Omen Episode 110: Homeward Bound
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: harbor ambiance, crew shouting, footsteps]]
Battoh: [[shouting]] Move it, you dogs! Get the lead out!
Gwen: [[disapproving]] Is the incivility really necessary, Battoh?
Battoh: Apologies, Lady Gwen--but courtesy and brevity are as oil and water.
Toby: Normally I'd agree with that little adage. But if you keep hollering, you're going to tear your stitches. And those took me an hour to sew up.
Quent: Shouldn't you be resting, Battoh?
Battoh: [[grunt]] A mere scratch will not keep this one from his duties.
Gwen: While I do admire your grit, I would like to impress upon you once more that manners cost nothing aboard the Friend Ship II.
Toby: [[scoffs]] It's a good thing that horrible name will never stick.
Gwen: [[defensive]] It isn't horrible! The crew will get used to it.
Quent: Pack it in, Gwen. The "Wheel's Woe" is just so iconic. No self-respecting privateer is going to want to set sail aboard the Friend Ship II.
Gwen: [[narrowing eyes]] Hmph. We'll discuss this more in depth later.
Toby: Yeah--I'm sure the crew would just love to debate you on that.
Quent: Hold on--are we missing a few people?
Gwen: Yes. I've sent Rawlins and a few others to retrieve the skiff.
Toby: [[cautious]] Just… try not to get your hopes up. Alright, Gwen?
Gwen: [[stubborn]] If Lola is still alive, then we must at least look for her. [[guilty]] I did leave her alone with a murderous succubus, after all.
Quent: You couldn't have known at the time. But if we can't find her soon, we have to keep moving.
Gwen: But we can't just leave Lola! Not after all she's been through.
Quent: [[serious]] We can't allow Mara to run loose in Almas.
Battoh: He speaks truth, Lady Gwen. The city watch is living up to their namesake. This one fears the Lesser Council may retract their offer.
Toby: Yeah--convincing them to look the other way was some brilliant damage control on Sog's part. But I would prefer shoving off before they start connecting us to the mysterious murder of a certain Low Azlanti Ambassador.
Gwen: [[firmly]] We still have to wait until Captain Sog's had his talk with Stoddard. And I trust he will hold to his promise. [[sigh]] How is Hannah?
Toby: Surprisingly calm for just having witnessed a compulsory heart surgery.
Quent: Last I saw her, she was asleep in the Captain's quarters. Wisp offered to look after her while the provisions are restocked.
Gwen: [[concerned]] The poor thing. She must be traumatized.
[[SFX: door opening/closing, footsteps]]
Toby: Hey--looks like Sog is done already.
Sog: Well! That was invigorating!
Gwen: [[wary]] I trust Stoddard behaved himself?
Sog: [[chuckles]] Oh, not really. I hope it's alright if I had to… soften up his disposition a bit. After being a stone in my boot for so many years, I felt Montague owed me the pleasure. [[winces]] Got a jaw like a rock, though.
Toby: [[amused]] Sounds like you and old "Monty" go way back.
Sog: In a manner of speaking. Seeing the old scoundrel chained up like that… well, it feels a bit like the end of an era for me.
Quent: [[wary]] So… is the Woe cleared for departure, then?
Sog: [[stern]] As far as my authority allows, aye. But I wouldn't dally much longer. The only reason the Elders aren't making me bring you all in for questioning is the bloody succubus half the city saw fly off into the northern hills.
Quent: And your men are sure they saw her heading due north?
Sog: As sure as I witnessed a half-dozen crossbow bolts punch through her hide… all without so much as slowing her down. I trust I can count on you lot to track down that harpy and sort this whole mess out?
Toby: [[hesitant]] We sort of have a vested interest in that, yeah.
Quent: [[icy]] On behalf of the Andoran Constabulary, those responsible for these deaths will be brought to justice. Either by statute… or by the sword.
Sog: [[satisfied nod]] And what about you, Captain Gainsborough? Are you sure you can trust these rowdies to deliver Stoddard and get that little girl home?
Gwen: I trust them to make the most of a second chance.
Sog: [[unconvinced]] Hmph. Is that how it is, Xoshak? You and your brother are turning over a new leaf, yeah?
Battoh: Lady Gwen may not know our past as you do, Councilman. But it is this one's duty to ensure our old lives remain buried beneath Diobel Harbor.
Sog: Hmph. See that they do.
Gwen: I understand the risk you're taking on me. On all of us. If there's anything I can do to repay your kindness--
Sog: [[interrupting, kindly]] Just stay the course, lass. And be careful.
Gwen: [[smiling]] Thank you, Captain Sog.
