Chapter 31: Shota's Prophecy

Richard arrives at Shota's palace and finds Kahlan covered with poisonous snakes that will bite her if she moves. Shota initially appears as Richard's mother, using his memories to create the illusion. When Richard realizes it's not really his mother, Shota reveals her true form—a beautiful woman. An image of Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander appears and tries to attack Shota with wizard's fire, but Richard blocks it with his sword. Shota reveals the Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander was just an illusion, a test.

Shota explains that Samuel is the former Seeker, deformed by the magic of the Sword of Truth. She tells Richard that if Kahlan lives, she will use her Confessor power against him before Lord Darken Rahl opens the boxes. Shota offers Richard a wish for saving her life. Richard uses his wish to save Kahlan, demanding that Shota not kill her or Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander. Shota grants the wish but warns Richard he made a mistake—he should have let her kill Kahlan.

Shota reveals that Queen Milena has the last box of Orden, but warns that she will not have it for long. She tells Richard that Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander will use wizard's fire against him, and that he must practice blocking it. After revealing these truths, Shota tells Richard never to come to Agadon Reach again, and if he does, she will kill him. Kahlan tries to kill herself but Richard stops her.