It's a long story. Jericho's investigating a story, and he's gone subterranean. His mobile's off.
All right, I believe you.
He may be in danger. I need to find him.
I really didn't want to get mixed up in anything. I have a business to run, and my customers don't like publicity.
Listen, I know Jericho. He'd ask you to keep things quiet, and he wouldn't want to make life difficult for you.
But something has happened, something big, and I really do need to find him.
(Sighs) Okay, yeah, he came by last night. We talked a few days ago, but Jericho... He wanted to meet up.
He said that some conversations shouldn't cross the Wire. He wanted to ask me some questions about a place I used to live in ten years ago.
The Border House?
It was a boarding house for students, run by an English lady. Fiona. That's where Jericho got my name from.
The place's been turned into a hotel now. The Victory Hotel. Shady place. Jericho wanted to know everything about the building.
Entrances, exits, floor plans...the works. He didn't tell me, and I didn't ask, but my guess is he was planning to break into the place.
There are stories. They say the place isn't really a hotel, but some kind of front for...I don't know, and I don't want to know. Like I said, there are stories.
What kind of stories?
Look, I get all sorts in here. I hear things. But if I start shooting my mouth off, I get burned. I lose my customers, I lose my business.
Hell, with some of the people that come in here to party, I could lose a lot more than that.
I understand. So Jericho was interested in the layout of that place...what did you call it?
The Border House...Victory Hotel. Yeah. I told him there are canals running underneath the building, and that there's a backyard.
Since they drained the water, you can use the canals to get around. There might be a way into the building from the back.
And Jericho, he went there last night?
I honestly couldn't tell you, girl. We spoke, he left, haven't heard from him since.
Do you own this place?
I'd like to know more about The Fringe
Charlie?
Nah, I just run it. I used to own it, though. Bought it cheaply right after the Collapse, hoping business would pick up again.
Funny thing is, ten years ago, this was a popular student hangout. 'The Fringe Café'. I worked here as a bartender.
I managed to sell it eventually, and the new owners hired me back to manage it. With the new capital, we turned the business around.
We're one of the hottest places to go in Newport right now. We get VIPs from around the world. They scram in, party, leave the next morning.
Thanks, Charlie. I appreciate all your help.
Thanks again, Charlie.
You're welcome, girl. Let me know if you find your friend, all right?
Have you lived in Venice all your life?
Venice
I wonder if Charlie's spent his whole life in this neighbourhood
Feels like that sometimes...but no. I came here for school when I was nineteen.
Place's gone to hell the past decade, even more so than the rest of Newport. I don't live here. No one lives here, not if they have a choice.
Surprised?
You looked like you could take care of yourself...so no, not really. Did you find your friend Jericho?
His name's Reza. And no, not yet. But I have a lead.
Good. I hope you find him. He seemed like a nice guy.
Could you tell me anything about this picture? That's you, isn't it?
Jesus Christ, where did you find this?
At the hotel. Room 201. I found it in a closet, and I figured you'd know. I mean, that is you, right?
Ten years and a lifetime ago...yeah.
April?
April Ryan. The girl in the middle. 201, that was her room, ten years ago.
Did...did you say April Ryan?
Yeah. Why?
That name sounds...very familiar.
You probably got her mixed up with someone else.
Emma on the other hand, she never lost faith. She still thinks April's alive, and...out there. Somewhere.
Emma's the other girl in the picture?
Yeah. They were the two best friends I've ever had. But I haven't heard from Emma in years, and April...
How did April disappear?
Look, I'm not comfortable talking about this. It's private stuff.
This is gonna sound crazy. I can't even believe I'm telling you this, but...
I've been...seeing things. On screens. Back in Casablanca, at the hotel... Strange, creepy things.
At first, I figured it had something to do with the Static. That might still be the case, but I think there's more to it than that.
There's this snowy landscape, a strange, black house, a girl... I know it sounds completely insane, but the girl...she speaks to me. Directly to me. Through the screen.
"Find her, save her." At first, that was all she said. And then... "Find April Ryan. Find April. Save April."
Jesus. If you're right, if this isn't some kind of sick joke, I need to contact Emma. She still believes April was telling the truth.
The truth? About what?
Can you stick around, Zoë? I'm sure Emma will hop on the first Vactrax or scramjet out of Europolis, and she'll want to hear this from you.
Once she gets here, we'll tell you the whole story. I promise.
