Threatened
The warm sun was a welcome change from the regular grey clouds that continuously darkened the atmosphere. It took away from the cool air that was threatening to overwhelm them as they trudged along the rough terrain towards the D'Haran prison. Just a few more hours she thought, her blue gaze staring toward the horizon ahead. Her head hurt. Her back hurt. Things she couldn't mention hurt. She felt the need to lie down and rest. Zedd's constant yapping was getting on her nerves; she knew it was just because she was so overly tired, but still.
Kahlan trudged along behind them, Richard in lead with Zedd beside him. Cara rode behind Zedd and Kahlan behind Cara. She wanted to keep a watchful eye on the mysterious blonde. Richard could trust her all he wanted to, but she sure wasn't going to.
"I think we should take a rest," Zedd proclaimed, obviously getting weary from the hours they'd already spent treading through the numerous hills and valleys. As annoyed as she was getting with Zedd, Kahlan couldn't agree more. Anything but ride her horse any longer would be sheer ecstasy.
Richard pulled his horse to halt as he contemplated Zedd's words, "as much as I'd like to get there as soon as possible," he started, "I think you're right. The horses need some water anyways," he proclaimed. "I can hear a spring up ahead. We'll take a few minutes and rest up a bit before heading out again." He clicked his tongue and the horse took off down the grassy field. The others soon followed behind him.
They found a small stream, hidden amongst the lush bush and leaves that had fallen, preparing for the winter. It was a beautiful landscape, if nothing more. They each made there way off of their horses and allowed the beasts to drink. Zedd and Richard sat near an oak tree as they rested, discussing how they were going to close the rift in the underworld and how they could get their hands on the stone of tears.
Peace, Kahlan smiled and she stood near the stream, looking out at the mountainous view beyond. She could smell the autumn leaves and fresh water and engulfed herself in the serene sound of the stream making its way down the valley. If only she could lay down for a few moments…
"Enjoying yourself?" a voice brought her out of her serenity. Kahlan opened her eyes and peered to the right of her. Cara stood, crossing her arms awaiting her response. Kahlan let out a breath. She is the last person I want to talk to right now Kahlan thought, her eyes inwardly rolling.
"I was," she looked back ahead into the clearing. Cara snorted back a laugh and stepped closer, her leather creaking, breaking the tranquility of nature around them.
"You know, Mother Confessor," Cara looked out ahead as well, ignoring Kahlan's lack of interest in conversation, "I'm currently serving no master. I'm attached to know one. I am choosing to follow the Seeker and only because we share the same interest." She stated matter-of-factly. Kahlan rolled her eyes, "and because he may just one day come to his senses and claim his title as Lord Rahl."
"Is that so?" she mused, "I was under the impression we were on a quest to seal the underworld to save the world," Kahlan sighed, "not to try and redeem yourself in the eyes of the new Lord Rahl," Kahlan gave Cara a look out of the corner of her eye, "or to shamelessly try to entice the Seeker into doing…" Kahlan looked her up and down in disgust, "Spirits only know what you think of doing."
Cara smirked, "at least I can, Confessor," she gave her a wicked grin. "You, on the other hand would destroy him. Destroy his every being. One touch from you, and he's gone…now, that must be terrible for you…" Cara stepped closer, "lucky for me my touch does other things to men. Things that make them come back for more," she licked her lips and grinned.
It took all of her might not to slap her right then and there. Kahlan stepped closer to Cara. Though Cara was taller, Kahlan's presence demanded more respect than Cara's would, ever.
"Listen to me, Mord'Sith," Kahlan sneered. "If you ever lay a hand on Richard, in any way be it harmful or sexual, I will cut out your heart," she waited until Cara looked at her, "I don't like you. I don't trust you. For some forsaken reason, Richard does. I have to put up with you because of that, but I swear on everything I believe in I will tear you limb from limb if you cause any of us harm. You mean nothing to me. You are but one woman. A mere woman at that. I am the Mother Confessor," she straightened herself and smirked, "now we both know what Confessors can do to Mord'Sith, don't you? Or were you too busy whoring yourself out that you missed that day in training?" Kahlan waited. Cara shifted slightly, her eyes never faltering from Kahlan's gaze. She knew. Cara knew exactly what would happen if Kahlan touched her with her power. It wasn't just like what happened to everyone else. When a Confessor touches a MordSith, a Mord'Sith suffers excruciating pain due to the fact that Mord'Sith have the ability to take magic from others when it was being used on them – except for Confessors. Cara never faltered in her gaze but Kahlan could tell she knew what she was talking about, "Good. Now get out of my presence before I begin to show you just how threatening a Confessor can be." They stared at each other for a long moment before Cara finally broke away. She turned on her heels and headed in Zedd and Richard's direction. Kahlan turned back to the stream and once again shut her eyes to try and get some rest before they had to head off again.
"What was that about?" Richard and Zedd questioned as Cara walked up to them. Cara smiled.
