2 - Stone of Tears

by Goodkind, Terry

  Richard ran into the kitchen and retrieved a leg of mutton. As he ran back down the steps, Gratch danced from one foot to the other in excitement. Together, they sat on the steps, Richard eating his soup, and Gratch tearing into the meat with his fangs.

  When they had finished - Gratch had even eaten the bone - Richard pulled out a long lock of Kahlan's hair.

  This is from the woman I love.' Gratch considered, then looked up as he gently reached out. 'I want you to have it. I told her about you, and what you mean to me. She will love you just as I love you, Gratch. She will never chase you away. You can be with us whenever you want, for as long as you want. Here, give it back a moment.'

  Gratch held out the length of hair. Richard took off the thong holding Scarlet's tooth. It would do him no good any longer; he had already called her with it. He tied the long lock of hair to the thong, and then hung the whole thing over Gratch's head.

  With a claw, Gratch stroked the long hair. His grin wrinkled his nose and showed the full length of his fangs.

  'I'm going to go to her now. Would you like to come along?'

  Gratch nodded his enthusiasm, his head bobbing, his ears twitching, and his wings fluttering.

  Richard looked down on the city. Troops were moving about. A lot of troops. Imperial Order troops. It wouldn't be long before they gained the courage to investigate the death of the council, even if it was at the hands of a wizard.

  Richard smiled. Then I guess I better find a horse, and we can be on our way. I think it best if we were away from here.'

  He looked out on the brightening day. A breeze with a hint of warmth ruffled his mriswith cape. Before long it would be spring.