Finally, chapter 3. Between life's interruptions and this chapter going longer than we expected... So, it's now cut into parts. We just need to get the other chapter(s) typed into the computer, so they should be coming shortly.
Very mild spoiler warning for s3 ep4 (Gwaine). No, you don't get to see Gwaine. Sorry.
Important note: You will notice two places where there are *'s. This is because we had controversy on this topic with a few people we know. *= We're warning you of the controversial topic's appearance. **= we're hinting at our rational. Don't worry too much about it. It's not politically controversial. It's just logically controversial, (we are not sure why LotS landing in Camelot isn't though). Anyway, if you're confused when you read that and/or upset our "obvious stupidity" please feel free to tell us in a review.
Actually, please review it anyway... Reviews are the best! I swear we're not needy for attention or anything...
"I am NOT eating that," the blonde girl's voice rang out.
They must have killed a horse, Merlin thought. Its rider will be furious. Merlin pushed through the underbrush surrounding the meeting place. Merlin's jaw dropped. He stood rooted in place, shaking with fury and horror. That definitely wasn't a a deer or a horse.
"You idiots!" Merlin burst. The group was gathered around a dead unicorn.
"Merlin," Kahlan breathed.
"If this affects Camelot I will kill all of you!" Merlin spat.
Wait, Cara thought, did that little pipsqueak just threaten to kill us? What makes him delusional enough to think he can? Cara's vision suddenly blurred. She leaned against a tree.
Kahlan stood. "Merlin, it's alright," she said soothingly.
"No, it's not! Don't you know what you've just done? I've seen at least one of you use magic." Merlin's voice rose. "Clearly, you should realize what you've done!"
Kahlan took a step forward. "Merlin, calm down. What-"
"A unicorn! You killed a unicorn! Why? Do you want to die?" Merlin indicated the carcass.
"Merlin!" Kahlan's face became dangerous. She strode toward him with her hand outstretched threateningly before her. She slowed almost to a stop a few paces away.
Merlin knocked her hand away. "What are you going to do? Strangle me?" Merlin's voice turned icy, "Maybe you should move faster. Surprise me. Perhaps even use one of the men for that."
Kahlan faltered. He had no idea what she had been about to do! She pitied him. How could she carry out her threat now?
"Where's Cara?" Richard asked suddenly.
Everyone looked around. Cara was no where to be seen. Richard crouched beside a tree. He lifted a dress into view—the dress Cara was wearing. Richard, in turn, exchanged shocked and worried looks with Zedd and Kahlan.
Richard finally spoke, "Did she change back into leather... just now?"
"No, I have it," Kahlan replied wide-eyed.
"Poor Cara," Zedd said sympathetically, "she's lost, cold, and alone."
"Well, she wanted to be cold," Richard said.
Merlin's eyes widened. This woman was running through the woods naked! He wondered how he missed that. She had been right in front of him!
Richard recovered first. He positioned himself between Merlin and the 'unicorn.' Richard beckoned Kahlan with a slight inclination of the head. Richard hoped to hide the unicorn from Merlin's sight. Hopefully, Merlin would act a bit more rationally without the animal directly in view. Richard wondered if this animal was worshiped around here. Why else would a man fume at the sight of a dead horse? Sure, it was a strange and beautiful creature, but it was still a horse.
"I'm sorry about the unicorn," Richard said haughtily.
Merlin clenched his fists tighter and closed his eyes. "Sorry?" Merlin hissed, "You'd better hope I'm not the one you need to say sorry to."
Richard was at a loss for words. Merlin made no sense. Richard thought about asking for a clarification, but he didn't want to anger Merlin further.
"Well, thank you for coming to see us," Kahlan said kindly, seeming to think her words would automatically repair the damage.
Merlin scoffed. "I only came to tell you to leave Gwen alone."
"Guinevere?" Zedd asked, taking a step forward.
"Yes, she's terrified."
"Do you-" Zedd paused, "love her?"
"Not like that." Merlin then added, "But I know who does. He would have your heads for harassing her."
"Let us meet him, then," Richard suggested. "We will explain the situation to him."
Merlin smirked and shook his head. He tried to imagine those people explaining to Arthur that harassing Gwen was perfectly fine.
