Ruins
"Here, let me help you up," Richard, his chocolate-coloured eyes sparkled at her as he held out his hand. Kahlan took it gratefully and he pulled her up from the rough terrain in one swift motion. They'd since left Hartland (Richard's hometown in Westland) and had been travelling again for almost more than two weeks. The ancient ruins of Lothry was only days away if not less.
It had taken them a bit longer to get there- longer than Richard would have liked, because of Kahlan. With her belly protruding more and more each day, it took a lot out of her to travel the vast fields and mountains paths. It was wearying for her to say the least. Richard had slowed down the pace tremendously, regardless of Kahlan's protests. He did not want her over-exerting herself for no reason.
He admitted he was distracted. Kahlan was a priority to him as was his unborn child. He had to force himself to think of finding the keys, the secrets of the Wizard's Keep. With the knowledge he could find in the Keep, who knew what more he could accomplish… With the prophecies written on the walls of the Keep, he'd be able to find and destroy the dangers before they became threats. He would have the abilities and knowledge of all the first Wizards before Zedd. He needed to focus on that…Focus on being the Seeker.
Kahlan stood up a top the mountain they had just spent a week climbing. He wrapped his arm around her waist and gave it a squeeze as they looked over the valley. In the distance, they could make out the ruins. The city was once large and booming; it stood amongst a large river that ran by it. The mountains surrounded it giving it a comforting shelter. The city was a day's walk away, if not less.
Zedd followed behind them and then Cara. They all stood over-looking the landscape in front of them. Zedd whistled, "ancient ruins of Lothry," he smiled, happy to have finally got there. Cara snorted a laugh and crossed her arms over her chest. "Well, let's set up camp and we'll head the rest of the way tomorrow." Zedd proclaimed, setting his pack down. "It's almost supper time." As Richard was about to protest, Zedd held a finger out toward Kahlan, "Bags boy, look at her. She needs to lie down!" he stated. Richard turned to Kahlan. She did need a good rest. He sighed.
"All right. But we head out first thing tomorrow," he stated and dropped his pack as well. Cara nodded in approval, and began tying the horses up.
Kahlan sat down on a nearby trunk and placed a hand on her growing stomach. Even within two weeks she had grown more. She and Zedd figured she was farther along than they originally thought. Possibly four to even five months along now. Kahlan hadn't realized she even missed her moon cycle for that long…it wasn't uncommon for her, though. Her cycle was never regular. Richard came back from filling their water skins and stood behind her. Without notice, he began rubbing at her back, loosening the knots that had formed from the journey. He pulled her long hair out of the way and worked on the back of her neck. Kahlan moaned at the release of all the tension.
"When you're done with her, perhaps you can do me as well," Cara chimed. Kahlan shot her a death glare. Cara held her hands out in defense, "I'm just kidding, Mother Confessor," she smiled. Kahlan shook her head and smiled back. Richard was glad to see the two were finally getting along.
"So," Zedd changed the subject, "What do you plan on doing when we get there?" he asked, leaning back while chewing on an apple. Richard turned his head towards his grandfather.
"I figure we'll search for tombs…search for the monasteries or any old ruin that indicates a Wizard was there. There's bound to be some spells blocking entrances so I'll need you to help me with those, Zedd. From what I've read at the Keep, the writings are placed in the ruin that's marked with a grace. We need to find that and once inside, once we've made our way through the spells blocking us, we'll find the answers that I need," Richard sat down next to Kahlan when he was sure she was relaxed. He pulled out a book he had found at the keep and opened it to the third page, "The treasures of the Keep are hidden amongst the ruins. If Umana is what you seek, you shall find it here. A grace will place you where you need to be for the secrets of Wizards are kept in peace. Prophecies and magic you're sure to find…" Richard read from the book and trailed off as he was overcome with thoughts. Zedd sat up a bit and looked in the direction of the ruins. He frowned as he stared off. He had felt something…something odd as Richard was speaking…he couldn't quite place it. He stood up, trying to see if he could get a better reading. "Zedd? What's wrong?" Richard asked, confused at how serious Zedd looked. With one last glance into the distance, Zedd relaxed. He turned to Richard and smiled.
