Episode 5.5 - The Old Maid

Summary

The Road of Shadows – Episode 5.5: "The Old Maid"

Podcast: The Road of Shadows
Host/Creator: Mark R. Healy
Episode Title: The Old Maid
Original Air Date: June 30, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this atmospheric, dialogue-driven installment of "The Road of Shadows," Daniel Knox and Amber regroup after a bruising encounter, still on edge from their latest confrontation with the enigmatic Shadow known as Ryvis. Seeking safety in their mountain motel in Silverton, they are drawn into an intense conversation with Becca, a local who is more perceptive than she seems. The episode delves into the folklore of Silverton, particularly the legend of the Old Maid, while escalating the sense of threat from the Shadows and deepening the mystery around who—or what—Ryvis truly is.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Aftermath of the Ryvis Encounter

Timestamp: 02:23 – 04:32

• Daniel is physically and emotionally shaken after battling Ryvis, a Shadow whose abilities and aura seem unlike previous adversaries.
• Amber cares for Daniel, but the threat of Ryvis lingers. Daniel remains vigilant, believing Ryvis is far from finished with them.
  • “Rivas isn’t done with us yet. Not by a long shot. We don’t know when or where he might make another play.” — Daniel (02:50)
• Speculation about Ryvis' nature: He may be a stronger, possibly ‘warrior caste’ Shadow, different from others they've faced.
  • “Do you think maybe he’s another breed of Shadow?” — Amber (04:43)

2. The Axe Feels Different

Timestamp: 06:34 – 07:00

• Daniel notes something wrong with his weapon: The axe, usually burning hot when confronting Shadows, felt cold during the Ryvis fight—a chilling reversal that unsettles Daniel and Amber.
  • “Normally when I face up against a shadow, the axe feels hot... But with Rivas, it was the opposite. It felt like ice.” — Daniel (06:44)

3. The Unusual Status of Ryvis in Silverton

Timestamp: 07:06 – 08:05

• Amber points out a contradiction: Townsfolk seem to fear and report Ryvis, contrary to the usual effect Shadows have on their communities.
  • Normally, Shadows manipulate towns to like or respect them, but Ryvis is an outcast.
• Daniel connects this with local hierarchy:
  • “Shadows never share their territory. One town, one shadow.” — Amber (07:47)
  • Ryvis is not supposed to be there; this raises questions about his origins.

4. The Phone Lines Go Down

Timestamp: 08:05 – 12:20

• Amber and Daniel attempt to contact Rodrik for insight, but find the phones are dead.
• Becca later explains it’s due to a real-world incident: a car crashed into a telephone pole. This appears to be mundane, but their paranoia about Shadow interference pulses beneath the conversation.

5. Becca’s Confrontation: The Locals Are Not Fooled

Timestamp: 13:07 – 15:56

• Becca calls out Daniel and Amber, seeing through their cover as tourists.
  • “I’ve seen those maps of yours... you’ve made notations and crossed out sections and drawn lines all over the place. It’s like something you’d see in a war room.” — Becca (14:49)
  • Describes observing them being tense, vigilant, never letting go of the axe—clear signs of their outlier status.
• Memorable exchange (light sarcasm):
  • “Okay, you got us. We came to Silverton to hunt down little green men and chop them into pieces.” — Amber (16:14)

6. Local Legends: The Old Maid

Timestamp: 16:55 – 21:15

• Becca shares Silverton's folklore:
  • Bigfoot/Sasquatch/Skunk Ape and other regional monsters are quickly dismissed.
  • The Old Maid becomes the focus: A ghostly, benevolent figure said to wander at night, watching over the town.
    • “She’s a benevolent spirit, from what I’ve heard. Known to wander the deep, dark night alone, watching over Silverton.” — Becca (18:47)
    • Stories told: Appearing to people in distress, instilling both fear and comfort.
    • Legend has it she lost her child long ago and now roams eternally searching for him.
    • “It may sound strange, but I hope to see her myself one day. People say it’s a blessing to be visited by her.” — Becca (21:09)
• Becca’s knowledge of folklore further establishes her as a local expert and potential ally.

