Legend of the Seeker
The Male Confessed

Before I begin I must stress something. I have had so many people add this story to their favourites. Firstly, thank you so much!!! It means a lot to me you would find this interesting enough to favourite. However, why don't you review? I would love to hear from you. I have 6 people review thus far, and other then them, 6 people adding this as a favourite. So please, review and don't be a stranger.

Thank you all so much for your reviews. They mean a lot to me and always make me smile when I find out I've got a review. Now, it's time to be put out of your misery. You've wanted it, and you're going to get it. After 5 long chapters, it's time to welcome back our hero as well as the one the hero follows. So sit back, enjoy and as always, please review.

Previously, on The Male Confessed: Last chapter was all about Princess Violet of Tamarang. Violet, the spoilt, selfish, cruel and vicious 12 year old gets anything she wants or demands. She helps in beheadings and can order one at any time. Rachel is her servant. 12 as well, she's a sweet girl with a huge heart. Her parents died when she was 10 and was forced to roam the streets until found and made a servant to Princess Violet. During an important night, Queen Milena, just as ruthless and evil as her daughter, reminds Princess Violet that Lord Rahl is on his way with a deal in which will see him get the second box of Orden.
Meanwhile, outside the castle of Tamarang. Richard watches on as Kahlan is rode further off and is then confronted by rustling in the bushes which told him – he had to fight.

BE WARNED – THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT.

Chapter 8
The bringer of death.

Richard stood, fatigued, panting hard. The raking sting at the back of his throat and crushing weight in his stomach told him he couldn't withhold any longer. His thigh muscles burned from the pressure of moving at every passing second. Not being able to rest for a fraction of a second for such a futile decision would bring on his death. He knew that that meant Kahlan would forever be lost to him and her fate would therefore be decided within that instant. Gulping back any saliva he had in his dry mouth, the cold air cut his oxygen flow with sharp pain. Swallowing was even harder, feeling like razor blades cutting down his throat.

"Give up Seeker!" came the voice of the biggest white knight left. The other four stood in front of Richard, their swords raised in the air. Ready to slice at Richard and split him in two. These knights were ruthless and wouldn't give up. He admired their courage and their eagerness to have him killed. Richard's piercing grey eyes looked at the dead bodies he had slaughtered. To protect himself. There had been well over 40 white knights, half of them archers. He had to deflect their arrows as well as the swords from the other knights. No matter where he turned there was a sword coming down on him or an arrow hurtling in his direction.

Blood has splashed everywhere. No longer were any white uniform white. They were covered, encrusted with bright red blood. Their faces contorted with the fear and pain they endured right before the seeker ran them through with his blade, the sword of truth. Richard raised his sword higher and the words running up the polished blade glowed a bright golden colour. Richard's own face twisted with the rage the sword was offering him. He hungered for the rage. He devoured that rage and allowed it to consume his entire body. Every fibre in his body. Panting hard, his fists gripped the hilt of the sword, his knuckles turning white. He could feel the finely polished hilt press against his shaking hands.

The five white knights stood before him, they in turn gripping their swords with grave intent. They knew the fight would continue but let it in their minds that they'd win. How could they lose? Five of them against just one man. But he wasn't just any man. He was the true seeker. One born true. Prophesised to destroy Darken Rahl. But right now, he had to deal with these five white knights sent by the one man he was seeking. The one man who has brought misery to his life. The same man who, if Richard didn't get too soon, would have Kahlan. He couldn't let that happen. Kahlan. The very thought of her, helpless, alone, ignited his anger all the more. He shook with the rage. Relished in it. He was one with the sword. He now put his mind to the task at hand.

Kill. Flicking his wrists, thereby the sword, he spun in a circle whilst bringing the sword down in an arch. Screaming with every movement, the sword glowed brighter. The biggest of the white knights; dark black hair and hazel eyes, towered his own sword in front of him, used it as a shield. The sword of truth effortlessly sliced through the sword, shattering the metal fragments into a hundred pieces. They scattered in all directions, a hollow ringing from the impact lit the air. The sword of truth never stopped, Richard never faltered. As the sword came down, it connected against the knight's hard unprotected skull. With a sickening thunk, the sword sliced through the bone and came out the other end.

