Retribution (Chapter 11)

"Kahlan, you really need to rest."

"Not now, Zedd. There is too much that needs to be decided, things that must be taken care of before I d…in case I die," she finally replied as she pushed her chair back from her desk. She could barely keep her eyes open, but she had to force herself on. Her mind was so clouded, so fuzzy that it was growing more difficult to form coherent thoughts. Her entire body throbbed with pain, her joints felt stiff. She was still so cold that her fingers were faintly tinted blue as were her lips.

"Kahlan, you are not going to die. Richard won't allow it."

"There are things that even the Seeker cannot prevent," she softly said. She stared at nothing, Richard pervading her every thought. She knew that he would do everything in his power to save her, but some things were beyond even him. She rubbed her weary eyes, the constant pounding in her head increasing with every beat of her heart.

"My dear, please, at least let me give you something for your headache. You've been at this all day," he worriedly implored her, pursing his lips with concern.

"I don't want anything. There is still too much work that I need to do. Besides, I don't want to stop, Zedd," she muttered, deep in thought. "If I stop working, I'll worry about Richard even more than I already am and I don't want to cry anymore. I am so sick of crying."

"You need to have faith in Richard."

"I have all the faith in the world in Richard. It's Denna that I don't trust," she bitterly replied. "I love him, Zedd. I can't bear the thought of losing him or of leaving him." She choked back the tears that pleaded for release as she stood to her feet. She swore to herself that she would not cry again, but it was growing harder and harder to fight against the cocoon of exhaustion that wrapped itself around her.

"You won't lose him. Cara is going to leave tomorrow morning to go after him," the old Wizard informed her.

"But Denna said that…"

Kahlan suddenly grabbed the desk, her heart racing and the room spinning wildly. She tightly squeezed her eyes shut against the wave of nausea that crashed down upon her, her stomach roiling like a wild tempest. She readily decided that the morning sickness that she had endured was nothing compared to the wild array of symptoms that assaulted her now. She felt arms unexpectedly support her from behind.

"That's it, Mother Confessor. I'm in charge now," Zedd firmly but lovingly informed her. "It's off to bed with you." He gently began guiding her around the edge of her desk toward the door.

"No, wait!" she abruptly cried, struggling against his grasp on her arms.

"Kahlan!" Zedd forcefully insisted as he fought against her attempts.

"Zedd, please!" she begged, tears beginning to stream down her pale cheeks. "I have to give this to you!" She knew that she was rapidly losing the battle against the poison that consumed her body.

"All right," he relented, helping her back to her desk.

He watched as she frantically searched her desk, hysteria rising beyond her control. Finally finding what she was looking for, Kahlan turned and gripped his arm tightly. "Please, Zedd, promise me you'll give this to Richard if he doesn't make it back in time," she choked out, gasping for every breath.

"Kahlan, you are going to be…"

"Please, Zedd, promise me!" she pleaded with him, her bottom lip trembling with the weight of her grief, tears slipping down her cheeks and falling from her chin. Richard had to know.

Zedd stared at her for a moment before taking the envelope from her. "Anything for you, my child…anything for you," he lovingly replied. Leaning forward, he placed a tender kiss to her forehead before helping her from the room.

Cara turned the corner to find Zedd helping Kahlan down the hall. She was just returning from having checked all the outposts with Devin. Things were still quiet; no sign of the Mord'Sith anywhere. The scouting party they had sent out had yet to return though.

Kahlan was leaning heavily against the Wizard's arm for support. Her skin was so pale, her body so frail. The affects of the poison were increasing rapidly. She looked much worse than she had when Cara had seen her earlier in the day.

Cara took off in a dead run as Kahlan suddenly collapsed. Zedd eased her as gently as he could to the floor, but she had suddenly slipped from his hold on her. Cara helped Zedd lower the Confessor the rest of the way to the floor. He gently brushed her hair from her face, surprised by the frigid feel of her skin. She was rapidly losing the battle against the poison that had invaded her.

XXX

Richard cried out in unexpected pain. He quickly yanked the arrow from his left arm, throwing it aside before pulling his sword free. He spun around to find three men on horseback bearing down on them. Denna quickly turned as well, her agiel in hand as she charged toward their attackers.

The men continued firing arrows at them, determined to end their existence. Richard was not about to let that happen. Kahlan's life was at stake and he was not going to let her down. He was not going to let Kahlan die, taking their dreams and his heart with her.

Grinding his teeth, he gladly welcomed the rage that coursed through his blood, relishing the feeling of it binding with the magic of the sword. He was finally free to release the wrath that had been brimming just below the surface, the helplessness that occupied his soul.

Thrusting his sword at the first man, Richard immediately ran him through. He had precious little time for this. He barely noticed the throbbing pain in his arm or the blood running down it. He was one with his sword just like his heart was one with Kahlan's.

Richard quickly turned his horse around, charging back for the second man. He watched as Denna leapt from her stead, knocking the second man off of his horse. They began struggling, the large man rolling over on top of the Mord'Sith and quickly pinning her to the ground. Richard raced by, swinging his sword and slicing the attacker's head off.

