Chapter 10

"Bags! Where is that blasted thing! It's got be here somewhere!"

Hearing his agitated voice drifting from the library in a heated wave of obscenities, Cara stopped in the doorway to check on the First Wizard. They had seen so little of him since Lord Rahl and Kahlan had left for Kandahar. She had wanted to see how he was doing and by the sounds of it, not very well at the moment.

She knew that he had thrown himself fully into the search for the missing Quillian, working long into the night tracking the magical signature. She couldn't begin to imagine where that damned device had wound up.

"What's wrong?" Cara asked as she entered to find Zedd in the throes of an intense search, books being shoved aside, maps and papers strewn everywhere. It looked as if a tornado had suddenly erupted inside the room.

"I can't find the map that I want!" he angrily growled, not even pausing to look at the Mord'Sith.

"Which map are you looking for?" she asked as she knelt down to gather up the papers scattered all over the floor, her red leather creaking softly with her movements.

"The one that has the layout of the tunnels underneath the south wing of the Palace," he grumbled, his bushy white eyebrows knitted tightly together.

"It has to be here somewhere," Cara told him.

"Well of course it has to be here somewhere. Why else would I be looking for it here?" he groused.

Cara paused, quirking an eyebrow at the Wizard, surprised by his irate rampage. She had seen him upset before but never directed at her. Standing to her feet, she carefully placed the papers she'd gathered on top of the table.

Zedd drew a deep breath, dropping into a chair in defeat with an agitated huff. "I'm sorry, my dear," he shook his head in regret. "I have no right taking my frustrations out on you. None of this is your fault."

"What's wrong?" she asked, sitting down in a chair across from him, wondering exactly how she had suddenly become the calm voice of reason and logic around here for everyone.

"I lost the signature again. Just when I thought that I was coming close to finding it, the trail ran cold."

"I'm sure that you'll pick up on it again. You and Nicci have lost it before only to find it later," she reminded him. "I think that you need to take a break, maybe go see Paige and Priya for a while. You've been working on this almost non-stop since they left."

"I can't stop," he crossly informed her, a sour look on his wrinkly face. "I want to find it before Kahlan returns and insists that the search be abandoned."

"You could still secretly continue to search for it after they return," she suggested.

"I can't do that to her, my dear," he firmly said. "I can't betray her trust like that. It's bad enough that I haven't been able to restore her magic for her without doing something like that behind her back."

"Zedd, Kahlan will understand. She's already coming to accept that she may never regain her magic."

"But she shouldn't have to," he scowled. "We can't let the line of Confessors end, Cara."

"Paige and Priya are Confessors. They'll be able to have daughters some day. It doesn't end with Kahlan."

"And what are we supposed to do in the meantime while we wait for them to grow up?" he demanded to know. "The ramifications of this are far reaching, even more so than just continuing the line of Confessors. This could prove more disastrous than any of us can even begin to imagine."

"Zedd, what are you saying?" Cara warily asked, her green eyes narrowing. A sudden chill trembled through her as his ominous words hung heavily in the air. There was something more that he wasn't telling her.

Zedd closed his eyes as he leaned his head back against the chair as if contemplating whether to let her in on his little secret or not. He looked worn, the wrinkles lining his face seemed to run deeper. She knew that he felt helpless. They all did.

"Zedd?" she repeated a little more forcefully when he did not respond to her question. He looked as if he had drifted off to sleep.

"It's nothing, Cara," he finally replied, his voice heavy with grief. "Just the ramblings of an old wizard who has seen too much over the years."

Cara appraised him for a long moment, trying to decide whether to force him to talk or not. She knew how much he and Richard were alike. There was no use trying to push them into something they weren't ready to do. And he obviously wasn't ready to divulge whatever was weighing so heavily on his mind.

"It's very serious, isn't it?" Cara cautiously ventured.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, opening his eyes to look at her, his head still resting against the back of the chair.

"Whatever it is that you're not ready to tell me yet."

Zedd closed his eyes, the room deadly silent for several long moments before he finally replied. "Yes, it is," he quietly said, releasing a ragged sigh.

"Then we better get to work finding that map," Cara told him, standing to her feet as she began shuffling through the piles scattered all over the table.

Opening one eye, he watched as the Mord'Sith rifled through papers, restacking books as she searched for the map that he needed. He couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at the corners of his lips as he silently watched her. Cara had come so very far since the first day he had met her. It had been an amazing transformation, a cold hard-hearted warrior becoming such a beautiful woman both inside and out.

He wanted so badly to tell her what he had come to realize was the truth, but he couldn't. Not yet until he had proof at least. He wanted to know for certain before he told them that their worst nightmare was in danger of becoming a reality.

Although devastating as it was, this was far greater than just Kahlan losing her magic.

XXX

"Lord Rahl, Master of D'Hara and Seeker of Truth," Iowan bowed respectfully in greeting as Richard approached the entrance. "It is an extreme privilege to meet you. I'm so glad that you chose to accept my invitation to come visit Kandahar. I am Sovereign Iowan Aerona, my Lord."

