Episode 3.7 - Smoke

Summary

The Road of Shadows - Episode 3.7: "Smoke"

Overview

In Episode 3.7, titled "Smoke," of The Road of Shadows, creator Mark R. Healy delves deeper into the enigmatic world of Daniel Knox and the perilous existence he leads, constantly evading the sinister entities known as Shadows. This episode intricately weaves multiple storylines, highlighting the escalating tension within the remote mountain community of Blackridge. As Daniel partners with Amber to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her sister, internal conflicts among the Shadows themselves threaten to destabilize their covert operations. The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation that sets the stage for future revelations.

---

Key Plot Developments

1. Zukistra and Ragasso’s Tense Reunion

   The episode opens with Zukistra returning to confront Ragasso about their ongoing struggle against the Nostroma, the Shadows preying on humans. Their interaction reveals deep-seated tensions and differing philosophies on handling threats.

   • Zukistra (02:01): “I have to be ready for what's coming.”
   • Ragasso (03:21): “Am I supposed to just stand here and listen to your insults, Susan?”

2. Failed Mission at the Shelter

   Ragasso recounts a failed mission to the shelter where they intended to capture a target named Toby. The Nostroma’s unexpected presence forced Ragasso to abandon Toby, showcasing the increasing difficulty in their operations.

   • Zukistra (05:19): “Tell me everything from the start.”
   • Ragasso (05:32): “I went straight there, just like you told me, and found the one you wanted. Toby.”

3. Strategic Disagreements and Personal Stakes

   The strategic disagreements between Zukistra and Ragasso highlight their differing approaches. Ragasso proposes continuing aggressive tactics despite Zukistra’s concerns about collateral damage, revealing their conflicting priorities.

   • Ragasso (07:27): “I can do it. Just give me.”
   • Zukistra (07:30): “No. There's no time. Rugasso. The Nostromo will be coming for us.”

4. Daniel and Amber’s Investigation

   Parallel to the internal conflicts among the Shadows, Daniel and Amber work together to locate Amber’s missing sister, Blake. They devise a plan leveraging Amber’s heightened sensitivity to Shadows to systematically search Blackridge.

   • Daniel (10:11): “We know your sickness flares up the longer you're exposed to a shadow.”
   • Amber (12:09): “She told me that I was connected to the shadows, Daniel. Profoundly connected.”

5. Unexpected Firestorm Engulfs Blackridge

   A sudden and deliberate outbreak of multiple fires threatens the town, serving as a smokescreen for the Shadows’ activities. This catastrophe complicates Daniel and Amber’s mission, adding urgency to their search.

   • Frank (15:04): “Apparently there's not just one fire up there. It's more like five or six, all raging at once.”
   • Daniel (16:15): “They might be trying to mess with my ability to sense bloodlust.”

6. Climactic Confrontation Between Zukistra and Ragasso

   The episode reaches its peak with Zukistra and Ragasso confronting each other over the newly ignited fires. Ragasso reveals that the fires were orchestrated to disrupt Daniel’s tracking abilities and create chaos, facilitating their hunt. This betrayal underscores the internal fractures within the Shadows.

   • Ragasso (17:53): “My strategy was twofold. First, to create interference for the Nostromo...”
   • Zukistra (19:01): “They are my flock. I've spent years conditioning them...”

7. Daniel and Amber Find the Farmhouse

   Persisting through their exhaustive search, Daniel and Amber finally locate the farmhouse where Blake is believed to be hiding. Despite the obstacles posed by the smoke and lingering Shadows, their determination brings them to the brink of a significant discovery.

   • Nancy (27:30): “Right here. Right in this spot.”
   • Daniel (28:14): “Inside that farmhouse down there. That's where it's all going to end.”

---

Character Insights and Development

• Zukistra: Exhibits leadership and strategic thinking but struggles with internal doubts and envy, especially towards Ragasso’s physical transformation.

