The people pretend as if the woman never existed in front of them. As Richard talks about his marriage the people say that he was not married at all but he remembers the presence of that beautiful woman in his life and he is not ready to give up on her so quickly.
As time passes more doubts hit Richard’s mind because he starts to think that perhaps Kahlan existed in his mind only. This is the first part of the series and already it was a step ahead of Wizard’s First Rule and Stone of Tears. True love and the need for a loved one in life are best explained in the story. Jim Bond has used a sentimental voice during narration when Richard finally starts looking for the love of his life.