Chapter 2

Zedd slipped quietly from the room, closing the door behind him to stand alone in the dark, vast hall. Suppressing a shiver, he closed his eyes against the horror of it all threatening to consume him. A male confessor. And one with the gift, no doubt. A frightening thought.

Never had a boy child born to a Confessor been able to remain pure in heart. The magic inevitably corrupted them, drove them mad, leaving them with an unquenchable thirst for blood.

Last Autumn, when Nicci had a change of heart, wanting to do good in the world and willingly gave Richard back his Han, never did anyone imagine this. A corrupt Confessor with the gift, even a fraction as powerful as Richard's, would wreak havoc on the world. He could annihilate them all before his tenth birthday.

Zedd shook his head to no one but himself. How could this child be allowed to live? It was his own flesh and blood but, dear Creator, he could be the end of them all – of everything. Would they have the strength to do what needed to be done if Ethan grew like all the others? Zedd hoped with all his heart his great-grandson would be different but how could he be so naive to think it would be so. He feared he was allowing his love for Richard and Kahlan to lead him down the wrong path, lulling him into a false sense of hope. This would only make things harder for them when it came time to do what must be done.

Flashes of lightening lit the stone walls around him. It was a dreadful night he wished long gone. No, he decided. Once this night was past, the real nightmare would begin.

The wizard sighed heavily knowing there were things that needed to be done. He turned toward the thick mahogany door leading back to Richard and Kahlan. Lifting his hands, he chanted softly as a warm glow spread over the door and around its frame before slowly fading and winking out into the night.

First, he needed to find Cara. The entire ordeal of the Mother Confessor giving birth had sent the seasoned warrior to the farthest corners of the palace. The Mord-Sith, so adept at dispensing pain was unable to endure her friends tortured labor. She would never admit it of course, but he and Richard knew Kahlan's agonizing cries tore at her worse than any Agiel.

Thunder rolled long and loud sending vibrations through his bones, rattling a delicate vase on a nearby table. "Sprits help us" he whispered before heading into the gloom of the palace halls.

xxx

Zedd broke the news of Lord Rahl's son to Cara, then swiftly made his way to find Rose, the Mord-Sith close at his heels. He was fairly certain the midwife could be trusted to stay quiet; she had served the Confessor's for years after all. Still, he had to be sure.

Cara banged a leathered fist on the door. It opened almost immediately, Rose's face draining of color, no doubt in fear for her life. Cara got straight to the point, muscling her way in, towering over the old woman, "You haven't been wagging your tongue, have you?" Her closely held Agiel threatened Roses neck.

Zedd pulled back on the Mord-Sith's imposing stance. His voice gentle, "What she means to say, Rose, is that Lord Rahl and the Mother Confessor realize the magnitude of their son's birth and the impact it will have on the people. I'm sure you can understand their desire to handle this delicately and will allow them an opportunity to address this as they think best."

A little of the woman's color returned, realizing she wasn't about to be struck dead. "Of course, Wizard Zorander. I've sworn Alison to secrecy already…she wouldn't be my apprentice if I didn't trust her." She eyed Cara warily before looking back to Zedd, "As for me, I've birthed many a Confessor's child in all my years…though only two be boys. This makes three. I'm sure they'll do what's right in the end, like the others."

Zedd was visibly relieved and turned back toward the door. Rose gestured with a finger, "Wait" she said and left them there while she searched an old, weathered cabinet, pulling out drawers and opening doors until she found what she was looking for. Zedd returned Cara's questioning look with a shake of his head. He had no idea what the woman was up to. Rose returned, pressing small objects into the wizard's bony hand. "They'll be needing this…when they're ready."

Zedd looked down at the items. Krieg root and tallow oil: necessary for the Ritual of the Waters. He restrained himself from throwing them back at her, instead staring into his palm for what seemed an eternity. Slowly he wrapped lean fingers tight around them, his lips set with grim acceptance.

xxx

Richard stuffed a foot into his boot, pulling it tight. Now that the sun was up he steeled himself for what lay ahead.

He rubbed weary eyes and reached for his sword, strapping it around his waist. He had lain awake much of the night, waiting for the sun to rise; despite the fact that Zedd had shielded their room allowing none but those already inside to pass through. It was but a small respite his grandfather could give them, knowing they were safe, at least for the night. Still, he hadn't gotten much sleep; partly from thinking about what they were going to do, but mostly at the sheer joy of beholding his wife and newborn son.

Richard thought of Kahlan's naked body, all snug and warm pressed close to his chest throughout the night; how she had kept Ethan nestled against her breast. Richard never once loosened his protective hold that enveloped them both.

Sometime after Zedd had left and they lay awake in the dark, Kahlan had begun to weep. "Richard, what are we going to do?" He knew the road ahead would be nothing short of treacherous and he had no idea of its outcome. But he would fight to the death to protect his son, as would she; that much he knew. But he didn't want to think about that now. No matter what the future held, he wanted them to at least have this. For Kahlan to have this one night with her son – free from fear and duty and ancient traditions. He wanted her to bask in the joy of being a mother, of being in love.

He rolled her to face him, a sleeping Ethan still in her arms pressed between them. "Shhh...not tonight, Kahlan" he whispered, kissing her brow. He slid a hand over her hip and pulled her closer. His strong arms felt so good around her and she took strength in his firm hold, his gentle words. "Tomorrow will be here soon enough. We'll think about it then. All you need remember is this: I am the Seeker. And you are the Mother Confessor. We'll figure this out. Tomorrow. Tonight is just for us: You, me and our son." He smiled the gentlest smile.

He always knew how to make her feel better, even when it all seemed so hopeless. She kissed him then; tender, deep and full of emotion.

Richard had awoken to the dawn and Kahlan's soft voice. She was cooing to Ethan as he nursed and Richard's heart swelled at seeing her joy; the natural way she took to being a mother. Richard sunk his face into her hair, breathing her in as he snuggled close behind her. "Do you know how beautiful you are?" he whispered.

"Not as beautiful as him," she said dreamily, eyes on their baby. Seeing his sweet face, his tiny lips latched onto her breast, she could not conceive of him ever becoming a monster. Though unspoken, Richard shared her thoughts. Seeing the two of them together was almost more than he could bear.

Now, as he readied himself to go, Kahlan rested a calming hand on Richard's shoulder, giving him an encouraging squeeze. He was going to meet with the council members, telling them of their son's birth. He promised to return by midday when, depending on the council's reaction, they would together decide what to do next. He placed his hand over hers, giving her and Ethan one last kiss.

"What's this?" Richard asked, touching a finger to Ethan's chest, pointing to a small, crimson spot just above his heart.

"A birthmark, I guess" Kahlan replied. "I noticed it this morning. I don't know how I missed it last night… I don't think I once took my eyes off him."

Richard inspected it more closely. He didn't remember seeing it either. The small horseshoe shaped mark was barely the size of Kahlan's littlest fingernail, deep red in color but otherwise, innocuous looking. Satisfied it wasn't a concern, Richard kissed the mark and looked up, giving Kahlan a brief smile. "I'll be back soon" he said before heading to the door.

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