Chapter 12

"Take me," Richard quickly stated as he stood to his feet. "Kahlan is not well enough to go. Please, let her stay here so she can rest."

Tolla Nakunam slowly began to shake his head in agreement when Kahlan suddenly grabbed hold of Richard's hand and pulled herself up to her feet. "No, I'm going with you," she insisted, hooking her hair behind her ear.

"Kahlan…" the Seeker began to argue, noticing the pain that still reflected in her blue eyes. She could barely stand on her own two feet at that moment.

"It's alright," she smiled weakly. "The Seeker cannot go without his Confessor, remember?"

Richard smiled softly in return, thrilled to be seeing a glimpse of his old Kahlan still there despite all that she was going through. Releasing her hand, he snaked his arm around her waist to help support her as they followed the men, lending her the strength that he knew she still didn't have.

Stepping outside, they found the sun already casting a warm morning glow over the village, revealing more details about the place that they were being held captive in. Rows of thatched huts sat close to one another, revealing the simplicity of the Aku's lives.

Behind that was tall grass and trees that seemed to stretch on as far as the eye could see, mountains seeming to rise up out of nowhere to cradle and protect the village. Women were already bustling about, busy with their morning chores as children played in the dirt. Men sat together eating at the far end of the clearing in the center of the village, their dark eyes locked on the strangers.

Kahlan watched as people lined up to see the outsiders, fear mingled with curiosity filling their eyes as they stared at them. Children paused in their play to stare as well, some backing away out of fear. She felt a sense of sadness as a little girl near her suddenly ran away from her, crying hysterically for her mother.

People had avoided her all of her life, keeping their distance around her when all she had ever wanted was a friend, silently backing away any time she got too close. She slipped her arm around her Seeker's waist, leaning even more into him as loneliness drifted over her. If it weren't for Richard, she never would've known friendship or love.

Sensing her sadness, Richard tightened his grip on her waist. He knew how lonely her life had been, how isolated and difficult. She was the kindest, most compassionate person he had ever known. There would never be a better friend than Kahlan and yet she had been summarily dismissed by all those who came in contact with her out of fear for her magic or because of her title.

It angered him deeply that she was treated so cruelly at times. He swore to himself that he was going to spend the rest of his life making it up to her, showing her a life filled with nothing but happiness and love.

As much as he didn't want to hurt these people, he knew that they couldn't afford to waste any more time here. Kahlan was rapidly deteriorating and he still had no idea why. They had to get to Zedd and Cara soon so his grandfather could heal her.

He couldn't take seeing her like this any longer, watching her steadily worsen as time went on. He was helpless to ease her pain or the troubles that weighed her heart down. It was beyond agonizing to love someone so deeply and to be forced to watch them suffer. He was so desperate to take all of her pain away, to take it into his own body in order to save her.

"Hang on, Kahlan," he whispered to her. "We'll get out of here and then find Zedd. He'll be able to help you."

"Don't worry…it'll be alright," she softly said. "The headache is already beginning to get better."

"Kahlan, I will never stop worrying about you until I draw my last breath," he murmured, his narrowed gaze carefully studying their surroundings, trying to search for a way to escape with the least amount of trouble if this meeting didn't go in their favor.

Richard's gaze fell to his sword hanging at the Tolla's hip, wishing he could get his hands on it just in case. He hoped that they would be able to talk their way out of this, but he would not hesitate to do whatever it took to protect Kahlan and get out of here.

As much he appalled the idea of hurting these people, their continued existence as a tribe as well the entire world's survival rested solely on his shoulders right now. He would do what he had to do to stop the Keeper, keeping him in the Underworld where he rightfully belonged.

And in order to do that, he had to keep Kahlan alive, not just because he loved her with his whole heart, but also because her death would seal the Keeper's victory.

Richard internally shuddered with the horrifying thought of losing her again. It was a reality that he would never accept, one that he feared more than anything in this world.

Walking towards the outskirts of the village, the trees grew bigger, the brush thicker as they came to a stop outside of a large hut nestled in the protective shadows of the foliage that surrounded it. Smoke curled from a hole in the thatched roof, a colorful piece of material covering the entrance.

"I am hopeful that the Council of Elders will find favorably for you," Tolla Nakunam softly said as they came to a stop. "I know that your mission is vital and that your destiny stretches far beyond the boundaries of our simple village, but I'm afraid I have little voice beyond our warriors."

"Thank you, Tolla," Richard nodded. "All we can do is tell the truth and hope the Elders will see our side."

"May the Spirit of our Elders bless you, Seeker and Confessor," Tolla bowed his head.

Hadi and Temin both scowled at each other, not the least bit sympathetic with the matter. They felt they should have been killed long ago, not even granted this meeting with Mitta and the Elders. They still believed in the old ways back when their tribe was fierce and known for their savage ways, their lack of compassion.

Now, Mitta and Tolla Nakunam were trying to weaken the Aku with their decision to be more fair in their judgment, allowing their decisions to be made through the Council of Elders instead of immediate resolution with a spear or blade.