"Let's put this difference between us away. Go ahead, and let us meet him," Richard insisted.
"No," Merlin replied firmly.
"This is a serious matter," Zedd countered, "I'm sure he'd understand."
"I really doubt that." Merlin was almost amused.
"Merlin," Richard said, changing tactics, "You're here. I think some part of you wants to help."
Merlin suppressed a groan. Could this man be more dense?
When Merlin didn't speak, Kahlan took it as her cue. "You must know that Uther and his son, Arthur, need to be stopped."
Merlin stiffened, Kahlan had made a grave mistake. "Arthur is a good man," he said firmly.
Kahlan's jaw dropped slightly. "How can you believe that?" She sounded appalled. "I've heard the way he speaks to you."
"He has his faults," Merlin answered defensively, "but he'll be a great king."
"How can you possibly know that?" Richard chastised.
Merlin paused. He didn't want to reveal too much. "I've already told you why," he answered.
"That's a lie!" Kahlan snapped, "Why is this so important to you but not the lives of innocent people?"
"My concern for the innocent and Arthur are the same," Merlin replied coolly.
"Merlin, that isn't reasonable. You can't protect the innocent and Arthur," Richard reasoned.
"What makes you so concerned about Camelot anyway?" Merlin queried. "You've only been here a few days."
"We came here by accident, but we've found a way home," Zedd provided.
Merlin's eyes narrowed. "What does Camelot have to do with you getting home?"
"Only extremely powerful magic could have transported us outside our known world in one night," Zedd explained. Merlin found himself hoping that and racking his brain for proof that he had nothing to do with this.
"We must have been sent here for a reason," Kahlan added as if trying to clue Merlin into figuring out the rest.
"To kill Uther and Arthur? I won't let that happen," Merlin responded dangerously.
Kahlan's eyes flamed with cold rage. "You can help willingly, or," she raised her open hand, "I''ll force you—Even though I don't want to."
"We can't let you warn Arthur," Richard finished.
"You know what's right." Kahlan begged, "Don't make me force you."
"I do know what's right, and you can't force me to do otherwise," Merlin answered resolutely.
Kahlan lunged. She grabbed Merlin's throat. She stared intently, then in horror. Kahlan released Merlin and stared at her hand.
Merlin's mind raced for a solution to the situation. A wrenching pain stabbed his leg. Reflexively, he threw his leg at whatever hit him. The next thing he saw was a fuzzy yellow ball flying through the trees and squealing, "Eeeeeeeeee!"
Richard drew his sword and Kahlan two knives. Zedd held his hands ready.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold. A tree toppled toward the crazy people. Merlin ran. It was a long time before he realized that he hadn't gone in quite the right direction. He easily corrected the mistake. He and Arthur went hunting there often enough for Merlin to be familiar with the area.
Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd turned to a horrible rumbling noise. Zedd used his powers to prevent the falling tree from hitting them. They had very little time to be relieved, as they noticed that Merlin was making a run for it. The three of them immediately pursued Merlin. However, Merlin quickly proved to be too fast for them.
"We've lost him," Kahlan remarked, gasping for breath.
"Merlin is certainly going to tell his master everything," Zedd noted. He tried using magic in the chase. But, for some reason, he felt lightheaded. He was having trouble gathering his thoughts.
"We have to find Cara. Then we will save Camelot from those tyrants!" Richard exclaimed.
"There must be something wrong with Cara. What if we can't undo it?" Kahlan's voice wavered.
"We'll find a way to help her," Richard assured Kahlan.
"Let's make camp," Zedd suggested. He was panting and feeling ill. The sooner they rested the better.
Once they had gotten back to the 'meeting place,' Zedd wasted no time in excusing himself.
"Why couldn't I confess him?" Kahlan despaired.
"I don't know," Richard replied calmly.
"What if we fail because I wasn't able to stop him?" Kahlan mourned.
"We won't fail," Richard promised.
"Richard, this means we can be together." Kahlan grabbed Richard's shoulders and turned her face up to him.
As they began to kiss passionately, Kahlan felt her powers return.
"NO!" Kahlan shouted, pulling herself away from Richard.
