Episode 3.8 - Flame (Season Finale)

Summary

The Road of Shadows - Episode 3.8: "Flame" (Season Finale) Summary

Season 3's finale of "The Road of Shadows," titled "Flame," delivers a gripping and intense conclusion to Daniel Knox's harrowing journey against the enigmatic Shadows. Hosted by Mark R. Healy, this episode intensifies the stakes as Daniel and his ally Amber confront deeper secrets and formidable adversaries in their quest for survival.

---

Introduction

In "Flame," the tension reaches its peak as Daniel Knox and Amber navigate the perilous environment of a remote mountain community besieged by the sinister Shadows. This episode delves into the complexities of their battle, the mysterious Blood Monarch, and the fragile alliances formed amidst chaos.

---

Confrontation in the Farmhouse

The episode opens with Daniel and Amber infiltrating a farmhouse suspected to harbor Shadows. Their cautious approach reveals the Shadows' manipulative nature and advanced traps designed to thwart intruders.

• Daniel: "He thought it was designed to keep something in." [00:28]

  This quote underscores the initial misunderstanding of the Shadows' intent, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict.

As they proceed, Amber expresses concern over the Shadows' ability to manipulate their environment:

• Amber: "It's spreading like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or watch the world burn." [01:04]

This dialogue highlights the dire consequences of failing to contain the Shadows, emphasizing the urgency of their mission.

---

The Showdown in the Barn

Daniel and Amber's search leads them to a large barn, the heart of the Shadows' operations. Here, they confront Regasso, a formidable Shadow who has been hunting Daniel relentlessly.

• Regasso: "I won't stop hunting you, no matter where you go." [02:30]

The barn becomes the battleground where alliances are tested and true motivations are revealed. Regasso's determination highlights the Shadows' relentless pursuit and the personal vendettas that fuel their actions.

---

Amber's Revelation and Betrayal

A pivotal moment occurs when Amber confronts Regasso, unveiling her true intentions and the depth of her struggle against the Shadows.

• Amber: "Remember all that time I spent wallowing in despair in my den? It wasn't because of what the Nostromo did to me... It was because of you." [15:12]

This revelation exposes the internal conflicts within the Shadows and Amber's transformation from prey to a formidable adversary. Her emotional outburst signifies a turning point in the narrative, adding layers to her character and motivations.

---

Alliance with Tsukistra

In a surprising twist, Tsukistra, another Shadow entity, offers an uneasy alliance with Regasso to defeat Amber. This moment underscores the complex dynamics among the Shadows and the desperate measures they employ.

• Tsukistra: "Mother wants Amber taken alive, to be brought before her intact. That was my mission." [21:30]

This alliance highlights the hierarchical structure within the Shadows, introducing the ominous figure of the Blood Monarch and her overarching influence.

---

Final Battle and Resolution

The climax of the episode sees Daniel and Amber united against Regasso and Tsukistra. Through strategic combat and sheer determination, they manage to overpower their foes, bringing an end to the immediate threat.

• Daniel: "As long as we stick together, they can't stop us. Amber, I really believe that." [29:21]

  Daniel's affirmation of their partnership encapsulates the episode's central theme of unity against darkness.

• Blake: "Black Ridge, as of this moment, is officially shadow free." [24:20]

  This declaration signifies the temporary victory and the restoration of safety to the mountain community.

---

Aftermath and Future Implications

In the aftermath, Daniel and Amber reflect on their experiences and the revelations about the Blood Monarch. They acknowledge the ongoing threat and the necessity to remain vigilant.

• Daniel: "Maybe in the next town we can learn from our mistakes." [29:21]

  This forward-looking statement hints at future challenges and the continuing evolution of their battle against the Shadows.

---

Conclusion

"Flame" masterfully concludes Season 3 by weaving intense action with deep character development. The episode not only resolves immediate conflicts but also sets the stage for future storylines involving the mysterious Blood Monarch and the ever-evolving threat of the Shadows. Daniel and Amber's unwavering partnership emerges as a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness, promising further adventures and battles in the seasons to come.

