← Old Gods of Appalachia
Old Gods of Appalachia
Episode 67: Goldie Graves
00:29:41
The Fire of the Mountain comes to speak before the Rock.
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- [00:01]
Steve Schell
Well, hey there family. Steve Schell from Old Gods of Appalachia here. If you're listening to one of the earlier episodes of our show, those before the beginning of season five, you may hear us talk about supporting the show through our Patreon. I'm just popping in to let you know that Patreon is going away. We just launched our very own subscription service, the Holler. The Holler is powered by Supercast, a.
- [00:25]
Hiram Cook
Platform built from the ground up for.
- [00:27]
Steve Schell
Podcasters and their listeners. We think you're going to like it a lot. So if you'd like to support the show and enjoy ad free episodes, exclusive storylines and more, visit old gods of appalachia.com the Holler and join the family today. You can find that link in the show notes of every episode.
- [00:54]
Hiram Cook
Did you.
- [00:54]
Nina Jennings
Know that two out of three listeners say podcasts are the best way to learn about the things they care about most? That makes Podcast the perfect place to introduce your brand where ads are more relevant and trusted than any other media channel. Want to learn more? Download the Full podcast polls 2024 report now at podcast polls2024acars.com and see how you can make your brand part of the conversation.
- [01:25]
Hiram Cook
Old Gods of Appalachia is a horror anthology podcast and therefore may contain material not suitable for all audiences. So listener discretion is advised in the Chamber beneath the mountains, a sudden silence fell like morning dew on the Servants of the Green and Dark alike as Hiram Cook cleared his throat again and called a second time, the Green calls Marigold Underwood of Oak Mountain, West Virginia to give testimony before the Rock. There was a shuffling and bustling from somewhere in the upper balcony, and then a general grumbling of discontent as a white sashed attendant part of the sea of witches and Haints in order to lead two women down from their perch in the cheap seats to the gallery floor. The murmuring grew louder as they were shepherded through the standing room only crowd into the chamber proper. Nina Jennings flanked her mother, her attention focused on the older woman who stood beside her. She had chosen a suit for the occasion, a feminine cut in a buttery shade of golden rod that complimented her warm brown skin. In defiance of custom, the suit featured slacks rather than a skirt, and she had paired it with a pair of low heeled brown and white oxford pumps. In the given situation, Nina was more concerned with practicality than these folks opinions on whether or not women should wear pants. Though she kept her eyes on her mama, she had taken note of the various haints and beasts present in the chamber and could feel their eyes on her now. There were other witches and practitioners of the green present, too, of course, and while some of them she counted among friends, like Marcy Walker, there were still plenty of others in the gallery that she knew better than to trust. So if they needed to leave this place in a hurry, she was ready to move. Marigold Underwood, matriarch of the Underwood family and one of the most revered and powerful witches still walk in the face of the Green, peered out at the assembled crowd of onlookers with an air of quiet dignity. She had donned her Sunday best for the occasion, a deep blue dress with a subtle print of tiny white flares, a neat white hat and gloves. Marigold had faced down countless fiends that stalked the night, both of the tooth and claw and cross, burning variety throughout her life, and neither sort had managed to do her much lasting harm. She was not a woman to be trifled with, nor did she suffer fools gladly. She nodded acknowledgment to the tall, hooded woman seated on the dais, and the harbinger returned the gesture. Marigold paid little mind to Hiram Cook, who looked both consternated and flabbergasted. Y'all mean to tell me we've been down here wringing our hands and worrying if you were gonna make it here safe, and y'all been sitting up there in the nosebleeds this whole time?
- [04:53]
Marigold Underwood
You watch your tongue, Hiram Cook. I knew your mama, and her mama, too. You think I'm just gonna swoop in here and say whatever it is you want me to say without knowing what's been said before we got here early. Been watching this little play show y'all been putting on. Can't say I care much for the company you've been keeping these days, Hiram.
- [05:14]
Hiram Cook
Marigold Underwood, Fire of the Mountain, cast a disdainful look at Ms. Gray as she sat reviewing her notes at the prosecution's table.
- [05:24]
Marigold Underwood
What would your mama say, Red Sester Cook's hateful soul? Boy, you sitting side by side with one of its daughters. What good can come from that?
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Hiram Cook
Now, Ms. Underwood, you know as good.
- [05:36]
Steve Schell
Good as anybody.
- [05:38]
Hiram Cook
Sometimes the green and the dark must meet in the twilight of the day and put aside our differences and work together for the common good. And with all due respect, ma'am, you agreed to come here like all the other witnesses to make sure this, this. This smug old some gets what's coming to him. You've lost as much or more than others here. You have an obligation to tell your story and help us purge this county old snake from our midst once and for all.
