Wanted: Help writing a LOTS season 1 Episode Guide

[supernatural66]

Hi! Kate here- webmaster of our parent website multipleverses.com

Erika has managed to review many of the episodes from this first wonderful season of Legend of the Seeker. We would like to work on putting together a comprehensive online episode guide for the series. If you would like to help out, please contact me or Erika.
What we will need are reviews of episodes that Erika missed and some additional content with essays and analysis of the show.

This is open to the board here- I would love to include character studies, these are essays analyzing particular characters in the series. You list the episodes they appear in, what their actions are, their motivation and how they impact the overall story- or at least the episodes they appear in.

Post your essays here in the forums and the best will be chosen to go into the episode guides.

Characters :
Kahlan
Richard
Zedd
Denna
Darken Rahl
Chase

Add other characters to the list that you wish to write about!

Relationship profiles- same idea as the character studies. Essays focusing on particular relationships in the series between the characters.

Richard and Kahlan
Richard and Zedd
Richard and Darken Rahl

Again- add other relationships you wish to delve into.

Themes- one of the key themes in LOTS is the responsible use of magic, another is the theme of freedom from tyranny.

Tackle one of the key themes in LOTS season1 and how it is developed and plays out over the course of the series.

Again- this is open. The more submissions we get the better!

Any of you students off for the summer, this is a great way to keep your writing skills up and actually work on something you are interested in instead of some boring books that were written hundreds of years ago that put you to sleep.

Speaking as someone who wrote and read tons outside of school- there is no better way to get your speed up when it comes to test taking than to read and write in your off time. Do not be shy if English is not your first language- Erika and I can help you edit your work for syntax so that your verbage will be correct.

One of the best things about writing fan essays is that when you need to write things for work or school- all of the practice makes it easy to do!

To contact me- you can email me at [e-mail] or PM me. Honestly- I don't login everyday so the email is better. To reach Erika- you can PM her- she does log in all of the time!

If you wish to write an essay and post it here- please just PM either one of us or both of us and we will add your work to the guide!

Again- if we get duplicate character essays- we will pick the best- or if we get ones with very different point of views or if essays have key points we like- we may take from multiple essays to build the official content.

Have fun! We want this published by the end of summer.

[kahlancypher]

This may be a really stupid question, but do you want a character guide for each specific episode or for the whole season?

[Erika]

No questions are stupid, we're looking for season overview for the character guides. How they grew over the season, highlight episodes, etc.

[mznaa15]

Hey, I'm Naa (Pronouced Nay in case you're wondering). I've already offered myself to this task but I'm not quite sure what I'm meant to do lol 0_o Am I writing a character analysis or a review??

[Erika]

Actually hon it's up to you. If you'd prefer to just write episode summaries that's fine. Or if you'd like to do character studies, etc

[mznaa15]

okay great because the episode summaries are taking longer than I expected lol I think I over plan myself sometimes

[Erika]

There's no big rush, take your time

[teaga]

Hello there!
I’m just registered myself – that is my first visit!
English is not my mother tongue, so my English is not so good but I would like to try. So if you still need people for episodes summaries, just mail me!
Cheers
Th

[Erika]

I believe that Naa is actually working on episode summaries. We could use help w/ some character profiles however. Would you be interested in helping with that?

I'm sure that your English is fine

[derascal]

you want them here?

[derascal]

Episode 7 Identity

Overview: Richard averts his death by the hands of Demmin Nass at Kahlabrah that the Soceress Shota saw in a vision.

Two parallel stories take place in Identity with important information revealed about Richard and Kahlan. The opening scene shows Shota looking into a basin of water to see Demmin Nass killing the Seeker. Shota must find Richard and warn him.

Kahlan, Richard and Zedd pay a surprise visit to a merchant who is a financier of the rsistance. His lucretive business helps the resistance. The merchant is also preparing for his son, Gryff's, wedding. As they share a meal together and discuss the upcoming wedding, Zedd makes this quotable quote: Of all the magic in the world, none is more powerful than Love." Gryff watches the glances that go back and forth between Richard and Kahlan and misinterprets the kind of relationship they have. As Gryff leaves, the others adjourn to another room where they discuss finding cob berating information about Kahlabrah. The merchant has an informant in the Daharan army, Morcant, who he pays tribute to in order to get the latest information.