7. The Prowler and Other Theoretical Monsters

Timestamp: 22:10 – 23:36

• Becca speculates that Amber and Daniel are hunting 'the prowler', a recent unsettling presence in Silverton.
  • She runs through monster archetypes—vampires, werewolves, Dracula—mixing humor and seriousness.
  • “Looking at this sketch, I get some real Count Dracula vibes... Oh, is that it? He’s a vampire and you’ve tracked him to Silverton so you can kill him.” — Becca (23:05)

8. The Mountain’s Mystery

Timestamp: 24:00 – 24:49

• Becca warns of a dark presence on the mountain, recalling a personal story where she felt an overpowering sense of dread while hiking and barely escaped.
  • “I felt this sense of dread, like something really bad was about to happen. So I had to turn back.” — Becca (24:01)
• Daniel asks subtly about a waterfall, suggesting they’re seeking more than just Shadows.

9. The Tense Denouement

Timestamp: 24:49 – end main content

• Becca warns Daniel and Amber to give up their hunt:
  • “If you want my advice, you should stay away from that mountain altogether. Just pack your things up and find something else to hunt. And don’t ever go back.” — Becca (24:49)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We don’t know when or where he might make another play.” — Daniel (02:50)
• “Do you think maybe he’s another breed of Shadow?...A warrior caste or something?” — Amber (04:43)
• “Normally when I face up against a shadow, the axe feels hot... But with Rivas, it was the opposite. It felt like ice.” — Daniel (06:44)
• “Shadows never share their territory. One town, one shadow.” — Amber (07:47)
• “I’ve seen those maps of yours...it’s like something you’d see in a war room.” — Becca (14:49)
• “She’s a benevolent spirit... watching over Silverton... The Old Maid, she’s a lot more subtle than that.” — Becca (18:47)
• “It may sound strange, but I hope to see her myself one day. People say it’s a blessing to be visited by her.” — Becca (21:09)
• “If you want my advice, you should stay away from that mountain altogether...” — Becca (24:49)

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• 02:23: Episode narrative resumes with Daniel recovering from the fight.
• 04:43: Amber theorizes Ryvis could be a new, more dangerous Shadow breed.
• 06:34: Daniel describes his weapon feeling wrong during the encounter.
• 07:47: They discuss the usual influence Shadows have over towns.
• 11:47: Becca confronts Daniel and Amber, exposing their cover.
• 16:55: Becca begins recounting local legends, leading to the story of the Old Maid.
• 21:09: Becca expresses her wish to see the Old Maid herself.
• 24:00: Becca relates her eerie experience on the mountain, warning Daniel and Amber.

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Summary Tone & Style

The episode is moody, tense, and carries an undercurrent of suspicion and supernatural foreboding. Dialogues are sharp, often laced with sarcasm and deadpan humor—especially in exchanges between Amber and Becca. The unfolding of local legends enriches the world-building and amplifies the series’ central mystery.

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Overall Takeaway

Episode 5.5, "The Old Maid," fuses local folklore, lingering paranoia, and strained alliances to heighten both suspense and the series’ mythos. It spotlights the risks Daniel and Amber face—not only from supernatural forces but from the suspicions of those around them—and leaves listeners pondering whether the legends of Silverton may hold deeper truths, or even unexpected help, as their haunting road continues.

Transcript

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[Becca]

Today I met the love of my life. Her name is Juniper Suma.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

She just.

[Daniel]

She seemed kind of off to me.

[Becca]

Why would you think that?

[Narrator/Advertiser 3]

Tell me.

[Amber]

It's her eyes.

[Unnamed Speaker 1]

They're just so dark.

[Daniel]

I feel like she's gonna eat me or something. I get that a lot. Hel really broke the mold. They released her

[Becca]

and she is everything.

[Daniel]

Something's amiss at Juniper's house. Available everywhere this Valentine's Day.

