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It was me, I nurtured the monster that took your life!

Soon it will stand in the square on Samhain, spread its wings, and turn everyone in the city into the dead, those who can only live in the past...

You're right, monster. I'm no hero.

I'm a fraud. A vain, pathetic fraud. Once, I fooled others; now, the only one I'm fooling is myself.

But they need me.

They need you?

They need a hero to wake them up, to tell them that the war is over, that what really matters is what lies ahead. The future. Tomorrow.

And you think you're the one?

I'm the one.

The blacksmith walks away from the forge with resolute steps. He takes the thickest metal chain he can find and walks back to the dragon, its empty eyes still fixated upon him.

Come with me.

Where to?

To the square.

It's not Samhain yet.

I can wait no more. I will not wait for your ominous prophecies to come true.

Come with me...

I will dismantle you...

And return our lives to the people.

The dragon does not move. In the eyes of the blacksmith, however, he sees the dragon bow its head, perhaps mockingly, perhaps invitingly.

Reed, Nemos, I'm back. Culann's in a real bad place right now. You should go see him.

How about on your end? What's going on in the city?

People are still looking for spies... Victorian spies.

Are they off their rockers? Taran or Victorian, we're all human. We gonna keep fighting to the death like this, when the war's already over?

Tell them, Nemos. Tell 'em that Dublinn made 'em go hungry, and was punished by the Red Dragon. The food's now—

Do not mention the word Dublinn ever again, Brigid. The Leader's orders.

I... only overheard whispers about the food at the victory party. No evidence, no trial.

I don't even know how it got back.

Besides—news about all those missing people hasn't spread at all... How am I supposed to explain it?

If they can't be reasoned with, we'll do this the hard way.

What do you mean?

When I came back, I told myself I would never be her shadow again.

But if the true Leader is refusing to show her face and take responsibility, then I must step up, if only to calm the people.

What about Culann? Everyone knows him as a hero. Things would be much simpler if he's willing to help.

He should still be at his smithy. I'll lead the way.

As for you, Brigid, you should leave the city as soon as possible.

Why?

Well... if we and Culann both fail, then the people will...

I see. They don't much like me here, so I'd just get in the way, is that it?

I'm sorry, Brigid, that's not what I meant, but—

But it's true.

Don't worry, I'll try my luck in the Dark Woods. Sixth time's the charm.

Culann!

Culann...

Is he not in?

He...

What the...?!

They are both rendered speechless.

The door of the smithy...

No, the entire front wall of the smithy is gone.

The wall, which was supposed to stay up until the statue was finished, is now a pile of rubble. Visible through it is a long trail leading to the square.

Along with drag marks so broad they span almost the entire breadth of the road.