The Rogue Plague | Part 2

Hey, everybody, this is Robin. This is Luke. And this is Christophe. And you are listening to part two of the road plague, our deep dive into the Leviathan ball and playing some episodes that we did about 15 years ago that haven't really been released. And we're really excited to bring you this next installment. If you just part one of the road plague, you know, this is kind of a medieval detective story of real change of pace from internal affairs. The story you heard last month. Part one ended with a vanjolene reminiscing to her days back in Sumner Talk and lighting her old village and fire. And part two, we're going to go right back to Scotland, where we're going to learn a lot more about Harlequin's early history and the early history of Angus McKay and how he met a vanjolene. A lot like these other old episodes we've been listening to, this was kind of a weird in-between space for our production process. We were still half audio book, half audio drama, but you're still to hear us playing around with more sort of like montage techniques where we're kind of playing the narrator against the dialogue and the sound effects. You'll also hear like some great horror motifs in this one too. You'll hear at the beginning of each part of the road plague, actually, we have these fun little horror vignette scenes to introduce the episode. So you heard one last week that starred, I believe, Christoph and his mother as some medieval peasants. And you'll hear another one this week where we cast Luke. Actually, one of my, you know, listening back to this, I really do feel this is one of my top acting performances in all the live-action. Are you agree? Are you agree? I really bought it. Yeah, just, you know, maybe I miss my calling as like a horror movie victim actor. You're a screen queen, really. Yeah. Yeah, one thing that I really noticed listening back to this one is that I noticed moments when both Christoph as the writer, although this one was co-written with Murr Laffordy too, right? Yes, that's right. So that's right. Christoph on Murr as the writing team and myself as the composer for this one, you know, one of the first things I wrote music for. I noticed that we were all kind of guilty of doing a lot of sort of telling instead of showing in our approach. I noticed in that like long montage scene that Robin mentioned, there's, you'll hear it. It's like a long sort of dinner conversation. I just, I was listening to my music and I was just like, man, I really didn't hadn't learned yet how to sort of like take a step back and like let things breathe. I noticed that the score was just kind of like trying to do all these like really like interesting melodic things like the whole time and it was just kind of had to be like mixed really low so you could still hear what was going on. I just was interesting to hear that compared to sort of my approach in, you know, more recent episodes where it's kind of gotten better at thinking a step back and letting things kind of like be more moody and atmospheric. And then also I noticed in terms of the writing, like the use of narrator has like just really evolved so much over the years, like these old episodes. I just, I noticed, I noticed our narrator Sam just coming out and just saying in a lot of instances like what the characters were thinking, I don't want to spoil the episode for people. But just listen for that, it's something that we would never do in a more modern version of these, but it really is kind of more of like an audio book type of brush. It's something you'll hear us come back to again and again as we listen through these old episodes. I think we're all just struck by how much more of an audio book we were making back then than we realized. Not that that's a bad thing and we've gotten some great comments on our Spotify from people telling us how much they actually enjoy that style. So I actually still quite enjoy listening to these episodes and, you know, I think Rogue Plague is still a really fun story to listen to. Yeah, it's going back to the cold open. Like I was really struck by, you know, we're not a horror podcast, we're science fiction, we're all, you know, alternate world, but we did some great monster sounds in this. I was really kind of happy with like how, you know, kind of Halloweeny and scary monster sounds that we were able to pull off and I thought that was something that struck me. The cold open for this one is especially fun because we said it stars Luke, but to be clear, Luke is the only actor in this cold open. It is a single character cold open of Luke kind of being stopped by this monster who you kind of sense in the distance, but wait a, wait a carry a little