Charlie, the 'April Ryan' I've heard of might not be your April. I don't want you to get your hopes up.
April disappeared under some very strange circumstances, Zoë. If there's even a tiny chance that this has anything to do with her, we need to pursue it.
Okay. I have to wait here for this guy to contact me anyway. Marcus. I met him at the hotel.
Marcus? This is starting to sound like a damn family reunion.
Haven't seen him in years either, but I heard he got a job at the, uh, the 'hotel'.
Yeah. He's some kind of caretaker. And you're right, it's not a hotel.
Anyway, Marcus said he'd help me find out what's happened to Reza, for a price. I told him to meet me here later. I hope that's okay.
No problem. This is the safest place in Newport. Nothing gets in or out without me knowing about it. I'll make sure his name's put on the guest list.
I'm gonna go call Emma, and then I need to take care of some business, but you can just hang out here. I'll have the kitchen make you something to eat.
That would be nice. I'm starving. I haven't eaten since the train.
It is. It has to be. I don't believe in coincidences. And this would be one enormous coincidence.
Yeah. Yeah, I did. (Deep breath) She disappeared under some...very strange circumstances.
She could be trying to get in touch with us, Charlie. Maybe she needs our help. Maybe―
The day she vanished, corporates were after her. I still don't know why. They stormed the house, and―
Emma got shot. She almost didn't make it. As for April... She made it out. And that was the last we heard from her.
But we know she got away. She was identified on security cameras uptown, and we found out later that she boarded a shuttle to one of the orbiting stations.
That's where the cookie crumb trail ends, however. Right after that, the Collapse happened, and everything...changed.
This is where it gets complicated. She spoke about another world. A sort of...parallel magical dimension. We didn't believe―
Fine. I didn't believe her. I'm still not sure I do, despite the things I saw during the Collapse.
It seems improbable, I know, but...Reza is the link.
I'm so sorry. I don't have any money.
Ah, well. I'll let ye in on a secret, rose petal. Blind Bob's happy he don't have na' home na' hearth. Had those, hated 'em, left to begin a career in beggaring.
Now a pauper's life is a king's life! Freedom! Fresh air! No strings, no stress. No bleedin' taxes.
Aren't you cold?
Ye'd think! But no. Had a bit of an accident with a fyre charm when I was a wee lad. Left me permanently temperate. It's actually quite pleasant.
But what about that whole being blind thing? That can't be good.
Oh, that? It's theoretical.
But it didn't.
No, no, not at all. Missed Blind Bob's face by a mile. Could have burned me eyes out, mind you. Could very well have. So I'm theoretically blind.
Theoretical?
I could've been blind. Had an accident with a chymical spell when I was a wee lad. Near burned me eyes out.
Of course, 'Theoretically Blind Bob' is no proper name for a beggar. So I just use 'Blind Bob' nowadays. That's me, that is.
Uh. Okay. Hello.
Do you know where I can find Minstrum Magda?
Blind Bob promised he'd help me find Magda
Oh, he knows her, Blind Bob does. He knows her well. Nice lady. Best saltnut soup south of Lame Bastard Hill.
Do you know where she is today?
Uh, she moves around, Magda does. Ain't seen her 'round here in a while. Ye might try asking someone other than Blind Bob.
Like who? I don't know anyone in this city.
Well, ye might have more luck asking Crazy Clara. Lives up Crab Bend, Clara does, on Hangman's Span. In view of Friar's Keep.
Where can I find this Crazy Clara again?
You can usually find her on Hangman's Span. That's up Crab Bend, east of South Gate, towards Friar's Keep, the prison.
Thank you, Mr...Bob.
Oh, just call me Theoretically. We're friends now, ye and I.
Thanks again.
Come back anytime, rose petal.
'Theoretically' Blind Bob.
Examine Blind Bob
Hi there.
Alms fer a poor― Oh, hah, it's ye! What tidings of joy do ye bring me this time?
Ah, rose petal, we meet again. What can I help ye with?
My name is Zoë Castillo.
That's my father, Gabriel.
I wish I could've talked to him one last time, let him know that everything will be okay.
I’m not sure anyone can hear me, but I've had some experience with voices from the grave recently, so I’m giving it a shot.
I'm all he's got in this world. My mother died fifteen years ago, and I don't have any siblings.