[Narrator/Producer]

The road of shadows created by mark r. Healy a beyond the dark production season 5 episode 5 the old maid.

[Amber]

Here, let me help you. Easy, Daniel.

[Daniel]

Thanks. I think I'm okay. Just a little stiff and sore.

[Amber]

Rus really got you good, didn't he? Come on, grab my arm. I'll help you back inside the room. Do you want me to see if Becca has some ice in her office or something?

[Daniel]

No, it's. It's fine. I think I just need to put my feet up for a while.

[Amber]

Let me get the door.

[Daniel]

Just be careful. Amber. Rivas isn't done with us yet. Not by a long shot. We don't know when or where he might make another play.

[Amber]

Something tells me he's not going to be waiting in our motel room. Daniel, you hurt him. Maybe as much as he hurt you. I doubt he's looking for another fight just yet.

[Daniel]

Either way, let's not take any chances, alright?

[Amber]

I'll be careful. The room's clear. Come on, let's get you inside. Lay down on the couch.

[Daniel]

Yeah, that's better.

[Amber]

You've broken out in a sweat.

[Daniel]

Well, what do you expect? Been walking all day, and I just got myself tangled up in a life or death battle with the toughest Shadow I've ever fought.

[Amber]

I'll get you some water.

[Daniel]

Maybe I should sit by the window.

[Amber]

Stay right there. Don't even think about getting up.

[Daniel]

But if Ryvis comes after us, I'll

[Amber]

keep watch at the window. Okay. Here. Lay back and drink this.

[Becca]

Just take it easy.

[Amber]

There. I'm all set up. I've got a perfect view from here.

[Daniel]

What do you see?

[Amber]

An empty motel parking lot.

[Daniel]

Damn it. I don't understand what happened out there.

[Amber]

We had a setback, that's all.

[Daniel]

Just when we thought we had their number, this happens.

[Amber]

Actually, this is pretty much the way it's been with the Shadows right from the start. Every time we think we're gaining the upper hand, they pull another rabbit out of the hat.

[Daniel]

I don't know. This was different. The scent that I picked up as we got near the footbridge, I think it was bloodlust from Ryvis. But his scent wasn't like anything I've ever encountered before.

[Amber]

Do you think maybe he's another breed of Shadow? We already know about the standard ones, like Pete Davis and the wilted like Dragisa. Maybe Ryvis is something else again. Like a Warrior caste or something. A stronger, more resilient type.

[Daniel]

That doesn't seem to fit in with what we learned about them so far. It's not mentioned in the Compendium.

[Amber]

The Compendium isn't exactly comprehensive. There are plenty of gaps in there. Even Rodrik would admit that if they

[Daniel]

had a Warrior caste at their disposal this whole time. Why are we only seeing it now? Surely the Kin wouldn't have waited this long to use it, considering we've been walking all over them these last few months.

[Amber]

Maybe they only call upon the warriors when things get really desperate. We. We can kill this guy, right?

[Daniel]

Honestly, I don't know, Amber. My strikes wounded him, no doubt about that. But I just wasn't able to get any penetration.

[Amber]

Only if you gash him enough, eventually you'll be able to bring him down.

[Daniel]

Gash him? Those wounds I gave him weren't much more than scratches.

[Amber]

No, no, he was definitely hurting. Trust me.

[Daniel]

What about you? What happened when you grabbed him?

[Amber]

I felt a bit of a twinge, I guess, but I don't know if I caused him to bleed. If I did, it wasn't much.

[Daniel]

Do you think you'd have more of an effect on him if you could keep Your hands on him for a longer duration.

[Amber]

Um. I'm not sure. I don't like the match up between me and him. I think it would take too long for me to kill him with my hands. He'd have plenty of time to beat me to a pulp before I could finish the job.

[Daniel]

So it's going to have to be me?

[Amber]

Probably. I'd say. Sorry. I think it might be down to you and the axe for this one.

[Daniel]

That was the other weird thing. The axe. I don't know exactly how to explain this, but somehow it just felt wrong in my hands. Like it had gone cold.

