Karn, the famous hunter-eater, treats himself to new prey for lunch. An excellent cook, Karn takes the time to prepare the meat. Just as he's about|to savor his meal, a strange black bird comes along and offers him a deal.
Yrehn, guardian of the Elante, lives happily with Eryx, Boarus and the creature on Mishel's island refuge. Their peaceful lives are disrupted by the arrival of Karn who has come to capture the Elante. A fierce battle ensues between the hunter-eater and the legendary animal's protectors.
Karn has captured the Elante, and it is Yrehn's duty as guardian to do everything in her power to save her. Aboard the Bloodboat, the black bird demands that the creature be handed over, but the hunter refuses. Their quarrel is interrupted by the arrival of Yrehn and Eryx, both determined to save the Elante.
On the Bloodboat, Karn dresses Yrehn's wounds. Melancholic, the hunter-eater recalls moments from his long life.. He is drawn from his reverie by an attack led by Nimoda disguised as the strange black bird.
At the end of his fight with Nimoda, Karn is swallowed by the Krakolodon. Nimoda returns to her home in the Osamodas Kingdom. Aboard the Bloodboat, Yrehn must quickly find a way to catch up with her sister, so she can fulfill her mission to save the Elante.
Yrehn manages to track the Elante back to Nimoda's castle. But time is running out if she's to save the creature. In the castle, Nimoda puts her plan into motion.
Despite Nimoda's pleas, Yrehn remains focused on her goal and interrupts the ritual. A violent battle ensues between the two sisters. Amid the chaos, Orbin regains consciousness and spots the Elante near him.