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 2
Richard tightened his grip on Kahlan's hand as he led her through the masses of people milling about the marketplace, trying to work their way to the gate the General had told him about. Something inside told him that this was not some trap. The General could have easily captured them right there in the devotion courtyard, but had let them go knowing full well who they were.
He didn't understand why, but there was something about General Trimack that Richard found he trusted for some unknown reason he couldn't quite pinpoint. The General had helped him, but why?
Richard knew that the questions would have to wait for now. He needed to get Kahlan out of here and to safety and then there was the matter of finding the Stone of Tears. They were rapidly running out of time in finding their source of salvation from the Keeper. If he didn't find it soon, then all would be lost, including a future with Kahlan.
He ignored the vendors trying to push baskets and live squawking chickens in his face, blankets and worship prayer beads, his focus solely on the path that he was carving through the crowds. They couldn't afford to stop or to politely chat with anyone.
Soldiers and Mord'Sith were beginning to merge with the people swarming in the marketplace not to mention sunset was not very far off. He wanted to be out of here as soon as possible so they could escape to the safety of the woods and the darkness that would help protect them.
Richard pulled the cloak he'd purchased several vendors back more firmly around him, concealing his sword and allowing him to blend in more with the multitude gathered there. His heart hadn't stopped pounding like a stampeding horse's hooves since Kahlan had first broken free from the spell and killed Demos, but soon they'd be away from this infernal place and on their way back to the Aku village to find Zedd and Cara.
They'd lost a great deal of time because of Demos's interference, valuable time that they couldn't afford to lose. They only had days now to find the Stone of Tears or they were all as good as dead.
He felt his rage piercing through him like a fiery arrow, heating his blood even hotter. He was growing more worried about Kahlan with every passing moment, about the dreadful situation they now found themselves in. She'd barely spoken to him since killing Demos, had barely even made eye contact with him.
He was afraid to think of the possible consequences or side effects from Demos's marking spell on her. He wouldn't know more about her condition until they had gotten to the safety of the woods where he could actually talk to her, hold her…if she'd even let him.
He had no idea at this point how much she remembered or what influence Demos had actually had on her, if she had all her memories back or only a few of them. At least she seemed to know him, trusted him enough to come willingly with him. It helped give him a glimmer of hope that she would eventually be alright again.
Richard squeezed Kahlan's hand in reassurance, letting her know that he wouldn't leave her, that he would stay by her side no matter what happened. His heart sunk when several moments slipped by with no response from her, no tightening of her hand in his, no brushing of her thumb against the back of his hand…no anything.
He finally looked back over his shoulder at her, a quick fleeting glance to make sure that she was still alright. Her blue eyes were downcast, focused on the ground, her expression sad…lost. He couldn't imagine what she must be going through right now, how confusing everything must be for her after losing her memories and what had happened with Demos Rahl.
He so desperately wanted to pull her aside somewhere private where he could just hold her close and feel her body pressed against his, to run his fingers through her silky hair and kiss her the way that he'd been aching to for a while now. He wanted her to remember their love for another, but he didn't have that luxury right now, not with soldiers and Mord'Sith swarming the area like flies.
And he had a feeling the incident with that General Trimack was a once in a lifetime occurrence.
"Sir…Sir!"
Richard instantly tensed as he lowered his head as a vendor made a beeline directly for him, jewelry draped up the length of his arms. "Not interested," the Seeker kindly but firmly stated as he kept walking.
"But sir!" the vendor persisted, moving along beside them. "Wouldn't you like to buy something for your very beautiful wife? Maybe a nice bracelet?"
"No, I'm afraid we're in a hurry," Richard bit out, his throat already constricting with the next words that momentarily stuck on the tip of his tongue. "And…she's not…my wife."
The words stung deeply as he heard his voice speak those words, uttering something that he wanted more than anything he'd ever wanted in his entire life. He wanted her, wanted Kahlan to be his wife, wanted to be her husband and to have daughters with her.
Once the rift was sealed, the Keeper was defeated and Kahlan was finally safe, he wanted to marry her and spend his forever with her.
"Ah," the vendor suddenly beamed, drawing something from his pocket. "Maybe you are in need of a wedding ring then. You two would make a great couple."
Richard bit back the anger and frustration swelling deep inside of him as he quickened his step, pulling Kahlan along with him. "No, I'm not interested in a wedding ring or marrying her," he finally growled a little harsher than he had intended, his heart constricting with the words.
Unfazed, the vendor quickly moved on, turning his smile and his attention to a woman following behind them, descending on her like a vulture in an effort to make a sale much to Richard's relief. He was rapidly running out of patience as they pushed their way through the throngs of people finishing up their business before heading home for the evening. Right now, getting Kahlan safely out of here was his only priority.
Hooking her hair behind her ear, Kahlan lowered her head even further, her attention solely on her boots that quickly grew blurry through the sudden wash of tears that had abruptly risen out of nowhere.
