With news that a prophetic manuscript lies hidden in a nearby village, the Seeker embarks on a desperate race with the ruthless Darken Rahl to locate the ancient book. If Richard finds it in time, he could learn how to defeat the evil Rahl and rescue the world from total destruction.

Darken Rahl and his Mord'Sith find Richard and Kahlan just as they are preparing to unleash the power of Orden, which would destroy the sinister tyrant once and for all. The resulting explosion of power consumes the Seeker, leaving Kahlan in the clutches of Rahl.