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Episode: Part 48 "The Castle"

Author: Harlan Guthrie
Duration: 00:59:08

Episode Shownotes

In the 48th episode of Malevolent, Arthur & John finally arrive at Castle Kerringford. What lay within is unknown and despite being closer than ever to their goal, they find themselves in the most dangerous of places. As Arthur's illness worsens, John must step up and take charge of the

situation. With allies nowhere to be seen and the potential for enemies all around, John & Arthur must use their wits and cunning to survive the night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Transcript

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00:01:42 Speaker_02
Arthur. Jesus. Was that...? It was. Blood. You need to rest. Yes, well... We should have a room here. Where I'll... It's a hallway. A dark, unlit stone passage. There's light ahead coming from a room to the right. The walls are mostly barren.

00:02:15 Speaker_02
A suit of armor lay off to our left. Though in the darkness I can't make out any finer detail. I'm going to need to rely on you. More than ever. I know. I know. We have this. Let's keep going. The room where the light is coming from is just ahead.

00:02:37 Speaker_02
A large, curved opening. It looks like it may be a common room of sorts. Here, turn. There. Well, look who decided to join us. Arthur, there's a man sitting before a large fireplace. He's wearing comfortable clothing with a drink in his hand.

00:03:00 Speaker_02
His boots are off. They sit beside the fireplace. He's taking a long drink from his mug. The hearth is huge. Three ornate wooden high-back chairs sit before the fireplace. They look as though they've been dragged there. Did you get lost in Ghostwood?

00:03:17 Speaker_02
My apologies for being late. Lord Everard. Oh, Arthur. Another man sits in the corner farthest from the fireplace. He's wearing a red tunic and sits at a long table that seems to be center of this room. He's reading from a book by candlelight. Sorry.

00:03:42 Speaker_02
I'm here. So you don't know this lord either. Figures. Either? You... You two were summoned as well. You don't know... No. None of us do. How many of... us are there? The man by the fire stands up. Well, you'd better be the last.

00:04:08 Speaker_02
I'm sick and tired of waiting. Speaking of sick, who are you? Warren of Areval. You? Barnabas of Bellaclea. That there is Gerard of Vinduli. The man looks up from his book to nod. How long have you been waiting? Near on the week. And Lord Everard?

00:04:34 Speaker_02
Has yet to grace us with his company. He hasn't even made himself present yet. Two more men have arrived, Arthur. I told you I had the door open. Don't suppose they left it unlocked this time. Locked.

00:04:55 Speaker_02
The one speaking is dressed in loose-fitting brown clothes. They keep the doors locked. Why? Please don't mind Barnabas. His extended stay here has left his mind free to create fantasies. Shadows where there are none. I am Friar Holbrook. Friar.

00:05:13 Speaker_02
The young Friar is stretched out of hand. It's well-worn, calloused, but his face is warm and inviting. The man who entered with the friar has a stern, cold expression. He's paid you no mind, and gone straight for the fireplace.

00:05:33 Speaker_02
This stern gentleman, as I pried from him, is Langwood Ardeen. He's rather... stoic. Have you been here long? No, most of us only just arrived. Most? Yes, yes. Barnabas here has been here a week. Aye, I told them. Yes, yes.

00:05:51 Speaker_02
Whereas Gerard there arrived yesterday. I believe Langwood here was this morning, and I only arrived a few short hours ago. I'm sorry to be the last, but glad I wasn't overwhelmingly late.

00:06:08 Speaker_02
With your cough, the quiet man by the fire, Langward has shot you a look, an expression of concern. That's quite the cough. Yes, it's been rather a difficult travel, I'd say. Yes, I was turned around in Goatswood. Not all of us have the means.

00:06:26 Speaker_02
If the Lord hasn't made himself known, ask how they've been surviving. Are there servants, like the one outside? Sorry, excuse me. So if Lord Everard hasn't made himself known, Barnabas, how have you been keeping yourself?

00:06:45 Speaker_02
I mean, this week... The food on that table is all there's prepared, as far as I can tell. The kitchen is down at the end of the hallway. He points to one of the passages opposite the one we entered through.

00:06:57 Speaker_02
The chambers are down the hole you entered through. I chose the largest room. Apologies in advance. Thankfully there are plenty of good books to keep me busy. God knows the witch is the talker. Witch? What witch? There is a woman below. Pass the chamber.

00:07:19 Speaker_02
She does not speak nor move. The stoic man by the fire nods quietly, as if in agreement. What on earth are you talking about? The only servants our gracious host has of any kind in this castle is the woman at the bottom of the stairs. Which hallway?

00:07:39 Speaker_02
The one leading from the front door? Aye. Beyond the chambers is a set of stairs. The door at the top is locked. The one at the bottom leads to a small room with one exit. And she's guarding that exit. Guarding? Against what? Us.

00:08:02 Speaker_02
It's the man by the fire speaking. He does talk. She is no witch. Believe what you want, but she says no words. Believe me, I tried. She stands before a door. She will not move. She will not speak. And... And? She cannot see. She can't... see.