---

Notable Quotes

• Amber: "It's spreading like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or watch the world burn." [01:04]
• Amber: "Remember all that time I spent wallowing in despair in my den? It wasn't because of what the Nostromo did to me... It was because of you." [15:12]
• Tsukistra: "Mother wants Amber taken alive, to be brought before her intact. That was my mission." [21:30]
• Daniel: "As long as we stick together, they can't stop us. Amber, I really believe that." [29:21]
• Blake: "Black Ridge, as of this moment, is officially shadow free." [24:20]

These quotes encapsulate the episode's critical turning points, character motivations, and the overarching narrative thrust.

---

"Flame" delivers a satisfying and thrilling conclusion to Season 3, balancing high-stakes action with emotional depth. As Daniel and Amber move forward, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unfolding mysteries and battles that lie ahead in "The Road of Shadows."

Transcript

[Mark R. Healey]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. You chose to hit play on this podcast today. Smart choice. Make another smart choice with Auto Quote Explorer to compare rates from multiple car insurance companies all at once. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states or situations. Prices vary based on how you buy.

[Daniel]

Edgar said to the interviewer he was convinced that the thing out there wasn't a vault.

[Amber]

Yeah, I know what he thought.

[Daniel]

Dr. Edgars didn't think it was designed to keep things out.

[Blake]

I know what he thought.

[Daniel]

He thought it was designed to keep something in.

[Amber]

Do you even understand the difficulty trying.

[Blake]

To keep a base like Fathom at.

[Amber]

The bottom of the ocean from killing everyone in it on a daily basis? Oh, my God.

[Regasso]

Everyone hold on to something. I think whatever is on the other.

[Daniel]

Side of that door out there, it's not friendly. I think it's trying to get out.

[Tsukistra]

That, my friend, is a dire combination.

[Daniel]

That's a bad sign.

[Regasso]

Get out of the do.

[Amber]

It's spreading like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or.

[Daniel]

Watch the world burn. Fathom. The first season of Derelict.

[Regasso]

Listen, wherever you get your podcasts or.

[Daniel]

Learn [e-mail].

[Narrator]

The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healey A Beyond the Dark production Season 3 Episode 8 Flame.

[Daniel]

Are you okay, Amber? Can you walk?

[Blake]

I've been better, but, yeah, I. I can still walk. Don't worry about me.

[Daniel]

Do you need to stomp for a second?

[Blake]

No. No, let's keep going.

[Daniel]

You're feeling them now, aren't you?

[Blake]

Yeah. The shadows are inside the farmhouse. No question about that.

[Daniel]

Now, do you have any sense of where they might be located? The farmhouse is the obvious choice, but there's also a big barn out the back. It could be in either.

[Blake]

No, my radar isn't quite that well honed yet, Daniel.

[Daniel]

I guess we'll just have to do this the hard way.

[Blake]

What's the plan? Are we just gonna march right up to the front door and barge our way in?

[Daniel]

They already know we're here. They have to. I don't see much point in playing hide and seek.

[Blake]

We've already walked into one of Blake's traps earlier. We have to assume she's planning another.

[Daniel]

Of course she is.

[Blake]

And you're okay with that?

[Daniel]

Remember that discussion we had by the pool in Clifford Springs? We agreed to go after these fuckers. We're the hunters now. The shadows will try to defend themselves in any way they can, whether that's by setting traps, bringing in Reinforcements or whatever else they have up their sleeve. Overcoming those obstacles is just going to be part of the job from now on.

[Blake]

So you're not. Not worried about traps?

[Daniel]

I'm wary of them, sure. But we already made it out of her last one at the health club. And then we turn the tables on her. We just have to trust that we can get past whatever she throws at us this time, too.

[Blake]

Okay, but if we do get the jump on her and she runs again, promise me you won't falter. If I fall behind and I'm too sick to follow, don't wait for me.

[Daniel]

Amber, I don't.

[Blake]

Daniel, promise me you'll get the job done.

[Daniel]

Yeah, okay. I'll. I'll do it.

[Blake]

Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself.

[Daniel]

I know you can.

[Blake]

Good. So come on. Let's finish this.

