Chapter 10

Frederick stood near a portico, his eyes locked on the startling sight before him. A frown deepened the fine wrinkles around his mouth as he watched his daughter and granddaughters leaving the Palace in the company of a handsome man that he'd never seen before as well as an impressive entourage of Mord'Sith.

He didn't know who this man was, but he was obviously someone of great importance by the way he was dressed, someone Kahlan knew well by the comfortable familiarity that seemed to exude between the two of them.

He assumed that he was some dignitary that Kahlan was entertaining since he had heard through the grapevine that Richard had left to take care of Sangria.

Frederick felt a new wave of unease well up within him knowing that Richard hadn't been himself since Michael's death. Although he still didn't know his son-in-law all that well yet, even he could see a definite concerning change in him.

And he could see how much it was hurting Kahlan. He didn't think he truly remembered the last time that he had seen her smile a genuine smile, not the forced one she put on for show to reassure everyone around her.

He hoped everything was alright between the two of them. He hated to see them struggling with one interference after another like they obviously always had to.

"There you are!"

Frederick turned around at the sound of the familiar voice to find Zedd coming towards him, a large breakfast roll in his hand. "Good morning, Zedd," he readily greeted him.

"Morning," he replied between large bites as he came to stand beside him. "I've been looking all over for you."

"Just out here getting some fresh air and enjoying the beautiful view."

Zedd turned to look at the breathtaking sight of the city stretched out before them. "It is indeed a great view, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," he agreed with a nod of his head.

"I see Kahlan is spending time with Prince Tristan," Zedd frowned as he spotted the pair making their way in the direction of the marketplace.

"So that's his name," Frederick stated, not feeling a bit better about it now that he had a name. "Why is he here?"

"That's been the great unanswered question since he arrived here yesterday," he groused. "He's from Tashon near Aydindril. Evidently, Kahlan was supposed to take him as her mate before she was sent to Westland to find Richard in order to stop Darken Rahl."

Frederick turned sharply to look at Zedd, stunned by the sudden revelation. "I had no idea," he exclaimed.

"No one did…well, except for Garren," he grumbled, shoving the last of his roll into his mouth.

"I wonder why he's suddenly here now," Frederick scowled. "He better not have his sights set on my daughter."

"I agree," Zedd harrumphed. "We need to keep an eye on that one."

"So, why were you looking for me?" Frederick asked. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"First, I came to make sure you were still feeling well," he began. "No lingering side effects or leftover symptoms?"

"No, none at all," Frederick responded with a wide smile. "I feel great thanks to all of you. I can't thank you enough. You saved my life. I'm just sorry Michael had to die. It seems to have made things very difficult for Richard."

Zedd sighed heavily in agreement. "I'm afraid my grandson is struggling quite a bit with it, more than I had actually first realized," he admitted. "I think he's having a hard time accepting the fact that he can't fix everything. Some things are even beyond the limits of the Seeker and Lord Rahl."

"It's a tough lesson to learn when you've been able to do so much good over the years, defeat Darken Rahl as well as the Keeper himself," Frederick agreed.

"Yes, Richard is a remarkable man, gifted beyond anything I could've ever imagined, but I'm afraid that there are some things in life that are beyond even him."

"I'm sure he'll find a way to come to terms with it all," he replied. "Michael couldn't have been helped by anyone short of the Creator herself."

"I know, but try telling that to my obstinate good-hearted grandson who holds such a high value on life," Zedd shook his head in obvious frustration.

"Hopefully he figures it out before he pushes Kahlan too far away," Frederick frowned. "I'd hate to see him push her into the arms of another man."

"He better not or I'll kick his backside clear to Westland and back," Zedd snapped, angered by the very thought.

Frederick chuckled at the Wizard's threat. He had no doubt that he would. He had a feeling there would be quite a lineup of others would be joining him. He wasn't too worried, though. His daughter and Richard were very much in love and would find their way through this as well.

"So what's the second reason you were looking for me?" Frederick suddenly asked.

"I have a project I could use some help with," Zedd grinned broadly. "Interested?"

"Why not?" he smiled back. "I don't seem to have much on my schedule of things to do lately."

"Excellent!" Zedd exclaimed, wrapping his arm around his friend's shoulders. "Come with me."

Frederick eyes him suspiciously as the Wizard steered him away from the portico. "What exactly do you have in store for me, Wizard?"

"You'll find out soon enough," he told him, his voice ominous.

XXX

"Kahlan, you have a marvelous city," Tristan told her, his gaze trying to drink in every single detail as they made their way to the marketplace.

"It is," she proudly agreed. "It's not Aydindril, but it's gradually becoming home to me."

"Well, the place you grew up is always the most special to the heart," he replied.

"I guess you're right," she nodded her head.

Winding their way through the city streets, Kahlan momentarily closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the sun's rays on her face, warming her and helping to lift her spirits. It felt good to be outside in the warm spring air, enjoying the city that was her second home.