  • Zukistra (21:26): “When I saw that wilted skin of yours. It tore something out of me.”

• Ragasso: Portrays a more aggressive and reckless approach, prioritizing the Shadows’ objectives over the community’s safety, revealing a complex relationship with power and obedience.

  • Ragasso (19:30): “Why would I expect you to understand, Ragasso?”

• Daniel: Continues to be the steadfast protagonist, balancing his mission with personal connections, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of escalating threats.

  • Daniel (16:39): “We have to do something. Can't sit and wait for them anymore.”

• Amber (Nancy): Her vulnerability and unique connection to the Shadows add depth to her character, highlighting her internal struggles and the burden of her abilities.

  • Amber (12:17): “I feel it, too. I think she's telling the truth.”

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Zukistra [02:01]: “I have to be ready for what's coming.”
• Ragasso [03:21]: “Am I supposed to just stand here and listen to your insults, Susan?”
• Daniel [10:11]: “We know your sickness flares up the longer you're exposed to a shadow.”
• Amber [12:09]: “She told me that I was connected to the shadows, Daniel. Profoundly connected.”
• Frank [15:04]: “Apparently there's not just one fire up there. It's more like five or six, all raging at once.”
• Ragasso [17:53]: “My strategy was twofold. First, to create interference for the Nostromo...”
• Daniel [16:15]: “They might be trying to mess with my ability to sense bloodlust.”
• Ragasso [19:30]: “Why would I expect you to understand, Ragasso?”
• Daniel [28:14]: “Inside that farmhouse down there. That's where it's all going to end.”

---

Themes and Insights

1. Trust and Betrayal: The strained relationship between Zukistra and Ragasso highlights themes of trust and betrayal within their ranks, emphasizing how differing motivations can fracture alliances.

2. Isolation and Desperation: Daniel and Amber’s journey through the smoke-covered town underscores the isolation and desperation inherent in their quest, mirroring the broader struggle between humans and Shadows.

3. Power and Control: Zukistra’s control over the community contrasts with Ragasso’s desire for power, exploring the dynamics of authority and rebellion.

4. Identity and Connection: Amber’s unique connection to the Shadows raises questions about identity and the extent to which personal relationships influence one’s role in the conflict.

---

Conclusion

Episode 3.7, "Smoke," masterfully intertwines personal conflicts with overarching threats, escalating the stakes for both the protagonists and antagonists. The deliberate use of smoke as both a literal and metaphorical barrier serves to heighten suspense and obscure truths, reflecting the characters' internal struggles and the opaque nature of their enemies. As Daniel and Amber edge closer to uncovering Blake’s whereabouts, the internal discord among the Shadows threatens to undermine their operations, setting the stage for intense confrontations and revelations in future episodes.

For listeners new to The Road of Shadows, this episode offers a gripping blend of suspense, character development, and intricate plot progression, making it a pivotal installment in the series.

Transcript

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[Daniel]

If you need three new reasons to.

[Amber]

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[Daniel]

Even more, here they are. Chicken fajita, chicken Caesar, and delicious. Starting at $3. Coincidentally, those are the same three reasons you should come to Jack in the Box. Right now at Jack, every bite's a big deal.

[Mark R. Healy]

The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production Season 3 Episode 7 Smoke.

[Zukistra]

So you're finally back, Zukistra.

[Ragasso]

What's going on? What are you doing?

[Zukistra]

Making preparations.

[Ragasso]

For what? I thought you'd still be down in the den.

[Zukistra]

Well, you were right about one thing. I can't stay down there and wallow in pity forever. I have to be ready for what's coming.

[Ragasso]

Ready? What is all this you're doing?

[Zukistra]

As surprising as this may be to you, Rugasso, I'm not an idiot. I've known what the Nostroma are capable of doing. Not just Daniel and Amber, but the ones who have come before as well. Sooner or later, we were bound to cross paths with them again. And that's why I've spent so much time and effort to develop these countermeasures.

