TITLE: Darkest Before Dawn

AUTHOR: LOTSlove®

CHARACTERS: Richard / Kahlan

RATING: R/M

WARNINGS: Author Chooses Not to Use Warnings

TIMELINE: Anything up through S2

DISCLAIMER: I'm completely obsessed with the show Legend of the Seeker and all things Richard and Kahlan. I love to write about them even though they cancelled my show and now I'm fighting to get it back!

SUMMARY: Sequel to my fic Marked, Richard and Kahlan are on the run and they are quickly running out of time to find the Stone of Tears. Can they elude the Mord'Sith bent on killing them before it's too late?

Chapter 1

The thin trickle of life-saving mist swirled as it escaped her mouth, passing by the parted lips of the dead body lying lifelessly on the floor before her. She gently stroked his hair, pressing her forehead against his as fear struck deep in her core.

Breathe…breathe, she silently chanted to herself as if willingly him back to life.

She waited with bated breath as she watched his motionless body for any signs of life returning to his handsome powerful frame. It could not end like this…not like this, much too soon. He was destined for greatness, had a glorious future ahead of him, one that included her by his side, not that wench.

His body suddenly convulsed, his chest expanding and causing his back to arch as life flooded him once more, snatching him from the depths of the Underworld and dragging him back to the world of life. His eyes slowly fluttered open as awareness awakened once more. Looking around in confusion, he found himself staring up into the face his loyal Mord'Sith.

"Lord Demos," Lucinda gasped with relief, fighting back the thick wave of emotions roiling through her.

He slowly sat up, realization beginning to slowly sink in. He looked down at himself, noticing the blood as memories swam like jagged pieces of drift wood in a stormy sea. The Mother Confessor…Kahlan Amnell…she did this to him. Kahlan had somehow broken the marking spell he had placed on her and had turned on him, killing him before he could kill his brother Richard.

This wasn't how it was supposed to end; he wasn't the one that was supposed to have died.

"Lord Rahl, are you alright now?" Mistress Lucinda asked, worry still etched in her face.

"I…I saw my twin brother Darken in the Underworld," he finally spoke, a trembling hand tentatively touching his face as if trying to confirm that he was truly alive once more.

"I couldn't let you stay dead, my Lord," Lucinda told him, wrapping a protective arm around his shoulders as he sat up. "I had to save you so we can get revenge on the Seeker and Mother Confessor for what they have done."

"They will pay for their treachery," Demos gritted his teeth as he struggled to his feet with Lucinda's help. "I promise you that."

"I've already alerted the Palace guards and Mord'Sith," Lucinda informed him. "They are searching for them as we speak."

"Find them and bring them to me immediately," Demos growled. "I survived what they have done, but they will not by so fortunate."

XXX

Cara couldn't erase the glare that was fixed on her face, grinding her teeth against the urge to hit someone. Tolla Nakunam had readily agreed to go along with her and Zedd to help find Richard and Kahlan, assembling some Aku warriors to come with them in case needed.

While inwardly grateful about their concern and eagerness to help, she was more than irritated by the amount of time it was taking to leave. Odo had wanted examine Zedd again before allowing him to come along while Tolla had needed to meet with Mitta once more before leaving.

But she was more than ready to get out of this backwards village and find Richard and Kahlan before it was too late. She couldn't help the fear that raced through her with not knowing what was going on with them right then, the anger that boiled within her for Demos's intrusion into their lives.

They had a stone to find and fast or Demos would be the least of their worries. She shuddered to think what would happen once the Keeper was fully let loose on the world of the living. No one would be able to help them then.

Growling under her breath, Cara turned, kicking a small stone out of her way as she waited for the warriors to gather their things. What would these people do if there was a real immediate emergency like their entire village catching on fire?

It would take them two days to discuss it as a council before gathering supplies and actually doing something about it. By then the entire village would be nothing but ashes and their lives completely over.

Just then, one of the Aku warriors approached, the one she liked the least of all of them. Hadi dropped his bag of supplies at his feet as he stared at her, a hard defiant expression on his angular face as he sneered at Cara, his hatred more than evident in his features.

"You're coming?" Cara scowled, obviously not thrilled with the notion of having to take him along.

"Someone has to come to keep an eye on you," Hadi spat out. "It seems I'm the only one not blinded by your believed change from your old ways."

"I don't really care what you think or believe," Cara snapped. "All I care about is finding Richard and Kahlan."

Hadi snorted in response. "I don't trust them either," he bit out. "You all should've been killed on the spot instead of welcomed into our village as if you were all some sort of heroes."

Cara quirked an eyebrow at him as she folded her arms against her chest. "You don't handle change well, do you?" she asked. "Holding grudges will only make you miserable."

"A Mord'Sith giving advice?" he glowered. "I think I'll pass."

"Have it your way," she replied with a heated gaze that could melt ice. "But know this – you do anything to get in the way of finding Richard and Kahlan and you will have a very serious meeting with me and my agiel."

