Episode 4.9 - Becoming

Summary

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The Road of Shadows

Episode 4.9 - "Becoming"

Host/Creator: Mark R. Healy
Date: September 30, 2025

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Episode Overview

Set in 1984, Daniel Knox continues his desperate journey to evade the enigmatic creatures known as the “Shadows,” able to hide as everyday people but visible in their true form only to him. In this episode, Daniel—now joined by determined fellow traveler Amber—pushes deeper into the mysteries of the Shadows as they intersect with the fates of other inhabitants and new threats in the remote mountain town of Oakwood. Key revelations emerge about the true nature of Shadows, their servants (hollow skins), and the dangerous entanglement of the main characters as the supernatural war escalates. This chapter explores themes of trust, manipulation, fractured reality, and the costs of devotion to a dangerous cause.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Developments

1. Saving Trevor Andrews

• Rescuing a Target: Daniel, Amber, and the enigmatic Roderick intervene just in time to rescue Trevor, a travelling salesman, from the clutches of a holoskin (hollow skin)—a human agent under the Shadow’s thrall.
• Holoskins' Function: It’s revealed that hollow skins serve as “escorts” or “agents” fetching meals for their Shadow masters.
  • Roderick (05:23): “The Shadow works through the hollow skin. Christina and those like her are empty vessels, mere extensions of what lies beneath. The power to seduce and overpower comes from the Shadow itself.”

2. Group Tension and Roderick’s Role

• Skepticism Toward Roderick: Tensions rise, with Amber and Daniel demanding more information from Roderick about the Shadow’s identity and location. Roderick, evasive as ever, discourages direct confrontation.
  • Amber (02:43): “So are you ready to tell us the name of the Shadow now and where to find him?”
  • Roderick (04:13): “Tonight's your lucky night, Trevor. You came that close to falling into the maw of a night devil.”
• Concern Over Exposure: The group debates whether to confront the Shadow directly or retreat to a safer space.

3. Deep Dive: The Shadows and Their Nature

• Shadow Mechanics: The distinction between Shadows (Vesperine) and their human agents is underlined. Only Shadows can consume and kill with toxins; holoskins lure victims.
• Manipulation and Reality: The episode points to how Shadows don’t just hunt—they manipulate perceptions, possibly causing hallucinations and eroding reality, even for the Nostromo (hunters).
  • Roderick (33:25): “The Shadow here in Oakwood is beginning to manipulate you. Amber, I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. And the longer you stay, the worse it’ll get.”

4. The Vesperine Family & Argus’ Transformation

• A Sibling Confrontation: A parallel storyline unfolds with two Vesperine siblings—Argus and Dragisa—debating their roles, family legacy, and the forbidden blurring of human and Vesperine experience.
  • Argus (14:51): “A visionary.”
  • Narrator/Dragisa (15:12): “If this is your idea of greatness, then you really have lost touch with reality.”
• The Nostromo Threat: Dragisa tries convincing Argus to fight the Nostromo—a deadly hunter order—arguing their kind’s survival depends on unity, but Argus resists allegiance, seeing himself above tradition.
  • Argus (19:01): “They won’t trouble me. They wouldn’t dare.”
  • Dragisa (23:52): “As shocked as I am by what you’ve done to yourself, I can’t ignore the splendor of it. And that’s the truth.”

5. Roderick’s Caution and Backstory

• Dangers of Nostromo Bonds: Roderick discusses the toxic danger Nostromo pose to each other: sometimes their bonds are abrasive, even fatal, and he steers clear to avoid past traumas.
  • Roderick (27:02): “It’s a side effect of the connection that forms between us, Amber. Sometimes those bonds link perfectly together and other times…they become abrasive.”
• Physical Cost: Roderick’s own deformities are from Night Devil toxins, hinting at the price of battling Shadows.
  • Roderick (28:05): “It’s the Night Devil toxins, I’m afraid…they’ve left me twisted and deformed, as you can clearly see.”

