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C
Okay, so before we leave the motel, is there anything else we need?
B
Just give me a minute here to pack a few more things. This might turn into a long day if we intend to cover all the trails we've mapped out.
C
We need to take plenty of water, too. So let me just fill up this water bottle. Okay. Now, I know we've put a lot of time into mapping out all these trails, Daniel, but I think it might be a good idea to set some expectations here.
B
What expectations?
C
It's possible that we might spend the whole day walking and still not find anything today. Or tomorrow, for that matter.
B
I know we've been over this, Amber. There are miles and miles of trails up there. I don't expect us to hit the right one on our first hike.
C
I'm hoping that what I remember from the visions will help, but I just can't guarantee anything.
B
You don't need to stress about this. We'll get There eventually. Don't worry. Even if your visions aren't entirely accurate, I figure that ultimately this whole thing will come down to perseverance more than anything else.
C
Well, let's look on the bright side. Either way, we're going to get some fresh air and exercise at the very least. Seriously, though, what do you think is up there?
B
You're the one who's had the visions.
C
I know, but they haven't made a lot of sense so far.
B
Well, if I had to guess, I'd say it might be another den. Maybe one that belongs to a member of the Wilted.
C
I'm sure Rodrik would love it if that were the case would be taken one step closer to finding his obsession.
B
The Blood Monarch. Yeah, he sure was excited on the call last night.
C
Do you think that Dragisa herself has another den up there?
B
Is it possible for shadows to have more than one den?
C
Susan Blake seemed to have multiple locations she used for consuming people in Blackridge. Remember the shack in the woods? And the abandoned health club? Aside from those, she also had a den under her farmhouse outside of town.
B
Yeah, I don't know about that. The shack and the health club were private places where she could hang out, sure, but the cave under her farmhouse, that was her real den. Place she retreated to when she felt threatened.
C
So maybe Dragisa has another hangout up there on the mountain. Like Susan Blake's shack in the woods.
B
Maybe it's something else entirely, Something we've never seen before.
C
It might be another trap. Or some kind of trick.
B
For sure. Have you had any more visions in the last few hours?
C
Nothing this morning. Maybe once we reach the mountain, it'll come to me.
B
This is something big, though, right? I'm not the only one who's feeling that we're on the verge of something important. Am I?
C
No. I feel it, too. Things are getting serious. I feel like at any moment we. Just a second.
A
Daniel. Oh.
C
Oh, it's just Becca.
A
Good morning. I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
C
Hey. Morning, Becca. No, no, it's fine. We're just getting our things together so we can head out for a hike.
A
Hitting the mountain again, huh? You two must be keen.
C
Becca, maybe you can help us with something. We're looking for a waterfall. I don't suppose you could tell us where to find it?
A
A waterfall? I guess there are a few around the place. Oh. Do you know the name of it?
C
Oh, I don't know if it has a name. It's not like a big landmark or anything.
A
Okay, describe it to me.
C
Well, it's nothing spectacular. Barely a trickle, actually running down smooth, dark rock into a little stream below.
A
I'm sure there are dozens that would fit that description on Mount Sunder. If you just spend a little time looking, I'm sure you'll find one.
B
Well, it's actually this particular one we're after.
A
Oh. What's the significance?
C
Um, it's a long story.
A
Okay. Okay. Do you have a map handy?
B
Sure, right here.
A
Let's put it on the table and take a look. Alright then. Let's see. Oh. Okay. Here we are. This trail would be a good starting point along this route here to the west, below this ridge. That might be your best bet. There are at least a couple of, you know, little streams out that way. Maybe the one you're looking for is there.
C
Okay, let me just mark that down. Anywhere else you can suggest.
A
Honestly, it's a bit of a crapshoot. It could be anywhere. But like I told you yesterday, just be careful you don't lose your bearings.
B
Is there someone in town who might know about the trails up there? An experienced hiker, for example?