Hadi met her hard stare, not flinching or backing away from her. "I'm not afraid of you, witch," he suddenly grinned wickedly. "You do anything that makes me think that you will harm my tribe and you will meet my spear."

"Glad we're both on the same page," Cara smirked.

Tolla Nakunam approached then along with Temin and about a half dozen Aku warriors. "Odo just cleared Zedd to join us," Tolla announced. "He's coming now."

"It's about time," Cara huffed. "Richard and Kahlan could be in the Old World by now for all we know."

"I doubt that, my dear," Zedd said as he approached. "They are no doubt heading to the People's Palace."

"I know that," Cara rolled her eyes in agitation. "I just mean that we're wasting too much time. We need to leave now before it's too late."

"We'll find Richard and Kahlan and stop Demos," Zedd promised her. "Richard has a good head on his shoulders, Cara. He and Kahlan are not so easy to take down."

"That doesn't make me feel any better," she stated. "We not only have to find Richard and Kahlan, but find the Stone of Tears before it's too late. We're rapidly running out of time, Zedd."

"I know, but we won't let them down," he reassured her, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder. "We'll get to them in time to find the stone and seal the rifts."

"I hope you're right," she sighed.

"Come; let's go," Tolla suddenly said. "The sooner we get going, the sooner we can find our friends."

Tolla turned and began to lead the way out of the village, Zedd and Cara following close behind him. Temin cast a glance at Hadi who refused to meet his friend's look. He was still furious with him over what had happened with Pasha. He should've been considered as her potential mate instead of just handing her over to Athanas.

Now, the woman that he had loved his whole life was to be mated with another man. The rage that welled inside nearly choked him. The thought of her lying with another man making his insides tremble with jealousy. It was not something that he was going to just sit back and watch happen. He was going to find a way to stop it one way or another after they returned.

But right now, his biggest concern was the Mord'Sith walking ahead of him. If he had his way, she would not be returning with them.

XXX

The halls were filled with people mingling and chatting, everyone with some purpose or destination in mind. The sounds of laughter hung in the air, fusing with the heavy distinguishable sound of D'Haran soldiers' boot strikes against the polished marble floor.

A deep rumbling voice stood out above all the rest of the noises, barking orders as soldiers began to scramble into action. Mord'Sith marched in pairs with agiels gripped tightly in hand, their fearsome glowers inciting terror in the most innocent as they passed by.

A set of chestnut brown eyes peered around the corner, waiting patiently for the moment they so desperately needed. His breaths were quick…shallow, his expression hard. He adjusted his grip on the weapon in his hand, his fingers curling firmly in preparation to fight their way out of here if necessary.

He'd already taken out several soldiers that had been guarding the room where Kahlan had killed Demos. They had momentarily slowed down their escape, but they were methodically plodding their way through the Palace on their way to freedom.

Richard hoped to avoid any more entanglements. Kahlan was too weak to use her powers yet, feared what would happen to her if she did. He needed to get her out of here as quickly as possible, get her to a healer or better yet Zedd.

He immediately pulled back as two Mord'Sith paused to talk to some D'Haran soldiers loitering in the corridor, their voices muted, and their faces severe as they spoke. He pressed his back firmly against the wall, his worried gaze falling on the beautiful woman beside him.

They needed to get out here now before it was too late, their window of opportunity for escape rapidly narrowing.

"Do you think you can make it?" he whispered to her.

Kahlan slowly nodded her head, her blue eyes dull and listless, vacant. He had no idea what condition she was truly in at that moment, the extent of her injuries or her exact state of mind. All he knew was that she was alive and she was finally his again…or at least he hoped she was his again.

Richard gripped her hand firmly in his, squeezing it gently; silently reassuring her that he would get her out of this no matter what it took, even if it took his life.

He peered around the corner, finally finding it clear once more. He carefully slipped out from their hiding place, pulling Kahlan along with him. It was taking painfully long trying to get out of here. Ever since Kahlan had killed Demos Rahl, they had been slowly working their way down one passageway after another, hiding in empty rooms and dark corridors until the threat had finally passed.

He knew the longer they stayed here, the greater the risk of never getting out of here alive ever again.

They had finally worked their way close to the devotion pools. Richard knew if they could just get into the marketplace, they could easily disappear into the crowds, never to be found. He just had to get them there first.

Slipping down the corridor, he felt his breath catch in his throat, their destination growing larger and closer within their reach with every step they took. He looked back over his shoulder to find Kahlan keeping up, but just barely.

He feared she wasn't going to last too much longer. He was barely able to put one boot in front of the other as it was, his broken ribs causing sharp pains to pierce his side with every step he took. He couldn't imagine how she was even staying upright at that moment. They were running on pure adrenaline right now, a desperate need to stay alive.

Few more steps, he told himself as they neared the devotion pools…so close. Just a few more feet and they would disappear into the crowds never to be found.

