Omen Episode 109: Blood Debts
Transcript & Credits
Narrator: Omen is intended for an adult audience. The story explores mature themes and contains instances of dramatized violence. Full transcripts of each episode can be viewed at omen cast dot com.
SCENE 1
[[SFX: an ethereal dreamscape, a cacophony of armies battling, a woman shouting heroically, battlefield explosions]]
[[SFX: rifles firing, crowd screaming/panic, explosion/fire]]
Woman's Voice: [[ominous]] Blood for blood.
Gwen: [[wakes with a start/gasps]] [[heavy breathing]]
[[SFX: creaking planks/ship ambiance, Gwen sighs in relief]]
[[SFX: distant metal clanging, rustling cloth, bare footsteps]]
[[SFX: door opening, metal clanging intensifies, walking]]
[[SFX: iron door opens/closes, jangling chains, clanging stops]]
Stoddard: [[calling hoarsely]] A man needs water, you two-faced mouthbreathers! The damned Falcons treat their prisoners better! Or do you mean for me to die aboard my own bloody ship, you stupid-- [[realization]] [[laughs hoarsely]] Well, well! Good evening, "Captain". Or should I say good morning? Come to gloat over your prize?
[[SFX: waterskin hits the floor, jangling chains, gulping water]]
Gwen: [[flatly]] Make it last. The azure lily pollen will give you a powerful thirst for a few days. [[coldly]] I should know.
Stoddard: [[thirst slaked, smarmy]] Bugger that! It was all that rum I'd had before our little duel. Nearly half a bottle. It's no wonder you bested me.
[[SFX: gulping water]]
Gwen: Sweet dreams.
Stoddard: [[calling]] Is that all? No interrogation? No torture?
Gwen: If you'd like, I can send someone down.
Stoddard: [[smiling]] And what about a bit of pleasant conversation?
Gwen: [[coldly]] I have nothing to say to you.
Stoddard: [[laughs]] You should be thanking me! I practically handed you my ships.
Gwen: [[stern]] I thank your former crew. They had been planning last night for a very long time. And it's just the Wheel's Woe now. Your other ship was destroyed while you were unconscious… [[guilty]] along with the rest of your pirate friends.
[[jangling chains]]
Stoddard: [[seething, furious]] Then you should thank the gods for the pure, idiotic luck you must possess to have caught me so thoroughly unawares! You wouldn't dare challenge me now, you stupid, craven trollop!
Gwen: [[bored yawn]] Well, goodnight. Don't let the bilge rats bite.
[[SFX: walking]]
Stoddard: [[calling, anxious]] No--wait! That purple light! To the south! Battoh said there were caves, yes?
Gwen: [[impatient]] It's gone--all of it. And a good riddance, I say.
Stoddard: [[excited]] You were down there for three days, yes? Tell me… what did you find? Did you bring anything back with you?
Gwen: [[sigh]] [[under breath]] Only nightmares, apparently.
Stoddard: [[excited]] Who is the dark-haired woman? Tell me true--did she come aboard in Absalom or did you actually find her down there?
Gwen: [[flatly]] Just go to sleep. And if I hear any more manacles banging together, I'll grant Batab's request for a private visit.
Stoddard: [[calling]] Come now--I'll be locked away in a jail cell this time tomorrow in Escadar! What's the harm in telling me?
Gwen: [[stern]] I'd get comfortable. You will be judged for your crimes in Andoran, not Escadar. My crew feels that Eagle Knight justice best suits you.
Stoddard: [[calling, angry]] They'll never stand for it, you know! A young unskilled captain--and a noblewoman at that? You are but a fleeting novelty! A figurehead! Even as I speak, those traitors you call a crew are grumbling against you! And those twin bastards won't be able to protect you forever! Especially with your turncoat first mate so gravely injured! [[laughing]]
Gwen: If you had truly known your crew, then they would not have mutinied.
[[SFX: jangling chains]]
Stoddard: [[fierce]] Face me, Karthis! You know damn well you didn't win fairly! As long as I live, I remain the rightful Captain! If you want my ship so badly, you're going to have to kill me for it! You owe me that much!
Gwen: [[stern]] You already have all that is owed you. And I would advise looking elsewhere for a rival. Because, regardless of what you or anyone else may think…
[[SFX: iron door opening/closing]]
Gwen: You are not my burden.
[[SFX: OMEN MAIN THEME]]
SCENE 2
[[SFX: harbor ambience, walking]]
Toby: [[annoyed]] This is ridiculous! I say we just leave.
Quent: [[sarcastic]] Oh, yeah--that's a great idea. Never mind the levees on either side of the pier bristling with long-range artillery. I'm sure we could just sail around all the mortars.