Blood spewed out in a horrific sickening display of pure violence. Fragments of the knight's skull were next to being sent hurtling in the air. The blood gushed out in large globs and sprayed against trees and leaves and grass. The knight toppled to the ground. Richard's momentum never stopped and when the sword was brought down, he spun around once again at the advancing knights. He could hear them scream but it sounded distant and hollow. He couldn't hear anything but the seducing fury inside him.

The sword spun horizontally and sliced at another knight's stomach, cutting through his chain mail. His guts spilled out with ease and he fell to his knees, clutching at his insides before toppling to the ground. Richard ducked from another sword and brought his up in a swooping vertical augment. When he did, the sword cut cleanly from the knight's groin up to the top of his head. His entire body, sliced in two, toppled to either side. More blood gushed and over flew the ground beneath them. One knight, at the corner of Richard's eye of sight slipped, be it lightly, on some of the blood. That mistake was all Richard needed. In that split moment of distraction, Richard plunged his sword into the knight's stomach and out the other end. The knight, sea blue eyes, widened with anguish. Pain contorted his face, rage contorted Richard's.

He heard the rustle of moving chain mail from behind him and the rising of a sword followed by a scream. Richard, without struggle, rose his sword vertically cutting the knight from his stomach and out his right shoulder, spun to face the final knight. With lethal intent, Richard slashed the sword of truth across the knights body from his left shoulder to his right leg, and then from the knight's right shoulder to his left leg, not stopping. Immediately after, Richard spun and drove his sword into the knight's heart. Gasping, he dropped his sword and helplessly hung from Richard's sword. Panting hard, 90% from his rage, he pulled out the sword and the knight collapsed onto another body.

Richard's vision came back to him with sickening realisation. Bone fragments, hearts, blood, intestines, dead bodies were all around him. There was a sea of blood. No life welcomed him. His stomach roiled and uttered gravely, "I truly am the bringer of death", but he knew what he had to do. Returning to the path up ahead, he sprinted forward. His blood soaked forest garb sticking to him uncomfortably. Richard, noticing the horse, leaped into the air and onto the back of the great stallion. With a scream, Richard whipped at the reigns. The horse, in frightened panic, begun to sprint off to where Kahlan was taken, towards the castle of Tamarang. Richard placed the sword of truth back into his scabbard.

Just over the hill, he could see the full splendour. The entire castle was surrounded by a mount of crystal clear water. A towering bridge was beginning to lower. The fields stretched out for miles. The fresh green grass and mesmerizing different coloured flowers were bliss to see. The sky, overcast with the blue full moon, clearly showed off the sparkling stars in the sky. Richard couldn't admire such a view when he tried desperately to look for Kahlan. He needed her more than ever. She was his guide. He didn't know the Midlands unlike she. But he knew she was more than that to him. She was his life. A life he didn't want to live without her. He had to get to her.

The very thought of Darken Rahl with her, touching her, torturing her only brought back his rage. His hand went straight for the hilt of his sword but he stopped himself from instinctively pulling it free from its scabbard. Trying to water down the fire inside him, he finally spotted her. In the far distance, riding on horseback with that other knight. He lowered his head gently, shadows from the trees covering his face. His grey eyes lethally glowed with fury. That's when he saw it, to the far right: Rahl's advancing army. Richard widened his eyes. At the front were 6 large black stallions each with a big bulky soldier armed to the nine with weapons. Behind them was a large brown wagon with a D'Haran flag attached to it. Around that, to either side were more horses, more soldiers and archers. Behind the wagon were more wagons, more soldiers on horseback and on foot. Many held more dark red D'Haran flags. It was a breathtaking sight to behold. But there he was, before him. The rumours were true. It's Darken Rahl. He shook at the sheer presence of the wagon he knew had Darken Rahl. He then turned back to the white knight and expected him to turn towards that direction. Instead, the horse turned to the left and went for the forest behind the castle ground. The back of the castle, the vast gardens, were towered over with thick metal fences armed with metal spikes to prevent anyone from climbing.

Richard's frown deepened at why the white knight wasn't going towards Darken Rahl. Needless, Richard whipped at the reigns once more and urged the horse on with a cry and gentle kick at the ribs. The horse neighed before galloping off towards the opening in the forest that the knight had gone into with Kahlan. Staying as far to the outer wall of the forest, as not to be spotted by any of Rahl's men, Richard managed to pull the horse into the archway. The path, now narrow and twigs branching out across the floor, Richard had to move the horse into a slow careful trot.