[Amber]

What was cold? The. The axe?

[Daniel]

Yeah. Normally when I face up against a shadow, the axe feels hot, like it's burning in my hands. But with Rivas, it was the opposite. It felt like ice.

[Amber]

That's strange. I wonder why.

[Daniel]

Beats me. Everything that happened during the fight seemed backward. That's why it worries me.

[Amber]

You know, there was something that Rivas said that seemed strange to me. Something about the townspeople here in Silverton.

[Daniel]

He said they haven't been very welcoming to her.

[Amber]

Right. And we know that's true, don't we? The flyer that Becca showed us, the prowler. That composite sketch looked a lot like Rivas.

[Daniel]

It's him. No doubt about it.

[Amber]

The fact that the people of Silverton are reporting him to the police. They seem so worried about him. That's. That's also strange, isn't it?

[Daniel]

Shadows exert a high level of control over their communities. They manipulate the townspeople into liking and respecting them. It's like in extra layer of protection against outsiders. We've seen it time and again.

[Amber]

But we know that Silverton belongs to Dragisa. This is her town. And shadows never share their territory. One town, one shadow.

[Daniel]

So Ryvis doesn't belong here and the townspeople are rejecting him. But that still doesn't explain who he is or where he came from.

[Amber]

I'm gonna try calling Rodrik. He may have come across something like this.

[Becca]

Huh.

[Amber]

The phone's out.

[Daniel]

Not this again.

[Amber]

Wait. Do you think it's the shadows screwing with us? Maybe. Maybe they're trying to stop us from contacting Roderick.

[Daniel]

Or they're planning another attack here at the motel.

[Amber]

With all these people around, I wouldn't

[Daniel]

put it past them. Especially if they're trying to use the element of surprise.

[Amber]

I'm going to check with Becca, see if there's another explanation.

[Daniel]

I'll come with you.

[Amber]

Are you sure, Daniel? You don't look so good.

[Daniel]

I'll be fine. Besides, I don't think this is a good time for us to be splitting up.

[Amber]

Fair point. Here, let me give you a hand.

[Daniel]

Grab the axe for me. I'll bring it inside the backpack.

[Amber]

Here you go. All right, let's go for a walk.

[Becca]

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[Becca]

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[Amber]

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[Becca]

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[Amber]

Becca's office is this one, isn't it? I don't see anyone inside.

[Daniel]

Maybe she stepped out for a minute or something happened to her. But I don't smell bloodlust and I

[Amber]

don't sense any shadows nearby. All the same, I think we should take this slowly. Come on. No one at the desk. Let me try the bell.

[Becca]

Hey. Sorry, folks. I was just hiding up out back. What can I do for you, Amber?

[Amber]

Oh, hey, Becca. We were having a problem with our phone a minute ago, and we were wondering if you might know what's going on.

[Becca]

The phones? Yes. I'm sorry about that. They went down, like, half an hour ago. I got word from Hank down the street that there was an accident outside of town. I guess a car hit a telephone pole, so the lines were down. I'm not sure if you heard the sirens.

[Amber]

Oh, right. Yeah. Yeah, we did hear sirens around that time.

[Becca]

Yep. Well, that's it. I went and knocked on a few doors to let the guests know, but the two of you weren't in your room from what I could tell.

[Amber]

Okay. Yeah, we must have been out.

[Becca]

I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Hank says the lines might be down for a few hours yet. They need to bring a crew in to fix everything up, obviously. I hope there's not any kind of emergency or.

[Amber]

An emergency? Why would you say that?

[Becca]

Well, no offense, but Daniel here doesn't look the best.

[Daniel]

I'm fine, Becca. There's no emergency. We were just trying to call a friend.

[Becca]

You sure? You look awful pale.

[Daniel]

We just got back from a long day on the mountain, that's all.

[Becca]

Did you take a tumble up there? That is a nasty bruise you've got coming up on your face.

[Daniel]

Yeah, I. I guess I must have bumped it somehow.

