New Episode: 3.11 - "Allegiance" - part 2
go back to Episode 3.11 - Allegiance - part 1
The guards looked up as two soldiers approached them.
"Shift change," the taller one said gruffly, his helmet obscuring most of his face. The guards looked to each other and shrugged, glad to be relieved of their duty, and even gladder to get far away from the woman inside the tent. When they were well out of sight, the taller man nodded to his partner, who stood to one side of the tent's entrance while he slipped inside.
"You're wasting your time." Shota didn't bother to look up at the soldier as he entered, weary of arguing. "I'll never join your misguided crusade."
"That's a relief," the soldier responded. Recognizing the voice, Shota's head jerked up.
"Zeddicus?" She breathed, a spark of hope glinting in her eyes.
The soldier gestured for her to be quiet, then muttered a few words under his breath as his hands swirled invisible patterns in the air. Shota felt her ears pop as the magic encompassed the tent.
"Now they can't hear us," Zedd said with a satisfied smile. He pulled the helmet from his head, shaking out his hair. His eyes fell on Shota, taking in her injuries, her defeated posture as she huddled, collared and bound in the corner. He rushed to her, kneeling on the ground at her side. "Oh, Shota. What have they done to you?"
Shota steeled herself, collecting the shreds of her confidence as she gathered her thoughts.
"I was ambushed in my own home." A shudder racked her frame as the memories overwhelmed her. "I was lost in a vision when they snapped this around my neck. Somehow those zealots managed to get through all of my magical defenses."
For a moment, Zedd just gaped in shock. "For as long as I've known you, I haven't heard of anyone entering Agaden Reach without your consent."
Shota's chin trembled as she locked eyes with Zedd once more. "That's because no one ever has. Aside from you, Zeddicus, no one came close to being powerful enough."
Zedd was silent as he contemplated possible explanations, his eyes widening in horror as realization struck him.
"Jennsen," he stated gravely.
"The pristinely ungifted one?" Shota's eyes clouded with confusion.
"They've somehow managed to recruit her to their cause," he replied, his heart twisting at the thought of his granddaughter turning against him. "I saw her with their armies in Aydindril. They must be using her immunity to magic for their own nefarious purposes."
"That would explain how they managed to survive Agaden Reach," Shota said, her confusion clearing as the pieces fell into place. "I suspect even you would find it difficult to breach my most recent barriers. In fact, they were designed with you in mind."
Zedd's face fell as Shota's voice turned brittle. He took a deep breath.
"Shota, we were on our way to see you. We need your help."
The witch woman laughed mirthlessly. "I know, Zeddicus. Why do you think I was trying to keep you out?"
Zedd looked at her in disbelief. "I know we've had our differences in the past, but surely even you must see the threat posed by the Blood of the Fold."
"Of course I do, I'm no fool," Shota snapped, her eyes flicking away from him uneasily. "As tempting as the notion may be, I could never stand by and let magic be erased from existence just to stop you from being reckless with it."
Zedd moved to kneel in front of her, placing a hand on her arms where they crossed over her knees.
"Then let me get you out of here. Help us fight them," he said earnestly. She raised her eyes to meet his.
"Even if I were willing to help you - and I'm not saying that I am - I can't." She sighed in frustration.
"Why not?" Zedd replied indignantly.
"Without my magic, I'm no help to anyone," she pointed out, glaring at Zedd condescendingly. Her fingers rose to tug at the collar around her neck. "And that imbecile Brogan has the key to this."
Chastened, Zedd lowered his eyes, trying to think of a solution. Shota interrupted his thoughts.
"Besides, Zeddicus, are you so focused on your own troubles that you would save me, and not the precious children of Thandor?"
Zedd's eyes shot back up, filling with horror as they met Shota's piercing gaze.
*****
"These people have more power than I imagined if they could breach the magical barriers defending Thandor." Defeat slumped Zedd's shoulders as he sat on a log back at camp. Kahlan sunk down to sit next to him, handing him a piece of bread. He took it absently, but didn't raise it to his mouth.
"Those children must be so terrified." Kahlan crossed her arms over her chest, worry creasing her brow. She glanced over to where Cara stood leaning against a tree across camp, briefly meeting her eyes before the blonde's gaze skittered away.
"Terrified enough to do whatever Brogan orders them to," Berdine pointed out, ignoring the juvenile display of weakness. "Lord Rahl has long sought to control the children protected by Thandor."
Kahlan looked from Berdine to Zedd, her eyes filling with horror. "Some of those children are very powerful."
"We can only thank the spirits that Renn is safe with your sister in Aydindril," Zedd added seriously. "I shudder to think what the general could do with a true Listener under his control."