bit. It's a really fun scene. So yeah, without further ado, here comes part two of the Rogue Plague. Please enjoy. Jacob Scott walked home from the one pub in the town having one several arm wrestling bets. He'd bought the whole pub around of Ale and left with considerable money weighing down his pockets. He was in fine spirits as he walked whistling galley. North of Edinburgh one didn't see much in the way of banditry on the highways, so he didn't worry about much beside what to do when the beer indicated its need to leave his body. As he relaxed and relieved himself on the side of the road, he suddenly heard an odd rustling in the woods beside him. Hello. Is someone there? He frowned and pyridant to the woods. The dim moonlight unable to cut through the trees. He hadn't known of many walls in these parts, but that didn't restrict his imagination from taking advantage of the darkness on this remote road. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck pricked upwards as he heard a low guttural growl. Not from any beast he'd ever seen, he quickly finished and backed up to the road, walking swiftly without looking back, reminding himself that Beast's often took direct eye contact as a challenge. He quickened his gate as he heard a thump on the road behind him, the unmistakable sound of two feet dashing towards him. No, no, no, stay back. Jacob broke into a run himself, desperate to get away and too terrified to look around. The creature howled behind him and Jacob cried out in terror, imagining he could feel its breath on the back of his neck. He heard a swipe break through the cold night terror and felt his shirt catch on something sharp. But thankfully it didn't scratch his skin. He forced himself to run faster and then got the sixth sense that this creature, whatever it was, was toying with him. Jacob began to weep in fear as his steps became clumsy because of his drunkenness in terror. He stumbled and fell hard on his chest, gasping for breath, and he scrambled to his feet as he leapt up he finally stole a glance at his pursuer which loomed over him. The creature blocked the moon, but Jacob could clearly see a scarlet halo caused by the moonlight in the Beast's bright red skin. Only Mary mother of country, if I'm sick, only very mother. The rogue plague. A Leviathan Chronicle's story. Part 2. Even sir, Father Hallequin I presume. I am. I'm afraid I don't have the honor of. Oh sorry sir, I'm Angus McKay, Captain of the Salty Crow. That's my ship there. Miss Evangeline asked me to fetch you an escort due to dinner which will be on the crow. On your ship. Miss Evangeline prefers her conversations to be private. Ah, so I noticed. I had wondered why she was staying so close to the docks. She charted as your ship then. Aye, she employs me as an innkeeper, Captain Anne Cook. Tonight I hope the lamb is to your liking. I'm sure it will be. Thank you. Um, Angus, is it? Ah, before we board, what can you tell me of your employer, of Angeline? From where does she hail? Part of what Miss Evangeline pays for, Anne pays very well for, I don't mind saying, is her privacy and my competence. Something she doesn't tell me, and what she does, I'm not limited to say. Hmm, I can respect your dedication to her. Done again. Who knows what might come from a late night with several pints in me? Well, lady is waiting done below, father. Angus winked at Harlequin and led him aboard the ship and down to the hold, which had been redecorated to look very much like a pub inside of a homey inn, with rich portraits on the wall, stalls bolted to the floor next to a large leather padded bar, and glasses that locked into place using an innovative wooden cage-like apparatus. Angus gestured to a table and bench that had also been bolted to the floor and lit two thick candles. Extraordinary. I've never seen a ship's mess this welcoming. Evangeline requested it and paid for the carpenters herself. Just have a seat, I'll tell the lady you're here. Harlequin sat somewhat nervously on the bench and looked around at the odd war lot, consisting of a broken anchor, a painting of an overly eager mermaid that while masterfully done still made him feel uncomfortable, and on the far wall, a rich mural of an angry colossal squid battling a brigantine ship. Over the bar was a silhouette of a crow in flight, with a carved wooden sign saying the salty crow underneath. Ten minutes later, Harlequin turned as Angus opened the bar's door for Evangeline, and the priest suddenly found himself grateful that the low light of the bar hid the rapid flush in his face. She had shed the brown traveling dress she sported earlier, and now wore a white slender gown with gold trimmer on the seams. Her scarlet hair