Episode 29: A Friend of the Family

### Additional Voicework

Stephanie Hickling Beckman as Margold Underwood, Shasparay Irvin as Nina Jennings, Cam Collins as Delia Hubbard and Miss Lavinia, Dr. Ray Christian as Bartholomew

## Content Warnings

"Gore, murder, mutilation, frank discussion of historical racism, assault, references to lynching, references to death of a spouse, hornets, description of anaphylactic shock/death, descriptions of the desecration of dead bodies and cult activities."

## Plot Synopsis

Skin't Tom, living in an abandoned house, steals the skin of young Bradley Gilliam, who was looking to make out with his girlfriend. Tom goes into a church bingo game in Bradley's skin to stab people. While Skin't Tom was thinking over the events, he is approached by Bartholomew. Bartholomew summoned him to bind The Dead Queen.

Delia Hubbard is doing her duties as healer of Glamorgan, VA in Boggs Holler when Bartholomew finds her, expecting to find Glory Ann Boggs, Deeley's grandmother. Deeley is not frightened of Bartholomew as she trusts Glory Ann's wards not to let anyone in who meant her family harm. Deeley asks if there's anything she can help him with. Bartholomew Names Deeley "Hope of Boggs Holler" and says she'll "do just fine."

At the end of a long day, Marcie Walker is winding down and trying to enjoy the rest that comes after a hard day's work, but is having trouble as she is concerned over The Dead Queen walking for over a year now. She debates attempting the rebinding, but has no idea where to start. A knock at the door sends her into a state as her wards didn't tell her anyone was coming. Bartholomew Names her "most blessed of your line still living" and says he needs to talk about The Dead Queen.

Near the West Virginia border of Virginia, Miss Lavinia or "the Beast" dwells in a run-down house with a decadent throne made of sticks and bone, consecrated with blood, covered with fur, and surrounded by candles. Bartholomew comes in and admonishes Lavinia for her part in letting the ritual fail. Lavinia claims the humans didn't want her there and mocks them for their discomfort at her nudity, stating "real witches" practiced naked throughout time. Bartholomew Names Lavinia "Thrice-Damned, Beast of Lonely Creek" and commands her to come to the rebinding.

Bartholomew next goes to a pocket between worlds to recruit "a creature of the first people" whose form shifts and has an index finger like a spear. He apologizes for disturbing her, but begs her help stating "We need one as feared as you to bring thunder and stone to put her down."

In Bower County, WV, the Underwoods persisted despite the attempts to drive them from their land. Marigold Underwood had a Gift for plants and Doc Underwood was a gifted healer. They had five girls, some with Gifts and some without. In 1928, on Marigold's birthday, Bartholomew visits, though Nina Jennings tries to keep him back as Marigold is sick and is trying to rest. Bartholomew's presence imbues Marigold with The Green and she welcomes him in. He Names her "Fire of the Mountain."

## Relevant Characters

* Skin't Tom
* Bartholomew
* Delia Hubbard
* Marcie Walker
* Miss Lavinia
* Old Sister
* Marigold Underwood