[Daniel]

Okay. I'm going to try the door.

[Blake]

Keep that axe ready. I'm right behind you.

[Daniel]

It's unlocked.

[Blake]

Damn. It's. It's dark in here. Oh, I'll. I'll fire up a glow stick.

[Daniel]

Thanks. Looks like we've got a corridor in front of us. Doorways on either side.

[Blake]

This place is way too goddamn quiet.

[Daniel]

Let's be methodical about this. Check every single room and leave no stone unturned.

[Blake]

Yeah. Okay.

[Daniel]

I'm going to try the one on the left.

[Blake]

What's in there?

[Daniel]

Just a bedroom. Same style as the others we saw at shillings. Doesn't look lived in. More like a showroom filled with fake props.

[Blake]

Any hiding spots?

[Daniel]

No. The shadows aren't here. Let's try the next one.

[Blake]

Oh, this one looks pretty much the same as the last one.

[Daniel]

Close to a mirror image. Down to the color scheme and the arrangement. Let's keep going.

[Blake]

Which one next?

[Daniel]

Let's try that one further down the corridor. I have a feeling it's going to look the same.

[Regasso]

Fuck. What the hell? Amber, can you hear me? Amber? They put a goddamn hatch under the rug. It closed up again before I could get to it. Hang on. I'm gonna try to break you out of there. Shit. It's solid steel. I can't get through. Amber, can you hear me?

[Daniel]

There has to be some way.

[Regasso]

Blake, you can't run from me. I. Amber, if you could hear me, I'm going after her. I'll be back as soon as I can.

[Amber]

Ah.

[Blake]

Daniel, I think I've fallen into. Daniel, Are you up there? Daniel? Okay. Okay. Where is that glow stick?

[Amber]

Ah.

[Blake]

Come on. Come on, Amber, get up. Okay. Blake, are you down here? Come on, let's do this, H. Let's finish what we started back at the panic room. What do you say, huh? Yeah. Yeah. I know what this place is. It's your Dan, isn't it, Blake? Oh, you want to play? Well, let's go. I'm not afraid of you. Who's there? I hear you. Show yourself.

[Daniel]

The barn looms ahead of me, shrouded in the gloom of twilight. Blake is there already at the door, fiddling with the lock. But as she sees me approach, a look of surprise crosses her face. She abandons whatever she was doing and retreats. Inside the barn. Inside, great stacks of hay bales run from one end of the barn to the other. It's bigger than it looks from the outside, stretching wide in both directions. As I start to walk, I realize there are gaps in the hay bales forming a rudimentary maze. Of course, it wasn't going to be that easy.

[Amber]

Daniel. Daniel, you should turn back. You can't win this fight, Blake.

[Regasso]

You can't keep running forever. We won't stop hunting you, no matter where you go. You know that, don't you?

[Amber]

I don't intend to run forever.

[Regasso]

So come out. I'm ready.

[Amber]

Maybe if your friend gave me my strength back first, we'd have a fair fight.

[Regasso]

Fair? Was it fair when you killed and ate all those innocent people over the years?

[Amber]

Oh, you mean like Jimmy?

[Regasso]

Yeah, like Jimmy.

[Amber]

I have to admit, I'm sorry I picked him now.

[Regasso]

And why's that?

[Amber]

He made a pretty insipid meal, if I'm being honest. Unsatisfying. But that's what you get when you prey on gutter trash, I suppose.

[Regasso]

He was a good man.

[Amber]

No, he was garbage. And he screamed like a pathetic coward at the end. But you know that already, don't you, Daniel? You heard it at the shack in the woods. You heard your friend being butchered alive.

[Daniel]

Yeah, I heard it.

[Amber]

And what did you do, Daniel? You turned and ran, didn't you? Another coward.

[Regasso]

I'm not the one who's running, Blake.

[Amber]

Yeah, you pretend to be the tough guy now, but we both know not other. The thing has changed from that night. Take away that axe of yours and your nothing.

[Regasso]

If you want the axe, how about you come here and take it?

[Amber]

All right, Daniel. Have it your way. Here I come.