was tied backwards with a pale ribbon, revealing her lismeneck. He had seen the rich noble women of Edinburgh, many of whom bowed before him at mass, but none carried themselves like this woman, with power and confidence. Harlequin smiled his benign, welcoming priest smile, and rose to greet Evangeline. He took her hand in both of his, fighting the impulse to caress the slender, uncalist fingers. I'm so pleased you could come, Father. I'm sure we'll be more comfortable here. Did Angus get you some of his wonderful beer? Not yet. I was just about to miss. Thank you for inviting me, Evangeline, but as for comfort, this is your home of sorts, not mine. Of course, but if we touch on the subject of heresy, I'm sure you'd be more comfortable talking about it here than in your church or local tavern with prying eyes and ears. I warn you that I won't tolerate blasphemy no matter how sumptuous the surroundings. However, helping the poor and sick is never heresy. I challenge you to tell Pope Paul that when next you see him. His holiness is a severe man at times, but these are severe days. I will concur with you there, Father, but we'll point out that he still would disagree with your statement of heresy. The Crusades and the Inquisition kill plenty of innocence in the name of your god. Here you are, Father. A pint of my best friend. Did you invite me here to insult the church? I thought you were interested in saving lives. Of course not, Father. I merely underscore that there is a plague growing that people are afraid to speak of. They are therefore dying because of their silence. I believe you to be a man who can help. I meant no disrespect to you. I cannot sit idly by while you insult the church. I could report you as a heretic right now. Harlequin stared at Evangeline, challenging her with his sternest look, and she merely sat back, relaxed with a slight smile on her face. She was calling his bluff. Try the beer, Father. It's quite good. And let's not ruin our lamb by arguing. I wish to learn more about you. Evangeline tapped her finger on the table, judging him. She signalled to Angus, but beadedly brought two more paints of beer. Harlequin and Belly touched the first. Father, I will make a deal with you. And the deal will not offend you, your church, or your Pope. I will swap stories with you. One for one. It will keep the dinner conversation interesting, and we may learn a few things about each other that we didn't know before. Agreed, but I go first. Of course. Let's start with who you are and where you're from. Very well. My name is Evangeline Liefrick. I'm originally from Norway, from our small village in the mountains that now use reason and learning. I was trained there as a healer. Sadly, I left there many years ago and as I told you, I now live in a far away city to the south, one you likely haven't heard of. I live among thinking people who dedicate their existence to science and learning as well as the betterment of all men. And the name of this city. Our new father. It's my turn now. Tell me of your childhood. From where did you come? And why did you join the church? Hardly much of a tale to tell. I was born to the south of Edinburgh to questionable parents. I was abandoned at the doors of the Convert of Mary's Grace and raised by the nuns who resided there. One could say that my path to the church has been set since the day I was born. Your comments about my love of reason are interesting, though. The nun who had the main task of raising me was Sister Mary Louise, a woman of great learning who felt her mental acuity was a gift from God. She showed me how learning and education about God's world honored him. Fascinating. And the church didn't disapprove of this forward-thinking woman. Sister Mary Louise is a formidable woman. The nuns pronounced me a man at 12 and determined I was too old to be raised among them, and they then decided my path would be with priesthood. It was certainly my best path for an education for someone not nobly born. I've been here since. So they determined your path? You did not. It was all I knew. The church is my family. My life is here. My very soul is here. And when I die, it will be among my brothers and sisters of the cloth. And God will welcome me. I consider myself very blessed. After all you've done for the church, I would hope so. You helped complete the church in which you now preside. For the last three harvests, you've convinced the local farmers to donate 10% of their crops to the poor. And most importantly, during the last outbreak of Corp. flu, you broke with church doctrine and sought to be there. I believe it's my turn for a question. How do you know so much about me if you live in a city far away? I have