Kahlan looked back at the wizard. "Zedd, we've got to get them out of there," she said firmly. She glanced over at the confessed soldier, who'd been sitting quietly as they talked. "How well do you know the camp?"
The soldier moved to Kahlan's side, and they began to strategize. Cara watched from a distance, vacillating between wanting to help and wanting to run far away. Dahlia noticed her struggle and sauntered over to stand next to her, a knowing smile playing at her lips.
"Your infatuation with the Confessor is foolish."
Cara kept her eyes trained ahead of her, frustration clear in her stiff posture.
Dahlia's smirk faded as she inhaled deeply. "But you're an even bigger fool if you plan on letting her slip through your fingers."
Cara turned her head, staring at her uneasily. Dahlia held her gaze steadily. Without a word, Cara stormed away, moving nearer to the rest of the group. Dahlia's eyes followed her, radiating pain and confusion.
When Cara reached them, Kahlan was pointing with a stick at different areas of a map the confessed man had drawn for them in the dirt.
"If we could get to Brogan's tent and get the keys-"
Nicci scoffed, drawing everyone's attention.
"You're all being painfully dense," she said, sounding bored. She gestured to the two men. "These two soldiers abandoned their post. Everyone in that camp is going to be on guard for an attack."
Kahlan glanced over at Nicci, conflicted over how to respond to her.
"And what would you suggest?" Cara challenged, stepping closer to the sorceress. Kahlan looked up at her gratefully, but Cara shrugged off the glance, staying focused on Nicci, who rolled her eyes in irritation.
"It's simple. These people don't just hate magic - they fear it. We use their fear against them," she explained as though she were speaking to a group of toddlers rather than grown adults.
"Even if Richard didn't have the key to your Rada'Han, Nicci," Kahlan spoke up, finding her strength, "there's no way we would let you out of it."
Nicci responded with a withering glare, failing to notice the way Dahlia stiffened at the mention of the key. "The wizard will just have to do it on his own, then." She shifted her gaze to Zedd. "It doesn't have to be powerful. They just have to think it is."
Zedd was intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"
Nicci perked up, excited in spite of herself. "Do you still remember the faces of all those poor souls in Ebynissia?"
Zedd shuddered as he recalled them. "All the magic in the world couldn't erase those images from my mind."
A dangerous smile sprang to her lips. "Good."
*****
The soldiers milled about the camp, going about their nightly rituals. Some were crowded around campfires, talking and joking with each other, while others were returning to their tents to prepare for sleep. Aside from the occasional nervous glance at the trees, it was any other night for the Blood of the Fold. They were confident that the Creator would protect them from any attack.
The sky seemed to grow darker as a high-pitched wail pierced the night. Soldiers reached for their swords, staring fearfully into the darkness as the sound was followed by a cacophony of tortured screams. All over the camp, men scrambled to prepare themselves for battle.
They weren't prepared for what came. A horde of shimmering specters fell on them, illuminating the camp with a sickly green glow. A good number of soldiers turned and fled from the sight. The men who were brave enough to look at them long enough saw pale greenish-white faces swirling in the mist - faces of men, women, and children, their features contorted in agony.
The few who remained were caught off-guard when they were attacked by very solid, very real enemies. The Mord-Sith laid into them savagely, felling soldiers left and right with their agiels. Nicci wielded her dacras with relish, savoring the adrenaline rush of battle. Kahlan twirled with a deadly grace as her daggers found purchase in the chests and throats of the distracted soldiers.
Zedd brought up the rear, sending the illusions ahead of him with a flick of his wrists as he concentrated on blasting Wizard's Fire at any man who slipped past his comrades.
Amid the melee, Kahlan was approached by the man she'd confessed. Busy fending off two soldiers, she could barely spare him a glance as he ran up to her, holding out a small pouch.
"Mistress! I got the keys for you!" Branden exclaimed happily. One of the soldiers Kahlan was fighting turned to him, fury in his eyes. This gave Kahlan the opportunity to easily dispatch the other soldier with a dagger to the chest.
"Traitor!" The enraged soldier raised his sword, shoving it into the confessed man's gut. Kahlan came up behind him, her daggers slicing his throat open.
"Mistress," the dying man gasped, drawing her attention. "I got what you wanted."
He held up his prize, his proud smile fading as the blood drained from his body. She looked down at him, guilt clouding her vision for a split second before she reached for the pouch, plucking it from his grasp. There was no time for pity. Rising to her feet, Kahlan rushed back into the fray to find Zedd.
*****
When her horse's strained panting grew too loud for her to bear, Denna gave in and stopped.