6. Nostromo Origins & Powers

• Daniel’s Story: Daniel relates becoming Nostromo after his father was killed by a Shadow; his powers tied to shadow blood on personal objects (conduits).
  • Daniel (29:34): “A shadow broke into our house...my dad fought with it...on the way out, a shadow grabbed me and bit me on the leg.”
• Amber’s Story: Amber survived being bitten by five Shadows during a 'congress,' a rare and dangerous attack.
  • Amber (31:24): “I was bitten a few months ago in a lake house in Colton. Five of the bastards took turns biting me here on my shoulder.”
  • Roderick (31:35): “A congress. It’s been many years since I’ve heard of one taking place.”

7. Search for Amber’s Sister & Reality’s Fragility

• The Jenny Mystery: Amber clings to hope her missing sister Jenny survives as a hollow skin, though Daniel and Roderick insist evidence points otherwise.
• Mind Games: Roderick warns that the Shadow is manipulating their perceptions—what Amber thinks she sees may no longer be real.
  • Roderick (33:25): “The Shadow...is beginning to manipulate you. Amber, I’m sorry, but that’s the truth...the longer you stay, the worse it’ll get.”

8. Roderick’s Dire Warning & Retreat

• Final Plea: Roderick refuses to help hunt Argus/Shadow further, deeply shaken by their mental manipulation and the risk to all involved.
  • Roderick (34:38): “Turn away, my friends. I beg you.”
  • Roderick (35:21): “The shadow is in your heads now, my friends. In one way or another, the time is coming when you won’t be able to trust what you see or hear or feel. Reality itself will fragment. And I’m afraid when that happens, all will be lost.”

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Roderick on Shadows' Power:

  • [05:23] "The Shadow works through the hollow skin...empty vessels, mere extensions of what lies beneath. The power to seduce and overpower comes from the Shadow itself."

• Amber’s Defiance:

  • [34:40] “No chance. I am not leaving until I get to the bottom of this. One way or the other. I need to see for myself that my sister isn’t out there in those woods.”

• On Nostromo Costs:

  • [28:05] Roderick: “On the one hand, they’ve granted me incredible longevity, but on the other, they’ve left me twisted and deformed.”

• Family Betrayal and Evolution:

  • [14:51] Argus: “A visionary.”
  • [17:13] Argus: “In fact, I think this may be the next stage of our evolution.”
  • [18:04] Dragisa: “I’m here to ask for your help—to bring down the Nostromo…”

• Warning About Shadow’s Influence:

  • [33:25] Roderick: “The Shadow here in Oakwood is beginning to manipulate you…his influence grows on those within his domain…even we, Nostromo, are not immune to his manipulations.”

• Echoes of Hopelessness:

  • [35:44] Amber: “The people in this town are depending on us. How can you just turn your back?”
  • [35:44] Roderick: “I…can’t face him. I’m sorry. I thought we had more time, but I…feel all is already lost.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:04] — Daniel, Amber and Roderick meet in Oakwood, save Trevor Andrews
• [04:49] — The group discusses Shadows, holoskins, and manipulation
• [11:55] — Argus and Dragisa's confrontation: kinship, evolution, and the Nostromo
• [26:42] — Conversation on Nostromo risks, Roderick’s trauma and deformity
• [29:24] — Daniel and Amber recount their Nostromo origins
• [32:22] — Amber and Daniel debate Jenny’s fate, confronting the limits of reality
• [33:25] — Roderick’s warning about the Shadow’s growing influence
• [34:38] — Amber’s determination to persevere, Roderick’s final retreat

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Episode Tone and Atmosphere

Haunted, tense, and existential—much of the episode is carried in a somber, urgent mood, with paranoia and mistrust bleeding into every exchange. Mark R. Healy uses shadowy, uncertain dialogue to keep listeners engrossed in the characters' battle with not just physical threats but the dissolution of their own realities.

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Summary

“Becoming” deepens The Road of Shadows’ central conflicts: the cost of hunting monsters, the blurred lines between allegiance and betrayal, and the creeping doubt that can consume even the devoted. With powerful performances and tightly woven mythos, this installment drives home the idea that in a world masked by Shadows, the greatest threat may be losing oneself—to fear, to hope, or to the very darkness they fight.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Daniel]

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[Roderick]

The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production season 4 episode 9 Becoming.

[Amber]

Roderick what are you doing here? We thought you must have left town by now.

[Roderick]

Left town? No, no, not at all. I'm far too invested in this situation to just leave it all to chance.

