Book VI of The Sword of Truth. Emperor Jagang, having brutally subjugated Anderith, is ready to unleash his horde of the Imperial Order on the free people of the New World. The devotion of two people - to themselves, their cause and their duty will be tested in the coming firestorm. Kahlan lies close to death. Richard, the Seeker and Keeper of the Sword of Truth, has a vision, and his obligation to the truth compels him to obey a vision that will lead the people depending on his leadership to doubt his courage and worse, could leave them to a grim fate. Nicci, Sister of the Dark, is tormented by her memories of Richard, fascinated by his mysterious nature and captivated by the troubling strength in his gaze. Her burning passion to destroy him commits her to the unthinkable. Cover art by Keith Parkinson.