"It's late. We should be far enough ahead that we can rest for a few hours," she said, swinging her leg over the saddle to dismount. She glanced at Richard. "For the horses' sake."
The men followed her example, dismounting and guiding their horses to be tethered. When he was done, Richard hesitantly walked over to where Denna stood scanning the area for threats. He cleared his throat, shifting awkwardly on his feet.
"I am sorry for what I did to you," he said quietly. "When I had the power of Orden."
Denna smirked, keeping her gaze focused on the trees. "I deserved worse."
Richard shook his head. "No one deserves that, Denna. I can only imagine the things you've been through to shape you into who you are now."
Something in his voice intrigued Denna, and she turned to face him. She smirked as she realized where this genuine sentiment was coming from.
"Still feeling sympathy for Cara, even after she stole the heart of the woman you love?"
Richard furrowed his brow. "How did you -"
"Please." Denna laughed, walking over to sit on a fallen log, her shoulders thrust back as she turned her face into the moonlight, watching Richard out of the corner of her eye. "I saw it ages ago, when you and Cara were my...guests. Cara's loyalty to you paled in comparison to her devotion to Kahlan, even then."
She savored his answering flinch as though she had drawn blood. "As for your beloved, well...you and your brother are not as discrete as you may think. I heard your little argument earlier. I can only assume that Kahlan is no longer mooning over you like a lovesick schoolgirl."
Richard's expression clouded over, his jaw clenching as he was forced to think about the one thing he'd been avoiding. His shoulders sagged as he walked over to Denna, sinking down to sit next to her on the log.
"We grew apart," he said firmly, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground. "It's not Cara's fault."
Denna looked back at him in wonder. "You never cease to amaze me, Seeker. The two women you trusted above all else betray you - with each other - and you're happy for them?"
"I never said I was happy." Richard crossed his arms, unsure why he was still talking about this. "But all I ever wanted for Kahlan was her happiness." He sighed sadly. "If Cara can give her that, then who am I to stand in their way?"
Denna was silent, an inscrutable expression on her face as she contemplated Richard. Darken broke the silence, stepping closer to them.
"My brother, ever the noble hero," he sneered. "This is exactly why you could never take my place as ruler of D'Hara."
Richard's eyes shot up to glare at his brother. "I never said I wanted to," he spat. Standing abruptly, he turned back to Denna, his voice bitter to disguise the hurt. "I'll go work on masking our trail, if that's alright with you."
Denna nodded absently, a thoughtful smirk on her face as she watched him go.
*****
Morning sunlight filtered through the trees as Zedd approached Sister Everleen. She was standing apart from them with her fellows Sisters of Light, watching as Kahlan unlocked the collars of the children.
"I hope you'll keep in mind that we share a common enemy now," he said pointedly. "And that the Seeker is on your side."
Sister Everleen turned to him haughtily. "We have no further quarrel with the Seeker. The prophecy has been fulfilled." She pierced him with her gaze, showing no remorse for her previous attempt to foil the Seeker's quest. "Now prophecy says we must trust in him to defeat this new enemy. We will assist him in any way we can."
Zedd looked at her uneasily, happy at least that prophecy was on Richard's side in this.
Kahlan knelt before the last child, a girl of perhaps five summers.
"And this key must be yours," she said with a smile, fitting the key into the lock and removing the collar from the girl's neck. "There, that should be more comfortable."
Kahlan was thrown off balance as the girl threw her arms around her neck.
"Thank you for saving us, Mother Confessor."
Kahlan's smile widened as she returned the embrace, squeezing the child before pulling away. She held the girl at arm's length, her hand reaching up to brush a stray lock of red hair behind her tiny ear. Cara watched the exchange from a distance, a conflicted expression on her face.
"You're very welcome," Kahlan replied, forcing the smile from her face as she looked sternly at the child. "Now you be good for the Sisters of Light. They're going to keep you safe."
The girl nodded solemnly, her eyes shining with awe. Kahlan stroked her cheek affectionately before she stood to walk over to Zedd and the Sisters.
"Where are you going to go now?" Kahlan asked as she came to a stop next to Zedd. Sister Everleen looked grim.
"Thandor is no longer safe," she lamented. "We'll take them to the Palace of the Prophets. It's the only place left with enough magical defenses. We can only pray that the Creator has kept it protected."
"Now that the mriswith are no more, and the native tribes have reached an understanding, you should have plenty of non-magical defenses as well." Zedd pointed out.
"The Midlands are in chaos right now," Kahlan said regretfully. "But you have my word that as soon as we've secured our lands, you will have whatever protection we can provide."
"Thank you, Mother Confessor." Everleen bowed her head respectfully. She turned to the children. "Come, children. We've a long journey ahead of us."
