Soul of the Fire

"I know. Bertrand told me."

"Bertrand."

She nodded. "The Sovereign, silly. He told me. I'm so proud of you, Dalton. I know you had a part in it. It wasn't all just Bertrand's work. I know you had a hand in helping him win."

"A part. It's kind of the Sovereign to take note of my contribution."

"He speaks very highly of you, Dalton."

"I'm pleased to hear that." Dalton cleared his throat. "Ah, look, Tess, I've got to get to… get to my, my work. I have urgent matters."

"Should I wait up?"

Dalton waved a hand. "No. No, darling, I have to make a trip into Fair-field to see to some matters."

"Tonight? Yet tonight?"

"Yes."

"Dalton, you mustn't work so hard. Promise me you will take some time for yourself. Promise me? I worry for you."

"You shouldn't. I'm fine."

She smiled her most intimate smile. "Promise me you will make time to make love to me?"

Dalton smiled. "Of course. I promise." He kissed her cheek. "Good night, darling."

The woman holding out the vial frowned. "Do I know you?"

"No," Kahlan said, turning her face down so it would be shadowed by the lamplight. "I don't see how. I'm from far away. I only came into Fan-field for this."

Kahlan wore common clothes she used for traveling, and a head wrap made of a scarf so her long hair would be hidden. She put on the head wrap after she was away from their camp. With Richard off somewhere, the soldiers insisted on escorting her on her walk to get "some air." She had gruffly ordered them to leave her alone and go back to their posts.

Such orders would never have worked with Cara. Cara would have ignored them. The soldiers were not as fearless, • or as reckless, or as smart, as Cara.

The woman sighed. "Well, I understand, my dear. A number of women have made a journey for such as this."

She held out the stoppered vial, clearly expecting payment first. Kahlan passed her a gold sovereign.

"Keep it all. I expect your silence in return."

The woman bowed her head. "I quite understand. Thank you, my dear. Very generous of you. Thank you."

Kahlan took the vial, holding it.nestled in her palm, staring through its clouded glass at the clear liquid inside. She realized her other hand was on her belly. She let the arm drop to her side.

"Now," the woman said, pointing at the poorly made glass vial, "it will remain good for the night, since I just mixed it for you. You can take it whenever you please, but if you wait until morning it will likely not still be potent enough. I'd suggest you do it tonight, before you go to bed."

"Will it hurt?"

The woman's face frowned with concern. "Likely not more than a regular cycle, my dear. Not with it being this early. There will just be the bleeding, so be prepared for that."

Kahlan had meant would it hurt the baby. She couldn't bring herself to repeat the question.

"Just drink it all down," the woman went on. "It isn't so bad to taste, but you might want some tea with it." 'Thank you." Kahlan turned to the door.

"Wait," said the woman. She came up close and took Kahlan's hand. "I'm sorry, my dear. You're plenty young, you can have another."

A thought struck her. "This won't impair my ability-" "No, no, dear. Not at all. You'll be fine." "Thank you," Kahlan said as she stepped toward the door, suddenly eager to be out of the little home, out into the darkness, and alone, in case she had to cry.

The woman snatched Kahlan's arm and turned her around. "I don't usually lecture young women, because by the time they come to me the time for lecturing is long past, but I hope you get yourself married, dear. I help when I'm needed, but I'd rather help you deliver your baby than shed it, I really would."

Kahlan nodded. "I feel the same. Thank you." — The streets of Fairfield were dark, but there were still people going about their business. Kahlan knew that when the Imperial Order came, the business of their lives would be soon turned inside out.

At that moment, though, she had trouble caring. She decided she would do it before she got back. She feared Richard.finding the vial, and having to explain it to him. Richard would never let her do this, but since he didn't know about her condition, she had been able to get his true feelings and wishes.

He was right. They had the rest of the people to worry about. They couldn't let their personal problem bring harm to everyone. Shota would keep her word about such a thing, and then they wouldn't be able to see to their duty. This would be best.

On the way out of the city, she saw Dalton Campbell coming up the street on horseback, so she turned down a dark street. He always seemed to be a man of careful thought. As He rode by, Kahlan thought he looked as if he was in another world. She wondered what he was doing in a part of the city that had a reputation for ill repute.

She waited until he passed before she went on her way.