"Come on boy" he told it, patting it on the head for encouragement. The horse simply snorted at him with displeasure. Richard understood how it felt. He smiled until hearing a whimper in the near distance. Richard became suddenly alert and looked up and around, scouting for any movement. The dense forest made it difficult to see anything so he remained on the trail, with only the moon and stars providing him any light. Then, in the clearing, he witnessed flickering light. Eyes wide, he made the horse go faster. Rounding a corner, he came into a large open area surrounded by trees. In the middle was a large thick stump containing five lanterns; four North, East, South and West, the fifth in between them all. To the side however waited the blonde white knight, smirking. Behind him, an exhausted Kahlan sat. She looked up and found Richard, her eyes widening. The life in her blue eyes returned with a spark, as did Richard's.

"Richard!" she cried. He noticed the chains around her wrists and the bruises they had caused them. His heart panged for her, he wanted to hold her in his arms and make sure she's ok. But he couldn't. Not yet. He had this knight to get through first and he knew that wouldn't take very long. Richard didn't speak and instead grabbed hold of the hilt of his sword and gripped it tightly. The white knight laughed feeble. Richard frowned.

"Oh Richard, how predictable you are" mocked the knight. Richard had the horse walk a couple of steps before stopping cautiously. Then, all around him, appeared more white knights on white horses. Richard turned to face all 10 knights and then behind him. The path out was blocked. It was an ambush. Richard had underestimated the knight and fell blindly into his trap. Every knight brought out their sword, Richard the same, emitting the loud distinct metallic ringing in the air. The sword of truth glowed gently. "Kill him" instructed the knight to the others. Kahlan widened her eyes with fearful dread.

"No!" she screamed. Richard went to move as the knights begun to advance, and fast. When they did, the other knight yelled at his sword and slashed the horse with the reigns. The horse ran into a gallop and out the way they came in. Kahlan desperately and helplessly turned behind her. "Richard!!" she screamed. Richard couldn't follow. He was surrounded. He had to fight once again.

-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-

Hushed whispers filled the vast corridors of the castle. Servants tried to desperately act as if they weren't watching but failed miserably. When Darken Rahl turned to face them with his dark eyes they wept. Others fell to their knees and bowed their heads. Others stood frozen in sheer wonderment. Soldiers patrolling the castle quickly joined Lord Rahl for extra protection despite his 10 personal guards – and Demmin Nass, already around him. Lord Rahl's heavy footprints thundered through the hollow walls. The metal from his personal soldiers clanked noisily down the halls. Each were heavily armed and heavily built. They all had their helmets off showing their bald heads. Their intimidating stares made everyone they passed cower in fear of their lives. A few soldiers, who didn't follow in pursuit of the Lord Rahl whipped at the servants who weren't doing their jobs. Many were ensuring pictures weren't crooked. Others cleaned the walls, washed the carpets from the trails of mud brought in my Lord Rahl and his men.

Lord Rahl, ever threatening with his strong and dangerous poise, strode down the hallways without a single fear. His back was straight, a slight arch. His muscled, strong bare arms swung with his stride. He wore a red D'Haran vest with golden lacing around the edges all around. Below, he wore long silk red trousers. The Lord Rahl loved the colour of red for it symbolises death, warning and fear. He wanted all to fear him and red, in the midlands, was made the colour to fear thanks to the Lord Rahl. He was a ruthless, but smart, man. Manipulative and calculating. His long dark brown hair flowed out behind him in the breeze he brought forth; he licked his thumb and forefinger before thinning out his eyebrows neatly. Only his eyes moved, to gather his bearings of the castle for the first time. Understand its passages.

The Lord Rahl always made sure he knew the area well, just encase he needed an escape. Not that he needed to worry. He had his best guards around him, one of which was a close friend and advisor- Demmin Nass. He was more built than the others and by far the most intimidating. His right hand rested on the hilt on his sword, the scabbard strapped to his left leg. He bore a scar, a war charm he liked to call it that he wore with pride. To show off power you had to show off the scars you get from the battle. For with every scar comes a story, a story easily twisted and turned to suit your needs. Accompanied by the scars, the people believe. That was how Lord Rahl and his men worked. Demmin Nass was merciless and wore no happiness on his personality. He trusted no one but Lord Rahl. He would lay down his life for his Lord Rahl.