Toby: [[exasperated]] Why would they fire on us? Just because of the name painted on our ship? They can't do that! And they can't just put our entire crew on lockdown without probable cause!
Quent: [[sigh]] This isn't Andoran, Toby. Kortos doesn't enforce Common Rule, which means Erran doesn't either.
Toby: Hmph. Where are all the useful laws when you actually need them? [[overly chummy]] Am I right, Gwen? [[pause]] Uh… Gwen?
Gwen: [[distracted]] Hmm, sorry?
Toby: I was complaining about ineffective legislature. You know--that thing we share a strong dislike for? Which is stifling our freedoms right now?
Gwen: [[tired]] Oh, yes--I suppose so.
Quent: [[worried]] You alright, Gwen? You look exhausted.
Gwen: [[tired]] Oh, I'm fine. Just been having trouble sleeping, is all.
Toby: You know, it would be nice to sleep in a bed for once. [[excited]] Who's up to spring for an inn tonight? [[intrigued]] That one looks good!
[[SFX: provocative giggling]]
Quent: [[disapproving]] Hmm. Perhaps something further from the docks?
Toby: [[off-handed]] Farther.
Quent: [[disgruntled, to self]] And there he is.
Gwen: [[ominous]] Look--up on that hill. That's the Wet-House, isn't it?
Toby: [[low whistle]] [[impressed]] I have to hand it to the gillmen--they certainly know how to restore ancient Azlanti architecture.
Quent: [[awed]] Yeah! It looks just like the illustrations in the history books that I… [[trails off, distracted]] that I remember reading as a kid.
Toby: I mean, the patina wouldn't have been that pronounced. But all in all, not bad. I'm sure Perseus would have a few things to say about… [[realization]] Oh… right. [[sheepish]] Sorry, Quent.
[[SFX: walking stops]]
Gwen: [[concerned]] Alright--hold on a moment. I know we haven't had much time to talk about… [[uncomfortable]] what Torn told us in the Somal Caves.
Toby: Yeah. We haven't really had time for much of anything beyond not getting killed.
Quent: [[terse]] It's okay, guys. We don't need to talk about anything.
Gwen: [[pressing]] Yes, we do. If Professor Lewin is responsible for--
Quent: [[interrupting, upset]] We don't, Gwen. [[tired sigh]] I appreciate what you're trying to do. But I'm not ready for this conversation… not yet.
[[SFX: walking continues]]
Toby: [[changing the subject]] Quent's right--we've got a succubus to hunt down first. [[remembering]] Oh, and Lola too. We should probably find her.
Gwen: Yes, of course you're right. I'm sorry, Quentin.
Quent: [[terse]] It's fine. Let's just see what this "Sog" character wants with us so we can actually get off this island.
[[SFX: heavy door opening/closing, papers rustling]]
Gwen: [[clears throat]] Hello?
Sog: [[calling over shoulder]] Just a moment! Be right with ya!
Gwen: [[polite]] Is this the office of the Erran Port Authority?
Sog: [[distracted]] Requisition forms are on the counter, bail payments go in the box by the door, and mooring fees can be paid directly to the dockmaster--though I doubt you'd have gotten this far without seeing to that.
Toby: [[annoyed]] And what about illegal seizure of private property?
Sog: Eh?
Quent: Our ship has been impounded, sir. We need to speak with your superior.
Sog: [[chuckles]] Only me in here, lad. And I don't recall any impounds this week. Unless… [[realization, excited]] Are you lot from the Wheel's Woe?
Gwen: We are. Captain Gwendolyn Gainsborough, at your service.
Sog: Captain Whursog Bottlebraid at yours, miss. [[chuckles]] Well, retired Captain. This hole in the wall is just where the Lesser Council stows me, along with the rest of the city's troublemakers. [[chuckles]]
Gwen: [[polite]] A pleasure to meet you. We were told to speak with you?
Sog: Yes, well--this is a bit of a change of pace, you understand. It's not every day a ship like the Wheel's Woe pays us a visit.
Toby: [[impatient]] Yes well, we've already explained to the dockmaster that we aren't pirates or corsairs or picaroons or freebooters or whatever other nonsense your people are trying to charge us with.
Sog: [[chuckles]] Slow down there, lad. We've already heard word of the Witch's Teat getting nicked in Absalom. What stumps me is how you lot also managed to snatch the Woe from beneath Stoddard's nose.
Quent: Well--to make a long story short--our escape was aided by a mutiny from Stoddard's own crew, during which we commandeered the gunship.
Toby: And left the Friend Ship-- er, Witch's Teat--on the bottom of Diobel harbor… along with any pirates disinterested in giving up their trade.
