Temple of the Winds

"Without the gift?" Sister Jodelle thought a moment. "And we could test them, without your shields around them, to insure that they in fact did not have the gift? ' "Of course. I want this relationship with Jagang to work for both of us. I wouldn't jeopardize it by trying to deceive him. I want to build trust, not destroy it." Nathan hesitated, clearing his throat. "But you understand, though, that this person is. . valued, to me. If anything were to happen to her. I would view it in the harshest light." Both Sisters smiled. "Her. Of course," Sister Willamina said.

"Why. Nathan"-Sister Jodelle rocked on her heels as she smiled-"you really have been enjoying your freedom."

"I mean it," Nathan said in a level tone. "Anything happens to her, and the entire agreement is ended. I'm sending her as a show of my faith in Jagang, in our agreement. I'm taking the first step of trust, so that the emperor will see that I am sincere."

"We understand, Nathan." Sister Jodelle said, more serious now. "No harm will come to her."

"When she leaves with the book. I want her escorted to safety, beyond Jagang's troops, and then left to be on her way. If she is followed, I will know it. If she is followed, I will view it in the most unfavorable light-as a sign of hostility toward me, and an attempt on my life."

Sister Jodelle nodded. "Understood, and very reasonable. She comes with us, gets the book. and returns safely to you, without being followed, and we are all happy."

"Good," Nathan said decisively, as if closing the deal. "After tonight, Jagang will be rid of Richard Rahl. When I have the book safely in hand. then I will have the southern army surrender to Jagang's expeditionary force, as my part of the bargain."

Sister Jodelle bowed. "We have an agreement. Lord Rahl. His Excellency wishes to welcome you to the empire as his second."

Nathan turned toward the door Clarissa was kneeling behind. Clarissa jumped up and rushed to the far window. She drew back the drapes with a hand and pretended to be gazing out when she heard the door open. "Clarissa," Nathan called.

She turned to see him standing in the doorway, holding the doorknob. Beyond him, she could see the two Sisters watching. "Yes, Nathan? You wish something?"

"Yes, Clarissa. I would like you to go on a small journey for me-a bit of business. I need you to go with my friends out here."

Clarissa guided her full skirts around the writing table and followed him out into the other room. Nathan introduced her to the two Sisters.

The two women wore knowing, smug smiles. They glanced to her cleavage and then at each other. Clarissa had that feeling of being judged as a whore, again.

"Clarissa, you will leave at once, with these ladies. When you reach your destination, they will give you a book. You will then return with it. You remember where I told you we would be off to, tomorrow?" "Yes, Nathan."

"You will meet me there, after you have the book. No one. no one at all, is to know where it is you will be meeting me. Do you understand?" "Yes, Nathan." "I'll go see to getting her a horse," Sister Willamina said.

"A horse?" Clarissa gasped. "I've never ridden a horse in my life. I can't ride a horse."

Nathan waved patience at the sudden hitch in their plans. "I have a carriage. I'll have it brought around, and Clarissa can take that. There, is that satisfactory to all?"

Sister Jodelle shrugged. "Horse, carriage, it makes no difference to us, as long as we can test her for the gift, first."

'Test her all you want. I will order the carriage while you test her, and then Clarissa can pack a few things." "Agreed." "Good. That's settled then."

Nathan turned to Clarissa, putting his back to the two Sisters. "It won't be long, my dear, and we'll be together again." He adjusted the locket hanging from a fine gold chain, straightening it for her. He looked into her eyes. "I will be waiting for you. I've told these friends of mine that if anything happens to you, I will be more than unhappy."

Clarissa stared into his wonderful eyes. "Thank you, Nathan. I will bring the book, as you ask."

Nathan kissed her cheek. "Thank you, my dear. That's good of you. Safe journey, then."

CHAPTER 57

Even with the gathering dark, brooding clouds, an eerie calm hung over the summit of Mount Kymermosst. The Andolians cast uneasy glances skyward. As Kahlan watched Richard dismount, his golden cloak hung limp in the unnaturally still air. Drefan offered her his hand to help her down. Kahlan pretended not to see it.

In the fading light, the ruins were only ghostly shapes, the bones of some long extinct monster, waiting to come back to life and swallow her up. Though this was the night of the full moon, the leaden clouds would totally obscure it. When the last of the daylight soon left, it would be black as death atop the forsaken peak.