A
That is a good question. I'll have to think about it. No one in particular is coming to mind right away.
C
That's fine. Just let us know if you think of anything.
A
Sure. We'll do. Anyway, I didn't come knocking on your door to talk about hiking. Believe it or not. I actually wanted to give you one of these.
C
A flyer. What's this?
A
The cops came by this morning and asked me to hand a few out. It's a. What do they call it? A composite sketch, I think.
C
Who's the guy?
A
Now that's a damn good question. Cops haven't identified him yet, but he doesn't look like anyone I know here in Silverton, that's for sure.
B
So what's the deal? What do they want him for?
A
Hell if I know. They're just referring to him as prowler at this point. Suggested people keep an eye out in case he shows up again, you know?
C
Is he dangerous? I mean, has he attacked anyone?
A
I don't know if he's attacked anyone, actually. But he's got people spooked, no doubt about it. There have been multiple reports in the neighborhood of him snooping around. One's just a couple of streets from here, actually.
B
The cops wouldn't be handing out flyers if they thought he was harmless, right?
A
Maybe they know something they're not letting on. Or they just don't want to start a panic. Either way, just make sure you lock your door at night. We've never really had any trouble at the motel before, but it might be a good idea to be a little extra cautious. At least until the cops figure out what's going on. Sure.
C
Thanks, Becca.
A
Of course. Well, I'll leave you to it, I guess.
B
One other thing, Becca. Did the cops say how long this prowler's been on the loose? Has it been a couple weeks or.
A
Not that long. Actually, only the past 24 hours or so. Who knows? Maybe this whole thing will blow over again just as fast as it came. Anyway, take care, guys, and have a good day. See you when you get back.
B
How you doing, Amber? Tired.
C
I'm still managing okay. Although I'm. Yeah, I'm almost out of water. I think I drank too much when we stopped for lunch.
B
We'll have to think about heading back down soon. The sun's getting awfully low. I don't want to be stuck on this mountain with nothing but glow sticks to light our way.
C
No complaints from me. Although I would like to make it a little further along this trail, if possible. I think we're almost at the end.
B
Does this terrain look familiar? Did you see it in your vision?
C
Yeah, I don't know about that. I don't think so. But at the very least, if we make it to the end, we can cross this trail off the list of candidates.
B
Yeah, I guess so. This could turn out to be a long process of elimination, couldn't it? We've already seen dozens of trails up here, and this is just our first day.
C
Well, look on the bright side. We've already ruled out three today. Four. If we make it to the end of this one. Sooner or later we're going to find the right one.
B
Are you getting any twinges? Anything at all that might point you in the right direction?
C
Now and again, I sense something. Yeah, but it's not very distinct. Just an odd sensation in my periphery. There is something up here, but I just can't tell where it is.
B
It's a little depressing that we haven't found even a single waterfall in the whole day.
C
Yeah, that's as sure a sign as any that we haven't hit the right track. But who knows? Maybe if we. Do you hear that?
B
What am I listening for exactly?
C
Running water. Come on,
B
Amber, wait up.
C
It's just around the corner.
B
Well, I take it this isn't the waterfall you're looking for.
C
This little stream? I don't think it even qualifies as a waterfall. No, this is definitely not what I saw in my Vision.
B
Well, let's look at the positives. We finally found some running water, at least.
C
You're really clutching at straws here, aren't you?
B
Just trying to stay upbeat. Heads up. We've got a hiker headed our way. Move over here. Make some room.
C
Yeah, let me just squeeze in beside you.
D
Afternoon. Nice day, isn't it?
C
Sure is. Heading back down the mountain?
D
Yeah, I think I'm done for the day. How's about yourselves?
B
We're gonna keep going a bit further, but. Yeah, we'll be finishing up soon, I think.
D
You two from out of town? I don't think I've seen you around before.
C
Yeah, we're just passing through. Thought we'd try a bit of hiking while we were here.