Sog: [[disappointed]] Damn. And Stoddard himself?
Gwen: [[with a measure of pride]] He is our prisoner.
Sog: [[flabbergasted]] But you don't mean… he's actually here?
Gwen: Chained below deck and in good health.
Sog: [[excited]] Ha ha! [[claps]] Well this changes everything, doesn't it?
Quent: [[suspicious]] Meaning what, exactly?
Sog: Well… there's the matter of your reward, for one.
Toby: Now you're talking!
Sog: [[hurried, under breath]] As well as the standard spoils taxes.
Toby: [[annoyed]] Taxes? On what?
Sog: Well… the ship, obviously. You can't just help yourself to anything you happen to find on the Inner Sea now, can you?
Gwen: [[diplomatic]] That will be fine, Captain Bottlebraid. I'm sure we can settle any tariffs from our bounty earnings.
Sog: Call me Sog. Everyone does. [[excited]] So! Shall I send an escort to fetch our new permanent resident?
Quent: [[uncomfortable]] Uhh… You want to tell him, Gwen?
Sog: [[confused]] Tell me what now?
Gwen: We are taking Stoddard to face trial in Almas.
Sog: [[disappointed]] Aww… what!? Then why're you even here?
Toby: [[sardonic]] To profoundly inconvenience each other, it would seem.
Gwen: We've actually come to your beautiful city to search for… a friend of ours. Her name is Lola. She would have arrived aboard a small skiff and been looking for the House of the Cresting Wave. Red hair, green eyes--
Sog: Gozreh's mercy! That nutter is with you!?
Gwen: [[hopeful]] You've seen her?
Sog: [[crabby]] Seen her? That piece of work nearly tore off my bloody arm yesterday! The night watch brought her in for disturbing the peace up at the Wet-House.
Toby: That's our Lola--always disturbing people.
Quent: [[worried]] Was she with anyone else?
Sog: Thank the gods, no! Wait--she didn't come here alone?
Gwen: We're… not exactly sure. What was she doing at the Wet-House?
Sog: As far as I know, just causing a scene. Started hassling gillmen consuls and demanding to be let in. All the while hollerin' about needing to see "her children" or some such nonsense. Don't know what she was going on about--there ain't no guppy nurseries in the Wet-House. Maybe you can get a straight answer from her… after the fine's been paid.
Quent: [[surprised]] She's here?
Sog: A-yup. Just back through there in the drunk tank.
Toby: Well, that was easy! [[suspicious]] How much did Lola set us back?
Sog: Well hold on, now. There's still the matter of Stoddard to discuss.
Gwen: [[stubborn]] I'm sorry, Captain, but my mind is made up.
Sog: [[chuckles]] That ain't it, lass. I'm all for throwing the book at that bastard. And good on ya for making the delivery for us. But the Lesser Council's gonna want to send you on your way with an escort of a gunship or two, just in case. And that's gonna take a few days to sort out.
Quentin: [[frustrated sigh]] I'm guessing we don't have much say in this?
Sog: 'fraid not, lad. It'd be irresponsible to just send you off on your own carrying a dangerous prisoner.
Toby: And I'm guessing this is going to drastically reduce our reward?
Sog: Well that's the thing about bounties, ain't it? No body, no booty.
Toby: Hmph. Hopefully the Aerie has a budget for this sort of thing.
Sog: Just think of the extra cannons as Escadar's… investment in Stoddard's early retirement. Though I can pay you a few hundred gold for taking out the Witch's Teat and her crew, provided you have some sort of proof.
Toby: [[excited]] Ha! I told you snagging the flag was a good idea!
Gwen: [[gracious]] Thank you, Captain. We appreciate your assistance.
Sog: [[hesitant]] Uhh… There's also the matter of your crew, such as it is.
Quent: [[knowing]] Oh, great. Here it comes.
Sog: I can't just turn a bunch of Stoddard's people loose, mutineers or not.
Gwen: [[passionate]] But most of them were prisoners, just like us! They were never given a choice to serve under that monster!
Sog: Fair enough. But piracy's illegal here in Escadar. So we'll be needing to run checks on everyone aboard the Wheel's Woe, yourselves included.
Toby: [[insulted]] Ugh--really?
Sog: Just as a precaution.
Gwen: My crew aren't evil people, Captain. They did what they had to to survive.
Sog: [[knowing]] Or 'cuz they knew they couldn't go home, even if they wanted to. Like those Qadiran twins, for instance.
Gwen: [[wary]] You mean Battoh and Batab?
Sog: Don't suppose you've heard of the Xoshak Family in Katheer?
Quent: [[wary]] Yeah… they're the largest trafficking operation in Qadira.
