Temple of the Winds

Cara, standing behind, gave her a reassuring touch. Weselan, at Kahlan's side, beamed with pride. Savidlin stood to the far side of Richard, beaming just as much. Zedd and Ann stood behind. Zedd was eating something.

Kahlan silently prayed to the good spirits that, this time, nothing would go wrong, and that it would at last happen. She couldn't help worrying that it would be taken from her, yet again.

The Bird Man straightened before them, clasping his hands. Behind him, the entire Mud People village spread out before the wedding party to hear the vows.

When all had fallen silent, the Bird Man began, and Kahlan's fear began to melt away. to be replaced with joyous anticipation. As the Bird Man spoke, Chandalen, at his side, said the words in the language Richard and some of the others could understand.

"These two people have not been born Mud People, hut they have proven themselves to he one of us. in their strength, and in their hearts. They have bound themselves to us, and us to them. They have been our friends, and our protectors. That they would wish lo be wedded as Mud People proves their hearts.

"As members of our people, these two have chosen not only to be wedded before those of this world, but before the next, and in so doing, have called the spirits of our ancestors to be with us on this day to smile on this joining. We welcome our ancestors into our hearts to share our joy.»

Richard's hand tightened around hers, and she realized that he was sharing her thoughts: it was real, at last, and it was as they both had always dreamed-except it was better than she could ever have imagined.

"Both of you are Mud People, and are bound not only by your words before your people, but by your own hearts. These are simple words, but in simple things, there is great power. ' He met Richard's eyes.

"Richard, will you have this woman as your wife, and will you love and honor her in all ways for all time?"

"I will," he said in a clear voice that rang out over the gathering. The Bird Man looked into Kahlan's eyes, and she had the most profound sense that he was speaking not only as a representative of his people, but for the spirits, too. She could almost hear their voices echoing in his.

"Kahlan, will you have this man as your husband, and will you love and honor him in all ways for all time?" "I will," she said, a clear chime matching Richard's.

''Then before your people, and before the spirits, you are now wedded for all time.

All the gathered people were dead silent, until Richard took her in his arms and kissed her, and then they went wild. Kahlan hardly heard them.

It seemed a dream. A dream she had dreamed so often that it had finally come to life.

To be in Richard's arms. To have him. To be his wife, and he her husband. For all time.

And then everyone was bugging them. Zedd and Ann. The Bird Man and the elders. Weselan and the other wives.

Cara, with tears in her eyes, hugged Kahlan. "Thank you both for wearing an Agiel at your wedding. Hally, Raina, and Denna are all watching because of that. Thank you for honoring the sacrifice of Mord-Sith."

With a thumb, Kahlan wiped the tear from Cara's cheek. "Thank you for braving the magic of the sliph to be with us, my sister."

Everyone in the village crowded in to greet the new couple. Kahlan thought they might be crushed. People brought food and flowers, and sincere, simple offerings of every sort.

The celebration resumed around the wedding platform. Kahlan tried to talk to everyone, and to thank everyone, as did Richard, until, as Richard was asking some of Chandalen's hunters about the battle that they had witnessed, his golden cloak billowed out. There was no wind.

Richard straightened. His raptor gaze swept out over the heads of the people, gathered before the wedding platform. He instinctively reached for his sword. It wasn't there. The crowd, in the back, fell silent. Zedd and Ann both stepped up beside Richard and Kahlan. Cara had her Agiel in her fist as she pushed between them to get in front. Richard gently pushed her behind. The entire village fell silent, the people parting for two approaching figures. Some people grabbed their children and moved farther back as worried whispers rippled through the crowd.

As the two solitary figures, one tall and one short, came closer. Kahlan saw that it was Shota, and her companion, Samuel.

The witch woman, looking as stunning as ever, strode up onto the platform, her ageless almond eyes staying on Kahlan the whole time. Shota took up Kahlan's hand. She kissed Kahlan's cheek. "I have come to congratulate you. Mother Confessor, on your accomplishment, and on your marriage."

Throwing caution to the winds, Kahlan hugged the witch woman. "Thank you for coming, Shota."

Shota smiled, staring into Richard's eyes as she ran a lacquered nail along his jaw. "Hard fought, Richard. Hard fought. And well earned."