Legend of the Seeker
The Male Confessed

Before I begin, LOCISVU, let me just clarify something for you again. Kahlan, if you read back, was never with or captured by the D'Haran's. The white knight took her from the caves after she tried to use her power on him. As such she's now at his will with her power taken from her. The white knights are now with Kahlan and will remain with her until either they get to their final destination or when Richard rescues her.

Thank you all so much for your reviews, they mean the world to me. I've taken in what you said and most of you are missing Kahlan. I concur, I too miss her, but you must bear with me and have some patience. Kahlan must be away from the story to allow the story to gain some more foundation work and set itself up for the main storyline. I, as of yet, have not gave any hint at the story title as of yet. But within time, shortly, you'll all bare witness to the shocking twist I have in store for you which ties in with the title. As such, you'll all be in for some shocks with what will happen to Richard, Kahlan and even Zedd. So without further ado, please sit back and enjoy the next instalment.

Previously, on The Male Confessed: Richard shockingly found himself being reunited with his old friend, Zedd, and is introduced to Jessica. As all three get talking, midst the dead white knights, Zedd convinces head strong Richard that they must enter the Castle of Tamarang to retrieve the second box of Orden which, as they spoke, Darken Rahl was after. Morphing them all to look like slaves, Zedd has Richard bury his sword as not to be found out. Armed with daggers, Zedd uses wizard's first rule to get them all past the guards and into the castle. Further in, they witness Princess Violet dragging Rachel along to inspect the treasure room. Richard, content that they're going to the box of Orden, follows them. Zedd and Jessica on the other hand, prepare themselves to distract Queen Milena, Demmin Nass, guards from the Queen and Lord Rahl, who, is also in attendance.

Chapter 11
The room of a thousand jewels.

Out of everything that he had found himself doing since he became the Seeker, little less than 5 months ago, this was the most dangerous thing he had done. The thrill of it all started to kick in which gave him an adrenaline boost. As he crept down the vast hallways as stealth-fully as possible it suddenly struck him he had no solid plan. Sure, he'd follow Princess Violet to where she, presumably, would lead him to the second Box of Orden, but then what? How was he to take it from her grubby spoilt pours? He had noticed the small child she pulled behind dressed in dull and uncomfortable looking rags. His heart went out to the child whose hair was cut uneven and short. There wasn't a clean part of her body and he presumed she had never bathed since she came to the castle. Richard immediately felt a surge of protection for this child and one of the first things he thought was that he'd help this child.

Whilst he was aware of other servants around the castle, many looked, unbelievably, gracious to be in there. After hearing news, rumours and information from Zedd about the treatment of these poor people, they had a roof over their heads and on the occasion, food and water. Which Richard had a feeling was either bread or some sort of gruel due to how skinny everyone was. Judging also by their pale skins, he knew none had ever seen the light of day since they were brought captive. Richard hated the thought of being someone's puppet or slave, to do what one person wanted. Richard strongly believed that with your life, it's your life, your destiny, you're choices. No one should ever dictate to you what you can and cannot do. This was one of the many reasons why he needed to put an end to Darken Rahl but to do that, he needs all or at least one of the boxes of Orden.

His thoughts returned back to Princess Violet and the small girl she dragged along by a golden chain- the only elegant and beautiful thing on the poor child. The chain, attached to a solid golden necklace, was attached around her throat which no doubtably caused a great deal of pain when the Princess tugged on it. This also panged Richard's heart for not just the little girl, but for countless others who had chains around them physically and metaphorically speaking. So many people are led by others to do their bidding with no real way to remove this dreaded burden. Their very life was planned out for them with no real chance at breaking free - Until Richard was born. Richard would, until his final breath, fight for the freedom of everyone not just in his homeland, but in the Midlands as well.