Sog: Well, your lads were rumored to inherit it all from their tyrant of a grandpappy. Though they must've put someone's marbles in a pinch because before they could, they were both nicked and sold off themselves.
Toby: [[bitter]] All of that "it's the way of things" malarky. [[scoffs]] I knew there was something off about those two!
Gwen: [[defensive]] Battoh and Batab were instrumental in taking down Stoddard. And we owe much of our success to their help.
Sog: I understand your position, lass. Really, I do. Stoddard likely surrounded himself with desperate souls, probably 'cause it made mutiny that much less enticing. But if there are any outstanding warrants among your crew, justice must be served.
Gwen: Please, Captain Sog. These are good people. They only need a bit of absolution and a fresh start. Surely you could make an exception?
Sog: [[thoughtful]] Hmm… I'll tell you what. You let me have a word man-to-man with Montague Stoddard, and I'll see what I can do.
Toby: Monty, huh? [[laughs]] That's not going to get old!
Gwen: Of course, Captain. Anything you need.
Quent: May we collect our disorderly friend now?
Sog: Aye--she's just through there. First cell on the left.
[[SFX: keyring tossed/caught]]
Quent: Right. I'll get her.
[[SFX: walking, heavy door opening]]
Sog: [[pleased]] Good. Now that that's settled, I have a bit of a proposition for you, Captain Gainsborough.
Toby: [[wary]] This doesn't involve a local bounties board, does it?
Sog: No, no. This is more of a full-time position.
Gwen: [[curious]] What did you have in mind?
Sog: Well, you see, the Lesser Council has been known to issue letters of marque to any up-and-comer captains with a… flair for hunting pirates.
Gwen: Well, I wouldn't say we're particularly experienced in hunting pirates, exactly.
Sog: [[chuckles]] Taking down Montague Stoddard is experience enough for me, lass. And I think you've got what it takes to help clean up the waters around Escadar. I could get the proper documents drawn up before you leave. What do you say?
Gwen: [[pleased]] Well, I certainly--
Quent: [[calling]] Hey, Sog! Which cell did you say Lola was in?
Sog: [[calling]] Just inside the door, lad! You can't miss her!
Quent: [[calling, worried]] Umm… yeah--there's nobody in there?
[[SFX: chair scraping floorboards]]
Sog: [[alarmed]] What? I locked her up myself!
[[SFX: hurried footsteps]]
Gwen: [[knowing]] Oh, no. She didn't!
Sog: [[aggravated]] Son of a biscuit eater! How the Hell did that loony get out!?
Toby: Yeah, we probably should have seen this coming.
[[SFX: TRANSITION MUSIC]]
SCENE 3
[[SFX: distant gulls, wind]]
Consul: [[annoyed]] I've already told you! This is an embassy--
Lola: [[interrupting, frantic]] You don't understand! People are in danger! Please--you have to let me in!
Consul: Out of the question! Minister Ostarian has issued a restrictive access order and is not allowing visitors for the remainder of the--
Lola: [[interrupting]] That was her, you idiot! Why else would your boss go and lock down the entire building in the middle of the day?
[[SFX: heavy footsteps approach]]
Guard: [[stern]] What's going on? Oi! What are you doing back here?
Lola: [[frantic]] Listen to me--I'm not crazy! There's a… something is in the Wet-House and it's here to kill people! You have to believe me!
Guard: Yeah, yeah--save it for the Council, fruitcake.
[[SFX: clothes rustling, struggling]]
Lola: [[angry]] Get your hands off of me, you idiot!
[[SFX: hurried footsteps approach]]
Gwen: [[calling, worried]] Lola!
Sog: [[calling]] That's enough, watchman! Let her go!
Guard: [[confused]] But Captain Sog, sir, isn't this the--?
Sog: [[interrupting]] It's alright--she's with me. [[warning]] And this time, I'll be keeping a better eye on you, lass.
Toby: I'll say! Those cells had half-inch deadbolts! Did you unlock them with magic or do you just have the world's strongest tumbler picks? [[under breath]] Also--if so, where did you get them?
Quent: [[disapproving]] Not now, Toby. [[worried]] Lola, where is she?
Lola: [[exasperated]] Thank the gods you lot are here! She's inside there!
Gwen: [[concerned]] What happened, Lola? Why did she bring you here?
Lola: [[anxious]] She… she did something to me. To my mind. Used me to pilot the skiff and made me… [[disturbed]] made me do terrible things.
Toby: [[commiserating]] Yeah, it's no fun having your brain hijacked. I can't imagine what it was like being puppeteered for nearly a week.
Lola: [[exhausted]] It was a nightmare… a bloody nightmare. She barely let me eat or sleep. I think… [[dizzy]] I think I need to rest a bit--
[[SFX: body being caught]]
Quent: [[concerned]] Woah--easy there! I've got you.