[Ragasso]

This looks elaborate.

[Zukistra]

Not really. Just a few basics.

[Ragasso]

You've been hard at work.

[Zukistra]

These are just the finishing touches. The groundwork was done years ago.

[Ragasso]

You're feeling better then? The last time I saw you, you could barely stand.

[Zukistra]

I'm still weak, but I'm willing myself onward. If I don't, all is lost. I know that now. I see you've come back empty handed. Can't say I'm surprised.

[Ragasso]

There were complications.

[Zukistra]

Ah, complications. Of course.

[Ragasso]

Don't talk to me like that.

[Zukistra]

Like what?

[Ragasso]

Don't mock me.

[Zukistra]

That wilted skin of yours must be very thin, Fragasso. You take offense at everything nowadays, don't you?

[Ragasso]

Am I supposed to just stand here and listen to your insults, Susan?

[Zukistra]

I told you never to call me that.

[Ragasso]

Oh, did you? Sorry. It must have slipped my mind.

[Zukistra]

Why don't you go ahead and tell me what happened out there, Ricasso? Tell me how you somehow bungled a job that was laid out before you in the simplest terms imaginable. Go on. I'm fascinated to hear this.

[Ragasso]

It wasn't simple. Not in the least. They were there at the shelter. The Nostromo.

[Zukistra]

I told you they'd turn up eventually. You should have shown more urgency.

[Ragasso]

Urgency? I went straight there, just like you told me.

[Zukistra]

You were gone for hours. What took you so long?

[Ragasso]

I had other things to do on the way back.

[Zukistra]

A little sightseeing, maybe. Did you take a good look around town and stop for brunch?

[Ragasso]

No.

[Zukistra]

Well, anyway, I thought this might happen. That's why I dragged myself out of my den and got to work. I was expecting you to fail.

[Ragasso]

Maybe you should have come along if you had so little faith in me.

[Zukistra]

Come along? After the Nostromo sucked half the life out of me? I can't show myself right now. I can't appear before my flock with this ugly, mottled skin. The townspeople can never see me like this. That's why I needed one of them brought back here. So I could feed and regain my strength in private.

[Ragasso]

Well, it wasn't as easy as either of us hoped.

[Zukistra]

What were the Nostromo doing at the shelter? Were they lying in wait?

[Ragasso]

I don't know. I didn't stop to ask.

[Zukistra]

Tell me everything from the start.

[Ragasso]

I went straight there, just like you told me, and found the one you wanted. Toby. You were right about him. He was totally compliant. Swallowed every word I said. He didn't argue for a second.

[Zukistra]

So Toby agreed to come with you?

[Ragasso]

Yes, almost immediately.

[Zukistra]

And then?

[Ragasso]

I was leading him out of the shelter when the Nostromo appeared. Both of them.

[Zukistra]

Did Daniel have the conduit?

[Ragasso]

Yes, slung over his back. I doubt he goes anywhere without it.

[Zukistra]

So what did you do?

[Ragasso]

I ran. In the chaos, I was forced to leave Toby behind. There was no way I was going to outrun them with him in tow. I made it through the back door and managed to secure it behind me. Then I kept going into the woods.

[Zukistra]

Did they follow you?

[Ragasso]

No chance. They would have had to double back through the shelter. That gave me all the time I needed to get away.

[Zukistra]

If there's any chance they followed you back here, any chance at all.

[Ragasso]

They didn't.

[Zukistra]

Well, that's something, at least.

[Ragasso]

So what do you want to do now? Do you want me to try going back to the shelter again? Find someone else to bring back?

[Zukistra]

No. The shelter is scorched earth. They'll be watching it now. We can't risk going back there.

[Ragasso]

There must be somewhere else I can find prey.

[Zukistra]

I don't want you doing that, going off on your own.

[Ragasso]

You don't trust me, Is that it?

[Zukistra]

You don't have enough influence in the community to Draw them in.