So to watch this small child get treated so horrifically made him angry. For whilst the other servants were grateful to be there, this small child was not. She was perhaps one of the saddest children in the world. Not only was she upset or in pain, but she was dead in the eyes. Her once angelic eyes were completely blank, void of any emotion. There was no doubt in Richard's mind that confronted with a knife, she would allow them to drive it into her and end her agony, her suffering she has felt for a lifetime no doubt. "Hurry along you disgusting creature!" the voice came from around the corner. It was high pitched and had a droning attribute to it. It was the kind of voice that would make cats screech, windows shatter and something which made people do as was demanded for fear of hearing the voice once again. It had to belong to Princess Violet.

Richard picked up the pace as he walked past long rich brown tables draped with satin white cloths. Candles of different shapes and sizes were on the middle of every table and behind these tables were tall long windows draped with a white cloth and golden curtains. The moonlight shone through enveloping Richard with a warm purple glow. On his right were many life-like paintings he would glance at now and again. He was amazed by the real life-ness of every picture but he was certain that if they weren't done to perfection then the painter would be killed. Therefore, each painting held to true admiration or value due to how they were created. Once again another form of no freedom he so desperately needed to bring back to their world. Nearing the corner, the 37th corner he had taken, he was getting flustered but had become bemused that there were no guards patrolling. Especially on a day which brought Darken Rahl's arrival. The clicking of high heels send shivers down his spine and knowing he was nearing the end he made a check that the dagger was secured under his belt. Feeling it was, he relaxed.

Getting to the corner, Richard pressed his back against the wall and begun to crouch. Once as low as he could get, he poked his head around the corner whilst remaining his back to the wall. His eyes widened when he watched Princess Violet, in her blue sparkling dress, storm over to the golden door. On either side of this door were two strong looking and well armed guards. Both looked menacing but upon the sight of Princess Violet their expressions contorted into fear and immediately one of the guards swung open the door. Richard was amazed that a little girl could produce such fear in men that size. When the door opened with a single squeak, Richard managed to see the golden glisten from what had to be hundreds upon thousands of jewellery but none being the Box of Orden. Grunting silently, Princess Violet went in the room like a bullet. All the time tugging on the chain and each time causing the small child to grunt with pain.

Once a few feet into the room, Princess Violet abruptly stopped and stood in front of a confused young girl. Richard lowered his eyebrows and squinted to see better. "Rachel, you've been grunting the entire way here!" shouted Princess Violet. Just as the door was closing, Richard witnessed Princess Violet lunge her right arm back and violently slapped her across the room which such force it sent her tumbling to the white marbled flooring and sending the sound chillingly echo down the corridors. Richard took in a deep angry breath just when the door slammed shut. He had to think of something and without his proper attire and, of course, sword of truth, he couldn't just run up to them and engage in combat. Then it hit him. Zedd. With a smile as the plan came to him, he appeared from the corner looking frantic with worry. The guards removed their swords from their scabbards. Richard didn't acknowledge the withdrawals, mainly having expected it, and remained in his character.

"Oh thank god I've found you both in time! The Queen is in trouble!" panted Richard. He collapsed to his knees and started wheezing which made both guards back step and worryingly look at one another.

"What do you mean?" asked the one of the right. The other remained fixated and cautious on Richard. They took note of his rags, bare feet and dirty hair and body. They could see he had no weapons but they never ruled out that such a person could pose no threat. Remaining alert, they awaited a response after Richard got his breath back.

"She was shot with an arrow!" shouted Richard forcing himself to get tears in his eyes. Such tears proved to be real emotion as he thought about Kahlan all alone, cold, hurt, beaten. He thought about never being able to see her again. It tore at his heart and the tears just flowed freely making this act all the more believable. The guards widened their eyes in absolute horror. "Our Queen so kindly, taking up her own time, decided to show Darken Rahl the gardens. I was there pruning the flowers making them just right. I wanted them to reflect on our Queen's most delightful and peaceful personality" said Richard feeling his stomach roil at such a thought. He continued, stopping at certain intervals to 'gather himself' from the crying. The guards listened on intently. Their own guard was lowering and Richard took note. "Out of no where an arrow was sent from a guard claiming he must get past our Queen and Darken Rahl in order to save his Mistress"

"His Mistress?" asked the guard on the left confused. Richard nodded.

