Episode 4.10 - Carry the Fire

Summary

The Road of Shadows

Podcast: The Road of Shadows
Host: Mark R. Healy
Episode: 4.10 - Carry the Fire
Release Date: October 14, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this pivotal episode, Daniel Knox and Amber venture deeper into the enigmatic and sinister woods near Oakwood, on a determined mission to find Greystone mansion—the lair of the powerful Shadow known as Argus. As their search intertwines with psychic visions, psychological tension, and unexpected alliances, the episode probes the boundaries of trust, fear, and resilience. The narrative escalates as Roderick rejoins the group, sharing a haunting story of his own encounter with Argus, setting the stage for a daunting confrontation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting Out: The Search for Greystone

• Location: Begins at the bridge, described as the threshold to their journey.
• Amber attempts to use her growing extrasensory abilities to guide them toward Greystone, seeking to contact Argus through her mind.
• Daniel repeatedly expresses concern for Amber’s safety, highlighting the dangers of psychic contact with Shadows:
  • “Exposing yourself to the shadow like this. We have no idea what could happen.” (04:09, Daniel)

2. Amber’s Psychic Journey & Its Toll

• Amber struggles with headaches—a side effect of her attempts to tap into visions and locate the mansion.
• She describes feeling a "pull" toward a direction in the woods and recalls encountering the mysterious woman with long hair.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “I saw the woods in my mind just now. And despite this damn throbbing in my skull, I sense something. We need to go through there.” (05:32, Amber)
• Discussion surfaces about whether Amber’s motivations are clouded by her missing sister Jenny, or if she remains focused on hunting the Shadow.

3. Discovery in the Woods: Echoes of the Past

• The group encounters an ancient tractor covered in vines, a landmark Amber recognizes from her visions.
• Significant Quote:
  • “No, in my mind, during my visions of the woods. It was only vague...But no, this is it. The shape is exactly the same as what I saw.” (08:34, Amber)
• This discovery is both a literal and symbolic marker—they’re on the right track toward Greystone.

4. Tensions and Parallels

• Daniel draws uncomfortable parallels between Amber’s mental state and that of Christina, whose diary documented similar visions before her disappearance.
• Amber challenges Daniel’s trust:
  • “Do you trust me, Daniel? Because if you don’t, we might as well just go our separate ways right now.”—(13:55, Amber)
• Daniel’s response: "Yes, I trust you." (14:14, Daniel)
• This exchange underscores the emotional and psychological stakes of their mission.

5. Unexpected Reunion: Roderick’s Return

• Roderick surprises Amber and Daniel in the woods, revealing a change of heart after reflecting on his previous hesitation.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Hearing the two of you speak with such conviction, it made me realize that I’ve lost my edge. And that is, well, something I deeply regret.” (15:40, Roderick)
• He brings with him a short sword—a conduit weapon ‘soaked in the blood of a shadow’—and offers to guide them, claiming prior knowledge of Greystone.

6. Roderick’s Revelations: The 1951 Encounter

• Roderick recounts his first visit to Greystone in 1951, led by a Hollow skin, initially mistaking them for the Shadow.
  • “I was guided there by a holoskin.” (22:06, Roderick)
• He describes the mansion’s underground tunnels, which serve as lairs for Argus’s minions.
• Chilling Description:
  • “By the time we reached Greystone, I could sense the presence of a shadow very keenly... I proceeded with a great deal more caution inside the house. It didn’t take long to find a staircase leading downward... I had reached the shadow’s lair.” (22:34–23:09, Roderick)
• Roderick was overpowered by Argus’s mind, driven to his knees with psychic force, and barely escaped.
  • “His mind was like a sledgehammer pounding against me, stripping me of my will.” (25:04, Roderick)
• He suspects Argus may have allowed his escape deliberately, to spread fear among other Nostromo.

