Chapter 4
Soaked in the water from the stone basin, Richard forced himself to his feet. Panting heavily and trying to regain his composure, he shook uncontrollably, from cold or from fear he didn't know or care.
"Why, Shota?"
The witch woman saw his trembling and felt a tug of compassion for him. She waved a hand and Richard was suddenly dry, comforting warmth spreading over him. "Darken Rahl wants his seed in the world," she answered. "But if you give the Keeper what he wants, you can keep this from happening."
He would give anything. "And what does the Keeper want?"
"I can't answer that Richard. Only you can. I do know that the power of the pendant you now carry will help you find the answer."
Richard nodded his understanding and hung his head in exhaustion, spent from the tumult of emotions.
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Zedd and Cara had finally arrived in Aydindril and Kahlan shared with them all that had happened. Zedd told her of Shota's foretelling of the white rose, telling her the rhyme he had told to Richard. Now she understood. She was being allowed to live so she could bear a child. Kahlan trembled with the thought. She was desperate to see Richard. She needed to feel his arms around her, to hear his voice. She was terrified to tell him what she'd done; more than that - she was afraid of what might happen before he reached her.
Aside from Zedd and Cara, no one else knew of Rahl's visit. Kahlan kept the mark concealed with a more modest dress; still a white Confessor's dress, but with a neckline just high enough to cover it.
Zedd was spending all of his time in the Wizard's Keep searching the many books there for clues in their search for the Stone of Tears.
But the Mord'Sith never left her side. "You don't have to stay with me Cara."
Cara knew the Mother Confessor was trying to be strong, but she had first hand knowledge of Rahl's power and depravity. At least from when he was alive. She imagined it could only be worse now, now that he roamed the Underworld and had absolutely nothing to lose. Her reply was matter-of-fact, "He will, come for you."
Kahlan wasn't sure how Cara thought she could protect her from the dead, but she was glad to have her company just the same. She'd never felt more alone in her life. Even after Dennee's death when she'd had to travel alone through the Boundary. Cara's presence brought a small bit of comfort.
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Richard stormed through the Confessor's palace, bent on finding Kahlan. Long strides carried him down the cavernous hallways, his heavy footfalls echoing as he made his way for her room. He was impatient to see her and make sure she was alright. Anxiety gnawed at him. Where were Zedd and Cara? Why wasn't anyone around? Richard burst through the door to her room without warning. A startled Agatha greeted him.
"Where's Kahlan?" he demanded, hotly.
The wild look in his eye sent her back a step. "She had a meeting of the Confessor's Council. She's in the Council Hall."
Richard quickly made his way for the Council chamber. He took the outer promenade, the same route he and Kahlan had walked together when they'd first come to Aydindril. Her white dress caught his eye. She wasn't in the Hall; she was in the palace garden. Richard felt tears of relief sting his eyes at seeing her. As he approached the garden gate he saw Cara keeping watch from a distance. Their eyes met and she gave a curt nod. His tension eased seeing Cara was protecting her.
Kahlan looked absently over the fauna in front of her, lost deep in thought, not noticing Richard's approach when he came up close behind her.
Richard couldn't speak past the lump in his throat. He just stood staring at her, soaking her in. Kahlan finally seemed to sense his presence and turned. She instantly threw her arms around his neck, "Richard!"
He pulled her up into his arms, holding tight, his face buried in her hair. Kahlan clung to him, desperately needing his strong presence. Her feet barely touched the ground as they held to each other, feeling the other's warmth.
Finally, Richard spoke. "I'm glad you're alright," her whispered. "I was so worried about you." He kissed her lips, her cheek, along her jaw, assuring himself she was safe.
Kahlan lost all comprehension at the feel of his arms around her, at his soft lips on her skin.
Richard's kiss grew insistent with the relief of finding her safe. His lips traveled her face and along neck. Gentle fingers pulled at the collar of her dress so he could better taste her warm softness.
He suddenly froze, his tone dark. "What is this?" Though he asked, he already knew. Staring at the marred flesh above her breast he stiffened, standing tall to squarely look in her eyes, his words more forcefully demanding, "What is this, Kahlan?"
How could she tell him? Would he ever forgive her for what she'd done?
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