Beyond the Beyond: Update 67.5: More of The Empty Throne

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 67.5: More of The Empty Throne

Continuing...

Meanwhile inside Bandore Castle Prince Edward was doing his best to stay out of the way and listen intently to the debates raging about where the country was headed.

Is this the most boring thing you've ever done, Sir Samson?
I'm a soldier, kid. Boredom is part of the job description.
That doesn't answer my question.
Levels of boredom are hard to pin down. Besides this isn't so bad. I've had plenty of days in court that were worse than watching paint dry.
Yeah. Dad can be a bit dry when it comes to matters of state.
If I ever needed rest sitting in on budget discussions did the trick. Some of the best naps I've ever had.
Hmm.
How long are you planning on watching?
I don't know. I'm not really sure what I'm waiting for.
Are you just keeping yourself busy for the sake of being busy?
I need to be here, Sir Samson. Whatever happens tonight might have a huge impact on the future of Marion.
Sometimes I think you've had the capacity to worry drilled a little to tightly into your head.

Your father is still the king of Marion. Let him worry about such things and save yourself the stress.
I wish I could but...
But what?
That's all I've been able to think about these last few months. After all that I just want to see this through to the end.
And if that takes you on that boat with Finn and the others what then?
I don't know if I'm going. I'm sure Dad's anxious for me to get home. *pause* And you don't like Domino one bit.
He's a pirate. Of course I don't like him. His friends in the business don't understand the damage they've done to Marion.

But you said you'd work with him.
Another part of the job. Sometimes I have to do things I don't agree with.
If it was up to you, you wouldn't have anything to do with him?
It's not up to me.
But if it were?
It's not so there's no point in speculating about it.

And if I return to Marion would you be willing to stay with Finn's group?
I'm your bodyguard Prince Edward. I go wherever you go.
What if I order you to keep an eye on Finn?
The king ordered me to stay with you. He still outranks you, Edward.
As if what my father tells you is the be-all, end-all for what you decide to do.
Hrmph!
It's true though. You can get rather creative when it comes to interpreting the orders you've been given.
I've never...
Ah but you have! Just letting Domino hang around is one example unless, that is, you don't really think he could be a threat to me.

It's not the threat he poses. It's what he stands for.
And what is that?
A ruthless disrespect for lawful order and self-enrichment through threats and violence.
Just how many pirates have you run across in your career?
Entirely too many.
Well this particular pirate is one we currently share a goal with and has been helpful to us. I'd appreciate it if you could find it in your heart to work with him.
I am a professional. As long as his dealings with us are honest I can overlook his choice of profession.
Good because if I do have to separate from the group someone has to be around to make sure Finn and the others are okay.
And what are you planning to do in Marion?
Are you worried about what I might tell my father concerning Lord Kevins and the deception the knights have entangled themselves in over the last decade?
...
I don't know yet what I'm going to tell my father. I'm not convinced it's something he needs to know.
*smirks* Prince Edward are you entertaining the thought of lying?
It depends on what Finn wants to do.

By the way, how long have you known about what happened all those years ago?
Why do you assume that I know anything?
I know you were in Marion back then. I checked the records. My father would only send the best he had to find his sister.
I'm flattered.
He would also have sent people who knew Sir Norton, that were comrades of his and understood how he would hide.
Why do you want to know so badly?
Because it's been bugging me. Besides I think I've earned the right to ask a few questions.
I've known for entirely too long. There's your answer.
Not much of an answer.
*shrugs*

Unfortunately for the meeting the process has been derailed by a... disagreement.

Things are getting out of hand. Should we intervene?
No. That would just make the fight bigger.
This doesn't seem to bode well if the process is already this painful.
I would expect nothing less.
OOOOWWWW!
Particularly in Bandore.

Still proud to be a witness to history?
I am a bit glad the others aren't here to see this.
Yeah. If Miss Annie were here that Bandore soldier would really be getting a beating.
I'd like to think our friends have a bit more composure than that.
You're right. She'd heal him. Then she'd join in against him.

Just then Sir Galahad stops to see what the commotion is all about.

Or just to ignore it as the case may be.

