Book

Naked empire / Terry Goodkind.

Summary:

Ancient sorcerous barriers have been overthrown, freeing the sadistic Imperial Order to pillage the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Richard Rahl has been poisoned...and the only antidote is hidden in a distant and oppressed land. Now, far from the land he rules, his life and powers draining with each day, Richard Rahl must teach a desperate people the meaning of freedom -- in order to save his own life. But there are worse things in store, beginning with a soul stealer who rides the minds of birds and beasts to spy on Richard's mind, anticipating his every move....

Now, in Naked Empire, Goodkind returns with a broad-canvas adventure of epic intrigue, violent conflict, and terrifying peril for the beautiful Kahlan Amnell and her husband, the heroic Richard Rahl, the Sword of Truth. Richard Rahl has been poisoned. Saving an empire from annihilation is the price of the antidote. With the shadow of death looming near, the empire crumbling before the invading hordes, and time running out, Richard is offered not only his own life but the salvation of a people, in exchange for delivering his wife, Kahlan, into bondage to the enemy. - "Goodreads"