennee.

Richard ran his hands over his face, eyes wide with concern. "We have to get her out of there."

Dennee nodded her agreement. "Their general was putting me on trial, but it was clear what the outcome would have been if Zedd and Kahlan hadn't shown up. They were going to execute me. They'll do the same to Kahlan if we don't do something."

"Then we go after her." Cara's voice was cold steel, but her eyes betrayed the fear she felt. She glanced over at the wizard, who was deep in conversation with Shota. "We don't need Zedd. We'll save her ourselves, if we have to tear the Blood of the Fold apart one soldier at a time to do it."

Darken's scornful laughter rang out across the camp. The three would-be rescuers turned to face him. "It's admirable how easily you've slipped into the role of the white knight, Cara," he said mockingly. "But there are some battles even you cannot win."

Cara's eyes narrowed as she took a step toward him. "We're not leaving her to die," she growled.

"Oh, I know how you hate to lose," Darken said, his features softening in almost-genuine sympathy. "But I'm afraid you may have to get used to disappointment. By the time you reach her, the Mother Confessor may already be dead - in fact, it might be best for all parties involved if she is."

Richard stepped forward next to Cara, his hand drifting to the hilt of his sword. "What are you talking about?" he asked harshly.

Darken shrugged as his lips settled into an enigmatic smile. "I'm merely pointing out that there is more than just one life at stake." He raised an eyebrow as his focus narrowed in on Richard. "Clearly Tobias Brogan has managed to win over the people of Aydindril with his distorted views on magic." His eyes shifted past Richard, to land on Dennee.

The Confessor nodded uncomfortably, suppressing a shiver. "They were cheering as he brought me before them. I think they wanted me dead as much as he did."

Darken's eyes hardened into blue-gray steel. "You see, dear brother, if you save the Mother Confessor's life, when the people are clamoring for her death, you will have lost everything you've worked so hard to gain. Sometimes you have to forfeit a battle to win the war."

Richard glanced over at Cara, whose eyes were wide in disbelief. He turned back to his brother, scowling defiantly. "We can't win without Kahlan."

"We won't have to," Zedd interjected, rejoining the group. He seemed calmer, more resigned. "I'll go to Kahlan."

"And I'm coming with you," Cara said decisively.

"So are we." Richard glanced at Dennee, then back at Zedd.

Before Zedd could speak, a deep voice called out from across camp.

"Richard!"

They turned to see Chase approaching, weapons clattering against each other where they hung in various locations on his body. Despite his worry, Richard smiled.

"Chase!" he exclaimed, greeting the larger man with a brotherly embrace.

"We got your message and came as quick as we could," Chase explained, gesturing to the small group of fighters behind him. "More of the Resistance should be arriving soon."

"You have no idea how glad I am to hear that," Richard breathed.

Chase grinned. "We couldn't ignore a summons from the Seeker." He looked around at the camp, his forehead creasing in confusion as he took in Darken Rahl and his Mord-Sith. "Is that -"

"Darken Rahl," Richard confirmed uneasily. "It's a long story, but he's on our side - for now, at least."

Chase didn't look convinced. "Richard, I know we need all the help we can get, but is it really wise to trust a tyrant?"

Richard's hand found the hilt of his sword as his eyes flicked back to his companions. "Like I said, it's a long story - one I'll tell you all about later. Right now we have to go help Kahlan."

Chase's grin returned. "Always rushing after your damsel in distress, eh?"

Richard glanced at Cara uneasily before looking down at the ground. "Something like that."

Zedd cleared his throat. "Richard, perhaps you ought to remain here," he said, raising an eyebrow when Richard opened his mouth to protest. "These men fight for you. How will it look to them if you rush off as soon as they get here?"

"The wizard's got a point, Richard," Chase offered gravely. "Things haven't been easy. Morale is low. It would do the men good to be reminded of what they're fighting for."

The two men looked at him in expectation, and Richard sighed helplessly. "Alright."

A wary smile returned to Chase's lips as he clapped a hand on Richard's shoulder, guiding him back toward the men. "Come on, Seeker. You can tell me everything that's happened since the last time I saw you."

Pain flashed across Richard's face as he looked back at Zedd and the women before allowing himself to be led away.

Dennee and Cara shared an uneasy glance before fixing their eyes on Zedd.

The wizard sighed nervously under the scrutiny, looking between them before his gaze settled on the Confessor. "Dennee, child, we just got you out of harm's way. Kahlan would never forgive me if I let you throw yourself back in."

"Wizard, you've seen what you're going up against," Dennee protested. "You can't go in there alone. You need help."