Tolla pushed aside the material that covered the doorway, stepping aside to allow the Seeker and Mother Confessor entrance. He stood tall as they entered, his chest jutting out as he gripped his spear, entering after the outsiders entered. Temin and Hadi turned to stand guard outside of the hut, anxious to eliminate the intruders the first chance given by the Council.

Entering, Richard and Kahlan both paused momentarily, squinting as their eyes adjusted to the dim light that filled the enormous room. Tolla came up behind them, guiding them to a single empty bench that faced five crude benches all filled with Aku elders no doubt.

Richard led Kahlan to the bench, easing her down before settling down beside her. He could feel Tolla standing close behind them, his presence somewhat of a comfort knowing that he was on their side though he really didn't have a say. It was also comforting knowing that he could turn around and snatch his sword if it came down to it.

Kahlan held her head high with all the authority of the title that she possessed, pushing aside the pain that still throbbed in her head. The seeds helped take the edge off, but never completely rid her of the pain.

A soft voice seemed to suddenly rise in her mind, whispering to her to just let go, to give in to the pain and allow it to consume and fully flow through her. She didn't know where the words were coming from, but it unnerved her as she fought to keep her mind focused on what she needed to do now. She had been trained for situations just like this ever since arriving at the Confessor's Palace in Aydindril.

Casting a sidelong glance, Richard noticed Kahlan's brow suddenly crease, temporarily displacing the emotionless face of the Confessor. He could tell that her head still hurt, but he was actually relieved she was here with him. She was more experienced at dealing with different regions and tribes, skillful in negotiations such as this.

"Mitta, this is the Seeker of Truth and the Mother Confessor," Tolla Nakunam suddenly announced. "They were captured passing through our valley last night."

Richard turned his attention to a small elderly woman sitting on the middle bench before them. She had thin graying hair that hung limply at her shoulders, her face creased with more wrinkles than could possibly be counted. Her lips were pursed tightly; her dark eyes sharply attentive much to his surprise for someone of her advanced age.

Two men sat on each of the benches on either side her, all four of them looking even older than Mitta if that was even possible. Their feeble appearances caused the Seeker to relax a little, relieved to know that they would likely not be putting up much of a fight if they had to battle their way out of here.

Between them and the Council of Elders was a small fire, its crackling flames filling the unsettling silence that permeated the hut. It was hot inside, no windows to allow air to filter in. The room was entirely bare, nothing decorating the walls or indicating what exactly would take place here.

Mitta nodded her head in acknowledgement of the Tolla's introduction. "Why do you trespass through our valley?" she pointedly asked, her voice deeper than Richard had expected.

"I am searching for the Stone of Tears," Richard replied, sitting up straighter. "The compass I carry directed me here in search of it. I need the Stone to seal the rifts that erupted all over the territories and to stop the Keeper from escaping the Underworld."

"And why should we believe you?" one ancient looking man from Mitta's right suddenly questioned him.

Richard could feel Kahlan tensing beside him. He wasn't sure if it was from the headache or for some other reason. "I have no reason to lie to you," he firmly said. "Tolla Nakunam has the Sword of Truth that I carry and this is the Mother Confessor who accompanies me in my quest."

Kahlan watched as all eyes turned towards hers, their expressions remaining impassive as they stared at her. "We speak the truth," Kahlan stated, her voice bearing her authority and revealing none of the pain she was in. "We mean you no harm. The Seeker and I only request passage through your valley. It is important for us to finish our quest."

She rubbed her temples despite her best efforts, her heart beginning to pound a little harder. She could feel her anger welling up inside of her, her frustrations seeking release. They didn't have time for this right now.

"Why should we grant you passage? We do not recognize your authority as the Mother Confessor here," another man hissed like a snake, his gnarled fingers tightly gripping his cane. "You may be of great importance in the Midlands, but here you are no one special."

"Kahlan…let go…"

Kahlan swiftly turned her head to look around her, searching for who had just called her name. Meeting Richard's confused gaze, she quickly straightened her shoulders, turning her attention back to the Council watching her.

"I realize that, but you must see the necessity of our quest," she snapped, her words coming out harsher than she had intended. "You may not recognize my authority as the Mother Confessor, but you will if I have to confess every last one of you. I will make this entire tribe my slaves."

She felt Richard suddenly stiffen beside her, not quite sure of where she was doing. "The Mother Confessor means to say that we could have very easily put up a fight when your warriors first found us, but we didn't," the Seeker quickly amended, his pulse beginning to race with Kahlan's unexpected change in attitude. "We do not wish to bring harm to anyone. We only want to find the Stone and stop the Keeper from escaping the Underworld and ruling the world of the living."

Casting another glance at his Confessor, Richard was still stunned by her angry words. He knew that she was dealing with a lot right now, but it was not like her to respond like this even in tense moments where great tact was required. She was always the cool head of logic, the one who remained calm while he was the one who was always so quick to lose his temper or patience.