To test his true loyalty, Lord Rahl had one time ordered Demmin Nass to slaughter a select handful of children, their mothers watching. He did it without a moment's hesitation or regret. His sword found their soft necks, their fragile skulls and cut through them with ease. He relished in the blood which sprayed out, licked at them, hungered for more. Smiled at their pitiful bloodcurdling screams. The Lord Rahl told the mothers it was needed to be done for the greater good. That this act will give the Lord Rahl his personal, most trusted bodyguard and more importantly, friend. This therefore meant the Lord Rahl would always be protected and wouldn't become injured and falter in their cause of freedom and redemption. A sick and twisted notion he always thought of. He wasn't the enemy, the seeker was.

As a way to thank Demmin, Lord Rahl had him kill all the parents but one. That one could be used for Demmin's full pleasure. The strict order however was to torture these women slowly and he done it in the sickest heartless possible way. He cut open a small hole in the women and ever so slowly pulled out their intestines. All the while being kissed by Demmin Nass. This long and agonizing death had them screaming for hours, crying in masses. They begged for their lives, others wanted death. The pain was unbearable but Demmin loved it. He loved hearing their screams, watching them cry. To see his poor defenceless women die under such horrific circumstances. He knew, deep down, that by doing this would please his Lord Rahl. That's all that mattered. He'd kill his family for the Lord Rahl if he hadn't done so already when he was but a boy, thus gaining Lord Rahl's interest.

They walked down the halls. Demmin Nass scanned every inch of the castle to make sure no one dared step even within breathing distance of the Lord Rahl. He was too protective over him sometimes. As long as he was safe then that was all that mattered. One woman, a foolish woman wearing blue itching silk reached out to touch the Lord Rahl. Her wonderment at seeing him was pure joy. Nass didn't see it that way. He pulled out a small dagger hidden in a holster near his ribs and hurtled it to the ground. With a sickening thunk, the dagger pinned her wrist against the red carpet beneath. She screamed with pure agony before her head was taken off by another personal bodyguard to the Lord Rahl. Her head rolled a few feet down the hallway as her knelt body slowly toppled over. Blood gushed from her neck and overflowed the grounds. More servants were called and came sprinting to clean up the mess they knew would take hours.

"There for me first, as always" thanked the Lord Rahl, a small smile of appreciation on his lips. Demmin Nass, beaming inside, managed a respectful nod of the head, he in turn smiling.

"It is my honour to protect the Lord Rahl". Lord Rahl nodded and they all carried on down the hallway.

-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-

"All rise for the Lord Rahl!" bellowed Demmin Nass with a strict and forceful tone which needed no repeat. The entire dining room fell silent as the large red doors swung open. Queen Melina's own soldiers piled it, joining the four already in the room. Demmin Nass lead the party, fanning out the area with his arms. The entire table had been cleared with only 5 long candles running down the centre. A white table cloth made of the best fabric had been laid down. At the end of the table stood a throne draped in a D'Haran flag. By the side of the long table stood the guests at this special occasion. They were all clean and tidy. None has oil on their mouths, or their clothes. Everyone stood in mute tension as they watched the Lord Rahl enter the room gracefully.

Queen Milena, at the other end stood with her hands clasped in front of her. She smiled as her diamond crown shone from the candles on the table. The kitchen staff had also gone quiet, despite not being in the room itself. They knew that the slightest noise would have them all killed for no one would be known to of done it. "Check the kitchen!" ordered Demmin Nass. The Queen's soldiers ran into the kitchen to ensure everyone was quiet and standing alert. "Hold them open!" he shouted back. Two soldiers positioned themselves on either end of the doors holding them open. The kitchen staff stood wide-eyed. The fresh aroma of lamb and chicken came flowing into the room. The Lord Rahl smiled.

