Vanna: Garth… why-?!

Garth takes her by the shoulders, still panting, but Vanna only watches him, startled and uncomprehending.

Garth: Vanna… Hide your SON. Hide your WORK. If THEY come for you, it’s no coincidence. It’s a--- 

Suddenly, so fast Vanna has no time to really see it happen, something changes. Garth’s eyes go wide- too wide. His pupils dilate so small they are pinpricks. At the back of his head, just behind his ear, there is a streak of something electric blue that crackles and glows out through his eyes as he collapses on the spot. Vanna, completely unprepared for this development, can only watch him fall, Pavel clutching the lantern at her side.

Vanna: … Garth?

Garth lies at her feet on the gangplank, the feathers in his hair rumpled and bent, and the red spectacles fallen to the ground beside him. His eyes are still blown wide and his robes are draped around his fallen form almost artfully. Pavel leans forward, gaping and Vanna, slowly realizing what has happened, falls to her knees at his side.

Vanna: Garth, what’s wrong? Garth…?... Hey, talk to me! GARTH? GARTH!

Vanna lifts his head onto her lap and calls to him softly. Pavel crouches beside her, holding the lantern close.

Vanna: Garth-- can you hear me?

Pavel: Mom… Is he gonna be okay?

They gather a crowd. Shapeless people in costumes who lean close to get a glimpse of the drama and whisper amongst themselves.

Passerby 1: Is that Cardinal Garth?!

Passerby 2: What happened? He just collapsed?! Out of nowhere?

Passerby 1: He touched the WITCH.... Then just fell over.

Passerby 2: Wait, that look… is that the SILENCE?