Since I was gone all day yesterday, I'm posting both yesterday's chapter and todays. Enjoy!

At Last (Chapter 7)

Finally arriving in Aydindril, they made their way directly to the Confessor's Palace. Leading the way, Kahlan was focused on her ultimate destination which now towered commandingly in the distance on the far end of the city. It was stunningly outlined against the horizon as the setting sun peeked around the scattering clouds, making her heart swell with building excitement. They were finally here. She was home.

She didn't stop to take in the sites or draw attention to the finer points of her birthplace. They had all the time in the world for that later. Right now, she just wanted to be home and to start her life with Richard.

Exhaustion lined her eyes and permeated every part of her as the last several months of searching and fighting finally swept over her. After finding the Stone of Tears and sealing the rift, they had all been allowed the luxury of loosening their fierce grip on their emotions, at last free to let their guard down slightly. No longer needing to scrutinize every mysterious shadow, no longer immediately seizing their weapons at every unexpected sound, no longer staring into every passing person's eyes wondering if they're the next baneling sent back to slaughter them. No, now it was their time; time to start building the life that she and Richard had always imagined sharing.

She drew a weary breath as she approached her home, thrilled to be sharing it with the man she loved more than life itself. If only he and Brey could get to know each other, she was sure they would become friends. It was not at all like Richard to be so hostile and cold towards someone. He was normally so kind, warm, and friendly, quick to help any stranger and make them his friend.

With Brey, though, Richard was very different. She wasn't sure if it was because they could finally consummate their love or if he was just being overprotective. Whatever the reason, she was determined to rectify it one way or another. Maybe once they'd had some time alone, Richard would feel more secure about her friendship with Brey, see once and for all that Richard was the only man she has ever and will ever truly love.

Glancing back over her shoulder, she watched as Richard chatted with Cara, no doubt deciding what their roles would be now that they were in Aydindril. She hoped they would truly be happy here. She couldn't bear the thought of them not loving her home as much as she did. Deep down, though, she knew she would go wherever Richard was even if it meant leaving her homeland. She would always be the Mother Confessor no matter where she was until she gave that title up, but she would never give up her beloved.

Noticing her glance back at him, Richard smiled softly. Even though she looked exhausted, she had a sparkle in her eyes that spoke of the peace that she had with finally being home. He knew that Aydindril meant very much to her, just as Hartland would always hold a special place in his heart. There was just something about coming home that seemed to make everything all right even if it was far from it.

And that was how he felt at the moment. Far from all right. As he listened to Cara drone on about the need to claim the throne in D'Hara, he watched as Brey walked beside Kahlan, his head snapping from side to side as he took in the magnificence of his new residence. He looked exactly how Richard had felt the first time they had arrived in Aydindril except that he had been consumed with fear for Kahlan at the time. She had been acting emotional and unbalanced. He had thought it had something to do with losing her powers, but it had turned out to be much worse.

Now that he was back in the majestic ruling city of the Midlands, Richard was once again filled with fear and worry about his Confessor. She was safe for the most part now, but he could not shake the gnawing feeling that Brey was about to do something that would dramatically change their lives for the worse.

Behind the warm smile and infectious laughter lay something cold and sinister. It was easy to see why Kahlan would be so drawn to Brey, though. His handsome good looks and his charming, charismatic personality would appeal to anyone and immediately make them feel at ease. He was by all rights the wholesome boy next door…and Richard wasn't buying any of it.

There was something in his eyes, in the way he leered at Kahlan when she wasn't looking that made Richard's skin crawl and his heart pound with fury. Even now thinking about it, Richard felt his chest constrict with fear, his grip on the hilt of his sword so tight it made his hand ache. Running his fingers along the cool steel, the raised letters of the word TRUTH burned into his fingertips. That was what he was after and that was what he intended to find out – the truth about Breydan Ryland.

