Bounty hunters all over the lands are trying to capture Richard. While Zedd seeks to find out how they're tracking him, Richard and Kahlan attempt to help a girl whose brother has been captured by a fabled monster.
To protect the Seeker, Cara proposes a deadly covenant with the ruthless Darken Rahl; Zedd's wayward brother strikes a deal with a dubious peddler of magic that might threaten Rahl's plan.