"What?" Richard asked, startled.
"My powers," Kahlan's voice cracked, "I felt them come back."
Before Richard could reply, they heard a deep booming voice.
"Richard! Kahlan!" Zedd came hurtling into view. "I'm young again! Isn't it wonderful?" He looked ecstatic.
Richard's jaw dropped. "I—I thought you said you didn't want to be young again," Richard sputtered.
Zedd shook his head, "I don't know what I was thinking when I said that! I love being young!"
The two lovers felt flabbergasted. Kahlan took a step forward.
"Zedd, are you sure you're okay?"
Zedd laughed boisterously, "I've never felt better! Now, I can help you both more efficiently."
Kahlan looked at Richard in dismay. "You're not feeling sick or anything?" She checked.
Richard shook his head, "No, but I'll tell you t the first sign of illness."
Kahlan took a deep breath. She looked over at the dead equestrian. "Richard? The horse? Remember how angry Merlin got over it? What if-"
"No," Richard pressed firmly, "he probably just worships it."
The words, 'You'd better hope I'm not the one you need to say sorry to,' rang in Kahlan's ears. Those words made her think the unicorn and these events were somehow connected. "But Richard-" Kahlan said desperately.
"Kahlan," Richard gently caught her arms, "Just because some dimwit is over-adoring of the beast, doesn't mean our troubles were caused by it. I can't believe accidentally killing that horse could bring such misfortune."
"Then you are a fool," A voice came from behind them.
Richard and Kahlan wheeled around. The voice belonged to an old man. He wore a shabby cloak and carried a staff with branches sticking out of the top of it.
"Who are you?" Richard demanded, nonplussed.
"I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns."
Meanwhile, during the chase...
*Cara slowly stood. She would make Merlin pay for kicking her! She found her agiel under a leaf beside her. She began to crawl toward camp. By the time Cara's tiny legs finally carried her there, her companions were chasing after Merlin. She had no chance of keeping up. Cara gave a disgusted look to her now rodent-like body. How could this have happened? Was Merlin a wizard? No, that didn't make sense. She would have seen him move to cast a spell. He couldn't possibly take her unawares with her looking directly at him. Besides, her mind might not have been completely clear, but she was certain she heard Merlin defending Arthur. Merlin was clearly prejudiced against magic, like they had first believed.
Cara crawled into a bag. She might as well get comfortable while she waited, and make sure they noticed her when they got back. Cara curled against her leather. So, this is where they put it, she thought. So... tired... Cara closed her eyes.
The next morning, Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd resumed searching for Cara in the woods. Whenever Kahlan tried to bring up Anhora, Richard quickly reminded her of the improbability of the notion.
At first, Zedd rejected searching for Cara. Then, he muttered, "Wait, we're looking for a naked woman. That's not so bad or hard to find."
Before long, the group decided to risk returning to Camelot. Cara could have been arrested for indecent exposure...
Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd snuck about Camelot. Richard and Kahlan hoped to hear something about Cara. Zedd, however, was unruly and eager to see Cara's physique. Zedd's behavior was so irrational that they couldn't leave him alone. But every time Zedd started being boisterous everyone stopped and stared silently. Richard and Kahlan's hearts nearly stopped when Zedd caught the attention of a guard. The guard only rolled his eyes.
"I don't think Merlin has told Arthur about last night," Kahlan said in a hushed tone.
"Merlin hasn't told Arthur yet ," Richard hissed cautiously.
"I don't know," Kahlan mused, "maybe we got to him last night."
"I'm looking for a beautiful woman!" Zedd shouted embarrassingly loud.
"In any case, I think we need to occupy Zedd with something—anything!" Kahlan said urgently.
"How about we separate?" Richard responded. "I'll take Zedd."
After they had been separated for a several minutes, Kahlan shifted the pack on her shoulders. The pack wiggled, seemingly of its own accord. Kahlan let out a small shriek. Her hands trembled as she opened her pack. She gasped. A big yellow rodent with a small red stick in its mouth scurried frantically in the bag. Kahlan reached in to grab it. "Ow!" She cried. The rodent had tapped her with the stick. Kahlan gasped. Her mind reeled with an impossible idea. "Cara?" Kahlan breathed in wonder.
