Visions of the Seeker's death prompt a sorceress named Shota to temporarily exchange Richard's identity with that of a merchant's son.

To protect his realm from the D’Harans, King Gregor persuades the sorcerer Shota to transform him into a vicious beast at sundown each day. But it leads to a dillema for Richard, when that viciousness takes an unintended and tragic turn.

Darken Rahl and his Mord'Sith interrupt Richard and Kahlan as they prepare to unleash the power of Orden, which would destroy the tyrant once and for all.

Richard inadvertently opens an entry to the underworld, unleashing a terrible evil.

Zedd falls victim to a mysterious spell that strips him of his memories and his old age, causing him to believe that he must replace Richard with a new Seeker.

Richard learns to use his wizard powers by the Sisters of the Light, while Zedd must name a new Seeker when Sister Nicci reveals a shocking secret.