Loading summary
A
This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Insurance isn't One size fits all. That's why drivers have enjoyed Progressive's Name youe Price Tool for years. Now. With the Name youe Price Tool, you tell them what you want to pay and they'll show you options that fit your budget. So whether you're picking out your first policy or just looking for something that works better for you and your family, they make it easy to see your options. Visit progressive.com find a rate that works for you with the name your price tool. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates Present Coverage match limited by state law Today's episode is sponsored in part by Quints Hey, I'm Russ Moore and I work at the Fable and Folly Network. One thing I love about summer is how easy everything feels. The days are a little more relaxed and I find myself reaching for the same comfortable go anywhere pieces again and again. Quince's 100% European linen pants and shirts are breathable, easy to throw on, and just the summer upgrade your rotation needs. Starting at just 34 doll, their tees are soft enough to live in all day, and the linen cotton sweaters are exactly what you want when summer nights cool down. I've been absolutely loving the ultra stretch 24. Seven smart chinos. In fact, I'm wearing them right now. That ocean color really just pops. They're super comfortable and stylish. The texture is a lot softer than I expected and feels more like wearing lounge or yoga pants. So trust Quince with everything this summer and make your summer wardrobe feel easier. Go to quince.com shadows for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns now available in Canada too. That's Q U I n c e.com shadows for free shipping and 365 day returns.
B
Quince.com shadows thanks for supporting the Fable and Folly Network. Here's another show we know you'll love.
C
The Ytruvian Messiah has chosen the path of Abomination.
B
Fire.
D
What exactly happened that day? It's gone out of control.
E
Chaos.
C
The RAO are sending an envoy to Arkas to negotiate the terms of peace.
D
We're supposed to put on a show of confidence? Haven't we already done that? We've shown them power. Arrest is up to diplomacy. Pack Howl Media Presents the Madness of Shartulian learn more@shartrulian.com.
F
The road of shadows created by mark r. Healy a beyond the dark production season 5 episode 6 rivals.
C
Ryvis, what are you doing here? You weren't supposed to return to this place ever.
G
Don't you think I know that? Do you think I came here by choice?
C
What happened? Did you confront the Nostromo?
G
Yes.
C
I fought them, but they walked away alive. I can still sense their presence in Silverson.
G
There was a setback.
C
A setback? The way you're wallowing here, licking your wounds and feeling sorry for yourself, well, that's not the term I would use.
G
Did you come here to taunt me?
C
I came here because this is my sanctuary. The real question is, why are you here?
G
I need to heal. Can't you see that?
C
Let me look at you. Come. Sit up straight. Ryvus. Yes. Daniel gave you something to remember him by, didn't he? Even so, you should not have come here.
G
Where else would I go? The whole accursed town is against me, Dragisa. The people have branded me an outsider. It's impossible to go anywhere without one of them getting in my way.
C
We both knew this would happen. Your kind is not welcome here.
G
Why won't you help? You have influence here. You said it yourself.
C
I told you that my influence has been diluted by the presence of the Nostromo. There's little I can do.
G
Then maybe I should just kill anyone who gets in my way. How would you like that?
C
If you so much as touch one of my flock, you'll regret it, Rivus. Any transgression in that regard will be met with in immediate retribution. Consider yourself warned.
G
I'm beginning to wonder if my coming here was a mistake.
C
You had to come, Ryvas, didn't you? Otherwise you would never be able to reclaim that which was once yours.
G
So you won't help me?
C
No. You must find your own solution to this problem, whatever the cost.
G
My own solution?
C
Yes. I'm sure you can find a way. Somehow.
G
You'd like nothing more than to see me fall to them, wouldn't you, Dragisa? The very thought of it must bring you great pleasure.
C
On the contrary. You were brought here to undertake a most vital task. A task which is of the utmost importance to the kin. If you fail, it may lead to the ruin of us all. So, no. I don't wish to see you fall. It is my most fervent hope that you succeed.
G
These Nostrama are strong. The wounds they inflicted upon me will take years to fully heal. In fact, they may never heal.
C
I tried to warn you. It seems you underestimated them.
G
I've never seen anything like them.
C
Nor have I. Nor have any of the kin. That is why our need is so urgent. That's why we called upon you.
G
Yes, I understand.
C
So you will return to your task then?
G
I need more time. A few more hours. A day at most. Then I will resume the hunt.
C
You can't spend long here, Ryvis. The Nostromo draw ever closer to us, and they can't be allowed to find the place of stone before our work is done.
G
What work?