"Yes, a confessor I believe. He was confessed. So much rage. Anyway, I was so worried and distraught I was told to find help. Healers. I stumbled upon you two. Please, she needs help! She's dying!" he yelled empathising the final point to centre out how important and grave this is. Neither budged. Richard was getting frustrated. "Unless you're confessed yourselves?" pondered Richard. They frowned all the more, stunned and shocked at the accusation. Richard, in acted fear, stepped backwards. "Why else would you not run to save our Queen?" he continued to ponder.

"We are not confessed!"

"Yet you're here, when our Queen is dying, listening to my pleas of help from the Queen herself. You would rather stand here and have her die? You would suffer not only Princess Violet's wrath for allowing her mother to die, but you'd also encounter Darken Rahl himself once he found out you were confessed by the same Confessor the guard came to see!"

"We are not confessed!!" the same guard roared. Richard stepped back further, more frantic. He wiped away at his tears.

"I must tell Darken Rahl immediately!" Richard prepared to turn around but the guards raised their swords.

"You think you can outrun our swords slave?" asked one menacingly.

"I've been living in this castle for 15 years at the service of our Queen. I've had to run around doing errands for staff. I've had to fight my way to the top. I believe I can out run you and get to Lord Rahl before you make your tenth step to chase me" Richard goes to turn once again but the guard on the left puts his sword away. Richard looks around. The guard, turning to the other, holds his hand to encourage the guard to do the same with his sword.

"Go to the gardens, go to the Queen. See if it's true. If it is, then go get a healer. I'm sure the Queen would like all the help she can get" he told him with no real need in his voice to save the Queen other than for his life. Richard understood this but said nothing. The guard, nodding, placed away his sword and ran to be with the Queen. Richard, looking back to the other guard, smiled. The guard removed his sword. "Who are you?" he asked.

"The Seeker" he replied and removed his dagger. With quick precision, Richard hurled the dagger through the air hearing it whish and swoosh. Before the guard could even blink, the dagger struck his forehead with a loud bone crunching thunk. Richard didn't grimace at the sound or at the blood which spurted out and now trickled down his widened eyes and nose. He let go of the sword whilst his body stood stiff. Richard lunged for the sword at the same time that the guard dropped to the ground. Grabbing him, as not to cause a noise, he pulled him down the small hallway and under a table which left a trail of blood. Before leaving, he removed the dagger from the guard. Taking a deep relieved breath, and mentally patting his back, he made his way towards the golden door…

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

"I'm scared" she whispered frightfully. Zedd, placing a comforting and fathering hand on her shoulder, squeezed it gently. His smile seemed to lift her spirits and she turned back to the footsteps coming down from the marbled polished corridors.

"Yes, of course Lord Rahl. Not much further" came a voice spoken with respect, articulate and calm. It also held a tone of authority and without seeing the female who spoke it, Zedd knew right away whose it belonged to – Queen Milena. Taking a deep breath, and looking back to Jessica, he gave her shoulder another squeeze. She looked back up at him smiling, he smiled back, but looked saddened at what he had now planned. She frowned at him, worried, but he forced another smile.

"Do you trust me, young one?" confused by the question, she nods anyway.

"With my life" she tells him confidently. He smiles at her, tears in his eyes.

"Do you remember when I spoke of Wizard's first rule?"

"Yes. That it's a trick and can work more effective than magic" she remembered, proud. Zedd smiled at her.