[Daniel]

The situation? What do you mean by that?

[Roderick]

This little war you're trying to wage here in Oakwood against the Shadow and its hollow skins.

[Amber]

A war you believe Daniel and I can't win.

[Roderick]

I believe I've made my thoughts clear on that matter.

[Daniel]

So why are you still here?

[Roderick]

Perhaps I'm just being stubborn like the two of you. I haven't given up on you yet.

[Amber]

So are you ready to tell us the name of the Shadow now and where to find him?

[Roderick]

No. In fact, it's still my hope to dissuade you from this fight altogether. But that's going to have to wait. We have work to do here.

[Daniel]

Christina. There still might be time to go after her.

[Roderick]

No, no, not that. I'm talking about her friend here. The one taking a nap at our feet.

[Daniel]

Is he even still alive?

[Amber]

I don't know. He just collapsed. Let me check. Yeah, yeah, he's Got a pulse.

[Daniel]

Who is this guy? What was he doing with Christina?

[Roderick]

He was an intended victim. Obviously, it's fortunate that we arrived when we did. Now, quickly. We should return into his car before he wakes up and then leave. We don't want to be spotted here by any passersby.

[Daniel]

Wait a second. We need some answers.

[Roderick]

Yes, yes, all in good time. For now, just help me with him. Grab his ankles. Amber.

[Daniel]

Grab the door.

[Amber]

Yeah, got it.

[Roderick]

That's it. Just leave him behind the wheel. With any luck, by the time he wakes up, he'll think this was all just a very bad dream.

[Amber]

Hey. Something fell out of his pocket. Looks like a. Oh. Business card. Trevor Andrews. He's. He's a traveling salesman.

[Roderick]

Tonight's your lucky night, Trevor. You came that close to falling into the maw of a night devil.

[Daniel]

Put the business card back in his pocket, Amber. Then we can get the hell out of here.

[Amber]

Is he gonna be all right here? I mean, the guy is practically defenseless, and there are holoskins roaming around.

[Roderick]

The Shadow won't try for him again tonight. Number three, Nostrama in the area. He'll lie low for the time being.

[Daniel]

Okay, which way?

[Roderick]

Here. Follow me.

[Daniel]

So, what was all that about? What exactly did we just save this guy from?

[Roderick]

I think I can offer an explanation. The salesman was traveling alone late at night. Maybe he spent the day here in Oakwood or was just passing through. Either way, he's an outsider. That makes him an excellent candidate to become a victim of the Shadow.

[Amber]

I mean, the guy looked like he was drunk. Maybe he stopped in at the bar.

[Roderick]

He wasn't inebriated? No, not at all. He was caught under the thrall of the Shadow.

[Daniel]

So you're saying he was in some kind of trance?

[Roderick]

Yes, more or less.

[Daniel]

Was it Christina who did that to him?

[Roderick]

Not her, as such. The Shadow works through the hollow skin. Remember that. Christina and those like her are empty vessels, mere extensions of what lies beneath. The power to seduce and overpower comes from the Shadow itself.

[Daniel]

So you're saying the Shadow seduced this guy?

[Roderick]

Call it what you will. I imagine she likely posed as a hitchhiker or damsel in distress and flagged the salesman down as he was driving out of town. Once inside the car alone with him, she could begin the process. It'd only take a few minutes before he fell completely under her thrall. Assuming his mind was weak enough to be compromised.

[Amber]

When. When they got out of the car and started walking down the road, where was she leading him?

[Roderick]

To his death. To be consumed by an unholy devil.

[Daniel]

So do the Holoskins eat people like the Shadows do?

[Roderick]

No. Holoskins are still human flesh and blood.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Like us.

[Roderick]

They don't possess the ability to inject toxins or consume victims like night devils. Can Christina and the others act as well? I suppose you could call them escorts. Agents of the Shadow, whose job it is to fetch his meals.

[Amber]

So she was about to lead the salesman to the house in the woods.

[Roderick]

You know about the house?

[Daniel]

Yeah, we've been doing research.

[Roderick]

So I see.

[Daniel]

And if we played it smart, we could have followed her all the way there. She would have led us right to the Shadow.