XXX

They were greeted at the Confessor's Palace by Edmond Finch who was next in authority under the position of Mother Confessor. His round beaming face revealed his excitement at finally having the true Mother Confessor home. He stood proudly in the main entrance, his hands clasped tightly in front of him under his rotund belly. He appeared as if he were about to explode in giddy anticipation at the expectant arrival.

The only thing keeping him from running to greet the returning heroes was the equally stocky woman standing calmly at his side. Prim and proper, Aggie was head of the entire palace staff and ran a very tight ship. She had been there for more years than anyone could remember and had practically raised Kahlan when she came to live at the Palace to begin her training as a Confessor.

Kahlan held a very special place in Aggie's heart. Memories of the striking young girl with the long dark hair, bounding through the halls of the palace, her beautiful smile and sweet spirit, her compassionate heart brightening everything and everyone she came in contact with came rushing back as she watched the young woman before her now walking gracefully up the steps.

Kahlan immediately went straight for Aggie, enveloping her in a fierce embrace that refused to let go any time soon. Tears threatened the Confessor's eyes as she held the elder woman to her. Aggie was almost like a second mother to her. She hadn't realized how much she had missed her until she saw her now.

Aggie abruptly pulled back, keeping a tight grasp on Kahlan's arms on she stared at her with watery eyes. "My, my…you are more beautiful than when I last saw you…if that's even possible," Aggie beamed with pride even though she had nothing to do with it.

"Aggie! It's so good to see you! I've missed you so much," Kahlan cried, a tear finally finding escape from her eye and beginning a slow descent down her cheek.

"You're much too thin, my dear!" Aggie lovingly scolded as she pushed back her own tears and placed a mothering hand to the Confessor's cheek. "Zedd's not been taking very good care of you has he?"

"I'll have you know I have taken very good care of Kahlan, just as if she were my very own granddaughter!" Zedd gruffly replied, the tone of his voice betrayed by the smile that spread across his face. "You are looking lovelier than ever, Aggie."

"Zeddicus, you old charmer. Don't think you're going to sweet-talk your way into my kitchen."

Releasing Aggie's arms, Kahlan turned, grabbing Richard's hand and pulling him to stand beside her. Clutching his hand tightly in hers, Kahlan smiled brightly. "Aggie, this is the Seeker, Richard Cypher."

Aggie watched in complete amazement, her mind trying to wrap itself around the possibility of what she was witnessing before her. Kahlan was glowing with pure love, her blue eyes brighter than she had ever seen before. The Seeker standing at her side was just as equally happy, love permeating every ounce of his being as he stared at the Confessor beside him, completely entranced by her. And yet he was missing the indicative slave-induced magic of confession in his eyes and his movements.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Richard warmly addressed Aggie, briefly taking his eyes off of Kahlan to greet her. It wasn't long, though, before his eyes wandered back to his Confessor.

"Aggie, Richard's asked me to marry him and I've accepted." Kahlan's smile seemed to spread from ear to ear, a rosy tint coloring her cheeks.

"You confessed the Seeker?" Edmond incredulously interrupted, likewise astonished by what he was witnessing.

"No, I'm not confessed. I was able to find a way around her magic," he explained, reaching his finger to Kahlan's face and gently erasing the stray tear from her cheek.

"Spirits be! I am so happy for you, Kahlan." Renewed tears of joy began falling down Aggie's cheeks. "There hasn't been a Confessor that has married out of true love in thousands of years!"

"Congratulations, Mother Confessor and Mr. Cypher," Edmond exclaimed as he immediately seized Richard's hand and began pumping his arm wildly.

"You can call me Richard," he chuckled at the exuberant man. Although appearing rather old, Edmond possessed surprising strength Richard decided.

"And this is Edmond. He's second in charge under me. I think Edmond's been here just about as long as Aggie."

"It's a pleasure to meet the true Seeker…a real pleasure, yes sir…a real pleasure," Edmond repeated as he beamed in admiration, finally releasing Richard's hand.

