After a day of walking in near total silence for the mourning of Leo, the second Seeker in a thousand years, the band of five passed through the exit of the Old World into the New World. Though Richard would never admit it, he didn't want to ever leave to Old World (though he could do without the deserts of Perstitia). In it it was peaceful. No rainy days--metaphoric or not. There was, in fact, not a single tear in the veil between the Underworld and the World of the Living. He knew if he stayed there forever, there might be the chance he could live there without a care in the world. The only problem would be the worries on the back of his mind about the New World. While the Keeper conquered that, would he be sitting on a beach with Kahlan? Or perhaps Cara?
He knew the whole of the Midlands, and more, depended on him getting the Stone of Tears and closing the rifts throughout the world. Though, he could not help but worrying that the prophecy might come true. The one that said he would give the Keeper the Stone. Richard would never! But, maybe he would. Maybe he was forced to. Maybe another Confessor had taken control over him and ordered him to bring it to the enemy of the Light. Verna, being a Sister of the Light, would never let him do this. Yes, they were friends, but, as sad as it seems, she would kill the Seeker before letting him betray the Creator, whether he was doing it knowingly or not.
Now they walked through the fog. Cara was thinking about Leo. She wished she had told him how she felt about him. He would probably be the only one's company she'd enjoy that much…
And Kahlan was thinking of how much power Nicci, the Sister of the Dark who took Richard's Han, had. Though, that was not her power. It was Richard's. He would have become a very powerful wizard if he had not given it up. Maybe there would be a way to get it back…
Verna was thinking along the lines of Richard. That and the fact she left the Temple of the Prophets for good now. She doubted the Prelate would take kindly to what she would call betrayal.
Zeddicus was thinking ahead, however, to the Stone of Tears. He did hope they would get their soon, as childish these thoughts sounded in his mind. What complications would they face while sealing off the Underworld? How do you close the veils? He sure wished Richard hadn't given up his Han, though Zedd was glad he was with them, now.
Everyone's thoughts were interrupted with a soft rustling of leaves. A worn road was up ahead and someone seemed to be traveling on it.
"No one would go on that road with common sense!" Verna whispered. "There are still ___ in these woods!"
It was evident this was another thought and caution swarming the back of her mind.
Richard put a finger to his mouth and carefully rested a hand on the hilt of the Sword of Truth. They all crept forward and ducked behind a large rock overlooking the road.