00:08:29 Speaker_02
She wears a wrapping around her eyes, covering them like a blindfold. Have you tried getting past her? You're welcome to try, but it seems like our host does not want any of his servants to talk.

00:08:48 Speaker_02
The men all share a look, an uncertain moment of apprehension. Barnabus has turned back to his spot before the fireplace. The friar has entered properly and found a spot of the table opposite the Frenchman.

00:09:06 Speaker_02
It seems a quiet moment has washed over the room. The Stoic man, Langward, still stands by the fire. This room is large. It is a common room, as I thought. There is one passage on the side of the room we entered from, and two that exit on the opposite.

00:09:26 Speaker_02
So if we had continued down the hallway from which we entered, we'd find the chambers and the stairwell. Up is a locked door, down the woman.

00:09:37 Speaker_02
From what Barnabas said, at least one of the two remaining passages that lead out of this room, on the opposite side, heads to the kitchen. What about the other one? Ask them, Arthur. So, um...

00:09:55 Speaker_02
Of the three ways out of this room, one is where I came from, the front door and chambers. One leads to a hallway that heads to the kitchen. What about the other? The hallway to the kitchen has a library as well, and a few old closets.

00:10:10 Speaker_02
The other passageway houses the chapel and, let's just say, a lesser house of God. Lesser? The garden. Oh. Right. So then, what do we do now? We wait. Arthur, if our host is to arrive soon, this may be a good moment to talk to one of them. Individually.

00:10:41 Speaker_02
Langward isn't going to offer much. The Frenchman seems like he may know things, but how tight-lipped he is about them is anyone's guess. The friar seems like an open book, but he's only just arrived. That leaves Barnabas.

00:11:01 Speaker_02
He may be a braggart, but hopefully his week here has uncovered something. To your left, sitting by the fireplace. Langwood has stepped away. He clearly doesn't want to talk. There's a chair next to Barnabas. Here, here. May I? He nods.

00:11:23 Speaker_02
He takes a deep drink from his mug. He smells of wine and old leather. He sports a scraggly beard, unkempt and animalistic. His eyes are sharp. His perched eyebrows give him an almost angered expression, even when he smiles.

00:11:43 Speaker_02
Here's to hoping you're the last one. Well, given that there is only one room left, I'd say he is. So where is Aravel, anyway? Deflect. He's ribbing you. He doesn't care. Fire back at him. Why? Do you want to visit when this is all over? You smile. All this?

00:12:09 Speaker_02
Locked in a castle with four men I don't know? You assume much. Such as? His wicked gaze meets ours. His eyes are wild and fiery. We're all going to leave here alive. The Frenchman has stopped reading. Oh lighten up. It's only death.

00:12:35 Speaker_02
Ask him about his time here. So you've been here for a week. Surely you've poked and prodded plenty. Aye. Well? What have you found? Our gracious host is right above us. I've heard him moving around at times. He's got space up there, too. Moving around.

00:13:01 Speaker_02
I don't know what he looks like, even. Ask the others. Does anyone? Silence. Push him for his perspective. His thoughts on what's happening. They may or may not be right, but it'll give us an understanding of who he is. What do you think is going on?

00:13:23 Speaker_02
I think this Everhart knows me well. Knows all of us well. I imagine we have more in common than we realize. I may not know what our host looks like, but I know him. I see him reflected in the works in the library. The food on the table. The rooms.

00:13:47 Speaker_02
He's like all of us. Seeking answers. Answers? Press that. What do you mean? Oh, come now. What? He's leaning in closer. He's staring at us. Studying our eyes. Our face. I see it on you, Warren. You're just like us. Meaning? Just like you. You two have seen them.

00:14:24 Speaker_02
Seen what? Once again, you're making quite the assumptions about us, Barnabus. Am I? He sits back in the chair, returning his gaze to the fire. He too pressed this upon me, only a short while ago. We're all coming apart at the seams. I didn't say that!

00:14:47 Speaker_02
He believes that the old search for answers... He found yours, no? That's what you proclaimed? That is not what I said! I told you... Enough! Footsteps. No. Arthur, someone approaches from the direction of the chambers.

00:15:07 Speaker_02
All eyes are on the archway we entered from. The room is silent. Waiting. Greetings, guests. A man stands at the archway leading into this room from the front hall. He sports a well-manicured jet-black beard that ends in a point at his chin.

00:15:32 Speaker_02
His mustache is large and pointed. His dark hair is short and gives an almost modern appearance. His eyes are light, blue-gray, but he has dark circles around them that make them appear sunken and tired. To his right, the woman. The... witch.

00:15:54 Speaker_02
Her eyes are indeed wrapped by a blindfold, though she doesn't seem to have any issue navigating. The room is silent. My name is Lord Evrard. Thank you for attending this... gathering. He slowly enters the room, but only slightly.

00:16:15 Speaker_02
No doubt you have all questioned why you have come here. First, may I introduce Alya Sharma. He gestures to the woman. She is here to maintain a certain amount of decorum, respect, and safety. Safety from what? Everard ignores the question.