[[SFX: handshake]]
Sog: [[congenial]] Fair winds and following seas, Captain Gainsborough.
Tillie: [[calling]] Eyes abeam to port!
[[SFX: crew shouting, running]]
Toby: [[calling]] Gwen! They found the skiff!
Quent: Here, Toby--help me with the davit winch!
[[SFX: metal gears turning]]
Gwen: [[worried]] Oh my goodness! [[calling]] Lola! Lola, are you alright?
Rawlins: [[calling]] She's in a right bad way, Captain!
Gwen: [[commanding]] Get her aboard immediately! Bring the lift!
[[SFX: crew shouting/running, rustling cloth/leather]]
Quent: [[grunting with effort]] Easy, now. I've got her.
Toby: [[calling]] Someone bring a waterskin!
Gwen: [[quietly]] Gods, Lola… I'm so sorry I left you alone with that monster!
Lola: [[hoarse, weak]] She… she's laughing…
Quent: It's okay, Lola. You're safe. Mara is gone.
Lola: [[hoarse, terrified]] Mara! I can still hear her! She's laughing… laughing at us all!
[[SFX: OMEN MAIN THEME]]
SCENE 2
[[SFX: sea ambience, creaking planks]]
Hannah: [[excited]] Then what happened?
Wisp: [[warmly]] Well, the evil queen knew she couldn’t keep all of her sons and daughters locked in the high tower forever. So she showered them with toys and candies so they would behave themselves.
Hannah: And what about the princess?
Wisp: [[smiling]] Oh, the princess--the most beautiful and clever of all the queen's children--she was the first to escape the tower. But before she left, she made a promise to her brothers and sisters that they would all be together again one day soon.
[[SFX: soft knocking, door opening gently]]
Gwen: [[gently]] Hello! I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
Wisp: Not at all, Captain. I presume we're well and away then?
Gwen: [[tired sigh]] We are, thank the gods.
Wisp: [[gently]] There--you see, Miss Hannah? I told you Captain Gwen would sort you proper. You'll be home to see your mum and da in no time at all.
Hannah: [[worried]] They won't be cross with me for leaving?
Gwen: [[reassuring]] No of course not, Hannah! The last time I spoke with them, they were so worried about you. They'll be overjoyed to see you again!
Wisp: [[grunts standing]] How long 'til we make port, Captain?
Gwen: Only a day or so, depending on the winds. Would you be so kind as to look after the crew topside? We need all the eyes we have on the horizon.
Wisp: Aye, Captain. If you have need of anything, I won't be far.
[[SFX: footsteps]]
Gwen: [[grateful]] Thank you, Wisp. [[under breath]] Be sure the cannons are manned, won't you? The… woman from before may have a head start, but Toby suspects there's a chance we could encounter her again… soon.
Wisp: [[wary]] Aye, Captain.
[[SFX: door closing]]
Gwen: [[sigh]] Are you comfortable, Hannah? Do you need something to eat?
Hannah: No, thank you.
[[SFX: footsteps, chair scraping across the floor, sitting down]]
Gwen: Would it be alright if we talked for a bit? [[sigh]] [[uncomfortable]] I… I know it's hard to think about what happened yesterday. But your friend… Minister Ostarian--
Hannah: [[sad]] I couldn't stop him. I was too scared.
Gwen: It's alright. I was scared as well.
Hannah: [[upset]] Mister Ostarian… he forgot my name. He thought I was hiding other kids from him. But I wasn't! I wasn't lying to him!
Gwen: [[consoling]] I know you weren't, Hannah. I believe you. It isn't your fault he died. You know that, don't you?
Hannah: If I hadn't made him so angry… maybe he wouldn't have hurt himself.
Gwen: No, Hannah. He hurt himself because someone else made him. Just like someone else made you leave your home. It isn't your fault any of this happened to you.
Hannah: [[sniffs]] Da told me not to go near the docks. I just wanted to see the boats.
Gwen: You mean in Almas? That's when you met the dwarf, isn't it?
Hannah: Yes. He said he'd take the pulley to Da. He told me someone important needed my help and that if I helped, I could go on one of the boats.
Gwen: [[wary]] Who needed your help?
Hannah: Mister Ostarian did. I didn't know his name yet. But he was nice to me and said I was brave enough to help him.
Gwen: Brave enough to go with him into that basement?
Hannah: [[hesitant]] Yeah. He said… he said the gods needed me. He said if I was strong, I could help save the world. I could be a hero.
Gwen: You are a hero, Hannah. You've been through so much and you're strong enough to talk about it. That's the bravest thing I've ever seen.