[Becca]

Oh, come on. You're not fooling anyone, Daniel. Amber, I know you two are up to something.

[Amber]

We just came to ask about the phone.

[Becca]

I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about what's been going on these last couple of days. You know, ever since you first showed up at my door.

[Daniel]

And what's that?

[Becca]

I've seen you coming and going. I notice things, okay? And I can say one thing for certain. You didn't come to Silverton for a holiday.

[Amber]

We're just a couple of tourists, Becca.

[Becca]

Like hell you are. I haven't figured out what your game is yet, but don't worry. I will.

[Amber]

If you think we're aliens who landed here on a ufo, then.

[Becca]

Oh, so the locals have been talking about me, have they? So what did they say?

[Amber]

Look, Becca, we don't want to start any trouble.

[Becca]

Don't worry. I'm not offended, Amber. In fact, I'm used to this shit. People in this town are a pretty boring bunch when you get down to it. They gossip like there's no tomorrow. And one of Their favorite topics happens to be. I mean, I've known that for years. They call me crackpot and weirdo and. Well, much worse than that, probably.

[Daniel]

We never said you were a crackpot.

[Becca]

No, but you've obviously been talking to people. So come on. Who was it? Oh, Jackie from the grocery store.

[Daniel]

We're tired, Becca. We're going to head back to our room now. Let's go, Amber.

[Becca]

What is it that you're hunting, Daniel? What did you come here to kill?

[Daniel]

Why do you think I'm hunting something

[Becca]

I don't think, I know? It's obvious to anyone who's been paying attention.

[Amber]

Okay, Becca, let's hear it. What's your theory? Hmm?

[Becca]

Well, for a start, I've seen those maps of yours. The way you've made notations and crossed out sections and drawn lines all over the place. It's like something you'd see in a war room. Not in the backpacks of a pair of happy go lucky adventurers.

[Amber]

That's your evidence. The fact that we have some maps,

[Becca]

that's just the start. The other thing that set me off was the way you two carry yourselves. The way you walk. Even the way you stand. You're doing it right now. You're tense, wary. Always on the lookout. I've seen you glancing over your shoulder when you close the door. And the way that you sit at the window watching the parking lot late at night. That's not exactly in line with your story about being fun loving tourists, is it? Shall I go on?

[Amber]

Why not? It seems like you're on a roll.

[Becca]

Alrighty then. Let's talk about Daniel's axe. Yeah, I've seen the handle sticking out of the backpack. You never go anywhere without it, do you, Daniel? Fact, as far as I can tell, you haven't let it out of arm's reach since you got here. So that leads me to the question, what's it for? I bet it ain't for chopping firewood.

[Daniel]

What else would I be using it for?

[Becca]

Like I said, my guess is you're on the hunt.

[Daniel]

And what am I hunting?

[Becca]

Well, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? Whatever it is, it's serious business. You two have got that look, you know. You're locked in laser focus.

[Amber]

Okay, you got us. We came to Silverton to hunt down little green men and chop them into pieces. I don't suppose you could help point us in the right direction?

[Becca]

Come on, Amber. Don't screw with me. Both know I'm right about this.

[Daniel]

What do you want us to tell you, Becca, that we're monster hunters or something.

[Becca]

Listen, guys, no one has a better handle on local folklore than me. Tell me what you came looking for, and, I don't know, maybe I can help you.

[Amber]

You. You want to help us?

[Becca]

Well, of course I do. Why do you think I confronted you about this whole thing in the first place?

[Daniel]

All right, let's say we did come to Silverton for a hunt. What can you tell us about these so called local monsters?

[Becca]

Well, okay, let's see. The first one I go to, considering you're looking in the mountains, is the Skunk ape.

[Amber]

Skunk ape?

[Becca]

Mm. Or, you know, Sasquatch, as some like to call him.

[Amber]

Oh, Bigfoot, right.

[Becca]

Is there a problem?

[Amber]

It's nothing. I've just always found that myth to be kind of stupid.