"He'll have me," Cara said firmly.

Dennee looked at Cara for a long moment, a million emotions flashing through her eyes. Finally, she let out a defeated sigh. "Take care of my sister," she pleaded. "Bring her back to me."

Cara gave her a solemn nod. Dennee took a step back, crossing her arms over her chest. It was just Zedd and Cara now.

"Let's get moving, wizard," Cara prompted impatiently. Zedd opened his mouth, a protest on his lips, but Cara silenced him with a glare. "Don't even try. You won't get rid of me so easily."

Her demeanor left no room for argument. Zedd stared at her for a few moments, contemplating, before his shoulders sagged in defeat.

~*~

The air in the empty cell seemed to stretch and twist; then, suddenly, Zedd and Cara were standing in the middle of it. Cara pulled away from Zedd at the first opportunity, shrugging off the uncomfortable feel of magic. She looked around her, then expectantly back at Zedd.

The wizard held a finger to his lips as he moved to the bars, looking up and down the hallway. Satisfied that the way was clear, he motioned for Cara to follow him through the open door.

They crept along the hallway, past more empty cells, until they reached a door at the end of the hallway. Zedd turned to Cara.

"They'll have put Kahlan in the most secure cell possible," he whispered. "I know the one, directly across from this corridor. But we'll have to pass by the guardroom."

Cara's nostrils flared as she reached for her agiels. "I'll take care of the guards," she intoned quietly, the promise of violence glinting in her eyes.

Zedd's hand shot out to stop her from passing. "If we cause a commotion, we'll have every guard in the palace to deal with," he pointed out. "Let me handle this."

Cara huffed, but nonetheless relented, waving an agiel at him impatiently. Satisfied that she wasn't going to go charging into battle, Zedd peeked around the corner. A few meters away, a room was carved out in the rock. Four guards sat around a simple wooden table, talking in low voices. Lamplight flickered over their jovial faces.

Zedd waved his hand in their direction, and they fell silent, their expressions as frozen as their limbs. He turned back to Cara, nodding his head toward the stairwell across the hall.

Cara started to follow when a sideways glance caught the glint of light on metal. Looking over into the guardroom, she saw Kahlan's daggers resting on a chest that was pushed up against the wall. With barely a glance back at Zedd, Cara walked over to the chest, eyeing the frozen guards warily as she sheathed her agiels in favor of snatching up the daggers. She was back at Zedd's side in moments.

"She'll need her weapons," Cara says plainly in response to Zedd's questioning glance.

"Yes, of course. Good thinking," Zedd replied absentmindedly. Cara gave him a strange look before proceeding down the stairwell.

She stopped partway down, hearing muffled voices echoing up from the cell.

"It'll be good to see you stand trial for your crimes, witch."

Cara motioned to Zedd to stay behind her as she silently crept down the stairs. A little farther down, and she heard Kahlan's voice respond.

"I haven't committed any crimes."

Down at the bottom of the stairwell, Cara peeked around the corner to survey the room. Kahlan was leaning back against the wall of the cell, her arms crossed over her chest. There were two guards, both standing well away from the bars. As Cara watched, one of them advanced on Kahlan.

"Your very existence is a crime," he spat in disgust.

They were the last words he'd ever say. In an instant, Cara was behind him, slitting his throat with one of Kahlan's daggers. Before the other could raise an alert, Zedd shot a hand out, silencing the man with a flick of his wrist. The guard tried to cry out, but no sound would come. He stared at the wizard, his eyes wide with fear. Zedd's hand twisted, and the guard collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

Cara tucked the daggers into her belt, sidestepping the guard to rush to the cell, curling her hands around the bars. Kahlan met her there, covering them with her own.

"We're going to get you out of here," Cara said solemnly before Kahlan could open her mouth.

"Cara," Kahlan began hesitantly, her expression conflicted, "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Don't be absurd," Cara scoffed, her brow creasing in confusion.

"The guards have said that I'm to be put on trial." Kahlan averted her eyes, staring at the ground.

The blonde's expression hardened. "Kahlan," she said gravely, "whatever show Brogan wants to put on, you know that he's already decided your fate." Her voice wavered. "If you stay here, you're going to die."

Kahlan nodded, clutching at Cara's hands as she swallowed back tears. She raised glistening eyes to meet Cara's. "I know. But maybe that's what needs to happen for the people to realize what a monster he is."

Cara's eyes widened. "You can't be serious." When Kahlan's expression didn't change, Cara turned to Zedd, panic creeping into her eyes. "Zedd, get her out of there."

