The Changeling's Route/Text

Clara had a dream. A foggy morning: having passed a wicket gate, she is now dawdling somewhere, piles of dry leaves rustling in her wake. A familiar voice calls out to her. She lifts her eyes and sees her own twin sister point at an old man convulsing and weeping in unbearable agony. Clara darts for the man to save him with her healing touch—but so does her sister! The girls exchange confused glances.

This is the story of a thief girl who has chosen her own past, ceased to be the instrument of blind fate, and refashioned herself into a free miracle-worker.

The Path of Logic
Clara wakes up. Could the dream have been prophetic? She has prophetic dreams often, she's no longer surprised by them—she knows they are sent by the powers that want to warn the herald of what the future holds for her. There were a lot of clues hinting at the veracity of the message.

She does indeed know how to treat those in pain with her miraculous hands. She is indeed willing to ease their suffering. She truly strives to do the right thing! She loves her fellow beings. The girl is eager to do good deeds even if that requires her to go through pain and hardships...

Changeling wakes up at the edge of a pit in the ground. Sleep hasn't brought her comfort. Her back and her legs ache as though she has walked many miles. Her hands are covered in mud, there are traces of dried blood on her bare knees. It's dark. The dawn is a few hours away.

Day One
Day One, in which the Changeling finally finds her sister, thus confirming the prophecy of the twin angels.

Mission
Why would they call me a thief, pray tell?

What did I steal? Why does the Law detest me so?

The only thing I remember is that I am an outlaw, and will forever be persecuted.

Was I really that good a thief, I wonder? I have nothing of value, just myself and these rags I am wearing. My crime is horrendous, still. I am beyond redemption. Back in the day, every heart was open before me. Now, whatever door I approach is slammed in my face. This is terrifying. Where should I run? With whom shall I seek shelter? Shall I find what I stole and give it back? Who will agree to take it off my hands?

Who will answer my questions, if not you?

---

Tell me, why would they call me a saint?

I am the Harbinger; the Judge. I am one of the twin angels. The angel of righteousness, no less, for there is no place within me where evil may hide. I will look them in the eye, I will set my hooks deep into them and pull out whatever sickness I find. I will unveil the embodiment of pestilence.

But who was it that bestowed upon me the right to judge? Who gave me the freedom to choose who lives and who dies?

Tell me.

You are the only one who can do it...
...sister of mine, who can trickle through a tiniest crack, crawl through a barely visible hole. It is almost as though you could seep through the pores in human skin. It is as if you were not a human being, but a nectar-sweet moisture of volatile spirit. How is this even possible?

People trust you; that's how.

Have no fear. Go where you will—and nothing will touche you. Speak your mind—and no one will reject you. Hear them out—and nothing will evade your attention.

There is but one question I want to ask—what is it that you do to make people love me less and less, trust me less and less, even when I am asleep?

Whatever you answer me, remember I love you more than anything and will never be angry with you.

Here I am, take my hand...

The Harbinger
This woman has the power over the town and so does her husband. With their permission I will stay here for the time being. He will try and test me, and after I have convinced him of how important my mission is, he will be the one to protect me with the power he has in abundance.

Katerina saw me in a dream. That's why she believed in me from the moment we met. The prophecy of the angelic twins was revealed to her. But I am not an angel; only a messenger. I will have to explain this to her.

Let Alexander test me if he will. My path was mapped by the higher powers and I won't stray from it; no matter how steep and thorny the way.

It's time to lay my hands on a dying man. There was blood shed at the station this morning and many people lie wounded or dead. Saburov's man is keeping watch. He will tell me what has to be done.

This never happened before. Could the miraculous power that enters the world through my hands bring death as well as life? How will I explain this to Alexander? I can't return to him unless I have saved someone... There must be another injured man somewhere...

According to one of my faithfuls, a wounded man has slipped away. He should be somewhere near the town cemetery by now.

The wounded factory worker was carried off by the Ripper.

The wounded man has escaped yet again. With what little time he had, he should be hiding somewhere nearby. Could he be in the house by the river? Burakh said that there were blood stains all over the embankment.

I can return to Alexander now. The miracle was a success.

*** I am who I am. The harbinger. What has happened is proof of that. Who is going to challenge that I was sent here to perform deeds in righteousness? No one. This town is the outset of my journey; not the destination.

Those with the Freedom of Choice
Anna told me to ask the stray children at the warehouse about which side the terrifying messenger has taken. That monster clad in leather, licensed to cut all manner of flesh.

It doesn't matter to me anymore, what side this Haruspex will take... Three times in a single day I saw his fate decided. Condemned by one, set free by another, and then assisted by destiny itself. Behold though, how much suffering it has brought.