"Nothing my boy…Continue reading. Maybe we can figure out exactly what we need to be looking for specifically." He proclaimed, "I'll go grab some kindling."
Richard was still reading when Kahlan came back from getting berries with Cara. His brow was furrowed and she could see he was becoming more and more frustrated with the book than ever. She went over to him and stood in front of him; she grabbed his hand, and placed it over her stomach. He smiled and put the book down, happy for the distraction. She handed him some berries which he gladly took and ate. "Come here," he sat, opening his legs and holding out his arms. She turned and sat against him, his arms encircling her from behind, placing them on her round belly. She leaned into his arms and rested her head on his shoulder.
"How's it going?" she asked, happy to be in his arms once again. He rested one hand on his knee beside her as he let out a breath.
"Well, it's confusing. Wizards spoke in riddles. They never give straight answers. They're always darting around the truth and it get's tiresome trying to figure out exactly what they meant," he stated. Kahlan knew the truth of that. She'd grown up with Wizards and remembered her frustration with them whenever she'd ask a question. They never gave her straight answers but instead opted for a more difficult task – having her figure it out on her own with their confusing wording. Kahlan understood his frustration. She took his hand in hers and kissed the back of it.
"Take a rest from it, my love," she again put the hand to her stomach. Richard unconsciously began rubbing it. She was beginning to feel the baby move slightly. It felt like tiny butterflies fluttering around in there. She knew Richard couldn't feel it yet. It would take a couple more months for that. Kahlan couldn't wait.
She loved seeing how excited he got when they talked about the baby. Loved seeing how happy he was at them being a family. Loved how in love she was with him and how in love he was with her. They were going to be a family. Zedd would be a great-grandfather. Cara would be an aunt… an interesting aunt, but an aunt nonetheless. She was pretty much part of their family now. She'd fought in battles with them, helped them decode things, and helped them seal the underworld. She was with them for good and they all accepted her as that.
Richard kissed her cheek and rested his chin on her shoulder, "you should get some rest, Kahlan," he whispered to her. Kahlan shut her eyes as she lay against him. He pulled a blanket up over her and held her to him. Cara and Zedd were both back and were setting up a fire. Richard gently laid Kahlan down on the ground beside him as he began helping them.
Zedd looked over to Kahlan and made sure she was asleep before he spoke, "She shouldn't come in to the ruin when we get there, Richard. I don't want to endanger her by allowing her to walk in the building with us. Who knows what is lurking in there…she's in no condition to fight," Richard looked up from the flint he had in his hand and gazed over at Kahlan sleeping peacefully with a hand securely on her stomach, a small smile on her face. As much as he didn't want her out of his sight, he understood Zedd's reasoning. They had no idea what sort of spells they were going to be facing and Kahlan wasn't able to fight right now. He sighed.
"You're right about that," he turned to Cara, "when we get there, you and Kahlan will have to wait outside the city walls. Zedd and I will go in."
Cara gave him an incredulous look, "I'm sworn to protect you with my life, not the Confessor," she stated. Richard hit the flint together and a fire started.
"Cara, I am able to handle myself right now. Kahlan and I are bound together by love and now by a child. She and I are one. You protect me, you protect her, understand?" he questioned, giving her a hot glare.
Cara shrank back a little, "Yes Lord Rahl." She quietly agreed. Richard nodded his head and sat back again. He turned his gaze to his future wife and laid a hand on her shoulder. He hated the fact that he'd be walking into something without her, but knew it was for her safety. She'd be angry, but he would have to cross that bridge when it got there.
"Excuse me? You expect me to wait out here while you and Zedd are gallivanting in there with spirits know what lurking around in there," Kahlan crossed her arms under her chest and above her belly. Richard knew Kahlan was going to be angry with him when he told her. They were standing outside the city walls of Lothry. What was left of the buildings was nothing but rubble. The stone pillars that once stood tall and proud were slowly crumbling, and the marble buildings were half crushed. He wasn't all too excited about travelling through such a ghostly looking town, but knew he had to.