[Ragasso]

Who cares about influence? I'll go and take one by force.

[Zukistra]

That could be disastrous if something goes wrong. You could attract the wrong kind of attention.

[Ragasso]

I can do it. Just give me.

[Zukistra]

No. There's no time. Rugasso. The Nostromo will be coming for us. The best chance we have now is to finish the work here and then lie in wait.

[Ragasso]

We may have more time than you think.

[Zukistra]

What do you mean by that? Why are you looking so pleased with yourself?

[Ragasso]

Are you strong enough to step outside for a minute?

[Zukistra]

What are you playing at?

[Ragasso]

Come on, let me show you. There. See?

[Zukistra]

Ricasto. What is this? The mountain. What have you done?

[Ragasso]

I've bought us more time. Zukistra. Taken away one of the Nostromo's weapons. It's beautiful, don't you think.

[Daniel]

Amber? Sure you don't want something to eat? There's plenty here if you'd like to try it out.

[Nancy]

No, I'm good. I'm still not feeling the best anyway. And the smell of that ketchup is making me. Ugh.

[Daniel]

Well, you're probably not missing out on anything. I've got to say, it's not the best that sucks.

[Nancy]

But the bad news is, you're going to need your strength. So eat up.

[Daniel]

Yeah, thanks.

[Nancy]

Maybe you should have chosen somewhere better to eat. I mean, you lived here once. You should know all the best places by now.

[Daniel]

Sure, there are better places in Blackridge than this, but those places don't have the one thing we need. A view of the homeless shelter right out the front window.

[Nancy]

Yeah, I guess there's that. Although, do you really think they're going to show up again? We almost caught them the first time. Surely. Surely they wouldn't be stupid enough to go back.

[Daniel]

It depends on how desperate they are. Blake must be hurting after what you did to her.

[Nancy]

I made a mess of her, didn't I? Outside the panic room.

[Daniel]

Sure did.

[Nancy]

The thought of that is so satisfying, I can barely describe it.

[Daniel]

You know what would be even more satisfying?

[Nancy]

Finishing the job.

[Daniel]

Right.

[Nancy]

So, tell me more about this plan. Do you really think we can turn this condition of mine into a tool?

[Daniel]

I hope so. As long as you're okay with it.

[Nancy]

What did you have in mind?

[Daniel]

Well, we know your sickness flares up the longer you're exposed to a shadow. But we also know it gets much worse when they're close. It affected you outside the panic room, and then again when Ragasso showed up at the shelter.

[Nancy]

But you've been reacting to Ragasso as well. Daniel. You keep catching that smell of death. Is that how you describe it?

[Daniel]

Yeah. It's like something is rotting or decaying. I encountered it back at Mosquito Falls the night we came across the emissary too. But I still think you're more sensitive to them than I am.

[Nancy]

And so you want me to act as some kind of human radar dish that picks up shadows? Is that even going to work?

[Daniel]

I don't see why not. I have an up to date map of Black Ridge right here. If the two of us get on the bike and start a systematic sweep on every street, one by one, crossing them off as we go. Sooner or later, we have to come across Blake's hideout.

[Nancy]

This ability of mine doesn't just flick on and off like a light switch, Daniel. It takes time to build up.

[Daniel]

Sure. That's why we'll take it slow. Just cruise. All we're looking for at first is a twinge. Once we have the general location, we can double back and home in on it. By that stage, I should be able to pick up Ragaso's scent. And that'll help us really lock in.

[Nancy]

Yeah, I guess. So.

[Daniel]

You're still not sure about it, huh?

[Nancy]

I just don't want to let you down. If we spend five hours crisscrossing every inch of Blackridge and come up with nothing, I'd feel pretty damn guilty about it.

[Daniel]

Don't worry about that. If we don't come up with anything, we'll find another way. We'll track these bastards down somehow. There's something else that's bugging you, isn't there?

