Meanwhile, Dar is enraged when construction on a new road through the forest forces the animals from their natural habitat. Arina (Marjean Holden) explains that the road was ordered by Voden (David Paterson) to bring people from the four corners of the world to Xinca. Voden and the Priests have divided Xinca between them. As Xinca grows, both factions will become stronger, wealthier and more influential. Dar realizes that if the Eirons are going to reclaim Xinca, they must do it now.

While Maloc sends out a search party for the rebel Eiron, Kim sabotages the new road in an effort to slow down his enemies. When the Priests find him, they haul him back to Xinca where he's bound to a sacrificial slab. Once again alerted by Sharak, Dar returns to save Kim, and the two men escape into the forest. Hiking through the woods, Kim reveals his plan to transform the Eirons into warriors in order to take down the Priests. Dar, however, knows enough about the Eirons through his relationship with Tao to know that Eirons don't like bloodshed.