Richard put his fore-finger and thumb to the bridge of his nose as he tried reasoning with her, "Kahlan, please understand. I can't have you going in there, not knowing what sorts of spells are cast…"
She cut him off," and you expect me to just sit back and enjoy the sunshine while you go? Richard, don't be foolish. You need every ounce of help you can have in there. I didn't come all this way to not go in there with you!" her blue eyes were on fire with anger.
Richard let out an exasperated breath, "Kahlan, I didn't plan on this, ok? I did want you in there with me. Of course I did. Now that you're with child, I can't risk yours or our baby's life over this. Please understand that." He pleaded with her. Her blue eyes turned away from him as she chewed on her lower lip, contemplating his words.
"That's not fair," she whispered, "you can't bring her into this." She rested a hand on her stomach. Richard stepped closer to her and placed his hand overtop hers.
"Kahlan," he waited until she looked up at him, "please. For her protection." He looked at her intently. After a minute, she turned away from him and looked to Cara.
"So, protector," Kahlan emphasized the word, "how do you feel towards this?"
Cara sighed and crossed her arms.
"I will follow my orders, regardless of how I feel," she stated. Kahlan rolled her eyes and muttered something about not having her own mind. Kahlan turned back to Richard.
"Fine. Go. Leave me here. I'll sit and wait for you," she shooed him away. Richard gave her a look. She scooted him away with her hand, "Go. I'll be waiting."
Zedd lifted his pack, finally glad to see that this was ending. Richard took his pack from the ground as well. As he was about to enter the city, he turned back to her, "Kahlan," he started. She didn't look at him, "I love you."
Kahlan rolled her eyes, her ire obviously not completely gone. He chuckled at her temper… it had definitely increased with the pregnancy. They were all still getting used to it.
Richard ignored her attempts to make him angry and followed after Zedd.
Lothry was massive. Richard hadn't realized how big it really was until they stepped foot inside the city gates. It was as big if not bigger than Aydindril. He was in awe at the white and grey cobblestone and the old buildings that once were. He tried picturing this city in its prime, with all the people, merchants and clerks, the noble men and women. He tried picturing the hundreds of Wizards that flocked here before him and even Zedd's time. There was so much history in this one place, it was amazing. The buildings, though mostly crumbled, were still beautiful and left Richard awe-struck. The designs that were carved into the granite made for beautiful artistry that he had never seen. Though eerie, the town was simply beautiful.
They reached the town square within minutes. In the centre stood a large statue of a woman carved out of marble, her long hair seemingly blowing in the makeshift wind. She wore a dress similar to Kahlan's; her beauty was unmistakable. In her eyes she held the presence of nobility, of character, strength and pride. Richard couldn't quite take his eyes from her. She reminded him of Kahlan so much, from her features to her character. It radiated from her. Her hands, delicate and feminine yet deadly were resting at her side. One finger pointed slightly to the east. Beside her, there stood another statue of a man with hair as wild as Zedd's. He wore simple robes and held his head equally as high as the woman's. The statues gave off an essence. They had a presence of importance that Richard couldn't quite shake. He knelt in front of the stone and rubbed off the grime and moss that now covered the stone statues. Zedd stood behind him, also in awe at the mesmerizing statue. He looked down when he heard Richard gasp.
"First Wizard Thor and Mother Confessor Caris Amnell," he ran his fingers over the name Amnell, realizing that this must be Kahlan's great, great, great grandmother. Confessors never took the name of their mates and always kept their last names for lineage sake. He looked up at the statue again and realized without a doubt that it was Kahlan's great grandmother. Zedd placed a hand on Richard's back as he stood.
"Looks like Kahlan wasn't the only Mother Confessor in her family," Zedd exclaimed. Richard nodded, "I've never heard of First Wizard Thor. Must have been even before the history books were written," he put a hand to his chin in wonderment. He sighed and looked around. There were alleyways and buildings of the thousands. He had no idea how they were going to find the tomb. "Well, we better get started. Looks like we have quite the journey ahead of us," he said, ready to start the grueling task of going through each building, trying to find one that held the grace.