[Nancy]

Yeah. It's been on my mind for a while now. Since the whole sleepwalking incident.

[Daniel]

So what is it?

[Nancy]

It's just something Dragisa said. I didn't want to tell you at the time because I thought you might, I don't know, think less of me or something.

[Daniel]

Why would I think less of you?

[Nancy]

She told me that I was connected to the shadows, Daniel. Profoundly connected. That was the word she used.

[Daniel]

What does that even mean?

[Nancy]

I don't know exactly.

[Daniel]

Well, who cares anyway? She's just trying to mess with your head.

[Nancy]

No. No, I. I feel it, too. I think she's telling the truth.

[Daniel]

Of course there's a connection, Amber. But that's no different to me.

[Nancy]

Oh, I think it is. There's something deeper going on with me.

[Daniel]

In what way?

[Nancy]

I don't know. But Dragisa said she wanted to meet with me. To talk with me.

[Daniel]

Meet with you where?

[Nancy]

In her sanctuary, wherever that is.

[Daniel]

Yeah, that doesn't sound safe.

[Nancy]

Oh, I know. That's why I didn't agree with it.

[Daniel]

Anyway, I don't think we should get hung up on this. Whether you have a stronger connection than me isn't relevant right now. We have a job to do.

[Nancy]

Yeah, I know. But if it turns out that something is happening to me.

[Daniel]

Amber, forget about it, okay?

[Nancy]

Yeah. Yeah. Okay.

[Daniel]

So back to our search. Where were we?

[Nancy]

Okay, the search. So you realize that in order to carry out this sweep of Black Ridge, we're going to have to give up our perch here across from the shelter. It. If they come back, we'll miss them.

[Daniel]

I'm prepared to take that risk. And honestly, I think it's in our best interest to stay on the front foot. We've got Blake and Ricasso backpedaling. Let's keep it that way.

[Nancy]

You know what else you're going to have to give up when we leave this glorious banquet here? Oh, such a shame.

[Daniel]

Yeah. How will I ever live with myself?

[Nancy]

Okay, what is it with all these goddamn sirens? Has there been some kind of accident on the highway or something, do you think?

[Daniel]

Damn it. I smell something.

[Nancy]

Ragaso. Did he come back after all?

[Daniel]

No, it's not the smell of decay. It's. It's more like bloodlust, but not quite.

[Nancy]

Oh, no. Blake found a victim. She's feeding.

[Daniel]

I don't know for sure. Let's get outside and see what's going on.

[Nancy]

Look at that, Daniel. Up there on the mountain.

[Daniel]

It's a fire. A big one.

[Nancy]

That's an understatement. The whole mountainside is covered in smoke. How did that happen so fast? We were just out here a short while ago and there was nothing.

[Daniel]

I don't know, but that fire is definitely what I'm smelling.

[Zukistra]

Oh.

[Frank]

Awful sight, isn't it? Daniel?

[Daniel]

Nancy. Is everything okay? You look upset.

[Frank]

I'm just worried, that's all. This is bad.

[Nancy]

Real bad.

[Daniel]

What's going on? What have you heard?

[Frank]

A friend of mine, Frank from the local fire crew, he radioed in just a short while ago, said he'd never seen anything like it. Apparently there's not just one fire up there. It's more like five or six, all raging at once. And they don't have the manpower to handle it. Not even close.

[Nancy]

Is the town in danger?

[Frank]

Parts of it, yeah. The properties close to the foot of the mountain are already at risk. That's why a lot of businesses along the street here are closing up early. I'm going to volunteer myself. I just need to grab a change of clothes first.

[Daniel]

How can we help.

[Frank]

Honestly, the best thing you can do is get off the street and go home. Stay there where it's safe.

[Nancy]

Has anything like this ever happened before in Black Ridge?

[Zukistra]

We've had fires before.

[Frank]

Yeah, but nothing like this. They're saying it's deliberate. There's no way this many fires could spring up all at once.

