Chapter 3

"Richard."

He didn't want to wake. He heard someone calling his name, but he was still enjoying the warm embrace of the woman he loved. His blissful dream had her returning his passionate kiss. He wanted to sleep forever.

"Richard" he heard again.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. Kahlan faced him, still in his arms. "Did you sleep well?" she asked with a teasing grin.

He suddenly felt embarrassed, as if she might know what he had just been dreaming. She must think him awfully forward, lying here with her like this. He loosened his hold on her and looked away. "You were shivering with cold…the fire didn't seem to help."

"It's okay, Richard." Her words pulled his eyes back to hers. She rested a reassuring hand on his chest and smiled. "Thank you for keeping me warm."

He was relieved to see she was feeling better. Zedd's tea must have helped.

Her closeness made his heart pound. They needed to be on their way and he knew if he didn't move now he might never pull himself away. He looked in her eyes a moment longer then stood and hoisted her to her feet. "We should be able to find horses in the next town. Are you able to walk?"

Kahlan didn't want to leave the warmth of his arms and felt a sudden chill without his body next to hers. "We don't have a choice, but I'll be glad once we can ride."

Zedd, Cara and Flynn were now on their way to Pamorah. They would rejoin them when they could. Right now, Richard's only concern was getting Kahlan to Aydindril and to the Fountain of Spirits at the Confessor's Palace.

##

More than a week of hard travel had exhausted them both and Richard's concern grew as Kahlan seemed to wither. Each passing day she was a little paler, a little weaker, but she had still been able to ride. He was thankful for that.

Nearing Aydindril, he had scooped her up in his arms when she collapsed just outside the city gates. They had been riding side-by-side when she suddenly slumped forward on her horse. She had pushed herself as far as she could. Richard called out to her, fear in his voice. Thankfully, she hadn't fallen off as he grabbed the reins and brought her horse to a halt.

He gathered her up in his arms and rode to the steps of the Confessor's Palace. Its splendor made it easy to find; its polished white granite like a brilliant pearl shining in the sun. Had he not been consumed with fear for Kahlan, Richard would have been overcome with awe. Her description of the city and palace on their journey here could not compare.

Upon reaching the steep granite steps leading to where she had told him they would find the Fountain of Spirits, he dismounted and pulled her from his horse, carrying her the rest of the way. Panic gripped him as he urged her to hold on. "Stay with me Kahlan, we're here now." He didn't know how much of the water she needed to drink but he scooped a handful and brought it to her lips. All around them people gathered, many falling to their knees in reverence at having the Mother Confessor in Aydindril. Richard was too concerned to notice as he continued to scoop water into her mouth.

A voice came from behind. "She's had enough."

Richard turned his head toward the voice.

A stout man a few years older than himself made his way toward them. He could see the concern etched in Richard's anxious eyes. "If she's drinking from the Fountain of Spirits, I assume she's been visited by a Foy. She needs only a sip. The purpose is to ensure the person returns to Aydindril, which she has. She'll be fine now."

Richard felt a swell of relief and he touched a damp hand to Kahlan's cheek. She was already becoming more alert. He looked over the man, taking in his tunic of black and royal blue, the same colors as the flags flying outside the Confessor's Palace. "Who are you?"

He came closer. "I'm Greer, Aid to presiding Mother Confessors."

"Is there somewhere she can rest?"

Greer nodded. "The Mother Confessor's rooms always stand ready in case of her return. I'll take you there."

##

Kahlan enjoyed the feel of lying in her luxurious bed. She was still a bit disoriented but more recovered now that she had rested.

"You're looking much better." Richard's thumb brushed her cheek as he sat beside her on the bed. The color was finally returning to her cheeks giving her a healthy glow. A fire burned in the hearth adding its warmth to the room.

Kahlan put a hand to his leg. "I'll be fine now, Richard. I just needed a little rest before I go to the Council Chambers."

"I'm going with you." He gripped the hilt of his sword. "I want them to know the Mother Confessor is accompanied by the Seeker."

She smiled at his protectiveness. "I'm sure they know already. Word travels fast when the Mother Confessor arrives in Aydindril."

He squeezed her hand. How's your wound? Is it really gone? Perhaps I should have a look for myself."

She tilted her head toward him, "It's really gone…I've told you I already looked." She gave him a teasing grin. "I think you're just trying to get another look at my leg."

He gave a small laugh. "I won't deny that."

A matronly voice boomed from the shadows. "Shall I send for Greer now, my Lady?" A very rotund woman stepped out of the dark corners of the room into the light of the fire.

Kahlan felt like a reprimanded school girl. Tilting her head toward Richard she whispered, "Who's that?"

Smiling, he too whispered his reply, "That's Agatha: your hand maid."

Kahlan held in a laugh. "Oh. She must have come after I left Aydindril."

Kahlan then spoke up in an authoritative voice, "Yes, bring him at once. I wish him to take us to the Council Chambers."

Agatha gave a stern look to Richard before she made for the door.

He playfully whispered once more, "I don't think she likes me."

Kahlan's giggle was the sweetest sound he'd heard in weeks.

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