[Roderick]

The Shadow would have sensed your approach. He'd have turned Christina away to protect the secrecy of his den.

[Amber]

There's something I'm curious about, though. Why were you here, Rodrick?

[Roderick]

I'm not sure I understand your meaning.

[Amber]

Why did you show up right when you did? It seems awfully convenient that you just happened to be standing nearby when all of this was going down.

[Roderick]

It wasn't coincidence, if that's what you're hinting at. No, I was here for a very good reason.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Which was?

[Roderick]

I sensed that something was happening. Something awful. And I came here to stop it.

[Daniel]

You sensed bloodlust, just like me.

[Roderick]

I don't know if I feel the way that you do, Daniel, but I knew that the two of you were about to put yourself in harm's way, and that an innocent man's life was in jeopardy. I'm glad to say that the desired outcome was reached on both counts.

[Daniel]

Maybe for you, but us? Not so sure. We needed Christina to help find the Shadow.

[Roderick]

Listen, we shouldn't talk about this out in the open like this. Is there somewhere private we can talk? I can spare an hour or two if you'd like.

[Daniel]

The only thing we want from you is the location of the Shadow. If you're not prepared to give us that, I don't see the point in talking.

[Amber]

Wait a second, Daniel. Let's. Let's not make any knee jerk reactions here. Let's give him a chance and see what he has to say.

[Daniel]

If that's what you want.

[Roderick]

Good. In that case, Lead on, my new friends. Lead on?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Leave this place. Go back the way you came. Really? Is that the only greeting you have to offer, foul creature? I told you to leave. I don't take orders from an abomination like you. If he wants me to leave, make him come here and tell me himself. My words are his words. We are one and the same. You are a wretch. A filthy, unnatural creature that should never have been allowed to come into being. And I will not demean myself by engaging in a dispute with you. I told you to fetch him. Do it now. I wouldn't expect you to understand. You never did. What's to understand? Your master has insulted the kin and his mother. He's disgraced us. Why should I care? What is the kin to me now, but a distant memory? Alright. I'll play your silly little game, brother. There. I've acknowledged that this disgusting creature is part of you. Now do I get to see the real you? Do you realize how long it has been since someone looked upon my true face, Dragisa? No. And nor do I care. I don't make exceptions for anyone. But you will for me, won't you? Come now, brother. Let's not allow this to get ugly. You know that I can make life difficult for you if I want to. Follow me down this way, please. You've dug deep over the years, haven't you, brother? Don't call me that. You are no sister of mind, Dragisa. Not anymore. Don't waste your breath with these insults. I could care less what you say. It's not an insult, merely a statement of fact. You always were one to play games of semantics, weren't you? This way, please. Watch your step. One of the more impressive dens I've seen in recent times. Brother, you really have outdone yourself. Where are you? Are you hiding from me?

[Argus/Dragisa]

I'm right here, Dragisa. Right in front of you.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Oh, brother, what have you done to yourself?

[Argus/Dragisa]

I told you not to call me that.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

What should I call you then?

[Argus/Dragisa]

Call me by my name.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Argus.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Yes, that's better.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

You're enjoying this, aren't you?

[Argus/Dragisa]

If you could see the look on your face right now.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Always playing mind games, Argus.

[Argus/Dragisa]

It was you who insisted we meet face to face. I told you to leave, but you wouldn't listen.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

In truth, you wanted me to see, didn't you? To see what you've become.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I don't care what you think. And I have not become. Not yet.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

What you are becoming, then. And what is that, exactly? What fate awaits you at the end of this metamorphosis, I wonder. Do you even know something greater? Greater than what?

[Argus/Dragisa]

Than you and those others you call brother and sister? Greater even than Mother.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Argus. How dare you.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I thought you couldn't care less about my insults.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Dragisa, there are some things that even I cannot abide.

[Argus/Dragisa]

That much is obvious.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Where is your respect? You may have distanced yourself from the kin but surely you haven't entirely forgotten your heritage.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I haven't forgotten. No, not at all. And that's why I understand. Mother is no longer worthy of my respect. She's weak, failing.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Don't mention her name again. Argus. If the centuries you spent under her care and protection meant anything to you.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Under her care? She doesn't care for you, Jerkisa. And she certainly never cared for me. We both know she has only one dark purpose for all of us.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And what have you? What is your purpose? What have you achieved languishing down here amongst these abominations you've created?