C
Don't you feel it? Don't you sense a change?
G
The power in the place of stone is diminishing.
C
Yes. Our hand has been forced. We must flee.
G
You're going to destroy is a grievous
C
desecration of all that is holy. But there is no other choice.
G
When will this happen?
C
As soon as the rituals are complete. A day or two. No more than that. We must withdraw all traces of the power that has been stored here over the years. We must leave nothing for them to follow.
G
You intend to hide from them?
C
It's a temporary retreat. It will give us time to formulate a plan against them. That is why it is imperative that you slow them down. At the very least, give us the time we so desperately need.
G
Slow them down? You make it sound so easy.
C
Are you afraid, Ryvers?
G
Never.
C
That is good to know. And nor should you be. You still hold the other hand in this fight. Do you mind if I offer some advice?
G
Go ahead.
C
Steel yourself, Rivus. Ready yourself for suffering. The next time you meet with the Nostromo, you will be forced to stand your ground. They will inflict great pain upon you. I have no doubt. The worst pain you have ever felt in all the centuries that you have walked this earth. But that does not change the only fact that truly matters. Daniel does not have the power to strike you down. He cannot kill you. And that, dear Rivus, is why, in the end, you will prevail.
E
Oh, Daniel. You're awake. I just ducked out to grab some breakfast. You hungry?
D
Hey, Amber. Not really. I think I'll pass.
E
You sure? I've got a couple of sandwiches here, some coffee.
D
Maybe later. Right now I just want to.
A
Hmm.
E
You're running a fever again. Let me get you a wet cloth. Did you sleep okay?
D
Thanks. Not really. I tossed and turned a lot. Couldn't seem to get comfortable.
E
Here, let me just. Damn, you're burning up.
D
Yeah, this thing is hit me pretty hard.
E
What do you think it is? Just the flu or.
D
It's hard to say. Doesn't feel like any flu I've had before.
E
You know, the symptoms you're experiencing, they're not so dissimilar to what I went through after the lakehouse in Colton.
D
You think what I'm experiencing might be the result of shadow poison?
E
Well, like I said, there are some similarities.
D
I haven't been bitten by any shadows lately.
E
Amber, are you sure Ryvis didn't get you during the fight?
G
No way.
D
Besides, even if he somehow managed to get his teeth into me without me noticing, there would definitely be a bite mark, and I don't see one of those.
E
Yeah, you're right. Well, I guess there's another possibility that this is something Dragisa has cooked up.
D
Dragisa? What makes you think this has anything to do with her?
E
She's one of the wilted. And that makes her more powerful than an average shadow. Who knows? Maybe she can do things the others can't.
D
I don't know if what I'm experiencing is supernatural.
E
Maybe we should get a diagnosis from Becca. She seems to be the resident expert in all things paranormal.
D
Being serious for a second, do you think we should be concerned about her?
E
About Becca? Why would we be concerned about her?
D
She's onto us, Amber. She knows we came to Silverton to hunt something.
E
So what? What difference does that make?
D
If she starts talking about us around town, that might bring some unwanted attention.
E
Let her talk. She said it herself. Everyone in town thinks she's a crackpot. If she decides to go around telling everyone that we're vampire hunters, they're going to think it's just another one of her crazy conspiracy theories.
D
What did you think about her old maid story?
E
That one. Well, that was pretty interesting, actually. The wrinkled face, the creepy appearances all over the place, the. That has to be Dragisa, doesn't it?
D
If it's not, it's a pretty big coincidence.
E
The pieces fit, I guess. Dragisa has lived here for a long time. Most likely. And she would have had the opportunity to slip into the town's psyche. Her influence could run deep with the people here.
D
Yeah, but she presented herself as some kind of benevolent spirit who watches over the town, rather than a disgusting ghoul who preys on human flesh.
E
That's a common trick with shadows. They make people like and respect them.
D
The weak minded ones, at least. Seems Tregee hasn't managed to influence Becca yet.
E
What did you make of Becca's story about the hiking expedition she attempted on the mountain?
D
You mean where she got lost and disoriented?
E
Yeah. Do you think that could be worth following up on? If Becca really did sense a presence up there on the mountain, well, that could have meant that she was onto something.
D
You think she found the path we're looking for by accident, it's possible, but it's a moot point. She seemed to be fuzzy about the location. I doubt she could tell us where it was. She didn't seem too keen on going back there anyway, so she probably wouldn't offer to guide us.
E
The fact that it had such an effect on her, it makes me wonder.