Zedd sighed, stepping closer to the cell. His eyes were fixed on Kahlan. "I'd hoped that I wouldn't have to tell you this, child," he said sadly. "Shota informed me recently of a prophecy she'd learned of." He paused, gathering his nerve. "'The one in white must be offered to her people, to bring joy and peace to the land.'"

"That's ridiculous," Cara scoffed. She looked back at Kahlan, horrified to see her nodding as though she'd expected this. "Kahlan, no." Her voice grew frantic. "You can't honestly think that dying is going to serve any purpose but theirs."

Tears slipped from Kahlan's eyes, sliding down her cheeks as she reached through the bars to cup Cara's face. "You never know, the people could demand my release," she offered hopefully.

Zedd shifted uncomfortably in the background, but remained silent, allowing them their moment.

"You don't believe that." Cara's own eyes grew moist, tears threatening to spill over.

Kahlan sniffed, her head shaking slightly back and forth. "I'm sorry, Cara." Her voice was thick, but her eyes shone with determination. "But I have to do this."

A tear slipped down Cara's cheek. "No," she breathed, shaking her head in denial.

Sliding her hands farther back, Kahlan guided Cara's face closer to the bars. She leaned in, her lips sliding gently and deliberately over Cara's.

It was a kiss that screamed "goodbye". Cara struggled, tearing her lips away. Her fingers were curled around the bars in a death grip. "Kahlan -"

Kahlan slid her fingers around to rest on Cara's lips. "I love you," she murmured, her voice wavering. She sniffed back tears, trying to gain control of her emotions. "Take care of Richard," she implored. "He's going to need a friend."

"He has a friend," Cara argued stubbornly. "The large man with all the weapons."

"Chase," Kahlan breathed, a relieved smile almost fighting its way to her lips. "I'm glad he's here, but Cara, Richard is going to need you." She paused, taking in a shaky breath. "You're the only one who will understand wh-what he's going through." She nearly choked on the words, fear creeping onto her face. She swallowed it back. "And Dennee...do what you can for her, if she'll let you. She'll be the last Confessor now, she'll need as much support as she can get."

"What she needs is her sister!" Cara said passionately. "And Richard needs his Confessor, and -" her voice broke, the last words coming out in a whisper, "- and I need you."

Choking back a sob, Kahlan looked pleadingly at Zedd, and the wizard nodded, stepping closer. Her eyes shifted back to Cara, tears streaming freely down her face. "I want you to know -"

"No!" Cara exclaimed, pulling Kahlan's hands from her face and clutching them tightly. "You can tell me later, after we get you out of here," she said stubbornly, her eyes blazing.

She watched sadly as Zedd raised his hands to either side of Cara's head, and the Mord-Sith froze in place. Tearing her eyes away from the fierce expression on Cara's face, Kahlan met Zedd's sorrowful gaze.

"Keep her safe, Zedd."

The wizard nodded, guilt weighing heavy on his shoulders.

~*~

Richard paused at the edge of camp, returning from visiting with the soldiers. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, and his expression was less than hopeful.

Chase stood next to him. "More Resistance fighters should be arriving soon," he assured.

Richard glanced up at him, offering a quick nod. "We're still waiting on troops from Galea and Kelton as well, along with Queen Corah with forces from Caddock. We'll need to -"

Before he could finish his thought, he looked over to see Roga and Kur approaching.

He greeted them both, clasping arms with Kur before pulling Roga into a friendly hug. "I'm glad you could make it."

Roga pulled away from Richard, fixing her eyes warily on the abundance of weapons hanging off of the man next to him. "The Creator brought magic into this world. We are serving her by helping you protect it."

Richard gave her a strained smile. "My sister is working on setting up an area for healing. She's got Renn helping her for now, but you'll be able to help with -"

He was cut short when a scout bounded into camp. "There's something happening in town," the man panted. "They're all gathering in the square."

Dennee was on her feet in an instant. "Kahlan." Panic rose in her voice as she met Richard's eyes. He looked just as worried.

"Something must have happened," he said, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. "Zedd and Cara must have run into problems trying to get her out."

"We have to go help her," Dennee insisted.

Richard looked almost ready to agree, but he hesitated, looking back at Roga and Chase.

"What do you expect him to do, Confessor?" Darken interjected, stepping in to join the conversation. "Storm the gates of Aydindril with the measly forces we've managed to scrape together? That wouldn't serve anyone."

"It would be suicide," Denna added, her voice smooth and seductive to the point of being inappropriate. "They'd be slaughtered before they even set foot in the city."