[Blake]

Blake. Ragaso. I know you are there. I can hear you moving around. I'm going to find you. And when I get my hands on you, I'll okay this. Forget about them. Just find a way out of here and get back to Daniel. He needs you, Amber. Don't let him down. More glow sticks. That's what we need. Oh, you think a little darkness is gonna slow me down, huh? We'll see about that. Now where? Where are they? Aha. Here. Hey, asshole. You ever hear of these? They're called glow sticks. And they totally fuck with your little lights out party tricks. See this? I just throw a few of these around the place. And no more darkness.

[Tsukistra]

Impressive. One down, one to go. I'm coming, Tsukishtra. Where's Daniel?

[Amber]

He's still in the barn looking for me. I projected my voice and let him astray. Where's the girl? What happened?

[Tsukistra]

I took care of it.

[Amber]

She's in the den. Was it a clean kill?

[Tsukistra]

Yes, it was clean.

[Amber]

Has she bled at all? I told you not to spill a single drop.

[Tsukistra]

It was bloodless. She's whole and intact. Don't worry about her. For now. We need to take care of Daniel.

[Amber]

What? I must get to Amber.

[Tsukistra]

No. You need to stay here and help me with Daniel.

[Amber]

I have to reach her immediately before her body grows cold.

[Tsukistra]

Leave her.

[Amber]

I need my strength, Ragasso. I need to take back what she stole from me.

[Tsukistra]

Help me here and then we'll both go.

[Amber]

All right. Light the oil lanterns.

[Tsukistra]

Here. Take one.

[Amber]

Go to the end of this aisle and smash it. I'll do the same at the other end. That should surround Daniel in flame. He'll never get out alive.

[Tsukistra]

Are you sure there's no other way through?

[Amber]

Hurry, Ragasso. You're wasting time.

[Tsukistra]

All right, let's go.

[Amber]

Yes, Raganso. Go. Do as you're told.

[Tsukistra]

Open the door.

[Amber]

Over here, Ragaso. The slot in the wall.

[Tsukistra]

So, Keistra. What's going on? Let me out.

[Amber]

You should stay inside, Ragaso. Make sure the job is done.

[Tsukistra]

The Nostromo is still in here?

[Amber]

Yes, and in a few minutes the smoke will overcome him. Soon after, he'll be taken by flame.

[Tsukistra]

What if he finds me before that?

[Amber]

Then I suppose you'll die too, old friend. Unless you figure out a way to squeeze through this tiny slot.

[Tsukistra]

You planned this from the beginning, didn't you?

[Amber]

Did I? Surely a smart and powerful wiltid like you wouldn't fall for such a simple trick.

[Tsukistra]

Stop playing games. Why are you doing this?

[Amber]

You want to know why, Ragaso? Alright, I'll tell you. Remember all that time I spent wallowing in despair in my den? It wasn't because of what the Nostromo did to me that made me want to crawl into the arms of oblivion. It Was because of you.

[Regasso]

Me?

[Amber]

Yes. Because of what you've become. You've been given an honor that should rightfully be mine. I realized while I was down there in the darkness that I couldn't let you win at any cost. And so I came up with a plan that would not only take out the Nostromo, but you as well. So now it's your turn to feel despair. I want you to think about that demon coming for you, Ragaso. Think about how it's going to feel when he rips your soul apart from the inside out. I could practically hear your screams in my mind as I lay there in the den, dreaming about that moment. And I can tell you this. It's the only thing that gave me the strength to crawl out of there. I suppose I should thank you for that at least.

[Regasso]

Sukistra.

[Tsukistra]

I trusted you.

[Amber]

Do you still think you're better than me, Ragasso? Do you still think you're more deserving of that beautiful skin?

[Daniel]

You.

[Tsukistra]

I came here to help you. And this is how you thank me? When Mother hears about this?

[Amber]

Mother isn't here to help you now. And you will never kneel before her. You're gonna die like a dog, screaming in pain. Just like you deserve.

[Tsukistra]

Open the door. Or your name will be cursed among the kin for eternity.

