She found herself back in the forest, only she wasn't fighting alone this time. Richard, brave, gentle Richard, was by her side, slaughtering his enemies and aiding Kahlan when he could. Having lost her dagger during the fight, she gripped her attacker by the throat, thrusting her will into his. He turned, his eyes going pitch black, and fought on the Confessor's behalf. Kahlan slumped to the ground, the effort leaving her drained and defenseless. She watched helplessly as her champion was struck with a fatal blow, panic racing through her when he then turned to deliver the same verdict. He never made it, for Richard was there, attacking from behind. The fight was quick, her attacker falling to the ground within minutes. Kahlan gazed at her hero, relief spreading across her face. He turned, breathing heavily, as the same smile lighted his features.
It all happened very quickly then.
From an unseen location, a silver dagger shot from the trees, landing squarely in Richard's chest. All he could manage was a startled gasp as he crumpled, cradling the hilt of the dagger as he fell. Kahlan screamed and screamed, but could do nothing but watch her beloved die…
"NO!"
Richard jerked awake, the shriek of agony ringing in his ears. He darted to the bed just as Kahlan shot forward, clawing at something unseen. Her eyes were wide and bloodshot, her face whiter than bone. Frantic, Richard held her back, trying to force her back onto the bed.
"Kahlan! It's all right! I'm here, just please…calm down!"
She eventually obeyed, her limbs quivering. Lying down provided little solace, for soon her body seized and writhed, her eyes seeing nothing.
"Kill me, please," she begged, chocking on broken sobs. " Please, make it stop…I want to die, please…"
Richard staggered away from her, barely noticing as Celeste barreled into the room, Leo close behind. She took Richard's place at Kahlan's side.
"Child, look at me. Keep your focus on me. That's it. It'll be over soon."
"No," Kahlan sobbed. "I can't take it anymore. I want death now. Anything is better than this…"
Celeste turned to the man in the corner, his eyes blank with shock.
"You're the only one who can save her now," she said sharply. Richard tore his gaze from Kahlan to meet the woman's scrutiny.
"I…I can't," he whispered, his eyes flitting back to the woman on the bed. "There's no way I…I have nothing to offer."
Her face changed, as if realizing something. "Maybe not as the Seeker," she murmured. "But I think she needs someone closer, someone she loves."
Richard blinked, glancing at her before his eyes rested on Kahlan again. What had Kahlan told her? How was she so quick to assume something he was so afraid to admit? Tentatively, he approached the bed, not knowing what he could do that could possibly alter the situation. He took Kahlan's face between his hands, wincing at how cold she felt.
"Kahlan, look at me," he whispered, talking as though she were a spooked horse in need of soothing. Slowly, she responded, a pair of frightened eyes looking into his.
"You need to fight this, you hear me? You confronted an entire army without blinking, and I know you're strong enough to defeat this. You said once that you and Zedd would risk your life for me, and I can tell you I don't deserve that."
She shook her head to deny it, but Richard would not be swayed.
"I didn't deserve either of you. You could have turned the other way, let me carry out my foolish mission, but you came after me. I don't deserve that kind of friendship. So many people have died on my behalf when they didn't have to; my father, your sister, so many countless others. I won't let you suffer because of me."
Another spasm rippled through her body; this time he ignored it, determined to keep her focused. His grip on her face tightened as her eyes began to flutter.
"No, Kahlan, please. You've got to stay with me. You've got to keep fighting."
Her eyes opened but he noticed they trailed over his shoulder.
"Denee," she murmured, a smile drifting across her pale lips. "I've missed you…"
Richard's jaw tightened as he realized what was happening.
"No, Kahlan!" he cried, not bothering to hide the quiver in his voice. "You can't do this! Hold to my voice, Kahlan. Please, you can't leave me!"
With a trembling sigh, her eyes fluttered shut, her breathing faltering. Richard felt frozen, trapped in this horrible moment. He held her now fragile face in his hands, willing her to open her eyes.
"Kahlan," he whispered brokenly. "Oh Kahlan…"
He felt the waves of grief rising, threatening to crash over him. He welcomed the pain now, having lost his soul mate. He wept openly now, gathering her lifeless form in his arms.
Hidden in the shadows, Celeste clutched her husband, her heart breaking for the two of them. It was clear he loved her deeply, and she him. The girl had confessed it to Celeste mere hours before, and there was little doubt the young Seeker returned those feelings. Prophecy or no, it grieved them both to see a young love torn apart so early.
For Richard, the waves never ceased, only worsened. He had never felt so cold, such a stabbing pain every time he thought her name. His heart gave a wrenching cry, echoing in his broken sobs.
"KAHLAN!"
No one, not even Richard himself, expected what happened next. The symbol on the pendant around his neck blazed, the golden light running through his arms and out his palms, engulfing Kahlan. The desire to save her overpowered him, the light flowing from his hands glowing brighter. Leo and Celeste looked on, baffled by what they were seeing. They had heard many rumors about the Seeker, but could it be possible that he would have the power to heal? It seemed that was true, for in the span of a few seconds, Kahlan's face went from white to ivory, the return of blood flow reviving the color in her cheeks. The light began to fade, having done its work. Richard, dazed by what had just occurred, felt a stirring in his heart when he felt the new warmth in his arms. The small group held their breath, anticipating the reunion that was sure to follow. Richard caught his breath when, at last, her eyelids fluttered and opened, displaying the most beautiful green eyes he had ever seen.
"Richard?"
Richard beamed; he had never been happier to hear the sound of his own name.
"I'm here, Kahlan," he whispered, tears of joy threatening to fall. "I've always been here."
He tilted her chin upward, embedding the fused looked of confusion and joy into his memory.
"I heard you calling," she told him, her tone almost thoughtful. " I was happy, and yet…I knew I had to go back. Paradise seemed…empty without you."
The answering smile she he gave her was dazzling, overjoyed at her declaration. The love he felt for her filled him to capacity, certain to overflow. He couldn't stand it any longer.
"Kahlan," he breathed, and pressed his lips to hers. She responded accordingly, her arms worming their way around his neck, determined to never let go. His lips were luscious and inviting, caressing hers ever so gently. Unwillingly, they parted, their bodies demanding air. She smiled lightly at him; clearly they were breaking the rules, but it was far too late to turn back.
"Now I know where I belong," she said simply.
He only smiled and tightened his grip around her, putting emphasis on her words. She snuggled against him with a sigh, utterly content. She did not fight when sleep claimed her, but welcomed it, knowing full well Richard would be there when she awoke.
