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Retribution (Chapter 9)

"Come and get them! Five for a bargain!"

"Fresh apples! Fresh red apples! Get them while they last! Apples! Get away from there, kid!" the vendor growled.

"Spices! Get the best spices in the Midlands! Can't make a great stew without spices!" a man yelled above the sounds of the bustling crowd, stopping long enough to dab the sweat from his brow with his handkerchief.

The booming voices of the vendors advertising their wares filled the marketplace as people busily moved about, picking out their purchases. The warm summer sun still shined brightly, hinting at the heat it had brought earlier in the day.

As they entered the market square, voices suddenly began to soften as people came to an abrupt stop in their chores and errands. A hush swept over the crowd, soft murmurings scattered here and there as townspeople began bowing in reverence for the unexpected arrival. Even though not dressed in her white Confessor's gown which was the symbol of her status and authority, Kahlan was still recognized by the gathered crowd of people. No one had hair like the Mother Confessor.

Cara warily surveyed the crowds, keeping an eye out for any potential threat or danger to the Mother Confessor as she kept a tight hold on her agiel at her waist. She had sworn to protect Kahlan with her life and she intended to keep every word of that promise.

She was in awe of the overwhelming humble respect and admiration that was being shown to Kahlan. Even though she knew of the authority and responsibility that came with the position of being Mother Confessor, it was put into a whole new light when she actually observed it being demonstrated. After spending months on end in the search for the Stone of Tears, after countless nights spent sleeping on the hard forest floor, of sharing duties of cooking, hunting, and just surviving, it was a little intimidating to witness the actual reverential status that Kahlan truly possessed.

Kahlan had never used her authority over her except for when she had been put on trial and even then she had shown her compassion beyond imagination by giving her life back to her. She had never flaunted her status, shirked her responsibilities, or acted superior than everyone else. Instead, Kahlan had always willingly performed whatever had to be done, thinking only of others, placing the wellbeing of the other three before herself. She had sacrificially given, asking nothing in return. And she had grown to be a trusted companion and friend.

Cara swallowed the lump that had unexpectedly formed in her throat as she considered just how much she had come to value Kahlan's friendship. She felt sadness for what the Mother Confessor had already endured with the loss of her baby. Seeing Kahlan overwhelmed with anguish when Denna took Richard from her, it was all Cara could do not to physically tear Denna in two. She had hurt her friend, injected Kahlan with poison, and took Richard from her. Cara had sworn on her life at that moment that she would do whatever it took to keep Kahlan alive, to make sure Richard made it back to her.

Cara wondered how Richard was fairing with Denna. There was no predicting what she was really up to, what she was really after or if she would even keep her word and give Richard the medicine necessary to save Kahlan's life. She just hoped he returned before it was too late.

People began bowing as they passed, averting their eyes and murmuring words of admiration and greetings to the Mother Confessor. Kahlan smiled kindly, thanking them for their warm welcome, telling them to stand to their feet. Despite the growing effects of the poison that coursed through her body and the painful anguish that consumed her heart, Kahlan kept her Confessor's face firmly in place. She was determined to show Aydindril the strength and reassurance that they needed from her at that moment. Responsibility took center stage as her grief was shoved aside, locked down deep in the recesses of her heart to be dealt with later when she was all alone in her bed at night.

Zedd followed closely behind, pausing momentarily to snatch an apple while the dealer was distracted. It was not like they didn't deserve a little snack after all they had been through for the good of Aydindril and the Midlands.

Cara turned to see him catching up to them as he took a large bite of his apple. Rolling her eyes, she huffed, "We have more important things to take care of right now then your stomach."

"I have to keep my strength up. You wouldn't want me to be so weak from hunger that I collapse now would you?" Zedd replied with a devilish grin as he munched away. "Besides, we won't be able to do anything until we get to the Confessor's Palace."

"Just keep an eye on Kahlan. The poison is affecting her more than she's letting on."

"I can tell; you can see it in her eyes though she tries to hide it," Zedd answered, full of concern for his friend. She was like a granddaughter to him. The thought of losing her grieved him as much as the thought of losing Richard.

As they approached the Confessor's Palace, guards began pouring through the entrance onto the palace steps to greet the Mother Confessor. A towering man came forward to stand at the entrance, waiting for Kahlan and her companions. He was as tall as Zedd, but not as thin nor near as old. He was a powerful man about Richard's age, his hair a golden brown and his eyes hazel. Obviously the commander of the army of Aydindril, he was handsome and his presence commanding.

As Kahlan approached, Commander Bennett saluted her before speaking. "Mother Confessor, this is a surprise. We weren't expecting you. You should have sent word that you were arriving today. We could have prepared a proper welcome."

"That is not necessary, Commander…"

"Commander Bennett, Mother Confessor," he quickly offered, his voice deep and powerful.

