Dar's search for Tao takes him to the treacherous landscape on the other side of the island. There he finds the lost youth, who managed to escape the gruesome fate dealt his companions, hiding out with other hunted men. Dar's suspicions are confirmed when the men tell him that those not deemed warriors and thus worthy of breeding, are turned into pigs. He now knows where to find Tao, but he must get back to the female colony before his friend is slaughtered. Meanwhile, Curupira rescues Ruh from the tribesmen who have decided to kill him. She sucks the life from one of them and the others flee.

Dar confronts Iara, who reveals herself as a serpent demon. She agrees to let Tao and all the other men go if Dar will stay with her. She is touched by his selflessness and courage when he accepts the deal. But The Sorceress appears and warns Dar that Iara never keeps her word. A fight ensues, resulting in a secret deal between the two women. Iara will usurp Curupira's position as demon of the animals and the forest in exchange for the Sorceress not interfering with her designs on Dar, although Iara must not kill Dar. In the end, Iara gives in to Dar and releases all of the men. Dar and Tao return the young man to his mother who is thus saved from death on Mercy Hill.