- [06:05]
Marigold Underwood
And if I don't, what you gonna do, Hiram? Lock me up under the float with your little girlfriend?
- [06:12]
Hiram Cook
Marigold. I mean, Ms. Underwood. Please. I'm trying to warn you. There are forces at play here bigger than us. It's in our best interest on multiple fronts to get this thing done. Our world will be a better place without JT Fields in it. It was then Marigold Underwood allowed herself a glance at the shabbily dressed man sitting at the table on the far side of the room. He looked sickly and wan, hardly the boisterous Honey tongue trickster that had raised hell from one side of Appalachia to the other. She could barely see the ghost of the handsome stranger her Lee had looked up to and held close as a mentor and friend. The Jack who sat at that sad little table was only the thinnest shade of the man she had known, known and grown to hate over these long years. He met her eyes and she saw what little color remained in his face drain away. He knew what he'd done, what he'd cost their family. He looked like he knew he was about to pay for it. Meridle tore her eyes away from Jack and turned her attention back to hiram.
- [07:26]
Marigold Underwood
All right, Mr. Cook. Let's get this over with.
- [07:44]
Hiram Cook
These old roots run into a ground so bloody, full of broken dreams and dusty bones. They feed a tree so dark and hungry where its branches split, new blood flows, the ghost of a past. Yet all on buried rise a haunt. The young. The shadow falls, judgment comes. Tread soft, my friend, amongst your fellows. Make your bond your word, lest you get what you deserve. As Marigold Underwood settled herself as comfortably as she could on the witness chair, the room seemed to lean in, eager to hear whatever juicy gossip the elder witch had to share. Granny Underwood didn't come off Oak Mountain often these days, and many workers of the green younger than 60 had never had the pleasure of the old woman's counsel. To hear her hold forth on the crimes of a figure as ancient as Jack of Many Names. That was a rare treat at the table reserved for his accusers, however, things were not quite as settled. Hiram Cooke was clearly, if quietly, arguing with the painfully beautiful gray eyed woman who'd shared the space with him. For today's proceedings, Ms. Grey had opted for a pewter suit trimmed in charcoal velvet and a simple pair of black pumps, a more appropriately somber choice than the fancy beaded dress she had worn before. Marigold thought, she is not going to cooperate with you, if she is willing to speak to you, an officer of this court, in such a manner, I will handle it. With all due respect, ma'am, that's a real bad idea. Miss Gray ignored the stammering man from Mavisdale and rose to her feet, consulting her notes as she stepped toward Granny Underwood. Ms. Underwood, might I call you Marigold?
- [10:27]
Marigold Underwood
Oh, no, no, honey. You can keep my name out your mouth altogether. I don't truck with tempters, nor. Nor liars, nor their children. You just let little Hiram there ask the questions.
- [10:42]
Hiram Cook
Granny Underwood, I assure you.
- [10:45]
Marigold Underwood
You dare to call me Granny? You dare to call me the way a witch who come to learn from me might call me? Oh, child, you and your kind are not welcome on my land, at my door, no. Nor anywhere else near me. Hear me ask your daddy when the last time he clip clopped over the Oak Mountain was, and I bet he can't tell you. I bet he can't even tell you where it is. Even.
- [11:13]
Hiram Cook
Marigold shot a dismissive glance in the direction of the Black Stag and his family.
- [11:18]
Marigold Underwood
That mountain wouldn't have you or any of your grubby youngins anywhere near it. You're welcome to try, but I think you know better.
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Hiram Cook
The thing whose name sounded like Horned Head but was not, glowered at the old woman in the chair, his blood colored eyes smoldering dangerously, his amber antlers pulsing once with poisoned light. His other three daughters glared at Granny Underwood and had begun to rise, but at a chuff from their father. Father. They froze. One by one, they slowly settled back into their seats. The great beast nodded placidly at his youngest daughter, and Ms. Gray inclined her head in return. The smile she directed at Mayor Gold Underwood as she sank into her chair and yielded the floor to Hiram Cook was pure venom. His eyes darting nervously between Marigold and the stag's party, Hiram rose shakily to his feet. Thank you, Ms. Grace. So, Ms. Underwood, do you know the man seated at yon table with the little Walker girl?
- [12:36]
Marigold Underwood
I know him. I surely do.
- [12:40]
Hiram Cook
Could you tell us how you know him and by what names you know him? Marigold Underwood allowed her eyes to rest briefly on the withered little man sitting beside his council. It was as if the years peeled back in her sight and she could see the various faces he'd worn over the years. She saw the smiles, heard the laughter, even tasted the drinks and fine foods he'd bring when he came to call.