"We have bigger concerns at the moment. There is an army of Mord'Sith that may be plotting an attack to take over Aydindril," Kahlan wearily replied, fatigue beginning to put a strain on her thoughts. It was beginning to grow more difficult putting her thoughts together into coherent sentences.

The Commander warily cast a glance at Cara, sizing her up before returning his focus to the Mother Confessor. "I will prepare the army and the city at once."

"Thank you, Commander. I want Cara to go with you. Listen to her, follow whatever she tells you to do as if it were me giving the orders."

"But Mother Confessor…she's…" he softly replied, somewhat unnerved by her orders to listen to a Mord'Sith when they were about to be attacked by them.

"She's my friend and I trust her with my life, Commander. I expect you to listen to her regardless of who she used to be," Kahlan adamantly ordered him, her eyes flashing with frustration. Her head was throbbing mercilessly in unison with the pounding of her heart.

"Yes, Mother Confessor, as you wish," he firmly responded, straightening his posture with a renewed resolve to follow the Mother Confessor's word to the letter. He would not let her down.

"I think it would be better if I stayed with you," Cara muttered to her as she stood at her side. She had been startled by Kahlan's absolute faith in her, to put her equal with the Commander of the army. She knew that Kahlan trusted her, but it was different actually hearing the words being spoken. At the same time, she did not like the idea of letting Kahlan out of her sight. She had promised Lord Rahl to protect her. She couldn't very well do that if she were traipsing all over Aydindril with the army.

"Cara, I need you to go with Commander Bennett. You know how the Mord'Sith think and what they could be planning if they do attack. Besides, Zedd will no doubt be a thorn in my side, following me around everywhere I go." Kahlan cast a faint smile at the Wizard who stood on the other side of Cara. She had no doubt that Richard had made Zedd promise to take care of her as well as Cara. The thought of Richard brought a sudden sadness to her eyes, tears threatening to appear.

"Send for me immediately if anything happens or changes," Cara heatedly said to Zedd. She did not like this one bit, but at least the Wizard would be with her.

"You have my word," Zedd replied under his breath.

Kahlan quickly pushed past the Commander, her resolve becoming like steel once more as she made her way into the Confessor's Palace. It felt good to be home again. Holding her head high, her dark warrior outfit creating an air of strength and power, Kahlan refused to let them see her pain, to see her fall apart. Despite her anger, her fear and sorrow, she was above all else the Mother Confessor and she had a duty to perform regardless of her desperate need for her Seeker and lover.

XXX

People casually wandered the streets, no real purpose or destination in mind. Evening was slowly approaching and businesses were starting to close up shop for the night. If they were to gather any useful information it would have to come from the tavern that would be open regardless of the hour.

As they walked the quiet streets of Ashtoncroft, Richard's mind was occupied only with thoughts of Kahlan. He hoped that they had made it Aydindril and that she was safe within the confines of the Confessor's Palace. He ached to be with her, to see where she lived, to know everything there was possible about her. Although he felt he knew her better than he knew himself, he realized that there was still much about her childhood that he did not know. He planned on spending the rest of his life remedying that once the Stone of Tears was found and the Keeper was defeated once and for all.

"What?"

"I said that I think the tavern is down this way," Denna repeated more loudly this time as she stared at him.

"I think you're right," Richard mumbled in response, having been torn from his thoughts. He couldn't have cared less at that point. He just wanted to find this so-called magical water, get the medicine, and make it to Aydindril before he lost Kahlan forever.

As he followed the Mord'Sith, he let his thoughts return to the night before when he had left with Denna. The devastation it had caused Kahlan shattered his heart. She had been so furious and hurt, but he preferred it to her death. He just hoped that she would forgive him once he returned. They had been through too much to give up on each other now.

Even though Denna's words sounded convincing, Richard knew better than to trust her completely. Something inside told him, though, that she had been truthful with him. There was no longer an air of scornful arrogance that pervaded her every movement and word. Although different, Denna had still poisoned Kahlan, endangering her life. That act alone discounted everything else in his mind.

Entering the tavern, Richard surveyed his surroundings. The inn was larger than it had appeared on the outside with a staircase leading upstairs to rooms for guests. The place was clean with only a handful of customers, a friendly fellow behind the bar, and a barmaid circling the tables, keeping the patrons' mugs full of ale.

Denna immediately made her way to the inn keeper, anxious to find out whatever information she could that would lead them to her salvation. "I am in need of some information. I have heard rumors of a magical lake containing Shadow Water that is supposedly around these parts. Would you know anything about it or where I might find it?"

"Shadow Water? That's just a myth, a legend that's been passed down for generations. People come around here all the time looking for the Shadow Water. I don't believe anyone has ever found it and if they did, I never heard about I," the inn keeper informed them. "Sorry about that, miss. Would you and your husband like a room for the night?"

"We're not married," Richard quickly spat out, grinding his teeth as he immediately stiffened.

"Yes, we would like a room for the night please," Denna interrupted him, handing the inn keeper a gold coin.