"I must do that now. But to do so will entail me to do something nasty to you" she took a deep breath but listened on. "Understand I don't mean what I'm about to do. I love you like you were my daughter. Whilst I sincerely apologise, it will ensure the safety of Richard and possibly the Midlands. No matter what, I will ensure your protection if anything goes wrong" he tells her. Seriously, somewhat grave, she nods her head. He kisses the top of her head and she braces herself when she watches Zedd's face contort with rage. Any remorse, or love, or kind-ship he had one second ago shown her was now gone. She couldn't be scared. She told him she was ready, that she trusted him. That he doesn't mean what he's about to do. She must remember that. She must also understand that whatever he will do will eat away at him and pain him beyond worlds. So, once it's all said and done, she'll be there for him. But for now, her acting for whatever Zedd plays for them, must be accurate and real if she hopes to save the world.
Despite what Zedd had told her, he hesitated for a moment. Thoughts rushed through his mind if this was the right thing to do. But with Queen Milena getting closer with Darken Rahl and the handful of guards he knew what must happen. It didn't make it any less easier. But then she smiled at him with such bravery. Nodding her head, practically telling him to do what he must, was what assured him she truly would be fine with that. With that, Zedd gripped her by the shoulders and with a blood cry hurled her into the corridor with such force she slid and hit the wall. She grunted with pain as Zedd ran out in rage. She, in character, cowered. The guards stood alert and formed a thick wall around Darken Rahl and Queen Milena. Guards with D'Haran's and the castle guards. Demmin Nass led the front with his sword pointed. Darken Rahl had his hand on his shoulder restraining him and to wait until more information is gathered.

"You stupid, insolent child! How many times have I told you. You do not run from me!" with that, he swung back and hit her across the face with the back of his hand. The slap thundered down the corridor but inside of herself, Jessica smiled, for the impact was purposely soft by Zedd. He had used magic to make it sound worse than it really was. But, she stayed in character. Turning to the Queen and Darken Rahl, Zedd suddenly turned sheepish and frantic with worry, immediately bowing. "My Queen… Lord Rahl. I do apologise for this interruption. You see, my daughter here, Amy, was cleaning the gardens with me and the rest of the staff. Only she found it a good excuse to escape from him. She always finds the need to defy me and I treat her the best I can. I hit her because I love her and wish her to do better. Not only does she defy me, but she defies you my Queen. For that I am entirely regretful and feel absolute pain for"

"What's your name?" boomed Demmin Nass with such ferociousness, it sent Zedd back a step. Again, he bowed and fidgeted. Jessica watched on, making quick glances at Darken Rahl through the thick mass of soldiers in red tunics.

"Ruben Reidnik. At your humble service" he looked back up and smiled. Demmin Nass, finding this show of respect sickening, backhanded Zedd across the face sending the old man tumbling into a table. A crack formed and the table collapsed into a heap on the floor sending the candle stand sprawling. Jessica widened her eyes but dared not move for she knew it could mean her death. The slap was so powerful, she feared Zedd's head would come off. Luckily it was intact as he laboriously pulled himself up- again, another act to emphasise how weak and feeble he was. Jessica couldn't help but smile and that was when the Queen looked at her. Raised eyebrows of anger, she thrust out her finger at the girl. She turned, a small gasp escaping her.

"I will have no more insolence. Off with both their heads. Immediately!" screamed Queen Milena. Jessica quickly looked at Zedd with fear as he started to ready his hands and Jessica slowly went for her dagger she had concealed.

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

There had to be at least 1000 jewellery in this room. The sight took his breath away that the lights from the candles made each ring, necklace, shoe and clothes glisten and brighten more. Jewellery of different shapes and sizes, different colours, different thought provoking inspiration was almost intimidating. A place of such wealth made him feel as if he, a simple woodsman, should have no occupancy in. Regardless to his inadequate feelings or belonging, he had to be here to find what could possibly be the second box of Orden. The room, which stretched out far was like a maze. The room was split into rows with columns of glass cabinets holding some of the most expensive and prized jewellery. Each cabinet had a key to open it whilst other jewellery hung on walls or sat rested on shelves placed up to display for all to see and touch, though was never advised. For a smudge would see to that person's head chopped off.

He found himself lost in the expanse and vast room that he now desperately needed to find this box. Growing frustrated he felt a crunch beneath his feet. Stopping, stiff, he gripped his dagger and newly acquired sword firmly in his hands. As if he had stepped on glass, he carefully lifted up his foot and twisted it in order to see what he stepped on. He released his breath when his worry turned to confusion. It was crumbs from a loaf of bread. Lowering his foot, it was then that he found a trail of even more breadcrumbs. Had they been carelessly dropped by staff? No he told himself for they were in a straight light, vanishing only a couple feet away to turn a corner. A thought hit him. Had the little girl known Richard was there and was somehow leading him to them? Unable to waste time pondering, he quietly begun following the bread crumbs.