She felt a lonely tug on her heart, though, as thoughts of Richard son drifted through her mind. She missed him deeply, her throat constricting and threatening to steal a piece of her happiness. She couldn't help but wonder where he was at that moment. Was he even thinking of her at all? Missed her as deeply as she missed him?

Hopefully, he had reached Caprice by now and was taking care of Sangria permanently. She couldn't help the internal shudder as thoughts of what had happened, what had almost been taken from her flooded her memories. She couldn't bear the thought of losing one of her children or Richard.

She wished that he would've let her go along with him. She ached to feel her fingers around that witch's throat, her magic seeping into her and stealing her soul. It would've been the sweetest revenge to see the fear in that woman's eyes as they swirled to black only to be replaced by utter devotion to her.

The stark realization of her actions would suddenly pierce her heart, the unbelievable pain that she would feel because of her guilt. She would grovel woefully at her feet, begging for the forgiveness Kahlan would never give her.

But no, it would not happen like that. Richard had robbed her of that chance, arrested her need to see justice for her daughters. She couldn't help the anger inside towards him for that. While a part of her understood his need to go handle things on his own, it hurt and infuriated her no less.

Glancing to his left, Tristan noticed how sullen and silent Kahlan had suddenly grown. Something was upsetting her deeply. As much as he'd love to help her, he feared that she'd never tell him. While relatively close at one time, time and responsibility had driven them apart, taking her away from him.

"Kahlan," he gently called her name. "Are you alright?"

Being drawn from her troubled thoughts, Kahlan met mesmerizing blue eyes filled with concern staring back at her. "I'm sorry," she murmured, dipping her head and averting her eyes from his scrutinizing gaze. "I was just wondering how Richard was doing."

"Where exactly did he go?" he asked before realizing he had spoken the words that he had been lingering in his mind since his arrival. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't pry. It's really none of my business."

"No, it's alright," she quickly shook her head, tucking a raven curl behind her ear. "He went to Caprice to take care of some business. He should be back in a couple of days."

Kahlan knew her voice didn't hold very much conviction as they paused to look at a fruit stand. She hoped it didn't take longer than that, but she honestly didn't know how long he'd be gone. At least Nicci was with him to help keep him safe.

"I'm sorry," Tristan said. "I'm sure it's hard having the one you love gone."

"We've been separated for longer, but it never gets any easier," she admitted.

"Well, I must say you have two beautiful daughters," he smiled, reaching out to tickle Paige's neck.

Paige giggled and squirmed deeper into her mother's hold on her, her chestnut brown eyes shining bright just like her father's. "Thank you, but I obviously can't take all of the credit," she smiled in return.

"I can see a lot of you in both of them," he told her, looking back in time to see Priya tugging on Mistress Rachel's long braid. She squealed in delight as Rachel frowned at the toddler, but the Mord'Sith's eyes betrayed her, revealing her true affection for the twins.

"You haven't met Aiden yet," she reminded him. "He is the spitting image of his father in almost every way."

"I always knew that you'd make an incredible mother someday, Kahlan," he said, his mind drifting to the future that he had dreamed of having with her so long ago.

He had always hoped to be the one to give her many Confessor daughters, the one that filled her eyes with such love. Now, he'd never get that chance.

Kahlan could hear Rachel snort under her breath, her disdain for the Prince obvious. "I hope so," she replied. "I'm afraid my own mother isn't around to ask for advice."

"I know now how difficult that must be for you," he sympathized. "Now that my father is gone, I'm finding it more than difficult to adjust at times. He's no longer here to seek his advice or guidance. I feel as though I'm on my own."

"You have a council in Tashon, don't you?" Kahlan asked. "A trusted advisor you can rely on?"

"Yes, but it's just not the same as my own father," he told her, sadness permeating his words.

"I know what you mean," she nodded. "I've just recently reconnected with my father again. It's been a second chance I never thought I'd ever have."

Tristan handed Kahlan an apple before turning back to pay the vendor. "Cherish every moment you have with him, Kahlan," he said. "You never know when he'll be gone."

Kahlan nodded, taking a bite of her apple. The sweet juice tasted so good as they resumed their tour of the marketplace. "So what brings you here, Tristan?" she finally asked. "There has to be more to it than just a social visit."

"Well, I do admit I have an ulterior motive for coming here," he admitted with a charming smile.

Kahlan could hear Rachel snort something under her breath again, but ignored her. "And what would that be?"

"I need your help with something," he told her. "I would like to go over it in more detail in my suite tonight if you'd be gracious enough to join me for dinner again. I know you're probably incredibly busy, but I had such a great time with you last night that I'd love for you to join me again."

Kahlan could practically feel Rachel tensing behind her, picturing her itching fingers circling the deadly agiel that hung at the ready at her hip. She just hoped she could placate the loyal Mord'Sith before she hurt Tristan.

"I would love to, Tristan," Kahlan said, turning to give Rachel a threatening glare that silently told her to stand down.