7. Reflection, Fear, and Resolve

• Roderick admits his true reason for discouraging the group was fear, not just concern.
  • “Yes, I am afraid of him. I can’t deny it...fear is indeed the driving force behind my actions.” (27:12, Roderick)
• Amber and Daniel reaffirm their determination to confront Argus, even as they recognize his manipulative reach.
  • Amber’s defiance: “Well, that’s too fucking bad, because we are bringing it to him now, whether he wants it or not.” (28:06, Amber)

8. Approaching the Finale

• The trio prepares to finally approach Greystone, with Roderick leading the way.
• The episode closes on a note of unity and determination amidst looming danger:
  • “The time has come for us to confront the darkness. And this time, I for one, intend to see it through to the bitter end.” (28:17, Roderick)

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “I just think this could be dangerous for you. Exposing yourself to the shadow like this.”
  —Daniel (04:09)
• “My motivation is to kill a fucking shadow, Daniel. Nothing more, nothing less.”
  —Amber (06:40)
• “You carry the fire within you.”
  —Roderick (16:33)
• “His mind was like a sledgehammer pounding against me, stripping me of my will.”
  —Roderick (25:04)
• “You better believe it. Well, you best gather every ounce of courage you have at your disposal, my friends.”
  —Daniel and Roderick (28:15, 28:17)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:35 – Episode opens, characters begin at the bridge
• 02:51 – Amber explains her process of reaching out psychically
• 05:31 – Amber receives a vision, guides the group through tall grass
• 08:01 – Discovery of the old tractor
• 13:12 – Daniel draws parallel between Amber and Christina
• 15:00 – Roderick surprises Amber and Daniel in the woods
• 16:39 – Roderick commits to rejoining the mission
• 21:01 – Roderick recounts his 1951 experience at Greystone
• 25:04 – Description of Argus’s psychic attack
• 27:12 – Roderick’s admission of fear
• 28:17 – The group approaches Greystone, ready to confront Argus

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Tone & Language

The tone throughout the episode is tense, atmospheric, and emotionally charged, marked by moments of dry humor, vulnerability, and gritty resolve. The dialogue is straightforward and colloquial, punctuated with moments of intensity and sincerity, particularly as the trio confronts their fears and resolve.

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Summary

Episode 4.10: Carry the Fire is a suspenseful and emotionally driven installment, where Daniel, Amber, and a newly invigorated Roderick face both internal and external threats on their journey to confront Argus at Greystone. Through tense dialogue, haunting recollections, and psychic struggle, the group’s cohesion is tested, but ultimately solidified as they prepare to confront darkness—together.

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Transcript

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[Roderick]

The road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production Season 4 Episode 10 Carry the Fire.

[Amber]

Okay, so here we are. The bridge. I guess this is where it all starts.

[Daniel]

Are you sure you're up to this? Amber, if you think you need more time.

[Amber]

No, no, I'm fine. I'm ready.

[Daniel]

It's not too late to back out.

[Amber]

Look, the odds are that we're not even gonna find anything today. This is just a first attempt. I don't even know if I can pull this off. So let's just give it a try and see what happens, okay?

[Daniel]

What do you need me to do?

[Amber]

Nothing. I just need somewhere quiet. And let's move over here, away from the highway.

[Daniel]

How does this whole thing work anyway? What's the process?

[Amber]

Well, I figure I'm just going to try reaching out in my mind like I did before and hope that I can see the house in the woods again.

[Daniel]

Greystone.

[Amber]

Right. Greystone. With any luck, I'll be able to, I don't know exactly feel my way there, I guess home in on it somehow.

[Daniel]

Sounds vague.

[Amber]

Yeah, well, I'm just trying to figure this shit out as I go.

[Daniel]

Maybe we should look through the resources at the library one more time. Maybe we missed something.

[Amber]

Daniel, we've turned that place upside down.

[Daniel]

Are you sure of that?

[Amber]

Usually it's me who's making up excuses to head to the library. Why are you so fond of it all of a sudden?

[Daniel]

I'm not certain that coming out here is the right thing to do.

[Amber]

What's the matter? You afraid of a little fresh air?

[Daniel]

No, but come on.

[Amber]

Tell me.

[Daniel]

I just think this could be dangerous for you. Exposing yourself to the shadow like this. We have no idea what could happen.

[Amber]

This isn't the first time I've tried reaching out to Argus.

[Daniel]

Yeah, but this feels a lot more direct, more confrontational.