Kahlan sighed as she stood with Zedd, watching the Sisters guide the children away.
"With any luck, they'll be long gone before General Brogan returns to bring order to his troops."
Zedd's face was grim. "If only we were so fortunate. I fear the general will reach Richard long before we can hope to."
Kahlan met his gaze, worry creeping back into her eyes. "May the spirits protect him."
Zedd placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She gave him a grateful look before she turned away, setting off toward Berdine and Raina. The Mord-Sith were waiting impatiently, having long ago picked up Denna's trail.
"Kahlan."
She turned to see Cara approaching, and a tiny glimmer of hope sprang to life in her eyes. She struggled to keep it under control as Cara stood before her, gaze fixed firmly on the ground.
Cara's jaw clenched as she forced herself to speak. "I've never felt like this before."
Kahlan's breath caught in her throat. She longed to reach out to Cara to reassure her, but she didn't want to scare her off again.
"I don't know if I can be what you need," the blonde continued, her voice cracking as she forced the words out. She raised her eyes, looking past Kahlan's shoulder. "But I want to try."
A grin spread across Kahlan's lips, her eyes shining with joy. Giving in to the urge, she pulled Cara into a fierce hug, wrapping her arms around the leather-clad shoulders. Cara brought her hands to Kahlan's waist, hesitantly returning the embrace. Her eyes fell closed as she breathed in the sensation. This was nothing like their awkward sideways hug back in the tomb; this was full contact, their bodies pressed tightly together as Kahlan buried her face in her neck.
After a long moment, Kahlan pulled away just far enough to rest her forehead on Cara's, her hands sliding up the blonde's shoulders to rest on either side of her neck. Fear and desire swirled together in Cara's eyes.
"I love you," she murmured, holding Cara's gaze to leave no doubt.
Cara's lips parted, words pushing against her teeth but lacking the courage to be said. Kahlan smiled and took pity on her, leaning in to capture Cara's lips in a gentle kiss. Cara responded tentatively at first, but she had wanted this for too long to let fear overcome her desire. She grew more eager, her hands clutching at Kahlan's waist as the kiss deepened.
Berdine shook her head at the spectacle, turning away to start walking with Raina in tow. Dahlia stood watching, sorrow inexplicably emanating from her eyes. She didn't understand why she should feel anything but disdain.
"We should get moving." Nicci came to stand next to Dahlia, her voice as close to kind as she could get. Dahlia looked over at her, almost grateful, before she moved to catch up with Berdine and Raina.
Shota stepped next to Zedd, who was looking on with a bittersweet smile on his face. Her eyes were fixed on the two women, still locked in an ardent embrace.
"Zeddicus, there's something you need to know," she said, her voice filled with foreboding. "About the Mother Confessor."
*****
Waking up from her nap, Denna looked over to see Richard brooding as he sat on watch. She got up, moving to sit next to him.
"They're not going to stop, you know," he said before she could speak. His voice was resigned, but deadly serious. "If you think what they'll do to you or me is bad, think of the destruction they're going to unleash on the rest of the people. The Blood of the Fold won't stop until they've destroyed anyone and anything even remotely touched by magic."
Denna scoffed. "And why should I care about that?"
"Because you have magic too." Richard looked up at her, his eyes softening. "But more importantly, because you have the potential to be a good person."
She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, looking down at the ground. An awkward silence stretched between them.
"You and the wizard." Denna laughed, but there was no amusement in it. "What is it that you think you see in me that could possibly be good?"
Richard reached out, resting a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm the Seeker of Truth, Denna," he said simply. "I don't need to look very hard to see that you're lonely. You think having power is the only way to get people to want to be near you."
Denna looked back up at him enigmatically, waiting for him to finish.
"Everyone has good in them, even you," Richard said confidently, holding her gaze. "Anyone can change."
Denna's expression softened, something akin to real emotion shining in her eyes. She was about to respond when she was jerked backward by her braid, a dagger pressing firmly against her neck.
"You can't wish away the Keeper's taint."
General Tobias Brogan's voice rumbled through the camp. Richard jumped to his feet. Turning, he saw a soldier holding Denna. Off to the side, Darken was being held by two more soldiers. Tobias stood back from them, an arrogant sneer on his face.
Something caught Richard's eye, and he turned to see a familiar figure walking toward him.
"Jennsen?" Confusion clouded his gaze as he recognized his sister, and tried to understand what she was doing there.
Lunetta Brogan stepped in front of Jennsen, muttering as she waved a hand in Richard's direction. The last thing he saw was that hand closing into a fist before a wave of magic rushed at him, rendering him unconscious.