Bad things are happening, and everyone who knows the truth is either dead or has vanished off the face of the Earth.
If I can get through to someone, anyone, maybe something can be done.
So if you can hear me, please listen. This is very, very important.
You'll have to forgive me for using the oldest cliché in the book:
It all began when...
Since I'm lying in that bed, but I'm talking to you from out here, I guess this is what they call an out of body experience.
They say that every story has a beginning and an end.
What things?
Your friend, the journalist... You still don't know where he is?
No, but with any luck I might find out later tonight.
You didn't believe her, Charlie. I never doubted her.
Actually, Charlie, is there somewhere private where I can make a call?
No problem, girl.
Sure. You can use one of the private lounges upstairs. The last one on your left is empty.
Can I ask you a question?
I need Blind Bob's help finding Magda
Ye can ask. I might answer, I might not.
Fair enough. I'm looking for someone. The innkeeper said you might know. Her name is―
Hold it right there, rose petal. Tit for tat. Them's the rules.
What do you mean?
If ye want Blind Bob to do ye a favour, ye do him one first.
Fair enough. What do you want? Just so you know, I don't have any money.
Do I have a choice?
Look, I'm only asking for information, nothing else.
I'm not in the mood for this
Well, rose petal, you seem to be cozy with old Benrime in there. Hah! Now, she makes a robust mulled wine, just the thing for a cold winter's morning.
But Benrime, she don't take well to Blind Bob sitting on her doorstep, and she don't willingly part with her wares without recompense of sorts.
You want mulled wine?
A bottle would do nicely, rose petal. Mind it's the good stuff now, made with 'Mrs Mullins' Mixed Spices'!
What was it you wanted again?
A bottle of mulled wine, rose petal. Hot as sin, spicy as a Southlander maiden, long as a Northlander's manh―
Mulled wine, right, got it.
If I get you a bottle of mulled wine, will you help me?
Theoretically Blind Bob has never broken a promise, rose petal.
Mulled wine made with 'Mrs Mullins' Mixed Spices'? Fine. I'll see what I can do.
Well, see, information's all Blind Bob's got, rose petal. It's his only, wossname, commode.
Oh. Well, I don't have anything to trade for. No money, no information, nothing.
A sweet rose like you, got nuffin' to trade for? Hah! I beg to differ, petal.
I just met her.
Even so, you might be able to pry her cold, miserly fingers off a boiling hot bottle of mulled wine. Blind Bob would be mighty grateful for that, he would. Hah!
Mulled wine? That's what you want?
Oh, nothing would taste sweeter right now. Get Blind Bob a bottle of mulled wine, petal, and he'll open his mouth right wide, you'll see.
Here, mulled wine, made with 'Mrs Mullins' Mixed Spices'.
Ah, the sweet scent of Mrs Mullins and Riverwood red! Give it here, petal, let me take a swig.
Aaah. By the Balance, that hit the spot, it did!
Glad you liked it. It wasn't easy getting it.
"Without the journey, the reward is na' half as sweet."
Green?
Had an accident with a chroma charm when I was a wee lad. Every morning Blind Bob wakes up, the sky's a different colour.
"You've been a bad girl, Clara. You'll have to be punished."
What happened to your baby?
Baby?
I wonder what the deal is with her 'baby'
Are you a spook? Do you dangle?
I'm...I'm pretty sure I'm not a spook.
But you do dangle.
I do? I honestly don't know.
I'm looking for Minstrum Magda.
Magda
She's the only one who can tell me where Magda is
"The Minstrum are evil, Clara. They cloud your mind with their spiritual claptrap."
"Dangle from their necks, the murderers do. Mind you stay good, Clara, or you dangle, too."
Oh! No, I don't dangle. I'm alive. See?
Aaah! Nooo!
God, I'm― I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to... Are you okay?
My baby, my beautiful baby, all gone, all gone.
Um, you wouldn't happen to know where Magda is, would you?
I'm a friend of Blind Bob's - you know, 'Theoretically'.
She must know Blind Bob
"Near burned me eyes out. Wee lad. Where's me bag?" My baby.
Blind Bob's your baby?
"Pretty thing, so pretty, my flower, but she has to be punished."
I think Bob's still up by the Journeyman...but you're not talking about him, are you?
Right. There's no chance you'll turn uncrazy for a moment and answer my question, is there?
Gone... Gone...
I didn't think so, no.
