Meanwhile, the Nord King, Voden (David Paterson), schemes to gain power over the BeastMaster. (Daniel Goddard) by capturing all the tigers in his kingdom. He believes that once he has these animals, the BeastMaster will be under his power. Dar and his tiger, Ruh, fight to release one of the captive tigers, who turns out to be Ruh's mother, Tiala. Old and sick, Tiala is seeking the Archway of the Spirits, a mystical place where tigers go to die. Understanding the significance of the quest, Dar makes it his mission to accompany Tiala to her destination. Tao believes that this journey may guide him towards a new purpose in life.

Voden's warriors hunt Dar and Tao as they embark on their perilous journey. Dar and Tiala manage to evade them, while the lagging Tao is saved by his Eiron friend, Caro (Tasma Walton), just as he is about to fall into the enemy's path.

Desperate for word of his people, Tao is stunned when Caro reveals that the despised Priests are actually Eirons. Though the Priests' original mandate was to restore order in Xinca, they soon began to eliminate anyone who did not share their zeal for blood. Stirred by this information and inspired by the courage and faith of the old tiger, Tao is determined to reunite his people and reclaim Xinca. Caro promises to deliver his message so Tao can continue his mission with Dar and Tiala. With the scroll Tao writes, Caro sets out to notify the other Eirons, but is soon captured by the Priests who use her as a pawn to find and stop Tao.