Demmin Nass eyed all the guests. His eyes then came to a small young servant on the floor. She had a golden chain around her thin neck. Her body was blackened by dirt and cuts. Her clothes, a green rag of a dress draped over the ground. It was torn, had dry blood splattered on it and dirt. Her light brown hair was scruffy and in knots. It was clear her hair was cut with no apprehension or care. It was uneven and most unappealing. Demmin Nass scrunched up his nose at the small girl. Removing his sword, everyone took a deep breath. Demmin Nass pointed his sword at the child but looked into the eyes of Queen Milena with deathly intent. "What is that doing here?!" before the Queen could answer, he continued. "She's filthy and she stinks. How dare you insult the Lord Rahl by having such scum in his presence. She will be killed immediately!"

The small girl widened her eyes but not in shock, with hopeful joy. This made Demmin frown but made Lord Rahl intrigued. Another girl, Princess Violet, shot up from her chair and stood before her servant, Rachel. She threw her fists into her sides and stubbornly stamped her foot. Queen Milena moved from her stance horrified by the sudden action from her daughter. "No!" screamed Violet. Every sword of Lord Rahl's personal guards came out, metallic ringing in the air. Every sword pointed towards Princess Violet. She scorned all the more. "She is my servant. I brought her from the dungeons to show to Lord Rahl. At how I dominate and control her!" Demmin widened his eyes with fury. His sword rose in the air to plunge into Princess Violet's dark heart.

"You dare raise your voice in the presence of the Lord Rahl?!" he screamed. Queen Milena stood in paralyzed fear and shock. She was about to watch her daughter die and she knew there was nothing she could do about it. The sword came down onto Princess Violet and for the first time she showed fear. Cowering herself she screamed. Rachel, the servant, sat up as best she could to watch the princess finally die. Suddenly the screaming trailed out.

"What happened?" asked the Princess. Everyone looked to find the sword mere inches from her face. She gasped and jumped back. Everyone turned to a heaving Demmin Nass. Lord Rahl had a hand gently rested on his friend's shoulder which stopped Demmin Nass from moving anymore. He dare not move.

"I thank you for your concern and protection, my dear friend" he said with a calm light-hearted tone. Everyone held their breath. Demmin Nass didn't. "But you're short fuse would have killed the Princess of Tamarang. Queen Melina's daughter." Demmin started to calm, realising the mistake he almost made. "How on earth would she give us what she came for if you killed her only daughter?" Rahl sounded tranquil almost unsettling for many at how nice he was. Demmin Nass turned with dread and dropped to one knee.

"Lord Rahl. Please forgive my short tempered nature. I did not mean to offend you. Please, if I have done you wrong then use my sword to take off the head I use so misguidedly" he pleased rising his sword up but keeping his head down. He didn't want to rise it encase he annoy his Lord Rahl. Lord Rahl took the sword and held it to his side.

"Get up" he said peacefully. Demmin slowly stood. Lord Rahl handed him back his sword. "I know you true of heart. I know you were doing what you thought best. But next time, ensure the various possibilities. Understood?" Demmin nodded once and turned out, placing his sword back in, same as the other soldiers. They now all stood to attention. The mood hadn't been put away from the guests. Princess Violet quietly sobbed from the realisation that had almost befallen her. The Queen stepped towards her.

"Violet! You do not cry in front of the Lord Rahl. It is a sign of weakness on yourself, me and the city of Tamarang. Now straighten up!" Princess Violet suddenly, viciously, swung around and forcefully struck Rachel across the face with a blood cry. Rachel, shocked by the impact, hung from her chain. A small cry escaped her mouth as well as more blood. Tears stung her eyes, her cheek even more. She looked up but didn't console her cheek. She felt as if her jaw had been shattered from the power from the slap. Princess Violet spun around happily.

"I feel much better now. I'm sorry Lord Rahl for showing weakness". She curtsied as did everyone else upon the stare from Demmin Nass. No one wanted not to comply. The Queen was the first one up and smiled happily at Lord Rahl. She gestured to the throne at the head of the table.

"Lord Rahl" she began, "I have personally had your own thrown be made for you. Worthy for a king. Please, feel free to have a seat and be comfortable" she smiled. Lord Rahl smiled his thanks and walked around the table. Demmin Nass followed closely behind whilst his other guards moved around the table. As soon as Lord Rahl sat, so did everyone else. The kitchen staff piled in with countless food on platters. Lamb, beef stew, chicken, pig. Crumbling bread. Soft biscuits. Dipping mint sauces. The creamiest butter. The food never stopped coming. Everyone ate, and spoke respectively. Demmin Nass refused food and instead made sure the Lord Rahl was protected and happy. He was.

