what caused richard's decision...

so in your opinion what was it during his stay in anderith that made richard decide to retire -- beside the fact that kahlan had been seriously wounded -- into the mountains of westland?

Well.... IMO I think that he understood that he couldn't make people fight for their life if they didn't think it by themselves (I hope my words are clear)

so the fact that he lost all the elections in the various cities had no influence on richard?

yes, he understand that only because he lost the elections

only because he lost the elections... are there no other reasons?

Uhmmmm.... perhaps also the blows (words) from the Midlands who ally with the Order made he understand this thing. What about you??

what do i think?

well, the fact that many in the midlands did not side with him is one reason, the loss of the elections is another, the beating of his wife also contributed to his final decision, but i think that the lack of true energy in wanting to remain free is what struck richard... the people just did not want to fight for their freedom... they wanted someone else to do the fighting for them... hence they did not value what richard was trying to do

great reasoning it makes me think of what I remember of this book, perhaps I've to re-read it......

... perhaps i should reread it... :)

Uhmmmmm I think you know this book very well

were there any other factors that made richard retreat? we are not forgetting anything are we?