[Amber]

You think I care about that? I would rather burn in the fires of damnation than to see you honored before me, Ragasso. Now go. The darkness awaits you.

[Regasso]

Blake. God damn it. What the hell?

[Daniel]

A fire. Alright, I've had enough. Time to get the frick out.

[Regasso]

Hey, Blake. I have an axe with me. Do you really think this place is going to hold me? I can just make an exit right here. In the wall.

[Daniel]

Fuck. The goddamn walls are reinforced with steel. It's like a giant version of the panic room. Come on.

[Regasso]

There has to be.

[Amber]

The 10. Quickly. Sukistra. Keep going. So hungry. So hungry. Where did you leave her, Ragasov? Where is she?

[Blake]

Nice little den you've got here, Blake. I love what you've done with the place.

[Amber]

You. You're not dead.

[Blake]

Oh, no, I am not. Your friend gave me a nice whack on the head. Knocked me senseless. But then he must have left. Lock the exit behind him.

[Amber]

He left you. Oh.

[Blake]

I gather from the look on your face, this wasn't what you expected to find when you came down here, was it?

[Amber]

Ragasso? You treacherous fuck.

[Blake]

Come here, Blake. We have some unfinished business to take care of, don't we?

[Mark R. Healey]

Looking to get out of the ads. And back to the story. Fable and Folly plus is a new way to support the creators. You love. The podcast you're listening to right now and more than 60 others can be heard ad free for as little as $4 a month by visiting fableandfolly.com/plus. And now you'll start to see Fable and Folly. Network shows are offering bonus content to all existing and new supporters. Find exclusive new episodes from shows like Civilized and Realms of Peril and Glory. Fable and Folly. Sign up today at Fable and Folly.com+.

[Regasso]

Hey. Stop right there.

[Tsukistra]

Wait.

[Regasso]

I've got you cornered.

[Tsukistra]

Hold on a minute. I can help you.

[Regasso]

You help me?

[Tsukistra]

Yes. Tsukistra betrayed me. But if we work together, we can stop her.

[Regasso]

Tsukristra. I don't even know who you're talking about.

[Tsukistra]

Tsukistra. Susan Blake.

[Regasso]

I've had enough of your goddamn games.

[Tsukistra]

Your friend is still alive. Amber. I know where she is.

[Regasso]

I don't need your help to find her.

[Tsukistra]

Listen to me. I didn't come to Blackreach to kill you. Either of you. Mother wants Amber taken alive, to be brought before her intact. That was my mission. I swear it.

[Regasso]

Whose mother?

[Tsukistra]

She's the Blood Monarch. The ruler of our kin.

[Regasso]

What does she want with Amber? I don't know.

[Tsukistra]

I wasn't told. Now that isn't important now. We have to get out of here. Once we do, I'll tell you everything. If you can boost me up, I may be able to climb to the roof and.

[Regasso]

No deal. Regasso. You're not leaving here alive.

[Tsukistra]

Then you'll die too.

[Regasso]

If that's the way it goes down, so be it.

[Tsukistra]

Get out of my way. What's the matter? Are you surprised I'm not hurt by that little paper cut you gave me on the arm? I am wilted. I don't go down as easily as the others you faced. Yes. That hurts, doesn't it?

[Regasso]

This ax has killed one of your kind before. You wilted. The emissary put it right into her chest. I bet if I get one good shot right there where your heart should be, that'll do it. Am I right? Rosso?

[Tsukistra]

You can't kill me. I'm one of Mother's chosen.

[Regasso]

I.

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Regasso]

Thought so. Okay, I need to get the hell out of here. Come on, Daniel. Find a weak spot or something. There has to be a way out somewhere. There has to. No. It's not gonna end like this.

[Blake]

Daniel. Where are you?

[Regasso]

Amber. Here.

[Blake]

Oh, thank God. Come on. I've got you. Over this way. The door is right here.

[Regasso]

Carefully. Blake's out there somewhere.

[Blake]

You don't have to worry about her. She is dusted. Ragasso, on the other hand.

[Regasso]

No, he's down. I took him out.

[Blake]

You did? We did it. Somehow. After all that, we got them both. Okay, sit down on the grass here. It's okay. We're clear. Take a breath.