[Daniel]

You think Bigfoot is running around a Mount Sunderbekah?

[Becca]

Me personally, I'm not so sure about that. I mean, you know, I can't rule it out, but I've never gone looking. Others, though, I've heard of investigators heading up there looking for signs, Scat, footprints, layers, the whole shebang. No one's ever found anything, to my knowledge.

[Amber]

Gee, what a surprise.

[Becca]

Okay, so it's not Sasquatch you're looking for, huh? Well, some believe that Mothman has visited these parts, but yeah, I doubt you'd be looking for him during the daytime. Maybe the Slide Rock Bolter.

[Daniel]

I think I've read about that somewhere.

[Becca]

Ooh, have you? It's a critter that lives in mountainous areas, preying on unsuspecting travelers. A big fish like thing with grabbing hooks and a mouthful of razor sharp teeth. It attacks from above most times.

[Amber]

Sounds like an interesting critter. I've never seen one myself. You, Daniel?

[Daniel]

Not me. What other local legends do you have for Rebecca?

[Becca]

Okay, well, there's the Old Maid, but there wouldn't be much point in hunting her.

[Daniel]

Old Maid? What's that?

[Becca]

I guess you could call her a ghost. Or a lost spirit. And let's get one thing straight. She's not like the ones in Ghostbusters or anything like that. Did you see the movie yet?

[Daniel]

No, not yet.

[Becca]

Ugh. Best movie of the year as far as I'm concerned. Bill Murray is hilarious. But the ghosts are kind of silly, too. Over the top. The Old Maid, She's a lot more subtle than that.

[Amber]

How so?

[Becca]

Well, she's a benevolent spirit, from what I've heard. Known to wander the deep, dark night alone, watching over Silverton. She shows up all over the place, but always at night, people see her standing in their backyards or out on the street. My friend Wendy said she got up one night to get a glass of water and the old maid was there in her kitchen. And another story I heard. Someone woke up from a nightmare and the maid was there at the foot of their bed. Yeah, she scares the shit out of people more often than not. But she never hurts anyone. Wendy said that after the initial shock, she suddenly felt all. I don't know, warm and fuzzy, safe, secure. Like the maid was protecting her somehow.

[Daniel]

Did your friend talk to the old maid, or did she run away or what?

[Becca]

You know, it's strange. Wendy said that she just woke up in her bed the next morning feeling fine, like she blacked out or something.

[Amber]

The old maid. What do people say she looks like?

[Becca]

She's usually dressed in white, from what I believe. And she's old. You know, like, old old. Her skin is all wrinkly and mushy and kind of disgusting to look at.

[Daniel]

Wrinkly, huh?

[Becca]

You two know something about her, don't you? Have you heard the legend before?

[Amber]

No. No, this is the first time anyone has mentioned it.

[Daniel]

Does anyone know what the old Maid wants? Why does she visit people like that?

[Becca]

Well, one version I heard is that she used to live here in Silverton a hundred years ago. It goes that one day she left her young son sleeping at home while she went to the market. But when she got back, the boy had disappeared. A search party was put together, scouring the streets, the mountains, the river, everywhere. But the boy was gone without a trace. They say that now the old maid is consigned to wander the town forever. Even in death, still searching for her little boy.

[Amber]

You said she was benevolent. Why do you think that?

[Becca]

Everyone I've spoken to, the ones who claim to have seen her, they all say that Wendy says she believes the Maid is a protector, watching over the whole town. She keeps the bad spirits away.

[Daniel]

She sounds creepy to me.

[Becca]

Oh, definitely creepy. But she is a ghost after all. She doesn't mean to scare the shit out of people, but she can't help it. Anyway, she's definitely one of my favorites. It may sound strange, but I hope to see her myself one day. People say it's a blessing to be visited by her.

[Amber]

Has she ever appeared at the motel?

[Becca]

Not that I've heard. Why? You hoping she'll walk right into your trap?

[Amber]

No. We're not haunting the old maid, Becca.