contacts in many cities that stand vigil, searching for possible allies. I especially have them looking out for members of the clergy and a convent who will listen to a reasoned argument instead of refuse it out of road scripture. Do I know any of these contacts? Perhaps, but I'll reveal that if we've made a closer friendship, I think. And what makes you so sure you can trust me? I... Dener is served. No, Angus, this is a feast for wedding. My word, so much. Ah, nothing to it. The saltier always stirs up the appetite. I hope you both like it. Mmm. Angus, this is delectable. Father Harlequin, please enjoy your dinner. And tell me more of Daily Life at church. The tentative game of quid pro quo is now on hold. An evangelian and Harlequin eagerly tucked into their delectable dinners. Two have often had a strange relationship with each other. Harlequin told evangeling tales of his daily life at church. His studies of literature and herbs seemingly akin to her own. How do you mean there are small, salve in addition to fervent prayers? There's the two exchange stories of their past. Harlequin described how his church in Edinburgh had become a place where the sick could turn when their local healers couldn't help. My job is man of God is to ease the suffering of man. Father Harlequin had developed a reputation for compassion and the ability to heal the weak of spirit and body only. There was a time before the cloth, when you must have indulged yourself. After half an hour, he had relaxed and both he and Evangelion began to share more jovial stories and laughter. So I told that fat old monsemia that if a stable was good enough for Jesus Christ himself, it's jolly well good enough for you. And of course, Angus kept bringing them pints of his best red logo. Ah, ah, ah, ah, and then Mother Joan ran around the field shouting, Reverend E.C. Harlequin, her English tended to flee when she got angry and I'd never seen her so upset. I've been so lucky to leave from the constant roof to the barn, hide in the haystack without hurting myself. She dropped my given name of Charles and started calling me Harlequin. So she had to finally find you, Rhyne. You couldn't stay in that haystack forever. Oh, I stayed for quite a spell. I even missed Vespas that evening. When I finally came back that night, covered in hay and apologies, she lashed me for missing Vespas, then for stealing the cake. But enough stories. We're not here to discuss the last needs of my youth, are we? No, we're not. You wish to discuss this plague to the North, yes? I do. You're here because three people were reported missing in Persia, another four died of strange fever in Argyle. You know, I'm surprised you accepted my words so quickly. Like you, I have my own contacts within the church who know they can confide in me when it concerns matters that the bishop might disapprove of. Feevers. Two of the fevers were ruled demonic possessions by the officiating priest. The afflicted began speaking in tongues and medical care was withheld at the order of the Cardinal. Stop it. There is one thing I don't understand. How can you, as a reasonable man, be so devout and yet still admit that there is willful ignorance within your church? The actions of men within the church do not have any effect on whether the Lord is my God. Mary gave birth to Jesus who was the savior of all mankind. The Inquisition, the Crusades, none of that has bearing on my core faith. My soul is on loan from God himself and it will return to him when I die. The Pope, the Cardinal, or the Bishop have nothing to do with that. That sounds like heresy. Wouldn't the Pope X communicate to you based on that logic? The Pope is infallible in theory, so yes it's heresy. Perhaps that is why I don't tell him when I die with him. And I trust you won't tell him the next time you visit Italy. Your secret is safe. So you have your contacts? I have mine. What did yours say? Well, they confirmed your story. There is indeed a strange sickness and some have claimed it's from the devil, striking only the evil among us. Never mind that it strikes down women, children and even one priest. We did not know what causes it or how it is transmitted, but fear is becoming a bigger factor than the disease itself, fear of both death and the church. The families of the afflicted are being shunned by their communities. What do your people say about the disease? The symptoms were identical to what you described. It seems deadly to nearly all who contracted. Those who it doesn't kill, well, the church is taking care of certain matters. That's exactly what frightens me. This disease can also spread like wildfire. Listen to me, Father Halakwin. If this disease is not stopped quickly, it