[Amber]

I'm just probing out there into the woods with my mind. I am not in any danger.

[Daniel]

But this ARGUS guy. We can't take this fucker lightly.

[Amber]

We've taken down plenty of shadows before now. Daniel, he's different.

[Daniel]

You know that as well as I do.

[Amber]

Are you worried that he's going to screw with my mind somehow?

[Daniel]

Of course I am. Look at what he's already done to the people in this community. He's affected just about everyone who lives and breathes within the Oakwood town limits.

[Amber]

He won't get to me. Daniel. I'll be fine. Now give me some space so I can do my thing.

[Daniel]

Okay. Whatever you say.

[Amber]

All right. Let me just close my eyes here and think. The bridge. The woods.

[Daniel]

Amber. You okay?

[Amber]

Yeah, I.

[Daniel]

Ow.

[Amber]

Okay, that kills the headache.

[Daniel]

Again.

[Amber]

Yep. Seems to be a quaint little side effect of reaching out with my thoughts. Oh, God.

[Daniel]

Pounds, why don't you sit down?

[Amber]

No, no, no. It's okay. Let me. Let me walk it off. Let's go that way.

[Daniel]

Why this way?

[Amber]

I saw the woods in my mind just now. And despite this damn throbbing in my skull, I sense something. We need to go through there.

[Daniel]

Through the tall grass?

[Amber]

Yeah, that's. That's the way. Huh. I remember this spot.

[Daniel]

The tall grass. What about it?

[Amber]

This is where I. Yeah. This is where I saw the woman with long hair the last time we visited the bridge.

[Daniel]

Christina? Is that who you think it was?

[Amber]

That's why she seemed so familiar to me. Because there was something about her that reminded me of Jenny.

[Daniel]

We're not gonna start that again, are we?

[Amber]

If you're going to imply that I'm imagining things, then I guess not.

[Daniel]

Look, I don't want to insult you or anything, but I'm concerned about your expectations here.

[Amber]

My expectations?

[Daniel]

I'm worried about what you think we're going to find. Is it her you're looking for in these woods or the shadow you already.

[Amber]

Know the answer to that, Amber.

[Daniel]

If your motivation for heading into the woods is to find Jenny.

[Amber]

My motivation is to kill a fucking shadow, Daniel. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Daniel]

So you don't believe she's here?

[Amber]

At this point, I don't know what to believe. I'm keeping an open mind to things, that's all.

[Daniel]

Yeah. Okay.

[Amber]

Are we good, Daniel?

[Daniel]

We're good.

[Amber]

Good. Come on. It's this way. Follow me.

[Daniel]

Are we getting close, sir?

[Amber]

Wish I could tell you for sure. I'm just going on gut instinct here.

[Daniel]

What does your gut tell you?

[Amber]

Yeah, it can't be too far away.

[Daniel]

I can't quite put my finger on it, but something doesn't feel right here. It's somehow unnatural.

[Amber]

No, I get it. I feel it, too. There's like a presence that settled over the woods, right? Something tangible.

[Daniel]

I guess that aspect of it, as much as anything, tells me we're on the right track.

[Amber]

Fingers crossed. Hey, what's that over there?

[Daniel]

I'm not sure. Let's check it out.

[Amber]

What is this? A tractor?

[Daniel]

Yeah, I think you're right. It's almost unrecognizable, though, under all of these vines.

[Amber]

Looks ancient, like something they'd have used back in the 20s or 30s. What the hell is it doing here in the middle of the woods?

[Daniel]

Beats me. There's no farmland around here, that's for sure.

[Amber]

And no roads or even a path.

[Daniel]

Yeah. Strange.

[Amber]

Oh, wait a second. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I think I've seen this before.

[Daniel]

The tractor?

[Amber]

Mm.

[Daniel]

In an old newspaper clipping at the library?

[Amber]

No, in my mind, during my visions of the woods. It was only vague, and. And before now, I thought it must have been some kind of rock formation or maybe a mound of dirt. But no, this is it. The shape is exactly the same as what I saw.

[Daniel]

So what's the significance? Does it mean we're on the right track?

[Amber]

I think so. Yeah.

[Daniel]

What's the matter? You've got a weird expression on your face.