Come to watch the spectacle, Sir Galahad?
Not really my cup of tea.
I'm just surprised that such an old woman could have such a mean right hook.
Ha! Never underestimate your elders, Prince Edward.
Why are you here then?
I was wondering if you're actually serious about heading out to sea.
I don't think anything's been decided yet but I doubt Finn's going to pass up the chance.
You don't sound very eager to go.
I'm not. There's a lot of work still to be done in Marion.
Nothing your father can't handle especially now that Bandore's no longer a threat.
Why Sir Galahad are you actually encouraging us to take to the water?
If that's what it takes to deal with Shutat than yes I am.
Perhaps you should be having this conversation with Finn, Sir Galahad. He's the one who's ultimately going to make the decision for most of the group.
You know how Finn gets. With him upset over his father's death I figured I should give him some time to calm down.
Sir Galahad there is something you should know. Lord Kevins confessed to what happened with Sir Norton.
...I see. Unfortunate.
Unfortunate? Were you ever going to tell Finn the truth?
No I wasn't. He was comfortable with the lie.
You... can't be serious.
Well I am.
And you're just going to continue with the charade in front of my father?
If necessary, yes. You think that would be a terrible thing?
Of course I do.
Your father has gotten used to and accepted a certain version of reality. Yes, it includes lies but the lies it has are ones that smooth things over for everyone.
For everyone? Are you sure about that?
I am.
Lord Kevins clearly did not share your opinion before his untimely death.
At first he was only concerned with making sure the prophecy of the Great Light comes to pass. Over time though he got attached to Finn.
But not you? Finn is just a tool you've been training?
Finn is a fine young boy despite whatever his future may hold. It's just that I've harbored no illusions about this whole business. I have known that fulfilling the role of the Great Light might kill him. Do you think it is easy raising a child knowing you might just be sending them to their death?
I... hmm.
I don't ask that you agree with me, Prince Edward. I only implore you to carefully consider your words and actions concerning this matter.

Of course not everyone in Bandore is invested or even interested in the drama unfolding in the castle. For some it's just another night. That includes part of the team.

Whatcha doin'?
I'm looking forward to a good crowd tonight. What about you? Not hanging out with your friends?
Nah. They're all busy and stuff. I just want to look forward to an adventure on the seas.
That prince of yours got them all tied up in official business?
He's not my prince. I'm from Simone.
Simone... heard of the place but never been there. Is it nice?
It's boring!
Well I suppose that explains why you left.
So what happened to your eye?
A bit of a disagreement on the high seas before I got my own ship. Small price to pay though. What about you? Have you always been... whatever it is you are?
I'm human. I just had a bit of a magical accident. That's all.

Going to play cards solo?
No. Just getting my game ready for when business picks up. Shouldn't be long now.
What are you going to do?
Part some fools from their money.
Mind if I watch?
Not at all.

As time passes Domino's fortunes steadily rise.

But eventually the other players are tapped out and closing time approaches.

You're pretty good at this.
Had plenty of practice.
So what are you going to do with your winnings?
It's spending money just in case I happen to need it.
Too bad about that guy who didn't know how to take losing graciously.
He wasn't the first. Probably not the last either. Nothing to worry about though as long as the soldiers don't get too drunk or rowdy.
Do you mind if I ask you a question?
Go ahead, kid.
Why are okay with Finn taking your ship?
It's the only way to pursue Shutat.
So you're not worried about losing it?
Not really. My days as a captain were already numbered.
I don't understand. Don't you like being a pirate?
It's something of a sucker's game, actually. Sure there's travel and seeing the world but also weeks on a boat with people who are probably going to be sick half the time. Then there's the fact that all the food you bring on board is just barely edible. You learn the quickest routes between ports just so you can make the crew someone else's problem for a day or two. Not many get rich but plenty of pirates die trying. I'd rather retire than get thrown overboard.
Aww, you make it sound terrible to be a pirate!
Most of the time it is. Of course as captain I was always busy keeping the crew from gutting one another or plotting behind my back. They could barely stand each other to begin with. Always ready for a fight.
That sounds more like it!
Got an appetite for danger, eh kid?
You bet! If there's no danger it's not an adventure!
I suppose that's one way of looking at it. So is that why you're traveling with those other kids?
You bet! I wanted to get out of Simone and see the world and they were cool with that.
Was this before or after your accident?
Both actually. I tried to sneak out of Simone just as they got there. There was a mishap and well I learned the hard way not to carry transformation powder on me.
Tough break.
It got me out of Simone. I can get my old body back later.

Practically on cue Steiner swoops in from the darkness.

Praarr. What got you out of Simone?
You already know the answer to that, Steiner.

Next time on Beyond the Beyond - the consensus as it were seems to be pointing towards the sea. It probably had to happen eventually.

Update Sixty-seven | Index | Update Sixty-eight