A while later we find Richard and Gryff sparing with swords in the courtyard. Richard learns that this is an arranged marriage for Gryff who does not know Bronwyn nor is he happy about the situation. Since the death of her parents, the family has suffered financially; but they have retained their respect and prestige in the community. The merchant needs this respect and prestige to pair with his wealthy business. It is expected that Gryff and Bronwyn
will marry for the honor of the families. Richard tells Gryff that he has some envy of Gryff because he has the option to settle down and have a family. Gryff protests that Richard has Kahlan, but Richard explains that that is not the relationship he and Kahlan share. Gryff offers to join him to fight; but Richard makes sure Gryff knows: "You will make a fine husband to Bronwyn." As they part company an old woman appears. She startles the Seeker as she reveals the vision she saw. She tells him it is a possible future event. Shota tells him that he will know it is true when he sets eyes upon the eagle. Apprehensive, Richard turns and rejoins the others to learn what information has been learned from Morcant.

The merchant reveals that Demmin Nass will be in Kahlabrah for only one day. Strong Dragonbreath gunpowder has been sent to the city. Everyone is unsure why. He will be taking a load of supplies ordered and offers to get them into the city using his wagons. Richard does not know who Nass is. Kahlan describes him as a ruthless butcher. Zedd tells them that he is Rahl's most trusted generals. Richard outlines a plan to capture Nass, have Kahlan confess him and then allow Nass to lead them to Rahl. As they open the map to figure out strategy, he "sets eyes on the eagle" and relates the warning from the old woman. Kahlan and Zedd are visibly shaken. It is speculated that it may be evil magic or a trick to stop them. Richard insists they must make plans and keep to the schedule. This is the first real chance to get close to Rahl so he can fulfill the prophecy. Shota learns that Richard is continuing plans to go to the city. She visits Gryff and intices him into agreeing to take Richard's place. Gryff will enjoy the adventure. Shota of course does not reveal her name or the reason for the switched identities. He does not know he is to be the sacrifice.

As Zedd, Kahlan and Richard leave for Kahlabrah, Richard is surpised to have the Sword of Truth taken from him and given to Gryff. Both Kahlan and Zedd talk to Richard as if he is Gryff.
As he agrues with them, he catches a glance of himself in the fountain's reflection -- HE IS GRYFF. We hear Gryff tell Richard, "He will make Bronwyn a good husband." As he protests, they leave and Gryff's father comes to get the identity switched Gryff for the wedding. As the merchant talks with Bronwyn's family members, Richard runs. He is caught and threatened by his brother-in-laws to be. Richard and Bronwyn repeat their vows and are cuffed together in gold. When Richard wants to remove the cuffs, Bronwyn is aghast. These can only be removed after they have spent their wedding night together as husband and wife. During the toast by Morcant to Rahl, Richard learns Bronwyn has no allegience to Rahl. Morcant leaves when a messenger arrives. As his brother-in-law toats to their having lots of children, Richard stands and offers to start immedately. They are accompanied to their bedroom and locked in. There again Richard tries to explain what happened with no success Eventually, he does convince Bronwyn that they are neither interested in being married so they can leave and she can begin a new life after pawning the gold cuffs.

As they escape through the forest, Shotas men stop Bronwyn and Richard. He identifies Richard as the Seeker while fighting him. They soon take flight. Bronwyn acknowledges that Richard is the Seeker. They remove the cuffs, but she insists on staying with him and showing him a shortcut to the city through some caves. She feels she is doing something really important for the first time in her life.

While this is happening with our hero, Gryff is sharing a meal with Zedd and Kahlan. They discuss a stragey for getting into the city and capturing Nass. During the conversation, Gryff as the Seeker is teased for knowing about the Seekers of the third century. Richard explains that he's been reading the book that Gryff gave him. Zedd tells him, "Glad to see you learn from those who came before you." Both Zedd and Kahlan are impressed with his help to make plans to capture Demmin Nass. Gryff suggests a diversion. As everyone agrees, Zedd goes off to make final preparatiions and go to bed. Gryff and Kahlan cannot sleep. Kahlan looks very vunerable, the woman in her is evident. Gryff tells of a special place built by the Seeker of the third century and this would not have taken place without risk. He feels the risk tomorrow is to be expected. Gryff also tells Kahlan, "I'd die for you." "It's how I feel." They almost kiss even as Kahlan protests his words.

