They rode for what felt like days before Irwin brought them to a stop.

"We are about an hour's walk from Rahl's palace and my men will be joining us soon, I think it's time we make to look like a capture" Irwin said

"No you wait for your men, I'm going on ahead"

"Do you really think that's a good idea?"

"I don't care if it's a good idea or not. But that's what I'm doing." Richard said calmly.

"As you wish Seeker" Irwin said "I will do what I can to help you"

"No! You must act normal. If Rahl tells you to do something you do it. If Rahl tells you to kill me you must do it" Richard said quietly

"But…As you wish seeker. But I pray it does not come you that" Irwin finally said

Once he had his agreement Richard was off, he didn't waste time with goodbyes. Richard rode hard and within the hour he was at the gates of Rahl's castle. No one stopped Richard as he entered the castle, once inside so guards joined him. Richard knew why they were there, they were his escort. Richard allowed the men to lead him to Rahl. Richard didn't know what to do, Rahl obviously had a plan, and Richard didn't. Rahl had the higher ground Richard didn't.

As Richard walked he tried to work out a plan. Think of the solution not the problem, Zedd had always said. Richard's heart sank at the thought of never seeing Zedd again; his heart broke at the idea of never being with Kahlan.

Rahl's castle was not as large as the one Richard had been in previously but under no circumstances any less grand. Richard was lead into a large courtyard. It was a massive inside garden, across from Richard about fifth teen metres in front of him was a large padded door.

"Master Rahl is thru that door" One of the guards said. And with that they left.

Richard took a moment to compose himself. He took a deep breath as he headed for the door.

Richard continued on thru the door, he didn't bother knocking, inside were the children; dirty and bloody. They were surrounded by Mord-Sith, at the head of them was Constance, Rahl was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is Rahl?" Richard demanded.

Constance said nothing as she grabbed a young girl from the group; she then proceeded to press the agiel in the young girl's forehead. The young girl let out a scream that sent a shiver down Richard spine. Eventually Constance released the girl, the girl crumbled to the ground, she didn't get up. "Ask the question properly" Constance said.

Richard's anger soared to new levels "Where is Lord Rahl Mistress Constance?" He said thru gritted teeth.

"In a safe place" Constance said with a smile.

"What?" Richard said confused.

Constance ignored Richard "Take off your shirt. I want to see if that bruise is anywhere else"

Richard didn't move.

"TAKE OFF YOUR SHIRT!" Constance yelled as she grabbed another child, Richard starting unbuttoning. He let his shirt slip off his shoulders and onto the floor. Constance took in his deep purple on his chest and stomach. "Very nice" She cooed "Don't worry though you will soon have more"

If Richard weren't so anger he would have been worried. "Where is Lord Rahl Mistress Constance?" Richard repeated.

"Did you really think that you could just swan in here and she Master Rahl? Unshackled?" She said rising an eyebrow "Speaking of shackles. Put them on" She threw him a pair of metal shackles.