Stone of Tears

Richard felt a gnawing pain in the pit of his stomach. He had not only torn the veil, but in violating the Second Rule again, by trying to help with a gathering, he had brought an agent, Darken Rahl, back to this world where he could act to tear the veil. It was all Richard’s fault. He felt hot and dizzy. He thought he might be sick at any moment.

“Nathan, I have to get this collar off.”

Nathan shrugged. “I can’t help with that.”

Richard had come here for a specific reason. He decided he had to try to get the answer. He cleared his throat.

“Nathan, there is someone very important to me. She is in danger, and I must help. There is a prophecy about her that is written down, but it also came to me in a vision.”

“Which prophecy?”

“Of all there were, but a single one born of the magic to bring forth truth will remain alive when the shadow’s threat is lifted…”

In his deep, powerful voice, Nathan finished the prophecy. “Therefore comes the greater darkness of the dead. For there to be a chance at life’s bond, this one in white must be offered to her people, to bring their joy and good cheer.”

“Then you know of it. Nathan, I saw the meaning of the prophecy. I was told not to speak of the vision, but it’s not a joyful outcome as far as I’m concerned.”

“She is beheaded,” Nathan said in a quiet voice. That is the true meaning of that prophecy.”

Richard put his arm across his churning stomach. That was what he had seen in the vision. His world started spinning again.

“Nathan, I have to get away from here. I have to stop that from happening.”

“Richard, look at me.” Richard looked up, managing to hold the tears back. “Richard, I must tell you the truth. If this prophecy does not happen, there is nothing beyond. We all die. It will be the end of all life. The Keeper will have us.

“If you use your power to stop it, you will rip the veil asunder and allow the Keeper to swallow the word of the living.”

Richard shot to his feet. “Why! Why would she have to die to save the living! It makes no sense!” His fist tightened around the hilt of the sword. “I have to stop it! It’s just a stupid riddle! I won’t let her die for a riddle!”

“Richard, a time will come when you have to make a choice. I have been hoping for a very long time now that when that time comes, you will be wise enough to make the right choice. You have the power to destroy us all if you choose wrongly.”

“I will not stand here while you tell me I must let her die. The good spirits have done nothing to help. I must. I will.”

Richard stormed from the room. Cracks ran along the walls beside him as he marched down the hall. Chunks of plaster rained down behind as he went. Richard only dimly noticed, but it pleased his temper. When he went through the shield, the paint on the walls to the side charred and curled.

Richard’s thoughts ran wildly in all directions at once. He knew now that his vision had been of what was going to happen if he didn’t stop it. It was going to come true if he couldn’t get away from the palace. Maybe that was what the prophecy meant, that he would be held prisoner there, and he wouldn’t be able to help, and Kahlan would die.

In the courtyard below, Richard saw a commotion. Guards were running from everywhere. When he got closer, he saw one of the Baka Ban Mana blade masters. There had to be close to a hundred worried-looking guards surrounding him in a ring, holding their distance. The man in loose-fitting clothes, in the center of the ring, looked unconcerned.

Richard pushed through the throng. “What’s going on?”

The man bowed to Richard. “Caharin. I am Jiaan. Your wife, Du Chaillu, has sent me to give you a message.”

Richard decided not to contest the wife part. “What is it?”

“I am to tell you that she has followed her husband’s instructions. We have brought the Majendie to a peace with us. We no longer make war with them, or the people here.”

“That’s wonderful news, Jiaan. Tell her I am proud of her, and her people.”

“Your people,” Jiaan corrected. “she wants you to know she has decided to bear the child. And she also sends message that we are ready to return to our homeland. She wishes to know when you will come to take us there.”

Richard glanced around at the people. Not only guards were gathered, but Sisters, too. He recognized a few of his teachers watching: Sisters Tovi, Nicci, and Armina. Pasha stood nearby. At the far edge of the crowd he saw Sister Verna. On a balcony in the distance, beyond the walls, he saw the squat figure of the Prelate.

Richard turned back to Jiaan. Tell her to be ready, that it will be soon.”

Jiaan bowed. Thank you, Caharin. We will be ready.”

Richard spoke to the guards in a circle around them. This man has come in peace. He is to be left in peace.”

Jiaan strode away, unconcerned, as if he were alone on a walk, but the ring of guards moved with him, as Richard knew they would until he was well clear of the city. The crowd started drifting away.