Temple of the Winds

"Jagang can either listen to my terms, or he can have really big trouble on his hands. Trouble a lot worse than Richard Rahl." "Terms?" Sister Jodelle drew the word out suspiciously. "The present Lord Rahl is young and idealistic: he would never surrender to Jagang. I, on the other hand, am older and wiser. I know the foolishness of a war that would take the lives of countless people. And to what purpose? Just for the right to put a name to the one who is the leader?

"Richard is a young fool who doesn't know how to use his power. I am not a young fool, and, as you saw, I know how to use my gift. I'm willing to entertain the possibility of letting Jagang rule the New World as he wishes." "And in return?"

Nathan casually flicked his hand. "I simply want some of the spoils for myself- in return for my assistance. I will have the rule of D'Hara. Under his leadership, of course. I will be his man, running the affairs of D'Hara. Other than Jagang, no one will outrank me. Quite fair I think."

The young Pierce was still white as a sheet, and trying to look invisible behind the two women. The two Sisters, on the other hand, were looking suddenly a lot less unhappy. They wore small, interested smiles. "How would Jagang know that you could be trusted?"

"Trusted? Does he think I'm as stupid as the young Lord Rahl leading the New World right now? I saw what was done to Renwold. If I didn't rule D'Hara as Jagang wished, allowing him generous tribute, he might come in and try to crush us. Wars are expensive. I'd rather have the wealth for myself."

Sister Jodelle smiled politely. "And in the meantime? How do we know you really mean this?"

"So. it's assurance you want?" Nathan rubbed his chin as he stared up at the ceiling. "There is a D'Haran army, of close to a hundred thousand men. north of here. You'll never find them without my help, until they descend on Jagang's expeditionary force. When Jagang finishes eliminating the present Lord Rahl, then this army's bond will transfer to me. They will be loyal to me. As soon as that happens. I will surrender that army to his, giving him even more men at arms. D'Harans have a long tradition of warring for plunder. They'll fit right in with Jagang's force."

"Surrender an army," Sister Jodelle said in a reflective tone. "You see, my kind Sisters, Jagang is trying to use prophecy to win this war. In that. he has made a mistake; he is using wizards who are not real prophets. I could provide the expert service of a real prophet. His alternative is to have a real prophet as his enemy, and amateurs to aid him. The aid of amateurs is what got him into this. . predicament, don't you see? "For a small, insignificant slice of the spoils. I can get him out of it. I'm sure you can understand that after all those years under the care of you fine Sisters, I'd like to spend my few remaining years enjoying the pleasures of life.

"With my help, there will be no more resistance from the New World than that offered by Renwold. If Jagang should choose to be unreasonable, well, who knows, with a real prophet on the side of the New World, they might even win." Sister Jodelle studied Nathan's eyes. "Yes. I see what you mean." Nathan held out his letter. "Here. Give this to Jagang. It explains my proposal and terms, in return for my surrender of the New World. As I said. I'm sure he will find me much more reasonable than the present Lord Rahl; I know that there is no profit in war. One leader or another, it means little. Why should hundreds of thousands of people die over the name put to that leader?"

Both Sisters glanced around the luxurious room and smiled conspiratorially at Nathan.

"Why, you crafty old man," Sister Jodelle said. "And here, all this time, we thought you were just an old fool, living out your life down in your apartments. Well, Lord Rahl, we will pass your words along to Emperor Jagang. I think he will find them most interesting. Had the present Lord Rahl been so reasonable, he wouldn't be in his present, fatal difficulties." "All those years do give a man time to think."

Sister Jodelle turned back from the door. "I can't speak for the emperor, Lord Rahl, but I think he will be most pleased with this news. I think we can dare to see the end to this war, and the victory that will result in Jagang being the name put to the leader of all people."

"I just want the killing to stop. It would profit us all. Sister. Oh, and tell Jagang that I am sorry about Vincent, but the boy wasn't really serving him well, anyway." Sister Jodelle shrugged. "You're right, Lord Rahl, he wasn't."

CHAPTER 50

Richard ran his fingers through his hair as he rested his forehead in his palms. He looked up when he heard someone enter the room. It was Kahlan.

His heart lifted at her smile, her bright green eyes. the lush fall of her thick hair, at how beautiful she was. He marveled at her beauty, and that she loved him.