Temple of the Winds

Kahlan sat up straighter. "What does that have to do with it?" "Mother Confessor, Javas Kedar, our star guide, holds great sway with the royal family. He has read the stars in the matter of our surrender, and has given his opinion that the stars hold this action with favor.

"Before I left home, Javas Kedar told me that the stars would give sign if circumstances changed, and to heed any sign. The red moon has given me pause in our plans." "The moon is not the stars."

"The moon is in the sky. Mother Confessor. Javas Kedar councils on the meaning of moon symbols, also."

Kahlan pinched the bridge of her nose between a thumb and finger as she sighed. "Tristan, are you going to allow harm to visit your people on the basis of such superstition?"

"No, Mother Confessor. But I am bound by my honor to give heed to the beliefs of our people. Lord Rahl said that surrender would not mean that we had to give up our customs and beliefs."

"Tristan, you have an annoying habit of leaving out things you wish to ignore. Richard said that a land wouldn't have to give up its customs as long as they brought harm to no one, and broke no laws common to all. You are stepping over a dangerous line."

"Mother Confessor, we in no way wish to circumvent his words or to step over any line. I wish only some time." "Time. Time for what?"

"Time, Mother Confessor, to assure myself that the red moon isn't a sign that we have reason to fear joining with D'Hara. Now, I can either travel back to Jara and consul', with Javas Kedar, or I can simply wait here for a while, if you would prefer, to assure myself that the red moon is not a sign of danger."

Kahlan knew that the Jarians. and the royal family in particular, were fervent believers in guidance from the stars. As much effort as Tristan devoted to chasing skirts, Kahlan knew that were a beautiful woman to offer him her charms, he would flee from her if he believed the stars were against it.

It would take him at least a month to return to Jara, consult the star guide, and return to Aydindril.

"How long would you have to wait in Aydindril before you felt comfortable and could in good conscience surrender?"

He frowned thoughtfully for a moment. "If Aydindril remained safe for a couple of weeks after such a significant sign, then I would feel safe in knowing that the sign was not a bad portent." Kahlan drummed her fingers. "You have two weeks, Tristan. Not one day more."

"Thank you. Mother Confessor. I pray that in two weeks we can consummate our union with D'Hara." He bowed. "Good day. Mother Confessor, and I look forward to the stars remaining fair for us."

He took a step away, but turned back. "By the way, would you happen to know of a place I can stay for such a length of time? Our palace was burned down in your battle with the Blood of the Fold. What with all the damage to Aydindril, I'm having difficulty in finding accommodations."

She knew what he was angling for-to be close so he could see if the stars struck out against D'Haran rule. The man thought too much of himself, thought himself more clever than he was.

Kahlan smiled. "Oh yes, I know a place. You will stay right here, where we can keep an eye on you until the two weeks are up."

He buttoned his blue coat. "Why, thank you, Mother Confessor, for your hospitality. It is most appreciated."

"And, Tristan, while you are a guest under my roof, if you lay a finger, or anything else, on any of the women living and working here, I will see to it that the anything else is cut off."

He laughed good-naturedly. "Mother Confessor, I never knew you believed the gossip about me. I'm afraid that I often have to resort to the charms of coin for company, but I'm flattered that you would think me so talented at wooing young ladies. If I should break your rules, I would expect to be put on trial and subjected to your choice of punishment." Trial.

Richard said that the people who sent the Temple of the Winds away were put on trial. In the Wizard's Keep there were records of all trials held there. She had never read any of those books, but she had been told of them. Maybe they could find out from the records of the trial what happened to the Temple of the Winds. As Kahlan watched Tristan Bashkar departing behind a pair of guards, she thought about Richard, and wondered what he would find. She wondered if he was about to lose another brother.

Kahlan knew most of the women working at the Confessors' Palace. The women at the palace respected Richard as a man of honor. She wouldn't like to think that they would be prey to a man who would win them by trading on their trust of Richard.

She felt a pang of sadness for Richard. She knew he was hoping that Drefan would be a brother he could be proud of. Kahlan hoped that Drefan didn't turn out to be trouble. She remembered his hand on Cara.

Kahlan turned to the Mord-Sith. "Three more with us, one lost, and one yet to decide."