[Amber]

Yeah, I was just thinking about the vision again. There was a. A man standing nearby.

[Daniel]

Argus?

[Amber]

No, not him. It was a man in a straw hat with a pitchfork.

[Daniel]

Someone we need to be worried about?

[Amber]

No, he seemed, well, innocent to me. Someone who was just an observer.

[Daniel]

A local. Maybe he knows something.

[Amber]

No. I get the impression he's long gone from these parts, like. Like a distant memory.

[Daniel]

Maybe he lived here once, a long time ago. It's possible that when Argus took up residence at Greystone, he forced all of his neighbors to leave so that he could have more Privacy.

[Roderick]

Yeah.

[Amber]

Yeah, maybe that's it. The guy might have been a farmer back in the old days.

[Daniel]

Could there have been crops here once? That would explain the presence of the tractor.

[Amber]

I guess it's possible. But either way, it's probably not important to us. We should keep moving.

[Daniel]

Hold up for a second, Amber. Is there anything else you need to tell me about?

[Amber]

Like what?

[Daniel]

Well, about any more visions, for example.

[Amber]

Oh, that. No, no, there's nothing else. To be honest, I only just thought of the man after seeing the tractor here. It kind of brought back the memory.

[Daniel]

Okay. Well, if there's anything else that comes.

[Amber]

To mind, I'll be sure to let you know. Come on, let's keep going over here. Wait up. Again. Daniel, I think. I think I need to take a minute.

[Daniel]

Is everything okay?

[Amber]

I just don't feel the pull as strongly in this direction. I think we might be going the wrong way.

[Roderick]

We're lost.

[Amber]

I didn't say that. This is just a slight course correction.

[Daniel]

Okay? Take as long as you need.

[Amber]

I'm just gonna close my eyes and reach out again. See what's out there. Okay.

[Daniel]

Here, I'll hold you steady.

[Amber]

Thanks. Okay.

[Roderick]

Here goes. Oh.

[Daniel]

What's the matter?

[Amber]

My head again.

[Daniel]

It hurts?

[Amber]

Yeah. Yeah, it kills. Just give me a second.

[Daniel]

I've got you.

[Amber]

Oh, thanks. I'm okay. And on the plus side, I just saw the house. Oh, God. Greystone. It's coming through strong.

[Daniel]

Really? Does that mean we're close?

[Amber]

I can't say for sure, but I guess so. There was something else, too. Something beneath the mansion.

[Daniel]

A den?

[Amber]

No. No, it was. It was a light of some kind. Like the glow of a lamp.

[Daniel]

Sounds weird.

[Amber]

Yeah. And it was almost. Well, it's hard to explain, but it was almost welcoming.

[Daniel]

Welcoming? In that place?

[Amber]

Yeah. Odd, right?

[Daniel]

That's one way to put it.

[Amber]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Daniel]

Nothing.

[Amber]

No, there's something bothering you, isn't there?

[Daniel]

Forget about it.

[Amber]

Come on, Daniel. Let's hear it.

[Daniel]

I think maybe we should take a break from this whole reaching out with your mind thing. For the time being, I'm a little concerned.

[Amber]

About what?

[Daniel]

The headaches, for one. This whole thing is obviously taking a lot out of you. I'm worried you might be doing harm by subjecting yourself to it over and over again.

[Amber]

Daniel, I can look after myself, okay? I'll know when it's time to pull back.

[Daniel]

Sure. That's fine. But then there's the other thing.

[Amber]

What other thing?

[Daniel]

Don't you see the parallels here, Amber, between you and Christina?

[Amber]

Parallels? What are you talking about? Daniel, think of the diary.

[Daniel]

Christina was seeing visions just like you. The bridge, the woods, and the house. And not long after that, she walked out of her room and never came back. She fell into the grip of the shadow.

[Amber]

Yeah. I've been waiting for this. You think I'm losing my mind, don't you? Just like Rodrick said I was.

[Daniel]

I don't care what Roderick said.

[Amber]

Do you think I'm turning into a goddamn hollow skin or something? Is that it?