"Sovereign," Richard pleasantly nodded as he came to a stop before the tall man standing on the top step outside of the Palace. "I appreciate your generous invitation."

The Sovereign saluted the Lord Rahl, his fist meeting his chest as he bowed his head once more. "It is a great honor to finally meet the Seeker of Truth who saved the world twice, the one who will bring D'Hara back to the glory that it once was."

"My wife and I plan on doing our best to make that happen," Richard smiled, turning to take Kahlan's hand in his as she came up the steps behind him. "This is my wife, the Mother Confessor, Kahlan Amnell Rahl," he introduced, pride permeating his voice as he introduced her.

The Sovereign stared in wonder as a tall beautiful woman dressed in dark leather came to stand beside Lord Rahl, her hand grasping his. Her straight raven hair fell over her shoulders, her fair skin a stunning contrast, her eyes the bluest that he had ever seen.

It suddenly felt as if he was drifting through a dream, the world coming to a halt as he unconsciously took a step forward, his legs moving of their own volition as he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. He couldn't tear his eyes off of her. There was something so different about her, something that he had never witnessed before in another woman, at least not to this degree.

There was great strength and character in her deportment, intelligence in her eyes, elegance and nobility in her every movement. He suddenly forgot how his own name as he finally released her hand.

Richard's eyes narrowed as he watched the Sovereign turn from confident and poised to flustered as soon as he met Kahlan. He didn't appreciate the way Iowan's eyes were locked on his wife, the desire that had suddenly ignited in his gaze. The Seeker tightened his hold on his wife's hand as his jealousy began to stir.

He could never stop the jealousy that roared to life inside of him when men found Kahlan attractive. She was very beautiful, the most exquisite woman he had ever met. He really couldn't fault other men for admiring her striking looks. Spirits knew that he had fallen in love with her the moment he had met her.

He also detested the way that confessed men swooned over her, groveling at her feet with utter devotion and adoration. That was one part of her magic that he would definitely not miss, but still he would gladly do everything he could to get it back for her because it was a part of who she was.

"It is a great pleasure to finally meet you, Mother Confessor," he softly said, afraid to test his voice as he lost himself in her blue eyes.

"Thank you for the invitation, Sovereign Aerona," Kahlan warmly smiled, feeling Richard stiffen beside her. "You have a very beautiful city."

"Thank you, Mother Confessor," he smiled in return, completely taken by the woman standing before him. He was finding it difficult to make his mind work, to remember the lines that he had rehearsed for hours on end. He'd never met a woman who had affected him like this before, stirring something so deep and primitive inside of him.

"Please, call me Kahlan," she insisted.

Iowan slowly nodded his head in response, a soft smile on his lips, pleased to have been granted the honor of calling her by her first name.

"And this is our friend, Sister Nicci," Richard suddenly announced, interrupting the moment as he nodded to the sorceress on the other side of Kahlan.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well," Iowan politely greeted her as he turned to acknowledge her, taking her hand and kissing it as well.

"Thank you, Sovereign," Nicci replied, glancing to her left and noticing the jealousy that had filled the Seeker's eyes.

"Would you please follow me inside?" the Sovereign asked, meeting Kahlan's eyes once more. "I'm sure you would like something to eat and some time to rest after your long journey."

"Thank you," Richard coolly replied. "It would be much appreciated. I would like to get my wife settled before we meet."

"Actually, we have a celebration planned for you this evening in your honor," Iowan informed him. "I thought we could meet to discuss business sometime tomorrow afternoon after you've had a chance to take a tour of Kandahar."

"That sounds lovely," Kahlan replied as they followed their host. "I'm anxious to see your city. It is quite a remarkable place for such a barren environment."

"We have worked very hard at making Kandahar what it is today. I'm quite proud of what the Kandaharan people have been able to accomplish," Iowan informed her, pausing for them to catch up so he could walk beside the Mother Confessor.

Richard walked on the other side of Kahlan, holding her hand with a scowl on his face. He was beginning to wonder if this little trip had been such a good idea after all. Of course, he had no one to blame but himself. It had been his insistence that had brought them here.

"I will have my men bring your things to your suite," the Sovereign offered. "I hope that you will find your accommodations to your liking. It's not the People's Palace, but I hope that you will enjoy your stay here with us."

"I'm sure it will be fine," Richard responded.

"I will have rooms available for your Mord'Sith as well so that they may be near you, but I can assure you that you are quite safe here. Just in case, though, I have doubled our security just for your peace of mind."

"You can coordinate security through Mistress Rachel," Richard told him. "She is in charge of the Mord'Sith while we are here in Kandahar."

"As you wish, Lord Rahl," Iowan nodded his head.

They continued to make their way through the Palace in companionable silence, each lost in their thoughts. Kahlan was startled to find the Palace to be quite beautiful inside. The marble floors were gleaming as sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains hanging in the windows.