Hannah: Mister Ostarian's friends had a little bird in a cage. He told me it was part of the price that had to be paid. [[upset]] And I… I cried when they killed it. I'm not brave at all.
Gwen: [[determined]] No. You are. It takes a great deal of bravery to cry, Hannah. And those who say otherwise are just… scared that others will see them. [[sigh]] These friends of Ostarian… there were two of them, yes?
Hannah: Uh huh. The one with a beard… he said they needed me to call the woman. They hated her, but they needed her. And only I could make her appear.
Gwen: Did they say why they needed her?
Hannah: No. The man with the beard just told me not to look when she came into the room, and I didn't. But I could feel her.
Gwen: [[wary]] Yes. I imagine you can still feel her inside your mind a little, can't you? [[pause]] What about the other friend? He had glasses, didn't he?
Hannah: Yes. He didn't say anything to me. But I could hear him talking to the woman. He was polite to her but she seemed really angry at him.
Gwen: What did they say?
Hannah: I don't know. After the woman appeared, Mister Ostarian took me outside to his boat and we went to Escadar. I liked that part.
Gwen: Why did he bring you out here?
Hannah: He said it was safer for my mum and da if I stayed at his house for a while. Mister Ostarian was always nice to me and brought me anything I wanted. But I wasn't allowed to play outside or talk to anyone but him.
Gwen: [[puzzled]] So there weren't any other children there with you?
Hannah: No. Mister Ostarian said there used to be others like me, but they got old enough that it was safe for them to go back home.
Gwen: [[frustrated sigh]] [[forced optimism]] Well, I am going to make sure you get home safe and sound. Alright?
Hannah: [[worried]] What about my mum and da? Mister Ostarian said they would be in danger if I came home too early!
Gwen: [[determined]] I won't let anything happen to them, Hannah. And I won't let anything happen to you, either. I promise.
[[SFX: TRANSITION MUSIC]]
SCENE 3
[[SFX: sea ambience, creaking planks, footsteps]]
Toby: [[yawn]] You still up?
Quent: [[disinterested grunt]]
Toby: [[making small talk]] So… it looks like Lola's fever finally broke. Got her to keep some food down, at least. Should be fine in a few days.
[[SFX: awkward silence]]
Toby: [[frustrated sigh]] You're not going to see anything, you know. Not until morning, at least. You might as well turn in.
Quent: [[terse]] We should have caught up by now.
Toby: Based on what? For all we know, Mara could still be in Escadar. Hell, she could already be in Almas! We just won't know until we get there.
Quent: You said there was a chance. I'm making sure we don't miss it.
[[SFX: awkward pause]]
Toby: [[hesitant]] Listen, so I've been thinking a lot about this whole "demon summoning" thing. If Perseus thought--
Quent: [[interrupting]] I don't really give a damn what he thought, or if he was even thinking. He's a criminal, plain and simple.
Toby: [[pleading]] Come on, Quent. We don't know the whole story yet.
Quent: [[disgusted]] I know my uncle was complicit in a series of child abductions. I know these children were used as bait to lure an interdimensional being into a populated area for unknown purposes.
Toby: [[sheepish]] I mean, yeah but--
Quent: [[interrupting]] I know that my uncle is indirectly responsible for the murder of at least three people, probably more. I know that he also lied to our faces about the whole thing, and was likely involved with the Pepperbox warehouse fire. I know enough.
Toby: [[pressing]] We're still not finished investigating this case, Quent.
Quent: [[terse]] I'm through talking about this.
[[SFX: awkward silence]]
Toby: [[hesitant]] Look, uh… about what I said to Mara in the Wet-House…
Quent: You did what you had to do to buy time.
Toby: [[uncomfortable]] Well… that's not exactly what I meant…
Quent: [[annoyed]] I'm not interested in talking about this, either.
Toby: [[frustrated]] Would you just shut your hatch and listen for one second? [[sigh]] About a year ago, Perseus told me he talked Cormoth into holding you back at the Aerie. Apparently, you were up for some sort of promotion.
Quent: [[angry]] You mean a ranking promotion!? Why? Why would he do that!?
Toby: [[defensive]] To save your life, Quent! You knew the Platinum Line project was stirring up all of Avistan and you still signed on!
Quent: To serve my country! To secure the credentials needed to become an Eagle Knight! Maybe even a Pathfinder some day! You know that's what I've always wanted, and you still didn't tell me!?
Toby: Look--Perseus didn't want you getting buried alive in some gods-forsaken tunnel or caught up in all of that insurrectionist nonsense.