If this idea were to be true, his respect and admiration for this poor girl rose. This small innocent act could save millions of people. As he followed deeper into the treasure room, quickening his pace, he began to hear the rattle of a chain, small grunts and a high pitched voice. He was close to Princess Violet and the small girl, Rachel. Getting close enough once hearing the clicking of Violet's shoes stop, he peered around the corner to find Princess Violet stood with Rachel who had the last of the small loaf of bread. Richard smiled and she turned around to look at him. She smiled back until it was replaced by pain. Princess Violet violently tugged on the chain causing Rachel to drop the last of the bread making a silent, but audible, thud. Princess Violet, confused, tugged Rachel to the side to bare witness to the sound. Finding the bread and crumbs, Violet's eyebrows rose and her face contorted with anger.

"How dare you litter my mothers treasure room with crumbs. In insolent child!" screamed Violet and quickly raised her arm. Not keen for Rachel to receive another slap, Richard gripped his dagger and collided it with the white marbled flooring. The impact gave off a hollow ringing around the room making Princess Violet stop mid lunge. Grunting, he forcefully pulled on the chain forcing Rachel to the floor and grunting from the pain. "I will punish you later. Now, I must inspect the most valuable item here"

"But Princess, the Queen told you not to. Only to make sure the treasure room is fine for Lord Rahl" spoke Rachel, fearful for another slap. Her voice was weak and lifeless. Princess Violet, merely scorning, turned to face a large white door which matched the white bricked walls. Princess Violet then removed a golden key attached to a chain around her neck. Richard was surprised for he thought it was but a normal necklace. He had been unable to see the key which was hidden under her dress. Secured he was no doubt certain. The fact that Darken Rahl and Queen Melina hadn't arrived meant that Zedd and Jessica were making good work on the distraction. Richard continued to watch as Rachel rubbed her neck painfully but managed to glance back to Richard. He smiled at her comfortingly as Princess Violet placed the key into the lock and turned the key. Hearing a loud click, the door, as if by magic, swung open. Richard watched as, on it's own in the small dark room, stood one white marbled pedestal. On top was none other then the box of Orden.

Richard gasped in awe at the spectacle, having not seen the boxes yet. It was the same size as a loaf of bread and was golden encrusted with strange symbols marked on it. Despite no light being in the room, it seemed to project its own golden glow. It looked simple and innocent but Richard knew just what this box was capable of if connected with the two others. One of which Darken Rahl is in possession with. Princess Violet, hands on hips, nodded satisfied. "All is fine" she smiled and reached for the door, sure enough to lock it. Richard widened his eyes in horror as his chance at getting the box was slipping from his reach. Rachel turned to see the face and knew how serious this was. Princess Violet, with the key, started to take it towards the lock.

"Let me help you!" called out Rachel lunging for the key. As she did, she knocked the key out of Princess Violet's grubby fat hands. The key, flying into the air, stopped only a few feet from Richard, within his grasp. Richard looked at the key with grave seriousness as if this thing would unlock the underworld and the Keeper would escape. About to reach for it, he heard a thunderous slap echo the room. Looking up, Rachel frantically, Rachel flew backwards and into a glass cabinet which sat 10 pieces of gold and silver bracelets. Princess Violet gasped in horror as the cabinet tumbled off and smashed into a million pieces on the ground. The sound of glass shattering was deafening with a loud crash and the scattering of jewellery and glass. Princess Violet screamed whilst Rachel also looked horrified.

"You stupid piece of vermin. I've had just about enough!" screamed Violet before pulling out a dagger she had also hidden in her dress. Rachel looked in horror, this obviously never having happened to her before. Richard widened his eyes as Princess Violet stalked closer to Rachel with menacing evil intensions. Rachel began to tremble as she desperately tried to back herself away from Princess Violet.