The next day we find Zedd looking at an upset Kahlan. She relates what happened the night before. Zedd is upset and admonishes her for not telling Richard before this about her powers. Kahlan lamely explains that she didn't want this to become a distraction. At which Zedd responds, "Clearly it has become a distraction!" Zedd loads them into the wagon. As they lay beside each other, Gryff apologizes saying he misinterpreted her feeling the same way. Kahlan protests and tearfully tells Richard what would happen to him should she give in to her ecstasy and cannot control her power. He would be confessed, enslaved and unable to complete the prophecy which is more important than anything else. "I'm sorry, Richard," Kahlan says with tears in her eyes.

We catch up to Richard and Bronwyn going into the caves. At the same time Zedd brings the supply wagon to Nass's headquarter tent and has the soldiers unload the box with Gryff and Kahlan. Nass inspects the project and sets the explosives.

Bronwyn and Richard (Gryff) are captured by Nass and Morcant.as they run out of the caves to safety. Nass wants to interrogate them. Richard convinces Morcant that he will tell about the bribes Morcant has taken from his father. Morcant gives Richard the key to the chains.

The guards hear Gryff and Kahlan getting out of the box. They kills them and begin the searc looking for why Nass and Rahl are interested in Kahlabrah. Kahlan finds a black cylinder with a document. She asks Gryff to translate it. He cannot. Kahlan flares in anger.
Zedd comes in pleased. He has set the explosives to go off for the diversion that should bring Nass to the tent. Despite Kahlan wanting the mission stopped, we hear the explosives all going off. Zedd's and Nass's. Nass does come to the tent and fights Gryff. Gryff is subdued by Nass as seen in Shota's vision, but the real Richard arrives, picks up the sword and battles Nass. Gryff, Kahlan and Bronwyn all join in the fight. Nass's men take him off before anyone can get him to Kahlan to be confessed.

Zedd, Kahlan and Richard are talking. Kahaln gives him the document. He translate it. The people of Kahlabrah had buried the box of Ordin which Nass now has. As they get ready to leave, Gryff tells Kahlan to tell Richard what she told him. Shota materializes. She brags that she saved the Seeker. Richard is very angry, but is restrained by Zedd more than once during the heated exchange. Richard tells Shota that it is her fault that they lost the box of Ordin. Zedd also explains that Shota is a sorceress neither a fan of Rahl or the Seeker. She wants to be left alone to her own lands. Her magic can be dangerous. As a young man he once was infatuated with her. Irked by the Seeker's lack of gratitude towards her, Shota threatens that although Richard may think he has averted the vision, there is a prophecy that he cannot undo. The Seeker will be betrayed by someone close to him. Shota plays her trump card: She points to Kahlan and tells Richard it will be the one in white. (Nothing like the wrath of a woman who feels scorned.) We leave Kahlan in shock and disbelief. Zedd and Richard are stunned.

Important point: Kahlan revealed the information, but to the wrong person. She does not take advantage of the situation and set things straight between them.

[derascal]

I hope I'm following directions appropriately. Here is where you want reviews.

EPISODE 3 - BOUNTY

In Destiny/Prophecy we were introduced to The Seeker. The first Seeker in a thousand years. This episode defines the role of a Seeker. Zedd explains that a seeker is a hero. One who defends those who need help, and one who fights against inustice and tyrants. The Seeker can be trusted. He keeps his word. This is an important episode that establishes the courage and fierceness of the Confessor and the continuing development of Richard's skills with the Sword of Truth as well as his new powers. In this episode Kahlan and Richard acknowledge their differences and their attraction to each other. We see an element of possessiveness from Kahalan towards the Seeker that surpasses the "dedication to duty" and is more personal.
There are three threads to the story to follow in Bounty.