- [13:07]
Marigold Underwood
I knew that man by a few different names when my leaf first introduced me to him. He called him Mr. Fields, which seemed fitting. It was somehow perversely appropriate for the Jack of the woods to rename himself after the wilderness that done been tamed. See, people here feels and think are open country, the great outdoors, even the green. But that ain't right. The green is the wild growth of this world as it was made. It's a running of the rivers, the belly of the sky, being tickled by the fingertips of trees reaching up to the heavens. The green is freedom, whole and entire. A field is a piece of land that's been cultivated, stripped of all its natural brush and critters, and replanted with something chosen by the hand of man. A field usually has a fence around it and is harvested to the benefit of a specific few. A field is the property that exists to be kept beautiful so that it might be bought and sold by the highest bidder. That pretty well sums up that slick little bastard you see sitting there.
- [14:25]
Hiram Cook
And. And how did you come to know Mr. Fields, ma'am?
- [14:30]
Marigold Underwood
Well, Hiram, honey, to get to that story, you have to understand who my husband, Lee, was before we was married.
- [14:39]
Hiram Cook
Marigold glanced around the room, her gaze taking in the assembled onlookers.
- [14:45]
Marigold Underwood
Most of y'all here, except the youngins, are familiar with Doc Underwood. That's what folks called him before. My man was a powerful healer. He did a lot of good for this community, whether some of y'all deserved it or not. And folks remember him the way he was after he came to Oak Mountain. A respectable churchgoing man, a faith healer and a root worker who cured many a baby of thrush in his day. Y'all remember him as Old Doc, with his gray hair and his little round glasses. I love them glasses. But when I met Lee, he was a very different sort of man. He was young and wild, foolish like all young men are. He had the gift to be sure. His granddaddy was an old conjure man, and my lyet learned everything he knew back then at his knee. But he'd lost both his granddaddy and his daddy by that time, and he was a little bit lost. He went looking for a teacher or a mentor, maybe even a bit of a father figure. What he found was Jack. By the time I met Lee, them two was thick as thieves. Hell, they were thieves. Robbing stagecoaches, knocking over banks, running cons from here all the way to Kansas City and back again. Oh, they was trouble. I tried to ignore him at first. My daddy wouldn't approve of me stepping out with a man like that. But he had this smile, the kind of smile where you can't help but smile back, and we just sort of kept running into each other.
- [16:45]
Hiram Cook
Marigold Underwood at the time Marigold Graves met the man she would one day marry in the summer of her 18th year, she had gone into town with her daddy to run a few errands, her mama's shopping list in her pocket. Judith Graves didn't much like going into town, and once she deemed her daughter old enough to assist her husband Lester in procuring the correct essentials to stock her pantry, she mostly kept to the family's small farm. Marigold did not share her mother's aversion to shopping, particularly as her daddy was more likely to buy her some new combs for her hair or a chocolate bar or some other small treat when he was not under her mama's watchful eye. They visited the general store first, where they acquired butter and flair and various other items on her mama's list. Once they had stowed the purchases in the wagon, her father announced that he needed to stop by the blacksmiths to ask about the cost of a new shoe for their old horse, Jenny. Both the general store and the blacksmith's were located on Prince street, along with most of the other establishments for black folks. Next door to Moses was a haberdashery, and down from that, a millinery. Across the street were a dress shop, a bookstore, and Moses drugstore, which featured a lunch counter and soda fountain. It was the last of these that drew Marigold's attention, and she asked her daddy if she might walk across the street to buy a soda while he dickered with the blacksmith. Little Goldie was ever the apple of Lester Graves eye, and she was the youngest daughter and the only child Judith had borne after emancipation. Their three previous children had been sold away to big plantations down south once they were old enough to work, and Judith and Lester had never seen them again. The arrival of Marigold, a child for them to have and hold whom nobody could ever take away from them, had been a gift beyond measure. Lester had never been the sort of parent to say no just to teach his children who was in charge, and he found it particularly difficult to say no to his baby girl, especially when what she asked was such a little thing. And so he'd given his blessing, and Marigold kissed him on the cheek and hurried across the street to the lunch counter. Samson Moses Soda Fountain was something of a point of pride for the black community of Bear County. Mr. Moses had saved up for two years and even accepted donations from local churches to purchase a Tufts Arctic soda apparatus for the drugstore, the first of its kind in the county. The tall, stately machine with its carved oak housing and brass fittings dominated the space inside Moses Small's storefront. A long wooden counter with a marble countertop stretched the length of the store in front of the apparatus, and a series of stools with brass posts and leather seats allowed customers to sit and enjoy a meal or ice cold drink. It was mid afternoon now and Marigold all but had the counter to herself this time of day. She nodded to an older couple seated at the far end of the counter and hopped onto a stool. The current selection of flavors was written out in a neat hand on a signboard propped up against the back of the soda fountain. There's phosphates and ice cream sodas and ginger ale and root beer. Marigold asked the soda jerk for a strawberry ice cream soda and settled into her seat to enjoy it. She had taken only a sip or two when a voice called out her name.
