This is my test chapter. I haven't gotten any reviews yet so I don't really know if people are interested in the story. If you are, please review after this one. If you want to see this story continue, I need to know. The plot is really beginning to take shape now, but there is still a lot more to come. Remember what the summary is. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this story. It's different from anything I've done before so I apologize if it's not up to standards. Thanks!

Chapter 2

Kahlan had known how hard her job was going to be after everything had been set right. She had understood how little the people were going to trust a new leader, but because she had been fighting with the Seeker, she knew they would be slightly more prone to trust her. It was a long fight, to bring order back to the Midlands, but it was a fight she was more than willing to make. The last two years had shown her the good hearts of the people she now governed and she had fallen in love with them more than ever.

It was such a blessing to have Zedd there with her. His wisdom and council had proven invaluable time and again as she struggled to right the wrongs Rahl had made. The people were desperate for peace and many of them turned to her to provide that. It had been so long since the Confessors were safely permitted to govern the lands that the people found it hard to trust her immediately. They knew that the stories said they had lived in peace under the Mother Confessors of the past, but they personally had not seen it.

Kahlan spent her days reading reports, rewriting laws, hearing disputes, and serving justice where needed. She loved what she did and she loved the people but she was missing Richard more and more each day. It was hard not being able to talk to him, but she knew he was out doing what needed to be done. The people needed to see that the Seeker wouldn't just fight for them, but that he would help them rebuild after that fight. Richard needed to build up more trust than ever before so that if something happened, the people would be more inclined to stand by him.

She had received word from a friend of hers in a distant village that Richard was helping to rebuild homes and plant fields and it made her love him all that much more. His good heart was what had ultimately been the deciding factor in destroying Rahl. Richard always looked for the good in people and without that, their quest would have failed early on.

Knowing that Cara was with him had bothered her a bit at first. Cara had made it clear that she was willing to 'serve' Richard in anyway that presented itself and that thought mad Kahlan a little sick. However, after expressing these concerns to Zedd she had been reassured. Zedd pointed out again what their love had overcome already and it gave her the faith she needed to be confident that nothing could destroy what her and Richard felt for each other.

As she was making her way back to her chambers after a long day of hearing disputes, she ran into Zedd who appeared to be heading towards the library. She smiled at him as he caught sight of her.

"Kahlan! You look exhausted. How have you been sleeping, child?"

Kahlan had initially found Zedds constant worrying irritating, but overtime she had come to realize that's how he best showed he cared.

"I'm fine Zedd. It's just been a long day. It seems like everyone has a conflict with someone due to the war and the Keeper. I feel like the line of people is just getting longer instead of shorter."

"The people have been living under Rahl for too long. They are more than eager to take advantage of the Mother Confessors just rule. You're bringing them change, Kahlan. Good change and they love you for it."

Kahlan nodded as she recognized the truth of Zedds words.

"That is true. Where are you headed though Zedd? It's getting late."

Kahlan found it curious that at this point Zedd wouldn't met her gaze. He seemed to find everything but her eyes very entertaining at that moment.

"Ah, yes. Well, I was just heading to the library."

"I can see that. What for?"

"Oh, umm, spell books. There are a few here that I haven't looked through in years. There may be useful information in them. Spells that would come in handy."

Kahlan could tell that he was hiding something, but she was honestly too tired to think about it much tonight. She resolved to leave it be for now, but to question him again in the morning.

"Well, I hope you find what you need. I think it's time for me to retire to my chambers for the night. I'll see you tomorrow, Zedd."

Zedd nodded and turned back towards the library as Kahlan walked ahead to her chambers. She had almost reached the door when someone called out to her. She turned to see a young boy headed for her. He stopped in front of her and bowed his head for a moment before looking up at her.

"Mother Confessor. I carry a message about the Seeker."

Kahlans heart leap at the thought of news from Richard.

"Wonderful. What is it?"

"I was told to inform you that word has spread that the Seeker's path seems to be leading him back here. He has made many stops along the way, but every village is in route to Aydendril."

Kahlan quickly thanked the boy and gave him coin for his service. She turned back to her room slightly more energetic than she had just been. The thought that Richard might be on his way home was wonderful news to her. The only thing that dampened the news was the fact that she had no idea if the rumor was true and if it was how far away he and Cara were.