Once Rahl learned that a seeker had been named, he placed a bounty of 1,000 pieces of gold for Richard's capture. W find a bounty huntr named Denfir with three other bounty hunters tracking Richard, Kahlan and Zedd. They are discouraged to find a cold trail in the forest, but they do find Rihard's pendant, the only thing he has left that was his father's. The bounty hunters proceed to Sabastian, the mapmaker, in South Castin to purchase a special map that will help them find the Seeker. The mapmaker pulverizes the pendant stirring it into a liquid to mix with the ink during the printing process to make a tracking map. It will show where the Seeker is and follow his movements.

As Zedd, Kahlan and Richard try to trap dinner, Zedd blasts a poor little rabbit to kindgom come. Richard looks very naive, very earnest and noticeably trying hard to please Zedd and Kahlan to make up for earlier losing the elk. As they tease him about the elk, he reminds them it was also where he lost his father's pendant. A few steps later Richard sees a set of animal snare traps covered over, but too late to prevent their being caught and hung in the air by their feet. Zedd is able burn through Kahlan's ropes as four bounty hunters ride twoard them. She kicks Richard's sword to him and attacks the bounty hunters. Zedd has difficulty aiming his bolts of fire and is unable to release Richard or himself. He is able to help Kahlan a little with his magic. Kahlan fights fiercely and bravely determined to get one of the bounty hunters. Richard is frustrated he can't get down. The bounty hunters gallop off with Kahlan lunging to capture the last rider, Denfir. She misses but brings down his saddlebags. A search reveals a pouch of gold an a map. A map that tracks the Seeker. Later they enjoy a meal at a tavern and discuss the magic behind this kind of map. A D'Haran soldier enters and posts another wanted poster for Richard. Bounty Hunters and villagers recognize the Seeker and try to surround
them. They try to escape without fighting turning to leave quickly. A village girl named Lily comes to their aid. Once they are in the clear, Kahlan thanks her, but Lily is already asking Richard if he is the real seeker. Richard admits to be the seeker. Lily tells him she actually needs his help to rescue her brother, Liam, from the Shadrin. Kahlan and Zedd explain that the Shadrin is a Midland's mythical monster. It captures it prey during the day and takes it into its next inside the caves to feed later at night. Lily showthem the wounds on her arm leg and declares that the Shadrin had attacked her. It's not a myth. Richard volunteers to help Lily find her brother. Kahlan feels that the boy is probably dead and this venture will takke too long and put them in the opposite direction from locating Rahl. Richard tells Kahlan that they can teke care of themselves, but Lily's brother needs their help.

In the meantime, Sebastian has summoned a bounty hunter he knows to sell him a tracking map for a handome price. The third and last one is brought by a bounty hunter with a celtic face tattoo. Within moments Denfir returns to get another man, but is told there are no more. Sebastian suggests he go after bounty hunter because he wouldn't be too far away. Angry words are exchanged. Denfir leaves .

As Zedd, Kahlan and Richard continue to the caves, they meet a man who needs help to change a wagon wheel (This is Sebastian's friend in disguise). Richard explains they cannot stop. Walking away from him, Richard hears a soft clicking noise. He turns to find two men ready to attack. The waggoner fires the bow gun directly at them. Richard deflects the arrows using the Sword of Truth expertly. Here Richard uses the hilt of his sword to strike the waggoner. Kahlan and Richard artfully battle the bad guys. Great fight scenes. They find that the waggoner has another magical map. The bounty hunter tells Zedd about Sebastian, the mapmaker. Zedd leaves the group to find the mapmaker and stop him from making more tracking maps. Kahlan reminds Richard that she has sworn to protect him, even from himself. She would give her life for him. Stubbornly, Richard does not heed her advise nor acnowledges any validity to Kahlan's distrust of Lily. He continues to follow Lily. Kahlan reluctantly goes with Richard and Lily to help find Liam.

Within a short time Zedd finds Sebastian. He offers Zedd among other things a map of Kahlabrah. Zedd has him conjure a map that tracks the last ounty hunter using a gold piece that was paid by the bounty hunter. He is off to track the hunter.