00:16:36 Speaker_02
Each of you is here because you, like myself, have sought answers to questions that others dared not seek answers to.

00:16:46 Speaker_02
You also represent a facet of the growing curiosity that exists in this world, and are each willing to push beyond what our society deems right, in the pursuit of that truth. Friar Dorian Horbrook. He gestures to the Friar.

00:17:04 Speaker_02
Also known by the scholastic accolade Doctor Horobilis, a polymath, philosopher, scientist, theologian, and friar. Your study of nature, life, death, is narrowly regarded by those who see your true self as genius.

00:17:24 Speaker_02
Some call you a wizard, but your application of the empirical method on ancient texts is unmatched. Prince Warren of Erevelle. He looks directly at us. Aristocratic, captivating, and clever.

00:17:41 Speaker_02
Your ability to fit into most any situation and do whatever you see as necessary has revealed you as a vital step toward the future of this country.

00:17:52 Speaker_02
Your ability to debate, beguile, and manipulate so many has won you not only Aroval, but the love of your people. You exemplify charisma, and yet, endeavor to find more beyond what you already possess. Your hunger drives you. I will defend you.

00:18:18 Speaker_02
Your designs, architecture, and art are amongst the most progressive this land has seen. The architecture you've designed will be most assuredly widely used over the next short while, as our countries continue to grow together as one.

00:18:32 Speaker_02
But your mind, your dreams, your vision exists in places that only the truly blessed can inhabit. Cities devoted to singular purposes, ones beyond ourselves. Langwood Ardine.

00:18:50 Speaker_02
As a physician and accomplished surgeon, the magna you've written is not only a widely read publication throughout the land, but soon to become one of the standard texts of medical knowledge for years to come.

00:19:03 Speaker_02
Your ability to distinguish diseases and plagues in their contagious manner is powerful, and world-altering knowledge, and yet, you never dare to believe that all that exists is only before us.

00:19:17 Speaker_02
Your esoteric vision of a world beyond ours has not only welcomed new and strange possibilities, but defined the indefinable. And finally, Barnabas of Belichick. As an astronomer, you've come to see the world in a way that few others can.

00:19:36 Speaker_02
Your view of the stars and your experience in alchemy marks you as one of the most influential and important people in this day and age. But beyond that, you've seen what most others only dare to see.

00:19:50 Speaker_02
You've witnessed visions that have brought us all here together. Visions that the others will not and cannot understand yet. The cracks, as you so eloquently put it. A smile's a grin that reeks of satisfaction. Sir.

00:20:12 Speaker_02
You know us, and now, we all know each other. Better at least. But why are we here? You all seek answers. And I have found it. Found what? The answer. Which is... The Blackstone. The Blackstone? The Blackstone.

00:20:40 Speaker_02
I am not affiliated with the Order, as you are, Langwood. But I am sure you, of all people here, recognize its name. Blackstone. The owner of the Fallen Snide. Yes, and I have found it.

00:20:56 Speaker_02
But its power as one that deserves, demands the kind of devotion that each of you exemplifies, does not simply belong to your Order because you've dedicated your life to its pursuit. How dare you! Instead,

00:21:10 Speaker_02
I have sought you out, each of you, because you deserve to witness its power. You deserve to receive its gifts. You deserve to be here.

00:21:23 Speaker_02
And so, tomorrow night, once we're rested, celebrated in small fashion, and prepared accordingly, I will take you down to its resting place and reveal it to you. To each of us.

00:21:41 Speaker_02
And until then, Aaliyah will ensure that no one decides to take it for themselves. He turns to the woman. If you would return to your post, my dear. She nods. Now, we have much time. For now, I would like to greet my guests and enjoy the evening.

00:22:04 Speaker_02
Barnabas, if you would speak to me in the study, I would very much like to apologize. Warren, please see yourself to your room and the rest of you. Please make yourselves comfortable. Langward storms off.

00:22:19 Speaker_02
He's seething at the prospect of not getting the Blackstone for the Order. Arthur, it looks like Garrard is following him. Barnabas and Everard are looking to head to the study. With this revelation, should we still give Evarad the gift?

00:22:37 Speaker_02
The ring from the Order, which could solidify our being here, but also could mess things up. Perhaps it's better to hold on to it, even though not giving him a gift may reflect poorly on us. You've turned away. You want to keep it? Yes. All right, okay.

00:23:01 Speaker_02
I suppose it's to the room. Give these men some space. Straight ahead. I don't recall you saying Prince. Prince Warren. The friar has joined us in the hallway. He smiles with a thin grin. Did I not? No, I've never known a prince not to announce.

00:23:23 Speaker_02
Nay, proclaim himself as one. Especially one with so many... scars. Tell him that Lord Everard explained why. You're a charismatic man. I'd hardly be able to fit in most any situation if I announced myself as a prince from the onset. No?