[Becca]

Well, good. Like I said, there's not much point trying. You can't kill a ghost. Not with an axe? Or anything else for that matter.

[Daniel]

There is a name I've heard in my travels. Someone mentioned Dragisa in relation to Silverton. Can you tell us about that one?

[Becca]

Dragisa? No, I can't say I've heard about it. What is it?

[Daniel]

I'm not sure. Heard the name mentioned somewhere, that's all.

[Becca]

Okay. What kind of creature is a Dragisa?

[Amber]

She's a creepy woman. A bit like the old mate.

[Becca]

Oh, like another spirit or.

[Amber]

No, this one's real.

[Becca]

Wow, that sounds great. Do you have any more details?

[Amber]

Not anything more, no.

[Becca]

All right, well, let me write it down here. I'll have to look into it. And. There. See, I knew you two were into this shit.

[Amber]

I wouldn't say we're into it, but. Well, we try to keep an open mind, you know?

[Becca]

You still haven't answered my question yet. Why did you come here? To hunt.

[Daniel]

It's getting late, Becca. We should probably go.

[Becca]

Okay, okay, okay. I'm gonna go out on a limb here. I think you're after this guy, the prowler.

[Amber]

You think we're after him?

[Becca]

The pieces fit as far as I'm concerned.

[Daniel]

How do you figure out?

[Becca]

Okay, so let's examine the facts, shall we? You two arrive in town clearly looking for someone, as I already pointed out. Then, right about the same time, this prowler guy shows up. And he's not just your average run of the mill prowler. He's different. He's giving people the creeps. Got a real bad energy about him, which leads me to believe he might be supernatural.

[Amber]

Oh, wait, I think I've got it. This guy is Bigfoot. Daniel. How about that? We finally found him.

[Becca]

He's definitely not Bigfoot, but looking at this sketch, I get some real Count Dracula vibes. Oh, is that it? He's a vampire and you've tracked him to Silverton so you can kill him.

[Daniel]

You think we're vampire hunters?

[Becca]

That's what I'm going with.

[Daniel]

Well, I don't have any crosses handy. Or wooden stakes, for that matter. How about you, Amber?

[Amber]

I'm all out of wooden stakes.

[Becca]

Okay. How about a werewolf?

[Daniel]

I think you're clutching at straws now, Becca.

[Becca]

But it is him, right? You came to town to hunt a prowler.

[Amber]

In all honesty, Becca, no, we didn't. Sorry to disappoint you.

[Becca]

Oh, come on, guys. I saw your faces when I showed you that flyer. You tried your best not to react, but something slipped through. Tell me I'm wrong.

[Amber]

Daniel's right. We really should turn in for the night.

[Becca]

I know there's something in the woods. Those trails up there on the mountain. There's a presence.

[Daniel]

Why do you say that?

[Becca]

I used to go walking on those trails, okay? I wanted to find whatever it was that I could sense up there. But one day, I must have gone too far or chose the wrong path. I felt this sense of dread, like something really bad was about to happen. So I had to turn back.

[Amber]

What path? Where was it?

[Becca]

It's really hard to say. I was disoriented and lost. In fact, it got so bad that I really thought I was going to die up there. Thought I'd never find my way out of that maze. But I don't know, somehow I did. I made it back to my car and I got the hell out of there. And I never went back.

[Daniel]

Did you happen to come across a waterfall up there?

[Becca]

A waterfall? No. What's that got to do with anything?

[Amber]

Nothing. Becca, it's fine. Come on, Daniel, let's go.

[Becca]

Guys, I'm serious. You need to be careful, all right? In fact, if you want my advice, you should stay away from that mountain altogether. Just pack your things up and find something else to hunt. And don't ever go back.

[Narrator/Producer]

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 Plagemas, Marta da Silva, Liz Morey, Joseph Tweeter, Marlon Dance Hui, Sarah Safarian, Nicholas Ewan and Thomas Barker. The Road of Shadows is a beyond the Dark production.

[Becca]

The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Narrator/Advertiser 3]

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