Richard and Kahlan follw Lily into the caves. Richard gets distracted reading the petroglyphs on the wall showing the Shadrin. Kahlan goes ahead. She stops when the path drops off into steep drop. As she turns to go back, Lily pushes Kahlan cuasing her to fall into the deep cavern at the bottom of the cliff. Rchard hears Kahlan cryout. As he goes after her, he is knocked out by Lily hiding in the darkness. Lily drags and shackles Richard to a wagon deliverying him to a D'Haran outpost. A woman of opoortunity and resourcefulness, Lily pulls a sword and subdues a soldier. She tells him to let his commander know that she wll trade the Seeker not for the Reward, but for the releease of her brother, Liam.

[derascal]

Brennidon Episode 4 -

I didn't care for the ending on this one I didn't see this episode in sequence. It saw this during the repeats and again this summer. We do learn some important information from this episode.

Things that were important:

1) We find out that Zedd is Richard's grandfather and that Zedd had at least one child (wonder who that woman was who took Zedd off guard?)

2) Zedd has enjoyed romantic relationships and seems to have had more than one for his protests that he laways uses protection, magical protection.

3) Zedd believes in little white lies -- conjuring his "magical" spell to help Allrad.

4) Zedd did not want Allrad or Sylvia to feel he would abandon his son if the were really his son

5) Like Kahlan, Zedd is not being completely truthful with Richard and does show that he trusts Richard

6) Both K and Z protest that they know Richard, yet if they know Richard then they know what we know...this is not a boy..this is a man ....who is new to the role of the Seekekr, but Richard is committed and trying real hard to come through for everyone...so K and Z should stop hiding the trust! He can handle it.

7) Richard recongizes that he needs his confessor -- he needs kahlan and it's more than just "a good right arm" feeling.

8) Richard's mother is alive -- were there other children?

9) Kahlan is respected throughout the Midlands in her role as Confessor.

10) Kahlan is realy upset with Richard for going off on his own and not just as her duty to guard him as the seeker, but she cares about him too.

11) Richard acknowledges that the training is important -- and the training has not been completed yet.

12) At the gravesite Richard realizes the lives of so many have already been given/and many families have already been torn a part in order for him to live to fulfill the prophecy. (Heavy burden)

13) Richard appreciates that Zedd has friends.... has a life.

14) Richard is still our beloved woodsman...Stag hunting with the guys

15) Along with Richard we learn the truth about the bravery of the people of Brennidon of how they refused to bow down to Rahl's demands to turn over the Seeker's mother or the seeker when he was born..

16) In the end Richard's trip t Brennidon did a far greater good than avoiding it. The favorite son is cemented as a hero and the town will continue to acknowledge The Seeker and his mission.

A Couple of Quotes:

"What I saw at Brenndion, I see what I am facing." (Richard to Zedd)

"What about my real mother?" Richard


Lesson 15: In honoring what others most honor, the Seeker shall win their hearts. (Richard)

"I am the Seeker's Mother!" (Bridgid)

"Maybe they will find the strength to stand with you." Bridgid to Richard.

-------
The episode opens with Richard, Kahlan and Zedd at a campsite east of Brennidon. There location is kept from Richard. Kahlan, as the Confessor, has been asked to listen to disputes and concerns from the community. In mediating these disputes everyone accepts to abide by the decision of the Confessor and agrees to abide by her decision. Richare gets impatient with waiting for Kahlan to complete her mediating. He tells Zedd he is going hunting with Mahias and Gavin for a 14 point buck. As Zedd protests, Richard recutes Lesson #15: "In honoring what others most honor, the seeker shall win their hearts." Not pleased by Richard's hypothesis, Zedd's attention, has been caught by Sylvia. Zedd gets reacquainted with Sylvia, who he met many years ago at a festival and enjoyed several days of companionship. As the hunters leave, they follow the buck's tracks heading west. Richard is surprised that they were so near to a city. The hunters tell Richard this is Brennidon. This is his birthplace.

