Richard is captured by a Mord’Sith named Denna, who can manipulate any form of magic directed at her and works for Darken Rahl. Kahlan meets up with an old friend to help rescue Richard and ends up facing a moral dilemma on whether or not to use the help she is offered. Richard realizes he only has a short time before he is completely lost and under the Mord’Sith’s control forever, doing whatever she bids him to.