Chapter 4
Now that Kahlan's health had returned, Richard allowed himself to take in the splendor of the city as they passed through. The sheer size of it left him unsettled. He'd never seen such large buildings; each more magnificent than the last. But none could equal that of the Confessor's Palace. It hurt his neck to look up to its top. He and Kahlan followed Greer along a promenade running the length of the palace, leading them to the Council Chambers. The people in the streets shouted their greetings to the Mother Confessor, reverence and awe on their faces. It made Richard uncomfortable. Not at their display toward Kahlan, but with himself. He wondered why she had never fully explained to him the eminent status she held. Why she had never expected deference from him. Never before had he felt the mantle of woods guide as strongly as he did now. In the distance he saw the stone Keep Zedd so often talked about, veiled in a gray mist, concealing it in the shadows, as if some magical shield protected it. Richard somehow felt akin with it, suddenly feeling cloaked in his own gray cloud.
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Once reaching the Council Chambers, Kahlan immediately sought out Governor Rowley.
He seemed a large presence as he stood before her, but with her elegant white hood pulled over her head, Kahlan looked intimidating and very much the Mother Confessor. Richard stood just behind her with his sword drawn. His shoulders heaved with every breath, rage flashing in his eyes, clearly displaying his intent for all the Councilors to see. Without a word, Kahlan thrust out her arm, her hand gripping tightly around the Governor's throat as he stood in abject terror. Looking hard into his eyes, her lips were set firm with anger as her fingers tightened around his neck. "Tell me, Governor: Do you find me [i]irrelevant [/i]now?"
"Forgive me Mother Confessor. I only wanted what was best for the Midlands…with the other Confessors dead—"
Paralyzed by fear, Rowley's eyes went wide as Kahlan's fingers tightened around his throat. "I am very much alive. Was it you who sent the Foy after me?"
Sweat poured from his brow. "No, Mother Confessor." He shook with terror. "I swear!" She could see he was telling the truth. Her grip slackened, but didn't release.
"You are relieved of your duties to this Council. I don't expect to see you within Aydindril unless I personally send for you. Do you understand?" Her grip tightened again when he didn't reply. Do you understand?"
"Yes! Yes Mother Confessor!"
Richard stepped forward and grabbed his arm. "I'll escort him through the city gates."
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Kahlan made her way back to her room as Greer fell into step beside her. "If I may have a moment, Mother Confessor?"
Her dress fluttered behind her with her brisk pace. Without slowing she nodded for him to continue.
"If you please…it's been a quite some time since any Confessor has been in the Palace, and even longer since the Mother Confessor herself has been here…"
"I will see them, Greer." She knew his request before he spoke it. She knew he wanted her to see the prisoners, hear their confessions and pass judgment on their fate. "Are there many?"
"There is only one, but his crime is unforgiveable."
Kahlan halted her steps, peering intently into his eyes. "How is it there is only one, after all this time?"
He averted his eyes a moment before continuing. "In the absence of any Confessors, and as Minister of Justice, Governor Rowley has been passing judgment."
"And the Council has allowed this?"
Greer nodded.
"Well, he'll pass judgment no more." Kahlan was angry. She should have called for his head. She would if he ever stepped foot in Aydindril again.
"What is the charge against him?"
"Treason. He was the newest member of the Council appointed by Lady Serena when she was the Mother Confessor. It is believed he was trying to expel the Supreme Councilor, Governor Nolan.
Kahlan shook her head. Had everyone gone mad? Every member of her Council seemed to be vying for control. She hoped she didn't make a mistake in sending Rowley away. She thought it best if he were no where near the other members. It seemed the poisonous treachery went deeper than she realized.
She resumed her brisk pace.
"The prisoner won't admit to any of it. In fact, he won't speak at all, but the Council feels the evidence against him is strong. They've sentenced him to death." Greer halted his steps though Kahlan did not. "It's Prince Edan of Winterhaven"
Kahlan's step faltered, but she continued. Confessing a person was not done lightly; especially a Council member; even more so with a Prince. "Tomorrow then, I will see him." She would do what needed to be done.
Greer hurried to catch her. "There is one more thing, my Lady. The remaining Councilors as well as all of Aydindril are thrilled at having the Mother Confessor in the city once more. There's a banquet to be held in your honor tomorrow night."
That was the last thing she wanted. She knew Richard would be anxious to return to the others and continue the search for the Stone of Tears. She pulled a deep breath. She also knew she couldn't go with him. She had already made that decision when they were headed to Pamorah. Their closeness made it far too dangerous. Seeing the situation in Aydindril was far worse than she had realized only added to her need to stay.
She understood the importance of having the Mother Confessor return and the duties that it entailed. It was time to tell him…after the banquet.
Thankful to have finally reached her room, Kahlan shielded her forlorn eyes from Greer. "I'll be there." She quickly stepped into the sanctuary of her room and closed the door behind her.
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