As Richard rides off with the Hunters, while Zedd is enjoying company with Sylvia. Long ago he had spent a few days with her at a festival. She surprises him with her announcement that "Allrad is your son. " Sylvia expects him to do his duty towards his son. Zedd becomes ballistic at the insinuation he didn't take precautions, and that he would abandon his child. He knows that he always takes precautions, "magical precautions." Grudgingly there might have been a few times he hadn't. He considers his precautions to have been full proof. He asks Kahlan to confess them to settle the accusation of paternity. Kahlan interviews both Zedd and Sylvia. Sylvia admits there might be one other. Zedd calls Sylvia a vixon. But in having to be confessed, Zedd reveals a secret to Kahlan and asks that under her oath as a Confessor she not reveal anything to Richard. As Sylvia apologies to Zedd, Allard talks about his fear of hunting. When he was 8, Allard accompanied some hunters to get a wild hoar. He got caught between the boar and the hunters. Zedd conjures a "magical" ceremony to help Allrad once and for all to get rid of his "fear." Kahlan is a witness to the magical ceremony and tells Zedd she that she has never seen such magic before. Zedd admits it was of his own making. The point being that Allrad will now have more confidence in himself.

As Zedd's adventures are unfolding, we catch up quickly to Richard and the hunters as the stag has changed direction. They pause resting on a cliff overlooking Brennidon. He shares with them that this is the city in which he was born and has never been back. The two hunters suggest while they take down the stag, Richard might want to visit the town. He has momentary qualms about going against what he had told Zedd, but he feels it is a good idea to go down and find if anyone remembers him or his parents. As he rides down towards the village he stops at the graveyard . The caretaker is cleaning around the markers. The man tells him these were the first born sons of Brennindon and the Seeker among them. "Our children have died for nothing." He tells Richard that it has been 23 years and no word of a seeker. Should he be alive, he is a coward. The children of Brennidon have died in vain. Richard responds that perhaps the seeker is out there waiting for the right moment to rise up and defeat DHaran Rahl. Richard is visibly shaken by the anger of the man and and saddened by the endless rows of small gravemarkers. Many sacrifices have been made already on behalf
of the Seeker.

Continuing into town he is refused entrance because he doesn't have the right papers. He hides in a hay wagon. Although not dressed as a hard, core Dharan, there are patrols
watching/guarding the towns people looking for the seeker to return to his birthplace. Andrew, who is in charge of the patrols, has brought a woman to be beheaded for her disloyalty to Rahl.The townspeople must agree to put this woman to death to set an example. Richard looks around and can't believe that there is no one stopping them. No one is making any effort to help. He raises his voice and tells them they can't kill her for just speaking. They challenge him. He doesn't want a fight. When he draws his sword, the Sword of Truth is recognized. All able-bodied security arrive. Richard is barely abel to get out in one piece as he releases the woman. He realizes the best offense sometimes is a good defense and this time he needs to retreat. There are no easy exits. Andrew has commanded all the gates be closed. A woman comes out of nowhre and tells him she wants to help . He thanks her and follows her into her home. They talk briefly. She tells him she held him the night he was born. Richard asks if she is telling him that she is his mother. Her hope is that his return will make the citizens of Brennidon stand up to Lord Rahl and take back their city. Richard introduces himself to Mark. Bridgid convinces her son to take the Seeker and hide him. Mark leds Richard to an abandoned building and empty cellar. As Mark locks the door, Richard starts a fire in order to escape. He knocked out a patrol guard and took his uniform. Richard was stopped by the sentinal and told to return to the platform. New orders required the soldiers to gather the women and find out who the Seeker's mother is.

A D'Haran commander has arrived with a few men. He explains that the patrols were to capture The Seeker and bring him in which means he will bring in his men to capture the Seeker. Andrew asks for more time. The Commander appears on the platform to tell the people of Brennidon, "Twenty-three years ago what happened here in Brennidon was for the greater good." Bridgit agrees and speaks out. She adds that instead of fighting the Seeker as a man, Lord Rahl purposely killed their first born sons. But today they saw that the Seeker lives and is here. And he saved the woman. The Commander wants Bridgid quieted. He demands to know who she is. She admits she is the Seeker's mother, but all of the women in the square admit to the ame thing: each claims to be the Seeker's mother. The Commander has everyone arrested. Richard sees all that is happening, but he's unsure what to do. He is torn between diving in and rescuing his mother, but feels he needs to come up with a better plan that would save them all. (He definitely is missing Kahlan by his side.) The Commander barks an ultimatium: "The Seeker must give himself up or he will kill one woman every hour until the Seeker surrenders. Richard leaves the area and returns at night to find Mark. Mark argues with him about the D'harans purpose in Brennidon. Richard tells Mark about Michael, his older brother, and how his father was killed and the Seeker was unjustly accused of the murder. He and
Mark devise a plan.