*** A gallery of hideous portraits! It's as though the men, women, children and freaks of nature are each trying to be more evil than their nearest neighbour. What should I do with them? Will I always be confronted with choices this terrifying?

The Hooks (Truth Revealing Itself)
Katerina wants to test my powers as well. But how can she? This is, perhaps, the most important thing...

A terrifying ordeal lies ahead of me. I will have to show my power to Georgiy Kain, the brother of Simon—who was murdered by someoje unknown... I will get Georgiy's consent; question him in a way that I alone can question people and the truth will reveal itself...

The road to Georgiy's desolate heart lies through Maria's bedroom. Why is my own heart beating so hard? As if Maria will see through me and discover something I myself have no awareness of... So scary...

What was it, for goodness' sake? I fail to understand something—and my ineptitude leads me right into their trap... Was it her that instilled such terror in me? Away with the doubts. Georgiy is waiting.

My heart is beating something horrible. How could something this terrifying ever happen? I can go back to the Rod now...

*** It is as if a shroud fell off his eyes... However humble I am, it is impossible not to witness the brilliance of the power that marks me. I am a healer, well versed in the mysteries of the human heart. Almost a prophet, as every sign confirms. But what am I to do with this gift?

Day Two
Day Two, in which the Changeling discovers her just judge skills, simultaneously converting into the true faith.

Alexander is Waiting
Daughter (for this is how we want to call you from now on).

I am brought down by a heavy burden: Katerina is sick and she won't be able to perform the tasks of a Mistress without your help.

Much labour awaits you. We will let you run free, but be prepared that every single day, either me or my wife will have an errand for you. Be at hand.

With great expectations,

Your loving father

Do you know what Lara has in mind?
She wants to do a good deed, so she makes a shelter for the living, where people who want none of your miracles may hide. Furtively, out of control, she collects the money she then spends on provisions. She is an angel, they say. And no one, not a single person would call her a thief...

Could it be that she won't welcome you in her shelter? Would she refuse sharing the burden of righteousness with you? The time has come to knock on her door...

Are you a saint or a thief...
...since they call you both names? Whether or not you're a saint is not for you to judge, but can you at least remember what it was that you stole? Why do they try to chase you, to hunt you down, as if you were the world's worst offender?

Sister of mine, don't you cry. Don't give in to despair. As powerful as your enemies are, your protectors wield greater power.

A villain should be judged. A saint should perform miracles. If you cannot spare time for these everyday commitments, rest assured I will take care of your affairs for you.

I am going to visit the Skinners district today.

Do you recognise my hand yet?

The Spirit of the Restless Kin
My father is like an army commander who has gained an opportunity to break an enemy that had never before suffered defeat. He strikes with confidence now and I am his most reliable emissary. He sent me as a messenger to Aspity, that evil creature that may well be responsible for the pestilence itself. Olgimsky's son Vlad the Younger will advise me the best way to approach her.

Aspity is certainly not human. Rather, she may be a phantom; an emanation of a collective mind—or maybe collective madness. She is everything the spirit of the Kin rejects. Vlad the Younger believes Aspity is dangerous. It won't be simple to win her favour...

I will have to visit the Ripper once more, since Aspity seems to be colluding with him. This couple makes my hair stand on end.

I can return to Aspity now. I did her bidding, and I deserve a favour in return.

Everything is going the way it should. Each event is a sign; no incident is coincidence. Every messenger is an envoy of the high powers. The role of a judge scares me more than death itself, but if I refuse, someone else will pass judgement in my place. The consequences would be terrifying.

*** No, Aspity is not guilty of the outbreak. What she believes and what is real are not the same. Whatever horrible deeds she takes responsibility for, I will not be her accuser. She is destined, perhaps, to redeem herself for the evil she has caused.

*** Aspity is guilty of letting the disease into the Termitary. She alone is to blame for a single case of sickness leading to a massive outbreak. She deserves to die. From now on an Executor will be guarding the entrance to her house. No one will come to comfort her.

The Curative Substances
It has transpired that Anna was sitting on a large stockpile of medicine. That is peculiary prudent of her... This isn't going to be an easy task, but I will have to convince her to give up her stash for the common good.

Anna told me a herb gatherer would know who the buyer of Haruspex's curative infusions was.

I can take the medicine supply to Vlad the Younger. Everything will be fair and equal now.

The medicine produced by the Haruspex was bought by Andrey Stamatin a famous artist known to frequent the twyrine shebeen.