could wipe out half the population of Scotland. Lady of Angeline, if you know so much more about this disease, why come to me? Why do you need me? A small priest? Because I need a man of the cloth to help me. I have the means to cure this disease using a rare sephron extraction. The treatment is expensive and, while I have the means to produce mass quantities, the source of such a cure will be questioned and scrutinized, especially coming from a woman. If the healing comes from me, I'm a witch. If it comes from you, you're the healing hand of God. If news of the plague comes from me, it's sent by the devil to all who are deserving. If it comes from you, then it's a scourge that must be feared and eradicated before it spreads, just like the plague of Justinian. I've been accused of being a witch before. I assure you it is unpleasant and untrue. I came to you because I thought I could prevail upon you as a man of reason, a man of compassion, as well as a man of God, to help those who are suffering. Believe me, I'm not proud that I have to ask for help in doing something I'm perfectly capable of handling myself. Harlequin leaned back in his chair, finished off his beer, and appraised her. The summer sun had set outside, leaving them nothing but candlelight to see by. Angus was absent, almost conspicuously so. Evangelion, if I may be so bold, I wonder what you're not telling me. It's clear there is something. For all I know, you could be a plant sent from Rome to weed out any subversives in the clergy. Would your Pope be so underhanded? He's done worse. I can only think of one or two ways I can fully convince you that I am not a tool of your Pope, and that would require me to put more trust in you than I am prepared to do. So, we are at an impasse. Apparently, but I have a suggestion, travel with me to the north. I've received word that there has been an outbreak three days journey from here. If we set sail tomorrow, we can get there before the victims meet their end. We could investigate this plague together and see if we can cure it. Perhaps, in that time, we can also learn to trust each other. Perhaps, of course, I will need to discuss it with the Cardinal. He may want to meet the person behind this expedition. I understand. Then who can be my proxy? He was once a man of God like yourself. Once? Perhaps he still is. We do not discuss them at a very often. You're quite possibly the most interesting heretic I have ever encountered. And for a priest, you're quite reasonable. And your company, quite pleasing. Hm. I'll send word tomorrow regarding my answer, but I'm afraid I must retire for the evening. Your hospitality and meal have been quite lovely, but I must lead prayer in the early morning. Thank you, Evangelion. Thank you, Father. Evangelion and Harlequin rose together in shook hands, and if either one held on longer than was appropriate, neither mentioned it. Harlequin left the ship. His gate more relaxed than it had been in years. Evangelion's eyes followed him exiting through the ship's portal. She did not turn around with the new approach behind her. Use caution, Evangelion. You do not have good luck when falling for a man of God. I am quoting an ally, not a lover. I couldn't help but notice that you packed a small suitcase, going somewhere, Evangelion. I have a brief day trip tomorrow before we set sail. Where may I ask? You may not ask. Mycomings in goings are not subject to your pervay. You going to see him again? Benu, with whom I share a bed is none of your... I only ask because I don't trust him, and I concern myself with your safety. You seem to forget that I've been with you for centuries now. I know the signs. After one evening, you're looking at him like you used to look at Piter. I would thank you not to mention him again. My beloved Piter has nothing to do with this, and this has nothing to do with us. I would never be so presumptuous as to cover the prize, Piter Claim. No one claimed me as a prize. You know, damn well, I've always been my own woman, and I always will be. Agreed. But as a Valkyrie leader, you also understood the benefits of collaboration, of partnership. We have been good partners, Evangeline. Ah, Benu, please. I only ask that you consider my words. Only in immortal would understand the eternity that lies ahead, but only I understand where we've both been in the past. Benu, we're both not the same people we were in some nautocke. No, we're not. You changed me forever. You gave me a new name, a new hope, a new chance, but you took so much away from me as well. No one could love a face as hideous as mine. No woman could ever- Is this honestly the discussion you hope to have? To also discuss you trying to murder me, exterminate