I didn't mean to hurt you, Clara.
Baby, my baby, my baby...
So you lost something...or someone?
My baby.
Yes, that part I got. Your baby...is it a child? A pet?
Westerlings caught him in a net, just like a butterfly. "That's illegal, that is! Can't have that now, can we?"
So it is your pet. A dog? Cat? I'm guessing there are stranger pets in this world.
No stranger. Best friend.
You said the 'westerlings' took him. Who are the 'westerlings'?
"The ghetto's closed, stand back! What's that you got there, eh? Give us that thing, right now!"
The soldiers took him? What did they do with him?
"We'll take care of him, we will." Gone, but close, so close. I still hear him, my baby. I still hear him crying.
Do you want me to help you find your baby?
Find baby?
Yes, if I can. I'll try. Do you know where he is?
Hello again, Clara.
My baby?
Not yet. But I'll try my best, okay?
"I don't want you to try your best, Clara. I want you to do your best."
Caged up, like the twinkles in a diamond. He was coming home to mommy. Home, never again, never, never...
Don't say that. We'll find him, okay?
No, thank you. Are you Minstrum Magda?
Shh, not so loud! There are ears everywhere!
I'm just looking for Minstrum Magda―
I don't know any 'Minstrum Magda'. There are no Minstrum in this city. Not anymore.
The innkeeper at the Journeyman.
Innkeeper
Well, the innkeeper was the one who told me about Magda
That might be true in most cases. Sometimes, however, the two are one and the same.
Shit!
Wait, I don't know you. Who the hell are you?
Yes! Yes, I'm a friend of Vinnie's. I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was using this room.
Go with the flow
Where the hell is he?
Vinnie! Who the fuck do you think I'm talking about?
Oh, uh, I don't know. Maybe he left?
Jesus, if he did, I'll fire his fucking ass. He's no good to me, no good. Christ.
I don't know any Vinnie.
Tell the plain truth
So what the fuck are you doing here?
I don't give a shit if his Mama misses her baby boy, or if he got you pregnant. His ass is mine.
I know that he was here last night, but I don't know what he was doing.
There's no point telling this guy everything
Aw, fuck! Fuck! You punched me!
Well, you attacked me.
Jesus! I wasn't gonna do nothin'! You punched me in the nose! It fucking hurts! Aw, shit. Shit! My face!
Yeah, well, you're lucky it's just your face. I'm black belt.
So what the fuck do you want from me? Aw, fuck, it fucking hurts.
I'm looking for a friend of mine. He was here last night, looking for information. Maybe he talked to some people, I don't know.
Point is, I need to find him. If he's been here, maybe you know where he went.
I don't know. You come in here, punch me in the face, I should fucking... What's his name?
Reza. Reza Temiz.
Yeah, so what's in it for me?
I won't punch you again. Okay, I'll pay you. Five hundred, if you can get me any information about what's happened to him.
Another five hundred if you help me find him.
One thousand Y's?
If you help me find him. I'm good for it.
Mm, looks like it. So this guy must be real important to you. You screwing him?
I don't need another excuse to kick your ass.
Jesus! All right, can't a guy ask? Christ. You're touchy. Okay. I could use a thousand just about now.
So what was the guy's name again? Rez what?
Reza Temiz. He's about your height, black hair, tanned. Probably well dressed. He was here last night.
I'll see what... A thousand, right? Give me five hundred up front.
No. You get your money when I get the information. If you don't want to do business, I'll―
Fine! So how do I contact you?
Do you know The Fringe?
Who doesn't?
I'll be there tonight.
Sure you will. You know how difficult it is to get an invite? There's a two year waiting list. Just come back here later, and we'll―
No. The Fringe. I've got connections. I'll make sure you're on the list.
No fucking way! That's awesome. If you'd told me that right away, sweetheart, I'd have found your friend for free.
Okay, so I'll see what I can dig up. The Fringe? Fuck. Awesome.
All right, so we've got a deal. Come on, I'll let you out the front. DNA lock. Unbreakable shit.
Right. He just happened to stop by for a social visit?
You know, maybe he did. I don't care, and it doesn't matter. All I know is, he was here, and now he's not. I need to find him.
I'm not the fucking...whatever it's called. Corporate Bureau of...something. Anyway, no!
Listen, I need to find him. I'll even pay you if you help me out.
I'm listening.