Too much controversy. Why do they care? Mass-produced chemicals and natural herb infusions can't perform miracles. The most that can be hoped for is to delay the inevitable. They must be blind, for they seek salvation in all the wrong places. Whom should I offer to sate the appetites of Vlad the Younger? It really doesn't matter.

*** I gave Anna's medicine supply to Vlad the Younger.

*** I didn't manage to keep Anna's supply.

*** I gave up the Haruspex. The more that monster suffers, the better.

Grace
The husband carries the sword and the wife brings the peace—just like a family in power should. Katerina has entrusted me with an errand. She doesn't want me to punish, but to pardon instead. The first person I need to take care of is Grace, the daughter of the cemetery keeper, who I met yesterday. Lara Ravel would know how I could get Grace to like me.

I need only to find a flower, some milk and a loaf of bread. This will be enough to please Grace.

Our conversation was rather awkward. I should go back to Katerina now.

*** Grace is with the Humble Ones now. In these days of terror she will be protected by the power of truth and no evil will be able to touch her.

*** I couldn't change her. Grace remains the same... Did I do the right thing or was I confused by fear? Why am I so worried about her?

The Living
Lara Ravel's associate went to investigate the dangerous house. What reason could that Harpist have to go there? I hope he doesn't bring back something evil.

The deed is done. I am suspicious of the Harpist, but I can't yet say whether he is guilty or not. I'll let him go for now, but I'll visit him again in a few days... In the meantime, I can return to Lara.

*** Did I win Lara's favour? I don't know. Besides, I don't like this "House of the Living" at all. For some reason I don't believe her plans will ever bear fruit.

Day Three
Day Three, in which the Changeling endeavours to hunt her impudent sister down and uncover habitual villains' sins.

Alexander is Waiting
Daughter (for this is how we want to call you from now on).

I am brought down by a heavy burden: Katerina is sick and she won't be able to perform the tasks of a Mistress without your help.

Much labour awaits you. We will let you run free, but be prepared that every single day, either me or my wife will have an errand for you. Be at hand.

With great expectations,

Your loving father

EPIDEMIC ALERT
The Address to the Townspeople

Attention all citizens. Following the outbreak of a lethal disease commonly known as "Sand Plague", "Sand Pest", and "Sand Dirt", the town authorities hereby declare state of emergency.

The disease is extremely contagious. There is still ongoing research as to how the disease is transmitted, but cases of contact and droplet infection have been confirmed. There are currently no vaccine solutions in the town and none are to be expected before the regular train arrives. Please be extra careful.

The townspeople are forbidden to leave their homes unless under special instruction. Remember: the possibility of infection is much lower for those who stay indoors. The citizens are advised to sterilise their household wares, boil their clothing, and exterminate as many vermin as possible.

Do not panic. Medics, couriers and executors will take care of mail delivery, as well as the distribution of drinking water, provisions and medicine. Requests should be written down and slid under the door for couriers to collect.

This address was composed on the instructions of Bachelor Dankovsky and ratified by the State of Emergency Town Governor Alexander Saburov. It is compulsory to follow every advice herein.

SECRET ADDENDUM
The Annotation for Patrolmen, Couriers, Executors and Sanitary Personnel

In order to prevent panic, this annotation is classified and its contents should be under no circumstances disclosed to the civilian population.

The disease is incurable. There is no vaccine, neither here nor in the Capital. However, there are a few positive facts:

1. The probability of contracting the disease is significantly lower for someone who has taken immune system stimulants. As of now we believe that A-pills and B-pills (yellow coloured and blue coloured pills, respectively) provide the best protective effect. Excessive doses of these medicants may be detrimental to one's health.

2. Additional protection is afforded by synthetic clothing. Woolen garments are strictly off limits (parasites). The clothing should be changed as often as possible.

3. IMPORTANT. The disease develops sporadically. At its initial stage, it does not progress in any significant way, especially if antibiotics are taken. However, if contact with the infection reoccurs, the development of the disease becomes extremely rapid.

4. The disease is not transmitted by means of droplet infection. As for now, we've yet to find out how it is contracted. Preliminary tests suggest that the disease is not contagious at early stages, therefore there is no need to isolate the sick person immediately after the appearance of the symptoms.

App. The Executors:

In consideration of your particular line of work, we believe that you will not be able to avoid infection. If you have contracted the disease, do not give in to despair. It would have happened sooner or later anyway. Try your best to conserve the infection at its initial stage. Take antibiotic medicine. Consider using the "shmowders": they are extremely dangerous, but they help curb the infection.

I known why they call me a thief...
...that's how they name anyone who is hiding from the law. This is our worst enemy, the Law, as merciless, cruel, and unrighteous as it is. The Law thinks nothing of whatever falls between the arms of its scale. The Law does not believe in anything that falls inbetween the black and the white.