Gwen: [[worried]] It's alright. You're safe now. Captain Sog, is there an inn nearby?
Lola: No! She's here! And I think she's taken someone else!
Sog: Alright--what in Hell is she going on about?
Toby: [[sheepish]] Yeah… we may have left out the very real possibility that Lola was under the control of a lust demon.
Lola: [[anxious]] As soon as she figured out how to get into the Wet-House, she just… released me. We have to stop her!
Quent: [[grim]] She's here for Ostarian, isn't she?
Lola: I think he's just… a bonus. She kept going on about "her children".
Gwen: What did she tell you, Lola?
Lola: She kept rambling on about how they belonged to her, and she was taking them back… I think this Ostarian character has been hiding them from her.
Consul: Impossible! Minister Ostarian has done nothing of the sort!
Toby: [[impatient]] Oh my gods, does everyone on this island exist solely to get in our way? We're dealing with a succubus, genius! They're shapeshifters!
Guard: What's this all about, sir?
Sog: [[stern]] Watchman--go fetch the rest of your unit. We may need backup.
Guard: [[puzzled]] Aye, Councilman.
[[SFX: heavy jogging]]
Sog: And you--consul. Where's your superior?
Consul: [[pleading]] Please, sir. I'm not allowed to admit anyone but Low Azlanti citizens. And Ambassador Ostarian's quarters are strictly off-limits.
Sog: [[warning]] Listen here, gillman. Either you take us to your bloody administrator, or I'm charging you with contempt. [[growling]] Savvy?
Consul: You can't do that! It's in direct violation of diplomatic immunity!
Sog: Oi, Red--you're certain this demon thing's inside?
Lola: [[frustrated]] Yes! That's what I've been trying to tell all of you!
Sog: And you believe her, Captain Gainsborough?
Gwen: [[anxious]] I'm afraid I do.
Sog: [[resolved]] Right, then. Stand aside, consul.
Consul: [[petulant]] Absolutely not! This is hallowed ground and you cannot--
[[SFX: punch, body dropping]]
Gwen: [[sigh]] Not the best first impression.
Toby: [[impressed]] Heh. Nice one, Sog!
Sog: You lot had better be right about this. It'll be my arse if you aren't.
Quent: Thanks, Sog. Would you mind looking after Lola for us?
Lola: [[ornery]] Bugger that! I want a piece of that wench!
Quent: [[concerned]] But you can barely stand!
Lola: [[stubborn]] Then I guess you're just going to have to keep me propped up--won't you, Muscles? Come on. I'm done waiting around.
Sog: Go on ahead. Once the Watch gets here, I'll make sure nothing gets out.
Gwen: Thank you again, Captain. You can count on us.
[[SFX: hurried walking]]
Quent: [[wary]] Maybe we should wait for backup.
Lola: No! She's been getting stronger. We need to take care of this now.
Gwen: Who is she, Lola? Where did she come from?
Lola: [[sardonic]] You know, it never really came up during our little chats.
Gwen: Shame. That could have made her easier to track.
Quent: It shouldn't be too difficult. There's not a whole lot to this temple, is there? More of an open-air plaza, really.
Toby: Most of the complex will be underground. Well, underwater since the gillmen remodeled. Azlanti outposts like these are usually built around a central aqueduct. [[searching]] Over… here, I think. Down those stairs.
[[SFX: lapping water]]
Gwen: [[unsure]] Hmm… I don't suppose you have any leftover waterbreathing extracts, do you Lola?
Lola: [[with a measure of pride]] No… but I managed to lift this off of that gillman your dwarf friend laid out.
Quent: [[squinting]] What is that? Some sort of key?
Toby: [[impressed]] Hey, nice! Is that a pressure release valve?
Lola: [[smug]] That's right. This is our way in. One of you just needs to swim down there and find the main compression chamber.
Quent: [[suspicious]] You seem to know a lot about ancient Azlanti plumbing.
Lola: [[dismissive]] Nah. Just basic engineering, Muscles. Disable as many traps as I have, and you get a feel for how things are put together.
Gwen: [[curious]] You disabled traps for Stoddard as well?
Lola: No, before then. I used to be with the thieves’ guild in Oppara.
Gwen: Really!? You were in the Brotherhood of Silence? You never mentioned that before!
Lola: Didn't I? Huh--oh well. [[matter-of-factly]] So from the look of the valve head, I'd say the access point will most likely be on some sort of pressurized tank. Probably centrally located and built into a wall. I'd go down myself but… [[tired]] well, it's been one Hell of a week.
Quent: [[suspicious]] And you say you got this from that gillman consul?
