The Seeker is in a race against time to regain control of the Stone of Tears from Darken Rahl and prevent the Keeper's imminent victory over the world of living. After an intense battle, Richard captures Cara, whom Darken Rahl turned against him, and Zedd attempts to reverse the insidious dark magic that caused the Mord'Sith to betray her friends. But the wizard's powerful spell instead drastically alters the lives of Richard, Kahlan and everyone else.