Paintings lined the walls, statues as well as the finest art was displayed everywhere she her gaze fell. She was certain that she wouldn't be able to find a speck of dirt anywhere in the entire place. They had obviously worked very hard, making sure that everything was perfect for their arrival.

She had a feeling that it was all because of the man escorting them to their suite. Even without her magic, she could tell that Iowan Aerona was a very meticulous man just by the clothes that he wore and the way that he carried himself. He obviously maintained a measure of control over everything and everyone, dictating how things should be done.

It was necessary for a person in authority over others to be in complete control. It was how that dictatorship was carried out that decided whether or not he proved to be an excellent ruler, confirming the type of man that he truly was on the inside. She imagined that they would find out soon enough at the celebration tonight when she observed him with his staff. Until then, she would reserve all judgment.

Coming to a stop before a large set of double doors, Iowan turned towards his guests. "This will be your quarters while you are here, Lord Rahl," the Sovereign announced to them, opening the doors and leading them inside a magnificently decorated suite. "I hope this will suffice during your stay here."

"It's quite lovely," Kahlan replied as she wandered about the large greeting room. "Thank you, Sovereign."

"Please, call me Iowan," he softly told her with a smile. "I have taken the liberty to have food delivered to your room for you. If you should need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let the staff know and I will see to it at once."

"We will, Iowan," Richard replied with a clipped tone, emphasizing the Sovereign's name as his hand fell to the hilt of his sword.

"Sister Nicci, if you will follow me, I will get you situated in a suite across the hall," Iowan abruptly informed her as if just realizing that he was not alone in the room with the Mother Confessor. "I will send the staff for you for the celebration tonight. In the meantime, please feel free to explore the Palace. We want you to feel as much at home here as if you were back at the People's Palace."

"Thank you," the Seeker said, casting a glance at Nicci that told her to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. "I'm sure we'll be very comfortable here."

Nicci nodded her head ever so subtly, letting him know that she fully understood his meaning. The Sovereign had already set the Seeker off, putting him on edge. She would hate for anything else to happen during their stay here.

Kahlan watched as Iowan and Nicci left their suite, closing the door behind them. She suddenly turned towards her husband, fisting his tunic and kissing him hard. Richard was taken aback by his wife but quickly responded, slipping his arms around her and pulling her flush against him. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss, relieved to finally be alone with her.

"You are very handsome when you're jealous, Seeker," she huskily murmured before kissing him again.

Breathing heavily, Richard whispered kisses along her cheekbone before finding her ear. "I don't like other men staring at my beautiful wife like that. I was about to run the Sovereign through with my sword with the way he kept looking at you."

"You know that you have nothing to worry about," she smiled softly, enjoying how jealous he became sometimes. It set her blood on fire with how truly passionate he was about her, how protective he was of her.

"I know, but I still hate the way other men look at you as if you were a prize to be had. You belong to me and no one else," he adamantly declared. "It was bad enough having confessed men falling at your feet without having the unconfessed doing the same."

Kahlan could feel his body grow tense in her arms with his words. She pulled him into another kiss to ease his annoyance, pulling his bottom lip between her teeth before beginning a delicious descent down his throat and bringing him back to the moment with her. He exhaled deeply, tilting his head back as his eyes fell closed, bringing a smile to her lips.

She kissed her way back up to his mouth, nipping at his lip again before drawing it into her mouth. "That will have to hold you over until tonight," Kahlan softly told him as she pulled back. "I'm going to get cleaned up now. I just want to get out of these clothes right now."

Burying his hands in her hair, he kissed her again before reluctantly releasing her. She was torturing him, getting him all worked up just to make him wait, but he knew that the wait would be more than worth it.

"And then you need to rest. You look tired. You going to need your energy for what I have planned for you tonight after the banquet."

"I'll rest only as long as you promise to hold me while I sleep," she murmured against his lips.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," he said as she pulled out of his embrace.

Richard watched her as she made her way to the next room, pausing to look over her shoulder at him and giving him the smile that always melted his heart. He could hardly wait until he could be with her tonight, completely at each other's mercy.

XXX

"Where is Nolan?" Iowan hissed, angered by his cousin's absence.

"I've not seen him, sir," Andreas responded, trying to keep up with the storming pace with which the Sovereign was now moving.

"Probably bedding more of my female staff," he growled under his breath. "You find him and tell him that he had better be at the dinner tonight or he'll find himself down in the caverns…permanently."

"Yes, Sovereign," Andreas patiently replied.

This was not the first tirade that he had witnessed and it certainly would not be the last.

"I will not let him ruin all of the work that I have put into this," he continued to rant, fuming like a raging tornado through the Palace.

He and Nolan had always been close, but he was not about to let anything get in his way now. Not Duncan down in the caverns in charge of the mining. Not the residents of Kandahar. Definitely not Nolan. Not even the Lord Rahl himself would keep him from getting what he wanted now, what he deserved.

And after meeting Kahlan Amnell Rahl, he had found something else that he was determined to have.