Richard Cypher's odyssey that began in Wizard's First Rule continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul. Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the Sword of Truth which only he can wield, Richard faces the ultimate evil--the dread Keeper of the Underworld, who has freed the spirit of Richard's nemesis, Darken Rahl.

An epic of awesome power from Terry Goodkind, the second installment of the bestselling series A Sword of Truth

Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.

Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.

Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.

War, suffering, torture, and deceit lie in their paths, and nothing will save them from a destiny of violent death, unless their courage and faith are joined with luck and they find the elusive...Stone of Tears.