Richard found he immensely liked both Aggie and Edmond. He was relieved that they were so accepting of him especially knowing how they had practically raised Kahlan. He hadn't realized how nervous he had been to meet them until he suddenly felt relief washing over him.

Edmond looked nothing like someone who might be second in command behind the powerful Mother Confessor. His bright blue eyes were set below wild straggly eyebrows, his hair gray and his countenance extremely cheerful. He couldn't imagine him having to condemn anyone to death or having the heart to send an army into war, but he must possess the necessary qualities to remain second in charge all these years.

"I want you to meet my friend, Cara. She'll be staying with us here at the palace as well," Kahlan introduced as she gestured towards the Mord'Sith shifting uncomfortably at the back of the group.

Cara acknowledged them with a faint smile and a tilt of her head. As much humanity as she had regained so far, all of this friendliness was still a little overwhelming. She much preferred being unnoticed, lingering in the shadows, watching instead of being watched.

Having none of Cara's stiltedness, Aggie immediately made a beeline straight for her, enveloping the Mord'Sith in her arms and hugging her warmly. Involuntarily stiffening, Cara looked over the woman's curly haired head to the Mother Confessor and Lord Rahl, her eyes begging to be rescued, but they just smiled, amusement in their eyes as they watched their friend awkwardly return the hug.

"Any friend of Kahlan's is a friend of ours," Aggie warmly informed her. "You look like you could use a little fattening up yourself, your lady." Aggie released Cara, at once putting fists to hips as she whirled around to face the old Wizard. "Zeddicus! Did you keep all the food for yourself and leave these young ones to fend for themselves?"

"Hi, I'm Brey," he irritably interjected after being ignored for so long. Kahlan had reached past him for her Seeker, pulling Richard forward to meet everyone before introducing him. The action had not been lost on Richard either. Brey had been glowering at the back of the little ensemble, growing more irritated as the introductions wore on. He was growing to detest the Seeker more and more every day.

Richard turned at the sound of Brey's voice, having almost forgotten about his presence. He had been so overjoyed when Kahlan had reached past Brey to introduce him to her friends that he had nearly forgotten about the thorn in his side that had accompanied them for the last two days and stood with them now. Richard hoped against hope that Kahlan would not invite Brey to stay at the Confessor's Palace with them. He didn't think he'd be able to handle it if she did.

"This is Breydan Ryland. He was at Thandor at the same time that Dennee and I were there," Kahlan presented her friend. "Hey, where is Dennee?"

"You just missed her. Dennee left this morning for Alcott to settle a dispute there," Edmond replied with disdain, wrinkling his nose in the process and causing Richard to smile at the animated little man.

"Are they at it again?" Irritation immediately settled in the Confessor's face as she crossed her arms with an exasperated sigh.

"Afraid so," Edmond sighed with a huff of irritation.

"Who is at it again?" Richard inquired, his brow furrowing. If there was trouble about, he wanted to be ready. Just because the tear in the Underworld had been sealed didn't mean that all was going to stay safe and peaceful in the three territories especially with Darken Rahl still alive.

"It's the town of Alcott and their neighboring town Devonshire. They have been disputing territories for centuries. Just when we get it straightened out and everyone settled down, they find a way to stir things back up again." Edmond's face instantly morphed from cheerful to an angry shade of red.

Richard noticed the anger that began burning in the man's eyes, his nostrils flaring. He readily decided that maybe Edmond was not someone to be messed with after all.

"Well, Dennee should be back in a few days. Why don't we just get you all settled into some rooms. You must be exhausted from your adventurous travels. Perhaps you'd like to get cleaned up and rest before dinner," Aggie offered as she took Kahlan by the hand, walking side-by side as she led the way to the stairs.

"I'm starved! What's for dinner?" Zedd piped up upon hearing about food.

Aggie ignored the Wizard's question, acknowledging him only with a roll of her eye and a shake of her head as she proceeded to lead them to their rooms. She had too many things to prepare now that Kahlan was back and there was a wedding to be planned for her to spend all her time feeding the Wizard. "Edmond, grab their packs for them!"

