Wizard's First Rule

"You are to destroy their Agiels. Every last one. I don't ever want to see an Agiel again." He held up the one at his neck. "Except this one. Then you are to find them new clothes. Burn every stitch of Mord-Sith clothes. They are to be treated with kindness, and respect."

The man's eyes went wide. "Kindness," he whispered, "and respect?"

"That's what I said. They are to be given jobs helping people, they are to be taught to treat people in the same way they are treated: with kindness and respect. I don't know how you are to do that, you'll just have to figure it out yourself. You look like a bright fellow. All right?"

He frowned. "And what if they refuse to change?"

Richard glared at the man. "Tell them that if they choose to stay on the same path, instead of taking another, then they will find the Seeker with the white sword at the end of the road."

The guard smiled, put his fist to his heart in salute, and gave a smart bow.

Zedd leaned forward. "Richard, the Agiel are magic, they can't simply be destroyed."

"Then help him, Zedd. Help him destroy them, or lock them away, or something. All right? I don't want anyone to ever be hurt by an Agiel again."

Zedd gave a little smile and nod. "I'd be glad to help with that, my boy." Zedd hesitated, stroking his chin with a long finger, and then spoke softly. "Richard, do you really think this is going to work, calling the forces home, having the Westland army help them?"

"Probably not. But you can never tell about your First Rule, and it should gain time until we can get everyone home again, and you can put the boundary back up. Then we'll be safe once more. Then we'll be finished with the magic."

A roar came from the sky. Richard looked up to see Scarlet circling. The red dragon spiraled down through the crisp air. Men fell back, yelling and scattering as they saw that she was going 816 to land at the base of the steps. Scarlet fluttered to a landing in front of Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, Chase, and the two children.

"Richard! Richard!" Scarlet called out, hopping from one foot to another, her wings held out, quivering in excitement. Her huge, red head swept down to him. "My egg hatched! It's a beautiful little dragon, just as you said it would be! I want you to come see it! It's so strong. I bet it flies within a month." Scarlet seemed suddenly to notice all the men. Her head scanned about, surveying them. Her big yellow eyes blinked, her head swept down to Richard. "Are we having trouble here? Do we need some dragon fire?"

Richard grinned. "No. Everything is fine."

"Well, then, climb up and I'll take you to see the little one."

Richard put his arm around Kahlan's waist. "If you'll take Kahlan, too, I would love to come."

Scarlet eyed Kahlan up and down. "If she is with you, she is welcome."

"Richard," Kahlan said, "what about Siddin? Weselan and Savidlin will be worried sick over him." Her green eyes gazed deep into his. She leaned closer, and whispered, "And we have unfinished business in the spirit house. I believe there is still an apple there we have yet to finish." Her arm tightened around his waist, and a little twist of a smile came to her lips. The shape of the smile caught his breath in his throat.

With difficulty, Richard tore his eyes from her and looked up at Scarlet. "This little one was stolen from the Mud People when you took Darken Rahl there. His mother will be as anxious to have him back as you were to have your young one returned. After we see your little dragon, could you take us there?"

Scarlet's big eye peered down at Siddin. "Well, I guess I can understand his mother's worry. Done. Climb up."

Zedd stepped forward, his hands on his hips, his voice incredulous. "You would let a man fly upon you? A red dragon? You would take him where he wishes to go?"

Scarlet puffed smoke at the wizard, forcing him to take a step back. "A man, no. This is the Seeker. He commands me. I would fly this one to the underworld and back."

Richard gripped the spines and climbed onto Scarlet's shoulders as she lowered herself for him. Kahlan handed Siddin up

Richard put him in his lap and took Kahlan's hand as she swung her leg over Scarlet behind him. She put her arms around his waist, her hands against his chest, and her head against his shoulder squeezing tightly.

Richard leaned a little toward Zedd. "Take care, my friend." He gave his old friend a big smile. "The Bird Man will be happy to learn I have finally decided to take a Mud Woman as my wife. Where will I find you?"

Zedd reached up with a thin arm and put a hand on Richard's ankle, giving it a pat. "I will be in Aydindril. Come to me when you are ready."

Richard gave the wizard his sternest frown, leaning down even more. "And then we are going to have a talk. A long talk."

Zedd nodded with a smile. "Yes, I expect we will."

Richard smiled at Rachel, gave her and Chase a wave, then gave a pat to one of Scarlet's scales. "To the sky, my red friend!"