Richard, Kahlan and Zedd discover that peddlers are selling the villagers of Drundril elixirs, potions that temporarily give them magical powers. Searching for the makers of the potions, Zedd confronts a wizard who was once his student, but is now a dangerous and powerful rival.

When Kahlan's feelings for Richard begin to compromise her mission, she sets off in search of another Confessor to guide the Seeker. In the meantime, Richard and Zedd are attacked by a group of D'Haran soldiers and a Mord'Sith named Denna. After capturing Richard, Denna attempts to coerce him into joining forces with the evil Darken Rahl.