[Daniel]

Honestly, I'm not sure what to think. All I know is that you're not acting like yourself lately. First the thing with Jenny, and now suggesting that Greystone is welcoming. Just listen to yourself, Amber.

[Amber]

Argus is not going to get to me, Daniel. I promise you that. He is not going to take over my mind.

[Daniel]

You may not have a choice about that.

[Amber]

Look, this whole thing boils down to one simple question. Do you trust me or not? Do you trust me, Daniel? Because if you don't, we might as well just go our separate ways right now.

[Daniel]

Yes, I trust you.

[Amber]

Good. And I trust you. In the end, that is all that matters.

[Daniel]

I still think it might be a good idea to slow down for a second. Take stock of the.

[Amber]

What the. Did you hear that?

[Roderick]

Yeah.

[Daniel]

We're not alone.

[Amber]

Is it human? An animal?

[Daniel]

It might be neither.

[Amber]

Grab your axe. I've got the.22.

[Daniel]

Keep an eye out. If the holoskins are here, they might try to spring us from behind.

[Amber]

I think I see something.

[Daniel]

Get ready.

[Roderick]

Well, well, well. Aren't you to a sight for sore eyes. What's the matter? You lost?

[Amber]

Ah. God damn it.

[Daniel]

Roderick. What the fuck?

[Roderick]

Sorry. Did I startle you?

[Amber]

What do you think? Sneaking up on us like that.

[Roderick]

I wasn't sneaking.

[Daniel]

You could have called out.

[Roderick]

It's not the best idea to draw attention to oneself, none these woods. But in any case, I apologize for the intrusion.

[Amber]

What are you doing here, Rodrick? I thought you wanted no part of this whole thing.

[Roderick]

Well, that's a valid point. And up until a few hours ago, I had no intention of coming at all. But something changed.

[Daniel]

Which was?

[Roderick]

Our conversation last night gave me considerable food for thought, I must admit. In fact, I spent most of the night going over it again and again in my mind. And by the time dawn broke, I was forced to confront the truth that I've become far too passive. Hearing the two of you speak with such conviction, it made me realize that I've lost my edge. And that is, well, something I deeply regret.

[Amber]

So you changed your mind about Argus?

[Roderick]

Ah, I wish you'd known me back in the day. I was fearless. There was nothing that could stand in my way. I see that same belief now in the two of you. The way you carry the fire within you. And that made me realize how much I missed it.

[Amber]

Is that why you came?

[Daniel]

Yes.

[Roderick]

What I. What I really need is. Well, I. I need to get back in the game. And, of course, there are other reasons. You were right about Argus. We simply can't leave him to continue on his wicked way. We? We must free the town of Oakwood from his demonic grip.

[Daniel]

You'll help us, then? Yes.

[Roderick]

In any way I can. If you'll have me.

[Amber]

No offense, Rodrik, but are you sure you're up to this?

[Roderick]

Well, I suppose there's only one way to find out.

[Amber]

Well, three Nostromo are better than two, believe me.

[Roderick]

I'd like to have 20 of us here, but, yes, three will have to do.

[Daniel]

Can you fight?

[Roderick]

I need to blow off a few cobwebs, no doubt. But I'm sure it will all come back to me in the heat of battle.

[Amber]

Oh, shit. You have a sword.

[Roderick]

A short sword, technically. I put an end to many a shadow with this trusty friend over the years, I'll tell you that.

[Daniel]

It's a conduit.

[Roderick]

Yes. Soaked in the blood of a shadow named Darshan. I felt him in the streets of London over a hundred years ago, late one night as the mist swirled around us. Certainly an upgrade from the chipped and battered old conduit I've been using previously. But that is a story for another time.

[Amber]

I'd love to hear it.

[Roderick]

Indeed. Now, forgive me if this sounds presumptuous, my friends, but I gather you're having a difficult time trying to locate the mansion Greystone.

[Amber]

Well, we don't exactly have a treasure map to guide us. Every step of the way, we've been.

[Daniel]

Relying on Amber's visions to guide us. But she's pretty new to this kind of thing. We're just feeling our way, to be honest.

[Roderick]

Well, I believe I can be of assistance here. First, you have to turn that way. You're heading in the wrong direction.