D
Well, this is a good spot to do it. No doubt about that.
B
You're a local?
D
Sure am. Name's Lewis.
C
Amber. And this is Daniel. Nice to meet you, Lewis.
B
I take it you know your way around these trails pretty well.
D
Well, I come up here a few times a week for exercise mainly, so I guess you could call me a regular.
B
We were hoping to get some advice about the best hiking routes. Could you spare a minute?
D
The best routes? Ah, as it turns out, I may not be much help in that regard. I pretty much stick to my favorite trail most times. This one right here, it's got a nice gentle incline, as you've no doubt noticed. Easy on the knees.
C
I don't suppose you can tell us, are there any waterfalls along here?
D
Waterfalls?
C
Yeah, we've heard there are some beautiful ones here in Mount Sunder. Particularly along the trails on the western side.
D
There are no waterfalls along this trail at all? Not one? Where did you hear that exactly?
B
Damn, that's a shame. Another local told us. Becca, the lady at the motel.
D
Oh, right. Well, that'd explain it.
B
What do you mean?
D
Well, Becca, she's. She's nice enough, I guess, but around these parts, she's known as a bit of a crackpot, I suppose you could say. And I don't usually like to badmouth anyone, but Bad Becca, you have to take anything she says with a grain of salt. All those stories she comes up with, well, that's some pretty far out shit.
C
What kind of stories?
D
Well, I overheard her at the diner a little while back, talking about UFOs that were supposedly visiting Silverton. Becca said she'd seen strange lights in the sky and little green men in the woods on a camping trip.
B
So she believes in UFOs? That's not unusual.
D
Oh, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Once she gets on a roll, you never know what's going to come out of that mouth of hers. Werewolves and vampires. Things that go bump in the night. Tales of the unknown. I even heard her say once that she thinks the government is abducting people and sticking mind control slugs in their heads. Mind control slugs? How about that?
B
Yeah, that seems pretty far out.
D
Look, don't get me wrong. In truth, I think she's pretty harmless. But she's also a certified wacko. No one in town takes her seriously. And if you want my advice, you'd be best not to either.
C
Uh, yeah, okay. Thanks for letting us know.
D
Anyway, I'm going to keep going. It'll be getting dark soon, and these trails can be tricky at night.
B
Sure. We won't be far behind you.
D
Enjoy your stay in Silverton. Watch out for those werewolves.
B
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C
Have a ball.
B
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C
You have one new message.
A
Translating. Disney and Pixar's Hoppers is now available on Disney.
D
You could say that again.
A
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D
Hot party.
B
This is incredible.
D
Wow.
B
I am clearing the rest of the day.
A
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C
Sure is a long way back along this trail.
B
It always seems longer when you're tired.
C
Yeah, I've got to say, I'm looking forward to putting my feet up when we get back to the motel. I haven't done this much walking in ages.
B
A cold beer or two might not go astray either.
C
Now that sounds awfully tempting to me. Although I can't say I remember the last time I saw saw you with a beer in your hand.
B
I don't drink. Usually. I've always preferred to keep my senses sharp over the years, just in case there's an emergency.
C
Surely one can't hurt. Come on, Daniel.
A
Live a little.
B
You're a bad influence. Amber.
C
Oh, totally. Us librarians, we're nothing but trouble.
B
I thought you were all supposed to be prim and proper. You know, nerdy.
C
Ugh, don't give me that. Some of the craziest people I know are librarians.
B
Speaking of crazy, what do you make of that whole thing with Becca?
C
The stuff that Lou has told us about? I don't know. Plenty of people believe in UFOs.
B
Sounds like Becca is into way more than just UFOs.
C
I don't have a problem with it. Let's face it, Daniel. The things that you and I have seen lately, I doubt even Becca would believe. Secret monsters roaming around every town in America.
B
As if werewolves and UFOs don't seem like such crazy ideas after you've tangled with a shadow, do they?