**
**
TO BE CONTINUED ...
... in Episode 3.12!
The guards looked up as two soldiers approached them.
"Shift change," the taller one said gruffly, his helmet obscuring most of his face. The guards looked to each other and shrugged, glad to be relieved of their duty, and even gladder to get far away from the woman inside the tent. When they were well out of sight, the taller man nodded to his partner, who stood to one side of the tent's entrance while he slipped inside.
"You're wasting your time." Shota didn't bother to look up at the soldier as he entered, weary of arguing. "I'll never join your misguided crusade."
"That's a relief," the soldier responded. Recognizing the voice, Shota's head jerked up.
"Zeddicus?" She breathed, a spark of hope glinting in her eyes.
The soldier gestured for her to be quiet, then muttered a few words under his breath as his hands swirled invisible patterns in the air. Shota felt her ears pop as the magic encompassed the tent.
"Now they can't hear us," Zedd said with a satisfied smile. He pulled the helmet from his head, shaking out his hair. His eyes fell on Shota, taking in her injuries, her defeated posture as she huddled, collared and bound in the corner. He rushed to her, kneeling on the ground at her side. "Oh, Shota. What have they done to you?"
Shota steeled herself, collecting the shreds of her confidence as she gathered her thoughts.
"I was ambushed in my own home." A shudder racked her frame as the memories overwhelmed her. "I was lost in a vision when they snapped this around my neck. Somehow those zealots managed to get through all of my magical defenses."
For a moment, Zedd just gaped in shock. "For as long as I've known you, I haven't heard of anyone entering Agaden Reach without your consent."
Shota's chin trembled as she locked eyes with Zedd once more. "That's because no one ever has. Aside from you, Zeddicus, no one came close to being powerful enough."
Zedd was silent as he contemplated possible explanations, his eyes widening in horror as realization struck him.
"Jennsen," he stated gravely.
"The pristinely ungifted one?" Shota's eyes clouded with confusion.
"They've somehow managed to recruit her to their cause," he replied, his heart twisting at the thought of his granddaughter turning against him. "I saw her with their armies in Aydindril. They must be using her immunity to magic for their own nefarious purposes."
"That would explain how they managed to survive Agaden Reach," Shota said, her confusion clearing as the pieces fell into place. "I suspect even you would find it difficult to breach my most recent barriers. In fact, they were designed with you in mind."
Zedd's face fell as Shota's voice turned brittle. He took a deep breath.
"Shota, we were on our way to see you. We need your help."
The witch woman laughed mirthlessly. "I know, Zeddicus. Why do you think I was trying to keep you out?"
Zedd looked at her in disbelief. "I know we've had our differences in the past, but surely even you must see the threat posed by the Blood of the Fold."
"Of course I do, I'm no fool," Shota snapped, her eyes flicking away from him uneasily. "As tempting as the notion may be, I could never stand by and let magic be erased from existence just to stop you from being reckless with it."
Zedd moved to kneel in front of her, placing a hand on her arms where they crossed over her knees.
"Then let me get you out of here. Help us fight them," he said earnestly. She raised her eyes to meet his.
"Even if I were willing to help you - and I'm not saying that I am - I can't." She sighed in frustration.
"Why not?" Zedd replied indignantly.
"Without my magic, I'm no help to anyone," she pointed out, glaring at Zedd condescendingly. Her fingers rose to tug at the collar around her neck. "And that imbecile Brogan has the key to this."
Chastened, Zedd lowered his eyes, trying to think of a solution. Shota interrupted his thoughts.
"Besides, Zeddicus, are you so focused on your own troubles that you would save me, and not the precious children of Thandor?"
Zedd's eyes shot back up, filling with horror as they met Shota's piercing gaze.
*****
"These people have more power than I imagined if they could breach the magical barriers defending Thandor." Defeat slumped Zedd's shoulders as he sat on a log back at camp. Kahlan sunk down to sit next to him, handing him a piece of bread. He took it absently, but didn't raise it to his mouth.
"Those children must be so terrified." Kahlan crossed her arms over her chest, worry creasing her brow. She glanced over to where Cara stood leaning against a tree across camp, briefly meeting her eyes before the blonde's gaze skittered away.
"Terrified enough to do whatever Brogan orders them to," Berdine pointed out, ignoring the juvenile display of weakness. "Lord Rahl has long sought to control the children protected by Thandor."
Kahlan looked from Berdine to Zedd, her eyes filling with horror. "Some of those children are very powerful."
"We can only thank the spirits that Renn is safe with your sister in Aydindril," Zedd added seriously. "I shudder to think what the general could do with a true Listener under his control."