Toby: I don't remember you even getting near them.
Lola: [[frustrated sigh]] I pinched it before you showed up, alright? [[pause]] What? A girl can't have hobbies?
Gwen: [[apologetic]] Don't mind them, Lola. I'll go.
[[SFX: rustling leather, wading into water]]
Gwen: What am I looking for again?
Quent: [[concerned]] Hold on, Gwen. Are we sure this is our best option?
Lola: [[impatient]] It's the only way in, dummies. We need to hurry!
Toby: Then I should go. I have a better idea of what we're looking for.
Gwen: Care to see who can hold their breath the longest?
Toby: [[sheepish]] Right--have fun, Gwen!
Quent: [[protesting]] But we don't even know how--
Gwen: [[interrupting]] I'll be fine, Quentin. You just keep Lola upright.
[[SFX: wading into water]]
Gwen: I'll be back soon. [[deep breath]]
[[SFX: splash]]
Lola: [[teasing]] Hmph. See that, boys? That's called initiative.
Toby: [[defensive]] Oh, whatever.
Quent: [[puzzled]] So this demon that was controlling you--she just… swam down into the temple and left you outside?
Lola: She disguised herself as a gillman. After taking the mind of this Ostarian character, she didn't need me any longer.
Quent: So the minister must have just… let her in?
Toby: Doubtful. Lust demons universally hate water. So if there are any "children" hidden here, they're probably in some kind of watertight vault.
Quent: Then why aren't the lower levels already drained?
Toby: It makes sense, actually. Succubi can teleport short distances. And I remember reading that most don't actually have respiratory systems. But this also makes it difficult for them to endure more than a few atmospheres of pressure for very long.
Quent: [[frustrated sigh]] Meaning?
Toby: [[rambling]] Their unique anatomy allows most planar outsiders to exist comfortably in a total vacuum. But high levels of barometric pressure cause massive stress to the membranes in their--
Quent: [[interrupting, annoyed]] In Common, please?
Toby: [[comically enunciating]] Demon fly good. Demon swim bad.
Quent: [[confused]] So… she just teleported into a room she's never set foot in before?
Toby: [[impressed]] She must have scouted it out through the eyes of a mind zombie and poof! No need to even get wet.
Lola: Hmph. Clever little tart, isn't she?
Quent: If she did teleport, it'll be that much harder to find where these kids are hidden.
Toby: Sog said there weren't any gillman nurseries here. So hopefully that means any secret, airtight chambers will be located near the surface.
Quentin: [[worried]] Speaking of which--should we be concerned about Gwen?
[[SFX: distant machinery, water draining]]
Lola: [[chuckles]] Never doubted her for a second.
[[SFX: wet footsteps, dripping water]]
Gwen: [[breathless, calling]] I found it! Just where Lola said it would be!
Quent: Are you alright?
Gwen: [[breathless]] Yes, thank you! Isn't it beautiful down here?
Toby: [[dismissive]] Magical. Speaking of which, do you happen to sense any nearby auras?
Gwen: Actually, Lola's valve had some powerful warding weaved into it.
Lola: Really? Where is it?
Gwen: I left it in there--the room with all the pipes snaking out.
[[SFX: wet footsteps, machinery sounds intensify]]
Quent: [[puzzled]] Where is everyone? This place looks abandoned.
Gwen: [[concerned]] I didn't see anyone else while I was swimming, either.
Toby: That's weird. Gillmen can survive for quite a while outside of water.
Quent: Well, the entire temple is in lockdown. The rest of the consuls must all have gone further-- [[hurried]] I mean, farther down.
Toby: [[disappointed]] Damn. Missed it.
Gwen: Here--this is where I used Lola's key.
Lola: Yes! This has to be the entrance!
Quent: [[puzzled]] What--you mean this huge water tank?
[[SFX: knocking on hollow metal]]
Toby: Huh… Well it's definitely not holding any water.
Lola: [[excited]] Which means it isn't connected to any of the bilge pumps! Here, Muscles--help me over there!
[[SFX: wet footsteps]]
Quent: [[hesitant]] Whoa, hold on! What are we doing now?
Lola: [[impatient]] Just trust me, will you? Only the highest-ranking gillman consuls have access to these pressure release valves.
Toby: [[thoughtful]] Which makes them the perfect tool to double as a key…
Lola: Exactly! This must be a hidden entrance!
[[SFX: clinking metal]]
Gwen: [[doubtful]] Hmm. Perhaps we should split up to cover more ground?
Toby: With a succubus on the loose? No thank you.
Lola: [[impatient]] Damn it, come on! Maybe if I--
[[SFX: mechanism clicks, hissing pressure, heavy metal groaning]]
Gwen: Oh, well done!