Rachel glared back, not the least bit daunted by the Mother Confessor's fiery gaze. She didn't like this one bit. She didn't care if he was some dignitary from the Midlands or an old acquaintance of Kahlan's. This man obviously still had feelings for Kahlan and she was not about to let him get his hands on Lord Rahl's wife no matter how innocent Kahlan felt that he was.

"I'm so happy," he beamed. "I am anxious to speak with you about the matter tonight."

"It sounds very important," Kahlan replied. "Do I get some sort of hint about what it could be concerning?"

Tristan smiled devilishly. "You always were terrible when it came to surprises of any kind," he reminded her. "You never could wait."

"I guess some things never change," she softly chuckled.

"No, some things never change," he wistfully said as he gazed deeply into her impossibly blue eyes.

Rachel cleared her voice loudly from behind, causing both Tristan and Kahlan to turn and look at her. "I think we better keep moving," she suggested. "I don't like stopping in one place for too long."

"Forgive Rachel," Kahlan told Tristan. "She gets nervous if I linger in one spot for very long. She feels it's a security risk begging for trouble."

"Wise Mord'Sith," Tristan tipped his head to Mistress Rachel. "I'm relieved to know that there are many who are looking out for the Mother Confessor's safety."

"Oh there is no shortage of that thanks to my over-protective husband," Kahlan agreed.

"I'm glad he has your best interest at heart," he said. "I anxious to meet him personally."

Kahlan smiled, thoughts of Richard once more tugging at her heart. "Me too," she sadly replied as they continued on their way.

XXX

Richard's dark raptor gaze narrowed as a small town began to come into view, the destination he'd been seeking. He would be so relieved when this was all over and the threat to his family had been eliminated. Then he could return home, hopefully repair things with Kahlan…if she was still talking to him when he returned. He really couldn't blame her if she wasn't.

The thought made his heart clench with grief.

With a soft click of his tongue, he urged Asa on, encouraging him to move a little faster. The sooner Sangria was dead, the happier he'd be. He just wanted things to go back to the way they had been before, but he feared it never would be.

"Richard, wait," Nicci suddenly said, causing him to pull his horse to an abrupt stop.

He turned to look at her, puzzled. "What is it?"

"We need to be prepared that this could be a trap," she reminded him again.

"I know that, Nicci," he replied in frustration. "We've already discussed this. I can't let her roam free or give her another chance at taking my daughters again."

"I'm not saying we shouldn't go in there," she frowned. "I'm just saying we need to be prepared for anything. There's no telling what we could be walking into."

"It's a chance I'm willing to take in order to stop her once and for all," he bit out. "I think maybe it would be best if you waited here in case there is trouble."

Nicci scowled at him, something dark and deadly and fierce. It caused the fine hairs on the back of Richard's neck to stand on end despite himself. He was reminded once more how glad he was that she was on their side now.

"If you think for one moment that I'm going to let you go in there alone, then you have truly lost your mind, Richard Rahl," she snapped. "If there is trouble, I'll be the one delivering it."

Richard slowly nodded his head in agreement. Deep down, he knew there was no talking the powerful sorceress out of going in there, but he had to try. If something happened to her, he'd never forgive himself.

Urging his horse on again, Richard found his heart beginning to pound the closer to Caprice they got. He could feel it in his soul that something was off, his instincts practically screaming at him to turn around, but he also knew that he couldn't do that no matter the danger that awaited them.

Sangria had to be stopped at all cost. His children's lives, Kahlan's life depended on it and that was not something he could ever ignore or took lightly. Keeping them safe was above all else in his mind, regardless of the cost to himself.

Without them, his life mattered so very little.

Entering the town, Richard was somewhat stunned to find it deserted. There wasn't a sign of life anywhere – no man, woman, child. His hand instinctively fell to the hilt of his sword, his every muscle coiled tightly in preparation for the unknown, the unexpected.

Pulling his hose to a stop, he slowly dismounted, his dark heated gaze carefully searching his surroundings, determined to notice the unanticipated before it could possibly happen.

He could feel Nicci moving behind him, could practically taste her apprehension. A soft echoing ring of the sword's release suddenly filled the air, giving a warning to all those who would dare to cross him. He tightened his hold on his weapon, his lips pursed into a thin line of barely restrained rage as he cautiously made his way further into town.

The magical power of the weapon stormed within him, singing with his soul once more and helping to focus his thoughts, his gift. He felt a calming rush of magic wash through him, warming and grounding him.

The eerie stillness that greeted him only added to the tension that consumed him. His breaths were becoming exerted pulls as his chest constricted in anticipation, his wary gaze attempting to pierce through wood and thick stone in an attempt to see the unseen.

He cursed under his breath wishing the town would divulge its secrets and give him Sangria, but there was no one here, not even the D'Haran soldiers who had supposedly reported Sangria's capture.

A sudden sharp gasp from Nicci behind him caused him to abruptly spin on his heel. What he saw nearly dropped him to his knees.