Richard held out his hand to stop Zedd in his tracks as he stared at the statue, his gaze never left. He ran his hand down the cracked stone, down the statues arm to her hand. He felt the one finger that protruded to the east. Anybody that didn't carve or sculpt wouldn't have noticed the purposeful point of the finger. Richard sculpted and he knew. "She's telling us something," he whispered. Standing next to the statue, he followed the point of her finger with his eyes. Straight, through bushes and building ways, he saw a small building to the east. He could see from the distance that there was something etched into the stone. Richard smiled, "thank you," he whispered to his love's great-grandmother. With Zedd in tow, they headed east.
When they reached the stone building, Richard could clearly see the pentagram etched into the hard, cold white marble –a grace. Zedd smiled at how clever his grandson truly was. Seeker indeed. "Bags, boy. Only you would figure that out!"
Richard smiled in response and placed his hands in the centre of the grace unconsciously. Without warning, the stone began to move. Richard jumped back and pulled his sword, startled by the sudden movement. Zedd held his hands out in protection, ready to cast any spell needed or to throw Wizard's fire at the oncoming assault. Nothing came. The stone simply moved out of the way, allowing them entrance into the dark, cold cave. Richard gave Zedd a look. Zedd shrugged and pulled at a torch, lighting it with a flick of his finger.
"Stay close," Zedd whispered as they entered. Richard nodded in agreement, obviously uncomfortable with walking into an ancient tomb said to hold secrets of the Wizard's past.
They walked past writings on the walls and Richard interpreted them. They seemed to be songs written for the dead in the underworld to protect them. They continued on through the stone pathway. The hallway was narrow and they could hear rats and cockroaches skittering around them as they continued on. With precision, they avoided the dips and holes within the crumbling stone. Richard was thankful he wasn't scared of tight-fitting places. He could imagine how anyone would react in a place such as this with that fear.
Richard ran a hand along the stone, bringing his torch up, reading the pictures and inscriptions on the walls. Lie with peace, lie with grace, protect our Mother, clothed in lace… He recited the poems in his head, understanding the words of comfort over a lost mother. His thoughts were interrupted as Zedd grabbed him by his shirt and yanked him back. Within seconds, a large blade swung down from the ceiling and hit the stone with a thud. The ringing echoed throughout the tomb as Zedd and Richard stood completely still, awaiting another attack. Richard let out a breath and carefully stepped over the blade, "Thank you," he whispered to Zedd who nodded.
They eventually came to a dead end, the stone covered in grime. Richard handed Zedd the torch to hold up as he pulled at it, freeing the inscribed words. Richard shook his head in confusion, "I don't understand this writing," he looked to Zedd. Zedd looked over his shoulder and handed Richard the torch.
"You wouldn't," Zedd pushed him aside and placed both hands on the stone, "Only a Wizard of the First Order can…it's a spell. Let me break it free," Zedd exclaimed. He shut his eyes as he began to chant. Sweat beaded his forehead as the chant became more intense. Zedd became louder and louder and he began to shake from the effort. Richard stood back a bit more allowing Zedd the room he needed.
With a cry the stone shattered under Zedd's hands. The older man put a hand to his knee as he caught his breath. Richard put a hand to his back in concern, "I haven't had to break a spell that strong in ages," Zedd panted, "whatever Wizard did that spell was strong…very strong." He explained. Richard waited until Zedd was recovered before they entered the room that lay beyond.
It was a staircase. Richard went down the steep steps first, holding out the torch so they could see their footing. One misstep and they could fall to their deaths. As they reached the bottom, the stench of the room hit them. It smelled of rotting flesh. And mould. Richard held out the torch to see further into the room but could see nothing. He cringed as something shot past his arm, slicing through a small part of it.
"Get down!" Zedd cried to him as they both jumped to the floor. Above them, Richard could here steel hitting the stone as it was lunged forward, "just a trap, my boy," Zedd put a hand on Richard's shoulder at seeing him reaching for his sword. When Zedd was certain the daggers had stopped, they stood again. Zedd flicked his hand over the room. The torches that were placed in sequence all lit at once, illuminating the dark room. Richard gasped at what he saw. In the centre of the room lay a glass casket. He could clearly see inside. He walked closer to it. "Richard, careful. That casket is webbed in a spell. A spell I cannot undo." He warned.