00:23:44 Speaker_02
He stares at you, a perplexed look as if trying to read your expression. Now, I suppose you wouldn't, if you'll excuse me. The hallway is ahead. To the right, we'll head to the chamber. If you don't mind, I think I'll join you.

00:24:00 Speaker_02
I'd rather not be alone in this castle. He's following. Sure. Why not? Our rooms are next to each other. I have taken the one on the end of the hallway. On the left. Closest to the stairs. I hope you don't mind. Not at all. You're beside mine.

00:24:18 Speaker_02
The Friar is a sheepish man. His lips are thin, his eyes docile, like a lamb's. He walks with his hands held together at his waist, as if praying. As I mentioned, his robes are brown and meld together as if they're one piece.

00:24:36 Speaker_02
His shoes are elaborately tied, quite the knots keeping them on. So, what do you make of all this then? It seems I'm in quite the company. Evarad has certainly been... vocal about how much we... function outside of society. Yes.

00:24:55 Speaker_02
Press him for what Evarad meant about that. Each of these men sounded as though... I can't speak for the others, but I'm quite concerned with what Evarad said about me. Aye. Some call me a wizard. What nonsense. I'm a friar, a man of God.

00:25:10 Speaker_02
And which God is that? He stops. What do you mean? It's a simple question. Evarad seems to imply that our pursuits have led us down a path of... The Almighty God. He studies our face again. And what God do you follow? Tell him.

00:25:35 Speaker_02
Tell him... Tell him that... None. Ethan. From Dr. Horobilis. That nonsense. Is it? Truly? He's hiding something. They all are. So what do you make of all this, then? You deny to be anything other than a kindly monk. I claimed no such thing.

00:26:00 Speaker_02
Well then what have you done to deserve this gift, this witnessing of the Blackstar, the way Everard has put it? He looks almost... torn. As if questioning whether to answer. Press him. Offer him a path forward, to share what's on his mind.

00:26:21 Speaker_02
If he can reveal what he and Prince Warren may have in common, Do you not sense it? With the others? There is more to their beliefs. We all seek answers. Everard said that.

00:26:37 Speaker_02
Their desire to push the boundaries of their respected fields is exactly why they're here. No different than you. No different than me. He hesitates. What boundaries have you pushed? That's broken him. Pushed him back.

00:26:57 Speaker_02
You're not quite as charismatic as Elrond claims, Prince. We say, revealing clues of all of his little players was quite a... maneuver. He continues to walk toward the chambers. Maneuver? Why reveal so much in each of us? Oh, why not? Come, Prince.

00:27:16 Speaker_02
You're not that naive. You've heard of the Blackstone, have you not? I have. We all have. All except Barnabas, it sounded like. What's that got to do with it? Whatever power the Blackstone offers is not a power you share. What does that mean?

00:27:39 Speaker_02
That Barnabas was more right than he knows. And that I don't wish to be alone in this castle. He walks ahead. In fact, I shall endeavor to return to my room for the night. For the entire evening?

00:27:51 Speaker_02
It has been a long day of travel for me, and I am keen to climb into bed and sleep peacefully. Good night, Friar Holbrook. Good night. I recommend you sleep with one eye open. Jesus. Our door's just here, before us. Our chambers are small.

00:28:18 Speaker_02
Slitted, glassless windows to the outside frame the simple bed between them. The cold fireplace lay on the right wall. The stone floor and walls filled the room with an ominous sense of dread. It's very dark in here.

00:28:38 Speaker_02
You better make sure no one sees you with that. There are candles everywhere. To the left of the bed. There, there. Oh, Jesus. Arthur, are you okay? No. Oh, I feel very rough, John. I'm sorry. But you need to keep it together. I know, I know.

00:29:06 Speaker_02
You're doing great. Just stay with me. All right, all right. So, we found the Blackstone. It seems like Everard has. And he's offering to show it to these men. But why? And what was the friar getting at? Evarad not sharing his power?

00:29:24 Speaker_02
Revealing who we are and what we do? It didn't help but cause suspicion. At least for us. Maybe we're not alone. What do you mean? It sounded like that's what the friar was getting at. That Evarad was only keen to cast suspicion.

00:29:43 Speaker_02
He did it in quite the subtle way. There were no outright proclamations of ill intent. No, but the setting, this castle, these people... All of them already seem on edge. But why? Why the song and dance? Why share the Blackstone? I don't know. Sit.

00:30:05 Speaker_02
It helps me think. Evrog knew that Langwood was from the Order of the Fallen Star, and yet he invited him. Right. Well, that's like inviting a player from the opposing football team to watch you score a goal against them.

00:30:19 Speaker_02
But he's invited Langwood to participate in witnessing. While expressly telling him that the stone was not going to return to the Order. He's taunting him. So Elrond is taunting Langwood? And the Friar.

00:30:34 Speaker_02
It seemed like he didn't like the title, Doctor Horribilis. He was almost offended in the hallway. So, is Evarad revealing truths about us to... to what? Turn us against each other? Why? I don't know.