[Argus/Dragisa]

Does it look like I'm languishing?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

To be honest, I have no idea what you're doing. It's not natural. That's about all I can say.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I wouldn't expect you to recognize me for what I am.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Which is?

[Argus/Dragisa]

A visionary.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Oh, please.

[Argus/Dragisa]

You don't understand my greatness. But why would you, lurking in her shadow all these years?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Greatness, dear Argus. If this is your idea of greatness, then you really have lost touch with reality.

[Argus/Dragisa]

You're just like the others. Short sighted, you have no ambition. You only exist to serve.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I certainly have no ambition to surround myself with mindless wretches like these. I can't imagine the boredom. Tell me, what is it that you talk about with these slack jawed fleshbags? The conversations must be riveting.

[Argus/Dragisa]

My companions grant me a life rich in experiences. They give me everything. I need.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Them. Look at them. They are empty. Soulless. Do you really expect me to believe that they stimulate you in some way?

[Argus/Dragisa]

All I have to do is close my eyes and.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And what? Listen to your own words echoing back at you from this damp little sewer you've built for yourself?

[Argus/Dragisa]

When I close my eyes, that is when I truly see. That is when I feel they are waiting for me. Each one ready to carry my consciousness with them on their journey. At any time of the day or night. I can be in a dozen places at once and I experience it all. The fragrance of the woods deep in my lungs. The taste of food and drink, of sweet nectar. And the thrill of hunting down and ensnaring my next kill.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

It's disgusting. This is beneath even you, Argus.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Why?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

To share such intimacy with humans is. Is despicable. You bring dishonor to the Vesperine.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I disagree. In fact, I think this may be the next stage of our evolution.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

It is forbidden.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Maybe to you and the kin, but not to me. I am no longer subject to your antiquated laws and pointless traditions.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I can See that? We are not likely to find common ground on philosophy. So how about we just get to the point instead?

[Argus/Dragisa]

If you wish.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

The Nostromo are here in Oakwood. Surely you must know this already. Of course I know they're here for you, Argus. They search for you even as we speak.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Is this what you came to tell me, Dragisa? Things I already know?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

No. I'm here to. To ask for your help.

[Argus/Dragisa]

To do what?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

To bring down the Nostromo, of course. They've been on the loose for months, moving from town to town, and I.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Know what they've done.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Then you must understand the threat they pose to our kind. To Mother and the kin.

[Argus/Dragisa]

What do I care if they turn you and your mother to ash?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Because you are one of us. Your fate is tied to ours.

[Argus/Dragisa]

That's not true. I've broken the tether that once lay between us.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Maybe you've convinced yourself of that in your misguided fantasies. But I know the truth. I still feel you, Argus. Faintly, yes. But the connection is still there.

[Argus/Dragisa]

For now. But when my metamorphosis is complete, when I've taken my new form.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And how long will that take? The Nostromo are here on your doorstep right now.

[Argus/Dragisa]

They won't trouble me. They wouldn't dare.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

How do you know that?

[Argus/Dragisa]

I can turn them away, break their resolve.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Is that so?

[Argus/Dragisa]

Yes.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And yet earlier tonight, you tried to feed, didn't you? You sent one of your ghouls out to fetch a victim for you to consume.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I need sustenance.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

No. This wasn't just a routine catch for you, was it, Argus? You were trying to build your strength for what you know is coming.

[Argus/Dragisa]

The Nostromo will leave Oakwood without incident. Mark my words.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And yet they draw ever closer, day by day. Is that why you panicked and tried to make that kill tonight? Because you know they're going to find you? You fear you're not strong enough to face them.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Let them come. If they are foolish enough to enter my domain, I'll make them pay.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

If you're so confident about that, why haven't you sent your puppets to finish them off already?

[Argus/Dragisa]

I've already lost one of my companions. I have no intention of losing more.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

You. You've actually grown attached to these parasites of yours, haven't you, Argus? Your little pets. You can't stand to lose them.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I thought we were going to get to the point, Dragisa. State your business and be quick about it.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Alright. I'll put this as plainly as I can. They'll come. You, Argus. We both Know that. And when they do, we must put an end to it. We may never be presented with a better opportunity than this.