C
Not at all. So if Becca happens to be a little more open minded than everyone else in town, I don't think that's a problem.
B
Not that it matters to us anyway, as long as she.
C
What is it? Do you smell something?
B
I don't know. It could be a campfire somewhere.
C
Do you think it could be blood lust?
B
I don't think so. It doesn't smell quite right.
C
But you do smell something burning?
B
Yeah, definitely.
C
Well, I. Yeah, I don't smell a thing.
B
In that case, we should be ready. Just in case.
C
Yeah. Keep a tight grip on that axe. Let's go.
B
How far is the road, do you think?
C
Well, it's getting awfully dark, but I think I see the footbridge not far ahead. The road was just on the other side, wasn't it? We should reach the motorcycle in a minute or two at most.
B
Yeah, you're right.
C
This thing you're smelling, it's not one of the wilted, is it? I remember you saying they don't smell the same as normal shadows.
B
The wilted smell like. Well, death is the best way I can put it. Like something decomposing. This smell, it's not the same.
C
So it's not Dragisa.
B
Not unless she smells different to the other wilted. Hey, look. There's someone waiting on the footbridge.
C
Don't worry, it's not Dragisa. Too tall. Is that Lewis?
B
No, it's not. Stay on your toes. Amber. I don't like this. So you're the ones they're so utterly afraid of. You don't look like much to me. If you came looking for a fight shadow, you picked the wrong target. No, you're definitely the ones I'm looking for.
C
This guy. Look at his face, Daniel.
B
He's the prowler yeah, you're right. Prowler. Ah, yes, the Prowler. That's what they started calling me. The good people of Silverton haven't exactly welcomed me with open arms, but I expected no less.
C
I don't suppose you can tell us where we might find some nice waterfalls in the area? Or even better, where we can find your friend Urgisa.
B
She is not my friend. And she has no interest in dealing with you. That is a task she has given to me. And who are you? My name is Ryvis. Never heard of you. Of course you haven't. And that's exactly what I was counting on. Shit. Watch out, Amber. He's fast. I've got him. Stand back. That axe of yours is sharp, Daniel. But not sharp enough.
C
Careful, Daniel. This one looks tough.
B
He must be wilted. That strike would have brought down a normal shadow. Wilted? No, I'm not one of those. Guess again. You are potent, I'll give you that. I'm going to have to be watchful with you. He's wounded, Amber.
C
Yeah, but he's nowhere near going down together. Then let's do it.
B
Got you.
D
Damn it.
B
Did that hurt, Daniel?
A
All right.
C
Let's see if I can make you bleed, Fucker.
A
Yeah. Shit.
B
Amber. Come here, you two.
C
Daniel, get up.
A
Here.
C
Let me help you.
B
Get away from her. Get off me.
C
Nice, Daniel. You hurt him that time.
B
Yeah, got him right in the chest. You think that's enough to stop me? I'll tear your throat out before you can hear that.
C
It's the cops.
A
Gah.
B
Won't these accursed townspeople leave me alone? Forget about them, Ryvis. You're dealing with me. This will have to wait. But don't worry. You haven't seen the last of me. Not by a long shot. Hey. Come back here, you piece of shit. Damn it. He's. The bastard's getting away.
C
Daniel, what's the matter? Are you hurt?
B
I'm okay.
A
Oh.
C
The cops went right past. I. I guess they must have been on their way to somewhere else.
B
Rus seemed to think they were coming for him.
C
Yeah, well, he's long gone now. Disappeared into the woods. Do you think we should go look for him? Daniel? You look like you can barely walk.
B
Yeah, I think I twisted my knee when he knocked me down. And then you grabbed the wound on my leg when you were trying to help me up.
C
Your old shadow Bite. Damn. I. I'm sorry. I was just trying to get hold of whatever I could at that point.
B
That was a bad situation, Amber. What the hell happened?