Quent: [[angry]] That's the job, Toby! That's the risk all of my friends took when they shipped off to guard the lines! Do you have any idea how many night shifts I've spent wondering why I wasn't good enough to make the cut?
Toby: [[sheepish]] Well… you did make it, technically! So… I guess that's a big weight off your shoulders, huh?
Quent: [[disgusted]] Unbelievable! There's no depth you won't sink to just to stay in my uncle's good books.
Toby: [[offended]] Oh, whatever! I'm not the one collecting father figures!
Quent: [[angry, scoffs]] You really are a bastard, you know that?
Toby: [[hurt]] Oh yeah? Takes one to know one! I've already got an entire foster family of morons. You really think I needed to steal your uncle?
Quent: Well, he obviously trusts you more than his own nephew! The gods-damned succubus he helped summon could see that as clear as day!
Toby: [[angry]] If you believe that, then you're just as stupid as she is! And no--you know what? You have no idea what you're talking about!
Quent: [[bitter]] Well now I know you'll stab a so-called "friend" in the back just to keep leeching your room and board off an old fool.
Toby: [[threatening]] You'd better watch your mouth, Quent!
Quent: [[scoffs]] You're just another one of his "projects". Like when he tried to coerce me onto the Council. [[accusing]] Even now--while he's kidnapping children to dangle in front of monsters--you still defend him!
Toby: [[angry]] Hey--I'm not defending anyone! And I didn't accept Lewin's mentorship to suck up to him or mooch off your family! You got that?
Quent: [[furious]] Then why, Toby? Why did you let him take my life from me!?
Toby: [[shouting, desperate]] Because I didn't want you to leave, either!
[[SFX: awkward silence]]
Toby: [[quietly, pained]] I'm… I'm sorry, Quent. I didn't mean to hurt you, okay? You were the only friend I had before Gwen showed up. I just… wanted to keep you around, I guess.
Quent: [[calmer, confused]] Wait--I don't understand. What about all of your "intellectually superior colleagues" up at the University?
Toby: [[embarrassed]] Yeah… to be honest? They all hate me. Especially the ancient linguistics undergraduates. All of those "philosophy nights" I went to? I'd just go get a beer down at Soggy Walls… by myself.
Quent: [[taken aback]] Gods, Toby. You could've told me.
Toby: [[scoffs]] Right. And If I had actually asked you to stay? [[skeptical/joking]] Right after Aroden returned from the dead and the Starfall Doctrine was miraculously fulfilled? Would you have stayed?
Quent: Well… I never knew anyone actually needed me in Almas, so… yeah. [[heartfelt]] I would have stayed, Toby.
Toby: Really? What about all your friends who left?
Quent: I guess I never realized that… we were friends. Not until recently.
Toby: Funny how a never-ending string of near-death experiences does that.
Quent: Yeah. [[hesitant]] And hey--I'm sorry I flew off the handle like that. I didn't mean all those things I… [[realization]] hold on--did you apologize to me earlier?
Toby: [[hurriedly]] Only if you promise this stays between us. Otherwise, I refuse to substantiate any previous statements.
Quent: [[amused]] Yeah sure, I promise. [[thoughtful sigh]] I dunno… I suppose I would have missed out on a lot of weird stuff if I had been promoted…
Toby: [[cheeky]] See? That's why I couldn't let you march off to your doom! I didn't want to keep you from your "destiny" and all that.
Quent: [[rolls eyes]] Right. Always looking out for me, huh?
Toby: [[hopeful]] And hey! Once we sort out this nasty business with Mara, you won't even need to apply to be a Pathfinder! I'll bet Venture-Captain Brackett will knock down your door when he finds out you explored the beacon and helped capture our old pal, Monty!
Quent: [[unconvinced]] Assuming we're not implicated in my uncle's crimes.
Toby: Listen to me--a man like Lewin knows what he's doing, Quent. I'm serious! Have you ever known him to do anything without a damn good reason?
Quent: [[considers]] Dark magic does seem awfully unlike him…
Toby: Who are you going to trust? Your own instincts or the word of a demon?
Quent: Point taken. [[sigh]] Fine. We'll see what he has to say for himself before jumping to any conclusions. Happy?
Toby: [[satisfied]] As a clam.
Quent: [[cautious]] And are we good?
Toby: [[relieved sigh]] Yeah, we're good. [[pause]] You know, I've often considered becoming a Pathfinder initiate myself.
Quent: [[laughs]] Really?
Toby: [[mock offense]] Yes, really! It's only three years of training at the Grand Lodge. Maybe Gwen could join with us!