00:30:52 Speaker_02
But if he does have the Blackstone, and this castle, as you said the hag said, is a place where they worship the Great Old Ones, then Evarad is not to be trusted. Unless... Unless? Unless what he says is true.

00:31:10 Speaker_02
The Friar was contemplating telling us something. What do you mean? I wonder if Everard told the truth and merely wanted us to understand that we all share... A similar goal. The pursuit of truth. Or the belief in something more... sinister. Cultists.

00:31:33 Speaker_02
I think we both felt that. But they all seemed at odds with each other. Perhaps these guests aren't united under the same... belief. You think... Look, we've seen cultists that worship the king in yellow. Some that worship Shub-Niggurath.

00:31:49 Speaker_02
Well, not in this timeline.

00:31:50 Speaker_00
Shub doesn't exist.

00:31:51 Speaker_02
My point is, perhaps this is less about creating doubt, and more about finding one of them that is worthy. Exactly. Well, if it's our way to find the Blackstone, we best become worthy. And there's the rob. Which is?

00:32:18 Speaker_02
If each of these men are so devoted to their cause, to their God, to their beliefs, to being the one that Evron chooses, then how far would they go to ensure it?

00:32:33 Speaker_01
Murder! Murder!

00:32:41 Speaker_02
Murder. It came from the common room. Where are you? The Friar. Left, left. The door is locked, Arthur. Friar! We should see what's happening. But the Friar... Friar! He's probably already in bed. Let's go! Fine, fine. Thank you. The Friar doesn't matter.

00:33:06 Speaker_02
We know he's in his room. We saw him. What we need... Yes, yes, look. No matter what. We need to touch that body. What? John! You- You know, better than any- Yes, but- But what? I, uh, I don't know. I suppose. But- We're here. The common room. And you.

00:33:30 Speaker_02
Where were you? He's speaking to us. I- Barnabus is here. I was- With Garan and Evron. Langwood is- I was in my room. Missing. Where were you?

00:33:41 Speaker_01
Here.

00:33:42 Speaker_02
Evarard is sitting at the table, looking down at his hands. He looks nervous. Barnabas stands pacing behind him. Evarard stands by the fire. I can't read his expression. What's happened? No, not yet. We wait for the friar. Wait! Lineward is dead.

00:34:04 Speaker_02
And this Frenchman, dead. How? How do you know? What's all this? The friar has entered. Where were you? He looks... sweaty. Asleep in my chambers. Like I told the prince here. Didn't you hear me banging on your door? Of course I did. It woke me.

00:34:22 Speaker_02
I was fast asleep. I had to get dressed. He's that soul. The friar's shoes are still tied. Just as they were. If he was in bed, something's... What happened? Murder. Where is Langwood's body? In the chapel. Tell us exactly what happened.

00:34:42 Speaker_02
Barnabas and I were in the study, sharing a glass of wine, when I suggested we join those still awake in the common room. We came in here to see him.

00:34:52 Speaker_02
He nudged his garage, standing just outside the hallway to the chapel, shifty, nervous, and drenched in sweat. Like you there, friar, nervous sleeper, why were you sweating? Why indeed, dear Frenchman? Who found the body? We all did.

00:35:13 Speaker_02
When Langward wasn't with him, we all went in. Together, to see why. All three of you. I. And? His throat was slit.

00:35:24 Speaker_01
From behind.

00:35:26 Speaker_02
Jesus. Indeed. Did you? Garar doesn't look up. Straight ahead. Yeah, yes. A little. Here, here. Well, did you kill Langward? No. Well, I solved that one. Clearly you did. The question is why. Why did you kill Langward? I did not. Bollocks! Arthur, step in.

00:35:59 Speaker_02
If he did kill Langward, we need to know why. Look, look. Let's say you didn't. What were you doing? What happened? You were the last to see him alive. Why did you follow Languard into the chapel in the first place? What does that matter? Quiet, Friar.

00:36:19 Speaker_02
Answer the question, Gerard. Languard and I have... ...had... ...a common... ...interest. Such as? What does it matter? He was with him.

00:36:33 Speaker_02
I can't believe Barnabas is the only other person here seeing how this- I'd like to hear the answer too, if you don't mind, Friar. We share a common allegiance to the Order of the Fallen Star. Evrard... Smirks, almost. Satisfied.

00:36:52 Speaker_02
Does that answer satisfy you, Lord Evrard? In a way. Where were you when he died? I had kept my allegiance secret. But when Langweld was revealed to be part of the Order, I saw an opportunity for us to work together.

00:37:11 Speaker_02
to find the Blackstone and claim it for yourselves. We? How honourable. Do you have any way of proving that you're part of the Order? I have this... He's pulled out a ring. Similar to ours.

00:37:29 Speaker_02
A slight variation in material and design, but... definitely part of the same Order. I can't... Or... you took that from him. Took? I saw it. Aye, I did too. Saw what? Langward wore a ring like this as well. Perhaps, but this one is mine.

