K'azz, Shimmer & the Crimson Guard detachment have arrived at Jacuruku. Their ship travels up a river propelled by the power of Ardata. On both banks is the jungle of Himatan, said to be half of the mortal realm and half of the spirit realm, and they seem to be travelling in a dream or nightmare. When a village appears, the ship's crew jump overboard to try to reach it and escape the dream-state, despite Rutana's warning that the villagers may be cannibals.