[Daniel]

Yeah, sounds deliberate to me.

[Frank]

Look, I've gotta run. Sorry, I'll have to catch you next time.

[Daniel]

Of course. Good luck. Watch yourself.

[Zukistra]

You too.

[Frank]

Stay safe.

[Nancy]

This can't be a coincidence, can it? I mean, the Shadows are involved somehow.

[Daniel]

It seems likely.

[Nancy]

So what the hell are they up to? What's their endgame?

[Daniel]

They might be trying to mess with my ability to sense bloodlust. This reek in the air would definitely help mask an attack, if that's what they're planning.

[Nancy]

Oh, they're going to come at us, is that what you're saying?

[Daniel]

At this point, I have no idea.

[Nancy]

Well, this seems a little extreme, though. Shadows never draw attention to themselves like this.

[Daniel]

How is anyone going to know it's them was behind it?

[Nancy]

Fair point, I guess. So does this change our strategy?

[Daniel]

No. But now I'm even more convinced that we have to do something. Can't sit and wait for them anymore. This isn't their end game. I have a feeling that whatever comes next is going to be even worse.

[Nancy]

My dad works in B2B marketing. He came by my school for career day and said he was a big roas man. Then he told everyone how much he loved calculating his return on ad spend. My friends still laugh at me to this day.

[Daniel]

Not everyone gets B2B. But with LinkedIn, you'll be able to reach people who do.

[Progressive Insurance]

Get $100 credit on your next ad campaign.

[Daniel]

Go to LinkedIn.com results to claim your credit. That's LinkedIn.com results. Terms and conditions apply.

[Progressive Insurance]

LinkedIn.

[Daniel]

The place to be to be.

[Zukistra]

Come in. Close the door.

[Ragasso]

What is it now? What's wrong, Sukistra?

[Zukistra]

What's the meaning of this? What's behind it?

[Ragasso]

Behind what?

[Zukistra]

Starting all those fires.

[Ragasso]

My strategy was twofold. First, to create interference for the Nostromo as they try to track us down. Daniel's ability to detect our scent won't be as effective anymore.

[Zukistra]

And the second reason?

[Ragasso]

The fires have caused mayhem in the streets. People are scared, confused. That's going to allow the two of us to snatch up a new target much more easily. No one will notice someone going missing amidst all this chaos. We can hunt together again, Zuchistra.

[Zukistra]

No, that's not Going to happen?

[Ragasso]

Why not?

[Zukistra]

Because this whole plan of yours is reckless, idiotic. Did you not even stop to think if you discussed it with me first, maybe we could help?

[Ragasso]

You were curled up in a ball, sulking in your den. I had to take things into my own hands.

[Zukistra]

This is my town, Ragasso. You've endangered those people out there.

[Ragasso]

The people? Why would you give a shit about them? They are not kin.

[Zukistra]

They are my flock. I've spent years conditioning them, grooming them. Making them bend to my will. Every single one of them is valuable to me. And now you come stumbling into the midst of it all. Trying to burn everything to the ground.

[Ragasso]

We are the ones who are important. The Vesperine, These sheep of yours are expendable.

[Zukistra]

Why would I expect you to understand, Ragaso? You've never ruled over a town like Blackridge. You've never burrowed into a community so deep. That you can feel its very heartbeat in your veins. Not like I have. You don't mean anything to anyone.

[Ragasso]

I mean something to Mother. She made me wilted.

[Zukistra]

And you think that makes you worthy of my respect?

[Ragasso]

Yes, I do. Maybe we should take this up with her. I wonder what she'd say. If the two of us were kneeling before her now. Oh, that's right. Only the wilted are worthy of doing that. That's it, isn't it? You are jealous, after all. Jealous that I was chosen before you. That's why you've despised the very sight of me. Since the moment I arrived here.

[Zukistra]

I don't care about you or.

[Ragasso]

Go on, admit it.

