Richard returns to the town of Brennidon, where he was born during Darken Rahl's massacre of every eldest son to avert the prophecy of the Seeker. He finds that the townspeople have given up their freedom under Rahl's rule, and discovers a secret from his past.

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.