D
Just because she filled a twinge doesn't mean it had anything to do with the shadows. Becca believes in some pretty crazy shit, right? She clearly has an active imagination.
E
That's an understatement. Anyway, hopefully we won't have to rely on Becca for anything at all. If we keep mapping out the trails up there, it's just a matter of time until we find the right one.
D
As long as Ryvis doesn't get in our way again.
E
I'm sure he will. But he won't slow us down too long. He's just another shadow, after all. We know how to deal with those.
D
Yeah. So should we make a plan for today's expedition then?
E
Today? Are you sure about that? You look like you can hardly get out of bed, let alone take on a day of walking and climbing.
D
I'm sure I'll pick up after some rest.
E
Okay. Well, let's take a look at some maps. At least figure out where to go next. Let me grab it from the backpack. Let me see. Just put your axe aside and.
D
Amber? What's the matter?
E
I. I just felt something. Like back in Dragisa's kitchen when I tapped into the ether. I think it's the blade of your axe. My fingers must have brushed against it and I.
D
The blade that would have come into contact with Ryvas skin yesterday when we fought, right?
E
Yeah. Yeah. Maybe there's some residual energy still clinging to the metal or something. I. Yep.
H
Yep.
E
I'm getting a vision. Or. Well, not really a vision. It's too weak for that.
H
But.
E
But I can definitely see. See something when I close my eyes.
D
What is it?
E
There's a path again. The same trail as last time. There are no distinguishing marks, though it looks like most of the others.
D
Is there anything that could give us a clue? Anything at all?
E
There's something off to the side here. A fallen log or. No, no, it's a bench. Yeah, a long wooden bench. It's old, worn. The wood is rotting, I think. Hang on. I'm moving on again. I've reached the waterfall, but this doesn't look like any path we've seen so far.
D
Can you see the angle of the sun? Anything that might give us a sense of Direction?
E
No, no, the sky is gray. It's. Wait.
H
God.
E
I'm moving on again. There's a cliff here with a sharp drop. And now I'm walking up a steeper section of the mountain. The path is winding its way upward and I hear a name.
D
What name?
E
The place of stone.
D
Is that the avalanche you saw last time?
E
No, this is different. It's. Shit, I've lost it. Ah, damn. The vision just slipped away.
D
Try touching the X again.
E
I am. I'm touching all over. The blade, the handle. But I guess whatever energy was there is gone now. I'm not feeling a thing anymore.
D
Well, at least you made some progress.
E
Not much. A bench, a cliff, and the place of stone, whatever that is.
D
Did you actually see the place of stone? What was it?
E
I didn't really see it. There was dark and foreboding in my periphery. Just a very vague impression. Not very useful, huh?
D
You did good, Amber. Those could be important landmarks.
H
Yeah.
E
I just wish I could have held onto it for a little bit longer. It felt like I was on the verge of something there.
D
Maybe try again later. Who knows? It might come back to you.
E
I guess. Anyway, let's get back to those maps. Maybe with those new clues we can narrow down our search area. All right. Where should we begin?
I
Do you hear that? Sounds like breakfast is ready. Because Quakers coming in hot with morning nutrition 100% whole grain oats and a good source of fiber to fuel the rhythm of your morning and kickstart your day. And that sounds absolutely delicious fuel to start whatever's next. Quaker Official sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26
B
chronic migraine 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting four hours or more can make me feel like a spectator in my own life. Botox Anabotulinum toxin A prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It's not for those with 14 or fewer headache days a month. It's the number one prescribed branded chronic migraine preventive treatment.
J
Prescription Botox is injected by your doctor. Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions including als, Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia Gravis or Lambert Eaton syndrome and medications including botulinum toxins, as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.
B
Why wait? Ask your doctor. Visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-844botox to learn more.
H
I wrote a little song to remind you. Choice hotels get you more of the experiences you you value. The Cambria Hotel's got it all. A rooftop bar. Have a ball. Cocktails up here. Feel just right. It's Cambria.
D
Amazing.
H
All right, bring a date, your team, or even your mom. Book direct@ChoiceHotels.com See you on the roof.
E
Oh, I'll get it. Stay there. Daniel. Hello, Amber.
K
How are you this afternoon?
E
Roderick. I thought it might be you. Ah, we're doing fine, I guess.
K
That doesn't sound convincing.
E
Just hang on while I take the receiver over to Daniel. He's lying down.
K
Is everything all right?
D
We had a bit of a setback, as it turns out.
K
Oh, that sounds grave. What happened?
E
We ran into a. Well, I guess you would call it a new kind of shadow. We were hoping you might be able to shed some light on it, actually.
