Water Under The Bridge, Chapter 9

Okay, here's the not-so-big finish. I didn't want to leave you hanging, and I won't have time to post this weekend. This has been loads of fun to write. Thanks for coming along for the ride! I have two more longish pieces in the works, and that's largely due to the encouragement from all of you who've reviewed.

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"How long do you think we have?" Richard asked Marlena a bit later, pausing between bites of a hunk of bread.

Marlena considered. "Well, the nearest outpost is at least a week to the south. If they catch her, they'll probably take her directly there. The spell will likely hold for at least a day, maybe two. If they don't bother to check on her much, they might not even notice the spell's worn off, but we probably shouldn't count on that. I think we can figure on at least two days. You can be across the river and well away from here long before they get back."

"But what about you?" he asked, frowning. "Won't you be in danger?"

"Well, I've been thinking about that. I'd been feeling for a while that it was time to move on. Britta might make trouble for folks around here if she gets back and I'm still here. I've family across in Harfield. Now might be a good time to visit them." She patted his hand, touched by his concern. "Don't you worry about me. A woman with my talents can manage for herself. And before I go, I might see about doing a little something about that bridge." She smiled knowingly at Richard, who burst out laughing.

***

The next day, Richard and Kahlan got up early, planning to get a good head start on the D'Harans now that Kahlan was at least close to being well enough to travel. They were surprised to be met at the bridge by a large group of the villagers. Richard's hand went to his sword hilt, but he needn't have worried. Apparently word had spread of their presence, and how they'd come to be in Waterford, and the entire village had pitched in to provide them replacements for their lost gear.

"These are for you, Confessor," a burly man with enormous hands said, handing Kahlan two very plain but clearly very well-made daggers. She tried to refuse him, but he was having none of it. "I couldn't have it known that Harland the Blacksmith had a chance to help the Seeker and the Mother Confessor and didn't do it. Bad for business," he added, grinning. "And if these beauties help send a few D'Harans on the long journey, then so much the better."

Kahlan thanked him warmly, and then a man with a very kind face pressed a white bundle into her hands. "This is for you as well," he said. Kahlan unfolded the bundle to discover it was almost a duplicate of her Confessor's gown, even down to the hood. "I hope the fact that it belonged to my wife won't deter you. I had to let it out a bit in the bodice," he said, and Kahlan blushed, remembering Marlena's embarrassing words the night before. "And for the Seeker," he handed Richard a wool cloak in a rich russet color. "The least a simple tailor can do after what my wife tried to do."

"Roderick, there's never been anything simple about you," Marlena said from her cart, which was sagging under the strain of all her belongings. "And I think ten years of marriage to Britta was more than penance enough for any sins you've committed."

Roderick blushed, ducking his head, as a number of the villagers laughed uproariously.

"But what about all of you?" Kahlan asked, concerned. "The D'Harans—"

"Don't you worry, Confessor," Harland cut in. "Even if the D'Harans do believe Britta about what happened—and I'd be very surprised if they do—once we set fire to Marlena's house, I think they'll believe we're loyal enough."

Richard and Kahlan looked over at Marlena, eyes wide. "What?" she said. "It's not as if I'm going to be using the place anymore."

"We'll put on quite a pitchforks-and-torches demonstration for them," Roderick added. "Look angry everybody!" The crowd roared angrily, then burst into laughter. "And we'll be very insistent that they hold all three of you to account for the destruction of our bridge."

At Kahlan's raised eyebrow, Harland said, "I've been saving some dragon's breath for a rainy day." He grinned, and this time, Kahlan and Richard joined in the laughter, Kahlan a bit gingerly.

They set across the bridge, waving goodbye to the villagers as they went. Marlena followed just behind, and paused when they reached a crossroads a few minutes later. "I'm headed thisaway," Marlena said, gesturing. "But I expect you're headed for more populated territory."

Richard nodded, but he regretted parting ways with this funny little woman.

Kahlan sidled her horse over next to the cart, and leaned across to hug Marlena gently. "I can't thank you enough," she said, grasping the older woman's hand as she pulled away.

Marlena waved away the thanks. "I'll consider us even if you promise to come visit me in Harfield someday."

"Absolutely," Richard said. "Are you sure you'll be all right?"

"Me?" Marlena said. "Of c—"

There was a thunderous boom behind them, and they turned to see a plume of smoke, dotted with bits of debris falling. Marlena smiled with satisfaction. "Well, now neither of us has to worry about much for a while. That Harland does good work." She nodded at them briskly. "You take care of each other," she said, slapping the reins against the donkey. As she pulled away, she turned to call back to them. "And don't you worry—where there's a will, there's a way!"

Richard turned to look at Kahlan, perplexed, but Kahlan was looking after the plump woman, a small smile on her face. And Richard thought he saw hope in her eyes.