Quent: Hmm… yeah, she seems really into the idea of privateering for Sog. I don't think she'd go for it.
Toby: Well then, maybe she can visit us in Absalom between jobs!
Quent: [[amused]] You really want to break up the team? All things considered, I think the three of us work really well together.
Toby: But what about exploring ancient ruins or making some huge discovery and having your name written down in the Chronicles for all time?
Quent: It seems like we've sort of been doing that already.
Toby: Everything except being remembered for all eternity.
Quent: You really want your name written in one of a dozen gigantic volumes? Listed next to a bunch of other names that no one will ever read? Collecting dust in some vault? I thought you'd want your own book.
Toby: Interesting… I never thought of it like that before. [[beat]] But what about you? Don't you want to be a Pathfinder anymore?
Quent: I don't know. It doesn't seem as adventurous now that we've been… well, adventuring. Besides, something tells me that we could do a lot more good cleaning up the Inner Sea with Gwen.
Toby: So you're saying my options are money or fame. It's never both, is it?
Quent: [[good-natured laugh]] Stick with us and it probably won't be either. [[beat]] You know, we haven't really talked like this since I started at the Aerie.
Toby: [[laughs]] Yeah, well… you used to be a lot more fun back then. [[sheepish]] And… I suppose I was less of a pain, too.
Quent: [[chuckles]] Yeah. [[yawns]] Hey--you should probably try and get some rest.
Toby: Naw, I'm okay. I think I'll help you keep watch for a while.
Quent: [[grinning]] You sure? You've been on your feet all day taking care of Lola and chasing Battoh around with your sewing kit.
Toby: [[smiling]] Yeah, I'm sure. We'll be able to see Almas when the sun comes up. [[pause]] I just want to make sure it's real, you know?
Quent: [[sigh]] Yeah. It'll be nice to finally be back home.
[[SFX: TRANSITION SEA AMBIENCE SFX]]
SCENE 4
[[SFX: an ethereal dreamscape, a cacophony of armies battling, a woman shouting heroically, battlefield explosions]]
[[SFX: rifles firing, crowd screaming/panic, explosion/fire]]
Mara: [[ominous]] Blood for blood. [[mocking laughter]]
Gwen: [[wakes with a start]] [[heavy breathing]]
[[SFX: sea ambience, creaking planks]]
Lola: [[sleeping fitfully]] [[moans, mumbling]] Mmm. No. Stop. Get out!
Gwen: [[whispering]] Lola? Lola--you're dreaming. Wake up.
Lola: [[moans, mumbling]] Don't. Don't make me.
[[SFX: bare footsteps, rustling cloth]]
Gwen: [[louder]] Lola?
Lola: [[befuddled]] Wha--? [[sharp gasp]] [[alert]] Where am I?
Gwen: It's alright. You're safe aboard the Friend Ship II.
Lola: [[heavy breathing]] [[confounded]] The what now?
Gwen: [[sheepish]] Err… the Wheel's Woe, I mean.
Lola: [[confused]] The Woe? Where's Stoddard? Where's the Witch's Teat?
Gwen: [[mirthless laugh]] It's a long story.
Lola: [[groans stiffly]] Go on and tell it, then.
Gwen: Well, it turns out over half of Stoddard's crew decided to mutiny with us. We confronted him outside of Diobel and… well, I challenged him.
Lola: Bloody hell! You crossed swords with that bastard?
Gwen: Yes--it was Battoh's idea. I even held my own for a bit. [[embarrassed]] Though I had to subdue him using the rest of Barlow's vile paralysis poison.
Lola: [[laughs, starts coughing]] You've a regular bare-knuckled gouger, Princess! And the Xoshak Boys are working for you now? [[disappointed]] Damn--there goes my stint as First Mate.
Gwen: [[reassuring]] No--you're still my First Mate, Lola.
Lola: [[knowing]] Sure I am, love. [[coughs]] [[amused]] So… how did Stoddard's crew take to the sudden change in management?
Gwen: As well as could be expected, I suppose. After the scuffle, the mutineers took the Woe with Stoddard as our captive. [[guilty]] The rest were left aboard the first Friend Ship which, sadly, had to be… dealt with.
Lola: [[impressed]] Smart move, that. You take out the Teat with the Woe's guns then?
Gwen: [[uncomfortable]] Something to that effect, yes. [[determined]] We're currently about a half day from Almas, where Stoddard will stand trial for his crimes.
Lola: [[grim]] And what about Mara?
Gwen: Oddly enough, it would seem she's headed there as well.
Lola: [[steeling self]] In Escadar… did she…? You know.
Gwen: [[hesitant]] Accomplish what she came to do? Partially.