He slipped his sword back into his sheath, needing to blend in as much as possible. He stopped, turning back towards Kahlan. He took the brief luxury of caressing her cheek before pulling her hood up and tucking her long raven hair securely inside.

"I'll get you out of here, Kahlan," he whispered. "I promise."

Kahlan just stared back at him with that detached look, tears welling in her eyes. She slowly nodded her head, unable to find the words to respond to him. She searched deep within herself, but all she could find was chaos and confusion at that moment. Nothing more.

"Come on," he murmured as he took her hand in his again, ignoring the fact that she wasn't talking to him.

He knew that she loved him, had expressed that love to him several times in the Aku village before Demos's spell had taken her from him. She needed to rest, needed Zedd to heal the wounds that couldn't be seen on the surface with the human eye.

And only time would heal the wounds that cut even deeper still…time and his love. Hopefully then she'd be able to find that she that her heart still beat for him. Until then, he would have to hold tightly to his hope.

They slipped silently out into the bright sunlight, momentarily blinding them both. "Stay close," he ordered her, gripping her hand firmly.

People roamed through the devotion area, completely unaware of what had happened to their Lord Rahl or the fact that the infamous Seeker and Mother Confessor were now walking in their very midst amongst them.

Kahlan kept her hooded head lowered, her eyes focused on their joined hands. She suddenly remembered that she had always loved his hands, so gentle and yet full of such strength. That much she knew. Unfortunately, her mind was still an incoherent mess of disjointed images and memories that made no sense leaving her feeling lost, out of place.

She knew who she was and who Richard was, but their past together was clouded as if a hazy film had been slipped over them, keeping her from fully remembering everything that had happened to her…to them. She just hoped her memories would return in time.

Right now, though, all she wanted to do was sleep, to lie down and not wake up for days.

"You…there!" a commanding voice bellowed above the murmurs of the people gathered. "Stop!"

Richard internally froze at the sound of the authoritative voice, but continued to move, pulling Kahlan along behind him. He refused to stop unless absolutely forced to, hoping to get to the marketplace so they could disappear into the crowds of shoppers and vendors.

"You two!" the man's voice grew louder, angrier. "Stop where you are!"

People began to part like a massive sea, backing away and leaving Richard and Kahlan out in the open with no place to hide, nowhere to run. Richard's heart thundered in anticipation of a fight, his hand slowly creeping closer to the hilt of his weapon as he came to a stop.

He slowly turned around as he tucked Kahlan safely behind him, putting himself between her and the threat that was bearing down on them. His raptor gaze finally lifted to meet the owner of the voice, tamping down on the sudden fear that trembled through him…the fear of failing Kahlan.

A large D'Haran soldier stood tall and proud, his commanding presence looming large in the semi-secluded devotion area. Behind him stood three more soldiers, their uniforms slightly darker, more intimidating than the regular soldiers of the D'Haran army. These were the tough as steel, scar-riddled, battle-hardened soldiers of the Lord Rahl's First File, the best of the best and the most fearsome to face.

"Stay where you are," the booming voice commanded, pointing directly at him and Kahlan with the point of his sword glinting brightly in the afternoon sunlight.

Richard's mind rapidly began assessing the situation, racing through every possible scenario with its equally unpleasant outcome. Surrender was definitely not one of those options, ending in certain death for him and even worse for Kahlan. He refused to allow her to be submitted to Demo's perversions.

"I'm afraid I have been ordered to take you and the Mother Confessor back to Lord Rahl," the General informed him as he slowly drew closer to them.

Richard frowned with the General's words, the small hint of regret in his voice not going unnoticed nor was the fact that the three soldiers remained where they were standing as their General drew near the enemy. What was going on here?

His gaze darted back and forth to the people gathered around, watching in fear or curiosity. He adjusted the grip on his sword as he stared down the General, his other hand keeping a firm grip on Kahlan's arm. He was prepared to do whatever necessary to get her safely out of here.

The General appraised him for a long moment as if weighing his options, trying to decide what he wanted to do with his prisoners. What he said next to them couldn't have possibly come as any greater surprise to him.

"You're best hope of escape is through the west entrance of the Palace."

He spoke so low that Richard wasn't even absolutely certain that he had heard the man correctly or that he had even been talking to him. Then, the General leaned back, straightening his broad shoulders as he stared at them.

"This is not the Seeker and Mother Confessor," he suddenly announced, his voice echoing off the surrounding walls. "You may go."

With that he turned his back to Richard, sheathing his sword and returning to his men. "General Trimack," one of the soldiers said. "Are you certain?"

"Do you question me?" the General spat out like fire.

"No, sir," the soldier quickly amended.

"Come, we must continue our search," Trimack ordered, casting one last glance at Richard before disappearing back towards the Palace itself.

Richard released a ragged breath, sheathing his sword and turning back around to face Kahlan. "What just happened?" she whispered, incredulous.

"I'm not sure, but we best not hang around to find out," he muttered, snatching up her hand once more and leading her out of the devotion area and into the throngs of people.