"It'll be the third door on the right. A room to get cleaned up is first door on the left," the man informed them as he eyed the two strangers.

"Thank you," Denna softly answered, lost in her own thoughts. She couldn't hide the devastation that reflected in her eyes as she turned toward the stairs.

Richard took the key before following her up to their room. He didn't know exactly what Denna had in mind, but whatever it was, he would have no part in it. He would rather face a hundred gars than betray Kahlan.

As he followed her down the hall, Denna came to a stop in front of the door to their room. Unlocking it, they entered to find one bed, a wooden chair, and a small fireplace. A small table with a wash basin and pitcher stood in the corner of the room.

"We should get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow; there will be a lot of ground to cover," Denna finally broke the silence as she made her way to the bed.

"We don't even know where to start," Richard said with an exasperated sigh as he plopped down in the wooden chair that sat next to a window. How in the name of the Creator was he supposed to find something that no one even knew for sure existed and if it did exist, where to find it? It felt like such a hopeless undertaking.

"We can't give up yet. Just because the inn keeper didn't know where it was doesn't mean it doesn't exist or that we won't be able to find it," Denna distantly replied as she slipped off her boots. She was beginning to lose hope herself, but she still had Kahlan if they didn't find it.

"So are we supposed to just start wandering all over the town and surrounding area, hoping that we stumble upon it?" he growled as he stood to his feet, anger brewing deep inside looking for an escape as he began pacing. This was beyond insane. They had no plan, no hope, and no time. Richard felt his hope dwindling with every moment that went by. He felt so helpless to save Kahlan's life.

"We keep asking around. We'll purchase a couple of horses. That will help us cover more ground in less time," Denna answered as she lay down on the far side of the bed.

Richard felt as though he were about to explode from the anger and frustration that was steadily intensifying within him. There had to be a better way to go about finding the magic-infused water. Running a hand through his hair, he released a ragged breath. "Which direction do we go? Do we start north and head south? East and then west?"

"Richard, get some sleep. We'll decide our course of action tomorrow," she yawned.

"I don't want to sleep! I want the medicine needed to save Kahlan's life! I want to know that she will be alright," he hissed.

"Then I suggest you get some sleep if you want to save your lover's life. Now, come to bed."

"I am not sharing a bed with you," he coldly replied as he moved to stare out the window.

"I want your assistance, Richard, not your body. I remember how in love you are with Kahlan and if I didn't, I could easily see it in the way you look at her. Even a blind person could tell how much you are in love with her and she is with you," Denna stated as she rolled on her side away from him, attempting to hide the pain of rejection, the memory of being unable to break him because of his infinite love for Kahlan.

Richard stared out the window at the moon, wondering if Kahlan was staring out her window thinking about him too. His heart ached as he thought about her in her bedroom in the Confessor's Palace in Aydindril, about how much he wished he was with her right now. They were supposed to be together in her bedroom, supposed to be making love to her in her bed.

He quickly shut his eyes against the wash of hot tears that sought escape. Fighting them back, he slowly made his way to the bed. Sitting on the edge, he took off his boots before lying down next to the Mord'Sith that held the fate of his future in her hands; hands that held Kahlan's very life. He slowly turned onto his side, his back facing Denna as he tried to fall asleep. There had to be a way to find the water. If he didn't find it in time, Kahlan's death would be his fault.

XXX

Kahlan made her away around the bed, pulling her nightgown on over her head as she surveyed her bedroom. It felt so good to be home again. It was like finding a favorite blanket and wrapping up in it, absorbing its softness and warmth, feeling comforted and safe again.

Having returned to the Confessor's Palace, Kahlan had been briefed for hours on all pertinent events that had taken place since she had been away. There was much work to be done, but Zedd had quickly reminded her that it didn't need to be done all in one day.

Zedd had stayed right by her side since they had arrived, but Kahlan had finally been able to extricate herself from his constant company after telling him she was going to bed for the night. The poison was gradually building, its effects steadily building in her system. Starting out with a constant headache, dizziness soon followed with exhaustion overtaking her by dinner that night.

She rubbed her hands up and down her arms in an effort to create warmth. Chills vibrated throughout her body causing her teeth to chatter at times. Whatever poison that Denna had injected her with was certainly taking its toll already and she still had two more days until it claimed her life.

Stopping to close an open window, Kahlan peered out into the midnight sky. Staring at the moon beaming brightly overhead, Kahlan sighed as thoughts of Richard tore at her heart. He stayed within her heart and mind, thoughts of him a constant companion. Tears began to stream down her cheeks as loneliness and sorrow mingled in her soul. Her heart ached with the separation from him, wishing he was here with her now.

After several moments, Kahlan finally made her way to her bed. Lying down, she rolled onto her side and stared sadly at the emptiness that lay beside her. Reaching over, she lightly glided her fingers over the cool satin sheets and the vacant space where Richard should be. Grabbing the other pillow, she wrapped her arms around it, hugging it tightly to her as she cried herself to sleep.