The Law is impossible to appease. Its motion is heavy and devastating. For the time being you have escaped its all-seeing eye. You were thinking, perhaps, that it won't find you here? That's how it was, for a long time.

As of today, however, everything has changed. Were my traces uncovered? Is my miraculous power not enough to hide myself?

The Seeds of the Caravan
They say that Anna Angel's soul is blacker than coal and her crimes are as terrifying as they are unprovable. Even so, I will force her to confide in me; to remove her mask and reveal the nakedness of her soul to me. It may be she is not so black on the inside.

Anna is afraid of Vlad the Heavy: the head of the Olgimsky household. He wouldn't want to meet me, that's for sure. His children though, Capella and Vlad the Younger, might trade their words with me.

I have learned a lot. Olgimsky has nothing to do with whoever is stalking Anna. I don't know if Anna should be happy about this or not. What I do know is the kind of hook I should use to drag her conscience out.

What should I do with the dreadful Anna? She is not the one to blame for the pestilence, but this doesn't make her less of a monster. Directly or not, her demented passions have led her to kill Willow Mellow. Shall I condemn her then, or shall I let her live? Father must know of my decision.

*** As dreadful a person as she is, she is still little more than a child; whose own naivety only serves to make her too fretful for her own good. I do not have it in me to condemn her. Let them turn their suspicious glances to me; let them think I may be an accomplice. Still, I'd rather let her redress whatever hasm she has caused.

*** Guilty. The seeds of malice are sown over Anna's mysterious past and the fruit of these will be even more terrifying than the seeds themselves. Let her die. From now on, an Executor will be guarding the entrance to her house and no one will come and comfort her.

Eva
Eva has yet to be converted. Her heart is pure, yet the arrogance of Scarlet Nina's ideas have ignited a very dangerous fire inside her. I will have to extinguish it, lest the greater powers hold the whole town responsible for this impertinence. Yulia is the keeper of the hooks that I may use to take hold of Eva's soul.

There is only one hook that can help to drag out this delicate heart. The Bachelor, Eva's nightmarish paramour. It seems she will have to be rescued from the clutches of two demons instead of one...

Poor girl; so in love with her own dream... I can go back to Katerina.

*** I did not manage to change her. Eva remains true to herself; as enamoured and deluded as she was before. If I did the right thing, then why do I feel so worried?

*** Eva has been converted. In these times of terror, she will be shielded from the touch of evil, for the power of truth will protect her.

Who Will Injure the Bachelor
Eva knows where the Bachelor may be found. If Anna was telling the truth then I will be able to unveil the true nature of this messenger clad in snakeskin.

Rubin and the Bachelor are hiding somewhere in the warehouses. I know the special knock and the secret word which will open the door.

*** Simon may still be alive. Even though my heart tells me that this is no "real life", even if this is what the cruel-hearted Bachelor would likely call it... This is not a life for me, for there is no longer warmth in it. Shall I surrender the two cynics to the Kains, then?

Who Will Sting the Haruspex
The Bachelor is somewhere in the infected district. I will be able to find him in one of the houses.

The Haruspex is hunting in the infected district. Even if he walks from house to house, he will linger enough in one place for me to find him...

The Haruspex has asked me to keep his whereabouts a secret. Someone is trying to track him down. This means there is something that he is afraid of after all... I wonder what I should say to the Bachelor.

*** I decided not to surrender the Haruspex to the Bachelor. Their ardent feud may be of use one day. As long as the two keep one another in check, they are no threat to me. Besides, I get the feeling they both may prove helpful to my cause one day.

Day Four
Day Four, by the end of which it becomes apparent to the Changeling that someone is twisting her good deeds.

Day Five
Day Five, which leads the Changeling to the conclusion that a peculiar mystery play-like event occurs in the town daily.

Day Six
Day Six, fateful for the Changeling, who loses everything in the beginning, but gains a lot by the end of it.

Day Seven
Day Seven, in which the Changeling confirms her sainthood once again and sees the demons gang up on her.

Day Eight
Day Eight, in which the Changeling traces it all back to the source and realizes that the town desperately needs a true Mistress.

Day Nine
Day Nine, in which the Changeling finds out that in her case a thief and a miracle-worker are not necessarily the same thing.

Day Ten
Day Ten, in which Clara deciphers the hidden purpose of her miracles and the Changeling accepts the inevitability of death.

Day Eleven
Day Eleven, in which the Changeling realizes the true meaning of her name and Clara loses the right to exist.

Day Twelve
Day Twelve, in which it becomes possible to do the impossible.