Chapter 11

Zedd and Cara would continue in the search for the Stone of Tears without Richard, but he knew he would rejoin them soon. First, he had to prevent Kahlan from binding herself to another. He knew she believed it was her duty; that she alone carried the burden of carrying on the Confessors. He needed to show her that she truly could have love. Love without fear, love without restraint…pure love: His love.

Passing through the gates of Aydindril, Richard grew all the more anxious to see Kahlan. Riding over the palace grounds the bittersweet memories of their last moments together flooded him. Tears had filled Kahlan's eyes when she had touched the mark on his chest, telling him how she feared for him. Her touch had broken his restraint. He remembered her struggle when he'd pulled her to him in a passionate kiss.

His heart hammered in his chest not knowing if he would find her already bound to another man. He hoped against hope he wasn't too late.

##

Richard restrained himself from barging into Kahlan's chambers and knocked firmly on the door. His heart beat faster with the sound of footsteps. "Hello Agatha. IsKahlan––is the Mother Confessor here? I'd like to see her."

"I'm sorry, no she's not. She's at the palace in Winterhaven."

Richard's world imploded. He was too late. The crushing feeling in his chest threatened to take him to his knees. Not only was Kahlan not here, she had obviously taken Edan as her mate and was now with her 'Prince' in his palace. He replanted his feet, trying to remain upright. His hand instinctively gripped his sword. He welcomed the feel of its wrath as it mingled with his own. Barely able to form words, he rasped with controlled fury, "When did she go?"

Frightened by the state of the man before her, Agatha took a step back. "Just this morning, before first light. She's gone to pay her respects to the Prince's sister." Though they were alone, she leaned forward to whisper, "He was found murdered in his cell on the morning he was to be confessed."

Richard blinked as a tumult of thoughts unscrambled in his mind. He loosened his grip on the sword. At once, the rage began to fade and relief washed over him.

##

On his horse once again, Richard rode for Winterhaven. He didn't want to wait for Kahlan to return. He would meet her there and escort her back. He didn't like the idea that she had traveled there alone.

A few leagues outside of Aydindril, Richard heard a crashing in the woods and slowed his pace. Through the haze, Kahlan's horse made its way out of the trees. Concern swept over him at seeing the empty saddle.

He took the reins of her horse giving it a quick inspection. He didn't see any blood. His eyes scanned the terrain looking for any signs of her. He released her horse, knowing it would find its own way back to Aydindril and went at a furious gallop toward Winterhaven.

##

Kahlan awoke face down on the ground. She was aware of her hands being bound behind her and of the ache in her shoulder from the blow she had taken. Dirt and leaves clung to her dress and hair. As she tried to roll onto her side, she realized her ankles were bound as well. Someone had pulled the arrow from her back but she still felt its throbbing as she tried to roll over.

Suddenly, a large hand gripped her by her hair, jerking her up, nearly lifting her off the ground and flung her onto her back. Governor Nolan stood over her.

Without hesitation, he pulled a knife from his belt and lopped off a long, thin lock of Kahlan's hair. He stepped back from her as he wound the hair around his fingers then stuffed it into his pocket.

"That's for my future bride…a memento from the last Confessor who ever lived."

"You're the Supreme Councilor on the Council of Confessors…why would you want me dead?"

##

Having found the dead man with Kahlan's dagger still lodged in his throat, Richard was beside himself with fear. He'd ripped the bloody dagger from the corpse and slipped it into his belt before rushing on. Hearing a cry through the trees, he pulled up on the reins. The voice cried out again. It was a cry of pain – and it was Kahlan. Wild with rage, Richard drew his sword, the familiar ring of steel filling the air as he plunged into the woods.

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