Lola: [[solemn sigh]] How many are dead?
Gwen: [[hurried]] That isn't important right now. We need to focus on stopping Mara before she does any more damage. [[uncomfortable]] I hope you don't mind we brought you along. I would have paid for a healer in Escadar but we were in such a hurry and… well, I was concerned you'd be blamed for the--
Lola: [[interrupting]] No--I'm glad you got me out of there. Thanks. [[darkly]] That bitch is going to pay for what she made me do.
Gwen: [[concerned]] I was worried we'd lost you. You were found aboard the skiff yesterday, half starved and severely dehydrated. How do you feel?
Lola: [[stiff groan]] Like I was found half starved and severely dehydrated in a bloody skiff, that's how.
Gwen: [[wary]] You were talking in your sleep. Can you… still feel her?
Lola: [[stoic]] Yeah. Here's hoping blasting her out of the sky with a cannon will fix that. What in Hell do you reckon she is, even?
Gwen: Succubus… a Lust Demon.
Lola: [[understanding]] Huh. Well, that explains a bit.
Gwen: What do you mean?
Lola: [[moving along]] It still doesn't account for why she was in those bloody caves, though.
Gwen: [[puzzled]] Wait--what does Mara's being a succubus explain?
Lola: [[embarrassed]] Nothing. Forget it.
Gwen: [[pressing]] Lola--anything you know could help us defeat her.
Lola: [[sheepish]] It's stupid, alright? She… she kissed me. In the caves. Right after you and Beefcake left to go look for the boy wonder.
Gwen: [[surprised]] Oh! Mara kissed you?
Lola: I think it's how she controlled me. [[bitter]] Gods, I didn't even resist it--idiot! Serves me right, falling for a pretty face.
Gwen: [[guilty]] No--it's my fault, Lola. I'm the one who left you with her. I'm so sorry!
Lola: [[amused]] What are you, some sort of martyr wannabe? Stop trying to take on everyone's guilt, Princess. It was cute at first, but now it's starting to get on my nerves. [[determined]] I make my own decisions and my own mistakes, you got that?
Gwen: I'm sorr--I mean… you're right. [[sigh]] Thank you for saying that.
Lola: [[changing the subject]] So… what's the plan once we reach Almas?
Gwen: I'm not sure, to be honest. I feel like… [[worried]] I have this awful feeling that something terrible happened while we were away.
Lola: More terrible than an evil, rampaging skag with wings?
Gwen: [[distracted]] Ever since we escaped the Somal Caves, I've been having the same nightmare over and over again. I think I can hear Mara's voice… but there's more. Panicking crowds and… explosions… and gunfire.
Lola: [[wary]] But it's just a nightmare… right?
Gwen: [[worried]] I don't know. It's like… Do you remember when we first approached the beacon? I felt like… like I was supposed to be there. As if something--or someone--was calling to me.
Lola: You think these dreams of yours are something more?
Gwen: A message? A warning, perhaps? [[sigh]] I wish I knew.
Lola: [[serious]] Have you told the others about this?
Gwen: [[embarrassed laugh]] Oh, I don't want the boys worrying about me. Besides, they're so pragmatic and logical about everything. They'd probably just laugh.
Lola: [[knowing]] Not even giving them a choice, eh?
Gwen: A choice? In what?
Lola: [[hesitant]] Look--I know I didn't give you lot a fair warning when I sprung you on the Witch's Teat. I was looking out for myself.
Gwen: [[reassuring]] No, Lola! You--
Lola: [[interrupting]] Just listen, will you? You were right--I set you on a path that didn't give you a choice in the matter. My plan became your plan. And when Mara took me, you could have gone anywhere. But you came after me.
Gwen: You would have done the same for me.
Lola: [[genuine]] I don't know that I would have, to be honest. [[resolved]] But now we're on this new path--your path. And I actually have a choice in this. I'm not going to help you deal with Mara just to settle a score. I'm doing it because I don't want anyone else to go through what I did.
Gwen: [[guilty]] Oh, Lola. I never meant for any of this to happen.
Lola: I told you--you're not responsible for me or my stupid mistakes, Princess. Besides, it's like you said--this isn't just your plan anymore. And if this dream of yours means something, then I know you're going to tell your mates about it. They deserve a chance to make up their own minds.
Gwen: You're right, of course. [[sigh]] I don't know… I believe a part of me was hoping you'd say my nightmare meant nothing and that I'm just being paranoid.
Lola: [[amused]] Well, then--it's a good thing the other part listened to reason, isn't it? [[stretches, groans stiffly]] Asmodeus' balls, I'm sore! Was the bloody skiff beached on top of me?