[Amber]

Wait, you know how to get there?

[Roderick]

Yes, of course I do.

[Daniel]

How?

[Roderick]

Because this is not the first time I visited Greystone. In fact, I know the place better than I'd like to admit.

[Amber]

I'm sorry, What? When were you here?

[Roderick]

Some time ago now, actually.

[Daniel]

Care to fill us in? I mean, since you're no longer trying to stop us going through with this thing. There's no reason to withhold information anymore, right?

[Roderick]

Yes, yes, I'll tell you. But we really should start moving. Will want to carry out our mission before the light fades if possible. Right this way. Gather up your things and come with me.

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[Roderick]

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[Roderick]

Well, it wasn't my proudest moment, I have to admit. Although it did prove to be a valuable learning experience.

[Amber]

How so?

[Roderick]

Let me go back to the start so that I can explain it all. The year was 1952. No, no. 51, I think. I'd been traveling across the country to New York to catch up with an old friend who had just journeyed across the Atlantic. I happened to stop here in Oakwood to refuel my car. Just a routine stop. But as I prepared to leave, I sensed something strange.

[Amber]

Strange how?

[Roderick]

I knew that something was different here in Oakwood. Through all of my years of encountering night devils, I'd never experienced anything quite like it. I had to know more, so I ended up staying a few days to investigate.

[Daniel]

Was that something you did a lot? Going from town to town hunting shadows?

[Roderick]

Not in the same way that you and Amber do Know. My senses are not as finely tuned as yours, and generally, it's much harder for me to track them down.

[Amber]

So how did you find Greystone?

[Roderick]

I was guided there by a holoskin.

[Amber]

You were led there voluntarily?

[Roderick]

It's slightly more complicated than that. You see, back in 51, I had no idea that Hollow skins even existed. I'd never encountered them before. And so when I saw a woman watching me in town, acting strangely, I assumed that she herself was the Shadow. I began to follow her.

[Daniel]

Let me guess. You went past the bridge, through the.

[Roderick]

Woods, and then to the mansion. Yes. By the time we reached Greystone, I could sense the presence of a shadow very keenly, and I had no reason to believe that my assumptions about her were wrong.

[Amber]

What happened when you got there?

[Roderick]

By this time, I was running, trying to catch her, but she proved to be surprisingly swift. She disappeared inside the front door, and wary of traps, I slowed my pace accordingly. I proceeded with a great deal more caution inside the house. It didn't take long to find a staircase leading downward underground. And I knew that I had reached the shadow's lair.

[Amber]

I. I saw something underground in one of my visions. A light.

[Roderick]

Light? No. No, I think not. Amber. It's a dark place that. Like the pits of hell. And the tunnels are numerous, twisting and elaborate.

[Daniel]

He has a whole tunnel system down there.

[Amber]

What are the tunnels used for?

[Roderick]

I'm sure he has many dark purposes. Storerooms or torture chambers. But as far as I can tell, it mainly serves as an abode for his Hollow skins.

[Daniel]

So the place is literally crawling with those poor souls.

[Roderick]

Hmm. A comforting thought, isn't it?

[Amber]

What happened when you went down there, Rodrik?

[Roderick]

Somehow, I managed to find a way to the main chamber. And that was when I realized the woman was not the Shadow after all. That's when I saw him.

[Daniel]

Argus?

[Roderick]

Yes. He'd fashioned himself a throne of sorts. An ornate wooden chair with thick armrests and a high back. He sat languidly as I approached, smirking at me, unconcerned by my sword, or even that a Nostromo was in his presence. The others were there, you see. Standing in the gloom. His hollow skins.

[Amber]

They attacked you?

[Roderick]

This is where the true humiliation of my story is revealed, I'm sorry to say. No. The holoskins stood ready in case they were needed. But as it turns out, Argus only needed one thing to defeat me. His mind.

[Amber]

I don't understand.

[Roderick]

Argus's mental capabilities have developed far beyond that of any normal shadow, as I'm sure you might have realized by now. But as I stood there that day, I had no idea that was the case. I advanced on him, and Argus simply Swept me off my feet. Drove me to my knees with nothing more than a thought. At that proximity, his mind was like a sledgehammer pounding against me, stripping me of my will.

