The road ahead, an unexpected face, a treacherous path...
Summary[]
Arthur, John, Yorick, Sir Vale, Alia, and Antoine depart Castle Kerringford with the Blackstone in tow. They are briefly stopped by Mother Darkness, who is livid at Arthur and John for killing her daughter, but has been threatened by Lillith not to kill them. Mother Darkness casts a spell on them to thwart Lillith’s plans. After they refuse to return the talisman, they continue onward and learn more about Alia’s abilities as a witch and her predictions for their journey.
Synopsis[]
After recuperating in Castle Kerringford for a week, Arthur and John wait for the companions on their journey to transport the Blackstone. They consider the possibility that they might have to betray them to fulfill Kayne’s deal. It is revealed that the others know of Yorick, albeit as Arthur’s brother’s skull.
Evrard approaches, and Arthur thanks him for his greaves, gauntlets, and cape. He asks if he cannot purchase Yorick from Arthur, who refuses the offer. They travel down to the courtyard to meet their remaining two companions, as they have already met Alia.
He introduces a large man in black armor: Sir Roderick Vale, a ranger familiar with the nearby lands. John recognizes the remaining man: Antoine de Foile, the man who ran the cult under the lighthouse. Evrard insists he is the most trusted and devoted of his companions. Arthur recalls he was once a follower of the Three Soldiers, but is unsure how that might have changed in this new timeline.
As Evrard departs to converse with Vale, Antoine asks if Arthur met his former master and if he knows how he died. Arthur admits to having met him, but does not know how Entie died. Antoine appears heartbroken at the news.
Antoine has been staying with Evrard for some time, though recently left to fetch Sir Vale. He traveled alone on a dangerous journey through Goatswood.
Rolf, the servant with sewn lips, brings a horse for Arthur. Arthur struggles to ride it, but eventually succeeds. The party departs Castle Kerringford. Sir Vale and Arthur briefly chat, where Vale reveals that Alia insisted on having four people to prevent “the Day of Wrath”.
Just outside the gates, they are halted by an old woman asking to speak with Arthur. Yorick identifies her as Mother Darkness. Arthur agrees and lights the Hand of Malevolence, at her insistence. Mother Darkness lays out her grievances against the pair, including the death of her daughter. However, Lillith has threatened her not to kill them.
Mother Darkness places a spell on Arthur to hinder Lillith’s designs. She also reveals that Lillith is the daughter of Nyarlathotep, plans on ending the world, and has powers similar to Scratch. She claims that Lillith wants the stone in order to end the world.
Afterwards, she asks for her talisman returned, and Arthur denies the request. This enrages her, causing her to cite that the pestilence will ride with the remaining horses towards the Day of Wrath. Promising they will meet again, Mother Darkness blows out the candle and disappears.
They rejoin Sir Vale. Arthur does not explain their conversation, and moves to speak more freely with John and Yorick about Lillith. Yorick does not know more about the Day of Wrath.
Soon after, Sir Vale calls for another halt. Arthur rejoins Antoine, though Antoine does not know why they’ve stopped. Alia asks via slate if they returned the talisman, revealing how she communicates. Through Antoine, they learn that Alia is a Seraph, a sect of ancient witches that heal, but she had her eyes and tongue removed. Yorick calls her an Ardor: the human connection that a Vanguard has, like Kellin’s sister. Alia is a one-way receiver for the Vanguard’s knowledge.
They approach Sir Vale, who demands to know more about the old woman. Arthur explains his connection to her, and their interactions with Lillith. Sir Vale trusts him. When Arthur asks where they are going, Sir Vale responds that he does not know: only Alia does, in order to protect the journey.
Antoine approaches and states that Alia wants to speak with them. Arthur hands his horse to Antoine, which Yorick gleefully christens as John Wayne. Arthur climbs into the carriage.
Alia tells Arthur that he must not give into Lillith. She is aware of John and that he has a role to play, but cannot hear him. According to Alia, Arthur has a good heart, and will end up saving them eventually. Alia also predicts her own death. In case of her death, she has their destination written on a piece of parchment. It will be given to Antoine when she dies, and then Antoine will give it to Arthur. Alia finally says that while Yorick does not belong to Arthur, he can be trusted.
Antoine returns. Arthur departs to the back of the party, so that he might talk with Yorick. John expresses hope that they may not have to return the Stone to malevolent forces. Yorick also admits that his existence has changed: his powers diminished as a Vanguard, he seems to be entirely new (“his own thing”). He thanks Arthur for the change.
Votes[]
- Chapter 246: Trust Him [201] / Do Not Trust Him [65]
- Chapter 247: Speak with the Woman [358] / Ride past the Woman
- Chapter 248: Give Mother Darkness the Talisman [182] / Keep the Talisman [220]
- Chapter 249: Truth [375] / Lie [13]
- Chapter 250: No vote.