Gwen: No, no--don't get up. You rest. I'll fetch you some water.
[[SFX: bare footsteps]]
Lola: Rum if you've got any.
Gwen: Absolutely not. [[snarky]] Sorry--Captain's orders!
[[SFX: door opens/closes]]
Lola: [[sigh]] [[grumbles]] A right bloody hard chaw, that one.
[[SFX: TRANSITION MUSIC]]
SCENE 5
[[SFX: sea ambiance, creaking planks, jangling chains]]
Stoddard: [[singing sea shanties to self]] "The Cage shall stand empty, the Worldbreaker woke. The Engine emerges, all brimstone and smoke. Pharasma stands humbled, the Unmaker spoke: Oh! Tremble ye, trample thee! Forsake thy faith."
[[SFX: iron door opens/closes]]
Stoddard: [[calling, annoyed]] Now what? You dogs have so little to do, you can't leave a man alone for five bloody minutes with his own bloody thoughts?
[[SFX: bare footsteps]]
Mara: [[sultry]] Oh, but we are alone.
Stoddard: [[confused]] Who in the-- [[surprised/amused]] Well! This is certainly unexpected! [[flirting]] And who might you be, beautiful?
Mara: [[amused]] Do you think I'm pretty?
Stoddard: [[ravenous]] Love, you'd make Shelyn herself go beet red!
Mara: [[giggles]]
Stoddard: [[sultry]] A gorgeous creature like you shouldn't be wandering the ship at night. And without a stitch of clothing on? Seems dangerous.
Mara: [[amused]] And I suppose you're my protector in irons? [[tuts]] So vulnerable. So helpless. Did your crew chain you here? It would be a tragedy if someone were to… [[sultry]] take advantage of your predicament.
Stoddard: [[ravenous]] Bloody Hell, love! Where did you come from? That Karthis tart pick you up in Escadar or--? [[realization]] No! You're her! You're the raven-haired woman from the beacon, aren't you?
Mara: My, how my reputation has spread! Your kind are so easily impressed.
Stoddard: [[excited]] Tell me true--did you really come from those underwater caves? What was that purple light?
Mara: [[dismissive]] A miscalculation. I had hoped to emerge closer to the Isle of Erran. [[bitter]] Although knowing now the extent of that cursed gillman's trickery… I should have gone straight to the mainland instead.
Stoddard: So you're not Low Azlanti, then? Do you hail from the Darklands?
Mara: [[amused]] The Darklands? Oh, that is rich! [[thoughtful]] Now that you mention it though, I suppose they'll also require subjugation. [[sigh]] This little rock of yours can be so wearisome at times.
Stoddard: [[puzzled, wary]] Who are you?
Mara: Let's see… [[listing off]] A forsaken scion of the Midnight Isles, an envoy of shadows, a daughter of unholy desire, defilement's own profane lover. In short? [[darkly]] I am the dark lusts that haunt the minds of men.
Stoddard: [[puzzled]] Oh, I see. [[wary]] So… they say Lola took you prisoner… but that can't be right. I heard talk she was found half dead in the bottom of the skiff. That was your handiwork, wasn't it?
Mara: [[amused]] My! You're a sharp one, aren't you?
Stoddard: Why Lola? Why did you try to kill her?
Mara: [[scoffs]] Kill her? Do you throw away a tool once you've finished with it? So wasteful. What if you have need of it later?
Stoddard: [[suspicious]] And for what did you have need of Lola?
Mara: [[bored]] Oh… just the basics, really--sustenance, transportation, information.
Stoddard: [[wary]] You… sound like a busy woman.
Mara: [[pleased]] Mmm, yes. It's good to have prey once more. I've almost forgotten the thrill of the hunt.
Stoddard: It seems you have business to conduct, yes? Fish to fry? I have contacts. Friends in high places. Maybe we could help each other.
Mara: [[curious]] Hmm… I wonder--what would you ask of me in return? Besides your freedom, obviously.
Stoddard: [[grinning]] For starters, I have plenty of prey of my own to hunt.
Mara: [[interested]] Ooh. Go on.
Stoddard: [[darkly]] Once we make port, I'll slaughter every last traitorous swine aboard this ship. And that brat masquerading as Captain? I'll finally have her all to myself.
Mara: [[amused]] The one called Gwen? [[laughs]] Your desire is to kill one of the few ants on this leaf with any semblance of innocence?
Stoddard: Oh, no. Killing's too good for her. As you put it, why throw away a perfectly useful tool? No, that pretty little charlatan shall suffer at my hands. And after I'm through with her, I'll trade what's left for a king's ransom.
