Temple of the Winds

Kahlan ran down the steps and scooped up a pile of tava bread. She wrapped it in a square of cloth from the table. She met Shota at the bottom of the steps. "Take this for your journey, as our thanks for coming, and for the gift." Shota kissed Kahlan's cheek and then took the bundle. Samuel didn't try to grab it; he seemed content. Richard was suddenly there, beside Kahlan. Shota smiled a small smile and kissed his cheek, too. She had a strange, wistful look. "Thank you. Both of you."

And then she was gone. Simply, gone.

Zedd and Ann were still up on the platform, along with Cara and the rest of the people. Zedd turned to Richard and Kahlan.

"What happened to Shota? We make a truce, and then she just leaves without a word?"

Kahlan's brow tightened. "She spoke to us."

Zedd glanced about. "When? She was gone before she had a chance to say anything."

"I had intended to speak with her, too," Ann said.

Kahlan looked up at Richard. He looked back at Zedd. "She said some nice things to us. Maybe she just didn't want you to hear her saying nice things." Zedd grunted a laugh. "No doubt."

Kahlan touched the dark stone on the necklace. She put an arm around Richard's waist and pulled him close. "What do you think?" she whispered. Richard stared out in the direction Shota had gone.

"For now, she's right: we're together. That's what we wanted. I think that, for now, we should be happy that our dream has at last come true and we can be together. I'm so tired of trouble, and there is still Jagang to worry about. I'd just like to be with you for now, and love you."

Kahlan put her head against him. "I think you're right. For now, let's not complicate matters."

"We can worry about this another time." He grinned at her. "Right?" Kahlan forgot all about Shota and the future and grinned back, thinking about the now. "Right."

The celebration went on until well after nightfall. Kahlan knew it would likely go on all night. She whispered to Richard that she would be happy not to have to remain for the whole thing. Richard kissed her cheek, and then asked the Bird Man if they could be excused. They wanted to go to the spirit house. The spirit house had special meaning to both of them.

The Bird Man smiled. "It has been a long day. Sleep well." Richard and Kahlan said their thanks to everyone, and then, in the quiet of the spirit house, in the soft glow of the low fire that always burned there, they were at long last alone. As they stared into each other's eyes, words were too small. Berdine stood tall and straight as she watched the double doors burst open. Like a gout of flame they stormed into the Confessors' Palace-a dozen Mord-Sith in red leather.

Soldiers scrambled across the slick marble, falling back out of the way, while at the same time trying not to look hurried. They quickly established new guard positions at a safe distance. The twelve women paid them no attention. The existence of D'Haran soldiers hardly registered on the mind of a Mord-Sith-unless they gave her trouble. The group came to a halt. Silence once again settled in the entrance hall.

"Berdine, how good to see you."

Berdine let a small smile touch her lips. "Welcome, Rikka. But what are you doing here? Lord Rahl left you at the People's Palace, awaiting his return."

Rikkas eyes swept the area before her steady gaze settled on Berdine. "We heard that he is here. now. and we decided that we should be closer so that we could protect him. We left the others at the palace, should he return unexpectedly. We will return with him when he goes home." Berdine shrugged. "He sort of considers this home. now." "Whatever he wishes. We are here, now. Where is he, so that we may announce ourselves, and protect him?"

"He has gone to be married. Some distance to the south." Rikka's brows drew together. "Why are you not with him?" * "He ordered me to stay here and see to things in his absence. Cara is with him."

"Cara. Good. Cara will not let anything happen to him." Rikka considered a moment, her dark frown returning. "Lord Rahl is getting married?" Berdine nodded. "He is in love."

The other women glanced at one another as Rikka put her fists on her hips. "In love. A Lord Rahl, in love. Somehow, I can't picture it." She huffed. "He's up to something. Well, never mind; we will figure it out. What of the others?" "Hally was killed awhile back. In battle, protecting Lord Rahl." "A noble death. What of Raina?"

Berdine swallowed, and forced her voice to stay level. "Raina died a short time ago. Killed by the enemy."

Rikka searched Berdine's eyes. "I'm sorry, Berdine." Berdine nodded. "Lord Rahl wept for her, as he did for Hally." Silence echoed around the entryway as all the other Mord-Sith stared at Berdine in disbelief.

"This man is going to be trouble," Rikka muttered. Berdine smiled. "I think he would say a similar thing of you."