Quent: [[impressed]] Huh. What do you know!
Toby: [[suspicious]] Hmph. They teach you that in pickpocket school?
Lola: [[impatient]] Yeah well, what are we waiting for? Let's go, already!
Gwen: [[concerned]] I don't know, Lola. Are you certain you should even be down here? You must be half-starved and ready to collapse after your ordeal!
Quent: Yeah, and I'm going to need my arms free if we get into a fight.
Lola: [[stubborn]] I'm fine. Let's go, Muscles. I've got a score to settle.
Gwen: [[worried]] Please, Lola. We only want what's best--
Lola: [[interrupting, angry]] And I want my revenge! Now move it!
Toby: [[quietly]] Quent… get away from her.
Quent: [[confused]] Huh? What are you--
Toby: [[interrupting]] I said get away from her, damn it!
Lola: [[darkly]] You fools have outlived your usefulness.
Gwen: [[confounded]] Lola? What--
[[SFX: leathery stretching]]
Lola: [[simultaneously]] [[darkly]] I've come too far to stop now.
Mara: [[simultaneously]] [[darkly]] I've come too far to stop now.
[[SFX: body being grabbed, claws extending, cloth/armor rustling]]
Quent: [[painful grunt]]
Gwen: [[gasps]] [[horrified]] Quentin!
Mara: [[fierce]] Stay where you are, cow! One step closer and I'll rake my fingers across the boy's perfectly chiseled jawline!
Quent: [[painful grunt]]
Gwen: [[afraid]] No!
Toby: [[shaken, angry]] Let him go! You filthy, lying--
Mara: [[interrupting]] Is that any way to speak to a higher being, mortal? [[stately]] You may address me as Mistress, My Lady, or--if that's too difficult for you--simply Mara shall suffice.
Quent: [[strained]] Kill… her… Gwen. [[painful grunt]]
[[SFX: claws extend]]
Mara: [[sultry]] Shh shh shh--you don't want to make my claws slip, now do you? It would be a pity to ruin such a handsome face. [[cruel]] I believe I ordered you to move, worms. Let's not keep the children waiting.
Gwen: [[trembling with rage]] Let him go… now.
Toby: [[thinking fast]] You're still weak, aren't you? From leaving the Somal Caves?
Mara: [[laughs]] Oh, no. Your redheaded friend has been bringing me a steady supply of hearts bathed in the blood of the innocent. I'm sure an "expert" in demonology such as yourself understands the strength this lends me.
Toby: [[grim]] So… Lola is dead, then?
Mara: [[scoffs]] Please. Her blood is hardly innocent. Besides, she would have made for a poor meal when we finally arrived here. [[sultry]] This tender young thing, however…
Quent: [[painful grunt]] Do it… Gwen… now!
Gwen: [[fierce, shaking]] I said, let him go!
Mara: [[tuts]] A shame. It seems we are at an impasse. Ah well… [[darkly]] I could stand to eat again.
Toby: [[blurting out]] Wait! He's Perseus Lewin's nephew!
Mara: [[laughing in utter amazement]] What did you just say?
Toby: [[thinking fast]] You hate Lewin--don't you, Mara? So what better way to exact your revenge than to murder his only living relative in front of him?
Gwen: [[horrified, flabbergasted]] Toby! Stop!
Quent: [[strained]] I don't… know… what he's… talking about…
Mara: [[sniffing]] [[sultry]] Mmm… I thought you smelled familiar.
Toby: That's right! He's the only child on his sister's side. Perseus practically raised him as his own son!
Gwen: [[horrified]] No! Toby, what--
Toby: [[interrupting]] It'll be fine, Gwen. [[pointed]] Trust me.
Mara: Hmm… Perseus Lewin. He… loves this young man? More than any other?
Toby: [[hurried]] What do you think? The old goat's been grooming this lunkhead to take his place on the People's Council! He even pulled in favors from some of the most powerful people in Andoran just to make sure his nephew wasn't sent north to help protect the Platinum Line!
Quent: [[strained, surprised]] What!?
Toby: [[sheepish]] Sorry, Quent. He made me promise not to tell you.
Quent: [[strained]] He's… lying! [[painful grunt]]
[[SFX: claws extend]]
Mara: Shh shh shh. [[intrigued]] Hmm… I know little of what you speak. But your words carry the repugnant cadence of truth.
Toby: [[stalling]] It's… uh… funny you should mention that! I'm well known for both my overwhelming truthfulness and repugnance!
Mara: [[thoughtful]] You also seem well acquainted with my enemy. For him to trust you above his own blood with such secrets… You two must be quite close.