[Zukistra]

All right, Rigasso, you win. I'll admit it.

[Ragasso]

We shouldn't fight like this. I know it's common among our kind. But the two of us, we're different to them, aren't we?

[Zukistra]

Yes, I suppose we are.

[Ragasso]

So talk to me. I'm here to listen.

[Zukistra]

When I saw that wilted skin of yours. It tore something out of me. I was shocked and envious. More envious than you can imagine. It was devastating. That, more than anything, was the reason I couldn't drag myself out of my den. I felt like giving up.

[Ragasso]

But something changed.

[Zukistra]

Yes. I thought of you taking those glorious final steps. Into Mother's arms. Over and over again. And it sparked something inside of me. I realized that this doesn't have to be the end. I, too, will kneel before Mother. If I can prove myself worthy.

[Ragasso]

Yes, Zukistra, you are worthy. I know it.

[Zukistra]

Do you think that if I kill the Nostroma. Mother will give me her anointment?

[Ragasso]

I Do. And what's more, I'll help you. We'll do it together, just like the old days.

[Zukistra]

Yes. One last hunt here, on our home territory.

[Ragasso]

Here? Are you sure?

[Zukistra]

Yes. But we have to finish our preparations, Ragazzo. The Nostromo will be coming for us. And this smokescreen of yours won't hold them up for long. We have to be ready for them.

[Ragasso]

Tell me what you need me to do.

[Zukistra]

Here. Take these tools and come with me. Follow my instructions exactly, and we will prevail. And one day soon, both of us will kneel before Mother in the sacred place. Just as it was always meant to be.

[Daniel]

Over the next several hours, we begin a slow tour of the streets of Black Ridge. The smokehaze grows thicker all the while, and at times, great clouds billow across our path, stinging our eyes and clogging our throats. Eventually, the sun becomes nothing more than a pale orange disk hanging low above the horizon. And still the mountain burns.

[Nancy]

Hey. Hey. Pull.

[Daniel]

What is it? Do you feel something?

[Nancy]

Nope, Not a thing. I just want it to rest my legs. I'm awfully cramped back there.

[Daniel]

Is there anything I can do?

[Nancy]

I'm fine. Just give me a minute to stretch my legs.

[Daniel]

Sure. I'll check my map again.

[Nancy]

So what have we got left? How many more streets?

[Daniel]

There's practically nothing left. Maybe a couple more intersections, but that's about it, really.

[Nancy]

We've covered the whole town, pretty much. See, this is what I was afraid of. We've wasted our time.

[Daniel]

I don't know about that.

[Nancy]

How do you figure, Daniel? I haven't picked up a single trace this whole time. We're no better off than we were hours ago when we started this whole thing.

[Daniel]

Unless.

[Nancy]

Unless what?

[Daniel]

Is there a chance they made a run for it, skip town altogether?

[Nancy]

Why would they do that?

[Daniel]

They clearly don't want to face us.

[Nancy]

A shadow abandoning its territory? That doesn't seem like their M.O. i guess those fires are still raging up there.

[Daniel]

The crews have a long night ahead of them. Poor bastards.

[Nancy]

Do you think we should go and help, since we don't seem to be achieving much here?

[Daniel]

We have our own job to do, Amber. And I dare say it's more important than putting out a fire.

[Nancy]

So what do you intend to do? Keep riding around in circles until what? You run out of gas?

[Daniel]

We haven't covered every part of Black Ridge yet. There are still a couple of roads that lead out of town.

[Nancy]

What's out there?

[Daniel]

Farmhouses like the Cordells.

[Nancy]

Do you think it's likely Blake would shack up out there?

[Daniel]

I have no idea. But in the interests of being thorough, we might as well try to cross them off the list.

[Nancy]

I don't think you say so.

[Daniel]

Hop on. This shouldn't take long. Hopefully we can be done before darkness falls.

[Nancy]

Daniel, I need you to stop. Again.