Richard decided that if Merlin hadn't already spoken to Arthur, there might be a window of opportunity. They could ask a guard at the citadel about Cara. Because the prison was inside the citadel, a guard stationed there would be the most likely to know if Cara was arrested. This was dangerously risky. The citadel was at the heart of the city and where the bulk of guards would probably be. Merlin could tell Arthur about last night at any moment. If Richard and his companions got exposed while at the city's heart, escape could be anywhere from extremely difficult to even impossible.
Once Richard and Zedd reached the citadel, Richard approached a guard that stood by the gate.
"Excuse me," Richard began, "a friend of ours went missing. We want to make sure she didn't get into any trouble."
"We are looking for a naked woman!" Zedd added loudly.
The guard raised his eyebrows.
"No," Richard sputtered, "he doesn't mean that."
"Of course I mean it! We both know she's naked," Zedd responded indignantly.
"Well, yes, but no," Richard said, trying to salvage the situation.
"Yes, yes, yes! Now, let us through," Zedd demanded.
"No," the guard replied firmly.
"We must find a naked woman!" Zedd announced. "You will let us through!"
The guard motioned to a few other guards. As they moved to arrest Zedd, Richard exclaimed desperately, "It's alright. He's senile!"
The guards stared at Richard. "Senile?" One guard repeated.
Zedd glared at Richard and shouted, "I am NOT senile!" He turned to the guards menacingly, "Now let me through!"
"You are under arrest." The guards reached to restraint the young-looking old man.
"No!" Richard roared.
He drew the Sword of Truth, drawing the attention of more soldiers. Richard parried three guards at once. But then, one guard managed to cut Richard's arm. He knocked the guard away, but then stared in shock at his arm for a moment before returning his mind to the fight. Richard never got wounded! Why wasn't Richard able to tap into the sword power?
Zedd threw a burst of wizard's fire. Someone screamed, "Sound the warning bell!"
Richard grabbed Zedd's arm. "Let's grab Kahlan and go!" Richard yelled over the bell's clamor.
"But Cara-" Zedd protested.
"I don't think she's here," Richard lied. If Cara was here, there was nothing either of them could do to save her at this point.
Earlier that day...
Merlin entered Arthur's room, pulled the curtains open, and cheerily announced, "Rise ad shine! Breakfast!" After Arthur had eaten and dressed, Merlin still didn't know how to warn Arthur of Camelot's newcomers. If Merlin said too much or not quite enough, Arthur would ask awkward questions.
"Arthur, I think-" Merlin began but got interrupted by the racket of the warning bell.
Arthur grabbed his sword and raced out the door. Merlin followed closely behind. They got outside just in time to see a young man fry some knights and round a corner. This man was accompanied by the crazy group's leader, Richard. The appearance of the crazy people's new ally worried Merlin. How many more friends had they gained in their cause? What if they gained even more? If they weren't caught right now, Merlin would have to find a way to know their next move.
**Kahlan couldn't believe she found Cara... in this state. Kahlan had asked Cara what happened. Cara only replied with impatient and irate squeaks. Kahlan couldn't understand how Cara could become a rodent. Powerful magic doubtlessly, but someone would have to either catch Cara completely unprepared or restrained. Both were bordering on impossible to achieve. And Kahlan was fairly certain neither were going on at the time between last seeing Cara and noticing Cara was missing. Maybe Zedd would have an alternate explanation... Regardless, Kahlan was still somewhat relieved. Cara had not run naked through the woods or Camelot.
Kahlan told Cara to stay put. Kahlan hastily re-shouldered her pack and retraced her steps to where the group had split up. When she got there, she started down the direction she last saw them go down. Suddenly, an enormous bell's clanging tore through the air. All the townsfolk scrambled to shelter. Camelot soldiers raced through the streets. They massed directly in front of Kahlan—the direction Kahlan needed to go. Kahlan searched for a way around the blockade. When none presented itself, Kahlan turned another direction, hoping to find a detour.
Just then, some men screamed. Kahlan wheeled around to see Richard and Zedd hacking and burning their way through the Camelot soldiers.
"Kahlan!" Richard exclaimed and broke into a run.
