Chapter 10

More than a week had passed since Richard had left Aydindril. Kahlan spent much of each day being briefed by her Council on the status of the many regions throughout the Midlands. Some had fallen to D'Hara before Rahl's death and the Council worked diligently to restore the rightful rulers now that Rahl was dead.

In the evenings, she reacquainted herself with the city and its people, walking thru the streets and visiting with the many proprietors. "It's so nice to have the Mother Confessor back in the city, my Lady. You, in particular…I was always fond of your mother, she was a strong woman. I just knew that one day you would be named Mother Confessor." The old woman smiled warmly at Kahlan. "You're being here has a way of lifting everyone's spirits. It somehow doesn't feel like home to us without the Mother Confessor here."

Kahlan returned the smile and thanked her for her kind words. To further show her appreciation she purchased two of her honey buns before making her way back toward the palace. Kahlan preferred the city at night after most people had gone home. It was peaceful in the darkness and let her think quiet thoughts of Richard.

She remembered the dance they'd shared, how good it felt for him to hold her in his arms. In the lonely gloom of the city she wondered what Richard was doing now, if he was alright. A tear slipped down her cheek as she thought about their last moments together.

Prince Edan's death didn't change anything. She still had to choose a mate. Only now, she would need to destroy a man for that singular purpose. A chill ran through her. Confessor's often chose the lowliest of the low, not wanting to destroy a man of good character. Kahlan sadly wondered what monster she would have beside her for the rest of her days.

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In the dark of night, Richard rode hard for Aydindril. He was elated with what Zedd had told him. He had been right all along. The wizard confirmed that the only possible way for he and Kahlan to be together was if his love for her was all encompassing, all consuming, being no less than it would by that of actual confession. In this way, Richard's mind, his soul, would be protected and he would not be affected by her power. He had felt it within him for so long now…as the Seeker, there were some things he just knew, and this was one of them.

Zedd had warned him though that Kahlan must feel the same way or it wouldn't work, and he would be Confessed. 'She must be willing to give herself over to you completely Richard, without fear.' Richard knew she felt the same as he did, he saw it in her eyes just as Zedd had seen it in his. But the wizard was adamant that Richard not tell Kahlan for fear of creating doubt in her mind. Richard would have to make her see it on her own.

A cold wave suddenly roiled through him. What if Kahlan had already declared her mate? Once again, vivid images of Edan lying with her sprang forth sending a river of rage through his blood. Richard tightly gripped the hilt of his sword, swallowing hard at the thought. He wasn't sure what he might be capable of. He took a deep breath and shook it from his mind. He needed to get to Kahlan. Until then, he wouldn't allow himself to think about it.

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Kahlan had decided to go to Winterhaven to pay a visit to Prince Edan's sister. She knew she must be heartbroken at the loss of her brother and Kahlan felt that, as Mother Confessor, she should pay her respects. She also wanted to keep the alliance strong with Aydindril's nearest neighbor.

A heavy mist hung in the air as she rode through the valley. She had left before first light and expected the sun word burn off the haze, but still it clung to her. She pulled back on the reigns slowing her pace. She'd been riding hard much of the day and thought to ease up on her horse for a bit of a rest.

The foggy weather matched her mood and she started thinking again of Richard. What if he was right? He seemed so certain he wouldn't be harmed by her powers, but why would Richard be any different? She laughed to herself…Richard was very different from any man she'd ever known. But not in something like this: This was magic. In this, he was just as vulnerable as anyone else. She remembered her vivid dream of him coming to her and being left unharmed. Maybe her dream was trying to tell her something. No, she only dreamed he was unharmed because that's what he always told her; and, more than anything, that's what she wanted to believe.

The sound of thundering hooves brought Kahlan from her thoughts. She held tight to the reigns cautiously on guard. With a glance behind her she saw three large men on horseback bearing down on her. She could see that two had arrows knocked, ready to fly. Kicking her heels into her horse she was off like a bolt. She stayed low as arrows sailed over head. She zigzagged her horse through the open meadow heading toward the trees for cover, dodging bolts as they flew past. One of the riders was quickly gaining on her. He was upon her before she reached the tree line, swinging a thick club at her trying to take her off her horse. Kahlan ducked the first swing but he caught her shoulder with the next. The blow landed hard sending a shockwave down her arm but she managed to stay in her saddle. In an instant, she let a dagger fly, landing it square in the base of his throat. She watched as the blood sprayed out and a tortured look of surprise came over his face before he toppled from his horse.

Just as she reached the tree line, Kahlan felt the sharp pain of an arrow as it slammed low into her back. The pain was excruciating, she tried to hold the reigns but her fingers wouldn't do as she commanded. As she rode on, the haze around her grew thicker. Somewhere in her mind she was conscious of slipping from her horse and falling to the cold, hard ground.

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