Five hundred for information about what's happened to him. Another five hundred if you help me find him.
So I can score one thousand Y's if I help you out? Sounds like a sweet deal. So who's this guy? What's his name?
If you help me, maybe you won't have to. Help me find Reza, and tell him everything you know about what's going on here.
He always protects his sources, and he's got powerful connections. You'll be okay.
I don't know. I don't know. If anyone finds out I've talked to...
I'll even throw in a bonus. Help me find him, and I'll pay you a thousand. Cash.
One thousand Y's? Honest? Okay, yeah. Jesus! I'm gonna regret this. Fine, I'll help you. What's your friend's name?
Reza Temiz. He's about your height, black hair, tanned. Probably well dressed.
Temiz. Got it. I'll ask around, check the feeds, see if there's anything I can dig up. How do I get in touch with you?
I'll be at The Fringe tonight.
Yeah, right. No, really, where do we meet? You should come back here around ten. I'll order a pizza, get a bottle of wine...
I told you, The Fringe.
Look, sweetheart, there's a two year waiting list over there. And to get on that waiting list, you need to be either very famous or very rich.
And you, sweetheart - no offense - are neither.
No, but I got connections. Trust me, I'll be at The Fringe. And I'll make sure your name is on the list.
You're fucking kidding me, right? Right? The Fringe? The fucking Fringe? All right. Jesus! I'm there.
Jesus Christ. If you'd told me earlier, I'd have helped you for free. Fuck! Excellent.
Yeah, this place is an impenetrable fortress...
Look, Vinnie was going to help me out with some information about this guy. Reza Temiz.
Temiz? Who the fuck's that? Another of Vinnie's deadbeat friends?
Something like that. Anyway, Vinnie was going to help me out, but maybe you can help me instead?
Why the fuck would I do that?
Well, I was going to pay him. But if you're not interested―
How much?
Five hundred if you get me information about my friend. Another five hundred if you find him.
One thousand Y's, huh? Are you good for it? I've been burned by Vinnie's friends before.
Does it look like I'm good for it?
I don't judge a fucking...by its, you know, front. Something like that. Shit, yeah, fine.
So what's this asshole's name?
I'm very serious. This friend of mine, he means a lot to me.
Whatever. As long as I'm on that list and you've got the cash. Wait, what was your name again?
Zoë. What's yours?
Marcus. You don't have a last name?
Okay, Marcus. Thanks. I'll see you later.
(Laughs) You're a player, Zoë. I'll give you that.
No. Do you?
Safe now. We are happy. So, so happy.
I'm glad. Look, I'm trying to find Minstrum Magda. Do you know where she is?
Magda? Where is Magda?
That's what I need to know. Please, could you try and focus for a second? I really need to find Minstrum Magda.
"Cup of soup, Clara?" says the soup lady. "Oh, yes, please!" "Right you are, then."
What do you mean― Oh, soup lady as in soup kitchen? She runs a soup kitchen?
"Soup! Soup for the poor and homeless! Warm and thick, with peas and carrots in it!"
I'm sorry, where did you say I could find Minstrum Magda again?
And not only peas and carrots, but dubious lumps, too.
Where is Magda's soup kitchen?
I go down there every morning to have my soup, I do. She's nice, she is. The soup lady.
Down where? The market?
"We're just down the street, Clara, at the South Gate Market, from sunrise till midday, every day. You come by anytime, you hear?"
That's right, the soup kitchen! I passed right by it! Thanks, Clara.
Wave goodbye, now. Wave goodbye, little one.
"We're here every day, Clara, from morning till midday, right down the street at the South Gate Market."
That's it! Thanks again, Clara.
Boxed him right up. "We'll take care of him, put him to sleep for you." Pretty thing, poor thing. My baby.
What do you want?
I hear you're looking for a way into the ghetto.
Who told you― Wait, weren't you at the inn this morning?
Not here. There are soldiers around. Follow me.
I'm not following you anywhere.
But I can show you a way into the ghetto!
Just hold on a minute. Who are you?
My name is... It's Worm.
'Worm'? That doesn't exactly inspire trust.
What are you talking about?
How do I know I can trust you?
Back at the inn, I heard you say the name...April Ryan.
You know her?
I may know how to get in touch with her.
You do? How?
You'll just have to trust me.
If you overheard me talking to the innkeeper, you know I'm not from...from around here. I can't just follow any stranger I meet on the street.