K
A new kind of shadow. What do you mean when you say new?
D
We encountered this one at the foot of the mountain after a day of walking the trails. He was waiting for us. And? Well, he was different from the others we faced. Tough. Super tough. I gave him everything I had with the axe, but I couldn't bring him down.
K
He resisted the bite of your conduit?
E
Mostly. It looked like he might have been slightly wounded, at least. But we were wondering if this might be some breed we've never seen before. A warrior caste or something like that.
K
Was he one of the wilted?
D
He didn't look like one of them. No wrinkled skin.
K
Who was the instigator? You or him?
D
It was him. Like I said, he was waiting for us. He definitely knew we were coming.
K
Yes, that is indeed troubling. I may have some ideas, but first, can you tell me more of this encounter? What happened?
D
It was yesterday in the late afternoon. We spent the day out exploring the trails on Mount Sunderland. Twilight was closing in. We decided to head home. Just before we got back to the road, he confronted us. Told us his name was Rivas. He taunted us for a minute, and I could tell something was different. The axe felt cold in my hands. It's usually the opposite whenever shadows are around.
K
So you've never experienced that before?
D
No, never. I went in for the kill, hit him with the ax a couple of times. But he managed to brush me off. Couldn't seem to get any penetration. Then he struck out and knocked me aside.
E
That was when I stepped in. I laid my hands right on the bastard, but he threw me off, too, before I could do any damage.
D
I got up and tried a second time, but didn't fare any better. Nothing was working.
K
So did you make a run for it? How did you escape?
E
There was a police siren, and Ryvis seemed to think the townspeople might be coming after him. He mentioned that they wouldn't leave him alone. That was when he turned and ran. The cops were on their way to a traffic accident, as it turns out, so it seems like it was just a coincidence. Good timing for us, though. He was kicking our asses.
K
And you haven't seen him since?
E
No. We've been here at our motel all day, going through maps. We plan to go on another hike, but Daniel's been feeling a bit ill, so we're taking some time to rest.
K
That might be for the best. Ryvis will likely confront you again if you try to return to the mountain.
D
We're going to have to face him sooner or later.
K
You said that he taunted you before you fought. What did he say?
E
He said that the other Shadows were afraid of us, but that we didn't look like much to him. He also mentioned something about being an outsider, that the people of Silverton hadn't been too welcoming toward him. I think that's why he assumed the cops were after him.
K
Do you think that's true? Are the people against him?
D
It seems to fit. In fact, they've been reporting the guy to the cops as a prowler. We even saw a flyer with his face on it.
E
Yeah, he's really got the people of Silverton spooked. Which is unusual. Shadows normally prefer to keep a low profile.
K
Yes. This is beginning to make more sense now. It actually ties in with the other matter at hand, the one that I called about in the first place.
E
Which is?
K
I believe I have an answer about ARGUS and that cocoon he built for himself in the depths of Greystone. If you can give me a moment, I'll tell you my theory. So you're aware that the Wicked Ones are linked in regional groups called kin, bound together by blood. And that there are multiple kins spread across the globe. You also know that Nostromo, like us, gain power against the Wicked Ones after we've been bitten. After we've absorbed their toxins, we develop the ability to stand against them and even strike them down. But those powers are intrinsically. Linked to the kin itself, to that particular bloodline. With that being the case, it is my belief that Argus was attempting to create his own bloodline. Something unique to him alone. His own kin.
D
Why would he do that?
K
Well, for immunity. Against Nostromo, of course. By removing himself from the old kin, he would essentially be making himself impervious to the Nostromo who once held power over him.
E
Changing his blood? How would that even work?
K
Argus would need to alter his body chemistry at the most fundamental level. Huddled beneath that cocoon for years, who knows what might have been happening? I imagine his body would need to break down and reform again in some way. The actual mechanics of this process, well, that's. That's still a mystery to me. But there are records from long ago that indicate that this may have happened before. Cocoons like the one we saw have been found by Nostromo in the past.
D
Do you think Argus succeeded in creating his own kin then?
K
Not quite, no. It seems we interrupted that process, didn't we? But I'd say he was well on the way. It's fortunate that his body had not entirely disassociated from the old kin. Otherwise, the three of us would have lost our power over him. Who knows what would have happened if we'd arrived later, a year, or even a few months longer, beneath that cocoon? Well, there might have been a very different outcome.
E
So you're going to tell us that this all links back to Rivus, aren't you? He's another one of these cocoon guys who's become a part of his own kin, and that's why we have no power over him.
