When the evil Mord'Sith Denna takes Zedd captive, Richard must abandon his mission to rescue the wizard.

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.

Richard's trapped in the Valley of Perdition and facing his worst fear, and the sorceress Sister Nicci is plotting to murder Kahlan. Meanwhile, Cara's feelings for the Seeker deepen.

In order to save the world of the living, Richard finally faces his greatest enemy and Kahlan may have to kill the love of her life.