"I found Cara!" Kahlan shouted, unable to contain herself. Zedd's eye's lit up. He then also ran, abandoning the desire to roast the rest of the militia.
"Where?" Richard glanced around wildly.
"In the bag," Kahlan answered without thinking.
"What?" Richard asked. He wasn't sure he heard Kahlan properly.
"I'll explain later," Kahlan shouted. She motioned and ran for escape.
The Legend of the Seeker crew ran through the woods. Out of habit, thy ran straight for the 'meeting place.' Not far behind them dogs barked. They wouldn't be able to evade the pursuers for long. Once the hunted group reached the 'meeting place' Richard was struck with an idea.
"Zedd, the mirror!"
Arthur led the chase after the sorcerers. Two of them were part of the group that invaded Guinevere's home. Arthur would see to it personally that these people received their just rewards. Once these sorcerers were caught, Arthur would check on Gwen. Now that he knew what type of people they truly were, he wanted to make sure they hadn't done anything to her.
Arthur, followed by his knights and Merlin, reached a small clearing. Three people were there preparing a fire. The knights had to restrain the dogs from lunging at the small group of travelers. Three, the right number, but not the right people. The group consisted of a middle-aged woman with dark hair, a squat woman with short red hair, and a portly man with scruffy blonde hair. All three looked distressed, especially the dark-haired woman. She fidgeted nervously with her collar. Occasionally, she glanced down. With each glance he grimaced more.
"Did you see two men and a woman run through here?" Arthur asked urgently.
The red haired woman shook her head. "No," she replied in a sugary tone.
Merlin's eyes narrowed. This was a group of three... making camp in the crazy crew's 'meeting place.' The dogs seemed convinced they had found the right people. Also, the red head failed to make a recognition of Arthur's rank. Even if she thought he was just a knight, where was the frightened M'Lord buttering? And that sugary tone... it sounded eerily like Kahlan. The crazy people had at least one sorcerer helping them. Was it possible-
"Are you sure?" Arthur checked, not wanting to accept that he lost the trail.
"We're sure," the portly man answered confidently. Again, no deference to Arthur or the knights as a whole. And he sounded like Richard...
Merlin scanned for evidence these travelers were wearing crystal necklaces. Of course, they would hide the necklaces under their clothes... Merlin tried to find a way of inconspicuously opening their shirts just enough to expose a shape-changing necklace. Arthur would recognize the crystals.
"We're sorry to have bothered you," Arthur said politely. Merlin heard an edge of disappointment in Arthur's voice.
"Don't worry about it," the portly man said. He outstretched both of his arms to the sides of him. Merlin took the opportunity.
Suddenly, the portly man's shirt tore all the way down the middle. Merlin and the knights cringed. A few quiet sounds of disgust escaped. Arthur tried, with little success, to pretend he didn't notice the man's 'accident.'
Merlin's heart sank. No crystal necklace, only a fatty torso.
Arthur cleared his throat, "Well, be careful. There are sorcerers in the area." He turned back to Merlin and the knights. "Let's go," he said being careful to keep eagerness out of his voice. That man's chest was something Arthur never wanted to see. Ever.
Merlin followed. He stopped to give the small group a look of suspicion. Merlin still wasn't convinced these people were in their true forms. They were in the 'meeting place.' The dogs had strained to attack them. And, they failed to display any deference to Arthur or the knights—which is not the typical behavior of startled travelers. There had to be other methods of shape-shifting. Merlin would ask Gaius about it.
The Legend of the Seeker group waited until the Camelot ruffians were certainly well out of range before risking anything. However, they used the mirror to regain their original forms sooner than Richard would have liked. Zedd was eager to lose the middle-aged woman's form.
"I think Merlin saw through us," Kahlan said quietly. She then smirked, "Good thing you lost weight. We can only afford so many shirts."
Richard smiled and closed his eyes. "I don't know what happened." Richard defended, "I only lifted my arms!"
"Mmmmm, just shows how fat you were!" Kahlan teased.
Richard's smile faded with a realization, "Where's Cara?"
"Oh!" Kahlan immediately slipped her pack off her shoulders. When she opened the bag, Kahlan scrunched her face in revulsion. "Cara, that's disgusting."