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

"Not my daughter!" yelled Ruben with desperation. The guards, 2 of them, went to either side and grabbed Jessica by the arms. She screamed, thrashing about, still remaining in character. Whilst she knew Zedd would do the best to his ability to keep his word to protect her, she feared this becoming increasingly difficult. Looking over to Zedd, she watched him stiffen up and prepare to unleash a powerful magic. At that moment, a thunderous crash of metal, glass and debris echoed down the corridors. Everyone stood stiff and confused but Zedd had a feeling what the source was. The Queen widened her eyes and turned to all her guards.

"Forget the beheading. Get to the treasure room immediately!" she screamed. With that, the two guards released Jessica. Landing safely on her feet, she looked to Zedd. As the guards raced down the hall, Darken turned to Queen Milena.

"Everything in order?" he asked with raised eyebrows. Demmin Nass never left his sight from Zedd or Jessica.

"Of course" stuttered the Queen unconvincingly. "We better follow and see to your matter" she stammered and he nodded. The D'Haran guards, Demmin Nass (against his best interests), Queen Milena and Darken Rahl immediately set off to the treasure room. Jessica once again turned to Zedd for answers and he also looked worried. Turning quick, with the others now in front, he raised out his hands. At that moment, everyone slipped on the tiled floors. Jessica widened her eyes with amusement. More so to see Darken Rahl slip. It was then that she realised it had been Zedd's doing. He had made the floor slippery. Darken Rahl, yelling, attempts to get up but slips up once again. Slamming his hand on the ground, red heat exited and begun to stiffen the ground. Again, Zedd shot out his hands and ran over to the Queen and Darken.

"Let me help you!" he called and when attempting to lift them up, purposely fell over, thus bringing everyone else down with him. Jessica held back her laughter at this extreme never before happened moment where the all powerful Lord Rahl slipping over so foolishly. Darken Rahl, Demmin Nass and the Queen yelled even more.

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

"This is all your thought!" screamed Princess Violet with so much pitch and anger that even Richard received goose bumps. He couldn't worry about that for now he knew the guards would be on their way. Grabbing the key and making a run for the door, Richard shoved the key in the lock. Princess Violet spun around, her eyes going so wide you could see the entire white around her pupils. "Hey you! Stop!" she screamed. Richard didn't listen and opened the door and ran for the box of Orden. It wasn't then until he released it was in a glass case. Using the hilt of the sword, he smashed it open. "Guards!" screamed Princess Violet. "Guards!" she bellowed once again. Rachel squirmed from the impact of the voice. Princess Violet spun to face Rachel. "You!" she spat with venom and went to slice at her with the dagger. Richard quickly threw Rachel his dagger to which she caught.

"Defend yourself!" shouted Richard. As Princess Violet's dagger came down with a swishing sound, Rachel brought up her dagger and blocked Violet's dagger. Princess Violet gasped with horror that she would do this. At that moment, as expected, came a selection of castle guards. There were 6 of them that Richard counted quickly. Noting their body shapes, he grabbed the box of Orden and lunged out with his sword. Deflecting one sword, he spun around and in an arch, cut a soldier from his left shoulder blade to his stomach. In the same motion, all in one breath, Richard lunged from one more attack and brought his sword up to knock that into the air.

Spinning once more, he cut the attackers body in half. Both bodies slid onto the white polished ground now overfull with dark red blood. Kicking at the next guard, as he made his way to the door, he got behind the other guard and drove his sword into his back killing him instantly. Removing the sword he went for the one who he kicked but the soldier deflected Richard's sword with his own. This didn't falter Richard who spun around and slices twice at the man from both shoulder blades. Falling to the floor dead he noted there were two more left. One blocked his way through the door but the other was nowhere to be seen. As he went for the soldier, Richard made a fatal mistake when slipping on someone's intestines. This momentary unbalance enabled to soldier to cut Richard's sword arm with his own sword.

