Confessor: Chainfire Trilogy Part 3

Richard looked out over the silent crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to be a part of something wonderful: the start of the life of Cara and Benjamin Meiffert together.

"They both have proven themselves to be the finest examples of the kind of people we all hope to be. Strong, wise, loyal to those they care about, and willing to overcome everything to embrace the highest values we have: life. They wish to share that life with each other."

Richard's voice broke just a bit. "No one in this room is more proud of that, or them, than I am.

"Cara, Benjamin, both of you are bound not by these words spoken before us all, but by your own hearts. These are simple words, but in simple things there is great power."

Kahlan recognized the words from their own wedding. She thought that he could offer no greater respect for them than to use some of those same words for Cara and Benjamin.

Richard cleared his throat and paused for a moment to compose himself.

"Cara, will you have Benjamin as your husband, and will you love and honor him for all time?"

"I will," Cara said in a clear voice that carried over the crowd.

"Benjamin," Kahlan said, "will you have Cara as your wife, and will you love and honor her for all time?"

"I will," he said in an equally clear voice.

"Then before your friends and loved ones, your people," Richard said, "you are now wedded for all time."

Cara and Benjamin came together in an embrace, kissing, as the Mord-Sith behind them cried and the crowd went wild.

When the noise finally died down, and the kiss finally ended, Richard held out a hand, inviting them to come and stand beside him and Kahlan. Berdine was still crying tears of joy on Nyda's shoulder. Kahlan saw that Rikka, tears brimming, wore a pink ribbon in her hair that Nicci had given her.

Richard stood tall and proud as he looked out over all the faces watching him. If Kahlan didn't see all the thousands gathered, she would have thought the halls were empty, it was that quiet.

Richard spoke, then, in a voice that all could hear.

"To exist in this vast universe for a speck of time is the great gift of life. Our tiny sliver of time is our gift of life. It is our only life. The universe will go on, indifferent to our brief existence, but while we are here we touch not just part of that vastness, but also the lives around us. Life is the gift each of us has been given. Each life is our own and no one else's. It is precious beyond all counting. It is the greatest value we can have. Cherish it for what it truly is."

Cara put her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Richard, for everything."

"It is my great honor, Cara," he said as he hugged her.

"Oh, by the way," Cara whispered in his ear, "Shota stopped to see me just a little while ago. She wanted me to give you a message."

"Really? What message?"

"She said that if you ever come back to Agaden Reach she will kill you."

Richard pulled back in surprise. "Really? She said that?"

Cara nodded, grinning. "But she was smiling when she said it."

And then the bell calling people to devotion rang.

Before anyone could move, Richard again spoke.

"There will be no more devotions. None of you have to kneel before me or anyone else.

"Your life is yours alone. Rise up and live it."