Wizard's First Rule - Terry Goodkind [46]
While she did as Zedd requested, he cleaned the wound and applied a salve. When Kahlan returned, he held Richard’s hand while she wrapped it. Zedd watched her hands as she worked.
“Why have you not told him what you are, that you are a Confessor?” There was a hard edge to his voice.
Hers came back in kind. “Because of the way you reacted when you recognized me as a Confessor.” She paused, and the harshness left her voice. “Somehow we have become friends. I am inexperienced in that, but I am very experienced at being a Confessor. I have seen reactions like yours all my life. When I leave with the Seeker, I will tell him. Until then, I would very much like to have his friendship. Is that too much to ask, to be allowed the simple human pleasure of a friend? The friendship will end soon enough, when I tell him.”
When she finished, Zedd put a finger under her chin, raising her face to his gentle smile. “When I first saw you, I reacted foolishly. Mostly to the surprise of seeing a Confessor. I had not expected ever to see one again. I quit the Midlands to be free of the magic. You were an intrusion into my solitude. I apologize for my reaction and for making you feel unwelcome. I hope I have made it up to you. I am one who has respect for the Confessors, perhaps more than you will ever know. You are a good woman, and you are welcome in my house.”
Kahlan looked into his eyes a long moment. “Thank you, Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander.”
Zedd’s expression turned more dangerous than hers had when they had first met. She stood frozen with his finger still under her chin, afraid to move, her eyes wide.
“Know this, though, Mother Confessor.” His voice was only one step above a whisper, and deadly. “This boy has been my friend a good long time. If you touch him with your power, or if you choose him, you will answer to me. And you would not like that. Do you understand?”
She swallowed hard and managed to give a weak nod. “Yes.”
“Good.” The danger left his face, leaving calm again in its place. He removed his finger from under her chin, and began to turn to Richard.
Kahlan let her breath out and, not willing to be intimidated, grabbed his arm, turning him back to her. “Zedd, I would not do that to him, not because of what you said, but because I care for him. I want you to understand that.”
They faced off a long while, each measuring the other. Zedd’s impish smile returned, as disarming as ever.
“If offered a choice, dear one, that is the way I would prefer it.”
She relaxed, satisfied at having made her point, and gave him a quick hug that was returned earnestly.
“There is one thing you have left unspoken. You have not asked for my help in finding the wizard.”
“No, and for now I won’t. Richard fears what I would do if you were to say no. I promised I would not ask until he has a chance to ask you first. I gave him my word.”
Zedd put a bony finger to his chin. “How interesting.” He laid his hand on her shoulder conspiratorially, and changed the subject. “You know, dear one, you might make a good Seeker yourself.”
“Me? A woman can be Seeker?”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Of course. Some of the best Seekers have been women.”
“I already have an impossible job.” She frowned. “I don’t need two.”
Zedd chuckled, his eyes sparkling. “Perhaps you are right. Now, it’s very late, dear one. Go to my bed in the next room and get yourself some needed sleep. I will sit with Richard.”
“No!” She shook her head and plopped down in the chair. “I don’t want to leave him for now.”
Zedd shrugged. “As you wish.” He walked behind her and patted her shoulder reassuringly. “As you wish.” He gently reached up and put a middle finger to each of her temples, rubbing in little circles. She moaned softly as her eyes closed. “Sleep, dear one,” he whispered, “sleep.” She folded her arms down onto the edge of the bed, and her head sank onto her arms. She was deeply asleep.