Part II- Sanctuary

Richard was off the horse in a heartbeat, sliding to his knees beside his wounded comrade. She was in visible agony now, like she had received more than a shallow gash. He coaxed her hand away from its fierce grip around her side, examining the extent of the damage. Her green riding dress darkened around the wound, the blood seeping through. The cut wasn't deep, but the black masses around the edges worried him. In all the injuries he had suffered over the years, he'd never seen a wound like this. Kahlan looked up at him, the first hints of panic flooding her emerald eyes.

"We've got to get you out of here," he said, forcing calm into his voice. "There's got to be an inn nearby, where we can dress the wound."

Kahlan managed a nod. Another hot pain lanced up her side as Richard lifted her into his arms, and she had to bite her lip hard to keep from crying out. Confessors were by no means weak and she wasn't about to let any man-even the Seeker-see her defenses were crumbling around her. Something dark and aggressive was searing through her veins, destroying any resistance her body put up to ward it off. But Richard was no fool. He saw how she suffered, which made their need all the more desperate. Being careful of her injury, he swung her into the saddle, following quickly behind. She slumped against him, pressing in to the warmth he offered. Keeping a firm but gentle hand on her waist, he led his horse to Kahlan's and tethered the two together. She would have a need for it soon-he forbade himself from thinking of the alternative.

The spirits must have been with them, for after only a few minute's ride, they approached a humble farm, brightly lit from within. Hope ignited like a desperate flame in Richard's heart and he quickened his horse's pace. Kahlan trembled in his arms, the cold rain biting into her skin. If for some reason they were turned away, all hope would truly be lost. He took his time sliding from the horse, for fear of injuring Kahlan further. When they were both safely on the ground, he hoisted her back into his arms and trudged to the door of the brightly lit farmhouse. He prayed with all he had that they would help them. He set Kahlan gently on her feet, still supporting most of her weight, and gave the door a pounding knock. It was only a moment before it opened, sending a pillar of firelight into the darkness. He was a middle-aged man, wearing a linen tunic and breeches and, from the surprise on his face, was not expecting any late-night visitors.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion," Richard said, his eyes beseeching the stranger. "But my friend, she was attacked, and we need someplace to stay. Please, you have to help us."

Leo Harding and his wife, Celeste were nothing but simple farmers, living their lives in peace. Then word spread of the return of the Seeker, someone that would finally bring an end to Darken Rahl's tyranny. They also knew he along with the witch that accompanied him had a price on their heads, and anyone who interfered would share the same fate. Leo never believed in the prophecy, and he wasn't about to put his family in jeopardy. He was about to persuade them to leave when his wife joined him at the door.

"Leo what's going-," she demanded, but stopped short when she saw who stood on her doorstep.

"Spirits be praised," she breathed." It is true" She turned to her grudging husband. "Please don't tell me you were about to turn them away!"

"Celeste, you know the penalty for sheltering fugitives," he told her, casting an anxious glance into the darkness beyond the trees.

She scoffed at him. "And since when has that ever stopped you from helping people in need?" She turned back to Richard. "Please ignore my husband," she said with a warm smile. "Come in, please, and let's see if we can help out your lady friend."

She quickly ushered them in, while Leo turned away, muttering something about superstition.

"First thing's first. Let's get you out of those wet clothes."

Richard followed the woman up the stairs, a barely conscious Kahlan huddled in his arms. She led them down a narrow hallway to a spacious bedroom, a fire already crackling in the fireplace.

"It's nothing special," she said humbly. "But it's the best I can offer."

"It's fine," Richard assured, settling his comrade onto the bed in the corner. Celeste took a handful of clothes from the dresser-a fresh tunic and pants for Richard and a breathable nightdress for Kahlan- and set them on the bed before disappearing into the hall. Richard turned anxiously toward his friend, brushing her wet hair from her face. She was paler now, a ghost in the firelight. Violent shivers racked her slender form; they had to get her warm.

"How are you holding up?" he asked, feeling stupid as soon as the words left his lips. One look at her was answer enough.

She replied anyway. "It's hard. I can barely take a full breath. I…I feel like I'm on fire."

He swallowed and drew her against him.

"You're going to be fine," he promised her. "Once we get you into dry clothes and tend to the wound…you'll be just fine."

Celeste re-entered the room a few minutes later with Leo in tow, carried an assortment of herbs and extra blankets.

Good Richard thought. She's a healer. Surely she can make up a potion to help Kahlan. By morning it'll be like this never happened.

After everything was prepared, Celeste shooed her husband away; needless to say, he left gladly. She turned to Richard with the same stern look.

"You can step outside as well."

Richard's eyes turned anxious. "What? No, I'm not leaving her."

Her eyes narrowed. "Seeker or no Seeker, I'm the head of this household. I need to get those wet clothes off of her and bandage the wound, unless you want her condition to worsen."

Despite his dire need to protect her, the woman was right. Grudgingly he lowered Kahlan onto the bed and rose to his feet. At the doorway he cast an anxious glance over his shoulder. Celeste sighed.

"I know what I'm doing, Seeker. Now go, fetch yourself something to eat. I'll be just a moment."

Like it or not, Richard was going to have to trust her. Slowly he closed the door behind him and trudged down the stairs to find food, all the while keeping Kahlan in the forefront of his thoughts.