Wizards First Rule   ::   Goodkind Terry

Zedd wished the wizard's fire that had killed his father had killed Darken Rahl, too. He considered that thought a moment, and then took it back.

At dawn, after all the enchantments were drawn, the boxes were placed on them; each box, distinguished by the number of shadows it threw, was placed on a specific drawing. Spells were cast. As the rays of sun from the second day of winter lit the stone, the boxes were placed on the altar once more. Zedd was amazed to see that the boxes that had thrown a particular number of shadows the day before now threw a different number- another precaution. As directed, the boxes were rearranged so the one throwing a single shadow was to the left, the one that threw two was in the center, and the one that threw three was to the right.

Darken Rahl stared at the black boxes. "Continue." `

Without hesitation, Richard went on. "Once so arranged, Orden is at the ready to be commanded. Where one shadow is insufficient to gain the power to sustain the life of the player, and three more than can be tolerated by all life, the balance is struck by opening the box with two shadows; one shadow for yourself, and one for the world that would be yours to command by the power of Orden. One world under one command is marked by the box with two shadows. Open it to gain your reward.»

Darken Rahl's face turned slowly to Richard. "Go on."

Richard blinked. "Rule as you have chosen. That is the end."

"There. must be more."

"No, Master Rahl. Rule as you have chosen. That's the end, the last words."

Rahl grabbed Richard's throat. "Did you learn it all? The entire book?"

"Yes, Master Rahl."

Rahl's face reddened. "That can't be right! That isn't the right box! The box with two shadows is the one that will kill me! I told you, I learned that much! I learned which one will kill me!"

"I have told you every word true. Every single word."

Darken Rahl released his throat. "I don't believe you." He looked to Michael. "Cut her throat."

Richard fell to his knees with a scream. "Please! You gave me your word! You said if I told you, you wouldn't harm her! Please! I have told you the truth!"

Rahl held his hand up to Michael, but kept his eyes on Richard. "I don't believe you. Unless you tell me the truth, right now, I will cut her open. I will kill your mistress."

"No!" Richard screamed. "I have told you the truth! I can't tell you anything different, it would be a lie!"

"Last chance, Richard. Tell me the truth, or she dies."

"I can't tell you anything differently," Richard cried. "Anything different would be a lie. I have told you every word true.