Richard glanced between them uneasily, his shoulders slumping as he sighed. "This fight is too important," he said reluctantly. "As much as I want to help Kahlan, I can't." His voice broke on the last word, and frustration flashed through his eyes.

"Admirable, Seeker," Shota commented, walking up to them. "Maybe you are capable of making mature decisions."

The Confessor's expression hardened as she looked between them. "If I have to go alone, I will."

Shota turned her piercing gaze on Dennee. "And if something goes wrong, and you are captured as well?" Her voice was hard. "If Kahlan dies, you will be the last Confessor. Would you risk the extinction of your race merely because you wish to save your sister?"

Dennee's resolve faltered, and she hugged her arms to herself. "I cannot leave my sister to die."

"I will go to Kahlan," Shota declared.

Richard's eyes narrowed. "Why should we trust you?"

Shota met his gaze unflinchingly. "I have just as much stake in this battle as you, Seeker. Maybe more." Her eyes flicked over to Dennee. "Ask her. She can read the truth in my eyes. I have every intention of seeing the Mother Confessor through this."

Richard glanced at Dennee, who nodded.

"She speaks the truth."

"Fine," Richard sighed, worry and mistrust still evident on his face. His eyes flashed with fury as he gripped his sword. "But you'd better come back with Kahlan. Otherwise, it might be smart not to come back at all."

~*~

The town square was bustling with activity as Tobias stepped up onto the platform. Kahlan was brought up after him, dragged by two brawny soldiers in red capes. They pulled her forward, displaying her for the crowd.

She might have been resigned to her fate, but Kahlan would not cower. Even with her hands bound behind her back and a guard at either shoulder, the Mother Confessor stood straight and proud. Only those spectators close enough to the dais could see the tracks of dried tears staining her cheeks.

"People of Aydindril!" Tobias shouted, his voice booming out over the crowd. The people murmured quietly among themselves as they began to gather closer to the dais. "The Creator has smiled on us this day," he called out, stepping to the edge of the platform to draw all eyes to him. "As quickly as one victory was torn from our grasp, another was handed to us!" He gestured grandly to Kahlan. "The Mother Confessor may have managed to subvert justice for her fiend of a sister, but in so doing, she has given us a rare opportunity." He paused, letting the scattered murmurs of the crowd die down. He held his arms out wide, as though embracing the entire square. "I stand before you as nothing more than a man. A child of the Creator, the same as any one of you. And I tell you, we have a responsibility to see this woman brought to justice!"

The square filled with a clamor of voices as the townspeople talked animatedly amongst themselves. Tobias stared out across the sea of bodies, a smug smile on his lips as his eyes settled back on Kahlan.

"You won't win," Kahlan said defiantly.

His lips curled into a sneer. "We'll see about that, witch."

~*~

On the outskirts of town, a house lay empty, ignored by the people rushing by to join the crowd. Inside, Zedd stepped away from Cara, who was still frozen in a wizard's web. As he raised his hands to break the spell, he braced himself for her fury.

He wasn't disappointed. It took Cara a moment to process what had happened, and then she had Zedd pushed up against the wall, an agiel to his throat.

"If you ever use magic on me again," she ground out, her voice deadly serious, "you will learn the true meaning of the word Mord-Sith."

Zedd's expression wasn't one of fear. He looked at Cara with guilt and pain in his eyes. "Cara, child, I -"

Cara jabbed the agiel into his throat, eliciting a strangled gasp before pulling it away. "I am not your child," she ground out. "Where is Kahlan?"

Zedd swallowed, reaching up to rub his throat. "The General is undoubtedly bringing her to the town square, to put her on trial before the people."

"She is not going to die," Cara said fiercely, her eyes blazing with determination as she sheathed her agiel. "I'm going to make sure of it."

Zedd relaxed as she backed away from him and moved toward the door. Before she left, she turned back to pin him with a murderous glare.

"If you follow me, I'll make you wish you were in her place."

With that, she disappeared through the door. Zedd slumped back against the wall.

"If only I could be," he sighed sadly.

~*~

"The creature before you has committed grievous crimes," Tobias declared passionately as he looked out at the crowd. "She has used her depraved powers to enslave countless men and women! Brothers, fathers, wives! Young people who otherwise could have gone on to create families of their own, cut down in their prime and replaced by mindless servants, eager to do her bidding!"

Standing stiffly between the two soldiers holding her, Kahlan watched the faces of the crowd. As more and more of them nodded to one another, and up at Tobias, her proud expression faltered. After a moment, she recovered, clenching her jaw in defiance, but her eyes had lost some of their confidence.