C
That's a damn good question. Your axe only seemed to sting him, but nothing more than that. And as for me, I don't think I made him bleed at all that last strike.
B
I got him right in the middle of his chest. That's enough to drop a fucking wilted, let alone a regular shadow.
C
This guy is not a regular shadow, that's for sure. And not a wilted either. So that just leaves one question. What the hell is he?
B
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 Road of Shadows.com the Road of Shadows stars Hamish Pledgemars, Martha De Silva, Liz Mori, Joseph Tweeter, Marlon Dance Hui, Sarah Safarian, Nicholas Ewan and Thomas Barker. The Road of Shadows is a Beyond the Dark production,
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C
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Host: Mark R. Healy
Episode: 5.4 – "The Unknown"
Date: June 16, 2026
In this tense, atmospheric installment, Daniel Knox continues his fight for survival while hunting for answers about the elusive Shadows—supernatural beings only he can see. Seeking clues in a remote mountain community, Daniel and his companion Amber attempt to locate a mysterious waterfall that may hold answers about the Shadows, especially about the enigmatic Dragisa. Their journey leads to a dangerous confrontation with a new, formidable adversary known only as "the Prowler," introducing a terrifying unknown into their already perilous world.
[02:18 – 03:39]
Amber (03:01): “There are miles and miles of trails up there. I don’t expect us to hit the right one on our first hike.”
[05:16 – 08:46]
Becca, a local, joins them and tries to help pinpoint possible waterfalls matching their description, though admits the area is full of such sites.
The mountain hold secrets and navigation challenges, a recurring theme in the podcast.
Becca hands Daniel and Amber a police flyer with a composite sketch of an unidentified man known as "the prowler," rumored to be lurking in the area.
Amber (07:29): “A flyer. What’s this?”
Becca (07:39): “The cops haven’t identified him yet, but he doesn’t look like anybody I know here.”
There’s an undercurrent of anxiety and suspicion in the town, amplifying the tension of their quest.
[11:04 – 15:09]
Lewis (13:18): “Becca, she’s...a bit of a crackpot, I suppose you could say.…werewolves and vampires…Things that go bump in the night. Tales of the unknown.”
[16:32 – 18:09]
As darkness falls and exhaustion sets in, Daniel and Amber joke about the hardships of hiking and consider the local perspectives on the supernatural.
They reflect wryly on their own improbable experiences—monsters, visions, conspiracies—wondering if Becca’s openness is really so odd.
Amber (17:54): “As if werewolves and UFOs don’t seem like such crazy ideas after you’ve tangled with a shadow, do they?”
Daniel (18:00, slight laugh): “Not at all.”
[18:15 – 19:39]
[19:39 – 23:02]
Ryvis (20:41): “She [Dragisa] is not my friend. And she has no interest in dealing with you. That is a task she has given to me.…My name is Ryvis.”
Ryvis (22:37): “You haven’t seen the last of me. Not by a long shot.”
[23:02 – 24:28]
Daniel is injured, both fighters physically and emotionally drained.
They try to make sense of what just happened. If Ryvis is neither a standard Shadow nor a wilted, then what is he?
The episode closes with confusion, worry, and the knowledge that a more dangerous, perhaps truly unknown threat now hunts them.
Amber (24:05): “This guy is not a regular shadow, that’s for sure. And not a wilted either. So that just leaves one question. What the hell is he?”
The episode mixes paranoia, tension, and moments of dry humor among the extraordinary. The dialogue is grounded, with Daniel and Amber’s camaraderie providing some levity, yet the sense of impending danger never fades. The supernatural is never far from the surface, and the mundane world seems paper-thin compared to the dangers lurking underneath.
Episode 5.4, “The Unknown,” deepens the mythology of The Road of Shadows, bringing new threats and raising stakes for Daniel and Amber. The introduction of Ryvis leaves listeners unsettled, as both characters and audience are left to ponder what secrets—and dangers—still await in the darkness.