[Argus/Dragisa]

You want me to do your dirty work for you?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I want you to protect the kin, protect Mother, and protect yourself. For as much as you bluster about how different you are and how much you've outgrown us, the truth is, your fate is still tied to ours. If Mother falls, so will you.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I'm not so sure of that.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Are you really willing to take the chance? When they come for you, we will permit you.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Permit me? No one tells me what to do in my own house, Dragisa.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

All right, then. We ask that you do whatever it takes to strike the Nostromo down. But the girl. She is different.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I know. She already tried to reach out to me across the ether.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

We need her.

[Argus/Dragisa]

For what?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

That is not for you to know. Just understand this. Amber must be kept alive, captured. And you are in a unique position to do just that.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Why?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Her touch is lethal to the vesperine. But not to her fellow humans.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Ah, I see. Now you find a use for my companions. I thought you found them. Disgusting. Abominations.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Even the wretches of this world can be useful when handled appropriately.

[Argus/Dragisa]

I'll admit that it's a moot point. I told you, they won't come here.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

They will. And when they do, you'd be wise to do as I ask.

[Argus/Dragisa]

How many brothers and sisters will you bring to help?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

How many? There is no point bringing the kin here, Argus. You must do this on your own.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Why are you all that cowardly?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

We cannot stand against these Nostromo. They are too powerful.

[Argus/Dragisa]

So you admit you're afraid of them?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

The Nostromo have already struck down far too many of the kin in the last few months. Alone.

[Argus/Dragisa]

You want me to do this alone?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

You are. Well, you are the one who has the strength to stop the them. It has to be you.

[Argus/Dragisa]

And what's in it for me?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Well, that's simple. You will have your good standing with the kin restored, dear Argus. And before you tell me that isn't important to you. I know the truth. I know exactly what you want. Really? You want others like me to come, don't you? You want them to descend the stone staircase and open the door to this chamber and behold you. To see you in all your magnificence.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Don't try using that silver tongue on me, Tregisa. It won't work.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I'm only stating the truth. As shocked as I am by what you've done to yourself, I can't ignore the splendor of it. And that's the truth.

[Argus/Dragisa]

The others wouldn't come.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Oh, yes, they would come. From far and wide to witness your greatness. To marvel at it. Just help me do this one thing and the glory can be yours.

[Argus/Dragisa]

The glory? Yes.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

We can do great things together, you and I. Let this be the first, first chapter of your legacy, Argus. One that all Vesperine will celebrate and cherish until the heavens and earth are one.

[Daniel]

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[Roderick]

And reach the right buyers with LinkedIn ads.

[Daniel]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Amber]

Checking off the boxes on your to.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Do list is a great feeling.

[Amber]

And when it comes to checking off.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Coverage, a State Farm agent can help.

[Amber]

You choose an option that's right for you.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Whether you prefer talking in person on.

[Amber]

The phone or using the award winning app, it's nice knowing you have help finding coverage that best fits your needs.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Like a good neighbor.

[Amber]

State Farm is there. Take a seat, Rodrik. Is there anything we can get you? Coffee or something to eat?

[Roderick]

No, no, I'm fine, thank you. And I really shouldn't stay long. It's not safe.

[Daniel]

You said on the phone that Nostromo can be toxic to one another. Is that what you're worried about?

[Roderick]

Yes. But since we've already stumbled into each other's paths, I suppose a few minutes here and there won't matter much. With that being said, we really shouldn't make a habit of the this.

[Amber]

Toxic how? I don't quite understand what you mean.

[Roderick]

It's a side effect of the connection that forms between us, Amber. Sometimes those bonds link perfectly together and other times when they're not so well aligned, they become abrasive.

[Daniel]

You've experienced it yourself?

[Roderick]

Yes. Yes. A long time ago, I lost someone close to me and.

[Amber]

Wait. Another Nostromo died because they spent time with you?

[Roderick]

I'd rather not go into it, if it's all the same to you.

[Amber]

Is there a chance that could happen with Daniel and me? Because. Because I've been sick plenty of times lately. But I just assumed it was because of the shadows.