Grunting, he used the hilt of the sword to smash into the soldier's side of the temple. Knocking him off balance, Richard swung the sword once again and took out the soldier's sword arm. Screaming with agony, Richard took off his head. The anger he was feeling made the cries of agony fade out. Whilst he missed his sword, he had to get out and so far he was doing a good job. As the soldier collapsed, Richard looked inside for the 6th and final soldier. Frowning, he heard a pained grunt behind him. Spinning around, the 6th soldier had his eyes bulged. Collapsing at Richard's feet he found Rachel's dagger in the back of him. Rachel stood, out of breath and disturbed, her hands bloody. He then heard pained whimpering and then screams. Turning to the ground in the treasure room, he found Princess Violet with her stomach cut. She was bleeding badly and crying. Richard looked back to Rachel and knelt in front of her, gently resting his hands on her arms.

"Why did you help me?" he asked her.

"Because I took one look in your eyes and knew you came here to save us. You meant no harm. I was right" Richard smiled at her until hearing voices coming fast. One was of a middle-aged woman. She didn't sound happy and had a strong authority in her voice. Rachel gasped, worried. "That's the Queen. We're all in trouble now" she feared. Richard looked the other way down the room, away from the entrance. He was breathing hard from the adrenaline and fear. He knew they were close.

"How well do you know this room?" he asked rushed but keeping his tone calming and friendly.

"Very well. Princess Violet takes me here everyday to look and try on the jewellery" said Rachel with distaste. It was clear she had never been able to try these on. Richard felt for her. He suddenly thrust out the box of Orden and she backed away fearful. As if the box was the Keeper itself.

"Rachel, you need to listen to me. This box is extremely important and if Darken Rahl gets his hands on it, he'll be one step closer in enslaving the world. He'll murder millions. Life would no longer be worth living. You must take this box and hide further down the room, away from everyone else. You must not let them find you. With your size, you can easily do this" said Richard over Violet's desperate cries and pleads for help. Despite how cruel she was, he felt sorry for such a small child put through this agony.

"But I'm just a small girl. A no-body. I can't do this" she said upset, defeated. Richard moved closer to her. He was straining his face with the importance of it all.

"Rachel, as of now, you are the most important person in the world" she widened her eyebrows surprised. "You must take this box and find a person called Zedd. He has a small girl with him. When you find him, he'll protect you and this box. Please Rachel, I'm relying on you" he said. The Queen was getting closer with D'Haran guards not too far. Richard turned to them and frantically back at Rachel. Nodding her head and taking the box she looked at Richard worried.

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. Now go" he whispered. Nodding once again, she ran off in the opposite direction. Out of sight, he heard voices mere feet away from him. Standing up and turning, he came face to face with not only the Queen, or Demmin Nass – but Darken Rahl himself. Stiffening his body, every sword rose and pointed directly at Richard…

To be continued…

So there you go! What did you think of this chapter which, has turned out to be one of my favourites. In it, Richard got himself into the treasure room after killing a guard and followed the bread crumbs dropped by Rachel so he could find them and follow. Once found, and spotting the box of Orden, he had to kill to escape. However, upon the arrival of Lord Rahl, Richard gave Rachel the box to hide and get to safety with Zedd (similarities from the book and the series)

I always loved these moments from the book and to then see it on the show. So I wanted to keep the same idea of introductions to then Rachel having the box- but changed around slightly to fit in with my story. (Wait until you see what I do for another set of characters and how I keep the same idea but change it to fit the series- book fans you will be very happy I can guarantee.

Also this chapter saw Zedd unleash a rage on Jessica as another wizard's first rule in distracting Queen Milena and Darken Rahl's advances to the treasure room. But it was short lived as they made their way to the treasure room- but not before slipping on the castle floor thanks to Zedd.

What did you think of Zedd using the name Ruben? Were you happy that Violet was cut in the stomach? Thoughts and comments are welcome and I can promise you that entire next chapter will leave you in such a state you'll demand a new chapter for I'll leave the chapter in an agonizing cliff-hanger. But to find this out, please review! So, until next time, take care.