Chapter 4
Kahlan leaned into her horse encouraging him up the steep mountain pass but the small rise in her belly was hindering her movement in the saddle. The animal was slipping in the snow searching for solid footing. "C'mon boy, c'mon" she urged. Chase's horse was having difficulty as well but he had almost cleared the top.
They at last made it up the steepest part of the pass. Chase surveyed the mountains rising higher around them. Kahlan looked to the valley below. The wind whipped the hood off her head sending her hair flying about. The gnarled trees gave off their eerie sound as the wind blew through them; whispers, ghostly and haunting. It only added to the deep chill she felt in her bones. She called to Chase to get his attention, nodding her head toward the valley below them. A stone temple much like the one she had been held captive in sat in the far corner. Nearer to them stood a small soldier's fort.
He brought his horse closer to hers, "I guess we're in the right place." As he was about to turn his horse toward the valley below he felt the swish of an arrow as it flew past his head, sinking deep into a tree. They instantly brought their horses around moving toward the valley trying to take cover in the trees. Arrows whistling around them, they dove from their horses, better able to take cover on the low ground. Kahlan's daggers were out in a flash and flying through the air. She sunk one deep in the chest of an archer. She hastily traversed the ground, slipping her way through the snow near to where he lay. She quickly learned that sliding along on her belly was no longer an option. She pulled herself over a fallen tree to finally reach him. Picking up his bow she started firing at the remaining force.
She noticed Chase in close combat with a large soldier. She didn't trust her aim enough to take him down with the bow and pulled her dagger from the dead archer's chest throwing it into Chase's attacker. As she again reached for the bow, she saw an officer making his way for her. He would be of value she thought and put the weapon aside. Readying herself to take the leap toward him and confess him, she faltered when she saw the sword on his hip. Richard's sword. He was upon her now and his punch sent her sprawling to the ground. He grabbed her by the collar of her cloak, yanking her to her feet. Kahlan had just enough time to refocus, her hand instantly at his throat, her eyes flashed. The Captain fell to his knees. "Command me Confessor."
"Give me the sword." He immediately complied. She handed him the bow and arrows.
Hooking the Sword of Truth around her waist, Kahlan ordered him, "Protect me and my friend."
The Captain took up the weapon and began shooting arrows at his own men. She and Chase had dispatched most of the enemy so there weren't many left. Within minutes all was quiet.
Kahlan's head was swimming. She'd had little to eat or sleep and the exertion of the battle was taking its toll on her compromised condition. She was unsteady on her feet but moved to stand in front of the Captain. "Where is the Seeker, is he alive?"
"Yes, my Lady. I'll take you to him"
She swayed with the relief that flooded her, fighting to maintain her stance.
As Chase approached her and the Captain a bolt slammed into his shoulder sending him toppling into a deep ravine.
Kahlan pulled free the dagger from her boot and in an instant had thrown the weapon sinking it deep into the archer's chest. He fell to the ground, dead.
"Chase!" Kahlan ran to the edge of the ravine. He wasn't moving. She plunged down the side of it, grasping at trees and rocks as she moved to keep from falling out of control. She reached his side and kneeled in the snow beside him. "Chase!" The wound didn't appear life threatening but he was out cold.
She looked up the ravine to the Captain "I need your help!" she shouted.
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Richard hung in his chains. Though asleep, he shivered with the cold. He felt a warm caress down his cheek. Lifting his head, he opened his eyes and saw Kahlan standing before him. He thought he must still be dreaming. "Kahlan? What are you doing here? How did you get here?" Feeling his cold skin she put both hands to his face "Shhh, my love. I'm here now. Let me warm you." She breathed her warm breath into his ear. He had been so cold for so long. She held her form close to him, letting him feel her heat. Her warmth felt wonderful. He ached to break free of his chains and hold her but he was too weak. He was only on his feet because his shackles held his arms. What was she doing here? He needed to get her away from here. It was too dangerous for her. His mind felt fuzzy. He thought it must be from the cold and lack of sleep. It had been so long since he'd seen her.
He had longed for her so many nights, now, having Kahlan here against him, all he wanted was to lay down with her in his arms and have her hold him, warm him. Have her make love to him like she did before he left. He tried to clear his mind. Why would he be thinking these thoughts now? He needed to get her as far away from here as possible; keep her safe. She kissed his ear. "I've missed you Richard. I need you." His knees buckled. He knew he should be planning their escape, but instead he wanted only to break his chains and ravish her this moment. She kept her face close to him, breathing her warm breath over him as she lowered herself to the floor, her hands sliding down his body as she came to his feet. He found it a very erotic gesture. He struggled to maintain his composure, battling with his longing; it somehow seemed against his will.
She unlocked the chains at his feet and slowly rose back up in front of him. He was ashamed for feeling this way, when their very lives were at stake. Her presence mesmerized him. He felt danger, yet his lust didn't seem to care. She breathed warmly into his ear, pressing her shape up against him and he felt a sudden strength and stamina infusing his body as his willpower weakened. He had longed for her so many nights, how could he resist her now? Pressing close to him, she reached her arms up over his head to his wrists in the shackles above. Richard swallowed hard at the feel of her mouth brushing against his face as she spoke, "I have the key Richard. Promise me you'll hold me when I release you." Richard let out a moan of longing, "I promise you anything you want Kahlan." She hungrily tasted his neck as his arms struggled for release. She whispered in his ear "I want you Richard." She slowly twisted the key, setting him free. He was a man unleashed; all at once he wrapped himself around her. She delighted in the feel of him as he pulled her to the floor.
He had ached for her so many nights to be with him as she had been their last night together. And here she was with him. They could be that way now. He buried his hands in her hair pressing his mouth to her ear, "Tell me Kahlan."
She answered with a breathless whisper, "I want you to make love to me."
He wantonly kissed her ear, "I intend to. Tell me."
"Tell you what?"
Richard's blood went cold. In an instant the lust and warmth he felt drained from his body as cold realization slammed into him.
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