EPILOGUE

"Gifts and Curses"

"Damark will be a welcome addition to the guard," Magistrate Kledd offered as he poured wine for his guests. "Once his wounds have healed, that is."

"And you'll keep an eye on him," Kahlan suggested, adding "In case he reverts."

"Yes," agreed Zedd. "We still don't know why he turned in the first place."

"I know Kledd well," Anclara said as she touched Zedd's arm and reassured the wizard. "The Magistrate won't fail the Seeker again."

Kledd nodded his vehement agreement, and Richard grumbled "He'd better not."

"Now, about your mission." ventured Anclara, touching the pair of objects that lay on the table before her. "I have some gifts to help you along the way."

Richard and Kahlan turned to consider the antiquarian curiously, excited by the word 'gift'. Zedd's eyes were on the silk bound scroll resting on the table before Anclara, and a small leather bound book.

She slid the scroll across the table and Zedd snatched it up. He tugged at the silk tie, and unfurled the scroll. It was an ornate map, written in the ancient style, which Zedd knew meant it would be frustratingly complex.

"Where does it lead?" asked Richard, his curiosity piqued by the fine line work of the map.

"The location of the Tower of Sinthra. If the man I procured it from is to believed. It made be a fake, I haven't been able to decipher the clues."

Richard considered the map carefully. There was something strange about it. He looked harder, really focusing, and ghostly text floated up from the depths of the page. It was the strange text of the Book of Counted Shadows. Richard excitedly told the others.

"Excellent Richard," exclaimed Zedd.

"What's at the Tower of Sintha?" Kahlan asked Anclara, carefully considering the older woman.

"An astrolabe. Created by the sorceress Sintha," Anclara explained. "Legends claim it can pinpoint the exact location of any object in time and space."

"Like Rahl," Kahlan said with a smile, instantly understanding. She reached out and touched Anclara's hand. "Thank you."

"Yeah, thanks!" offered Richard absently, still studying the map. Then ruefully added "This whole thing is in riddles!"

Anclara regarded Richard coolly, then allowed herself a slight smile before turning back to Kahlan, saying softly "My other gift is for you."

She slid the book to Kahlan, who opened it to the title page. She read the title aloud.

"Confession of the Seeker."

As she flipped through it, the door to the office opened. Derwin poked his head in the door.

"Master, the Seeker and his companions horses are prepared."

Kahlan looked up, then glanced at Richard and Zedd. They both sat up straight, and Zedd rolled up the scroll. Smiling, she turned to the Magistrate and thanked him for his hospitality and help, which provoked another round of apologies, which Kahlan accepted graciously before insisting the trio had to get traveling again.

Anclara followed them as they made their way to the stable, and as they walked Kahlan inquired about the book. Anclara slowed down, allowing Zedd and Richard -- who were discussing the map -- to get ahead of them, and said quietly "Zedd told me something of the situation between yourself and the Seeker. This book is a collection of poetry written by the Confessor Viviane, it recounts the history of many Confessors and the Seekers they loved, the struggles they faced, the burdens they bore. I thought it might help to know you aren't the first..."

Anclara's voice trailed off as Kahlan clasp the book to her chest, batting tears from her eyes.

"Thank you," she said quietly, as she shook Anclara's hand. Anclara left to give her a moment to compose herself, joining Zedd and Richard at the stable's entrance.

As Richard went to check his horse, Zedd turned to Anclara. They exchange fond glances and then Zedd slowly asked "I thought you might give Kahlan the Gauntlet?"

"I considered it," admitted Anclara. "But we don't know why her power failed with that soldier, and the Gauntlet of Adrione is too powerful to trust in the hands of a Confessor who power may be compromised."

The pair fell silent as Kahlan passed them, offering a final goodbye to Anclara before joining Richard. They both mounted their horses and looked expectantly at Zedd, who whispered goodbyes to Anclara.

"Don't pretend this isn't important Zedd," Anclara warned. "You have to find out why this happened."

Zedd promised he would investigate, and then quickly kissed her on the cheek, surprising them both.

"I'll be back," he promised as he went to join Richard and Kahlan. He pondered his next move as they rode out from the stable, turning onto Gyrfalcon's central lane. The question weighed heavily on his mind, and at the same time Kahlan worried about it herself, and what it all meant.

"Hey Kahlan," Richard laughed excitedly, glancing back at Zedd. "Did you know that Zedd put a spell on your underwear?"

Zedd snapped out of his thoughts and stared at Richard, eyes wide as saucers. He dared a glance at Kahlan. Her cheeks were flushed red and her mouth hung open, unable to form words. Sensing his advantage, Zedd spurred his horse and charged down the lane, sending city folk scrambling.

Kahlan seethed as she took up her reins, and tore off after him.

"Zedd!" she screamed as Richard laugh and followed behind her.

THE END