the scouradoth, and lead Piter to his death after me? Please, I'm sorry, my lady. As you said, we are not the same people we were in some nautocke. I only want you to know how much I value our friendship. I would never wish to bring you quick to anger, certainly not against me. My temper is not quick. Oh, oh, eventually. I know you better than you think. With a handful of words, I can stoke that fire within you and make you ready to take on the Pope himself. You have me there, old friend. Being so predictable to anger as a weakness, I should really work on eradicating. Thank you for reminding me of my still very human reactions. One of my many services. You know, Bennu, I do value you. I couldn't do this without you. Sleep well, friend. And you as well. But Evangeline? Yes. I don't trust the priest. Good night, Bennu. Good night. A few candles had extinguished themselves, darkening the cozy pub room of the salty crow. The warm feeling that Evangeline had been nursing since dinner with Harlequin, a turn cold with the exit of Bennu. He was right. She did anger too predictably, which she knew could be used against her. She also found it difficult to trust easily, but felt she had a perfectly good reason for that. As the entire village she had trusted had turned against her. The only problem was, she couldn't tell if Bennu had been teasing or if there was truth in his words. He still disapproved of her taking lovers, and as far as Evangeline knew, his own bed remained empty. She frowned and sat back down and toyed with her remaining half-grace of beer. Angus, his timing impeccable as always, brought him out to clear the table. As your guest gone, Miss. He is. And he wanted to bestow the highest compliments on your cooking. Excellent work, Angus. Nothing to end. You're pleasure to create. Angus, I must take a day trip tomorrow before we set sail to the north. Can you arrange a horse for me by mid-morning? I surely arrange it. Pack or riding? Riding. My trip will take me several miles inland, but I should be back by sundown. And by then, we should receive other Harlequin's answers to whether he will be our guest for our upcoming journey. As you say, Miss. Angus, I wish we had more people like you where I'm from. Humble, taking pleasure in the things you create to make people content, and a friendly year when one needs one. Ah, men such as I are not that hard to find. You would be shocked to discover how untrue that statement is Angus. Angus shrugged, thinking that poor salt of the assailors were more common than this noble lady knew. But it was pointless to argue the fact. Evangeline was more widely travelled than Angus, who knew only the coastlines of England, Scotland and France, and a bit of Ireland and Wales. Evangeline rose from her deeply worn leather chair, stretched and made Angus good night. Perhaps it was the beer, or the later hour or the preoccupation of her thoughts, but her keen senses failed to sense the lurking silent presence of her second benieu. Who watched her keenly as she made her way to her chamber to retire for the evening. After he assured his bitter heart that she was going to sleep in an empty bed, he sought out Angus. Angus, thank you for sharing that dinner with me. It was superb. Of course, Sire. Even the nobles can't eat a whole lamb between them right. Exactly. Angus, I need your help. Evangeline gave me some instructions regarding her trip tomorrow, but she failed to tell me where she was going, and I require her destination in order to do my work. Can you tell me where she's heading tomorrow? The lady gave me no details. Just said to arrange for a riding horse for the morning, and she'd begun all day. Well then, can you arrange for me to have one as well? I may be called a testify to the card in the early north to bring the father Harlequin with us, and it presents a better image if I am on a horse. I, all right. I can do that. You'll have a beastly by 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Excellent. You're a good man, Angus. Benieu clapped Angus on the back. Who watched him go with a critical eye. Evangeline treated Angus if not like an equal exactly, then at least like a man with some brains in his head. Benieu simply assumed he was a low-class idiot. Angus tolerated Benieu because the money was good and he admired Evangeline so greatly, but he could barely say he liked him. So when Benieu tried to worm out of him details of Evangeline's trip, he saw through the poor falsehood and decided to follow Benieu's instructions to the letter. If he wanted to create an illusion to make Benieu more convincing to the church, Angus decided he would contribute to that. Good way! So embarrassing. They're growing up. Won't