I mean, how do I know you won't lead me into a dark alley, knock me out, tie me up, and drag me into a basement somewhere?
I...promise I won't drag you into a basement. Besides, what choice do you have? You're stuck here, aren't you?
I'm the only one who can take you to Ra― to April. She's the one you're looking for, right?
I'm sure you can. I promise, no basements. Come on!
Come on, hurry up! We don't want anyone following us.
This is it, we're almost there.
Hello again, dear. Did you change your mind? Would you like a cup of soup?
Magda?
This must be Minstrum Magda
No, thank you. I'm not hungry.
I don't feel like eating anything
No, thank you.
...asking about you. There's no question about it. She's a spy.
She does not look Azadi.
Like that matters? You can't tell, and you can't trust anyone. Let's get rid of her.
All I'm saying is, let's not take any chances! She might have a tracking spell on her for all we know.
I would have detected it. There is something peculiar about her, but no magic.
'Peculiar'? What did I tell you? She's a spy, all right! Come on, let's get rid of her.
Quiet. I'll speak with her.
Brynn, don't make me lose my patience with you. You need to trust me.
Brynn. Come. Now.
Fine. Fine! But don't say I didn't warn you.
(Gasps for air)
So why are you asking questions about me?
Where am I? Who are you?
I'm asking the questions here.
Wait, you're April, aren't you? I recognise you from the picture.
What... What picture?
A picture of you and your friends. Charlie and Emma.
Charlie told me about you, that you'd disappeared, and that―
Whoa, slow down, slow down! You know Charlie and Emma? How's that even...
I only just met them. At The Fringe. Back in...back in my world.
Stark. I'm guessing you're not a spy.
I don't even know how I got here.
When I woke up, I was in this strange place, a subterranean city. And there were these...these creatures.
I had to fight them, and all the time I was saying to myself, "it's just a dream, Zoë, just a dream". Except...
Fought 'em
I had to sneak by them. All the time I was repeating to myself, "they can't harm you, it's just a dream". Except...
Left 'em alone
Except it's no dream. I know the feeling.
A Shifter? That's what Benrime and Minstrum Magda told me. What's a Shifter?
But you learn to accept the truth. You have to. You're a Shifter. You've travelled through the Divide between worlds.
It'll take too long to explain. You're special, how's that? You can travel between worlds.
Travel... So how do I get back to our world?
Your world, not mine. You just...do it. Once you've learned how, it's like blinking. With your mind.
But I can't even remember how I got here in the first place.
First couple of times, it's hard. It's easier when you're asleep.
I wasn't sleeping. At least, I don't think I was. It's...fuzzy.
I'm sure you'll figure it out... What's your name?
We'll have to put you somewhere. Safe. Until you can find your way back to Stark.
No. No! I'm here now, and I need your help.
Something's happening back in the real world - in my world - and I think you're connected to it somehow.
I've been...receiving this strange message. Like a, I don't know, a vision broadcast through the Wire.
Receiving? How? Through dreams?
No. No, on screens. It's like...like some kind of static interference. What does it mean?
Don't ask me. I don't need saving. You've got the wrong woman.
I don't think so. This girl, she led me to your room where I found the picture. It can't be a coincidence.
It can't? You're sure about that? Look, Stark's not my world anymore.
I'm done with the saving of the world. Ask someone else.
But I―
I'll help you get back. It's either that or we lock you up somewhere until you figure out how to use your powers.
And what do I tell your friends?
Tell them whatever you want. The April Ryan they knew is dead. I'm not part of their world anymore.
So you're not going to help me? You're not curious to find out why I keep getting these messages about you?
Like I said. Not my problem. I've played my part. Just leave me alone. Now, do you want to go back or not?
(Sighs) I do. Of course I do.
Good. Like I said, if this doesn't work, we'll have to make other arrangements.
We're going to put you under hypnosis, and unlock the part of your subconscious that controls your Shifting powers.
Lie down on that bed, and I'll be right back.
What are you going to do?
There is a part of you that knows how to Travel. I will help you remember what you have not yet learned.
And I'll end up back in Newport?
Can't guarantee you that. You might end up somewhere else. Just try and focus on a familiar place, a safe place.
So you're not going to help me?
You don't need my help. Lie still.
What's she talking about?
Something's going on back in our world. A good friend of mine's disappeared, and―
And you need to not talk. Or would you rather have me lock you up?