~*~

Tobias' voice echoed throughout the city, drawing the townspeople out of their homes to see the spectacle.

A soldier rushed down the street, oblivious to Cara's presence until she pulled him into an alley way. With a quick swipe of Kahlan's dagger, he fell. She pulled the red cape off of his dying body, drawing it close around her shoulders. Suitably disguised, she rushed off down the street, turning right at the fork to follow the crowd.

Zedd watched from around a corner. When the Mord-Sith had gone from sight, he hurried down the street and turned left - away from Cara.

~*~

"This witch has heard the accusations against her!" Tobias called over the low roar of the crowd. "Let us hear what she has to say for herself!"

He gestured toward the guards, who dragged Kahlan up to the edge of the dais. She held her head high as she looked out over the crowd.

"Everything this man has accused me of is true," she declared, her voice ringing out clear and strong. The already restless crowd grew louder, their voices full of nervous anger. She pressed on, ignoring the rising din. "But everything that I have done has been for the good of the people. My so-called victims were thieves and murderers, not innocent citizens!"

The response was sudden and jarring. Shouts rose up from the crowd, angry voices growing louder. The crowd seemed to surge toward the platform, eliciting a startled gasp from Kahlan, but the momentum was short-lived. The righteous fury of the townspeople was not. A stone flew at Kahlan, striking a shallow cut into her cheek.

As she struggled to maintain her composure, a tear slipped out of Kahlan's eye, dripping down her cheek to mingle with the blood.

~*~

Cara ignored the irate protests as she elbowed and shoved her way through the throngs of people. She was close enough now to hear what was going on in the square.

"People of the Midlands, listen to me! This man's promises are false!" Kahlan's voice was barely audible, quickly drowned out by incoherent shouts and boos.

"Kahlan," Cara breathed. Hearing the Confessor's voice seemed to give Cara strength, and she renewed her charge with vigor. Spirits help any poor soul who stood between her and Kahlan.

~*~

Tobias stood well apart from Kahlan, a victorious grin splitting his face as he watched the Confessor struggle to maintain her composure. Finally, he stepped forward, holding his hand up for silence. An ambitious goal, but at least the people calmed enough to allow his voice to be heard.

"You heard it with your own ears," he declared smugly. "She admits to her evil deeds. For the lives she has ruined, there is only one just punishment." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The crowd looked up at him expectantly, his next word already written on their faces. "Death!"

Hundreds of voices rose in frenzied cheers, and scattered shouts called out, "Kill the Confessor!" "Kill the witch!" "Justice for the confessed!".

~*~

Ignoring the jeers and shouts, Cara finally fought her way through the arched entrance to the town square, and her eyes widened at what she saw. Gritting her teeth, she pushed viciously at the mob.

~*~

Tobias gestured to two soldiers behind the platform. At his command, they brought forward a large, heavy wooden block with a rounded groove carved into the front. Kahlan swallowed nervously, fear creeping into her eyes at the sight. Her shoulders tensed, and she clenched her jaw to keep her chin from trembling as the soldiers at her sides yanked her forward, pushing her roughly to her knees.

The block was dark with the stains of past executions, and Kahlan averted her eyes from it. Instead, she looked out at the crowd, valiantly disguising her terror.

~*~

"Move!" Cara elbowed one man in the ribs, shoving at another's shoulder. The latter man pushed back, stepping in front of her.

"Calm down!" he said irately. "You'll get to see just as well as any of us."

Cara glared at him with murder in her eyes, her hand closing around the hilt of one of the daggers tucked into her belt. She pulled the blade out, holding the point of it under the man's stubbled chin.

"I said," she growled threateningly, "move."

~*~

At the side of the platform, a red-caped soldier held a large, vicious-looking ax. Cara recognized him as the guard they'd left alive in the dungeon. Tobias took it from his hands, flexing his fingers around the handle before turning to face the kneeling Mother Confessor.

~*~

Cara struggled desperately against the crowd. There were too many people, she was too far away, but she had to keep trying.

~*~

Tobias grinned victoriously as he brought the ax up above his head. The crowd grew silent as the wicked metal edge glinted in the afternoon sun.

~*~

Cara froze as a loud whistle pierced the air, her face twisting in horror as the sickening thunk of metal slicing through flesh and bone resounded through the square. She let out an agonized scream.

"Kahlan!"

*****

TO BE CONTINUED ...

... in episode 3.14, the Femslash Virtual Season 3 finale!