Chapter 4:

I DON'T OWN LEGEND OF THE SEEKER!

In about an hour the wagon pulled up to desolate two story stone building. The grass in front was dead and the windows dirty. Kahlan could almost feel sadness and loss radiating off it.

"Come on girls." Milda said to them. The constable helped both girls and Milda down.

The constable knocked on the door. It was soon answered by a small, plump woman who had a nose like a pigs and little black eyes.

She spoke with a high pitched voice, "These the confessors?"

"Yes, Gretel" Milda said. "This is Dennee and this is Kahlan."

"That one looks a little old." She gestured towards Kahlan.

"She'll be 18 in four months." The constable hastily explained.

"Bring them in." Gretel said.

Kahlan walked into the building. The inside smelt like soiled milk and rotting vegetables. As she walked down the hall, dirty faces peered out at her from behind the doors.

The group walked into a disorganized office. It had no windows and was filled to the brim with papers.

Gretel sat behind her desk. Milda and the constable signed a few papers.

Milda looked at Kahlan and Dennee. She pulled them both into an embrace. "It's going to be okay." She whispered. She gave both girls one last look before leaving them.

After the door closed, Gretel became ever more stately. "Listen," She said. "These are the rules. You will not run. You will not shout, and you will not leave the building without my permission. You will do exactly as you are told without hesitation. You will speak only when spoken too and you will not act out. There will be no fighting. Do I make myself clear?"

Both Kahlan and Dennee nodded.

"Good. Also, if ether one of you even thinks about confessing anyone, I'll make sure you loose total use of your hands. Do I make myself clear?"

More nodding.

"This way." Gretel said. She lead them to the second floor of the building. She opened the door to one of the rooms. "You," she pointed at Dennee, "Will be in here. First pallet on the left. Go."

Dennee looked at Kahlan. Kahlan nodded and tried to give her an encouraging smile. Dennee was soon out of sight.

The two woman walked a few more passes until they reached another door. "You're in here." Gretel said. "The empty mat in the middle."

"When will I see my sister?" Kahlan asked.

Gretel's eyes narrowed. "You just broke a rule." She shoved Kahlan into the room .

Kahlan sat down on the thin mat, thinking about Dennee. Were they better off here? Did she do the right thing?

"Ay," Another girl whispered. Kahlan turned her head to look at the girl. She was thin but tall, at least six feet. She was muscular as well. She had short brown hair and blue eyes. "You new? Or did you just age up?"

"I'm new." Kahlan whispered back. "Do you mean you don't see any of the other age groups?" Kahlan asked, fear creeping into her voice.

"Not really. What, you got a sister?"

"Yes." Kahlan answered.

"Don't worry. I've got a little brother. Once I'm out of this hell hole I'm coming for him. Names's Rick by the way."

"I'm Kahlan."

"Don't worry. All this will be over soon." Rick said. "What happened that got you in here?"

Kahlan thought that question was a little intrusive but she answered it anyway. "My dad was an abusive ass." Kahlan said. "You?"

"Street kid. Never knew my parents." Rick answered. "What do you like to do?"

Kahlan paused. "I don't know."

"I love to read. Even got some illegal books if you want to read them. Do you like to read?" Ricks face light up at the mention of her beloved books.

"I can't." Kahlan answered, her face turning red as she did so.

"What?" Rick said, a little confused.

"Read. I can't read. My father never sent us to school." Kahlan said, voice small.

"Well, then I'll just have to teach ya." Rick replied with a smile.

"Really?" Kahlan asked, astonished. It was the kindest thing anyone has ever offered her.

"Yeah. We can start tomorrow. It's late, you must be tired." Rick said. "Anyway, that witch is going to come by soon anyway."

As if on command, Gretel opened the door. "Get to bed. Not a sound." She warned, slamming the door behind her.

"The first night is the worst, you got twelve girls in the same room. Somethings bound to go down." Rick said, giving Kahlan a playful smile.

"Thank you." Kahlan whispered.

"No problem."

With that Kahlan pulled the thin blanket over herself, a small smile on her face. She was going to learn to read.

Wow, two chapters in a day. Don't expect this two often, okay? So, Rick. She is definitely going to be the most fun to write. So, R+R!

THANKS-

The Professor.