[Roderick]

I don't know the specifics of your bond. Honestly, only time will tell. Either way, I won't linger in your presence. It's. It's just not wise.

[Daniel]

The incident with you and the other Nostromo. Is that why your face.

[Roderick]

Can you be more specific?

[Amber]

Your face, it's like. It's like it's hollowed out on one side.

[Roderick]

Ah. Ah, yes, I. I understand now. No. No, this was not caused by Nostromo. It's the Night Devil toxins, I'm afraid. On the one hand, they've granted me incredible longevity, but on the other, they've left me twisted and deformed, as you can clearly see. Hence why I like to keep a low profile. Saves answering awkward questions.

[Amber]

Is it painful?

[Roderick]

Not compared to other ailments I've been forced to endure. But let's not dwell on that. The reason I came back here is because I wanted to find out a bit more about you, if I could.

[Amber]

Is this because you're worried about the toxins?

[Roderick]

No. No, nothing like that. I'm inquisitive, that's all. And I like to accumulate knowledge, as you may have gathered, after reading the Compendium.

[Amber]

Oh, yeah, you crammed a lot of stuff in there, that's for sure.

[Roderick]

It's all very fascinating, isn't it? And the thing about Nostromo is that we're all so different, despite the dangers of associating with each other. My curiosity gets the better of me. And this seems like a perfect opportunity to add to my documentation.

[Daniel]

What do you want to know?

[Roderick]

Let's start with you, Daniel. You said that you can turn the shadows to ash with that axe of yours.

[Daniel]

That's right.

[Roderick]

How did you become Nostromo? What happened to you?

[Daniel]

I guess it was the night my dad died. A shadow broke into our house when I was just a kid. My dad fought with it, and during the struggle, I was able to escape. But on the way out, a shadow grabbed me and bit me on the leg.

[Roderick]

And. And where did you discover this conduit?

[Daniel]

The axe, actually, my first conduit. Was my father's bandana. There was shadow blood on it, and that allowed me to make my first kill.

[Roderick]

A bandana?

[Daniel]

Yeah. My dad hurt the shadow somehow, made it bleed.

[Roderick]

Your father. He was Nostromo, too?

[Daniel]

I don't know. I. I don't think so.

[Roderick]

Ah. I believe I can offer an explanation. Then your father must have encountered a wounded shadow.

[Daniel]

Wounded?

[Roderick]

Yes. As you may have realized by now, the vesperine are not particularly fond of one another. Very territorial, as it turns out, they rarely see eye to eye on anything.

[Amber]

Yeah, we noticed that, too.

[Roderick]

Yes, more often than not, when disputes happen, they. They're merely verbal. But sometimes they escalate, Especially when a rival kin is involved. When separate bloodlines come together, the disagreements can turn physical. It's not uncommon for blood to be drawn.

[Daniel]

Shadows kill other shadows?

[Roderick]

Only in rare cases. More often than not, the shadows are left bleeding after the fight. Weakened but alive. And I suspect this is what happened in your father's case. The one who attacked you was likely desperate, needing to feed quickly in order to restore its strength.

[Daniel]

So if that had been a shadow at full strength who came into our.

[Roderick]

House that night, Then I don't think either of you would have left alive. Although it probably doesn't feel like it. You enjoyed a stroke of good fortune that night.

[Daniel]

Damn.

[Roderick]

What about you, Amber? What's your story?

[Amber]

I was bitten a few months ago in a lake house in Colton. Five of the bastards took turns biting me here on my shoulder.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Ah.

[Roderick]

A congress. It's been many years since I've heard of one taking place.

[Amber]

Yeah. I'm honored.

[Roderick]

And you survived. That really is extraordinary.

[Amber]

It was a close thing. Yeah. I got pretty sick afterward.

[Roderick]

And now the two of you have banded together on this crusade to hunt them down. A noble endeavor. One fraught with danger, too.

[Daniel]

They hunted me for years, terrorized me. And they killed Amber's sister, Jenny. We owe them more than a little payback.

[Amber]

Hang on, Daniel.

[Roderick]

Hang on.

[Amber]

The. The thing about Jenny, I. I don't know anymore.

[Daniel]

Amber, we're not gonna start this again, are we? That wasn't her back at the gas station.

[Amber]

It sure as hell looked like her.