Kahlan looked back at the wizard. "Zedd, we've got to get them out of there," she said firmly. She glanced over at the confessed soldier, who'd been sitting quietly as they talked. "How well do you know the camp?"
The soldier moved to Kahlan's side, and they began to strategize. Cara watched from a distance, vacillating between wanting to help and wanting to run far away. Dahlia noticed her struggle and sauntered over to stand next to her, a knowing smile playing at her lips.
"Your infatuation with the Confessor is foolish."
Cara kept her eyes trained ahead of her, frustration clear in her stiff posture.
Dahlia's smirk faded as she inhaled deeply. "But you're an even bigger fool if you plan on letting her slip through your fingers."
Cara turned her head, staring at her uneasily. Dahlia held her gaze steadily. Without a word, Cara stormed away, moving nearer to the rest of the group. Dahlia's eyes followed her, radiating pain and confusion.
When Cara reached them, Kahlan was pointing with a stick at different areas of a map the confessed man had drawn for them in the dirt.
"If we could get to Brogan's tent and get the keys-"
Nicci scoffed, drawing everyone's attention.
"You're all being painfully dense," she said, sounding bored. She gestured to the two men. "These two soldiers abandoned their post. Everyone in that camp is going to be on guard for an attack."
Kahlan glanced over at Nicci, conflicted over how to respond to her.
"And what would you suggest?" Cara challenged, stepping closer to the sorceress. Kahlan looked up at her gratefully, but Cara shrugged off the glance, staying focused on Nicci, who rolled her eyes in irritation.
"It's simple. These people don't just hate magic - they fear it. We use their fear against them," she explained as though she were speaking to a group of toddlers rather than grown adults.
"Even if Richard didn't have the key to your Rada'Han, Nicci," Kahlan spoke up, finding her strength, "there's no way we would let you out of it."
Nicci responded with a withering glare, failing to notice the way Dahlia stiffened at the mention of the key. "The wizard will just have to do it on his own, then." She shifted her gaze to Zedd. "It doesn't have to be powerful. They just have to think it is."
Zedd was intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"
Nicci perked up, excited in spite of herself. "Do you still remember the faces of all those poor souls in Ebynissia?"
Zedd shuddered as he recalled them. "All the magic in the world couldn't erase those images from my mind."
A dangerous smile sprang to her lips. "Good."
*****
The soldiers milled about the camp, going about their nightly rituals. Some were crowded around campfires, talking and joking with each other, while others were returning to their tents to prepare for sleep. Aside from the occasional nervous glance at the trees, it was any other night for the Blood of the Fold. They were confident that the Creator would protect them from any attack.
The sky seemed to grow darker as a high-pitched wail pierced the night. Soldiers reached for their swords, staring fearfully into the darkness as the sound was followed by a cacophony of tortured screams. All over the camp, men scrambled to prepare themselves for battle.
They weren't prepared for what came. A horde of shimmering specters fell on them, illuminating the camp with a sickly green glow. A good number of soldiers turned and fled from the sight. The men who were brave enough to look at them long enough saw pale greenish-white faces swirling in the mist - faces of men, women, and children, their features contorted in agony.
The few who remained were caught off-guard when they were attacked by very solid, very real enemies. The Mord-Sith laid into them savagely, felling soldiers left and right with their agiels. Nicci wielded her dacras with relish, savoring the adrenaline rush of battle. Kahlan twirled with a deadly grace as her daggers found purchase in the chests and throats of the distracted soldiers.
Zedd brought up the rear, sending the illusions ahead of him with a flick of his wrists as he concentrated on blasting Wizard's Fire at any man who slipped past his comrades.
Amid the melee, Kahlan was approached by the man she'd confessed. Busy fending off two soldiers, she could barely spare him a glance as he ran up to her, holding out a small pouch.
"Mistress! I got the keys for you!" Branden exclaimed happily. One of the soldiers Kahlan was fighting turned to him, fury in his eyes. This gave Kahlan the opportunity to easily dispatch the other soldier with a dagger to the chest.
"Traitor!" The enraged soldier raised his sword, shoving it into the confessed man's gut. Kahlan came up behind him, her daggers slicing his throat open.
"Mistress," the dying man gasped, drawing her attention. "I got what you wanted."
He held up his prize, his proud smile fading as the blood drained from his body. She looked down at him, guilt clouding her vision for a split second before she reached for the pouch, plucking it from his grasp. There was no time for pity. Rising to her feet, Kahlan rushed back into the fray to find Zedd.
*****
When her horse's strained panting grew too loud for her to bear, Denna gave in and stopped.
"It's late. We should be far enough ahead that we can rest for a few hours," she said, swinging her leg over the saddle to dismount. She glanced at Richard. "For the horses' sake."