"It'll be a shame to fight against the Confessor after this is all said and done," she stated, "I can respect a woman who knows how to fight," she looked off towards Kahlan, "and threaten." Richard put his hand over his face as Zedd gave Cara an odd look. "It's too bad. I like her," with that, she turned around and headed towards her horse. Richard turned and looked to Zedd. He shrugged in response, not really knowing what the women had been up to. Richard stood up and headed in Kahlan's direction.
He caught up to her in a few minutes and stood beside her, "what just happened?" he questioned, "what did you say?"
Kahlan's answer came calmly, "I threatened her." She stated simply.
Richard rolled his eyes, "I gathered that, Kahlan, but what did you say exactly?"
Kahlan opened her eyes and glared at him. She turned to face him, "Seeing as though you are incapable of making rational decisions right now, somebody has to watch out for our well-being…for your well-being. I told her what she needed to hear. Leave it at that." Richard was taken back. He frowned at her
"Kahlan, I…" He tried, she cut him off.
Kahlan walked closer to him, "I said, leave it at that, Richard," she walked past him in a huff. Richard stiffened. Zedd had always told him that Confessors were used to not being talked back to and that they were used to people doing their bidding. Kahlan had never shown that side of her until now. It took him off guard. He decided it was best to leave it and headed back towards his horse, being careful not to bother Kahlan anymore.
They had been travelling all day and still had not yet reached the D'Haran prison. Zedd's complaining was becoming more insistent as the sun slowly started making its way down towards the horizon. They were all tired, hungry and cold.
"What good would we be even if we get to the D'Haran prison right now?" Zedd complained, "We haven't eaten, were freezing and I'm slowly getting more and more drowsy. I think it would be best if we stop for the night." He proclaimed, after a much anticipated yawn escaped his aged lips.
Richard rolled his eyes at his grandfather's impatience, though he knew the old man to be right. Even his stomach was growling and he knew the rest of them must be hungry as well. He stopped his horse and scanned the surrounding area. He looked back to Cara who had an unreadable look on her face. Kahlan looked as though she could sleep right then and there on her horse. He gave her a worried look and spoke, "All right. As much as I don't like it, we'll camp out for the night. There's a clearing over there to the north," he pointed with his index finger, "we can stay there and rest. Then we head out again as soon as day breaks."
Kahlan nodded in response to him. Zedd remarked with enthusiasm, "Now you're thinking!" he clicked his tongue and his horse took off towards the clearing, Cara following behind. Richard looked at Kahlan, waiting for her to take off. He had given her her space today, not engaging her in any conversation as he thought that would be best. Her conversation with Cara had clearly made Kahlan very upset. That plus Kahlan's over-tiredness probably didn't help. He knew if Cara backed off a bit they could get along. Cara wouldn't try annoying her as much if she knew Kahlan wouldn't be bothered by it. Problem was, Kahlan always reacted to it.
He wasn't used to Kahlan getting upset with him. With her being so stern with him back at the stream had thrown him off a bit. He knew she didn't mean to be so ire with him, but still. It was difficult for him to comprehend. Plus the way she treated him made him realize just the woman she was used to being - a woman who got her way when demanded.
Kahlan pushed her horse past him and took off towards Zedd and Cara. Richard shook his head women! and took off behind her.
She hadn't meant to be so stern with Richard; her grouchiness had gotten the best of her and she was annoyed past reason by the time he spoke to her. She wasn't ready to give him a more respectful response. She felt terrible for treating him that way. Her head was pounding by now and all she ached to do was lie down and sleep. Kahlan glanced up from brushing her horse to glance towards Richard's direction. He was speaking with Cara.
Cara…that woman could make her so mad! Kahlan let out a breath; as much as Cara annoyed her, Kahlan knew what she was doing today. Cara wasn't trying to nettle her as usual. Cara was trying to see just how important the Seeker was to her and had to make sure that Kahlan would protect him with her life, as Cara would do if he was the Lord Rahl. She understood; Cara had to make certain Kahlan wouldn't put any one's life before the seekers. She felt as if they had formed a mutual respect for each other. All it took was a couple of heated words.
Kahlan turned her head back towards her task at hand. She felt that she really needed to apologize to Richard. But how? The man made her so tongue-tied at times. A simple woods guide making the Mother Confessor tongue-tied. Her mother wouldn't be too impressed, she laughed in spite of herself.
"Something funny?" Richard asked as he came up behind her, offering her horse some berries. He had noticed Kahlan smiling for the first time today. It was a nice surprise to say the least. Kahlan wiped the smirk off her face and rested her arm against the horse as she looked up into his brown eyes.
"Richard, could we possibly talk for a moment?" she questioned. He gave her a look of complete and utter love and devotion. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Of course, Kahlan," she loved the way he said her name. Even something as simple as a name said by him brought her joy. She didn't know how she would ever leave him.
"Thank you," she stated. He put her hand on her arm and led her out of hearing distance from Zedd and Cara. They sat next to each other on a boulder that overlooked a massive valley. If they squinted, you could see tiny deer and elk darting across, seeking shelter for the cool night.
Kahlan was fidgeting with her dress as she began to speak, "I wanted to apologize," she started, "for the way I treated you today. I fear my patience finally wore thin over my lack of sleep and I took it out on you," she looked up at him, "and Cara."