[Amber]

Holy shit.

[Daniel]

How did you get out of that there?

[Roderick]

Luck, I suppose. As his minions advanced upon me, I managed to free my hand and bring it to my side. Back in the day, I used to carry a pistol. I'd been experimenting with bullets dipped in shadow blood to see if they might have any effect as a conduit. Although I wasn't able to draw the pistol, I did manage to discharge around while it sat in its holster, and the sound was deafening. But it seemed to surprise Argus, for his hold on me was broken. Just for a split second, mind you. But that was all I needed, to stumble backward and clamber to my feet. I ran for my life through the darkened tunnels with those demons close on my heels, then through the forest and to safety, hearing their howls of rage as they chased me. I'll never forget it for as long as I live.

[Amber]

Damn, that sounds like a close call.

[Roderick]

One of the closest I've had over the years, to be sure. Sometimes I wonder if my escape that day was not luck after all, but Argus own bidding.

[Daniel]

You're suggesting he let you go on purpose?

[Roderick]

I don't know for certain. Maybe he wanted me to spread my tale among other Nostromo, just as I'm doing right now, in order to discourage any further attempts to disturb his sentry.

[Amber]

If that was his purpose, then I have to say he succeeded. After all, you've just spent the last few days trying to dissuade us from coming here.

[Roderick]

Maybe that's it. Maybe I'm nothing more than a plaything for Argus, to be brought out and manipulated whenever he sees fit.

[Amber]

I get the feeling that bastard is manipulating all of us in one way or another.

[Daniel]

You gave us a whole bunch of reasons why we shouldn't come here, Roderick. But I think I finally understand the real reason.

[Roderick]

Yes, I am afraid of him. I can't deny it. Those other reasons are certainly legitimate. But fear is indeed the driving force behind my actions. I'm sorry. I should have admitted that before now.

[Amber]

Look, it took a while, but you came back to face up to it. Eventually, at least.

[Roderick]

I only hope that I'm not inadvertently leading you to your doom.

[Amber]

I don't know if it's true that Argus is trying to lure us to him, though it sure doesn't seem that way to me. In fact, whenever I reach out with my mind, he tells me I should stay away.

[Roderick]

Perhaps he sees you and Daniel together as a much greater threat than I was on my own.

[Daniel]

Do you think it's possible that he's afraid of us?

[Roderick]

I don't believe Argus fears anyone. But he certainly must understand that this fight will be more of a challenge. For that reason, he may have chosen to avoid conflict.

[Amber]

Well, that's too fucking bad, because we are bringing it to him now, whether he wants it or not.

[Roderick]

A determined pair, you two, aren't you?

[Daniel]

You better believe it.

[Roderick]

Well, you best gather every ounce of courage you have at your disposal, my friends. Here on the other side of this clearing, you'll see with your own eyes, Greystone. The time has come for us to confront the darkness. And this time, I for one, intend to see it through to the bitter end. The Road of Shadows is created by Mark R. Healy. Want to hear more stories just like this one? Head over to Patreon to hear other audio productions by Mark R. Healy. There you'll also find lots of bonus content, free stuff and ad free episodes that you can hear a week early. All of that and more is available now at patreon.com BeyondTheDark. You can also hear more at the roadofshadows.com the Road of Shadows Season 4 stars Hamish Pledgemas Marta De Silva, Liz Morey Joseph Tweedau, Chloe Elmore, Larry o', Blander, Sian Luxford Cameron Alexis, Thomas Barker and Alejandro Pedrosa. The Road of Shadows is a beyond the dark production.

[Amber]

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[Roderick]

Darren Wint is charged with 20 counts, including those for the murder of Amy Savas, Philip Savopoulos and Vera figueroa.

[Amber]

Now in 22 hours a second look, the fourth season of our award winning podcast, American Nightmares. I'm returning to revisit that unforgettable case experience, new interviews, unseen perspectives and one of the Savopolis surviving daughters, Abigail. Speaking for the first time since the tragedy, you try and come up with. Oh, it could be anything else. Not the worst case scenario. Search American Nightmares wherever you get your podcasts.