―and I think April can help me find out what's happened to him, and why. So why won't you?
Because I have enough trouble in my life already. Because I'm fighting a war. And because I'm done with your world.
Now, this is your final chance. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Don't speak. Listen to Na'ane's voice.
Ne'a, ama'm, ean'an...
Listen to my voice, let it carry you into yourself, into the secret places in your mind.
Ane'an, ean'an, a'ean'an...
I don't feel a thing. What's this supposed to―
What― What just happened?
I...do not know, April-an. She did not open a Shift. And her clothes...
They're still here. Where did she go?
I do not know. I have never seen anything like it. It is almost as though she was smoke, blown away by a wind.
Is she dead?
I cannot say. I do not feel her here, in this world. But I will say this. I do not think this girl is a Shifter.
Then what is she? And where did she go?
Yes, Child Ena?
The Six require your presence, Apostle.
When?
My apologies, Apostle. They said to bring you immediately.
Follow me, Apostle.
Follow
Apostle. Our apologies for calling you away while you were training.
We know that you are busy with the Initiates, but this could not wait.
We have just had word from our armies in the East, and it worries us deeply.
Our dearest Apostle, we have a very important task for you.
Yes, Mistress.
Apostle, you know how some Eastlanders still resist our noble efforts at uniting their fractured nations and bringing the Word to their Goddessless lives.
The Mission continues unabated, of course. Nothing shall stand between the Glory of the Goddess and those lost ones who have strayed from her light.
But still there are a few who have chosen to oppose us. Those misguided pagans have become a dangerous obstacle in the Path.
Apostle Kian, we need you to travel East to those heathen lands to bring the Word to the heretics.
There is a man who leads these rebellious few, these insurgents. A man whose hands are soiled with the blood of many Trueborn. A Daemon.
You must travel tonight to the havens, Apostle, and board a cloudship bound for the city of Marcuria.
When you reach your destination, you will seek out this man, this...this butcher. They call him 'the Scorpion'.
You must seek him out, and you must convert him.
By the letting of his blood, he shall be reborn into the next life, where he may find forgiveness in the Glory of the Goddess.
Find this rebel leader, this 'Scorpion', and let your blade kiss his throat. This is your mission, Kian Alvane.
As you please, Mistress. Your word is my path.
You will leave now, with haste. May the Goddess be with you, Apostle.
I shall be vigilant, Mistress.
Do you know anyone by the name of April Ryan?
It's a long shot, but maybe she's heard of April
Theoretically Blind Bob, the beggar.
Blind Bob was really the one who led me to Magda
Crazy― I mean, Clara, the lady who lives up on the bridge.
Crazy Clara
To be absolutely fair, Crazy Clara was the one who told me where to find Magda
Oh? And who would that be?
Her name is Miriam Belmin.
Miriam Belmin
I think that was her name
Her name is Sally Minren.
Sally Minren
That was her name, right?
Her name is Benrime Salmin.
Benrime Salmin
I'm pretty sure that was her name
Her name is Benmin Salrime.
Benmin Salrime
I believe that's her name
If you decide to tell a lie, you had better make it a good one. That is not the innkeeper's name.
Please, I'm not lying! I met her just this morning! She told me I had to talk to Magda.
I see. Blind Bob told you to speak with Magda?
Sort of. He told me where to find you...find her. Well, actually, he just told me who to see in order to find Magda.
Ah. The mystery deepens. And who would that be?
Crazy Clara. I mean, Clara... I don't know her full name. She lives up on the bridge.
Hmm. I see. You appear to know quite a few people in the city.
The innkeeper at the Journeyman. She said I needed to speak with her, with Magda.
The innkeeper. And who, pray tell, would that be?
Clara said you should speak with me? Interesting.
Yes. No! She just told me where to find you...I mean, Magda.
I see. So Blind Bob told you to speak with me?
Yes. No. No, he just told me to ask Crazy Clara.
The plot thickens. The innkeeper. Hmm. And who, pray tell, would that be?
I'm Zoë Castillo.
I'll just tell him my name - that's usually a good starting point
Okay. I hate to be rude, but I'm sort of busy. Is there anything you need? I've been cleared for work today.
I'm looking for Damien Cavanaugh.
Damien
I'll tell him I'm looking for Damien
Speaking. What do you need? I have clearance to work today.