In the morning Mark takes Richard as his prisoner to the Commander. Richard acknowledges that now that he is captured the women can be released. The Commander disagrees and feels that ll of the women were defiant and must be punished. He refuses to acknowledge Bridgid's claim until Mark confirms it.
Mark says,"She is the Seeker's mother." He explains that she is his mother too. The Commander praises Mark for his courage and loyalty. He sentences Bridgid to die after watching her son die by the Sword of Truth. He requests that all people come to the town square to watch the Seeker's execution. Mark is to be rewarded. Mark wants nothing more than to see the execution. The Commander agrees and tellshim he will have the place of honor next to him as he slays The Seeker at noon. The Comannder frees all of the other women. In the prison, Richard consoles Bridgid. He lets her know that Mark is in on a plan to help him escape. Bridgid feels that Mark has had a difficult time growing up under the D"Harans with the anger and hardships he has experienced. Richard feels sure Mark will stand with him.

Back at the campsite, Kahlan pauses. Zedd spies the two hunters and ses that they have only rabbits. He jokes with them that he was hungry for venison not rabbit. The hunters respond back that the buck had turned west and there had been only two of them to hunt. Richard had gone to Brennidon to visit. Zedd can not believe what he is hearing. Kahlan cannot believe either that Zedd had not told Richard to stay away from Brennidon. They find horses while Zedd exclaims for all to hear that Richard is stubborn. They get horses and ride to Brennidon. As they arrive they ask what the event was. They are told that
The Seeker is to be executed at noon.

As Zedd and Kahlan approach the town square, the Commander has Richard's Sword of Truth i n his hands announcing that Richard is to die by his own sword. As he raises the sword, Richard knows that this is the defining moment whether or not Mark will stand with him. Mark steps forward as tge COmmander goes to plunge the sword into Richard and plunges the dagger into the Commander. Richard yells, "now!" and the villagers begin to toss small rocks and food at the D'harans. Richard has Mark take Bridgid out of harms way. He sees Zedd. Zedd zaps the ropes biding Richard's hands. He picks up his sword. Out of nowhere appears Kahlan, battle ready. She whirls and stands back to back with him. Their eyes hold for a few moments, but much is said in that look. He is surprised by her intense gaze, the emotions that go directly to his heart, yet the overwhelming feeling of strength and confidence he feels as they fight side by side. In no time, the D'harans are defeated, the women freed, and the town is secured.

Richard is so pleased to tell Kahlan and Zedd thathe has found his mother. Both are surprised by the declaration. When they approach, Zedd and Bridgid recognize each other. She apologizes to Richard. She was not anticipating seeing the Wizard again. Quietly Richard and Bridgid talk abou the loss of her first born, Owen and the loss of her hsubnad. She tells him that she was the first to hold him. She was the mid-wife at his birth. She was the first to hold him. His mother had been ill but seemed to have gotten better and moved away. As they get ready to leave, Richard and Mark speak. Mark assures him Brennidon and its people are ready to defend themselves and he will take care of his mother.

Our three ride ot of the gates of Brennidon. Richard declares his mother is alive and someday he will lfind her and have a family again of his own. Kahlan has mixed emotions as she hears Richard. She looks at Zedd and speaks quietly in a pleading tone for him to reconsider and tell Richard that he is his grandfather. Zedd emphatically disagrees that his knowledge would not be a benefit. He feels that this knowledge would jeopardize how Richard would make decisoins and the boy's mission is far too important. Richard must be free to make choices clearly withot added emotion so he can complete the mission. (Of course we would disagree. Wasn't that what Kahlan has been using not to tell Richard about her powers?)