On shore, the scholars determine that the stone totem is unusual, in that all of the carved faces are exactly the same, hideous and display 60 teeth. Also that the structure isn't very old – from the weathering and lichen growth, less than a decade old.

This prompts Umeko to search the grounds, and she uncovers track where the circular stone segments were rolled to their final resting places. The group follows the track into the woods, where they discover the sound of stone being chiseled, and soon find a monstrous statue sitting up so that the lap forms a chair, with one of the totem disks on top for a head. An elderly Kavi is carving out a new tooth, while a younger one is passed out in the statue's lap.

With a Kavi crewman translating, they learn that the passed-out-drunk Kavi is the weekly virgin sacrifice to Darshik, a local devil… and they soon meet him in person, as a huge northern bear shows up. Umeko and Xander climb onto the head of the statue, bringing the sacrifice (who is still passed out), along with the Kavi crewman (who has a crossbow) and Peli, the lynx zoologist.

They manage to drive the bear off, and are rewarded with a tirade from the Kavi elder. The learn that the whole reason behind the sacrifices has to do with beer! Umeko is livid, and heads after the bear while the scholars argue over the consequences of interfering with the local culture.

The trail leads to an ancient overgrown wall and tunnel, and Umeko and Xander find a very unexpected scene beyond it.