For two hours everyone ate and spoke of the times. Lord Rahl asked countless questions on Tamarang. Anything new. He knew the answers to his questions but simply was making conversation. He asked how trade is going to which the queen told him it was reasonably well. Lord Rahl was happy about it, insisting he wouldn't want his favourite queen to be without such luxuries. She humbly told him it's not herself who deserves it, it's him. She asked him about D'Hara. Lord Rahl wouldn't speak much about his own home and mainly spoke about Tamarang or the Queen herself. Conversation moved onto Princess Violet who spoke joyfully about Rachel. How she'll hit her when she wants, when she likes. At one point, without warning, she did just that. Rachel had almost fallen unconscious but kept herself awake. Subjects turned darker with the mention of the Seeker by one of the guests. Everyone fell silent when noticing Lord Rahl's temper flare. Demmin Nass, screaming, pierced his sword through the guest's heart and had soldiers drag him out.

Lord Rahl, after composing himself, went to speaking about the Seeker still getting in the way. Trying to stop him from making a better future. How evil the Seeker is. Lord Rahl found great pride in preaching the ways of the Rahl. How the resistance must be destroyed or else their corrupt way of thinking will consume the world. Lord Rahl was the saint, he was the hero. For another hour, the Lord Rahl spoke about such topics. How previous seekers were always evil and ruthless. No care for the human being. The people the Lord Rahl was trying to save, to protect. His reasons for killing people for the greater good came into conversation also. The Queen and the guests inventively listened on. Hanging off of his every word. Laughing at his every joke. A few of the female guests fluttered their eyelids at the Lord Rahl. Demmin noticed and remained cautious.

Violet then brought up her ability at beheading people. How she had complete control over everyone in the castle as much as her mother. She found great pride and made her already ego inflated persona rise. The Lord Rahl, by this point, became restless. Finally at that point just before rage, he interrupted Princess Violet's rambling. "Queen Milena. I hope you've not forgotten why I've come here" he reminded her sternly. She smiled and sat up gracefully.

"Of course not Lord Rahl. As long as our deal still stands". Lord Rahl simply nods at her. She smiles back. "Then it is still as planned. But first, desert!" she called. The kitchen staff ran out and removed the plates, platters and cutlery. Others replaced the candles almost melted away. Dishes of the deserts poured in. Rachel's stomach growled heavily as she so desperately wanted just a mere crumb of bread. She closed her eyes as a tear rolled down her cheek.

-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-

Around were the dead and the dying. He stood in a pool of blood, a sea of dead bodies. This time he hadn't felt the pain or the sickening feeling he once felt before. This time, his anger was too strong; he was too focused on who he was trying to save. Every time he got close, something would get in his way. His frustration grew the more he thought of it. The solution, he told himself, was what he should focus on instead. Taking a deep, calming breathe, Richard went to start off on foot after his horse was struck dead by a white knight. Richard felt sorry for that horse and others that were killed. They were helpless. Beasts used by evil men.

He then heard a pained groan. On full alert, Richard spun around. One white knight, face first in a comrades own blood and guts, tried to push himself up with his shaking, wounded arms. A deep cut was across his arm. Blood continued to ooze, growing with intensity at the strain needed to rise himself up. His bone could be seen through the gash. Richard, ignoring the knight's pain, stormed over to him and grabbed him by the back of his hair, tilting his neck with a painful strain.

"Where is your leader taking Kahlan?" asked Richard through gritted teeth. The sword of truth glowed in his other hand, telling him to kill this knight. He wanted to. The knight simply laughed, confusing Richard. Blood froffed out of his mouth.

"I will tell you nothing, seeker. Scum! Evil, heartless, son of a-," unable to finish, the knights head rolled a couple feet away. Richard, replacing his blood soaked sword back into its scabbard, turned to leave back up the trial for Kahlan. Suddenly, behind him, there were movements in the shrub. Twigs snapped, a groan could be heard. Fatigue and growing even more annoyed, Richard took out the sword of truth, preparing for another battle. The metallic sound filled the dense intense air. He awaited another knight.