00:37:52 Speaker_02
Well, then this should be easy to solve. How? If Langward's corpse no longer has the ring, we know Garrard here took it off of him. But why? That would only implicate him if he... Because of exactly the point he's trying to make.

00:38:06 Speaker_02
If they were working together, why would Garrard kill Langward? If you can prove they're both from the Order, then at least some of the suspicion is gone. I would venture that Garad counted on us not noticing that Lane would wore a ring at all.

00:38:24 Speaker_02
A fatal mistake. Arthur, hold on. This could be dangerous. Then we check the body. And if it's not there, we each turn out our pockets.

00:38:35 Speaker_01
Arthur!

00:38:36 Speaker_02
If that ring isn't there, then we are fucked! We're still carrying our ring. They're moving to the- Hold on! For a second, for a moment. For a moment, just... Just wait a second, look. Nervous there, Warren? The Friar and I were speaking.

00:38:54 Speaker_02
Everard clearly brought us here for a reason. The Lord was with me. The Friar with you. Only Gerard was alone. Mind you... I left the Prince in the hallway. I did not see him enter his room. Is that so? I was in my room, I swear to you.

00:39:13 Speaker_02
Then there's no reason not to check the body. Right, Gerrard? He's sweating. Nervously. I think... He was. The prince was. And how do you know that?

00:39:26 Speaker_02
After speaking to Langweld, he suggested I check to see if you had left your bedroom door unlocked, Lord Everard. Did he? But I waited at the end of the hallway there, until both the friar and the prince had entered their rooms.

00:39:42 Speaker_02
But I saw you leave yours once again. Liar! You left your room. I did not. He's lying. Clearly trying to manipulate us. I say we check for the ring. I want to see this body. Don't you mean again? You miserable... Enough!

00:39:58 Speaker_02
Barnabas and I did not see if Langwood still wore his ring. If he does now, we decide on further action. Agreed? I... yes... I... alright... fine... we... Arthur! They're leaving! To the chapel! Move quickly!

00:40:20 Speaker_02
We need to touch the body without all eyes on us! Why? If they see us touching the body, they may think we've tampered with it, or taken the ring, especially with our gloves off. Wait! Stop! Arthur, look!

00:40:33 Speaker_02
We have no idea what touching the body could even reveal. His throat was slit from behind, remember? Still... Listen to me. We're at the back right now. They're all leading the way. It would be the perfect time to ditch the ring.

00:40:47 Speaker_02
Leave it here on the table or toss it into the fire. It's the only piece of evidence we have linking us to the murder. I... We're alone, but only for a moment. Quickly. We need to push past them to the- Arthur, listen to me.

00:41:02 Speaker_02
We cannot believably push past all of them in time to touch the body and not have a sea of questions from them. It would only implicate us further. We need- And with the ring still on us, that only makes all of this more impossible.

00:41:16 Speaker_02
Look, I'd be lying if I said I wanted to touch Langward. But even with my wants put aside, we need to act upon this first. We can try and find time to touch the body after. Is there a dish or something? A dish? Something to hide the ring in.

00:41:37 Speaker_02
I don't want to lose it outright. It may come in handy. Right, right, sure. Straight ahead. To the right of the eastern exits of this room. The way they all exit it. There's a small end table. Here, here, just to the right of the door.

00:41:53 Speaker_02
On it is an ornate metal bowl with carved objects in it. Some sort of decoration. There. Now let's go. We've taken too long already. What are you doing? Jesus! Arthur! Barnabas is here. He was waiting just beyond the turn down the passageway to the chapel.

00:42:17 Speaker_02
What are you doing? Spying on me? Depends if you're doing something worth spying on. He didn't see us. He was too far into the passageway. You may have heard the metal, but... Come on. You don't want to keep- Hold on there, Prince.

00:42:34 Speaker_02
All Angward isn't going to get dead, are they? He's pressed his large hand into our chest to stop us from moving. Get your hand off of me. His hand remains. Now. He smirks and removes his hand. Jumpy, are we? A man is dead. Aye. A man. And?

00:42:59 Speaker_02
Well, I think Gerard is done. What? You're so certain it was him? I know it was him. I'm having a tough time understanding why you seem so reluctant to believe that. I'm not. I just... I want to hear him out before condemning him.

00:43:19 Speaker_02
He displays your face with a cleverness. It's hidden slightly behind the veneer of alcohol. But it's there. I watched him well before all of you arrived. He acted different toward Langward. And I know people. I can smell the wine on your breath.

00:43:42 Speaker_02
Do you really believe you're the best judge of character? He smiles. It's why I can trust you. That and you were the only one not sweating when you arrived. Aye. Well, less sweaty. You've got quite the illness there, haven't you, Prince?

00:44:00 Speaker_02
Can we join the others now? Hold on. I want to know if I can count on you. Count on me. His demeanor gets serious. A coldness behind his almost playfulness. Aye. Things are about to get messy. I want to know if you and I are on the same side.