K
It's possible that Rivus has undergone some kind of transformation. Yes. I can't rule that out. But I think there is a much simpler explanation that also fits the evidence. Ryvis is simply a member of another kin.
E
Another kin? You mean separate to the one that Dragiza is from?
K
Yes. Separate to her, to Argus, Susan Blake, Pete Davis, and all those other shadows you've killed.
D
If that's true, why haven't we come across anything else from Rivas kin in our travels?
K
The kin tend to stay out of each other's way. They're not fond of one another. In fact, when crossing paths, they almost always fight. And the battles are bloody. Generally, they will separate themselves by great geographical distances wherever possible.
D
So Ryvas travel to get here?
K
Yes. A long way, I'd say.
E
Well, if the rival can hate each other as much as you say, why would he bother helping Dragisa?
K
There must have been Some kind of bargain struck between them. Who knows what it could be?
D
I don't get it. If the Shadows had this kind of option at their disposal, why have they waited all this time to play their hand? Amber and I have been wreaking havoc for months now.
K
Given the hatred between the rival kin, it may have taken this long for them to agree to negotiate, let alone come to terms on a bargain.
E
That's kind of a moot point, isn't it? It doesn't matter how he got here or what the terms of their agreement are. He's here. And whether he crawled out of a cocoon or traveled across the ocean is irrelevant.
D
She's right. There's no point speculating about that. The only thing we have to worry about is how do we bring him down.
K
If Ryvis is carrying a different bloodline, then I'm not sure you can bring him down.
E
Daniel's axe left marks on him. He was wincing in pain.
K
Oh, I have no doubt you can hurt him. The Kin are distantly related in most cases, so you may find some level of association that grants you the merest hint of power, but nothing more than that.
D
But we can't kill him. That's what you're saying?
K
No, you can't kill him. I can try researching to see what I can find, but I must be honest, I'm not hopeful, my friends.
E
Okay, so what exactly do you suggest we do in the meantime, Rodrick?
K
For the time being, Amber, I have only one suggestion for you. Pray that Ryvis doesn't come back to finish what he started.
F
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 roadashadows.com the Road of Shadows stars Hamish Pledgemars, Marta Da Silva, Liz Maury, Joseph Tweeter, Marlon Dancehooey, Sarah Safarian, Nicholas Ewan and Thomas Barker. The Road of Shadows is a beyond the dark production.
B
The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.
L
Athletic Brewing Company crafts award winning non alcoholic beers for those who want to be part of every round. With over 185 flavor awards, there are exceptional NA beers that fit your lifestyle and any social occasion. Summer's full of good times and athletic fits right in. Go to athleticbrewing.com to have brews delivered to your door or find them at a bar, restaurant or store near you. Near Beer Athletic Brewing Co. Fit for all Times.
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Host/Creator: Mark R. Healy
Main Cast for this Episode: Daniel (D), Amber (E), Ryvis (G), Dragisa (C), Roderick (K), Becca (not present but discussed)
Set in the shadowy paranoia of 1984, Daniel Knox continues his relentless flight from enigmatic human-like predators called "Shadows." In the remote mountain town of Silverton, Daniel and his ally Amber find themselves caught between embattled kin factions of Shadows and growing local suspicions. Meanwhile, Daniel’s mysterious affliction and a powerful rival Shadow threaten to upend their hunt and survival. This episode explores the complex hierarchies and rivalries among the Shadows, deepens the lore, and places Daniel and Amber in increasing peril with fresh clues and a daunting new adversary.
Ryvis and Dragisa's Tense Sanctuary:
Key Quote:
Daniel’s Illness:
Amber’s Vision:
Discussion Around Becca:
Phone Call to Roderick:
Theories and Revelations:
Key Quotes:
Strategic Implications:
The tone remains tense, secretive, and laden with dread, mirroring the mounting existential threat. Dialogue is terse and urgent, with occasional injections of gallows humor and empathy between Daniel and Amber. Passages rooted in gothic atmosphere are paired with grounded colloquialisms and pragmatic decision-making.
Episode 5.6, "Rivals," places Daniel and Amber against a mounting supernatural challenge. Not only do they face an almost-unkillable rival in Ryvis, but they also must unravel the political and mystical intricacies of the kin—the warring bloodlines of the Shadows. While Daniel’s group faces their own frailties and a lack of options, their enemy is equally wounded and desperate, setting the stage for a larger conflict as both sides close in on Silverton’s mysteries and the fabled “place of stone.” The balance of power has changed, and no one—mortal or monster—is safe.