- [20:02]
Lee Underwood
Why do my eyes deceive me? Or is that Ms. Goldie Graves?
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Hiram Cook
Marigold glanced over her shoulder to find a young man had just stepped through the glass fronted door of Moses Drugstore, the hat he had just removed held in one hand. He was tall and lean, with dark brown skin, close cropped hair, and a neat mustache. He wore a neat brown vest over a crisp white white shirt. A shiny silver pocket watch chain dangled from one side of the vest, polished to a sheen that almost equaled that of his boots. He seemed vaguely familiar, though Marigold couldn't quite place him. He was regarding her with an open.
- [20:39]
Marigold Underwood
Smile and she answered cautiously, yes, sir, I'm Marigold Graves. Do we know each other?
- [20:46]
Lee Underwood
While we surely do, though I admit it's been a minute. Lee Underwood. Davis Underwood is my granddaddy.
- [20:54]
Hiram Cook
Marigold had known Davis Underwood from church. She had attended that gentleman's funeral with her mama and daddy, and she vaguely remembered seeing a boy a few years older than her with him from time to time when she was a child. She also remembered hearing that Mr. Underwood's grandson had been in and out of trouble with the law since his granddaddy's passing.
- [21:17]
Marigold Underwood
Oh, yes, I remember now. I was sorry to hear of your loss, Mr. Underwood. Your granddaddy was a good man.
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Lee Underwood
Thank you. That's. That's mighty kind.
- [21:30]
Hiram Cook
The young man looked uncomfortable at the mention of his grandfather. His eyes dropping to the hat he began to spin in his hands. His words had the ring of sincerity, however, and there was a note of unmistakable sadness in his voice as his practice smile slipped a bit. Marigold smiled back at him and she began to turn back to her soda, ready to finish it and be on her way.
- [21:54]
Marigold Underwood
It was nice to see you, Mr.
- [21:56]
Hiram Cook
Underwood, but Mr. Underwood, it seemed, was not quite finished with her.
- [22:00]
Lee Underwood
But what about you, Ms. Graves? Perdo moi. Is this seat taken?
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Hiram Cook
Lee stepped up to the counter and indicated the bar stool if immediately to her left. Before she could answer, he settled himself down next to her, his good humor returning as he favored her with a thousand watt grin. Marigold couldn't help but smile back as she sipped the last of her ice cream soda.
- [22:22]
Lee Underwood
How's your family? I ain't seen no folks in ages.
- [22:26]
Hiram Cook
Question tempered Marigold smile, reminding her that this young man was not the sort her parents would approve of her associating with. She had overheard her mama and the other ladies at church saying what a blessing it was to poor old Davis. Underwood hadn't lived to see how his grandson turned out. Still, she nodded politely as she finished her soda.
- [22:45]
Marigold Underwood
Mom and daddy are both fine. My daddy's just down the street at the blacksmith's. Which reminds me, he'll be waiting. I should be on my way.
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Hiram Cook
Marigold patted her mouth with a napkin and pushed her empty glass toward the back of the counter. As she rose to her feet, Lee Underwood quickly stood as well her.
- [23:02]
Lee Underwood
This barn dance this weekend over at Sullivan's, will I see you there?
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Hiram Cook
Marigold shook her head.
- [23:08]
Marigold Underwood
I don't think so, Mr. Underwood. It was nice to see you again. You have a good day now.
- [23:14]
Hiram Cook
Lee Underwood leaned against the counter as he turned to watch her go, a crooked grin lighting up his handsome face.
- [23:20]
Lee Underwood
Nice to see you too, Goldie. Hope to see you again real soon.
- [23:24]
Hiram Cook
There was a teasing note in his voice and though she knew she should ignore him, should just keep on walking, Marigold couldn't help herself. She turned back and favored him with a frown.
- [23:35]
Marigold Underwood
It's Ms. Graves, and I very much doubt you will. Good day, Mr. Underwood.