Still, Kahlan went to bed that night with a hopeful heart. She slept better than she had in weeks with the hope of being able to see Richard again soon.

When Kahlan awoke the next morning she was eager to get her day started, knowing that each day could bring Richard to her. After she dressed for the day, she was surprised to find Zedd waiting for her in the hallway.

"Ah, Kahlan my child. You look much better rested this morning."

Kahlan smiled warmly at Zedd as she fell in step next to him on the way to find breakfast.

"I received word yesterday that Richard and Cara appear to be making their way back here. How could I not rest well after that message?"

Kahlan had to admit she was a little confused by Zedds reaction. His grandson was on his way back to them, and yet Zedd appeared as if he had simply been told what the weather was that day. He didn't smile or nod as he simply stared at the floor as they walked. It was then that Kahlan remembered she wanted to find out more about what happened with him last night, and so she gently put a hand on his arm to stop him.

"Zedd, what's going on? I know you didn't go to the library last night looking for spell books. You can't lie to a Confessor."

Zedd seemed hesitant but she saw in his eyes as he realized she would keep pressing the matter until she got some answers.

"I found a Journey Book," Zedd said without preamble.

Kahlan was taken about by this statement for a moment but quickly recovered enough to continue the conversation.

"What? Where? And why haven't you said anything about it?"

"I didn't want to worry you. It seems that Darken Rahl is the one who took the other books. This one appears to have been hidden though and I suppose he didn't know about it. I've been watching the entries. Rahl is slowly planning his return to the throne. He plans on killing you and Richard as you're the two in his way the most."

Kahlan didn't know what to think of this news. She supposed that she suspected Darken Rahl would try something like this, but to hear that he was actually planning it was bad news. Especially knowing that Richard was traveling the Midlands with just Cara as protection. If Rahl was planning something, Richard and Cara were easy targets at the moment.

She turned a slightly panicked face up to Zed, "We need to get word to Richard. Him and Cara could be in danger."

Zedd nodded slowly, "That's what I was thinking when you told me he was on his way here. If we've heard that news, it shouldn't be hard for Rahl to hear it as well. Luckily, there have been no messages in the Journey Book about Richard yet, but that doesn't mean Rahl hasn't heard the word in person from someone."

"What do we do then? How do we get word to Richard?"

"We don't. As hard as it will be, we need to trust that he and Cara will make it hear. If we send a message with someone, there is a chance the news will be heard by others and we don't need to give the people any reason to panic. As far as they know, Rahl isn't a threat anymore and we need to keep them thinking that for the time. This will give us a chance to develop a plan. I was going to wait until Richard and Cara returned to mention the Journey Book, but it seems as if we should start thinking of something now."

Kahlan couldn't believe how quickly this day was turning. Less than two hours ago she had woken up with hope and peace at the thought of seeing Richard again, and now she was riddled with worry for him, Cara, and now all the Midlands at the thought of what Rahl might do.

She nodded to Zedd and began walking again as he fell in step beside her.

"Keep me informed of what you read in that book. If Rahl mentions any specific plan we are going to have to act, regardless of whether or not Richard is here. We can't let Rahl get control of the lands again. We spent too long fighting and sacrificed too much to let that happen again."

"I know, Kahlan. And everything will be okay. Richard and Cara will make it here safely and we will be able to stop Rahl. Have faith in our Seeker. Apparently his task isn't done, and we both know he will rise to the occasion like he has always done. Rahl won't win, Kahlan. We won't let that happen."

Kahlan knew Zedd was right. They would prevail yet again because they couldn't lose. There were too many lives at stake for that; however, that didn't stop her from wondering how many more lives were going to be lost and if any of them were going to be in that number. She hoped beyond hope that Richard and Cara would arrive back at Aydendril soon. There was a lot of planning to do and she wanted to see him safely returned.

As she looked out a window she was passing, she paused for a moment to take in the sense of peace that had begun to encompass the land. People were milling around, laughing, talking, going about their lives and it warmed her heart some in spite of the news. She could only hope that the peace would continue. If Darken Rahl gained control again, everything she saw now would be lost once again.