Episode 4 of Willow opens with our diverse company arriving at the foreboding Nockmaar. Willow cautions them to remain vigilant, as this land is ruled by the ruthless Bavmorda, a tyrant unmatched in her time. Intriguingly, it turns out that Bavmorda is none other than Kit's grandmother, a revelation that perhaps sheds light on her sinister nature in this series.
The group takes refuge in the cursed castle, where Graydon's strength wanes by the moment. Willow warns that in the dead of night, he will lose his grip, prompting Kit to suggest the dire measure of "what must be done" - killing him. Elora begs Willow to intervene, and indeed, he may have the answer in the form of the Malatrium. This enigmatic tome holds a perilous spell, potentially the alchemical key to their predicament. However, they must exercise utmost caution, avoiding contact with Graydon and the dreaded High Tower.
Kit complains incessantly throughout the ordeal, whether it's fetching ingredients or sacrificing for others, even the possibility of Graydon's demise. When she finally returns with a jar in hand, she is lured by the echoing voice of The Crone, causing her to accidentally burn a banner on the wall. Nonetheless, she manages to make her way back to the main chamber with the necessary components.
Jade joins in the chorus of grievances, standing with Boorman atop the castle's rafters. She laments the hardships of being a knight and how her idealized dream differs from reality. Boorman offers sound advice, moving Jade to embrace him in gratitude.
As the night progresses, our characters become scattered within the castle's depths. Jade encounters terrifying visions of her own, accompanied by the skull-faced knight, General Kael, advancing towards her. Elora, too, sees haunting apparitions, depicting her mother being slain by a knight. The castle is a veritable maze of dread and uncertainty.
As she returns to the main chamber, he encounters a wan-looking Graydon, who proclaims his never-before-seen vitality yet reveals his continued possession. Willow appears, scolding her for venturing into the High Tower. Nevertheless, a malevolent Graydon reminds Willow that she did not vanquish him alone. As Kit and the rest rush into the chamber, Boorman strikes Graydon after Willow unleashes her magic upon him. Instead of terminating him, Elora opts to draw the malevolence from Graydon, hovering over the Prince and extracting the evil essence from him. It courses through Elora and seemingly dissipates into the air. However, she also glimpses a vision of Graydon, possessed, shoving his brother from a tree.
With the group surviving the night and Graydon recovering, they continue their quest towards the Immemorial City. Kit ponders whether they'll ever reach their destination... yet it transpires they are not alone. The Crone's minions are lurking on the cliff face, instructed to pursue them relentlessly.
As the episode draws to a close, we shift our focus to Airk, who is very much alive. He strides into a courtyard, surrounded by lazy flakes of ash floating in the wind, gazing out at the desolate landscape before him.