- [23:43]
Hiram Cook
As it turned out, she couldn't have been more wrong. Later that week, a friend asked if she wanted to come along with a group of other girls to Sullivan's barn dance. By that time she'd all but forgotten about her chance meeting with a young man she'd known in passing from church all those years ago, and when she asked her mama and daddy, they allowed that it would be all right. She was surprised when she heard a voice that was now much more familiar call her name. Lee invited her to dance and of course she had declined, but she couldn't help but notice how his gaze followed her all night. After that, it seemed she all but tripped over him every time she so much as left the house. He was infuriating and charming, and she couldn't seem to stop her face from returning his infectious smile when he finally asked if he might court her. She had told him he could ask her daddy's permission, but warned him that Daddy would undoubtedly say no. Lester Graves knew he was troubled just as well as his daughter did. No one was as surprised as Marigold when her daddy agreed to let Lee take her to the county fair. Somehow, Lee Underwood had somehow won both her parents over, who saw them out the door with smiles. He bought her an ice cream and won her a teddy bear at the ring toss, and in all ways was a perfect gentleman, and thus began to work his way into the heart of Goldy Graves. She had known he was trouble, that he ran with card sharks and crooks and other hoodlums, but she would quickly learn that he had a good heart and a gift for healing. All the long decades later, Marigold Underwood still smiled to think of the handsome young man who'd worked so hard to win her affections. Once she gave him a chance, it turned out they got on like a house afire. He was smart and kind and made her laugh. The one point of contention between them from the start had been the company he kept. Marigold glanced again at the skinny older man seated next to Marcy Walker's younger sister and then returned her gaze to Hiram Cook.
- [25:43]
Marigold Underwood
Of course, when we started courting, Lee just had to introduce me to his friend, Mr. Fields. Fact is, I've known that man over there almost as long as my husband. More's the pity.
- [25:59]
Hiram Cook
And can you tell us why you chose to come offer your testimony? Marigold's expression darkened, her lips pressing into a firm line as her eyes swept over the faces of the onlookers who had gathered to bear witness to the wheels of justice in their turning.
- [26:15]
Marigold Underwood
I've come here today to tell y'all how JT Fields killed my husband.
- [26:30]
Steve Schell
Well, hey there, family. My, my, my, how the plot thickens and the knives begin to come out as we enter the home safe stretch of Season four. And things aren't looking great for our man Jack, I got to admit. I guess we'll have to come back next time to hear what Ms. Marigold has to say. I hope you'll come join us. I bet you will. Now, some big things to talk about this time around here on the post roll. Our friends at Monte Cook Games were so pleased with how much y'all seem to love the Old Gods of Appalachia role playing game. They reached out and asked to we might want to do a little bit of an expansion and we said why the hell not? Old Gods of Appalachia Deeper still coming this summer. It brings new adventures, character options and more content to the hit tabletop role playing game. There's a link down in the show notes to Backer Kit that you can click to sign up and be notified when that goes live. And of course, the other big thing happening in the Old Gods world right now is unhallowed by Grounds. The 2024 live tour traveling all over this great nation, going places we've never been before like Texas and Florida and Milwaukee. And it's going to be a good time for everybody who can make it out. You can head on over to old gods of appalachia.com tour and tickets are available for all dates. We've announced our cast. Every run will have a different, slightly varied cast. Mr. Cecil Baldwin from welcome to Nightvale will be on a couple of runs. Dr. Ray Christian, brother Bartholomew himself is on a couple Tracy Johnston Crumb, Pretty Polly Barrow, Betsy Puckett, Granny White herself, Allison Mullins, who of course is Glorianne Boggs, who you can also find on Cameo. Now, by the way, all these folks and even more with our fantastic musical guests Landon Blood, Jacob Danielson Moore and John Charles Dwyer, shaken up like a salad shaker and mixed and matched all over the tour. It's going to be a good time. Go get your tickets right now. Get them right from the source. Oldgodsofappalachia.com Tour we can't wait to see you for real, family. Now this is your Every time the fire of the mountain burns, somebody ends up in the ash bucket. Reminder that Old Gods of Appalachia is a production of Deep Nerd Media, distributed by Rusty Quill. Today's story was written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins. Our intro music is by brother Landon Blood. Our outro music is by brother John Charles Dwyer, the voice of Marigold Underwood. Stephanie Hickling Beckman. The voice of young Doc Underwood was DJ Rogers. We'll talk to you soon, family. Talk to you real soon.
- [29:17]
Marigold Underwood
The bridge won't move without its roots.
- [29:25]
Hiram Cook
The bridge won't move without its roots Bridge won't bloom without its R Surely it will show the rotten truth.
- [29:49]
Steve Schell
Always.
- [29:50]
Hiram Cook
It will show the rotten truth.
- [30:56]
Steve Schell
Foreign.
- [31:05]
Nina Jennings
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