The Legend of the Seeker: Trinity

Chapter Twelve: Hunger

Children run around the muddy street of a village, dodging a man; Thaddicus towing a wheelbarrow. He pauses to catch his breath before looking at the store across from him. He reaches into the wheelbarrow and takes out a wooden box. He carries it into the building and looks around for the shopkeeper.

The curtain opens and the shopkeeper; Sebastian steps out. "Good morning to you sir!" He leans forward on the counter addressing Thaddicus. "What may I interest you in today? How about a rare map of the Thelusian Plains?" He unrolls a map slightly to show to Thaddicus. "Or perhaps and elixir known to restore stoutness to the ageing gentleman?"

He winks at Thaddicus who sets his chest onto the countertop. "I'm not buying, I'm selling." He opens the chest, revealing various vials and trinkets inside the chest. "These items are from my family's personal collection."

"Then I'm sure they have sentimental value to you sir, but they are of no interest to me." He closes the chest and begins to walk away.

"Forgive me, I should've introduced myself. Thaddicus Zorander. Son of the great Caracticcus Zorander and brother of the only living Wizard of the First Order in all the Midlands Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander." The mention of Zedd's name gets Sebastian's attention and he turns back around.

Richard, Kahlan, Trinity, Zedd, and Cara are in the woods. There is a fallen tree blocking their path. Zedd shoots Wizard's Fire from his hand. The tree explodes into bits and Richard, who is next to Zedd, closes his eyes as the debris rains down on them. Richard blinks his eyes open when the debris stops hitting him and Zedd motions them forward. "After you." They all walk past Zedd to continue on their way and Zedd looks at their backs almost offended. "A Wizard demonstrates the full majesty of his power and those dearest to him can't even manage a 'ohh' or an 'ahh'?"

Richard continues walking forward and just throws his arm up in thanks. "Thanks for moving the tree Zedd."

Zedd just shakes his head and follows after them.

Richard is leading them on the trail, he stops when he hears a woman cry out. "Please! Wait!" She's riding quickly toward them on horseback. They all go on guard as she gets close to them and dismounts. She tumbles down the slope of the hill and falls into Richard's arms. She grabs him by his shirt. "Are you the Seeker?"

"Yes."

"Thank the Spirits! The constable in Dewith told me you were headed this way."

"It's all right, catch your breath. Come on, sit down." He leads her over to a boulder and she sits on it. "What happened?"

"Two days ago men kidnapped my husband. They took other people from our village too."

"Who were these men?"

"I don't know. We were out in the field bringing in the harvest and they came with swords and clubs and grabbed as many as they could and rode off with them in a wagon." She is hysterical and crying while she speaks.

Cara watches on impassively. "Maybe you haven't heard but the Seeker is on a quest." Zedd shoots Cara a look. "Perhaps this constable of yours can help you."

Richard now shoots Cara a look. "Cara!" She gives him a 'what?' look right back.

Trinity lays a hand on her arm. Cara turns to look at her. Behave. Trinity mouths. Cara rolls her eyes as the woman begins to speak again.

"The constable can't help us. He's got his hands full fighting the Banelings."

Zedd practically spits out his next word. "Banelings?"