00:44:23 Speaker_02
I'm on the side of the truth. Whatever that is. Aren't you? His eyes narrow. Did you kill Langwood? Barnabas? You seem awfully intent on Garad being the one to doubt. I told you, I was with Evrad. The whole time.

00:44:51 Speaker_02
His toothy smile slides across his face, but his eyes don't change. I'm excited for you to see. He's turned and walked down the passageway towards the chapel. Arthur, we... Follow him.

00:45:14 Speaker_02
As I said, the passage turns south immediately after leaving the common room. That's why I didn't see Barnabas, and why I'm pretty confident he didn't see us. There's a privy to our right, here, along the wall.

00:45:31 Speaker_02
The passage turns sharply east again after a short distance, I can see the chapel, and the others inside.

00:45:39 Speaker_02
There is no door to speak of entering this room, so... Jesus Christ... Arthur... The chapel is a small stone room, with large framed paintings on the walls. Wooden benches to kneel upon, two on either side of the aisle lay before an altar of sorts.

00:46:07 Speaker_02
It sits on the far wall of this room, just up a few short wooden steps. It depicts a large wooden cross with ornate tables on either side of it. And just before the cross, on the floor, before the steps, is language.

00:46:26 Speaker_02
His body is sprawled upon the steps, face to the side in a grotesque tableau of agony.

00:46:34 Speaker_02
His face wears a horrible scream, and the altar, the cross, the white linen that covers the ornate tables to either side, are speckled in the crimson hue of Langworth's blood.

00:46:50 Speaker_02
It looks as if he were kneeling on the stairs when someone came up from behind and slit his throat, painting the altar and everything that lay before him. The friar is up there, looking at the body.

00:47:06 Speaker_02
He walks daintily around the corpse, attempting to avoid the deeper pools of blood that have formed. Garrard is kneeling on one of the pews to our right while Everard stands over him. Garrard looks worried. Well, the friar reaches down with open palms.

00:47:26 Speaker_02
Slowly, so we can see. He reaches down to one hand and he holds it up. There's no ring on this hand. The other. He's walking to the other, which lay under the body. I need to... Just pull it, he's dead.

00:47:50 Speaker_02
He's pulled the hand out from under Langward, and holds it up. No ring. Aye, no ring. But we already have it. This is Manus. I did not kill him. No one's saying you did. We're only saying that you're the prime suspect, Geralt. I'm saying he did.

00:48:07 Speaker_02
As am I. Now wait a minute. Wait a minute. We said we would turn out our pockets, reveal if anyone here had the ring. Arthur, are you forgetting what's in your bag? Right, well- We have things in there that- Mine is quite simple. I have nothing to hide.

00:48:21 Speaker_02
Is that so? My pockets are empty. I suppose we should check the chambers then. Need to be thorough. The friar purses his lips. His throat was slit. And what of the weapon? I have a dagger. Arthur, we have a dagger in our back.

00:48:39 Speaker_02
As do I. Of course I do, but- I do not! It would not be that hard to find one, no? And what of the witch? Whatever. She is a suspect too, no? She is not a suspect. Well, now that's... Well, that's not quite true. Lord Everard, why is she not here?

00:49:03 Speaker_02
She will be. To take this body away. Hold on now! This witch, this woman you've told us about... You've told us she's here for our safety. And so far, she seems to be doing quite an awful job. Arthur, where are you? The body is before us.

00:49:22 Speaker_02
Do you want to see it? His neck looks cut quite deeply. From behind, for sure. I mean, it would be tough to be before him in such a small space. The altar and tables up the few steps are... dusty. Unused. We can't touch the body. Not here.

00:49:43 Speaker_02
There are still too many eyes. Enough! Enough is it, Prince? We want to be certain it's Gerard. Then we turn out our pockets. Like the bloodthirsty Scotsman demands. Right? Drunkard? He sneers. Arthur, what are you- Aye. Well then.

00:50:08 Speaker_02
Let us return to the common room. All of us. If you can manage there, Barnabas. I'm sure this far into the drink, you may have trouble seeing straight. What are you doing? Barnabas stares daggers at you, Arthur. Would you like me to lead the way, Barnabas?

00:50:25 Speaker_02
What the fuck- Enough! Let us return to the common room. Arthur, I don't know what your plan is. Everyone's heading back to the common room. Arthur, Barnabus leads the way right in front of you. I don't... Why are you touching the wall?

00:50:44 Speaker_02
You're trying to... You want to know when? When we're at the passage back to the common room? Why? I mean, we're almost there. I'm no friend to you, Barnabus. You hear me? Killer. He's turned.

00:51:01 Speaker_02
There's about to be another murder if you don't shut your fucking gob, Warren. Do you hear me? Gentlemen, I feel like you're getting too distracted by this. We're at the passage to the common room. Take your best shot.

00:51:16 Speaker_02
We're in the entryway back into the common room near the side table where you I understand Stand! Otter! Turn his body! To the right! A little more! There! Push him! Now! Trip him! You pushed him into the side table with the ring on. Alright, alright!