-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-

"Please" she begged, "Let me go".

"Unfortunately, I don't make the orders. Neither should you" he told her flatly. Kahlan was hung behind the white knight. All her energy and life was drained from her. Whatever she done to the knight several days back removed her strength and never enabled her to get it back. She had been riding for days, stopping for short amounts of time for food or drink. She was thankful for that. This kind generosity didn't excuse what the knight had done to her. Her thoughts drifted back to Richard, how the white knights ambushed him. She missed him so much and only wanted him to be alive. He shouldn't follow her she told herself. He should go after Lord Rahl.

She knew he could never. He'll go after her because he, what she feared, loves her. She in turn loves him. She can never act on her feelings. Richard doesn't know that though. He can never know either. He'll never want to talk to her. It might distract him from his mission at fulfilling the prophecy. Her world came back with a jolt of the horse. Looking around, she found several D'Haran soldiers in front of them both. She then realised where and why she was being taken. If the rumours were true, which she knew they were now, Darken Rahl was at the castle on official urgent business. The white knight was taking her to him. Of course. How could she have been so naive or stupid? Looking ahead, using her confessor face which portrayed no emotion, she awaited her fate.

"Holt!" said one of the soldiers leading the party. "Who are you and what are you doing near the castle?" his voice was low but strong. Kahlan frowned. The white knight made a hand signal, like he had done before the first set of white knights attacked Richard. Arrows came hurtling through the air, whistling past her ears. Everyone landed true- in the D'Haran's hearts. Those it missed were able to pull their swords free. The ones hit fell off their horses and onto the ground with a thud. Kahlan was stunned at what she was seeing. With screams all around her, more white knights, on horseback, came charging forward. Where were they coming from? They were endless.

The white knights collided with the D'Haran soldiers. Swords rang when they connected with one another. Screams of war and death shrieked the air. Kahlan was amazed. The D'Haran's were not working with the white knights. They worked for someone else. The white knight, begun to trot off with the horse and away from the castle into the open fields. She looked back to find the battle over, the D'Haran's killed with only three of the white knights seen dead. She turned back to her captive, still in disbelief at what she witnessed. "So, you're not working with the D'Haran's? Not working for Darken Rahl?"

"Why would I want to work for someone like that?" he laughed. She frowned, with a scornful look.

"You're just like him. You work how he works"

"No. He attacks people with no need. We attack people out of self defence" Kahlan scoffed at him.

"You attacked us at the caves with no intent from us to fight"

"The seeker set out to kill us. We have a listener. He knew. The same in the forests, he wanted to kill me. To get to you. If he killed me and/or saved you, then my mission would be failed. I couldn't let that happen. The fate of the world depends on my mission being successful. I ordered my knights to attack the seeker" Kahlan, taken aback, shook her head.

"So where are we going? You can tell me that much!" she ordered, slightly tired and annoyed. He smiled and turned his face to her. She moved her head backwards to be as far from him as possible.

"Home" he told her.

To be continued…

That's one more chapter finished, and what did you think? Richard finally returned in action packed style. This chapter, in terms of description and fight scene, is my favourite. I have to say, the book series inspired me to include such detail. Richard killed many knights and labelled himself, once more, the bringer of death. I really wanted to add that moment where Richard almost regrets what he done. How the sickening realisation almost crippled him. That is who Richard truly is. He kills because he has to, not because he wants to.

The newest scene, with Darken Rahl, his first appearance in the story, was eventful. Arriving at the dinner party, you truly get to understand how sick and sadistic Demmin Nass truly is. Did you think (for book readers), I portrayed his and Darken's character with justice?

Next scene saw Richard during the aftermath of more knights killing. However, in the bushes, more begin to arrive. Will he be able to handle it? Then, the last part and most intriguing. You finally find out that the white knights are not working with Darken Rahl. The white knight then justifies his killing and the burning of Eden by saying that because he has a listener, he'll kill anyone that wants to kill them. Then the ending when he told Kahlan he's taking her "home". What did he mean? Where is Home?

For answers to questions, please submit me your lovely reviews. That includes everyone who has put this as a favourite. I would love to hear from ALL of you. Take care, and until next time…