The war with the Imperial Order is over, and peace has come to D'Hara and the Midlands. People, tired of the hardships of war, long to know what awaits them in the future. The cities are flooded with newly-minted prophets and soothsayers of all stripes, and Richard, Kahlan, Nathan and Zedd are worried about such a rapid interest in prophecies. The new predictions are strange and not like the usual prophecies. They consist of one phrase, or even one word. They are incredibly difficult to interpret, and they come true exactly and unusually quickly. In addition, they only promise trouble, thereby violating all the laws of balance. Richard is trying to figure out what is happening, and meanwhile a new prophecy comes, which reads: “The hounds will take her from you.” Realizing that Kahlan is in danger, Richard finds no place for himself...