[Regasso]

Yeah, I'm okay.

[Blake]

No, seriously. Take as much time as you need. It's just you and me now. Black Ridge, as of this moment, is officially shadow free. Are you sure you're feeling okay, Daniel? We can rest a bit longer if you like.

[Daniel]

I'm good. Although I think I might have choked up half along back there.

[Blake]

You inhaled a lot of smoke, that's for sure. Wash up here at the sink. Come on.

[Daniel]

Good thing you came along when you did. Another couple of minutes not have been done for. I owe you one, Amber.

[Blake]

You don't owe me a thing.

[Daniel]

What about you? How's your head?

[Blake]

That bastard Ragaso gave me a good whack. But to be honest, I feel better now than I did before. The sickness is gone.

[Daniel]

That's how you knew the shadows were dead.

[Blake]

Yeah. On my way to the barn, I had this intense feeling of relief. Like a weight lifting off my shoulders. It was the same feeling I got when we took down Schilling back in Clifford Springs. Up until that moment, I wasn't sure if you were still alive or not. But that gave me hope.

[Daniel]

Ragaso wasn't easy to kill. The accident affect him? The first couple of times I landed blows.

[Blake]

What?

[Daniel]

How come Ragaso was bragging about it? Something to do with him being wilted. Like he's stronger than a normal shadow. Harder to take down.

[Blake]

So how did you kill him?

[Daniel]

I had to land a strike right in the middle of his chest. It seems to be the place where the conduit is most effective against wilted.

[Blake]

How did the two of you end up locked in that barn in the first place?

[Daniel]

I screwed up. Blake managed to trick me and I ended up going in circles. While I was trying to chase her down. She must have slipped out the back. From what I can piece together, I think Ragazzo came inside to light the fire and Blake locked him in there with me.

[Blake]

She double crossed him.

[Daniel]

He was cursing her name. So yeah, that seems likely.

[Blake]

Well, these fucking shadows really don't get on with each other, do they? You won't believe it, but it seems like Rogaso lied to Blake too.

[Daniel]

He did?

[Blake]

Yeah. Blake was surprised to find me alive down in that den of hers. Her deal with Ragasso must have been for him to kill me, then leave me there so she could come and consume my body, regain her strength. She practically shit her pants when I came at her. Still very much alive. What I can't figure out is why didn't he just kill me when he had the chance?

[Daniel]

I think I can answer that. When I cornered him inside the barn, Rogasso tried to negotiate. Assured me that you were still alive. He said his entire reason for coming to Black Ridge was to capture you.

[Blake]

Capture me? Why?

[Daniel]

He said someone called Mother wanted you brought before her intact.

[Blake]

Mother?

[Daniel]

He called her a Blood Monarch. A ruler of the kin.

[Blake]

Yeah, I'm not sure what any of that means.

[Daniel]

I can probably take a guess, but yeah. Maybe we have to go back to the Compendium and see if we can make sense of it.

[Blake]

Well, it would help if the Shadows didn't talk and riddle so much. Getting secrets out of them is like pulling teeth.

[Daniel]

There's still something important we can take out of what he said. They have an agenda. Plans in store for you. It seems they want you alive.

[Blake]

Well, in that case, I guess this won't be the last time we'll hear about this Blood Monarch.

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Blake]

Oh. Do you think that's why they separated us when we first entered the farmhouse? So they could capture me and kill you?

[Daniel]

No. I think that's because they know we're stronger when we're together. Divide and conquer.

[Blake]

That's true. My power definitely seems diluted against the wilted. They obviously knew they had a favorable matchup. Putting me against Ragaso.

[Daniel]

Personally, I'd rather face up against the run of the mill Shadows like Blake. These wilted are a different beast altogether.

[Blake]

Sure. But that's not what's worrying me the most about this whole thing.

[Daniel]

What is it?

[Blake]

Well, this is a pretty sobering thought. If those two hadn't stabbed each other in the back, if they hadn't betrayed each other, they would have beaten us tonight. Simple as that.

