When Darken Rahl establishes a foothold in the Seeker's hometown, Richard, Kahlan and Chase must journey through the boundary to save Hartland from the forces of darkness. But once there, Richard and his companions find that the villagers have welcomed the evil D'Harans with open arms.

Darken Rahl enlists the help of Denna, a dangerous Mord-Sith, to locate the Third Box of Orden and give him the final key to world domination. Meanwhile, Richard's quest to thwart Rahl's evil plan leads to a startling revelation about his friend, Zedd.