Looking down, he noticed that her fists were clenched tightly in her lap, her body held rigid. Her jaw was clenched tight in obvious anger, her pulse point in her neck pulsating rapidly. He had no clue what had come over her, but he was anxious to get her alone so he could find out.

"Let go, Kahlan…come to me…"

"And what makes you think we have this Stone of Tears?" Mitta finally asked, not appearing the least bit rattled by Kahlan's threat. The other members of the Council, however, had visibly blanched.

"I don't know that you even have it," Richard calmly replied, doing his best to keep his worry over Kahlan reined in. "I only know that this is the way that the compass directed me to go in my search for the Stone."

"This is ridiculous!" Kahlan suddenly hissed, leaping to her feet and taking them all by surprise. "This tribe is no threat to us, Richard. Let me confess them and we can leave."

"Kahlan, sit down," he angrily growled, seizing her arm and pulling her back down on the bench with him. "Please forgive the Mother Confessor. She has been battling headaches recently and hasn't been feeling herself lately."

"I feel fine, Richard" she scowled, her blue eyes flashing with deadly intent as she glared at her Seeker. "I just don't appreciate being treated like this."

Feeling things quickly spiraling out of control, Tolla suddenly spoke up from behind the Seeker and Confessor. "It is true, Council Elders," Tolla said. "They could have easily attacked me and my men with this sword that now hangs at my hip or with the Confessor's magic, but they willingly surrendered to us. It is also true that the Mother Confessor has been very ill. Odo has been tending to her since their arrival here last night."

Mitta seemed to mull over the Tolla's words for a moment before slowly nodding her head. "We will take all of this into consideration as we make our decision," she finally spoke. "Take them back to the Spirit House until our decision has been made. Make sure they have anything they need in the meantime."

Tolla bowed deeply before escorting Richard and Kahlan out of the hut. Following Kahlan outside, Richard walked in silence as he watched her, his mind reeling over what had just happened. He was trying to avoid a battle with these people and Kahlan had all but provoked one.

This was not his Confessor, not the same woman that he had fallen in love with. Something had happened to her, something that he couldn't begin to comprehend.

XXX

Slowly opening his eyes, Demos Rahl released a satisfied gasp, a wicked smile splitting his face as he lowered his arms, allowing them to fall to his sides. It had worked. The magical mark he had placed on the Mother Confessor was finally taking control of her, allowing him to pass his thoughts on to her.

Soon, she wouldn't be able to fight him, would no longer be able to decide for herself, choosing her own actions to take. She would be completely under his control, doing his bidding and there was absolutely nothing she could do to stop it.

"I take it that it worked," Mistress Lucinda spoke from where she patiently watched him.

"Better than I could have ever imagined," he beamed, rubbing his hands together. "I could almost see into her mind, feel her emotions and read her thoughts."

Lucinda drew a deep breath in an attempt to contain her fierce jealousy. She didn't like the idea of her Lord Rahl being linked to the Mother Confessor nor did she like his infatuation with her, but there was little she could do about it at the moment.

The Mother Confessor had become an integral part of her Lord Rahl's plans to take over the Midlands and then eventually Westland before conquering the Old World. Eliminating her would only infuriate him, possibly causing him to banish her from his presence forever or have her killed. She could not live with that humiliation.

At the same time, she also was not going to share him with Kahlan Amnell. She would do whatever it took to keep him for herself.

"Richard should be noticing a change in his Confessor now, one that he won't be able to save her from," Demos told her. "Soon, she'll succumb to the pain and then she will be all mine to control as I see fit."

Lucinda watched as he made his way to her, his movements stiff and tentative. "Do you wish me to find the healer to see to your…injuries?" she inquired, quirking an eyebrow, more than pleased to have been the one to have brought him such pleasure mingled with pain last night.

"Later," he dismissed with a wave of his hand. "I have much to do before Kahlan finally arrives, but I do appreciate your concern. You were very…attentive…to my needs last night."

Lucinda smirked, her heart beginning to race with his nearness. The ominous darkness that he seemed to exude only added to his allure, making him that much more desirable to her, causing her to crave him even more. Last night had been one of their most active sessions together yet, his passionate lust insatiable and only matched by hers.

She herself still felt the stinging pain of their union, but she welcomed it. It meant that he had chosen her above all the other Mord'Sith at his disposal, all the young virgins in the People's Palace. He had wanted her and had made doubly sure that she had felt it in his every action last night.

"Will you be requiring my services again tonight?" she practically purred, resisting the urge to reach out and touch him.

"No, I'm afraid not," he shook his head. "I have made other plans for tonight."

Lucinda immediately stiffened, knowing what those other plans were. They had found him another maiden who resembled the Mother Confessor for him to take to his bedchambers tonight. Her hands balled up into fists at the thought, her red leather gloves creaking softly with the movement.

Demos would need her again, wouldn't be able to go for long without requesting her services again. She would be with him again soon. Of that, she was more than certain.