[Daniel]

What is it? You need to stretch your legs.

[Nancy]

No, no, I. I think. I think I've got something.

[Daniel]

Got what?

[Nancy]

I think I feel it. Oh, the sickness. It's starting to come on strong again.

[Daniel]

When did it start?

[Nancy]

Right here. Right in this spot.

[Daniel]

We've come to a stop outside a rusty iron gate located a few minutes ride out of town. Away from the bustle of cars and sirens, the place is eerily silent. Beyond the gate, a gravel driveway cuts its way through open fields. And in the distance, I see a farmhouse outlined through the haze of smoke. This is it.

[Nancy]

What?

[Daniel]

You found it. Amber. You did it.

[Nancy]

Where?

[Daniel]

Down there. The farmhouse. That's the place.

[Nancy]

God, I can barely see it. The light's getting bad.

[Daniel]

It's there at the end of the driveway. The shadows are inside. And bet my life on it.

[Nancy]

Yeah, I think you're right.

[Daniel]

We should get our things together. There's no time to waste.

[Nancy]

Do you sense bloodlust yet?

[Daniel]

No, not yet. Although with all this smoke getting up my nose, it's possible that I missed it.

[Nancy]

So Blake could be back at full strength and we wouldn't know.

[Daniel]

It doesn't matter. Either way, we can take her regardless. Are you ready?

[Nancy]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm ready. Ow. Okay. Oh, even getting off the damn motorcycle hurts.

[Daniel]

Give me your hand.

[Ragasso]

I'll help you.

[Nancy]

Yeah, thanks.

[Daniel]

Don't worry, Amber. It's all going to be over soon. Inside that farmhouse down there. That's where it's all going to end.

[Mark R. Healy]

The Road of Shadows is created by Mark R. Healy. Want to delve deeper into the story? Head over to Patreon to find character, concept art and other bonuses like ad free episodes that you can hear a week early. All of that and more is available now at patreon.com BeyondTheDark Check out more of my podcasts at the roadofshadows.com the Road of Shadows Season 3 stars Hamish Plagemas Marta Da Silva Liz Maury, Maria Damunu Simon Allison, Eden Solomon Xander Grant, Sian Luxford and Terence Addison. The Road of Shadows is a Beyond the Dark production sa.

[Progressive Insurance]

The Fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish Curious.

[Amber]

Matter Anthology the multi award winning hit fiction podcast is back for a brand new season. Please proceed to a customs terminal for processing this summer. Take the journey to the red planet in the Exile.

[Daniel]

What'd you have to do to piss off a whole planet?

[Nancy]

I'm not really sure how to answer that.

[Amber]

Tiffany Smith stars as ex Earth federal agent Bryce Gordon.

[Zukistra]

Put on a badge and it becomes.

[Daniel]

A shield against all of this.

[Amber]

The Exile features an all star cast. Phil Lamar, Trace Lysette, Kevin Smith.

[Daniel]

It's not just the atmosphere that's changing. There's a storm on the horizon.

[Amber]

Tricia Helfer, Malcolm Barrett, Todd Stashwick, Eugene Byrd.

[Zukistra]

You gonna water the sand right here.

[Amber]

Tracy Thoms, Colin Ferguson, Raymond Lee, Anjali Bomani, Kaitlin Bassett, and many more.

[Progressive Insurance]

Mars, humanity's great endeavor, dispersed immediately.

[Ragasso]

This is his own lawful assembly.

[Progressive Insurance]

But it had come to symbolize something else. We should be out there helping these.

[Daniel]

People, not putting them in mines, reaching.

[Zukistra]

On three nothing free. No air. We don't steal no food. We don't take no water that ain't recycled from our blood and piss. We are Mars, and Mars is war.

[Amber]

Curious matter Anthology Season 3 the Exile. Available wherever you listen to podcasts June 18 with early access and ad free listening. Available exclusively on Apple Podcasts starting June 4th.