[Roderick]

I'm sorry. What is it that you're talking about?

[Daniel]

The holoskin we were chasing earlier tonight. Her name is Christina Evans. But in the heat of the moment, Amber thought she saw a resemblance to her dead sister Jenny.

[Amber]

Like I said. Isn't it possible that Jen was turned into a hollow skin and ended up here in Oakwood?

[Roderick]

It's possible, yes.

[Daniel]

Amber, you still have that Photograph of Jenny.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Right.

[Amber]

Yeah, of course.

[Daniel]

Take it out and show Roderick. Let's get his opinion.

[Amber]

Okay. There.

[Roderick]

This is your sister.

[Amber]

That's her. Jenny.

[Roderick]

This is not the girl I saw tonight.

[Amber]

Are you sure? Take your time. Please, look again.

[Daniel]

Amber, come on. You have to face up to the truth.

[Amber]

It was her. I'm sure of it.

[Argus/Dragisa]

Yes.

[Roderick]

This is exactly what I feared. This is very troubling.

[Amber]

What? Why?

[Roderick]

I shouldn't have come here after all. I'm sorry.

[Amber]

You're leaving?

[Roderick]

I think that's for the best.

[Amber]

Why?

[Roderick]

The shadow here in Oakwood is beginning to manipulate you. Amber, I'm sorry, but that's the truth. And the longer you stay, the worse it'll get. You'll endanger everyone around you.

[Amber]

What are you suggesting, Rodrick? That this fucking shadow is making me hallucinate now?

[Roderick]

Yes. That's exactly what I'm suggesting. Every second of every day, his influence grows on those within his domain. Even we, Nostromo are not immune to his manipulations. And over time, he has the capacity to break even the strongest of minds.

[Amber]

We've only been here a few days.

[Roderick]

And each passing hour, the danger grows. That's why I've been telling you to leave. If you really want to hurt the shadows, it's the Blood Monarch that we should target. Argus is not worth our time.

[Daniel]

Argus? Is that his name?

[Argus/Dragisa]

Ah.

[Roderick]

Yes. That's his name. And I know what you're thinking. That having a name will help you find him, but it won't. You won't find a single reference to him anywhere in Oakwood. As far as the town is concerned, he doesn't exist.

[Amber]

We know where he lives. In the woods, at a place called Greystone.

[Roderick]

Turn away, my friends. I beg you.

[Amber]

No chance. I am not leaving until I get to the bottom of this. One way or the other. I need to see for myself that my sister isn't out there in those woods.

[Roderick]

You are determined. I'll give you that. But unfortunately, I can be a party to this no longer. I've already said too much. I must leave.

[Daniel]

Wait a second, Roderick. You just got here.

[Roderick]

I made a mistake. I had no idea how bad this situation has become.

[Daniel]

But the three of us together, we could.

[Roderick]

I won't help you find him, Daniel. I'm sorry, but that's final.

[Amber]

So you're prepared to walk away and leave this town at Argus's mercy forever?

[Roderick]

The shadow is in your heads now, my friends. Both of your heads. In. In one way or another, the time is coming when you won't be able to trust what you see or hear or feel. Reality itself will fragment. And I'm afraid when that happens, all will be lost.

[Amber]

The people in this town are depending on us. How can you just turn your back?

[Roderick]

I. I can't face him. I'm sorry. I thought we had more time, but I. I feel all is already lost. Good luck, my friends. You'll need it. The Road of Shadows is created by Mark R. Healey. Want to hear more stories just like this one? Head over to Patreon to hear other audio productions by Mark R. Healey. 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 therotofshadows.com the Road of Shadows Season 4 stars Hamish Plagemark, Marta Da Silva, Liz Maury, 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.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Daniel]

My favorite Lululemon shorts, the ones you.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Got me back in the day. I think they're pace breakers.

[Daniel]

The ones with all the pockets. Well, I just got back from vacation and I think I left them in my hotel room. And dude, I need to replace these shorts.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I wear them like every day with.

[Daniel]

That Lulu hoodie you got me.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Could you send me the link to where you got them? Thanks, bro.

[Daniel]

Talk soon.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Looking for your newest go to's shop. Lululemon's best sellers [e-mail].