Richard let out a breath as he gazed across the beautiful landscape that surrounded them. "You had me worried for a bit there, Mother Confessor," he spoke her name in love, "here I thought I had done something wrong and that I needed to apologize. I guess you have that affect on people – making them realize their mistakes…my mistakes." He smiled at her. "I understand, Kahlan. You did not get enough sleep last night and Cara can be…frustrating at times for certain. She is a good person once you get past the tough layer she puts up."
"I know," Kahlan whispered. "I do have troubles trusting her but I will make an effort…for your sake," she stated, looking away from his eyes. The sun was now officially set and the moon shone down on them like a comforting blanket against the dark forest. Richard smiled at her. The way the moonlight reflected off her translucent face made her look truly angelic. Her beautiful blue eyes sparkled against the light and her full-bodied hair drifted softly with the gentle wind that caressed them. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his chest.
She allowed herself the comfort of his warm embrace, leaning her head against him as she took in the view beyond. He rubbed her arms to try and warm her against the cool fall air. "Kahlan," he started, "what's it like being a Confessor in the Midlands. I mean, I get what your power can do…believe me, I understand that part really well," he scoffed, "what I mean is, what exactly do Confessor's do in a political sense?" he wanted to know. The way she had treated him earlier and the way Zedd often told him of how important Confessor's were and that they are used to getting what they wish when asked made him realize Kahlan was much more than he originally had thought.
Kahlan pulled away from him for a moment. She let out a breath and looked down at her hands, "Confessor's help aid the Mother Confessor with her role" she stated.
"And what role does the Mother Confessor have?" he questioned, obviously really curious.
Kahlan looked really uncomfortable, "the Mother Confessor controls all Confessors. The Mother Confessor's job is to run the Midlands. The Mother Confessor makes sure all of the Midlands are abiding by their laws"
"I thought that's what a Council was for, or Queens and Kings," he stated, giving her a quizzical look.
"Kings and Queens bow to the Mother Confessor, Richard. They all must obey my bidding," she stated flatly. She could feel his eyes on her go wide.
If Kahlan looked uncomfortable, Richard looked as though he'd just seen a ghost. "You…command Kings and Queens?" his mouth was open, "I guess that explains a lot," he stated, meaning their past excursions. "Why Confessors though?"
Kahlan looked to him, "because. Nobody can lie to us. We can see through lies and demand the truth. We are taught from childhood the importance of structure, of laws. We understand how important it is to maintain a society within these laws. We are taught to be the source of justice, the source of truth for all the Midlands. We protect and maintain the policies and truths. They are incapable of fighting us- should one of them try to rebel, we would simply confess one in their battalion. One by one we would take them down. Every ruler knows this in the Midlands. None would try it- it would be futile." She grabbed his hand when she saw the expression on his face. "Richard, don't you forget," she smiled up at him, "that the Mother Confessor - this Mother Confessor - bows down to you. I am sworn to protect you. It's part of my job, too. I don't think you realize just how important you are," she whispered, pulling his gaze to her eyes. Richard stared into her beautiful blues.
"Sworn to protect me…the Mother Confessor herself," he smiled down at her. His smile faltered, "I must admit, I'm a tad bit embarrassed knowing this. You must be used to so much more than just…this." He pointed with his chin towards the camp. "Sleeping on the hard dirt floor is not something the Mother Confessor is used to."
Kahlan smiled and him and put her hand against his warm cheek, "I would sleep anywhere if it was with you," she admitted. He smiled and put his hand over hers and kissed the back of it.
"And I, you," he ran his hand through her hair and rested it on the back of her neck, rubbing it. He leaned his head forward and rested his forehead against hers. "You need some sleep," he stated at seeing her tired eyes. She pulled away and nodded.
"Yes, that would probably be a good idea," she yawned. He stood up first and held his hand out for her. She took it gratefully and they headed back to the camp. Zedd and Cara were already lying down when they got back. Richard pulled out kahlan's bedding and laid it out for her. She smiled in gratitude to him and lay down on the mat. He laid down next to her and propped himself up on an elbow as he looked down at her.
"I love you, Kahlan," he whispered as she shut her eyes. She swallowed hard and looked up at him.
"Richard, don't do this to your…" Richard shut her up as he leaned forward and met his lips to hers. He kissed her gently, his hand running through her thick mass of hair. At first she didn't respond. After a couple seconds, she responded in kind, wrapping her arms around his neck. She always felt dizzy when he kissed her. The way his lips were so gentle and soft against hers. For such a powerful man, he made sure to be gentle with her. He pulled away and looked down at her.
"You were saying?" he questioned. She rolled her eyes.
"Richard…get some sleep," she scolded and turned to her side. He laughed quietly and lay down on his bed.
"One day, Kahlan," he whispered as he looked over at her, "One day I will find a way…" Kahlan looked away from him and let out a breath. She pulled her blanket over her and bit her bottom lip as tears starting forming in her eyes.
"No, Richard," she whispered to herself, a knife stabbing at her heart. "There is no way."