A mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary in the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father. Kahlan seeks help ... and more. Richard's world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In a dark age when it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold ominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the beat of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them -- for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not tell him.

In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword -- to involke within himself something more noble. Neither knows the rules of battle have just changed ... or that time has run out.

This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.