Toby: [[stalling]] You might say I'm something of an apprentice to the old codger. What can I say? Historian, linguist, alchemist… I'm a triple threat! In fact, just the other day-- [[shouting]] Now! Do it now, Gwen!
[[SFX: mechanism clicks, hissing pressure, rushing water]]
Mara: [[startled]] What!? [[shrieking, furious]] Ahh! You filthy little--
[[SFX: inverted whoosh, rushing water continues]]
Quent: [[calling]] Well--that's one way to get rid of a succubus!
Gwen: [[calling]] Did she just teleport?
Toby: [[calling]] That she did. No--leave it, Gwen. As long as these halls stay flooded, she can't come back.
[[SFX: heavy metal groaning]]
Quent: [[calling]] Come on--the door's sealing!
[[SFX: wet running footsteps, heavy door closes, rushing water diminishes]]
Gwen: How on Golarion did you know what would work, Toby?
Toby: Well, it's like I told Quent earlier--
Quent: [[rolling his eyes]] Demon swim bad.
Toby: [[sheepish]] Right. You okay?
Quent: [[groans]] I'm fine. A bit close, though--wouldn't you say?
Toby: [[frustrated sigh]] You would not believe how hard it was to distract a demon while telepathically arguing with Gwen!
Gwen: Now is hardly the time! We have to find those children!
[[SFX: running footsteps, sword unsheathing]]
Quent: Weapons drawn. She could be in there waiting for us.
Toby: Not likely. If she could've just teleported here in the first place, she would have done it already.
[[SFX: footsteps halt]]
Quent: Get them out anyway. There's no telling what's behind this door.
Gwen: If there are any children in there, we must get them to safety!
Toby: Safety? I doubt there's a safer place to hide from demons than down here!
Quent: Hey--focus, both of you! Ready? On the count of three. One… two…
[[SFX: Girl's muffled sobbing]]
Gwen: [[frantic]] Now! Open it now!
[[SFX: hatch opens, metal hinges squeal, Girl sobbing]]
[[SFX: knife slicing flesh]]
Ostarian: [[bloody gurgling]]
Girl: [[crying]] Mister Ostarian, please! Why are you hurting yourself?
Toby: [[horrified]] What in the Hell--
Quent: [[shouting]] Grab him! Get the knife away from him!
[[SFX: bodies struggling, knife clatters on the floor]]
Gwen: [[horrified]] Oh, gods! He's cut himself too deeply!
Toby: [[panicked]] I… I can't staunch the bleeding!
Quent: Minister Ostarian? Can you hear me? Stay with us! Is there a healer nearby we can call?
Ostarian: [[dying]] Tell… Perseus… I'm… sorry… [[death rattle]]
[[SFX: heavy silence]]
Toby: [[grim]] He's dead.
[[SFX: Girl quietly sobs]]
Quent: Gods… I think he was… forced to carve out his own heart!
[[SFX: Girl makes a distressed sound]]
Gwen: [[forced cheerful]] It's alright, sweetie! Here--look at me. We aren't going to hurt you. My name is Gwen. What's yours?
Girl: [[sniffling]] I'm Hannah. Hannah Nesmith.
[[SFX: dramatic stinger, OUTRO MUSIC]]
CREDITS
Narrator: Omen, episode 109: "Blood Debts" was written and directed by Tim Krause. Featuring Mamito Kukwikila as Gwen, A.J. Beckles as Tobias, Charlie Wes as Quentin, Méabh de Brún as Lola, Anthony Morales as Stoddard, Conor Cook as Sog, Sarah Doreen MacPhee as Mara, and Sophie Fae as Hannah. Additional voices provided by Tom Laflin, Phill Usher, and Kyle Brown. Original music composed by Matt Lee.
If you would like to support these independent creators as well as unlock exclusive Omen content, please consider becoming a patron at patreon dot com slash omenpodast. You can also show love for Omen by leaving a rating and review wherever you listen. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Have you ever thought about creating your own podcast? Either a fictional show like Omen or a nonfiction podcast that showcases what you're passionate about? Podcast Now is a comprehensive online course that will guide you step-by-step from your show concept to a successful podcast... with an emphasis on SUCCESS. Developed and taught by Sarah Rhea Werner, creator of the award-winning audio drama Girl In Space, Podcast Now has helped many shows find their own success stories — including Omen. Visit Sarah Werner dot com — that's s-a-r-a-h-w-e-r-n-e-r-dot com — and download the free Podcast Roadmap, an invaluable tool that will get you started down the right path. Again, visit Sarah Werner dot com and click on "Free Podcast Roadmap" to get started today!
Thank you so much for listening to Omen. And until next we meet, fair winds and following seas.
© 2021 Write Now, LLC. All rights reserved.