Mara: [[intrigued]] Hmm. I admire the passion behind your ambitions, though they seem sorely lacking in scope.
Stoddard: [[chuckling]] Oh that's just the beginning, love. After I hire on a new crew, do you think you could lead us back to that beacon of yours?
Mara: [[slightly irritated]] And why would I do that?
Stoddard: That light disappeared after you emerged, didn't it? You're connected to it, aren't you? I'm guessing you know what's in those caverns.
Mara: [[puzzled, irritated]] What concern is it of yours?
Stoddard: [[excited]] Surely there's something of worth down there--ruins, a route into the Darklands… [[hopeful]] perhaps a bit of treasure?
Mara: [[unimpressed]] So you're sniffing out riches, then? [[disgusted scoff]] Typical. The pathetic trappings of a pathetic race.
Stoddard: You mentioned subjugation, right? You want to conquer your foes? You'll need an armada to take one measly port town. And believe me, love, that takes a lot of gold.
Mara: [[bitter]] Even if I cared to lead you there, the Somal Caves were a conduit… nothing more. [[sadly]] There is no longer anything of value there…
Stoddard: [[desperate]] No! Surely there's something?
Mara: [[angry]] The caves are lost, you fool! Swallowed whole by your damnable seas! [[frustrated sigh]] It would seem I am truly alone.
Stoddard: [[coy]] It sounds like you could use a friend, eh? Someone who knows their way around the Inner Sea?
Mara: [[annoyed]] You would presume I have need of a disgraced sea captain?
Stoddard: [[vicious]] Then free me! Witness for yourself the fate of those who have earned my scorn! Help me exact terrible vengeance on the trash who betrayed me and your enemies shall become mine!
Mara: [[amused]] Well--aren't you adorable? [[considers]] Very well, then. Shall we consummate this unholy union with a kiss?
Stoddard: [[desperate]] Love, I've got no bloody clue who or what you are. But I'd lock lips with a halibut if it meant getting out of these chains.
Mara: Then I accept your servitude, such as it is.
[[SFX: Mara and Stoddard kiss, lightly jangling chains]]
Mara: Mmm. You taste of fury… and an impotent rage. Bitter, yet savory.
Stoddard: [[monotone, thickly]] I am yours, Lady Mara.
Mara: [[curling her nose]] Hmph. My name sounds clumsy on your lips. You shall address me as Mistress, worm.
Stoddard: Forgive me, Mistress.
Mara: Now… tell me about this girl, Gwen. What has she done to earn such indignation, hmm?
Stoddard: [[monotone]] She humiliated me in front of my crew, destroyed my flagship, took my warship as her own. But more than that… [[hesitant]] she is better than me.
Mara: [[dismissive]] Well, that much is obvious. [[to self]] She really does have initiative, doesn't she?
Stoddard: [[monotone]] Yes, Mistress.
Mara: I wasn't talking to you, worm. Now--about these "friends in high places" of yours. How many would you say you have in Andoran?
Stoddard: None, Mistress.
Mara: [[annoyed]] None? What about contacts, then?
Stoddard: [[monotone]] Forgive me, Mistress. I spun lies to improve my position.
[[SFX: hard slap, jangling chains]]
Mara: [[angry]] Fool! Then what use are you to me?
Stoddard: [[monotone]] I have marginally useful information.
Mara: [[annoyed]] Go on.
Stoddard: There is a hatch under the bed in the captain's quarters. The hidden corridor within leads beneath the galley and the crew bunks.
Mara: [[dissatisfied]] Well… that is something, at least. Is that all you know?
Stoddard: All that is of use to you, Mistress.
Mara: Then I have one final command for you, worm.
Stoddard: [[monotone]] How may I be of service, Mistress?
Mara: [[darkly]] You shall abstain from screaming while I dine on your heart.
[[SFX: claws extending, gory squelching, Stoddard stifles screams]]
Mara: [[disappointed sigh]] Not a shred of innocence to be found, but… a girl has to eat.
[[SFX: dramatic stinger, OUTRO MUSIC]]
CREDITS
Narrator: Omen, episode 110: "Homeward Bound" 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, Gary Scales as Battoh, Conor Cook as Sog, Chris Einspahr as Wisp, Sophie Fae as Hannah, Anthony Morales as Stoddard, and Sarah Doreen MacPhee as Mara. Additional voices provided by Sam Eisele, Sarah Rhea Werner, Graham Rowat, Brandon Jenkins, Sarah Golding, Tom Laflin, and Phill Usher. 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!
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