[Daniel]

Maybe that's our advantage, Amber. We look out for each other. These Shadows with all their infighting and deception, well, it only makes them weaker. As long as it stays that way, we'll continue to have the edge on them. Maybe in the next town we can learn from our mistakes.

[Blake]

The next town? Yeah. We need to do a lot better, don't we? Otherwise we're going to get ourselves killed.

[Daniel]

As long as we stick together, they can't stop us. Amber, I really believe that.

[Blake]

I'm with you, Daniel. Right to the end.

[Daniel]

Nothing will ever come between us, Amber. I promise.

[Blake]

Yeah, that's sweet and all, but damn. You really need a shower, mister.

[Daniel]

It's on my to do list. But right now, there's something a bit more pressing.

[Blake]

What's that?

[Daniel]

After we're done searching the farmhouse, I think I'd like to go back to town, back to Black Ridge and help out. The fires are still raging and there are going to be a lot of people without homes, a lot of tired firefighters. I'm sure they could use an extra set of hands.

[Blake]

Yeah, come in. I'd love to help.

[Daniel]

And then after that. Yeah, let's go hunt a blood monarch.

[Narrator]

Hey, listeners, this is Mark R. Healey here to let you know that you've reached the end of the Rotor Shadows Season 3. Thanks to my cast for doing such an amazing job this season. Hamish Plajamarz as Daniel and Marta Da Silva as Amber, Liz Mori as Dragisa, Maria Damianu as Susan Blake and Simon Allison as Regasso. Eden Solomon as Nancy, Xander Grant as Cordell, Sian Luxford as Maddie and Terence Addison as Toby. For those wondering, yes, I do have plenty more planned for the Road to Shadows. There really is a lot of lore to get into and I think you'll find there are also plenty of surprises along the way. So I hope you stick with me. As I've said many times before, this show is written, produced and directed by just one person. Me. Mark R. Healey. And I also fund the show with my own money. With that being the case, I'm largely dependent upon the community to help pay the bills, which really do add up in a full cast audio drama like this. Head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark if you'd like to help ensure that the Road of Shadows comes back for season four. Thanks for listening and bye for now.

[Mark R. Healey]

The Fable and Folly Network, where fiction producers flourish.

[H]

It's the last days of summer, 1920. Do you know where your children are? They should be playing outside. Come on, Chelsea.

[Amber]

Beema says we're not allowed to go to this house.

[Blake]

We're not even supposed to be on.

[H]

The side of town doing their chores.

[Regasso]

Why aren't these chicken coops clean?

[Blake]

Please, Father. I'll be good.

[Regasso]

Oh, God.

[H]

Obeying their parents.

[Amber]

You look me right in the eyes and tell me you didn't steal this bike.

[Regasso]

Ma, no. I've been helping Mr. Diamond. All right.

[Amber]

Lord, don't tell me my son is working at his speak. Easy.

[H]

Exploring their feelings.

[Mark R. Healey]

Let's go over to the apple tree.

[Tsukistra]

Gosh.

[Blake]

Okay.

[H]

But unfortunately for these young fools. The neighborhood bully has other plans. Tonight you are going to meet me.

[Blake]

Out in front of the old Barnaker House. Howling House?

[H]

Why? Now a boy scout, a tag along, a doormat, and a delinquent will dare to spend the night in the most haunted estate in Arkham. Will they survive to see the sunrise? Or will they succumb to the hunger of Howling House? Your boy needs to die tonight.

[Blake]

What is that thing, Fred?

[Mark R. Healey]

Is this the witch's library?

[Regasso]

I'm gonna kill you. Not tonight.

[Amber]

Roger, make him stop.

[Regasso]

No.

[Daniel]

You.

[Regasso]

You watch.

[Amber]

Run away, little ones. So hungry.

[H]

Listen to the Call of Cthulhu Mystery programs.

[Tsukistra]

Award winning season night at Howling House.

[H]

The complete story.

[Amber]

Available everywhere.

[H]

You listen to podcasts and@cthulhu mystery.com.

[Amber]

All the.

[Tsukistra]

All the outs and free.

[Regasso]

All the outs and free.