She didn't know where this sudden rush of tormented emotions was coming from or what had triggered it. All she knew was that something inside of her had hurt deeply when she had heard Richard say that she wasn't his wife or that he didn't want to marry her.
He had said it with such finality, such anger and aversion that it made her throat constrict. She didn't know why it had hurt her so deeply to hear him say that. She knew who Richard was and that she could trust him, but beyond that everything else was still a shattered picture of her life, fractured memories that didn't seem to fit.
When she looked at Richard or heard his voice speak her name, she knew she felt something inside, a nervous flutter of emotions, but wasn't certain what it meant or what exactly they truly meant to each other. Were they more than just the Seeker and Mother Confessor?
But after the way he reacted to the vendor with the wedding rings and jewelry, Richard obviously thought nothing more of her than just friendship. And for some reason that thought nearly stopped her heart's beating altogether.
Kahlan quickly brushed the tears from her face, not wanting him to know that she had been so upset by his words. She didn't want him to know that she felt something more inside than just friendship whenever he looked at her with those chestnut eyes or that her heart seemed to skip a beat when he said her name, that the feel of his strong hand wrapped so possessively around hers made her flush warmly inside.
No, she would just have to keep these feelings to herself, couldn't let him know that she longed to kiss him or touch him, that she felt something so much more than friendship towards him.
She swallowed back the rest of her tears as well as her heart, steeling herself against these unwanted emotions inside especially knowing now how he truly felt about her and the notion of marriage. He obviously didn't want her.
Kahlan came to an abrupt stop at the feel of a hand suddenly grabbing her arm from behind. She whirled around to find herself face to face with a couple of Mord'Sith, their agiels clutched tightly in their hands and pointed menacingly at her face.
Richard' heart nearly stopped at the feel of Kahlan's hand suddenly slipping free from his. He quickly turned to find Kahlan facing two Mord'Sith glaring hotly at her, their agiels raised. His hand swiftly slipped beneath his cloak, his fingers immediately wrapping around the hilt of his sword in preparation for a fight.
Richard glanced down at Kahlan's hand by her side, could tell by the way her fingers were curling and uncurling that she was contemplating just confessing them, therefore ending the threat altogether. He didn't want her using her magic yet until he'd had a chance to make sure the spell hadn't affected her more than they knew.
Using her magic could have an unforeseen reaction, further draining her of what little energy she still had left. Besides, it wouldn't help their dire situation to confess and kill two Mord'Sith right here in the middle of the marketplace. The attention it would no doubt draw would definitely seal their fate.
Just as he was moving to put himself between Kahlan and the Mord'Sith, Kahlan's hand shot out, stopping him. "Oh good," Kahlan suddenly spoke with a broken accent that he'd never heard her use before. "I wonder if you could help us. My brother and I are not from here. We lost our way and need to find our supply wagon waiting for us at the west gate. Could you please point us in the right direction?"
The Mord'Sith were obviously taken off guard by Kahlan's question and accent, expecting a fight not a conversation with a foreigner. The darker haired Mord'Sith's gaze narrowed suspiciously as she stared at Kahlan before turning her attention to Richard.
"Where are you from?" she demanded to know, leveling her agiel at Richard. "You are not from around here. You sound as if you're from the Wilds."
"Yes…yes, we are," Kahlan quickly interjected, nodding her head and not giving Richard time to respond. "I'm afraid my brother doesn't speak your language very well so please forgive him. Now, if you'd kindly point us in the right direction."
The two Mord'Sith looked at each other for a long moment as if trying to decide if Kahlan was telling the truth or not. The darker haired Mord'Sith finally turned her attention back to Richard and Kahlan, her expression still severe.
"The west gate is that way," she finally said, pointing with her agiel. "Keep moving. We're searching for a man and a woman. They're very dangerous so if you see a suspicious looking couple, report it immediately. Aiding them will result in immediate death."
Kahlan bowed her head low in humble submission, something so atypical for the powerful Mother Confessor. "Yes," she replied, keeping her eyes downcast. "We'll be careful. Thank you for your kind concern. May the Creator herself bless you both in this life."
The Mord'Sith frowned with her blessing, but quickly turned away with her Sister of the Agiel to continue their search for the Seeker and Mother Confessor. Kahlan finally turned back to Richard, the exhaustion lining her beautiful face evident once more.
He quickly reached out, grabbing hold of her arm to steady her as her knees began to buckle. "We need to keep going," he told her, his tone so gentle, full of concern. "Can you make it just a little longer?"
Kahlan slowly nodded her head, doing her best to ignore his close proximity, the way his eyes seemed to fill with such worry for her. She knew that it wasn't real, just an act to get them safely out of here.
"Come on," he murmured, his hand sliding down her arm to firmly capture hers. "Let's get you out of here."
Following Richard, Kahlan fought to stay on her feet as she followed him through the swarms of people. Her entire body was threatening to give out on her at any moment, fighting to keep her moving knowing that she couldn't stop or give up now.