00:51:48 Speaker_02
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. The ring is just to the right of him on the floor. I'm sorry! Enough! Enough. I'm sorry. Bonham has stopped me in the passageway and asked me to vouch for him. And I couldn't... I couldn't... What? What is that?

00:52:10 Speaker_02
What fell out of your pocket, Barnabas? What? The ring. How? You... Barnabas picks up the ring and stands. You... You had the ring. I did not. Barnabas... Where did you get that? I didn't! He must have been in... His eyes flicked to us.

00:52:33 Speaker_02
You... You clever little... You were so insistent it was me, now look who is culpable now! I was with Evrard! Evrard? Did he- Evrard is gone! I- I wasn't holding this! This fucking prince is- Barnabas, calm down! At the tables have turned.

00:52:52 Speaker_02
I will kill you for this! Norman, you need to reign them in! You need to investigate this! Put this all in order, calm them down and- I still know you're guilty! Alright, alright, stop! Stop. Barnabus, I'm sorry. I'll let my anger get the better of me.

00:53:07 Speaker_02
You are dead! Enough! Look, men. Regardless of what we may think, clearly there isn't enough certainty to claim any one thing. Right, Friar? He looks... hesitant, for the first time. You were certain it was Garrard.

00:53:27 Speaker_02
But now, don't Barnabas's claims seem- You shut your fucking mouth. He's right, Barnabas. There is a way we can do this, without wild accusations. We can do this methodically. You each have your disciplines. Your scientists, your methods.

00:53:53 Speaker_02
Let us not toss out reason. The weapon. We all have weapons. But finding out which one was used would help us deduce who could have used theirs. And then motive. And clarifying opportunity. All of these will help us solve this.

00:54:15 Speaker_02
And I know at least two of you want to help me solve this. Evron has re-entered the room. The witch is with him. She passes by. She's heading to the chapel. Evarad, the prince here has quite the approach. I suppose we've lost our tempers a bit.

00:54:40 Speaker_02
Gotten ahead of ourselves, so to speak. And I agree with him, for now. I do as well. What say you, Evarad? Evarad walks to the fireplace. He's staring at the embers. Evarad. Do you believe you are a decent man, Warren? What? A decent man. Are you? Yes.

00:55:11 Speaker_02
Yes, I think so. The inhabitants of this castle, as has been the case for many a year, worship a god that no decent man would care to worship. A god that inhabits the farthest places of existence, beyond the stars.

00:55:36 Speaker_02
My father, before his death, begged to witness what lay beyond those stars. He begged, like a dog. Years of worship, years of loyalty, to our ancient one.

00:55:57 Speaker_02
This otherworldly elder thing that I grew up worshipping as well, finally granted my father's request. And so along with his followers, his congregation, all that worshipped here in the castle, we witnessed.

00:56:16 Speaker_02
He laid upon the forest floor, surrounded by the motherless trees. He was... taken. Not in body. No, his body remained. But his mind... His mind became witness to all. To... Everything.

00:56:44 Speaker_02
A mere moment for us, birthed around ceremony and celebration, but for him, a culmination of his lifelong dream to witness. To witness what? I will never know. When he returned, when his mind returned, he sat up.

00:57:04 Speaker_02
A grin plastered on his face like I'd never seen. Not deception, not peace, not joy. A smile with no discernible emotion, but a smile all the same. And it was the same smile he kept when he brought his hands up to his lower jaw and began to pull.

00:57:27 Speaker_02
We watched in awe as the meat in his cheeks began to stretch and tear, as the bones in his jaw began to break, as the blood began to pour down his front.

00:57:42 Speaker_02
We watched as my father, with his other hand across his face holding the upper half of his skull, tore his jaw clean off his head. All the while, Smiling. For as long as he could. Arthur, the body of Langwood enters, floating.

00:58:09 Speaker_02
The witch, she's bringing the body past us, moving between the four men in Evrard. The body floats. She and Langwood's body are leaving through the west passage, back to the chamber rooms. None of us are decent men. All of you worship the way I do.

00:58:35 Speaker_02
The way my father did. Some of you know not even the names of the alien deities you find yourself devoting your lives to. For none of us share the same allegiance. But that matters not to me. So I will speak plainly. I care not why Langwood was murdered.

00:58:55 Speaker_02
I care not who murdered Langwood. I care not. About any of you. Tomorrow I show you the Blackstone. Whether it is all of you, or one of you, I could care less.

00:59:10 Speaker_02
Whether it is Langwood's killer, the sole survivor, or the murderer who slits each of your throats while you sleep tonight. I need only one of you. He turns to the exit, to the west. So I will leave you each for the evening.

00:59:30 Speaker_02
I have ensured my door cannot be opened, and I will rest soundly and safely tonight. And I will see each of you, or perhaps only one of you, in the morning. He's... he's leaving. Oh, and to be perfectly fair, when Langwood died, Barbas was not with me.

00:59:56 Speaker_02
Good luck. The friar stands, mouth agape. Gerard looks fearful. And Barnabas... Barnabas smiles. A sadistic, barbarous grin.

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