Richard halted when he saw who it was. His mouth dropped. Inside the casket completely in tact, beautiful as ever with her long hair cascading over her flawless body lay Caris Amnell. Her body, though over a thousand years old was perfectly in tact. Zedd gasped as well. The writings upstairs were not regarding someone's lost mother, but the mother herself. The Mother Confessor. Even in death, she looked exactly like Kahlan. The only difference was that this woman was obviously slightly older than Kahlan when she must have passed. Zedd put a hand to Richard's shoulder, understanding how eerie it must be to see someone that looked exactly like their love lying dead in a casket. Richard took in a breath, "I don't understand?"
Zedd was careful where he stepped as he walked around the glass casket, examining it. "The spell has protected her. Kept her safe from aging. I believe it must have been her Wizard Thor," Zedd ran a hand over the words written beneath him, "yes. They were in love," he pressed his thumb into the last word, "he wanted her protected in this world and beyond." Zedd looked away from the words, "so they could be together in the underworld as they never could be together in this world," Zedd looked to Richard. Richard understood. He knew completely what that was like. He felt even more grateful that he had managed to find a way for him and Kahlan to be together. He felt profound sorrow for the woman that lay in front of her, knowing the pain she must have felt at not having her love. He put his hand on the glass, not thinking. He heard a popping sound and jumped back, pulling his sword free again. The casket started lifting, the Confessor still lying still. The glass case slowly opened, allowing the Mother Confessor to be bare. Zedd and Richard stared at each other for a moment, not knowing what to do. The glass case was lifted above their heads and the body of the confessor lay in front of them. Zedd looked towards Caris, his eyes gazing upon her pale white face. The room was silent for a few more moments before her body started to rise with the stone. Richard and Zedd stepped back again allowing it to be raised. At the movement of the stone, the Confessor's hand fell to her side. Richard briefly caught a glimpse of a silver ring that fell from her hand. He bent over and picked it up as the stone stopped. Zedd walked over to Richard's side to be able to see him. Richard took the ring in his hand and turned it over. A large white diamond sparkled at him, It was circle in shape and as large as his nail on his index finger. He stared at it confused as Zedd gasped.
"Richard, place it there," he pointed to the engraved stone that now lay before them. Richard took the ring and gently laid it in the crevice. Within moments, a stone drawer pulled out. Within it lay a book. Richard reached in to grab it but Zedd yanked his arm back. Placing his hands over the drawer he began chanting. Sparks of blue and hues of pink shot out in every which direction as the spell that was cast over the book was broken. Richard looked to Zedd when he was finished. Zedd nodded and R ichard took it out. When he did, the stone drawer went back in. The ring was pushed out of its key hole and the stone began to sink back in to the ground. Richard picked up the ring and waited as the Confessor's body came into view again. Gently taking her hand in his, such a delicate hand, he placed the ring back on her finger and put her hand gently back to her stomach where it had been resting for years. The glass container began moving down again and sealed off the confessor once more. Richard and Zedd both let out a breath and relaxed slightly.
"Dear spirits boy," Zedd examined the book, "This is the book of Umana," Zedd looked at him. Richard smiled in relief. He turned to the Confessor once more.
"Thank you, Mother Confessor. For the book…and your great granddaughter," he whispered to her. Zedd put the book into a pocket in his robes.
"We should get going, Richard," he said to him, obviously anxious to be out of the uncomfortable tomb. Richard was about to agree with Zedd when something caught his eye. He turned to the right and squinted in the darkness. He grabbed one of the torches off the walls and headed towards the corner.
"Zedd," he called out to the bony old man, "come here…there are drawings and writings here," he ran a hand over the words. "Only a Seeker may possess the treasures of Umana. With the touch to our Mother, he shall know the secrets of Wizards before." Seeker's touch. That must have been when he put a hand to her casket. Zedd urged him to read on. Richard continued to squint through the messy writing left over a thousand years ago. His hand stopped over one of the drawings. There stood a woman, long hair, long white dress. Her stomach had a bulge. Beside her stood two other women. One was Mord'Sith, the other, Richard couldn't make out. As he read on, he dropped the torch.
Zedd stepped closer so he, too, could look at the drawing, "Dear Spirits…Kahlan"