be long before the thought of a family holiday is just. But with Hilton's staycations all over the UK, we don't need to go far to feel close. Welcome. And with connecting rooms confirmed when we book, we'll have plenty of space to make the most of every moment. Everyone in the photo! When time away means time together, it matters where you stay. Booknowathilton.com. Hilton for this day. For the mechanically magical vistas of Veil, the paranormal mysteries of Limonal London and the cyberpunk chaos of Cyborg. Be awed by our incredible guests from familiar shows like Oxventure and No Rolls-Bard. Search realms of parallel and glory to find out more. Morning, Miss. Lovely day for travel. Ah, so it is. Are we prepared for my trip? Aye. A pack some bread and cheese as well as some lamb from last night. There's a water-skin beside your satchelon deck and the horse I selected is outside. Wait, why are there two horses out there? No, wait, is that a mule? Aye. Master Benu requested an animal to ride if he were required to testify before the Cardinal to allow Father Arlequin to join us. As he is masquerading as a Franciscan monk, one who took a vow of poverty, I decided a mule was most fitting. And also quite incapable of keeping up with me on my horse, is that it? Miss, the thought never once occurred to me. Ha, they're well engous. You are indeed a wonder. Evangeline did not see Benu as the threat angous did but appreciated the captain looking out for her. Her sea legs hit solid ground with some awkwardness but she recovered quickly and approached the stable boy, holding the horse in mule. She tipped him handsomely and took the horse, a fine tall bay mare by the name of Star Baby, and mounted her with ease. She took off at a trot, admiring the city of Edinburgh as it awoke and began its day. But Edinburgh was not her destination. She instead headed to a small town to the south to visit one of her trusted and most secret contacts. A mole she'd placed so deep on the surface, even Benu was not aware. After a few hours of riding, Evangeline arrived at her destination, a small convent. Her old friend ran to meet her and may embrace tightly. Mary Louise, it's so good to see you. And you, my old friend, I was delighted to get your message yesterday. Can I offer some refreshment, care for your horse? Please, but we have much to discuss and I fear I can't stay long. But firstly, how's your life here? Hmm, it's pleasant enough. Considering it being here for 40 years, I may need to die of an accident soon. It's becoming the topic of conversation more and more how young I look. They think I'm 57 and I still look 22. I think the bishop's might accuse me of making a deal with a demon before too much longer. Hmm, I like how you've coloured your hair and done your best to make your face look more lined. But yes, I think we'll have to remove you shortly. I think a drowning will work out nicely. I'll be missing. They'll find your scarves floating in the lake. Quite tragic. Although I will regret not having you here. You've certainly achieved your objective well enough. Father Harlequin did turn out rather well. Did he not? I thought your plan to have me influence an orphan to be a tool for reason and logic from within the church was an insane one at the time. But I must say it seems to have worked. We need to plant more like him, Evangeline. Do tell me how your meeting went. You two went very well, Mary Louise. A testament to you. He seems to be a reasonable and thoughtful man. I'm very proud of you and the work you've achieved. But I fear we may need to use him sooner than I thought. Why is that? I didn't come here to talk about Harlequin. He raised a fine boy into an intelligent priest in place and within the church. But I'm here to learn more about the plague. I know you didn't tell Harlequin everything. I could tell that. What do you know about the disease? I almost don't want to say because it's too unbelievable. Mary Louise. We're immortal. I sincerely doubt you can surprise me. The disease would appear to be more like a curse. The initial victims seem to almost be marked. Their skin is highly flushed, followed by intense fever, accompanied by delusions and outbursts. The infected seem to have conversation with people that the taunt in the room. They ears wither into nothing more than bruised flesh protrusions. None of the victims last more than 100 hours after initial infections. Infections? Inpatients. From what I can tell, each village has a patient zero. Usually someone that has been attacked yet bears no memory of such an event. That victim usually spreads the disease to others and yet strangely... Strangely... What? Well, normally a fever would spread fastest among