Also, Kieran is not just some ordinary assistant, right? He absolutely cannot be as simple as he appears. I feel like he must be connected to that group of animals that prey on other animals. And that ancient wooden carving might not represent the protagonist at all, but Dragan instead. It feels almost like some kind of Cthulhu-like totem, something that could awaken the evil force sleeping inside the protagonist.
Please save him, Kieran. You’re the only one who can truly help him.