The third man circled back around still intent on fighting them despite the fact that his two companions had quickly lost their lives. The attacker's eyes were narrowed as he focused on the man with the sword charging toward him.

Richard was bearing down on him, his fury overtaking logic. He abruptly sheathed his sword as he closed in on his would-be attacker who had pulled a knife. Richard threw himself at his foe, knocking them both to the ground. They immediately began struggling, rolling over through brush and dirt as they fought over control of the knife. The physical one-on-one combat provided amazing release to Richard's anguished soul. He was like a man possessed as he slammed his fists into the attacker, receiving punches as well as giving them.

Denna jumped to her feet, racing towards them in attempt to help Richard. He should have allowed her to kill the man instead of doing it himself. She hadn't killed anyone in a long time and evidence of her condition was growing by the hour. She suddenly lost sight of them as they rolled through brush, disappearing into the branches and leaves. As she broke through the brush they had disappeared into, she found herself standing on the edge of a steep ravine.

"Richard!" she screamed as she peered over the edge.

Denna immediately started making her way down the steep ravine, bits of dirt and small rock sliding out from beneath her feet, causing her to momentarily lose her footing. She wildly grabbed for stray branches in an attempt to keep her balance as she slid and stumbled her way down to where she hoped Richard was.

"Richard!" she frantically cried, her eyes darting back and forth as she scanned the landscape for the Seeker.

Hearing groaning, Denna made her way towards a thick cover of brush. "Richard?"

Richard slowly got up, pulling sticks and leaves from his hair and his clothes. He had scratches on his face and his shirt was torn, but he appeared to be in one piece. He quickly went about searching the bushes for the man that had attacked them. He angrily swatted at branches, stomping through leaves until he finally found what he was searching for.

Leaning over, Richard grabbed the man by the front of his shirt, heaving him up to glare into his eyes. "Why did you attack us?" he shouted at the man, his face a picture of sheer rage.

The man was dazed, his eyes only half open and half aware of what was actually happening. He had a nasty gash to his head, blood flowing freely from the gaping wound. Richard violently shook the half conscious man, wanting an answer.

"To rob you…" he gurgled with his last breath as his eyes closed and his head fell limply to the side.

Richard released his hold on the body, letting it fall in a heap to the ground. He closed his eyes, tilting his head back as he panted for air, earnestly trying to tame the wild flood of rage that coursed through his veins.

"Richard…are you alright?" Denna softly asked from behind him.

"I'm fine. Let's go retrieve the horses so we can get out of here," he bitterly replied as he watched the sun sinking behind the horizon. The second day was quickly coming to an end and they still had not found the Shadow Water. He had one more day left to find the water, get the cure, and make it back to Aydindril in time to save Kahlan. Things were drastically growing bleaker, causing his heart to sink.

Slowly turning, he clenched his fists in an attempt to regain his focus and calm his anxious heart. For the first time, Richard began taking in the landscape that surrounded them in the ravine. It was actually quite beautiful, mesmerizing to behold. There was brush scattered across the valley, wildflowers colorfully sprinkled the ground, trees lumbered tall and foreboding in the distance. There were leafy vines that dangled from the trees, falling and draping gracefully to the ground like a curtain of green. It was like a hidden, private sanctuary.

"Richard? Are you ready?" Denna asked, confused by the sudden change in his demeanor. She was growing weaker by the minute, the consequences of her pact with Darken Rahl ravaging her body now.

Richard did not answer her, instead just observing the lush landscape that thrived in this unusual location. "If it is a cure that you seek, it is the Shadow Water you must drink; you must first find the shroud of green, if the thing you need is to be seen."

"…shroud of green…" The words washed over him like a waterfall of realization, understanding finding his heart and giving him a flicker of hope. He suddenly took off in a dead sprint.

Denna took off after him, confused by his actions. She followed him until he came to an abrupt stop at a line of trees that were thickly covered with green leafy vines that draped like a protective shield. Panting, Denna came to stand beside him as he stared at the leafy curtain of green.

"Richard, we need to get going. It's getting dark and I have to kill someone or else…"

Ignoring her, Richard reached out, gently pushing the vines to the side. He cautiously peered inside the sanctuary, fearful that he had not interpreted the riddle correctly. He could not take more defeat, not at this point.

The protective vines reluctantly gave way to his tug on them, finally allowing them entrance. Richard tentatively entered, his breathing ragged with anticipation. If they had found the water, he could leave immediately for Aydindril with the cure and hopefully be there in time to save Kahlan's life. Of course, that is if Denna truly had the medicine and willingly gave it to him. His heart began to race at the sudden thought that maybe Denna had been bluffing about there being a cure. She was obviously after him, wanting to take him away from Kahlan. This would be her best opportunity to do that. He would not hesitate to send her to the Keeper himself in order to obtain the antidote if it came to that.

As the vines draped back into place behind Denna, the pair found themselves enveloped in a world unlike any other. It took a moment for their vision to adjust to the dim lighting before they could continue on. The ground was covered in thick luscious grass that stretched out like a deep green carpet. A sense of tranquility swept over them as they took in their new surroundings, magic tickling the Seeker's senses. They were completely encircled by trees and vines, hiding them from the outside world. There were no sounds of the woods, not an animal in sight. It was completely quiet save for the sound of Richard and Denna's labored breathing.