Brey grumbled to himself as he began to follow the group. Kahlan had practically brushed him aside as nobody as she rushed to introduce Richard to everyone. The Mord'Sith had even received more acknowledgement than he did. Brey's mind grew dark with anger, his heart stirring with jealousy as his gaze narrowed, his focus settling on the form walking before him. He knew he had to rein in his emotions before he lost control altogether.

They were brought to a sudden stop, however, by the general of the army of Aydindril who made an appearance to welcome the Mother Confessor home and give her a quick briefing. Everyone waited and listened intently except for Brey who wandered over to a nearby wall to inspect a piece of artwork.

It was a beautiful painting of a previous Mother Confessor. She was standing before the Confessor's Palace with what Brey assumed was the Wizard's Keep looming large in the background. Her dark hair and arresting blue eyes were mesmerizing to behold. She proudly stood with a striking blue necklace around her slender neck, her white Confessor's gown billowing softly around her in the wind. There was a fierceness and grace about her that was as recognizable as her beauty. Brey didn't need to read the golden name plate at the bottom of the painting to know instantly that it was Kahlan's mother.

His thoughts began to darken and wander as he took in the beautiful image before him, an image that was amazingly similar to Kahlan. Completely captivated, Brey slowly reached out a hand, running a fingertip lightly over the Confessor's face and down her body.

He stood there for several moments as if he were memorizing every detail. As if waking from a dream, Brey suddenly became aware of where he was and what he was doing. He quickly withdrew his hand, taking a deep breath as he gathered himself back together. He had to keep his focus above all else. He mentally shook himself; he couldn't allow himself to be swept away by emotions.

Turning around, Brey was startled to find himself almost standing face to face with Cara. Her arms were crossed tightly across her chest, her green eyes were narrowed into a deadly glare of mistrust, her lips twisted with contempt.

"Cara," Brey warily greeted her as he stared at her, not sure what the Mord'Sith was up to.

"The only reason I have not removed you from this world is because the Mother Confessor considers you her friend. I do not like you nor do I trust you. I know you are up to something, I just don't know what."

"I'm not up to anything! Honest! I just happened to run into you and KK by accident!" Brey stood with hands spread out before him, his eyebrows raised in surprise. He appeared the picture of complete youthful innocence and misdirected suspicion.

"You say that, but I don't believe you," Cara bluntly stated, letting her arms fall to her sides. "You do anything to ruin Kahlan and Lord Rahl's happiness, if you lay one finger on them, I will not hesitate to rip your throat out."

Her hand quickly found her agiel, holding it up before her as she began to tap it in her other hand. She slowly stepped closer to him until their boots almost touched, never taking her eyes off of the Bender. Raising the agiel until it was a breath away from connecting with Brey's chin, Cara stared up into his eyes. "Think twice before you do anything," she finally hissed in a deadly low whisper.

Standing with his back almost pressed against the painting, Brey could feel the threatening vibrations of powerful magic that flowed through the agiel held at his throat. He swallowed hard as he took very shallow breaths, fearful that if he breathed any harder, he would learn just how deadly the touch of an agiel truly was.

Brey had heard rumors of the extraordinary agony that the briefest contact with an agiel could cause. He could also tell that Cara was extremely proficient in the most effective use of the weapon to bring about the greatest measure of pain.

Cara abruptly pulled the agiel away, hooking the delicate chain at her waist. Turning on her heel, she sweetly called over her shoulder. "Coming, Brey?"

Taking a deep sigh of relief, Brey sagged against the wall as he noticed that everyone had started moving again, following Aggie down the hall towards the staircase. No one had even seen what had just transpired between him and Cara. Wiping the sudden sweat from his forehead, Brey trotted to catch up to the rest of the group. The Mord'Sith may have just temporarily rattled him, but she had not dissuaded him from obtaining what he wanted most. No one would get between him and what he was after…