The escalating supernatural threat posed by Xoanon's control mechanism and the frequency of supernatural intrusions (invisible predator, Horda trials, failing ropes) escalating danger in the tribe's environment.

Andor and Tomas lead the warriors into a reckless assault on the tribe’s wall, believing they are destroying the prophesied Evil One. Neeva invokes Xoanon’s name, demanding protection and strength …

The camp’s fragile talks with the tribe shatter when an unseen creature kills a guard during the gathering. The warrior’s death and the gong’s clang expose the forest’s lurking danger, …