Friendship

Friendship is continually focused on throughout the story. Richard has the loyalty and the bond of the Mord-Sith and the D'Haran troops in Aydindril. Despite this, Richard is not comforted by it because he knows that these people are not following him because they think him right or agree with him. He seems to view their bond more as a need or a job rather than their desire. Richard has Gratch with him and this is the only one that Richard counts as his true friend when he first becomes Lord Rahl to the D'Harans. When Richard is forced to send Gratch to Kahlan to make sure she is safe he suddenly realizes how alone he feels. Gratch's friendship meant a lot to Richard.

Friendship is also looked at again when Bernadine begins to talk to Richard of her true feelings. She has sworn herself to Richard, but...