It appeared like such a small area and yet it seemed to just continue on forever, stretching out as far as the eye could see. Richard looked up to find no sky above them, only a canopy of leaves and tree branches. He quickly began scanning the area, frantic to find the water. It had to be here. The area was too magical to not be here.

Just then something bright blue caught the Seeker's attention. He suddenly took off toward the blue, hoping against hope it would heal Denna and lead to Kahlan's salvation. He stopped at the edge of a small pond, the blue water the same color as Kahlan's eyes.

Denna came to stand by the Seeker, staring at the water. "The Shadow Water," she reverentially whispered in awe. They had found it. After several months of nothing by dead ends and heartbreaking disappointments, they had finally found her salvation. She had won and Darken Rahl and the Keeper had lost.

She sank to her knees, tears filling her eyes as she leaned over. She gently glided trembling fingers along the top of the water, trepidation tugging at her heart. What if this didn't work? What would she do then? She still had Kahlan's life to fall back on, but…

"What are you waiting for? Drink it!" Richard anxiously told her. Every moment was growing more precious, time was his enemy. He couldn't stand there and wait for her as she stared at her deliverance.

Denna dipped her fingers in the cool water, cupping her hand and scooping up the precious liquid, bringing it to her lips. She slowly drank down the refreshing water as tiny droplets fell from her fingers. Sitting back on her heels, Denna could feel the magic begin to flow through her body, repairing the damage done by the Underworld.

Richard watched in amazement as the sores began to disappear from her face, her coloring returning to normal. They had found it. Tears welled up inside as relief caused his heart to soar. Now he just needed the antidote.

Denna stood to her feet, turning to look at the Seeker. "You know I could still let Kahlan die," she softly told him as she gazed intently at him.

"Denna…I'm begging you please, spare Kahlan's life. She means everything to me," he pleaded with the Mord'Sith.

Slowly reaching into a hidden pocket, Denna pulled out a small rose colored vial. Holding it out in front of her, she closed her fingers tightly around it. Richard feared the precious bottle would shatter in her grip. His heart began to pound in anticipation, praying that Denna would not turn on him now. He knew he had no reason to trust her; she had never given him a reason to actually trust her.

Denna stared at him with longing and regret for a moment before finally holding out the vial in her outstretched hand. "Go and save her," she sadly said with a heavy heart.

"Thank you, Denna. Don't waste this chance at a new life," he sincerely advised her as he put the valuable bottle in his vest pocket, close to his heart.

"I won't…thank you, Richard. You saved my life."

"I hope you find true happiness now." He turned from her then, making a quick escape from the secluded paradise. He didn't care what happened to her now. He had what he needed and saving Kahlan's life was all that mattered to him. Now, he just had to get to Aydindril before nightfall tomorrow.

XXX

"She's absolutely freezing!"

"What kind of poison did Denna give her?" Cara wondered out loud as she paced on the other side of the bed. She'd been falling in and out of consciousness since collapsing last night.

Zedd sighed with frustration as he dabbed a warm damp cloth on her forehead. "There's at least three I can think of that can cause this wide array of symptoms, but the cures for each of them are completely different. If I perform the wrong spell, I will definitely kill her."

"We have to do something!" she huffed as she angrily crossed her arms across her chest as she continued to pace.

"Well, you definitely can't go after Richard now. This poison is reacting with her Confessor's magic. It's almost as if it's intensifying and speeding up the affects. She might not make it till nightfall tonight."

"Richard?"

The weak sound of her voice caused both of her caretakers to stop. "Kahlan, my dear, it's Zedd. Richard isn't here yet."

"Richard!" she cried hysterically, her head rolling back and forth, tears leaking from her eyes and rolling down the sides of her face, wetting her hair.

"Kahlan, I sent out a scouting party early this morning to look for him. He isn't here yet," Cara informed her as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Her lips were blue from cold, blankets piled high on top of her in an attempt to increase her body temperature while a roaring fire crackled loudly in the fireplace.

"Cara! Help him! Please don't let Denna have him! Promise me you'll take care of him. Promise me!"

"Kahlan, you're going to be alright. Richard will be here soon. He won't let you die," Cara attempted to comfort her, her brow lined with worry. It was difficult seeing the Mother Confessor so panic-stricken and irrational.

Kahlan attempted to sit up, desperately grasping for Cara's arms. "Promise me, Cara! Don't let him blame himself for this!" Her eyes were wide with despair, her voice trembling with fear.

Cara gently pushed her back down in the bed as Zedd placed another warm rag on her brow. "I promise, now get some rest. You have to conserve your strength for when Lord Rahl returns. You know he's going to want in this bed with you as soon as he gets back," she teased trying to comfort her friend.

Kahlan closed her eyes as she drifted into unconsciousness again, her breathing becoming more labored.

"Kahlan?" Zedd said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "That boy had better get her soon because she only has a few more hours left if that," he gravely said with an anxious sigh…