Stone 4

**Chapter 4**

Zedd and Jebra are wandering around the People's Palace, with Zedd being “witty” and “charming.” He hands Jebra off to Trimack, and orders him to get rid of YGSCN: *“If she refuses to leave, offer her the choice of the carriage or the noose.”* \~/ Zedd also encourages Trimack to threaten any other nobles with murder, if he feels so inclined. After all, that's how you establish your power base, right? By terrorizing the aristocracy of the nation you've just sorta-conquered?

Trimack and Zedd talk about whether the other military leaders are trustworthy, and Zedd leaves orders to surround the Garden of Life with *“Enough men that they have room only to swing an axe,”* and to murder anyone who even tries to get in.

Zedd pulls out the Mysterious Rock from Chapter 1 and we learn that it's teardrop-shaped and black. Zedd magicks it into a setting, makes himself cry, and rubs the tear on the stone. The stone turns amber. This is Significant! Zedd angsts for a bit about how wizards have to use people.

Zedd casts a spell (I refuse to keep using the term “wizard's web”) on the stone to hide it's true nature, and to draw Richard's attention to it. There's a fairly well-written bit between Chase and Rachel, and Zedd gives Rachel the stone with orders to keep it safe until Richard comes to take it. Chase complains about this, and Zedd rationalizes it. Zedd has somehow figured out that Darken Rahl was sacrificing children to the Keeper of the underworld, who appears to be this world's version of Satan, or Sauron, or Generic Evil Deity. Apparently this means that the veil is torn and Bad Stuff will happen.

Zedd orders Chase to *“teach this child to be like you...Make her your student. Teach her how to use every weapon you know. Teach her to be strong, and quick.”* So now Rachel is a bandit queen in training. I wonder if Chase will teach her how to torture people, or how to be universally hated and feared? Or does that just come naturally?

Zedd plans to go collect Adie and take her to Aydindril. He orders Chase to ride to the Ethnic Stereotype People's village and tell Richard and Kahlan to head for Aydindril as well. He also suggests that Chase tell Richard that Darken Rahl is his father, and Zedd is his grandfather, reasoning that this will give Richard time to calm down. Seems kind of cowardly to me; Zedd was the one who chose to keep it a Big Secret, and now he's delegating the task of explaining things to Chase. \~/

But, as Zedd has commented on over and over, wizards use people.

Oh, and we get this line: *“Zedd lifted an eyebrow and smiled. 'Do you know what the Mud People call him? They call him “Richard With The Temper.” Imagine that. Richard of all people. He is one of the gentlest people I've ever known. But I fear the Sword of Truth has brought out his other side.' ”*

Several possibilities. Has the magic driven Richard nuts? Is Zedd completely blind? Or is he just lying? In any case, that's a drink for sheer irony. \~/

Chase gives Zedd a note, which proves to be the head healer's metaphorical room number. It's implied that Zedd spends the night with her.

I really don't want to know any more about Lothario Zedd's love life, please. >\_<

Drinks: 3

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