The men followed her example, dismounting and guiding their horses to be tethered. When he was done, Richard hesitantly walked over to where Denna stood scanning the area for threats. He cleared his throat, shifting awkwardly on his feet.
"I am sorry for what I did to you," he said quietly. "When I had the power of Orden."
Denna smirked, keeping her gaze focused on the trees. "I deserved worse."
Richard shook his head. "No one deserves that, Denna. I can only imagine the things you've been through to shape you into who you are now."
Something in his voice intrigued Denna, and she turned to face him. She smirked as she realized where this genuine sentiment was coming from.
"Still feeling sympathy for Cara, even after she stole the heart of the woman you love?"
Richard furrowed his brow. "How did you -"
"Please." Denna laughed, walking over to sit on a fallen log, her shoulders thrust back as she turned her face into the moonlight, watching Richard out of the corner of her eye. "I saw it ages ago, when you and Cara were my...guests. Cara's loyalty to you paled in comparison to her devotion to Kahlan, even then."
She savored his answering flinch as though she had drawn blood. "As for your beloved, well...you and your brother are not as discrete as you may think. I heard your little argument earlier. I can only assume that Kahlan is no longer mooning over you like a lovesick schoolgirl."
Richard's expression clouded over, his jaw clenching as he was forced to think about the one thing he'd been avoiding. His shoulders sagged as he walked over to Denna, sinking down to sit next to her on the log.
"We grew apart," he said firmly, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground. "It's not Cara's fault."
Denna looked back at him in wonder. "You never cease to amaze me, Seeker. The two women you trusted above all else betray you - with each other - and you're happy for them?"
"I never said I was happy." Richard crossed his arms, unsure why he was still talking about this. "But all I ever wanted for Kahlan was her happiness." He sighed sadly. "If Cara can give her that, then who am I to stand in their way?"
Denna was silent, an inscrutable expression on her face as she contemplated Richard. Darken broke the silence, stepping closer to them.
"My brother, ever the noble hero," he sneered. "This is exactly why you could never take my place as ruler of D'Hara."
Richard's eyes shot up to glare at his brother. "I never said I wanted to," he spat. Standing abruptly, he turned back to Denna, his voice bitter to disguise the hurt. "I'll go work on masking our trail, if that's alright with you."
Denna nodded absently, a thoughtful smirk on her face as she watched him go.
*****
Morning sunlight filtered through the trees as Zedd approached Sister Everleen. She was standing apart from them with her fellows Sisters of Light, watching as Kahlan unlocked the collars of the children.
"I hope you'll keep in mind that we share a common enemy now," he said pointedly. "And that the Seeker is on your side."
Sister Everleen turned to him haughtily. "We have no further quarrel with the Seeker. The prophecy has been fulfilled." She pierced him with her gaze, showing no remorse for her previous attempt to foil the Seeker's quest. "Now prophecy says we must trust in him to defeat this new enemy. We will assist him in any way we can."
Zedd looked at her uneasily, happy at least that prophecy was on Richard's side in this.
Kahlan knelt before the last child, a girl of perhaps five summers.
"And this key must be yours," she said with a smile, fitting the key into the lock and removing the collar from the girl's neck. "There, that should be more comfortable."
Kahlan was thrown off balance as the girl threw her arms around her neck.
"Thank you for saving us, Mother Confessor."
Kahlan's smile widened as she returned the embrace, squeezing the child before pulling away. She held the girl at arm's length, her hand reaching up to brush a stray lock of red hair behind her tiny ear. Cara watched the exchange from a distance, a conflicted expression on her face.
"You're very welcome," Kahlan replied, forcing the smile from her face as she looked sternly at the child. "Now you be good for the Sisters of Light. They're going to keep you safe."
The girl nodded solemnly, her eyes shining with awe. Kahlan stroked her cheek affectionately before she stood to walk over to Zedd and the Sisters.
"Where are you going to go now?" Kahlan asked as she came to a stop next to Zedd. Sister Everleen looked grim.
"Thandor is no longer safe," she lamented. "We'll take them to the Palace of the Prophets. It's the only place left with enough magical defenses. We can only pray that the Creator has kept it protected."
"Now that the mriswith are no more, and the native tribes have reached an understanding, you should have plenty of non-magical defenses as well." Zedd pointed out.
"The Midlands are in chaos right now," Kahlan said regretfully. "But you have my word that as soon as we've secured our lands, you will have whatever protection we can provide."
"Thank you, Mother Confessor." Everleen bowed her head respectfully. She turned to the children. "Come, children. We've a long journey ahead of us."
