Wizard's First Rule

After crossing another stream and plunging back into the wet grass, eight men sprang up suddenly in front of them. Kahlan and Richard came to an abrupt halt. The men were wearing animal skins over most of their bodies. Sticky mud that didn't wash away in the rain was smeared over the rest of their skin and faces, and their hair smoothed down with it. Clumps of grass were tied to their arms and to the skins, and stuffed under headbands, making them invisible when they had been squatted down. They stood silently in front of the two of them. All wore grim expressions. Kahlan recognized several of the men; it was a hunting party of Mud People.

The eldest, a fit, wiry man she knew as Savidlin, approached her. The others waited, spears and bows relaxed but ready. Kahlan could feel Richard's presence close behind her. Without turning, she whispered for him- to stay calm and do as she did. Savidlin stopped in front of her.

"Strength to Confessor Kahlan," he said.

"Strength to Savidlin and the Mud People, " she answered in their language.

Savidlin slapped her across the face, hard. She slapped him back just as hard. Instantly Kahlan heard the ringing sound of Richard's sword being pulled free. She spun on her heels.

"No, Richard!" He had the sword up, ready to strike. "No!" She grabbed his wrists. "I told you to stay calm and do as I do."

His eyes flicked from Savidlin's to hers. They were filled with unleashed anger, the magic that was ready to kill. The muscles in his jaw flexed as he clenched his teeth. "And if they slit your throat, would you have me let them slit mine as well?"

"That is the way they greet people. It is meant to show respect for another's strength."

He frowned, hesitating.

"I'm sorry I did not warn you. Richard, put the sword away."

His eyes went from hers to Savidlin, and then back to hers again, before he yielded and angrily thrust the sword back into its scabbard. Relieved, she turned back to the Mud People as Richard stepped up protectively next to her. Savidlin and the others had been watching calmly. They didn't understand the words, but they seemed to grasp the meaning of what had happened. Savidlin looked away from Richard, to Kahlan. He spoke in his dialect.

"Who is this man with the temper?"

"His name is Richard. He is the Seeker of Truth.»

Whispers broke out among the other members of the hunting party. Savidlin's eyes sought Richard's.

"Strength to Richard, the Seeker.»

Kahlan told him what Savidlin had said. There was still a hot look on his face.

Savidlin stepped up and hit Richard, not with an open hand as he had hit her, but with his fist. Immediately Richard unleashed a powerful blow of his own that knocked Savidlin from his feet and sent him sprawling on his back. He lay dazed on the ground with his limbs strewn awkwardly out. Fists tightened on weapons. Richard straightened, giving the men a dangerous look that kept them rooted firmly in place.

Savidlin propped himself up on one hand, rubbing his jaw with the other. A grin spread across his face. "None has ever shown such respect for my strength! This is a wise man."

The other men broke out in laughter. Kahlan held her hand over her mouth, trying to hide her own. The tension evaporated.

"What did he say?" Richard demanded.

"He said you have great respect for him, that you are wise. I think you have made a friend."

Savidlin held his hand out for Richard to help him up. Warily, Richard complied. Once on his feet, Savidlin slapped Richard on the back, putting an arm around his big shoulders.

"I am truly glad you recognize my strength, but I hope you do not come to respect me any more. " The men laughed. "Among the Mud People, you shall be known as `Richard With The Temper. »

Kahlan tried to hold back her laughter while she translated. The men were still snickering. Savidlin turned to them.

"Maybe you men would like to greet my big friend, and have him. show you his respect for your strength.»

They all held their hands out in front of themselves and shook their heads vigorously.

«No,» one of them said between fits of laughter, "he has already shown you enough respect for all of us."

He turned back to Kahlan. "As always, Confessor Kahlan is welcome among the Mud People. " Without looking over, he gave a nod of his head, indicating Richard. "Is he your mate?"

"No!»

Savidlin tensed. "Then you have come here to choose one of our men?"

«No,» she said, her voice regaining its calmness.

Savidlin looked greatly relieved. "The Confessor chooses dangerous traveling companions. " "Not dangerous to me, only to those who would think to harm me.»

Savidlin smiled and nodded, then looked Kahlan up and down.

"You wear odd things. Different from before."

"Underneath, I am the same as before," Kahlan said as she leaned a little closer to make her point. "That is what you need to know."

Savidlin backed away a little from her intense expression and gave a nod. His eyes narrowed. "And why are you here?"