Stopping now would mean certain death for both of them and she couldn't allow that to happen to Richard.
XXX
"You must lie still," Mistress Lucinda scowled at him in frustration and worry. "The healer isn't finished with you yet."
"I have to find my brother and Kahlan before they escape," Demos angrily growled, flopping back against the pillows of his bed in agitation.
"We have it covered," Lucinda insisted, crossing her arms against her chest. "Every guard and Mord'Sith has been alerted to be on the lookout for them and to have them brought in alive no matter what it takes."
"Once I have them, I will crush Richard," Demos sneered.
"And what about the Mother Confessor?" Mistress Lucinda tentatively asked.
"She will be mine to do with as I please," he spat out.
Lucinda instantly stiffened with his words. "But Lord Demos…" she began, stunned by his admission.
"Kahlan Amnell will be mine one way or another," he insisted.
"You're still determined to take the Mother Confessor to your bed? To have her rule by your side?" she ground out, her hands clenched tightly. "Wouldn't it be better to just kill her and be done with her? She killed you, Lord Rahl. What makes you think she won't try to kill you again?"
"Not once I've given her to you to break…after I've had my turn with her, of course," he said, his eyes growing distant with a dark gleam that told of the plans circulating in his mind for the Mother Confessor.
"I do not think it wise," Lucinda pressed, her anger swelling within her. "Kahlan Amnell has already proven to be more than deadly. She's a dangerous woman to tangle with."
"Which makes me want her even more than ever before," Demos grinned wickedly. "She'll be my greatest conquest."
"I do not know what you see in her," the Mord'Sith spat out as the healer finally finished with Demos.
Dismissing the healer, Demos sat up, running his fingers over the newly healed flesh, pleased with the results. "Jealous, Lucinda?" he asked as he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, facing her.
He reached out for her, his hands roughly gripping her backside and pulling her to him. He squeezed her leather clad buttocks, thoroughly enjoying how jealous his favorite Mord'Sith was. He suddenly found himself very aroused as he brushed his mouth against the smooth leather covering her abdomen.
Lucinda immediately felt her body relax despite the jealous rage flowing like hot lava through her veins. Damn this man for having such a profound effect on her, her body betraying her as her fingers automatically snaked into his hair to grip it tightly.
Her head fell back as he began removing her red leather, slowly peeling it off and revealing the voluptuous body that lay bare beneath waiting for him to take as he saw fit. And she knew that he would.
"Demos…" she breathed his name in sharply as his mouth descended on her taut stomach, his teeth raking over the sensitive skin.
He kissed and nipped his way up her body, his hand sliding up to painfully grab her long sleek braid and violently jerk her hand back. So he wants it this way, does he, she thought to herself with delight, the fire in the pit of her belly instantly flaming hotly once more.
Sometimes he wanted to be broken, the one being forced into submission, to be on the receiving end. Other times, he preferred to be the one to dole out the pleasure that came along with the endless pain, to be the angry aggressor, to dominate and to break her will, her spirit.
Today, he was going to pour out his rage and aggression over what had happened, his need for revenge being taken out on her, making her pay the heavy price that Kahlan should be paying right now. The corners of her lips curved up into a blissful grin. She would gladly take whatever he gave her and so much more.
For him, she'd give her mind, heart, body, and soul.
"I'm going to make you pay," he growled as he slapped her so hard across the face that it caused her head to jerk.
Lucinda turned her head back to face him, her eyes dark with lust focused solely on him as her tongue darted out to lick the trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth. She smiled smugly. "What exactly are you going to do to me…Lord Rahl?" she asked, standing bare before him now except for her blood red boots.
"I'm going to make you bleed for days," he hissed like a deadly viper, his mouth roaming over her skin. "You're going to scream my name until you can't speak and when you think you can't take any more of me, I'm going to take you again and again and again."
"Do it," Lucinda smirked, thrilled with the opportunity to please this man in his sadistic obsessions, to allow him to torture her body in order to bring himself both ultimate pleasure and fulfillment, a much needed release after what Richard and Kahlan had just put him through.
His mouth was suddenly sucking hard on the tendon of her neck. "I'm going to pound Richard Rahl right out of you until all you know…all you want is me, Kahlan," he sneered as his teeth suddenly sank into her flesh, biting hard, his hands already beginning to assault and violate her body.
Ignoring the use of the other woman's name, Lucinda cried out despite herself, a scream caught somewhere between pain and sweet ecstasy splitting the air and causing her vision to momentarily blur. She knew she was a substitute for Kahlan Amnell, taking what he was so desperate to unleash upon her, but at that moment she didn't care as he suddenly paused to throw her face down on the bed, his body swiftly pinning her to the mattress.
She was here and Kahlan was not. Demos was hers, not the Mother Confessor's and if he was here with her than he wasn't with Kahlan Amnell.
And when Lucinda finally found Kahlan…and she would, she was going to make damn certain that the Mother Confessor didn't live long enough to take her Lord Rahl away from her ever again.