Kahlan sighed as she stood with Zedd, watching the Sisters guide the children away.
"With any luck, they'll be long gone before General Brogan returns to bring order to his troops."
Zedd's face was grim. "If only we were so fortunate. I fear the general will reach Richard long before we can hope to."
Kahlan met his gaze, worry creeping back into her eyes. "May the spirits protect him."
Zedd placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She gave him a grateful look before she turned away, setting off toward Berdine and Raina. The Mord-Sith were waiting impatiently, having long ago picked up Denna's trail.
"Kahlan."
She turned to see Cara approaching, and a tiny glimmer of hope sprang to life in her eyes. She struggled to keep it under control as Cara stood before her, gaze fixed firmly on the ground.
Cara's jaw clenched as she forced herself to speak. "I've never felt like this before."
Kahlan's breath caught in her throat. She longed to reach out to Cara to reassure her, but she didn't want to scare her off again.
"I don't know if I can be what you need," the blonde continued, her voice cracking as she forced the words out. She raised her eyes, looking past Kahlan's shoulder. "But I want to try."
A grin spread across Kahlan's lips, her eyes shining with joy. Giving in to the urge, she pulled Cara into a fierce hug, wrapping her arms around the leather-clad shoulders. Cara brought her hands to Kahlan's waist, hesitantly returning the embrace. Her eyes fell closed as she breathed in the sensation. This was nothing like their awkward sideways hug back in the tomb; this was full contact, their bodies pressed tightly together as Kahlan buried her face in her neck.
After a long moment, Kahlan pulled away just far enough to rest her forehead on Cara's, her hands sliding up the blonde's shoulders to rest on either side of her neck. Fear and desire swirled together in Cara's eyes.
"I love you," she murmured, holding Cara's gaze to leave no doubt.
Cara's lips parted, words pushing against her teeth but lacking the courage to be said. Kahlan smiled and took pity on her, leaning in to capture Cara's lips in a gentle kiss. Cara responded tentatively at first, but she had wanted this for too long to let fear overcome her desire. She grew more eager, her hands clutching at Kahlan's waist as the kiss deepened.
Berdine shook her head at the spectacle, turning away to start walking with Raina in tow. Dahlia stood watching, sorrow inexplicably emanating from her eyes. She didn't understand why she should feel anything but disdain.
"We should get moving." Nicci came to stand next to Dahlia, her voice as close to kind as she could get. Dahlia looked over at her, almost grateful, before she moved to catch up with Berdine and Raina.
Shota stepped next to Zedd, who was looking on with a bittersweet smile on his face. Her eyes were fixed on the two women, still locked in an ardent embrace.
"Zeddicus, there's something you need to know," she said, her voice filled with foreboding. "About the Mother Confessor."
*****
Waking up from her nap, Denna looked over to see Richard brooding as he sat on watch. She got up, moving to sit next to him.
"They're not going to stop, you know," he said before she could speak. His voice was resigned, but deadly serious. "If you think what they'll do to you or me is bad, think of the destruction they're going to unleash on the rest of the people. The Blood of the Fold won't stop until they've destroyed anyone and anything even remotely touched by magic."
Denna scoffed. "And why should I care about that?"
"Because you have magic too." Richard looked up at her, his eyes softening. "But more importantly, because you have the potential to be a good person."
She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, looking down at the ground. An awkward silence stretched between them.
"You and the wizard." Denna laughed, but there was no amusement in it. "What is it that you think you see in me that could possibly be good?"
Richard reached out, resting a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm the Seeker of Truth, Denna," he said simply. "I don't need to look very hard to see that you're lonely. You think having power is the only way to get people to want to be near you."
Denna looked back up at him enigmatically, waiting for him to finish.
"Everyone has good in them, even you," Richard said confidently, holding her gaze. "Anyone can change."
Denna's expression softened, something akin to real emotion shining in her eyes. She was about to respond when she was jerked backward by her braid, a dagger pressing firmly against her neck.
"You can't wish away the Keeper's taint."
General Tobias Brogan's voice rumbled through the camp. Richard jumped to his feet. Turning, he saw a soldier holding Denna. Off to the side, Darken was being held by two more soldiers. Tobias stood back from them, an arrogant sneer on his face.
Something caught Richard's eye, and he turned to see a familiar figure walking toward him.
"Jennsen?" Confusion clouded his gaze as he recognized his sister, and tried to understand what she was doing there.
Lunetta Brogan stepped in front of Jennsen, muttering as she waved a hand in Richard's direction. The last thing he saw was that hand closing into a fist before a wave of magic rushed at him, rendering him unconscious.
**
**
TO BE CONTINUED ...
... in Episode 3.12!