the young and the elderly. The weakest members of the village. Chris Saisley. But this disease seems to almost target the stronger members after the initial infection. Mostly men, mostly in their early 20s. And the saafron. The Alexa works exactly as you suspected. And I was secretly able to bring three infected boys back from the brink. I've heard they're almost fully recovered. Why secretly? Ugh, the churches ruled these afflictions to be demonic in nature and is not aggressively pursuing a cure. Many are even afraid to seek help. Well, made holoquine even more than I suspected. I need to find out who or what is creating these patient zeroes. I'm hoping to travel north with holoquine. My lady, I would not advise it. In fact, I think the time may come for you to leave Scotland soon. And why would you say such a thing? Because I fear you yourself might be suspected of being the progenitor of this disease. Too many people know who you are. The progenitor? That's ridiculous. Men who and I have taken every precaution to make our presence seem as ordinary as possible. How would remote village folk possibly know my name? Evangely. Because the victims all scream your name before they die. A troubled Evangeline left Mary Louise after they dined together on the lunch, Angus had sent. They did not leave without Evangeline giving Mary Louise explicit directions on how to fake her own death with a promise to have an ally waiting by the lake with the horse for her to make her escape to Edinburgh and eventually return home to Leviathan City. Although she was a believer of God and enjoyed the peace of the convent, she missed her underwater home greatly. Evangeline meanwhile raced back to Edinburgh, her mind a whirl of confusion. This makes little sense. This disease this lake. It's just like what afflicted the scaradoth by a hundred years ago. But that's impossible. The scaradoth works terminated by the English. Could some of the scaradoth have survived? I have taken so much of what Benu has told me as bad. I believed that the English had massacred the scaradoth. Evangeline you fool. If he lied about the scaradoth, what else could Benu have been lying about? You've kept him as an ally all these years, thinking you could reform him and control him. Damn you. A cold, angry calm came over her. And she forced herself to slow her horse. And she fought to make the rage focus her thinking instead of overwhelming her. She knew what happened when rage overwhelmed her. And Edinburgh was too nice a city to burn. You have been listening to the rogue plague. A Leviathan Chronicles story. This episode was made possible by the generous support of our listeners to listen ad-free and get exclusive bonus content and behind the scenes footage. Become a subscriber at patreon.com slash Leviathan Chronicles. The rogue plague was written by Merlaftity and Christoph LePucca. Directed by Nobi Nakanishi, produced by Robin Shaw, executive produced by Amish Johnny, original music by Luke Allen, sound design and editing by Luke Allen and Robin Shaw. Starring Laura Post as Evangeline Lefric, Max Bogler as Benou, William T.N. Hall as Harlequin, Top Buterra as Angus McKay, Dawn Hyde as Sister Mary Louise, and Samantha Parker as the narrator. For a full cast list and to learn more about our other audio productions, go to Leviathanaudioproductions.com or follow us on social media. Thank you for supporting Leviathan Audio and thank you for listening. The Leviathan Audio Production Legendary stories, awe-inspiring sound and endless adventure. Welcome to the realms of peril and glory. Explore the mechanically magical vistas of veil. The paranormal mysteries of liminal London. And the cyberpunk chaos of cyborg. Fall in love with our core cast or be awed by our incredible guests from familiar shows like Ox Venture, three black halflings and no roles barred. Ignite your imagination and discover the realms of peril and glory today. Go to realmspod.com or search realms of peril and glory wherever you listen to podcasts. The world of Sonic the Hedgehog has been thrust into a not so dark, not so stormy, hard-boiled detective story that probably nobody saw coming. Follow Sonic and the intrepid chaotics detective agencies as they take on their biggest case yet. This high-flying action-packed adventure will take them across the world, fighting for every clue they can find. It's one heck of a tale, which is good because this story might be the only thing that can save their lives. Well if that's all I can just dispose of you. Wait what? All will be revealed in. Sonic the Hedgehog presents the chaotics case files. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 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