Richard peeked inside the bag. Inside was a guinea pig surrounded by what had to be vomit. Not Kahlan too! Were they all getting feverish like the physician said? "Kahlan," Richard said carefully, "are you alright?"
"It's Cara!" Kahlan insisted, "Look!"
The guinea pig stood on its hind legs. Making indignant squeaks, it waved around a small red stick. The rodent pointed to the vomit and then at Kahlan as if it were saying, This is your fault!
"Cara," Richard said slowly from shock. "How... What happened?"
"A guinea pig!" Zedd shouted angrily, "All this time you were having me search for a rodent!" He stormed off through the woods.
"Zedd! Wait!" Kahlan re-shouldered her pack and followed Zedd. Hopefully she would be able to calm him down.
Richard stared after Kahlan as she pursued Zedd. Richard sighed. This day had gone wrong. Everything was going all wrong. How would they be able to save these people? How would they save the Land of the Living? Richard's doubts weighed heavily on him. If he couldn't couldn't get back to the Midlands in time... Richard shook his head. He needed to stop fretting and work out a solution. Hadn't he, Richard, the Seeker, been in numerous 'hopeless situations'? He and Kahlan would find a way to help Zedd and Cara. These people will be free. They will save the Land of-
"Richard," said a pleasantly familiar voice.
Richard turned as a flood of shock and relief coursed through him. "Z-Zedd!" Richard stammered in excitement. Zedd was old again! "You're... back... how? Where-is-Kahlan?"
"I need to speak with you." Zedd's voice sounded heavy.
"Zedd, what is it? Where is KAHLAN?" Richard demanded.
"She's fine," Zedd tried to calm Richard. "Not long after we arrived here, I learned of a prophesy-"
"You know I don't believe in prophesy!" Richard snapped arrogantly.
"I know," Zedd replied quietly, "This is not a prophesy I wished to believe. I wasn't going to tell you unless I was certain." Zedd paused. "Richard, you're going to have to give up the sword."
"What? NO!" Richard shouted in horror. He took a step back.
"In order to save these people, the task must be given to another."
"Zedd, listen to yourself! This is madness!"
"Richard, the sword wouldn't work for you today," Zedd said sadly, "There was a reason for that."
Richard opened his mouth. He tried to find a way around it. He closed his eyes in defeat. Reluctantly, he handed Zedd the Sword of Truth.
"You've shown that you're willing to put your pride aside for the well-being of others. This will bring its own rewards," Zedd spoke almost formally. Richard stared. That didn't sound like Zedd.
Zedd leaned the sword against a tree and promptly disappeared. Richard furrowed his brow. The way Zedd disappeared looked wrong! Richard shook shook his head. He was probably just upset about the sword. The sword? Zedd had left the sword leaning on the tree. Richard resisted the urge to pick it up. Why hadn't Zedd taken it if he was to find another seeker? Just then, Kahlan and Zedd trudged noisily into view.
"Richard, what's wrong?" Zedd asked.
Richard felt confused and perhaps a little hurt by the question. Zedd knew perfectly well what was wrong. Richard side stepped the question, "Why didn't you take the sword?"
"Richard?" Zedd said softly. "You're the Seeker, the sword should be with you."
"But you said that I wasn't-" Richard couldn't bear to finish the sentence.
"Whatever I said while I was young—well, it's probably best to ignore all of it," Zedd replied, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the topic. "When did I say you weren't the Seeker?"
"Just now..." Richard's voice trailed off. "You were old... and you disappeared... it didn't look right."
"Richard, I don't know what you're talking about. Just now I was young, foolish, and nursing a disappointed desire."
"But if that wasn't you-" Richard began.
"Then who was it?" Kahlan finished.
A short period time later in Camelot, by the citadel gate...
Cara leaped out of the bag the moment Kahlan lifted the flap. Kahlan was disguised as a homely woman. The group had decided to take advantage of Cara's predicament. She was to spy on Arthur.
Please review. Please. Tell us what you thought of it. We like knowing what is good about our writing and what should be improved.
The next chapter should be coming shortly. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that Fern will let me use the computer enough. Why does she need to do her school anyway?