Main Events
Kahlan touches Richard with her power, thinking he is Darken Rahl because of the enemy web. Richard pretends to be under her power. The real Darken Rahl reveals himself with Michael and guards. Rahl forces Richard to recite the Book of Counted Shadows by threatening Kahlan. Richard recites the book but deliberately leaves out crucial information about which box to open. Darken Rahl opens the middle box (with two shadows), thinking it will give him power, but it destroys him instead. Richard explains he was protected from Kahlan's power by his complete love for her—he was already devoted to her, so the magic had nothing to change. They are reunited. Michael is executed for treason. Richard gives orders to end the war, withdraw armies, and help the Mord-Sith. He and Kahlan leave with Scarlet to see her newly hatched dragon and return Siddin to the Mud People. Zed reveals that Darken Rahl was Richard's father—he had raped Zed's daughter, who then married George Cypher.
Notable Quotes
Love Protected Richard from Kahlan's Power
Richard explains he was protected from Kahlan's power by his complete love for her—he was already devoted to her, so the magic had nothing to change.
Richard Tricks Darken Rahl
Richard recites the Book of Counted Shadows but deliberately leaves out crucial information about which box to open. Darken Rahl opens the middle box (with two shadows), thinking it will give him power, but it destroys him instead.
Darken Rahl is Richard's Father
Zed reveals that Darken Rahl was Richard's father—he had raped Zed's daughter, who then married George Cypher.