Redemption, Chp. 6
Chapter 6
A brisk knock at the door put Cara on alert, her gaze falling to Kahlan who was once again at Ethan’s side. The crimson marks were back and covered not only his chest and belly, but his arms and legs too. They could hear Sergeant Duff through the door, “He’s coming, Lord Rahl has returned!”
Cara immediately opened the door, just wide enough to see his face. He repeated his words, in case she hadn’t heard him. She hadn’t told Duff where Richard had gone, only that she wanted to know the moment he was seen riding into town.
“I’m sure the entire palace has heard you by now” she hissed.
Wanting only to please, the Sergeant looked wounded by her tone. “Yes, Mistress, Cara. I’m sorry.”
The Mord-Sith felt a sudden pang of sympathy for the man, then got angry at herself for feeling it. “Go, see if he needs help” she said in an effort to be rid of him.
Richard rounded the corner just then, rushing down the hall. Cara could see the metal shroud that housed the Quillion in his grasp. She did her best to hide her surprise at his disheveled appearance, not that it wasn’t warranted, considering the turmoil he was in, it was just…unexpected, she’d never seen Lord Rahl in such an unkempt state. His hair a tousled mess, he obviously hadn’t shaved or bathed since he’d left, and, judging by the lean lines of his face, he’d eaten little.
Still, his eyes were bright as he lifted them to her, waiting for her reassuring nod, letting him know if Ethan still lived. She gave it and saw his relief, saw his gesture toward the thing in his hands and the hope he was placing in it.
Richard slipped by her, not even acknowledging Sergeant Duff standing just beside the door. Cara closed it behind them, leaving Duff in the hall. Richard immediately knelt beside Zedd, looking ashen and withered. “How are you grandfather?”
Zedd tried to smile but was too weak. “I must look deathly; you…calling me grandfather.”
Richard smiled for the both of them. “You can rest now. I have the Quillion.” He was anxious to see Kahlan and Ethan, but he had to assure himself Zedd was alright; his son was alive because of him. Having done so, Richard quickly made his way into their inner chamber.
Kahlan sat on the edge of their bed, rocking a fussy Ethan in her arms. He’d always seen her looking so cool and composed. Even in the heat of battle she had a gracefulness about her; a serenity. He saw none of that now. What he saw now was heartache and misery. He saw pain etched in her features; the weary droop of her shoulders; her tangled mass of hair. When she looked up, he saw her tears streaming down her face.
Richard went to her side, pulling her head against his shoulder to comfort her, and she gratefully collapsed against him. She had stayed strong for so long, she needed to let go. “It’s alright, Kahlan” he whispered, holding her tight. She held Ethan in one arm, clinging to him with the other. After a brief moment she loosened her hold to caress his face. She cupped her hand over the thick scruff of his whiskers, her eyes conveying what words could not. She had been so afraid for him, of what Shota might do; afraid he wouldn’t return in time to save their son. “I’m here now” he said softly as if reading her mind. “And I have the Quillion.” She cried harder then, as relief filled her.
He set down the magic orb and laid her back against the pillows, taking Ethan into his arms, terrified at seeing how the illness had progressed. Richard put Ethan in his crib and placed the open Quillion in beside him. The orb didn’t discriminate, if anyone with magic got too close, it would absorb their power as well. He went and sat beside Kahlan, taking one of her hands up in his and twined his fingers with hers.
A small hum filled the room as the Quillion came to life, purple shafts of light at various points and angles surrounded the orb and it began to glow with the same purple hue.
Anxious, Richard and Kahlan huddled together, watching as the light grew brighter. Richard’s heart felt light with the notion that once this was over, he wouldn’t have to fight the Council or Shota or anyone else for the life of his son. Ethan would be able to live life free and unafraid.
They sat up as the hum grew louder and the purple light began to blaze. Kahlan looked at Richard warily. She didn’t remember the Quillion reacting this way to Annabelle. So bright was the light, they had to shield their eyes against it.
Cara called from the doorway, “Why’s it doing that?”
In that instant, all three of them covered their ears from the suddenly screeching sound it gave and a loud blast split the room, sending shards of shattered Quillion scattering throughout. Suddenly, the light, the hum - their hope, was gone.
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Richard paced the room, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he tried frantically to think of a solution. He could only surmise that Ethan’s magic was too powerful, even for Quillion. What did they do now? Zedd was too weak to be of any help to them and was near death himself. They couldn’t risk having him take anymore of the illness.
Richard stepped out onto the terrace for some air. The tightening in his chest made it hard to breathe, he felt like he was suffocating. He could see Kahlan through the glass panes that stretched floor to ceiling as she held Ethan close. His cry was constant now, his tiny body completely covered in the little crimson marks. Through the partially open door, Richard could hear her cooing softly, trying anything to ease their son’s suffering. Never had he felt so helpless at what to do. The Council, Shota, people of the Midlands; he knew what to say to them, and in time was certain he would convince them to let Ethan live. But this… this was some invisible force that had invaded their home, ravaging what they cherished most. Richard pressed the heels of his palms to his eyes, attempting to relieve the building pressure: How did he fight this foe? There was no one to appeal to, no one to convince of his son’s right to life. No evil entity he could slay with his sword. What was he to do?
Thoughts swirling in his head, the world around him suddenly fell silent. No more wailing cries from his son, no more tender words in Kahlan’s lilting voice. He knew. An instant before he heard her agonizing cry: he knew. Kahlan’s mournful mewl sent him to his knees, piercing his heart. He knew her keening could mean only one thing: Their son was dead.
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Cara watched in horror as the Mother Confessor collapsed to the floor holding the tiny bundle that was her son tight to her breast. Through the giant windows, she watched a stricken Lord Rahl push himself to move, as if in slow motion, half standing, half crawling as he made his way to Kahlan. Cara steadied herself with a hand to the door. She couldn’t believe this was happening, and was suddenly filled with overwhelming sadness. She felt no desire to hide her tears, letting them fall freely.
Richard enfolded his arms around Kahlan and Ethan holding tighter than he would have thought possible. Grief overwhelmed him for what they had lost. He ached with a wretchedness far deeper than he’d ever known. He ached for the life not lived. He ached for boyhood days unknown and the pleasures of watching his son grow into a man. He ached, not only with his own pain, but for the pain that Kahlan suffered. The woman he loved more than life had lost her firstborn child. His heart broke for the agony she would endure.
Kahlan’s mouth hung open in cries without sound. She felt her very heart being ripped from her chest, a flood of torment, burning, as it rushed through her veins. If not for Richard’s strength of presence she would surely follow her son into the realm of darkness.
xxx